We heard eee Oe mee cen? a ste as 4, Dera hted cee eiedate ds sheeea a wth cuties ttattea catia ey hits ay geet ine Sgt Maa CUP EE CORE ESP OTA AA he GR 8 Lagients Pip Webb yt ikek on OOO OM Ce ae Ree RS CO Ce ee EM Ee Le eek pigobue 1 i ete ne” wyuy 4 Hel on) . ue ‘ 4 RCs WR Or Se Re Ce Ce TY Co eC PC eT SY RRC PCO AC eC Te a . 1 1 ame Pee eC ete 1. 0, 4 * ne o ee aie ict TEA Wa sms ertoees BESS e ae ery ay Sa * po ee Rt + sooty #3 8 ae a . bined ’ Tate NNN aea tsa Mts itera (aca +e LNT why Pala 1 wt eile ‘ oft Aa vy un a veri fu Wy Pe te DU Ou ICMamii rei gerseart Va ee ute Rnetia eau %, tse area nt rte Addy Wt uae mS Re Dyas ath, OV tee may Pay ae DR ee Sh een crt on Narain anes Cera eer iere sc hn aati aa 074, seh E ah AA ag ily aed Aokiae bp hdicha Uns finery sein regen asics » alt Ae toh te teak Hrae Hy pede we tinea ane Tat nit wrt “as eakslial e eens nee gi nate oat Boren A Eg Uy eye, Byers thast idee Phy A ath es ‘ aia DONA SR eR re aL 1aee SAL A a ee ee Ay Ale: tow ON Rts) in ea rat ' + at ahs beet ¥ rite Can are cae ea te fy beteae trees ee fat at AS i enka 4 an) . samy : ; Spat Pere se eye : i . \Ayere Oud etsy (in ty " bean ps wi a A RARAG tothe aye Deresyiny ese a eee as kates be eat Shee St rte ‘ 4 Satbter yas oan Seti ate ark} 4b peony Mani atteesy i vows an Pig lge ke Tah Phinda eh Ha8 gosh ; ee SLC Tae vere he sc D4 ditto in ga ; : Va oty a araviate ttcsom esas sb eae repeat ale 16 had si : baaiiee Nt ent mua ’ Vepancuty ye) 4 i ah ret Arte ' BOER OC aay : vn yhan't ee fee : y eis nohaesh ‘ ah a : ‘ a ; te nt Siegen ie BREN . nese he motte . % mt x thas nat yo a anes ra : why i ro wy +f ‘ Ait Te ane i, : oy sf vi , reel weg t Laan | , 5 ' . 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' ‘ AM Ahb Yt a ATA ae Ca aged Ate ene ‘ LOS eC Bm We Pet Md ba nan es) ‘ a Ta] web aad ‘ ‘ i ' H ree t ' J ee ‘ ves en vaTwuy Aa * ‘ beget ' ar ee eae oy (a h-e " a ‘ 0 Yebe Vata aN H ur itboee ’ ‘ tae ’ aie petite had aus pre bgad abe Sa ‘ hes hi vabsh That rT ' " Peet eed do be veb bd Vite rye ' "1 ve OO CRN ae i Soren cen " Way rn ee eee tI f ‘ AP vey ' Ce a DORR at l ; CU OC So Be iehitdtn NERS Le ‘ ‘ aR MIO WIR Wi fT | he oe y “he i) ah aa et! He srt : ‘ . J var , tl a Cents na ae hi) ARNO at rt bee Aan Vea ioe a . us LA AAA Br its ce) ‘ Cr bY ye) MiNi, Viele in, Tt RTS QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY. EDITED BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, M.A., Ph.D., F.RB:S., SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, AND HOWARD SAUNDERS, F.LS., F.Z.S. or VOL. Ill. 1897. SEVENTH SERIES. Non moriar, sed vivam, et narrabo opera Domini. LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW. ) (Successors to J. VAN VOORST.) ) 1897. ' } ' ALERE ? FLAMMAM. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. PREFACE. On bringing to a close the third volume of the Seventh Series of ‘The Ibis,’ the Editors again wish to offer their best thanks to the friends and correspondents who have favoured them with articles for the present year. The contributions, it will be observed, are both varied and numerous, and have enabled the Editors to complete a volume which in size almost rivals that of 1891. The coloured illustrations have been slightly reduced in number, in view of the expenditure consequent upon the preparation and publication of the new General Index. ‘This Index, which refers to the genera and species mentioned in the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Series of ‘The Ibis,’ and for the superintendence of which the best thanks of the Union are due to Mr. Osbert Salvin, F.R.S., was issued to the subscribers in April last. As regards future prospects, the Editors are pleased lv PREFACE. to say that they have a considerable number of com- munications in reserve ready for the first Number of the next vclume, and that, looking to the activity which now prevails in every part of the ornithological world, they have no fears for the future. Pe sss! Dene: London, Cetober Ist, 1897. Io 5 BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 1897. [An asterisk indicates an Original Member. It is particularly requested that Members will give notice to the Secretary of the Union, 10 Chandos Street, London that it 1 Date of Election. 1896. 1893. 1888. 1896. 1897. 1885. 1892, , W., of any error in their addresses or descriptions in this List, in order nay be immediately corrected. | ALEXANDER, Boyp ; Swifts Place, Cranbrook, Kent. Anne, Major Ernest L. 8.; 21 Victoria Square, Newcastle- on-Tyne. Aptiy, Ottver Vernon; Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon. ARCHIBALD, CHARLES F,; 9 Cardigan Road, Headingley, Leeds. Astiry, The Rev. Husperr Detavat, F.Z.S.; Chequers Court, Tring. Backxuousk, Jamus, F.Z.S8.; Daleside, Harrogate. Baxer, E, C. Sruarr; District Superintendent of Police, Hafflong, North Cachar, Assam, India; care of H. 8. King & Co. . Batsron, Ricuarp James, F.Z.S.; Springfield, Maidstone. . Barctay, Francis Husertr; Knott’s Green, Leyton, Essex. . Barcnay, Colonel Hansury, F.Z.8.; Tingrith Manor, Woburn, Bedfordshire. . Barctay, Huew G.; Colney Hall, Norwich. . Barretr-Hamitton, Geratp E. H., F.Z.8.; Kildare Street Club, Dublin, and Savoy Mansions, Savoy Street, Strand, W.C. . Barrineton, Ricuarp Manutrre, LL.B. ; Fassaroe, Bray, co. Wicklow. . Bepparp, Frank E., M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S., Proseetor to the Zoological Society of London ; Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park, N.W. . Benson, Joun; Holly How, Coniston, Lancashire, . Berry, Witrtam, B.A., LL.B.; Tayfield, Newport, Fifeshire. . Browett, Epwarp ; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C. . Brinewam, Lt.-Col. Cuartes T. (Indian Staff Corps), F.Z.8. ; care of Messrs. H, S. King & Co., 85 Cornhill, E.C. 20 25 30 35 40 45 Date ot Election. 1892. 1891. 1893. 1896. 1873. 1897. 1893. 1897. 1890. 1892. 1897. 1868. 1895. vi Biro, The Rey. Maurice C, H., M.A.; Brunstead Rectory, Stalham, Norfolk. Braauw, F. E., C.M.Z.S.; Gooilust, s’Graveland, Noord- Holland. Braec, Ernest W. H.; Greenhill, Cheadle, Staffordshire. Brakeney, Ropert, R.E.; Aldershot Camp. Branrorp, Witt14M T., F.R.S., F.Z.8. ; 72 Bedford Gardens, Kensington, W. Brieu, The Hon. Ivo Francis; Southfields Grange, Wands- worth, 8.W., and Union Club, Trafalgar Square, W.C. Boram, Grorce, F.Z.8.; Castlegate, Berwick-on-Tweed. Bonar, The Rev. Horatius Ninian; Free Church Manse, Salton, Pencaitland, East Lothian, N.B. . Bonnorr, Joun Lewis; 68 Lexham Gardens, Kensington, W. . Borrer, Wruiram, M.A., F.L.S.; Cowfold, Horsham. . Braprorp, Dr. J. Ross, F.R.S. ; 60 Wimpole Street, W. . Brocxuores, Witt1aAmM F.; Claughton-on-Brock, Garstang, Lancashire. Brooke, Harry Brinstey; 33 Egerton Gardens, Kensington, W.. Brooxs, W. Enwin ; Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada. Brypen, Hunry A.;. Gore Park Road, Eastbourne. Bucxiey, THomas Epwarp, B.A., F.Z.S. ; Rossal, Inverness, NB. Burearta, H.R.H. Frrptnanp, Prince of ; Sophia, Bul- garia. . Butier, Sir Watrer Lawry, K.C.M.G.,Sc.D., F.R.S.,C.M.Z.S. ; 122 Tinakori Road, Wellington, New Zealand. . Buriar, Lieut.-Col. E.A.; Brettenham Park, Ipswich, Suffolk. . Burrerrierp, W. C. J. Ruskin; 3 Stainsby Street, St. Leonards-on-Sea. . Buxtoy, Grorrrey Fowrii; Sunny Hill, Thorpe, Norwich. . Buxton, 8. Gurney, F.Z.S.; Catton Hall, Norwich. . Cave, Francis J.; Teighmore, Cheltenham. . Cameron, Ewen Somertep, F.Z.S.; Terry, Montana, U.S.A. . Cameron, Jamus S.; 1st Bn. Royal Sussex Regt. . Cameron, Joun Duncan; Low Wood, Bethersden, near Ashford, Kent. . Campsett, Cuartes Wriiiiam, O.M.Z.S.; H.B.M. Chinese Consular Service; British Legation, Peking, China. Dee eee D5 60 65 Date of Election. 1858. 1888. 1890. 1888. 1894. 1884. 1894. 1882. 1897. 1889, 1880. 1895. 1880. 1874. 1888. 1882. 1892. 1896. 1896. 1894. 1896. 1895. 1882. A877. Vil CampBetL-Orpg, Sir Joun W. P., Bart., F.Z.8., late Captain 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment; Kilmory House, Lochgilphead, Argyllshire, N.B. Carrer, JAMES; Burton House, Masham, Yorkshire. Cave, Coartes Joun Puri, F.Z.8.; Ditcham Park, Peters- field. CHAMBERLAIN, Watrer, F.Z.S.; Harborne Hall, Harborne, near Birmingham. Cuance, A. Macoms, Jun., B.A.; Lawnside, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Caapman, Apri; 6 The Avenue, Sunderland. Cuapman, Epwarp Henry; 17 St. Hilda’s Terrace, Whitby. Cuasr, Roserr Wirt1am; Southyille, Priory Road, Edgbas- ton, Birmingham. Cuotmiry, ALrrep Joun, F.Z.8.; Place Newton, Rillington, Yorkshire. CrarkE, SrepHEenson Rosert, F.Z.S.; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. Crarxe, Witr1aM Eacte, F.L.S.; Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh. Corns, Ricnarp Epwarp; Oakfield, Milton, Lymington. Coorrr, Lieut.-Col. E. H., F.Z.S. ; 42 Portman Square, W. Corpravx, Joun; Great Cotes House, R.S.0., Lincoln. CorpEavx, Captain Wittram Wrtrrip; (21st Lancers), Cairo, Egypt. Cory, Cuartes B., F.Z.S.; Third National Bank, State Street, Boston, Mass., U.S.A. Covracr, Harotp Mircuett; Snowdenham, Bramley, Guild- ford. Cowrn, Capt. Avexanper Hveu, R.E.; Stanhope Lines, Aldershot. Crawrorp, Francis C.; 17 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. Crewe, Sir Vauncey Harpur, Bt.; Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. Crockett, Samort Rurasrrorp; Bank House, Penicuik, Midlothian. Crosstey, Sir Savite B., Bt., F.Z.S.; Somerleyton, Lowestoft, and 12 Carlton-House Terrace, 8.W. Crowtey, Putte, F.Z.S.; Waddon House, Waddon, Croydon. Datetttse, Joun J.; Brankston Grange, Bogside Station, Stirling, N.B. 70 75 80 85 go Date of Eleetion. 1896. 1874. 1883. 1891. 1893. 1896. 1896. 1889. 1883. 1895. 1865. 1896. 1890. vill DanrorD, Berrram W. Y., R.E.; St. Mary’s Barracks, Chatham. Danrorp, CHartes G., F.Z.S.; Hatszeg, Siebenburgen, Hungary, and Conservative Club, St. James’s Street, 5. W. Davipson, James; Karwar, Kanara, Bombay, and 32 Drum- sheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. De Vis, C. W. ; Queensland Museum, Brisbane, and care of B. Quaritch, 15 Piceadilly, W. De Winton, W. E.: Graftonbury, Hereford, and 59 Charlotte Street, Portland Place, W. Deerr Oppr, Count Ch, Errore Arricont, Societa del Casino Pedrocchi, Padua, Italy. Dossre, James B., F.Z.8., 2 Hailes Street, Edinburgh. Dose, Witt1am Henry, M.R.C.S.; 22 Upper Northgate Street, Chester. Dore, Scrorse b.; Public Works Department, Bombay. Donovan, Surgeon-Capt. Caartes, I.M.S., Civil Surgeon ; Mangalore, South Canara, India. Dresser, Henry Eres, F.L.S., F.Z.S.; Topclyffe Grange, Farnborough, Beckenham, Kent, and 110 Cannon Street, E.C. Drewitt, Dr. Frupertcx D.; 2 Manchester Square, W. Drummonp-Hay, James A. G. (Coldstream Guards); Guards’ Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 8. Durnrorp, W. Arruur, J.P.; Elsecar, Barnsley. . Durare, Lt.-Col. W. H. M.; Row, Doune, Perthshire. J, Exrior, Dantet Giravup, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.; Field Columbian Museum, Chicago, U.S.A. 5. Exitior, Epmunp A. §., M.R.C.8.; Woodville, Kingsbridge, South Devon. . Extrorr, Ateprnon, Civil & Sessions Judge, Amraoti Camp, Berar, H.A.D., India. . Etwes, Henry Jonny, F.Z.S.; Colesborne Park, Cheltenham. . Ertanerr, Freiherr Carto von; Nieder Ingelheim, Rhein Hessen, Germany. . Evans, Antour Humste, M.A., F.Z.S.; 9 Harvey Road, Cam- bridge. . Evans, Witi1am, F.R.S.E.; 184 Morningside Park, Edin- burgh. . Everetr, ALFRED Hast, C.M.Z.S.; Labuan, Borneo. 95 100 105 110 115 Date of Election. 1892, Farrpripgr, WittiuM George; 133 Long Market Street, Capetown, South Africa. 1895. Faxconer, Joun J. M.; Magdalene College, Cambridge. 1894. Farauyar, Capt. Arruur M., R.N.; Granville Lodge, Aboyne, N-B. 1873. Fritpen, Col. Henry Wemyss, C.M.Z.S.; West House, Wells, Norfolk, and Junior United Service Club, St. James’s, S.W. 1897. Fenwick, Epwarp Nicuotas Fenwick ; Oxford and Cambridge Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 1886. Frreuson, Lieut. Harorp Sruarr, Nair Brigade; Trevandrum, Travancore. 1892. Finn, Frann, B.A., F.Z.S8.; Indian Museum, Calcutta. 1890. Fisner, Lione.; Kandy, Ceylon. 1884. Forses, Henry Oce, LL.D., F.Z.S8.; Free Publie Museums, Liverpool. 1880. Fosrer, Wittrim; Braeside, The Heath, Weybridge. 1887. Fowrrr, Witr1am Warps, M.A.; Lincoln College, Oxford. 1865. Fox, Rev. Henry Extiotr, M.A. ; Fairview, Kingston Hill, Surrey. 1881. Frexr, Percy Evans; Step House, Borris, co. Carlow. 1895. Fronawk, Freperick Wittiam; 34 Widmore Road, Bromley, Kent. 1881. Gapow, Hans, Ph.D., F.Z.S.; University Zoologieal Museum, Cambridge. 1886. GatnsporoucH, Caartes W1inLIAM FRanets, Earl of ; Coombe Manor, Campden, Gloucestershire. 1885. GaLiwey, Sir Ratea Payne, Bart.; Thirklebv Park, Thirsk. 1892. Gurrarp, Joun ; Government Inspector of Mines; Worsley, Manchester. 1879. Grsson, Ernest ; care of Thos. Gibson, Esq., 1 Eglinton Court, Edinburgh, 1858. Gopman, Freprrick DuCann, F.R.S., F.Z.S.; 10 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, W. 1858. Gopman, Percy Sanpen, B.A., C.M.Z.S.; Muntham, Horsham. 1874. Gopwry-Avsten, Lieut.-Col. Henry Haversuanu, F.R.S., F.Z.8.; Shalford Park, Guildford. 1884. Goopcnttp, Jonun G., F.Z.S.; Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh. 1895. Grapuam, Oxtuy, M.A.; 2 The Crescent, Blossom Street, York. Date of Election. 1890. 1885. 1876. 120 1870. 125 1887. 130 1896. 135 1895. 1888 140 1893 Grant, WittiAm R. Oeirvie; 26 Hereford Square, 8. W. Guitemarp, F. H. H., M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.; Old Mill House, Trumpington, Cambridge. Gintuer, Atpert C. L. G., M.A., M.D., F.BS., F.Z5.; 2 Lichfield Road, Kew Gardens, 8.W. Gurney, Jonn Henry, F.Z.8.; Keswick Hall, Norwich, and Atheneum Club, Pall Mall, 8.W. . Gurney, J. Niget; Sprowston Hall, Norwich. . Gurney, Rosert; Sprowston Hall, Norwich. . Gwarxin, JosHuA Rerynotps Gascoren; Manor House, Potterne, Devizes. . Haren, Grorce Henry Caton ; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Hares, Joan Preypett Witton; The Lodge, Gloucester. . Hamitron, Epwarp, M.D., F.L.S., F.Z.8.; 16 Cromwell Place, Swe . Harcourt, Lewis Vernon ; Malwood, Lyndhurst, Hants. . Harrert, Ernst; The Museum, Tring, Herts. . Hartive, James Epuunp, F.LS., F.Z.8.; Linnean Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W. Harrtanp, Joun Corus; c/o Messrs. Hunt & Co., P.O. Box 11, Yokohama, Japan. . Hartmann, WittiAm; Tangley Mere, Chilworth, Surrey. . Harviz-Brown, Joun A., F.Z.S.; Dunipace House, Larbert, N.B. . Huppert, Coartes T., F.Z.8.; The Rhodrons, Hook, Kingston- on-Thames. . Hewetson, Henry Benpetack, F.LS., F.Z.S.; 11 Hanover Square, Leeds. Hinxman, Lionet W., B.A.; Geological Survey of Scotland, Edinburgh. . Horpsworrn, Cuaries James, J.P.; Kendal, Westmorland. . Hotpswortu, Epmunp W. H., F.Z.8.; South Town, Dart- mouth, Devon. . Hortanp, Antaur H.; Estancia Sta. Elena, Halsey, F.C. 0O., Argentine Republic, and Holmhurst, Copse Hill, Wim- bledon, 8.W. . Horsrietp, Hersert Knieut; Ivy Lodge, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. . Hosz, Cuartes, F.Z.8.; Baram, Sarawak, Borneo, “4 145 150 155 “160 Date of Election. 1895. 1881. 1858. 1893. 1869. 1890. 1870. 1894. 1897. 1882. 1891. 1895. 1882. 1892. 1884. 1881. 1892. Howarp, Henry Exror; Stone House, Kidderminster. Howarp, Roserr James; Hawkhurst, Blackburn, Lanca- shire. Hupieston, Witrrip Hupiesron, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; 8 Stanhope Gardens, 8. W. Hupson, Witt1Am Henry, C.M.Z.S.; Tower House, St. Luke’s Road, Westbourne Park, W. Home, Avian Octavian, C.B., 0.8.1, F.Z.8.; The Chalet, Kingswood Road, Upper Norwood, 8.E. Hunter, Henry Cuartes Vicars; Mawley Hall, Cleobury Mortimer, Salop. Hyrron, Hepworru Hytron, Lord, F.Z.S.; Merstham House, Red Hill, Surrey. . Irsy, Lieut.-Col. Lnonarp Howarp L., F.Z.S.; 14 Cornwall Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W. . Jackson, Freprrick J., F.L.S., F.Z.S.; The Red House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk. . JAMES, Henry AsuwortH; 11 Oxford Square, Hyde Park, W. . Jesse, Witt1am; La Martinicre College, Lucknow, Oudh, India. . Jounson, Freprrick Ponsonsy; Castlesteads, Brampton, Cumberland. . Jounsron, Sir Harry Hamitron, K.C.B., F.Z.S.; H.B.M.’s Consul-General, Tunis, North Africa. . Kennam, Major Henry Rozserr (1st Bn. Highland Light Infantry); Malta, and Roydon Lodge, Camberley, Surrey. Ketsatt, Harry Josrpu, R.A.; Aden. Kexsat1, The Rey. Joun Epwarp, M.A.; East Boldre Vicarage, Southampton. Kermopn, Purtre M.C.; Hillside, Ramsay, Isle of Man. Kerr, J. Granam; Christ’s College, Cambridge. Kiyesrorp, Witr1Am Epwarp; Ashdene, East Molesey, Surrey. Knusiey, Rey. Epw. Ponsonsy, M.A.; Steeple Ashton Vicarage, Trowbridge. Laipiaw, Tomas Geppes; Bank of Scotland, Morningside Branch, Edinburgh, and 8 Morningside Road, Edinburgh. Laneron, Herpert; 11 Marlborough Place, Brighton. Lasceties, Hon. Grratp; Queen’s House, Lyndhurst. La Tovcue, Joun Davin Dievus pp; Chinese Imperial Mari- time Customs, Foochow, China. 170 180 185 Xli Date of Election. 1892. Laws, Arnruur Moore; Buluwayo Engineering and Wagon Works, Buluwayo, Matabeleland, South Africa. 1885. Lawson, Guorer, C.B.; 36 Craven Hill Gardens, Hyde Park, WW: 1896. Ler, Oswin A. J.; 58 Manor Place, Edinburgh. 1876. Lueer, Col. Witt1aM Vincent (late R.A.), F.Z.8.; Cullenswood House, St. Mary’s, ‘Tasmania. 1868. Lr Srraner, Hanon, F.Z.8S.; Hunstanton Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. 1875. L’Estraner, Col. Pacer Watrer, R.A.; Llwynbedw, Bon- cath, R.S.0., South Wales. 1893. Lewis, Frepertck ; Assistant Conservator of Forests, c/o The Forest Department, Colombo, Ceylon. 1889. Leytanp, CuristopneR Joun; Haggerston Castle, Beal, Northumberland. 1897. Litrorp, The Rt. Hon. Joun, Lord, F.Z.S.; Lilford Hall, Oundle, Northants. 1874. Luoyp, Col. Joun Hayns, F.Z.8.; 95 Adelaide Road, N.W. 1897. Loner, Grorer Evwarpd, F.Z.8.; 5 Verulam Buildings, Gray’s Inn, W.C. 1889. Loyp, Major Arraur Purvis, F.Z.S. (late 21st Hussars) ; Harnham Cliff, Salisbury. 1896. Lussock, Percy ; 26 Cadogan Gardens, 8.W. 1877. Lumspen, James, F.Z.S.; Arden House, Alexandria, N.B. 1896. Lurruan-Jounson, James AnruurR, M.A.; 101 MountStreet, W. 1897. McLean, Jonn Cuampers; Waikohu Station, Te Karaka, Gisborne, New Zealand. 1834. Macpzerson, Arruur Hotre ; 51 Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park, W. 1886. Macpuerson, Rev. Huen Atexanprr, M.A.; Allonby Vicarage, Maryport, Cumberland. 1875. Maxcotm of Poltalloch, Jonn Winerrerp, Lord, C.B., F.Z.S. ; Poltalloch, Lochgilphead, Argylishire, and 23 Great Cumberland Place, W. 1878. Marks, Henry Sracy, R.A., F.Z.S.; 5 St. Edmund’s Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W. 1894. Marswatt, Arcuisarp McLean; Crowhill, Innerwick, E. q Lothian, and 29 Queen’s Gate Gardens, 8.W. 1894. Marsuatt, James McLuan ; Crowhill, Innerwick, E. Lothian. 1897. Mason, Col. Epwarp Snow ; 20 Minster Yard, Lincoln. 1990 195 200 205 210 Date of Xili Election. 1878. 1896. 1883. Maruew, Rey. Murray A., M.A., F.L.S.; Buckland Dinham, Frome, Somersetshire. Maxwett, Rt. Hon. Sir Herperr E., Bt., M.P.; 49 Lennox Gardens, S.W. Meape-Wa.po, Epvmunp Gustavus Broomrierp, F.ZS. ; Stonewall Park, Edenbridge, Kent. . Meryertzuacen, Dantet; Mottisfont Abbey, Romsey. ). Mitrats, Joun Guitte, F.Z.S.; Melwood, Horsham. 79. Mircuect, Frepprick Suaw; Clydeshowe, Edmonton, Alberta, N.W.T., Canada. . Mrrcnett, Wittram ; 16 Grosvenor Street, W. . Mrvartr, St. Georez, Ph.D:, M.D., F.R.S.; 77 Inverness Terrace, W., and Oriental Club, Hanover Square, W. . Monx, THomas James; St. Anne’s, Lewes, Sussex. . Murruean, Georat, F.Z.8S.; Mains of Haddo, Aberdeen. . Mutzens, Wittiam H., M.A., F.Z.8.; 9 St. James’s Place, 8. W. . Munn, Paitie Wincuester; Laverstoke, Whitchurch, Hants. . Mount, Henry; 83 Kensington Gardens Square, W. . Neatr, Epwarp; 43 Charlotte Street, Portland Place, W. . Nutsoy, THomas Hupson; Oxley Villa, Redcar, Yorkshire. . Nesuam, Rosert; Utrecht House, Queen’s Road, Clapham Park, S.W. . Neumann, Oscar; 10 Potsdamer Strasse, Berlin, W. . Newcome, Francis D’Arcy Wiii1am Croven; Feltwell Hall, Brandon, Suffolk. . Newton, Atrrep, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.8., Professor of Zoology in the University of Cambridge ; Magdalene College, Cam- bridge. . Nicuotts, Howarp Hitt Jonny, M.R.C.S.; 1 Hardwick Road, Eastbourne. . Nicnotson, Francts, F.Z.S.; 84 Major Street, Manchester, and Heathside, Knutsford, Cheshire. 1895. Nosir, Heattry; Temple Combe, Henley-on-Thames. 1887. Norman, Grorer Cameron, F.Z.8.; 68 Lombard Street E.C., and Bredon’s Norton, Tewkesbury. > . Oates, Eveenr Witr1aM, F.Z.8.; 1 Carlton Gardens, Broad- way, Ealing, W. . Oairvre, Fereus Menrerra, M.A., F.Z.8.; 5 Evelyn Mansions, Carlisle Place, Victoria Street, S.W. . Octr, Burrram Savitz; Hill House, Steeple Aston, Oxford. 215 220 225 230 235 xiv Date of Election. 1883. Parker, Henry, C.E., F.Z.S., Irrigation Officer, P.W.D.; Kurunegala, Ceylon. 1880. Parkin, Tomas, M.A., F.Z.S.; Fairseat, High Wickham, Hastings. 1891. Parrerson, Roserr; Tilecote, Malone Park, Belfast. 1884. Parrerson, R. Luoyp, F.L.S.; Croft House, Holywood, co. Down. 189-4. Pearson, CHARLES Epwarp; Chilwell House, near Nottingham. 1891. Prarson, Henry J.; Bramcote, Notts. 1891. Prnrosr, Frank, M.D.; 84 Wimpole Street, W. 1886. Puiturps, KE. Lorr, F.Z.8.; 79 Cadogan Square, 8.W. 1888. Purrips, Grorce THorneE; Wokingham, Berkshire. 1893. Pieorr, THomas Diesy, C.B.; 5 Ovington Gardens, S.W. 1896. Pree, Arnozp, F.Z.S.; c/o Miss Pike, 65 Cadogan Place, S.W. 1893. Pree, THomas Mayer, M.A.; care of Mr. Porter, 7 Prince’s Street, Cavendish Square, W. 1896. Popnam, Huen Lerysorne; Templeton, Hungerford, and Oxford & Cambridge Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 1888. Powys, Mervyn Owen Wayny, B.A., F.Z.8.; 2 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square, W., and Haygrass House, Taunton. 1893. Pycrart, Wittram Pranr; Department of Comparative Anatomy, University Museum, Oxford. 1888. RapctyFFe, CHaRies Ropert Evsrace; Ist Life Guards, and Hyde, Wareham, Dorset. 1879. Rawson, Herpert Everyy, F.Z.S.; Fallbarrow, Winder- mere. 1894. Reap, Ricnarp Henry, L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S.; Church Street, Hanley. 1888. Reap, Roperr H.; 7 South Parade, Bedford Park, W. 1877. Re, Capt. Savize G. (late R.E.), F.Z.8.; The Elms, Yalding, Maidstone. 1893. Renpatt, Percy, M.D., F.Z.S.; Devonshire Club, St. James’s Street, S.W. 1895. Rickerr, CHartes Boueury ; Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Foochow ; care of H. 8. King & Co. 1896. Rrrpoy, Major Grores; 7th Burma Battalion, Meiktila, Burma. 1896. Rogers, Capt. J. Mrpprzron, F.Z.8.; Ist (Royal) Dragoons, and Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent. 1893. Roruscuitp, The Hon. L. Watrer, F.Z.S.; Tring Park, Tring, Herts. 240 245 250 255 Date of Election. Rortuscuitp, The Hon. N. Cuartes, F.Z.S.; Tring Park, 1894. 1883. 1858. 1870. 1858. 1891. 1881. XV Tring, Herts. Sr. Quintin, WittrAm Herserr, F.Z.S.; Scampston Hall, Rillington, Yorkshire. Satvin, Ospert, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S.; 10 Chandos Street, W., and Hawksfold, Fernhurst, Haslemere. SaunpEers, Howarp, F.LS., F.Z.S.; 7 Radnor Place, Hyde Park, W. Scrater, Pairp Luriry, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S.; Secretary to the Zoological Society of London; 3 Hanover Square, London, W., and Odiham Priory, Winchfield. Scrater, Wittram Lurtry, M.A., F.Z.S.; South African Museum, Capetown, South Africa. Scutty, Surgeon-Lt.-Col. Jonn, F.L.S., F.Z.S.; Hetowra, 14 Hartfield Square, Eastbourne, and care of Messrs. H. 8. King & Co., 65 Cornhill, E.C. . SennousE, Humpurey Parricius, B.A.; The Fitz, Cocker- mouth, Cumberland. . Suarrrz, Ricuarp Bowpter, LL.D., F.LS., F.Z.S.; Senior Assistant, Zoological Department, British Museum (Natural History), South Kensington, 8.W. . SHettey, Capt. G. Ernest, F.Z.S. (late Grenadier Guards) ; Tower House, Reigate, Surrey. . SaepHerD, Rev. Cuartes WitttAM, M.A., F.Z.8.; Trotters- clitfe Rectory, Maidstone, Kent. . Surercey, Sewaruis Everyn; Ettington Park, Stratford-on- Avon. . Sursoy, F. B., F.Z.S. ; Broom Hill, Spratton, Northampton. . Stater, Rey. Henry H., M.A., F.Z.S.; Thornhaugh Rectory, Wansford, Northants. . SmrtH, Rev. Atrrep Cuartes, M.A.; Old Park, Devizes, Wilts. . Sonprs, Earl; Lees Court, Faversham. . Sournwett, Tuomas, F.Z.S.; 10 The Crescent, Chapel Field, Norwich. . Sranzey, Samvet S.; 3 Regent Grove, Leamington, Warwick- shire. . Srark, ArrHuR Cowett, M.B. & C.M. (Kdin.), F. R. Phys. Soc. (Edin.); Eccleston, Torquay, and Bertram House, Capetown, South Africa. 260 265 275 280 Date of XVi Election. 1589. 1893. 1897. 1881. Sroatr, Wittram ; Belmont, Burnham, Somerset. Sronaam, Cuartus, F.R.C.S., F.Z.8.; 4 Harley Street, Cavendish Square, W. SrrEATFEILD, Capt. Eric; 2nd Gordon Highlanders, Aldershot. Sruppy, Col. Rossrr Wrieur (late Manchester Regiment); Longcause, Totnes, Devon. 7. Sryan, Freperick Wittt1amM, F.Z.S. ; Ben Craig, Bayham Road, Sevenoaks, and Shanghai, China. . Swrnpurne, Joun; Carlton Lodge, Catel, Guernscy. 2, Swrnnor, Col. Caartes (Indian Staff Corps), M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S.; Avenue House, Cowley Road, Oxford. . Tarr, Wrottam Caaster, C.M.Z.8.; Entre Quintas 155, Oporto, Portugal. . Taytor, Epwarp Cavenpisu, M.A., F.Z.S.; 74 Jermyn Street, S.W. . TrceTMEIER, WiLtIAM Berngard, F.Z.S8.; 16 Alexandra Grove, North Finchley, N. . Tennant, Epwarp Prravix; 40 Grosvenor Square, W., and The Glen, Innerleithen, N.B. . Terry, Major Horacn A. (Oxfordshire Light Infantry) ; Burvale, Walton-on-Thames. . Taornuitt, WitttaAM Biunpeti ; Castle Cosey, Castle Belling- ham, Ireland. . THorer, Dixon L.; Loshville, Etterby Scaur, Carlisle. . Ticeuurst, Norman Freperic ; Guy’s Hospital, 8.E. . Trevor-Batryr, Ausyn B.R., F.Z.8.; 2 Whitehall Gardens, Saws . Trisrram, Rev. Henry Baxsr, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., C.M.ZS., Canon of Durham; The College, Durham. . Urcuer, Henry Morris, F.Z.8.; East Hall, Feltwell, Brandon, Norfolk. , . Urwick, Wittiam F.; 27 Bramham Gardens, S.W. . Ussner, Ricnarp Jonn; Cappagh House, Cappagh, R.8.0., Lismore, Ireland. . Venour, StepHen; Fern Bank, Altrincham, Cheshire. . Very, ALFRED Sainspury; Heronsgate, near Rickmans- worth. . Verner, Lt.-Col. Wirt1am Witiovensy Cores (2nd Bn. Rifle Brigade); Royal Military College, Camberley, Surrey, and Junior United Service Club, S.W. XVii Date of Election. 1886. Waps-Datron, Col. H. D.; Hauxwell Hall, Finghall, R.8.0., Yorkshire. 1895. Watuis, Henry Marriage; 6 Southern Hill, Reading. 1881. Watstnenam, Tomas, Lord, F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; Merton Hall, Thetford, Norfolk. 1872. Warptaw-Ramsay, Major R. G., F.Z.S.; Tillicoultry House, Tillicoultry, N.B. 285 1896. Warxins, Warkin ; Wellington Club, 8.W. 1891. Wuiraxer, Bensamry Incuam; Hesley Hall, Tickhill, Rother- ham. 1884. Wuiraxer, Josepn, F.Z.S.; Rainworth Lodge, Mansfield, Notts. 1891. Wurraxer, Joseen I. S.; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily. 1887. WarrenraD, Jerrery ; Newstead, Wimbledon, Surrey. 290 1897. Wuyrmerr, Cuartes; 7 James Street, Haymarket, Sow 1894. Wirxixson, Jounson ; Vermont, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. 1896, Wituiams, Lionet A.; Llangurran, Salisbury; 8 Hanover Square, W.; and Isthmian Club, Piccadilly, W. 1897. Witson, Attan Rerp; Wadham College, Oxford, and East- hill, East Bank Road, Sheffield. 1888. Wiisoy, Cuartes Josrpu; 16 Gordon Square, W.C. 295 1887. Wutson, Scorr Barcnarp, F.Z.S.; Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath, Surrey. 1897. Wirarrsy, Harry F,; Heathfield, Eliot Place, Blackheath, S.E. 1891. Wirutyetoy, Franx; Kingston Post Office, Jamaica. 1875. Wrieut, Cuartns A., F.L.S., F.Z.8. (Knight of the Crown of Italy); Kayhough, Kew-Gardens Road, Kew, 8.W. 1871. Wrieut, E. Percevar, M.D., F.LS., F.Z.8., Professor of Botany in the University of Dublin. 300 1891. Wricut, Tuomas, M.D. ; Castle Place, Nottingham. 1876. Wyarr, Cravpr W.; Adderbury, Banbury. 1895. Yersury, Lt.-Col. Jomn Wrrriam, R.A., F.Z.S.; Army and Navy Club, 8. W. 1889. Youne, Commander James B., R.N.; 2 Ventnor Villas, West j Brighton. 1878. Youne, Jony, F.L.S., F.Z.S.; 64 Hereford Road, Bayswater. 305 1897. Youne, Joun Josep Batpwry, M.A.; Richmond Park, near Sheftield. SER. VII.—VOL. III. b Io Date of XVili Election. 1860, 1886. 1890. 1860. 1870. 1894. 1860. 1860. 1893. 1890. Eatra-Ordinary Member. Wattacr, AtrRED Russet, F.Z.S.; Corfe View, Parkstone, Dorset. Honorary Members. Ayres, Tuomas; Potchefstroom, Transvaal. Berwteescu, Graf Hans von, C.M.Z.S.; Schloss Berlepsch, Post Gertenbach, Witzenhausen, Germany. Cananis, Dr. Jean, C.M.Z.S., Friedrichshagen, bei Berlin. Friyscu, Dr. Orro, C.M.Z.S.; Delmenhorst, near Bremen. Giettont, Dr. Henry Hittyer, F.M.Z.8.; Reale Istituto di Studi Superiori, Florence. Harttavs, Dr. Gustav, F.M.Z.S.; Bremen. Layarp, Epnear Leoponp, C.M.G., F.Z.8., Otterbourne, Bud- leigh Salterton, Devonshire. RercHenow, Dr. Anron, C.M.Z.S.; Museum fiir Naturkunde, Invalidenstrasse, Berlin. Satvaporr, Count Tommaso, M.D., F.M.Z.S.; Royal Zoological Museum, Turin. Foreign Members. . Auten, Jopt AsapaH, C.M.Z.S.; American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York City, U.S.A. . Bocaer, Prof. J. V. Barsoza pu, C.M.Z.S.; Royal Museum, Lisbon. . Burzav, Louris, M.D.; Ecole de Médecine, Nantes. . Cottett, Prof. Roprrr, F.M.Z.S. ; Zoological Museum, Christi- ania. . Cougs, Dr. Exiiorr,0.M.Z.S. ; Smithsonian Institution, Wash- ington, D.C. . Dorta, Marchese Gracomo, F.M.Z.S., Genoa. . Fatro, Dr. Victor, C.M.Z.S., Geneva. . Lonecuamps, Baron Dr Setys, Liége. . Mavardsz, Dr. Junius von; National Museum, Buda- Pesth. . Martmeren, Dr. A. J., Helsingfors, Finland. . Marsa, Prof. Oranret Cuartes, C.M.Z.S.; Yale College, New- haven, U.S.A. T5 20 ida Date of Election 1894. 1894. 1896. X1x Menzaier, Prof. Dr. Micnaur, C.M.Z.S.; Imperial Society of Naturalists, Moscow. . Meyer, Dr. Apotr Bernuarp, C.M.Z.S., Director of the Royal Museum, Dresden. 2. Mitnr-Epwarps, Prof. Atpronsr, F.M.Z.S.; Jardin des Plantes, Paris. . Ousrarer, Dr. Emre, C.M.Z.S.; Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Jardin des Plantes, Paris. . Preske, H.E. Dr. Turopor, F.M.Z.8.; Office of the Company ‘“* Nadeshda,” St. Petersburg. ’ D . Rapp, Prof. Gustav, C.M.Z.S., Tiflis. . Riveway, Rosert, C.M.Z.S.; Smithsonian Institution, Wash- ington, D.C. Scuatow, Herman; 15 Schleswiger Ufer, Berlin, N.W. Winer, Hertur; University Zoological Museum, Copenhagen. ; : . ee or ee F pie oth th i - ; — CONTENTS or VOL. III.—SEVENTH SERIES, (1897.) Number IX., January. Frontispiece: Portrait of the late Lorp Litrorp, President of the British Ornithologists’ Union, presented to this Journal by the present Lorp Litrorp. I. An additional List of Birds obtained at Kalaw, Southern “Shan States, during April and May, 1896, By Major G. Rippon, 7th Burma Infantry. (Plate I.) II. On the new Palearctic Goose LES 2. ‘The Auk,’ July and October, 1896 » 420 3. Berg’s Oological Notices . <2 4. Bladen on the Cuckoo and its Roster: Parents 42m 5. Bittikofer on a probably new Tinamou ~ 2 6. Biittikofer on the Genus Pycnonotus and its Athen . tae 7. Cherrie on Birds from San Domingo . . 122 8. Crossman on the Birds of Hertfordshire . « 122 9. Finn on two rare Indian Ducks . 123 10. Hartert on a new Swift from Madagascar . 123 11. Hartert on Everett’s Collections in Celebes and Wie adjacent Islets , 123 12. Le Souéf’s Trip to Mallasearn . 125 13. Loomis on Californian Water-birds . 125 14, Lueas and Ridgway ou the Procniatide . . 125 15. Mivart’s ‘ Monograph of the Lories’ . 126 16. Nathusius on the Oology of the Rheas ; ae 17. Oberholser on two new American Woodpeckers . 128 18. Reed’s Catalogue of Chilian Birds . . 128 19. Reichenow on Papuan and Australian Birds . 128 20. Richmond on Birds from Kashmir, Baltistan, and Ladak . ey ee 21. Ridgway on Birds fron ihe ce pelle ad aficiie Islands . 2 . 130 22. Salvadori on a new Pianphoas ae (33) 23. Semon’s ‘ Im Australischen Busch ’ . kok 24. Sharpe on the Limicole . - « dee 25. Southwell’s Guide to the Norwich Cael ninagiee . bap 26. Stirling and Zietz on Genyornis newtont . . 135 27. Winge on Birds of the Danish Lighthouses, 1895 - 137 XI. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. :— Letters from Mr. J. D. de La Touche, Count T. Salvadori, and Mr. Osbert Salvin. Mr. D. G, Elliot’s Expedition to Somaliland; Mr. Whyte’s new Expedition to the Mountains CONTENTS. XXill of North Nyasaland; Rare British Birds; Parasitism of Cassidixv oryzivora; Breeding-place of Ross’s Gull; New Index to ‘ The Ibis’ (1877-94); The Agaléga Islands ; Swallow-Bluff in British Columbia; The late Mr. Seebohm’s Posthumous Works ; List of Hlustrated Ornithological Works in Course of Publication, and Dates of the last Parts issued . . . . . 138 XII. Obituary.—G. Brown-Goode and Auguste Sallé . . 147 NuMBER X., April. XIII. Ornithological Results of a Naturalist’s Visit to the Coast-region of South Guyana. By Dr. Emit A. Goxxpt, C.M.Z.8., Director of the Museum in Pard. . .... . 149 XIV. Field-Notes on the Birds of the Estancia Sta. Elena, Argeutine Republic.—Part IV. By A. H. Hottanp. With Bemimticeby (Ps Lig SChARER: 6) 3 3) 3. os «6 « 6« 1G XY. On a Further Collection of Birds, made by Messrs. La Touche and Rickett, from N.W. Fohkien. By Henry H. Sepeieeree (ater Nays sl A ee dey sw ww LOD XVI. Field-Notes on the Birds of Chili, By Amsrosx A. Lane. With an Introduction and Remarks by P. L. Daren ets hl et yt a ne ele, 8 ys Pee XVII. Notes on the Birds of the Western Coast of the Red eee by Atraep J. Coonminy, F.Z.8. . . . . 1.2 - « 196 XVIII. On the Birds of the Philippine Islands.—Part IX. The Islands of Samar and Leite. By W. R. Oeinvir Granr. With Field-Notes by Jomn Wuirenzav. (Plates V.& VI.) . 209 XIX. Description of a new Bird of Paradise from British New Guinea. By 0. W. De Vis. (Plate VII.) . . . . . 250 Xxiyv CONTENTS. XX. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. XL.-XLII. . XXI. . ‘Aquila’ for 1896. , ; . Arrigoni degli Oddi on Italian Sport aia’ Oititiolone a . Sir Joseph Banks's Journal . 3 . Bendire’s ‘ Life-Histories of North- ee Birds’ 2. Brandes on the Bird's Gizzard . . Bull’s Cruise of the ‘ Antarctic’ . Butler’s ‘ British Birds ’ . Buttikofer on a new Duck ; 8 Bittikofer on two Generic Names of fede : 7. Capek on the Reproduction of the Cuckoo . Clarke (W. E.) on the Migration of Birds 9. Dresser’s Supplement to the ‘ Birds of Europe’ . Gurney on a New-Zealand Owl . Hood and Coues on Ornithology : . . Judd and Beal on the Food of American Birds : . Koenig on the Birds of Algeria . Lee’s Photographs of British Birds . Loénnberg on some Linnean Types at Upsala . Lorenz on the Nestor Parrots . Lucas on the Cranium of Pallas’s Canmorant . Merriam (Florence A.) on Californian Birds . Newton & Gadow’s ‘ Dictionary of Birds,’ Part IV. . North on the Nest of Petreca leqgii : . North on the Insectivorous Birds of New Santi Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— Wales . Poynting’s ‘ Eggs of British ‘Birds: . Reiser and Fiihrer’s ‘ Ornis Balcanica ’ . Richmond on Birds from Central Asia . Richmond on a new Ant-Thrush ; . Richmond on Birds from Alta Mira, Mexico . Robinson on the Birds of Margarita Island . . Salvadori on Birds from Deli, Sumatra 59. . Sharpe’s ‘ Monograph of the Paradiseide ’ . Swann on British Birds Seebohm’s ‘ Eggs of British Birds’ Nos. AL CONTENTS. XXII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. :— Letters from Mr. A. H. Holland and Dr. G. Hartlaub. New Experiments on Protective Coloration ; The Rosy Bullfinch in Holland ; The “ Chaffinch” of Timbuctoo; The “ Operculum ” in Ratite Birds; The Parasitism of Cassidiv oryzivora; The Generic Name of the Swifts . XXIII. Obituary.—Heinrich Giitke, C. E. Bendire, and William Graham cyaue NuMBER XI., July. XXIV. Field-Notes on the Birds of Chili. By AmsBrosx A. Lane. With an Introduction and Remarks by P. L. Scrater. (Concluded from p. 195.) . XXY. Field-Notes on the Birds of the Island of San Domingo. By Dr. Curnserr Curisry XXVI. On some Fossil Remains of Carinate Birds from Central Madagascar. By Cuas. W. Anprews, B.Sc., F.Z.5., Assistant in the British Museum (Natural History). (Plates VIII. & IX.) Seisasps SEA ere XXVII. On the Changes of Plumage in some of the Typical Weaver-Birds. By A. G. Burter, Ph.D. XXVIIT. On the Nesting of Cassicus persicus, Cassidix oryzivora, Gymnomystax melanicterus, and Todirostrum macu- latum. By Dr. Emm A. Gortpr, C.M.Z.S, Director of the Museum in Para XXIX. Diagnoses of Thirty-six new or little-known Birds from British New Guinea. By C. W. Dr Vis. XXX. Descriptions of some new or little-known Birds’-eggs from Queensland. By D. Lx Soviir (of Melbourne) . XXV Page eezeG . 291 . 343 . 309 . 361 oie! XXVI CONTENTS, Page XXXI. On the Birds of Zululand, founded on the Collections made by Messrs. R. B. and J. D. 8S. Woodward. By R. Bowp- LER Suarpe, LL.D., Assistant-Keeper, Sub-Department of Ver- tebrata, British Pere With a Narrative of their Travels, by R. B. and J. D. 8. Woopwarp. (Plate X.) . 400 XXXII. Various Notes on Humming-Birds. By Erysr HARTERT . . . 423 XXXIII. Proceedings at the Anniversary Meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Union, 1897 . 436 XXXIV. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. Nos. XLIII.—XLY. . 438 XXXY. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— 62. Annals of Scottish Natural History, Nos. 21 & 22, January and April, 1897 . 453 63. ‘The Auk,’ January and April, 1897 . 453 64, ‘ Avicula’: a new Italian Ornithological Toiunal . 456 65. Blaauw’s ‘ Monograph of the Cranes ’ . 457 66. Brown-Goode (G.), Bibliography of Sclater’s Pane cations . oye . 458 67. Butler on the Effects of Cailvaton . 459 68. Biittikofer on Birds from Nias . 460 69. Biuttikofer on a new Species of Newtonia . 460 70. Chapman on the Birds of Yucatan . 460 71. Donaldson-Smith on “ Unknown Africa” . 461 72. Elliot on Birds from Somaliland . - « 462 73. Godman and Salvin’s ‘ Biologia Centrali- Anions 462 74. Goeldi on the Birds of Para . 463 75. Hartert on Subspecific and Family Names. . 463 76. Kingsley’s Travels in West Africa . 464 77. Martorelli on Falco sacer in Italy . 466 78. Martorelli on two Myiotherine Birds . 466 79. Nansen’s ‘ Farthest North’ . 467 80. Nelson on new Birds from Mexico and Canna . 468 81. North on the Birds of Funafuti, Ellice Islands . 469 82. Oustalet on the Avifauna of Mauritius . . 469 83. Quelch on Migratory Birds in British Guiana . 470 84. Reichenow on the Birds of Togoland . 470 CONTENTS. XXVli Page 85. Sclater (W. L.), List of South-African Birds . . . 471 86. Sharpe’s ‘ Handbook to the Birds of Great Britain’. 471 87. Shufeldt on some Fossil Bones of Birds . . . . 472 88. Stirling and Zietz on Genyornis newtoni . . . . 472 89. Tegetmeier on Pheasants . . . ee eg Ds 90. Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen on the Binds of Austria- PARED ANE ee, ce ee sy a> oa Re) ewe XXXVI. Obituary.—Heer A. A. van Bemmelen, Sir Edward Mewson, and Mr. A. 1). Bartlett}... .. . 2 5 » & « «474 XXXVII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c.:— Letters from the Rev. Canon Tristram and Mr. Gerald E. H. Barrett-Hamilton. he Collection of Birds’-eggs in the British Museum ; The late Wilh. Hollandt’s Collection of Birds’-eggs : The Gitke Collection of Birds; The Museum of Para; The Tristram Collection of Birds ; Restored Skeleton of Zpyornis ; Movements of Ornithologists and Collectors at home and abroad; The North-east African Hoopoe . . ... . . 481 Number XII., October. XXXVIII. On the Birds of Zululand, founded on the Col- lections made by Messrs. R. B. and J. D. 8. Woodward.— Part II. Systematic List of the Birds of Zululand. By R. Bowpter Suarer, LL.D., Assistant-Keeper, Sub-Department er vertebrata, british Museum. . . . 2 » «.».« » » » 490 XXXIX. On the Birds collected by Mr. Alexander Whyte, F.Z.8., durmg his Expedition to the Nyika Plateau in North Nyasaland. By Captain G. E. Suetiry, F.Z.S. With an Introduction by P. L. Sctarpr. (Plates XI. & XII.) On = QO XL. Birds’-nesting in and around Lucknow. Additional Notes taken in the Season of 1896. By Wittiam Jessp . . 554 XLI. Notes on Lbidorhynchus struthersti. By Captain W. Bemekulie CORBEAU Stk ee) ue kL dm eh ie ge BOR XXVill ELuLiot XLII. The Birds of Spitsbergen, as at present determined. By Ausyn Trevor-Bartyve, B.A., F.L.S., &c., Zoologist to the CONTENTS. XLII. Notes on the Godwits Cae. By linens te: Conway Expedition of 1896 XLIV. Additional Observations on the Birds of the Province of Fohkien, By C. B. Ricxerr and J. D. pp La Tovcne. With Notes by W. R. Oeriviz Grant XLV. KEV: XLVI. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96-— 100. 101. 102. 103. 104, 105. Masefield on Wild-Bird Protection and Nesting- . 619 . 620 . 620 : 621 . 62i 106. LOW 108. 109. 110, GI 12; 113. 114. 115, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. No. . 610 Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— Australian Museum Report : Chapman (Abel) on Northern Birds . Finn on the Cotton-Teal (Nettapus) . Flower on Natural History as a Vocation . Fulcher on British Birds 99. Hartert’s recent Contributions to Genithology Helms on Birds met with in the North Atlantic. Johnston on the Birds of British Central Africa . Kuschel on the Parasitic Habits of Cassidix . Lee’s Photographs of British Birds ; Le Souef’s Expedition to Mount Peter Botte . Boxes ‘ Merriam on seein ana ‘Subspecies : cee Meyer and Wiglesworth on Birds from Celebes . Richmond on Birds from Madagascar Ridgway on the Birds of the Galapagos Rothschild on Guldenstiidt’s Redstart . Page . 612 . 612 . 613 . GIS . 614 . 614 » 616 . 616 . 618 . 618 . 618 622 Rothschild on a new Hill-Wren . 5 . 622 Salvadori on Birds from Tigre, Abyssinia . . 622 Saville-Kent’s ‘ Naturalist in Australia’ . 623 Suchetet on Hybrids among Wild Birds . « 623 Winge on Birds of the Danish Lighthouses, 1896 . 624 XLVI. Obituary.—Charles Bygrave Wharton . 624 CONTENTS. Xxix Page XLVIII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. :— Letters from Mr. 0. V. Aplin and Lt.-Col. E. A. Butler, The Melodious Warbler ({ypolais polyglotta) in Sussex ; The Production of * Aigrettes ”’; New Expedition to the Galapagos. 625 minosar ocrenGiie Names: <6 « . 6. « « « » » 629 SriexeotWOnbetite: abil ee te Woe se Powe Or we OCT Titlepage, Preface, List of Members, and Contents. PLATES IN VOL. III. SEVENTH SERIES. I. Sitta magna, ¢ REPS Sieh eo MENU le oy oe Il. { Fig. 1. Anser neglectus. Fig. 2. A.segetum. Fig. 3. A. brachyrhynchus III. Psittacella picta, ¢ 9 : IV. { Fig. 1. Suthora davidiana Fig. 2. Cryptolopha ricketti . V. Pithecophaga jefferyi VL ee 1. Zosterornis pygmeus . Fig. 2. Rhabdornis inornatus . VII. Macgregoria pulchra VIII. Centrornis majori ; ee a oe IX. ( Figs. 1-8. Chenalopex einaboiaie: Figs. 4-7. Tri- bonyx roberti. Fig. 8. Plotus nanus X. Stactolema woodwardi . XI. Serinus whytii oe XI. { Fig. I. Bessonornis modesta F Fig. 2. Cisticola nigriloris bow Ww wee ul ~ gO OO 1 FSA em 1 bo He O10 OC me a CW mem Or bo ERRATA. Page 162, line 8 from the bottom, for Phalacrocorax brasiliensis read ay Phalacrocorax brasilianus. Laraqueti =Bay=0f Arauco—— o Carampangue > ~o Maquegua S 3oPuma °Colico °Curanilahut Walker & Boutall se. LocALiTies oF Mr. LANE IN ARAUCO. found the hills covered with scrub and small birds plentiful, though in limited variety. On July 13th he went on to Maquegua, south of Coronel, and about ten miles inland, which he found to be just at the commencement of the great forest-district of Southern Chili. The country was very hilly and fairly wooded, and traversed by numerous ravines on the Birds of Chili. 13 (‘ quebradas’) choked with dense bush. From Maquegua Mr. Lane made expeditions all round, to Colico and Cura- nilahui inland, and to Arauco on the neighbouring coast. After a stay of about two months in this district and at Laraqueti on the coast, the winter being nearly over, he prepared to go on to Valdivia. Fig. 3. = a Valdivia ™//@-001'¢ _—= 5 i ns ®. San ba — = ofavase# oe =*-Rio Bueno Sen 2 eI Walker & Boutall sc. Route oF Mr. LANE IN VALDIVIA AND CHILOE. On September 22nd, Mr. Lane, having left Coronel by steamer, arrived at Corral, a small port at the mouth of the Calle-calle river, whence it takes about two hours in a 14, Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes steam-launch up to the town of Valdivia The scenery here was remarkably picturesque, the country being hilly and thickly covered with evergreen woods, which extend to the water’s edge. After a short stay at Valdivia, Mr. Lane proceeded to Calle-calle, about 30 miles up the river, where he remained a week, and, meeting with but little success in collecting, returned to Corral. The most noticeable bird about Calle-calle was the large Woodpecker, Ipocrantor mayellanicus ; but at Corral the beautiful bay and inland creeks yielded a plentiful supply of water-fowl. Sea-birds were also obtained outside the harbour, where he saw a good many Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). On November 11th Mr. Lane left Corral by steamer for Ancud, the port at the north end of the large island of Chiloe, but not finding many additional sea-birds there, went on by the next steamer to Puerto Montt, on the opposite mainland, where he arrived on November 20th. Hence an excursion was made to the inland lake called Laguna de Llanquehui, about 20 miles from the coast. Here he stayed first at Puerto Varas, a small place on the lake, and was much pleased with the German settlers, who were very hospitable and obliging. Not having great success at Puerto Varas, Mr. Lane went, on December 2nd, to another village on the Laguna called Frutillar, and subse- quently to Puerto Octay, a small place on the north side of the lake. After a day’s stay here he rode through the town of Osorno to Rio Bueno. The country between Puerto Octay and Osorno was mostly forest, and there appeared to be few birds except Parrots, which were plentiful. From Osorno to Rio Bueno the land was mostly cultivated with wheat. About two hours from Rio Bueno, where that stream is joined by the Pilmaiguen, was one of the best bird-resorts he had come upon. There were islands along both rivers frequented by Ducks, Herons, Storks, and other water-birds. Living was cheap and the people were hospitable, and Mr. Lane had planned to stay on here for a considerable period. Unfor- tunately, however, the revolution of 1891 broke out, the whole country became upset, and all civilians were forbidden on the Birds of Chili. 15 to carry firearms. Under these circumstances Mr. Lane thought it prudent to leave the country and return to Europe. V. Mr. Lane’s Field-Notes. I now give a selection from Mr. Lane’s field-notes made during these expeditions. The nomenclature and arrange- ment of James’s ‘ New List of Chilian Birds’ are followed, and references to the volumes of the Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum (B. M. C.) are added. The localities under each name in brackets are taken from Mr. Lane’s specimens now in the British Museum, 1. TacHYcINETA MEYENI (Bp.). Tuchycineta meyent, Sharpe, B. M. C. x. p. 116; James, N. L. p. 2; Sharpe & Wyatt, Mon. Swallows, i. p. 153, pl. 23. (Corral and Maquegua.) Common throughout Chili, and known as the “ Golon- drina.” I believe it is found in Valdivia and Chiloe only in the warm season. I observed it in June at Coronel, but on going to Maquegua I found none at that date, though it became plentiful there at the end of August. 2. ATtTicorA CYANOLEUCA (Vieill.). Atticora cyanoleuca, Sharpe, B. M. C. x. p. 186; James, N. L. p. 2; Sharpe & Wyatt, Mon. Swall. ii. p. 505, pl. 99. (Sacaya.) Birds of this species appeared to be generally distributed on the east side of Tarapacd. They were common at Huasco, and I fancy those I saw at Pica were the same. They breed at Sacaya about November or December, making their nests in holes or crevices in cliffs. 3. ConrrostRUM CINEREUM (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Conirostrum cinereum, Sclater, B. M. C. xi. p. 15; id. P. Z. S. 1891, p. 133. (Pica.) I collected the specimens sent of this species at Pica, in 16 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes Tarapaca, during the latter part of May, 1890, which was well into winter-time. I was unable to find out any local name for this species, as the natives of Pica are far too indolent to take any interest in ornithology, but I heard of its occurrence in similar oases further north. I observed these birds in flocks feeding on the tops of trees, just like Titmice, especially on a sort of willow-tree. The sexes appear to resemble each other in markings and size. They are probably residents at Pica. They appear to be purely insectivorous, feeding on minute insects like Paride. ‘Their call-note is similar to that of most species of the latter; they were rather silent, how- ever, when I saw them, merely calling to each other when scattered. 4. XENOsPINGUS ConcoLOoR (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Xenospingus concolor, Sharpe, B. M. C. xi. p. 799; Sel. P. Z. 8. 1891, p. 133. (Pica.) Whilst collecting at Pica (province of Tarapaca) in May, 1890, it being then winter-time in that locality, I noticed these birds in the gardens, singly or in pairs. I was told by the natives they were “Canaritos”; but “ Canarito” (which is a pet name for Canary in Spanish) is often applied indiscriminately to small birds. This is a shy, retirmg bird, flitting through the thick bushes, and occasionally uttering a peculiar and rather subdued chirruping. 5. Puryeitus eayi (Eyd. et Gerv.). Phrygilus gayi, Sharpe, B. M. C. xii. p. 781. I did not observe these Finches until I went to the province of Arauco, north of which they do not occur on the lowlands; at least so I was told. They are more plentiful in the south, especially in Chiloe, and on the adjacent mainland. Their local name is “ Chanchito ” (“little pig’). They resemble P. atriceps very closely, and might be on the Birds of Chili. 17 mistaken for them by a casual observer. P. atriceps is somewhat larger, and its deep-black head distinguishes it, this part being in P. gayiofa dark slate-colour. Even their notes appear identical, though I heard the male of P. gayi utter a simple melody on a few occasions during summer, which performance I did not notice in the other species. In Southern Chili the present species feeds a good deal on the ground underneath bushes. The favourite haunts of these birds are the sides of ravines or abrupt hollows, covered with thick bush of a seed-bearing nature, and small cliffs covered with creepers. They do not occur on open stretches, but are often numerous in partially- cleared localities, where coppice has taken the place of the large timber previously cut down or burnt. I never could find their nests. I frequently saw them in confinement, in aviaries. When crossing the, Andes, from Santiago to Mendoza, I found this bird numerous on the Argentine side, where it feeds on the ground on the barren mountain- slopes. 6. Parycitus atriceps (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Phrygilus atriceps, Sharpe, B. M. C. xu. p. 786; Sclater, a2 9. 19891, p: 133. (Sacaya and Huasco.) Abundant about Sacaya, and fairly so about Huasco and other localities in Tarapacé. The adult male, when in full colour, is a very beautiful bird, and is perhaps slightly larger than the female. The iris is hazel. These birds frequent the low bushes which border the valley, and feed principally on the ground, where they pick up seeds of the bushes and mountain grasses. ‘Their note of alarm is a click, which can be imitated by pressing the tongue against the palate and then withdrawing it; sometimes it has a double sound. They have other call-notes, but, so far as I could ascertain, nothing resembling a song. I found them between 10,000 and 12,000 feet, and in Tarapaca only. SER. VII.— VOL. III. LS 18 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes 7. Puryeitus unicotor (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Phrygilus unicolor, Sharpe, B. M. C. xix. p. 792. I only observed this species at Huasco about the rocky slopes bordering the laguna on the west. They are known as the pajaro plomo (leaden or lead-coloured bird), on account of their colour. J was informed by a native that they are resident at this locality. The sexes appear alike. Their only note seemed to be a subdued chirrup; they searched for food on the ground, and hopped familiarly about the ruins of an Indian homestead, where we camped. 8. PurycGiLus aLaupinus (Kittl.). Phrygilus alaudinus, Sharpe, B. M. C. xi. p. 793. (Vina del Mar and Coronel.) Owing to my somewhat limited sojourns in Central Chili, I only came on this species occasionally, and have no infor- mation of any account about it. It appears to occur near the sea-shore, on rather bare hill-slopes, and such localities all through the central provinces. I got one specimen near Coronel (province of Arauco) in the winter- time (about June), 1890, and subsequently found none, and I did not hear of them occurring further south. 9. Parycitus coractinus, Scl. Phrygilus coracinus, Sclater, P. Z. 8. 1891, p. 133, pl. xii. ; James, New List, p. 2. (Near Sacaya.) The specimens sent home were obtained at an estancia about eight leagues to the east of the valley of Sacaya on the 20th March, 1890. I had no opportunity of observing the habits of these birds, but concluded that they were migrants or occasional visitors, as the natives did not seem to know them. 10. Druca erisra (Less.). Diuca diuca, Sharpe, B. M. C. xi. p. 800. (Hacienda Mansel and Coronel.) This bird competes with the Pileated Song-Sparrow for being the most abundant species in Chili, and in the central on the Birds of Chili. 19 and southern provinces fairly beats it. It is a resident, I think, everywhere. I do not exactly know its northern limit, but, so far as I could ascertain, it stretches up to the commencement of the desert portion of Chili, occurring up to the base of the Andes as far as cultivation extends. In the south it is equally numerous, occurring all through Chiloe, and probably in the southern archipelagos and on the mainland to the Straits, at least as far as cultivation is carried on, for it does not appear to find sustenance in the natural forest. It is not so plentiful on the coast as further inland. It is called by the Chilians “ Diuca.” The sexes are of about the same size, and alike, though as arule the female is not quiteso handsome as the male. They prefer civilization, and are invariably found about homesteads or tillage. In the cold season they may often be seen feeding on the ground in large flocks; they separate on being dis- turbed. ‘They feed on various seeds, especially grass seeds, also berries, &c. About Santiago they nest from the end of September to Christmas, varying further south according to climate. At Valdivia the season is five or six weeks later than as stated above. As soon as the time of year comes on they display a good deal of energy, and, like most Finches, are very active in their nesting operations, and vociferous as well. The nest is sometimes completed in three days or less, according to circumstances, and if the birds are not unsettled or disturbed. The nest is placed from 3 to 8 feet from the ground, and as a rule well concealed in a thick bush or branch. The eggs are laid to the number of three, being usually completed within two days from the laying of the first egg. I found some nests with four eggs, but this is unusual, and sometimes I found birds sitting on two or even one egg. Incubation Jasts two and a half weeks or more, both birds assisting. The young are fed in the usual Fringilline manner, on the pulp from the crops of the parent birds. They attain their full size in about a mouth. c2 20)" Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes The young are browner than the old birds on leaving the nest, which colour they retain for some time, especially the females. The usual chirrup of the cock is like that of our House- Sparrow, but he outdoes the latter in attaming to a song in the summer. The song consists of a succession of loud clear notes, rather uneven in harmony and abrupt; but though it cannot be classed with the performances of other Finches, still it is constantly uttered in a cheerfully boisterous manner, which does a great deal towards enlivening some Chilian localities, where the singing birds are few. This bird is easily kept in cages, and ought to breed regularly in an aviary. 11. Zonorricwta PitEata (Bodd.). Zonotrichia pileata, Sharpe, B. M. C. xii. p. 610; Sclater, PZos. W891, pide. (Tarapaca and Arauco.) This familiar species appears to have an extremely wide range In the province of Tarapacé I found it plen- tiful at Pica and Canchones, and heard that it occurred at similar oases a little further north. In the central provinces it is abundant everywhere, especially on the coast, and I found it equally numerous all through the south as far as I went. ‘ When going from Valparaiso to Buenos Ayres, I met with it on both sides of the Andes to a considerable height (on the Chilian side past Mendoza, and on the other at Puente de la Vaca), at least where stations occur, as it prefers the vicinity of human dwellings. I subsequently found it plen- tiful about Buenos Ayres. Its general name all through Chil is “Chincol,” often expressed in the diminutive, “Chincolita,”’ and sometimes in southern provinces pro- nounced “ Chingol.”” The sexes are similar. On the central coast this is the commonest species observed, but inland the Diuca Finch is still more numerous. The Chincol is a very homely bird, and will be seen hopping abovt the door of the finest dwelling-house as well as the on the Birds of Chili. 21 humble abode of the peon. They do not penetrate the forests in the south, but occupy all gardens and cultivated fields. They feed as a rule on the ground, like Sparrows, and consume similar food. Their nesting is somewhat curious, as they frequently build on the ground, though as a rule they nest in bushes at a height of from 2 to 6 feet. In Central Chili they nest from the beginning of October to the end of November, and about Valdivia during November and December. At Rio Bueno they continued nesting till ‘February. I fancy they generally bring out two clutches. The average clutch consists of three eggs. I found a nest in Central Chili close to the margin of a lake; it was placed at the butt of a thistle and concealed by one of the leaves. I thought at first it was that of some other species until I identified the bird. I subsequently found a similar nest on the ground, and was told that they are frequently met with. Incubation, I think, lasts about sixteen days after the last egg is laid. The birds commence to sing very early in the season, and cease when the breeding period draws to a close. I think their song one of the most pleasing of all that I heard in Chili, and it is most perfectly appreciated when heard, as I heard it on approaching Pica, for the first time, after riding for a long day through the barren desert, destitute of all traces of life. Whilst first in Chili (at Hospital) I often heard a Chincol suddenly burst out in a cheerful song on a dark night, when all else was still. The usual call-note is a very charac- teristic chirp. I noticed during the breeding-season the birds have another chirp or cheeping sound, which is also used as a note of alarm. 12. Curysomirris BARBATA (Mol.). Chrysomitris barbata, Sharpe, B. M. C. xii. p. 216. (Corral, Coronel, Calle-calle, and Maquegua.) This species is one of the most popular and familiar small birds throughout Chili. It is very numerous in the southern provinces, and from its beauty, docility, and singing capa- 22 ‘Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—VField- Notes bilities is kept by many people as a cage-bird. It is known everywhere as the “ Jilguero,” pronounced “ Silguero” in the southern provinces. These birds closely resemble the common Siskin in general appearance and colouring, as also in habits. I did not observe them in the central provinces, but was told they occur as winter visitants. I found them very numerous in Arauco, and also about Valdivia; but south of the latter district I did not observe so many, though a certain number occurred as far south as I went, and on Chiloe. They bred at Rio Bueno about November, somewhat earlier than other small species there. I was not fortunate in getting any eggs of this bird, but found a new nest, which was placed in a thick shrub on the margin of the forest about 3 feet above the ground. A boy brought me a young one in full feather; it was somewhat like a female, but less distinctly marked. These birds are easily captured at certain seasons by means of trap-cages. I had specimens alive at various times, but they usually escaped or got injured, so I had none to bring home. In winter-time in Arauco I frequently saw them feeding on the topmost twigs of low forest trees, just like a flock of Siskins do here on the alder. They commence to sing at Maquegua (Arauco) about the beginning of August, and sing a good deal through the summer, Their song is very pleasing and much esteemed. Their call-note is the double whistle of the Siskin. They prefer wooded districts, are not found in very open localities, and appear capable of finding subsistence in the forest for a large portion of the year, if not altogether. 13. Curysomitris atrata (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Chrysomitris atrata, Sharpe, B. M. C. xii. p. 212; Sclater, P.Z.S. 1891, p. 134. (Sacaya.) I first saw these birds at Huasco, in Tarapaca, in January, 1890, and subsequently at Sacaya. They did not appear to be stationary for any length of on the Birds of Chili. 23 time, but frequented stretches of the low bush, in large scattered flocks, and I saw none after February, and con- cluded they had migrated. I have found a note, made at the time, of having got some which were apparently young birds in immature plumage, from which it would appear that they breed in those Andean localities, and migrate before the cold season. The only note I observed them utter was an insignificant twitter when flitting from bush to bush. I did not see any at altitudes above 10,500 feet. 14. PsrupocHLoris UROPYGIALIS (Sclater). Pseudochloris uropygialis, Sharpe, B. M. C. xu. p. 776. Abundant about Sacaya and Cancosa, but I did not observe any about Huasco. They are known as “ Cherigiie de las Cordilleras.” Beyond their call-note, which is a simple and somewhat subdued chirp, they do not appear to possess ~ any vocalability. They appear to be resident at the localities above mentioned, feeding on seeds. The sexes appear similar in size and colour; I have not got their dimensions. They generally resorted to the valley and surrounding slopes from 8000 feet upward, occasionally being met with up to 13,000 feet, and perhaps higher. They are very sprightly in their habits, and sometimes are seen in companies of from twenty to thirty, where there is some special feeding attraction. They are in many points similar to Sycalis arvensis. 15. PsEUDOCHLORIS AUREIVENTRIS (Phil. et Landb.). Pseudochloris aureiventris, Sharpe, B. M.°C. xii. p. 777 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1891, p. 133. This species is probably of general occurrence throughout the Andean valleys of Tarapaca, where animal life finds means of sustenance. The native Bolivians called it “ Canario,” but this is a Spanish name, meaning a Canary, and is applied to a great many small species. I observed it at most of the places I camped at, but it did not seem plentiful, and I never saw more than one at atime. I was told that it bred about Sacaya and Cancosa. 24 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—JField- Notes I observed it about at altitudes of from 8000 to 10,000 feet. It frequents places where mules, &c., are kept, near camps or houses, also grassy slopes near rivulets. The only note I heard it utter was an insignificant chirrup. 16. Sycauis arvensis (Kittl.). Sycalis arvensis, Sharpe, B. M. C. xii. p. 382. (Hacienda Mansel, Rio Bueno, Puerto Montt, Laguna Llanquehui.) A common species in the southern provinces, wherever wheat-growing is carried on, but not seen in the forests. It is also numerous in Central Chili. The general local name is “ Cherigiie,’ which word is something similar in utterance to one of their call-notes. It appears to be a resident in all localities where met with. In winter-time it is usually seen in large flocks, on open ground, in search of seeds. They are at all times most exuberant birds and very sprightly, but on the approach of the breeding-season become even more animated and noisy, and the males commence their song, which is most remarkable, not so much for its note as for the manner in which it is executed. The chief characteristic of this song is that it is invariably performed on the wing. It is commenced during ordinary flight in a twittering strain until the bird is at a height of about eight or twelve feet, when it suddenly relapses into a long-drawn whirring note; the bird at the same time keeping the wings expanded and almost motionless, except for a slight vibration, and allowing itself to sink gradually to the ground. This peculiar habit led me at first to suppose that the species was some sort of Skylark, until I found the feat was performed by a bird already known to me. ‘This habit is kept up all through the summer; in addition, the male is most amus- ingly energetic during this period, especially in his attend- ance on the female, driving her to the nest and appearing to be in a perpetual state of motion and excitement. They did not appear to nest at Rio Bueno until after Christmas, though pairing-operations had been commenced some time before. on the Birds of Chili. 25 The nest is placed in the grass or in a low bush near the ground. The average number of eggs is from four to five, but I noticed on various occasions that there was a difference of size in the eggs, as if two females had laid in the same nest. One especially I noted as containing four eggs, two of which were almost half as large again as the other two, though they were all of a more or less uniform colour and similarly spotted. As the birds are of a most sociable and gregarious disposition, it may be that the females occasionally share nests. The young are of a plain brown colour on leaving the nest. I chanced one day to capture one while walking along a hedgerow; it was much smaller than an adult, but apparently quite independent, though when I placed it im a cage I had to train it to eat. At first I held it in one hand and gave it some soaked bread on the top of the first finger of my other hand. It soon learnt to eat the bread, which it did in a nibbling fashion, much as a mouse or small rodent would. It did not seem at all afraid of being handled, and soon learnt to feed by itself in a cage, but unfortunately it was attacked with the pip, to which it soon succumbed. I fancy they could be readily kept in confinement ; but curiously I never saw it in the possession of any local bird-fanciers, though I noticed specimens of most of the other Finches in aviaries in Central Chili. 17. AceLzus Taitius (Mol.). Ageleus thilius, Sclater, B. M. C. xi. p. 343. (Hacienda Mansel and Arauco.) This species is found from Central Chili to Valdivia, but may be regarded as properly belonging to the central provinces, where it is everywhere known as the “ Trile” or “Chili.” I have been informed on good authority that Chih was named after the cry of these birds, which were noticed by the Spanish pioneers to be specially abundant about swamps and sedges, then more numerous than now. I believe this theory is also supported by Dr. Philippi. This bird occurs invariably about reed-beds and swamps, streams, lakes, and rivers, and is found in all such localities 26 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Ffield- Notes in the provinces of Valparaiso and Santiago. I do not know how far northward it extends—perhaps to the commencement of the desert region; but as one travels from the above provinces southward it is found in quantities, as morasses and swamps are plentiful ; and this continues to Arauco, where it is numerous and resident on the coast. I did not find these birds so plentiful about Valdivia, and further south they are scarce and perhaps only occur as summer migrants. I believe they occur in Chiloe and on the adjacent mainland. I found them near the Rio Bueno. The female is somewhat smaller than the male, and different in colour ; the latter being a deep black, all except the first set of scapulars on each shoulder ; so that when seated the bird appears all black, but the yellow shows strikingly when it flies. They appeared to me to be altogether insectivorous, probably feeding chiefly on some kind of grubs or aquatic insects ; they feed on wet mudbanks and amongst sedge. One day when at Hospital (province of O’Higgins) I watched a female “‘ Trile ” running along the muddy border of a small river. It turned over all the small stones, leaves, bits of stick, &c., with its bill, just like a Turnstone. As I had at the time a good pair of field-glasses, I was able to watch it closely. These birds have a peculiar smell about their plumage, common to other Starlings, but possessed by them in a more marked degree than Trupialis militaris and Cureus aterrimus. T did not observe their breeding-habits. Except for their call-note and a few others, they do not seem to be possessed of any vocal abilities. I heard that they could be kept in confinement. 18. TruprALis MILiTaRis (Linn.). Trupialis militaris, Sclater, B. M. C. xi. p. 356. (Hacienda Mansel, Calle-calle, and Colico.) This bird, known in Chili as the “ Loica” or “ Loyca,” is plentiful in all the central provinces and extends southward to Chiloe and the adjacent mainland, wherever suitable localities exist. on the Birds of Chili. a7 The female may perhaps be a trifle smaller than the male. Both sexes vary in colouring, the male attaining more brilliant plumage after the moult. The iris is black. They frequent the hills in Central Chili, and in other localities prefer large open expanses of grass-land or agricultural districts. They appear to be more terrestrial than arboreal in their habits, and I should say they fed altogether on the ground. ‘They are to a great extent insectivorous, though they also eat various grains and, I believe, fruit. I never found the nest of this bird, but was told it is built as a rule in one of the scattered bushes which occur frequently on hills or plains in Chili. A full-fledged young one was brought me at Rio Bueno, which I kept alive for two days, when it was stolen by rats. It had a faint reddish tinge on the breast, and was much duller in its markings than adults. It was brought to me about the middle of February. In Central Chili this species breeds much earlier. In winter-time the birds go in flocks. I saw one in a cage at Valparaiso which seemed thriving, and was told they could be easily kept in aviaries. They have a good series of this species in the Santiago Museum, amongst which is a beautiful variety of the male having those parts usually bright red or scarlet of a rich yellow colour. 19. Curmus ATERRIMUs (Kittl.). Cureus aterrimus, Sclater, B. M. C. xi. p. 354. (Hacienda Mansel and Calle-calle). This species is abundant throughout central and southern Chili, and is generally known as the “‘ Tordo” (Thrush). The sexes are similar in colour, and differ little in size. These birds prefer agricultural districts, and in winter- time are usually seen in flocks. They feed chiefly, if not altogether, on the ground, eating insects, grain, and fruit, and are very rapacious. I had one alive for some time in an outhouse in Rio Bueno; it was much like a specimen of the Corvide, being rather familiar and cunning; it did not appear afraid of other birds, and could defend itself ably 28 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes with its powerful bill and claws. The rats did not take it, although I believe only for its strength and pluck they would have done so, as it had been winged slightly and could fly little in consequence; however, one day it got out and made good its escape into some dense covert in spite of determined pursuit. They nest in thick shrubs or bushes about six to eight feet from the ground. I found only one clutch of eggs, which were broken. ‘The average number is four or five; they are of a light bluish ground, with a few black patches or specks. Of the three Chilian Icteridz, this is the most vivacious and familiar, as it is more frequent around dwellings. It is extremely voluble, having some notes uot unlike those of our Starling, and a somewhat similar method of singing. In this respect, however, these birds almost excel the latter, and their performance is pleasing and frequently heard. In Arauco they commenced singing early in August. They have some pretty notes, and individuals develop capital variations in their song, as they have considerable ability in mimicking the notes of other birds. I once heard one imitate exactly the call-notes of Colaptes pitius. They are very sociable among themselves, and keep up a good deal of chatterimg and chuckling when together. In winter I have watched a flock on ploughed land grubbing busily in the clay for worms, &c. They are frequently kept in cages in the central provinces. 20. AcRiornis Livipa (Kittl.). Agriornis livida, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 4. (Arauco. ) I only met with one specimen of this bird when on some open ground near the sea, below the town of Arauco. The ground was covered with sand-dunes and scanty bushes, amongst which the bird was flying. I saw at once it was of a species I had not before encountered, so procured it, and searched for more, but did not find any. It appears to resemble the next species closely, and is probably similar in its habits. on the Birds of Chili. 29 21. AGRIORNIS MARITIMA (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Agriornis maritima, Sclater, B. M.C. xiv. p.6; id. P. Z.S. 1891, p. 134. (Sacaya. ) This bird occurred about Sacaya and in other localities in the Cordilleras of Tarapaca. I usually observed them (singly) on rocky slopes bordering the valleys, where they perch on the tops of bushes or boulders. The Indian name is “‘ Huayaje ” (pronounced Wy-agh-a). The legs and feet are strongly formed and of a black colour, also the bill, the latter being of very stout make, and giving the bird an appearance well deserving of the appellation of the genus. I was informed that they are of a rapacious nature, and devour quantities of the small sand-lizards which frequent these localities. I seldom saw the birds, but was told they were by no means uncommon. They nested at Sacaya about November or December. The nest (specimen sent) is composed of llama wool and rags picked up about Indian homesteads, and is clumsily constructed on ledges of rock in caves or on the sides of ravines. I believe only two eggs are laid, but I was too late in the Cordilleras to obtain specimens. An Indian got me a nest in the end of January 1890, containing two naked young ones, which I kept some days alive by feeding them on pieces of the flesh of specimens which I skinned. They fed with avidity and seemed by no means particular, and certainly were extremely hardy, as I did not bestow much attention on them, but thought that they would be more interesting in spirit than when they had developed more growth, as they were at quite an early stage (perhaps five or six days old). As a proof of their hardiness I may state that, owing to the frost at night, they were in a half-frozen state each morning, but came to life on being laid out in the rays of the rising sun, by which means I kept them in apparently good con- dition for three or four days, when I had to leave my camp, so consigned them to the spirit-jar. I should conclude from these facts that this species would 30 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Freld- Notes be kept easily in confinement, with suitable food. I do not remember hearing the note of this bird. I observed them up to 11,000 feet. 22. THnioprera Pyrore (Kittl.). Tenioptera pyrope, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 15. (Corral, Calle-calle, Valdivia, Maquegua.) I did not observe these birds until I went to Arauco, where I saw them about the hills round Coronel, Lota, and Laraquete, and in the interior, thence southward everywhere I went, and on Chiloe. They appeared very plentiful in the province of Valdivia. I should consider them a common resident in all these localities. I have always seen them singly, except when paired. It is generally known as the * Diucon,” probably on account of its resemblance to the Diuca. It is very similar in appearance to the birds I got in the Northern Cordilleras, called by the Indians there “ Sahui- sahui’’; having the same delicate texture of plumage, and finely-shaped black bill, legs, and feet. It is invariably observed on the topmost twig of a shrub or low tree, and when disturbed will fly a short distance to a similar position. The flight is undulating and buoyant. The call-note, which is constantly uttered, is very similar to that of the Bullfinch, and likewise low and subdued ; it is uttered more frequently on the approach of an intruder or when its nest is threatened. It is strictly arboreal in its habits, but occurs both in the forest parts and round cultivated lands and orchards. Its flight is generally accompanied by a peculiar clicking noise, which is, I think, made by a snapping of the beak. One of its most characteristic habits is the capture of insects on the wing; it flies at them from its perch, to which it usually returns. I never saw one appear to miss the insect it flew at, though this flight is often very remarkable, as it will generally poise itself a moment or two in mid-air and go through some curious gyrations in regaining its perch. In such instances the snapping noise is always heard several times, perhaps, but the bird also makes it in its ordmary flight, when no insects appear adjacent. on the Birds of Chili. 31 I have on two or three occasions remarked that these birds “ tower” or soar upwards from a perch to a height of 20 or 80 feet, and then drop down again to the spot they quitted with no apparent object. But I think this occurred at the breeding-season, and may be accounted for as a freak of the male bird when looking for a mate, as is often observed in Greenfinches. The nest is placed in a fork, in the stem of a shrub from 3 to 5 feet above the ground. The eggs are three in number. I fancy both birds assist in the incubation. At Rio Bueno, January seemed to be their proper nesting-season, or perhaps the end of December, as I found a young bird half fledged about the second week of January. This was the only young bird I found, and I left it to get a little more forward; but on returning a few days later it was not in the nest, and I could not find it, though I knew by the old birds it was near. I believe, from the conduct of the latter, they suspected my intention and had concealed it, as it would not otherwise have left the nest so soon. These birds appear to feed entirely on insects caught on the wing, though perhaps they get them on branches of trees as well, but I never saw them search for food except in the alr. I seldom heard the song of this bird, but it is occasion- ally indulged in by the male at the commencement of the breeding-season. I cannot, however, say much as regards its vocal powers, as, though not unpleasant, the strain is so subdued as to be heard only when close at hand, and the execution is bad, being very abrupt, as if the performer would not trust his voice. It appears to be a delicate bird and is easily killed; I do not think it could be kept in confinement. 23. LicHENOPS PERSPICILLATA (Gm.), Lichenops perspicillata, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 48. (Hacienda Mansel, Rio Bueno, and Rio Pilmaiguen. ) This species is not uncommon in Central Chili about reeds, lagunas, and rivers. I did not observe it during the winter 32 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes season in the province of Arauco; but I presume it comes there in summer, as I subsequently found it during the warm season about Valdivia in suitable localities. I did not hear of it in Chiloe or Puerto Montt, but observed it about the Rio Pilmaiguen during my stay at Rio Bueno. The oven-shaped nest, built of pieces of rush and mud, which I sent from Hospital, I believe belongs to this bird— at least so a native told me, but I had not been able to identify it to my own satisfaction. It was placed in reeds about a foot and a half above the water. J had not much difficulty in wading to it, as it was only waist-deep. I do not remember whether I sent any eggs; but I believe the clutch consists of three or four, of a pretty blue colour, much like those of the common Hedge- Warbler. These birds appear to feed entirely on insects, which they capture frequently on the wing, making a clicking noise. I have also often seen them alight on the ground in adjacent fields or grass-banks, to search for food. I never heard more than a slight call-note, and conclude that their vocal abilities are very insignificant. 24. ANHRETES PARULUS (Kittl.). Aneretes parulus, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 106. (Maquegua.) I saw this little bird about Hospital, but found it much more numerous in the south, where it takes the place of the Tits of Europe. It is generally called the ‘ Torito,” from the crest on its head, which the Chilians think makes it resemble a bull. It is, I believe, a resident species ; I saw it as far south as I went. It is also plentiful about Coronel and in the surrounding districts. It is of general occurrence, but most abundant where covert is thick, and occurs largely in the forests, where it searches for minute insects just in the same manner as the Tits do in Europe. . It is generally arboreal, though it often traverses the shrubs very low down, and will descend to the ground to examine roots, fallen timber, &c. on the Birds of Chili. 33 Except when breeding, these birds keep in troops, and in this respect as well as their call-note they are extremely like Tits, for which they might be mistaken by a person only knowing the former and not seeing them close. So far as I could see, they are strictly insectivorous. They utter a rather loud chattering note and make some other sounds, but none that could properly be called a song. When feeding in company they utter acall-note like that of the Coal-Tit. 25. CYANotis aAzaR& (Licht.). Cyanotis azare, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 110. (Hospital.) This species is fairly numerous throughout Central Chili, though confined to suitable localities. In the south it is scarcer, occurring more as a summer migrant, though it is resident near Coronel. At Valdivia it comes every summer to the reed-beds by the river, but further south it is scarce. It occurs sparingly in Chiloe, according to the German observers, but on the mainland I did not see any near the Laguna de Llanquehui. I once saw one in some reeds by the Rio Pilmaiguen in February, but could not get a shot at it; it made no noise, aud appeared to be a solitary wanderer. It is known as the “‘ Siete-colores ” (seven coiours) in all the districts which it frequents regularly. I only observed the birds in reeds, and I think they roost in them at night. The nest is placed on a single reed about 18 inches or 2 feet above the water. I believe three or four eggs are laid. In places where these birds are plentiful they make a good deal of chattering, the usual note being a metallic clicking or very sharp chirping ; I should be inclined to compare it to tapping the point of a knife on a plate. 26. Evainea ausicers (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Elainea albiceps, Sclater, B. M.C. xiv. p. 141; id. P.Z.S. 1891, p. 134. (Pica, Corral, Hacienda Mansel, and Rio Bueno.) This little bird appears to have a wide range, but to be a migratory species. It is, I think, entirely arboreal, but is SER. VII.—VOL. III. D dd Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes found in every part of Chili that I visited, frequenting forests, gardens, and bushes or shrubs of any sort. It is generally known as the “ Vio,” on account of its whistle or call-note, which is very characteristic. About Hospital it was called the “Chiflador,” which might either mean whistler or cutter, the former from its note, or the latter from its destructive habits in gardens, where it picks off the buds of fruit-trees, though whether it does so in search of insects or not I cannot say. I observed a number in the gardens at Pica about the commencement of March, but later on I could not find one there. JI did not see any whilst in Arauco during the cold season, but later on they appeared at Corral about the beginning of November (1890). At first, after making their appearance at Corral, the birds kept very quiet and well out of siglt in the bushes, but soon they appeared to have got over the effects of their Journey and made themselves heard all through the forest. They appear to range a good way south, and are found on Chiloe during the summer season, migrating north in winter. On first seeing this bird I thought it was a Finch, from the stoutness of the bill and its brisk manners. It usually has the head- feathers erect, which makes the white fleck on the head very conspicuous. It captures insects on the wing in the same manner as the “ Diucon,” and makes the same snapping noise (at least when flying at insects). It does not, however, appear, like the former species, to rely on this method of feeding, but is continually searching about leafy branches for what it may find about the leaves. It also eats berries, especially those of the marqui, in the south when in season. It is not so much seen as heard, as it always flits through the leaves and flies out at imsects, quickly retreating to its hiding-place. I saw one catch a good-sized butterfly. They sometimes go through more ludicrous antics even than the Diucon, swooping and twisting backwards, and occa- sionally fluttering through intricate branches as if shot and wounded. The nest is usually placed in a low thick bush or shrub, 2 to 4 feet from the ground. Only two eggs are laid. on the Birds of Chili. 35 I never heard these birds make any noise when I got close on the nest. I found one nest in a quila bush. I did not find any nests with young, but observed young birds, which could only have flown a day or so previously, feeding on marqui, and, judging from some fresh droppings, on it exclusively. The song is asomewhat variable ditty, and is more amusing than harmonious, being a series of whistles and squeaking sounds uttered promiscuously, though with energy. This bird is held in very bad repute by gardeners on account of its depredations already alluded to. 27. Puytotoma raRA, Mol. Phytotoma rara, Sclater, B. M. C. xiv. p. 406. (Hacienda Mansel, Corral, and Calle-calle.) This is rather a handsome species when in full plumage, but one of the most destructive birds in the central and, I believe, in all the southern provinces as well. It is known as the “‘ Rara,” but I could not get any clue to the origin of this name. It appeared to me to be more plentiful about Valdivia than in Central Chili, but I fancy it is chiefly a summer migrant at the former place. The iris is of Chinese orange colour. The Raras are persistent visitors to gardens, where they bite off buds, demolish fruit, and do an enormous amount of damage if not driven off in time. They do not appear to frequent the old forest about Valdivia, but take up their abode in coppices near cultivated ground, orchards, and such- like localities. They seem to eat all sorts of green food as well as fruits and berries, but I could not discover whether they were also insectivorous. A captured adult refused all kinds of seeds which were offered to it, but ate grass and the leaves of various weeds with avidity, also blossoms and flowers. I gave it the yellow blossoms of the gorse (which has been imported), and it appeared to relish them. Later on I observed the birds were also as partial to the margqui-berries as the other small species D2 36 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes in the south. They chew such materials thoroughly, with the teeth in the upper mandible, before swallowing them. They began to nest at Rio Bueno about the beginning of January, previous to which I had observed pairs keeping together for some time. The nest is placed in a thick bush or shrub from 8 to 5 feet above the ground. The complement of eggs is four, which seem all to hatch out invariably. The shell of the egg is rather brittle. I have repeatedly noticed droppings of the adult birds of this species on one side of the nest during incubation, which I do not think occurs with any other species the nests of which I have examined. The young birds appear to take an unusual time to grow, and do not thrive in captivity. I took a nest with three young ones well feathered, in- tending to rear them, but after being kept for a month they dwindled away and died. My time was limited, and I was unable to give them much variety in the way of food, or I might perhaps have succeeded. They fed readily, after a day or so, from a spoon or quill, but never made any pro- gress or learned to feed themselves. They made a hoarse chirping when expecting food. The note of the adult male is a rasping or grating noise, more remarkable than harmo- nious, and uttered after the manner of a song by the bird whilst seated on the top of a bush, in spring or summer. The female is usually silent; the birds go in pairs or threes or fours, keeping together, but when moving they seldom use a call-note. 28. GEosITTA FROBENI (Phil. et Landb.). Geositta frobeni, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 6; id. P. Z. S. 1891, p. 134. (Sacaya. ) Birds of this species are of general occurrence in the Cor- dilleras of Tarapaca, and I observed them up to 12,000 feet. They are apparently resident, and breed in the mountain districts, as a rule frequenting dry open ground near the valleys. They seem to be strictly insectivorous and terrestrial, not on the Birds of Chili. o7 perching at all. When disturbed they are more inclined to run than to fly, which they do with great rapidity and in a peculiar manner, keeping the tail spread and the head and body thrown back. They have a shrill, remarkable cry, which may be frequently heard, but otherwise have little variation. I never saw them about the marshes or very close to water, and they seemed to frequent bare sandy spots rather than places where a little vegetation occurred. 29. Upucrertaia JELSKII (Cab.). Upucerthia jelskii, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 18; id. P.Z.S. 1891, p. 134. (Sacaya.) This species was plentiful about Sacaya in Tarapaca, and occurred also at Huasco. I observed it at from 9000 to 11,000 feet. It appeared to be a resident and to breed there. These birds are invariably found on the slopes bordering a valley or marsh, where there is a scattered growth of scrub affording scanty covert. They are altogether terres- trial and fly very little. When disturbed in the open they make for the nearest covert, if hard pressed flying a short distance with quick strokes and apparent difficulty. The tail is carried erect when running. I noticed one, which happened to be grubbing for worms on a grassy spot, drive away other small birds which came near it, making an angry chattering noise. The note of this bird is a shrill cackling sound, with more or less variation. It feeds on worms and grubs, and is probably altogether insectivorous. It nests in a hole which it excavates at the base of some bush on the hillside. I found a fresh hole at Sacaya, but after digging it out for six feet found that no nest had been made. 30. CrncLopEs PpaTaGonicus (Gm.). Cinclodes patagonicus, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 23. (Corral, Hacienda Mansel, and Rio Bueno.) This species is plentiful all through Southern Chili. In 38 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Fveld- Notes the south, at least about Valdivia, it is called ‘“ Chureta.” They are lively birds, continually running about the banks at the water’s edge and paddling now and then in the shallows. They also abound on the rocks of the sea-shore. [Mr. Lane also obtained three examples of C. nigro- fumosus at Hacienda Mansel.—P. L. 8. | 31. CincLopes Brrasciatvs, Sclater. Cinclodes bifasciatus, Sclater, B. M.C. xv. p. 25; id. P. Z.8. 1871, p. 134. (Sacaya.) This species was plentiful throughout the valley of Sacaya, especially on rocky slopes bordering water. I was told they breed among the rocks, but could not find any nests during my stay there. The sexes resemble each other. The note of these birds is peculiar, being a loud screech, followed by a repeated chatter on a lower key. They appear to feed on insects on the banks and margins of streams. [Mr. Lane also obtained specimens of C. fuscus at Sacaya. See P. Z. S. 1891, p. 184.—P. L. 8.] 32. OxyuRus sprnicaupa (Gm.). Oxyurus spinicauda, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 30. (Maquegua.) This is one of the species characteristic of the great southern forest district. It has various local names, such as “ Colilargo”’ and “Tijerito.” I do not know how far north these birds ex- tend. They are plentifulin Arauco and all through the more southerly provinces, especially in the forest-covered districts. The iris is black. The sexes appeared to be similar. They are, I think, resident wherever they occur. They feed like Tits, usually in flocks, and have a piping call-note, also some chattering and twittering utterances, which are frequently heard. I never found the nest, but observed young ones near Rio Bueno about February. Sometimes large numbers are seen in the forest feeding low down and frequently on the ground, searching amongst dead leaves or decayed wood for insects, which they appear to live on. ‘They are, however, as a rule arboreal. on the Birds of Chili. © 39 33. SYLVIORTHORHYNCHUS DESMURSI, Gay. Sylviorthorhynchus desmursi, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 31. ‘hese peculiar birds, as a rule, occur only in the forest districts of the south, but I was informed that they migrate a short distance to the north in winter-time. They frequent the densest undergrowth, especially the quila, and are rarely seen, as they are very retiring by nature. They have a somewhat shrill piping note, heard more frequently at sunset, and kept up continuously in the same key. It was the only note I heard them utter. They are termed “ Colilargo ” by the natives. I observed some young ones, having apparently only just left the nest, about the middle of February near Rio Bueno. There were at least four in company. [There is no specimen of this bird obtained by Mr. Lane in the British Museum, but he can hardly have mistaken the species.—P. L. 8.] 54. LerrasTHENURA &GITHALOIDEs (Kittl.). Leptasthenura egithaloides, Sclater, B. M.C. xv. p. 35; id. Peo. 2 LOL, p. 135. (Sacaya and Hacienda Mansel.) This species was common in Tarapaca, about Sacaya, and occurs generally in similar localities, where it is apparently a resident. The specimens I got in the province of Arauco appeared to be of the same size and were similar in their habits to those obtained in Tarapaca. Both closely resembled the European Tits in all their habits, and also in their note, which was not varied, being usually merely a twit when feeding in company, but occasionally one uttered a querulous chattering, somewhat like that of the Great Tit, but shriller. They fed in a Tit-like fashion on the twigs and branches of shrubs, and appeared to be strictly arboreal. I observed those of Tarapaca up to 12,000 feet. 35. PyGARRHICUS ALBOGULARIS (King). Pygarrhicus albogularis, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 126. (Maquegua.) This species is very characteristic of the forests of Southern 40 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes Chili. I did not hear of any reliable local name for it, but the German colonists call it, very correctly, the “ Baum- liufer ”? (=Tree-creeper). The sexes appear to resemble each other. IT do not know how far north these birds extend, but I think there would not be many north of Arauco, where I first observed them in the forest districts. I found them as far south as I went, apparently resident and in fair numbers. They do not appear to go far from the forest, and are usually found in it. Their habits, as regards feeding and movements, are the same as those of Woodpeckers and Tree-creepers, to which they are similar in appearance. ‘They usually creep about the tops of high forest trees, and now and then come lower down, and at times I have seen one descend to examine logs on the ground. They peck with considerable force, like a Woodpecker, and seem more closely related to the Tree-creepers than to the other Dendrocolaptidee which I observed, and from which they differ considerably both in appearance and habits. The note is a loud and somewhat sharp chirruping, and is frequently uttered ; it generally betrays the presence of the bird. 36. PreroprocHus RUBECULA, Kittl. Pieroptochus rubecula, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 345. (Puerto Varas, Llanquehui, Rio Bueno, and Calle-calle.) This species reminds one of the Common Redbreast (Erithacus rubecula), its colouring being somewhat similar, and its large eyes making the resemblance still closer. It is another of the forest species of Chili, and extends - from the province of Arauco southward, occurring also on Chiloe. In Arauco I do not think it is so plentiful as about Valdivia and the Laguna de Llanquehui. These birds inhabit thick undergrowth in the forest, and are generally found in the vicinity of a stream. They come out now and then into view, when unconscious of observation, on the Birds of Chili. 41 but on perceiving anybody near, or any sudden movement, they are so hasty in their retreat that they seem to vanish into nothing. Their movements can only be compared to the flight of an arrow or such-like missile—that is, when they make a dart across an open space or retreat from observation. Otherwise they hop or run along in an easy- going way, and will come quite close under cover of bushes. The length of a full-grown male is almost 7 inches. Bill from point to gape *75 inch; tail 8 inches; wing from shoulder to tip 2°85 inches, primaries 10. The wings expanded measure slightly over 9 inches; they are very rounded in shape and not adapted for flight. In fact, so far as I remember, I never saw one of these birds fly properly ; they trust entirely to their legs when trying to escape. _ Their note is very loud compared to the size of the bird ; it is uttered in almost the same tone as the gobbling of a Turkey. The male of this species emits a note something like the crow of a cock; this it utters at intervals while threading its way through the labyrinths of the forest undergrowth, and it is answered by similar notes from a distance all round. I have also noticed that when they are moving in a ravine they invariably go along the bottom, down stream. They do not leave the ground as a rule, though they may occasionally perch on a stick for a second; but I never observed them hopping through the bushes as the other forest-species do. The female has a note like the crow of the male, but much more contracted. They also utter a most dismal cry, which is a sort of call-note when a pair are together. I do not think they practise the chromatic scale, so peculiar to the genus Hylactes. I spent a good deal of time in Arauco trying to get these birds, but almost gave it up in despair, until I went further - south, where I found them to be much more plentiful and quite numerous in the forest; so much so in some places that by waiting in a likely spot, and keeping very quiet, I generally got a sight of one, as they will then come boldly into view, as if prompted by curiosity; but if the gun be brought 42 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes quickly to the shoulder, or any sudden movement, no matter how slight, be made, they vanish as if the ground had swallowed them, and it is useless to try to get another sight of them. : These are the celebrated ‘‘ Chucao” of the Indians, who believe so much in them that if on a journey they hear them crow on the left-hand side they will turn back, rather than meet the misfortune that awaits them, whilst if the sound be on the right they proceed, confident of success. 37. Hyzactss Tarni, King. Hylactes tarnii, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 349. (Corral, Rio Bueno, and Puerto Montt.) I came on this species first in the province of Arauco, where it is plentiful, especially in the interior, and from thence southward as far as I went, also on Chiloe. It is well known by the inhabitants as the “ Chucao,” though they do not seem to distinguish between it and Pteroptochus rubecula ; on inquiry I was simply told that this species was the “Chucao grande” or “mas gordo.” It is, however, in repute with the Indians as a “bird of omen,” like P. rubecula. Tt is evidently a resident species. I believe it extends westward to the Cordilleras, as far as the high forests reach. J should call it a species peculiar to the great forest which originally covered Southern Chili. The first I obtained at Maquegua (No. 357) was the largest I got; it was 11 inches long from tip of bill to tip of tail; the bill, from tip to gape or forehead, about 1 inch. Tail 4 inches; the lateral rectrices appeared to number six each side; middle two. Primaries ten. Wings short and very rounded, when closed measured about 4°5 inches (shoulder to tip), and when expanded about 14 inches (tip to tip). Tibia about 2°5 inches, tarsus about 2; middle toe about 1 inch, or with claw 1:5; hind toe °9, or with claw about 1:5 inch. Bill and feet black. Iris perhaps vandyke-brown, but a dark shade. The flesh is very delicate and palatable. These birds are most plentiful in pieces of old forest of on the Birds of Chili. 43 some extent where guila and other undergrowths abound, but also occur through the more cultivated parts wherever there is sufficient covert, such as qguebradas, banks by rivers, and such places, where the guila and other growths defy the agriculturist. Like all the other species of this family, they are seldom seen by the ordinary observer, and exceed- ingly difficult to shoot, unless plentiful and one is thoroughly acquainted with them. On first encountering them at Maquegua I spent hours waiting in their haunts with scarcely any success, and used to sit in the quila all day, with my gun ready, without even getting a view, although I frequently heard them in close proximity. Their most charac- teristic song js a series of descending notes on a chromatic scale, which appears to be the same as that of the “ Turco” in the central provinces. I thought at first it was the same bird, as it is equally remarkable for the force and distinct- ness with which the song is uttered. It also gives a weird cackle, somewhat like the sounds produced by Pteroptochus rubecula, but harsher and more rapidly uttered. The first time I heard this note I was crossing a steep guebrada in the dusk, and whilst climbing by means of the shrubs the call resounded abruptly about a few yards off, causing me the most complete amazement, as I could not understand any living creature, unless of considerable size, making such a noise; and although I examined the place intently, and listened carefully, I could get no trace of the individual, and I felt convinced, if of the size I imagined, it could not thus get away without my knowing; so I was much perplexed until I found out the owner of this mysterious voice. It has another note (one of alarm), which more resembles the cluck of a hen, pronounced abruptly and intermittently. When the habits of the bird are thoroughly known to a collector he may act on this as a means of getting a shot. I found, where plentiful in the forests near Rio Bueno, that the birds often seated themselves on the top of the quila and commenced this note. There were usually a pair together, as it was the breeding-season, and they probably had a nest near. I used to creep gradually on to them, 44, Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes with as little noise as possible (though in such dense growt this usually amounts to a good deal, in spite of all precau- tions), and generally got a shot, but invariably had to go very close ; otherwise I could not see them at all, and indeed I seldom saw one openly; but one gets used to catching a glimpse of them through the bush, and they are easily killed. They appear to feed exclusively on insects, which they search for on the ground, amongst the decayed vegetable matter, scratching a good deal like gallinaceous birds. I was told that they nest in a hole burrowed in the ground, and lay two eggs. 38. Hytactes Mecapoptus (Kittl.). Hylactes megapodius, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 349. (Hacienda Mansel.) This species appears to be plentiful in Central Chih, amongst the hills. It was fairly numerous on the hills near Hospital, but I do not know exactly how far south it extends. I was told it occurs near Coronel, but did not see it there, ENTRANCE »—~> Nesting-hole of Hylactes megapodius. and fancy that my informant had mistaken H. tarnii for it, as its notes, descending in a chromatic scale, are similar. The notes, when heard for the first time, cannot fail to attract the attention of even the most indifferent observer, making him wonder what sort of creature it can be. Many English- on the Birds of Chili. 45 men I met on the coast seemed to have some idea that a certain “ singing fox” was found in the woods; but though this conjecture was somewhat imaginative, it was indeed more natural to attribute the sounds to a quadruped of that size than to a small bird. I scarcely got any of these birds, as I had not time, while in their locality, to become sufficiently acquainted with their habits. Fig. 4 gives a diagram of a nest near Mansel, which I was lucky in finding, as the bird ran out as I was passing the entrance, which was in a low bank on the hillside, close to a bush. I had to return another day with a spade to dig it out. I dug in on the main passage for about 8 feet, but this seemed to terminate after I had discovered the furthest siding, which led to nothing, and subsequently, after almost giving up the search, I found another branch, and got the nest and egg, which I sent home. The local authority among the farm hands (who knew very little) told me the clutch was only two; I think he may have been right on this occasion, as I heard others say the same. 39. TRIPTORHINUS PARADOXUS (Kittl.). (Fig. 5, p. 46.) Triptorhinus paradoxus, Sclater, B. M. C. xv. p. 851. (Coronel and Calle-calle.) This bird is plentiful from Arauco southward and also in the island of Chiloe. In the winter season it appeared to go about in companies, and I have seen at least six together. The sexes are, apparently, of the same colour, the male being perhaps better marked, and the female duller and perhaps a trifle smaller. The measurements of the male are :—Length, bill to tip of tail, 5°75 inches. Beak (tip to gape) 14 of an inch. Tail 2°25 inches; the middle rectrices number two, but all I examined had only four lateral each side. The wing is 2°25 inches from shoulder to tip; the two measure not more than 8 inches. Tibia 1°25 inch, tarsus 1, middle and hind toes ‘75 and ‘5 respectively (to ends of claws). These birds are generally in the bottom of thick covert or on the ground, seldom rising more than 3 feet above the ground. In the more cultivated districts they also oceur in thick 46 ' Mr. Ambrose A. Lane— Field- Notes coppice some way from forest. They creep along twigs and branches in some extraordinary manner, which is neither hopping nor running, so far as I could see, but more like the Fig. 5. Ey é Hf HI | SSeS ss SRS Triptorhinus paradoxus, % nat. size. (From Mr. Lane’s sketch, drawn by J. Smit.) motion of Tree-creepers than anything. On the ground they hop and take little runs, like the larger species of the group. In winter-time they grub a good deal amongst the dead leaves, making a considerable rustling, but at the same time are, from their colour, almost imperceptible. 40, EusterHanus GALeritus (Mol.). Eustephanus galeritus, Salvin, B. M. C. xvi. p. 156. (Corral.) I did not notice this Humming-bird in Central Chili in December, 1889, but subsequently, on coming to Arauco in on the Birds of Chili. 47 the middle of 1890, I found it at first in limited numbers, and afterwards increasing as the winter passed away. Later on I observed plenty as far south as I went. Numbers may be seen in the southern forests round fuchsia-bushes when in flower. Occasionally individuals come into the rooms of houses, especially where flowering creepers grow round the window. 41, STENOPSIS LONGIROSTRIS (Bp.). Stenopsis longirostris, Hartert, B. M. C. xvii. p. 585. (San Pablo.) The specimen sent (No. 146) was brought me by some small boys at the Oficina of San Pablo (Tarapacé) in Feb- ruary 1890. I could get little information about these birds: one man told me he had seen them; but I subsequently got no further satisfaction, although I made various endeavours and watched frequently at night. 42. CoLAPrEs RUPICOLA (d’Orb. et Lafr.). Colaptes rupicola, Hargitt, B. M. C. xviii. p. 26; Sclater, Pov, 1891, p. 135. (Yrba, near Vilugo.) I know very little of this species, as I only met with it casually in Tarapaca. The Indians called it “'Talhuaiti,” and said it comes from Bolivia and that some (perhaps the males) have red heads. This name is evidently an imitation of the cry. Where found in the mountainous districts these birds appear to feed principally on the ground, probably on beetles and ants, of which there are a good many. ‘They occur up to 10,000 feet, but, so far as I could ascertain, only on the eastern side of the Andes. _ The iris is of an olive-yellow. 43. Coxaptes pitius (Mol.). Colaptes pitius, Hargitt, B. M. C. xvi. p. 28. (Corral, Arauco, and Calle-calle.) This is a common species all through the south of Chili. I observed it in the provinces of Arauco and Valdivia, and also in Chiloe, at Puerto Montt. It is known generally as the “ Pitigiie”’ a name taken from the note of the bird. 48 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes The sexes so closely resemble each other that it would be impossible to distinguish them at any distance; they are, so far as I could ascertain, also similar in size. They are invariably met with in pairs, seldom, if ever, singly ; some- times two or three pairs go in company. The birds are specially plentiful on the margin of the forest or pioneer stations, where the ground has been cleared by burning. In this operation the charred trunks of the large trees are left standing a long time before the land is properly cleared by advancing civilization, and on such trees the “ Pitigties ” appear to find abundance of sustenance, as their loud though discordant cry is frequently heard. ‘They often call out on being approached, thus betraying their presence. I frequently observed them feeding on the ground, on the grassy plots, especially if there were logs lying there. They proceed by creeping or going at an awkward gait, hopping and walking alternately. I was told at Rio Bueno that they nest in a deep hole in a tree-trunk high up from the ground, about Christmas, laying three or four white eggs, but I never found the nest. 44, Denprocorus Lienarivs (Mol.). Dendrocopus lignarius, Hartert, B. M. C. xviii. p. 257. (Hacienda Mansel, Coronel, Rio Bueno, and Laraquete.) This species seems to be distributed over Central and Southern Chili, but I never found it plentiful in any locality. In the south I did not observe it in the forests, nor did I hear of its occurrence there; but I occasionally found it about clumps of low timber on open flats and in swamps.: The local name is “ Carpintero” or ‘‘ Carpintero chico.” The female is somewhat smaller, and does not attain the bright red on the back of the head which makes the male conspicuous. These birds utter a peculiar call-note, by which they may be recognized, as they are not often seen unless looked for. 45. IpocRANTOR MAGELLANICUS (King). Ipocrantor magellanicus, Hargitt, B. M. C. xviii. p. 481. This is an inhabitant of the forests of Southern Chili, and on the Birds of Chili. 49 probably peculiar to them, unless found on the eastern side of the Andes. I believe it does not extend north of Arauco, and in this latter province only occurs inland. I could get no positive proof of its existence in Chiloe, but it probably occurs in parts of it which are still under forest. I never met with Colaptes pitius and Dendrocopus lignarius in the virgin forest, except about clearings, but the present species, on the contrary, does not occur out of it. On this account it is not often obtained, and is consequently considered to be somewhat a rara avis, though pretty well known by the name of “el Carpintero” or “ Carpintero grande.” The feet and legs are grey, the claws black, and the iris is orange-rufous. The iris of the female is much redder than that of the male, and I was told by a Chilian that this was invariably the rule. Owing to the destruction of the forest by encroaching settlers, these birds have been driven back towards the in- terior, and are therefore scarcer on the coast. I was fortunate only on a few occasions in meeting with them whilst in the province of Valdivia. I believe they always go in pairs, like the “ Pitigiie,” but frequently two or three pairs go together. They have not a loud call, like the Pitigiie, but make curious rasping and chuckling noises, such as might be heard from Magpies. The noise they make hammering away the bark can be heard a good way off. I have seen large holes made by them in the trunk of a growing tree, but could not ascer- tain the object, as these were not sufficiently large for nesting, and must have occasioned more labour than the bird could be expected to exert in its ordinary feeding operations. 46. CrryLe sTELLATA (Meyen). Ceryle torquata, subsp. «. C. stellata, Sharpe, B. M. C. xvil. p. 123. This handsome species is, I believe, most abundant in Tierra del Fuego and the most southerly provinces. I fancy it does not occur further north than Arauco; I did not meet with any in this province, but I heard that it occurred, although very scarce. It is more numerous about Valdivia in winter-time. SER. VII.—VOL. LI. E 50 Field-Notes on the Birds of Chil. The stomach of one bird contained only the remains of small freshwater crabs. The note is a loud remarkable chattering. The bird generally sits about 4 fect above the river-surface when fishing. 47. Cyanortysrus Byront (Children). Cyanolyseus byroni, Salvad. B. M. C. xx. p. 207. (Near San Antonio.) At the beginning of December, 1889, I observed a large flock of these Parrots in Central Chil, about ten miles inland from San Antonio. The district was a series of hills, mostly cleared and cultivated. The Parrots were feeding on a stretch of fallow, which was overgrown by large thistles, the seeds of which attracted them. I did not meet with them subsequently. They are known in that district by the name of “‘ Loro.” TI believe that they breed near Cauquenes in holes in the cliffs. They make the most deafening clamour when disturbed. 48. HEeNicoGNATHUS LEPTORHYNCHUS (King). Henicognathus leptorhynchus, Salvad. B. M. C. xx. p. 209. (Rio Bueno.) This is a very numerous species in Southern Chili, where the birds are found in large flocks, and are more plentiful in the interior. They are generally called “Choroi” by the natives, sometimes “ Catita.” I did not get any in Arauco, but was told they occurred, and as their appearance and habits when at large are similar to those of Microsittace ferruginea, it is not easy to tell them apart, unless they are seen very close. They feed on certain trces in the forests, to which they appear to be restricted, as they do not resort much to cultivated fields ; but I was told at Rio Bueno that in some years they make incessant raids on gardens and orchards, doing great havoc when the fruit began to ripen. 49. Micrositracy FERRUGINEA (Mill.). Microsittace ferruginea, Salvad. B. M. C. xx. p. 210. (Calle-calle and Maquegua.) I found this Parrot in large flocks in the forest part of Ornithological Notes from Marocco. 51 Maquegua, and subsequently about Valdivia. All the Parrots I shot further south were Henicognathus leptorhynchus, but the natives said the smaller species occurred as well. ‘They are properly called the ‘“ Catita,” but the names of “ Choroi” and “ Loro” are also applied to them. ‘The sexes are similar. The iris of this species is russet-brown. The natives eat these Parrots when they can get them. Their habits are similar to those of H. leptorhynchus, and they utter the same discordant cries, and appear to be confined to the forests, feeding on similar trees. 50. Botporuyncuus orBiGny! (Bp.). Bolborhynchus orbignyi, Salvad. B. M. C. xx. p. 236. Bolborhynchus orbignesius, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1891, p. 135. (Sacaya.) These little Parrots occur in flocks at Sacaya, Yabricoya, and other localities in Tarapaca, from November to March. They are called the “Lorito.” They fed on the ground in the valley of Sacaya wherever the coarse Andean grasses grew, the seed of which they appear to relish. I observed them up to 11,000 feet. When on the wing, and in fact almost always, they keep up a good deal of chattering and screaming. The sexes appear to be similar. The eye is black. [To be continued. } IV.—Ornithological Notes from Marocco. By P. W. Munn. In the beginning of May 1895 I left Gibraltar for Ceuta vid Algeciras,—as no boat runs direct from Gibraltar to Ceuta,—and any anticipated difficulty with the Custom- house at Algeciras about my gun and ammunition would be evaded by taking them direct from one steamer to the other, without the knowledge of the authorities, and concealing them beneath the cushions in the cabin of the Ceuta boat. The usual uncomfortable passage across the Straits was made in 24 hours and on nearing the port the gun-difficulty E 2 52 Mr. P. W. Munn—Ornithological again presented itself. Fortunately a respected and well- known (in Ceuta) Spanish boatman offered, for a consi- deration much less than the Customs duty, to convey them ashore in his baggage, and, on arranging to hire his boat for the voyage to Tetuan by sea the next day, volunteered to have them safely stowed on board before my departure next morning. So at 4.30 a.m., after spending the night at the 5R02 Sa 2 S22 == == an aa eases %, Z %, ly $552 7 ——= lye Map oF Part oF Marocco. Fonda in Ceuta, I embarked in a felucca, with a crew of four men and my baggage, to sail to Tetuan. On the way I landed for a short time at the mouth of the river Esmir, and out of a small flock of Ringed Plovers shot two males, but there were no signs of their breeding there. The marsh higher up the stream and running parallel with the sea- shore was now nearly dry; the little water that remained was covered with slimy green weed, in which a few Storks were wading, and the thick weeds and long grass round the edges were dry and forsaken by their usual feathered inhabitants. On a former visit in October there was a large sheet of water here, on and about which were quantities Ss = Notes from Marocco. 53 of water-fowl—Teal, Wild Duck and Coots, Common and Buff-backed Herons, a Flamingo and a Crane; and a pair of Ospreys were to be seen plunging into the surface after their prey. The heat was at this season severe, and search- ing among the thick grass in the marsh, and on the sandy dunes nearer the sea, was trying. Moreover, the birds seemed to have sought shadier quarters, with the exception of a few Herring-Gulls from the neighbouring Cape Negro, which closely followed, and apparently commented on, my movements. A few small Waders were on the edge of the water, and a Black Kite (Milvus migrans) sat on the top of a clump of stunted tamarisk; while swarms of bright yellow locusts rose at every step from the sand in short flights. On re-embarking I sailed on to Cape Negro, and drifted slowly round it in the shade of the high cliffs. Herring-Gulls (Larus cachinnans) were sitting on their nests, and Shags (Phalacrocorax graculus) had full-grown young, some still in the nests, others, with the old birds, sitting on the isolated rocks beneath the cliffs, only gliding off into the water when the rock was struck with an oar— so tame were they; nor would the Gulls take flight unless closely approached. Large flocks of Rock-Pigeons (Columba livia) flew in and out of the caverns and fissures, and in a nest in a hole in one of the pillars of a natural arch standing out from the Cape a pair of Bonelli’s Eagles had young, and I also saw a Raven (Corvus tingitanus) fly into its nest, with young, in a fissure. The boatmen were highly amused in trying to identify the various birds seen by means of Saunders’s Manual, which I had among my baggage, and in explaining to me the different Spanish names for them. On rounding the Cape, the Bay of Tetuan was entered, with a stretch of white sandy beach to the north of the mouth of the Tetuan river, on which the wretched huts of a few Moorish fishermen were built; to the south stretched the Riff coast, with the curious little watch-towers con- spicuous on every promontory. On the south bank of the river, reaching back to the foot of the mountains, are 54 Mr. P. W. Munn— Ornithological extensive marshes, where there were troops of Buff-backed Herons (Ardea bubulcus), often attendant on the cattle grazing there. A few Terns were also seen here, but none procured. I reached the mouth of the river at 2.30 p.m., and we were able to sail up as far as the Martine Custom-house, where I had intended to stop, but it was full, so the baggage was unloaded on the shore and I rode on to Tetuan, and, on arriving there, put up at the house of one Nahon, in the Jewish quarter of the town. Partridges (Caccabis petrosa) and Goldfinches (Carduelis elegans) are frequently kept in confinement by the Moors, the former being probably used as call-birds ; and Partridges’ eggs are always for sale in the markets during the season, as delicacies. I walked one day to a village called Samsa, some eight or ten miles north-west of Tetuan, at the head of a small valley running at right angles to the valley of the Tetuan river. ‘The way first lay through narrow lanes among the luxurious vegetation of the gardens surrounding the town; here the only bird of any note seen was Parus teneriff@ : then across some hilly ground covered with the inevitable scrub palmetto and brilliant with innumerable flowers, where Crested Larks only abounded. Thence I proceeded along the side of a valley beneath steep cliffs, over which a few Vultures (Gyps fulvus) were sailing, and neared the village through gardens and luxurious vegetation and across running streams flowing down from the cliffs above. In some places there were walls of rock completely covered with curtains of moss and maidenhair fern. Hence some narrow lanes with trees meeting overhead and streams trickling along the pathway, at which Turtle-Doves (Turtur communis) were frequently disturbed, led me to the cultivated terraces above the village and on to the head of the valley. This was shut in by « high semicircle of cliffs, from the foot of which the hillside sloped away, covered with thick scrub-jungle and strewn with fallen boulders from the cliffs above. The white- washed mosque of the village and a few mconspicuous huts —which I had carefully avoided—were lying far below, near the stream, half hidden among the olives and fruit-trees of Notes from Marocco. 55 their surrounding gardens. Both the Common and Lesser Kestrels were seen plentifully here, and a dusky Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) in the gardens below. Accompanied by three or four Moorish youths from the village and the soldier who had guided me from Tetuan, we thoroughly searched the cliffs for nests and found a Falcon’s (Falco punicus) with two fully-grown young, and several empty Kestrels’ from which the young had flown. In the caverns numerous Rock-Doves lived, and flew in and out in flocks when disturbed. The midday meal was eaten in the shade of a huge fallen rock and shared with my companions, who especially appreciated the wine of the infidel, while the soldier made capital shooting among the Rock-Doves which kept flying in and out of the holes in the cliff behind. This cliff was of a most curious formation, about 20 feet high, and composed entirely of a mass of petrified leaves, wood, and other vegetable matter. It was honeycombed with holes of all sizes, the hollow remains of boughs, the bark of which had petrified while the interior had rotted away; and these holes were now occupied by Rock-Doves, Starlings (Sturnus unicolor), and Jackdaws, all busily engaged in nesting-operations. Ina niche of the rock close above my head was a small nest like a Tree-Creeper’s, with five white eggs speckled with red at the larger end, but I could not catch a glimpse of the birds belonging to it. On another day I went by land to Cape Negro, intending to pass the night in the watch-tower on the summit. On the way there, across the palmetto-covered plain lying between Tetuan and the Cape, was a clump of ancient olive-trees growing in a marshy piece of jungle and tenanted by a colony of White Storks, the gigantic nests of which, two or three in a tree, could be seen from afar. Most of the nests now contained small young ones; in one, however, the young were fully grown, and another nest had not yet been laid in. Usually the old birds would not leave the nests until [ had climbed up and scrambled over the edge. A pair of Ravens also had a nest in one of the trees ; this and 56 Mr. P. W. Munn—Ornithological the deserted nest of a large bird of prey were the only other nests I foundin theclump. Storks in Marocco often build on the roofs of the frail huts of the Moors in the villages. On nearing the sea we had a rough ride along the cliffs, through adense pathless scrub of palmetto, myrtle, gum-cistus, holly, heather, and other scrubby plants, and in and out of innumerable rocky ravines, the sides of which were too steep to be ridden down and had to be negotiated on foot, and on hands as well occasionally. The tower was built on the highest point of the Cape, and was a square, whitewashed structure, entered by a rope-ladder let down from a window 20 feet from the ground. It was occupied by an old Moor, who appeared to subsist principally on Gulls’ eggs and crustaceans—judging from the shells. Besides the Gulls and Cormorants here, there were several Buzzards (Buteo desertorum) which were nesting in the cliffs, and in a marsh near were a small flock of Mallards (Anas boscas), the Ducks probably nesting among the scrub surrounding it, while a Marsh- Harrier was hunting along the opposite bank. The evenings at Tetuan were usually spent on the roof . of the house, watching the crowds of Swifts, both Cypselus apus and C. murinus, sweeping about the buildings, the Sparrows (Passer domesticus) busily employed in family duties, and a pair of Swallows (Hirundo rustica) which flew in and out of the patio, where they had a nest with young. The river-bank, near the remains of the fine bridge which once spanned the stream, was also a favourite evening resort, and many of the beautiful Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) were always to be seen here, perching on the solitary fig-trees among the corn. From the appearance of their beaks and tail-feathers they were nesting near. A single White- bellied Swift (Cypselus melba) I saw here one evening, along with a belated flight of the other species. After a stay at Tetuan I left at 5.80 one morning on mule-back for Tangier, which I reached at 4.30 in the after- noon after ten hours in the saddle, having made two short halts on the way—for breakfast at a fondak about fifteen Notes from Marocco. 57 miles from Tetuan, and for lunch in a watercourse at midday. When passing down the valley below the village of Ain Hasrin, I saw a large Vulture (Gyps fulvus) wheeling along towards the high mountains ahead. Among these mountains, near the fondak, we encountered heavy squalls of rain, which drenched us all and transformed the track into a rushing stream; but the sun came out when we reached a lower elevation and quickly dried our clothes. In the fondak, Sparrows (Passer domesticus) were nesting in the baskets put up for the Pigeons beneath the arches round the courtyard, and on reaching the plains again on the Tangier side I saw Stonechats (Pratincola rubicola) and a few Grey Shrikes (Lanius algeriensis). Corn-Buntings (Emberiza miliaria) and Crested Larks (Alauda cristata) were to be seen on every side. Among the oleanders in the water- courses nearer Tangier, dédon galactodes was plentiful and not at all shy. The following is a list of the principal birds noted during this and a preceding visit to the country in autumn :— Blackbird (Turdus merula). Tetuan in October. Stonechat (Pratincola rubicola). Tangier in May. Rufous Warbler (4édon galactodes). ‘Tangier in May. White-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus). Tetuan in May. Ultramarine Tit (Parus tenerife). Tetuan in May. Spotless Starling (Stw-nus unicolor). Tetuan in May. Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus). Tetuan in October. Jackdaw (Corvus monedula). Tetuan in May. Raven (Corvus tingitanus). Tangier and Tetuan in May and October. Algerian Grey Shrike (Lantus algeriensis). Tangier in May and October. Swallow (Zirundo rustica). Tetuan in May and October. Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans). Tangier and Tetuan in October. Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Tetuan in May. Corn-Bunting (Emberiza miliaria). Tangier in May. Crested Lark (Alauda cristata). Tangier and Tetuan in May and October. Swift (Cypselus apus). Tetuan in May. Mouse-coloured Swift (Cypselus murinus). Tetuan in May. White-bellied Swift (Cypselus melba). Tetuan in May. Bee-eater (Merops apiaster). Tetuan in May. Little Owl (Athene noctua). Tetuan in October. Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Tetuan in May. 58 Mr. E. Hartert on the Genus Psittacella. Marsh-Harrier (Circus @ruginosus). Tetuan in May. Rufous Buzzard (Buteo desertorum). Tangier and Tetuan in May and October. Bonelli’s Eagle (Misaétus fasciatus). Cape Negro in May. Black Kite (Milvus migrans). Esmir and Cape Negro in May. African Peregrine (Falco punicus). Tetuan in May. Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Tetuan in May. Lesser Kestrel (Falco cenchris). Tetuan in May. Osprey (Pandion haliaétus). Ksmir in October. Shag (Phalacrocorax graculus). Cape Negro in May. Heron (Ardea cinerea). Esmir in October. Buff-backed Heron (Ardea bubulcus). Tetuan in May and October. White Stork (Ciconia alba). Tangier and Tetuan in May. Flamingo (Phanicopterus roseus). Esmir in October. Wild Duck (Anas boscas), Tetuan in May and October. Teal (Querquedula crecca). Esmir in October. Rock-Dove (Columba livia). Tetuan and Cape Negro in May. Turtle-Dove (Turtur communis), Tetuan in May. Barbary Partridge (Caccabis petrosa). Tangier and Tetuan in May and October. Coot (Fulica atra). Esmir in October. Crane (Grus communis). Esmir in October. Ringed Plover (A{yialitis hiaticula). Esmir in May. Herring-Gull (Larus cachinnans). Cape Negro in May. V.—On the Genus Psittacella. By Ernst Harrerr. (Plate III.) In 1891, when writing the 20th volume of the Catalogue of Birds, Count Salvadori recognized three different species of the genus Psittacella, Schleg., hitherto known only from New Guinea. At present the genus is enlarged by one more species, described quite recently by Mr. Rothschild, and we can, in my opinion, distinguish as a slightly differentiated subspecies Psittacella brehmi pallida of A. B. Meyer. A revised “‘key” to the species of this genus is therefore necessary, which I give as follows :— 1 | Wing more than 100 mm,: 2. Wing less than 100 mm.: 7. } Breast with crescentic black bars: 3. | Breast without black bars: 5. Ins 1897. Fide J.G.Keulemans del. et lth. Mintern Bros.imp. Sl DACRE A “Pier .6:2.. Mr. E. Hartert on the Genus Psittacella. 59 | Head brick-red ; upper tail-coverts deep crimson: P. picta 2. " | Head olive-brown ; upper tail-coverts greenish, barred with black: 4. 4 ) Head browner: P. brehmi tyca °. "| Head more greyish olive: P. brehmi pallida Q . Upper tail-coverts crimson: P. picta 3. Upper tail-coverts greenish, barred with black: 6. Chin and throat browner: P. brehmi typica 3. " (Chin and throat more greyish olive: P. brehmi pallida 3. hint dull reddish, with crescentic black bars: P. modesta °. Re or for) Hind neck red, with crescentic black bars: P. madaraszi @. No bars, except on the rump: 8. 8. ee and hind neck olive-brown: P. modesta ¢. Breast green ; hind neck with ochreous-yellow spots: P. madaraszxt 3 . ‘T should explain that I have purposely constructed the “key ” in this way, instead of the one we are accustomed to in the Catalogue of Birds, because this is the sort of key to be used in the ‘ Tierreich’ of the German Zoological Society. To us, who generally use the other kind of “keys,” it is at first not so convenient, perhaps, but it is so simple that it does not require any explanation, and it has the advantage that in very long keys it is not necessary to cut the lines shorter and shorter, thus wasting much space. Psittacelia picta (described by Mr. Rothschild in the Bull. B. O. C. no. xxxvill. p. v) is a beautiful species, both sexes of which are depicted on Plate III. It is chiefly characterized by the rufous head and the deep-red upper tail-coverts in both sexes, while the male is also ornamented with an orange- (not sulphur-) yellow, almost or quite complete, band on the hind neck, and a blue breast, which is not developed in the immature male. In the ‘Report on New Guinea’ for 1894, Ornith. p. 2, Mr. De Vis* speaks of some specimens which he says he would have referred to Dr. Meyer’s P. pallida, were it not that Count Salvadori had stated that there is no difference between P. brehmi and P. pallida. Mr. De Vis, however, mentions that his specimens are smaller, and have “an obvious submetallic bluish-green gloss, invisible in certain lights, on the lower surface of the edges and tips of the * Ann. Rep. Brit. New Guinea, 1893-94 (Brisbane, 1894), p. 100. 60 Prof. Giacinto Martorelli on the rectrices.”’ From the series now in the Tring Museum, which embraces examples of all the species of the genus, I am able to state that there is no constant difference in size between P. brehmi typica and P. brehmi pallida, and that the sub- metallic bluish-green gloss on the lower surface of the rectrices is merely an individual character, obvious in some, quite absent in other specimens. I believe it is visible in quite freshly-moulted individuals. On the other hand there are sufficient differences in other respects, as explained by me in ‘ Novitates Zoologicee,’ vol. 11. pp. 18 and 255. The genus Psittacella thus constitutes itself as follows :— 1. Psitiacella hrehmi (Rosenb.), occurring in two forms: a. P. brehmi typica, Arfak Mountains ; b. P. brehmi pallida, Owen Stanley Mountains. 2. P. picta, Rothsch., Mt. Victoria, Owen Stanley Moun- tains. 3. P. modesta (Schleg.), Arfak Mountains. 4. P. madaraszi, A. B. Meyer, Owen Stanley Mountains. Hardly more than half of the great island of New Guinea having been explored, and that only, for the most part, insufficiently, we shall not be surprised if more new forms belonging to this genus are discovered. VI.—On the Variations of a Lory (Kos fuscata) as exhibited © by Specimens in the Turati Collection. By Prof. Giacinto Marrtorevu (Civic Museum of Milan). Tne specimens of Hos fuscata, Blyth, of which I give the descriptions, are fourteen in number, and show every stage of development, from the nestling to the adult bird, with striking gradations between the yellow and the red coloration, which appear to be totally independent of age, sex, and geographical range. The red colour seems to replace the yellow only as an ordinary intensification of the yellow pigment, which becomes more or less red in various indi- viduals, independently of their age. Count Salvadori, in his ‘ Ornitologia della Papuasia e delle Variations of Eos fuscata. 61 Molucche’ (pl. i. p. 266), has expressed his opinion that the principal characters of the young of Hos fuscata are—the acuminated form of the rectrices, the double band across the throat and breast not well distinguished, and the pale general colour. But in his catalogue of the Psittacide (Brit. Mus. Cat. vol. xx. p. 31) he gives as a characteristic feature of the young the yellow colour “‘ where the adult bird is red.” The examination of the specimens belonging to the Turati Collection does not lead me to the last conclusion of Count Salvadori, though it is not impossible that a yellow-coloured young bird might pass into a red-coloured adult in some cases. Dr. St. George Mivart, in his magnificent ‘ Monograph of the Lories’ (pp. 41, 42), is inclined to regard Hos fuscata as ‘a “dimorphic bird,’ and Wallace, as quoted by him, admitted two distinct varieties of this species. Finally, Dr. Ant. Reichenow, in his ‘ Végelbilder aus fernen Zonen, die Papageien’*, figures the adult Domicella fuscata as orange- coloured. I now give short descriptions of the specimens of this Lory in the Turati Collection. (2) No. 16249. Mansinam (Laglaize). Nestling (9 ?).— General colour saffron-red ; the double band across the throat and breast not well defined ; band on the nape indistinct, and passing gradually imto the rusty-red colour of the hind neck ; lower back and uro- pygium impure yellowish white; interscapular region rusty brown; central tail-feathers with their inner webs largely red ; all the rectrices acuminated. (0) No. 4124. New Guinea (Verreaux). Young (??).— The red colour on the lower parts more restricted than in the preceding specimen, and inclining to orange on the abdomen; the bands on the nape, throat, and breast not well defined ; interscapular region dark brown, edged with greyish ; lower back and uropygium more distinctly yellowish white; tail-feathers acuminated, the central ones with a narrow red space on the inner web. * Fig. 9, tab. 31 (edit. Kassel, 1878-83). 62 Prof. Giacinto Martorelli on the (c) No. 8718. Havre Dorey (Frank). Young (?).—The band on the nape olive, well defined; the two bands on the throat and breast very narrow, but clearly separated from the interposed dark brown space; the yellow colour slightly inclining to orange on the belly, and especially on the tibie ; back blackish brown, with whitish edgings near the base of the neck; inner secondaries olive- brown ; ¢tail-feathers not acuminated. (d) No. 15127, 9. Havre Dorey (Doria, ex Brujin). Adult. —vVertex and nape olive-yellow; bands on the throat and breast; middle of the abdomen bright yellow, per- fectly defined from the blackish brown of the thoracic bands and sides of the body; tibiz tinged with orange and minium; interscapular region black; inner webs of tail-feathers, on the basal portion, orange; inner secondaries with an olive tinge. (e) No. 15126. Geelvink Bay, New Guinea. Adult.— Differs from the preceding in the more intense orange tinge on the underparts and the bright minium of the tibiz. On the vertex a tinge of chestnut. The inner webs of the outer primaries with distinct orange tinge. No. 9392. New Guinea (Schneider). Adult.—Bright orange on the underparts, except the tibize, which are red; flanks and thoracic band dark brown; innermost secondaries inclining to maroon. (7) No. 9393. New Guinea (Schneider). Adult.—The nape olive-yellow ; an intense chestnut tinge on the vertex ; the anterior bands orange, as also the middle of the abdomen and the bases of the tail-feathers; inner secondaries chestnut. (h) No. 19756. Fly River, New Guinea (Whitely). Adult.— Nape olive-yellow; the chestnut tinge on the vertex more intense ; on the two anterior bands and abdomen the yellow feathers are broadly edged with red, and the tibie tinged with scarlet. The red edges appear also on the yellow part of the outer primaries; inner webs of tail-feathers with orange-red bases. (i) No. 19755. Fly River, New Guinea(Whitely). Adult.— Variations of Kos fuscata. 63 Like the preceding, but more intensely coloured, and with the bands across the throat bright yellow. (7) No. 19757. Fly River (Whitely). Adult.—Nape olive- yellow ; throat-band yellow mixed with large orange spaces; vertex deep rusty red; band on the breast, middle of the abdomen, and tibiz almost entirely scarlet ; tail-feathers with orange bases; inner secondaries ochraceous. (k) No. 15125, 12 (xi.) 1875. Surui, Jobi. Adult.—Nape olive-yellow ; no yellow on the anterior parts, where the feathers have a dark orange-red tinge on the two bands, the abdomen, and the tibiz; innermost great coverts and inner secondaries intense maroon ; tail-feathers with red bases on the inner webs. (1) No. 520. New Guinea (?), 1872. Adult.—In the same plumage as the preceding. (m) No. 4123. New Guinea (Verreaux). Adult ¢.—Nape dark olive-yellow; band on the throat minium, that on the breast scarlet like the abdomen and tibiz; inner secondaries maroon ; tail-feathers with the basal portions of inner webs minium. (n) No. 16248. Amberbaki (Laglaize). 9 .—Band on the nape dark ochraceous; throat and breast, middle ab- domen and tibize deep scarlet, sharply separated from the dark brown colour of the thoracic band and flanks ; inner secondaries maroon; inner webs of the tail- feathers and primaries also scarlet. To recapitulate, it appears from the preceding descriptions (1) that the red colour has a tendency to replace the yellow from the lower parts to the higher ones, beginning from the tibie and going upwards to the throat; (2) that at the same time the amount of the rusty red or maroon tinge on the inner secondaries becomes greater; (8) that the immature birds, whether they belong to the red or to the yellow form, have always acuminated tail-feathers, and the coloured bands on the anterior parts not well defined and less brightly coloured. 64 Mr. H. Saunders on the VII.—Further Notes on the Birds of the Pyrenees. By Howarp Saunpers. ‘Tue Isis’ for 1884 (pp. 365-392) contained some account of my ornithological experiences in the western portion of the Pyrenees during the winters and springs of 1882 and 1883, with which were incorporated notes made in the extreme east of that range in the autumn of 1876, as well as a few observations in 1879. Various Members of the B. O. U. have subsequently added to our knowledge, e. g. Mr. James Backhouse (Ibis, 1887, pp. 66-74), Mr. W. Eagle Clarke (op. cit. 1889, pp. 520-552), and Mr. H. M. Wallis (op. cit. 1895, pp. 64-85). The last-named was principally in the central districts, between Eaux-Chaudes and Luchon, as well as on the Aragonese side; while Mr. Clarke, with his companion Mr. Basil Carter, ascended the valley of the Ariége to Ax-les-Thermes, whence they made their way— through Hospitalet, and in spite of new snow—into the little republic of Andorra. Mr. Clarke’s was the earliest account of the birds of that district, and only those who have had similar experiences can realize the difficulties to be contended with in the higher mountains in the month of May. At that time the rains have not ceased at the lower elevations on the French side, the old snow is melting in the moun- tains, and the fresh snow that falls from time to time is soft and impedes locomotion. May is, however, the best month for finding birds breeding, and it seemed possible that, by beginning in the south-east of France, thence passing into Catalonia, and working along the base of the Pyrenees on the Spanish side, drier and more settled weather might be expected than was probable in the central or western regions. Moreover, the country from Luchon eastward as far as the western side of Mount Canigou was unknown to me, and there were several points which required investigation. For instance, it was desirable to learn whether there was any foundation for the late Dr. L. Company6’s statement that the Black Grouse is found in the Eastern Pyrenees, as well as to learn something about the range of the Hazel-Grouse ; while, Birds of the Pyrenees. 65 though interesting birds of prey could hardly be expected to be conspicuous in Catalonia, the most prosperous and populous province of Spain, yet, even there, some marshes and lakes appeared on the map, especially in the sweep of the Gulf of Rosas, and these seemed worthy of investigation, to say nothing of the rocky coast on either side. It was true that a score of years ago I had learned by sad experience that the étangs on the French coast between Narbonne and Perpignan were vanity, and Mr. Eagle Clarke’s subsequent visit was fruitless, but better things were hoped from Spain. As regarded the weather, the outlook was dubious. The winter had been absolutely open; no snow had fallen, and almost any pass could have been crossed tip to the middle of March ; but then a heavy storm took place on the French side, and all the “ ports” and “‘cols”’ were blocked. In Spain, however, no rain had followed, and Aragon was reduced by drought to absolute famine, while processions and prayers were the order of the day, even in free-thinking Catalonia. It seemed unlikely that this state of affairs could last much longer, but the latter part of April came and the news was that the drought continued. My friend Colonel H. W. Feilden had agreed to give me the pleasure of his company, and, as we were obliged to return to England by the middle of June, the 25th of April found us at Toulouse. At the excellent museum of that city I was pleased to find my former acquaintances, Dr. Eugéne Trutat, the Director, and M. Victor Bonhenri. M. Adrien Lacroix still retained his valuable collection of Pyrenean birds ; while M. Félix Regnault showed us bis grand series of spoils from the caverns—complete skeletons of cave-bear and hyzna, skulls of cave-lion, and, rarest of all, one cranium of a panther, with any number of stone implements. Moreover, the celebrated archeologist M. Cartailhac introduced us to the interior of many ancient Adtels and other buildings which we should never have found out from guide-books. Our first excursion was up the valley of the Ariége—passing the old towns of Foix and Tarascon—to Ax-les-Thermes, which Mr. Eagle Clarke has so well described; and thence SER. VII.—VOL. III. F 66 Mr. H. Saunders on the we hoped to break new ground by crossing the Col de Mar- mare to Quillan, in the almost parallel valley of the Aude. The general opinion being that this was impracticable, we returned to Toulouse, never expecting to see Ax again, but Diis aliter visum. Next day we started for Quillan by way of Carcassonne, where we stopped a few hours, and the climb to the pictur- esque cité in almost tropical heat will long be remem- bered. In the cemetery Nightingales were singing loudly. Serin Finches were uttering their peculiar “ frizzling ” twitter, and the abundance of large castings at the foot of a cypress indicated the presence of some species of Owl. Ascending the valley of the Aude, where the soil is red, like that of Devon, and quite different from that of the Ariége, we reached the pretty little town of Quillan in a heavy thunderstorm, the swollen clay-coloured river con- firming the evidence of the panorama of the Pyrenees on the way from Toulouse, that there had been plenty of recent snow on the French slope. Quillan itself is not more than 1000 feet above sea-level, but the scenery beyond it, on both sides of the valley, is very fine; the rocks being peculiarly rugged in outline and white in colour, studded with dark-green forest in strong contrast. After heavy rain all night, the weather lifted sufficiently to allow us to take a walk in the hills and obtain some idea of the surroundings ; but the Meadow-Bunting and the Crag- Martin were almost the only species which could not have been met with at home, and before noon the rain came down in torrents, with a sharp fallin temperature. Next morning (May Ist) we made an early start in the direction of the Corbiéres, a wild spur of mountains branching off the main chain to the north of the valley of the Tet, and consequently to the northward of Perpignan: a region almost unknown, except to a few French alpinistes. It was on its skirts—in the Forét des Fanges and some other localities—that Com- pany6 said the Black Grouse was found, and certainly, if anywhere, tlhe Corbiéres seemed the most likely, owing to their geographical position at no great distance from the Birds of the Pyrenees. 67 Cevennes. Heavy storms of rain, with biting wind, checked our progress, and we did not get to the forest. Along the river Crag-Martins were numerous ; a Sparrow-Hawk dashed across the road and just missed his bird; Grey Waztails were conspicuous, and the White Wagtail was not uncommon ; a pair of Pied Flycatchers were watched; Linnets of the brightest colour swarmed, and the Nightingales sang bravely in defiance of wind and rain. In the course of the day we thrice saw Ravens, evidently taking food to their young in some crags in the defile of the Pierre-Lis. Along this gorge, through a tunnel known as the Trou du Curé, after its worthy originator, the Abbé Amand, we penetrated for some miles in the direction of the Baths of Carcaniéres by a mag- nificent road, parallel to which the railway is being pushed on. This highly picturesque route has been opened to Mont Louis (about 45 miles) only since 1887, and it was with great regret that we renounced our intention of passing through it, for it traverses the Capcir—the finest forest- district of the Eastern Pyrenees. Our landlord, however, dissuaded us, in spite of his obvious interest being to let his vehicle or horses, and he positively refused to post us beyond Carcaniéres under the state of the weather, adding that we should probably get no further and would have to return, Considering that Mont Louis is the highest (nearly 5000 feet) and the coldest garrison-town in all France, even in summer, it would have been rash to go on in such weather ; but this second check was doubly severe, because Mont Louis is exceptionally well situated, standing, as it does, near the head of the river Tet, which runs down to Perpignan, passing Prades and the Vernet side of Mount Canigou; while, in the opposite direction, Bourg-Madame and Puigcerda can easily be reached, and the best part of Catalonia becomes accessible. There was, however, nothing for it but to go back to the plains and take the railway. At Carcassonne, where it had been oppressively hot a few days before, every one was wrapped up and seeking shelter from the mistral wind; the great étangs of Sijean and Leucate, and even the usually blue Mediterranean, were pQ ~ 68 Mr. H. Saunders on the nearly white with foam-crests, and a few Gulls, with Red- shanks along the shores, were the only birds visible in the driving clouds of dust. Changing train at Perpignan, we ascended the Tet valley to the pleasant town of Prades, the usual point of departure for Vernet-les-Bains. We merely visited the latter, which was at that time frequented only by “serious” invalids, most of them in a very sad state; the butterfly-visitors, for whom the grand hotels exist, come later. Vernet is somewhat shut in, and although there are good excursions to be made from it, I much prefer Amélie- les-Bains, on the other side of Canigou, where I passed some weeks in the autumn of 1876. In the valley of La Taurinya, by the ruined abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, we identified a Tree-Sparrow, a very local species in the south; House- Sparrows were generally distributed, but less numerous than the Chaffinch ; the Crested Lark and the Woodlark were met with, Swallows and House-Martins swarmed, a male Cirl Bunting was well seen, and the Meadow-Bunting haunted every bank, not to mention several common species. One of our excursions was to Molitg, where we called upon a M. Massia, who gave us some information about the natural history of the neighbourhood and poimted out a favourite resort of the Eagle-Owl on a ruined fortress on a crag. He possessed no specimen of the Black Grouse, and had no knowledge of the MHazel-Grouse, though evidently well acquainted with game-birds, and he ought to have been a good sportsman, for he owned two lovely Gordon setters. On the 4th May we saw our first Woodchat-Shrike, but the wind was so furious that few birds desirous of a quiet life would face it. On May 5th we descended to Perpignan, and passed on to Banyuls-sur-Mer, a little town and port on the frontier, well known by reputation at least, owing to its marine biological station, the Laboratoire Arago. There we were cordially received by the Préparateur, M. Adrien Robert ; sub- sequently meeting Mr. Minchin, of Merton College, Oxford, and M. Severtzoff, son of the well-known Russian naturalist. The last had been out all day in pursuit of whales, to one of Birds of the Pyrenees. 69 which the harpooner had got “ fast,’’ but the iron had broken, and, considering the absolute inexperience of all concerned, this was just as well, These whales were called cachalots, but, from the description of their “spouts,” they were certainly not sperm-whales. In the small collection were a young Razorbill (an uncommon bird in the Mediterranean) and a Black Tern, while a young Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Mediterranean representative of our Manx Shearwater were waiting to be skinned. The two following days were devoted to the exploration of the coast on both sides of the frontier, and some time was wasted over a bird which it was hoped might prove a Lanner Falcon; but Kestrels and a Black Kite were the only birds of prey identified. We got very near to a nest of the Raven containing young birds; Eared Wheatears were abundant on the hill-side, and Pied Flycatchers in the small cork-woods, where we also observed the Marsh-Tit ; an occasional Hoopoe flitted past, and the favourite haunt of the Whinchat seemed to be small scrub along the seashore. Passing on to Figueras, in Spain, no time was lost in setting out for the marshes on the Gulf of Rosas, and also for Cadaqués, about 20 miles off, on a rocky peninsula of the same name. Owing to the drought in Spain, there was somewhat less water than usual, but by the time Castellon- de-Ampurias was reached we had found that the expanses of water marked on the maps had long since been drained, while the marshes were mere spongy bogs, with just enough green stagnant water to be unwholesome and to harbour a few waterfowl in winter. Some Marsh-Harriers were there, of course, and a Stork seemed to have a nest by some farm- buildings in the distance, while Crested and Short-toed Larks ran along the roads; but nothing of importance was noticed. At Castellon-de-Ampurias there is a fine old church, with a double font of immense size, respecting which the French guide-books are silent; while at Rosas the ruined fort, so stubbornly defended by Lord Cochrane, is worth a visit, and the view, as the road winds upward towards Cadaqués, is superb. As regards birds, there was not much 70 Mr. H. Saunders on the on the way: Finches were numerous in the few places in the gorges where there was a little water; Pied Flycatchers were frequent among the olive-trees, and Woodchats not un- common; while now and then a Red-legged Partridge ran or fluttered across the road. At Cadaqués itself we could learn nothing about ‘the darimg cragsmen” spoken of by - Don Estanislao Vayreda y Vila in his ‘ Fauna Ornitolégica de la Provincia de Gerona,’ and although the entire juvenile population seemed anxious to meet our wishes, and even to encourage our hopes as fast as they could learn them, their statements did not bear the test of examination. No doubt some Gulls nest in the cliffs, and possibly the two species of Petrel common in the Mediterranean, but no islands were visible which seemed at all suited to either the Eleonora Falcon or Audouin’s Gull. And there was nothing par- ticular in the scenery to make Cadaqués worth a visit. At the fine old city of Gerona the only item of ornitho- logical interest was in our hotel “ de los Italianos,’” where the cook had several Nightingales in separate cages in the patio ; the best of these songsters having been five years in captivity. On Sunday, May 10th, there was a vast procession to a natural amphitheatre in the hills, among the ruined fortifications above the city. For some time past the heavens had been black with clouds, and next day there was a great rain, which lasted all the way to Barcelona. Nothing need be said about that well-known city, and at Montserrat, where the heat was intense, the only birds of interest were the Black Chat and the Blue Rock-Thrush. We then proceeded due northward to Ripoll, where the Ter, coming down from Camprodon, joins the Fresér, which descends from the steep sides of the Puigmal and the Col de Nuria. Here we stayed several days in hopes of fishing, but the water was very thick and the few fish proved to be “burbot” or grayling, and not trout. The country is mountainous and thickly wooded—beech below and fir above —but very difficult to work ; while Ribas, higher up the valley of the Fresér, although very picturesque, is quite unsuited to the larger birds of prey, the mountains being chiefly Birds of the Pyrenees. 71 rounded and cultivated up to the woods. The whole valley was full of electric-lighted factories, worked by water-power, and, as Feilden remarked, it wasa superior Lancashire, without the smoke, and with snowy mountains in the background. Dippers, Sandpipers and Grey Wagtails were frequent along the torrents; the Wheatear, Robin, Redstart, Wren, Hedge-Sparrow and Yellow Hammer were more or less common; the Choughs belonged to the red-billed species, and the only un-English bird was the Meadow-Bunting. By a good road, made since the last Carlist war, we crossed the Sierra de Cadi—the first line of the Pyrenees—by the Col de Tosas (5800 ft.), with fine views of the Puigmal and La Nuria; the chief ornithological features being the Red Rock- Thrush, which was hovering in the way that Mr. Wallis has described, and the Water-Pipit, which became abundant as we ascended. ‘The wind was bitter, and there was evidently snow or rain ready to come down, but we accomplished the slight descent to the frontier town of Puigcerda (4000 ft.) without a wetting. Built in terraces with gardens and orchards, on the side of a hill above a fertile plain and with mountains all round at convenient distances, Puigcerda is not only very picturesque, but is also well suited as head- quarters for a naturalist, or for a fisherman who does not expect too much; but at this time the three rivers which unite at the bridge of Soler, and which undoubtedly contain trout, were full of snow-water, and no trout would rise to a fly with the prevailing bitter wind. When that dropped or shifted we had rain, sleet or snow, as the case might be. At the foot of the hill and just across the little river Raur, about a mile off, is the small French frontier town or village of Bourg-Madame, whence a high road runs eastward to Mont Louis, while another goes northward just within the French frontier, and crosses the Col de Puymorens to Ax- les-Thermes. From Puigcerda we intended to proceed west- ward, by La Seo de Urgel, into Aragon, but on the night of the 22nd very heavy snow began to fall and continued almost without intermission till Sunday, 24th, when matters began to look a little brighter. Any retreat into Spain was bea Mr. H. Saunders on the cut off, for the Col de Tosas was now deep in snow, while progress westward was out of the question, but the carrier of the mail from Bourg-Madame thought he might get us across the Col de Puymorens on horses. In the meanwhile we walked about as much as the weather would allow, on both sides of the frontier; but the birds we saw need not be enumerated here. On May 25th we started early and drove to the village of Porté, where, in rain and sleet, we took horses; but as we ascended the weather so far improved that an occasional glimpse of the mountain peaks was obtained, and we could at least see some birds. The road was absolutely filled with soft snow to the tops of the cuttings and banks, over 8 feet deep, and even when followimg the line of the descending streams on either side of the watershed, where the snow was thinnest, the horses sometimes floundered up to their girths. Here the tracks of Ptarmigan and Alpine hare were plentiful; Wheatears and Water-Pipits abounded, and there were several Meadow-Pipits ; a Sparrow-Hawk was sitting on the telegraph-wire; some Alpine Choughs passed in the mist, while on the very summit (rather higher than 6200 ft.) Turtle-Doves were migrating, and a Willow-Warbler was crouching in a benumbed condition under the lee of a rock. The last was put into Feilden’s hat for protection, and soon announced by its movements that it was recovering anima- tion. Rapidly descending by very rugged paths, we passed the track leading to Andorra on our left, aud reached Hospitalet, “a really miserable place,” as Mr. Eagle Clarke well remarks, with “the narrow crooked passages which pass for streets ankle-deep in manure, or filth cast from the windows.” Nothing speaks better for his ardour than the fact that he and his companion passed several days—and nights—in this squalid hamlet. As we waded from our horses to a little awberge—not the Adtel, but the house of the postman—the wandering pigs were a good deal in the way, and three ancient ladies who sat on three hillocks—each with a distaff in her hand like a representative of the Parcee— were good enough to call to the swine in a language which Birds of the Pyrenees. 73 the latter certainly understood and obeyed. Mounting a wooden staircase tothe general room, the Willow-Warbler was taken out of Feilden’s hat and placed on the window-sill, where we watched it preening its feathers and preparing for flight ; when a cat, the presence of which no one had suspected, came with a rush under our arms, and the poor little Warbler was never seen more. After this tragedy, we rattled down to Mérens, and so to Ax-les-Thermes, warmth and civilized life. At Ax we remained nearly a week, making excursions as well as the unsettled state of the weather permitted, but not a day passed without rain or hail. One walk was up the Oriége (a tributary of the Ariége) to Forge d’Orlu, where a few interesting birds were observed ; another was by Mérens to the Lac de Comté, one of a chain of lakes where large trout undoubtedly exist, for they carried away our entire “ casts,” but we Janded none. A little higher up was Ptarmigan-ground, and Grey Partridges were calling below. We had secured the services of a chasseur who was also a sort of parish- councillor, a good and truthful man, with one trifling lapse. A heavy storm had swept over the Lac de Comté, and while we were sheltering in a diminutive cabin belonging to a shepherd, the councillor was entertaining the owner—and himself—with a plentiful supply of the wine which we were far too cold to desire. Yet more, our friend had purchased from that shepherd for 2 francs a very old yellow-breasted Marten (Mustela martes) which, it was said, had just been dropped by a Golden Eagle; and when we reached Mérens the councillor drank to his bargain in a stiff glass of absinthe. Mounting our carriage and driving rapidly down the road, something was said about Vultures. “ Ah, do you take an interest in Vultures ?” said the councillor (as if we had not been talking of birds for the last four days) : ‘‘ what a pity I did not know it sooner, for I would have shown you where they nest in any numbers in the great cliff by Mérens, but it is now too late to go back ; that must be for another day.” We did not go back, for we had now passed that cliff for the third time without seeing a sign of a Vulture; and we 74 Mr. H. Saunders on the maintained a qualified belief respecting a likely-looking spot which was pointed out, lower down, as the eyrie of the Golden Eagle. But with regard to Capercaillie and other game-birds the councillor, in his calmer moments, knew what he was talking about, and he was a good fisherman, after his kind. Altogether, Ax is by no means a bad place for head- quarters, We visited Tarascon twice, and on the first occasion we observed Swifts (which had not been seen at Ax), and I saw one pair of Alpine Swifts. There, and along the valley of the Ariége, are several interesting caverns, and in one of these Feilden secured fragments of the bones of the cave-bear and of man. From Tarascon we drove to St. Girons, to avoid the wearisome journey by way of oulouse—passing through fine scenery of the second class, and baiting at the little town of Massat, where there is an excellent old-fashioned inn, superlative cooking, and a grand view of the snowy mass of Mont Vallier in the background. The latter part of the road was along the wooded banks of a river, and rain was falling in torrents. At St. Girons there is a large hotel, frequented by, and only suited to, commercial travellers. At Luchon I had the pleasure of renewing my acquaint- ance with the distinguished mountaimeer and geologist, M. Maurice Gourdon, who told me, amongst other things, that “according to common report” (and we know what the equivalent of rumour is), the ibex had been almost exter- minated in the Valle de Ara (also known as the Val de Arazas) in Aragon, by English sportsmen, who had spared neither female nor kid. I felt safe in assuring him that neither the late Sir Victor Brooke nor any of Mr. E. N. Buxton’s party had been guilty of such atrocities. We made excur- sions to the Lac d’Oo and the Vallée de Lys, subsequently visiting Argelés-Gazost and Gavarnie, and continuing west- ward to my old quarters at St. Jean-de-Luz; but such well-trodden ground calls for no special remark. The rain, it rained every day. We ascended the Rhune mountain, and, for the first time in my experience, neither a Bearded nor a Griffon Vulture was to be seen there; but this was hardly to Birds of the Pyrenees. 75 be wondered at, for not even a Vulture’s eyes could have pierced the rain-scuds which swept over ; driving us to take shelter among the rocks and to make rushes for new positions, as our countrymen did in the assault on the Rhune in November 1813. At the very last, one fine day came for our visit to San Sebastian, where we saw the Blue Rock- Thrush on Monte Orgullo, for the first time in the west ; and then, homeward, by way of Bayonne. I may mention that the museum in the Mairie of that city has been destroyed by fire, and in it perished the local specimens of White’s Thrush and Pallas’s Sand-Grouse which were mentioned in my former paper. In the following list only those species are set down which were actually identified, and several which we ought to have seen find no place. Turpus visctvorvs, L. The Mistle-Thrush was generally distributed. Young birds were met with in the beech-woods near Ripoll, Catalonia, on May 18th; while on the road from Tarascon to St. Girons we saw an adult attacking a Magpie, and further on, a bird on its nest. Turpvus musicus, L. The Song-Thrush was observed on the skirts of the fir- woods above Mérens and at about 5000 feet. It will be remembered that Mr. Eagle Clarke found a nest of this species in the beech-region, lower down—the first authentic record of the breeding of this Thrush in the higher Pyrenees. Turpus meruta, L. The Blackbird was observed in every suitable locality, but it was by no means a conspicuous species. Turpus Torquatus, L. I saw a pair of Ring-Ouzels well, on June 10th, in the glen between the Little and the Great Rhune, at about 2000 feet elevation, and just the place where one would have expected to find the birds breeding in Scotland or the 76 Mr. H. Saunders on the north of England. But with the rain-storms prevailing there was little inducement to search for their nest. Monricota saxatiuis (L.). The ‘‘ Red” Rock-Thrush (as it may be called for dis- tinction) was observed when crossing the Col de Tosas; a fine male hovering for some seconds just below us, and then slowly dropping down into the valley, while later three more were observed. On the French side this species was not seen. Monricota cyanus (L.). We did not meet with the Blue Rock-Thrush on either side of the extreme east of the Pyrenees, though I had often seen it near Amélie-les-Bains in former years; but we saw it well on Montserrat, where its presence might have been expected. It was, however, a great surprise to find this species on the fortress of Monte Orgullo, San Sebastian, for I am unaware of any record of its presence in the western district. SAXICOLA @NANTHE (L.). The Wheatear was observed from Ripoll upward, and became abundant on the higher ground, especially on the top of the Col de Puymorens. We repeatedly noticed what Mr. H. M. Wallis calls the deep electric blue of the back and head in the male, but careful examination with binoculars convinced us that we had to do with no new species. SAxICOLA ALBICOLLTS, Vieill. The Black-eared Wheatear was common on the hillsides between Banyuls and Portboll, and again in the amphitheatre of hills above Gerona; after which it was not observed. Saxicola stapazina was not identified anywhere. SaXICOLA LEUCURA (Gm.). On this occasion I did not meet with the Black Wheatear in the Eastern Pyrenees ; but its dark form was conspicuous among the rocks near the convent of Montserrat. Birds of the Pyrenees. “J NN PRATINCOLA RUBETRA (L.). Early in May Whinchats were always to be seen at Banyuls-sur-Mer, on our walk along the shore to and from the Laboratoire, flitting down to the sea-wrack, or perched on the bushes a few yards inland; we also saw some on the hillsides. In the upper valley of the Ariége, where Mr. Eagle Clarke found it common, we managed to miss it or omitted to note it. PRaTINCOLA RUBICOLA (L.). The Stonechat was observed at Quillan, in the valley of the Aude, and near Prades in the valley of the Tet. RouriciLua PHENIcURUS (L.). Above Ribas, along the valley of the Fresér, we saw several Redstarts on May 20th, and again on the 24th round the great reservoir at Puigcerda, so the species probably breeds in Catalonia. Rouriciyia tirys (Scop.). Though constantly on the look-out for the Black Redstart, it was not until May 21st that we caught a glimpse of an adult male, on the roof of a house at Puigcerdé. Afterwards we found it generally distributed, but by no means so abundant as might have been expected. At Orlu, near Ax- les-Thermes, a male was paired in the dark grey plumage of the first year ; and a female went off her nest in the bone- cavern at Tarascon. ErRItHAcus RUBECULA (L.). In Catalonia we did not meet with the Redbreast until some distance up the valley of the Fresér, above Ribas, and it is chiefly an inhabitant of the higher wooded mountains ; we were, in fact, rather surprised to find it so low down as Tarascon, in a narrow lane, leading to the bone-cavern. Davutias tuscrnia (L.). From Carcassonne upward the Nightingale was every- where to be heard, up to at least 5000 feet on the Catalonian side; it sat singing on pea-sticks along the road near Ripoll, and seemed to match its voice against the roar of the snow- 78 Mr. H. Saunders on the fed mountain-streams. Under these conditions the note was often harsh, but the bird was too much in view for there to be any mistake about its identity. Syivia cinEREA (Bechst.). The Whitethroat was generally distributed, from the coast-line up to about 4000 ft. in Catalonia, and 3000 ft. in France. Sytvia curruca (L.). The Lesser Whitethroat was thoroughly identified by both of us on the way down from La Rhune on June 10th—the first time for the Basque Provinces. SYLVIA ATRICAPILLA (L.). “Strange to say, we did not see the Blackcap on the Spanish side, nor in the valley of the Ariége, where Mr. Eagle Clarke found it breeding. Our only record is on the road leading to the Vallée du Lys, above Luchon. SYLVIA ORPHEA, Temm. On the way from Figueras to the Gulf of Rosas we caught a glimpse of the Orphean Warbler, and afterwards I thought I heard its note. It was not seen in France, and, still more strange, Sylvia melanocephala, usually conspicuous in the south, was not seen anywhere. Probably the weather made all these Warblers skulk. Syitvia HorTENs!Is, Bechst. The Garden-Warbler was remarkably abundant at Puig- cerda, especially in the trees round the reservoir. Recutvs cristatus, Koch. The Golden-crested Wren was seen at Luchon. We never identified the Fire-crest (R. ignicapillus), which I had often seen near St. Jean-de-Luz in former years. Puyxuoscorus ruFusS (Bechst.). The only place where the Chiffchaff was identified was at Puigcerda. PHyYLLoscopus TrocHILus (L.). The Willow-Warbler was common round Puigcerdd; the Birds of the Pyrenees. 79 sad fate of the bird picked up on the Col de Puymorens has already been told. PHYLLOScoPUS BONELLI (Vieill.). Identified above Puigcerda. ACROCEPHALUS TURDOIDES (Meyer). The Great Sedge-Warbler was seen in the cane-brakes near the Gulf of Rosas. On the west side we saw and heard the bird and found its nest in a little reedy pool at St. Jean-de-Luz, and it breeds in the swamps near Biarritz. ACROCEPHALUS PHRAGMITIS (Bechst.). The Sedge-Warbler was observed on the banks of the river below Ripoll. AcceNnToR Moputaris (L.). As Mr. Eagle Clarke remarks, the Hedge-Sparrow is a mountain species in the Pyrenees. We saw it well above Ribas, in Catalonia; while, as regards the French side, we can endorse his record of its abundance at Hospitalet. The Alpine Accentor was not seen; we were not high enough for it, or the mist on the Col was too thick. Cincius aquaticus, Bechst. In Catalonia the Dipper was plentiful on the Fresér, above Ribas; less abundant on the upper waters of the Ariége valley, above Ax-les-Thermes. Acreputa caupata (L.). The Long-tailed Tit was observed in the tall elms near St. Jean-de-Luz. Parus masor, L. The Great Tit was seen among the cork-woods on the way to Cadaqués; in the beech-woods above Ripoll; and, on the French side, at Luchon. Parus ater, L. The Coal-Tit was identified only near Ripoll in Catalonia, and near Luchon in France. Parus pauusrris, L. The Marsh-Tit appears to be very local. We identified it 80 Mr. H. Saunders on the among the small cork-woods near Banyuls-sur Mer, and by the stream at Vernet-les-Bains, under Mount Canigou. On this occasion the Crested Tit was not observed. Parus CHRuULeEvs, L. The Blue Tit was feeding its young in a pollard willow at Puigeerdé on May 22nd. CreRTHIA FAMILIARIS, L. This inconspicuous species was observed only at Luchon, where it was common. On this occasion we were unfortunate in failing to see the Wall-Creeper. Our chasseur at Ax-les-Thermes said he had received orders from Toulouse to procure the bird, but had not succeeded. It is, however, generally distributed in the Pyrenees, and the late Mr. A. C. Chapman obtained a specimen as far west as Burguete, in Navarre. TROGLODYTES PARVULUS, Koch. The Wren must be widely distributed, but it intruded itself on our notice only in the valley above Ribas. Moracizua ALBA, L. The White Wagtail was seen along the rivers in the valleys of the Aude and the Ariége, as well as at Ripoll, but it does not seem to be plentiful so high up. MoracrbLa MELANOPE, Pallas. The Grey Wagtail is by far the most numerous member of the genus on both sides of the range. It swarmed along the river towards Orlu, above Ax-les-Thermes, and was abundant on all the streams further west. Moraciuua FiAvA, L. The Blue-headed Wagtail was identified at Puigcerda. ANTHUS PRATENSIS (L.). Most of the Meadow-Pipits had gone northward, and we saw only a few, on the cold wet Col de Puymorens. ANTHUS sPIPOLETTA (L.). From Ribas upward on the Spanish side, on the top of Puymorens, and down to Ax, the Water-Pipit was very Birds of the Pyrenees. 8 numerous wherever running water, moist meadows, or bogg ground existed; it was also found on La Rhune, St. Jean- de-Luz, where I had not seen it before. OrIoLUs GALBULA, L. At Ax, on May 26th, we saw a pair of Golden Orioles in the trees by the second bend of the road leading to Belecaire, and a nest of the previous year was easily recognizable. Lantus cotiurio, L. The Red-backed Shrike was not met with until St. Jean- de-Luz was reached. There it was abundant: more so than the next species. LaANiUs POMERANUS, Sparrm. The first Woodchat Shrike was noticed near Villefranche, on the road to Vernet, on May 4th; afterwards we saw birds near Cadaqués, at Ripoll, and at Puigcerdé in Catalonia, several near Ax, and a fair number round St. Jean-de-Luz. Muscicapa GRisona, L. We certainly saw the Spotted Flycatcher in several places, but Luchon is the only locality for it I find noted. Muscicapa ATRICAPILLA, L. A pair of the Pied Flycatcher were observed on April 30th at Quillan, on the Aude, and many were seen in the small woods between Banyuls and the Spanish frontier, as well as in similar localities on the road to Cadaqués. Hirunpo rustica, L. The Swallow swarmed in the lower regions, and was abundant at Puigcerda on the one side, as well as at Ax on the other. As Mr. Eagle Clarke has remarked, 5000 ft. seems to be about the elevation attained. CaELipon ursica (L.). We found the House-Martin up to the same elevation as the Swallow, but Mr. Eagle Clarke noticed it nesting still higher in Andorra. Passing westward, it was abundant as far as Argelés-Garzost and St. Sauveur, but in the Basque Provinces not one was seen, nor a sign of a nest: a fact SER. VII.—VOL. III. G 82 Mr. H. Saunders on the which tallied with my previous experiences. At Tarascon birds were breeding inside some fissures in the bone-cavern, the nests being out of sight. I had already remarked this in the cliffs near Fishguard, in Pembrokeshire, where the mud seems to be deficient in tenacious properties. CoTILE RUPESTRIS (Scop.). The Crag-Martin was common along the Aude on April 30th, and was observed in suitable places between Ribas and Puigcerda ; also at Mérens, above Ax, as already noted by Mr. Eagle Clarke. Lieurinus cHtoris (L.). The Greenfinch was cbserved at Quillan; we did not notice it at Ax. CaRDUELIS ELEGANS, Stephens. On May 9th Goldfinches were seen on the road to Cadaqués, where a fledgling was brought to us; and the species was abundant at Puigcerdé. On the French side it was fairly common at Ax and Orlu. SERINUS HORTULANUS, Koch. The Serin Finch was generally distributed. CHRYSOMITRIS CITRINELLA (L.). The Citril Finch was identified only in the fir-woods above Mérens, on the way to the Lac de Comté. PassER Domesticus (L.). I am happy to say that the House-Sparrow was nowhere very numerous at any moderate elevation, and we did not see one at Ax. Further west and lower down this parasite is commoner. PasseR MONTANUs (L.). The Tree-Sparrow seems to be very local; we identified it near Prades, and again near Puigcerda. FRINGILLA C@LEBs, L. The Chaffinch was generally distributed in France, and observed at Puigcerda. Birds of the Pyrenees. 83 Linota CcANNABINA (L.). The Linnet was common on the French side, and observed from Ribas upward in Catalonia. PyrrHvLA EUROPA, Vieill. The Bullfinch was only seen at Luchon, where M. Gourdon assured us that it was only too common. I have never seen it in Eastern Spain, but it may well occur in Cata- lonia. In the Basque Provinces and in Navarre it is by no means rare. EMBERIZA MILIARIA, L. The Corn-Bunting was noticed in the lower districts on the French side. EMBERIZA CITRINELLA, L. From Ribas onward to Puigcerdé the Yellow Bunting was abundant, and, on the French side, from Ax downward and westward; the males brilliant in colour. EmBeriza ciruus, L. A male Cirl Bunting near Prades was the only individual seen, but the species is widely distributed and common in the Basque Provinces. Emperiza cia, L. The Meadow-Bunting was almost ubiquitous on both sides of the Pyrenees ; we thought that the foot of the Cirque de Gavarnie (4300 ft.) was a record elevation, but Mr. Eagle Clarke found this species at 5100 ft. in Andorra. At this season of the year no Starlings were seen, but we were told that some nested in the dovecotes round the reservoir at Puigcerdd—a story we did not believe. In winter they are common. Pyrriocorax Gracutus (L.). Red-billed Choughs were identified at Banos below Ribas, and in France at Pierrefitte (where there is a large colony) and at Gavarnie. They look deceptively large on the wing. Pyrruocorax ALPinus, Koch. Although well known in the Eastern Pyrenees, the only place where we identified the Yellow-billed Chough was on a2 84. Mr. H. Saunders on the the Col de Puymorens; afterwards, at the Lac d’Oo, above Luchon. GARRULUS GLANDARIUS (L.). The Jay was seen at Montserrat, and was found nesting near Ripoll. It is generally distributed. Pica RusTIcA (Scop.). In Catalonia the Magpie was noticed at Puigcerdé. On the French side there were nests in the trees on the Place at Ax, and there was one just outside Gavarnie. Lower down the species is common enough. Corvus MoONEDULA, L. Mr. Eagle Clarke identified the Jackdaw at Ussat-les- Bains, below Ax, so we looked out for it and saw it there also. ‘This is the only place in the Pyrenees where I have observed this species, in spite of the watch kept for it in former years. Corvus corax, L. At Quillan a pair of Ravens were several times observed taking food to their young; at Banyuls another pair were continually going to and from their nest, which probably held young; the species was also seen and heard near Puigcerda, around Ax, and several times near Luchon. The flight of these Mountain-Ravens is particularly fine and raptorial-like. Corvus corong, L. Only two Carrion-Crows were identified near Figueras and two at Puigcerda, so the species is probably scarce in summer. The Rook was not seen. ALAUDA ARVENSIS, L. The Skylark was common in the higher part of Catalonia and swarmed at Puigcerda ; at Ax we did not note it. ALAUDA ARBOREA, L. We saw the Woodlark at Prades and at Puigcerdé; it was rather numerous, frequenting bleak rough hillsides in a way that surprised us. Birds of the Pyrenees. 85 ALAUDA CRISTATA. The Crested Lark was seen at Prades, and, as might be expected, it was common on the low ground in Catalonia. ALAUDA BRACHYDACTYLA, Leisler. The Short-toed Lark was noticed between Figueras and Rosas. Cypsetus apus (L.). Swifts were plentiful at Quillan on April 30th; also in Catalonia up to Puigcerda. We remarked upon their absence at Ax, but lower down the Ariége we saw some at Tarascon, and at less elevations the species was common. CypsELus MELBA (L.). Far above the Common Swifts at Tarascon, I saw a couple of Alpine Swifts for a few moments, and I think it probable that a pair or two nest in the detached clock-tower of Saint Michel, an old building with projecting eaves open below, and just suited to the habits of this bird. Iynx torquiL1a, L. Seen at Forges d’Orlu, near Ax, May 27th. Grctnvs viripts (L.). The Green Woodpecker was seen at Ax; at Argelés- Gazost it was plentiful. We did not see the Black Woodpecker, but it is un- doubtedly found above Ax. In the Vallée de Lys, above Luchon, we saw many holes in the spruce-firs which could not have been made by any smaller species. Upupa Epoprs, L. Seen between Banyuls and Cerbére. Cucutus canorvs, L. Heard and seen near Prades. Gres FruLvus (Gm.). On our return to Luchon from the Lac d’Oo, we saw one unmistakable Griffon soaring high in air. It is chiefly in autumn that this Vulture makes its appearance on the French side of the High Pyrenees. Passing westward, the fact that 86 Mr. H. Saunders on the we did not see Griffons on the Rhune or in the neigh- bouring part of Spain is one of the most remarkable of our experiences. Circus arvuernosus (L.). Marsh-Harriers were seen over the marshes of Rosas. Circus cyanews (L.). In the basin of Puigcerda, but within the French boundary, we distinctly saw a female Hen-Harrier make two or three sharp turns and then drop abruptly into an immense extent of rye. There could be no doubt that she had a nest near, and we took rough cross-bearings with a vague hope that some lawful entry might be found. Eventually we found a track which ought to have led us to within about a hundred yards, and she certainly never rose ; moreover, no amount of stoning would make her rise. In Spain we might have walked in, and probably no one would have minded, but in France a proces-verbal would probably have been the result. Later, we saw an adult male on some moorland between Ax and Forge d’Orlu. Burro vutearis, Leach. The Buzzard was seen near Puigcerda; also at Argelés- Gazost and near St. Jean-de-Luz. It is a common species. AcciPitER Nisus (L.). The Sparrow-Hawk was seen at Quillan; also on the Col de Puymorens; and several times near Ax, where a pair had a nest. Mitvts migrans (Bodd.). The first Black Kite was seen near Cerbére on our return to Banyuls. We did not see the species again till we reached Bayonne, and at first it came to me as a shock that not a bird was visible from the bridge where I had formerly seen somany. ‘The fact was that the tide was running out, and the Black Kites were lower down the Adour, for in the afternoon there were nine in view at once. On the Spanish side, near San Sebastian and round St. Jean-de-Luz, we saw several. The remarkable thing was the absence of the Red Birds of the Pyrenees. 87 Kite round St. Jean-de-Luz, where I had formerly seen that bird every day in winter and early spring. Against the sky-line and the woods, near Luchon, we saw some birds of prey which we could not identify. They were neither Eagles nor Vultures, and I am inclined to think that they may have been Honey-Buzzards, for this species looks very large on the wing. Fatco PEREGRINUS, Tunstall. The Peregrine was well seen near Puigcerdé. Again, while waiting for the train at Pierrefitte, above Argelés-Gazost, we had a long view of a bird of this species, and it will be remembered that above Pierrefitte there is a large colony of Choughs, to which the Peregrine is very partial, in default of Pigeons. Fatco TINNUNCULUS, L. The Kestrel was generally distributed. Ciconia AwBa, L. A Stork was seen near a lonely farmhouse between Figueras and Rosas. TurtuR communis, Selby. The Turtle-Dove was seen at Prades, Banyuls, Puigcerdé, and on the summit of the Col de Puymorens (6200 ft.). TETRAO UROGALLUS, L. The Capercaillie is not uncommon in the fir-woods above Ax. Inthe early morning of May 27th three cock-birds were calling (‘chantant’): one rather small, with little tuft, and one much larger, with a fine beard; the third we did not see. Several hens were in attendance. All the evidence that we were able to collect is that the Black Grouse (7. ¢etriv) does not exist, even in the eastern portion of the Pyrenees. There is no local example in the Perpignan Museum. The Hazel-Grouse (Bonasa betulina) is unknown in the eastern half of the Pyrenees, and M. Maurice Gourdon of Luckon told us that in his many years’ experience he had only shot one (a hen, which he showed us) and seen another. 88 On the Birds of the Pyrenees. The evidence of Ribes, the old guide at the Casino, was to the same effect; and I believe that the species is seldom to be found eastward of Gabas. I saw it once near Ronces- valles, Navarre, some years ago. Lacorus mutus (Montin). The snow on the Col de Puymorens was freely marked by the feet of Ptarmigan, and we were told by. the postman of Ribas that birds were often seen on the Col de Tosas in cold weather and in the early morning, but “not when the diligence passed: that was far too late in the day.”” On the French side the usual name for the Ptarmigan is ‘‘ Gelinotte,” which has led to confusion with enquirers, who have applied that name to the Hazel-Grouse. PreRpDIx CINEREA, Latham. Everywhere the evidence was to the effect that the Grey Partridge is confined to the higher regions, not much below Ptarmigan-ground. We would not sanction shooting this species in the breeding-season, and we did not actually see it, but birds were calling at about 5500 ft. as we descended from the Lac de Comté. CaccaBis RUFA (L.). The Red-legged Partridge was flushed among the rugged ground near Banyuls, just above the Raven’s nest, and several birds were seen on the road to and from Cadaqués. No confirmation of the reported existence of C. saxatilis was obtained. Corurnix communis, Bonnaterre. The Quail was heard in the Vallée.de Lys and elsewhere, in the vicinity of Luchon. ANGIALITIS CURONICA (Gm.). The Little Ringed Plover was watched on the shingle-beds in the river Soler, near Puigcerda, where it was evidently breeding. _ Trincoipes nypoevcus (L.). The Common Sandpiper was noticed on the Fresér river between Ripoll and Ribas; while on the French side it was not uncommon around Ax. On Birds observed on the Yenisei River. 89 Toranus cCALipRIs (L.). The Redshank was identified along the margins of the étangs bordering the Mediterranean. LaRvus CACHINNANS, Pall. On the étangs and the Mediterranean coast. Larus Fuscus, L. An immature example examined in the flesh at Banyuls. Purrinus YELKouan, Acerbi. At Banyuls an individual of this representative of our Manx Shearwater was handled in the flesh. VIII.—WNotes on Birds observed on the Yenisei River, Siberia, in 1895. By H. Leysorne Popuam. I terr England on March 8th, 1895, with the object of adding something, if possible, to what is known of the birds frequenting the mighty Yenisei River. I was accompanied by Mr. C. Boyce Hill, and by the mate of my yacht (McGarry) as bird-skinner. In spite of a letter from the Russian Embassy in London, our guns were taken away at the frontier, and did not reach Moscow till ten days later. This delay almost proved fatal to our chance of reaching Yeniseisk by sledge, as when we arrived at the end of the railway at Omsk, on March 28th, the snow had almost dis- appeared. However, after dragging the sledges sometimes through water and sometimes over the bare ground, with at times as many as five horses to each sledge, we eventually, on April 15th, arrived, in the relics of our ‘ pavoskas,” at Yeniseisk. Here we were most hospitably entertained by the mayor of the town, Mr. Vostrotine, for seven weeks, waiting for the break-up of the ice and the departure of the first trading steamer down the river. We occupied our time in the purchase and fitting-out of a “ lodka,” a sort of flat- bottomed house-boat, and in collecting a few specimens of the birds as they arrived from the south. On June 7th we tied our boat on behind a long string of barges, and were 90 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds off down stream, and for a month were hard at work collecting specimens of birds and eggs in every place at which our steamer stopped for fuel, skinning birds and blowing eggs while under way, and sleeping whenever a chance occurred. On the fifteenth day of our voyage the sun ceased to set and remained above the horizon for the next seven weeks, so that we were able to make the best use of our time when- ever stopping at any “village,” which sometimes consisted of only two or three huts. It often happened that we only got about two hours ashore at what appeared to be a par- ticularly good spot for birds, but we had to take our chance of this; however, I think, on the whole, we were fairly lucky. But we failed in the Warblers—a class that neither of us was well up in—and I believe we often overlooked a very interesting small Warbler when in pursuit of some- thing larger and more attractive to us. We also made a mistake in not forming a larger collection during the migra- tion at Yeniseisk, instead of husbanding our ammunition for our voyage down the river. Its course throughout being northerly, we were constantly changing our latitude, meeting new species and leaving others behind at every stoppage. Thus some birds that we might easily have obtained at Yeniseisk we never met with again further down. We reached Golchika on July 7th in tow of our steamer, this being the last village on the river, and had to spend two somewhat dreary months amongst millions of mosquitoes in our small craft, awaiting the arrival of the expedition from England sent out by my brother through the Kara Sea. The mono- tony of this time was relieved only by ten very pleasant days spent on board the Russian surveying steamer ‘ Oftsin,’ the officers of which very kindly invited us to accompany them on an expedition to set up a beacon on Cape Matte Sale. Ice prevented us from carrying out this object, but though we were of course too late for eggs, we were enabled to add several good species to our list, the young in down of Bewick’s Swan being one of the most interesting. The s.s. ‘Lorna Doone’ arrived from England on September 13th accompanied by a river steamer, the ‘ Barnaoul,’ and observed on the Yenisei River. 91 nine days later we started homeward on what turned out to be a rather adventurous voyage. Capt. Wiggins, who had brought out the two ships, took nearly all the coal and stores with him up the river, leaving us with a supply of about ten days’ fuel to reach Vardo. Things went well till the fourth day out, when we fell in with vast quantities of ice, through which we forced our way for five days. We then got set fast in the ice at the eastern entrance of the Ugor Straits, having broken both blades of the propeller and used up every available plank for the furnaces; even the hen-coop had gone up the funnel. The vessel drove steadily away with the ice in a north-easterly direction till October 4th, when I decided it was time to seek assistance from the natives in the form of food and clothing. I there- fore left the ship with three of the crew and a Russian, who had come on board when we were near the entrance of the Straits, and struck out for the land, which could now just be made out from aloft, hauling a boat with us over the ice. After suffering considerably from the cold and exposure in our European clothes during a gale of wind and snowstorm we reached a native ‘‘choom” on the evening of the second day, and travelled home with the natives vid the Pechora and Mezen. ‘This same gale of wind broke up the ice sufficiently to release the ‘ Lorna Doone,’ and she eventually reached England in safety, happily not requiring the supply of reindeer meat and skins that we had gone in search of. I now give my notes on the birds that we met with on the Yenisei. +1. Turpus m1acus. Redwing. Very numerous in the forest, often nesting among the large colonies of Fieldfares, but nearly always at a lower elevation. 2. Turpus pitaris. Fieldfare. The commonest of all the forest-birds, colonies of several hundreds inhabiting the willows on nearly all the islands ; we could have almost loaded our boat with their eggs if we had felt inclined. 92 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds 3. Turpus ruscatus. Dusky Thrush. (T. dubius, Dresser, B. Europe, i. pl. 7, p. 63.) Wishing one day to obtain a thoroughly authentic clutch of Redwings’ eggs, I shot the parent bird, and was surprised to find it was not an ordinary Redwing as I had thought, but a specimen of 7. fuscatus. I secured the two eggs from the nest, which was exactly like a Fieldfare’s, with a liming of mud and a final lining of dry grass. We afterwards obtained several more nests with eggs belonging to the Dusky Thrush, all being of necessity placed rather low down, but one was quite on the ground between the stems of a willow. This species extended further north than either of the preceding, even beyond the limit of the forest. The eges are mostly of the Redwing type, and measure from 1:01 to 1:1 inch in length and ‘8 in breadth. One clutch of six eggs was more clearly spotted than the others. 4. Turpus opscurvus. Pale Thrush. We were unfortunate in obtaining only one specimen of this Thrush on the Kamina Tungooska River, and still more so in not finding any eggs. 5. Turpus siprricus. Siberian Thrush. This handsome bird was often to be seen perched on the top of a tree, whistling a few rich notes, but owing to its extreme wariness it was difficult to approach within shot, and it was only by careful stalking that we managed to ob- tain three skins, all of males. It was most numerous around Toorukhansk (lat. 66° N.). We got several nests supposed to belong to this species, but we were never able to thoroughly identify the eggs further than seeing the birds in the imme- diate vicinity of the nest. These eggs differ very much from those of T. dubius, having a paler blue ground-colour and more distinct spots of reddish brown. They measure 1°16 in. by °82 in. <6. SaxicoLa G@NANTHE. Common Wheatear. Fairly numerous ; one was obtained at Yeniseisk and two at Golchika. observed on the Yenisei River. 93 7. Pratincota mMauRA. Eastern Stonechat. A male was shot about the middle of May at Yeniscisk, but they were not seen afterwards. +-8. Cyanrcuta sugcica. Red-spotted Bluethroat. Common. A few were seen near the end of August at Golchika. Several well-concealed nests were found in the forest. +9. CALLIOPE CAMTSCHATKENSIS. Ruby-throated Warbler. It seemed a cruel thing to put an abrupt end to a beautiful song proceeding from this lovely little Warbler, which was singing away lustily from the top of a willow. This was the only one I saw. 10, Syztvra arrinis. Siberian Lesser Whitethroat. Two nests, near Yeniseisk, were discovered with one and five eggs respectively, both placed low down in a small bush and lined with hair; the hen bird was shot from the nest containing five eggs. 11. Puyxuoscorus tristis. Siberian Chiffchaff. I often heard these Chiffchaffs in the forest. I saw one come out of its domed nest and shot it, but was disappointed to find the nest empty, though lined with feathers all ready for the eggs. 12. Puyxtuoscorus tRocnuiLtus. Willow-Warbler. Six eggs were taken from the only nest found, which was placed on the ground at the foot of a very small bush and full of white feathers. 13. AcRocEPHALUS SCH@NOBANUS. Sedge-Warbler. One, a male, was shot, but no eggs were obtained. 14. AccENTOR MONTANELLUS. Mountain-Accentor. Not uncommon in the forest, as we obtained six nests containing in all 22 eggs, varying from one to six eggs in each nest. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the common Hedge-Sparrow (A. modularis), the song also being very similar. The nest was sometimes placed as high as eight feet from the ground in the fork of a willow, and at others quite low down in the stump of a 94 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds dead tree, and composed of small twigs and dry grass lined with moss and a few hairs. We met with this bird between the latitudes 66° and 69° N. 15. Parus mason. Great Tit. On our sledge journey to Yeniseisk we often saw Great Tits at the villages, also at Omsk and Yeniseisk. +16. Moracitza atpa. White Wagtail. This was one of the first of the migrants to arrive at Yeniseisk, and one of the last birds seen at Khabarova in the Ugor Straits. We took seven eggs from a nest made in the cabin of a boat hauled up on the shore at Yeniseisk. We met with it as far down as Golchika, but in far less numbers than the following. 17. Moracitia crtreota. Yellow-headed Wagtail. Very common all the way down the river. A large flock made their first appearance at Yeniseisk on May 19th, and we were constantly coming across their nests afterwards. 18. Moracrtta MELANOPE. Grey Wagtail. On May 18th three appeared at Yeniseisk, and later on I secured a specimen there, but that is all we saw of them. 19. Anruus eustavi. Pechora Pipit. I shot a Pipit, then unknown to me, on June 20th, which proved to be the Pechora Pipit. +20. Anruus ceRvINUS. Red-throated Pipit. Quite the commonest bird on the tundra, above the limit of trees. Many clutches of eggs were taken. The eggs show considerable variation, one in particular being of quite a dark coffee-colour. 21. AntHus TRIvIALIS. Tree-Pipit. A solitary example was obtained at Yeniseisk. 22. Or1oLUs GALBULA. Golden Oriole. A pair were seen in the forest near Yeniseisk, and a specimen was secured from a small flock of these brilliant birds a couple of days afterwards. observed on the Yenisei River. 95 +23. Hrrunpo rustica. Swallow. Swallows arrived at Yeniseisk on May 30th, but did not appear to extend further down the river. 24. CHELIDON Lacopopa. Siberian Martin. All the many church-towers in Yeniseisk were covered with old Martins’ nests, to which the birds returned on May 18th. We caught several of these birds on their nests under the eaves of the houses in the villages. The upper tail- coverts were in all cases pure white. We were too early for eggs, as we left the birds all behind us after passing Tooruk- hausk. 25. CoTiLe RIPARIA. Sand-Martin. The banks of the river at Yeniseisk were riddled with the holes of these birds. The first one I saw was on May 21st. 26. FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA. Brambling. Fairly numerous, though two nests were all we came across, with six and seven eggs in each. 27. Linora tinarta. Mealy Redpoll. Common. Several nests were found. 28. Linota exriires. Coues’s Redpoll. The first specimens obtained at Yeniseisk were three out of a flock of about fifty of these Redpolls. I was unaware at the time that the other Redpolls and nests found later on might have belonged to L. evilipes and not to L. linaria. I shot only one from its nest, and this one turned out to be L. linaria, so 1 rather hastily concluded that all were; but as Mr. Henry J. Pearson tells us the eggs are indistinguish- able, I have no proof that Coues’s Redpoll nests on the Yenisei. 29. CaRPoDACUS ERYTHRINUS. Scarlet Grosbeak. Only one was seen and secured at Toorukhansk. 30. PintcoLa ENUCLEATOR. Pine Grosbeak. I pursued one near Yeniseisk for some time but failed to get it. 96 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds 31. Emperiza aurroLA. Yellow-breasted Bunting. These birds appeared in flocks at Yeniseisk on June Ist, and were never met with again. 82. Emperiza pusitta. Little Bunting. We obtained a nice series of the beautiful eggs of this Bunting, which show great variation in size, ground-colour, and markings. The birds were by no means uncommon, and were remarkably tame at their nests, returning to their eges at once if we withdrew a few yards from the spot, so that there was never any difficulty in satisfactorily identi- fying their eggs after we had shot one or two birds to make certain. Six nests were discovered, the greatest number of eggs in one nest being five. 33. EMBERIZA SCH@NIcLUs. Reed-Bunting. Locally common. One nest was on the top of a dead stump of a tree about 4 ft. high. All the others were on the ground. 34. CaLcarius Lapponicus. Lapland Bunting. Shared the nesting-grounds of the Red-throated Pipit, and almost rivalled its reputation of bemg the commonest bird on the tundra. These Buntings passed through Yeniseisk on migration, but did not appear again till we were clear of the limit of trees. Their nests can easily be distinguished from the Pipits’ by the lining of feathers. 35. PLECTROPHENAX NIVALIS. Snow-Bunting. Not observed on the river between Yeniseisk and Golchika, where they were busy feeding their young when we arrived. 36. Orocorys ALPEsTRIS. Shore-Lark. We saw the first Shore-Lark in lat. 70° N., but did not get any eggs. 37. SturNus vutearis. Starling. - Arrived very early at Yeniseisk. 38. Pica Rustica. Magpie. Our first nest was a Magpie’s, before the snow was off the ground. observed on the Yenisei River. 97 39. Corvus corong. Carrion-Crow. Numerous about the town of Yeniseisk. 40. Corvus cornix. Hooded Crow. It was interesting to observe on our sledge journey from Omsk to Yeniseisk how the Hooded Crow was gradually replaced by the Carrion-Crow as we proceeded east, with a space, somewhat beyond Tomsk, where the two overlap one another and hybrids predominate. The Grey Crow was quite scarce at Yeniseisk compared with C. corone. 41. Corvus Frrucitecus. Rook. Rooks had reached Omsk before the end of March. 42. CaPRIMULGUS EUROPEUS. Nightjar. C. B. Hill shot one at Yeniseisk. 43. Picus Mason. Great Spotted Woodpecker. Only one was obtained near Yeniseisk. 44. Picus prpra. Siberian Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. A single specimen secured on our third day’s journey down the river was the only one seen. 45. Picoipes TRipactyLus. Three-toed Woodpecker. Again only a solitary example was shot by Hill near Toorukhansk. 46. CucuLus canorus. Cuckoo. Seebohm, in his ‘ Siberia in Asia,’ tells us that he secured a Cuckoo making a sound not unlike the cry of the Hoopoe, and found it to be the Himalayan Cuckoo (Cuculus hima- layanus). We often heard Cuckoos uttering the sound that he describes, and shot two, which were pronounced by Mr. H. E. Dresser (who has been kind enough to examine the skins we brought back) to be C. canorus. The forest round Yeuiseisk was full of Cuckoos, but we soon left them behind us; in fact I find no mention of them in my notes further north. 47. Asio otus. Long-eared Owl. While waiting for Ducks at flight-time, two of these Owls flew round, making a strange noise by striking their wings together. We obtained one nest of six eggs. SER. VII.—VOL. III. H 98 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds 48. Asto accrpirrinus. Short-eared Owl. This was the commonest Owl; we found two of its nests. 4-49, Nyctea scanpiaca. Snowy Owl. We did not see so many Snowy Owls as we expected, considering there was a large supply of lemmings on the tundra. There was nothing like the number that I saw on Waigatz Island last year. One day, near Golchika, we saw two, and after a careful stalk we each shot one, but could not find any signs of a nest, though, from the “incubation spot ” on the hen bird, they had evidently bred. 50. Crrcus #rucinosus. Marsh-Harrier. A fine bird passed close to us near Yeniseisk, and we several times saw Harriers that we concluded were C. eru- ginosus. 51. Burro pEsERtToRUM. African Buzzard. One nest was found near Yeniseisk, and the male bird shot. +52. Burro tacorus. Rough-legged Buzzard. The commonest of the large birds of prey beyond the forest; their nests, of which we found six, containing from four to six eggs in each, were always easily accessible on the banks of the river. 53. Mitvus mierans. Black Kite. In the forest, when nearing Yeniseisk, a large fork-tailed bird flew over us, which we concluded was a Black Kite, but we saw none on the river. 54. Fatco PEREGRINUS. Peregrine. Almost as common as the Rough-legged Buzzard on the lower parts of the river. All the nests were reached without any difficulty owing to the character of the country: they had merely chosen the steepest of the cliffs on the river- banks. I kept a pair of young ones for some weeks; the male became very tame, but the female remained fierce, till both were released, owing to the difficulty of supplying them with fresh food. observed on the Yenisei River. 99 55. Fatco sussuteo. Hobby. Three were shot at Yeniseisk, but no eggs found. 756. Fatco msaton. Merlin. One was shot from the ship at Golchika in the autumn. I shot several from our ship while at anchor in the Ugor Straits in the summer of 1894. 57. Fauco vesPertinus. Red-legged Falcon. Quite a colony of these pretty little Falcons was nesting near Yeniseisk. ~58. Fatco TiInnuncutvus. Kestrel. I shot one at Yeniseisk, thinking it might be the Lesser Kestrel. 59. Boraurus sTeLLaris. Bittern. A man gave me a freshly-killed Bittern at Yeniseisk, but we did not see live examples ourselves. +60. ANSER sEGETUM. Bean-Goose. The most numerous of the Geese. The first seen were on May 6th, migrating north. One nest contained as many as six eggs, another five. ~-61. ANSER aLBIrRons. White-fronted Goose. Not nearly so plentiful in this country as the preceding. Out of ten captured on Aug. 15th while in moult, three were White-fronted, and out of eighteen procured in the same way a few days later only two proved to be A. albifrons. We brought back only three eggs and one gosling in down. Seebohm, in his ‘ Siberia in Asia,’ only mentions the Lesser White-fronted Goose on the Yenisei. +62. BERNICLA BRENTA. Brent Goose. Not observed south of lat. 72° N., where young in down were obtained. 63. Bernicia ruFICOLLIS. Red-breasted Goose. The eggs of this Goose formed one of our chief prizes. Four nests were found with seven, seven, eight, and nine eggs (of a creamy-white colour) in each respectively. From H 2 100 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds all the nests the female was shot. All the nests were placed at the foot of a cliff occupied by either a Peregrine or a Rough-legged Buzzard (possibly for protection from foxes), and well supplied with down. Measurement of eggs: 2°79 in. by 1°98 in. 64. Cygnus Bewicki. Bewick’s Swan. So far as we were able to ascertain, all the Swans on the river were of this species. Although we saw at times many hundreds of Swans on our passage down the river, we never succeeded in shooting one or in finding a nest, but after a long and exciting chase I secured three young Bewick’s Swans in down in about 72° N. lat. I was unable to bring down the old birds, having only a 28-bore gun loaded with half charges of small shot. ~-65. Anas Boscas. Mallard. Rare. Only one was shot (at Yeniseisk). +66. QuERquepuLA creEcca. Teal. Fairly numerous up to 66° N. Two nests were found. 67. QUERQUEDULA ciIRcIA. Garganey. Four or five pitched among my wooden decoys one evening while flighting at Yeniseisk, and I secured a specimen. +68. Dariva acuta. Pintail. Common all the way down the river, and nesting on the banks. 69. Mareca PENELOPE. Wigeon. This was the most numerous of the Ducks on the river, but did not appear to extend so far north as D. acuta. Many nests of it were found. 70. Furieuna Maria. Scaup. Several were observed, and a few nests found; one of these containing six eggs, of which some were tinged with buff and the others with green. 71. Furieuza cristata. Tufted Duck. Hill shot one male of this species near oorukhansk. observed on the Yenisei River. 10] 72. CLaneuLa cLAucion. Goldeneye. Locally common. One egg taken out of a specimen. 773. Haretpa eractauis. Long-tailed Duck. This Duck became very numerous after we had left the forest. 74. SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. Eider. Only seen in the very lowest parts of the river that we visited, and then not in great numbers. No eggs were obtained. $75. SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS. King-Eider. One male was shot by Hill at Golchika, and a nest, sup- posed to belong to this species, was found, but no eggs were in it when discovered, and it was subsequently deserted. 76. Gipemia niGRA. Scoter. Common at Toorukhansk. Eggs were obtained by navi- gating a piece of ice to an island in a lake. 77. Cipemia Fusca. Velvet Scoter. A pair was seen on a lake at Doodinka, lat. 69° N. (about). ~.78. Mereus serrator. Merganser. Scarce. 79. Lacorus rurgstTRis. Rock-Ptarmigan. We often saw Ptarmigan, mostly wild single birds, while on the river, and in flocks on the sledge journey home- ward, but whether they were L. rupestris or L. albus I cannot say. The only two obtained (killed near Golchika) were L. rupestris. We found no eggs. 80. Terrao TeTRIx. Black Grouse. Numerous on the journey to Yeniseisk, but I saw only one, on the Koorayika River, after leaving that town. + 81. Crex pratensis. Land-Rail. Corn-Crakes were heard only at Yeniseisk for the first time on June 3rd. 102 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds 82. Grus communis. Crane. Cranes were seen migrating north at Yeniseisk, and one was stalked near there but not obtained, although knocked over by Hill. 83. Cuaraprivs PLuvVIALIS. Golden Plover. Not observed during migration at Yeniseisk, but fairly plentiful on the tundra, where eggs were obtained. 84. Cuaraprius ruLvus. Eastern Golden Plover. More numerous than the preceding; passes through Yeniseisk on migration. The difference in their call makes it quite easy to distinguish them from our bird (C. pluvialis) when searching for eggs. These are of a paler ground-colour than those of either C. pluvialis ov Squatarola helvetica, and measure 1°96 in. to 2:04 in. by 1°33 in. - 85. SquaTAROLA HELVETICA. Grey Plover. Somewhat unexpectedly (since Seebohm had not reported them from these parts) we came across Grey Plovers nesting near Golchika, and, after considerable trouble and annoy- ance from the inevitable mosquito, we succeeded in watching four birds on to their nests, which contained four, four, four, and one egg and two young in down just hatched, respec- tively. The eggs measure 2°05 in. by 1°47 in. +86. AieraLitis HIaTIcULA. Ringed Plover. Common on the stony parts of the high-lying tundra. -+-87. EuDROMIAS MORINELLUS. Dotterel. Only met with in small flocks on one of the islands about 727 IN: +88. STREPSILAS INTERPRES. ‘Turnstone. Sibiriakoff Island (lat. 72° 30! N.) was the first place where we secured a T'urnstone, but we afterwards saw one or two at Golchika. No nests were found, as this place is apparently too far south for them. ~ 89. Hamatorus ostraLecus. Oyster-catcher. Only one pair seen on the third day after leaving Yeniseisk. observed on the Yenisei River. 103 ~90. PHaLARopus HYPERBOREUS. Red-necked Phalarope. Very numerous, especially at Golchika, where eggs and young in down were taken. 91. Paataropus runicarius. Grey Phalarope. We had not expected to find these birds, as they were not observed by Seebohm, and still less to discover a nest with four eggs at Golchika. These are somewhat larger than those of P. hyperboreus, measuring 1°26 in. by ‘89 in. The male was shot from the nest. 92. GaLLinaco masor. Double Snipe. Certain swampy places in the forest seemed full of these Snipes, but only two clutches of their handsome eggs were found, both in dry places among the trees. 193. GALLINAGO CHZLEsTIS. Common Snipe. Not so common as the preceding. 94. GALLINAGO STENURA. Pin-tailed Snipe. I shot a bird (female), apparently from her nest, as she fluttered over the ground before me, but I failed to find the nest after a careful search. + 95. Trinea aLpina. Dunlin. Not seen south of lat. 71° N., where young in down just hatched were found. Numerous, and breeding at Golchika, but we were too late for eggs. 96. Trinea minvuTA. Little Stint. Passes through Yeniseisk on the spring migration; did not occur again till lat. 71° N. was reached; here young in down were captured. Eggs and more downy young were afterwards found at Golchika, where the birds were fairly numerous and extremely tame. The eggs we obtained differed a good deal from those of the following species, being of a much darker buff ground-colour and slightly smaller (1:2lin. by *81in.). Two females were shot from their nests. 97. TRINGA TEMMINCKI. ‘Temminck’s Stint. Breeds further south than 7. minuta, and is more nu- merous. It did not appear to pass Yeniseisk in the spring. 104 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds Many nests were taken, chiefly in open spaces not far from the river. Two males and one female were shot from their eges. +-98. Trinca suBparquata. Curlew-Sandpiper. If it had not been for the kindness of Professor Vilkitski, who invited us to accompany the expedition to Cape Matte Sale, I should not have been able to add this interesting bird to my list, as it was only when we reached lat. 72° 30' N. that we obtained specimens, which showed hardly any traces of summer plumage, early in August. 199. MacuHeres pucNax. Ruff. Common, particularly at Golchika. 100. CaLipris ARENARIA. Sanderling. Not observed south of Geolchika, but fairly plentiful further north. | 101. Toranus Hypoteucus. Common Sandpiper. Several seen at Yeinseisk, and a good many at one place a few days’ journey down the river. (102. Toranus ocuRopus. Green Sandpiper. Four specimens were procured at Yeniseisk, but neither birds nor eggs were seen afterwards. 103. Toranus GLaREoLA. Wood-Sandpiper. It has been generally supposed that the Green Sandpiper stands alone in deviating from the nesting-habits of other Waders ; but I am afraid I have spoilt its reputation, as, out of five nests of the Wood-Sandpiper found, only one was in its usual position, on the ground. ‘There could be no doubt about one of them, as I shot the bird while sitting on its eggs in an old Fieldfare’s nest, and luckily did not break the eggs. I can only imagine that it departs from its usual habit owing to the abundance of old nests available. All the birds shot from their nests were males. 104. Toranus ruscus. Spotted Redshank. An immature one was shot by Hill at Golchika. observed on the Yenisei River. 105 ~105. Toranus canescens. Greenshank. Only one (female) was seen and shot by me near the Tungooska river. 106. TerEeKia c1npREA. Terek Sandpiper. By far the noisiest as well as the commonest of the Sand- pipers. We found numerous nests, and could have taken many more eggs if we had wished. The birds seemed to prefer dry nesting-grounds in the forest, and did not extend north much beyond the limit of trees. They roost at night on boughs overhanging the water of the lakes. The bird shot from its nest was in every case the male. 107. Limosa tapponica. Bar-tailed Godwit. A bird in full summer plumage, picked up dead at Too- rukhansk, first gave us hopes of coming across these birds breeding on the Yenisei, and we subsequently found them fairly plentiful between lat. 69° N. and 72° N., no two pairs occupying the same district while nesting. The nest is extremely difficult to find, being only a slight hollow on a vast expanse of high-lying tundra. Both birds take part in the incubation of the four eggs, but I have found the male on the nest on three out of four occasions on which I have been near a nest. One bird sits very close, while the other meets the intruder at least a mile from the nest, and never leaves him till he is well clear of the neighbourhood, keeping up an incessant screaming, both when standing on the ground and when flying round. The nests were found on June 27th and July 3rd, and were in each case in the vicinity of one belonging to a pair of Buffon’s Skuas. It is impos- sible to watch Godwits to their nests like one can Grey Plovers, as in the latter case the sitting bird instantly leaves the nest on the appearance of a stranger, and can be watched till it returns, but the sitting Godwit sticks to its eggs till it can be almost caught in the hand, well knowing that in the resemblance of its back to the surroundings lies its best chance of escaping observation. This Godwit, like many other Waders, occasionally perches upon tree-stumps. Our eggs measure 2°06 in. by 1°5 in. 106 Mr. H. L. Popham on Birds +108. Numenius arquata. Curlew. At Yeniseisk two birds flew over which appeared to be Curlews. +109. Sterna macrura. Arctic Tern. Seen at Yeniseisk and at various places above the forest limit. On one occasion I shot a Tern very much resembling the Arctic Tern, but with a black bill ; it unfortunately fell in a lake fullof weeds. It did not appear to be an immature bird. 110. Pacornita EBuRNEA. Ivory Gull. Not observed on the Yenisei, but at the eastern entrance to the Ugor Straits several were to be seen fishing in the patches of open water amongst the ice. All were immature birds, more or less spotted on the back and wings. 111. Larus canus. Common Gull. ~The only Gull observed in the forest district, where it sometimes perches upon the tops of dead trees. One was shot having a plain yellow beak without the greenish base. 112. Larus ruscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull. One immature bird (probably in the second year’s plumage) was shot at Golchika [identified, H. 8. ]. 113. Larus arrinis. Siberian Herring-Gull. This species, in my humble opinion, should rather be called the Siberian Lesser Black-backed Gull, as it more nearly resembles L. fuscus than L. argentatus. It is by far the commonest Gull on the lower reaches of the river, nesting in colonies, mostly on small grassy islands in lakes, occasionally on dry ridges in swampy ground. We obtained a good series of their eggs, which varied considerably, and also specimens in various stages of plumage, from the young in down to the mature bird. The eggs measure: 2°66 to 3 in. by 1°8 to 2°05 in. 114. Larus marinus. Greater Black-backed Gull. While steaming north in the s.s. ‘ Oftsin,’ from Golchika, I saw Gulls which I am confident were Greater Black-backs ; observed on the Yenisei River. 107 their greater size and quite black backs and wings, compared with the grey of L. affinis, were easily distinguishable when the two were flying round the stern of the vessel together. +115, Larus etaucus. Glaucous Gull. First seen on our trip in the s.s. ‘Oftsin,’ a nest and young in down being found on a small sandbank near Sibiriakoff Island; the young birds were taken on board ship by the sailors and soon became very tame. The commonest Gull in the Kara Sea. +116. Srercorarivs pomaTorRHINus. Pomatorhine Skua. It was only on one of the many islands visited that we were lucky enough to come across many of these birds nesting. Several pairs were scattered over a large marsh, which would have been quite impassable if it had not been for the ice a couple of feet below; but the possibility of discovering these rare eggs encouraged us to toil on, with the reward of finding two nests. A third nest was afterwards found by Hill on the mainland, and a good many birds were seen at Golchika later in the season. Our eggs measure from 2°35 in. to 2°65 in. by 1°79 in. to 1°86 in. 117. Srexcorarius creprpatus. Richardson’s Skua. A few were seen at Golchika, and one nest found belong- ing to a bird of the light form, which was the only form observed. + 118. Srercorarivs parasiticus. Buffon’s Skua. This Skua must have increased since Seebohm’s visit in 1877, as he only once mentions having seen any, whereas we found them plentiful at almost every place that we stopped at above the forest, and often found a nest, at which the birds were very bold, sometimes striking us with their wings, and when once the nest was found the parent bird would return to it if we withdrew only a few yards. +119. Futmarus cuaciatis. Fulmar, On our return voyage through the Kara Sea, a Fulmar appeared in lat. 74° 8’ N. and long. 77° 40! E. 108 Bulletin of the British —120. Cotymsus arcricus. Black-throated Diver. Fairly numerous; eggs were taken at Golchika only, though several pairs were seen on the lakes in the forest. __121. CotymsBus sePTENTRIONALIS. Red-throated Diver. Common; preferring the small lakes for nesting. We were constantly on the look-out for Colymbus adamsi, but did not see one. The natives seemed to know it, and told us it nested at the lakes, far away on the tundra. IX.— Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. Nos. XXXVIII. & XXXIX. No. XXXVIII. (October 31st, 1896.) Tue thirty-seventh Meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32 Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 21st of October, 1896. Chairman: P. Li. Scuater, F.R.S. Members present :—Boyp AtexanpeER, EH. Brpwett, J. L. Bonnorte, Partie Crowtey, W. E. De Winton, Dr. F. D. Drewitt, E. A. S. Extiot, Joun Grrrarp, W. Granam, W.R. Oeitvir Grant, G. H. Caton Haten, J. EK. Hartine, Oswin A. J. Let, Major A. P. Loyn, P. H. Munn, R. NesHam, C. E. Pearson, H. J. Pearson, F. Penrosz, T. Diesy Picort, C.B., Howarp Saunpers (Treasurer), R. BowpiER SHarre (Editor), W. B. Tecermerer, Major Horace Terry, N. F. Ticrnurst, H. M. Watuis, Jonnson WILKINson, Lionext P. Wiuuiams, C. A. Wricut. Visitors: H. Tasor Brooks, Dr. Crossn, J. Earpiry Hitt, R. H. Hunter, Dr. Traquair. The Treasurer announced that the Members of the Club were now 117 in number. Mr. Franx Penrose was elected on the Committee, in place of Mr. P. Crowley, who retired by rotation. Mr. P. L. ScLaTER was unanimously elected Chairman, and Messrs. P. Ornithologists’ Club. 109 Crowxtry and W. Granam were appointed Vice-Chairmen for the present Session. The Chairman gave his annual Address to the Club, and made the following remarks :— “On commencing the proceedings of the Fifth Session of the British Ornithologists’ Club, I cannot refrain from offering a few preliminary remarks on the flourishing con- dition of our Association. It has increased in number regularly year by year, and now embraces, with very few exceptions, the most active and energetic Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union. I think that the founders of the Club may be well congratulated upon the undoubted success which, in the face of some sinister prophecies, has attended their efforts. “« Passing on to other topics, I must first call your attention to the very serious losses that have occurred in the ranks of Ornithology since I had the honour of addressing you a year ago. The deaths of Lord Lilford and Mr. Seebohm have made vacancies which it will be hard indeed to fill up. I need not on the present occasion attempt to speak of the events of their lives, which have been treated of elsewhere ; but I will remind you that both of them worked up to almost the last moments of their existence, and left behind them publica- tions unfinished at the times of their decease. Lord Lilford’s excellent ‘Coloured [Illustrations of the Birds of the British Islands’ was nearly at its termination when the death of the author took place. We are pleased to know that some well- qualified friends have arranged to do the little that is neces- sary to render these beautiful volumes complete. As regards Mr. Seebohm’s work on British Birds’ Eggs, which was announced to be in preparation some time ago, we are glad to learn that Dr. Bowdler Sharpe has completed it for publication, and this, we are told, has not been a difficult task. ‘The same, however, is not likely to be the case with Seebohm’s ‘ Monograph of the Thrushes,’ which the energetic Editor of our ‘ Bulletin’ is likewise prepared to see through the press. Although the plates of this work, as we under- 110 Bulletin of the British stand, have mostly been already drawn and coloured under Seebohm’s superintendence, I fear that in this case, as regards the letterpress, the Editor will have a long and by no means easy task to perform. “Passing on to other ornithological publications which haye been issued since the commencement of our last Session, I may point out that three additional volumes of the British Museum Catalogue of Birds, which, when I spoke to you last year, I alluded to as being nearly ready, have all been published, and that volume xxvi. (to contain the Herons, Pelicans, Grebes, Divers, and Penguins) is now only required to complete this most important work. Captain Shelley’s first volume of his work on African ornithology has also been published. Other important ornithological works lately brought out are the new edition of Mr. Ridgway’s ‘ Manual of North-American Birds’ and Dr. Mivart’s beautifully illustrated ‘ Monograph of the Lories.’ “ As regards ornithological books in course of preparation or in contemplation (besides the posthumous works of which I have already spoken), I am pleased to say that the Index to the 4th, 5th, and 6th series of ‘The Ibis’ (1877-94) is making good progress, the first portion of it being already in type. Mr. Beddard has been hard at work on his ‘ Anatomy of Birds’ all the year, and hopes to have it ready for the press in 1897. Mr. Joseph Whitaker is projecting a volume on the Birds of Tunis, in which he will put together the results recently achieved by himself and other collectors in that interesting district of North Africa. “Perhaps the most remarkable event in ornithology that has lately been divulged to us is the characterization of the gigantic bird of the Diprotodon-beds of South Australia, which, as announced in the last number of ‘The Ibis, Dr. Stirling has named Genyornis newtoni. We are not yet in possession of a full account of this extinct monster, but have only been told that it is, im fact, a gigantic Emu, just as the Diprotodon of the same epoch is an exaggerated Kangaroo. As regards extinct birds, we may also rejoice that (as already announced in ‘The Ibis’) the Trustees of the Ornithologists’ Club. 11] British Museum have acquired for this country the whole collection of remains of the so-called Order Stereornithes got together by Dr. Ameghino, of Buenos Aires. The study of these fossils, which has been assigned to Mr. Andrews, of the Geological Department of the British Museum, will, we have no doubt, throw a flood of light upon the real relations of this series of remains of a former bird- world, which has been recently revealed to us. “Now, and lately, as is usual, a large number of British ornithologists are scattered over the earth’s surface, some temporarily, others as quasi-permanent residents. As shown by Mr. Ogilvie Grant in the last number of ‘ The Ibis,’ Mr. Whitehead is continuing his most successful investi- gations in the highlands of the Philippine group, while Mr. A. Everett has been making similar researches in the mountains of Celebes, and Messrs. Rickett and De La Touche are always busy in China. Mr. Alexander Whyte (Sir Harry Johnston’s naturalist at Zomba) has lately carried out a most successful foray into the Nyika plateau of Northern Nyasaland, and we may shortly expect his col- lections in this country, while Mr. Lort Phillips is planning another winter-expedition into the northern parts of tropical Africa. . As regards the New World, our young friend Mr. Graham Kerr (the former naturalist of the abortive Pilcomayo Expedition) has departed on a scientific mission into Western Paraguay, where there is an ample field for discovery. Mr. Fitzgerald’s new expedition to ascend Acon- cagua and other giants of the Andes will be accompanied by Mr. Philip Gosse, who is said to be a competent collector. In the Australian region Mr. North at Sydney, Mr. Le Souéf at Melbourne, and Mr. De Vis in Queensland are ever at work on ornithology; while in New Zealand Sir Walter Buller promises us a new and complete manual of the birds of that island-group, bringing up the subject to the present date, and in the Sandwich Islands Mr. Perkins is still hard at work among the mountains. Thus it may be truly said of the British ornithologist, as of the British engineer, that his proud motto is ‘ Ubique.’” Lu Bulletin of the British Mr. Ossert Satvin communicated the following descrip- tion of an apparently new species of American Partridge :— ~~ DENDRORTYX HYPOSPODIUS, Sp. 0. D. leucophryi similis, sed corpore subtus minime rufo guttato, pectoris et hypochondriarum plumis saturate griseis, striarhachidalinigra; fronte, superciliis et gutture sordide albidis; scapularibus et secundariis extus fere unicoloribus indistincte vermiculatis, maculis majoribus cervinis nullis ; pedibus, ut videtur, obscurioribus, tarsis postice fere nigricantibus. Long. tota circa 12:0 poll., alee 5°9, caudee 5:0, tarsi 2°0, dig. med. cum ungue 2°05. Hab. Azalias de Cartago, Costa Rica, 8th May, 1896 (C. F. Underwood). Mr. Underwood has recently sent to us a single male specimen of this Dendrortyx, which differs in several points from D. leucophrys of Guatemala, its nearest ally. The species has been before noticed in Costa Rica, and appears in Mr. Boucard’s list (P. Z. 8. 1878, p. 42) as D. leucophrys. His specimen was also obtained in the volcano of Cartago, in the month of May. The Hon. Watrer Roruscuixp sent the following descrip- tion of a new Parrot from New Guinea :— PsITTACELLA PICTA, Sp. 0. 3. Top of the head chestnut-rufous; sides of the head greyish brown; an orange-yellow collar on the hind neck; sides of neck with a chestnut-rufous spot. Above green ; lower rump and upper tail-coverts deep red ; back and rump with black cross-bars; wings blackish, outer webs of quills green, the primaries with yellow edges towards the tip; throat brown, with a bluish wash; under tail-coverts red ; rest of underparts green; upper breast dark blue, a blue tinge along the middle of the abdomen ; under wing-coverts green, bend of wing bluish. Bill bluish, tip whitish. Wing 112 mm., tail 70, culmen 15. 2. Throat and sides of the head greenish blue, no orange- yellow collar; cross-bars above more numerous ; breast yel- Ornithologists’ Club. 113 lowish, with broad black cross-bands ; abdomen with indistinct yellowish and dusky cross-bars. Otherwise like the male. Hab. Mount Victoria, in the Owen Stanley Range, British New Guinea, at elevations of from 5000 to 7000 feet. Types in the Trmg Museum. Professor Mernzsrer forwarded the description of an apparently new species of Tawny Owl from Transcaucasia, with the following remarks :— “Tn the summer of 1894 a friend of mine, Mr. Willkousky, in Batum, received a nestling of an Owl in down, captured in the marsh near that town. Some time after, the Owl assumed its adult dress, which was remarkable for its very dark brown general colour, with some ferruginous marks on the scapulars; and now, after new moulting, the bird is as dark as before, and even darker, always with a white bill. At first I thought that this specimen was but a merely individual melanism of Syrnium aluco ; but in the spring of this year I received from Mr. Willkousky a skin of another specimen coloured in the same manner as the first, which had been obtained in a vineyard in the district of Shushov. After a careful examination of this specimen, I am now convinced that this Owl belongs to a very good new species, differing from Syrnium aluco both in its general colour and character of markings, as may be seen from the following diagnosis. I have named the species after Mr. Willkousky :— “‘ SYRNIUM WILLKOUSKII, Sp. 0. ““S. magnitudine S. aluconis, remigibus, ut in S. alucone, denticulatis. Obscure fuscum, facie pedibusque fusco- atris; supra indistincte nigro striatum, subtus magis ferruginescens, striis dilutis longitudinalibus fusco-atris. Remigibus rectricibusque rufescenti-fuscis, haud trans- fasciatis. Collari albo vel cinereo nullo loco preseuti. Rostro albido, iridibus fusco-atris. Long. 12” 3/”, cand. 7” 5!". “ Hab. Transcaucasia.’’ Dr. BowptEer SuHarprr exhibited skins of two new species of East-African birds, for which he proposed the following names :— SER. VII,—VOL, III. I 114 Bulletin of the British SERINUS FAGANI, Sp. n. S. similis S. angolensi, sed mento gulaque puré albis, minimé nigro maculatis: torque gutturali e maculis magnis nigris formata distinguenda. Long. tot. 4°2 poll., alee 2°55, caudze 1°35, tarsi 9°5. CiIsTICOLA HINDI, sp. 0. C. similis C. terrestri, et caud& eodem modo picturata, sed uropygio dorso concolori, minimé rufescente, distin- guenda. Long. tot. 3°8 poll., culm. 0°4, ale 2°1, caude 1:2, tarsi 0°85. These new species were discovered at Machakos Station, in British East Africa, by Dr.S.L. Hinde. The other species represented in his collection were Lamprocolius sycobius, Spreo superbus, Buphaga erythrorhyncha, Vidua principalis, Penthetria laticauda, P. eques, Drepanoplectes jacksom, Pyro- melana flammiceps, P. canthomelena, Lagonosticta brunneiceps, Hyphantornis spekii, Mirafra africana, Pyrrhulauda leuco- parea, Anthus rufulus, Macronyx croceus, Nectarinia kil- mensis, Cinnyris gutturalis, Lanius collurio, L. caudatus, L. humeralis, Phylloscopus trochilus, Cisticola erythrogenys, C. lugubris, Centropus superciliosus, Coracias garrula, Irrisor erythrorhynchus, Elanus ceruleus, Limnocorax niger, and Oxyechus tricollaris. “ The station of Machakos,” writes Dr. Hinde, “ is situated on the edge of a grass plain which stretches for some miles coastwards. The plain is dotted with thorn-trees about 100 to 800 yards apart, and these small thorns are the only trees in the neighbourhood. The nearest forest is at Kikuyu, about 45 miles away. On the east side of the station is a valley about 500 yards wide through which runs a stream about 2 feet wide and 8 inches deep. The whole valley and patches of the plain are cultivated. On the east side of the stream the mountains rise abruptly, some points being over 2000 feet above the station, which is itself 5300 feet above the sea-level.” Dr. Suarpe exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Ruskin Butter- field, the specimen of the Wall-Creeper (Tichodroma muraria) Ornithologists’ Club. 115 described by Mr. Butterfield, in the ‘ Zoologist’ for August 1896, as having been shot near Winchelsea. Mr. W. R. Oeitvie Grant exhibited a fine series of skins of birds collected by Mr. John Whitehead in the Philippines, among them being examples of the two new species of Thrushes described in the current number of ‘ The Ibis,’ and of the new Turnix whitcheadi, described by him in the second volume of his ‘ Handbook to the Game-Birds.’ Mr. G. H. Caron Hatcn exhibited a specimen of Phyllo- scopus viridanus shot by himself on the 5th of September at North Cotes, Lincolnshire. This Asiatic species was new to Great Britain, but had occurred three times on Heligoland. Mr. L. Bonuote exhibited a series of skins of the Common Linnet (Fringilla cannabina), showing the gradual change of colour on the breast-feathers of the male. He also described the nesting of the Corn-Crake (Crex pratensis) in captivity, and remarked that both captive and wild birds of this species moulted the whole of their quills directly after the young were hatched, and that both male and female were then incapable of flight. Mr. Bonhote also exhibited a remarkably large skin of a Nightingale, shot in August in Cambridgeshire, which measured 7 inches in length and had a wing of 4°5 inches. Mr. Sciater read some extracts from letters received from Mr. J. Graham Kerr (B.O.U.), who had recently left England for Western Paraguay. They contained many notes on the birds observed during his voyage up the La Plata and Para- guay Rivers to Asuncion, where he had arrived on Sept. 13th. As regards the alleged occurrence of a second species of Cormorant on these rivers (Aplin, Ibis, 1894, p. 152), he was inclined to refer all the numerous specimens he had hitherto seen to Phalacrocoraz brasilianus. Ou Sept. 12th he observed immense numbers of alligators along the banks, and several flocks of Chauna cristata, amongst one of which were some 12 ~ 116 Bulletin of the British individuals of Cathartes atratus. Near the mouth of the Paraguay was passed an enormous flock of the Maguari Stork (Huxenura maguari), with 4 or 5 Jabirus (Mycteria americana) amongst them. Other birds noted on the Para- guay were Ceryle amazona, C. torquata, C. americana, Pyro- cephalus rubineus, Furnarius rufus, Aramides ypecaha, Ardea coco, A. egretta, Cairina moschata, and Dendrocycna fulva. Mr. Kerr was expecting to leave Asuncion for Concepcion, on the: Upper Paraguay, on the 23rd September. Mr. Scrarex exhibited a pair of the Great Nuthatch (Sitta magna) from the Shan States, Burmah, collected by Major Rippon. ‘The species was only previously known from a female example described by Major R. G. Wardlaw Ramsay in 1876. Mr. W. B. Tecermeier exhibited some snail-shells (Helix nemoralis), forty-eight of which had been taken from the crop of a Pheasant. Mr. Oswin A. J. Lez exhibited a series of photographs of nests and eggs of British birds, as well as coloured photo- graphs of eggs of some Raptores and Alcide. These pictures were very much admired by the members present, and a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Lee for their exhibition. No. XX XIX. (December 5th, 1896.) Tue thirty-eighth Meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32 Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 18th of November, 1896. Chairman: P. L. Sctater, F.R.S. Members present :—O. V. Arvutn, EH. Brvwetr, F. C. Crawrorp, P. Crowtry, W. E. De Winton, Dr. F. D. Drewitt, Col. Pacer W. L’Esrranes, R.A., A. H. Mac- PHERSON, Rev. H. A. Macpnerson, J. G. Mituats, R. Nesoam, C. E. Pearson, H. J. Pearson, Frank Penrose, E. Lorr Puitiuirs, H. Lerysorne Pornam, Ornithologists’ Club. 117 R. H. Reap, Howarp Saunpers (Treasurer), R. BowpiEeR SuHaree (Editor), E. Cavenpisn Taytor, N. I. Ticenurst, A. B. R. Trevor-Bartyr, H. M. Wats, Watkin Watkins, JoHnson WiLkinson, Lionen A. WILLIAMS, JoHN YOUNG. Visitors: J. Howarp Daviss, Dr. C. I. ForsyrH Mavor, H. Srevens, 8. Yarpuey, C.M.G., J. J. Batpwin Youne. Mr. Roser Reap exhibited and made remarks on some interesting nests of birds from Sweden, a nest of the Honey-Buzzard being among the specimens exhibited. Dr. Bowpiter Suarpe stated that Professor Smit, the Director of the Stockholm Museum, had kindly for- warded to England, for his inspection, the type specimen of Plangus neogeus of Sundevall (Aifv. K. Vet.-Akad. Forh. Stockholm, 1874, p. 28). Since the species had been described and made the type of a distinct genus, no one had attempted to determine its identity, and it was inter- esting to find that Plangus neogeus was in reality the young of Harpyhaliaétus coronatus. Dr. Sharpe also exhibited a specimen of the Pied Wagtail (Motacilla lugubris), shot near Wandsworth on the 18th of October by Mr. Henry Grant. The changes through which the bird was passing were clearly, according to Dr. Sharpe, those of pattern in the featber rather than those of moult. Mr. Scuater exhibited a chick of the Black-winged Pea- fowl (Pavo nigripennis) which had been bred in Mr. Blaauw’s garden in Holland, and remarked that he still strongly main- tained the validity of this species, which in the 22nd volume of the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ had been classed only as a “well-marked variety,” and was confident that its native habitat would be ultimately discovered. Not only was the male of this species different from that of P. cristatus, but the female was quite different, and so was the young, as shown by the specimen now exhibited. Mr. Sclater read the following notes from Mr. Blaauw on _ this subject :-— 118 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. “ In answer to your questions about the breeding of Pavo nigripennis, I can state that I have bred these birds for the last six years, having had between 10 and 20 young birds every year. These birds have never shown any signs of variation. “The chicks when they leave the egg are always of a silky yellowish-white colour all over. The flight-feathers, when they begin to appear, are always yellowish white at the end and brownish at the base, especially so on the inner web. The tail-feathers also are dark at the base, with whitish tips. The birds then gradually get the well-known light plumage of the Pavo nigripennis hen. If the young bird is a male, the plumage soon becomes mottled with dark feathers, and in autumn many greenish and bluish feathers are visible. In the second autumn the male comes into full colour, except the Jong train, which comes a year later. “As 1 four times lost my old breeding-cock, I had to replace it as many times and got birds from different places, and the offspring from these cocks never showed any variation either as chicks or as adult birds. If Pavo nigripennis is not a species it certainly is a wonderfully constant variety. “T may add that the bill and legs of chicks are of a pale flesh-colour.” Mr. Sctarer called attention to the ‘ Act to amend the Wild Birds’ Protection Act, 1896,” passed during the last Session of Parliament, whereby the Secretary of State was enabled, on application, for special reasons, to make an order prohibiting the taking or killing of particular kinds of wild birds during the whole year. Mr. Sclater suggested that advantage should be taken of this power to render penal throughout the year the destruction of such birds as the Hoopoe and the Golden Oriole, which might be reasonably expected to breed in some of the southern counties of England if they were not molested. Mr. Sciarer gave a short account of his 48-hours’ visit to Spitsbergen in the Orient s.s. ‘Garonne’ in August last, Recently published Ornithological Works. 119 and mentioned, as some of the more interesting birds he had noticed there, the Snow-Bunting, the Purple Sandpiper, the Ivory Gull, and Buffon’s Skua. An example of the Spits- bergen Ptarmigan (Lagopus hemileucurus) had been shot by one of the party while they were in Ice Fiord, but the bird was stated to be rare there. The Rev. H. A. Macrnerson exhibited two interesting hybrids of Lagopus scoticus and Tetrao tetriz. Colonel L’Estranex drew attention to some of the points relating to the law as it affected bird-catching. X .—WNotices of recent Ornithological Publications. 1. Annals of Scottish Natural History, Nos. 19 & 20, July and October, 1896. In No. 19 Mr. Lionel W. Hinxman reports on ‘the Mi- gration and Occurrences of Birds in Scotland during 1895,” and expresses his regret at the falling off in the number of schedules sent in for that year—only 20 having been received as compared with 36 for 1894. From Barra three species not hitherto identified in the Outer Hebrides are now recorded. Mr. William Evans, as well as Mr. T. E. Buckley, add to our previous knowledge of the breeding-range of the Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata) in Scotland, and both these autho- rities likewise show that the Pochard (F. ferina) has nested in Fife, and even in Hoy, Orkney; while the Rev. H. A. Macpherson discourses of Harelda glacialis in the Solway Firth. In No. 20 Mr. R. Godfrey has an interesting paper on the birds observed last summer in Shetland, wherein he shows that the Great Skua is extending its breeding-area, and the same may be said of the Fulmar. Mr. W. Evans has identified the Roseate Tern and an adult example of Sabine’s Gull in the Firth of Forth; a Roller was obtaimed in Orkney in June; and Mr. T. E. Buckley reports a Green- land Falcon from Skye on the 26th of May. 120 Recently published Ornithological Works. 2. ‘The Auk,’ July and October, 1896. The July number opens with a paper by Mr. H. K. Job on the Ducks of Plymouth co., Massachusetts; Mr. Walter Faxon gives details of the more interesting of the 200 drawings of the birds of Georgia made by John Abbot between 1790 and 1810; Mr. O. Widmann remarks upon the Peninsula of Missouri as a winter home for birds; Mr. A. W. Anthony indicates the points wherein his ex- perience differs from that of Mr. Leverett M. Loomis respecting Puffinus opisthomelas; Mr. A. H. Norton records his observations on the Harlequin Duck in Maine; Mr. Ruthven Deane contributes some notes on the Passenger Pigeon in confinement ; and Mr. D. W. Prentiss gives an account of some birds met with in Bermnda. The coloured frontispiece represents Lagopus evermanni, sp. 0., from Alaska, described by Prof. D. G. Elliot in the January number, and named after Prof, B. W. Evermann (¢/. Ibis, 1896, p. 410). In the October ‘ Auk’ the coloured plate is intended to show the differeuces between two of the geographical races of Ammodramus caudacutus, and illustrates a paper by Mr. Jonathan Dwight, Jr. Mr. R. F. Young and Mr. W. T. Bailey severally write on Pennsylvanian birds ; Mr. Sylvester D. Judd discourses on the feeding-habits of the English Sparrow and the American Crow, accentu- ating the iniquities of the former species; Mr. H. C., Oberholser critically examines the Mexican forms of the genus Cerihia; Mr. Abbott H. Thayer makes “Further Remarks on the Law which underlies Protective Coloration ” ; and Dr. A. P. Chadbourne contributes a first instalment on “Evidence suggestive of the Occurrence of ‘ Individual Dichromatism’ in Megascops asio.’ There are also two papers which will interest ornithologists on this side, namely, “Summer Birds of the Rhine,” by Mr. Ralph Hoffmann, and “ The Cormorant-rookeries of the Lofoten Islands,” by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, with a plate after a photograph taken by Prof. Collett. It is pleasant to find our American cousins taking notice of Palearctic birds. Recently published Ornithological Works. 121 3. Berg’s Oological Notices. [Comunicaciones Oologicas por el Dr. Carlos Berg, Director del Museo Nacional de Buenos Aires. An. Mus. Nac. Buenos Aires, v. p. 33.] Dr. Berg casts scorn upon the supposed new diminutive Rhea (R. nana) which Mr. Lydekker has lately established on an egg in the La Plata Museum obtained in Patagonia (cf. Rev. Mus. La Plata, vi. p. 103 (1895) ; Ibis, 1895, p-. 171), and is of opinion that the egg in question is only a “ cock’s-egg ” of R. darwini. He has seen similar eggs of R. americana. Dr. Berg also describes the egg of Crax sclateri (which, misled by the author of the 22nd volume of the B. M. Catalogue, he calls C. fasciolata) and an abnormal clutch of eggs of Vanellus cayennensis. 4, Bladen on the Cuckoo and its Foster-Parents. [The Cuckoo and its Foster-Parents.—Being a Portion of the Annual Address delivered to the Members of the North Staffordshire Naturalists’ Field Club and Archeological Society. By W. Wells Bladen, Presi- dent. Reprinted from the Trans. North Stafford. Nat. Field Club, March 1896.] Mr. Bladen’s address contains an account of the principal facts hitherto ascertained as to the breeding-habits of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), and concludes with a complete list of the 145 species of birds in the nests of which it has been known to deposit its eggs. 5. Bittikofer on a probably new Tinamou. [On a probably new Species of Crypturus. By Dr. J. Biittikofer. Notes Leyd. Mus. xviii. ] This supposed new species is based on a specimen lately living in the Zoological Garden of Amsterdam, and stated to have been received from Argentina. It is very closely allied to C. tataupa and C. parvirostris. 6. Biittikofer on the Genus Pycnonotus and its Allies. [On the Genus Pyenonotus and some allied Genera, with Enumeration of the Specimens in the Leyden Museum. By J. Biittikofer, Notes Leyd. Mus. xvii. note 82.] Dr. Biittikofer gives us a revision of the species of Pycno- notus and of 20 of the allied genera based upon the specimens 122 Recently published Ornithological Works. in the Leyden Museum, and embracing altogether some 60 species. Of these genera, five are now newly proposed, namely :—Centrolophus (type Brachypus leucogenys, Gray), Pachycephalizus (type Pycnonotus sinensis), Stictognathus (type Pycnonotus taivanus, Styan), Gymnocrotaphus (type Brachypus tygus, probably a misprint for typus, Bp.), and Mesolophus (type Otocompsa flaviventris). 7. Cherrie on Birds from San Domingo. [Contribution to the Ornithology of San Domingo. By George K. Cherrie. Field Columbian Museum Publication 10. Ornithological Series. Vol. i. no. 1, 1896. ] After a preliminary account of his routes and adventures in San Domingo, where he landed at Santo Domingo city on January 8th, 1895, Mr. Cherrie, who was seut on a col- lecting excursion by the authorities of the Field Columbian Museum of Chicago, gives us a list of the birds of which he obtained specimens, and adds valuable field-notes on each species. Mr. Cory and his collectors having made almost a clean sweep of the island so far as birds are concerned, only two new species (Hlainea cherriet and Hyetornis fieldi, pre- viously characterized by Mr. Cory) were discovered; but Mr. Cherrie obtained good series of specimens of such little- known birds as Microligea palustris, Euphonia musica, Pheni- cophilus palmarum (the most abundant bird in San Domingo!), Loxomitris dominicensis, and Nesoctites micromegas, besides a single example of Pitangus gabbi and three of Calypto- philus frugivorus. We regret to observe that Mr. F. J. V. Skiff, in a notice of the publications of this new Museum, attached to this paper, uses the horrible word “ scientist” instead of ‘ scient,” which is an exact equivalent and a correctly formed term. 8. Crossman on the Birds of Hertfordshire. [Notes on Birds observed in Hertfordshire during the year 1895. By Alan F, Crossman, F.L.S. Trans. Hertf. N. H. Soe. ix. p. 73.] Mr. Crossman’s report on the birds of Hertfordshire for 1895 adds three species to the county list. These are the Recently published Ornithological Works. 123 White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), the Two-barred Crossbill (Lowia bifasciata), and Baillon’s Crake (Porzana bailloni). Two of these did not actually occur in 1895, but have not been previously recorded. Mr. Crossman also points out that the Great Bustard (not hitherto generally included in the Hertfordshire list) is said to have been formerly found on Royston Heath. It is stated that there are 40 or 50 pairs of the Great Crested Grebe (Podicipes cristatus) on the Tring reservoirs in summer. 9. Finn on two rare Indian Ducks. [On the Occurrence in India of two rare Ducks—Fuligula baeri and Erismatura leucocephala. By F. Finn. Proc. A. 8. B., April 1896.] Eleven specimens of Baer’s Duck were procured by Mr. Finn in the Calcutta Bazaar in February last*. The occur- rence of this N.E. Asiatic species in India had not been previously established. It is a near ally of Fuligula nyroca. The example of Erismatura leucocephala was shot in Central India near Lucknow. The British Museum contains several examples from the same district and others from the North- west Provinces. 10. Hartert on a new Swift from Madagascar. [A new Form of Swift from Madagascar. By Ernst Hartert. Novitates Zool. iii. p. 231 (1896).] Micropus willsi, as Mr. Hartert proposes to call this species, is apparently a small form of “ MW. melba africanus,” based upon a single specimen obtained by the Rev. J. Wills near East Imerina, in Eastern Madagascar, in February 1896, and sent to the Tring Museum. 1l. Hartert on Everett’s Collections in Celebes and the adjacent Islets. [On Ornithological Collections made by Mr. Aifred Everett in Celebes and on the Islands south of it. By Ernst Hartert. Novitates Zool. iii. p. 148 (1896). ] Mr. Alfred Everett arrived at Macassar in September * Three of these were sent alive by Mr, Finn to the Zoological Society. See P. Z. S. 1896, p. 780. 124 Recently published Ornithological Works. 1895, and determined to explore Bonthain Peak, an enormous mountain of nearly 10,000 feet elevation in the southern peninsula of Celebes. During his stay there he met the two Messrs. Sarasin similarly employed, and their specimens, having reached Hurope first, have been already described by Messrs. Meyer and Wiglesworth (see Ibis, 1895, p. 397). Nevertheless Mr. Everett was still able to add new species to the list. Mr. Hartert refers Mr. Everett’s specimens to 103 species, of which the following are described as new :— Cinnyris Jrenata dissentiens, Oriolus celebensis meridionalis (ex MS. Meyer et Wiglesw.), Siphia bonthaina, and Spilo- spizias trinotatus hesitandus. Specimens were also procured of the rare Crow Gazzola typica, and two males of Surniculus muschenbroeki—a Cuckoo of which only one female (procured in Batchian by Dr. A. B. Meyer’s hunters) was previously known (cf. Cat. Birds, xix. p. 230). On leaving Celebes Mr. Everett sent his men to Saleyer, and afterwards went there himself, and also to the adjoming islands of Kalao and Djampea, between Flores and Celebes. Saleyer had been previously visited by Prof. Max. Weber in 1888-89, and examples of 14 species were obtained there (see Lbis, 1894, p. 435). But Mr. Everett has now increased the list to 40 species, and has collected specimens of 41 species in Djampea and 24 in Kalao. Mr. Kverett’s series from these three islands represent altogether 73 species, of which Pachycephalus everetti, Hdo- liosoma emancipata (lege emancipatum !), Siphia djampeana, Monarcha everetti, Pitta virginalis, and Osmotreron wallacei pallidior are now described as new from Djampea, and Siphia kalaoensis from Kalao. “ From the present material it would appear that both Djampea and Kalao have as much, or rather more, in common with the Lesser Sunda Islands and Timor as with Celebes. But a few forms are peculiar. “The ornis of Saleyer is evidently that of South Celebes in general.” Recently published Ornithological Works. 125 12. Le Souef’s Trip to Mallacoota. [A Trip to Mallacoota. By D. Le Souéf. Vict. Nat. xiii. p. 18 (1896).] A very interesting account of his trip on a bicyle from Melbourne to Mallacoota was read by Mr. Dudley Le Souéf before the Field Naturalists’s Club of Victoria in January last, and is now printed in the ‘ Victorian Naturalist.’ Field- notes on birds occupy most of the discourse of this enthu- siastic observer. On the Gippsland lakes Ducks, Swans, and Gallinules were seen in many thousands, and “ they could only be described by acres of them.” At Malla- coota Lyre-birds were numerous in the gullies, and a long list of other species found breeding is given. 13. Loomis on Californian Water-birds. [California Water-birds. No. II. South Farallon Island in July. By Leverett M. Loomis. Extr. fr. Proc, Cal, Acad. Sci. ser, 2, vol. vi.] In the third of his series of papers on the water-birds of the Californian coast, Mr. Loomis gives an account of the feathered inhabitants of the Farallones Islands off San Fran- cisco, which he visited in July last. Here the sea-birds’ eggs are collected for sale in San Francisco to the amount (in 1896) of 7645 dozens—chiefly those of Uria troile californica. Mr. Loomis gives a list, accompanied by good field-notes, of the ten indigenous birds and four stragglers noted. Besides the Murres, the Tufted Puffin (Lunda cirrhata), Cassin’s Auklet (Plychorhamphus aleuticus) , and the Pigeon-Guillemot (Cepphus columba) are abundant, and two Petrels were found nesting— Oceanodroma leucorrhoa aud O. homochroa. 14. Lucas and Ridgway on the Procniatide. [Osteological and Pterylographical Characters of the Procniatida. By F, A. Lucas. Proc, U.S. N. Mus. xviii. p. 505.—Characters of a new American Family of Passerine Birds. By Robert Ridgway. Proc, U.S. N. Mus. xviii. p. 449. ] My. F. A. Lucas first pointed out the notable characters of the skull of Procnias, which has hitherto been usually \/ 126 Recently published Ornithological Works. regarded by modern writers as an aberrant member of the Tanagride, in a communication made to ‘The Auk’ in April 1895 (p. 186). Mr. Ridgway thereupon proposes to elevate this type to the rank of an independent family of Oscines, and now gives us his diagnosis of it. Mr. Lucas adds a paper in which the osteological and pterylographical characters of the Procniatidze are set forth. The striking features of the skull of Procnias consist in ‘ the total absence of the trans- palatine processes, the small size of the interpalatines, and the outward curvature of the prepalatine bars.” It is not, however, suggested that the systematic position of this form should be materially altered, as it still seems to be quite as nearly allied to the Tanagride as to any other family of Passeres. 15. Mivart’s ‘Monograph of the Lories.’ [A Monograph of the Lories, or Brush-tongued Parrots, composing the Family Loriide. By St. George Mivart, F.R.S. Pp. i-liii, 1-193. Folie. London: R. H. Porter, 1896.] The issue of Dr. Mivart’s beautifully illustrated Mono- graph of the Lories must be considered as one of the leading ornithological events of the past year, and would have been noticed in our last number had not time failed us for its detailed examination. Now that we have been able to study it carefully, we have come to the conclusion that the present volume forms no unworthy addition to the splendid series of pictured memoirs upon select groups of birds which the brethren of the British Ornithologists’ Union have published during the past twenty years. In some points Dr. Mivart’s monograph is almost unique among its fellows, every one of the known species being figured on 61 plates drawn by Keulemans, and 22 of the figures being taken from the typical specimens, whilst 16 of the species are now repre- sented for the first time. In his arrangement of the Lories and in the general treatment of the genera and species, Dr. Mivart has wisely determined to follow Count Salvadori’s well-known work which constitutes the twentieth volume of the British Recently published Ornithological Works. 127 Museum Catalogue. Here, as he remarks in his preface, that accomplished ornithologist “has furnished ready to hand a careful classification, excellent though short descrip- tions, exact statements as to geographical distribution, and an exhaustive bibliography.” Thus Dr. Mivart’s chief work has been the testing of Count Salvadori’s statements, and the addition to them of such further information as his many friends and correspondents in this country and on the Continent have been able to supply to him. The anatomical chapter given in the introduction is, however, quite original, as 1s the exhaustive account of the geographical distribution of the Lories, which is excellently illustrated by special maps, and presents many features of great interest. It might be supposed that the completion of the present work would leave little more to be done on the subject of the Lories. But such is the inexhaustible fertility of Nature that those who turn over Dr. Mivart’s pages will observe that numerous points are specified as open for further study. Of some well-marked species the exact habitats are still un- known, others are founded on unique specimens and require confirmation by additional evidence. In some cases, again, what are apparently species may turn out hereafter to be mere varieties. Even in such a favourite and much-studied group as the Lories, therefore, there is a large field left open for future investigators. 16. Nathusius on the Oology of the Rheas. [Zur Oologie der Rhea-Arten. Von W. vy. Nathusius, J. f. O. 1896, p. 257.] Herr W. v. Nathusius has added another contribution to his valuable series of essays on the structure of the egg-shell in birds by the present article on the Oology of the Rheas. It is, however, unfortunate that he had not at his disposala better authenticated set of specimens to base his studies upon, most of them having been obtained through dealers without any positive evidence of their origins and localities. The Rhea americana is now so common in Zoological Gardens that it could not be difficult to obtain authentic specimens 128 Recently published Ornithological Works. of its eggs. Of R. macrorhyncha, Herr v. Nathusius does not seem to have examined any examples. The conclusion arrived at by the author, after full dis- cussion of the various specimens, is that eggs of R. darwint are at once distinguishable from those of R. americana (Argentine examples being taken as typical of this form) by the considerably larger diameter of the mamille. Herr v. Nathusius is of opinion that, judging from the difference in the diameter of the mamille, the Rhea of Paraguay may be specifically distinct from that of Buenos Ayres. As regards the occurrence of Rhea darwint in Northern Chili, Herr v. Nathusius has omitted to notice that this extension of its range has been already ascertained and more than once commented upon by Sclater *. 17. Oberholser on two new American Woodpeckers. [Descriptions of two new Subspecies of the Downy Woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens. By Harry C. Oberholser. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xviii. p. 547. ] Mr. Oberholser proposes to separate from the Downy Woodpecker of North America two geographical subspecies —Dryobates pubescens meridionalis (Sw.), from the Gulf States, and D. p. nelsoni, from Alaska and Northern China. 18. Reed’s Catalogue of Chilian Birds. [Catalogo de las Aves Chilenas, por Edwyn C. Reed. Santiago, 1896. (Publicado en los ‘ Anales de la Universidad,’ tomo xciii.) ] We are glad to see that Mr. Reed has returned to the study of his country’s birds. His list is far superior to anything else that has appeared in Chili on this subject. Mr. Reed has judiciously followed as nearly as may be James’s ‘New List of Chilian Birds’ of 1892, which was carefully corrected and revised by Sclater before publication. He has added much to the value of his list by the short notes on distribution and occurrence attached to each species. #* See P. Z. S. 1890, p. 412, and 1891, p. 187. Recently published Ornithological Works. 129 Mr. Reed increases the list of the birds of Chili to 278, that is 23 more than James, as he enlarges the area of Chili down to the Magellan Straits, to which it nominally extends. There are a good many unnecessary misprints in the scientific names of the list, and we can assure Mr. Reed that Henicornis phenicura of Patagonia is quite a distinct species from H. melanura of Chili (cf. Cat. B. xvi. p. 26), as he would at once allow if he had ever seen specimens of it. 19. Reichenow on Papuan and Australian Birds. [Zoologische Forschungsreisen in Australien und dem Malayischen Archipel. Mit Unterstiitzung des Herrn Dr. Paul von Ritter ausgefiihrt in den Jahren 1891-93 von Dr. Richard Semon. Liste der Vogel. Bestimmt von Dr. A. Reichenow. Folio. Jena, 1894.} The first number of the fifth volume of Dr. Semon’s great work on the results of his journey in Australia and the Malay Archipelago contains a list, compiled by Dr. Reichenow, of about 50 species of birds of which Dr. Semon obtained specimens. There appears to be nothing specially remarkable amongst them. 20. Richmond on Birds from Kashmir, Baltistan, and Ladak, [Catalogue of a Collection of Birds made in Kashmir, Baltistan, and Ladak, with Notes on some of the Species and a Description of a new Species of Cyanecula. By Charles W. Richmond. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xviii, p. 451. ] Dr. W. L. Abbott, of Philadelphia, well known to natural- ists for his explorations in East Africa, the Seychelles, and the adjoining islands, spent part of the years from 1891 to 1894 in travel in Cashmir and the neighbouring districts of Northern India. Hence he sent home to the U.S. National Museum 746 well-prepared specimens of birds, which are now catalogued by Mr. Richmond and referred to 188 species. Mr. Richmond has for convenience used the sequence of families and genera employed by Dr. Sharpe in his account of the birds of the second Yarkand Mission, but has varied the nomenclature in places by introducing some | SER, VII.—VOL. III. K 130 Recently published Ornithological Works. of the results of Dr. Stejneger’s “inconvenient discoveries,” in which we trust that no one will follow him. The birds of all this district have been collected in mass by Mr. Hume and his assistants, and by many other Indian ornithologists. Mr. Richmond nevertheless ventures to describe a new Blue-throat, Cyanecula abbotti, from the Nubra Valley, Ladak, where C. swecica was also obtained. It is admitted to be “ very closely related to the White-spotted Blue-throat, Cyanecula wolfi,”’ but 1s stated to differ “ in the deeper blue of the throat, the blue lores, and the longer bill.” It is, probably, the Cyanecula wolfi of Hume, Biddulph, and others, from the same countries. 21. Ridgway on Birds from the Seychelles and adjoining Islands. [On Birds collected by Dr. W. L. Abbott in the Seychelles, Amirantes, Gloriosa, Assumption, Aldabra, and adjacent Islands, with Notes on Habits, &c., by the Collector. By Robert Ridgway. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xviii. p. 509. | We have now a complete report upon the specimens of birds collected by Dr. W. L. Abbott, of Philadelphia, on the Seychelles and other islands of the Indian Ocean and transmitted to the National Museum at Washington. Mr. Ridgway has already published characters of the principal novelties (see [bis, 1894, p. 314; 1895, p. 292). The specimens were 264 in number, and represent, as Dr. Abbott believes, almost all the species found in the islands visited. ‘No Jand-birds exist, unless introduced, on any of the Amirantes or other islands between the Seychelles and Cosmoledo and Aldabra.”’ In Aldabra 14 land-birds were found resident, and 6 others (accidental visitors) were obtained. In the list of Seychelles birds, 27 species are included. Amongst these was one example of Paleornis wardi from Mahé, where it is “on the verge of extinction,” but it is said to be still common on Silhouette. A provisional name (Turtur abbotti) is given to the local form of T. picturatus. On the Amirante group examples of 24 species were met Recently published Ornithological Works. 131 with. Amongst these was Turtur saturatus, restricted to this locality. Twelve species were found on Assumption Island, amongst which was a new Rail (Dryolimnas abbotti), a new Booby (Sula abbotti), and a new Sun-bird (Nectarinia abbotti). On Gloriosa Island examples of 22 species were obtained or observed, of which 4 were Passeres, aud Ivocincla madagascariensis rostrata is a doubtfully new subspecies. Of Aldabran birds no fewer than 45 are enumerated, of which 10 are Passeres. The European Sand-Martin (Cotyle riparia) was found on Gloriosa and Aldabra. A very useful table of distribution of the 212 species recognized as occurring in the various islands is given at the end of the article. It is a pity that a map, showing the exact positions of the island-groups and their distances from each other, is not appended. 22. Salvadori on a new Rhamphoceelus. [Descrizione di una nuova specie del genere Rhamphocelus di Chiriqui. Boll. Mus. Zool, Torino, xi. no, 249 (July 1896). ] Rhamphocelus feste is a new species allied to R. passerinii, but distinguishable by its smaller size and red breast-band. The type-specimen was obtained by Dr. Festa during a recent traverse of the isthmus of Darien, and was presented by him, along with other specimens, to the Zoological Museum of Turin. 23. Semon’s ‘Im Australischen Busch.’ {Im Australischen Busch und an der Kiisten des Korallenmeeres. Reiserlebnisse und Beobachtungen eines Naturforschers in Australien, Neu-Guinea und den Molukken, von Richard Semon, Professor in Jena. Leipzig: Engelmann, 1896.] This is one of the best books of travel and natural history that we have read for a long time, and may be compared favourably even with those of such past-masters in this department as Wallace and Bates. Prof. Semon went out to Australia to study the development of Monotremes, Mar- supials, and Ceratodus, in which he appears to have attained undoubted success. On his journey home he visited the K 2 132 Recently published Ornithological Works. south end of New Guinea, the Moluccas, Celebes, and Java, and seems to have kept his well-trained powers of obser- vation hard at work at these places also. Prof. Semon apparently paid special attention to the Mammal-class, but goes into nearly every branch of zoology, botany, geology, and anthropology, not to mention politics. There are numerous references to birds throughout the volume. We may especially call the attention of our readers to the narrative of Prof. Semon’s excursion up the Gara River from Milne Bay, where he met with Lories, Paradise-birds, Black Cockatoos, Goura-Pigeons, and other rarities of the rich avifauna of New Guinea. 24. Sharpe on the Limicole. [Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum. Volume XXIV. Catalogue of the Limicole in the Collection of the British Museum. By R. Bowdler Sharpe. London, 1896. | The twenty-fourth volume of the great Catalogue of Birds is devoted to the Limicole. It contains an account of 255 species of this group, which are represented in the National Collection by no less than 13,440 specimens, ‘ exclusive of many hundreds of duplicates.” Only five of the recorded species have no representatives in the British Museum. Dr. Sharpe divides the Limicole into six families—(di- cnemide, Cursoriide, Parridz, Charadriidz, Chionidide, and Thinocorythidze. The Gidicnemide are divided into 4 genera, which contain altogether 11 species. The Cursoriide are arranged in 8 genera, containing 25 species. Besides the Coursers, the aberrant forms of Dromas and Ortyaelus are placed in this family. We agree, how- ever, with Dr. Sharpe’s remark that Dromas should probably stand alone. The third family, “ Parride,” contains, as here arranged, 7 genera and 11 species. We may remark that, as Dr. Sharpe (following Dr. Stejneger) discards the Linnean term Parra for the Jacanas altogether, he is not at liberty to use it for the name of the family, Recently published Ornithological Works. 133 In the fourth family, Charadriide, will be found assembled the great mass of the Limicole, as it embraces all the forms usually referred to the Scolopacidz as well as the Plovers. It is divided into ten subfamilies, and contains altogether 79 genera and 190 species. The characters employed in the diagnoses of these subfamilies are mostly taken from the toes and the scaling of the tarsi. A new genus (Peltohyas) anda new subfamily (Peltohyatine) are formed for Gould’s Eudro- mias australis, apparently because of the different scaling of the tarsus. The Sheath-bills, Chionididie, constitute Dr. Sharpe’s fifth family of Limicole. He recognizes 2 genera and 3 species of these abnormal Sea-Plovers. Finally, the Thinocorythide, with 2 genera and 5 species, close the list of Limicole. If the name of the family be thus orthographically emended, the generic name Thinocorus should be written ‘ Thinocorys” (@is, littus, and xdpus, alauda). The following new generic terms are proposed in the present volume :— Hydrophasis (p. 69), emended from Hydrophasianus. Phyllopezus (p. 76), type Parra africana. Asarcia (p. 85), type P. variabilis, Linn. (i. e. P. gymno- stoma, Wagl.). Microsarcops (p. 133), type Pluvianus cinerea, Blyth. Zonifer (p. 154), type Charadrius tricolor, Vieill. Anomalophrys (p. 156), type Lobivanellus superciliosus, Reichenb. Eurypterus (p. 171), altered to Euhyas, p. 736, type Charadrius leucurus, Licht. Peltohyas (p. 307), type Eudromias australis, Gould. Mesoscolopax (p. 371), type Numenius minutus, Gould. So far as we can see, only one new species is characterized for the first time. This is Hematopus durnfordi (p. 118) from Patagonia. Excellent coloured figures, drawn by Keulemans, of the following species are given :—Rhinoptilus bisignatus, R. 134 Recently published Ornithological Works. hartingi, R. cinctus, R. seebohmi, R. chalcopterus, R. albo- fasciatus ; Galactochrysea liberia, G. emini ; Hematopus durn- fordi; Defilippia crassirostris and D. leucoptera. Ornithologists should be, and are, most thankful to Dr. Sharpe for the care he has bestowed upon this volume, in which the compilation of the multitude of synonyms and the registry of the numerous specimens in proper order must have cost him many weeks of dreary labour. We are sure, however, that he will allow us to state our candid opinion that the generic divisions employed are far too many, and that the numerous changes introduced into nomenclature might have been in many cases avoided. As regards the first point: genera, as we all know, do not exist in nature, and it is a mere matter of convenience how large or how small we make them. Dr. Sharpe divides his 255 species of Limicole imto 102 genera, i. e. about 23 species to each genus. It is a great burden to the memory to carry in one’s mind so many extra names, and in our opinion it would have been a much better plan to employ about balf these generic terms as subgenera, affixing them at the head of the various sections into which the genus is divided. We might thus say in ordinary parlance Glareola isabella and Glareola ocularis, stating, when there is a necessity for so doing, that the former belongs to the subgenus Sii/tia, and the latter to the subgenus Galactochrysea. As regards the changes in nomenclature proposed by Dr. Sharpe, we find on going through the 48 species of Limicole in the B. O. U. List we should have to alter the names of just half of them to conform to the British Museum Catalogue. We donot believe that such a course would meet with general acquiescence, and we do not think of adopting it under any circumstances. In many cases the older names taken up of late years on the alleged ground of priority are so uncertain that it is a mere matter of opinion whether they are applicable to one species or another. No change should be made in such cases as these. Recently published Ornithological Works. 135 25. Southwell’s Guide to the Norwich Castle Museum. [The Official Guide to the Norwich Castle Museum. With an Account of its Origin and Progress. By Thomas Southwell, F.Z.S. Also an Historical Account of the Castle-Keep, by Rev. Wm. Hudson, M.A., and a Guide to the Collection of Pictures; with some account of the “Norwich School” of Artists, by G. C. Eaton. 8vo, London: Jarrold and Sons, 1896. } The Norwich Castle Museum contains, as we all know, the unrivalled Gurney Collection of Raptorial Birds, and must therefore ever be of surpassing interest to all orni- thologists. Mr. Southwell’s ‘Guide’ gives us an excellent general account of them, as they are now rearranged in Norwich Castle in 55 cases. The Museum also contains a good series of local birds, to which has been united the “ Lombe” Collection formed by the late Edward Lombe of Melton, near Norwich. The gem of this collection is an example of the Great Auk. Besides this, there are specimens of Savis Warbler, the Red-footed Falcon, the Caspian Plover, and many other rarities obtained within the county of Norfolk. 26. Stirling and Zietz on Genyornis newtoni. [Preliminary Notes on Genyornis newtoni, a new Genus and Species of Fossil Struthious Bird, found at Lake Callabonna, South Australia. By E. C. Stirling, M.D., F.R.S., and A. H.C. Zietz, F.L.S. Trans. R. Soc. of S. Australia, vol. xx. p. 171 (1896). ] A recently issued part of the ‘Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia’ (vol. xx. pt. 1.) gives us a pre- liminary account of the new fossil Struthious bird of Lake Callabonna, Genyornis newtoni, of the discovery of which we have already spoken more than once*. It will be difficult to understand the exact position of this remarkable addition to the Class of Birds until a more detailed description of its remains, and figures of them, have been published. In the meanwhile we reprint the conclusions concerning it which the authors of the present memoir have arrived at after their preliminary studies :— “ Though, in the absence of a careful study of so important * See Ibis, 1894, pp. 328, 577, and 1896, pp. 480, 593. 136 Recently published Ornithological Works. a part of the organization as the head, it is perhaps premature to offer decisive opinions as to the habits of the bird or of its affinities with existing members of its group, nevertheless the following conclusions appear to be justified by the survey of its remains so far as this has been made. “The great size of the femur and tibio-tarsus, no less than of its sternum, indicate its massive build, though there is a strange disproportion between the proportions of the upper leg-bones and the relatively slender tarso-metatarsus. Its Jegs combine a huge femur nearly as massive, in all but length, as that of Dinornis maximus, and a tibia equalling that of Pachyornis elephantopus with the comparatively slender metatarse of Dinornis nove-hollandie (ingens) and toes which are insignificant beside any of the larger Moas. The absence of prominent rough surfaces or ridges for muscular attachment leads one to assign to it a slow, sluggish habit. In height it may be confidently stated to have been from 6 feet to 6 feet 6 inches, that is, if the neck should have been of proportions similar to those of Pachyornis elephan- topus. With the large size of the head, however, may be correlated modifications of the neck. The small flat ungual phalanges would appear to have borne flattened nails, rather than sharp and powerful claws, which could have been of little service for scratching purposes, and with this feature is associated an evident want of strength im the phalangeal joints. “There is reason to believe that the Diprotodon may have been a swamp-loving animal which, tapir-like, may have haunted the shores of the lacustrine areas of Central Australia in Pliocene times, and the association of the remains of Genyornis with those of Diprotodon suggests that the bird, too, may have had its haunts, and found its food, by the same swamps as its bulky marsupial associates. The thick- ness of the lower jaw is scarcely commensurate with its great length and depth, and this fact, with the weakness of the toes, suggest that, like the Emeu, herbage, rather than roots, may have formed its food. “In the course of our brief description and comparisons Recently published Ornithological Works. 137 it will have been seen that the resemblances to the Emeu, and to a less extent to the Cassowary, are many and con- siderable. “The presence of the bony bridge is, however, a con- spicuous, if not morphologically important point of difference. The Emeu, in fact, appears to be its nearest ally, though there are points of resemblance, other than in respect to bulk, to the Dinornithide, and possibly it may be found to the Gastornithide. We may, perhaps, provisionally regard it as an ancestral form of Emeu, possibly having relations to the New Zealand group. “ Of its relations to existing forms, other than those of the ratite type which have been mentioned, it is premature to speak; such facts will emerge with greater certainty and completeness on a study of the head, the restoration of which—a long and tedious task—is approaching completion, though, unfortunately, it is in a very imperfect condition. In the meantime we believe we have, in this preliminary notice, sufficiently indicated, though in a manner less com- plete than we could have wished, the interesting nature of the discovery at Callabonna, not only as affording additional evidence, in so much more complete a form than has hitherto existed, of the wide range in Australia of this race of great extinct birds, but also as bearing upon the phylogenetic relations of the subclass to which it belongs, as weil as, possibly, ou the question of the former distribution of land in the southern hemisphere.” 27. Winge on Birds of the Danish Lighthouses, 1895. [Fuglene ved de danske Fyr i 1895: 13° Aarsberetning om danske Fugle. Ved Herluf Winge. Vid. Meddel. fra d. naturh. i Kbhn. 1896, p. 65.] Mr. Winge’s thirteenth annual report tells us that in 1895 451 specimens of birds were received from thirty of the Danish lighthouses, and referred to 51 species. Concerning them the usual particulars are given. A clearly-drawn map shows the exact position of every lighthouse. 138 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. XI.—Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. We have received the following letters, addressed ‘‘ to the Editors of ‘The Ibis’ ”:— Srrs,—In a list of Swatow and Foochow birds published in ‘ The Ibis’ for 1892, I stated that Sterna hirundo breeds on the Swatow coast in company with S. melanauchen. 1 have now reason to believe that the birds in question were not S. hirundo, but S. dougalli. Mr. Rickett and I have lately received a specimen of this species said to have been shot about the Shanghai coast, and, so far as I can remember, it agrees with the specimens shot by me and my collector at Swatow, and which I wrongly referred to S. hirundo. I am, Yours faithfully, J. D. pz La Toucue. Foochow, July 30th, 1896. Srrs,—In the last number of ‘The Ibis’ Mr. Sclater has a note on the “‘ Nomenclature of the Palamedeide.”’ He says that I “ have lately shown (Cat. B. xxvii. p. 4) that Pala- medea [more correctly Parra| chavaria of Linneus was probably based on a Colombian specimen.” I must remark that I have not left the point as probable; Linné’s description and locality (Carthagena), both derived from Jacquin, being quite clear, I cannot entertain the least doubt about their applying to the Colombian Crested Screamer, and not to the Argentine representative species. Such being the case, I could not hesitate in restoring Linné’s name to the Colom- bian bird, to which only it belongs. If authors, beginning with [lhger (1811), have confused the two species, or have wrongly used Linné’s name for the Argentine bird, it is their fault, and, according to me, we have no right whatever to discard Linné’s name on the pretence of uncertainty. Now that ornithologists are aware that the name Chauna chavaria (Linn.) belongs to the Colombian and not to the Argentine bird, every possible uncertainty will be dispelled, Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 139 and I hope that Mr. Sclater will not persist in his determina- tion to reject the Linnean term “ chavaria.’ I think that Linné’s names ought to be supported with all our power, especially if they are as certain as the one to which I now refer. Yours &e., T. SaLvaport. Turin, Zoological Museum, November 15th, 1896. Srrs,—Mr. Lodge’s interesting notes on the habits of some West-Indian Humming-birds, published in your last number (Ibis, 1896, pp. 495-519), call for a few remarks on the names of some of the species he mentions and their distribution. He seems to have examined the series of skins in the British Museum, but not to have consulted the Cata- logue referring to them (Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. vol. xvi.). Had he done so a few slight errors might have been avoided. The close relationship of the various forms of Bellona has long puzzled writers on these birds, in consequence, no doubt, of the very vague and often inaccurate localities ascribed to the specimens examined. The true state of the case is set forth in the Catalogue referred to, and it seems pretty well estab- lished that the commonest and most widely diffused form— B. exilis—is found in every island from the Virgin Islands, and perhaps Puerto Rico, to Santa Lucia, little variation existing between birds from any of these islands. In Barbados, the Grenadines, and Grenada, B. cristata alone occurs, and in St. Vincent an intermediate form, which Gould described as B. ornata. It is true that Gould did not know the origin of his types, but the domicile of this particular form has been clearly established by Ober and Herbert Smith. As Mr. Lodge did not visit St. Vincent he did not himself meet with the true B. ornata. When in Barbados, he says (p. 505), he saw birds which he supposed to be either B. cristata or B. exilis. They must assuredly have been the former, which is the only form known to occur in that island. 140 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. In writing of Thalurania wagleri (p. 508) he incidentally mentions that birds in one of the Gould cases in the British Museum seemed to him to be wrongly named Hucephala grayi. But E. grayi, as Gould very well knew, is quite a different bird and well known as an inhabitant of Ecuador, and cannot be confused with 7. wagleri by any one at all conversant with the Trochilide. The correct name of T. wagleri is T. bicolor (Gm.), as long ago determined by Elliot and others. I quite agree with Mr. Lodge’s remarks on the unsatis- factory nature of the plates representing Humming-birds and on the way stuffed specimens are mounted. But no representation, either as drawings or mounted skins, can give any idea of the appearance of these birds in flight, in which attitude they are most commonly seen. The best representations of resting Humming-birds that I know of, are those of Mr. Baron, now to be seen in the British Museum. Mr. Baron mounted all these birds himself from freshly-shot specimens, and the positions in which he has placed them are most life-like. Yours &e., OsBERT SALvIN. 10 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, December 2nd, 1896. ———_ —_—_——_ Mr. D. G. Elliot’s Expedition to Somaliland.—Our friend Mr. D. G. Elliot returned from his excursion to Somaliland (see Ibis, 1896, p. 427) im October last, and left London for Chicago on Nov. 14th. He achieved his main object in getting a good series of specimens of the Antelopes of Somali- land for the Field Columbian Museum (amongst them examples of the rare “ Beira,” Dorcotragus megalotis). Mr. E. Dodson, who accompanied him as collector, obtained about 300 bird-skins, the preliminary examination of which indicates that there are probably some novelties amongst them, though none of very prominent originality. Mr. Elhot, we regret to say, contracted fever on the Haud, and per- formed the journey of 200 miles back to the coast on a Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 141 litter, but has made a good recovery, and has left England in fair health. The following outline of his route, given to Reuter’s Agency, is published in the ‘ Times’ of Noy. 16th :-— “We left Berbera at the end of April with a caravan consisting of 68 men, all armed with Sniders and Winches- ters, and 56 camels, which were afterwards increased to 98, our object being to explore certain districts of Somaliland between Berbera and the river Chibele. During our stay in Africa we made three expeditions from the coast. The first, to the east of Berbera towards the Gobari plains and the range of the Golis, occupied three weeks. The second, to the south of Berbera, vd Mandera and the Jerato pass of the - Golis range to the south of the Toyo plain, lasted six weeks. The third expedition occupied over two months. On this journey we went from Hargeisa (about 100 miles from Berbera) and crossed the Haud Desert by a route discovered by me over the Maredleh Plain to a point 20 miles from Milmil. Altogether we were in the interior six months, and returned to Aden in October.” Mr. Whyte’s new Expedition to the Mountains of North Nyasaland.—Mr. Alexander Whyte, F.Z.S8., writing from Karonga, at the north end of Lake Nyasa, on July 16th, says * :—‘ | have just returned from my sojourn of eighteen days on the highest range of the Deep Bay—Karonga mountains, and am much pleased with the collections made there. We all suffered from the cold, and had some bad cases of sickness ; but, on the whole, the boys worked well, and I have got together a larger collection than I have ever made on any previous expedition. “The flora of this range proved most interesting, resem- bling that of Mlanje, yet differing from it in many respects. I failed to find any trace of a conifer; but, on the other hand, the range is richer in heaths than Mlanje is. I fancy the three principal peaks of the range, to the tops of which I went, rise to an altitude of from 7000 to 8000 feet above the sea-level ; and I thoroughly explored this end of the range, * See Brit. Centr. Afr. Gaz., Aug. 15th, 1896. 142 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. from end to end, and I could see close at hand the mountain I explored at the Mount Waller end of the range. I! cannot quote figures exactly till I go thoroughly through my collections ; but of plants I have over 6000 dried specimens ; of skins of birds 230; of mammals 200; of reptiles, &c., in spirits, 120; of crustacea, &c., 250; of land-shells 5000; of insects 38000; besides a series of geological specimens.” These collections, Mr. Alfred Sharpe, H.B.M. Acting-Com- missioner at Zomba, informs us, are now being packed for transmission to England. Rare British Birds.—At the meeting of the Linnean Society on Nov. 5th, a specimen of the Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius gallicus), which had been shot, on Salisbury Plain, at Earlstoke, on the 10th October last, was exhibited by Mr. Harting, who gave particulars of the occur- rence, and stated that another example of this bird had since been obtained in Bouley Bay, Jersey. In ‘ Knowledge’ for November, 1896 (vol. xix. p. 251), we find the following account by Mr. Harry F. Witherby of the occurrence in Yorkshire of a specimen of Macqueen’s Bustard (Otis macqueent) :— “On October 17th I was walking along the sea-bank at Easington, Yorkshire, in company with Mr. Eagle Clarke, the well-known ornithologist, and Mr. Bendelack Hewetson, Jun. We all at once noticed a large bird flying low over the fields like an Owl, and being pursued by small birds. It skimmed across a high bank, and went down in a field beyond. We immediately followed it, and on arriving at the bank crept up to the top and cautiously looked over. There, in the middle of a stubble-field, about one hundred and twenty yards from us, was what we took to be a Great Bustard. We lay down and watched it with our field- glasses. It seemed quite at home, and behaved perfectly naturally. It strutted about with a stately gait, somewhat like a Peacock, and pecked at the ground here and there in an almost disdainful way. ‘Then it began to dust itself, drawing in its head and ruffling its feathers, and spreading wings and tail. We watched it closely for quite ten minutes, Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 143 and were fascinated by its interesting ways, probably never observed in England by ornithologists before, for this grand bird was a Macqueen’s Bustard, and only the third example which has visited our shores. Meanwhile two men had come on thescene with guns, and after a little manceuvring George Edwin Chubbley shot the bird as his brother, Crages Chubbley, put it over to him. Whilst being followed it never seemed flurried. When flying, the wings of the bird were a striking black and white. The long black tufts on the sides of the neck appeared as black streaks at a distance, and were very conspicuous as the bird stood in the field. “ Macqueen’s Bustard is a desert-loving species, inhabiting the steppes of Asia, and why it visits us at all is merely a matter of conjecture, but probably certain young birds wander far from their course and thus manage to reach our coast. When the feathers of the bird were turned up we found them to be of a delicate blush pink at the base, con- trasting beautifully with the speckled sandy colour of the bird’s back. The beak is brownish black, the legs and feet light straw-colour, and the eyes very pale straw and very bright. The length from beak te tail is 281 inches, the tarsus 44 inches, and the flexure 16 inches. The bird was a young male, and its stomach contained vegetable matter and three bectles.” At the Meeting of the Zoological Society of London on December Ist, 1896, Mr. H. E. Dresser exhibited and made remarks on a specimen of Pallas’s Willow-Warbler (Phy/- loscopus proregulus), shot at Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, on the 3lst October, 1896, being the first instance of the occurrence of this bird in Great Britain. Parasitism of Cassidix oryzivora.—The last number of ‘Timehri’ (vol. x. new ser. p. 37) contained an article by Mr. C. A. Lloyd on “ Queer Homes,” from which we extract the following remarks on the breeding-habits of Cassidix oryzwora (cf. Ibis, 1896, p. 585) :— “ A cabbage-palm that I once saw was decorated in a most singular manner with the nests of the Black Bunyah (Ostinops 144 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. decumanus). At the end of every arching frond was attached a long purse-like nest, and the whole were arranged as symmetrically as if placed there by human hands. While speaking of the Bunyah it may be as well to note that another Hangnest, the large Black Rice-bird (Cassidi« oryzivora), seems never to build a home of her own, but contents herself with making use of the deserted Bunyah nests in which to lay her curiously marked eggs.” Breeding-place of Ross’s Gull—One of Dr. Nansen’s achievements during his recent journey in the Polar Regions seems to have been the discovery of the hitherto unknown breeding-place of Ross’s Gull (Rhodostethia rosea).’ As we learn from the ‘ Daily Chronicle’ of Nov. 3rd, large numbers of this rare Gull were seen in the neighbourhood of four islands (proposed to be called “ Hvitenland”’), situated in latitude 81° 38' N. and longitude 63° E., in August 1895. Dr. Nansen writes :— “This, the most markedly polar of all bird forms, is easily recognizable from other species of Gull by its beautiful rose- coloured breast, its wedge-shaped tail, and its airy flight. “Tt is, without comparison, the most beautiful of all the animal forms of the frozen regions. Hitherto it has only been seen by chance on the utmost confines of the unknown Polar Sea, and no one knew whence it came or whither it went ; but here we had unexpectedly come upon its native haunt, and althongh it was too late in the year to find its nests, there could be no doubt about its breeding in this region.” New Index to ‘The Ibis’—The Index to the last three series of ‘The Ibis’ (1877-94), edited by Mr. Salvin, is making good progress through the press, and will, it is hoped, be ready for issue in April of this year. It will contain an index of the generic and specific names that occur in the fourth, fifth, and sixth series, and an index to the plates. [a 2 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 145 The Agaléga Islands.—We are not aware that the Agaléga Islands, which lie in the Indian Ocean south of the Seychelles, in about 10°50! S. lat. and 57° E. long., have ever heen visited by an ornithologist, although they appear to have some claims to our attention. The islands are two in number. The North Island is about five miles, and the South Island about six miles in length, connected with each other by a strip of sand. They are low, but well wooded with coconuts, casuarinas, and other trees. According to a report on the islands addressed to the Governor of Mauritius in 1893, the Agalégas “abound with game: hares, Quails, Guinea-fowls, Peacocks, and wildfowls, the Egyptian Ibis, Larks, Curlews, and various sea-birds. A great source of supply for the inhabitants is the almost inexhaustible amount of eggs of birds (Sea-Gulls) to be gathered on a certain part of the North Island in September and October every year. Acres of ground are covered with eggs and birds.” As we are also told that the climate of the Agalégas is exceedingly healthy, the ‘‘temperature always cooled by the sea-breeze,”’ and, moreover, that “crime is unknown” and order always prevails, we cannot do wrong in recom- mending these islands to the notice of the wandering Members of the B. O. U. Swallow-Bluff in British Columbia.—In Mr. Warburton Pike’s lately-published ‘Through the Subarctic Forest’ will be found (p. 160) a good illustration of a nesting-place of the North-American Cliff-S wallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), situated on a bluff on the banks of the Pelly River. As shown by Messrs. Sharpe and Wyatt in their Monograph (ii. pp. 538, 539), this Swallow is abundant in many parts of Alaska and British Columbia. The late Mr. Seebohm’s Posthumous Works.—Messrs. Paw- son and Brailsford, of Sheffield, announce as nearly ready for publication the late Mr. Seebohm’s ‘Coloured Figures of the Eggs of British Birds,’ edited by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe. SER. VII.— VOL, ILI. L 146 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. It will be issued in one volume, royal octavo, at the price of £3 3s. The ‘Monograph of the Family of Thrushes’ is also announced by Messrs. Sotheran and Co. It will be pub- lished in parts, and will contain altogether 141 plates drawn by Keulemans and coloured by hand ; each part will contain 12 plates. This work will also be edited by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe. List of Illustrated Ornithological Works in Course of Publication, and Dates of the last Parts issued. Brittso Brirps, their Nests and Eggs. By various well- known Authors. Tlustrated by F. W. Frohawk. Part XVII. (1896.) Dresser (H. E.). A History of the Birds of Europe. Supplement. Part VIII. (June 1896.) Gietiott (EK. H.) and Mawnzenra (A.). Iconografia dell’ Avifauna Italica. Fasc. 53. (1895.) Lez (O. A. J.). Among British Birds in their Nesting Haunts. Part I. (1896.) Lizrorp (Lord). Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands. Part XXXIII. (November 1896.) Mewzpier (M. A.). Dr. N. A. Severtzow. Ornithologie du Turkestan. Livr. 4. (1894.) Meyer (A. B.). Abbildungen von Vogel-Skeletten. Lief. XIX.-XXI. (1895.) Navmann’s Naturgeschichte der Vogel Deutschlands. Lief. 3. (1896.) Neururne (H.). North-American Birds. Part XV. (1896.) Rorascnitp (Hon. Watrer). The Avifauna of Laysan. Part Il. (November 1893.) Russ (K.).Fremdlindische Stubenvégel. Band II. Lief. 14. (1896.) Suarre (R. B.). Monograph of the Paradiseide, or Birds of Paradise. Part V. (1896.) Witson (Scorr B.) and Evans (A. H.). Aves Hawaiienses, The Birds of the Sandwich Islands. Part VI. (July 1896.) ———————— EO anT~~S—srns—”—~ 3. CETTIA RUSSULA, N. sp. This bird, of which I have been favoured with three examples to examine, belongs to that section of the genus Cettia in which the crown of the head is uniform in tint with the rest of the upper parts. In many respects it is like C. pallidipes, Blanf., of Assam, but differs from it in having no trace of olivaceous in the colour of the upper parts. No white post-orbital eyebrow. Moreover, the ear- coverts are of exactly the same shade as the rest of the head, whereas in C. pallidipes they are deep umber-brown, and match the equally dark lores in front of the eye. Description.—General colour of upper parts dull russet- brown; lores and ear-coverts of precisely the same shade; eye-stripe buffish white, indistinct, and not extending behind the eye; wings and tail rather darker brown, edged with the same shade as the back; underparts brown-buff, becoming white on the throat, centre of breast and of belly; axillaries pale buff, under tail-coverts darker buff. Bastard primary half the length of the second, which is about equal to the 10th; 8rd, 4th, and 5th the longest (the 4th having the advantage by a mere shade) ; from the 5th the others decrease evenly to the secondaries : tail, 0°2 to 0°3 in., considerably longer than the wing; central feathers fully 0-6 in. longer than the external pair: bill brown, lower mandible paler; legs and feet very pale brown, possibly yellowish when fresh. Length of wing 1°9 to 2 inches, tail 2°1 to 2°4, culmen 0°4, tarsus 0°75. There are two birds in the British Museum Collection (placed among C. pallidipes) which Colonel Godwin- Austen’s collector obtained at Miri, on the Assam frontier. They may possibly be of this species, which they resemble rather than C. pallidipes, but their poor condition makes it difficult to pronounce definitely. The three specimens of Cettia russula that I have examined were shot at Kuatun on 18th May, 27th May, and 6th June, 1896, respectively. 172 Rev. H. H. Slater on a Collection 4, SuTHors DAVIDIANA, n. sp. (PI. IV. fig. 1.) The gem of the collection. The smaller Suthoras are divided into two groups by the Key in the B. M. Cat., vii. p. 486. The S. humii group have black throats and parti- coloured plumage, the head and back being of much the same tint. The S. conspicillata group have plain throats and are modest-coloured; the head different in colour from the back. The present species falls into neither section ; it resembles the S. humii party in possessing a black throat, and the S. conspicillata group in having a red head and plain dusky back and wings. I regret to point out that this discovery spoils the Key. Description.—Head rich chestnut, extending over the nape and sides of the head; back grey, with a faint brown tint on the tips of the feathers ; wings, including the coverts, earthy brown, the primaries with sandy outer margins; upper tail- coverts sandy; tail dusky brown, with broad dull rufous external margins to the remiges; throat black, with minute white tips to the feathers where they meet the grey-white chest; rest of underparts sandy grey, more ruddy on the flanks, thighs, and under tail-coverts. Length 3-9 inches, culmen 0°3, wing 2 to 2°05, tail 1°6, tarsus ‘66. It will be seen that this species is proportionately shorter in the tail than any other of the family. It is quite dis- tinct from S. humii, S. poliotis, and S. nipalensis, in having no black, white, or grey on the sides or top of the head. S. verreauxi (S. gularis of Verreaux) I have not seen, but, judging from Verreaux’s figure (Nouv. Arch. viil. pl. vi., 1872), the latter has a white eyebrow, the crown of the same colour as the back, and bright chestnut wings, which will not do for the present bird at all. The description of S. alphonsiana, Verr., gives no black throat, and the sides of the head rosy grey, as in S. bulomachus. 5. SurHoRA BULOMACHUS, Swinh. One specimen. I am led to make a further remark on the genus Suthora. Messrs. Seebohm and Styan reviewed this genus, so far as it related to Chinese species, in ‘The Ibis,’ 1894, ers 16S 1b a J.G.Keulemans del. et hth Mintern Bros. imp. 1.SUTHORA DAVIDIANA. 2.CRYPTOLOPHA EG KS IT A) PR eh De Er ee ata i y « aed < me of Birds from N.W. Fohkien. 173 p- 338, and came to the conclusion that S. suffusa must be considered a synonym of S. bulomachus. When lately examining the large series at the British Museum, I was surprised that they had not gone a step further, and joined S. bulomachus to S. webbiana. The distinctions have always seemed to me to be singularly unsatisfactory, and are briefly the following :—S. webbiana, is supposed to be ashy brown on the back, while S. bulomachus is pale olivaceous brown and has a shorter tail—S. webbiana being the Northern, as S. bulomachus is the South China form. Every supposed characteristic of the northern form can be found in southern birds, and vice versdé: the length of tail is by no means constant in either; the supposed differences in massiveness of bill are infinitesimal, and seem to me to be marks of age ; and, to crown all, while S. suffusa is described in the B. M. Catalogue as “very similar to webbiana,”’ Messrs. Seebohm and Styan make it synonymous with S. dulomachus! Mr. Ogilvie Grant agrees with me in the view that S. webbiana ought to be the sole surviving name for a species which ranges from Mongolia to Formosa, of which S. bulomachus, Swinh., S. suffusa, Swinh., S. longicauda, Campb., and no doubt S. fulvicauda, Campb., also, are merely synonyms. > 6. YuuIna nNicRimentuM, Hodgs. Hitherto only recorded from China, I believe, by MM. David and Oustalet, the former of whom found it very rare in the mountainous parts of the extreme S.W. It is one of the birds, however, which I have long been expecting to hear of from other parts of China; I have now a male from Kuatun (17.5.96) from Messrs. La Touche and Rickett. I think it unadvisable to separate this from the Himalayan species, although both above and below it is decidedly greyer, differing exactly as Parus ater, across the Channel, does from the English Coal-Tit. Instead of being olive-brown above, it is decidedly ashy, except on the wings and tail; and there is much less fulvous on the underparts—only a tint of it, indeed. 174 Rey. H. H. Slater on a Collection 7. ANORTHURA, sp. incert. This bird, which no doubt would have been of the highest interest, reached me without a head. As far as can be judged from the remains, the bird is intermediate between A. fumigata of Japan and A. formosa of India. 8. Pnorpyea PusILta, Hodgs. One old bird (Kuatun, 20.5.96) and a dusky young one. A new record for China. 9. CryPTOLOPHA CaSTANEICEPS, Hodgs. It is somewhat singular that this Nipalese bird should be found in N.W. Fohkien; but not only have Messrs. La Touche and Rickett sent me for identification two females from Kuatun, but they inform me that one of them was shot off four eggs. The only difference that I can detect between these and Nipalese examples is the absence of any white in the “centre of the body,” which is in both the Fohkien females of a uniform canary-yellow; the culmen measures a trifle less in the latter (0°32, to 0°4 in Indians) ; they are otherwise normal. +10. CryproLopHa RICKETTI, n. sp. (PI. IV. fig. 2.) This interesting bird, of which | have received a male and female (shot at Kuatun on the 20th and 30th of May, 1896), is most closely allied to C. burkii, Burton, of India, and C. trivirgata (Temm.) of Java, and, with these two species, differs definitely from all the rest of the species of Cryptolopha in having the underparts of a uniform yellow from bill to tail. It differs from both, however, in that its underparts are of the clearest canary-yellow; beside it both the others look green. It has no trace of the yellow rump of C. burkii, the upper parts from nape to tail bemg of a uniform grey- green. In C. burkti the whole of the inner web of the tail- feathers is white; in C. trivirgata there is a white margin to the inner web, not reaching the end of the feathers; in C. ricketti there is a narrow yellow line on the edge of the imner web from base to apex. The differences are difficult to define in words, but the three species look quite different to the eye, and C. ricketti is noticeably shorter-billed. of Birds from N.W. Fohkien. 175 Head with a yellowish-green line from beak to nape down the centre of the crown; on either side of it a broad black line, bordered by a bright yellow eyebrow ; through the eye another black stripe; rest of upper parts grey-green, the feathers of the darker wings and tail margined externally with the same grey-green ; throat and underparts, including the under wing-coverts and axillaries, bright canary-yellow ; outer tail-feathers with a narrow yellow inner margin, reach- ing to the tips of the feathers; upper mandible very dark brown, the lower whitish horn-colour; legs and feet, including claws, very pale yellow-brown. Length 4°2 inches, culmen 0°33, wing 2 to 2:1, tail 1-6, tarsus 0°64. I have named this species after Mr. C. B. Rickett, who is doing so much at present for Central Chinese ornithology. +11. SrpHia BRUNNEATA, 0. sp. This is the Chinese form of S. olivacea, Hume, with which (from the description in B. M. Cat. iv. p. 458) I at first believed it to be identical. But on comparison with the Museum series it seems quite divergent enough for separation. I have before me two examples, a male shot at Kuatun on May 26, 1896, and another, shot next day, of which the sex is not marked. Instead of dull olivaceous above, as in S. olivacea, the colour of the upper parts is a dusky russet-brown, without the least tinge of green; the sides of the head are of the same uniform russet—not ashy grey, as in S. olivacea; and the underparts, excepting the centre of the throat and belly, which are white, are of a lighter shade of the dusky russet found on the back. Moreover the Chinese birds have a whitish base to the under mandible, which none of the Indian specimens in the British Museum have. Measurements :— Culmen. Wing. Tail. Tarsus. in. in. in in. S. brunneata B...... 0:5 3:2 2°3 0°65 3 Sra os 0:53 3°25 26 0'7 S. olivacea 3 (India) 2°9 _ 3d (do.) | 0:5 | 2°5 0:7 x 3 (do.) 2°85 176 On a Collection of Birds from N.W. Fohkien. From this it will appear that C. brunneata is of the same size generally as S. oliwvacea, but has a decidedly longer wing. I might add that the description of S. albo-olivacea, Hume, given in a footnote to the B. M. Cat. (iv. p. 457), does not fit the present bird at all. 12. GECINULUS VIRIDANUS, N. sp. Bears a general resemblance to G. grantia, McClell., of India. It will be enough, perhaps, to point out the differences between the two. G. viridanus is a dull green G. grantia ; the red on the back is less vivid and is much mixed up with green; the yellow on the throat, sides of face, and back of neck in G. grantia becomes in G. viridanus dull dingy green, the hinder crown alone being yellowish. ‘The rosy feathers of the fore-crown are much less vivid in G. viridanus. But the chief distinction les in the much more boldly marked wings and tail of the latter, which are black, distinctly barred with buff, and a wash of rich deep red on the top of all. The foregoimg rather suggests a description of the young bird of G. grantia, but the colouring is really very dissimilar, and in the example sent me by Messrs. La Touche and Rickett the rosy feathers of the head are confined to the forehead, showing the bird to be an adult male. Lastly, the Chinese bird has a longer wing by more than ‘3 inch (5°35 to 5:0 in G. grantia), thopgh in other respects much of the same size. It was killed at Kuatun in the winter of 1895-96, and Messrs. La Touche and Rickett’s collector obtained it, and the following, from a native. 13. Denprocorus InsuLARIS, Gould. An adult male, shot with the foregoing at Kuatun in winter. Hitherto recorded only from Formosa, but a number of the birds originally described from that locality are being now discovered on the adjacent mainland. Field-Notes on the Birds of Chili. La XVI.—Field-Notes on the Birds of Chili. By AmBrosr A. Lanse. With an Introduction and Remarks by P.U.Sciater*. [Continued from p. 51. | 51. Buso maGELLanicus (Gm.). Bubo magellanicus, Sharpe, B. M. C. ii. p. 29. (Vilugo, N.W. of Sacaya.) I was informed that this Owl occurs in the southern provinces, but I did not see any or get any authentic record of it during my residence there. It is found in the Andes in the northern provinces, and is known to the natives of all the places that I visited on the Bolivian frontier, who said it was an occasional visitor, but not unfrequent, and was called “Jucu,” probably on account of its cry. The Jucu is said to hunt small animals by night, resting during the day on some cliff. It is said to nest on cliffs and to lay about four eggs. The iris is of a gamboge-yellow. 52. Guaucipium NanumM (King). Glaucidium nanum, Sharpe, B. M. C. ii. p. 196. (Rio Bueno.) This is a widely-distributed species in Chili, occurring probably from Coquimbo down to the most southerly pro- vinces on the mainland, and also on Chiloe. It is generally known as the “ Chunchu,” and appears everywhere to be a resident species. ; The sexes are similar in appearance. The feet are ochre- yellow, claws black ; the iris canary-yellow. These Owls generally remain during the daytime in dense coppices and become very active after dark. They are more plentiful in the south, where it appeared to me they assumed a moreruddy tint in colour than those further north. They are more numerous about cultivated districts than in the forests ; they feed on small birds and insects. At Rio Bueno this Owl nested in December and January. I think the brood consists of about four. It is occasionally * (The localities given after the names of the species in brackets are those of Mr. Lane’s specimens, which are now in the British Museum.— P.L.S.] 178 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes found abroad in the daytime, and the light does not seem to affect it so much as it does the larger Owls. The note is to be heard at all hours; it is a “ to-whit- to-whi” rather softly uttered, and expressed by the Germans as “wie geht’s, wie geht’s.” Thad a pair of them alive for some time; they were brought me when young but full-grown. They never got tame, and on being approached threw themselves into the furthest corner of the cage, puffing and snapping their bills, whilst their big eyes were glaring and distended to the fullest. Ifthe hand was put forward they rolled on their backs and made fight with beaks and claws. Idid not know at the time that they killed small birds, so when I got them at first I put them along with some other birds, but I soon found them out. The first thing I discovered was that a little Thinocorus rumicivorus, which I had kept under difficulties for a long time, had had its head eaten off in the night by these Chunchus ; they also made onslaught on some young Thrushes. I then kept them about a month alone in a box and fed them on bits of meat, but one died; and as I thought the box was too severe confinement, I tied the other by the leg in a garden where I had some hawks. Here, although the little Chunchu proved able to defend itself from dogs, cats, and rats, it was accidentally crushed to death. However, it had never got much tamer, and was always ducking its large head from side to side and peering about, as if seeking a way of escape. 53. Sprotyto cunicutaria (Mol.). Speotyto cunicularia, Sharpe, B. M.C. ui. p. 142; Sel. P2ZIs. 1891p: 135. (Hacienda Mansel.) This is a widely distributed species ; it occurs throughout Northern Chili wherever the locality is suitable, and is plentiful through the central provinces as far south as Arauco, below which I did not hear of it. In the province of Tarapacd it occurs in oases and in the desert immediately surrounding them. In such localities it is known as the “ Cau-cauhuc”; in Chili proper it is called the ““Pigquen.” on the Birds of Chili. 179 These Owls are generally found outside their burrow in daytime, and when anyone approaches they invariably attract attention by their discordant screeching. They will be observed sitting on a rock or stump, and if approached fly a short distance to a similar post and continue their harsh screeches. Their burrow is of considerable length, and usually excavated in the slope of a hill or on a sandy bank. I was told that they occurred up to 10,000 feet in the cordil- leras of Tarapacdé. In Arauco I only observed them on the open sandy stretches near Laraqueti, where they were un- doubtedly resident. The iris is of bright gamboge-yellow. 54. Bureo rrytHRonotus (King). Buteo erythronotus, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 172; Sel. Pow. S. 1891, p. 135. (Cancosa and S.W. of Sacaya.) I only met with specimens of this species in the cordilleras of Tarapacd, but I believe it has a considerable range and occurs in the highest altitudes. At Sacaya it was known as the “ Aguila,’ or Eagle. The dark specimen that I got (No. 258) was regarded by the natives as a distinct species; they called it the“ Halcon.” The lighter specimen was smaller, but appeared the same, except in colouring. The legs and feet of both these birds were of a buff-yellow, the claws black. These birds are essentially birds of prey, but are said to capture fishes at times in the small streams. I was told that they nest very early in the season on some cliff, and lay two white eggs. 55. ANTENOR unicincTus (Temm.). Erythrocnema unicincta, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 84. (No specimen in B. M. from Mr. Lane.) This species occurs on the low-lying stretches of swampy or sandy plain which occur in the vicinity of the coast of Central and Southern Chili, as well as in similar localities inland, and also on open stretches of country. It is generally known as the “ Penco.” It occurs in places about Valdivia, and probably on Chiloe, and I heard that its 180 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes range extended for some distance further south. It frequently alights on the ground, though where trees occur by its haunts it will sit for a long time on some solitary branch or on the topmost bough. 56. ACCIPITER CHILENSIs, Ph. et Landb. Accipiter chilensis, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 155. (Maquegua.) I got the single female specimen of this Hawk sent home about ten miles north of the station of Maquegua, right in the forest, though it was near a small clearing. I think the men there called it a “ Penco,” but they did not appear to know much about it, saying that it was seldom seen. It measured 17 inches long. The legs and feet were of dark olive-yellow, the claws brownish, black at the tips. Bill dark, black at the tip. These birds are said to be destructive to fowls. +57. Fatco rusco-c#RuLEScENS (Vieill.). Falco fusco-cerulescens, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 400; Sel. P. Z. S. 1891, p. 135. (Vilugo, two days south of Sacaya.) I was told that these birds visit Sacaya frequently at certain times, and are known as the “ Man-man.” They occur at elevations up to 11,000 feet at any rate, and are said to be resident. 58. TiINNUNCULUS CINNAMOMINUS (Sw.). Cerchneis cinnamomina, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 439. (Arauco, Rio Bueno, and Llanquehui.) This is by far the most numerous of the family in Chil. It is plentiful from Valparaiso to Chiloe, and probably extends much further south, and also further north. The general local name is “ Cernicalo,” by which it appears to be known everywhere. These Kestrels are very plucky and killa great many small birds. I thought at first they only lived on beetles and other insects, but I found one with a freshly-killed bird in its talons. They frequently mob the Traro (Polyborus tharus) and other large birds. They prefer open plains or partially open dis- on the Birds of Chili. 181 tricts, and often perch on telegraph-posts and railings. They do not seem to touch birds of the Starling-sort, as Cureus aterrimus and Trupialis militaris. Ihave never observed them hover, like their English congener, but otherwise they bear much resemblance to the latter, and their note is as frequently uttered, being of the same sort, but in a higher key. I had several specimens alive during my stay in the south, and kept them easily by tying them to a stake with a cord. Adults would be hard to tame, but young birds become thoroughly so; they require to be tied where they can perch on a stake or pole, on the top of which they will sit all day. Those I had all escaped or were accidentally killed. The young have a softer quavering cry; this was constantly uttered by one that I kept whilst I was skinning specimens. When I approached with a piece of meat this bird would fly at it, seizing it adroitly in his claws and carrying it to his perch to eat. + 59. Exanus Leucurus (Vieill.). Elanus leucurus, Sharpe, B. M. C. 1. p. 339. (Laraqueti.) This handsome bird occurs, I am told, not unfrequently on moors and swamps near the coast of Central Chili. I found it at Laraqueti and Arauco, but am not sure how far south it extends, as I heard of a bird answering the descrip- tion occurring about Valdivia. A female procured at Laraqueti was in adult white plumage. The legs and feet were deep chrome, the claws black. Bill black; gape and nostrils orange-buff. Iris (large) poppy-red. This bird had three or four mice in its stomach, one of which was almost whole. 60. Mitvaco cuimanco (Vieill.). Ibycter chimango, Sharpe, B. M. C. 1. p. 41. This is a common species all through Central and Southern Chili, especially about arable land, where it takes the place of the genus Corvus in other countries, and feeds similarly. It is rather more numerous in Chiloe than in any other SER. VII.—VOL. III. oO 182 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane— Field- Notes locality which I visited, and is known everywhere as the **Tinque” or “ Trinque.” Its discordant cry is heard ever and anon when one rides about, and in the southern provinces in the winter- time, when the country looks most blank and dreary and the rain falls unceasingly, the cry of the Tinque will be heard as if complaining of the wretched situation, and is enough to make anyone feel dismal. These birds feed on a variety of substances, more especially insects and reptiles. I have seen a flock hovering round a man ploughing, just the same as the Rook does here. They are very partial to carrion and offal, and are always present on the sea-beach and by rivers and lakes, where they feed. on fish, shell-fish, &c. I found a nest of this species in the south about the Ist of November, containing three very young birds, covered with white down. It was placed in a low tree in a coppice, about 9 or 10 feet above the ground, and well concealed. It was a little over 1 foot in diameter, and roughly made, though compact in the centre. The outside was a mixture of twigs, sticks, and straw, which formed the bulk; in this was a layer of dry grass or fibre, made fairly compact, and a warm lining of wool completed the structure. I have seen a Tinque alight on the back of an ox, which by sundry hitches and twitchings made it fly off. Then it went on another of the herd, which likewise was evidently too much tickled by its strong talons, and got rid of it by a whisk of the tail; but the persevering bird finally succeeded in staying on one lying down, which appeared too fat and lazy to trouble about it, and remained a long time, running up and down and searching busily for insects on the hide. 61. MILvaGoO MEGALOPTERUS. Ibycter megalopterus, Sharpe, B. M.C.1. p. 36; Scl. P.Z.S. 1891, p. 135. (Sacaya and Cancosa.) I met with these birds in the cordilleras of Tarapacd, when I invariably observed them in pairs. They were not on the Birds of Chili. 183 uncommon and generally appeared on the wing, circling round not far above the surface of the ground, which they quartered carefully as they passed along, lingering about any spot where they hoped to discover some object in the way of food. They are called “Caracancho” by the Indians, and are found at all altitudes above 6000 feet. The nest consists of llama wool, twigs, &c., and is roughly made on the ledge of a cliff. 62. Potysorus THARUs (Mol.). Polyborus tharus, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 31. (Rio Bueno.) This bird occurs in limited numbers in the Central Provinces, increasing southwards and becoming plentiful about Valdivia and on the Laguna. It was known every- where as the “ Traro.” Like the Milvagoes they are harmless birds, and of no inconsiderable use in demolishing carrion. Their size and appearance would suggest a bird of great strength and ferocity, destructive to all their lesser fellows; but, on the contrary, they are quite inoffensive, so far as I could ascertain. The female is somewhat larger than the male, but I fancy attains the same amount of colour. They nest in the forests on high trees, and at other seasons are frequently seen in flocks of from six to a dozen. They feed on carrion, insects, and reptiles. They also seek for worms on the arable land. Their note is a harsh grunting or croaking noise, louder and more grating than that of the Raven, the place of which they appear to occupy in this portion of the globe. It is not often heard, except during the breeding-season. I have frequently seen them mobbed by the small Kestrel. On one occasion I shot one of the latter which I noticed attacking something in a tree, screaming and continually swooping at it. This proved to be a large Traro, which was concealed in the evergreen foliage. a2 184 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes ++ 63. CarHarres aura (Linn.). Cnops aura, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 25. (Corral.) This bird is numerous on the coast in North and Central Chili, and is distributed generally inland and throughout the greater part of the continent. I observed it in the south as far as I went, but from Valparaiso south it decreases, and C. atratus becomes more plentiful. In Tara- paca I observed it up to 5000 feet, but did not hear of its occurrence in higher regions. It is properly called the “ Joté,” but is constantly looked upon as the same species as C. atratus, and called “ Galli- nazo,” especially where both intermingle. When these birds caunot find carrion they seek for refuse on the sea-beach, disputing fish-remains with Gulls and other sea-birds. They appear to be entirely mute, but possess remarkable faculties of sight and smell. -+- 64. CaTHaRTES aTRATUS ( Bartr.). Catharistes atratus, Sharpe, B. M. C. i. p. 24. (Laraqueti.) This species is similar to the foregoing in all respects, and resembles it in appearance ; but is more numerous in south temperate Chili. It is called the “ Gallinazo,” from gallina=a hen, to which, when on the ground, they have some resemblance, at least to a distant observer. It nests in the forests of the southern provinces, where it is more arboreal in habits than on the coast. In Ancud (Chiloe) these birds may be seen sitting in rows on the house-tops all through the town. The further south I went the more numerous they became on the coast. Both species are very harmless and useful, especially C. aura in the northern districts, where their presence as scavengers is indispensable. In the south it is not so necessary, and they are always assisted by Polyborus tharus and Milvago chimango. 65. SARCORHAMPHUS GRyPHUs (Linn.). Sarcorhamphus gryphus, Sharpe, B. M. C. 1. p. 20. I saw Condors in Tarapaca, but never got close to them. on the Birds of Chili. 185 They are not plentiful, and are said to be gradually de- creasing. All the old residents stated that they once existed in enormous quantities, the reason of their decrease being said to be that the railways have reduced the number of beasts of burden, on the carcases of which they fed. They are extremely wary, and I was unable to get one in the cordilleras, although I made an Indian watch for them a long time by a dead donkey, which is supposed to be a special attraction. 66. PELECANUS MOLINA, Gray. (Coronel.) This Pelican occurs plentifully about the coast of Northern and Central Chili, and is generally called ‘‘ Alcatrés ” by the natives. I obtained a specimen of the adult male at Coronel during the winter season. I saw five of these birds flying across the harbour of Corral (Valdivia) in October 1890. However, I was told they only occur there sparingly in summer time. I believe they are frequently captured in a calm by fishermen, not being capable of rising in smooth water. ~ 67. Suta varrecata (Tsch.). This is a numerous species on the west coast of South America, especially about Northern Chili. I have only observed them out at sea, or flying parallel to the beach well out of gun-shot. They may be readily distinguished when feeding, which they do like their con- geners, dropping vertically into the water, sometimes from a height of from twenty to thirty feet. On 28th Dec., 1889, while on board the s.s. ‘ Puno’ going to Iquique, I saw large quantities of these birds outside Coquimbo. There was evidently a shoal of fish beneath, for they kept dropping into the water so fast and in such numbers that the effect was remarkable, and can only be described as resembling a shower of large hailstones. I did not notice them south of Arauco, but I believe they occur at Valdivia in summer time, and perhaps further south. I did not hear of a Chilian breeding-place, but was 186 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes told that these birds form most of the guano-deposits on the Peruvian coast. +68. PHaLacrocorax BRASILIANUS (Gm.). (Laraqueti.) These birds may be considered the most numerous amongst the sea-fowl of the Chilian coast, becoming more plentiful as one goes south. They penetrate up the rivers, so as to be often found almost at the base of the Andes and on comparatively small streams. They are generally called “ cuervo ” (crow), but in some inland localities are perhaps better known as “ pato negro ” (black duck). They vary considerably in size, the males being larger; a female which I measured was only 20 inches long, and the other measurements were smaller in proportion. The iris is a lustrous myrtle-green. These birds have a strong disagreeable odour. They are perhaps partially migratory, but I should not consider them gregarious, although at Corral I have seen about two hundred together in the harbour, which when disturbed flew away in a continuous line, like Petrels. When on the rivers they usually occur singly, flying up and allowing themselves to drift down stream whilst fishing. They feed by diving like Grebes, and often remain three or four minutes under water. They sit for long intervals on rocks or snags in mid-stream or even in low trees by the banks of the smaller rivers. By the sea-shore they sit on the rocks, often in groups of from three to thirty. Sometimes on being approached they utter their deep note, which is a bass grunt, and often (if seated) hold out the wings as if preparatory to flight. They usually swim with only the head and neck above water, but can also swim with the body above the surface ; if approached they fly off with apparent facility, and are always rather wary. I was told on good authority that about spring or summer time at Maquegua (province of Arauco) large flocks fly up the river about sunset, and roost in a part of the forest about ten miles inland, where the trees and on the Birds of Chili. 187 ground are covered with their excrements. The flight is steady, and sometimes they keep at a considerable height, though as a rule they fly low along the water. 69. PHALACROCORAX GAIMARDI (Garnot). (Corral.) I found this Cormorant plentiful off Corral (Valdivia but not nearly so numerous as P. brasilianus. They did not appear to come into the harbours or up the rivers, but kept outside a few miles off the land. I noticed that they swim with the body up, like Ducks. The local name is “ Lile,” or “ Pajaro Lile,” but this is also generally applied to all the other species of Cormorant that occur there except P. brasilianus. The legs, feet, and web of P. gaimardi are of a light coral- red, and the claws are black. The bill is a cadmium-yellow, greenish brown along the top, and at the base of the upper mandible (A) of a bright orange-vermilion, blending into the yellow (see woodcut). The base of the lower mandible (B) is similar in colour, but not so bright. These birds have the disagreeable odour of other Cormorants, but in a lesser degree. A handsome white-breasted Cormorant* occurs on the Valdivian coast during winter time, as well as some other species, but they all retire south in the summer time to breed. * [Probably P. imperialis. See ‘Challenger’ Reports, Birds, p. 120.— ey Ly S| 188 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes 70. ArpeEa cocot, Linn. This species is reported as a regular winter visitant to Valdivia, the Rio Bueno, Pilmaiguen, &c., and the Laguna Llanquehui. I believe the natives call it the “ Pillo,” which name is properly applied to the Maguari Stork. The Germans call it “ Silber-reiher” (=Silver Heron). + 71. Arpea ecretTta (Gm.). Ardea egretta, Sclater, P. Z. 8. 1891, p. 135. (Sacaya.) This species ranges all through Chili, occurring even at Sacaya. It is most numerous in the central provinces, and not so common in the south. The note is harsh, but not often heard. These birds are very wary. I have seen them on streams close to the sea- beach, but never actually on salt-water. Like 4. candi- dissima, they are often seen in flocks where plentiful. |. 72. ARDEA CANDIDISSIMA (Gm.). Ardea candidissima, Sclater, P. Z. 8. 1891, p. 135. (Sacaya. ) This Egret is numerous on rivers or swamps in Ceutral Chili, where it is known as the “ Garzetta”’; I did not see any in Arauco, though a few may come there in summer, and further south I did not hear of it. I got one at Sacaya, as well as a specimen of A. egretta. I was told that they had never come there previously ; at all events they appeared to be chance migrants. 73. Nycricorax opscurvs, Bp. Nycticorax obscurus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1891, p. 136. (Sacaya.) The Night-Heron is common all through Central and Southern Chili, the most general local name being “‘ Huara,” and in some places called “‘ Huarabo.” I have forwarded an egg, which I was informed belonged to this species ; I got it from a man who was a thorough naturalist and not hkely to make mistakes. The birds are usually met alone, and, as a rule, by a river or stream. They sit during the daytime in some thick bush or tree by on the Birds of Chili. 189 the water, and at dusk repair to some favourite feeding- ground. Their note, when on the wing, is the usual loud quawk peculiar to Night-Herons. The bird that I brought home for the Zoological Society’s Gardens* was obtained for me by a friend at Coronel, just before I was leaving, otherwise I fear I should hardly have managed to keep it alive, as out of the number of birds I had, off and on, very few survived, and of these only the Night-Heron and one Chimango lived through the journey. The former was a young bird; I do not know its sex. These birds also make a cackling noise, very loud and harsh, if disturbed; but this is not often to be heard from the wild birds, unless closely approached, which their watchful timidity seldom permits. 74, PH@NICOPTERUS ANDINUS, Phil. Phenicopterus andinus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1891, p. 136. Phenicoparrus andinus, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 21. (Cancosa.) These birds appear to be resident at Huasco and Cancosa, where they are known by Bolivians as “ Parina.” They always inhabit the salt lagunes, so far as I could ascer- tain. They are very wary, and from the openness of their resorts are most easily obtained with a rifle, a well-placed bullet sent into a flock sometimes bringing down three or four. When disturbed they take wing, uttering trumpet- like notes, and after making a wide circuit at a considerable height alight about two or three miles off. Their average length is about 40 inches; bill (point to rictus) 3°75; tail 9, apparently consisting of two middle rectrices and six lateral each side. The wing measures 17 inches, the expanse about 64; the tibia 10; the tarsus 8°5 ; middle toe, with short blunt nail or claw, 2°5; hind toe absent. The fore part of the bill is black, the base a straw- yellow, verging into flesh-colour on the top, the lower portion * [This bird was received by the Zoological Society and presented by Mr. James on May 21st, 1891. It was entered as N. violaceus, but I have no doubt this was an error. It was in immature plumage.—P. L. §.] 190 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field-Notes being wine-purple. Legs and feet pale yellow. The young birds, I was told, are white, or nearly so. 75, CHLOEPHAGA MELANOPTERA (Eyton). Bernicla melanoptera, James, New Cat. p. 9; Sclater, Peas. L891, p. 136. Chloephaga melanoptera, Salvad. B. M.C. xxvii. p. 129. (Cueva Nigra, Lake Huasco, and Sacaya.) I ouly met these birds in the cordilleras of Tarapacd, where they breed and appear to be resident. The Bolivians call them the “ Huaillata” (pronounced Wy-l-ya-ta). They are said to occur at certain times all through Chili, where they are known as the “ Piuquen.’? They perhaps reside in small numbers in certain localities, but are most likely, on the whole, a migratory species. I was told that when shot in lowland localities the flesh is strong, but I thought those I ate in the cordilleras exceed- ingly palatable; however, a keen appetite and uncertain supply gives great flavour to such dishes. I found a nest of this Goose at Cancosa on Jan. 29th, 1890. It was placed in a hole in a low sandy cliff, and I had to get the men with me to lower me from the top with a lasso, which I secured to my body. It was a rather tedicus opera- tion, as I had to remain hanging in a most unenviable position for about three-quarters of an hour, and the high wind blew the sand unceasingly into my eyes. I could see the old female Goose sitting on the nest, which she stubbornly refused to leave; but she was just beyond my reach where I hung. I then got a man to go below, and placed myself in com- munication with him by means of a cord. He provided me with the ramrod of a muzzle-loader, and with that, after a while, I got a slip-knot round the Goose, and going on one side, let the man haul her out from below, so that she was pulled fluttering to the ground. I now found that the eggs were in a slight hollow, so that, although I tied some bits of stick crosswise on the end of the ramrod, so as to make a most efficient rake, I had some difficulty in extracting them. on the Birds of Chili. 191 The bottom of the hollow forming the nest was profusely filled with feathers. This structure I could not remove entire, so I had to rake it out by handfuls and let the man below get as much as he could in his “ poncho” before the wind took it off. I got all the eggs out one by one and lowered each in a handkerchief to the Indian, and when I had scraped all the feathers out as well, I was glad enough to come down and get my breath. These nests are sometimes, I was told, placed some miles from water and at a considerable height from the ground, so it would be interesting to know how the young birds a few days old get to the ponds on which they are subsequently found. The nesting-season seems to extend through January and February. As soon as the young can be got to a pond or laguna, they are watched most vigilantly by the two old birds, and when an intruder ap- proaches the male goes off, sometimes pretending to be wounded, overland, whilst the female takes to the water, closely followed by her progeny. They feed chiefly on grasses or vegetable matter in the marshes. ‘Their note when ap- proached is a deep harsh cackling; they are not noisy, like the Common Goose, though they utter sounds when in company. An Indian told me that they Jay, as a rule, about 12 eggs; but I did not see more than five young in a clutch, and the clutch I took appeared to be complete though fresh. 76. Cya@nus NicRICOLLIS (Gm.). Cygnus melanocoryphus, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 39. (Rio Pilmaiguen.) This Swan occurs all through Central and Southern Chili, and is generally known as the “Cisne.” I was told they breed in Patagonia or the far south. They are more or less migratory. I heard of a White Swan occurring near Rio Bueno now and then. This was most likely the Coscoroba (Coscoroba candida) ; but I did not meet with it whilst there, and con- clude that it is an irregular visitant in limited numbers. 192 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane— Field- Notes 77. HevrERONETTA MELANOCEPHALA (Vieill.). Heteronetta atricapilla, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 325. (Rio Pilmaiguen.) I got one example only of this Duck on the Rio Pilmaiguen, Feb. 19th, 1890. I had not observed any like it before, so it may be one of the numerous visitors which I was told come to this locality in the cold season. 78. ANAS SPECULARIS. Anas specularis, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 215. (Rio Pilmaiguen.) I first came on these birds at Rio Bueno, and do not know how far they extend elsewhere, but they appear to be well known. The correct Spanish name of this Duck is “ Pato anti- ojillo” (=Spectacle-Duck), but the natives about Rio Bueno called it “ Pato real,” probably knowing nothing of spectacles, and therefore not seeing the appropriate application of the term to the peculiar face-markings of this species. A fine adult male measured 2 feet long; bill 2°25 inches to rictus, 1‘°9 to base of culmen. The legs and feet were orange, the claws black at the tips; the web between the toes blackish. Ivis black. Bill slate, almost plumbeous. I always found this Duck near the banks of the rivers where shaded by the forest, and never on fields or open marshes. It may be found on streams in the dense forest where no other species occur. 79. ANAS CRISTATA. Anas cristata, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 216. (Sacaya, Sitani, and Lake Huasco.) I found this species only in the Andes of Tarapacd, where it was common enough, and was perhaps partially resident. It nested at Huasco and Sacaya from January to March, in sedge or rushes, preferring little islands in the midst of ponds. As well as I could ascertain, the clutch is usually five or six. The iris Chinese-orange. The flesh of this Duck is very good eating. on the Birds of Chili. 193 —80. QuERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA. Querquedula cyanoptera, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 303; P. Z. 8. 1891, p. 136. (Sacaya and Sitani.) This handsome species was not so numerous in the Andean portion of Tarapacé as the other Ducks which I obtained there, and was also more local. I found it subsequently in the southern provinces, and was told that at certain seasons it is numerous in Chiloe. On the whole, it would appear to be a migratory species. It is generally known as the “ Pato colorado ” (or Coloured Duck). It nested at Sacaya about January in sedge or rushes. |. 81. QuERQUEDULA VERSICOLOR. é Querquedula versicolor, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 291. (Rio Bueno.) I got one specimen only of this handsome little Duck on the 4th January, 1890, close to the junction of the R. Pil- maiguen with the R. Bueno. It appeared to be an adult male. 82. QuERQUEDULA OxyPTERA (Meyen). Nettion oxypterum, Salvad. B. M.C. xxvii. p. 262; Scl. PZ. S: 1891, p. 136. (Sacaya.) At first I confused this species with the Chilian Pintail, which it resembles most closely, except for its mottled head and smaller size; moreover the first specimens I got were full-grown flappers, which gave me the idea that they were the young of the common species, and it was not until I shot a full-winged specimen that I found out the truth, and this was also admitted by an Indian, who called it ‘ Paspa chica.’ ‘They were not so common as the Pintail, and I did not meet with it in the south. 83. QuERQUEDULA PUNA (Tsch.). Querquedula puna, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 293; Sel. P49. 1891, p. 136. (Sacaya.) I found this species only about Sacaya and Cancosa, 194 Mr. Ambrose A. Lane—Field- Notes where it bred during January and February in the marshes. The length of an adult male is 18°5 inches, bill 2 to rictus, tail4. The iris is black; the legs and feet bright slate- grey ; the claws black. The female is perhaps slightly smaller. The bill is mostly glaucous blue, with a line of black down the top of the culmen, the tip also being black. The local name of this Duck is “‘ Cherito.” 84. Dariza sprnicaupa (Vieill.). Dafila spinicauda, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 279; Sel. P. Z. S. 1891, p. 136. (Rio Pilmaiguen, Corral, and Rio Bueno.) This is the commonest representative of the Anatide in Chili, and probably occurs in every province. In the south it is called “‘ Pato comun,” or “jergon” (the common or ugly duck) ; and in the highlands of Tarapaca the Bolivians call it “ Paspa.” It occurred here up to 12,000 feet. The male is larger than the female, an adult measuring 22 inches long, tail 5°5, wing 10. The feet are of a dark greyish drab. The end of the bill is black, and this colour continues in a well-defined line along the upper surface to the base of the culmen; the sides are a bright maize- yellow. These Ducks are mostly migratory, but appeared as if resident to a certain extent at Sacaya, where they breed from October to February. The nest is placed amongst sedge or bushes and contains from four to six eggs. 85. MARECA SIBILATRIX. Mareca sibilatriz, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvu. p. 236. (Rio Pilmaiguen.) This species I did not hear of north of Valdivia. It is plentiful about the Chiloe Archipelago and adjacent main- land ; it is known as the “ Pato real,’ which name is also applied to Anas specularis. I did not meet any about Rio Bueno until about February, and then observed them in flocks by the Rio Pilmaiguen as if they had come from some breeding-haunt. Their note is a Wigeon-like whistle. on the Birds of Chili. 195 86. SpaTuLa PLATALEA (Vieill.). Spatula platalea, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 316. (Rio Pilmaiguen and Rio Bueno.) This species is numerous in the southern provinces, and generally known as the “ Pato cuchara” (=Spoon-Duck). I found them by the Rio Pilmaiguen from December to March, where they probably breed. I do not know how far north they extend. The legs and toes are ochraceous buff colour, the web between the toes being a clay-colour. Claws black. The bill in most fully developed specimens is a rich black; in some (perhaps younger) birds it has a mottled appearance. The iris is dark brown. The female is not quite so large as the male. 87. TAcHYERES CINEREUS (Gm.). Tachyeres cinereus, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvu. p. 378. (Corral.) I found some of these Ducks in the bay of Corral about October and November, but I believe they are more plentiful in the cold season. The local name is “ Quetar ” or ‘‘ Quaitar.” 88. ERIsMATURA FERRUGINEA, Eyt. Erismatura ferruginea, Salvad. B. M. C. xxvii. p. 449. (Rio Pilmaiguen.) I met with these birds on ponds or backwaters by the Rio Pilmaiguen, where they appeared, as well as I could make out, about the beginning of February. They seem to be incapable of flight, relying entirely on their power of diving, which equals that of the Grebes. The female is perhaps slightly smaller than the male. [To be continued. } 196 Mr. A. J. Cholmley on the Birds of XVII.—WNotes on the Birds of the Western Coast of the Red Sea. By Aurrep J. CHotmtey, F.Z.S. In the autumn of 1895 I was invited by Mr. Theodore Bent to join him in an expedition to the west coast of the Red Sea, his intention being in the first place to explore the ruins of the ancient town of Berenice, and, if possible, to go inland from there; but if this could not be done, to coast down the Red Sea and land as circumstances permitted. We left England on the 1st of December, 1895, and, after a stay of a few days in Cairo, we went to Suez to hire a boat of some kind, but found it rather difficult to decide among those that were offered to us. We at last chose a dhow of about 80 tons, named ‘Tyceer, which we got for £30 per month, with an Arab captain and a crew of 17 Arabs. She was a quaint-looking vessel, with low bows and very high stern, decked over for about 15 feet in the bows, and the same in the stern, where two cabins were constructed of rough boards under the stern-deck, for our accommodation. The boat was infested with many splendid specimens of the cockroach, and other insects even more unpleasant. Our reis and crew, however, all proved most excellent fellows, and, as a rule, seemed most anxious to please. Our party consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bent, Lieut. Smyth of the Queen’s Bays, and myself ; Mouthes Simos, a Greek, as cook; Annibale Piacentini, a Maltese ; De Sosten, a Spaniard, as interpreter and guide; and two servants. We left Suez the day after Christmas Day, and sailed all the first night down the Gulf of Suez, but afterwards, when we got among the coral-reefs of the Red Sea, we always anchored at night, sometimes behind a coral-reef, and some- times in one of the small land-locked harbours abounding on the west coast. The first time we anchored was behind a reef called Sheikh Ganem, just at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez; and there, on a small patch of coral, were an Osprey, a large Grey-backed Gull, a Skua Gull, and three sorts of Sandpipers. A Dunlin was shot, but the others flew the Western Coast of the Red Sea. 197 away before they could be identified. There were also numbers of red and blue crabs, with bright red legs, running 32° 38° Ist. Ss ag?Cataractfe sineae 3 Korosko N Nv. ABAHDEH Well of Murat Sinkato 4 J.Erkowit3 2? Se 26° 4218 3 — Vatker & Boutallse. Mr. CHOLMLEY’S ROUTE ON THE WESTERN COAST OF THE RED SHA. about. On another small sandbank there were tracks which were probably those of a wild cat, and an old nest of some large bird was on a pile of stones only a few feet above the sea. SER. Vil.—VOL. III. E 198 My. A. J. Cholmley on the Birds of After four days’ sailing we reached Koseir, a very dilapi- dated-looking place, much decayed since the opening of the Suez Canal, as there were many houses, used formerly as consulates and merchants’ dwellings, all more or less in a ruinous state. The trade of the place must have been very large, as it is said that 8000 camels used to arrive every day, and it was a point from which pilgrims sailed for Mecca. On our way to Berenice we anchored one night in a small bay, where one of our party shot two Ospreys, which fell into the water, and were promptly taken down by some large fishes, probably sharks, which abound in these seas. Another night we stopped just inside Ras Benas, on the point of which dwells a holy man in a wretched hut, surrounded by desert, with no sign of life or vegetation. Our crew took him, what no doubt he considered, a very handsome present of tallow candles. This night a Booby (Sula fiber) came on board to roost, and was captured. The Bay of Berenice, most properly called “ Foul Bay” on the charts, is full of coral-reefs, and is a most dangerous place to navigate, many of the reefs being only just below the surface of the water. ‘Two or three of the crew usually stood in the bows when navigation became difficult, and sometimes the captain climbed to the mast-head, whence he directed our course. We arrived at Berenice on the 8rd of January. As we came into the bay, two dhows which were anchored there promptly departed; and we could see a few Arabs driving off their camels and sheep, seemingly in a great fright. The slave-trade is still carried on along this coast, the numerous land-locked bays making it singularly adapted for the purpose, while a run of a few hours across the Red Sea to the eastern side places the traders and their goods in safety. The country all round Berenice is nothing but sandy and stony desert, extending for about ten miles to a range of high rocky mountains with a singularly jagged outline. The desert has a few bushes of tamarisk and mesembryanthemum scattered sparsely about. ‘There were small troops of White Egrets and Spoonbills wading in the shallow water on the edge Ng eee es oe ——_ Le the Western Coast of the Red Sea. 199 of the bay, with large flocks of Curlews. There were also flocks of Dotterel and a large Ringed Plover and several kinds of Sandpipers to be seen, but all so excessively shy that it was quite impossible to get a shot at them. I was muci struck by the wildness of nearly all the birds during our expedition, although it was impossible they could ever have been disturbed. The only places where they were at all tame was at Halaib and Mahomed Gol, where the Egrets would only just move a few yards out of the way, and various kinds of Sandpipers ran about almost among the Arab huts. It was very amusing to watch the Egrets, only a few yards off, dash into a shoal of little fishes, scattering them in every direction. Bird-life was somewhat scarce in the desert round Berenice ; there were two kinds of Wheatears (Sazicola deserti and S. monacha), afew Desert-Larks, and a small flock or two of the Cream-coloured Courser. There were a few gazelles about, and some small hares with immensely long ears. Before we had been many hours here, some white Egyptian Vultures appeared, and two pairs of the Brown-necked Raven: The so-called Temple of Berenice is really a tomb with several chambers, built of a very white crumbling stone; there are hieroglyphics on some of the walls, of which I got some good photographs. After leaving Berenice, we sailed down inside tie coral- reefs and anchored the first night behind Siyal Island—a low sandy island two or three miles long, 100 yards or so in width, only about 3 feet above the sea, and covered with two kinds of mesembryanthemum. A holy man lived here once, and his grave is at one end of the island. Many of these islands seem to be inhabited by hermits, dependeut for everything on the pearl-fishers and Arabs, who supply them with food and water. There were three pairs of Ospreys here and two kinds of Sandpipers, of which I got one (Calidris arenaria). We caught some large, brilliantly-coloured fish while at anchor, and a queer-looking shark about 6 feet long. On January 14th we got to Halaib, which consists of a row of thatched huts and an octagon fort, whitewashed at one end. From here we first went to Sawakin Khadim, about P2 200 Mr. A. J. Cholmley on the Birds of 15 miles north of Halaib, where there is the site of an ancient town. We stayed here a few days exploring the site, but found nothing of value or of much interest except quantities of broken glass bracelets, of which there were so many that in the course of two hours I picked up pieces of 260 different patterns. While here we got a few Sand-Grouse, two young Shrikes (Lanius fallax), several specimens of the Stone- Curlew, and an Egyptian Goatsucker. One day while near the sea I saw two black Ducks, which I am sure were Velvet Scoters—the large yellow beak and black plumage showed distinctly, but they were too far off for a shot. There was no fresh water here, but the remains of three tanks, one of which was nearly perfect. We were much troubled here by a sandstorm, which lasted two days. The wind blew a gale from the south-west, and the sand drifted through every hole in the tents, and it was quite impossible to do any collecting. The day after our return to Halaib, we hired camels and journeyed up to Shelal, about 20 miles inland, where we camped at the foot of the mountain of that name. It is about 4100 feet high, very rugged and bare, except in the gorges, which were full of creepers and vegetation of all sorts, while the talus at the foot was covered with mimosa-trees growing among loose stones, all rounded and water-worn, which made walking excessively hard. There were Turtle- Doves here (Turtur roseogriseus) and numbers of Grey Shrikes, one of which used to perch on a mimosa just over the tent and sing. The first night we were here two leopards paid us a visit, attracted, no doubt, by a freshly-killed sheep. They were the only beasts of prey we came across during the whole of our expedition from Suez to Sawakin. The Abyssinian Sun-bird (Cinnyris habessinica) was found here. This was the only Sun-bird met with on the western coast of the Red Sea, and it was common everywhere. There was agood run of water here in one of the gorges about a mile away from our camp; we were informed that it lasted only four months in the year, though there must be some water during the dry season, or the birds could not exist. the Western Coast of the Red Sea. 201 On leaving Halaib we found a strong wind and big sea running from the north, and our dhow rolled very heavily. After a good run of about 60 miles, we put into a small land- locked harbour called Khor Shinab, the entrance to which could not have been more than about 80 yards wide, between coral-reefs, on which the sea was breaking heavily. The country round Khor Shinab is an absolute desert, being covered with sea-shells and pieces of coral up to the foot of the hills. We arrived at Mahomed Goi on February 6th, and, after staying a day or two to arrange matters with the sheikhs, started with 14 camels on our journey to the Erba Mountains. After leaving Mahomed Gol, our way lay for some days through valleys like the dry beds of rivers, between low, barren, and rocky hills. Some of these valleys had curious lines of igneous rock running down and across them. In one of the valleys we came across some small herds of wild asses. These, the Arabs say, are escaped animals that have bred in the hills, which is probably true, as they seem larger than the true wild ass. At Haddai we camped at the mouth of a deep gorge with steep cliffs on both sides. At the other end of this there was a pool of water with a small stream running into it, where we got two kinds of Turtle-Doves (Turtur roseogriseus and 7. senegalensis) and some blue Rock-Pigeons. Here a small brown Finch with darker stripes on the head was common, and Sylvia blanfordi was frequently seen. There were also flocks of the small Bengalee and some of the Abyssinian Sun-birds. The reddish-brown Sand-Partridge, which Mr. Ogilvie Grant has named Ammoperdix cholmleyi, was only seen singly or in pairs, but its shrill call was often heard among the rocks. Inthe evening, just as it got dark, scores of the Sand-Grouse came down to drink ; these were all of the same kind, with black bars on the head. The next few days of our journey took us through a most desolate country, consisting of valleys full of sand with a few bunches of dead grass and bushes, and spurs of low hills covered with loose shale and slate. In one of the valleys were the traces of an ancient gold-mine, with hundreds of well- 202 Mr. A. J. Cholmley on the Birds of worn crushing-stones scattered about, and the remains of stone-built houses and furnaces. There were hardly any birds in this region—a few black-and-white Wheatears, and a small bird, black with a white tail, which was very wild, and which I failed to get. I think, from its habit, it was a Saxicola. As we got near to Mount Erba the country improved much; there were large bushes of arrack, ten feet high and several yards across, with bright green fleshy leaves, with a very foxy smell, and trees of different kinds, in the valleys. This country was about 3000 feet above the sea, and the nights were very cold. Wadi Kour was very fine; Mount Erba, 8000 feet high, was right in front, looking pale pinkish- purple in the sunlight. We passed through narrow valleys with high rocky cliffs on each side, in some places covered with huge stones, where we had to dismount and lead the camels. Our destination was a place called Sellalat, where we had been promised by Sheikh Ali Hamet that we should find an oasis with large trees, green grass, and running water. When we arrived there we found no trees, no grass, and no running water—nothing but a waste of drifting sand and a well of dirty water. It was a great disappomtment. We were taken to see some “ antiquas,” about eight miles from Sellalat, which consisted of some large rocks covered with very ancient drawings of camels, elephants, and gazelles, mixed up with religious symbols. After leaving this we passed round the end of the Erba range and got into Wadi Ambaya and Wadi Kukut on the east side of the mountain. In Kukut there was a pair of the Abyssinian Raven, looking very quaint with their broad wings and short tails; they were not nearly so tame as the Brown-necked Raven that we had met with before. We stayed only three days in these two wadis. It was very hot there, the valleys being narrow with high rocks at the sides, which got so hot that they could scarcely be touched with the bare hand. ‘There was a good deal of both bird and insect life, the water-supply lasting the whole year, and much might have been done here with more time. the Western Coast of the Red Sea. 203 This was practically the end of our expedition. On the whole we had very little time for collecting, as on the journey through the Erba Mountains, which occupied 23 days, we were 16 days travelling on camels. During this part of the journey we had two expresses sent after us by the Governor of Suakin, ordering us to return at once, as there were rumours of Dervish raids. We therefore returned to Mahomed Gol and sailed direct to Suakin, nearly getting wrecked again on the way. We never saw any Hawks during the expedition, and only one or two Eagles in the distance. The temperature on the Red Sea was very pleasant, generally from 70° to 80° in the shade; there was usually a fresh breeze, and it was always cool at night. In the Erba Moun- tains the thermometer one night fell to 41°; this was about 3000 feet above the sea-level. From Suakin we returned to Suez in the Khedivial steamer ‘Rahamanieb,’ a wretchedly slow old tub. While steaming up the Gulf of Suez we passed an immense flock of white Storks, which were crossing the Gulf ina northerly direction, and were just settling for the night on the coast near Tor. There must have been many thousands of them, as they looked like a swarm of bees. The following is a systematic list of the birds obtained during the expedition. The specimens have been kindly named for me by Mr. Ogilvie Grant. 1. PANDION HALIAETUS. This Osprey was a very common bird all down the Red Sea. 2. SyiviA BLANFORDI, Seebohm. Sylvia melanocephala, Blanford (nec Gmel.), Geol. & Zool. Abyss. p. 379 (1870). Sylvia blanfordi, Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 29, pl. 1. (1881). Blanford’s Warbler, undoubtedly the most interesting bird met with, has up to the present time been known only from the type specimen—an adult male, collected at Rairo, Abyssinia, in the month of August. This specimen was 204: Mr. A. J. Cholmley on the Birds of obtained by Mr. W. T. Blanford during the British Expedition to Abyssinia, 1867-68, but was then erroneously identified by him with the nearly allied Sardinian Warbler (S. melano- cephala). J found it not uncommon in some of the valleys of the Erba Mountains, but did not notice it further north than this range of hills. Besides the adult male brought back, I got another specimen, but, unfortunately, had not time to preserve it. It seems a quiet little bird, and may usually be seen perched on the topmost twig of some bush. 3. MyrmecocicHLa MELANURA (Temm.); Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 360 (1881). T shot an example of Temminck’s Chat-Robin. 4. SAXICOLA xANTHOPRYMNA, Hempr. & Ehr.; Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 381 (1881); EH. C. Taylor ins 1896, p. 478. When Seebohm wrote the fifth volume of the cata- logue of birds quoted above, he observed: “There is no example of this very rare Chat in the British Museum ”’ ; and his remark still holds good, though sixteen years have elapsed since it was made. Besides the three specimens mentioned by Seebohm, no additional examples had been recorded until February 1896, when Mr. E. C. Taylor obtained an adult bird close to the pyramids of Gizeh, as recorded above, and I found it not uncommon at Ras Rowaya in the Soudan. It was wild and difficult to get near, but I managed to secure a fine adult on the 3rd of February, 1896. The sex was not ascertained, but, judging by the black throat, the bird is probably a male. 5. Saxrcota pESERTI, Temm.; Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 383 (1881). The Desert-Chat was also met with, a male being obtained at Sawakin Khadim on the 19th January, 1896, and a female at the Erba Mountains in the followmg March. 6. Pycnonorus aRstNoE, Hempr. & Ehr.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vi. p. 148 (1881). I shot a specimen of this Bulbul at Wadi Kukut, in the Erba Mountains, in the month of March. the Western Coast of the Red Sea. 205 7. Cercotricuas PpopoBeE (P. L. 8. Miill.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 83 (1883). The African Ground-Robin was met with on Mount Shelal, on the 29th of January. This specimen, the only one I saw, was very shy. When it caught sight of me it darted down to the ground undera thick bush, and | had to wait some time before it showed itself again. It was very restless, hopping quickly about the bush. 8. Arcya acacia (Licht.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vn. p- 397 (1883). An adult of the Nubian Babbler shot at Haddai, on the 12th of February, 1896. Mr. Blanford very rarely saw this bird in Abyssinia, but from what he observed of it, it had precisely the habits and appearance of A. caudatus of India. It was not uncommon, as I saw it in pairs and small flocks of five or six, at several places in the Erba Mountains and on the coast, and its note was often to be heard. On being approached, these birds always got to the far side of the bush, and flew close to the ground to another bush a little distance off. The one shot was on the ground when I first saw it, but I could not see what it was feeding on. The skin was tough and thick, and had a very strong smell. 9. Lantus ratiax, Finsch; Gadow, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vill. p. 247, pl. viii. (1883). An adult of Finsch’s Grey Shrike shot at Mount Shelal, on the 29th of January, 1896, has the black band across the bases of the upper mandible well defined, the basal two- thirds of the inner web of the penultimate pair of tail-feathers entirely black, and the secondaries widely tipped and mar- gined on the inner web with white. A quite young specimen was also procured at Sawakin Khadim on the 19th of January, 1896. It has the general colour of the upper parts dull earthy grey, and the black band across the forehead absent, though the characteristic markings of the adult are clearly shown in the wings and tail. 206 Mr. A. J. Cholmley on the Birds of 10. Crnnyris HABEssinicA (Hempr. & Ehr.); Gadow, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ix. p. 52 (1884). The Abyssinian Sun-bird was common everywhere. 11. Corme ossoteta, Cab.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. 111 (1885). The Pale Crag-Martin was obtained. 12. EmpBeriza cmHsta, Cretzschm.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xu. p. 535 (1888). A male of this Bunting was shot in the Erba Mountains in March; the species winters in North-east Africa and Arabia. 13. Urotoncna cantans (Gmel.). Aidemosyne cantans, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 371 (1890). This little Weaver-Finch, called by Latham the Warbling Grosbeak, was obtained at Haddai. 14. AmMoMANnes crincturA (Gould); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 644 (1890). Though widely distributed—its range extending from the Cape Verd Islands through the deserts of North Africa to Nubia, Arabia, and Persia—the small Desert-Lark is a rare bird in most collections. The peculiar wedge-shaped black mark on the tail and the blackish tips of the primaries render it easily distinguished from other members of the group. We found the species quite common, and obtained an example at Berenice on the 7th January, 1896. 15. AMMomANEs DESERTI (Licht.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p. 646 (1890). The Common Desert-Lark was collected at the Erba Mountains in March. 16. PyrrHULAUDA MELANAUCHEN (Cab.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p. 655 (1890). Two males of the Black-crowned Finch-Lark, which ranges from Nubia and Abyssinia through Arabia and Baluchistan to North-west India, were shot at Berenice on the 6th of January. One of these birds differs from the typical adult the Western Coast of the Red Sea. 207 male in having the white spot at the base of the forehead nearly obsolete, though ia other respects the two specimens are perfectly similar and appear to be fully adult. 17. Caprimuteus acyetius, Licht.; Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. xvi. p 562 (1892). A male shot at Sawakin Khadim on the 18th of January, 1896, is a typical example of the Egyptian Nightjar. 18. Turrur Rosrocriseus (Sundev.) ; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 429 (1893). Very common everywhere. 19. Turtur sENEGALENsSIS (Linn.); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 448 (1893). Only heard in two places in the Erba Mountains, and most common at Haddai, where I got two. 20. Prerocies coronatus, Licht.; Ogilvie Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 23 (1893). I shot a female of the Crowned Sand-Grouse at Mahomed Gol on the 5th of February, 1896. 21. PreROCLES LICHTENSTEINI, Temm.; Ogilvie Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 29 (1893). Numbers of Lichtenstein’s Sand-Grouse came to drink just before it got dark at the pool at Haddai. 22. AMMOPERDIX CHOLMLEYI, Ogilvie Grant, Game Birds, il. Appendix, p. 293 (1896). This species has been already described by Mr. Ogilvie Grant, in his second volume of ‘ Game Birds,’ quoted above, and he has pointed out the differences between it and the typical A. heyz, from Arabia, as follows :—“ On comparing these and two other African males recently added to the British Museum Collection with the typical examples of A. heyi from Arabia, I find that the former differ con- stantly in having the general colour of the upper parts darker, and in lacking entirely the white forehead and lores charac- teristic of A. heyi. Measurements the same as those of A, heyi. Adult female similar to the female of A. heyi. Range, Egypt and Nubia.” 208 On the Birds of the Western Coast of the Red Sea. This species was not uncommon at Haddai, and I obtained two males in the Erba Mountains on the 7th of February. Examples from Egypt, Dendor, in Nubia, and from the neighbourhood of Suakin have recently been added to the National Collection. 23. CipicnemMus scotopax (S. G. Gm.). (Edicnemus edicnemus, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p-. 4 (1896). The Common Stone-Curlew was met with at Sawakin Khadim. Out of several seen, three were shot on the 18th of February, 1896. 24. Cursorius Gatticus (J. F. Gm.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 34 (1896). I met with the Cream-coloured Courser, in small numbers, at Berenice on the 7th of January. 25. STREPSILAS INTERPRES (Linn.). Arenaria interpres, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 92 (1896). Two Turnstones were shot at Berenice; they were common all down the coast, and very tame at Halaib and Mahomed Gol, running about the quay im small flocks close to the Arab huts. 26. Hamaropus ostraLecus, Linn. ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 107 (1896). A Common Oyster-catcher shot at Halaib on the 23rd of January, 1896. 27. Toranus cALipRis (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 414 (1896). A Redshank was obtained. 28, CaLipRIS ARENARIA (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 526 (1896). Small flocks of Sanderlings were seen at Siyal Island, Red Sea, and two were shot on the 12th of January, 1896. On the Birds of the Philippine Islands. 209 29. Trinea aLPina, Linn. Pelidna alpina, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 602 (1896). A Dunlin was obtained at Ras Sophia, Red Sea, on the 28th of December, 1895. 30. Dumiscererra GuLARIS (Bosc). This little white Egret was common everywhere ; a pair were shot at Berenice. 3l. Sutra FrBer, Linn.; Heuglin, Orn. Nordost-Afr. iv. p. 1483, & Appendix. An immature Booby, caught on the dhow, has the white breast and belly of the adult indistinctly showing through the sooty-brown plumage of youth. XVIII.—On the Birds of the Philippine Islands.— Part IX.* The Islands of Samar and Leite. By W. R. Oetrvis Grant. IVith Field-Notes by Jonn Wutteneap. (Plates V. & VI.) Asout the middle of May, 1896, Mr. John Whitehead once more left Manila for the island of Samar, to make another collection in place of the one which had been lost off Singa- pore. There is no really high ground in Samar, and nowhere do the hills attam a greater altitude than about 1500 feet above sea-level. The greater part of the island is covered with a dense and lofty forest, many of the trees being over 240 feet high. Under these circumstances collecting was often a matter of difficulty, for birds, especially large ones, some 80 yards overhead are hardly to be brought down with a charge of shot from any ordinary gun. The climate is hot and damp, and, as might be expected, the rainfall unusually heavy, while the mud, for which the island is * For Part I. see Ibis, 1894, pp. 406-411; Part I.gdid. pp. 501-522 ; Part III. Ibis, 1895, pp. 106-117 ; Part LV. ibid. pp. 249-267; Part V. ibid. pp. 433-472; Part VI. Ibis, 1896, pp. 101-128; Part VII. ibid. pp. 457-477 ; Part VIII. 2rd. pp. 525-565, 210 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the almost proverbial, renders locomotion most disagreeable. With very few exceptions, the present collection from Samar contains all the more important birds previously met with, but a little Owl (Scops sp.), the lovely Blue Flycatcher (Cyanomyias helene), and the Flower-pecker (Prionochilus olivaceus) were not again seen. ‘There were also a number of less important forms from the higher ground which were not procured on the second expedition, such as Ninow philip- pensis, Corone philippina, Zeocephus rufus, Megalurus rufi- ceps, Copsychus mindanensis, Macropteryx comata, Chalco- coccyx xanthorhynchus, Chalcophaps indicus, and Amaurornis olivaceus; while from Calbega, on the west coast, Hlanus hypoleucus, Cinnyris jugularis, Calornis panayensis, Pelargopsis gigantea, Numenius arquatus, Limosa egocephala, Scolopax megala, Phoyx manillensis, Butorides gavanica, Anas luzonica, and Dendrocygna arcuata were among the birds lost. Of all these, the little Owl (Scops sp.) is the most serious loss, for it appears to have belonged to an undescribed species. On the other hand, several remarkable species not included in the first collection were added to the lst, among these may be specially mentioned the Great Forest-Eagle (Pithe- cophaga jefferyi). The discovery of this new and splendid bird of prey was well worth the second expedition to Samar, and to some extent makes up for the loss of the previous collection. On the 25th of July it was determined to change the collecting-ground and, if possible, to reach the neighbouring island of Biliaran in a large open boat; but the wind, at this season of the year from the south-west, was blowing a gale, and the boat, failing to reach her destination, shaped her course for the north of Leite, which is much nearer and more sheltered. Mr. Whitehead arrived there on the night of the 27th, and moved inland to a small village near the moun- tains. Here porters were obtained, and a camp was formed at a spot about 1000 feet above the sea. The mountains in’ this island range from 5000 to 7000 feet; but no collecting could be done in the really high ground, for the paths and ae Birds of the Philippine Islands. 211 roads were at this season impossible for porters, and, to make matters worse, the birds were mostly in full moult. Having spent three weeks in Leite, Mr. Whitehead thought it ad- visable to return to Manila, and after a rough voyage arrived there safely on the 8th of September. On landing he found that the Indians had risen, and the whole neighbourhood of Manila was in a state of active rebellion. Martial law had been proclaimed, and as it was impossible to obtain a permit to leave the town with firearms, a couple of months were spent waiting for matters to quiet down, but in vain. To remain in Manila was obviously a waste of time, so in November it was determined to return home, vid America. Mr. Whitehead arrived in England at the end of last December, after an absence of more than three years. That the bird-life in Samar and Leite should prove almost identical is scarcely surprising, for the islands lie close together, being only separated at one part by a very narrow channel some few hundred yards wide. It has not therefore been thought necessary to divide this paper into two parts, but in every case care has been taken to meution the island or islands where each species was obtained. The present collections contain many birds of particular interest, and besides the wonderful Forest-Eagle mentioned above, there are several other new species, such as the tiny Falcon (Microhierax meridionalis), the Pigmy Babbler (Zoster- ornis pygmeus), and two Flower-creepers (Rhabdornis minor and R. inornatus). A number of nests and eggs have been collected in the various islands of the Philippine group visited by Mr. White- head; and as many of the eggs were hitherto unknown, we hope at some future time to give an account of them, with figures of the more important. It is greatly to be regretted that the insurrection in the Philippines has for the present rendered it impossible for Mr. Whitehead to continue his explorations in the highlands ; but constant exposure to a trying climate and insufficient food had begun to tell on his health, and it was high time that he should have a rest from his labours. It is, however, a 212 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the matter for congratulation that he is now rapidly regaining his strength. 1. Astur rrrvirGatus (Temm.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. 1. p. 105 (1874) ; Steere, List of Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 7 (1890); Bourns & Worcester, Occ. Pap. Minnesota Acad. Sci. i. no. 1, p. 82 (1894). The Crested Goshawk is evidently rather a rare bird in the Philippines, as this is the first time specimens have been received from Mr. Whitehead. ‘Two males were obtained in Samar, both belonging to the smaller race met with in Southern India, Ceylon, and Sumatra. It was from the last island that Temminck described his Falco trivirgatus. 2. ACCIPITER MANILLENSIS, Meyen; Grant, Ibis, 1895, p- 438; 1896, pp. 108, 109. A beautiful little male of the Manila Sparrow-Hawk was obtained in Leite. It differs somewhat from the most adult males in the British Museum series, and is evidently a very old bird. The entire chest and breast are uniform dull light red, only a few hidden feathers showing traces of the dark transverse bands characteristic of younger examples; the dark shaft-stripes, which usually form a well-marked band down the middle of the throat, are much reduced in width, as in males of Accipiter gularis. It is clear, however, that the Leite bird does not belong to the latter species; the shape of the wing, with the fourth primary quill only slightly longer than the fifth, the small dimensions, and the colour of the chest and breast being all characteristic of A. manil- lensis. Wing (in moult) 5-9 inches, tail 4°2, tarsus 1°95. 3. SpiLoRNIS HOLOsPILUS (Vigors) ; Grant, Ibis, 1896, p. 527. Two fully adult females of this Serpent-Eagle have the plumage of the underparts of a deep rich chestnut, and bear out the remarks already made when writing of S. panayensis, Steere, from Negros. [This Serpent-Eagle is a common bird in the Philippines, and frequents the borders of forests. It is easily approached when sitting gorged on the end of a branch.—J. W.] | = ——___—_ Birds of the Philippine Islands. 213 4, Pernis cristatus, Cuv.; Blanford, Fauna Brit. Ind., Birds, i. p. 406 (1895). Pernis ptilonorhynchus, Grant, Ibis, 1894, p. 503; 1895, pp- 108, 251. The proper name for the Honey-Buzzard found in the Philippines is comparatively a matter of secondary im- portance. As Mr. Blanford has shown, cristatus of Cuvier has priority over Temminck’s name ptilonorhynchus, both based on birds from Sumatra. But the main question to be settled is this :—Are the birds from India commonly called P. ptilonorhynchus really of the same species as those found in Sumatra, Java, &c., and the Philippines? The Samar collection contains a bird in very much more adult plumage than those previously received from Luzon, and though in moult, the longest crest-feather measures nearly 3 inches. In the young birds from Luzon the crest, though shorter, is well developed. Dr. Sharpe [cf. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. 1. p. 349 (1874)] men- tions that a bird from Java in the Leiden Museum has a black crest 3:7 inches long. A specimen from Sumatra, in the Tweeddale collection, has the longest crest-feathers broken, but when complete they no doubt measured 3 inches or more. We have but a small number of birds from these islands for comparison, and none are really mature (?) ; but the British Museum series contains many fully adult Honey-Buzzards from India, and a still larger number of younger examples in all stages. Though the feathers on the nape of adult Indian birds are somewhat lengthened and pointed, and generally accentuated by their blacker colour, none are conspicuously longer than the rest. Consequently these birds cannot appear crested when alive. Dr. H. O. Forbes, however, informs us that all the Honey-Buzzards he saw and collected in Sumatra possessed a long crest, which stood out conspicuously when the birds were at rest. Again, in all the long-crested birds from the Philippines the chest- feathers have wide black club-shaped shaft-stripes, most strongly marked in older examples, in which they contrast strongly with the barred plumage of the belly and flanks. SER. VII.—VOL. III. Q 214 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the In immature birds from the Philippines the shaft-stripes are confined to the chest, the rest of the underparts being uniform whitish buff; while in Indian birds of the same age all the underparts have much narrower black shaft- stripes. The plumage of the underparts in the most adult Philippine bird most nearly resembles that of Pernis tweed- dali. It seems evident that the intricate changes of plumage in these birds require more careful study, but the material available is at present insufficient. 5. PrrHEcoPHAGA JEFFERY!I. (Plate V.) Pithecophaga jefferyi, Grant, Bull. B. O. C. no. xl. p. xv (1896). The discovery of this mighty bird of prey is without doubt the most remarkable of Mr. Whitehead’s achievements in the Philippine Islands. That so large a Raptor should have remained unknown till the present time only shows how easily these great Forest-Eagles may be overlooked. As an instance of this, it is worth mentioning that during the years Mr. Salvin spent collecting birds in Central America he only once saw a Harpy Eagle. The fact is that in the dense and lofty forests where these birds make their home it is almost impossible to see them, and still more difficult to obtain a shot. Of the present species the only example obtained was a male in moult, with the majority of the quills of both wings and tail much worn and broken at the tips. The new quill-feathers of these parts, though not quite fully grown, are very im- portant evidence, since they not only show the true shape and colour of the perfect plumage, but indicate that the bird is fully adult. The type of the present description was the male of a pair which had their abode in the forest opposite Mr. Whitehead’s camp, in the island of Samar, and were daily seen on the wing. As already mentioned, there are no high mountains on the island, which is covered with a dense and extremely lofty forest-growth, many of the trees attaining the gigantic stature of 240 feet or more, as was ascertained by the actual re ine J — Ae, D paal aes Birds of the Philippine Islands. 215 measurement of fallen trunks. For many days these birds were watched with longing eyes, for their great size on the wing and strange wailing cry seemed to indicate some- thing new and most desirable. At last one of Mr. White- head’s collectors succeeded in shooting the male, which he brought intocamp. He had been fortunate enough to see the bird perch on one of the highest trees, and obtained a chance of securing this much coveted prize. A well-directed buck-shot entered the neck, and though it failed to bring the Pithecophaga jefferyt. Front view of head: 5’; natural size. great Eagle down, rendered its escape almost impossible. To give some idea of the height of the trees, we may add that this man subsequently fired several times at the wounded bird with number 4 shot, but when it was examined not one of these pellets had penetrated the skin! The Eagle was eventually secured by the native, who climbed the tree and unloosed its powerful claws, which were still clinging to the branches. Mr. Whitehead says that it weighed between )) L Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the 216 ‘OZIS [BVIN}LU OE) 6 pvoy JO AOSTA epig ‘hiafal nboydooayii gy Birds of the Philippine Islands. 217 16 and 20 lbs., and that, in his then enfeebled state of health, it was as much as he could do to hold the bird out at arm’s length. The Plate by Mr. Keulemans, though an excellent repre- sentation of the bird, is necessarily much reduced, being only one-sixth of the natural size, so that the peculiar cha- racters of the bill and feet are not clearly enough shown. These parts have, however, been very carefully drawn by Mr. H. Gronvold, and the extraordinary shape and size of the bill are accurately represented by the front and side views of the head ;®, of the natural size (see figs. 1 and 2). The outline of the culmen describes the perfect segment of a circle, the centre of which is the base of the cere where it joins the cutting-edge of the upper mandible. This may be seen by placing a pair of compasses on the figure repre- senting the side view of the head. The depth of the bill is greater than that of any known bird of prey, except Pallas’s Sea-Eagle (Haliaétus pelagicus), in which it is sometimes a trifle greater, while such extreme narrowness, compared with the depth, is quite unique in birds of this order. It is only among some Parrots, such as the Black Cockatoo (Microglossus aterrimus), that we find a bill approaching this type, but in none of these is it laterally compressed to the same extent. The high vaulted nasal opening, set almost vertically, is another peculiar character. The naked tarsi and feet approach those of the Harpy Eagle (Thrasaétes harpyia) in size and strength, and the scaling of the tarsi is remarkably similar, as is well shown in figs. 3 & 4. Strange as it may seem, we have little doubt that the Harpy is the nearest known ally of the present species. It is to be regretted that the bones of the body were not preserved, as it would have been very interesting and im- portant to compare these with the skeleton of the Harpy Eagle or other allied species. An attempt was made by means of the X-rays to photograph the skull still left in the skin; but this is unfortunately stuffed with hemp, which proves to be almost impervious. The bones of the bill and the shape of the skull and mandible are, however, clearly Mr. W, R. Ogilvie Grant on the 218 Fig. 3. Right metatarsus: } natural size. Pithecophaga jeffery? ———— Birds of the Philippine Islands. 219 shown in the photograph, and it may be plainly seen that the nasal cavities are divided one from another by a bony septum. The skullis enormous, very much larger than that of the Harpy, with which it has been compared. On some future occasion we hope to give exact details, for, when the opaque material which fills the skull has been removed, there is no reason why the Rontgen process should not prove entirely successful. According to the natives of Samar, this Forest-Eagle is well-known to them, and preys chiefly on the Green Monkeys \ ces Pithecophaga jeffery:. Hinder aspect of right metatarsus: ? natural size. (Macacus cynomolgus), though it not infrequently visits the villages and carries off domestic poultry. The worn and broken ends of the quills of both wings and tail no doubt bear testimony to many a savage struggle amongst the branches. Though this Eagle was not seen during Mr. Whitehead’s short stay in the island of Leite, its cry was frequently heard, and it no doubt occurs there. It will probably also be met with in other islands of the Philippine group, for 220 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the Mr. Whitehead was informed by a native that a specimen had been obtained in Luzon. Pithecophaga jefferyi, perhaps the most remarkable bird which has been discovered in the Philippines, has been named at our friend’s wish in honour of his father, Mr. Jeffery Whitehead. 6. MickOHIERAX MERIDIONALIS, sp. 0. All the examples of Microhierax hitherto recorded from the Philippine Islands have been identified with M. erythrogenys (Vigors). The type of this species, which was described from the island of Luzon, is preserved in the British Museum. By referring to the ‘ Ibis,’ 1894, p. 407, it will be seen that we have already pointed out a well-marked sexual distine- tion in the plumage of the Luzon Pigmy Falcon, which had apparently been overlooked in previous descriptions of M. erythrogenys.. The males of this species have the inner webs of the primary-quills barred with white, while in the females these parts are uniform black. The Samar collection contains a male and two females of a Microhierax, which at the first glance seemed different from typical M. erythrogenys, both on account of their larger size and the absence of the white wing-bars in the male. From a more careful examination of these three specimens and the series in the British Museum, it seems certain that two species occur in the Philippines, but have been confounded with one another. The Luzon birds seem to be quite dis- tinct from the larger species found in the more southern islands of Samar, Cebu, and Mindanao, for which the name of Microhierax meridionalis is proposed. The new species may be characterized as follows :— Adult male. Similar to the male of M. erythrogenys, but considerably larger; the under wing-coverts and inner webs of the primaries uniform black ; and the belly, vent, and under tail-coverts washed with pale fulvous. Total length 6°5 inches, culmen (from cere to tip) 0°51, wing 4°45, tail 2°6, tarsus 0°85. The type of the male is from Zamboanga, Southern Mindanao. 221 Birds of the Philippine Islands. Wing. in, Adult 9 .... 4:25 99 Bon Ces 5 ee ASO ” Svners ak Oe) a Source C15) ” Soa on Aes) y lo fe .e9 Gn ,, full moult), 5 (type) 46 ” ie Microhieraz erythrogenys (Vigors). Luzon. Locality. Collector. Wing. Locality. Collector. in, Mount Arajat. J. Whitehead. a, {Adult ¢ .... 405 Mount Arajat. J. Whitehead, mies ‘; ‘3 Bag ry .... 4:02 Lepanto. 4 ae Monte Alban. A. H. Everett. "9 n .... 405 Lagunade Bai. A. H. Everett. |S es Laguna de Bai, ; an » [Q2]}*.. 40 Luzon. A.B. Meyer. (2&3 Luzon. J. B. Steere. D 2 2s ) “1 A. B. Meyer. a a J. B. Steere. sq ag 4 4a * No doubt the sex has been wrongly determined. Microhierax meridionalis, sp. n. Locality. Collector. Wing. _—_ Locality. Collector. In. Cebu. A. H. Everett.) 3.8 |Adult g¢ .... 43 Samar. J. Whitehead. | 2.3 Samar. J. Whitehead. | 2 324 »» (type). 4:45 Zamboanga, A. H. Everett. (2 @ |. E cS) : 5 EB g-s ” ” 2 oS Mindanao. 2 8 Zamboanga, A. H. Everett. | 3 52 5 .... 4:35 Ayala, Min- J. B. Steere. 2 aa Mindanao. Ss danao, As 222 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the Adult female. Similar to the male, but larger. Total length 7:2 inches, culmen (from cere to tip) 0°5, wing 4°6, tail 2°75, tarsus 0°87. The type of the female is from the island of Samar. The preceding table (p. 221) of comparative measurements is a record of the specimens examined, in which the sex and exact locality are mentioned. [A pair of the Samar Pigmy Falcon were observed nesting in the charred trunk of a dead tree left standing on a native clearing. They were engaged in rearing their young, whose cries could be heard, but, owing to the rotten condition of the trunk and the great height of the nest from the ground, it was found impossible to get at them.—J. W.] 7. Potioartus 1cutuyartus (Horsf.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 452 (1874) ; Steere, List Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 8 (1890) ; Bourns & Worcester, Occ. Pap. Minnesota Acad. Sci. i. no. 1, p. 83 (1894). There is a fine adult pair of the large Grey-headed Fishing- Eagle from the island of Samar. The species has previously been recorded from Mindoro, Calamianes, Mindanao, and Basilan. [This Eagle is generally found frequenting the coast and salt-water lagoons; but the pair obtained in Samar were met with in a mountainous district miles from the coast, living on the fish caught in the clear waters of a river.— Jew. 8. Ninox PHILIPPENSIS, Bonap.; Grant, Ibis, 1896, p- 5dl. An adult male from Leite agrees perfectly with typical examples from Luzon, and differs from birds from Negros and the other central islands. Full particulars will be found in our previous paper, quoted above. [Iris bright straw ; bill greenish yellow ; feet straw-yellow. —J. W.] 9. OrtoLus cHINENS!Is, Linn.; Grant, Ibis, 1896, p. 532. An adult male of the Chinese Oriole from Samar. Birds of the Philippine Islands. 223 10. OrtoLus sAMARENsIs, Steere, List of Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 17 (1890) ; Bourns & Worcester, Occ. Pap. Minnesota Acad. Sci. i. no. 1, p. 54 (1894) ; Grant, Ibis, 1896, p. 533. There is a fine adult pair of the striped Samar Oriole from that island, and a less mature male from Leite. The latter undoubtedly belongs to this species, which is referred to in our previous paper on the birds of Negros, quoted above. [Adult. Iris red, bill pinkish brown; feet grey-black. Immature. Iris grey ; bill dull brownish pink; feet dusky grey. This species, according to my experience, was extremely rare in both islands, the first Samar collection, which was lost, only containing four specimens.—J. W.] 11. Dicrurvus striatus, Tweedd. P. Z.S. 1877, p. 545; Steere, List Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 15 (1890). Mr. Whitehead obtained the Striped Drongo on both Samar and Leite. It may be worth calling attention to the outermost flank-feathers, which are pale grey in younger examples, and nearly pure white in the fully adult. This rather marked character appears to have escaped Lord Tweeddale’s notice, for he does not mention it in the original description. This species is also known to occur in Panaon, Nipah, Mindanao, and Basilan. [Iris dark brown ; bill and feet black.—J. W.] 12, Latace minor (Steere); Bourns & Worcester, Occ. Pap. Minnesota Acad. Sci. 1. no. 1, p. 41 (1894). Pseudolalage minor, Steere, List of Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 15 (1890). This rare Cuckoo-Shrike, which was originally described by Prof. Steere from examples from Mindanao, and subse- quently recorded by Messrs. Bourns and Worcester from Samar, has now been found in Leite. Mr. Whitehead obtained two males and one female, which agree perfectly with Steere’s types. 224 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant on the 18. ARTAMIDES MINDANENSIS, Steere, List Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 14 (1890) ; Grant, Ibis, 1896, pp. 536, 537. Of the Mindanao Cuckoo-Shrike I have received a pair : a female from Samar and a male from Leite, the latter island being a new locality. The relations of this species are dis- cussed in my previous paper, cited above. [Iris and bill black ; feet greyish black.—J. W.] 14, PERIcROCOTUS LEYTENSIS, Steere, List Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 15 (1890); Bourns & Worcester, Occ. Pap. Minnesota Acad. Sci. i. no. 1, p. 41 (1894). There are several examples of the Leite Minivet from that island, as well as from Samar, whence it had already been procured. Prof. Steere’s type, an adult male from Leite, agrees in every particular with a similar bird shot by Mr. Whitehead in Samar; both have six or seven of the inner secondary-quills ornamented on the outer webs with orange-red subterminal drops. But this character, as we have already shown, is variable, and cannot be altogether relied on. 15. Hypornymis azurea (Bodd.); Grant, Ibis, 1896, p. 540. The Black-naped Flycatcher is also represented from both collections. It may here be noted that the type of Cyanomyias celestis (Tweedd.) differs considerably from the two examples in the Steere collection obtained respectively at Samar and Basilan. In both these, the top of the head, long feathers of the occiput, and the mantle are cobalt, with a slight greenish tinge; while in the type these parts are strongly washed with purple, and the throat and fore neck are much richer purple-blue. The birds from Samar and Basilan resemble one another in plumage; the former is marked male, the latter female. I do not question the specific identity of these three birds: that from Samaris no doubt an immature male, and if the female from Basilan is fully adult, which she has every appearance of being, the sexes differ one from another in the colour of the head, mantle, and throat. This is Birds of the Philippine Islands. 225 probably correct, for in the allied C. helene Messrs. Bourus and Worcester point out a similar difference in the plumage of the female. Mr. Whitehead obtained this bird in the first collection from Samar, which was lost. 16. HyporHyMis sAMARENSIS, Steere, List Birds & Mamm. Philippines, p. 16 (1890). The Blue-browed Flycatcher of Samar is represented from both islands ; it has been well characterized by Prof. Steere, and is quite distinct from H. superciliaris, Sharpe, from Mindanao and Basilan. The male and female are alike in plumage. Mr. Whitehead considers that this bird belongs to the genus Rhipidura, and is not a Hypothymis, as Prof. Steere supposed. I think, however, that the present species is better placed in the genus Hypothymis. Rhipidura has the tail rounded, the outer feathers being much shorter than the middle pair, which are considerably longer than the wing; but in the bird before us the measurements of the wing and tail are exactly equal, and the outer tail-feathers are scarcely shorter than the middle pair; this is exactly what we find in Hypothymis azurea. The only reason I can see for not placing H. samarensis in Hypothymis is the strong bristles surrounding the upper and lower mandibles exceeding the bill in length. [Iris and bill black, base of lower mandible whitish ; feet brown, greyish blue at the joints of the scales.—J.W. | 17. Ruinomyras RuFicaupDA (Sharpe); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iv. p. 368 (1879) ; Grant, Ibis, 1896, pp. 541, 542. Setaria samarensis, Steere, List Birds & Mamm. Philip- pines, p. 16 (1890). In the paper on the Negros birds, quoted above, it has been shown that R. samarensis, Steere, is synonymous with R. rujicauda. OA ee ae Z. andersson. b. Throat and under surface of body yellow, passing into green on the flanks. Wing 2°3 inches; white ring round the eye narrow .........++++. Z. virens, 9. ZosTEROPS VIRENS. Zosterops virens, Bp.; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 7, no. 91; Sharpe, B. S. Afr. pp. 825, 834; Gadow, Cat. ix. p. 182. Mayawa village on the Nyika Mountain, 6000 feet, June. 526 Capt. G. E. Shelley on Birds A male and female, similar in size and plumage. This species was formerly known to me only from Caffraria, Natal, and the Transvaal. 10. PaRvs INSIGNIS. Parus insignis, Cab.; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 9, no. 116. Kombi, on the Masuku Range, 7000 feet, July. Anadult female. The following key will show the characters of this species :— a, With no trace of white on the abdomen, thighs, or under tail-coverts. a’. Smaller ;\tail entirely black: 2035s. eee P. leucopterus. b'. Larger ; tail with narrow terminal white margins tothe feathers. .\... Sicha... sie ahuenteeee tents P. insignis. b. With whitish edges to the under tail-coverts, and often some white on the abdomen and thighs... . Eli P. xanthostomus. The original description of this species (Parus insignis, Cab., J. f. O. 1880, p. 419) is :— Similar to P. leucopterus, but larger in all its dimensions and with narrow white ends to the outer tail-feathers. Angola (Schiitt).” As this species is new to the British Museum, I make the following notes from that collection :— P. insignis : Length 6:1 inches, culmen 0°55, wing 3:5, tail 3:0, tarsus 0°8. P. leucopterus: Length 6:1 inches, culmen 0°5, wing 3:2, tail 2°6, tarsus 0°7. The wing-measurements are: in specimen of P. leuco- pterus from N.E. Africa, 3:0 to 3°4 inches; from the Gambia and Volta River, 2:9 to 3:0; one from the Congo, 3°4; one from Angola, 3°3. 1]. PaRrus PALLIDIVENTRIS. Parus pallidiventris, Reichen.; Shelley, B. Afr. p. 9, no. 121; id. Ibis, 1894, p. 469; Reichen. Vég. Deutsch- Ost-Afr. p. 214. Parus rovume, Shelley, Bull. B. O. C. i. p. vi (1893). Nyika Plateau and the Masuku Range, 6000 to 7000 feet, June and July. Four full-plumaged specimens are all labelled females. This species ranges north from Nyasaland to Kakoma and Usegua. EE collected in North Nyasaland. 527 12. AXGITHALUS CAROLI. MAtyithalus caroli, Sharpe; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 10, no. 132; Gadow, Cat. viii. p. 71, pl. 1. fig. 1. Anthoscopus caroli, Sharpe, B. 8S. Afr. pp. 327, 834. Karonga, June. A female. This species ranges through Damara-, Swazi-, and Matabele- into Nyasaland. It has been recorded by Dr. Hartlaub (Abhand. nat. Ver. Brem. 1891, p- 18) from Ussambiro (3° S. lat., 33° E. long.) ; but this specimen, obtained by Emin, is referred by Dr. Reichenow to 4. capensis (Vég. Deutsch-Ost-Afr. p. 214, where the description certainly applies to 4. capensis.) 13. MoraciLia LONGICAUDA. Motacilla longicauda, Riipp.; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 11 no. 146; id. Ibis, 1893, p. 27, 1894, pp. 23, 472. Kombi, Masuku Range, 7000 feet, July. One specimen. 14, ANTHUS RUFULUS. Anthus rufulus, Vieill.; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 12, no. 165; id. Ibis, 1893, p. 27, 1894, p. 23, 1896, p. 238. Nyika Plateau and Pasilao, on Lake Nyasa, June; Karonga and Songue, in North Nyasa, July. Of the nine specimens, four are labelled males and five females. 15. Macronyx CRoceEvs. Macronyx croceus (Vieill.); Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 13, no. 170; id. Ibis, 1893, p. 27, 1894, p. 238. Fort Johnston, July. One full-plumaged male. 16. EmBrriza ORIENTALIS. Emberiza orientalis (Shelley) ; id. B. Afr. 1. p. 18, no. 240; id. Ibis, 1893, p. 27, 1894, pp. 28, 472. Nyika Plateau, June; Fort Hill, July. Three males and two females. Range. Eastern Africa, from Nyasaland to the Equator. 17. FRINGILLARIA TARAPISI. Fringillaria tahapisi (Smith) ; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 18, no. 246; id. Ibis, 1894, p. 23. Karonga, North Nyasa, June. One female. SER. VII.—VOL. III. 2P 528 Capt. G. E. Shelley on Birds 18. PAssER DIFFUSUS. Passer diffusus (Smith); Shelley, B. Afr. 1. p. 20, no. 268 ; id. Ibis, 1894, p. 22. Nyika Mountains from 2000 to 7000 ft., and Karonga, June; Fort Hill and Songue, in North Nyasa, July. Three males and a female. 19, PoLtosPiza sTRIATIPECTUS. Poliospiza striatipectus, Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 258; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 21, no. 276. Nyika Plateau, June. One male. I have compared this bird with the two typical specimens in the British Museum. This species apparently ranges through Eastern Africa from the Equator to Nyasaland, the type having been discovered by Mr. Jackson at Elgeyo in July 1890. 20. SERINUS ICTERUS. Serinus icterus (Bonn. et Vieill.) ; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 21, no. 285; id. Ibis, 1894, p. 22. Fort Hill, July. Pee ee OCU. bcc ude. ricketti. 4 ee re ee tephrocephala. + 602 Messrs. C. B. Rickett and J. D. de La Touche on Date. Species. Octo INOY.: a ei- = ..| Cryptolopha fulvifacies. Wetman erite 6. ..| Poliomyias luteola. > SepueOetes aaistccie | Pyrrhula nipalensis, +- OIG ag e4 otto omen oe Chrysomitris spinus. -»- Batt Pee. Stakecoretevstots eae Emberiza rutila. + ah, wer sitis ciate le aletvelre Lepocestes chinensis, SANE Palate suenereceveve cveians Dendrocopus subcirris, ast UP vakoesyios oe Niovareerets Gecinulus viridanus. ~ SSN dl etsy louse te tohener ake Picumnus sinensis. SSOP rns creer cc aeialsorerts Cuculus intermedius. ay OGbe sctastow en cece! Hierococcyx hyperythrus. + Junie to) Oeties. sone: Scops stictonotus. Sept. wean aoe ae : Genneus nycthemerus. The above merely gives the more interesting species obtained. List of Birds collected at Ching Feng Ling, about 100 miles N.W. of Foochow (1500 feet), 9th to 18th Dec., 1896. Merula pallida. Geocichla varia. Mytophoneus ceruleus. Garrulax picticollis. Dryonastes sannio. perspicillatus. Trochalopteron cinereiceps. canorum. Pomatorhinus swinhott, stridulus. Alcippe hueti. brunnea. Stachyris ruficeps. Prinia sonitans. Paradoxornis guttaticolls. gularis. Henicurus sinensis. — schistaceus, + Pratincola maura. Tarsiger cyanura. Phylloscopus proregulus. regulovdes. Cettia fortipes. Cryptolopha fulvifacies. Diceum ignipectus. Athopyga latouchit. Herpornis tyrannulus. Acredula coneinna. Parus minor. Lnothrix luteus. Staphidia torqueola. ~ Zosterops simplex, Anthus maculatus. Spiziaus semitorques, Hemixus canipennis, Tole holt. Emberiza tristranu. spodocephala. Dendrocitta sinensis. Garrulus sinensis. Lepocestes sinensis. +- Lyngipicus scintilliceps. Picus cabanist. +- Micropternis fokiensis. 4 Microhierax melanoleucus. —- Circus cyaneus, + Rallus indicus. Tringoides hypoleucus. Agialitis placidus. the Birds of the Province of Fohkien. 603 + LEPocEsTEs SINENSIS. Lepocestes sinensis, Rickett, Bull. B.O.C. vi. p.1 (May 1897). Male vix adult. Wasily distinguished from the male of L. pyrrhotis (Hodgs.) by having the top of the head striped with pale brownish buff instead of chestnut; mantle and interscapular region black, with rather narrow pale rufous- buff bars; the wings and tail paler rufous chestnut, the latter as well as the former with wide, regular, black cross- bars, nearly as wide as the interspaces. Total length 11-2 inches, culmen 1°7, wing 5:7, tail (imperfect) 3°3, tarsus 1°1., Female. Similar to the male, but without any trace of the scarlet nuchal collar. Total length 11:2 inches, culmen 1:6, wing 5:9, tail (imperfect) 3°4, tarsus 1:1. A second female, one of a pair, was also obtained and measured in the flesh :—Total length 11-2 inches, culmen 1°6, wing 5°8, tail 4-1, tarsus 1:1. The types were obtained in Kuatun in October 1896. /ATHOPYGA LATOUCHH, Slater. We were much pleased at obtaining near Ching Feng Ling a specimen of this Sunbird, which was first discovered by our collector, T’ang Wang-wang, in N.E. Kwangtung (see Ibis, 1891, p. 43). The present example, a female, was shot in jungle on the borders of a wood by another native sports- man, T’ang Chim-kai, to whom we are indebted for many other interesting captures. Although we kept up a careful daily search for this bird we did not find any more. * YUHINA PALLIDA. Yuhina pallida, de La Touche, Bull. B.O.C. vi. p, 1 (May 1897). Yuhina nigrimentum, Swinhoe (nec Hodgs.), P. ZS. 1871, p. 873 ; David & Oustalet, Ois. Chine, p. 139, pl. 70 (1877) Slater, Ibis, 1897, p. 173. Adult male and female. Differ constantly from Y. nigri- mentum in having the upper parts ashy olive instead of olive, while the breast and rest of underparts are white with only the faintest tinge of fulvous. They are also somewhat larger birds. Wing 2°3 inches, ’ 604 Messrs. C. B. Rickett and J. D. de La Touche on [I have examined several specimens of this bird, which appears to be quite distinct from the Himalayan Y. nigri- mentum.—W. R. O. G.| Hemixus CANIPENNIS, Seebohm. These Bulbuls seem to be common on the hills near Ching Feng Ling. We found them in flocks in the woods, where they kept up a concert of loud and varied musical calls, one of which rose to a beautiful clear high note. To.e noxti (Swinhoe). Not uncommon in noisy flocks among trees. Two or three of those obtained were in moult. Their notes are not at all those of a Bulbul, one being very similar to a note of Copsychus saularis. PomaToRHINus swinuHolt, David. [277.] Also common. ‘Their loud clear call-notes were heard on all sides, especially in the mornings and evenings. They are, however, difficult to obtain, as they keep well con- cealed in dense patches of “ sword-grass”’ and thickets of young bamboo, feeding chiefly on the ground. As a rule they appear to be in pairs, each pair apparently having a district of its own. GARRULAX PICTICOLLIS, Swinhoe. [291.] We found this species common at Ching Feng Ling. The birds were always in parties, frequenting underwood in forests or detached clumps of trees. They appear to feed chiefly on the ground, and one of us obtained a good view of some when thus engaged. They were scattering the dead leaves about and pecking vigorously at the earth. The blows dealt at the ground were extra- ordinarily powerful, the bird raising itself to the full stretch of its legs and bringing its beak down like a pickaxe, at the same time dropping its wings down by its sides. When disturbed they invariably took to the trees, calling with clear and very melodious notes and rapidly disappeared from sight. Wounded birds uttered loud harsh cries, and ran through the cover with great speed. the Birds of the Province of Fohkien., 605 We obtained 25 specimens, and note a good deal of variety in the colour of the “necklace,” which varies from pale ash to dark iron-grey and black, these colours being often mixed and shading into one another. Young birds are much smaller than the old ones. They want the white streaks on the ear-coverts, and the “ neck- lace,’ where it crosses the chest, is narrow, blackish, and unbroken. Their irides are pale straw-colour, while in the old birds it is usually crimson. The average length of wing in 21 adult skins (from Kuatun and Ching Feng Ling) is 5:4. In five young birds it is 4°75. ~> TROCHALOPTERON CINEREICEPS, Styan. This bird is common in the Ching Feng Ling country. We found it in jungle on the outskirts of woods, into which, however, it did not penetrate far, unless the cover happened to be very thick. It was generally seen in small flocks feeding in the company of the common “ Hwamei” (7. ca- norum). Like all its relations, 7’. cinereiceps is cunning and is very careful to keep well hidden if at all suspicious of danger. We often heard parties noisily pecking among dead leaves, &c., in the cover quite close to us; but they would seldom show themselves, and even then only for a second or two, just flitting across the path to dive quickly into the shelter of the neighbouring brushwood. On the first day that we came across them, however, we found these grey- capped “ Hwamei”’ to be very tame, and one of us had a good view of several parties. One of the specimens procured on this trip has an almost pure black cap, a very few of the feathers showing traces of the grey edging; a few specimens have dark-grey caps, with blackish centres to the feathers, but many of the other examples have this part of a greyish brown, not much darker than the back. Our Kuatun skins have mostly dark-grey caps, mixed in some specimens with black. 7) PaRaDoxorNis GUTTATICOLLIS, David. [3801.] Numerous, but not often seen, as the flocks keep closely hidden among the rank ‘‘ sword-grass.””, Now and then one 606 Messrs. C. B. Rickett and J. D. de La Touche on might be seen sidling up a stem, twisting its body about and jerking its tail from side to side in a very Tit-like manner. They keep up a constant chatter, which becomes loud and angry in tone if they are startled or disturbed in any way. PARADOXORNIS GULARIS, Gray, Styan came across a flock of this species in a dense tangle of ‘‘ sword-grass ” and young bamboos, but only succeeded in shooting one specimen, although the birds were all round him. + Liorurix tutes (Scop.). [816.] While beating a thin strip of jungle bordering one of the large woods in the neighbourhood of Ching Feng Ling, an example of L. luteus was secured, together with some specimens of Stachyridopsis ruficeps, Alcippe brunnea, and Trochalopteron cinereiceps. There was a large gathering of these birds in the cover, while just inside the wood a noisy flock of Garrulax picticollis and Dendrocitta sinensis were busy feeding under the big trees. - ALLorRivs PALLIDUS, David & Oustal. [817.] (Messrs. Rickett and de La Touche forward a bird from Kuatun which is correctly identified under the above name. Although this species has been doubtfully referred to the synonymy of A. wanthochloris, Hodgs., it is undoubtedly perfectly distinct from that species. ‘The grey of the head continued on to the interscapular region and the white ring surrounding the eye render it easily recognizable from the Himalayan bird.—W. R. O. G.] HeRpPoRNIs TYRANNULUS, Swinhoe. [818.] Two specimens identical with the one from Kuatun, recorded in ‘The Ibis, 1896, p. 490, were shot in a wood. They were travelling with a small party consisting of Crypto- lopha fulvifacies and Phylloscopus proregulus, and were brought down from the top branches of a tree which they were diligently exploring with their companions. AcipPe HUETI, David. This interesting little bird occurs in more or less large the Birds of the Province of Fohkien. 607 flocks on the hills. Though generally keeping to the under- wood, it will sometimes venture to explore trees of medium size in search of food. It is of a very sociable disposition, and is usually accompanied by other small birds, such as Stachyridopsis ruficeps and Pomatorhinus stridulus. It always betrays its presence by scolding and chattering vigorously. + Auciere prunnea, Gould. [819.] Another common species. The birds were always in small parties, hopping quietly among the bushes, often in company with A. hueti or others. They are very tame and confiding, sometimes coming to the edge of a thicket, and then, after almost peeping into one’s face, disappearing into the cover again with a quict chatter. 4+.Sraprurpi1a TorqunoLa, Swinhoe, [326. ] Four specimens obtained. The first was shot by one of us from a mixed flock of small birds amongst some bushes and small trees. The other three were shot by our natives. ~ BRACHYPTERYX SINENSIS. Brachypteryx sinensis, Rickett, Bull. B.O.C. vi. p. 1 (May 1897). Adult male. Differs from the male of B. cruralis, in its much paler colouring; the white superciliary stripe is well developed, but the lores and the wide black band in front of the eye, characteristic of the latter species, are grey instead of black; chin, throat, and underparts grey, palest on the throat and middle of the belly, and the edge of the shoulder white. Total length 5°5 inches, culmen 0°6, wing 2°6, tail 1°9, tarsus 1°15. The Chinese species is really most nearly allied to B. mon- tana from Java, but the latter differs in the darker colour of the upper parts, longer bill, and the absence of white at the bend of the wing. Adult female. Easily distinguished from the female of B. cruralis: the rust-colour on the forehead, fore part of crown, and sides of face, as well as the white superciliary stripes, are replaced by nearly uniform olive-brown; the tail-feathers are washed with olive instead of rufous, and the SER. VII.—VOL. III. 2U 608 Messrs. C. B. Rickett and J. D. de La Touche on underparts, especially the chin, throat, and middle of the breast, very much paler, the latter, in fact, being mostly pure white ; the feathers round the bend of the wing and the under wing- and tail-coverts pale buff. Total length 5-4 inches, culmen 0°58, wing 2°6, tail 1°9, tarsus 1°15. Specimens were obtained at Kuatun, N.W. Fohkien. EriTHacus AKAHIGE (Temm.). [834.] Styan had a close view of one in thick jungle, but he was unable to secure it, as the bird was too near to be shot without being blown into atoms. So far as we know, this is only the third time that this Robin has been noted in China; Pére David mentions one shot at Peking, and one at Kuatun in N.W. Fohkien. CRYPTOLOPHA FULVIFACIES, Swinhoe. [894.] We often met flocks of these pretty birds. They frequent woods and jungle indifferently, and, hke many other small gregarious birds during the cold season, they seem to be in a perpetual hurry, passing rapidly along the tree-tops in the woods or slipping quickly through jungle, keeping up a constant murmur of anxious calls. Large flocks of Acredula concinna and small parties of Phylloscopus proregulus were on several occasions seen in their company. PHYLLOSCOPUS REGULOIDES (Blyth). Acanthopneuste trochiloides, Oates, Fauna Brit. India, Birds, i. p. 419 (1889). One shot at Ching Feng Ling. ¢?. Wing 2°3 inches. Three specimens from Kuatun in October. Wing 2°3, 2°3, 2°2. [The second primary varies somewhat in length, but is always shorter than the seventh. Two examples obtained by Mr. Pratt at Ichang, May 1888, are referable to the present species.—W. R. O. G.] CETTIA, sp. (Messrs. Rickett and de La Touche forward a small Warbler obtained in Kuatun in October. This specimen is closely allied to C. brunnescens, but will probably prove distinct. the Birds of the Province of Fohkien. 609 Further specimens are required to settle this point.— W. BR. 0. G] + PRoPARUS GUTTATICOLLIS. Proparus guttaticollis, de La Touche, Bull. B. O. C. vi. p. 1 (May 1897). Adult. Nearly allied to P. striaticollis (Verr.), but the top of the head and nape are uniform snuff-brown, without a trace of black markings, and indistinctly bordered all round with a band of dark smoky brown; the lores are white, not black. Total length 4°6 inches, culmen 0°5, wing 2°05, tail 2:1, tarsus 0°95. Hab. Kuatun, Fohkien, [There can be no doubt that Mr. Oates is right, and that the genus Fulvetta [David & Oustalet, Ois. Chine, p. 220 (1877)], proposed for the three species F. cinereiceps, F. rufi- capilla, and F. striaticollis, is merely a synonym of Proparus, Hodgson, J. A. 8. B. x. pt. 1, p. 29 (1841).—W. R. O. G.] + Orerocorys syLvanus (Hodgs.). One was seen by de La Touche on the way to Ching Feng Ling. ‘This bird behaved exactly as one shot on a barren hillside near Foochow in January 1896. It was skulking under the thin scrub close to the road, and when disturbed ran a little way and flew up, to alight a few paces off among the low bushes that covered the hillside below the road. This species is probably a not uncommon resident on the Fohkien hills. . EmBerizA TRISTRAMI, Swinhoe. [471.] A party of these Buntings frequented a patch of dead vegetation (Artemisia?) just outside the village. They seem to be ground-feeders, and the call (¢zit-tzit) and their ways are very like those of E. spodocephala. Another flock was met with in a plantation of tea-oil trees. This species would thus appear to winter among the hills, which explains our not having met with it near Foochow, except on one occasion (Jan. 1896), when a single female example was shot on a wooded hillock close to Foochow. 2uU2 610 Bulletin of the British The unusually severe weather that prevailed at the time was probably the cause of its occurrence in the valley. Denprocitta sINENsIs (Latham). [54.] Very common, often in large flocks among the trees or feeding on the ground. They have a variety of notes, all more or less musical. The noise made by their wings in flight is very loud and peculiar, sounding like wuff, wuff, wuff. XLV.—Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. No. XLVI. (June 30th, 1897.) Tue forty-fifth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32 Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 16th of Jine, 1897. Chairman: Dr. F. Penrose. Members present :—EK. Browrtt, W. F. Brocxnorts, Dr. F. D. Drewirt, Dr. H. O. Forses, W. R. Ocirviz Grant, E. Hartert, Col. P. W. L’Estranen, G. E. Lopes, A. H. Macrpnerson, E. Neatz, R. Nesoam, H. Nosie, C. E. Pearson, Hon. L. W. Roruscuiztp, Hon. N. C. Roruscuixp, H. F. Wiruersy, J. Youne. Visitors: Captain Bacon, W. W. Fow ter, Dr. E. Gwynn, Prof. F. Werner, C, A. W1TcHELL. The Hon. Watrer Roruscuitp exhibited a specimen of Cory’s Bittern (Ardetta neoxvena, Cory), from Canada. It was believed to be the only specimen in any museum in England. Some ornithologists had regarded this bird as a melanism of Ardetta exilis, but it was now generally admitted to be a distinct species. (See A. O. U. Check-List, 1895, p..70:) Mr. Roruscuitp exhibited a pair of Eclectus cornelia, Bonap. ‘This fine Parrot had hitherto been known only from females which had died in captivity; but recently Ornithologists’ Club. 611 Mr. W. Doherty and Mr. A. H. Everett had collected a series, including examples of both sexes, in the interior of the island of Sumba. Mr. Roruscuitp also showed skins of Psitteuteles weberi, Biittik., and P. euteles. Numbers of the latter species had been collected by Dr. A. R. Wallace both in Timor and Flores, while the former had been first obtained in Flores by Prof. Weber, and more recently by Mr. Everett. Prof. Mivart, in his ‘ Monograph of the Loriide,’ had united the two species, because both occurred in Flores. It seemed remarkable that both species should inhabit the same island, and it was suggested that possibly Dr, Wallace’s specimens of P. euteles bore an erroneous locality ; but, in either case, the two species were perfectly distinct, differing much in colour and size. Mr. Roruscuitp made further remarks on Prof. Steere’s type of Paradisea minor, var. albescens, Musschenbr. It was shown to be a “made up” specimen ; part being a male of the typical P. minor, showing the white abdomen charac- teristic of the immature bird, to which had been added the long side plumes of a male of P. minor jobiensis, Rothsch. Mr. Roruscuitp likewise informed the Meeting that he had purchased the collection of the late Christian Ludwig Brehm. This once-celebrated collection of one of the fathers of German ornithology had unfortunately suffered from neglect, being kept in a small country house, but it still contained nearly all the types of the many “species ” and “subspecies” made by C. L. Brehm. It had been customary among British and Continental authors to place Brehm’s numerous names as synonyms of our well-known European species; but, although this might be right in the majority of cases, recent investigations had shown that some of Brehm’s forms, such as Nucifraga, Parus, Certhia, Galerida, and others, deserved subspecific and even specific rank. 612 Recently published Ornithological Works. XLVI.—WNotices of recent Ornithological Publications. [Continued from p, 474. } 91. Austrahan Museum Report. [Report of the Trustees of the Australian Museum, New South Wales, for the year 1895. | By the forty-second Annual Report of the Trustees of the Australian Museum, Sydney, of which Mr. R. Etheridge, jun., is now Curator, we learn that the progress of this great institution has been satisfactory, though somewhat hampered by want of funds. Mr. North’s account of his year’s work in the Class of Birds will be read with interest by ornitho- logists. The “ group-collection,’ which is intended to illustrate the life-histories of Australian birds, has been augmented by 16 cases, and now represents 61 species. 92. Chapman (Abel) on Northern Birds. [Wild Norway: with Chapters on Spitsbergen, Denmark, ete. By Abel Chapman. Illustrated by the Author, assisted by Chas. Whymper and P. Ch. French. London: Edward Arnold, 1897. | In this inspiriting book the author gives the results of his experiences in Northern Europe during sixteen years. Even if we put aside, from our point of view, the accounts of sport with elk and reindeer, grouse and ptarmigan, salmon and trout, there remains plenty to interest the reader of exclusively ornithological tastes, while a general idea of Scandinavia and the distribution of its fauna is conveyed with remarkable vividness. ‘The sub-chapters on ‘The Avifauna of Norway,’ Bird-life in the Siirendal, Bird-notes in the Forde Valley, as well as Specific Notes on Grouse and Ptarmigan, may ve specially indicated ; while Chapter xviii. contains a very complete summary of Scandinavian birds, their distribution, &c. Two chapters are devoted to Den- mark, on which an excellent paper was contributed to our pages (Ibis, 1894, pp. 339-351) by the author’s much- regretted brother, the late Alfred C. Chapman; there are notes on Bird- and Insect-migration observed on twenty- Recently published Ornithological Works. 613 four crossings of the North Sea; and numbers of spirited vignettes of birds, from the author’s pencil, are scattered through the book. Lastly, we owe to Mr. Chapman the extracts from the Journal of Mr. Arnold Pike, who remained in Spitsbergen from August 21st, 1888, to June 8th, 1889. Snowy Owls were seen there on October 5th and 14th, and for the last time on November 2nd, until spring. Mandt’s Guillemots were seen, and Eiders and Briinnich’s Guillemots were heard, as early as January 11th; Fulmars made their appearance by February 20th; the first Ivory Gull on March 15th; on March 23rd the Snowy Owl had begun to prey on “ryper” (Lagopus hemileucurus) ; while Glaucous Gulls came on the 26th, and Little Auks on the 28th of March. A Sanderling (Calidris arenaria) was shot on Amsterdam Island on August 21st, 1888, and Mr. Chapman has the skin [supra p. 591}. 93. Hinn on the Cotton-Teal (Nettapus). [Note on the Gait of the Cotton-Teal, with exhibition of living speci- mens. By F. Finn, B.A., F.Z.S. Proc. A. S. Beng., April 1897.] The writer undoubtedly shows that, contrary to what prior authorities have stated, Cotton-Teal can walk, but it cannot be said that they walk so freely as many other of the Anatide. Mr. Finn has kindly sent some living specimens of Nettapus coromandelianus to the Zoological Society’s Gardens, so those who are interested in the question can judge for themselves. 94. Flower on Natural History as a Vocation. [Natural History asa Vocation. By Sir William H. Flower, K.C.B., F.R.S. Chambers’s Journ. xiv. p. 225, 1897.] Sir William Flower’s short article on the question of taking up Natural History as a “vocation” will, we are sure, be read with profit by everyone who has to consider this important subject. As the “ regular occupation of one who has no other means of living,’ Natural History is, as Sir William puts it, about the worst paid profession in the world. Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that matters 614. Recently published Ornithological Works. are steadily improving, and that the “ collecting-instinct 4 which is so largely developed in some boys should on no account be suppressed. More excellent advice on the sub- ject than that contained in the present address could not possibly be put together in a few words. 95. Fulcher on British Birds. [Birds of Our Islands. By F. A. Fulcher. London: Andrew Melrose. 8yo. | As this book has been sent to us, we notice it, but we do so with regret, for it contains more errors than are usual even in “popular” works. Some of the illustrations by Nops are good, but they are wrongly named: the bird called “ White-tailed Eagle” (p. 236) is a Golden Eagle, and the * Merlin and its Prey ” (p. 240) represents a Peregrine on a Mallard. The Merlinshas been credited with many won- derful feats, but this excels them all. So far as the author’s experience goes, the letterpress is tolerable, but there is much compilation and not good of its kind. 96-99. Hartert’s recent Contributions to Ornithology. [96. On some Necessary and some Desirable Changes of Names lately used in connection with Philippine Birds. Novitates Zoologice, iy. p. 11, 1897. 97. Notes on Palearctic Birds and Allied Forms. Op. cit. p. 131. 98. Mr. William Doherty’s Bird-collections from Celebes. Op. cit. p. 153. 99. Descriptions of seven new Species of Birds and one new Sub- species from Flores, and of one new Subspecies from Djampea, all collected by Mr. William Everett. Op. cit. p. 170.] In No. 96 Mr. Hartert points out that Cinnyris excellens, Grant= 4ithopyga flagrans, Oust.; that Artamides minda- nensis, Steere= Graucalus kochi, Kutter; and makes further remarks on the synonymy and status of five species of Philippine birds. In No. 97 Mr. Hartert treats of the birds of the genera Nucifraga, Certhia, Ammomanes, and Galerida. In Nuci- jraga he now recognizes 4 subspecies of N. caryocatactes— Recently published Ornithological Works. 615 namely, N. c. caryocatactes, N. c. relicta, N. c. macro- rhynchos, and N.c. japonicus, the last being a new sub- species from N. Japan and the Kuriles. The genus Certhiais, as Mr. Hartert truly says, a “‘ much-hunted ground.” Here, however, our friend again adds a new subspecies—C. familiaris Japonica, and recognizes 7 species ; one of these divided into 10 and another into 2 subspecies! Our familiar British species is to be C. f. brittannica [sic], but we cannot bring ourselves to spell Britain with two t’s, because the original author of the name did not spell it correctly. As regards the two genera of Larks (more hunted than even Certhia) we will ask those interested in these difficult birds to read our author’s notes and consult his tables—observing merely that in the latter genus he makes three new names » Galerida cristata delte (from Lower Egypt); G. cristata superflua (from Tunis)=G. pallida, Whitaker ; and G. elliott (from Somaliland) = G. pallida, Elliot. No. 98. After visiting Java, Bali, Lombok, Sambawa, and Sumba, Mr. Doherty proceeded to Celebes, and made a short expedition up Bonthain Peak, where about half his collection was made at a height of 5000 feet. He then collected in the low country north of Macassar in July 1896, and passed the two following months near Palvo Bay, in West Celebes. Mr. Hartert gives us separate lists of the birds obtained in these three localities. On Bonthain Peak examples of 46 species were procured, and in commenting on these Mr. Hartert introduces two new subspecies: Cinnyris fre- nata meyeri (from North Celebes), and C. f. salayerensis from the Salayer Islands. The 50 skins collected in the low country north of Macassar are mostly referable to well-known species, but Mr. Hartert mentions 12 as of interest, among which are specimens of Siphia rufigula, Monachalcyon capucinus, and Phlogenas bimaculata. The birds collected near Palos Bay are referred to 65 species, amongst which Munia subcastanea, Monachalcyon monachus intermedius, and Cacatua sulphurea djampeana are described as new. In No. 99 Mr. Hartert describes the following 7 new 616 Recently published Ornithological Works. species from specimens obtained by Mr. A. Everett in Southern Flores: Brachypteryx floris, Orthnocichla everetti, Micreca oscillans, Pachycephala nudigula, Lophozosterops subcristatus, Zosterops crassirostris, and Z. superciliaris ; also a new subspecies—Cryptolopha montis floris. A new subspecies of Trochoglossus forsteni from Djampea is named LT. f. djampeanus. 100. Helms on Birds met with in the North Atlantic. [Ornitholegiske Iagttagelser fra det nordlige Atlanterhay. Af O. Helms. Vidensk. Meddel. fra d. naturh. Foren. i Kbhyn. 1897, p. 216. } Having made several voyages between Denmark and Greenland, and thus naturally become interested in the birds observed and obtained during his passages across the North Atlantic, Mr. Helms has prepared the present memoir on the subject. The birds met with on the ocean fall natu- rally into two divisions :—Land-birds that are stragglers or migrants, and pelagic birds. After some preliminary remarks, Mr. Helms treats of both of these classes in syste- matic order. The Passeres of his list are 8 in number, 6 of which are European and 2 American. Altogether he enume- rates about 30 species as having been noted or met with by different observers. 101. Johnston on the Birds of British Central Africa. [British Central Africa : an attempt to give some Account of a Portion of the Territories under British influence north of the Zambesi. By Sir — Harry H. Johnston, K.C.B. &e. 1 vol. 544 pp. London: Methuen, 1897. ] Sir Harry Johnston’s well-written and _ beautifully- illustrated volume on the new British Territory, of which he has been the first and very successful Governor, should be studied by all those who are interested in the modern development of Africa. Here, at least, there can be no question that a few short years of good administration have enabled an energetic ruler to bring order out of chaos. But what we are specially interested in is his chapter on the birds of British Central Africa. Recently published Ornithological Works. 617 As is well known to readers of ‘The Ibis,’ Sir Harry Johnston, when selecting officers for his new government, considered that his staff would not be complete without a representative of science, and took out with him for this post Mr. Alexander Whyte, F.Z.S. Under Sir Harry’s directions Mr. Whyte made large collections in every branch of Natural History, and in particular sent home numerous series of birds, which have been described by Capt. Shelley in this Journal. Sir Harry Johnston now gives a complete list of these birds, nearly according to Capt. Shelley’s arrangement, and prefaces it with a valuable article, based chiefly on his own observations, on the most noticeable features of the Central-African Ornis. We subjoin Sir Harry’s notes on a Bee-eater, which he rightly characterizes as “almost the most gorgeously coloured of living birds” :— “Notable amongst the Bee-eaters is the lovely Merops natalensis, which is abundant on the river Shiré and probably in other low-lying parts of British Central Africa. AtChiromo this bird is present in large numbers, as it nests in holes in the high clay-bank on the spot which divides the river Ruo from the Shiré. When I arrived at Chiromo in 1891 to commence the administration of this country I found that these beautiful birds were being shot down in numbers to be skinned and sent home for the decoration of hats. I conse- quently took them under Government protection; since that time their numbers have greatly increased, and they have become wonderfully tame. It is objected, however, to this favour shown to them that, burrowing into the bank to make holes for the reception of their eggs, they assist the water in flood-time to eat away the clay and so gradually diminish the site of Chiromo. I do not think there is any fear that the Bee-eaters may cause more than the loss of a few feet of clay-cliffs, and the ground they are thus destroying is a piece of Government land which is retained as a kind of a park, When these Bee-eaters settle on the branches of a bare leafless bush, which they are very fond of doing, the first impression on the passing traveller is that this shrub is covered with gorgeous blue and crimson flowers, till, when 618 Recently published Ornithological Works. he is advancing to gather them, the flowers change into birds which fly away and leave the bareness of the bush singularly apparent.” 102. Kuschel on the Parasitic Habits of Cassidix. [Ueber die Fortpflanzung von Cassidix oryzivora, Scl. Von M. Kuschel. J. £. O. 1897, p. 168.] This is an interesting paper, confirming what we have already published in this Journal (see Ibis, 1896, p. 585, and supra, p. 143) as to the parasitic habits of Cassidix oryzivora. But we believe that Dr. Goeldi was the original discoverer of the curious fact now confirmed by Herr Schulz’s observations. 103. Lee’s Photographs of British Birds. [Among British Birds in their Nesting-Haunts, illustrated by the Camera. By Oswin A. J. Lee. Pts. IIL-V. 4to. Edinburgh: Douglas. 1897.] In these further instalments of this admirable work (ef. Ibis, supra, p. 276) the nests represented are those of the following species :—Part III. Acredula caudata (2), Larus ridibundus, Podicipes fluviatilis (2), Charadrius pluvialis, Vanellus vulgaris (2), Larus argentatus, Totanus canescens. Part IV. Scolopax rusticula, Hematopus ostralegus (2), Anthus trivialis, Emberiza scheniclus, Atgialitis hiaticula, Sterna minuta (2), Corvus monedula. Part V. Crex pratensis, Fringilla celebs, Tetrao urogallus (2), Gallinago celestis, Cygnus olor (2), Regulus cristatus, Totanus hypoleucus (2). While the standard of excellence is fully maintained in the photographs and the letterpress, there are also some very characteristic vignettes from pen-and-ink sketches. By the way, we should like to know Mr. Lee’s authority for his statement respecting the Tree-Pipit in Ireland. 104. Le Souéf’s Expedition to Mount Peter Botte. [Ascent of Mt. Peter Botte, North Queensland. By D. Le Souéf. Victorian Naturalist, March-April, 1897.] Like others of Mr. Le Souéf’s interesting narratives, the Recently published Ornithological Works. 619 journal of his expedition to Mount “ Peter Botte ” (which lies about fifty miles south of the port of Cooktown in Northern Queensland) will be found full of allusions to birds and their habits. Mr. Le Souéf went by steamer from Melbourne to Cooktown, and thence by road to Wyalla, a station on the Bloomfield river. Hence the start was made for “ Peter Botte” with a party of natives to carry the baggage over a very rough route. A view is given, taken from a photograph, of the summit of this very singularly-shaped mountain, so named from its supposed resemblance to its prototype in Mauritius. The party mounted the ridge to the height of 2400 feet and met with many rare birds—Hluredus macu- losus, Cracticus quoyi, Prionodura newtoniana, &c.,—in the vicinity, and managed to get to the top of the smaller moun- tain, whence a splendid view was obtained of the “ large solid bell-shaped mass of grey granite” that constituted the larger and inaccessible summit of Mount “ Peter Botte.” On their return they saw and heard an example of the rare Tooth-billed Bower-bird (Scenopeus dentirostris), and shortly afterwards came on its playground. “It cannot be called a bower, as the bird merely scratches the dead leaves and rubbish off a piece of ground measuring about 3 feet by 2, and places on it a few green leaves, with their upper surfaces on the ground and their backs exposed to view, which, of course, made them more conspicuous, being of a hghter colour. They were not placed in any regular order, any more than being the same distance apart, namely, about 4 inches, and the number of leaves varied in the different playgrounds from eight and upwards.” Mr. Le Souéf examined over a dozen different grounds, and did not find any trace of berries, shells, or other objects, but simply the green leaves, which were always fresh, and seemed as if they were picked daily. 105. Masefield on Wild-Bird Protection and Nesting-Bozes. [Wild Bird Protection and Nesting-Boxes. By John R. B. Masefield, M.A. Leeds, 1897. lvol. 12mo. 130 pp.] In putting together in this little volume an intelligible 620 Recently published Ornithological Works. account of the various Wild Birds’ Protection Acts that have been passed by our Legislature, and in collecting the Orders made by authority in the different Counties of England, Mr. Masefield has done a good work for his feathered favourites and for persons who sympathize with his views. The portion of Mr. Masefield’s volume devoted to the de- scription and illustration of nesting-boxes is likewise of great value. Nesting-boxes are an easy and delightful method of attracting a number of familiar and interesting species to breed in our gardens and even upon our houses. Mr. Masefield gives us a list of between 30 and 40 species that he has thus induced to breed within the precincts of his gardens, shrubberies, and buildings, and we believe that the list might be easily extended. We heartily commend this useful manual to all who are desirous of encouraging and observing birds. 106. Merriam on Species and Subspecies. [Suggestions for a new Method of Discriminating between Species and Subspecies. By C. Hart Merriam. ‘Science,’ n. s. v. p. 753, 1897.) The ordinary rule among the American naturalists has been to treat “ forms that intergrade, no matter how different, as subspecies,” and ‘forms that do not intergrade, no matter how closely related, as species.” It must, however, be confessed that this rule has not been closely adhered to in practice. Dr. Merriam, discussing the question in ‘ Science,’ has now come to a different conclusion, and states that in his judgment “forms which differ only slightly should rank as subspecies, even if not known to intergrade, while forms which differ in definite, constant, and easily recognized characters should rank as species even if known to intergrade.” This, we think, is a common-sense view of the question. 107. Meyer and Wiglesworth on Birds from Celebes. [Bericht iiber die 5-7 Vogelsammlung der Herren Dr. P. und Dr. F, Sarasin aus Celébes. Von A. B, Meyer und L. W. Wiglesworth. Abhandl. u. Ber. k. zool.-anthrop. Mus. Dresden, 1896-97, No. 1.] The authors write on three new sets of birds recently Pee & Recently published Ornithological Works. 621 transmitted by the brothers Sarasin from Central and Southern Celebes, and the adjoining island of Bonerate between Celebes and Flores. Five new species (or sub- species) are described— Cryptolopha sarasinorum,Pachycephala bonthaina, Melilestes celebensis meridionalis, and Zosterops anomala from South Celebes, and Oriolus boneratensis from Bonerate. Five other species are new to the Celebean avifauna, Altogether the Drs. Sarasin have transmitted examples of 202 species from Celebes. 108. Richmond on Birds from Madagascar. [Catalogue of a Collection of Birds made by Dr. W. L. Abbott in Madagascar, with Descriptions of three New Species. By Charles W. Richmond. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xix. p. 677, 1897.] Mr. Richmond describes the collection of 217 specimens of birds made by Dr. Abbott from February to July 1895 in Madagascar, mainly on the east coast, and refers them to 83 species. Of these three are new to science—Thalassornis insularis, Aigialitis thoracica, and Copsychus mexpectatus. Aigialitis thoracica has been already described (cf. Ibis, 1896, p. 578) ; the two others are now characterized. 109. Ridgway on the Birds of the Galapagos. [Birds of the Galapagos Archipelago. By Robert Ridgway. Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus. xix. pp. 459-670, 1896. } The importance of the study of the Fauna of the Gala- pagos has been recognized ever since Darwin brought to our notice the phenomena which it exhibits. The last account of the remarkable avifauna of the group was that published by Mr. Salvin in 1876 (Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. ix. p. 447). Mr. Ridgway now gives us a new version complete up to the present time, with the worthy object of “collating the knowledge thus far secured and of facilitating further inves- tigations.”” For, as he says, it is quite certain that there is much more to be done before the bird-life of the Galapagos can be deemed so well known as to “warrant any serious attempt to solve the problems to which Darwin first called attention.” 622 Recently published Ornithological Works. Mr. Ridgway’s revised list shows us that 105 species are now known to be included in the Galapagan avifauna. These he refers to 46 genera, of which five (Nesomimus, Certhidea, Geospiza, Camarhynchus, and Nesopelia) are peculiar to the group. The first four of these, besides some others, are represented in many of the islands by peculiar species. Mr. Ridgway treats of all the Galapagan species one after another in a most elaborate manner, stating their specific characters, synonyms, and distribution, and adding a list of the specimens contained in the rich collection of the National Museum at Washington. Moreover, the ranges of the species are clearly shown in a series of outline maps, and a bibliography is added of previous authorities on the subject. A more carefully prepared and more complete memoir on one of the most interesting subjects in ornithology it has seldom been our pleasant task to notice. 110. Rothschild on Guldenstddt’s Redstart. [On Differences between Guldenstadt’s Redstart and its Eastern Ally. By the Hon. Walter Rothschild. Novitates Zoologice, iv. p. 167, 1897.] Mr. Rothschild points out the differences between the true Guldenstadt’s Redstart of the Caucasus (Ruticilla erythro- gastra) and the allied species of the Himalayas and Kastern Asia, which should be called Ruticilla grandis, Gould. 111. Rothschild on a new Hill-Wren. [Description of a new Hill-Wren from Flores. By the Hon. Walter Rothschild. Novitates Zoologice, iv. p. 168, 1897. ] Pnoepyga everetti is a new species from South Flores, of which examples were obtained by Mr. Everett at elevations of from 8000 to 3580 feet. Its nearest ally is P. rufa, Sharpe, from Java. 112. Salvadori on Birds from Tigre, Abyssinia. [Lista di Uccelli raccolti dal Dr. Muzioli nal Tigré e donati al Museo Zoologico di Perugia; con Note di Tommaso Salvadori. Boll. Mus. Zool. ed Anat. comp. R. Univ. Torino, xii. no. 287, 1897.1] Count Salvadori has worked out a small collection of birds . Recently published Ornithological Works. 623 made in the Abyssinian province of Tigre by Dr. Muzioli and presented to the Museum of Perugia. He refers them to 98 species, and gives remarks on ten of them which require special notice. Of these Estrilda ochrogaster (!) is a new species allied to HE. paludicola and E. roseicrissa., 113. Saville-Kent’s ‘ Naturalist in Australia’ [The Naturalist in Australia. By W. Saville-Kent, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e. Illustrated by 50 full-page Collotypes, 9 Coloured Plates by Keulemans and other Artists, and over one hundred Illustrations in the Text. Folio. London: Chapman & Hall, 1897.] Mr. Saville-Kent’s beautifully illustrated work, which is replete with information about nature in Australia, contains a special chapter on its birds, accompanied by a chromo- lithographic plate containing coloured figures (drawn by Keulemans) of the beautiful Finches Poephila mirabilis and P. gouldi. There are also good illustrations of some captive * More-porks ”’ (Podargus), but it is asserted that the bird that cries for “‘more pork ”’ in the Australian “ bush ” is not really a Podargus (as has been generally believed) but an Owl, Ninox boohook. Among other places of interest Mr. Saville-Kent visited Houtmann’s Abrolhos—a group of islands situated off the coast of Western Australia, and celebrated for sea-birds, guano, and corals. Of the sea-birds found there Mr. Saville-Kent reprints the list prepared by Mr. J. A. Campbell, the ornitho- logist of Victoria, and published in the second volume of the Reports of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science (1890). Thirty-two species are enumerated. Those who wish to get some general idea of the chief wonders of the Australian fauna and flora will do well to refer to this work. 114. Suchetet on Hybrids among Wild Birds. [Les Hybrides 4 l’état sauvage. Régne Animal. Tome Premier. Classe des Oiseaux. Par André Suchetet. Paris: Bailliére, 1897. 1 vol. 8vo. 1002 pp. ] In this thick volume our great authority on hybridism in birds has united six articles which he has previously published on the subject * and has formed them into a homogeneous * See our notices, ‘ Ibis,’ 1893, 1894, and 1896. SER. VII.—VOL. III. 2x 624 Obituary. whole. LUILEY SCLATER,: M.A‘, Ph.Diy ins. a) SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, AND ) ‘ HOWARD SAUNDERS, F.LS., F.Z.S. LONDON: | GURNEY AND JACKSON, 1, PATERNOSTER ROW. (Successors to JOHN VAN VOORST.) | | | | | : | | Annual Subscription, payable before 31st March each year, £1 1. TAYLOR AND FRANCIS. PRINTERS, } [RED LION COUKT, FLEKT noua OE - XXII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &e. Page a. Letters from Mr. A. H. Holland and Dr. G. Hartlaub. New Experiments on Protective Coloration; The Rosy Bulltinch in Holland: The Chaffinch of Timbuctoo; The ‘ Operculum” in Ratite Birds ; The Parasitism of Cassidix oryzivora; ‘the Generic Name of the Swifta-.. 2 9.6 6 +% - nds 0) st (oe ee 286 XXIII. Obituary.—Heiurich Giitke, C. E. Bendire, and William Graham a gg ok 6 Ly SSR Si ies a ee PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE ISSUE OF No. 9, SEVENTH SERIES, AND NOT NOTICED IN THE PRESENT NUMBER. 29. Annals of Scottish Natural History. (No. 21, January 1897.) 30, ARRIGONI DEGLI Oppr. Nota sopra una Varieta di Nyroca africana, (Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. XxxXvi.) ; 3 e be, 31. ARRIGONI DEGLI Oppr. Note Oraitologiche per PAnno 1895, (Atti Soe. Ital. Sci. Nat. xxxvi.) Sob 32. ARRIGONI DEGLI Opp1. Note sopra un’ Anomalia di Colorito della Querquedula crecea. (Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. xxxvi.) Ae 33. Buaavw. Notes sur la Reproduction du Tinamou roux en Captivité en Hollande. (Bull. Soe, d’Acelim. France, 1896.) 34. Boletim do Museu Paraense. (Vol. i. no. 4.) 35. Butter. lLludiana: a Century of Changes in the Aspects of Nature. (Proc. Indiana Ac. Sci. no. v., 1895.) 36. Burruxorer. On a Collection of Birds from Nias. (Notes Leyden Mus, xviii. p. 161.) ? 37. Burrrxorer. Ona probably new Species of Newtonza from Madagascar. (Notes Leyden Mus. xviii. p. 199.) 38. Cuapman. Notes on Birds observed in Yucatan. (Bull. Amer. Mus. N. H. viii. p. 271.) 39. DaaLeisH. Notes on a“ List of the Birds which haye been observed in the district of Ardnamurchan, Argyllshire,” with additions thereto. (Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, New Ser. iv. part 3.) 40. GopMAN and Satvin. ‘ Biologia Centrali-Americana.’ (Zoology, Parts exxxii. Dee, 1896, exxxili. Jan. 1897; Aves, vol. il. pp. 545-598.) 41. Grant. A Hand-Book of the Game-Birds. (Vol. ii. 8vo. London, 1897.) 42, Hartert. An Account of the Collections of Birds made by Mr. W. Doherty in the Eastern Archipelago. (Novitates Zool. ili. p. 537.) 43. Harter. List of a Collection of Birds made in Lombok, by Mr. Alfred Everett. (Novitates Zool. i. p. 591.) 44. Hrapitey. The Atoll of Funafuti, Ellice Group: its Zoology, Botany, Ethnology, and General Structure, based on Collections made by Mr. C. Hedley. (Mem. Australian Mus. iii.) 45. Martorevii1. Nota Ornitologica intorno ad un nuovo esemplare di Falcone sacro preso nelle vicinanze di Lucera. (Atti Soe. Ital. xxxvi.) 46. Mittheilungen des ornithologischen Vereines in Wien. (xx. nos. 3, 4.) 47. Newson. Preliminary Descriptions of new Birds from Mexico and Guatemala in the Collection of the United States Department of Agriculture. (‘ Auk,’ 1897, p. 42.) 48, OpeRHoLsER. A Preliminary List of the Birds of Wayne County, Ohio. (Bull. Ohio Agr. Exper. Station, Technical Ser. i. no, 4, 1896.) 49, OBERHOLSER. Critical Remarks on the Mexican Forms of the Genus Certhia. (§ Auk,’ xiii. p. 314.) ; 50. OusTaLer. Notice sur la Faune Ornithologique Ancienne et Moderne des Yles Mascareignes. (Ann, Se. Nat. séy. 7, iii. p. 1.) 51. Prazix. Ueber Acrocephalus palustris horticolus, Naum. (‘ Aquila,’ iii. p. 187.) 52. Records of the Australian Museum. (Vol. iii. no. 1. 53. Reicuenow. Ein Verzeichniss seiner bisherigen Arbeiten, 1859-96. (Svo. 1836.) 54. Re.cHENoW. Zur Vogelfauna von Togo. (J. f. O. 1897, p. 1.) 55, Rorascuitp and Harrerr. Contributions to the Ornithology of the Papuan Islands. (Novitates Zool. il. p. 530.) 56. Scuarer. B.bliography of the published writings of. (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 49.) 57. Suurrevtpt. Fossil Bones of Birds and Mammals from Grotto Pietro, Tamponi, and Grive St. Alban. (Proc. Ac, Nat. Sci. Philad. 1896, p. 507.) 58, Stirvine and Zrerz, Preliminary Notes on Genyornis newtoni, a New (venus and Species of Fossil Struthious Bird found at Lake Callabonna, S. Australia, (Trans. R. Soc. S. Austr. xx. p. 171.) F Dy Bi pe Be nna) an bonded eee Eee eal a \ sie ’ ics Sata Sse CS hg tle tae ak ee POI Bate d | wit eth Hc tid ANE 2h SF Changs he ge ere * H SE ; ; sarees aCe : JULY 1897. Price 6s. TUE Pa Ss, A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY. EDITED BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, M.A,’ Ph Basse SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, AND HOWARD SAUNDERS, F.LS., F.Z.S. LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 1, PATERNOSTER ROW. (Successors to JOHN VAN VOORST.) Annual Subscription, payable before 31st March each year, £1 1s. if (ore AND FRANCIS, PRINTERS, ] [RED LION COURT, FLEKT STREET. ve ~ ‘ +) s CONTENTS OF NUMBER XI. (continued). 84. Reichenow on the Birds of Togoland . j . 470 85. Sclater, W. L., List of South- ‘African Birds a 86. Sharpe’s ‘Handbook to the Birds of Great Britain’ 87. Shufeldt on some Fossil Bones of Birds . . . aM 472 88. Stirling and Zietz on Genyornis newtont . 5 89. Tegetmeier on Pheasants . he | 90. ‘Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen on the Birds of Austria-Hungary \ XXXVI. Obituary. Heer A. A. van Bemmelen, oie Edward Nevion! and Mr. A. D. Bartlett. . . . Phe rte . 474 XXXVII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &e. Letters from the "Rev. Canon Tristram and Mr. Gerald E. H. Barrett-Hamilton. The Collection of Birds’-eggs in the British Museum; The late Wilh. Hollandt’s Collection of Birds’ -egos: The Giitke Collection of Birds; The Museum of Para; The Tristram Collection of Birds ; Restored Skeleton of Atpy, yornis ; ; Movements of Ornithologists and Collectors at home and abroad ; The North-east. African Hoopoe... 7.7.0.7 eh es ee eee PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE ISsuE OF No. 10, Seventa SERIES, AND NOT NOTICED IN THE PRESENT NUMBER. 62. FirowEr. Natural History as a Vocation. (Chambers’s Journ. xiy. . 225.) ‘ 63. Futcner. Birds of Our Islands. (8vo. London, 1897.) 64. HarrEerT. On some Necessary and some Desirable Changes of Names lately used in Connection with Philippine Birds. (Novitates Zool. iv. p. 11.) 65. Hartert. Notes on Palearctic Birds and Allied Forms. (Novitates Zool. iv. p. 181.) 66. Hartert. Notes on Humming-Birds. (Novitates Zool, iv. p. 148.) 67. Harterr. Mr. William Doherty’s Bird-collections from Celebes. (Novitates Zool. iv. p. 153.) 68. Harrert. Descriptions of seven new Species of Birds and one new Subspecies from Flores, and of one new Subspecies from Djampea, all collected by Mr. Alfred Everett. (Novitates Zool. iy. p. 170.) 69. Hetms. Ornithologiske Iagttagelser fra det nordlige Atlanterhav. (Vidensk. Meddel. naturh. Foren. Kbhvn. 1897, p. 216.) 70. Kuscuent. Ueber die Fortpflanzung von Cassidix oryzivora, Scl. (J. f. O. 1897, p. 168.) 71. Lup. Among British Birds in their Nesting Haunts, Illustrated by the Camera. (Part IV. Folio. Edinburgh, 1897.) 72. Le Soviir. Ascent of Mt. Peter Botte, North Queensland, (Victorian Naturalist, April, 1897.) 73. Merriam. Suggestions for a new Method of Discriminating between Species and Subspecies. (Science, N. S., v. p. 753.) 74. Mnynr and WieteswortH. Bericht itber die 5.-7. Vogelsantmlung der Herren Dr. P. und Dr. F. Sarasin aus Celébes. (Abh. u. Ber. k. zool. u. anthrop. Mus. Dresden, 1896-97, No. 1.) 75. Norra. A List of the Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales, Part Il. 1897. (Dept. of Agricult., Sydney, Miscell. Publ. No. 128.) 76, Ornithologisches Jahrbuch. (viii., Hefte 1-3.) 77. Praz&x. Ueber Acrocephalus palustris horticolus, Naum. (‘ Aquila,’ iii. p. 187.) 78. Report of the Trustees of the Australian Museum, New South Wales, for the Year 1895. 79, Ricumonp. Catalogue of a Collection of Birds made by Dr. W. L. Abbott in Madagascar, with Descriptions of three new Species. (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xix. p. 677.) 80. Ripaway. Birds of the Galapagos Archipelago. (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xix. p. 459.) 81. Roruscurtp. On Differences between Giildenstidt’s Redstart and its Eastern Ally. (Novitates Zool. iv. p. 167.) 82. Rorascurip. Description of a new Hill-Wren from Flores. (Novitates Zool. iv. p. 168.) 83. Satvavort. Lista di Uccelli raccolti dal Dr. Muzioli nel Tigré e donati al Museo Zoologico di Perugia. (Boll. Mus. Zool. ed Anat. R. Univ. Torino, xii. No. 287.) 84. Winax. Fuglene ved de danske Fyr i 1896. (Vidensk. Meddel. naturh. Foren, Kbhyn. 1897, p. 237.) ‘ ee P, ee ¥ An © -_ A A v er il Nea OCTOBER 1897. _ Price 6s. yx Doe ie Fy 2 Ss A 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, F.LS., F.Z.S. LONDON: 4 GURNEY AND JACKSON, 1, PATERNOSTER ROW., | (Successors To JOHN VAN VOORST.) | ~ Annual Subscription, payable before 31st March each year, £1 1s. | Oc AND FRANCIS, PRINTERS, ] a: 2 CONTENTS OF NUMBER XII. (continued). Page XLVII. Obitwary—Charles Bygrave Wharton . . . Gat XLVIII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. Letters from Mr, O. V. Aplin and Lt.-Col. E. A. Butler. The Melodious Warbler (Hypolais polyglotta) in Sussex ; The Production of “ Aigrettes ”’; New Expedition to the Galapagos. 625 Index of Scientific Names . . . - + + 5 © 2 @ « Index of Contents AL aan Titlepage, Preface, List of Members, and Contents. . 647 PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE IssuE OF No. 11, Saventu SERIES, AND NOT NOTICED IN THE PRESENT NuMBER. 85. Annals of Scottish Natural History. (No. 23, July 1897.) 86. ‘Aquila.’ (Vol. iv. nos. 1-3, 1897.) 87. ‘Avicula,’ Giornale Ornitologico Italiano, (Anno I. fase. 2.) 88. Cooxr, W. W. The Birds of Colorado, (State Agricultural College, Bulletin no. 87, 1897.) 89. Forses and Ropinson. Catalogue of Parrots in Derby Museum, (Bull. Liverp. Mus. vol. i. no. 1.) 90. Gouraup. The Mysteries of Migration. (Current Thought, vol. 1. no. 2, 1897.) 91. Gurnry. On the Tendency in Birds to resemble other Species. (Trans. . Norfolk & Norw. Nat. Soe. vi. p. 240.) 92. Gurney. On the Ornithology of Switzerland. (Trans. Norfolk & Norw. Nat. Soc. vi. p. 255. | 93. Harrert. Kurze Besprechung eines Angriffes auf die neueren Nomen- klaturbestrebungen. (J. f. O. 1897, p. 183.) 94. Lu Soviir. A Trip to the Bloomfield River District, North Queens- land. (Victorian Naturalist, March 1897.) 95. Mapardsz. Sammel-Ergebnisse Ludwig Biré’s in Neu-Guinea. I. Vogel. (Termész. Fiizetek, xx. p. 17.) 96. MaparAsz. Die ornithologischen Ergebnisse meiner Reise nach Ceylon. (Termész, Fiizetek, xx. p. 309.) 97. Mryer and Herm. VII.-X. Jahresbericht (1891-94) der ornitho- lozischen Beobachtungstationen im Konigreiche Sachsen. (4to. Berlin, 1896.) 98. Mittheilungen des ornithologischen Vereines in Wien. (xxi. nos. 1, 2.) 99. Ornithologisches Jahrbuch. (viii. Heft 4.) 100. Satvaport. Viaggio del Dott. Alfredo Borelli nel Chaco boliviano e nella Repubblica Argentina. No. VII. Uccelli. (Boll. Mus. Zool. ed Anat. Comp. R. Univ. Torino, xii. no, 292.) 101. SHureitpr. On Fossil Bird-Bones obtained by Expeditions of the University of Pennsylvania from the Bone-Caves of Tennessee. (Amer. Nat. 1897, p. 645.) 102. Townsenp. Description of a new Eagle from Alaska. (Proc. Biol. Soc, Washington, xi p. 145.) 103. TscHusI zu ScuMIpHOFFEN. Bemerkungen iiber die Wachtel ( Coturnir coturniz, auct.) und ihre Formen. (‘ Aquila,’ iv. p. 26.) 104. Tscuust zu SCHMIDHOFFEN. Vogelschutz und Hege, ‘ Di walb..’ (xxi. Jahrg., no. 2, pp. 48-52. ny xxi. Jahrg., no, 2, pp ) ; an ABI 105, ‘The Wombat.’ (Vol. ii. nos, 2-4. . 629 wees? Dw