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QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY.
EDITED BY
PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, M.A., Ph.D., F.B.S.,
SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON,
AND
HOWARD SAUNDERS, FA.S., ¥.Z.S.
VOLS Io) 883.
LONDON: L. x
JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW. /.¢° /“
1883.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLERT STREET,
PREFACE.
On completing the concluding number: of the first
volume of the Fifth Series of ‘ THE Ixis,’ the Editors
are much pleased to be able to say that neither in
quantity nor, as they believe, in quality have the
various contributions with which they have been
favoured fallen short of the average of the twenty-
four preceding volumes. They trust that the support
thus accorded to them may be continued during the
future progress of the Journal.
As regards the notices of new works, the Editors
wish it to be clearly understood that they only un-
dertake to furnish short accounts of the ornithological
papers and books of which they receive copies; but
they will do their best to give notices of other im-
portant ornithological publications which come to
their knowledge, except memoirs published in such
easily accessible journals as the ‘ Proceedings of the
Zoological Society of London,’ the ‘Journal fiir Orni-
thologie, and other periodicals of this class. Of such
memoirs, however, abstracts will also usually be
lv PREFACE.
given if they are specially brought before the Editors’
notice by the presentation of separate copies.
In conclusion, the Editors venture to request their
correspondents who write of our native birds to adhere
as closely as possible to the nomenclature used in the
lately issued ‘ List of British Birds’ by a Committee
of the British Ornithologists’ Union.
ee ae:
British Ornithologists’ Union,
6 Tenterden Street, London, W.
September 25th, 1883.
| fe)
oS)
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.
Date of
Election.
1881.
1883.
[An asterisk indicates an Original Member. |
Writiram =Ranpat, Earl of Antrim; St. James's Palace,
London, S.W.
79. Vatentine Batt, F.R.S.; Trinity College, Dublin.
72. Hanpury Barctay, Lieut.-Col., F.Z.S.; Cross Oak, Great
Berkhampstead, Herts.
. Ricnarp Manurre Barrineton, LL.B., Barrister at Law;
Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
. Joun Binputen, Major, Bengal Staff Corps.
. Epwarp Bipwett; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C.
. W. T. Buayrorp, F.R.S. &c.; 8 Princes Street, Hanover
Square, London, W.
. Wiii1am Borrer, M.A., F.Z.S.; Cowfold, Horsham.
. Sir Vicror Brooke, Bart.; Colebrooke, Fermanagh, Ireland.
. Artuur Basit Brooxn; Cardney, Dunkeld, N.B.
. Henry Bucxtey, F.Z.S.; 27 Wheeley Road, Edgbaston, Bir-
mingham.
. Tuomas Epwarp Bucxtey, B.A., F.Z.S.; Millerton, Inverness,
N.B.
. Warter Lawry Buter, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. ;
care of Mr. Hoey, 7 Westminster Chambers, London, 8.W.
. Tuomas Davip Greson CarmicHaEL; Castlecraig, Dolphinton,
N.B.; and St. John’s College, Cambridge.
. Ronert Witr1am Cuase; Southfield, Edgbaston Road, Bir-
mingham.
. Witrtam Eseries Crarxe; 5 East View, Hyde Park, Leeds.
. Epwarp Henry Srvart, Lord Crtrron; Cobham Hall,
Gravesend.
20
25
30
35
40
vi
Date of
Election.
1880. E. H. Coorrr, Lieut.-Col.; 42 Portman Square, London,
W.
1874. Joun Corpravx; Great Cotes, Ulceby, Lincolnshire.
1882. Cuartes B. Cory; 8 Arlington Street, Boston, Mass.,
U.S.A.
1882. Puitip Crowiry ; Waddon House, Croydon.
1877. J. J. Darerersn ; 8 Athole Crescent, Edinburgh.
1874. Unar ues Danrorp, F.Z.S.
1883. James Davipson ; 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh.
1883. Scrore B. Dore; Public Works Department, Bombay.
1880. Arruur Dowserr; Hatherley, London Road, Reading.
1865. Henry Exres Dresser, F.L.S., F.Z.S.; 6 Tenterden Street,
Hanover Square, London, W., and Topclyffe Grange, Farn-
borough, Kent.
*Hunry Mavrice Droummonp-Hay, C.M.Z.S., Lieut.-Col., Royal
Perth Rifles; Seggieden, Perth.
1878. W. Arraur Durnrorp; Tankersley, Barnsley.
1876. Ecrrton, Lieut. R.N.; The Lodge, Stoke Road, Gosport.
1870, Danret Giravp Exxiot, F.R.S.E., &c.; New Brighton, Staten
Island, New York.
1866. Henry Joun Exwes, F.Z.8.; Preston, Cirencester.
1879. Artuur Humete Evans, B.A.; Scremerston Vicarage, Ber-
wick-on-T'weed, and Clare College, Cambridge.
1873. H. W. Feinpen, Major, F.Z.S., C.M.Z.S., Army Pay Depart-
ment, Woolwich.
1880. Witi1am Forster; The Hill, Whitley, Surrey.
1865. Rev. Henry Extiorr Fox, M.A.; 12 South Bailey, Durham.
1881. Prroy Evans Frexe; Rosemount, Dundrum, Co. Dublin.
1881. Hans Gapow, Ph.D., Cambridge.
1879. Ernest Gipson ; 17 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh.
*Freperick DuCanse Gopman, F.R.S., &e.; 10 Chandos Street,
Cavendish Square, London, W. ,
*Percy SanpEN Gopman, B.A., C.M.Z.S.; Muntham,
Horsham.
1874. H. H. Gopwin-Avsten, Lieut.-Col., F.R.S., F.Z.S.; Junior
United Service Club.
1871. Rosert Gray, F.R.S.E., F.S.A.8.; Bank of Scotland House,
Bank Street, Edinburgh.
1878. Henry Grey, Bengal Staff Corps; care of Messrs. Grindlay
& Oo.
45
50
55
60
65
7°
Vii
Date of ;
Election.
1876. Atpert C. L. G. Giwrner, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., &c.; Keeper
of the Zoological Department, British Museum, London.
*Joun Hunry Gurney, F.Z.8.; Northrepps Hall, Norwich.
1870. Joun Henry Gurney, Jun., F.Z.8.; Northrepps Hall, Norwich.
1877. Epwarp Harcourt, M.P.; Nuneham Park, Oxford.
1883. Lewis Vernon Harcourt; 7 Grafton Street, London, W.
1876. H. C. Harrorp, 99th Regiment; 2 Eldon Villa, Granada
Road, Southsea.
1877. E. Harerrr; 1 Bedford Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick.
1868. James Epmunp Hartine, F.L.S., F.Z.S.; 6 Oxford & Cam-
bridge Mansions, N.W.
1873. Joun A. Harvin-Brown; Dunipace House, Larbert, N.B.
1868. Rev. Hersert 8. Hawkins, M.A.; Beyton Rectory, Suffolk.
1875. J. C. Here; Knowles, Newton-Abbot.
1877. E. W. H. HoxpswortH; 84 Clifton Hill, St. John’s Wood,
London, N.W.
1881. Roserr James Howarp; Blackburn, Lancashire.
*Witrrip Hupiestron Hupresron, M.A., F.Z.8.; 23 Cheyne
Walk, Chelsea.
1879. Baron A. von Hirt.
1869. Arian Octavian Hume, C.B.; Simla, India.
1870. Hepworth Hytron, Lord Hytron; Merstham, Red Hill,
Surrey.
1870. Leonarp Howarp L. Irsy, Lieut.-Col., F.Z.S. ; Army & Navy
Club, Pall-mall, 8. W.
1880. Henry Roserr Kernan, Lieut. 74th Highlanders; Infantry
Barracks, Aldershot.
1874, AtexanperR W. M, Crarx Kennepy, Capt., F.L.S., F.R.G.S.,
F.Z.S.; Henbury, Wimborne, Dorset.
1882. Puri M. Kermonn; Seabridge Cottage, Ramsay, Isle of Man.
*Arrour Epwarp Knox, M.A., F.LS., F.Z.S.; Trotton House,
Petersfield, Sussex.
1882. Rev. Epw. Ponsonsy Knustey, M.A.; Stavely Rectory, Leeds.
1881. Hon. Geratp Lascettns; Queen’s House, Lyndhurst.
1876. Vincent Leeaer, Lieut.-Col., R.A.; Commandant’s Office,
Hobart Town, Tasmania.
1883. Epmunp Gustavus Broomrirnp Meapr-Waupo; Rope Hill,
Lymington, Hants.
1868. Hanon Lz Srranex, F.Z.S.; Hunstanton Hall, King’s Lynn,
Norfolk.
75
Vill
Date of
Election.
1875. Pacer Watrer Le Srranex, Lieut.-Col. Royal Artillery ;
Secunderabad, Deccan, India.
*T'yomas Lyrrieton, Lord Litrorp, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &c.; Lilford
Hall, Oundle, Northants, and6 Tenterden Street, London, W.
1874. Joun Hares Luoyp, Major, F.Z.8.; Colebrooke Lodge, Bognor,
Sussex.
1877. J. Lumspen, Jun.; Arden House, Alexandria, N.B.
1875. Joun Wryerretp Mazcorm ; 7 Stanhope Street, Mayfair,
London, W.
- 1878. Henry Sracey Marks, R.A.; 17 Hamilton Terrace, St. John’s
80
85
go
Wood, London, N.W.
1870. C. H. T. Marswattr, Major, F.Z.8.; Superintendent, Chumba
State, vid Dalhousie, India.
1870. G. F. L. Maxswatt, F.Z.8.; Major Royal (Bengal) Engineers.
With the Supreme Government of India.
1878. Rev. Murray A. Maruew, M.A., F.L.S.; Stone Hall, Wolf’s
Castle, Pembrokeshire.
1879. Frepertck Saaw Mircuert; Clitheroe, Lancashire.
1864, AtexanpEeR Goopman Morz, F.L.S., &c.; 92 Leinster Road,
Rathmines, Dublin.
1882. Tuomas Hupson Netson; North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland,
Durham, and Redear, Yorkshire.
1876. Hueu Nevitt; Newton Villa, Godalming.
1872. Francts D’Arcy Wittiam Crouen Newcome; Feltwell Hall,
Brandon, Suffolk.
*AtFRED Newron, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.8.; Professor of Zoology
in the University of Cambridge.
*Epwarp Newton, M.A., C.M.G., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S.; Colonial
Secretary, Jamaica.
1876. Francis Nicnorson, F.Z.8.; The Grove, Oldfield, Altrincham.
1882. Evernr Witi1am Oates; 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover
Square, W.
*Sir Jonn Orpe, Bart., F.Z.8., late Captain, 42nd (Royal
Highland) Regiment; Kilmory House, Loch Gilp Head,
N.B.
1883. Henry Parker, C.E.; Public Works Department, Ceylon.
1880. Tuomas Parkin, M.A., F.Z.8.; Halton, near Hastings.
1883. Tuomas Mayer Prixn, M.A.; Westport, Wareham.
1880, Coartes Marramw Prior; The Avenue, Bedford, and Trinity
Hall, Cambridge.
e1)
| Toke)
105
1@ ge)
It5
1x
Date of
Election.
1872. Capt. R. G. Warptaw Ramsay; Whitehill, Rosewell, N.B.
1879. Hersert Everyny Rawson; Coney Hall Farm, West Wick-
ham, Kent.
1877. Savite G. Rei, Capt. R.E.; Wilton House, Farnham,
Surrey.
1873. Sir Otrver Breaucnampe Coventry Sr. Jonn, Colonel R.E. ;
care of Messrs. H. 8. King & Co., 45 Pall Mall, London,
1883. Wittram Herserr Sr. Quintin ; Scampston Hall, Rillington,
Yorkshire.
*Ospert Satvin, M.A., F.R.S., &c.; Brooklands Avenue, Cam-
bridge.
1870. Howarp Saunpers, F.L.S., F.Z.8.; 7 Radnor Place, Hyde
Park, London, W.
*Puitip Luriey Scrater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., &e.; 44 Elvas-
ton Place, Queen’s Gate, London, W.
1881. J. Scutty, F.L.S., F.Z.8.; care of Messrs. Henry S. King &
Co., 45 Pall Mall, London, 8.W.
1873. Henry Srrpoum, F.Z.S.; 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover
Square, London, W., and 22 Courtfield Gardens, London,
So.
1871. Ricnwarp Bowpier SHarpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Senior Assistant,
Zoological Department, British Museum.
1870. G. Ernest Suettey, F.Z.S., late Captain, Grenadier Guards ;
6 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square, London, W.
1865. Rev. Cuartes WittiAmM SHEPHERD, M.A., F.Z.S.; Trotters-
cliffe Rectory, Maidstone, Kent.
1881. F. B. Smrson; Broom Hill, Spratton, Northampton.
1882. Rev. Henry H. Starter, M.A., F.Z.S.; Chersley Vicarage,
Aylesbury.
1878. Grorce Montaw Staveuter, Brigade-Surgeon ; Farningham,
Kent.
1864. Rev. Atrrep Cuartes Smiru, M.A.; Yatesbury Rectory,
Calne, Wiltshire.
1874. Ceci Smira ; Lydeard House, Taunton, Somersetshire.
1881. THomas Souruwett, F.Z.S.; Earlham Road, Norwich.
1875. A. C. Srark; 1 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh.
1864. Henry Stevenson, F.L.S.; 10 Unthank’s Road, Norwich.
1881. Ropert Wricur Sruppy, Major 63rd Regiment, India; care
of E. W. H. Holdsworth, 84 Clifton Hill, St. John’s Wood,
London, N.W.
120
125
130
Date of
Election.
1882. Caartes Swinnon, Major, Bombay Staff Corps, Commissariat
Department ; Bombay.
*Epwarp Cavenpisu Taytor, M.A., F.Z.S8.; 74 Jermyn Street,
London, W.
1864, Groner CavenpisH Taynor, F.Z.8.; 42 Elvaston Place,
Queen’s Gate, London, W.
1873. Witt1am Bernuarp Tucermeter, F.Z.8.; Finchley, Middlesex.
*Rev. Henry Baxrer Tristram, M.A., LL.D., F.RS., &e.,
Canon of Durham; The College, Durham.
1864. Henry Morris Urcunr, F.Z.8.; Sheringham Hall, Norfolk,
and Feltwell Hall, Brandon.
1881. Wrttovensy Verner, Capt. Royal Rifle Brigade; 13 Bryan-
ston Square, W.
1881. Tuomas, Lord Watstnenam ; Eaton House, Eaton Square,
London, 8.W., and Merton Hall, Thetford, Norfolk.
1874. Cuartes Byerave Wuarton, F.Z.S.; Hounsdown, Totton,
Hants.
1878. Henry THornton Wuarron, M.A., F.Z.8.; 39 St. George’s
Road, Abbey Road, London, N.W.
1871. E. Percevat Wricut, M.D., F.LS., F.Z.8., Professor of Botany
in the University of Dublin.
1875. Cuartes A. Wricut; Kayhough House, Kew-Gardens Road,
Kew.
1876. Craupe W. Wyarr; Adderbury, Banbury.
1878. Joun Youne, F.Z.8.; 64 Hereford Road, Westbourne Grove,
London, W.
1877. J. H. Yun, Lieut. 11th Regiment; Poona, Bombay.
Extra-Ordinary Member.
1860, Atrrep Russet Wattacr, F.Z.8.; Nutwood Cottage, Frith
Hill, Godalming.
Honorary Members.
1860, Professor Spencer Fuierton Barrp, Secretary to the Smith-
sonian Institution, Washington.
1860. Doctor Epvarp Batpamus, Moritzwinger, No. 7, Halle.
1860. Doctor Jean Casanis, Erster Custos am koniglichen Museum
der Friedrich-Wilhelm’s Universitat zu Berlin.
1870, Doctor Orro Finscu, Bremen,
xi
Date of
Election.
1880. Hervrica Girxer, C.M.Z.8., Secretary to the Government of
Heligoland,
1860. Doctor Gustav Harrriaus, Bremen.
1860. Epear Leorotp Layarp, C.M.G., F.Z.S., H.M. Consul, New
Caledonia.
1869, Avausr von PetzEeLn, Custos am k.-k. zoologischen Cabinete
in Wien.
Foreign Members.
1872. Prof. J. V. Barsoza pu Bocaez, Royal Museum, Lisbon.
1875. Hans, Graf von Beriterscn, Minden, Hannover.
1880. Lovzs Burzav, M.D., School of Medicine, Nantes.
- 1873. Rozserr Cotrerr, Christiania.
To
5
20
1872. Doctor Extiorr Covzs, U.S. Army, Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D. C.
1875. Marchese Giacomo Dorta, Genoa.
1872. Doctor Victor Fatio, Geneva.
1872. Doctor Henry Hittyer Grerrors, Royal Institute of Superior
Studies, Florence.
1872. Grorce N. Lawrence, New York.
1872. Baron Dz Srrys Lonecuampes, Liege.
1872. Doctor A. J. Matmeren, Helsingfors.
1883. Professor Orunret Coartes Marsa, Yale College, Newhaven,
US.
1881. Doctor ApotpH Brryarp Meyer, Director of the Royal
Museum, Dresden.
1872. Doctor A. von Mippenporrr, Dorpat.
1872. Prof. AnpHonsr Mitnz-Epwarps, Jardin des Plantes, Paris.
1881. Colonel N. Presevatsxy, Academy of Science and Art, St.
Petersburg.
1872. Prof. Gustav Rapp, Tiflis.
1880. Rosert Rmeway, C.M.Z.S., Smithsonian Institution, Wash-
ington.
1872. Count Tommaso Satvapor1, Royal Museum, Turin.
1872. Prof. Herman Scuiecet, University Museum, Leyden.
7 inertia PAG?
¥ toa
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fs a A +
CONTENTS or VOL. I.—FIFTH SERIES.
(1883.)
Noumper [., January.
I. Notes on the Birds of the Caucasus. By Henry Srz-
Bnoum, F.Z.S.
II. On the Position of the Acrocephaline Genus Tatare, with
Descriptions of two new Species of the Genus Acrocephalus.
By H. B. Tristram, F.R.S. (Plates I., IT.)
III. Notes on the Birds of Fanning Island, Pacific. By H.
B. Tristram, F.R.S. Coie ta
IV. On the Birds of the Pamir Range. By N. A. Srverrzow
V. Notes on the earliest available Scientific Name for the
Woodchat Shrike. By Howarp Savunorrs, F.Z.S.
VI. On a Collection of Birds from Borneo. By Francrs
Nicnoxson, F.Z.8. .
VII. Observations on the Pied Wagtails of Japan. By
Henry Sersonm, F.Z.S. .
VIII. On the Genera Microbates and Rhamphocenus of the
Family Formicariide, By P. L. Scrarer, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S.
(Plate IIT.) .
IX. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :-—
. Barboza du Bocage on West-African Birds
. Bean on Birds from Alaska and Siberia
. Bolau on the Ornis of Eastern Siberia .
. Buller on the Notornis . Siechatee Th i pocier:
. ‘Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club *
oo ND
oe
Page
X1V
CONTENTS.
. Cheeseman on the Occurrence of Charadrius fulvus in
New Zealand
Cheeseman on the Occurrence of the Anche Roller
in New Zealand
Coues’s ‘ Check-list of North- eee Birds’
Elliot’s ‘ Hornbills’
. Grieve on Remains of the Gare- ae
. ‘Guide to the Gould-Collection of Humming- Spine?
. Hartlaub on new Birds from the Upper Nile
. Krukenberg on the Colouring-matters of Feathers
. Menzbier on a new Grouse .
. Menzbier’s ‘ Ornithological Ganmianiar of raasiens
. Meyer on the Nestling-Plumage of Lclectus .
. Meyer on Xanthochroism in Parrots .
. Oustalet on new Birds from Eastern Africa
. Oustalet on Birds from Somali-land
. Oustalet on a new Form of Gallinse
. Palmén on the Migration of Birds .
. Parker on the Skeleton of Notornis mantelli
. Ramsay on the Zoology of the Solomon Islands
. Ramsay on the Zoology of Lord Howe’s Island
. Ramsay on the Eggs of Fijian Birds .
. Ramsay’s ‘ Contributions to Australian Ooology’
. Reischek on the Birds of the Chicken Islands .
28.
. Report of the Committee for Stations of Observation
« 109
- L10
. Ltd
LQ
Pk ll
kod
Pape 8
» hie
tes
~ ale
. 11S
. 113
+ hi
Report on the Australian Museum for 1881
of the Birds of Germany .
. Ridgway on Costarican Birds ;
. Ridgway on new Birds from the Sandwich ieioriele
32. :
. Ridgway on new Thrushes from the United isiates
. Ridgway on two new North-American Birds
. Ridgway on new Races of American Birds .
. Ridgway on Harporhynchus and Methriopterus
. Ridgway on the Tree-creepers (Certhia) .
38.
. Salvadori’s ‘ Prodromus,’ xiii., xiv., xv. .
. Seebohm’s ‘ Siberia in Asia’
. Seebohm’s ‘ British Birds and their Eggs’
Ridgway on a new Owl .
Salvadori on the Cassowaries
Page
99
99
99
. 102
. 102
. 103
. 103
. 104
. 104
. 104
. 105
. 106
. 106
. 106
a OF
1078
rate Mie
. 108
. 108
. 108
. 108
2 09
. 109
CONTENTS.
XV
Page
42, Sharpe on the Ornithology of New Guinea . els
43. Stejneger on Myiadectes obscurus : . 115
44. Stejneger on the West-Indian Myiadecte dS
45. Stejneger’s proposed alterations in Nomenclature . . 116
46. Stejneger on the Swans . F poy ll
47. Vorderman’s ‘ Birds of Batavia’ : Ls
48. White’s ‘Cameos from the Silver-Land’ . se ite’
X. Letters, Announcements, &e. :—
Letters from Mr. Charles A. Wright, Mr. F. 8. Mitchell, Mr.
Seebohm (two), Mr. H. P. Hornby, and Mr. W. Eagle Clarke ;
Proceedings of the Anniversary Meeting of the British Ornitho-
logists’ Union, 1882; Mr. Forbes’s Zoological Expedition up
the Niger ; Proceedings of Foreign Collectors ; New Works in
Preparation ; Discovery of a new Bird of Paradise; Obituary—
Prof. Reinhardt .
Numser II., April.
XI. On the Votanus haughtoni of Armstrong. By J. E.
Hartine, F.L.S., F.Z.S. (Plate IV.)
XII. On a new Species of Polyplectron. By Evernn W.
Oates, F.Z.S. (Plate V.)
XIII. Descriptions of three new Species of Birds from Bahia,
Brazil. By Hays von Berirpscn .
XIV. On a new Reed-Warbler from the Island of Nawodo,
or Pleasant Island, in the Western Pacific. By Orro Fryscu,
Phe. MBO... &e.:
XV. A Review of the Species of the Family Jcteride.—
Part I. Cassicme. By P. L. Scuater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S.
5 le
. 133
. 136
7337.
. 142
(Plates VI., VII.) . 145
XVI. Remarks on the Thrushes of the Ethiopian Region.
By Heryry Srrzouw, F.Z.8. . 164
XVII. Notes on Hirundo rufula and its Allies, with De-
scription of a supposed new Subspecies. By Hrnry Srrsoum,
EZS: . 1 Loy
xvi CONTENTS.
XVIII. On an Owl from South-east New Guinea allied to
Ninox terricolor, Ramsay, but apparently distinct and unde-
scribed. By J. H. Gurney .
XIX. Notes on Woodpeckers.—No. ILI. Descriptions of two
Page
. 169
new Species of Woodpeckers. By Epwarp Hararrr, F.Z.S. 172
XX. Notes on the Birds of Santander, Northern Spain. By
Lieut.-Col. L. Howarp Irsy, F.Z.S. . . Lis
XXI. Observations on Early Nidification and Migration in
North-west Ceylon. By H. Parken, C.E., F.Z.S. 191
XXII. On the Occurrence of Charadrius virginicus in Leaden-
hall Market, London. By J. H. Gurney, Jun., F.Z.S. 2198
XXIII. Description of a recently discovered Species of Para-
disea. By Ospert Satvin and F. DuCane Gopman, FF.R.S.
(Plate VIII.) Paks . 199
XXIV. Notes on Birds from British Guiana. Part II. By
Ospert Satvin and F, DuCane Gopman, FF.R.S. (Plate IX.) 203
XXYV. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :—
' 49. Blasius and Nehrkorn on Birds from Amboina . 212
50. British Association’s Report on Migration in 1881 213
51. ‘ Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club’ 213
52. Dubois on the Variability of Birds of the Genus Loaia 213
53. Gould’s ‘Supplement to the T'rochilide’ . 214
54. Hartlaub on the persegs 2 of Eastern miata
Africa . F 914
55. Harvie-Brown’s Bepore on Scottish Becktheleey 215
56. Harvie-Brown on the Migration of Birds 215
57. Heywood’s ‘ Field-Naturalist ’
58. Hoffman on Birds observed at Ft. Berthold: Denar a0 &
59. Huet on Birds bred in 1881 in the Jardin des Plantes,
Paris... ; k
60. Littleboy on the Birds of ‘Hertiondshire é
61. Mela’s ‘ Vertebrata Fennica’ ;
62. Miiller on the Birds of the Island of Salanied
63, Nutting on Birds from Costa Rica .
64. Oates on the Birds of Pegu .
65. ‘Ornithologist and Oologist ’
66. Payne-Gallwey’s ‘ Fowler in Ireland’
CONTENTS,
_ 67. Pelzeln’s Report on the Progress of Ornithology in 1881
68, Ramsay on new Birds from the Solomon Islands
69. Ridgway on new North-American Birds .
70. Salvadori’s ‘ Ornithology of Papuasia’.
71. Shufeldt’s ‘ Anatomy of Birds ’
72. Shufeldt on the Osteology of Cinclus meaicanus
73. ‘Transactions of the Linnean Society of New York’ .
74. Turner on Lagopus mutus and its Allies .
75. Vorderman’s ‘ Batavian Birds’
76. Zeledon’s ‘ Birds of Costa Rica’
XXVI. Letters, Announcements, &c. :—
Letters from Mr. J. H. Gurney, Dr. Elliott Coues, the Rev.
Henry H. Slater, Capt. Savile G. Reid, M. P. M. Heude, Mr. J.
A. Allen, and Mr. T. Southwell ; Letter from one of the Editors ;
New Ornithological Publications in Progress; The Birds of Timor
Laut; Baleniceps in East Africa (?); The Blue Magpies of
Spain and Siberia; Ross’s Gull; News of Lord Lilford and Mr.
E. F. Im Thurm; Mr. W. A. Forbes’s Niger Expedition
Nomoer III., July.
XXVII. On a second Collection of Birds made in the Island
of Sumatra by Mr. H. O. Forbes. By Francis Nicnorson,
F.Z.8. (Plate X.). SEAS i ie
XXVIII. On the Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. By
Captain G. E. Surrey, F.Z.8. . Sites Patt tyres ia
XXIX. On the Variations in Plumage of Saaicola monticola,
as observed in Natal. By Majors E. A. Burter and H. W.
Ferripen and Capt. 8. G. Rep . ie ee
XXX. Note on Sawxicola monticola, with special reference to
the Observations of Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid.
By R. Bowpter Smarre, F.L.S. ahs cote silts dot eeitts
XXXI. On the Birds in the International Fisheries Exhi-
bition. By Howarp Savunoers, F.Z.8. Bb hte
XXXII. A Review of the Species of the Family Icteride,.—
Part II. Icterine. By P. L. Scuarer, M.A., Ph.D., F.BS.
(Blate: X1.)).. : 5 sac ee’ edt ea al On :
SER. V.—VOL. I.
b
xXVill
Page
219
og
. 219
» 219
. 220
220
221
. 221
. 221
. 221
. ddl
. 337
. 346
. 302
Xvili CONTENTS.
Page
XXXIII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :—
77. Adamson’s Book of Scraps . 374
78. Aplin on the Birds of the Bury: Tiaiaet . 375
79. Belding on Birds from Western Lower California . . 375
80. Belding on Birds from Southern Lower California. . 376
81. Bennett on the Breeding of Platalea flavipes and Ardea
pacifica Ye We Med tte s Se Scottie
82. Blasius on Birds froth Geletes . 376
83. Booth’s Rough Notes on British Birds 2 DES
84. Chamberlain on the Birds of New Brunswick . salt
85. Chamberlain’s ‘ Ornithological Notes’ . wars
86. Giglioli and Manzella on Italian Birds . 378
87. Godman and Salvin’s ‘ Biologia Centrali-Americana’ . 378
88. Gould’s ‘ Birds of Asia’ : ‘ . 379
89. Haswell on the Anatomy of two Baeonns . 879
90. Haswell on the Anatomy of the Pigeons . . 379
91. Oates’s ‘ Birds of British Burmah ’. . 380
92. Ramsay on Carpophaga finschi . . 380
93. Reichenow on Foreign Cage-Birds . . 381
94. Report of the Committee on German Birds . . 381
95. Ridgway on Birds collected by Mr. Nutting in Costa
Rica bye ues Bone . 381
96, Ridgway on a new Warbler , . 382
97. Ridgway on a supposed new Plover . 382
98. Ridgway on the Genus Tantalus . 382
99. Russ’s ‘ Talking Parrots’ . 382
100. Stejneger on the Ar sanenene of ie Asnemienn Bape 383
101. Vorderman on Chlorura hyperythra oy eth ego
XXXIV. Obituary.—Prof. J. T. Reinhardt, Dr. W. C. H.
Peters, Mr. W. A. Forbes, Mr. T. Grisdale . . 384
XXXY. Letters, Announcements, &c. :—
Letter from Mr. J. H. Gurney; Anniversary Meeting of the
British Ornithologists’ Union ; More Novelties from Lower Cali-
fornia; New Birds from the Argentine Republic; New Genera
and Species of Count Salvadori; The National Collection of
Birds ; Note on the Breeding of Phanicopterus antiquorum ;
Mr. Seebohm’s Excursion to the Dobrutscha
CONTENTS. bea
Page
Noumper LV., October.
XXXVI. Notes upon some Rare Species of Neotropical Birds.
By Rosert Ripeway, Curator, Department of Birds, United-
States National Museum, LMA cr eee BE MOREY AS Ant agg
XXXVII. Notes on Woodpeckers.—No. IV. On the Wood-
peckers of the Ethiopian Region. By Epwarp Harerrv, F.Z.S.
(LEON GS OSG) tara A, 2 aN AR Se ee 70
XXXVIII. Descriptions of six new Species of Birds from
Southern and Central America. By Hans von Brruepscn.
(elete PD Nivea: Yu ctget vr egnesinael ce Webs cay dlits, 22 487
XXXIX. The last Journal of W. A. Forprs .... . 494
XL. A List of the Birds collected by the late Mr. W. A.
Forbes in the Niger Region. By Captain G. E. Suettey, F.Z.S.
GE EeIOC RY rs ateigee Se. Koes Geek set BR) bas
XLI. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :—
102. Blakiston on the Geographical Distribution of the
Birds of Japan. . . ~ ooe
103. Blakiston’s Ornithological Naton. Nos. Alp ii oy ee
104. Blasius on Birds from the South-east of Hares . 3908
105. Blasius on Birds from Ceram . ...... . . 563
106. Boucard on a new Pseudocolaptes . . . . . . . 564
107. Brusina on Anomalies in some Croatian Birds . . . 564
108. ‘ Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club’ . . . 564
109. Dalgleish on Passer montanus . . ee <3. O04:
110. Dollo on the Existence and Use of ne Third Pre:
chanter” in Birds’; ~. °. . es =e OGD
111. Dubois on the Existing Species of patience i eter O00
112. Durnford on the Birds of Walney Island. . . . . 566
113. Dybowski on the Puffins of Kamtschatka . . . . 566
114. Gadow’s Catalogue of the Paride, Laniide, and Cer-
thiomorphe . 3 Cea ra BN ee . 567
115. Gould’s ‘ Birds of New Giinen? i Ae a ee oe ye 2 DOO
116. Hartlaub on Birds from Alaska. . . Be Se
117. Homeyer and Tancré’s Birds of the ‘Aieai’ Ge eel 2 O08
118. Krukenberg on the Colouring-matters of Birds’ Eggs 570
119. Kutter on Philippine Birds... . eu ee ee OT
120. Lawrence on new Birds from Tropical Agaeiien 1 Ov)
xx
CONTENTS.
Page
121. Ridgway on a new Petrel from Alaska . . . . . 571
122. Sharpe’s Catalogue of the Timeliide . . . . . . 572
123. Stearns and Coues’s ‘New-England Bird-Life’. . . 573
124, Stevenson on the Dusky Shearwater in Norfolk . . 574
125. Taczanowski on the European Nuthatches . . . . 574
126. Taczanowski on the Birds of Kamtschatka . . . . 575
127.
Tschusi zu Schmidhofen and E. F. von Homeyer on
Austro-Hungarian Birds .°'.* 24.0.‘ 7 5. no
XLII. Letters, Announcements, &c. :—
Letters from Lt.-Col. Sir C. W. Wilson, Mr. H. H. Johnston,
Mr. R. Ridgway, and Mr. Elliott Coues ; Birds of Bering Island ;
The correct Name of the American Cow-bird ; New Collections
from Emin Bey; Discoveries in Hast-African Ornithology ;
News of Zoological Travellers ; Obituary—Professor A. L. J. F.
Dmarchrash ies wee. Me i ME Ses oy SE Sey eee oe emer
Index . pe eee iy) ews ee
Titlepage, Preface, List of Members, and Contents.
PLATES IN VOL.
FIFTH SERIES.
Acrocephalus mendane .
Acrocephalus pistor
Microbates collaris
Totanus haughtoni
Polyplectron helene .
Ostinops salmoni .
Ostinops oleagineus
Paradisea decora
4h Fig. 1. Brotogerys Narinehlorus
Fig. 2. Microcereulus ustulatus
{ Fig. 1. Suya albigularis .
Fig. 2. Brachypteryx saturatus
Icterus grace-annee
| Fig. 1. Dendropicus gabonensis
Fig. 2. Dendropicus lugubris
Thripophaga sclateri .
AXgialitis forbesi
. 135
. 136
. 153
. 154
. 202
«2
. 204
. 250
. 201
. 368
. 444
. 445
. 490
. 560
Page
43
44
96
CORRIGENDA.
Page Line
22, 28, for Drycorus read Dryocoprus.
105, 4, for Monzbier read Menzbier.
217, 32 & 34, for Nulting read Nutting.
218, 1, for Nulting read Nutting.
218, 7, for nulting? read nutting?.
850, 8, for P. ulula read S. ulula.
358, 7, for Orilus read Oriolus.
360, 12, for Jeteris read Icterus,
553, 1, for Caliostruthus read Coliostruthus.
560, 24, for bicalcaratns read bicalearatus.
566, 14, for onocratalus read onocrotalus.
1 bid ali Sia Oda a Ue
FIFTH SERIES.
No. Il. JANUARY 1883.
I.—WNotes on the Birds of the Caucasus.
By Herwry Srxrpoum, F.Z.S.
In 1880, Modeste Bogdanow, the Ornithological Curator of
the Museum of the Imperial Academy of Art and Science in
St. Petersburg, published an important work on the Birds
of the Caucasus, containing not only the results of his own
travels in that district, but also a résumé of all the reliable
information on the subject to be found in the works of pre-
vious writers. Unfortunately his valuable book is written
in the Russian language. I have had a translation made of
it; and when I was at St. Petersburg M. Bogdanow was kind
enough to show me the skins of all the most interesting
examples of Caucasian birds in the Museum. I have thus
been able to prepare for the readers of ‘The Ibis’ a digest
of this important addition to our knowledge of the geogra-
phical distribution of the birds of the Palzearctic region.
Bogdanow gives a list of sixty-nine books and papers in
various periodicals relating to the birds of the Caucasus. In
the last century the Caucasus was visited by Giildenstadt
-in 1770-73, by J. G. Gmelin in 1770-74, and by Pallas in
SER. V.—VOL. I. B
2 Mr. H. Seebohm on the
1793; but the information recorded by these travellers is
very meagre, and their determination of species not very
reliable. In 1825 Hichwald visited the Caucasus; but in
Bogdanow’s opinion his ornithological work is of no value
whatever. Ménétriés was the first naturalist whose con-
tributions to the ornithology of the Caucasus, founded upon
his journey in 1829-30, were of great importance. In 1830
Eversmann was in the Caucasus—but was obliged to leave
before he had made many observations, in consequence of an
outbreak of cholera. Ornithological observations of some
value were made in 1835-37 by Krinitzky ; but, in conse-
quence of his death in the Caucasus, the results of his journey
were published by Kaleniczenko. In 1836 Nordmann visited
the Caucasus, and in 1848 Kolenati; but the observations of
the latter are of little value. In 1862 Filippi made some im-
portant observations in the Caucasus on his way to Persia :
and since 1863 Radde has been engaged in forming a collec-
tion of the birds of the Caucasus in Tiflis; but his long-
promised work on the subject has not yet appeared. In 1871
Bogdanow himself went to the Caucasus ; in 1875 his labours
were supplemented by Kessler; and in 1878 important addi-
tions to and confirmations of previous observations were made
by Michailovsky, a zealous young ornithologist, whose ac-
quaintance I had the pleasure of making in St. Petersburg
last spring. Itis much to be regretted that Bogdanow’s excel-
lent book is not written in a language in which it would be
accessible to most ornithologists. Such a careful work, and
such an exhaustive treatment of the subject, would serve as an
excellent model for some of our more superficial writers.
GYPAETUS BARBATUS.
This bird is a not uncommon resident throughout the
Caucasus above the limit of forest-growth.
oS A ao
1 ae i eh
a
We
i
He
18
Species of the Genus Acrocephalus. 43
lessness, stated to be identical with the Tahiti bird. I can
only plead in excuse that I worked by gaslight, and failed to
notice the distinction in coloration.
I propose now to describe it as
2. ACROCEPHALUS MENDAN#, sp.nov. (Plate I.)
A. $ Acrocephalo otatare (Tatare longirostri) coloribus simil-
limus, sed paullo minor, et rostro paullulum incurvato.
Non solum tectricibus ale inferioribus flavis, sed etiam
remigum pogonii interni dimidio lete flavo, ita ut tota
ala inferior sit flava, apice brunneo; rectricibus externis
omnino flavis, secundee et tertize scapo et pogonio interno
flavis ; rectricibus omnibus flavo terminatis. Long. tot.
8, ale. 3°7, caude 3°6, rostri a rictu 1°15, tarsi 1°05.
? mari similis et vix minor.
Habitat. Ins. Marquesas.
I have named this very distinct species in honour of Men-
dana, the adventurous Spanish vovager and discoverer of the
Marquesas Islands, its home. é
In coloration and character of plumage it resembles J.
otatare, but may be at once distinguished by its much
smaller size, by its bill being slightly incurved instead of
perfectly straight as in its congener, by the whole under
surface of the wings being of a rich lemon-yellow, excepting for
the lower third of the outer primaries, while the under wing
of the other species is buffy white interiorly and dark brown
towards the outside, only the axillaries being lemon-yellow.
Lastly, it is distinguishable at a glance by the outer tail-
feathers being pure yellow, and the next two pairs being
yellow on their inner webs, while the whole tail is broadly
tipped with lemon-yellow. In A. otatare the whole tail is
brown, with an indistinct bufiy white termination.
There is also a remarkable difference in the young birds of
the two species. ‘Those of the Marquesas bird are coloured
in every respect precisely like the adults (and I possess them
in two stages), while, according to the specimens in the
Bremen Museum, the young of the Society-Island species
are of a uniform very dark brown, strangely unlike the colo-
ration of the adult, and with no trace of yellow in their
4A Canon Tristram on the
plumage. In this stage the bird seems to be the Tatare
fuscus of Lesson (Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 210).
3. ACROCEPHALUS sYRINX (Kittl.).
This species is decidedly the most normal of all the Oceanic
forms in its coloration, but with the long bill characteristic
of the group. Its home is very far away from that of the
two previous species, being confined, so far as we know, to
the eastern islands of the Caroline archipelago. It was first
discovered at Ponapé, and has since been found at Nawodo,
or Pleasant Island, by Dr. Finsch, as also in Ruk, and in the
Mortlock group, in the islets of Lugunor and Uleei. Here,
where there are no reeds, Kubary found it breeding gregari-
ously in the Pandanus trees. In Ponapé it breeds exactly
like the Reed-Warblers, in reeds over water.
4, ACROCEPHALUS PISTOR, sp.nov. (Plate II.)
Supra pulverulento-cinereus, gula et pectore albis; late-
ribus altidis: remigibus fuscis, marginibus arctissime
albidis ; secundariis in externo pogonio albo marginatis :
rectricibis brunneis albo terminatis, rectricis externe in-
terno pogonio albo arcte marginato; alarum tectricibus
inferioribus albis ; rostro corneo, tarsis et pedibus fusco-
nigris. Long. tot. 7°15, ale 3°25, caude 3:2, rostri a
rictu 1:0, tarsi 1°1.
@ mari similis, sed gula et alarum tectricibus inferioribus
cinereo-albis. Long. tot. 7:0, ale 3:05, caudz 2°9.
Hab, Fanning Island, Pacific.
This very striking species is in size very close to A. syrinz,
but differs markedly from it in coloration, in the size and
colour of the beak, and in the colour of the feet and tarsi.
In its slaty-grey colour and peculiarly marked appearance
it differs from all its congeners; but this marking, which
gives it the dusty powdered appearance exactly like a baker’s
coat, and from which I have named it pistor, is caused by a
whitish fringe round each of the slate-grey feathers, exactly
as the marking of the backs of A. aquaticus and A. phragmitis
is caused. The white edges of the remiges and upper wing-
coverts are also very conspicuous.
By its dark horn-coloured beak, which is at the same time
n
(@ywO
J.G.Keulemans lith. Hanhart imp
ACROCEPHALUS PISTOR.
ated
A nie”
i de |
Species of the Genus Acrocephalus. 45
much more compressed and shorter than that of A. syrinv, and
by its dark, almost black tarsi and feet, it is easily distinguish-
able from that species. Mr. Arundel was fortunate enough
to secure its nest and eggs. The nest is placed in the fork of
a Pandanus tree, entwined round three of its stems, round
which the long grasses and rootlets of which it is composed
are looped, so that the stems are concealed in the fabric.
Feathers and tufts of small herbage are worked in; but the
interior lining of this very neat structure, which is 3 inches
deep and 2% inches in diameter, is formed exclusively of very
fine rootlets. The eggs, two in number, are pale green, with
dark blotches and spots of three shades of brown and green,
exactly like those of A. turdoides, 1 inch by 0°6 inch in dia-
meter. [Tanning Island is one of the most isolated atolls of
the Pacific, lying in lat. 2° 40! N. and long. 159° 20! W.
Mr. Arundel specially remarks that he did not find this
Warbler on any of the neighbouring islands, while Dr. Streets
noticed two distinct species, one a Flycatcher-like bird on
Washington Island, and another, like it, but somewhat
browner, on Christmas Island. ‘This latter may very possibly
be the Sylvia equinoctiahs of Latham (Ind, Crn. 11. p. 553).
5. ACROCEPHALUS MARTANN#=Tatare luscinia, Quoy &
Gaim., Voyage Astrolabe, Zool. vol. i. p. 202, pl. 5. f. 2.
This species I have never seen; but it is impossible to
doubt, looking at the description and the plate, that it is one
of this group, very like A. ofatare in coloration, but at once
distinguishable by its slightly curved bill, and especially by
the locustelline markings of the tail, mentioned in the text
and represented in the figure. Its tail appears also to be
squarer and the wings shorter than inits congeners. I know
that Dr. Hartlaub is inclined to group this species with A.
otatare; but noting these particulars, and the vast distance
between Guam, in the Marianne group, where it was pro-
cured, and the Society Islands, and that several distinct
species occur in the intervening islands, I cannot hesitate to
acknowledge the distinctness of Quoy and Gaimard’s bird.
I fear that /uscinia is preoccupied as a specific sylviad name,
46 Canon Tristram on the
and therefore am reluctantly compelled to suggest the name
of A. marianne, from its habitat, for this species.
6. AcROCEPHALUS HQUINOCTIALIS, Lath.
Sylvia equinoctralis, Lath. Ind. Orn. 11. p. 553.
Latham’s description is :—
“8. fusco-testacea subtus alba, uropygio pallido, rectricibus
fuscis obsoletis.
“ Habitat in insulé Christi natalis: magnitudine fere Fr. do-
mestice : debili sed haud ingraté voce cantans.”
Although I cannot further trace the type of Latham’s de-
scription (for, alas! it has not come under the care of Herr
y. Pelzeln at Vienna), yet the diagnosis is so clear, and so
manifestly distinct from that of any known species, that we
may safely assume that this was the bird noticed by Dr. Streets
on Christmas Island. He speaks of it as smaller than the
other species, and as brown, in both which remarks he cor-
roborates Latham.
There can be no doubt that further research will bring
several additional species of this group to light. Those of
Washington and Christmas Islands have already been alluded
0; and it is scarcely probable that the Marshall, Gilbert,
Phoenix, and Ellice groups should be without representatives
of a genus found in smaller islets on either side of them.
-
.
III.—Noites on the Birds of Fanning Island, Pacific.
By H. B. Tristram, F.R.S.
I wave just received a small but most interesting collection
of birds, made last year on Fanning Island by J. V. Arundel,
Esq., who has most kindly placed them at my disposal. As
this island does not appear to have been visited by any natu-
ralist since its discovery in a.p. 1798, I think that a short cata-
logue of its avifauna may not be without interest.
In the ‘ American Naturalist’ for February 1877, Dr. T. H.
Streets, U.S.N., gives a very careful account of the other
islands of the group, but makes no mention of Fanning Island
itself; nor does he in his paper, Bullet. U.S. Nat. Museum,
Birds of Fanning Island. 47
No. 7, 1877, p. 13. The island lies in lat. 2° 40’ N., long.
159° 20’ W., N.E. of Christmas Island, about 1540 miles N.E.
of Tahiti, and about the same distance N.W. of Samoa, and
1260 miles due south of the Sandwich Islands. It is thus,
with the atolls of Palmyra and Washington, which may be
grouped with it, one of the most isolated peaks in Oceania.
The birds obtained by Mr. Arundel were :—
1. CortpHILUS KUHLI.
This most exquisitely beautiful Parrakeet is not uncommon
here, and was found also on the neighbouring atoll of Wash-
ington, but neither on Christmas Island nor anywhere else.
Its true habitat was long a mystery ; and Bourjot’s specimen
in the Paris Museum was the only one which bore the true
locality till Dr. Streets discovered it on Washington Island.
In the paper above referred to he gives a very interesting
account of its habits. Finsch, when he wrote his ‘ Papa-
geien,’ was ignorant of its true home; and very few speci-
mens are known. I have for some time possessed one, which
I received from Bora-bora; but it had evidently been a caged
bird, as have been most of those received in Europe.
2. AcrocePHALus PistTor, Tristr.
As I have just described this very remarkable bird in
another paper, I need only refer to my previous remarks.
Mr. Arundel specially notes that he never saw the bird on
any other island.
Dr. Streets states that a Flycatcher-lke bird was obtained
on Washington Island, but the specimens were lost ; and also
that on Christmas Island he sawa bird “like the Washington
Flycatcher-like bird, but smaller, and somewhat browner,”
and that it was the only land-bird there. Mr. Arundel did
not obtain either of these.
+3. CHARADRIUS FULVUS.
In winter plumage.
+4. NuUMENIUS FEMORALTS, Peale.
75. Tovanus INCANUS.
48 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
6. GyGIs CANDIDA.
This Tern was breeding in considerable numbers, laying
its single egg on the bare branches of a Pandanus tree, with-
out any nest whatever. The eggs, though much smaller, are
in shape and markings exactly like those of Anous stolidus.
Found on nearly all the low islands.
4 7. ANOUS MELANOGENYS.
- This Tern also Mr. Arundel states is found on nearly all the
low islands. He has brought home a nest, which is a large,
slovenly, but rather solid structure of stems, leaves, and
fibrous roots in the fork of a Pandanus tree, about the size
and depth of a Missel-Thrush’s nest. He did not succeed in
finding the eggs.
8. Anous czRULEUs, Bennett.
This rare little Tern, which Mr. Arundel did not find breed-
ing, was noticed also on most of the Jow islands, both north
and south of the line.
IV.—On the Birds of the Pamir Range*.
By N. A. Srevertzow.
Tur fauna of the Pamir Range was studied, and zoological
collections were made in it, by the author between the 24th
October and the 6th November 1877, and between the 17th
July and the 22nd September 1878.
I unite with the fauna of the Pamir that of the Alai,
especially the Upper Alai (Bash-Alai), which, geographi-
cally speaking, is only a somewhat lower northern terrace of
the Pamir.
* This paper was originally written in Russian by M. Severtzow, and
translated into English in Moscow. After revision in this state by the
author it was sent to Mr. Seebohm, with a request that he would put it
into a condition fit for publication in this Journal. At Mr. Seebohm’s
request Captain Wardlaw Ramsay originally undertook this task, but,
being unable to complete it from press of other matters, returned the paper
unfinished to Mr. Seebohm, who has endeavoured to make it as perfect as
possible, and has kindly supplied us with a certain number of editorial
foot-notes.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 49
On the eastern border of the central Pamir there is also
a lower terrace, which, however, is not a continuous steppe,
like the Alai, but is interrupted by mountain-ranges. On the
sonthern side the Pamir is also bordered by the somewhat
lower tableland of Chitral. On the west of the Pamir is
Kohistan, a terrible entanglement of almost impassable
mountains and gorges, which separates the valleys of
Shignan, Roshan, and Darwaz. Still further away there is
another terrace of the Pamir, consisting of the tableland of
Wakhan and North-east Badakshan.
For the lower frontier of Bash-Alai we can take a line
which goes from the northern end of the Kysil-art gorge, in
the Trans-Alai range, to the mouth of the Katyn-art river
(whence diverge to the north-east and north-west the roads
leading to the passes of Artchat and Taldyk), across the
Kysil-Su, the northernmost source of the Oxus. The Kysil-
Su crosses this line at a height of about 10,000 feet.
Beneath this line the Alai steppe is mostly covered with
feather-grass, Stipa altaica ; but above it the predominating
grass is Festuca, with a sek mixture of feather-grass, which
rises up to the highest points of the Alai steppe, up to the
Taumurun pass, and is even seen in the Pamir proper.
The Taumurun pass lies between the two branches of the
Kysil-Su river, the western of which flows towards the Oxus,
and the eastern towards the Kashgar-Daria ; it is a flat intu-
mescence of the Alai steppe, the topographic character and
fauna of which continue unchanged on the higher parts of
its eastern slope. In the steppe along the western branch
of the Kysil-Su there is no sharp limit between the upper and
lower Alai: the faunz mingle very gradually ; and even the
fauna of Bash-Alai does not change as far as the first
groves of trees on the Kysil-Su, a little higher than Darant-
Koorgan.
In the mountains a change in the fauna begins nearer to
the frontier of Bash-Alai above indicated. Bushes of Artcha
(juniper) appear in the gorges at Artcha Bulak, some
fifteen versts (ten English miles) from Katyn-art, along with
SER. V.—VOL. I. E
50 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
characteristic birds, which do not breed on Bash-Alai and
the Pamir.
The Pamir can be called a plateau only because its valleys
are of great altitude; they reach a height of 14,500 feet, and
are nowhere lower than 12,000 feet. The average height of
the Pamir mountains is from 15,000 to 17,000 feet ; and they
do not rise very high above the valleys. These valleys bear
a steppe-like character ; but none of them reach the width
of twenty versts, like the continuous steppe of Bash-Alai.
he main Pamir valleys have a hreadth of from one to five
miles ; and the steppes which border the Pamir lakes are not
broader. The secondary valleys are open, and not mere gorges;
their breadth is from 150 sajen (about 1000 feet) to a mile or
a mile and a half. At least four fifths of all the surface of
the Pamir is not covered with high steppes, but with steep
rocky mountains, the highest of which reaches 20,000 feet.
On the north rises the Trans-Alai range; and on the western
side tower the snowy mountains west of Kara-kul and Jeschil-
kul. On the east there are two groups of snowy peaks east-
ward of Lake Ran-kul, of which the southern, Mustagh-ata,
attains the height of 25,000 feet. It is the highest point of the
Pamir range, of which the interior mountains are much Jower
than those situated on the outside. But on the frontier the
high snowy mountains do not form uninterrupted chains, but
alternate with lower peaks: even the most compact chain,
the Trans-Alai range, presents the relatively very low depres-
sion of the Kysil-art pass.
On the northern slopes of the Pamir mountains perpetual
snow begins at 15,000 feet ; the southern slopes are free from
snow in summer to the height of 18,500 feet. The valleys
through which run the rivers that descend from the interior
of the higher Pamir retain their steppe-like character down
to about 12,000 feet, when the rivers enter into uarrow
gorges. The height of the Pamir valleys ranges from 11,000
to 13,500 feet.
The flora of the Pamir is principally formed of a striking
mixture of grasses peculiar to steppes with the more varied
grasses of higher ranges; the latter mingle also with the
Birds of the Pamir Range. 51
grasses of the steppes of Alai. But, besides grasses, the
Pamir possesses some bushes, and even trees. In two
places, near the river Ak-su and near Jeschil-kul, are found
groves of white willows at the height of 12,500 feet, with
trees 10, and even 15 feet high; and here and there, on dif-
ferent rivers, we found tamarisk-bushes (Myricaria ?) growing
as high up as 18,500 feet. In general the fauna and flora of
the Pamir are richer than its severe climate would lead one
to expect.
There are only ten or fifteen days in the latter part
of July of the whole year which can be said to be free
from frost at night; and in the month of August the frosts
already reach —15°, and even —17°C. In the daytime
the temperature is generally above zero, and when it is calm
the thermometer rises to 12° and 15°C. in the shade, and to
more than 20° C.in the sun ; but such calm weather is rarely
experienced, except in well-protected valleys, as, for instance,
near Ran-kul and Bulum-kul in the Pamir Alichur. In
most of the long valleys near Kara-kul, on the Alichur and
elsewhere, strong winds are constantly blowing, which often
increase to tempests. Sometimes even as early as August
these winds bring down fine crispsnow. In September more
snow falls, and there is frost both night andday. In October
the waters—first the lakes and then the rivers—begin to
freeze. The ice on the latter begins to break up at the end of
April, and on the lakes at the end of May; but the weather
is still very cold in June, and snow often falls during that
month. The snow that falls in spring and summer melts
very rapidly, and waters the vegetation of the Pamir. Rain
is very rare, and falls only in the valleys which lie below
13,000 feet. The spring lasts two months and a few days—
May, June, and the beginning of July ; the pure summer,
without frosts, lasts about two weeks, but frequently less, and
three weeks at the very most. The autumn lasts about as
long as the spring—August, September, and the beginning
of October—after which come seven long months of winter,
to which may perhaps be added, especially in the upper
52 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
valleys above 14,000 feet, two months, one in late autumn
and the other in early spring.
In most winters there is not a great quantity of snow, but
the frosts are very hard. The snow, however, on the southern
slopes melts by day in sunny places throughout the winter,
and in many places it is blown off by winds, so that during
this season a considerable extent of uncovered pasture-land
is to be seen. It is here that the Kirghiz have their winter
camps, notwithstanding the severe frosts and tempests*.
The greatest amount of snow falls on the Pamir in Febru-
ary, March, and April, and affords means for an abundant
watering of the flora when it thaws. The seasons are dis-
tributed in pretty much the same way on Bash-Alai, only
that the snow fails in much greater quantities in the late
autumn and winter, and in spring begins to melt earlier than
on the Pamir, because the Alai lies lower; but, owing to fre-
quent falls of snow in June, it does not disappear any earlier
than on the Pamir. Rain is also frequent in summer.
The time when the Kirghiz remove their camps to the
summer pasture-grounds on the Alai depends upon whether
the spring is early or late. It is generally about June; but
in 1878 it was not before July. ‘The lower Alai is decidedly
warmer.
Such is a brief sketch of the conditions of animal life on
the Pamir and the Alai steppe; and I now proceed to treat of
the birds of this district in systematic order.
1. Gyps HIMALAYENSIS, Hume.
The Himalayan Vulture (G. nivicola, Sev.) is a rather rare
bird, but still it is found in all parts of the Pamir; I saw it
more frequently near the river Ak-baital. It is also found
in the North Alai mountains.
2. GYPAETUS BARBATUS (Linn.).
The Limmergeyer lives in the same parts of the country
* As to the summer and autumn, I speak from my own experience ;
but my statements as to winter are derived from the accounts of Wood
and Mirza, and as regards the spring from Gordon. Besides these authori-
ties, I have the verbal statements of the Pamir Kirghiz.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 53
as the preceding. In September 1878 these birds were seen
in groups of six or seven, picking up bones in the forsaken
camp of the Alai detachment ; they catch hares and mar-
mots, of which I found the remains in their stomachs; and
they also feed on carrion.
3. Hatartus LEucoRyYPHUS, Pall.
Pallas’s Sea-Eagle is often seen near the Pamir lakes in
August, also near Kara-kul, Ran-kul, and Jeschil-kul, where
some old birds and a young one (three years of age) were
shot. The old birds do not breed every year, but only every
second year, in the same manner as Gypaétus barbatus and
the large Vultures. In the year in which they do not breed
they moult in June, and lead a migratory life until winter,
during which period many are seen on the Pamir.
4. Burro rerox (Gmel.).
The Long-legged Buzzard feeds on the different Arvicole,
which are common on the Pamir and innumerable on the
Alai. It was seen near Ran-kul in July and August; but I
do not know where it breeds. The dark variety of this
species (B. aquilinus, Hodgs.) is also common enough.
5. Mirvous ater (Gmel.).
The Black Kite was seen near the camp of the Alai de-
tachment on the Bash-Alai in July.
6. Fatco HENDERSONI, Hume.
Hume’s Saker was obtained on the Alai at the entrance of
the Kysil-art gorge; it was also seen on the Pamir. The
stomach of the specimen I got contained field-mice (Arvi-
cola). 'This species probably breeds here *.
* T have since found in my collection a young female of F. hendersont,
shot on the 11th August on the tableland near Lake Sairam-kul, north
of Kuldja, at about 7000 feet, in the Tian-shan system. I have also been
informed that it was observed on the Yulduz tableland at 8000 to 9000
feet, which also belongs to the Tian-shan system. Combining my obser-
vations and information with those of Colonel Prjevalsky, I find that F.
henderson is generally spread over the tablelands of Central Asia.
54 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
7. Fauco PEREGRINUS, Tunst.
The Peregrine Falcon migrates through the Alai and Pamir
in a southerly direction in September.
4.8. Fatco saton, Tunst.
The Merlin was seen at the end of July in the Bash-Alai.
It probably breeds in the North Alairange. I found it breed-
ing in the mountains near Vernoié in June 1879, and ob-
tained for my collection a pair, male and female, with three
nestlings, which all died soon, though fed on freshly shot
small birds only, which they ate greedily, and which was the
food given them by their parents. ‘They were taken too
young, only just out of the egg. Vernoié (43° N.) and
Ferghana (39° 45’ N.), on the north Alai range, are unusually
southern, although alpine breeding-places. The nest near
Vernoié was on a pine (Pinus schrenkiana) at a height of 8000
feet above the sea.
+9. Fatco tinnuncvutvs (Linn.).
The Kestrel is often seen in summer on the Pamir and Alai.
It comes after the broods of young birds, and is also probably
attracted by the great quantities of Arvicole, which offer
it a copious supply of food.
10. Circus @rucinosus (Linn.).
The Marsh-Harrier is found during its migration near the
Kara-kul in the beginning of September. It was also seen
near Ran-kul in the middle of August ; probably young ones
come to the Pamir in summer.
11. Circus cyanegus, Linn.
The Hen-Harrier was seen in September during its migra-
tion near the Kara-kul lake, and was found on the Alai. Birds
of this species, especially immature, are rather common in
this part of the country.
12. Scors eru (Scop.).
Very few Scops Owls were seen, and those at the end of
August during their migration through the Pamir.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 55
13. Buso turcomanus, Eversm.
Eversmann’s Eagle-Owl is probably a resident. A young
one was shot near Ran-kul in August.
+14. Astro BrAcHyortws (Lath.).
The Short-eared Owl was seen in October on the Bash-Alai.
15. Corvus corax, Linn. (var. C. tibetanus, Hodgs.).
The Raven is common enough throughout the Pamir, and
was seen there in summer and autumn. It is probably a
resident ; but it may be presumed that being an early-breed-
ing bird, it descends in winter to lower elevations.
16. Corvus orten?ALts, Eversm. (C. corone part. auct.).
Some specimens of the Carrion-Crow were seen near the
Jashil-kul and on the river Ak-bai-tal at the end of August.
17. Corvus cornrx, Linn.
The Hooded Crow only migrates through the Pamir in
October.
18. Pyrrwocorax GracuLus, Linn.
The Chough is found here and there on the Pamir moun-
tains, and is common in the Kysil-art gorge ; it breeds there,
and probably also sometimes winters on the Pamir. I found
still numerous in October.
19. Pica LEucopTERA, Gould.
The eastern form of the Magpie was often found in the
Kysil-art gorge in October, and more rarely on the whole
Pamir range in August.
20. STuRNUS PURPURASCENS, Gould.
A specimen of the Purple-winged Starling was procured
during migration at the south of the Kysil-art in October.
21. Pastor rosevs, Linn.
Young Rose-coloured Starlings straggled near Kara-kul
at the beginning of August 1878, when a large flight of
locusts arrived, ascending the Kashgar Darya from Eastern
Turkestan.
22. OrtoLus KuNDoo, Sykes.
The Indian Oriole was seen during migration near the river
56 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
Kara-su and on the Pamir Alichur in the second half of
August. It is common.
23, CARPODACUS ERYTHRINUS (Pall.).
The Scarlet Grosbeak was seen at the same time throughout
the whole Pamir.
24. CaRPODACUS MONGOLICUS, Swinh.
Erythrospiza incarnata, Sev.
This Rose- Finch breeds on rocks in the North Alai range,
and throughout almost the whole region. In the middle of
August the young were only just able to fly; and the old
birds moult in September, when they hide themselves. I saw
them most frequently on the Alai and in the Pamir, and occa-
sionally throughout the whole Tian-shan. Prjevalsky found
them in Ordoss, on the river Hoang-ho, and along the
southern borders of the Mongolian plateau, whence came
Swinhoe’s type specimens. The eastern limit of this species
is near the meridian of Pekin. It inhabits the woodless
rocks and the steep ravines of the plateaux. In Turkestan
this bird belongs in summer to the upper alpine region, and
lives above the highest limit of the tree-vegetation, but goes a
little lower to breed. It stays on the heights in autumn as
long as possible, in fact until the snow drives it down; but
even then only a very few descend to the cultivated regions,
where I shot them in October near the river.
This species is a very near relative to C. githagineus, a bird
known and described long ago, whieh lives in the more
southern deserts and is found from the Canary Islands,
through the northern Sahara, Egypt, north of Arabia, Persia,
and Beluchistan to Sindh. M. Fedchenko, having found C.
mongolicus in the mountains of the Lower Alai, mistook it
for the true C. githagineus, and insisted on the strange
occurrence of such a characteristic type of the Saharan fauna
in the Alai mountains. He disputed my specific separation of
C. mongolicus (under the name of E. incarnata) from C. githa-
gineus, and referred to the authority of Cabanis, who told
him that both birds were of the same species. But this isan
error. When I got the first specimens of C. incarnatus I
Birds of the Pamir Range. 57
thought myself, at the first glance, that they were C. githa-
gineus ; but after thoroughly comparing them I saw the spe-
cific distinction. Cabanis, as he told me himself, was led
into the same error, and mistook my C. incarnatus (C. mongo-
licus, Swinh.) for the Saharan species ; but we examined them
together, and he then acknowledged their distinctness, which
the English ornithologists also admit. I have been able to
examine many specimens of C. mongolicus found in different
parts of Turkestan and Mongolia, and I am now firmly con-
vinced of the constancy of their specific distinction throughout
the whole region where they reside. I have also compared my
specimens (found near Keleso and Tianshan) with Swinhoe’s
type specimens, and found them identical. When compared
with specimens of C. githagineus taken from various museums
and obtained in various countries, the following differences are
always apparent :—
C. mongolicus.
Maxilla yellowish brown.
Mandible pale yellow.
Occiput, back, and scapulars red-
dish-grey ground-colour, with nu-
merous shaft-spots. These spots
more marked in spring.
Wing: Great wing-coverts and
the secondary quills white on two
thirds of the length of the outer
- web, bordered with rose-colour or,
in spring, vermilion; so that the
wing has two white patches, with
long red streaks.
C. githagineus.
Maxilla and mandible reddish
orange, deepening to coral-red with
age.
Occiput, back, and scapulars with-
out shaft-spots; but the feathers
have a rose-coloured shading, which
is more marked in spring, especially
at their tips.
Wing: All the feathers greyish
brown, with rose-coloured borders,
but without any white on the outer
webs. The white patches on the
wing are therefore wanting.
25. Linota Bevxa, Ehrenberg.
Linota fringillirostris, Bp.
Ehrenberg’s Linnet has not yet been seen in the Bash-
Alai, nor in the Pamir proper; but probably it is to be found
there, at least during migration. This supposition is con-
firmed by the fact that these birds were found near the Kara-
kasyk pass (14,200 feet), which leads from Ferghana to the
58 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
Lower Alai, and also in the mountains between the rivers
Kashgar Darya and Tara, high up in the juniper region.
26. Linota BREVIROsSTRIs, Gould.
‘The Eastern Twite breeds near the Tan-murun pass; the
nestlings had flown at the end of July. We obtained mature
birds in July near the source of the river Irkestan, above the
juniper region in the Pamir system.
27. Levucosticte BRANDTI, Bp.
Brandt’s Snow-Finch is found on the Kysil-art pass and
south of it in the Pamir; it breedsthere. In summer these
birds live on mountains 12,000 to 14,000 feet high, but are -
more scarce on the Pamir and neighbouring mountains than
the following.
28. LrucostTIcTE PAMIRENSIS, Sp. Nov.
I give here comparative descriptions of this species and
its two nearest allies.
Leucosticte pamirensis, mihi.
Capite, collo postico et cervice nigricantibus ; remigibus pri-
mariis et rectricibus nigro-fuscis albicante limbatis ; re-
migibus secundariis cano-fuscescentibus, versus apicem
nigricantibus, pallido fulvescenti marginatis ; ceterum
tota dilute canescenti-cinerea ; hieme apicibus pluma-
rum plerumque fulvescentibus ; uropygio saturatius ci-
nereo, marginibus totis apicalibus omnium plumarum
hieme roseis, estate coccineis; tectricibus minoribus
alarum, etiam hieme roseo, estate coccineo marginatis.
Femina marginibus tectricum alarum et uropygii paulu-
lum dilutioribus, ceterum mari simillima: pedes atri ;
rostrum wstate atrum, hieme flavum, apice fusco.
Long. tot. 7°2-7°4, ale 4°3-4°5, caude 3”.
+ Leucosticte brandti, Bp.*
Precedenti similis, sed marginibus roseis uropygii nullis ;
uropygio hieme fulvo-rufescenti marginato: zstate uni-
color cinerea, tota, vel singulis plumis, perpaucis, 2-3
maculis apicalibus parvis irregularibus coccineis notata :
* L. geblert, Brandt, 1843, nec Brandt, 1841, que ZL. arctoa.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 59
tectricibus minoribus alarum in mare roseis, in femina
fulvo-rufescente limbatis. Femina a mare semper di-
stinctissima, preecedentis feminz simillima.
+ Leucosticte hematopygia, Gould.
Precedenti similis, sed uropygio toto roseo, apicibus pluma-
rum coccineis; tectricibus minoribus alarum cinereis,
rubedine marginali nulla; maculis scapularibus dorsi
fuscis latissimis. Femina mihi ignota. (Spec. typ. in
coll. Gould.)
Hab. High alpine regions of Tibet generally.
I compared in London, in 1875, my specimens of L. brandtt
with the type of L. hematopygia ; and more recently I have
compared a large series of L. brandti and L. pamirensis,
which I discovered during my last expedition, and which is
intermediate between the first two, both in colouring and in
geographical range.
The most northern of the three is L. brandti, which in-
habits the alpine zone of the whole Tian-shan system up
to the perpetual snow, descending in winter to the sunny
rocks, not below 5000 feet, and feeding there upon seeds.
It also inhabits the northern parts of the Pamir system, the
Alai and the Trans-Alai ranges, reaching its southern limit
near the Karakul lake.
L. pamirensis was found throughout the whole Pamir
system, as far as I visited it, also on the snowy peaks south-
east of Ferghana, between the Tian-shan and the Pamir, and
on the crags on the tablelands of southern Tian-shan, but
only south of the Naryn river. On the southern Tian-shan
it is much scarcer than L. brandti, as this last is scarcer than
L. pamirensis on the northern Pamir. In the winter L.
pamirensis does not descend in the mountains of South-east
Ferghana lower than 6500 feet, and not until the middle of
November. I found it still at the top of the Kysil-art pass
at the end of October ; and I think that they may winter on
snow-free places on the southern slopes of the Pamir ranges
as high as their summer haunts.
The last species, L. hematopygia, inhabits the high alpine
-regions of the whole of Tibet, ranging perhaps into the Tag-
60 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
dumbash Pamir, which I have not visited, but not into the
inner parts of the Pamir system which I explored.
L. pamirensis is found in summer up to a height of 15,000
feet. It breeds on the Pamir; and I got nestlings just fledged.
It is found till the end of August in families, and in Sep-
tember, after moulting, congregate into flocks, out of which,
on the Kysil-art, I sometimes shot both species, viz. L.
pamirensis and L. brandti, at once.
29. MonrTIFRINGILLA ALPICOLA, Pallas.
Pallas’s Snow-Finch is closely allied to M. nivalis of Europe,
which it represents in the mountains of Western and Central
Asia. M. alpicola does not ascend so high as Leucosticte ; it is
very common, and breeds on the Bash-Alai, but was not found
in the upper parts of the Pamir. In summer it inhabits a
zone between 9500 and 12,000 feet above the sea, while
the Leucosticte in the Pamir system is never seen lower than
11,500 feet.
Birds of this genus were seen, but not obtained, in the
mountains between Ak-su and Alichen on the 3lst August ;
they were very cautious, and did not allow a near approach
with a gun. They disappeared among the inaccessible rocks.
Perhaps these birds were the M. adamsi of Gould.
30. FRrincitaupa attaica, Eversm. (fF. sordida, Stol.)
The Altai Lark-Finch is found in the mountains between
the sources of the Kashgar-Darya and Yara, ascending higher
than the juniper region ; it was also seen in the Alai moun-
tains above the same region; it was not met with in the
Pamir, but is probably to be found there.
31. EmpBeriza LUTEOLA, Sparrm.
The Chestnut-headed Bunting was got during migration
near the Kara-kul; they were partly in winter and partly in
summer dress.
32. EmsBeriza PrTyorNis, Pallas.
A specimen of the Pine-Bunting was obtained out of a -
small flock in the Kysil-art gorge, which had lost its way, in
October.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 61
33. EmBERIZA HUTTONI, Blyth.
Hutton’s Bunting passes through the Pamir in great num-
bers at the end of August.
34, EmBERIZA, sp. nov. (?)
An intermediate form between /. hortulana and EF. huttoni,
which appears to me new, but needs still closer examination
and comparison with E. schach, Bp., and immature E. hor-
tulana. My Pamir specimen, a female, was shot between the
rivers Ak-su and Alichur on the 31st August, duzing the
migration of H. huttoni. I have, besides, a male and female
from the Hangai range, near Oolias-sutas, in Mongolia,
where this bird breeds, and perhaps some other specimens
shot in different parts of Turkestan during the migration-
time, which I determined at the first glance as varieties of
E. hortulana.
35. CALANDRELLA BRACHYDACTYLA (Leisl.).
Some specimens of the Short-toed Lark, or a near relative
of it, were found on the Pamir Alichur at the end of August.
They had moulted, which fact favours the supposition that
they breed there.
36. Orocorys ELWESI, Gould.
The characteristics of Elwes’s Shore-Lark lead to the sup-
position that it is the common ancestor of all the species of
Otocorys. It lives in Tibet and on the Pamir and Tianshan
tablelands, where it breeds.
In the Pamir a subspecies with a rather long beak pre-
dominates; but this difference is neither considerable nor
constant.
37. Orocorys PENICILLATA, Gould.
(O. bicornis, Ehrenb.; O. scriba, Bp.)
I established the identity of this bird with Gould’s Shore-
Lark from a comparison of all my Tian-shan specimens with
the original specimens of Hemprich, Gould, and Brandt. The
type of Bonaparte’s O. scriba was from Gould’s collection,
and was obtained by Mr. Dickson near Erzeroum.
This bird is most frequent in the Alai; it is also often seen
62 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
in the interior of the Pamir ; but in the latter region O. elwesi
predominates, which is very rare in the Alai steppe. It is a
mountain species, and was found by Hemprich and Ehren-
berg on the mountains of Lebanon, and more lately has been
observed and obtained by many travellers near Erzeroum and
beyond the Caucasus. I saw this bird in all parts of the Tian-
shan, Alai, and the Pamir; and the members of the Forsyth
mission collected it in Western Tibet.
388. AnrTHUS CONTELLI*, Audouin.
This eastern representative of the Water-Pipit, A. spino-
letta, differs from that species in very constant though (as
in the whole genus) not very considerable characters, which
I have verified by examination ofa very large series of Central-
Asiatic specimens.
I give here comparative diagnoses of the two species :—
BREEDING-PLUMAGE,
A. contelli.
Superciliary streak light rufous.
Abdomen and lower tail-coverts
rufous, only somewhat lighter than
the breast.
Breast pure rufous, inclining to
fulvous.
Crown rufous grey.
Outer rectrices with cuneiform
markings pale fulvous.
Feet black.
A, spinoletta.
Superciliary streak white.
Abdomen and lower tail-coverts
white.
Breast rufous, inclining to a violet
tinge.
Crown pure grey.
Outer rectrices with cuneiform
markings pure white.
Feet brown,
WINTER PLUMAGE.
Characterized only by large shaft-
streaks on the breast and flanks,
the lower parts otherwise as in
breeding-plumage,
The whole throat unspotted ful-
yous.
As in A. contelli, but the ground-
colour of the breast much paler than
in breeding-plumage, being very pale
fulvous, the throat, abdomen, and
lower tail-coverts pure white.
Chin and throat white, the former
unspotted, the latter with dark
shaft-streaks.
* {Mr. Seebohm assures us that this Pipit is undoubtedly the A. b/a-
kistont of Swinhoe, of which 4. neglectus of Brooks is a synonym. A.
contelli of Audouin is probably =A. spinoletta, Linn.—Epp. |
Birds of the Pamir Range. 63
The young A. contelli, in its first winter’s plumage, has its
underparts as pale as A. spinoletta; but the throat, abdomen,
and lower tail-coverts are always of the same ground-colour
as the breast.
These differences are greater than between A. maculatus,
Hodgs. (A. agilis auct. nec Sykes) and A. arboreus.
In the Pamir system A. contelli breeds in brooks and
brook-swamps of Bash-Alai and the mountain-valleys open-
ing into it from both ranges, north and south, but was not
observed in the inner Pamir, south of the Trans-Alai range.
39. ANTHUS MICRORHYNCHUS”*, Sev. (See Ibis, 1876,
p- 180.)
This species is closely related to A. arboreus, but has a
much smaller bill, and differs in some slight details of colour-
ing ; but when we consider its mode of life, we are compelled
to see in this bird the common ancestor of two European
species, viz. A. arboreus and A. pratensis. It is rather com-
mon on the Pamir at the end of August, in the high grass,
and is also found in grassy places which are treeless or with
only a few scattered shrubs throughout the whole of the
mountains of Turkestan. It has the small thin bill of A.
pratensis, with the short hind claw of A. arboreus ; but some
few specimens exhibit a series of intermediate measurements
between the typical short-clawed specimens and A. pratensis.
In size and colour also it is intermediate between A. arboreus
and A. pratensis, which two, however, only differ inter se
in the shades of the olive-brown upper and fulvous-white
lower surface.
40. Bupytes catcarata (Hodgs.).
Hodgson’s Yellow-headed Wagtail breeds in great num-
bers everywhere in the Alai, the Pamir, and near the sources
of the Kashgar-Darya; the male has a yellow head, like B.
citreola, but differs from it in its back, which is of a black
colour down to the rump and upper tail-coverts. Some traces
of this black are also to be seen on the female.
* [Two examples of this species in Mr. Seebohm’s collection are (as we
are informed by him) undistinguishable from our European A. arboreus,—
Epp. |
64 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
Soon after the young have flown they congregate in families
and commence to moult, when they throw off their nest-
plumage and assume their first autumn’s garb, which greatly
differs from that of the adults. In the plumage of the first
winter they are without any yellow colour. Soon after the
moult the families collect in flocks and migrate, the old birds
being still in their breeding-plumage, only a few having
assumed their winter dress. The majority of the young birds
migrate along with the old ones; but some migrate separately
a little later. These are probably fledgelings of later broods,
and are seen throughout the whole Pamir, even at the end
of August, in parties of two to five, flying very slowly from
one swamp to another, gradually seeking their way.
BupytEs FLAVUS ?
This bird was seen, during its migration, in the Pamir
Alichur early in the morning. I could not obtain a speci-
men. I noted that the birds had grey heads, green backs,
and yellow breasts; but I cannot be certain whether they
were true B. flavus or B. cinereocapillus.
MoraciLLa MELANOPE, Pall.
The eastern form of the Grey Wagtail was found in the
Pamir Alichur at the end of August. It is a resident in
Turkestan generally, and ascends in summer high up into
the mountains, and winters down in the cultivated districts.
Probably it breeds in the Pamir, but not commonly.
41. Moracrnia personata, Gould.
Gould’s Grey-backed Wagtail was not observed at. all,
either on the Alai or Pamir, until the end of August and first
days of September, when many specimens were obtained. It
flies in pairs. Some individuals winter in Ferghaua.
42, ACCENTOR FULVESCENS, Sev.
This Accentor breeds in the Alai mountains and in some
parts of the Pamir; the young were found near Ran-kul at
12,000 feet in the middle of August ; and they were common
near the sources of the Kashgar Darya, between 11,000 and
13,000 feet, at the end of July.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 65
43. ACCENTOR ALTAICUS, Brandt.
Old and young birds, congregated in flocks, of the Hima-
layan Accentor were seen in the Kysil-art gorge at the end
of July. The old birds were moulting.
44. LocustELLA LocusTELLA (Linn.).
The Grasshopper Warbler was found at the beginning of
August near Kara-kul, where it probably breeds. Observed
on the Bash-Alai in the middle of September during its
migration.
45. LocusTELLA STRAMINEA, Sev.
Tam still uncertain about the determination of this species *.
It was found at the end of July on brook-swamps near the
mountain-pass between the Katir-kul and Kara-kul in the
northern range, at the height of nearly 15,000 feet. It pro-
bably breeds there.
46. ACROCEPHALUS AGRICOLA (Jerd.).
Salicaria capistrata, Sev.
Specimens of this Reed-Warbler were obtained near
Tanomurun in the second half of July and early in August,
and it was seen on the Kara-kul and the southern Ak-bai-tal
(13,000 feet). It was also found at 11,000 feet at the end of
July near the source of the Kashgar Darya. It lives in the
grass. It winters in the Punjab and Sindh, but in summer
is spread both over the cold Pamir range and the warm parts
of Turkestan, on the grassy slopes of Karan-tau, where Lo-
custella locustella also occurs.
47, ACROCEPHALUS DUMETORUM (Blyth).
Blyth’s Reed-Warbler migrates through the Pamir in
August.
* [The Siberian Grasshopper Warbler is a good species, and has erro-_
neously been called Locustella hendersont, Cass., by Dresser and other orni-
thologists (see Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 117). Mr. Seebohm
considers the Pamir bird to be also referable to this species. He has
examples in his collection obtained from Severzow.—Epp. ]
SER. V.— VOL. I. F
66 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
48. ACROCEPHALUS ILENSIS, sp. nov.*
This is an intermediate form between the East-Huropean
A. dumetorum, Blyth, and the western A. streperus, Vieill.
It is found in summer on the Ili and in Ferghana. In
August it appears in small numbers in the Pamir.
49. Hypouats cauicata, Licht.
Breeds in the Bash-Alai and near the sources of the Kash-
gar Darya, where it was found in July ; in August it migrates
through Central Pamir.
50. PHyYLLoscoPrus PSEUDO-BOREALIS{, Sev.
Collected on the Pamir during its migration in August ;
also found breeding in the mountains of northern Ferghana
north-east of Namanghan, and since received from various
parts of the Tian-shan system, eastward as far as the Upper
Ih. While collecting I mistook this bird for P. borealis,
Blas., to which it is very closely allied, differing particularly
in having a much longer first primary, which is about ‘6”.
The second primary equals the seventh, rarely a little longer
or shorter. In the primary quills, and them alone, it agrees
with P. viridanus, Blyth, and P. plumbeitarsus, Swinhoe ; but
all its other characters, such as size, proportions, bill, and
colouring, are those of P. borealis.
Having now compared considerable series (though not all
my specimens), I find that, at any rate, the differences be-
tween my P. pseudo-borealis and both P. viridanus and P.
plumbeitarsus are much greater than those between the two last
named. Some of my specimens of P. plumbeitarsus were
determined by Mr. Seebohm during his last visit to Moscow ;
and my specimens of P. viridanus have been compared with
one of Mr. Brook’s typical Indian specimens, which I received
from Mr. Dresser.
* [Mr Seebohm has examined examples of this supposed new species,
and considers them to be A. dwmetorwm in autumn plumage. They agree
with that species in wing-formula, and are undistinguishable from Indian
~ examples shot in September.—Epp. ]
+ [Two examples in Mr. Seebohm’s collection are identified by him as
P. plumbeitarsus, somewhat above the average size, but not larger than
examples from Pegu.—Epp. |
Birds of the Pamir Range. 67
51. PuyLioscorus viripanvs, Bl.,= P. middendor ffii, Meves,
var. intermedia, Sev.
52. PHyLiLoscopus PLUMBEITARSUS, Swinh.,=P. midden-
dorffii, Meves, var. hypolaina, Sev.
I did not distinguish the Indian Willow- Warbler from Mid-
dendorff’s Willow-Warbler while collecting, and therefore
cannot now give a complete notice of their geographical dis-
tribution; but on the Pamir I noticed very characteristic
specimens of both. They are found on migration in the
second half of August throughout the Pamir. Some appeared
to me to have bred on the Pamir near Lake Ran-kul, and also
on the upper Kashgar-Darya, where I found them in July
above the limit of vegetation.
I may mention here, incidentally, that I have found a spe-
cimen of true P. viridanus among my series of Phylloscopus,
shot by me in May 1861 during migration at the mouth of
the Ural river.
53. Sytvra nisoria, Bechst.
The Barred Warbler was obtained in August near Lake
Ran-kul during migration.
54. Sytvia curRucA, Gm.
The Lesser Whitethroat is found throughout the whole
Pamir during migration from as early as August to October,
when they frequent the neighbourhood of the river Kok-su,
at the southern foot of the mountain-pass of Kisil-art.
55. SyLvia MINUSCULA, Hume.
Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat is a near relative of the pre-
ceding species. It is not larger than a Willow-Warbler
(Phylloscopus) , and breeds in great numbers in the Ferghana,
where the true S. curruca is seen only in migration.
Obtained in migration in the beginning of September at
the foot of the Artcha pass, in the Alai.
56. CALLIOPE PECTORALIS, Gould.
The Indian Ruby-throated Robin belongs to the region of
' the upper junipers, and is sometimes seen in the Pamir during
F2
68 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
migration. It was obtained near the source of the Tchon-su,
in the river-system of Lake Kara-kul, in August, at a height
of 14,000 feet.
+57. Cyanxucuta suscica (Linn.).
The Arctic Blue-throated Robin is common on the Alai
in July and in August, near the sources of the Kashgar-Darya,
and throughout the Pamir, where it was obtained moulting.
It probably breeds there.
58. RuviciLLA RUFIVENTRIS, Vieill.
The Indian Redstart is an autumn visitant in the Pamir,
arriving in August and disappearing in October.
59. Ruricitua ERyTHROGASTRA, Gildenst.
Giildenstadt’s Redstart is found on passage through the
Pamir in September and October ; the earliest arrivals of this
species are seen in the first half of September.
60. Monrticota saxatiuis (Linn.).
The Rock-Thrush passes through the Pamirin August. It
is not common; but perhaps it may breed there.
61. Monticota cyanus (Linn.).
‘The Blue Rock-Thrush was seen during migration on the
13th September near Ak-su.
62. SAXICOLA ISABELLINA, Rupp.
The Isabelline Chat is very common in the Alai and the
Pamir, where it breeds. It ascends as high as the Leuco-
sticte in the upper alpine zone. The young birds on the. Alai
retain their nestling-plumage till the end of July, and on the
Pamir even till the end of August—a conclusive proof that this
species breeds there ; the higher they live the later they retain
it. This species appears quite to replace S. @nanthe in the
Alai and the Pamir. In the narrow-ridged chains of the
Tian-shan system S. @nanthe ascends into the alpine region
far above S. isabellina, which there only reaches the treeless
outskirts of this region, whereas in the Pamir it ascends to a
far greater height. Specimens of Sazicola isabellina from the
Pamir do not differ from those inhabiting the hottest steppes —
Birds of the Pamir Range. 69
of Egypt, the northern Sahara, and the neighbourhood of the
Sea of Aral.
63. SaxicoLta DESERTI, Riipp.
Saxicola montana, Gould.
Sazicola salina, Eversm.
The Kirghiz Desert-Chat, S. salina, differs from the North
Sahara species, S. deserti, only in the rather greyer colour of
its back. S. montana* differs from S. salina only in being a
little lighter and slightly larger, and in the black of the throat
not descending so far on the breast ; but all these characters
are trifling and not constant. Gould got his specimens of S.
montana from Western Tibet. I found many in the Pamir,
where they probably breed. It was not seen in the Alai.
64. SaxicoLa LEUCOMELA, Pall.
Sazvicola pleschanka, Lepech.
Saxicola hendersoni, Hume.
The Siberian Pied Chat was got during its migration in
the Kysil-art gorge on the 20th September.
65. Saxtcota mortoy}, Ehr.
Was obtained during its passage through Pamir and Alai
at the end of August and beginning of September, and is
much more abundant than the last species. JI may here
observe that this species and the last differ in their black tail-
markings, and also in their geographical distribution. The
northern limit of S. /ewcome/a, Pall., is a line from the middle
Volga to the eastern Tian-shan, and its southern one from
the Caspian Sea to Yarkand and Western Tibet, whilst the
northern limit of Saxicola morio runs from Asia Minor to
Lake Baikal.
* According to Mr. Seebohm the true S. montana differs principally
from S. deserti in having the basal half of the inner web of the pri-
maries and of the adjoining five secondaries white to the shaft. See Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 885.—Epp. ]
+ [Mr. Seebohm has examples of both this bird and the preceding
obtained direct from Severtzoff, but is unable to detect any difference
between them.—Epp.
70 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
66. Pratincota inpica, Blyth.
The Siberian Stonechat was seen frequently in August in
all parts of the Pamir. It probably breeds there. The dif-
ference between this species and P. rubicola was confirmed
and found constant in more than three hundred specimens.
67. Turpus MysTACcINUs, Sev.*
This Thrush passes through the Pamir in October.
68. Lanius 1sABELLINUS, Ehr.
The Isabelline Shrike is rarely seen on the Pamir, and then
only during migration. Two young specimens were obtained,
one on the 8th August in the gorge of Kisil-art, the other
on the 12th September near the river Aksu, in the inner
Pamir.
69. Muscicapa eRisota (Linn.).
The Spotted Flycatcher is frequent in all parts of the Pamir
in August during migration.
+70. Hrrunpo rustica, Linn.
Swallows appear towards the end of August, and pass
through uninterruptedly till the end of September. When
the weather on the Pamir is bad Swallows return to Gulcha
along the Kurshab river, and, flying over the mountain-passes,
appear on the roads near Osh in Ferghana. Probably these
are young birds seeking the way to their winter quarters.
One of these birds flew into a traveller’s sledge in the
Zaalai chain in the middle of September 1878. It followed
his baggage-train daily, and at night sought shelter in
the sledge, as far as the Taldit pass. Three others joined it
en route.
71. Curtipon ursica (Linn.).
Martins were observed migrating in small parties through
Pamir in the latter part of August.
72. CoriLE RUPESTRIS, Scop.
The Crag-Martin was seen on migration, like the last, late
in August. Families of these birds were seen in July near
* [=T. atriguaris, Temm., fide Seebohm, Cat. B. vol. v. p. 268.—
Epp. |
Birds of the Pamir Range. ris.
the sources of the Kashgar-Darya and in the mountains of
Alai. They probably breed at a lower elevation, and ascend
these heights as soon as the young are able to fly.
73. Cypsrenus apus, Linn.
The Swift was seen on migration, like the two preceding,
at the end of August.
74. Urura eprops, Linn.
The Hoopoe was seen in August throughout the Pamir,
where it probably breeds.
75. TrcHopRoMA MURARIA, Linn.
The Wall-Creeper was sometimes seen on the Pamir, where
it probably breeds. It was obtained in the Kysil-art defile
at the beginning of September.
76. Lynx Torquitya, Linn.
The Wryneck was found in the grass in the middle of
August at Rankul during migration.
77. Cucutus canorus, Linn.
The Cuckoo passed on migration through the Bash- a
and the Pamir in August.
78. CoLuMBA RuUPESTRIS, Pall.
Pallas’s Rock-Dove was observed in July in the Bash-Alai,
and in August near the Kara-kul.
79. TURTUR AURITUS.
The Turtle Dove passed on migration at the end of August,
and was constantly seen between Ali-chur and Kara-kul.
80. TurtuR FERRAGO, Eversm.
The West-Siberian Turtle Dove passes on migration through
the Pamir during September. Young ones were killed in the
Bash-Alai in the middle of that month.
81. SYRRHAPTES TIBETANUS, Gould.
The Tibetan Sand-Grouse is common enough throughout
the Pamir, where it breeds. Fledgelings were seen in the
middle of August. This bird ascends as high as 14,000 feet.
It was not seen on the Alai.
72 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
+-82. Corurnix communis, Bonn.
The Quail was seen near Ran-kul on the 29th Naan, and
was obtained near the river Ak-su on the 12th September.
83. TETRAOGALLUS HIMALAYENSIS, Gray.
The Himalayan Snow-Cock is called “ Ullar” by the
Kirghiz. It lives on the rocky mountains of the Pamir, and
was seen in summer between Lake Kara-kul and the Aksu
river, near the limit of perpetual snow, where it breeds. No
specimen was obtained ; so the identification may not be cor-
rect; this bird may be the 7’. tibetanus of Gould. On the
North Alai range, and on all the other mountains surround-
ing Ferghana, and also throughout the whole Tian-shan sys-
tem, the only Snow-Cock is 7. himalayensis.
84. ScoLopax GALLINAGO (Linn.).
The Common Snipe was seen on the 24th August near
Ran-kul before the migrating-season. It occasionally breeds
on the Pamir.
85. ARDEA CINEREA, Linn.
The Common Heron was observed at the end of August
flying near the Pamir-Alichur.
86. ARDETTA MINUTA (Linn.).
The Little Bittern was seen on the 20th September during
migration in the Kysil-art gorge.
87. Oris MACQUEENI, Gray.
On the 17th September I killed a female Macqueen’s Bus-
tard sitting on an ancient moraine near Lake Kara-kul. It
only passes through the Pamir.
88. Ors TeTRax, Linn.
The Little Bustard was seen on the 21st September in the
Bash-Alai near the Kysil-art gorge. It is only met with
on migration.
+ 89. CHARADRIUS MoNGOLICUs, Pall.
The Short-billed Sand-Plover breeds on the Alai, and on
the Pamir, where it 1s more common; it lives in the brook-
Birds of the Pamir Range. 73
swamps near rivers and lakes, and is particularly common
near Kara-kul and Ran-kul at 12,000 to 13,000 feet, where
it breeds. At the commencement of August the old birds
gathered into flocks and departed, leaving the young behind ;
and by the 7th September they too had disappeared.
Besides the Pamir (with the Alai steppe) I know only the fol-
lowing summer haunts of C. mongolicus, viz. :—the southern
parts of Trans-Baikalian Siberia, near the Mongolian border
on the rivers Oxus and Argun, where it was found by Pallas,
Radde, and Dybowsky ; and the mouth of the river Uda, in the
Sea of Ockotsk, where it was found by Middendorff in summer,
but not breeding. It was not obtained by Prjevalsky in
Southern Mongolia, nor on Lake Khu-khu-nor ; and it is also
wanting in the collections made by the expeditions of M.
Potanon and Col. Pevtzov in West Mongolia, where, however,
it may be occasionally found.
90. ANGIALITIS CANTIANA (Lath.).
4, alexandrina, Hasselq., var. dealbata, Swinhoe.
The Kentish Plover was scarce on the Pamir in August,
during migration. One female was obtained there, and also
in Ferghana, where it breeds. I observed and collected in
Ferghana the true 4. cantiana, and a closely allied form,
which I took for its eastern representative, 4. dealbata*.
They differ in the dark markings behind the eye. On com-
paring two of Swinhoe’s original specimens of 42. dealbata, de-
termined by himself, with some of 4. cantiana in my collection
from France, the Caspian coast, the Aral Sea, and Ferghana,
I found these markings identical in both forms, and the true
4. dealbata differing only in its larger bill, larger white tips
on the greater wing-coverts, and a more narrow and crescent-
shaped black patch between the white forehead and the rufous
crown ; but this last character varies in 4. cantiana itself.
* In my Russian text, written and printed at Tashkent, without the
necessary works of reference, this eastern representative is misnamed %,
placida, instead of 4, dealbata; but the true 42. placida is more closely
allied to 4. hiaticula and 42, fluviatilis than to 42. cantiana, whereas the
Ferghana bird, misnamed by me 42. placida, only slightly differs from
AS, cantiana, and very much from 42. fluviatilis.
74 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
From France to the Aral Sea the specimens I have com-
pared are identical ; but a Ferghana specimen (I have not yet
compared all), in its bill, great coverts, and fronto-coronal
patch, is intermediate between the western 4. cantiana and
the true 4. dealbata, which hardly deserves specific dis- —
tinction.
91. CHETTUSIA GREGARIA, Pallas.
An example of the Sociable Plover was killed on September
23rd on the Bash-Alai, during southerly migration.
1.92. Hamarorus ostraLecus, Linn.
The Oystercatcher was seen at the end of August on the
Pamir-Alichur, near the Boolma-kul, during migration.
93. Limosa MELANURA, Leisl.
Black-tailed Godwits were seen flying over the Pamir-
Alichur during migration at the end of August.
94. TEREKIA CINEREA, Gmel.
The Terek Sandpiper was obtained during migration near
Tashil-kul on the 5th of September, and near Kara-kul on the
18th September. It is a regular visitant to the Pamir in
small parties during the time of migration, unlike the last,
which can only be considered a straggler.
+95. Toranus GLorTis, Bechst.
The Greenshank passes the summer and breeds on the
Pamir ; but scarcely any specimens of young were obtained.
96. Toranus caLipRis (Linn.).
The Redshank breeds on the Pamir along the rivers and
lakes below 13,000 feet. It is especially numerous near
Ran-kul.
+-97. Toranus ocHropus (Linn.).
The Green Sandpiper is common in summer everywhere on
the Alai and Pamir, where it breeds.
98. Toranus GLAREOLA (Linn.).
The Green Sandpiper breeds throughout the Alai and
Pamir, and is especially numerous near Ran-kul.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 75
99. Toranus HyPoLeucus, Linn.
The Common Sandpiper breeds in great numbers on the
Bash-Alai, on brook-swamps along rivers.
+100. Trinca puenax, Linn.
The Ruff was numerous in August near the Kara-kul and
Ran-kul lakes, and was obtained on the Alichur at the com-
mencement of that month with remains of the breeding-plu-
mage. At the end of the month only young were seen. It
probably breeds on the Pamir.
+101. Trinea suparquata, Gild.
Curlew-Sandpipers were observed in the Pamir in July,
in their breeding-plumage, which they throw off in August,
and then migrate, the young only being left. They probably
breed there, because the other northern Limicole do not pass
through earlier than the end of August.
+102. Trinea atpina, Linn.
The Dunlin migrates through the Pamir about the begin-
ning of September.
1038. Trinea minuta, Leisl.
The Little Stint is found throughout August in the Pamir.
After the 16th many young birds were observed, but whether
bred there or not I cannot say.
104. Trinca TemMMINckEI, Leisl.
Temminck’s Stint was very numerous, and was seen every-
where on the Alai at the end of July and on the Pamir
throughout August. It breeds there.
105. Trinea PLATYRHYNCHA, Temm.
One specimen of the Broad-billed Sandpiper was collected
at Kara-kul on August 17th, before the migration-season—
perhaps a single bird which had passed the summer there.
+106. PHaLaropus HYPERBOREUS (Linn.).
The Red-necked Phalarope was obtained during migration
in the Pamir Alichur on September 8th, and near Kara-kul
on September 17th.
76 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
+107. Paatarorus ruticarius (Linn.).
The Grey Phalarope was obtained with the last species near
Kara-kul. Perhaps it is only a straggler ; for it is rare.
108. AnseR 1npicus, Gmel.
The Bar-headed Goose breeds on the brook-swamps near
all the lakes in the Pamir, and was also found near the
rivers Ak-su and Alichur. The young in down were seen at
the beginning of August. As soon as the young are fully
feathered the old birds moult. They are most numerous
near Ran-kul, where the Cossacks escorting the expedition
killed with sticks more than fifty moulting Geese in one
swamp.
109. Taporna TADORNA (Linn.).
One specimen only of the Common Sheldrake was seen
on the Katir-kul, between Kara-kul and the Kysil-art, and
nowhere else on the Pamir lakes.
110. Taporna casarca, Linn.
The Ruddy Sheldrake is numerous on all the Pamir lakes.
It assembles in troops at the end of August, and was then
seen in large numbers on the Sari-kul. Only young speci-
mens were collected; the old birds were too wary. It breeds
on the Pamir.
+111. Anas acuta, Linn.
The Pintail breeds near all the lakes in the Pamir. It is
not very common, but is often shot from the end of July to the
end of September.
112. Awas crrcta, Linn.
The distribution of the Garganey is like that of the Pintail ;
but it is more numerous on rivers.
+118. Anas crecca, Linn.
The Teal probably breeds here. Except Anas tadorna, no
Ducks are abundant on the Pamir.
-$114. Anas chypEata, Linn.
The Shoveller also probably breeds in the Pamir.
ha
Birds of the Pamir Range. ca
115. Fuxicuna cristata (Leach).
The Tufted Duck was seen at the end of July on the
Kara-kul; so it must breed there; but it is rare in the
Pamir.
116. Funicuna nyroca, Guld.
The White-eyed Duck is a resident in Ferghana, where it
breeds. It probably also breeds on the Pamir lakes.
+117. Mereus atBevius (Linn.).
The Smew was seen, but not shot, on the Boolum-kul in
the Pamir-Alichur at the end of August. It probably breeds
here. With the help of a binocular glass a pair was mi-
nutely examined on the lake at some 200 yards distance from
the shore. I clearly distinguished the thin Mergus-like bill,
and also its plumage.
+118. PHaacrocorax carpo, Linn.
The Cormorant was seen on the Kara-kul at the end of
July ; and a specimen was obtained on the Taschil-kul at the
end of August in fresh breeding-plumage, which proved that
it was a single bird.
119. Larus cacHInnans, Pallas.
Many specimens of the Mediterranean Herring-Gull were
seen on the Fashil-kul at the end of August. A young one
was shot, They probably pass the summer and breed there.
120. Larus BRUNNEICEPHALUS, Jerdon.
Some specimens of the Brown-headed Gull were obtained
on the Kara-kul at the end of July. This Gull breeds on the
Pamir lakes. At the end of August it had just assumed its
winter plumage.
+121. Srerna nirunpo, Linn., nec Dresser.
The Common Tern is more frequent than the Brown-headed
Gull, and found on all the lakes and rivers of the Pamir, where
it breeds.
In conclusion, it may be remarked that the avifauna of the
Pamir presents almost the same character as that of the
78 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
mammals, only perhaps with a greater mixture of Tibetan
and Mongolian types, unobserved on the Tian-shan table-
lands, such as Syrrhaptes tibetanus, Charadrius mongolicus,
Larus brunneicephalus. Two other species, viz. Otocorys
elwesi and Budytes calcarata, are very numerous in Western
Tibet, in the Pamir, and in the Alai, and are found also,
though not so common, in the Tian-shan tablelands. We
may also remark that the steppe-types of the ornithological
fauna of Bash-Alai and Pamir, viz. Otocorys elwesi, Saxicola
isabellina, 8S. deserti, Syrrhaptes tibetanus, Charadrius
mongolicus, and Tadorna casarca, are also found in Tibet.
But of these steppe-types only the two species of Sawicola and
Tadorna casarca are common to the Pamir and Aral-Caspian
steppe, the Sazicole even ranging into the northern Sahara,
while the remaining species, though belonging to the most
characteristic genera of the desert avifauna, are peculiar to
the tablelands of high Asia, where they represent closely
allied species of the iower hot deserts. Thus, instead of Car-
podacus mongolicus, peculiar to the highlands of Asia, we
have the closely allied C. githagineus of Sahara, Syria, and
Persia, and instead of Otocorys elwesi, we have O. brandti im
the Aral-Caspian steppe and O. bilopha in the Sahara. In
these genera the steppe-species, especially those of Otocorys,
are near relatives to those living in the-tablelands of the
Pamir and Tian-shan. Greater differences exist between
Syrrhaptes tibetanus and S. paradoxus of the steppe, and
between Charadrius mongolicus and C. caspius.
We can see from the enumeration of the Pamir birds pecu-
liar to the steppes, that they only constitute a small part of
its avifauna, their number amounting to only one eighth of
all the species which breed there, or seven out of fifty-four
species. The greater part of the Pamir avifauna consists of
Central-Asiatic alpine species, mostly land-birds, and of
species which are widely spread over the whole Palearctic
region. ‘These last are mostly Waders and Palmipedes.
The greater part of the northern birds belonging to the
polar tundras are only seen in the Pamir during the time of
migration, and are not common.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 79
The fauna of the Pamir and that of high Asia in general is
far from being a repetition of the polar fauna; it only bears
some resemblance to it in the large proportion of Waders and
Palmipedes among the breeding-birds of these heights. On
the Pamir there are 23 Waders and Palmipedes out of 54
breeding species—that is, 43 per cent.; while the Turkestan
fauna gives less than 20 per cent. of breeding Waders and
Palmipedes. In the polar countries, if we exclude the sea-
birds proper, we find the following percentages, viz. in the
southern part of the Taimur peninsula, on the Boganida (a
continental locality), 36 out of 52, or 69 per cent., and further
north on the river Taimir, as much as 80 per cent. |
Besides the few species that belong properly to the polar
tundras, a considerable number of the generally spread Pale-
arctic species of the Pamir spread far north into the polar
subregion ; such are Faico tinnunculus, Saxicola enanthe, To-
tanus glareola, Tringa pugnax, Scolopax gallinago, Anas acuta.
These six species breed more or less generally throughout the
whole country between the Pamir and Northern Siberia.
Five of these (with the three polar species above mentioned,
eight) breed on the Pamir as well as in Northern Siberia,
and one (Falco tinnunculus) appears in summer in both loca-
lities but does not breed.
Highty-five per cent. of the species breeding in the Pamir
do not extend tothe polar tundras, though the climate of the
Pamir does not differ much from that of the polar region,
judging by the number of days with frost. There is, indeed,
if any thing, a rougher climate on the Pamir in summer, owing
to its frosty nights, its low latitude depriving it of the un-
setting polar sun. Though very differently composed, the
fauna of the Pamir bears a highly arctic stamp, there being
about the same number of breeding species, viz. 54 on the
Pamir and 52 on the Boganida; but more additions are to be
expected to the list of Pamir birds than to that of the Bo-
ganida made by Middendorff.
In the Pamir there are 54 species that remain to breed to
65 that do not.
The following birds, though generally distributed over the
80 Mr. N. A. Severtzow on the
high alpine zone of Turkestan above the limits of the alpine
woods, were not found on the Pamir, viz. :—
1. Vultur monachus (@). 17. Ruticilla erythronota (¢).
2. Athene plumipes. 18. Saxicola vittata (¢).
3. Pyrrhocorax alpinus (7). 19. Cinclus leucogaster (7).
4, Acanthis fringillirostris (7). 20. Lanius homeyeri (¢).
5. brevirostris (7). : 21. Chelidon lagopoda*.
6, Fringilla montifringilla (¢). 22. Perdix barbata (a).
7. Fringillauda altaica (a). 23. Caceabis chukar (a).
8. Emberiza passerina, Pail. 24. hyemalis (a).
9, Alauda arvensis (é). 25. Grus cinerea. Yulduz.
10. Budytes citreola. 26. virgo. Yulduz.
dd; citreoloides. 27. Charadrius geoffroyi.
12. melanocephala (¢). 28. Anas strepera.
13. Motacilla alba (¢). 29. Fuligula rufina.
14. Accentor rufilatus, Sev.
15. Phylloscopus indicus (¢).
16, —— superciliosus (¢).
0. Mergus merganser (@).
. Larus ridibundus (7).
co co
—
The sign (n) indicates bird breeding, the sign (a) indicates
bird not breeding, on these heights, but lower in the moun-
tains, and ascending after the breeding-season in July. The
letter (¢) indicates birds only found in migration.
All together 152 species have been found up to the present
time in the high alpine regions of Tian-shan and the Pamir,
of which 65 species breed there. Of these species 31 are
not found in the Pamir; but I have given a list of them in order
to complete the high alpine avifauna of inner Asia. As the
distribution of these 31 birds is mostly local, the Pamir avi-
fauna may still be increased by many of them, and may,
besides, receive other additions; and so I give no list of the
birds observed only on Pamir and not on the corresponding
heights of the Tian-shan system, of which I could name
30 species or more. This great difference in the avifaunas,
however, is only apparent: they are certainly different ;
but the difference is inconsiderable, and it would be
premature to draw any conclusions upon the subject.
Many birds that are common to the Pamir and the
* Found in Yulduz and determined by Col. Prjevalsky. ‘This species
breeds in Mongolia, north-east of Yulduz.
Birds of the Pamir Range. 81
Tian-shan were, for instance, found in only one locality in
that range, although. they may occur in twenty ; again, in
Tian-shan some species were found in only one spot, whereas
they probably occur in many others. There are still wide
tracts of country unexplored betweeu our routes.
As regards the upper alpine region of the Pamir and
Tian-shan we have also insufficient observations, these only
having been made in June as to breeding birds, and in
September as to migratory species. As to the range of the
alpine Pamir birds into Western Tibet, I have here* only
the paper by Dr. Scully+ on the avifauna of Hastern Turke-
stan, where he also enumerates the birds found on his way
thither and back. I extract from this paper the following
list of the birds observed by Dr. Scully between Leh and
Yarkand along the road by the Karakorum Pass, on heights
not below 10,000 feet, north of Ladakh, also; on the road to
Kitschik-yailak.
-1. Vultur monachus. 18. Montifringilla adamsi.
2. Gypaetus barbatus (P). 19. Calandrella brachydactyla (P).
3. Milvus melanotis. 20. Otocorys penicillata (P).
4, Falco tinnunculus (P). 21. Accentor fulvescens (P).
5. Circus swainsoni. 22. Motacilla personata (P).
6. Corvus tibetanus (P). 23. Budytes citreola.
7. Pica leucoptera (P). 24, Phylloscopus tristis f.
8. Pyrrhocorax alpinus, 25, Phylloscopus viridanus (P).
9. graculus (P). 26. Sylvia curruca (P).
10. Podoces humilis. 27. Ruticilla semirufa (rufiventris,
11. Parus cyaneus. VANE
12. Leptopeecile sophie. 28. erythrogastra (P).
18, Carpodacus rubicilla. 29. Saxicola cenanthe § (P).
14, erythrinus (P). 30. deserti (P).
15. Linota brevirostris, 31. Motacilla saxatilis (P).
16. Leucosticte heematopygia. 32. Cotile rupestris (P).
17. Passer indicus. 33. Upupa epops (P).
* At Tashkend, April 1879, + S. F. vol. iv. pp. 44-205.
{ The small dimensions of this bird given by Dr. Scully induce me to
think that it is P. sindhicus, Brooks, found in Turkestan as well as P.
tristis.
§ Scully saw it only once, during migration.
SER. V.— VOL. I. G
82 On the Birds of the Pamir Range.
34, Coracias garrula”*. 42, Aigialitis fluviatilis.
35. Columba rupestrist (P). 43. Totanus glottis (P).
36. Caccabis chukar. 44. calidris (P).
37. Tetraogallus tibetanus. 45, ochropus (P).
38. himalayanus (P). 46, Actitis hypoleucus (P).
39. Crex porzana j. 47. Querquedula crecca (P).
40. Gallinago solitaria. 48, Sterna fluviatilis (P).
41. Ardea cinerea (P).
All the above are common to the Pamir and Tian-shan,
except Podoces humilis and Leucosticte hematopygia (which
is replaced by my L. pamirensis). About Montifringilla adamst
and Megaloperdix tibetana my observations were not con-
elusive. The remaining 44 are all found in Turkestan.
A more complete catalogue could now be compiled for
Western Tibet by adding to the above list those of Drs. Hen-
derson and Stoliczka and Capt. Biddulph; but this would
scarcely make any change in the above given brief general idea
of the ornithological affinity between West Tibet, the Pamir,
and Tian-shan. We could add some few species found on
the Ladakh-Yarkand roads, and wanting in Turkestan, as
Carpodacus stoliczke, Hume; but then we should also add
many more species common to these roads and Russian
Turkestan, as Otocorys elwesi, Falco hendersoni, &c.
In this list of the West-Tibetan birds the letter (P) desig-
nates the species found inthe Pamir. We see that the Cen-
tral-Asian ornithological district (to which belong Tian-shan
and the Pamir) spreads to the south-east, and includes North-
western Tibet as far as the right bank of the Upper Indus.
The eastern limit cannot now be fixed, because the interior
of Eastern Tibet is not yet explored. It may be remarked
that some forms proper to Tibet were not found by Dr.
Scully on his way, but extend to the west and north-west of
it as far as Karakul; such, for instance, are Syrrhaptes tibe-
tanus, Larus brunneicephalus, and others above mentioned.
The Mammal-faunas have different limits ; and that of Tibet
* In Tibet as a straggler.
+ C. rupicola, apud Scully.
} Porzana maruetta, apud Scully.
On the Name for the Woodchat Shrike. 83
is markedly different from that of Pamir, as can even be
observed from Scully’s incomplete observations. He speaks
of only four mammals; and two of them were not observed
in Turkestan, viz. a wild sheep peculiar to Tibet and West
China (Ovis nahoor), and an antelope (Kemas hodgsoni)*.
The other two mammals of Western Tibet probably also range
into the Pamir; they are a marmot (Arctomys, sp.) and a hare
(Lepus, sp.) with a bluish grey rump.
V.—Notes on the earliest available Scientific Name for the
Woodchat Shrike. By Howarp Saunpers, F.Z.S.
Mr. Sersoum and I have had occasion to examine the syno-
nymy of the Woodchat Shrike, with the following result :—
The name most frequently employed until late years is
Lanius rufus, Brisson (Orn. 11. p. 147) ; but Brisson’s name,
although correctly applied, antedates the ornithological era
1766, and is therefore not available. Lanius rufus, Linn. Syst.
Nat. i. p. 137 (1766), is avowedly based upon Lanius mada-
gascarensis rufus, Briss. Orn. 11. p. 178, a Madagascar bird ;
so that is out of the question. On turning to Mr. H. E.
Dresser’s ‘ Birds of Europe’ for information, the first name
on the list (iil. p. 147) is Lanius auriculatus, “ Mill. Syst.
Nat. Suppl. p. 71 (1766) ” [sic]. These citations for title
and date, given by Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser (for they
were partners in this article), are both erroneous: the former
should be “ Miller, Natursyst [ems] Suppl. p. 71;” and
the proper date is 1776. But the godfather of this name
appears to be Professor Newton, who, in his 4th edition of
Yarrell’s Brit. Birds, i. p. 215, employs the name L. auricu-
latus, P. L. 8. Miller, giving, it is almost needless to say,
the correct reference. The question, however, is whether
the bird so named by Miiller is the Woodchat ?
An examination of the second volume of Miiller’s ‘ Natur-
system’ shows that he only distinguished two species of
* Perhaps this is the straight-horned Ras mentioned by Wood on the
authority of the inhabitants as occurring in the Pamir.
G2
or On the Name for the Woodchat Shrike.
European Shrikes, which he named L. ewcubitor and L. col-
lurio, the adult male of the latter being, at most, imperfectly
known to him. In the Supplement, p. 71 (1776), he named
a third, “Die schwarzdhrige” (the Blackeared), Lanius
auriculatus; and the following is an exact translation of his
description :—
«The name is given because this bird has a long black
spot behind the eye on each side, which gives it the appear-
ance of having black ears. For the rest the back is whitish
erey.
“Ttis the Piegriéche rousse of Buffon ; for a certain variety
hasa red breast. Habitat Europe.”
Now by uo elasticity of description can the back of the
Woodchat be termed grey. The shoulders are chestnut, like
the nape and crown; the mantle is black ; and the only grey
to be discovered is on quite the lower part, or rump. The
black ear-patch is found in the adult males of all the Euro-
pean species; so that portion of Miiller’s diagnosis is useless.
He goes on to identify his L. auriculatus with the Pie-griéche
rousse of Buffon. On turning to the ‘ Planches Enluminées,’
plate 9. fig. 2 is a perfectly recognizable representation of
a male: Woodchat, in which the Jack, right down to the
upper tail-coverts, is entirely black, and the breast is buff-
white. On pl. 31, fig. 1, which is in the background, is
called Pie-griéche rousse de France, femelle, but is really the
female of Z. collurio. On the same plate, in the foreground,
although numbered 2, is a representation of the adult male
L. collurio, in which the back, with the exception of the
mantle, really is grey. There is, however, no proof. that
Miiller identified his bird with Buffon’s from either of these
plates, or even that he ever saw them; nor does Buffcn’s
description make matters at all clear. My impression is,
that by L. auriculatus Muller meant L. minor, which has the
grey back, the black ear-patch, and the rosy breast ; but all
I maintain is, that there is no good reason for applying this
name to the Woodchat, and that the sooner it is altogether
discarded the better.
Next in order amongst the synonyms comes Lanius
On a Collection of Birds from Borneo. 85
- pomeranus, Sparrman, Mus. Carls. fasc. i. no. 1, pl. (1786),
an excellent description and plate of an adult Woodchat.
By early authors, and by compilers like Degland and Gerbe,
Gmelin is frequently quoted as the author of this name;
and it is his No 38, Syst. Nat. i. p. 802 (1788); but he
avowedly took it from Sparrman. So, unless some one can
discover an earlier and valid title, it seems to me that the
name of the Woodchat must stand as Lanius pomeranus.
Just for curiosity, let us look a little further and see what
others have done. Lanius rufus vy; Gin SN... pe, SUI as
a supposed variety y of his L. collurio, No. 12. Lanius ru-
tilus, Latham, Ind. Orn. i. p. 70 (1790), is recognizable as the
Woodchat, but anticipated four years by ZL. pomeranus.
Bechstein, in his Vég. Deutschl., Ist ed., i. p. 387, taf. 15
(1791), calls the Woodchat ZL. collurio; but in the 2nd ed. ii.
p. 1527, taf. 15. fig. 1 (1805), he names it L. ruficeps, Retzius,
Fauna Suecica, p. 89 (1800). On referring to that page,
Retzius appears to have given it no such name, but called it
L. rufus. But what a waste of time it is to dig up these
musty old authors, who cannot even quote their authorities
correctly, and to try to make out their imperfect descrip-
tions, so as to get a year or two nearer to the ornitho-
logical era 1766. he earliest unimpeachable description and
figure of the Woodchat is that of Lanius pomeranus, Sparrman ;
and by the existing rules we must accept it, and get used to
it as soon as possible. Those who refuse to do this, and
adopt names merely because they have been sanctioned by the
number or the authoritative weight of employers, will certainly
go further and probably fare worse.
V1.—On a Collection of Birds from Borneo.
By Francis Nicuoxson, F.Z.8.
Mr. E. G. Lempriere, who is now collecting in Borneo, has
forwarded to England a series of beautifully prepared skins,
on which I have written a few notes.
The birds are from three localities, and include a numver
86 My. F. Nicholson on a Collection
from North-Eastern Borneo, from places which have not
been worked before by any naturalist, excepting Mr. Pryer
(cf. Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1881, p. 790).
From Labuan and the neighbouring islands Mr. Lempriere
has sent a series, which, however, adds little to our knowledge
of the avifauna of this part of Borneo. But there appear to
be four species not recorded by Mr. Sharpe in his list of the
birds of Labitian (P. Z.S. 1879, p. 317). These are as
follows :—
1. XanrHopryei1a NARcISSINA (‘Temm.).
XAanthopygia narcissina, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iv.
p. 250.
New to Borneo, but doubtless occurring regularly on
migration.
2. Macueres puenax (L.).
New to Borneo.
3. Trinca TENUIROSTRIs, T. & S.
Tringa tenuirostris, Salvad. Ucc. Born. p. 325.
Not before recorded from Labian.
4. QuerquEputa crecia (L.).
Querquedula circia, Salvad. tom. cit. p. 361.
Not before recorded from Borneo. Count Salvadori has,
however, placed it in his book as a species likely to occur.
The following is a list of birds from the Segilind River,
N.E. Borneo :—
(55) Micronierax Latirrons, Sharpe.
Microhierax latifrons, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 237, pl. vii.
(383) Burastur rnpicus (Gm.).
Butastur indicus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 236.
(50) Loricutus cateutus (L.).
Loriculus galgulus, Sharpe, P. Z.S. 1881, p. 791.
(37) Haxrpactes puvauce.i (T.).
Harpactes duvauceli, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 792.
of Birds from Borneo. 87
(46) MrcatmMa mystacopHanss (TT).
Megalema mystacophanes, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 239.
(68) Mrcat#Ma curysopsis, Goffin.
Megalema chrysopsis, Salvad. Ucc. Born. p. 32.
(36) Xytotepes vauipus (T).
Xylolepes validus, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 792.
(47) CatLotopuus puniceus (Horsf.).
Callolophus puniceus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 792.
(49) CaLLoLorHus MENTALIs (T.).
Callolophus mentalis, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 24:2.
(62) CALLOLoPHUS MALACCENSIS (Lath.).
Callolophus malaccensis, Salvad. Ucc. Born. p. 50.
(58) Meretypres tristis (Horsf.).
Meiglyptes tristis, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 792.
(53) Hemicrrcus sorpipus (Hyton).
Hemicercus sordidus, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 240.
(48) RurvortHa cHLoROPH ®a (Rafil.).
Rhinortha chlorophea, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 792.
(38) Zanctostomus Javanicus (Horsf.).
Zanclostomus javanicus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(65) Nycriornis amicta (T.).
Nyctiornis amicta, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 793.
(84, 44) CarcINEUTES MELANOPS ('T.).
Carcineutes melanops, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 793.
(31) Hatcyon concreta (T.).
Halcyon concreta, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 793.
(51) BarracHostomus apsPersus, Briiggem.
Batrachostomus adspersus, Briggem. Ann. & Mag. Nat.
Hist. (4) xx. p. 178 (1877).
This appears to be a very distinct species.
(57) XANTHOPYGIA NARCISSINA (T.).
Xanthopygia narcissina, vide antea.
88 My. F. Nicholson on a Collection
(59) SropAROLA THALASSINOIDES (Cab.).
Stoparola thalassinoides, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Museum,
iv. p. 439.
(61) Timea NicRICcOLLIS, T.
Timelia nigricollis, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 257.
(52) Cutoropsts zosTERops, Vig.
Chloropsis zosterops, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1881, p. 796.
(42) CriniceR pHmocEPHALUS, Hartl.
Criniger pheocephalus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 797.
(41, 43) OrroLus xantHonotvs, Horsf.
Oriolus xanthonotus, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 251.
(64) PLATYLOPHUS LEMPRIERI, Sp. NOv.
P. similis P. coronato ex Sumatra, sed clarius rufus, et genis
nigris distinguendus.
This is probably the P. coronatus of Briggemann (Abhandl.
Nat. Verein, Bremen, p. 461).
(30) Piryrtasis GYMNocEPHALA (Rafil.).
Pityriasis gymnocephala, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 795.
(85) Prrra cyanoprera, T.
Pitta cyanoptera, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 262.
(39) Pirra ussuuri, Sharpe.
Pitta ussheri, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1881, p. 798.
(40) Pirra MUELLERI (Bp.).
Pitta muelleri, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(45,69) Pirra paupr, M. & S.
Pitta baudi, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(82) Pirra cHruea (Raffl.).
Pitta cerulea, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(70) Pirra scuwanert, T.
Pitta schwaneri, Sharpe, Ibis, 1879, p. 263.
(60, 63) Eurytamus savanicus, Horsf,
Eurylemus javanicus, Sharpe. tom. cit. p. 268,
of Birds from Borneo. 89
(54) EuryL“mus ocHrome as, Sharpe.
Eurylemus ochromelas, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 798.
(56) CyMBoRHYNCHUS MACRORHYNCHUS (Gm.). .
Cymborhynchus macrorhynchus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(67) ARBOROPHILA CHARLTONI (Eyton).
Compared with the types in the British Museum.
From Silam, N.E. Coast of Borneo :—
(28, 4) Harpactss prarpi (T.).
Harpactes diardi, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 791.
(24) Mecatama mystTacopHanss (T.).
Megalema mystacophanes, vide supra, “ Lantoogo.”
(13) CaLLoLoruus MENTALIS (T.).
Callolophus mentalis, vide supra, ‘‘ Wit-wit.”
(8) Microrrernvs Baptosvs (‘T.).
Micropternus badiosus, Sharpe, P. Z.S. 1881, p. 792.
(12) Mereiypres TUKKI (Less.).
Meiglyptes tukki, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 792.
(2) Tariponax savensis (Horsf.).
Thriponaz javensis, Sharpe, tom. cit. 792.
(26) RurnortHa cHLORoPH#A (Raffl.).
Rhynortha chlorophea, vide supra.
(5) Ruoropytrs eERyTHROGNATHUS (Hartl.).
Rhopodytes erythrognathus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(16) Atcrpo mMEeninTING, Horsf.
Alcedo meninting, Salvad, Ucc. Born. p. 93, “ Mantis.”
(9) Cryx pILLwywnI, Sharpe.
Ceyx dillwynni, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 793.
(25) Haxcyon cutoris (Bodd.).
Halcyon chloris, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 793, ‘‘ Kic-kic.”’
(1) Prarysmurus aTerRiMus (T.).
Platysmurus aterrimus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 799.
90 Mr. H. Seebohm on the
(22) DisspMuRUS BRACHYPHORUS (T.).
Dissemurus brachyphorus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p.795, “ Blakil.”
(10) TerpsipHoNE arrinis (Hay).
Terpsiphone affinis, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 794.
(7) Henicurus Frronrauis, Blyth.
Henicurus frontalis, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 798.
(18) CuLoropsis cyanopocon (T.).
Chloropsis cyanopogon, Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 32, “ Perak
Hyan.”
(15) Microprus MELANOCEPHALUs (Gm.).
Micropus melanocephalus, Sharpe, tom, cit. p. 65, “ Piang.”
(17, 29) RusteuLa weBBeRI (Hume).
Rubigula webberi, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 171, ‘ Perak Un-
goot.”’
(19, 20) Irena cRINIGERA, Sharpe.
Irena crinigera, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 176, “ Lalu.”
(27) ARACHNOTHERA LONGIROSTRA (Lath.).
Arachnothera longirostra, Sharpe, P. Z. 8S. 1881, p. 796.
(11, 6) Corypon sumatranus (Rafil.).
Corydon sumatranus, Salvad. Ucc. Born. p. 111.
(28) Treron oxax (T.).
Treron olax, Salvad, tom. cit. p. 289, “ Punie-Siur.”
(21, 14) RotiuLus RouLRouL (Scop.).
Rollulus rouloul, Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1881, p. 800, ‘* Surokan.”
(3) Evpiocamus 1enitus (Lath.).
Euplocamus ignitus, Sharpe, tom. cit. p. 800.
—\ VII.—Observations on the Pied Wagtails of Japan.
By Hunry Srrsoum.
Caprain Buaxrstron has called my attention to a species of
Motacilla from Japan which appears to him to be distinct from
both M. japonica and M. amurensis, Capt. Blakiston has
Pied Wagtails of Japan. 91
sent me three males, after comparing them with the skins in
the Hakodadi Museum ; and I find that I have four other
examples of the same bird in my collection. It seems to be a
good species, breeding in the Kurile Islands, the island of
South Yesso, and the island of Askold, and wintering on the
coast of China from Takow to Amoy; I propose to call this bird
+ MoraciLia BLAKISTONI, Sp. nov.
Forehead, chin, and the sides of the head and neck (except
a black line through the eye) white. Throat, breast, hind
head, nape, back, lesser wing-coverts, scapulars, innermost
secondaries, tips of primaries, upper tail-coverts, and eight
centre tail-feathers black. Rest of wings and tail and under-
parts white.
From M. amurensis this species may always be distin-
guished by having black instead of grey lesser wing-coverts,
and white instead of brown secondaries. From M. japonica
its white, instead of black, cheeks and sides of the neck are a
sufficient distinction.
Capt. Blakiston informs me that he has examples of M.
amurensis from Kamtschatka ; and Taczanowski also describes
this species (under the name of M. kamtschatica, Pall.) as
having been obtained by Dybowski in Kamtschatka. The
synonymy of M. amurensis will therefore be as follows :—
_ Motacilla lugens, Pall. fide Kitthtz, Kupf. Nat. Vég. p. 16,
pl. 21. fig. 1 (1832, nec Temm. et Schl. 1847).
Motacilla lugens, Illig. fide Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. 1. p. 250
(1850, partim).
Motacilla alba, var. lugens, Ullig. fide Schrenck, Amur-
Lande, 1. p. 338 (1860).
Motacilla amurenris, Seebohm, Ibis, 1878, p. 345.
Motacilla camtschatica, Pall. fide Taczanowski, Bull. Soc.
Zool. France, 1882, p. 388.
In winter both M. amurensis and M. blakistoni lose the
black on the throat and on the lower breast. M. japonica
appears to retain the black all the year round. The example
of M. amurensis figured in ‘ The Ibis,’ 1878, pl. ix. is the
only skin of this species which I have seen that appears to
92 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
be quite in breeding-plumage. Seven other skins in my col-
lection have white chins; but the male described by Dybowsky
is said to have the throat black to the base ofthe bill. If full
summer plumage be so rare in this species, it may also be so
in M. leucopsis, and Mr. Hume is probably right in con-
sidering M. sechuensis as the fully adult plumage of the latter
species. Assuming this to be the case, the Pied Wagtails of
of Asia in adult summer plumage may be diagnosed as
follows :—
a, Back grey.
Gi. WheGKS DIAC... «e «ysce gerne Meteo berets Ciena personata.
b'. Cheeks white.
a". Black line through the eye.............- ocularis.
b'’. No black line through the eye .......... dukhunensis,
b. Back black.
ce’, Cheeks black.
ie anim ayy Hib «Mee, eo satel bso ueke anal teens ems ake oe japonica.
d'', Chin black.
a’. Black on the head coming down in a
peak to the base of the tail...... maderaspatana.
OM Hore head Awihate sy . oc ei. myataseuaohasiaratcrets hodgsoni.
da’. Cheeks white.
e". Black line through the eye.
e’''’. Shoulders black ; secondaries white... blakistoni.
d'"', Shoulders grey; secondaries brown. . amurensis.
ff". No black line through the eye .......... leucopsis.
~ VITI.—On the Genera Microbates and Rhamphocenus of the
Family Formicariide. By P. L. Scrater, M.A., Ph.D.,
F.R.S.
(Plate III.)
In the Appendix to our ‘Nomenclator Avium Neotropi-
calium,’ published in 1873, Mr. Salvin and I instituted a
new genus of Formicariid, with the subjomed characters :—
MicrosatTss, gen. nov.
(pikpos, parvus, et Barns, gui incedit.)
Habitus generalis Rhamphoceni, rostro paulo crassiore at
Genera Microbates and Rhamphocznus. 93
~ feré simili; sed cauda brevissima, alas haud superante, primo
— yisu distinguendus. Typus M. torquatus, sp. nov.
——-
The single species of the genus known to us was described
as follows :—
+ Micropates TORQUATUS.
emits murino-brunneus unicolor, alis caudaque concolori-
bus; supercilis angustis elongatis et genis albis; spatio
postoculari et striga rictali indistincta nigris: subtus
albus, torque pectorali nigro; hypochondris et crisso
fulvescentibus ; rostro superiore schistaceo, hujus tomiis
et mandibula iferiore albicantibus ; pedibus clare cory-
linis: long. tota 3°5, ale 2:0, caudex 1-0, rostri a rictu
0'9, tarsi 0°95.
Hab. Cayenna, propé urbem “ St. George d’Oyapock.”
The only example of this curious little bird then known
to us, which still remains unique in my collection, was ob-
tained in 1872 from Madame Verdey of Paris. It bears
a label in a handwriting at that time unknown to me,
but which I have since made out to be that of M. Jelski,
the well-known collector of the Warsaw Museum. ‘The
label informs us that the specimen was obtained by him at
St. George d’Oyapock in Cayenne, in 1869, and was of the
female sex.
Since the description of Microbates torquatus was pub-
lished in 1872, I have found that what is evidently the same
bird has been described by Herr v. Pelzeln in 1871 in his
‘ Ornithologie Brasiliens’ under the name Rhamphocenus col-
laris (op. cit. p. 157), which being the oldest, should be
adopted for this species.
The specimens of this bird described by Herr vy. Pelzeln
were obtained by Natterer at Barra do Rio Negro, Mara-
bitanas, and on the Rio I¢ganna, showing that, hke many
other Cayenne species, it extends far into the interior.
Natterer describes the iris of this bird as dark brown; the
bill black above, and dirty white, passing into cient be-
neath ; tarsus and toes clear bluish grey, claws brownish
grey. He obtained six specimens in all, and notes the sexes
as alike.
94, Mr. P. L. Selater on the
In order to endeavour to come to a conclusion which of
the two proposed generic names should be retained for this
bird, I have assembled together the specimens of Rampho-
cenus in my collection and that of Messrs. Salvin and God-
man (thirty-three in number), and made a careful exami-
nation of them, with the following result :—
Comparing Microbates with Rhamphocenus melanurus,
there can be no doubt that the points mentioned in our
original description of the genus hold good. The tail, instead
of being long and graduated, as in that species, is very short
and almost square, or barely rounded at the tip. But in R.
cinereiventris, on the other hand, nearly the same form of
tail-structure prevails as in Microbates ; and these two species
cannot be fairly separated generically.
The best course to pursue is, on the whole, I think, to
regard the structure of the tail as being only of subgeneric
value, and to arrange the five species of Rhamphocenus under
two heads, somewhat as follows :—
Genus RHAMPHOCAENUS.
Subgen. A. Rhamphocenus : cauda elongata, rectricibus
eraduatis.
1. RHAMPHOCANUS MELANURUS.
Rhamphocenus melanurus, Vieill. N. Dict. xxix. p.6; Ene.
Méth. p. 863; Gal. Ois. i. p. 204, pl. 128; Burm. Syst. Ueb.
p. 72; Cab. et Heine, Mus. Hein. ii. p. 11; Bp. Consp. p. 201;
Scl. P.Z.S. 1858, p. 243; Cat. A. B. p. 183; Sel. et Salv.
P. Z.S. 1867, p. 576 (r. Capim), et Nomencl. p. 73; Pelz.
Orn. Bras. p. 84.
Rhamphocenus longirostris, Licht. Nomencl. Mus. Berol.
p. 22.
Troglodytes rectirostris, Sw. Zool. Ill. ser. 1, pl. 140.
Troglodytes gladiator, Max. Beitr. i. p. 751.
Murino-brunneus ; subtus albus, lateraliter rufescens: cauda
nigra, rectricis une utrinque extime dimidio apicali
sordide fusco, proximis plus minusve fusco terminatis :
long. tota 4°75, ale 1‘9, caude 1:7, rostri a rictu 9°5,
tarsi 0°8.
Genera Microbates and Ramphocenus. 95
Hab. S8.E. Brazil (Maz.), Bahia (Wucherer), Rio Capim,
Para (Wallace).
MMus..S:-G., P38,
4) 2. RHAMPHOCANUS ALBIVENTRIS, Sp. NOV.
Rhamphocenus melanurus, Scl. et Salv. P. Z.S. 1867, p. 750
(Amazons), 1868, p. 628 (Venezuela).
Prcedenti similis sed gastrzo albo diversus.
Hab, Guiana, Venezuela, et Amazonia. Surinam (C. Bart-
lett), San Esteban, Venezuela (Géring), Sarayacu, Ecuador
(Buckley), Chyavetas, Upper Amazons (LE. Bartlett).
Musa Pst. Set, S.-G:
The Amazonian form of this species seems to be distinguish-
able (as is usually the case) from that of the wood region of
S.E. Brazil. The lower surface is nearly uniform white,
not showing the rufous flanks of its Brazilian representative.
~-3. RHAMPHOCAENUS RUFIVENTRIS.
Scolopacinus rufiventris, Bp. P. Z. 8. 1887, p. 119.
Rhamphocenus rufiventris, Gray, Gen. B. 1. p. 157, pl. 47.
fig. 2; Scl. P.Z.S. 1858, p. 244, et Cat. A. B. p. 184;
Bp. Consp. p. 201; Scl.et Salv. Ibis, 1860, p. 399; P.Z.S.
1864, p. 356, 1879, p. 525 (Antioquia); et Nomencl. p. 73;
Salvin, P. Z. S. 1867, p. 145 (Veragua), 1870, p. 195 (Vera-
gua) ; Ibis, 1869, p. 319 (Costa Rica).
Rhamphocenus sancte-marthe, Scl. P. Z. 8. 1861, p. 380;
Cat. A. B. p. 184.
Murino-brunneus, capite toto precipue ad latera rufescente,
subtus pallide rufescens ; gutture albo, plumis subtus
cinereis ; cauda nigra, rectricibus tribus extimis albo
terminatis, extima etiam in pogonio externo albo lim-
bata: long. tota 5°3, ale 2:2, caude 2:0, rostri a rictu
Jl, tarsi 0:9.
Hab. Central America from Vera Paz to Panama, and
Northern Colombia. Vera Paz (Salvin) ; Costa Rica and
Veragua (Arcé) ; Panama (McLeannan) ; Santa Marta
(Verreaux) ; Antioquia (Salmon) ; Bogota.
Mus. P.L.S. et. 8.-G.
The series of fourteen specimens of this species from the
above-mentioned localities now before me shows that it extends
96 On the Genera Microbates and Rhamphocenus. -
all through Central America into Colombia. My R. sancte-
marthe is, I now think, not to be separated. The prominent
white tips to the lateral tail-feathers and the full rufous belly
render this species easily distinguishable from the two former.
Subgen. B. Microbates: cauda brevi feré quadrata.
4, RHAMPHOCENUS CINEREIVENTRIS.
Rhamphocenus cinereiwentris, Scl. P. Z. 8. 1855, p. 76,
pl. 87; 1858, p. 244; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 73.
Olivaceo-brunneus; capitis lateribus rufis; gutture albo, nigro-
cinerascenti striato ; abdomine cinerascente, medialiter
albescentiore, lateraliter obscuriore; cauda nigricanti-
fusca: long. tota 40, ale 2:0, caude 1°3.
Hab. Colombia, Pasto (Delattre) ; Ecuador, Sarayacu
(Buckley) .
Mus. Derbiano, P. L.S. et 8.-G.
+5. RHAMPHOCENUS SEMITORQUATUS.
Rhamphocenus semitorquatus, Lawr. Ann. L. N. Y. vii.
p. 469 (1862); Salvin, P. Z. S. 1867, p. 145 (Veragua), 1870,
p- 195 (Veragua); Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 73.
Rhamphocenus cinereiveniris, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1879,
p- 525 (Antioquia).
Precedenti similis, et ventre obscuriore necnon gutturis striis
fortioribus vix dignoscendus.
Hab. Veragua (Arcé), Panama, Antioquia (Salmon).
I am rather doubtful about the propriety of retaining this
northern form of the last species as distinct ; but as they have
been already separated, I allow them to remain so. The
Antioquian bird must, however, go with the Central- American
form.
6. Ruampnocznus cotuaris. (Plate III.)
Ramphocenus collaris, Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 84, et p. 157
(1871).
Microbates torquatus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. pp. 72, 161
(1872).
Hab. Guiana et Amazonia inferior.
Mus. P. Ua, 8.
anhart amp
NP
Vi
COBLARIS
Recently published Ornithological Works. 97
IX.—WNotices of recent Ornithological Publications.
1. Barboza du Bocage on West-African Birds.
[Aves das possessdes portugezas da Africa occidental. Por J. V. Bar-
bozadu Bocage. Vigesimatercera lista. Jorn. de Sc. Math., Phys. e Nat.
Lisboa, no, xxxiii. 1882. ]
Prof. Barboza du Bocage’s twenty-third article on the
birds of the Portuguese possessions in West Africa gives an
account of a collection of 55 specimens of birds made by
Sr. Anchieta at Caconda and Cagoco in the first three months
of 1882. The species exemplified in this series are 35 in
number, amongst which the most remarkable are Pernis
apivorus and Cotile cincta.
2. Bean on Birds from Alaska and Siberia.
[Notes on Birds collected during the Summer of 1880 in Alaska and
Siberia. By Tarleton H. Bean. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 144.]
The collection was made while the writer was engaged in
investigating the fisheries of Alaska, and contains examples
of 77 species, several of which are of great interest. Mota-
cilla ocularis, Budytes flavus, and Eurinorhynchus pygmeus
were obtained in Plover Bay. Six examples of Sazicola
enanthe were found between Port Clarence and Cape Lis-
burne. Larus marinus, previously unknown in Alaska, was
met with in abundance, and Diomedea melanophrys was ob-
served in 40° 30! N. lat., 142° 23’ W. long., about 1000
miles west of Cape Mendocino, California. Fine series of
Melospiza fasciata rufina and M. cinerea were collected.
3. Bolau on the Ornis of Eastern Siberia.
[Beitrag zur Kenntniss der ostsibirischen Vogelwelt. Von Dr. Heinr.
Bolau. J. f. O. 1882, p. 329.]
The brothers Dorries, in May 1880, moved their collecting-
station to Kessakeff, at the confluence of the Ussuri with
the Amoor, being the same as that occupied by Herrn Dy-
bowski and Godlewski in 1873-74, of whose collection M.
Taczanowski gave an account in the Journ. f. Orn. for 1875,
SER. V.—VOL. I. H
98 Recently published Ornithological Works.
Of the 57 species of which examples are in the present
series, 21 were likewise obtained by the above-mentioned
naturalists, while 36 are additional to their list. Amongst
the more interesting species we may notice Pyrrhula cine-
racea and Grus viridirostris. Dr. Bolau also makes a few
additions to his former lists of the Askold and Suifun series
of the same energetic collectors.
4. Buller on the Notornis.
[On the Notornis. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Se.D., F.R.S. Trans.
& Proc. New-Zealand Inst. xiv. p. 288. ]
Dr. Buller gives an account of the capture of the third
known specimen of Notornis. It was taken on the Bare-
patch plains on the eastern side of Te Anau Lake, in 1880,
by a man engaged in rabbiting on the “run” of Captain
Hankinson. A full description of the external form and
plumage is added.
The specimen was sent to this country for sale (cf. New-
ton, P. Z. S. 1882, p. 97), and ultimately purchased by the
Dresden Museum (cf. Meyer, Ibis, 1882, p. 607).
5. © Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club,’
[Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club: a Quarterly Journal of
Ornithology. Vol. vii. 1882, nos. 3 & 4, Cambridge, Mass. }
Amongst the more interesting papers in the July number
is Mr. Wm. Brewster’s article on the birds of Arizona, con-
tinued from the preceding number. Mr. Stephens, upon
whose collection the article is founded, obtained a fine series
of Dendreca olivacea in the pine-woods of the Chiricahua
mountains at an elevation of from 10,000 to 12,000 feet, thus
confirming its being a veritable member of the United-States
avifauna. In the Santa Rita mountains Mr. Stephens found
Setophaga picta breeding, and obtained its nest and eggs.
Mr. Brewster also describes a new subspecies of Vireo (V.
huttoni stephensi), based upon specimens obtained by Mr.
Stephens in Arizona and New Mexico.
The concluding number for 1882 contains several articles
Recently published Ornithological Works. 38
of much interest. Mr. Brewster continues his paper on Mr.
Stephens’s Arizona collections. It is curious that the true
Peucea boucardi should occur in Arizona and not in Texas.
Has the Arizona form been compared with Mezican speci-
mens? Ornithion imberbe ridgwayi is described as a new
subspecies. It is certainly a most remarkable discovery so
far north. Five specimens of Lache latirostris were obtained
in the Santa Rita mountains, where this Humming-bird was
found to be “ not uncommon,” along the streams.
Mr. Brewster’s notes on Capt. Bendire’s collection, made
in Washington Territory, include the description of a new
subspecies, ‘‘ Spizella monticola ochracea,”’ and of the adult
male of Falco richardsoni, Ridgw. (from a Colorado skin), con-
sidered to be specifically distinct from Falco columbarius*.
6. Cheeseman on the Occurrence of Charadrius fulvus in New
Zealand.
{Notice of the Occurrence of the Eastern Golden Plover (Charadrius
fulvus) inthe Auckland District. By T. F. Cheeseman. Trans. & Proc,
New-Zealand Inst. xiv. p. 264.
Mr. Cheeseman records the occurrence of Charadrius fulvus
on the Manukau Harbour in December 1880. Ten or twelve
individuals were observed, and three killed. This confirms
the claims of the species to a place in the New-Zealand list.
7. Cheeseman on the Occurrence of the Australian Roller in
New Zealand.
[Notice of the occurrence of the Australian Roller (Zurystomus paci-
Jicus) in New Zealand. By T. F. Cheeseman. Trans. & Proc. New-Zea-
land Inst. xiv. p. 265. ]
The specimen was shot at “ Pihu, eight miles north of the
Manukau Heads,” and is the first example of this Australian
species recorded to have occurred in New Zealand.
8. Coues’s Check-list of North-American Birds.
[The Coues Check-list of North American Birds. Second edition,
* Cf. Gurney, Ibis, 1882, p. 160.
H2
109 Recently published Ornithological Works.
revised to date, and entirely rewritten under direction of the author, with
a Dictionary of the Etymology, Orthography, and Orthoepy of the Scien-
tific Names, the Concordance of previous Lists, and a Catalogue of his
Ornithological Publications. Boston: Estes and Lauriat. 1882. 1 vol.
8vo, 166 pp. ]
We cannot state the object of Dr. Coues’s new ‘‘ Check-
list’ better or more accurately than in the author’s own
words. First it is intended “to present a complete list of
the birds now known to inhabit North America north of
Mexico, including Greenland, to’classify them systemati-
cally, and to name them conformably with the current rules of
nomenclature; these being ornithological matters of science :
secondly, to take each word occurring in such technical
usage, explain its derivation, significance, and application,
spell it correctly, and indicate its pronunciation with the
usual diacritical marks; these being purely philological mat-
ters, affecting not the scientific status of any bird, but the
classical questions involved in its name.”
So far as a cursory examination can enable us to form an
opinion, these specified objects are well carried out, and the
whole volume is prepared with the care and exactitude always
bestowed by Dr. Coues upon his work. With the second
portion of it we are especially interested, as, as is well known
to many of our readers, a list of British birds, with somewhat
similar explanations of the names appended, is now under
preparation by a Committee of the B. O. U., and will, we
hope, shortly make its appearance.
Dr. Coues’s first “ Check-list ” contained 778 species and
subspecies. ‘Ten of these have been removed in the present
edition; but, on the other hand, 120 additions are made,
bringing up the total of North-American species (found
within the limits above stated) to 888. Besides this, ten
further additions, made during the progress of the work,
are noted in the “addenda.” The “appendix” gives a
useful catalogue of the author’s ornithological publications.
We will venture to make a few remarks upon some of Dr.
Coues’s names and derivations.
If “ Myiadestes”’ (p. 44) is to be derived from édeaT/s (an
Recently published Ornithological Works. 101
eater), it should be written “ Myiedestes.” Swainson wrote
the name as “‘ Myadestes.””’ The emendation into “ Myia-
dectes”’ does not involve greater change, and, having already
acquired currency, should, in our opinion, be employed.
Aigiothus hornemanni (p. 49) was so called after J. W.
Hornemann, a Danish naturalist, author of the ‘ Haandbog for
Fugleelskere.’ But there is, we believe, no sufficient reason
against employing “ Linota”’ (Bp. 1838) as a generic term for
the Linnets: it is long prior to “ Afgiothus,’ under which
term Cabanis separated the Redpolls (very unnecessarily) in
1851.
We are quite unable to adopt Dr. Coues’s view (Bull. Nutt.
Club, v. p. 98) that Hedymeles (Cab. 1851) cannot be used
for the Lousianan Grosbeak, because Sundevall, in 1846, pro-
posed Hedymela for another bird, for which it is not (and
never will be) used. We must therefore reject his term Za-
melodia (p. 15) in favour of Hedymeles, which has acquired
general use.
It is also, in our opinion, very inexpedient to alter the well-
known and universally used name, “ Jcterus baltimore” into
Icterus galbula. We cannot agree to it!
Icterus parisorum (p. 64) was thus named by Bonaparte
(as he himself states, P. Z. 8S. 1837, p. 110) after “the
brothers Paris.” Dr. Coues’s emendation into “‘parisiorum”’!
and his derivation (from the Parisians!) are consequently
incorrect.
There is no such word as “ flammeolus” (p. 81). The spe-
cific term of the “ Flammulated Screech Owl” should be
written “flammeola,’ as originally proposed by Kaup. In
this case Dr. Coues has been led into error, no doubt, by the
British Museum Catalogue. “ Flammeola”’ is a diminutive
of ‘‘ flamma,” and is a substantive in apposition with Scops.
Many of Linnzus’s specific terms are substantives ; and there
is no reason why other authors should not follow his practice.
Hydranassa (p. 106) must surely be derived from dp
(water) and advacca (a queen), and, if so, is orthographically
correct*. If Dr. Coues’s derivation is adopted, the word
* Mr. Ridgway, when instituting this term and Dechromanassa (Bull.
US. Geol. & Geogr. Survey, iv. p. 224), did not give the derivation.
102 Recently published Ornithological Works.
should be written “ Hydronessa.” But vjcca (a Duck) is a
very bad term to apply to a Heron.
It would not be difficult, we believe, to criticise some of
the other terms and derivations used in Dr. Coues’s volume ;
but on the whole the work, as we have already said, is, in our
opinion, excellent, and we have no wish to be hypercritical.
The new “ Check-list ” is, without doubt, a most creditable
publication.
9. Elhot’s ‘ Hornbills.’
[A Monograph of the Bucerotidee, or Family of the Hornbills. By
D. G. Elliot, F-R.S.E. &e. Part ix. 1881. Part X. 1882.]
We heartily congratulate Mr. Elliot upon the completion
of his beautiful monograph, which, as regards its last-issued
parts, has been, perhaps, somewhat unduly procrastinated.
With the aid of Mr. Keulemans’s fine illustrations, the deter-
mination of the various species of Hornbills is now an easy
matter; and into Mr. Elliot’s text is worked up, so far as we
know, nearly all the available information upon the subject.
Mr. Elliot recognizes 60 species of the family Bucerotide,
and divides them into 19 genera, of which 2 (Limonophalus,
for B. montant, and Pholidophalus, for B. fistulator) are pro-
posed as new in the present numbers.
The following species are figured in parts ix. and x. :—
Parr IX.
Byeanistes cylindricus. Pholidophalus sharpii.
Buceros silvestris. Tockus deckeni.
Penelopides affinis. Tockus hartlaubi.
ParT X.
Hydrocorax semigaleatus. Bycanistes subquadratus.
Limonophalus montani. Pholidophalus casuarinus.
10. Grieve on Remains of the Gare-fowl.
[Notice of the discovery of Remains of the Great Auk, or Gare-fowl
(Alca impennis, L.) on the Island of Oronsay, Argyllshire. By Symington
Grieve, Esq. (Communicated by Dr. J. Murie, F.L.S.) Journ. Linn.
Soc. Zool. xvi. p. 479 (1882). |
The remains, cousisting of a right humerus and portions
Recently published Ornithological Works. 103
of other humeri, coracoids, tibiz, &c. of Alca impennis, were
found along with fragmentary bones of mammals and fishes
and other aquatic birds in excavating the mound of Caisteal-
nan-Gillean on Oronsay, in Argyllshire. The remains are
evidently of kitchen-midden origin.
11. ‘ Guide to the Gould-Collection of Humming-birds,’
[A Guide to the Gould-Collection of Humming-birds in the british
Museum. Printed by order of the Trustees. 1881. Price Twopence. |
Though this Guide is dated 1881, we believe it was not
sold in the bird-gallery of the British Museum (where our
copy was purchased) until May or June 1882. After a pre-
liminary essay on the group of a popular character, illustrated
by a map of the distribution, a “list of species exhibited ”
follows, prepared, we are told, by Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe.
Mr. Elhot’s classification in his well-known synopsis is fol-
lowed. The eases are 66 in number. The total number of
specimens of Humming-birds in the Gould-Collection, as we
are informed in the Parliamentary Report of the British
Museum, is 5378.
12. Hartlaub on new Birds from the Upper Nile.
[Ueber einige neue Vogel aus dem oberen Nilgebiete. Von Dr. G.
Hartlaub. Journ. f. Orn. July 1882. |}
From recent collections of Dr. Emin Bey, made on a
journey from Laboré by Tadibek to Fatiko, and back by
Tauvéra, Dr. Hartlaub describes the following new species :—
Pentholea clericalis, Hyphantornis emini, Habropyga eno-
chroa, Lanius gubernator, Fringillaria forbesi, Aigithalus
musculus, Trachyphonus versicolor, aud Francolinus ochro-
gaster. Of these, both sexes of Sycobrotus (Hyphantornis)
emint and the brilliant new Lanius gubernator are figured
(tab. 1.). We are much pleased to hear that Dr. Hartlaub
has in preparation a memoir containing a general account of
the birds of Dr. Emin Bey’s territory.
104 Recently published Ornithological Works.
13. Krukenberg on the Colouring-matters of Feathers.
[Die Farbstoffe der Federn. Mitth. II. Von Dr. C. Fr. W. Kruken-
berg. Vergl.-physiol. Studien in Heidelberg, ii. Reihe, 2. Abth. ]
This third communication of Dr. Krukenberg, who has
ardently taken up the chemical side of the explanation of
organic colours, contains the following very interesting
investigations :—the colouring-matters of the Paradiseid
and of the Psittacide ; the blue colour of the naked parts of
Casuarius and of the feathers of Irene puella (merely optical
colours); the yellow pigment in the green feathers of Picus
viridis ; coloration of the skin of birds, &c. In conclusion a
summary of the metamorphoses and spectra of various pig-
ments in tabular arrangement are given.
14. Menzbhier on a new Grouse.
~ [ Tetrastes gryseiventris, n. sp. Von M. A. Menzbier. Bull. Soc, Imp.
Natural. Moscou, tome ly. (1880) p. 105. ]
Tetrasies griseiventris is a representative form of T. bonasia
from Tscherdyn in the Government of Perm, Russia. Thirteen
examples have been examined. It is likewise distinct from
T. albigularis of Kamtschatka and 7. severtzowi of China.
The specific characters are given at full length.
15. Menzbier’s Ornithological Geography of Russia.
[Ornitologicheskaya Geographiaya Evropeiskoye Rossiye. Michaila
Menzbiera. Chast Pervaya. Moskva: 1882. (Ornithological Geogra-
phy of European Russia, By Michael Menzbier. Part I. Moscow:
1882.) ] eH
This work, unfortunately for those ornithologists who are
_ only acquainted with western languages, isin Russian; but we
will endeavour to give some account of it. The first portion
of the volume, which contains 520 pages, is evidently devoted
to preliminary remarks on the general subject, references
being frequently made to works on geographical distribution,
both in English, French, and German. The second half of
the book treats of each species seriatim, the geographical
distribution of each Russian bird of prey being given, with
Recently published Ornithological Works. 105
copious references, not only as to its range in Russia, but as
regards the various other countries where it is found. If we
divide ornithologists into two races, the “splitters”? and the
“Jumpers,” M. Monzbier decidedly belongs to the former.
For example, to the four subspecies into which Brehm “split”
the Peregrine Falcon our author adds a fifth, alco peregrinus
brevirostris. He also figures, and probably describes, a new
species of Hierofalco under the name ‘of H. uralensis, which
he apparently identifies with the Falco gyrfalco of Linn., apud
Radde (Reis. Siid. OstSibir. 1. p. 98). His figure is obviously
that of a bird of the year, but whether of a Gyrfalcon or of
a Saker it is difficult to determine. The Golden Eagle is
split into three species, Aguila chrysaétos, Linn., A. nobilis,
Pall., and A. fulva, var. alpina, Sev. The Steppe-Eagle fares
no better, being subdivided into A. orientalis, Cab., A. bifas-
ciata, Gray, and A. glitschii, Sev. In this case the author
is strictly logical. Ifthe Spotted Eagle be divided into four
species, why should not the Steppe-Eagle, which presents as
much local or climatic variation, be equally honoured? The
author recognizes A. pennata as distinct from A. minuta. It
is difficult to say what his Milvus glaucopus, Eversm., can be.
Besides the coloured plate of Hierofalco uralensis already
alluded to, the work is further embellished with plates of adult
and young Peregrines—the former under the name of Falco
abietinus, Bechst., var. griseiventris, Brehm, and the latter
under that of Falco peregrinus leucogenys. ‘Three plumages of
the Steppe-Eagle (Aquila orientalis, Cab.) are figured, as well
as a very rufous Buteo vulpinus, Licht. (Buteo desertorum). The
first plate is that of Parus pleskii, var., a form which apparently
differs from the typical examples of this species in having
no black on the throat.
16. Meyer on the Nestling-Plumage of Eclectus.
[Ueber die Farbung der Nestjungen von Eelectus (Wagl.). Von A. B.
Meyer. Zeitsch. f. wissensch. Zool. xxxvii. p. 146. ]
The nestlings of HE. polychlorus [this much-vexed species
has, within only eight years, been treated of in more than 70
106 Recently published Ornithological Works.
different papers] resemble in coloration the adult birds of the
same sex. The young males are green, the young females
are red. This has been proved by observations which exclude
any doubt as regards their correctness. The frequent occur-
rence of green feathers in red, and of red feathers in green
immature birds, is not a sign of transitionary plumage, but
can only be explained by inheritance from the opposite sex:
thus, the green feathers in an immature red (female) bird are
inherited from the green father, and vice versd. The general
colour of the ancestral Hclectus seems to have been green.
17. Meyer on Xanthochroism in Parrots.
[Ueber den Xanthochroismus der Papageien. Von A. B. Meyer.
Sitzungsb. Kon. Preuss. Akad. Wissensch. Berlin, 1882, No. 24. ]
Xanthochroism, in our case the anomalous occurrence of
feathers with yellow colour instead of their normal colour,
has been frequently observed in Fowls. Since we know that
‘‘ereen”’ is sometimes produced by a yellow pigment being
superimposed on a brown to dark pigment, Dr. Meyer
is inclined to explain such abnormal yellow feathers by
suppression of the underlying dark pigment. Hence xantho-
chroism in Parrots seems, to a certain extent, to supplant
the albinism of other birds.
18. Oustalet on new Birds from Eastern Africa.
{Oiseaux nouveaux de |’Afrique orientale par M. E. Oustalet. Bull.
Soc. Philomath. de Paris, sér. 7, tom. v. p. 161.]
M. Oustalet speaks of the collection lately sent to the Mu-
séum d’ Histoire Naturelle by M. Abdou Gindi from the Galla
and Somali coasts, and describes as new a Hornbill of the
genus Toccus (T. bocaget) and a Bustard of the genus Hu-
podotis (E. gindiana).
19. Oustalet on Birds from Somali-land.
[Note sur les Oiseaux recueillis dans le Pays des Comalis par M. G.
Révoil. Par M. E. Oustalet. (Mission G. Révoil au Pays Comalis.) |
M. Oustalet gives an account of the collection of birds made
by M. Révoil in Somali-land, and sent to the Muséum d’ His-
Recently published Ornithological Works. 107
toire Naturelle in 1881. It consists of 29 specimens, belong-
ing to 21 species. Merops revoilii (allied to M. bullocki) is
described as new.
20. Oustalet on a new Form of Galline.
[Description d’un type peu connu de l’Ordre des Gallinacés. Par M. E.
Oustalet. Bull. Ass. Scientif. de France, No. 120 (1882), p. 242.]
For many years some remarkable tail-feathers have graced
the collection of the Jardin des Plantes, upon which the late
Jules Verreaux based the provisional name of Argus ocel-
latus*. A whole specimen of the bird has now been obtained
from the interior of Tonquin, and turns out to belong, not to
Argus, but to a new allied form of Galline, which M. Ous-
talet proposes to call Rheinhardius, after M. Rheinhard, who
sent home the specimen. J/theinardius ocellatus has not the
long secondaries of Argus, nor its two lengthened median tail-
feathers. The tail is composed of twelve large graduated
rectrices : its head is wholly feathered.
21. Palmén on the Migration of Birds.
[Antwort an Herrn EH. F. von Homeyer beziiglich der “ Zugstrassen der
Vogel.” Von Dr. J. A. Palmén. 8vo. Helsingfors und Leipzig: 1882.]
KE. F. von Homeyer has published several severe and furious
attacks upon Palmén’s remarkable work, ‘ Ueber die Zug-
strassen der Vogel’ (Leipzig, 1876). The Swedish natu-
ralist now issues an elaborate reply, which we can only
describe as a choice specimen of an “ Antikritik.”” Indeed,
its sharp and merciless logic reminds us of some of Lessing’s
best critical essays.
22. Parker on the Skeleton of Notornis mantelli.
[On the Skeleton of Notornis mantel. By T. Jeffery Parker, B.Sc.
London. ‘Trans. & Proc. New-Zealand Inst. xiv. p. 245.]
Mr. T. J. Parker gives a long and elaborate description of
the skeleton of the specimen of Notornis, of which the ex-
ternal parts are described by Dr. Buller (v. s. p. 98), and
illustrates his remarks with four plates. Mr. Parker com-
* Cf. Elliot, Mon. Phas, i. t. xiii. figs. 1-38.
108 Recently published Ornithological Works.
pares the skeleton with that of Tribonyx, Porphyrio, and
Ocydromus, and decides that it comes nearest to Porphyrio.
The author’s concluding remarks as to the affinities of the
Ratitee are worthy of notice: he regards them as “the
greatly specialized but degenerate descendants of Carinate
birds.”’
23. Ramsay on the Zoology of the Solomon Islands.
[Notes on the Zoology of the Solomon Islands—Part IV. By E. P.
Ramsay. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 8. W. vol. vii. p. 16.]
This part of Mr. Ramsay’s “ Notes” commences with a
résumé of previous authorities on the birds of the Solomons.
Mr. Ramsay then proceeds to give a complete list of the
known species, in all 104. Many exact localities and critical
remarks are added, but no new species are described.
24. Ramsay on the Zoology of Lord Howe’s Island.
[Notes on the Zoology of Lord Howe’s Island. By E. P. Ramsay.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 8. W. vol. vii. p. 86.]
Mr. Ramsay has made great exertions to get the reputed
Notornis of Lord Howe’s Island, but has not succeeded.
Other specimens, however, were obtained ; and a list of the
known birds of the island is given. These are 34in number,
of which 9 are peculiar to Lord Howe’s Island. All are
Australian in form, except the Merula (M. vinitincta).
25. Ramsay on the Eggs of Fijian Birds.
[Description of the Eggs of five Species of Fijian Birds. By E. P.
Ramsay. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 8, W. vol. vii. p. 112.]
Mr. Ramsay describes the eggs of the following species of
Fijian birds :—Vitia ruficapilla, Procellaria albogularis, Ar-
tamus mentalis, Merula vitiensis, and M. ruficeps.
26. Ramsay’s Contributions to Australian. Oology.
[Contributions to Australian Oology—PartI. By E. P. Ramsay.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 8. W. vol. vii. p. 45.]
Mr. Ramsay describes the eggs of 42 species of Australian
Recently published Ornithological Works. 109
birds, hitherto either altogether undescribed, or imperfectly
known. Three uncoloured plates accompany the text.
27. Reischek on the Birds of the Chicken Islands.
[Notes on Zoological Researches made on the Chicken Islands, Hast
Coast of the North Island. By Andreas Reischek ; communicated by
Professor von Haast, Ph.D. Trans. & Proc. New-Zealand Inst. xiv.
p. 274. ]
About 20 species of New-Zealand birds are to be met with
on the Chicken Islands on the east coast. Anthornis me-
lanura, nearly extinct on the mainland, is “ still of frequent
occurrence” there. Three Petrels, Procellaria gouldi, P.
cooki, and Puffinus gavius, “live in holes dug out by the
celebrated Tuatara lizard (Sphenodon punctatus) ’’!
28. Report on the Australian Museum for 1881.
[New South Wales Australian Museum. Report of the Trustees for
1881. Presented to Parliament pursuant to Act 17 Vict. No. 2. Sect. 9.]
This report, for a copy of which, we believe, we are in-
debted to Mr. E. P. Ramsay’s courtesy, gives a flourishing
account of the Institution, in which much scientific work
seems to have been done during 1881. The appendix gives,
among the additions, the names of a large number of birds,
obtained by presentation, by purchase, and by the employ-
rent of collectors.
29. Report of the Committee for Stations of Observation of
the Birds of Germany.
[Jahresbericht (1880) des Ausschusses fiir Beobachtungsstationen der
Vogel Deutschlands. J. f. O. 1882, p. 18-110. ]
The fifth Report of this Committee enumerates 280 dif-
ferent species of birds which, during the time from Nov.
1879 to Nov. 1880, have been observed in Germany and
Austria. Many of the observations contain very useful hints as
regards the migration and habits of certain birds, e. g. Hirundo
rustica, Scolopazx rusticola, Grus communis; likewise interest-
ing is the number of Ducks (Anas crecca, A. penelope, and A.
110 Recently published Ornithological Works.
acuta) caught in October on the North-Frisian Islands—namely
about 24,000, against more than double that number in the
autumn of 1877. Theimportance of other notes, again, must
be evident, as, for instance, those on Accentor alpinus, Gyps ful-
vus, &c. And we have no doubt that, after the great amount of
material which these Reports contain has been properly worked
out, the summary conclusions arrived at will prove a valuable
contribution to our knowledge of Central-Huropean bird-life.
30. Ridgway on Costarican Birds.
[Notes on some Costarican Birds. By Robert Ridgway. Proc. U.S.
Nat, Mus. 1881, p. 333.]
Mr. Ridgway’s notes relate to specimens sent to the Na-
tional Museum by Sr. Zeledon of San José. He describes as
new Troglodytes (?) ochraceus and Acanthodops bairdi, a new
genus and species of Dendrocolaptidz, allied to Awtomolus,
but with an almost Fringilline bill.
31. Ridgway on new Birds from the Sandwich Islands.
[Description of a new Flycatcher and a supposed new Petrel from the
Sandwich Islands. By Robert Ridgway. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1881,
p. 337. |
The species described are Chasiempis sclateri and Cymo-
chorea cryptoleucura, both from Kaui (Knudson).
32. Ridgway on a new Owl.
[Description of a new Owl from Portorico. By Robert Ridgway.
Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1881, p. 366. ]
The new Owl is allied to our Short-eared Owl, Asio accipi-
trinus (melius brachyotus), and is named Asio portoricensis.
Mr. Ridgway criticises Mr. Sharpe’s arrangement of the
Short-eared Owls, and gives diagnoses of the three species
which he recognizes—namely A. accipitrinus, A. portori-
censis, and A. galapagoensis. Mr. Ridgway is “ entirely
unable to distinguish between continental specimens of Asio
brachyotus from any part of the world.”
Recently published Ornithological W orks. 111
33. Ridgway on new Thrushes from the United States.
[Descriptions of two new Thrushes from the United States. By Robert
Ridgway. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1881, p. 374.]
Mr. Ridgway describes Hylocichla fuscescens alicie from
the Rocky-Mountain region, and Hylocichla alicie bicknelli
from Slide Mountain, Ulster County, New York.
34, Ridgway on two new North-American Birds.
[On two recent Additions to the North-American Bird-fauna, by L.
Belding. By Robert Ridgway. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1881, p. 414. ]
Mr. Belding’s researches at La Paz, Lower California,
have recently added two new species to the avifauna of the
United States—Motacilla ocularis and Dendreca vieilloti
bryanti. The former is a straggler from Eastern Asia; the
the latter a Western-Mexican form of D. vieilloti, which Mr.
Ridgway considers to be recognizable as a subspecies, con-
trary to the views of Salvin and Godman (Biol. Centr.-Am.
Aves, 1. p. 125).
35. Ridgway on new Races of American Birds.
[Description of several new Races of American Birds. By Robert
Ridgway. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 9.]
The races described are Methriopterus curvirostris occiden-
talis from the coast-region of Western Mexico, Mimus gilvus
lawrencii from Tehuantepec, Merula flavirostris graysoni from
Tres Marias islands, Stalia sialis quatemale from Guatemala,
Chamea fasciata henshawi from the interior of California, and
Perisoreus canadensis nigricapillus from Labrador.
36. Ridgway on Harporhynchus and Methriopterus.
[On the Genera Harporhynchus and Methriopterus, Reichenbach, with
a Description of a new Genus of Mimine. By Robert Ridgway. Proc.
US. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 43.]
After clearly distinguishing between the genera Harpo-
rhynchus with 3 species) and Methriopterus (with 7 species) ,
Mr. Ridgway institutes a new genus, ‘“‘ Mimodes” for Har-
porhynchus graysoni, Baird, from the island of Socorro.
112 Recently published Ornithélogical Works.
Though in general appearance somewhat intermediate be-
tween Methriopterus and Harporhynchus, Mimodes, it is con-
sidered, is really ‘‘ very much more nearly related to the genus
Mimus.”’
37. Ridgway on the Tree-creepers (Certhia).
[Critical Remarks on the Tree-creepers (Certhia) of Europe and North
America. By Robert Ridgway. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 111.]
After examining considerable materials, Mr. Ridgway comes
to the conclusion that there are 7 races or subspecies of the
Tree-creeper (Certhia) susceptible of definition: (1) fami-
liaris of Scandinavia, (2) coste of Savoy, (3) britannica,
subsp. nova, of England, (4) rufa of Eastern U. S., (5) mon-
tana, subsp. nova, of Middle U. S., (6) occidentalis, subsp.
nova, of Western U. S8., (7) mexicana of Mexico and Guate-
mala. These are all carefully defined, and measurements
are added. What do Messrs. Dresser and Seebohm say to
this new “ British bird ” ?
38. Salvadori on the Cassowaries.
[ Monografia del gen. Casuarius, Briss., per Tommaso Salvadori (con due
tavole colorite). Estr. dalle Memorie della Reale Accademia delle Scienze
di Torino, serie ii. tom. xxxiv. |
A complete account of the present state of our knowledge
of the Cassowaries was much wanted ; it has been now sup-
plied to us in this excellent memoir. After a_ historical
introduction and bibliography, the 10 species of the genus
recognized as distinct are successively discussed. Of the first
section, with the helmet compressed, the species acknow-
ledged are C. tricarunculatus, C. bicarunculatus, C. galeatus,
C. australis, and C. beccarui. Of these the first, founded on
a single young living specimen, which has never reached
Europe, is considered to be doubtful. C. salvadorii of Ous-
talet and C. altijugus of Sclater are referred, not without
some doubt, to C. beccarii.
Of the second section of the genus, with the casque flattened
behind, five species also are allowed—namely C. uniappen-
diculatus, C. occipitahs, C. papuanus, C. picticollis, and C.
Recently published Ornithological Works. 113
bennetti. Dr. Salvadori concludes his exhaustive essay by
specifying eight open points upon which further information
is much needed, and adds two plates, containing figures of
the heads of the various species.
39. Salvadori’s ‘Prodromus,’ xiii., xiv., & xv.
[Prodromus Ornithologiae Papuasiae et Moluccarum. Auctore Thoma
Salvadori. XIII. Natatores. XIV. Struthiones. XV. Additamenta. Ann.
Mus, Civ. di St. Nat. di Genova, xviii, August 1882. ]
The Papuan Natatories are 41 in number—namely, 6 Ana-
tide, 11 Pelecanide, 15 Laride, 7 Procellariide, and 2 Podi-
cipitide. These are illustrated by 192 examples sent by
Beccari, D’Albertis, and Bruijn to the Museum of Genoa, all
of which the author has examined. Hypoleucus gouldi is a
new name given to Phalacrocorax leucogaster, Gould (nec
auctt. preecedentt.) .
The Papuan Struthiones consist of the 9 Cassowaries now
recognized by the author as distinct. Twenty-five specimens of
this group have been transmitted to Genoa by the naturalists
above named.
Part xv. of the ‘Prodromus’ enumerates the species
added to the avifauna of the Papuan subregion during the
progress of the work. These are 108—namely, 10 Accipitres,
13 Psittaci, 20 Picariz, 41 Passeres, 23 Columbe, and 1
Gallina. Most of these are from South-eastern New Guinea
and the adjacent islands, where numerous discoveries have
lately been made.
40. Seebohm’s ‘Siberia in Asia.’
[Siberia in Asia: a Visit to the Valley of the Yenesay in East Siberia,
By Henry Seebohm. London: Murray. 1882. 1 vol. 8yvo, 304 pp.]
Very few words are necessary to introduce Mr. Seebohm’s
‘Siberia in Asia’ to ornithologists. We have read his most
interesting narrative with the greatest pleasure, and have no
doubt that most of our brother members of the B. O. U. have
done the same. The great ornithological feats of the trip to
Siberia in Asia were the finding of the nest and eggs of three
species of Phylloscopus, of Emberiza pusilla, and of Accentor
SER, V.—VOL. I. I
114 Recently published Ornithological Works.
montanellus, besides other discoveries summarized in the last
chapter of the volume. We have no hesitation in expressing
our opinion that but very few naturalists that any nation
has produced could have carried out successfully such expe-
ditions as those of Mr. Seebohm to the Petchora and Yenesay,
and have turned the results to such excellent account.
41. Seebohm’s ‘ British Birds and their Eggs.’
[A History of British Birds, with Coloured Illustrations of their Eggs.
By Henry Seebohm. London: Porter. 1882. Part I.]
Mr. Seebohm’s work will be known to most of our readers
already ; but the commencement of such an undertaking
should not pass unchronicled in the pages of ‘The Ibis.’
Oology, it is true, as Mr. Seebohm tells us in his prospectus,
has been much neglected of late years—at all events the
scientific aspect of it; and Hewitson’s works being out of
print and out of date, it was quite time that another British
Oology should take its place. Some naturalists may consider
nests and eggs beneath their notice; but-we agree with the
author of this work that the “ real history of a bird is its Jife-
history. The deepest interest attaches to every thing that
reveals the little mind, however feebly it may be developed,
which lies behind the feathers.” “.
“The habits of the bird during the breeding-season, at the
two periods of migration, and in winter, its mode of flight
and of progression on the ground, in the trees, or on the
water, its song, and its various call- and alarm-notes, its food
and the mode of procuring it at different seasons of the year,
its migrations, the dates of arrival and departure, the routes
it chooses and the winter-quarters it selects, and, above all,
every particular respecting its breeding—when it begins to
build, how many broods it rears in the season, the place it
selects in which to build its nest, the materials it uses for the
purpose, the number of eggs it lays, the variation in the
colour, size, and shape—all these particulars are its real
history.”
Such, then, are the particulars which Mr. Seebohm will
especially record in the present work ; and, as his friends are
Recently published Ornithological Works. 115
well aware, no one is more competent to do so, from his un-
rivalled personal experiences in almost every part of the
western palarctic region. We could well have wished he
had confined himself to this branch of the subject, and had
not gone into disputed points of nomenclature. What with
' the discordant views of Sharpe, Dresser, Newton, and See-
bohm, the poor British birds’ names are now in a sad plight.
Who shall decide when doctors disagree ?
42. Sharpe on the Ornithology of New Guinea.
[Contributions to the Ornithology of New Guinea. By R. Bowdler
Sharpe, F.L.S. Part VIII. Journ. Proc. Linn. Soe. Zool. xvi. p. 422. ]
This paper “contains notes on collections made by Mr. -
A. Goldie in districts at the back of the Astrolabe range in
South-eastern New Guinea, and by Mr. C. Hunstein on
Normandy Island, on the south shore of the mainland of the
China Straits, and on the banks of a river at the end of Milne
Bay.” The author had already shortly characterized 11 new
species from Mr. Goldie’s collection (cf. Ibis, 1882, p. 467) ;
he now describes these more completely, and also character-
izes as new Athomyias guttata from the same collection,
and Phonygama hunsteini and Ptilorhis intercedens from
Mr. Hunstein’s collection. About 150 species all together
are mentioned.
43. Stejneger on Myiadectes obscurus.
[Description of two new races of Myadestes obscurus, Lafr. By Leon-
hard Stejneger. Proc. U.S, Nat. Mus. 1881, p. 371.]
Mr. Stejneger has found that Myiadectes obscurus “ ought
to be divided into three distinct races —(1) M. obscurus, from
the tableland of Mexico and Guatemala, (2) M. obscurus, var.
occidentalis, from $.W. coast of Mexico and Guatemala, and
(3) M. obscurus, var. insularis, from the Tres Marias islands.”
44, Stejneger on the West-Indian Myiadecte.
[Synopsis of the West-Indian Myiadestes, By Leonhard Stejneger.
Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 15. ]
This is an important and carefully prepared memoir, con-
12
i116 Recently published Ornithological Works.
taining a complete revision of the insular species of Myia-
dectes*. Mr. Stejneger recognizes 7 species—namely MM.
sibilans from St. Vincent, M. genibarbis from Martinique,
M. sancte-lucie (sp.nov.) from St. Lucia, M. dominicanus
(sp.nov.) from Dominica, M. montanus from Haiti, M. so-
litarius from Jamaica, and M. elisabethe from Cuba. Besides
these there is M. armillatus (Vieill.), which does not agree
with any of the West-Indian species yet known. Mr. Ste}-
neger’s conclusions are based upon 35 specimens, from the
U.S. National Museum and other collections.
45. Stejneger’s proposed alterations in Nomenclature.
[On some Generic and Specific Appellations of North-American and
European Birds. By Leonhard Stejneger. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus, 1882,
p- 28. ]
Mr. Stejneger proposes to adopt the following, amongst
other alterations, in generally received nomenclature :—Phe-
nicurus instead of Ruticilla for the Redstart (which would
thus stand as Phewnicurus erithacus !) ; Cinclus ‘‘merula” for
the Water-Ouzel; Regulus “ cristatus” for R. satrapa; Hi-
rundo (instead of Chelidon) for the Martens, and Chelidon (in-
stead of Hirundo) for the Swallows; Clivicola (instead of Cotile)
for the Sand-Martens ; Calcarius (instead of Centrophanes)
for Fringilla lapponica and its allies; Plectrophenaz (gen. nov.),
instead of Plectrophanes, for the Snow-Bunting ; Archibuteo
‘norvegicus ”’ instead of A. lagopus; Morinella for the Turn-
stone, instead of Strepsilas; Vanellus “ capella”’ for the Lap-
wing ; Agialitis “alevandrinus”’ for the Kentish Plover ;
Totanus ‘ nebularius”’ for the Greenshank ; Pavoncella, as a
generic name, for the Ruff, instead of Machetes; Tadorna
‘“‘damiatica”’ for the Ruddy Shieldrake ; Harelda “ hye-
malis” instead of H. glacialis; “‘ Gavia alba,”’ instead of Pa-
gophila eburnea, for the Ivory Gull; and “ Urinator”’ vice
Colymbus. As regards these proposals we may say, generally,
that in most cases we cannot agree to them. In many of
the cases the evidence in favour of the change is, to say the
* The most reasonable derivation of this term is pvia, a fly, and dnxrns,
mordax. It should be therefore written Myiadectes. V.s. p. 101.
Recently published Ornithological Works. IE.
least of it, incomplete*; and it is too much to expect us to
give up well-established terms for names which have remained
unnoticed since their authors invented them a century ago.
Excellent reasons may be found for rejecting any terms given
by Schaffer, Gunnerus (!), and Hasselquist. The use of a
name is to distinguish the object to which it is applied; and
as no one would recognize a Redstart as ‘ Phanicurus eri-
thacus,” or an Ivory Gull as “ Gavia alba,’ it would be
worse than useless to employ such terms. It seems to us to
be always a most unsatisfactory piece of work to endeavour to
upset old-established names. We have constantly protested
against similar proposals made by Mr. Dresser and Mr. Sharpe,
and we protest against those made by Mr. Stejneger.
46. Stejneger on the Swans.
[Outlines of a Monograph of the Cygnine. By Leonhard Stejneger.
Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 174.]
After discussing the general characters of the Cygnine at
some length, the author coucludes to exclude Coscoroda as
belonging more strictly to the Anatine. He recognizes 4
genera of Swans—(1) Sthenelus (gen. nov. for C. nigricollis),
(2) Cygnus, (3) Olor, (4) Chenopis—besides Paleocycnus (gen.
nov.) for the extinct C. falconeri. The species are described
at full length ; but we regret to find that Mr. Stejneger wishes
to call the Mute Swan Cygnus gibbus and the Hooper Olur
cygnus, besides making other unnecessary and objectionable
changes in nomenclature. A hypothetical new name, Cygnus
* | E.g. Mr. Stejneger proposes a new term “ Plectrophenax” for the
Snow-Bunting, instead of Plectrophanes, because, he says, the latter
= Calcarius (Bechst. 1803), of which the type is the Frinyilla lapponica,
Linn. But, although it is quite true that, in the preface to his ‘ Vogel
Liv- und-Esthland’ (1815), Meyer casually mentioned the term Plectro-
phanes as applicable to Fringilla lapponica only, we find, on reference to
the ‘Zusitze u. Bericht. zu Meyer & Wolf’s Taschenbuch,’ 1822 (in which
the genus was first properly characterized), that Plectrophanes was intended
to include both Fringilla lapponica and Emberiza nivalis. We maintain
therefore that, after applying Calcarius to the former bird, we are quite
justified in continuing the use of the universally adopted Plectrophanes
for the latter.—Ebp. |
118 Recently published Ornithological Works.
pelzelni, is suggested for a Swan formerly living in the
Menagerie at Schénbrunn, in case C. unwini of Hume shall
prove to be only the young of C. gibbus (i.e. C. olor !).
47. Vorderman’s Birds of Batavia.
[ Bataviasche Vogels door A. G. Vorderman. PartsI., II. Overgedrukt
uit het Natuurk. Tijds. Nederl. Indié, Deel xli. Afl. 4, et Deel xlii. Afl. 2.]
Heer Vorderman, in order to contribute to our knowledge
of the distribution of bird-life in Java, which, as he truly
says, has been very imperfectly worked out, proposes to give
an account, with descriptions, of those birds which he has ob-
tained in the neighbourhood of Batavia. In the two parts
of this work already issued, about 80 species are contained.
These are not arranged in systematic order; but probably an
index will be added at the conclusion.
It would have been better, we venture to say, if a few
synonyms, at least those referring specially to Javan localities,
had heen added under the heading of each species.
48. White’s ‘Cameos from the Silver-Land,
[Cameos from the Silver-Land, or Experiences of a young Naturalist in
the Argentine Republic. By Ernest William White, F.Z.S. Vol. I.
London: Van Voorst, 1882. ]
Mr. White’s second volume is devoted to an account of his
excursions into different parts of the Argentine Republic.
First he goes up the Uruguay to Concordia, then to Rioja,
Catamarca, and Tucuman. We are next entertained with his
adventures under canvas for 1200 miles into the extreme
north of the Republic. Lastly, we go up the Uruguay to the
territory of the Missiones, and back by the Parana. Many
notices of bird-life are interspersed in the narrative, which
should be studied in connexion with Mr. White’s paper on
the birds collected and observed during his various excursions,
read at the Meeting of the Zoological Society of London on
the 20th of June last*.
* See P. Z. 8. 1882, p. 591.
Letters, Announcements, &c. 119
X.—Letters, Announcements, &c.
We have received the following letters addressed to the
Editors of ‘ The Ibis :’—
Sirs,—A Greenland Falcon (Falco candicans) was shot in
the neighbourhood of Lewes on the 26th inst. The bird
passed into the hands of Mr. Monk, of that town, and was taken
to Mr. Swaysland to be preserved and set up. It was a very
fine specimen, of the female sex, in the snowy-white plumage,
speckled on the back, wings, and tail with brownish black ;
measured 52 inches across the wings, and weighed no less
than 8 pounds 11 ounces. It had scarcely completed its
autumnal moult, some of the new feathers having not
attained their full length. I have had the pleasure of
handling this rara avis in the flesh, through the kindness of
Mr. Swaysland, who had just commenced skinning it. _
It is a curious coincidence that rather more than three
months ago, as I am informed, one of Mr. Swaysland’s sons,
who was at Lyme Regis, distinctly recognized a Falcon in
similar plumage, when out walking with a friend on Sunday,
llth June. He wrote to his father at Brighton for his
gun and licence, set traps for it, but never saw it again. A
strange white bird was also seen lately about the Brighton
coast, and is said to have been fired at on the Ist Sep-
tember. There can be little doubt that these statements all
refer to the same bird.
Yours &c.,
Cuas. A. WricuHrT.
Brighton, 27th Sept., 1882.
P.S. Since writing the foregoing I have seen a letter from
Mr. Swaysland’s son Henry to his mother, dated Rousdon,
28th Sept., in which he gives some further particulars of
the circumstances respecting his meeting with the Falcon
above alluded to. He says he was out with a friend on the
llth June, down the landslip, when a bird flew up, and
then went down a steep place and up the other side. He
exclaimed, “‘ That is a rare Gull; it has not any black tips
to its wings; it must be an Iceland Gull. Keep quiet; we
will go and look over and see if we can see it again.” On
120 Letters, Announcements, &c.
looking towards the other side of the cliff, about sixty yards
off, where the landslip is, Henry said, “It is a Falcon; look !
it’s sitting straight upright.” The letter then goes on to
say that he had a good look at it with his field-glass: “The
bird was sitting on a stone looking at us; it seemed quite
white, except the tail. Had I gone to the other side of the
landslip, I could have approached within ten yards of it. But
I left, and went about two miles to the keeper’s house, and
told him I would give him a pound if he would let me shoot
it, or, if he would shoot it, I would give him the same amount.
I put down four traps baited with young rabbits. Two days
after, on the 13th June, it was seen at Seaton to strike a
tame Pigeon close to a man; it dropped the Pigeon, which
was dead. Several persons saw it during the week. It was
last seen at Lyme Regis, Dorset.”
Cok. Ws
Brighton, Oct. 5.
Clitheroe, September 1882.
Sirs,—I have been for some years working at the Birds of
Lancashire, and am anxious to make the list as complete as
possible. The value of local lists of birds is generally recog-
nized; and I need not, therefore, apologize for attempting to
bring together in a collected form, up to the present date, the
ornithological knowledge of my native county.
Lancashire ornithologists, though numerous and intelli-
gent, have, unfortunately, seldom published their observa-
tions ; and the quantity of material ready to hand is much
smaller than is possessed by some other counties. Thus, to
make the work complete, it is the more necessary to have
full information from those acquainted with every district.
lf any of your correspondents are able to assist me, I shall
be pleased to furnish them, on application, with the parti-
culars on which I desire information.
Yours &c.,
F.S. Mircue..
Sr1xs,—The paper on a collection of birds made on the
river Yang-tze-kiang by the Rev. H. H. Slater, in the July
Letters, Announcements, &c. 121
number of ‘The Ibis’ (1882, pp. 431-436), though it does
not add any new species to the Chinese list, is an interesting
contribution to the geographical distribution of birds in China.
It is, however, a pity that a collection of birds from a country
of which much must necessarily remain unknown, in spite of
of the researches of Swinhoe and Pére David, should not
have been submitted to a competent ornithologist for identi-
fication before the list was published. The three examples
alledged to be Monticola saxatilis are undoubtedly Monticola
cyanus-solitaria ; and the specimen of Larus occidentalis is, no
doubt, Larus cachinnans, of which L. leucopheus is a synonym,
and which is by no means out of its range in the interior of
China. Ifthe colour of the mantle is really the same as
that of L. argentatus, which is difficult of belief, it would be
a very extraordinary fact. LL. occidentalis is almost as dark
as L. fuscus, and also resembles that bird in the pattern of
its primaries; but I am not aware that it has ever occurred
in the eastern hemisphere.
Yours &c.,
Henry Sersoum.
22 Courtfield Gardens, S.W.
October 10th, 1882.
22 Courttield Gardens, Cromwell Road,
December 8, 1882.
Srrs,—There is an old proverb which says that “ prevention
is better than cure.” In the fifth volume of the ‘ Catalogue
of Birds in the British Museum’ I have done my best to cure
some of the confusion caused by the ill-judged attempts of
Messrs. Newton, Sharpe, and Dresser to carry out the Strick-
landian code regardless of consequences. The object of the
present letter is to try to prevent further confusion by
pointing out a few of the rocks ahead on which these gentle-
men must rush if they persist in their present course.
Whatever differences of opinion may exist as to the genus
in which the Rough-legged Buzzard ought to be placed, all
ornithologists agree that the specific name must be lagopus.
This name cannot, however, stand according to the Strick-
landian code. Messrs. Newton, Dresser, and Sharpe all refer
122 Letters, Announcements, &c.
to Falco lagopus of Gmelin (Syst. Nat. i. p. 260), which dates
from 1788, altogether ignoring the Falco norveyicus of
Latham (Gen. Syn. Suppl. i. p. 282), which dates from 1787.
Both these names are founded upon the Rough-legged Falcon
of Latham (Gen. Syn. i. p. 75); and if the Utopian law of
priority is to be observed, the specific name of norvegicus
must be substituted for that of lagopus, which dates later by
a year.
Messrs. Newton, Sharpe, and Dresser also agree in giving
to the Greenland Falcon the specific name of candicans, which
they date from 1788 (Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 275). This
name is founded on the White Jer-Falcon of Latham (Gen.
Syn. i. p. 83), as is also the Falco islandus of Latham (Gen.
Syn. Suppl. i. p. 282), which dates from 1787, Latham
afterwards (Ind. Orn. i. p. 32) altered the name to Falco
islandicus. Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser both include this
name under the synonyms of Falco candicans, but ignore the
earlier name, either because it escaped their attention, or
because they were afraid to alter a name which had received
the sanction of so high an authority as Professor Newton,
the Stricklandian code notwithstanding.
No book has been the cause of more confusion in nomen-
clature than Boddaert’s Table of the ‘ Planches Enluminées’
of Daubenton. Familiar names of long standing have been
abandoned by the three ornithologists 1 have named, and
new uames have been raked up from this deservedly for-
gotten pamphlet, causing great annoyance to other ornitho-
logists who are anxious to further the real study of birds,
without hindrance from the pedantic alterations of unneces-
sary synonymy. All this confusion has been perpetrated in
the name of the British Association in obedience to the law
of priority.
Another book has now ‘been unearthed from obscurity,
published by Gerini in 1767 (Orn. Meth. Dig.)*. Accipiter
* Ornithologia Methodice Digesta atque Iconibus Aeneis ad vivum
illuminatis ornata. Tomus Primus. Ad regiam celsitudinem serenissimi
Petri Leopoldi, Regii Principis Hungariz ac Bohemiz, Archiducis Aus-
trie, Magni Ducis Etruriz &c. &c. &c. Florentiz, anno mdeclxvii. In
AKdibus Mouchianis cum facultate Presiduim. Fol.
Letters, Announcements, &c. 123
merillus (op. cit. i. p. 51, pls. xviii. & xix.) antedates the name
in present use for the Merline Bubo maximus (op. cit. 1.
p- 84, pl. Ixxxi.) closes the discussion between Prof. Newton
and Dr. Sclater as to the name of the Great Horned Owl in
favour of the latter disputant. The authority of Gerini to
give binomial names may be disputed on the ground that he
is not always binomial; but exactly thesame remark applies
to Boddaert. To say nothing of numerous non-binomial
names quoted by him from Brisson, we find “ Fringilla domi-
nicana cristata, mihi”? (op. cit. p. 7, no. 103), “ Columba turtur
viridis, mihi” (op. cit. p. 11, no. 177), “Alcedo viridis rufa,
mihi” (op. cit. p. 36, no. 592), &c. Itseems to me that sauce
for the goose is sauce for the gander, and that the names of
Gerini and Boddaert must either both stand or both fall.
Either the new names to be found in Gerini must be intro-
duced, or the names already adopted from Boddaert must be
expunged.
Surely it is time that a stop was put to any further at-
tempts to carry out the law of priority. Where is it all
to end?
The object of the Stricklandian code was to introduce
uniformity. In this it has miserably failed. To take a single
example, let us see what the honest attempt to carry out the
law of priority has done towards introducing uniformity in
the name of the Lesser Spotted Eagle. A large majority of
ornithologists have called and, I am glad to say, still call
this interesting bird Aguila nevia. Prof. Newton, who
admits that he tries to carry out the law of priority regard-
less of consequences, calls it Aguila nevia. I am delighted
to find that, for once, we agree upon a disputed point of
nomenclature. But Sharpe is equally anxious to carry out
the law of priority to the bitter end; and he calls the bird
Aquila maculata. Dresser, who tries to outherod Herod in
his blind devotion to the Stricklandian code, calls the bird
Aquila pomarina, whilst Gurney, equally anxious to obey the
law of priority, calls it Aguila rufonuchalis! Where is the
uniformity of nomenclature that the Stricklandian code was
to have produced? It makes confusion worse confounded ;
and the sooner the law of priority is consigned to the moles
124 Letters, Announcements, &c.
and the bats, before it has done more mischief among the
birds, the better for the study of ornithology.
Yours &c.,
Henry SEEBOHM.
St. Micheel’s on Wyre,
Garstang, Lancashire.
Sirs,—The few following notes were taken during a short
travel through the Desert of Sinai last spring; and the only
reason of my sending them to you is that the species referred
to were either not observed by Mr. Wyatt (vide Ibis, 1870,
p. 1) or were noticed by him rarely.
Woopcuat Surike. Lanius pomeranus.
Two or three birds of this species were seen by me on
March 17 in the oasis of Feiran.
Maskep Surike. Lanius nubicus.
I saw a single bird of this species on March 27 near our
first encampment after leaving the Fortress of Nukhl, on our
way north to Gaza.
Buus Turvusu. Monticola cyanus.
We noticed several of these birds at the head of Wady Leja
on our way up Jebel Katareena on March 18.
Curvep-Bitt Lark. Certhilauda alaudipes.
A pair of these birds attracted my attention on March 23,
just on entering the Desert of Tih.
Yours &e.,
Hueu P. Horny.
5 Kast View, Leeds.
December 7, 1882.
Sirs,—Permit me, through the medium of ‘ The Ibis,’ to
direct the attention of ornithologists to what I conceive is a
desideratum in the literature of our science—namely, a volume
treating of the study of birds generally, which shall be on the
one hand comprehensive and strictly scientific, and on the
other sufficiently readable for the use of the average man of
culture who is not specially an ornithologist. Such a manual
Letters, Announcements, &c. 125
of ornithology should contain a preliminary sketch or résumé
of the history and literature of the subject, followed by chap-
ters dealing with (1) the external characters of birds, (2)
their osteology, myology, and internal characters generally,
(3) their distribution in time, (4) the broad outlines of their
distribution in space, (5) their migrations, and (6), lastly,
their classification. The last part, which should form the bulk
of the work, should include a systematic description of the
characters and distribution of the various subclasses, orders,
families, and genera.
Such a work, worthily and adequately done, would furnish
in a compendious form much information now scattered and
inaccessible to most men, from the cost or scarcity of the
works in which it is contained, such works including the in-
numerable Transactions and Journals devoted to zoological
science. A compendium of the description I contemplate
would be indispensable to the library of every ornithologist,
whatever his standing may be, and would, I venture to sur-
mise, be esteemed a boon.
In order to put my suggestion on a sound and practical
basis, and make perfectly clear my ideas as to the exact
nature and extent of the desideratum, I will mention a work,
recently published, which, to my mind, is a perfect model of
its kind, supplying this want most precisely and in an admi-
rable manner to another class of vertebrates. I refer to Dr.
Ginther’s ‘Study of Fishes,’ a book the value of which, from
practical experience, I find it impossible to overestimate, and
which, in fact, perfectly embodies the ideal of what a work of
the kind should be. For the information of those who may
be unacquainted with it, I may state that it is a moderately
large volume of about 750 octavo pages, well got up, amply
illustrated by woodcuts, and sold for twenty-four shillings.
The production of such a work for the Aves can only be
undertaken satisfactorily by a first-rate ornithologist, well
versed in every department of the science ; and I believe that
in the hands of a specialist, on the one hand, or of a compiler,
on the other, the result would be a failure, or, at all events,
a disappointment. And surely the preparation of such a
126 Letters, Announcements, &c.
truly useful work would not be a waste of the time of any
ornithologist of the standing required.
But high as the requirements are, there can be no hesi-
tation in declaring that the B. O. U. includes members who
could realize them worthily.
In conclusion I would remark that, if ichthyology, with its
comparatively few votaries, can command such a work, it is
fair to presume that if ornithology possessed a similar one
it would prove more than a success.
Yours &c.,
Wm. Eacie Ciarke.
Proceedings of the Anniversary Meeting of the British
Ornithologists’ Union, 1882.
The Annual Meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Union
was held at 6 Tenterdon Street, Hanover Square, on May
17th, 1882, Mr. P. L. Sclater in the chair. The following
Members were present :—P. L. Sclater, Osbert Salvin, G.C.
Taylor, W. A. Forbes, H. E. Dresser, E. C. Taylor, Edward
H. Cooper, C. Bygrave Wharton, F’. S. Mitchell, H. Gadow,
J. Young, Henry T. Wharton, Howard Saunders, J. E.
Harting, Frank B. Simson, H. B. Tristram, C. G. Danford,
Edward Hargitt, H. Evelyn Rawson, Charles A. Wright,
T. Southwell, G. E. Shelley, William Borrer, and W. B.
Tegetmeier.
The minutes of the last Meeting, held May 18th, 1881,
having been read and confirmed, the accounts relating to the
Volume of ‘ The Ibis’ for 1881, a copy of which had been
sent to every Member in the United Kingdom, were dis-
cussed and passed. *
The following Candidates were then balloted for and elected
Members of the B. O. U.:—Robert William Chase, South-
field, Edgbaston, Birmingham ; Charles B. Cory, 8 Arlington
Street, Boston, U.S. A.; Philip Crowley, Waddon House,
Croydon; Philip M. Kermode, Seabridge Cottage, Ramsay,
Isle of Man; Rev. Edw. Ponsonby Knubley, M.A., Stavely
Rectory, Boroughbridge, Leeds ; Thomas Hudson Nelson,
Letters, Announcements, &c. 127
North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, Durham, and Redcar,
Yorkshire ; Eugene William Oates, 6 Tenterden Street,
Hanover Square, W.; Rev. Henry H. Slater, M.A., F.Z.S.,
Sharrow, Ripon, Yorkshire; and Major Charles Swinhoe,
Bombay Staff Cops, Commissariat Department, Bombay.
Mr. Salvin announced that the Fourth Series of ‘ The Ibis’
would be completed with the Volume for 1882, and that he
did not propose to offer himself for reelection as one of the
Editors of a new Series. Mr. Godman intimated his wish to
resign the Secretaryship.
The following Officers were then elected :—
Lord*hilford <) 5; 20°22 asm. President.
Mars cB... Dressers oc: ys. 7s) e.g ¢.. Secretary:
Mr. P. L. Sclater }
Mr. Howard Saunders ditors
Mr. Salvin was elected a member of the Committee in the
place of Col. Godwin-Austen, and Capt. E. Shelley in the
place of Mr. Saunders.
Mr. H. T. Wharton gave a short account of the progress
of the Committee appointed to prepare a List of. British
Birds.
The Meeting then proceeded to the consideration of Mr.
Harvie-Brown’s resolution—
“That the day of Meeting and of the Dinner be changed
from May to the third week in February or first week
in March,”
and Mr. Howard Saunders’s amendment—
“That the day of Meeting and of the Dinner be on the
Wednesday after the Derby.”
Both the resolution and amendment having been seconded,
the latter was put to the Meeting and lost, and the former
was also lost. The rule as to the day of the General Meeting
of the B. O. U. therefore remains unaltered.
The Meeting then adjourned to attend the Anniversary
Dinner.
128 Letters, Announcements, &c.
Mr. Forbes’s Zoological Expedition up the Niger.—Mr. W.
A. Forbes writes from Lokoja, on the Niger, at the confluence
with the Binué (September 9th), as follows :—
<©T have been here, on and off, about a fortnight, and have
been up the Binué as far as Loko, about 100 miles, where I
got some birds. All together, up to the present, I have seen
or got about 80 species of birds, including examples of Scopus,
Plotus, Indicator, and Rhynchops ; as yet no Podica, Irrisor,
or Musophagide.
“Of Hornbills I have seen three or four species ; but they
are very shy, and as yet I have not shot one. Ploceine birds
are the feature here: about one third of the species are of
that family; and some I have are good ones, especially Hs-
trelda nigricollis and E. rara, both of them discovered by
Heuglin. These and other things make me fancy that we
are out of the true West-African region here ; the antelopes
seem also eastern. There are four or five here, including a
brown Hippotragus, and what I fancy is Alcelaphus tora. 1
have skins and horns of these, and shall get others. Bos
brachyceros is common here; but as yet I have only seen
spoor, not the beast itself. We saw lots of Hippopotamuses
coming up; and I killed the second I shot at, but could not
recover the body.
“T have also killed a large crocodile, 15 feet long, appa-
rently Crocodilus acutus. I have also a few fishes and reptiles,
and shall get more, [ hope. Butterflies are not very numerous
at present; the country is too open for them, being, gene-
rally speaking, a large grassy plain, with lots of isolated
trees not very big, and bushes. ‘There is no regular thick
forest up here at all; and even in the lower river, in the delta,
it is nothing like the neotropical forests. The weather has
been very dry, and the river is still rising. After leaving
Bidda our plans are uncertain. Mr. M. talks of going on
to Sokoto, if he can get away from his stock-taking; and if
he goes, I shall probably go too. If not, I shall try and stay
some time at Ischunga, a station a little off the river above
Egga.”
We are happy to be able to add that Mr. Forbes was in
excellent health at the date of his letter.
Letters, Announcements, &c. 129
A more recent letter from Mr. Forbes (dated Egga, Sep-
tember 17th) announces that he had determined to leave
about the end of September for an excursion up to Sokoto,
which would take about six weeks, after which he would pro-
bably return straight to England. In the meanwhile Mr.
Forbes had selected Ischunga, on a creek a little above Egga,
as a good collecting-station for birds and fishes, and intended
to pass the intervening time there. ‘‘ Glareola cinerea is
very common on the sandbanks about Egga, and is met with
in large flocks. Pluvianus egyptius and a species of Meto-
pidius are likewise plentiful.”
Proceedings of Foreign Collectors—Herr Stolazmann (of
Warsaw) having convinced himself that nothing can be done
in Peru in the present state of the country, has gone to Ecua-
dor, and is exploring the hot forests on the Pacific sea-
bord of that country. His present station is Chimbo, at an
altitude of 1100 feet, where he has obtained many interesting
birds. M. Taczanowski is expected very shortly on a visit to
this country for the purpose of working out Herr Stolzmann’s
collections, amongst which are examples of many species
believed to be new to science.
Mr. Henry Whitely returned to London last September
with a very fine and large series of bird-skins from the Ro-
raima district of Guiana. Messrs. Salvin and Godman, who
have had the first selection, promise us an account of the
novelties for our next issue.
Mr. R. Parkinson writes to us from Apia, Samoa, that he
is about to’proceed to New Britain on a collecting-expedition.
Mr. Parkinson will also endeavour to visit New Hanover and
the north-east coast of New Guinea. His address is “ Moko,
Duke-of-York Islands, c.o. the German Consulate, Sydney,
N.S. W.” There is, no doubt, still a rich harvest to be
reaped in these islands by an energetic collector.
The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution writes that
they are sending Mr. Nutting, an excellent field-naturalist,
to the eastern coast of Central America, to collect from Nica-
ragua up to Honduras. Dr. Stejneger, who went to Behring
SER. V.—VOL. I. K
130 Letters, Announcements, &c.
Island, in the North Pacific, last spring, has already sent home
a large series of birds, some of which are of great interest.
Mr. H. O. Forbes, who has been for some time making
collections in the East-Indian Islands, has just returned to
Amboina from a short trip to Timor-laut, which has been
carried out principally by means of funds voted in aid of this
particular expedition by the British Association. Mr. Forbes’s
chief collections on this occasion consist of plants and birds.
Of the former, according to the decision of the Timor-laut
Committee of the British Association, the first set is to be
deposited in the Kew Herbarium, of the latter the first set
will go to the British Museum. But steps will be taken, we
believe, to ensure the immediate publication of Mr. Forbes’s
discoveries, which, in the case of the birds at least, are likely
to be of special interest, the avifauna of Timor-laut being
quite unknown.
New Works in Preparation—We are glad to be able to
announce that Canon Tristram’s long projected Synopsis of
the Fauna and Flora of Palestine will at length appear as a
volume of the Reports of the Association for the Exploration of
. the Holy Land. It will include, of course, a memoir on the
birds, to which our excellent fellow-worker has devoted, as
we all know, special attention.
We are also much pleased to hear that Mr. W. H. Blan-
ford is likely to be shortly employed on the editorship of a
series of handbooks on the zoology of India. This must, of
course, include a new work on the birds, Jerdon’s volumes,
excellent at their time, bemg now quite out of date.
Two volumes of the British Museum Catalogue of Birds
are, we have good reason to believe, in a forward state, and
likely to appear in the course of a few months. In one of
these Mr. Sharpe will continue and, we believe, complete
his account of the great and varied group of Timeliide.
Another volume, prepared by Dr. Gadow, will contain the
Laniide, Vireonide, Paride, Nectariniide, and Meliphagide.
After this the progress of the Catalogue will perhaps be
somewhat delayed by the transfer of the zoological collections
Letters, Announcements, &c. 131
to the new building in South Kensington, which is already
begun, and will probably be finished during the present year.
But we believe that arrangements are being made for the
early commencement of future volumes of this important
undertaking.
Mr. Dresser’s Monograph of the Bee-eaters (Meropide) is,
we are told, making good progress, the plates being all drawn
on the stone.
Discovery of a new Bird of Paradise.—In a box of bird-
skins just received from Mr. Andrew Goldie are specimens
of a fine new Bird of Paradise, which were obtained in the
D’Entrecasteaux Islands, off the coast of New Guinea. We
propose to give a full description and figure of it in the next
number of ‘The Ibis. In the meantime the following dia-
gnosis will serve to distinguish it :— S
PaRADISEA DECORA.
3. Supra sericeo-straminea, alis caudaque fuscis, rectricibus
mediis elongatis filiformibus, sicut ut in P. apoda;
fronte anguste et gula viridescentibus; subtus lilacina
vinaceo tincta, pectore saturatiore, abdomine medio albi-
cantiore; plumis hypochondriacis posticis ruberrimis,
apicibus canescentibus, forma sicut in P. sanguinea,
anticis brevibus, apicibus letissime saturate vinaceis.
Statura P. raggiane. @ imornata; subtus gula fusca,
abdomine rufo-fusco, pectore fusco irrorato.
O. Satvin and F. D. Gopman.
Obituary—Prof. Reinhardt.—We are sorry to record the
death of Professor Jonannes THEopoR ReE1NHARDT, one of
the original Honorary Members of the B. O. U., which took
place after a tedious illness on the 22nd of October last.
The son of Johannes Hagemann Reinhardt, Professor of
Zoology in the University of Copenhagen (who died in
1845), our late member was born in that city in 1816,
and at first applied himself to the study of medicine. His
earliest publication was on ornithology, being a_ brief
notice (Naturhistorisk Tidsskrift, iv. p. 71) of the discovery
132 Letters, Announcements, &c.
by him, in 1840, of the long-forgotten Dodo’s head among
various “ Naturalier”’? which had been recently transferred
from the old Gottorp Museum to that of Copenhagen. In
1845 he sailed as a naturalist in the Danish corvette ‘ Gala-
thea’ on a voyage round the world, proceeding first to the
Nicobar Islands (then belonging to Denmark), thence to
India, China, and South America, arriving at Rio de Janeiro
‘in 1847. Here orders awaited liim to visit the bone-caves of
Lagoa Santa, so celebrated for the collections made there by
Lund, which, during Reinhardt’s absence, had been trans-
mitted to Copenhagen. To his native city he returned in
1848, and was appointed Inspector of the Zoological Mu-
seum, a position which, as well as that of Curator of the Lund
Collection, and titular Professor of Zoology in the University,
he held till his death. He subsequently twice revisited Brazil,
namely in 1850-52 and in 1854-56. A list of Reinhardt’s
many zoological publications, up to 1875 inclusive, is given in
Herr C. C. A. Gosch’s* ‘ Udsigt over Danmark’s Zoologiske
Literatur’ (iii. pp. 423-439), which is the more needed
since, in the well-known Bibliographia of Carus and Engel-
mann, no distinction is made between the writings of the two
Reinhardts, father and son. Our own readers have had
several opportunities of becoming acquainted with some of
the latter’s labours ; but that by which he will always be cele-
brated in ornithology is his having been the first to recognize
the now fully admitted Columbine affinity of the Dodo. Of
this he had already fully satisfied himself in 1843, as is proved
by a letter he addressed in that year to Sundevall, who printed
an extract from it in his ‘ Berattelse om Framstegen i verte-
brerade Djurens Naturalhistoria och Ethnografien under aren
1845-1850’ (p. 245, note). Reinhardt’s extensive informa-
tion, which he was always so ready to impart, and his unas-
suming manner made him greatly liked by all with whom he
came into contact ; and his death is regretted by a large circle
of friends in his own country and by many abroad.
* The writer of this notice has to express gratefully his indebtedness to
Herr Gosch for most of the particulars above given of Reinhardt’s career.
re Lars
FIFTH SERIES.
No. II. APRIL 1883.
XI.—On the Totanus haughtoni of Armstrong.
By J. E. Harrine, F.L.S., F.Z.S.
(Plate IV.)
Noventies among the Limicole are so rarely met with now-
a-days, that the acquisition of a new species is a matter of
no little interest.
I have lately had an opportunity of examining two speci-
mens of a Sandpiper (preserved in the Museum of Trinity
College, Dublin) which were procured by Dr. Armstrong
near Amherst in British Burmah in January 1877, and to
which (when describing other specimens previously obtained.
by him in December 1875 near the mouth of the Rangoon
river) he gave the name of Totanus haughtoni (‘Stray Fea-
thers,’ vol. iv. p. 344, 1876).
Mr. Hume, who procured another specimen of this bird in
the Caleutta market in December 1877, has described it under
the name of Pseudototanus haughtoni (‘Stray Feathers,’
vol. vii. p. 488, 1878), and in his ‘ Game-Birds of India’ has
given a more detailed account of it, with a coloured plate,
which, prepared without his supervision and unseen by him
SER. V.—VOL. I. L
134. Mr. J. E. Harting on Totanus haughtoni.
till published, he has been obliged to condemn as inaccurate
and misleading (op. cit. vol. ii. p. 403, 1880).
It will be unnecessary to repeat here the measurements
and descriptions already published, as above stated ; and I will
therefore only offer a few critical remarks which have oc-
curred to me upon the examination of the two specimens
above referred to, which, so far as I am aware, are the only
two to be found at present in any European collection.
At first glance this bird looks like a small specimen of the
common Greenshank (Totanus canescens) in winter garb, the
upper portions of the plumage being of a nearly uniform
brownish grey, the rump and tail white, with very faint indi-
cations of having had bars across the tail-feathers when in
summer plumage, and the underparts pure white.
It differs, however, from, Tofanus canescens in its smaller
size, more robust bill with the lateral groove shghtly more
prolonged in proportion to the length of the bill, shorter and
slightly more robust legs and feet, and in having a palma-
tion on both sides of the middle toe instead of on one side
only as in T. canescens. The tail does not extend beyond the
ends of the closed primaries ; and the tertials are not so long
in proportion to the length of the primaries. Besides I have
never seen any specimen of Totanus canescens in winter
plumage which had the back of such a uniform brownish
grey ; there is always a hoariness or mealiness (as ex-
pressed by the term canescens) in the dorsal plumage of
our Greenshank.
It does not appear that there is much difference in the bills
of the two species; but there is a noticeable difference in the
semipalmation of the toes. This, however, I do not regard as
sufficient to render generic distinction either necessary or
desirable, although there is‘a precedent for adopting such a
course in the case of the American Yotanus semipalmatus
(Gm.), for which the generic name Symphemia of Rafinesque
was proposed on account of a similar peculiarity.
In an editorial note appended to the original description
above cited, Mr. Hume wrote, “I do not, however, think
generic separation necessary, and prefer to consider this an
Hanhart amp.
Omit hth .
TOTANUS HAUGHTONI
Mr. J. E. Harting on Totanus haughtoni. 135
aberrant species of Totanus.” In this I agree; but he sub-
sequently altered his views (‘Stray Feathers,’ vol. vi. p. 488),
and placed the bird in a new genus, to which he gave the name
Pseudototanus—av indefensible course, as it appears, since
(if it is to be regarded as generically distinct from Totanus)
it might have been placed in the genus Symphemia.
Foot of Totanus haughtoni.
As the only figure which has been published of this bird is
admitted to be altogether an erroneous one, I have thought
it desirable, while opportunity served, to have it accurately
redrawn (see Plate [V.), and to figure at the same time the
foot with extended toes, in order to show the chief distin-
guishing feature in this newly described species.
Wee
186 Mr. E. W. Oates on a new Species of Polyplectron.
XII.—On a new Species of Polyplectron.
By Evcenr W. Oatss, F.ZS.
(Plate V.)
I propose to characterize an apparently new species of Poly-
plectron from Upper Burma under the name of
POLYPLECTRON HELEN, sp. nov. (Plate V.)
Affinis P. chingui, sed plumarum ocellis magis violaceis, haud
fulvo circumdatis, fascia superiore et altera inferiore
albis preeditis, caude ocellis minoribus et violaceo chaly-
beoque nitentibus, nec metallice viridibus fulvo circum-
datis, distinguendus. Long. tot. 24”, al. 8”, caud. 12",
tars. 3".
This new species comes nearest to P. chinqguis, but is
readily distinguishable from that Pheasant by striking cha-
racters. The ocelli on the back, scapulars, tertiaries, and
upper wing-coverts are smaller and fewer in number. The
ocelli are deep violet, shading into black at the edges, and
are subquadrate, not round. Instead of being surrounded by
a buff annular ring, each ocellus is bounded both above and
below by a white band, the lower band also forming the tip
of the feather.
The ocelli on the tail are smaller and of a deep violet, not
of a metallic green. In the case of these, as with those on
the back, there is no annular buff rmg round them.
The white marks on the back and rump are smaller and
triangular in shape, not quadrate or round, as is the case in
P. chinquis. The chin, throat, and entire fore neck are
white, whereas in the other species only the chin and throat
are white.
A skin of this Peacock Pheasant, now in the British Mu-
seum, was sent to me some years ago by Colonel Lowndes,
Political Resident at Bhamo, in Northern Burmah. It was
probably procured on the hills which form the boundary
between China and Burmah, and which are known by the
name of the Kachyen Hills.
The known species of Peacock Pheasants are now seven
in number, distributed as follows :—
NA.
a a)
Ly
Lt
CRON See 1]
a}
1
Lt
POLYPTA
On three new Species of Birds from Brazil. 137
1. Polyplectron chinquis. Bhotan Doars, Assam, Sylhet,
Cachar, Chittagong, Arrakan, Tenasserim, and Lower
Burmah.
2. Polyplectron bicalcaratum. Malay peninsula, Sumatra.
3. Polyplectron germaint. Cochin China.
4. Polyplectron helene. Upper Burmah.
5. Polyplectron schleiermachert. Interior of Borneo.
6. Polyplectron chalcurum. Sumatra.
7. Polyplectron napoleonis. Palawan, Philippies. (Cf.
Tweeddale, P. Z. S. 1878, p. 623).
~~ XTII.— Descriptions of three new Species of Birds from
Bahia, Brazil. By Wans von Berverscu.
1. ELAINEA TACZANOWSKII, Sp. NOv.
E. supra pallide grisea, note«o olivaceo tincto; pilei plumis
mediis cristatis, ad basin albis et pallido flavo mixtis ; loris
et superciliis indistinctis albescentibus ; subtus alba,
pectore leviter griseo perfuso ; alis caudaque brunneis,
remigum primariorum et secundariorum marginibus ex-
ferns flavescenti-albis, tertiariis et feeericibne alarum
superioribus latius et purius albo extus marginatis ; tec-
tricibus alarum inferioribus et rectricum marginibus in-
terioribus flavescenti-albis ; rectricibus olivascente griseo
extus marginatis ; subeaudalibus albis ; rostro pedi-
busque corneis, mandibule basi pallida. Long. tota 116,
al. 614, caud. 544, rostr. 94, tars. 162 millim.
Hab. Bahia, Brasilia. [Two specimens examined: one is
stillin my collection (No. 5633); the other I have sent to the
Warsaw Museum. Both are of the peculiar make common
to all Bahia skins, and were selected by me from a large lot
received by Mr. Ashmead of London. ]
Obs. E. cineree, Pelzeln (Orn. Bras. p. 108, ex Marabi-
tanas) forsan proxima, hec nova species differt dorso olivaceo
perfuso, albedine cristz flavo mixta, marginibus alarum fla-
vescentioribus necnon rostro multo graciliore. EH. canicipiti,
Swains., item affinis differt corpore supra non viridi, corpore
subtus fere albo, necnon alis caudaque longioribus.
I have dedicated this new species to Dr. L. Taczanowski,
Director of the Warsaw Museum, well known to those who
138 Hans von Berlepsch on three new
take an interest in South-American ornithology for his ex-
cellent papers on Peruvian birds published in the P. Z. 8.
Dr. Taczanowski first confirmed my belief that this bird
belonged to an undescribed species.
E. taczanowskii is a near ally of Elainea cinerea, Pelzeln*,
of which I have examined the type specimen colleeted by
Natterer at Marabitanas, onthe Upper Rio Negro. . cani-
ceps, Swains., of which I got a Bahia skin too, is also of pre-
cisely the same group, presenting a similar style of colouring
and agreeing in form with them. But all three are perfectly
distinct species, as pointed out above.
E. taczanowskii has also some slight resemblance to Ser-
pophaga subcristata, Vieill.; and perhaps Bahia specimens of
the former may have sometimes been mistaken for the latter
species. For instance, “ Serpophaga subcristata, Forbes, Ibis,
1881, p. 342 (Pernambuco),” may possibly mean £. tac-
zanowskii. But besides being differently coloured, having
no yellow abdomen, having the back not brownish olive,
the wing-markings not brownish white, anda quite dif-
ferently shaped crest in which the white is suffused with
yellow, it is also of quite different form, having much
longer wings and tail, and the bill not so depressed.
There is, of course, only a superficial resemblance between
these two species, which vanishes on closer examination. It
is true that the species of the subgroup of Elainea to which
E. taczanowskit belongs have much slenderer and more Serpo-
phaga-like bills than more typical species of Elainea (viz.
Ei. pagana) ; but they nevertheless must remain in the genus
Elainea. EE. placens, Scl. (which is otherwise a typical
Elainea), presents an equally fine thin billas E. taczanowskii,
while, on the other hand, /. cinerea, Pelz., has the bill much
stronger:and higher than its nearest ally, viz. E. taczanowskii.
* It seems very probable that Serpophaga albogrisea, Sclat. & Salv.,
described in P. Z. 8. 1880, p. 156, from Sarayacu, Ecuador, is identical
with Elainea cinerea, Pelz.; at least there is nothing in the description
of Messrs. Sclater and Salvin which could lead to a contrary opinion.
Nevertheless, a reexamination of the type specimen in the museum S§.-G.
is desirable. In case of identity Pelzeln’s name has the priority of several
years.
Species of Birds from Brazil. 139
;
By the kindness of Herr von Pelzeln I have been able to
compare Nattererian skins from Ypanema and Rio Verde,
named Serpophaga subcristata by him. This identifica
tion I found to be correct. It remains to be seen if birds
from Minas, classed by Prof. Reinhardt under this name,
belong also to the Serpophaga, or to my Elainea tacza-
nowskii*.
+2. MYIARCHUS PELZELNI, 8p. nov.
M. supra olivascenti-griseus, pileo aliquot obscuriore, magis
olivascenti-brunneo ; plumis frontalibus, loris (in fundo
griseis) et supercilis indistinctis flavescente olivaceo per-
fusis ; plumis auricularibus brunnescentibus ; gutture et
pectore superiore albescenti-griseis, abdomine pallide
limonaceo; remigibus secundariis et tertiariis cum tec-
tricibus alarum superioribus albescenti late marginatis ;
rectrice utrinque extima margine externo late flavescente
albo praedita ; rostro angustiore, gracili, pallide brunneo ;
pedibus nigris. Long. al. 86-88, caud. 80-82, rostr.
174-18, tars. 19} millim.
Hab. Bahia, Brasilia. [Three specimens in Mus. H. v.
Berlepsch (nos. 5734, 5735, 5736) examined. All three are
of the unmistakable make of Bahia skins, and were picked
out from large lots received by Mr. Ashmead of London. |
Obs. M. tyrannulo auctt. plur.t (=M. cantans, Pelzeln),
* (Prof. Reinhardt’s bird is Serpophaya subcristata, as I have one of
Lund’s skins (Lagoa Santa, 1836), received from Prof. Reinhardt, in my
collection. I cannot find Mr. Forbes’s skin from Pernambuco; but as I
identified it myself from the skins in my own collection, I have little
doubt that it is =S. subcristata. LE. taczanowskii is, I think, a valid
species.—P. L. 8. ]
+ Having lately examined Buffon’s Pl. Enl. 571. fig. 1, on which Mus-
cicapa tyrannulus, Miller, M. aurora, Bodd. (fide Cassin), and M. feroz,
Gmel. (partly), are founded, I was surprised to find that Buffon clearly
fizures the species (with red inner webs to the tail-feathers and rufous
outer margins of the primaries) called “ erythrocercus” by Messrs. Sclater
and Salvin. The consequence is that Herr von Pelzeln was quite right in
bestowing a new name (viz. cantans, Pelz.) on the other, common species
(which has no red in the tail &c.) called “ferox” or “ tyrannulus” by
Messrs. Sclater and Salvin. It is true that Wuscicapa ferox, Gmel. (p. 934),
partly belongs to “ cantans,” the description of Brisson (Tyrannus cayen-
nensis, il. p. 398), which he cites first, and that of Latham, which he
140 Hans von Berlepsch on three new
maxime affinis, differt coloribus supra subtusque multo pal-
lidioribus, notzeo imprimis olivascenti-griseo (nec olivascenti-
brunneo), pilei colore clariore, fronte olivaceo perfusa, gula
pectoreque albescentioribus, necnon rostro angustiore et palli-
diore.
This evidently new species is dedicated to Herr A. von
Pelzeln of Vienna, who has kindly sent me many of the types
of his new species for inspection, for which I owe him many
thanks. M. pelzelni comes very near to M. cantans, but is
nevertheless quite distinct, being a much more delicate bird,
with a narrower and lighter-coloured bill. But it is espe-
cially characterized by its very pale plumage, the back being
greyish olive and the throat and breast nearly white. The
wing-formula is also different from that of M. cantans ; the
first quill is longer and equals the seventh (or little exceeds
it), while in M. cantans the first is equal to the eighth or
ninth.
Myiarchus cantans, Pelz., is likewise found near Bahia, and
seems to be most common there. I got six Bahia skins of it,
selected from the same lots as my specimens of M. pelzelni.
Mr. Taczanowski having examined my skins of M. pelzelni,
agrees with me that it is a good species*.
I have had the types of Myiarchus tricolor, Pelz., and M.
gracilirostris, Pelz., for inspection, kindly sent me for that
purpose by the Trustees of the Vienna Museum. I find that
these birds have nothing to do with my M. pelzelni, but belong
to the M. nigriceps group, and are perhaps both referable
cites also, being evidently referable to M. cantans. But the synonym,
Buff. 4, p. 581 (“Tyran de Cayenne”), cited there, belongs to some other
species of Tyrannide with yellow crest; and the var. 8 of Gmelin belongs
altogether to M. erythrocercus, Scl. & Salv. On the whole, therefore,
to avoid further confusion, I propose to drop the old names altogether,
and to call the two species ‘ cantans, Pelz.,” and “ erythrocercus, Sel. &
Salv.,” respectively.
* [I have two skins of Myarchus in my collection which agree with
Graf v. Berlepsch’s type of this species, one from Bahia (kindly given me
by Graf v. Berlepsch when he was in London), and the other from Oyapok
(Verreaux). Tam quite inclined to believe that the species is distinguish-
able.—P. L.8.]
Species of Birds from Brazil. 141
to one and the same species, which seems distributed over a
large area, being found in New Granada, Venezuela, Guiana,
Eastern Ecuador, Brazil, and Bolivia, and for which the
oldest name seems to be “ tuberculifer, Lafr. & d’Orb.”
This species differs from the true M. nigriceps, Scl. (from
Western Ecuador and Peru), in its sooty-black or brownish
cap (which is pure black in M. nigriceps), besides having other
minor points of distinction. Both species have always been
united under the name of WM. nigriceps, Scl.; but they must
certainly be kept apart.
t- 8. DENDROCOLAPTES INTERMEDIUS, Sp. Nov.
D. corpore supra brunneo-rufescenti lavato, capite supra ni-
grescenti-brunneo, plumis singulis stria ad scapum pallide
ochracea notatis ; his striis in collo superiore latioribus,
in dorso superiore criniformibus et sensim evanescen-
tibus ; tectricibus caudze superioribus intense castaneo-
rufis ; gula et squamis in capitis lateribus et stria super-
ciliari pallide ochraceo-albis, plumis, nisi in gula, nigro
marginatis ; corpore reliquo subtus rufescenti-olivaceo, .
abdomine medio clariore; pectoris plumis strus albes-
centibus et nigro punctatim marginatis preditis, abdo-
mine medio et subeaudalibus nigro transradiolatis ; cauda
intense rufo-brunnea; alis extus olivascenti-brunneis,
intus et in tertiariis rufo-brunneis; subalaribus pallide
ochraceis nigrescenti transfasciatis ; rostro pedibusque
nigro-brunneis. Long. al. 122, caud. 114, rostr. 40,
tars. 284 millim.
Hab. Bahia, Brasilia. Typical specimen in my collection
(no. 6484). It was purchased from Mr. Edward Gerrard,
Jun., in London, and bears a museum label, on the top of
which the letters W. W.S. are printed*. There is also written
on the label “ Xiphocolaptes albicollis, V., Brazil,’ number
2384,” but X. albicollis has, of course, nothing to do with it.
The specimen is of the usual Bahia make. |
Obs. D. valido, Tschudi, proximus, sed differt pileo in fundo ©
unicolori nigrescenti-brunneo, stris ochraceis latioribus (in
* Perhaps one of my English friends could tell me what museum is
meant by theletters W.W.S, [The initials W. W. 8S. mean “ W. Wilson
Saunders,” whose collection of birds was purchased, we believe, by Mr.
E. Gerrard, Jun —Epp. ]
142 Dr. O. Finsch on a new Reed-Warbler.
D. valido pileus in fundo olivascens, plumis nigro terminatis
et striis ochraceis tenuioribus, in apice dilatatis preeditis),
corpore supra subtusque (imprimis in pectore) rufescentiore,
gula absque marginibus lateralibus obscuris et striis in pec-
tore angustioribus, necnon alis caudaque multo brevioribus ;
a D. picumno differt pileo in fundo non pure nigro, corpore
supra subtusque multo rufescentiore (nec olivascente), tectri-
cibus caudze superioribus pure castaneo-rufis, striis in pileo
minoribus et magis ochrascentibus (nec albescentibus) et tergo
medio absque striis.
It is not easy to explain the specific characters of this new
species in comparison with D. validus, Tschud., and D. pi-
cumnus, Licht., as it is, in fact, somewhat intermediate
between the two; but I trust the above diagnosis will help
ornithologists to recognize it at a glance among its congeners.
I have examined a typical specimen of D. pallescens, Pelz.,
kindly lent me by the illustrious describer of it. It proves to
be another good species, allied to D. validus and D. inter-
medius, but easily distinguished from both by its yellowish-
white bill and the pale olivaceous crown, striped in the same
style as in D. validus. It has been well described, and its
distinctness from D..validus correctly pointed out, by Herr
von Pelzeln (Orn. Bras. p. 61).
XIV.—On a new Reed-Warbler from the Island of Nawodo,
or Pleasant Island, in the Western Pacific. By Orro
Finscu, Ph.D., H.M.B.O.U., &c.
Havine unpacked part of my collections from the Pacific,
and taken a general look through my birds, I find that the
Warbler from Nawodo, or Pleasant Island, has been wrongly
identified by me with Calamoherpe syring. After a careful
examination I have come to the conclusion that this bird
belongs to a new species, which I have the pleasure of naming
after my indefatigable companion during all my travels in
the South Seas, Herr Ernst Rehse, of Berlin.
Dr. O. Finsch on a new Reed-Warbler. 143
CALAMOHERPE REHSEI, Sp. nov.
Calamoherpe syrinz, Finsch, Ibis, 1881, p. 246.
Upper parts rufescent brown, more vivid on the rump and
upper tail-coverts ; a well-defined longitudinal stripe from the
nostrils above the lores to behind the eyes light rufescent, the
same as the sides of head and neck and all the lower parts,
which are brightest on the flanks, lower tail-, and under wing-
coverts ; chin and throat lighter, passing into yellowish white ;
wings and tail umber-brown, faintly margined externally with
rufescent ; tail-feathers tipped faintly with the same colour ;
bill horn-brown, basal half of the lower mandible yellowish
horn-colour ; legs and feet dark brown. In life—bill dark
horn-brown, basal half of lower mandible flesh-coloured ;
legs and feet lead-coloured; iris brown; inside of mouth
orange.
Total 1. Wing. Tail, Culm. Tars,
i AER CE OnE 4doddd thd ‘dda “i
c. 6 2 9-2 10 2426 i4 -7 12. Two males.
Cao 2 8-2 9 2324 Pa 12 Five females,
SY 25 if 138 C. orientalis; Batavia,
2 8-2 11 26 9 12 C. syrinx; Ruck.
In coloration this species corresponds almost completely
with C. syrinz and the well-known C. orientalis, of which I
have before me one specimen shot near Batavia; but it may
be easily distinguished from C. orientalis by the short rounded
wings, and from C. syrinz by the short bill. C. orientalis
has the upper parts of a more dull rufescent, the eye-stripe
and lower parts lighter, more whitish; but this may be pecu-
har to the season, as my birds were all shot in the breeding-
season, and are assuming a new and brighter plumage. C.
rehsei has distinctly rounded wings, the first primary being very
short (as in all Reed- Warblers), the third, fourth, and fifth the
longest and equal, and the sixth only very little shorter; the
second is considerably shorter, about three lines ; the primaries
reach only 5!" beyond the secondaries. C. orientalis has a more
pointed wing, the third primary being the longest, the second
and fourth only very little shorter ; the primaries reach beyond
the secondaries 10". ‘The formula of the wing in C. syrinz,
144 Dr. O. Finseh on a new Reed-Warbler.
of which I have before me two specimens from the Ruck
group (Hogoleu), Central Carolines, is nearly the same as in
C. rehsei ; but C. syrinz is a quite different species, as is shown
by its narrow, slender, and much longer bill.
In regard to the habits of this new species I must refer to
No. VII. of my “Ornithological Letters from the Pacific ”
(Ibis, /. c.), concerning the island of Nawodo, or Pleasant
Island of the South-Sea people, which I visited on July 24th,
1880, being the first naturalist who ever landed on its shores.
This island has been elevated by submarine forces, and con-
sists only of coral-rock, but bears a more luxuriant vegetation
than the pure low coral islands or atolls. _Nawodo, situated in
0° 25'S. lat., and 167° 5! E. long., is peculiar for its isolated
position. The nearest land is Bonaba, or Ocean Island, 180
sea-miles south-east, which, according to my information (as
T had not an opportunity of visiting the island myself), has a
similar character; but this bird does not occur there. The
same is the case with Ebon (or Boston Island), about 500
miles north, where, as in the rest of the Marshall and Gilbert
groups, no land-bird exists at all. The other islands near to
Nawodo are, to the south, the Santa-Cruz group, about 800
nautical miles distant, to the south-west Ontang-Java or Lord
Howe’s group, about the same, and more nearly due west
New Ireland (over 1500), to the east Nonouti, in the Gilbert
group (about 700), and to the north-west Kuschai. It
will be seen from this that Nawodo is very isolated; and
the occurrence of a notoriously bad-flying bird, such as
this Calamoherpe, may make us wonder how this species origi-
nally came there.
In relation to this pomt I may add that I shall have to
publish hereafter a lot of interesting facts regarding the geo-
graphical distribution of animals, chiefly birds—a subject
which, I must confess, has always had a greater interest
to my mind than the discovery of a new species.
Bremen, January, 1888.
My. P. L. Sclater on the Icteride. 145
e XV.—Review of the Species of the Family Icteridee.—Part I.
Cassicine. By P. L. Scrarer, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S.
(Plates VI., VIL.)
Tue Cassiques have been mostly associated by modern natu-
ralists with the Icterine or Hangnests, but may, I think,
fairly stand apart as a separate subfamily of Icteride, recog-
nizable by their naked nostrils and conspicuous frontal
shield.
The Cassiques were arranged in the ‘ Nomenclator ’ in five
genera, and placed at the head of the family Icteride. I will
take them in the same order on the present occasion, but
have a slight addition to make to the number of species, and
have also been obliged, somewhat vnwllinely, to make one
new generic title.
Genus 1. CLYPEICTERUS.
Clypqicterus, Bp. Consp. 1. p. 426 (1850): type C. oseryi.
Fig. 1. Frontal shield of Clypeicterus oseryz; fig. 2, of Ocyalus latirostris :
fig. 3, of Hucorystes waglert.
146 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
1. CLYPEICTERUS OSERYI.
Cassicus oseryi, Deville, Rev. Zool. 1849, p. 57; DesMurs,
Voy. de Casteln. Ois. p. 69, t. 18, fig. 3; Cassin, Pr. Ac. Sc.
Phil. 1867, p. 72.
Clypeicterus oseryi, Bp. Consp. 1. p. 426; Sel. et Saly.
P. Z. S. 1867, p. 755, 1873, p. 265.
Supra castaneus, subtus flavus abdomine castaneo ; alis intus
nigris ; caudé flava, rectricibus quatuor mediis et utrin-
que extimze pogonio externo fusco-viridibus; rostro al-
bido, apice corneo; pedibus nigris: long. tota 14:5, ale
8:5, caude 5°5. Fem. Similis, sed crassitie valdé mi-
nore: long. tota 11, ale 6, caudz 4°3 poll. Angl.
Hab. Upper Amazonia: Pebas (Deville) ; Xeberos and Cha-
micuros (Bartlett); Sarayacu, Ecuador (Buckley).
The collectors in Upper Amazonia have recently supplied
our collections with fine examples of both sexes of this re-
markable bird. There is a considerable difference between
the sizes of the two sexes, as will be seen by the dimensions
given above.
Genus 2. OcyALus.
Ocyalus, Waterhouse, P. Z. 8. 1840, p. 183: type O. lati-
rostris.
1. OcYALUS LATIROSTRIS.
Cassicus latirostris, Sw. An. in Menag. p. 358; Cassin, Pr.
Ac. Se. Phil. 1867, p. 71.
Ocyalus popayanus, Waterh. P. Z. 8. 1840, p. 183.
Ocyalus latirostris, Bp. Consp. p. 427; Scl. Cat. A. B.
p- 127; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. 8. 1866, p. 182, 1867, p. 749,
1873, p. 265; Nomencl. p. 35.
Velutino-niger; capite supero, nuchaet dorso summo brunneo-
castaneis; alis caudaque extus zneo-nigris, rectricibus
quatuor lateralibus aureo-flavis, nigro terminatis ; rostro
plumbeo, pedibus nigris: long. tota maris 12, ale 9°2,
caudze 2°5; feminz 9:2, ale 6, caude 3°8.
Hab. Upper Amazonia: Nauta, Sarayacu, Chamicuros, and
Santa Cruz (Bartlett), Yquitos (Whitely) ; Sarayacu, Ecuador
(Buckley); Popayan (Waterhouse).
Of this fine and distinct species we have now full series of
Species of the Family Icteride. 147
both sexes from Upper Amazonia. The long wings, as
already pointed out by Mr. Waterhouse, quite justify this
bird’s generic separation from its allies.
Genus 3. EucorystTEs. ~
Eucorystes*, gen. nov. ab Ocyalo clypeo frontali maximo supra
oculos producto, rostri culmine incurvato, crista nuchali
tenui et alis brevioribus diversum.
1. Eucorysres WAGLERI.
Cassicus wagleri, Gray et Mitch. Gen. of B. p. 342, pl. 85.
Ocyalus wagleri, Bp. Consp. p. 427 ; Sclater, P. Z.S.1855,
p. 153, 1897p: 228, et 18595sp..5/ ;.Cat. A.B. py 127 sane.
et Salv. Ibis, 1857, p. 19, 1864, p. 353, 1870, p. 836, 1879,
p- 508; Nomencl. p. 35; Salv. Ibis, 1861, p. 141, 1872,
Bool’ 3 2. Ass. 18675. ps142, 1870,.p.090: Cabisd. ia O:
1861, p. 9; Sumichrast, Mem. Boston S. N. H. 1. p. 553.
Saturaté brunneo-castaneus ; interscapulio, alis extts, ventre
medio et subalaribus eneo-nigris; cauda flava, rectricis
utrinque extimz pogonio externo et rectricibus duabus
mediis omnino nigris; rostro albicanti-cinereo ; pedi-
bus nigris: long. tota maris 14, ale 8, caudee 5, fem. 10°5,
ale 5:6, caude 4.
Hab. South Mexico, Vera Cruz (Sumichrast); Guatemala
(Salvin) ; Honduras (Whitely) ; Costa Rica (v. Frantz.) ; Chon-
tales, Nicaragua (Belt); Veragua (Arcé); Panama (McLean-
nan) ; Antioquia (Salmon); Bogota; Balzar mountains, Ecua-
dor (Illingworth, Mus. 8.-G.).
As will be seen by the list of localities, Hucorystes wagleri
extends throughout Central America and beyond the isthmus
of Panama into Colombia and the littoral of Ecuador. I
have also seen skins of it of undoubtedly “ Bogota” manu-
facture.
This Cassique has been hitherto referred to Ocyalus. But
I do not think it possible to justify its retention in that
genus, as it differs in several well-marked characters, nota-
bly so in the shape of the casque and form of the wing.
* Ed, bené, et kepvarijs, galeatus.
148 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
Genus 4. Ostinors.
Ostinops, Cab. Mus. Hein. i. p. 187 (1851): type O. decu-
manus.
The Cassiques for which Dr. Cabanis has proposed the
generic term Ostinops may be best considered in two sections,
to be distinguished as follows :—
a. Rostri mandibula inferiore ad basin pelle nuda
ns Ostinopes nudirostres.
ebtecta “hia sade: beans seeders ane Benes
6. Rostri mandibula inferi i i ; ;
ostri _ bula inferiore ad basin plumis Ostinopes plumirostres.
obteGiadl. £5 ioe, mars umabeeeres hey EE ee
Of the Ostinopes nudirostres (which are the finest and largest
species of the wkole group) four species are known, which
are recognizable by the following diagnosis :—
a. Pileo nigro,
ventre castaneo,
HOTNESS TIUTAS 05 6 0 cle pace elec a wine emer ee (1) montezume.
POMOTIOUS CAStLANOIG'. S v.tis as oe ace vine ees ane (2) befascratus.
MEME RO MATOTO ie teas ao NR Spal tiers Mae sae eo aiek (3) guatimozinus.
D; Mae O AEVE-VICCNUG 35, p's ao « tes nena a tateee sick s&s gua’ (4) yuracarium.
1. OstTINoPs MONTEZUM2.
Cassicus montezuma, Less. Cent. Zool. pl. 7.
Cacicus montezume, Sclater, P. Z. 8S. 1856, p. 300, et 1859,
p. 365.
Ostinops montezume, Sclater, P. Z. 8. 1859, p. 380; Cassin,
Pr. Acad. Philad. 1860, p. 139, et 1867, p. 71; Scl. Cat. A.
B. p. 128; Sumichrast, Mem. Boston Soc. N. H. vol. i.
p- 553 (Vera Cruz); Scl. et Salv. Ibis, 1859, p. 19; P. Z. S.
1864, p. 353, 1867, p. 279, 1870, p. 836, 1879, p. 509; Salv.
Ibis, 1865, p. 195.
Ostinops bifasciata, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 187 (partim).
Supra luride castaneus, capite nigro ; subtus gutture nigro in
abdomen castaneum transeunte ; femoribus nigris, crisso
castaneo ; cauda flavé, hujus rectricibus duabus mediis
nigricantibus ; rostri nigri basi et apice abrupte flavis ;
pedibus nigris: long. tota (maris) 19, ale 10°3, caude 8 ;
(feminz) 12°5, ale 7°8, caude 6.
Hab. 8. Mexico, Vera Cruz (Sumichrast) ; Jalapa (de Oca);
Species of the Family Icteride. 149
Guatemala, Chisee (Salvin); Brit. Honduras ; Costa Rica
(Carmiol); Panama (McLeannan).
This fine Cassique is distributed throughout Central Ame-
rica from S. Mexico to Panama. I have never seen it from
south of the isthmus, where O. guatimozinus takes its place.
2. OsTINOPS BIFASCIATUS.
Cassicus bifasciatus, Spix, Av. Bras. i. p. 65, t. 61.
Psarocolius bifasciatus, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 2.
Ostinops bifasciatus, Cassin, Pr. Acad. Sc. Phil. 1860,
p. 189, et 1867, p. 71; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 35; Pelz.
Orn. Bras. p. 192.
Similis O. montezume, sed abdomine cum tibus et crisso di-
luté castaneis diversus.
Hab. Lower Amazonia (Spiz); Para (Natterer).
Mus. Academiz Philadelphiz et Vindobonensi.
This Cassigue has been united by Dr. Cabanis and other
writers to C. montezume ; but Mr. Cassin has shown that the
two birds are quite distinct, though nearly allied.
- Tam not aware of the existence of any specimens of O. b7-
fasciatus in Europe, except the type in the Munich Museum
(if that still exists) and Natterer’s single example at Vienna.
It is certainly a very rare species.
“+ 3. OsTINOPS GUATIMOZINUS.
Ostinops guatimozinus, Bp. C. R. xxxvii. p. 833, et Notes
s. l. coll. Delattre, p. 10 (1853) ; Cassin, Pr. Acad. Se. Phil.
1860, p. 188, et 1867, p. 71; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 35;
Paws, 1849, p- 003.
Nigerrimus, alarum tectricibus dorso postico et crisso cas-
taneis ; cauda flava, rectricibus duabus mediis nigris ;
rostro nigro, apice flavo, basi carneé; pedibus nigris :
long. tota (maris) 18°5, ale 8°6, caude 7:0; (femine)
15°5, ale 8:0, caudee 674.
Hab. Northern States of Colombia, Guaripata (Lontanier) ;
river Truando (Wood); Antioquia, Remedios (Salmon).
See Mr. Salvin’s and my remarks on this splendid species,
P. Z. 8. 1879, p. 508.
SER. V.—VOL. I. M
150 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
4. OsTINOPS YURACARIUM.
Cassicus yuracares, d’Orb, et Lafr. Syn. Av. ii. p. 2; D’Orb.
Woy-, Ois-p.-365,; pl. 51.'f. 15 ‘Bp. Consp. p: 427 ; "Cass. Pr.
Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 69.
Ostinops yuracarium, Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 128; Pelz. Orn.
Bras. p. 192; Scl: et. Salv, P.Z.S8. 1866, p. 182, Tera,
pp. 185, 265, et 1879, p. 608; Nomencl. p. 35.
Cassicus devillti, Bp. Consp. p. 427; DesMurs, Voy. Casteln.,
Ois.p67/,ply 1OP ts a:
Ostinops devillii, Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 128.
Flavo-olivaceus, dorso postico, alis extus et ventre inferiore
toto cum tibiis et crisso saturaté castaneis ; cauda flava,
rectricibus duabus mediis fusco-viridibus ; rostri nigri .
apice flavo, mandibule inferioris basi nuda carned ; pedi-
bus nigris: long. tota (maris) 18:0, ale 10, caude 7;
(femine) 13°5, ale 8°5, caudee 6°5.
Hab. Bolivia, Yuracares (d’ Orb.); Matto-grosso (Natterer) ;
S. Peru, Cosnipata (Whitely); Upper Amazonia, Rio Javari
(Bates); Upper and Lower Ucayali, Sarayacu, Chamicuros,
and Santa Cruz (Bartlett); Sarayacu, Ecuador (Buckley) ;
Bogota (Mus. P. L. S.).
I have little doubt that Cassicus devillei is referable to the
female of this species. I have seen the type at Paris.
The second section of the Ostinopes (with the base of the
lower mandible fully plumed) contains eight species, diagno-
sable as follows :—
@ZEOMMOLG Preciple NISTOs... Lek ses Sree as ee ee (5) decumanus.
b. eorpore preecipué olivaceo.
@..clypeo frontali,expans0.. Ane.) ieeos anid ts se (6) viridis.
b'. clypeo frontali angusto,
a". rostro flavo,
a’. rectr. iv. med. omnino viridibus ........ (7) atrovirens.
6'", rectr. ii, med. et paris proximi pog. int.
viridibus
ventre nigricanti-olivaceo; tibiis nigris (8) salmoni.
ventre et tibiis fuscescenti-castaneis .. (9) atrocastaneus.
ventre et tibiis flavicanti-olivaceis ....(10) sincipitalis.
b". rostro plumbeo, apice albicante
ce’. rostro toto nigricante
DR olncHy ca yak (11) oleagineus,
Fa cdiese a esi piv Meanie =e (12) angustifrons.
Species of the Family Icteride. 151
5. OstINoPs DECUMANUS.
Xanthornus decumanus, Pall. Spice. Zool. vi. p. 3 (1769).
Cassique huppé de Cayenne, Pl. Enl. p. 344.
Oriolus citreus, Mull. Natursyst. Suppl. p. 87 (1776).
Oriolus cristatus, Bodd. Table d. Pl. Enl. p. 21 (1783)
Gm. S. N. i. p. 387.
Cassicus cristatus, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. v. p. 357, et Ene.
Méth. p. 721; Sw. Orn. Dr. pl. 32; Max. Beitr. iii. p. 1220;
Tsch. Faun. Per. p. 232; Bp. Consp. p. 427; Cab. in Schomb.
Guian. 11. p. 680; Burm. Syst. Ueb. i. p. 275.
Psarocolius cristatus, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 3.
Ostinops cristatus, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 187; Scl. P.Z.S.
1855, p. 153, et 1858, p. 455;-.Cat. A. B. p. 127; Cassin,
Pr. Ac. Phil. 1860, p. 188; Reinh. Fuglef. Bras. Camp. p. 211;
Scl. et Salv. P. Z.S. 1864, p. 354, 1866, p. 182, 1867, pp. 750,
978, 1873, p. 265, 1879, p. 608, et Nomencl. p. 35; Taylor,
This, 1864, p.83; Salv. P. Z.S. 1870, p. 190; Finsch, P. Z. 8.
1870, p. 578; Wyatt, Ibis, 1871, p. 328; Pelz. Orn. Bras.
pa EOL.
Ostinops decumanus, Salv. et Godman, Ibis, 1879, p. 200;
Sel. et -Salv.P. ZS. 1879, p..509.
Cassicus citreus, Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1867, p. 68.
Niger, uropygio et crisso castaneis; cauda flava, rectricibus
duabus mediis nigricantibus ; rostro albo; pedibus ni-
gris : long. tota (maris) 16:5, ale 8°5, caudee 7 ; (feminz)
138, ale 7, caude 6. ;
Hab. America merid. a Panama usque ad Brasil. merid.
This is acommon and widely distributed species. I have
examined specimens from the following localities :—Chiriqui
(Arcé), Panama (McLeannan), Santa Marta (Simons), Anti-
oquia (Salmon), British Guiana (Whitely), Sarayacu, Ecuador
(Buckley), Pebas, E. Peru (Hauawell), Santa Cruz, E. Peru
(Bartlett), Barra do Rio Negro (Nait.), Bahia (Wucherer),
San Paulo (Nait.). Natterer obtained it besides in Matto-
dentro and Cuyaba.
6. OstINors VIRIDIS.
Cassique vert de Cayenne, Daub. Pl. Enl. 328.
M 2
152 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
Oriolus viridis, Mill. Natursyst. Suppl. p. 87 ; Bodd. Table
d. Pl. Enl. p. 20.
Oriolus cristatus, var., Gm. 8S. N. 1. p. 387.
Cassicus viridis, Vieill. Enc. Méth. p. 723 ; Cab. in Schomb.
Guian. ii. p. 680; Bp. Consp. p. 427; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil.
1867, p. 68.
Ostinops viridis, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 187; Scl. et Salv.
P. Z. 8S. 1867, pp. 573, 750, et 1873, p. 265 ; Nomencl. p. 35;
Layard, Ibis, 1873, p. 381; Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 128; Pelz.
Orn. Bras. p. 192.
Psarocolius viridis, Wag]. Syst. Av. sp. 1.
Oleagineo- viridis, dorso postico tibiis et ventre imo cum crisso
saturate castaneis ; cauda flava, rectricibus duabus mediis
et remigibus alarum intus nigris; rostro flavido, pedibus
nigris : long. tota (maris) 17, alz 10°3, caudze 7:3 ; (fe-
mine) 13°5, ale 7:5, caude 5:5.
Hab. Lower Amazonia: Para (Wallace) ; Rio Negro (Natt.);
Upper Amazonia, Xeberos, and Chyavetas (Bartlett) ; Sa-
rayacu, Ecuador (Buckley); Brit. Guiana (Whitely) ; Maran-
ham (Windeborn in Mus. S.-G.).
This well-known Cassique has a wide distribution over the
northern portion of South America, but does not extend into
the wood-region of 8.E. Brazil. Nor have I ever seen it from
Bogota or further north.
7. OSTINOPS ATROVIRENS.
Cassicus atrovirens, D’Orb. et Lafr. Syn. Av. ii. p. 1;
D’Orb. Voy., Ois. p. 366, pl. 51. £.2; Bp. Consp. p. 427 ; Cass.
Pr. Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 69.
Ostinops atrovirens, Scl. et Salv. P. Z.S. 1869, p. 598, 1876,
p. 16, 1879, p. 608, et Nomencl. p. 35 (partim) ; Cab. Journ.
f. O. 1873, p. 309.
Oleagineo-viridis, uropygio et crisso rufis ; fronte flava ; caudze
flavee rectricibus quatuor mediis et pari externo totis, cum
paris secundi externi pogoniis externis viridibus, ceteris
viridi terminatis ; rostro flavo ; pedibus nigris : long. tota
(maris) 14°3, ale 8-4, caude 6°35; (feminz) 12°3, ale
7°2, caudze 5°5.
Hab, Bolivia, Yungas (d’ Orb. et Buckley) ; S.E. Peru proy.
of Cuzco (Whitely).
LN 1
Species of the Family Icteride. 153
The five specimens of this species before me, four from
Bolivia and two from Peru, agree generally in the characters
above given; but in one of the Peruvian specimens the third
and fourth pair of rectrices have no green at the tips. In
all cases, however, the wholly olive-green colour of the four
middle tail-feathers (as pointed out by Dr. Cabanis) seems to
discriminate O. atrovirens from the four nearly allied species
which follow.
~-8. OstTINoPs SALMONI, sp. nov. (Plate VI.)
Ostinops atrocastaneus, Scl. et Salv. P. Z. 8. 1879, p. 509.
Supra brunnescenti-castaneus, dorsa posticd dilutiore, in ful-
vum transeunte; fronte lata flava; alis extts nigris:
subtis nigricanti-olivaceus, lateribus fulvo mixtis; tibiis
nigris; crisso fulvo, uropygio concolor; cauda flava,
rectricibus duabus mediis totis et paris proximi pogonio
interno nigris, rectrice laterali un& extima et paris
secundi pogonio externo preecipué ad apicem olivaceis ;
rostro flavo, pedibus nigris: long. tota (maris) 18°5,
ale 9°5, caude 8°5; (fem.) 15, alee 7°5, caude 7.
Hab. Antioquia (Salmon).
In our catalogue of Mr. Salmon’s collections from Antio-
quia, Mr. Salvin and I united this form to O. atrocastaneus.
But on close examination of the fine series of these birds now
before me, it would seem that the Antioquian bird may be
easily distinguished by the much darker hues of its lower
surface. The whole breast and abdomen are of a dark olive,
with a slight tinge of the chestnut-brown only on the flanks ;
and the thighs are almost black. In O. atrocastaneus the
whole under surface is of a rich uniform chestnut-brown,
and the thighs are but slightly darker.
I propose therefore to separate the Antioquian form under
the name of its energetic discoverer.
_ 9. OsTINOPS ATROCASTANEUS.
Cassicus alfredi, DesMurs, Voy. Cast. Ois. p. 67, t. xix.
fig. 2 (1855) (?).
Ostinops atrovirens, Scl. P. Z. 8. 1859, p. 140, 1860, p. 88
(Ecuador) ; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. 8. 1866, p. 182 (Ucayali), et
1873, p. 266 (Amazons).
154. Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
x Ostinops atrocastaneus, Cab. Journ. f. O. 1878, p. 309.
Supra sicut in O. salmoni; subtus ex castaneo brunneus,
feré unicolor, crisso fulvo; caude picturd feré ut in
sp. prec., sed colore nigro interdum latius extenso : long.
tota (maris) 16, ale 8°5, caude 8; (fem.) 14, ale 7°3,
caudee 6°5.
Hab. Ecuador and Upper Amazonia; San José, Ecuador
(Buckley) ; Pallatanga and Nanegal (Fraser).
The merit of first distinguishing this species from its allies
clearly belongs to Dr. Cabanis ; and I adopt his name for it.
But I suspect that Cassicus alfredi of DesMurs is a prior
synonym, though it would be necessary to examine the type
before stating this positively.
The colouring of the tail, although generally as above de-
scribed, varies insome specimens. In one of Buckley’s skins
from Ecuador the black extends partially over the inner webs
of the second median pair and over the outer webs of the third
and fourth external pair.
10. OsTINoPs SINCIPITALIS.
Ostinops sincipitalis, Cab. Journ. f. O. 1873, p. 309.
Cassicus alfredi, Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1867, p. 692 (nee
DesMurs).
Supra preecedentibus duabus feré similis; subtus flavicanti-
olivaceus, gutture dilutiore, lateribus et crisso in casta-
neum vergentibus ; quoad cande picturam cum O, sal-
moni congruens : long. tota (maris) 16, ale 10, caudee 8.
Hab. Colombia interior.
This is the only form of the atrocastaneus group of Os-
tinops that I have seen from Bogota. Four examples are
now before me, three from my own and one of Messrs. Salvin
and Godman’s collection. They are easily recognizable by
the uniform yellowish olive of the whole under-surface, but
in other respects hardly differ from the two preceding forms.
11. Ostinops OLEAGINEUS, sp.nov. (Plate VII.)
Ostinops atrovirens, pt., Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 128 (ex. a).
Supra olivaceus (frente flava nulla), interscapulio brunneo
tincto, dorso pcstico in fulvum transeunte ; alis intts
nigris, extiis olivaceis: subtus olivaceus, in gutture di-
lutior: lateribus et crisso in fulvum transeuntibus ;
‘SNANIDVETO SdHONILSO
dur qaeyuey Ul MECN Teal al,
Witla 68 81 =!)
Species of the Family Icteride. 155
caudve flavee rectricibus duabus mediis et paris proximi
pogoniis internis,necnon rectricibus duabus externis totis
olivaceis, ceteris flavis olivaceo terminatis ; rostro plum-
beo, apice albicante; pedibus nigris: long. tota 17:5,
alee 9°3, alee 7-6.
Hab. Venezuela (?).
Under the name oleagineus I find it necessary to separate
a single specimen that has been in my collection since 1857,
and was referred doubtfully to O. atrovirens in my American
Catalogue. Its generally olive-green colour, which extends
specially over the outer margins of the wings, renders it easily
distinguishable from the three preceding forms ; besides which
it has a plumbeous bill (passing into white in the apical por-
tion) and no yellow on the front. The yellow front, however,
is occasionally wanting in O. atrovirens. O. oleagineus has a
slight pendent crest on the vertex, like O. atrocastaneus and
others of the group.
OsTINOPS ANGUSTIFRONS.
Cassicus angustifrons, Spix, Av. Bras. i. p. 68, pl. 62; Bp.
Consp. p. 427; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1867, p. 70.
Ostinops angustifrons, Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 128; Scl. et Salv.
P. Z. 8S. 1866, p. 182, et 1873, p. 265 ; Nanienel p..39 3) Cabt
J. f. O. 1873, p. 308.
Supra saturate olivaceo-brunneus, capite viridescentiore, dorso
postico in fulvum transeunte ; alis nigricantibus, harum
secundariis et tectricibus extus dorso concoloribus: sub-
tus concolor, sed paulo dilutior, in gutture virescens ;
crisso uropygio concolori; caudee flave rectricibus dua-
bus mediis totis, paris proxim1 pogoniis internis et rec-
tricum lateralium apicibus nigricantibus; rostro et pedi-
bus nigris: long. tota 17°5, alge 9, cauds 77; long. tota
(fem.) 14, alee 7°2 2, caudee 62.
Hab. Amazonia superior. Sarayacu, Upper and Lower
Ucayali and Huallaga (Bartlett) ; Sarayacu, Ecuador (Buckley):
Colombia int. (Bogota).
The uniform dark bill of this Cassique renders it easily
distinguishable from its allies. It is a common bird on the
Upper Amazons, whence I have seen numerous specimens.
Bogota skins do not materially differ.
156 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
Genus 5. CassIcuLwus.
Cassiculus, Sw. Zool. Journ. ui. p. 852 (1827): type C. me-
lanicterus.
The single form upon which Swainson based the genus
Cassiculus possesses certain peculiarities (such as an elon-
gated bill and well developed crest) that may justify us in
allowing it to remain under a separate generic heading,
though it is certainly not very widely differentiated from
the true Cassict.
1. CassICULUS MELANICTERUS.
Icterus melanicterus, Bp. Journ. Acad. Philad. iv. p. 389
(1824).
Icterus diadematus, Temm. Pl. Col. 482 (1829).
Cassiculus coronatus, Sw. Zool. Journ. ii. p. 852, et Phil.
Mag. 1827, 1. p. 436.
Xanthornus coronatus, Jard. et Selb. Tl. Orn. pl. 45.
Cassiculus melanicterus, Bp. Consp. p.428; Cab. Mus. Hein.
p. 186; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 380; Baird, Ibis, 1863,
p- 476; Sel. Cat. A. B. p. 129; Sel. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 35.
Cassicus melanicterus, Cassin, Pr. Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 66.
Niger, dorso postico, alarum tectricibus minoribus, et crisso
flavis ; cauda flava, rectricibus duabus mediis totis et
ceterarum marginibus externis (preecipué in exterioribus)
nigris ; rostro flavicanti-albo ad basin plumbescente ; pe-
dibus fusco-nigris: long. tota 10°5, alee 5°8, caudee 4°8.
Femina, cinerascenti-nigra, flavo sicut in mari decorata:
long. tota 9°4, alee 5:0, caudee 4:2.
Hab. South Mexico, Oaxaca (Boucard) ; Mazatlan (Gray-
son et Xantus).
Genus 6. Cassicus.
Cacicus, Cuv. Legons d’An. Comp. table 2 (1800): no type.
Cassicus, Ill. Prodr. p. 214 (1811) : type C. hemorrhous.
Brisson originally spelt this term “ Cassicus”* (no doubt
from cassis, a helmet); but Cuvier, and Daudin after him,
* Orn. ii, pp. 98, 100, but not used as a generic term, the two birds
called “ Cassicus” being embraced in his genus “ Icterus.”
Species of the Family Icteride. 157
used “ Cacicus.’ 1 think, however, we are justified in re-
verting to “ Cassicus” (as a more correct form), under which
name the genus was first properly characterized by Hlhger,
and which term most authors have employed.
Synopsis Cassicorum.
A. Nigri, dorso postico flavo,
a. crisso flavo,
rectricum dimidio basali flavo .......... (1) persicus.
rectricum parte tertia basali flava........ (2) flavicrissus.
b. crisso nigro,
ais extus: OMMINO NIPTIS 4.45). 5c) da slat le (3) chrysonotus.
alarum tectricum plaga flava,
major: dorso postico toto flavo...... (4) leucorhamphus.
MIMO? VTOPY GIO HAVO 6 ..0...in ce oie: (5) albirostris.
B. Nigri, dorso postico rubro,
dorso postico laté rubro,
Prilosi MUSCO=—MIETe sees e os we elyets (6) hemorrhous.
piilosimUtidomMipray 2.4 cis «piers cae (7) affinis.
dorso postico anguste rubro,
Major, TOstro validiore: .... 66sec. e. (8) wropygials.
minor: rostro debiliore 2. v6. a as a (9) microrhynchus.
C. Nigri, unicolores,
TIUATOL aye tel seta hle cake « 4 oat paces (10) sohtartus.
MITIOTY Fa fovey dew habs wie oa al etal ob as Oi 5) we erat (11) holosericeus.
1. CassicUS PERSICUS.
Cassicus luteus, Briss. Av. 1. p. 100.
Oriolus persicus, Linn. 8. N. i. p. 161.
Cacicus persicus, Daud. Orn. 1. p. 327.
. Cassicus persicus, Max. Beitr. 11. p. 12384; Cab. in Schomb.
Guian. 11. p. 687; Taylor, Ibis, 1864, p. 84; Scl. Cat. A. B.
p. 1235 Sel. et Salvy. P. ZS. 1866, p. 182, 1872, p. 266;
Nomencl. p. 35; et P.Z.S. 1879, p. 608 ; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil.
1867, p. 65; Pelzeln, Orn. Bras. p. 193; Layard, Ibis, 1873,
p- 381; Forbes, Ibis, 1881, p. 338.
Cassicus icteronotus, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. v. p. 315, et Enc.
Méth. p. 724; Tsch. Faun. Per. p. 228; Cab. Mus. Hein.
p- 186; Bp. Consp. p. 428; Sw. Orn. Dr. pl. 3; Scl. P.Z.S.
1858, p. 455.
Psarocolius icteronotus, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 5.
158 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
Nitidé niger, plag& tectricum alarium superiorum, dorso
postico, crisso et caudze dimidio basali flavissimis ; rostro
albo, pedibus nigris: long. tota 11, ale 6, caude 4:3.
Fem. Mari similis, sed magis fusco-nigra: long. tota
8'°5, alee 4°7, caude 3°6.
Hab. Colombia (Bogota), Guiana, et Amazonia tota: Para
(Wallace); Upper and Lower Ucayali (Bartlett); Sarayacu,
Ecuador (Buckley); Bolivia, Chiquitos (d’Orb.); Yungas
(Buckley) ; Brazil, Bahia (Wucherer) ; Rio Belmonte (Maz.);
Goiaz and Cuyaba (Nait.).
This is a common and widely spread species in South
America, as will be seen by the above-given list of localities.
In Western Ecuador, Northern Colombia, and Central Ame-
rica, its place is taken by C. flavicrissus. Concerning its
pendent nest see Neuwied (Beitr. ii. p. 1239) and Bartlett
(P. Z. S. 1872, p. 266).
2. CassIcUS FLAVICRISSUS,
Cassiculus flavicrissus, Sclater, P. Z.S. 1860, p. 276; Cat.
A.B. p. 129; Cass. Pr. Acad. Phil. 1867, p.67; Ibis, 1871,
p- 829, et 1872, p. 468; Tacz. P. Z. Z. 1877, p. 322; Scl. et
Salv. P. Z. S. 1879, p. 509, et Nomencl. p. 35.
Cacicus persicus, Scl. et Salv. P. Z.S. 1864, p. 353.
Cassicus vitellinus, Lawr. Pr. Acad. Phil. 1864, p. 107;
Cass. Pr. Acad. Phil, 1867, p. 68.
Nitidé niger, plagA tectricum alarium superiorum, dorso
postico, crisso et caudz parte tertid basali aurantiaco-
flavis ; rostro albo; pedibus nigris: long. tota 11°5, ale
6:7, caudee 4°5. Fem. Mari similis, sed paulo minus .
nitida et valdé minor: long. tota 9, ale 5:3, caudz 3:5.
Hab. Panama (McLeannan; valley of the Magdalena
(Wyatt) ; Antioquia (Salmon) ; Western Ecuador (Fraser).
Obs. Similis C. persico, sed colore caude flavo vix ultra
tectrices extenso et rostro fortiore dignoscendus.
Mr. Lawrence has very accurately stated the differences
which distinguish this northern bird from Cassicus persicus.
An examination of the tail at once serves to separate the two
species. In the present bird the yellow of the rectrices hardly
extends beyond the coverts, either above or below; in C.
Species of the Family Icteride. 159
persicus the yellow colour reaches far beyond the coverts of
both surfaces, especially in the external tail-feathers.
3. CASsICUS CHRYSONOTUS.
Cassicus chrysonotus, @Orb. et Lafr. Syn. Av. ii. p. 3;
d@Orb: Voy. Ois. p. 36754; m, fig. 1 > Cass. Pr. Acad: Phil.
NS67,7p-07 ; sel: Po Zes, 1875, p. 781; Scl. et.Salv. PoA.8:
1879, p. 608.
Cassiculus chrysonotus, Bp. Consp. 1. p. 428.
Niger: dorso postico flavissimo ; rostro albo, pedibus nigris :
long. tota 13, ale 6°3, caude 5°8. Fem. Mari similis,
sed minor: long. tota 9, ale 5:1, caudee 4°9.
Hab. Bolivia, mountains of Yungas and Ayupaya (d’ Ord.) ;
Tilotilo and Ramosani (Buckley); Southern Peru, Andes of
Cuzco (Whitely). é
This is a most distinct and unmistakable species, without any
yellow on the wings or tail. Cassin was not acquainted with
it, and consequently cast unnecessary doubts on its validity.
4. CassIcUS LEUCORHAMPHUS.
Xanthornus leucorhamphus, Bp. Att. Sc. Ital. 1843, p. 404.
Cassiculus leucorhamphus, Bp. Consp. p. 428; Sclater,
PVA. 854858,2p7 552 5- Cat. A.B. p: 129.
Cassicus leucorhamphus, Cass. Pr. Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 67 ;
Scl. et Salv. P. Z.S. 1879, p. 509; Nomencl. p. 36.
Niger, alarum tectricibus superioribus dorso proximis et dorso
postico flavissimis; rostro plumbeo, apice albo ; pedibus
nigris: long. tota 11, ale 6°4, caudee 5-4. Fem. Mari
similis, sed minor: long. tota 9, ale 5, caude 4°8.
Hab. Colombia (Bogota) ; Antioquia (Salmon); Western
Ecuador, Matos (Fraser) ; San Lucas (Mus. S.-G.).
This is also a distinct species, fully entitled to rank as a
typical member of the genus, although the bill is straighter
and less developed than in C. persicus and C. hemorrhous and
its allies. It is not uncommon in “ Bogota” collections, and
is also met with in those from “ Quito.”
5. Cassicus ALBIROSTRIS.
Japti negro y amarillo, Azara, Apunt. 1. p. 269.
Cassicus albirostris, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. v. p. 364, et Enc.
160 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the
Méth. p. 723; Cab. in Schomb. Guian. i. p. 681; Cass. Pr:
Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 68; Burm. Syst. Ueb. ii. p. 273; Sel.
et Salv. Nomencl. p. 36.
Xanthornus chrysopterus, Vig. Zool. Journ. ii. p. 190, pl. 9;
Jard. et Selb. Ill. Orn. pl. 80.
Cassiculus albirostris, Bp. Consp. p. 428; Sel. Cat. A. B.
p. 129; Pelzeln. Orn. Bras. p. 193.
Archiplanus albirostris, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 186.
Japus dubius, Merrem, Ersch u. Gruber’s Enc. xv. p. 279.
Niger, tectricibus alarum mediis et uropygio flavis ; rostro
albo, pedibus nigris: long. tota 8°5, ali 4, caudze 3:7.
Fem. Mari similis, sed minor: long. tota 7, ale 3°8,
caudze 3°5.
Hab. Paraguay (Azara); Brazil, prov. Sao Paulo (Natt.) ;
Rio Grande do Sul (Plant).
Obs. Sp. a precedente statura minore et uropygio angusté
flavo dignoscenda.
This is not a very common species in collections ; and I
have only a single example of it, obtained by Plant some
years ago in the Brazilian province of Rio Graude do Sul;
Messrs. Salvin and Godman have several specimens from
the same province. It extends into Sao Paulo, Parana, and
Paraguay. But I am very doubtful whether Schomburgk
really got this bird in British Guiana, as alleged; for I do
not find its occurrence registered otherwise nearly so far
north.
This species has much shorter wings than the last, which
it so nearly resembles in colour, and is altogether feebler in
structure. Dr. Cabanis has accordingly separated it under
the title Archiplanus.
6. CassicUS HAMORRHOUS.
Oriolus hemorrhous, Linn. 8. N. 1. p. 161 (partim.).
Le Cassique rouge de Brésil, Daub. Pl. Enl. 482.
Cassicus hemorrhous, Daud. Tr. d@’Orn. 1. p. 828; Max.
Beitr. iii. p. 1230; Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 186; Cassin, Pr. Acad.
Se. Phil. 1867, p.64; Bp. Consp. p. 428; Scl.Cat. A. B. p. 129;
Burm. Syst. Ueb. iii. p. 275; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 35.
Species of the Family \cteride. 161
Icterus hemorrhous, Sw. Orn. Dr. pl. 1.
Psarocolius hemorrhous, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 6.
Fuscescenti-niger, uropygio laté rubro; rostro viridescenti-
albo, pedibus nigris: long. tota 11, ale 6°9, caude 4°6.
Fem. Mari similis, sed magis fusca et minor: long. tota
9, alee 5°3, caude 3:7.
Hab. Brasilia merid. orient. Bahia (Wucherer) ; Minas
(Rogers in Mus. P.L.8.); Sao Paulo (Natt.); Rio Grande
do Sul (Joynes in Mus. S.-G.).
I agree with Mr. Cassin (/. s. ¢.) that the distinctness of the
Brazilian form of this bird from that of the Guianan and
Amazonian districts is rather questionable. But in the series
of seventeen specimens before me, all of the latter series (C.
affinis) agree in having the plumage in both sexes of a deeper
and more shining black, and in the males there is the addi-
tional character of the larger and thicker bill, specially alluded
to by Bonaparte (C. R. xxxvii. p. 833).
It may be noted that Linnzeus based his Oriolus hemor-
rhous mainly on Brisson’s Cassicus ruber, which = Cassicus
affinis. Luckily, however, Liunzeus put Brazil first in his list of
localities ; so I think (as he comprehended both forms under
one name) we are justified in following the general practice
of retaining the name hemorrhous for the Brazilian form, and
ealling the Guianan form affinis.
7. CassiIcus AFFINIS.
Cassicus ruber, Briss. Orn. i. p. 98.
Cassicus affinis, Sw. Orn. Dr. t.2; Bp. C. R. xxxvii. p. 833
(1850) ; Cassin, Pr. Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 64; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 86; Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 193.
Cassicus crassirostris, Bp. C. R. l. s/c.
Cassicus hemorrhous, Cab. in Schomb. Guian. iii. p. 681 ;
Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1873, p. 267. |
Splendidé niger, uropygio late rubro; rostro (plerumque cras-
siore) viridescenti-albo : long. tota 10, alee 9°3, caudee 4.
Fem. Mari similis sed minor: long. tota 8°5, ale 5:2,
caudee 3:5.
Hab. Cayenne; Brit. Guiana; Para and Rio Negro (Natt.);
Chamicuros, Peruvian Amazons (Bartlett); Sarayacu, Ecuador
(Buckley) .
162 Mr. P. L. Scelater on the
Obs. Similis C. hemorrhoo, sed colore nigro nitido et satu-
ratiore necnon rostro maris crassiore dignoscendus.
8. CassICUS UROPYGIALIS.
Cassicus uropygialis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 290, et 1847,
p- 218; Bp. Consp. p. 428. et Notes Orn. p. 11; Scl. Cat.
A. B. p. 129; Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1860, p. 189, et 1867,
p. 64; Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1879, p. 509; Nomencl. p. 36.
Intensé niger, uropygii fascia rubra; rostro albo, pedibus
nigris : long. tota 10°5, alee 5.5, cande 4°7. Fem. Mari
similis sed minor.
Hab. Colombia (Bogota) ; Antioquia (Salmon) ; Rio Atrato
(Michler) ; Ecuador, Jima (Buckley in Mus. 8.-G.).
Obs. Species a duabus preecedentibus uropygii rubro colore
angustiore facile distinguenda.
9. CassICUS MICRORHYNCHUS.
Cassiculus microrhynchus, Scl. et Salv. P. Z.S. 1864, p. 353,
et Nomencl. p. 36; Lawr. Ann. L. N. Y. vii. p. 180; Salv.
P. Z. S. 1867, p. 142; Cassin, Pr. Acad. Phil. 1867, p. 65.
Intensé niger, uropygii fascid rubra; rostro albo, pedibus
nigris: long. tota 9, ale 5:1, caude 3:6. Fem. Mani
similis, sed minor: long. tota 7°5, ale 4°2, caudz 3:1.
Hab. Panama (McLeannan); Chiriqui et Veragua (Arcé) ;
Chontales, Nicaragua (Belt) ; Costarica (Carmiol).
Obs. Sp. C. uropygiali maximé affinis, sed crassitie minore
et rostro debiliore dignoscenda.
10. CassicULUS SOLITARIUS.
Japu negro, Azara, Apunt. i. p. 268.
Cassicus solitarius, Vieill. Nouv. Dict. v. p. 364, et Ene.
Méth. p. 723; Hartl. Syst. Ind. p.4; Sw. B. of Brazil, pl. 4;
Scl. et Salv. P. Z. S. 1879, p. 608; Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 194.
Cassicus nigerrimus, Spix, Av. Bras. i. p. 66. pl. 63. f. 1.
Amblycercus solitarius, Bp. Notes Orn. p. 10.
Japus bursarius, Merrem, Ersch u. Grub. Allg. Ene. xv.
D: 2/7:
Cassiculus solitarius, Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 12; Scl. et Salv.
P. Z. 8. 1866, p. 182, et 1867, p. 978, et 1873, p. 266.
Psarocolius nigerrimus, Wagl. Syst. Av. sp. 7.
Species of the Family Icteride. 163 -
Nigerrimus unicolor ; rostro albo, pedibus nigris: long. tota
11, ale 4°8, caude 4°5. Fem. Mari similis, sed minor :
long. tota 8°5, alz 4°4, caudee 4:3.
Hab. Paraguay (Azara); Buenos Ayres (Haslehurst) ;
Brazil, Cuyaba and Matto-grosso (Natt.) ; Ceara (Jesse) ; Upper
Amazonia, Nauta (Bartlett); Pebas (Hauexwell) ; Bolivia,
Yuracares (Ord.).
1]. Cassicus HOLOSERICEUS.
Sturnus holosericeus, Licht. Preis-Verz. Mex. Vog. p. 1;
Cab. J. f. O. 1863, p. 55.
Cacicus holosericeus, Salvin, Cat. Strickl. Coll p. 263.
Amblyramphus prevostii, Less. Cent. Zool. pl. 54.
Amblycercus nigerrimus, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 190 (note).
Cassiculus prevostii, Bp. Consp. p. 428; Sclater, P. Z.S.
1856, p. 801, 1859, pp. 57, 865, 380, et 1860, pp. 276, 293,
1864, p. 174, et Cat. A. B. p. 129; Sclat. et Salv. Ibis, 1859,
p- 19, et 1860, p. 34; P.Z.S. 1864, p. 353, 1870, p. 836;
Salv. P. Z.S. 1867, p. 142, et 1870, p. 190.
Cassicus prevosti, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 36; Tacz.
P. Z. 8S. 1877, p. 822 (Tumbez).
Nigerrimus, rostro albo, pedibus nigris: long. tota 9, ale
4-1, caudze 4°3. Fem. Mari similis et, ut videtur, cras-
sitie Vix minor.
Hab. Southern Mexico, Jalapa (Sallé) ; Oaxaca (Boucard) ;
Yucatan (Gaumer); Guatemala (Salvin); Honduras; Costa
Rica (Rogers, Mus. S.-G.); Veragua (Arcé) ; Panama
(McLeannan); Bogota (Mus. P. L. S.); Western Ecuador,
Babahoyo and Esmeraldas (fraser); Western Peru, Tumbez
(Jelski).
This species, which is, I think, undoubtedly allied to C.
solitarius, extends (as will be seen from the above-given list
of localities) from Mexico throughout the Central-American
isthmus down to Tumbez in Western Peru. I cannot make
out that there is much difference in the dimensions of the
S€XeS.
164 Mr. H. Seebohm on the
XVI.—Remarks on the Thrushes of the Aithiopian Region.
By Henry Srezsoum, F.Z.S.
Te Thruskes of the Aithiopian Region all belong to the genera
Geocichla and Turdus. Of the former genus seven species
are known; and of the latter twelve have been described from
Africa. Of the former genus we have two types, one with the
breast and flanks spotted, and the other without spots on the
underparts. Geocichla guttata is probably the least changed
Ground-Thrush in Africa. It inhabits the forests of Natal.
Tts nearest relations appear to be G. litsitsirupa, distributed
throughout South Africa, and a northern form of this species
inhabiting the highlands of Abyssinia, G. stmensis, which differs
from its southern ally only in being more rufous, a difference
probably caused by living in a damper climate. The two
last-mentioned species are somewhat more advanced than
G. guttata, but are still more nearly allied to Geocichla than
to Turdus. These three species appear to be the least changed
descendants of the ancestors of the palearctic Thrushes. Of
the other type of Aithiopian Ground-Thrushes, with no spots
on the underparts, four very nearly allied species are known—
G. princei from the Gold Coast, G. crossleyi from the Came-
roons, G. piaggit from the Uganda country, near the sup-
posed sources of the Nile, and G. gurneyi from the Trans-
vaal and Natal. These species are probably the least changed
descendants of the ancestors of the Aithiopian species of the
genus Turdus, to which Cabanis has applied the subgeneric
name of Peliocichla (J. f. O. 1882, p. 318).
The Peliocichle are so closely allied to the South-American
Planestict that it requires a careful examination to discrimi-
nate some of them; and the name of this group must be
regarded as a purely geographical expression, and not in any
way denoting the least difference of even subgeneric value.
The Pelocichle are divided by Cabanis into twelve species ;
but the characters upon which many of these are founded
are so slight that modern ornithologists would call them only
local races or climatic forms, and some of them have already
been described assuch. There is very little variation in size,
Thrushes of the Aithiopian Region. 165
and scarcely any in wing-formula. The colour of the upper
parts varies, according to climate, from slate-grey through a
neutral brown to olive-brown. In all of them the sides of
the upper throat are streaked with brown or black. In all
of them the axillaries and under wing-coverts are of an orange
chestnut and the under tail-coverts white, with more or less
brown margins on the basal half. They have all pale legs
and feet and yellow bills.
Four fairly good species and half a dozen climatic forms
or local races of this group are at present known. ‘The four
species may be distinguished as under :—
Upper parts varying from brown to dull slate-grey ; centre
of belly white.
Streaks on the throat nearly black ...........0..0. T. hibonyanus.
Streaks on the throat pale brown ....... sHieindooxieyts f T. pelios.
Upper parts bright slate-grey ; very little white on belly;
breast dull slate-grey ; inner margins of quills orange-
chestnut; a bare space behind the eye............ T. tephronotus.
Upper parts brown ; belly orange-chestnut with no white
except on the feathers round the vent.
PMinwksOranve-cHestMUt 2 os cs se ci ss ves +s Ma sce os T. olivacinus.
T. libonyanus inhabits South Africa, having been obtained
in Damara Land, the Bechuana country, and the Trans-
vaal. Two supposed new tropical races of this species, an
eastern and a western one, have been described by Cabanis.
They are both slightly smaller than the typical form. The
eastern race (var. tropicalis) is found in Mozambique, and is
paler and more buffy on the breast than the typical form,
and is browner and less grey on the upper parts. The western
race (var. schuetti, Cab. J. f. O. 1882, p. 319) is of the same
colour on the breast as the eastern race, but is slightly paler
on the flanks, and is somewhat greyer in the colour of the
upper parts than the typical form. The difference in size is
very trifling between these two northern races. The western
race was described by Cabanis from Angola; but in the
British Museum there is an example from Damara Land and
another from the Zambesi. The latter skin seems to dispose
of the supposition that they are local races. I take 7.
SER. V.—VOL. I. N
166 On the Thrushes of the Atthiopian Region.
schuetti to be the summer plumage, more or less abraded,
and consequently greyer on the back and less brilliant on the
flanks—in fact, faded—and T. tropicalis to be the newly
moulted autumn form.
T. pelios is not found in South Africa, but in its restricted
sense may be said to be confined to the lowlands of Abyssinia,
the Bogos country, and the district from Abeokuta to the
Gold Coast. A western local race (var. cryptopyrrha) is found
in Senegambia, and differs from the typical form in having
the buffish chestnut of the underparts absent altogether,
that usually on the flanks being replaced by pale greyish
brown. It is also slightly larger. On the east coast of the
Gulf of Guinea, near the equator, a tropical form (var. satu-
rata) occurs, having the upper parts and the breast darker
and browner, the dark margins to the under tail-coverts
somewhat more pronounced, and the size slightly less.
Further south on the same coast, in Angola, a southern form
has been described by Cabanis (var. bocagei), which is said to
be slightly larger than the typical form and to be more olive
on the upper parts, with the stripes on the throat less dis-
tinct; but of this there is only one example in the Berlin
Museum. Newly moulted examples from the Gaboon exactly
answer Cabanis’s description; and I have two examples in
my collection from the Congo. I have little doubt that it is
only the newly moulted autumn plumage of T. saturatus.
T. tephronotus is found in Zanzibar, and appears to be a
good species.
T. olivacinus inhabits the highlands of Abyssinia and the
Uganda country. It has a very near ally in South Africa
(var. olivacea), differmg only in having the upper parts a
shade paler and the ground-colour of the throat whiter.
T. cabanisi is very nearly allied to the preceding. It is
found in the Transvaal and Kaffirland. It is, perhaps, a
shade browner on the upper parts, and has the flanks also
brown, the bill also is slightly longer ; but some examples
are quite intermediate and difficult to determine.
Mr. H. Seebohm on Hirundo rufula. 167
X VII.—Notes on Hirundo rufula and its Allies, with De-
scription of a supposed new Subspecies. By UeEnry
Srrsoum, F.Z.S.
In ‘Stray Feathers’ (v. p. 254) Mr. Hume gave an excellent
monograph of the Swallows of the subgenus Littia. Leaving
out the African species, Mr. Hume enumerates nine Asiatic
species, of which the range of one extends into South Europe.
The points upon which he relies for the discrimination of
the species are—(1) the presence or absence of striations on
the rump, (2) the fineness or coarseness of the striations on
the underparts, (3) the colour and depth of the rump-
band, and (4) the size. Of these points all seem to be
more or less variable.
Hirundo rufula may always be distinguished by the colour
of the rump, which is not uniform chestnut, as in all the
other species, but graduates from chestnut next the back to
pale buff next the upper tail-coverts. There are no stria-
tions on the rump; the chestnut on the nape is well deve-
loped ; and the striations on the underparts are very narrow.
This species breeds in Greece, Asia Minor, Palestine, Persia,
Turkestan, and Nepal. There appear to be two forms of it.
Examples from Greece, Asia Minor, and Palestine vary in
length of wing from 5 to 4°8 inches, whilst examples from
Gilgit and Nepal vary from 4°6 to 4°4 inches. One of the
most remarkable features of the Swallows appears to be the
very small variation in size in each species; and as this differ-
ence in size in this case corresponds with a difference of geo-
graphical distribution, I propose to call the small eastern form
Hirundo scullii, or, if we follow the wise example of the Ame-
rican ornithologists in adopting the system of Linnzeus, H.
rufula B. scullai.
Of the other species in which the general colour of the
rump is uniform, Hirundo erythropygia is the most distinct.
Its best character is its small size; it has a length of wing
of 4°4 to 4°2 inches instead of 5°5 to 4°5 inches. Its next
best character is the fineness of the striations of the under-
parts. These striations are not much more distinct than
N2
168 Mr. H. Seebohm on Hirundo rufula.
those of H. rufula, but are decidedly finer than in the much
larger H. alpestris, and more decidedly so than those of any
form of H. striolata. The rich dark chestnut of the rump,
which, even in birds of the year, scarcely shows a trace of shaft-
lines, is another good character. This species is a resident in
North-west India.
H. alpestris (of which H. intermedia of Hume is a synonym)
breeds in South Siberia and winters in Assam. The rump
shows only traces of striations; and the striations of the
underparts, though much more marked than those of the three
forms we have already discussed, are scarcely so much so as in
those we shall have to mention afterwards. H. alpestris may
be divided into two subspecies, not, as in the first species, an
eastern and a western form, but a northern and a southern
race. ‘The latter may be called H. alpestris B. nipalensis, and
is a colony which has established itself in the Himalayas,
wintering in the plains of India and Burma. This local race
differs in no respect from its Siberian ally exceptin size.
The Siberian birds vary in length of wing from 5:2 to 4°9
inches, and the Himalayan birds from 4°8 to 4°5 inches.
The remaining form may be allowed to be specifically
distinct from the previous two on the ground that the rump
is always more striated and the striations of the under-
parts are more pronounced. This species is called H. striclata,
and comprehends three local races, which are said to differ
only in size. The typical form is a resident in Java, and
measures 5°5 inches in length of wing. H. striolata B. substri-
olata, is supposed to be a resident in Formosa, occasionally
straying in winter to Assam, and measures 5 to 4:8 inches
in length of wing; whilst H. striolata y. japonica breeds in
Japan and South China, and measures 4°6 to 4°4 inches in
length of wing. JH. arctivitta may be the young of H. ja-
ponica, or an eastern colony of H. nipalensis. It breeds at
Pekin. All the examples of this form in the Swinhoe collec-
tions are autumn birds, and differ from H. japonica in, being
very slightly less streaked on the underparts, and in having the
chestnut band on the rump less than three quarters of an
inch deep, instead of more than an inch. Only one of these
On an Owl from South-east New Guinea. 169
skins appears to be that of an adult bird. I have an Indian
skin in which the .chestnut band on the rump is equally
narrow.
The Asiatic species and subspecies of this subgenus may
be diagnosed as under :—
a, Colour of rump graduating from chestnut next
the back to pale buff next the upper tail-
coverts.
a’, Length of wing 5 to 48 inches ...... oe. Tufula.
b'. Length of wing 4°6 to 4-8 inches ........ rufula B. scullir.
4. Colour of rump eniform chestnut.
ce’. Striations of underparts nearly as fine as in
the preceding species. Length of wing
Ara tov 2 iWChes, isis nacho bss siete Gets erythropygia.
d'. Striations of underparts coarser than in any
of the preceding. Length of wing 45
or more.
a’, Striations of underparts intermediate be-
tween the preceding and the following
species, those of rump almost obsolete.
a’, Length of wing 5:2 to 4:9 inches .... alpestris.
6°. Length of wing 4°8 to 4°5 inches .... alpestris 8. nipalensis,
&. Striations of underparts coarser than in
any of the preceding, those of rump
very distinct.
c*, Length of wing 5:5 inches.......... striolata.
d’, Length of wing 5 to 4°8 inches...... striolata 8. substriolata.
e*. Length of wing 46 to 44 inches ,... striolata 8. japonica.
XVIII.—On an Owl from South-east New Guinea, allied to
Ninox terricolor, Ramsay, but apparently distinct and un-
described. By J. H. Gurney.
Tue Norwich Museum has recently obtained, through Mr.
Whitely of Woolwich, three specimens of an Owl of the
genus Ninoz, collected by Mr. Goldie in South-eastern New
Guinea, which much resembles the species described by Mr.
EK. P. Ramsay in the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society of
New South Wales,’ vol. iv. p. 466, under the name of Ninox
terricolor, but is of considerably larger dimensions than
those given by Mr. Ramsay for that species.
170 . Mr. J. H. Gurney on an
IT understand that Mr. Goldie fastens the legs of his male
specimens with the right tarsus uppermost, and vice versd in
the case of females; following this indication, I infer that
the two birds which I shall call A and B are males, and that
which I shall call C a female.
The following are the measurements of these specimens com-
pared with those of N. terricolor as given by Mr. Ramsay :—
Length of
skin from
point of Culmen Culmen
bill to tip Middle with without
of tail. Wing. Tail. Tarsus. toes.w. cere. cere.
ERSTE ate eas jile7/ 8°95 4:85 1:20 1:25 1-00 0:70
1B ne eee ley 8°87 4:90 1:25 1:20 1:15 0°75
Oy. :: eres 11-0 8:89 imperf. 1:20 1:20 1-10 0°70
N. terricolor
as given by> 100 6:50 3°80 1:00 notgiven. 1:00 0-50
Mr. Ramsay
The following is a description of the three specimens above
referred to as A, B, and C :— \
The bill is yellowish horn-colour, suffused with dull olive
about the eyes (and slightly also at the base of the upper
mandible), and likewise tinged with dark olive about the
point of the lower mandible; the bristly hairs which sur-
round the bill are black and considerably developed; the
upper surface of the head in all three specimens is a dark
and somewhat greyish chocolate-brown, with a few feathers
on the forehead, immediately adjoining the cere, edged with
white; the mantle is chocolate-brown, darker in C than in
Aand B. In C a tinge of rufous is perceptible in the feathers
on either side of the nape; in the other two specimens this
tinge extends across the nape and on the median wing-
coverts: the latter are variegated with small pure white
spots, none of which are more than °2 of an inch across
(whilst most of them are less) ; and these spots in C extend
to some of the external scapulars. In’A the number of these
spots, some of which are concealed, is about nine on the
right side and twelve on the left side; in B only two spots
are to be found on each side; in C there are about fifteen on
Owl from South-east New Guinea. 171
either side. The quill-feathers of the wing are alternately
cross-barred with two shades of earthy brown, the external
webs being tinged with fulvous at the interspaces between
the dark bars, a character which is more conspicuous in A
than in the other two specimens; at the bases of the fea-
thers these interspaces are white towards the margin of the
inner web, and most so on the tertials. The tail is a dark
earth-brown ; some of the lateral rectrices are cross-
barred with a paler brown on the inner webs in A, but
not in B and C. The cheeks are greyish brown; the under
surface of the body from the throat to the crissum is a rufous-
brown, mingled with white, the rufous tint being brighter
A and B than in C; in A the rufous-brown is crossed, here
and there, with imperfect blackish-brown bars; these are less
apparent in B and absent in C; the white portions of the
feathers of the under surface are in the form of edgings, and
occasionally also of cross bars and of spots, the latter, when
they exist, being on the edge of the feathers. The tibize are a
fulvous brown, mottled with a darker brown; the under
wing-coverts are coloured somewhat similarly to the tibie,
except the lowest row, which, with the axillaries, are dark
brown, crossed with white.
Mr. Ramsay’s N. terricolor appears, from his description,
to bear a great resemblance in coloration to the present
species, except as regards the tail, all the rectrices of which
would seem, by his account, to be crossbarred, and not the
lateral ones only, the interspaces being “ white at the base,”
like those on the inner webs of the quill-feathers of the wing.
At the same time, though the birds I have described differ
from N. terricolor in these particulars, specimen A has a tail
more approaching the description of the tail in that species
than is the case in B. In C the tail is, unfortunately, very
imperfect ; but the remains of it appear to resemble the tail
in B.
Should the birds now acquired for the Norwich Museum
prove to be distinct from N. terricolor, I would propose that
they should bear the specific or subspecific name of goldii,
after their discoverer. The considerable difference in size, I
172 Mr. E. Hargitt’s Notes on Woodpeckers.
think, indicates that N. terricolor and N. goldii are at least
distinct subspecies ; and as both have been obtained in South-
eastern New Guinea, they can probably hardly be considered
merely two geographical races of Ninow terricolor.
XIX.—WNotes on Woodpeckers—No. III. Descriptions of -
two new Species of Woodpeckers. By Epwarp Hareirr,
F.Z.8.
Or the two new species which I propose describmg in tiis
paper, the first will, I think, possess great interest for all
students of European ornithology, as the bird is a new form
of our Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Picus minor. Upon an
examination of the series of this bird belonging to Mr. Henry
Seebohm (to whom I am indebted for the loan of all the
specimens of Picidz in his magnificent Palzearetic collection)
I observed a character in the Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers
collected by Mr. Danford in Asia Minor which I consider
merits for them a separate title; and in this Mr. Seebohm
agrees with me. The types were obtained at Zebil and
Gozna, Taurus, by Mr. Danford; and the leading feature dis-
tinguishing the bird (which I propose to call Picus danfordi)
from P. minor is, that in the former the branch from the
black moustachial stripe entirely encircles the face and joins
the occiput, whilst in P. minor it does not proceed further
than the upper line of the ear-coverts, and is separated from
the occiput by a white stripe. I have examined a large series
of the Asia-Minor bird in Mr. Seebohm’'s collection, and also
specimens in that of Mr. Dresser ; and the specific characters
hold good throughout. P. danfordi ranges into Greece and
Turkey, from both of which countries are specimens in the
collection of Mr. Dresser. I therefore propose the following
diagnosis for the Asia~-Minor bird.
PicUs DANFORDI, Sp. 0.
P. similis P. minori, sed fascia genali nigra post regionem
paroticam producta et cum occipite conjuncta distin-
On the Birds of Santander. 173
guendus. Long. tota 5°3, culminis 65, alee 3-4, caude
1°85, tarsi ‘55.
Hab. in Europa meridionali-orientali et in Asia Minore.
The second species which I bring under the notice of the
readers of ‘The Ibis’ is from Gaboon, and has been known
to ornithologists for some years, and has always been con-
sidered the young ot Dendropicus africanus (Gray). The
last-named species, which was described by Dr. J. E. Gray
(Zool. Mise. 1831, p. 18) from Sierra Leone, has never been
recognized by any subsequent writer ; but I have little doubt
that, whatever Gray’s species may ultimately prove to be,
the Gaboon bird is not the young of it, but is really a
totally distinct species. The absence of the red rump, which
is a feature in D. africanus, is alone of sufficient importance
to separate the Gaboon bird, of which I add a short diagnosis.
DENDROPICUS XANTHOLOPHUS, Sp. 0.
D. scapis remigum et rectricum nigris; uropygio et supra-
caudalibus flavicanti-olivaceis ; plumis frontdalibus albo
terminatis ; sincipitis plumis flavo apicatis ; occipite toto
flavo. Long. tota 7, culminis 1°15, alee 4°3, tarsi °75.
Typus in Mus. Brit.
XX.—WNotes on the Birds of Santander, Northern Spain.
By Lieut.-Col. L. Howarp Irsy, F.Z.S.
In May 1876 I accompanied Lord Lilford in his yacht ‘ Zara,’
R.Y.S., to the north of Spain. We anchored on the 4th in
the harbour of Santander, which is some four miles long and,
in places, nearly two miles wide, with large extent of sands
and mudflats, bare at low water, forming an excellent resort
for aquatic birds. Two small rivers fall into the harbour,
one of which, on the north-east, the Cubas, flows through
many marshy places; but this stream is, in some spots, im-
passable for a small boat at low water. The west side of the
harbour, mostly occupied by houses, is useless to an orni-
thologist. On the east side the level ground is but slightly
cultivated, and chiefly consists of sandy ‘‘ dehesa,” with here
174 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
and there a small scrubby copse; the hills are covered with
wood; and the whole country is seamed with red-coloured ex-
cavations for iron-ore.
We remained in harbour till the 23rd, shooting and making
excursions in the vicinity every day. Then we started by rail
for Torre la Vega, where the country is well cultivated, with
vast numbers of fruit-trees and a great deal of meadow-land ;
thence we drove to Unquera, on the river Deva, going on the
next day to Potes, the capital of the district of Libana, a
large village, also on the Deva.
Between Torre la Vega and Unquera we passed by an excel-
lent road through fine scenery near Vicente de la Barquera; but
nothing can equal the wild grandeur of the Desfiladero or the
gorge of the Deva, where, for some ten miles, the road winds
along the river-side through a mass of perpendicular crags
of Carboniferous limestone, some 1500 feet high, with caves
and rocks of all kinds of fantastic shapes, the abodes of
countless Choughs.
At La Hermida, about halfway through the pass, there
are a few houses and a hot spring, with a wretched attempt
at baths which are said to be efficacious for rheumatism.
On emerging from the defile the road enters Lilbana, a dis-
trict which is a succession of high hills and deep valleys,
mostly very steep, the whole country so broken and hilly
that nowhere could you find a piece of ground level enough
for a game of cricket. The upper parts of the lower hills
are covered with scrubby jungle ; the mountains on the south-
west side have a natural growth of oak and chestnut, and on
the north side, high up, are grand beech forests, dwindling
away on the tops to tangled beech scrub. The oaks in many
places are merely branchless masts, the shoots being yearly
cut off when the leaves are green and stored for fodder. The
chestnuts have gigantic trunks, but have nearly all at some
time been pollarded. The trees and shrubs noticed in the
district were, besides those named, poplar, walnut, ash,
cherry, lime, holly, wild plum, willow, hawthorn, alder, ilex,
mountain-ash, horse-chestnut, elder, hazel, dogwood, len-
tiscus, smilax, honeysuckle, wild rose, and jasmine. There
the Birds of Santander. 175
is one solitary yew in the churchyard at Lebeiia; but, except
this, no conifers of any kind were noticed.
The flora is rich in alpine plants; Gentiana acaulis, Pin-
guicola lusitanica, and Aquilegia pyrenaica are extremely
abundant. On the hill-tops in places are acres of cyclamens,
and we met with a gigantic daffodil (Narcissus). Our main
object in visiting this country was to shoot a Spanish bear ;
but, after several beats, we were unsuccessful; the quarry,
when started, would always go the wrong way, and never
pass near our posts. Although some of the local “ cazadores ”
had, or said they had, fruitless shots, all we saw of the bears
was their foot-prints. Vast tracts of the hill-sides were
beaten up to us; the beaters ate enormous quantities of ham,
bread and sausages, and drank many skins of wine; but,
beyond enjoying the views, which well repaid our trouble,
and seeing Picus martius (a novel sight to me), the result
was nil.
These bear-hunts were always headed by the cura of Be-
doya, a jolly little priest, with a merry eye, in lay costume with
the exception of his white collar. He was a great “ cazador,”
excessively active and energetic, and was very proud of an
ardent spirit illicitly manufactured, the strength of which
exceeded any thing of the sort I have ever seen; liquid
fire would be the only name for it. In spite of these pro-
clivities, he did not neglect his sacerdotal duties, as one morn-
ing at daybreak found us at the chapel of La Virgen de la
Luz, an isolated shrine at an elevation of 4100 feet. The
door was unlocked; our cura entered and, donning some robes,
forthwith performed mass, the beaters with much devotion
forming the congregation. ‘These curas, mostly uneducated
men, have great authority in their respective villages, and are
often to be seen riding with their housekeepers on a pillion
to the market at Potes. There isa good posada at Potes ; and
from the village is a grand panorama—the Picos de Europa
(8786 feet), with vast masses of snow, forming a fine back-
ground to the view. Alas! we were unable to ascend far;
but there are said to be many chamois (rebecos), as in other
ranges ; we saw some on the Peha Segra above La Virgen
176 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
de la Luz. The most interesting animal about Potes is
the water-mole (Myogale pyrenaica), which does not appear
to be common, and little seems to be known regarding its
habits. Lord Lilford obtained one alive from a miller; but
it did not survive long. We saw no rabbits anywhere but
on the island off Santander; nor did we see a hare.
The river Deva and some of the other rivers abound with
salmon and trout, but are much poached, and the fish even
killed with dynamite, by the miners. About Potes the Deva
flows through deep cajions, the stream being only here and
there approachable. During our stay the snow-water coming
down rendered fly-fishing hopeless work. From Potes we
returned to Santander, passing through Comillas, a bathing-
resort with a large hotel, and Santillana (the birthplace of
Gil Blas), our way lying through an uninteresting country.
We left Santander for the Gironde on June 21st.
Lord Lilford returned to Santander in November 1878,
and remained there part of December; but I did not accom-
pany him. I only wish his more able pen had written these
notes ; but various causes and the idea that one or both of us
would again visit the country have created this delay in record-
ing our sparse observations.
There is nothing particular calling for notice as to birds,
except the remarkable absence of the Nightingale (Daulias
luscinia) ; we also failed to observe the Crested Lark (Galerida
cristata) and, except on one occasion, Cypselus melba. The
specimens noticed as seen in the Museum at Santander were
said to be local. Of course, during so short a stay in the
country, the following list, one hundred and eighty-two
birds, lacks many species that obviously must occur. Unless
dates are given, the months of May and June are to be
understood.
J. AccrpiTREs.
- Gyrs rutvus. Griffon Vulture.
Occasionally seen near Santander. Abundant in the gorge
of the Deva; evidently breeds near La Hermida.
the Birds of Santander. Le,
NrEopPHRON PERCNoPTERUS. Egyptian Neophron.
One adult bird often noticed about the harbour of San-
tander. Is common near La Hermida and Potes.
GyYPAETUS BARBATUS. Lammergeyer. ‘“‘ Casca-huesos.”
Often seen about the neighbourhood of Potes, especially in
the gorge of the Deva near La Hermida.
AccIPITER Nisus. Sparrow-Hawk.
Seen many times, and twice shot.
Crrcus #ruGinosus. Marsh-Harrier.
Only twice observed in May, and once in November. This
is remarkable, as there are many places adapted to the habits
of this species.
7
Circus cyangeus. Hen-Harrier.
Very abundant all over the country in suitable localities,
aud, next to the Buzzard, the most common bird of prey. In
May and June we only saw adult males, the females, as
Harriers should be, no doubt being engaged in maternal
duties. One shot rising from a Turtle Dove, which it was
devouring.
Bureo vutcaris. Common Buzzard.
Very common throughout the country. Young in down
on June 12.
Aquita cHrysaEtus. Golden Eagle.
Repeatedly seen in Llebana, especially at Navarros.
Aquita PENNATA. Booted Eagle.
Distinctly recognized once or twice near Potes, and near
Panes on June 7.
Nisartus Fasciatus. Bonelli’s Eagle. ‘ Aguila cazadora.”
Often seen near Potes, and was breeding not far from the
monastery of San Toribio.
Mitvus ictinus. Common Kite.
Occasionally noticed in Llebana and near Santander,
Nests found near Maliano and at the falls of the river Cubas
in June.
178 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
Minvus micrans. Black Kite.
Once observed near Santander, June 17.
Prrnis apivorus. Honey-Buzzard.
Common in the beech forests of Llebana. A female shot
from nest on June 7.
Fatco perrcrinus. Peregrine Falcon.
Common; often seen about the harbour of Santander.
Fatco sussputEo. Hobby.
Seen several times near Santander and about Potes.
Fatco #saLton. Merlin.
Two seen by Lilford, on May 9 and on November 23,
near Santander.
Fatco tTINNuUNCULUS. Common Kestrel.
Plentiful near Santander, breeding on low cliffs of the
river Cubas. Occasionally noticed in Llebana.
PANDION HALIAETUS. Osprey.
One or two seen constantly about the harbour.
Syrnium aLuco. Tawny Owl.
Reported as very common in Llebana, a district admirably
suited to its habits. An adult female and two young nearly
fledged obtained at Potes on June 8.
Scors eiu. Scops Owl.
Neither seen nor heard; but there was a specimen in the
Museum.
Srrix FLAMMEA. Barn-Owl.
Never observed, but there was a specimen in the Santander
Museum.
II. Picarr.
Denprocopus Mason. Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
*“Corre relincho,” “ Pico relincho.”
Common in the lower ranges of the Llebana forests.
Denprocorus MepiIus. Middle Spotted Woodpecker.
Abundant in the beech forests and higher ranges of
Llebana.
the Birds of Santander. 179
GeciINus viriIpIs. Green Woodpecker. ‘‘ Pico verde.”
Numerous in the low ranges of Llebana. Two well-fea-
thered broods brought into Portes on June 12.
Picus Martius. Great Black Woodpecker. ‘“ Relincho
negro, ““ Piconero.”
Common at the heads of the forest-valleys in Llebana at
about 3000 feet elevation ; frequently seenand heard. Three
specimens obtained.
Iynx rorquitia. Wryneck.
Twice heard, on May 19 and 238.
Cucutus canorus. Cuckoo.
Plentiful throughout the country.
to}
OxyYLOPHUS GLANDARIUS. Great Spotted Cuckoo,
Meropes apraster. SBee-eater.
Not observed ; but there was a specimen in the Museum.
Aucepo 1sprpa. Kingfisher.
Noticed about head of harbour in November.
Upura ppors, Hoopoe.
A single bird obtained in Santander market on May 5.
CapRIMULGuUs EUROPAUS. Nightjar.
Several seen near Santander from May 17 to 19, one shot.
CypsELUS MELBA. Alpine Swift.
Once observed by Lilford near Santander, May 15.
CypseLus apus. Common Swift.
Abundant. Seen in the Bay of Biscay on May 3.
il fs PASSERES.
Turpvus visctvorus. Missel-Thrush.
Seen near Santander. Common in Llebana.
Turpvus musicus. Song-Thrush. ‘ Tordo blanco.”
Common and breeds; common also in November.
Turpus iL1acus. Redwing.
Noticed in November.
180 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
Turpus pruaRts. Fieldfare.
Not observed. Specimen in Museum.
Turpus MeRotA. Blackbird.
Abundant.
Monricora cyanus. Blue Rock-Thrush.
Once seen by Lilford on island in Quarantine Creek on
May 10.
CIsTICOLA cuRSITANS. Fan-tailed Warbler.
Once seen on Boo river in May.
LocusteLtta N&v1A. Grasshopper-Warbler.
Common in some places up the rivers Boo and Cubas.
Specimens obtained on June 16 and 17.
Crerria sericea. Cetti’s Warbler.
Heard both by myself and Alberto Ruiz, of Seville, on banks
of river Deva near Potes on May 30.
PHYLLOSCOPUS SIBILATRIX. Wood- Wren.
Heard, without doubt, by Lord Lilford near Maliano on
May 16.
PHyLuLoscorus TRocHILUS. Willow-Wren.
Common in oak woods.
PHYLLOscoPUS BONELLII. Bonelli’s Willow-Wren.
Common in Llebana. Eggs found near Luriezo, May and
June.
Puytuioscorus RuFus. Chiff-chaff.
Tolerably common in the oak woods.
MeE.izorHiLus unpatus. Dartford Warbler.
A pair observed near Santander on Noy. 22.
Syiv1a HorTENSIS. Garden-Warbler.
Common near Santander.
Synvis arricaPILta. Blackcap.
Once observed near Cabezon de Sal, on May 23.
SYLVIA CINEREA. Greater Whitethroat.
Very abundant everywhere in May and June.
the Birds of Santander. 181
ERITHACUS RUBECULA. Robin.
Abundant.
Rurticiiya titys. Black Redstart.
Common. Nest in wall of a house in street of Potes.
a
Rvrici_LLa Pua@NicuRUS. Common Redstart.
Common, especially in the oak forests of Llebana, One
seen in Bay of Biscay on May 3.
SAXICOLA @NANTHE. Wheatear.
Tolerably common in suitable localities. Scen in Bay of
Biscay on May 3rd.
PRATINCOLA RUBICOLA. Stonechat.
Very abundant.
AccENTOR ALPinus. Alpine Accentor.
Reported by Mr. J. P. Woods to Lord Lilford as very numer-
ous in the village of Tresviso during heavy snow in the winter
of 1880-81. Mr. Woods sent the wings of one for identi-
fication. It seems to be known to the natives as “ Pajaro
de la nieve.” .
-Accrentor mopuLaris. Hedge-Sparrow.
A pair seen by Lord Lilford high up on the Peiia Sagra ;
not noticed elsewhere.
CiNCLUS ALBICOLLIS. Dipper.
Common on the Deva and Sagra.
TROGLODYTES VULGARIS. Wren.
Common.
TicHoproma muRARIA. Wall-creeper.
Well known to the “‘ cazadores”’ of Llebana as frequenting
the Picos de Europa. There was a specimen m the Museum
Two skins obtained at Tresviso were sent to Lord Lilford by
Mr. J. P. Woods.
Sitra c#s1a. Common Nuthatch.
Common in the oak and beech forests of Llebana.
Parus Mason. Great Tit.
Abundant. Nest with eggs May 6.
gER. V.—VOL. I. O
182 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
Parus c#Ruevus. Blue Tit.
Common in woods up river Cubas. Nest with young
May 20.
Parus aTER. Cole Tit.
Once observed near Santander by Lord Lifford, Noy. 23.
Parus pautustris. Marsh-Tit.
Observed and obtained in a wood near falls of river Cubas
on June 17.
AcREDULA caupaTa. Long-tailed Tit.
Obtained May 17, and seen Nov. 20.
OR10LUS GALBULA. Golden Oriole.
A specimen in Museum.
Muscicapa atricaPiLLA. Pied Flycatcher.
Common in the beech forests near Potes.
Musctcapa Grisota. Spotted Flycatcher.
Abundant near Santander. |
LANIUS RUFUS. | Woodchat.
Lord Lilford saw a Shrike, which he believes to have been
of this species, on May 16.
LAnius cotturio. Red-backed Shrike.
Common all along the road from Torre la Vega to Potes,
and all around the latter town.
Frecinus Gracutus. Red-billed Chough.
Excessively abundant in the high ranges of Llebana, and
prized as food. Seen in immense flocks.
Pyrruocorax ALPINus. Yellow-billed Chough.
Very common in above-mentioned districts, but keeps
higher up the mountains.
Corvus corax. Raven.
Very common throughout the country. Nests, with young
well fledged, May 15.
Corvus corone. Carrion-Crow.
Several noticed between Torre la Vega and Unquera.
the Birds of Santander. 183
Pica caupata. Magpie.
Not common.
GaRRULUS GLANDARIUs. Jay. ‘ Jayo.”
Very common in Llebana. Considered good food by the
natives.
Hirvunpo rustica. Swallow.
Very abundant.
CHELIDON URBICA. House-Martin.
Not common.
CoviLe RipartA. Sand-Martin.
Common, breeding near Santander.
CoriLe rupestRIsS. Rock-Martin.
Nesting in numbers about the Desfiladero near La Hermida.
CARDUELIS ELEGANS. Goldfinch.
Very abundant.
CHRYSOMITRIS SPINUS. Siskin.
Specimen in Museum.
SERINUS HORTULANUS. Serin.
Common.
LicgurINUS cHLORIS. Greenfinch.
Common.
CoccoTHRAUSTES VULGARIS. Hawfinch.
Specimen in Museum.
PassER DOMESTICUS. Common Sparrow.
Abundant.
FRINGILLA C@LEBS. Chaffinch.
Very plentiful.
FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA. Brambling.
Specimen in Museum.
Linota CANNABINA. Linnet.
Very abundant. A male shot in May, the most richly
coloured that Lord Lilford ever saw.
o 2
isa Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
PyrRRHULA EUROPA. Bullfinch.
Found both near Potes and Santander.
EMBERIZA MILIARIA. Common Bunting.
Only once observed.
EMBERIZA CITRINELLA. Yellow Hammer.
Common near Potes.
EmBeriza ciruus. Cirl Bunting.
Common everywhere.
EMBERIZA HORTULANA. Ortolan.
A pair observed near Potes.
EmeBertiza cia. Foolish Bunting.
Tolerably common in pairs at heads of valleys in Llebana
at from 3000 to 4.000 feet elevation.
PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS. Snow-Bunting.
A specimen in Museum.
STURNUS VULGARIS. Common Starling.
STURNUS UNIcoLoR. Sardinian Starling.
Never seen ; but specimens of both species were in the Mu-
seum at Santander, the latter probably not from the vicinity.
ALAUDA ARVENSIS. Sky-Lark.
Common in May and June, more plentiful in November.
ALAUDA ARBOREA. Wood-Lark.
Only once seen by Lord Lilford, near Potes, June 12.
ANTHUS TRIVIALIS. Tree-Pipit.
Common up the river Cubas and about Potes.
ANTHUS PRATENSIS. Meadow-Pipit.
Never observed in May or June, but very abundant in
November.
ANTHUS CAMPEsTRIS. Tawny Pipit.
Two or three seen and one shot on sandy common east of
Santander May 12.
Moracitia atBA. White Wagtail.
Very abundant.
the Birds of Santander. 185
Moraciiua YARRELLI. Pied Wagtail.
Specimen in Museum.
MoracitLa SULPHUREA. Grey Wagtail.
Very common on upper parts of the Deva. Nested ina
hole in the wall of our posada.
Bupyrrs riava. Blue-headed Wagtail.
Common.
Bupytes rayr. Yellow Wagtail.
Once clearly distinguished, May 23.
IV. CotumB#.
CotuMBA PALUMBUS. Ring-Dove.
Tolerably common. Said to be very numerous in the
winter months.
Turrur vutearis. Turtle Dove.
Very common near Santander.
V. GALLINA.
TrerrRao urocaLtLus. Capercailzie. “ Faisan.”
Frequently heard and occasionally seen in the valleys of
Llebana above Bedoya and Lebeiia. The natives assert
that in winter this species feeds chiefly on acorns and beech-
mast.
CaccaBis RuFA. Red-legged Partridge.
Occasionally heard in the hills about Potes, and reported
to be very abundant.
Prrpix CINEREA. Partridge. ‘‘ Pardilla.”
Once heard by Lord Lilford near Potes, and reported to
be not uncommon on the grassy summits of the lower ranges
of Llebana.
CoturNIx comMUNIS. Common Quail.
Heard several times, both near Potes and Santander.
VI. GRALLA.
Ratuvus aquaticus. Water-Rail.
Two or three seen at Laguna de Laredo, Nov. 28.
186 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
NuMENIUS ArQuaTa. Curlew.
Abundant about the harbour and on surrounding commons
in May, June, and November.
Numenivs pHzorus. Whimbrel.
Abundant during May and June, less so in November.
Limosa LAprponica. Bar-tailed Godwit.
Not common. Seen on the muds in May; Lord Lilford
shot a specimen in fine red plumage on 20th.
Limosa ©GocEPHALA. Black-tailed Godwit.
Three seen on May 13, and often heard about that time in
the harbour.
RECURVIROSTRA AVOCETTA.
One seen by Lord Lilford on Novy. 21, and a lot seen at
head of harbour on Noy. 28.
Toranus cALiIpRis. Redshank.
Very abundant about harbour in May; not common in
November.
Toranus cuoTris. Greenshank.
One observed on May 6; a few seen and one shot on
Nov. 26.
Toranus ocHRopus. Green Sandpiper.
Three seen, one shot, on June 19.
Toranus HYPOLEUcUS. Common Sandpiper.
Occasionally seen about harbour; common on river near
Torre la Vega, May.
Macuertes puGnax. Ruff.
Doubtless observed on the muds in May. Specimen in
the Museum.
TrRINGA CANUTUS. Knot.
First seen on muds*of harbour May 9. Three killed on
17th with fairly red breasts. Lord Lilford shot thirty-six in
four shots on 22nd in almost complete red plumage.
Five or
six seen, one shot, as late as June 17.
the Birds of Santander. 187
TRINGA SUBARQUATA. Pygmy Curlew.
A small flock seen in May.
Trinea aLpIna. Dunlin.
In thousands on the mudflats of harbour early in May.
We shot some three hundred between the 4th and 18th,
many in full breeding-plumage. By the end of the month
they had nearly all disappeared.
CALIDRIS ARENARIA. Sanderling.
Common in May.
Scotopax RusticuLta. Woodcock. “ Sorda.”
Found in November ; said to be plentiful in some seasons.
GALLINAGO scoLopacINA. Common Snipe. “ Laguneja.”
Found in November; said to be at times very numerous.
GALLINAGO GALLINULA. Jacksnipe.
Some seen in November.
PHALAROPUS CINEREUS. Grey Phalarope.
Lord Lilford steamed past one about ten yards from the
yacht, a few miles west of Santander harbour, on Dee. 19,
when bound for Lisbon.
VANELLUS cRistaTus. Peewit.
Seen in large flocks about the harbour in November.
SQUATAROLA HELVETICA. Grey Plover.
Found about the mudflats in small numbers May, June,
and November.
ANGIALITIS HIATICULA. Ring-Plover.
Abundant during May, June, and November.
/AGIALITIS CANTIACA. Kentish Plover.
Seen in small lots at the entrance of the harbour May 12.
H®MATOPUS OSTRALEGUS. Oyster-catcher.
A small flock frequented sand-pits at entrance of harbour.
SrREPSILAS INTERPRES. Turnstone.
Common in May and June, also observed in November.
188 Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby on
ARDEA CINEREA. Common Heron.
One seen on river Cubas June 17. Common during No-
vember,
Botavurws stevtaris. Bittern.
Specimen in Museum.
PLATALEA LEUCoRODIA. White Spoonbill.
A flock of eighteen frequented the harbour in May. One
was shot in June. A flock seen on Noy. 21.
Ipis FALCINELLUS. Glossy Ibis.
One observed by Lord Lilford in the harbour on May 22.
Ciconia aLBA. White Stork.
A single bird seen several times in the harbour during
May.
VIT. ANSEREs.
ANSER CINEREUS. Grey Lag Goose.
A specimen in Museum. Wild Geese were seen about the
harbour in November, but species not ascertained.
MaRECA PENELOPE. Wigeon.
Two seen up river Cubas on May 17, both males. Found
in very large flights in November.
Darita acuta. Pintail.
A few observed in May and November.
Anas Boscas. Wild Duck.
Not often seen, either in May or November.
QueERQUEDULA cREccA. Teal.
Found in large flocks during November.
FULIGULA FERINA. Common Pochard.
A flock seen in harbour on Dec. 14.
Furicuua cristata. Tufted Duck.
A flight of about a dozen seen in Quarantine river on
Dec. 6.
CLANGULA GLAaucION. Golden-eye.
An adult male observed on Dee. 3.
the Birds of Santander. 189
CiipeMiA Fusca. Velvet Scoter.
Three or four seen and a female shot Nov. 21.
(EpEMIA NIGRA. Common Scoter.
A few seen in May and June. Large numbers, chiefly
young birds, seen in November.
MERGUS MERGANSER. Goosander.
Four or five made out with a telescope from the yacht in
harbour on Nov. 25.
Mereus serrator. Red-breasted Merganser.
Common in small lots of from three to seven during
November.
Larus Marinus. Great Black-backed Gull.
An immature bird shot on Dee. 2.
Larus arcentatus. Herring-Gull.
Common in November.
Larus teuvcopu#us. Yellow-legged Herring-Gull.
_ This race was the only Herring-Gull observed during May
and June. On Nov. 23 one was shot; but during that month
L. argentatus was most common.
Larus ruscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Observed in May and June, but more common in No-
vember.
Larus ripisunpus. Black-headed Gull.
Once observed in May. Abundant in November.
Rissa TRIDACTYLA. Kittiwake.
Many seen off coast in December.
STERNA CANTIACA.
A few seen in May.
SreRNA MinutTA. Little Tern.
One seen by Lord Lilford on May 20.
HypROCHELIDON NIGRA. Black Tern.
One seen and shot on May 6.
190 On the Birds of Santander.
Purrinus MAgor. Great Shearwater.
Purrinus ANcLoRuM. Manx Shearwater.
Many seen off the coast in May.
SULA BASSANA. Gannet.
A good many seen on the coast Dec. 19 and 20.
PHALACROCORAX CARBO. Cormorant.
Not uncommon in M ay and November.
PHALACROCORAX GRACULUS. Shag.
More common than preceding species in November.
CotymsBus ciactatis. Great Northern Diver.
One frequented harbour in May, and was last seen on 17th.
Occasionally seen in November. One shot on Dee. 4.
CotymBus arcticus. Black-throated Diver.
One shot in harbour after a long chase on Dee. 2.
COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS. Red-throated Diver.
Several about the harbour in November. One obtained on
Dec. 4.
Popicers cristatus. Great Crested Grebe.
Two or three seen in harbour in November.
Popicers AuRrItus. Sclavonian Grebe.
One shot in the harbour on Dec. 2.
PopIcEPS NIGRICOLLIS. EKared Grebe.
Common in November. Specimens obtained.
PopICEPS MINOR.
A specimen in Museum.
AucaA TORDA. Razor-bill.
One seen and obtained in the harbour on May 19.
FRATERCULA ARCTICA. Puffin.
Seen off the coast May 3.
Uria Trois. Guillemot.
A specimen in the Museum.
On Nidification and Migration in Ceylon. TOW
XXI.— Observations on Early Nidification and Migration in
North-west Ceylon. By H. Parker, C.E., F.Z.S.
Tue district of Mannar, in the north-west of Ceylon, consists
chiefly of a somewhat triangular extent of low-lying plain,
stretching north and south of the town of Mannar. The
coast-line forms the base (about 45 miles long) of the tri-
angle, which is a very flat one, its apex being only about
13 miles from the coast. The district is hemmed in by
almost impenetrable low forest, out of which several streams
and rivers flow through the plain into the sea. Though often
full in the wet season, they are all empty, with the exception
of a few scattered pools, during the dry months.
The plain, and more especially its central portion, is studded
with village reservoirs, or “ tanks,”? which have extensive
paddy-fields below them, the remaining ground being covered
with a more or less dense growth of thorny jungle from 12 to
20 feet high. In all, there are some 130 of these tanks in
the district. The fall of the land towards the sea is so slight
that, although the deptb of the tanks near the embankments
is only from three to eight feet, the areas vary from 20 to
400 acres. The shallower parts of these sheets of water are
filled during the wet season with tall sedge and weeds, the
latter sometimes extending almost up to the embankments.
In most cases lofty kwmbuk trees (Terminalia glabra) line the
embankments; and a few others, and occasionally thorny
bushes, stand isolated or in groups in various parts of the
water. When full, these tanks abound with fish and frogs,
and are the resort, for food and nidification, of many thou-
sands of water-birds.
Along the coast north of Mannar, a flat unproductive
strip of ground, utilized in ancient times for the formation of
salt by solar evaporation of the sea-water with which it was
flooded, is very little above sea-level ; and, separating it from
the sea, there runs a line of mudbanks covered with a growth
of low trees and, in places, with mangroves. These trees are
the breeding-quarters of large flocks of water-birds, and the
permanent home of innumerable Parrakeets (Paleornis tor-
Mr. H. Parker on Nidification and
192
29-2
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Migration in North-west Ceylon. 193
guata), the ancient “ salt-pans ” being frequented by immense
numbers of the true migratory Grallatores—Curlews, Plovers,
Stints, Sandpipers, &e.
The rainfall, which is the smallest in Ceylon, is compared
with that of stations not more than 500 feet above sea-level
in other Provinces in the preceding Tables (p. 192).
With an annual evaporation of nearly 70 inches, the
natural result of the very small south-west monsoon rainfall
is the drying-up of almost all the tanks throughout the
district, accompanied, of course, by the disappearance of all
the aquatic weeds and plants that overran them, and the fish
that filled them during the early months of the year.
These influences have led to a very decided alteration in
the time of breeding of many of the birds, and have also
necessitated their absence from the district during the dry
season. The breeding-season of all those species more or
less directly dependent on the food obtainable from the
tanks, or the abundance of whose food is partially or in-
directly dependent on the rainfall, or that seek the pro-
tection afforded by large sheets of water, takes place during
the north-east monsoon. The birds which breed during that
monsoon in the south of Ceylon breed much earlier at
Mannar, evidently in order to rear their young while food is
plentiful. .In illustration of this, the following Table shows
the ascertained date of nesting of some species*:—
Sourn Cryron. MannAr. Remarks,
Haliastur indus .......; Feb., Mar. Dec. to Feb. Feeds on frogs, fish, and crabs
in tanks.
Milvus govinda ........ oe Noy. to Jan. as Ps
Ketupa ceylonensis ..,, Feb. to Apr. Jan., Feb. s Fe
Paleornis torquata .... Mar., Apr. Jan., eb. Nests in trees surrounded by
floods; later in other posi-
tions.
Alcedo bengalensis .... Feb. to June. Dec. e¢ seg. At the tanks; later at streams.
Malacocercus striatus .. Mar. to July. Jan. to Oct. First brood chiefly in February.
* The dates for “South Ceylon” are taken from Major Legge’s excellent
‘History of the Birds of Ceylon,’ 1880.
194 Mr. H. Parker on Nidification and
Sourn Cryion. Mannar. REMARKS,
Turtur suratensis ...... Mar. to June. Jan. to July. From January to March in
. partly submerged bushes ;
afterwards other sites.
Migtior Tisonius ........ Sr Jan. to July. 3 ,
Drymeeca jerdoni ...... June, July. Jan., Feb. —_ Insects most abundant in grass,
Drymeeca valida........ aera Jan., Feb. * Ht
Drymeeca inornata...... May, June. Feb.to Apr. In sedge and low thorns in
tanks.
Ploceus philippinus .... May to Aug. Noev.to Feb. Feeds in paddy-fields,
Munia punctulata ...... Apr.to July. Jan., Feb. Nests in partly submerged
j; thorn-bushes in beds of
tanks.
Munia malacca ........ May to Aug. —‘- February. sy ‘
Munia malabarica ...... Bh Jan., Feb. ‘4 ng
Acrocephalus stentorius. June, July. February. In reeds in tanks.
Gallinula chloropus .. oe Jan., Feb. In partly submerged thorns.
Erythra pheenicura .... May to July. Jan., Feb. 4 a
Gallicrex cinerea ...... July, Aug. (?)Feb., Mar. In sedge and reeds.
Porphyrio poliocephalus . bags February. 5
Dendrocygna javanica .. June to Aug. Feb. to Apr. In partly submerged trees.
Sarcidiornis melanonotus hts Jan. to (?) Mar.
Ardeola grayi.......... May, June. January. In partly submerged thorn-
trees.
Platalea leucorodia .... March. February. + e
This melanocephalus .... Jan., Feb. Nov. to Feb. ms, “3
Plegadis falcinellus .... Jan., Feb. Dec. or Jan. (Young obtained.)
Herodias intermedia .... Dec.to Apr. Dec. to Feb. In partly submerged trees.
Herodias garzetta ...... Dec. to Apr. Dec. to Feb. wey ‘
Nycticorax griseus...... March. Jan., Feb. - -
Phalacrocorax pygmeus. Jan.to Mar. —_Dee., Jan. ¥ eA
Plotus melanogaster .... Mar., Apr. Feb., Mar. me -
After the breeding-season is over and the young birds are
well able to provide for themselves, there is a general exodus
in March or April of most of the Grallatores that are not
true migrants, and of the Natatores, which reappear only after
the beginning of the next north-east monsoon rains. (Small
numbers of some species, however, remain throughout the
year, obtaining a precarious living among pools in the beds
of streams or the muddy dregs of the water in the tanks. A
few also are permanent residents on the coast.) These
special (as distinguished from the ¢rwe) migrants are the
Migration in North-west Ceylon. 195
following (and perhaps some others, regarding which there
are doubts) :-—
Gallinula chloropus. Plegadis falcinellus.
Erythra pheenicura. (?) Xenorhynchus asiaticus,
Gallicrex cinerea. Ardea cinerea.
Porphyrio poliocephalus. Ardea purpurea.
Hydrophasianus chirurgus. Herodias alba.
Podiceps fluviatilis. Herodias intermedia.
Sarcidiornis melanonotus. Herodias garzetta.
Nettapus coromandelianus, Bubulcus coromandus.
Dendrocygna javanica. Ardeola grayi.
Platalea leucorodia. Butorides javanica.
Tantalus leucocephalus, Nycticorax griseus.
Anastomus oscitans. Phalacrocorax pygmeeus.
Ibis melanocephalus, Plotus melanogaster.
The first to leave is the Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus),
which disappears in March, the reason being not any want of
food or climatic change, but manifestly the absence of the
shelter or means of concealment that it apparently considers
a necessity in Ceylon. Unlike the Waterhen (Hrythra
phenicura), which for some time appears to feel at home in
the jungle closely surrounding its former haunts, even after
the water of the tanks has nearly evaporated, this bird com-
pletely abandons the district as soon as the low partly sub-
merged thorn-bushes and the sedges which it frequents are
left almost dry. The Blue Coot (Porphyrio poliocephalus) , the
Water-cock (Gallicrex cinerea), and the Bitterns are the next
to follow. The other birds, being less partial to concealment,
remain as long as a good supply of food is obtainable at
no great risk; but the majority disappear before the de-
parture of the true migrants.
Such being the general facts observed, it remains to en-
deavour to account for them.
In every case the birds which nidificate at Mannar at an
earlier date than in other parts of Ceylon find a most abun-
dant supply of food during their stay in the district—a supply
that a few months later is entirely wanting. This, and the
almost complete security experienced, and the suitability of
their haunts for breeding-purposes, appear to me to be the
only causes of the variation from the usual time of nesting.
196 Mr. H. Parker on Nidification and
The special migrations above mentioned may perhaps assist
in explaining this little-understood habit im the case of many
of the true migrants. In the first place, the Mannar district
has certainly not been the home of these special migrants
from prehistoric times. Previous to the construction of the
village tanks, all of which are artificial, there cannot have
been any seasonal movement of this kind. There are almost
no natural pools of fresh water ; and such as are found are
in the forest-tract surrounding the plain, and of small size
and not frequented by these birds. The streams are inter-
mittent and unsuitable. In the south-west monsoon they are
never the resort of more than an insignificant number of some
few of the larger Waders, and only a very few Cormorants
feed in them during the wet season. It is quite certain,
therefore, that the migration to Mannar (and, in fact, to a
considerable part of Ceylon, for the same reasons) has begun
since the formation of the tanks; and the earliest date that
can be fixed for the construction of any of them is about
B.c. 450. There is every reason to believe that many in this
district were made between that date and s.c. 100. The
migration is therefore to Mannar, and not from Mannir ;
and hence it is also clear that the migrants formerly bred in
their original homes, and have since been induced to change
their habits in this respect. It seems to be proved, too, that
a period of about 2000 years is enough to establish a migra-
tion. For instance, the migration of the Moorhen is fully
established in this period; and, strange as the fact may
appear, the annual visit takes place only to these tanks, the
bird, which is plentiful here, having hitherto been procured
but three times in other parts of Ceylon.
The migration to Ceylon must have been due, in the
first instance, solely to the attraction of the food-supply.
Stragglers of some of the species which feed in both fresh
and salt water were no doubt accustomed to work down the
coast ; and when once the resources of the tanks were dis-
covered, few years would elapse before a regular stream
of migrants found its way to them annually. The flow
is certainly not from other parts of Ceylon, but much more
Migration in North-west Ceylon. 197
probably from Northern or Central India. Some pecu-
liarities in the breeding-habits of Ploceus philippinus lead me
to suppose that it may come from Western Ceylon; but no
adequate diminution of the other species during the north-
east monsoon (but rather an increase) has been observed in
more southerly districts of the island.
Partial migrations.—In the admirable introduction to his
‘History of the Birds of Ceylon, Major Legge has already
referred to a periodical absence of some species from the
coast. ‘This is observable throughout the Mannar district ;
and in addition there is a departure, perhaps not quite com-
plete, of Coccystes jacobinus, Merops viridis, and Terpsiphone
paradisi (in the red plumage), the latter removing only from
the immediate neighbourhood of the sea. The movement
appears to be due, as Major Legge states, to the agency of
the strong south-west winds, which blow with extreme violence
in Mannar. I surmise, however, that it is not caused by
their direct influence on the birds themselves, but by their
effect on the food of the birds, all of which, be it noted, are
_insectivorous. It is certain that insects cannot fly during
strong winds without being carried away by them; and the
result is that, in the littoral portion of the Mannar district,
few aerial insects are visible during the prevalence of the
south-west breezes. Fles (which abound in countless in-
satiable hordes before the break of the monsoon), mosquitoes,
and most beetles, moths, and butterflies alike disappear. In
fact, in that tract the south-west monsoon is characterized by
a general scarcity of winged insect life. Naturally, then, the
first south-west winds are the signal for the inland movement
of certain species of birds also. That the rains do not affect
this partial migration is shown by its occurrence here, where
often no rain, and never very much, falls at the heat of this
monsoon or during its continuance.
The conclusions that would seem to follow from the facts
thus observed are, therefore, as follows :—
1. That the time and place of nidification are determined by
the food-supply and the feeling of security, and not by weather
or climate.
SER. V.—VOL. I. : P
198 Charadrius virginicus in Leadenhall Market.
2. That the cause of migration is the attraction of a plen-
tiful food-supply.
3. That a period of 2000 years has sufficed for firmly estab-
lishing a migration.
4, That there are some exceptions to Mr. Seebohm’s law
that “ every bird breeds in the coldest regions of its migra-
tions ” (‘ Siberia in Europe,’ p. 244).
5. That the country in which a migratory bird breeds is not
necessarily its original home.
XXII.—On the Occurrence of Charadrius virginicus in Leaden-
hall Market, London. By J. H. Gurney, Jun., F.Z.S.
On the 10th of November I bought, in Leadenhall Market,
for the sum of fifteen pence, an American Golden Plover,
Charadrius virginicus, a female by dissection, and apparently
adult. The salesman was somewhat vague as to where it
came from, first giving “ Norway ” as a locality, then “ Hol-
land.” I should never like, from experience, to believe in
any Leadenhall ‘locality ” unless I actually saw the box,
with the bird in it, unpacked ; but that it was killed somewhere
in Europe there can be very little doubt. On the 10th, and
again a few days later, I Jooked to see if there were any
American Grouse in the market, with which it might possibly
have come over; but there were not any. The great simi-
larity of this species to the Asiatic Golden Plover (C. fulvus),
which is a somewhat smaller bird, has induced some orni-
thologists to think they are the same; but, in the opinion of
Mr, H. E. Dresser, Mr. H. Seebohm, and other authorities,
they are perfectly distinct. On comparing my example with
a series of C. fulvus in the collection of Mr. Seebohm, they
all proved to be smaller, while, on the other hand, the mea-
surements, and the plumage also, in every respect, fitted
exactly with a C. virginicus in Mr. Osbert Salvin’s collection
marked “female, Medellin, U. 8. of Colombia,” and quite
sufficiently well with other specimens in the same collection.
In ‘The Ibis’ for 1875 (p. 513) Mr. Dresser records, and
On a recently discovered Species of Paradisea. 199
gives the measurements of, an individual of C. fulvus, obtained
in Leadenhall Market by Mr. Edward Bidwell, believed to
have come from Norfolk. For comparison I will give the
principal measurements of my bird.
Wing from carpal joint 7 inches, tarsus 1°62, beak along
the ridge ‘9, middle toe and claw 1°12, tail 2°75.
Both C. virginicus and C. fulvus have occurred in Heligo-
land (Ibis, 1875, p. 184, 1877, p. 165).
XXIII.—Description of a recently discovered Species of
Paradisea. By Ospert Satvin and F. DuCane Gopman,
FF.R.S.
(Plate VIII.)
In the last number of ‘The Ibis’ (p. 131) we published a
brief diagnosis of a Bird of Paradise recently obtained in
one of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands by Mr. Andrew Goldie.
We now propose to give a fuller account of the bird, which,
with the accompanying figure, drawn by Mr. Keulemans,
will, we trust, do some justice to this beautiful and novel
species.
Mr. Goldie, who visited the D’Entrecasteaux Islands in
1882, writes concerning this Bird of Paradise as follows :—
“The Birds of Paradise were shot on Fergusson Island,
one of the D’ Entrecasteaux group, in the mountains, at a con-
siderable elevation above the sea, the first specimen obtained
having been secured at the lowest point. The plumed males
and the younger individuals were generally seen three or
four together. Once heard, their call was unmistakable,
being very like that of Paradisea raggiana ; but the plumed
and wired birds, after giving that call a few times, added to
it a peculiar shrill whistle. Their motions whilst calling were
identical with those of P. raggiana; but, so far as we were
able to observe, they had no particular tree for dancing in.
The females were found alone.
“We neither saw nor heard P. raggiana on these islands ;
and the new bird is not found on the mainland. On showing
P2
200 = Messrs. O. Salvin and I’. DuCane Godman on a
it to the natives of Chad’s Bay and China Straits along with a
specimen of Paradisea raggiana, they, m both cases, made us
to understand that the latter is found in their country, whilst
the former is not; but two or three of them in China Straits
who had traded to the D’Entrecasteaux Islands made signs
that the new bird was to be found there.”
The D’ Entrecasteaux Islands were so called after the unfor-
tunate admiral Jos. Ant. Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, the com-
mander of the expedition sent by the French Government in
the year 1791 in search of La Pérouse. This expedition
consisted of two frigates, the ‘ Recherche’ and the ‘ Espé-
rance ; and during the voyage, which lasted till the autumn
of 1798, the whole of the north coast of New Guinea was
traversed; and it was in these seas that Admiral d’Entre-
casteaux died. The second in command, M. Huon de Ker-
madec, predeceased him a few months. The names of both
these explorers are associated with many of the geographical
features of this part of the world.
Chad’s Bay, alluded to in Mr. Goldie’s remarks given
above, is situated a little to the westward of Hast Cape, the
feastern extremity of New Guinea, and on the north side o
that promontory.
China Strait, so named by Capt. Moresby, who discovered
it, is a channel between the south-easternmost point of New
Guinea and a group of islands which he beyond.
The most recentin formation we have of the D’Entrecasteaux
Islands is that furnished by Captain Moresby, who visited
them in 1873-74 in H.M.S. ‘ Basilisk,’ and made surveys of
them and of the adjoining parts of New Guinea and the islands
to the eastward. A paper on this voyage is contained in the
‘Journal of the Royal Geographical Society’ for 1875
(p. 153), accompanied by a map ;,and a further account of it is
given in the book of his travels published by Captain Moresby
in the same year*.
* Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea and the Dentrecasteaux
Islands: a Cruise in Polynesia and Visits to the Pearl-shelling Stations
in Torres Straits of H.M.S. ‘Basilisk.’ By Captain John Moresby, R.N.
With Maps and Illustrations. 8yvo, London: John Murray. 1876.
recently discovered Species of Paradisea. 201
Fergusson Island was so named by Capt. Moresby, who
calculated that the mountain called Kilkerran (the highest
near the northern coast) reaches an altitude of 6000 feet above
the sea. Two other large islands, Goodenough Island and
Normandy Island, lie close to Fergusson Island, and form
the chief islands of the group.
Paradisea decora, as we have proposed to call this Bird of
Paradise, combines the characters of some: of the previously
known species. The side-plumes are like those of P. sanguinea,
each feather having its barbs towards the end wide apart and
destitute of barbules. These feathers are similarly formed in
P. sanguinea ; but in the present bird the barbs are even wider
apart. The “wires” of the tail are like those of P. apoda,
P. minor, and P. raggiana, the feathers having a simple stem
on which the atrophied barbs become more and more evan-
escent till they disappear at the middle of the feather to
reappear again at its extremity. In P. sanguinea the stem
is broad and flattened.
The side-plumes of P. decora are very peculiar, inasmuch
as a number of the anterior plumes are quite short, with the
barbs of each feather much lengthened towards the end; the
distal ends of these feathers are deep rich vinous red, and
appear as if the pigment which colours the elongated plumes
were concentrated in these shorter ones.
The breast of P. decora is of a soft vinaceous lilac, and in
this respect differs from that of all its congeners. The
throat is velvet-green, showing two shades, owing to the
feathers nearer the chin reflecting the light at a different
angle. This darker-looking patch is larger in P. decora than
in the other species. The back, except the narrow green
forchead, is straw-coloured, like that of P. minor.
Mr. Goldie’s series contains males in all stages of deve-
lopment. ‘The youngest are like the females, but with throat
green ; the breast is of a ruddy tint, vermiculated with dusky
marks on each feather. In the first plumage the two central
rectrices are narrow and elongated, but with barbs &c. as in
the perfect feather; they project beyond the rest of the tail-
feathers, the length of the projection varymg. In some
202 On a recently discovered Species of Paradisea.
males (perhaps young birds, perhaps birds out of nuptial
plumage) these feathers are much more elongated and the
length of the barbs of the middle of each feather is much re-
duced; but these lengthen again so as to form a small spatule.
The moult to the nuptial plumage proceeds in various
ways: sometimes the lilac feathers of the breast are the first
to appear; in others the wiry rectrices are the first to take
the place of their predecessors. In some cases these latter
are fully grown before the ornamental side-plumes make
their appearance. In others, again, they grow contempora-
neously with these plumes.
The following is a diagnosis of the adult male and female
birds :—
PARADISEA DECORA. (Plate VIII.)
g. Supra sericeo-straminea, alis et cauda fuscis, illarum tec-
tricibus stramineo lavatis; rectricibus mediis elongatis
filiformibus, ramis ad medium evanescentibus sicut in P.
apoda; fronte angusta et gula velutino-viridescenti ni-
tentibus, mento sub certa luce obscuriore ; subtus lilacino-
vinacea, pectore saturatiore, abdomine medio albican-
tiore ; plumis hypochondriacis posticis ruberrimis, apici-
bus canescentibus, ramis valde distantibus sicut in P.
sanguinea, anticis brevibus, apicibus saturatissime rubro-
vinaceis ; rostro plumbeo ad apicem albicante ; pedibus
pallide plumbeis; iride (avis. vivi) flava: long. tota 14
poll. Angl., ale 7, caudz rectr. elong. 18, rectr. lat. 6,
rostri a rictu 1°6, tarsi 1°8.
?. Inornata, supra olivaceo-fusca stramineo tincta, gula
saturate brunnea; subtus rufescenti-fusca, pectore et hy-
pochondriis anticis fusco irroratis ; caudz rectricibus
duabus mediis angustis et acutis, reliquis paulo brevi-
oribus.
Hab. Fergusson Island, D’Entrecasteaux group (Goldie).
Mus. Brit. (specimina septem).
In conclusion we must congratulate Mr. Goldie on the
discovery of this fine species, and at the same time express
our opinion that these islands, with their peculiar Bird of
Paradise, the home, too, of Manucodia comrii and of the
Otidiphaps lately described as O. insularis, are well worthy
of further patient investigation.
[bts 1880.PL Vill
Hanhart rmp.
po
On Birds from British Guiana. 203
XXIV.—WNotes on Birds from British Guiana. Part II.*
By Ospert Sarvin, and F. DuCane Gopman, FF.R.S.
(Plate IX.)
As was stated in our last notice of Mr. Henry Whitely’s
collections from British Guiana, that enterprising explorer
proceeded to the Roraima Mountains, and remained there
during the autumn of the year 188] and the early part of
1882. He then returned to Georgetown, and brought home
with him the results of his expedition—a collection containing
examples of upwards of 280 species of birds. During his stay
at the foot of the Roraima Mountains and in their vicinity
Mr. Whitely ascended to an elevation of about 5000 feet, a
heighé still short of that attained by Schomburgk, who reached
7000 feet above the sea. Some of the birds of this higher
zone have thus escaped Mr. Whitely’s observation, and a few
species, such as Diglossa major, Setophaga castaneocapilla,
Buarremon personatus, and Campylopterus hyperythrus are
still unrepresented in any Museum but that of Berlin, where
Schomburgk’s collection remains.
Mr. Whitely’s researches have nevertheless produced a
rich harvest, not only of novelties, but also of rarities hitherto
but little known. Amongst the latter we may name Gra-
natellus pelzelni, Tachyphonus pheniceus, Ageleus imthurni,
Pipra cornuta, Neopipo cinnamomea, Dendrocincla longicauda,
Neomorphus rufipennis, Conurus egregius, &e. Many of the
remaining species are of equal interest, as extending our
knowledge of their geographical distribution.
These we must treat of on a future occasion; suffice it to
say that smce Mr. Whitely began to work in British Guiana
he has sent us skins of nearly 400 species of birds—a number
approaching that obtaimed by Schomburgk during his well-
known expedition.
Mr. Whitely has again returned to his old collecting-
ground near the Roraima Mountains; and we hope still to
receive from him additional collections, which may serve yet
more to develop our knowledge of this interesting country.
* For Part I. see Ibis, 1882, pp. 76-84.
204 Messrs. O. Salvin and F. DuCane Godman on
The following notes relate to the new and more remark-
able species of Mr. Whitely’s last collection :—
~+-MIcrRocERcULUs UsTULATUS, sp.n. (Plate IX. fig. 2.)
- Cinnamomeo-brunneus fere unicolor, gutture toto dilutiore ;
alis extus et cauda lineis obsoletis fuscis transfascia-
tis ; rostro nigricante, mandibule basi albicante: long.
tota 4°4, alee 2°35, caude 1:8, rostri a rictu 0°35, tarsi
0:95;
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. et P.L.S.
Mr. Whitely obtained three specimens of this distinct
species, which has no near allies. It is distinguished by its
rich cinnamon-brown plumage, which is almost destitute of
markings, faint dark cross bars on the wing and tail being
all that can be traced.
~}-CISTOTHORUS ALTICOLA, sp. 0.
Supra brunneus, pileo immaculato, interscapulio nigricante
plumis singulis medialiter linea albida notatis, alis et
cauda frequenter sed irregulariter nigro transfasciatis ;
subtus albidus, pectoris lateribus, hypochondriis et crisso
brunneis ; rostro et pedibus corylinis, illius mandibula
albicante: long. tota 4°1, ale 1°75, caude 1°7, rostri a
rictu 0°55, tarsi 0°65.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. F
Obs. 6. brunneicipiti similis, sed statura minore, colore
minus rufescente, fasciis alarum frequentioribus et fasciis
caude irregulariter disjunctis distinguendus.
Though belonging to the same section of the genus Cisto-
thorus as C. brunneiceps (Salv. Ibis, 1881, p. 129, t. 3. f. 1),
this species presents several differences, which render it easily
recognizable on comparison. Like C. brunneiceps, the head is
uniform brown, without stripes of any kind; but the colour
is rather duller in tint; beneath C. alticola is whiter, and the
flanks are also less rufous in colour. The differences of the
markings of the wings and tail alluded to above are strong
characteristics.
Mr. Whitely has sent us several specimens of this species,
lois. 1883, lees
J.G Keulemans lith
Hanhart imp
i BROT CER GS RAN YC El ORS.
2. MiIChOCERCOLU SO STULAT US
Birds from British Guiana. 205
all agreeing closely with one another. They were obtained
at Roraima in November and December 1881.
' HiYLOPHILUS SCLATERI, sp. 0.
Supra olivaceo-viridis, pileo cinereo, fronte anguste et loris
rufescentibus; subtus ochraceo-albidus, pectore ochraceo,
subalaribus flavis, crisso sordide albo; remigibus fuscis
extus griseo limbatis, rectricibus fuscis: rostri maxilla
cornea, mandibula dilutiore ; pedibus pallidis: long. tota
4'5, ale 2°35, caudze 2°05, rostri a rictu 0°6, tarsi 0°75.
? mari omnino similis.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. et H. von Berlepsch.
Obs. H. muscicapino similis, sed rostro breviusculo, loris nec
supercillis rufescentibus, pectore ochraceo, remigum margi-
nibus cinereis nec olivaceis, et cauda fusca nec olivacea dis-
tinguendus.
Our friend H. von Berlepsch, writing of this bird, of which
he obtained a specimen from Whitely’s collection, suggested
the name which we gladly adopt in recognition of Mr. Sclater’s
useful monograph of this intricate genus (Ibis, 1881, p. 293
et segq.). ‘The bird itself is evidently allied to H. muscicapinus,
but differs in many small characters.
~}—PYRANGA HEMALBEA, §p. 0.
Phenicosoma azare, Cab. in Schomb. Reise n. Guiana, iii.
p. 668 ?
Saturate sanguineo-testacea, subtus gula et abdomine medio
multo pallidioribus, pectore fere dorso concolori ; alis et
cauda nigricantibus extus colore testaceo limbatis ; rostro
corneo, dente maxillari medio distincto, pedibus fuscis :
long. tota 7:0, ale 3°7, caudz 3:1, rostri a rictu 0:9,
tarsi 0°8.
2 olivacea, subtus flavidior; gula et abdomine medio flavi-
cantibus.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely.)
Mus. nostr.
Obs. P. azare et P. testacee affinis, sed ab ambabus colore
dorsi maris saturatius sanguineo-testaceo et gula et abdomine
medio multo pallidioribus diversa.
206 Messrs. O. Salvin and F. DuCane Godman on
This Pyranga seems sufficiently distinct from either of the
above-named species to justify its separation. The chief cha-
racter is the paler red throat and abdomen in contrast to
the dark chest and flanks.
Mr. Whitely’s specimens were obtained in January 1882.
~| OxYRHAMPHUS HYPOGLAUCUS, Sp. 0.
Supra viridis, crista coccinea utrinque nigro variegata, alis et
cauda nigricantibus extus viridi limbatis, tectricibus
alarum minoribus flavido terminatis, secundariis quoque
internis flavido extus marginatis ; subtus albus, undique
nigro maculatus, hypochondriis et crisso vix viridi la-
vatis; rostri maxilla cornea, mandibula albicante; pe-
dibus fuscis: long. tota 6°3, alee 3°6, caude 2°5, rostri a
rictu 0°85, tarsi 0°85.
? mari similis.
Hab. Roraima et Merume Mts., Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. et P. L. S.
Obs. O. flammicipiti et O. fratri similis, sed corpore subtus ~
albo nigro guttato distinguendus.
This species seems to be distinct from both O. flammiceps
of Brazil and O. frater of Central America, the under surface
being nearly pure white spotted with black; in the allied
birds this part is pale green with black spots. In the mark-
ings of the wing-coverts it is somewhat intermediate between
the other species, the coverts being spotted, though not so
clearly as in O. frater; the inner secondaries, too, have a yel-
lowish outer margin. -
In the male bird the outer primary has the barbs pointed
and recurved, so that the edge of this feather is strongly ser-
rated. Both the allied species have this feature ; but it seems
carried to greater development in O. hypoglaucus than in
either of the others. The shape of each hook is somewhat
similar to that which is found in the genus Stelgidopteryx.
_TYRANNISCUS ACER, Sp. 0.
Supra olivaceus, capite summo et fronte cinereis ; alis et cauda
nigricantibus, illarum tectricibus et secundariis flavo an-
guste limbatis, hac olivaceo marginata; subtus gutture
albicante, abdomine toto pallide flavido-olivaceo ; sub-
Birds from British Guiana. 207
alaribus et campterio alari flavis; rostro et pedibus nigris :
long. tota 4:0, alee 1:9, caude 1:8, rostri a rictu 0°45,
tarsi 0°6.
Hab. Bartica Grove et Camacusa, Guiana Brit. (H.Whitely).
Mus. nostr. et P. L.S.
Obs. T. vilissimo affinis, sed abdomine flavido et fronte
cinerea distinguendus; a 7. improbo fronte cinerea diversus.
This is a species belonging to the same section of the genus
as T. vilissimus, having the wing-coverts and primaries edged
with olive-yellow, but differmg from that species and from
T. improbus in the grey of the head extending to the base
of the beak.
Mr. Whitely obtained many specimens, all of which agree
closely with one another.
~—-MYyIoBIUS RORAIMA, sp. n.
¢. Supra brunneus, cervice postica et fronte vix olivaceo
lavatis, crista celata lete rufa; alis et cauda nigrican-
tibus, remigum marginibus et alarum tectricum apicibus
lete cinnamomeis ; subtus flavicanti-albidus, cervicis
lateribus, pectore et hypochondriis olivaceo-fuscis, alis
intus cinnamomeis; rostri maxilla fusca, mandibula fla-
vicante: long. tota 5°4, ale 2°7, caudex 2°7, rostri a rictu
0:7, tarsi 0°75.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. et H. von Berlepsch.
Obs. M. flavicanti proximus, sed colore corporis supra
brunneo nec olivaceo et alis cinnamomev limbatis primo visu
distinguendus.
The wings of this species are marked not unlike those of
M. cinnamomeus ; but as the rump is coloured like the back,
its nearest ally is probably M. flavicans.
Mr. Whitely obtained three specimens of this species, one
of which is in the collection of Count Hans vy. Berlepsch.
MYIARCHUS PHAZONOTUS, Sp. 0.
Supra nigricans capite summo vix saturatiore, alis et cauda ~
concoloribus, tectricibus alarum et secundariis fusco mar-
208 Messrs. O. Salvin and F. DuCane Godman on
ginatis; subtus gutture toto pallide griseo, abdomine
pallidissime flavo; rostro et pedibus nigris: long. tota 6°5,
alee 8°5, caudee 3°5, rostri a rictu 0°9, tarsi 0°7.
? mari omnino similis.
Hab. Merume Mountains, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. et P. LS.
Obs. M. apicali haud dissimilis quoad corporis colores, sed
caudz parte apicali albida carens.
Several specimens of this species were obtained by Mr.
Whitely in the Merume Mountains. It belongs to the same
section of the genus as M. tyrannulus, in which the tail is
without any rufous edging; but the dark colour of the back
renders it easy to be recognized. From M. apicalis it differs
in wanting the light apex to the tail.
PIPRA VIRESCENS, Pelz.
We are indebted to Count v. Berlepsch for drawing our
attention to the bird described by Sclater and Salvin as Ty-
ranneutes brachyurus, and for the suggestion that it might
prove to be Pipra virescens of Pelzeln. On reexamining our
specimens we find that this surmise is quite correct. In
Mr. Sclater’s and our own collections are four specimens of
Pipra virescens, one of them a type from the Vienna Museum,
and the others obtained by Mr. EH. Bartlett on the Upper
Amazons. None of these specimens have any traces of the
yellow vertex; so we must presume that they are all imma-
ture. Mr. Whitely’s examples of Tyranneutes brachyurus
are marked as of both sexes, but all have the yellow vertical
spot. As they do not differ in any other way from our spe-
cimens of Pipra virescens, we conclude that the possession of
' this yellow vertical spot is a mark of maturity, and that those
birds in which it is absent are still immature. Anyhow we
have no hesitation in placing Tyranneutes brachyurus as a
synonym of Pipra virescens.
PacHYRHAMPHUS GRISEIGULARIS, Sp. Nl.
¢g adhue ignotus.
? . Supra olivaceus, capite summo paulo obscuriore; alis fusco-
Birds from British Guiana. 209
nigris, secundariis internis olivaceo marginatis, tectri-
cibus omnibus lete cmnamomeis; subtus griseus albo
striatus, ventre medio et crisso albis, hypochondriis
viridi lavatis ; rostri maxilla corylina, mandibula albida ;
pedibus pallidis : long. tota 5°6, ale 3, caudee 2°3, rostri
a rictu 0°8, tarsi 0:8.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (WH. Whitely).
Mus. nostr.
Obs. Species P. viridi quoad alarum tectricum colorem
castaneum affinis, sed valde distincta.
Unfortunately Mr. Whitely obtained only a single female
specimen of this obviously distinct species, which seems to
be allied to the Brazilian P. viridis; for, besides the upper
surface being olive, as in that bird, the wing-coverts are cin-
namon, as in the female of Bahia specimens of P. viridis.
P. griseigularis, however, may at once be distinguished by its
grey throat and breast, the latter in P. viridis being yellow,
and by the absence of the grey collar which separates the
olive head from the back in the Brazilian bird. Judging
from analogy, the male will prove to have the top of the head
black and the wing-coverts olive, like the back.
+ ATTILA SPODIOSTETHUS, Sp. n.
Supra cinereus, dorso olivaceo tincto, uropygio citrino-flavo,
alis: fuscis tectricibus sordide griseo notatis, subalaribus
citrinis ; cauda rufescente; subtus gutture toto griseo,
plumis singulis albo marginatis, abdomine medio et
crisso albis, hoc flavido induto ; rostro et pedibus obscure
corylinis: long. tota 6°5, ale 3°5, caudz 2°8, rostri a
rictu 11, tarsi 0:9.
? mari similis, sed minor et coloribus corporis subtus grise-
scentioribus, crisso pure albo.
Hab. Bartica Grove, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr.
The bird here described differs from every species with
which we are acquainted in having a grey head and grey
breast and throat, rendering it more distinct at first sight
than many acknowledged species.
210 Messrs. O. Salvin and F. DuCane Godman on
My. Whitely sent us a pair of this species, and also a single
example of A. uropygialis (Cab. in Schomb. Reise n. Guiana,
iil. p.686) , which we also believe to be a distinct species. Along
with these are*several specimens of a third species, which so
much resembles A. sclateri that we hesitate to separate it.
In Guiana, too, A. spadiceus (Gm.) is found, and also A.
thamnophiloides (Cab. in Schomb. Guiana, iii. p. 686) ; so that
in this region we find no less than five species of Attila,
all more or less distinct !
DENDROCOLAPTES PLAGOSUS, Sp. n.
Supra brunnescens, uropygio, alis et cauda rufescentibus; pileo
et cervice postica cervino striatis; interscapulio indistincte
nigro transvittato; subtus gula cervina plumis singulis
fusco bimaculatis et fusco terminatis, pectoris summi
plumis fuscis medialiter isabellinis utrinque nigro mar-
ginatis ; abdomine toto pallide fusco et nigro regulariter
transfasciato ; rostro nigricante; pedibus plumbeis :
long. tota 10°3, ale 5°4, caude 46, rostri a rictu 1°8,
tarsi J*1.
Hab. Camacusa, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr.
Obs. D. valido affinis, sed interscapulio fuscescentiore et
nigro indistincte transfasciato, striis quoque capitis angusti-
oribus, subtus abdominis fasciis totis integris nec disjunctis
distinguendus. ‘
This bird is probably the representative in Guiana of the
Andean D. validus (Tsch.), but seems sufficiently distinct for
recognition. Mr. Whitely obtained two specimens of it, a
male and a female, both at Camacusa.
~| DENDRORNIS POLYSTICTA, Sp. Nn.
Supra brunnea, capite summo nigricante, uropygio, alis et
cauda ferrugineis ; capite summo, cervice et interscapulio
cervino guttatis, guttis simgulis nigro marginatis; sub-
tus gutture cervino, pectore et abdomine toto brunne-
scentibus, illo guttis cervinis nigro marginatis notato ;
rostri maxilla nigricante, mandibula interdum nigri-
cante interdum ad basin flavicante; pedibus corylinis :
long. tota 8°5, ale 4°0, caude 40, rostri a rictu 1°5,
tarsi 0°9.
Birds from British Guiana. 211
Hab. Bartica Grove, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr.
Obs. D. lacrymose affinis, sed guttis supra et subtus mino-
ribus, abdomine imo fere immaculato, et tectricibus
alarum brunneis diversa.
We have been unable to find a description of this species,
which differs from its allies in having strongly marked spots
both ‘above and below, and for the most part a black bill.
D. lacrymosa seems to be the most nearly related to it; but
in this bird the spots are both larger and more extensively
diffused.
~) DysiTHAMNUS SPODIONOTUS, Sp. N.
_Supra schistaceus unicolor, alis extus vix olivaceo limbatis,
~— tectricibus alarum albo anguste terminatis ; subtus albus,
jectore et corporis lateribus schistaceis, ‘hypochondriis
imis fuscescentibus ; rostri maxilla nigricante, mandibula
plumbea ad basin albida : long. tota 4°5, alee 2°5, caudee
1°8, rostri a rictu 0°8, tarsi 0° 8.
9 brunnescens, capite summo ét alis extus rufescentioribus,
subtus alba, pectore hypochondriis et crisso cmnamomeis.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (A. Whitely).
Mus. nostr.
Obs. D. semicinereo affinis, sed dorso pure schistaceo
et abdomine media albo nec flavo tincto distinguendus ;
feminz quoque colore supra saturate cimnamomeo-brunneo
diversus.
A close ally of D. semicinereus, but differmg constantly in
the above characters.
-BRroroGeRys PANYCHLORUS, sp.n. (Plate IX. fig. 1.)
Viridis, subtus dilutior, regione parotica flava, loris et mento
flavido indutis, alis nigricantibus extus dorso concolo-
ribus; cauda subcuneata brevi, rectricibus omnibus acutis ;
rostri maxilla pallide corylina, mandibula flavicante :
long. tota 5°5, ale 3°7, caude rectr. med. 1°85, rectr:
lat. “15 5, tarsi 0-4.
Q mari omnino similis.
Hab. Roraima, Guiana Brit. (H. Whitely).
Mus. nostr. P. L. 8. et H. v Berlepsch.
212 Recently published Ornithological Works.
This little Parrot is hardly larger than the members of the
genus Psittacula, females of which it at first sight resembles.
The nostril, however, is placed in the middle of a distinct
cere, showing its relationship to Brotogerys.
Mr. Whitely obtained several specimens of this bird, which
have passed into the hands of ourselves, Mr. Sclater, and
Count H. v. Berlepsch ; and we all, I believe, agree in con-
sidering it undescribed.
CoLUMBA RUFINA.
The examination of a young bird of this species from Bar-
tica Grove suggests to us that Mr. Lawrence’s Melopelia plum-
bescens (Ibis, 1880, p. 238) may be C. rufina in its first plu-
mage. There are some discrepancies between our bird and
Mr. Lawrence’s description, chiefly as regards the coloug of
the top of the head, which has a rufous tinge in our speci-
men, instead of being whitish ash. As this may arise from
our skin being that of a rather younger bird than Mr. Law-
rence’s type, and as in other respects the two agree very
closely, we are strongly of opinion that Melopelia plumbescens
must be placed as a synonym of Columba rufina.
t=]
XXV.—WNotices of recent Ornithological Publications.
(Continued from p. 118.)
49. Blasius and Nehrkorn on Birds from Amboina.
[ Dr. Platen’s ornithologische Sammlungen aus Amboina, verzeichnet
und besprochen von Wilh. Blasius und Ad. Nehrkorn. Verh. der k. k.
z00l.-bot. Gesell. Wien, 1882, p. 411.]
Dr. Platen’s Amboina collections made in 1881 and 1882
contained 138 skins, referable to 43 species, of which an
account is here given. Three species (Myzomela boiei, Ar-
detia flavicollis, and Sterna nigra) are new to the Amboinan
avifauna. ‘The nests and eggs of many species are described.
Tanysiptera dea bores its holes in ants’ nests which are placed
in the trees, and deposits two shining white eggs.
Recently published Ornithological Works. 213
50. British Association’s Report on Migration in 1881.
[Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881.
By Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, Mr. John Cordeaux, Mr. Philip M. C.
Kermode, Mr. R. M. Barrington, and Mr. A. G. More. 8vo. London:
1882.]
This is the third Report of the Committee appointed by
the British Association for the purpose of obtaining obser-
vations on the migration of birds at lighthouses and light-
ships. It contains separate reports based upon returns from
various points on the east and west coasts of England and
Scotland, and also from the Irish coast, drawn up by different
members of the Committee, and furnishes a mass of useful
information which will ultimately, no doubt, throw much
light upon this obscure subject.
51. ‘ Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club.’
[Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club: a Quarterly Journal of
Ornithology. Vol. viii. no, 1, Jan, 1883: Cambridge, Mass. |
In this number Mr. Jeffries describes very clearly an ex-
traordinary case of complete lateral hermaphroditism in a
specimen of Pipilo chlorurus. My. Brewster continues his
account of Mr. Stephens’s Arizona birds, amongst which are
noticed Picus stricklandi (14 specimens from the Santa Rita
mountains), Micrathene whitneyi (common in the desert-
region about Tucson), and (three examples of) Buteo abbre-
viatus. Callipepla squamata castanogastris (!) is a new sub-
species from the Lower Rio Grande. We have also read
with much amusement Dr. Coues’s “Compliments of the
Season,” and admired the illustrations; but where was Dr.
Coues when so many of his feathered friends paid him a visit ?
He does not state in what place he passed his New-Year’s
Day; and we believe that he does not always remain in the
same abode.
52. Dubois on the Variability of Birds of the Genus Loxia.
[De la Variabilité des Oiseaux du Genre Zozia. Par M. Alph. Dubois.
Bull. du Musée R. d’Hist. Nat. Belgique, 1882, Oct. ]
SER. V.—VOL. I. , Q
214 Recently published Ornithological Works.
M. Dubois speaks of the Crossbills as exemplifying his
views that many so-called species are only “climatic varieties,”
and describes a new variety “amurensis” of Loxia leu-
coptera.
_ 58. Gould's * Supplement to the Trochilidee.’
By {Supplement to the Trochilidee, or Humming-Birds. By John Gould,
FE.R.S. &c. Part II. Folio. London: 1883.]
The third part of the ‘Supplement to the Trochilidz’ has
now been issued, and contains figures of the following
species :—
Urosticte ruficrissa. Selasphorus flammula.
Heliangelus micrastur. Panychlora stenura.
Rhamphomicron dorsale. Panychlora russata.
Rhamphomicron olivaceum. Aphantochroa hyposticta.
Tonoleema whitelyana. Hriocnemis sapphiropygia.
Oxypogon cyanoleemus. Eupetomena hirundo.
Selasphorus ardens. Dorifera veraguensis.
The following species are described, but it has not been
thought necessary to figure them :—Selasphorus torridus, 8.
henshawi, Atthis elliott, Eriocnemis dyselius, HE. chrysorama,
i. assimilis, EH. smaragdinipectus, Dorifera rectirostris, D.
euphrosine, Hutoxeres heterura, E. salvini, Hucephala scapu-
lata, EK. pyropygia, E. subcerulea, EL. cyanogenys, and Lesbia
chiorura.
54. Hartlaub on the Ornithology of Eastern Equatorial
Africa.
[Zweiter Beitrag zur Ornithologie der Ostlich-zquatorialen Gebiete
Africa’s von Dr. G. Hartlaub, nach Sendungen und Noten yon Dr. Emin
Bey in Lado. Abh. Nat. Ver. Bremen, Band iii. Heft 2. Bremen:
1882. ]
Dr. Hartlaub’s present memoir treats of the 120 species,
examples of which were collected by Dr. Emin Bey during
his recent travels in the districts of Bari, Lattuka, and Shuli,
on the Upper White Nile, south of Ladé. The exact loca-
lities are plainly indicated on an accompanying outline map
Recently published Ornithological Works, 215
of these regions. The new species of this collection have
been already described* ; but one more is now added—Cisti-
cola ladoensis. Numerous critical notes and references are
given in the present paper, and also a few corrections and
additions to the former article on the same subject. In con-
clusion Dr. Hartlaub furnishes a systematic list of all the
species of birds (276) of which examples have been trans-
mitted by Dr. Emin Bey to the Museums of Bremen and
Vienna. Psittacus erithacus is common in Uganda and
Southern Unyoro; and some interesting notes on its habits in
a state of nature are given.
55. Harvie-Brown’s Report on Scottish Ornithology.
[Third Report on Scottish Ornithology—October 1st, 1880, to April
1881. Compiled by Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, F.R.S.E. Proc. Nat.
Hist. Soc. Glasgow, 1881, p. 41.]
After an account of the terrible weather experienced during
the winter of 1880-81 (gales from N.E. and E. all the season,
and severe frosts and snows, especially in January 1881, which
did great injury to the native species), Mr. Harvie-Brown
gives his notes upon the more remarkable occurrences in
systematic order. A Saaicola deserti (cf. Zool. 1881, p. 54)
was the prize of the season. Several examples of Lanius
excubitor occurred, and one of Numenius borealis was shot, in
Kincardineshire. —
56. Harvie-Brown on the Migration of Birds.
[Paper on the Migration of Birds upon our British Coasts, read before
the Stirling Field Club on Tuesday, 15th December 1881. By J. A.
Harvie-Brown, F.R.S.E. &c. 8vo, Stirling: 1881.]
An excellent essay upon migration, in which special atten-
tention is drawn to Herr A. Weissman’s paper on this subject
in the ‘Contemporary Review’ (vol. xxxiv. p. 531). At the
end is given a useful list of some of the later and more im-
portant essays on migration.
* Vide Ibis, 1883, p. 103.
216 Recently published Ornithological Works.
57. Heywood’s ‘ Field Naturalist.’
[The Field-Naturalist and Scientific Student, a Medium of Intercom-
munication, No. 7. December 1882. Manchester: Abel Heywood
and Son. |
This new popular magaziue of natural history contains
occasionally articles on birds and bird-life. In the present
number Mr, C. Oxendale gives an account of a “ Lancashire
Gullery.”
58. Hoffman on Birds observed at Ft. Berthold, D. T.
[List of Birds observed at Ft. Berthold, D. T., during the Month of
September 1881. By W.J. Hoffman, M.D. Proc. Boston Soc, Nat. Hist.
Xxi. p. 397. ]
Fort Berthold is an Indian village in Dakota, on the Mis-
sourl, about ninety-five miles above Bismark. Dr. Hoff-
man was was studying the Indian tribes there in September
1881, but found time to record his observations on 40 species
of birds, of which he gives a list, with notes. Neocorys
spraguet was ‘rather abundant during the earlier portion of
the month.”
59. Huet on Birds bred in 1881 in the Jardin des Plantes,
Paris.
[Note sur les Naissances d’Oiseaux obtenues en 1881 & la Ménagerie du
Muséum d’histoire Naturelle. Par M. Huet. Bull. Soc. d’Acclim.
France, 1882, p. 352. ]
Amongst the birds which bred in the Jardin des Plantes
in 1881 we find mentioned Perdix fusca of Senegal (Ptilo-
pachys fuscus ?), and Cygnus buccinator, besides other inter-
esting species.
60. Littleboy on the Birds of Hertfordshire.
[Notes on Birds observed in Hertfordshire during the Year 1881. By
John E. Littleboy. Trans. Hertfordshire Nat. Hist. Soe. ii. p. 83.]
Mr. Littleboy chronicles the additions made to the list of
Hertfordshire birds in 1881, thirteen in all. Oriolus galbula
nested near Ware in June of that year; and a specimen of
Recently published Ornithological Works. 217
Falcinellus igneus was shot on a lake in Balls Park in Sep-
tember. Other interesting notes are given.
61. Mela’s ‘ Vertebrata Fennica.’
[Suomen Luurankoiset, eli luonnontieteellisen Suomen Luurankois-
elaimist6. Kirjoitli A. J. Mela. 8vo. Helsingissii: 1882. ]
This is a handbook of the vertebrated animals of Finland,
written in Finnish, and consequently rather incomprehensible
to the world in general. It is illustrated by occasional wood-
cuts. Two hundred and seventy-four species of birds are
included as inhabitants of Finland.
62. Miiller on the Birds of the Island of Salanga.
[Die Ornis der Insel Salanga, so wie Beitrige zur Ornithologie der
Halbinsel Malakka. Ein zoogeographische Studie. Inaugural-Dissertation
zur Krlangung der Doctorwiirde der philosophischen Facultat der Univer-
sitat Erlangen, vorgelegt von August Miller. 8vo. Hamburg: 1882.]
About 1000 bird-skins, transmitted to Berlin by Capt.
J. Weber from Tongkah, in the Siamese island of Salanga,
on the western coast of the Malaccan peninsula, form the
basis of this memoir. ‘The collection was made in less than
a year, and embraces fine series of many of the species, which
are all together 155 in number. ‘Two species are described as
new, Criniger cabanisi and Gecinus webert. ‘Two examples
of Ampeliceps coronatus were in the collection. Careful
notes are given on points of distribution and geographical
variation. On the moot question of Buceros (Rhytidoceros)
undulatus and subruficollis, Herr Miller agrees with Blasius
and Nehrkorn in doubting the existence of two species. ‘To
the account of the species is appended an excellent essay
upon the geographical relationship of the Salangan ornis,
illnstrated by tables showing the distribution of every
species.
63. Nulting on Birds from Costa Rica.
[On a Collection of Birds from the Hacienda “ La Palma,” Gulf of Ni-
coya, Costa Rica. By C. C, Nulting. Proc, U.S. Nat. Mus, 1882,
p. 382. |
218 Recently published Ornithological Works.
Mr. Nulting spent four weeks in March and April last at
the hacienda La Palma on the Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific coast
of Costa Rica, and obtained examples of 97 species of birds,
on which some excellent field-observations are given. Mr.
Ridgway, who has determined the species, adds some valuable
critical notes. Icterus pectoralis espinachi is a new subspecies,
and Myiarchus nultingi a new species. Muscivora mexicana
was found abundant and breeding.
64. Oates on the Birds of Peyu.
[A List of the Birds of Pegu. By Eugene W. Oates. Stray Feathers,
vol, x. p. 175. |
A. carefully drawn-up list of the birds ascertained to occur
in the British province of Pegu, of which a map is given,
showing its exact limits and general features. Short notices
of their distribution and times of occurrence are added; and
in the cases of rare or doubtful species further explanations
are given. The list contains 454 species, arranged in the
order of Mr. Hume’s Catalogue and according to his nomen-
elature, with but few exceptions. Pegu seems to be a para-
dise of Sylviadze in certain seasons; Calliope kamtschatkensis
and Cyanecula suecica are “very abundant” in the cold
weather, and Locustella lanceolata and L. certhiola ‘‘extremely
common.”
65. ‘ Ornithologist and Oologist.’
[Ornithologist and Oologist. Vol. vii. Nos. 22 & 25. November and
December 1882. Joseph M. Wade, Boston, U.S. A.]
We have lately been favoured with copies of several num-
bers of this American magazine of popular ornithology, now
in its eighth year of publication. It contains principally
notes of the life-history of the birds of North America. In
the two numbers now before us an interesting notice is given
of the habits and nesting of Phainopepla nitens, as observed
by Mr. B. W. Everman in Southern California.
66. Payne-Gallwey’s ‘Fowler in Ireland,
[The Fowler in Ireland, or Notes on the Haunts and Habits of Wild-
Recently published Ornithological Works. 219
fowl and Seafowl, including Instructions in the Art of shooting and cap-
turing them. By Sir’ Ralph Payne-Gallwey, Bart. S8yvo. London:
1882. |
There is not much that can be called scientific in this
work, the title of which speaks for itself ; but we are told by
one who is a very experienced hand in such matters that it
is one of the best books on the subject ever written.
67. Pelzeln’s Report on the Progress of Ornithology in .
1881.
[ Bericht iiber die Leistungen in der Naturgeschichte der Vogel wihrend
des Jahres 1881 von August von Pelzeln. 8yo. Berlin: 1883. ]
Herr v. Pelzeln’s Report is as full and as complete as usual,
but a little late in its issue. A great number of the smaller
memoirs are mentioned.
68. Ramsay on new Birds from the Solomon Islands.
[Description of two new Birds from the Solomon Islands. By E. P.
Ramsay, F.L.S. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 8. W. vol. vii. p. 299.]
Phlogenas salamonis and Dicrurus longirostris are both
from San Christoval. The former is probably PAl. johanne
of Tristram (nec Sclater).
69. Ridgway on new North-American Birds.
[Descriptions of some new North-American Birds. By Robert Ridg-
way. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus, 1882, p. 343. ]
The new birds described are :—(1) Catherpes mexicanus punc-
tulatus, subsp. nov., from California; (2) Lophophanes inor-
natus griseus, subsp. nov., from middle U. 8., Nevada, Utah,
Colorado, Arizona; (8) Geothlypis beldingi, from Lower Cali-
fornia; and (4) Rallus beldingi, from Espiritu Santo islands,
Lower California.
70. Salvadori’s ‘ Ornithology of Papvasia’
[Ornitologia della Papuasia e delle Molucche di Tommaso Salvadori.
Parte terza. Torino, 1882. 1 vol. 4to, pp. 596. |
We have now the pleasure of recording the completion of
220 Recently published Ornithological Works.
the main portion of this important work, which has cost the
energetic author eight years of incessant labour. No one,
we are sure, will allege that this labour has been in vain ; for
a more complete and elaborate memoir on the avifauna of
any part of the world has never been produced. Though
daily discoveries are being made among the eastern islands,
and the subject is far from being exhausted, Salvadori’s
‘Ornithology of Papuasia’ will long remain the standard
work of reference upon the birds of that portion of the globe.
The third volume of this work embraces the birds of the
Orders Columb, Galline, Grallatores, Natatores, and Stru-
thiones, besides a supplement of. species discovered and de-
scribed during the progress of the work. The avifauna of
Papuasia and the Moluccas, or the “ Papuan Subregion,” as
we should prefer to call it, is thus shown to contain 1028
species at present known to us. In conclusion Count Salva-
dori promises us an introductory volume to treat of the
history, bibliography, and geographical distribution of the
Papuan avifauna.
71. Shufeldt’s ‘ Anatomy of Birds.’
[Contribution to the Anatomy of Birds. By R. W. Shufeldt, M.D.
U.S. Geol. & Geogr. Surv. Twelfth Annual Report, 1882, pp. 595-806. |
This is a reprint of Dr. Shufeldt’s papers on the osteo-
logy of certain North-American Birds, most of which have
been already noticed in this Journal. It treats of Speotyto
cunicularia, Eremophila alpestris, and the North-American
Tetraonide, Lanius ludovicianus, and the Cathartide, and is
profusely illustrated with plates and woodcuts.
72. Shufeldt on the Osteology of Cinclus mexicanus.
[Notes upon the Osteology of Cinclus mexicanus. By R. W. Shufeldt.
Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, vii. p. 213.]
Mr. Shufeldt continues his studies on the osteology of
North-American birds with an essay on the osseous structure
of Cinclus, which he considers to be ‘‘ quite closely related to
Siurus, and not far removed from some of the Wrens.”
Recently published Ornithological Works. 221
73. ‘ Transactions of the Linnean Society of New York.
[Transactions of the Linnean Society of New York. Volume one.
Published by the Society, Dec. 1882. New York: 1882. lvol. 168 pp.]
The Recording Secretary of the Linnzan Society of New
York, Mr. L. 8S. Foster, has kindly sent us a copy of the first
volume of the Society’s ‘ Transactions.’ Of the three memoirs
which it contains, two are ornithological. One, by Mr.
Dutcher, relates to the question as to whether the Fish-Crow
(Corvus ossifragus) is only a summer visitor or a permanent
resident at the northern limit of its range; the other, by Mr.
i, P. Bicknell, is “a Review of the Summer Birds of a part
of the Catskill Mountains, with prefatory Remarks on the
Faunal and Floral Features of the Region,” and is of much
interest.
74. Turner on Lagopus mutus and its Allies.
[On Lagopus mutus, Leach, and its Allies. By Lucien M. Turner.
Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, p. 225. |
Mr. Turner recognizes four subspecies of L. mutus, namely
—L. mutus (typicus) from Europe, L. mutus rupestris of N.
America, L. mutus reinhardti of Greenland, and L. mutus
atkhensis (subsp. nov.) of the Atka Islands (Aleutians). Mr.
Turner has not been able to examine Icelandic specimens (L.
islandorum, Faber).
75. Vorderman’s ‘ Batavian Birds.’
[Bataviasche Vogels door A. G, Vorderman. Part II. Afgedrulkt uit
het Ned. Tijdschr. v. Ned. Ind. Deel xlii. |
This is a continuation of the article already mentioned
(Ibis, 1883, p. 118). It contains notes and descriptions of
thirty birds met with by the author near Batavia. Cypselus
infumatus, not C. palmarum as given by Bernstein (J. f. O.
1860, p. 429), is the small Palm-Swift of Java.
76. Zeledon’s ‘ Birds of Costa Rica.’
[Catalogo de las Aves de Costa-Rica, Por José C. Zeledon. 8yo. San
José, Costa-Rica, 1882. |
222 Letters, Announcements, &c.
The well-known collector José C. Zeledon has kindly sent
us a copy of his catalogue of the birds of Costa Rica, printed
at San Joséin June 1882. The list embraces no less than
701 species, arranged according to Lilljeborg’s system as
modified by the Smithsonian Institution. Merely the names
are given, with an asterisk to indicate such as are repre-
sented in the author’s collection.
XXVI.—Letters, Announcements, &c.
We have received the following letters addressed to the
Editors of ‘ The Ibis? —
Northrepps Hall, Norwich,
January 30, 1885.
Srrs,—Major Legge, in the article on Gorsachius melano-
lophus contained in his work on the Birds of Ceylon, says,
“itis worthy of note that it has not been met with on the
east coast, notwithstanding that it migrates from the east
to Ceylon.” I therefore transcribe the following from a
communication just received from my friend Mr. Samuel
Bligh, of Catton, near Lemastotle, Ceylon :—“ A specimen
(3g juv.) of Gorsachius melanolophus was shot not far from
here on November 25th, in a small bushy swamp by jungle,
at an elevation of over 3500 feet. It was in good plump con-
dition, slightly on the moult, and is the first capture of this
species on the eastern side of the island.”
Yours &c.,
J. H. Gurney.
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.,
February 8th, 1883.
Sirs,—Recognizing fully the courteous consideration be-
stowed upon my ‘Check List’ by your reviewer (who is not
known to me as such), I beg to reply in the same spirit to
some of the points raised.
Is not Myiadectes a purely suppositious emendation of
Myadestes, Sw.? In my judgment, the derivation from pvia,
Attic pva, and éd¢eo77s, is obvious, direct, and unimpeachable.
Letters, Announcements, &c. 223
As to the orthography of the penultimate syllable, I can
scarcely decide. It would simplify matters to take pa,
thereby eliding one of the vowels, with which suggestion I
leave the composition in other hands, only urging that, in
my opinion, the epsilon of édect7s should certainly be pre-
served*, But, in any event, can the nominative plural of
Myiadectes be Myiadecte, as editorially written on p. 115 of
the same number of ‘ The Ibis’ ?
My proposition of Zamelodia vice Hedymeles is based upon
a rule which I follow in common with many zoologists, viz.
that no synonym of any genus is available in any other con-
nexion. Hedymeles, being the same word as Hedymela, is
functus officio, because the latter is a synonym, even though
an untenable one, of a different genus. ~
“ Linneeus at 1758” is a watchword now adopted, I think,
by American ornithologists without exception ; and in writing
Icterus galbula, Limosa hemastica, &c., I simply conform to
the rule. It is against the current of general usage, I know ;
but if some English ornithologist will try the experiment, he
may be surprised to find how many nomenclatural Gordian
knots this simple expedient cuts. And is there any reason in
the nature of the case why Linnzus should not be taken at
1758? But this point, like that one involved in the “ Ame-
rican idea” of binomials, will find, I fear, little, if any,
favour from our Transatlantic co-workers, for the present
at least.
The case of Jcterus parisorum is a brilliant blunder of mine
(Med culpd, med maximd culpa, I cry), and serves my inge-
nuity in wrong-doing right !
A curious point comes up in the matter of Hydranassa and
Dichromanassa. The former was not lately instituted by
Mr. Ridgway, as your reviewer states, but by Prof. Baird in
* [There is no objection whatever, that we can see, to the emendation
of “ Myadestes”’ into “ Myiedestes.” But if the 7 is omitted, as Dr. Coues
suggests, and the term is written “ Myedestes,” this would primarily signify
“ mouse-eater ” (from pis, pvds), not “ fly-eater.” The correct Latin plural
ot Myiedestes would be “ Myiedeste” (€dearhs, gen, edeorod, pl. nom,
edeoral=edeste).— EDD. |
224 Letters, Announcements, &c.
1858 (B. N. Am. p. 660). On my speaking about it to him
today, he informs me that the coinage he intended was from
vdwp and dvacoa, the idea being that expressed by Audubon
in calling the beautiful Louisiana Heron the “ Lady of the
Waters,” or words to that effect. So far, so good; but now
for Dichromanassa. I am myself responsible for that word ;
and the etymology is as given in the ‘ Check-List.”? In con-
versation with me Mr. Ridgway was casting about for a suit-
able word to express the dichromatism of these Herons, and
to also agree in termination. with Baird’s Hydranassa, which
he proposed to adopt. On the spur of the moment I coined
Dichromanassa, im the sense of ‘“ two-coloured Water-fowl,”
using the Doric vacca for the alliteration, in preference to
Attic vitra, or the usual vijcoa (cf. Dendronessa, Pelionetta).
My wits were certainly wool-gathering when I failed to recog-
nize dvacoa in the combination Hydranassa; but the curious
facts are asI give them! If I may be permitted to revoke
the intended and afterwards expressed etymology of Dichro-
manassa (contracted from Dichromatonassa) in favour of that
derivation of the word which your reviewer very properly in-
dicates, it will bring about the real agreement with Hydra-
nassa which I had in mind and desired to express, as well as
obviate any orthographic change in either of the two words
in question. .
Yours &e.,
Evuiott Covss.
Chusley Vicarage, Aylesbury,
February 22, 1883,
Sirs,—I fae to ask you to correct in your next number
an error in my paper on Chinese birds (Ibis, 1882, p. 433),
by substituting Monticola solitarius (Mull.) for M. saxatilis
(Linn.). It is such a very obvious error, and will appear such
to every reader of your pages, that I feel it almost needs an
apology from me for troubling you to make the correction.
Might I mention that the paper has, in the General Index,
been put down under the name of my illustrious namesake,
Letters, Announcements, &c. 225
who has so many advantages over me, as well as the posses-
sion of the letter ¢ in his name, that he might not altogether
be flattered by the mistake.
Yours &c.,
Henry H. Srater.
Wilton House, Farnham,
March 3, 1883,
Srrs,—It may be of interest, with regard to the nidifica-
tion of Balearica chrysopelargus (Licht.) = B. regulorum
auct., to record that my friend Lieut. Giffard, of the Welsh
Regiment (41st), recently shot in Natal an old bird of this
species off a nest containing two bluish-white eggs without
spots.
Soine authors have stated that the eggs are spotted; but
the balance of testimony appears now to be in favour of the
absence of spots.
While on the subject of the eggs of South-African Cranes,
I would beg to call attention to the notes of Majors Butler
and Feilden and myself on the nesting of Grus paradisea
(Licht.), published in our paper on the Birds of Natal in
the ‘ Zoologist’ for September 1882, and to express a hope
that the interesting theory therem advanced—that the eggs
of this species are deposited, like those of a Bustard, in a
depression scratched on the open “ veldt” or grassland, and
not in marshes—may be investigated by one or more of the
ornithologists whose labours may extend to its breeding-
haunts in Natal, the Transvaal, &c.
Yours &c.,
SaviLe G. Reip, Capt. R.E.
Zihawei, prés Shang-hai,
20 Janvier, 1883.
Murssreurs,—-Vous serez peut-étre content d’apprendre que
jai un nouveau Pucrasia. Je me propose de la publier sous
le nom de P. joretiana. II differe des Pucrasie décrits en ce
qu’il n’a pas de brun ni de roux dans le plumage, soit au cou
226 Letters, Announcements, &c.
soit aux ailes, soit aux sous-caudales. I] est de la taille du
P. xanthospila. Si vous le jugez a propos, vous pouvez
insérer cette note dans la correspondence de ‘1’ Ibis.’
Votre tout dévoué,
P. M. Hevupg, S. J.
Cambridge, Mass.,
March 5, 1883.
Sirs,—I have read with much interest Mr. Seebohm’s
paper in ‘The Ibis’ (Oct. 1882, pp. 546-550) “on the
Interbreeding of Birds,” and while agreeing with him that
“the interbreeding of birds supposed to be specifically dis-
tinct ” is a subject entitled to careful consideration, I cannot
see therein the complete explanation of ‘incipient species,”
or “subspecies,” he seems to find in it (/.c. p. 548). For
instance, I do not see how it can possibly explain the gradual
intergradation between the widely diverse forms of a species
often found occupying respectively the northern and southern
borders of the breeding-range of the species of which they
are unquestionably only extreme phases. To make my point
clear, I will cite a single case out of the many well known to
American ornithologists. Our common Partridge (Ortyx
virginianus) has a latitudinal range extending from Massachu-
setts to the southern point of Florida, throughout which area
it is an abundant and permanent resident. The South-Florida
birds, compaired with those from Massachusetts, are from
one fourth to one third smaller, with bills not only relatively,
but absolutely much larger, the whole plumage in general
effect many shades darker especially on the ventral surface,
where the transverse bars are greatly broadened at the ex-
pense of the alternating white interspaces. These differences
combine to give to the two forms strikingly diverse aspects,
the differences being as great and as easily defined as is often
the case among perfectly distinct though allied congeneric
species. If we knew only these two phases of the species in
question we could view them in no other lhght than as per-
fectly “segregated ” species. But between these forms there
is every possible intergradation—a gradual passage of one
Letters, Announcements, &c. 227
into the other through the representatives of the species
occupying the area connecting the two above-mentioned loca-
lities, in other words, a gradually increasing variation, in
passing southward, from the Massachusetts form toward the
extreme Floridan phase.
If this were an isolated case, its significance in the present
connection would be of less moment; butit is only one out of
many among birds having the same breeding-range, not one
of which but shows variations of a parallel character, and
several of them in a nearly equal degree. It seems to me diffi-
cult to formulate the conditions whereby this tendency in so
many species—in all the species, we may say, of the region
under consideration—to vary in parallel lines and in the
same geographical direction, can be brought about by inter-
breeding, especially as these variations are strikingly correlated
with gradual changes in conditions of environment depending
upon differences of latitude and climate. The difficulty of
explaining all this on the theory of interbreeding becomes
still more evident when we consider the adjoining regions to
the westward, where, as soon as we strike markedly different
conditions of environment, we meet with variations of a
somewhat different character, which again affect to a greater
or less degree all the species of the fauna, and are again cor-
related with a gradual modification of the environing condi-
tions. When instances of intergradation between previously
supposed distinct species began to attract attention, hybridity
or interbreeding was the theory advanced for their explana-
tion; but when it was found that variations of similar cha-
racter obtained among most of the species (of course in vary-
ing degree in different species) inhabiting the same areas,
and that certain phases of variation accompanied, or charac-
terized, or were correlated with, certain changes in the con-
ditions of life, the hypothesis of interbreeding was soon almost
wholly abandoned, and that of geographical or climatic varia-
tion adopted as being not only rational but obvious.
While, from lack of requisite data, I cannot judge of the
particular cases cited by Mr. Seebohm in illustration of his
views, I cannot, on the other hand, subscribe to his belief
228 Letters, Announcements, &c.
that interbreeding “is the great fact lying at the bottom of
it all, and explaining it all,’—that is, the origin of “ inci-
pient ”’ or “imperfectly segregated” species, or of inter-
gradation between forms once supposed to be specifically
distinct.
Yours &c.,
J. A. ALLEN.
Norwich, March 12, 1883.
Sirs,—As much confusion has hitherto existed between
the British specimens of Puffinus major and P. griseus, it
may be worth noting that a Shearwater which came alive
into my possession in July 1851, and which was recorded in
Morris’s ‘ Naturalist’ for 1851, p. 189, also in the ‘ Zoologist ”
for the same year, pp. 3234 and 3279, under the name of
Greater Shearwater (P. cinereus), has, upon a recent exami-
nation, proved to be an example of Puffinus griseus (Gm.).
The bird, which measured in the flesh 17 inches in total
length, gape 24, wing from anterior joint 12, tarsus 2, mid-
dle toe 23, proved, on dissection, to be a male, probably
immature.
I am not aware of P. major having been met with on the
Norfolk coast; but it seems probable that in other localities
P. griseus, as in the present case, may have been mistaken
for the female or immature male of that species.
Yours &e.,
T. SourawE tu.
One of the Editors, being in foreign parts, has addressed
the following letter to his sorely pressed coadjutor :—
St. Jean de Luz, Basses Pyrénées,
4th March, 1883,
Dear CoLttEacur,—You invite me to give an account of
myself, and to make such amends as I can for deserting you,
and this, too, at the very commencement of my career! I
regret the unavoidable causes which have necessitated my
absence, and also that circumstances have prevented me from
Letters, Announcements, &c. 229
fixing my abode in a country where there was a chance of
finding something new to relate in the orvithological way.
However, at the command of the task-master, I must make
my bricks without straw, or, at all events, make my scanty
supply of straw go as far as possible.
Every visitor to Biarritz knows the pretty—and dull—little
town St. Jean-de-Luz, ten miles to the southwards, situated on
a crescent-shaped bay, into which the Nivelle pours its waters.
To the south-east lie the ribs thrown out from the spinal
column of the Pyrenees. The nearest of these is La Khune,
close upon 3000 feet in height, the mountain of the district ;
while to the south and west stretch the loftier ridges of
Spain, the most conspicuous being the jagged Haya-curi, or
Trois Couronnes. The lower hills are clothed with closely
pollarded woods, consisting principally of oak and beech, with
some chestnut ; and there is a considerable extent of moor-
land. golden with gorse. Tojudge from the number of houses
studded about, the country appears to be too thickly popu-
lated to be much adapted to birds of a retiring nature ;
nevertheless, for a civilized district, this Basque territory is
not deficient in birds, and some species may be observed every
day the mere sight of which would make an ornithologist’s
heart throb in Britain. The Red Kite, soaring over the
town and steering its graceful course by alternate sideways
depressions of the forked tail, is a very familiar object ; the
Black Kite does not arrive until April ; but the loud mewing
ery of the Common Buzzard not unfrequently reaches the
ear, especially just now, when the breeding-season is com-
mencing. I have never been up the Rhune without seeing
the Bearded Vulture; in fact, the last time there were three
{two young birds of the previous year and one adult) circling
over the valley on the south-eastern side, in the crags of
which there is probably a nest by this time, as there is cer-
tainly in Trois Couronnes. The more I see of the Bearded
Vulture, so called, the more I feel inclined to doubt that he
is really closely related to the Vultures ; and I rather prefer
to consider him a degenerate poor relation of the Falcons
proper. This may be heresy for all 1 know: I have no books
SER. V.—VOL. I. R
230 Letters, Announcements, &c.
to see what Mr. Gurney thinks. A few Griffon Vultures also
nest, I believe, on that side of the Rhune, just within the
French frontier.
The Egyptian Vulture has not yet arrived; last year I saw
the first pair on 8th March. The Spotted Eagle I have seen
several times on the wooded sides of the Spanish mountains ;
and very noisy birds they are; and that ignoble although
handsome-looking bird the Short-toed Kagle drew my atten-
tion from a family party of Crested Tits not long since.
Magpies swarm; nineteen were counted in one field; and
they are now hard at work upon their nests. People here
complain of the scarcity of Partridges, and no wonder; but it
is useless to tell them that the Magpies and Jays are some of
the greatest egg-robbers in the world. The Raven may
always be seen among the mountains; and not long ago 1
saw a couple soaring round a man who was digging a grave
for a dead horse just outside the town, a proceeding which
they resented by repeated angry barks, expressive of their
disgust at such a misapplication of the gifts of nature. Re-
specting the smaller birds there is nothing much to be said
without making a catalogue. Yarrell’s Wagtail, with the
blackest of backs, is the common species ; and there is every
gradation up to the palest grey of the White Wagtail.
Passing from the land to the sea, the Herring-Gull of the
coast is at present the yellow-legged Laurus cachinnans; and
an adult specimen which I shot on 12th January not only
had those parts of the brightest lemon, but also showed
scarcely a trace of those grey striations on the head and neck
which are often considered to be a constantly recurring winter
plumage and quite irrespective of age. Then, strange as it
may appear, the large Shearwater which occurs, or at least
which has been obtained, on these coasts is not Puffinus
major, Faber, of the North Atlantic, but the Mediterranean
P. kuhli (Boie). The severest shock that I received was,
however, in the Bayonne Museum, where the Curator showed
me, with pride, a fine specimen of the Great Skua, shot at
the end of last year, and freshly mounted. A very dark
bird, with large coarse feet. I raised the wing; the under-
Letters, Announcements, &c. 201
coverts were b/ack, not mottled brown, as they should be in
S. catarrhactes! Could it be that the Antarctic Skua
brought home alive by our worthy brother of the B.O. U.,
Capt. W. V. Legge, and which escaped from the Zoological
Gardens, has been mixing matters in the northern hemi-
sphere ? and just as I flattered myself the Skuas were so nicely
disposed of too! The thought was horrible.
On the other hand I have discovered another example of
Syrrhaptes paradoxus, killed along the line of the Pyrenees,
in addition to the two which I have already recorded as ob-
tained near Bayonne in the western and Perpignan in the
eastern portion of the chain. On a recent visit to Oloron an
inspection of the collection formed by Philippe of Bagnéres-
de-Bigorre showed that the bird which that naturalist had
recorded in his ‘ Ornithologie Pyrénéenne’ (p. 100) under the
~name of ‘Ganga unibande, Pterocles arenarius,” is really a
male of Pallas’s Sand-Grouse. In the above work (his rough
journal, printed after his death, and very difficult to obtain)
he describes the specimen accurately, and says, “J’ai tué cet
oiseau sur la frontiére espagnole, le 27 mai, 1863. Je ne
Vai plus revu.” M. Adrien Lacroix, author of the ‘ Oiseaux
des Pyrénées,’ seems to have been unaware of the existence
of these three specimens.
Lastly, I have been discovered and most cordially weleomed
by the celebrated French ornithologist M. Olph-Galliard,
formerly of Lyons, but now resident in the little frontier
town of Hendaye. His museum, library, and store of expe-
rience have been freely placed at my disposal; but it is to be
hoped that he will himself give us the benefit of his practical
knowledge of the avifauna of these parts in the pages of this
Journal, to which he has already been an esteemed, although
too unfrequent, contributor.
Yours &e.,
Howarp SaunpDeERs.
New Ornithological Publications in Progress.—Mr. E. W.
Oates’s ‘ Handbook of the Birds of British Burmah’ will be
232 Letters, Announcements, &c.
issued in two volumes, the first of which is nearly ready, if
not already out. It will contain descriptions of all the species
of birds known to occur within the limits of British Burmah
and the state of Karennee, about 800 in number.
Mr. C. B. Cory, of Boston, informs us that he has a col-
lector at work in San Domingo, and will probably have a
volume on the birds of that island ready in the course of
next year.
M. Taczanowski is working hard on his ‘ Avifauna of
Peru,’ in which will be given an account of all the birds
hitherto recorded as having occurred within the limits of that
Republic,’ including those obtained by Haukswell, Bates,
Bartlett, and’ other travellers on the Peruvian Amazons. The
total number of species embraced in this extensive district
will not be less than 1300, and probably more nearly 1400.
M. Taczanowski was in London most of last February, engaged
in examining the Peruvian birds in the collections of Mr.
Sclater and Messrs. Salvin and Godman and in the British
Museum, and on leaving London proceeded to Paris for the
purpose of consulting the specimens in the Jardin des Plantes.
His work will probably be printed in France.
We are glad to be able to announce that the final sheets of
‘The Ibis’ ‘ List of British Birds’? have been corrected, and
that the list will be ready for distribution very shortly.
The Birds of Timor Laut.—At the Meeting of the Zoolo-
gical Socicty held on the 20th February last, Mr. Sclater
gave an account of the birds collected by Mr. H. O, Forbes,
F.Z.S., during his recent expedition to-Timor Lant, and
exhibited the specimens. ‘The species -were fifty-five in
number, fifteen of which were described’as new to science
under the following names :—Ninow forbesi, Strix sororcula,
Tanygnathus subaffinis, Monarcha castus, Monarcha mun-
dus, Rhipidura hamadryas, Myiagra fulviventris, Micreca
hemixantha, Graucalus unimodus, Lalage mesta, Pachyce-
phala arctitorquis, Diceum fulgidum, Myzomela annabelle,
Calornis crassa, and Megapedius tenimberensis. The general
facies of the avifauna, as thus indicated, was stated to be
Letters, Announcements, &c. 233
decidedly Papuan, with a slight Timorese element, evidenced
by the occurrence of certain species of the genera Geocichla
and Erythrura; while the new Owl (Strix sororcula) was appa-
rently adiminitive form of a peculiar Australian species. Mr.
Forbes, at the date of his last letter, was intending to return
to Timor Laut to continue his investigations.
Baleniceps in Hast Africa (?).—Dr. Hartlaub has been told
by the well-known African traveller Dr. Pechuel Loesche,
who has just returned from the Congo, that he had there
made the acquaintance of Mr. H. H. Johnston (the painter
and naturalist, well known to many of us). Mr. Johnston
told him that on the Cunene, between Benguela and Angola,
Raleniceps rec was “ quite a common bird.” Dr. Pechuel
Loesch added, that near Ambrez a bird was described to him
that could not be any thing else but Baleniceps, and that he
did not doubt that Mr. Johnston was correct.
[We cannot say that we quite believe this to be correct. If
Baleniceps really occurs on the Cunene, it is most singular
that it should have escaped the knowledge of the energetic ex-
plorer Anchieta and the other Portuguese collectors.—Epp.]
The Blue Magpies of Spain and Siberia.—In the Zoological
Society’s Gardens, Regent’s Park, there are now five examples
of the Blue Magpie of Spain (Cyanopica cooki) and two of
the Blue Magpie of Siberia (C. cyanea) together in one cage,
thus affording an excellent opportunity of comparing toge-
ther these two so nearly allied species, which inhabit such
widely separated areas.
Ross’s Gull.—The U.S. National Museum has received
three (not very perfect) specimens of Ross’s Gull (Rhodo-
stethia rossi) from Poimt Barrow, Alaska, and are advised of
the capture of three other specimens in perfect plumage.
Lord Lilford writes from Seville (March 3rd) that the
Bustards (Otis tarda) which he was expecting to find in the
204 Letters, Announcements, &c.
Marisma had not yet come down from the upper cornlands,
and that, although there had been good rains about Christ-
mas, the country was still very dry, and there were very few
Waterfowl. Swallows (Hirundo rustica) seemed to have been
there some time; and Hirundo urbica winters at Seville in
small numbers. On the 28th February an arrival of Storks
(Ciconia alba) had taken place, and a few Hoopoes had also
put in an appearance.
Mr. E. F. Im Thurm has resigned his post at the Museum
at Georgetown, British Guiana, and accepted an appointment
as Colonial Magistrate on the Pomeroon river, in the same
colony, where he will have a better opportunity of studying
“nature”? and the native races, in which he takes such a
lively interest. Mr. Im Thurm has applied to his friends at
home for an assistant collector ; and we believe measures have
been taken to send one out to him in the course of the
summer.
Mr. W. A. Forbes’s Niger Expedition —Owing, it is be-
lieved, to the stranding of one of the river-steamers, no letters
have been received from Mr. Forbes since those dated from
Shonga on the 25th Oct., 1882. Shonga lies a short dis-
tance up a small creek on the right bank of the Niger, about
fifty miles below Rebba. At the time he wrote, Mr. Forbes
had been at Shonga three weeks, and expected to remain
three weeks longer, after which he was intending to accom-
pany Mr. Mackintosh and the British Consul in an attempt
to get up to Sokoto by water. Mr. Forbes had, unfortu-
nately, suffered from fever at Shonga, and had been able to
do very little collecting there. His list of birds obtained
only amounted to about 105 species; and the difficulty of
procuring spirit had interfered with his collection of fishes.
It has, we are glad to say, been ascertained that Mr. Forbes
was still at Shonga and in good health and spirits at the
commencement of January last.
THE IBIS.
FIFTH SERIES.
No. HI. JULY 1888.
XXVII.—On a second Collection of Birds made in the Island
of Sumatra by Mr. H. O. Forbes. By Francis Nicuotson,
F.Z.S.
(Plate X.)
Mr. H. O. Forsezs has been collecting in Central Sumatra,
and has sent to Mr. Janson a very interesting collection of
birds, an enumeration of which will be found below. I have
received a letter from Mr. Forbes respecting my previous
communications to ‘The Ibis” on the specimens obtained
by him in Java and Sumatra. He writes as follows :—
“T hope you have found some specimens of interest in my
collections from Sumatra—a finer island than Java, in my
estimation. I am greatly vexed that my Mount-Dempo
birds are so few; but I had the misfortune to lose my hunter
and to have my extra supplies of ammunition lost. I noted
some very interesting birds at 8000 and 9000 feet, which I
could not obtain; but the deep ravines which cut up its sides
make it a very difficult mountain to work over.
“T wish to add a few notes to your list of birds collected
SER. V.—VOL. I. S
236
Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
by myself, and a few corrections which imperfect annota-
tions on the labels have caused.”
Page.
140.
144.
3)
3)
145.
Java List (Ibis, 1881, p. 139).
no. 2 (H. O. F. no. 75). Write Candar Cassicir with
a K, i.e. “ Kandar” &c.
no. 3 (H. O. F. no. 157). Read “elevation 2200 feet-
above the sea.” My labels were many of them
written before I had taken the height of the Estate
House at Kosala.
no. 4 (H. O. F. no. 162). Height 2300 feet above the
sea.
. no. 7 (H. O. F. no. 49). Before “shot on cocoanut-
tree ’’ insert “ Batavia.”
. no. 13 (H. O. F. no. 169). Elevation 2300 feet above
the sea. Hooroo Madang is in my herbarium, now in
the British Museum (no. 509). Hooroo sorts are
species of Laurinee. No. 227 a. This label should have
been on 227 b, and vice versd (see Buchanga cineracea,
p. 144). 227a= 8. cineracea (Sellan Gunting) ;
227 b= Megalema armillaris (Boroboi).
(H. O. F. no. 193). 2450 feet above the sea.
no. 14 (H. O. F. no. 163). 23800 feet above the sea.
. no. 17 (H. O. F. no. 16). 700 feet above the sea.
no. 18 (H.O. F. no. 179). At foot; of. Mt.. Batoo,?
add “ Kosala, Bantam.”
(H.:O0.. F..no.,.176). .S Sept; 1377shanldiste
“June 13.” This specimen had the feathers at the
base of the bill loaded with pollen.
no. 23 (H..O. F.. no. 102)... For “Sella Guntung”
read “ Sellan Gunting.”
(H. O. F. no. 2276). This should be 2274
(see p. 142. no. 227 a of Megalema armillaris).
no. 25 (H. O. F.no. 178). For “ Boorung Moortjang ”
read “ Boorung Moontjang.”
no. 26 (H. O. F. no. 203). Elevation above sea 2250
feet.
no. 27 (H. O. F. no. 137). Add “ Dark brown irides.”’
(H. O. F. no. 52). Should be 152.
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 237
o. no. 28 (H. O. F. no. 194). 2950 feet above sea.
(H. O. F. no. 230). After “2800 feet” read
“above sea.”’ Add native name, “ Sellan Gunting.”’
no. 29 (H. O. F. no. 209). 2350 feet above sea.
no. 31 (H.O. F. no. 148). After “Tjipanas” add
“village.”
(H. O. F. no. 204). 2250 feet above sea.
146. no. 82 (H. O. F. no. 173). 2200 feet above sea.
(H. O. F. no. 174). 2400 feet above sea.
(H. O. F. no. 229). 2000 feet above sea.
» no. 34 (H. O. F. no. 226). Add “above sea.”
(H. O. F. no. 202). 2400 feet above sea.
» no. 386 (H. O. F. no. 184). 4000 feet above sea.
147. no. 39 (H. O. F. no. 166). 2280 feet above sea.
» no. 40 (H.O.F. no. 213). For “Kibjil” read “Kitjil.”
149.
no. 41 (H. O. F. no. 147). Read “about 800 feet above
Tjipanas village on Goonoong Gobas.”
(H. O. F no. 192). For “ Korsala” read “ Ko-
sala.”
(H. O. F. nos. 206, 207). 2250 feet above sea.
For “Seram” read “ Seran.”
no. 49 (H. O. F. no. 180). For “Gooming” read
“ Goonnoong,” at 3300 feet above sea. This bird
(Pomatorhinus montanus) is either polyandrous or
polygamous. I have not my journal by me at this
moment, but in a letter to Mr. Sclater about four
years ago on the subject of the Mydaus meliceps* I
mentioned the fact, but omitted the name of the bird.
In the nest were seven or eight young.
no: 90: (Hi. O. B no. 3))., “Add “locality Genteng,
Lebak, Bantam.”
no. 51. With regard to the eggs of this species, I find
in my notes a mark of interrogation as to whether
those eggs really belong to this species.
. no. 52 (H.O. F. no. 117). For “Ziekrak” read “ Zjie-
krak.”
no. 54 (H.O. F. no, 231). 8450 feet above the sea-level.
* See P.Z.8. 1879, p. 664.
8 2
3)
3)
156.
Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
no..b5,(H. 0. F.no: 172); For Katee! tmead.““iKa-
toet.”?
no. 56 (H. O. F. no. 196). 3050 feet above sea.
no. 57 (H. O. F. no. 199). 2300 feet above sea.
no. 59 (H. O. F. no. 132). For “Sadjura” read “ Sad-
jira.”
. no. 61 (H. O. F. no. 208). 2200 feet above sea.
no. 62 (H. O. F. no. 131). For “ Sadjiren ” read “ Sad-
jira, Bantam.”
no. 63 (H. O. F. no. 205). 2250 feet above sea.
(H. O. F. no. 200). For ‘ Kosa” read “ Ko-
sala.’’
. no. 67 (H. O. F. no. 158). 2300 feet above sea. Add
native names “ Beo,’ “Tyioeng.” It feeds most
voraciously on Carica papaya.
no. 69 (H. O. F. no. 69). For “ Kalung” read “ Ka-
leng,” and for “ Kalery Cumbang” read “ Kalung
Kumbang.” Found in flocks in dense second-growth
forest. Feeds also, but not so commonly as Sturno-
pastor jalla, on the backs of buffaloes.
. no. 72 (H. O. F. no. 4). On waste and wet lands.
no. 74 (H. 0. F. no. 198). After Katchembang
(small berries) ” add “ Ardisia tenuiflora.”
(H. O. F. no. 183). 3335 feet above sea.
no. 75 (H. O. F. no. 82). Instead of “some species
of Acacia” read ‘‘ Emblica officinalis.”
eno. 70. (HH. /O. Rino.. 227)... Bor, *Kouran’? “read
“Kourau.”
no. 78 (H. O. F. no. 87). For “Pooyon” read “ Pou-
you.”
no. 79 (H. O. F. no. 86). For “Ponyou”’ read “ Pou-
you.”
no. 80 (H. O. F. no. 24). After ‘‘ Direction Island ”
read “Cocos Keeling Islands.”? Other specimens in
my collection had the yellowish band on the breast.
Unless otherwise stated, I have referred to my former
paper on Mr. Forbes’s Sumatran collections (Ibis, 1882,
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 239
p-51) and to Count Salvadori’s paper (Ann. Mus. Civic. Genov.
Xiv. p. 169).
I am aware that the papers which I have recently sent to
‘The Ibis’ are wanting in critical remarks ; but it will be
seen that most of the species obtained by Mr. Forbes are
not rare, and hence there is not much to be said about
them. I feel sure, however, that the publication of Mr.
Forbes’s original notes must be of value to the monographer
in future.
1. Pat#zornis Loneicaupa (Bodd.); Salvad. Uce. Born.
p. 22.
No. 423¢,d, g. Village of Kaban, river Moesie, 500
feet. Inides greenish yellow; bill scarlet ; legs and feet dirty
green. Feeding on cocoanut-palm.
No. 426d, g. Kaban. Testes very large. Though in the
plumage of the female, it seemed to be breeding.
No. 426h, @. Kaban, Dec. 1881. ‘“ Betet.”
No. 426G, ¢. Kaban. Soft parts as above, but the lower
mandible brownish grey or sooty.
No. 426e, g. Kaban. Inrides greenish yellow, of a rich
bronzy colour ; bill scarlet ; lower mandible sepia.
These last two are evidently young males.
No. 412, g. Near Soeroelangoen, river Rawas, Nov. 3,
1881. Soft parts as in No. 423c. Frequenting very high
trees in the evening in great flocks.
No. 412 a, 9. Near Soeroelangoen, Nov. 3, 1881. Bill
brownish black, with the lower mandible greyish yellow.
Small black fruits in stomach.
2. LoricuLus caLeutus (L.) ; Salvad. Ucc. Born. p. 26.
No. 401, 9. Tandjong ning, 700 feet, Aug. 6, 1881,
In villages on cocoanut-trees, and kept by natives in cages,
Trides dark brown; bill black; legs and feet grey. “Se-
rindet.”
3. Sprtornis BacHA (Daud.); Sharpe, Cat. B. 1. p. 290.
No. 422 a. Bigin Telok, river Rawas, Dec. 8, 1881. Irides
golden yellow ; space between eye and gape yellow; bill
blue; legs and feet yellow.
240 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
4. Potioarrus HumittIs (Mill. & Schl.); Sharpe, Cat. B.1.
p. 454.
No. 413, 2. Near Moeara Mengkoelem, river Rawas,
Sumatra, Nov. 14, 1881. Ivides rich straw-colour ; upper
mandible sooty colour, the lower one slaty blue; legs and
feet pale blue. Feeds on fish.
5. SyrNiuM MyrRTHA (Bp.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i.
p. 264, note.
No. 870, 3. Tandjong Djate, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet.
Feb. 14, 1881. Inides rich brown ; bill very pale blue; legs
and feet sickly white.
The wing in this specimen measures 13 inches in length,
which exceeds the dimensions given by Mr. Sharpe for S.
leptogrammicum. I have therefore placed it under the name
of S. myrtha, which, according to Sharpe, is a larger race of
S. leptogrammicum.
6. Orxscius couLp1, Bp.; Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th.
iv. p. 161.
No. 3869, g; 369a, 9. In deep forest near Hoedjceng
(foot of Mount Besagi), 3000 feet, Feb. 14, 1881. Irides
greyish brown; wattle round eye bright deep blue; gape
light blue; legs and feet hght blue.
7. ANTHRACOcEROS convexus (Temm.); Elliot, Monogr.
ucer. pl..x11.
No. 4146. River Rawas. Iris bright straw-colour ; upper
mandible white, with black band on both sides of the fore
part of the crest; in front of the eye and on both mandibles
a black band; skin round eye pale cobalt, but behind rich
white ; legs and feet black.
8. Bucrros rutnoceros, L.; Elliot, Monogr. Bucer. pl. iv.
No. 413, g. Near Moeara Mengkoelem, river Rawas,
Nov. 14, 1881. Ivides deep lake; bill at base of both man-
dibles and on base of crest black ; the crest is dark lake-red,
of a most brilliant hue, shading at its lower portion into
orange ; front of crest deep orange ; upper mandible on part
below crest rich lake, changing into a broad band of orange,
fading into yellowish white ; junction of erest and mandible
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 241
marked by a broad band of bluish green; lower mandible
black at base, after which are a few bright splashes of orange,
and the rest is yellowish white ; legs and feet yellowish green,
soles yellow. Food Urostigma-fruit.
According to a note of Mr. Forbes, the irides of the young
bird (three months old) are greyish blue, with indications on
the lower regions of the appearance of the lake colour of the
adult.
No. 400, ¢. Tandjong ning, 800 feet, August 6, 1881.
Soft parts as in specimen No. 413 a.
9. Ruyrtipoceros suBRUFICOLLIS (Blyth) ; Elliot, Monogr.
Bucer, pl. xxxvi.
No. 415. Moeara Mengkoelem, river Rawas, Nov. 18,
1881. Irides rich reddish brown; bill white, but at base
streaked with green; skin below throat sea-green, mottled
and marked with cobalt, then a bright cobalt line, followed
by a broad black band and a rich cobalt region; legs and
teet black>? “* Koko.”
This species is new to Sumatra, but having been recorded
from Borneo, it was quite likely to occur in the former island
also. The specimen sent by Mr. Forbes is in the black plu-
mage of the female bird; but from the colouring of the soft
parts it would seem to be a young male, as he expressly
mentious an appearance of sea-green on the throat. Mr.
Elhot states that one of the characters distinguishing R,
subruficollis is the absence of the black bar on the throat.
Although I cannot detect it on the skin, Mr. Forbes seems
to mention it particularly in his description of the soft parts.
10. Crenrrococcyx EURYcERCUs (Hay); Salvad. ¢. c. p. 188.
No. 364, g. In the forest by Lake Ranau, 1700 feet,
Feb. 5, 1881. Ivrides dark red; bill black, also legs and
feet.
No. 391, 9. Batoe Pantjeh, on river Moesie, July 4,
1881; 700 feet. Irides brownish grey; bill, legs, and feet
black. Feeds on insects.
11. Cenrrococcyx JAvVANENSIS (Dum.); Salvad. ¢. c. p. 188.
No. 425, 9. Forest by side of river Moesie, at Kaban,
24.2 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
Dec. 14, 1881. Irides dark brown; bill black ; legs and
feet black.
12. Ruampnococcyx ERYTHROGNATHUsS (Hartl.) ; Salvad.
fe. -p. LOO.
No. 414a, 9. Moeara Mengkoelem, Nov. 16, 1881.
Irides pale orange; bill pale sea-green ; a broad streak of
lake on lower mandible (along its length), as also on angle
of upper mandible; wattle round eye bright scarlet; legs
and feet horny.
13. RuarvortHa cHLoropH#A (Raffl.) ; Nicholson, ¢. c.
p. 54.
No. 374, g. Banding agong, Lake Ranau, March 6,
1881; 1700 feet. Irides dark brown; skin round eye blue,
with ring of green round eye itself; bill faded green; legs
and feet blue.
14, CuRYsoPHLEGMA MysTACALIs, Salvad. ¢. c. p. 182.
No. 3614,c, ¢ ?. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw,
Jan. 29,1881. Irides reddish brown; eye-wattle green ;
bill very pale blue; legs and feet bluish green.
This very fine species of Chrysophlegma was discovered by
Dr. Beccari on Mount Singalan. It is a very well charac-
terized bird.
15. XyLoLeres vaLipus (Raffl.) ; Nicholson, ¢.c. p. 54.
No. 3587, 9. Forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 10,
1881 ; 3000 feet.
16. Iyneipicus auritus (Eyton) ;. Hargitt, Ibis, 1882,
p. 42.
No. 421, g. Side of river Rawas at Bigin Telok, Dec. 6,
1881. Irides brownish red ; upper mandible black, lower
one on underside greyish white; legs and feet sepia-green.
When flying about pecking (very often the flowers of
Eriodendron anfractuosum and species of Erythrina) it utters
a clear distinct whistle. ;
No. 426 a, ?. By side of river Moesie at Kaban, Dec. 14,
1881. Irides pinkish red; bill black; legs and feet faded
green.
Agrees with Mr. Hargitt’s description of the species (/. ¢.).
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 243
17. XanrHot@amMa Ha&#MACEPHALA (P. L. 8S. Mill.) ; Mar-
shall, Monogr. Capit. pl. xlii.
No. 419, ¢. Bigin Telok, river Rawas, 180 feet above
sea, Dec. 1, 1881. Irides greyish brown; edges of eyelid
red; bill black; legs and feet light red, claws black.
An immature bird.
18. Pstnopocon pyrotopuus, 8S. Mull.; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 178.
No. 358d. In the forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, 3000
feet, Jan. 16,1881. Ivrides rich brown; bill pale green,
with a black band across both mandibles ; legs and feet pale
green.
No. 358c¢, 9. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 16,
1881.
No. 353c, g. Hoedjoeng, Jan. 12, 1881.
19. PELARGopsIS FRASERI, Sharpe; Nicholson, ¢.c. p. 56.
No. 356 a, ¢. Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, 3000 feet, Jan. 14,
1881. Irides dark brown, eyelids scarlet; bill scarlet, also
legs and feet.
No. 363a, g. Tandjong djati, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet,
Feb. 5, 1881.
No. 366 a, 8. Tandjong djati, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet,
Feb. 6, 1881.
20. Hatcyon pineata (Bodd.); Sharpe, Monogr. Alced.
pl. 62.
No. 414, g. By side of river Rawas, near Napul city,
2000 feet, Nov. 16, 1881. Inrides dark brown; bill, legs, and
feet scarlet.
21. CarcinEvuTES PULCHELLUS, Horsf.; Sharpe, Monogr.
Alced. p. 96.
No. 353, ¢. Hoedjoeng, Jan. 12, 1881; 3000 feet. Irides
grey; bill scarlet; legs dull yellow.
22. Cryx RuFIporsa, Strickl.; Sharpe, Monogr. Alced.
pe It.
No. 388, ¢. By the low shrubs by the Mengeu, a small
stream near Goenoeng Meraksa, June 10, 1881; 1800 feet.
Trides dark brown ; bill, legs, and feet bright scarlet.
23. Merops sumaTRANa, Raffl.; Nicholson, ¢. c. p. 56.
244, Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
No. 423a, ¢. Side of river Rawas at Bigin, Telo river,
Dec. 9, 1881. Irides reddish brown; bill black; legs and
feet bluish sepia. Congregates in tall trees in the open, in
the evening in myriads, whence a loud hum emanates, as if
from a hive of bees.
24. Cissa minor, Cab.; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 229.
No. 859 L, ¢. In the forest near Hoedjoeng, 3000 feet,
Jan. 8, 1881. Ivides dark red; bill dark scarlet; legs and
feet light scarlet.
This is a very distinct race of the Himalayan C. chinensis.
The specimen now sent by Mr. Forbes measures as follows :—
Total length 10°3 inches, culmen 1°3, wing 4°65, tarsus 1°6.
These measurements are less than those of the young bird
given by Mr. Sharpe in his Catalogue (i. p. 86), and show
that the female will probably turn out to be much smaller
than the male.
25. Denprocirta occrpITaLis (Mill.) ; Nicholson, ¢. c.
p. 58.
No. 858 f, ¢. Forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 16,
1881; 3000 feet. Irides dark red; bill, legs, and feet black.
Fruit-eater: feeds on Kayoe Salaian (Herbarium, No. 1969).
“ Golang.”
No. 403a, 2. Hot springs, foot of voleano of Zaba,
Sept. 15, 1881; 3000 feet. Feeds on insects and fruits.
Irides dark brown.
No. 883, 2. Foot of Mount Dempo, May 13, 1881;
3500 feet. Irides reddish brown. “ Paoe.”
26. PLarysMuRUs LEUcoPTERUS (Temm.) ; Nicholson, ¢. c.
p. 08.
No. 890 a, ¢. Batoe Pantjeh, on the river Moesie, 700
feet, July 4, 1881. Inrides dark red; legs and feet black ;
bill black. Feeds on larvee and fruits.
27. OrioLus macuLatus, V.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
ip. LOU:
No. 424. Village of Kaban, river Rawas. Ivides rich
liquid purple-lake ; bill pink, but paler near the tip; legs
and feet slaty blue.
Collection of Sumatran Birds. Pa
OL
28. Bucuanca Leucopu@a, V.; Salvad. f.c. p. 208.
No. 386a, 9. Invillage of Paoe, at foot of Mount Dempo,
3000 feet. TIvrides grey; bill, legs, and feet black. Fre-
quents the villages in twos and threes, twittering just like
Swallows. “ Seran.”
29. DisseMuRus PLatuRus (V.); Nicholson, ¢. c. p. 59.
No label.
30. CHaptia MaLayEnsis, Hay; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 43.
No. 381, ¢. Mount Dempo, 3800 feet. Irides dark
brown ; legs, feet, and bill black.
Sl. Rurerura savanica (Sparrm.) ; Salvad. ¢.¢. p. 203.
No. 420, ¢. Bigm Telok, river Rawas, Dec. 5, 1881.
Irides dark brown; bill, legs, and feet black. Feeds on
insects and seeds.
32. Potromyias LuTEOLA (T.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
ivepecol.
No. 960, 9. Hoedjoeng, 3000 feet, Jan. 28,1881. Irides
very dark brown ; bill grey; legs and feet purplish grey.
This I believe to be the first recorded occurrence of the
species in the island of Sumatra; but as it breeds in Eastern
Siberia, and migrates through China to Malacca and Borneo,
its appearance in Sumatra was quite to be expected.
33. CuLicicapa CEYLONENSIS (Swains.); Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. iv. p. 369.
No. 380 ¢. Mount Dempo in low scrub at 3800 feet,
May 9, 1881. Ivrides deep brown; upper mandible black,
lower one pale grey or sooty grey at tip; legs and feet sooty
black.
This species, like the foregoing, has not been noticed from
Sumatra before, but was a likely bird to occur in the island.
34. SrpuHia ELEGANS (Temm.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
iv. p. 447.
No. 423, ¢. In low scrub by the side of river Rawas,
near Bigin Telok, Dec. 9, 1881. Inrides brown; bill black ;
legs in front of a sepia-colour, but as if washed with pale
cobalt behind, as also the feet.
246 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
This species was originally described by Temminck from
Sumatra, and was obtained by the late Mr. Buxton in
Lampong.
35. PERICROCOTUS XANTHOGASTER (Raffl.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. iv. p. 74.
No. 388 a, 3. Goenoeng Meraksa, 750 feet, on river
Lintang, June 8, 1881. Iris dark brown; bill, legs, and feet
black.
No. 3824, ¢ (juv.). On Mount Dempo, Pass Oemah,
3800 feet, May 9, 1881. ‘‘ Boeroeng temoenoengan.” Soft
parts as in male.
36. LuscINIOLA FULIGINIVENTRIS, Hodgs.; Seebohm, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 129.
No. 877, ¢. In low bushes in the hollow under the crater
at Mount Dempo, 9000 feet, flitting near the ground, May 1,
1881. Irides greyish brown; bill sooty black ; legs and feet
dull faded yellow.
Compared with the generality of Himalayan specimens the
bird sent by Mr. Forbes is rather browner on the head,
wings, and tail; but in this respect also it is entirely matched
by a Nepal specimen in the British Museum.
37. Hemrxus sumatranus, Wardlaw Ramsay. A. & M. N.
i; (6) x. p. 431.
No. 358k, @; No. 359a. Near Hoedjoeng, 3000 feet,
Jan. 16, 1881. Inides reddish brown; bill black; legs and
feet greyish black. Feeds on Rudus sp., among other
fruits. ,
No. 3534, ¢. Soft parts as above.
No. 3536, 2. Soft parts as above.
No. 359, sex? Soft parts as above.
This appears to be the species referred by Count Salvadori
to H. malaccensis (Ann. Mus. Civic. Genov. xiv. p. 221), but
it differs from that species in being olive-brown above, with
a brown head, the throat and breast being streaked with
white as in H. malaccensis, but the edges of the feathers are
olive-brown, instead of greenish. There are other minor
differences, such as the shorter bill, greener flanks, &c., in
the Sumatran bird.
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 247
38. CRINIGER GUTTURALIS (Bp.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vi. p. 80.
No. 361, ¢. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 29,
1881; 3000 feet. Irides reddish brown; bill black; legs
and feet pale purplish flesh-colour. “ Pata.’
39. Ioxe onivacea, Blyth; Nicholson, é.c. p. 59.
No. 890, $. Batoe Pantjeh, ou river Moesie, 700 feet, July
2, 1881. Inides grey; upper mandible dirty black, lower
one yellowish grey; legs and feet dirty yellow: “at the
flowers of Huphorbiacee.”’
40. AigiTHINA viRiDIs (Bp.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
vi. p. ik:
No. 373 a. Banding Agong on Lake Ranau, March 3
1881 ; 1700 feet.
J
41. CHLorRopsis cyanopocon (V.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vi. p. 82.
No label.
42. Pycnonotus pLumosus, Blyth; Sharpe, ¢.c. p. 152.
No. 42la, g. In low forest near Bigin Telok, river
Rawas, Dec. 20, 1881. Inrides greyish brown; legs and feet
flesh-colour ; bill greyish black.
A young bird.
43, Pycnonorus Bimacutatus (Horsf.); Sharpe, ¢. c. p. 188.
No. 3566, g. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 14,
1881 ; 3000 feet. Iris greyish brown; bill, legs, and feet
black ; eyelids orange ; spot above each nostril orange.
44, MyYI1oPHONEUS DICRORHYNCHUS, Salvad. ¢. c. p. 227.
No. 359, g¢. Hoedjoeng, 3000 feet, Jan. 16,1881. Ivides
dark brown ; bill bright yellow; legs and feet black. ‘‘ Malin
batoc.’ Feeds in the evening on worms and seeds, flitting
from stone to stone, and only in the evening frequenting the
village.
45, ARRENGA MELANURA, Salvad. ¢.c. p. 227.
No. 3584, 9. Inforest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 15,
1881; 3000 feet. Ivides dark brown, with ring of pale blue ;
248 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
bill, legs, and feet black. Feeds on fruits and insects.
“ Malin grenting.”
46. Pnorpyea pusinia, Hodgs. ; Salvad. ¢. c. p. 226.
No. 379, 2. Mount Dempo at 6500 feet, May 2, 1881.
Irides brown ; bill black; legs and feet faded yellow. Feeds
on insects, seeds, and vegetable scraps. Flits about among
low herbage and roots of trees, taking refuge in holes.
This is an interesting bird, as it is the only specimen which
has reached this country from Sumatra. Count Salvadori
(. c.) records an example obtained by Beccari on Mount
Singalan, and proposes the name P. lepida if it should prove
distinct from the true P. pusilla. Although it is difficult to
tell from a single example, I can see no reason for separating
the Sumatran bird from P. pusilla.
47, OrtHoTOMUS cucULLATUS, T.; Sharpe, Ibis, 1877,
p; 115. ;
Nos. 376, 376a, g. Near village of Paoe, Panoemah
Lands, foot of Mount Dempo, April 25, 1881. Irides brown ;
legs and feet pale sooty colour or sooty grey; bill black.
Frequents low herbage from 4000 to 6500 feet.
I have asked Mr. Sharpe to compare these two Tailorbirds
with Javan examples in the British Museum, and he tells
me that he cannot find any difference between them. The
species is new to Sumatra.
48. OrrHoromus cinErAcEvs, Blyth; Nicholson, ¢.c. p. 62.
No. 373, 3. Banding agong, on Lake Ranau, March 38,
1881; 1700 feet. Iris pale grey; bill blue, with dark line
along the culmen; legs and feet pale blue.
No. 375, @. Village of Batoe Pantjeh, 700 feet, July 8,
1881. Iris reddish grey; upper mandible sooty colour,
lower pale flesh-colour ; legs and feet pale flesh-colour.
Feeding on cocoanut-palms.
49, TantHocincLta mitRAtTA (S. Mill.) ; Nicholson, ¢. ec.
p. 61.
No. 853, g. Hoedjoeng, Blalauw district, Jan. 12, 1881 ;
3000 feet. rides reddish brown; skin below eye creamy
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 249
white, with a flush of blue; bill yellow, also the legs and
feet, but the latter slightly lighter.
Nos. 359 a, 3596. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Jan. 5 and
71851.
No. 885a, 9. Paoe, foot of Mount Dempo, 3000 feet,
May 14,1811. Irides brownish red; bill, legs, and feet
bright yellow.
No. 4024, 9. Ayer Angat (Hot Springs), foot of volcano
of Kaba, 3000 feet, Sept. 10, 1881. Iris mahogany-red ;
bill, legs, and feet orange. “ Boeroeng redjang.”
50. Garruvax paLuiatus, 8. Miill.; Nicholson, ¢.c. p. 61.
No. 3589, ¢. Inrides brownish red (dark mahogany-red) ;
skin below the eye blue, with white streaks ; bill, legs, and
feet black. Forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, 3000 feet,
Jan. 16, 1881.
No. 358h, ¢. Forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, 3000
feet, Jan. 16, 1881.
No. 361 a, 2. Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, 3000 feet, Jan. 29,
1881.
51. Garrutax Bicotor, 8S. Mull.; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 229.
No. 355, 9. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, flying
in flocks of six or seven with a screaming note, Jan. 14,
1881; 3000 feet. Irides sooty brown; bill, legs, and feet
black. “ Wanway Oban.”
No. 8586, ¢. Hoedjoeng, Jan. 15, 1881. Native name
as above and “ Poegoe teba.” Feeds on fruit and small
insects.
No. 359 c, 2. Hoedjoeng, in second-growth forest,
January 1881.
52. Garruiax Lucusris, Mill. ; Gray, Hand-l. B.1. p. 281.
no. 4158.
No. 402, ¢. In forest on the lower reaches of the voleano
of Kaba, 5000 feet. Ivides dark brown; bill light red; legs
and feet green. ‘‘ Boeroeng Siang.”
250 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
53. HerrropHasia sIMILLIMA, Salvad. ¢.c. p. 232.
No. 408, 2. Foot of volcano of Kaba at 3000 feet,
Sept. 15, 1881. Irides mahogany-red; bill, legs, and feet
black. Feeds on fruits.
This species, recently described by Count Salvadori, seems
to be distinct from the Himalayan H. picaoides, although the
points of difference are but slight.
54, Suya ALBIGULARIS, Hume. (Plate X. fig. 1.)
No. 885, 9. Near the village of Paoe, at the foot of
Mount Dempo, 3000 feet, May 13,1881. Inrides greenish
grey; upper mandible greyish black ; legs and feet pale flesh-
colour ; line over eye white. Flits about on low herbage,
ferns, and tall grass, keeping up a constant chirp answered
by its companions.
This species was discovered by Mr. Davison in Acheen,
and described by Mr. Hume (Str. F. 1873, p. 459). The
latter gentleman, however, has recently come to the con-
clusion that the Sumatran species is the same as the Bur-
mese Suya superciliaris of Anderson. Along with Mr.
Sharpe I compared the above-mentioned bird from Sumatra
with a specimen of S. superciliaris in the British Museum,
and we decided that they are not identical, as the Sumatran
species has a dark ashy head, while S. superciliaris has a
brown head. Both are probably the non-breeding plumage
of some black-breasted species, but I believe that they
will be found to be specifically distinct.
55. Mrxornis euxaris (Raffl.) ; Salvad. ¢. c. p. 223.
No. 3886, g. At Goenoeng Meraksa, on the river Lin-
tang, 2000 feet, June 10, 1881. Inrides dark grey; upper
mandible black, lower sooty blue; legs and feet greyish
green. In low forest on “ Na Dah” (Lrythrina) trees.
56. BracHyPTERYX UMBRATILIS (Strickl.) ; Salvad. Ucc.
Born. p. 220.
Brachypteryx umbratilis, Tweedd. Ibis, 1877, p. 308, pl. vi.
fig. 2.
}
Collection of Sumatran Birds. . von
No. 422, @. By margin of river Rawas at Bigin Telok,
Dec. 7, 1881. Irides reddish brown, of a rich colour ; upper
mandible sepia-brown, lower pale blue; legs and feet pale
flesh-colour, with a tinge of pink.
57. Bracuypreryx saturatus. (Plate X. fig. 2.)
Brachypteryx saturata, Salvad. t. c. p. 225.
No. 386, ¢. Mount Dempo, 5000 feet. Irides brown;
white line over eye; bill black; legs and feet black. Flits
about on ground or on fallen logs.
58. Timeria tarvata, Miill.; Salvad. ¢. c. p. 222.
No. 384, 2. Foot of Mount Dempo, May 13, 1881.
Irides yellowish grey; bill, legs, and feet sooty blue.
59. Timenia striozata, Mill. ; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 222.
No. 387, 9. Frequenting low scrub at Goenoeng Meraksa,
on river Lintang, 800 feet, June 7, 1881. Inides creamy
grey; upper mandible black, lower sooty blue; legs and
feet bluish green.
60. Matacorreron macnum, Eyton; Salvad. ¢t.c. p. 226.
No. 409, 3. Near Soeka Radja, river Roepit, 300 feet,
Oct. 18, 1881. Ivrides bright brick-red ; upper mandible
black, lower one very pale blue; legs and feet light blue. °
Irides in young bird fulvous-grey.
61. Srachyruis Bocactt, Salvad. ¢. c. p. 228.
No. 354, 3. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 14,
1881; 3000 feet. Inrides brown; billsepia; lower mandible
pale grey; legs and feet light yellow.
Compared with S. chrysea from the Himalayas, the Suma-
tran species is much darker and more olive-green above. It
has a rather longer bill, and underneath is everywhere of a
deeper yellow. Mr. Forbes’s specimen is somewhat damaged,
but seems sufficient to indicate that S. bocagii is only a
deeply coloured race of S. chrysea.
Total length 4°2 inches, culmen 0°5, wing 2°05, tail 1:9,
tarsus 0°7.
62. Henscurus vetatus (Temm.) ; Salvad, ¢. c. p. 234.
No. 359 d, 9; 359 e, f, 6. Near Hoedjoeng Blalauw,
SER. V.— VOL. [. T
252 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
Jan. 18, 1881. Irides pinkish blue; bill black; legs and
feet sickly white. Flitting from stone to stone in forest-
streams.
63. Lanrus Macnirostris, Less.; Salvad. ¢. ¢. p. 210.
No. 426, 9? On low scrub by the side of the river
Moesie, near the village of Kaban. Inrides brown; ridge of
upper mandible blackish blue, the culmen very pale blue ;
ridge of lower mandible blackish blue, the rest very pale
blue; feet and legs very pale cobalt.
64. AltHoryea siparasa (Raffl.) ; Salvad. ¢.¢. p. 212.
No. 392, g. Batoc Pantjeh village on river Moesie,
July 8, 1881; 700 feet. Irides dark brown; bill, legs, and
feet black. Frequenting cocoanut-trees in flocks. Stomach
full of spiders and of a watery juice.
No. 420. On Pandanus helioscopus in the under-water
forest, side of river Rawas at Bigin, Telo river, Dec. 5,
1881. Irides brown; upper mandible dark sepia, lower red-
dish yellow ; legs and feet pinkish sepia.
65. Cinnyris HassELti, T.; Shelley, Monogr. Nect. pl. 42.
pe 127:
No. 393, ¢. Batoc Pantjeh, on river Moesie, July 8,
1881. Irides greyish brown; bill black; legs brownish
sooty colour; soles of feet pale orange. Frequenting cocoa-
nut-palms.
No. 398, g. Village of Tandjong ning, 700 feet, July 23,
1881. Irides brown; legs, feet, and bill black.
66. ANTHOTHREPTES MALACCENSIS (Scop.) ; Salvad. ¢. c.
x. 213.
No. 4266, g. On cocoanut-palms in village of Kaban,
river Rawas, Dec. 14, 1881. Irides pinkish red ; bill black ;
legs and feet faded blue, with a shade of green; soles pale
yellow.
No. 394, 9. On cocoanut-palms, Batoc Pantjeh, on river
Moesie, July 8, 1881; 700 feet. rides brick-red ; bill black ;
legs greenish blue ; feet and soles orange.
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 253
No. 394, @. Batoc Pantjeh, July 8, 1881. In stomach
small insects. On cocoanut-palms.
No. 395 a, g. Batoc Pantjeh, July 9, 1881. Bill black ;
legs bluish green ; feet and soles orange.
67. ARACHNOTHERA MopEsTa (Eyton) ; Salvadori, ¢. c.
p. 214.
No. 408, 2. Near Sveka Radja, 300 feet, Oct. 14, 1881.
Irides reddish brown ; upper mandible black, lower whitish
grey ; legs and feet pale yellow. Feeds on insects and seeds
of Scitaminea, and in the stomach was also a waxy substance.
Flits about on the ground and feeds much on these Scita-
minea and terrestrial flowers, and seems to be the agent of
the cross fertilization.
68. Zosteroprs cutorates, Hartl. J. f. O. 1865, p. 23 (ex
S. Miller, MS.).
Nos. 378; 37846, 3; 378a, c,d, E, 9. Mount Dempo,
May 1, 1881. Irides pale grey; bill black ; legs dirty slate-
blue. Much pollen under chin. Feeding on flowers of
Encacee (Herbarium, No. 2371).
Count Salvadori has already pointed out the mistake of
Dr. Hartlaub in referring to the habitat of this species as
Moretai Island, instead of Sumatra (Orn. Papuasia, p. 23).
69. ZosTEROPS AURIVENTER, Hume; Nicholson, Ibis, 1881,
p. 152.
No. 358 6. Near Paoe, foot of Mount Dempo, 3200 feet,
May 15, 1881. Inides grey; bill black; legs and feet dirty
slate- blue.
This is a race of Z. palpebrosa, which it replaces from Ta-
boy, in Tenasserim, through the Malayan peninsula and the
Indo-Malayan islands. It is represented in the Philippines
by a deeper-coloured form, Z. everetti, Tweedd.
70. CALOBATES MELANOPE (Pall.); Salvad. ¢. c. p. 236.
No. 371d, ?. Tandjong Djate, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet,
Feb. 15, 1881. Ivrides dark brown; upper mandible black,
lower one light yellow, black at the tip; legs and feet flesh-
colour. :
T 2
254. Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
No. 413 6, 2. On river Rawas, 1700 feet, Nov. 14, 1881.
Trides dark brown; bill black; legs and feet horn-colour.
71. GracuLa JAVANENSIS (Osbeck) ; Nicholson, ¢. c. p. 63.
No. 415 a. River Rawas, 1700 feet, Nov. 22,1881. Irides
dark brown; tip of bill orange, rest of it light red; legs and
feet orange.
72. Munia punctutaria (L.) ; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 237.
No. 357. In forest near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, Jan. 15,
1881 ; 38000 feet. Inrides light red; upper mandible black,
lower pale blue ; legs and feet pale blue.
73. Munia arricapitya (V.); Salvad. Uec. di Borneo,
p. 265.
Nos. 411, ¢, 411 a. Moeara Roepit, Oct. 28,1881. Inrides
dark brown; bill, legs, and feet pale slate-blue.
74, CyYMBORHYNCHUS MACRORHYNCHUS (Gm.); Nicholson,
tic. p. 64.
Nos. 3716, 371 c¢, 6 ?. In forest near Tandjong Djate,
Lake Ranau,-1700 feet, Feb. 15, 1881. Inrides metallic green
of a rich colour; upper mandible deep cobalt, lower mandible
with cobalt margin, but otherwise orange; legs and feet
black.
Both sexes have the same colours of the soft parts, which
differ a little from those given by Mr. Forbes in my former
paper (J. c.).
75. Pirra venusta, S. Miller; Salvad. Uce. di Borneo,
p. 241.
No. 404, 9. Forest at foot of voleano of Kaba, 3000
feet, Sept. 16, 1881. Inides dark brown; bill black; legs
and feet a beautiful shade of pale blue. Feeds on small
mollusca and seeds. ‘‘ Boeroeng Api.”
76. CarporpHaca NEA (L.); Nicholson, ¢. ¢. p. 65.
No. 353e. Hoedjoeng, 3000 feet. Inrides dark red; bill
purplish pink on upper surface of upper mandible, tip of
upper mandible with lower mandible pale blue; legs and
feet purplish pink.
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 255
No. 371a, g. Tandjong Djate in forest near Lake Ranau,
1700 feet, Feb. 16, 1881. Rich brown irides; bill pink;
legs pink. ‘ Pergum.”
77. SPHENOCERCUS oxyuRUS (Reinw.); Salvad. ¢.c. p. 243.
No. 371, g. Tandjong Djate, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet.
Irides cobalt-blue, with external ring of pink; skin round
the eye bright green ; upper mandible cobalt-blue, tip bright
green ; legs bright scarlet.
78. GALLUS FERRUGINEUS (Gm.) ; Salvad. ¢.c. p. 251.
No. 3644,¢, ¢ 9. Tandjong Djate, near Lake Ranau,
1700 feet, Feb. 5, 1881.
79. PoLtypLectron cHatcuruM, T.; Elliot, Monogr. Pha-
sian. 1. pl. 10.
No. 358, ¢. In forests near Hoedjoeng, Blalauw, 3000
feet, Jan. 15, 1881. Inides dark brown, but sooty colour ;
legs and feet faded blue. Feeds on fruits. “ Loekei.”
80. Excauractoria cHINENSIS (L.); Salvad. Ucc. di Borneo,
poll.
No. 389, ?. Goenoeng Meraksa, on the river Lintang,
1800-2000 feet, June 13, 1881. Irides brown ; bill black ;
legs and feet yellow. “‘ Poeyoe.”’
81. CaLorerpix ocuLEa (Temm.); Salvad. ¢.c. p. 252.
No. 405, ¢. In forest near hot springs at foot of voleano
of Kaba, 3000 feet, Oct. 5, 1881. Irides dark brown; bill
black; legs and feet pale yellow. Feeds on insects. Hnor-
mous Fabrician glands. “ Poeyoe rimboe.”
82. ARBoROPHILA PERSONATA (Horsf.) ; Gray, Hand-l. pt. ii.
p. 268. no. 9708 (?).
Similis A. personate et secundariis intimis late aureo-fulvo
notatis, sed dorso toto nigro transfasciato, prepectore
cum pectore summo et corporis lateribus pulchre cine-
raceis, et hypochondriis nigro alboque late transfasciatis
distinguenda. Long. tot. 8°5, culm. 0°8, ale 5°5, caudee
{Oe tarsi le55.
No. 356, ?. In forest near Hoedjoeng, foot of Besagi
Mountains, 3000 feet, Jan. 4, 1881. TIrides bluish grey ;
256 Mr. F. Nicholson on a second
wattle round eye dark scarlet; bill black ; legs and feet red.
* Berkaka.” .
No. 406, ¢. In forest at foot of Kaba volcano, 3000 feet,
Oct. 6, 1881. Inides dark brown ; bill black; legs and
feet red; wattle round eye scarlet; skin of neck scarlet
(below feathers). Feeds on seeds.
The specimens sent by Mr. Forbes differ consideraly from
the type of Arborophila personata in the British Museum,
being much more of a bluish ash-colour on the fore neck and
breast, while the back is much more closely barred with
black, and the flanks are much more broadly and distinctly
barred with black and white. The different plumages of this
species have not been thoroughly worked out; but the Su-
matran bird may ultimately prove to be distinct.
83. TriIncorpEs HyPoLEucus (L.); Salvad. ¢. ¢. p. 252.
No. 362, ¢. Feb. 4, 1881, Tandjong Djate.
No. 8665, 2. Irides brown ; legs greenish; bill black at
tip, grey behind on lower mandible. Tanjong Djate on Lake
Ranau, 1700 feet, Feb. 7, 1881.
No. 410, ¢. On river Roepit, near Soeka menang, 500
feet, Oct. 26, 1881. Irides dark brown; upper mandible
sooty colour, lower one sooty blue; legs and feet very pale
blue. “ Djoe-djoeat.”
84. Herropias InTERMEDIA (Hasselt) ; Salvad. Ucc. di Born.
p. 348.
No. 872, g. Lake Ranau, 1700 feet, Feb. 15, 1881.
Irides straw-yellow ; legs black; feet bright green.
85. Buroriprs gavanica (Horsf.) ; Salvad. Uce. di Born.
p. 351.
No. 366, 2. Margin of Lake Ranau, 1700 feet, Feb. 6,
1881. Inides light yellow, almost straw-colour ; legs dirty
green, yellow on back parts.
No. 367, 9. Margin of Lake Ranau, 1700 feet, Feb. 10,
1881. Upper mandible black, lower greenish.
No. 415 5, g. On Rawas river, near Moeara Mengkoe-
lem, 1800 feet, Nov. 22, 1881. Legs black, soles of the feet
yellow. a
_._ *, = — _
Collection of Sumatran Birds. 257
86. Busutcus coromannbus (Bodd.) ; Salvad. Uce. Born.
p. 350.
Nos. 410, 4106, 9. Irides bright straw-colour ; bill yel-
low ; feet and legs black. Feeds on insects, grasshoppers,
shrimps, and small fish called ‘sloeang,’ and vegetable
matter. River Roepit, near Maoer, Oct. 27, 1881.
No. 865, 9. Tandjong Djate, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet,
Feb. 6, 1881. TIrides light yellow; bill yellow; legs black,
with a slight tinge of green on tibie ; soles dirty green.
No. 415¢. Margin of river Rawas, near Moeara Meng-
koelem, 1800 feet, Nov. 22, 1881. Soft parts as in
No. 410.
87. Lepropritus savanicus (Horsf.) ; Salvad. Ucc. di Born.
p. 358,
No. 363, 2. Djoengoe boetak, Lake Ranau, 1700 feet.
Irides bluish grey ; bill pale grey; legs and feet nearly blue-
black.
88. TantaLus Lacteus, Temm.; Salvad. Ucec. di Born.
p. 358.
No. 418, g. Near Big Telok, river Rawas, Dec. 3,
1881. Irides greyish brown; bill with yellow markings and
blotches ; point of the upper and the lower mandible pale
white ; eye-wattle grey ; occiput grey.
No. 407, 2. Oelak Tanding, Sindang, Oct. 9, 1881.
Irides dark grey; legs and feet greenish grey ; bill the same,
Feeds on the algze on river-stones.
89. Hypormnipia striata (Linn.); Salvad. Ucc. di Born.
p. 336.
No. 368, ¢. Tandjong Djate, on Lake Ranau, Feb. 10,
1881; 1700 feet. rides reddish grey; upper mandible
sooty ; under mandible purplish, reddish grey at tip; legs
and feet sooty blue. “ Koentik.”
258 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
XX VIII.— On the Columbide of the Ethiopian Region.
By Captain G. KE. Suetrey, F.ZS.
Great confusion has arisen in the nomenclature of the
African species of this family. I have no new names to pro-
pose; but I trust, by arranging the older ones in their proper
places, to establish better order amongst the African mem-
bers; and if I succeed in doing this I shall attain the object
of my present endeavours.
Within my range I shall include Palestine and the islands
surrounding Africa, such as Socotra, the Seychelles, Mada-
gascar, and those extending as far eastward as Rodriguez ;
as also St. Helena, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the
Azores. These latter islands, together with the shores of the
Mediterranean and Palestine, really belong to the Western
Palearctic Region, and [shall thus include six species (Columba
ewnas, Palumbus palumbus, P. trocaz, P. bollii, P. laurivorus,
and Turtur risorius) which are not, properly speaking, mem-
bers of the Ethiopian Region.
The order Columbe I shall divide into two families :—
1. Columbide. The true Pigeons, with wings adapted for
flight.
2. Didide. The Dodos, with wings obsolete, not adapted for
flight.
The latter family I shall rapidly pass over, its representa-
tives being now extinct.
Of the family Columbide there are likewise two extinct
Ethiopian species: one, Columba rodericana, Milne-Edwards,
is only known bya few bones. It was a native of Rodriguez,
and probably belonged to the genus Alectranas; but I shall
not treat further of it here. The other (more recently) ex-
tinct form is Alectrenas nitidissima, of Mauritius, which I
shall give a place to amongst the existing species.
The family Columbide I shall divide into two subfamilies,
to be distinguished by the number of their tail-feathers :—
1. Subfamily Treronine, with 14 tail-feathers, contains two
genera, Alectrenas and Treron.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 259
2. Subfamily Columbine, with 12 tail-feathers, contains
Columba, Palumbus, Turtur, Turturena, Haplopelia, Chal-
copelia, Tympanistria, Gina, and Geopelia. The latter
genus only comes within my range as an introduced bird
on some of the islands borderimg Africa to the south
of the equator.
In all the members of this family the sexes are similar in
plumage, with the exception of Turturena delegorguei and
Cina capensis.
Subfam. I. TrReronina.
Tail of 14 feathers; tarsus more or less feathered.
a. Entire tarsus feathered all round; feathers of the neck
lengthened, and of a loose, rather hair-like texture ;
body and wings indigo-blue; the inner web of the
first primary more or less indentated; the third
PrUMAry eNnhINGh. farses wee eee 8 oe eee ee ete 1, Alectrenas.
b. Tarsus only feathered in front for about half its length ;
feathers of the neck ordinary ; general colouring
olive; the first primary entire, the third gene-
rally indentated on the inner web (but this is not a
very reliable character, for in 7. delalandii I met
with it in eight specimens, while in two others the
third primary was entire) ....... 2.3) slotgdeee nS Secs 2. Treron.
]. ALECTR@NAS.
Alectrenas, Gray, List Gen. B. 1840, Type.
Pe Dore ail smets : . . A. nitidissima.
Chlamydena, Bp. Compe: ‘Rend, XXXIX,
LSp4sips STO ey] es . « A. nitidissima.
Furningus, Des Murs, Enc. d. HL. N.
vil. Ois. p. 382 (1854) . . . . A. madagascariensis.
Funingus, Bp. (correction) Compt.
Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 880 . . A. madagascariensis.
Erythrena, Bp. lc. . 2 6... AL puleherrima.
Alectorenas, Agassiz, 1855(correction) A. nitidissima.
The little group of Pigeons which I assemble under this
genus is confined to Madagascar and the neighbouring
islands of the Indian Ocean, and were once probably five in
number ; of these two are now extinct. Columba rodericana,
260 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
M. A. Milne-Edwards, from the island of Rodriguez, is only
known from a few bones, which scarcely justify one in assign-
ing a place to it in our classification. The other extinct
member of this genus is the type A. nitidissima, formerly
found in the Mauritius, only at present known by three
preserved specimens, one in the Paris Museum, another in
the Museum of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, and the
third in the Museum of Science and Art in Edinburgh. The
three existing species are confined to Madagascar, the Comoro
Islands, and Seychelles. Two inhabit Madagascar—d. ma-
dagascariensis, confined to that island, and A. sganzini,
which ranges also over the Comoro group, having been pro-
cured at Mayotte, Anjuan, and Great Comoro. The third,
A. pulcherrima, is confined to Seychelles.
Key to the Species.
a. Tail blue, like the back.
COW TOM (rie {ittighwees Gu fatelestal hiss es 1. puleherrima.
Or TOWN BUVEry POV... aes sal « vee etnies 2. sganzinte.
b. Tail red.
GenOrown. white.) fb 2),.wuae ok «2. he ciclee cle ed 5. nitidissima.
c', Crown deep slate-colour.............-.005 4. madagascariensis.
1, ALECTRENAS PULCHERRIMA.
Le Pigeon violet a téte rouge d@ Antigue, Sonn. Voy. Nouv.
Guinée, 1776, p. 112, pl. 67.
Columba pulcherrima, Scop. Flor. et Faun. Insub. u. 1876,
p- 94 (ex Sonn.).
Columba rubricapilla, Gm. 8. N. i. 1788, p. 784; Temm.
& Knip, Pig. 1. 1808-1838, p. 52, pl. 20 (good).
Erythrena pulcherrima, Bp. Consp. Gen. Av. 11.1857, p. 30;
E. Newton, P. Z. 8. 1867, p. 344; id. Ibis, 1867, p. 359.
Ptilonopus pulcherrimus, Gray & Mitch. Gen. B. ii. 1849,
p. 467.
Alectrenas pulcherrima, Hartl. Vog. Madag. 1877, p. 264.
Entire body, wings, tail, and feathers of the tarsus deep
indigo-blue, with brighter blue reflections; the crop and
neck ashy white, shading into pearl-grey towards the head,
and into leaden grey on the cheeks and ear-coverts ; fore-
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 261
head and crown crimson; the sides of the head and front of
the forehead scarlet and much wattled ; under tail-coverts
deep green with bright reflections ; iris red; bill dusky black
with the end whitish; feet greyish olive. Total length 9:1
inches, culmen 0°7, wing 6°15, tail 3°5, tarsus 1.
Hab. Confined to the Seychelles archipelago, where it has
been procured on the islands of Mahé, Silhouette, Praslin,
and Marianne.
The description is taken from a specimen in my own
collection.
2. ALECTRENAS SGANZINI.
Columba sganzini, Verr. MS.
Furningus sganzini, DesMurs, Encyclop. Hist. Nat. Ois.
v1. p. 32.
Funingus madagascariensis, Cab. v. d. Decken’s Reisen, iii.
1869, p. 48, Great Comoro.
Alectrenas sganzini, Sclat. Ibis, 1864, p. 8300, Anjuan; E.
Newton, P. Z.S. 1877, pp. 300, 302, Anjuan ; Hartl. Vog.
Madag. 1877, p. 260, Madagascar; Shelley, P. Z. S. 1879,
Pp: O73:
Ptilopus sganzini, Schl. P. Z. 8. 1866, p. 424, Mayotte ;
Schl. & Poll. Faun. Madag. Ois. 1868, p. 115, pl. 37 (good).
Similar in general plumage to A. pulcherrima, but differs
in the forehead and crown being pale grey and entirely
covered by feathers, the chin and throat white, no wattles on
the head, but a large bare scarlet patch round the eye; the
white of the neck extends further onto the back, that part
being more or less washed with white ; the under tail-coverts
are bluer, the smaller feathers only being partially washed
with green ; iris red; bill dusky olive, slightly paler towards
the tip; feet olive-grey. Total length 10°5 inches, culmen
0:7, wing 6°7, tail 4-1, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. The Comoro Islands and Madagascar, the latter
locality for this species resting solely on a single specimen
in the Paris Museum.
In Mayotte, according to Schlegel and Pollen, these birds
are common in the virgin forest, where they may be met with
perched, in bands of ten or twelve, in the upper boughs of the
262 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
taller trees, and are easily killed, as they generally return at
once to the same tree after being shot at. On that island
they feed principally upon the wild dates, and are very good
eating.
In Anjuan, according to Sir John Kirk, this species is very
abundant in the forest from the base of the hills up to about
1000 feet. Mr. E. Newton calls it “a stupid bird, allowing
you to get quite near it; food in crop figs; iris red. Native
name ‘ Ningha.’ ”
In Great Comoro it would appear to be equally abundant,
if I may judge from the fine series sent to me from that
island by Sir John Kirk. Its occurrence in Madagascar
appears to me very doubtful.
I have described a specimen in my own collection from
Great Comoro.
3. ALECTR@NAS NITIDISSIMA.
Pigeon Holandais, Sonn. Voy. Ind. Orient. 1782, p. 175,
pl. 100, Mauritius.
Columba nitidissima, Scop. Flor. et Faun. Insub. 1. 1786,
p- 93 (ex Sonn.).
Columba francie, Gm. 8. N. i. 1788, p. 779; Temm. &
Knip, Pig. i. 1808-1838, p. 50, pl. 19 (fair) ; Temm. Hist.
Pig. et Gall. 1813, pp. 228, 463.
Le Ramier hérissé, Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. 1808, p. 74,
pl. 267 (fair) ; Sundev. Crit. om Levaill. 1857, p. 53.
Columba batavica, Boun. Enc. Méth. 1823, p. 233.
Columba jubata, Wag). Syst. Av., Columba, 1827, sp. 22.
Alectrenas nitidissimus, Gray, List Gen. B. 1840, p. 58 ;
Hartl. Vog. Madag. 1877, p. 65; A. Newton, P. Z. 8. 1879,
p- 2.
Body and wings indigo-blue ; feathers of the head and
neck white and more elongated on the crown; the bare
scarlet patch surrounding the eye extends onto the cheek and
across the front of the forehead ; upper tail-coverts and tail
vermilion, a large portion of the outer web of the tail and a
great portion of the inner webs of the tail-feathers black ;
iris red; bill dusky slate-colour, with the base red and the
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 263
end yellow; fect slate-colour. Total length 11-8 inches,
bill 1, wing 8:2, tail 5:2.
Hab. Mauritius (now extinct).
I have not been able to examine a specimen of this bird,
so have taken my description from other authors, with the
assistance of the figure of Le Ramier hérissé of Levaillant
and the measurements given by Dr. Hartlaub (‘ Vég. Mada-
gascar’). The colouring of the under tail-coverts is unknown
to me, but is probably red and green, as in A. madagas-
cariensis. For my present purpose I think the above de-
scription sufficient.
4. ALECTR@NAS MADAGASCARIENSIS.
Columba madagascariensis, Linn. 8. N. i. 1766, p. 283;
Temm. & Knip, Pig. 1. 1808-1838, p. 46, pl. 17 (fair).
Le Ramier Founingo, Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. 1808, p. 72,
pl. 266 (fair).
Columba phenicura, Wag). Syst. Av., Columba, 1827, sp. 23.
Carpophaga madagascariensis, Gray & Mitch. Gen. B. ii.
1849, p. 469.
Furningus madagascariensis, Bp. Consp. Gen. Av. 11. 1857,
p- 29; Sclat. P.Z.S. 1863, p. 164; Roche & E. Newton,
Ibis, 1863, p. 167; Grand. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1867, p. 418;
Aquarone, Bull. Soc. Imp. Acclim. 1869, p. 361 ; Sharpe,
P. Z.S:21870)) p. 399.
Piilopus madagascariensis, Gray, List Brit. Mus. Columb.
1856, p.9; Schl. P. Z. S. 1866, p. 424; Schl. & Poll. Faun.
Madag. Ois. 1868, p. 115.
Alectrenas madagascariensis, Hartl. Vog. Madag. 1877,
p: 262.
Body and wings indigo-blue; neck slaty grey, passing
almost into deep indigo-blue on the forehead, crown, nape,
cheeks and ear-coverts ; the slaty grey of the neck not sharply
defined in front, but gradually passes on the crop into the
colour of the breast ; upper tail-coverts and tail crimson,
glossed towards their junction with bright blue and often
with green ; tail with nearly the entire outer webs and the
bases of all the feathers slaty black ; all but the two centre
264. Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
feathers have narrow ends and broader inner margins of
black, with a greenish gloss ; under tail-coverts shade into
crimson on the larger feathers, the remainder glossy green,
mottled with large buff centres and partial edges ; a bare
patch round the eye red; iris red; bill olive-shaded slate-
colour, fading into yellowish-white towards the tip ; feet red,
powdered with white between the scales. Total length 1]
inches, culmen 0°6, wing 7, tail 3 8, tarsus 0°85.
Hab. Madagascar.
According to Schlegel and Pollen this bird is probably com-
moner on the east than the west of the island, but rather
rare in the north-east. It lives in bands of six to eight, in-
habiting the higher branches of the taller forest-trees, and is
shy and difficult to approach. Its flight is strong and rapid.
It feeds on berries, fruit, and grain, and during the planting
of the rice-crops does much damage and becomes excessively
fat, but is never so good to eat as the other Madagascar
Pigeons. It is easily tamed, but is very lethargic in its
habits. The native name is “ Finingo,” according to Schlegel
and Pollen, and ‘‘ Founi,” according to Dr. Miller.
My description is taken from a specimen in my own
collection.
Il. Treron. Type.
Treron, Vieill. Analyse, 1816, p.49 . . . T. amboinensis.
Vinago, Cuv. Regn. Anim. 1. 1817, p. 457 . T. waalia.
Phalacrotreron, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix.
L654,0p. S725 S46 PS at ht eneeaiva:
The genus Treron ranges over the whole of Tropical and
Southern Africa, Madagascar, and a large portion of the
Indo-Malayan Region.
In Africa there are five well-marked species, and as the
sexes do not differ in plumage, there is no reason for their
being confounded; yet there is a general similarity in the
colouring of them all, which has entailed many errors in
nomenclature, and renders their geographical distribution
somewhat uncertain.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 265
Key to the Species.
a, With no grey collar at the base of the hind neck ; thighs
not uniform bright yellow; tail above grey.
a’. Head and neck ashy olive; chest bright yellow ;
thighs buff mottled with yellow ................ 5. waalia,
b'. Head, neck, and chest uniform olive-yellow; thighs
bright yellow mottled with black .............. 6. australis.
6. With a grey collar at the base of the hind neck; thighs
uniform bright yellow.
6. Tail above grey ; olive of the back and wings less
BOLO Witte auch cleat tale a dita srergienquve Sasori wy Sigh shchnt ay cu 7. calva.
ce’, Tail above olive-yellow like the back; olive of the
back and wings yellower.
e*, Head, neck, and chest olive-yellow ; terminal bar
to the tail above slightly paler and more dis-
famietiliy, miter lied, ants aes EA Stich dha Meet Mah 8. wakefieldi.
d’, Head, neck, and chest ashy olive ; terminal bar to
the tail above slightly darker and less distinctly
TERRY OGG satereeste Scan oleae a ore tre ats are haya caf 9. delalandit.
=
5. TRERON WAALIA.
Waalia, Bruce, Trav. Abyss. 1790, p. 186, pl.
“ Columba waalia, Gm., Bruce’s Reisen, tibersetzt v. Cuhn,
v. li. (1791) Zusatze, p. 31; id. tibersetz von Volkmann, vy.
5 (1791) pp. 188, 190, pl. 38” (fide Finsch & Hartl.).
Columba abyssinica, Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp. 1802, p. 60;
Temm. & Knip, Pig. 1. 1808-1838, p. 131, pl. 9 (good), (nec
¢, pl. 8).
Le Columba & épaulettes, male, Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. 1808,
pl. 276 (not good).
Columba humeralis, Wagl. Syst. Av., Columba, 1827, sp. 2
(exel 99).
Vinago abyssinica, Cuv. Régn. An. 1817, p. 457;? Verr.
Rey. et Mag. Zool. 1851, p. 422, Gaboon; Antin. & Salvad.
Viage. Bogos, 1873, p. 129.
Treron abyssinica, Gray, List Gall. 1844, p.3; Hartl. Orn.
W. Afr. 1857, p. 193, pt.; ? Hartl. J. f. O. 1861, p. 266, St.
Thomas’s Is.; Blanf. Geol. & Zool. Abyss. 1870, p. 418.
Phalacrotreron abyssinina, Reichb. Taub. 1855, pp. 108,
18], pl. 242. figs. 1345-1346 ; Antin. Cat. descr. Ucc. 1864,
p. 87.
266 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Geopelia humeralis, Heugl. Syst. Uebers. 1856, p. 49.
Treron waalia, Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. 1870, p. 533 ;
Finsch & Jesse, Tr. L. 8. vii. 1870, p. 288; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-
Afr. 1871-1875, p. 817, App. p. 168; Hartl. Abhandl. nat.
Vereins Bremen, vii. 1881, p. 117, Lado; Sclat. & Hartl.
P. Z. S. 1881, p. 173, Socotra.
Entire head and neck pale ashy olive; back, scapulars,
inner wing-coverts, innermost secondaries, and upper tail-
coverts olive-yellow ; remainder of the least and median
wing-coverts rich vinous ; remainder of the wings blackish
brown; outer median wing-coverts, greater wing-coverts, and
secondaries with very distinct yellowish-buff partial edges to
their outer webs towards their ends ; primaries with narrower
partial buff edges on their outer webs; tail above leaden
grey, shading into slaty black on the basal two thirds of all
but the two centre feathers; chest bright gamboge-yellow,
surrounded on the crop and sides by pale ashy olive; abdo-
men white; thighs buff mottled with bright yellow; thigh-
coverts olive-green, with broad buff or yellowish-buff edges
to the feathers ; under tail-coverts with very broad white or
buff edges, the centres of the smaller feathers being olive-
grey and of the larger ones chestnut ; under surface of the
tail-feathers slaty black, hidden by the coverts, and with very
broad white ends; under surface of the wings leaden grey,
inclining to brown towards the outer webs of the quills;
“iris blue, with an outer rim of salmon-pink; beak bluish
grey, red at base; legs and feet pinkish yellow, toes blue ”
(Jesse). Total length 12°7 inches, culmen 0°6, wing 6:7,
tail 4°3, tail 0°85.
Hab. Socotra, N.E. Africa, and Senegambia.
According to Dr. Hartlaub (Abh. nat. Ver. Bremen, vii.
p- 117) there is a specimen of this Pigeon from Senegal in
the Bremen Museum.
The following records of its occurrence, in my opinion,
most probably refer to other species :—Casamanse (Verr.),
Guinea (Haritl.), St. Thomas’s Island (Weiss, Hartl. Orn.
W.-Afr. p. 198), to 7. calva; and T. abyssinica (Kirk,
Ibis, 1864, p. 329), from Shupanga on the Zambesi, to
T. wakefieldi or T. delalandii.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 267
6. TRERON AUSTRALIS.
Columba australis, Linn. Mant. 1771, p. 526; Temm. &
Knip, Pig. i. 1808-1888, pl. 3 (good).
Columba madagascariensis, Gm. S. N. i. 1788, p. 779.
Columba humeralis, Wagl. Syst. Av., Columba, 1827, sp. 2
(excl. ¢).
Vinago australis, Cuv. Régne Anim. i. 1817, p.457; Jard.
Ill. Orn. iv. pl. 81 (1825-1839) ; Sclat. P. Z. S. 1863, p. 164;
Roch & Newton, Ibis, 1863, p. 167 ; E. Newton, Ibis, 1863,
p. 454; Grand. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1867, p. 418; Hartl. Vég.
Madag. 1877, p. 259.
Treron australis, Gray & Mitch. Gen. B. i. 1849, p. 467;
Bartlett, PZ. S:.1875, p67.
Somewhat similar in plumage to 7. waalia, but has the
entire head and neck greenish yellow, and the centre of the
breast of the same colour; back, scapulars, inner wing-
coverts, the whole of the median wing-coverts, innermost
secondaries, and upper tail-coverts olive, less shaded with
yellow than in 7. waalia ; a small portion only of the least
wing-coverts rich vinous; outer median wing-coverts and
the greater wing-coverts with much broader yellowish-buff
partial edges to their outer webs ; remainder of the wings
about similar ; tail with the dark basal portion above slightly
washed with greenish yellow ; chest greenish yellow, like the
neck, shading into grey on the sides ; abdomen bright yellow ;
thighs bright yellow mottled with black; thigh-coverts,
under tail-coverts, and under surface of the wing very similar
to T. waalia, the ashy-white ends of the tail-feathers under-.
neath rather narrower. Iris light blue; bill grey, with the
basal portion lake-pink; legs yellow. Total length 14°2
inches, culmen 0°55, wing 6°75, tail 4°3, tarsus 1'1.
Hab. Madagascar.
7. TRERON CALVA.
Columba calva, Temm. & Knip, Pig. 1, 1808-1838, p. 35,
pl. 7 (bad); Temm. Hist. Nat. Pig. et Gall. 1813, pp. 63,
44.2.
Vinago calva, Cuy. Régne An. i. 1817, p. 492.
SER. V.-—VOL. 1. U
268 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Vinago nudirostris, Swains. B. W. Afr. ii. 1837, p. 205,
Senegal ; Gordon, Contr. Orn. 1849, p. 12, Gold Coast ;
Verr. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1851, p. 421, Gaboon. |
Treron crassirostris, Fraser, P. Z.S. 18438, p. 35, W. Africa ;
Allen & Thomas, Exp. Niger, ii. 1848, p. 42, Rollas I.;
Fraser, Zool. Typ. 1849, pl. 60.
Treron calva, Gray, List Gall. 1844, p. 14; Hartl. J. f. O.
1855, p. 861, Gold Coast; id. Orn. W.-Afr. 1857, p. 192;
id. J. f. O. 1861, p. 266, Bissao ; Dohrn, P. Z. 8. 1866,
p. 339, Prince’s I.; Sharpe, P.Z.S. 1869, p. 570, Angola;
id. Ibis, 1869, p. 194, Fantee ; id. P. Z.S. 1870, p. 147,
Angola; Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. 1870, p. 539, note ;
Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 290, Gold Coast; Sharpe,
P. Z. 8. 1874, p. 206, Bulama; Reichenow, J. f. O. 1874,
p. 388, Camaroons, Gaboon; Monteiro, Angola & Congo,
li. 1875, p. 169; Reichenow, J.f.O. 1877, pp. 7, 14, Loango
Coast ; Bocage, Orn. Angola, 1881, p. 378.
Vinago pyterioptis, Verr. Rey. et Mag. Zool. 1851, p. 421,
Gaboon.
Phalacrotreron calva, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 107, pl. 2400.
fig. 3370, Suppl. pl. 5. fig. 52; Bp. Icon. Pig. 1857, pl. 3.
fig. A (head); Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. 1872, p. 230.
Phalacrotreron crassirostris, Reichb. Taub. 1855, pp. 107,
181, Suppl. pl. 5. fig. 53; Bp. Icon. Pig. 1857, pl. 2.
Phalacrotreron nudirostris, Reichb. Taub. 1855, pp. 107,
181, pl. 244. fig. 2486, Suppl. pl. 5. fig. 51; Bp. Icon. Pig.
1857, pl. 3. fig. B.
Treron nudirostris, Hartl. Orn. W.-Afr. 1857, p. 192;
Cass. Pr. Philad. Acad. 1859, p. 143, Gaboon; Hartl. &
Monteiro, P. Z. S. 1860, p. 112, Angola; Hartl. J. f. O.
1861, p. 266; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871-1875, p. 821,
App. p. 168, pt., excl. Mombas; Finsch & Hartl. Vég. Ostafr.
1870, p. 537, pt., excl. Mombas; Sharpe & Bouvier, Bull.
Soc. Zool. France, 1867, p. 52, Chinchoxo; Hartl. Ab-
handl. nat. Ver. Bremen, vii. 1881, p. 117, N.E. Afr.
Vinago australis, Jard. & Selby (nec Linn.), Ill. Orn.
pl. 81.
Treron nudifrons, Heugl. MS.”
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 269
Very similar to 7. australis, but a smaller bird, with a
bare forehead ; has a broad leaden-grey collar at the base of
the hind neck; the vinous patch on the wings is slightly
larger, extending over nearly the whole of the least series of
wing-coverts ; the yellowish-buff partial edges to some of the
wing-feathers narrower ; tail grey, occasionally very narrowly
washed with greenish yellow at the edges of the feathers ;
the entire underparts agree well with 7. australis, with the
exception of the thighs, which are uniform bright yellow, not
mottled with black ; iris blue, surrounded by a red rim; bill
bluish grey, with the basal portion red; feet yellowish flesh-
colour. ‘Total length 10°5 inches, culmen from the frontal
feathers 0:95, wing 6:1, tail 3°7, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. West Africa from Senegal to Ondonga in Damara
Land, and in East Africa from about 16° N. lat. to the
equator.
I have failed to detect any character for the separation of
T. nudirostris and T. crassirostris from T. calva. The so-
called T. nudirostris collected by Von der Decken at Mombas
probably belongs to 7. wakefieldi, but I have not examined
the specimens.
My description is taken from a Gold-Coast specimen in
my own collection. I have also examined specimens of this
species from Abyssinia, Gaboon, R. Danger (Ansell), Ambriz
and Angola (Monteiro). Two of the specimens in the British
Museum have M. Verreaux’s labels with “ Phalacrotreron
nudirostris” and “ P. crassirostris”’ written on them.
8. TRERON WAKEFIELDI.
? Treron nudirostris, Hartl. P. Z. S. 1863, p. 106, Kazeh
(Speke); Cab. v. d. Decken’s Reisen, iil. p. 42 (1869), Mombas;
Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. p. 537, pt., ex Mombas; Heugl.
Orn. N.O.-Afr p. 831, pt., ex Mombas.
? Treron abyssinica, Kirk, nec Lath, 1864, p. 829 (Zambesi).
Treron wakefieldi, Sharpe, P. Z. 8S. 1873, p. 715, pl. 58.
fig. 2, Mombas (Wakefield) ; Fischer & Reichenow, J. f. O,
1879, pp. 271, 339; Shelley, P. ZS. 1881, p, 595, Damo
and Pangani (Airk); Gurney, Ibis, 1881, p. 128,
UR
270 Capt. G. EH. Shelley on the
Very similar to 7. calva, which it resembles in size, nudity
of the forehead, the grey collar at the base of the hind neck,
the vinous and yellow on the wings, the thighs being bright
yellow, and in the under tail-coverts ; but differs in the head,
neck, and chest being yellower, in the olive parts of the back
and wings being also yellower, and in the tail being above
olive-yellow instead of grey, and ending in a broad yellowish-
buff terminal bar ; the iris, bill, and legs are probably simi-
larly coloured to those of T. calva. Total length 9-2 inches,
culmen from the frontal feathers 0°8, wing 6°15, tail 3°5,
tarsus 0°9,
Hab, E. Africa, from Lamo to Matabele Land.
My description is taken from a specimen collected by Sir
John Kirk at Lamo. Mr. Sharpe, by error, in his original
description, gave the culmen as 1°8 inch instead of 0°8. I
have also examined specimens from Mombas (Wakefield),
Pangani (Kirk), Zambesi (Bradshaw), and Matabele (Oates).
In these the length of the wing varies from 5:7 inches
to 7:2. Prof. Barboza du Bocage (Orn. Angola, p. 879)
observes that some specimens from Quango, Biballa, and
Humbe differ from his typical 7. calva in their yellower
colouring, and may, I think, possibly refer to T. wakefield: ;
but I have not seen the specimens, and the author does not
remark on the colouring of the tail. The greenish-yellow
colouring of the upper surface of the tail in this species is,
I consider, the best-marked character for its separation from
the grey-tailed 7. calva.
9. TRERON DELALANDII.
Treron australis, Gray (nec Linn.), List Spec. Brit. Mus.
il. 1844, p. 3, pt.
Vinago calva, Verr. (nec Temm.) Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1851,
p. 423 ; Jard. Edinb. New Phil. Journ. n.s. ii. 1855, p. 246;
Biane. Spec. Zool. Mosamb. fase. xvi. 1865, p. 400.
Treron nudirostris, Licht. (nec Swains.) Nomencl. Av.
1854, p. 82.
Phalacrotreron delalandiit, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854,
p. 872; id. Icon. Pig. 1857, pl. 1; Ayres, Ibis, 1880, p. 109,
Transvaal, .
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 271.
Treron delalandii, Gray, List Brit. Mus. Columb. 1856,
p- 14; Sclat. P. Z. 8. 1862, p. 12, Ugaramo; Gurney, Ibis,
1862, p. 33, Natal; Sclat. P. Z.S. 1864, p. 113; Hartl.
P. Z. S. 1867, p. 827, Zanzibar; Layard, B. S. Afr. 1867,
p- 255; Gurney, Ibis, 1868, p. 164; Kersten, v. d. Decken’s
Reisen, i. 1869, p. 60; Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. 1870,
p. 5385 ; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871-1875, p. 822, App.
p. 168; Shelley, Ibis, 1875, p. 83, Pinetown; Nicholson,
P. Z. 8. 1878, p. 359, Dar-es-Salaam; Fischer & Reichenow,
J. f. O. 1878, pp. 250, 293, Mombas; Holub & Pelz. Beitr.
Orn. Sudafr. 1882, p. 171; Shelley, Ibis, 1882, p. 358,
Matabele.
Very similar to 7. calva and T. wakefieldi, but differs from
them both in the more ashy-olive shade of the head, neck,
and breast ; the feathers extend further onto the forehead ;
the vinous patch on the wings is generally slightly paler and
more ashy, remainder of the wings similar, excepting that
the olive parts, as well as the back and the tail, are yellower ;
tail olive-yellow, as in 7. wakefieldi, with the broad terminal
paler bar not so strongly marked ; “iris grey ; bill grey, with
the basal portion pink; legs red” (7. L. Ayres). Total
length 10 inches, culmen from frontal feathers 0°9, wing
6°65, tail 4°1, tarsus 0°95.
Hab. . Africa, Mombas to Kaffraria.
My description is taken from a male collected by Mr. T.
Ayres at Pinetown, in Natal. The specimens examined
vary in length of wing from 6:2 to 6°8 inches.
Subfam. II. CotumBIN«.
Tail of 12 feathers ; tarsus entirely bare or feathered only
on the upper portion in front.
a. With the wing longer than the tail.
a‘, Tail not two thirds of wing. Distance between
the tip of the secondaries and tip of wing more
than half the length of tail. Breed in holes,
Tarsus naked. Fourth primary never longer
than any of the outer three ............000. 1, Columba.
272 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
b'. Tail more than two thirds of wing. Distance
between the tip of the secondaries and tip of
wing less than half the length of tail. Do not
breed in holes. Tarsus naked or feathered on
the front towards the Imee-joint. Fourth
primary not always shorter than one or more of
the outer three.
6’, With no metallic spots on the wings; under
surface of the wings not rufous.
68, With no pale terminal bar to the tail under-
neath. Larger.
b*, Fourth primary longest; tarsus entirely
GRICOGPI a < Hiihs tia Kee Selaohelok as gata 2. Trocaza,
ec’, Fourth primary shorter than the outer
three; upper portion of the tarsus fea-
eHOPOU WN ECOMG ciere spo eevee a a 8 3. Palumbus.
ec’, With a white or pale terminal bar to the tail
underneath. Smaller.
e4, With no trace of black on the neck. Back
of the neck and front of the mantle
glossed with metallic shades,
e°, Fourth primary shorter than the outer
three; tarsus shorter than the hind
toe with claw; upper portion of the
tarsus occasionally feathered. Sexes
sometimes dissimilar ...........00. 4, Turturena.
da’, Fourth primary longer than the first ;
tarsus longer than the hind toe with
claw, and always entirely naked. Sexes
always similar in plumage.......... 5, Haplopelia.
d‘', With a more or less defined partial biack
collar on the neck; with no metallic
shades on any portion of the plumage.. 6. Turtur.
e?, With large metallic spots on the wings; under
surface of the wings rufous.
eo, Farsteprimaryentire- od inoueas seen asus ss 7. Chaleopelia,
@: Birat premary, suleated jos itis he Ves Haslet 8. Tympanstria.
b. Tail longer than the wing.
b', First primary entire. Sexes very dissimilar in
IMMA O AG a. vise a's oo. «SUE wae eee 9. Gina.
c!. First primary sulcated. Sexes similar in plumage 10, Geopelia.
The ten divisions to which I give generic value in the present
subfamily are in their nature somewhat unsatisfactory, being,
toa great extent, founded upon the arrangement of the colours ;
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 273
but by this means I think we arrive at an apparently natural
arrangement, which can be easily followed, although perhaps
the value of the genera may in some instances be questioned.
I, CoLumBa. Type.
Columba, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. 1766, p. 279 . C. livia.
Teniwnas, Reichb. 1853, a Gray, Taub.
ESOS wpa OO! (Ase Tr « « « » C. albitorques:
Lithenas, Reichb. tom. cit. p. Bd ot og Web aa Teneee:
Palumbena, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854,
Oe ROAN rls at ody Be WOd es eee, tod A ACG nase
The members of the genus Columba, unlike all other
Pigeons, breed in holes.
Six species are met with on the African continent; but
one, C. @nas, properly belongs only to the Western Pale-
arctic Region.
C. chlorophea, Hartl., from Prince’s Island, is, in my
opinion, after an examination of the type in the British
Museum, nothing but a variety of C. livia, and C. schimperi
is another variety of that species.
Key to the Species.
a. Mantle grey.
a‘. Entire underparts grey ; with no white bar on the
tail.
a’, With no white on the neck.
a®, Neck glossed all round with metallic green,
passing into coppery purple on the front and
sides ; under wing-coverts white .......... 1. hvia,
6°. Neck glossed only on the sides and back with
metallic green ; under wing-coverts leaden
OT CVE Mae ner Seton aio he seats cton skaoayohel eh 2. cenas.
b?. With a large white patch on the nape ........ 3. albitorques.
b!. Middle of the abdomen and under tail-coverts white ;
a broad white bar on the tail ................ 4. unicincta.
6. Mantle brown; wing-coverts spotted with white.
b', Rump and upper tail-coverts ashy white ........ 5. guineensis.
c!, Rump and upper tail-coverts deep leaden grey.... 6. pheonota.
274 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
1. CoLuMBa Livia.
Columba livia, Briss. Orn. i. 1760, p. 82; Gm. S. N. i.
1788, p. 769 (ex Briss.) ; Bonn. Tabl. Encyel. et Méthod. i.
1790, p. 227; Temm. & Knip, Pig. i. 1808-1838, p. 27, pl. 12
(good) ; Gould, B. Eur. iv. 1837, pl. 245 (good); Hartl. J.f. O.
1854, p. 205, Senegal; Vernon Harcourt, P. Z. 8. 1851,
p- 142, Madeira; Hartl. Orn. W.-Afr. 1857, p. 193; Boll.
J.f.O. 1857, p. 330, Canaries; Tristram, Ibis, 1859, pp. 35,
318, Palestine; 1860, p. 68, Algeria; Hartl. J. f. O. 1861,
p. 266; Godman, Ibis, 1866, pp. 99, 107, Azores ; Chambers,
Ibis, 1867, p. 101, Tripoli ; Drake, J. c. p. 428, E. Morocco;
Tristram, Ibis, 1868, p. 209, Palestine; Schl. & Poll. Faune
Madag. 1868, p. 155; Taczanowski, J. f. O. 1870, p. 51,
Constantine; Gurney, Ibis, 1871, p. 275, Algeria; Dohrn,
J. f.O. 1871, p. 7, Cape-Verd Is.; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr.
1871-1875, p. 828, App. p. 169; Shelley, B. Egypt, 1872,
p- 211; Godman, Ibis, 1872, p. 218, Canaries and Madeira;
Gould, B. Gt. Brit. iv. 1873, pl.3; Hartl. Vog. Madag. 1877,
p. 266; Dresser, B. Eur. vil. 1879, p. 1], pl. 457 (good).
Columba saxatilis, Briss. Orn. 1. 1760, p. 84; Gm. 8. N. i.
1788, p. 769 (ex Briss.).
Columba enas, Linn. 8. N. 1866, p. 279, pt.
Columba domestica, Linn. 8. N. 1. 1766, p. 279, var. a.
Columba amalia, C. L. Brehm, Vég. Deutschl. 1831, p. 491.
Columba intermedia, Strickl. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1844,
p. 39.
Columba turricola, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1106;
Selys-Longchamps, Ibis, 1870, pp. 453, 454.
Columba schimperi, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1106;
Taylor, Ibis, 1859, p. 49, Egypt; Tristram, P. Z. 8. 1864,
p. 448, Palestine ; Taylor, Ibis, 1867, p. 66, Egypt; Tristram,
Ibis, 1868, pp. 209, 210, Palestine ; Wyatt, Ibis, 1870, pp. 2,
6, 16, Palestine; Shelley, B. Egypt, 1872, p. 212.
Columba rupestris (nec Bp.), C. elegans, C. glauconotus,
C. unicolor, C. dubia, C. L. Brehm, Vogelfang, 1855, p. 256.
Palumbus livia, Heugl. Syst. Uebers. 1856, p. 49.
Columba gymnocyclus, C. plumipes, G. R. Gray, List B.
Brit. Mus. iv. 1856, pp. 28, 29.
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 275
Columba sp.?, Tristram, Ibis, 1859, p. 35, Palestine.
Columba chlorophea, Hartl. P. Z. 8. 1866, p. 329, Prince’s
Island.
Columba fusca, Severtzoff, Turk. Jevotn. 1873, p. 68.
Columba neglecta, Hume, Lahore to Yark. 1878, p. 272.
Head and upper neck slaty grey; remainder of the neck,
all round, metallic green, passing below into rich metallic
coppery purple ; upper back, wing-coverts, lower portion of
the rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail leaden grey, with the
middle back and upper portion of the rump ashy white; the
greater and median wing-coverts, with the exception of the
outer ones, have broad black subterminal bars, generally con-
fined to the outer webs of the feathers, and which form two
distinct cross bars on the wings ; quills dark brown, partially
washed with grey; the tail has a broad terminal black bar ;
breast and under tail-coverts leaden grey ; axillaries and
under wing-coverts white, the latter shaded with grey towards
the edges of the wings; under surface of the quills white,
shading into brown on the outer webs and towards their ends ;
iris orange-red ; bill vinous slate-colour, inclining to white
on the cere; legs red. Total length 11 inches, culmen 0°8,
wing 8°5, tail 4°6, tarsus 1:2.
Hab. Asa domestic bird the whole coast of the African
continent and all the islands within my limits, and is liable
to form a wild colony anywhere.
The characters which most readily distinguish C. livia
from its near ally C. wnas are:—the green metallic collar
entirely surrounding the neck and passing below into rich
coppery purple; the two distinct black bars which partially
cross the wing; the axillaries, greater portion of the under
wing-coverts, and under surface of the quills being white;
the nearly white colouring of the middle and lower back ;
but this latter is not so constant a character, being absent in
the variety C. schimperi.
2. CoLUMBA G@NAS.
Columba enas sive vinago, Briss. Orn. i. 1860, p. 86.
Columba wnas, Linn, Faun. Suec. 1761, p. 75; id. 8. N. 1.
276 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
1766, p. 279, pt.; Temm. & Knip, Pig. i. 1808-1838, p. 24,
p- 11 (good); Gould, B. Eur. iv. 1837, pl. 244 (good) ; Ver-
non Harcourt, P. Z. S. 1851, p. 146, Madeira ; Tristram,
Ibis, 1859, p. 35, Palestine ; 1860, p. 69, Algeria; id. P.Z.S.
1864, p. 448; 1868, p. 209, Palestine; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-
Afr. 1871-1875, p. 827, App. p. 168, Egypt ; Shelley, B.
Egypt, 1872, p. 213; Gould, B. Gt. Brit. iv. 1873, pl. 2
(good); Dresser, B. Eur. vii. 1876, p. 23, pl. 458; Danford,
Ibis, 1878, p. 27, Asia Minor.
Columba cavorum, C. L. Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831,
p- 492.
Palumbena enas, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1106.
Columba arborea, C. L. Brehm, Vogelfang, 1855, p. 257.
Pabumbena columbella, Bp. Cat. Parzud. 1856, p. 9.
General plumage leaden grey, with the upper back, scapu-
lars, and inner secondaries darker; sides and back of the
neck brilliant metallic green, shot with lilac in certain lights ;
a few of the inner secondaries and inner greater and median
wing-coverts are boldly blotched with black on their outer
webs; the bastard wing- and primary-coverts shade into
black, and the outer secondaries have broad black ends; the
primaries shade into slaty brown towards their ends and on
the entire outer feathers ; tail with a broad black end ; lower
throat and crop vinous, gradually shading into grey on the
chest ; under surface of the tail slaty black, paler towards
the base, and with a paler broadish bar about one inch from
the end; under wing-coverts leaden grey; under surface of
the quills dark brown, slightly washed with grey, and with
very narrow partial white edges to their inner webs; iris
dark brown; bill inclining to grey towards the cere and
yellow at the tip; legsred. Total length 13°5 inches, culmen
0°8, wing 8:4, tail 4°8, tarsus 1-1.
Hab. Madeira, the Azores, and the shores of the Medi-
terranean.
This species can hardly be regarded as belonging to the
African fauna. Its occurrence in Egypt is highly pro-
blematical; its claim to being Egyptian rests on a single
specimen, so labelled, in the Berlin Museum.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 277
3. COLUMBA ALBITORQUES.
Columba albitorques, Riipp. N. W. 1835, p. 63, pl. 22. fig. 1,
Abyssinia ; id. Syst. Uebers. 1845, p. 100; DesMurs in
Lefeby. Voy. Abyss. Ois. 1845-1850, p. 140; Finsch & Jesse,
Trans. L. 8. vii. 1869, p. 288, Senafé, Rayrayguddy; Blanf.
Geol. & Zool. Abyss. 1870, p. 416; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr.
1871-1875, p. 826, App. p. 169.
Tenicenas albitorques, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 59, pl. 220.
fig. 1243.
Palumbus albitorques, Heugl. Syst. Uebers. 1855, p. 49.
Stictenas albitorques, Schl. Mus. P.-B. iv. 1873, p. 73.
Entire head deep bluish slate-colour ; on the nape a broad
white collar surrounding the back half of the neck; this
collar is indicated all round the neck by a few narrow white
tips to the feathers in front and on the sides of the throat ;
remainder of the neck covered with slaty-blue lanceolate
feathers, often with very narrow pale shaft-stripes, and par-
tially glossed with metallic green and purple; back, wings,
and tail brown, partially shaded with grey, mostly so towards
the outer wing-coverts and on the middle back ; some of the
inner primary-coverts fade mto white and form a rather con-
spicuous patch on the wing; many of the wing-eoverts have
large black oval patches on their outer webs; the tail ap-
proaches nearly to black on the end half, where, however,
it is crossed by a broad paler and more ashy bar, beneath the
tail is nearly uniform black ; under surface of the body slate-
colour, slightly paler and greyer than the back ; under tail-
coverts deep slaty grey; under surface of the wings brown,
with the axillaries and under wing-coverts deep leaden grey ;
“Gris dull red, approaching violet ; beak black, cere white ;
legs pink” (Blanford). Total. length 11:2 inches, culmen
0°8, wing 86, tail 4°7, tarsus 1:1.
Hab. Abyssinia.
4. COLUMBA UNICINCTA.
Columba unicincta, Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1859, p. 143, Ogo-
bai; Heine, J. f. O. 1859, p. 484; Hartl. J. f. O. 1861,
p. 266.
278 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
« 3. Head above and neck light cinereous ; back and upper
wing-coverts dark lead-colour, every feather edged with light
bluish cinereous, giving a squamose or scale-like character to
those parts; rump and upper tail-coverts dark lead-colour,
more obscurely edged with bluish ashy ; underparts pale
vinous, nearly white on the throat and pale ashy on the sides
and flanks ; middle of abdomen, tibiz, and under tail-coverts
white; tail dark lead-colour, nearly black, with one wide
transverse band of white across the middle of the feathers;
under wing-coverts dark cinereous; bill dark greenish at
base; tip of both mandibles yellow; feet black or horn-
colour; a large naked space round the eye red or dark yellow.
Length 13 inches, wing 8, tail 5.” (Cassin.)
Hab. W. Africa.
I have not been able to examine a specimen of this bird,
so have quoted Mr. Cassin’s original description, taken from
a specimen collected by Duchaillu on the Ogobai river,
Gaboon. Dr. Hartlaub has kindly informed me that a
specimen has recently been obtained in Liberia by Mr.
Bittikofer.
5. CoLUMBA GUINEENSIS.
The Triangular-Spotted Pigeon, Edwards, B. 1847, pl. 75.
Columba guinea, Linn. 8. N. 1. 1766, p. 282 (ex Edwards);
Riipp. N. W. 1835, p. 67, Abyssinia, Sennaar, Kordofan ; id.
Syst. Uebers. 1845, p. 100; DesMurs in Lefebv. Voy. Abyss.
1845-1850, p. 189; Strickl. P. Z. S. 1850, p. 219, Kordofan ;
Strickl. & Sclat. Contr. Orn. 1852, p. 246; Vierthaler, Nau-
mannia, 1852, p. 48; Brehm, J. f. O. 1853, ext. p. 100, Blue
Nile; Hartl. Orn. W.-Afr. 1857, p. 194, Senegal, Casamanse,
Guinea, Rollas I., Angola; id. P. Z.S. 1863, p. 106, E. Afr. ;
Sclat. P. Z.S. 1864, p. 118, Kazeh, Meningo; Antin. Cat.
1864, p. 87, White Nile; Blanf. Geol. & Zool. Abyss. 1870,
p. 415, Senafé, Lebka; Antin. & Salvad. Viagg. Bogos, 1873,
p. 180, Keren.
Columba guineensis, Bonn. Enc, Méth. i. 1790, p. 244;
Finsch & Jesse, Trans. L. 8. vii. 1869, p. 288, Abyssinia ;
Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. 1870, p. 539, pt.; Heugl. Orn.
N.O.-Afr. 1871-1875, p. 822, App. p. 168.
Columbide of the Hihiopian Region. 279
Columba trigonigera, Wag). Syst. Av., Columba, 1827,sp.51;
Swains. B. W. Afr. ii. 1837, p. 212, pt. descr.; Allen & Thomps.
Exp. Niger, 1. 1848, p. 41, Rollas Is.
Stictenas dilloni, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1105.
Stictaenas guinea, Reichb. Taub. 1855, pp. 59, 171, Suppl.
pl. 2. fig. 22.
Stictenas trigonigera, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 60, pl. 221.
fig. 1250.
Palumbus guineus, Heugl. Syst. Uebers. 1855, p. 49; Hartl.
J.f. O. 1863, p. 468.
Very similar to C. pheonota, but the grey parts are gene-
rally slightly paler, especially the lower back and rump,
which, in the present species, is pale pearl-grey, inclining to
white. Total length 13:2 inches, culmen 0:9, wing 8°7, tail
4°6, tarsus 1:05.
Hab. West Africa, from Angola to Senegal, and crosses
the continent into North-east Africa, where it ranges from
Uniamuezi, about 4° S. lat., northward to about 16° N. lat.
My description is taken from a specimen in my own col-
lection labelled “ Niger (Baikie).”’
The C. guineensis, Bocage, Orn. Angola, p. 381, I have re-
ferred to C. pheonota, so I do not include Benguela within
the range of this species.
6. CoLUMBA PHZONOTA.
Le Ramier Roussard, Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. 1808, p. 70,
pl. 265 (good).
Columba trigonigera, Swains. B. W. Afr. i. 1837, p. 212
(pt. nec descr.) ; Gurney, Ibis, 1860, p. 214, 1864, p. 359,
1868, p. 164.
Columba guinea, Strickl. & Sclat. Contr. Orn. 1852, p. 156,
Damara; Layard, B. S. Afr. 1867, p. 256; Chapman, Trav.
S. Afr. 1868, App. p. 411; Woodward, Zoologist, 1875,
p- 4615, Natal; Barratt, Ibis, 1876, p. 208, Transvaal.
Columba pheonota, Gray, List Brit. Mus. Columb. 1856,
p- 832; Bp. Compt. Rend. xliii. 1856, p. 838; Buckley, Ibis,
1874, p. 384, Natal; Ayres, Ibis, 1877, p. 345, 1880, p. 109,
Transvaal; Shelley, Ibis, 1882, p. 359; Butler, Feilden, &
Reid, Zoologist, 1883, p. 337, Natal.
280 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Columba guineensis, Finsch & -Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. 1870,
p. 439, pt.?; Bocage, Orn. Angola, 1881, p. 381, Huilla,
Capangombe.
Stictenas pheonotus, Gurney in Anderss. B. Damara Ld.
1872, p. 231; Shelley, Ibis, 1875, p. 83, Cape Colony.
Stictenas trigonigera, Schl. Mus. P.-B. iv. 18738, p. 73.
Entire head leaden grey, with a large patch round the eye
crimson ; feathers of the neck lanceolate fawn-colour, with
the ends vinous, often tinted with grey and partially glossed
with metallic lilac and green; upper back, scapulars, inner
wing-coverts, and innermost secondaries vinous-chestnut,
shading into deep grey on the remainder of the wings ; nearly
all the wing-coverts are tipped with white triangular spots ;
the outer secondaries shade into black towards their ends,
which are narrowly edged with white; the primaries shade
into dark brown towards their ends, and have narrow partial
pale edges to their outer webs ; remainder of the back, the
upper tail-coverts, and the tail dark leaden grey ; the tail has
a broad terminal bar and a less sharply defined narrower one
about the middle black; under surface of the body deep
leaden grey (the feathers of the chest sometimes partially
edged with vinous, probably a mark of immaturity); under
tail-coverts darker, often shading almost into black; under
surface of the tail uniform slaty black; under wing-coverts
leaden grey; under surface of the quills dark brown; iris
pale yellow when immature, changing to red in the adult ;
bill dusky slate-colour, with the cere white; legs red, pow-
dered with white between the scales. Total length 12:5
inches, culmen 0°9, wing 9°2, tail 4°8, tarsus 1:05.
Hab. 8. Africa.
This species, as far as we know, is confined to South Africa,
and has not yet been recorded from the whole of that sub-
region. It lives in flocks, and much resembles C. livia in
its habits. It is abundant in Cape Colony, Great Namaqua
and Damara Land, and also, at least at certain seasons,
plentiful in Kaffraria, Natal, and the Transvaal. I think it
highly probable that the C. guineensis, Bocage, Orn. Angola,
p. 381, belongs to this species, and consequently that it is
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 281
a native of Benguela. My description is taken from a
male collected by myself in Cape Colony. In the speci-
mens examined, the wing varies from 8-2 inches to 9:2 in
length.
Il. Trocaza. Type.
Trocaza, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1104 . 7. meyeri.
The genus Trocaza, Bp., was formed for the reception of
Columba trocaz, Heineken, and C. meyeri, Marchal; and the
only important character ascribed to that genus is “ Remex
prima brevior quam quinta.” Now I find that in the former
the first primary is not shorter than the fifth, but is so in
the latter; therefore I consider C. meyeri, Marchal, must be
regarded as the proper type of Trocaza.
This genus is represented by a single species, which is con-
fined to the island of Mauritius.
7. TRoCAZA MEYERI.
Columba meyeri, Marchal, MS., Prévost & Knip, Pig. ii.
1808-1838, pl. 60 (good) ; Schl. & Poll. Faun. Madag. Ois.
1868, p. 111, pl. 86 (good) ; Hartl. Vog. Madag. 1877,
p. 265.
Trocaza meyeri, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1104.
Head, neck, and entire breast pale pink, fading into white
towards the forehead, cheeks, and upper throat, and passing
into rather darker pink on the front of the upper back ; re-
mainder of the upper back and the entire wings brown, with
a slight shade of olive and rufous; quills with narrow pale
edges; remainder of the back ashy pink, strongly mottled
with chestnut on the rump ; upper tail-coverts and entire tail
uniform chestnut, except the outer tail-feathers on each side,
which fade into buff towards their edges ; under tail-coverts
deep pink; under surface of the wings ashy brown, slightly
paler on the axillaries and under wing-coverts ; iris yellow ;
bill yellow, shaded with red towards the base; legs red.
Total length 15 inches, culmen 0-9, wing 8:2, tail 7, tar-
sus 1:2.
Hab, Mauritius.
282 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
My description is taken from a specimen in my own col-
lection labelled “ Mauritius (Van Dam).”
III. Patumsvus. , Type.
Palumbus, Kaup, Nat. Syst. 1829, p. 107 . . P. palumbus.
Stictenas, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p.59 . . =. P. arquatriz.
All the members of this genus are of comparatively large
size, and have the upper portion of the tarsus near the knee-
joint feathered.
I shall include six species in the genus; of these, two only,
P. pollent and P. arquatriz, belong properly to the African
Region, the other four, P. palumbus, P. trocaz, P. bollii, and
P. laurworus, to the Western Palearctic Region.
Key to the Species.
a. General plumage nearly uniform brown, with no
white spots on the WIGS. .......css0cscenssseges 8. pollent.
&. Wing-coverts and chest spotted with white ; bill and
Me DOHION~ YONG wie wie cuinnie sti ate ore ge eicla ete eins 9. arquatrix,
ce. With none, or only a small portion, of the plumage
brown; wing-coverts and chest with no white spots ;
bill and legs not lemon-yellow.
c', With a large patch of white on the sides of the
neck and a white patch on the outer wing-coverts. 10, palumbus,
d‘, With no white on the plumage.
d’, With a broad pale central bar across the tail.
d*, Vinous of the underparts restricted to the
upper half of theichest)hnss gases mean 11. trocaz.
e’, Vinous of the underparts extends over the
whole chest and portion of the abdomen ., 12. bollit.
eg, Witheno bar qu ghettaal’ vacananenns + ntee cece 13, laurivorus,
8. PALUMBUS POLLENI.
Columba polleni, Schl. Ned. Tijdschrift v.d. Dierk. iii.
1866, p. 88, Mayotte; id. P. Z. 8S. 1866, p. 424; Schl. &
Poll. Faun. Madag. Ois. 1868, p. 112, pl. 35 (good) ; Hartl.
Vég. Madag. 1871, p. 267; E. Newton, P. Z. 8S. 1877,
pp. 300, 302, Anjuan ; Shelley, P. Z. S. 1879, p. 778, Anjuan.
Stictenas pollent, Schl. Mus. P.-B. iv. 1878, p. 72.
Entire plumage nearly uniform brown; a collar at the
Columbide of the Hthiopian Region. 283
back and sides of the neck of lanceolate blackish-brown fea-
thers, with paler ashy-brown ends, these ends often partially
edged with buff; the lower back is slightly paler and more
ashy than the wings; the tail is uniform; the quills with
very partial pale narrow edges; the underparts very slightly
paler than the wings and tail, and often have the edges of
the feathers slightly washed with rufous, and occasionally the
chest is faintly spotted with buff; iris pale brown; bill yel-
low, shaded towards the base with dusky olive ; legs olive,
shaded yellow. ‘Total length 13°8 inches, culmen 0°85, wing
8°9, tail 6°3, tarsus 1.
Hab. Comoro Islands.
This Pigeon has, as yet, only been obtained in the islands
of Mayotte and Anjuan, where it appears tobe rare. On the
island of Mayotte it is known to the French colonists as
“ Pigeon voyageur ;” and being a bird well constructed for
powerful flight, I think it probably has a wider range than
has at present been ascertained. Its nearest ally appears to
me to be P. arquatriz from the mainland. My description
is taken from two specimens collected for me by Sir John
Kirk in Anjuan; in one of these the chest is faintly spotted
with buff, a sign, I presume, of immaturity.
According to Mr. E. Newton, this species has the “ beak
and feet yellow, iris yellow.”” This probably apples to the
very fully adult, and the “iris brun clair” of Schl. & Poll.
to the rather less adult bird.
9. PALUMBUS ARQUATRIX. 4
Le Rameron, Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. 1808, p. 67, pl. 264
(good).
Columba arquatriz, Temm. & Knip, Pig. i. 1808-38, p. 11,
pl. 5 (not good) ; Temm. Hist. Pig. et Gall. 1813, pp. 93, 447 ;
Rupp. N. W. 1835-1840, p. 67, Abyssinia ; id. Syst. Uebers.
1845, p. 100, Abyssinia ; Gurney, Ibis, 1860, p. 213, Natal ;
Monteiro, P. Z.S8. 1864, p.18, Benguela ; Layard, B.S. Afr.
1867, p. 257, Knysna and Capetown; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr.
1871-1875, p. 825, App. p. 169; Ayres, Ibis, 1880, p. 109,
Transvaal; Bocage, Orn. Angola, 1881, p. 382.
SER. V.—VOL. I. x
284. Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Stictenas arquatriz, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 59, pl. 221.
figs. 1251, 1252.
Stictenas arquatricula, Bp. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. 1857,
p. 50,
Forehead, front half of the crown, and the cheeks very
deep vinous purple; remainder of the sides of the head,
throat, and neck paler, of a more vinous lilac, shaded with
grey towards the chin ; back half of the crown and the nape
pearl-grey ; the feathers on the back and sides of the neck
are somewhat lanceolate and their black bases partially show ;
the base of the neck is bordered in front and on the sides by
a collar formed by the broad edges of vinous white to the
feathers, these edges indented by the dark basal portion,
which is shaded with rufous purple; upper back, smaller
scapulars, and the inner half of the wing-coverts deep purple-
shaded chestnut, passing gradually on the remainder of the
wings into leaden grey, which colour again shades into
brownish black towards the outer quills and into dark brown
on the inner secondaries and greater scapulars; the lesser
scapulars and the lesser and median wing-coverts are clearly
spotted with white ; the primaries are very narrowly edged
with white; the middle and lower back deep slaty grey,
shading into uniform black on the upper tail-coverts and
tail; remainder of the underparts slaty grey ; all the feathers
of the chest have their edges broadly washed with purple
shaded chestnut, and have clear white terminal spots; the
under tail-coverts are occasionally edged with white; “iris,
bare skin round the eyes, entire bill, and legs yellow”
(Gordge). 'Total length 14-8 inches, culmen 0°85, wing 9,
tail 6, tarsus 1.
Hab. S. Africa and Abyssinia.
This species ranges throughout South Africa and, according
to Mr. T. Ayres, comes to Natal “ by thousands in the month
of June, leaving again in August ; they keep to the bush
along the coast, only a few stragglers being found a few
miles inland; they feed entirely upon the berries which
abound on the trees in the bush during the winter months.
I have never seen them alight on the ground ; they are shot
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 285
here by hundreds, and afford our Durban sportsmen capital
sport.”
My description is taken from a specimen collected for me
by Mr. George at Berg Mountain, near Durban.
10. PaLuMBUs PALUMBUS.
Columba palumbus, Linn. 8. N. i. 1766, p. 282; Temm. &
Knip, Pig. i. 1808-1838, p. 3, pl. 2 (good) ; Gould, B. Eur.
iv. 1837, pl. 243 (good) ; Vernon Harcourt, P. Z. S. 1851,
p-. 142, Madeira; Salvin, Ibis, 1859, p. 318, E. Atlas; Tris-
tram, Ibis, 1860, p. 152, Algeria; id. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 448,
Palestine ; Godman, Ibis, 1866, pp. 99, 107, Azores; Drake,
Ibis, 1867, p. 408, E. Morocco; Tristram, Ibis, 1868, p. 209,
Palestine ; Taczanowski, J. f.O. 1870, p. 51, Constantine;
Gurney, Ibis, 1871, p. 294, Algeria; Dresser, B. Eur. vii.
1878, p. 3, pl. 456; Danford, Ibis, 1878, p. 27, Asia Minor.
Columba,torquaia, Leach, Syst. Cat. M. & B. Brit. Mus.
1816, p. 26.
Columba pinetorum, C. Li. Brehm, Vo6g. Deutschl. 1831,
p. 488.
Palumbus torquatus, Bp. Cat. Parzud. 1856, p.9; id. Icon.
Pig. 1857, pl. 57 (good) ; Gould, B. Gt. Brit. iv. 1873, pl. 1
(good).
Palumbus eacelsus, Bp. Compt. Rend. xliii. 1856, pp. 836,
948.
Columba trocaz, Morel (nec Hein.), Hist. Nat. Acor. 1860,
p. 84.
Entire head and upper throat leaden grey ; back and sides
of the neck metallic green, with a large white patch on each
side of the hind neck ; upper back, the greater portion of the
. wing-coverts, and the secondaries brown, slightly glossed
with metallic green and lilac towards the base of the neck ;
the wing-coverts gradually pass into pearl-grey towards the
outer ones, which are very broadly edged on their outer
webs with white, forming a large white patch on the wing;
bastard wing and primary-coverts brownish black, remainder
of the quills dark brown, with white edges to their outer
webs ; remainder of the back, upper tail-coverts, and tail
x2
286 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
pearl-grey, shading into slaty black for about the end quarter
of the tail; lower throat and crop deep vinous, slightly
glossed on the sides with metallic lilac, gradually fading into
white on the abdomen and under tail-coverts; the sides of
the body shade into pale pearl-grey; under surface of the
wings grey, shading into brown towards the outer webs and
ends of the quills ; under surface of the tail black, crossed
by a broad white bar; iris pale yellow; bill pinkish red,
fading into yellow towards the tip; legs red, powdered with
white between the scales. Total length 17 inches, culmen
0:9, wing 10, tail 7°2, tarsus 1:2.
Hab. Madeira, Azores, and Mediterranean coast, with the
exception of Egypt.
11. PALUMBUS TROCAZ.
Columba trocaz, Heineken in Brewster’s Journ. 1829,
p-. 228, Madeira; Jard. & Selby, Ill. Orn. 1825-]839, pl. 98
(bad) ; Vernon Harcourt, P. Z.S. 1851, p. 142; id. Ann. &
Mag. Nat. Hist. xii. 1853, p. 58; A. Newton, Ibis, 1863, p.186;
Godman, Ibis, 1872, p. 214; Dresser, B. Eur. vii. 1875, p. 33,
pl. 461 (good).
Columba laurivora, Webb & Berthelot, Orn. Can. 1836-
1844, p. 26, pl. 3 (top fig.).
' Trocaza trocaz, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1104.
Trocaza bouvryi, Bp. Compt. Rend. xlii. 1856, pp. 837,
948, “ Morocco”’!; id. Icon. Pig. 1857, pl. 70.
“Head and neck slaty dove-blue, feathers on the hind neck
and sides of the neck tipped with light silvery or French grey ;
back and lesser wing-coverts dark plumbeous slate on the
fore part of the back and hind neck, glossed with purple and
green ; rump rather bluer than the rest of the upper parts ;
quills blackish, some of the primaries with a narrow greyish-
blue margin, the inner secondaries tinged with slate ; primary-
coverts dove-blue; tail dark plumbeous slate, crossed by a
broad subterminal dove-blue band; breast vinous red ; rest
of the underparts slaty blue; bill and space round the eye
coral-red, the former tipped with blackish ; iris straw-colour ;
legs coral-red ; claws black. Total length about 16 inches,
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 287
culmen 1:0, gape 1:2, wing 9°2, tail 7°4, tarsus 1°38, middle
toe with claw 2:0.” (Dresser.)
Hab. Madeira.
This species appears entirely confined to the island of
Madeira, and the locality Morocco assigned to it by Bona-
parte is undoubtedly an error.
As this and the next two species do not belong to the
African region, I have thought it sufficient here to quote Mr.
Dresser’s descriptions (B. Eur. vii.), where the three species
are also well figured.
12. PALUMBUS BOLLII.
? Columba bouvryi, Bolle (nec Bp.), J. £. O. 1857, p. 329.
Columba bollii, Godman, Ibis, 1872, p. 217; Dresser, B.
Eur. vii. 1875, p. 29, pl. 459 (good).
“* Head, neck, and centre of the back dark dove-blue with
a slaty tinge; sides of the neck and hind neck glossed with —
green, a small portion of the feathers on the sides of the
neck tipped with coppery red, fore part of the back extending
to the sides of the back richly glossed with reddish purple,
the hind crown being also slightly glossed with this colour ;
upper parts dark plumbeous slate, bluer on the rump; quills
blackish; tail blackish, broadly subterminated with dark
dove-blue, and finally tipped with dusky slate; throat down
to the breast slaty blue, slightly glossed with green; breast
and abdomen deep vinous, almost coppery red; flanks and
lower abdomen, with the under tail-coverts, deep bluish
slate; bill red, darker at the tip; legs coral-red; iris straw-
colour ; edge round the eye coral-red. Total length about
14°5 inches, culmen 1:0, gape 1:1, wing 8:2, tail 6:2, tarsus
1:2, middle toe with claw 1°5.” (Dresser.)
Hab. Tenerifie.
13. PaALUMBUS LAURIVORUS.
Columba laurivora, Webb & Berthelot, Orn. Can. 1886-
1844, p. 26, pl. 3, lower fig.; Prévost & Knip, Pig. ii. 1808-
1838, p. 79, pl. 43 (very bad); Bolle, J. f. O. 1855, p. 171,
1857, p. 324; Godman, Ibis, 1872, p. 216; Dresser, B. Eur.
vii. 1875, p. 31, pl. 460 (good).
288 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Trocaza laurivora, Bp. Icon. Pig. 1857, pl. 69; id. Compt.
Rend, xlii. 1857, pp. 837, 948.
“ Head, netk, and back dull dove-slate, crown and nape
glossed with green ; sides of the neck glossed with purplish
red and green; upper surface of the wings slate, with a
brownish tinge; quills dull dark brown; tail dull brownish
ashy grey, much paler than in C. dollii, on the central por-
tion gradually becoming paler until the tip is light grey;
on the under surface of the tail the terminal portion is
whitish ; feathers on the throat reddish at the base and
tipped with greenish ; rest of the underparts coppery red, the
under tail-coverts only being dull slaty blue; bill red, darker
at the tip; legs coral-red; iris straw-colour. Total length
14°5 inches, culmen 1°2, wing 8°6, tail 6:2, tarsus 1:5, middle
toe with claw 1°82.” (Dresser.)
Hab. Canary Islands.
IV. Turturena.
Turturena, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854, Type.
p- 1104: ae . T. delegorguit.
Peleienas, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p-54 . . T. delegorgues.
In size and general appearance these birds much resemble
Aplopelia; but in the present genus the back and wings are
slate-colour, occasionally partially washed with chestnut.
From the relative proportions of the primaries, and from the
shortness of the tarsi, they more nearly approach Palumbus.
To this genus I shall refer three species, all very rare in collec-
tions :—T. delegorguii, which is only known from Natal, and
T. malherbii and T. iriditorques, confined to West Africa.
Key to the Species.
a, With the upper portion of the front of the tarsus
feathered close to the knee-joint. Sexes very dis-
similar.
a’, Witha broad white collar at the junction of the
back of the neek and mantle .............. 14, delegorgiut 3.
ot, With norwhiite collas 15 ch.8i peindald acta nana delegorguii 2.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 289
6. With the tarsi entirely naked ; under tail-coverts
brown. Sexes similar.
b'. Chest grey ; under tail-coverts sandy brown .. 15, matherbii.
ce’. Chest and under tail-coverts deep rufous...... 16. driditorques.
14, TurRTUR@NA DELEGORGUII.
Columba delegorguei, Delegorgue, Voy. Afr. Austr. 11. 1847,
p. 615, Port Natal; Verr. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1851, p. 514;
Gurney, Ibis, 1864, p. 354, Natal ; Layard, B. S. Afr. 1867,
Mees.
Columba johanne, Verr. MS. 1851; Bp. Compt. Rend.
xxxix. 1854, p. 1104.
Columba lunigera, Gray, MS. Brit. Mus. 1854; Bp. Compt.
Rend. xxxix. 1854, p. 1104.
Turturena delegorguz, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854,
p. 1164; id. Consp. Gen. Av. 11. 1857, p. 45.
Peleienas delegorguei, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 54.
Male adult. Head and neck deep slate-colour, only very
slightly paler towards the forehead and chin; back of the
head and back and sides of the neck very strongly glossed
with metallic amethyst-lilac, with reflections of green in
certain lights ; this same gloss extends onto the front of the
neck, from the middle throat onto the upper chest, but is far
less intense, only being visible in certain lights, and finally
disappears altogether on the lower chest; the back of the
neck is separated from the mantle by a broad white collar
extending from shoulder to shoulder ; remainder of the upper
parts slaty black, shading into chestnut on the upper back,
wing-coverts, and portion of the inner secondaries; the edges
of the feathers of the upper back are faintly glossed towards
their edges with metallic lilac and green; the tail has a
narrow pale end, most perceptible from beneath. Under
surface —crop and chest vinous, shading into slate-colour on
the sides of the body, abdomen, and under wing and tail-
coverts ; towards the junction of the vinous and slate-colours
the feathers become freckled with the two colours, and the
ends of some of the under tail-coverts are also somewhat
freckled with vinous ; end portion of the bill yellow, basal
portion dark ; legs yellow. Total length 12°5 inches, culmen
290 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
0°75, wing 7°38, tail 4°6, tarsus 0°9. “ Iris dark brown; bill
ash; bare skin round the eye, and also the tarsi and feet,
dark pink” (7. Ayres, Ibis, 1864, p. 354).
Female adult. Forehead, front of the crown, cheeks, ear-
coverts, and entire underparts grey, freckled or vermiculated
with buff; chin and front half of the head, pale grey, gra-
dually deepening into slate-colour towards the lower breast ;
under tail-coverts uniform slate-colour, with almost imper-
ceptibly paler edges ; the vermiculations on the lower throat
and chest are shaded with vinous; remainder of the crown,
nape, and back of neck cinnamon, glossed towards the latter
part with metallic lilac, shaded with green in certain lights ;
remainder of the upper parts slaty black, quills slightly
browner ; the metallic lustre of the hind neck extends for a
short distance onto the upper back in lilac or green reflec-
tions according to the light ; the remainder of the feathers
of the upper back and many of the wing-coverts have a barely
perceptible chestnut edging to the feathers; the tail has a
narrow pale end, most perceptible from beneath; under
wing-coverts deep slate-colour; “iris dull red; end portion
of the bill yellow, basal portion dark purple; legs flesh-
colour” (7. L. Ayres). Total length 10°5 inches, culmen
0°65 ; wing 6°5, tail 4°8, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. Natal.
The male I have described from the type of Columba luni-
gera, Gray, in the British Museum, and the female from a
fine specimen in my own cabinet, collected by Mr. T. L.
Ayres at Durban, who writes, “This is the only specimen I
have shot. It was feeding upon mulberries in a garden on
the Berea. My cousin shot two a few days before at the
same place in October.”
I know of no other species of African Pigeon, excepting
(ina capensis, in which the sexes differ so much as in the
present instance; but that they are mere sexual differences,
I think Monsieur Delegorgue, in his original description,
places beyond a doubt. ‘This species has not yet been
figured.
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 291
15. TuRTUR@NA MALHERBII.
Columba malherbii, Verr. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1851, p. 514,
Gaboon; Gray, List Brit. Mus. Columb. 1856, p.30; Hartl.
Orn. W.-Afr. 1857, p. 194; Cass. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil.
1859, p. 143, Camma river; Hartl. J. f. O. 1861, p. 266.
Turturena malherbii, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854,
p. 1104; id. Consp. Gen. Av. ii. 1857, p. 46.
Peleienas malherbii, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 54.
Columba chalcauchenia, Gray, List Brit. Mus. Columb.
1856, p. 30, Gaboon.
Turturena chalcauchia, Bp. Compt. Rend. xlii. 1858,
p. 837.
General colouring—head, neck, and underparts ashy grey ;
under tail-coverts sandy brown, under surface of the tail
partially washed with that colour; back, wings, and tail
blackish slate-colour; the inner webs of most of the tail-
feathers partially washed with a sandy-brown shade; the
back half of the head and the back and sides of the neck are
brilliantly glossed with metallic amethyst-lilac, throwing off
green reflections in certain lights; similar metallic shades of
less intensity extend onto the cheeks, lower throat, crop, and
upper portion of the mantle; ‘‘bill leaden grey, with the
cere bright yellow, legs yellow” (Verr.). Total length
11°5 inches, culmen 0°65; wing 6°8, tail 4°5, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. Gaboon.
The specimen here described is mounted in the British
Museum, and was collected in Gaboon.
This species has only been met with im the district of
Gaboon.
16. TuRTUR@NA IRIDITORQUES.
Columba iriditorques, Cass. Pr. Ac. Nat. Se. Philad. 1856,
p. 254, St. Paul’s river, Moonda river; Hartl. Orn. W.-Afr.
1857, p. 267; Cass. Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1859; p. 1435
Schl. Mus. P.-B. iv. 1873, p. 69.
Turturena, sp.? Bocage, Jorn. Lisb. 1869,, p. 144, St.
Thomas Is.
Forehead, chin, and throat pale grey, shading into leaden
292 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
grey on the crown and sides of the neck; cheeks and ear-
coverts washed with chestnut-brown ; back of the head and
nape dark grey mixed with cinnamon, with a strong metallic
green gloss, slightly varied with lilac and copper; back of
the neck cinnamon, glossed with copper and metallic lilac ;
remainder of the upper parts slaty black, partially glossed
with metallic green, tinged with lilac and violet according to
the light, excepting on the quills and tail; the metallic gloss
is strongest on the upper back, which, in some lights, is
entirely metallic lilac, and in others green; tail, two centre
feathers uniform slaty black, the others broadly tipped with
rufous-buff, passing into chestnut towards the shafts, and
this chestnut-colour extends for some distance down the
inner webs of the feathers and gradually mingles with the
slaty black of the remainder of the feathers ; the edges of
the feathers towards the tip are powdered with slate-colour ;
breast rufous, very slightly glossed towards the crop with
metallic lilac, and with the bases of the feathers and fine
vermiculation of slaty grey; abdomen and under tail-coverts
uniform rufous ; the flanks are more strongly shaded with
slate-colour than the centre of the breast; under wing-
coverts slate-colour; the end portion of the bill yellow, the
basal portion dark ; legs yellow. Total length 9°4 inches ;
culmen 0:6, wing 6:2, tail 3°8, tarsus 0°7.
Hab. W. Africa.
This species ranges from Gaboon to the Gold Coast,
and occurs on the island of St. Thomas.
The specimen here described was collected for me at
Abouri, on the Gold Coast, about thirty miles inland from
Accra, It agrees well with Mr. Cassin’s description of the
type, but is slightly smaller, and is probably a female.
V. HapLopezia. Type.
Aplopelia, Bp. Compt. Rend. xxxix. 1854,
PoeOAee ee Ne Ee ade A. larvata.
Haplopeleia, Keichb. Taub. 1855, p. 76. . . A. larvata.
As in the synonymy we find members of this genus re-
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 293
ferred to Peristera, Swains., and Leptoptila, Swains., I may
here mention that Peristera differs from all the African
forms in the hind toe not being more than half the length
of the middle one. Leptoptila differs from all excepting
Tympanistria and Geopelia in having the first primary
sulcated.
Besides the characters already given for this genus, its
members may be readily distinguished from those of Tur-
turena by the back and wings being always brown.
I shall only recognize three species as belonging to this
genus, H. larvata, H. principalis, and H. simplex, being of
opinion that H. bronzina (Riipp.), from N.E. Africa, should
not be separated from H. larvata (Temm.) of 8S. Africa. But
I cannot write with any authority upon the species belonging
to this genus, having only seen South-African specimens of
H. larvata, and consequently, with regard to Hl. principalis
and HH. simplex, I have been obliged to quote Dr. Hartlaub’s
descriptions.
Key to the Species.
a. Entire front half of the head white; breast and under
tall-covertsrulOus! | sae sty.) sareieas Meyaia sis) ckvtad wieehe 17. larvata.
b. Forehead not white; breast and under tail-coyerts not
rufous.
6'. Under tail-coverts not white ..........0eceeces 18. principals.
ex nder tul-coverts whites... ste sea te ae ate 19. s¢mplex.
17. HapPLopPELiA LARVATA.
La Tourterelle & masque blanc, Levaill. Ois. d’ Afr. vi. 1808,
p 80, pl. 269.
Columba larvata, Temm. & Knuip, Pig.1. 1808-1838, p. 71,
pl. 31; id. Hist. Pig. et Gall. 1813, pp. 266, 471.
Peristera larvata, Selby, Nat. Libr. v. 1835, p. 211, pl. 26
(very bad) ; Layard, B. 8. Afr, 1867, p. 263; Gurney, Ibis,
1868, p. 47, Natal; Shelley, Ibis, 1875, p. 84, Durban;
Woodward, Zoologist, 1875, p. 4617, Natal; Barratt, Ibis,
1876, p. 208, Macomac; Ayres, tom. cit. p. 433, Lydenburg.
Columba sylvestris, Forst. (nee Vieill.) Deser. An. 1844,
p. 52, Cape.
294 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Aplopelia larvata, Bp. Compt. Rend. xl. 1855, p. 18; id.
Consp. Gen. Av. ii. 1857, p. 66; Holub & von Pelz. Beitr.
Orn. Sudafr. 1882, p. 176.
Haplopeleia larvata, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 76, pl. 258.
fig. 1434.
Haplopeleia erythrogastra, Reichb. tom. cit. pp. 77, 176,
Suppl. pl. 3. fig. 28.
Leptoptila larvata, Schl. Mus. P.-B. iv. 1873, p. 161.
From N.E. Africa.
Columba bronzina, Riipp. Neue Wirb. 1835, p. 65, pl. 23.
fig. 1, Abyssinia; DesMurs in Zelebor’s Voy. Abyss. 1845,
p. 141.
Turtur bronzinus, Riipp. Syst. Uebers. 1845, p. 100.
Aplopelia bronzina, Bp. Compt. Rend. xl. 1855, p. 18; id.
Consp. Gen. Av. ii. 1857, p.66; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871,
p- 844.
Haplopeleia bronzina, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 77, pl. 258.
fig. 1440.
Haplopeleia chalcea, Finsch in Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. App.
1375; p. 171.
Front half of the head and upper throat white; the cheeks
and ear-coverts white, faintly tinted with vinous ash; re-
mainder of the head and the neck vinous shaded rufous,
strongly glossed with metallic shades of green and copper,
changing to lilac in certain lhghts; interscapular region
slate-colour, with broad metallic edges to the feathers of
green, passing in certain lights into lilac; remainder of the
back, wings, and two centre tail-feathers brown, with a very
slight green gloss; some of the outer primaries with very
narrow partial white edges ; remainder of the tail brownish
black, with the ends of the feathers deep grey for about one
inch, underneath black and ashy white; under surface of
the body rufous, with a vinous shade on the chest, and
slightly glossed with the same metallic shades as the neck,
and passing into dusky brown on the sides of the body ; under
wing-coverts and under surface of the quills dark brown, the
latter rather paler towards the basal portion of their inner
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 295
edges; iris deep lilac; bill black; bare skin round the eye
and the legs red. Length 10°5 inches, culmen 0°65, wing
5:9, tail 4-2, tarsus 1.
Hab. 8. and N.E. Africa.
My description is taken from a male specimen collected by
myself at Durban.
I have followed Prof. Schlegel (Mus. P.-B. iv. p. 161) in
uniting the N.E.-African Columba bronzina, Riipp., with the.
8.-African C. larvata, Temm., as I cannot find any character
in the description of C. bronzina to warrant its separation ;
but not having had an opportunity of examining a specimen
from N.E. Africa, I have kept their synonymy separate.
This species is not uncommon in the bush from the Cape
to the Transvaal; but we have no record of it from the west
coast north of the Orange river. In N.E. Africa it appears
to be confined to Abyssinia, and to be very rare.
18. HaApPLoPpELiIA PRINCIPALIS.
Peristera principalis, Hartl. P. Z. 8. 1866, p. 330, Prince’s
Island.
“ Supra brunnea, nitore cupreo-rubente et virescente ; sin-
cipite cano; nucha vinaceo-purpurascente ; remigibus
fuscis, 2°-5™ valde emarginatis ; subalaribus ardesiacis ;
mento niveo; pectore vinaceo-rubente ; abdomine sen-
sim albicante ; subcaudalibus canis; colli lateribus lete
rubentibus, rectricibus ; 2 mediis exceptis, nigris, apice
late et dilute cinereis ; rostro nigro, pedibus nitide ru-
bris. Long. 0°26, rostr. a fr. 0°018, alee 0°156, caude
0:08, tars. 0°03 m.” (Hartl. P. Z.S. 1866, p. 330.)
Hab. Prince’s Island.
I have given Dr. Hartlaub’s original description, as I a
not seen the type, which I believe to be unique,
19. HapLopeLia SIMPLEX.
Turtur simplex, Hartl. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1849, p. 497,
St. Thomas Is. ; id. Abhandl. nat. Vereins Bremen, ii, 1852,
por, plel0; ca J.f. O. 1854, p. 207.
Aplopelia simplex, Bp. Compt. Rend. xl. 1855, p. 18; Hartl.
J. £.0. 1861, p. 266.
296 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
Haplopeleia simplex, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 78, pl. 266.
figs. 2872, 2873. |
Peristera simplex, Hartl. Orn. W.-Afr. 1857, p. 196.
“Supra olivaceo-brunnescens, subtus pallidior, flavescenti-
brunnea; gula, abdomine medio, crisso et subcaudalibus
albis; fronte et sincipite dilute canis; pileo, collo toto
et interscapulio nitore columbino-purpurascente, sub
certa luce smaragdino-micantibus ; remigibus primariis
albo limbatis; subalaribus fuscis; rectricibus mediis
dorso concoloribus, reliquis late cinereo terminatis ;
rostro nigro, pedibus rubentibus. Long. 114", rostr.
7", al. 5! 9! tars..10".?? (Hartl. Orn, W.-Aff. -p. 196).
Hab. St. Thomas Island, W. Afr.
This rare bird is only known to me by the description and
figure.
VI. Turtor. Type.
Peristera, Boie, 1828, nec Swains. 1827. TJ. communis.
Turtur, Selby, Nat. Libr. v. 1835, p.169 TZ. communis.
Streptopelia, Bp. Compt. Rend. xl. 1855,
Duy Soetecgalet ie ppm
I shall here consider the genus 7urtur as represented by
fifteen species. One of these, 7. risorius, only occurs within
my limits as a native of Palestine. ‘Two others, 7. communis
and 7. senegalensis, are included in Mr. Dresser’s ‘ Birds of
Europe,’ and belong also to the Asiatic as well as the Western
Palearctic Regions. Four, T. picturatus, T. aldabranus, T.
comorensis, and 7. rostratus, are confined to the islands of
the Indian Ocean, which I include in the Ethiopian Region.
T. erythrocephalus is only known by a single specimen in
the British Museum labelled “ Cape of Good Hope.” This
part of Africa has been so well worked that, if the locality is
correct, it appears most surprising that the specimen should
have remained unique; and the only way I can account for
it is by supposing 7. erythrocephalus to be a hybrid cage-
bird, for it is strikingly intermediate in plumage between
T. lugens,and T. isabellinus, both from E. Africa, only with a
more vinous shade. The remaining five, 7. semitorquatus, T.
decipiens, T. roseogriseus, T. vinaceus, and T. capicola, belong
T. semitorquatus.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 297
to the group of Collared Turtle Doves represented in Europe
by T. risorius and our common cage-bird T. roseogriseus. The
members of this group, from their somewhat general similar
appearance, have been the cause of much confusion in our
nomenclature, yet each of these species has a well-marked
character by which they may be readily distinguished, and
eannot, I think, be regarded as mere local races.
Key to the Species.
a. With some grey on the wings; wing-coverts
never chestnut nor vinous brown.
a, Wings mottled; many of the scapulars and
wing-coverts with their centres darker than
their edges; collar confined to the sides of
EG, HOCK o27.10ate sei asia C enug Parente etse Group 1. TuRTUREs.
a’, Tail-feathers with broad white ends ; under
tail-coverts white.
a’, Crown grey; upper parts shaded with
. SRO VAel or ofoe clel esc alg oor aati sts pielee ».. 20. communis,
b'. Entire head sandy brown; upper parts
not shaded with prey. «vases sd eens 21. isabellinus.
b?. Tail-feathers with narrower white ends ;
under tail-coverts grey.
b°, Lower breast vinous, fading apparently
into white on the vent; under tail-
Coverts; pale: PTOY, 7 dea apisie wp oleaanes 22. erythrocephalus.
e*, Lower breast, vent, and under tail-coverts
leaden grey...,-ccs0s sich scateie hateh emake 23. lugens.
b’. Wings not mottled by dark centres to any of
the feathers ; collar not confined to the sides
of the neck.
6?. With a well-marked black collar round the
back and sides of the neck ........ Group 2. STREPTOPELLE.
6’, With no black feathers in front of the eye.
b+, Bill larger; with grey on the head;
under wing-coverts slaty or leaden
ervey; under surface of the quills uni-
form, dark, brown)... .cicsee ss Section A.
b’. Entire abdomen and under tail-
coverts deep leaden grey ; chest of
a deeper vinous shade .......... 24. semitorquatus.
ec’. Centre of the abdomen and vent
white; remainder of the abdomen
298 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
and the under tail-coverts pale
grey, the latter broadly edged with
WHEL Sc eosin =i ae eae a ieeaaee 25. decipiens.
c’, Bill smaller; with no grey on the head;
under wing-coverts ashy white ;
under surface of the quills brown,
with the basal portion of their inner
Webs ashy white i). ec lexan o 04 a Section B.
c®, Abdomen and under tail-coverts uni-
HOLM BOY. fc i ial eae ae oi3 e 26, résorius.
d’, Abdomen and under tail-coverts
WALDO MEAG: ta ante St. eet see ers 27. roseogriseus.
e3, With a narrow black band from the eye
to the lores; under tail-coverts white ;
under wing-coverts leaden grey; under
surface of the quills uniform dark brown Section C.
ct, Smaller, wing 5‘5 inches; crown vinous,
with only a sligltt grey shade on the
occiput ; vinous shade of the head,
neck, and breast deeper, and extend-
ing further onto the abdomen, which
is pinbaghewiitek 2. M02 ecw eg e's 28, vinaceus.
dt, Larger, wing 6 inches; crown grey;
vinous shade of the head, neck, and
breast not so deep; abdomen pure
white, which colour extends further
QULOMNETCHOSY Me ves ck tara stare mie 508 29. capicola.
e, With a mottled collar on the front and
sides of the throat, formed by the feathers
of those parts being black, broadly tipped
with fawn-colour ...sia0++.cse0e es Group 3. MAcuLicoLuEzs.
30. senegalensis.
4. With no grey on the wings; wings entirely
brown; wing-coverts chestnut or vinous brown ;
under tail-coverts white ...:....... eee eee Group 4. INsuLAREs,
é'. Head and rump grey; two centre tail-feathers
EOWA ae aie ee ee eee re ees eee 51. picturatus.
ce’. Head, rump, and two centre tail-feathers
brown.
Cin WARE OM OURCHOS Ooo Nc ce cies es oy nae 82. aldabranus.
a. Walker do 7 AUCHES oo Raves comes she eat 33. comorensis.
d', Head brown; rump and two centre tail-
FCALHOTSVP TOY, .'.'>'.'clelam bie s+ ee Abang: wee. OF rostratus.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 299
20. TuRTUR COMMUNIS.
Columba turtur, Linn. 8. N. i. 1766, p. 284; Temm. &
Knip, Pig. i. p. 89, pl. 42 (fair); Riipp. N. W. 1835-1840,
p. 67; Gould, B. Eur. iv. 1837, pl. 246 (good) ; Vernon Har-
court, P. Z. 8. 1851, p. 146, Madeira; Buvry, J. f.O. 1857,
pp. 67, 195, Algeria; Bolle, tom. cit. p. 266, Canaries.
Peristera turtur, Boie, Isis, 1828, p. 327.
? Peristera tenera, C. L. Brehm, Vég. Deutschl. 1831,
p. 494.
Turtur communis, Selby, Nat. Libr. v. 1835, p. 171; B.O.U.
List Brit. B. 1883, p. 139.
Turtur vulgaris, Eyton, Cat. Brit. B. 1836, p. 32; Drake,
Ibis 1869, p. 153, Morocco; Dresser, B. Eur. vii. 1876, p. 39,
pl. 462 (good) ; Danford, Ibis, 1878, p. 27, Asia Minor.
Turtur auritus, Riipp. Syst. Uebers. 1845, p. 100; Tris-
tram, Ibis, 1859, p. 35, Palestine; Salvin, Ibis, 1859, p. 318,
HK. Atlas; Hartl. J. f. O. 1861, p. 266, “Gaboon”!; Hartm.
J. f. O. 1863, pp. 303, 308, 315; Tristram, P. Z.S. 1864,
p. 448, Palestine; Allen, Ibis, 1864, p. 239, Egypt; Tris-
tram, Ibis, 1865, p. 77, 1868, p. 210, Palestine ; Shelley, Ibis,
1871, p. 142, Egypt; Gurney, tom. cit. pp. 295, 300, Algeria ;
Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871-1875, p. 839, App. p. 169;
Shelley, B. Egypt, 1872, p. 214, pl. 10. fig. 1; Gould, B.
Gt. Brit. iv. 1873, pl. 4.
Turtur migratorius, Sclat. Contr. Orn. 1852, p. 126, Mo-
kollo and Moses’s Well.
Turtur risorius, Tristram, Ibis, 1860, p. 69, Algeria.
Upper half of the head and back of the neck grey, passing
into pale vinous pink on the sides of the head, throat, and
chest ; feathers on the sides of the neck black, with white
tips, often tinted with grey, forming a partial collar, com-
posed of oblique stripes of black and white ; upper back
greyish brown, with the edges of the feathers partially washed
with fawn-colour ; lower back and upper tail-coverts grey,
partially washed with fawn-colour on the edges of some of
the feathers; two centre tail-feathers slaty brown ; re-
mainder of the tail slaty black for about three quarters of
its length, with the end quarter and the entire outer webs of
SER. V.—VOL. I. Y
300 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
the exterior feathers white; scapulars, inner half of the
wing-coverts, and the innermost secondaries slaty black, with
broad fawn-coloured edges; remainder of the wing-coverts
leaden grey ; the bastard wing and primary-coverts blackish
brown, slightly washed with grey; quills blackish brown,
faintly washed with grey, and with very narrow pale edges ;
chest pale vinous pink, fading into white down the middle of
the breast; abdomen and under tail-coverts white; sides of
the body and under wing-coverts leaden grey ; under surface
of the quills ashy brown; iris brownish red; bill vinous-
shaded slate-colour; legs red. Total length 10°10 inches,
culmen 0°7, wing 7, tail 5, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. The Canaries, Madeira, coasts of the Mediterranean
and Red Sea, and the Nile valley southward to 10° N. lat.
This species is not, I believe, a native of any part of the
West-African subregion south of Senegal; and I think there
must be an error in recording this species from the Gaboon
on the authority of M. A. Lecompte (J. f. O. 1861, p. 266).
21. TurtTUR ISABELLINUS.
? Peristera rufodorsalis, C. L. Brehm, Vogelf. 1855, p. 257.
Turtur isabellinus, Bp. Compt. Rend. xlin. 1856, pp. 942,
949; id. Icon. Pig. 1857, pl. 102 (very bad) ; Heugl. Orn.
N.O.-Afr. 1875, App. p. 170; Dresser, B. Eur. vii. 1877,
p. 49, pl. 464. fig. 1; Taylor, Ibis, 1878, p. 372.
Turtur auritus, Antin. Cat. 1864, p. 91, Aboo-Simbel ;
Antin. & Salvad. Viagg. Bogos, 1873, p. 130, Assus; Taylor,
Ibis, 1867, p. 67, Egypt.
Turtur sharpei, Shelley, Ibis, 1870, p. 447, Egypt; Heugl.
Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871, p. 851 ; Shelley, B. Egypt, 1872, p. 215,
pl. 10. fig. 2 (good).
Turtur turturoides, Wiirtt. MS. Icon. ined. p. 67, fide Heugl.
Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1875, App. p. 170.
Very similar to 7. communis, but differs as follows :—Entire
head and back of the neck sandy brown, passing into fawn-
colour on the upper back; chin and centre of the throat
slightly paler; lower back fawn-colour, with dusky centres
to the feathers and only very slightly washed with grey on
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 361
the middle back and sides of the rump; greater upper tail-
coverts and two centre tail-feathers dusky brown, broadly
tipped with fawn-colour; remainder of the tail as in 7. com-
munis, only that the white end is partially washed with fawn-
colour towards the centre feathers; wing as in 7. communis,
only there is a less extent of leaden grey on the coverts, and
there is no grey shade on the quills; the sandy brown of the
sides of the head and upper throat gradually passes into rich
vinous pink, occasionally with a sandy shade on the sides and
lower throat; remainder as in T. communis. Total length
10°8 inches, culmen 0°7, wing 6, tail 5, tarsus 0°8.
Hab. N.E. Africa.
The range of this species is, as yet, very badly defined. It
is probably migratory throughout Egypt, where I have found
it, however, breeding as far north as Damietta. It inhabits
Nubia and Bogos Land, but I cannot trace its range further
south. My description is taken from a specimen collected
by myself in Egypt.
22. TuURTUR ERYTHROCEPHALUS.
Turtur erythrocephalus, G. R. Gray, MS. 1854, in Brit.
Mus.; Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 69; Bp. Compt. Rend. xl.
1855, p. 16, xlii. 1856, p. 942; Gray, List Brit. Mus. Columb,
1856, p. 41; Bp. Consp. Gen. Av. 11. 1857, p.60; Schl. Mus.
PB. iv. 1873,.p: Ls
Intermediate between Turtur isabellinus, Bp., and Turtur
lugens, Riipp. Head and throat darker and more vinous
than in T. isabellinus, but with a similar black and white
partial collar; back and upper tail-coverts slaty grey, with
the feathers of the upper half of the interscapular region
broadly edged with vinous fawn-colour; wings as in 7’ isa-
bellinus, only the fawn-coloured parts are slightly redder and
the pale margins to the feathers not quite so wide; tail-
coverts slightly tinted with brown towards their extremities ;
tail above, two centre feathers brownish slate-colour, remainder
of the tail slate-colour, with a narrow whitish edge, and the
feathers fading into greyish white on about half an inch of
their ends; throat and entire chest vinous red, with scarcely
¥2
302 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
any pink shade, fading into sandy white towards the chin,
and almost into white on the vent ; under tail-coverts greyish
white; flanks grey ; under wing-coverts dark leaden grey.
Total length 10°8 inches, culmen 0°65, wing 6°7, tail about
5°2, tarsus 0°9.
Type. Cape of Good Hope (G. Campbell).
In its head, neck, wings, and front of the chest this species
agrees well with 7. isabellinus, with the exception of>its
slightly darker and more vinous shade. In its middle and
lower back, upper tail-coverts, and tail it agrees perfectly
with 7. lugens. From both it differs in the deep vinous shade
of the lower breast and in the under tail-coverts being pale
greyish white.
The only known specimen, in the British Museum, is
mounted and not in good condition, so that one cannot ex-
amine as closely into details as one might wish ; but I cannot
detect it to be a made-up bird. I must therefore admit this
as a good species; but if really from the Cape of Good Hope,
it appears incredible that the specimen should have so long
remained unique.
23. TURTUR LUGENS.
Columba lugens, Riipp. N. W. 1835-1840, p. 64, pl. 22.
fig. 2, Dongola, Egypt ; DesMurs, in Lefeby. Voy. Abyss. Ois.
1845-1850, p. 141; Finsch & Jesse, Trans. Z. S. vii. 1869,
p. 289, Taconda Pass.
Turtur lugens, Riipp. Syst. Uebers. 1845, p. 100, Abyssinia ;
Blanf. Geol. & Zool. Abyss. 1870, p.416 ; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-
Afr. 1871-1875, p. 838, App. p. 169; Shelley, P. Z.S. 1881,
p. 596, Pangani.
Streptopelia lugens, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 73, pl. 248.
fig. 1372.
Peristera lugens, C. L. Brehm, Vogelf. 1855, p. 258.
Upper half of the head and back of the neck slaty grey,
paler on the forehead, and passing into vinous shaded grey
on the sides of the head, throat, and chest ; a patch of fea-
thers on the sides of the neck black, with slaty grey edges,
forming a rather obscurely marked partial collar ; back,
Columbidee of the Ethiopian Region. 303
upper tail-coverts, and tail slaty brown, washed with grey on
the sides of the rump, and shading into slaty black toward
the outer tail-feathers, which have very narrow ashy edges ;
all but the two centre tail-feathers have narrow ashy ends,
about .0°4 inch in width; under surface of the tail black and
ashy white; wings dark brown, the inner half of the wing-
coverts washed towards their edges with paler brown, often
partially tinted with rufous; outer half of the wing-coverts,
with the exception of the bastard wing and primary-coverts,
washed with slaty grey, some of the inner greater coverts
and inner secondaries are broadly edged with rufous, which
produces a striking character in this species; the primaries
have narrow pale edges, almost white; entire underparts
slaty grey, with the exception of the chin, centre of the upper
throat, and front of the chest, which either fade into vinous
buff, or are more or less washed with that colour; under
surface of the quills uniform brown ; iris orange ; bill vinous-
shaded slate-colour; legs red. Total length 10-9 inches,
culmen 0°7, wing 6°8, tail 4°6, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. E. Africa.
This species ranges from Abyssinia to Mamboio, about
7° S. lat., whence I have recently received a specimen from
Sir John Kirk. Riippell’s specimens were from the high-
lands of Abyssinia.
My description is taken from a specimen collected for me
by Sir John Kirk near Pangani. A good figure of this
species accompanies Riippell’s original description.
24. TURTUR SEMITORQUATUS.
Columba semitorquata, Riipp. Neue Wirb. Vog. 1835, p. 66,
pl. 23. fig. 2 (fair), Abyssinia.
Turtur erythrophrys, Swains. B. W. Afr. i. 1837, p. 207,
pl. 22 (fair); Hartl. Orn, W.-Afr. 1857, p. 195, Gambia,
Ashantee, Gaboon; Cass. Pr. Philad. Acad, 1859, p. 143,
Gaboon ; Gurney, Ibis, 1862, p. 152, Natal; Monteiro,
P. Z. S. 1865, p. 94, Angola; Hartl. P. Z. 8. 1867, p. 827,
Zanzibar; Chapman, Trav. 8. Afr. 11. 1868, App. p. 411;
304 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
.Cab. v. d. Decken’s Reisen, iii. 1869, p. 42; Sharpe, Ibis,
1870, p.57, Fantee; id. P. Z.S. 1870, p. 150, Angola; Shel-
ley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 290, Gold Coast; Sharpe,
P. Z. S. 1874, p. 306, Bulama Islands; Cab. J. f. O. 1878,
p. 242, Mombas. .
Turtur semitorquatus, Riipp. Syst. Uebers. 1845, p. 100;
? Allen & Thomps. Exp. Niger, i. 1848, p. 41, Rollas Is. ;
? Gordon, Contr. Orn. 1849, p. 12; ? Kirk, Ibis, 1864, p. 330,
Zambesi; Finsch, J. f. O. 1869, p. 336; Finsch & Jesse,
Trans. Z. 8S. vii. p. 327, Abyssinia; Blanf. Geol. & Zool,
Abyss. 1870, p. 416; Finsch & Hartl. Vig. Ostafr. 1870,
p- 541; Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 486, Volta river; Heugl.
Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871-1875, p. 830, App. p. 169; Reichenow,
J. f. O. 1872, p. 218, Accra, 1874, p. 388, Camaroons, 1877,
p- 18, Loango coast; Hartl. Vog. Madag. 1877, p. 271 (pt.
descr. nec hab.); Fischer & Reichenow, J. f. O. 1878, pp. 250,
292, Zanzibar; Fischer, J.f.O. 1879, pp. 300, 303, E. Afr. ;
Bocage, Orn. Angola, 1881, p. 383; Hartl. Abhandl. nat.
Vereins Bremen, vi. 1881, p. 117, Lado; Shelley, P. Z. 8S.
1881, p. 596, Dar-es-Salaam ; id. Ibis, 1882, p. 259, Mata-
bele; Holub and von Pelz. Beitr. Orn. Sudafr. 1882, p. 175.
Streptopelia erythrophrys, Bp. Compt. Rend. 1855, p. 17;
Antin, Cat. deser. Ucc. 1864, p. 88, Dongola.
? Streptopelia gumri, Reichb. Taub. 1855, p. 73, pl. 247.
figs. 13864, 1367.
Peristera semitorquata, C. L. Brehm, Vogelf. 1855, p. 258.
Turtur vinaceus, Layard (nec Gm.), B.S. Afr. 1867, p. 259.
Streptopelia semitorquata, Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld.
1872, p. 234; Antin. & Salvad. Viagg. Bogos, 1873, p. 181.
Columba levaillanti, Smith, MS.
Crown grey, passing into white on the forehead, and tinted
with vinous buff in front and on the sides of the crown; re-
mainder of the head, neck, and chest deep vinous pink, fading
into pale vinous buff on the chin and centre of the upper
throat ; eyelids red; no black feathers in front of the eye;
on the back of the neck a broad black collar, partially edged
above with grey; back, inner half of the wing-coverts, secon-
daries, and two centre tail-feathers darkish brown, passing
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 305
into deep slate-colour on the remainder of the coverts; the
rump washed with slaty grey; bastard wing and primary-
coverts brownish black ; primaries blackish brown, the quills
generally with partial narrow whitish edges ; remainder of
the tail brownish black for more than the basal three quarters
of its length, the end portion being ashy brown, slightly
paler towards the tips of the feathers; the outer feathers
with a very narrow paler edge to the outer webs ; under sur-
face of the tail black and white; the vinous chest passes into
leaden grey on the sides, abdomen, thighs, and under tail-
coverts, the latter are slightly paler at their edges; under
wing-coverts deep slate-colour; under surface of the quills
uniform dark brown; “iris bright orange-red; bill black ;
tarsi and feet dark rose-red ” (7. Ayres). Total length 11°8
inches, culmen 0°7, wing 7, tail 5°3, tarsus 0°95.
Hab. The whole African continent southward from about .
41° N. lat. It has not been obtained either in Madagascar
or the Comoro Islands. The Turtur semitorquatus of authors
from those islands really refers to T. capicola. My descrip-
tion is taken from a specimen collected at Accra, on the Gold
Coast, by Mr. T. E. Buckley.
I have in my own collection a very curious variety, which
T refer to 7. semitorquatus, labelled “ Niger (Baikie).” It is
nearly intermediate between T. semitorquatus and T. decipiens,
and I shall endeavour to point out its characters and rela-
tionship to those two species in the following tabular form.
a. Entire abdomen and under tail-coverts uni-
form deep leaden grey; chest of a deeper
vinous shade.
a, With no shade of grey on the cheeks ;
forehead white, tinted in front with
vinous buff; chin and centre of the
upper throat pale vinous pink; upper
parts darker; under wing-coverts slaty
grey ; with barely any white on the
upper surface of the tail; white end on
the under surface of the outer tail-fea-
ther narrower, about 1 inch in width., 1. semtorquatus, typical.
306 Capt. G. E. Shelley on the
b'. With a shade of grey on the cheeks;
forehead grey; chin and centre of the
upper throat white ; upper parts paler ;
under wing-coyerts leaden grey; with
a considerable amount of white on the
upper surface of the tail towards the
end; white on the under surface of the
outer tail-feather 1:5 inch in width .. 2. semitorquatus, var.
b. Centre of the abdomen and vent white;
remainder of the abdomen and under tail-
coverts pearl-grey, the latter broadly edged
with white; chest of a paler vinous shade,
and with all the characters specified in the
above T. semitorquatus, Var. ... cee eee 3. decipiens.
From the above it would appear to me that 7. decipiens
and 7. semitorquatus may have come from a common origin,
at, comparatively speaking, no very remote period ;_ but, so
far as my present knowledge goes, it would, I consider, be
very wrong not to recognize 7. decipiens and T. semitor-
quatus as distinct species. .
25. TuRTUR DECIPIENS.
Columba risoria, Wagl. (nec Linn.) Syst. Av. 1827, sp. 93
(excl. var.).
Streptopelia erythrophrys, Reichb. (nec Swains.) Taub.
1355, p. 73.
Turtur senegalensis, Heugl. (nec Linn.) Syst. Uebers.
1856, p. 50.
Turtur vinaceus, Hartl. (nec Gm.) Orn, W.-Afr. 1857,
p-. 195, pt.
Turtur risorivs, Brehm (nec Linn.), Reis. Habesch, 1863,
p: O79.
Turtur erythrophrys, Bocage (nec Swains.), Jorn. Lisb.
1867, p. 152.
Turtur decipiens, Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. 1870, p. 544;
Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. 1871, pp. 832, 837.
Turtur semitorquatus, Wurtt. (nec Riipp.) Coll. Mergenth. ;
Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. App. p. 169.
Turtur, sp., Bocage, Jorn. Lisb. 1872, p. 67.
Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. 307
Turtur neglecta, Schl. Mus. P.-B. iv. 1873, p. 122 (ex N.E.
Afr. nec var.).
Turtur fallax, Schl. tom. cit. p. 124.
Turtur ambiguus, Bocage, Orn. Angola, 1881, p. 386.
Somewhat similar to 7. semitorquatus, from which it differs
as follows :—Forehead, crown, and sides of the head pearl-
grey, fading into white on the chin and centre of the upper
throat, and passing into vinous pink on the back of the head
and posterior portions of the cheeks; eyelids black; neck
and chest vinous pink, paler than in T. semitorquatus; the
black collar partially edged above with white; the upper
parts are much paler, the grey on the wings being pearl-grey ;
the outer secondaries, rump, and centre tail-feathers partially
washed with grey; remainder of the tail slaty black for
rather more than the basal half, the end portion being slaty
grey, fading into white towards the ends of the feathers, the
outer one on each side having a very narrow white edge; the
pink of the breast shades into leaden grey on the flanks,
paler grey on the thigh-coverts, and into white on the centre
of the abdomen and vent; under tail-coverts pearl-grey,
broadly edged with white; under wing-coverts leaden grey ;
under surface of the quills dark brown, with very narrow
whitish edges to their inner webs. Total length 13 inches,
culmen 0°75, wing 6°5, tail 4°9, tarsus 0°9.
Hab. Upper White Nile, Zambesi, and Benguela.
* It is evident that we do not yet know the full range of
this species, of which I have examined five specimens.
500 The last Journal of W. A. Forbes.
Aug. 8th. Off Lagos about 7 a.m. Quitea fleet of steamers
there—‘ Corisco’ (homeward), ‘Kinsembo’ (west coast),
‘“Malembe’ and ‘ Winnebah’ (Hamburg), also one or two
smaller branch and bar boats. Rowland gone to Accra.
Quite cool and cloudy, with slight swell.
Aug. 9th. Cool and cloudy still, with calm sea. Land in
sight at daybreak, low and flat. Anchored in Bonny river off
the town about 1.30. Coming in on a sandy spit below “Rough
Corner” (the white-men’s burying-ground) is a great colony
of a large grey-mantled Tern, Sterna melanotis [S. caspia].
Went on shore about 3 p.m. with Ashbury and John Jumbo’s
clerk and brother-in-law (white). Interviewed J. J., who
gave us a guide through the town to show us the juju-house
(much neglected), church, and other sights. Many of the
unmarried girls up to 17 or so quite nude, as are all the
children up to 10 or 12. Men wear a loin-cloth, or a shirt,
drawers, &c. of European stuffs, and married women clothed
below navel. Many of the children and girls stencilled, often
very beautifully and elaborately, all over with a native dye
from a green pomegranate-like fruit, simulating tattooing.
The street very narrow and in part paved with a large
Cardium. The houses of wattle, the interstices filled up with
mud, and the roofs palm-thatched or corrugated zinc. Some
fine old forest-trees on outskirts of town, also bush, with
many ferns (especially a large Osmunda, with fertile apex
only of pinnules of fronds), and mangrove-swamps. Saw an
Elaphocerium growing on a big tree. In Jumbo’s garden a
fine frangipani shrub in flower, with Merium, or yellow papi-
lionaceous shrub, roses, Carica, &c. In the mangrove-swamp
an Anophthalmus in swarms, going on land when disturbed,
and hopping, duck-and-drake-like, over water like a lot
of tadpoles. Many land-crabs also. Of birds saw Vidua
principalis, a Nectarinia, a Drymeca (?), and others.
Aug. 10th. From ship in morning saw a large flock of
Pelicans on sandy spit on right of river, also a largish
white Ardea, and a black-and-white Eagle flying over water
(? Gypohierax). Went on shore about 10, and took about
twelve photos of town and uatives, juju-house, church, and
The last Journal of W. 4. Forbes. 501
mission-station. At latter saw Archdeacon Crowther, son
of the Bishop. In the compound was a fine shrub in full
flower of the orange-yellow Lilias (fide Gallinia), of which I
had seen flowers before. The natives organized a grand
dance of three or four men, including the chief juju priest,
to a band of two or three tomtoms. Some of the girls and
children entirely covered with a red dye (camwood), whether
for ornament or for curing “ craw-craw”’ (a skin disease) is
doubtful. Caught a few butterflies, including a black-and-
yellow Papilio and an Acrea; the latter common and flying
slowly in afternoon over a pink heliotrope, or allied shrub,
and accompanied by a mimicking Geometer with pectinated
antenne. Saw a few grey Parrots flying in twos and threes
high and fast overhead.
Aug. llth. Wet in morning. Went on shore about 11,
with Watson and Gallinia. Wet, but cleared up in evening.
About 4 p.m. went off with J.J., W., and G. to try and shoot
some Pelicans. Only got within 400 yards, and missed two
shots at that distance; then went up acreek on other side of
river and got into a warm corner with Curlews, Sandpipers, a
few Parrots, &c. Killed a few Totanus hypoleucus and a
couple of large Terns (? Sterna melanotis), the best of which
I skinned. Came on to rain hard before we got back to
ship.
Aug. 12th. Wet in morning. Left ‘Bonny’ about 11
and went ashore with Ashbury to photograph. Took photos
of a big tree (? a Bombax), and three of a so-called “ albino ”
girl (Ibo), belonging to a black named Hart, who sent us (it
having got very wet) aboard the ‘ Adriatic’ hulk in grand
style in his canoe, with about thirty paddlers, double-banked.
On board ‘ Adriatic’ for the night.
Aug. 13th. On board ‘ Adriatic’ with Captain Gillies
and C. de Certi, a Corsican trader, formerly at Opobo. Wet
all morning, and did not leave ship till about 4 p.m., when
left with Ashbury and Greenshields for Akassa in ‘ Dodo.’
Ship rolled horribly during the night.
Aug. 14th. Off the mouth of the Nun at 8a.m., but did
not reach Akassa till three hours later, owing to the difficulty
502 The last Journal of W. A. Forbes.
of sighting the bar-buoy, the land being hazy. River about
a mile or a mile and a half broad at mouth, 12 feet of water
on bar, passage being surrounded by breakers on both sides,
and particularly on the west. Akassa is situated on the right
bank, a few miles above mouth. Two dwellings, a billiard-
room, some sheds, native huts, and further up the shops.
About 180 hands employed, all, except three, black. Mr.
W. A. Earnshaw in charge, Sargent and Macintosh being
away. rr©OerrYe*reerl’seso +
XXVI. Letters, Announcements, &¢. :—
Letters from Mr. J. H. Gurney, Dr. Elliott Coues, The Rev.
Henry H. Slater, Capt. Savile G. Reid, M. P. M. Heude, Mr.
J. A. Allen, and Mr. T. Southwell; Letter from one of the
Editors ; New Ornithological Publications in Progress; The
Birds of Timor Laut ; Baleniceps in East Africa (?); The Blue
Magpies of Spain and Siberia; Ross’s Gull; News of Lord
Lilford and Mr. E, F. Im Thurm; Mr. W. A. Forbes’s Niger
Expedition Sere ch tele abe arts ak Cobre eam ete
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215
216
217
218
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. Russ. Die sprechenden Papageien. 8yo. 1882.
26.
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Huet. Note sur les naissances, dons et acquisitions de la Ménagerie du
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27. ApAMson. Another Book of Scraps. 4to, 1882,
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29. Buasrus. Vogel von Celebes. (J. f. O. 1883.)
30.
OATES.
Birds of British Burmah, Vol.i. Royal 8vo. 1883,
Chlorura hyperythra, Rehb., een Javaansche Vogel.
CONTENTS OF NUMBER II.—FIFTH SERIES.
Page
XI. On the Totanus haughtoni of Armstrong. By J. E. Harrine,
ELS. FAS. . (Plate LV.))...\0 ts cb ees eke ole ee
XII. On a new Species of Polyplectron. By Even W. Oatss,
FAS. (Plate V.) ni. 3 8 ks ee
XIII. Descriptions of three new Species of Birds from Bahia, Brazil. =
By Hans von BeRLEPscH. . . . 137
XIV. On a new Reed-Warbler from the Island of Nawodo, or
Pleasant Island, in the Western Pacific. oA Orro Finscu,
PhD.., H.M.B.0.U. athe AT . 2
XY. A Review of the ae of the Family Icteride. Part I.
Cassicine. By P. L. pe M.A; °Ph.D.;> FBS.
(Pites VT. Vit.) 2% ; . 145
XVI. Remarks on the Thrushes of the Ztiopian Regio. By
Henry Sresonm, F.Z8.. . . . 164
XVII. Notes on Hirundo rufula and its Ales, with Deseo tins of
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XVIII. On an Owl from South-east New Guinea allied to Ninox
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XIX. Notes on Woodpeckers. No. III. Dossvistiawe of two new
Species of Woodpeckers. By Epwarp Harerrr, F.Z.8. . 172
XX. Notes on the Birds of Santander, Northern yes By Lieut.-
Col. L. Howarp Irsy, Ree Baber sate oy
XXI. Observations on Early Nidification and Migration in North-
west Ceylon. By H. Parker, C.E., F.Z8.. . . . . 191
XXII. On the Occurrence of Charadrius virginicus in Leadenhall
Market, London. By J. H. Gurney, Jun., F.Z.8. . . 198
XXIII. Description of a recently discovered Species of Paradisea.
By Osserr Satvin and F. DuCanz Cae FF.R.S.
(Plage Mik ers. : ue?
XXIV. Notes on Birds from British Guiana. Part IT. By ( OsBERT |
Satvryn and F. DuCanz Gopman, FF.R.S. ae ie 203 :
XXY. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :—
f : ‘
49, Blasius and Nehrkorn on Birds from Amboina. .,. . . 212
50. British Association’s Report on Migration in 1881 . .})
51. Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. . . . .> 2138
52. Dubois on the Variability of Birds of the Genus Zowia .
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XXXY. Letters, Announcements, &c. :—
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33. Dusors. Remarques sur les Oiseaux du genre Pélican (Pelecanus). (Bull.
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XXVII. On a second Collection of Birds made in the Island of
Sumatra by Mr. H. O. Forbes. By Francis Nicnotson,
WZ. . (Plate X.).- . <5 ss SR es ee ee ee
XXVIII. On the Columbide of the ia si By Captain
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XXIX. On the Variations in Plumage of Saxicola monticola, as
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Feripen and Capt.8.G. Rum... ¢ ac a cee
XXX. Note on Sasicola monticola, with special reference to the
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Reid. By R. Bowpier Suarrz, F.LS. . . . . 337
XXXI. On the Birds exhibited in the International Fisheries
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XXXII. A Review of the sg of the Family Zcteride.—Part II.
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77. Adamson’s Book of Scraps . . 6 te ie eee
78. Aplin on the Birds of the Baubur y District. ‘
79. Belding on Birds from Western Lower California .
80. Belding on Birds from Southern Lower California .
81. Bennett on the Breeding of Platalea es kaa and Ardea
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82. aris on Birds from Celebes .
83. Booth’s Rough Notes on British Birds . 4
84, Chamberlain on the Birds of New Brunswick
85. Chamberlain’s ‘ Ornithological Notes’ ret
86. Giglioli and Manzella on Italian Birds . ,
87. Godman and Salvin’s ‘ Biologia Centrali-A mericana’
88. Gould’s ‘ Birds of Asia’ :
89. Haswell on the Anatomy of two Pigeons .
90, Haswell on the Anatomy of the Pigeons.
91. Oates’s ‘ Birds of British Burmah’.
92. Ramsay on Carpophaga finschi .
‘ 93, Reichenow on Foreign Cage-Birds eee
94, Report of the Committee on German Birds. .
95, Ridgway on Birds collected"in Gosta Rica.
96. Ridgway on a new Warbler. boty We
97. Ridgway on a supposed new Plover .
Roget
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98. Ridgway on the Genus Tantalus . 382
99. Russ’s ‘ Talking Parrots’ , is ARM oe
100. Stejneger on the American Turdide. . . . yee
101. Vorderman on Chlorura hyperythra . . . . . . . . 8384
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QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY.
EDITED BY é
PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, M.A., Ph.D., F.RB.S., | |
SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON,
HOWARD SAUNDERS, F.LS., F.ZS.
JOHN VAN VOORST, 1, PATERNOSTER ROW.
Annual Subscription, payable before 31st March each year, £1 1s.
' S
Ac TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, PRINTERS, | [RED LION COURT, FLEET wm
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BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION.
PRESIDENT.
» Tue Ricgut Hon. Lorp Litrorp.
SECRETARY.
H. E. Dresser, Esq.
COMMITTEE.
THe PRESIDENT.
Tue Eprrors or ‘THE tne? officio.
THe SECRETARY.
O. Satvin, Esa.
Capt. E. SHEerey.
~ W. B. Trcermeter, Esa.
The British OrnitHoLoeists’ Union was instituted in 1858 for
the advancement of the science of Ornithology. Its funds are
devoted primarily to the publication of ‘Tux Isis,’ a Quarterly
Journal of Ornithology, of which twenty-four volumes have now
been completed.
The Union consists of Ordinary Members, Honorary Members
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Ordinary Members pay an admission fee of £2, and a contri-
bution of £1 on election, and £1 on the lst of January of each
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Ordinary Members and Honorary Members are entitled to
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mation respecting Election.
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Now ready, Price 30s.
A GENERAL INDEX OF THE FIRST THREE SERIES OF
THE. FB LS?
1859-1876.
Edited by Ospert Savin, M.A., F.R.S.
J. VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW.
CONTENTS OF NUMBER IV. (continued).
XLII. Letters, Announcements, &c. :—
Letters from Lt.-Col. Sir C. W. Wilson, Mr. H. H. Johnston,
Mr, Robert Ridgway, and Mr. Elliott Coues; Birds of Bering
Island; The correct Name of the American Cow-bird; New
Collections from Emin Bey; Discoveries in East-African
Ornithology ; News of Zoological Travellers ; Obituary—
Adrian Luis Jean Francisco Sumichrast . . . .) .) . 575
Mane Fearon FS aria She Stra RE TES ee MERE JOR ERS
Preface, List of Members, List of Plates, &c.
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE IssuE oF No. 8, Firra SeErtzs,
AND NOT NOTICED IN THE PRESENT NUMBER.
46. PrizeLn. Ueber eine Sendung von Siiugethieren und Végeln aus Ecuador.
V. (Verh. d. k.-k. zool.-bot. Gesell, Wien, 1882.)
47. PEtzeLn. Ueber Dr. Emin Bey’s dritte Sendung von Végeln aus Cen-
tral-Afrika, (Verh. d. k.-k. zool.-bot. Gesell. Wien, 1882.)
48. Harriaus. Die Gattung Hyliota,Sw. (J. f. O. 1883.)
49. Report on the Migration of Birds.
50. VorDERMAN. Bataviasche Vogels. (Natuurk. Tijdschr. Nederl.-Indie,
Deel xliii.)
SS SSS SSS
in the Press.
A LIST OF THE DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY,
WITH REFERENCES AND ANNOTATIONS;
ALSO,
A REOORD OF SPECIMENS PRESERVED IN THE NORFOLK AND
NORWICH MUSEUM.
By JOHN HENRY GURNEY.
In 8vo, paper covers 7s. 6d., cloth 9s.
JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.
anne nee nner eneerrecc ce cncccccnecceneeeeneeceeeeeeecnreeeeereeeereeeeeeeeeecece eee a Se Ae
Now ready.
A NEW LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS.
A List of British Birds compiled by a Committee of the British Ornithologists’
Union. 229 pp. 8vo. Price 10s. 6d.
London: Jonn Van Voorst, 1 Paternoster Row, E.C.
——
Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union can obtain the above of Mr.
R. H. Porter, 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square, W., at the reduced price of
7s. 6d. cash,
CONTENTS OF NUMBER IV.—FIFTH SERIES.
Page
XXXVI. Notes upon some Rare Species of Neotropical Birds. By
Rozert Ripeway, Curator, Department of Birds, United-
States National Museum. . . . . «. « © « « « 99
XXXVII. Notes on Woodpeckers.—No. IY. On the Woodpeckers
_ of the Ethiopian eee By Epwarp Harerrr, F.Z.S8.
(Plate XIT.) ee ee a8 ee te ir
XXXVIII. Descriptions of six new Species of Birds from Southern
and Central America. By Hans von Brruerscu. (Plate
DOTTE, os Bile doe. oe ake, Sea. in
XXXIX. The last Journal of W. A. Forszrs. . ..... . 494
XL. A List of the Birds collected by the late Mr. W. A.
Forbes in the Niger ee. e ne G. E. Serer.
(Plate XIV.): . . . . 538
XLI. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :—
102. Blakiston on the Geographical Distribution of the Birds
of Japan . é co SO eRe eae
103. Blakiston’s Ornithological Notes. Nos. L-IIl. ... ii
104. Blasius on Birds from the South-east of Borneo .
105. Blasius on Birds from Ceram ;
106, Boucard on a new Pseudocolaptes . AF
107. Brusina on Anomalies in some Croatian Birds G4
108. ‘ Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club’.
109. Dalgleish on Passer montanus . .
110, Dollo on the Existence and Use of the “Third Tro-
chanter” in Birds . .
111. Dubois on the Existing Species ‘of Pelicans.
112. Durnford on the Birds of Walney Island 566
113, Dybowski on the Puffins of Kamtschatka . .
114. Gadow’s ‘ Catalogue of the Ee ee and Certhio-
morph’ . nip a Bae
115. Gould’s ‘Birds of New Guines? 5... ees ee
116. Hartlaub on Birds from Alaska . . » + + +l B69
117. Homeyer and Tancré’s ‘ Birds of the Altai? . . : :
118. Krukenberg on the Colouring-matters of Birds’ Higgs . . 970
119. Kutter on Philippine Birds .
120. Lawrence on new Birds from Tro cal Americas: Peat 571
121. Ridgway on a new Petrel from Alaska . hs Seber .
122. Sharpe’s ‘Catalogue of the Timeliide’. . . . . ‘& 572
123. Stearns and Coues’s ‘New-England Bird-Life’ . ...~. 87 3
124. Stevenson on the Dusky Shearwater in Norfolk lo o574
125. Taczanowski on the European Nuthatches. . ee +s
126. Taczanowski on the Birds of Kamtschatka. . S—. .
127. Tschusi zu Schmidhofen aud E. F. von Hien on > 875
Austro-Hungarian Birds . «patente sont
[Contents continued on page 3 of Wrapper. ]
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