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Tao - 7 i ay vee ey eae as Gey te tea PA re oe ee a ar | Ce ee ee ee ee 74 id . . . * 8 ’ ‘ A -0 a be 8 he o eC ee Ce a Te Me er ca ’ ’ ' “ irs ‘ PO Ae we 8 os hed ee ee i So oe en a ot km in sus i CU Pat De ei ee ee dee baa hee oe er ee i en oo ee Come een nee 6b bt peg Ges ‘ - : ia to FP ee ee ee eee eae Ce eC ey - t ‘ . . bh fea i Ce ’ Da “ a fa 1 Sas tie ted ee eee oe eure ee oe er 4 ae ‘ : q Ae: yo ate ‘ Tint fe die Pe 6 ae) rar on ee Pan Ce ce ee ee ee eo cy 7 ie , ‘ ' ‘ oe eT sees ia . Ce . Fe ee om . wee eee ee ee ee ee ean - te 4 ' | irene Ce eS Oh oS aM a es We SEH ee Re oe me a eH ees ew : ‘ . ‘ id y Pola 6 rae ae ‘ bee KoA oe embry eos SRW A Owed Coe tw, bale eed OU de tr gee Foe ‘ an ‘ ‘ , Cs ee Cr en ey a re eT ec es eee Meme w sia . mre toes f j kefiJ ‘ke ves » " Vat ee aS oN ber 5 ar 7 ’ AF ® oy Dany ‘oo + \ / 23 he ._ lia THE IBIS, QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY. EDITED BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, D\Sc., F.RS., SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, AND A. H. EVANS, M.A., F.Z.S. Wie. LT 1902: EIGHTH SERIES. Quam magnificata sunt opera tua, Domine. LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW. (Successors to J. VAN VOORST.) 1902. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FIL.EET STREET. PREFACE. WE are somewhat pleased to be abie to issue the forty-fourth volume of ‘The Ibis’ with a hundred pages less than the volumes immediately preceding it, because, as we informed our readers last year, the gradual augmentation in size of the annual volume seemed likely to cause them considerable embarass- ment. At the same time we may say that it has not been found necessary to refuse any desirable contri- butions on the ground of space this year, and that several important articles are already promised for our next number. | Perhaps it hardly comes within the province of the Editors to specify any particular contribution as entitled to special remark. Nevertheless, we think we may venture to direct the attention of our readers to Mr. William Eagle Clarke's interesting account of his month’s residence on the Eddystone Lighthouse, and his study of the phenomena of migration as a2 1V observed there, as one of the most valuable contri- butions to a comparatively obscure branch of our Science that has appeared of late years. We trust that Mr. Clarke may find other opportunities of doing good work of the same character, and that he will obtain the support which he so well deserves, while we may assure him that we shall be always glad to receive information as to his future labours in this . attractive field of enquiry. Pe An EE TR os es 3 Hanover Square, London, W., October Ist, 1902. ie) 15 BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 1902. [An asterisk indicates an Original Member. It is particularly requested that Members will give notice to the Secretary of the Union, 3 Hanover Square, London, W., of any error in their addresses or descriptions in this List, in ordvr that it may be corrected. ] Date of Flection. 1896. ALExXanpER, Capt. Boyp, F.Z.S. (7th Bn. Rifle Brigade) ; Wilsley, Cranbrook, Kent. 1901. Atccury, James H.; 24 Bower Mount Road, Maidstone. 1888, Artin, Ortver Vernon; Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon. 1896. ARcHIBALD, CaartEs F.; 9 Cardigan Road, Headingley, Leeds. 1896. Arriconr pec~I Opp1, Count Errors, Professor of Zoology, University, Padua; and Ca’ oddo, Monselice, Padua, Italy. 1901, ArunpEL, Major Watrer B.; High Ackworth, Pontefract. 1901. Asnsy, Herserr; Pinehurst, Basset, near Southampton. 1897. Astivy, The Rev. Huprerr Denavat, F.Z.S.; Benham Park, Newbury, Berks. 1885. Bacxuousr, Jamus, F.Z.S.; Daleside, Harrogate. 1901. Bartwarp, Lt.-Col. A. C. (R.F.A.); 1 Princes Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W. 1892. Baxer, E. C. Sruarr, F.Z.8.; care of Messrs. H. 8. King & Co., 65 Cornhill, E.C. 1901. Baxsr, Joun C., M.B., B.A. ; Ceeley House, Aylesbury, Bucks. 1899. Batrour, Freperick Roser SterHen ; Dawyck, Stobo, N.B.; and Bachelors’ Club, Piccadilly, W. 1889. Bausron, Ricwarp James, F.Z.S.; Springfield, Maidstone. 1890. Barcray, Francis Husert, F.Z.S.; The Warren, Cromer, Norfolk. 1872. Barctay, Colonel Hansury, F.Z.S.; ‘Tingrith Manor, Woburn, Bedfordshire. 1885. Barcray, Col. Hucu G., F.Z.8.; Colney Hall, Norwich. 1889. Barrerrt-Haminton, Capt. Geratp E. H., F.Z.8S. (5th Royal Trish Rifles) ; Intelligence Officer, Vredefort Road, O.R.C., 8. Africa; and Kilmanock, Arthurstown, Ireland. 1881. Barrineton, Ricuarp Manuirre, LL.D.; Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow. 20 25 30 40 vi Election, 1902. Brcuer, Harry, C.E.; 4 Walpole Street, Chelsea, S.W. 1884, Brepparp, Frank E., M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S., Vice-Secretary and Prosector to the Zoological Society of London ; Zoological Society’s Gardens, Regent’s Park, N.W.: and “ Kymin,” Kenton Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill. 1897. Benson, Jonn; The Post Office, Vancouver, B.C. 1897. Berry, Writtam, B.A., LU.B.; Tayfield, Newport, Fifeshire. 1880. Brpwett, Epwarp; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C. 1884. Brnenam, Lt.-Col. Cuartes T., F.Z.S.; 6 Gwendwr Road, West Kensington, W. 1892. Brro, The Rev. Mavricr. C. H., M.A.; Brunstead Rectory, Stalham, 8.0., Norfolk. 1891. Braauw, F. E., C.M.Z.S. ; Gooilust, ’sGraveland, Hilversum, Noord-Holland. 1898. Brann, Ivers; Newbold Firs, Leamington. 1873. Buanrorp, Wiitiam T., LL.D:, F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; 72 Bedford Gardens, Kensington, W. : 1893. Botam, Grorce, F.Z.S8. ; Berwick-on-l'weed. 1897. Bonar, The Rev. Horatrus Ninian; Free Church Manse, Salton, Pencaitland, East Lothian, N.B. 1894. Bonnore, Joun Lewis, F.Z.S.; Ditton Hall, Fen Ditton, Cambridgeshire. 1898. Boorn, Groner Atsert; Pheenix Iron Works, Derby Street, Preston; and Fern Hill, Grange-over-Sands, Lanes. 1895. Braprorp, Dr. J. Rosz, F.R.S.; 8 Manchester Square, W. < 1902. Bripeeman, Lieut. The Hon. Ricuarp O. B., R.N., H.M-S. ‘ Partridge,’ Cape of Good Hope; and Weston Park, Shifnal, Salop. ; 1902. Bristowr, Bertram Arruur ; The Cottage, Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey. 1885. Brocknotrs, Witttam Firzurrprrr; Claughton-on-Brock, Garstang, Lancashire. 1890. Brooxr, Harry Briystey; 33 Egerton Gardens, Kensington, W. 1899. Brooxs, Joun AntHur, J.P.; Fenay Hall, Huddersfield; and Fearn Lodge, Ardgay, Ross-shire. 1900. Broce, Wir1iAM Spiers ; Scottish Antarctic Expedition Office, National Bank Buildings, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh. 1868. Bucxtey, THomas Epwarp, B.A., F.Z.S.; Castlehill, Castleton, by Thurso, N.B. es 1895. Burearia, H.R.H. Frrptvanp, Prince of; Sophia, Bulgaria. Date of Election. Vii 1872. Buuuer, Sir Watrrr Lawry, K.C.M.G.,S8c.D., F.R.S., C.M.Z.S. Fi 1899. 45 1884. 1896. 1900. 1884. 1895. 50 1896. 1889. 1896. 1888. 1892. 55 1888. 1899. 1890. 1894. 1884. 60 1882. 1900. nSo7 1889. 1880. 65 1898. 1898. 81 Eaton Terrace, 8.W. Butter, Arraur Lennox, F.ZS. ; Department, Khartoum, Sudan. Butter, Lieut.-Col. E. A.; Plumton House, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. BurrEeRFIELD, St. Leonards-on-Sea. | Burtrress, Bernarp A. E.; The Cross House, Fawkham, Kert. Buxton, Grorrrey Fowstt, F.Z.S.; Dunston Hall, Norwich. Buxton, 8. Gurney, F.Z.S.; Catton Hall, Norwich. Cavz, Franots J.; Teighmore, Cheltenham. Cameron, Ewen Somertep, F.Z.8.; V. Ranch, Terry, Montana, U.S.A. | Cameron, Lieut. Jamus S.; 1st Bn. Royal Sussex Regt., South Africa ; and Low Wood, Bethersdeu, Ashford, Kent. Cameron, JoHn Duncan; Low Wood, Bethersden, Ashford,Kent. CaMPBELL, CHartes Wiiiiam, C.M.Z.S., H.B.M. Chinese ‘Consular Service; British Legation, Peking, China. Carter, JAMES; Burton House, Masham, R.S.O., Yorkshire. Cartwricut, THomas Lusiir Mertvitte; Newbottle Manor, Banbury. Cave, CuartesJoun Purp, F.Z.8.; Ditcham Park, Petersfield, Cuance, A. Macoms, B.A.; Lawnside, Edgbaston, — Bir- mingham. Caapman, Apex, F.Z.S.; Houxty, Wark-on-Tyne. Cuase, Roserr Wiri1am; Southville, Priory Road, Edgbas- ton, Birmingham. CHarterton, Freperick J. S.; Newington, N. Cuotmiey, ALFRED Jonny, F.Z.S.; Place Newton, Rillington, Yorkshire. | CLARKE, StePHENSON Rosert, F.Z.S.; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. Crarwe, Witt Hager, F.L.S.; Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh. Cocks, Atrrep Heryeacn, F.Z.8.; Poynetts, Skirmett, near Henley-on-Thames. | Coxn, Hon. Ricuarp ; 1st Bn. Scots Guards; and Holkham Hall, Wells, Norfolk. Game Preservation W. C. J. .Rusxin ; 4 Stanhope Place, 78 Clissold Road, Stoke 75 Date of Election. 1895. 1888. 1882. 1899. 1896. 1902. 1896. 1894. 1896. 1895. 1898. 1898. 1899. 80 1877. 85 1898. 1896. 1897. 1883. 1899. 1902. Lek. 1893. 1896. Vili : Cots, Richarp Epwarp; Ashley, Arnewood, Lymington. CorpEaux, Captain Wintzam Wrtrrm (21st Lancers) ; Westgate Court, Canterbury. | Cory, Prof. Coartzs B., F.Z.S.; 160 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass., U.S.A. Cowiz, The Rev. Arcurpatp G. G.; Southlands, Grange Road, West Hartlepool. Cowiz, Major AtexanpER Hteu, R.E., F.Z.S.; care of H. Ward, Esq., Yeatton, Lymington, Hants. Cowir, Ropert Macnamara, M.R.C.S8.; 2nd Life Guards, Windsor. CrawrorD, Francis C.; 19 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. Crewe, Sir. Vauncey Harpur, Bt.; Calke Abbey, Derby- shire. Crockett, SamueL Rvurnerrorp; Bank House, Penicuik, Midlothian. Crosstby, Sir Savitz B., Bt., M.V.O., F.Z.S.; Somerleyton, Lowestoft; and 12 Carlton-House Terrace, S.W. Crossman, Aan F.; c/o Messrs. Kidson & Gawler, Fremantle, Western Australia. Crowtey, Reeinatp Atwyn; Highfield, Alton, Hants; and 22 High Street, Croydon. Curtis, FrepERiIcK ; The College, Guy’s Hospital, 8.E. DatetrisH, Joun J.; Brankston Grange, Bogside Station, Stirling, N.B. DatrympceE, Hon. Joun James; 1st Bn. Scots Guards. DanrForpD, Bertram W. Y., R.E.; Bermuda. DarntEy, Ivo Francis Watton, Earl; Cobham Hall, Gravesend ; and Clifton Lodge, Athboy, Co. Meath. Davinson, James, F.Z.S.; Karwar, Kanara, Bombay; and 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. Davies, Lt. Surron A. (2nd East Lancs. Regt.); Jullundur, Punjab, India. Dern, CuarLes Henry; Raincliffe Villa, The Valley, Scarboro’, Yorks, Dr Vis, Cuartes W.; Queensland Museum, Brisbane; and care of Mr. B. Quaritch, 15 Piccadilly, W. De Winton, W. E., F.Z.S.; Graftonbury, Hereford; and 59 Charlotte Street, Portland Place, W. Doszsis, James B., F.Z.8.; 2 Hailes Street, Edinburgh. go 95 I00 105 110 Date of Elections 1889. 1895. 1865. 1896. 1890. 1878. 1896. Dosre, Winttam Henry, M.R.C.S.; 2 Hunter Street, Chester. Donovan, Capt. Cuarves, I.M.S.; c/o Messrs. P. Macfadyen & Co., Winchester House, Old Broad Street, E.C. Dresser, Henry Entrs, F.L.S., F.Z.8.; 28 Queensborough Terrace, Hyde Park, W. Drewirt, Freperic Georer Dawrrey, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P., | F.Z.S.; 14 Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, W. Drummonp-Hay, Major Jamzs A. G.; Ist Bn. Coldstream Guards ; and Seggieden, Perth, N.B. Dvurnrorp, W. Artuur, J.P.; Elsecar, Barnsley. Warman, t—Col.. W. HH. M.; The. Presbytery, North Berwick. . Exxiot, Danret Grravp, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.; Field Columbian Museum, Chicago, U.S.A. . Exzrot, Epmunp A. 8., M.R.C.S.; Woodville, Kingsbridge, South Devon. . Extiorr, Aterrnon, Civil and Sessions Judge, Amraoti Camp, Berar, H.A.D., India. . Exuison, The Rev. Arran, M.A.; Ardoyne House, Watton, Hertford. . Etwes, Henry Jonny, F.R.S., F.Z.8.:; Colesborne, Cheltenham. . Ertanerr, Freiherr Carto von; Nieder Ingelheim, Rhein Hessen, Germany. . Evans, ARTHUR Houmste, M.A., F.Z.8.; 9 Harvey Road, Cam- bridge. (dtztor.) . Evans, WitrraM, F.R.S.E.; 38 Morningside Park, Edinburgh. . Farrprivgr, Witt1am Grorce; 133 Long Market Street, Capetown, South Africa. . Fatconer, Jonn J. M.; St. Ann’s, Lasswade, N.B. . Farquyar, Capt. AntHuUR M., R.N.; Granville Lodge, Aboyne, N.B.; and H.M.S. ‘Renown, Mediterranean Squadron. . Farquwar, Commr. Stuart Sr. J., R.N.; H.M.S. ‘Pembroke,’ Chatham; and Drumnagesk, Aboyne, N.B. . Fritpen, Col. Henry Wemyss, C.B., C.M.Z.S.; West House, Wells, Norfolk; and Junior United Service Club, S.W. . Fenwick, Epwarp Nicuotas Fenwick ; Oxford and Cambridge Club, Pull Mall, 8.W. . Frerevson, Lieut. Harorp Sruarr, F.Z.S.; Nair Brigade, Trevandrum, Travancore, India. 115 I20 125 130 135 Date of Election. 1901. 1892. 1890. 1902. 1884. 1898. 1880. Frxtison, Horach W.; 67 Goldington Avenue, Bedford. Finn, Frann, 5.A., F.Z.8.; Indian Museum, Calcutta. Fisner, Lionet; Kandy, Ceylon. Frower, Capt. Srantey Sayrrn, F.Z.S.; Kedah House, Zoological Gardeus, Gizeh, Cairo. Forses, Henry Ocee, LL.D., F.Z.S.; Free Public Museums, Liverpool. Fosrer, Groree E.; Brooklands, Cambridge. Foster, Witttam; ¢/o L. T. Glasson, Esq.,5 Stone Buildings Lincoln’s Inn, W.C. . Fowrer, Writ1am Warps, M.A.; Lincoln College, Oxford. . Fox, The Rev. Henry Eviiorr, M.A. ; The Croft, Lytton Grove, Putney Hill, $.W. . Frexe, Percy Evans; 7 Limes Road, Folkestone. - 5. Frowawk, Freperick Wiiit1am; 42 Waddon Road, Croydon. . Ganow, Hans, Ph.D., F.B.S., FZ. Sul Unie Museum of Zoology, Damiseidgeh . GarInsporouGH, CHARLES WILLIAM FRancrs, Earl of; Exton Park, Oakham. . Garnett, Caartes; 9 Cleveland Gardens, Hyde Park, W.; and New University Club, St. James’s Street, S.W. . Garner, Francis; Beech Holm, Sunderland ; Kings’ College, Cambridge; and 20 Queen Square, W.C. 2. GERRARD, Jonn, Government Inspector of Mines; Worsley, near Manchester. 2. Gresins, WILLIaM Bevinerton ; Ettington, Stratford-on-Avon. 79. Gipson, Ernest, F.Z.8S.; 1 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh ; and Estancia de los Ingleses, Ajo, Buenos Aires. . Guterr, Freperick, F.Z.8.; Woodfield, Burgess Hill, Sussex. . Gittman, AntHuR Ritzy; 5 Fellows Road, Hampstead, N.W.; and 3 Southampton Street, High Holborn, W.C. 58. Gopman, Freperick DuCanz, D.C.L., F.R.S., F.Z.S.; 10 Chan- dos Street, Cavendish Square, W. President. . Gopman,, Percy Sanpen, B.A., C.M.Z.S.; Muntham, Horsham. . Goopcnitp, Herperr; 119 Gloucester Road, Regent's Park, N.W. . Gooprettow, Water; Rosedale, Broadstone, Dorset. . Gourp, Franx Hersert Carruruers: Amherst, Grove Road, East Molesey, Surrey. Xi Date of - Election. 140 145 150 155 1895. Graswam, Oxtey, M.A. ; Thornton Dale, Pickering, Yorks. 1885. Guittemarp, F. H. H., M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.; Old Mill House, Trumpington, Cambridge. iegoeGuntum, Anperr ©; L.-G., M.A. M.D., FBS, F.Z8.; 2 Lichfield Road, Kew Gardens, S.W. 1898. Gurvey, Lieut. Anrnony Francis, R.N.; North Runcton Hall, | King’s Lynn; and H.M.S. ‘ Pembroke,’ Chatham. 1870. Gurney, Jonn Henry, F.Z.S.; Keswick Hall, Norwich; and Athenzeum Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 1897. Gurney, J. Nieet; Sprowston Hall, Norwich. 1896. Gurney, Roperr; Sprowston Hall, Norwich. 1890. Gwarkin, Josnua Ruynotps Gascoren ; ‘The Manor House, Pottérne, Devizes. 1901. Haaener, Atwiy. C.; Head-Quarters Staff, South African Constabulary, South Africa. Box 1193 Johannesburg, Transvaal Colony, South Africa. 1891. Haien, Groner Henry Caron ; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire. 1898. Hates, CoHartes Reeinanp, M.A.; Meadhurst, Uppingham, : Rutland. 1887. Harness, Joun Prerpett Witron; 17 King Street, Gloucester. 1898. Hatz, The Rev. Jamzs Rasueteu, B.A.; The Vicarage, Horton Kirby, Dartford, Kent. 1886. Hamwitron, Epwarp, M.D., F.LS., F.Z.8.; 25 Redcliffe Gardens, S.W. 1900. Harper, Epmonp Wrttiam, F.Z.S.: 1a Camac Street, Calcutta; (temp.) c/o The Rev. R. Harper, Wimborne, | Dorset. 1900. Harris, Henry Epwarp; Overton, Torquay. 1893. Harrert, Ernst; The Museum, Tring, Herts. 1868. Hartine, James Epmunn, F.L.S., ee “ Edgewood,” Weybridge, Surrey. 1896. Harrtanp, Joun Cote; c/o Messrs. Hunt & Co., P.O. Box 11, | Yokohama, Japan. 1893. Harrmann, Witt1am; Tangley Mere, Chilworth, Surrey. 1899. Harvey, Capt. Roserr. Narrer, R.E.; Stanhope Lines, Aldershot. | 1873. Harvin-Brown, Jonn A., F.RAS.E., F. ZS S.; Dunipace House, Larbert, N.B. 160 165 170 Date of Election. 1900. 1902. 1898. 1887. 1902. 1902. 1899. 1900. 1895. 1884. LOZ. i888. 1893. 1895. 1881. * 1858. 1893. 1869. 1890. 1901. 1902. xl Hastucx, Percy Prprry Harrorp; The Wilderness, South- gate, N. Harrertp, Joon Ranpatt; Edlington Hall, Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Hawker, Ricuarp M., F.Z.8.; Bath Club, Dover Street, W.; and c/o Messrs., Dalgety & Co., 96 Bishopsgate Street Within, E.C. Hespert, Coarwes T., F.Z.S.; The Rhodrons, Hook, Kingston- on-Thames. Hexsert, Bron; Picket Post, Ringwood, Hants. Herr, Grorrrey Seccompe; 18 Chepstow Place, Bays- water, W. Heywoop, Ricwarp; St. Margaret’s Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. : Hiits, Joan Warter; 14 Victoria Grove, Kensington, W.; and Corby Castle, Carlisle. Hinxman, Lioner W., B.A.; Geological Survey of Scotland, Edinburgh, | HorpswortH, Cartes James; Sunnyside, Wilmslow, Cheshire. Hortpswortu, Epmunp W. H., F.Z.S.; South Town, Dart- mouth, Devon. Horsrietp, Herserr Kyient; Ivy Lodge, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. Hosr, Cuartes, D.Se., F.Z.S.; Baram, Sarawak, Borneo. Howarp, Henry Error; Clarelands, near Stourport. Howarp, Ropert James; Shearbank, Blackburn, Lanca- shire. Hupieston, Witrrip Hupiesron, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.8.; & Stanhope Gardens, 8. W. Hupsoy, Witt1am Henry, F.Z.S.; Tower House, St. Luke’s Road, Westbourne Park, W. Hume, Attan Octavian, C.B., ©.S.L, F.Z.8.; The Chalet, Kingswood Road, Upper Norwood, 8.E. Hunrer, Henry Cartes Vicars; Mawley Hall, Cleobury Mortimer, Salop. Ineram, Cottinewoop; The Bungalow, Westyate-on-Sea ; and c/o Lady Ingram, 65 Cromwell Road, S.W. Innes Bey, Dr. Watrer Francis; Curator of the Zoological Museum, School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt. ww 180 185 190 Date of X1ll Election. nS70. 1888. 1902. 1892. 1896. 1889. 1891. 1900. 1899. 1902. 1880. 1894. 1897. 195 200 1882. 1891. 1895. 1902. 1882. 1900. 1892. 1884. 1881, Irsy, Lieut.-Col. Leonarp Howarp, F.Z.S.; 14 Cornwall Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W. Jackson, Freperick J., C.B., C.M.G., F.L.S.; The Red House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Jacos, Dr. Frank Harwoop; 4 Oxford Street, Nottingham. James, Henry AsHwortH; Hurstmonceux Place, Hailsham, Sussex. JessE, Wriit1am; La Martiniére College, Lucknow, Oudh, India; (temp.) Ashbrook, Middlemoor, Tavistock, S. Devon. JOHNSON, FREDERICK Ponsonsy, B.A., J.P., D.L. ; Castlesteads, Brampton, Cumberland. Jounsron, Sir Harry Hamitton, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., F.Z.S. ; 27 Chester Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W. Jonrs, Major Henry (late 62nd Regt.); East Wickham . House, Welling, Kent. JouRDAIN, The Rev. Francis Coartes Ropert, M.A.; Clifton Vicarage, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Joy, Norman Humpert, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.; Bradfield, near Reading. Kertnam, Col. Henry Rozserr (lst Bn. Highland Light Infantry) ; 52 Tisbury Road, Hove, Brighton. Ketsatt, Capt. Harry Josepa (R.G.A.); Wicklow Artillery, Southern Division. Ketsatt, The Rev. Joun Epwarp, M.A.; Milton Bee Lymington, Hants. Kurmovn, Purr M. C.; Cooil-ny-Feeny, Ramsay, Isle of Man. Kerr, J. Granam, F.Z.8., Professor of Natural History, The University, Glasgow. Kinesvorp, Writ1am Epwarp ; Cairo, Egypt. Kiynear Norman Born; 18 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh. Kwnoustry, The Rey, Epw. Ponsonsy, M.A.; Steeple Ashton Vicarage, Trowbridge. | Konic, Dr. AtexanpER Ferrpinanp ; Professor at Bonn University, Coblenzer-Strasse 164, Bonn, Germany. Laipiaw, THomas Geppzs ; Bank of Scotland Branch, Perth. Laneron, Herserr; 11 Marlborough Place, Brighton. Lascettes, The Hon. Geratp; The King’s House, Lyndhurst. 210 215 220 Date of Election. 1892. 1892, 1898. 1876. 1898. 1868. XIV La Toucuz, Joun Davin Dieves, C.M.Z.S.; Imperial Maritime Customs, Chin Kiang, China. Laws, ArtHuR Moore; Ayrshire Mine, Lamagundi, Mashona- land, South Africa. Lraroyp, A. Ernest;, Rawthorpe Hall, Huddersfield. Lreex, Col. Wiri1am Vincent (late R.A.), F.Z.S.; Cullenswood House, St. Mary’s, Tasmania. Le Sovér, Duprey, C.M.Z.8.; Director of the Zoological Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Le Srranen, Hanon, F.Z.8.; Hunstanton Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. 5. L’Esrraner, Col. Pager Watrer, R.A.; 10 The Lees, Malvern. Lewis, Freperick ; Assistant Conservator of Forests, The Kachchin, Colombo, Ceylon. ; LeYLAND, CuRistopHeR Joun; Haggerston Castle, Beal, Northumberland. . Litrorp, Jonny, Lord, F.Z.S.; Lilford Hall, Oundle, Northants. -Tnoxn, Coli Joun Haves, FZ.8.- 95 SAdenngeennn Ws . Loat, Wititam Leonarp §8., F.Z.S.; Cumnor Place, near Oxford. . Lopez, Grorer Evwarp, F.Z.8.; 5 Thurloe Studios, Thurloe Square, S.W. . Loyp, Lt.-Col. AntHUR Purvis, F.Z.S. (late 21st Hussars) ; Harnham Cliff, Salisbury. . Luszocx, Percy; 26 Cadogan Gardens, 8.W.; ‘* Emmetts,” Ide Hill, Sevenoaks ; and King’s College, Cambridge. Lumspen, James, F.Z.S.; Arden House, Alexandria, N.B. Lurrman-Jounson, JAamEs Anruur, M.A., F.Z.S.; 101 Mount Street, W. McConnett, Freperick Vavasour: 37 Cranley Gardens, South Kensington, 8.W. | . McLean, Jonn CHAMBERS ; Waikohu Station, Te Karaka, Gisborne, New Zealand. . Macmritan, Grorce Aveustin; 19 Earl’s Terrace, Ken- sington, W. Macpxprson, Artaur Horre ; 51 Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park, W. 225 230 235 240 Date of Election. 1899... 1894. 1894. 1899. 1901. 1897. 1898. 1899. 1898. 1896. 1883. * 1899. 1900. 1886. 1879. 1901. 1897. 1898. 1900. 1900. 1886. 1893. Marars, JoHANN van OostEeRzEE; ¢/oJ. Hammond Toone, Esq., Department of Agriculture, Cape Town, Cape Colony. MarsHaty, ARcuIBALD McLean; c/o J. Mclean Marshall, Esq., Estates Office, Dunskey, Portpatrick, N.B. MarsHatL, JAMES McLean; Estates Office, Dunskey, Port- patrick, N.B. - Martin, Basin Wint1am ; Elm House, Elm Row, Hampstead, N.W.; and Darley Abbey, Derby. Martin, Wittiam K., B.A.; Dartington, Totnes,. South Devon. Mason, Col. Epwarp Snow ; 20 Minster Yard, Lincoln. Massey, Herpert; Ivy Lea, Burnage, Didsbury, Manchester. Matrurews, ARNOLD ; Ballynahinch Castle, Toombeola, Co. Galway. Maxwett, Aymer Epwarp; Ist Bn. Grenadier Guards. Maxwett, Rt. Hon. Sir Herserr E., Bt., P.C., M.P., F.R.S.; 49 Lennox Gardens, 8S.W. Merapr-Watpo, Epvmunp Gustavus Buioomrierp, F.Z.S. ; Stonewall Park, Edenbridge, Kent. MEInERTZHAGEN, RicHarp; 25 Rutland Gate, S.W.; and Royal Fusiliers, The Depot, Wellington, Mandalay, Burma. Mercatre, Grorrrey Bryan THEopuitus ; 8th (King’s Royal Trish) Hussars, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare; and Roche Court, Salisbury. Mitrats, Jonn Guittz, F.Z.S.; Comptons Brow, Horsham. Mircuect, Freprricx Suaw; Clyderhowe, Edmonton, Alberta, N.W.T., Canada. Mircuett, P. Cuatmers, M.A., D.Sc., F.Z.S.; 1x Portman Mansions, Baker Street, W. Mircuett, Witt1am ; 5 Bury Street, St. James’s, S.W. Monro, Horacr Creciz; Queen Anne’s Mansions, Queen Anne’s Gate, S.W. Montaeu, Epwin 8.; Trinity College, Cambridge; and 12 Kensington Palace Gardens, W. Mverorp, Frepprick Ernest; 16 Buckingham Street, Strand, W.C. | Murrneap, Grorcx; Speybank, Focbabers, Co. Moray, N.B. Moutiens, Wituiam H., M.A., F.Z.8.; 9: St. James’s Place, S.W. 245 250 2 260 bo 55 Date of XVv1 Election. 1892. 1897, 1900. 1885. 1882. 1895. 1897. 1872. 1899. 1858. 1886. 1902. 1900. 1876. 1902. 1895. 1887. 1882. 1892. 1890. 1889. 1883. 1880. 1891. Monn, Puitie Wincuesrer ; Laverstoke, Whitchurch, Hants. Mount, Henry; 83 Kensington Gardens Square, W. Mosters, Joun Parrictos Cuaworrs, D.L., J.P.; Annesley Park, Nottingham. Nerare, Epwarp; 43 Charlotte Street, Portland Place, W. Netson, Tuomas Hupson; The Cliffe, Redcar, Yorkshire. Nesoam, Rosert, F.Z.8., F.E.S.; Utrecht House, Queen's Road, Clapham Park, 8.W. Nervmann, Oscar; 10 Potsdamer Strasse, Berlin, W. Newcome, Francis D’Arcy Witiram Croven; Thurston Lodge, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. Newman, Joun Leonarp; Park Field, Mill Hill, Middlesex. Newton, Atrrep, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.8., Professor of Zoology in the University of Carnie Masdalene Cole Cam- bridge. Nicnotts, Howarp Hitt Joun, M.R.C.S.; Bramber Lodge, Downview Road, West Worthing. Nicnots, JouHn Bruce; Parliament “Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W. Nicuors, Watrer Bucwanan; Stour i Bradfield, Manningtree, Essex. Nicuotson, Francis, F.Z.S.; 84 Major Street, Manchester; and Heathside, Knute Cheshire. NicotL, Micnart Joun; 10 Charles Road, St. Leonards. Nostz, Heartey; Temple Combe, Henley-on-Thames. Norman, Gzorcre Cameron, F.Z.S.; 68 Lombard Street, E.C. ; and Mount Melville, St. Andrews, N.B. Oates, EvceneWIt114M, F.Z.8.; 1 Carlton Gardens, a and Savage Club, Adelphi Terrace, W.C. Oeitvin, Ferevs Menterra, M.A., F.Z.8.; The Shrubbery, 72 Woodstock Road, Oxford. Oeitvie-Grant, W. R.; British Museum (Nat. Hist.), Cromwell Road, S.W. Octz, Brrrram Savite; Hill House, Steeple Aston, Oxford. oe Parker, Henry, C.E., F.Z.S.; 76 Station Road, South Shore, Blackpool, Lanes. Parkin, T'somas, M.A., F.Z.S.; Fairseat, High Wickham, Hastings. Patterson, Rosert, F.Z.S.; Malone Park, Belfast, 270 275 280 285 290 Date of XVil Election. 1884.. 1902. 1894. 1891. 1898. 1891. 1900. 1896. Parrerson, Sir Rospert Luoyp, D.L., F.L.S.; Croft House, Holywood, Co. Down. Peasz, AtFREp Epwarp, M.P., F.Z.S8.; Pinchinthorpe House, Guisborough, Yorkshire. Pearson, CHartes Epwarp; Hillcrest, Lowdham, Nottingham. Pearson, Henry J.; Bramcote, Notts. Penn, Ertc Franx; Taverham Hall, Norwich. Penrosz, Franx, M.D., F.Z.S.; 84 Wimpole Street, W. Percivat, ArtHUR Brayney, F.Z.8.; Somerset Court, Brent Knoll, Somerset; and The Treasury, Mombasa, East Africa Protectorate. . Puitiies, E. Lorr, F.Z.8.; 79 Cadogan Square, 8.W. . Parties, GEorce THorne; Wokingham, Berkshire. . Preorr, THomas Diesy, C.B.; 5 Ovington Gardens, S.W. . Pixs, THomas Mayen, M.A.; care of Mr. Porter, 7 Prince’s Street, Cavendish Square, W. . Pops, Watrter Henry; Windermere, Salisbury. . PopHam, Huen Leyzornn, M.A.; 14 Arlington Street. St. James’s,8.W.; and Oxferd & Cambridge Club, Pall Mall, S.W. . Price, ArHELsTAN E.; Broxbourne, Herts. . Proup, Joun T.; Dellwood, Bishop Auckland, . Pycrart, Witt1Am Prang, F.Z.8.; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. . RapotyFre, Caaries Rosert Eustace; Hyde, Wareham, Dorset. . Rawson, Herpert Everyy, F.Z.8.; Fallbarrow, Winder- mere. . Reap, Ricnarp Henry, L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S.; Church Street, Hanley, Staffordshire.. . Reap, Rozert H.; 7 South Parade, Bedford Park, W. . Rez, Capt. Savite G. (late R.E.), F.Z.8.; The Elms, Yalding, Maidstone. . Renpatt, Percy, M.D., F.Z.S8.; Ewell, Surrey ; and Devonshire Club, St. James’s Street, S.W. . Rickert, CHartes Bovenry ; Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, Foochow; and care of Messrs. H. 8S. King & Co., 65 Corn- hill, E.C. | Rippon, Lt.-Col. Georen, F.Z8.; 29th Burma Infantry, Mandalay, Upper Burma. SER. VIJI.—VOL. IT. A 295 300 3°5 310 Date of Election. 1902. 1898. 1896. 1893. 1894. 1883. 1899. 1900. XVili Riviert, Bernard Berri; 8&2 Finchiey Road, N.W. Roxzinson, Hersert C.; Holmwood, Aigburth, Liverpool. Rocers, Capt. J. Mippteron, F.Z.S.; 1st (Royal) Dragoons; and Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent. Roruscuitp, The Hon. L. Watrer, M.P., D.Sc., F.Z.8.: The Museum, Tring, Herts. ? Roruscuitp, The Hon. N. Cuarczs, F.Z.8.; Tring Park Tring, Herts. Sr. Quintin, Wittiam Hersert, F.Z.S.; Scampston Hall, Rillington, Yorkshire. SarswortH, ArnotD Dusr, F.Z.S.; The Dower House, Ember Court, East Molesey, Surrey ; and National Liberal Club, Whitehall Place, 8. W. . Sareraunt, Antaur St. Groree; 83 Madeley Road, Ealing, W. . SaunpErs, Howarp, F.L.S., F.Z.8.; 7 Radnor Place, Hyde Park, W. (Secretary.) . Saunpers, WiLtiam Henry Rapctiirrs, C.E., F.Z.8.; 33 Princes Square, W. . ScuerRen, Henry, F.Z.S.; 9 Cavendish Road, Harringay, N. . SctaTeR, Puirrp Lourizy, D.Sc., F.R.S., Secretary to the Zoological Society of London, 3 Hanover Square, W. ; and Odiham Priory, Winchfield, Hants. (Zditor.) . SctaTerR, Witiram Lutiry, M.A., F.Z.S.; South African Museum, Capetown, South Africa. . Setous, Freprerick Courteney, F.Z.8.; Heatherside, Worples- don, Surrey. . SenHousE, Humpurey Parricius, B.A.; The Fitz, Cocker- mouth, Cumberland. . Serte, The Rev. Wittram, M.A., B.D.; Davidson’s Mains, Midlothian, N.B. . Service, Ropert; Maxwelltown, Dumfries. . Sers-Suitu, Davin, F.Z.8.; Glengarry, Canning Road, Croydon. . Suarman, Freperic; 47 Goldington Road, Bedford. . SHarpsr, Ricuarp Bownrer, LL.D., F.L.S., F.Z.8. ; Assistant Keeper, Zoological Department, British Museum (Natural History), South Kensington, 8.W. SueELrorD, Roserr; Curator of the Sarawak Museum, Kuching, Sarawak, British North Borneo; and Hill House, Harvey Road, Guildford. Date of Election. 1870. 21s 1865. 1900. 1882, 1902. 1896. 320 1881. 1893. 1900. 1902. 325 1889. 330 1882. xix Suettny, Capt. G. Ernest, F.Z.S. (late Grenadier Guards) ; 39 Egerton Gardens, South Kensington, S.W. SHEPHERD, The Rev. Cuartes WitiraM, M.A., F.Z.8.; Trottis- cliffe Rectory, Maidstone Kent. Srey, ATHELSTANE Inirr; 11 St. Peter’s Road, Mile-end, EK. Stater, The Rev. Henry H., M.A., F.Z.S.; Thornhaugh Rectory, Wansford, Northants. | Smita, ABEL Henry, M.P.; Woodhall Park, Hertford. Sonpes, GrEorgr Epwarp, Earl, F.Z.S.; Lees Court, Faversham. SoutHwELL, Tuomas, F.Z.S.; 10 The Crescent, Chapel Field, Norwich. STANLEY, SamuEL 8.; 3 Regent Grove, Leamington, Warwick- shire. Srares, Jonn Wittiam Cuester; Portchester, Hants. © Srennousr, Joun Hurron, M.B., R.N., H.M.S. ‘Diana,’ Mediterranean Squadron; and c/o Messrs. Woodhead & Co., 44 Charing Cross, S.W. . Sriztinc, WittiaM, J.P., D.L. Co. Ross; Monar, Ross; and Kinellan Lodge, Strathpeffer, N.B. Sroats, Witt1am ; Ashleigh, Burnham, Somerset. . Sronnam, Cartes, C.M.G., F.R.CS., F.Z.8.; 4 Harley Street, Cavendish Square, W. . Sruppy, Col. Roperr Wricur (late Manchester Regiment) ; Waddeton Court, Brixham, Devon. . Styayn, Frepericx Wirz, F.Z.8.; Ben Craig, Bayham Road, Sevenoaks; and Shanghai, China. . Swinsurne, Joun; c/o Abe Bailey, Esq., Box 50, Johannes- burg, Transvaal Colony, 8. Africa. Swinnor, Col. Cuartus, M.A., F.LS., F.Z.8.; 7 Gloucester Walk, Campden Hill, W. . Tarr, Wittram Cuaster, C.M.Z.8, ; Entre Quintas 155, Oporto, Portugal. . Taytor, Epwarp Cavenpisy, M.A., F.Z.8.; 74 Jermyn Street, S.W. . Treetmerrr, Witriam Brrnaarp, F.Z.8.; 16 Alexandra Grove, North Finchley, N. . Tennant, Epwarp Priavrx; 40 Grosvenor Square, W.; and The Glen, Innerleithen, N.B. . Torry, Major Horace A. (late Oxfordshire Light Infantry) ; The Lodge, Upper Halliford, Shepperton. xx Date of Election. 1900. THorsury, ArcuiBaLp; High Leybourne, Hascombe, near Godalming, Surrey. 893. THorpr, Dixon L.; Loshville, Etterby Scaur, Carliste. 1894. Ticrnurst, Norman Freperic ; Guy’s Hospital, S.E. 1902. Townsend, Reeinatp Guittiat, M.A.; Buckholt, Dean, Salisbury. 340 1893. Trevor-Batrys, Ausyn B. R., F.Z.8S.; Avenue Studios, 76 Fulham Road, S.W. * 1858. Tristram, The Rev. Henry Baxer, M.A., LL.D., F.BS., C.M.Z.8., Canon of Durham; The College, Durham. 1864. Uprcurr, Henry Morris, F.Z.8.; Sheringham Hall, Norfolk. 1896. Urnwicx, Wittiam F.; 27 Bramham Gardens, 8.W. 1894. Ussoer, Ricnarp Joun; Cappagh House, Cappagh, $.0., Co. Waterford, Ireland. 345 1890. Venour, Srernen; Fern Bank, Altrincham, Cheshire. 1884. Verry, ALFRED SarnspurY; Heronsgate, near Rickmans- worth. 1881. Verner, Lt.-Col. Witt1am WILLouGHBY Coxe; Junior United Service Club, S.W.; Siam Cottage, Hartford Bridge, Winchfield. 1902. Wavr, Epwarp Watrer; 325 Anlaby Road, Hull. 1886. Wavz-Datrton, Col. H. D.; Hauxwell Hall, Finghall, R.8.0., Yorkshire. 35° 1895. Wattis, Henry Marrisce; Hilliers, Bucklebury Common, South End, near Reading. 1881. Watsrmvenam, THomas, Lord, F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; Merton Hall, Thetford, Norfolk. 1899. Watton, Herzert James, M.B., F.R.C.S.; c/o Messrs. King, | King, & Co., Bombay. 1872. Warpiaw-Ramsay, Lt.-Col. R. G., F.Z.S.; Whitehill, Rosewell, Midlothian, N.B. 1896. Warxins, Watkin ; Highfield, Harrow; and Wellington Club, 8. W. 355 1900. Westett, Witt1am Percrvat; 5 Glenferrie Road, St. Albans, Herts. 1891. Wuiraxer, Bensamin Inenam; Hesley Hall, Tickhill, Rother- ham. 1891. Warraxzr, Josery I. 8., F.Z.S.; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily. 1887. WairrHEsp, JeErrery, F.Z.8.; Newstead, Wimbledon, Surrey 360 365 SAS 375 Date of Election. SO 7. 1898. 1894. 1896. 1897. *1888.. 1900. 1887. 1897. 1899. 1902. 1875. se 1891. 1895. 1889. 1897. 1899. 1860, 1886. 1890. b:6.41 Wuymeer, Caaries; 7 James Street, Haymarket, S.W. Wiciesworta, JoserH, M.D.; County Asylum, Rainhill, Lanes. Witkrinson, Jounson; St. George’s Square, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Witurams, Capt. Lionnn Arrauur; Llangarran, Salisbury ; 91 Victoria Street, S.W.; and Isthmian Club, Piccadilly, W. Wizson, Attan Rep; Easthill, East Bank Road, Sheffield. Witson, Coartes JosepH; 34 York Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W. Witson, Epwarp Aprian, M.B., F.Z.S.; Westal, Cheltenham. Wiutson, Scorr BarcHarp, F.Z.8.; Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath, Surrey. Wiruersy, Harry Forsss, F.Z.8.; Holmehurst, Burley, New Forest. Wottaston, ALEXANDER Frederick Ricumonp, B.A.; Wotton- under-Edge, Gloucestershire. Workman, Witt1am Huenes; Lismore, Windsor, Belfast. Wrieut, Cuartes A., F.LS., F.Z.8.; Kayhough, Kew- Gardens Road, Kew, 8.W. Waieut, E. Percrvat, M.D., F.L.S., F.Z.8., Professor of Botany in the University of Dublin. Wricut, THomas, M.D.; Castle Place, Nottingham. Yersory, Lt.-Col. Joun Witriam (late R.A.), F.Z.8.; 8 Duke Street, St. James’s, S.W.; and Army and Navy Club, 8.W. Youne, Capt. James B., R.N.; Ridgway House, Ottery St. Mary, Devon. Youne, Jounn JoserH Batpwin, M.A.; Richmond Park, near Shefheld. Extra-Ordinary Members. Gopwin-Avstren, Lt.-Col, Henry Haversuam, F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; Nore, Hascombe, Godalming. Wattace, Atrrep Russet, F.R.S., F.Z.S.; Broadstone, Wimborne, Dorset. Honorary Members. Ayres, THomas; Potchefstroom, Transvaal Colony, South Africa. Bertersco, Graf Hans von, C.M.Z.S.; Schloss Berlepsch, Post Gertenbach, Witzenhausen, Germany. ie) Io Date of XXil Election, 1860. 1900. 1870. 1894. 1898. 1902. 1893. 1890. Capanis, Dr. Jean, C.M.Z.S.; Friedrichshagen, bei Berlin. Cotterr, Prof. Roxsrert, F.M.Z.8.; University Museum, Christiania. Fryscu, Dr. Orro, C.M.Z.8.; Zoologisch Rijks Museum, Leiden. Giexrtot1, Dr. Henry Hrrtyer, F.M.Z.8.; Reale Istituto di Studi Superiori, Florence. Gortp1, Dr. Emi A., C.M.Z.S.; Director of the Goeldi Museum, Para, Brazil. Rapopz, Prof. Gusrav F., F.M.Z.S.; Director of the Museum, Tiflis, Trans-Caucasia, Russia. Reicuenow, Dr. Anron, C.M.Z.S.; Museum fiir Naturkunde, Invalidenstrasse, Berlin. SaLvapori, Count Tommaso, M.D., F.M.Z.S.; Royal Zoological Maiseum, Turin. Foreign Members. . Auten, Joznt Asapn, Ph.D., F.M.Z.S.; American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York City, U.S.A. . Brancat, Dr. Vanentrne; Imperial Zoological Museum, St. Petersburg. 72. Bocacsz, Prof. J. V. Barsoza pu, F.M.Z. S.; Royal Museum, Lisbon. . Burrav, Lovis, M.D.; Ecole de Médecine, Nantes. 2. CuapmMan, Frank Micuter; American Museum of Natural History, New York, U.S. ae . Dorra, Marchese Giacomo, F.M.Z.S. ; Strada Nuova, 6, Genoa, Italy. (2. Fatio, Dr. Victor, C.M.Z.S., Geneva. . Inertne, Dr. Herman von; Museu Paulista, Sao Patila. Brazil. . Maparisz, Dr. Juztius von; National Museum, Buda- Pesth. . Menzpimr, Prof. Dr. Micnazt, C.M.Z.S.; Imperial Society of Naturalists, Moscow. . Meyer, Dr. Avory Bernuarp, C.M.Z.S., Director of the Royal Museum, Dresden. . Oustater, Dr. Emme, O.M.Z.8., Professeur au Muséum d’ Histoire Naturelle, Jardin des Plantes, Paris. . Presxe, H.E. Dr. Tuopor, F.M.Z.S.; Office of the Company ‘“¢ Nadeshda,” St. Petersburg. p) oD 15 Xxill Date of Election. 1900. Retser, Dr. Oramar; Landes Museum, Sarajevo, Bosnia, Austro-Hungary. 1880. Ripeway, Ronerr, C.M.Z.S.; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 1894. Scnatow, Herman; 15 Schleswiger Ufer, Berlin, N.W. 1900. Srrsnremr, Leonuwarp, C.M.Z.8S.; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 1902. Suscuxin, Dr. Perer, C.M.Z.S.; Imperial University, Moscow, Russia. 1896. Wainer, Hertor; University Zoological Museum, Copenhagen. an * + CONTENTS or VOL. Il.—EIGHTH SERIES. (1902. ) Number V., January. I. On a Collection of Birds from Shendi, Sudan. By the Hon. N. Cuartes Rorascuinp and A. F. R. Wottasron. (Plate I.) II. Notes upon the Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. By Frank E. Bepparp, M.A., F.R.S., Prosector and Vice-Secretary of the Zoological Society of London IIL. Further Information on two recently described Species of Passerine Birds. By Joserpa I. 8. Wauiraxnr, F.ZS., Memeo: (Plates If. & If.) . IV. Results of an Ornithological Journey through Colombia and Ecuador.-—Part IV. By Watrer Goopretiow, F.Z.S. . _ Y. Forty-four Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. By Heartey Noste, F.Z.S. ee abaya tatvhie We acd ae VI. On a small Collection of Birds from Efulen in _Cameroon, W. Africa. By R. Bowprter Sarre, LI..D. (Plate IV.) . ; ye eitead nips Oh. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. 33 54 67 89 XXVl1 VII. On the Collections of Birds made by Sir Harry Johnston, By R. Bowpier Suarez, LL.D., F.Z.8., &e., Assistant Keeper, Department of Zoology, British K.C.B., in Equatorial Africa. Museum, VIII. On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia. By CONTENTS. (Plate V.) . Rospert Hatt IX. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— Oe H OO co CO “I OG Or ‘Annals of Scottish Natural History’. . Aplin on the Birds of Carnarvonshire 3 . Arrigoni Degli Oddi on Birds from Dalmatia . ‘The Auk’ . Bernacchi on Antarctic Birds é : . Bryan’s Key to the Birds of the Hawaiian Group : . Burckhardt on Psophia and Rhinochetus . . Finn on the Birds of the Indian Museum . Finsch on the Birds of the Siidwest Islands . Fuhrer on the Birds of Montenegro . . Godman’s ‘ Biologia Centrali-Americana’ . Goeldi on the Birds of Amazonia , . Harris on Birds of the Canaries and South Africa : . Hartert on his former Travels and Researches . . Hartert on new Birds from Ecuador . . Harting’s ‘ Handbook of British Birds’ . Hellmayr on the Genus Poliopiila . . ‘Irish Naturalist’ . aa . Le Souéf on the Eggs of Pitta wis « . Le Souéf on the Water-Birds of Riverina . Martorelli on new Cases of Hybridism in Birds . Matschie on _ the Weis of Waskees . 155 . 155 . 156 . 156 . 156 “bz - tay Micronesia. . Matschie on the Ghanevaeen ae . Meyer and Heller on the Eggs of Apyornis . Milligan on new Australian Birds . ay . North on Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds . . North on new Australian Birds . Regalia on the Cave-fauna of Palmaria . Page 96 “ E2e . 143 . 144 . 144 . 144 . 145 . 146 . 146 ae , 148 1s . 149 . 149 . 150 . 150 ee Tee . 153 . 153 . 154 . 154 . lad CONTENTS. XXVIli Page 29. Rothschild and Hartert on Birds from the Solomon Group. 7. ./ . RE es a SN 51/5, 30. Salvadori on Birds. fan Spitahersen Med ela pee 31. Saunders on Antarctic Birds . . . 158 32. Sharpe’s ‘ Hand-list of the Genera and Sptcies of Birds’ 159 a ounecldivon the Screamers. 9... Goi. wk 8 CUP 34. Shufeldt on the Coccyges . . ¢ 60 35. Southwell on the Breeding of tig ie in East AOL ie ee tert so ae AI ETD 306. Stark’s ‘ Birds of Sith Africa oe 8. GEL 37. Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen on Birds from Mutioisa jay edt 2 38. Vallon on Count Arrigoni’s Collection of Birds. . . 162 39. Winge on the Birds of the Danish Lighthouses . . 163 X. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. :— Letters from Messrs. J. G. Millais, F. W. Styan, 0. V. Aplin, Capt. A. M. Farquhar, and Mr. E. W. Harper; Additions to the American Museum of Natural History; The Ruskin Plot; The Protection of Birds in New Zealand; Prof. Davenport’s Caution to Splitters; Further Abyssinian Exploration; The Irruption of the Nutcracker in the Autumn of 1900; A wonderful new Bird of Paradise; The Pretoria Museum and Mare TM ROCIO tn 4 ey id fin awe! Bow 1k, SS 168 XI. Obituary.—Mr. John Young, Mr. H. M. Courage, the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, Mr. W. Doherty, and Cav. L. M. NE MPD Sh oe te Make pel ede i d Biv, Ls Noumser VI., April. XII. On some rare Palearctic Birds’ Eggs. By H. E. Bene eso? (Plate, Wil.) @a%! sa) seein dt eel A, LTT XIII. On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia. By eer ener Wem ee CONE oko hie a 2 LB0 XXVlil j XIV. Results of an Ornithological Journey through Colombia and Ecuador.—Part V. By Watrer Goopretiow, F.Z.8. . XY. Remarks on the Species of American Galline recently described, and Notes on their Nomenclature. By W. R. CONTENTS. OGILvIE-GRANT . AVI. Page . 207 . 250 A Month on the Eddystone: a Study in Bird- migration. By Wri1am Esers Crarxs, F.LS. &e. . . 246 XVII. On Anser erythropus and its Allies. By J. H: Bd tert . 269 Gurney, F.ZS. . XVIII. Further Notes on the Birds of the Outer Hebrides. By J. A. Harvir-Browy, F.R.S.E. XIX. On the Birds of the Gold Coast Colony and its Hinterland. By Capt. Boyp Atexanper. (Plate VII.) XX. On the Occurrence of Baleniceps rev on Lake Victoria. . 334 By Sir Harry Jonnsron, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., F.Z.S. XXiI. — 40. 41. 42. 43. 44, 45, 46. A7. 48. 49. 50. ol. 52. 53. o4. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— Andersen on Birds from the Feroe Islands . Babson on the Birds of New Jersey, U.S.A. . Barboza du Bocage’s List of his Scientific Papers . Blanford on the Distribution of Indian Animals Burckhardt on the supposed Antarctic Continent . Chapman on new Peruvian Birds . : Clark on the Affinities of the Hymitine tee : Dubois’s ‘Synopsis Avium ’ (fase. v.—viii.) ‘The Emu’ Finn’s ‘ Birds of Caleutta’ . Finsch’s Lists of the Birds of the Ley ie Macca Hiicker on the Song of Birds cae Hall on the Species of Gymnorhina Hartert on an overlooked Swift : Hartert and Hellmayr on two new Thrushes » 2h8 . 336 . 336 . 337 . 337 . 337 . 337 . 338 . 338 . 339 . 340 . d41 . dti . d41 . d42 . d42 CONTENTS. DO. D Page 55. Helm on some Birds of Heligoland . 342 56. Helm on the Flight of Birds . d42 57. Hudson’s ‘ Birds and Man’ : i ote 58. Hutton on Migratory Birds in New Zeoland . d44 59. Madarasz on a new Palearctic Bird . . o44 60. Mitchell on the Classification of Birds . 344 61. Nelson on new Mexican Birds . : . 345 ‘62. Osgood on the Birds of the Queen Chanloste. Islands . 340 63. Osgood on the Birds of Cook Inlet, Alaska . . 346 64. Pycraft on the Neognathine Palate ei sh-: toto 65. Reiser and Knotek on sede a in Bosnia and Herzegovina . : ol7 66. Robinson and Tichieondh, on ON aes Beas . 347 67. Rothschild and Hartert on Birds from Guadalcanar . 348 68. Sarasin Brothers on the Geological History of Celebes. 348 69. Schalow on Birds from Central Asia . . 348 70. Scott on the Song of Birds . 349 71. Shufeldt on the Osteology of the Biseons . 349 72. Studer and Fatio on the Birds of Switzerland . . 350 73. Verrill on the “‘ Cahow” of the Bermudas . 350 XXII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c.:— Letters from Messrs. Frank Finn and H. E. Dresser; News of Mr. Thomas Ayres; The British Dipper; British Ornitho- logists abroad dvistyleel g aes eo Noumper VII., July. XXIII. On the Birds of the Gold Coast Colony and its Hinterland. By Capt. Boyp Atnxanprr. (Plates VIII. & IX.) 355 XXIV. Field-notes on the Birds of Bellenden-Ker, Queens- land. By Kenpat Broapzenr . OLE XXX CONTENTS. XXY. On the various Plumages of Buteo solitarius. By H. W. HeysHaw XXVI. On a Gollection of Birds made on the White Nile between Khartum and Fashoda. With an Introduction and Field-notes by R. M°D. Hawxer. (Plates X. & XI.). XXVII. A List of the Birds of Lucknow. By Wit11amM Jesse, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U. (Member of the Bombay Natural History Society). (Plate XII.). XXVIII. Remarks on Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouint). By Count E. Arrieont Deer Oppr XXIX. Proceedings at the Anniversary Meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Union, 1902 Page ~ . 386 By W. R. Oxervre-Grant. . 393 . 470 . 491 . 499 XXX. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— Ts1 Ss «7 “T OO “1 oO or Hh Ne) . ‘Annals of Scottish Natural History’ . § The Auk’. . Baker on the Birds of North acme . Bangs on Birds from Chiriqui . Berlepsch and Hartert on the Birds of he Orinaes : .Sbird-Lore’. .\\.) eee . . Boutourline on the Game- Birds of the Empire . Clarke on the Nise of Birds. . Finn on Indian Ducks . . Finsch on a new Bornean Bulbul . Godman’s ‘ Biologia Centrali-Americana’ . Goeldi on Amazonian Birds : . Hagmann on the Zoological Garden at Paré : . Hellmayr on South-American Birds . Hellmayr on Palearctic Birds . Herrick’s ‘ Home Life of Wild Birds’ . Martorelli on Athene chiaradie . . 502 . 003 . 903 . 004 505 >» oo Russian . 507 . 508 . 509 . 509 . 309 . 510 . 510 . oe . oA . 512 . O13 CONTENTS. 53.9.0 Page 91. Naumann’s ‘ Birds of Middle Europe’ . O13 92. Oustalet and Claybrooke on the third Ouiishoingieal . ol4 Congress at Paris . 93. Ridgway on the Birds of Nor th a nadie ee 94. Salvadori on new Birds from the St. Thomas’s and 515 Prince’s Islands soy 95. Schalow on the African Ostviehes a olla 96. Shufeldt on the Flamingos. ; iithet Mak Ley Oleh 97. Silloway on the Birds of Flathead tale" 2th MoD GEOS 98. Southwell on Browne's ‘ Natural History of Norfolk”: 5°: 4 . 518 99. Tschusi zu Sohmidhotten on ae Red-spotie Ele throat in Bohemia. . . Ss O20 100. Witherby’s ‘ Bird-hunting on ae White Nile’ + 020 XXXI. Obituary.—Dr. Emil Holub, Herr Carl Euler, Lt.-Col. the Rt. Hon. E. H. Cooper, and Lord Malcolm. . . 521 XXXII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, de. :— Letters from Count T. Salvadori, Mr. F. Finn, The Hon. Walter Rothschild, and the Rev. Canon H. B. Tristram ; Fertilization of Plants by Birds; New Name for the British Wren; Baleniceps at Khartum: Birds on the Black Sea in Winter ; Hybrid between Peacock and Guinea-fowl. . . . 528 Noumper VIII., October. XXXII. A List of the Birds of Lucknow. By Witiiam Jess, M.A., F.Z.8., M.B.0.U. (Member of the Bombay Natural Heston Stich) SNM ALT Cem ahh. ca, aly ih. RT XXxXil CONTENTS. Page XXXIV. On a New Kingfisher of the Genus Corythornis. By I. Sarvaporr, F,M.Z.S8. (Plate XIIL) 2... _eeeee XXXV. More Ornithological Notes from the Transvaal. By Atwin C. Haaenme « . 0 505. sw gy +g XXXVI. Field-notes on Birds seen and collected during Eight Months’ Stay on the Ruo and Shiré Rivers, B.C.A., 1898-99, By A. Braynry Percivat, F.Z.8. With Corrections and Additions by R..T. Rem . , . + =° 3) =e. XXXVIT. On the Syrinx and other Points in the Structure of Mrerococcyx and some allied Genera of Cuckoos. By Franx KK. Beppary,FB.S. &e. ,0 so 50 4 Se ee XXXVIII. Remarks on Two lately-described Australian Birds. By P. L. Scuarer.: “(Plates XIV. & XV.) > eee XXXIX. List of Birds obtained in British East Africa. By F. J. Jackson, C.B., F.Z.8.—Part III. With Notes by R.iBownier Saarrr, LL.D. &e, (Plate XVI.) . . .) 2 aegis XL. On a small Collection of Birds from Tripoli. By J. It. 8. Warraxer, F.Z.S., M.B.0.U,. . . .- 2 72 XLI. On a new Pheasant from Japan. By H. E. Dresser. 656 XLII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications :— 101. Aplin on the Birds of Bardsey Island . . . . . 657 102. Arrigoni Degli Oddi’s ‘ Atlante Ornitologico ’ . 3 Oey 103. * The Avicultural Magazine’ . . . 658 104. Backhouse on the Bird-Collection of a Vorkehee Philosophical Society . . . . . 659 105. Bangs on new Birds from San ‘Migael Talat Panamia. . 9. 2 [SST CONTENTS. XXxlli Page 106. Bangs on new Birds from Colombia. . . . . . 659 107. Barboza du Bocage on Birds from the Cape Verde islands, 2... . Michie capers: peal gO 108. Bianchi on Birds from Aeeasiiie. Pee cost Meek ak OD HOSe“Cassinja” . . . aes er Mae en a ote ee OU 110. Dubois’ ‘ Synopsis ean eee a ee eee on oe oO eieetinseh on the Zosteropide. . . 2... ,. » G6L 112. Hellmayr on two new Brazilian Birds . . . . . 662 113. Hellmayr on a new Thryophilus. . . . . . . 662 114. Hinde on the Game-birds of Masailand . . . . 662 115. Le Souéf’s Visit to the Furneaux Islands . . . . 663 iG: Goring on Birds from Alaska. . . . =. . - . 663 117. Madarédsz on Birds from the Solomon Islands . . 664 * 118. Mellersh on the Birds of Gloucestershire . . . . 664 119. Millais on Surface-feeding Ducks . . . . . . 665 120. Milligan on'Birds from Western Australia. . . . 666 121. North on the Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. . . »~ = G66 122. North on Nests aad Hee of Cisivalian Binds ~ -« O66 123. Oates’s ‘Catalogue of Eggs’ . . . . 667 124. Oberholser on Humming-birds from iewadae sna Colombia. . . - . 668 125. Palmer on legislation, ie Bene in ae ined anes cy 3 be <5 ca 6 OOS 126. Richmond on new Ganenc ean for Binds sya eeOe 127. Seth-Smith on Parrakeets. . . . 669 128. Sharpe on the Birds of the ‘ Sonthorn Cres : pon Gitiomes <_ . A ce Miwa oh ea cinee LONG 129. Shelley’s ‘ Birds of Aeon? ne ae ee) 130. Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen on Ried a Higusseion Birds... 4... af a Jonel: 131. Van Kempen on Bie oe the Pre de: Gnisie ee Oe 132. Zarudny and Harms on new Birds from Western NBUIB)AN gE chG cal eas Relea? Oe gh eM mera Ve! 07 XLIII. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c.:— Letters from Count E. Arrigoni Degli Oddi; Messrs. R. W. Llewellyn, Arthur G. Butler, Abel Chapman, and W. R. Ogilvie- SER. VIII.~—VOL. Il. ad XXXIV CONTENTS. Page Grant; Report on the British Museum (Natural History) for 1901; The late Mr. Simons’s Collection of Birds; Mr. Budgett’s Mepedition to the Semliki: .-.-.-.--+.* 27% a 672 iimdex of Scientific Names ©»¢\.0. fo. #48 q . 683 Index of Contents . . os re ‘Titlepage, Preface, List of Members, Contents, and List of Plates. PLATES IN VOL. II. EIGHTH SERIES. I. 1. Cisticola aridula; 2. Ege of Passer rufidorsalis ; 3, 4. Eggs of Caprimulgus eximius . II. Acredula sicula . III. Saxicola cummingi , 5 bee : IV. 1. Callene cyornithopsis ; 2. Tedinns dines V. Gallirex johnstoni . el At VI. Figs. 1 & 2. Kegs of Ghee ai ee. 3-6, Eggs of Gallinago stenura Vil. Apalis nigriceps, g, 2 VIII. Indicator willcocksi, 2 IX. Glaucidium albiventer eco es X. 1. Irrisor damarensis ; 2. Irrisor somaliensis XI. Lissotis lovati cm : XII. Map of the Districts of ieee Uae: ae back banki ue ice. 1e. ene ene) XIII. Corythornis thomensis: (1) ad., (2) jr. XIV. Eremiornis carteri. XY. Platycercus macgillivrayi Ss sabia (oat aes XVI. 1. Melittophagus oreobates ; 2. Barbatula jacksoni « » a] BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISIS’ UNION, PRESIDENT. F2D0 Cane Gopman, Ese., D: Cit, PRS: SECRETARY. Howarp Saunpers, Esq., F.Z.S. COMMITTEE. Tus PRESIDENT. THe Epitors or ‘Tue Isis.’ > Ee officio. THe SECRETARY. W. E. ve Winton, Hsq., F.Z.S. (Elected 1899.) R. Bowpier Suarpe, Esq., LL.D., F.Z.S. (Elected 1900.) Eucene W. Oartss, Hsq., F.Z.S. (Elected 1901.) The British OrnitHotoctsts’ Union was instituted in 1858 for the advancement of the science of Ornithology. Its funds are devoted primarily to the publication of ‘Tu I[srs,’ a Quarterly Journal of Ornithology, of which seven series, of six volumes each, _ have been completed. The Union consists of Ordinary Members, Honorary Members (limited to ten), and Foreign Members (limited to twenty). Ordinary Members pay an admission fee of £2, and a contri- bution of £1 on election, and £1 on the Ist of January of each subsequent year. Ordinary Members and Honorary Members are entitled to receive a copy of ‘ Tux Ixis’ gratis. Authors are entitled to 25 extra copies of their papers published in ‘ THe [sts,’ on applying for them to the Secretary. The Election of Members takes place at the General Meetings, held in April or May and (if required) in October or November. Persons wishing to become Members are requested to apply to the Secretary for information. Members and CorrEsPponpDeENtTs are requested to observe that :— All Papers, Notes, and Letters intended for publication in ‘THe Isis,’ as also all books and papers intended for review, should be addressed to the Hprrors. All communications regarding payment of Subscriptions, changes of Address, non-receipt of the Journal or delay im receiving “it, applications for Authors’ copies of Papers, and other matters of a like nature should be addressed to the Secretary only. Communications regarding the purchase of the Publications of the Union, and enquiries regarding these, should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, 1 Paternoster Row, E.C. Communications addressed otherwise than as above indicated are liable to delay in being dealt with. HOWARD SAUNDERS, 8 Hanover Square, . Secretary. London, W. January 1, 1902. NOTICE TO MEMBERS. A SMALL number of complete volumes of the ‘Ibis’ for the following years are still available, and can be procured, by Members of the B. O. U. only, at the price of 12 shillings for each volume, on application to the Secretary. 5th series. 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888. 6th series. 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894. The following separate quarterly parts are also available at the price of 3 shillings each: — 1869, part 2,3 i 1885, part 3. Dela oe ae | 1886, ,, 2, ae rere, cho | 1887, |, 1,30 He74. ss | 1888, 5 1) 2a ieee 88) S. | 1889, .; 2a CESIG Os A: | 1890; -,, 73 18790" ak | 1391, ; 2 PREDY pt ee | 1892, ,, 2,a0m 1885, 5 ore: | 1898, ,, 2,6 1884; 9 2-3 4. 1804, |, 2 The following publications of the B. O. U. can also be obtained from the Secretary at the price noted against each :— Sundevall on the ‘ Wings of Birds’ . . . . Price Qs. 6d. -General Index to the ‘Ibis,’ 1859-76 (First, Second and Third Series). . . . . . Price 10s General Index to the ‘ Ibis,’ 1877-94 pairs Fifth and Sixth Series) . . Price 15s. Subject-Index to the ‘ Ibis, 1859-94 b (Si series) . . Price 10s. 8. 0. U. * list-of British eer 18838 . . . Pree 23a Be teal his. EIGHTH SERIES. ee No. V. JANUARY 1902. I.—On a Collection of Birds from Shendi, Sudan. By the Hon. N. Cuarces Roruscuitp and A. F, R. Woxtaston. (Plate I.) AFTER a Six days’ journey from Cairo we arrived at Shendi on February 16th, 1901. Various misadventures had delayed “us on our way into the Sudan, so, with a prospect of only five weeks before we should have to turn northwards again, we determined to make our camp at Shendi and to explore the neighbouring ground as thoroughly as possible, rather than attempt to hurry over a wide tract of country. Shendi is situated on the east bank of the Nile, about midway between the Atbara River and Khartum; it is therefore well within the area of regular rainfall, which may be roughly said to begin at the Atbara. Our choice of a collecting-ground fell upon Shendi partly on account of its comparatively luxuriant vegetation, which is richer than that of any other part of the Nile Valley between Khartum and Assuan (Shendi has even been called the garden of the Sudan), partly because we expected to find there the northern limit of many tropical species, partly also on account of the fact that since the year 1850, when Mr. Galton collected near the Fifth Cataract, no ornithologist has paid more than a passing visit to this part of the country. The fact that Shendi is the only place in the Sudan where it is possible to station cavalry is accounted for by the SER, VIII.—VOL. II. B 2 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston existence there of a strip of grass, from which a poor forage is obtained. This strip of grass, about half a mile wide, runs along the east bank of the river for two or three miles southwards from Shendi; on the river side it is fringed by a few palm-trees, a few strips of cultivated ]and, and patches of thick tangles of acacia, broom, tamarisk, and Sodom-apple (Calotropis procera) ; while on the landward side it is bounded by a very dense scrub of acacia and mimosa, which becomes gradually thinner towards the desert. As is well known, the desert of this region is not like that of Egypt or Nubia, a desolate waste of fine sand with not even a tree or a blade of grass for hundreds of miles, but it is fairly uniformly covered with scattered acacia-trees varying in height from ten to twenty feet, and here and there with small patches of a fine hair-like, almost white, grass. Occasionally one comes across a “ khor,” or wide, shallow, dried-up watercourse, which becomes an arm of the Nile during the rainy season; and at a distance of about eight to ten miles from the river is a range of low rocky hills, the highest rising perhaps four hundred feet above its level. It will thus be seen that the country can be roughly divided up into four separate regions, each characterized by its own distinct fauna:—first, the river and its mud banks (with Terns, Pelicans, Geese, and Waders) ; second, the grass and scrub fringing the river (with Pigeons, Larks, Cisticole, Weavers, and Hornbills) ; third, the desert (with Wheatears, Shrikes, Crows, and Sand-Grouse) ; and fourth, the hills (with Rock-Thrushes, Eagle-Owls, and Vultures). Our camp was pitched on the river-bank, and it was in the second region, that of the grass and scrub, that the majority of our birds were obtained. In selecting a time of year suitable for a visit to the Sudan, one should endeavour to arrive there in November or December, when the weather is comparatively cool; but though it became exceedingly hot (110°-120° F. in the shade) towards the end of March, this drawback was more than counterbalanced by our good fortune in finding a on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 3 considerable number of nests, some of which were previously unknown. It is not unlikely that, could we have stayed for another month, we should have added several more to the list. There seems to be a good deal of uncertainty as to the exact date of the general breeding-season in this part of the Sudan. Mr. H. F. Witherby, who was collecting last year a short way south of Khartum, but in a country very similar to that of Shendi, suggested that it was probably in June, after the rainy season. ‘There cannot be the least doubt that the general breeding-season occurs in the months of February, March, and April. On the other hand, it is exceedingly likely that some species may breed again in the autumn: for instance, d/demosyne cantans, of which we found a nest containing eggs on February 28th, is said by von Heuglin to breed in August and September; but this must be taken as the exception rather than as the rule. So far as was possible, we only shot specimens of European ‘ migrants when some doubt was felt as to their identity ; isolated specimens of migrants in such a case are of little or no value, but a careful record, extending over a period of a year or more, of those observed at stated points in the Nile Valley, which is one of the most important high- ways of migration in the world, would be of the greatest interest. We take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to Captain Bulkeley Johnson and other officers of the Egyptian Cavalry stationed at Shendi, for much help and many kind- nesses, which added greatly to the pleasures of our visit to the Sudan. The natives we always found very friendly and on the whole fairly intelligent. One or two were particularly skilful in trapping birds and small mammals, and, whether it were a young hare, a bat, or a sand-grouse, they invari- ably brought it to us tied to the end of a stout piece of rope. They unfortunately have a bad habit of pulling out all the primaries from the wings of birds, which are consequently of little use as specimens, s B2 4 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston The list of birds which follows will, we hope, prove of interest and of some value as an addition to our knowledge of their geographical distribution. It will be noticed how large a number of the species belong to Abyssinia also. We have purposely omitted to mention a large majority of the migratory birds which we saw. We have, moreover, made no attempt to describe the call-notes and songs, or to render them into words; such things can only be learnt by personal experience. Our thanks are due to Mr. E. Hartert and the authorities of the Tring Museum for much valuable help in identifying our specimens. N.B.—Species marked with an asterisk were fully identified, but specimens of them were not obtained. We purposely avoided shooting Vultures, Cranes, &c., partly because most collections are well supplied with them, and partly on account of the great difficulty of drying and packing the skins of large birds. 1. Necrarinia MeTALLiIca Licht. 28 6, 61 g, 188 g, 299 So, 341 g, 4O0R ee ALD ¢ juv., 2035 9: This was the only species of Sun-bird which we obtained. It was very plentiful in the scrub along the river-bank, especially frequenting those places where the Sodom-apple (Calotropis procera) was growing; a pair of these birds perched on the flowers of this plant, with constantly quivering tails and wings, made as pretty a picture as one could wish to see. Von Heuglin says that this species begins to breed in June and July, when it lays a white egg with large red spots at the broad end. We found several nests; the first, on March 10th, contained three much-incubated eggs, and this seems to be the full clutch. All the eges which we obtained were pure white, with a very few minute purplish spots, hardiy visible without the aid of a lens, scattered over the broad end. The nest, which somewhat resembles that of the Long-tailed Tit, is usually built in an acacia-bush, on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 5 from four to ten feet from the ground, either resting in a fork or suspended from a small branch; it is made almost entirely of the down from the inside of the fruit of the Sodom-apple, bound together with spiders’ webs, and lined © with a few feathers. 2. ANGITHALUS PUNCTIFRONS Sund. 348 g, 829 J, 349 2. No. 348 is in very fresh plumage; the other two speci- mens are in abraded plumage, and shew the beginning of the moult. We only met with this species twice; on both occasions in a small flock of about half a dozen individuals, and on both occasions our attention was drawn to them by hearing theiv constantly repeated note, a high-pitched squeak very similar to that of the Gold-crest, which bird they closely resemble in their attitude and movements. They kept to the topmost flowering twigs of the larger acacias, and we had some difficulty in obtaining our specimens. 3. Moracirza auBa Linn. 226 2, 848 9,43 2, 258 2,45 J, 278 2. This was one of the commonest of the riverside birds, Individuals were nearly always seen in pairs, and we thought that they shewed signs of breeding, but no nest was found. Many of them were extraordinarily tame; an old male, with a particularly fine black shield, used to run in and out of the tents without showing the least sign of fear. 4, *Moraci~ia vipua Sund. One was seen at Wad-Habushi, at the foot of the Sixth Cataract, on March 18th. The rocky nature of the river and river-banks there is very like that at Assuan, where this species is common. 5. *Moraciiza Friava Linn. Small parties of this Wagtail, generally numbering three or four individuals, were seen on migration during March. The first was seen on March 2nd. 6. ANTHUs cAMPEsTRis (Linn.). 374 3. | One specimen was shot out of asmall flock on March 16th. 6 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston 7. ANTHUS CERVINUS (Pall.). of ¢. The Red-throated Pipit was often to be seen on the river- banks in company with Wagtails. 8. CALANDRELLA BRACHYDACTYLA (Leisl.). 312 ¢, 108 6, 314 dg, 142 2, 109 9, 110 9, 2a The Short-toed Lark was undoubtedly the most abundant species that we saw at Shendi. It was always to be seen in parties of fifty or so in the scrub along the river-bank, whilst in the desert, a few miles from the river, we frequently came across immense flocks of several thousands of these birds. The females are very markedly smaller than the males. 9 GaLeripa cristata (Linn.). 201 ¢, 109 5,95 Sb, 236 $, 237 3, 253 ¢, Sha gga, osl 9, 150 9, 106 9, 279 2, 296 >, 36) 9a 385 9, 42 9, 392 2, 346 2, 276 9, 282 ¢ java eee Wad-Habushi. Our series of this Crested Lark belongs to a form very closely allied to the Galerida cristata flava of Brehm. Some specimens, in fact, agree exactly with the typical examples in the Brehm Collection at Tring; but the majority of our Shendi specimens are a shade darker, especially with regard to the spots on the back. The young bird (No. 282), moreover, is very different from the young of G. c. flava, which is of a buffy sand-colour, without any very dark patches on the chest and back; the Shendi specimen has deep brown centres to the feathers of those parts. It seems therefore that this form is a slightly darker race than G. c. flava, though some specimens seem to be indis- tinguishable from it. The Crested Lark of Assuan, Galerida cristata maculata Brehm, is a very much darker form, and darker still is the Crested Lark of Lower Egypt and the Delta, G. c. nigricans Brehm. It is not unreasonable to suppose that, if Crested Larks were collected all the way down the Nile Valley from Khartum, where the typical G. c. flava is found, to the on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 7 Delta, a series would be obtained presenting every inter- mediate stage between the very pale and the very dark forms. It is not our intention to enter into a controversy on the vexed question of nomenclature, but it seems to be a somewhat arbitrary proceeding to give a subspecific title to any one of these intermediate forms rather than to any other. We found these Crested Larks common along the river- banks, especially where the land was cultivated. The male bird has a pleasing little song, not unlike that of the Wood- Lark, which he often utters when perched on the top of a bush or small tree. ‘Two nests, found on February 24th and February 27th respectively, contained two and three half- fledged young ; we did not succeed in obtaining eggs. 10. AMMomANEs DeEsERTI (Licht.). 378 6, 248 ¢, 189 2, 283 2. A few pairs of these birds frequented the rocky hills in the desert, about ten miles east of Shendi. They were very shy and difficult to approach, taking short flights from one rock to another, very much as Rock-Pipits do. A newly built nest of grass, lined with hair, was found on a ledge in a low cliff; it seemed to belong to a pair of these birds, but we had no opportunity of revisiting it. This species was originally described by Lichtenstein from specimens obtained in Upper Egypt. All our specimens are alike, and they differ from examples obtained at Assuan in having the breast practically unspotted, and in being of a much redder colour. These differences are perfectly noticeable when the bird is seen on the wing. We are not prepared to maintain that these forms should be distin- guished by subspecific or varietal names, but from a logical point of view they certainly ought to be so distinguished, if that honour is to be conferred (as it is) on many of the Crested Larks, &c. 11. AMMOMANES CINCTURA ARENICOLOR (Sund.). 378 pullus. 3 3 We obtained only one example of this species, on March 17th. 8 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston 12. PyrRHULAUDA MELANOCEPHALA Nicht. Pyrrhulauda melanocephala Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 26 (1823). 405 3, 167 3, 5 §, 93 go, 220 g, 181 94.6 2, saa 16279, 406°2 5 7°92 juv., 169 2 juv., 2aecr)quy- Pyrrhulauda melanocephala is the representative of the true P. leucotis (Stanley, in Salt’s Voy. Abyssinia, p. Ix, 1814), an Abyssinian bird, of which we have recently examined a specimen obtained by Mr. A. L. Butler at Gedaref in May 1901. It is, moreover, synonymous with P. ofoleuca (Temm.), 1824. (Cf. Hartert, Nov. Zool. vol. vii. p. 840, 1901; and Grant, Bull. B. O. C. mit. p. 15, 19012) This species is fairly common, frequenting the more open patches of the scrub near the river-bank; we never found it very far from the water. It was noticeable how often the birds went about in parties of three, nearly always consisting of two males and one female. They are very Lark-like in their habits, closely resembling, in note and flight, the Short- toed Lark. On March 19th we found a nest of this species, con- taining one egg; it was a very shallow depression in the open sandy ground, about the size and depth of a watch- glass, lmed with a few pieces of dry grass. Visiting the nest three days later, we expected to find in it three or perhaps four eggs, but found instead that the single egg had been hatched. Mr. H. F. Witherby mentions (Ibis, 1901, p. 245) finding a nest of P. leucotis (melanocephala) con- taining a single egg, so it may be presumed that one is the full complement of eggs laid by this species. 13. PyrrHuULAUDA FRONTALIS Bp. Pyrrhulauda frontalis Bp. Consp. Av. 1. p. 512. 136 ¢, 140 ¢, 145 g, 175 6, 320 g, 135 95 ieee 318 9°. - This is the Sudanese representative of P. melanauchen (Cabanis), a bird which appears to be confined to the Abyssinian coast of the Red Sea. In the ‘Catalogue of Birds,’ P. melanauchen and P. frontalis are treated as being synonymous ; but ven Heuglin (Orn. N.O.-Afr. i. p. 671) on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 9 clearly distinguished between the two forms. P. frontalis differs from P. melanauchen in having no black nuchal band, which in the latter is more or less fully connected with the black of the under surface. The white patch on the forehead extends backwards as far as the eyes, being thus twice the size of the white spot on the forehead of P. melunauchen. The upper surface is much more sandy buff, not nearly so grey and brown as in the Abyssinian form. These birds were less common at Shendi than the preceding species. In their habits they are very similar, but whereas P. melanocephala is a frequenter of the river-bank, this species is essentially a bird of the desert, very seldom being seen near the water. In colour they harmonize perfectly with their surroundings and are very difficult to see, the coal-black breast and under parts of the male looking exactly like the shadow of a stone or of some slight inequality of the ground. 14. Eimperiza casta Cretzsch. Gates or 6, /4 6, 1866 ,.89 5, 2232 25 251 9. Not very common at Shendi, and, owing to its unob- trusive habits, seldom seen. Like so many other species that we met with, this bird hides itself in the thickest bushes during the day-time, and only becomes active during the last hour before sunset. According to Sharpe (Cat. B. xu. p. 536), this Bunting only winters in N.E. Africa. Although we did not find a nest, its behaviour was that of a resident species; it was nearly always to be seen in pairs, and there seemed to be no diminution in the numbers towards the end of our stay. 15. Passer RUFIDORSALIS. (Plate I. fig. 2.) Passer rufidorsalis Brehm; Witherby, Ibis, 1891, p. 146. #erg,,.029 6,16 6,63 ¢,17 6, 337 6, 189 g, 147 4, 144 ¢, 207 ¢g juv., 69 3 pullus, 321 ¢ juv., 362 ¢ juv., Peete AOL 9 ROO Oy: 26h 24.867 2; 422 9, 436 9. This is a southern form of P. domesticus. It might be described as a small and very bright House-Sparrow, with 10 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston a very bright chestnut mantle. The female can only be distinguished from the same sex of the House-Sparrow by its smaller size. It was first described by Brehm (Naumannia, 1856, p. 377) from specimens obtained at Khartum; Emin Pasha subsequently found it at Lado, a long way further south. At Shendi it is exceedingly common, especially frequenting the patches of cultivation round the houses on the river-bank. In its habits it is very much like our House- Sparrow, and its chirping note is quite indistinguishable. We found several nests of this bird in March: they were loose structures of dry grass and feathers, and were placed in crevices of the hard mud bank on the west side of the Nile. The eggs resemble those of other Sparrows, but are devoid of all gloss; they are of a whitish-buff ground-colour, speckled all over with rusty brown and greyish brown, and having some underlying mauve spots ; the spots and patches form a vague zone about the thick end. They are considerably smaller than those of P. domesticus. The greatest number of eggs found in one nest was three. 16. Passer Lutevs (Licht.). 90 ¢, 121 6, 154 6, 155 bg, 161d, 84 G> Baa, 163 2, 160 2, 162 2, 22 (?) juv., 354 (?). - This beautiful yellow Sparrow was exceedingly abundant at Shendi, increasing in numbers towards the end of our stay. Flocks of fifty and upwards might be seen almost at any time flying northwards along the river-bank; they were never seen to proceed in the other direction. They are very partial to water, and might sometimes be seen in enormous flocks bathing in the shallow pools of the river. 17. Petrronia pyreita (Heuglin). ios ATES. Our two specimens are rather pale above, and are slightly larger than typical specimens from Abyssinia in the Tring ~ Museum. This was a rare bird at Shendi; besides the specimens obtained we saw no others. They were found at the top of a tall acacia-tree on the west bank of the Nile, and when the on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 11 first was shot the second flew to the ground and pecked its dead mate most savagely. 18. PYROMELANA FRANCISCANA (Isert). Dak (2), 228 3, 230 3, 271 2, 369 2. All our specimens are in an intermediate state of plumage ; we saw no males in the full dress of red and black, which, ac- cording to von Heuglin, is assumed in August and September. This bird frequents the fields of millet or “dhurra,”’ on the seeds of which it feeds; it is not common at Shendi, but a good many individuals were seen a few miles south, while at Wad-Habushi, about fifty miles south, it was exceedingly abundant. 19. HypocHERA ULTRAMARINA (Gm.),. (276, 65 46,68 3, 180 ¢, 359 ¢, 400 6, 251 C. This little bright blue bird was fairly common along the river-banks, more especially in the cultivated parts. It was generally seen in company with Lagonosticta brunneiceps. 20. VipUA PRINCIPALIS (Linn.). 193 ¢. Our solitary specimen of this bird is a young female. We did not observe any adult birds in nuptial plumage. 21. ASDEMOSYNE CANTANS (Gm.). 54 3, 319 g¢, 358 9, 416 3, 417 3, 31 2, 46 2, 50 ole 415 2, 280 (?). Most of our specimens are in a moulting condition. According to Lorenz and Hellmayr (Journ. f, Orn. 1901, p- 282), North-east African and Arabian specimens differ in several points from typical West-African specimens, and have therefore been named Aidemosyne orientalis. These birds were tolerably common at Shendi and were remarkably tame. They were very sluggish in their habits, and might often be seen in small parties sitting closely huddled together on a branch for hours at a time, Towards the end of February a pair of these birds built a nest in a low bush in the midst of our camp; it was composed almost entirely of scraps of paper and of cotton- 12 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston wool, and was shaped somewhat like a very untidy nest of a Greenfinch. Unfortunately, when two eggs had been laid, the nest was ruthlessly destroyed by a pair of Passer rufi- dorsalis, who paid the penalty of their crime with their lives. 22, LAaGoNOSTICTA BRUNNEICEPS Sharpe. 66 ¢, 146 3g, 259 ¢, 200 9, 260 2,263 9, aoe The adult males are exceedingly bright, very much more so than specimens from Tropical Africa in the Tring Museum. These beautiful little birds were never observed far from the huts on the river-bank, where they were often seen picking up crumbs of dhurra-meal almost out of the hands of the natives. 23. HyPHANTORNIS VITELLINUS Gray. 30 g, 148 6, 268 6, 182 2, 269 9, 270 2, sOl ee The adult male is a very conspicuous bird, and his long- drawn wheezy cail-note might he heard about every fifty yards in the thick scrub. Several of their hanging bottle-shaped nests were found, sometimes three or four depending from the same branch; one pair of birds was observed building at intervals for three or four weeks, but no eggs were laid during our stay at Shendi. 24. Spreo putcuer (P. L. 8. Miill.). 115 ¢, 824 2, 440 pullus. The last specimen has the upper side slaty black with a very faint greenish gloss; the abdomen is dull rufous in colour, the rufous extending upwards towards the throat. These Starling-like birds were occasionally seen in small parties of four or five, always several miles out in the desert. They were very wary and difficult to approach. According to von Heuglin, this species breeds in September and October; but our young bird, caught on March 28rd, cannot have been out of the nest for more than a few days. We were very much puzzled by the large number of empty ~ nests in the trees in the desert ; in some places every little tree contained one or more nests compactly built of twigs on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. - 13 with a scanty lining of grass. They were just such as this bird might build; but while we saw only four or five birds in a day, we were certain to see at. least five hundred of these nests. In no instance did they contain eges. 25. Corvus scapuLatus Daud. poo 2,264 ¢, 265 g,99 ¢. ‘Shendi must be very nearly the northernmost limit reached by this species, as at the Pyramids of Meroe, about forty miles further north, though the country is admirably suited to it, not an individual was to be seen. It is a conspicuous and noisy bird, in habits very like the Raven, but rather more gregarious. A nest containing three fresh eggs was found in an acacia in the desert on March 23rd. The eges resemble those of Corvus coraz, but are much smaller, measuring only 44°5 by 30°5, 44 by 30°5, and 41:1 by 32:5. 26. *CoRvuUS UMBRINUS Sund. This Crow was rarer than the preceding species, and very much more shy in its habits. A nest containing one hard-set egg was found ou March 8th, The egg resembles that of C. scapulatus, but it is not so green and the markings are paler. It measures 44 by 31°5 mm. 27. *Corvus AFFINis Riipp. _ A few pairs of these Crows were occasionally seen on the rocky hills in the desert; but they were always very careful to keep out of range of a gun. 28. Lantus nusicus Licht. 225165 219 9 377 (2). The Nubian Shrike was common at Shendi. It was generally to be seen in pairs, and was exceedingly bold in resenting the approach of any intruders. On two occasions we observed the old birds feeding the young, which were scarcely able to fly, but no nests were found. 29. -LANIus IsaABELLINUS Ehrenb. 224 (?), 846 ¢, 402 g. Only three specimens of this Shrike were seen ; it is a shy ‘14 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston and retiring bird, and but for its rufous-coloured. tail it might easily escape notice altogether. 30. Lanrus assimiLis C. L. Brehm, 366 ¢. The single specimen of this Shrike was obtained in the desert on March 15th; it agrees in every detail with the type of L. assimilis in the Trmg Museum. 31. Lanivus Leuconotus C. L. Brehm. 113 ¢, 219 ¢. L. leuconotus is probably the same as L. dealbatus (de Filippi). Our two specimens agree in every way with the type of L. leuconotus of Brehm. This Shrike is not common, but it is one of the most conspicuous birds of the desert. It was usually seen singly, and shewed no signs of breeding. 32. TELEPHONUS REMIGIALIS Hartl. & Finsch. | 223 6,247 8, 335 g, 364 g¢, 398 fg, 117 95-397 ee The females are considerably smaller than the males, the wing being from 4 to 6 mm. shorter. This species haunts the very densest scrub and is one of the most shy and retiring birds that we met with at Shendi. Like so many of the species of this region, it is more often seen during the last hour of daylight than at any other time, and its loud piping whistle may sometimes be heard a long time after sunset. 33. ArGyYA acacr# (Licht.). 2t4 Gg, 089 ¢, 62.9, 126 9,137 9 , 2739%9, 25aNee In the females the wing is distinctly shorter than in the males. The native name of this species, which means “ Seven Sisters,” is very appropriate, inasmuch as it is nearly always seen in family-parties of six or seven. As a means of escape, it quite as often trusts to its feet as to its wings, hopping along the ground in great bounds of two or three yards at a time, with tail uplifted, and chattering angrily the on Birds fron Shendi, Sudan. 15 while. We never saw one make a flight of any length, or rise more than a few feet from the ground. A nest containing four eggs was found on March 18th in a dense acacia-bush some miles out in the desert. It was a loosely built cup-shaped structure of small twigs and dry grass. The eggs resemble those of other species of the genus Argya, being of a beautiful glossy greenish blue and measuring 24°3 by 17°5, 23:4 by 17°7, 23°5 by 17°6, and 24 by 17:7 mm. 34. Pycnonotus Aarsinog (Hempr. & Ehrenb.). 414 (sex ?). These Bulbuls were fairly common at Shendi and shewed a strong partiality for the neighbourhood of man. In their song and general behaviour they are not unlike the Black- bird, sitting day after day in the same tree, sometimes singing and sometimes driving away a swarm of too venture- some Sparrows (Passer rufidorsalis). A nest containing two young birds was found on March 7th. Tt was a light cup-shaped structure of grass and was slung in a climbing gourd-plant about eight feet above the ground. 30. SPILOPTILA CLAMANS (‘Temm.). 118 g, 206 g, 305 3g, 119 9, 188 2, 284 2, 304 2, 306 (°?). , We first saw this beautiful little bird on February 26th ; towards the end of March the numbers seemed to have increased considerably. They were sometimes to be seen in pairs, but more often in parties of six or eight, flying about in the desert from one bush to another, always swinging their long tails from side to side, and constantly uttering their loud call-note. On March 25th we observed a pair building a nest in a low bush in the desert ; it was about eighteen inches above the ground and was a domed egg- shaped structure of fine grass, lined with a few feathers ; there was asmall round opening on either side. Unluckily, however, no eggs had been laid when we left Shendi two days later. 16 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston 36. CIsTICOLA cIsTICOLA (Temm.). 226, 296, 176 5, 177 8, -185 3, 184 9, SOzee 429 (?). These little birds were exceedingly common in the grassy plain above mentioned and were never seen in the desert. They have a habit of rising almost vertically about thirty or forty feet into the air, singing their quaint little chattering song, and then dropping suddenly, as if dead, into the long grass. A nest containing three young. birds was found on March 4th. 5/7. CistTIcoLA ARIDULA. “(Plate Doig = 1.) Cisticola aridula Witherby, Ibis, 1901, p. 256. 370 (sex ?). This bird agrees perfectly with the type of C. aridula, which Mr. Witherby has kindly sent us for comparison. The subterminal black bars on the rectrices are not altogether absent in the type specimen; but they are not so sharply defined as in C. cisticola, owing to the fact that the basal portion is much darker in C. aridula than in C. cisticola.. In our Shendi specimen the black subterminal bars are rather more distinct than in Mr. Witherby’s example. The wing measures 47, the tail about 38 mm. In addition to the other characters described by Mr. W1- therby, this bird differs from C. cisticola in the entirely white outer web of the outermost tail-feather ; in this feature it agrees with C. hindia. Our solitary specimen of this species was obtaiieg on March 16th on the west bauk of the Nile. It was found among the rank ‘“halfa-grass” so much frequented by C. cisticola, and, when flying, was seen to be noticeably paler than that species ; but in other respects we are unable to say anything about its habits. | 38. BurRNuEsIA GRACILIS (Cretzsch.). 179 of 02.d; 112 o., 2014.6, 48 2, 205 9. This little bird was common in the scrub on both sides of the river. It was always to be seen in pairs, and began to breed about the end of February. Nests were found on More whoUZ, ce eae Nantern Bros.imp. Meter COmALARIDIULAs2. EGG: OF PASSER RUFIDORSALIS. 3 4.EGGS OF CAPRIMULGUS EXIMIUS. on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. uF February 24th, March 2nd, and March 6th; the nest resembles that of Spiloptila clamans, but is slightly smaller ; all those which we found were built in shrubs (Genista) about three feet from the ground. For some unexplained reason the birds always deserted them before any eggs were laid. 39. Cercorricnas popose (P. L. 8. Miill.). TON 5. 242.6, 001.6, 202 9, 326 2, 421 9. The wing of the female is about 5 mm. shorter than that of the male. This species was somewhat uncommon at Shendi, though, on account of its retiring habits, it was no doubt often over- looked.’ It bears a remarkable resemblance to our Blackbird both in its varied and flute-hke song and in its manner of hopping about on the ground. It has a pretty habit of waving, and at the same time spreading out, its tail when perched upon a tree. 40. Hyprotais pattipa (Hempr. & Ehrenb.), 94 9, 420 9. This species was exceedingly common, especially frequenting the open scrub towards the desert. It was very often to be seen in pairs, and had all the appearance of being resident, but no nests were found. 4]. Sytvia ORPHEA T'emm. 351 d, 330 ¢. The Orphean Warbler was frequently to be met with in the scrub along the river-bank. 42, SYLVIA RUEPPELLI Temm, 277 3, 844 9. Our two specimens of Riippell’s Warbler were all that we saw. ‘They were very shy and were met with in the most impenetrable portions of the scrub, — 43. Sytvia Momus (Hempr. & Ehrenb.). Mies. bor 3, 309 3’. These specimens have been compared with the type of S. momus in the Berlin Museum, It is possible that even- SER, VIII.—VOL, I, c 18 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston tually S. momus and S. mystacea may turn out to be the same species. 44. AGROBATES GALACTOTES MINOR (Cab.). 307 gb, 445 2, 333 (?). North-East African specimens of the Rufous Warbler are smaller and somewhat darker on the back than typical examples from Spain. The Rufous Warbler was first noticed at Shendi on March 10th, after which date it became a good deal more numerous. 45. Monticoua cyanus (L.). 248 9°. Rock-Thrushes were occasionally seen on the rocky hills out in the desert. 46. SaxicoLA @NANTHE (L.). 153 9, 356d, 413 od. The Common Wheatear was frequently seen on the river- bank. 47. SAXICOLA ISABELLINA Cretzschm. 148 (?), 209 (7), 4 (2). The Isabelline Wheatear was not uncommon in the desert. It was usually to be seen in pairs. 48. SaxIcoLA MELANOLEUCa (Guld.). 249 $, 313 3, 266 9, 298 9°. The Black-throated Wheatear was a fairly common fre- quenter of the river-bank. It was seldom seen during the day, but towards evening became very active; on several occasions we observed one of these birds, at least an hour after sunset, when it was quite dark, dart out from the bank and hawk for flies over the water like a Flycatcher. . 49. SaxtcoLa DESERTI T'emm. 24 5, 83 5,100 d, 44 (sex ?). The Desert-Wheatear was as often to be seen on the river- bank as in the desert. It was generally met with in pairs. on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 19 50. CotiLe Minor Cab. 111 g, 288 g, 292 $, 336 g, 178 (sex ?). There is a considerable difference in size in these specimens. These little Martins were fairly numerous at Shendi, frequenting the river-banks either singly or in small parties just as our Sand-Martins do. On March 25th a colony of from fifteen to twenty pairs was found nesting in a sandpit on the brink of the river. The holes were horizontal and were about two feet long. One nest contained five eggs slightly incubated: the eggs are pure white; one of them measures 16 x 12°5 mm. 51. *Cotite riparia Linn. Sand- Martins were often seen on the river-bank, sometimes in company with the last species. 52. Hrrunpo rustica Linn. 450 (sex ?) Chimney-Swallows were occasionally seen at Shendi. Our specimen was shot on March 26th, when it must have been on migration. 53. Hirunpo smirui Leach. 267 ¢, 317 fg, 316 @. This beautiful Swallow was very rare at Shendi, two or three pairs only frequenting a spot where the mud bank, harder than usual, projected as a little cliff into the river. A few pairs were also seen in a similar situation at Wad- Habushi, fifty miles further south. A shrill wailing cry is uttered by both males and females. On March 11th a nest containing three eggs was found in a crevice between two strata of the low cliffabove mentioned. The eggs are pure white. 54. Hirunpo zruiorica Blanf. 448 (sex ?). Our solitary specimen of this Swallow was the only one seen. . 55. Tacuornis parva (Licht.). 38 ¢, 39 ¢, 239 J, 241 J, 238 2, 308 2, 350 2, 240 (sex?) or 2. Ge 20 Hon.N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston This little Swift was fairly common at Shendi. So far as we observed, it is quite a silent bird; in other respects its habits are very similar to those of the Common Swift. Fifteen or twenty pairs were always to be seen flying about one of the few big Dom-palms of the district. They were constantly going into the crevices at the bases of the leaves, and must undoubtedly have had nests there, but the nature of the tree forbade any attempts at obtaining them. 56. CaprimuLeus Eximius. (Plate I. figs. 3, 4.) Caprimulgus eximius Temm.; Witherby, Ibis, 1901, p. 259. 114 6, 272 g, 3823 g, 446 3, 447 g, 426 S jr., 38229, 371 92, 441 9, 443 2, 4449, 449 g, 451 2, 291g, 412 9, 451a pull. There is not much variation among the adult birds. Some are of a lighter yellow, while others are more rufous, but the differences are not great. The width of the white tips to the lateral rectrices in the males varies from 30 to 40 mm.; the length of the wing varies from about 174 to 185 mm. On the interscapulum there is sometimes a small but well- marked patch without any white marks. In the females, which are of the same size as the males, the white patches on the primaries are bordered with buff, which colour gradually merges into the white; and the rectrices, instead of being tipped with white, are tipped with buff. The width of the buff tip to the outermost rectrices varies from 20 to 25 mm. The young male (No. 426) has already moulted the rectrices and primaries, but the crissum, abdomen, and rump are still covered with the first fluffy feathers of the young. The pullus (March 27th) is covered with rufous-isabelline down; that on the abdomen is white. The tubular nostrils are remarkably prominent. Our specimens of this most beautiful Nightjar were all obtained within a few miles of Shendi. The ground which they mostly seemed to prefer was of quite a distinctive nature ; it was generally sloping and was intermediate in character between the grassy scrub and the open desert; the soil was not fine and earthy but coarse and gravelly, often with a on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. Pai good many scattered stones and tufts of grass. We never saw one of the birds amongst the trees or in thick scrub. During the day, like other Nightjars, they le very close and are seldom noticed ; they harmonize most perfectly with their surroundings and are exceedingly difficult to see. On one occasion we only detected one by its shuffling along an inch or so to avoid being trodden on by a camel. At night they are on the wing very soon after sunset, when they come down to the river. They fly up and down the banks or out over the water, often touching the surface either to drink or to catch an insect ; after half an honr or so they seem to retire towards the desert. Wenever saw one of these Nightjars perched on a tree ; they sit on the ground and often “ churr ” for several minutes at a time. The “churr”’ is distinctly of a lower pitch than that of Scotornis climacurus. We saw this species also at Wad-Habushi, halfway between Shendi and Khartum, in a locality very similar to that near Shendi. It may therefore perhaps be presumed that C. eximius will eventually be found to be resident in this region wherever ground suitable to its habits exists ; that is to say, from the Atbara right up the Nile and the White Nile almost as far as Fashoda. It is a bird which might very easily be overlooked: had we stopped a few days only at Shendi, we should certainly not have found it; in fact, it was not until we had been there very nearly a month that we became acquainted with its habits. We found three nests, or rather breeding-spots, on March 16th, 20th, and 27th; the first two contained two eggs each, very much incubated, the third contained one young bird just hatched and an addled egg. There was no pretence at a nest, not even a depression, the eggs being laid on the bare ground near a tuft of grass, under which the bird often hides. They are of the usual character of those of Nightjars and vary considerably in markings and shape; some are darker than others, some are oval, and some a little pointed at one end. The ground-colour is a dirty greyish buff, thickly spotted all over with liver-brown or greyish-brown patches and under- 22 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston lying mauve spots. They measure 28°7 by 21:5, 29°3 by 21:1, and 29°5 by 20°7 mm The natives call this bird ‘‘ Abu Tabag ” (Father of bowls), presumably on account of the bowl-like appearance of the open mouth. 57. CapRimuteus xeyptivs Licht. ago, 2, 411 6 . We obtained only two specimens of the Egyptian Nightjar ; the first was found in long grass among trees during the day- time, the second was flying in the evening in company with C. eximius. 58. ScoToRNIs CLIMACURUS (Vieill.). 199 g, 410 5, 421 3, 200 2, 375 ¢. There is much variation in the general colour of dee birds, No. 421 being much more rufous, and Nos. 375 and 410 very much blacker than the others. This beautiful Jong-tailed Goatsucker was fairly common at Shendi. Unlike Caprimulgus eximius it is essentially a bird of the scrub and thick trees, hiding by day in the most shady and impenetrable thickets. At night it seems to spend almcst as much time in sitting “churring”’ at the top of some tree as in flying; it was often seen flitting about the river in company with C. eximius. Thetwo long central tail-feathers of the male are held apart in flight at an angle of about twenty-five or thirty degrees. ‘Though pairs were often seen, they did not seem to be breeding ; neither the testes nor the ovaries of any of our specimens being enlarged. 59. Coractas aByssinicus Bodd. 376 3, 357 2,512. The Abyssinian Roller was occasionally seen, but it was usually very wary and difficult to approach. The native name, which means “Child of the clouds,” is well chosen ; you hear one of these birds high up above your head almost out of sight, and then down it suddenly comes in a flutter- ing corkscrew flight, with wings and tail spread out, to perch and chatter at you from the top of a tree, just out of gunshot. A pair were twice seen to go into a hole in the on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 23 mud wall of a deserted house; we hoped that they were going to nest there, but they had not done so before we left Shendi. 60. Merors pusiitius P. L. 8S. Miller. M. p. ocularis Reichen. Orn. Monatsb. 1900, p. 86. 25 6. : The fact that we saw and obtained only one specimen of this little Bee-eater at Shendi is rather remarkable, consider- ing how abundant it is at Khartum, where it may be said to share with Passer luteus the honour of being the commonest bird. 61. Merops viripissimus Swains. Winge 96 5, 127 3, 126 ¢6, 243 6,60 9. The absence of the blue throat and other differences necessitate the separation of the African and Indian forms of this bird. This Bee-eater was exceedingly common at Shendi, some- times being seen in little flocks of five or six, more often in pairs. They were occasionally observed to go into holes in banks, but we did not succeed in finding a nest. 62. Upura rpops Linn. 227 3, 287 2, 888 ¢. Erlanger has separated the Mediterranean form of Upupa epops as Upupa epops pallida (Journ. f. Orn. 1899, p. 15), but our Sudan specimens and others from North Africa in the Tring Museum do not seem to differ in any way from typical North-European specimens. There was a sudden immigration of Hoopoes on March 8th, after which they might be seen for a few days in almost every tree. 63. LopHocrros nasutus (Linn.). 78 6, 245 6,173 9,174 9, 246 9Q. These remarkably ugly Hornbills were fairly numerous at Shendi. They spend most of the day in the dhurra-fields along the river-banks, where they do a good deal of damage ; at night they retire to the thick belt of trees which fringes the desert. Not the least remarkable feature of this bird is 4 Hon.N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston its extraordinarily tough skin, which is capable of turning shot of almost any size at more than thirty yards distance. 64. CeryLe rvupis (Linn.). |e era This was the only Kingfisher we saw. It was very com- mon and remarkably tame, sometimes hanging motionless in the air within a few yards of us, and then dropping with a sudden splash into the river. 65. CoccystEs GLANDARIUS (Linn.). Tg Our solitary specimen of the Great Spotted Cuckoo was the only one seen. 66. CEenrropus suPpERcILIosus Hempr. & Ehrenb. 363 ¢. We only met with this bird once. « 67. TRACHYPHONUS MARGARITATUS (Rupp.). 203 ¢, 482 ¢. The bills of our specimens are a little longer than those of Abyssinian examples in the Tring Museum. This gaudy Barbet was very rare at Shendi; we only met with it on two occasions. It has a loud clear note, which might easily be mistaken for a human whistle. The native name of this bird means ‘‘ wood-pecker.” 68. Mesoricus corrtan (P. L. 8. Miill.). 80 ¢. : Our single specimen of this species was the only Wood- pecker that we saw. It was in the midst of a very dense thicket, and our attention was drawn to it by hearing its very characteristic cry. 69. Turrur TURTUR (Linn.). d+ g. ; A single Turtle-Dove was shot at Shendi on February 19th. It appears to be shghtly paler than the majority of European specimens, but it can be matched by British examples. It was probably a European bird in its winter- quarters. on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 20 70. TurrurR Rosrocriseus (Sund.). Bug wosees 26 2; Bar; 8079 1649 165.9, 340 0, 353 pullus. This Dove was exceedingly common. Upwards of fifty might sometimes be seen sitting in one of the bigger trees near the river; it was also well distributed all over the desert, but was less numerous there. ‘Several nests were found in acacia-bushes at heights varying from three to six feet from the ground. They were light structures of twigs, very similar to those of the European Turtle-Dove. The number of eggs was two in every case; they are white with very little gloss: average measurements 29°2 by 23 mm. 71. Turtur pecrPiens Finsch & Hartl. ia 6, 192 6, 296 6, 372 ¢, 124 9,158 @. This is the same form which has been called Turtur ambiguus by Mr. Witherby (Ibis, 1901, p. 266). Mr. Witherby found that his specimens from the White Nile, and those in the Tring Museum from N.E. Africa, differed from the type of 7. ambiguus in having slightly longer wings and considerably wider tips to the rectrices. But after an examination of the specimens in the British Museum, he decided not to separate the form found in North-East Africa from the West-African 7. ambiguus. We are inclined to think that it would be more correct to separate the two forms, but in any case our birds must be ealled T. decipiens, and not 7. ambiguus; the former name was published some years before the latter, and was originally given to the North-East African form. This Dove was very much less numerous than the pre- ceding species, from which it was readily distinguished by its larger size. It becomes increasingly common as one goes southwards from Shendi, which place seems to be about its most northerly limit. A nest containing two eggs was found in an. acacia-bush on March 16th. The nest was like that of the preceding species. The eggs are of a pure white, without gloss, and measure 32°] by 22°5 and 29°6 by 25 mm. 26 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston 72. TuRTUR SENEGALENSIS (Linn.). 2-6; 105 6,429 ¢,, 128 9 Juv. This Turtle-Dove was very common at Shendi, but less so than T. roseogriseus. We found several nests ; the number of eggs was always two. They are glossy white; average measurements 25°] by 19°5 and 24 by 19 mm. 73. Gina capensis (Linn.). 526, 104d, 1056, 1496, 159 g, 255 dc, Saeaae 383 3, 82 ¢ juv., 184 9, 289 2, 384 2. We first saw this little long-tailed Dove at Berber, which may perhaps be considered its northernmost limit. At Shendi it was very plentiful and well distributed all over the country, a nest being even found in the desert ten or more miles from the river. . We found the nest of this species several times, the first being on February 20th. It is the slightest possible structure of fine twigs and coarse grass, or sometimes of grass only, and is placed in a low bush, generally not more than three feet from the ground. The number of eggs was sometimes one, more often two. They are not white, like those of most Columbide, but are of a rich cream-colour, and have a hard and thick shell. Measurements: 20°] by 16, 21°7 by 15°9, 20 by 15°5, and 20°5 by 16 mm. 74. SvRIxX FLAMMEA MACULATA Brehm. 423 8, 427 3, 434 9, 424 2, 428 9, 442 2, 438 (sex ?), 439 (sex ?). — Our specimens of the Barn-Owl agree very well with the types of Brehm’s S. f. maculata now in the Tring Museum. They all have a dark strongly spotted upper surface ; and the under surface is also heavily marked with blackish spots, some of which are shaped very much like arrow-heads. In these features they differ from the Barn-Owl of Lower Egypt and the neighbourhood of Cairo, which E. Hartert (Nov. Zool. vii. p. 583) has provisionally united with the West-European and Mediterranean form, the S. f. kirchhoffi of Brehm. The legs of our specimens also appear to be somewhat longer and more bare than in typical European specimens. on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. aa The differences between the Tropical Barn-Owl (S. /. maculata), the true S. flammea, and the West-European S. f. kirchhofi have been fully discussed by Reichenow (‘ Die Vogel Afrikas,’ i. p. 676, 1901). Barn-Owls were fairly common at Shendi ; we often heard, but seldom saw, them. They frequented the ruins of the old town of Shendi. Nos. 423, 424, 427, and 428 were obtained at Kabushea, about forty miles to the north, where we also obtained young birds in down on March 28rd. 75. BUBO ASCALAPHUS DESERTORUM Erlanger. 294 3, 409 g, 344 pullus. These specimens from Shendi agree absolutely with specimens of B. a. desertorum (Erl. Orn. Monatsb. v. p. 192, 1897) in the Tring Museum from Gabes, Tunis. This very handsome Eagle-Owl was found on two isolated rocky hills, Gebel Margel and Gebel el Lahemer, about ten miles east of Shendi. There appeared to be only one pair of Owls on each. They were as often found sitting on the sunny as on the shady side of the hill during the day-time, and were always very much on the alert, flying away without hesitation if approached too closely. On March 13th we found a nest containing two young birds in down on the south side of Gebel Margel. It was merely a depression in the midst of large blocks of stone, and was fully expesed to the heat of the sun; at mid- day the rocks became so hot that it was impossible to touch them with the hand for any length of time. Round the nest were large numbers of pellets, containing the hair and bones of hares, mice, and jerboas. 76. Pisornina Leucotis (Temm.). 3 325 g, 76 go juv., 342 juv. (sex?), 343 juv. (sex ?), 430 2 juv., 431 2 juv., 432 ¢ juv. This little Owl was not uncommon at Shendi. Some of our specimens were found in trees, and some in the ruins of the town of Shendi. On March 22nd a nest containing three almost fully- fledged young birds was found in a deserted well. 28 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston 77. Mitvus Gyprtius (Gm.). TOA: fd 9a 200s, S19 Ss All our specimens are young birds. The Egyptian Kite was very common at Shendi, where a dozen or more might often be seen flying over our camp at the same time. Inaclump of date-palms near Metemmeh we discovered a large number of nests, which already contained young birds on March 2nd. We afterwards found several others containing eggs in clutches of two and three on March 8th, 15th, and 21st. These are of the usual type of Kites’ eggs, except that the ground-colour is pure white, and not pale blue, as it is in many specimens taken at Cairo. They vary considerably in size, from 53 by 41 mm. to 47 by 40°35 mm. 78. Crrcus Macrvurus (S. G. Gm.). SGgG ig Gad 539922 = These three examples are all immature bir ds, just Mica = to assume the adult plumage. They were often seen flying backwards and forwards over the grassy plain above mentioned, more often in the evening than during the day-time. On one occasion we saw one of these birds chase a Crested Lark, but their food consists mostly of mice and other small mammals. 79. Circus pycaReus (Linn.). DD 9. Our single Montagu’s Harrier was shot on February 20th, when it was hunting in company with an individual of the preceding species. 80. Me viprax GaBar (Daud.). ive 9. This Hawk was decidedly rare. Our specimen was sitting at the top of a high tree, chanting loudly. 81. *Gyps rutvus (J. F. Gm.). Griffon Vultures were rarely seen. 82. *GyPs RUEPPELLI (Brehm). Rippell’s Vulture was seen on cne or two occasions. on Birds from Shendi, Sudan. 29 83. *VULTUR MoNnAcHUS Linn. ; The Black Vulture was more common than either of the two preceding species. It is a magnificent bird when ou the wing. 84, *NEOPHRON PERCNOPTERUS (Linn.). The Egyptian Vulture was exceedingly common and almost offensively tame. A nest, containing one egg and one young bird, was found on a ledge of a cliff near the Pyramids of Meroe on March 22nd. The nest was composed of sticks with a solid foundation of hyena’s dung ; it was lined with an extraordinary collection of hair of goats, gazelles, and hares, wings of sand-grouse, and scraps of cloth and paper. 85. *HeLorarsus ecaupatus (Daud.). A Bateleur Eagle seen near the Pyramids of Meroe on March 22nd was the only Eagle that we saw in the Sudan. It came quite close to us, but was immediately attacked and driven away by a pair of Peregrine Falcons, which had a nest with three young on the top of one of the Pyramids. | 86. Bustxicus Lucipvws (Rafin.). Zs. 9 . Buff-backed Herons were occasionally seen on the culti- vated parts of the river-bank, often standing upon the backs of cattle. 87. *Heropias AvBa (Linn.). A single Great White Heron was seen on Tuti Island, opposite Khartum, on March 26th. 88. *Nycricorax GRisEusS (Linn.). Night-Herons were rarely seen. 89. *Ciconra NIcRA (Linn.). Black Storks were occasionally seen. 90. *CiconrIA ALBA Bechst. White Storks were often seen in immense flocks flying northwards. 30 Hon. N.C. Rothschild and Mr. A. F. R. Wollaston 91, *PLaraLea LEUcoRopIA (Linn.). Spoonbills were seen in one or two places south of Shendi. 92. *ANASTOMUS LAMELLIGERUS Temm. These strange-looking birds were sometimes seen standing in solitary fashion on the river-bank, sometimes flying south- wards in large flocks. 93. *LEPTOPTILUS CRUMENIFER (Cuv.). The hideous Marabou was always to be seen if a horse or camel died in the neighbourhood. It is very expert in stealing choice pieces of carrion from the Egyptian Vultures. 94, PHALACROCORAX AFRICANUS (Gm.). 396 (sex ?). We did not see this little Cormorant at Shendi. ' Our | specimen was obtained at Wad-Habushi, where the river is very swift and full of rocks. 95, *PELECANUS ONOcROTALUS Linn. Pelicans were sometimes seen flying northwards in enor- mous numbers ; they fly in a single line at a great height. On one occasion a flock of several hundreds of these birds settled on a sandbank opposite to Shendi; unfortu- nately our boat grounded before we could get within reach of them either with a gun or a camera. They soar to a very great height, apparently without a single flap of the wings. 96. GELOCHELIDON ANnGLica (Mont.). 196 °9.. Gull-billed Terns were seen almost every day flying down the river singly or in smal] parties. They were sometimes seen hawking for insects over the bean-fields and dhurra- fields. 97. *SreRrNa caspPia Pall. Three or four pairs of this handsome Tern were seen flying about the ferry at Omdurman on March 26th; while a week or so before that date we saw it migrating north- wards near Shendi. on Birds from Shendt, Sudan. 31 98. *RHYNCHOPS FLAVIROSTRIS (Vieill.). This remarkable-looking bird was first seen. at Wad- Habushi on March 18th, and a few arrived at Shendi on their northward journey on March 23rd. During the day- time they sit on an isolated sandbank or on a rock in the middle of the river ; in the early morning and evening they fly rapidly over the water with a very graceful skimming action. They are very wary, and we did not succeed in obtaining a specimen. 99. CHENALOPEX HGyPTIACA (Briss.). 395 ¢; 407 g, 408 ¢. Egyptian Geese were very common all along the river, generally being seen in pairs. They make a great noise when they come out of the crops in the early morning. 100. *Darita acuta (Linn.). Pintails were often seen in large flocks flying down the river. 101. *Nerrion crecca (Linn.). Three Teal were once seen. 102. PrerocLes sENEGALLUS (Linn.). Pla, 214 ¢, 215 2,379 ¢. This large Sand-Grouse was very rare at Shendi com- pared with the next species. It was never seen in company with P. exustus, and seemed to prefer thick bush rather than the more open desert. ‘The natives distinguish between the two birds, and call this one ‘‘ Gutta Dahowi.” 108. PrerocLes Exustus Temm. ied 216 dg, 218 ¢, 261 5, 310 ¢d, 156.9, 217 2, 262 Q. Our Shendi specimens may be regarded as being typical Pterocles exustus ; they do not agree with the form found on the White Nile by Mr. Witherby, and called by Mr. Hartert P. e. somalicus (Nov. Zool. vii. p. 28) ; the latter is a much brighter, more sandy, and smaller bird. This Sand-Grouse was found in extraordinary numbers. It flies down to certain spots on the river to drink with 32 On Birds from Shendi, Sudan. perfect regularity every morning. Considering how thinly these birds. are distributed over the country—they are seldom seen in flocks, except when going to drink—it seems likely that many of them must come from ear remote parts of the desert. We found eggs of this bird on the 6th, 17th, and 23rd of March. They are laid on the bare ground; beyond a very shght depression there is no attempt at making a nest. The full number seems to be three. The ground-colour is creamy buff, and is covered with sharply defined rich brown markings and underlying spots of a pale grey colour. An egg taken after death from a bird shot on February 28th is marked with more pale spots than are our other eggs. Measurements: 35°6 by 26:5, 36°2 by 266, 36 by 25, 39 by 25 mm. The native name for this bird is “ Gutta.” 104. Corurnix coTURNIx (Linn.). The Quail was tolerably common at Shendi during our whole stay. 105. Evpopotis arazs (Linn.). The head and neck only of this bird were preserved. It was trapped in the desert by a native, who had adopted the usual trick of pulling out all the primaries. We often saw Bustards, presumably of this species, in the desert, but they always contrived to keep out of range; the chestnut axillaries are a good distinguishing character when the bird is flying. 106. CEpICNEMUS SENEGALENSIS Swains. 386 ¢, 387 ¢. Two of these birds were obtained at Wad-Habushi on March 18th. Their behaviour is very similar to that of the Norfolk Plover. 107. HopLoprerus spinosus (Linn.). Ad 2, 380 2: Spurwing Plovers were met with commonly all along the river-banks. They are extremely noisy during the night, and also during the day if their breeding-places are invaded. On the Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 33 A nest containmg four eggs was found on March 18th. They resemble brownish eggs of Vanellus vulgaris, but are less pyriform and much smaller. The deep brown patches are all more or less longitudinal. Measurements: 41°] by 28:5, 40 by 27:5, 40 by. 27°5, and 40 by 28°5 mm. 108. Pruvianus aeyprivs (Linn.). moles, 13 £,97 2, 98 ¢, 257 2, 388 &, 360 ¢. These pretty birds were fairly well distributed along the river-banks in small flocks. Towards the end of March they were evidently just on the point of breeding and occurred in pairs; the ovaries of the females were very much enlarged, and we often observed them scratching holes in the sand and then covering them up, as though they were burying their eggs. This habit is well known to the natives, who also are acquainted with the eggs, which they describe as being green. Curiously enough, they call this bird “Asfur el timsah,”’ that is, “‘ Bird of the Crocodile”’; so there may be something in Herodotus’s story of the Trochilus after all! EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. Fig. 1. Cisticola aridula, p. 16. 2. Egg of Passer rufidorsalis, p. 9. 3, 4. Eges of Caprimulgus eximius, p. 20. II.—Notes upon the Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. By Frank E. Bepparp, M.A., F.R.S., Prosector and Vice- Secretary of the Zoological Society of London. Opinions as to the exact systematic position of this curious bird have differed and still differ greatly. A list of the varying views that have been held at one time or another as to the relationships of Aramus is to be found in Firbringer’s ‘Untersuchungen’ *. From this it will appear that the bulk of current opinion is in favour of keeping the bird in the place which is assigned to it in the last edition of the ‘ Vertebrate List,’ where it is joined with the Cranes, Bustards, Cariama, Rhinochetus, Psophia, and. Eurypyga to form Mr. Sclater’s * ‘Untersuchungen zur Morphologie und Systematik der Vogel,’ &c. (Amsterdam, 1888), p. 1207. SER. VUI.—VOL, Il. D 34: Mr. F. E. Beddard on the Order Alectorides, of which Order it is furthermore con- sidered to represent a distinct family. Prof. Firbringer himself, though he discusses the general characteristics of Aramus under the heading ‘ Aramide,” comes to the final conclusion that it is to be placed as a mere subfamily of the family Gruide, of which all the Old World genera—Grus, Balearica, &c.—should constitute a second subfamily, Gruine. Even with this reduction the importance attached to Aramus as a distinct type of bird appears to me to be due to a slight exaggeration of its peculiarities. A study of the osteology has convinced me that it does not help to explain the structure of the genus to regard it as extremely distinct from other Cranes, using this word to include the Gruide only. If Aramus is to be separated, and given family—or subfamily— rank, then it will be necessary to isolate at least Ba/earica in the same way, and possibly also Tetrapteryx. No advantage appears to be gained by the splitting up of so clearly definable a family as that of the Gruide, of which Aramus is an out- lying member, and, even as such, not far removed from the remaining genera. : My conclusions, in fact, completely bear out the view of the late Mr. Seebohm™*, who placed Aramus as a genus of the family Gruide in his suborder Gralle. As to the particular position which the genus holds within the family, I shall have in the course of the following pages to point to a number of somewhat striking likenesses between it and the African genus Balearica, which in external appearance is as unlike Aramus as any other genus of the family, or indeed even more unlike. Without, however, insisting too strongly upon these points of resemblance as indicating a special affinity, I may remark that alliances between South-African and South-American animals have been shown to exist in a number of groups. The anatomy of Aramus has been dealt with and described by a number of naturalists. Tbe muscles and viscera, with some parts of the skeleton, have been described by the late Mr. Garrod +, who quotes earlier authorities in his memoir. * ‘Classification of Birds’ (London, 1890), p. 39. + “On the Anatomy of Aramus scolopaceus,” P. Z.S. 1876, p. 275. Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 35 - T have already referred to Prof. Fiirbringer, in whose general work upon Birds are a number of osteological details. I have myself * subsequently referred to a few osteological facts in considering the affinities of Psophia to other Crane- like birds, and the genus is not passed over in the general works of Dr. Gadow+ and myselft. An account of the alimentary tract has been communicated by Dr. P. Chalmers Mitchell to the Linnean Society of London, and will pro- bably be published before the present observations appear in print. The skeleton, with which alone I am concerned in the present communication, has been described and figured to some extent by Eyton in the ‘Osteologia Avium’ ||, by Garrod in his memoir quoted below, and by Fiirbringer and myself. While these authors have made known the general facts which bear upon the systematic position of the bird, a number of details have not been discussed, some of which have a bearing upon the relationship of Aramus to the Cranes. § SKULL. I shall not give any elaborate description of the skull, which has been depicted from two points of view by Garrod, and also in the general figure of the entire skeleton by Eyton. In being schizognathous and schizorhinal, in having large free lacrymals not united to the prefrontal processes of the ethmoid, in having but slight furrows for the nasal glands, and, finally, in the possession of occipital foramina, the genus Aramus agrees with the Gruide alone among its possible allies; both the Rallide and the Limicole differ in one or more of the above-stated characters, which are only combined in the Gruide. It seems to be unnecessary to take any other group of birds into consideration. Besides these general points of resemblance to Grus and the Gruide in general, the skull of Aramus shows a few minutie of * “Qn the Structure of Psophia,” &c., P Z.S. 1890, p. 329. + “Aves” in Bronn’s ‘ Klassen und aceon des Thierreichs.’ ¢ ‘The Structure and Classification of Birds’ (London, 1898). | Plate xiv. KX and pl. xxvii. fig. 2 D2 36 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the structure in which it differs from its allies. These features, on the whole, produce a further likeness between the skull of Aramus and that of the aberrant Crane Balearica. Thus the pterygoids, though expanded as in Grus at their articulation with the palatines in front, have no traces that I can discover of basipterygoid facets. In Grus these basipterygoid facets are not properly developed ; but, as in many other birds which possess rudiments of them, they are represented by a small process of bone of irregular form, and are not expanded into an articular surface for the reception of the pterygoid bones. In this peculiarity of the skull the genus Balearica agrees with Aramus; while in neither are there traces of the basipterygoid facets. One would assume therefore that the two genera which have just been mentioned: are so far more specialized than the more typical Cranes. The shape of the maxillo-palatine plates is not the same in Aramus aud in Grus: in Aramus these plates are of the nature of swollen bullz, and very thin-walled; in Grus each plate is a thin, shell-like, concave structure, the concavity being outwards; they are, moreover, much larger in Grus than in Aramus. It is perhaps important to note that Balearica, again, on the whole, agrees with Aramus. The remaining feature of difference between Aramus and Grus, which is noticeable on the ventral aspect of the skull, _ concerns the palatines: in Grus the ridge upon the ventral surface of these bones is deep, and is continued quite to the end of them, to where they articulate behind with the pterygoids ; in Aramus the ridge is, of course, present, but it stops considerably short of the pterygoid end of the pala- tines. In this feature it happens that Aramus does not approach Balearica. ‘The last-mentioned genus has these bones formed as in Grus. When the skull of Aramus is viewed laterally, the nostrils are seen to be not so clearly cut anteriorly as are those of Grus, which end in a definite rounded margin. In Aramus a kind of curtain of bone descends from above which over- shadows and partly obliterates the anterior part of the orifice of the nostri), thus detracting from the definiteness of its Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 37 outline. On the same aspect of the skull the quadrates are completely visible, as is also the case with the quadrates of the Crane Balearica. In Grus, on the other hand, there is a slight projecting bar of bone belonging to the squamosal, which has grown over the articular end of the quadrate between its two heads; this to some extent conceals the actual articulation of the quadrate when the skull is placed in an accurately horizontal position and viewed from the side. The same small bar of bone, it is true, does exist in the case of the two genera Aramus and Balearica; but it is much smaller and is not effectual in concealing the quadrate articulation. § VERTEBRAL CoLuMN. Aramus has altogether 17 cervical vertebre, thus dis- agreeing with at least many other Gruine birds, where 19 or 20 is the prevailing number; Psophia, however, and Eupodotis agree with Aramus. As the cervical vertebrz are apt to be variously reckoned by those who deal with the skeletons of birds, it may be as well to state that in the foregoing enumerations I have considered as “ cervicals”’ all those vertebre which le in front of that which bears the first complete rib: while by complete rib, I understand one that articulates with the sternum. The atlas vertebra, as in Grus, is merely notched for the odontoid process of the axis. There is not a complete foramen. On the cervical vertebre the catapophyses, as is well known, are often, and indeed generally, of considerable use in distinguishing or uniting allied birds; they often vary very characteristically from family to family or it may be from genustogenus. In dramus the arrangement of these ventral processes of the centra is as follows :—The catapophyses are first recognisable as quite independent on the 6th vertebra (counting in, of course, the atlas). From that vertebra as far as the 13th the catapophyses are clear and distinct and approach somewhat, being nearer to each other on the last three vertebrze of the series referred to ; the approxima- tion, however, is not clearly marked, and they are far indeed 38 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the from forming by their union a catapophysial canal, such as is to be found on the neck-vertebree of many birds. It often happens that the vertebre which immediately follow that which bears the last pair of catapophyses are furnished only with a single median hypapophysis, the transition being thus perfectly abrupt between the paired and unpaired ventral median process of the vertebral centra. Now, in Aramus there is a transition; for the fourteenth vertebra, although it has indeed but a single median hypapophysis, has that hypapophysis distinctly bifid at its free extremity, which Neck-vertebre of Balearica (right-hand figure) and Aramus (left-hand figure), Nat. size. naturally suggests that it is the product of a fused pair of catapophyses. This process is not bifid upon the remaining hypapophyses of the cervical series. We may now compare the conditions which obtain in Aramus with those which prevail in other genera of the Gruide. | _In Grus carunculata, which will serve as a type of the restricted genus Grus, the conditions are really practically identical. The only difference is associated with the larger number of the cervical vertebrz of this bird. In it the last vertebra which possesses paired catapophyses is the Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 39 14th instead of the 13th. Moreover, the bifid state of the otherwise unpaired hypapophysis of the succeeding vertebra—. e., the 15th of the entire series—is more marked than it is in Aramus ; this 1s naturally still more suggestive of the origin of the unpaired hypapophysis from paired catapophyses than is the case of the 14th vertebra of Aramus. In Tetranteryx (or Anthropoides) paradisea there are exactly the same number of cervical vertebree which possess catapophyses as in Grus carunculata, those of the 15th being quite as marked as are those of the 14th. Balearica, in the points which are now being dealt with (fig. 1), does not show any special likeness to Aramus; it is indeed a step further on the Crane-side. In this bird there are in all, it will be remembered, 20 cervical vertebre, instead of the 19 which characterize the more typical Cranes. As the cervical series is thus extended by one vertebra, it is natural to find that the arrangement of the catapophyses corresponds. In Balearica it is thus the 16th vertebra instead of the 15th which bears the last pair of catapophyses. There is one remaining feature in the structure of these catapophyses which requires attention and furnishes useful comparisons. In Balearica the first pair of them is upon vertebra 6, as in the case of Aramus, already stated above. It will be seen, however, immediately, that these catapophyses are not certainly the equivalents of those which lie in Aramus upon the same vertebra. These processes in Balearica lie rather near to the middle ventral line of the centrum ; they are placed behind a very deep ventral fossa which excavates the centrum of this vertebra just behind its surface for articulation with the preceding vertebra. This deep ventral fossa is not to be seen upon the next or upon any of the succeeding cervical vertebre ; there is no differentiation of the anterior from the posterior part of the centrum. ‘In correspondence with, or at any rate associated with, this change in the form of the ventral surface of the centra the catapophyses move away from the position which they occupy on the sixth vertebra; they move forwards and come to have at the same time a more lateral position, or, to state the matter 40 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the more accurately, they appear to do so. For it seems quite possible that the first pair of median central outgrowths which have been spoken of above as “ catapophyses ” are not really the equivalents of the succeeding catapophyses. Although the two processes of the sixth vertebra enclose a gutter between themselves, yet their position is rather different from that occupied by the catapophyses upon subsequent segments. Moreover, the non-correspondence of the ventral paired processes of vertebra 6 in Balearica with the catapophyses lying upon the vertebre which follow would seem to receive some support from a consideration of the nature and relations of processes upon corresponding vertebre in Tetrapteryx paradisea ; in the latter Crane, unquestionable catapophyses begin upon the sixth vertebra, but on the vertebra in front of this is a slightly bifid median spine lying behind the fossa already referred to. It might, of course, be suggested that this spine is: the equivalent of the separate ventral processes of the sixth vertebra of Balearica. If we had only these two types to consider, the matter would be at least difficult to settle ; but it seems to me that an examination of Grus carunculata solves the whole difficulty. In this Crane the first pair of catapophyses are upon the 5th vertebra; they are situated behind the fossa, but they are widely apart, so as to lie rather laterally as well as ventrally. These catapophyses belong to the category of the ventral processes which are not undoubted equivalents of those upon subsequent segments, but it will be observed that they approach them in the fact of their being more lateral in position. Now, on the next vertebra, z.e. the sixth, there are lateral processes which no one could possibly refuse to regard as true catapophyses ; and yet this vertebra has the median fossa of the one which precedes it. It is rather less obvious, but still it unmistakably exists. The difficulty therefore of homologizing these processes seems to be removed by an examination of the present species. It seems permissible then to look upon the catapophyses as “ divided hypapophyses,”’ which become more and more widely divaricated and finally Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 4] again fuse into a single median hypapophysis, rather than as detached processes from the sides of the ventral precentral fossa or parapophyses *. I may conclude this particular part of the subject by mentioning that Aramus agrees with the Cranes in having upon the fifth vertebra, behind the fossa already spoken of, a pair of low elevations which undoubtedly correspond to those of other Cranes, and are, in my opinion, the first pair of catapophyses. I shall not go into a com- parison between Aramus and birds other than Cranes with regard to the matters that have just been treated of; I shall simply remark that in no bird which I have examined from this point of view are the likenesses to Aramus more considerable than are exhibited by the true Cranes. Indeed the similarity, as will have been apparent from the foregoing descriptions, almost, if not quite, amounts to identity. Aramus has seven dorsal vertebre, of which the last is fused with the sacral series, and is, as is shown in the ac- companying figure (fig. 2, p. 42), covered by the ilia. The first, second, and third dorsals are also fused with each other ; this fusion is complete, and there are no demarcations between the spinous processes of these vertebree any more than there are between their centra: I could detect no traces of the sutures. At either end this series of three vertebre is quite free trom those adjacent. Other Cranes shew some differ- ences from Aramus in the degree of the fusion of these vertebre of the dorsal series. In Grus carunculata there is a ventral fusion which is not quite complete, and, moreover, ouly involves dorsal vertebrze 2and 38. Dorsally, save for irregular splints of bone, which confer a practical rigidity upon this part of the vertebral column, the vertebre in question are not fused with each other at all. Grus australasiana exhibits a further advance upon G..carunculata. As in Aramus, there are three dorsal ver- tebree which are fused together; but the fusion is un- doubtedly partial, and they are only completely fused as * In the Ostrich, for example (see Mivart, Trans. Zool. Soe. viii. p. 385), the catapophyses do appear to arise from the parapophyses,. 42 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the regards their centra. The spinous processes are quite distinct and not fused at all; but this dorsal region of the vertebral column is doubtless as immobile as in Aramus by reason of Thorax of Aramus (2 nat. size). the fact that numerous spicules of bone lie across the junctions of the vertebrz, so that the arrangement is, so far, as in G. carunculata. Tetrapteryx paradisea is characterized by a condition of Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus, 43 the three dorsal vertebrz which is precisely like that in the last-mentioned species: the vertebre are united ventrally but not dorsally. In Balearica we again find an approxima- tion towards the conditions observable in Aramus. Three dorsal vertebrze, which are, as in the other types, the first, second, and third of the series, are completely fused below ; it is true that the fusion above is by no means so complete as in Aramus, but there are considerable bridges of bony matter uniting the spinous processes. ‘The difference in these points between Aramus and Balearica is indeed not nearly so great as between either of these genera and Grus or Tetrapteryx. Aramus is only a short stage in front of Balearica; and both genera, it will be observed, must be regarded as comparatively specialized Cranes, since it cannot be doubted that the primitive arrangement is for the vertebre to be separate and not fused at all. Such a point of resem- blance, however, clearly need not be considered as one of affinity; no one can doubt that a more complete fusion between certain vertebre is a specialization which might readily have been acquired several times independently. With regard to this fusion between separate vertebre of the dorsal series, I may observe that Psophia shews an advance upon Aramus and Balearica: in the former genus the fusion is so complete that even the intervertebral nerve-foramina are almost obliterated; those of Aramus are not nearly so much so, There are some further minutiz of structure of the last cervical and the first dorsal vertebree upon which it is requisite to insist, inasmuch as they offer points for dis- criminating Aramus from its allies among the Cranes. In this genus the last two cervicals have, as has been stated, a single median hypapophysis. In addition to this process, which is strongly developed, there are two small lateral hypapophyses, one on either side of the median downgrowth; these two processes approach a little nearer to the ventral median line on the last than on the penulti- mate cervical vertebra. The first dorsal vertebra of Aramus is marked off from the cervicals by the fact that the two lateral processes cease to arise independently from the 4A: Mr. F. E. Beddard on the centrum ; they ascend, as it were, the median single hypapo- physis, which thus comes to possess a trifid structure. On the next dorsal vertebra the hypapophysis is no longer trifid, it is bifid. This change is due to the disappearance of the original median hypapophysis, which is replaced by the two lateral processes. The succeeding dorsals bear the merest traces of hypapophyses. Now, in the genus Grus the conditions are a little different : in Grus carunculata the last four cervical vertebrze possess the two lateral hypapophyses, which, in successive vertebre, gradually approach the median hypapophysis ; the latter, however, is so slightly developed that on the first dorsal vertebre there are rather three hypapophyses than one strong trifid ventral process, such as we find in Aramus. On the vertebre which follow, the processes in question are barely discernible; they are indeed not recognisable at all after the second. It will be noted, however, that Aramus is essentially like the other Cranes in these points ; the arrangement in them is substantially that of Aramus, shewing indeed but the minutest differences of detail. Among other Cranes there is the same reduction in importance and size of the hypapophyses of the vertebrz in question; Aramus, therefore, slightly exaggerates the Gruine characteristics, and so far it approaches two other anomalous Gruine genera, viz. Rhinochetus and Psophia. The “ sacral ”’ region of the vertebral column is shorter in Aramus than in Grus, though only by one vertebra, so far as I can ascertain from a comparison of skeletons. The relations of the vertebre of the pelvic region leave no possible doubt in the mind but that Aramus is most plainly a Crane in the strict and limited sense of the word, 7. e. a member of the restricted family Gruide; it differs precisely as do the Cranes from such outlying Gruine forms as Psophia, Rhinochetus, Cariama, and the Bustards. In Aramus, as in ‘the Cranes, there are six vertebre in front of the lateral acetabular fosse *. Four or five vertebre (I cannot make absolutely certain without injuring my skeleton of Aramus) * I adopt this term from Mivart (Trans. Zool. Soc. x. p. 327). Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 45 occupy the region of these fossee; behind the fossz six (Aramus) or seven (Grus, Balearica) vertebre are to be counted in front of the free caudals. Here is a minute point in which Balearica differs from Aramus and agrees with the more typical Cranes. The caudal region of the vertebral column which follows the series of dorsals, lumbars, sacrals, and caudals, which are sometimes termed “‘sacral,”’ is slightly different in Aramus from the corresponding region in Grus and Tetrapteryx. In the two last-named genera there is an additional vertebra, which is, of course, present in Aramus, but is there fused with the “ ploughshare ” bone ; Aramus has therefore only six apparent free caudals, whereas Grus and Tetrapteryx have seven. Between all the free caudals in Aramus there are well-developed intercentra; these are relatively large and single bonelets. I have dealt at some length with the characters of the ver- tebral column, since, so far as I am aware, there has hitherto been no comparison of these bones together in the genera of Gruide with whichI deal. It is clear that it is worth while to compare them, inasmuch as it should be evident that by these characters the essentially Gruine features of Aramus are made apparent, and at the same time certain differences suf- ficient to discriminate it from other Gruidz become obvious. § Riss. As has been correctly stated by Prof. Ftrbringer, in the tables of osteological characteristics of the different orders of birds which conciude his systematic summary of the group, there are six pairs of ribs in Aramus which reach, and articulate with, the sternum. In the skeleton studied by myself this is the case; but in addition a seventh pair actually reaches and touches the sternum, though not articulating with it. This seventh pair (see fig. 2, p. 42) is pressed close in between the rib in front and the sternum, but it is easy to be certain that there is no actual articula- tion. The sixth and seventh ribs, however, are in close adherence at the articulation of the former. This last rib 46 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the is naturally the one which is covered by the ilium at its origin. The first five of the complete ribs have uncinate processes, of which the three in the middle are the longest. These uncinate processes are so long that they overlap the rib behind. The rib-formula of Aramus will be therefore : r+R+6+1 (lumbar). This may be compared with the formule of some other Cranes : Grus carunculata : r+R+7+147. Tetrapteryx paradisea: r+R+6+2. Balearica chrysopelargus: R+7+4+1%. I should explain that ‘‘r” signifies a small cervical rib not reaching the sternum, ‘ R” a larger cervical rib still not reaching the sternum, the following figure (6 or 7 in the cases described) refers to the true dorsal ribs which articulate with the sternum, the next figure (1 in the case described) a dorsal rib which does not reach the sternum, and, finally, “7” a more rudimentary rib behind this; both of the latter arise from vertebre fused with the sacral series, and may therefore be termed lumbar ribs. § SHOULDER-GIRDLE AND STERNUM. These parts of the skeleton have naturally been dealt with by Firbringer, and therefore it will not be necessary for me to treat them with any elaboration. There is, however, one point of some little interest in the structure of the sternum with which I wish to deal: it is illustrated in the ~ accompanying figure (fig. 3, p. 47), the two drawings in which represent the sternum of Aramus (A) and that of Balearica (B) viewed from the front, the keel being vertical in position. The spina externa of the sternum is asserted by Firbringer, in his comparative tables of osteological characters on pp. 1582, 1583, of his ‘ Untersuchungen,’ to be wanting in Aramus. I cannot altogether agree with him, though undoubtedly the process in question is so small as to be * For formule of some other Crane-like birds see Beddard, P. Z. 8. 1890, p. 439. Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. A7 practically absent. In my specimen, as will be seen from the figure, there is a very small, but still very distinct, spina externa which lies in the proper position for such a process and may be compared with the admittedly present spina externa of the sternum of Balearica ; these facts may be readily gathered from an inspection and comparison of the two figures submitted herewith (fig. 3, A & B). Now, in other Cranes this spina externa is large, but it bears a relation to the amount of complication shown in the windings Fig. 8. LE Zz Za = ELL ZA ——__ A. Front view of the keel of Avamus. B. op 5 Balearica. of the trachea in those birds, where the tracheal loops may excavate the front end of the sternum; for example, the spina externa is very large in Grus australasiana, it is less in G. carunculata, and very small in Balearica, which, as a matter of fact, has not got a looped trachea. Associated with the looped trachea is the excavation of the front of the sternum, which is well known. Now it is highly interesting to note that in Balearica, as pointed out by Mr. Tegetmeier*, there is a small but deepish depression just below the small spina externa, which is most evidently a vestige, and that * “The Natural History of the Cranes’ (London, 1881), p. 81. 48 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the not by any means minute, of this groove for the reception of a coiled trachea. I am disposed, therefore, to conclude that Balearica is derived from a Crane that had a coiled trachea and a corresponding deep excavation of the front end of the sternum. Now it is a point of some little im- portance, in estimating the systematic position of Aramus, to compare the conditions to be seen in this particular region of the bird with those observable in the Cranes. A glance at the figure already referred to (fig. 3, p. 47) will shew that in Aramus the front end of the sternum is excavated in the same way; but the excavation is much shallower, though even more extensive, than in Balearica. Furthermore, at the anterior end of the excavation, just below the rudi- mentary spina externa, is a deep hole (shown asa black circle in the figures) which has its precise counterpart in Balearica, though in the latter bird the hole in question is larger and deeper. It cannot, I think, be doubted that we have in this Crane-like bird a vestige of a former condition, in which the sternum was grooved and excavated in front for the reception of the tracheal coil. Here, again, I do not Jay any special stress upon the likeness which: Aramus bears in these pecu- liarities of structure to Balearica. It is readily credible that the tracheal coiling and the corresponding sternal excavation may have been independently lost a dozen times; but in any case both birds have progressed along similar lines. Nor can I find any evidence that other Crane-like birds have recently lost their tracheal coils and are therefore to be looked upon so far as equally nearly allied forms of Gruine | birds. In Psophia, Cariama, Rhinochetus, and Houbara the front end of the sternum—the region which is under discussion—is, it is true, flattened, but it is not in the least hollowed; and if it were to be suggested that flattening is simply a further, and not a large, exaggeration of the slight hollowing to be found in dramus, it might be replied that in the birds mentioned the middle line of the region of the sternum, with which we are at present concerned, is traversed by a quite distinct ridge, which runs up to, and indeed up, the spina externa. All these facts combine, in my opinion, Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. 49 to shew the justice of my comparisons of this part of the sternum in Aramus with that in the Cranes sensu stricto. I may finally observe that the coracoids of Aramus overlap at their articulation, as they do in Balearica, but not in Grus. § Prtvis. _ The pelvis of Aramus (fig. 2, p. 42) presents no marked divergences from that part of the skeleton in Grus and Balearica ; nevertheless it can be readily distinguished by certain characteristics of its own. The chief difference in the pelves of these various Gruine birds consists in the ratio of the pre-acetabular to the post-acetabular half of the ilium ; this is shown very plainly in the following series of measurements :— mm. mm Aramus scolopaceus .......... Rae eee 4A, 40 CS COMMUN CUIOLD 5. icc. ot i. cece ves 81 81 GHUS QUSUTALASUONG 25 v.25. sink os 86 92 WEUEOPLCry®, POTAUISER . 2.5... 20. 0.5 79 82 Balearica chrysopelargus ........ ... 75 79 The measurements were in every case made from the anterior end of the ilium to the anterior edge of the acetabular cavity, and again from the anterior edge of the acetabular cavity to the posterior end of the ilium. It is plain from them that Aramus has a relatively longer pre- acetabular region than has any other Crane. These measurements do not bring out any resemblance between Aramus and Balearica; on the contrary, Balearica is in the proportions of the two halves of the pelvis much more closely allied to Tetrapteryx. I may add that in these same proportions Aramus is less Crane-like than are Psophia, Cariama, and Rhinochetus ; but it will be noted also that the true Cranes differ very considerably among themselves in the pre-acetabular and post-acetabular lengths. The breadth of theilium of Avamus is greater in proportion to the length of the same than in any Crane of which I have made measure- ments, with the exception of Balearica. This will be SER. VIII.—VOL. II. E 50 Mr. F. E. Beddard on the apparent from the following series of measurements, which are hased upon taking the entire length of the ilium from its anterior extremity to the end of its attachment to the vertebral column behind at 100, the breadths being calcu- lated as percentages. The measurements are :— Balearica chrysopelargus ............ 62°4 Aramus scolopacens 5.325. 5 cet 61°3 Grus australaswna. .2..235 2 eee 06°5 Grus coruneulaia | 2. eee 54°3 Tetrapteryx paradisea ............... 51°6 It is clear that the most marked break in this series, which is arranged in numerical sequence, is between Balearica and the rest of the true Cranes; furthermore that Balearica is very close to Aramus in these proportions. If the Cranes were to be classified by this character alone, Aramus and Balearica would be placed together and contrasted with the remaining genera. § Toe Hrinp Lins. I do not find my measurements of the femur, tibio-tarsus, and tarso-metatarsus of A7amus quite in accord with those given by Firbringer. He gives the respective lengths as 23, 89°5, and 37°5, the Jength of the entire limb being con- sidered as 100. I find in my skeleton of Aramus scolopaceus that the actual lengths are—femur 3 inches, tibio-tarsus 6 inches, and tarso-metatarsus 43 inches; or, to make use of the more accurate system of measurement in millimetres, femur 81 mm., tibio-tarsus 152 mm., and tarso-metatarsus 112mm. These lengths give, when reduced to percentages of 100 for the whole limb, 23:5, 44, and 32°5. The differ- ences in the measurements of Fiirbringer and myself are not very great; but they are of importance to me as showing a closer resemblance to Balearica than would appear from the measurements of Furbringer. The various segments of the hind limb of Balearica measure in millimetres 120, 263, and 230; reduced to parts of 100 these measurements become 19°6, 42°9, and 37°5 (not going beyond one place of decimals). This is clearly a series of measurements which Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. oi brings Balearica very close to Aramus; in Grus carunculata the tibio-tarsus and tarso-metatarsus are respectively 133 and 12 inches long, which gives quite different proportions. It has been pointed out that the great length of the toes in Aramus is a Rail-like character. They are undoubtedly Foot of Aramus (2 nat. size). longer than those of the Cranes, but they shew other differences which I desire to point out as a final contribution to the osteology of this bird. The figures which accompany this description (figs. 4 & 5, pp: 51, 52) represent the feet of Aramus and of Balearica ; EZ ~ 52 My. F. E. Beddard on the Balearica is here selected as representing the typical Cranes, for it shews no approximation to Aramus in the characters to which I am about to call attention. It will be observed PEK Foot of Balearica (2 nat. size). that in Aramus the length of the phalanges of the several toes differs from that in Balearica: in the former genus the second digit has its first phalanx of equal breadth, or nearly so, to the corresponding phalanx of digit 11i.; moreover, Osteology of Aramus scolopaceus. d3 the first phalanx of the second digit is distinctly longer than that of the third digit. In Balearica and Grus, on the other hand, the first phalanx of the third digit is distinctly the longest as well as the broadest. In the foregoing pages I have added a few fresh details to our knowledge of Aramus, which shew how very closely related the genus is to the other Gruide, and. which help to forbid its separation as the type of a family or subfamily distinct from them. The most important of these further likenesses between Aramus and Grus, &c., concern the ver- tebre and the vestiges of an excavation upon the front edge of the sternum (see above, fig. 3, p. 47), which is to be com- pared to the deep furrow which in the genus Grus lodges the windings of the trachea ; on the contrary, some few of the fresh facts recorded in the present communication serve to distinguish Aramus from other Cranes. Of these differences a large proportion serve at the same time to cement more closely a special alliance between Aramus and the at least equally aberrant Crane Balearica. Such likenesses as are shown by the great breadth of the pelvis in the two genera, by the proportions of the segments of the hind limb, by the absence of the extension of the squamosal so as to conceal the quadrate, and the overlapping of the coracoids at their articulation with the sternum, seem to be so far genuine points of likeness which bear no obvious relation to adaptation to similar needs ; but they appear to‘be too few and of insufficient importance to afford a base for any claim to very near affinity between the two widely separated genera. There are, however, a number of other points of resemblance which are more striking : these are the loss of even the rudiments of the basipterygoid processes, the slightly grooved anterior edge of the sternum with its anterior foramen, and the more complete fusion of the first to the third dorsal vertebree ; but these features of likeness between Aramus and Balearica might be interpreted as simply a parallel advance in each case from the structure of the more generalized Cranes of the genus Grus. Furbringer considers that the genus Aramus, 5A Mr. J. I. S. Whitaker on two on the whole, should be placed beneath the more typical Cranes, though it may shew points of specialization. Osteo- logically, it appears to me that Aramus is distinctly more specialized than its allies ; iv any case I am convinced that it is necessary to leave it as a genus of the family Gruide, and not to create for it a special family or subfamily. Its main claim to be considered as nearly related to Balearica appears to me to lie in the fact that both these genera have been specialized from the more typical Crane-structure along the same lines. II.—Further Information on two recently described Species of Passerine Birds. By Josery I. 8. Wuiraxker, F.ZS., M.b:O.U. (Plates II. & IIL.) Tn the ‘ Bulletin’ of the British Ornithologists’ Club for 1901 (vol. xi. p. 52) a new species of Long-tailed Titmouse from Sicily was described by me under the name of Acredula sicula, specimens of the bird having been exhibited at the meeting of that Club held on the 20th of March, 1901. Having since obtained further information respecting this interesting addition to our European Ornis, and parti- cularly as regards its distribution and breeding in Sicily, I think it worth while to publish the result of my investi- gations in ‘ The Ibis,’ and at the same time to give a figure of the new bird. As will be seen by Plate IT., the Sicilian Titmouse greatly resembles A. caucasica, but, as mentioned in the ‘ Bulletin,’ it differs from that species in its smaller size, and also, toa certain extent, in the colouring of its plumage. The following are the respective measurements of the two species, as given in the ‘ Bulletin’ of the B.O.C. :— A. sicula ex Mus. J. I. S. Whitaker, Palermo : -g ad. Total length 5:0, wing 2 235, tail 2°9, tarsus 0°6. 9 ad. 3) » 20, 3) 2°20, +) 29, 3) 06. A, caucasica ex Owens College Mus., Manchester : ¢ ad. Total length 5°5, wing 2°45, tail 3°3, tarsus 0°7. Gad. ,, 3 99; 4, BAD, 5, Be, 55 ee Ibis 1902 Pa ie H.Grénvold. del. et lith. NG nceery Pee a Ot A Sle uL. A. a“ Ld fen ‘ ( 2 * ; rain . g ‘ \ re = F 4 RS ‘ : ’ =| 3 » as ‘fF Wy Species of Passerine Birds. 55 The sexes of A. sicula appear to be identical, or nearly so, in their plumage, colouring, and markings, as well as in their soft parts and measurements. The young of this species, as shown in the accompanying Plate, differs from the adult bird in having the greater part of the upper plumage brown, while the centre of the crown and the fringes of the scapulars and secondaries are whitish; moreover, on the underparts the rose-colour on the flanks and crissum is less pronounced. The respective measurements of old and fully-grown young birds seem to be the same, except with regard to the tail, which is rather longer in the latter, owing perhaps to the absence of wear and tear. With respect to the distribution of A. sicula in Sicily, I may say that it appears to occur only in the more wooded inland districts of the island, and at elevations varying from 700 to 1500 metres above sea-level, according to the time of year and according to the more sheltered or more exposed position of the woods frequented. On the sea-coast -and in the low-lying districts of the island the species appears not to be found. ‘The woods frequented by this Titmouse vary in character according to their altitude, those lower down being maiuly composed of deciduous and evergreen oaks (Quercus robur, Q. suber, and Q. ilex), chestnuts, and olive- trees, while the higher forests are almost exclusively of deciduous oak and beech, although the ilex oak also flourishes on some of the higher hills. Apparently, however, the character of the woods is immaterial to the birds, which seem as much at home among the low-growing olive-groves as they do among the lofty forest oaks. The first examples I obtained of A. sicula were procured at the beginning of February in the Bosco di Fienzza, a well- wooded inland district, about 750 metres above sea-level, lying to the south of Palermo. The woods in this neigh- bourhood are composed chiefly of oak, both evergreen and deciduous, with a few elms and ash trees, and with a luxuriant undergrowth of low-growing plants, mostly of the maquis description. Throughout the month of February and the early part of March this Titmouse continued to occur in the Fienzza woods more or less plentifully, but by 56 Mr. J. I. 8S. Whitaker on two the end of March it was no longer to be met with there, and I then found it and obtained specimens on Monte Aspro, in the Madonian range of mountains, at an altitude of about 1000 metres above sea-level. The Monte Aspro woods, which consist almost entirely of deciduous oak, with an undergrowth of bracken and other ferns, are re- markably fine, several of the trees being veritable giants. Owing, however, to the fact of the district bemg some- — what maccessible, it is but little known to the ordinary tourist travelling in Sicily, and few visitors to the island have any idea of the existence of these mountain-forests, which in extent and beauty rival those of more northern latitudes. According to historians, the greater part of the mountainous region of Sicily was once clothed with such primeval woods, which the ruthless hand of man has era- dually swept away and reduced to their present relatively insignificant proportions. During the first fortnight of April I oliatned further specimens of A. sicula from Monte Aspro; but by the middle of that month comparatively few of the birds were to be met with there, and by the end of it they seemed to have entirely left the locality and to have moved to some higher woods on the same range of mountains. | Here, I feel sure, they must have settled down for the breeding-season, although iny collector failed to find any of their nests, nor indeed did he meet with the birds themselves on a subsequent visit which he paid to the neighbourhood about a month later. During the month of June, however, I sent him to another district lying to the east of Monte Aspro, but still in the Madonian or, more properly, the Nebrodian range of mountains; and here he found A. sicula com- paratively numerous, and was able to secure specimens of fully-grown young as well as of adult birds. He also found two nests, both containing half-fledged young birds, which were probably of the second brood. According to my collector’s report, the nests were placed in the forks of olive- trees, at a height of about eight feet from the ground, and were domed at the top. The last-mentioned district, which Species of Passerine Birds. OT, surrounds the small town of Mistretta, in the Province of Messina, has an elevation varying from 900 to 1300 metres above sea-level, and its woods are chiefly of cork-, oak-, chestnut-, and olive-trees. I was somewhat surprised to find A. sicula at an elevation of below 1000 metres in the month of June; but the slopes of the hills near Mistretta have a northern aspect, and the temperature is probably never very high there. On the approach of autumn A, sicula returns to its winter-quarters, and during the first week of October I obtained specimens of it again from the Bosco di Fienzza, whereas my collector entirely failed to meet with the species during that month in the Madonian mountains (the Montes Marones of Pliny) or the Nebrodian range (the Montes Nebrodes of Strabo). To sum up, Acredula sicula appears to be an insular form, closely allied to A. caucasica Lorenz, occurring, so far as is at present known, only in the island of Sicily, and inhabiting the wooded inland districts of that island, where it breeds in the higher mountain forests. So far as I am aware, no other form of Acredula occurs in Sicily, although Doderlein has stated that 4, irbi was to be found there as a winter migrant; mdeed he mentions having sent a Sicilian specimen of that species to the British Museum (‘ Avifauna del Mod. e della Sic.’ pp. 188 & 841). It is quite possible that A. 72rbi may also occur in the island | but I have no knowledge of its doing so, and the Sicilian collection of the Palermo University Museum only possesses a solitary example of Acredula, the label attached to which bears the following imscription: ‘“Parus caudatus, Linn., Marzo 1888: Bosco della Fienzza.” After some hesitation, I have decided not to suppress the names of the several districts in Sicily where I have found A, sicula, as I think that it would hardly repay any trading naturalist to attempt to lay in a “stock” of specimens of the species, and the difficulties which beset the ordinary traveller in the interior of the island are of themselves sufficient to deter any but the keenest collector from penetrating those mountainous regious ! 58 On two Species of Passerine Birds. T append the following full description of the types of this Acredula in my collection :— ACREDULA sicuLa. (Plate IT.) Adult male (from Bosco di Fienzza, Sicily ; February 3rd, 1901). Forehead and crown light brown, with an ill-defined median whitish stripe; lores and space immediately sur- rounding the eyes whitish; a collar round the nape dull black; entire back and rump grey; upper tail-coverts blackish ; wings blackish brown, the secondaries edged with white; tail with its four central feathers black, the next adjoining pair black, very slightly fringed with white on the outer web, the next pair rather more fringed with white, and the two exterior pairs distinctly tipped with white and having the entire outer web white ; chin white; throat and upper breast white, with a slight admixture of darker feathers ; lower breast and abdomen.whitish, tinged with pale brown, and becoming vinous rose on the flanks and crissum; under tail-coverts vinous rose, tipped with whitish. Irides dark hazel, eyelids yellowish; bill and feet blackish brown. Total length 5 inches, wing 2°25, culmen -20, tarsus ‘60. Adult female (from Bosco di Fienzza, Sicily; February 3rd, 1901). Plumage, colouring, and soft parts almost identical ‘with those of the male. ‘Total length 5 inches, wing 2:20, culmen °20, tarsus ‘60. In a recent number of the ‘ Bulletin’ of the British Ornithologists’ Club (see vol. x. p. xvii) a new species of Chat was described by me under the name of Sazicola cummingi. The specimen from which the description was taken is in the British Museum collection, and appears to have been wrongly identified as S. mesta Licht. This Chat was procured by Mr. W. D. Cumming at Fao, in the Persian Gulf, and as it is apparently a rare species— the present example being, so far as | am aware, the only one known to exist in any collection—I have thought it well to have the accompanying figure of it made for ‘ The Ibis.’ we TO Oe Si ‘dur Soagqusce yerpy “USI 3° TSP ples 40 4h) Se eiecet ee = Ul Ornithological Journey through Colombia and Ecuador, 59 The following 1s copied from the description given of the bird in the ‘ Bulletin’ of the B.O.C.:— “SaxicoLa cumMiner. (Plate III.) “ Adult. Closely allied to S. xanthoprymna H. & E., but distinguished by having the basal part of the tail-feathers rusty red like the upper tail-coverts, instead of white. From S. mesta to be at once distinguished by having the top of the head and nape brownish grey like the back, the rump and upper tail-coverts rusty, and the rufous on the outer tail-feathers extending to within 0:7 inch of the extremity. Total length 6°5 inches, culmen 0°78, wing 3°7, tail 2°45, tarsus 0°95. ““ Hab. Fao, Persian Gulf (W. D. Cumming).”’ IV.—Results of an Ornithological Journey through Colombia and Ecuador.—Part 1V. By Watrer Goopretiow, F.ZS. [Continued from ‘ The Ibis,’ 1901, p. 715.] Family DENDROCOLAPTIDA, 250. UPuceRTHIA EXCELSIOR (NScl.). Four gs, 29s, from Pichincha, Pedregal, and Corazén. Met with singly in lonely situations, at altitudes of about 13,000 feet, on stony or lava-covered ground. The somees contained small beetles and other insects. 251. LeprasTHENURA ANDICOLA (Scl.). Three ¢s, 2 9s, from the Volcan de Pichincha, 14,500 feet, and the Mojanda Pass, North Ecuador, at a similar altitude. - These birds fly close along the top of the “ pdramo ” grass, settling on any plant that will bear their weight. At night they retire under the tufts of grass or into the crevices of rocks to sleep. The stomachs contained moths, beetles, and seeds. 252. SYNALLAXIS FRONTALIS ELEGANTIOR. Synallaxis elegantior Scl. Cat. Am. B. p. 151. Synallaxis frontalis Scl. Cat. Birds, xv. p. 389. Two gs, 19. Gualea, West Ecuador. 60 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological 253. SYNALLAXIS PUDICA Scl. One male, from San Nicolas, West Ecuador, shot on an ants’ nest. 254. SYNALLAXIS GULARIS Lafr. | Three ¢s, 2 2s, from the western side of Corazén, at about 10,000 feet. 255. SyNALLAXIS FULIGINOSA Lafr. Three ¢s,3¢s. Santo Domingo and Gualea. These birds were numerous at the former place, in the clearing among the rotten tree-trunks. By knocking an ants’ nest to pieces, we managed to attract many of them and other kindred species. The colour seems to vary with age. +256. SyNALLAXIS ERYTHROPS Scl. Four ¢s, 4 2s, from Intag, Gualea, and San Nieabee West Ecuador. 257. SYNALLAXIS FLAMMULATA Jard. One male and one female from Pichincha, 11,500 feet. The female appears to have a much shorter wing than the male, and the bright yellow spot on the base of the lower mandible of a much paler shade. 258. THRIPOPHAGA GUTTULIGERA Scl. | Two és from Papallacta, Eastern Andes, 11,500 feet. 259. PsEUDOCOLAPTES BOISSONEAUTI (Lafr.). Two os, 4 2s, 2 9 jr. Pichincha, Corazén, and Valle de Viciosa. Common on both sides of Ecuador at altitudes of between 12,000 and 14,500 feet. They frequent both stony — ground and the ‘‘ paramo” grass region. At night they retire to holes in the banks or ‘ quebradas,” or under tufts of grass. They have a particularly mournful note, which they utter incessantly in the early morning, even before the break of day, and again in the evening until it is quite dark: while this cry, heard all over the high regions of Ecuador, became associated in our minds with frost and snow. They were very tame, and would allow us to approach within a few yards of them. I think that this must be the bird which Sir Martin Conway mentions in his book on the Bolivian Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 61 Andes under the name of the “ Sintenella,’ the cry of which, he says, “ was one of the earliest sounds heralding the dawn.” 260. THRIPADECTES FLAMMULATUS (Eyt.). One male from Gualea, West Ecuador. Apparently rare in that locality. It was shot in the very early morning feeding on the berries of a low bush. 261. ANCISTROPS STRIGILATUS (Spix). Ancistrops lineaticeps Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. p. 65. _A male from the Coca, Rio Napo, where the bird frequents the clearings. +262. Avromouus PALLIDIGULARIS Lawr. | _ A male specimen from the Upper Napo appears to belong to this species. 263. AUTOMOLUS SUBULATUS (Spix). One male and two females from the Suno and Coca rivers, Rio Napo. Lower mandible yellow; upper mandible brown. 264. PHILYDOR COLUMBIANUS Cab. One male from Intag, Western Ecuador, 265. ANABAZENOPS TEMPORALIS Scl. _ Three males from Intag, West Ecuador. +266. ANABAZENOPS SUBALARIS Scl. A single male shot on the west side of Pichincha at about 9000 feet altitude. +267. XeNors RuTILUS (Licht.). A male from Baeza, East Ecuador. +268. XENOPS GENIBARBIS III. One male and two females, from the forests of Santo Domingo. +269. MarGARORNIS BRUNNESCENS Scl. A male from Baeza, altitude 5500 feet. 270. MarGARORNIS STELLATA Scl. & Salv. A male from near Intag, West Ecuador. 62 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological 271. MARGARORNIS PERLATA (Less.). Marygarornis perlata Scl. Cat. Birds, xv. p. 121. Three males and three females from Pichincha, West Ecuador, and a similar series from Papallacta, East Ecuador, at altitudes above 11,000 feet, where we found them frequenting the scanty bushes growing in the more sheltered “ quebradas” or volcanic rents on the bleak mountain-sides. The bushes are thickly covered with moss, among which these birds hunt for their insect-prey. Those from the Eastern Andes appear to have slightly longer tails. 272. Marecarornis eurrata Lawr. Margarornis guttata Scl. Cat. Birds, xv. p. 123. One male from Pichincha, and a male and female from Papallacta. The two last-named specimens vary somewhat from the western by being more reddish brown about the lower part of the breast and vent; the throat is lighter, of a dirty white, and the whole of the back more speckled. Like M. perlata, this bird frequents the weather-beaten moss- covered trees in the “ quebradas.” | +273, GLYPHORHYNCHUS CUNEATUS (Licht.). A male and a female from the forests of Santo Domingo. 274. DENDROCINCLA TYRANNINA Lafr. One male from Nanegal, West Ecuador. +275. DENDROCINCLA OLIVACEA Lawr. Dendrocinela olivacea Scl. Cat. B. xv. p. 166. A male and a female from Santo Domingo. 276. DenDROCINCLA Sp. 10. A female from the Coca, Upper Napo. This species is closely allied to D. longicauda, but is much smaller. 277. DENDROCOLAPTES RADIOLATUS Sel. & Salv. A male from Archidona, East Ecuador. 278. DenpRocoLaPtes vaLivus {T'sch.). One male from Baeza, East Ecuador. Maxilla horn- coloured ; mandible yellowish horn-coloured. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 63 279. XIPHOCOLAPTES PROMEROPIRHYNCHUS (Less.). A male from the forests of Baeza, East Ecuador. Shot on an ants’ nest ina tree. This bird has a curiously loud call- note, which can be heard a Jong distance off. 280. DENDRORNIS ERYTHROPYGIA Scl. Two males from Baeza, East Ecuador. +281. Denprornis puNncticuLA Ridgw. Dendrornis punctigula Ridgw. Pr. U.S. N. Mus. xi. p. 544. Three ds, 3 28, from Nanegal, Intag, and Gualea, West Ecuador. 282. DENDRORNIS OCELLATA (Spix). A male from Archidona, East Ecuador. Bill whitish horn- coloured at the fip and greyish horn-coloured at the base. Shot on a banana-tree. 283. PicoLapTEs WARCEVIEZI Cab. et Hein. Picolaptes warceviezi Scl. Cat. B. xv. p. 149. Five gs, 3 ?s from Gualea, Intag, and Santo Domingo, Western Ecuador, and Baeza, Eastern Ecuador. In every locality where we shot these birds we found them on the trunks of fallen forest-trees. Doubtless they range to a lower altitude on the Western than on the Eastern Andes. + 284. XrpHORHYNCHUS TROCHILIROSTRIS (Licht.). Two males from Santo Domingo, Western Ecuador. Bill reddish chrome-coloured. 285. X1PHORHYNCHUS PUCHERANI Lafr. One male from Guanacillo, Western Ecuador, shot on the trunk of a banana-tree. Its stomach contained small weevils, which are common in the soft rotting parts of these trees. Family ForMICARIIDA, 286. THAMNOPHILUS MELANURUS Gould. One female from Archidona, Eastern Ecuador. 287, THAMNOPHILUS LEUCONoTUs Spix. ‘Two males from the headwaters of the Rio Napo. One 64 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological ef the skins has the feathers on the middle of the abdomen tipped with white. These birds frequent the bushes around the Indians’ huts. | 288. THAMNOPHILUS IMMAcULATUS Lafr. One male and two females from Santo Domingo and San Nicolas. The bare skin around the eyes is light blue in life, more intense in the male than in the female. 289, THAMNOPHILUS £THIOPS Scl. A male from the Coca, Upper Rio Napo. All the members of this genus appear to frequent the low thick bushes in the forest-clearings, especially where the ground has been newly cleared. +290. DysITHAMNUS SEMICINEREUS Sel. A male and a female from the lower parts of the western side of Pichincha. 291. DysitHaMNUs LEUcosTicTUs Scl. A single male from Baeza, Eastern Ecuador (5500 feet). 292. DysiITHAMNUS SCHISTACEUS d’Orb. A male only from Archidona, Eastern Ecuador. 293. DysiTHAMNUS UNICOLOR Scl. A male and a female from Gualea .and San Nicolas respectively. 294, THaMNomanss GLaucus Cab. A male and a female from the Coca, Rio Napo. This bird ~ frequents the clearings. + 295. MyrMoTHERULA SURINAMENSIS (Gm.). One male and two females from San Nicolas and Gualea, West Ecuador. 296. MyRMOTHERULA HAUXWELLI Scl. A female from the Coca, Rio Napo. + 297, MyRMOTHERULA MELANA Scl. Two males from Santo Domingo. One is apparently a young bird and has the abdomen slate-coloured. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 65 ¢ 298. MyrMoTHERULA MENETRIESI d’Orb. Two males from Gualea, Western Ecuador, one being immature. 299. ForMicrvora caupata Scl. Two males from Milligalli (6000 feet) and a female from Gualea. : 300. ForRMICIVORA CONSOBRINA Scl. A male from San Nicolas and a female from Gualea. 301. TerENURA HUMERALIS Scl. et Salv. Terenura humeralis Scl. et Salvin, P. Z.S. 1880, p. 59. A male from Papallacta, Eastern Ecuador. Itis apparently slightly immature, as the head is not quite so dark as the type specimen in the British Museum, + 302. Myrmeciza exsut Sel. Three males from Santo Domingo and Guanacillo. These birds frequent the thick undergrowth in the forests, especially where the ground isswampy. The‘bare skin behind the eyes is light cobalt-blue, while a much darker shade of the same colour appears round the nostrils and at the base of the bill.’ 3803. HyrocNeMIS MYIOTHERINA (Spix). A male from Baeza, Eastern Ecuador (5500 feet). 304. PirHys Leucaspis Scl, A male from Santo Domingo. Perhaps these birds are not rare there, but they are difficult to find, as they hop about on the ground under the thick undergrowth of the forests. Tris dark red. 305. Putocopsis Trivirtata Scl. | One male only, from near the mouth of the Coca, Rio Napo. Shot among the undergrowth on the edge of the forest, where these Ant-Thrushes hop about with a jerky movement of the tail. Iris dark brown; bare skin at the back of the eyes bright red. Bill black, but brownish towards the tip. In life the neck of this bird is singularly thin, which gives it a curious appearance. When it is skinned it SER. VIII.— VOL. IT. F 66 Ornithological Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. is only with difficulty that the skull will pass through the ueck. The stomach of my specimen contained ants and small heetles. 306. CHamazza NoBiLis Gould. A male from the Coca, shot on the ground among the undergrowth of the forest. Iris bright red. 307. GRALLARIA SQUAMIGERA Prevost. Two males, one of them immature, from the slopes of Pichincha above Quito. The young male has the head and back black and the tips of the feathers edged with light reddish brown. The breast is speckled with black and brown, which is much darker near the throat. 3808. GRALLARIA NUCHALIS (Scl.). A male from the western side of Pichincha, shot at an altitude of about 9000 feet. 309. GRaALLARIA MONTICOLA Lafr. One adult male and two young, shot under the hedge- rows on the outskirts of Quito. The young have the head and back speckled with black and brown; their breasts are darker than in the adult bird and are marked down the centre with black; gape yellowish red. 310. GRALLARIA RUFICAPILLA Lafr. Two males from Intag and Mindo, West Ecuador. Iris bright red. Like all other members of the genus, these birds keep out of sight as much as possible under the bushes and thick undergrowth. In the early mornings and evenings - they may be met with in the more open parts. 311. GRALLARIA HYPOLEUCA Sel. Four males, 1 female, from Pichiucha and Papallacta, Western and Eastern Ecuador, obtained at altitudes of between 11,000 and 12,500 feet. This species we found frequenting the sides of the narrow watercourses on the Eastern Andes. Iris reddish brown. 312. GRaLLaRia RUFULA Lafr. Three males and 3 females from Pichincha and Papallacta (from 11,000 to 12,000 feet). A female from the former ‘urty-four Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. a, mountain is much lighter on the vent than those from Papal- lacta. At the latter locality we found this bird frequenting the open meadows in the early morning. Family PreRoPTOCHID. 313. ScyTaLopus MaGELLANIcUsS (Lath.). . Four males and 1 female from Pichincha and Papallacta. The single male from the latter locality has the breast of a comparatively light slate-colour. The female is more rusty- looking on the wings than the males. We found these birds difficult to shoot, for they hop along the ground so quickly that they are lost to sight among the bushes at once. 314. Scyratopus senriis Lafr. One example from Pichincha, Western Andes, 13,000 feet, and one from Papallacta, Eastern Andes, 11,500 feet. Both are marked “ males,”’ but the Pichincha bird is decidedly the lightest on the throat and abdomen and is white above the nostrils. Both are brownish about the thighs and vent. 315. AcropTrurNIs ortHoNyYX (Lafr.). We shot two males and two females of this bird, one pair near the little village of Lloa and the other pair by the waterfall a thousand feet above Quito, both localities being on the eastern side of Pichincha. This is where Festa obtained the examples which Count Salvadori has described as A. infuscatus*. I have compared our skins with those in the British Museum, and they appear to belong to typical A. orthonyx. ‘The females are more rusty-looking on the breast and under parts. (To be continued, | V.— Forty-four Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. By Heariey Nosts, F.ZS. THE ornithology of the south of Spain has been so well worked out by the late Lord Lilford, Colonel Irby, Mr. Howard Saunders, Mr. Dresser, and others that it seems almost an * See ‘This, 1900, p. 394. ¥ 2 ~~ 68 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four impertinence for one who has done so little to venture to take up his pen; yet, on the principle that “ every little helps,” I send to ‘The Ibis’ a few notes on the district extending from a few miles south of Seville to the mouth of the Guadalquiver near San Lucar. To my mind, the great charm of a birds’-nesting trip to the south of Spain consists in the fact that many species which may be common in one spot are not found ten or fifteen miles further on; others taking their place, even when, to the human eye, the country seems to be equally suited to their requirements. Practically the breeding-season lasts from January to July, beginning with the Bearded Vulture in the first month, and ending with the Flamingo and Black- bellied Sand-Grouse; but, owing to the short time at my disposal, I missed many of the earlier species and a few of the later breeders. The actual days in the field numbered forty-four, and two others were wasted: ,one in seeing a bull-fight, the other on account of an election, when my men fell victims to the bottle! Tbe drawbacks to Anda- lucia seem to me to be much exaggerated : the climate is hot, but otherwise perfect, and although snakes, scorpions, leeches, and lizards abound, the visitor soon gets used to them; mosquitoes, however, are a trouble, especially when he is blowing eggs or skinning birds late at night. The peasants are civil, and if they would not shoot every game-bird and duck from its nest, and eat all the eggs on which they can lay their hands, I should like them very well. It was heart- breaking to find dozens of egg-shells of the Slender-billed ~ Gull lying outside a horse-keeper’s house, the contents having been eaten ! The first nest was taken on April 14th and the last on May 29th; but, although the days were few in number, our hours of work were long—often from 5.30 a.m. till dark; then blowing eggs continued till after 12 p.m. In all, eggs of ninety-four species were taken or seen, and I believe that one is recorded from Spain for the first time, namely the Pintail (Dafila acuta). I was fortunate in obtaining permis- sion to visit several Cotos, and my thanks are especially due to Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. 69 Mr. Buck for his kindness in allowing me to stay at the celebrated Coto Dojiana. SAXICOLA ALBICOLLIS. Only one pair seen; the nest, in a hole in a bank, was composed of roots and lined with fine grass; it contained five fresh eggs on May 10th. PRATINCOLA RUBICOLA. An early breeder, full-fledged young were found on April 14th; incubated and fresh eggs up to April 18th. Stonechats were very abundant at first, but towards the end of May most of them had disappeared. DavLias LUSCINIA. Very common; the first nest was found on May 12th, and young were seen on the wing on May 28th. SYLVIA MELANOCEPHALA. Common; fresh eggs from April 14th onwards. I never saw more than four in a nest, and these were subject to great variation. SYLVIA ORPHEA. Common; fresh eggs from May 10th. The nests were placed from 10 to 15 feet from the ground, in olive and other trees, generally at the extreme end of a bough; they were slight in construction, and were made of coarse grasses lined with finer materials. Two nests contained three incubated eggs each, one had seven that were fresh. MELIZOPHILUS UNDATUS. The Dartford Warbler is fairly numerous in suitable localities, and is an early breeder. On April 14th we found four eggs sliglitly incubated ; on April 15th, four and three hatching; on May Ist, four fresh (possibly the first nest had been destroyed). I do not think that this species breeds twice, as we never saw eggs again. Three out of these four nests contained red-spotted eggs; the male was incubating in two cases and the female in one. The nests were well made, rather deep, and in every case placed in dead gorse. 70 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four Hyponals POLYGLOTTA. Common near the river. On May 27th many nests were taken with from three to five eggs, nearly all fresh; they were mostly in low bushes, well concealed, and made of grass, lined with hair or fine grass. Hypo als OPACA. More abundant than the former species ; several nests were found in tamarisk-bushes near the river. These nests, often much exposed, were deep, cup-shaped, and made of grass, well lined with cotton-down, thistle-down, and im one case with sheep’s wool; the lowest was about 4 feet from the ground, the highest about 12 feet. No nest contained more than four eggs, and some of these were slightly incubated on May 28th. ACROCEPHALUS TURDOIDES. Very numerous on the river-banks wherever reeds were found; their harsh song might be heard all through the day and most of the night. On May 7th they were just beginning to lay, and we found nests with from one to three eggs; on May 24th we saw others containing from four to six eggs, mostly incubated. The nests are counterparts of those of our Reed-Warbler, though of course on a larger scale; very substantial, deep, and easily found. ACROCEPHALUS STREPERUS. Not very common. Nests found from May 7th to May 28th. Cerria CETTII. The first nests found, on May 6th, contained four eggs each, one clutch too much incubated for preservation ; others with four and five eggs on May 11th and after. They were allin tamarisk-bushes near the river, compactly put together, deep, made of grass, and lined with horsehair. Unlike those mentioned by Col. Irby, these nests were placed almost in the open and were quite easily seen. The bird seems to be very local, but numerous where it is found. Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. 71 CisTICOLA CURSITANS. Found commonly in all suitable localities. On April 14th we took four beautiful little nests and found another with the eggs just hatching. These were all in spear-rushes about 2 feet from the ground, and were formed of several stems fastened together with spiders’ webs and interwoven with fine grass ; they were 3 or 4 inches deep, drawn together slightly at the top and rounded off. They were lined with dandelion- and other flower-down, and were exceedingly difficult to find. Two broods may possibly be reared in the season, as nests are often found when cutting barley at the end of May, and I saw one on May Sth with nearly fresh eges. These are subject to the most extraordinary variation incolour:— 1. Four fresh eggs, light blue, fine red lines and dots all over them. . Six fresh eggs; red spots on white ground. . Six fresh eggs; all white. . Six much incubated eggs ; all blue. | ; . Four eggs on the point of hatching ; ( eb ree lighter blue. 6. Four fresh eggs; white, fine red lines. April 16th. 7. Five slightly incubated eggs ; very pale blue. May 5th. oO B® & 0 Parus MAJOR. | Common; nests found with fresh eggs, April 17th to 29th. Moracibia FLAVA. Common, especially on the marismas. Fresh eggs were found on May 5th and young birds on May 7th, so laying is rather irregular. All the nests that I saw contained five or six eggs ; they were built in scrub, near, but not quite on, the ground. LANIUS MERIDIONALIS. Very local; an early breeder. On April 15th I found a nest with young just ready to fly, and was told of another from which full-fledged young had been taken three weeks before. On the same day we saw some with three fresh 72 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four eggs and other birds building, probably, second nests ; these were never more than 10 feet from the ground, in olive and other thick trees, and were of large size and made of roots and sticks lined with grass. The boys catch these Shrikes in winter in “ clap-nets” and sell them as cage-birds, con- sequently they have been much reduced in numbers. LANIUS POMERANUS. Abundant. The first nests with eggs were found on May 2nd; later on numbers were seen. They are usually placed in a fork or on a bough of some small tree; I did not find one in a bush. Six is the usual number of eggs, which vary considerably in pattern and colour. In one exceptionally early nest on May 2lst young birds were fully fledged and flew out as I touched them. HiRUNDO RUSTICA. Very common; nesting in many of the farm-buildings. CHELIDON URBICA. Local; many were breeding in Seville and on a station just outside. CaRDUELIS ELEGANS. One of the commonest birds ; it must rear at least two, if not three, broods in the season. We saw fresh eggs on April 14th, and continually till May 27th, when two nests were found, both with five fresh eggs. SERINUS HORTULANUS. Local; one nest with nearly fresh eggs found on May 2nd. It was 15 feet from the ground in the slender twigs of an olive-tree. One of us had to stand on the back of a horse to reach it, and unfortunately smashed the eggs! LiGURINUS CHLORIS. Common in gardens, &c.; fresh eggs April 14th, 15th, and 17th. PASSER DOMESTICUS. Common in villages. One nest in a tree contained the large number of seven eggs. Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. 73 EMBERIZA MILIARIA. Numerous in cultivated districts. Fresh eggs April 16th; others on May 6th were slightly incubated. GALERITA CRISTATA. Exceedingly common on the corn-lands, and found breeding right up to the edges of the so-called “mountains.” Many nests were seen, from April 14th to the last day of our stay, with fresh eggs. The Crested Lark was often sitting on three eggs, but we took some nests with four and a few with five. MELANOCORYPHA CALANDRA. Common; more so in the large grass-fields near the river than on the cultivated land. We found a few nests from May 5th onwards ; one on May 20th contained four young and two infertile eggs. This bird is easily distinguished on the wing from the other Larks seen in the same locality, , not only by its size, but by the white edgings of the secondaries, which are very conspicuous in flight. STURNUS UNICOLOR. Loca), but very numerous in certain districts. From a large pigeon-house I took sixty eggs, and could have collected as many dozens had I wished, for the birds were there in swarms, and had driven the pigeons away to such an extent that the owner meditated their destruction. On April 26th most of the nests had sets of six or seven eggs very slightly incubated. The note seemed to me to be much softer than that of our bird, but in habits and mode of nesting I could see no difference. Whilst on the subject of Starlings, [ may mention that last winter several thousand dozens of S. vulgaris were netted on the Island of Tarfia, and the skins sent to Paris, where they fetched 24d. each ! CYANOPICA COOKI. Common in the pine-woods. The first nest was found on April 24th, and contained six fresh eggs; but general laying 74 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four did not begin till ten days later. The lowest nest was not more than five feet from the ground, and the highest about thirty. Four to seven eggs is the usual clutch; eight were found once. Pica RUSTICA. Locally common. In one district it simply swarmed, breeding in low cork-trees and in bramble-bushes only a few feet high ; one nest containing eggs was no higher than my knee. I noticed that many of those in the thick bramble- bushes were not roofed. On April 24th most nests contained full complements of eggs, some of them having as many as eight. CoRVUS MONEDULA. Common, but local. Many nests in holes in the old cork- trees, with fresh eggs on April 26th. CoRVUS CORAX. ; Common, nesting mostly in the pine-woods. It seems curious that a bird which breeds so early in this country should be so much later in the South*. The first full clutch of fresh eggs taken was on May lst, and consisted of six; subsequently we obtained several nests with from five to seven, and on May 2lst there were young just hatched. Ravens’ nests can easily be distinguished from below from Kites’, Buzzards’, &c., by their much rounder and neater appearance. They are also deeper, and smaller sticks are used in the construction. CYPSELUS APUS. Very common in some of the villages and still more so in Seville, where it was nesting by scores under the eaves of the houses on May 30th. CaPRIMULGUS RUFICOLLIS. Common. I saw many birds, but did not find eggs * Mr. Saunders tells me that he found Ravens feeding large young on March 18th, 1868, at Baza, in the Province of Granada; so it is possible that those which I found were second nests; but, if this is the case, it seems curious that I never met with a young fledged Raven of the year. Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. 79 myself. A clutch of two fresh eggs was brought to me on May 11th, and another on May 16th. GECINUS SHARPII. Common locally, and a very early breeder. I found young more than half-grown on April 27th. One nest was in a hole in a large cork-tree almost on the ground. A Spanish Imperial Eagle had a nest in the next tree. On May Ist and May 16th two full sets of eggs were taken, nearly fresh! At the base of the beak of the young I noticed the peculiar knob men- tioned by Mr. Gurney (‘Zoologist,’ 1901, p. 128) as occurring in G, viridis. CoRACIAS GARRULUS. Common, but the nests are hard to find. Rollers are rather late breeders, and it was not till May 26th that we took a set of five fresh eggs from a hole in a tree. Another nest in a Moorish tower, on May 29th, also con- tained five eggs slightly incubated. Little or no actual nest is, however, made, as a rule; but I watched one pair of birds pulling up grass and carrying it away to a distance, presumably for building purposes, though I failed to discover the breeding-place. MEROPS APIASTER. In spite of snaring, shooting, and netting, Bee-eaters are still quite common, though the natives say that they are not nearly so numerous as formerly. They nest in the banks of the rivers and on roadsides, and even excavate their holes in the flat ground. These slant downwards, some being nearly three yards long; while they are generally straight, though one was noticed to have a turn nearly at right angles. The holes seem unnecessarily large for the size of the bird, and a cavity is formed where the eggs are deposited. Hoopoes occasionally make use of old nesting-holes of the Bee-eater. It was not till May 24th that laying was in full progress: six eggs seem to be the usual complement. CoccYsTES GLANDARIUS. Extremely local. At the Coto Dofiana I never saw the Great Spotted Cuckoo nor did I find its egg, although Magpies’ nests were numerous; yet it was abundant sixteen 76 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four miles away. On April 24th and 25th we took several eggs. The very first Magpie’s nest which I saw contained seven Cuckoo’s eggs and three of the rightful owner: they were in all stages of incubation, from fresh to nearly hatching. Other nests held three Cuckoo’s and five Magpie’s eggs, two and five, four and three, one and one, &c. When the nests were in the open cork-trees they were nearly sure to contain Cuckoos’ eggs ; when they were placed in thick bushes, very rarely. The natives say that the reason of this is that the Cuckoo prefers an open tree, in order that she may make off on the return of the owner ; and certainly, whenever we saw afight (which was pretty often) the Magpie had much the best of it. I expect that the true explanation is that the nests in trees are much more accessible. The only egg which we took from a nest other than that of a Magpie was in that of a Raven built at the top of a very large pine-tree ; the nest contained six Raven’s eggs and one of the Cuckoo on May Ist, all quite fresh. This was the only egg of the Cuckoo found in that particular district; and as five boys living close by were all on the look-out, it is unlikely that there were many others. Curiously enough, Messrs. Selous and Musters found young Ravens and a Cuckoo in the same nest in 1900. 7 STRix FLAMMEA. Fairly common ; nesting in holes in trees, and once found ina Moorish tower. April 26th, six fresh eggs in an old cork-tree ; May 7th, four young just hatched. Scops GIv. Not conspicuous ; few seen, but more heard. The Scops is much more nocturnal than the Little Owl, and I never saw one flying in daylight unless disturbed; moreover, it breeds later. It was not till May 20th that an egg was found, on which the female was sitting; on May 25th and May 27th we obtained two and three which were fresh; in each case the female was on them. My man caught another incubating a single egg, and placed her in a cage, where she laid an egg each day until seven had been deposited, when she was liberated. Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. vA ATHENE NOCTUA. Very common. Eggs were found from April 24th, the bird often sitting on three only, while the largest number in one nest was five. They are laid at intervals of one or two days. One nest was on the ground, inside a large cork-tree. In nearly every case the female was incubating. Young birds were found on May 14th. CiRCUS HRUGINOSUS. Common, especially by the river, where they nest in the reeds. On May 6th we found seven nests in the almost impenetrable reeds on Tarfia: in some the eggs were fresb, in others incubation was far advanced. One contained five, one four, one three, the others only two; but as thirty dozen eggs of Purple Herons and “ Kites” were taken by one set of fishermen from this island last year, it is possible that the clutches were incomplete though incubated. The nests were made of rushes, and were situated lower in the reeds than those of the Heron, while they were very ' substautial: one nearly carried my weight. As a rule, they were not in quite such thick places, aud one was on the ground in a nearly clear spot. The birds sat close; we never flushed a male from the nest. Four nearly fresh eggs were found on May 15th in the marisma on a little scrub bush. One male had his crop full of remains of eggs. CIRCUS CINERACEUS. Not so common as the last species and more local. We only found it numerous in one large enclosure of high grass and rough weeds, where, on May 7th, we took five nests, containing four or five eggs each, which were slightly incubated or fresh. They were all placed on the ground, and were well made, one having many feathers init. In each case the female was on the nest, and from one which was killed I took the leg of a Quail. This Harrier sits very closely: I marked one hen bird on her nest, and four men walked in line ten yards apart till I was convinced we had passed her: we turned round and walked past once more; still she declined to move. I then fired two shots without result; but it was 78 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four not until one of the men had almost trodden upon her that she rose from four fresh eggs. One clutch was slightly marked with red; all the others were white. Burro VULGARIS. Common in the pine-woods. Incubated eggs were found on April 14th, and young some days old on April 16th. The clutch generally consists of two eggs, and we only once saw three in Spain. AQUILA PENNATA. The Booted Eagle is not rare. Nests were found in pine- and cork-trees. In the first,on April 25th, the eggs were so well marked that I had to shoot the female for identification, and she is now in the British Museum. The nest is large, sometimes placed on a bough, but more often in the centre of the tree towards the top. The female sits very closely. There were two eges in each nest, and even those found on May 11th were fresh. | AQUILA ADALBERTI. 3 The Spanish Imperial Eagle is now rare. A nest shown me by a keeper on April 27th contained two white but very dirty eggs, on the point of hatching. This nest was at the top of a large cork-tree ; the female left it when we were a long way off and did not return. ‘The next day another nest was seen, also high up in a cork-tree, with two large young and a rotten egg. Two half-eaten rats lay at the foot of the tree. ) CircAETUS GALLICUS. A few observed. On April 27th a nest was found with the usual single egg, very much incubated, and on the 28th another with one that was quite fresh; both of these were in cork-trees, one out on a bough, the other near the top. In the very next tree, not twenty yards away, was a Booted Eagle’s nest, in the next tree but one a Red Kite had her young, the Imperial Eagle’s nest with nestlings was not a hundred yards off, and a Green Woodpecker had young in the same tree! Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. he MiLvvs ICTINUS. The Red Kite is much more local than the Black Kite and not nearly so plentiful. Like most of the resident birds, it breeds early. From April the 27th to the 29th we found several nests, but they all contained young or eggs on the point of hatching; one nest had three eggs without spots. Most of the Red Kite’s nests had three eggs (about eleven nests were found) ; whereas I saw dozens of those of the Black Kite, but only found three eggs in a few cases, even when incubation was far advanced. Mitvus MIGRANS. The Black Kite is very common, sometimes breeding in small colonies, and in one of the pine-woods I counted twenty- three birds in the air together. The first eggs were seen on April 16th, but laying did not fully commence till quite ten days later. I could see no difference between the nests of this and of the last species ; both were adorned with “ lesser linen” and once with cigarette-paper and some old printed .matter. Personally I found no lottery-tickets, but I know of one having been found! The eggs are generally smaller and rounder than those of the Red Kite. FALCO TINNUNCULUS. Abundant, laying in old nests of the Kite, Raven, and Buzzard, also in holes of trees, and often in old nests of Magpies; fresh eggs were found from April 16th. Falco CENCHRIS. The Lesser Kestrel is not so common as the last-named, and breeds much later. The first eggs taken, an incomplete clutch of three, were in a hole in a tree on May 10th. On May 27th I took clutches of four and five from similar holes, very slightly incubated and fresh. One set of eggs, on which I caught the old bird, was not five feet from the ground. On May 29th fresh clutches of four and five respectively were taken from an old Moorish tower, and, judging from the number of birds flying round, many of them had not even then begun to lay. ARDEA PURPUREA. Purple Herons were very numerous ; their large nests are 80 Mr. H. Noble—Forty-four built of dead rushes, from four to ten feet from the ground, in swamps and reed-beds. Some nests contained five eggs, but three or four were more usual. On April 27th we found them fresh and incubated, and young on May 14th. Three nests were on low tamarisk-bushes in the middle of a large colony of the smaller species of Herons. ARDEA GARZETTA. The Little Egret is common locally. On bushes in Laguna Taraja, in the carefully preserved Coto Dojiana, I found this bird breeding in some numbers. The nests were slight platforms of sticks placed on tamarisks growing in water three or four feet deep, and many had full sets of four and five eggs on April 27th. ARDEA BUBULCUS. The Buff-backed Heron is more numerous than the last- named, and breeds in the same place and at the same time: full sets of eggs were found on April 27th. It is also much tamer and will sit quietly whilst you wait within a few yards, though this is not necessary to identify the eggs, which are always much lighter in colour than those of the Little Egret or the Night-Heron. NyctTicoraX GRISEUS. Local, and breeds later than the above-mentioned species. On our first visit to the Heron-colony (April 27th) the Night- Herons had hardly begun to lay, and none were sitting. On May 14th we watched several to their nests, which contained from three to four (we never saw five) slightly incubated eggs. The nests were placed rather high up in the bushes, and when disturbed the birds did not return readily. These eges are valueless if not identified, for they cannot with certainty be distinguished from those of the Little oa et, though they are generally a little larger. ARDEA RALLOIDES. The Squacco is the rarest of the Spanish Herons; it was breeding in the aforesaid colony, but rather later. In April we did not see a bird, but on May 14th we found several nests with from three to six eggs, all fresh. The nests are better Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. 81 made than those of the other species, and often had a few rushes used in their construction; the eggs are much smaller and cannot be mistaken. ARDETTA MINUTA. The Little Bittern is very common in certain districts. We found fresh eggs on May 7th; on the 18th five nests, containing five, five, five, four, and three eggs respectively, all fresh. Four of these nests were on boughs, under the sheltering heads of young willows pollarded last year but with afresh growth of a foot or more; they were surrounded by high rushes growing in water four feet deep, and were flat, rather like those of the Wood-Pigeon, with some dead rushes in them. It was not difficult to see them, as the white eggs showed up plainly ; but the wading to them was a hard task, owing to the matted rushes in the water. On May 20th and May 24th many nests were found in reed-beds on another part of the river; upwards of twenty in course of building, or containing from one to six eggs, being seen in a single ‘morning ; these were in high reeds, which were very difficult to get through, and were composed of dead rushes placed a few feet above the water. Two clutches were much incubated. BoravuRvs STELLARIS. | We never saw or heard this bird, though I am told that it is common in certain seasons; two fresh eggs were taken on the wet marisma Las Nuevas and brought to me on May 15th. CICONIA ALBA. One of the most conspicuous birds, common everywhere. A regular colony was found in some high trees on April 18th. Many nests contained four or five eggs, all slightly incubated. PLATALEA LEUCORODIA. : Not common. About fourteen pairs were found breeding on an island of rushes growing in deepish water; on May 14th several nests contained one egg, and one three. They were much like those of the Purple Heron, but smaller and placed nearer to the water. SER. VIII.— VOL. Il. G- 82 Mr. H. Noble— Forty-four PLEGADIS FALCINELLUS. Glossy Ibises were rather rare: we only met with them once, when three pairs had nests among those of the small Herons. These were placed in bushes six feet from the water ; they are deeper and many rushes are used in. their con- struction. Ibises seem to be irregular in their time of breeding, for last season many nests were found with fresh eggs in June, while ours contained three or four eggs on April 27th. ANAS BOSCAS. Common everywhere, in spite of the wretched females being shot on their nests on every opportunity by the Spaniards. Fresh eggs were found April 29th; the first young on May 8th. CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS. The Gadwall was common ; we found a nest on Apri] 28th, with ten fresh eggs, in a clump of spear-rush twenty yards from the edge of a lake, and saw several other eggs taken by the ‘‘ egg-eaters.” MaRMARONETTA ANGUSTIROSTRIS. I was lucky to hit upon a good season for Marbled Teal, for they are often absent from Spain for several years in succession, while at other times they appear in numbers. We found them very common, both on the marisma and on the river. They are confiding, and it is easy to obtain specimens, as they often allow a boat to approach within gun-shot, and even if they rise wildly they fly straight back. Their flight is swift, and they can turn with rapidity. A nest was found on May 14th in a clump of rushes close to a laguna, with eleven fresh eggs and a little down; another some distance from the water and close to the side of a fence-post, on May 18th, contained the large number of fifteen eggs. It was a slight hollow in high grass, lined with down and feathers. QUERQUEDULA CRECCA. On May 28rd I flushed a small Duck from a dry spot on Lucio Real, which I thought was a Teal ; there was no nest, but a slight hollow bad been scratched out under a thistle. Days’ Nesting in Andalucia. 83 We returned to the spot on May 25th, when the female again rose close to me and proved that I was right. The nest then contained two eggs. DaFiLa ACUTA. On Lucio Real one of my men flushed and killed a Pintail from her nest on May Sth. The nest contained eight incu- bated eggs and a plentiful supply of down. Iam, moreover, perfectly convinced that I found another nest with six broken eggs near the same spot on May 28rd. In Scotland, abroad, and with tame birds, I have always noticed that the Pintail makes its nest in much more exposed situations than any other European Duck with which I am acquainted. The eggs seem to be of two colours—very light yellowish and a distinct green: the down from the nest cannot be mistaken for that of any other Duck known to me. A Spaniard who has spent his life duck-shooting on the marisma, when shown the eggs, exclaimed, “ They belong to the ‘Pato rabudo.’” I questioned him closely, and he assured me that he had ' several times found the nest and shot the female, and that this ‘species always nested in the open, thus confirming my own experience. Such men kill so many during the winter, and the bird is so well known to them, that I have no reason to doubt my informant. Possibly these Pintails may be *‘ pricked ” birds, which are unable to leave in the spring, and therefore remain to breed. FULIGULA FERINA. A few observed. One nest was taken on the marisma on May 15th, with slightly incubated eggs ; it was under a bunch of scrub in a wet place. J.T. O. 1899; prvi: Nos. 270, 271. ¢ ? ad. North Ankole, 3500 feet, Aug. 1900. Iris black. a. Ad. Ugowe Bay, Victoria Nyanza. Tous 1302 2R lie J.G.Kenlemans del.et lth. Mintern Bros .imp. GALLIRG XxX JOHNS TONI. ea aye ae 4 uh . ’ * U NX ‘ < " ’ A k from Equatorial Africa. 113 78. CoccysTES CAFER. Coccystes cafer (Licht.); Sharpe, Hand-l. B. ii. p. 156 (1900). Coccystes afer (Leach) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 31. No. 643. gad. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 79. CENTROPUS SUPERCILIOSUS. : Centropus superciliosus Hempr. & Ehr.; Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 334; Sharpe, Hand-l. B. i. p. 168 (1900) ; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 191; Hartert, Nov, Zool. vii. p. 32. No.1. 2? ad. Lake Naivasha, 63800 feet, Oct. 10. Iris carmine. 80. LyBius £QUATORIALIS. Lybius equatorialis (Shelley); Sharpe, Hand-l. B. i. p. 178 (1900). Melanobucco eyuatorialis Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 196. Melanobucco bidentatus equatorialis Hartert, Nov. Zool. Vil. p. 32. No. 284. Qad. Mt. Ruwenzori, 5600 feet, Sept. 1900. Iris light hazel. 81. TRicHOLEMA DIADEMATUM. Tricholema diadematum (Heugl.); Sharpe, Hand-l. B. 11. p- 180 (1900). No. 27. gad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 6, 1899. 82. TRaACHYPHONUS BOEHMI. | Trachyphonus béhmi Fischer & Reichenow; Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 3385; Sharpe, Hand-l. B. 11. p. 186 (1900) ; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 199. Nos. 649, 650. g 2ad. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 83. Mesopicus sPODOCEPHALUS. Mesopicus spodocephalus (Bp.); Sharpe, Hand-l. B. ii. p. 223 (1900). No. 655. Imm. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 84. DrenpRoPICUS HEMPRICHI. Dendropicus hemprichi (Hempr. & Ehr.) ; Sharpe, Hand-l. B. ii. p. 218 (1900). a. 9? ad. Lake Baringo, 4000 feet, Dec. 21, 1899. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. I 114 Dr. R. B. Sharpe on Birds 85. TERPSIPHONE CRISTATA. Terpsiphone cristata (Gm.); Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 227; Sharpe, Hand-l. B. 11. p. 264 (1901). No. 26. g imm. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 4, 1899. Iris pale yellow. 86. EuRILLAS EUGENIUS. Eurillas eugenius (Reichenow); Sharpe, Hand-l. B. ii. p- 825 (1901). Andropadus eugenius Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 349; id. Nov. Zool. vii. p. 47. Andropadus latirostris eugenius, Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p- 292. No. 287. gad. Mpanga Forest, Sept. 22, 1900. Iris hazel. : 87. CRATEROPUS SHARPII. | Crateropus sharpei Reichen.; Neum. J. f.‘O. 1900, p. 302; Jackson, Ibis, 1901, p. 79. No. 261. g ad. West Ankole, July 1900. 88. TurpUs BocaGlI. Turdus bocagei (Cab.) ; Sharpe, in Seebohm’s Monogr. Turdide, i. p. 831 (1899) ; Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 354; Neum, J.f. O. 1900, p. 311. No. 277. Ad. North Ankole, 3500 feet, Aug. 1900. 89. TURDUS ELGONENSIS. — ? grbhuvtoni Herds (945, ag Merula elgonensis Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. eA 1392, p- . 160. Tur dus elgonensis Sharpe, in Seebohm’s Monogr. Turdide, i. p. S11, pl. Ixxu. (1899) ; Neum. J. f.O. 1900, poe Jackson, Ibis, 1901, p. 74. Nos. 105, 106. §¢ 2. N’tebi, 3800 feet, April 22, 1990. Iris hazel. ?¢ 90. CossYPHA HEUGLINI. . Cossypha heuglint Hartl.; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 52; Jackson, Ibis, 1901, p. 72. No. 289. gad. Western Uganda, Sept. 1900. No. 645. gad. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 5 ie 2 a from Equatorial Africa. 115 91. PogoNocICcHLA INTENSA. Pogonocichla intensa Sharpe, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, Xi, p. 67 (1901). No. 100. ¢ ad. N’tebi, 3800 feet, April 22, 1900. The bird from N’tebi differs conspicuously from the other species of Pogonocichla in being deep orange-yellow on the rump, tail-feathers, and under surface of the body. The head and throat are of a darker slaty blue than in P. orien- talis, its nearest ally, and the back is a dark olive-brown, instead of being yellowish green. 92. LaNIus EXCUBITORIUS. Lanius excubitorius (Prév. et Des Murs); Sharpe, Ibis, 1892, p. 597; Hariert, App. Afr. Sun, p.340; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 263 ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 38; Jackson, Ibis, 1901, p. 33. Nos. 268, 279. ¢ ¢ ad. North Ankole, 3500 feet, Aug. 1900. 93. LaNrius HUMERALIs. Lanius humeralis Stanl.; Sharpe, Ibis, 1892, p. 597; Jackson, Ibis, 1901, p. 34. Lamius collaris humeralis Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 340; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 264; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 138. No. 24. 9 ad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Oct. 28, 1899. - 94. CINNYRIS CYANESCENS. Cinnyris cyanescens Reichen. Orn. MB. vii. p. 171 (1899) ; Sharpe, Ibis, 1900, p. 496. No. 12. gad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 2, 1899. Tris -black. This specimen seems to be of the same race as one from Ukambani in Mr. Jackson’s collection, which I determined as C. cyanescens (Ibis, 1900, p. 496). I must again say that I think it will be difficult to distinguish this species from C. niasse. 95. CINNYRIS FALKENSTEINI., Cinnyris falkensteint Fischer & Reichen.; Sharpe, Ibis, 1900, p. 496; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p.634; Hartert, App. Afr. 12 116 Dr. R. B. Sharpe on Bards Sun, p. 350; Shelley, B. Africa, 11. pt. 1, p. 66, pl. ii. fig. 1 (1900); Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 299; Sharpe, Ibis, 1900, p- 496. No. 264. g¢ ad. Western Ankole, July 1900. 96. DREPANORHYNCHUS REICHENOWI. Drepanorhynchus reichenowi Fischer; Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p- 590; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 680; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p: 301. Nectarinia reichenowi Shelley, B. Africa, ii. pt. 1, p. 29 (1900). No. 109. g ad. N’tebi, 3800 feet, April 1, 1900. Iris black. 97. NECTARINIA KILIMENSIS. : Nectarinia kilimensis Shelley ; Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 591; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 631; Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 351; Shelley, B. Africa, n.- pt. 1, p. 28, pl. © fig. DQ Tame Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 49; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 300. Nos. 10, 24. g ad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 2, 3, 1899. 98. CINNYRIS KIRKI. Cinnyris kirki Shelley; Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 592; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 632. Chalcomitra kirki Shelley, B. Africa, ii. pt. 1, p. 107 (1900). Chalcomitra kirki kalckreuthi Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 296. No. 14. ¢ juv. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 2, 1899. No. 25. gad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 3, 1899. 99. CINNYRIS DOGGETTI, Sp. 0. Similis C. kerki, sed plaga metallica frontali aureo-viridi et gutture diverse colorato, chalybeo nec purpurascenti- cupreo distinguenda. Long. tot. 5°3 poll., culm. 1:0, ale 2°7, caude 1°95, tarsi 0°65. Nos. 19, 20. g ad. Ravine, 7600, Nov. 2, 1899. Iris black. - It will be noticed that these two specimens were procured at the Ravine at the same height (7600 feet) on the 2nd of November, the day before an example of the true C. kirki was obtained. There is nothing about the plumage of these from Equatorial Africa. 117 specimens, which are in excellent feather, to suggest that the differences in the metallic colour of the forehead and throat have been produced by damp or by any artificial means, and consequently 1 am constrained to consider them distinct, strange though the circumstances of their eapture may be. I have named the species after Mr. W. G. Doggett, who acted as Sir Harry Johnston’s taxidermist, and is now the Naturalist to the Government of the Uganda Protectorate. 100. CInNYRIS GUTTURALIS. Cinnyris gutturalis inestimata Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, pepaa (soo) ; id. Nov.:Zool. vil. p. 51.) Chalcomitra gutturalis Shelley, B. Africa, ii. pt. 1, p. 93 (1900). é Chalcomitra gutturalis inestimata oo J. f. O. 1900, p. 296. No. ll. gad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 2, 1899. This specimen belongs to the northern form which Mr. Hartert has called C. inestimata, but which Captain Shelley does not consider worthy of separation from C. gutturalis. 101. CInnyRIS CUPREA. Cinnyris cuprea (Shaw); Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 593; Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 350; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 633 ; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 299; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 50; Shelley, B. Africa, 11. pt. 1, p. 86 (1900). No. 265. g ad. Western Ankole, July 1900. 102. Macronyx cROCEUS. Macronyx croceus (V.); Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 589; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 629; Hartert, App. Afr. Sant p. 348 ; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 290. No. 15. g ad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 4, 1899. 103. SERINUS ALBIFRONS. Serinus albifrons (Sharpe) ; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 621 ; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 289; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vil. p. 43, Crithagra kilimensis Richmond, Auk, xiv. p. 155 (1897). 118 Dr. R. B. Sharpe on Birds No. 23. 2 ad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 6, 1899. Iris light hazel. Mr. Richmond has kindly sent to me for examination his type of S. kilimensis, which turns out to be the same as my S. albifrons, as already suggested (Ibis, 1899, p. 622). 104. PENTHETRIA LATICAUDA. Penthetria laticauda (Licht.) ; Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 245; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 598. Coliuspasser laticauda Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 286. a. Ad. Nandi, 5000 feet, April 1901. 105. DrePANOPLECTES JACKSONI. Drepanoplectes gacksoni Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 247, pl. v.; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 599; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p.-41. No. 641. g ad. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 106. URoBRACHYA MEDIA, Sp. 0. Similis U. traversi et plaga anal aurantiaca insignis, sed supercilio castaneo et gastrzo toto castaneo lavato dis- tinguenda. Long. tot. 6:2 poll., culm. 0°7, ale 3:3, caudze 2°2, tarsi 0°95. | Nos. 263, 263. g imm. West Ankole, 3200 feet, July 1900. Iris light hazel. The two specimens procured by Sir Harry Johnston, although not in full plumage, are very much darker than any examples of U. phenicea or U. traversi of a similar age in the collections of the British Museum or of Mr. F. J. Jackson. The rufous portion of the wing-coverts is more chestnut than cinnamon, while the eyebrows, sides of face, and neck, as well as the under surface of the body, are also pervaded with chestnut, giving the Ankole birds a much darker appearance. 107. PYROMELANA XANTHOMELANA. . Pyromelana xanthomelana (Ripp.); Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p- 248; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 601. Orynx canthomelas Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 285. Nos. 16, 28. ¢ 9 ad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 6, 1899. Tris black. from Equatorial Africa. 119 108. PyRoMELANA FRANCISCANA. Pyromelana franciscana (Isert) ; Sharpe, Ibis, 1892, p- 248; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 601. Pyromelana franciscana pusilla Hartert, Bull. B. O. C. x1. pe vl. a. gd ad. Ravine, 7600 feet. I am unable to appreciate the differences in size on wiht. my friend Mr. Hartert proposes to separate a race as P. f. pusilla. The specimen in Sir Harry Johnston’s collection, as well as those presented by Lord Delamere and Emin Pasha, agree in measurements with others from Nigeria and the Gold Coast, and I am afraid that Pyromelana pusilla will not stand, even as a subspecies. 109. PyRoMELANA FLAMMICEPS. Pyromelana flammiceps (Swains.); Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 247; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 601; Hartert, Afr. Sun, p. 344; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 285. a,b. 6 ad. Nandi, 5000 feet, April 1901. 110. HereRHYPHANTES REICHENOWI. Heterhyphantes reichenowi (Fischer); Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 252; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 610. Otyphantes reichenowi Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 282. No. 18. gad. Ravine, 7600 feet, Nov. 3, 1899. Iris black. | J11. HypHanrtorNiIs ABYSSINICUS. Hyphantornis abyssinicus (Gm.) ; Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 253; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, P. 616; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vil. p. 40. No. 29. g¢ imm. Ravine, 7600 en Nov. 7, 1899. Iris black. 112. MaLimpvus RUBRICOLLIS. Malimbus rubricollis (Swains.); Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 617. Nos. 465, 466. ¢ ? ad. N’tebi, 3700-3800 feet, Dec. 1900. Iris hazel. . 113. PLocerpass—ER MELANORHYNCHUS. Ploceipasser melanorhynchus Riipp.; Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, 120 On Birds from Equatorial Africa. p. 250; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 602; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 41; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 283. No. 657. g ad. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 114. ORtoLvs ROLETI. Oriolus larvatus Sharpe (nec Licht.), Ibis, 1891, p. 243. Oriolus rolleti Salvad ; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 595; Hartert, Afr. Sun, p. 341. No. 291. ? ad. North Ankole, August 1900. Iris pale yellow. a. Ad. Nandi Forests, April 1901. Feet pale blue; iris hazel. 115. AMYDRUS WALLERI. Amydrus walleri Shelley, Ibis, 1880, p. 335, pl. viil.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xin. p. 164 (1890); Neum. Jet. ©! 1900) p. 231. Amydrus elgonensis Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 242; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 591. Amydrus nyase Shelley, Ibis, 1898, pp. 554, 557. a,b. @ 2? ad. Mount Elgon, 7000 feet. Iris yellow. The two specimens procured by Sir Harry Johnston are slightly larger than the type of A. elgonensis, having their wings 4°9 inches as against 4°65 in the type, which is a female. On re-comparing the whole series of these Amydri in the Museum I have come to the conclusion that 4. elgon- ensis and A. nyase must be united under the heading of A. walleri. The length of bill, wing, and tail varies con- siderably, and I believe that not much importance can be attached to these characters. 116. STILBOPSAR STUHLMANNI. Stilbopsar stuhlmanni Reichen. Orn. MB. 1. p. 31 (1898) ; Shelley, B. Africa, i. p. 45 (1896). Peoptera greyi Jackson, Bull. Brit. Orn, Club, viii. p. 50 (1899) ; id. Ibis, 1899, p. 592. ~ a. 2 ad. Mount Elgon, 7000 feet. During my recent visit to Berlin I examined the type of Stilbopsar stuhimanni, which is certainly the same as Peoptera greyi Jackson and must stand under the former name. On Birds from Western Australia. ie Stilbopsar kenricki still seems to me to be distinct Caf Sharpe, Ibis, 1899, p. 593). 117. SprEO SUPERBUS. Spreo superbus (Riipp.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xi. p. 189 (1890) ; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 595; Hartert, App. Afr. Sun, p. 342; Neum. J. f. O. 1900, p. 280. Nos. 616, 647 ¢, 648 9. Lake Baringo, March 1901. 118. LamerRoToRNIS BREVICAUDA. Lamprotornis brevicauda Sharpe; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, peel; Neum. J. f..0. 1900, p. 281. No. 644. g. Lake Baringo, March. 119. HetEROcORAX CAPENSIS. Heterocorax capensis (Licht.); Sharpe, Ibis, 1891, p. 239; Jackson, Ibis, 1899, p. 587. Nos. 635, 686. ¢ 2 ad. Jake Baringo, March 22, 1901. VIII.—On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia. By Rozerr Hatt. Tue collection which is the subject of these notes was formed by the writer between Albany and the Houtman’s Abrolhos between Sept. 23rd and Nov. 8th, 1899. In it the species represented number 69, the specimens 156. They are from three types of country—the heavily timbered south- west corner of the district, the flat region beyond, and the Houtman’s Abrolhos. Although I did not travel on the south- east of the Stirling Range, I secured a collection of eggs of the birds resident in these parts which indicate the boundary between the moist mountain-district and the lightly timbered sandy lands to the eastward. | | The places of special interest to me were the country between Albany and Denmark, some 40 miles west of the former; Katanning, 100 miles north of the same ; Geraldton, 300 miles above Perth; and the Houtman’s Abrolhos, some AO miles off Geraldton. In Denmark I did not meet with sufficient success to compensate me for some three days 122 Mr. R. Hall on Birds spent in that vast area, the timber of which seemed to me too heavy for any other purpose with regard to bird-life than to hide its representatives. I was slightly more fortunate at Tor Bay, which is midway between Albany and Denmark, and less heavily wooded. It being more or less rainy in that district for eight months of the year, the birds partial to a damp atmosphere congregate there. After leaving Albany for Katanning, the wet country changes at Mt. Barker, some fifty miles from the coast, and the Acacia known as the “ Raspberry-jam Tree” becomes the prevailing timber. Katanning is the centre of a flat area bearing the ‘‘ jam” tree, and possessing an occasional supply of water. This is just suited to the Yellow-throated Minah (Manorhina flavigula). Some eighteen miles west of Katanning is a creek_ that attracts a certain number of species throughout the year, and to the east of it is a shallow lake that furnishes a variety of bird-life at certain seasons. Near Perth a naturalist can profitably spend soine time, and an outing of three or four miles will take him to something worth seeing. Even in the picturesque suburb of South Perth Banksias are still to be met with and Honey-eaters are numerous. Within a mile of the Zoological Garden a Haliastur sphenurus had, I found, built its nest. Geraldton, where I spent a week, is the south-western sea-port of the arid country, and one need only walk along the deep dry bed of a river to find that bird- life is there associated with hot air. The Meliphagide are abundant, while the flora is, as elsewhere, magnificent in spring. The Abrolhos are coral-islands which sea-birds haunt in abundance. A cruise through them will ensure success to the explorer. As these notes will so often refer to specimens collected on the Houtman’s Albrohos, I will give (see Appendix), along with some nesting-data, a list of the birds found there. Two such have been previously published—one, in 1890, by Mr. A. J. Campbell, and a second, in 1898, by Mr. R. Helms*. The latter list included all the species given in the former with two additions (Anthus australis and * ‘Producer’s Gazette of Western Australia,’ v. p. 6. from Western Australia. 123 Limosa uropygialis), making a total of thirty-nine in all. To this list I can now add nine species—four (Cinclorhamphus rufescens, Halcyon sanctus, Petreca goodenovii, and Phaps elegans) of which I myself collected specimens; three (He/er- actitis brevipes, Glottis nebularius, and Squatarola helvetica) which were obtained through the Director of the Perth Museum; and two more (Chenopis atrata and Eudyptula minor) guaranteed by other authorities. This makes a total of forty-eight species now known from these islands. I did not meet with the Pipit previously mentioned, but, on the other hand, a Lark (Cinclorhamphus rufescens) is now recorded, I believe for the first time, for these islands. It is, moreover, of interest from a geographical point to know that Heteractitis brevipes is found in Western Australia. Both Chenopis and Eudyptula are rare visitors to the islands. The numerals given in the list correspond with those used in the ‘ Key to the Birds of Australia,” and aduitional nesting-data are supplied from the author’s own observations ‘as well as from original information supplied by Mr. O. Lipfert, an Assistant in the Perth Museum, and obtained during a tour to the Abrolhos in 1894. My thanks are due to the Hon. George Throssell, late Minister of Lands (now Premier) for fuil permission to collect specimens in the State, to Messrs. Broadhurst, McNeil & Co. for placing a cutter-yacht at my service at the Abrolhos, and to Mr. Justice Pennefather for making special travelling arrangements for me. 1. AccIPITER CIRRHOCEPHALUS. Sparrow-Hawk. (Hall’s Key, p. 4.) One ad. ¢ and one ad. ? were obtained. 18.10.99. Geraldton. I find that the male of this species takes a share in the incubation of the eggs. I note, however, that the tail- feathers of the hen are much more worn. Neither of the parents were timid as we approached along the dry bed of the deep-banked river-course and ascended a tall acacia to see into the nest some twenty-five feet above the sand below. 124 Mr. R. Hall on Birds It was built of dead twigs of the above tree, but was lined with green leaves of the Eucalypt near it. For comparison, the dimensions were: breadth 16 inches, internal diameter 7 inches, depth of bow! about 1:5 inches, depth of the whole solid tapering mass 5 inches ; ledges of nest narrow. There were two fresh eggs. 13.10.90. Geraldton. 2. PANDION LEUCOCEPHALUS. Osprey. (Hall’s Key, p. 5.) A. Nestling. Pelsart Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. 17.10.99. B. Nestling. Easter Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. 22.10.99. No descriptions have been published, to the best of my knowledge, of the nestling of this species, and that given for P. haliaétus in the British Museum Catalogue does not agree with either of these specimens. Jn stage A the outer toe was not reversible, giving the bird the appearance of three toes in front and one behind. In B the outer toe was reversible, A. Nesiling (about 7 days old).—Downy, save for imperfect feathers upon the head, neck, lower fore-neck, both sides of the median line of the mantle, tail, inner edge of each wing, and region above the humerus. Except as regards the head and hind-neck these are feeble. The feathers of this stage would be replaced by quite another series before the young left the nest. The plumage upon the head and hind-neck is rufous buff, and upon the cheeks light rufous buff; between the crown and cheeks, immediately behind the eyes, is a conspicuous broad oblong line of black ; the chin, throat, and the greater part of the lower fore-neck are sooty brown, with rufous feathers appearing below the chin; the chest is sooty brown, between which and the throat is a broad zigzag line of black feathers that are just bursting, among which are a few of a like nature that are rufous; the breast is ruddy greyish white; the abdomen sooty brown, with a circular featherless area half an inch in diameter ; while parts of the flanks are greyish white. The dorsal surface is from Western Australia. 125 sooty brown, medially divided by a line of whitish down (spinal tract down) from below the upper neck to the tail; the upper leg is sooty brown, regularly spotted with white ; the tarsus and toes are covered with a soft yellow skin com- posed of reticulated hexagonal scales; the bill is horn-black, the lower mandible is tipped with yellow; the nails are black; the iris is hazel. Length 12 inches. B. Nestling (strongly feathered ; about to leave nest).— Feathers of the head and neck all round light rufous, more so on the lower than on the upper part, each feather streaked. along the middle with black and bounded laterally with white ; the rufous is conspicuous on the lower fore-neck and less so on the nape, which is streaked; chin and throat whitish, tinged only with rufous and P caaiely marked down each centre with brownish black ; behind the eye a line of black feathers; no broad line a white running down the side of the neck; a broad band of light brown down upon the chest, with only two or three feathers; breast, abdomen, -and under tail-coverts white, slightly tinged in the median part with light yellowish buff; interscapulium and back deep brown, each feather broadly edged with buff; outer wing-quills black, tipped with pale rufous; inner quills chocolate-brown, edged with pale rufous like the majority of the upper tail-coverts, which are chocolate-brown broadly edged with buff; under tail-coverts deep brown edged with rufous buff; tail-feathers, only partially ‘“ burst,” blackish brown and ashy brown alternately barring the tail, tips pale rufous; legs partly clothed with down and white feathers ; tarsus and foot with loose tawny skin in a complete fold ; talons and bill horn-black. Total ca 22°5 inches, wing 12, tail 6°5, tarsus about 2°1. Kach islet has its pair of Ospreys with a nest upon the high land above the beach, which rarely exceeds five feet in altitude. This year the eggs were laid early in October, and I only succeeded in finding eggs on the 17th and 26th of that month. Many nests contained two young birds each, while one had a nestling and an addled egg. They were made of a mass of coral, shells, sticks, and seaweeds, while 126 Mr. R. Hall on Birds a large salt-bush was easily hidden by the structure for which it formed a basis. Many of the nests were not more than three feet high, but others were much larger, and all were upon the ground. Mr. Gilbert spoke of a wonderful struc- ture upon Rotnest Island being fifteen feet in circumference. One of those I found measured at the base twenty feet six inches, the top being only two feet from the ground, and being forty inches across, with a depression for the young of three inches. Living Salsolacee were growing upon three sides. Another nest upon an islet south-east of East Wallabi Island of the Abrolhos may be described as five feet six inches high, seven feet at the base, three feet six inches across the top, with a depression of about four inches ; it was cone-shaped with the apex sliced off, and was composed of salt-bush branches regularly heaped up, having dead pieces of coral and sponges interspersed. The nest had salt-bush growing up one side. Within it were marine weeds, sponges, and a few pieces of green plants. The whole structure was practically a small stack of wood cylindrically placed on end in the middle of a few acres of dead coral, of which the island is almost entirely composed. The Osprey is referred to by Professor Newton* as a daring bird, and one that, if possible, severely handles the collector of its eggs or young. On that part of our coast washed by the Indian Ocean the birds do not appear to attack an intruder, and all that attracted my attention when handling the young was their plaintive ery high above the nest. 3. STREPERA PLUMBEA. lLeaden Crow-Shrike. (Hall’s Key, p. 8.) Sk. ad. @. 3.10.99. Denmark River. The only specimen secured helps to support the view that S. plumbea is a subspecies of S. cuneicaudata. For two hundred miles northward this bird is commonly known as “the squeaker.’ Young were in the nest on October 25th. * ‘Dictionary of Birds,’ p. 661 (1896). from Western Australa. 127 4. Gratuina picata. Magpie-Lark. (Hall’s Key, p- 10.) Sk. ad. and juv. 5.10.99. Katanning. One notices the fact that in western birds there is a lack of vivacity and a want of melody in the voice. The eastern and western representatives of this species shew a remarkable difference in this respect, for, while one pipes pleasantly, the other gives forth a broken and unpleasant series of jarring notes. The call is harsh and creaky, and so continuous as to resemble grinding. In the Denmark River and Albany districts I did not meet with a specimen, so that my first impressions were formed at Katanning, where young birds were essaying their first flights in a tree in the town. 5. CoLLYRIOcINCLA RUFIVENTRIS. Rufous-bellied Shrike- Thrush. (Hall’s Key, p. 11.) Sk. ad. 9. 28.9.99. Tor Bay, Albany. I met with this species breeding freely at Geraldton. Five clutches of eggs that I found varied in a similar way to those of C. harmonica. Like that eastern bird, it prefers to have the nest as well hidden as possible, and chooses a twiner (Cuscuta) where it can. I found the whole depth of a nest to be 3°75 inches and that of the bow] 2°25 inches; diameter 5°5 inches x 4 inches, making the structure ovate. One such had been used for two seasons, and was formed of Melaleuca bark, the lining being composed of rootlets of a wiry nature. 6. Gravucatus MENTALIS. Little Cuckoo-Shrike. (Hall’s Key, p. 12.) Imm. sk. 2. 380.9.99. Tor Bay, Albany. Near the mouth of the Denmark River I noticed several individuals of what appeared to be this species on the wing. This skin agrees with the description in the key supplied for the species by Dr. Sharpe, but I quite believe that a good series of skins would allow of fuller keys with which to work. There is so wide a range of measurements between G. melanops, G. parvirostris, G. hypoleucus, and G. mentalis that the identification of a specimen is most 128 Mr. R. Hall on Birds difficult. The species under review is, I believe, new to Western Australia. 7. LaLaGe tRicotor. White-shouldered Caterpillar-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 12.) A,B. g ad. sks. 27.10.99. Geraldton. C. fg semi-ad. sk. 6.10.99. Katanning. These three skins are intensely black or metallic green- black, according to the light. They are much more black and lustrous than eastern skins in my cabinet, one of which is dated (in the breeding-season) 5.10.98, and another 5.3.99. The plumage is most likely a matter of age, and the first- named bird had probably moulted early or had only ex- perienced the autumn moult, ‘ Specimen C.—This clearly indicates a transitional stage ; because the right half of the rectrices (except one, which is new) are brown, the innermost secondaries (two on the left and three on the right wing) being also brown, and the wing- coverts having their edges marked with light brown. The basal portion of the under mandible has the brown indicative of youth. Change of plumage.—Points of interest are presented to us not only by specimen C itself, which is just concluding a heavy moult of quills and contour-feathers, but by the fact of finding in the same specimen the white of the secondaries rapidly commencing the moult by “tuck pointing.” This specimen, I should say, is not proceeding normally. In-A and B the white of the secondaries is fast disappearing by the same process, for whereas a broad band of white (0°7 inch) exhibits itself along a part of the outer web, a ragged and short band shews along another part of it. This applies to many secondaries, and probably commences while the birds are nesting, because I saw no young birds fledged, but found nests of young and collected male birds on the same ground. I presume that, having served their purpose of adornment in A and B, if not C, such feathers are the first, by this special form of moult, to change. Specimen C is moulting its quills in early October instead from Western Austraha. 129 of in autumn, as may be seen by my specimens. In the above-given observations it is shown that this species has two methods of changing its plumage. 8. Micra@ca assimitis. Lesser Brown Flycatcher. (Hall’s Key, p. 138.) There is little of interest in the skin obtained at Katanning, except that the under surface, save for the tail-coverts and throat, is brown; the coverts are white, while the throat is a dull white. This probably indicates a stage between the nestling and adult. Wing 3°45 inches. 9. Perra@ca caMPBELLI. Western Scarlet-breasted Robin. (Hall’s Key, p. 13.) A-F. Sk. ad. gs. Sept. to Oct. 1899. Denmark River ; Tor Bay; Katanning. Gees ad. 9. 29.9.99. H. Fledgling. 280.90, | to Bay, Albany. J-K. Young. 30.9.99. ‘ M-N. Imm. gs. Sept. 29th, Tor Bay; Oct. 5th, Ka- tanning. | O-P. Imm. @s. Sept. 27th, Tor Bay; Oct. 5th, Ka- tanning. . The first notice of this species, as such, is to be found in ‘The Ibis’ (1899, p. 303), but it is very brief and refers only to the male. Up to the moment of writing no description has appeared, in this colony, of the female. As, however, Mr. Campbell has sent an account of both sexes to Dr. Sharpe, no doubt it will soon follow, and I am able to devote my attention to the several stages marked above which deal with immature examples. I was specially pleased to find between fifteen and twenty individuals of this species in the hill-country of Western Australia, and each time to note the large black cap and small white forehead, that convinced me of its being distinct from the eastern P. leygii. Like our Robin it does not confine itself to forest-land only, but is to be found in lightly timbered country. Eggs were collected last season in the Stirling Range, one of which was given to me during my visit, and at the noment of writing this still SER. VIII.—VOL. II. K 130 Mr. R. Hall on Birds remains one of the few Australian birds’ eggs not yet described in scientific literature. The clutch is composed of three eggs, one being deposited each successive day. A nest found at Katanning was built with three walls: (a) external, bark ; (6) thin middle, grass-stems and horsehair; (¢) internal layer, animals’ brownish-red hair. Slightly oval in shape, its greatest diameters were 3 inches X 2°5 inches; the bowl- diameter was half an inch less, while its depth was 1°5 inch; the depth of the whole structure (which tapered to accom- modate itself to the fork, 7 feet above the ground, in a Casuarina) was 3inches. A much more beautiful and broader nest is exhibited in the Perth Museum. Specumen H.—Upper surface brown, each feather streaked with white along the mid-rib; lores and base of forehead shewing white; throat a mixture of brown and whitish; chest deep brown ; abdomen white ; under tail-coverts pale chestnut ; all the white on the wing-quills of the adult represented by rufous; under surface of wing with a white line across the basal part of the quills; outer tail-feather as in adult, except for the measurements ; each tail-feather with the rachis extended so as to appear spinose; bill and feet lemon-coloured; nails black; soft rmg round eye pale yellow ; eyes black. Total length 3°4 inches, wing 2°2. Specimen J.—This appears to have left the nest only a few days before being killed, and is similar to H, but has larger measurements, while the bill is not so yellow. Total — 4. inches, wing 2°38. Specimen K .—This is very little older than H or J. The upper mandible is maturing into black, and the rufous of the wings is becoming white; there is more white on the fore- head than in H or J, and it is now becoming a definite frontal mark; feet below rich orange, above light orange. Total length 4°55 inches, wing 2°75. Specimen M.—A great change is now being effected in the ' plumage. No red appears in H, J, K, but here we have an outburst of not only “ reds,” but “ blacks ” and “ whites,” a large proportion of the streaked feathers of all stages being still retained in the dorsal region. from Western Australia. 131 The white frontal mark has enlarged to the size normally found in the adult, but the texture of each feather is soft, and there is no superimposed layer of cells to give a glint. The wings still retain some light rufous marks in place of the white shown by the adult, while white is present in the primaries and secondaries. Black feathers are mixed with — the brown on the head, throat, interscapulium, rump, and lesser wing-coverts ; the red of the chest is pronounced in one spot, but sparse below and on the left of it. Bill black above, pale yellow at base of lower mandible ; feet blackish ; soft skin round eye yellow. ‘Total length 49 inches, wing 2°75. Specimen N.—Similar to M, but has a broader and deeper patch of red, which is lighter than in the adult ; more black feathers on the throat and back ; a darker bill; and more white shewing on the small brown edges of the wing-coverts, that form so fine an appearance of clear white in the mature bird. Specimens O and P.—These are skins of females further advanced towards the adult stage than are M and N in the male. There is no sign of immaturity on the backs, and the red of the breasts is broadly though feebly distributed. The throat-plumage varies, being brown in O, whitish in P, but in neither grey as in the adult. The lower mandible and frontal marks serve to prove the specimens nearly mature. The white band on the wing-coverts is stronger in O than in the adult. Total length 5 inches, wing 2°7. Just as the green on the wings and tail of certain Meli- phagide is pronounced in the fledgling and weak in the adult, so it is with this Robin as regards the rufous upon the upper surface of the wings and upon the under tail-coverts. Rufous is clearly shown in the nestling, but disappears gradually through the various stages, until the white of the adult appears (within ten weeks). The tail-feathers are practically pomted in the nestling — the spinose appearance vanishing gradually in all the stages above noted until the rounded form of the rectrices of the adult is reached. K 2 hae Mr. R. Hall on Birds - Stages H, J, K, M, and N are clear steps in the “ ladder ” of development to the mature form. 10. Perraca coopenovit. Red-capped Robin. (Hall’s Key, p. 13.) Young sk. Long Island, Pelsart Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. 27.10.99. This species is generally mentioned as met with singly or in pairs. I saw only one specimen upon the whole group, the species being now recorded from the Abrolhos for the first time. The struggle of so young a bird to reach an island forty miles from the mainland must have been great. No assistance to do so would, most likely, be given to it beyond the strong off-shore wind with which it started. An island- life did not seem to have affected its short course of conti- nental manners, for it flew from stone to stone instead of from branch to branch, keeping to the beach and behaving just as a Robin does. | The bird was so young that the fledgling feathers still remained in places, and the forehead bore no trace of a red flush ; commissure yellow; length of wing 2:4 inches. 11. Perraca sicotor. Hooded Robin. (Hall’s Key, p- 14.) aA. Oki ad: 4g ORS SE B-C. Sks.ad.?s. 5.10.99. D. g. Moulting. 6.10.99. Katanning. KE. Young. 5.10.99. F. Young. 6.10.99. Nannine, Cue. Specimen D.—This bird is in a tricolor state—white, brown, and black. It does not show the streaked brown or white of the young, nor the black of the adult (there is a uniform brown phase that seems to indicate a stage between them). All the upper surface is brown and black intermixed, the browns eventually giving way to the blacks. On the inter- scapulium and back is a small patch of black feathers with merely a few that are brown; the throat is jet-black; the cheeks shew a mixture of black and brown; the breast and abdomen are white; the scapulars not a clear white; the wings and tail are marked with white as in the adult; the from Western Australia. 133 wings, their coverts, and the tail are uniform brown ; the bill and feet black. Specimens EK and F.—Both about the same age and just out of the nest in localities three hundred miles apart. The characteristic white marks upon the wings and tail that distinguish this species are clearly shown. ‘The greater part of each contour-feather and wing-covert is marked longi- tudinally with white in E and light rufous brown in F ; the. breast is blotched with white upon black and partly upon brown in F, while hght rufous takes the place of white in EH. The birds thus present a much streaked and blotched appear- ance. E has a black iris, the upper and lower surfaces of the bill blackish with the lateral parts dull yellowish. It is notice- able as regards F (kindly furnished by Mr. L. D. Cameron) that the main white parts of the wings and tail in the adult are also white in this skin, but all the other parts, such as the edging to the quills and scapulars, which should be white, are light rufous brown. I observe, in the limited number of skins at my disposal, that, of the male birds collected in Victoria during September and in West Australia durimg October, the former are much blacker and have reflecting surfaces. In the development of the male of this species there are three stages of plumage that are quite dissimilar :—1. The streaked phase; 2. The greyish-brown and white; 3. The deep black and white*. 12. PsrUDOGERYGONE cULICIVoRA. Western Fly-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 14.) One adult skin obtained 27.9.99. Denmark River. High up in the tall Karri-timber you may expect to find * Since writing these notes, I find that my collection furnishes the inter-~ mediate stage required. Locality Kewell, Vic. ¢ juv. (skin), Oct. 1896, obtained by Mr. Joseph A. Hill. All the upper surface is brownish grey, except for a few black feathers coming on the interscapulium and upper tail-coverts, which indicate a moult for the next stage; throat and chest brownish; rest of under surface white; tail-feathers brown. It is noticeable that while the younger stages E and F exhibit black tails similar to those of the adult, this phase and the more developed speci- men D have tails that are for the most part brown. 134 Mr. R. Hall on Birds this tiny bird. In order to see it for the first time you must trace it by the “ see-saw ” music, and the most pleasing voice in the western bush, which should not be compared with that of a Malurus, for there is no vivacity in it and not much energy is expended. Rather does it tend towards a lullaby. To hear it aloft among the branches for the first time and to trace it to one of the smallest of our birds, say 200 feet above, is a special delight to a naturalist. 13. Mazturusezecans. Red-winged Wren. (Hall’s Key, p. 1G:); A & B. Ad. os. peed xo The feathers of the back appear as if in two layers, an upper silvery blue and an under silvery white, both inter- mingling to give the silvery appearance. The blue feathers are visible for nearly three quarters of am inch. her 9.99. Denmark River. 14. Maturvus ramBerti. Lambert’s Wren. (Hall’s Key, p- 16.) A,B,C,D. Ad. gs. 15th to 29th Oct., 1899. Geraldton. This species was fairly plentiful on the scrub-covered sand-hills of the beach at Geraldton, and the discovery of a nest with three unfledged young (28.10.99) warned me that it was breeding-time. The nest was constructed in much the Same manner as that of WM. cyaneus, and was placed in a Melaleuca not above twelve inches from the ground. Since my return, I have been informed from Geraldton that the males have moulted and become like the females in plumage. | 15. RuIpIpURA ALBISCAPA. White-shafted Fan-tail. (Hall’s Key, p. 17.) . A. Ad. Tor Bay, Albany. 30.9.99. B. Ad. Katanning. 6.10.99. I here record this species as found in Western Australia, and venture to do so because I cannot recognise in these skins R. preisst of Cabanis, the difference, if any, between that and R. albiscapa appearing to me to be of the from Western Australia. 135 slightest. Skin A is as like a Victorian skin dated 17.7.96 (1-2 years old) as those of any two birds from localities so far apart can be*. This induces me to consider the western species as identical with the eastern, and in support of my view I may adduce the following points :— Dr. Sharpe, in the Brit. Mus. Cat., has left the question open, because the key given for R. preissi is in the main the same as that for A. pelzelnt of Norfolk Island. Mr. Gould called the former a species on the authority of Dr. Cabanis; and Dr. Sharpe, I believe, had a birdin the Museum (Gray’s Hand-list, p. 831, 1869) which did not convince him that the species was valid, although he did not make a synonym of the name on account of the doubt attaching to it. Eggs found last season south-east of the Stirling Range may be described as resembling those of the eastern form. 16. Stsura 1nquizeTa. Restless Flycatcher. (Hall’s Key, p. 19.) An adult skin secured upon the banks of the Denmark River (2.10.99) has its chest pure white and the primaries blue-black, in keeping with the secondaries. 17. AcANTHIZA INORNATA. Plain-coloured Tit. (Hall’s Key, p. 25.) Two adult specimens were secured between Albany and the Denmark River on the 5th and 7th of November. 18. AcantHiza ApicaLis. Broad-tailed Tit. (Hall’s Key, p. 25.) paced..." 2 .”\ B Ad. oP eneus 3.11.99. C2 Ad. | | D. Ad. J Tor Bay, Albany. 30.9.99. * While age intensifies the black of the collar beneath the throat, it also makes the contrast clearer between this collar and the tawny chest of the perfectly mature eastern bird. As to the West-Australian bird having more white on the terminal half of the tail, I can only say that its tail must be nearly all white if it has more of that colour than is shown in one of my skins (3.8.96, Victcria). I consider this difference as merely a matter of age, and that Gould’s record needs his specimens to support it (see his ‘Handbook,’ i. p. 246). 136 Mr. R. Hall on Birds The tendency of the subterminal black band in this speciés is to be as strongly marked on the outer web as — onthe inner; while in A. pusilla, which bears a strong like- ness to it, the tendency is for the inner web alone to be banded with black. The inner web of each rectrix is more or less tipped with white in the males and females of this form. Along the partially cleared river-tracts, due to the work of saw-millers, this little bird is always obtaimable during the aforesaid months of the year. From one nest I extracted a young Cuckoo (Cuculus flabellaformis), almost fledged, and a pathetic lamentation was set up by the foster-parents. Taking the nest from among the Melaleuca branches, I placed it at the base of the tree, when the little Tits approached very closely and became quite excited. A and B indicate these birds, while the “ parasite ” is elsewhere referred to. 19. AcanTHIzA CHRYSORRHOA. Yellow-rumped Tit. (Hall’s Key, p. 25.) Two adult skins obtained on September 27th and 28th, twenty miles apart (Denmark and Tor Bay), have a deeper coloured plumage than my eastern skins, and also a portion of the barb of each feather of the occiput striped with black. A comparison with more specimens is necessary to decide the value of the observations. At Katanning (5.10.99) I observed a rather peculiar nest. It had two entrances to the lower chamber near each other. The unroofed apartment above was higher than usual. In a proteaceous tree close by were the remains of last year’s nest built upon the same principle. I secured fresh eggs near Albany on Sept. 29th, at Katanning on Oct. 5th, and at Geraldton on Oct. 28th. 20. SERICORNIS MACULATA. Spotted Scrub-Wren. (Hall’s Key, p. 26.) A. Advanced nestling. 13.10.99. Geraldton. B, C. Juv. sks. 6.10.99, Katanning. Do Sk- ad. ae Be Sk ad O. 13.10.99. Geraldton. from Western Australia. 137 F, Sk. ad. 18.10.99. Houtman’s Abrolhos (East Wal- labi Island). The bird marked “advanced nestling ”’ had left the nest and was being fed by the parents. On the West Wallabi Island of the Abrolhos I observed an empty nest of this species. Broken shells indicated that the young had flown. Feathers within and grass without composed the nest, which was built upon the basal part of that of last year. - 21. PomaTorHINus suPERcILIosus. White-browed Babbler. (Hall’s Key, p. 29.) Sk. ad. g. 3.11.99. Denmark River, 10 miles from the ocean. : I was surprised to meet with a flock of half a dozen of these birds some six miles up the river from the town, living a secluded though noisy life amongst the scrub-vegetation of a giant Karri-forest. I was hunting for Atrichia at the time, and this will give an idea of the style of country. 22. CINCLORHAMPHUS RUFESCENS. Rufous Song-Lark. (Hall’s Key, p. 29.) Sieg juv. 27.10.99. Long Island, Pelsart’ Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. Whole of the upper surface tawny, heavily streaked with deep brown; upper tail-coverts decidedly rufous. Under surface: throat lhghtly, chest heavily streaked; under tail- coverts tawny, abdomen slightly so; lower mandible pale flesh-brown. Length of wing 3°5 inches. This species had not been previously recorded as found upon the Abrolhos. ‘Two other specimens were observed in the mangroves of the same island. 23. EpHTHIANURA ALBIFRONS. White - fronted Chat. (Hall’s Key, p. 30.) Some three to four miles from Geraldton I observed a small flock, and secured a bird for identification. 24, SPHENOSTOMA crisTATUM. Wedge-bill. (Hall’s Key, Tol.) Sk. ad. ¢. . 16.10.99.. Geraldton. 138 Mr. R. Hall on Birds This species is undoubtedly shy, as noted by naturalists in general. It prefers to post itself upon a dead tree just higher than the adjacent short vegetation, and there, always upon the alert, it is ready at once to drop down out of sight and to reappear later in the distance. The rendering I should give of the call is “ Kit-e-lin-tof”” when distant, and “ Kit-e- lint-e-tof’”? when near. The Geraldton boys know it as the former, and pronounce the name in a sweet swinging style. 25. GyMNoRHINA porsALis. Long-billed Crow-Shrike. (Hall’s Key, p. 31.) Al Ske ade &: 6.10.99. Bo ok. 1mm, ¢.— 5.10/99: } Katanning Ca Juv. 4.10.99. In the Perth Museum I was shown by Mr. Woodward six skins of birds, three being young fledglings and three older fledglings. All shewed black backs, the bulk of the feathers being edged with hight brown. Three of these birds were the result of a white-backed male mating with a black-backed female, and had each back- feather edged with brownish white. The fledgling marked C was much whiter upon the back. At Albany I observed an individual in captivity that was about eleven months old. It had the eyebrows fawn-coloured ; the scapulars and back-feathers brown, partly edged with white, but mostly with lighter brown. From other fledgings which I saw it was evident that the species may pass through two phases before leaving the nest: (a) the dark variety mentioned from the Perth Museum, which shews a sombre neck and rump (indicating the female sex), and (b) that with the neck and rump white, and a whitish back, each feather being broadly marked subtermin- ally with black. There are two or three feathers on the back that agree with the skins under (A). Male birds are referred to in (A) and (B). This bird lacks the harmonious voice of its fellow species. It crows like a domestic fowl, and that is not very pleasant in a “ Pie.” JT know of a “ Pie” in captivity In from Western Australia. — 139 Victoria that crows just as the wild western bird does. Fresh eggs were observed at Geraldton on Oct. 13th ; and the nest, which was compactly built, was placed at the top of a Banksia some ten feet from the ground. It was mainly formed of light-coloured rootlets with a few heavier sticks to form a binding base. The internal layer was made up of threads from gunny-bags, collected in an adjacent wheat- field. A band of black horsehair encircled the lower part of the cavity of the nest, which was 13 inches broad, with its bowl-diameter 6 inches, and depth 3 inches. The whole depth of the nest was about 9 inches. The three eggs were of the chestnut type so often seen in Victoria. 26. Orea@ca cristata. Bell-bird. (Hall’s Key, p. 82.) I obtained an adult at Katanning on Oct. 4th. Although I spent three days there, I did not hear any note that would correspond to the vernacular name. 27. EKopsaLrria GkorGiIANA. Grey-breasted Shrike-Robin. (Hall’s Key, p. 33.) A, B. Fledgling sks. 28th and 30th Sept. Tor Bay, Albany. C, D. Imm. sks. 29.10.99. Geraldton. E, F. Ad. sks. 26th and 28th Sept. Tor Bay, Albany. Just as the eastern representative (H. australis) goes rapidly through a series of three changes and more leisurely enters a fourth (adult), so does this form. The young as they leave their nests appear, at first sight, brown, much streaked with white (A and B); then, judging by analogy, they quickly get a touch of olive-yellow, next get more yellow while the plumage is becoming greyer (C and D), and finally (next season) don the lighter yellow (EK and F). . 28. PacHYCEPHALA OCCIDENTALIS. Western Thick-head. (Hall’s Key, p. 33.) Skins of males were procured at Tor Bay and Katanning in the first week of October, and of females at Denmark and Tor Bay within a day or two of the same time. I found the nest and eggs of one of the Katanning birds on Oct. 6th in a belt of Melaleuca alongside of the expanding 140 Mr. R. Hall on Birds part of a creek. I could imagine quite easily that I was examining into the life-history of the eastern representative, P. gutturalis. 29. CuIMACTERIS RUFA. Rufous Tree-creeper. (Hall’s Key, p. 35.) FA eal Sic. eee ac 10.99. Katanning. The young bird was perched upon a log ad was being fed by its parents. Specimen B.—The dorsal surface differs from that of the adult in having the forehead and crown slate-coloured, and the lores of a similar colour with a very faint indication of chestnut ; the upper tail-coverts rufous, with a wash of the same over the tail; the tail itself clearly edged with rufous. The whcle under surface is like that of the adult, except the throat, which is brown washed with rufous, and the chest, which is uniform and not striped; feathers of flanks without pale tips. Bull 0:45 inch. Amongst the tall dead timber of Tor Bay, Albany, I could see the parents taking food to their young (2.10.99). 30. S1rreLLA PILEATA. Black-capped Tree-runner. (Hall’s Key, p. 36.) | | Three adult males and one adult female. 29.9.99. Tor Bay, Albany. These four birds were seen together engaged in a frolic of some kind, and one discharge with a “ half” cartridge secured them all. At Katanning, on Oct. 5th, I observed in a high dilapidated tree (that I would not trust with any additional weight) a nest of fledged young. This is a sociable bird and full of chatter. 31. Myzomena nicRA. Black Honey-eater, (Hall’s Key, p- 37.) . Two adults. 14.10.99. Geraldton. One has the breast-marking brown; the other is black upon the breast. The few specimens of this species seen were always upon the sand-plains, which were thickly adorned with a brightly coloured covering at this time from Western Australia. 141 of year, the bushes being from two to four feet high. The call of the bird is weird, and is very similar to that of Megalurus gramineus. 382. ACANTHORHYNCHUS SUPERCILIOSUS. White-browed Spine-bill. (Hall’s Key, p. 37.) meAd, o . 2.10.99. Denmark. B. Imm. ¢?. 26.9.99. C. Young. 2a, } to Bay, Albany. D. Fledgling. 28.9.99. The principal fact of interest that I have to report con- cerning this bird is that I found several incubating females which shewed a plumage far from mature. The architecture of two of the nests, though less splendid, resembled that of the eastern Yellow-breasted Shrike-Robin (Eopsaltria australis). Being placed between branching twigs and not pendent, the style was far from the normal. The structure, though symmetrical, was coarse, and the edge of the bowl was wide; it was deeper than broad and was lined with feathers. All the nests were cup-shaped. One measured: whole diameter 2°5 inches, whole depth 2, depth of bowl 1:5. While this particular fabric was placed some six feet from the ground in a Banksia, two others were quite eighteen feet from it. In one nest was a single nude young bird and in another an egg on the point of hatching (30.9.99), while in a third found near Albany was a very young nestling. It would seem that, according to my limited observations, the number of eggs is more often one than two. 33. ZosTEROPS GoULDI. Green-backed Silver-eye. (Hall’s Key, p. 38.) A. Ad. sk. Tor Bay, Albany. 29.9.99. B. Ad. sk. Geraldton. 13.10.99. C. Ad. sk. Wallabi Group, Abrolhos. 20.10.99. D. Young. Geraldton. 13.10.99. | The sides of the body in all the above skins are only a shade more ashen than the breast. Young. Specimen D.—Although having just left the nest 142 On Birds from Western Australia. and being fed by a parent when I saw it, in the early stage of plumage this individual bore a strong likeness to that of the adult. The throat was faintly marked with yellow and the under tail-coverts more strongly but not so distinctly as in the older bird. Both throat and coverts would have the yellow intensified at the next change of plumage. I very frequently met with this species, and was pleasantly surprised to receive a favourable report of it from the owner of an isolated garden upon the Denmark River. This garden contained an acre under fruit, while for twenty miles round there was not so much as a single introduced tree; yet aphides were at work, and the Silver-eye is now secure in the affection of the owners on account of the good deed it performs in ridding the orchard of the scourge. At Geraldton a young collector told me that this species is very sensitive, for if you touch the eggs it will throw them out of the nest and rebuild it elsewhere with the same materials. It is quite as sensitive as Menura victorie and Anas superciliosa. In a low myrtaceous shrub, thickly enveloped by a twining “native hop,’ my young friend, Mr. Douglas Darling, found a nest made principally of Clematis fruits and to a less extent of horsehair. Its externa] diameter was 2°5 inches, internal diameter 1°75, depth of bowl 1:25. There were three eggs on the point of hatching (13.10.99). On the Houtman’s Abrolhos more than a pair could be found upon the larger islands, but I saw only a couple on each of the smaller. For instance, I traversed one, of say twenty acres at the most, covered with stunted shrubs, and could only get a single pair of birdsto rise. On another treeless islet off East Wallabi Island, a genuine coral mass of some three-quarters of a mile in length and one hundred yards in width, I saw only one bird. Upon this “hunch,” depressed in the centre and containing brackish water, grew some “ salt-bush” shrubs, acacia (three feet high), and mesembryanthemum. In the last-named was placed a nest with three fresh eggs (21.10.99) within four inches of the “coral and guano” ground. The nest was Recently published Ornithological Works. 143 of quite a new description, not only on account of its seaweed material and beautiful construction, but also from its unique position in “ pig-face’’ so very near the ground. Silver-eyes and Sericorns seem to be the pioneers of Passerine birds. Except for a stray percher or two, they admit of no rivalry in their monarchy. [To be continued. | 1X.—WNotices of recent Ornithological Publications. . ‘Annals of Scottish Natural History, i Annals of Scottish Natural History. No. 39, July 1901, and No. 40, October 1901. ] In recording the occurrence of Linota rostrata (Coues) from Barra, Outer Hebrides, Mr. W. Eagle Clarke justly observes that “a knowledge of the various races of the Arctic or Mealy Redpolls inhabiting the Old and the New Worlds is desirable for the more precise study of the British birds of the group”; but some of us may think that “ this way madness lies” before such knowledge is attained. Mr. George Sim’s announcement of the capture of a Black Kite (Milvus migrans) near Aberdeen on April 16th last is of considerable interest, for this is only the second record for Great Britain of a species which is emphatically migra- tory and nests annually at no greater distance from us than the banks of the Mosel; so that instances of its more frequent occurrence might be reasonably expected. More- over there is not much chance of a large raptorial bird escaping observation—not to say destruction—in these days. Mr. T. G. Laidlaw concludes his Report on the movements and occurrences of birds in Scotland during 1900; and from this, as well as from some minor notices for 1901, it is evident that the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dryocopus major) is decidedly increasing as regards fre- quency of breeding in the south of Scotland. Mr. Sturrock States that in the south of Shetland, in 1901, he captured a Redstart (Ruticilla phenicurus) in the act of building a 144. Recently published Ornithological Works. nest, and that he also found many nests of the Willow-Wren (Phylloscopus trochilus), both new breeders for Shetland. Mr. James MchL. Marshall follows with some notes made between April and July in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Loch, Selkirkshire; and, from a significant omission, we gather that “ on still St. Mary’s lake” the Swan no longer “ floats double, swan and shadow.” Some evidence of the nesting of the Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) in West Ross- shire deserves mention.—H. 8. : 2. Aplin on the Birds of Carnarvonshire. [Further Notes from Lleyn, West Carnarvonshire. By O. V. Aplin, F.L.S. Zoologist, 1901, pp. 141-150. ] In this, as well as in a previous paper published _in the same periodical (Zool. 1900, p. 489), Mr. Aplin has given a pleasing account of his rambles over the western parts of Carnarvonshire, and of his adventures in-search of the birds of that district. Bardsey Island, where the Manx Shear- water appears still to breed, was also visited. No special rarity was observed, unless it be the Purple Sandpiper, of which three occurrences were noted during the two visits. 8. Arrigoni degli Oddi on Birds from Dalmatia. [Nota su una Piccola raccolta di Uccelli del Museo di Zagabria provenienti dal Litorale Dalmato. Atti R. Ist. Veneto d. Sei. lx. pp. 575-585.] Count Arrigoni has carefully compared the specimens in a small collection of birds made for him by Herr Brusina (Director of the National Zoological Museum of Agram) on the Dalmatian littoral with others from various localities in the Palearctic region, and notes the results. Count Arrigoni seems to be of the opinion that it is not easy to separate Hypolais icterina and H. polyglotta satisfactorily. 4. ‘ The Auk.’ [The Auk. A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Vol. xviii. Nos. 3 and 4, July and October 1901. } Passing over some papers of purely American interest, Recently published Ornithological Works. 145 Mr. Ruthven Deane’s contribution of the unpublished letters of William Macgillivray to Audubon deserves attention on this side of the Atlantic. Messrs. Bangs and Bradlee give a list of the birds of Bermuda, and describe three island forms which they consider to be worthy of full specific distinction. As an outlier, Bermuda has been visited by several wanderers from the Old World, and long ago Co]. H. W. Feilden recorded the Lapwing there, but now Vanellus vulgaris has travelled still further to the south-west and has been obtained near Nassan, Bahamas. In Mr, A. C. Bent’s first instalment of a paper, with photogravures, on the nesting-habits of the Anatide in North Dakota, all the species mentioned are on the British list. Mr. Outram Bangs gives a list of birds obtained in the vicinity of Chiriqui, with several new species which may be left to the recorder of “‘ Aves” in our ‘ Zoological Record.’? A paper by H. Lyman Clark on the Classification of Birds, based on pterylosis, deserves the attention of experts; and if the demands on our space would permit we might quote his conclusions (p. 380), but an abstract would hardly do them justice. A valuable paper, by Mr. W. A. Bryan, on Hawaiian birds, will interest all those ornithologists who study geo- graphical distribution and lines of migration. We must not omit to mention that pp. 295-320 contain the Tenth Supplement to the A. O. U. Check-list.—H. 8. 5. Bernacchi on Antarctic Birds. _ [To the South Polar Regions, expedition of 1898-1900. By Louis Bernacchi, F.R.G.S. London: Hurst and Blackett, 1901. Price 12s, net. ] No one interested in Antarctic Research should fail to read Mr. Bernacchi’s narrative of his experiences with Borchgre- vink’s expedition of 1898-1900, which he accompanied as Physicist. The author does not claim to be an ornith- ologist, but there are necessarily constant references to birds throughout his pages, while several excellent photographs of Penguins and Penguin-life are given. His account of the curious ways and habits of the Antarctic Penguin (Pygosceles adelie) is the best and most complete that has SER. VIII.—VOL. II. L 146 Recently published Ornithological Works. yet been published. It appears (p. 225) that ten specimens of the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) were captured alive, but made their escape from the enclosure in which they were confined. We hope that the National Antarctic Expedition will not return without some living examples of this fine bird. Its near ally, A. patachonica, does well in captivity. 6. Bryan’s Key to the Birds of the Hawaiian Group. [A Key to the Birds of the Hawaiian Group. By William Alanson Bryan. Honolulu, 1901. 4to. Pp. 76.] The Curator of Ornithology in the Bernice-Pauahi- Bishop Museum furnishes us with a key to the Hawaiian Avifauna, which may be useful to those who are studying the remarkable forms of that group. It begins at the bottom, after the American fashion, and contains diagnoses of 120 species. We cannot say that we admire the 15 photographic plates of dead birds that illustrate the work, though they will doubtless tend to assist in the determination of the species. We are told, in the Preface, that the Museum in question “now possesses the most representative collection of the Hawaiian Avifauna extant,’ containing upwards of 600 specimens, amongst which is the famous Mills Collection, and that constant additions are made to it by the Museum’s skilled collector, Mr. A. Seale. We venture to suggest that an octavo Handbook of ae whole Hawaiian Avifauna, with references to the two great illustrated works of Wilson and Evans and of Rothschild, would be a desirable undertaking. 7. Burckhart on Psophia and Rhinochetus. (Der Nestling von Psophia crepitans und das Jugendkleid von Rhino- chetus jubatus. Von Rudolf Burckhardt. Nov. Act. K. L.-C. D, Akad. Naturf,, Halle, Ixxix. No. 1, 1901. ] Prof. Burckhardt describes and figures the nestling of Psophia and the plumage of the young of Rhinochetus. He notes that the colour of the nestling of Psophia has no Recently published Ornithological Works. 147 likeness to that of the adult bird, being of a reddish brown, The correspcnding plumage of Hhinochetus is interesting 10 that it is more elaborate in pattern and varied in colour than that of the adult; it is, indeed, not altogether unlike that of Eurypyga. 8. Finn on the Birds of the Indian Museum. [List of the Birds in the Indian Museum. Part I. Families Corvide, _ Paradiseida, Ptilonorhynchide, and Crateropodide. By F., Finn, B.A., F.Z.S., Deputy Superintendent of the Indian Museum. 8vo. Calcutta, 1901. Pp. i-xv, 1-115. Price 1 rupee. ] The Indian Museum at Calcutta, formerly the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, is a most important Institution as regards Natural History, and especially Ornithology, for it contains numerous specimens contributed to it by all the best-known authorities on the birds of British India—not to mention the many types of Blyth, Jerdon, and other authors, It is quite right that a new list of its rich contents should be prepared, Blyth’s well-known Catalogue having been issued as long ago as 1849. Mr. W. L. Sclater was at work upon it when he left India, and, as Mr. Finn tells us in his Preface, the manuscript of the present volume was prepared under his direction. Mr, Finn’s chief task “has, therefore, been to see it through the press, after intercalating the numerous accessions made since the work was written.” The instalment of the List now before us deals with the Passerine families Corvide, Paradiseide, Ptilonorhyn- chide, and Crateropodide only, which are represented in the Indian Museum by 8801 specimens belonging to 416 species. About 66 specimens are types, mostly of Blyth. Of these a list was prepared by Mr. W. L. Sclater and published in this Journal in 1892 (Ibis, 1892, p. 73). The only references given in this List are to the volumes of the ‘ Fauna of British India’ and of the British Museum Catalogue. The specimens of each species are then enume- rated, with the localities, authorities, and the Museum Index- numbers appended. The distribution of each species. is shortly stated, La 148 Recently published Ornithological Works. We trust that this useful piece of work, once started, may be brought to a speedy conclusion. No reason is given for the long delay of ten years which has taken place since the MS. was prepared. 9. Finsch on the Birds of the Siidwest Islands. [Systematische Uebersicht der Vogel der Siidwest-Inseln von Dr. O. Finsch. Notes Leyden Mus. xxii. pp. 225-309. ] The “ Stidwest” are a chain of volcanic islands in the Banda Sea, some 27 in number, which extend eastwards from Timor to the Tenimber Islands. After an elaborate disquisition on what has been already done with regard to ornithology in this group by the collectors and naturalists of Holland, Germany, and England, Dr. Finsch calls special attention to the large collections recently made there for the Leyden Museum by Karl Schadler, who had previously worked in New Guinea and Amboina. Some of these have already been described (see Notes Leyd. Mus. xx. p. 129), but their interest is such that Dr. Finsch has been induced to put together a complete account of them, to which are added references to all the previous authorities on the subject. We have thus before us an excellent memoir on the Ornis of this interesting island-group, which, so far as it has yet been explored, is shown to be the home of 123 species. Of these, 21 are peculiar to the group. One species (Rhipidura reichenowt) is now described as new, the other novelties having been already characterized. On three plates appended to this memoir some of the more remarkable species of the Stidwest group are depicted—Sphecotheres hypoleucus, Gerygone kisserensis, G. wetterensis, Rhipidura reichenowi, Stigmatops notabilis, and Alopecenas hoedti. The last-named is a very curious form of* Ground-Doye discovered by Hoedt in Wetter in 1866, and is known only from the typical pair at Leyden. 10. Fiihrer on the Birds of Montenegro. [Beitrage zur Ornis Montenegro’s und des angrenzenden Gebietes yon Nordalbanien. Von Ludwig von Fiihrer. Ornithol. Jahrb. xi. pp. 165- 189, xii. pp. 1-79.] Recently published Ornithological Works. 149 This is a contribution to that excellent piece of work, Reiser’s ‘ Ornis Baleanica,’ which is now approaching com- pletion, and gives an account of the author’s travels in Montenegro and the adjoining countries in pursuit of a better knowledge of their birds. The appended list of species met with in Montenegro and on the Albanian frontiers contains 256 names. Amongst them are Accipiter brevipes Severzow, Gypaétus barbatus, and Anser neglectus Suschkin, 11. Godman’s ‘ Biologia Centrali- Americana.’ [Biologia Centrali-Americana; or, Contributions to the Knowledge of the Fauna and Flora of Mexico and Central America. Edited by F. DuCane Godman. (Zoology.) Parts CLXIIL-CLXVII. (R. H. Porter.) ] Good progress is now being made with the “ Aves” of the ‘ Biologia Centrali-Americana,’ and three more portions have been issued since our last notice (Ibis, 1901, p. 501). In these the Accipitres are finished, and the succeeding Orders Steganopodes and Herodiones are treated. 12. Goeldi on the Birds of Amazonia. [Album de Aves Amazonicas organisado pelo Dr. Emilio A. Goeldi, Director do Museu Paraense e publicado por ordem de S. Exc? O. Snr. Dr. José Paes de Carvalho, Governador do Estado do Para. Supple- mento illustrativo a obra ‘Aves do Brazil’ perlo Dr. Emilio A. Goeldi, Fase. 1. 4to. Zurich, 1900.] Our ever active friend Dr. Goeldi is issuing a supplement to his ‘ Aves do Brazil’ (see Ibis, 1901, p. 501), containing a series of coloured figures of the more prominent Amazonian birds ; of this the first part is now before us. It contains twelve plates, painted in colours, which give representations of groups of species of the different families that frequent the mighty river and its vicinity. The figures are mostly well drawn and are coloured with quite sufficient accuracy to render the species recognisable. We have no doubt that Dr. Goeldi’s work will do much to promote the study of our favourite science in South America. 150 Recently published Ornithological Works. 13. Harris on Birds of the Canaries and South Africa. [Essays and Photographs. Some Birds of the Canary Islands and South Africa. By Henry E. Harris. 8vo. London, 1901. Pp. i-xiv, 1-212. Price 21s. net. ] Mr. Harris, though he tells us that his main object was to secure photographs, and that he did not originally contem- plate writing a book in connexion with them, gives us a very pleasant account of his adventures in the Canary Islands and Cape Colony during the year 1899. His descriptions of the natural beauties of the country and of the inhabitants are very picturesque, while he affords a considerable amount of information about the birds at their breeding-quarters, and is decidedly successful in his attempt to portray them by means of the camera. Of the plates, perhaps the most interesting are those of “ ploughing with camels,”’ of the eggs of the Cream-coloured Courser and of the sitting bird, of the nests of the Houbara Bustard, the Secretary-bird, the Lark-heeled Cuckoo atid the Hammerkop, of the Stanley Cranes, the Gannets, and the Penguins; though some Passerine birds are also well represented. Six months were spent in Fuerteventura and Tenerife, and an equal period in South Africa; but, as to the islands, the time of year was too early for a perfectly successful ornithological expedition. In Fuerteventura the main places visited were La Oliva, La Antigua, Tuineje, and Puerto Cabras; in Tenerife, Vilaflor, Garachico, and Orotava (where the flower-carpet was on view) ; and in Cape Colony, Houw Hoek, Stanford, Caledon, Bot River Vley, Knysna, Bird Island, Seal ae and Saint Croix—the last three in Algoa Bay. 14. Hartert on his former Travels and Researches. [Aus den Wanderjahren eines Naturforschers. Reisen und Forsch- ungen in Afrika, Asien und Amerika. Von Ernst Hartert. Nov. Zool. viii. pp. 221-355. | Mr. Hartert proposes to give us an account of his former travels and researches in various parts of the world in ‘ Novitates Zoologice,’ and begins here with the first eight chapters of it. The first four contain an interesting narrative of his journey through Nigeria to Kano and Socoto in 1885, in which many zoological allusions are introduced. Some Recently published Ornithological Works. 151 good photographs and excellent maps illustrate this part of the work. (See ‘ Ibis, 1887, p. 353.) The fifth chapter is devoted to an essay on the Fauna of the Canary Islands, the Avifauna of which has been of late years so fully worked out by Mr. Meade-Waldo (Ibis, 1889-94) and Dr. Kénig (Journ. f. Orn. 1890). The 63 “ breeding-birds ” of the group are enumerated, and various new Canarian “subspecies” are created. In the course of the remarks it is proposed to make of our British Robin a subspecies EHrithacus rubecula melophilus, and of our Swift a subspecies Apus apus apus. The sixth chapter contains an enumeration of the 27 birds of the Los Islands, on the west coast of Africa, amongst which the most remarkable species is the extraordinary Sturnid Coccycolius iris Oust., only known as yet from this locality. In the seventh and eighth chapters the author returns to “ Haussaland,” and gives us a list of the 189 species of birds as yet recorded to have been found within its limits. Hypochera* wilsont (scr. Hypochera) is described as a new species. 15. Hartert on new Birds from Ecuador. [On some Birds from North-west Ecuador. By Ernst Hartert. Nov. Zool. viii. pp. 869-371. ] The following species are described—Neocrex uniformis and Pittasoma rufopileatum, besides some subspecies, while the remarkable Dacnis berlepschit Hart. and Grallaria pur- ambe Rothsch. (already characterized in the Bull. B. O. C.) are figured. 16. Harting’s ‘ Handbook of British Birds.’ [A Handbook of British Birds, showing the Distribution of the Resident and Migratory Species in the British Islands, with an Index to the Records of the Rarer Visitors. By J. E, Harting, F.L.S.,F.Z.S. New and revised edition. London: John C. Nimmo, 1901. 1 vol. 8vo. 520 pp. Price 42s. net. T ] * Cf. Bp. Consp. i. p. 450 and the Greek Dictionary (xnpa, vidua). + This work was published last year, but the copy sent to us was accidentally mislaid, and escaped our notice until it was too late for the last number.—Epp. 152 Recently published Ornithological Works. Mr. Harting’s ‘ Handbook’ of 1872 * is known to all of us. He has now re-issued it in a much extended form, and illus- trated it by a series of coloured figures of the heads of the birds, prepared from the drawings of the late Professor Schlegel. We have, therefore, now before us a volume of 520 pages and 365 plates. As in the former work, British Birds are divided into two distinct categories—one containing “ residents, periodical - migrants, and annual visitants,” and the other “rare and accidental visitants.”” Under the former heading are placed 262 species, under the latter 167—making altogether 429 species considered as appertaining to the British Avi- fauna. It is, of course, in many cases difficult to decide whether certain species should be placed in the first or second of these divisious, but in most cases our author seems to have come to a correct decision upon this point. A very valuable feature in the second part of Mr. Harting’s volume is the list of references to the records of the occurrences of the “rare and accidental visitors ” in Britain. With the help of this we can find at once how many times any rarity that may turn up has occurred, where to look for an account of it, and, in many cases, where each individual specimen has been preserved. The Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), for instance, has occurred three times in the British area (cf. p. 372) and references are given to the records of the three specimens. In his nomenclature and arrangement our author is delightfully conservative. “ Subspecies” and “ homonyms ”’ are alike ignored, and the good old-fashioned names, “ under- standed of the people,” are sternly adhered to. It is really refreshing, in these days, to find a naturalist who objects to the much-adored principle of unlimited priority, and boldly says :——“ ‘The increasing practice of changing well-known names for newly discovered ones on the ground of priority I regard as a misfortune to Science, for there is no finality in such a proceeding and never likely to be.” At the same time, as regards arrangement, we could not * See ‘Ibis,’ 1872, p. 04. Recently published Ornithological Works. 153 go so far with Mr. Harting as to continue to keep the Accipitres at the head of the Class of Birds, and to sink the highly developed Swallows to the bottom of the Passeres, in order to bring them next to the Swifts. These, however, are but small blemishes in a useful work, well printed and well illustrated, which should be in the library of every * British bird-man.” 17. Hellmayr on the Genus Polioptila. [Zur Revision der Gattung Polioptila. Von C. E. Hellmayr. Nov. Zool. viil. pp. 3856-361. ] The genus Polioptila is re-revised (cf. Nov. Zool. vil. p- 555) and a new “ subspecies ”’ is described. 18. ‘ Irish Naturalist,’ [The Irish Naturalist. A Monthly Journal of General Irish Natural History. Edited by G. H. Carpenter and R. Lloyd Praeger. Vol. x. Nos. 1-12. Eason & Sons, Dublin. ] This Journal makes a worthy commencement of the year 1901 with a notice by Mr. Ussher of Mr. R. M. Barrington’s excellent volume on the ‘ Migration of Birds observed at Irish Light Stations.’ A Tawny Owl recorded by Mr. Robert Patterson from Co. Down, and believed to be the first authenticated Irish example, was subsequently shown by the same gentleman to be one of nine birds obtained in the New Forest in June 1900 (during the close-time) and liberated in Co. Down by a gentleman who took “some interest in ornithology,” but did not think it necessary to mention the introduction in print. This the Editors stigma- tize as “‘falsifying the geographical record,” and they proceed to express their opinion that, in some cases, “ the introducer is almost as great an enemy to science as the exterminator.” However, most of these Owls have already perished, as they were proscribed because they disturbed the neighbourhood by their hooting. Dr. Patters has a somewhat lengthy article on the Grey Phalarope, while among the various occurrences may be cited those of a Roller in Donegal, an adult King-Hider in Co. Down, and a young 154 Recently published Ornithological Works. Cuckoo killed by striking the lantern of the Skulmartin Lightship on the 26th of November, 1900—the latest date on record, we believe. So little is known about the Great and Sooty Shearwaters on our coasts that we welcome Mr. Ussher’s paper on the frequency and abundance of these birds off the coasts of Kerry, Cork, and Waterford; the information being mainly derived from the experiences of Mr. H. Becher, who has, by the way, contributed some valuable notes respecting the autumn of 1901 to ‘ The Field,’ and has sent some much-desired specimens to the Dublin Museum. Similar examples would be much appreciated at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington.—H. 8. 19. Le Souéf on the Eggs of Pitta iris. [Description of Eggs of the Rainbow-Pitta, Pitta wis. By D. Le Souéf, C.M.Z.S. Vict. Nat. xviii. p. 157.] Mr. Le Souéf gives us an account of the nest and eggs of Pitia iris, taken on the Daly River, N.W. Australia, on the 24th of December, 1900. Mr. Campbell (‘ Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds,’ p. 529) has mentioned them as “ un- described.” 20. Le Souef on the Water-Birds of Riverina. [Among the Waterfowl in Riverina. By D. Le Souéf,C.M.Z.S. Vict. Nat. xvi. pp. 1-7.] Mr. Le Souéf read before the Field-Naturalist Club of Victoria in February last year an account of his visit to the swamps of the Riverina district of New South Wales in the preceding December. The most interesting object noticed was a mixed breeding-colony of Cormorants, Herons, Spoonbills, and Ibises, with a single nest of the Wedge- tailed Eagle. Other birds were also met with. 21. Martorelli on new Cases of Hybridism in Birds. [Due nuovi casi d’Ibridismo negli Uccelli. Nota Ornitologica del socio Prof. Giacinto Martorelli. Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. xl. pp. 1-23. | Prof. Martorelli describes and figures two supposed Recently published Ornithological Works. 135 hybrids taken when adult and in the wild state. The first is attributed to Turdus pilaris and T. merula, and the second to Dafila acuta and Anas boscas. 22. Matschie on the Zoo-geography of Western Micronesia. [Bemerkungen zur Zoogeographie des westlichen Milronesiens. Von Paul Matschie. J. f. O. 1901, pp. 109-114. Die Vogelwelt der neuesten deutschen Besitzungen in der Siidsee. Von Paul Matschie. [Illustrirte Deutsche Monatshefte, Ixxxix. pp. 405- 419.] Under the name Micronesia the author designates the Pacific Islands lying between 130° and 180° W. long., i.e. the Pelew Islands, Yap, the Mariannes, and the Carolines. After quoting Wiglesworth’s ‘ Aves Polynesiz, he mentions recent additional authorities on this Avifauna and discusses its various relationships. Most of the genera not endemic are apparently Papuan. ‘Tables of distribution are given, and it is shown that Micronesia may be divided into five ‘ smaller Avifaunas—Pelews, Yap, Mariannes, and Western and Eastern Carolines. The same subject is pursued in the popular article in Westermann’s ‘Illustrirte Deutsche Monatshefte,’? and is illustrated with figures of some of the more remarkable birds of Micronesia, and with a map, which shews the proposed divisions of its Avifauna very plainly. | 23. Matschie on the Cassowaries. [Einige Bemerkungen iiber die Verbreitung und Systematik der Kasuare. Von Paul Matschie. J. f. O. 1901, pp. 265-269.] The publication of Mr. Rothschild’s elaborate memoir on the Cassowaries in the ‘Transactions of the Zoological Society of London’ has induced Herr Matschie to prepare a series of notes on various points in the distribution and systematic arrangement of these birds. Amongst. these he calls attention to the fact that the figures given by Mr. Roth- schild of Casuarius uni-appendiculatus do not agree accurately with Blyth’s original description of this species. Herr Matschie therefore beliéves these figures to represent a 156 Recently published Ornithological Works. different species, which he proposes to call C. rothschildi; of this there is also a young example living in the Zoological Garden of Berlin. 24. Meyer and Heller on the Eggs of Aipyornis. { Aepyornis-Eier von Dr. A. B. Meyer und Dr. K. M. Heller. Abh. u. Ber. k. Zool. u. Anthrop.-Ethn. Mus. z. Dresden, Bd. ix. 1900-1. ] The two fossil eggs of AfZpyornis in the Dresden Museum are carefully described and figured, and a list, with accurate dimensions, is given of all the eggs of the AXpyornithide known to exist in collections, Thirty-three specimens are catalogued, with lengths varying from 344°2 to 279 mm. They belong probably to several species. 25. Milligan on new Australian Birds. [Description of a new Species of Mzrafra (Bush-Lark) from Western Australia. By Alex. W. Milligan, Perth. Vict.’Nat. xviii. p. 25. Description of a new Species of Amytis (Grass-bird) from Western Australia. By Alex. W. Milligan, Perth. Vict. Nat. xviii. p. 27.] The Mirafra is characterized and named M. woodwardi and the Amytis A. gigantura. 26. North on Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds. [Nests and Eges of Birds found Breeding in Australia and Tasmania. (Second edition of Catalogue No. xii., entirely rewritten with additions.) By A.J. North. Part I. 4to. Sydney, 1901.] The species here fully discussed and illustrated in the text are Corvus coronoides, C. bennetti, Corone australis, Strepera graculina, S. arguta, S. melanoptera, S. cuneicaudata, 8. plumbea, 8S. fuliginosa, Struthidea cinerea, Corcorax melano- rhamphus, Ptilorhis paradisea, P. victorie, Craspedophora alberti, Phonygama gouldi, Ptilonorhynchus violaceus. Some of the nests are also figured, and the coloured plate contains eggs of Corone australis, Gymnorhina tibicen, G. leuconota, Corvus coronoides, Strepera arguta, S. melanoptera, S. fuli- ginosa, S. graculina, and S. cuneicaudata. information of all sorts is given, as is usual in Mr. North’s works, while it is noticeable that he, with his opportunities Recently published Ornithological Works. 157 for observation of the live birds, places Strepera and Struthidea under the head of the Corvine, and. Corcorax under the Fregiline. Details concerning Paradise-birds always maintain their interest, many of the nests and eggs having been quite recently discovered ; the author, moreover, figures and discusses the curious tracheze of Phonygama gouldi, P. keraudrenit, and Manucodia comrit. 27. North on new Australian Birds. [Description of the Nest and Eggs of the Painted Honey-eater, Ento- mophila picta Gould. By Alfred J. North, C.M.Z.S. Vict. Nat. xvii. Description of a new Species of the Genus Malurus. By Alfred J. North, ©.M.Z.S. Vict. Nat. xviii. p. 29. | Mr. North describes the nest and eggs of the beautiful Honey-eater, Entomophila picta, from specimens taken near Bathurst, N.S.W., and a new Malurus from the interior of Australia—WM. assimilis, allied to M. lamberti. 28. Regalia on the Cave-fauna of Palmaria. {Sulla Fauna della “ Buca del Bersagliere ” e sull’ eta dei depositi della vicina “Grotta dei Colombi” (Is. Palmaria, Spezia). Nota di E. Regalia. Archiv. per l’Antropol. e ’Etnol. xxx. pp. 277-332. | This is an account of recent investigations in the caves of the island of Palmaria, near Spezia, and especially of the newly-explored “ Buca del Bersagliere.” Remains of about 36 species of birds were discovered in the last-named cave, and the list is compared with that of the previously examined “Grotta dei Colombi.” All the species of birds: belong to Italian forms now in existence. 29. Rothschild and Hartert on Birds from the Solomon Group. [List of a Collection of Birds from Kulambangra and Florida Islands, in the Solomon Group. By Hon. Walter Rothschild, Ph.D., and Ernst Hartert. Nov. Zool. viii. pp. 179-189.] The birds of the Solomon Group are of special interest, as most of the islands contain local forms often provided with strong differential characters. The authors describe 158 Recently published Ornithological Works. collections recently received at the Tring Museum from their Collector, Mr. A. S. Meek, from Kulambangra, north of New Georgia, and from Florida near Guadalcanar. The species represented in these two collections are 48 in number, of which 9 are described as new—namely, Zosterops kulambangre, Z. floridanus, Graucalus hypoleucus, Myzomela eichhorni, M. kulambangre, Myiagra feminina, Rhipidura albina, Cacomantis addendus, and Hypocharmosyna meekt, besides several subspecies. In a footnote the Eurystomus of New Hanover is separated as HE. neo-hanoveranus (! scr. novo-hanoveranus). 80. Salvadori on Birds from Spitsbergen. [Intorno ad alcuni Uccelli della Spitzberghe. Per Tommaso Salvadori. Boll. Mus. d. Zool. e. Anat. Comp, d. R. Univ. d. Torino, xvi. no. 388. | This is an account of the birds obtained in Spitsbergen during the visit there of King Victor-Fmmanuel ITI. (then Prince of Naples) in the summer of 1898 (see Mem. Soc. Geogr. Ital. ix. p. 82). The 74 bird-skins brought home are referred to 14 species, all well known. But Count Salvadori takes this opportunity to demonstrate that the so- called Lagopus hemileucurus of Spitsbergen is merely a phase of plumage of L. hyperboreus. ~31. Saunders on Antarctic Birds. [The Antarctic Manual for the use of the Expedition of 1901. Edited by George Murray, F.R.S. Birds: by Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.ZS., F.R.G.S. Pp. 225-238. Royal Geographical Society, 1 Savile Row, London, 1901. ] In the Manual composed for the use of our Antarctic explorers, edited by Mr. George Murray, will be found an excellent essay on the birds of the South Polar Regions, prepared by Mr. Howard Saunders. After a general dis- cussion of the Penguins, Petrels, and Gulls met with to the south of 60° or a trifle to the northward, which form the bulk of the Antarctic Ornis, and allusions to the Sheath- bills (Chionis) and a Cormorant which is not yet properly identified, a systematic list of the 26 species more or less Recently published Ormthological Works. 159 certainly known as Antarctic is given; those found within the Antarctic Circle being designated by small capitals. There are only eight of the latter. 32. Sharpe’s * Hand-list of the Generu and Species of Birds.’ [A Hand-list of the Genera and Species of Birds. (Nomenclator Avium tum Fossilium tum Viventium.) By R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D. Vol. III. London, 1901. Pp. xii, 367. Price 10s. 6d. | In the third volume of the ‘ Hand-list’ the formidable task of cataloguing the great group of Passeres is commenced, and carried through the Mesomyodians into the Oscines. The fourth volume, to be issued, we are informed, in 1902, will contain the enumeration of the remaining Oscines and complete this important work. The following table shows the numbers of the genera and species catalogued in the present volume, according to the classification there adopted :— . Order. No. of genera. No. of species. XXXIV. Eurylemiformes........ ia 16 DROOL, Menuriformes 2. 0. 1. 1 3 XXXVI. Passeriformes. Subord. Mesomyodi .... 242 1665 Fy a NCromiyodl (2.5 127 1256 O17 2940 So that we have enumerated in all 2940 species referred to 377 genera. The task of classifying the Acromyodi or Oscines correctly is, as Dr. Sharpe allows, almost hopeless, according to the present state of our knowledge; but we cannot quite understand why he should commence his list with the Swallows. The Hirundinide, which have entirely lost their outer primary, are without doubt one of the most highly developed forms of Oscinine bird-life and should come very near the top of the series—z. e. at the further end—in a classification which commences, as Dr. Sharpe’s does, from the bottom. We also venture to suggest that it would have been a great 160 Recently published Ornithological Works. convenience to use the names of Families as “ running titles ” in the Hand-list instead of “ Genera and Species of Birds,” which is a piece of quite useless information to those who consult the work. 33. Shufeldi on the Screamers. [On the Osteology and Systematic Position of the Screamers (Palamedea: Chauna). By R. W. Shufeldt. Amer. Nat. xxxv. pp. 455-461.] Dr. Shufeldt compares the principal points of structure of the Screamer, the Swan, and the Turkey in a tabular form, and concludes that, taken as a whole, the Anserine characters of the Screamer are more evident than those of the other forms. ‘“ The Screamers should be placed near the Anseres, but apart and in an independent group.” Most other modern authorities are of exactly the same opinion. 34. Shufeldt on the Coccyges. (The Osteology of the Cuckoos [Coccyges]. By Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc. xl. No. 165, pls. i., ii] In the present paper Dr. Shufeldt treats the Cuckoos of the United States after his usual fashion in writing of such groups. His own work on the same subject and the writings of other authors having been discussed, he reprints, with additions, one of his former articles on the osteology of Geococcyz californianus, which is followed by a note on its young, accounts of the osteology of Crotophaga and Coccyzus (including the young of the latter), and a synopsis of the osteology of the Crotophagine, Centropodine (represented by Geococcyx), and Cuculine (represented by Coccyzus). Lastly, he treats of the affinities of the Cuckoos, and finds in them much less kinship to the Caprimulgi, Cypseli, Trogones, Trochili, and Pici than to the other Picarian forms. As _ opposed to Dr. Sharpe, he would place Diplopterus directly between the Centropodine and Cuculine. In Geococcyx he finds the skull to differ from that described by Huxley, the pelvis to resemble that of Porzana carolina, and the tibio- tarsal shaft of comparatively large size in the young. Recently published Ornithological Works. 161 35. Southwell on the Breeding of the Crane in East Anglia. [On the Breeding of the Crane in Kast Anglia. By Thomas Southwell, F.Z.S. Trans. Norf. & Norw. Nat. Soc. vii. pp. 160-170.] In this article Mr. Southwell has put together many interesting notices respecting the habitual use of the Crane for food in England in former days. On one celebrated occasion in the reign of Edward LV. as many as 204 of these unfortunate fowls were included in the bill of fare. As regards the regular breeding of the Crane in the Eastern Counties, though tliis was probably the case, the evidence is but scanty. It appears certain, however, that on the 4th June, 1543, a “ yong pyper Crane,” which could hardly have been bred elsewhere, was obtained at Hickling, in Norfolk; and Dr. William Turner, in his ‘ Avium Historia’ (1544), is most precise in his statement that in his days Cranes nested in the English marshes and that he had often seen their “* nipiones.”” 3 36. Stark’s ‘ Birds of South Africa’ [The Fauna of South Africa. Birds: Vol. Il. By A.C. Stark, M.B. Completed by W. L. Sclater,M.A., F.Z.S. London, 1901. R. H. Porter. Pp. xiv & 823. (Cf. Ibis, 1900, p. 3894.) Price 21s. net. | The present volume of the ‘ Birds of South Africa’ has been completed by Mr. W. L. Sclater, the Editor of the Series, owing to the sad death of Dr. Stark during the siege of Ladysmith. The manuscript had been finished by the author, but required a considerable amount of revision and addition to bring it up to date; so that Mr. Sclater found it no slight task to prepare the sheets for the press, though as to the successful nature of his efforts there can be no two opinions. Mr. A. D. Millar of Durban, Dr. A. Reichenow of Berlin, Capt. Shelley, and Dr. Sclater are specially mentioned in the Preface as having given considerable assistance. The families treated in this instalment are the Laniide, Crateropodide, Sylviide, Turdide, Muscicapide, Dicruride, Campophagide, Hirundinide, and Pittide, while the plan and arrangement of the whole work have been already noticed in SER. VIII.— VOL. II. M 162 Recently published Ornithological Works. our pages. LHighty-three illustrations are given, chiefly of heads, feet, wings, and tails, but in a few cases of the nests: many of them giving a beautifully soft appearance to the parts figured. The book contains a very large fund of information con- densed into a reasonable space; but no one can read it without being struck by the immense amount of field-work that yet remains to be done with regard to South-African birds, the nests and eggs of many species—even cf some breeding in Cape Colony—being as yet unrecorded. Anders- son, the Layards, Ayres, are often almost the sole authorities that can be quoted; though a great advance has evidently been made of late, for which we are largely indebted to Capt. Alexander (the Zambesi), the Messrs. Woodward and Mr. Millar (Natal and Zululand), and Mr. Marshall (Mashonaland). 37. Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen on Birds from Madeira. [Neue Formen von Madeira. Von Vict. Ritter v. Tschusi zu Schmid- hoffen. Ornithol. Monatsber. ix. pp. 129-131. ] It is here proposed to separate the Blackcap of Madeira as a subspecies, because of the browner tint of the plumage, also the Spectacled Warbler, Linnet, and Goldfinch of the same island, on what appear to be very slight grounds. The Goldfinch of Madeira is stated to be “ smaller,” but only two specimens have been examined, and we venture to say that small as well as large Goldfinches may easily be found in Europe. The author also wishes to separate the Mountain Accentor of Dalmatia, Montenegro, and Greece as Accentor collaris reiseri, because of its grey upper plumage. 38. Vallon on Count Arrigoni’s Collection of Birds. [Die Sammlung italienischer Vogel des Professors Graf Arrigoni degli Oddi in Caoddo (Mouselice) bei Padua. Von G. Vallon. Ornithol. _ Jahrb, xii. pp. 89-97. | Herr Vallon, of Udine, has paid a visit to the celebrated Collection of Italian Birds belonging to Count Arrigoni degli Oddi, of Caoddo near Padua, and gives us an in- teresting account of it. There are about 7200 specimens Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 163 in the Italian Collection, of which about 4500 are skins and 1900 are set up, besides some 800 that are exotic. The series of colour-variations—albinisms and other kinds—is very rich. The skins are excellently made, carefully arranged, and fully labelled. Herr Vallon gives a long list of the more remark- able specimens, amongst which, we notice, are nine examples of Buteo desertorum and three of B. ferox, one of Falco island- icus from Venetia, also specimens of Dendrocopus lilfordi, Turdus fuscatus, Budytes citreolus, Emberiza aureola, E. rustica, and E. pusilla, with many other Italian rarities. The Count has, moreover, a considerable series of hybrids. 39. Winge on the Birds of the Danish Lighthouses, 1900. [Fuglene ved de danske Fyr i 1900. 18de Aarsberetning om danske Fugle. Ved Herluf Winge. Vidensk. Medd. fra d. naturh. Foren. i Kbhyn. 1901, pp. 67-128. |] From the eighteenth report on the birds taken and observed at the Danish Lighthouses (see [bis, 1901, p. 150) we learn that 700 specimens were received in the year 1900 at the Zoolo- gical Museum, Copenhagen, from 33 lighthouses. They are referred to 53 species. An example of the slender-billed form of the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactesleptorhynchus) was taken at the Hestehoved Station on Oct. 30th. The total number of species as yet registered in these lists is 144. X.—Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. We have received the following letters since our last issue :— Sirs,—Amongst the many interesting spring. displays of the Anatide, that of the male Baer’s Duck, which I have studied in the specimens living in the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London, is somewhat remarkable. He commences to “draw” about the same time as the Scaup Duck, to which the species is evidently closely allied, and as regards his nuptial courtship is similar in many respects to that bird, M2 164 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. To attract the female, the Baer’s Duck (Fuligula baeri) half raises himself in the water by a sudden movement, while at the same time the chest is thrust forward and the head and neck are depressed to the scapulars. Whilst this quick movement is being performed, the wind-pipe is blown out to the fullest extent, and then the air is released, forming at once a singular distension of the neck. This some- what curious display is manifested amongst the Anatide by the Pochard and the Scaup only, but even these birds have somewhat dissimilar methods of courtship. Throat- and crop-distensions are, however, common amongst the Gallinaceous birds at the period of love-making. When much excited, Baer’s Duck also contracts the black pupil of the eye till it is almost lost to the view of the spectator. Yours &e., June 9th, 1901. | J. G. Manan: Sirs,—lI have lately received, through my native collector, two specimens of the handsome Night-Heron discovered by the late Mr. Whitehead in Hainan, Nycticorax magnifica (Grant, Ibis, 1899, p.585; P. Z.S. 1900, p. 493, pl. xxxiii.). They were shot near Chinteh, in Anhwei Province, on the south bank of the Yangtse, a distance of about 900 miles N.. by E. of the locality where the type was procured. It is probable, therefore, that this species is distributed, in summer at least, throughout the hill-districts of Fokien, Chekiang, and Anhwei, which provinces are very similar in general character and natural productions. Fokien has been thoroughly worked by Messrs. Rickett and La Touche,and my collector has made frequent trips in Chekiang and Anhwei, the neighbourhood of Chinteh being favourite ground with him. It is therefore extraordinary that so’ conspicuous a bird should have remained so long undiscovered. The two specimens obtained were shot on different evenings when coming to roost in high trees ; by day they could not be seen. Two others were seen, but not secured. Yours &e., Shanghai, F. W. Styan. 26th August, 1901. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 165 Srrs,—Two Eared Grebes (Podicipes nigricolis), male and female, were shot on a large pond about three miles north of this village on the 19th of September, 1899. They had not quite assumed the winter dress, and in the male the sides of the head were still tinged with a dark rufous colour. They had not been seen on the pond previously and were clearly on migration; but, for several reasons, I think that they had passed the summer in this country and were not merely migrants which had recently arrived from abroad. The date is full early for foreign birds to have reached the middie of England. It is unlikely that two immigrant individuals (presumably a pair) should have wandered in company so far inland as Oxfordshire, where this Grebe is very rare as a visitor—far rarer than the Sclavonian Grebe. The only connexion between the pond they were killed upon and the Thames is a small brook, a branch of one of the tributary streams which flow into the Cherwell many miles above Oxford. Even the Sclavonian Grebe, which reaches Oxford- shire by way of the Thames, and is not very uncommon on that river above Oxford, is hardly known on these remote subtributary streams in the north of the county. I think also that this pair of Grebes were nof non-breeding birds, hatched in 1898 and just over their autumnal moult, because in that case neither of them would have had any sign of rufous colour on the head, this colour not being exhibited by the young bird in the first summer following the year in which it was hatched (I conclude this is so from the exami- nation of a bird shot in Anglesea on the Ist of August), and not being assumed at the autumn moult. The organs of reproduction in the Oxfordshire birds were small, but this is usually the case with birds in early autumn. The only sign of (possible) immaturity shown by these examples was the colour of the irides—golden yellow; but the colour of the irides of Grebes is notoriously very variable, and may possibly change with the seasons. It seems, therefore, reasonable to suppose that this pair of Eared Grebes had bred, or had attempted to breed, on one of the large reservoirs of Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, 166 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. or Northamptonshire, three of which are within eight miles of the pond on which these birds were shot. On ali these reservoirs the Great Crested Grebe has bred for many years. I venture to think that this evidence in support of a probable case of the Eared Grebe breeding in this country is of sufficient importance to be mentioned in ‘The Ibis,’ since the British Islands lie within the geographical breeding- range of the species, which is recorded to have been found in summer as far north as Jutland and to nest commonly in Southern Spain; while to the east as well as to the south of us it is common. These two specimens are in my possession, and were seen by me three days after they were shot. Yours &c., ; Bloxham, Oxon, O. V. Apuin. 15th November, 1901. ee Sirs,—August 9th, 1901, found H.M.S. ‘ Diana, in company with other vessels of the Mediterranean fleet, at anchor at one of the islands of the Levant. Having previouly arranged with Capt. Ferris, of the ‘Empress of India,’ to lend me his picket-boat, 1 reminded him of it by making the pre-arranged signal, and he came to fetch Commander Halsey, Dr. Stenhouse, and myself. Armed with ropes, canvas sling, egg-blowers, guns, and plenty of No. 6’s, we started at 1.10 p.m. and ran to a small island at the entrance of the harbour some miles off: here, as we passed in the ship the day before, we had made out several Falcons skimming about. Luckily the wind was light and off shore, and there was but little swell; so we had no trouble in landing in the galley and skiff, which we had brought in tow. : We had no difficulty in making out that our Falcons were Falco eleonore, and we were soon at the top of the island endeavouring to find their breeding-places, as August is the time, strangely enough, that this bird lays—no doubt with the intention of feeding its young on the members of the autumn migration. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 167 The island slopes steeply to the water at the northern end, but on the other faces is cliffy, particularly at the south. It is composed of rough sandstone, bits of which treacherously break off in the hand; but on the whole, if you wear india- rubber-soled shoes, the climbing is good. Vegetation is scarce, a few rock-plants and wild asparagus being all that I saw. The southern end of the island is split from the main portion by a deep crevice ; but we managed to scramble up the face of it, and shortly afterwards I heard a shout from Stenhouse announcing that he had found eggs: and, on joining him, sure enough, in a little sandy-floored cavern, some 25 feet down the face of the cliff, lay three eggs. I was so pleased that I did not wait to put myself in the sling, but threw the rope over and, with the Doctor and my coxswain Muckle holding on above seated with their feet against a rock, down J went, hand over hand, and was soon in the cavern. ‘Two eggs were lying side by side, and a third some two or three feet away. There was absolutely no attempt at a nest, or even a hollow: the eggs lay on the bare dry sand. I soon had them in my handkerchief, and holding this in my mouth, made a bowline in the end of the two-inch manilla, and in a minute or two was at the top exulting. After a few moments’ gloating we proceeded with our search, and fifty yards further on my coxswain saw some more eggs, this time not more than 12 feet down the cliff. More cautious this time, I got into the canvas sling, of which Col. Willoughby Verner had given me the pattern, and was soon over the edge and in possession of the clutch of three, again curiously arranged, two of the eggs being together, the third being some two feet away. This clutch was handsomer than the other and more boldly blotched. We now thought that we had done well, and seeing nothing more retired across the crevice with the intention of returning to the boat and going after Blue Rock-Pigeons, of which there were a good many on the island and yet more on the cliffy coast of the mainland. Taking one more look with the binoculars at the face of the cliff we had left, the Doctor declared he saw an egg; further looking revealed 168 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. the other two, separated as usual from the third, and this time behind two small stones on the floor of the cave. We were soon back, and this time Stenhouse went over, not twenty yards from the first nest; we scon had the eggs, which proved the lightest in colouring of the three clutches. Before going to the boat we blew them, and found all more or less incubated, some perhaps five days, some quite twice that time; but none were infertile, as we had expected the separated single eggs to be, and no one could doubt for an instant that the three in each case formed one clutch, the colouring beimg identical, though the separated specimen of the first clutch was rather the smallest. The Falcons (very dark birds) seemed to pay little attention to us, and uttered no sound that I heard; they did not come within easy gun-shot, for which I was secretly rather glad, though I wanted a skin. We did not shoot at them: they looked like gigantic Swifts,. with their sooty colour and long pointed wings. We were soon on our way to the cliffs where the Blue Rock-Pigeons abound. All the best stances had been taken up; but we found a place, and I know that I fired thirty-seven shots for eight Pigeons, an Alpine Swift (spread of wing 20 inches), and a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), which I shot by mistake, as it came fair from the sun: the Pigeons gave extraordinarily difficult shots. Occasionally an Eleonora passed along, looking no doubt for wounded birds, and a couple of Eagles were also hunting (I could not make out their species). Both Alpine and Common Swifts were hawking high overhead, and one Red-legged Partridge passed out of range, going very fast away from the Eagles: he was nobbled by a fine shot of Halsey’s a few seconds later, and was a very large bird, weighing 24 oz. The gloaming was on us, and it was pitch-dark before we got to the passage in the inner harbour. However, with the lights of the fleet to help, 9 o’clock saw us on board, after a delightful and sporting day. I forgot to mention that on the island we found: some old nests, apparently of Gulls, and in one cave on the face of the cliff was a large nest of sticks: I shall examine this, Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 169 if I am ever at the place again in April or May. Lots of Shearwaters (Puffinus kuhli) were sitting on the water or skimming over its surface, and we saw a small bird on the island which looked like one of the Wheatears ; it apparently had young, by the persistent way it returned to some rocky debris. The following are the measurements of the clutches of the eggs of Falco eleonore :— 1st clutch. 2nd clutch. érd clutch. 43 x 35 mm. 44x 35 mm. 42 x 35 mm. 44x 35 mm. 44:x 35 mm. 43 X35 mm. 44x34mm. — 45 x 85 mm. 4] x 35 mm. ; Yours &c., A. M. Farquuar, Capt. R.N. Sirs,—During August of the present year I procured a male specimen of the large Indian Weaver-bird (Ploceus megarhynchus Hume) in the Calcutta bird-market. The dealer from whom I purchased it told me that he had bought it a few days previously at a fair at Gorakhpur, in the North- West Provinces. Mr. Hume’s types now inthe British Museum were obtained from Kaladoongi, near Naini Tal, North-West Provinces. The two specimens obtained by Mr. Finn for the Indian Museum, Calcutta, also came from Naini Tal. Gorakhpur is 300 miles south-east of Naini Tal, and 100 miles south of the Nepal territory. I had no difficulty in recognising the specimen, from the excellent coloured plate in the January number of ‘The Ibis’; also because I was already acquainted witi the two birds obtained by Mr. Finn—one of which is now on deposit at the London Zoological Gardens, whilst the other is pre- served in the Indian Museum, Calcutta. The bird, when I first obtained it, was in brilliant summer plumage ; it is now (November) rapidly assuming the more sombre winter garb. Since Mr. Finn’s recent return to India from Europe I have referred the bird to him, and he agrees with my identification. Yours &c., 1a Camac Street, Calcutta, India, E. W. Harper. November 21st, 1901. 170 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. Additions to the American Museum of Natural History.— The report of the American Museum of Natural History for 1899 informs us that the “ Department of Vertebrate Zodlogy ” has received 1108 mammals, 3139 birds, about 1200 reptiles, and 23 fishes. About one hundred birds have been added to the Exhibition Collection, and also several new bird-groups, including the ‘‘ Large Brown- Pelican” group. The “ Local Collection of Birds,” which includes examples of the species found within fifty miles of New York City, has been installed and forms one of the most instructive features of the department. Besides representatives of nearly all of the birds found in the immediate district, there are special cases devoted to the birds found there at particular seasons, the specimens being changed from month to month in order to show just what birds are present at any given season of the year. This arrangement proves very serviceable to local bird- students, who thus have only a few specimens to pass in review in their search for any particular species. Con- siderable material has been gathered for: additional bird- groups, and several thousand skins have been received from South Amcrica which furnish many desirable specimens for mounting. | ‘The Ruskin Plot.—In memory of his old friend John Ruskin, Mr. Henry Willett, of Arnold House, Brighton, has made an interesting and valuable gift to the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire. It consists of a piece of ground, about five acres in extent—woodland, marsh, bog, and water,—which contains many local and rare specimens of animal and vegetable life. It is Mr. Willett’s wish that the land should be known as “ The Ruskin Plot,” and that it should be kept for all time in its natural condition. In order to ensure this a Trust is being prepared, which will vest the plot in the following Trustees :—The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, the Mayor of Oxford, the Vice- Chancellor, the Radcliffe Librarian, the Hope Professor of Zoology, the Sherardian Professor of Botany, and the donor. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 171 Mr. Willett has done for Oxford what Mr. Rothschild has accomplished for Cambridge, in securing for the Uni- _ versity a piece of Wicken Fen, the haunt of the Swallow- tail Butterfly. The Ruskin Plot is situate at Cothill, near Abingdon, Berks, and is not meant so much for collecting- purposes as for observation. It is hoped that a systematic record year by year of a piece of ground uninterfered with by cultivation will be in itself of considerable scientific interest. (Museum Journal, i. p. 139.) The Protection of Birds in New Zealand.—In common with New Zealand ornithologists, we have often deplored the traffic in the rare birds of that country, threatening, as it does, the extirpation at no distant time of many of the unique forms. The Government of our progressive Colony has at length devised an expedient which, we hope, will put an effectual stop to this traffic. A measure has been passed by the local legislature, under the title of ‘‘ The Maori Antiquities Act, 1901,” for the ostensible object of prohibiting the exportation of ancient carvings and other works of Maori art; but the Act is made far-reaching, and its provisions are extended to all “ objects of scientific value or of historical interest relating to New Zealand.” There is a proviso exempting from its operation any “botanical or mineral collections or specimens,” but not zoological. This gives the Government the power to put down with a firm hand the dealers’ depredations, of which so much complaint has of late been heard. The new measure will give the very distinctive avifauna of New Zealand a chance of surviving ; and this will be a matter of delight to all lovers of birds. ‘The last captured specimen of Notornis manteilt could only be kept in the colony by the Government coming forward and purchasing it, for £250, for one of the local museums. This was in deference to strong public Opinion on the subject. Under the present statute-law no such specimen could be sent away without the express written authority of the Colonial Secretary ; and we may be sure that this would not be granted, except perhaps in favour of some public museum. We heartily congratulate our Wy Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. Antipodean brethren on this new departure in the way of protective legislation. Prof. Davenport’s Caution to Splitters !—“ There is only one class of zoologists that I would wish to blot out, and that is the class whose reckless naming of new ‘ species’ and ‘varieties’ serves only to extend our work and the tables of the conscientious synonym-hunter. Other than such all classes will contribute to the advancement of Science. No doubt there are unlabeled species, and no doubt they must, as things are, be named. And no doubt genera and families must be revised and some groups split up and others lumped. So welcome to the old-fashioned systematist, though his day be short, and may he treat established genera gently !”’—Prof. C. P. Davenport, in his Address to the Section of Zoology of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at Denver, Col.,,U.S.A., 1901. Further Abyssinian Exploration—We have the pleasure of announcing that the well-known collector, Mr. Edward Degen, 1s going out to Abyssinia to join Col. Harrington at Adis Abeba, and that all his collections are to be sent to the British Museum. Mr. Degen will commence to collect zoological specimens to the north of Adis Abeba, and gradually work northwards to Lake Tana. The Irruption of the Nutcracker in the Autumn of 1900.— An extract from the ‘Schwalbe,’ kindly sent to us by Victor Ritter von T'schusi zu Schmidhoffen, gives further particulars of the invasion of the Slender-billed or Siberian form of the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) into North-eastern Europe in the autumn of 1900, which, although not to be compared with the great invasion of 1844, was spread over a large area. Particulars are given of many occurrences in - Bohemia and Moravia, and of a few in Silesia, Upper and Lower Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. We know also that some of the flock reached Holland (see Bull. B.O.C. xi. p. 48), and one at least appears to have strayed as far as England, Obituary. 173 not, however, arriving till January 1901 (see ‘ Lbis,’ 1901, p. 737), and one to Denmark (see above, p. 163). A wonderful new Bird of Paradise.—In the last number of the ‘ Ornithologische Monatsberichte’ (Jahrg. ix. p. 185) Dr. Reichenow describes a new and wonderful Paradise-bird, a skin of which has been recently received at Berlin from Kaiser Wilhelm’s-land {German New (Guinea), where it is said to have been obtained in the neighbourhood of Friedrich- Wilhelm’s Hafen. It appears to be probably a bastard between Seleucides niger and some species of true Paradisea —perhaps P. minor finschi or P. auguste-victoriea, nearly every feature of the novelty being met with in one or the other of these two forms. Dr. Reichenow proposes for this bird the name of Paradisea mirabilis, if it should turn out not to be a hybrid ; and adds that if such shall be found to be not the case, it would probably be necessary to give it a new generic name. A figure of this bird will be given in the ‘ Journal fir Ornithologie.’ The Pretoria Museum and Zoological Gardeni—We are informed that Mr. Lewis T. Griffin, now Taxidermist at the South African Museum, Capetown, after six years’ service in that Institution, has accepted an appointment as Chief Taxi- dermist to the Pretoria Museum and Chief Overseer of the Zoological Garden attached thereto. The Director of both these Institutions is Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S. XI.— Obituary. Mr. Joun Youne, Mr. H. M. Couracs, the Rev. H. A. Macruerson, Mr. W. Douerry, and Cav. L. M. p’AuBerris. Mr. Joun Younc, who died on the 25th of May last, was the second son of the late Rev. Edward Newton Young, Rector of Quainton, Bucks, and was born in June 1888. Being originally intended for the Navy, he was educated at Dr. Burney’s noted Naval College at Gosport, but a slight deafness altered his destination, and, after a voyage to India 174 Obituary. in 1856-7, he became a member of the staff of the War Office in 1858, and retired on pension in 1893. During all his life Young’s spare time was almost entirely devoted to field- ornithology, and few men in this country were better acquainted with the habits and the notes of birds—for Young had an excellent “ear,” in spite of the deafness to which allusion has been made. He was elected a Member of the B. O. U. in 1878 ; but his name does not appear as a contributor to this Journal, and, m fact, he wrote very little anywhere. Young lost no opportunity of travelling, and made a collection of birds—especially of pelagic species—of considerable scien- tific value, during a year’s cruise to South America, Japan, China, &c., in the yacht ‘Golden Fleece,’ in 1886-7, but no account of it was ever printed. In fact, owing to this excellent observer’s bad health of late years and consequent retirement, his death occurred almost unnoticed. Mr. Haroxtp Mircuett Covuracs, of Snowdenham Hall, Bramley, Surrey, who died on August 14th, at the early age of 40, was elected a Member of the B. O. U. in 1892, but does not appear to have contributed to the pages of ‘The Ibis.’ He left his collection of birds, consisting of from 6000 to 7000 specimens, to Cheltenham College. A few years ago Mr. Courage presented a representative collection of British birds to the Museum of Hobart, Tasmania. By the death of the Rev. Hucu A. Macruerson, at the Rectory, Pitlochry, Perthshire, on the 26th of November last, Ornithology has suffered a severe loss. Born at Calcutta on February 19th, 1858, the eldest son of a former Editor of the ‘ Quarterly Review,’ Mr. Macpherson was educated at Haileybury College, whence he went to Oriel College, Oxford, in 1876, taking his degree in 1881, and being ordained in the followmg year. In 1888 he was appointed Chaplain of Carlisle gaol, and in 1897 became Perpetual Curate of Allonby, Cumberland, while the incumbency of the Episcopal Church of Pitlochry fell to his lot in 1900. Having been elected a Member of the B. O. U. in 1886, Macpherson made Obituary. L7o many valuable communications to ‘ The Ibis,’ amongst which the introduction to the British List of the Isabelline Wheat- ear (Sazxicola isabellina) and the Frigate-Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) deserve special mention. He also wrote papers for the ‘ Zoologist,’ the ‘ Annals of Scottish Natural History,’ and the ‘ Field,’ as well as the scientific portions of the volumes on ‘ Grouse,” “ Partridge,” and “ Pheasant ” in Longman’s ‘Fur and Feather’ series; but his most important works were the ‘Fauna of Lakeland’ (Edinburgh, 1892) and a unique and exhaustive volume on the ‘ History of Fowling ’ published in 1897. Macpherson was a thorough naturalist, and his varied sources of information were always freely placed at the seryice of his friends, by whom his loss is severely felt, and by few more than by the writer of this brief notice.—H. S. Mr. Witi1am Douerty.—The well-known zoological col- lector, William Doherty, whose decease we have already mentioned, succumbed to an attack of dysentery in the Railway Hospital at Nairobi, British East Africa, on the 25th of May last year. Doherty was born in 1857 at Mount Auburn, Cincinnati, where his parents are said to be still living. It was not until 1882, after lengthened travels through Europe, Asia Minor, Persia, and India, that he began to devote his energies mainly to Natural History. He soon became known as an excellent collector and acute observer, and wrote several papers in the ‘Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal,’ which attracted much notice, but at that time he only worked at Insects and Land-shells. Mr. Hartert, who has kindly assisted us in preparing these notes, met with Doherty in the Malay Peninsula in 1888, and travelled in his company through Assam and the Naga Hills. Doherty came to Tring in 1895, when preparing to start on his last great expedition to the eastern tropics, and was there persuaded to add birds to his field of operations. The great success to which he attained in this branch of Zoology is well known to all who have studied the numerous articles on his bird-collections published in the ‘Novitates Zoologice.’ 176 Obituary. After this Doherty returned home to America, but early last year was again in England, and arranged to make a new expedition to East Africa. He left for Mombasa in March 1901, and was quickly at work up country, in the neighbour- hood of Lake Naivasha and the Mau Escarpment. Here it was that he discovered the remarkable new Bush-Shrike, Laniarius dohertyi, which has been dedicated to his memory by Mr. Rothschild (Bull. B. O. C. xi. p. 52). There are now lying in the Tring Museum several parcels of Doherty’s bird-skins from New Guinea, the Southern Philip- pines and East Africa, not yet worked out. Articles on these collections, as also a more complete notice of the life and labours of this active and successful naturalist, prepared by Mr. Hartert, will shortly appear in ‘ Novitates Zoologice.’ Another formerly well-known ornithological collector whose loss we have to deplore is the Cavaliere Lurcr Maria p’ ALBERTIS, one of the earliest explorers in New Guinea, who, as we learn from ‘ The Geographical Journal ’ (xviii. p. 629), died at Sassari, in Sardinia, on the 2nd of September last. D’Albertis’s travels in New Guinea, of which he gave to the public a full account in 1880 (‘ New Guinea, what I did and what I saw’: 2 vols., London, Sampson Low), extended over a period of five years. He first visited that country in 1872, in company with Dr. Beccari, and on that occasion ascended the Arfak Range and lived in a Papuan hut, at a height of 3600 feet,-for about a month. Here he discovered the beautiful Paradise-bird, Drepanornis albertist Sclater, which will worthily perpetuate his name, besides many other rare birds. In 1875 d’Albertis resided for some months on Yule Island, near Port Moresby, and in November of that year joined Mr. McFarlane in a pioneer voyage up the Fly River. During two subsequent visits, of which an account was given to the world by the Geographical Society of London (see Proc. R. Geogr. Soc. i. 1879, p. 4), this river was -fully explored and traced almost to its sources, and large collections were made, which, we believe, are now, along with most of d’Albertis’s other specimens, in the Museo Civico of Genoa. Ibis, 1902. P1.VI aT I tasers Bessette & SLEIGH, LTD., BUSHEY, HERTS ANDRE FIGS.1&2.EGGS OF CHETTUSIA LEUCURA. 23-6. EGGS OF GALLINAGO STENURA. 3° Ta, EE Baise EIGHTH SERIES. No. VI. APRIL 1902. XII.—On some rare Palearctic Birds’ Eggs. ' By H. EH. Dresser, F.Z.8. (Plate VI.) Durine the past twelve months I have been experimenting _ upon the three-colour process for eggs, with a view to the publication of a work on Palearctic Oology illustrated by that method. Thanks to Mr. Geddes, of Messrs. André & Sleigh, Ltd., successful results seem now to have been attained. The plate accompanying my last paper (Ibis, 1901, plate ix.) was executed by this process from a water-colour drawing, but the figures in that accompanying the present paper have been photographed from the eggs direct, without the intervention of an artist, and, in fact, have not been touched by hand. I give these particulars because this is undoubtedly the first illustration of birds’ eggs executed by the new process which has been published. The Plate contains figures of the eggs of the following species :— | (1) Cuerrusia Leucura (Licht.).. White-tailed Plover. CE Vi tes. I & 2.) Nothing appears to have been known respecting the nidification of this Plover until Mr. N. Zarudny found it breeding in Transcaspia, as stated below. It is a somewhat rare species in South-eastern Europe, but nests in Trans- SER. VIII.—VOL. I. N | 178 Mr. H. E. Dresser on easpia and Turkestan, and is found in Persia, Afghanistan, Northern India, and North-east Africa in winter. Asarare strageler it has also occurred in the south of France and at Malta. In Southern Russia it is a characteristic species of the Aralo-Caspian region, whence it has strayed as far north as Orenburg, having been obtained in that district on several occasions. According to Mr. Zarudny, the White-tailed Plover frequents the clayey and saline plains which surround the bare shores of the lakes and morasses of Transcaspia. These plains are to some extent covered with low vegetable srowth and scattered patches of short grass, and it does not seem to matter to the bird whether the lakes and morasses are of fresh or saline water. In its general habits it much resembles Chettusia gregaria, but there is a difference in its ery, which it is not easy to describe. It is extremely lively and vivacious, and fond of the society of its congeners. It runs with great facility, and is at least as active on the wing as Vanellus vulgaris, while in the pairing-season it indulges in aerial evolutions similar to those of that species. It is also wary and watchful to a degree, and should anyone approach the nesting-places it apprises other birds of the danger by its loud cries, flying off to meet the intruder, and making use of every artifice to lure him away. Owing to its extreme caution and watchfulness, other species affect its com- panionship to a large extent; and where this bird is found it is impossible to stalk Swans, Geese, and other large birds, for directly the gunner arrives in the vicinity the White- tailed Plover flies over him and with loud cries warns the denizens of the morass of the impending danger. The present species is never found far from water, and seeks either on the shore or in the shallows its food, which consists of worms, aquatic insects of various kinds and their larve. During the hottest part of the day it either rests on the shores of the lakes or in water which reaches up to its belly. The White-tailed Plover breeds in isolated pairs, but, as a rule, in spots not far distant from others of its own or allied species. The nest is usually placed on the shore of a lake Palearctic Birds’ Eggs. 179 or morass, sometimes close to a small earth-mound, and often in a perfectly exposed position. Not unfrequently a pair will take possession of a small islet or tongue of land sparsely covered with grass, the nest itself being a mere heap of dry herbage with a slight depression in the middle. The full complement of eggs varies from two to four, consisting more frequently of the smaller number. In general appearance they much resemble those of Chettusia gregaria, but are consider- ably smaller; the ground-colour is clay-ochreous, occasionally tinged with olivaceous, aud the markings, which are commonly distributed over the surface of the egg, though, as arule, more profusely at the larger end, are black, the shell-markings being paler and duller, and the surface-spots and blotches deeper in colour. The length varies from 1°5 to 1°7 and the width from 1:12 to 1°15 inches. In the early part of May Mr. Zarudny found both fresh and incubated eggs, while at the end of May and early in June he saw, near Merv, young birds just able to fly. The two eggs figured are a clutch received from Mr, Za- rudny, and were taken by him at Dort Kuju, in Trans- caspia. They measure 1°59 by 1°15 and 1:56 by 1°12 inches respectively, (2) Gatuinaco stenura. Pin-tailed Snipe. (Pl. VI. figs. 3-6.) According to Taczanowski, Col. Prjevalski found the Pin- tailed Snipe breeding on the Ussuri, in Mongolia; and that traveller has given (Rowley’s Orn. Misc. 11. p. 92) some details respecting its habits, but has not described or figured the nest and eggs. I may also remark that the egg figured by Dr. Dybowski (J. f. O. 1873, p. 104, tab. ii. fig. 31), and referred to under the name ‘‘Gallinagu heterocerca Cab.,’’ is, as Taczanowski informed me, not that of the present species, but of Gallinago megala Swinhoe. Mr. H. Leyborne Popham met with this Snipe on the Yenesei in 1895, and shot a female, apparently from the nest, but, after a careful search, failed to find the latter. In 1897, however, he discovered on the 28th May a nest of N 2 180 Mr. R. Hall on Birds this Snipe and shot the parent bird. Later he found three more, one at the Monastery (65° 40! N. lat.) and the other two on the tundra. Two of these four nests contained four eggs each and the others only two. The eggs he describes as differing considerably from those of Gallinago celestis, in being larger, in having the ground-colour as in eggs of Gallinago major, and in being much more richly marked, the spots bemg in almost all cases very profuse at the larger end and in some cases confluent. The measure- ments of these eggs were 1°59 by 1:24, 1°61 by 1°12, 1°66 by 1:2, and 1°74 by 1°18 inches respectively. Mr. Popham has also given (Ibis, 1898, p. 514) some particulars of the habits of the bird, which I need not repeat here. On his third visit to the Yenesei River in 1900 he took four more nests of this Snipe. On Plate VI. I have figured four of the eggs, in order to shew the variations as clearly as possible. These were all taken on the Yenesei. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VIL. Figs. 1 & 2. Eggs of Chettusia leucura, from Transcaspia. 3-6. Eggs of Gallinayo stenura, from the Yenesei. Fig. 3. From clutch No. 352. June 26th, 1897. fo » No. 495. May 25th, 1900. bY <3 » No. 178. May 29th, 1897. Ce » No. 497. June 27th, 1900. XIJII.—On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia. By Rosert Hatt, [Concluded from p. 143.] 34, MrLitHRePrtus cHLoRopsts. Western Lunulated Honey-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 38.) A, B, C. Ad. sk. Sept. 25th, 26th, and 27th, 1899, Denmark. D. Young. These specimens differ decidedly, in so far as the eye- region is concerned, from all those previously referred to. The question that has interested us most of late is whether from Western Australia. 181 Dr. Gadow was right in joining this species to the eastern M. lunulatus. From personal observation and from my collection of skins I conclude that there is a western representative of M. lunu- latus, so we may now separate the two forms joined in the British Museum Catalogue. Besides this a difficulty presents itself if we wish to refer my skins to the species M. chloropsis, because, I take it, Gould has insufficiently described the eye-region of the bird, and that part is incorrectly coloured in his plate. I do not care to regard my skins as giving evidence of a new species, because | believe that Gould has described two phases ; besides which there is a third, hitherto unnoticed—-and that the most adult, as the naked spaces surrounding the eye are large. More extended research may shew that (a) the pale green of the bare space above the eye changes into (b) a pale wine-yellow, and at a later season into (¢) a sappy white. Furthermore, at this later season it may be shown that a bare space becomes prominent below the eye, and that there is a hidden bare region at the posterior angle, the former being leaden blue and the latter faint blue-green. No reference has been hitherto made to the bare spaces below and behind the eye: (a) and (4) are the parts as described by Gould, while (c) represents the appearance in three skins collected by myself, and in at least six others closely and carefully noted and found to possess the same distinct marks. Since the eastern M. lunulatus varies in the colour of its eye-region with age (this is how I view the shades of red), the western form may for the present be assumed to do likewise, but apparently to a greater extent. Future research may show more points of iuterest in this connexion. | Description of these parts in the specimens secured by the writer :—Bare space above the eye dull sappy- or fungus- white. Bare space below the eye, which is quite as large, dull lead-blue in colour. Hinder angle of both bare parts that are hidden by the imbricate feathers faint blue-green. Iris bright hazel, with a tendency to red. In comparing these three skins with five of M. lunulatus, 182 Mr. R. Hall on Birds T find that they are more brightly coloured and that two are considerably larger, while the third has practically the same measurements of bill and wings. The western skins shew :— | A and B. Total length 5°85 inches, wing 3°15, culmen 0°52. C. Total length 5°25 inches, wing 2°9, culmen 0°45. My observations on this form were made in the Karrj forest country that lies some fifty miles in from Albany and has only recently been opened up by a timber company. To what extent this will affect the bird I cannot well say. | There is a specimen of the nest of this species in the Perth Museum which has the peculiarity of being much like that of the Robin, Petrwca phanicea. Those of the Melithrepti are not generally loosely constructed and placed between three strong prongs. However, this does not seem more wonderful than that the western Spine-bill should build an abnormal type of nest in a similar position near Albany. 35. GLYCYPHILA ocuLARIS. Brown Honey-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 40.) A. Ad. @. Geraldton. 27.10.99. Total lengthgae inches, wing 2°64, tarsus 0°65, tail 2°25. ; B. Ad. 9. Geraldton. 14.10.99. Total length 5°35 inches, wing 2°63, tarsus 0°65, tail 2°25. C. Young. Geraldton. 27.10.99. Total length 35 inches, wing 1°85, tarsus 0°65, tail 0°9. Description of an immature bird (being fed among the foliage by the parents; this is the young of A).—The abdomen and breast are faint yellow. A large area behind and below each eye and continued under the lores is bare, but the series of peculiar feathers that afterwards make this species conspicuous are represented by spots which appear to be beneath the skin. Although the rectrices extend from ' their sheaths only to a length of 0°6 inch, there is a clear flush of green upon them, particularly on the ventral surface, in contradistinction to their state in the adult, which shews the green wash more clearly on the dorsal surface from Western Austraha. 183 owing to the arrangement of the lateral parts of the webs. The nasal groove occupies nearly one half of the length of the mandible (0°35 inch), just as it does in the adult (0°6 inch) ; the feet are bluish, more so than in the adult. Specimen A.—The peculiarity is here a faint flush of olive- green upon the lower breast and abdomen. Even though the parent of C, it still retains the colour indicative of youth ; moreover, the youth of this particular specimen is evidenced by faint yellow on the breast and abdomen. This bird was tolerably numerous upon the sand-plains, which are richly decorated at the above time of year with a great variety of blossoms and teem with honey-laden shrubs, herbs, and Banksia-trees. 36. Pritortis sonora. Singing Honey-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 41.) One adult male. 27.10.99. Geraldton. An orchid owner spoke of this species as quite a grape- stealer; but such a failing is not confined to the western bird alone, as a similar statement has been made in the eastern colonies. 37. PriLoTis LEILAVALENSIS. Lesser White-plumed Honey- eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 43.) Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus, in, in. in. 1n. mead: ¢. 27.10.99. Geraldton...2°9 275 05 O8 B. Ad. g. 14.10.99. - pio Oo (22°85) 205) 4 08 Geena. ¢ .- 27.10.99. 3 mols sO 4 OS) 60S BEVEL AMON aarisc 4 oO) 283° 05 | 08 Average of six skins of P. penicillata .3°19 3:13 0°43 0°8 In these specimens the black at the base of the post- auricular patch is variable in position. A nest found at Geraldton on Oct. 29th contained two unfledged young. Exteriorly it was formed of the filament-bearing seeds of Clematis and interiorly of white horsehair. Eggs collected for me by, Mr. Douglas Darling at Geraldton agree tolerably well with the description given by Mr. A. J. Campbell in the Vict. Nat. vol. xvi. p. 87. 184. ‘Mr. R. Hall on Birds 38. PTILOTIS ORNATA. Yellow-plumed Honey-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 43.) Four ad. sk. Katanning. Oct. 4th to 7th, 1899. One of these skins shews a uniform grey head and under tail-coverts broadly marked upon the mid-rib in lanceolate fashion ; apart from this it resembles the others. One mile from the city of Perth a cup-like nest was found hanging from two slender twigs of a Eucalypt some twenty feet from the ground (9.11.99). It was made of wiry green grass and was slightly ornamented with spiders’ webs. The lining was composed of ‘ palm wool” (Macrozamia), which is gathered by settlers to make head-rests for sleeping purposes. External diameter of nest 2°5 inches, internal diameter 2°1, depth of cavity 2. The bird insisted upon staying on its nest until the ia to which it was attached fell upon a branch below, and it was frightened away by my hands. 39. MeLIorNiIs LonerRostTRIs, Long-billed Honey-eater. (Hall’s Key, p. 48.) | Earn (G. 26.9199) HS NG. 5 h3. 29.9599; Crag 2.) 20-9:99. Dp tmms _126.9:99; This bird is merely a western subspecies and so much resembles the eastern species M. nove-hollandie that to deter- mine to which form an individual belongs in an intermediate country such as South Australia will probably be extremely difficult. I agree with Dr. Ramsay* that Gould’s account of the bill will be of no assistance in the case of the sub- species ; but I also notice that in my adult specimens the cheek-feathers are “a little longer, form a more ovate patch, and are slightly hair-like.” The culmen measures 0°75 inch, 0°75, 0°85. | Description of an immature bird (D).—Forehead and crown brownish black ; nape blackish brown ; back similar to that of the adult; the stripe retreating from above the eye whitish ; cheek-tufts and hair-like feathers upon the neck dirty white; Tor Bay, Albany. * ¢ Tabular List of Australian Birds,’ Notes, p. 12 (1888), from Western Australia. 185 basal two-thirds of lower mandible flesh-coloured. Culmen 0-7 inch. In other respects similar to the adult. 40. Manoruina FiAvieuta. Yellow-throated Muinah. (Hall’s Key, p. 44.) To identify three clutches of eggs found on Oct. 4th, an adult specimen was shot. Length of wing 4°95inches. One nest was placed in a Hakea some five feet from the ground and another in a Eucalypt twenty feet high. The fabric has the same appearance as an eastern example, being 3°5 inches in external diameter, 2°5 in internal diameter, and 2 deep (cavity). 41. AcANTHOCHHRA caRuNcULATA. Red-wattle Bird. (Hall’s Key, p. 44.) Sk. ad. 2. 4.10.99. Katanning. A nest with two fresh eggs contained also one of Cuculus pallidus (Oct. 4th). Outwardly the structure was assimilated in appearance to the supporting tree, being made of acacia (“jam”) twigs. The middle layer was of grass and the lining of sheep’s wool, particularly thick at the bottom. External diameter 6 inches, internal diameter 3, depth of bowl 1°5. 42, PaRpAaLoTus orNaTUS. Striated Pardalote. (Hall’s Key, p. 46.) One ad. sk. 4.10.99. Katanning. (Yellow specula.) I secured a specimen of a Pardalote to determine the species and concluded that it was P. affinis. Upon re-exami- nation at home | was very much surprised to find the wings marked with white as in P. ornatus, while the bold specula were yellow. ‘This constituted a phase not hitherto recorded, as P. ornatus is only known to assume the scarlet tipping. If the subspecies P. assimilis is allowed to have so wide a range in the colouring of the speculum as scarlet, crimson, orange, or yellow, the same may be the case here. I feel disposed to consider it merely a matter of time to discover that birds with the scarlet and lemon specula exist in one or more areas of the continent; and then the species will be placed on the same footing as the subspecies as regards the speculum. 186 Mr. R. Hall on Birds _ As for the species P. affinis (always yellow-tipped), I believe it to be only a phase of the subspecies P. assimilis. On a previous occasion * I proved P. assimilis to have only the third quill edged with white (scarlet speculum), and the speculum may be yellow just as in the “third and fourth quill” phase. If this is really so, and I see no reason to the contrary, there is nothing to distinguish it from P. afjinis. Proof will doubtless be forthcoming in support of my view, as specimens come in from time to time, even if the delay is as long as in the finding of the specimen under review. I shall then place P. affinis along with P. assimilis. 43, CHERAMGCA LEUCOSTERNUM. Black-and-White Swal- low. (Hall’s Key, p. 47.) I identified this species from one specimen obtained at Geraldton, 14.10.99. A second example was nesting in a sand-bank and incubating four eggs. To others as well as myself it is surprising that this short- legged and small-billed bird should be so fond of burrowing. Apparently feebly formed, its bill must perform a movement similar to that noticed in certain Picarian birds that also tunnel. In one cliff-side a pair of Swallows had made five “caves”? six inches apart in a line. The first in order penetrated some three inches into the firm sandy soil, while the others were each successively a little deeper, and the last was nearing completion. 44, PeTROCHELIDON NicRIcaNs. ‘Tree-Martin. (Hall’s Key, p. 47.) One skin was procured at Denmark on Nov. 3rd. This species was nesting freely in the hollows of very high dead timber. I had to wait twenty minutes before a bird came low enough to be killed with small-sized shot. 45, ANTHUS AUSTRALIS. Pipit. (Hall’s Key, p. 47.) A. Sk. ad. g. 27.10.99. B. Sk. imm. 29.10.99. Geraldton. My attention was particularly drawn to the colouring in * Proc. Linn. Soc, N. 8. Wales, vol. xxiv. p. 472 (1899). from Western Australia. 187 specimen A and slightly to that in B. So dense and so uniform was the “ pale ” rufous in A (exceptions to follow) that I concluded this individual to be either an abnormal form or that Dr. Sharpe was wrong in his remark that ‘Tasmanian birds are more rufous than mainland ones.” I possess very rufous skins from Warragul in Victoria, Nannine, and Geraldton ; in addition to whicb specimen A is so rufous that the ordinarily white feathers of the tail and the white throat are both rufous white. Gould has remarked upon the possibility of the rufous colour relating to the moult. My specimen (A) is a bird in much-worn plumage. It has been thought also that the rufous may indicate the young. I have a nestling that is more rufous and black than a young bird; but again I have a young bird that is more rufous than a nestling; while I possess two adults, from Victoria and West Australia respec- tively, one of which is particularly rufous, while the other is almost absolutely so. The absence of dates in the case of the British Museum specimens has prevented Dr. Sharpe from following out the sequence of plumages *. 46. ArtaMUS MELANoPS. Black-faced Wood-Swallow. (Hall’s Key, p. 48.) A. Sk. juv. 14.10.99. B. Sk. ad.¢. 16.10.99. > Geraldton. C. Sk. ad. 14.10.99. D. Sk. ad. 2. 3.9.99. Nannine, Cue. The length of the wing of the young bird is 4°95 inches, while in the adults it is 4°6, 4°75, and 5°2 inches respectively, shewing specimen A to have a longer wing than B or C. The brownish-white markings of the wing-tips of the juvenile are broad in comparison with those of the adult D, while specimens B and C are intermediate in this respect. D is very much lighter in colour than the others and causes con- fnsion with the questionabie species A. cinereus Vieill. * In my material there are two phases. Among the specimens of the South Australian Museum there is a rufous skin, as well as one in sooty plumage, heavily blotched with black. This seems to imply that the species is trimorphic. 188 Mr. R. Hall on Birds In A, B, and C the under tail-coverts are not narrowly edged with white; those of D are clearly so. Description of A (young).—Shafts of head- and neck- feathers fulvous, giving a hight-brown appearance; upon the slate-grey of the back are a few feathers deeply edged with fulvous ; rump brownish black, with small brown edgings to feathers ; tail much as in adult ; wings slate-grey, tipped with dirty white, the outer webs darker than the inner; a few of the upper coverts edged with fulvous ; chin and lores black ; throat grey ; chest, breast, and abdomen sooty grey; under tail-coverts black ; under wings silvery grey, coverts white. So thoroughly insectivorous is this species, in common with others of its genus, that im search of insects it dips its bill into the corollz of flowers and brings it out covered with pollen, which makes the black chin and forehead appear yellow. It is thus an effective agent in the process of cross-fertilization. 47, ZoNz£e1INTHUS ocuLatTuUs. Red-eared Finch. (Hall’s . Key, p. 49.) | Two ad. sk. Sept. 27th, Oct. 2nd. Denmark. At Tor Bay I observed this Finch building a nest, from which, four days later, 1 took two fresh eggs. Both eggs and nest are what Australians call “typical Finches’.” A Banksia situated amongst “ black boys”’ (Xanthorrhea) was utilized for the nest; a good look out being thus ensured over an acre or two of ground. So far as I saw, the south-west corner of Australia did not appear to contain many Finches, and they were represented by one species only. Only two out of twenty Australian species are found in West Australia, one of which I do not think would care to live in the moist climate of the south- west. The resident form is the ‘ red-eared,” which seems to me to act in the south-west the part that.the “ red-browed” species plays in the south-east, most of each district bemg ‘damp and wild. 48. PopaRGUS PHALZNOIDES. Freckled Frog-mouth. (Hall’s Key, p. 55.) Fledgling, sk. 28.10.99. Geraldton. Description of fledgling.—There were two specimens in from Western Australia. 189 the nest, of which this was the larger. Upper surface grey with conspicuous black shaft-lines ; a faint wash of pale red upon the scapulars and upper surface of tail; freckling of adult faintly represented ; upper tail-coverts brown, white- tipped, and with the barbules free; wings much like those of the adult, but without rufous, which is represented by a pale flush of pink. Whole under surface brownish grey, all the feathers below the chest being without barbules; throat- and chest-feathers with distinct shaft-streaks ; breast with faint shaft-streaks ; abdomen faintly rayed, edges of feathers grey ; under tail-coverts with dark centres and grey tips; iris yellow. Total length 10 inches, wing 4°9, tarsus 0°85, mid- toe without claw 1°15. In the British Museum Catalogue I find that Mr. Hartert gives no description of the male in the absence of an authen- ticated skin, nor do I know of any. It so happens that, while on a visit to Europe, Mr. Dudley Le Souéf asked Mr. Hartert to identify a certain skin for him, which proved to be P. phalenoides. Being the skin of a male from Cardwell, Queensland, I may note its leading characters as follows :— Description of an adult male.—There is much rufous freckling and vermiculation, but no decidedly uniform rufous tint. The whole upper surface is mainly grey, each feather being narrowly streaked with black on the shaft-line. The rufous freckling is fine and heavy. There is a large amount of white freckling on the wings, particularly towards the scapulars. ‘The feathers of the under surface are covered with rufous vermiculations, above and below which are white patches that are much larger; these do not appear on the throat otherwise than as fine marks; the brown shaft-lines are conspicuous. In other respects the skin corresponds with that of the female described in the Catalogue. Total length 15°5 inches, wing 8:5, tail 7:1, bill from angle of mouth 2°25, tarsus 0:95, mid-toe without claw 1:3. The fledgling when placed upon a bough instinctively assumed the pose of the parent, although it was never before out of the nest. After a certain amount of handling, this posture, obtained by inheritance alone, was no longer retained, the bird’s pose becoming limp. The experience of a ——————eEESeEEEeEeeOeeee ———E — ———— ae ———— = SE EE I eee 190 Mr. R. Hall on Birds the western boy is very much that of the eastern when this bird is seen for the tirst time, judging by the remark he makes: “ Look at the Wattle-bird’s nest on which some one has thrown a piece of bark.” As the “ bark” moves the true state of affairs becomes apparent: it is a Frog-mouth uponit. Mimicry of wood and bark is a distinctly protective act. Two nests observed (13.10.99) were composed of a meagre number of short twigs with a few lanceolate green leaves upon each cluster, while both were upon horizontal forks. Breadth of nest 8 inches by 5; there was but a slight depres- sion: it was placed in a Banksia, 8 feet from the ground. The young faced the wind and the nesting parent had to be almost pushed away. 5 49. Hatcyon pyrruopyeius. Red-backed Kingfisher. (Hall’s Key, p. 57.) A Sk. ad. B. Nestlings. The appearance of the nestlings, which are but a few days old, is surprising. A mass of highly refractive and pale silvery-blue quills, that are exceedingly long, makes them appear very different to young birdsin general. These quills shew no barbs and each feather is still within its sheath, in which the barbules are feebly developed. The quills of the whole ventral surface are silvery white, less so on the throat. The quills of the head are fine, imbricated, and silvery in appearance. The quills of the wings and back are pale silvery blue. The tail-quills are deep blue for the partly exposed basal two-thirds ; silvery blue for the terminal third. The upper tail-coverts are also in the quill stage, being white with a rufous tint upon them, as if to indicate the coming rufous coverts proper. Beginning at the interscapulium, passing along the spinal tract, and ending below the rump is a series of nut-brown quills that indicate the future area of chestnut feathers. The tip of the beak 1s pink like the lower mandible, which has a subterminal black band. Both tips are sharply decurved (in each specimen), as if the bird. ; } 27.10.99. Geraldton. from Western Australia. 191 once needed them bent to hold its food better. Length of wing of nestling 2°5 inches (no exposed feather) , of adult 2°75. Lengths of quills :—back 1:25, primary 1°5, primary-covert 0°35, taill. One of these nestlings shews three quills bursting on one flank. The rupture is taking place at 0°3 inch from the distal end, and from that point the sheath must be worked away, unsplit. I found that this nestling, like the adult, had a marked vitality and resisted death for a long time. While wandering along a dry creek near Geraldton my eye was attracted by a patch of white against the cliff. I found it to mark a nest of this species some ten feet above the watercourse, having its entrance two inches broad by one inch high. / Thence for a space of fifteen inches downwards was a strong line of carbonate of lime as broad as the entrance to the nest. While I was surveying the nest the owners kept flying to and fro. The bowl of the chamber, which is not lofty (1°5 inch), is 7 inches across. The stench from the nest indicated that it had been occupied annually for | years, and Diptera (blow-flies) had deposited in the tunnel larvee which were five inches long and had riddled the guano. The young, I should say, excrete the waste material in a given direction and that against the hght, which means along the tunnel. In passing backwards and forwards through this unsanitary channel the parents get the throat, breast, and end of the tail clotted. The young, at the period above described, flick their tails when they are handled, just as the parents do, shewing early an inherited tendency. The young have powerful voices, sounding like the noise of a grindstone at work, to which a jerk is regularly given during each revolution. Every few revolutions a special effort is made by the bird, causing a sound as if spasmodic pressure had been applied to the handle of the stone. There were four young in the nest. 50. Hatcyon sanctus. Sacred Kingfisher. (Hall’s Key, p. 57.) One sk. ad. 2. 27.10.99. Long Island, Pelsart Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. 192 Mr. R. Hall on Birds | No particular note upon the skin is necessary. Special interest, however, attaches to the distribution, because hitherto no mention has been made of the bird as inhabiting this set of coral islands. It is fond of exploring, and finds its way to a vast number of spots off the mainland. How it now fares on this treeless island (about 7 miles long) is easily demon- strated, because it had chosen the only possible spot to breed in, viz. an abandoned jetty, amongst the planks of which a pair of birds were going in and out. There is brackish water about three miles away, while thousands of lizards are to be had almost anywhere. 51. Cucutus patirpus. Pallid Cuckoo. (Hall’s Key, p. 58.) I- procured a young bird at Katanning, 5.10.99; also an egg in a nest of the Red-wattle Bird. The immature bird still retains fledgling feathers on the forehead and sparsely on the chest. ‘The upper tail-coverts are clear grey. I noticed many young birds on the wing at Geraldton on Oct. 29th, shewing olive round the eye instead of clear yellow. I handled an adult bird in the flesh near Albany on Sept. 27th. 52. CACOMANTIS FLABELLIFORMIS. Fan-tailed Cuckoo. (Hall’s Key, p. 58.) A. Sk.imm. g. 16.10.99. Geraldton. B. Sk. nestlmg. 3.11.99. Denmark. Specimen A.—Brown above, except the tail-coverts, with faint cross-bars appearing as if beneath the surface; upper tail-coverts—the first part of the bird to shew signs of maturity—bluish, the two central feathers of the tail ““notched”’ on the outer web with rufous ; the external quills of the tail “notched” on the proximal ends, with white on the outer web and rufous on the distal ends of the same quills and same webs; the middle quills of the tail shew ‘more rufous than white on the outer webs; the breast is more crenately marked than the back ; the under tail-coverts are pale brown. Specimen B.—Nearly ready to fly; the last of the quills from Western Australia, 193. about to burst along the back in a line from the neck to the rump ; abdomen not feathered ; under surface of feet rich yellow, upper surface slate-coloured; eyes dark brown. Wing 2°55 inches. The nestling had gradually enlarged the entrance to the nest with its bulky form. It fiercely attacked my fingers when taking it out. 53. CHALcOcoccyx —BASALIS. Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo. (flall’s Key, p. 59.) One female. 14.10.99. Geraldton. This species was recorded in the ‘ Victorian Naturalist,’ vol. xv. p. 145, as new to Western Australia, on the strength of the discovery of the egg. The finding of the bird there makes the statement more certain. 54, GLossoPsITTACUS PORPHYROCEPHALUS. Purple-crowned Lorikeet. (Hall’s Key, p. 61.) Adult. 29.9.99. Tor Bay, Albany. 55. CaLyproRHYNCHUS BaAUDINI. White-tailed Cockatoo. (Hall’s Key, p. 61.) One male. 30.999. Tor Bay, Albany. Although this country is suitable for the Black Cockatoo I saw only oceasional individuals, while the Red-tailed species came regularly to lodge for the night in a certain area. For three days I camped within fifty yards of a nest of C. baudini and could see the birds pass in and out of their home, which was situated high up in a dead Karri gum. A nest was secured later, in the Stirling Range, with two eggs. 56. Puatycercts ictErotis. Yellow-chceked Parrakcet. (Hall’s Key, p. 65.) = oa aS Be 1.10.99. Tor Bay, Albany. C. Sk.imm. 279.99. Denmark Liver. The young birds vary considerably between green and red, and, as in the ease of the eastern Rosella, it is some two or three years before the adult plumage is gained. Specimen B shews more green than red along the ventral surface, while C SER. VITI.—VOL. II. ) 194, Mr. R. Hall on Birds shews more red than green. The handsome western Rosella and Barnardius semitorquatus are the two resident Parrots of the district. 57. PorRPHYROCEPHALUS sPuRIUs. Red-capped Parrakeet. (Hall’s Key, p. 65.) Sk.imm. 2. 28.9.99. Tor Bay, Albany. In the ‘Records of the Australian Museum,’ Cat. Bds. p- 68 (1891), Dr. Ramsay writes :—‘‘ Fem. Similar to the male, very little smaller, but slightly duller in colours. Young (one skin). Similar to adult, but having all the colours of duller tints, &c.”’ Gould (Handbook Bds. Austr. vol. i. p. 61) speaks of the young during the first year of their existence as being of a nearly uniform green colour; nevertheless the hues which characterize the adult bird are perceptible at almost any age. The skin which I obtained is radically different, and sug- gests youth ; yet it is that of a breeding bird, first to judge by its worn tail-feathers, and secondly by the fact that for days it accompanied a highly coloured (male?) bird in a quiet forest. It was probably a young individual which had bred early. The following is the description of it :— Immature speciomen.— Head yellowish green; cheeks lighter; faint flush of red on the brownish lores ; back and scapulars ‘like head; rump greenish yellow; throat, fore-neck, and chest smutty brown, without any trace of violet; breast, flanks, and abdomen purple-blue; wing-coverts bluish green; band across under portion of wing pale lemon-coloured. The worn tail shews searcely any white. The bill has the posterior two-thirds dull blue, the anterior third whitish. An adult skin obtained by exchange shews the lores to be bright red (not dusky red). It appears to be that of a well- matured bird. 58. BaRNaRDIvs semitorquatus. Yellow-collared Parra- keet. (Hall’s Key, p. 66.) Sk.ad. ¢& 2. 26.9.99. Denmark. A favourite haunt of many individuals of this species was from Western Australia. 195 near the feeding-boxes of the horses at Messrs. Millers’ saw- mill. If disturbed they would only fly into the lower branches of adjacent trees and soon alight again. 59. Puaps eLecans. Brush Bronze-wing Pigeon. (Hall’s Mey. p. 71:) | Sk. young. 18.10.99. Pigeon Island, Wallabi Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. Pigeon Island is a small treeless area, some ten acres in extent, with shrubs from three to four feet high. It is adjacent to other members of the group that are well able to stock it with the pair of birds which probably gave it a name. This species lies so close that it is difficult to say how many individuals are present. On my visit I saw only one until I traced it to a bush, under which I found a young bird, which allowed me to place my hand upon it. The parent after some moments’ deliberation flew away. Both Mr. Campbell and Mr. Helms refer to P. chalcoptera as , bemg found on the island, but I did not see it. This species has not been previously noticed as found upon the group. The query of Mr. Helms, as well as that of Mr. Beddoes *, regarding the nesting of the species in the island, if P. elegans is intended, can now be considered settled, because the latter gentleman has noticed the Pigeon on the group at all times of the year and I have brought away with me a skin of a young bird that had very recently left the nest. 60. AicIaALITIS MELANOPS. Black-fronted Dotterel. (Hall’s Key, p. 83.) A young bird. 27.10.99. Geraldton. The scapulars and lesser wing-coverts have chestnut and not maroon tips; the forehead is much lighter than the crown, which is brown; there is no band on the fore-neck. 61. Hyproproene caspia. Caspian Tern. (Halli’s Key, p- 88.) A. Young, about to break shell. __B. Fledgling. Houtman’s Abrolhos. * ‘Producers’ Gazette & Settlers’ Record of Western Australia,’ vol. v. pt. 6, p. 431. 02 196 Mr. R. Hall on Birds The bill of specimen A, while in the shell at the stage noted, was vermilion-red, but of a paler shade than im the adult. It seems to be generally understood that this species 1s solitary while nesting; but this is not always so, because, immediately above highwater-mark on a sandy point, I found some thirteen pairs incubating. Most of the nests had two eges for the complement, others had only one. The parents rose in a flock when approached and soared overhead, uttering their guttural note repeatedly at long intervals. But though the birds on the West Wallabi Islands of the Houtman’s Abrolhos were nesting together (20.10.99), others were leading a solitary life upon the smaller islets. On Square Island, of the Pelsart Group of the Abrolhos, I obser:ed two eggs (17.10.99) upon the coral-sand, without any pretence of a uest beyond an indentation in the ground. The members of the Wallabi Island colony (western end) had gathered together a few twigs in a smal] number of cases; and as these primitive nests were close to salt-bushes (Salsolacee), 1 take it that the twigs were from those bushes. So much were the bulk of these eggs like those of the Gull (Gadianus pacificus) that 1 should have been quite unable to identify them had the owners themselves not assisted me, and had it not been for the chicks within the eggs having vermilion- red beaks. To identify the two eggs on the Pelsart Group was not so easy, because a pair of Terns and a pair of Gulls were present together. The Gulls made no noise, while the ‘Terns did, occasionally passing high overhead, but shewing no signs of ownership of the nests. On taking up the eggs and leaving the beach in the boat’s dingey, I was satisfied when I saw one ‘“Caspian ”’ descend upon the place where these valuable eggs should have been. My fear that they would not be identitied was thus satisfactorily dismissed. The note of the bird in the night reminded me of the smaller Penguins in southern waters. Nestling.—Bill coral-red, with a subterminal black band; legs and feet brownish orange. Otherwise as described in the British Museum Catalogue. from Western Australia, 197 62. SrerNa poucaLui. , Roseate Tern. (Hall’s Key, p. 88.) Sk.ad. J. 26.10.99. Pelsarf Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. This species was always seen in small companies, and although I tried diligently to find it incubating, it appeared. to be waiting for November. Mr. Beddoes speaks of April, June, November, and December as the months for nesting. 63. Srerna Bereu. Crested Tern. (Hall’s Key, p. 88.) A nestling and an adult were secured on Square Island, of the Pelsart Group of the Houtman’s Abrolhos. The nestling, though quite young, attempted to swim a considerable distance and had to be shot. Nestling/—The description agrees with that of Mr.Saunders (Brit. Mus. Cat.), excepting that the upper part of the feet and tarsi are slate-coloured, the under portion cf the feet ochreous. This islet, of some three acres in extent, is flat and sandy, a small part being covered with salt-bush. On it a score of pairs of the Terns had just hatched out their young, and the little birds, from a week toa fortnight old, were hiding or attempting to hide under bushes or running away terror- stricken. Amongst them an Osprey had its nest and young. 64. Sterna FuLicinosa. Sooty Tern. (Hall’s Key, pc.) Sk.ad. 2. Rat Island, Easter Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. 710.99. Our cutter-yacht, the ‘ Wanda,’ sailed into an anchorage off Rat Island on the afternoon of a fine day. We immediately walked a few hundred yards along the beach toa “rookery” that contained some 2000 Sooty Terns, each of which had deposited or was depositing its single egg under a salt-bush. The Salsolacee, from two to three feet high and close together, occupy most of the island, which is about three miles long. Through them we “quietly ” crashed, and so disturbed the birds which we passed that they scrambled out and did not feel at ease until they had with difficulty risen upon thewing. At least athousand of them must have been 198 Mr. R, Hall on Birds whirling immediately above us, with many others still higher in the air. Noticing the latter, it is evident in a moment that they soar easily; for in such a position they will sustain their flight for many minutes together with no apparent flapping of the wings. The wheeling is either upwards or downwards, but mostly in the latter direction. Croaking emanates principally from the birds in the “ rookery,” screeching from those above, and the cry of ‘‘ wide-a-wake ” from a few in the distance, All three sounds may be heard aloft. At the further end of the island was another “ rookery ” of like proportions. The opening day of the laying-season meant that the birds’ evening fishing-excursion was abandoned. As the sun was setting, at 6,45 p.m., they were as active and noisy as during the other hours of the day. At 9.30 the din was just as strong, and before daylight the babel was still much the same. The fishermen told me that on this first night no birds sleep, The whole island is flat and untimbered, and the two compact ‘‘ rookeries ” severally occupy afew acres as far away from each other as the length of the island permits, Apart from the breedjng-months the “ Wide-a-wake ” is not to be seen on these islands during daylight, but Mr. Beddoes says that it may be heard overhead in the night. That gentleman further told me that when nesting is concluded all the birds leave together or at about the same time, meaning that within three days the whole three thousand comprised in each “ rookery ” move away to sea. The young are daily trained to go further from land and to remain longer absent, the instruction and encouragement occupying three or four weeks. While the “Sooties” are breeding upon the ground, the ‘“ Noddies ” are nesting upon the bushes some two or three feet above it; and when some of the eggs are exchanged the birds make no objection, but “ sit on.” The _“ Noddies ” will hatch out the “ Sooty’s” eggs and feed the young until they are ready to run about, but no longer. The old “ Noddy ” is a quiet unassuming bird, and certainly does not like the noise of the young “ Sooty,” which is “a chip of the old block.” So pugnacious is the latter species from Western Austraha., 199 that sheep are kept at bay by it. Not so with the “ Noddy.” I found the “ Sooty ”’ a very plucky bird, while the ‘‘ Noddy ” was not in any way pugilistic (facts reversed in Mr. Helms’s paper) ; and this shews how nicely the nesting-habits are accommodated to each, when the sensitive bird places its nest on a bush and the “ fighter” lays its egg on the ground. When the young birds are ready to essay a flight they waddle through the bushes to the beach: cripples must needs remain. In the “ rookeries ” I saw only one abnormal bird: it had the hinder crown and neck mottled, and the mautle looking as if dusted with flour. It could not have been hatched that season, and would be abnormal in any case. | I observed a thousand eggs in the “ rookery,” from which the birds moved or over which they stood according to circum- stances. The crash of the waves on the barrier coral-reef could not be heard above the sounds of feathered life. If three or four people continue to trample through their nesting- ground the sitting birds rush about in a mad paroxysm of fear, scrambling under, over, or through the maze of twigs until they either sink exhausted, frightened into momentary quiet, or gain the air, which to them is home. The egg-laying day is to them surely the most anxious of the year; and the croaking sound of two thousand voices, or say six hundred at a time, ten times stronger than that of two hundred ordinary frogs, from the throats of myriads of birds in close wheeling flight, is truly wonderful. Never have I experienced such a sensation of the marvellous as when I heard that extraordinary din of bird-voices. The nest is simply a depression in the sand, with a few twigs or empty mollusk-shells scratched up round it, and not always that. All the eggs which I saw were upon the ground under the bushes. A few “ Noddies,” not more than a score, had nests upon the bushes over the others. I had, of course, a splendid opportunity of examining a magnificent series of eggs. Certain fishermen and others had been out collecting those of the first laying (Oct. 20th), for which they eagerly look out. Their visit was to a distant 200 Mr. R. Hall on Birds “rookery”’ (in which I had previously wandered), and they had taken from a portion of it about eight hundred eggs, leaving some two hundred, and giving the birds the oppor- tunity to lay again undisturbed. ‘The measurements of the eggs do not vary much, and one pattern of marking governs the bulk; in the minority there are differences. I observed :— (a) Whitish ground, purplish spots appearing as if beneath the surface and purplish-red spots just above it; on the surface conspicuous spots and blotches of a chestnut-umber. (6) Ground-colour of green, which is rare, the spots being dispersed as in (a). (c) Dull rufous ground-colour, with varying spots: this is not so rare as (8). : (d) Reddish-white ground-colour, which is not uncommon, the spots varying in size aid number. The following types, attracting the ‘eye at a glance, provided a series of specimens shewing the stages of pigment- influence in passing along the oviduct :— | (1) Quite white, exceptional. Several years ago I received specimens of this kind from Malden Island. (2) White, with an innermost faint purple layer of spots and blotches. Specimens varying greatly in size. (3) Similar to (2), but with a second and stronger layer of spots upon the surface. (4) White ground-colour, with purple and chestnut spots, which are quite uniform ; few blotches. (5) The type described as (a). (6) The type described as (4). (7, 8,9) The type described as (c) ; the extent of ground- colour, and therefore of the spots, variable, some lightly, some heavily marked. (10) Similar to (c), with few but heavy blotches. The second “ rookery,” at the other end of Rat Island, ' seemed to contain much the same types of eggs, and remained untouched. This is the only one of these islands which the “Sooty ” uses for breeding. Each “ rookery ” contains some two thousand birds. from Western Australia. 201 65. Anovus srotipus. Noddy. (Hall’s Key, p. 89.) I visited one Jarge “rookery” on Pelsart Island proper, where some two thousand Noddies were assembled (21.10.99). They had not begun to lay their eggs, although it was past the usual date. Mr. Beddoes tells me that this species 3s the earliest Tern to lay on the Houtman’s Abrolhos, and that August 9th is the earliest record which he has of their doing so. The “hovering as bees”’ only occurs at the initial stage, but it starts again when the young are being taught to fly. The teaching lasts from fourteen to twenty-one days. The young struggle in from the sea at all hours of the day, but the parents arrive en masse during the evening. My experience with them was very quiet, because they were assembled in a single colony upon the salt-bushes and upon the bare ground near them. Encouraging some of them to move on simply meant that they rose before us like a cloud such as few people have seeu—-a mass of quicklv-flying bodies in revolution and unmethodical action. Fishermen watch for this sign, and onslaughts upon the eggs soon after follow. It has been observed that by marking off a section of a rookery and taking the eggs, a second and subsequent laying ensues, coutrary to what happens if the birds are undisturbed. ‘This season the Noddy had not begun to lay by October 21st, and it was remarked that the sensitive bird had been made more so by the depr: dations of wild cats, once introduced to subdue the rats. Although the eggs of the two species are externally too much alike to be distinguished from one another, there is a difference in the yolks: that of the Sooty has a deep red yolk, while that of the Noddy has a yellowish one. Among the four thousand Sooty Terns breeding on Rat Island, 21.10.99, I found only two nests of the Noddy. One was large, and measured eleven inches across, the bow! being 3°5 inches in diameter. It was made of marine weeds, salt- bush twigs, and light filamentous sponges. Both nests were placed on the tops of Salsolacee, some three feet from the grouud, upon which the eggs of the ‘“ Sooty” were very humerous. 202 Mr. R. Hall on Birds The day of the vast flocks referred to by Gilbert in Gould’s * Handbook ’ is past. When guano-workers cease to frequent the islands, and the introduced cats allow the lizards alone to work havoc there, the former state of affairs may return. 66. Micranovs TENUIROsTRIS. Lesser Noddy. (Hall’s Key, p. 89.) A, B. Sk.ad. 2. 17.10.99. Long Island, Pelsart Group, Houtman’s Abrolhos. | C,D. Nestlings. 27.10.99. Long Island, Pelsart Group, -Houtman’s Abrolhos. On Long Island were two small mangrove-swamps, one ‘with many old nests and a few birds sitting upon eggs, the other containing those of the birds fully engaged in the task of incubation. There were approximately a hundred nests, each containing a fairly fresh egg, on the 17th of October. On the 27th two of the nests contained young some three days old. Description of nestling.—The young at once assumes a Jikeness to the parent: the edges of the upper and lower eyelids are bordered by a line of white down; the under wing is whitish; the forehead, nape, and crown are covered with clear greyish-white down, the cheeks being less distinctly white; the bill and eyes are black; the nail of the bill is pure white; the legs and feet are brownish black. In the adult skins secured, the third and fourth primaries (from the outside) give equal measurements. Nest.—The material from which to choose for a nest is limited, consisting only of a few land-weeds (salt-bush or occasional herb) and a marine weed or two. The former would not suit the manner in which the loose material is placed, hanging from so poor a support—a basis that is not broad enough to hold stems that are not interwoven. As the bird does not care to adopt the practice of nesting on the ground, it is scarcely optional to use aught but seaweed, to withstand the wind. Rhodophycee are chosen from the beach, and, being fascicular, they hold together when placed on an irregular fork. How the season affects the gathering Jrom Western Australia. 203 of red weeds and the laying of eggs it would be interesting to know. Very little skill is necessary to obtain a pleasant effect in nest.building among mangroves. The cluster of weeds which form the nest measures six inches across and four inches in depth, the bowl being a slight hae of half an inch. That this “ rookery” has been used for two or more years is shown by the guano upon the branches and older portions of the nests. While making observations, a bird flew at me, and brought blood from my lower lip with its bill. 67. Gapranus Paciricus. Pacific Gull. (Hall’s Key we 90.) > Fledgling (about seven days old). 27.10.99. Houtman’s Abrolhos. The nest of this species is a slight “ mound ” lined with salt-bush twigs. 68. PREracopRomMa MARINA. White-faced Storm-Petrel. (Hall’s Key, p. 91.) A. Sk.ad. g. 26.10.99. South Island, Pelsart Group. Houtman’s Abrolhos. B. Nestling. 20.10.99. West Wallabi Island. Hout- man’s Abrolhos. | Nestling.—KExcept the chin and throat, the whole under surface is covered with a sooty-grey down averaging more than an inch in length. The down has fallen from the upper surface, excepting the crown and rump. The back is deeper. slate-coloured than in the adult, and the wings, which are. almost free from down, are of the same colour; the hind- neck is mottled with white; the face is deep slate-coloured : the lores white with dark tips ; the chin, throat, and cheeks. white; the feet slate-coloured, with a very light yellow mark between the toes; the bill is dark. The bulk appears to be twice that of the adult. Girth of nestling at shoulders 10°5 inches; of adult 4°5 inches. One nestling, well advanced, I found lying dead above the entrance to a burrow and externally uninjured, 24.10.99. 204 Mr. R. Llall on Birds Eggs were found on South Island, Pelsart Group, 26.10.99, fresh and much incubated. The male was observed to be sitting in the daytime. In the course of an hour I was able to roughly examine from six to nine nests, and accomplished the excavation in the loose sand, bound with fibrous vegeta- tion, by hand alone. Many birds were in the hollows, apparently not specially engaged, but keeping apart from their mates while sitting upon the eggs. This is not usual. 69. PurFINUS CHLORORHYNCHUs. Wedge-tailed Petrel. (Hall’s Key, p. 92 ) From the West Wallabi Island of the Houtman’s I pro- cured, in a burrow, a male specimen, in order to ascertain the author of the moaning calls that came from the holes in the daylight. These were quite new tv my ears, and did not resemble those of any Petrel in the other large “ rookeries ” which I have been fortunate enough to visit. During the night these calls would prove quite distressing to a person not knowing the source. My first acquaintance with them was in the daylight, and I felt impelled to make a kind of response, because I thought that some creature was in distress. At first I could only refer the noise to the cats which are wild in the adjacent group. ‘Lying at anchor that calm night I was considerably impressed by what a super- stitious person would certainly have called the feeling that an “island”? was in distress aud moaning in its troubles: circumstances altogether too dismal for an optimist to be within hearing of. My mind was, however, bent upon hard facts, and for the moment was unemotiona'. Although my specimen agrees with the measuremeuts noted by Salvin, the colour of the bill does not correspond with the specific nomenclature, because it is slate-coloured with the tip (nail) black; the feet are fleshy white. Young “ Mutton-birds” are very pugnacious, for if two are placed in the same box overnight, one will be found dead in the morning. This surely comes of being *‘ brought up” alone ina burrow. The statement applies also to other species of Petrels. from Western Australia. APPENDIX. 205 i Revised List of the Birds found on the Houtman’s Abrolhos, and their Nesting-dates. PAGE IN ‘Kry’ 3. 28. 93. SPECIES. Hahaétus leucogaster Gmelin. Pandion leucocephalus Gould. Petreca goodenovi Vig. & Horsf. Sericornis maculata Gould. / Cinclorhamphus rufescens Vig. & Horsf. Zosterops gouldi Bonaparte. Hirundo neovena Gould. Anthus australis Vig. & Horsf. Halcyon sanctus Vig. & Horsf. Phaps ehalcoptera Latham. Phaps elegans Temm. Turn varia Lath. Hypotendia philippinensis Linn. Porzana tabuensis Gmelin. Arenaria interpres Linn. Hematopus longirostris Vieill. H. unicolor Wagler. Squatarola helvetica Linn. Ayrialitis ruficapilla Temm. Numentus cyanopus Vieill. NV. variegatus Salvadori. Limosa nove-zealandiea Gray. Nestine Darus, &c. Fledged young in nest, 20,10. 99. Wallabi Group. Eges, Sept. and 26.10.99. Young plentiful in October. Considered a “ stray.” Deserted nest of this season, 20.10.99. West Wallabi Island. Possibly nesting on Lone Island, Pelsart Group. Fresh eogs, 21.10.99, 23.11.94. Wallabi Group. Considered a visitor. Appeared to be nesting on Pelsart, 27.10.99. (One pair.) Doubtful habitat. (See No. 59.) Young just out of nest, 21, 10.99. Wallabi Group. Fresh eggs, 20.10.99. Wal- labi Group. Known to breed on Pelsart Islands, Possibly nesting on islet off Wallabi Group and Pelsart Islands. Fresh egus, 24.11.94. toltsla) Young accompanying parents, 26.10;99, ~ On Birds from Western Australia. SPECIES. Heteractitis brevipes Pallas. Glottis nebularius Gunner. Limonites ryuficollis Pallas. Ancylochilus subarquatus Gmelin. Hydroprogne caspia Pallas. Sterna dougalli Mont, S. bergit Licht. S. anestheta Scopoli. S. fuliginosa Gmelin. S. nerezs Gould. S. stnensis Gmelin. Anous stolidus Linn, Micranous tenutrostris Temm. Larus nove-hollandie Steph. Gabianus pacificus Latham. Pelagodroma marina Latham. Puffinus chlororhynchus Less. P. assimitis Gould. Demiegretia sacra Gmelin. Phalacrocoraxr hypoleucus Brandt. Phaethon rubricauda Bodd. P. lepturus Daudin. Pelecanus conspicillatus Temm. Eudyptula minor Forst. Chenopis atrata Lath. Nettion castaneum Wyton. Nestine Dates, &c, Fresh eggs, 17.10.99; well- developed embryos in eggs; 20.10.99 ; eggs, 15.12.90 (A. J. Campbell). Fresh eggs, 15.11.94; eggs in fo) Dec. 1890. Eggs, 17.10.94; young in down, 26.10.99. Eggs, 23.11.94; embryos-well= developed. Eggs, 6.10.94, 20.10.99 ; young, 4.11.94. Eggs, 3.12.94. Eggs, 6.10.94, 21.10.99. Cos lony not yet started to lay. Fresh eggs, 17.10.99. Breed- ing-season irregular, Sept. to Dec. Eggs, 14.10.94; also Sept. Eggs, 7.10.94; also Sept. Fresh eggs and _ nestlings, 26.10.99 ; eggs with well- developed embryos, 26.10.99; 10.11.94; nestlings, 15.12.90 (A. J. Campbell). Eggs, 26.11.94. | Eggs, July. Pelsart Group. Eggs, November. Eggs, 9.10.94. Island.. Egg, 10.11.94. Off Gun Wal- Occasional in Sept. labi Group. Ornithological Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 207 XIV.—Results of an Ornithological Journey through Colombia 3 and Ecuador.—Part V. By Watter Goopretiow, F.Z.S. [Concluded from p. 67.] Fam. TrocHiLip@. (316—482.) We devoted special attention to the Humming-birds during our expedition, but almost the entire collection of the members of this family has gone to the U.S. National Mu- seum, Washington, together with copious field-notes relating tothem. Itis now being worked out there by Mr. Oberholzer, and an account of it will shortly be published containing our notes and results in full, but we may venture to make some general remarks. We obtained examples of what we con- sidered to be about 116 species of this charming group, but the number will probably be much increased wher the specimens have been properly worked out. With very few exceptions, all of them were killed with an Indian “ bordaquera”’ or blow- pipe, for it would be useless to kill them with a gun, however small the shot was. Consequently all our skins are perfect, and there is hardly one among them thatis poor. It is gene- rally supposed that a European cannot arquire the use of a blow-pipe. In one sense this is correct, so far as shooting with darts goes, for then a tube 9 or 10 feet long must be used, which a “ European” unaccustomed to it will find very unwieldy. In Popaydn, however, we met a young Colombian gentleman who was very proficient in the use of the blow- pipe, and from him we learnt how to cut the Indian tubes down to 5 or 6 feet in length and to use clay pellets instead of poisoned darts. We did this and practised on small birds in the garden, and none were more surprised than ourselves at the rapid progress we made. | We found Humming-birds scarce in Southern Colombia during the time of our visit, whereas in Ecuador at certain altitudes they predominated. If an ornithologist were to visit the Central Cordillera at the back of Popaydén I am sure that he would find there a distinctly new species of Lesbia. I saw examples of it on several occasions at an altitude of about 208 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological 900G feet, but we were not fortunate enough to obtain specimens ; for when it would have been possible to have shot them we had no guns with us. Of some species of this group we killed many more ex- amples than we intended, for the reason that often we could not tell exactly at what species we were shooting. Most of the members of the genus Hriocnemis, for example, are very easily confounded on the wing, and in some localities several of the species are found together. It was only by shooting many specimens of EF. luciant that we occasionally secured one of the rarer EL. mosquera, which is very different in the hand, but almost impossible to distinguish on the wing. And this is the case with many of the genera. Each of them has its characteristic habits and flight, but in most cases the different species look much the same in life. It is only when a specimen is held in the hand and turned to the light in the right position that the beautiful colours are Seen to advantage. The brightest-coloured may look the plainest of birds when on the wing. Fam. CyrpsELipD ax $4933. CHazTuRA ZONARIS (Shaw). Two males and one female. We found these Swifts at alti- tudes of from 10,000 to 15,500 feet, but more frequently at the higher elevation. They fly in flocks in the early morning and evening, skimming close over the grassy slopes of the mountains. ‘Their stomachs contained chiefly small moths. Personally we found them confined to the Eastern Andes, but it is probable that they change their locality at certain seasons and visit the Western Andes. In July we saw numbers of them flying about the ledges of the precipitous “ quebradas” east of Quito, where we were told that they nested. ‘The female is more brownish on the head, especially about the forehead, which is whitish brown. The feathers on the veut are also edged with white. Fam. CAPRIMULGID2. 434, STENOPSIS RUFICERVIX (Scl.). A male from Papallacta, Eastern Andes (11,000). Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 209 Fam. Picip2. +435. Prcumnus Granapensis (Lafr.). One male from the forests of Santo Domingo. 436. CAMPOPHILUS MELANOLEUCUS (Gm.). A pair from the Coca, Rio Napo. We constantly heard the loud rapping of these birds reverberate through the forests, but could seldom get a shot at them, for the trees were very high, and they always kept out of sight by running to the other side of the trunk. They accompany their rapping with a loud harsh note, to be heard a long distance off. 437. CAMPOPHILUS POLLENS (Bp.). Three males and two females from the western side of Ecuador. We found them on the more open parts of the forest-covered mountain-sides at altitudes of from about 5000 to 7000 feet. They were rather numerous at Canyacota in September. 438. CAMPOPHILUS GUAYAQUILENSIS (Less.). Two males from Santo Domingo. A pair of these Wood- peckers bred in October in the trunk of a tall dead tree standing in the clearing near our hut. +439. CHLoRONERPES FUMIGATUS (Lafr. & d’Orb.). A male and a female from the western side of Pichincha. 440. CHLORONERPES CECILIZ (Malh.). A female from Baeza, Eastern Ecuador, is apparently of this species. 441, CHLORONERPES NIGRICcEPS (Lafr. & d’Orb.). A good series from Intag and Baeza, Western and Eastern Ecuador. 442. CHLORONERPES DIGNUS Scl. & Salv. A female from Baeza, Eastern Ecuador, 443, MELANERPES CRUENTATUS (Bodd.). A male and two females from the Rio Suno, Upper Rio Napo. All the three specimens were shot on decayed tree- trunks lying on the ground in a small Indian clearing. ‘The SER. VIII.—VOL. Il. P 210 - Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological heads of this and of the next species pass easily through the neck when they are being skinned. 444, MELANERPES PULCHER Scl. Five males and two females from Santo Domingo and near Gualea. At the former locality they were rather numerous, and all those which we shot were eating ripe bananas. I have observed them feeding together with Procnias tersa, Calliste icterocephala and C. aurulenta, Chlorophanes atri- capilla, and Cassidiz oryzivora. Ina wild state C. oryzivora does not appear to be evilly disposed to smaller birds, which is more than can be said of it in captivity. 445, HypoxaNTHUS RIVOLI! (Boiss.). Four males and three females from near Quito. I believe that this is the only species of Woodpecker found near that town. All our examples were shot at the little village of Guapalo, in a deep “ quebrada” leading into the Chillo Valley, and only twenty minutes ride from Quito. 446, Cereus citreopyetius Sel. & Salv. Two males and a female from the Coca, Rio Napo. Shot on the large ants’ nests so common on the trunks of forest trees. This Woodpecker has a remarkably strong odour, which the dried skins still partially retain. When first shot its smell was so strong that it made the hut almost un- bearable. With care, the skull of this species will pass through the neck when it is being skinned. Fam. MomorTip2a. 447. Momorus suBRuFESCcENS (Scl.). A male and three females from the Coca, Rio Napo. Fairly numerous on the edges of the forest around the Indians’ clearings. They sit so motionless and flat on the branches that they may be easily overlooked. 448, URospatHa MARTII (Spix). Three males and a female, also from the Coca, where this species was rather more plentiful than the preceding, It appears to feed largely on grasshoppers and similar insects, Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 211 securing them on the wing and returning to a branch to eat them. It takes grasshoppers from the ground without alighting. | 7449. PrionoRHYNCHUS PLATYRHYNCHUS (Leadb.). Three males and two females from Santo Domingo and the Rio Coca, Western and Eastern Ecuador. This Motmot we always found in the depths of the forest. I can see no dif- ference between examples from the eastern and western sides. Fam. ALCEDINID4. +450. CreryLe torquata (Linn.). Although this large Kingfisher was very common on the Lower Napo, for some reason or another we only shot a female. We did not once observe it so high up as the Coca. + 451. CeryLe amazona (Lath.). A female from the Suno, Upper Napo. A pair of these Kingfishers had a nest near the mouth of the Coca in June. One night the river suddenly rose and overflowed its banks, when doubtless the birds perished, for we did not see them again. + 452. Crry.e casanisi (Tsch.). A male from Santo Domingo. Shot on a tree near the edge of the forest, about 200 yards away from the stream. Fam. TROGONID2. 453. Trocon couuaris Vieill. Four males from Gualea and Nanegal, Western Ecuador. 454. Trocon PERSoNATUS Gould. | A large series of males and females from both the Eastern and Western Andes at altitudes of from 9000 to 11,500 feet. Common at Papallacta in February. We found them only on the western side of the Western Andes and on the eastern side of the Eastern ranges; none of the Trogons are found on the central plateau of Ecuador. Probably this species has the highest range of ail those found in that country. Ba 212 Mr. W. Goodfellow—Ornithological +455. Trocon atricotuis Vieill. A male from Gualea, Western Ecuador, and a female from the Coca, Rio Napo. 456. Trocon viripis (Linn.). A female from the Coca. 457. TRocGon MacRuRus Gould. One female from the Coca. The lower mandible and the sides of the upper are dark yellow. 458. TRoGon RAMONIANUS Bp. Two males and a female, also from the Coca, Bill greyish horn-coloured in the male, upper mandible of female black. 459. PHAROMACRUS ANTISIANUs (d’Orb.). Two males from Intag, Western Ecuador, and two males from below Baeza, Eastern Ecuador. On the latter side we found the birds feeding in the company of P. auriceps. 460. PHAROMACRUS AURICEPS (Gould). We obtained a large series of this Trogon from both Eastern and Western Ecuador at about 4000 feet, but those from the eastern side appear to have the head of a more coppery hue. At San Nicolas we found them on the open hill-sides in the very early morning and in the forests during the day. They feed on the lower trees in the dense parts of the woodland, and in the gloomy light are very difficult to see. When dis- turhed they fly into the highest trees, out of range, but they-are easily brought down to the lower regions again by imitating their loud call-note. Although the feathers of this bird come out in abundance, even with the most careful handling, their skins are not quite so tender as are those of the smaller Trogons, such as 7. personatus. It is best to let the bodies get quite cold before attempting to skin any species. Local name “ Guajaliqui.” Fam. GALBULID2. +461. GaLBULA MELANOGENIA Scl. A female from Santo Domingo. Found in the forests. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 213 462. GALBULA CHALCoTHORAX Sel, Two males and a female from the forests near the Coca. A young male resembles the female, except that it has the under tail-coverts edged with white, like the adult male, and not with fawn. I think that we shot all our specimens on bees’ nests. + 463. JACAMEROPS GRANDIS (Gm.). | We shot three males and a female of this handsome Jacamar near the Coca in June. We met with them only in the forests, where they sit silently on the branches, taking their prey on the wing and returning to the same spot. After they were shot a sticky fluid like honey ran copiously from their beaks. Local name “Quinde rayo” (the Beam- of-light Humming-bird). Fam. BuccoNIpD@!. 464. Bucco rapiatus Scl. - A male from Santo Domingo. Shot on the dead branch of a tree at the edge of the forest, where it sat perfectly motionless, after the usual manner of these birds. Its stomach contained grasshoppers, beetles, and a small lizard. Tris red. Rare. 465. Bucco MacropactyLus (Spix). Two males from Archidona and the Coca respectively. The birds come out at dusk and catch moths on the wing. 466. Matacorriia Fusca (Gm.). A female from Archidona. Frequents overgrown clearings. Bill light yellow, with black line down the centre, Iris yellow. 467. Matacorrita cASTANEA Verr. A male from the lower western side of Pichincha. 468. Mownasa FLavirostris (Strickl.). A pair from the Coca. Baill pale lemon-yellow. This Soft-wing was much rarer on the Napo than the two following species. 214: Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological 469. Monasa PERUANA Bp. Two pairs from the Coca. This species was generally seen in the open clearings. Bull coral-red. 470. Monasa NIGRIFRONS (Spix). Four males and two females from the Coca. The com- monest of the Soft-wings on the Napo. Generally found in pairs in the forests, sitting silently on the lower branches of high trees ; it catches butterflies and other insects on the wing. Bill bright coral-red. Fam. CucuLiID#&. +471. CroropHaca ANI (Linn.). / Of this widely distributed bird we procured a good series of specimens. ‘They were remarkably abundant in the Cauca. Valley, and became quite a nuisance to us when we were shooting, flying on in front of us in large flocks, alighting clumsily on the trees and bushes, and so driving other birds away. They must have been nesting in May, for I took a blue egg out of one which I was skinning. After Popaydn we did not see any again until we reached Santo Domingo in Western Ecuador, and Archidona near the headwaters of the Napo, while they were scarce at both these places.. Neither of the localities suited their habits. They prefer open grassy country, inhabited by herds of cattle and interspersed with tall hedges and clumps of trees. They are in constant attendance upon the cattle, pecking flies and insects from them. Their flight is short, and their mode of alighting very awkward. When flying they keep up a continual noise. In Colombia they were called ‘‘ Chamém,” and in Ecuador “ Pico machete.” +472, PIaya MEHLERI Bp. We collected a good series of examples of these birds on both sides of Ecuador, and found a striking difference between those from the eastern and western sides. They undoubtedly ought to be divided, but in the Cat. Brit. Mus. they are placed together. Those from Eastern Ecuador have the head and back much darker, and have a deep purple gloss on the upper side of the tail with a blackish-grey tint underneath. The difference Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 215 is most marked when the skins are placed side by side. The western bird has the bill yellow with a greenish base and the bare skin around the eyes greenish yellow; while the eastern bird has the base of the bill blackish and the skin around the eyes coral-red. Both have the iris crimson. At Santo Domingo and San Nicolas, in Western Ecuador, we found these birds very numerous in flocks of from 15 to 20, looking remarkably pretty as they skimmed from bush to bush without any apparent movement of the wings, their long outspread tails shewing the conspicuous white tips down each side. They are not forest-frequenting birds, but prefer the open hill-sides and neglected clearings. On the eastern side of Ecuador we found them plentiful by the Rio Cosanga below Baeza, and also by the Coca River. Some of the Indians used the tails spread out to form head-dresses. 473. Praya minvta (Vieill.). Two males from Santo Domingo. Much rarer than the preceding species. L[yelids red ; bill yellow, slightly shaded with green. +474, Coccyzus MELANOcoryPHUs (Vieill.). Two males and a female from the Coca. These birds are solitary in their habits, and frequent the Indian clearings, taking their prey on the wing. Fam. RHAMPHASTID2. +475. RaamMpuastos Tocarp Vieill. Although this Toucan was fairly numerous at Santo Domingo, we only secured two males during our stay there. It was very shy and kept to the highest trees, generally in flocks of from eight toa dozen. Iris pale blue, bare skin’ round the eye yellowish green ; lower mandible black, upper mandible yellow, shaded with blue and green down the centre. The Ecuadorians call these birds “ Predica- dores” or “ Dios-te-de.” 476. RHAMPHASTOS CUVIERI Wagl. A series of males and females from the Rio Napo, where they were extremely numerous. This was remarkable, for - 216 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological the Indians slaughtered them by the hundred, and at certain seasons organized expeditions especially for killing them. I have seen them return from these expeditions with many hundreds of smoked Toucans, which they keep to eat out of the fruit season, when game is scarce. When the fruit is ripe on certain forest trees, the Indian lads are sent to make a temporary dwelling under the branches, and they take up their abode there while the fruit lasts, each boy selecting a tree to himself. With their silent blowpipes they pick off all birds that come there to feed. Considering this wholesale slaughter, it is a wonder that this Toucan and many other birds have not long ago become extinct, in the Napo region at anyrate. ‘The Indians use the feathers for decorating their weapons and persons, while from the bills they carve quaint necklaces. ‘The bare skin around the eyes is shaded Oxford blue. Indian name “ Dumbiqui.” When we were on the Napo we only met this Toucan singly or in pairs. 477. PrrRoGLossus PLURICINCTUS Gould. One male from the Coca River. Iris cream-coloured ; skin around the eyes dark red ; legs and feet olive-green. 478. PTEROGLOssUS cAsTANOTIS (Gould). A male and two females from Archidona and the Coea. In each case the bills vary very much in size and colour. Iris grey ; skin round the eyes cream-coloured. +479. PreRoGLossus ERYTHROPYGIUS Gould. Five males and two females from Santo Domingo appear to belong to this species, which is common in the banana- plantations around the huts, sometimes in small flocks, but more often singly. This is the only Toucan which I have observed to settle on the ground in a wild state. Pupil dark green; iris yellow; eyelids blue; bare skin round the eyes crimson ; legs and feet dark green. The bill is creamy white (pale stone-colour), shading into red at its base, while the tip is red; slaty black shews along the cutting-edge, and some specimens have a dark line down the centre. Two of the birds are changing the wing- and tail-feathers from brown to dark dull green. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 217 480. PrerRoGLossus FLAVIROSTRIS Fraser. A male from the Coca. Skin around the eyes red; legs and feet dark green. 481. ANDIGENA LAMINIROSTRIS Gould. A male from Milligalli, Western Ecuador, 6000 feet. The only example which we saw there during our visit in September, but the bird appears to be more numerous at other seasons. It is met with singly or in pairs. 482. ANDIGENA HyPoeLaucus Gould. Two males and a female from Papallacta, Hastern Ecuador, 11,500 feet. This Toucan is probably found at a higher elevation than any other. It seemed strange to us at first to find it where the nights were frosty and the days cold and miserable when the sun did not shine. In this genus the colours of the bills do not appear to change very much after death. Dark sealing-wax-red is the predominating colour in that of this species. The female is greenish on the flanks and is smalier than the male. 483. ANDIGENA SPILORHYNCHUS (Gould). A male from the Eastern Andes between Papallacta and Baeza. 484, AULACORHAMPHUS H&MATOPYGIUS (Gould). Six males and three females from various localities in Western Ecuador at about 38000 or 4000 feet elevation. They are more often found singly than in pairs, higher or lower as the forest fruits ripen, and seem quiet and rather inactive. As they frequent the bushes and low trees of the forests, their green plumage blends with the foliage, and they are somewhat difficult to detect, especially as they sit motionless for a long time together. Baill dark dull red. 485. AULACORHAMPHUS ALBIVITTA (Briss.). Two males and four females from Baeza and the neigh- bourhood. This Toucanet takes the place in Eastern Ecuador of A. hematopygius of the western side. They have similar habits, but perhaps the present species frequeiuts the open hill-sides a little more. Bare skin around the eyes 218 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological and base of bill dark red. The male is decidedly more blue around the eyes than the female. Fam. CAPITONIDG. 486. Capito BoURCIERI (Lafr.). Four males and a female from Santo Domingo and Guana- cillo, western forests. Local name “ Ruisefior.” 487. Capito RICHARDSONI (Gray). A male from near Archidona, Eastern Ecuador. 488. Capito punctatus (Less.). Two males and a female from Archidona and the Rio Coca. 489. Capito squaMaTUS Sally. Capito squamatus Salv. Ibis, 1876, p. 494, pl. xiv. A pair of these rare Barbets from Santo Domingo. It was quite dusk when we saw three of them on the bare branch of a tree near the edge of the forest.. We killed two at one shot, but as they fell among the undergrowth, and it was too dark to see, we only recovered one, a female. The next evening at the same hour, and on the same tree, we saw another, which we shot, and it proved to be a male. It has the whole of the breast and abdomen white, with a wash of pale sulphur-colour on the fore part of the chest. The thighs are of a darker and more greenish black than in the female. The whole of the back, shoulders, and rump are glossy blue-black, with some brownish feathers on the nape. The wings are more clearly marked with white than in the. female, and the undersides are entirely yellowish white. The male has also a much redder forehead. In the female the back, shoulders, and rump are narrowly edged with greyish white, and the throat and upper part of the breast are black. ‘The stomachs contained berries, beetles, and moths. Iris yellow. The single unsexed type skin in the British Museum is a female. ~ 490. TETRAGONOPS RHAMPHASTINUs Jard. Seven males and three females from Gualea and Intag, Western Ecuador. Generally to be found singly among the lower forest trees. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 219 Fam. Psitracip@. 491. Ara ARARAUNA (Linn,). A male only of the well-known Macaw from the Napo. We often observed the birds flying overhead at night in large flocks, but never chanced upon their feeding-grounds. They are much sought after by the Indians, for the sake of their plumage. The Indian name for them on the Napo was “ Guacamayo.” . 492. Ara severa (Linn.). We shot examples of this Macaw at Santo Domingo, in Western Ecuador, and also on the Napo. In both localities they were fairly numerous, and there appears to be no dif- ference whatever between them. 493. PyRRHURA SOUANCAI (Verr.). This Conure was common on the Upper Napo, where it was nesting in April, May, and June. 494, Pacuynus BracuyuRvus (Temm. & Kuhl). A pair from the Rio Coca. We only once came upon a large flock of these Parrots, when they were congregating at sunset in the high trees along the river-banks for the night. Iris pale yellow. +495. Pionus MENstRUUS (Linn.). Common on the Napo, but most plentiful on the lower parts. 496. PIonuUS CoRALLINUS (Bp.). A male from Guanacillo, Western Ecuador. Beak coral- red, white at the tip. + 497. Pionus seniLompEs (Mass. & Souancé). Two males and a female from San Nicolas, Western Eeuador, and Baeza, Eastern Ecuador, 5000 feet. At the former place we found them in flocks in the early morning among the maize-fields on the hill-sides. They retire to the forests during the day. The Indians at Baeza told us that great numbers arrive there about October. They then kill them and partially smoke them, to sell to the rubber-hunters who pass through. 220 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological 498. Pionus cHALCoPTERUS (Fraser). Two males and two females from Santo Domingo. Not common there, and met with in pairs. Bill yellow horn- coloured. Bare skin round the eyes red. 499. Urocnroma HUETI (Temm.). A male from near Baeza. Found in small flocks. 500. Urocuroma sticToprTEeRA Scl. Urochroma stictoptera Scl. ;- Salvad. Cat. B. xx. p. 357. One male of this rare Parrot was obtained in the forests a little below Baeza. Only two examples were seen. Bill whitish horn-coloured. 501. PsirracuLa C&ZLEsTIs Lesson. A male from Manta, on the western coast. Seen in small flocks outside the town and along the sea-shore. +502. Brotocerys virescens (Gm.). A very common bird on the Lower Napo, but unknown on the upper parts of the river. On our canoe-journey down the stream we found it congregating along the banks by thousands in the evening. [If disturbed the flocks flew around with such deafening cries that it was impossible to hear each other speak. Our Indians delighted in disturbing them. They roosted in trees growing in marshy ground and where the river-banks were less dense than elsewhere. They were nesting on the Marajion in August. 503. Brorocerys JueuLaRis (Deville). Fairly numerous on the upper parts of the Napo, but not seen by us on the lower parts of the river. We saw young in the possession of the Indians in April. 504. Brorocrrys tur (Gm.). First seen by us on the Lower Napo near the mouth of the Curari. Just after we entered the Maraiion our Indians discovered a nest a little way off in the forest. It was about tweuty feet from the ground, in the hollow of a branch. It contained five young, some almost fully fledged, while others had hardly a feather on them. I reared several of these and brought them to England with me. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 221 Fam. STRIGID2. +505. Srrix rramMea Linn. Two males from Quito. One is quite young. It was taken from a church tower and brought to me alive. It is fully fledged, but thickly covered with down on the head and about the tarsi. The facial frill is much darker than in the adult male, as is likewise the dark spot in front of the eye; the former extends more or less around the eye. Fam. BUBONID4. + 506. PHoLzorrynx cunicuxaria (Mol.). A pair from a “ quebrada” near Quito, where the birds live in holes in the cliffs. + 507. Guaucipium sarpiniz (Cab.). Seven males and four females from the vicinity of Quito. Common in many of the “ quebradas,” where it may be seen _ sittimg about the holes in the rocky faces of the cliffs during the day. Fam. FAaALconip,. 508. Circus macutosus (Vieill.). A male from Pedregal, 12,000 feet, and a female from Corazon, about 13,000 feet. The stomach of one individual contained the remains of a fair-sized lizard. 509. AsTURINA MAGNIROSTRIS (Gm.). A male from Popayan, Colombia, Frequents the trees around the fields, and preys chiefly on Pigeons. Cere and skin around the eyes chrome-yellow. +510. Bureo tatissimus (Kaup). Two males from the forests of Archidona and a female from the summit of the high forest-covered Guacamayo range, which has to be crossed in descending to the Napo forests after leaving Baeza. The female was feeding on one of the enormous earthworms common in those parts. Iris yellow. + 511. Tacuyrriorcuis atpicaupatus (Kaup). Two males from Pichincha and Corazén, about 12,000 feet. 222 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological 512. GERANOAETUS MELANOLEUCUS (Vieill.). A male and a female from Quito. The former was shot at the Santa Carolina marshes outside the town, and the latter in the garden of the British Consulate. These birds are by no means numerous in the immediate neighbourkood of Quito, for if they put in an appearance they are at once shot, as they steal the poultry. Local name “ Gabilan de pollo.” +518. AccIPITER BICOLOR (Vieill.). A female from Santo Domingo. Bare skin around the eyes yellowish red; legs and feet light yellow. 514. Fatco Frusco-c#RuULESCcENS (Vieill.). A male from about 12,000 feet on Antisana. Skin around the eyes red ; legs and feet pale yellow. +515. Fatco atsreusaris (Daud.). A male, shot in the forests at Santo Domingo. Cere chrome-yellow ; legs and feet a little lighter. . +516. TINNUNCULUS sPARVERIUS (Linn.). Two males and two females from the neighbourhood of Quito. Iris yellow; cere yellow; legs and feet dark yellow ; claws black. 517. Evanorpes Furcatvs (Linn.). A male from Santo Domingo. Not rare there, but difficult to shoot, as it either settles out of range on the tops of the highest trees or circles about over the forests. 518. Mitvaco caruncuatus (Des Murs). Four males and a female from Pichincha and the Valle de Viciosa. Common at the latter locality on wet grassy ground. We often observed seven or eight feeding together. Worms constitute the greater portion of their diet. They are comparatively numerous on the Eastern Andes, where there are more stretches of flat land, than on the Western Andes. At some places they frequent the vicinity of human dwellings, even roosting on the roofs. They were nesting in the Valle de Viciosa in December. The colour of the bare skin on the face varies much in the males. Jn some birds it is dark angry-looking red and light red, and in others light reddish Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 223 yellow. Iris blackish grey; legs and feet chrome-yellow. Local name “ Curiquingui.”’ 7-519. PotysBorts cHERIWAY (Jacq.). A male from Corazén, at about 12,000 feet. Scarce. The bare skin on the face is dark red. Fam. CaTHARTIDAE. 520. SarcoRHAMPHUS GRyPHUs (Linn.). Condors were first seen by us at the village of Puracé, in the Central Cordillera of Colombia, above Popayan. They were looked upon by the natives there as rare birds, and to shoot one was considered a grand triumph. We saw the same pair in the neighbourhood for more than a week, but we could not get the chance of a shot at them. These were all that we saw until we reached Pasto, but from thence southwards we met with them in increasing numbers at high elevations. When staying at Quito in November, we arranged for a visit to Pichincha, on purpose to shoot some of these Vultures. We went provided with a tent and all necessaries for a stay of fourdays. We also bought an old mare to kill, as we had been told that the Condors had a partiality for such food. At that time, not knowing the country nor the habits of the birds, we did not choose so advantageous a spot as we might have done, for the Indians led us to an open, and what after- wards proved to be a very exposed, sloping valley, between the old and the present crater, at an altitude of about 15,000 feet. We put up our tent in a heavy snowstorm, and then the Indians left us, with the exception of one, promising to come back for us in four days. We shot the old mare on the brink of a “‘quebrada” about 300 yards from the tent, and then awaited results. Our first night proved how badly we were located. Apart from the cold, which was intense, the wind blew almost a hurricane, and it seemed as if our tent would be carried completely away. We were relieved when daylight dawned and we were able to strengthen it. The uncanny feeling produced by the tremblings and subter- ranean noises vanished as the sun rose behind the Eastern Andes, lighting up in succession the snowy: heads of. the 224, Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological monarchs of the Equator—Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, Cotocachi, Sincholagua, and others. We found that during the night foxes had been eating the carcase, and many were still around it. We shot several, but they were so bold and venturesome that we had some difficulty in keeping them off. As the day wore on a few Condors began to arrive. It was a grand sight to see such great birds directly overhead in the cloudless sky. The wind rushing through their wings made such a loud noise when we first heard it in the tent, that we thought they were soaring around. us. Not one of them settled near the carcase during our stay up there, but they watched it from inaccessible heights around. We tried to shoot them when flying overhead, but they kept out of range, and although we sometimes heard the bullets strike them, they seemed to have no effect. We were unfortunate in having no rifles with us. They had been detained at the Customs and had not, then arrived in Quito. When the Indians returned to fetch our baggage, we went back to Quito for a week, and then made a second visit to Pichincha. This time we chose a better camping- ground about a thousand feet lower down, on a spot over- shadowed by high cliffs. A steep incline led to the top of them, and here we killed another mare. At this place we camped for a week, and although great numbers of Condors continuously circled overhead, not one settled. However, we shot a male and two females that came down lower than the rest. The male measured 10 feet 6 inches across the. wings. Both the females were smaller. It is most unpleasant work skinning a Condor, for they are covered with lice; on no other bird have I seen them anything like so abundant. In Ecuador Condors are much more numerous on the Eastern Andes, owing to the vaster solitudes there and the thousands of cattle that wander over the mountains in a half-wild condition. Numbers of the latter perish from cold and other causes, so there is a continual feast for the Condors. We once came upon four dead oxen near Cotopaxi, and there must have been at least eighty Condors around them, but they all took to flight as soon as they saw us appear on a ridge Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 220 above. The animals had apparently been dead for some days, but, with the exception of the eyes, no part of them had been eaten. The grass around was completely worn away by the feet of so many great birds. The shepherds told us that the Condors sometimes sit round the bodies for several days before they begin the feast. They commence to eat them under the tail, and thence pull all the entrails out. I think that Dr. Sharpe (Cat. B. i. p. 21) is right in naming a second species of Condor fromEcuador S. eguatorialis ; but the brown variety is /arger than the white-winged kind, and not smal/er, as Orton supposed. The smaller brown indi- viduals would be the young of both kinds. ‘The first brown examples that we saw were on the “ péramo” of San Gabriel, near the Colombian frontier, and were of ordinary size; I took them to be the young of the ordinary Condor. But on Pichincha, and at other places south of Quito, we occa- sionally saw other brown specimens,which at once struck us by their extraordinary size. I mentioned this to Mr. Soder- . strém, and he said that he always took the brown bird to be the larger. He said that they chiefly inhabited the region around Chimborazo. I found that the natives distinguished them by the name of “ Buitre Cafe,” and shepherds at dif- ferent places on the Eastern Andes all agreed that when adult they were larger than and not so common as the others. ~Whymper, in his splendid work on the Great Andes of the Equator, states that he never saw Condors flying higher: than an altitude of 18,000 feet. He certainly had more opportunities of forming a correct opinion than anyone else I know of, and, so far as my experience went, I quite agree with him. The Indians who live in the high mountains often catch Condors by digging a hole in the ground sufficiently large for a man to hide in, over which they place a cow’s hide, - Jeaving only a small part uncovered down one side. Near this they place the carcase or part of an animal, and the man in hiding secures the Condors by the legs as they settle. Still another way is to place a carcase in a fairly deep trench, from which the Condors are unable to take wing again. SER. VIIT.— VOL. Il. Q 226 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological Fam. PHALACROCORACID. +521. PHaLacrocorax BRASILIANUS (Gm.). This Cormorant was common on the Upper Napo, but we did not see it after we passed the Coca. Iris bright emerald-green ; bare skin about the gape red ; bili yellowish green, black down the centre and yellow at the tip. One skin, that of a young male, has the throat, neck, and breast fawn-coloured mixed with brown and black. Wings and back dark slaty grey, each feather margined with black; tail slightly tipped with white. Fam. ARDEID 4&4. 522. BuToRiDES CYANURUS (Vieill.). A male from the stream running through the clearing at Santo Domingo. Bill shaded yellow and green; iris yellow. Fam. PLATALEIDA.. 523. THERISTICUS BRANICKII (Berl. & Stolzm.). Theristicus branickit Salvad. Ibis, 1900, p. 515, pl. ix. A flat plain in the elevated Valle de Viciosa, between Antisana and Kilendafa, was the only locality where we met with these rare Ibises. They were generally in pairs, or at most three or four together, and were exceedingly shy, while, on account of the open nature of the ground they frequented, they were difficult to shoot. When we were fortunate enough to kill one, we could generally get another, as the birds flew screaming around their fallen companion. They were more easily approached in the early morning, after snow had fallen during the night, as they then sat shivering about until the sun had melted the snow, and were not in sucha hurry to take flight. A shepherd, who was the only inhabitant of this region, told us that they were not resident there all the year. He said that sometimes for two or three months at a time there were none of them in the valley; but whether this was at ‘irregular or fixed periods he was unable to say. During the week that we stayed there in December we saw some of these birds every day, and often heard their ery during the moon- light nights. It sounded as if they were flying over the Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 227 hut. Scarcely anyone seemed to know these birds, which was probably owing to the fact of the region that they inhabit being so isolated; but the natives who had seen them before spoke of them as “ Bandurias.”’ Iris blood-red. Fam. ANATID2. 524. QuERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA (Vieill.). A male from the Santo Carolina marshes, outside the north of Quito. An occasional visitor only to them. 525. Merecanetra cotumBIANA (Des Murs). A young male from the lake above Papallacta, about 12,000 feet. Legs and feet yellow; upper mandible dark olive-green, under mandible yellow. Fam. CoLuMBID2. +526. CotumsBa rurina (Temm ). Two males, one from Popayan, Colombia, and the other from the Chillo Valley near Quito. ~ 527. ConumBa sUBVINACEA (Lawr.). Two males from Baeza, Eastern Ecuador, and another male from Santo Domingo, on the Pacific side. The last is much smaller than the other two, and agrees in measurements with specimens described by Mr. Hartert from Paramba as C. sud- vinacea berlepschi. The iris in both cases is crimson. The birds seemed tame in their habits, and those from Baeza were shot close to the hut door. 528. MerrioPpELIA MELANOPTERA (Mol.). Numerous near Cotopaxi, at about 13,500 feet, among the rocks and lava. As nothing but a few tufts of coarse grass grew there, it was difficult to imagine what they could find to eat. The stomachs of two that we shot were quite empty. In life they have a primrose spot in front of the eye. ~ 529. CHAMMPELIA PASSERINA (Linn.). - Four males and two females from the Chillo Valley, where we found them numerous along the dusty roads. Their flight is short and swift, and when disturbed they settle again a short distance ahead. In this way they will keep in front Q2 228 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological of the traveller for a mile or more. They build their nests on the lower branches of acacia-trees, but I saw one in an exposed situation on the spreading top of the giant flower- stalk of an aloe. The base of the bill is cream-coloured, but two males shot in the nesting-season had it dull red. Feet flesh-coloured. +5380. PEerisTERA CINEREA (Temm.). Two males and a female from Santo Domingo. Not com- mon there, and met with in pairs running about the footpaths in the clearing. When disturbed they skulk in the grass until a person is close to them, then rise suddenly with a swift zigzag flight. Beak greyish green, with yellowish tip; iris red; feet flesh-coloured. 531. OscULATIA SAPPHIRINA (Bp.). A male from the Rio Suno, Upper Napo, and another in nestling-feathers, not sexed, from the Coca in June. Shot in the forests. 5382. OscuLATIA PURPUREA (Salvin). Near Santo Domingo we shot one of these beautiful and rare Pigeons, and a negro brought me a much-damaged female, with an egg inside ready to be laid, but broken. We often heard the curious loud note, but seldom saw the birds, for they were always in the tops of the highest trees in the dense parts of the forest. I think that this is the most difficult bird to skin which I have ever come across ; its skin is quite as tender as the worst of the Trogons. 533. GEOTRYGON BOURCIERI (Bp.). A male shot in the forests below Baeza near the Rio Cosanga. It was the only one we actually saw, but several times the Indians drew our attention to the loud mournful note on our way down through the forests. Chiniplaya,” the Indians called the birds in the Quichua tongue. Fam. CracipDa,. 534. PENELOPE ORTONI (Salv.). A male and female from Santo Domingo, where they were Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 229 fairly numerous in the forests. On two occasions I saw a pair of them in the tallest trees on the edge of the forest in the evening. I did not recognise our birds as being the rare P. ortoni while we were down in the forests, or I could have skinned more of them, for the Indians often brought them to us for food. Iris brown; bare skin on the throat yellowish red ; legs and feet bluish red. Local name “ Puka- pava.” 535. PENELOPE MONTAGNII (Bp.). A male from the western side of Pichincha, at about 7000 feet. Bare skin on the throat red. 536. PIPILE CUMANENSIS (Jacq.). Common on the middle region of the Napo during our stay there, and when the fruits are ripe on the upper river in September they are particularly plentiful. They are then very fat, and the Indians kill them in great numbers and smoke them. Pupil black; iris dark reddish brown ; skin on the face white, cobalt-blue about the base of the bill, with a kid-like surface; bare skin on the throat dull indigo-coloured ; legs and feet coral-red. The young resemble their parents, except that they lack the metallic lustre on the feathers and the crest is more stone-coloured. The flesh is very rich, with a strong game-like flavour. These birds are often tamed by the Indians, and possess great homing instincts. 537. ORTALIS GUTTATA (Spix). These birds were common on the Upper Napo and its tributaries, where we always found them among the thick bushes on the low river-banks, and seldom far into the forests. They appear to only resort to the trees at night, when they keep as near to the ends of the low branches as they can, about 15 to 18 feet from the ground. In their flight, and the flavour of their flesh, they much resemble Partridges. They are great favourites as pets with the Indians, and even the adults when caught quickly become tame and can be given their liberty about the huts. They cross readily with fowls, and for this reason the whites keep them on the Marafion. In the early morning they answer the cocks, when 230 Mr. W. Goodfellow— Ornithological they crow, with a loud and curious kind of crow of their own, repeated three times in succession. Iris brown ; bare skin on the face brownish grey ; throat red; legs and feet red. They feed largely on the young shoots of bushes, and are especially fond of yuca-shoots. Indian name “ Guataracu.” Fam. RaLuip2&. --538. Rattus macuatus (Bodd.). A male caught by a dog near the Cauca River, Popayan. We saw one or two in captivity there, running about the houses. Iris dark red; bill yellowish olive, orange near the base; legs light greenish yellow. 539. RALLUS HQUATORIALIS. A pair from the Santa Carolina marshes near Quito. The female has only a slight touch of white on the shoulders, and has a white underside to the tail. 540. Porzana castaNneEicers Scl. & Salv. A male from Archidona, Eastern Ecuador. Shot among the thick undergrowth of the forest. Bill greenish yellow ; legs olive-green ; iris dark brown. 541. Furica arpesraca Tsch. We shot a pair of Coots on the marshes near Quito, which appear to be typical Fulica ardesiaca. Iris red; bill and forehead pink; legs and feet light green, bluish in parts. 542. Fuuica sp. inc. On the small lakes near Cotopaxi, on the way to the Valle de Viciosa, we shot another pair of Coots, which differ from P. ardesiaca and may belong to an undescribed form. In this case the bill and forehead in both sexes were pale yellow, with a green tip and reddish sides. Legs and feet bluish grey in the female and of a darker slate-colour in the male. Fam. EuRYPYGIDA. + 543. Eurypyea masor (Hartl.). A male from Santo Domingo. Journey through Colombia and Ecuador. 231 Fam. PsorpHiiIp4a, 044. Psopuia NAPENSIS Scl. & Salyv. A pair from the Napo, where they are numerous and great favourites with the Indians, as they become remarkably tame and affectionate, and often accompany them in their hunting expeditions, when they follow quite as well as a dog. I reared a pair of small chicks, and they reached England in-safety. Only those who have kept these birds in captivity, and had them always with them, as I had in South America, can believe how interesting they are. The young have grey legs, and it is only after they are about nine months old that these become green. The flesh is hard and tasteless. Three Indian tribes, otherwise speaking different languages, called these Trumpeters “ Yacami.” At night they resort to trees to sleep, roosting as high up as possible. Fam. PaRrRID&4. 545. Parra sacana (Linn.). A male from the Napo. Fam. THINOCORIDA, 546. ATTAGIS CHIMBORAZENSIS Scl. Met with on Pichincha, at altitudes between 13,000 and 15,000 feet right up to the snow. They are now scarce on this mountain, but we found them rather plentiful at certain places on the Eastern Andes. They do not afford much sport in shooting. The legs and feet are almost of an olive-green shade. Local name “ Cordoniz.” Fam. ScoLOPACIDA. 547. GALLINAGO JAMESONI (Bp.). Two males and a female from Pichincha. This fine Snipe used at one time to be common on the eastern side of the volcano. They are not always found there now, owing to the manner in which they are persecuted all the year round. Our specimens were shot on the swampy grass-land around the little village of Lloa, 11,500 feet altitude. In November we came across’a nest containing two eggs. 232 Ornithological Journcy throvgh Colemtia and Ecuador. 548. Trinea Macu.ata (Vieill.). A male and female from the marshes near Quito. 549. GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA (Gm.). A male from the Santa Carolina marshes, Quito. 550. GaMBETTA FLAVIPES (Gm.). A female from the same locality. 551. Hetopromas soLiTarivs (Wilson). A female from the marshes, Quito. 552. TRINGOIDES MACULARIUS (Linn.). Four males and two females, from Santo Domingo and San Nicolas. Common at both localities in October, as well as on the banks of all the rivers and streams flowing down to the Pacific. We also saw them running along the paths of the small forest-clearings far from the vicinity of rivers. Fam. Larip2. 553. Larus serranus (Tsch.). Two males from the small lakes near Cotopaxi, altitude 13,700 feet. Very numerous there, I believe, all the year round. In December we saw as many as seventy or eighty on a small pond in company with Querquedula cyanoptera and Coots. One Gull was always circling in the air to keep watch, and, when anyone approached, it gave the alarm to the others, which rose with loud screamings. Sometimes, when the weather is severe on the heights, they descend into the Chillo Valley in large numbers. Local name “ Palomitas.” Fam. TiInNaMID&. 554. NoTHoProcta CURVIROSTRIS. A male and two young from among the péramo grass on Pichincha, at altitudes between 11,0CO and 18,000 feet. They are much scattered on this mountain, and we only came across them singly or in pairs, for they are persecuted all the year round by sportsmen and Indians from Quito. Some of the latter get their living by supplying them to the restaurants in the town. ‘They are still fairly plentiful on Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Graut on American Galline. 233 Corazén, but that mountain is also getting largely exploited for them. In places at present unexplored by the Quitenos we found them abundant. They afford good sport, and their flesh is as fine as any that I have eaten. Local name © Perdriz.’”” XV.— Remarks on the Species of American Galline recently described, and Notes on their Nomenclature. By W. R. Ocitvie-GRant. Since the publication of the twenty-second volume of the ‘Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum’ in 1893 a number of’ new species and subspecies of American Game- birds have been described. Below will be found a list of them, with remarks on and identifications of those which are not considered valid by the writer, and with his reasons for proposing to suppress them.” The numbers preceding the specific names are those used in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’: the position of the new species admitted as valid is indicated by such symbols as “ 1 a.” 6. Lacorus Leucurvs (Cat. B. xxii. p. 52). Lagopus leucurus altipetens Osgood, Auk, xviii. p. 180 (1901) [Colorado]. I have compared three adult males in autumn ame from Colorado (one being from Blaine’s Peak, the typical locality of L. 7. altipetens) with two males and a female in autumn plumage from the Cascade Mountains, and find them absolutely identical. 1. CANACHITES CANADENSIS (op. cit. p. 69). Canachites canadensis labradorius Bangs, P. N. Eng. Zoil. Club, i. p. 47 (1899) [Labrador]. Canachites canadensis osgoodi Bishop, Auk, xvii. p. 114 (1900) [North-west Territory, Northern British Columbia, and Alaska north to the coast mountains]. Canachites canadensis (Linn.) Norton, Pr. Portland Soc. N. H.u. p. 151 (1901) [Labrador aud Hudson Bay |. 234 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. Canachites canadensis canace (Norton) op. cit. p. 152 [Canada, Northern United States, and New Brunswick]. I. Mr. Bangs attempts to shew that the Canadian Grouse from Labrador differ constantly from birds obtained in Maine, and names the former C. c. labradorius. He states that the upper parts in the females of the former are much less suffused with buff or ochraceous throughout the plumage, and are more nearly grey and black. He compares females killed between the 12th of July and the 9th of August, 2. e. still in entire or partial worn breeding- plumage, with nearly freshly-moulted females from Maine shot between the 16th and 27th of August. Our specimens shew that there is no difference in plumage which is not due to season orage. A female from Nipissing Dist., Ontario (September), and a female from Quebee (October), agree exactly with a female from Ungava (De- cember) ; all three have the upper parts mostly black and grey, which was supposed to be characteristic of Labrador birds. II. Mr. Bishop follows by separating the Canadian Grouse inhabiting N. British Columbia and Alaska from those met with in Maine. He says the female of C. c. osgoodi in breeding-plumage differs from the females found in Maine in having all the bars on the plumage cream-buff and greyish white instead of ochraceous white. Specimens in the British Museum Collection disprove this statement; for females from Nulato, Fort Simpson, and. Jasper’s House are indistinguishable from females from Maine and New Brunswick. III. Lastly, Mr. Norton correctly points out that C. ec. labradoriusis a mere synonym of typical C. canadensis (Linn.), which was founded on birds from Hudson Bay; but he is of opinion that birds from New England and parts of Canada are distinct and should bear the name of C. ¢. canace (Linn.). As already stated, I cannot admit this distinction, all the alleged differences in plumage being fully accounted for by season or age, and being in no way dependent on locality. Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. 235 The fine series of this Grouse in the British Museum appears to be much more complete than that at the disposal of the writers quoted above. I have also examined a number of specimens from the Tring Museum, which have been kindly lent me by Mr. Rothschild, and they tend to confirm my opinion. 1. MELEAGRIs GALLOPAVO (op. cit. p. 387). Dr. Coues [cf. Auk, xiv. pp. 272-274 (1897)] agrees with the writer that the name ‘“ Meleagris gallopavo Linn.” can only be used for the Mexican bird, and that M. mexicana Gould is merely asynonym. The Linnean name is founded chiefly on the figure in Albin’s Nat. Hist. B. i. p. 33, pl. 35 (1740), and “ the Turkey Cock ” there depicted agrees per- fectly with Gould’s type. Mr. Nelson [ Auk, xvii. p. 122 (1900) | says that “ there is every reason to suppose”’ that ‘ MZ. gallopavo Linn.” should be referred to the birds from Vera Cruz, the only part of Mexico occupied by the Spaniards during the first few years of the conquest. I cannot see any possible ground for such a supposition ; for, though Mexico was discovered in 1517, the City of Mexico captured in 1521, and the Turkey estab- lished in Europe by 1530, the fact remains that the “ Turkey- Cock” figured by Albin in 1740, on which the Linnean name was founded, can only have been of West or North Mexican origin. 1 a. MrLEacGRIs GALLOPAVO INTERMEDIA. Meleagris gallopavo var. intermedia Sennett, Bull. U.S. Geol. Surv. v. p. 428 (1879) [| Rio Grande]. Meleagris gallopavo elliott Sennett, Auk, ix. p. 167, pl. iii. (1892) [Rio Grande]. Meleagris elliott Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 388 (1893) [Tamaulipas, E. Mexico, and Hidalgo, 8.W. Texas]. Meleagris gallopavo merriamt Nelson, Auk, xvii. p. 120 (1900) [Mountains of Arizona and Western New Mexico and south to the Mexican border]. | In the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ I accidentally used the name M. elliott for this form. Sennett, having given the RioGrande 236 Mr. W. R. Ogilvic-Grant on American Galiine. bird the name intermedia, had no right to withdraw this name in favour of edlioti. Coues (Auk, xiv. p. 275) says :—“ There is probably another change required in our nomenclature of this genus; certainly so, if, as some think, M. g. ellioti of Sennett, 1892, is synonymous with his M. g. intermedia of 1879.” There can be no question about these names being syno- nymous ; Sennett clearly states that they are so, and both were founded on Rio Grande birds. Mr. Nelson’s M. g. merriami is also merely a synonym ; but by contrasting his birds with examples of M. gallopavo (= mexicana Nelson) and M. americana (= fera Nelson) he would have us suppose that his “new subspecies” is very distinct. A comparison with M. intermedia (= gallopavo Nelson), with which his birds are obviously synonymous, is avoided [cf. Auk, xvi. p. 810 (1901)]. 2. MELEAGRIS AMERICANA (Cat. B. xxii. p. 389). The Turkey question was discussed at some length by Dr. Coues in 1897 [ Auk, xiv. pp. 272-275 (1897)]. Taking the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ he goes through all the older synonyms given there under the heading Meleagris americana. ‘These names are as follows :— Gallopavo sylvestris Catesby, Carol.i., App. p. xliv (1730) ; ~ Brisson, Orn. v. p. 162 (1760). Meleagris americana Bartram, Trav. p. 290 (1791) [ Penn- sylvania}. Meleagris palawa Barton, Med. & Phys. J.11. pt. i. pp. 163- 164 (1805) [United States]. | Meleagris silvestris Vieill. N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. ix. p. 447 (1817). Meleagris fera Vieill. Gal. Ois. 1. p. 10, pl. 201 (1825). Coues states his reasons for rejecting the older names, but does not suggest which name, if any, should be substituted for M. americana. In 1899 (Auk, xvi. p. 77) he rectifies his previous omission and proposes the name Meleagris gallo- pavo fera. He also remarks “there occurs on p. 274 the typographical error of pera for fera in citing the Gal. Oils. i. Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. 237 1825, p. 10, pl. 201, and I inadvertently used the term sy/- vestris instead of fera in citing the Nouv. Dict. d’ Hist. Nai. ix. 1817, p. 447.” It is a self-evident fact that Coues never looked up Vieillot’s original reference, as, had he done so, he would have found “ silvestris,’’ as cited above. Finally, Mr. Elliot puts the finishing touch to this statement (cf. Auk, xvi. p. 231). He writes :—“In the same number of ‘The Auk’ the name for our northern Turkey has been correctly given as M. fera Vieill., Nouv. Dict. 1817, p. 447, and not M. silvestris Vieill. as given by me in‘ Game-Birds.’ It may be interesting to state how I came to adopt that name, as Vieillot never described any Turkey as sylvestris . . . There was no copy of the ‘ Nouv. Dict.’ available, and I could not delay the printer until I should be able to consult it, so, perforce, contrary to my established custom in such cases, I accepted the citation given in the B. M. Cat. Birds, xxii. p. 389, as correct, and was thus led astray.” !! This inaccurate statement needs no further comment. I cannot see any objection to the employment of Bartram’s name M. americana, for, though he gives no description, the name has been much used and can only refer to the Penn- sylvanian bird. The only alternative is to use Meleagris silvestris Vieill. 1, DENDRORTYX MACROURUS (op. cit. p. 392). Dendrortyz oaxuce Nelson, Auk, xiv. p. 43 (1897) [ 3, Totontepec, Oaxaca, Mexico]. Dendrortyx macrourus griseipectus Nelson, t. c. p. 44[¢, Huitzilac, Morelos, Mexico]. Dendrortyx macrourus striatus Nelson, t. c. a 44[ 9, Chil- pancingo, Guerrero, Mexico}. Dendrortyx macrourus dilutus Nelson, |. ce. xvii. p. 254 (1900) [Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico]. On apparently only four specimens of Dendrortyxr—three males and a female from Oaxaca, Morelos, Michoacan, and Guerrero respectively—Mr. Nelson has founded as many new species and subspecies. 238 «Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. In company with Mr. F. D. Godman, I have very carefully read Mr. Nelson’s descriptions and remarks, and have re- examined the specimens in the British Museum. Our series of D. macrurus, though small, is apparently more than twice as large as that at Mr. Nelson’s disposal, and seems to shew beyond doubt that his supposed species and subspecies are untenable, and that the differences pointed out between the individuals have no geographical significance. 2. LopHortyx GAMBELI (Cat. B. xxii. p. 403). Callipepla gambeli deserticola Stephens, Auk, xi. p. 371 | (1895) [Colorado Desert, California]. Callipepla gambeli fulvipectus Nelson, Auk, xvi. p. 26 (1899) [Rio Mayo, Sonora, Mexico]. Of the first of these subspecies the Museum possesses Rare! male examples collected by Mr. Stephens himself in the Colorado Desert ; of the second we have a female example from Hermosillo, Sonora. I am unable to see any reason whatever for separating these birds from typical L. gambelt. LorHortyx Leucoprosopon Reichenow, Orn. Monatsh. iii. pp. 10 and 97, woodcut, g ? (1895); Grant, Handb. Game-Birds, 11. p. 295 (1897). This name was given by Dr. Reichenow to nied bred in captivity from parents of unknown origin. As suggested by him, the parents were probably hybrids, possibly between Lophortyx californicus and Eupsychortyxz cristatus. LorHortyx BENSONI Ridgw.; fide Sharpe, Hand-list Birds, i. p. 44 (1899) [Sonora]. I can find no published description of this species. 1. OrEortyx PictTus (op. cit. p. 397). Oreortyx pictus Ridgway, Auk, xi. pp. 193-196, pl. vi. (1894) ; Grant, Ibis, 1894, p. 570. ‘After the remarks on the sexual and geographical variations of this species that have already appeared in the ‘ Auk’ and ‘Ibis’ (vide supra), I am surprised to see that in the ‘ Hand- list of Birds’ [i. p. 44 (1899) ] no less than three species of Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. 239 Mountain Partridge are admitted:—l. Oreortyx pictus (Dougl.); 2. O. plumiferus (Gould); and 3. O. confinis Anthony. 3. EupsycHORTYX SONNINI (op. cit. p. 409). Eupsychortyx pallidus Richmond, P. U. 8S. Nat. Mus. xvill. p. 657 (1896) [Margarita F , Venezuela]. This species is said to be é considerable paler” than Ei. sonninii. Mr. Richmond admits having very scanty material for comparison (one male and one female). In a series of typical birds from Quonga, British Guiana, collected by H. Whitely, considerable variation is found in the plumage, ‘some being much paler on the breast and some darker. This species was introduced into Mustique Island, Grenadines, W.1I., about 1885, and there is a male in the British Museum collection procured on thatisland by D.W. Smith. It is very likely to have been introduced into Margarita Island. In , any case the description does not lead one to believe that _ Mr. Richmond has much faith in the validity of the species ; and, after re-examining our specimens from British Guiana, I have no hesitation in regarding £. pallidus as a synonym of E. sonninii. Corints Less. Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 190 (1828) must stand in place of Ortyx Steph. in Shaw’s Gen. Zool. xi. p. 8376 (1819) [nec Oken, Lehrb. Nat. 11., Zool. pt. 11. p. 611 (1816) : type, Turma sylvaticus (Desf.) |*. 13s. Ortyx VIRGINIANUS subsp. 5. TEXANUS (op. cit. p. 419). Colinus virginianus maculatus Nelson, Auk, xvi. p. 26 (1899) [from Tancanhuitz, San Luis Potosi, north to Victoria, and Jaumave Valley, Tamaulipas, Mexico]. * (We fail to see why “Ortyx,” which has, until recently, been the title of this well-known group, should be superseded by Colinus. It is the fact that “ Ortyx” was casually mentioned by Oken in his‘ Lehrbuch’ as a synonym of Turnix, but it does not seem at all certain that Oken meant to propose “Ortyx” as a new generic term. At any rate it has never been used in place of Turnix, Let us give “ Ortyx” the benefit of the doubt.—Epp. | 249 Mr. W.R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. We have a series of birds from the area indicated, and Mr. Godman and [are both satisfied that Mr. Nelson’s name is a mere synonym of the subspecies C. ¢evanus. 24. CoLinus copmMani Nelson, Auk, xiv. p. 45 (1897) [Jaltipan, Minatitlan, Coatzacoalcos, and shores of Lake Catemaco, Vera Cruz, Mexico]; xv. p. 120, pl. 11. (1898). This species has nothing to do with C. graysoni Lawr., with which Mr. Nelson compares it; but is evidently nearly allied to C. cubanensis. The male appears to differ from that species chiefly in having the crown blackish, with brown and greyish edgings to the feathers; the sides, flanks, and belly chestnut, heavily margined with black and devoid of white spots; and the tertials spotted with white mstead of buff. The figure is somewhat misleading, as it conveys the impres- sion that the entire belly is black; but we find from the description that this is not the case. 3. Ortyx PECTORALIS (Cat. B. xxii. p. 421). Colinus graysoni nigripectus Nelson, Auk, xiv. p. 47 (1897) [Plains of Puebla, Mexico]. Colinus minor Nelson, Auk, xviii. p. 47 (1901) [Plains of Chiapas, near Palenque, and adjacent parts of Tabasco]. In the British Museum collection there are male examples of this species with the feathers of the under parts either uni- form chestnut or narrowly fringed with black. The latter plumage apparently denotes the fully adult bird [cf. remarks on C. salvini, infra]. In my opinion there can be no doubt that both these names of Mr. Nelson’s are synonyms of C. pectoralis. By almost invariably contrasting his supposed new birds with the species to which they are least nearly allied, “ old friends” are made to appear in the guise of very distinct species. We cannot imagine that so excellent a field-naturalist as Mr. Nelson does this wilfully, and must therefore infer that such errors ‘are due to insufficient knowledge of the subject and want of material. By referring to the various “ Keys to the Species ” given in the ‘Catalogue of Birds,’ xxii., Mr. Nelson would have escaped such absurdities as redescribing Cyrtonyx sall@i Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. 241 under the name of C. merriami, and comparing it with C. montezume !\ [vide infra]. 5a. Cottnus insignis Nelson, Auk, xiv. p. 46 (1897) [ Valley of Comitan, Chiapas, and Nenton, Guatemala). The British Museum possesses a series of this species col- lected by W. B. Richardson at Comitan and in the Chiapas Plains in May 1897. The females agree perfectly with the description of the type female given by Mr. Nelson: the males, which have never been described, very closely re- semble the males of C. ridgwayi Brewst.; but the plumage is throughout darker, the mantle and under parts are dark chestnut instead of pale chestnut, and the black on the chin and throat ‘extends somewhat further down the fore-neck. 7a. Cotinus satvint Nelson, Auk, xiv. p. 45 (1897) [Tapachula and San Benito, Chiapas, Mexico]. We have a series of this species from San Benito. It is most nearly allied to O. atriceps Grant, from W. Mexico, ' but the male has the upper parts much darker and almost devoid of rufous markings, the chestnut which forms an ill-defined collar in O. atriceps on the nape and upper mantle being replaced by black, while in most specimens the dull chestnut feathers of the breast and belly are mar- gined with black ; 7¢ should be noted, however, that in some males the black margins are indistinct or even absent. ‘These are perhaps immature birds. The female is much darker than the female of O. atriceps, and has the ground-colour of the under parts white instead of buff. 1. CyrTonyx MONTEZUME (op. cit. p. 425). Cyrtonyx montezume mearnsi Nelson, Auk, xvii. p. 255 (1900) [South-western Texas and the southern half of New Mexico and Arizona, ranging into N. Mexico]. We have examined a number of examples of this supposed subspecies, but neither Mr. Godman nor I have been able to see the slightest ground for separating it; the differences mentioned in the description, so far as we can see, have no real existence. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. R 242 Mr. W. RB. Ogil vie-Grant on American Galline. Mr. Nelson thinks that he has discovered that the Odonto- phorus meleagris Wag). [cf. Isis, 1832, p. 278 (not p. 277 as stated in the Cat. Birds and copied by Nelson) is a species distinct from C. montezume. He says :—“This Partridge (C. merriami) appears to be closely related to Odontophorus meleagris Wagler (Isis, 1882, p. 277), but differs in having the white spots of the flanks on a background of ashy gray instead of black. JLike that species it lacks the white collar on the neck, which in O. munte= zume separates the black of the throat from the chestnut of the breast. Heretofore O. meleagris has been placed as a synonym of O. montezume, but the discovery of C. merriame with the same general style of markings given for O. meleagris indicates that the latter is probably a well-marked species which has failed of recognition through lack of material. It was described from Mexico and should take its proper place in ornithological literature.” Now there cannot be the slightest doubt that O. meleagris Wagl. is a mere synonym of C. montezume. Hither Mr. Nelson has not read Wagler’s description or has failed to understand it. Wagler very clearly states that his bird has a white collar, for he writes : “fascia colli inferioris .... sericeo-alba.” One can easily understand his describing the ground-colour of the flanks as black, for in some specimens they are dark greyish black. 2. CyRTONYX SALLI (Cat. B. xxi. p. 427). Cyrtonyx merriami Nelson, Auk, xiv. p. 48 (1897) [East slope of Mt. Orizaba, Vera Cruz]. There can be no doubt that C. merriami is a synonym of the beautiful species described in 1859 as C. sallai.. The apparent absence of the white collar on the fore-neck dividing the black throat from the chestnut is probably partly due to the make of the skin, but in this species the white collar is always narrow and in one specimen before us is nearly _ wanting. 1. DactyLortyx THORACICUs (op. cit. p. 429). Dactylortyx thoracicus lineolatus (Gould) Nelson, Pr. Biol. Soc. Washington, xii. p. 66 (1898). Mr. W. R. Ogilvic-Grant on American Galline. 248 Dactylortyx chiapensis Nelson, ibid. [San Cristobal, Chiapas, and Santa Maria, Guatemala]. Dactylortyx devius Nelson, t. c. Ps 68 [ Forests of Western Jalisco ]. With apparently only eight specimens of Dactylortyx available for comparison Mr. Nelson gives us a revision of this genus. He distinguishes three species and one sub- species, as follows :— Dactylortyx thoracicus (Gambel). Two females examined, one being Gambel’s type. Dactylortyz thoracicus lineolatus (Gould). One male examined. - Dactylortyx chiapensis, sp.n. Four specimens, males and females, examined. Dactylortyx devius, sp. n. One male examined. Along with Mr. Godman, I have again examined the series of 23 specimens in the British Museum, and, after carefully going over Mr. Nelson’s work, we can see no reason for recognising more than one species. All Mr. Nelson’s “species” are to be found in the series from Guatemala alone. Specimens from Northern Yucatan are somewhat smaller and lighter in colour than those from other parts of Central America, but they do not appear sufficiently different to merit a distinct name, and in any case our series, a male and two females, is insufficient to decide the question. 1. OponTOPHORUS GUIANENSIS subsp. a@. MARMORATUS (Cat, B. xxi. p. 433). Odontophorus castigatus Bangs, Auk, xviii. p. 356 (1901) [Chiriqui]. Mr. Bangs, in pointing out the distinctive characters between his O. castigatus and O. marmoratus (Gould), says that in the latter the top of the head is light chestnut ; but I have again examined Gould’s type from Bogota and can assure him that this 1s not the case. The top of the head is dark brown; and our specimens from Chiriqui, though not perfectly adult, are undoubtedly of the same species as ae birds from the United States of Colombia. R 2 244 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on American Galline. 4.4. ODONTOPHORUS ATRIFRONS. Odontophorus atrifrons Allen, Bull. Amer. Mus. xii. pp- 127-128 (1900). | Hab. Valparaiso, Sierra Nevada, U.S. Colombia, 4500- 5500 feet. This appears to be a distinct species most nearly allied to O. parambe, which has been procured in Northern Ecuador and in Antioquia, U.S. Colombia. Certain parts of the description seem, however, to suggest that the bird under con- sideration may not be fully adult. Dr. Allen writes :—“ The scapulars with the inner vanes black, broadly barred and edged with chestnut, with light shaft-stripes, and central portion of outer vane gray; . . . . upper breast similar to the mantle (olivaceous gray, vermiculated with black), but varied slightly with buffy white, which takes the form of (Rendall). “ or (Ussher). 95 Casamance (coll. Sharpe). nw Accra (Shelley). 49 (Buckley). Advis ©: Shonga (W. A. Forbes). Adult ¢: Gambaga (Northcott). We fonnd this new Crateropus on the Upper White Volta River, frequenting the thick undergrowth by the banks. In habits it resembles other members of the genus, but, unlike C. platycercus, is not found in the open country. Through- out the breeding-season it is met with in small parties. 102. Pycnonotus Barpatus (Desf.). Pycnonotus barbatus Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 146; Reichen. dea, ©: 1891, p.. 390, et 1897, p. 48 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 422 (1899) (Gambaga). Prahsu, Gambaga, and Salaga. This is an abundant species, both in the forest-country and the Hinterland. 103. ANDROPADUS VIRENS Cass. Andropadus virens Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 109; Reichen, J. f. O. 1897, p. 44 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 422 (1899) (Prahsu). Prahsu, Fumsu, and Krachi. Abundant in the forest, its Chat-like note being con- tinually heard. In our immature birds the wings lack the olive-greenish tinge of the adults, and are more rufous, while the lower mandibles are brownish horn-coloured. 104. AnpDRopapUS MINOR Bocage. Andropadus minor Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 400. Prahsu and Fumsu. 316 Capt. B. Alexander on the This species comes very close to A. virens, but is charac- terized by being slightly smaller, while the under parts from the chest downwards are more strongly washed with yellow, especially the axillaries. 105. Bxorocon 1npicator (J. et E. Verr.). Beopogon indicator Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 62. Xenocichla indicator Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 103. Phyllostrephus indicator Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 43 (Togoland). Prahsu and Kumasi. 106. Baopocon LEUcoPLEURUS (Cass.). Beopogon leucopleurus Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 62. Xenocichla leucopleura Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 104. Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kumasi. 107. CriniGER BaRBATus (Temm.). Criniger barbatus Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 82; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 44 (Togoland). Fumsu and Kwissa. This bird keeps to the thickest portions of the forest, and is more often heard than seen. The note is a sharp scolding = enuUrr. 108. CRrinIGER FLAVICOLLIS (Sw.). Criniger flavicollis Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 62. AXenocichla flavicollis Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 97. Gambaga. This Bulbul is rare, and is not found in the thick forest, but frequents the wooded banks of streams in the less enclosed country. 109. CriniGeR simpLex (Hartl.). Criniger simplex Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 63. ' Xenocichla simplex Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 99. Phyllostrephus simplex Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 43 (Togoland). Cape Coast, Prahsu, Kwissa. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 317 This is a shy bird, keeping much to the thick bush. Its babbling notes, which are not unpleasant, are generally heard towards evening. 110. Criniger cractiirostris (Strickl.). Criniger gracilirostris Shelley, B. Afr.i. p. 63. Andropadus gracilirostris Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 44 (Togoland). Chlorocichla gracilirostris Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 114; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 422 (Gold Coast). Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kwissa. 11]. CrinigER VERREAUXI Sharpe. Criniger verreauxi Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 73; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 63; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 44 (Togoland). Prahsu and Fumsu. 112. CriniceR aLBIcuLaris Sharpe. Xenocichla albigularis Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 103. Phyllostrephus albigularis Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 56 (Togoland). Prahsu. The measurements of both our specimens (adult and young females) are larger than in typical C. albiyularis. We shall, however, refer our birds to that species until further material is forthcoming. There is only one example (the type) in the British Museum. It has the following measurements :—Total length 5°8 inches, culmen 0:7, wing 27, tail 2°4, tarsus 0°75. Adult 2 (Prahsu). Total length (measured in the flesh) 7 inches, culmen 0°7, tail 3:4, tarsus 0°8. Iris hazel ; upper mandible brown, lower light horn-coloured; legs and feet brown. Our immature specimen has the white throat washed with buff. 113. Pyrruurus scanpENs (Sw.). Pyrrhurus scandens Shelley, B. Afr. 1. p. 64. Phyllostrephus scandens Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 43 (Togoland). 318 Capt. B. Alexander on the Xenocichla scandens Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 102; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 391 (Togoland). River Volta. This Bulbul is rare. We never met with it in Ashanti. 114. Pyrraurus sertnus (J. et EH. Verr.). Pyrrhurus serinus Shelley, B. Afr. 1. p. 64. Xenocichla serina Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 100. Kumasi. By no means common. 115. Turpinus GuLaris (Sharpe). — Turdinus gularis Sharpe, Cat. B. vil. p. 543. Fumsu. 116. Turpinus FuLvEscENs (Cass.). Turdinus fulvescens Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 545. Prahsu. / 117. Hyzira prasina Cass. Hylia prasina Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 172; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 393, et 1897, p. 49 (Togoland). Prahsu and Fumsu. This bird is common in the clearings of the forest ; it feeds on insects, which it catches on the wing after the manner of a Flycatcher. The male is larger than the female. 118. PHoLipoRNIS RUSHIA Cass. Pholidornis rushie Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 77. Fumsu. The single specimen obtained was shot at the top of a high forest-tree: we never observed another. 119. ErRemMomeE ta Pusitia Hartl. Eremomela pusilla Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 160; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 394, et 1897, p. 50 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). Gambaga and Sekwi. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 319 Adult 9. Iris grey; upper mandible brown, lower yellowish horn-coloured ; legs and feet slaty brown. Found in the open bush-country, especially where there is Acacia-growth. 120. Eremometa Bapiczrs (Fraser). Eremomela badiceps Sharpe, Cat. B. vu. p. 165. Rare: two specimens obtained at Prahsu. 121. CaMAROPTERA BREVICAUDATA (Riipp.). Camaroptera brevicaudata Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 287 (Aguapim) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 168. Camaroptera tincta Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 49 (Togo- land). Gambaga and Krachi. The Krachi bird, obtained in May, is typical C. bdrevi- caudata, and is identical with specimens procured at Zumbo on the Zambesi, and with Abyssinian examples in the British Museum. Male, Dec. 28, 1900 (first winter plumage). Upper parts uniform ashy brown, becoming buffy behind the eye and ear- coverts ; wing-coverts olive-yellow, brighter on the outside of the quills and secondaries; chest and flanks washed with | pale buff; chin, throat, and abdomen greyish white ; thighs tawny yellow; bill brownish black; legs and feet reddish flesh-coloured. This being a transitional plumage, individual variations may benoticed. Some birds (the youngest) have their under parts washed with decided buff, while others have the ashy grey of the upper parts flecked with old ashy-brown feathers. Regarding C. tincta I am unable to detect any specific distinction from C. brevicaudata. This species frequents thick undergrowth by streams and rivers. Itisa silent bird, its time being always fully occupied in searching after food. 320 Capt. B. Alexander on the 122. CamMaropTEeRa concoLor Hartl. Camaroptera concolor Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p- 291 (Aguapim); Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 170. Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kwissa. Common in the forest. 123. CAMAROPTERA SUPERCILIARIS (Fraser). Camaroptera superciliaris Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 171. Prahsu. 124. SyviELLA BRAcHyuRA Lafr. Sylviella brachyura Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 154. Upper White Volta and Krachi. A rare bird in the Hinterland. We know of no previous records of it from the Gold Coast or from Togoland. Our specimens exactly agree with Abyssinian examples in the British Museum. 125. SYLVIELLA FLAVIVENTRIS Sharpe. Sylviella flaviventris Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 157. Prahsu and Fumsu. The immature male is olive-brown above; the head is rufous brown; the brownish buff of the throat extends to the chest in place of olive-green ; the abdomen is whitish, fading into ashy on the flanks. In the adult these parts are sulphur- yellow. 126. EMINIA CERVINIVENTRIS (Sharpe). Eminia cerviniventris Shelley, B. Afr. 1. p. 71. Apalis cerviniventris Sharpe, Cat. B. vu. p. 139. An adult male from K wissa. This specimen agrees with the example from Denkera in the British Museum in having the throat black and the sides of the chest chestnut. The Gold-Coast example in the same collection, with no black on the throat and no chestnut on the flanks, is without doubt a female. 127. Apauis NigRiceps. (Plate VII.) Dryodromas nigriceps Shelley, Ibis, 1873, p. 139. Apalis nigriceps Shelley, B. Afr. i. p.72; Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. vol. xii. p. 12 (Prahsu). Prahsu. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 321 The type in the British Museum, obtained by Capt. Shelley at Abouri, Gold Coast, is an immature specimen ; the head is like that of our adult female, but there is no black on the breast, and the feathers of the thighs are whitish instead of grey as in the adult. Description of the adult female, Similar in dimensions to the male. Crownof head blackish slate-coloured, not entirely black; chin and throat white, tinged with buff; black collar on the fore-neck narrower. This bird is probably A. cervicalis of Reichenow. It comes very close to the figure of that species in the ‘ Journal fir Ornithologie’ (1896, p. 40, pl. v. fig. 1). 128. OrtHoTomus ERYTHROPTERUS (Jard.). Orthotomus erythropterus Sharpe, Cat. B. vu. p. 228; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 393, et 1897, p. 49 (Togoland). Gambaga, Kwobia, Salaga, Krachi, and Accra. The specimens killed at Gambaga in January are in their _ first winter plumage. The upper parts are uniform pale brick-red and the wings rufous. The example obtained at Salaga (May 14th) is changing into the fully adult plumage. At Accra, a month later, the birds were in full breeding- dress, with the upper parts vinous grey, a little darker on the head, lores, and ear-coverts, and the wings rufous. The length of the tail varies from 2°3 to 1°8 inches in this species. The birds in winter plumage have the longest rectrices. ‘This species is locally distributed. At Gambaga it was fairly numerous on open stretches of ground, and again at Accra. It had not previously been obtained in the Hinterland. 129. Printa mystacea Riipp. Prinia mystacea Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 191; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). Gambaga, Prahsu, Kwissa, Kintampo, Salaga, and Yeji. Our specimens in the first plumage have the upper parts light brown, washed with tawny, especially on the rump, while the under parts are pale yellowish buff, stronger on the flanks and under tail-coverts. The tail is long; the iris SER. VIII.—VOL. II, ¥ 522 Capt. B. Alexander on the light orange; the legs and feet flesh-coloured; the upper mandible is brown, the lower light horn-coloured. It may be noticed that our adults were obtained both in winter and summer. All the specimens are in the dark plumage of maturity. From this it would appear that the adults have no seasonal dress. 130. Cisticota cisticota (Temm.). Cisticola cisticola Sharpe, Cat. B. vu. p. 259. Accra. A male obtained on June 21st is in worn breeding-plumage, the crown being almost uniform brown on account of abrasion. On the inner webs of the tail-feathers there is a distinct rufous subterminal mark. Our other male specimen is in the striped dress, with the central tail-feathers brown, the remainder being dark brown, tipped with pale buff, and with a black subterminal bar. During our stay on the West Coast we never met with this species anywhere except at Accra, where it is plentiful. 131. CisticoLa sTaNGERI (Fraser). Cisticola stangeri Sharpe, Cat. B. vil. p. 276; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 49 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). | Gambaga, Salaga, Krachi, Pong, and Accra. The specimens obtained in January and February were in their first winter dress. Im May and June this bird was breeding and in summer plumage. The female is smaller than the male. We found this Czsticola common around Salaga and Accra. Towards evening it was often seen climbing the tall grasses and posing like a Reed-Warbler. 132. CisTICOLA SUBRUFICAPILLA (Smith). Cisticola subruficapilla Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 283. Gambaga. Our specimens are in winter plumage, with the crown uniform rufous. This Cisticola had not been previously recorded from the West Coast. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 323 1338. Cisticona crnERASCENS (Heugl.). ! Cisticola cinerascens Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 248; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 48 (Togoland). Gambaga, Salaga, and Accra. The specimens killed in May and June are in full breeding- dress. The sexes are alike in measurements. | This species is rare in the Hinterland, but fairly common near the coast. 134. Cisticoua eryTHROPS (Hartl.). Cisticola erythrops Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 250; Reichen. J.f. O. 1891, p. 393 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). Kumasi and Yeji. Hab. West Africa, from the Gold Coast to the Congo; also East Africa in the Zanzibar district. 135. CisticoLa LATERALIS (Fraser). _ Cisticola lateralis Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 251; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 48 (Togoland). Kintampo, Batenga, Salaga, and Krachi. Adult 3 (winter plumage), 30/11/00. General colour above uniform rufous brown; wing-coverts like the back ; quills and secondaries brown, edged with dark rufous ; rump dark ashy brown ; upper tail-coverts like the back ; tail-feathers brown, externally rufescent; tips lighter, with broad sub- terminal bar of black; lores whitish; under parts white, washed with pale tawny buff on the chest, flanks, and under tail-coverts; thighs deep tawny; axillaries and sides of wing whitish ; quills below dusky, inner edges rufous; bill brownish black ; lower mandible whitish horn-coloured; legs and feet reddish flesh-coloured. : Adult 3 (summer plumage), 17/5/01. Plumage similar to _ that of winter, but dark dusky brown above, becoming ashy grey on sides of face and chest ; under parts white ; sides of body and flanks ashy brown ; under tail-coverts buffish white ; bill black ; tip of lower mandible whitish horn- coloured. One of the specimens obtained at Batenga in May is ae 324. Capt. B. Alexander on the changing into the summer plumage; the upper parts are much mottled, the new dark brown feathers contrasting strongly with the old rufous brown of the winter plumage. This species is not found in the Hinterland. 136. Cisticota RuFA (Fraser). Cisticola rufa Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 252: Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 49 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). Gambaga, Batenga, and Krachi. The winter plumage of this species differs from the summer dress in being rufous brown above, brighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts; the chest, sides of body, and flanks are washed with pale buff. The specimens killed in May are uniform dark brown above, reddish brown on the rump and upper tail-coverts. In the winter plumage the tails are longer. es The sexes are alike in measurements. - - 137. MetocicHLa MENTALIs Fraser. Melocichla mentalis Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p- 393, et 1897, p. 48 (Togoland) ; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 76; Hate Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). Cisticola mentalis Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 241. Daboya, Krachi, Pong, and Accra. This species is widely distributed, inhabiting the tall elephant-grass. The flight is very straight. It is curious that in our large series we did not obtain any females. The breeding-season is, no doubt, in May and June. In freshly-moulted birds the tails are very long. 138. Hypoais potyetorta (Vieill.). Hypolais polyglotia Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 80; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p.51 (‘Togoland). An adult male from Kintampo. 139. PHyLLoscoPus siBILATRIXx (Bechst.). Phylloscopus sibtlatrix Seebohm, Cat. B. v. p.54; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 51 (Togoland). Phullopneuste sibilatrix (Bechst.); Shelley, Ibis, 1872, ‘p. 291 (Cape Coast). Sekwi, Gold Coast Hinterland. Birds of the Gold Cocst Colony &c. 329 140. SyLvia sYLvIA. Sylvia sylvia Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 81; Reichen. J. f. O, 1897, p. 50 (Togoland). Gambaga. 141. Fraseria ocreata (Strickl.). Fraseria ochreata Sharpe, Cat. B. im. p. 303 (1877). Maes 9, 12/8/00, Prahsu. Ad. 99 ¢, 26/6/00; ad. 9, 20/7/00, Prahsu. Imm. ¢?, ad. ¢ 9, 27/9/00, Fumsu. Ad. ¢, 16/10/00, Kwissa. Common in the forest, frequenting the tops of the tall trees. In our large series none of the specimens have white tufts in front of the eye, as in the closely allied, but distinct, species F. cinerascens. 142. ALETHE DIADEMATA (Bp.). Alethe diademata Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 58; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 892 (Togoland). A pair from Prahsu. 143. Cossypaa verTICcALIS (Hartl.). Cossypha verticalis Sharpe, Cat, B. vii. p. 45; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 894, et 1897, p. 50 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 420 (Gambaga). Cape Coast, Gambaga, Salaga, and Krachi. Locally distributed and generally observed in. pairs. Thickets bordering streams and rivers are its favourite resorts. A series of rapid babbling notes are uttered by the male bird; they become persistent just after rain or towards evening. At Gambaga we obtained only one specimen—an adult male; this differs from our other examples in being larger, while the outer tail-feather is bright orange on both webs. We shall, however, for the present, refer it to C. verticalis. 144. CossypHa GirrarpI Hartert. Cossypha giffardi Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 420 (Gam- baga). | We obtained a single specimen of this species. It does not seem to be found at Gambaga, but to the northward along the banks of the Upper White Volta River. 326 Capt. B. Alexander on ihe 145. Brssonornis GAaMBAG#& Hartert. Bessonornis gambege Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 420 (Gambaga). Ad. @, 16/12/00; ad. dg 9, I7/L/OY; ad. 9) 13/2 Gambaga. This new species, as compared with its near ally, B. modestus, has the upper parts paler and more ashy, and the chestnut on the rump not so bright. The blackish spot on the inner web of the outermost rectrix (another of its supposed characters) is not constant, since in several of our specimens the black extends across both webs as in B. modestus ; there is, moreover, little difference in the measurements of the two species. We found this bird at Gambaga, frequenting rocky kopjes in pairs. It was breeding in the middle of December, making its nest underneath large stones. 146. PratincoLa RUBETRA (Linn.). Pratincola rubetra Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 179; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 51 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 421 (Gambaga). Kintampo and Gambaga. Common in the Hinterland from November to February. 147. Ruvicirya PHENIcURA (Linn.). Ruticilla phenicura Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 85. Gambaga, 3, 28th December, 19006. The occurrence of the Redstart in the Gold Coast Colony has not been noticed before. 148. Turpus Pettos Bp. Turdus pelios Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 88. Kintampi and Lower White Volta. The flanks of our specimens are washed with buffish- chestnut, and the bird, therefore, according to Seebohm’s key, is T. pelios. : The measurement of wing varies from 4°8 to 4°4 inches. 149. Monticoxa saxatitis (Linn.). Monticola saxatilis Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 89; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 420 (Gambaga). Gambaga. . Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 327 The flight of this Rock-Thrush is very straight. When perched its actions are like those of a Wheatear. 150. SaxicoLa GNANTHE (Linn.). Saxicola enanthe Seebohm, Cat. B. v. p. 394; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 420 (Gambaga). A pair obtained at Gambaga, February 6th, 1901. 151. PentHoLma ALBIFRONS (Rupp.). Pentholea aibifrons Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 18; Reichen. J.f. O. 1891, p. 394 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 420 (Gambaga). Gambaga and Sang. Nestling. Feathers edged and tipped with rusty brown. Immature male. As in the adult female, the white frontal patch is assumed last. Adult female. Uniform blackish brown above and below. We found this species locally distributed in the Hinter- land in open stone-strewn country, where it breeds in | January, making its nest of dried grass underneath large boulders. The male sings prettily, and when alarmed gives vent to a string of chattering notes, the last being prolonged and plaintive. 152. MeLaNoRNIS EDOLIOIDES (Sw.). Melenornis edolioides Sharpe, Cat. B. iii, p. 815 ; Reichen. J. f. O. 1892, p. 285 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi, p. 418 (Gambaga). Gambaga. This bird is locally distributed, frequenting the thickets of fish-cane near the streams. It is shy and retiring in its nature, and was not observed anywhere except in the Hinterland. 158. Brapyornis paLuipus (v. Miller). Bradyornis pallidus Sharpe, Cat. B. in. p. 810; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 93. Bradyornis modestus Reichen. J. f. O.. 1897, p. 26. (Togo- land); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 419 (Gambaga). Gambaga, Gomieri, and Batenga. First winter plumage. General colour above brown ; rump 328 Capt. B. Alexander on the washed with rufous; lesser, median, and greater wing- coverts externally edged and tipped with rufous fawn ; quills and secondaries externally edged with the same, the latter tipped with fulvous; under surface light ashy brown, whitish on chin, throat, and abdomen; flanks and under tail- coverts washed with rufous fawn ; tail-feathers brown, tipped with tawny buff; under wing-coverts and inner linings to quills tawny. (¢, Kintampo, 30/11/00.) Adult male (25/4/01, Gambaga). Upper parts uniform pale brown; the rufous edgings to the wing-coverts and quills have almost disappeared, leaving hoary whitish margins; lores and ring round each eye dull white ; under parts white, washed with pale ashy brown on the fore-neck, chest, and flanks ; under wing-coverts and inner edges of quills.pale fawn-coloured ; under tail-coverts white ; tail-feathers brown, edged with pale brown. ‘Total length (in flesh) 6°5 inches, wing 3°28, culmen 0°6, tail 3:2. This species is widely distributed over the open country and is migratory in its habits. 154. Muscicapa crisova Linn. Muscicapa grisola Linn.; Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 151; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 26 (Togoland). Two adult males were obtained at Kwissa on October 16th, 1900. 155. Muscitcapa c&RuLescens Hartl. Muscicapa cerulescens Sharpe, Cat. B.iv. p. 154 ; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 26 (Togoland). Muscicapa cinerascens Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 94. Krachi, 9 ad. Inris hazel; bill horn-brown, base of lower mandible light yellowish ; legs and feet brown. Our example agrees well with specimens from South Africa in the British Museum. ei: The type of the subspecies, M. cinerascens, is in worn plumage, as is also a typical specimen from Abouri (ad. ?, Feb. 21, 1872, Shelley Mus.). An example of M. ceru- _ lescens in the British Museum from Bibalia, Angola (ad. 9, Feb. 1868, Anchieta), is in worn plumage, and in this Birds of the Gold Cuast Colony &c. 329 condition is identical with the Abouri specimen. Our bird, however, is in fresh plumage, although there are still a few old feathers on the upper parts which correspond to the dull plumage of the subspecies. The general delicate blue-grey coloration of M. cerulescens soon disappears through age and abrasion, giving to the bird a more dull and ashy appearance, especially on the feathers of the upper parts. This may be noticed in several speci- mens in the British Museum from South Africa and Angola. The fresh plumage of this Flycatcher quickly becomes stained and worn, owing to the active habit it possesses of working its way through the network of branches of thick- leaved trees in search of insects. 156. Muscicara MopeEsta Hartl. Muscicapa modesta Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 156. Prahsu and Fumsu. ; Uncommon, and only found in the forest. 157. Muscicapa coLiaris Bechst. Muscicapa collaris Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 160; Hartert, Nov. Zocl. vi. p. 419 (Gambaga). Two males, killed at Gambaga (Feb. Ist) and Kintampo (Nov. llth) respectively, resemble the adult female. A third male, obtained on April 7th, is changing into the plumage of the adult male. 158. ALSEONAX GAMBAGE Alexander. Alseonax gambage Alex. Bull. B. O. C. xii. p. 11. Gambaga, ad. ¢. This species is nearly allied to A. murinus, but is larger, and differs in the following characters :—General colour above light brown ; under parts white, tinted with brown on the lower throat and sides of chest, where there are a few obscure brown shatt-stripes. Total length (in flesh) 4-7 inches, wing 3, tail 2°4, tarsus 0°5. Iris black; upper mandible dark brown, lower pale horn-coloured ; legs and feet brown. Hab. Gambaga, Gold Coast Hinterland. 330 Capt. B. Alexander on the 159. ALsEoNAX com1TstTa (Cass.). Butalis comitata Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 287 (Cape Coast). Alseonax comitata Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 1380. Prahsu and Fumsu. This species is uncommon, and is found only in the forest. The female is larger than the male. 160. ALsEONAX FANTENSIS Sharpe. Alseonax fantensis Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 181. Prahsu and Fumsu. 161. ARTOMYIAS USSHERI Sharpe. | Artomyias ussheri Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 144. Fumsu and Kwissa. Rare and of local distribution, frequenting the tops of tall leafless trees. From time to time these birds dart out from their high pomts of vantage to catch passing insects, returning again to the same places after the manner of Flycatchers. The same observation applies to the West- African species of Alseonar, to which genus Ariomyias is very closely allied. 162. Cassinta FinscHI Sharpe. Cassinia finschi Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 467. Rare. ‘Two specimens were obtained on the Monse Hills at an altitude of 1300 feet. 163. Hy iota FLAVIGASTRA Sw. _Hyliota flavigastra Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 248; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 27 (Togoland). Gambaga. This species was only observed by us in the Hinterland. It is decidedly uncommon, frequenting the open bush- country. The specimen obtained was in company with a number of other Flycatchers (Batis senegalensis). . 164. Hyzrora NEHRKORNI Hartl. Hyliota nehrkorni Hartl. Ibis, 1892, p. 373, pl. viii. Prahsu, adult ¢. Total length (measured in the flesh) 4-2 inches, culmen 0°4, wing 2°9, tarsus 0°65. Unfortunately we obtained only one example of this rare Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 331 species, which is not represented by a single specimen in the British Museum. The type came from Accra, and was described by Hartlaub, whose description agrees fairly well with our example, although the figure is misleading. The under parts of our bird are almost uniform pale ochraceous, not deeper on the breast and fore-neck as in typical H. nehrkorni, while all, and not only the middle tail-feathers, are glossed with steel-blue. These may possibly be sexual differences. 165. SMITHORNIS RUFILATERALIS Gray. Smithornis rufilateralis Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 389; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 383, et 1897, p. 29 (Togoland). An adult male from Fumsu. 166. Mrcapias FLAMMULATUS Verr. Megabias flammulatus Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 140; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 28 (Togoland). Prahsu. This bird inhabits the thick forest undergrowth. It is shy and difficult to approach, seeking safety by flying from one high tree to another, while uttering from time to time a harsh “ churr, churr.” It is by no means common. 167. DiapHoropnyia castanea (Fraser). Diaphorophyia castanea Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 140 ; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 29 (Togoland). | Prahsu and Fumsu. Rare; resorts mostly to the high forest trees. 168. Puatrystira cyanza (Mill.). Platystira cyanea Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 145 ; Reichen. He Orso, p. 385, et 1897, py 29 Casale: Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 419 (Gambaga). Cape Coast, Prahsu, Gambaga, Salaga, and Krachi. 169. PacHYPRORA SENEGALENSIS (Linn.). Pachyprora senegalensis Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 98. Batis senegalensis Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 29 (Togo- land) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 419 (Gambaga). Kintampo, Gambaga, and Krachi. Keeps much to low bushes in the open country. 332 Capt. B. Alexander on the 170. ELMINIA LoNGIcauDA (Sw.). Elminia longicauda Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 363; Reichen, J. f. O. 1897, p. 27 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nev. Zool p. 419 (Gambaga). Gambaga and Krachi. Locally distributed, haunting the belts of fish-canes near the streams. 171. TrRocHOCERCUS NITENS Cass. Trochocercus nitens Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 301; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 28 (Togoland). Prahsu. 172. TerPsIPHONE cristata (Gm.). Terpsiphone viridis Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 27 (Togo- land) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 419 (Gambaga). Terpsiphone cristata Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. ie 354; Reichen. J. f. O. 1891, p. 883 (Togoland). Gambaga and Krachi. In our adult male the middle tail-feathers are pure white, a few of the others are still in a transitional stage, changing without a moult from red to pure white with black shafts. In our young male the tail-feathers are red, changing to white, the secondaries being broadly edged with white. In the adult female the tail-feathers are uniform red, the secondaries being edged with chestnut. 173. TeRpsipHONE NiIGRICEPS (Temm.). Terpsiphone nigriceps Sharpe, Cat. B. iv. p. 359 ; nécken J. f. O. 1897, p. 28 (Togoland). Prahsu and Fumsu. Our two female specimens, obtained at Prahsu and Fumsu, are much less bright on the upper parts than the male; the crowns are dull velvety black, with little or no gloss on the feathers; the tail-feathers are dirty reddish brown. In the British Museum there are three specimens of this species from Ashanti, which are similar to our female examples. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 333 In the forest-glades, where the sun can penetrate, this beautiful Flycatcher may be seen dropping silently from one bough to another and uttering now and again its pleasing and pretty song. 174, Hirunpo rustica Linn. Hirundo rustica Shelley & Buckley, Ibis, 1872, p. 288 (Gold Coast) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 128; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 27 (Togoland). An adult male from Karaga, obtained May 5th, 1901. 175. Hirunpo nierita Gray. Hirundo nigrita Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 148; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 25 (Togoland). Prah and Volta Rivers. Found along the rocky portions of the streams. Breeds in August. 176. Hirunpo PUELLA. Mirundo puella Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 154. Sekwi, Gold Coast Hinterland. 177. Hirunpo pomicELua Finsch et Hartl. Hirundo domicella Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 165; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 25 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 422 (Gambaga). 178. Hirunpo spnecaLensis (Linn.). Hirundo senegalensis Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 168; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 422 (Gambaga). Karaga, Kwobia, and Pong. Common. Breeds in the holes of the baobal-trees. 179. PsatrpoPRocne opscura (Hartl.). | Psalidoprocne obscura Sharpe, Cat. B. x. p. 203; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 422 (Gambaga). Cape Coast. Generally seen on the wing towards evening, but re- maining inert throughout the heat of the day. | To be continued. | 334 Sir H. Johnston on the Occurrence of XX.—On the Occurrence of Baleniceps rex on Lake Victoria. By Sir Harry Jounston, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., F.Z.S. Wuen I first reached the shores of the Victoria Nyanza in the late autumn of 1899, I was informed by Mr. Hobley, then Collector for the Elgon District, who was residing on the shores of Kavirondo Bay, that the Shoe-bill or Whale-headed Stork was occasionally seen on the north-eastern shores of the Victoria Nyanza. I believe that the same information was given to me by other Europeans also. When I reached the country of Uganda proper, I questioned Mr. F. J. Jackson on the subject, but he said that he had never heard of the bird being found anywhere nearer than the Nile marshes about Lake Kioga. Just about this time we had both been told of the Baleniceps having been shot on the Victoria Nile near fiake Kioga by Captain Ponsonby, of the Uganda Rifles. One Sunday in the month of March, 1900, my collector, Doggett, and my brother, Mr. Alexander Johnston, went out in the afternoon for an excursion in my large Uganda canoe. In the marshes about five miles to the west of the Entebbe Peninsula they saw a couple of Whale-headed Storks, one of which Doggett succeeded in shooting. Sub- sequently he returned to the same locality—the marshy coast-line of the Lake to the west of the Entebbe peninsula— and shot two more specimens. [also permitted two more of these birds to be killed by Captain Rattray and Mr. Guy Eden respectively. Captain Rattray’s bird was given by him to Mr. F. J. Jackson for his collection. When these specimens had been procured I placed Baleniceps on the Protected List. I have subsequently heard of the bird having been seen by eredible witnesses on the west coast of the Victoria Nyanza as far south as the Kagera River. A German officer also told me that it was met with on the German coast, just south of the Kagera, but he did not think that it extended its range so far as the south coast of the Victoria Lake. On the east coast it seems to be found as far south as the vicinity of Kavirondo Bay. Personally, I confess that it is a little difficult to understand why its range should not include all Baleniceps rex on Lake Victoria. 335 the shores of the Victoria Nyanza, and why the bird should not extend its area (which at present includes Lake Albert) to the Albert Edward and the waters of the Upper Congo. I myself certainly believe that I saw a Baleniceps in 1882 on the swamps of the Upper Cunene River, in about 15° south latitude, at the back of Portuguese Angola. Sir H. M. _ Stanley was wont to assert that he had seen the bird on the extreme Upper Congo. But neither he nor I have been able to advance any further proofs in support of our belief. I was much impressed by the vast numbers of water-fowl which displayed themselves on the northern and eastern shores of Lake Albert Edward, where from a picturesque point of view the display of birds was magnificent ; but I never noticed amongst the many kinds of waders anything hike Baleniceps rex, nor could the natives mform me that it was seen there. It is undoubtedly common at the back of Busoga on the great swamps and marshy lakes which are attached to the system of the Victoria Nile. Baleniceps is often seen at the north end of Lake Albert, and thence north-west to within a hundred miles or so of Khartum. Curiously enough, none of the Kuropeans residing in the Uganda Protectorate, missionaries or officials, had ever noticed this remarkable bird on the shores of the Victoria Nyanza before Mr. Doggett shot the first specimen ; and this fact is the more singular when we remember what an ardent and all-searching collector is Mr. F. J. Jackson, C.B., who has done so much to enrich our National Collection. Never- theless this failure to distinguish Baleniceps must have been due to a pure oversight, and not, as some people have argued, to the fact that the bird had only recently extended its range to the shores of the Victoria Nyanza from the Upper Nile. That this is not the explanation may be shown from the facts that the bird has a well-known name—‘“ Builue ”—in the Luganda tongue, and that the natives of Uganda tell me that it was always known to their forefathers and was a familiar object in the marshes. The natives differ somewhat in their accounts as to its breeding-habits, but are agreed for the most part that it makes an untidy unwieldy nest on 336 Recently published Ornithological Works. low trees near the swamps. Some say that it builds in the branches of the gouty Ambatch trees, which do not rise to more than fifteen feet above the water’s edge. I have transmitted two specimens of Baleniceps, a male and a female, to the British Museum, both obtained on the shores of the Victoria Nyanza in 1890. (See Dr. Sharpe’s List, above, p. 103, also Ibis, 1901, p. 156.) XXI.—Notices of recent Ornithological Publications. {Continued from p. 163.] 40. Andersen on Birds from the Feroe Islands. [Sysselmand H.C. Miuller’s Haandskrevne Optegnelser om Feergernes Fugle. I. Uddrag ved Knud Andersen. Vidensk. Medd. Kbhvn. 1901, pp. 217-2652: ] An account is given of the field-notes made by the late Sysselman H. C. Miller on birds observed in the Feroe Islands from 1863 to the time of his death in July 1897. They refer to 123 species, and are arranged in systematic order. 41. Babson on the Birds of New Jersey, U.S.A. [Bulletin of the Bird Club of Princeton ta Vol. i. Nev September 1901. ] The first number of the Bulletin of the Bird-Club of Princeton University is appropriately devoted to a list of the birds of the vicinity, which is defined as a circular area of about eight miles radius around the town. The list con- tains the names of 253 species, with short remarks added to each of them. The “ permanent residents” in this part of New Jersey are only 31, whereas the summer residents, which come from the south to breed, are 70. We remark ‘that the House-Sparrow is noted as “ abundant as ever,” and as having lately taken to driving away the Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) by seizing on its nesting-places. Recently published Ornithological Works. B07 42. Barboza du Bocage’s List of his Scientific Papers. [Publicacdes Scientificas da J. V. Barboza du Bocage (1857-1901). Lisboa, 1901. ] j This is a useful list of scientific memoirs and papers of Prof. J. V. Barboza du Bocage, F.M.Z.S., whose name is well known to us from the excellent work he has done on the ornithology of the Portuguese possessions in Africa. The titles of 177 publications are given (1857-1901) and ex- planatory notes are added. 43. Blanford on the Distribution of Indian Animals. [The Distribution of Vertebrate Animals in India, Ceylon, and Burma. By W. T. Blanford, F.R.S. Phil. Trans. Royal Soc. ser. B, vol. 194, pp. 835-436 (1901). ] We have already mentioned this excellent and instructive memoir in allusion to the abstract of it published in the Royal Society’s ‘ Proceedings’ (see Ibis, 1901, p. 723), and have not much to add on the present occasion. The con- . Clusions arrived at, after a careful study of the whole of the Vertebrate Fauna, are stated at the end, and are illustrated by a map in which the proposed divisions of the Indian Fauna are clearly shown. 44, Burckhardt on the supposed Antarctic Continent. [Das Problem des antarktischen Schopfungscentrums vom Standpunkt der Ornithologie. Von Prof. Rud. Burckhardt. Zool. Jahrb. (Syst.) xv. Heft 67. ] Prof. Burckhardt discusses at some length the question of the former existence of an Antarctic Continent from an ornithological point of view, and comes to the conclusion that the evidence on this subject, supposed to be provided by the Ratitz and their distribution, gives no support to the theory. 45. Chapman on new Peruvian Birds. [Descriptions of Six apparently New Birds from Peru. By Frank M. Chapman. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xiv. pp. 225-228. ] Mr. Chapman describes the following new species and subspecies represented in a collection of about one hundred SER. VIII.—VOL. II. Z 338 Recently published Ornithological Works. specimens received from Mr. H. H. Keays, by whom it was made at Inca Mine, in S.E. Peru (lat. 13° 31’ S., long. 70° W., alt. 6000 feet): Chlorochrysa fulgentissima, Malaco- thraupis castaneiceps, Euphonia xanthogastra brunneifrons, Chlorospingus flavigularis parvirostris, Ochtheca keaysi, and Terenura xanthonota. The Chlorochrysa is apparently the same as that described and figured in this Journal (Ibis, 1901, p. 716, pl. xv.) by Graf. v. Berlepsch and M. Stolzmann as C. hedwige ; and if so, Mr. Chapman’s name (August 1901) will have priority. 46. Clark on the Affinities of the Humming-birds. [Are Humming-birds Cypseloid or Caprimulgoid? By Hubert ee Clark. Science, New Ser. xv. p. 108 (1902). ] After quoting Prof. D’Arcy Thompson’s era. paragraph in his paper on the pterylosis of Patagona gigas (P. Z. S. 1901, p. 311) and Dr. Shufeldt’s’ ‘ Studies of the Macrochires’ (which take exactly opposite views as to the relationship of the Trochilide), Mr. Clark, who has just completed a careful examination of certain members of this family and of the Cypselide and Caprimulgidz, pronounces as follows :— “TI am led to disagree with Professor Thompson that the Humming-birds are nearer to the Goatsuckers than to the Swifts, and I must dissent quite as strongly from Dr. Shu- feldt’s opinion that the pteryloses of Swifts and Humming- birds are ‘ essentially different.’ To my mind the Swifts and Humming-birds are pterylographically nearer each other than are Grouse and Guans, and almost as nearly allied as Grouse and Quail. I cannot see that the Caprimulgi have any close relationship to either.” 47. Dubois’s ‘ Synopsis Avium’ (fase. v.-viii.). [Synopsis Avium. Nouveau Manuel d’Ornithologie, par Alphonse Dubois. Fasc. V.-VIII. Royal 8vo. Bruxelles, 1900-91. ] In these four “ fascicules ” of the ‘Synopsis Avium’ (see Ibis, i901, p. 326) the enumeration of the Oscinine Passeres Recently published Ornithological Works. 339 is continued from No. 4015 to No. 7980 (Muscicapide- Fringillide). We think that it would have been better to have called the “subspecies ”’ by that name and not “ varieties ” —a term which should be reserved for abnormal variations (albinos, melanisms, &c.). The following species are figured :—Geositia rufipennis, G. isabellina, Lipaugus holery- thrus, Attila citreopygius, Cyanolyca yucatanica, Xanthura cyanodorsalis, and X. ceruleocephala. 48. * The Emu.’ {The Emu, a Quarterly Magazine to popularise the Study and Pro- tection of Native Birds. Official Organ of the Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. Editors A.J. Campbell and H. Kendall. Vol.i. pts. 1-2, pp. 1-80, pls. i—vi.] We have more than ordinary pleasure in giving a notice of the first two numbers of our “ newly-hatched” con- temporary, ‘The Emu,’ the official organ of the Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, while we feel a natural pride in observing that ‘ The Ibis’ has at least suggested the title of the Journal, and our constitution, perhaps, to some extent that of the Society which issues it. A serial has long been needed to collect within its pages the scattered papers on Australasian Ornithology ; and we notice that it is intended to include articles on the Protection of Birds, a very necessary matter in Australia of the present day. ‘The membership of the Union is by no means confined to Australia, for we see that Prof. Newton and Mr. J. J. Dalgleish are on the list of the founders. That we owe a heavy debt of gratitude to Federated Australia no one at the present juncture will deny, and we may well hasten in return to shew our readiness to assist in any of her new-born enterprises as far as we are able, though it be by so small a contribution as a congratulatory and appre- ciative notice of her first united ornithological effort. ‘The Emu’ itself, we are sure, will prove an undertaking of no small importance, and that it may advance and prosper, even until it rivals our own publication, is our heartfelt desire. The Union starts its career under the Patronage of the Z2 340 Recently published Ornithological Works. Prince and Princess of Wales and under the Presidency of Col. W. V. Legge, while the names of the other office-bearers form a guarantee of future excellence. The Editors (Messrs. A. J. Campbell and H. Kendall) have provided papers of a popular, as well as of a scientific, nature—wisely endeavouring to attract thereby all sorts and conditions of the widely- scattered bird-lovers of the Continent; while coloured plates are promised in the future, if funds permit, to replace or augment the reproductions of photographs temporarily utilized. The first number contains an account of the meetings which led to the formation of the Union, with a photographic reproduction of the signatures of the ornithologists present on Nov. 7th, 1900; the second a report of the Inaugural Session of Oct. 38lst, 1901, with the President’s address; while both comprise articles by well-known Australian ornithologists, and conclude with memoranda under various permanent headings, such as “ Forgotten Feathers,” “ Stray Feathers,’ “From Magazines,’ “ Reviews,” and “ About Members.” 49. Finn’s ‘ Birds of Calcutta.’ (The Birds of Calcutta. By F. Finn. Sm. 8vo. Calcutta, 1901. Pp. 1-89. Price 2s. net. ] This little book, which is pleasantly written in a popular and slightly jocose style, contains articles originally printed in ‘The Asian’ on twenty-four kinds of birds. The titles being given in English, the author has managed to include under each heading various species which, among Anglo- Indians at Calcutta, go by the same appellation, while he generally gives the native namesalso. The habits of the birds are by no means neglected, and stories in connexion with _ them brighten the pages. The plumage, nests, and eggs are described with sufficient exactitude, and the pamphlet will doubtless be of great use to resideats or visitors who are tyros in the science of ornithology. Recently published Ornithological Works. 341 50. Finsch’s Lists of the Birds of the Leyden Museum. [Zur Catalogisirung der ornithologischen Abtheilung von Dr. O. Finsch. VI.-IX: Notes Leyden Mus. xxiii. pp. 1, 38, 58, 97.] Dr. Finsch proceeds with his catalogue of the birds in the Leyden Museum (see Ibis, 1891, p. 725) and his remarks thereupon, and now treats of the Meropide, Muscicapide, Certhiide, and Cuculi. A new species, Cyornis host, is described from Borneo, and a complete revision of this difficult genus is given. The supposed Cuculus canoroides of the: Malay Archipelago is re-united to the European C. canorus. Various other notes and comments on the birds of these groups are given. / 51. Hacker on the Song of Birds. [Der Gesang der Végel, seine anatomischen und biologischen Grund- lagen. Von Dr. Valentin Hacker. 8vo. Jena, 1900. Pp. 6, 102. G. Fischer. Price 3s. 6d. | This interesting little volume, abundantly and clearly illustrated, gives in the first place an account of the anatomy of the bird’s syrinx. There is naturally not a great deal of novelty in this part, excepting, indeed, that the syringes are often exhibited in longitudinal section, thus emphasizing the different thickness of the tracheal and bronchial rings which constitute the organ. The latter part of the volume deals exclusively with the phenomena of song in birds. | 52. Hall on the Species of Gymnorhina. [A Revision of the Genus Gymnorhina. By Robert Hall. Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria, xiv. pp. 1-9.] Mr. Hall shews that many intermediate forms exist between the white-backed G. leuconota and the black-backed G. tibicen, upon some of which the supposed species G. hyperleuca and G. dorsalis have been founded. He proposes to reduce them all to one species, and to call it G. leuconota. But if this is done the name “ fibicen”’ of Latham has the priority and should be employed. As a general rule, however, the white-backed and the biack-backed birds are readily distinguishable. 342 Recently published Ornithological Works. 58. Hartert on an overlooked Swift. [On an overlooked Indian Swift, By Ernst Hartert. Ornis, xi. p. 199.] The resuscitated Swift is Cypselus acuticauda of Jerdon (B. Ind., Suppl. p. 870, 1864), which in the B. M. Catalogue (xvi. p. 444) has been united to Micropus apus pekinensis. Mr. Hartert has now found a second specimen in the Tring Museum (from Cherripungi, Khasia Hills), which he has compared with the type in the Liverpool Museum (from Nepal) and found to be identical with it. He calls it Apus acuticauda, and describes its characters. We prefer to call it by Blyth’s name Cypselus acuticauda. 54. Hartert and Hellmayr on two new Thrushes. [On two new Thrushes from Western Colombia. By Ernst Hartert and Carl E. Hellmayr. Nov. Zool. viii. pp. 492, 493. ] Turdus ignobilis goodfellowi, from the Cauca valley of Colombia, and 7. colombianus (a southern representative of T. obsoletus, but nearly allied to T. nigrirostris), from Cali, Western Colombia, are described as new. 55. Helm on some Birds of Heligoland. [Ueber einige ornithologische Beobachtungen auf Helgoland. Von F. Helm. Ornithol, Monatsb. ix. pp. 149-161. ] This paper treats of the Starling, Linnet, Swift, Hooded Crow and Wild Duck, as noticed on Heligoland. 56. Helm on the Flight of Birds. [Betrachtungen tiber die Beweise Gitke’s fiir die Héhe und Schnel- _ ligkeit des Wanderfluges der Végel. Von F. Helm. J. f. O. 1900, pp. 435-452. Weitere Betrachtungen tiber die Beweise Giatke’s fiir die Héhe und Schnelligkeit des Wanderfluges der Vogel. Von F. Helm. J.£.0. 1901, pp- 289-303. | Herr Helm considers that, although we may agree with many of Gatke’s statements regarding the flight of Birds, certain of his conclusions are most surprising, and are founded on premisses which may be shown to be false. Especially Recently published Ornithological Works. 343 is this true of the velocity of the movements of the flocks on migration, which Giatke calculates in the case of the Red- spotted Bluethroat at some 45 geographical miles per hour. This estimate is founded on the belief that the bird quits Egypt at the end of April or beginning of May, while it arrives in Heligoland at about the same time of year, so that some 400 miles would be covered in one spring night of perhaps 9 hours duration. Moreover, Gitke appears to have believed that the flocks never, or hardly ever, rested by the way. Now Herr Helm is at great trouble to shew that the Blue-throat leaves Egypt in February or March, and proves by many a record that it occurs in spring much more frequently than has been hitherto believed in the intermediate districts of Austriaand Germany. It therefore has one or two months in which to compass the journey. Again, as to the height at which the flocks travel, he considers that former calculations may have been erroneous, for he thinks that the state of the atmosphere has not been sufficiently reckoned for, and that it may produce delusive effects both upon the eye and the ear of the observer. Sound travels very differently through different media, and the distance of a bird may be extremely difficult to judge correctly. The second article brings under consideration the fight of Swallows, Carrier-Pigeons, and Ducks, with a discussion of the effects of temperature. 57. Hudson’s ‘ Birds and Man, [Birds and Man, By W.H. Hudson, F.Z.S. London. 8vo. Longmans. 318 pp. 1901. Price 6s. net. ] This new volume of our friend Mr. W. H. Hudson’s essays on topics connected with bird-life will be of interest to ornithologists as well as to the world in general. They relate to such popular subjects as Daws, Ravens, and Willow- Warblers, and to such familiar places as London, Wells, and Selborne, but will be none the less appreciated by many of us. The Dartford Warbler has deservedly a chapter to itself: Mr. Hudson found it still existing in four counties “in a few widely-separated localities,” but in spite of the “ protection- B44 Recently published Ornithological Works. orders” of the County Councils it will probably be soon extinct. 58. Hutton on Migratory Birds in New Zealand. [Our Migratory Birds. By Capt. F. W. Hutton, F.R.S. Trans. New Zeal. Inst. 1900, p. 251. } This is an interesting paper which we commend to the notice of all who wish to study the difficult problems of Migration. The only regular summer visitors to New Zealand, for the purpose of breeding there, are the two parasitic Cuckoos Eudynamis taitensis and Chrysococcyx lucidus. But numerous Waders and other birds appear there more or less sporadically, besides a number of accidental visitors from Australia and other adjacent lands. 59. Madardsz on a new Palearctic Bird. [Ueber einen neuen palearktischen Vogel : Acanthopneuste puella, n. sp. Von Dr. Julius v. Madarasz. Természet. Fiizet. xxv.} . Acanthupneuste puella is based on several specimens received by the National Hungarian Museum from the vicinity of Vladivostock, Eastern Siberia. It is nearly allied to Phyllo- scopus coronatus of Japan (Cat. B. v. p. 48), but has no light middle stripe on the head, and shews other points of difference. 60. Mitchell on the Classification of Birds. [On the Intestinal Tract of Birds; with Remarks on the Valuation and Nomenclature of Zoological Characters. By P. Chalmers Mitchell, D.Sc. Oxon., F.L.S., F.Z.S. Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. ser. 2 (Zool.), vol. vili. pt. 7, pp. 173-275; 3 plates. ] Before the appearance of the present paper Dr. Mitchell had, in a communication to the Zoological Society of London, directed attention to the importance of the intestinal tract as a basis of bird-classification. The very large series of differences in the size of the various loops and folds of this tract lend themselves to a regular arrangement of birds in correspondence therewith, and, what is more important, permit of a reasonable guess at the more Recently published Ornithological Works. 345 archaic forms, and thus allow of the tracing of the various modifications. Such types as the Gallinaceous birds and Chauna lie at the base of the series with numerous regular folds quite like those of a crocodile. Thence the changes that have taken place can be followed out in several directions, and with great ease to the reader on account of the useful diagrammatic lines of ascent figured on the author’s plates. It must be gratifying to him, as it is reassuring to us, to find that the scheme recommended does not do violence to old-established views of classification. Thus the Petrels are placed near to the Storks and Herons as W. A. Forbes urged they should be; and the Gulls are put near the Charadriiform birds. It is largely the absence of all sen- sational reshuffling of the groups which leads us to believe that Dr. Mitchell has tapped a new source of information, which will serve, perhaps even better than anything that has gone before, to help us to the proper arrangement of birds. 61. Nelson on new Mexican Birds. [Descriptions of a new Genus and eleven new Species and Subspecies of Birds from Mexico. By E. W. Nelson. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, xiv. pp. 169-175. ] Mr. Nelson describes as “new species”? Crax chapmani from Yucatan, Attila mexicanus from Tabasco, Myiopagis yucatanensis from Yucatan, Stelgidopteryxe ridgwayi from Yucatan and Mexico, and Troglodytes peninsularis from Yucatan, besides several subspecies. A new genus ‘‘ Nyctia- grius” is made for Caprimulgus yucatanicus Hartert (Cat. B. MVE Ps O70). 62. Osgood on the Birds of the Queen Charlotte Islands. [Natural History of the Queen Charlotte Islands. By Wilfred H. Osgood. N. American Fauna, No. 21, pp. 7-50, pls. i-v. Washington, 1901.] After an introductory account of the islands, which lie off the coast of British Columbia, and details of their physio- graphy, Mr. Osgood proceeds to tabulate the species of Vertebrates which are found there, furnishing in conclusion notes on those of most importance and a bibliography of the 346 Recently published Ornithological Works. works consulted. He found birds abundant, but of the ninety-six species observed the majority were much the same as in the Sitkan district. Two new forms are described as peculiar to the group—Cyanocitta stellert carlotte and Dryobates picoideus; while a third, Nyctala acadica scotea, is aiso found on the mainland. 63. Osgood on the Birds of Cook Inlet, Alaska. [Natural History of the Cook Inlet Region, Alaska. By Wilfred H. Osgood. North American Fauna, No. 21, pp. 51-81, pls. vi., vii. Washington, 1901.] After leaving the Queen Charlotte Islands, Mr. Osgood aud his assistant made a ‘“‘ biological reconnaissance” into the district of Cook Inlet, just south of the great Alaskan promontory. It was too late (August and September) for the summer migrants, and the birds met with were permanent residents or “fall stragglers.””’ Land-birds were not nume- rous either as species or individuals. The list enumerates 77 species, all known Alaskan forms. 64. Pycraft on the Neognathine Palate. [Some Points in the Morphology of the Palate of the Neognathe. By W. P. Pycraft, A.L.S., F.Z.S. Journ. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Zool.) Xxviil. pp. 343-357, pls. 31, 32. | Mr. Pycraft here discusses the peculiarities and changes of the palate in the Neognathe, compared with those in the Paleognathe, the former group consisting of the “ Carinate ” birds, with the exception of the Tinamous, and the latter of the Tinamous and the “ Ratite”’ birds. He prefers the palate to the sternum as a guide to classification. The differences he considers to be those of degree, and not of kind, while the Paleognathine type is undoubtedly the oldest, and Dromeus the most typical genus in this respect. Dromeus is therefore taken as the standard, and is compared as re- gards the palate. with Rhea and the Tinamous (which are much alike) ; aglanceis then taken at the “ Carinate” birds, of which many examples are considered. Summing up, the vomer and pterygoid are stated to be uninterruptedly Recently published Ornithological Works. 347 connected“ with one another throughout life in the Pale@o- gnathe, while the palatines remain perfectly separated from one another “caudad,” and are connected only with the maxillo-palatine processes “distad”’; in the Neognathe the relations of these bones are of the opposite character, and the palate is undoubtedly undergoing ‘a further change. The most primitive form of Avian palate is the Dromzo. gnathous, and not the Schizognathous. 65. Reiser and Knotek on Bird-migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [Ergebnisse der ornithologischen Zugsbeobachtungen in Bosnien und der Hercegovina. Verfasst von Custos Othmar Reiser und Prof. Johann Knotek. Wissensch. Mitth. aus Bosnien u. Hercegovina, Bd. viii. | This is the report of the Committee for the observation of bird-migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the years 1897-1900, commencing with the autumnal migration of 1897, and ending with the vernal migration of 1900. After lists of the various stations and observers, the notes of the latter are given, arranged in systematic order. Then follows a résumé of the details arranged in the order of the calendar, so that we can see what species passed on each particular day. In the autumnal migration of 1899, 51 species are recorded ; in the vernal migration of 1900, 62. 66. Robinson and Richmond on Venezuelan Birds. [An annotated List of Birds collected in the Vicinity of La Quaira, Venezuela. By Wirt Robinson and Charles W. Richmond. Proce. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxiv. pp. 163-178. ] This is an account of two collections made in 1895 and 1900 in the vicinity of La Guaira, the seaport of Caraccas, by Capt. Robinson, together with a few specimens obtained by Mr. Lyon, who accompanied Capt. Robinson on his second trip. LHighty-one species are enumerated as repre- sented in the series, amongst which a Wren (Microcerculus pectoralis) is described as new. Most of the others are well known. ‘This is a poor result, but the avifauna of the coast-district of La Guaira is evidently very meagre. The 348 Recently published Ornithological Works. collectors should have gone high up into the mountains above, where they would have entered the range of some scarce and little-known species. A few field-notes are added by Capt. Robinson. 67. Rothschild and Hartert on Birds from Guadalcanar. [List of a Collection of Birds from Guadalcanar Island, in the Solomon Group. By Hon. Walter Rothschild, Ph.D., and Ernst Hartert. Nov. Zool. viii. pp. 873-882. ] A collection made by Mr. Albert 8S. Meek on Guadal- canar, Solomon Group, in April and May, 1901, is described, and 57 species are enumerated. Many useful notes are given, and Ceyx lepida collectoris is described as a new sub- species. The group of Baza subcristata is worked out, and five subspecies are recognised. ae 68. Sarasin Brothers on the Geological History of Celebes. [Ueber die geologische Geschichte der Insel Celebes auf Grund der Thierverbreitung. Von Dr. Paul Sarasin und Dr. Fritz Sarasin. 1 vol. 4to. Wiesbaden, 1901. 170 pp.; 19 pls. ] This learned and well-executed memoir is an attempt to explain the complexities of the existing fauna of Celebes by a careful study of its land-animals, to our knowledge of which the authors have largely contributed. The Land and Fresh- water Mollusks, the Reptiles and Amphibians, the Birds, the Mammals, and the Land-Planarians are all thoroughly discussed, and their distribution illustrated by a series of elaborate maps. Four “land-bridges”? are shown to be necessary to account for the complications of the Celebean fauna, and are supposed to have formerly connected this strange island with Java, the Philippines, the Moluccas, and Flores. No one interested in distribution should omit to study this valuable piece of work. 69. Schalow on Birds from Central Asia. (Beitrage zur Vogelfauna Centralasiens. Uebersicht der von Herrn Oberamtmann Dr, Holderer wahrend einer Durchquerung Asiens gesam- melten Vogel. Von Herman Schalow. J. f. O. 1901, pp. 393-456, Taf. iii., iv. ] Recently published Ornithological Works. 349 In the year 1887, Dr. Holderer of Heidelberg and Dr. Futterer of Karlsruhe made a journey across Central Asia from the Caspian to China, and of this journey Herr Schalow now gives us the ornithological results. The travel- lers made but a short stay at Bokhara, Samarkand, and Tasch- kent, and devoted their main energies to Chinese Tibet, their chief collecting-stations ranging from the Altai, Pamir, and Kashgar districts to the Gobi Desert, the Nan-schan Range, the Sining-ho Valley, Koko-nor, the Upper Hoang-ho, and the Tsin-ling Mountains. After an account of the literature referring to these regions, we are given a list of species, which contains few biological notes, but is augmented by remarks on the contents of the birds’ stomachs. Pheasants were one of the main features of the avifauna, Phasianus holdereri, from Min-tschou, being described as new. Podoces biddulphi was obtained at Ak-su in the isolated oasis near Thian- schan, and P. hendersoni elsewhere, but not P. humilis. Three examples of the rare Archibuteo hemiptilopus Blyth (=A. strophiatus Hodgs.) were procured at Koko-nor, and a new species, A. holdereri, at the same place, while a subspecies, Ruticilla rufiventris pleskii, from Nan-schan, is recognised as distinct. 70. Scott on the Song of Birds. {Data on Song in Birds—the Acquisition of new Songs. By William E. D. Scott. Science, xv. p. 178 (1902). ] Our attention is here called to some amusing facts re- specting the song of birds and their powers of inventing new songs, of which the writer gives some remarkable examples. That a Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana) should be capable of talking quite plainly is surprising to us, as are Others of Mr. Scott’s stories. No one interested in bird-song should omit to read this paper. 71. Shufeldt on the Osteology of the Pigeons. [On the Osteology of the Pigeons (Columbe). By R. W. Shufeldt. Journ. of Morphol. xvii. pp. 487-514, pls. A & B, 4 cuts. } In this paper, treating only of the Pigeons of the United 350 Recently published Ornithological Works. States, Dr. Shufeldt gives us a considerable amount of information on various points, and shews that the morphology of the group is particularly homogeneous. He selects Ectopistes as “a very good average Columbine type,” and gives full details of its osteology, in comparison with those of Zenaidura, Zenaida, Engyptila, Melopelia, Columbigallina, Scardafella, Geotrygon, and Starnenas, the last-named dif- fering somewhat from the others in its trunk-skeleton. Didunculus is treated separately and is figured, while for the genus Columba the author has been obliged to rely upon the work of his predecessors. The affinities of the group are shown to be with the Gallinaceous birds. 72. Studer and Fatio on the Birds of Switzerland. [Katalog der Schweizerischen Vogel bearbeitet im Auftrag des eidgen. Departements des Innern (Abteilung Forstwessen) von Dr. Th. Studer und Dr. V. Fatio. Lief. ITl.* Pp. 193-418; 2 maps. 8vo. Bern, 1901.] Many observers have assisted the authors in the produc- tion of this carefully compiled Catalogue, of which the present part contains the Insessores, Coraces, Scansores, and a portion of the Captores, to use the names that evidently” reflect the preferences of the learned writers. Perhaps the most interesting species included are Merops apiaster, Coracias garrula, Pastor roseus, and Oriolus galbula, for whieh maps of distribution are given; with Picoides tri- dactylus and Bombycilla garrula, for which none are thought necessary. The birds are considered from all points of view —as residents, migrants, and so forth; references to the literature are given in profusion for the several regions ; and other information is added ; the whole forming a standard work on Swiss Ornithology. 73. Verrill on the ‘ Cahow” of the Bermudas. [The Cahow of the Bermudas, an Extinct Bird. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (7) ix. p. 26.] The “‘ Cahow,” or “ Cohowe,” was a bird described by the earliest settlers in the Bermudas as good for food, very * For notices of Parts 1 and 2 see ‘ Ibis,’ 1889, p. 394; 1899, p. 394. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 351 abundant, and easily captured—so easily, in fact, that it quickly became extinct. After quoting many extracts from old authorities on the subject, Mr. Verrill comes to the conclusion that the ‘‘ Cahow” was a “‘ web-footed sea-bird,”’ not a Shearwater nor a Petrel of any kind, but possibly an Auk. It was strictly nocturnal inits habits. It came to the Bermudas in October to breed, and remained until June. It laid its single large white egg in burrows. It was about the size of a Pigeon, brown above and white beneath, and had a strong hooked bill. Now, what was the “ Cahow” ? XXII.—Letters, Extracts, Notices, &¢. We have received the following letters, addressed “to the Editors ” :— Sirs,—In volume iv. of the “ Birds” (Fauna of British India, p.278) Dr. Blanford states that he considers it almost certain that Jerdon and Blyth mistook the “ Knots” which they obtained at Madras and in Calcutta for Tringa canutus, whereas they were really 7. crassirostris. I therefore beg leave to draw the attention of your readers to the fact that I have to-day (January 16th) obtained in our Bazaar an undoubted Knot alive, the first that I have seen here. I may also add that the specimens 1592 A & B of Blyth’s ‘Catalogue’ are still in existence, and are JT. canutus, as he said, It is evident, therefore, that this species visits the Indian Empire as well as 7. crassirostris, though it is, of course, an irregular visitor, like so many others of our wild-fowl. For instance, Baer’s Pochard (Fuligula baeri), which I have known to be occasionally common, has been scarce here for some years now; while, on the other hand, the Bronze-cap Teal (Hunetta falcata), formerly very scarce, has been arriving regularly for the last few years. This winter I have already obtained four specimens of the last-named Duck, _ although the season is an excessively bad one for water-fowl of all kinds. I have recorded many previous occurrences of 352 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. this species in our bazaar in my recent popular pamphlet ‘How to know the Indian Ducks.’ Yours &e., Indian Museum, Calcutta. Frank FInn. Ist March, 1902. Srrs,—lIn the article in last year’s ‘ Ibis’ on the “ Birds of the Yenesei River,” the two varieties of the Yellow Bunting figured on plate x. are referred to as Emberiza citrinella molessont and FE. citrinella brehmi of Homeyer. I have searched everywhere for Homeyer’s description of E. citrinella var. brehmi, but cannot find it. Moreover, when in Brunswick in August last I examined all the Buntings in the Homeyer collection and the catalogues, and could find no reference to this name, so that I can only conclude that it has never been published. It appears, however, that Dr. C. L. Brehm was the first to recognise this form, as in his ‘ Vollstandige Vogelfang,’ p. 414 (1855), he describes it as follows :—“ Emberiza erythrogenys, Brm. (Ember. citrinella auct.). Unseren grossten Goldammer ahnlich, aber etwas weniger sch6n mit weisslichen Fliigel- binden, rostrothem Kinne und solchen Bachen- und Augen- streifen bei in Mannchen bei Sarepta.”” This form, therefore, if recognised as a subspecies, should stand as Hmberiza erythrogenys, Brehm, and Mr. Zarudny’s name EL. molessoni must sink into a synonym. Yours &c., 28 Queensborough Terrace, H. E. Dresser. London, W. 6th March, 1902. News of Mr. Thomas Ayres.—Many of the readers of ‘The Ibis’ will be pleased to hear that the veteran orni- thologist of the Transvaal, Mr. Thomas Ayres, of Potchef- stroom, who was a frequent contributor to our pages from 1860 to 1886, has escaped the dangers of the Boer War and is still safe in his home in the Transvaal Colony. Writing to Mr. W. L. Sclater on Dec. 4th, 1901, he says that as it may be well supposed, he has been able to do very Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 3538 little collecting during the past two years, no shooting having been permitted. But quite recently he has obtained leave to carry his gun along the river in the immediate vicinity of Potchefstroom, and has obtained a small number of specimens for the South African Museum. Mr. Ayres remarks that he does not quite believe in the so-called Russ’s. Weaver-bird (Quelea russi) being distinct from Q. sanguini- rostris. In the Potchefstroom district the Quelea nests freely amongst the reeds, in company with Pyromelena oryx and Hyphantornis velatus, and lays blue eggs, which are similar to those of the Pyromelena and very difficult to identify. Mr. Ayres believes that Que/ea is parasitic, and “often, if not always,” lays its eggs in the nests of the Red Bishop-bird (Pyromelena). The British Dipper.—Amongst recent ‘‘ Promotions” we have to record that of the “ British Dipper,” which has been elevated to the rank of a subspecies by Ritter v. Tschusi zu ‘ Schmidhoffen, as Cinclus cinclus britannicus (cf. Ornith. Jahrb. xiii. p. 69, 1892). The author of this feat states that the British form of Cinclus has nothing to do with the Mid- European C. aquaticus, but 18 more nearly allied to the Scandinavian C. cinclus (i. e. C. melanogaster, Br.). With the kind assistance of our foreign friends we are really beginning to know something about our native birds ! British Ornithologists abroad.—Captain Boyp ALEXANDER has returned to his duties in West Africa and has arrived safely at Cape Coast Castle. Before leaving England, as will be seen by our columns, he wrote for us an excellent account of the birds which he had observed and collected in the Gold Coast Colony during his service with the Ashanti Expedition, and he will no doubt be equally active on the present occasion. Mr. Henry F. Wiruzrsy left England on February 20th, on a new ornithological expedition. This time he proposes to go to Western Persia, and to work the country between Bushire and Shiraz. He hopes to be able to penetrate into the mountainous district north-west of the latter town. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. Da 354 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. Mr. Witherby takes with him Mr. C. F. Camburn, an experi- enced professional taxidermist, who accompanied him up the White Nile in 1900, and will, no doubt, obtain excellent results, although we fear that Persia, however diligently it may be searched, is not capable of producing many absolute novelties in bird-life. Mr. AvexanperR Wauyrte, after a rest in England, has returned to British East Africa, vid Mombasa, but will be engaged principally in botanical collecting. He is, however, always ready to attend to the special requirements of his old correspondents. Mr. Scorr B. Witson started on January 16th last for Tahiti, vid New Zealand, with the intention of making a complete exploration of the Tahiti group and possibly going on to Samoa. On his passage down the Channel, however, we regret to learn, Mr. Wilson had the misfortune to break his leg, and was in consequence obliged to land at Plymouth. On his recovery he has determined to make a fresh start, but some months’ rest are still absolutely necessary. i Capt. G. E. Barrert-Hamitton, F.Z.S., is “at the front” with the 5th Royal Irish Rifles, and is believed to be at present engaged in “ guarding the lines of communication ” near Vredefort Road, in the Orange Colony. But he is by no means neglectful of Natural History, and has lately sent several small contributions to the Zoological Society. The last news we received from Mr. A. Buayney PERceva were dated from Takunga, British East Africa, where he holds a post in the Government Service. Mr. Perceval complains of its being an extremely poor place for birds, but was much pleased to have obtained a second specimen of Mache- rhamphus anderssoni, “with a bat in its stomach” (ef. P. Z. 8. 1899, p. 714). } Mr. E. G. B. Muape-Watupo, we believe, has not yet returned from Tangier, where he has passed the winter. We hope soon to receive an account of his excursion into the Great Atlas in 1901, and further information on the new birds lately characterized by him in the Bull. B.O.C. (xii. p. 27). Teal Eo 2 TSR EIGHTH SERIES. No. VII. JULY 1902. See ee XXIIT.—On the Birds of the Gold Coast Colony and its Hinterland. By Capt. Boyp ALExanpER. [Concluded from p. 333. ] (Plates VIII. & IX.) 180. CuHzTURA UssHERI Sharpe. Chetura ussheri Hartert, Cat. B. xvi. p. 488, pl. x. Two adult males from Gonieri, Gold Coast Hinterland. This species appears to be rare in collections. There are three specimens from Cape Coast in the British Museum. We obtained one of our birds out of a pair that were breeding in the hollow trunk of a baobab-tree. It was impossible to see the nest; the birds went down into the trunk from a hole at the top of the tree. 181. Cypsretus arrinis Hardw. Micropus affinis Hartert, Cat. B. xvi. p. 453. Kwobia, several specimens. Found in small colonies in the Hinterland around the native villages, making use of the huts to build in. “ April 14, Gambaga.—Within the last few days, rain having fallen, a number of these Swifts appeared flying round the native huts and tall baobab-trees, Their flight is strong and very steady, as they glide at times through the air with motionless wings. They breed in April and are said to be resident at Gamhaga.”’ SER. VIII.— VOL. II. 2B 356 Capt. B. Alexander on the 182. Tacnornis parva (Licht.). Tachornis parva Hartert, Cat. B. xvi. p. 463 (1892) ; id. Nov. Zool. vi. p. 411. Gambaga. These specimens belong to the pale form of the species. 183. CaPRIMULGUS RUFICOLLIS Temm. Caprimulgus ruficollis Saunders, Man. Brit. B. p. 259; Hartert, Cat. B. xvi. p. 531. An adult female, March 28, 1901, Gambaga. This was the only occasion on which we observed this Nightjar at Gambaga. It was a solitary individual, and to all appearances a migrant. I have carefully examined the: British Museum examples of this species. In the collection there are several pale isabelline specimens from Spain, Morocco, and Algeria. The pale plumage has generally been considered to denote a variety of the adult. It is, however, I think, nothing more than the first winter dress of the young bird. Specimens frum Spain obtained in May—the breeding-season—and also an example (ad. ¢) from Ben Moussar, Algeria, are darker and much more shaded with rufous. From the same locality as the latter bird there is a female in the pale plumage, that is, having the under parts shaded with isabelline ; the feathers of the chest mottled and narrowly barred with grey, so as to form an irregular band across the chest. This specimen is identical with another from Morocco, and with an immature female obtained in August 1869 at Grenada, Spain. The Ben Moussar male example, however, agrees perfectly with our female from Gambaga; but both shew slight indications of their first winter plumage, a few of the chest-feathers being still mottled and barred with grey, and the general coloration a shade paler than the specimens from Spain. Three fairly distinct phases in the plumage of this species may accordingly be observed—the pale isabelline coloration of the first winter plumage, gradually passing into a more rufous shade, and then becoming deeper and darker in the adult breeding-dress. Unfortunately, with the exception of a nestling, there are Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 307 no specimens of this bird in the British Museum from Tunis. That country is supposed to have a separate resident form, C. ruficollis desertorum (Erlang. J. f. O. 1899, p. 521). 184. Caprimuteus sHarpi Alexander. Caprimulgus sharpei Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. xi. p. 29 (November 1901). Two adult males from Gambaga. - Similar to C. trimaculatus, but smaller and darker; upper parts less spotted, especially on the nape, and more uniform ; under parts with the blackish bars on the chest running into each other, which causes this part to appear much darker than in C, trimaculatus. The two species may be compared as follows :— C. sharpit. Ad. ¢. Gambaga, Feb. 22,1901. ‘Total length (measured in the flesh) 9°3 inches, wing 7, tail 5:1, tarsus 0:06. Iris black. Sexual organs in breeding condition. C. trimaculatus. Ad. ¢. Rustenburg, South Africa. Total length 10°5 inches, wing 7°8, tail 5°8. C. trimaculatus is a South-African species, of which our bird is the northern form. We met with only two specimens of this new Nightjar at Gambaga, where it appears to be uncommon. It inhabits tree-grown kopjes, and is extremely hard to discover, since its plumage assimilates so well with the black slabs of rock, which it never seems to leave. 185. MacropipTERyxX LONGIPENNIS (Shaw). Macrodipteryx macrodipterus Hartert, Cat. B. xvi. p. 594; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 24 (Togoland); Sharpe, Bull. B. O. C. x. p. vii (Gambaga). Gambaga and Salaga. This Nightjar is common at Gambaga, being found in colonies in the open bush-land. On Dec. 28 a part of the native village took fire. It was quite a sight to see these Nightjars flittmg to and fro near the burning houses, 2B2 358 Capt. B. Alexander cn the catching the insects driven from the huts. They appeared suddenly in numbers on the scene asiffrom nowhere. Their shaft-feathers looked like small birds following them where- ever they went, as they sailed backwards and forwards before the firelight. It is interesting to watch this Nightjar courting his mate. Just as dusk is coming on the female appears from the adjoining bush and drops noiselessly on the road. She does not wait long before the male alights right in front of where she is sitting. Then the long wing-pinions are raised so that they droop towards her*. Should the female shift her position, the male gives chase, to alight once again, like a feather-weight, in front of her. 186. Scotornis cLimacurus (Vieill.). Scotornis climacurus Hartert, Cat. B. xvi. p. 596; id. Nov. Zool. vi. p. 410 (Gambaga). Gambaga, Karaga, and Accra. By no means common in the Hinterland, frequenting in pairs the dried-up beds of streams. At Accra it was fairly numerous. It has not yet been recorded from Togoland. 187. Eurystomus aFrer (Lath.). Eurystomus afer Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 30; Reichen. J.f.O. 1897, p. 20 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 409. (Gambaga). Gambaga and Sang. 188. Evurystomus cuLaris Vieill. Eurystomus gularis Sharpe, Cat. B. vil. p. 82; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 21 (Togoland). Fumsu. 189. Coractas aByssinicus Bodd. Coracias abyssinicus Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 19; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 20 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gambaga). Gambaga. Common in the open country, where it is found in pairs. * Cf. Dict. of Birds, p. 641. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &ce. 359 190. Coractas nzvius Daud. -Coracias nevius Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 24; Reichen. J. f.O. 1897, p. 54 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 408 (Gambaga). Karaga. 191. Drcrocercus rurcatus (Stanl.). Dicrocercus furcatus Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 42; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 23 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 410 (Gambaga). Gambaga. A rare migrant in the Hinterland, frequenting the wooded banks of streams. 192. MeuirropHacus Pusitius (Mill.). Melittophagus pusillus Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 47; Reichen. J. f.O. 1897, p. 28 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gambaga). Gambaga and Salaga. A resident in the Hinterland. Ivis red ; legs and feet brown. 193. MerirropHacus euLaris (Shaw & Nodd.). Mehttophagus gularis Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p.50; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 410. Prahsu and R. Volta. A rare bird, found only in the forest-district. 194. MerxitrropHacus BULLOCK! (Vieill.). Melittophagus bullocki Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p.51; Reichen. J.f.O. 1897, p. 23 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 409 (Gambaga). Upper White Volta River and Gambaga. Found in the vicinity of water. Not common. 195. Merors asicoxuis Vieill. Merops albicollis Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 76; Reichen. J. £.O. 1897, p. 23 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gold Coast). Kwissa and Kumasi. Common in the forest during October; observed in small parties. 360 Capt. B. Alexander on the 196. Mrrors nusicus Gm. Merops nubicus Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 85; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 23 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gambaga). So, Northern Territory. A migrant in the Hinterland. These birds are fond of visiting the bush-fires, around which many may often be seen darting upon insects, regardless of the hot flames. 197. IrnRIsoR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS (Lath.). Irrisor erythrorhynchus Salvin, Cat. B. xvi. p. 19 (1892) ; Grant, Bull. BOO. C. x. poe: Irrisor viridis senegalensis Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 24 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 410 (Gambaga). Binduri (north of Gambaga). Found in the open country in small parties. Breeds in holes in the baobab-trees. 198. Irxisor BOLLII Salyv. Trrisor boll Salvin, Cat. B. xvi. p. 20. Kwissa, an adult male. 199. LopHocrRos sEMIFasciatus (Hartl.). Lophoceros semifasciatus Grant, Cat. B. xvii. p. 402; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 20 (Togoland). Prahsu, Kwissa, and Fumsu. Very common. Native name * Chinchinna.” 200. LopHocrros nasutus (Linn.). Lophoceros nasutus Grant, Cat. B. xvii. p. 406; Reichen. J.f.O. 1897, p. 20 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 410 (Gambaga). . Kintampo and Gambaga. Common in the open country. - 201. Loryocrros HarTLAuBI (Gould). Lophoceros hartlaubi Grant, Cat. B. xvii. p. 408. Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kwissa. Rare, and observed only in the depths of the forest. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 361 202. ORTHOLOPHUS LEUCOLOPHUs (Sharpe). Ortholophus leucolophus Grant, Cat. B. xvii. p. 426. Prahsu and Fumsu. This bird keeps much to the thickets, wending its way with agility through the maze of branches. Iris bluish black ; legs and feet bluish slate-coloured, with the pads dirty yellow. ; ‘203. CeRYLE Maxima (Pall.). Ceryle maxima Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 118; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 22 (Togoland). River Volta. 204. Ispipina Picta (Bodd.). Ispidina picta Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 191; Reichen. J.f.O. 1897, p. 22 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 409 (Gambaga). Cape Coast, Kintampo, and Gambaga. 205. Hatcyon semMic#RvuLevs (Forsk.). Halcyon semiceruleus Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 232; Reichen. f. O. 1897, p. 21 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gambaga). Gambaga and Salaga. =! 206. Hatcyon cuexicuti (Stanley). Halcyon chelicuti Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 239; Reichen. sO 1997, p. 21 (LTogoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gambaga). Kumasi, Kintampo, Gambaga, and Pong. 207. Hatcyon sENEGALENSIS (Linn.). Halcyon senegalensis Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 242; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 21 (Togoland). Monse Hills and Kwissa. This Kingfisher is very shy, always keeping to the tops of the tall forest-trees, whence it utters a loud running chatter, generally heard towards evening. 208. Hatcyon rorsBzsi Sharpe. Halcyon forbest Sharpe, Cat. B. xvi. p. 247, plavi. fig. 2; 362 Capt. B. Alexander on the Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 21 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 409 (Gambaga). Salaga and Yeji. We found this remarkable Kingfisher along the shady belts of trees on the streams. It was a shy bird and by no means common, besides being locally distributed. The cry uttered by the male was loud and harsh. Towards evening it was frequently observed to mount high in the air, where it would remain for some time, hovering after the manner of a Kestrel. It breeds in April. 209. TuRAcCUS MACRORHYNCHUs (Fraser). Turacus macrorhynchus Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 441 (1881). Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kwissa. In the adult male the upper mandible is yellow, orange at the lower part of the base, the lower mandible red, the iris bluish black, the eyelids are coral, and the legs and feet black. 210. Musopuaca viotacea Isert. Musophaga violacea Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 448; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 13 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 411 (Gambaga). Gambaga. This species haunts the vicinity of streams and is generally observed in pairs. The male, in the mating-season, which is in April, utters a turkey-like gobble. 211. Scuizoruis araicaNna (Lath.). Schizorhis africana Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p.450; Reichen. J.f.O. 1897, p. 14 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 411 (Gambaga). White Volta River. This species inhabits open tree-grown country and is generally found in pairs. It always selects the topmost boughs of a tree upon which to alight. . _212. CruTHMOCHARES FLAVIROSTRIS (Swains.). Ceuthmochares flavirostris Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 401; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 15 (Togoland). Prahsu and Fumsu. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 363 A common bird in the forest, haunting the thickets, through which it works its way with wonderful agility. Bull yellow ; iris red. 213. CenrRopus LeucocasTER (Leach). Centropus leucogaster Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 358; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 14 (Togoland). : Prahsu. - We often heard the deep bubbling notes of this bird in the midile of the night during October, which is the breeding- seascn. 214. CENTROPUS MONACHUS Riipp. Centropus monachus Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 359. Pong. 215. CenTROPUS SENEGALENSIS (Linn.). Centropus senegalensis Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 360; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 14 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 411 (Gambaga). Krachi and Pong. Our immature birds are very much barred on the mantle, back, and wings, while the under parts as far as the breast are strongly washed with tawny rufous. This species is very common both in the Hinterland and in the colony. | 216. Coccystrs GLanparivs (Linn.). Coccystes glandarius Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 212; Hartert, Noy. Zool. vi. p. 411 (Gambaga). Gambaga. 217. Coccystes carer (Licht.). Coccystes cafer Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 221; Reichen. fee. 1597, p. 15 (Tosoland); Hartert, Nov. ool. vi. p- 411 (Gambaga). Kwissa and Gambaga. 218. CHRyYSOCOcCYX SMARAGDINEUS (Swains.). Chrysococcyx smaragdineus Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 280. Fumsu. 364 Capt. B. Alexander on the 219. Curysococcyx KLAASI (Steph.). Chrysococcyx klaasi Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 283; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 411 (Gambaga). Prahsu. 220. Curysococcyx cupreus (Bodd.). Chrysococcyz cupreus Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 285; Reichen. J. f.O. 1897, p. 15 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 411 (Gambaga). Karaga. 221. INDICATOR SPARRMANNI Steph. Indicator indicator (Gm.); Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 5; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 412 (Gambaga). Upper White Volta River. 222. InDicaToR sTIcTITHORAX Reichen. Indicator stictithoraz Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 8. Kwissa. | : This rare Honey-guide is represented in the British Museum by a specimen from the Cameroon Mountains (H. H. Johnston). It appears to be found only in moun- tainous districts. Our bird was obtained on the Monse Hills, 1800 feet. 223. InpDIcATOR MINOR Steph. Indicator minor Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 9. Kintampo and Gambaga. 224. InpicaToR witicocksI. (Plate VIII.) Indicator willcocksi Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. xi. p. 11 (October 1901). Most nearly allied to I. exilis, but slightly larger. Upper parts golden olive, striped with blackish centres to the feathers, almost uniform on crown and nape, the blackish centres becoming more strongly marked on the back; no dusky band below the cheeks and ear-coverts ; sides of neck and under parts ashy olive, fading into creamy white on the lower breast and abdomen; wing and central tail-feathers black, edged with golden yellow. Total length (measured in the flesh) 4°5 inches, wing 2°8, tail 2, tarsus 0-4. bas O02. PL Vine Litho W. Greve, Berlin SW ORI WIM O CK St a INDICA Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 365 A single female specimen of this new species was obtained at Prahsu in October 1901. We frequently observed this little Indicator whenever a swarm of flying ants appeared. It would dart upon them and then retire to its original perch to devour its prey. 225. PocoNORHYNCHUS DUBIUS (Gm.). Pogonorhynchus dubius Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 15; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 411 (Gambaga). Busunu and Gambaga. This bird is seen singly or in pairs, frequenting open country. ‘Towards evening it repairs to holes in trees to roost. The sexes are alike in plumage. 226. MELANOBUCCO BIDENTATUS (Shaw). Melanobucco bidentatus Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 18. Pogonorhynchus bidentatus Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 17 (Togoland). | Lower White Volta River. 227. MELANOBUCCO VIEILLOTI (Leach). Melanobucco vieilloti Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p.26; Hartert, Noy. Zool. vi. p. 412 (Gambaga). Pogonorhynchus vieilloti Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 17 (Togoland). Kintampo and Gambaga. Breeds in March. Common. Tris red. 228. TRICHOLEMA HIRSUTA (Swains.). Tricholema hirsutum Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 28; Reichen. de), 1897, p. 17 (Togoland). Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kwissa. Common in the forest. 229. GyMNoBucco caLvus (Lafr.). Gymnobucco calvus Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 34. Gymnobucco pelt Hartl. Orn. W. -Afr, pa hZ5 ae Sy) ad. ea. O. 186), p. 263. | Prahsu and Fumsu. The sexes of all our specimens were determined. The 366 Capt. B. Alexander on the adult males have the frontal tufts and the outer portions of the secondaries narrowly edged with olive and the under parts washed with the same colour. The females have no frontal tufts, but carry a small tuft of bristles on the chin: they are a little larger than the males, and have no olive edges to the secondaries. The immature bird has no tufts, either on the front or on the chin; the upper mandible is blackish. This species is numerous in the forest. Whenever flying ants begin to swarm, numbers of these birds appear on the scene and catch them with avidity. 230. BarBatuLa cHRysocoma (Temm.). Barbatula chrysocoma Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 42; Reichen. J. #. O- 1897, p. 16 (Toseland). Gambaga. Rare, and only once observed. 231. BarBaATULA LEUCOLZMA Verr. Barbatula leucolema Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 45; Reichen. Jt OULS97; p. 16 (Posoland): Cape Coast and Pong. 232. BarsatTuLa scoLopacea (Temm.). Barbatula scolopacea Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p.47; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 17 (Togoland). Prabhsu and Kwissa. 233. TRACHYPHONUS GOFFINI Schl. Trachyphonus goffint Shelley, Cat. B. xix. p. 106. Prahsu and Kwissa. 234. CaAMPOTHERA PuNCTATA (Valenc.). Campothera punctata Hargitt, Cat. B. xviii. p. 96; Shelley, iB. Afr. 1p. 131. Dendromus punctatus Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 18 (Togo- land) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 411 aes Sang and Kwobia. Common at these localities. 235. CaMPorHERA MAcULOosa (Valenc.). Campothera maculosa Hargitt, Cat. B. xviii. p. 104. Prahsu. Rare. Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 367 236. CamMpoTHERA Nrvosa (Swains.). Campothera nivosa Hargitt, Cat. B. xviii. p. 108. Dendromus nivosus Reichen. J. f. 0.1897, p. 18 (Togoland). Prahsu. 237. DENDROPICUS LAFRESNaYI Malh. Dendropicus lafresnayi Hargitt, Cat. B. xvi. p. 301; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 17 (Togoland). Upper White Volta, Krachi, and Pong. In our immature bird (¢) the upper parts are duller than in the adult; there is no red on the upper tail-coverts, and the occiput and crown are dark brown, some of the feathers being tipped with red; the forehead is dark brown, mixed with the light brown of the new feathers. In the adult male obtained at Pong there is no tinge of red on the upper tail-coverts, though the red on the crown has been almost assumed. | The specimen from the Volta, which is fully adult, has the _ upper tail-coverts tinged with red and marked with faint dusky bars, while the back, scapulars, and rump are uniform golden olive. The immature male of this species is therefore nearly similar to the adult female, especially resembling the latter | in possessing the dark brown head before the red feathers are assumed. We much doubt whether D. sharpii of Oustalet (see Cat. B. xviii. p. 302) is specifically distinct from the present species, if the lack of red on the upper tail-coverts in the former is the only distinguishing character. 238. Iynerpicus oBsoLetus (Wagl.). Iyngipicus obsoletus Hargitt, Cat. B. xviii. p. 386 ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 411 (Gambaga). Only observed at Gambaga, where it is scarce. 239. Mzsoricus corrtan (Miill.). Mesopicus goertan Hargitt, Cat. B. xviii. p. 868; Reichen. af. ©. 1897, p. 18 (Togoland). Kintampo, Krachi, and Gambaga. We met with this species a few miles from the forest-belt, where in the more or less open country it is fairly numerous and is found in pairs. This Woodpecker does not utter 368 Capt. B. Alexander on the any cry or alarm-note; but the male, when flying, makes a peculiar noise with its wings, which can be heard at some distance. On hearing it, the female at once quits the tree where she is and follows the male. 240. Mrsopicus PYRRHOGASTER (Malh.). Mesopicus pyrrhogaster Hargitt, Cat. B. xvii. p. 378; Reichen. J. f. O. 1892, p. 18 (Togoland). Prahsu, Fumsu, and Kwissa. Common in the forest, haunting the dead trees in couples, the two birds always keeping close to one another. In order to ensure their places being known to each other, a loud drilling tap, answered immediately by the partner, is made use of. 241, Vinaco waaLiA (Gm.). Vinago waalia Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p. 15; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 406 (Gambaga). Observed in small flocks at Gambaga. 242. Vinaco catva (Temm. & Knip). Vinago calva Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p. 20. Treron calva Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 8 (Togoland). The female of this Pigeon differs from the male in being smaller, in having the vinous patch on the shoulder much less, and little or no French grey on the nape. 243. CoLUMBA GYMNOCYCLA Gray. Columba gymnocyclus Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p. 257; Hartert,. Nov. Zool. vi. p. 406 (Gambaga). Gambaga. Our two specimens, which are in fresh plumage, are a little paler on the upper parts than specimens from the Gambia in the British Museum. Intermediate shades, however, seem to occur between the dark forms and our paler examples, the dark birds probably coming from countries nearer the ‘coast, where the rainfall is greater. We only observed these Pigeons at Gambaga, where they were very wild. They breed in holes in steep rocky declivities. About the middle of April they appeared in small fiocks, in company with Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &e. 369 Columba guinea, on the newly-sown grain-plots outside the village. This seems to be a decidedly local species. 244. CoLumMBa GuINEA Linn. Columba guinea Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p. 266; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 406 (Gambaga). Gambaga. _ During the dry season, from November to the beginning of April, these Pigeons are seldom seen in the Hinterland, but as soon as the first rain has fallen they appear on the newly-sown fields in large flocks, and may be seen from early morning till evening. 245, TurTur srmirorquatus (Riipp.). Turtur semitorquatus Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p.416; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 6 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zook vi. p. 406 (Gambaga). White Volta River. This Dove is usually found on the wooded banks of the rivers. 246. Turrur vinaceus (Gm.). Turtur vinaceus Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p. 428; Reichen. J.f.O. 1897, p. 7 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 406 (Gambaga). Kintampo and Binduri. This is an abundant species in the Hinterland. Turtur senegalensis was also observed at Gambaga, where it is plentiful. 247, CHALCOPELIA PUELLA (Schl.). Chalcopelia puella Salvad. Cat. B. xxi. p. 523; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 8 (Togoland). Prahsu and Fumsu. This beautiful little Dove is rare, keeping chiefly to the thickest part of the forest. In the Hinterland beyond the forest-region it is represented by C. afra, which is common. 248. PaocEPHALUS KINTAMPOENSIS Alexander. Peocephalus kintampoensis Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. xii. p. 10, Oct. 1901, 370 Capt. B. Alexander on the This is a northern form of P. fuscicollis, but differs in having the under-parts, rump, and upper tail-coverts bright bluish green instead of grass-green. The wing-coverts, secondaries, and feathers of the back are olive-brown, strongly washed with verditer. The bill is stronger than in P. fusci- collis. Tip of lower mandible -05 inch, width of lower mandible 1:0, width of upper mandible 1:0. Total length (measured in the flesh) 12:2 inches, wing 8°5, tail 4°3, tarsus 0°8. The specimen described is an old female obtained at Kintampo on Dec. 7, 1900. We noticed several of these Parrots at Kintampo, but it was next to impossible to get near them, since they were very shy and always — high, uttering from time to time a guttural cry. 249, PmocEPHALUS VERSTERI (Goffin). Peocephalus versteri Salvad, Cat. B. xx. p. 372; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 18 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 408 (Gambaga). K wobia. | ) This Parrot is of local distribution, but in favoured localities, especially in the vicinity of water and acacia- trecs, it is numerous, and towards evening may be seen in numbers on the wing. 250. PaLzornis Docitis (Vieill.). Paleornis docilis Salvad. Cat. B. xx. p. 447; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 408 (Gambaga). Upper White Volta River and Sekwi. This species, like the former, is very locally distributed. We observed it near Busu in December in very large flocks, frequenting the guinea-corn plantations, the corn being then nearly ripe. Our next observation of the species was near Salaga in May, when we obtained a single specimen out of a pair. 251. AGAPORNIS PULLARIA (Linn.). Agapornis pullaria Salvad. Cat. B. xx. p. 510; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 18 (Togoland). Krachi. a - a ” : * - 7 ‘ ' ~ . ’ ‘ atho W.Greve, Berlin 5 Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c: 371 252. GLauciDIUM PERLATUM (Vieill.) . Glaucidium perlatum Sharpe, Cat. B. ii. p. 209 (1875) ; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 13 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 408 (Gambaga). Ad. $. Total length (measured in the flesh) 7°6 inches, wing 4°],-tail 3°6. Ad. 2. Total length (measured in the flesh) 8°2 inches, wing 4-2, tail 3°5, 253, GLAUCIDIUM ALBIVENTER. (Plate IX.) Glaucidium albiventer Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. xii. p. 10. Similar to G. perlatum (Vieill.), but with the breast; abdo- men, and under tail-coverts pure white ; the feathers of the flanks with only a few streaks of brownish black. Total length (measured in the flesh) 8°2 inches, wing 4°5, tail 3:5, tarsus 0°98. — We obtained a single female specimeu of this Owl out of a pair at Kwobia in May 1901. 254. BusBo ciINERASCENS Guérin. Bubo cinerascens Sharpe, Cat. B. 11. p. 32; Reichen. J. f. O. 1892, p. 234 (Togoland); Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 408 (Gambaga). Gambaga. Inhabits tree-grown kopjes in the open country. It is a scarce bird. 2 255. Buso tactevs Temm. Bubo lacteus Sharpe, Cat. B. i. p. 33 (1875). Kwobia. | Our male specimen differs from the female in being a little darker on the back and in having the chest-feathers much less vermiculated with white, contrasting with the lighter coloration and breast. 256. FaLco RUFICOLLIS Swains. Falco ruficollis Sharpe, Cat. B. 1. p. 404. Gam baga. | 257. Trnnuncuus atorex Heugl. Cerchneis alopex Sharpe, Cat. B. 1. p. 432; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 407 (Gambaga). Gambaga. SER. VIII.— VOL. II. 2C 372 Capt. B. Alexander on the Our female specimen (2/3/91) agrees with an example of the same sex in the British Museum from Bogosland. This rare Hawk is a migrant in the Hinterland. It was observed in pairs from December till the beginning of February. Adult female. Total length (in the flesh) 16°35 inches, wing 11°6, tail 8°8, culmen 0°8, tarsus 1:9. Iris brown; legs and feet greenish yellow; claws brownish black; bill bluish horn-coloured. 258. Harraitus vocirer (Daud.). Haliaétus vocifer Sharpe, Cat. B. i. p. 310. Common on the lower reaches of the Volta River. 259. DryYoTRIORCHIS SPECTABILIS (Schl.). Dryotriorchis spectabilis Shelley, Ibis, 1874, p. 90; Sharpe, Cat. B. 1. p. 2795; Oberholser, Proc. U.S. Nat.. Musto p. 26 (Liberia). An adult male (17/3/00) from Prahsu. 260. AsTURLNULA MoNOGRAMMICA (Temm.). Asturinula monogrammica Sharpe, Cat. B. 1. p. 275. Kaupifalco monogrammicus Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 10 (Togoland). Gambaga. During the dry season in the Hinterland, from November to May, all the Falcons are more plentiful than at other periods of the year. . This is accounted for by the long grass being burnt by the natives after the rains, when the ground, ~ being more clear, affords a better opportunity to the Hawks for observing their prey. 261. AsTUR sPHENURUS (Riipp.). Astur sphenurus Sharpe, Cat. B.i. p. 112; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 10 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 407 (1899) (Gambaga). _ Gambaga. 262. ARDEA BUBULCUS (Aud.). Herodias lucidus Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 157. Bubulcus ibis Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 6 (Togoland). Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. 373 Bubulcus lucidus Sharpe, Cat. B. xxvi. p. 213. Busunu. This Heron frequents the old guinea-corn fields. 263. BuTroRIDES ATRICAPILLA Afz. Butorides atricapilla Sharpe, Cat. B. xxvi. p. 172; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 6 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 407 (Gambaga). Gambaga. Usually found near running streams. 264. Scopus UMBRETTA Gm. Scopus umbretta Sharpe, Cat. B. xxvi. p. 288; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 5 (Togoland). Gambaya. 265. Ciconra ALBA Bechst. Ciconia ciconia Sharpe, Cat. B. xxvi. p. 299. At Daboya and Gambaga there were large colonies of the White Stork, especially at the former place, where the tall baobab-trees were covered with their bulky nests. They breed in December, and leave with their young in May, before the rains commence. 266. PHaLAcROocoRaAx AFRICANUS (Gm.). Phalacrocorar africanus Grant, Cat. B. xxvi. p. 407; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 2 (Togoland) 7 River Volta. 267. PLorus LEVAILLANTI Licht. Plotus levaillanti Shelley, B. Afr.i. p. 161; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 2 (Togoland). Plotus rufus Grant, Cat. B. xxvi. p. 412. River Volta. 268. Limnocorax NIGER (Gm.). Limnocoraz niger Sharpe, Cat. B, xxiii. p. 150. River Volta. - 269. Turnix tepurana (Smith). Turnia lepurana Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 539. Accra. Common on the Accra Plains. eee 374 Capt. B. Alexander on the 270. EXCALFACTORIA ADANSONI (Verr.). Excalfactoria adansoni Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 255. Pong. Found on waste land, covered with short dry grass. Observed in coveys of five or six birds. 271. FRANCOLINUS ALBIGULARIS Gray. Francolinus albigularis Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 149; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 405 (Gambaga). Francolinus buckleyi Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 145. Gambaga and Sang. The two male specimens of this species in the British Museum, one of which is the type, differ from the Gambaga examples in having the under parts uniform and of a warmer buff colour. In our specimens of both sexes the feathers of the fore-neck, sides of chest, and flanks are broadly edged with rufous, and the under parts are a paler buff. The Gambian examples, judged by their spurs and their clearer breasts, are older birds. Our female obtained on Jan. 27th differs from our male specimens in the following characters :—The creamy-white shaft-stripes on the lower hind-neck and back are narrower, and the greater portion of the feathers are grey with black transverse bars on the margins of their webs. A chain of blackish-brown spots commences from the lores and circumscribes the whole of the throat. On the webs of some of the chest-feathers are thin blackish bars, while a few of the flank-feathers have - their inner webs chestnut, broadly barred with black. This specimen can certainly be united to the examples of F. buckleyt in the British Museum, obtained by Capt. Shelley at Acera. We have, therefore, no hesitation in confirming Mr. Hartert’s opinion on this matter, and in making F. buckleyi synonymous with F. albigularis. At Gambaga we found this Francolin rare and locally distributed, and only observed it on two occasions. 272. FRANCOLINUS BICALCARATUS (Linn.). Francolinus bicalcaratus Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 160; Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. | 375 Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 7 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 405 (Gambaga). Gambaga and Sugeri (Gold Coast Hinterland). This Francolin is abundant. We have seen as many as forty birds in one flock. In our series there are two forms. An adult male (with well-developed spurs) and a female, obtained at Sugeri, have the feathers of the chest and the remainder of the under parts warm buff, contrasting with the pale whitish buff of the other specimen. 273. PrILOPACHYS FUSCUS. Ptilopachys fuscus Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 256; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 9 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p- 405 (Gambaga). Gambaga. Not common, generally found in small flocks in thick short grass. Towards evening dead fallen trees are often made use of as look-out posts. During the heat of the day rocky kopjes in the vicinity of running streams are frequented. When disturbed the birds take refuge in the crannies of the rocks. The male looks very much like a little bantam cock, extremely pert and always strutting about with its tail raised. ; The end of February is the breeding-season, when they are found in pairs. The male differs from the female in having the patch on the breast buff-coloured instead of white. 274, NuMIDA MELEAGRIs (Linn.). Numida meleagris Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 875; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 8 (Togoland). Everywhere abundant, from the White Volta northwards to Gambaga. Many individuals are kept by the natives in a domestic state, especially by the chiefs of the large villages. 275. PreRocLes QuaDRICINCTUS ‘l’emm. Pterocles quadracinctus Grant, Cat. B. xxii. p. 32; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 406 (Gambaga). Gambaga. 376 On the Birds of the Gold Coast Colony &c. In January we found this Sand-Grouse in pairs. Capt. Gifford obtained a young bird in the same month. There seems no doubt that the bird breeds in the Hinter- land. During the dry season it is fairly numerous, but as soon as the rains commence and the bush-grass becomes thick it disappears. 276. OT1Is peNHAMI Children. Otis denhami Shelley, B. Afr. 1. p. 185. Neotis denhami Sharpe, Cat. B. xxii. p 302. Salaga. At the end of March a few pairs of this Bustard appeared in the open localities around Gambaga. At Salaga, where the country is still more open, we came across two young birds. 277. OTIS MELANOGASTER Riipp. Otis melanogaster Shelley, B. Afr. 1. p. 185. Lissotis melanogaster Sharpe, Cat. B. xxii. p. 306. K wobia. A single individual observed. It was very tame and easily approached. | 278. OTIS SENEGALENSIS Vieill. Otis senegalensis Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 186. Trachelotis melanogaster Sharpe, Cat. B. xxii. e 310. Binduri (north of Gambaga). Five individuals of this rare Bustard were seen on stretches of stone-strewn ground at Binduri, about 60 miles north of Gambaga. We never observed it anywhere else. 279. LoBIVANELLUS ALBICEPS (Gould). Lobivanellus albiceps Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 4 (Togo- land) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 404 (Gambaga). River Volta. 280. TRINGOIDES HYPOLEUCUS (Linn.). Totanus hypoleucus Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 4 (Pogoland). Tringoides hypoleucus Sharpe, Cat. B. xxiv. p.456 ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 404 (Gambaga). River Fum, Fumsu. On the Birds of Bellenden-Ker. 377 281. GipIcNEMUS SENEGALENSIS Swains. Cidicnemus senegalensis Sharpe, Cat. B. xxiv. p.10; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 3 (Togoland). Binduri (north of Gambaga) and River Volta. 282, PLuvianus xeyprius (Linn.). Pluvianus egyptius Sharpe, Cat. B. xxiv. p. 32; Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 3 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. p. 404 (Gambaga). River Volta (near Yeji). Also observed near Gambaga. Common, frequenting the rivers in small parties. 283. GLAREOLA MARCHII Oust. Galactochrysea marchei Sharpe, Cat. B. xxiv. p. 726. Glareola megapoda Reichen. J. f. O. 1897, p. 3 (Togoland). River Volta (near Krachi). We found this bird in small colonies, frequenting the rocky portions of the river from Krachi downwards. We never met with G. cinerea, though it has been obtaired on this river, and by Capt. Gifford on the Upper White Volta, near Gambaga. It must be a rare bird. Our examples of G. marchit are paler on the upper and under parts than the specimens in the British Museum from the Niger. The habit which this bird has of basking on the rocks in the full glare of the sun must soon bleach the plumage and cause the gloss to disappear from the upper parts. XXIV.—Field-notes on the Birds of Bellenden-Ker, Queensland. By Kenvat BroapBEnt. THE following list comprises the names of the species which I met with on Mount Bellenden-Ker, the highest mountain in Queensland, during the months of June, July, and August 1889. As specimens from that locality have been from time to time mentioned in various works, I think that it may be of interest to the readers of ‘ The Ibis’ to have full particulars in their hands. The aggregate would have been greater had 378 Mr. K. Broadbent on the it not been that winter weather forces the birds down to the lower lands, while the migrants have at that season left the district. Rain and mist, moreover, were great hindrances to my work*. 1. Astur aprproximans Vig. et Horsf. (Campbell, op. cit. p- 6). Found up to an altitude of 3000 feet. 2, ACCIPITER CIRRHOCEPHALUS (Vieill.) (op. cit. p. 9). Occurred on Mount Sophia at 1800 feet. 3. Ninox strenva Gould (op. cit. p. 48). A pair of these birds were seen at Palm Camp, alt. 4000 feet. They are true denizens of the mountains and are always found in dark scrubby gullies. I have shot specimens on the Sea- View Range, at the back of Cardwell, and on Mount Echo up the Herbert River, as well as on the Luluki River (New Guinea). 4, Srrerera GRAcuLina (White) (op. cit. p. 58). Specimens of this bird, which is common all over the Cairns and Cardwell districts, were obtained at 4000 feet. In its nest the Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops nove-hollandie) lays its eggs. I have seen about three hundred of these Crow-Shrikes, in January, in company with quite a hundred Channel-billed Cuckoos, in the mountains twenty-five miles from Cardwell, at the head of the Murray River. 5. PrrLorHis victori# Gould (op. cit. p. 69). This is the Queensland ‘ Bird of Paradise,’ common at 3000 feet on Bellenden-Ker, and also found at Herberton (4500 feet), Barnard’s Isle off Cardwell, and in the big scrub from forty miles out of Townsville to as far as the Bloomfield River, over a range of two hundred miles. It is more plentiful on the western side than on the eastern fall, as there are big open scrubs on that side in which Cassowaries and Orthonyx abound. [* The arrangement followed is that of Mr, A, J. Campbell's recent work on the Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds, to which references are added.— Epp. | Birds of Bellenden-Ker. 379 6. OrroLus aFFINIS Gould (op. cit. p. 79). Found at 1800 feet on Bellenden-Ker; common throughout North Queensland to Cape York. : 7. SPHECOTHERES FLAVIVENTRIS Gould (op. cit. p. 84). On Bellenden-Ker at 3000 feet, and from Cardwell to Cape York. 8. CoLLYRIOCINCLA HARMONICA (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 88). At 2000 feet on Bellenden-Ker. This species is a grand whistler in the morning. In Gippsland (Victoria) I have heard it mock the Lyre-birds. It is found throughout the States to the Gulf of Carpentaria. On Sweer’s Island the birds seem somewhat paler than elsewhere, but are un- doubtedly identical and have the same habits. 9. CoLtyriocincia BoweRI Ramsay (op. cit. p. 92). I shot a specimen of this bird on the Sea-View Range, and another on Bellenden-Ker at 4000 feet.. This is the largest species of the genus and has a grand call-note. It ranges over Cardwell back-scrubs, Herberton (4000 feet), Bellenden-Ker, and North-west Australia. 10. PINAROLESTES RUFIGASTER (Gould) (op. cit. p. 93). Found at 3000 feet on Bellenden-Ker, and all over the Cardwell district to Cape York. 11. Gravucatus MentTaLis Vig. & Horsf. (op. cit. p. 98). Found at Granite Creek, Bellenden-Ker. This is a West- Queensland bird, and is met with at Chinchilla (380 feet) and at Port Moresby. 12. LataceE LevcomMELENA (Vig. & Horsf.) (op. cit. p- 104). Found on Bellenden-Ker up to 1800 feet. Very common at all times in the scrubs near Brisbane, at Nerang Creek, and at Cardwell. 13. Micrq@ca FLavicastra Gould (op. cit. p. 107). Met with on Barnard’s Spur (1800 feet). Found: all through the Cardwell district to Cape York, where it was first discovered by MacGillivray. 380 Mr. K. Broadbent on the 14. Ruipipura aLBiscapa Gould (op. cit. p. 108). Obtained at Palm Camp (4000 feet). 15. Ruiprpura RUFIFRONS (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 112). Common at 4000 feet on Bellenden-Ker. 16. Arses KauPiI Gould (op. cit. p. 126). At the pools of Bellenden-Ker, Cardwell, the mouth of the Herbert River, and in the Cape York scrubs. 17. Pa@citopryas capito (Gould) (op. cit. p. 152). One of the common birds on the top of South Peak (5000 feet), where the specimens were very small. It ranges over the coast-scrubs to Cooktown, and is one of the earliest morning songsters. 18. Maturvs aMasBiLis Gould (op. cit. p. 176). Found on Bellenden-Ker at 1400 feet. It extends from north of the Herbert River to Cape York, and is common in the Cardwell district. 19. Maturvs porsaxis (Lewin) (op. cit. p. 179). On Bellenden-Ker at 1800 feet. It ranges over the Cardwell district to Cooktown, but is not found at Cape York. 20. ScENOPAUS DENTIROSTRIS (Rams.). Tectonornis dentirostris, Campb. op. cit. p. 207. - This is one of my discoveries. I first shot a specimen at Cardwell in 1882. It is found at 5000 feet on Bellenden- Ker and all over the Herberton district (3000 feet). This bird is one of the grandest mockers in Australia. It imitates all the species in the district, and attracts them to its vicinity. Its playground consists of a space scratched clean and decorated with seven or nine large leaves laid flat upon it. 21. PrRioNoDURA NEWTONIANA De Vis (op. cit. p. 212). I shot a young male of this bird in the Tully scrubs in 1882. In 1889, at Herberton, 1 found plenty of old males in their bowers and shot 2 good number of them and of young females. On Bellenden-Ker this species is found up_ Birds of Bellenden-Ker. 381 _to 5000 feet, while below 3000 feet it is never seen except as a straggler. It is a grand mocker, imitating all the birds in the scrubs. It makes a great bower 8 feet high. I have never found the nest or eggs, which appear to be still unknown. 22. SERICORNIS CITREOGULARIS Gould (op. cit. p. 243). Found at 3000 feet, and common on the mountains in the Brisbane scrubs. It makes a long hanging nest of moss at the end of a branch. 23. SERICORNIS MAGNIROSTRIS (Gould) (op. cit. p. 247). Found at 5200 feet on Bellenden-Ker and in the Brisbane scrubs. 24. SERICORNIS GUTTURALIS De Vis (op. cit. p. 252). This ground-bird was originally discovered by the writer on Bellenden-Ker at 5200 feet. It occurs also in the Herberton scrubs at 4500 feet. 25. ORTHONYX SPALDINGI Ramsay (op. cit. p. 252). On Bellenden-Ker at 5200 feet, in Herberton scrubs, and over all the range from Townsville to Cooktown; it occurs on both sides of the range as far as the scrub extends, but is not found at Cape York or at Brisbane. The district just south of the Herbert River, and thence to Bloomfield, is its main resort. This is a ground-bird and makes a nest like a Lyre-bird, laying one almost round white egg. 26. PsopHODES CREPITANS (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 265). Common on the top of Bellenden-Ker (5000 feet). The examples procured were much smaller than those fron Gippsland, where they are very large; but the South- Queensland form has the same call-note, makes the same nest, and has the same habits as the other. 27. Cracricus quoyi (Less.) (op. cit. p. 299). This species ascends the mountains up to 3000 feet, and is found in the mangrove-swamps at the mouths of the creeks and rivers all along the coast from the Herbert River to Cape York. 382 Mr. K. Broadbent on the 28. CRacTicUs RUFESCENS De Vis (op. cit. p. 305). This is a discovery of mine. It was first found on the Barrow River, and thence sent to Ramsay, who thought that it was the young of C. guoyz, which, however, is entirely black. I found nestlings in Cardwell. This is a true mouniain-bird, found in scrubby gullies; a pair are nearly always to be observed together. I saw it in the Mulgrave scrubs on Bellenden-Ker up to 1800 feet, and at Herberton up to 4000 feet, in June 1889. It is not found at Cape York or in the intermediate country. 29. HopsaALTRIA CHRYSORRHOA Gould (op. cit. p. 315). Found at 4000 feet; the first bird to be heard in the morning. It occurs on the east coast of Queensland. 80. HErTEROMYIAS CINEREIFRONS Rams, (op. cit. p. 317). This is a mountain-species, found on the Sea-View Range at 4000 feet and on all the heights about Cardwell. I never saw it on the coast or in the lowlands. 31. PacHYCEPHALA GUTTURALIS (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 219). One of the commonest birds on the high peaks of BeJlenden- Ker, especially around our camp on South Peak (5000 feet). It is plentiful in Brisbane scrubs and at Cardwell. 382. PAcHYCEPHALA RUFIVENTRIS (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 324). Found on the grassy spurs of Mt. Barnard (1800 feet). 33. CLIMACTERIS LEUCOPHEA (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 382). Palm Camp (4000 feet). This species occurs nearly ~ all over Hastern Australia and on the Herberton Range (4500 feet), where the individuals are smaller and darker in plumage than elsewhere. 34, SmTTELLA stRIATA Gould (op. cit. p. 343). Found at Granite Creek Camp, Bellenden-Ker (380 feet), and along the east coast from Herbert River to Cooktown. °85. MyzomMELa sANGUINOLENTA (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 352). Granite Creek Camp (380 feet). This species occurs also in the Cardwell and Brisbane districts, but not at Cape York. Birds of Bellenden-Ker. 383 36. PriLtotis LEwINnI Swains. (op. cit. p. 386). Common all through the mountains up to 4000 feet; also at Cardwell and Cape York. One of the most abundant birds of Queensland, especially in the Brisbane scrubs. 37. Pritoris FRENATA Ramsay (op. cit. p. 388). This is another of my discoveries. It was first shot at Cardwell in 1882. It feeds on mistletue, and comes to the lowlands in January, February, and March (the rainy season). In June (winter) it goes to the mountains, and sometimes reaches an altitude of 5200 feet. 38. PriLoTis MACLEAYANA Rams. (op. cit. p. 389). A species discovered by me at Cardwell in 1882. It was seen at Palm Camp (4000 feet). It is found all through the Cardwell district, but not at Cape York or south of the Herbert River. 39. Dic#UM HIRUNDINACEUM (Shaw) (op. cit. p. 437). Mount Barnard (1800 feet). Common all through Queens- land, Victoria, and New South Wales. It feeds on mistletoe- berries, and is the only member of its genus found in Australia. 40. ParpaLotus punctatus (Shaw) (op. cit. p. 444). This beautiful bird is abundant up to 1800 feet, while it also occurs throughout nearly all Queensland on the coast side, but not at Cape York. 41. ARTAMUS LEUCOGASTER (Valenc.) (op. cit. p. 461). Common from 3880 feet to 1800 feet. This species ranges from the Herbert River to Cape York on the coast, and I have also seen it in New Guinea (Port Moresby). 42. ANGINTHA TEMPORALIS (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 490). Granite Creek Camp (380 feet). Common in Brisbane. 43, PiTTa stREPITANS Temm. (op. cit. p. 526). Found at 3000 feet. Common at Brisbane, Cardwell, and Cape York in February. 384 Mr. K. Broadbent on the 44, CottocaLia FRANCICA (Gmel.) (op. cit. p. 532). This beautiful little Swift is common at the base of Bellenden-Ker and up to an altitude of 1800 feet. I have seen it catching flies in the lowlands even when it was nearly dark, and then moving off towards the mountains. it breeds in the rocky gorges of the Coast Range, from the Herbert - River to above Cairns, but is not found so far north as Cape York. It is most common in the low country on wet days. 45. Mzrors ornatvs Lath. (op. cit. p. 545). This Bee-eater was common on sunny days at Granite Camp (380 feet), and was also seen in June at an altitude of 1800 feet on Mount Barnard. 46. Daceto eicas (Bodd.) (op. cit. p. 551). Found up to 2000 feet. 47. Dacreto Leacuai Vig. & Horsf. (op. cit. p. 555). Granite Camp (380 feet). 48, TanystpTEera syLv1a Gould (op. cit. p. 561). A nest was seen at 1800 feet. This bird, a.true denizen of the scrub, bores inte a termites’ nest and lays four beau- tiful roundish white eggs. It delights in the gullies of the mountains, from north of the Herbert River to Cape York, during October, November, and December. It feeds its young on termites. 49, CacoMaNnTIs vaRioLosus (Horsf.) (op. cit. p. 572). Found at 3000 feet on Bellenden-Ker. This handsome bird used to utter its mournful call all night, while we were shooting tree-kangaroos in the mountains. It is not found near Brisbane. 50. Cenrropus pHastaNnus (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 590). On Bellenden-Ker at 1800 feet. ound all along the east coast of Queensland, and there called the Swamp-Pheasant. It builds in low grassy flats and hatches its own eggs. 51. TRICHOGLOSsSUS NOVE-HOLLANDIZ (Gm.) (op. cit. p. 562). I saw a small flock of these Parrakeets flying over South Birds of Bellenden-Ker. 385 Peak (5200 feet), in company with some Scaly Parrakeets (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus). The bird is common all over Queensland on the coast side. 52. CaLyProRHYNCHUS BANKSI (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 606). Common at 1800 feet on Bellenden-Ker. Ranges over Queensland, Nerang Creek, North Brisbane, Cardwell, and all the coast-scrubs to Cooktown. It is not found on the west side of the range. 53. Cacatua GALERITA (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 611). Common on Bellenden-Ker up to 4000 feet. In the Card- well district it feeds on palm-berries. , 54, ApRosMicTus cyaNopyelus (Vieill.) (op. cit. p. 628). Found at 3000 feet on Bellenden-Ker, as well as on the east coast of Queensland to Cooktown. It does not occur at Cape York. 55. PLaTyceRcUS ELEGANS Gm. (op. cit. p. 629). South Peak Camp, Bellenden-Ker, at 5200 feet. It does not occur on the west fall of the range, but only in the Warwick district in South Queensland. 56. MecaLoprepia MAGNIFICA (Temm.) (op. cit. p. 666). On Bellenden-Ker, at Dalrymple’s Gap Range ; on the Clarence and Richmond Rivers, Nerang Creek, and the coast-scrubs of Queensland to Cooktown. The specimens are smaller as you get nearer to Cardwell. 57. LopHoLzmus antarcricus (Shaw) (op. cit. p. 671). On Bellenden-Ker at 1800 feet. Ranges from Brisbane over all the intermediate country to Cape York, where the specimens are comparatively small. 58. CoLUMBA LEUCOMELA Temm. (op. cit. p. 672). Mr. Meston found this species breeding on the tops of fern-trees at 5000 feet on Bellenden-Ker in March. It occurs also at Cardwell and Brisbane. 59. Macropycra PHASIANELLA (Temm.) (op. cit. p. 674). ¥ound on Bellenden-Ker at 4000 feet. It ranges all along the east coast to Cooktown, but is not found at Cape York. 386 Mr. H. W. Henshaw on the various 60. CuaLcopHars cHRysocHLorA (Wagl.) (op. cit. p. 679). Found at 8000 feet on Bellenden-Ker. Occurs from Brisbane to Cape York. 61. CarHeturus LATHAMI (Lath.) (op. cit. p. 708). Nests up to 38000 feet on Bellenden-Ker. 62. Mecaropius puPeRREYI Less. & Garn. (op. cit. p. 715). At 3000 feet on Bellenden-Ker, but not found on the west side of the range. This bird makes a large mound, thirty feet in diameter. 63. Nycticorax cALEDOoNIcUS (Gm.) (op. cit. p. 962). Found on Mount Sophia, Bellenden-Ker. Herbert River is the southern boundary of this bird’s range. It breeds on the islands and not on the mainland. Every morning it flies to the mountains, and thence returns at night or before sun- down to the scrubs, where it feeds on fruits. 64. CasuaRius austRaLis Wall (op. cit. p. 1069). . Found up to 8000 feet from north of the Herbert River to Newcastle Bay and to thirty miles south of the Cape, beyond which it does not occur; nor has it been observed on the other side of the coast-range. XX V.—On the various Plumages of Buteo solitarius. By H. W. Hensnaw. As it is the only raptorial bird indigenous to the Hawaiian - Islands, the “ Jo,” as the natives term Buteo solitarius, possesses unusual interest. It is true that the Marsh-Hawk (Circus hudsonius) has been taken on Oahu, while the Fish- Hawk(Pandion haliaétus) has been observed on several of the islands; but the occurrence of the former, and probably of the latter, is purely accidental. The Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus) is also, ad has been from time immemorial, a common resident on the islands. It is, however, almost indistinguishable from its relative of the mainland, whence it originally came; and can be separated, if at all, only by its slightly smaller size. Plumages of Buteo solitarius. 387 So that it is permissible to regard the Buteo as the only truly endemic Raptor. From whatever quarter the Io originally found its way to the islands, and whatever are its nearest relatives, it is a true Buteo, not only in structure, but also in habits. It is a solitary sluggish bird, sitting most of its time © motionless on the low branches of trees, digesting its food or on the look out for a fresh supply. Once on the wing, it is a slow but powerful flier, alternately progressing by a few strong beats, and using the impetus thus gained to glide straight ahead on outstretched wings. Whether moving in this fashion, or circling far above the forest, the bird might _ readily be taken by the casual observer for quite a different species, the Red-tailed Hawk of America. The food of the Io is preferably mice and small rats. Birds of any kind do not come amiss, when it can catch them, which is very rarely; and frequently it descends to such humble fare as large spiders or the larve of a sphinx- ‘moth. JI have found the stomachs of several individuals simply crammed with spiders, and the belly and thigh- feathers all gummed up with the silken webs and secretions. The Io is not a bird of the deep forest, and rarely or never enters its recesses, but prefers open woods in which to nest, and, when hunting, frequents the edges of the forest and the clearings. This Hawk breeds in spring, though apparently never very early, and some of the Hawaiian woodland birds are leading about their young ere the Io is ready to deposit its brown-blotched eggs in its rudely made nest. As arule, this Buteo is silent, but in the love-season its voice is frequently to be heard, as several males contend for the favour of a female. Its cries are not exactly like those of any Hawk known to the writer, although they are un- mistakably Buteonine. Once mated I feel sure that the union is for life, and a given. locality is almost invariably inhabited by a pair. On the other hand, the Io rarely or never hunts in pairs, and the bird is, on the whole, well named solitarius. SER. VIII.— VOL. IL. 2D 388 Mr. H. W. Henshaw on the various It is not, however, of the bird’s general habits that I would here speak, but of its plumages, which, it would seem, have not been at all well understood. Of these there are two which are entirely distinct, viz. a light and a dark phase, each having two stages, a juvenile and an adult. So diferent are these phases that extreme examples might well be mistaken for different species. In life the adult of the light phase has the appearance of a white or albino Hawk; while the adult of the dark phase looks quite black or melanistic. This dichromatism may aptly be compared with that which distinguishes the American Screech-Owl (Megascops asio), with its red and grey phases, since it characterizes the bird in all stages of growth, is dependent upon neither sex nor season, and mating birds may or may not be alike in colour. The two phases of this Hawk may be described as follows :— Licut Puass. Adult stage.—Head and hind-neck white, or buffy white, the feathers of the former with narrow blackish shaft- streaks, those of the latter tipped with large roundish spots of the same. Sides of head and neck buffy, with more or less brown ; back blackish brown ; rump lighter brown tinged with ochraceous ; primaries blackish brown, the inner webs above the notch white; inner webs of secondaries black barred, and tipped, as are the wing-coverts, with whitish and ochraceous ; tail lighter brown, with faint marblings and a wash of ochraceous; rectrices with eight or nine narrow, zigzag, more or less well-defined, blackish bars, which rarely entirely cross the whitish inner webs ; under parts buff or rusty buff, with a few feathers (sometimes but one or two) on the flanks with brown shaft-streaks and small terminal spots of same. Legs and feet greenish yellow; soles light yellow; bill blackish, but plumbeous at the base of the lower mandible; iris light hazel. Juvenile stage.—Above and on the sides of the head chocolate-brown, deepest on the hind-neck; the feathers lightly bordered with greyish and rusty ; rectrices ashy brown, witn irregular bars of blackish across each feather ; Plumages of Butco solitarius. — 389 below white, the feathers of the breast and sides tinged with ochraceous, and everywhere, except on the throat and belly, with brown spots and shaft-streaks ; thighs and tibie faintly barred and streaked with lighter brown. The difference between the two stages of the light phase is very great, but a series of twelve specimens shews very clearly the transition from the extremely young bird (probably of the first year) to the final white-headed adult stage. The adult of this phase might well be called the White-headed Hawk. The juvenile is truly a Brown Hawk, as it was called in Cook’s time. Successive seasons witness the loss of the heavy brown markings underneath till the almost pure ‘buff of the adult is attained. The younger the bird, the darker the head, and the purer the white of the more brown-streaked under parts. ‘The older the bird, the whiter the head, the fewer and more buffy the brown markings below. : The colour of the iris corresponds to the general color- ation of the individual, being very light hazel or dark brown according as the bird is light or dark. Some excellent illustrations of this Hawk are given in the ‘Birds of the Hawaiian Islands’ from specimens obtained by Mr. Scott B. Wilson. The buff-coloured bird, however, is of a deeper hue than any specimen which the writer has ever seen, and the head is by no means so white as that of several in the series before him. Nor has he ever seen a specimen in which the tail-markings are so entirely obliterated as in the specimen figured. The first figure, opposite page 1, is that of a young bird in the juvenile or brown stage, and affords an excellent idea of this stage of the light phase above described. Mr. Gurney, as quoted in the ‘ Birds of the Hawaiian Islands,’ was in error in considering the brown plumage to be that of the adult. , Dark PHAseE. Adult stage—Above blackish brown. Primaries still arker ; inner webs above the notch whitish and black barred ; secondaries and tertiaries barred across both webs ; 2D2 390 Mr, H. W. Henshaw on the various under wing-coverts faintly ferruginous, with blackish spots and streaks; under parts blackish, the feathers on the thighs and tibie having a ferruginous wash. Juvenile stage—Above dark chocolate-brown, darkest on the upper back ; feathers of the occiput and hind-neck lightly bordered with ochraceous; tail lighter brown, each feather barred with black or with bars indicated; below rusty buff, each feather barred or streaked with blackish brown, which is the prevailing colour on the sides of the neck, flanks, and tibie. A series of eleven specimens sufficiently well illustrate the changes from the juvenile phase to the fully adult. The latter is practically black. ; As the juvenile bird approaches the adult state it gradually doffs the rusty tinge above and below, which is the charac- teristic feature of the immature bird, and becomes blacker and blacker. The writer has recently seen a living individual in the dark phase but a few months old, and its appearance indicates that a bird must be three or four years old before reaching the final adult plumage. Buteo solitarius inhabits both the dry and the rainy side of Hawaii. On the rainy side the dark phase largely pre- dominates, at least 75 per cent. of the Hawks belonging to it. The author is at present unable to state whether or not the light-coloured phase is more abundant in the dry region than it isin the wet. Judging by analogy this should be the case. In this species, the presence or absence of black barrings on the tail and their comparative degree of intensity seems to be largely individual attributes, and to be fully indicative neither of age nor of sex. It is true that in the series of twelve specimens in the white phase the bars are present and well marked im all the juveniles, and there seems to be _ a progressive loss of these bars as the adult state is reached. They are indicated in all the adults, and are better defined on the outer rectrices than on the inner, being almost obliterated on the middle pair; but in none of the adults are they so well defined as in the juveniles. If this could be shown to be the rule in the present species Plumages of Buteo solitarius. 391 it would be contrary to the general law in American Hawks, in which, if I am not mistaken, the barring is better defined and more constant in the adult stage. In the series of specimens in the dark phase, however, the barring of the tail is seen to be more of an individual character. In most, though not all, of the adults the barring is well defined. So it is also in most of the juveniles, but in one, the youngest, perhaps, of the series, it is scarcely indicated at all, and the same remark holds good of two individuals in an intermediate stage. It is perhaps idle to speculate as to the origin and significance of these two very different phases of plumage. As, however, the dark phase so largely predominates, at least on the rainy and windward side of the island, it has occurred to the writer that the progenitors of this Hawk, when they first came to the island, may have been light- coloured; and that now, after a long residence, the bird is in process of undergoing transformation into an almost black form. In this connexion it is noticeable that white is almost entirely absent from Hawaiian birds, the majority of which incline strongly towards greens and yellows, with a minority which are clad in red and black. Chasiempis alone of the woodland birds exhibits much white in its plumage, and even this bird has less white and is of a deeper and more lustrous brown in the rainy regions of Hawaii than in the drier districts, there being, indeed, two forms or colour- varieties *. The feathering of most of the island forms, especially of the Drepanidide, which form the bulk of the indigenous birds both in individuals and species, is exceedingly abundant and compact, and is possessed of deep and lustrous tints, all of which are indicative of a cool and rainy climate, that necessitates a warm covering and confers a rich, though by no means necessarily bright or gaudy, coloration. © It is to be remembered in this connexion, however, that there are at least two American Hawks, Buteo swainsoni and * A discussion in detail of these colour-varieties will be found in a paper by the author in a recent issue of ‘The Auk,’ 392 On the various Plumages of Buteo solitarius. B. borealis calurus, which are dichromatic, as is also the American Screech-Owl; aud in neither instance, so far as the writer is aware, is there any cause to believe that the species is changing into darker or lighter forms. Below are appended the measurements (in inches) of twenty-seven specimens, from which will be apparent at a glance, among other points, the constantly larger size of the female :— Males. Bu) | No. Date. Wing. | Tail. | Tarsus.| with |Cere. Remarks. P cere. 2.| Dec. 3, 1899. | 10-00] 6°75| 2:75 | 1:15) -80 | Adult, light phase. on| Nowe 15. 5, 10:88 | 6°75 | 2:45 | 1:18|-°75 | Juv., dark phase. Gr une =95~ 10°37} -00| 2°70 | 1:08) -76 | Juv., light phase. FS Bea ce Mee 10:25| 650} 2°63 | 1:19|-80 | Adult, dark phase. Sl Now. 4, + 55 10°18 | 6:16| 2°65 | 1:19|-80 | Adult, dark phase. OR eae i 10:89 | 6:45| 2°69 | 1:19|-80 | Nearly adult, dark phase. i1.} Feb. 9, 1900. | 10:25] 6-50) 269 | 1:20] -87 | Juv., dark phase. loa Pee: sea. 10:00 | 6:13} 2°63 | 1:19|-84 | Adult, dark phase. HIRI ooh ke ess 10°12| 675} 2°68 | 1:19|-85 | Adult, light phase, AO: Mech. TQ)”, 10°40} 6°60} 2°75 | 1:15|-80 | Adult, dark phase. VA.) Sept. 16>, 10:25 | 7:00} 2°88 | 1:15|°78 | Adult, light phase. Dame Se ks) 55 10°50| 7:10} 2°67 | 1:18|-87 | Juv. light phase. POR ie 2m. hs, 10°95} 6:00| 2°75 | 1:13] -78 | Adult, dark phase. Peace. 24, ,; 9°75 | 650} 2°65 | 1:15|-77 | Adult, dark phase. 29: Ape. 10, ,, 10°50 | 6-12| 2°75 | 1:15|:77 | Adult, dark phase. | Females. F Bill | No. Date. Wing. | Tail. | Tarsus.! with |Cere. Remarks. cere. 1.| Dec. 2, 1899. | 11-25) 7-00] 2°84 | 1:25] -95| Juv., white phase. MRSS conl ok 11:76| 7:05| 2°81 | 1:25|1:00| Adult, black phase. 4.) Jan. 12, 1900. | 11°38) 7:00) 2°75 | 1:25] -95| Adult, dark phase. PO as SO by 11°25) 7-16) 2°81 | 1°31} -94| Adult, white phase. Da Bek ea. 11°65 | 7:25) 2°81 | 1:33 /1:00) Adult, white phase. iPS pee a ae 11:13) 7:00| 2°81 | 1:33 )|1:00) Adult, dark phase. i Soak eet: ae 11:54! 7:50} 2:95 | 1:35|.-97| Juv., light phase. Re a ee ere 11:27) 7:25} 3:00 | 1:37 /|1:07| Adult, white phase. ZL. rot 3, 11:75} 6:90} 2°85 | 1:30}1-00| Adult, white phase. 22,|Mch.11, | 11-88] 710) 2-95 | 1-88 |1:00| }7 42 SPR: tel erowm 93.|Aug.18, ,, | 11°13] 6:50] 285 | 1:37/1-00| Juy., light phase. 28 Ap 8, | 1180) 675) 285 | 1-40/1-00 aie On Birds from the White Nile. 393 XXVI.—On a Collection of Birds made on the White Nile between Khartum and Fashoda. By W. R. Oeitvie- Grant. With an Introduction and Field-notes by R. M°D. HAWKER. (Plates X. & XI.) I. Short Narrative of the Journey, by R. M°D. Hawker. Wirs the object of collecting Natural History specimens, I left England at the end of December 1900, my intention being to go up the White Nile as far as its junction with the Sobat, and after travelling thence, in a south-easterly direction through the Nuer country to Lake Rudolf, to return home vid Mombasa. The Director of the Natural History Museum and Mr. Ogilvie-Grant provided me with letters of introduction to the officials in the Sudan, requesting them to give me every help to further my expedition, and I engaged the services of two taxidermists, Messrs. C. F. Camburn and J. R. Thurston. Arriving at Port Said on January Ist, 1901, I proceeded to Cairo and called on Sir Rennell Rodd, who, on the pro- duction of my letters from the Natural History Museum, arranged with the Financial Secretary to have my heavy baggage passed unopened through the Customs. I also called on Lord Cromer, who kindly gave me a letter to the Sirdar, Sir Reginald Wingate, at Khartum. On January 9th I was joined by my companion, Mr. G. H. Cheetham ; on the 11th our baggage arrived at Cairo, and thanks to Dr. Keatinge, of the Cairo School of Medicine, was re-trucked at once for Chellal. Colonel Gordon, R.E., had kindly arranged with the Sudan Railway to have the baggage transported as soon as possible, so we left Cairo on the 12th with the hope that it would arrive at Khartum soon after us. It did not, however, reach that place till January 27th, and we had the mortification of seeing several shooting-parties, which arrived after us, starting up the ‘White Nile sooner. I called on the Sirdar and presented Lord Cromer’s letter. The Sirdar informed me that we should be helped in every 394 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on way, but that we were not to go south of Fashoda. This was a disappointment, as I had made plans to be absent about two years, and had brought stores sufficient for that period. I had left London with the understanding that I should be able to go through to Mombasa, being assured that there would be no objection raised by the authorities, and that I should not require permission from the Foreign Office to do so. Captain Parker, of the Intelligence Office, kindly arranged for the hire of two murkabs (native sailing-boats) and their crews for our use. These we got partially decked and had grass shelters erected over their sterns. We bought six camels, eight donkeys, and a pony, while a second pony was kindly lent us by Capt. Harold. Our baggage having at last arrived, we spent several days in re-packing it, and got it and the transport-animals on board on February Ist, but, as that day was a Friday, the rias (captain) objected to starting, as he said that it would bring us bad luck. We let him have his way and started on the 2nd. The wind was from the north, and as the boats sailed well we made from thirty to sixty miles a day. ‘The scenery of the banks on both sides of the river was most monotonous and barren for some distance, and, with the exception of a few very prickly acacias (Mimosa asperata) and Ipomea asari- folia, a plant of the convolvulus family, with large green leaves and fruit, the country was almost devoid of vegetation. There were myriads of Waterfowl and Waders feeding on - the mud-banks, and Cranes, Storks, Herons, Spoonbills, Ducks, and Geese swarmed, while flocks of Doves kept flying down to the river to drink. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles, basking on some sand-bank, were occasionally seen. Near Ed-Duem the sunt-tree (Acacia nilotica) made its appearance, growing in belts along the river-bank. On the 6th we arrived at El-Kawa, which is about 130 miles south of Omdurman. Here we landed the ponies, as the rias wanted to get stores for the crew, and rode round the town with the Marmoor (Egyptian Magistrate) to see the sights. E]-Kawa is built of grass huts, the streets being named after Birds from. the White Nile. 395 British officers. When we returned to the boats we found that most of the crew and several of our servants were away; but having at last retrieved them, all in a more or less intoxicated condition, we once more set sail for the south. Next day we landed on Abba Island, which is about 30 miles long and well-wooded. We saw so many birds there that I determined to collect them on my return, but ‘was prevented from doing so, many of my men being down with fever. On the 10th we stopped near Jebel Ain, one of the few hills which relieve the monotony of the White Nile scenery. ‘The peaks rise abruptly from the plain and are formed of granite. We climbed up the largest hill, and, in doing so, saw a great many Guinea-fowl (Numida ptilo- rhyncha), while from the top we had a good view of the surrounding country, which was densely covered with acacia as far as we could see. Here we observed several herds of gazelles (Gazella rufifrons). Several miles south of Jebel Ain we saw the tracks of elephants, which evidently came to the river to drink. On the 14th we arrived opposite Jebel Ahmed-Agha, another granite hill, and here one of the crew died. He had caught a chill after a too liberal bout of merissa at El-Kawa and contracted pneumonia. ‘The native treatment finished him. There was much wailing at his death, and the rias asked for cloth to bury him in, though he had plenty himself. A shallow trench sufficed for the grave, and the poor fellow’s — body was buried half an hour after he died. Next day we stopped at the camp of Lord St. Oswald and Mr. Willie James, the latter a well-known traveller in North-east Africa. They had had very little sport, and, unluckily, just after we left them, Mr. James contracted dysentery and was obliged to return to Khartum. South of Jebel Ahmed-Agha big game was plentiful, and we saw buffalo, lion, roan antelope, waterbuck, and giraffe. We arrived at Kaka on. the 24th, and met the Swedish _ Expedition under Dr. Jaegerskiold. They were collecting in all branches of zoology, the doctor being chiefly interested in parasites. Dr. Innes, of the Cairo Medical School, was 396 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on with them, and did us a good turn by prescribing for Mr. Cheetham, who had got a touch of the sun. We un- loaded our transport-animals here, and I started off inland to have a look at the country. The path led through dense acacia-jungle, and we had to cut our way through it in many places. We camped at a swamp swarming with Ducks, chiefly Garganeys and Shovellers. The water was only about six inches deep, and was filthy with green slime and alive with all sorts of insects. Next day we marched on and camped at another swamp, on which there were no Ducks at all, though Marabou-Storks were in large flocks. These birds, after drinking in the evening, marched off solemnly to some trees about half a mile distant from the swamp and flopped up into them to roost. The country consisted of a large plain covered with grass interspersed with belts of acacia. As there were very few birds, I returned to Kaka and sailed south, while the trans- port-animals were marched along the banks of the river. We now came in touch with the Dinkas, a fine race of people, who, though they thought clothes unnecessary, were very civil and pleasant. On the 20th we arrived at Fashoda. This place consists of the remains of an old Egyptian fort, to which Captain Marchand added a mud bastion facing the river and named ‘“ Bastion des Anglais.” It was on a swamp and surrounded by swamps, while some Shilluk villages were built on dry ground nearit. The country west of the fort in the dry season is a large plain with belts of acacia. On the 27th we started west, and, marching along a khor, camped about 15 miles from Fashoda at an Arab village. In the evening I saw some elephants feeding in a swamp, and next day went to get a nearer view of them, but, after much wading and swimming of khors, found that they had left the district. I saw two herds of giraffes, which were very tame and inquisitive, coming within two hundred yards to inspect us while we were sitting under the shade of a tree, and keeping parallel with us for some way when we moved on. The mosquitos in the khor were in clouds, and directly Birds from the White Nile. 897, after sundown we had either to sit in the smoke of the fire or retire under our mosquito-nets. My men got terribly bitten, as they had neglected to bring nets with them. Birds were scarce, and I saw only those of the same species as I had observed near the river. On returning to Fashoda, we found that four of our men and two of the crew had been locked up by the sergeant, as they had created a disturbance - and done a bit of fighting while celebrating the feast of Bairan. I met Mr. Loat and Mr. Gunn, F.R.C.S., at Fashoda. The former was collecting fishes for the Kgyptian Government, and had been as far south as Lake No. MHe had been very successful, but was handicapped by being unable to procure a sufficient supply of spirit, as the railway authorities were unwilling to take the risk of carrying it. Rain began to fall at Fashoda, and the men who had been with us inland were attacked by malaria, due most likely to the mosquito- bites, so we started on our return journey on April 3rd. Ou the 5th we camped about 30 miles north of Fashoda, and stopped there for ten days to collect. We got several buffalos, and shot a good many lions in that district. On the 15th we sailed north and stopped south of Kaka to collect till May 7th, but as all our men and most of the crew were suffering from fever we determined to return to; Omdurman. The south wind was blowing regularly now, so we made good way and collected as we went. The swarms of Ducks and most of the Waders had disappeared, and only Geese and the regular summer residents remained. We arrived at Omdurman on May 26th and found it nearly deserted, as the officials had all moved over to their new quarters in Khartum. The results of the expedition were satisfactory so far as the specimens of the larger mammals went, for we obtained the skins of buffalo, roan antelope, waterbuck, white-eared kob, tiang, gazelle, oribi, and reedbuck, besides killing eight lions and a leopard. We got only a few specimens of the smaller mammals. In birds I was disappointed, as I expected to get many more species; Doves and Weaver-birds swarmed, but other small kinds, especially Larks, were scarce. On 398 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on the whole the climate was good, the heat not being intense until we returned to Khartum. The travelling was easy, but the servants and men, with a few exceptions, were the worst that I have ever employed. From the officials we met with every help and kindness. I -have particularly to thank Major Mathews and Captains Parker and Mosant, of the Intelligence Department, and Dr. Keatinge, of the Cairo Medical School. I have also to offer my best thanks to Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, who has kindly arranged and determined the birds that we procured, and who provided me before- hand with all the available information about the country. II. List of the Birds procured, by W. R. Octiv1e-GRANT.; with Field-notes by R. MCD, Hawker. Although Mr. Hawker was disappointed with the results of this expedition as regards Birds, it will be seen that a very fine collection was brought home, and that many of the specimens are of very great interest and have led to important discoveries. As instances we may mention the Finch-Larks (Pyrrhulauda), the Chats (Sazicola), the Green-backed Warblers (Camaroptera), the Wood-Hoopoes (Irrisor), the Barbets (Melanobucco), and the Wood-Ibis (Pseudotantalus). Species marked with an asterisk (*) were identified by Mr. Hawker, but are not represented in the collection. To save repetition, the titles of several of the works quoted in this paper have been abbreviated as follows :— Mr. Witherby’s article (Ibis, 1901, pp. 237-278) is quoted as “ Witherby”’ or “ W.” Messrs. Grant and Reid’s article (Ibis, 1901, pp. 607— 699, pl. xii.) 1s quoted as “ Grant & Reid.” Messrs. N. C. Rothschild and Wollaston’s article (Ibis, 1902, pp. 1-83, pl. i.) is quoted as “N. C. Roths. & Wollast.” or “RR. & W.” The following fifty-five species have been recorded by Mr. H. F. Witherby and by Messrs. N. C. Rothschild and Wollaston as occurring on the Lower White Nile between Abba Island and Khartum, but their names are not included Birds from the White Nile. 399 in Mr. Hawker’s collection, which was chiefly made on the Upper White Nile, between Abba Island and Fashoda :— Rhinocorax affinis. R. & W. Spreo pulcher. W., R.& W. Oriolus galbula. W. Vidua principalis. R. & W. Lagonosticta brunneiceps. R. & es Pytelia citerior. W. Hypochera ultramarina. R.G W. Hyphantornis galbula. W. % vitellinus. B#.§ W. Petronia pyrgita. RR. §& W. Passer rufidorsalis.s W.,R.§ W. Emberiza flavigastra. W. Calandrella brachydactyla. R. § — W. Ammomanes cinctura, KR. & W. $5 deserti. . & W. Pyrrhulauda melanauchen. W. 3 frontalis. FR. § W. Motacilla alba. RB. & W. 3 vidua. RR. W. Anthus campestris. ne $ W. Lanius dealbatus. W.,, gu W, Po assimilis, 2. G& W. Sylvia nisoria. W. » ‘rueppelli. B.S W. », mystacea. B.S W. , falactodes. W., Rh. S W. Phylloscopus trochilus. W, Acrocephalus palustris. W. . Circus pygargus. Acrocephalus streperus. JW. Burnesia gracilis. R, §& W. Cisticola cisticolaa R. & W. 5 aridnlas, We; GoW, Monticola saxatilis. W. - cyanus. Rk. & W. Saxicola amphileuca. W. Argya acacie. W., Rk. & W. Cotile minor. R. & W. » rupestris. W. Hirundo smithi. R. § W. Trachyphonus margaritatus. W., J. Ws Caprimulgus eximius. W. Merops apiaster. W. Lophoceros nasutus. W., R.S W. Bubo desertorum. R. & W. R.& W. » macrurus. W., Rh. & W. Falco tanypterus. W. Gyps fulvus. &. & W. Vultur monachus. R. & W. Garzetta garzetta. W. Eupodotis arabs. W., Rk. W. Cursorius gallicus. W. Tringa alpina. W. Hydrochelidon hybrida. W. Pteroclurus senegallus. W., R. & W. W., R. & A number of the eggs collected by Mr. Hawker have been described by Mr. Oates in the Appendix to the second volume of the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ Eggs in the British Museum,’ which is duly quoted in the present paper. The remainder will appear in the subsequent volumes of that work. -], HeTeRocoRAx CAPENSIS. Heterocorax capensis Licht.; Grant & Reid, p. 610. a. 2. Kaka, 28th Feb. No. 85. 400 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on b. g. Kaka, 8th March. No. 120. ce. gd. 20 miles N. of Fashoda. No. 344 fF. d,e. & 2. Kaka, 4th May. Nos. 482, 433 +. f. &. Kaka, 4th May. No. 434. Tris dark hazel; bill, legs, and feet black. [I only met with the African Rook in a small district extending from the south and west of Kaka to Fashoda. It was generally found near the villages, and had a very harsh cry. When sitting on a tree it puffs out the feathers on its head and neck, which gives it the appearance of having a very large head. Its nest is generally placed on the end of a very thin bough; it is beautifully made of smallish thorn- branches with an outer lining of fibre and an inner lining of the felted hair of animals. The eggs, three in number, are rosy white, freckled and blotched with maroon and dark cinnamon.—R. M. H.| 2. CoRVUS SCAPULATUS. Corvus scapulatus Daud.; Witherby, p. 249; Grant & Reid, p. 610; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 13. a. &. Jebel Ain, llth Feb. No. 48. b.. 6. Kaka, 4th May. No. 431 t. Iris hazel ; bill, legs, and feet black. [The White-bellied Crow is the commonest member of the Corvide on: the White Nile. It is very plentiful south of Jebel Ain. I took several nests. They are placed at the end of very thin boughs, and are therefore rather difficult to get at. I shot one bird off a nest, and three days after- wards I saw that its mate was sitting. Eggs were procured at about 20 miles north of Fashoda.—R. M. H.] 3. *CoRvUS UMBRINUS. Corvus umbrinus Sundev.; Grant, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 245 (1900) ; Witherby, p. 250; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 13. [I only observed one pair of this Raven on the White Nile, and these were seen on Abba Island.—R. M. H.] t~ Breeding. { Breeding; three eggs taken. Birds from the White Nile. - 401 .4, LAMPROTORNIS PORPHYROPTERUS. = forte Lamprotornis porphyropterus Riipp. ; cee Cat. iB Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 156 (1890) [part.] ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 121. Lamprotornis brevicaudus Sharpe, Bull. B. O. C. vi. p. xlviti (1897) ; id. Ibis, 1891, p. 591. a. ?. Fashoda, 26th March. No. 189. e. 6. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 6th-11th els Nos. 298 +, 301, 302, 312 +. Iris pale straw-coloured; bill and legs planes In the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ (xiii. p. 156) two rather well- ._ marked forms are united under the title L. porphyropterus Riipp :— (A) A smaller shorter-tailed species is found in Southern Abyssinia, Somaliland, Uganda, the Equatorial Province, and at Fashoda. ‘This bird is the true L. porphyropterus Riipp., the type of which was pro- cured in Shoa. There are two cotypes in the British Museum received from Riippell in 1845, but these are omitted from the list of specimens given in the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ (xi. p. 156). Only specimens h,i,k,l belong to the true L. porphyropterus. (B) A larger longer-tailed species inhabits the highlands of Bogosland, and ranges south-westwards to the lower valley of the White Nile and Kordofan. This bird should bear the name L. eneocephalus Heugi. (cf. J. f. O. 1863, p. 22). Specimens a to g in the above- mentioned list belong to this form. Dr. Sharpe (cf. Bull. B. O. C. vi. p. xlviii, recognised the fact that he had united two distinct forms under the heading L. porphyropterus, and proposed to separate the shorter-tailed southern species under the name L. brevicaudus ; but, as shown above, this name is synonymous with typical L. porphyropterus Rupp., and the longer-tailed form already _ bears Heuglin’s name, L. eneocephalus. The latter was the species obtained by Mr, Witherby at Ed-Duem, on the White Nile. 7 Breeding. 402 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on The measurements of the two species are as follows :— L. porphyropterus Riipp. LL. eneocephalus Heugl. [=L. brevicaudus Sharpe. | [=L. porphyropterus Witherby Males. Females. | (nec Riipp.), Ibis, 1901, p. 249.] Tail. Tail. Males. Females. in. in, Tail. = Tail. Fashoda...... 6-1 5'3 in. in. pa aie re 6:0 4:7 Anseba Valley.. 835 78f at ee Ac 58 ” ei S. Abyssinia .. 6:1 * mm G3: Shoa (Riippell). 5°75 EKd-Duem, White [Cotype of LZ. Niley ee cree 8-0 6:87 porphyropterus. | vA 675 Somaliland.... 5:9 4-9 Lake Baringo., 5°75 BOC V UL. deta 4 56 | Type of L. brevi- caudus. | AGO Sie caleias 59 [This Purple-winged Glossy Starling was very common on Abba Island, and I saw it here and there further south.— R. M. H.] 5. *BuPHAGA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. Buphaga erythrorhyncha (Stanl.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 612. [Only one small flock of the Red-billed Ox-pecker was seen, feeding on some buffalos near Kaka.—R. M. H. | 6. BuCHANGA ASSIMILIS. Buchanga assimilis (Bechst.); Grant & Reid, p. 613. Buchanga afra Witherby, p. 250. i. 6» - Kaka, 15th March. No. 137. 6. g. Fashoda, 30th March. No. 252. c,d. 8 imm. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 6th April. Nos.294, 295. e. Sg. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th April. No. 307. f. &- 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 13th April. No. 341. g- 2§. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 15th April. No. 362. Tris crimson; bill, legs, and feet black. + Sexed female. t} Probably a male. § Breeding; nest and eggs taken. Birds from the White Nile. 4.08 [The African Drongo is very common south of Kaka, but rare further north. Its song is very cheerful. It begins to sing just before daylight and does not cease till after sunset. I took three nests with eggs in April. Two of them contained three eggs each, but those in the several nests were of a different colour. One clutch was pale terra-cotta, clouded with darker terra-cotta on the large end; another clutch was white, spotted with smail purplish-brown spots.— R, M. H.] 7. STEGANURA PARADISEA. Steganura paradisea (Linn.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 123. a. 6 imm.(?). Kaka, 29th April. No. 409. b,c. § Qimm. (?). Hd-Duem, 23rd May. Nos. 563, 564, Iris hazel ; bill and legs horn-coloured. This species appears to breed throughout the year in the various parts of its wide range, for the British Museum Collection contains male birds in full breeding-dress shot in every month of the year except January and October, as will be seen from the following list :— Rustenburg, Transvaal: 25th November. Tati, Limpopo River: 80th April. Nyasaland: February, May, June, July, August, September. Somaliland: 2nd December. | Abyssinia: March, May. Loando: July. The males shot by Mr. Hawker, which are apparently immature birds, are in the garb of the female. All three specimens are in full moult, and the new flight-feathers as well as the middle tail-feathers have been renewed; the latter are not, however, longer than the outer pairs. [The Paradise Whydah-Finch was not common. I never saw any with the long tail-feathers.—R. M. H. | 8. URoBRACHYA PH@NICEA. . Urobrachya phenicea (Heugl.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xill. p. 225 (1890). a. &. Fashoda, 22nd March. No. 165. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. 2k 404 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on b. §. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 12th April. No. 335. c-g. 6 2. Kaka, 2nd May. Nos. 420-424. Tris hazel; bill horn-coloured; legs dusky. All the specimens are adults in non-breeding plumage, and from the scarlet-orange colour of the shoulder-patch there appears to be little doubt that they belong to this species and not to U. traversi Salvad., which has the shoulder-patches yellowish orange. } [I never met with the Fire-shouldered Weaver-Finch north of Kaka. It went in flocks and fed on the recently-burnt ground near the river and the swamps.—R. M. H.| 9. PYROMELANA FRANCISCANA. Pyromelana franciscana (Isert) ; Witherby, p. 247; Grant & Reid, p. 614; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 11. a. 9. Fashoda, lst April. No. 278. Tris dark hazel ; upper mandible dusky, lower pale horn- coloured; legs and feet dusky. . [The Orange Weaver-Finch was generally met with in flocks with other Weaver-birds.—R. M. H.] 10. PyROMELANA LADOENSIS. Pyromelana ladoensis (Reichenow) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 224 (1890). a-d. 8 2. Fashoda, 25th March to Ist ee Nos. 182, 184,277, 279. e. 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 13th April. No. 388. Tris hazel; bill dusky, paler on lower mandible; legs and - feet dusky. The males are still in winter plumage, shewing no trace of the yellow and black breeding-dress. [The Lado Weaver-Finch was fairly common and was met with in flocks of P. franciscana and other allied species.— R. M. H.] 11. QUELEA ZTHIOPICA. Quelea ethiopica (Gray) ; Grant & Reid, p. 616. ~ a-c. 92. Fashoda, 25th and 26th March. Nos. 180, 204, 210. d,e 3%. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 13th Ame Nos. 336, 337. Birds from the White Nile. 405 Tris hazel; biil pink; legs and feet horn-coloured. All five specimens are in winter plumage. [The Ethiopian Red-billed Weaver-Finch is very common south of Kaka and goes in flocks along with Hyphantornis teniopterus.—R. M. H.| 12. LacGonosTICTA BRUNNEICEPS. .Lagonosticta brunneiceps Sharpe; Grant, Ibis, 1901, p. 617. ies <. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 477. b,c. Sd imm. et 2. Hd-Duem, 22nd May. Nos. 539, 540. Iris crimson ; bill crimson, ridge of culmen and suture of lower mandible black ; legs flesh-coloured. [The Brown-capped Fire-Finch was not common ; I never noticed it south of Goz-Abu-Gumar.—R. M. H.] 13. PyTELIA SOUDANENSIS. Zonogastris soudanensis Sharpe ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 298 (1890). a. 9. Ed-Duem, 22nd May. No. 541. Iris light reddish brown; bill flesh-coloured, darker at tip ; legs and feet flesh-coloured. It is difficult to be certain that this identification is correct. Both Pytelia soudanensis (Sharpe) and the allied _ P. citerior Strickl. occur in the White Nile Valley, and the females are apparently almost identical in appearance: possibly. that of P. citercor has the sides and flanks more heavily barred. [The Red-faced Finch was only met with on a few occasions in the neighbourhood of Ed-Duem.—R. M. H.j 14, SPOREZGINTHUS SUBFLAVUS. Sporeginthus subflavus (Vieill.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 130. a. 9. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 19th Mar. No. 146. b,c. 6 2. Fashoda, 26th Mar. Nos. 206, 207. d-q. & Gad. etimm. Fashoda, 28th Mar. Nos. 215-227. r. ? 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 13th April. No. 340. s—u. ¢ imm.et??. Kaka, 6th May. Nos. 439-441. Iris crimson ; sides of bill crimson, black along the culmen ; legs flesh-coloured. | 2ER 4.96 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on [The Sanguineous Waxbill occurs in small flocks; I never noticed it north of Kaka.—R. M. H.] 15. ASDEMOSYNE CANTANS. AEdemosyne cantans (Gmel.) ; Witherby, p. 247; Grant & Reid, p. 618; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p 11. a. Ad. Kaka, 28th February. No. 90. Iris brown; bill lead-blue ; legs horn-coloured. [The African Silver-bill is common. I found a nest with young birds in it in March.—R. M. H.] 16. EsTRILDA CINEREA. Estrilda cinerea (Vieill.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p. 894 (1890). a. S. Fashoda, 29th March. No. 228. b-d. $9. Fashoda, 2nd April. Nos. 280-282. Iris and bill crimson ; legs dusky. [The Grey Amaduvade is not very common.—R. M. H.|] 17. EstRILDA PHGNICOTIS. Estrilda phenicotis Swains.; Witherby, p. 248; Grant & Reid, p. 619. | a. &. Jebel Ahmed-Agha, 19th February. No. 61. 6. ?. Kaka, 28th February. No. 86. ce. 9. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 12th April. No. 327. Iris hazel; bill pink, dusky at tip; legs horn-coloured. [The Crimson-eared Waxbill or Cordon Bleu is very com- mon and is one of the few tame Sudan Finches.—R. M. H.] 18. SiraGRA LUTEOLA. Sitagra luteola (Licht.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p. 425 (1890) ; Witherby, p. 248. a. 2 imm. Fashoda, 29th March. No. 240. 6. Sd 1mm. Kaka, 28rd April. No. 397. c. &@. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 18th May. No. 512. Iris hazel; bill dusky, under mandible lighter. _ The adult male, specimen c, of the Black-capped Weaver- Finch is out of plumage and isin the dress of an adult female. 19. HypHANTORNIS TENIOPTERUS. Hyphantornis teniopterus Reichenb. ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 467 (1890). Birds from the White Nile. 407 a &. Jebel Ahmed-Agha, 19th Feb. No. 60. b-d. 8. Kaka, 26th to 28th Feb. Nos. 76, 764, 77. e,f. 69. Kaka, 5th & 15th Mar. Nos. 112, 134. g-n. & 2 et d imm. Fashoda, 26th Mar. to 2nd April. Nos. 186, 211-213, 229, 243, 291. o. fd. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 6th April. No. 299. Iris pale straw-coloured granulated with black; upper mandible dusky, lower white, dusky along upper edges ; legs and feet pinkish horn-coloured. All the specimens of Reichenbach’s Weaver-Finch collected by Mr. Hawker are out of plumage. His birds were obtained between the 19th of February and the 6th of April and none shew any trace of assuming the breeding-plumage. The immature males apparently differ in having the buff on the under parts of a more decided tint than the adults and the wing varies from 2°55-2°6 inches, whereas in the adult male it measures 2°75-2°8. The female has the wing 2°5. In a small collection made by Capt. H. N. Dunn in the month of May at the mouth of the Zeraf River there are four males in various interesting stages of transitional plumage—the most backward shewing only a few feathers of the breeding-plumage, while in the most advanced it is almost complete. A male procured by Emin Pasha at Lado on the 6th of May, and very similar to the last named, is in almost full breeding-dress, but still retains one or two feathers of the undress plumage; a second male obtained by him at Bor on the 10th of July is in full plumage. It is thus clear that the breeding-plumage is annually assumed in the month of May. [Reichenbach’s Weaver-Finch goes about in enormous flocks, which appear to be kept continually on the move by Hawks, and prove a great nuisance to the naturalist. Nearly every bush seems to be full of them, and when they fly off they generally frighten every other species of small bird that happens to be near, thus making collecting very difficult. I never saw any individuals in breeding-plumage, though I must have seen many millions.—R. M. H. | 408 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 20. PassER DIFFUSUS. Passer diffusus (Smith) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xu. p. 336 (1888) ; Witherby, p. 246. a. ¢. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 11th April. No. 322. Iris brown ; bill dusky, paler on under mandible; legs and feet dusky. This southern form, characterized by the white spot on the throat, has also been obtained in Somaliland. [I only saw a few examples of the Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.—R. M. H.] 21. PassER LUTEUS. Passer luteus (Licht.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p- 840 (1888) ; Witherby, p. 247; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p10: = ah 82? et fd imm. Ed-Duem, 22nd to 23rd May. Nos. 546-551 & 560, 561. Tris light brown ; bill, legs, and feet horn-coloured. The series includes several immature males in various stages of plumage: some with the throat, chest, and eyebrow- stripe yellow, the rest of the under parts whitish, and the forehead and crown pale brown; others in plumage similar to that of the female. [The Yellow-breasted Sparrow was common about Ed- Duem, and was generally seen in small flocks.—R. M. H.] 22. SERINUS LEUCOPYGIUs. Serinus leucopygius (Sundev.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p. 8366 (1888) ; Witherby, p. 247. . a,b. 9. Fashoda, 26th & 30th Mar. Nos. 187 & 250. Tris hazel; bill dusky ; legs horn-coloured. The female scarcely differs from the male in plumage, the breast is perhaps slightly more spotted. [The White-rumped Serin-Finch is not very common. It generally goes in small flocks, and its white rump makes it conspicuous among the other Finches.—R. M. H.] 23. EMBERIZA CASIA. Emberiza cesia Cretzschm.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xu. p. 85 (1888) ; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 9. a-c. 6 9. Khartum, 25th Jan. Nos. 19-21. Birds from the White Nile. 409 “Iris hazel ; bill horn-coloured ; legs and fect fleshy horn- coloured. [I only saw Cretzschmar’s Bunting near Khartum.— R. M. H.| 24, MELANOCORYPHA BIMACULATA. Melanocorypha bimaculata (Ménétr.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xii. p. 555 (1890). . —a-c. 6 @. Wad Shalai, 5th Feb. Nos. 42-44. Iris hazel; bill horn-coloured, dark above and at tip of lower mandible ; legs and feet fleshy horn-coloured. [I only saw one flock of Double-spotted Calandra Larks ; they were on their way to water.—R. M. H.] 25. MiraFRa ERYTHROPYGIA. Mirafra. erythropygia (Strickl.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiii. p. 619 (1890); Alexander, Ibis, 1902, p. 292. a. d. Renk, 10th May. No. 462. Iris hazel; bill dusky, paler at base below; legs and feet pale horn-coloured. This very rare Lark is only represented in the British Museum Collection by two specimens, one of which has been recently forwarded from the Zeraf by Capt. H. Dunn. The. specimen before us is in worn plumage and 1s just commencing to moult its flight-feathers, the innermost primary and outermost secondary quills being partially grown on either side. Capt. Boyd Alexander was fortunate in procuring a number of these Larks in the Gold Coast Colony. [I only saw one scattered flock of Rufous-rumped Bush- Larks. ‘They were very wild and perched on the tops of trees and bushes, so that I had great difficulty in procuring a specimen.—R. M. H.] 26. MIRAFRA ALBICAUDA. Mirafra albicauda Reichenow, J. f. O. 1891, p. 223; id. Vog. Deutsch-Ost-Afr. p. 203 (1894). a-g. 62. 20miles N. of Fashoda, 12th April. Nos. 328-334 fF. ts h. 9. Kaka, 2nd May. No. 425. Iris hazel ; bill dusky, pale below ; legs horn-coloured. T Nos. 328, 331, 332 are said to have been breeding birds, 410 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on The examples in the fine series of this Lark obtaimed by Mr. Hawker appear to agree with Dr. Reichenow’s description, and the species is certainly identical with the birds obtained by Lord Delamere in British East Africa and identified by Dr. Sharpe as M. albicauda. It is new to the British Museum Collection. We may mention that the amount of white in the outer tail-feathers varies: in some examples, as in the type, the ¢wo outer pairs are mostly white, and the fourth pair have the outer web margined with white; in others only the outer pair of feathers are white and the fifth pair have the outer web mostly white, while in the fourth it is only margined with white. [We only noticed the White-tailed Bush-Lark between Fashoda and Kaka.—R. M. H.] . 27. GALERIDA CRISTATA. Galerida cristata (Linn.); Grant & Reid, p. 629; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 6. Galerida flava Brehm; Witherby, p. 244. a,b. g. Khartum, 23rd—-25th Jan. Nos. 1 & 7. Iris hazel ; bill horn-coloured ; legs and feet whitish flesh- coloured. The skins before us belong to the pale form known as G. flava. | [Common around Khartum.—R. M. H.] 28. PyRRHULAUDA LEUCOTIS. Pyrrhulauda leucotis (Staul.) ; Witherby, p. 245; Grant . & Reid, p. 629; Grant, Bull. B. O. C. xu. no. Ixxxii. p. 14 (1901). a,b. Set? [Simm]. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 19th March. Nos. 148 & 149. ce. dimm. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 12th April. No. 326. | Tris dark brown; bill and legs pale horn-coloured. ‘This form is scarcely separable from P. smithi, of South- Africa, which has the bill slightly larger, but is in other respects similar. . [I saw a great many examples of the Black-shouldered ' Finch-Lark. They generally came to the river to drink Birds from the White Nile. 411 between 8 and 12 o’clock in the forenoon in small scattered flocks or families —R. M. H.| 29. PyRRHULAUDA MELANOCEPHALA. Alauda melanocephala Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 28 (1823). Fringilla otoleucus Temm. Pl. Col. iit. pl. 269. figs. 2, 3 (1824). _Pyrrhulauda melanocephala Grant, Bull. B. O. C. xu. no. Ixxxii. p. 14 (1901) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 8. a-c. get dimm. Khartum, 25th Jan. Nos. 16-18. Iris dark brown; bill, legs, and feet pale horn-coloured. One of the most interesting points established by the present expedition was the existence of two closely allied, but perfectly distinct, speciles—Pyrrhulauda leucotis (Stanl.) and P. melanocephala (Licht.)—in the valley of the White Nile. Owing to want of material these two forms had been united in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ (cf. vol. xiii. p. 637). The differences between the males of the two species may be tabulated as follows :— P, leucotis. P. melanocephala. Bill dusky. Bill white. White band across nape narrow, White band across nape wide, 0:1 inch. 0:25 inch. Chestnut of upper parts dark. Chestnut of upper parts paler. Lesser wing-coverts black. Lesser wing-coverts white. Through the kindness of Dr. Reichenow I have ascertained that the type of Alauda melanocephala Licht. is identical with Fringilla otoleucus Temm. This species appears to be the western representative, extending to Senegal; the true P. /ewcotis being confined to the countries east of the White Nile, where the ranges of the two species overlap. [The White-shouldered Finch-Lark is fairly common near Khartum. It generally frequents the paths and feeds on the grain which falls from loads. When disturbed it flies a short _way and then crouches close to the ground.— R. M. H.] 30. MoracinLa FLAVA. Motacilla flava Linn.; Witherby, p. 244; Grant & Reid, p. 631; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 5. 4.12 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a. g. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 19th Mar. No. 144. b. g. Fashoda, 26th Mar. No. 208. Tris hazel; bill and legs black. [The Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail was fairly common along the White Nile at Fashoda.—R. M. H.} 31. MoraciLia CAMPESTRIS. Motacilla campestris Pall.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 140. a. 9 imm, Khartum, 25th Janz Nos 12: Iris brown; bill and legs black. An immature example of Ray’s Wagtail. 32. MoraciLta FELDEGGI. Motacilla feldeggi Michah.; Grant & Reid, p. 631. a. ¢. Khartum,; 25th Jan.” Ne: ia. : b,c, d. @. Fashoda, 26th & 30th Mar. Nos. 201 & 202, 246. Iris hazel; bill, legs, and feet dusky. _ [We found the Black-headed Wagtail fairly common near Fashoda in company with M. flava.—R. M. H. AJ 33. ANTHUS RICHARDI. Anthus richardit Vieill.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. 564 (1885). | a,b. 2. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 18th May. Nos. 508, 509. Tris hazel ; bill dusky, paler below ; legs flesh-coloured. The occurrence of Richard’s Pipit in the Sudan is inter- esting, though it was to be expected that it would be found there sooner or later, as it had already been recorded by Loche from Algeria, by Zander (J. f. O. 1853, Bericht, p. 61) from N. Africa, and by Brehm (J. f. O. 1855, p. 366) from K. Africa. [I found this Pipit feeding on the bean-fields near Goz- Abu-Gumar.—R. M. H.] 34, ANTHUS CERVINUS. - Anthus cervinus (Pall.); Witherby, p. 244; Grant & Reid, p. 6383; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 6. a. “Os. Khartum, 25th Jan. “Noli. b. go. Fashoda, Ist April. No. 276. a (in winter plumage). Iris hazel; upper mandible Birds from the White Nile. 413 dark horn-coloured, lower lighter at base; legs light horn- coloured. 6 (in summer plumage). Iris brown; bill and legs horn- coloured. [I only noticed one Red-throated Pipit south of Khartum. 35. NEcTARINIA PULCHELLA. - Nectarinia pulchella (Linn.) ; Witherby, p. 243; Grant & Reid, p. 634. a.?9. Kaka, 17th April. No. 378. b-l. 6 2 etimm. Renk, 9th May. Nos. 449-458. m,n. 6. : Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. Nos. 497 & 499. 6. Iris hazel; bill and legs black. 2. Iris hazel; bill dusky, lighter towards base. The series collected shews the male in every stage of plumage, from quite young to fully adult. [I found the males of the Beautiful Sunbird in flocks where the Mimosa was flowering. The females were rather rare. I never noticed the species north of Goz-Abu-Gumar. _R. M. HJ _ 86. NECTARINIA METALLICA. Nectarinia metallica Licht.; Witherby, p. 242; Grant & Reid, p. 684; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 4. a-c. g ad.etimm. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. Nos. 37-89. d. 9. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. No. 490. ¢. Iris light brown ; bill and legs black. ?. Iris hazel ; bill black, light at base of lower mandible ; legs and feet black. [I never saw the Blue-collared Long-tailed Sunbird south of Jebel Auli—R. M. H.] 37. AUGITHALUS PUNCTIFRONS. Aigithalus punctifrons Sundev. Gifvers. Vet.-Akad. 1850, p- 129; Witherby, p. 243; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 5. a. Sd. Jebel Ahmed-Agha, 19th Feb. No. 63. b. @. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. No. 491. Iris hght hazel; bill dusky ; legs and feet bluish ash. [We did not find the Nubian Penduline Titmouse common. It seems to have the habits of an Acanthiza.—R. M. H.] 414 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 38. TELOPHONUS REMIGIALIS. Telephonus remigialis Finsch & Hartl.; Gadow, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 128 (1883) ; Witherby, p. 252; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 14. a-d. 3. Kaka, 28th Feb.-5th Mar. Nos. 78, 94, 95, 107. e. 9. Fashoda, lst April. No. 271. f. ? 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th April. No. 310. g,h 9. Kaka, 29th April, 6th May. Nos. 411, 438. Iris bluish grey ; bill dark hora-coloured, whitish at base of the lower mandible, or entirely black; legs ashen green. [Hartlaub’s Red-winged Bush-Shrike is fairly common between Kaka and Fashoda, and is generally to be found in pairs. It frequents low scrub and is rather shy.— R. M. H.] 39. LANIARIUS ERYTHROGASTER. Laniarius erythrogaster (Cretzschm.); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 148; Witherby, p. 252. , a,b. 2. Kaka, 23rd-28th Feb. Nos. 65 & 84. c-e. get dg imm. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th—-l5th April. Nos. 306, 317, 360. | f. @imm. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 475. Iris pale straw-coloured ; bill and legs black. Immature birds have the greater wing-coverts spotted with buff at the tip, the black feathers of the crown mixed with cinnamon, and those of the under parts indistinctly barred with pale buff. [This Scarlet-bellied Bush-Shrike is common. The male has a peculiar whistle, the last note of which is blended with the hoarse cry of the female. Its demeanour reminded me of Colluriocincla harmonica of Australia.—R. M. H. | 40, NiILavus AFER. Nilaus afer (Lath.) ; Witherby, p. 251°; Grant & Reid, p- 641. -a. @. Fashoda, 21st March. _ No. 162. b,c. &. Fashoda, 29th-3lst March. Nos. 233, 264. d,e. 3. Kaka, 21st-22nd April. Nos. 382, 386. Iris hazel; bill and legs black. Birds from the White Nile. 415 [The Abyssinian Bush-Shrike is fairly common, and is generally found singly or in pairs. It has a peculiar low whistle, which can be heard at some distance.—R. M. H.] 4]. LANIUS EXCUBITORIUS. Lanius excubitorius Des Murs ; Grant & Reid, p. 641. a. o. Kaka, 5th March. No. 108. b,c. @ 3. Fashoda, 26th March. Nos. 191, 192. d,e. @. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th-l1th April. Nos. 804, 311 f. fg. 2. Kaka, Ist and 7th May. Nos. 415 +, 442. Iris dark hazel; biil and legs black. [I met with the Long-tailed Grey-backed Shrike in flocks of from five to seven individuals, but it was not at all common. T also found its nest, containing four eggs, in a bare thorn- bush. The eggs of this species are new to the British Museum Coliection.—R. M. H.| 42, LANIUS ISABELLINUS. Lanius isabellinus Hempr. & Hhr.; Witherby, p. 251; Grant & Reid, p. 641; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 13. ~ a. @. 20miles N. of Fashoda, llth April. No. 323. Iris hazel; bill horn-coloured ; legs dusky. [I saw very few examples of the Isabelline Shrike and was only able to procure one.—R. M. H.| | 48, Lanius PaRADoxus. Lanius paradoxus Brehm, Vogelfang, p. 84 (1855). Lanius senator Witherby, p. 250. a-c. 6 2%. Fashoda, 30th March-Ist April. Nos. 251, 272, 278. Tris dark hazel; bill black, bluish at base ; legs dusky. The three birds collected by Mr. Hawker belong to the form having the basal part of the middle pair of tail- feathers white. [I only noticed Brehm’s Woodchat-Shrike between Fashoda and Kaka.—R. M. H.] + Breeding, 416 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 44. Lanrus NUBICUS. Lanius nubicus Licht.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 149; Witherby, p. 250; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 13. a,b. &. Kaka, 28th Feb. Nos. 80, 81. c. dg. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th April. No. 305. d. St. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 13th April. No, 342. e. gimm. Ed-Duem, 23rd May. No. 566. Iris hazel ; bill bluish black, lighter below; legs black. [The Nubian Shrike was not common.—R. M. H.] 45. BRADYORNIS PALLIDUS. Bradyornis pallidus (Miull.); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 150. a. @ ad. Kaka, 13th March. No. 182. 6. dad. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 19th March. No. Lol. c. gad.t Kaka, 29th April. No. 410. Iris hazel; bill, legs, and feet black. These band belong to the smaller race of B. pallidus which has been called B. subalaris Sharpe. a. 3%. Wing 3°15 inches; tail 2°7. | b,c. g. Wing 3:3-3°4 inches ; tail 2°8-3°0. [I did not notice the Pale Robin-Shrike north of Jebel Ahmed-Agha. It carries itself very much like. the English Robin.—R. M. H.] 46. PHYLLOSCOPUS RUFUS. Phylloscopus rufus (Bechst.) ; Witherby, p. 257; Grant & Reid, p. 644. | a. &. Wad Shalai, 5th Feb. No. 47. Iris hazel ; bill and legs horn-coloured. The Chiffchaff was rarely met with. Mr. Witherby, more- over, only came across it once. 47. SYLVIA CURRUCA. | Sylvia curruca (Linn.) ; Witherby, p. 258; Grant & Reid, p- 645. a. &@. Wad Shalai, 5th Feb. No. 45. Tris pale brown ; bill and legs black. [The Lesser Whitethroat was not common.—R. M. H.] t Breeding. Birds from the White Nile. 417 48. SYLVIA ORPHEA. Sylvia orphea Temm.; Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p- 14 (1881) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 17. a. o. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. No. 33. Iris pale brown ; bill and legs black. [I only noticed a single specimen of the Orphean Warbler. —R. M. H.] 49. Hypo.als PALLIDA. Hypolais pallida (Hempr. & Ehr.); Witherby, p. 257; Grant & Reid, p. 647; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 17. a. 2. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. No. 35. 6b. g. Wad Shalai, 5th Feb. No. 46. c. g. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 11th April. No. 319. d. &@. Kaka, 24th April. No. 400. Iris brown; bill horn-coloured ; legs and feet dusky or olivaceous. [I shot the Olivaceous Warbler while it was feeding on | insects attracted by the Mimosa flowers.—R. M. H.] 50. SYEVIELLA BRACHYURA. Sylviella brachyura Lafr.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 155; Witherby, p. 255. a-c. § @. Fashoda, 25th-26th March. Nos. 181, 198, 199. 3 d. 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 16th April. No. 364. ead. Kaka, 17th April. No. 3777. fg. &. Hd-Duem, 22nd May. Nos. 552, 553. Tris light brown ; bill, legs, and feet horn-coloured. [The habits of the Cinnamon-throated Bush-Warbler are very much like those of the Nuthatch. It is a fairly common bird.—R. M. H.] 51. EREMOMELA GRISEOFLAVA. Eremomela griseoflava Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vu. p-. 160 (1883) ; Witherby, p. 254. ‘a. St. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. No. 36. Tris hazel ; bill and legs dusky. t+ Breeding, 418 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on The Grey-and-Yellow Bush-Warbler, so far as we are aware, has hitherto been met with only in Bogosland. 52. CAMAROPTERA BREVICAUDATA. Sylvia brevicaudata Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atl. Vog. p. 53, pl. 35 4 (1826). | Camaroptera brevicauda Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 168 (1883) [part.]; Witherby, p. 254. a-c. 6 @. Kaka, 8th-12th March. Nos. 128-130. d,e. 2. 20miles N. of Fashoda, 13th and 16th April. Nos. 339, 563. Iris light brown or hazel; bill dusky, lighter on lower mandible; legs and feet horn-coloured. As already pointed out [Ibis, 190], p. 648], these spe- cimens represent the true C. brevicaudata (Cretzschm.), a name which has been misapplied to the species ranging through Somaliland, Abyssinia, and thence to West Africa. The latter species, which should be known as C. chrysocnemis (Licht.), has the throat, breast,*sides, and flanks grey. In the birds before us from the White Nile, the throat and rest of the under parts are white, tinged with buff on the sides and flanks. Mr. Witherby noticed that the birds which he obtained were very light-coloured on the breast and throat, but attributed the difference to age. | [This Green- backed Bush- Warbler reminds one of a Hedge- Sparrow in its habits. It comes round the camp and climbs about the zariba catching insects. It is very inquisitive and takes great interest In anything going on. It has a feeble song.—R. M. H.]| 58. SPILOPTILA CLAMANS. Spiloptila clamans (‘Temm.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 281 (1888); Witherby, p. 255; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 15. . a,b. + 2. Khartum, 25th Jan. Nos. 14 & 15. c. @. Ed-Duem. 22nd May. No. 546. : Tris light brown or pale yellow; bill dusky, lower man- dible light at base; legs and feet pale horn-coloured. Tt Breeding. Birds from the White Nile. 419 [Temminck’s Bush-Warbler was not seen south of EKd- Duem. It inhabits low bushes and is very shy. It has a pretty little song, which it delivers from the top boughs. When approached it dives into a bush and when pursued seems to prefer running to flying.—R. M. H.| 54. PHYLLOLAIS PULCHELLA. Phyllolais pulchella Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 149 (1883). a. go. Jebel Ahmed-Agha, 19th Feb. No. 62. 6. ? Kaka, 8th Mar. No. 126. c. gd. Fashoda, 29th Mar. No. 282. d,e. @. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 11th April. Nos. 315 &316. / f. 2. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. No. 492. Iris light brown; bill and legs horn- or flesh-coloured. [The Beautiful Bush- Warbler is very common everywhere south of Abba Island. It has a pleasant song.—R. M. H.] ¢ 55. PRINIA MURINA. Prinia murina (Heugl.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 650. a. Ad. Kaka, 28th Feb. No. 87. 6d. g etad. Kaka, 2nd & 15th March. Nos. 99, 140, 141. Iris light brown ; bill and legs horn-coloured. [The Tawny-flanked Grass- Warbler is extremely common. It is very tame and inquisitive and always comes round a camp to see what is going on. It has a great variety of call- notes and can sing sweetly.—R. M. H.| 56. CIsTICOLA RUFICEPS. Cisticola ruficeps (Cretzschm.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 282 (1888). a-c. &. Kaka, 28th Feb.-2nd Mar. Nos. 91-93. @. 6. Fashoda, 26th Mar. . No. 196. Tris light brown ; bill dusky; legs horn-coloured. Specimen 0 [ g, 2nd Mar.] has the whole forehead and crown dull chestnut; a and c [g, 28th Feb. and 2nd Mar.] have the forehead dull chestnut, the crown and back of the head widely streaked with dusky ; d[¢, 26th Mar.] has the SER. VIIJ.—VOL. II. 25 420 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on forehead and crown dull rusty red strongly streaked with black. This rare species was represented in the British Museum by only a single example from Southern Nubia. [The Red-capped Fantail-Warbler was fairly common about Fashoda. I found some of these birds quite two miles from the river. They are much less shy than other grass- birds and, when disturbed, fly up into bushes instead of hiding in the herbage.—R. M. H.] 57. CIsTICOLA MARGINALIS. Cisticola marginalis (Heugl.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vil. p. 258 (1883) ; Grant & Reid, pp. 652, 653. a. &. Kaka, Sth Mar. “No. 125: b-f. 6%. Fashoda, 26th-29th Mar. Nos. 197, 205, 209, 238, 239. Tris light brown ; bill dusky ; legs horn-coloured. As already pointed out (cf. Ibis, 1901, pp. 652, 653), this species, which appears to be confined to the Valley of the White Nile, may be at once distinguished from C. erythro- genys Heugl. by having the upper tail-coverts buff, with rarely a trace of black spots on one or two of the feathers. This species is new to our collection. [We found Heuglin’s Grass- Warbler fairly common along the banks of the White Nile near Fashoda. It is very shy and takes cover in the grass when disturbed.—R. M. H.] 58. RuriciLLa PH@NICURA. Ruticilla phenicura (Linn.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 164;. Witherby, p. 258. a. $. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 11th April. No. 318. Bill, legs, and feet black. [The Redstart was not common and appeared to be very shy.—R. M. H.] 59. SAXICOLA MELANOLEUCA. Saxicola melanoleuca (Giuld.) ; Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. ‘Mus. v. p. 385 (1881); Witherby, p. 259; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 18. — a. &. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. No. 32. Tris hazel; bill and legs black. Birds from the White Nile. 421 A male of the Eastern form of the Black-throated Chat is in nearly full breeding-plumage. Mr. Witherby met with it even further south at Shebesha. 60. SaxicoLa @NANTHE. Sazicola enanthe (Linn.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 658; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 18. a-g. 6%. Fashoda, 22nd Mar.—2nd April. Nos. 164, 195, 208, 244, 245, 270, 284. h. 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 11th April. No. 324. Iris hazel ; bill and legs black. {The Wheatear was common, but very wild.—R. M. H.] 61. SaxIcoLa ISABELLINA. ‘Sazicola isabellina Cretzschm.; Grant & Reid, p. 658 ; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 18. @odg-. Khartum, 25th Jan. No. 9. Tris dark hazel; bill and legs black. [ The Isabelline Chat appears to be a scarce bird.—R. M. H.] 62. SAXICOLA DESERTI. Sazicola deserti (Temm.); Grant & Reid, p. 658; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 18. weg. Khartum,.2oth Jan. No. 10, 6b. 2. Omdurman, 2nd Feb. No. 24. Iris dark hazel; bill and legs black. An adult pair a the Desert Chat in nearly full Treva plumage. 63. SaXICOLA HEUGLINI. Sazicola heuglini Finsch & Hartl. ; Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. i. p. 846 (1874). Saxicola botte Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 401 [ part. spec. g] (1881). - | a. ot. 20miles N. of Fashoda. llth April. No. 325. b-e. ¢ 9. Kaka, Ist-6th May. Nos. 417-419, 437. Iris hazel ; bill and legs black. Seebohm was evidently in error when he united this form with the much larger and more brightly coloured S. botte Bonap. The present species may at once be dis- + Breeding. 2F2 422 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on tinguished by the rufous-buff margins to the greater wing- coverts, the much less extensive white patch on the throat, and the more dusky breast and under parts. At first sight the rufous-margined wing-coverts might be mistaken for immature plumage, but this is not the case. Specimen a, a breeding male shot on the 11th of April, and specimen ¢, a male shot on the Ist of May, have the plumage of the upper parts, wings, and tail uniform dark brown and extremely worn. They are just commencing to moult; afew dark brown rufous-margined wing-coverts and one or two of the secondary quills are partially grown. Specimen e, which was shot on the 6th of May, and specimens 0 and d, females, shot on the Ist of May, have already assumed a considerable amount of new plumage, the rufous-edged wing- coverts and innermost secondaries being already full-grown ; - moreover, specimen 8 has already moulted most of its tail, the new feathers having the basal half white and the terminal half black narrowly tipped with white. Male. Wing 3°4 inches; tail 2°1-2°3; tarsus 1:1-1°2. Female. Wing 3°25-3 inches; tail 2°05-2°2; tarsus 1°05. [Heuglin’s Chat kept principally on the burnt land. It was not wild like the other species.—R. M. H.] 64. CERCOTRICHAS PODOBE. Cercotrichas podobe (Miill.) ; Witherby, p. 256; Grant & Reid, p. 661; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 17. a. &. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. No. 34. 6. gd imm. Renk, 10th May. No. 465. ce. g. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. No. 487. Tris light hazel; bill, legs, and feet black. [The Black Bush-Robin was generally seen in pairs. It is a very shy bird, keeping to the low bushes and running far if winged.—R. M. H.] 65. CRATEROPUS LEUCOCEPHALUS. Crateropus leucocephalus (Cretzschm.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 171; Witherby, p. 253. a,b. ¢ 2. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. Nos. 485 & 486. c. 9. Ed-Duem, 22nd May. No. 556. Iris yellow; bill black ; legs and feet dusky. Birds from the White Nile. 423 _ [The White-headed Babbling-Thrush is found in companies and is a very noisy bird. It was not seen south of Goz-Abu- Gumar.—R. M. H.] 66. PYcNONOTUS ARSINOE. Pycnonotus arsinoe (Hempr. & Ehr.) ; Witherby, p. 253 ; Grant & Reid, p. 662; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 15. a. &. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 11th April. No. 321. b. g. Kaka, 23rd April. No. 395. c. 2. Renk, 10th May. No. 464. Iris pale brown; bill black; legs and feet black. [The White-vented Bulbul was very common.—R. M. H.] 67. Muscicapa GRISOLA. Muscicapa grisola Linn.; Grant & Reid, p. 173. a,b, 9. Kaka. 22nd & 30th April. Nos. 385, 413. Tris hazel; bill black; legs and feet black. [The Spotted Flycatcher was met with only at Kaka.— R. M. H.] 68. Batis ORIENTALIS. Batis orientalis (Heugl.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 662. @ & imm. Kaka, 28th Feb. No. 82. b. Of. Kaka, 28th Feb. No. 83. (¢,d. 8t 2f. Fashoda, 21st March. Nos. 160, 161. e. ¢. Fashoda, 30th March. No. 248. f-h. 8 @ ad. Fashoda, 2nd April. Nos. 286, 287, 288. Iris bright yellow ; bill, legs, and feet black. [The Abyssinian White-flanked Flycatcher was fairly com- mon south of Jebel Ahmed-Agha. It was generally met with in pairs.—R. H. M.] 69. TERPSIPHONE CRISTATA. } Terpsiphone cristata (Gmel.) ; Witherby, p. 259; Grant & Reid, p. 663. | an. Sf et d imm. 20 miles N. of Fashoda. 18th- 14th April. Nos. 845-357 §. | + Sexed male. { Sexed female. § Nos. 353, 354 were males breeding, the former in the perfect adult plumage, the latter in chestnut plumage with only a few adult feathers in the wing. 4.24 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 0. @. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 17th April. No. 372. p-r. g et Simm. Kaka; 22nd April. No. 389-391. Ad. & ¢. Iris dark hazel ; eyelid cobalt-blue; bill cobalt- blue, blackish at tip; legs aa feet bluish-ash. Imm. &. Similar to the above, but with the colours of the soft parts less pronounced, the blue of the bill being obscured. [This beautiful Paradise-Flycatcher was rather scarce in February and March south of Jebel Ahmed-Agha, but on my return at the end of May it was very plentiful. It was some- what shy and kept to the tops of the trees, but if I remained quiet it soon came down and shewed itself off—R. M. H.] 70. CoTILE RIPARIA. Cotile riparia (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. 96 (1885) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 19. Chivicola riparia Witherby, p. 259. a-c. §. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. Nos. aie Iris hazel; bill and legs dusky. [I saw sag one small flock of Sand-Martens, in company with some Common Swallows.—R. M. H.] 71. Hirnunpo rustica. Hirundo rustica Linn.; Witherby, p. 259; Grant & Reid, p- 664; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 19: a. 9. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. No. 493. Iris hazel; bill black ; ip and feet black. [I noticed only one flock of Common Swallows. All Swallows were rare upthe Nile. I only saw them occasionally in small parties —R. M. H.] 72. HIRUNDO #THIOPICA. flirundo ethiopica Blanf.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 176; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 19. a,b. 9. Fashoda, 25th & 30th March. Nos. 178, 249. Iris hazel ; bill and legs black. [I saw several small flocks of the Ethiopian Swallow.— R. M. H.] 73. HiRuUnbDo RUFULA. Hirundo rufula Temm.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. 156 (1885). Birds from the White Nile. 425 a. &. Fashoda, 22nd March. No. 163. Iris hazel; bill black; legs and feet black. [Only a single example of the Red-rumped Swallow was seen.— R. M. H.] 74. MEsoPICUS PHOCEPHALUS. Mesopicus goertan Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit Mus. xvii. p. 368 (1890) [part.]; Witherby, p. 265; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 24. Dendrobates poicephalus Swains. B. W. Afr. u. p. 154 (1837). a. d. Kaka, 23rd Feb. No. 64. b,c. 6 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda. llth April. Nos. 818, 314: d. 2. Kaka, 23rd April. No. 398. Tris hazel ; bill and legs dark slate-grey. Dr. Reichenow (Orn. Monatsb. viii. p. 58, 1900) discusses this species and its allies, and recognises the typical species from Senegal and three subspecies :— 1. Mesopicus goertan poicephalus (Swains). Hab. W. Africa, Gambia to Loango. 2. Mesopicus goertan abessinicus Reichenow. Hab. Abys- sinia, Kordofan, and Sennar. 3. Mesopicus goertan centralis Reichenow. Hab. Bahr- el-Ghazal to Niam-Niam and Siik. An examination of the fine series in the National Collection shews that the typical birds from Senegal certainly have, as stated by Dr. Reichenow, the back of a more golden-olive colour; but we cannot agree with him as regards the other subspecies: the characters ascribed to them do not hold good, and birds from Gambia, the White Nile, and Abyssinia are indistinguishable from one another, and all should be included under the one title, M. peo- cephalus (Swains.). | [The Goertan Woodpecker is a fairly common bird.— BR. M. H.] 426 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 75. CAMPOTHERA NUBICA. | Campothera nubica (Gmel.) ; Witherby, p. 265; Grant & Reid, p. 666. 3 a. g. Kaka, 18th March. No. 133. 6b. gimm. 20miles N.of Fashoda. 6th April. No. 297. Iris hazel; bill slaty grey ; legs greenish ash. . [The Nubian Woodpecker is fairly common.—R. M. H.] 76. IyNGIPICUS OBSOLETUS. Tyngipicus obsoletus (Wagl.) ; Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Xvilil. p. 386 (1890) ; Witherby, p. 265. a,b. 8 2. Fashoda, 26th March. Nos. 193, 194. Tris light brown; bill dusky; legs greyish. {This pigmy Woodpecker is rare: I only saw three pairs.— =. M. B,) 77, MELANOBUCCO VIETLLOTI. Under this title two distinct forms have been united in the ‘Catalogue of Birds.’ That from Abyssinia is, how- ever, quite different from that found in West Africa, and the two should be separated as follows :— (1) MELaNnosucco VIEILLOTI. Pogonias vieilloti Leach, Zool. Mise. i. pl. 97 (1815). Bucco fuscescens Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. ii. p. 241 (1816). Melanobucco vieilloti Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 26 (1891) [part., Abyssinia, specimen 0]; Witherby, p. 265. Adult. Feathers of the middle of the back mostly white; ~ throat, chest, and middle of the breast white, each feather with a small scarlet spot at the tip, giving these parts a spotted appearance; sides of the breast and flanks white, tinged with yellow, the latter shewing few, if any, black shaft-stripes. Hab. Abyssinia and the White Nile. No trace can now be found of Leach’s type, once in the British Museum; but there can be no doubt that the bird which he figured was the spotted Abyssinian form. a. g. Fashoda, 2nd April. No. 285. b,c. 6. Kaka, 24th April & lst May. Nos. 399, 414. Birds from the White Nile. 427 Iris hazel; bill and legs black. [Vieillot’s Barbet is fairly well distributed, but not common.—R. M. H.]| (2) MELANOBUCCO RUBESCENS. Le Barbu Rubicon Levaill. Barbus, iii., Suppl. p. 43, fig. d (1807). _ Pogonias rubescens Temm. Pl. Col. iii., Pogonias, sp. 5 (1828). Pogonias senegalensis Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 9 (1823). Pogonias rubicon Cuv. Reg. Anim. p. 457 (1829). Pogonorhynchus vieilloti Marshall, Monog. Capit. p. 21, pl. xi. (1871) [| Fantee]. _ Melanobucco vieilloti Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 26 (1891) [part., W. Africa, specimens a-n]. Adult. Feathers of the middle of the back brown, edged with yellowish white; throat, chest, and middle of the breast widely tipped with scarlet, giving these parts the appearance of being heavily mottled with scarlet ; sides of the breast and flanks yellower, the latter with black muidales to the feathers. Hab. West Africa. . _——rn _ 78. CucuLUS CANORUS. Cuculus canorus Linn. ; Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p- 245 (1891) ; Witherby, p. 264. a. S. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 14th April. No. 359. 6. g. Kaka, 28rd April. No. 398. Iris yellowish brown; eyelids yellow; bill dusky, yellowish at base of lower mandible ; gape orange; legs and feet dark yellow. [I never observed the Cuckoo till April, when I heard one calling very feebly.—R. M. H.] 79, CHRYSOCOCCYX KLAASI. | Chrysococcyx klaasi Steph. ; Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus, X1x. p. 283 (1891). a. d. Renk, 10th May. No. 4683. Bill, legs, and feet black. [I only saw two of the beautiful Klaas’s Bronze Cuckoo.— R. M. H. | 4.28 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 80. CoccysTES GLANDARIUS. Coccystes glandarius Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 212 (1891) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 24. a. 9. Kaka, 22nd April. No. 392. b. g. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 19th May. No. 517. Iris hazel; bill blackish, ochreous at base of lower man- dible; legs and feet ashen. [The Great Spotted Cuckoo was not at all common.— By. Mi, eg] 81. CENTROPUS SUPERCILIOSUS. Centropus superciliosus Hempr. & Ehr.; Grant & Reid, p. 670; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 24. a. g@. Ed-Duem, 22nd May. No. 537. Iris bright red ; bill black ; legs and feet olivaceous. [I only saw the White-eyebrowed Lark-heeled Cuckoo once.—R. M. H.] 82. CENTROPUS MONACHUS. Centropus monachus (Riipp.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 310. a. d. Kaka, 7th May. No. 443. Iris crimson ; bill, legs, and feet black. [The Purple-headed Lark-heeled Cuckoo was very common along the river and khors. It lived amongst the long flags. — R. M. H.] 83. CoLIus MACRURUS. Colius macrurus (Linn.); Witherby, p. 264; Grant & Reid, p. 670. Coltus macrourus pulcher Neumann, J. f. O. 1900, p. 190. a-c. 6 9. Kaka, 17th April & Ist May. Nos. 379, 880, 416. Iris hazel ; bill red, black at tip ; legs and feet purplish red. The three birds before us have the forehead very faintly tinged with fulvous and are scarcely distinguishable in this respect from what Mr. Neumann calls C. macrourus pulcher. We are inclined to believe that the fulvous colouring of the forehead in some individuals is adventitious and probably due to something on which the birds feed: it is apparently not caused by different surroundings. | Birds from the White Nile. 429 [The Blue-naped Coly is fairly common. I took one nest in an orange-tree in Khartum ; it was flat and made of sticks covered with cotton, and contained two eggs, which were white with irregular brown blotches.—R. M. H.] 84. TacHORNIS PARVA. Tachornis parva (Licht.) ; Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Xvi. p. 463 (1892) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 19. a. &. Renk, 10th May. No. 461+. Tris hazel ; bill and legs black. - [I saw this little grey Tree-Swift in small companies on three occasions.—R. M. H.] 85. CAPRIMULGUS HGYPTIUS. Caprimulgus egyptius Licht. ; Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Xvi. p. 562 (1892) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 22. a,b. 6 2. Kaka, 15th March. Nos. 135 & 136. Tris dark hazel; bill dusky; legs and feet pinkish horn- coloured. {Only four examples of the Egyptian Nightjar were seen during the trip. ‘They were perched on a bare hillock on a plain, and when disturbed soared in the air, like a Kite, before settling again.—R. M. H.] 86. ScoToRNIS CLIMACURUS. Scotornis climacurus Vieill.; Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 596 (1892); Witherby, p. 261; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 22. Scotornis nigricans Salvad. Atti Soc. Ital. Sc. Nat. xi. p- 450 (1868). a,b. § 2. Jebel Ain, 11th Feb. Nos. 56, 57. c-g. $6 Qetimm. Kaka,17th April-7th May. Nos. 374, 375, 376, 430, 447 fT. Iris dark hazel; bill horn-coloured; legs and feet fleshy brown. Dr. Sharpe (cf. Hand-l. Birds, 11. p. 82) has resuscitated S. nigricans Salvad., which Mr. Hartert considers synonymous “with S. climacurus. The series collected by Mr. Hawker clearly shews that the former is merely a dark form of + Breeding. 430 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on S. climacurus, the male from Jebel Ain (No. 57) being intermediate in tint between the two types. [The Long-tailed Nightjar was the commonest of its kind on the White Nile. It was sometimes found in companies of from four to seven under bushes. I found several clutches of its eggs, which were not previously represented in the British Museum Collection.—R. M. H.] 87. Macrop1pTERYX MACRODIPTERUS. Macrodipteryx macrodipterus (Afzel.); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 812. a-d. 6G et gimm. Kaka, 3rd-7th May. Nos. 427- 429 & 446 +. Tris dark hazel; bill, legs, and feet dusky. [I met with the Standard-winged Nightjar on three occasions and procured one egg, which was laid on the bare ground near a game-path at Kaka.—R. M. H.|] 88. MELITTOPHAGUS PUSILLUS. Melittophagus pusillus P. L. 8. Miller; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. dls. , Merops pusillus Witherby, p. 262; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 23. | a. ¢o. Khartum, 23rd Jan. No. 1. b. @. Fashoda. 380th March. No. 247. c. &. Kaka, 29th April. No. 408. Iris crimson ; bill and legs black. [The Rufous-winged Bee-eater was seen in a garden at Khartum, and all along the river as far south as Fashoda.— R. M. H.] 89. MEROoPsS VIRIDIS. Merops viridis Linn.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 78 (1892). Merops viridissimus Swains.; Witherby, p. 262; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 23. : a,b. 6. Kaka, 8th-13th March. Nos. 124, 131. c. @. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th April. No. 303. {+ Breeding ; egg obtained. Birds from the White Nile. 431 d. 8. Kaka, 17th April. No. 373. e. 2imm. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 476. Tris crimson ; bill black; legs greyish black. _ As Mr. Witherby remarks, African examples of this Bee-eater have the throat green or yellowish green, whereas in the great majority of Indian specimens the throat is blue or bluish green. At the same time, he overlooks the fact that a number of Indian birds in the British Museum Collection from Sambhur, Ahmednuggur, Chittagong, and various other parts of India and Burmah have the throat yellowish green and are indistinguishable from African examples. I therefore prefer to follow Dr. Sharpe in the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ and to regard all of them as belonging to one species, M. viridis. [The Green Bee-eater was by no means common.— i. MM. H.| 90. MeERops PERSICUS. Merops persicus Pall.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvu. p- 66 (1892) ; Witherby, p. 263. a-e. ¢@ 2. Fashoda, 22nd March. Nos. 169-178. f,g- &. Kaka, 22nd April. Nos. 387, 388. Iris crimson; bill black; legs dusky. [I saw one flock of the Benin Bee-eater at Bebo and a ae of birds at Kaka.—R. M. H. | . MeRops ALBICOLLIS, cos albicollis Vieill.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p- 76 (1892). a-h. § 3. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 18th May. Nos. 500-507. Iris crimson ; bill black ; legs pale ochreous. [The lovely White-throated Bee-eater was not met with south of Goz-Abu-Gumar.—R. M. H.] 92. MEROoPS NUBICUS. Merops nubicus Gmel.; Grant, Ibis, 1901, p. 673. a-e. 6 2. Gebel Ain, llth Feb. Nos. 51-55. f. &. Renk, 12th May. No. 468. Iris crimson ; bill and legs black. [We met with the beautiful Crimson-breasted Bec-cater 4.32 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on on Abba Island. Ihad lighted some reeds to smoke out rats when a flock of these birds arrived to catch the insects which had been driven out by the fire. The species was only observed in flocks in a few localities. The cry is unlike that of the typical Bee-eater—R. M. H.] 93. *Upupa EPOPS. Upupa epops Linn.; Witherby, p. 268; Grant & Reid, p- 678; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 23. [The Hoopoe was distributed all along the river, but was not common.—R. M. H.] 94, IRRISOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. Irrisor erythrorhynchus Grant, Bull. B.O.C. xii. no. Ixxxiv. pp. 36, 37 (1901). a,b. 6 et dimm. Fashoda, 3lst March. Nos. = 258. c,d. 9. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 18th May. Nos. 510, 511. Tris hazel; bill and feet red. Mr. Hawker S specimens beens, to the true I. erythro- rhynchus (Lath.). [The Red-billed Wood-Hoopoe was generally found in flocks and made a great deal of noise.—R. M. H.] In the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ Salvin divided the forms of Irrisor with the head metallic green or purple into two species as follows :— 1. I. viridis. With the tail more or less purple. 2. I. erythrorhynchus. With the tail more or less ~ greenish blue. The colour of the tail cannot, lowes be relied on as a specific distinction. Salvin considered that the birds with black bills were merely the young of those with red bills. It is perfectly true that in the red-billed forms the young have the bill dusky, but there can be little doubt that the great majority of the specimens considered by him to be the young of I. erythrorhynchus represent distinct species. Young birds may be recognised by the buff feathers on the chin and throat. The whole group appears to be much in need of Birds from the White Nile. 433 revision, and I propose the following arrangement of the species in Salvin’s first section :— ; I. Head and throat metallic green, or black glossed with purplish; wings and tail with white spots. A. Bill scarlet in the-adult bird (dusky or partly _ dusky in the immature). a, Back metallic green. a’, Tail longer, 9°0-10-0 inches; white band on quills wider, 0‘9-1:1 inch in width .... J. erythrorhynchus. b'. Tail shorter, 7-0-8:0 inches; white band on quills narrower, 0°5 inch in width...... I. viridis. b. Back suoty black with a purplish-bronze gloss. I. damarensis. B. Bill black in the adult bird. c. Head, nape, and back glossed with metallic ereen and. purplish blue... .2...e0des<4+. I. melanorhynchus. d. Nape and back velvety black, slightly glossed with dull purplish blue ; crown of the head very similar, but with indistinct green bronze- eS OSE -srahies ain ete AN a og ole ei w. siete nla I. somaliensis. IJ. Head and throat buff or white; wings and tail TTT USES che, aig earn aaa ee ere ee I. jacksont, Ke. The synonymy of these different species should stand as follows :— (1) Inpison ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. Upupa erythrorhynchus Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 280 (1790). Promerops purpureus Shaw & Miller, Cimel. Phys. plese (1796). Irrisor erythrorhynchus Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p- 19 (1892) [part. spec. ff g, J, v, w]. [rrisor viridis Salvin (nec Licht.), Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 17 (1892) [part. spec. a-t, v, and o']. Hab.; West Arrica: Loando; Gold Coast. Norru-rast Araica: Darfur; Goz-Abu-Gumar, White Nile; Fashoda; mouth of Zeraf River. Equaroria, Arrica: Niam-Niam, Uganda, Lake Baringo. East Arrica: Mombasa, Dar-es- Salaam, Mamboio, Ugogo, Usambara, Nyasaland, Shiré River. Sourn-zast Arrica: Mashonaland, Matabeleland, Makalaka Country, Transvaal, Natal. + The localities given are those of the British Museum Collection. 434. Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on (2) Irrisor VIRIDIS. Upupe viridis A. A. H. Licht. Cat. Rer. Nat. Hamb. p. 22 (1793) [‘ Kaffir-land ’’]. Trrisor capensis Less. Traité d’Orn. p. 239 (1831). Trrisor viridis Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 17 (1892) [part. spec. w and w-c']. Hab. Soutra Arrica: Swaziland, Natal; Knysna, in Cape Colony. The Swaziland bird is somewhat intermediate between I. erythrorhynchus and I. viridis, having the wider white band across the quills of the former species, and the shorter tail of the latter. (3) InrisonR DAMARENSIS, sp. n. (Pl. X. fig. 1.) Irrisor viridis Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 17 (1892) [part. spec. d’—n’]. Adult. Crown, nape, back, breast, and sides sooty black, with a purplish-bronze gloss, the crown spangled with metallic green bronze-edged spots; chin and throat dark metallic green; white band across the primaries 0°9-1:1 inch wide ; bill red. Total length ca. 17-0 inches; culmen of ¢ 2:2, of 2? 1:7; wing 5'7-6°4; tail 9 6-10°3. Hab. Soutn-west Arrica: Damaraland. Hast Arrica: Kibwezi, Ngomeni, and Machakos, B. E. Africa. The birds from British East Africa have the white band across the quilis somewhat narrower than in typical Damara- land birds, but are otherwise identical. (4) IrRisoR MELANORHYNCHUS. Nectarinia melanorhynchus Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 15 (1823) [Senegal]. Failcinellus senegalensis Vieill. Ene. Méth. un. p. 580 (1823). Irrisor erythrorhynchus Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi, p. 19 (1892) [part. spec. a-e, h-k, and m-u]. ’ Hab. W. Arrica: Senegambia; also N.E. Arrica: Bogosland and Tigre, N. Abyssinia. I cannot distinguish the Abyssinian birds from West- African specimens, Birds from the White Nile. 4.35 (5) InrisoR somattensis, sp. n. (PI. X. fig. 2.) Adult. Top of the head blackish, with indistinct green bronze-edged spots; nape, back, and breast velvety black, slightly glossed with dull purplish blue; upper throat dark steel-blue, lower throat metallic green ; rest of under parts brownish black ; bill black. Total length ca. 17:0 inches ; culmen of ¢ 2°5, of 2 1:8; wing 5°5-6'1; tail 8:0-9°3. Hab. N.E. Arrica: Somaliland. 95. ScOPTELUS NOTATUS. Scoptelus notatus Salvin; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p- 22 (1892). a,b. 9. Fashoda, 26th Mar. & 2nd April. Nos. 190, 283. ce. fd. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 15th April. No. 861. The adulé male has the tips of the flight-feathers and the sides of the head, throat, and under parts purplish black. The adult female differs from the adult male in having the tips of the primaries brownish white and the sides of the face, chin, throat, and breast sooty brown. In the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ Salvin describes these differ- ences as due to age; but this is not the case, though it is true that the young male resembles the female. [The Straight-billed Wood-Hoopoe was plentifully distri- buted south of Jebel Ahmed-Agha. It was always seen in pairs.—R. M. H.] : 96. LoPpHocEROS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. Lophoceros erythrorhynchus (Temm.); Witherby, p. 263 ; Grant & Reid, p. 675. a-d. 62 e dP imm. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 6th-16th April. Nos. 292, 293, 320, 369. Ad. Iris hazel; bill reddish, lighter at base, a black streak on lower mandible ; legs black. > [The Red-billed Hornbill was fairly common, but very wild. I found it nesting inside a tree, but could not cut out the wood to see if there were any eggs.—R. M. H.] 97. CERYLE RUDIS. Ceryle rudis (Linn.) ; Witherby, p. 264; Grant & Reid, p. 676; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 24. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. 26 436 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a. ¢ imm. Kaka, 5th March. No. 109. b-d. S imm. et 2. Fashoda, 26th March. Nos. 184, 185, 200. Iris hazel ; bill and legs black. [The Pied Kingfisher is very common all along the Nile.-— R.M,. H.] . CoRYTHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA. ae ythornis cyanostigma (Riipp.); Grant & Reid, P- 677. a. &. Fashoda, 25th March. No. 179. b, SO . Yashoda; ist April. No. 275), c. 2. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 19th May. No. 518. Tris hazel; bill and legs vermilion. [The Malachite-crested Kingfisher is rather rare on the White Nile.—R. M. H.] 99. HaLcyon SEMICHRULEA. Halcyon semicerulea (Forskal) ; Grant & Reid, p. 677. a. g. Near Renk, 15th May. No. 472. b. 8. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 19th May. No. 513. Iris hazel; bill vermilion; legs dark red. [The African Grey-headed Kingfisher was generally to be seen in the scrub along the Nile. I never saw it fishing. It was very wild and not often observed.—R. M. H.] 100. Hatcyon CHELICUTENSIS. Halcyon chelicutensis (Stanl.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 678. a. 6. Fashoda, 29th March. No. 231. b,ct. 9. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 6th & 14th April. Nos. 296 & 358. d. @. Kaka, 23rd April. No. 396. Iris dark hazel; bill dull red, dusky at tip; legs purplish red in front of tarsus, chrome-red at back. [I generally found the Striped Kingfisher some way from water; it seems to feed chiefly on insects. It is fairly _common.—R. M. H.] 101. EKurystomus arer. Eurystomus afer (Lath.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 318. + Breeding. Birds from the White Nile. 437 a. 92. Renk, 12th May. No. 466, Tris hazel; bill yellow ; legs olivaceous. [I only saw the African Roller once.—R. M. H.] 102. CoracriAs ABYSSINICUS. Coracias abyssinicus Bodd.; Witherby, p. 262; Grant & Reid, p. 678; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 22. a-c. 6 et gd imm. Kaka, 24th-30th April. Nos. 404, 405, 412. d. ¢+. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 478. Iris hazel ; bill blackish, horn-coloured at base ; legs olivaceous. [The Abyssinian Roller was fairly common and was generally found in pairs. It was usually to be scen sitting on the top of a tree or perched upon a reed on the look out for insects.—R. M. H.] 108. PALMORNIS DOCILIS. Paleornis docilis Vieill.; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 447 (1891). a-k. 62 et @ 2 imm. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th—-19th May. Nos. 479, 481-484, 519-523. Iris pale straw-colour ; bill red, blackish at ne and on lower mandible; legs a feet grey. [The ican Ringed Parrakeet was very common about Abba Island, but I did not see it either to the north or the south of that locality.—R. M. H. | 104, Scops LEUCOTIS. Scops leucotis (Temm.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus, 1. p. 97 (1875) ; Witherby, p. 268. Pisorhina leucotis (Temm.); N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 27. a. g. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 473. Iris orange-yellow ; bill horn-coloured. [I only saw one specimen of the White-eared Scops Owl. It was sitting quite upright, on a high branch of a Mimosa nilotica and looked more like a dead stick than a bird.— R. M. HJ +t Breeding. wo Q o> 438 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 105. Buso LactEvs. Bubo lacteus (Temm.); Witherby, p. 269; Grant & Reid, p- 680. a,b. @Y. Kaka, 24th April. Nos. 402, 403. c,d. 6 9. Near Renk, 14th May. Nos. 574, 575. Tris dark hazel; bill and cere white; gape and orbits flesh- coloured ; feet whitish horn-coloured. [Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl was not very common. I saw it in pairs, but never found its nest.—R. M. H.]| 106. BusBo CINERASCENS. (Grey Phase.) Bubo cinerascens (Guérin) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii. p- 82 (1875). f a. g imm. 20miles N. of Fashoda, 22nd April. No. 883. b. No particulars. | Iris dark hazel; bill black, hghter on lower mandible, claws black. [The Grey Eagle-Owl was rather common. When once disturbed it was very difficult to get near it.again. I found several sets of young birds: some on the ground at the roots of trees, and others in the hollows formed by the branches and the tops of the trunks. One old bird attacked me and struck me several times on the helmet when I was climbing the-tree in which it had its brood. I also found young of this species in an old Kite’s nest.— R. M. H.] (Rufous Phase.) Bubo abyssinicus (Guérin) ; Sharpe, Ibis, 1898, p. 289 ; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. i1. p. 379 (1902). a. 9. Kaka, 21st April. No. 381. Iris brown; bill black ; cere horn-coloured ; feet dusky. [The rufous phase of the Grey Eagle-Owl was fairly common south of Jebel Ahmed-Agha, where two eggs were procured. They were not previously represented in the ' British Museum Collection.—R. M. H.] There can be little doubt that the B. cinerascens and B. abyssinicus of Guérin are merely phases of one species. For some unknown reason Dr. Reichenow [cf. Vog. Afr. i. Birds from the White Nile. 439 pt. ii. p. 661 (1901)] places the latter under the genus Asio ; though Dr. Sharpe has carefully pointed out that the bird is a true Budo, as is shewn by the shape of the oral orifice. 107. Srrix FLAMMEA. Striz flammea Linn.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. u. p. 291 (1875) ; Witherby, p. 268. Strix flammea maculata Brehm; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p- 26. a. &. Kaka, 24th April. No. 406. 6. g. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 480. Tris dark hazel; bill flesh- or horn-coloured. [The Barn-Owl was not at all common. I saw only four birds in all.. They were wild and difficult to get near.— Rk. M. H.] 108. *SERPENTARIUS SECRETARIUS. Serpentarius secretarius (Scop.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 45 (1874). [The Secretary-Bird was very rare, and I saw only three, one near Kaka and two near Renk. It was very wild and would not let me get within 300 yards of it. It soared to a great height.—R. M. H.] 109. *Gyps RUEPPELLI. Gyps rueppelli (Brehm) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.1. p. 9 (1874) ; Witherby, p. 270; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 28. [This large Vulture was common along the river south of Goz-Abu-Gumar. It always appeared when any large game was killed. The Black-and-White Crow was the first bird to arrive at such times, and was followed by Kites, Neophron monachus, Gyps rueppelli, and Otogyps auricularis, in order, while the Marabou Stork brought up the rear. | 110. *Ortocyrs AURICULARIS. Otogyps auricularis (Daud.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus, i, p. 13 (1874). [This Vulture was fairly common south of Jebel Ahmed- Agha. It was much shyer than the other Vultures and not so numerous as G. rueppelli.—R. M. H.]| 4.4.0 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 111. *NroPHRON PERCNOPTERUS. Neophron percnopterus (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 17 (1874) ; Witherby, p.271; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p20. [The Egyptian Vulture was common about Khartum, but was rarer further south.—R. M. H.] 112, *NEoPHRON MONACHUS. Neophron monachus (Temm.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ips 19 (1874), [This Vulture was very common south of Renk. It came round the camp and helped to clear away scraps of meat, while it was useful in cleaning up the skulls of the larger game.—R,. M. H.] : 113. CrRcUS HRUGINOSUS. Circus eruginosus (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 69 (1874); Grant, Ibis, 1901, p. 292. a. 2. Fashoda, 21st March, No. 158. Iris brown; bill, cere, and gape horn- coloured ; legs ona feet dirty vellow. [We found the Marsh-Harrier fairly common.—R. M. H.] 114. Mitvus meyverivs. Milvus egyptius (Gmel.); Witherby, p. 270; Grant & Reid, p. 681; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 28; Ouse Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. i. pp. 285, 378 (1902). a,b. 9. Kaka, 2nd March. No. 97. c. 2. Fashoda, 29th March. No. 234+. d. § pull. Fashoda, 2nd April. No. 289. e. Pull. Fashoda, 2nd April. No. 290. Adult. Iris hazel; bill, cere, gape, orbits, legs, and feet | yellow. Pull. Iris dark hazel ; bill Sa grey, ee at base; legs and feet yellowish wine [I found many Egyptian Kites peeediede near Fashoda. The nests were generally made of sticks, but I saw several made of reeds; we procured five sets of two eggs each. These Kites used to follow us when walking through the long }~ Breeding ; eggs taken. Birds from the White Nile. 441 grass, and dash down at the locusts which we disturbed. They were very useful, as they followed buffalos and other game, and so shewed the line which the animals were taking through the long grass. When they stopped the Kites left them; but directly they moved on the Kites would return and keep stooping at the locusts —R. M. H.] 115. Menrerax Potyzonus. Melieraz polyzonus (Riipp.) ; Witherby, p. 270; Grant & Reid, p. 682 ; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. ii. p. 377. a. 9. Jebel Auli, 4th Feb. No. 40. b. @. Kaka, 2nd March. No. 98. ce. g pull. Kaka, 22nd April. No. 384. Adult. Ivis dark hazel; cere and base of upper mandible coral-red; culmen and tip of lower mandible black ; legs and feet coral-red. Pull. Iris dark hazel ; bill blackish grey; cere, gape, and orbits yellowish; legs and feet yellowish flesh-coloured. [The Many-banded Goshawk was very common. I took two nests with eggs. One of them was evidently the old structure of some other bird; the second was loosely con- structed of sticks and placed on the horizontal branch of a mimosa. The eggs of this species are new to the British Museum Collection.—R. M. H. | | 116. Murierax GABAR. Melierax gabar (Daud.); Grant & Reid, p. 682; N. C. Roths, & Wollast. p. 28. a. d. Kaka, 24th April. No. 401. b. &. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 16th May. No. 474. Tris hazel; bill black; gape, cere, orbits, legs, and feet red. [The Red-faced Goshawk was only seen on three occasions. —R. M. H.] 3 117. LopHoakTusS OCCIPITALIS. _ Lophoaéius occipitalis (Daud.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 321 ; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. 1. p. 274 (1902). @.0. § 2. Pashoda, 21st'Mareb.. Noss 155,156 4. +t A pair breeding; eggs taken. 442 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant ox Iris orange-yellow ; bill black, slaty grey at base; cere and orbit greenish dusky ; legs and feet pale yellow. [I saw the Black-crested Eagle fairly often. It was generally sitting at the top of a tree on the look out, and was rather hard to shoot. At other times it might be seen soaring fairly high. I found two nests with two eggs in each ; they were placed in trees and were rather small structures of sticks, lined with a few leaves, the eggs being covered with some greener leaves. The eggs of this species are new to the British Museum Collection.—R. M. H.] 118. BurasTUR RUFIPENNIS. Butastur rufipennis (Sund.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 320; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. ii. p. 378 (1902). ; a. &. Fashoda. 25th March. No. 177. b. 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda. 8th April. No. 308. c. 2. 20miles N. of Fashoda. 10th April. No. 310. Tris golden yellow; bill yellow at base, bluish grey at tip; legs and feet yellow. [The Red-winged Goshawk was fairly common south of Jebel Ahmed-Agha. It was generally seen sitting on a stick or reed on the flats near the river. Now and then it would dash at some insect or lizard on the ground and then return toits perch. It also, when hunting, soared in smallish circles. When above the observer the reddish-brown colour was very conspicuous. It makes a very small stick-nest lined ~ with a few leaves, measuring about a foot across. The eggs are from one to three in number. The eggs of this species were not previously represented in the British Museum Collection.—R. M. H. | 119. *HELOTARSUS ECAUDATUS. Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i, p. 800 (1874) ; Witherby, p. 270; Grant, Ibis, 1901, p. 294; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 29. Helotarsus leuconotus Rupp.; Sharpe, 1. c. p. 801 (1874). [I only saw the Bateleur Eagle on three occasions—once at Kowa, once near Kaka, and again near Fashoda.—R. M. H.] Birds from the White Nile. 443 ~ 120. HaLraEtus VocrFEr. Haliaétus vocifer (Daud.) ; Witherby, p. 270; Grant & Reid, p. 682. a. S$. Hd-Duem. 23rd May. No. 568. Iris light brown, mottled with dark brown; cere and orbits yellow; legs and feet flesh-coloured. [The Vociferous Sea-Eagle was seen the whole way along the Nile and on the khors inland. I observed it several times feeding on fish that had died and had been washed ashore.—R. M. H.] 121. Fatco FELpEGGI. Falco feldeggit Schl.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 389 (1874); Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. ii. pp. 299,378 (1902). a. 2. Fashoda, 21st March. No. 157. Tris hazel; bill dark slate-grey, yellowish at base; cere and orbits ochreous ; legs and feet yellow. [We found the Lanner Falcon fairly common, and obtained a clutch of four eggs at Fashoda.—R. M. H. | 122. FAaLco RUFICOLLIS. Falco ruficolis Swains.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p- 404 (1874); Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. iu. p. 378 (1902). | a. 9. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 8th April. No. 309. b. g. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 13th April. No. 343. é. [2] +. 20 miles N. of Fashoda. 16th April. No. 368. d. 3. Kaka, 2nd May. No. 426. a & c. Iris dark hazel; bill bluish black, yellow at base; cere and orbits yellow; legs and feet gamboge-yellow. b&d. Iris hazel; bill blue-black, ochreous yellow at base ; legs and feet gamboge-yellow. [This pretty little Red-headed Falcon was fairly common -near Fashoda. I found three young and an addled egg in an old Kite’s nest. The egg of this species is new to the British Museum Collection.—R. M. H.] + Obviously a female. 44, Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant oz 123. CERCHNEIS TINNUNCULUS. Cerchneis tinnunculus (Linn.); Grant & Reid, p. 683. a. 9. Wad Shali, 5th Feb. ‘No. 41. b. 6. Jebel Ain Lith wep?) Naxos: Tris hazel; bill bluish slate-coloured ; legs and feet ochreous yellow. [I saw large flocks of the Kestrel in February near Ed-Duem soaring high over the river. Further south it was very rarely met with—R. M. H.] 124, PHALACROCORAX AFRICANUS. Phalacrocorax africanus (Gmel.) ; Witherby, p. 273; Grant & Reid, p. 683; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. a,b. 2. EHd-Duem, 20th May. Nos. 532, 538. : Iris light red; bill and bare skin yellow, dusky on culmen ; legs and feet black. These two examples of the Little African Shag are in winter plumage. 125, *PLoTUS RUFUS. Plotus rufus Lacép.; Grant & Reid, p. 683. [Darters were common all along the river.—R. M. H.] 126. *PELECANUS ONOCROTALUS. | Pelecanus onocrotalus Linn.; Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. XXxvi. p. 462 (1898); Witherby, p. 273; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. [Pelicans were common. ‘They came to roost on some of the khors in thousands, and flew off in the morning just after sunrise to their fishing-grounds,—R. M. H.] 127. *PH@NICOPTERUS ROSEUS. Phenicopterus roseus Pall.; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Xxvii. p. 12 (1895) ; Witherby, p. 274. [I observed Flamingoes only on two occasions near Kaka, —R. M. H.] 128. *PLECTROPTERUS RUEPPELLI. Plectropterus rueppelli Scl.; Witherby, p. 275; Grant & Reid, p. 683. [The Spur-winged Goose was very common. Its flesh was coarse and had an extremely unpleasant flavour.—R. M. H.] Birds from the White Nile. 4A5 129. SarcrpIORNIS MELANONOTA. Sarcidiornis melanonota (Penn.); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 54 (1895). a,b. 8 @. Fashoda, 26th-8lst March. Nos. 214 & 269. Iris hazel; bill black; legs and feet greyish black. [The Black-backed or Comb Goose was fairly common and proved good eating.—R. M. H.] 180. CHENALOPEX AGYPTIACA. Chenalopex egyptiaca Linn. ; Witherby, p. 274; Grant & Reid, p. 684; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 31. a,b. 6 2. Hd-Duem, 23rd May. Nos. 570, 571. Iris golden yellow; bill flesh-coloured, margined with pinkish brown; nail and knob dusky; legs and feet flesh- coloured. [The Egyptian Goose was very common all along the river. I found it in full moult in February, and also saw goslings of all sizes—R. M. H.] 131. DenpRocycna VIDUATA. Dendrocycna viduata Linn.; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 145 (1895) ; Witherby, p. 275. a-g. d@ ad. et imm. Kaka, 23rd Feb.—15th March. Nos. 68-70, 73, 122, 123, 1388. ? h. 6. Fashoda, 29th March. No. 241. i. 6. Jebel Auli, 25th May. Tris hazel; bill blackish, bluish on the band across the tip and bluish round the nasal openings ; legs and feet bluish grey, lead-coloured on the webs. [The White-faced Tree-Duck was very common all along the river and on the khors. It is very good eating.— R. M. H.] 182. *DaFILa ACUTA. Dafila acuta (Linn.); Witherby, p. 275; N.C. Roths. & ~ Wollast. p. 31. | [The Pintail Duck was fairly common as far south as El- Kawa. I shot one at the end of May near Ed-Duem.— 4.46 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 133. *SPaTULA CLYPEATA. Spatula clypeata (Linn.); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 324. [The Shoveller was common. I saw very large flocks on a khor west of Fashoda in April.—R. M. H.] 134, *NETTION CRECCA. Nettion crecca (Linn.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 323; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 31. [I shot several Teal near Fashoda in May.—R. M. H.| 135. QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA. Querquedula circia Linn.; Grant & Reid, p. 685. a. &. Fashoda, 25th March. No. 176. Tris hazel ; bill, legs, and feet dusky. [The Garganey was very common.—R. M. H.| 1386. Scopus UMBRETTA. Scopus umbretta (Gmel.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 685. a. d. Kaka, 5th May. No. 435. Iris hazel; bill, legs, and feet black. [I observed only a few Hammer-heads. _ They were generally seen feeding along the khors.—R. M. H.] 137. ABDIMIA ABDIMII. Abdimia abdimii (Licht.); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 826; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. i. p. 375 (1902). a. @. Fashoda, 8lst March. No. 266. Iris hazel; bill greenish, reddish at tip ; cheeks dark blue ; bare skin round eye red ; throat red; legs olivaceous, feet and knee-joints pink. [The White-bellied Stork is common from Fashoda to Khartum. I took three eggs out of a nest which was built in a tree in the middle of a Shilluk village. The eggs of this bird were not previously represented in the British Museum Collection.—R. M. H.] 7 138. DissuRA EPISCOPUS. Dissura episcopus (Bodd.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 3826. a. 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 16th April. No. 367. Iris hazel ; bill blackish red, darker along crest of culmen ; bare skin on head dark blue ; legs greyish black. Birds from the White Nile. 447 _ [We did not find the White-necked Stork very common. It was generally seen feeding on newly burnt ground.— Rh. M. H.] 139. *CIcONIA ALBA. Ciconia ciconia (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 299 (1898). Ciconia alba Witherby, p. 272; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 29. [White Storks were plentiful on our way up the river from Omdurman to Abba Island, but were not observed on our return at the end of May.—R. M. H.j 140. *Ciconra NIGRA. Ciconia nigra Bechst.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p- 803 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 272; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. Dp: 29. [I noticed the Black Stork in February between Kd- Duem and Omdurman.—R. M. H.] 141, ANASTOMUS LAMELLIGERUS. Anastomus lamelligerus Temm.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 808 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 273 ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. a. 6. Ed-Duem, 23rd May. No. 569. Iris brown, with a golden ring round the pupil ; bill dusky, reddish at base; legs and feet black. [We found the Open-billed Stork common along the river. It was breeding in April near Fashoda.—R. M. H.] 142. HPHIPPIORHYNCHUS SENEGALENSIS. Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis (Shaw); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 312. a, b. Ad. (heads only). Kaka, 15th March. No. 169. [The Senegal Jabiru, or Saddle-billed Stork, was not com- mon, and was generally found in pairs feeding on frogs in the swamps. I procured two specimens, but both skins were destroyed by beetles. It was not observed north of Jebel Ahmed-Agha.—R. M. H.] 448 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 143. *LEPTOPTILUS CRUMENIFERUS. Leptoptilus crumeniferus (Cuv.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 319 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 273; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. ‘ [The Adjutant-Bird, or Marabou Stork, was common. It seemed to be able to get its food either on land or from the water. It followed in the wake of fires to feed on the scorched insects and reptiles. It attended the death of any animal, and I also once saw it standing in a swamp on the look out for fishes and frogs.—R. M. H.]} 144. PsEUDOTANTALUS IBIS. Pseudotantalus ibis (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Kxvi. p. 327 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 273. a. &. Fashoda, 3lst March. No. 267. Tris greyish ; bill ochreous; cheeks light red ; legs red at upper end of tibia, shading into pink on the tarsus and feet. The male brought home by Mr. Hawker—apparently a fully adult bird—has all the freshly-moulted upper wing- coverts uniform white tinged with rose, while only a few hidden feathers of the greater upper wing-coverts, scapulars, and tail-coverts—all in worn condition—shew the lake bars characteristic of what has generally been recognised as the adult plumage. Jam of opinion that further investigation will prove that the African Wood-Ibis has distinct winter and summer plumages. In the former all the upper wing-coverts, &c. are barred with lake; in the latter these parts are uniform white, tinged with rose, as in the bird from Fashoda. To satisfactorily settle this interesting point (which, so far as I am aware, has never previously been suggested), it would be necessary to examine a few adult birds shot in different months of the year and properly labelled. Mr. Hawker’s bird is the only specimen in the British Museum with a label bearing the date and other particulars. It is to be hoped that collectors in Africa will look more closely into this matter. [I saw the Wood-Ibis in flocks, generally feeding in places which had just been burnt.—R. M. H.] Birds from the White Nile. 449 - 145. Isis @THIOPICA. Ibis ethiopica (Lath.) ; Witherby, p. 271; Grant & Reid, p. 686. a. d. Hl-Kawa, 19th May. No. 526. Iris hazel; bill, legs, and feet black. [The Sacred Ibis was fairly common,—R. M. H.] 146. PLrcGapis FALCINELLUS. Plegadis falcinellus (Linn.) ; Witherby, p. 271 ; Grant & Reid, p. 686. a,b. g. Jebel Ain, llth February. Nos. 49, 50. Iris dark hazel ; bill, legs, and feet black. [The Glossy Ibis was distributed all along the river, but was not very plentiful—R. M. H.] 147. HacEDASHIA HAGEDASH. Hagedashia hagedash (Uath.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 325 ; Witherby, p. 271. a. d. Kawa,19th May. No. 527. Tris hazel, with an outer ring of pearly white ; bill black, vinaceous on the culmen ; legs and feet black, red on the upper surface of the toes. ' (The Hadadah Ibis was common along the river. When disturbed it makes a great noise, which sounds like “ Wha- ha-ha.” At night it roosts in trees in company with Egrets and Herons.—R. M. H.| 148. PLATALEA LEUCORODIA. Platalea leucorodia (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 44 (1898) ; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. a. Imm. Ed-Duem, 25th May. An immature specimen of the Spoonbill, with the two outer primary-quills largely brownish black, the third, fourth, and eighth to tenth quills tipped with the same colour, and all with dark shafts. 149, PLATALEA ALBA. | Platalea alba Scop. ; Witherby, p. 271; Grant & Reid, p- 686. a,b. 9. Ed-Duem, 25th May. Nos. 572 & 578. 450 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on These two fine adult females of the African Spoonbill have the iris pearly white, the bill blue-grey clouded with pink and margined with a pink border crenulated on the imner edge, the bare skin on the face and throat pink, darker on the fore- head, and the legs and feet whitish pink. 150. *ARDEA PURPUREA. Phoyx purpurea (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p- 60 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 272. [The Purple Heron was fairly common.—R. M. H.] 151. ARDEA GOLIATH. Ardea goliath Cretzschm. ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. XXvi. p. 66 (1898). a. 6. Kaka, 7th May. No. 459. Iris yellow; bill dusky, paler below; legs and feet greyish black. [The Giant Heron was very common, and was always observed singly. It may sometimes be seen standing in a curious attitude with the tips of its wings crossed in front of its feet.—R. M. H.] . ARDEA MELANOCEPHALA. - Ben melanocephala Vig. & Childr.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 820. a. 6. Kaka, 8th March. No. 121. b. &. Fashoda, 30th March. No. 254. Iris straw-coloured ; bill dark greyish black, lighter at the base and on the under mandible; bare skin below the eyes. with a greenish tint, yellowish from eye to nostril ; legs black, with a faint vinaceous tint on the back of the tarsus. [The Great Black-headed Heron was fairly common and generally solitary in its habits. The stomach of No. 254. contained two rats, remains of aera oe a parasitic worm.—R. M. H.] 158. *ARDEA CINEREA. Ardea cinerea Linn.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 74 (1898) ; Witherby, Dp. 272. [The Common Heron was plentiful along the khors.— R. M. .] Birds from the White Nile. 451 154. MrsopHoyx BRACHYRHYNCHA. Mesophoyx brachyrhyncha (Brehm) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 87 (1898); Grant, Ibis, 1901, p. 295. a. 9. Fashoda, 3lst March. No. 265. Tris yellow ; bill yellow ; bare skin in front of eyes pale green ; legs and feet black. _ This female is perhaps not fully adult, the ornamental plumes of the back measuring only about nine inches (in the adult male they attain twice that length), and the bare portions of the tibio-tarsi being black, with merely indications of yellowish where the feathering begins. [The Short-billed Egret is fairly conmon.—R. M. H.] 155. Heropias ALBA. Herodias alba (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p- 90 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 272; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 29. : Gg. Kaka, 5th Mareh.- No. 111. 6. Sg. El-Kawa, 19th May. No. 528. Of these two examples of the Great White Egret one spec. a) is in full breeding-dress, with the dorsal plumes fully developed, the other (spec. 6) in somewhat worn con- dition, many of the long plumes having already been cast. Both have the iris pale straw-coloured, the bill ochreous yellow, the bare skin round the eyes pale green, and the legs and feet black. According to the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ (xxvi. p- 92), the bill is black in the breeding-plumage, yellow in winter. 156. Nycricorax NYCTICORAX. | Nycticorax nycticorax (Linn.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 687. Nycticorax griseus (Linn.); N. C. Roths. & Wollast. De 29) a. 9? imm. Fashoda, 30th March. No, 253. Iris yellow; bill dusky, greenish at base ; bare skin in front of eyes green; legs and feet green. [I saw several colonies of the Night-Heron, and found the birds very shy.—R. M. H.] SER, VIII.—VOL, II. 2H 452 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 157. ARDEOLA RALLOIDES. Ardeola ralloides (Scop.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 202 (1898). Herodias rallotdes (Scop.) ; Witherby, p. 271. a.. 9. Fashoda, 21st Mareh.. (Noy 152. A female Squacco Heron has the iris pale straw-coloured, the bill greyish yellow, the legs and feet olivaceous, the hinder part of the metatarsus and the soles of the feet yellow. 158. BuBuxcus Lucipvus. Bubulcus lucidus (Raf.); Grant & Reid, p. 687; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 29. Herodias bubulcus (Aud.) ; Witherby, p. 272. a-c. 2? et ¢ imm. Kawa, 20th May. Nos. 529-531. Iris yellow ; bill and toes yellow; tibiz greenish-yellow, shading into dusky on the lower part of the tarsi and feet. [I saw the Buff-backed Heron insmall flocks. It is fairly common along the river.—R. M. H.] 159. *ARDETTA MINUTA. Ardetta minuta (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p- 222 (1898) ; Witherby, p. 272. [The Little Bittern was not common south of El- gS J saw one pair near Kaka.—R. M. H.] 160. *GRUS GRUS. Grus grus (Linn.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1901, p. 295. Grus cinerea Bechst.; Witherby, p. 277. [Cranes were common in February between Ed-Duem and El-Kawa; but I saw none on my return in May.— R: M: Hj 161. BALEARICA PAVONINA. Balearica pavonina (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Kxill. p. 272 (1894) ; Witherby, p. 276. a,b. 6 @. Fashoda, 22nd March. Nos. 174 & 175. [This Crowned Crane was very numerous. It roosts in ’ pairs, and, though generally one of the Jast birds to retire, starts off forits feeding-grounds just before dawn. It has a very aggravating cry, which sounds something like “go wack.”—R. M. H.] TT SILO C Nts iabes! Bead ine) ake Birds from the White Nile. 453 162. Eupoporis Kort. Eupodotis kort Burch. ; Grant & Reid, p. 688. @ 2. Kenk, 9th Mays No. 460. Iris hazel; bill greyish ; legs and feet greyish white. [The Kori Bustard was very wild and not very plentiful.— fie ME. HY.) 163. LissoTis HARTLAUBI. : Lissotis hartlaubi (Heugl.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. X xii. p. 307 (1894). 4,6. @ 9. Fashoda, 21st March. Nos. 158 & 159. c. Pull. Kaka, 8th May. No. 448. Iris hazel; bill horn-coloured, darker along the culmen ; legs and feet greyish white. [I saw Hartlaub’s Bustard in pairs. It was evidently breeding, as I found two very young birds of this species. —R. M. H.] _ The British Museum contains examples from the follow- ing localities :—Somaliland (Hawker); Fashoda (Hawker) ; Kilimanjaro (Hunter & Kenrick) ; Machakos (Hinde) ; South Africa (Mitchell). Hab. Somaliland to the Valley of the White Nile, ranging southward to British East Africa, and possibly to South Africa. 164. Lissotis tovati. (Plate XI.) Lissotis lovati Grant; Grant & Reid, p. 688. a,b. 62. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 16th April. Nos. 370, 371. Iris hazel ; bill horn-coloured, darker along ue culmen ; legs and Feet greyish white. [I found Lovat’s Bustard and L. hartlauéi in the same district. They were not numerous and were seen in pairs. — Rey 7 _ Dr. Reichenow (Vog. Afr. i. pt. 1, p. 257) has united the present species with L. melanogaster Riipp. We have now a series of thirteen specimens of L. lovati, and there can be no doubt that it is a perfectly well- 2H 2 ~ ms) os) Toon | Cal 3s > \ “if AN ) N ord = a ~. S x ho) eS © aa N S oa I a 454: a anes uy\ 29920) SUZOSSUT JO SUT AA yy] lay Me 455 Birds from the White Nile. ? PROS sf We, 4 + SOON \e &. 4b \( PN y yew Me Ext): A i.) ‘Logsphounjoue suossvT Jo Sut \\ ie aaa | = oe 456 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on characterized species, quite distinct from L. melanogaster, of which we have now eighteen specimens. In the adult male of L. lovati (fig. 10, p. 454) the primaries (except the first long flight-feathers) are mostly white, the outer quills being tipped with black, while two or three of the innermost are pure white at the tips. The secondaries have the basal three-fourths or three-fifths of the outer web pure white, while the greater secondary upper wing-coverts are Similarly coloured, producing a uniform white band across the wing when closed. The young male of L. lovati has the primary-quills less white than those of the adult, while the outer webs of the secondaries have the basal three-fifths white widely barred with black. In the adult male of L. melanogaster (fig. 11, p. 455) the predominating colour of the primaries is black, the inner webs of the quills being largely marked with white on the basal two-thirds. The secondaries are black, with one, or sometimes two, moderately wide bars or spots of white across the middle of the outer web; and the greater secondary upper wing-coverts are transversely marked with “~-shaped black bars. The young male of L. melanogaster has the primary- -quills whiter than those of the adult, and the white bars on the black outer webs of the secondaries somewhat wider, more irregular, and mottled with buff. The geographical distribution of the two species is, more- over, quite distinct. The British Museum contains examples from the following localities :— Lissotis lovati. Abyssinia (Riippell) ; Bilo (Blundell & Lovat), Sequala and Aila, S. Abyssinia (Pease) ; . of Fashoda (Hawker); Bahr- -el-Ghazal (Flower) ; Redjaf (Emin); Lake Nakuru (Ansorge) and Kitwi, B. E. Africa (Crawshay). Hab. Abyssinia, westward to the Valley of the White Nile, south to Equatorial Africa, and ranging thence to British East Africa. Birds from the White Nile. 457 Lissotis melanogaster. British East Africa, Ravine, Mau (Johnston) ; Machakos (Hinde); Nyasaland (White); Mozambique (Churchill) ; Transvaal (Ayres) ; Durban (Gordge) ; Ambriz (Monteiro) ; Accra (Buckley, Shelley, Smith, Ussher). Hab. British East Africa to South Africa, and thence aouel wards on the West Coast to Angola, the Gold Coast, and Senegambia. 165. GipicNEMUS SENEGALENSIS. Cidicnemus senegalensis Swains.; Graut, Ibis, 1900, p. 327 ; Witherby, p. 277; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 32 ; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. 11. pp. 82, 363 (1902). a. 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 19th March. No. 150. 6. 3. Near Renk, 13th May. No. 471. Iris dark straw-coloured or yellow, granulated or veined with black on the outer edge ; orbits yellow ; bill black, greenish yellow at the base ; legs and feet greenish grey or pale green. [The Senegal Thick-knee was not a very common bird. We obtained a clutch of two eggs about 20 miles to the north of Fashoda.—R. M. H. | 166. PLUVIANUS HGYPTIUS. Pluvianus egyptius (Linn.) ; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 327; Witherby, p. 278; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 33 ; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. u. pp. 74, 361 (1902). a. Y. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 19th March. No. 145. ae. g 2: Fashoda, 3lst March. Nos. 259, 260. Tris dark hazel; bill black; legs and feet blue. [The Crocodile-bird was nowhere very numerous, but we managed to obtain a clutch of eggs. I had searched one small islet without finding any sign of them, and was engaged in searching another, when Mr. Cheetham called to me that he had found the eggs on the first islet. He had watched the birds through a glass from some distance after ‘I had left, and had seen one of them scratch away the sand and sit down. He went to the place and found three eggs under the sand, the bird having again covered them before he got to the spot.—R. M. H.] 458 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 167. GLAREOLA PRATINCOLA. Glareola pratincoia (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 53 (1896) ; Witherby, p. 278. a-d. 6 2. Kaka, 8rd March. Nos. 101, 103-105. Iris hazel; bill black, crimson at gape; legs and feet black. [The Pratincole was fairly common, and generally seen in huge flocks on the islets of the White Nile. These flocks have a curious habit of rising and going through evolutions in the air, mounting up to a great height in a spiral. When I first saw one of these living spirals I thought that it was a “dust-devil ” gone up to a great height, until I looked at it through a telescope. After the spiral manceuvre, the birds split up into several flocks and separate in different directions, eventually settling once more on an islet in the river.— R. M. H.] 168. PHYLLOPEZUS AFRICANUS. Phyllopezus africanus (Gmel.); Grant & Reid, p. 689. a. Ad. Kaka, 28th Feb. No. 79. b-d. Get 2 imm. 20 miles N. of Pee 19th Mar.-— 6th Apr. Nos. 142, 148, & 300. Iris hazel; bill bluish grey on frontal plate, bluer on actual bill, and shading into dusky at the tip; legs and feet olive- brown. [This Jacana was common along the banks of the river and the khors south of Abba Island.—R. M. H.] Referring to the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ (xxiv. p. 68), I find that some error has crept im there, for the characters ascribed to Phyllopezus are not applicable either to P. africanus or P. albinucha, both of which possess a large flat shield attached posteriorly to the crown. 169. Microparra CAPENSIS. _ Microparra capensis (Smith) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Xxlv. p. 89 (1896). a. 6 1mm. Fashoda, 31st March. No. 263. Iris brown; bill olivaceous, darker at the tip; legs and feet olivaceous. An immature bird with the crown of the head dull brown, Birds from the White Nile. 459 the rump blackish brown, and the tail white barred with black and slightly marked with chestnut. The occurrence of this species at Fashoda extends its known range a long way to the north. Previously it had not been found further in that direction than Lake Naivasha in British East Africa. [I only saw a single specimen of this little Jacana. It rose out of a khor along with several individuals of the larger African species.—R. M. H.]| 170. LosivaNELLUS SENEGALLUS. Lobivanellus senegallus Linn.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 328. a,b. 3. Fashoda, 29th March. Nos. 236, 237. Iris yellow, granulated and veined with black; wattles bright yellow, red at the upper extremity; bill ochreous, black at tip; legs and feet ashen green. The Senegal Wattled Lapwing was not procured either by Mr. Witherby or by Messrs. Rothschild and Wollaston. 171. Hoptoprerus sPrnosus. Hoplopierus spinosus (Linn.); Witherby, p. 277; Grant & Reid, p. 690; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 32; Oates, Cat. Kees Brit. Mus. 11. pp. 12, 345 (1902). a,b. &. Kaka, 25th Feb. & 5th March. Nos. 72 & 106. Iris crimson ; bill, legs, and feet black. [The Egyptian Spur-winged Plover was common.-— it. M. 172. CHEPTUSIA LEUCURA. Eurypterus leucurus (Licht.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 171 (1896). Euhyas leucura (Licht.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. pp. x, 736 (1896). : a—e. 9. Omdurman, 2nd Feb. Nos. 25-29. Iris light brown; bill black; legs and feet gamboge-yellow. _ It should be noted that the White-tailed Plover has the front of the metatarsus covered with transverse scales, and should therefore come under the heading Lodivanelline (cf. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p, 90). I do not, however, believe that the scaling of the tarsus is of much value as a subfamily character. 460 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 173. OcHTHODROMUS ASIATICUS. Ochthodromus asiaticus (Pall.) ; Witherby, p. 277; Grant & Reid, p. 691. a,6..6 291mm. Khartum, 23rd & 25th Jan. ~Nos/2@ Iris dark hazel; bill black; legs and feet olivaceous or ochreous. wo specimens of the Caspian Sand-Plover in immature plumage were procured. 174, AMGIALITIS HIATICOLA. gialitis hiaticola (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. XXlv. p. 256 (1896). Mgialitis hiaticula (Linn.) ; Witherby, p. 277. a. 9. Fashoda, 21st March. No. 154. A Ringed Plover in winter plumage has the iris brown, the bill black, yellow at the base, the legs and feet orange. 175. ANGIaLiITIs DUBIA. Aigialitis dubia Scop.; Grant & Reid, p. 692. a,b. @ 2. Fashoda, 29th March. Nos. 230 & 242. Iris dark hazel; bill black, ochreous at base in the female ; legs and feet ochreous yellow. A pair of Little Ringed Plovers were in full breeding- plumage on the 29th of March. 176. AEGIALITIS PECUARIA. i gialitis pecuaria (Temm.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. XXiv. p. 297 (1896). a-c. 6. Kaka, 8th March. Nos. 117-119. ’ Iris dark hazel; bill black; legs and feet ochreous yellow. Of the three males of Kittlitz’s Sand-Plover shot at Kaka, two have the wing-measurement 3°8 inches, and all the primary-quills partially white-shafted except the third ; the third specimen has the wing 4°05 inches in length, and only the first primary-quill white-shafted. The last agrees with the birds from Cape Colony noted by Dr. Sharpe (op. cit. p. 299). This difference may be due to age. 177. HIMANTOPUS HIMANTOPUS. Himantopus himantopus Linn.; Grant & Reid, p. 691. Himantopus candidus Boun.; Witherby, p. 277. Birds from the White Nile. 461 a,b. &. Kaka, 25th Feb. & 8th March. Nos. 71 & 116. Iris black, with narrow scarlet border; bill black; legs and feet bright pink. These males of the Black-winged Stilt, with the hinder part of the crown, feathers surrounding the eye, and ear-coverts blackish grey, are apparently fully adult birds in winter plumage. 178. RecurviIrosTRA AVOCETTA. \ Recurvirostra avocetta Linn.; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. XXlv. p. 326 (1896). a. 9 vixad. Fashoda, 22nd March. No. 167. A nearly adult Avocet has the iris hazel, the bill black, the legs bluish grey, and the feet ochreous. 179. Numenivus arquata. Numenius arquata (Linn.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 841 (1896) ; Witherby, p. 277. a. 9. Hd-Duem, 2lst May. No. 534. Iris hazel; bill black, lighter at the base of the lower mandible ; legs and feet slaty blue. This female Curlew has an abnormally long bill, measuring 6°8 inches. 180. Limosa Lrmosa. Limosa limosa (Linn.); Grant & Reid, p. 691. Limosa belgica (Gmel.); Witherby, p. 277. fae Khartum, 26th Jan; No. 23. b. 2. Fashoda, 31st March. No. 268. ce. 9. Hd-Duem, 23rd May. No. 567. Tris hazel ; bill flesh-coloured, Lisson or blackish at the tip; legs and i black. Though these three Black-tailed Godwits are all marked as females, 1 am inclined to think that specimens 6 and c may have been wrongly determined. In both of these the bill mea- sures about 3°8 inches, while in specimen a it measures 4:°7. 181. TotaNnus CALIDRIS. Totanus calidris (Linn.); Witherby, p. 277; Grant & Reid, p. 693. a. 6. Ed-Duem, 23rd May.: No. 562. 462 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on An immature male Redshank in very worn plumage has the iris hazel, the bill dusky, paler below, and the legs and feet red. 182. Toranus STAGNATILIS. Totanus stagnatilis Bechst.; Grant & Reid, p. 693. a-c. 6 9. Kaka, 8th March. Nos. 113-115. d,e. 6 2. Fashoda, 26th & 80th March. Nos. 188 & 256. Iris dark hazel; bill black; legs and feet pale olivaceous. The Marsh-Sandpipers are in various stages of summer plumage, those shot at the end of March having practically completed the change. 183. HELODROMAS OCHROPUS. Helodromas ochropus (Temm.); Grant & Reid, p. 692. a. @. Fashoda, 29th March. No. 235. A Green Sandpiper in breeding-plumage has the iris a the bill black, and the legs and feet olivaceous. 184. TRINGOIDES HYPOLEUCUS. Tringoides hypoleucus (Linn.); Grant & Reid, p. 692. a. 9 vixad. Kaka, 5th March. No. 110. A nearly adult Common Sandpiper has the iris hazel, the bill black, lighter at the base of the lower mandible, and the legs and feet olivaceous. 185. GLoTTis NEBULARIUS. Glottis nebularius (Gunn.); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 328. a. 6. Kaka, 3rd March. No. 100. A Gyreenshank in winter plumage has the iris hazel, the bill black, brownish at the base of the lower mandible, and the legs and feet ashen green. 186. PavoncELLA PUGNAX. Pavoncella pugnax (Linn.); Grant & Reid, p. 693. Machetes pugnax (Linn.); Witherby, p. 277. a-g. 6 2. Khartum, 24th-25th Jan. Nos. 2,3, 4,5, &8. h. @. Jebel Ahmed-Agha, 19th Feb. No. 59. Iris dark hazel; bill black, dark flesh-coloured at the base in the males; legs and feet orange-yellow. Two Ruffs, specimens ¢ (No. 4) and d (No. 5), killed on Birds from the White Nile. 463 24th Jan., are remarkable: the former has the entire head and neck pure white, the latter has a white ring round the neck. Whether these birds are partial albinos in their ordinary winter plumage or males of the white type beginning to assume their summer plumage seems uncertain, but I am inclined to believe the former suggestion to be correct. . 187. Trinea MINUTA. Tringa minuta Leis|.; Witherby, p. 277. a. 9%. Khartum, 26th January. No. 22. b,c. 9. Omdurman, 2nd Feb. Nos. 30 & 31. Iris dark hazel; legs and feet black. The Little Stints are all im full winter plumage. 188. TRINGA SUBARQUATA. Tringa subarquata (Gild.); Grant & Reid, p. 693. a,b. @ 2. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 19th May. Nos. 515 & 516. Iris hazel; bill and legs black. A pair of Curlew-Sandpipers are in full breeding-plumage. 189. *GALLINAGO GALLINULA. ~ Gallinago gallinula, Grant & Reid, p. 693. [I shot a Jack-Snipe near Fashoda in April. It was very fat, and was the only one that I saw.—R. M. H.] 190. GALLINAGO GALLINAGO. Gallinago gallinago (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 633 (1896). a. &. Fashoda, 22nd March. No. 166. A Snipe has the iris hazel, the bill dark grey, lighter at the base, and the legs and feet dark brown, greyish on the tars. 191. RostRaTULA CAPENSIS. Rostratula capensis (Linn.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. _XXiv. p: 683 (1896). 3 : a,b. 6. Fashoda, 31st March. Nos. 261 & 262. Two male Painted Snipes have the iris hazel, the bill dusky, paler below, and the legs and feet dusky. 464 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 192. HyDROPROGNE CASPIA. Hydroprogne caspia (Pall.) ; Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Xxv. p. 32 (1896). Sterna caspia Pall.; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. {I saw the Caspian Tern near Khartum and also up the White Nile, but it was not observed south of Abba Island.— R. M.H.] 193. HypRocHELIDON LEUCOPTERA. Hydrochelidon leucoptera (Schinz); Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 330; Witherby, p. 274. a. 9. Kaka, 28th April. No:.407. 6. ? Goz-Abu-Gumar, 19th May. No. 514. Specimen a of the White-winged Black Tern has partially attained the black summer plumage, while in 0 the change is complete. Both have the iris hazel, the bill black, and the legs dark red. 194. *HyDROCHELIDON NIGRA. Hydrochelidon nigra (Linu.); Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 17 (1896) ; Witherby, p. 274. [Both Hydrochelidon leucoptera and H. nigra were common about Omdurman and as far south as Goz-Abu-Gumar.— 195.. GELOCHELIDON ANGLICA. Gelochelidon anglica (Mont.); Grant & Reid, p. 694; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 30. Sterna anglica Mont. ; Witherby, p. 274. a. g. Ed-Duem, 22nd May. No. 538. The Gull-billed Tern has the iris dark hazel, the bill black, and the legs and feet brownish black. 196. *RHYNCHOPS FLAVIROSTRIS. Rhynchops flavirostris Vieill.; Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus, xxv. p. 158 (1896). [Scissor-billed Terns were not very common, and [I never noticed them north of Abba Island.—R. M. H.] 197, *Larus FUSCUS. Larus fuscus Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 250 (1896) ; Witherby, p. 274. Birds from the White Nile. 465 [I only saw one Lesser Black-backed Gull, near Ed-Duem. —R.M.H.] 198. LimNnocorax NIGER. Limnocoraz niger (Gmel.) ; Grant & Reid, p. 694. a,b. get d 1mm. Kaka, 7th May. Nos. 444 & 445. ed. gimm. Kaka, 18th April. Iris crimson; bill greenish chrome; upper portion of eyelid coral-red ; legs and feet dusky red, brighter at and above the tibio-tarsal joint. [I only saw a few individuals of the Black Rail. Several times I heard it utter its cry in the flags, but could not flush it. Mr. Loat kindly gave me two skins which he had procured.—R. M. H.] 199. TuRTUR DECIPIENS. Turtur decipiens Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ost-Afr. p. 544 (1870); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 420 (1898) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 25. Turtur ambiguus Bocage, Orn. Angola, p. 386 (1877) ; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 419 (1893) ; Witherby, p- 266. a. &. Fashoda, 30th March. No. 255. b. g. El-Kawa, 20th May. No. 525. c-e. 6 9. EHd-Duem, 22nd May. Nos. 542, 543, 559. Iris yellow; bill vinaceous ; legs and feet pinkish. I think there can be no doubt that 7. decipiens and T. ambiguus are synonymous. Mr. Witherby and Messrs. Rothschild and Wollaston have pointed out certain differ- ences in the length of the wing and the width of the white tips to the tail-feathers, but, as will be seen by the following measurements, these characters appear to be sexual, not specific. The specimen from Argo Island, Dongola (one of the types of Columba collaris Hempr. & Ehr.), which Count Salvadori in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ refers to C. decipiens, appears to me to be an unusually rufous specimen of the bird that he calls T. ambiguus. It is in worn plumage, and 466 Mr. W. R. Ogilve-Grant on the unusually rufous tinge may be merely the result of weathering. Extent of Extent of white white on tail on tail (seen from (seen from Sex. Wing. below). | Sex. Wing. below). in. in. in. in. oo Maskoda sce... os 68 2°6 ©. Ed-Duem.... 64 2°3 Ge Shendi..2 2/75/24 6°8 2°5 Of; Soba... 2% 64 2:0 6: Hl-Kawa..fs2... 6-7 2°5 Q. Bahr Serhaf.. 6:4 2:0 ¢ [sexed 9]. Shendi 6:7 2°4 Oa) Pettes acd sie 6°4 1:9 6. Argol., Dongola. 67 2-4 Oe Me tie some ee 6:4 1:9 @. Hd-Duem- ~..5..° 6:6 2:2 QO. Famaka ..,. Gis 271 6. Ed-Duem ...... 66 | [This species was very common indeed. Mr. Loat gave me a nest and eggs.—R. M. H.| 200. TurtuR TURTUR. Turtur turtur (Linn.); Salvad. Cat. B: Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 396 (1893) ; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 24. Turtur communis Selby ; Witherby, p. 266. a. ?. Kd-Duem, 22nd May. No. 555. Iris hazel ; bill black ; legs vinaceous. [The Common Turtle-Dove was very numerous.—R. M. H. | 201. TuURTUR ROSEOGRISEUDS. Turtur roseogriseus (Sundev.) ; Grant, Novit. Zool. vii. p- 272 (1900) ; Witherby, p. 267; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 20. | a. dimm. Ed-Duem, 22nd May. No. 557, Tris crimson ; bill black; legs vinaceous. [We found the Rose-grey Turtle-Dove much wilder and faster on the wing than 7°. ambiguus.—R. M. H.] 202. TuRTUR SENEGALENSIS. Turtur senegalensis (Linn.) ; Witherby, p. 267; Grant & ‘Reid, p. 696; N.C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 26. a. 9. Kaka, 5th May. No. 436. + I feel sure that the sex of this bird from Shendi has been wrongly determined. Birds from the White Nile. 467 b-d. § 9. Ed-Duem, 22nd & 23rd May. Nos. 544, 558, 565. Iris hazel; bill black ; legs and feet vinaceous. [The Senegal Turtle-Dove was fairly common.—R. M. H.] 203. CHALCOPELIA AFRA. Chalcopelia afra (Linn.); Witherby, p. 267; Grant & Reid, p. 697. a. 9. Kaka, 23rd April. No. 394. b. Ad. Renk, 12th May. No. 467. c,d. 6 2. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 19th May. Nos. 498, 524. e. g. Hd-Duem, 22nd May. No. 554. Tris hazel; bill black in male, dusky in female; legs and feet vinaceous. |The Metallic Spotted Dove is a very strong flyer. We found it common about Abba Island.—R. M. H.] 204. Caixa CAPENSIS. Gina capensis Linn.; Witherby, p. 267; Grant & Reid, ' p. 696; R. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 26. a. &. Fashoda, Ist April. No. 274. Iris hazel; bill vinaceous, brownish at the tip; legs and feet vinaceous. [The Long-tailed African Dove was very common south of Ed-Duem. I found it nesting in a garden at Khartum. —R.M.H.] 205. PrEROCLURUS EXUSTUS. Pteroclurus exustus (Temm.); Witherby, p. 275; Grant, This, 1901, p. 298 ; id. & Reid, p. 697. Pterocles exustus Temm.; N. C. Roths. & Wollast. p. 31. a,b. 6 2. Hd-Duem, 22nd May. Nos. 535, 536. Iris hazel; bill yellowish grey ; feet yellowish white. [We found the Common Pin-tailed Sand-Grouse very abundant from Khartum as far south as Ed-Duem.— R. M. H.] . 206. PreROCLES QUADRICINCTUS. Pterocles quadricinctus Temm.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 334. a,b. 6 @. Renk, 12th May. Nos. 469, 470. Tris hazel ; bill, legs, and feet reddish horn-coloured. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. 21 468 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on / [I found the African Painted Sand-Grouse on the edge of the scrub near the river. I never noticed it south of Renk or north of Ed-Duem.—R. M. H.] 207. FRANCOLINUS GEDGII. Francolinus gedgit Grant; Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 163 (1893). Francolinus clappertoni, Reich. Vog. Afr. i. p. 480 (1901) [part., Lado, Emin]. a,b. § 2. 20 miles N. of Fashoda, 16th April. Nos. 365, 366. Tris hazel ; bill blackish horn-coloured, red at the base; bare skin surrounding eye red; legs purplish brown in front, red behind, paler in the female. [Only one party of Gedge’s Francolin was seen, near Fashoda.—R. M. H.] The type of this species, an adult male, was obtained by Mr. E. Gedge on the Elgon Plains in 1890. It was not until last year that a female was shot by Capt. H. Bray at the junction of the Sobat River with the White Nile, and forwarded to the Museum. Lastly, Mr. Hawker secured a fine adult pair in freshly-moulted plumage a little further north. | The three birds from Fashoda and the mouth of the Sobat resemble one another and differ slightly from the type of F. gedgii in having the general colour of the lower back and rump greyish brown instead of dull olive-brown ; the white margins to the feathers of the upper parts, which are confined to the sides of the feathers in the type, are some- times almost confluent round the tip in the White Nile birds, which in this respect approach the allied F. clappertoni ; the under-parts are nearly white, faintly tinged with buff on the breast only. The differences are, however, very sient and may be individual ; in any case, without more material it would be unsafe to separate the birds. Fashoda is probably the northern limit of this species, its place being taken in Kordofan by the allied F. clappertoni. I find that the two males procured by Dr. Ansorge in Birds from the White Nile. 469 Uganda and Unyoro, and referred to F. gedgii by Mr. Hartert (cf. Ansorge,Under Afr. Sun, App. p.330), belong to F. zctero- rhynchus Heugl. 208. FRANCOLINUS CLAPPERTONI. Francolinus clappertoni Childr.; Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 162 (1893). a,b. det § vixad. Goz-Abu-Gumar, 17th May. Nos. 488 & 489. Iris hazel; bill blackish horn-coloured, red at the base; naked skin round eye red; legs purplish brown in front, red behind. These two males in freshly-moulted plumage agree per- fectly with the type specimen, which was obtained in Bornu, and with a female procured by Petherick in Kordofan. F’. clappertoni may be distinguished from F. gedgit at a glance by the reddish and light olive-brown colour of the upper parts ; moreover in the present species the forehead is black and the top of the head dull reddish brown, while in F, gedgit the whole forehead and crown are brownish black, somewhat paler towards the nape. | [I saw only one covey of Clapperton’s Francolin, south of Goz-Abu-Gumar.—R. M. H.] 209. *CoTuRNIX COTURNIX. Coturniz coturme (Linn.) ; Roths. & Wollast. p. 32. [The Quail was twice met with singly.—R. M. H.] 210. NumIDA PTILORHYNCHA. Numida ptilorhyncha Licht.; Grant, Ibis, 1900, p. 336 ; Witherby, p. 276. | a-c. 6 2. Kaka, 23rd Feb.-25th March. -Nos. 66, 67, & 74: | Iris hazel ; bill whitish horn-coloured, with a reddish patch at the base; bare skin at the back of the skull purplish black, paler on the throat; wattles and spots round the ears pale blue, shading into greyish on the margins of the wattles ; legs and feet black. [We found the Abyssinian Helmeted Guinca-fowl in 212 470 Mr. W. Jesse on the large flocks all along the river, to which they come to drink, and noticed them feeding in the grass about fifteen miles from water. The Guinea-fowls shot had the nasal tuft of bristles very small, much smaller than in the specimens I formerly got in Somaliland.—R. M. H.] The Somaliland bird [N. somaliensis Neumann, Orn. MB. vii. p. 25 (1899)], which is in my opinion perfectly distinct from N. ptilorhyncha, is united with that species by Reichenow [ Vog. Afr. 1. p. 445 (1901)]. N. somaliensis is distinguished by having the neck naked, with only a ring of black feathers at the base, and the bristles at the base of the culmen longer and more numerous, forming a much larger bunch than is usually found in N. ptilorhyncha. It should, however, be noted that in some examples of the latter species the bristles, though never so long as those of the Somali bird, are as numerous and form quite as large a bunch. 211. *STRUTHIO CAMELUS. Struthio camelus Linn.; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. po ure (1895). [I saw Ostriches on several occasions. The authorities at Khartum forbid the destruction of these birds, but the natives hunt them and search assiduously for their eggs. The Dinka women make curious waistbauds out of circular pieces of the egg-shell about the size of a shilling, which are bored and strung. These they give to their men-folk, who | seem to value them highly.—R. M. H.] XXVII.—A List of the Birds of Lucknow. By Wit1iaM Jesse, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Member of the Bombay Natural History Society). | (Plate XIT.) INTRODUCTION. In compiling this list of the species of birds found round the capital of Oudh, I have had the exceptional advantage of being able to utilize the results of the labours of the late - Sr ael eeeee “fs Y= ¥ ny coe” | TtaungaS"Q\s, , eae { “fe us PaaS Se . 2 a’ aN pesca Baksh e o ‘ ° < is “> oe : ™ = 7 ay CRS | nie Naese ae Ta a Rahimabad Ss ke N “ LUCKNO! ibrs: 1902 Pl xi. Districts of AND BARABANKI. to an inch. Bale & Danielsson Ltd. Safipure achat Oi fae N K RSwabgan} Sa fdargang S™ Gosainganj \ = ° Mohanieane. oe / ‘7 as and ia Oitigohan St Map of the Districts of “LUCKNOW, UNAO, AND BARABANKI. Soale 16 miles to an inch. si° This, 1902. Pl. Xl. Bale & Danielsson Ltd. Birds of Lucknow. 47] Mr. George Reid. Shortly before his death he gave me permission to make whatever use I liked of his writings. I have taken full advantage of this privilege, and numbers of Mr. Reid’s notes will be found incorporated in the following pages. Following the general custom, I have prefaced my paper with a map of the ‘‘old’’ Lucknow Civil Division (Plate XII.). The present Division is very much larger, but I have retained the old boundaries, because both the late Mr. Reid and I have done the greater part of our collecting within its confines. The historical associations connected with Lucknow are so great that it seems almost superfluous to explain its position, yet, in order that my remarks may be as complete as possible, I may state that it is situated between 26° 6! and 27° 19’ North latitude, and between 80° 6’ and 81° 80! Fast longitude, with an average height of a little more than 400 feet above sea-level. “ The entire length of its south-western frontier is washed by the waters of the sacred Ganges; its north-eastern by the waters of the Gogra, beyond which lhe the districts of Gonda and Bahraich; on the north and north- west it is bounded respectively by the districts of Sitapur and Hardoi; while its eastern limits impinge upon the districts of Fyzabad and Sultanpur.” | The three districts which make up the “old” Division, and to which alone, with few exceptions, reference is made in these pages, are those of Lucknow proper, Unao, and Barabanki, covering a total area of some 4480 square miles, with a population of roughly 600 to the square mile. The rural population consists principally of Hindus, with a sprinkling of Mahomedans and Thakurs. The Mahomedans are chiefly congregated in the larger towns. In consequence of the dense population the fauna is limited and somewhat artificially distributed. At the time that Reid wrote, the ' cultivated area was 2520 square miles, the remaining 1960 being taken up by usar plains, dhak-jungle, jheels, groves, and village sites. In the last twenty years, however, much land has been reclaimed and laid under cultivation—excellent, no 4.72 Mr. W. Jesse on the doubt, from a political and economic point of view, but disastrous to the sportsman and the naturalist. Even within the last six years I have watched many of my favourite snipe- jheels replaced one by one by ‘smiling corn-fields,’ and, doubtless, as time goes on, the area of arable land will in- crease still further. “There is not much diversity in the soil. The natives themselves generally divide it into four kinds—goind, domat, matyar, and bhur. Of the area under cultivation 20 per cent. may be put down as goind (highly manured land), 55 as domat (mixed sand and clay), 20 as matyar (heavy clay), and 15 as bhur (sand).” The country, as a whole, is but part of a vast alluvial plain, remarkable for the absence of stone. Kunker, an impure calcareous concretion, very hard and of considerable value as road-metal, occurs in layers and patches, rarely at any great depth, and often appears at the surface in the vicinity of nullahs and jheels. In sinking the wells of the bridge over the Ganges at Cawnpore, however, kunker was met with at a depth of 60 feet. Forming, as the district does, part of the “ Garden of India,”’ the soil is very fertile, the principal crops being wheat, barley, millet, Indian corn, gram, sugar-cane, pulse, and oil-seeds. Rice is grown along the edges of rivers, jheels, and in other suitable localities; the tobacco-plant is reared near Lucknow, while the cultivation of opium employs a large number of people, and brings in a considerable revenue to the Government. The climate, on the whole, is healthy. In the neighbour- hood of the big rivers, and towards the Terai, malaria is prevalent during and after the rains, and Lucknow itself has an unpleasant reputation for enteric fever ; but beyond that, and an occasional epidemic of cholera, there is nothing much to be feared. . The average rainfall is about 38 inches. During the ten years 1870-79 the average was 41°18 inches, and this in spite of the two years 1876 and 1877, with rainfalls of 23'"67 and 11-66 respectively. The scantiness of water in 1877, according to Mr. Reid, caused a wonderful change Birds of Lucknow. 473 on the surface of the country; and, to come to more recent times, the effect of the famine year 1896, when the total only just reached 27", will be permanently shown in the disappearance of a number of jheels, which have since been converted into arable land. The following details give the rainfall for the past five years :— in. Li h2/ 6) Rt ae Oe 27°10 IGS Tey Bee Oana 30°46 KCI S ne RA oan ae ee ee 45°92 LSS MAR oie So ee 35°33 JUSTO ee cts ee An een 33°43 [The data for 1901 I have not yet been able to obtain. ] From these figures it will be seen that of recent years the amount of rain experienced has been below what might reasonably have been expected, and, in consequence, many of the water-birds have to a great extent deserted us during the breeding-season. In order to give a fairly accurate idea of the general climatic conditions of Lucknow, I insert some recorded observations for 1898, which, except for its rather heavy rainfall, may be taken as a typical year :— Mewes, |Rainfall.| momen | Bar. Humidity. in shade. Months. Inches. | Max. | Min. | Mean. Sat.= 100: JAMUATY . i055 « 0: 776 | 46:0 | 29°79 71 February ....| 4°15 73°5 | 515 29°65 75 Mare osc 0-01 91°5 | 58:7 29°65 46 J j0) 00 aaa eee 0:05 96°6 | 66°5 29°48 36 INES. o.0'< 5 St 1:52 106°6 | 77°6 29:42 43 UME? v5.6) 6d mats’ CAE 96:1 | 79°3 29°32 67 ST eRe icter ore 9-02 90°6 | 79:0 | 29°30 84 August ...... 14:08 88:2 | 78:0 29°35 85 September....) 5°42 89:0 | 73°1 29°49 81 October ...... oa 90:0 | 67°5 29°65 70 November....} 0:00 Sled: | ols7 29°72 NS December ....| 0°19 75°7 | 49°1 29:77 hex In this table I have not included the highest tempera- 4.7 4: Mr. W. Jesse on the ture in the sun’s rays, nor the lowest on the grass, since I have not full data by me; but when I state that the former is sometimes 180° and that the latter sinks to 20° in the cold weather, it will be realized that we are subjected to considerable extremes. The “ hot” weather extends from about March 20th till the rains break—towards the end of June. The ten days or so before the monsoon are usually © particularly trying, and those who can do so endeavour to take casual leave and make tracks for the nearest hill-station. During the intense heat dust-storms are frequent, and the “loo,” or hot west wind, fills the air with sand, causing a lurid haze to obscure the sky. The advent of the monsoon is usually heralded by heavy thunderstorms, and when once the first burst has fallen the temperature drops. So long as it rains, the weather is more or less endurable, in spite of insect plagues and fever, which is always more or less prevalent at this season, but once the clouds clear away and a “ break ”’ occurs everything is enveloped in a steam- bath. From November 15th to the beginning of March is the “cold”? weather par excellence. ‘The climate is delightful, and the nights are cold enough to admit of the collection of pit-ice—though, since the advent of the “‘machine,” that method has fallen into disuse. This is, of course, the shooting-season. Geese, Ducks, and Teal abound on the various stretches of water, while Snipe and myriads of Waders and other water-fowl are found along the edges. Fields and topes swarm with migrants, many of them of surpassing beauty. The general aspect of the Division is a flat cultivated plain, interspersed with jheels, mangoe-topes, maidans, and nullahs. In some localities there are stretches of dhak (Butea frondosa) jungle, very beautiful when in full bloom, intermingled with corounda, in which nilgai, hares, and partridges are to be found. Unfortunately, much of this jungle is disappearing, and with it the game, which of late years has been terribly thinned by the depredations of the lower castes—Chamars, Pasis, Bhatus, and Ahirs. Low-class Mahomedans, native Christians, and Eurasians also slaughter much game indis- criminately for food. Birds of Lucknow. 475 ‘A characteristic of Oudh is its mango-groves (Mangifera indica), which are so numerous that they give an appearance of the horizon being bounded by a continuous forest. These groves, being in most cases free from brushwood and undergrowth, harbour no game, but afford coo] retreats to man and beast in hot weather. _ Another special feature of the Division is the presence of usar plains. These lands, being full of efflorescent salts, rendering them incapable of cultivation, are arid wastes, pro- ducing scanty herbage, on which the black-buck (Antelope cervicapra) is always to be found. Mr. Reid, in discussing the possibility of utilizing these tracts, says :—‘‘ The Arabian date-palm would probably grow on them, and would be an invaluable tree in famine times, as its fruit would not then be, as it usually is, destroyed, when ripening, by excessive rain. It would require some little attention at first, until its long straight root got deep into the soil: after that no tree is more capable of taking care of itself.” It is said that these saline plains encroach on the adjoining arable land, but the increase of the area under cultivation causes me to be sceptical as to the truth of this statement. _ The Division is practically a dead level, but towards the Gogra in the north, and the Ganges in the south, there is a gentle, but perceptible, slope. “These silent highways have much in common. T They are more or less fringed with tamarisk [jhao] and grass jungles, resorted to by numerous nilgai [Boselaphus tragocamelus| aud pigs | Sus indicus]; the Gangetic porpoise [ Platanista gangetica] is found in both; tortoises and crocodiles [Cro- codilus palustris and Gavialis gangeticus] abound, and, excepting the Black Partridge [Francolinus vulgaris], which does not, so far as I know, occur within our limits in the | vicinity of the Gogra, the avifauna of the one river is common to both.” I fancy that Gogra is here a misprint for Ganges, as I found the Black Partridge occurring in the “ manjar” or “ khadir” at Fyzabad, but I do not know of its being found on the Ganges. Besides these two, the ouly river of any importance is ! 4.76 Mr. W. Jesse on the the Goomti, which flows in a well-defined winding channel almost equidistant between them, and is navigable for fairly large country boats. The only other stream of any preten- sions is the Sail. There are a few so-called rivers, but none of them are more than monsoon-filled nullahs, which are dry during the hot weather. During the rains, however, some of them assume considerable proportions. “The Kalyani, for instance, in the rain of 1872, was 269 feet broad, where it is crossed by the railway in the Barabanki district, and 33 feet deep, with a velocity of 5°74 miles per hour, and a discharge of 51,540 cubic feet per second.” But during the dry weather, with the exception of the four first named, all the so-called rivers are but sun-baked ravines oe ‘here and there a stagnant pool. The cost of irrigating by the waters of these rivers, except the Goomti, is, or is supposed to be, prohibitive, and, in the case of the Ganges, sanctity prevents its being put to all the uses it might. The cultivator gets the bulk of his water from wells, jheels, and tanks, which he trusts the yearly rainfall to fill up for him. Should, therefore, the supply fail, scarcity, if not actual famine, is almost certain to result. These jheels are very numerous, and in many instances are fine expanses of water, which in the cold weather teem with wild-fowl. They are particularly numerous about Mohanlalganj, Sehsindi, Rahimabad, and Itaunja in the Lucknow district; about Ajgaen, in the Unao district ; and in the tahsils of Daryabad, Ram Sanehi Ghat, Dewa, and Nawabgunj in the Barabanki district. These jheels are usually situated in the middle of some usar plain surrounded by dhak, grass, or corounda- jungle, though of late years, owing to the destruction of the brushwood, they are of a more open nature than they formerly were. The dry year of 1877 caused a remarkable change to take place in these jheels, and many have ever since been more or less metamorphosed in character, while their area has in too many instances been contracted. Much of the aquatic flora, moreover, peculiar to these jheels disappeared during the three deficient rainfalls of 1876-78, and has in many instances failed to re-establish itself. Birds of Lucknow. 477 ‘But, as Mr. Reid wrote, “the destruction of the flora would not much matter were it not that the singhara plant has taken its place.’ The famine of 1877-78 gave an immense impetus to its cultivation, which the famine eighteen years later emphasized. Doubtless from an economic point of view the fact is one for congratulation, but the effect is disastrous from a sportsman’s point of view. Atall hours of the day the cultivators may be seen wading or floating about on primitive rafts attending to their duties, whilst all night long they sit up and make the night hideous in their endeavours to keep off the Geese. Many a jheel famous in the old days for its enormous bags is thereby rendered useless. In certain years some species of wild-fowl are more numerous than others, and these again may disappear for a time without any apparent cause. Doubtless it is in the main climatic, but the notes that I have collected on the migration of our birds are not sufficient for drawing up any definite conclusions. One strange thing, however, is the scarcity of numerous birds recorded by Reid as ‘“ common,” e. g. the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and the Common Crane (Grus communis), of which I have seen the former once, the latter never; whilst, on the other hand, he has not recorded several species which are now not infrequently met with. It is very difficult to make a proper use of the words ‘‘common” and “rare.” Often birds are said to be “rare” when they should rather be classed as “local.” Thus, though I cannot recollect ever having seen the Flamingo (Phenicopterus roseus ), 1 know that it occurs in considerable numbers oo jheels towards Sandila; the Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) I never saw till last year, when I came upon hundreds on some shallow jheels in the Rai Bareli district, and a few days afterwards I saw a flock passing high over Lucknow, evidently going to join their friends. Railways have also exercised a baneful effect on the fauna - of the country. There is less virgin ground than there was twenty, fifteen, even ten years ago, and every season sees it diminish still more. A great deal of wanton, or rather I should say irresponsible, slaughter of game, and, in fact, birds and animals generally,is carriedon. Much of this destruction 478 Mr. W. Jesse on the is not immediately apparent, and it is often only by the merest accident that it is discovered. The principal offenders are the lower caste Hindus, Chamars, Pasis, Ahirs, and Bhatus, the Mahomedan shikari, and the poorer classes of Europeans, Eurasians, and native Christians. Numbers of gun licenses are issued in India, nominally to protect the crops; but no one, except the man who will not see, ever supposes that a native fires off shots to scare animals: shouts and yells and hand-clapping do quite as much good, and at a far cheaper rate. Were the gun-barrels for crop-protection reduced to fifteen or eighteen inches, we should have fewer weapons slaughtering the living creatures, male, female, and young without discrimination, in and out of season. . It is a matter for congratulation that the Government are shew- ing signs of awakening to the seriousness of the situation, and are desirous of taking steps before it is too late. Un- fortunately, political and pseudo-sentimental reasons are often allowed to stand in the way of reform. ‘The native press has only to hint that the Indian is being unfairly treated to call forth a storm of indignant protest from well-meaning people in England who are totally ignorant of the East and its ways, and are unable to form a proper estimate of the views of both parties. The European is constantly being forbidden to interfere with certain species which the native cherishes, and it does not seem too much to ask that he in his turn should be made to refrain from destroying birds and animals wholesale during the breeding-season. It now but remains for me to give a list of those birds which Mr. Reid and I have found existing in and around the city of Lucknow. That the list is mcomplete I do not for a moment deny, but in extenuation of deficiencies I would remind those who happen to glance at these notes that, not being a Government official, I have no camping Opportunities, and, beyond an occasional day or two of shooting on the jheels or maidans, I am rarely able to stay more than a few miles from my bungalow. Under these circumstances I cannot claim to have discovered the occur- rence of more than some seventeen or eighteen species in Birds of Lucknow. 479 addition to Reid’s original list. The name and number attached to each species is that used in the volumes on ‘Birds’ by Messrs. Oates and Blanford in the ‘ Fauna of British India.’ Species marked with an asterisk are those whieh have not previously been recorded from Lucknow. List of Species, with Notes. No. 4. Corvus MacrorHyncHus. Jungle-Crow. Kowa; Bara Kowa [-H. Lucknow]. Raven [Anglo- Indian]. The Jungle-Crow is very common, though not so numerous as its smaller cousin. It is to be seen almost everywhere, in Civil Lines, Cantonments, round native huts, and far away in thejungle. It breeds from the middle of February to May, the great majority laying in March, and building a compact stick nest, always—according to my experience—lined with human or horse hair. In nine cases out of ten the nest is in a mango, and is often well concealed, but I have notes of some in the cork, fir, pepal, and sheshum, and the late Mr. George Reid states that the bird is very fond of tamarind trees.. The largest number of eggs that I have ever found is four, and two or three hard-set eggs or young are not uncommon. My earliest dated egg is Feb. 28 and the latest May 7. The average length of a large number of Lucknow eggs is U74 x V4. Although there is only one species of this Crow in India, yet one cannot help contrasting it with the Himalayan variety—in my opinion a much finer bird than its miserable, bedraggled, half-starved representative in the plains below. Amongst my papers I find a curious note given me by Mr. J. Spence, one of the Assistant-Masters of La Martiniére College. Whilst rowing one evening on the river, this gentleman was attracted by a curious noise, and on turning round saw one of these birds outside a Sand-Martin’s hole. Every now and then it would utter a call, and if, as my informant expressed it, any poor little half-fledged Sand- 480 Mr. W. Jesse on the Martin was fool enough to come to the mouth of the hole to find out what was up, it was promptly seized and devoured. Mr. A. O. Hume and others state that the Koel some- times lays its eggs in the nest of this bird; but I fancy that it rarely does so here, and the Black Cuckoo scarcely ever puts in an appearance much before the end of the second week in April, by which time nearly every Jungle-Crow has hatched its eggs. No. 7. Corvus sPLENDENS. Indian House-Crow. Kowa [H. Lucknow]. The House-Crow with its glossy black and grey plumage is too familiar a bird to need any description. It is a general scavenger, aiding the Kites, Vultures, and J ungle- Crows. Mr. George Reid says that “it robs nests, if not habitually, at least occasionally, for I have more than once seen it despatching eggs with great gusto.” No bird, not even the famous Jackdaw of Rheims, is half so impudent. Often whilst the Martini¢re boys—some 250 or more—have been actually sitting at meals, I have seen Crows come through the open windows and snatch scraps off the table before anyone could touch them. When once the signal to dismiss had been given, the Crows would dart in instantly, and the Kitmatghars would be seen rushing round to drive them away from what they (the natives) looked upon as their lawful perquisites. This Crow breeds in numbers during the rains. Mr. Reid says “very generally in July and August”; but nearly all my eggs, and I have taken dozens, have been procured during the month of June. It breeds on any tree, but I think for choice on the babools along the railway-line. The nest is composed of an outer layer of sticks, the thornier the better, lined inside with grass—never with hair, as is invariably the case with C. macrorhynchus: The eggs are usually four in number, though occasionally I have taken five. In the nests of this bird the hen Koel (Hudynamys honorata) lays her eggs. I have taken sometimes one, sometimes two, Koel’s eggs Birds of Lucknow. 431 together with from two to four of the Crow. On one occasion I found a nest which contained two fresh Koel’s eggs but no Crow’s. It is very curious to notice the dislike of the House-Crow for the Koel, which it pursues relent- lessly ; the Jungle-Crow, on the other hand, is seemingly quite unaffected by a sight of the speckled lady. Like the majority of the Crow tribe, the eggs of C. splendens are green, marked and blotched more or less profusely with various shades of darker green and brown. In size they vary remarkably, from 1!37-1’"80 in length, and from 0"-99-1""11 in breadth; but the average of ten Lucknow eggs—I have been too lazy to measure more—is 1/58 x 1-05, which is a good deal less than in C. macrorhynchus. No. 16. Denprocitta ruFA. Indian Tree-Pie. Mootri [H. Lucknow]. Ogilvie; Long-tail Jay [Anglo- Indian boys]. The Indian Tree-Pie, with his handsome plumage of fawn and sooty brown and his long tail, is a common and well- known resident, frequenting topes, gardens, and avenues indiscriminately. When not breeding this species often _goes about in small parties of five or six. Its flight is undulating. When angry, excited, or alarmed it keeps up a harsh disagreeble chattering, but its other note, something hike “cog-ee cog-ee,” is mellow and pleasing. Though I have never actually seen any proof myself, close observers, including my friend Mr. Benjamin Aitken, declare that this bird is a great destroyer of the eggs and young of other species. Mr. George Reid writes :—‘‘ A specimen that I shot had evidently robbed some nest, for its bill was smeared with the yolk of eggs. On another occasion I actually caught one in the act of robbing a Babbler’s nest.” _ This bird nests from the end of March (first egg April 1st.—W. J.) to the beginning of July (last egg, July 7.—G. R.), but by far the greater number of eggs are taken between April 15th and June 15th. The nest is a very poor sort of structure of sticks lined with grass, and is usually at the extreme tip of a mango, 4.82 Mr. W. Jesse on the although I have taken it on sheshum and pepul trees. Five is the full clutch, though three and four incubated eggs are almost as common. I have a most lovely series varying enormously in shape, size, and colour. The commonest variety is leaden white profusely blotched with red; but I have pure white examples with red, bluish green with- reddish and yellowish brown, green with profuse yellow- brown blotches (like very spherical and miniature Crow’s), and pale yellowish green absolutely without a mark. With regard to these last, had I not—as, indeed, I have with every clutch of the Tree-Pie—observed the bird not onee, but several times on the nest, and seen the eggs lifted out from under her, I would not have beleved in their parentage. Of sixteen Lucknow eggs the average is 1-11 x 82”. No. 105. Araya caupata. Common Babbler. Hedge-Sparrow ; Bush-Sparrow [Anglo-Indian boys]. ‘The striated Bush-Babbler is acommon and permanent resident, very abundant in dhak and thorn jungle, less so in patches of thatching-grass which it also frequents, and is seen, though not habitually, in hedgerows and about gardens, and is not uncommon in the large, grass-hedged, guava-groves about Lucknow.”—G., R. My own experience is that this bird is not common just round the station, its favourite jungle having been cleared away to a great extent for cultivation during the last decade. It is found in small parties in the tamarisk-jungle along the river, but is commoner some miles from Lucknow. I once found its nest on March 25th, shooting the bird off three eggs, in a stunted bush near the butts on the La Mar- tiniére rifle-range. Another nest, in which there were two eggs, was robbed—apparently by crows—some days before. - Both nests were neat cups, something lke those of A. malcolmi, but were very much smaller, deeper, and lined with fine grass. Mr. George Reid took eggs, seemingly in corounda and dhak jungle, on the following dates :— Birds of Lucknow. 433 Mayr Os Aja ss EY nest and 3 eggs (hard-set). Miiyg cys sieges s sa 8% ae: ots (iresh)s “| OT 2972) 0 49 O45 e sNiuliys ZO ih 6 a wiemitiv is « ie Bay - JIS SoS ioh icra E o 3 young (just hatched). Average measurement of the above 12 eggs ...... ‘Ol >GGze Measurement of smallest ego. ..... 00. eee eee eee Tl X60) - POR OESL COR) anise aie, soc dale vss meets oo, XUMon The eggs, like those of A. malcolmi and Craterepus canorus, are glossy blue, without spots, and often very round. No. 107. Arcya matcotmri. Large Grey Babbler. Bhaina [H. Lucknow]. White-tailed Magpie [ Anglo- Indian boys]. | It is most-curious that Reid should not have found this species in Lucknow. It seems very capriciously distributed over Northern India, being absent in many places and numerous in others without any apparent cause. It is not a bird that can be overlooked by an ornithologist, for its cry, which is very harsh and characteristic, betrays it at once, and, as it flies, the whitish colour of the lateral tail- feathers is most conspicuous. I find it common in certain spots—the La Martiniére Park being one—and take nests every season. I have found eggs on dates too numerous to mention between March 3rd and June 30th. ‘The greater number of nests have been on babool-trees, in which case they are always solid structures of thorn carefully lined with grass. I have also found the bird breeding on the mango and the sheshum, when the nest lacked its outer covering of thorn, but was always a neater structure than that of Crateropus canorus, The full number of glossy blue eggs is four, but three young are nat uncommon. } On March 21st, 1896, I found a nest of this bird at the top of a mango, containing three fresh eggs and one hard-set. The latter was blunt at both ends, like a Dove’s, the blue tint was much deeper, and I am certain that it belonged to the Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyz varius). Unfortunately it has mysteriously disappeared from my eollection. | SER. VHI.—VOL. II. 2K 484. Mr. W. Jesse on the Average of 10 Lucknow eggs .......... O71" Gae Measurement of largest egg .......... 1-06 x 66" a smnallest.eom 22. 64.65% « ‘94% “Toy No. 110. Crateropus canorvus. Jungle-Babbler. Sat-bhai; Ghoughai [H. Lucknow]. Seven-Sisters ; Magpie [Anglo-Indians ]. The Sparrow, the Crew, the Mainah, and the Jungle- Babbler are the four commonest and noisiest species in Lucknow. The last-named may always be seen in parties of seven or eight—whence the popular name—hunting for insects amongst the leaves under the trees of our parks and gardens. All the time the whole assembly keep up a confused chattering, which, though not pleasing, is not so intensely disagreeable as the cry of A. malcolmi. “ When the Shikra, as it sometimes does, makes a swoop at a party of Babblers, it is curious to observe how silent they become, sneaking off singly to the tops of trees, where they hide for some time, and then begin to file away to some other locality, where they still keep very quiet until well engaged in the business of feeding again.”—G, R. Breeds from March to June (to September.—G. R.), making a poor nest of grass in almost any tree—orange, citron, guava, mango, palm, sheshum, &c.,—rarely at any great height from the ground. Eggs three or four—I once found six,—deep blue and very glossy. Average of 12 Lucknow eggs .......... 99" ie Measurement of largest egg. .........4. 1-05 798 a smallest: Com 5), << emacs 95" x 76" The Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) and the Pied- crested Cuckoo (Coccystes jacobinus) undoubtedly select the nests of the three Babblers here given in which to deposit their eggs, but it is almost impossible to identify them with certainty. Elliptical or spherical eggs will probably belong _to one or other of these Cuckoos, and that, as a rule, is about all you can say for them. No. 189. Pycroruis stneNsis. Yellow-eyed Babbler. Reed-Warbler [| Anglo-Indian boys]. “« The Yellow-eyed Babbler is very common and a permanent Birds of Lucknow. 485 resident, rather more abundant during the cold weather than in the hot and rainy seasons. It is fond of grassy bush and dhak-jungle, but fonder still of patches and rows of tall thatching-grass, on the stalks of which, when seeding, it settles and searches diligently for insects, generally in parties ranging from six to a dozen. During the heat of the day the birds usually retire to rest in some bush overgrown with long grass, where they may be heard conversing in a low chatter. If then disturbed they make a great noise, and scuttle through the adjoining grass in all directions, becoming silent as they hide or squat, and remaining so until the intruder moves off, when they generally re-assemble in the same bush, or in some other close by. The male bird sings very sweetly, oftenest, I think, in the cold dewy November mornings.”—G. R. I have nothing to add to Mr. Reid’s statements, beyond the fact that I do not consider the bird quite so common— in Lucknow, at all events—as he infers. It breeds during the “‘rains,”” but not commonly. The Martiniere boys only get one nest or so every year, and they are far too clever - to let much escape them. ~ On July 29th, 1898, Lieut. S. A. Davies, of the 2nd E. Lancashire Regiment, and I took five hard-set eggs in a beautiful nest woven into some high patowal grass near the railway-line. ‘The structure was a deep inverted cone, and was plastered outside with spiders’ webs, much after the fashion of that of the Fantail Flycatcher. The eggs, which are amongst the handsomest that I have seen, were very round, of a pinky-white ground-colour, richly blotched with deep blood-red. The bird was on the nest, but darted off every time we approached and hid in the dense grass, so that shooting her was out of the question. There is, I think, no doubt whatever as to the authenticity of these eggs, which are similar to a series shown me by Mr. B. B. Osmaston, . taken by him in the Dun. | Average of 5 Lucknow eggs ............ 68" X55" Measurement of largest ege ...........- Aly xO be ok Sm St, Goa S ialeaetes wich 66" x °55"' 486 Mr. W. Jesse on the No. 226. Zosterops PALPEBROSA. Indian White-eye. Baboona [H. Lucknow]. Yellow-Hammer [ Anglo-Indian boys]. The White-eye is a very common bird and a permanent resident. It is of a sociable disposition and may be found in any mango-grove, avenue, or compound in small parties diligently searching the leaves for insects. This species breeds with us from the beginning of April to the end of July, but, according to my record, June is the best month to search for their eggs. The nest, which is usually very difficult to find, is a lovely little basket of fine grass, cobwebs, and fibres, and is a perfect miniature of that of the Golden Oriole. Four is the greatest number of eggs that I have found, but three are more usual. All that I have found have been pale unspotted blue, but occasionally they are marked with darker shades of the same colour. Average of 14 Lucknoweges .......... 08" x °45" Measurement of largest ego ............ 63” x 46" sinallest cpa.) sie tides 53" x 45" No. 2438. AKe1rHina TIPHIA. Common Jora. Yellow-bird [Anglo-Indian boys]. This lovely little species is common, but is very shy and comparatively seldom seen: The note is very rich and loud for so small a bird, and once known is not easily forgotten. By following up the call—not an easy matter, for the Iora is no mean ventriloquist,—you may be able to catch a glimpse of a beautiful little black-and-yellow bird, with a white bar across the wing due to the white median wing-coverts. The nest is one of the most difficult to find of any, both on account of the shyness of the parents, and also from its being most carefully hidden. So far I have only taken the eggs myself twice [June 17th, 1898; July 26th, 1901]. Nests and eggs have been brought me in April, May, and June, and Mr. George Reid took a nest and three eggs on July 16th. e “This April a pair bred near my bungalow. All the regular egg-collectors were on the search for weeks, but though the Martiniére boy has a genius for discovering well-hidden Birds of Lucknow. 487 nests, the birds fairly baffled both them and me. It was > not until they had hatched four young successfully that they gave their secret away. The few nests which I have seen have all been deep inverted cones of grass, fibre, &c., thickly coated outside with fibres like those of the White-eyebrowed Fantail Flycatcher, but hardly so neat. They seem to be usually concealed in creepers or under leaves, at no great height from the ground, but I have seen too few to be able to say much. The eggs, usually three in number, are a most delicate grey or pinky white, marked with thick longitudinal streaks of reddish brown, purple, or lavender. I consider them some of the handsomest to be found. Average of 8 Lucknow eggs ..........-. ‘OA oe Measurement of largest ego ...........- HD XOOW # simalletiese 27 na. - “62""x 62” No. 278. Moreastes H&eMoRRHOUS. Madras Red-vented Bulbul. Bulbul, Guldum Bulbul [H.]. This bird, although I have given it the above designation, is not the true M. hemorrhous. I have examined numbers of skins and taken nests and eggs time after time, and have come to the conclusion that our type 1s very constant, and at the same time differs from all the Red-vented Bulbuls hitherto described. The dimensions tally with those given by Oates for M. hemorrhous, while the black of the crown terminates rather abruptly on the hind-neck, and is not extended along the back, as is the case with M. intermedius and M. bengal- ensis. On the other hand, as.in the last two species, the ear- coverts are chocolate. Furthermore, | may add—although I attach little importance to this—that the eggs of the Lucknow bird which I have seen are without exception far smaller than my eggs of genuine M. intermedius from the Punjab. My own opinion is that the Lucknow race is the result of a hybridization between the other three species. — This Bulbul is very common all over the district, and is found away from human habitations more often than the Red-whiskered Bulbul, which evidently objects to being far 488 Mr. W. Jesse on the from mankind. I have taken nests from April to August on all kinds of trees. The usual number of eggs is three; they are pinkish white,spotted and blotched with claret-colour. On one occasion I took two hard-set eggs from a nest on a rafter in a bungalow-verandah. Average of 10 Lucknow eggs .......... "87" x 64" Measurement of largest ege ............ 95” x °72" 33 smmallestietaue -cfeeeces [oa xeGar No. 288. Orocompsa emeERiA. Bengal Red-whiskered Bulbul. i Kangra Bulbul [H. Lucknow]. Conqueror Bulbul [ Anglo-Indian boys]. ‘ This Bulbul is very common in Lucknow itself, less so an the district outside. It is particularly fond of such localities as the Wingfield Park, the Horticultural Gardens, and the Clock Tower Gardens. I have taken its nest in all months from the middle of March to the middle of July, but Mr. Reid seems to have got the eggs only in May. It is a neat cup of grass, fine twigs, bamboo-leaves, cotton, spider’s webs, aud similar materials, and is, in most cases, placed in a thick bush or creeper. I have several times found it built in one of the fern-baskets that swing in the cool damp houses of the various public gardens. I have never met with more than three eggs, which are white or pink, densely spotted and blotched with red, claret, and purple. Average of 12 Lucknow eggs .......:.. 82” x 62" Measurement of largest ego ............ "6° X70, ‘5 smallest ego 30 mci e "80" X “60% No. 321. Sivra cCASTANEIVENTRIS. Chestnut-bellied Nui- hatch. Brown Woodpecker [Anglo-Indian boys]. This pretty little bird, with its slaty-blue plumage above and chestnut coloration below, is very common, a pair inhabit- ing almost every mango-grove. It breeds in holes of trees from the end of February to the beginning of April. For a nest it usually utilizes a hole in a knot in the trunk of a mango or pepul, but I have also found more than one in neem Birds of Lucknow. 489 and jamun trees. Interiorly it is lined with little bits of leaves, and round the hole the birds stick mud mixed with a gummy resinous substance, which becomes very hard. I have often watched a pair working away at the task of closing up their selected nursery. It is rather easy to find, if you carefully watch the birds, but in nine cases out of ten the obtaining of the eggs is a matter of difficulty. Four is the greatest number that I have found. They are white, spotted or freckled—rarely blotched—with brick-red. Average of 8 Lucknow eggs ............ 67" x 54" Measurement of largest ego ......-..... 70” X53" a SHmallest©@Py. ost. sven « "65" x *52"” No. 327. Dicrurvus ater. Black Drongo. Hojanga, Buchanga [H. Lucknow]. King-Crow [Anglo- Indians]. The King-Crow is one of the commonest of our birds and a permanent resident, which may be met with everywhere, on the open maidan as well asin the compound or in the mango- grove. It is very fond of perching on the backs of cattle, and also upon telegraph-wires, tops of trees, and other more natural look-out places. It catches its insect-prey on the wing, returning to its perch to devour it. Crickets, grass- hoppers, butterflies, &c. seem to be its chief food. It is a very pugnacious bird, more particularly during the breeding- season, and woe betide any evil-minded Crow that happens to pass within a hundred yards of the nest. It has a fair variety of notes, some harsh and disagreeable, others pleasing. Mr. George Reid wrote :—‘“‘On one occasion, early in May, I saw what I thought was a curious sight—a Drongo cutting such antics on the wing that I never for a moment suspected that it was all the while belabouring a poor Tit or Warbler which it must have had inits talons. The liberation of the little captive fairly astonished me, but, judging from _ the rapidity with which it made for the nearest tree, it was more frightened than hurt.” The King-Crow breeds from the end of April to the middle of July, but most nests will be found during the latter 490 On the Birds of Lucknow. half of May and the first half of June—Reid says from the 15th of June to the 10th of July. The nest is a strong neat cup of roots and grass, firmly fixed in the fork of a tree and covered over and bound to the branch with plenty of cobwebs. The eggs, three or four in number, are of three types: (a) salmon, spotted with brown, red, and purple ; (4) white, spotted with various shades of red ; (c) pure white. Spotted eggs. Average of 41 Lucknow eggs ............:- 99" «x “72” 1-00 x +78" (broadest). ral) ae aaa 1-06 x‘72” (longest). Re Yankin * MAL Cnae Measurement of largest egg 5 smallest egg White eggs. Average of 18 Lucknow eggs .............. Or X72) 1'"02 x ‘76" (broadest). si cla ean ee ie ae ee 1'.08x-72" (longest). ES smallest 69e). cs. .0 don foes 4) SO eee Measurement of largest egg No. 330. Dicrurus ca#ru.escens. White-bellied Drongo. This bird is not uncommon during the cold weather in well-wooded places, but is never numerous. Its voice is infinitely sweeter than that of the Common King-Crow.. I have never seen this bird consorting with cattle—in fact, I have only observed it in mango-topes, so far as I can remember. I believe that it migrates towards the end of March, as I have never seen it in the hot weather or during the rains. No. 335. Cuipia HOTTENTOTTA. Hair-crested Drongo. I know nothing of this bird’s occurrence here. Mr. George Reid wrote :—‘ The Hair-erested Drongo can only, I think, be considered as a rare visitor during the rains. It is then occasionally brought into the market, but I have only oace seen it in its wild state frequenting the outer trees of a mango-tope near Lucknow. It seems strange that it should be found here at all during the rains, and not in the cold weather.” [To be continued. } On Audouin’s Gull. 491 XXVIII.—Remarks on Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouini). By Count E. Arricont Dreti Oppt. Avupouin’s Gutt (Larus audouini) may fairly be considered the rarest of the European species, for the other Gulls are sufficiently plentiful in the districts in which they breed, although they may appear only as stragglers in the south, while the subject of this article is very uncommon even in the small area to which it belongs. It is a true Sea-Gull, and Mr. Howard Saunders, the chief authority on the family, describes its habitat in this manner * :—“‘ Western Mediterranean, chiefly within the Tyrrhenian Sea, but as far as the Straits of Gibraltar and a little outside.” It was included among Grecian species by Lindermayer +, and among those of Corfu by the Hon. T. L. Powys ¢ (after- wards Lord Lilford), while Erhard states that it winters in the Cyclades, and Canon Tristram that it is the com- monest Gull on the Lake of Galilee, though his specimens - all proved to be Common Gulls. Mr. E. C. Taylor || thought that some Gulls which he saw near Cairo were of this species, and v. Heuglin consequently admitted it to his list §. The most easterv locality in which Audouin’s Gull has been procured is Melissa, in the Sporades, whence two examples have been sent to the Sarajevo Museum**. ‘To the westward Natterer found it at Tarifa, and it has been seen a little outside of Gibraltar. Loche has stated that it bred in Algeria, but has given no further details ; it has occurred from time to time in Corsica and in Sicily, but has only once been killed on the mainland of Italy, in Liguria. It is resident on the rocky islets round Sardinia, from Spargi and Spar- giotto tf, Caprera and Maddalena (Straits of Bonifacio) to * Cat Birds Brit. Mus. xxv. pp. 271-273 (1896). | + Die Vogel Griech. p. 177 ee } Ibis, 1860, p. 356. . ~§ Op. cit. 1868, p. 330. || Op. ctt. 1867, p. 72. q Orn. N.O.-Afr. Bd. ii. pt. 2, p. 1887 (1873) ## E. Arrigoni Degli Oddi, Ornis, x. p. 182 (1899). ++ Lord Lilford, Ibis, 1887, pp. 280-281. 4.92 Count E. Arrigoni Degli Oddi on Mal di Ventre and Catalano %, off Oristano (Western Sar- dinia), also in the Toro and Vacca Islands, Leghorn, and some other places. Professor Giglioli + says that no other Gull is found at Camicia Harbour, and Mr. Bonomi that it is very abundant at Porto Torres, where, however, I saw only Yellow- legged Herring-Gulls and Black-headed Gulls. In Corsica, Audouin’s Gull is apparently met with but rarely on the western coasts, but Whitehead { states that he found a wounded individual during a violent storm, In a series of excellent notes, Prof. Damiani§ reports that six specimens were killed on Elba in the months of January, March, May, August, and December, two of them being now in the collection of Mr. Tonietti at Porteferraio, in that island, two in mine, one in the Royal Museum at Florence, and one in the Civic Museum at Milan. I believe that the bird also occurs in the islands of Capreja, Pianosa, and Monte Cristo. Tn Sicily this Guli has appeared near Catania and Palermo, and some fine specimens are preserved in the Museum of the latter town, whence also one was sent to the British Museum || (February 1886). Mr. Wright reports having seen an example in Malta; while the Ligurian specimen above men- tioned was killed by Marquis Pinelli-Gentile on May 10th, 1883, at the mouth of the Cente, near Albenga, and is now in his collection. Messrs. Giglioli and Salvadori do not recognise any other Ligurian examples, but Baron Schalow { attributes two which are in the Museums of Genoa to that country ** The bird has never been obtained in the Adriatic, although Count Contarini has recorded it from Venetia in error, while * T procured two fine specimens there myself, + Avif. Ital. p. 480 (1886). + Ibis, 1885, p. 47. — § Avicula, 1898, p. 131, 190], p. 1; Boll. Soc. Zool. Ital. x, p. 49 (1901). || Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 273 (1896). qo J. £0. 187ep 19F ** (Cf, however, Giglioli, Ibis, 1881, p. 219. Audouin’s Guill. 493 Mr. Schiavazzi has acknowledged that he was mistaken as to two specimens caught at Pirano in Istria. The latter gentle- man has also mentioned an example in the Museum at Vienna, obtained by Natterer in 1815; but this may be that from Tarifa, and in any case the date is previous to Payrandeau’s description of the bird in 1826. I could not find any trace of this specimen in the Museum. ~ Audouin’s Gull was found nesting on the island of Mal di Ventre by the late Marquis Nerli, and on Toro by Lord Lilford, while it breeds on the Columbretes, in the Gulf of Valencia, and has probably been overlooked in many of the rocky islets off Sardinia, where Larus cachinnans is found. The eggs have been fully described by Mr. Oates in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ Eggs in the British Museum’ (1. p. 217). The Italian Museums and private collections which possess specimens of Audouin’s Gull are the following :— ‘a, Civic Museum of Milan (one specimen from Elba), b. Civic Museum of Genoa. e. Collection of Marquis Pinelli-Gentile of Genoa (the only Ligurian- killed example). d. KR. Museum of Florence (a-beautiful series of seven or eight speci- mens, with a young bird and eggs; all from the island of Mal di Ventre). e. Collection of Mr. Tonietti at Portoferraio (Elba) (two specimens from Elba). f. Collection of Marchioness Paulucci of Florence (one specimen from Sardinia). g. TK. Museum of Cagliari (three adult specimens). h. RK. Museum of Palermo (five adult specimens). 2. Collection of Mr. J. Whitaker at Malfitano, Palermo (a beautiful series of seven or eight specimens which belonged to the late Lord Lilford). j. My Collection (sixteen specimens, with some immature and young birds, and also some that are half-grown, about which I shall speak further). I shall not enter into the habits of the species, as they are sufficiently well known, but will proceed at once to describe the plumage of the young in its first dress, which I am especially anxious to put on record, as it is not given by 494 Count E. Arrigoni Degli Oddi on any author with whose work I am acquainted. For com- parison I give the description of the Yellow-legged Herring- Gull in a similar state of plumage. Fig. 12. Head of Larus cachinnans. Yellow-legged Herring-Gull (Larus cachinnans), young male in first dress, but able to fly.—Island of Capraja (Tuscany), June 14, 1901. Prof. Damiani [C.]. Bill blackish, horn-coloured at the end, paler at the base of the lower mandible; iris dark hazel; head and neck whitish buff, with a broad, elongated, blackish-brown central stripe, which here and there is so expanded that no light pattern is visible ; darker beneath the eyes aud on the auricular region; a blackish spot in front of the eye; the back, mantle, innermost secondaries, and wing-coverts almost blackish, with a broad buffish marginal edge, which is more or less suffused with grey; this is still broader and more whitish on the rump, with the two colours in great contrast ; upper tail-coverts whitish buff, with blackish spots -and bands; chin and throat white, a little buffish and uni- form; under-parts uniform buffish grey, with large, dark, blackish centres or irregular blotches, very distinct on the sides of the neck and flanks and quite obsolete elsewhere, so that these parts appear to be uniform in ground-colour ; Audouin’s Gull. 495 7 middle of the lower abdomen whitish ; under tail-coverts white, a little buffish, with two blackish-brown transverse bands, sometimes not wholly regular but always very well marked ; primary-quills quite black, with paler inner webs and whitish tips to most of them; secondaries dark umber, tipped with buffish grey; central tail-feathers marbled or barred with blackish on a whitish ground-colour at the base, then dull dark brown, and finally tipped with dirty white ; outermost tail-feather white, the following outside and the two middle feathers white barred with dark brown at the base, dark brown towards the tip, finally tipped with dirty white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries smoky brown,. the latter indistinctly marbled with dull grey; feet greyish brown. : Bill from the forehead 1°9 inch ; wing 15:5 inches. Fig. 13. Head of Larus audouint. _Audown’s Gull (Larus audouini), young male in its first dress, but able to fly—tIsland of Vacca (S.W. Sardinia), July 12,1901. P. Bonomi [C.]. Bill blackish, overspread with reddish at the base and near the apex of the culmen, horn-coloured at the end; iris very dark hazel; the colour of the head and neck of a light whitish grey, with the edges of the feathers suffused. 496 ~ Count E. Arrigoni Degli Oddi on with buff; the back with a brownish appearance, but the end of the feathers buffish ; the wings and lower back like those of the Yellow-legged Herring-Gull, but the edges broader, and the buffish tint lighter and not overspread with grey, but with whitish yellow ; chin and throat buffish white; under-parts greyish, with the feathers edged with buffish, the grey tint overspread with brownish, more distinct on the sides of the breast and of the upper abdomen ; lower abdomen, vent, under tail-coverts, aud the sides snow-white, some of the lateral under tail-cdverts shewing a dark greyish spot towards the end of the feathers on the outer web ; tail- feathers blackish, with a broad terminal band and an edge of light buffish white, the base of a delicate pearly white, the light pattern more extended on the inner webs of the outside feathers ; feet dark dirty plumbeous. Bill from forehead 1°67 inch; wing 13 5 inches. A young male of the same age, date, and locality has the greyish on the head and upper-parts darker, and also the dark tint on the under-parts, so that the contrast with the snow-white of the belly is more evident. Bill from forehead 1°6 inch; wing 12°4 inches. Two other females from the same locality and with the same date are younger and not fully grown; they resemble the above-mentioned young males, but there are some grey downy tracts on the neck and on the sides of the head. Bill from forehead 1°6 inch; wing 10°7 inches. Besides the sma!] size and the dimensions of the bill and wing, the differently coloured bill, the darker and more uniform pattern of the plumage, the snow-white abdomen and vent, we must call attention to the very different pattern of the tail-feathers and the shape of the bill, which enable us to recognise this species at once in its first dress after the _ downy nestling-period. Yellow-legged Herring-Gull, young, in the first dress. Bill stouter and larger, with the rami of the lower mandible straight or a little arched, the space from the gonys to the 7 Audouin’s Gull. 497 end of the bill a little arched, the base of the culmen on the upper side a little convex; the angle of the gonys rather distinct; the nostrils elongated , somewhat oval, and broad (see fig. 12, p. 494). Tail-feathers white at the base, with some blackish trans- verse bars (except the outermost one.and sometimes that which follows) ; outermost tail-feather white at the end, the basal three-fourths of the second and third outside feathers and half the others white, all banded with blackish ; these bands sometimes not regular and always scanty in the second and third, more abundant in the following and in the central, all having a subterminal blackish band and with dirty white tips. / Audouin’s Gull, young, in the first dress. Bill thinner and more elongated in proportion, with the rami of the lower mandible decidedly arched, the space between the gonys and the end of the bill longer and much more arched, the base of the culmen on the upper side more flat; the angle of the gonys clearly distinct; the nostrils straight, linear, and narrower (see fig. 13, p. 495). Tail-feathers pearly grey-white at the base, without any blackish transverse band, the light pattern more extended on the inner webs of the feathers. They are pearly grey- white for about one-fourth of their length, the light pattern increasing in extent for three-fourths of the total length on the inner webs of all of them except the two central (which are black, except at the base); in the rest they are blackish, tipped with dirty white, and with the outermost one edged with white. In concluding this note I give a list of the specimens in my Collection :— a. dad. Island of Elba, August 26, 1883.—£z Coll. Roster. Bill from forehead * 1:9 inch, coral-red, with a subapical blackish band ; wing 16°6 inches, * I always measure the bill from the feathered space down the forehead to the tip, and I observe that this space is very much prolonged. on the base of the bill, so that it appears shorter than it is, 498 On Audouin’s Gull. b. 2 ad. Malfatano, Gulf of Palmas (S. Sardinia), May 5, 1899.— P. Bonomi [C.]. Bill 1:67 inch, coral-red, overspread here and there with blackish, and with two subapical black bands; wing 16 inches. ce. gad. Island of Elba, December 22, 1900.—Prof. Damiani [P.]*. “Tris brown; bill 2 inches, coral-red, with a broad blackish subterminal bands and a small shade at the base of the culmen ; wing 16 inches. “The first winter-killed specimen at the Island of Elba.” d,e. § and Q ad. Teulada (S. Sardinia).—P. Bonomi [C. ]. Bill 1:8 inch ; wing 16°5 inches. fg. 6 and Gad. Island of Mal di Ventre (W. Sardinia), March 1901.—E. Arrigoni Degli Oddi [C.]. The male has only one large subapical band, the head, the lores, and sides are spotted with greyish as much as in the winter dress of the Common Gull. Ithink that this is an immature specimen, and not an adult in winter dress. It is also like that described by Mr. Saunders in lacking the white spot on the outermost primary. This remarkable specimen measures: bill 2 inches, wing 16:3 inches. i The female is a white-headed bird, with only one subterminal band on the bill, which measures 1°7 inch ; wing 15:7 inches. h-l. Three ¢ ad. and two Q ad. Cala Galera (Gulf of Palmas), July 11, 1901, and Island of Vacca (S.W. Sardinia), July 12, 1901.— P. Bonomi [C.]. All with two black subterminal bands on the bill, which measures 1°8 to 2 inches; wing 16 to 16°8 inches. m-p. Two ¢ young andtwo 2 young. Island of Vacca, July 12, 1901. ~ —P, Bonomi [C.]. Those which are described above. All of the specimens (except the male from the Island of Mal di Ventre and the four young birds) are wholly white- headed, with the outermost primary shewing a small white subapical spot on the inner web. I think that the greyish- brown streaks on the head and neck are a true mark of im- maturity, and not a peculiar winter dress, which I believe to be like the full breeding-plumage. I have mentioned that some specimens shew only one dark subterminal band on - the bill, and others two. I think that, generally speaking, in the adult bird the two are combined together, and so * For the gift of this beautiful specimen I am particularly indebted to my friend Prof. Damiani, of Portoterraio. Anniversary Meeting of the B. O. U. 499 become a single broader band, while it appears to me that the total breadth of the two and the red space between them corresponds to the size of the single band in the adult. I believe, moreover, that this is the last-assumed mark of full development, and that it is generally found after the streaked appearance on the neck and head is lost ; there are, however, exceptions to this rule (cf. the male specimen from Mal di Ventre in my Collection). According to what I could observe, and with the material that I had at my disposal, I certainly consider that the two bands and the black blendings scattered here and there over the bill are marks of immaturity. XXIX.— Proceedings at the Anniversary Meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Union, 1902. Tue Annual General Meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Union was held in the rooms of the Zoological Society of London, 3 Hanover Square (by permission of the Council of that Society), on Wednesday, the J4th of May, at 6 P.M. In the regretted absence of the President, owing to illness, Dr. P. L. Sctatsr, F.R.S., took the Chair. The Minutes of the last Annual Mecting having been read and confirmed, the Report of the Committee was read. They were glad to be able to state that the prosperity of the Union had continued undiminished during the past year. The anrual volume of ‘The Ibis’ for 1901 had been published in regular course. It was the first of the Eighth Series, under the joint Editorship of Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., and Mr. A. H. Evans, M.A., and consisted of 782 pages, illustrated by 15 plates. The Committee regretted to report the loss by death of seven Ordinary Members of the Union since the last Auni- versary, namely: the Rt. Hon. Lt.-Col. E. H. Cooper, Mr. H. M. Courage, the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, Lord Malcolm of Poltalloch, Capt. Eric Streatfeild, Mr. Lionel W. Wiglesworth, and Mr. John Young. The resignation of Mr. Arthur H. Holland had been accepted; but it had not been found necessary to remove any Member under Rule 6. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. 2 L 500 Anniversary Meeting of the B. O. U. The Union on May 14th consisted of 347 Ordinary Members, 2 Extraordinary Members, 9 Honorary Members, and 17 Foreign Members, making a total of 375. Twenty- eight Candidates for the Ordinary Membership were seeking admission to the Union. The finances were adequate, although the expenditure on the illustrations had been somewhat heavier than usual. The Report having been, adopted, the Accounts for the year, audited by Mr. H. E. Dresser, were presented by the Secretary and approved by the Meeting. Dr. F. DuCane Godman, F.R.S., was re-elected President, and Mr. Howard Saunders Secretary for the ensuing year. Dr. F. G. D. Drewitt was elected a Member of the Com- mittee, in the place of Mr. W. E. de Winton, who retired by rotation. The following alterations in the Rules of the Union were recommended by the Committee :— Rule 2, par. 1. To insert the words “ Colonial Members” after ‘ Extraordinary Members,” and for par. 8 to insert “Colonial Members to be eminent Ornithologists residing in the British Colonies and India, and not to exceed ten in number.” Rule 3, last par. To insert the word “ Colonial ” after the word “ Honorary.” The effect of these alterations would be to form a new class of Colonial Members, not to exceed ten in number. These alterations were discussed and adopted by the Meeting. The following twenty-eight Candidates were then balloted for and declared to be duly elected Ordinary Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union :—Harry Becher, C.E., 4 Walpole Street, Chelsea, S.W.; The Hon. Richard O. B. Bridgeman, Lieut. R.N., H.M.S. ‘ Partridge,” Cape of Good . Hope Station; Bertram A. Bristowe, The Cottage, Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey; Robert M. Cowie, M.R.C.S., 2nd Life Guards, Windsor; Charles Henry Dent, Raincliffe Villa, The Valley, Scarboro’ ; The Rev. Allan Ellison, M.A., Ardoyne House, Watton, Hertford; Capt. Stanley S. Anniversary Meeting of the B. O. U. 501 Flower, F.Z.S8., Kedah House, Zoological Gardens, Gizeh, Cairo; William Bevington Gibbins, Ettington, Stratford-on- Avon; Frederick Gillett, Woodfield, Burgess Hill, Sussex ; Arthur Riley Gillman, 5 Fellows Road, Hampstead, N.W. ; John Randall Hatfield, Edlington Hall, Horncastle, Lincoln- shire; Bron Herbert, Picket Post, Ringwood, Hants ; Geoffrey Secombe Hett, 18 Chepstow Place, Bayswater, W.; Walter Francis Innes, Bey, M.D., Curator of the Zoological Museum, School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt; Frank Harwood Jacob, M.D., 4 Oxford Street, Nottingham; Norman Hum- bert Joy, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Bradfield, near Reading ; Norman Boyd Kinnear, 12 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh ; John Bruce Nichols, Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W.; Michael John Nicoll, 10 Charles Road, St. Leonard’s ; Alfred Edward Pease, M.P., Pinchinthorpe House, Guis- borough, Yorks; Bernard Beryl Riviere, 82 Finchley Road, N.W.; Arthur St. George Sargeaunt, 83 Madeley Road, . Haling, W.; William H. Radcliffe Saunders, C.E., 33 Princes Square, W.; Abel Heury Smith, M.P., Woodhall Park, Hertford ; John Hutton Stenhouse, M.B., R.N., Hi.M.S. ‘ Diana,’ Mediterranean Squadron ; Reginald Gilliatt Townsend, M.A., Buckholt, Dean, Salisbury ; Edward Walter Wade, 325 Anlaby Road, Hull; William Hughes Workman, Lismore, Windsor, Belfast. The name of Prof. Gustav F. Radde, of Tiflis, was ordered to be transferred from the list of Foreign Members to the list of Honorary Members. The following gentlemen were elected Foreign Members :— Mr. Frank Michler Chapman, American Museum of Natural History, New York, U.S.A.; Dr. Herman von Ihering, C.M.Z.S., Museu Paulista, Sio Paulo, Brazil ; and Dr. Peter Suschkin, C.M.Z.S., Imperial University, Moscow, Russia. After a vote of thanks to the Council of the Zoological Society of London for the use of their Rooms, the Meeting _ adjourned. | | The Annual Dinner, subsequently held at Limmer’s Hotel (Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., in the Chair), was attended by twenty-one Members. 213 502 Recently published Ornithological Works. XXX.—WNotices of recent Ornithological Publications. [Continued from p. 351.] 74, ‘ Annals of Scottish Natural History, {The Annals of Scottish Natural History. No. 41, January 1902, and No. 42, April 1902. ] The first number of this journal contains an interesting article by Mr. Charles Campbell on a large Starling-roost on Cramond Island in the Firth of Forth. Mr. T. G. Gunnis follows with details of the shooting, on Tiree, of the example of Porzana carolina which was exhibited by Mr. E. Lort Phillips at the British Ornithologists’ Club on November 20th last, being the third recognition in the British Islands of this black-faced American representative of our Spotted Crake. Among the Notes are remarks on migrants in the south of Shetland, on considerable immigrations of Waxwings, on occurrences of the Great Snipe in Shetland as well as in Orkney, and on an exhibition of the first specimen of the Green Sandpiper from the Outer Hebrides. In the number for April, Mr. T. G. Laidlaw gives his usual Annual Report on the Movements and Occurrences of Birds in Scotland for 1901—a most useful epitome ; while Mr. Harvie-Brown contributes an introductory article on additions to the ornithological knowledge of the Outer Hebrides acquired since 1888. Among the Notes, Mr. W. Eagle Clarke records further arrivals of Greenland Redpolls; while an example of Tengmalm’s Owl was obtained in Shetland on November 5th, 1901, and presented to the Edinburgh Museum. Mr. G. Sim states that a Little Owl (Athene noctua), the first for Scotland, was obtained in Kincardine- shire on February Ist; the breeding of the Pintail in Selkirkshire is recorded; and Mr. W. Eagle Clarke writes that he has received for identification specimens of Sterna fluviatilis from a considerable colony breeding on an inland loch in Shetland, the first authenticated instance for the group.—H. 8. Recently published Ornithological Works. 503 73. * The Auk? [The Auk. A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Vol. xix. Nos. 1 and 2, January and April 1902.] Mr. A. C. Bent begins the year with a continuation of his illustrated paper on the nesting-habits of the Anatide in Northern Dakota, which is concluded in the April number. Mr. James Haynes Hill contributes a short article on Lowia leucoptera in captivity ; while the title of Mr. J. W. Daniel’s paper on the summer birds of the Great Dismal Swamp will revive recollections of anti-slavery agitation in readers of mature age. Mr. W. H. Kobbe investigates the question of the species or races of Herring- Gulls, and,comes to the conclusion that there is no specific distinction between Larus argentatus and L. vege of Palmén, but that L. cachinnans is quite recognisable. We are glad to see that he has made good use of the Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. vol. xxv., although he has not arrived at quite the same conclusions as the author of the section Gavie. Mr. H. B. Bigelow’s list of the birds observed on the north-eastern coast of Labrador is a useful supplement to Mr. L. M. Turner’s birds of Ungava. The Report of the Committee on the Protection of North-American Birds is of great interest, especially Mr. Dutcher’s portion relating to the Gulls and Terns. We may pass over some American papers which will be duly noted by the recorder of ‘ Aves’ in the ‘Zoological Record’; but occurrences of Mareca penelope in North Carolina and Long Island, as well as of Nettion crecca in the latter, deserve mention on this side of the water.—H. S. 76. Baker on the Birds of North Cachar. [The Birds of North Cachar. By E. C. Stuart Baker. Journ. Bomb. Nat. Hist. Soc.—Part IIL. op. cit. ix. p. 111 (1894) ; Part IV. op. cit. =p. t (1895); Part V. op. ct. x. p. 161 (1896); Part VI. op. cd. x: p. 389; Part VIL. op. cit. x. p. 689 (1897) ; Part VIII. op. cit. xi. p. 291; Part IX. op. cit. xi. p. 890; Part X. op. crt. xii. p. 486; Part XI. op. cit, xiii. p. 3899 (1901) ; Part XII. op. cit. xiii. p. 563.] Mr. Baker has now sent us a complete set of his series of papers on the birds of North Cachar, of which we 504 Recently published Ornithological Works. have previously noticed only the two first parts (see ‘Ibis, 1895, p. 488). Taking them altogether we have a complete account of the Ornis of one of the most varied and interesting districts of the Indian Empire, to which the energetic author has devoted unceasing attention for many years. The excellent field-notes contain accounts of numerous discoveries of nests and eggs not known to any other collector and of great rarity. The eggs of three species of Pitta are described, as are also those of several little-known Cuckoos (Coccystes coromandus, Chalcococcyx maculatus, and Hierococcyx nisicolor), and full details of the curious nests of Batrachositomus are given. Cyanops robustirostris (on the plate called Mezobucco r.) aud Corythocichla squamata are described as new to science and figured, but the latter, Mr. Baker now tells us, is not different from Turdinulus murinus (Blyth). 77. Bangs on Birds from Chiriqut. (I. On a Collection of Birds made by W. W. Brown, Jr., at David and Divala, Chiriqui. By Outram Bangs. The Auk, xviii. pp. 355-370. II. Description of a new Woodpecker from Chiriqui. By Outram Bangs. Pr. New Engl. Zool. Cl. ii. p. 99. Ill. On a Second Collection of Birds made in Chiriqui by W. W. Brown, Jr. By Outram Bangs. Op. cit. ili. pp. 15-70. } In the first paper an account is given of a collection of bird-skins made by Mr. W. W. Brown, jr., in the lowlands of Chiriqui, at David and Divala. In 58 days this energetic taxidermist managed to secure 1183 specimens of birds and many mammals besides. Mr. Bangs gives a list of about 160 species, whereof six are “forms that appear to be new”; but it may seem to some of us that Mr. Bangs “cuts” his species and subspecies “‘ rather fine.” We may also remark that Mr. Bangs does not seem to be aware of the existence of a paper on the birds of the same district published as long ago as 1856, or at any rate does not mention it (see P. Z. S. 1856, p. 138). The second paper is devoted to the description of a supposed new Woodpecker, based on a single specimen from Recently published Ornithological Works. 505 the same collection, which is proposed to be called Venili- ornis neglectus. It is stated to be “similar to V. cecilie of Colombia and Ecuador, but smaller,’ &c. We may remark that both Salvin and Hargitt (excellent authorities on the Picide) have examined more than one specimen of Chloro- nerpes cecilie from Veragua, and have not hesitated to identify it with the typical form from Colombia. We are inclined to prefer their view of the matter. Mr. Bangs does not even care to mention that these distinguished orni- thologists were of a different opinion from his own. The third paper gives an account of a second large consign- ment of birds amassed by Mr. Brown between January and August 1991, chiefly on the Volcano of Chiriqui, where Arcé made his celebrated collections for Messrs. Salvin and Godman. The species represented in this series are about 260, mostly, of course, the same as those obtained by Arcé, but some probably additional. There is an interesting itinerary of Mr. Brown’s journey up the volcano, which is well worthy of perusal. Mr. Bangs makes 6 new species and 8 new subspecies, but all of them appear to be nearly related to known forms. The Zeledonia coronata of Ridgway *, formerly believed to be of Pteroptochian affinities, is now supposed by Mr. Bangs to be best put “ somewhere near the Thrushes ” ! 78. Berlepsch and Hartert on the Birds of the Orinoco. [On the Birds of the Orinoco Region. By Count Hans von Berlepsch and Ernst Hartert. Nov. Zool. vol. ix., April 1902. } Very little has been done in the way of ornithology in the district of the Orinoco, and this elaborate paper, the joint product of two well-known experts on South-American Birds, is consequently highly welcome tous. It describes the exten- sive collections made in 1897, 1898, and 1899 by Mr. and Mrs. Cherrie at several stations on the Lower and Middle Orinoco, from Altagracia upwards. The Tring Museum has, moreover, received a considerable number of skins from Ciudad Bolivar and from Suapure on the River Caura, * See ‘Ibis,’ 1889, p. 262. 506 Recently published Ornithological Works. besides a collection made by Mr. André at several localities on the latter river. Unfortunately the dangers and diffi- culties met with by all the explorers interfered with the continuance of their work, which, however, it is hoped, may be resumed at a later period. The unworked Sierra Parima could not be reached. From the places actually visited, however, a large series of birds, embracing examples of no less than 468 species, was obtained, so that it cannot be said that the results were in any sense meagre. At the highest stations on the Orinoco many forms hitherto known only from Upper Amazonia were met with, whilst on the Caura the Avifauna was found to bear more decamblnngs to that of British Guiana, with a certain number of endemic species. The following are the names of the species and subspecies described as new :—WMicrocerculus caurensis, Thryothorus griseipectus caurensis, Troglodytes musculus clarus, Hylophilus thoracicus griseiventris, Cyanerpes cerulea cherriet, Calliste mexicana media, Pyrocephalus rubineus saturatus, Teniotriccus andrei, Habrura pectoralis brevipennis, Serpophaga orenocensis, Thripophaga cherriei, Automolus sclateri puraensis, Dendrornis rostripallens sororia, Xiphocolaptes orenocensis, Dendrocincla pheochroa, Thamnophilus doliatus fraterculus, Myrmotherula cherriet, M. cinereiventris pallida, Myrmeciza swainsoni griseipectus, Saucerotiea erythronotos caurensis, Chlorostilbon caribaeus nanus, Thalurania furcata fissilis, Lophornis ver- reauzt klagest, Chetura andrei, Veniliornis orenocensis, Picumnus stelle, Capito auratus intermedius, and Ramphastos hematorhynchus. Two new generic names are proposed, namely, Teniotriccus (p. 38) for T. andrei from the Caura River (a new form of Platyrhynchine), and Pheomyias (p. 41) for P. incompia (Cab. et Heine), in place of Myio- patis, which is shown to be a synonym of Ornithion. _ The coloured plate contains excellent figures of Xenopsaris albinucha, Thripophaga cherriei, and Saltater orenocensis. The occurrence so far north of Xenopsaris (hitherto known only from Argentina) is quite a surprise to us. Recently published Ornithological Works. 507 79. ‘ Bird-Lore, [Bird-Lore. Edited by Frank M. Chapman. The Macmillan Co., Harrisburg, New York, and London. | We have before us the third volume of this American bi-monthly ornithological magazine for 1901, and the numbers up to May of the present year. Primarily ‘ Bird- Lore,’ which appears to be the organ of the Audubon Society, appeals to American readers; but there is a great deal of matter which should interest a wider circle, and many of the numerous illustrations are of great beauty. We may instance those to the chapter by Mr. F. M. Chapman on a breeding-place of the Brown Pelican in Florida; Mr. F. A. Lucas’s Walrus Island, in Bering Sea, with its denizens, the Guillemots,. Gulls, and Cormorants; the Editor and the veteran Mr. Burroughs finding and photographing the nests of Humming-birds; and Mr. H. W. Henshaw’s first im- pressions of Hawaiian birds. These are some of the more important photogravures as regards size and the general interest of the accompanying letterpress ; but the snap- shots of smaller birds from life are very effective. The tendency of the work is distinctly educational, and its aim is to foster observation, especially by meaus of the camera, instead of mere collecting. Mr. Chapman’s exposition of the working of the electric perch, by which the bird takes its own portrait as soon as it alights, deserves attention, though not unknown to a select few of our photographers on this side. The annual subscription to this sympathetic work is only a dollar.—H. 8. 80. Boutourline on the Game-Birds of the Russian Empire. [Synoptical Tables of the Game-Birds of the Russian Empire. By S. Boutourline, Member of the Society of Naturalists, &e. Edited by N. Anofrief. Petersburg, 1901. 4to. 126 pp.] For some notes on the contents of this Russian memoir we are indebted to the kindness of Mr, Delmar Morgan, who informs us that the iutroductory remarks treat of the practical and scientific importance of Ornithology, the oJ) necessity for accurate classification, and the want of a 508 Recently published Ornithological Works. generally available system for the whole of Russia (European and Asiatic). Theauthor’s chief object is to encourage bird- hunters in all parts of Russia, and especially in the Asiatic provinces, to cultivate Ornithology. He disclaims complete- ness for the present work, and refers the reader for more detailed information to Prof. Menzbier’s book ‘ The Birds of (European) Russia,’ and to the ‘Birds of Europe,’ by Holodkofsky & Lifantief, in course of publication in parts. The system adopted in these tables is to co-ordinate the distinguishing characters of two types of each variety or species, leaving the collector or observer to classify his specimens according as these assimilate to one or the other type. Intermediate specimens are of great interest from various aspects, such as geographical distribution, palzon- tology, and the origin of species. To these must be added differences due to hybridization (very common among the Gallinacee), influence of climate, sex, age, and ‘season. With these last the tables are not concerned. As a hand- book for the Russian sportsman and collector in remote parts of the Empire, where books are difficult of access, M. Boutourline’s tables will probably be found useful. 81. Clarke on the Migration of Birds. [Bird Migration in Great Britain and Iveland. Fourth Interim Report of the Committee consisting of Prof. Newton (Chairman), Rey. EH. P. Knubley (Secretary), Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, Mr. R. M. Barrington, and Mr. A. H. Evans, appointed to work out the details of the Observa- tions of Migration of Birds at, Lighthouses and Lightships, 1880-87. Rep. Brit. Assoc. Glasgow, 1901. | This Report contains an account of the migrations of the Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and of the Swallow (Hirundo rustica), worked out similarly to those of former species (see ‘Ibis, 1901, p. 825) by Mr. W. E. Clarke with his usual accuracy and comprehensive grasp of the subject. A serious deficiency of data is noted with regard to the South Coast of England, but the subsequent visit of Mr. Clarke to the Eddystone Lighthouse (‘ Ibis,’ 1902, p. 246) has resulted in the acquisition of much further information. Recently published Ornithological Works. 509 82. Finn on Indian Ducks. [How to know the Indian Ducks. By Frank Finn, B.A. (Oxon.), F.Z.8., M.B.0O.U. Sm. 8vo. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink, & Co. 1901. Pp. i-iv & 1-101. Price 2 Rs. 8 Ans. ] This pamphlet chiefly consists of reprints of articles from the ‘ Asian’ of 1898 and 1899, and treats in Mr. Finn’s well- known popular style of Ducks in a very wide sense, as the author includes therein the Cygnine, Anserine, Mergine, and -Anatine. The Indian species, though most of them breed in Northern and Central Asia, comprise about a quarter of the entire family Anatida; while most of the residents build in trees, and are remarkable for the scanty supply of down in their nests. The vernacular names are given as an assistance to identification, and appendices are added con- taining (1) a diagnostic table, (2) a table of colours of full- plumaged males, (3) remarks on the treatment of Ducks in confinement. | . 83. Finsch on a new Bornean Bulbul. [Ueber eine neue Art Haarvogel aus Central-Borneo von Dr. O. Finsch. Notes Leyden Mus, xxiii. pp. 95, 96. ] -Poliolophus nieuwenhuisi, from Central Borneo, is allied to Brachypudius (Micropus) melanocephalus, and is dedicated to its discoverer Dr. Nieuwenhuis, who has done good work for the Leyden Museum in Borneo. 84. Godman’s ‘ Biologia Centrali- Americana,’ [Biologia Centrali-Americana; or, Contributions to the Knowledge of the Fauna and Flora of Mexico and Central America. Edited by F. DuCane Godman. (Zoology.) Parts CLUXIX.-CLXXI. 1901-02. (R. H. Porter.) The three portions lately issued of the “ Birds” of this important work commence with the Boatbills (Cancromide), which, in accordance with Mr. Ridgway’s views, are regarded as forming a family apart from the Herons. (Ardeide). The Central-American representative, Cancroma zeledoni, is recognised as distinct from the Southern C. cochlearia, but we suspect that intermediate forms may yet be found. 510 Recently published Ornithological Works. To the Cancromide succeed the Storks (Ciconiidze) with two Central-American species, the Spoonbills (Plataleide) with one, the Ibises (Ibididz) with four, and the Flamingos with one representative in this part of the world. The Anseres follow, and good progress is made with the Columbe. Excellent coloured figures are given of Leptoptila plumbei- ceps, L. cerviniventris, L. cassini, L. rufinucha, and Geotrygon lawrencit. 85. Goeldi on Amazonian Birds. [Album de Aves Amazonicas organizado pelo Dr. Emilio A. Goeldi. 1™o fase. 1901.] Dr. E. A. Goeldi, Director of the Para Museum of Natural History and Ethnography, who is always endeavouring to spread the knowledge of Natural History in his adopted country, has recently issued the first part of an “ Album ” of Amazonian Birds. It contains twelve coloured plates, on which are depicted some of the most characteristic species of the feathered inhabitants of the country, associated in groups of allied forms. The work is intended as a sort of illustrated supplement to the author’s lately completed ‘Aves do Brasil’ (ey, “Ubis,” 1901, p. 501). 86. Hagmann on the Zoological Garden at Pard. [Der Zoologische Garten des Museu Goeldi in Para (Brasilien), mit besonderer Beriicksichtigung der Tierbeschaffung, von Dr. phil Gottfried Hagmann. 8vo. Frankfurt a. M., 1901. 55 pp.] Dr. Hagmann gives an interesting account of the Zoolo- gical Garden attached to the Goeldi Museum at Para, which is said to be one of the great attractions of that flourishing city. The institution was founded in 1893 as the “ Museu Paraense,” but subsequeutly had its name changed to ‘¢ Museu Goeldi,’ in honour of its energetic Founder and Director, Dr. E. A. Goeldi. _ The various buildings in the Garden and their inhabitants are described, and a systematic list is given of the Vertebrate Animals exhibited during the past six years. Among the birds we observe the names of Harpyia destructor, Nothocrax urumutum, Heliornis fulica, and of three species of Psophia. Recently published Ornithological Works. Sit 87. Hellmayr on South-American Birds. ((1) Zur Revision der Gattung Polioptila. Von C. E. Hellmayr. Nov. Zool. viii. pp. 356-361. (2) Ueber einige Arten des Genus Thryophilus. Von C. E. Hellmayr. Verh. k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 1901, pp. 767-776. (8) Revision einiger neotropischen Turdide. Von CO. E. Hellmayr. J. f. O, 1902, pp. 44-69. ] _An active young ornithologist is now at work at Vienna on South-American and Palearctic Birds. One of us had the pleasure of making his personal acquaintance there last autumn, where he was engaged in work at the Imperial Museum of Natural History. With every wish to encourage Herr Hellmayr in his devotion to our science we may venture to say that he seems to us to be inclined in some cases to base his species and subspecies on rather slender characters. In the first of the papers of which we have given the titles above he describes a new species (P. berlepschi) and a new subspecies of Polioptila, and adds critical remarks on other members of this well-marked Neotropical genus. In the second he revises the Wrens of the genus Thryo- philus allied to T. leucotis, and arranges the group under six species, besides subspecies. In the third paper he devotes his attention to the Neo- tropical Thrushes, and discusses Catharus and the groups of Turdus grayi, T. ignobilis, T. crotopezus, T. albiventer, T. pheopygus, T. fumigatus, T. flavipes, and T. fuscater. Several new subspecies are indicated. We wish that Herr Hellmayr would give up the ugly method of designating the typical form of a species by repetition of the specific name. Turdus ignobilis ignobilis is certainly not an elegant expression, Turdus ignodilis typicus is neater and quite as correct. 88. Hellmayr on Palearctic Birds. [(1) Hine neue Graumeisenform aus Italien. Von C. E. Hellmayr. Ornith. Jahrb. xii. pp. 110, 111. : (2) Untersuchungen uber einige palaarctische Vogel. Von C. E. Hellmayr. Ornith. Jahrb. xiii. pp. 26-43. ] - In his papers on the Palearctic Ornis Mr. Helimayr also 512 Recently published Ornithological Works. appears to us to be too much given to the fashionable practice of making new “ subspecies.” The various forms of Parus are, no doubt, not easy to deal with, but the differences between the local forms are by no means constant, and it is very difficult, if not impossible in many cases, to assign specimens to a particular form without a knowledge of their localities. Mr. Hellmayr reviews the local forms of P. montanus, P. communis, and P. ater, and separates some new subspecies. The author also shows that Yurdus orientalis Mad. is intermediate between T. torquatus typicus and T. t. alpestris. 89. Herrich’s ‘ Home Life of Wild Birds. : [The Home Life of Wild Birds: a New Method of the Study and Photography of Birds. By Francis Hobart Herrick. With 141 Original Illustrations from Nature by the Author. 4to. London, 1901. Pp. xx, 149. Putnam’s. Price 10s. 6d.} ; Mr. Herrick’s studies have been chiefly carried out in Central New Hampshire and relate for the most part to the more common American species. ‘They are, however, none the less welcome on that account, and portray with great accuracy the birds and their habits at the nest. Being desirous of shewing them as they really are and their behaviour in the open .air rather than under constrained conditions or in cages, the author contrived a new method of study, which he practised for two summers. Instead of going to the birds, he virtually made the birds come to him, and ensured their tameness before taking their portraits. In the case of some twenty-six species the nest was first watched to determine the period and details of incubation; the young, when hatched, were next carefully observed, and, when they were considered old enough, the nest and its surroundings were often bodily removed and set up at some convenient spot, where a movable tent was erected to screen the observer and his camera. Special chapters on ‘‘ Fear in Birds ” and “‘ Taming without a Cage ” shew how soon the birds became familiarized with their new surroundings ; while the result of no less than five or six hours’ daily watching was the aquisition of a fine series of Recently published Ornithological Works. 513 Plates of the parents and young under all manner of circum- stances, though the effect of the pictures is somewhat spoilt by the portions not in focus. Special devices were needed when the ground was marshy or otherwise unfit for the work. 90. Martorelli on Athene chiaradiz. [Nota ornitologica. Ulteriori osservazioni sull’ Athene chiaradie, Giglioli, del Prof. Giacinto Martorelli. Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. x1.] This paper contains particulars concerning the remarkable form of Owl recently discovered in Udine, Italy, and de- scribed by Prof. Giglioli as Athene chiaradie. It would seem to be a sport of A. noctua rather than a veritable species; but Prof. Gigloli has promised us an article upon this interesting bird for ‘The Ibis,’ which will, no doubt, give us full information. 91. Naumann’s ‘ Birds of Middle Europe. (Naumann, Naturgeschichte der Vogel Mitteleuropas. Herauszegeben Dr. Carl R. Hennicke. Bande ii—-vii., x. Folio. Gera-Untermhaus, 1897-1902. (Price 1 M. each Lieferung.) ] Every ornithologist who has devoted himself to European birds must be well acquainted with Naumann’s ‘ Natur- geschichte der Vogel Deutschlands,’ which, though published as far back as 1822-53, still remains a standard work of the best description. Until recently no second edition had been published, but a revised edition, bringing the subject up to date, is now being issued under the title ‘ Naumann, Naturgeschichte der Vogel Mitteleuropas.’ Several volumes of this have, we understand, already appeared ; but of these we have only received one for review, namely the third, which embraces the Wagtails, Larks, and Finches. The number of authors and artists employed on the work reaches, according to the titlepage, the somewhat alarming total of 37, all working under the editorship of Dr. Carl R. Hennicke, of Gera, so that it may be taken for granted that the various articles will scarcely be of equal value. In the present volume, however, the work is executed 514 Recently published Ornithological Works. with commendable care and accuracy, the general arrangement of Naumann having been pretty closely followed. The various foreign names, a careful synonymy, and full descriptions of the birds with their habitats, habits, food, and nidification, their enemies, the mode of their capture, their use—and the contrary if they are destructive—are all fully given. Sub- species are referred to, but fortunately not fully treated of, for it appears that of the Crested Lark alone eighteen sub- species have already been described and named, though in the present work only two, G. cristata and G. theckle, are included as valid. The plates are, on the whole, good; but, as five artists have been employed, they are rather varied in execution, those of Mr. Keulemans being by far the best, while those of Pastor Kleinschmidt, though somewhat stiff, are accurate and fairly artistic. The third volume consists of 391 pages of letterpress, 43 chromolithographic plates of birds and 5 of eggs, and as the price is only sixteen shillings it is indeed a marvel of cheapness and a work that we can safely recommend to our readers. We only regret that it has-not been issued in the handy octavo form of the original work, for large folio volumes such as these are heavy and far less convenient for reference-purposes. 92. Oustalet and Claybrooke on the third Ornithological Congress at Paris. [11I* Congrés Ornithologique International, Paris.—26-30 Juin, 1900. Compte Rendu des Séances publié par E. Oustalet et J. de Claybrooke. 8vo. Paris: Masson et C*, 1901.] This volume, which is full of interest to all ornithologists, contains a complete report of the business transacted at the third meeting of the International Ornithological Congress held at Paris in June 1900, and a list of the members present. This is followed by a long series of papers on different branches of our science, among the authors of which we notice the names of Reiser (Birds of Balkan), Johansen (Birds of Central Siberia), Bowdler Sharpe (Birds of Mon- golia and Birds of North China), Berlepsch and Stolzmann (New Species from Central Peru), Simon (rew Trochilide), Recently published Ornithological Works. 51D and many other noted ornithologists. Dr. Bureau writes on the plumages of Sabine’s Gull, and Freiherr v. Berlepsch on the “ Chasse aux grives” of Central Europe, inthe course of which he states that over one million Thrushes are slaughtered every year. More than half of these are Song-Thrushes (Turdus musicus). | Coloured figures are given of Ptilopus huttont Finsch (from Rapa, South Pacific) and of a supposed hybrid between Turdus vbscurus and T. ihacus from specimens in the Milan Museum, also a photograph of a tame Humming-bird (Chloro- stilbon splendidus) which died at Milan after living six months in captivity. The next Congress, it is stated, will be held in London, with Dr. Bowdler Sharpe as President. 93. Ridgway on the Birds of North and Middle America. [The Birds of North and Middle America. By Robert Ridgway. Part I. Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus. no. 50, 1901. ] We welcome with pleasure the first volume of the long- promised work of Mr. Ridgway on the birds of North and Middle America, and are sure that our friend and fellow- labourer will not take amiss the remarks we here make upon it. In the first place, we are glad that the author has been driven, by stress of circumstances, to commence with the most highly developed birds—the Passeres. It was a great mistake, in our opinion, when certain modern ornithologists determined to begin “from the bottom upwards.” One way of treatment, if properly carried out, is, of course, just as correct as the other; but as, up to a receut period, it had always been the practice to commence with the highest forms, it is very confusing to find the lowest types at the top and the Passeres at the bottom. Mr. Ridgway, we are pleased to say, begins with the nine-primaried Oscinine Passeres, and his first volume is entirely devoted to the Fringillide, under which head he includes—not without some reason, we admit—the group that previous authors have usually classed as the Fringilline or Thick-billed Tanagers. Of the huge family Fringillide, Sine Vill ——VOb, 11, 2 M 516 Recently published Ornithological Works. not less than 389 species and subspecies are recognised as coming within the limits of ‘‘ North and Middle America,” though, we must say, we think that Mr. Ridgway need not have overburdened his list by including the Galapagos within the area treated of, the Galapagan Avifauna being, in our opinion, quite as nearly related to South as to North and Middle America. Again, though it cannot be denied that subspecies exist in Nature, and that in some respects the use of them is of advantage, we cannot approve of the enormous increase of trinomials that has lately taken place among the new school of systematists. Seven species of Carpodacus mezicanus, for example, are allowed by Mr. Ridgway, and twelve of Cardinalis cardinalis. We fully admit the great experience that Mr. Ridgway has gained from the enormous series of specimens before him, but we cannot believe that it would be possible to recognise many of these supposed subspecies without a knowledge of the locality of the specimens. We quite agree with our author when he confesses that trinomials are a ‘necessary evil,” and that binomials are preferable. We shrink from contemplating what the number of ‘‘ subspecies ” will come to be when the birds of other countries shall have been worked up to the same pitch as those of North and Middle America, and we lament the task that will fall on the ornithologists of the future in striving to recollect their names. In matters of nomenclature Mr. Ridgway adheres closely to the Code of the A.O.U., of which he is such a distinguished member. One of the most objectionable of these rules is that the original mispelling of a name cannot be corrected. Thus Swainson having, from ignorance or from error, called a genus of Pigeons Leptotila instead of Leptopizila, the first spelling must, according to this practice, be always retained— . obviously wrong as it is. As we have said before, the rules of grammar and common sense are, to our mind, of far greater importance than the artificial rules of priority, as they are carried out by the new school. So far from conducing to uniformity of nomenclature, such proceedings Recently published Ornithological Works. 517 only result in establishing greater diversity, for no highly educated man will be inclined to submit to them. There appears to be one new species described in the present volume, namely, Geospiza harterti (p. 507), while the following new subspecies are characterized :— Carpodacus mexicanus sonoriensis, Pyrrhulagra noctis coryi, Cyanocompsa parellina sumichrasti, and Saltator magnoides medianus. 94. Salvadori on new Birds from the St. Thomas’s and Prince’s Islands. [Due nuove specie di Uccelli dell’ Isola di S. Thomé e dell’ Isola del Principe raccolte dal Sig Leonardo Fea. Boll. d. Mus. Zool. e Anat. comp. R. Univ. Torino, xvi. no. 414.] Zosterops fee (hitherto united to Z. ficedulina), from St. Thomas, and Turdus xanthorhynchus, from Prince’s Island in the Gulf of Guinea, are described in this paper. Examples of both were sent to the Museo Civico of Genoa by the well-known collector Fea. 95. Schalow on the African Ostriches. [Ueber die Geographische Verbreitung der Afrikanischen Struthioniden und uber ein Hilfsmittel zu deren Erforschung, von Herman Schalow. Ornis, xi. pp. 427-432.] In this paper the distribution-areas of Struthio camelus, S. austrahs, S. molybdophanes, and the so-called 8. massaicus are treated of, and the question whether the first and last of these occur in the districts assigned to the others is con- sidered ; skins, eggs, and the literature of the subject are also discussed. 96. Shufeldt on the Flamingos. [ Osteology of the Flamingos (Odontoglosse). Family Phoenicopteride, Sp. P. ruber. By R. W. Shufeldt,C.M.Z.S. Ann. Carnevie. Mus, i. pp. 295-824, pls. ix.—-xiv.] Dr. Shufeldt had before him in compiling this paper a complete disarticulated skeleton of Phenicoplerus ruber and a mounted skeleton, both from the U.S. National Museum. These he compares bone by bone with the American Mergansers and other Ducks, Geese, and Swans. After 2M 2 518 Recently published Ornithological Works. discussing the views of various authorities he concludes by agreeing with the majority in considering the Flamingos to form an independent group or Suborder, corresponding to Huxley’s Amphimorphe, standing between the Anseres and the Herodiones. Among the Anseres, they come nearest to certain Geese; while they have borrowed characters from a number of Grallatorial forms, such as Platalea, the [bidide, and Tuntalus, though they do not approximate closely to such genera as Ardea. The six plates represent various bones and the skeleton of Phenicopterus ruber. 97. Silloway on the Birds of Flathead Lake. [Summer Birds of Flathead Lake. By P. M. Siiloway. Bull. Univ. Montana, no. 1, pp. 1-83, pls. i.—xvi.] Mr. Silloway’s observations were chiefly made from June 14th to August 30th, 1900, but were supplemented by others made in 1901. They comprise a list, admittedly not yet complete, of the birds of the Flathead Lake district in Montana, and a series of very interesting notes on its Oology. A hundred and twenty-eight species are reported, of which all but eight probably breed in the district. Fourteen plates of nests and eggs are added, with two views of the surroundings of the Biological Station. The neigh- bouring country is admirably suited to bird-life, with its mountains, woods, bushy and marshy areas, and open prairies, 98. Southwell on Browne’s ‘ Natural History of Norfolk.’ [Notes and Letters on the Natural History of Norfolk, more especially on the Birds and Fishes. From the MSS. of Sir Thomas Browne, M.D. (1605-1682) in the Sloane Ccllection in the Library of the British Museum and in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. With Notes by Thomas Southwell, F.Z.S., &c. London: 1902 (Jarrold & Sons). 8vo. Price 6s. net. In choosing a title for this nice little book, Mr. Southwell hardly does justice to its contents, for though, as was natural, Sir Thomas Browne’s Notes and Letters chiefly concern the county of his adoption and abode, many of them have a very general bearing, and will be read with as much interest by any Recently published Ornithological Works. 319 dweller in “ the Shires,” or even outside of this country, as by a truly Norfolk man. Most British ornithologists must have heard of, or even seen reference made to, the observations in Natural History by the celebrated author of the ‘ Religio Medici,’ the ‘ Hydrotaphia,’ and the ‘ Pseudodoxia Epidemica’ or Vulgar Errors; but few have had the patience to dig them out from the four-volume edition of his collected works by Wilkin, or the smaller reprint in three volumes issued some ten years later, in which these observations lie buried. Moreover, when found they obviously needed more anno- tating than they had received, though it must be allowed that comparatively few errors of commission had been made by their then Editor and his friends. The original cast of mind so characteristic of all Browne’s greater works is just as clearly shewn in these “ diversions of his pen ’’—the phrase applied by one of his early editors to his ‘ Miscellany Tracts,’—and is as true of the one as of the other. Indefatigably as he pursued his profession, be seems never to have let slip an opportunity for observation, and hence we have in this httle volume a very large pro- portion of facts recorded for the first time. True it is that the most important of them have been copied, or at least mentioned, by later writers; but that does not detract from the interest with which they are here to be read in Browne’s own words, and, thanks to Mr. Southwell’s care, in Browne’s own spelling. There can be no doubt that, though it was not for Merrett’s information that Browne first began to set down these notes, he continued them with the object of their serving that author in a revised edition of his ‘ Pinax Rerum Naturalium ’—the book which contains the earliest list of British Birds. For some reason, which is not clear, that revised edition never appeared, and great is our loss in consequence, for it must be remarked that what we have here is not the fair-copy of the Notes sent to Merrett, but only the draughts or rough copy. ‘The same may be said to some extent of the Letters, and it is possibly from that cause that the handwriting is so terribly hard to read, and 520 Recentiy published Ornithological Works. in the rough copy of one letter, of which a photographie representation is given, is almost illegible. As might be expected of so learned a man, Browne had a fair acquaintance with the literature of his subject. Among ornithological authors, Turner, Gesner, Belon, and Aldro- vandus are all cited, as well as Clusius; but the book he knew best was the compilation of the Scoto-Pole Jonston, which began to appear in 1650, and in the course of a few years saw several editions. Mr. Southwell has been most diligent’ in verifying these references, and his admirably judicious notes, voluminous as in places they may seem, cannot be said to contain a word too much, for all are to the point. We venture to predict that this little book, of which we understand that the number of copies printed is ‘but small, will be eagerly sought for, and that before long. 99. Tschusi zu Schmidhojfen on the Red-spotted Blue-throat in Bohemia. [Ueber das Vorkommen des rotsternigen Blaukeblchens im Elbethale. Von Victor, Ritter v. Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen, Ornith. Monatsb. 1902, pp. 22-24. | The author here reports the occurrence of a large number of Red-spotted Blue-throats in the central mountains of Bohemia. Those noticed were chiefly males, but the bird is known to have bred in this district. 100. Witherby’s Bird-hunting on the White Nile. [‘ Bird-hunting on the White Nile.’ A Naturalist’s Experiences in the Soudan. By Harry W. Witherby. 8vo. London, 1902. ‘Knowledge’ Office. 117 pp. Price 2s. 6d.] This little book is a reprint (with additions and corrections) of Mr. Witherby’s popular account of his experiences on the White Nile in the spring of 1900. It is nicely illustrated from photographs, and is well worthy of perusal, particularly by those who contemplate similar expeditions. A list of the birds met with is given in an appendix. We need hardly remind our readers that Mr. Witherby’s scientific account of the collection made on the White Nile was published in this. Journal in 1901. Obituary. yall XXXI.— Obituary. Dr. Emit Hoxvs, Herr Caru Ever, Lt.-Col. the Rt. Hon. 7 E. H. Coorer, and Lord Matcoum. Dr. Emit Houvs, the well-known African traveller and collector, died at Vienna on the 21st of February last, in the 55th year of his age. Dr. Holub was a native of Bohemia and of Czech descent. He was educated as an apothecary, but emigrated early in life to South Africa, and practised as a doctor at Kimberley and elsewhere. His original inducement to penetrate into the far interior of the country was his ardent taste for Natural History, especially Ornithology, to the pursuit of which his first seven years of travel were mainly devoted. His journeys were described in his ‘Sieben Jahre in Siid-Afrika’ (Wien, 1881), a work which was translated into English and published in London. In conjunction with the late Freiherr v. Pelzeln, the col- lection of birds made on this occasion was described by him in a volume entitled ‘ Beitrage zur Ornithologie Siidafrikas’ (Vienua, 1882)*. Dr. Holub subsequently returned to South Africa, and made a more extended expedition into the Marotse and Mashukulumbe countries north of the Zambesi, now forming part of Northern Rhodesia. During his four years’ wanderings on this occasion (1883-87) a large col- lection of native arms and implements, as well as of natural objects, was made, and was exhibited at Vienna on his return to Europe. This journey was described in his work ‘Von der Capstadt ins Land der Maschukulumbe’ (2 vols., Vienna, 1890). 3 Cart Ever, the well-known Brazilian ornithologist, died at Rio de Janeiro on the 27th of November, 1901. He was born at Basel, in Switzerland, in 1834, and after finishing his studies at the Gymnasium there, emigrated to Brazil in 1853, and settled at the German colony of Cantagallo, in the province of Rio. Here he became Swiss Vice-Consul aud owned a large farm called the Fazenda do Bom Vallé, * For notice of this work, see ‘ Ibis,’ 1882, p. 462. 522 Obituary. while he spent all his leisure time on the study of the birds of the surrounding district. Entering into relations with Dr. Cabanis, of Berlin, Euler contributed to the ‘Journal fiir Ornithologie’ a series of excellent field-notes on the birds of Brazil and their nesting-habits and eggs, which were commenced in 1867 (seed. £. O. 1867, p..177). Inia not being able to continue his work at Cantagallo, Euler moved to Rio de Janeiro, and subsequently prepared the new edition of his ornithological papers, which was published by Dr. v. Ihering (to whom we are mainly indebted for these notes on EKuler’s life) in the fourth volume of the ‘ Revista do Museu Paulista’ (see ‘ Ibis,’ 1901, p. 182). Of Euler’s collections, some went to the Museum at Berlin and others to the National Museum at Rio. Euler was an excellent field-naturalist and observer, but had little disposition for strictly scientific ornithology. Lt.-Col. the Rt. Hon. Epwarp Henry Cooper, P.C., of Markree Castle, Colloony, Sligo, and 42 Portman Square, London, who died on February 26th last, became a Member of the B.O.U. in 1880. He began experiments with a view to introducing the Black Grouse on his Irish estates more than thirty years ago, and at first obtained specimens from Scotland. More recently he imported examples of the same species from Norway. But although in both cases the birds survived for a few years, they never bred, and eventually died out, as Capt. Barrett-Hamilton has recorded (see ‘Irish Nat.’ vii. pp. 41, 43). Col. Cooper was equally uusuccessful with similar attempts to introduce into Ireland Capercailzies, Reeves’s Pheasants, Hawfinches, and other birds. | JoHN WINGFIELD, first Baron Matcoum oF Po.taLiocn, who died on the 6th of March last, was born in 1838, and educated at. Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. He was Lieut.-Col. commanding the Argyll and Sutherland High- landers Volunteer Battalion, and M.P. for Argyllshire from 1886-1892. Lord Malcolm was elected to the B.O.U. in Letters, Extracts, Notices, &e. 523 1875, having displayed considerable interest in Ornithology, and being the possessor of a noted collection of birds, which he had inherited from his father. The specimens of this collection were set up by Leadbeater, and from him, im all probability, was purchased an egg of the Great Auk at a a price which in’ these days would seem ridiculous (from £1 to £3, it 1s said, but accounts vary). Lord Malcolm, though very fond of birds, was not given to writing upon them, and his name does not appear among the contributors to our columns. XX XII.—Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. We have received the following letters addressed to “‘ The Editors ” :— Sirs,—I think that it will not be without interest to the readers of ‘ The Ibis’ to know that H.M. Vittorio Emanuele, our present King, has disposed of the ornithological collection that his grandfather, Vittorio Emanuele II., put together at Mandria, not far from Turin. The collection had been removed to the Castle of Moncalieri, and quite recently it was divided between the Museum of Turin and that of Rome. The birds allotted to the latter museum include the well-known specimen of Alca impennis, which Victor Emanuel, the grandfather, had bought from the collec- tion of Pastor Brehm. The series presented to the Museum of Turin contains, among other rarities, a specimen of Ceriornis caboti, which has been the subject of a small paper of mine published in the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London’ for 1871 (pp. 495-4.96) ; but the rarest bird is a Garrulus lidthi, of which only three specimens are known, and which { have mentioned in another paper of mine, ‘ Nota intorno al Garrulus lidthi” (Atti R. Ac. Sc. Tor. vil. 1872, pp. 473-476). Of this species two living specimens were brought from Japan and given to King Victor Emanuel. It would be interesting to know what has become of the second specimen, which, on its sale at CST 24 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &¢. Florence, was bought by the late M. Vekemans, Director of the Zoological Garden of Antwerp. Even at the present day we are ignorant of the exact locality imhabited by this rare Jay. . Yours &e., Turin Zoological Museum. T. SaLvaporI. 22nd March, 1902. Sirs,—Having long paid particular attention to Baer’s Pochard, I was much interested in Mr. J. G. Millais’s note in ‘The Ibis’ for last January (p. 192) on the courtship of the species. As a matter of fact, I briefly drew attention to the gesture which he describes some years ago (Journ. As. Soc. Beng. 1897, p. 527), and later recorded that it, was common to the female of the species (Proc. As. Soc. Beng., April 1878). Since then I have seen the male White-eyed Pochard (Nyroca ferruginea) jerk back its neck in a precisely similar manner to its near ally; but as the neck in this species is shorter and thicker than in Nyroca baeri, the general effect is far less striking. JI have not seen the female White-eyed Pochard indulge in this backward jerk of the neck, but she will probably prove to possess the habit, since the so-called pairing-gestures of male birds are very often shared by the females, being indeed in many cases apparently the expression of several emotions and proper to the whole species. Every- body must have noticed the nodding of the head in the domesticated Mallard, and the erection of the crest and expansion and swinging of the tail in the Muscovy Duck, signs of emotion common to both sexes. Returning to Baer’s Pochard, it may interest your readers to know that this species has not appeared in our Bazaar this winter. Yours &c., - Indian Museum, Calcutta. F. Finn. 10th April, 1902. Sirs,—Judging from the editorial note in ‘ The Ibis, April 1902, p. 353, it has come upon the Editors as a shock . Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 529 that Ritter von Tschusi should have ventured to re-name the British Dipper. I should like to pomt out that Dr. Sharpe, in the ‘ Cata- logue of Birds,’ vol. vi. p. 809 (1881), had already stated “that to the experienced eye the English specimens form an easily recognisable race”’; and that at Tring we have long ago’ appreciated the differences. If Dr. Sharpe were re-writing the above-cited volume, I feel sure that he also would now allow the British Dipper’s right to a new name ; for, after all, Ritter von Tschusi, by giving a subspecific name to this bird, is only expressing in a different and more concise way what Dr. Sharpe wrote twenty-one years ago. / Yours &e., Zoological Museum, Tring, Herts. Water RotuscHivp. 29th April, 1902. Sirs,—You conclude one of your notices in your last ‘number (above, p. 351) with the words “ What was the Cahow?”? I thought this question had been answered half a century ago! I have never heard a doubt about it expressed by any ornithologist who knew anything of the Bermudas. I lived myself in the islands from 1846 to 1849. In 1847 I wrote to the late Sir W. Jardine, stating that from what the fishermen had told me of the Cahow (which was well known to them) I believed that it would prove to be one of the Petrels (Jard. Contr. to Ornith. 1849, p. 79). I afterwards, in company with the late Sir J. Campbell Orde, obtained specimens of the bird and some of its eggs near the Cooper Islands. The late Col. H. M. Drummond-Hay and Lt -Col. Wedderburn also procured specimens of it, as did Mr. Hurdis. No doubt there are even now a few pairs still limgermg about the home of their ancestors. I observe that Mr. Verrill has misquoted Mr. Hurdis, who says that the Shearwater, Puffinus obscurus (with which P. auduboni "js rightly identified by Mr. Salvin), is still known by the fishermen as “the Cahow.” See also Jones, ‘ Naturalist in Bermuda,’ p. 94. In 1874 Capt. Reid, R.E., found a 526 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. few pairs of this bird with two nests. Unless ruthless visitors have exterminated them very recently, they still visit the Bermudas in the breeding-season. I may add that the eggs, which were about the size of a small hen’s egg, are very smooth and shiny. Happily the Dusky Shearwater has many other breeding-haunts, so that there is no fear of its universal extinction at present. But I have said enough in refutation of Mr. Verrill’s dogmatic statement that the Cahow was certainly not a Shearwater. Yours &c., Coliege, Durham. H. B. Tristram. 8th April, 1902. [We regret to have been misled by Mr. Verrill. The Cahow question has already been discussed in the ‘ Dictionary of Birds’ (p. 831), which we had quite overlooked.—Eppn. | Fertilization of Plants by Birds.—We all know that insects play a most important part in the fertilization of plants, but it is a more recent discovery that birds also in some cases perform the same function. In a paper on New Zealand Flowers read at the meeting of the Linnean Society cf London on February 20th last, by Mr. G. M. Thomson, some observations were made on the birds which visit them and appear to help in cross-fertilization, e.g., the Korimako (Anthornis melanura), the Grey Warbler (Gerygone flavi- rostris), the Pied Fantail (Rhipidura fiadellifera), and the Yellow-breasted Tit (Petreca macrocephala). Of these the Korimako was ascertained to assist in the fertilization of the native fuchsias, on quitting which it was observed that the bird had its head stained with the bright blue pollen of the flowers. New Name for the British Wren.— We have already recorded the bestowal of.a new name on the British Dipper (see above, p. 353), and have now a fresh surprise for our ornithological friends. The British Wren, we are told, ought to be called Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. 527 “ Olbiorchilus troglodytes troglodytes (Linn.)”! Mr. Ober- holser (‘ Auk,’ 1902, p. 175) maintains that the section of the Wrens to which the British species belongs is not entitled to the name “ Anorthura”’ assigned to it in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds,’ because “ Anorthura” is the strict equivalent of Troglodytes, and Troglodytes is properly applicable to the American group of Wrens typified by Troglodytes aédon. He therefore proposes for Motacilla troglodytes of Linnzus the new generic name Oldiorchilus, and, in accordance with the-trinomialism now in fashion, the British Wren becomes Olbiorchilus troglodytes troglodytes ! To this we reply that ordinary common sense is sufficient to teach us that the type of the genus Troglodytes of Vieillot was intended to be Motacilla troglodytes Linn., although Vieillot, when he first mentioned the genus in his ‘ Oiseaux de l’Amérique Septentrionale’ (1. p. 52), naturally enough, only referred to the American species. But on turning to Vieillot’s List of Genera in his ‘ Analyse,’ it will be found that the “ Troglodyte” of Buffon (= Motacilla troglodytes Linn.) is placed first in his list of species of Troglodytes and Troglodytes aédon second. It cannot, surely, be denied that Vieillot has here pointed out what was his obvious intention in the plainest manner. We therefore venture to reject Mr. Oberholser’s view that 7. aédon is the typical species of the genus Troglodytes, and we shall continue to call our British Wren by its time-honoured name. Even if the contrary opinion be held to be correct according to the rules of nomenclature adopted by the A.O.U., we do not see the necessity of separating Troglodytes aédon and its allied forms from 7. parvulus generically. Baleniceps at Khartum.—Mr. W. A. Milner has kindly sent us a copy of a photograph of Baleniceps rex, lately taken- from a specimen living in the Sirdar’s Palace Garden _ at Khartum. This bird, after being “ winged,” was captured alive on the White Nile by Col. Sparkes and presented to Lady Wingate. It will be recollected that two living 528 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. examples of this wonderful form were brought home by Petherick in 1860, and lived for some time in the Zoolcgical Fig. 14. Baleniceps rex. Society’s Gardens. We have not heard of any living speci- mens having been obtained since that date. Letters, Extracts, Notices, &e. Dee Birds on the Black Sea in Winter —Mr. Jack Chapman, writing from Souvoraski, at the north-east corner of the Black Sea, says :—‘‘ During the whole of the winter there are great quantities of Honey-Buzzards here, but what they feed on during the very cold weather I cannot understand. Crowds of Hen, Marsh, and Montagu’s Harriers also spend the winter here, and are very interesting to watch. So far as I can make out, when the ground is soft they live on the ants and mole-crickets which are passing the winter just under the surface. When it is hard weather large quantities of Larks and other small birds collect in flocks near the river. It is then very interesting and exciting to watch the Harriers. They fly slowly up wind for two or three hundred yards; then turn round and come full speed down wind close to the ground, and as they dash through the crowds of small birds, catch any one that is unlucky enough to get directly in the way. If they fail to kill they repeat the performance. They hardly ever follow a bird—I presume, ' because they are not active enough on the wing to catch one if they did. However hard the weather, the Honey-Buzzards do not seem to trouble about the small birds; but I have seen them on occasions follow up a Duck that I have badly wounded and eat it when it has fallen, much to my disgust. During the autumn great flocks of Hobbies stay here for a time, but they all go away before the cold weather comes. There have been a pair of birds here the whole winter that I should very much like to know the name of. They are Geese, and the whole of the breast is quite red. They may be Ruddy Sheldrakes, but, from what I can remember of one | shot last year, that bird is no bigger than the ordinary Sheldrake, while this Goose, as I presume it to be, is con- siderably larger.” [The Goose is obviously Anser ruficollis, which is well known to visit the Caspian and Black Seas in winter, and occasionally to go as far south as Egypt.—Epp. | Hybrid between Peacock and Guinea-fowl—We are indebted to the proprietors of ‘The Ficld’ for the use of the 530 Letters, Extracts, Notices, &c. annexed engraving, from a photograph taken by Mr. Payne of Aylesbury. It represents a very remarkable bird, now in the possession of the Hon. Walter Rothschild, M.P., which is stated to have been bred between a white Peacock and a hen Guinea-fowl. The head and neck give incontrovertible Mei: me els she us Hybrid between male Pea-fowl and female Guinea-fowl. evidence of the Peacock sire, the white plumage of which is shown in the primaries of the wings. The rest of the plumage is that of the female parent, the Guinea-fowl. This bird was obtained from France by Mr. Castang, and kept by him until it bad moulted in the usual season, before it was added to Mr. Rothschild’s museum. Eke be LS: EIGHTH SERIES. No. VIII. OCTOBER 1902. XXXIII.—A List of the Birds of Lucknow. By Witutam Jesse, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Member of the Bombay Natural History Society). [Continued from p. 490.] No. 362. Locusretya straMinua. Turkestan Grasshopper- Warbler. According to the late Mr. George Reid, this Warbler frequents the grass and tamarisk-jungle of the Gogra near Byramghat, and similar low-lying grass-land on the banks of the Ganges, Goomti, and Sail, but is numerically rare and difficult to procure. Mr. Reid writes :—‘‘ The only specimen I have, I captured alive after a good deal of trouble in trying to get a fairly distant shot at it. I had already blown two to pieces, when I saw the bird suddenly sneak into a small patch of ‘ doob’ - grass, and rushing up I caught it between the rooting runners of the grass and the ground, so tightly squeezed in that I had some difficulty in getting it out.’ No. 363. *AcrocePHaLus steNToREUS. Indian Great Reed-Warbler. Evidently not uncommon in the jheel district near Ajgaen, whence the Museum collector has obtained several specimens. Not improbably it has been overlooked. I think that it departs after the cold weather, but I am not sure. SER. VIII.—VOL. II. 2N Dor Mr. W. Jesse on the No. 866. *AcrocePHALUS DUMETORUM. JBlyth’s Reed- Warbler. A cold-weather visitant. All I know about it is that there are three skins (¢') in the Museum, one from Lucknow and wo from Ajgaen. No. 374. Ortuotomus sutrorius. Indian Tailor-bird. Phutki [H. Lucknow]. | The Indian Tailor-bird is a common and permanent resident, being found in gardens, hedge-rows, topes, and jungle of all kinds; but, on the whole, I think that it prefers cover near human dwellings. It has a pretty note—hardly a song—which, to those that know it, discloses the where- abouts of the bird when it would otherwise be passed over. The nest is too well known to need description, but is almost always composed of two leaves only, and, according to my experience, is invariably lined with cotton-down. Brinjal, guavas, and crotons are favourite nesting-places. The breeding-season lasts from March to August, but the greater number of nests will, I think, be found in June and July. The following are some of the dates in my diary :— Mar. 381. Nest inacroton-plant. 4 fresh eggs. (Fyzabad.) . April 4. Nest ready for eggs. May 26. Nest building. 3 fresh egos. June 3. June 8. Nestinacroton-plant. 4 fresh eggs. Sula Tae. : 5 Aug. 10. a ” ” 2) ” The eggs are of three, or possibly more, varieties : (a) white, - with red blotches; (4) white, faintly speckled with red; (c) blue, blotched with red. Average of 4 (blue) Lucknow eggs. Average measurement ..........+...-. 65" x *46" Measurement of largest ege ............ 69" x 48" ae smallest @f6 sc. is wees 63" x 43" Average of 9 (white) Lucknow eggs. Average measurement ............000. 64" x 46" Measurement of largest ege ...........- 70" x 48" “i smallest €ff solve e ses 64" x 43" Birds of Lucknow. 533 No. 377. Lusciniota MELANOPOoGON. Moustached Sedge- Warbler. I have never actually shot and handled this species, so will quote Reid’s remarks :— “Nhe Moustached Sedge-Warbler is fairly common in all suitable localities, but only, I think, during the cold weather. In the low-lying grass-covered lands here and there on the banks of Goomti, in the grass and tamarisk- jungle or the semi-swamps about Byramghat, and in similar localities on the Khadir lands of the Oudh bank of the Ganges, it is not uncommon ; while a few may sometimes be found in rushy swamps and nooks on such rivers as the Goomti and Sail. From its skulking habits, it is difficult to get a fair shot at it, unless at very close quarters, when it generally gets mangled almost beyond recognition.” No. 381. Cisticona cursitans. Rufous Fantail-Warbler. Phutki [H.]. Tic-tic [Anglo-Indian boys]. The Rufous Fantail-Warbler is very common in suitable localities, that is, where there is heavy grass-jungle. On the Cantonment Grass Farm it is particularly abundant, and there I have, on many occasions, found its nest. It breeds, I fancy, twice in the year, once in March or early April and again in the rains. The nest, a most delicate little cup, made of white vegetable fibre, down, and hair, is fastened to three or four stems of grass which fall over and partially hide it, making it by no means easy to discover. The eggs are three, four, or five, white or bluish-white, with red spots and speckles. The following dates occur, amongst others, in my diary :— “Mar. 30. Nest and ; egos (hard-set). April 7. » 4 egos (fresh). June 25, steht si ets as » 25. ” : ” ” July 14. » £eges (deserted). py eee » 8 eggs (fresh). pee fae. » Lege (deserted). Average measurement of 4 Lucknow eggs . 62” x *45" Coane 534 Mr. W. Jesse on the No. 382. *Franxurnra eraciyis. Franklin’s Wren- Warbler. I have only once observed this bird, having met with a pair on May 9,1901. To Mr. Benjamin Aitken is really due the credit of adding it to our local fauna. We were walking through some babool-jungle, when he called my attention to a loud note coming from one of the trees, and asked me what it was. On my expressing my ignorance, he advised me to shoot the bird, which I did, after some difficulty. About half the tail-feathers were missing, but whether this was due to the shot or to moult, I do not know. Possibly, though I hardly think so, this bird may be com- moner than it appears to be, for these little Wren- Warblers are apt to be overlooked. As they seldom range far, it is possible that this species breeds here, and I shall keep a look out for its nest ; but, up to date, I have never seen or heard of either nest or eggs that might belong to it. No. 384. FRANKLINIA BUCHANANI. Rufous-fronted Wren- Warbler. . | Phutki [H.]. Titmouse [Anglo-Indian boys]. The Rufous-fronted Wren-Warbler is not uncommon in grass-jungle, especially where there are ravines studded with babool. I have only once found the nest, a globular structure of grass, with a hole in the side near the top; it contained two eggs, whitish with faint red speckles. Average measurement of 5 Lucknow eggs °60" x -46". No. 402. Sytvia arrinis. Indian Lesser White-throated Warbler. This bird is pretty generally spread over the Division in cold weather. It is particularly partial to the babool and grass-jungle along railway-lines. According to Reid, it is also common in the thorn- and dhak-jungles near Rahimabad. The same authority states that it avoids " mango-topes. No. 407. Puytioscorus tristis. Brown Willow-Warbler. This little bird is common during the cold weather in babool-jungle, where it may be seen going about in small Birds of Lucknow. 535 parties hunting for insects. Reid says that it arrives as early as September, and leaves as late as April, but I have only noticed it during the colder months. It is also found in mango-topes. No. 418. Puytioscopus Humil. Hume’s Willow-Warbler. Fairly common, though less so, I should fancy, than P. tristis: It mhabits much the same localities, and arrives and departs about the same time. No. 421. AcANTHOPNEUSTE NITIDUS. Green Waillow- Warbler. Reid says :—“ Only, I think, a cold-weather visitant, though I have shot it in September, and as late as the end of April. It frequents mango-topes, and is fairly abundant in the fences along the railway.” My observations agree with the above, and I have nothing further to add. | No. 422. *ACANTHOPNEUSTE VIRIDANUS. Greenish Willow- Warbler. In the Museum are three specimens (3 ¢ ? ), identified as belonging to this species, labelled “ Lucknow.” They were obtained by the native Museum collector. No. 464. Printa socratis. Ashy Wren-Warble;. Phutki [H.!. Tom-tit {Anglo-Indian boys]. This little bird is a common and permanent resident, and is especially fond of dhak- and thorn-jungle. Reid remarks that ‘‘it 1s very destructive in gardens, where it destroys peas with a vengeance, snapping its tail at anyone who attempts to interfere with its apparently favourite pastime.” The reference to the tail-snapping brought on poor Reid’s head the scorn of A. O. Hume, but, though badly expressed, the former’s observation was correct. When disturbed this bird flits about, jerking its tail, and making a snapping noise. This snap is, in my opinion, made by bringing the two mandibles sharply together. Whenever it does this, the bird jerks its:tail—hence Reid’s error. It makes a nest like that of a Tailor-bird, but with rarely less than 5386 : Mr. W. Jesse on the three or four leaves stitched together, and lined with hair, in contradistinction to the true Tailor-bird, which lines the structure with cotton. On one occasion I found a nest of this bird in aclump of patowal, made of woven grass like that of P. inornata. I have always taken the eggs in June and July ; but I once had one which was hard-set brought to me on March 3lst. They are four or five in number, glossy, and of a beautiful brick-red. Average of 13 Lucknow eges .......... 62" x 45" Measurement of largest ege ............ 63" X47" - smallestiexe W. .kicce sce 162" ae No. 465. *Prinia sytvatica. Jungle Wren-Warbler. So far as I am in a position to judge, this bird is very local. I believe that the late Major Cock found it not uncommonly in the Sitapur district ; but I know of only one spot where it is to be found in Lucknow, and that is in the patowal grass on the side of the railway as it runs by the Martiniére College park. That the bird cannot be common is, I think, evident, not only from the fact that Reid did not mention it, but because the Martiniere boys, than whom none are cleverer egg-finders, did not formerly know it. I have found its nest, a pretty little domed ball of grass, built close to the ground, on three occasions: once in June, 1895, when the eggs were taken by a boy, and twice in the rains of 1901. The first of these two nests contained an egg, which disappeared; the second contained a clutch of five of a dull green colour, with a ring of faint red dots. These I took on July 27th, and the bird was sitting. I had a good view of her as she perched on a piece of wire, but unfortunately failed to secure ker. Average of & Lucknoweggs ............ *68'' 60” Measurement of largest egg ..... Bree ‘fo X180s fell Pa may (1 3 sinallest eGo ian ioe eeu 62" x ‘51 No. 466. Printa 1nornata. Indian Wren-Warbler. Ghas Phutki [H.]. Weaver-bird [Anglo-Indian boys]. The Indian Wren-Warbler is*extremely common, par- ticularly in the sarpatta or patowal grass used for thatching. Birds of Lucknow. 5387 In this it breeds abundantly during the rains, making a lovely little egg-shaped nest, with a hole in the side near the top. The structure is composed of thin strips of the grass, and is unlined. The eggs, four or five in number, are of two types: (a) green, with black, brown, and purple blotches and streaks ; (6) pinky white, with similar marks. The latter are very uncommon. Average of 62 Lucknow egos (green) .... *60" x °45” Measurement of largest egg ............ 62" x45" + smallestieop . .... yo 53" X 44" Average of 8 Lucknow eggs (white) .... 57" x'41" Measurement of largest ego ............ 59" X42" ‘9 smalllestieao V5 \06 3 iemse 56" x 42” It may be noted that all small birds and Warblers are here called.“ Phutki ” indiscriminately. No. 469. Lantus tantrora. Indian Grey Shrike. Saféd lahtora |H.]. Big-caste Butcher-bird [Anglo- Indian boys}. The Grey Shrike, though not numerous, is widely dis- tributed, and is particularly partial to babool-topes. It feeds on crickets, locusts, lizards, and the like. It may occasionally seize a sickly or young bird, but I have never actually seen it do so. It breeds from the beginning of March to the beginning of July. I have found a considerable number of the nests, always massive cups of thorns, rags, tow, grass, and feathers, neat and warm internally, but very untidy externally, and often visible for some distance away. Nineteen out of twenty are in babool trees, but once I shot a bird off a nest with four eggs in a sheshum tree about six feet from the ground. When there are eggs only, the bird is very shy, and it is often difficult to get a good view of it as it flies away. For the above-mentioned specimen I had to wait nearly an hour before I could get a chance of a shot. When there are young it is quite another matter, and the parents are in general very bold. On one occasion, as I was examining her brood, the hen ran up and down the branches close to me just like asquirrel. The greatest number of eggs which I 538 Mr. W. Jesse on the have ever found was five, but I fancy that four is the proper number, and three hard-set eggs or young are frequent. The following are a few details taken from my diary :— Mar. Av vein? .... nest and 4 fresh eggs: babool. pple tedden tte LANG rs 3 3 ‘ paseo Ors iat diene Geel » 3 nearly-fledged young: babool. 53.6 010) LIC Se arte ye a 5 (8 set; 2 rotten) eggs: babool. INE Oats in ee on tiga A 1 fresh egg: babool. By LAE aaa ie 3 5 = pat | eh et Weta my enc here 5 + i sheshum., WuUner Ss iat eek eee us 3 ‘i babool. aby ls ete ticteree - 2 half-fledged young: babool. Average of 13 Lucknow eggs .......... LOM 3<76" Measurement of largest egg .......... 1-06" x80" ‘ smallest egg .......... soi Gene No. 473. Lantus virtatus. Bay-backed Shrike. Small-caste Butcher-bird [Anglo-Indian boys]. Not very numerous, but a few are met with during the season. At one time two or three pairs used to frequent the “cork” trees near the place now occupied by John’s Ice Factory, but of late years they have disappeared. I have not taken many nests, and in most instances they have been hard to find, as the bird is much more careful in concealing her home than other Shrikes. It is placed in a large fork close to the trunk for preference, and is very neat, made of rags, tow, grass, &c. The eggs are from three to five, of the usual Shrike-like character, and often very handsome. The following are the details of my discoveries :— Epes ssa cciwnrare bare, nest ready for eggs: cork-tree. Bre le sashes way oe nest and 1 fresh egg: babool. PEO 2h ears aie - 3 Fe is INDY: ictahe cae oie dea y + 2 young: babvol. JAILS MAS Pore Pein an a ae 7 5 fresh eggs: babool. Ae eS BAP ee es agar * 2 young and 2 addled eggs: babool. Sealine cota matt Rie » fresh eggs: babool. Walp ates vee betas atee ye » ” Average of 19 Lucknow eggs .......... “7 90" x c60e Measurement of largest ego ...........- ‘Sl x44" : smallest ene J2-seukbnn “12! X58" Birds of Lucknow. 539 No. 476. Lanivus erytHronotus. Rufous-backed Shrike. Mattiya lahtora [H.]. According to my experience this species is rarer close _ to Lucknow than either ZL. lahtora or L. vittatus, but further out in the District it is much the commonest Shrike. I saw numbers on the telegraph-wires one day in December as I was travelling between Lucknow and Cawnpore. It breeds here, and I have taken what I believe to be its nest and eggs on two or three occasions. They resembled those of L. lahtora, but were a trifle smaller. I saw the birds, but in a bad light, when it was impossible to swear toanything. All the nests and eggs were found at one end of a babool-tope, and at the other end I took several nests of L. lahtora, shooting the birds. I distinctly saw both the Shrikes in the tope, and though I did not succeed in obtaining a single specimen of L. erythronotus at its nest, 1 am fairly confident of the genuineness of my eggs. I hope, however, to succeed later in getting a clutch with the parent bird. Average of 9 (presumed erythronotus) Lucknow eggs.. °97" &°73”" Mezauremient Of lateesh ese 2... ov. ven iee ecb nes 1:00" x 75" Bs Smiles tym ir a yaya aaa tialp ate ae cale ta 7ota 57 ><707 ‘No. 479. Lantus isaBeLtitinus. Pale-brown Shrike. Reid stated that this Shrike was not common. As he apparently got only one specimen, an adult (? sex), at Ajgaen, which is now in the Lucknow Museum, and as I have never met with it in seven years, I think that it cannot ke said to be a frequent visitor to this part of Oudh. No. 481. Lanius cristatus. Brown Shrike. This pretty Shrike is not uncommon in the cold weather. I have often seen and shot it in babool-topes on open plains. All the specimens that I have secured have been more or less barred. | No. 488. TEPHRODORNIS PONDICERIANUS. Common Wood- Shrike. | | Kerula [H., teste Reid]. Tanti-tuia [Anglo-Indian boys]. This species is fairly common and is a permanent resident. According to Reid’s experience and my own it is always 540 Mr. W. Jesse on the found in gardens, avenues, or mango-groves, and I have never seen it in low scrub or dhak-jungle. This Shrike was generally noticed by me singly or in pairs, but Reid described it as moving about “in small parties, apparently searching the leaves and branches of trees for insects, cater- pillars, &c.”” It breeds from the middle of March to the end of May—possibly later.. The nest, a felted cup made of rootlets, bits of bark, cloth, string, &c., and coated over with cobwebs, is very difficult to find. The bird is extremely suspicious, and cannot easily be made to betray its home. Moreover, if a nest is disturbed during the building process, it is almost certain to be forsaken and destroyed. For several years I tried to get the eggs, but without success. In 1901, however, I tcok three nests with my own hands :— March 25.... Bird sitting on nest with 3 fresh eggs. April 24. % e b 4 slightly set eggs: Q shot. May 25: =..0): “5 is a 3 newly set eges The first nest was in a neem tree, the other two were in maugos. The colour of the eggs is white with a greenish tinge, thickly spotted and mottled with various shades of brown and purple. Those of the first and second nests have the markings pretty evenly distributed all over, but in those of the third the majority go to form dense rings near the larger end. The note of this bird, though aidteult to express in words, is pretty and mellow, and easily recognised. The name given to this species by the Martiniére boys represents the sound about as nearly as any word can do. Average of 10 Lucknow eggs ......-... 70" X58" Measurement of largest egg ............ ‘72 SCORES + swiallest €o9 2 .g 2s: os 66" x ‘56’ No. 490. Pericrocorus speciosus. Indian Scarlet Mi- nivel. Sat suki kapi [H., teste Reid]. In the winter of 1894 Mr. John Spence, of La Martiniere College, shot a pair of birds, male aud female, which he kindly gavetome. [had only just arrived in India and knew nothing Birds of Lucknow. 541 about its ornithology. By the aid of “ Jerdon” I made them out as belonging to this species, but unfortunately never preserved them. I have never actually handled a Lucknow specimen since. Though possibly the bird may be overlooked, on account of being mistaken for its smaller cousin, P. drevirostris, I think that it is but a rare winter visitor from Kumaun. Reid has written: ‘ Rare it un- doubtedly is, but small parties, chiefly females, may be met with occasionally, from November to the end of February, in mango-topes all over the Division, while I have frequently seen it in the Horticultural Gardens at Lucknow. It is strange that, though this species visits us, P. roseus does not.” No. 495. Pericrocotus BREvIRosTRIs. Short-billed Mi- nivet. : Sat suki kapi [H., teste Reid]. Large Raja Lal [Anglo- Indian boys]. A fairly common winter visitor, frequenting gardens and mango-groves in large and small parties, the females pre- dominating. The birds generally keep near the tops of the trees, and are constantly on the move, flitting from twig to twig eagerly searching for insects. They first put in an appearance about November, though sometimes as early as October, and depart for the hills in February. No. 500. Pericrocotus perecrinus. Small Minivet. Raja Lal [ Anglo-Indian boys]. This pretty little bird is a common and permanent resident. Like other Minivets, it goes about in small parties, except in the breeding-season, searching the trees for insects. The nest is a most lovely httle cup of vegetable fibres, lichens, bark, and cobwebs, while it 1s so small and so like a knot on a branch that it is almost impossible to fin it, except by carefully watching the birds. I have taken it on the sheshum, but principally on the mango and babool, at all heights from six to forty feet. A most curious fact in connexion with this bird is that—with, I think, only one or two exceptions at the most—I have always found nests, 542 : Mr. W. Jesse on the whether building or with eggs, in possession of three birds, two females and one male. What is the exact duty of this second wife I cannot make out. Possibly she may be a drudge. That she exists I have satisfied myself time after time, and so convinced are the Martiniére boys of the fact that they—no mean observers, by the way—rarely trouble to look for a nest if only one female is present. Unfortunately I have never yet found out what happens when there are young. Whether both females take part in incubation and in rearing the young, I do not know. I do not think that both lay eggs, as I have never found more than three. I wonder whether the second wife is pressed into service, cr whether two are taken on trial and the barren one dispensed with. The great majority of these birds breed with us in March and April; but I have taken nests in May, and once a single hard-set egg as late as July 26. This strikes me as curious, seeing that Oates gives the breeding-season as “‘from June to October.” The eggs are somewhat variable in coloration: I have them white with large brown blotches, and white spotted with rusty red hke those of Parus major; but the majority, I think, are bluish white, with various markings of brown, purple, and claret. Several of these eggs, as also those of other birds which breed on inacces- sible boughs, I have obtained by the following device :—A sheet is held underneath the nest by four men, one at each corner. Another ascends the tree, and, with a long stick, carefully pushes the eggs one by one out of the nest. Unless they fall against some twig on the way the chances are ten to one on their being taken safely from the sheet. Average of 17 Lucknow eggs .......... 66" X°51" Measurement of largest ego ............ "6S on - smallest. @0 4). . ao) bad Measurement of largest ego. ......-.... 114" x 84" 5 smallest egg .........- i Se 78" The name Mango-bird, usually applied to this species, is bestowed on Merops viridis by the Martiniére boys. No. 521. Oritotus MeEtanocerHatus. Indian Black- headed Oriole. Pahari-Topi-dar Pilak [H., teste Reid]. It is a curious fact that this bird is decidedly most common during the cold weather. When O. kundoo is “en évidence,” this bird is rarely seen. I think that the great majority go east to breed. On one occasion, however, in June, I saw a pair apparently breeding in a mango-tope near Mohanlalganj, but, fhowgh I hunted carefully, I could not find their nest. No. 528. Pastor rosgus. ose-coloured Starling. Golabi Myna [H.]. Mulberry-bird [Anglo-Indian boys]. Rose-coloured Starlings are common during the cold weather, particularly so just before they start off on their bridal tour about April, when they collect in large flocks. They are certainly not permanent residents. In Reid’s notes it is stated that “occasional stragglers will be met with throughout the hot and rainy seasons, and it is fairly abundant as early as the commencement of October.” If Reid ever really saw the birds in the hot weather and the rains, which I venture to doubt, they must have been sickly or wounded individuals too weak to join in migration. They are found feeding in company with Mynas and Starlings, and I have often seen numbers in cultivated ground amidst dhak-jungle. No, 532. Sturnus MenzpreriI. Common Indian Starling. Kusnai, Tilora [H. ]. The Common Starling is very abundant in the cold weather, associating with Mynas in large flocks. It is 546 7 Mr. W. Jesse on the good eating, and I have often knocked a few over for the pot on my way home. Reid wrote :—‘* When migrating in April they often depart in flocks of countless numbers. When on the Volunteer Rifle Range on the 3lst April last (1881), a flock passed across the range, covering its entire length of 900 yards and extending far beyond the Butts, presenting a dense and zigzag column fully 40 yards in breadth—a sight to see and hear.” No. 534. *StuRNUS PURPURASCENS. Gould’s Starling. Shortly before his death, Reid, knowing that I was revising his “ list,’ wrote to me to say that amongst some skins of S. menzbieri sent by him to the British Museum oue was identified by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe as belonging to this species. No. 588. Srurnia MaLaBARIcA. Grey-headed Myna. Pawai [H., teste Reid]. According to Reid, this bird is a permanent resilege It may be so, but I doubt the fact, as I cannot recall an instance of having actually seen it in a wiid state. No. 544. Temenucnuus pacoparuM. Black-headed Myna. Pawai, Popoya maina, and Kala-sir Maina [H.]. The Pawai, as this bird is commonly calied by everyone, native and European alike, is not nearly so numerous here as it is at many other stations. [I have seen it chiefly im the avenues in cantonments, at Dilkusha Gardens, and near the Residency. It breeds from May to July, in holes of trees such as mango, pepul, siris, or sheshum. Most of my nests have been empty or have contained young birds, but on one occasion I took four light blue eggs out of a hole in a sheshum not far from the Mahomed Bagh Club. The nest was composed of hay, rags, &c., and was filthily dirty and smelt like a Hoopoe’s—only worse, if possible. The usual number of eggs in a clutch appears to be three. Average of 11 Lucknow eggs .......... 99" x *70" Measurement of largest ege............ 1:04" x *72! = smallest egy .........- ‘94" x 66" Birds of Lucknow. 547 This species is caught and caged by the natives, being a great favourite as a songster. It is an excellent imitator of other birds’ notes. No. 549. AcripoTHERES TRIsTIS. Common Myna. Maina, Desi-maina, Teluri [H.]. This bird vies with the Sparrow, House-Crow, and Paddy- bird in bemmg the commonest species in Lucknow. It is a great favourite as a pet, and the Martiniére boys always have several, which are remarkably tame. It rarely com- mences nesting until the first fall of rain in June, and continues, according to Reid, until September, but I fancy that few lay after July. The nest is a mass of grass, rags, sticks, feathers, paper, &c., in a hole of a tree for preference, but sometimes in a building. The eggs are, of course, blue, fairly glossy, and usually three or four in number; five are rarely found. Average of 14 Lucknow eggs .......... To WS eho): Measurement of largest ega............ 1251 See ig smallestege ... 02.0.4 ele <2! No. 551. AcRIDOTHERES GINGINIANUS. Bank-Myna. Darya-maina, Daryta-maina [H.]. Well-Myna [Anglo- Indian boys]. The Bank-Myna is almost as common as the previous species, but is not so fond of human habitations. Its habits resemble those of A. tristis, but it breeds in colonies in holes of river-banks or wells. The nest is the usual conglomeration of sticks, rags, &c. &e. On one occasion I found parts of a Latin exercise and some arithmetic questions in a nest in the bank of the Goomti. The eggs are blue, and like those of A. tfristis, but smaller on average. The breeding-season is from April to June, but most eggs are got at the beginning of May or a little earlier. Average of 10 Lucknow eggs .......... OO" <-76" Measurement of largest egg. .........., 1:14" x °74" Fe smallest egg .......... ‘OSI