A
HANDBOOK
BIRDS OF EGYPT.
af k 'SHELLEY, P.G.S., F.Z.S., etc.,
LiTE CAPTAIN GEENADIER GUARDS,
PELLOW OP THE ROTAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETT,
AUTHOR OP ' CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OKNITHOLOGT OF EGYPT,'
ETC. RTC.
LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.
MDCCCLXXII.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED UON COURT, FLEET STREET.
%'^vrAs
TO
LIEUT.-COLONEL SHELLEY,
MY COMPANION
IN MT OENITHOLOGICAL TRIPS
TO EGYPT,
IN REMEMBRANCE OF
MANY HAPPY HOURS SPENT IN
COLLECTING THE MATERIALS
FOR THE PRESENT VOLUME,
©his Sitork is ietUrated
BY HIS AFFECTIONATE BROTHER,
f^. E. SHELLEY,
■^
O r\.
PREFACE.
The object of this book is explained by its title ; and
the Introduction so fully refers to the circumstances under
which it was undertaken, that I feel there is no need
for prefatory remarks, except as a means of expressing
my thanks to the brother ornithologists who have so kindly
aided me in the production of my work.
G. E. S.
/i-4^^3
CONTENTS.
PART I.
Introduction 1, 2
CHAPTER I.
Preparatory Details, and Sport in the Delta.
Alexandria — Selecting a Dragoman — Town of Alexandria —
"Birds of Prey "— Ramleh— Pompey's Pillar— The Daha-
beah — Cairo — Sport — Waders and Falcons — Pyramids —
Fossil Forest — Tombs of the Caliphs — The Start — A
Maternal Dragoman — Life on board the Dahabeah —
Dango — Sport — A Village — Native Guards — Mirage —
Snipe-shooting — Consul at Damietta — Return to Cairo —
Rare Birds 3-28
: .■ CHAPTER II.
The Geology of Egypt 29-39
VUl CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
From Caieo to Assouan.
Rhodopis — Gebel e' Tayr — Dancing Girls — Crocodiles —
Thebes — Elephantine and Sehayl — Rare Birds — Mi-
grating Birds — GuUs and Pratincole 40-49
CHAPTER IV.
The Fatoom.
The Camp — Sugar-factory — Wild-fowl — An Inundation —
Arab Village — A good " right and left " — Collecting
Birds — Birds and Animals — A varied Bag — A Scorpion
— Return to Cairo — Ducks — Rare Birds — Conclusion 50-64
PART II.
List op the Bikds of Egypt 65-316
concltjding remarks 317-328
Index 329
LIST OF PLATES.
Plate
I. Crateropus acacia To face page 69
II. Saxicola monacha 78
r Calamodyta melanopogou
}
i Emberiza intermDdia ,
IV. Nectarinia metallica 112
V. Erythrospiza githaginea 155
VI. Centropus aegyptius 164
^jj f Merops ajgyptms \^^
I „ viridis J
VIII. Caprimulgus segyptius 175
IX. Buteo ferox 201
f Turtur auritus 1
X.] ... 215
i „ Sharpii J
XI. Ehyncliaea capensis 250
XII. Erismatura leucocephala 291
XIII. Larus ichthyaiitus 307
XIV. llhyncliops flavii'ostris 302
INTRODUCTION.
The Nile has now become such a popular winter resort, and
so many of my countrymen go there, not only to visit the
famous ruins along its banks, but also to enjoy the magni-
ficent climate, that I have been induced to publish the
present volume in the hope that it may satisfy a requirement
which appears to me to be very generally felt by visitors to
Egypt, viz. for some book upon the sport and collecting to be
obtained in that country.
Few parties that one meets upon the Nile are without a
gun ; and it is seldom that there is not some one among them
who is anxious to make a collection of the many varieties of
birds which are sure to be met with. The boating trip
is admirably adapted for making a collection, as there is
invariably much time left on hand while the vessel is delayed
by adverse winds ; even at other times its progress is fre-
quently not so rapid as to prevent the traveller from keeping
pace with the boat, if he chooses to land for the sake of
sport, which may generally be obtained along the banks of
the river.
I shall commence with a short account of my personal
B
2 INTRODUCTION.
experiences in Egypt, in order to give the reader some idea
of the nature of the country and the best locaUties for the
ornithologist and sportsman to visit. I shall then give a
more complete list than has been hitherto pubUshed, with a
description of each species, of the birds which are un-
doubtedly to be found in Egypt between the Mediterranean
and the Second Cataract, to which limits my observations
have been confined.
In the following pages the greater portion of the infor-
mation given is derived from my own personal observation,
the result of three ornithological tours which I have made in
Egypt, and from a collection of nearly a thousand skins
which are now in my possession.
In my descriptions of the birds, I have endeavoured to
point out the characters by which they may be most easily
recognized, and have placed in italics the characteristic points
by which allied species may be distinguished from one
another.
I have given plates of a few of the most interesting species
which have come under my notice ; some of these have never
been figured before ; and in order to facilitate the naming
and classification of the specimens when brought home, I
have referred at the end of each description to some good
figure of the species, selecting as often as possible from the
four following works : — Gould's ' Birds of Asia,' his ' Birds
of Europe,' and the works on the latter subject by Messrs.
Sharpe and Dresser, and Dr. Bree.
CHAPTER I.
PEEPARATORY DETAILS, AND SPORT IN THE DELTA.
February Mh. — It was a bright and cloudless morning
on which we entered the harbour of Alexandria ; and as the
large vessel was brought up to her moorings, numberless
small boats flocked around, like sea-gulls to some dead
monster of the deep, all anxious to carry away something
for themselves. These boats form a curious sight, manned
as they are by seamen in the dress of diverse races ; for here,
at Alexandria, the human tides from east and west meet, and
the amalgamation of costume gives a strange appearance to
the scene.
The first boat that approaches has a crew of native ma-
rines in fez caps and tunics of white sail-cloth, which contrast
strongly with the deeply bronzed, weather-beaten faces of the
wearers. In the stern sit two dignitaries in yellow and red
turbans and flowing garments, the chief of the party being
clad in a shabby greenish-black frock-coat and trousers, with
a loose fez on his head ; they have the sullen, cunning ex-
pression of countenance which distinguishes the Turk from the
Egyptian. These are the government authorities, who have
come to see that there is no contagion on board the vessel.
As soon as they have expressed themselves satisfied on this
point, all the other boats' crews begin struggling and
fighting among themselves, occasionally with blows, but
B 2
4 ALEXANDKIA.
more generally in high discordant tones, each considering
himself aggrieved by the others. Now we have to select one
of these boats to convey us and our luggage on shore ; so we
take one with a dragoman, or guide, who can speak a few
words of English. He is dressed in a short jacket very
much embroidered, loose sky-blue lower garments, much re-
sembling a bag, through which his feet protrude, decked
in red leather shoes and cotton socks, which hang loosely
about his feet. His complexion is a sallow bronze, his eyes
are narrow, dark, and deep-set, and the only hair upon his
face is a neat black moustache. He is a Syrian by birth,
a dragoman by profession, and a rogue by nature. Into his
hands do we confide ourselves, knowing how impossible it is
to do any thing for ourselves in this land of " backsheesh."
We are not detained long at the Custom-house — the only con-
traband articles being fire-arms and ammunition, with both
of which we are well supplied. They are, however, passed,
unchallenged of course, with a knowing look, on our present-
ing a well-known and never-failing passport ; and we then
proceed to the Hotel Abbat, one of the most comfortable
hotels in Alexandria.
Here it soon becomes known that we are going up the
Nile, and shall require a dragoman ; consequently we are
speedily set upon by this Egyptian species of harpy, each
individual ready to take us by the day, month, or tour, upon
such terms as they all endeavour to prove clearly would
make them losers rather than gainers by the transaction.
Their estimates generally varied from £400 to £600 for a
tour of three months or for the journey to the Second Cataract
and back — a perfectly absurd price for two people. Sooner,
almost, than we had settled in our own minds that a certain
SELECTING A DEAGOMAN. 5
man might suit, that very man seemed allotted to us by
general consent ; his prices were at once the most moderate ;
his testimonials excellent, and all appeared willing to say
a good word for him.
It is not advisable to ask a dragoman whom you think
likely to suit for his terms at the outset, as he might be
tempted to name such a sum that he cannot afterwards
reduce it to your idea of the correct thing without appearing
such a rascal as to give you a distaste for him at once. The
better plan is to form an estimate from the demands of the
others, and from what information you can pick up from the
Consul and residents, as to the cost of such a boat as you
require; then make your offer, say £100 per month, or £200
to the Second Cataract and back, with twelve days' stoppages,
all backsheesh included, and the contract not to commence
till the day of starting. If you intend going into Palestine
after the Nile tour, it is advisable to hire a Syrian drago-
man ; otherwise an Egyptian is perhaps preferable, as being
quieter and less hkely to fall out with the crew. Prices
differ according to the season and number of visitors to the
Nile ; i.e. the prices of the boats. The actual feeding, atten-
dance, and paying of backsheesh, a dragoman will probably
be ready to undertake for from £50 to £60 a month for two,
£60 to £70 for three, and in similar proportion for a larger
number. This would include a cook and one or two servants
to wait upon the party.
The boat, which should be one of the best you can find,
should not cost more than £40 or £50 per month ; this in-
cludee a Reis or captain, a second captain and crew of ten
men. Wines and drinkables are not included in a contract ;
they can be got either at Alexandria from Goodman and
6 TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA.
Goridge, or at Cairo from Ablitt, the latter of whom I em-
ployed. When laying in your supplies, arrange tliat such
articles as are not damaged shall be taken back on your
return. Good powder can be best obtained at Alexandria ;
shot anywhere. Having decided on your dragoman, you
get the contract duly drawn up at the Consulate, and there
signed and sealed.
At Alexandria there is but little to be done or seen. Of
course the strange dresses of the East first attract attention ;
and then the native bazars are never-failing objects of
interest, composed as they are of dh-ty little shops in series
of the dirtiest of narrow lanes, swarming with flies and
children; the very ground we walk on is formed of the
refuse from the stalls, which, being trodden under foot instead
of being carried away, becomes in wet weather, which is not
uncommon at Alexandria, the most abominable mud, reach-
ing to the ankles. Leaving this scene, we next emerge upon
the Grand Square. This part of the town looks much more
European than Egyptian ; here are situated most of the
hotels; and here the donkey-boys, sharp-looking young
Arabs, pounce down upon the lately arrived European, and,
driving their donkeys alongside, keep up an incessant
chatter. " This very good donkey, this Billy Barlow."
" Mister, this Jim Crow — won the Derby, take you to Pompey
Pillar, show you every thing." " How 's your poor feet ?
walking bad for you." And so they continue till we go to
momit ; then comes a hustle, each boy endeavom-ing to
thrust his own donkey under us ; and the matter has gene-
rally to be decided by a free use of the stick.
Now we are oft" sight-seeing. That which perhaps first
amuses us most is to see our long-legged friend perched
" BIEDS OF PEEY." 7
upon a very small donkey, his knees nearly np to his nose ;
then there trots the ragged little donkey-boy, a true
Aladdin, perfectly at his ease without saddle or bridle ; then
the stately Ali Baba, in flowing robes, red slippers, and
turban, jogs quietly along, followed by a small boy bearing
his pipe in one hand and a stick to keep his donkey up to
its pace in the other. Away we trot through the European
quarters ; en route a fresh-blown Briton from the west
attracts our attention at the door of the Hotel d'Orient, sur-
rounded by a group of dragomans and town-guides, who
are giving him such information as each imagines he may
require, to impress him with a sense of their individual
usefulness, while, from a respectful distance, a small Arab
shoe-black keenly watches his soiled boots, ready to pounce
down as soon as the larger birds of prey have done with
him. Thus the European in the East is daily passed on from
the " Harpies " of dragomans to the local guides, or " Vul-
tm-es, and from them by the donkey-boys, or minor " birds of
prey," to the little unclothed urchins, the " Jackdaws " of the
place, who, hoping against hope, cry for " backsheesh " until
their unmeaning clamour is lost in the distance. On we
go by the bright shops and the cafes, differing in no respect
from European ones, save that those who sit at the tables,
chiefly Greeks and Italians, wear the red fez. Turning out
of the square, we pass the British Consulate on our way to
the llamleh station, close to which stands a much-worn
obelisk. This is Cleopatra's Needle ; and the companion to
it lies on the ground half covered with rubbish. These two
obelisks are the sole remains of the ancient grandeur of the
Csesareum to be seen at the present day. From this spot
the view is pretty, over the bright blue sparkling Mediter-
i
8 EAMLEH.
ranean, bathing the eastern side of the Old Town, which
extends on a narrow neck of land out to the Pharos rock.
At the Station we quit our donkeys and go by rail to
Ramleh, to visit our Consul Colonel Stanley, who, after a most
hospitable reception, gives us some useful information about
the best snipe-grounds in the Delta, which proves of much
service to us in the course of our tour. Ramleh is a charming
place, consisting of a number of small country residences
occupied by Europeans who have business in Alexandria,
which can be reached in a few minutes by train. Here
reside all who can avail themselves of the healthy situation
(with a fine sea-breeze), instead of remaining pent up in the
dull and, at times, strong-smelHng and unwholesome town ;
for certainly Egypt to the new comer puts forth its most un-
pleasant aspect in the Europeanized town of Alexandria. At
Ramleh the Khedive had a palace, which was burnt down
when just finished, in the spring of 1870; when asked what
should be done, his reply was "Rebuild it; " and they are
now at work fulfilling his orders.
Between Ramleh and Alexandria, the land, for the most
part, lies waste and barren. Here some Roman fortifications
are still to be traced, and numerous ancient graves, which
have long since been rifled in search of antiquities. By the
edge of the sea, and just below the water, may be seen
tombs excavated in the rock, which has all the appearance of
an ancient limestone formation, but which is evidently
a recent deposit; for the bones which have been washed
from the graves form portion of the matrix. At first sight
such a formation may appear uninteresting, as it only con-
tains bones from the neighbouring tombs (known as Cleo-
patra's Baths) ; but it really opens another page in the history
POilPEY'S PILLAE. 9
of Egypt, and is one of the few proofs possessed by us that
the Delta has sunk within historic times ; for it is self-evident
that graves could never have been dug below the sea-level ;
and that these square excavations, lined with human bones
now cemented by nature into a solid limestone rock, were
once tombs, cannot be doubted.
February 'hth. — We ride off after an early breakfast, and
find the streets frightfully muddy from the rain which fell
during the night, the black mud in places rising over our
donkeys' hocks as we scamper along on our way to Pompey's
Pillar. In answer to our inquiries as to whether it often
rained at Alexandria, our dragoman said that formerly the
climate was as dry as in other parts of Egypt, until Euro-
peans settled there and brought their wet weather with
them. He finished by saying that he did not know whether
that was really the case, but such was the behef among
the native inhabitants.
Passing out of the town by one of the western gates
through the city walls, and riding past an Arab burial-
ground, we come to " Pompey's Pillar," a single column
nearly one hundred feet high. It was erected by Diocletian,
and has nothing whatever to do with Pompey. Though
of fine proportion, in its present position it is utterly un-
meaning, and is certainly disappointing. We continue our
ride ou to the river to look at some " dahabeahs " which are
moored to the bank ; and here we first make acquaintance
with the Nile boats. Although the general plan in all these
boats is much the same, there are, in the arrangements
on board, some apparently trivial matters which are of the
greatest importance for the comfort of the traveller who has
to live in them perhaps for mouths ; and nothing should he
J
10 THE DAHABEAH.
be more careful about, after suiting himself with a dragoman,
than in the selection of his boat. He should pay sjjecial
attention to the fitting of the windows, as up to the end of
February the nights are chilly ; and he must of course assure
himself that the new paint does not cover old and rotten
woodwork, as is too frequently the case : he should also see
that the ropes, sails, and masts are strong and in good order ;
or he may be delayed at some disagreeable place, to suit the
convenience of the captain, while they are being repaired.
The dahabeah has a raised cabin occupying the stern-half
of the vessel ; this cabin contains a double-bedded room aft,
then four or more rooms along each side of the passage
which runs through the centre, one of them containing a
bath, on which a bed can be made up if required, then the
sitting room, in front of which, on each side of the passage,
are other rooms for the dragoman's supplies. The fore part
of the boat is devoted to the crew, who sleep on the deck.
The mainmast stands near the bows, with the kitchen just in
front of it ; in the stern, near the helm, is another small
mast. Over the cabin is the quarter-deck ; on this the crew
need never come, save the second captain, who steers, as the
mainsail is worked in front of the cabin and aU the rifffxinsj
Do o
is forward.
February 1th. — We start by the midday train for Cairo,
thankful to have left Alexandria, as certainly the most dis-
agreeable part of the Nile tour is the time spent in that
town, so remarkable in ancient history, so uninteresting at
the present day. Steaming along the side of Lake Mareotis,
our hopes of sport rise as we watch the flocks of water-fowl
scattered here and there over its surface, the Plovers and
Curlews flying round, and the. Herons wading in its muddy
CAIKO. 11
margin, while the lazy Kite flaps slowly along over the cul-
tivated land, where large flocks of the Buff'-backed Heron
feed fearlessly, close to the dwellings of the natives, who
never molest them. These birds are often pointed out as the
Sacred Ibis ; but, alas ! that bird is no longer to be met with,
or at all events is extremely rare, in the country where once
it Avas worshipped.
We now cross the Mahmoodeeh Canal, which was begun
by Mohammed Ali in 1819, and finished within the year,
but was done, like most Egyptian undertakings, hurriedly,
and badly, with an utter disregard of life. It is said that
250,000 men were employed upon the work, out of which
20,000 died within the year. As we approach Cairo we see
the stately Pyramids, those gigantic monuments of Egypt,
rising in solemn grandeur over the intervening landscape,
and the range of the Mokattam Mountains, which overhang
Cairo, that most truly characteristic of oriental cities. On
our arrival we put up at the New Hotel, the finest European
building in the town.
The amusements in the evening at Cairo were formerly
limited to the cafes, where singing and roulette went on ; but
the Khedive has recently built an opera-house, a theatre, a
circus, and a hippodrome, at which the French acting and
dancing form the most popular attractions. The following
day we devote to seeing the town, bazars, the New Mosque,
Old Cairo, and the NUometer on the Island of Roda, near
which Moses is supposed to have been discovered among the
bubushes. It certainly requu-es two or three days simply
to see the town and visit the most interesting mosques,
without gouig in for any of the detail ; then the Fossil
Forest and the Tombs of the Caliphs take a day, while
12 SPOKT.
another day has to be devoted to the Pyramids ; but as it is
my present object to treat of the natural history and shooting
that Egypt affords, I shall pass over the sight-seeing, as the
fullest information may be obtained about them in ' Murray's
Handbook ' and in the countless other works which have
been written upon the subject.
Leaving Cairo, let lis start for the Pyramids, taking our
guns with us. For some distance after crossing the Nile we
ride among the native houses — dii-ty mud huts, and occasional
palaces belonging to the Khedive or his family ; for almost
every respectable house on this bank belongs to the Govern-
ment. We soon become well acquainted with the small white
Herons {Ardeola russata), which are extremely abundant, and
form a prominent object in every scene about Cairo and in
the Delta, their clean white plumage giving them a graceful
appearance on the ground ; but they rise with difficulty, and
are awkward in their flight. On each side of the embank-
ment which forms the road to the Pyramids there are pools
of water, the remains of the inundation which covers the
country in the autumn. In these pools we find Teal very
abundant, while upon the large pieces of water may be seen
numbers of the common Wild Duck, Shoveller, Pintail, and
Pochard, occasionally also large flocks of White-fronted and
Egyptian geese. Here and there the common Heron is seen
standing motionless in the mud or slowly flapping across the
open country away from danger ; for these cunning birds are
as shy in Egypt as in Europe, and often give timely warning
of danger to the other frequenters of the mudbanks. Almost
every ditch or pool holds some species of wader, the com-
monest of which are the Grecnshanks, Common Sandpiper,
Green Sandpiper, Stint, Kentish Plover, Lesser Eing-Plovcr ;
WADEES AND FALCONS. 13
occasionally flocks of Stilts and Ruffs, and more rarely
Godwits and solitary specimens of the Marsh Sandpiper, are
also to be found. These and the Spur-winged Plover, which
one never fails to see during the day, form the chief bulk of
the birds which may be met with at all seasons on one's way
to the Pyramids. A few Snipe are generally observed ; but
they are far more common in the Delta, near the coast, where
a good shot may kill forty or fifty couple in a day in the
marshes between Alexandria and Lake Menzaleh.
The plains near the Pyramids afford very good Quail-
shooting in March and April ; but February is too early for
them, as they have not then arrived in any numbers.
The birds of prey are extremely numerous, the Egyptian
Kite {Milvus parasiticus) being by far the most abundant in
the town of Cairo itself and throughout Egypt and Nubia.
Of the large Hawks, the Peregrine, Lanner, Saker, and
Barbary Falcons may all be met with in the neighbom-hood
of Sakkarah, the Lanner being the most plentiful ; this bird
breeds every year on the Pyramids. The Barbary Falcon is
the scarcest of the four species, and the Saker the next in
rarity. Of the smaller Falcons, the Kestrel is extremely
common everywhere ; the Lesser Kestrel is only a spring
visitant, when it becomes plentiful about Alexandria ; the
Merlin is very common in the spring, frequenting the Sont-
woods, but it does not remain to breed ; the Sparrowhawk
abounds wherever trees afford it shelter. I once shot a
Goshawk near Benisouef, the only specimen that I know to
have been killed in the country. The Long-legged Buzzard
{Buteo ferox) is so plentiful in some seasons, that one liurdly
passes a day without meeting with it. This handsome bird
frequents the open fieklsj where it rests upon some bank or
14 THE PYRAMIDS.
mound whilst it keeps watch over the fields for its prey,
evincing a great partiality for Quail. I have here noticed
some of the principal species of the birds of prey, as they
cannot fail to impress the traveller at the outset with their
extraordinary numbers ; so that I hope what I have just
written may not be thought out of place, but naturally sug-
gested by one's first impressions of a day's sport in Egypt.
At length we arrive at the Pyramids, the wonders of the
East. Their gigantic size is hard to realize when close to
them, for want of smaller objects for comparison ; but a climb
up the rough stones to the top will best convince one of their
magnitude. The view, however, from the summit is dis-
appointing, as it does not open out a much wider prospect
than one has from the base. Facing us to the east, beyond
the river stands Cairo, and behind it the Mokattam Mountains,
ending abruptly on the north of the range at that city, but
extending southward in a flat-topped ridge as far as the eye
can see. Between this range and the Pyramids lies the
fertile country, the valley of the Nile and the garden of
Egypt : to the north-east extends the low flat land of the
Delta ; and to the west lie the trackless sands of the Libyan
Desert— over which the eye cannot range far, owing to the
unevenness of the ground. Visiting the interior of the
Pyramids is more unsatisfactory ; for one climbs and slides
along a narrow dark passage, to be shown a room in the very
centre, where a sarcophagus was found, but which has been
removed.
The next object to be seen is the Sphinx, which has sadly
suffered by the hand of time, having lost its nose, which
wives it an unpleasant expression. In front of the Sphinx
the sand has been removed, and the ruins of a temple exca-
THE FOSSIL FOREST. 15
vated, in which there are some huge masses of granite.
These must have cost no small labour to convey to their
present site, as the nearest granite-quarries are at Assouan,
over six hundred miles to the south. The only birds we met
with at the Pyramids were the Lanner and Kestrel Falcons,
the Crag Swallow, Mourning Chat, and a stray Bifasciated
Lark, which truly desert-bird is rarely seen in Egypt.
Returning to Cairo by the same way that we came, we
shot a few more ducks and an occasional snipe or two. The
black and white Kingfishers {Ceryle rudis) are very plentiful,
and never fail to attract attention as they hover over the
pools in search of their finny prey, which they appear rarely
to drop upon directly from the bank where they have been
sitting, as does our own Kingfisher, but hover like a Hawk
over the water — and if unsuccessful in their dart, rise appa-
rently unconcerned, to go through the evolution again and
again until they succeed, when they retire to the bank to
enjoy their meal. The next day we ride to the Fossil
Forest, a part of the Arabian or Eastern Desert, where the
ground is strewn with the shattered remains of fossil trees.
The spot is not picturesque, but is curious on account of
the quantity of silicified wood which is scattered around,
and gives one a fair notion of what a desert is like. We
lunch in this wild and desolate spot, where the Gazelle
and Raven alone are to be found, the latter watching the
stranger patiently, in anticipation of the meal which awaits
him from the fragments shortly to be left by the departing
visitors. It is curious that in this desert spot, where a
few green weeds are the only vegetation, snails should
abound, although they are not met with south of this
locality in Egypt, not even along the cultivated banks of
IG TOMBS OF THE CALIPHS.
the river. On our way home we stop to examine the
quarries of white hmestone, and soon fill our pockets with
a rich harvest of fossils : a small species of Crab {Portutius
leucodon) is tolerably plentiful ; univalves and bivalves of
many kinds are abundant ; and we meet with several of the
saw -shaped spines of an Echinoderm {Cidaris veronensis),
and, of course, quantities of Nummulites, which are the
characteristic fossils of this formation. Yesterday we pur-
chased of the Arabs several of the fine Miocene Echino-
derms {Clypeaster agyptiacus) which they always bring to
the traveller at the Pyramids, and also a piece of white
limestone filled with small Nummulites. Our dragoman,
always anxious to explain every thing, told us that the
builders of the Pyramids had been fed upon lentils, and
that this was a piece of their bread made of that seed, but
that time had hardened it into the stony substance which
we then held in our hands. Although he tried hard to
persuade us that he was right, we could not induce him
to taste our specimens of nummulitic limestone.
Near the Tombs of the Caliphs, which we pass on our
way to the town, we see numbers of the Egyptian Vulture
{Neophron percnopterus), the natural scavengers of the Arabs
outside the town, while the dogs perform that office within
the gates. The Tombs of the Caliphs are very picturesque,
each with its dome ; they are built of red sandstone, which
imparts to them such a sameness of colouring with the
surrounding desert tliat it detracts somewhat from their
real beauty. This want of variety in the colouring is the
great drawback to Egyptian scenery.
February \^tli. — Having got our supplies on board the
dahabeah and laid in a good store of powder and shot, we
THE STAKT. 17
.weigh anchor and row out into the stream on onr way down
to Damietta. The crew sing loudly to a monotonous tune,
accompanied by the darabouca, or native drum, while, they
keep time to the rowing of the oars, concluding each stanza
or verse with a long-drawn shout ; the dragoman meanwhile
busies himself firing oft' his gun as fast as he can, which is
his mode of saluting such towns or dahabeahs as we pass.
Indeed a di'agoman or any other native never misses an
opportunity of making a noise when he has the chance. But
upon this occasion our dragoman was not fortunate ; for on
ramming down a large piece of paper over the powder, the
ramrod got fixed in the rusty barrel, which had probably
not been cleaned since his last trip, and now, his native
cautiousness coming to the fore, he calls up one of the
servants to fire off' his gun while he gets out of the way for
fear of its bursting : the old weapon, however, stands the
trial ; and the servant, wishing to do all honour to the town,
discharges the piece in that direction, and sends the ramrod
flying — heaven knows where.
We have great satisfaction in feeling that we have begun
the boat-trip, and that aU our troubles in selecting a dragoman
and bargaining are over for a time ; and as our new home
is clean and comfortable, with all our household gods around
us and every one anxious to please, we feel how thoroughly
enjoyable the life on our boat is, as we sit on deck under
the cloudless heavens sparkling with innumerable stars, and
watch the dark outline of the great city of the East which
we are fast leaving behind us, while the crescent-shaped
moon is rising over the mountains of the Mokattam. The
nights, however, are chilly up to the end of February; so
c
18 A MATEENAL DEAGOMAN.
we do not long remain on deck, but retire to the cabin,
where the dragoman is waiting to announce dinner.
Our dragoman is a native of Egypt. He wears the fez
cap with the invariable yellow, red, and blue scarf tied round
it in the form of a turban, a flowing black coat, in shape
much resembling a dressing-gown, a long blue waistcoat,
much embroidered with no end of useless little buttons, and
lower down a pair of bags of the same material, through
which his legs appear clothed in cotton stockings of match-
less whiteness, terminating in black shoes with steel buckles.
He is a fair specimen of the present god of the Nile, the
dragoman, who is worshipped by the natives wherever he
goes, on the chance of backsheesh, which, by the way, they
seldom get for nothing. This peculiarly attired individual,
owing to his long dress, curious squeaky voice, and the
motherly care he takes of us, we nicknamed 'the Mother,'
while Abdallah and Salem, the two trusty attendants, owing
to their equally flowing robes, we called ' the Girls.' Ab-
dallah, a Copt or Christian, is always most anxious to thrust
his services upon us, and to keep Salem, whom he bullies, as
much in the background as possible ; and in this he is pretty
successful, for he is the ' Mother's ' favourite. He is not a
very bright specimen, and hardly understands a word of
English, while Salem speaks it tolerably fluently. The two
' Girls ' differ in dress as well as in creed ; for although both
wear the red fez and red slippers with white socks, which
never tcill keep up, Salem has a black coat and vest after
the form of the ' Mother's,' with a yellow silk scarf tied
round the waist, while Abdallah, over a similar long black
waistcoat, wears a grev English shooting-coat. Both wear
LIFE ON BOAED THE DAHABEAH. 19
white bags, contrasting strongly with their brown legs, which
are exposed from the knee downwards.
The dinners which our dragoman provided throughout
the tour were excellent ; indeed in this respect he exceeded
the terms of the contract, which we had taken care to draw
up very minutely, as this saves a great deal of trouble after-
wards ; for we suspect that a careless contract often leads
dragomans to fancy that they can impose upon the traveller ;
and this is probably the reason why some parties disagree
with them.
After dinner we go on deck again, where the ' Girls '
bring us our long chibouques, which they have duly lighted
for us, and our cups of coffee, which, after the true Turkish
fashion, are extremely small, and contain the very essence
of coffee, with a quarter of a cupful of dregs. This may
appear unpleasant to the uninitiated; but one soon comes
to appreciate the coffee in this fashion, while there is cer-
tainly none like it for flavour. A slight breeze having sprung
up during dinner, the crew have laid aside their oars, and
are now singing their strange wild and plaintive song, while
one of them keeps time on the darabouka. This instrument
consists of an earthen jar with a piece of parchment stretched
over its wide mouth. The night is beautiful; the moon,
which has now risen, casts its silvery light upon the rippling
waters, and our white sail is filled with the soft breeze.
The ' Mother ' now makes his appearance, and, after the
usual salutation of the East, begins the conversation. " I
hope you very good appetite," the way he always com-
mences after dinner ; " the crew play to show they much
pleased." If this was a fact, I believe they were always
pleased when they had nothing else to do. He then told
c 2
20 DANGO.
US that we should soon have to anchor for the night, as we
were approaching a bridge which is only opened at certain
hours ; and here the lights appear shining upon the water, and
the dim outlines of several vessels are seen through the gloom.
He had plenty of stories to tell us of the sport that was to
be had, and drew our attention to the cry of the wildfowl,
the ducks and geese, which we heard from time to time in
the darkness ; then he called up an Abyssinian servant,
whom we christened Dango, as being something like his
original name but rather more convenient. He was formerly
a servant of Mr. Miinzinger, the Consul at Massoua, had
been through the Abyssinian campaign with our army, and
was brought to Egypt, I believe, by Colonel Thesiger on his
way home. He was extremely wilHng and obhging, and
proved most useful on our shooting-expeditions ; so, as I shall
often have occasion to speak of him in my present narrative,
I may as well take this opportunity of introducing him to the
reader. To look at, one would say he is about thirty years
of age — short and active, with a deep coppery complexion,
a large mouth, a woolly head, and a small beard. He is
dressed in a blue serge shooting-jacket and trousers with a
broad white stripe down the side, a fez cap, and very dila-
pidated boots, which latter, by the way, were rather an
encumbrance than otherwise, for he could walk better with-
out them ; he was, however, extremely proud of being their
possessor, as I suppose he considered that they gave him an
air of respectability, until about a week later, when they dis-
solved, like brown-paper, in a marsh, and left his feet bare.
Thus ended these relics, which had probably been through
the Abyssinian campaign.
We now come to our moorings for the night ; and the
SPOKT. 21
crew's work being over, tliey soon fall asleep, while we retire
to the cabin to talk over our adventures.
February Wtli. — We rise early, and after a cup of coffee
start out for a couple of hours' shooting before breakfast.
The cool fresh air is delicious ; but the grass is very wet
from the heavy dew, which glitters on the bright green
herbage under the rays of the morning sun. We pass
through a portion of the town on the western bank of the
river, and then cross the latter by a bridge, where we soon
come upon some pools and a half-dry canal, where we find
wildfowl tolerably abundant. This canal being about eighty
yards broad, the ducks avoid us by flying down the centre,
so that we only get a few uncertain long shots at them ; for
they are too shy to allow us to stalk them ; and, indeed, the
ground throughout Egypt is very bad for that purpose,
owing to the want of covert, the banks being of smooth
mud from which the water has recently retired. However,
we kill a few Shoveller, Pintail, and Pochard ; but Teal most
frequently come to the bag. Greenshanks are tolerably plen-
tiful here, while, lower down, the Redshanks become most
numerous. Whenever we find other game scarce we fall
back on the Pigeons, for which Egypt is famous, as they are
always welcome to the crew. The number of these birds,
which live in a semidomesticated state, is quite marvellous.
The natives in most of the villages build a second story to
their houses, solely for the sake of these pigeons, which flock
to them as soon as they are built ; but they require that their
houses should be kept more cleanly than the abodes of the
natives ; otherwise they leave for better quarters. What
would an English farmer say to having these myriads of
pigeons feeding on his land ? Yet there is no denying that
22 A VILLAGE.
the Egyptian crops thrive well nevertheless ; and their guano
is there considered to more than compensate for the grain
they eat, as this kind of manure is particularly valued for the
cultivation of the sugar-cane.
Although the native gives himself so much trouble to keep
a stock of these birds in the villages, none dispute the
stranger's right to shoot as many of them as he pleases in
the fields ; and it certainly adds considerably to the pleasiu-e
of the Nile-trip always to feel oneself lord of the manor, with
perfect liberty to shoot what we please and walk where we
like, regardless of crops or boundaries. We are always wel-
comed by the native, who for the sake of seeing sport, which
he thoroughly appreciates when he meets with a good shot, will
go out of his way to point out some ducks which he has seen
on a neighbouring pool, or will dash into the water after
any bird that may have fallen in. I have often been much
amused watching them hunt a wounded duck, which they
will rarely fail to secure ; for they are perfect adepts in the
art of swimming.
As we were shooting round a village, the Sheik, or head
man, came out to see the sport, and invited us to his at
house to take coffee, which is always ready, and acceptable
any time of the day. Then there flocked around us all the
rising generation of the village, and the women, in their
long blue dresses, with their faces wrapped up in white cloths,
only showing their bright black eyes, which they fix upon
us — in admiration? No, rather in wonder why we have
come there, and why we are dressed so differently from their
own people.
On occasions like this, I have often fancied how much our
position resembled that of our caged animals at home. We
NATIVE GUAKDS. 23
are the queer beasts, whose every action is watched, and who
excite as much amusement out here as we feel when looking
at " our poor relations," the monkeys, at the Zoological
Gardens. Showing the natives the action of our breech-
loaders and letting them look through our field-glasses never
failed to excite the interest of the chief men of the company,
who are seldom satisfied until they have had the gun in their
own hands, and pinched their fingers in shutting it up. But
it is time to be on the move again ; so we make a rise and a
salaam to the sheik, and, throwing a few coppers among the
small boys, we proceed on our way, mutually pleased with
our rencontre.
The Egyptian is certainly not a bad character. He may
be poor and idle ; but he will exert himself for the smallest
coin, and is always willing to please; in fact, they are an
extremely harmless people, although a dragoman never fails
to impress one with the necessity of firing a shot or two
on anchoring for the night, just by way of explaining to the
natives, should there be any robbers among them, that the
boat is armed. As an extra precaution, too, we have some
of the natives from the village to guard the shore at night.
This we look upon as a small tax upon travellers, rather than
as a really necessary precaution ; for the guards often sleep
very soundly during the night, as we found on one occasion,
when we went the rounds and saw the two guards fast
asleep ; so we took their guns away and brought them on
board, as a testimony in the morning of their good be-
haviour.
We arrive at Beuha on the 13 th, where we have to wait
some hours ere they open the bridge over which the railway
from Alexandria to Cairo crosses the Nile. As this priJ-'""
24 MIEAGE.
an extremely bad shooting-ground, we are not sorry when we
can again get under way. The previous day, near Farshouni,
I had some fair duck-shooting along a half-dry canal, which
is always the best kind of place to get at the ducks ; and
there we saw a large flock of Avocets, the first I had met
with ; but they were too shy to let us approach within shot.
I shall now hurry on our journey, as the days on the Nile
are spent in a very similar manner, while we float along the
smooth surface of its waters. At Zitfeh I met with innu-
merable flocks of pigeons. With twelve cartridges I killed
three dozen of them ; but finding quantities of Tin-tle Doves,
we devote our attention to them in preference, as they aff'ord
far better shots, and are excellent eating.
February Ylth. — A strong northerly wind detains us at
Shhiibin ; so we start out early, in hopes of walking to Lake
Menzaleh. We first cross some flooded rice-fields, where we
disturb immense flocks of Gulls and Terns, make a fair bag
of Snipe and Golden Plover, and meet with vast quantities of
Sandpipers of various species. Leaving the rice-fields we
cross a heath, where our delighted eyes see what we imagine
to be a large sheet of water in front of us, but which a ten
minutes' walk proves to be nothing but a mirage. We are
again de ceived in a similar manna.- ; and this makes us some-
what doubtful Avhen we really do see water; however, our
minds are soon set at rest by a large flock of geese alighting
with a splash upon what turns out to be an extensive shallow
lake. Here we spend two or three hours rather unsuc-
cessfully, as the ducks mostly keep out in the middle. Con-
tinuing a little fm-ther we find a succession of small ponds,
but do not reach Menzaleh, and then return to our boat with
a well-filled and varied bag.
SNIPE-SHOOTING. 25
To-day we first meet with the Ichneumon, a large species
of the Polecat tribe. This beast was formerly held sacred by
the Egyptians, to whom it rendered some service by devour-
ing the eggs of the crocodile and killing snakes. It is now
abundant in the Delta, but rare to the south of Cairo.
February X'dth. — We arrive at a small village, about five
miles by water from Damietta, where we remain for several
days, as it is close to a reedy marsh, the best locality for
snipe that we shot over in Egypt. Here one may kill forty
or fifty couples of snipe in a day for a whole week without
going over the same ground twice. However, I was not
very successful the first day, owing to my having obtained a
guide who told me that duck was in great abundance ; con-
sequently I reserved my fire for them, never having had a
real good day's duck-shooting in Egypt. I must confess
that my companion showed his sense in being contented with
the snipe-shooting and in not following me on my wild-goose-
chase. With my guide I plunged into the thick reeds,
whence I could not see ten yards in front ; here I waded,
in mud up to my knees, for half an hour straight out towards
the centre of the lake, and began to get very tired of seeing
nothing, when up rose an old Bittern from its noonday
slumbers ; him I shot in hopes that the report might disturb
some of the numerous waterfowl of which I had heard so
much from my guide, but the existence of which I began to
doubt. vSave a few Marsh-Harriers, no birds were roused
by the sound ; consequently my temper began to fail me ;
so, after struggling on for some distance further and finding
nothing but reeds, I turned about, and was heartily glad when
I found myself once more on the snipe-ground, where I bagged
ten couple in about half an hour. My spirits now rose again.
26 CONSUL AT DAMIETTA.
so that I allowed myself once more to be beguiled into
another search for duck. This time I started in a small boat
made of reeds, and, passing through a narrow channel, got
into the clear water in the centre of the lake. Again I was
disappointed ; not a bird was to be seen ; but being out
there, I determined to spend half an hour punting round the
edge of the reeds, but all to no purpose ; there were no wild-
fowl, and again the serenity of my temper was disturbed.
1 could not, however, resist laughing at the explanation of
my guide, as, laying his head upon his hand, and pointing
with the other to the bottom of the lake, he told me that
they were all asleep down there during the heat of the day,
but that they would come up again in the evening. I heard
afterwards, on good authority, that they do come to this
lake in great numbers earlier in the season. Ducks are cer-
tainly extremely abundant in the neighbourhood; for that
evening we saw what we at first took to be a thunder-cloud,
but what proved to be an immense flock of wildfowl, and
I saw similar flocks upon several occasions towards flight-
time, but could never get within range.
The pretty White-tailed Plover, Chettusia leucura, though
formerly considered rare, is abundant about this lake, as well
as near Alexandria and in the Fayoom. Having beaten
the greater part of the ground, we leave this place and
stop at Damietta, where we dine with the Consul in the
true Egyptian style. He lives in a large house surrounded
by a garden fragrant with orange-blossoms and bright with
gaily coloured flowers. The dinner consists of a great variety
of dishes, chiefly minces, hashes, and vegetables of many
kinds. Although, like a true Mahomedan, he does not drink
wine himself, he does not impose the same restriction on his
RETUEN TO CAIRO. 27
guest. We here meet an Italian who lives at Damietta ; he
is a very good sportsman, and accompanies us next day to
show us the best shooting-ground.
The Consul provides us with horses equipped with velvet
and gold saddle-cloths, which look rather out of character
with our rough shooting-suits. We are taken to the same
lake that we had been shooting around for the last week ; we
have, however, a pleasant day's sport, and collect a few
Painted Snipe. We did not find many of these birds ; but
our Italian friend told us that they are often met with here, in
flocks of twenty or thirty, when they are easily scattered, and
will then lie close, like Jack Snipe, and are consequently
easily shot; but they are very poor eating. He also told us
that November and December are the best months for duck-
shooting, when he has killed hundreds of them in their flight
from Lake Menzaleh to this marsh.
On the 26th we leave Damietta, and return up the Nile
with as little delay as possible, as the season is becoming
late for ascending the river, and reach Cairo on the 1st of
March. Finding that a new awning is required for the boat,
we set the men to work at it, while we lay in fresh supplies
and finish seeing the toAvn. I was very fortunate in col-
lecting birds during this three weeks' tour in the Delta, and
obtained several species which we did not meet with later;
so, as a guide to other ornithologists, I will give a short
list of the birds which should be obtained during a similar
tour, and which are not so likely to be met with higher up
the Nile.
1. Aquila imperialis. Imperial Eagle.
2. Circus (Entginostis, Marsh-Harrier, far more abundant
in adult plumage in the Delta than elsewhere.
.28 EAKE BIEDS.
3. Scops ffiu, Scops Eared Owl, tolerably plentiful near
Alexandria.
4. Centropus (Bgyptius, Egyptian Lark-heeled Cuckoo.
5. Alcedo hcngalensis, Small Indian Kingfisher.
6. Acrocephalus stentorius, near Damietta in March and
April.
7. Calamodi/ta melanopogon. In the same marsh through-
the year.
8. Chettusia lemur a. White-tailed Plover.
9. Bhi/ncheea capensis, Painted Snipe.
Bittern, Spotted Crake, many kinds of Ducks, Gulls, and
Terns. Among the common English birds which are likely
not to be met with south of the Delta, are the Blackbird,
Robin, Stonechat, Linnut, Challiucli, Goldfinch, Rook, Star-
ling, Golden and Grey Plovers, and Water-Rail.
CHAPTER II.
THE GEOLOGY OF EGYPT.
I FEEL that some apology is due to the reader for the
followmg chapter, in which I shall digress from the general
pm-pose of this work to give a sketch of the geology of the
country ; for after having spent several months upon the
great mudbank of Egypt, the Delta of the Nile, one may
feel curious as to its formation and the aspect the country
would have presented had the Nile been a clear and sparkling
stream without an annual overflow. In that case how dif-
ferent would have been the scene ! Egypt is a creation of
the Nile; and not only does its trade depend in a great
measure upon the river, but every cultivated spot owes its
existence to the alluvium brought down by those fertilizing
waters. Without this sediment in the Nile there would be
an uninhabitable sandy desert where a fruitful country, teem-
ing with trade and civilization, has now existed for thousands
of years ; for Egypt, as we see it, is nothing but a thin sheet
of alluvium, spread by the Nile over an arid tract in the
course of countless ages. This alluvial soil varies greatly in
thickness in different parts of the valley ; but its general ap-
pearance and chemical properties are much the same every-
where. The larger portion of this soil is derived from the
great Nile-tributaries, more especially from Abyssinia, which
is drained by the Atbara and Blue Nile, which join the main
30 GEOLOGY
stream at Damer and Khartoum respectively. By far the
greater mass of the soil brought down by the river is de-
posited towards its present mouth, and forms the Delta.
Now the real Delta of the Nile is that flat triangular portion
of Egypt having for its apex Memphis, more than onehundaed
miles from the sea, and its base formed by a coast-line two
hundred miles in length, Port Said being at its eastern angle ;
so that the real Delta contains an area of one hundred square
miles, while that portion of Lower Egypt commonly known
as the Delta, has Cairo at the apex of the triangle, and is
bounded on the east by the Damietta and on the west by
the Rosetta branches of the Nile, allowing only an extent of
ninety miles for its base or coast-line ; so that the portion
usually spoken of as the Delta is not half the real Delta of
the Nile.
The rate of deposit and the time required for the formation
of the Delta must be purely hypothetical, as all the bones
and shells which have been discovered are similar to those
now existing in the Nile or living on its banks ; and as no pit
has been sunk below the sea-level, the absence of marine
shells in these deposits is not surprising ; and probably even
if such a pit M'ere sunk, it would pass through river-alluvium
for a considerable depth below the sea-level, as has almost in-
variably proved to be the case when like experiments have been
conducted in other Deltas. Besides, we have evidence that
the Delta has been slowly sinking for a considerable time, as
we already remarked when we visited " Cleopatra's Baths,"
which are now below the level of the sea ; and beneath the
waters of Lake Menzaleh may be seen the banks of some
ancient arm of the Nile, as well as the ruins of a town.
The rate of yearly deposit is undoubtedly very small ; and
OF EGYPT. 31
this probably accounts for the great absence of lamination in
the alluvium; for the successive deposits would naturally-
become mixed by cultivation, the boring of insects, and the
natural cracking of the mud as it dries, together with the
drifting of the particles by the wind.
We know that the sea once washed the foot of the rocks on
which the Pyramids of Sakkara stand, the bases of which are
now bathed by the inundations of the Nile from seventy to
eighty feet above the Mediterranean ; but when we attempt to
carry back our ideas to such a remote period, we are lost in
the contemplation of so vast an interval of time during which
the Nile has deposited the hundred square miles of soil which
now form its true Delta. Besides the great volume of allu-
vium brought down from the river- sources, there is vast
degradation taking place along its course ; for the atmosphere
acts very considerably in crumbling the sandstone ; and the
wind, carrying these particles along, adds to the Nile-deposit,
forming sandbanks in the river, which are now added to and
then swept away again by some slight alteration in the
currents; and, owing to the power of the wind to drift sand,
the physical aspect of Nubia is constantly changing. This is
probably the great source from which the sandy particles in
the Nile-deposit are derived, while the clayey portions are
mostly brought down from Abyssinia. In Nubia we can
trace the effects of the tremendous scouring which the country
has undergone, at one time or another, in the torrent-beds
and deep valleys of denudation which are cut through the
horizoutal strata. The heavy storms which occasionally break
over the country bear a large amount of strata into the
river.
The Nile, like other rivers, has often shifted its course, as
32 GEOLOGY
is shown by the presence of beds of alhivium many feet above
the level of the present high Nile : that it has changed its
bed and altered its elevation even Avithin the historical
period, is evident from marks left by the swollen river on
monuments both in Egypt and Nubia. Close to the famous
rock temple of Aboo Simbel is a small temple, where at the
present time the Nile, when high, washes the door-sill and
the legs of a seated figure. At Kom Ombo, twenty-five
miles north of Assouan, the old temple is built on a heap of
alluvium, which is now being rapidly undermined, while
shallows and sandbanks are being formed on the opposite
side of the river. At Silsilis the river has changed consider-
ably within the historical period, and is stiU encroaching on
the left bank. Further north, in a small grotto, the high
Nile rises above the threshhold, and washes a set of river-gods
up to then- necks. While throughout Egypt the Nile appears
to rise higher now than it did formerly, in Ethiopia it has
sunk ; for at Semneh, thirty-five miles south of Wady Halfeh,
just beneath the eastern temple, there are some early hiero-
glyphic inscriptions, recording the rise of the Nile during the
reign of Amun-ni-he III., about 2000 b.c, from which we
learn that in those days it rose considerably higher at this
spot than it does at present.
The present fall of the Nile below the First Cataract is five
inches in the mile, or 300 feet from Assouan to Alexandria ; but
it must have been greater formerly, before the formation of the
Delta, as the Mediterranean then extended inland as far as
Memphis, forming a bay or gulf 100 miles in length ; and
the Nile must have been sixty feet lower at that point than it
now is, i.e. at the level of the sea. The force of the Nile-
current must therefore have been stronger formerly than it
OF EGYPT. 33
is at present, and would consequently have swept nearly all
the silt below the first impediment in the river into the sea,
so that the extension of the Delta must have been more rapid
then than in the present day. As the Delta increased, the
rapidity of the stream decreased, so that much of the mud,
instead of being cast into the sea, would be deposited along
the river-bed, the sluggish stream having lost the power to
drive it forward ; and in this manner the bed of the river has
gradually been raised, so that at Memphis it is now sixty feet
above the level of the sea. This variation in the level of the
river-bed, and consequent change in the force of the stream,
must have distributed the sediment very unevenly over the
Delta. But there is a more powerful i-eason for its uneven
distribution, which arises from the manner in which Deltas
are formed*.
On coming into contact with the sea the running water of
the river is checked, and the earthy matter it contains settles
down to the bottom, the larger particles falling near the river-
mouth, while the finer ones, which take longer to subside, are
carried fui-ther out to sea ; and thus, in course of time, a mud-
bank of a certain extent is raised, until it becomes almost dry
at low tide. Through this the river shapes its bed, gradually
embanking itself; for, as it overflows its channel it comes
into contact with the still sheet of water which covers this low
alluvial flat, and the running water thus checked is forced to
deposit its silt along the junction with the still water. By
slowly depositing mud along its course the river gradually
raises its bed, until the body of its waters is higher than the
neighbouring swamp ; it then bursts its banks, and flows
* See Hugh Falconer on the formation of Deltas, ' Quarterly Journal
of the Geological Society,' 1865, vol. xxi. p. 372.
D
34 GEOLOGY
along the lowest level, and, repeating the same process, fills
up that depression, and forms a new bed again in another
part, thus continuing to raise new beds, for itself in the lowest
part of the land thi'ough which it flows. After a long cycle
of years it may come again to that channel which it fii'st left,
which wiU probably not have risen one foot, while the neigh-
bouring country may have risen twenty or thirty feet.
Thus we see that rivers in alluvial soils, especially in
Deltas, have a tendency to raise their banks and confine
themselves to their beds for an indefinite time, until accident
bursts their bounds; so that any chronological conclusions
founded upon such data must be very fallacious, whether
derived from borings into the strata or from calculations based
upon mere superficial deposits.
We may sum up our knowledge relating to the alluvial
deposit of the Nile, and the alterations which have taken place
in the bed of the river, under the following heads : —
1. The land is slowly sinking in Lower Egypt.
2. No very marked change has taken place in the bed of
the river in historical times.
3. The river is always slightly shifting its bed.
4. The Nile, within the historical period, has risen to a
different height at places from that to which it rises at the
present day.
5. The Nile was formerly a more rapid river.
6. All bones and shells found in the alluvium may be
referred to species now inhabiting the Nile-valley.
7. No marine shells have been discovered in the alluvium
of the Nile.
8. No chronological evidence can be drawn from the
thickness of the beds of alluvium.
OF EGYPT. 35
In order to givt a slight idea of the geological formation
of Egypt and Nubia up to the Second Cataract, and also
to indicate whence the ancient Egyptians procured the granite
and greenstone for their obelisks and statues, as well as
to show the general distribution throughout the country of
that splendid white limestone on which they executed some
of their finest carving, I shall give a short sketch of the
formations which contain them, with their general localities ;
for by understanding the geology of a coimtry we add con-
siderably to our knowledge of its physical geography. These
rocks may be conveniently divided, for our present con-
sideration, according to their mineralogical characters, into
foui' distinct groups, which I shall enumerate in their order of
superposition, beginning with the most recent.
1. Alluvium of the Nile. — This forms the entire Delta, and
extends in a thin layer over all the cultivated land of Egypt
and Nubia, and is generally bounded on either bank by
cliffs. Large tracts towards its edges have in many places
been covered over by the sand borne from the deserts, and are
no longer cultivated. This alluvial soil may often be traced
at a considerable distance from the river by the nodules of
" natron" (a species of travertine) which are met with on the
desert sand wherever it overlies an ancient deposit of the
Nile. The alluvium consists of a mixture of sand and clay,
and is occasionally, though rarely, intersected by thin beds of
" natron," of the appearance of white limestone.
2. Sandstone. — This formation overlies the limestone rocks
both in Egypt and Nubia. At Silsilis it shows itself in con-
siderable thickness, and has here been largely quarried by
the ancient Egyptians. It imparts at this part of the Nile-
valley a wilder character to the scenery than lower down the
1) 2
36 GEOLOGY
river. The sandstone varies considerably in itself, its lower
strata often forming a coarse conglomerate, and varies in
colour from deep red to green and yellow, and is generally
darker than the sand upon the desert, this being probably
due to the colouring-matter having been more easily de-
composed and washed away than the pink and white grains
of silica. This formation appears chiefly, if not entirely, to
belong to the Miocene period ; and the deserts on each side of
the Nile are, no doubt, due solely to its decomposition. I
believe it to be erroneous to suppose that the sea left the
sand of the desert as we now behold it, but that it was for-
merly a sandstone, its particles being cemented together by
the same materials as that which we now see forming the
" Red Mountain," near Cairo, and the thick formation at
Silsilis, and that the loose sand of the desert has been formed
by its disintegration by atmospheric action ; for we cannot
study these strata without frequently meeting with examples
of recent degradation going on upon a large scale ; and when
we consider the vast time during which the atmosphere has
been acting upon these strata, we need not be surprised at
the extent of its ravages.
3. Limestone. — This is throughout of an extremely pure
whiteness, and is first met with in the mountains of Nummu-
litic limestone near Cairo, and extends throughout the whole
of Egypt in remarkably flat-top})ed ranges, forming at places
steep perpendicular cliffs down to the water's edge, as at
Gebel e' Tayr and Gebel Aboofayda, but is driven back
inland at Silsilis by the sandstone strata, while in Nubia,
near the river, it is only met with in detached masses forming
outlying hills. The desert on each side of the Nile is gene-
rally bounded by steep cliffs ; for the cultivated land of Egypt
or EGYPT. 37
lies in the great rent in the limestone formation hollowed out
by the Nile waters, and which averages, from Cairo to Assouan,
five or six miles in breadth. Such is the wealthy laud of
Egypt ; for the desert is only a home for the Gazelle and the
Vulture.
4. Crystalline rocks. — These are not met with until we
reach Assouan ; but there they are seen in vast masses
hemming in the river on all sides at the First Cataract.
Here the scenery changes from the fruitful land of fertile
Egypt into the bleak and barren realms where the huge
granite rocks rise in stately grandeur around the struggling
waters of the Nile as they force their way through the narrow
channels of the Cataract. The granite rocks bind the river
so closely on either side throughout its course between the
First and Second Cataracts, that they leave but a slight margin
on its banks for cultivation in Nubia, which country is almost
entirely composed of these rocks, with here and there a lime-
stone mountain, the whole surmounted by the sandstone
strata, which has been much worn away, and in some parts
almost entirely decomposed into loose sand, forming in many
places " dunes."
The crystalline rocks are of two kinds, viz. a rich pink
granite, by far the most abundant, and " greenstone," which
forms dykes through it. These dykes are well exhibited at
the First Cataract, and appear to run very constantly from east
to west, owing to their being more easily decomposed than
the surrounding granite; the water-courses of the Cataract
almost invariably follow their directions. They show the
line of very ancient prehistoric volcanic action in a country
which appears ever since to have remained remarkably un-
disturbed by subterranean fires ; for, except at the junction of
3S GEOLOGY
these crystalline rocks with the superincumbent stratified
formations, we find a great absence of all fissures, rents, and
faults, except such as have evidently been formed by atmo-
spheric causes ; and the stratified rocks throughout Egypt and
Nubia being remarkably horizontal, we are led to believe that
they rose slowly without any very marked local volcanic action.
The atmospheric causes have had a far greater power in
decomposing the strata than one would expect to find in such
dry countries. Rain does occasionally fall, though rarely, but
at such times generally in tremendous downfalls, as testified
by the ravines and deep torrent-beds, which are by no means
uncommon in the limestone strata, as, for instance, the
valley by which we approach the " Tombs of the Kings " at
Thebes.
The desert is constantly encroaching upon the cultivated
land ; and this is especially the case in Nubia, where the
inhabitants have become scarce by emigration to the busier
parts of Egypt ; for arable land on the confines of the desert,
if left alone for a few years, gets covered up by drift sand,
and becomes barren and useless, so that it cannot again be
cultivated without great labour.
Besides the formations above enumerated, there are two
minor ones, parts of the great freshwater deposit of the Nile,
which deserve special notice.
1. Natron or Kunkur. — A species of travertine, composed
of lime in hard concretionary masses, or perhaps more often
tufaceous and nodular. It is formed by the action of the air
upon the chemical constituents of the alluvium ; and its
presence, as already mentioned, on many parts of the desert
near the river indicates an alluvial subsoil, and testifies to the
encroachment of the desei't upon the cultivated land.
or EGYPT. 39
2. A fine clay, which is found chiefly in caves only acces-
sible to the river-water at high tide. This might naturally
be expected to contain bones and throw some further light
upon our knowledge of the animals which inhabited the
country at a former period, as it would certainly do in a
damper climate ; but, owing to the dryness of the atmosphere,
the bones no doubt decompose before they can become buried
in these beds, which must take a long time in forming, as
they are not assisted by any dropping from the ceilings, but
are entirely composed of the fine mud brought there during
the short period of high Nile. This clay is extremely useful,
being employed for the manufacture of the " goulos," or
water-bottles, so much used in Egypt.
40
CHAPTER III.
FEOM CAIEO TO ASSOUAN.
The regular tour by dahabeah up the Nile is by far the most
pleasant way of seeing Egypt, as it is free from all the annoy-
ances of waiting for trains or camels, attendant upon a tent-
life in a country where there are no hotels save at Alexandria,
Cairo, Suez, and Port Said : and it is really enjoyable ; for, when
once the contract has been signed, there are no further troubles
in store, unless one has been exceptionally unlucky in the
choice of a dragoman. All goes smoothly; the dahabeah,
roomy and clean after one's own choice, is extremely com-
fortable, and all our requirements are at hand The progress
may be slow ; but, as we are constantly advancing, it conquers
distance, while the panorama of Egypt unfolds itself before
us, ever changing, and, throughout our course, studded with
ruins of a bygone race which cannot fail to excite the admira-
tion and interest of all who see them.
First we pass the Pyramids of Geezeh, Sakkara, and
Dashoor ; one of these, known as the pyramid of Mycerinus,
or Menkera, is said to have been built by a woman who, on
account of her great beauty, was called Rhodopis, or the
rosy-cheeked one, and who became Queen of Egypt. Moore
has availed himself of a legend connected with this Pyramid
in his ' Melodies ' : —
EHODOPIS. 41
" Fair Rhodope, as story tells,
The bright unearthly nymph who dwells
'Mid sunless gold and jewels hid,
The Lady of the Pyramid."
This legend tells of a marvellously lovely woman, who
might be seen sitting naked on the summit of the pyramid ;
her excessive beauty was such that she drove the wanderers
in the desert mad when they beheld her.
Another legend of this fair Rhodopis, as told in Strabo's
time, seems like the origin of the story of Cinderella. A
slave at the time, she went one morning to bathe in the Nile,
leaving her slippers on the bank, when either an eagle or the
wind, according to diiferent versions, carried them away and
dropped them at the feet of the king, who was at the moment
on his throne of justice in the market-place at Memphis. He
was so enchanted with the tiny slippers, that he would not rest
until he discovered their owner, who so well pleased him
that he made her his queen.
Landing at Memphis, the ancient capital of this rich and
fertile country, but whose site is hardly to be traced at the
present day, we ride off to the desert to visit the Serapeum,
or tombs of the sacred Bulls. The massiveness of the sarco-
phagi in which these animals were interred with all pomp,
cut out of solid granite and brought many hundred miles
from the quarries of Assouan, cannot fail to impress the
traveller with the durability which was the great aim of all
the ancient Egyptian monuments. Near the Serapeum is a
small temple, where the sculpture is admirably cut ; it is
more beautifully executed than any that one sees higher up
the Nile, but is not so ancient as most of the temples.
Hence to Golosaneh the scenery presents very little variety, the
42 GEBEL E' TATE.
western bank being highly cultivated and dotted at short in-
tervals with mud villages, invariably surrounded by groups of
palms and sont trees, while beyond lies the Libyan desert,
on the borders of which stand the many pyramids which
impart such a striking character to the scenery ; on the
eastern bank the white, flat-topped range of hills separate the
cultivated land from the Arabian desert within a couple of
miles from the river's bank. Though for many miles the
antiquarian and sightseer will meet but little to attract his
attention, the sportsman will find this by no means a bad
part of the river for Ducks, Geese, and Sandgrouse or Snipe
in the winter, and for Quail after the middle of March.
Near Golosaneh there are some very good places for Geese and
the larger birds, such as Pelicans, Cranes, &c. ; while in the
rough halfa grass, which covers much of the land near that
town, and on the island opposite, Sandgrouse are at times
extremely plentiful.
On passing Golosaneh, after a small bend in the river, we
come to Gebel e' Tayr, where there is a Coptic convent,
notorious in former times for the infamous trade carried on
there in preparing guardians of the harems. Here the
rocks rise precipitously from the water's edge, presenting a
scene of wild grandeur, which, when coloured by the setting
sun, and softened down by the mellow tints of the western
sky, forms a most impressive landscape, while the rich verdure
of the opposite bank contrasts well with tlie bleakness of
these cliffs. The inhabitants of the convent are hthe, well-
built men, and wonderfully active in the water ; they swim
off to the passing vessels to ask for backsheesh, making the
Christian religion which they profess a plea for charity. A
few days later we pass Minieh, the chief town of Middle
D-AJNXrS'G GERLS. 43
Egypt; it is of considerable size, possesses a large sugar-
factorv, and has direct communication with Cairo bv rail.
On the following day we reach Beni Hassan, where the small
rock-temples are well worth visiting ; for on their walls are
depicted incidents illustrative of the people who formerly
dwelt in the country ; among the subjects, their games, with
wrestlers in a varietv of attitudes, and many of the common
bii'ds of Eg\'pt are most faithfully delineated.
At Sioot we stop to see the " girls make dance," as our
dragoman expressed it. This performance, unlike any Euro-
pean dance, does not consist of any peculiar step, but of a
sort of shivering motion of the body from the hips upwards,
which, while it hardly reaches the graceful, borders rather
closely on what strict mortals might call the indecent. It is
generally danced by two at a time, both women ckessed in
loose trousers of blue or white, or of some striped material
tied round the ankles, and thin white shirts cut rather low ;
over this is worn a jacket, the sleeves generally tight, but cut
up from the wi-ist to the elbow, ornamented with numerous
small gold buttons ; on then- heads thev wear a small kind of
Fez cap thickly covered with strings of gold coins, and round
the neck more strings of gold coins ; they have nimierous
rings of silver or gold round theii- wrists and ankles, and
large silver rings thi'ough their ears. Their nails are stained
red with henneh, the invariable custom of women in Egypt,
their eyelids are blackened, and their chins, foreheads, and
cheeks, are generally marked with the " elegant tattoo " in
blue. To then- middle lingers and thumbs are attached
small silver cymbals, or castanets, to accompany their dance.
The doors being shut, we sit round on the divans to see the
performance ; the matron of the establishment plays or.
44 THE CEOCODILE.
rather, beats time on the darabouca; and some other native
plays on a reed-pipe, or else sings. The girls are given
tumblers of araki (a very strong liquor), to add spirit to then*
dance, and then they begin, walking with small steps towards
each other, waving their arms over their heads, and quivering
all the time. Such a dance is too simple for a description to give
much idea of it ; it is wild and uncivilized-looking, and, when
properly danced, is not devoid of attraction. The figures of
the women, which are extremely fine, show a suppleness and
activity which one cannot fail to admire ; and occasionally one
meets with some very handsome faces among the dark-skinned
professional dancers, some of whom come from Nubia and
Ethiopia, and many from Abyssinia.
Setting sail again from Sioot, we find the ever tortuous course
of the river delays us much ; for, although we sail freely up
the first reach, the wind is taken out of our sails by the next
bend, up which we have to tack ; thus it happens that we
are rarely able to sail for many consecutive hours ; and conse-
quently the average pace is very slow, and one can generally
keep up with the boat while shooting along the bank.
Near Soohag there are two large buildings in the moun-
tains, about seven miles from the town, known as the White
and Red Convents, which, though generally neglected, are
worthy of a visit ; and the ornithologist should make the
excursion if he is desirous of obtaining Baho ascalaj)Iius, or
Corvus umbrinus. Here, at Soohag, begins the Bahr Yoosef,
the waters of which fertihze the Fayoom some 250 miles
distant. As we ascend the river, we come to the perpen-
dicular rocks of Gebel Aboofayda, which rise precipitously
out of the water : this is a good locality for meeting with the
Crocodile ; and here, during my last tour. Lord Ducie killed
THEBES. 45
one, wliich, on dissection, proved to contain in its stomach
all the ornaments of a native child.
At Dendera there is a large wood of dhoum palms and
other trees, rendering it a good locality for the collector ; in
fact, the vrhole way from Dendera to the First Cataract I con-
sider the best part of Egypt for collecting all kinds of birds
except Gulls and Waterfowl. At Thebes we find many other
dahabeahs moored in front of the ruins of Luxor. The front of
the temple, with its huge columns, now forms the face of the
Consul's house, a Consul of all nations, speaking good English.
A few miles south of Thebes, on the west bank, towards
Erment, there is a good lake for Snipe and Waders, which,
however, becomes dried up by the middle of March. Near
El Kab, on the shore, are plenty of water-birds ; and this is
the only place in Egypt at which I met with the Glossy Ibis ;
in the mountains I found also Saxicola monacha, a rather
rare species of Chat, abundant. About four miles inland
from Edfoo there are two or three ponds frequented by wild-
fowl. At Gebel Silsilis the river is hemmed in on both sides
by steep sandstone-rocks ; and the whole scenery becomes
wilder and more rocky between this and the First Cataract.
Some seven or eight miles below Kom Ombo there is a
large tract covered with halfa grass, which affords good Sand-
grouse- and Quail-shooting.
At Assouan we first meet with the granite rocks which
extend throughout Nubia from the First to the Second Cata-
ract, changing the scenery from the wide fertile valley, bounded
by flat-topped limestone ridges, into the contracted river,
hemmed in by irregular masses of granite and greenstone,
scantily bordered with vegetation along its banks. The
scenery of this part of the Nile is more grand and pic-
46 ELEPHANTINE AND SEHATL.
turesque ; from Assouan to Philse it is studded with islands,
which divide it into numerous channels ; and its waters, which
we have travelled on so smoothly for 700 miles, here become
tm-bulent and broken as they rush through the very narrow
channels, and surge over the half-sunken rocks which bar
their headlong course : this is the First Cataract, a series of
rapids extending over about three miles, from the south of the
island of Sehayl up to within two miles of the island of Philae.
The large island of Elephantine and that of Sehayl both lie
below the Cataract ; a few palm and sont trees are scattered
over them ; and the latter island is a good locality for obtain-
ing Crateropus acaciee, which I found breeding there in the be-
ginning of April. Near the most turbulent part of the rapids
is to be procured a Black-and- White Wagtail {Mofacilla
vidua) : a small colony exists here ; and the species is not to
be found elsewhere in Egypt. Although it has chosen so wild
a scene for its habitation, it is a sociable bird, frequently
flitting by the side of, or alighting on, the dahabeah during its
passage up the Cataract. There are a few other species of small
birds to be remarked in this neighbourhood ; on the islands
several kinds of Warblers are abundant, among which I
found Salvia Muppellii on the one opposite Philae, and
Sylvia melanocephala most abundant on the island of Sehayl.
On the mainland Saxicola Icucopijgia is plentiful, the black-
headed specimens being the most commonly seen, while in
Nubia the white-headed ones are most frequent ; but I shall
speak of this again in my description of the species. At
Assouan the two closely allied species of Desert-Lark, Ammo-
manes isabellina and A. fraterculus, are almost equally common,
this being, as it were, the southern limit of the former and the
northern limit of the latter ; or, more correctly, I should say,
EAEE BIKDS. 47
from my own experience, that I found the former most abun-
dant to the north, while I met with none but A. fraterculus
to the south. On our return journey, about the 20th of
April, I found Turtur Sharpei breeding in great abundance
on the island of Sehayl, where I frequently procured its nest
in the low sont bushes, generally with young birds ; it is never
placed on the ground, as is frequently the case with T. sene-
c/alensis.
I shall pass rapidly over my Nubian experiences, as I only
spent a fortnight between the First and Second Cataracts, and
there is no very great variety of large birds on this part of the
Nile ; indeed there is no big game for the sportsman. On
the 6th of April I first met with the beautiful yellow-breasted
Sunbird, Nectarinia metallica, the most thoroughly tropical
form I came across during my tour ; this lovely little bird is
by no means uncommon here in April, when it had evidently
only just arrived fi'om its winter quarters ; probably later it
descends the Nile below the First Cataract, as I found it
on the 14th within twenty miles of Philse. Here, in April,
I first saw the Common SwaUow and House-Martin de-
scending the Nile in abundance. Along the banks I
met with Motacilla melanocepJiala and M. jlava in nume-
rous large flocks, never mixed ; and although I shot a
great number of the latter, I never came across a single
specimen of the typical M. cinereocapilla among them, al-
though this latter bird was also abundant in more scattered
flocks. Among the other common small birds, Saxicola leu-
copy gia is perhaps the most plentiful ; Ammomanes frater-
culus, Aedon galactodes, Anthus campestris, A. arboreus,
and Hypolais eleeica are very abundant. Among the birds
of prey we met with Circaetus gallicus, Falco lanarius, F.
(B.mlo)i, and F. tinnunculus, Circus cEruginosus, and C. pal-
48 MIGEATING BIEDS.
lidus ; among the Waders, Ciconia alba, C. nigra, Nuwenius
arcuatus, Herodias garzetta, Ilimantopus Candidas, Totamis
stagnatilis, T. ocliropus, and (Edicnemus crepitans. Occa-
sionally we saw Crater opus acacia in small parties of three or
four ; and at Wady Haifa is to be found Pi/ciionotus arsinoe.
Among the Gulls we frequently saw flocks of a large species,
probably the Mediterranean Herring-Gull, Larus leucophaus ;
and we shot the Lesser Black-headed Gull, Z. fascus, and the
Scissor-bill, Rhynchops Jlavirostris, travelling northwards down
the Nile towards the end of April. Nubia, for the ordinary
Nile-tourist, has many charms : the scenery is finer, and the
air purer and fresher than lower down ; there is also here a
marvellous absence of fleas and flies.
On om- return-journey we found Ehj/nchops Jtavirostris
evidently preparing to breed, towards the end of April, on the
sandbanks near Kom Ouibd and Erment. On the 20th of
April we first met with the Common Tm'tledove {Tiirtiir
auritus) at Edfoo; it had just arrived in the countiy, and
soon became extremely abundant ; six days later we found
the Roller and Oriole just arrived from their Avinter quarters,
and on the same day shot the only specimen of Botaurus
miuutus which we met with in Egypt, at Esne. It is an in-
teresting sight to watch the vast flights of certain birds
wending their way north, on their annual migration. To-
wards the end of March and beginning of April we saw
many of the sandbanks literally whitened by dense flocks of
White Storks ; and one evening such an immense flight of
Pelicans came streaming down the river, that they must have
taken nearly half an hour to pass our boat in one continued
imbroken cloud, although we kept up a steady fire at them as
they came over our heads about forty yards high. We
noticed upon several successive evenings, towards sunset, a
GULLS AND PEATINCOLE. 49
flock of Larusfuscus pass oiir boat : if it was the same flock
on each occasion, they would appear to migrate very slowly ;
for we were only doing about ten miles a day at the time. At
the Mrst Cataract we met with Glareola pratincola on the
14th of April, likewise descending the Nile in great numbers.
This ends my journal on the Nile ; and I next give a rough
sketch of my excursion into the Fayoom.
CHAPTER IV.
THE FAYOOM.
I MUST now beg my readers to accompany me, under other
escort, but at a similar season of the year, to tlie Fayoom,
where I intend to make a tour under canvas, and after-
wards proceed to the Delta.
My present dragoman is very different to our friend of
former chapters. He is a Syrian, young, good-looking, and
active, by name Henry Bousitil, British subject, and dressed
in English style, — a Norfolk shirt and knickerbockers, but
with a fez cap, bound round with the bright yellow silk scarf.
He was with the British army throughout the Abyssinian
campaign, and afterwards in the Shangallah country, with
Mr, Powell, when in search of his murdered brother's remains.
He is of a more warlike disposition than the dear quiet old
man of my former tour, and is rarely without two revolvers
stuck in his belt. Our friend Dango still accompanies us, but
instead of the ' Girls,' we have got a sharp-looking Maltese
servant, Luici, with a very decided squint, less bright than he
looks, but honest, vidlling, and a good hand at pitching a
tent. Having thus introduced my staff, let us proceed on
our journey.
February \^th. — After an early breakfast I leave the New
Oriental Hotel at Cairo, and drive off with my dragoman.
We cross the river to the Gcczeh station, where we find the
THE CAMP. 51
baggage in a van, under the escort of Luici and Dango. The
train, which should have started at 9 o'clock, gets off about
10, and, after going very slowly for two hoiu-s, stops at El
Wasteh (Zowyeli), the junction for the Payoom. Hei'e we
have to wait for the up-train from Minieh, which may arrive
at any moment, but is, of course, late ; so that we do not start
again until 4.30 p.m., thus reaching Medineh el Fayoom, the
capital of the district, at 6 p.m., when we pitch our camp at
once close to the station.
The camp consists of a large tent for myself, and a smaller
one to cook in. The baggage is certainly bulky and heavy,
the canteen and stores taking up much room, while the
ammimition adds considerably to the weight ; but I expect
to fire the latter away pretty freely during the month I
purpose spending in the Fayoom. This is a strange part of
Egypt, being detached from the cultivated valley of the Nile
by the desert, which surrounds it on all sides. Railway
communication is at times stopped by the drifting of the
sand ; and thus we are, as it were, on an island of fertility,
of very considerable extent, surrounded by a sea of sand.
In the north-west portion of this fertile tract lies the brackish
lake of Birket el Korn, about five miles wide by thirty long.
It has been encroaching of late years upon the fertile land to
the south and upon the desert to the north ; but in former
times it evidently spread much further into the desert than
it now does, as testified by the natron and freshwater shells
which are spread over the latter close up to some ruins,
which now stand about two miles from the lake. The
Fayoom is supplied with water from the Bahr Yoosef, a small
offshoot of the Nile, to which tliis large fertile tract owes its
existence.
52 THE SUGAK-FACTOEY.
February \QtJi. — Being impatient to get to work, I start at
an early hour, with Dango and a guide, from Medineh for the
Great Lake, Birket el Korn, which is some fifteen miles
distant, as the crow flies. The guide takes me to the sugar-
factory of Shebooksi, at Farocha, a village some two miles
from the lake ; and as I soon shoot out my cartridges at
Duck and Snipe, and get, without difficulty, within shot of a
large flock of Geese, I am favourably impressed with my
prospects. On retm'ning to the factory, as my dragoman
has not turned up, I look after quarters for myself, and meet
with the greatest civihty from the French engineers, who put
me up for the night ; and in their company I spend a very
pleasant evening. They doubt my dragoman getting camels,
as they are all seized by the Government for the transport of
sugar-cane : and their doubts are realized ; for about 9 o'clock
he arrives by train with the baggage, so that the camp is
pitched and ready by an early hour on the following morning.
The factory is on a large scale, but cannot all be worked for
want of a sufficient supply of the cane, although all the camels
of the Fayoom are seized by Government to bring it in from
the fields, except those belonging to the Bedouin Arabs, who
resist this tax. The Government intends to construct another
sugar-factory in the Fayoom, which appears premature, as
they have not yet enough cane to keep one going ; they are,
however, preparing more ground for its cultivation. The
cultivated part of the Fayoom is very flat, and has but few
trees. The towns are two miles distant from the lake at
this season ; but the Bedouin Arabs estabhsh colonies of
reed sheds at frequent intervals near the shore, wherever the
ground has dried sufficiently, and a stream of good water
renders it a suitable spot.
WILD-FOWL. 53
I was decidedly late in visiting the Fayoom for sport.
I believe the best season would be from October to the end
of January ; for iu February the Snipe and Duck are leaving,
while the Quail have not yet arrived ; so that I was satisfied
to get an average of ten head of waterfowl, chiefly Teal, in a
day, with occasionally a fair bag of Snipe. The latter were
uncertain, as I only found a few good places for them ; but
I met with a liberal supply of odd birds, such as Pelicans,
Cormorants, Herons, Spoonbills, &c., and some rather good
hare-shooting among the bushes in the more desert parts.
My chief object being to collect the different birds of Egypt,
I was not disappointed, as I got many species which I had
never met with in other parts of the country.
Any one visiting this lake for sport should not fail to bring
with him a small shallow boat, and be prepared for a certain
amount of cold, as even up to the end of February the nights
are unpleasantly chilly. The banks are mostly open and
bare, even on the cultivated side, while on the opposite side
the desert comes down to the water's edge : so that all the
duck-shooting is to be obtained by rowing among the thick,
but generally narrow, strips of reeds, which extend for some
distance out into the lake. The water among these reeds is
often from eight to ten feet deep ; and as they rise high above
the surface, it shows to what a size the reeds grow out here.
On the desert side I have had some good Cormorant-shooting,
killing twenty one evening in about two hours, on their flight
across a narrow strip of land. The most abundant Duck on
the lake is Nyroca leucopldhahna, the Ferruginous Duck, which
may be seen in immense numbers far out on the open water ;
but it was some time before I could obtain a specimen, as they
are extremely watchful, except when they happen to come
54 AN INUNDATION.
singly among the reeds to feed ; when a large flock of them
rises with their running kind of flight, like a Coot, the noise
may be heard for miles. The Purple Gallinule, Forphyrio
hyacintliiiia, is most plentiful on the desert side, where it may
generally be found sitting up in the high reeds ; and here,
too, the Purple lieron is very common, and by no means
shy, always frequenting the thick reeds, and never exposing
itself on the open desert like the Common' Heron. I also
found the Little Cormorant abundant, as well as the fine Great
Blackheaded-Gull, Larus ichthyaetus, and saw the Great White
Heron and Great Crested Grebe, but was unable to procure
specimens. Among the small waders I found Tofaiius stayna-
tilis, ^yialitis pecuarius, Chettusia Villotcei, and Limosa m.e-
lanmra very abundant ; and among the birds of prey, Aquila
ncBvia, Pandion haliaetus, and Buteo ferox plentiful, and less
shy than on the Nile.
February 20tL — Owing to the insects being numerous and
of a disagreeable kind, we move into a nice green field, where
we are not destined, however, to remain long ; for on the
following day the embankment of the Bahr Yoosef gives way,
and floods the country between tlie sugar-factory and the
lake. The parched soil absorbs it so fast, that the inundation
approaches us but slowly ; and my dragoman being prompt
in turning out an Arab village, we managed to get all our
things in safety to an embankment on the border of the
lake, while the spot where our tent had been an hour
before became a sheet of water knee-deep. Darkness having
set in before our move, I hastened to the embankment to
select a spot and light a fire to guide the others to me.
As the night was dehcious, twinkling with innumerable
stars, this little excitement was rather pleasant than other-
AN AEAB VILLAGE. 55
wise ; for although my regular dinner was swallowed up by
the Bahr Yoosef, I fared pretty well upon such dishes as were
brought in at odd intervals with other things, beginning with
a custard-pudding, which I ate with an impromptu spoon
made out of a reed. My only uneasiness was, when I heard
the water wash against the embankment, whether it would
rise high enough to disturb us again : it did not do so, how-
ever ; for there being a great number of natives at the factory,
they managed to repair the broken embankment in a few
hours, and so stop further mischief. We decide to start early
the following morning, to take up a position more to the
eastward ; so the dragoman goes to get the necessary order
from the authorities, who promise to let us have camels
whenever we wished. They do not, however, arrive till
3 P.M., although I have been waiting since 10 a.m. ; con-
sequently, owing to the crookedness of the paths, which in
Egypt never go straight for twenty yards, we are only about
five miles, as the crow flies, from the factory when night sets
in, and compels us to stop close to an Arab village of some
half-dozen mud huts, a population of a score or so of natives,
and at least as many dogs. The latter, detecting the stranger
through the canvas of the tent, make a raid upon me, trying
hard to get through the canvas ; and night is made hideous
by their howls, in spite of the eff'orts of Dango and the
dragoman, the former armed with a big stick, the latter with
his revolvers, to quell the disturbance. Determined not to
spend another night here, I rise with the sun, and set out to
explore the country, and find a bushy spot, the best place
for hares I have yet come across. They are lean, deformed-
looking animals, all legs and ears ; for the latter are an ex-
aggeration of those of our own species, and are exactly
56 A GOOD " EIGHT AND LEFT."
represented on the ancient hieroglyphics. I have also some
rather better duck-shooting to-day, with a moderate sprinkling
of Snipe and Quail; so, having selected a suitable spot, I
return to camp ; and, although only one camel can be pro-
cured, the tents are moved, and established close to the lake,
near a narrow strip of land which runs out for a considerable
distance into it. I see a number of Geese ; but they are
extremely shy, only allowing me to get one long shot at
them, which seems to have the effect of keeping them on
the alert during the whole of my stay here. I also often see
jackals and wolves skirting the sugar-cane or near the bushes
towards sunset, and kill specimens of each with ordinary
shot.
Pish abound in the lake, and run to a considerable size ; but
are aU of a coarse description. The natives go out fishing in
clumsy, heavy, high-sided rowing-boats ; and in one of these
I cross the lake to explore the desert side, which is certainly
the best for wild-fowl shooting as well as for collecting birds.
The natives are highly pleased, as I am very successful in
shooting the Cormorants, which abound on this side. While
lunching under a small bush by the water's edge, a Pelican
and Cormorant come over at the same moment ; and, thanks
to my having large shot in ray gun, I bring both down, right
and left, the Pelican falling without a motion in the midst of
the party. The wind having risen, they try to persuade me
to remain here for the night ; but I decline, and get them oiF
at 4 o'clock. The boat is so badly constructed that, in spite
of having three men to each oar, a captain, his scribe, and a
boy to look after the nets, we are drifted considerably out of
our course, land two miles from where we had started, and
take three hours instead of one in crossing. But what
COLLECTING BIEDS. 57
matters ? We have accomplished our purpose ; and what is
time in Egypt ? Alas ! I know too well that it does not pass
cvurency for money out here, although it may cost the tra-
veller dearly.
I remain in this camp till the 5th of March, spending some
days paddling about, or waiting for Duck among the half-
sunken bushes and reeds. This is most enjoyable, away from
the natives, who, with the best intentions, often get terribly
in the way, and are utterly useless in finding Quail or Snipe,
though they make first-rate retrievers in open water, rarely
failing to capture a wounded duck, such capital swimmers are
they. Other days I spend after Duck and Snipe in the boggy
ground or among the drains ; or, going inland, I beat the
bushes and fields for Hares, Quail, and Sandgrouse, the latter
birds being very plentiful in the Payoom. When the game-
birds have begun to get shy, I make a raid upon the small
birds for my collection, and recognize the well-known note of
the Common Bunting. This is the first time I have met with
it in Egypt, though I afterwards find it plentiful in the Delta
in March. I also get several specimens of Savi's Warbler
and the Aquatic Pipit, and also an Anthis Raalteni, a South-
African Pipit, a bird which has never before been procured
so far north. While passing over a desert patch of saud,
four Goatsuckers, Caprimulgus isabellinus, rose from under my
feet, uttering a little snapping note, and three took refuge in
the bushes ; but after an hour's search I procured them. All
four proved to be males, from which I conclude they had
only just arrived.
March Mh. — Cross the lake with all my camp, and remain
on the desert side until the 11th, passing the whole of the
day upon the water among the reeds. Unfortunately a strong
58 BIEDS AND ANIMALS.
wind continues so steadily during the whole time of my stay,
that in my frail india-rubber canoe I am often unable to
follow up the sport as I could have wished ; however, I get a
few Pelicans, a fair amount of Ducks, and plenty of Cormorants.
I tried the latter for dinner one day, and found them not
very bad, though I preferred the Pelicans ; both are far better
than the Wild Geese, which, after one trial, were ever after
excluded from the bill of fare. The Purple Gallinule is tole-
rably abundant, but I more frequently heard than saw it ; its
note, by no means musical, resembles the noise one might
expect a donkey to make if it had a sore throat. I was very
glad to meet with the Lesser Cormorant, as at the time I was
not aware that it occurred in Egypt.
I saw numerous tracks of Wolves and Jackals, and also
the footprints of the Wild Boar, but am at a loss to know
what the latter animal can find to feed upon, as this side
appears entirely barren ; so much so, that on my way to
some Roman ruins, about two miles inland, I did not meet
with a single bird.
March \^th. — I was to have returned to the other side of
the lake to-day ; but the boatmen go off early in the morn-
ing to pick up their nets on the other side ; so that whcji
ready to start I find no boat to take me, which causes me to
vent my displeasure in a few words to the dragoman, and
settle to remain here another day. This I know he does not
like, as he considers this side unsafe, on account of the wander-
ing Arabs, who are said occasionally to attack the stranger
who takes the liberty of pitching his tent upon their desert
soil ; so that my dragoman has had to mount guard every
night himself, as our native guard would be sure to run away
if a wandering party of Bedouins made their appearance. Such
A VARIED BAG. 59
are the guards the stranger employs in Egypt to protect him
against the phantom of their own creation, the Arab bandit ;
for if he exists anywhere but in their own imagination, he is
extremely rare, probably not from any innate notion of right
or wrong, but simply from fear of the consequences ; for the
natives are rarely above laying their hands upon any thing
they can take with safety, but have a great regard for their
own skins. Another of their weaknesses is never to tell the
truth at first ; so invariable is this rule, that one may safely
disbelieve their first statement, and if they adhere to it,
abandon all hope of getting at the truth ; but if they after-
wards reverse their previous statement, what they have last
said may be believed.
The day being calm, I am able to go where I like in my
canoe, and pick up a very varied bag. I get some fine old spe-
cimens of the Purple Heron, my previous ones having been in
immature plumage. I also meet with a large flock of Bitterns
perched up in the thick reeds, which they leave unwillingly,
waiting almost for my boat to shake the reeds they are sitting
on. There are only six species of Duck plentiful here, the
Mallard, Ferruginous Duck, Teal, Pintail, Shoveller, and
Gadwall ; of each of them I obtain specimens to-day, which
shows what a varied bag one is likely to make out here ; and
this to the ornithologist gives additional charms to this wild,
rough kind of shooting, where one never knows what the
next shot will produce, whether Pelican or Snipe. A breech-
loader is consequently most serviceable, as one can change
the charge to suit the occasion. A few Eley's wire cartridges
with No. 1 shot, which I had with me, proved extreiuely
effective with the larger birds and the immense flocks of
60 A SCORPION.
Ducks, which rarely allow one to approach within ordinary-
range.
March Wth. — The boat is ready when I want it this morn-
ing, the dragoman having probably passed on a few of my
remarks to the crew, who are all activity, for fear of diminish-
ing the much-coveted backsheesh, the only great motive
power in Egypt. We return to nearly the old camping-
ground opposite the sugar-factory, and I find the Snipe-
shooting much improved by the few days' rest it has had ; and
the Ducks, too, have returned to their old quarters. I dis-
cover that I have brought from the other side more than I
intended ; for on sitting down a scorpion bites me : at the
moment I thought it was a needle in my chair ; nor was it
painful until the following day, when there was a good deal of
inflammation, which lasted for about three days, when it
quickly subsided, and was never more than simply unplea-
sant, possibly owing to my applying " eau de luce " at once,
and being in capital training.
March \2th. — The day is beautiful, not a ripple on the
water, not a cloud in the sky, intensely hot in the sunshine ;
but the air feels pure and light, and as I paddle over the smooth
water I admire the loveliness of the climate, and feel how
enjoyable this life is away from all native interference. I
have left them tending their flocks by the water's edge, or
gathering in their luxuriant crops of clover, whilst I am
paddling among the water-plants and half-sunken bushes.
At intervals I land on some small island for Snipe and
Waders, while Ducks come flying over my head either singly
or in small flocks.
The level of the lake has much sunk since I was here
EETUEN TO CAIEO. 61
before, and many sand-banks have appeared, which form
favourable resorts for the Godwits and Ruffs ; numbers of
Spotted Eagles and Ospreys sit lazily upon the sand, or upon
the matted bushes and reeds. I recognize three specimens of
Tartar Sharpei by then* more sandy colouring than T. sene-
galends, the ordinary Egyptian Dove, and by their more
active flight ; whUe pursuing them, I get a varied bag of
Waders, inckiding half a dozen Snipe. Throughout the
Fayoom snakes abound : but one island Uterally swarmed
with them; for in merely walking round it, though only 100
yards in length, I killed three, one about 7 feet long ; and
whUe washing my hands I almost touched a vUlainous-looking
little rascal, which I stoned to death. I believe, however, in
general they are not very poisonous.
March \2>th. — Having now collected most of the birds which
I expected to find in the Fayoom, I decide to return to Cairo,
as I propose spending a month in the Delta before leaving
for England ; so I rise early, and get all my baggage up to
Shebooksi, the sugar-factory, by 10 a.m., to be ready for the
train to Medineh, whenever it may start ; for no one knows
even the probable hour of its departm-e, as it has to come
from Medineh, picking up sugar-cane by the way. It arrives
at about 1 o'clock, and, after several hour's work shunt-
ing carriages, it starts with us at 4 p.m. On reaching the
first station, it is found that about a dozen carriages are re-
quired there to be filled with sugar-cane, so the train returns
to the factory to fetch them. At length, after having done
its work in true Egyptian fashion, we arrive at Medineh about
6 P.M., where we pitch our camp for the night. Next
morning we go on by train to leadwa, some five miles distant.
62 DUCKS.
and stop there for two days' shooting round some pieces of
water : one, a small lake surrounded by rushes, abounds with
Snipe ; but the Ducks are impossible to be got at, as the
banks are flat, and there is no covert to hide a person ; while
at the other lake, or rather reservoir, for it is walled half
way round, there is a capital embankment, admirably siuted
for concealment, with water on both sides ; and there fair sport
may be had at flight-time, or by driving the bii-ds over by
a boat on the lake. Being alone, I have to content myself
by getting Dango to drive the Ducks ofi" the smaUer piece of
water, and then pursuing them on the large reservoir, in my
canoe, — not very satisfactory work, as a strong wind makes the
lake very rough, and on the open water it is impossible to
approach the large flocks of Ducks and Geese that one sees.
I only get ten Ducks in the day ; but probably a party of
four or five guns would have got a much larger proportion,
as they could have worked properly. Earlier in the season
I expect these lakes, and another which I did not visit,
woidd prove better for sport than the large lake of Bhket el
Korn.
March \^th. — Leave leadwa by train at 10 a.m., and arrive
at the junction Zowyeh at 11.30 ; hearing that I shall have to
wait a couple of hours, I go after Quail, and have some very
fair sport close to the station. I return needlessly early ; for
my train does not arrive till 4 p.m., so that I only get to
Imbaba station at Cairo at 6.30.
Among the birds which the ornithologist should not neglect
to get from the Fayoom are : — Herodias alba, Ardea purpurea,
Phalacrocorax pypncBus, PorjjJip'io hi/acinthiiia, Podicepn
cristatus, and Np-uca Icuwpldhalma, all most abundant on the
EAEE BIRDS. 63
desert side ; and Pandion haliaetus, Caprimulgus isabelUnus,
Chettusia Villotcei, ^ffialitis peciiarius, Pelecanus crispus, and
Larui ichtkyaetus, equally distributed, or most plentiful on
the cultivated side of Birket el Korn ; and among the com-
moner birds, to complete a collection, the Curlew, Black-
tailed Godwit, Moor-Hen, Spotted Crake, Water- Rail, Little
Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, GadwaU, and Spoonbill,
may be all easily obtained in the Fayoom.
I had intended to spend a month in the Delta ; but this
tour was cut short by my getting a slight attack of marsh-
fever near Damietta, where, however, I was long enough to
see that the reedy lake close by should not be visited later
than February for Snipe-shooting ; for, although I did one
day get twenty couple, and found RufFs and Redshanks very
plentiful, stUl it was far inferior to what I had known it earlier
in the season. However, the ornithologist will find a greater
variety of birds ; and I was very glad to meet with a small and
rare Warbler, Calamodyta melanopogon, extremely abundant
in the thick sedge, also plenty of Acrocephalus stentoritis,
although by the end of March it had not begun to utter its
loud love-notes, fi-om which it derives its name.
I shall now end my journal, which I have purposely con-
fined within narrow limits, as my sole object in publishing it
is to give a general notion of the ornithological sport to be
obtained during the ordinary traveller's visit to the mag-
nificent country of Hgypt, which yearly attracts more visitors,
most of whom become interested in the rich variety of birds
which may there be collected. I have likewise given a slight
sketch of the geology, as the Nile-tour allows so much time
for reflection, and the geology of a country teaches one more
64 CONCLUSION.
of its general appearance than an ordinary and more length-
ened description of the scenery alone would afford; while, for
my special purpose, it may be said that the difference of soil
will often account for the difference of the avifauna : thus, in
a sandy, rocky district we should not look for Snipe, nor in
the marshy locahties should we seek for the Sand-Grouse and
the numerous desert forms which abound in Egypt.
BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Family TURDID-ffil.
1. TuRDUS viscivoRus, L. Missel-TIirush.
Riippell mentions having once observed it in the neigh-
bourhood of Suez in April. This is the only evidence I can
find of the occurrence of this bird in Egypt ; and it is far
from conclusive. I therefore give no description of this well-
known species.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vi.
2. TuRDUs PILARIS, L. Fieldfare.
The Fieldfare is a winter visitant in Egypt. I saw a
specimen in a bird-stuffer's shop at Alexandria, which had
been killed in the man's garden that winter (1871) ; and he
told me that it was common there during the colder months.
Head, nape, and rump grey ; centre of the back, scapulars,
and wing-coverts brownish chestnut ; wings and tail black,
the feathers of the former edged with very pale brown j
under surface, throat, and crop buff, spotted with black, the
remainder white, with the centres of the feathers on the flanks
marked with rich dark brown ; legs and beak pale brown ;
irides brown.
F
66 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Entire lengtli 11 inches; culmen 0"7 ; wing, carpns to
tip, 5'5 ; tarsns TS.
Eig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ix.
3. TuRDUS Musicus, Linn. Song-Tlirush.
Tlie Song-Tlirusli is tolerably abundant in Egypt, espe-
cially in the Delta, and, according to Hemprich and Ehren-
berg, is met with in Nubia, where, however, it is of rare
occurrence. I believe that it occasionally remains in the
country to breed ; for I have shot it twice near Benisooef at
the end of March.
Upper parts dark olive-brown, the head slightly shaded
with golden brown ; wings dark brown, the feathers washed
with golden brown on the outer webs, the median and greater
wing-coverts tipped witli buff; tail similar in colour to the
top of the head ; lores, eyebrow, throat, crop, and sides of
the throat and chest buff; centre of the chest and abdomen
white : sides of the throat and chest and sides of the bodv
spotted with dark brown ; under wing-coverts ochre ; beak
brown, shaded with yellow towards the base of the lower
mandible ; legs brownish flesh-colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 8"8 inches ; culmen 0"7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4"7 ; tarsus 1"3.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part v.
4. TuRDUs MERXiLA, L. Blackbird.
The Blackbird comes to Egypt in the winter, but is not
common in the country. I have met with it on two occasions
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 67
■ — once in the Delta, and once near Benisooef at the end of
March, when I saw a pair together.
Male. Entire phxmage black ; beak yellow ; legs and
irides dark brown.
Female. Upper parts brown ; chin greyish white, passing
into deep ferruginous brown on the upper part of the breast ;
remainder of the underparts dusky brown. Beak dark
brown, with yellowish-brown edges.
Entire length 10 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip, 5 ;
tarsus 1'3.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part x.
5. TuRDUs TORQUATUS, L. Bifig-Ouzel.
Keyserling and Blasius state that this bird comes into
Egypt in the winter; and von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr.
p. 387) says that a naturalist in Cairo informed him that he
had often killed it in Lower Egypt.
A broad white gorget on the breast ; remainder of the
plumage dull black with brown edges to the feathers ; plu-
mage darkest on the back of the neck and chest, and lightest
about the quills. Legs brown ; beak yellowish brown ;
irides dark brown.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
5*5 ; tarsus 1*5.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part x.
6. Pycnonotus ARSiNoii (Licht.). White-vented Bulbul.
Von Heuglin observes (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 379) that this
bird has been met with as far down the Nile as Central
Egypt. It appeai-s, however, to be of rare occurrence within
f2
68 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
our limits, while in some parts of Nubia it is very plentiful,
especially near Wady-Halfeh, where it may be seen usually in
pairs or families, hopping abouT; on the roofs of the houses
or flitting among the trees which are interspersed in that
village. The Rev. A. C. Smith, in his 'Attractions of the
Nile' (vol. ii. p. 222), gives a very good description of the
habits of this species, which he calls Ixos obscurus.
Head brownish black, shading off gradually on the throat ;
the latter, as well as the crop, remainder of the upper parts
and M'ings, uniform medium brown ; tail rather darker; chest,
abdomen, and under tail-coverts white. Beak brownish black ;
legs and irides dark brown.
Entire length 7'2 inches ; culmen 0*6 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3*4 ; tarsus OS.
7. PYCNONOTUSXANTHOPTGius(Licht.). Yellow-vented Bulbul.
Von Heuglin mentions (Syst. Ueb. p. 30) that P. levail-
lantii, Temiu., is found in the Fayoom and Middle Egypt,
and in his large work (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 399) reiterates the
statement, calling the bird P. nigricans, Vieill. Mr. Sharpe
(Ibis, 1870, p. 432), in referring to this last work, writes: —
" I rather doubt if a comparison of the true Ixus nigricans,
from South Africa, with Abyssinian specimens would confirm
the identity of the two species." It appears far more pro-
bable that P. xanthopygius, a Palestine bird, should be met
with in Egypt than P. nigricans, the South-African form ;
and as the two differ but very slightly, the South-African
bird being distinguishable by a red eyelid, it appears highly
probable that Von Heuglin has confounded the two species ;
so I have regarded the names P. nigricans and P. levail-
I — I
<
<
a
o
cc
Ui
O
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 69
lantii iu the above-mentioned references as synonymous with
P. xanthopycjius, and therefore give a description of the last-
named bird from a specimen collected by Canon Tristram
in Palestine.
Head and throat black, the latter shading into dark brown
on the lower part ; back and scapulars mouse-colour ; wings
browner ; tail brownish-black ; chest and flanks stone-grey,
shading almost into white on the lower part of the abdomen ;
vent and under tail-coverts bright yellow ; beak black ; legs
brownish-black ; irides brown.
Entire length 8 inches ; culmen 07; wing, carpus to tip,
3-7 ; tarsus 0-85.
8. Crateropus acacia (Licht.). Egyptian Bash-Babbler,
(Plate I.)
This species, though not uncommon in any part of Nubia,
rarely descends the Nile below Assouan. I met with it on
several occasions on a small bushy island immediately below
the First Cataract, where I obtained four specimens, and on
the same island in April found two nests of this species, in
construction and size closely resembling that of our Common
Blackbird. They were built entirely of a coarse grass which
grows abundantly in Egypt, and were on each occasion placed
in a thick sont bush, about five feet from the ground. This
bird is lively and cheerful in its habits, and appears to keep
exclusively to the sont bushes, where it creeps among the
thorny and tangled boughs, incessantly uttering its babbling
song, which is rather pleasing and, when once heard, cannot
be mistaken. On the approach of danger it immediately
ceases its note, and creeps off at the further side of the bush.
70 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Entire plumage sandy colour, shading off into white on
the chin ; top of the head, ear-coverts, and back of the neck
shaded with ashy, and with narrow stripes of dark brown
down the centre of the feathers ; beak yellowish flesh-colour,
darkest on the culuien ; legs pale brown ; irides hazel.
Entire length 10 inches; culnien 0*7; wing, cai'pus to
tip, 3'8 ; tarsus 1-3.
9. MoNTicoLA sAXATiLis (L.) Rock-Thrush.
•^ ' The Rock-Thrush is a winter visitant to Egypt and Nubia,
.) arriving there about September, and leaving again in April,
I f) {/':' ' at which seasons it is tolerably plentiful in the Delta in the
neighbourhood of burial-grounds and the less-frequented
embankments.
Entire head and neck blue-grey, almost shading off into
black on the upper part of the back and scapidars, where
the feathers are tipped with buff; remainder of the back
■white, with the feathers more or less broadly edged with
slaty grey; tail-coverts yellowish rufous; tail deep rufous,
the two centre feathers strongly shaded with, dusky ; wings
brown ; under sm-face of the body bright rufous, with white
edgings to some of the feathers ; beak black ; legs and irides
dark brown.
Entire length 7"5 inches ; culmen 0'8 ; wing, carpus to tip,
4'8 ; tarsus IT.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part x.
10. MoNTicoLA CYANA, L. Blue Eock-Tlinish.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 372), the
BIEDS Or'TEGTPT. 71
Blue Rock-Thrush is only a visitor in Egypt and Nubia
diu-ing the spring and autumn months ; and he considers it
less abundant than the Rock-Thrush, whereas from my own
observations it appears to be the commoner bird of the two.
I have frequently met with it among the rocks in Upper
Egypt in April, where I think that it probably breeds.
Entire plumage indigo, with cobalt reflections on the
head and throat ; wings brown ; tail black ; legs and beak
black ; irides dark brown.
The immature birds differ in their prevailing tint being
ash-brown, with more or less blue on the back, while the
under surface of the throat and body is mottled, owing to
the centres of the feathers being generally very pale brown,
barred on the chest and abdomen with dusky.
Entire length 9 inches ; culmen 0'9 ; wing, carpus to tip,
5 ; tarsus 12.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part viii.
Fam. SYLVIID^.
11. Saxicola CENANTHE (Linn.). Commoji Wheatear. , ^-. /c
This well-known Chat is a very regular visitant to Egypt ,
and Nubia in the spring and autumn, when it is abundant ^'^
throughout the country.
Male in breeding-plumage. — Forehead and eyebrows white ;
lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts black ; top of the head, hind
part of the neck, back and scapulars grey ; rump and upper
tail-coverts white ; wings brown, with a pale edging to some of
the feathers ; tail white, with the two centre feathers and the
72 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
apical third of the remainder dark brown ; underparts creamy
white, shaded with ferruginous buif, especially on the throat ;
beak and legs black ; irides brown.
Female. — The upper parts are brown instead of grey ;
forehead and eyebrow buff, and the coloration of the under-
parts not so clear.
In autumn and winter the plumage of the male resembles
that of the female.
Entire length 6 inches ; culmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3*6 ; tarsus I'l.
Pig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 90.
12. Saxicola saltatrix, Menetr. Menetries's Wheatear.
This Chat is an abundant resident throughout Egypt and
Nubia. It has frequently been mistaken for S. oenanthe,
owing to its plumage and habits being very similar. It is,
however, a larger bird, and the beak is stouter in proportion
to its size. Many ornithologists imagine this species to be
the 8. isabellina of Riippell (Atl. p. 52, t. 34 b) ; but that
plate seems to represent the female of 8. monacha.
Male and female alike in plumage throughout the year,
and differing only from the female of 8. oenanthe in being
slightly more robust, in having the brown end to the tail
rather broader, and a little less white on the rump.
Entire length 6"5 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'7 ; tarsus 115.
13. Saxicola amphilebca, Hempr, & Ehr. Eastern Black-
eared Wheatear.
This Chat is not a resident in Egypt and Nubia, but
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 73
arrives in March, and soon becomes abundant, usually fre-
quenting the more cultivated portions of the country, where
it may often be seen in the neighbourhood of villages, perched
upon some low^ bush or reed fence.
Breeding-plumage . — Forehead, lores, cheeks and ear-coverts
black ; wings black, secondaries occasionally slightly edged
with very pale buff; tail white, except the greater part of
the two centre feathers and a broad end to the remainder,
which are black ; the rest of the jilumage glossy white,
tinted with pale dusky on the back of the head, and with
buff on the upper parts of the back and chest ; beak and legs
black; irides brown. In winter the wings and tail are
brown and the back is darker.
The sexes are similar in plumage.
Entire length 6 '8 inches; culmen 0*5; wing, carpus to
tip, 3" 5; tarsus 0"9.
14. Saxicola eurymel^na, Hempr. & Ehr.
This is the common Egyptian form of the Black-throated
Wheatear. It does not winter in Egypt and Nubia, but is
most abundant in those countries in the spring and autumn,
liike the last species, it prefers the more cultivated parts,
especially the neighbourhood of cotton-plantations, which
offer it a favourable retreat when piu-sued.
Male. Only differs from S. ampliileuca in having the entire
throat black.
Female. Top of the head, ear-coverts, back and scapulars
brown ; eyebrow not very distinct, and of a sandy colour ;
throat pale dusky brown ; remainder of the plumage similar
/i
BIEDS OF EGYPT.
to the adult male in summer, excepting that the wings and
tail are browner.
Entire length 5'7 inches ; culmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'5 ; tarsus 0'9.
15. Saxicola XANTHOMELiENA, Hcmpr. & Ehr.
This species is very closely allied to S. eurymelana, but is
of rare occurrence in Egypt and Nubia. Mr. E. C. Taylor
obtained the only specimen I know of from Egypt, and has
kindly lent it to me for my description.
Very similar to S. curymelcBna. The beak and legs are
rather stouter, and its plumage differs in the following manner :
no black feathers in front of the forehead ; top of the head and
nape clear ferruginous buff ; back white ; a broad uninter-
rupted brown end to the tail ; the black on the throat extends
on each side and joins the scapulars.
Entire length 6 inches; culmen 0"55 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'3 ; tarsus 1. •
Dr. Otto Einsch says (Tr. Z. S. vii. p, 323) that Saxicola
' fnschi, von Heugl., from Egypt, is nothing but the present
species, as he has been informed by Herr von Pelzeln, who
has examined the typical specimens from the desert of Sakkara
in the Vienna Museum.
16. Saxicola deserti, Riipp. Desert Chat.
This Chat is abundant in Egypt and Nubia, where it
remains throughout the year, and may usually be met Avith
along the embankments or on the confines of the desert.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 75
Male in breeding-plumage. — Foreliead and eyebrows wliite ; J^ /
top of the head, nape and back of the neck pale brown,
inchuing to sandy on the back and scapulars ; rump, tail-
coverts and base of the tail white, remainder of the tail dark
brown ; wings dark brown ; secondaries and some of the
wing-coverts edged with white. Throat and sides of the
neck black, remainder of the underparts cream-colour, faintly
shaded with rufous on the chest ; beak and legs black ; irides
brown.
Winter plumage. — Feathers of the throat broadly edged
with white, and pale edgings to all the feathers on the wing.
Entire length 6 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3'5 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Temm. P. C. 359.
17. Saxicola homochroa, Trist.
I have a female specimen, shot by myself at Assouan on
the 15th of April, which I have compared with a bird in
Mr. E. C. Taylor's collection, killed by him near Cairo in
January, and determined for him by Canon Tristram, the
original describer of the species (Ibis, 1859, p. 59).
These specimens only differ from S. deserti in the same
points as some females of S. stapazina differ from the males
of that species, and are similar to them in their habits and in
being residents in Egypt and Nubia. In my opinion the
absence of a black throat simply arises from the age or sex of
the specimen, and not from any specific difference. I have,
however, separated this form from 8. deserti in deference to
Canon Tristram's opinion.
^^ ;
(y
76 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Similar in plumage to S. deserti, except that it has no black
on the throat.
Entire length 6 inches; culmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3-4 ; tarsus 0-95.
18. Saxicola. MoiSTA, Licht. Saxicola erythropygia,^&-^\ox.
Ibis, 1867, p. 60.
This species of Chat is of rather rare occurrence in Egypt,
where, according to Heugliu (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 356), it
remains throughout the year on the confines of the desert and
among the rocks. Mr. E. C. Taylor has procured it in Egypt ;
but it has never fallen under my notice.
Eorehead and sides of the crown whitish ; head and back
ashy-brown ; lower part of the back, rump and upper tail-
coverts rich tawny; wings blackish brown, the primaries
edged with fulvous, and some of the greater coverts tipped
with the same colour ; tail blackish-brown, all the feathers
white at the base for half their length, and some of them
narrowly tipped with white ; sides of the face and throat
black, as well as the under wing-coverts ; rest of the under
sm'face of the body dull cream-colour, gradually shading into
tawny on the lower flanks ; vent and under tail-coverts bright
tawny like the rump ; bill and feet black.
Entire length 6"2 inches ; culmen 0'65 ; wing 3'7 ; tail 2'6 ;
tarsus 10.
Mr. E. C. Taylor has been so kind as to lend me the
original specimen of his Saxv:ola crythropijgia, which I con-
sider to be the present species. It has been erroneously con-
founded with S. philothamiia of Tristram by Dr. von Heuglin
(Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 355) ; but it is certainly distinct from
BIRDS OP EGYPT.
77
that species, as the following
tify:-
S. pJiilotTiamna.
Top of the head and nape white,
shaded on the erown with
dusky.
Back dusky black, shaded with
grey.
Kump and upper tail-coverts white
shaded with pale rufous.
Basal half of the tail bright
rufous.
Under tail-coverts buif.
tabular comparison will tes-
S. en/ilii-opye/ia.
Top of the head and nape the
same colour as the back.
Back ashy-brown.
Rump and upper tail-coverts bright
rufous.
Basal two thirds of the tail white,
tinted with rufous at its
junction with the brown end.
Under tail-coverts bright rufous,
paler than those above the
tail.
The specimen described is ticketed by Mr. J. K. Lord,
who procured it at Hor Tamanib, in Nubia, a female ; but
I think it is really a male ; and Mr. Taylor's specimen is pos-
sibly an adult female about to lose its winter plumage.
19. Saxicola lugens, Licht. Mourning Chat.
This Chat is a resident in Egypt and Nubia throughout
the year; but its numbers are increased during the winter
months. Mr. E. C. Taylor writes (Ibis, 1867, p. 60), "This
is the most abundant of all the Chats near Cairo in the
winter."
Top of the head and nape pale dusky, inclining more or less
to white towards the beak, on the eyebrows, and on the nape ;
rump, upper tail-coverts, chest and abdomen white ; vent and
under tail-coverts buff; tail white, except a broad band at
the tip and the greater part of the two centre feathers, which
J
78 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
are dark brown ; remainder of the plumage black, shading
into browii on the quills ; beak and legs black ; irides
brown.
Entire length 65 inches ; cnlraen 0*55 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'8 ; tarsus 1.
The sexes are similar in plumage.
Pig. Temm. PL Col. 257, fig. 3.
20. Saxicola leucomela (Pall.).
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 351) this
species comes during the spring and autumn migrations into
Egypt and Nubia.
I think it possible that S. higens will be found inseparable
from the present bird.
21. Saxicola sionacha, Riipp. Hooded Chat.
(Plate II.)
This species appears to be nowhere common, although it
ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, and is a resident, fre-
quenting the desert and rocky districts. I only met with a
small colony of these Chats at El Kab, where I obtained a
male and female in full breeding-plumage on the 26th of
February.
Male ill breeding-plumage. — Top of the head and nape,
lower part of the bach, upper and under tail-coverts, and
abdomen tohite ; tail white, with obsolete brown marks near
the tip of some of the feathers and at the apex, three quarters
of the two centre ones brown, with pale edgings ; rest of the
PM
z
o
o
o
X
<
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 79
plumage black, with the feathers on the pinion narrowly
edged with white ; beak and legs black ; irides brown.
Entire length 6-8 inches; culmen 0-6; wing, carpus to
tip, 4-3 ; tarsus 0'9.
Female in hreeding-plumage.—\]^^GY parts hair-brown,
shading off to cream-colour on the rump and upper tail-
coverts ; tail cream-colour shaded with rufous, excepting three
quarters of the two centre feathers as well as half the exterior
web of the outer rectrices, and the ends of all of them brown ;
underparts dull white, shaded with hair-brown on the sides
of the crop ; legs black ; beak and irides dark brown.
Entire length 6-8 inches; culmen 0-6; wing, carpus to
tip, 4 ; tarsus O'Q.
As will be seen by the plate, the sexes are very different in
colour; and I have placed the hen bird in the foreground for
the sake of comparison with S. isahellina of Riippell, which
is supposed by some naturalists to have been founded on a
female of the present species.
22. Saxicola leucoptgia, Brehm. JFMte-mmped Chat. ^^
This Chat remains throughout the year in Egypt and (■ '
Nubia. It is generally first met with by the Nile-tom-ist at
Assouan, and on entering Nubia becomes extremely abundant.
Brehm separated this species into two, under the names
S. leucocephala and S. lemopygia, the former being dis-
tinguished by a white head ; this, however, is only a mark of
age ; so, as Brehm is the author of both names, I have selected
the latter as most appropriate for this species. For proof of
the identity of 8. leucocephala and S. leucopygia, see my paper
(Ibis, 1871, p. 53). They appear to breed very early ; for in
80 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
April I saw many young birds just able to fly. In Nubia
they are daily to be seen hopping among the rocks or perched
upon the mud walls of the native houses.
«). ^ //>/ Very old birds. — Top of the head, rump, vent and tail-
'/ coverts white ; tail white, except the apical half of the two
centre feathers, which is black ; remainder of the plumage
deep black with steel-blue reflections ; beak and legs black ;
irides brown.
Breeding-plumage of the first year . — Top of the headblck ;
tail-feathers with occasional dark spots near their tips ; the
black of the plumage has no blue gloss ; and the wings incline
to brown.
Immature birds. — Beak shaded with yellow towards the
tip and on the lower mandible ; legs dark brown ; the white
feathers of the tail with brown spots near their tips.
Less-adult birds have black feathers mixed with the white
crown.
Entire length 6-5 to 7 inches ; culinen 0'6 ; wing, carpus
to tip, 3'7 to 4'3 ; tarsus I'O.
The sexes are similar in plumage.
23. Saxicola syenitica, Heugl.
Von Heughn (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 359) mentions a specimen
of this Chat killed at El Kab in June 1852. This is another
of Heuglin's species of Saxicola the distinctness of which
I am inclined to doubt. I expect that it will be discovered
to be founded upon a variety of plumage of S. leucopygia,
depending on the age of the specimen.
BIEDS OP EGYPT. 81
24. Pratincola rubetba (Linn.). IFIdti-Chat.
This species is not so abundant as the Stone-Chat, but is
more evenly distributed throughout the country. According
to Von Heughn (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 338) it comes to Egypt in
August, and is certainly found in the late spring, for I have
shot it in Nubia on the 11th of April.
Male in hreeding-plumage. — Upper part of the head and
neck, back, scapulars, and tail-coverts dark brovra, with broad
sandy-coloured edgings to the feathers ; wing dark brown, with
pale narrow edgings ; inner wing-coverts white, and a small
patch of white on the primary coverts ; basal half of all hut the
two central tail-feathers white, remainder of the tail dark
brown ; a white eyebrow extending from the beak to the nape,
and a band of the same colour from the chin under the ear-
coverts to the sides of the neck ; lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts
dark brown ; throat, crop, and sides of the chest ferruginous
buflf, shading into cream-colour on the abdomen and imder
tail-coverts ; back and legs brownish black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 5'2 inches; culmen 0"4; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 93.
25. Pratincola rubicola (Linn.). Stone-Chat.
This bird is very plentiful in Lower Egypt, though com-
paratively scarce in other parts of the country. According to
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 339) it arrives in August and
leaves again in April.
3Iale in breeding-plumage. — Upper part of the head and
neck, back, scapulars, and tail black, with brown edgings to
G
82 BIEDS or EGYPT.
the feathers ; rump and tail-coverts loldte ; the inner greater
wing-coverts pure white, the remainder of the wing dark
brown with pale edges to the feathers ; throat and ear-coverts
black ; a large white patch on each side of the neck ; breast
rust-colour, fading into white on the abdomen and under tail-
coverts ; beak and legs black ; irides brown.
Entire length 5 inches ; culmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'5 ; tarsus O'Q.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 94.
26. Pratincola Hempmchii (Hempr. & Ehr.). Hemprich's
Stone-Chat.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 339) mentions this species
as a probable resident in Egypt, but of rather rare occiu'rence.
This bird may be briefly described as follows : — Very like
the English Stone-Chat, but always to be distinguished by
the basal half of the tail being white.
27. RuTiciLLA PHCENicuRA (Linn.). Redstart.
This bird arrives about the middle of March, when it
becomes plentiful both in Egypt and Nubia. A few indi-
viduals possibly winter in the country, for I once obtained a
specimen in the beginning of February. It may generally
be found frequenting rows of sont trees, where it chooses
some prominent bough ; but if alarmed, it takes refuge at
once among the foliage, or flits on before the intruder from
tree to tree, resting on some shady bough a few feet from
the ground. The Redstart passes southward again about
September.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 83
Male. — Throat, a band across the lower part of the fore-
head, extending to the eyes, and ear-coverts black, the feathers
on the throat more or less edged with dirty white ; forehead
white ; top of the head, back, and scapulars grey, more or less
tinted with brown ; rump and tail bright rufous, except the
two centre feathers, which are almost entirely brown ; wings
brown, with pale edgings to the feathers ; chest and flanks
rufous; abdomen white; legs, beak, and irides dark brown.
Entire length 5" 5 inches; cidmen 4; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 0'9.
Female. — Plumage much duller than the male, with no
black on the throat or head, and no white forehead.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 95.
28. RuTiciLLA TITHY8 (Scop.). Black Redstart.
I cannot speak of this bii'd from personal observation, as
I never met with it in the country. It is rather more partial
to buildings than the last species. According to Von Heuglin
(Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 334), it is not very common in North-
eastern Africa in the winter, and does not travel so far
southward as R. phcenicura, but is plentifid in Southern
Nubia in September. Mr. S. Stafford Allen (Ibis, 1864,
p. 237) observes that it arrives from its southern winter
quarters in April; while Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1867,
p. 61) says that it is " resident in small numbers throughout
the winter, frequenting ruined buildings." From the above
evidence we may conclude that the present species is a resi-
dent, but that its numbers are recruited by additional birds
migrating in the spring.
G 2
84 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Male. — Top of the head, nape, back, scapulars, and abdo-
men pale slaty grey ; sides of the face, neck, throat, and breast
black ; primaries and secondaries dusky, the latter with broad
white outer edges ; wing-coverts dusky, bordered with ashy ;
some of the feathers on the rump white ; tail-coverts and tail
bright rufous tipped with brown, and the two centre feathers
dusky ; the centre of the abdomen white ; vent and under
tail-coverts rufous ; legs and beak dusky ; irides brown.
Entire length 6'3 inches ; culmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, &"5 ; tarsus 1.
Female. — Above dirty ash-colour, beneath brown tinged
with rufous ; tail paler than in the male.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 96.
29. RuTiciLLA SEMiRUFA (Hcmpr. & Ehr.). Palestine
Redstart.
Hemprich and Ehrenberg collected this species in Egypt ;
but it appears to be of very rare occurrence there, for I know
of no other instance of its having been observed in the
country.
Male. — Forehead, sides of the head, back, scapulars, wing-
coverts, throat, and breast glossy black, with an iron-grey cap ;
wings brown ; remainder of the plumage bright rust-colour,
except the two centre tail-feathers, which are brovni. There
is no trace of white on any part of the plumage.
Female. — Very similar to that of R. phcenicura.
Entire length 5-6 inches ; culmen 0"45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 0'9.
This description is taken from two specimens kindly lent to
me by the Rev. Canon Tristram.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 85
30. Aedon galactodes (Teram.). Biifous Warbler.
This species arrives in Egypt towards the end of March,
and leaves again in September, during vphich time it may be
frequently met with wherever low thick covert affords a
suitable shelter. It is essentially a creeping bird, rarely
showing itself in the open, and when disturbed always flying
to the nearest coverts ; and is very partial to banks, where the
rich and prickly herbage affords it a safe retreat. I never
observed it perch more than a few feet from the ground,
generally on the latter, where it loves to strut with tail erect,
basking its plumage in the sunshine. It is most abundant
in Nubia, where it may frequently be seen on the ground
searching for food at the foot of some stout young date-palm.
It builds a thin nest of grass, similar to that of the Black-cap
Warbler.
Upper plumage rufous, brightest on the rump and tail-
feathers ; wings brown, the feathers broadly edged with
rufous ; tail bright rufous, each feather, with the exception of
the two central ones, marked with a large distinct brown spot,
which in the four outer feathers on each side is followed by a
clear white ending to the feathers ; under parts buffish white ;
it has a white eyebrow ; beak pale brown, lighter towards the
base of the lower mandible ; legs pale brown ; irides hazel.
Entire length 6'5 inches; culmen 0'55 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 '4 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. ph 112.
31. Cyanecula suecica (Linn.). Blue-throated Warhler.
This is an extremely abundant species in some parts of the
Delta, and is very generally distributed throughout Egypt
8G BIEDS OF EGYPT.
and Nubia, especially in the damper localities, or where the
vegetation grows to the height of several feet. Although it
frequents reedy marshes and mustard-fields, or wherever the
vegetation is luxuriant, it rarely alights upon the plants, but
almost invariably keeps to the ground, where it runs with tail
upraised, stopping every now and then to pick up an insect or
to watch the intruder from the edge of its retreat. Specimens
differ considerably in the colour of the spot on the throat,
which may be met with in all stages from pm'e white to
rufous. It is by no means a shy bird, and when distiu-bed
flies but a short distance. It may be easily recognized by the
rufous on the tail, which is very distinct.
■j^. Male. — Entire upper plumage brown, with a darker centre
to some of the feathers on the head, the wing-feathers having
a pale edging ; tail, two centre feathers and the apical half
of the others dark brown, remainder bright rufous ; a buff
eyebrow extending forward to the nostrils ; a large spot vary-
ing from pure white to rufous on the throat, which is blue,
bordered by a black collar, sometimes slightly edged with
white, and followed by a broader rufous collar across the
chest ; remainder of the underparts dull white, shaded with
brown on the flanks ; legs, beak, and irides brown.
Entire length 5'5 inches; culmen 0"45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2"8 ; tarsus 1.
Female. — Throat buff, shaded slightly towards its base with
rufous, and bordered on the sides and crop with black mixed
with a few blue feathers.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em-, pi. 97.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 87
32. Erithacus rxtbecula (Linn.). Robin.
TLe Robin is confined to Lower Egypt, where it is only a
winter visitant. It is as tame and familiar in the smany
chmate of Egypt as it is in England, and appears to welcome
the stranger, as he sits in the shade of the sont tree, by hopping
from bough to bough, and peering inquisitively at him, as
though it expected to recognize a friend in the traveller.
Front of the head, region of the eyes, part of the ear-
coverts, throat, and fore part of the chest bright rust-colour,
with a border of grey all round except on the chest ; remainder
of the upper parts olive ; underparts white, shaded on the
flanks with olive ; beak and irides brown ; legs pale brown.
Entire length 5' 7 inches; cuhnen 0*4; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 "8 ; tarsus I'l.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 98.
83. Accentor modularis (Linn.). Hedt/e Accentor.
Dr. von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 332) mentions having
seen this bird himself on one occasion in Egypt.
Head, neck, and breast, pale slate-colour, tinged with brown
on the top of the head and nape ; upper part of the back and
shoulders reddish brown, with dusky centres to the feathers ;
rump and upper tail-coverts pale brown ; the throat is of a
paler grey than the head, and the centre of the abdomen
dingy white ; wing-feathers dusky, edged with reddish brown,
the larger wing-coverts tipped with white ; tail greyish brown,
with pale edges to the feathers ; flanks yellowish grey with
long brown streaks ; legs pale brown ; beak dusky brown ;
irides hazel.
88 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Entire length 5'7 inches ; culmen 0*5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'8 ; tarsus 0"95.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 110.
34. Philomela luscinia (Linn.). Nightingale.
Although the Nightingale ranges throughout Egypt and
Nubia during the winter, it is far from being common. I only
once saw a pair, and heard their well-known notes, while
reposing, during the heat of the day, in a small wood near
Bedreshayn, in the latter end of March.
Entire upper plumage russet-brown, rather more rufous
on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; tail uniform rufous
brown ; underparts dull white, shaded on the sides of the
neck and crop with pale brown; under tail-coverts buff;
beak brown, inclining to flesh-colour at the base of the lower
mandible ; legs brownish flesh-colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 6"4 inches ; culmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'3 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 116.
35. Philomela major (Brehm). Tlirush Nightingale.
This species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia during its
spring and autumn migrations, but is very scarce. Von
Heughn (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 338) mentions having seen it in
Lower Egypt between the 10th and 25th of March ; and
Keyserling and Blasius also remark that it occurs in Egypt.
Very similar in plumage to the last species, but slightly
larger. It may be most readily recognized by the two centre
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 89
tail-feathers being darker, and not so rufous as the others,
and in the spurious primary being nearly obsolete.
Entire length 7 inches ; cidmen 0"6 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3"5 ; tarsus Tl.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 117.
36. Bradypterus Cettii (Marm.). Cettis Warbler.
Keyserling and Blasius mention this Warbler as occurring
in Egypt ; and Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 274) states
that he has seen it there in the corn-fields.
Entire upper plumage russet-brown, with a rather clear
white eyebrow ; throat, centre of the chest, and abdomen
white, inclining to brown on the flanks and under tail-
coverts ; beak brown, shading to flesh-coloiu* on the lower
mandible ; legs pale brown ; irides brown.
Wing — first or spurious primary very large ; second one
equal to the tenth ; fourth, fifth, and sixth nearly equal and
the longest.
Entire length 5"5 inches; culmen 0*45; wing, carpus to
tip, 2*4 ; tarsus 0"85.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pis. 114, 115.
37. PsEUDOiiUSCiNiA LUSCiNioiDES (Savl). Savis Warbler.
This Warbler is resident in Egypt, tolerably abundant, and
generally distributed. It usually frequents the corn-fields,
selecting the spots where the crop grows most luxuriantly ; and
it may also be found in the reedy marshes of the Delta and
Fayoom, where I have frequently seen it, and occasionally
90 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
procui'ed specimens. Wlien disturbed it leaves its shelter very
reluctantly, and flits away hurriedly, flying close to the top of
the herbage for a short distance, and then it suddenly dips
down and is immediately hidden. Nor will it allow itself to
be driven far from the place whence it originally started ; but
if pursued, prefers to seek shelter by creeping among the
stalks of the plants rather than expose itself again by taking
wing. On this account the bird is difficult to procure, and
is consequently rare in collections.
Entire plumage glossy ; wing pointed, first primary longest,
remainder decreasing in regular order up to the ninth ; tail
wedge-shaped ; upper parts uniform olivaceous brown. On
the tail, under certain lights, can be seen numerous obsolete
bars ; throat and centre of the body white, remainder of the
underparts soft creamy brown ; beak dark brown, shading
into yellowish flesh-colour towards the base of the lower
mandible ; legs brownish flesh-colour ; irides pale brown.
Entire length 5' 7 inches; culmen 0"5; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'7 ; tarsus 0'85.
Pig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 104.
38. PsEUDOLTJsciNiA FLUViATiLis (Meyer and Wolf). Eivcr
Warhler.
Dr. von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 293) only quotes
Temminck and Bonaparte as his authorities for the occurrence
of this Warbler in Egypt. I have never found it, but con-
sider it not an unlikely bird to be met with in the Delta.
Very similar to Pseudoluscinia Inscinioides. Entire upper
parts olive-brown ; wings and tail rather less inclining to olive,
the latter marked in certain lights with numerous obsolete bars ;
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 91
underparts white, shaded on the crop and flanks with olive-
hroion, and spotted with that colour on the throat and crop ; beak
browu, shading into yellowish flesh-colour on the lower man-
dible ; legs and irides brown.
Entire length 5'6 inches ; culinen 0*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2 "8 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 102.
39. Calamodtta schcenob^nus (Linn.). Sedffe Warbler.
This species is plentiful throughout Egypt and Nubia.
I have shot it among the sedge in the Delta and the Fayoom,
in the corn-fields in Upper Egypt, and on the banks of the
river in Nubia. When disturbed it flies to the stem of some
plant, whence it watches the intruder for a few moments
before it disappears amongst the thick herbage. Although
it belongs to the group of aquatic Warblers, it often frequents
the dry corn-fields, which in Egypt are never at any great
distance from the water.
'. Upper plumage olive-brown, strongly marked with brownish
black on the head ; the centres of the feathers on the upper
part of the back slightly shaded with dark brown ; the rump
and tail-coverts inchning to yellowish rufous ; wings and tail
brown, with pale edgings to the feathers ; it has a distinct
eyebrow ; underparts creamy white, shaded on the sides,
flanks, and under tail-coverts with yellowish brown ; beak,
legs, and irides brown, the former shading into flesh-coloiu" at
the base of the lower mandible.
Entire length 5 inches ; culuien 0"45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2-6 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Goidd, B. of Eur. pi. 110.
92 BIEDS OF EGYPT,
40. Calamodyta aquatica (Lath.). Aquatic Warbler.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 292) this
species is sometimes common, in company with the Sedge
Warbler, in Lower Egypt. I myself have never observed
it, but have constantly shot C. melanopogon, a bii'd of which
Von Heuglin makes no mention as being found in North-east
Africa, from which circumstance I conclude that he has con-
founded it with some other species, possibly the present one,
for no collector could have failed to meet with that bird.
I brought home from my last tour no less than fourteen
specimens of C. melanopogon, shot near Damietta during
the last week in March, but never met with the present
species, although I see no reason why it should not be
found there.
Top of the head deep brown, with broad distinct buff-
coloured eyebrows and a band of the same colour down the
centre of the crown ; back and scapulars ashy, shaded with
yellowish brown on the centre of the back and rump, and
mottled with dark brown on the centres of the feathers ; wings
and tail dark brown, with paler edges ; underparts creamy
white, shaded with brownish yellow on the crop and flanks,
where there are a few narrow dark brown streaks down the
centres of some of the feathers ; beak brown, shading into
yellowish flesh-colour on the lower mandible ; legs yellowish
flesh-colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 4"8 inches ; culmen 0*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2"5 ; tarsus O^S.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 111.
Hale HI
CALAMODYTA MELANOPOGON
EMBERIZA INTERMEDIA.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 93
41. Calamodtta melanopogon (Temm.). Moustached
Warbler.
(Plate ni. fig. 1.)
This Warbler, wliich is very rare in collections, I found in
great abundance among the thick sedge of a lake near
Dainietta. They keep exclusively to the thick masses of reeds
in very marshy districts, and may be seen clinging on to the
stems as they take a last peep at the intruder before hiding
themselves. They rarely show themselves boldly, but may
be watched as they chase each other through the thick and
matted sedge, which is seen to move as though a mouse was
disturbing it. They creep and flutter along in pursuit of
each other, occasionally uttering a little jarring note, and at
intervals popping their heads out from among the thick
covert to glance at the stranger. They have rather a pretty
song, and in disposition are not shy. They may be best
obtained in the Damietta marsh by walking steadily through
the sedge, as they almost invariably, when first distiu-bed,
fly to a prominent stem before hiding themselves. Though
in form, size, and general appearance they much resemble
the Common Sedge Warbler, they may be readily recognized,
even in a wild state, by their blacker back, whiter chest, and
by the absence of the yellow tints, which are so conspicuous
in the latter bird.
I am surprised not to find this species mentioned by Von
Heuglin in his great work on the birds of North-eastern
Africa, as it is very abundant in some of the reedy lakes of
the Delta, and remains in the country throughout the year.
Crown of the head black, more or less shaded with rufous ;
upper surface of the body oHve-brown, with a chestnut shade
on the rump ; centres of the feathers of the upper part of the
94 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
back and scapulars dark brown ; wings and tail dark brown,
with paler edgings to the feathers ; a broad and distinct white
eyebrow, and a dark streak from the lores through the eye,
shading off on the ear-coverts ; underparts white, shaded
with brownish buff on the flanks and vent ; beak dark
brown ; legs black ; ii'ides brown.
Entire length 5 inches; culmen 0'5; wing, carpus to
tip, 2-2 ; tarsus 0-85.
42. Calamoherpe arundinacea (Gm.). Itced Warbler.
The Reed Warbler, according to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0.
Afr. p. 291), is a bird of passage in Egypt and Nubia, and
is sometimes tolerably abundant in the swamps of the Delta.
The entire upper plumage uniform greyish olive ; wings
and tail brown, with pale edges to the feathers ; it has a pale
yellowish eyebrow ; under sm'face white, washed with
brownish buff on the sides of the neck, chest, and flanks ; legs
dark brown ; beak pale brown, lightest on the lower man-
dible ; ii'ides hazel.
Entire length 5" 5 inches; culmen 0*4; wing, carpus to
tip, 2"5 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 108.
43. Calamoherpe palustris (Bechst.). Marsh Warbler.
I cannot find any very positive evidence for including the
present species in the Egyptian lists. Von Heuglin (Orn.
N. O. Afr. p. 290) only quotes Riippell as his authority for its
being found in Egypt, and Lichtenstein for its occurrence in
Nubia.
The differences between this species and the preceding
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 95
have never been satisfactorily defined by ornithologists ; and
I cannot myself find any character by which they may
always be unerringly distinguished in the skin. In the
freshly killed bird the legs are paler and the general colour
more rufous than the Reed Warbler.
44. AcROCEPHALUSSTENTORius (Hempr. &Ehr.). Clamorous
Sedge Warhler.
This large Warbler is probably a resident in Egypt, for it
certainly breeds there, and I have met with a specimen in the
Fayoom as early as the 7th of March. Towards the latter
end of that month I frequently saw it near Damietta, while
hunting for C. melanopoc/on in the forests of thick sedge and
reeds which surround some of the lakes. It generally keeps
low down in the sedge, but will occasionally rise to the top of
a tall reed to survey the district. Its plain colouring renders
it very difficult to detect ; but one is frequently made aware
of its presence, either by its call, which in March consists of
a single peculiarly loud note, repeated two or three times
without variation, or from the movement of the sedge caused
by its continual motion. In April it begins its love-song,
and may then be much more easily procured. Although
it frequents the thick sedge, it appears to prefer the proximity
of some slight opening, such as is made by a ditch running
through the swamp, in the centre of which the reeds do not
grow. In such spots it may be watched with ease as it hops
from reed to reed, keeping generally within a foot from the
sm-face of the water, busily intent upon capturing the small
aquatic insects and shells on which it subsists, and perfectly
heedless of observation.
96 BffiDS or EGYPT.
Upper plumage olive-brown, lightest on the rump and upper
tail-coverts ; wings and tail brown, with pale edges to the
feathers ; in some specimens there is a more or less distinct
buff-coloured eyebrow extending to the beak ; uuderparts
white, shaded with buff on the vent and under tail-coverts,
and with yellowish brown on the sides of the chest and flanks ;
the upper part of the chest has a few obsolete brown streaks ;
beak dark brown, shading into orange-yellow on the edges of
the upper and basal half of the lower mandible ; legs slaty
brown ; irides pale brown ; second primary considerably
shorter than the third.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 0*8 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3-1 ; tarsus 1-05.
Fig. Allen, Ibis, 1864, "pi. 1, p. 97.
45. AcROCEPHALUs TUBDOiDES (Meyer). Great Sedge War
bier.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 289) considers this bird
to be an accidental winter visitor to Lower Egypt. I have
never seen a specimen from that country.
Very similar to A. stentorius. Underparts more inchning
to buff, and without any indication of stripes ; beak shorter
and stouter ; upper mandible distinctly notched ; second and
tliird primaries equal and longest.
Entire length 7 inches; culmen 0-65; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"6 ; tarsus Tl.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 106.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 97
46. AcROCEPHALUS ARABicus, Heiigl. AraUav Sedge
Warbler.
This species is mentioned by Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr.
p. 289) as occurring in Egypt near Suez. I do not know the
bird ; but it appears to be distinct from the last two species
in the size and colouring of the beak ; the other parts are
described too vaguely to found any opinion upon ; I therefore
simply translate his Latin description.
Similar to A. turdoides ; beak stouter, more obtuse, and
higher at the base ; feet longer, and superciliary streak more
conspicuous and of a whiter colour ; outer web of all the
primaries with a narrow and conspicuous pale margin, the
spurious primary whitish ; breast, under wing-coverts, sides
of the body, and under tail-coverts for the most part bright
rufous ochre ; the under mandible waxy, the whole of the
upper one blackish horn-colour.
47. CiSTicoLA SCHCENICOLA, Bp. Fan-tail Warbler.
This tiny but cheerful little Warbler is one of the most
abundant bu'ds in Egypt and Nubia, where it is met with in
every green field, either watching om- approach from some
tall plant, or pouring forth its notes as it hovers over the
surrounding herbage. It never frequents trees, but is equally
abundant both in the dry fields and in marshes. It breeds
in March, forming a charming little deep purse-shaped nest,
open at the top, which I have found in clover,' corn, and
sedge, at a height of from a few inches to a foot from the
ground. The nest is constructed of dried grass and cotton,
and often thickly lined with the soft downy seeds of the reed
If
98 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
or thistle, and is firmly secured by the interweaving of the
surrounding herbage, which assists to hide it : in general
appearance it looks very like the cocoon of a large cater-
pillar.
Upper plumage pale yellowish brown ; centre of the feathers
on the head dark brown, forming three more or less distinct
longitudinal bands ; centre of the feathers of the upper part
of the back, wings, and tail dark brown ; rump more or
less ferruginous ; tail fan-shaped, and of moderate length,
with a dark spot near the tip of each feather, most visible
from underneath ; underparts white, inclining to pale yel-
lowish brown towards the flanks ; upper mandible brown ;
lower mandible and legs flesh-brown; irides bi'ownish yellow.
Entire length 4 inches ; culmeu '4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
1-9; tarsus 0-8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 113.
48. Drymceca gracilis (Riipp.). Graceful Warbler.
This little Warbler is abundant both in the fields and
marshes of Egypt and Nubia, where it remains through-
out the year. Its song is powerful and melodious, and is
frequently to be heard amongst the reeds. There are appa-
rently two constant forms of this bird, but they hardly differ
sufficiently to be separated as distinct species. I only brought
home one specimen that exactly agreed with the plate in
Riippell's ' Atlas,' while all those that I have seen from Lower
Egypt belong to the other form ; that is to say, they are
darker in colour, have the whole of the shaft-markings more
strongly pronounced, are rather larger, and have darker bills.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 99
In habits the former appears to be the common species in
Upper Egypt and Nubia, and frequents the fields, while the
latter is most abundant in the Delta, and usually to be met
with in marshes or damp localities.
Tail long ; upper plumage pale brown, with the centre of the
feathers on the head, back, and wings rather darker ; the tail
has numerous narrow obsolete bars, with distinct brown spots
at the end of the feathers, which are narrowly tipped with
dirty white ; underparts creamy white ; legs brownish flesh-
colour ; beak brown ; irides brownish yellow.
Entire length 4'3 inches ; culmen 0'35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 1'7 ; tarsus 0'65.
Fig. Riippell, Atlas, t. 2.
49. Hypolais olivetorum (Strickl.). Olive-tree Warbler.
Von HeugHn does not mention that this species occurs in
Egypt ; I have, however, a well-authenticated specimen col-
lected by Mr. Rogers near Alexandria, and presented to me
by my friends Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser. It is probably
of only rare occurrence in that country ; for I know of no
other instance of its capture there.
Upper plumage uniform pale dusky, tinted with olive, and
slightly paler on the upper tail-coverts ; wings and tail brown,
with pale edgings to the feathers ; outer tail-feathers bordered
with white, the next two on each side narrowly tipped with
that colour ; a faint streak in front of the eye dull white ;
underparts white, tinted with yellow, and slightly shaded on
the sides with pale stone-grey ; beak very broad at the base,
and surrounded by stout bristles, brown above, shading into
H 2
100 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
deep orange-yellow on the lower mandible ; legs pale brown ;
irides brown.
Entire length 6"3 inches; culmen 0'6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'6 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 107.
50. Htpolais el^ica (Lind.)*. Olivaceous Warbler.
This is the most abundant Warbler in Nubia, and is not
^ />LAA,/a7&. unfrequent in Egypt; but I have not met with it north of
Dendera, although it must be found over the whole country,
as it is not very uncommon in south-eastern Europe. In
Nubia it takes the place of the Willow Warbler and ChiiF-
ChafF, but prefers to live among the higher boughs of the
sont trees instead of the low thick herbage. Owing to its
dull coloration it may easily be overlooked; but, if pro-
cured, may at once be recognized by the breadth of its bill.
H. languida (Hempr. & Ehr.). Under this name Von
Heughn (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 296) has made five races or sub-
species, the second of which, //. elcsica, is the only form
1 think should be included within the hmits of the present
work.
Upper parts pale hair-brown ; primaries and tail darker,
with a pale narrow edging to all the feathers ; underparts
dirty white, the whole of the plumage faintly tinted with
yellow ; beak yellowish brown, darkest above ; legs and
irides brown.
* Acrocephahis palUdus (Hempr. & Ehr.), " nee Gerbe " of Heuglin
(Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 294), I consider to be synonymous with H. elceica
(Lind.).
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 101
Entire leugth 5-1 inches; culuien 0"45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2"5 ; tarsus 0'8.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. ii. p. 54.
51. Phyllopneuste sylvicola (Lath.). Wood Warbler.
This species is to be met with throughout Egypt and
Nubia, but is not plentiful there at any season. Von Heughu
(Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 298) considers it a not uncommon winter
visitor in North-eastern Africa. I am, however, inclined to
believe that it occasionally remains in Egypt throughout the
year ; for I have obtained a specimen near Assouan as late as
the end of April.
Upper plumage bright yellowish green ; wings and tail
brown, the feathers distinctly edged with bright yellowish
green ; underparts pure white, shading into yellow under
the wings and towards the throat, and becoming bright sid-
phur-ycllow under the chin ; a dusky streak passes from the
bill through the eye, and directly above it a well-defined
bright yellow eyebrow ; beak pale brown, darkest above ;
legs pale brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 4'S inches ; culmeu 0"4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 31 ; tarsus 0"7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 131.
53. Phyllopneuste Bonellii (VieilL). BoneUi's Warbler.
Very abundant, especially in Upper Egypt, during tlie
spring and autumn, where it takes the place of P. trochilus
and P. riifa of Lower Egypt and //. elcelca of Nubia. It is
102 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
a lively cheerful bird, in habits and appearance very closely
resembling the Willow Warbler.
Upper plumage ashy brown, inclining to bright yellow on
the rump ; wings and tail brown, edged with pale hair-brown
and greenish yellow ; underparts white, faintly shaded with
paler brown ; sides of the breast and under the wing tinted
with sulphur-yellow; a rather distinct white streak runs from
the beak through the eye ; beak fleshy brown, darker above ;
legs pale brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 4-5 inches; culmen 0'35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2*5; tarsus 0'8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 134
■ f , , 53. Phyllopneuste rufa (Gm.). Chif-Chaif Warbler.
{' / The Chiff-Chaff is a winter visitant to Egypt and Nubia,
fOcucA^ueA, and at this season is extremely abundant, especially in the
Delta.
Head, back, scapulars, and upper tail-coverts olive ; wings
and tad pale dusky, with olive-green borders to the feathers ;
edge of the wing and under wing-coverts sulphur-yellow ; a
faint yellowish eyebrow ; lores grey ; underparts white, tinted
on the throat, breast, and flanks with pale brownish yellow ;
legs dark brown ; beak brown, shading off' into flesh-colour at
the base of the lower mandible ; irides brown.
Entire length 4-5 inches; culmen 0-3; wing, carpus to
tip, 2"3 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 131.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 103
54. Phyllopneuste trochilus (Linn.). TFillow Warbler.
The Willow Warbler arrives with the Chiff-Chaff in Sep-
tember and leaves in March. During its stay it is very
abundant both in Egypt and Nubia, especially so in the
Delta, where great numbers may be seen flitting about
among the prickly herbage by the sides of the embankments.
Very similar in plumage to P. rufa ; it is a little larger,
and the colom's rather clearer, especially on the under surface
of the body, and the legs are paler.
Entire length 4-8 inches; culmen 0'35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2-7 ; tarsus 0*8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 131.
55. Phyllopneuste hippolais (Linn.). Melodious Willow
Warbler.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 296) mentions having
observed this Warbler in Egypt singly in fig-gardens and
clumps of sont trees.
The whole of the upper parts greenish ash-colour ; in front
of the eye is a small patch of yellow ; throat and underparts
pale yellow ; wings and tail brown, the edges of the feathers
being lighter ; beak and legs fleshy brown ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 5*1 inches ; culmen 0*55 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3*15 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur, pi. 133.
56. Phyllopneuste Eversmanni (Bp.). Vieillot's ll'illoio
Warbler.
I And the present species, in Mr. G. R. Gray's ' Hand-
104 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
list of Birds,' vol. i. p. 215, with the locality Egypt assigned
to it. This, however, is the only evidence I have for including
it in the present work ; for Von Heuglin does not mention
it as occurring in any part of North-eastern Africa.
Very similar to P. trocJiilus; beak stronger; a distinct
yellowish-white eyebrow and a dusky streak from the lores
through the eye. There is no yellow shade on the rump, as
in P. Bonellii. Legs pale brown ; beak brown, inclining to
yellowish flesh-colour on the lower mandible.
Entire length 5 inches; culmen 0'45; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'7 ; tarsus O'S.
57. CuRRUCA HORTENSis (Gm.). Garden. Warbler.
This Warbler is a spring visitant in Egypt, and is probably
never very plentiful there. Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr,
p. 310) mentions having obtained a specimen on the island
of Roda, near Cairo, in the beginning of May. I know of
no other instance of its captm'e in that country.
Entire upper plumage ashy brown, tinted with olive ; wings
and tail rather darker ; an indistinct pale eyebrow ; under-
parts white, tinted with brown on the lower part of the
throat and flanks ; beak brown, much paler on the lower
mandible ; legs slaty brown ; irides pale brown.
Entire length 6 inches ; culmen 0*45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"1 ; tarsus 0'85.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 121.
58. CuRRUCAORPHEA (Temm.). Orphean JFarbler.
This Warbler, though an undoubted Egyptian species,
BIRDS OP EGYPT. 105
appears to be of very rare occurrence in that country. The
only Egyptian specimen I have seen is in the collection of
Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser. According to Von Heuglin (Orn.
N. O. Afr. p. 310) it visits Egypt and Nubia in the autumn ;
and he mentions that he procured a specimen near the
Pyramids.
Male. — Top of the head and ear-coverts dusky black ; upper
sm-face of the body slaty ash-colour ; quills and tail brown,
with broad ash-coloiu-ed edgings ; the exterior feathers on
each side of the latter have the outer webs and a broad apical
tip white, and the next two feathers on each side are narrowly
tipped with the same colour ; underparts white, shaded with
ashy on the flanks and under tail-coverts.
Female. — Resembles the male, except that the head is ashy
grey, and the rest of the upper parts are shaded with brown ;
beak black, shading into yellowish at the base of the lower
mandible ; legs slaty brown ; irides hazel.
Entire length 5'7 inches; culmenO'55; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 119.
59. CuRRUCA ATRicAPiLLA (Linn.). Black-cap Warbler.
This is only a bird of passage in Egypt and Nubia, arriving
on its way northwards in February and March, and passing
through the country again in the autumn.
Male. — Top and back of the head black ; nape and sides of
the neck grey ; Ijack, shoulders, scapulars, and upper tail-
coverts olive-grey ; wings and tail dusky brown ; throat and
underparts greyish white, with a slight pink blush on the breast
and flanks ; beak brown ; logs slate-coloui' ; irides hazel.
106 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Female. — Only differs from the male in having the top of
the head rufous instead of black.
Entire length 5"8 inches ; culmen 0*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'8; tarsus 0'8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 120.
60. CuERUCA RuEPPELLii (Temm.). RilppelVs Warbler.
This Warbler is moderately abundant throughout Egypt
and Nubia. Its habits are not so lively as those of many of
its congeners, and it may frequently be seen sitting still on
the topmost bough of some low tree or cotton-plant. Von
Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 315) calls it a bird of passage,
and observes that it is not plentiful in Lower Egypt until the
middle of March, when it may be met \\dth in paii's, some-
times in company with Sylvia suhalpina.
Male in breeding-plumage . — Head and throat black, with
a white moustache ; remainder of the upper parts slaty grey ;
wings dark brown, the feathers edged with brownish-buff
colour; tail black, with the outer feather and tip of the
second one white ; underparts of the body white, shaded on
the sides with grey, and with a rosy blush on the chest when
in Ufe.
The female is rather duller in plumage.
Entire length 5"5 inches; culmen 0'5; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'7 ; tarsus O'S.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 122.
BIEDS OF EOYPT. 107
61. CuRRUCA MELANOCEPHALA (Gm.). Blach-lwaded Warbler .
The present species is abundant throughout Egypt and
Nubia, more especially so on the islands of the First Cataract.
It is a lively bird, somewhat resembling the Lesser White-
throat in habits.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p, 303) separates a small
race of this bird under the name Sylvia melanocephala minor,
to which he refers all the Egyptian specimens, but does not
appear to place much faith in this separation, for he has not
bestowed a number on the species in his book. I have not
examined his type specimens ; but I cannot allow that the slight
difference in the measurements between the Egyptian and
Piedmontese specimens in my collection justifies their separa-
tion as distinct species ; I therefore give measurements of both
forms, the smaller bird being an Egyptian specimen, the
larger one from the Continent of Europe.
Top of the head, region of the eye, and ear-coverts black ;
back and scapulars slaty grey ; wings dusky, with pale edges
to the feathers ; tail slaty black, except the exterior web of
the outermost feather and the ends of the three outer ones,
which are white ; underparts white, shading into grey on
the sides of the body ; eyelids scarlet ; beak black, shading
off into yellow at the base of the lower mandible ; legs and
irides brown.
The female has a slate-coloured head, and the plumage is
generally browner.
Entire length 4-5-5 inches; culmen 0'35-0'4; wing,
carpus to tip, 2-l-2'2; tarsus 0-75-0*85.
Pig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 129.
•:^:4/^^
108 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
62. Melizophilus sardus (Marm.). Sardinian Warbler.
According to Von Hcuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 303) this
rare Warbler is often to be met with in Egypt in the spring,
and he mentions having killed it himself in the country.
Head, tlu'oat, and all the upper parts deep blackish grey,
darkest on the forehead and round the eyes ; on the chin
there are a few white feathers ; centre of the belly greyish
white, tinged with vinous ; wings and tail black, the exterior
feathers of the latter edged with white ; eyelids vermilion ;
base of the lower mandible yellow, the remainder of the beak
horn-colour ; legs yellowish brown ; irides pale brown.
Entire length 5'2 inches; cidmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'2 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 127.
63. Melizophilus provincialis (Gm.). Dartford Warbler.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 302) the
Dartford Warbler, though rare in Egypt, has been observed
by him in the Delta towards the end of March in company
with Sylvia subalpina and Curruca Bueppellii.
Entire upper plumage dark slaty grey, deepest on the
head and ear-coverts, and strongly tinted with olive-brown
on the back ; wings dusky, the feathers edged with brown ;
throat and underparts deep ferruginous brown, except the
centre of the abdomen, which is white ; beak dusky, inclining
to yellow at the base of the lower mandible ; legs and eyelids
yellow ; irides pale yellowish brown.
Entire length 5'3 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2 ; tarsus 6.
Eig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 129.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 109
64. Sylvia subalpina, Bon. Subalpine Warbler.
I first met this bird towards the end of March near Da-
niietta, where 1 found it abundant, from which I conchide
that it does not winter in Egypt. The low bushes and
herbage along the sides of the embankments are the favourite
resorts of this lively little Warbler ; and there it may be seen
constantly on the move, creeping and flitting about amongst
the thick shelter, and may be easily recognized at such times
by its white outer tail-feathers and diminutive size ; for the
Black-headed Warbler and the Lesser Whitethroat are not
nearly so abundant in the Delta in March as the present
bird. Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 305) considers that
this species is a spring visitant to Lower Egypt.
Hale in hreeding-plumage. — Upper parts ashy grey ; wings
and tail brown, with pale edgings to the feathers ; apical
half of the outer feathers on each side of the tail white, the
next tipped with that colour; a white moustache running
down the sides of the neck ; throat, crop, and flanks brick-
red, of a greater or less intensity, shading into creamy white
on the remainder of the body ; beak brown, inclining to flesh-
colour at the base ; legs pale brown ; irides brownish yellow ;
eyelids red.
Female. — Upper parts shaded with hair-brown ; under-
parts creamy white, faintly shaded with brick-red.
Entire length 5 inches ; culmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
2-4; tarsus 0-75.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 124.
65. Sylvia conspicillata, Marm. Spectacled Warbler.
Canon Tristram tells me that this species is certainly met
no BIEDS or EGYPT.
with in Egypt, ])ut does not remain there throughout the
winter. I myself never found it ; and as Von HeugHu does
not inchide it among the birds of North-east Africa, I insert
it here with some hesitation, although one might well expect
to meet with it in the country.
Male. — Top of the head, cheeks, and lower part of the
throat fine ash-colour ; space between the eye and the beak
black, whence a circle of the same colour surrounds the white
of the eyes ; back and scapulars vinous ash-colour ; the wings
blackish, broadly edged with rufous ; throat white ; under
sm-face of the body white, tinged with vinous, which passes
into reddish on the flanks ; tail brownish black, except the
outer feathers, which are nearly white, whUe the second and
third are also tipped with that colour ; beak brown, shading
into yellowish flesh-colour on the basal half of the lower man-
dible ; legs yellowish flesh-colour ; irides pale brown.
Female. — Similar to the male, but paler, and the circle
round the eye hardly apparent, if, indeed, at all distinguishable.
Entu:e length 5 inches ; culmen 0-4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
1-3; tarsus O'?.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pk 126.
66. Sylvia curruca (Linn.). Lesser Whitethroat.
This is a very abundant Warbler throughout Egj'pt and
Nubia, frequenting the low sont and tamarisk bushes,
where it may be seen flitting in and out among the thick
covert, actively pursuing the small insects upon which it
feeds.
TVinter plumage. — Upper parts ashy brown, inclining to
o-rey on the head and ear-coverts ; underparts white, tinged
BIEDS or EGYPT. Ill
with very pale brown ; wings and tail dark brown, the feathers
narrowly edged with ashy brown ; the outer feathers on each
side of the tail nearly white.
In summer the head and ear-coverts are slaty grey ; beak
nearly black, inclining to lead-colovu' at the base of the lower
mandible ; legs dark slate-colour ; irides hazel.
Entire length 5-3 inches ; culmen 0-35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 27 ; spurious primary 0-6 ; tarsus 0*8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 125.
67. Sylvia cinerea, Bechst. IFJdtethroat.
I have shot this species both in Egypt and Nubia, but it
is by no means common in either country. It frequents the
young sont and other trees which afford thick covert near the
ground, especially where they grow in rows along the em-
bankments.
In hreeding-flumage the upper part of the head, nape, and
ear-coverts are slate-coloured, tinged with brown, while in
winter the whole of the upper parts are cindery brown, tinted
with rufous on the forehead and back; wings and tail-
feathers dusky, edged with pale brown ; secondaries more
broadly edged with rufous ; the underparts, in winter, are
white, tinted with pale yellowish brown, especially on the
flanks; while in summer plumage there is a delicate pink
blush on the chest, which soon fades after death ; beak brown
above, changing to yellow at the base of the lower mandible ;
legs pale brown ; irides hazel.
Eutue length 5' 5 inches ; culmen 0'35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'8 ; spurioiis primary 0*4 ; tarsus O'S.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 125.
112 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Fam. NECTARINIID^.
68. Nectarinia METALLiCA, Licht. Yellow-breasted Sun-hird.
(Plate IV.)
This beautiful little Sun-bird is the only one of the family
which comes within the limits of my present work. I first
met with it near Kalabshee, in Nubia, where it was tolerably
plentiful in the beginning of April ; and I have no doubt
that it occasionally descends below the First Cataract ; for on
the 14th of April I noticed several specimens within twenty
miles of Philse. It is a lively bu'd, rarely sitting still for long
together, now fluttering over a flower, now darting off" to
some neighbouring sont tree. The female is a dull-coloured
but graceful little bird, generally in close company with her
partner ; and I have often watched them on some prominent
twig sunning themselves, and keeping up an animated con-
versation in a pleasing little twittering note, evidently in full
enjoyment of each other's company.
Male. — Head, throat, upper half of the back, scapulars,
lesser wing-coverts, and outer web of the larger coverts bronzy
green ; remainder of the back metallic purple, shading into
steel-blue on the rump and upper taU-coverts ; tail black,
shaded with steel-blue on the edges of the two long centre
feathers ; remainder of the wing dark brown, with a narrow
paler edging to the primaries ; a steel-blue collar separates the
green throat from the bright yellow of the chest and abdomen ;
thighs black ; beak black ; legs and irides dark brown.
Entire length 6-2 inches ; culmen 0-45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2"2 ; tarsus 0*6.
Female. — Upper parts stone-grey, shaded with green on the
rump ; a creamy-white eyebrow ; wings and tail nearly black ;
Plate N
NECTARINIA METALUCA
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 113
the edges of the feathers of the same colour as the back;
underparts white, shaded with sulphur-yellow on the chest
and centre of the abdomen ; beak black ; legs and irides
dark brown.
Entire length 2'7 inches ; cidmen 0'45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2 ; tarsus 0"6.
Fam. CERTHIID^.
69. TiCHODROMA MTJRARiA (Linn.). Wall-creeper.
According to Riippell this species comes into Egypt ; but
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 236) observes that he never
met with it in any part of North-east Africa, so that I think
we may fairly doubt its occurrence in the country.
Winter flmnage. — Upper parts clear grey, faintly shaded
with brown on the head, and inclining to slaty black on the
upper tail-coverts ; wings blackish ; the smaller coverts bright
crimson, the larger ones edged with the same colour ; the
basal portion of the outer web of most of the quills crimson ;
the outer primaries have two white spots on the inner web of
each feather, the lesser ones have paler tips ; tail black, with
dusky ends approaching to white on the outer feathers on
each side ; underparts slate-colour, shading into white on
the throat ; beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
Summer plumage. — Darker grey, and the entire throat and
upper breast black.
Entire length 6'3 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3-9; tarsus 0-9.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vii.
114 BIEDS OP EGYPT.
Fam. LANIID^.
70. Lanitjs excubitor, Linn. Great Grey Shrike.
Dr. von Heuglin (Oni. N. 0. Afr. p. 478) mentions having
shot this bird himself in Egjrpt in the winter. This is the
only evidence we have of its occurrence in that country.
Messrs. Dresser and Sharpe, in an able notice on L. excubitor
and its allies (P. Z. S. 1870, p. 591), observe, in reference to
the above statement of Von Heuglin, " We are, however,
sceptical enough to be very anxious to see a specimen of true
L. excubitor from the shores of the Mediterranean or North-
eastern Africa."
Hemprich and Ehrenberg mention it as found throughout
Egypt and Nubia; and Riippell calls it plentiful in Egypt.
These latter observations, no doubt, refer to some of the
allied species, as Von Heuglin and Messrs. Dresser and
Sharpe are aU inclined to believe.
Above pearl-grey ; forehead and over the eye white ; lores,
under the eye, and ear-coverts black ; scapulars grey, edged
with white ; wings black, primaries and outermost secondaries
white at the base, thus forming a double bar on the wing ;
primaries and secondaries tipped with white ; tail black, with
the exception of the whole of the two outer feathers and the
ends of all but the two centre ones, which are white ; under
surface of the body white, with occasionally a pink blush ;
legs and beak black ; irides brown.
The sexes are alike in plumage.
Entire length 9' 5 inches; ciUmen 0"7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4"4 ; tarsus TO.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ii.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 115
71. Lanius LAHTORA, Sykes. Pallid Shrike. ZS'(^' ' "^L
This Shrike is not uncommon in Egypt and Nubia, where j^iiy^^^f-^A^
it remains throughout the year. Mr. E. C. Taylor mentions ^ e*
it (Ibis, 1867, p. 57) under the name L. dealbatus. Von
Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. pp. 480 and 483) divides it into
two species, L. leucopjjgus and L. laJdora. All these names
are synonymous with L. lahtora, Sykes, which has been
shown by Messrs. Dresser and Sharpe (/. c.) to be the correct
title for this species.
Upper parts grey ; a line across the forehead, lores, in front
and under the eye, and ear-coverts black ; lower part of the
scapulars white ; wing black, except the basal half of the
primaries and end of the secondaries, which are white, thus
forming a single band on the wing ; tail black, except the
two outer feathers on each side, which are white with black
shafts ; outer web of the next and end of the next three
white ; under sm-face of the body white ; beak and legs
black ; tarsi very stout ; u'ides brown.
Entire length 9*5 inches; culmen 0-7; wing, carpus to
tip, 4*2 ; tarsus 1'2.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part xi.
72. Lanius minor, Gm. Lesser Grey Shrike.
This Shrike evidently ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
and appears to remain in the country throughout the year ; for
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 477) calls it a resident in
North-eastern Africa; yet I am unacquainted with any
authenticated instance of its capture in Egypt.
Upper parts grey ; forehead, feathers round the eye, and
i2
116 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
ear-coverts black ; wings black, secondaries narrowly tipped
with white ; Imsal portion of the primaries white, forming a
broad bar on the wing ; tail, four centre feathers black, two
outer ones on each side white, third and fourth white, with
an irregular patch of black ; underparts white, shaded with
pink on the flanks ; beak and legs black ; irides brown.
Entire length 8*5 inches; culmen 0"6 ; ■wing, carpus to
tip, 4 '5 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part xiii.
73. Lanius nubicus, Licht. Masked Shrike.
This species is migratory, arriving in Egypt from the south
towards the end of February. At Dendera, on the 25th of
March, it was so plentiful that I could have counted a hun-
dred of these birds in a day, generally in pairs. In Nubia
it was extremely abundant, pairs of them flying and chattering
together in every clump of trees I passed through. Its habits
are very similar to those of the Wood-Chat, but it is rather
more partial to groves of trees, where its well-marked plumage
renders it very conspicuous.
Male in breeding-jiliimage. — Forehead and eyebrows creamy
white ; upper parts of the body blue-black ; scapulars and
base of the primaries white, remainder of the wing brownish
black ; the smaller wing-coverts edged with grey, the second-
aries narrowly edged with cream-colour; tail black, except
the two outer feathers and the tip of the third, which are
white ; underparts white, shaded with rich rufous on the sides
of the neck, breast, and flanks ; beak and legs black ; irides
brown.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 117
Entire length 7 inches; culmen 0'55 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'5 ; tarsus 0'9.
The female is similar, but rather paler on the back, and
has the scapulars tinted with buff. The immature birds have
the upper parts of the body dusky ash-colour.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ii.
74. Lanius auriculatus, Miill. Wood-Chat Shrike.
The Wood-Chat is plentiful and evenly distributed through-
out Egypt and Nubia. It does not remain in the Delta
during the winter months, but appears there about the middle
of March. It is rather lonely in habits, but attracts notice
by the prominent position it takes up on the top of some
bush or hedge.
Male. — Forehead, sides of the head and neck, and between
the shoulders black ; a white loral spot above the nostril on
each side; top of the head and back of the neck bright
chestnut ; centre of the back grey ; rump, tail-coverts, sca-
pulars, and base of the primaries white ; remainder of the
wing black, some of the feathers narrowly edged with white ;
tail white at the base, remainder black, except the exterior
web of the outer feather and the tips of all but the four centre
ones, which are white ; underparts creamy white ; beak and
legs black ; irides brown.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 0'6; wing, carpus to tip,
4 ; tarsus 0-9.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part i.
75. Lanius collurio, Linn. Red-bacliea Shrike.
This Shrike comes to Egypt early in August, on its way
118 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
south, and returns again in March and April; but is never
plentiful, although, according to Von Heuglin, it ranges
throughout North-eastern Africa.
Male. — Lower part of the forehead, lores, feathers around
the eye, and ear-coverts black ; upper part of the head and
neck grey ; upper part of the back and scapulars chestnut ;
rump and tail-coverts grey ; tail, two centre feathers, the
inner web of the next on each side, shafts, and a band at the
end dark brown, remainder white ; wings brown, primaries
with very narrow pale edgings, inner secondaries and wing-
coverts broadly edged with chestnut ; underparts white,
strongly shaded with rufous on the chest and flanks ; beak
black ; legs and irides brown.
Entire length 7*2 inches; culmen 0'6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-7 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part iv.
Fam. MUSCICAPID-ai.
76. MuscicAPA GRisoLA, Liuu. Spotted Flycatcher.
The Spotted Flycatcher ranges throughout Egypt and
Nubia, but appears to be of rather rare occurrence in those
countries ; for I have only observed it myself on a single
occasion near Alexandria in April. Von Heuglin says (Orn,
N. O. Afr. p. 439) that this species occasionally breeds in
Lower Egypt, but is more generally to be met with during
its migrations in the autumn and spring.
Male. — Upper plumage hair-brown, with the centre of the
feathers on the crown dark brown ; wings and tail rather
BIEDS OF EGYPT. il9
deeper in colour, with pale borders to the secondaries and
greater wing-coverts ; underparts white, shaded with haii--
brown on the upper part of the chest and flanks, and spotted
with that colour on the sides of the throat and crop ; beak
and legs brownish black ; irides brown.
Entu-e length 5'5 inches; cuhnen 0*45; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"3 ; tarsus 0'6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 65.
77. MusciCAPA ATRiCAPiLLA, Linn. Fied Flycatcher.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 438) mentions that the
Pied Flycatcher is met with in Lower Egypt during its
migration towards the end of March and in April. It is not,
however, so plentiful as the next species.
Male in spring plumage. — A white spot on each lore, con-
nected on the forehead ; top of the head, back, shoulders, and
upper tail-coverts black ; nape and rump dusky ; quills and
scapulars dusky, with some white on the secondaries and
scapulars ; the greater wing-coverts broadly tipped with white ;
tail black, excepting the external web of the outer feather on
each side and the basal portion of the inner web of all but the
two centre feathers, which are white ; the entire under surface
white, this colom' extending for three-quarters of the way
round the neck ; beak and legs black ; ii'ides dark brown.
The plumage of the female is duller, and she has no white
spots on the forehead.
Entire length 5' 5 inches ; culmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3*5 ; tarsus O'S.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 63.
120 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
78. MusciCAPA coLLARis, Bechst. Wldte-collared Flycatcher.
This species is a spring and autumn visitant, of apparently
rather uncertain occiu-rence ; for while in 1868 I frequently
met with it in pairs in April between Cairo and Benisouef, in
1870, although I was in the country until the 10th of May,
we never once saw it ; nor did I meet with it in the Fayoom
or Delta in 1871 up to the end of March. Its white and
black plumage renders it very conspicuous, as it chiefly
frequents the outermost boughs of the sont trees and the leaves
of the date-palms, where it is ever actively engaged in the
pursuit of its insect food.
Spring plumage. — ^Forehead and neck white ; top of the
head, lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts black ; upper part of the
back, scapulars, tail-coverts, and tail black ; rump white,
shaded with dusky ; base of the quills, outer web of the three
inner ones, and greater portion of some of the larger coverts
white, remainder of the wing black ; the entire under surface
of the body white ; beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 5-4 inches; culmen 0-4; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 '4 ; tarsus 0*7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 62.
Fam. HIRUNDINIDiE.
79. HiRUNDO RUSTiCA, Linn. Chimnei/-Swalloio.
This bird is properly only a spring and autumn visitant in
Egypt, arriving there on its way north about the middle of
April ; but a few possibly remain in the country throughout
the year, for we once obtained an immatm-e specimen in the
Delta on the 25th of February. In Nubia it appears to be
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 121
the only Swallow, there replacing H. Biocourii ; for on our
return journey in 1870 we did not meet with a single specimen
of the latter bird south of Girgeh, where in the beginning
of May these two species were equally abundant.
Forehead and throat deep rufous-brown, remainder of the
upper parts steel-blue ; quills almost black ; tail black, with
large white spots on the inner web of all but the two centre
feathers ; a steel-blue collar at the base of the throat ; re-
mainder of the underparts cream-colour ; beak black ; legs
and irides dark brown.
Entire length 8 inches; culmen 0"3; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 ; tarsus 0"4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 64.
80. HiRUNDO RiocouRii, Audouin. Oriental Chimney-
Swallow.
This species is resident in Egypt, and very abundant. It
differs from the last species in not being migratory, and it
keeps more exclusively to the neighbourhood of houses,
usually selecting the inside of some native mud-hut for its
nest, which it begins to construct in February.
Upper plumage and collar round the throat steel-blue ;
forehead and throat chocolate-brown ; under surface of the
body ferruginous brown ; all the tail-feathers, except the two
centre ones, having a large rufous-white spot on their
inner web.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 0'3 ; wing, carpus to tip,
4-8 ; tarsus 0*45.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. iii. p. 178.
122 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
81. HiRUNDO RUFULA, Temm. Rufous Swallow.
This species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but is
of rare occurrence. Towards the end of March I constantly
saw a pair flying over a marsh near Damietta, and on the 30th
of that month obtained one of them. Von Heuglin (Orn.
N. 0. Afr. p. 158) mentions that Brehm met with a specimen
in Egypt in company with H. nistica, and that he himself
observed it at Derr, in Nubia.
Top of the head, back, and scapulars steel-blue ; back of
the neck and rump chestnut ; tail-coverts creamy white, tipped
with steel-blue; wings and tail brownish black, without a
spot, and slightly shaded with a green reflection ; underparts
cream-colour, with dark brown streaks on the shafts of the
feathers, more distinct on the throat ; under tail-coverts tipped
with black ; beak black ; legs and irides dark brown.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 0'3 ; wing, carpus to tip,
4*7 ; tarsus 0'55.
Fig. Gould, B. of Asia, part xx.
82. Cottle rxjpestris (Scop.). Crag-Swallow.
I have never seen an Egyptian specimen of this Swallow ;
and Von Heuglin observes that he never found it in any part
of North-eastern Africa; yet he includes it (Orn. N. 0. Afr.
p. 163), upon the authority of Brehm, who says that it is,
though rarely, to be met with in Egypt. I am, however,
very sceptical as to its ever having been found in that
country.
Similar in plumage to C. obsoleta, but considerably larger
than that bird, and darker and browner on the flanks, abdo-
men, and under tail-coverts.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 123
Entire length 5'3 inches; culmen 0*3; wing/ carpus to
tip, 5'2 ; tarsus 0'45.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 56.
83. Cottle obsoleta. Cab. Pale Crag-Swalloio.
This species of Crag-Swallow is very plentifully distributed
throughout Egypt and Nubia, where it is a resident. It only
frequents the rocky districts, and is therefore of rare occur-
rence in the Delta, although at Cairo and the Pyramids it is
abundant. It may be easily recognized by the paleness of
the colouring of its back. It begins to breed about the
middle of February, placing its nest under the shelter of an
overhanging rock, or attaching it to the ceiling of some of the
less-frequented passages of the ruined temples, or even occa-
sionally in the native dwellings. The eggs of this species
are white, spotted with rufous brown, and are very like those
of Hirundo rustica.
Upper plumage very pale brown, darkest on the head, and
especially in front of the eyes, and palest on the rump ; wings
rather darker than the back, except on the outer web of the
feathers ; the tail with a large white spot on all but the two
centre and two outer feathers ; underparts creamy white,
shaded with hair-brown on the flanks and under tail-coverts ;
tarsi unfeathered ; legs brown ; beak black ; irides dark
brown.
Entire length 4-7 inches; culmen 0"3; wing, carpus to
tip, 4*5 ; tarsus 0'4.
tfiJl-^U^^t
124 BIEDS or EGYPT.
84. CoTYLE RIP ARIA (Linn.). Sand-Martin.
This bird arrives in Egypt in great abundance in March,
and towards the end of April commences breeding in colonies
in the banks by the river side. It is extremely partial to the
neighbourhood of water, and may be constantly seen skim-
ming over the surface in its graceful flight, at times just
touching the surface sufficiently to raise a slight ripple, or
dashing rapidly after its mate in the exuberance of its
spirits.
Upper parts and a broad collar on the chest mouse-colour,
palest towards the tail ; remainder of the underparts white ;
beak black ; legs brown ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 4*6 inches ; culmen 0*2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-7 ; tarsus 045.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eui-. pi. 58.
85. Cottle minor. Cab.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 167) this
bird inhabits Egypt and Nubia, and breeds in colonies in the
river banks, like C. riparia, between the months of February
and May.
I have never seen this species myself ; and Mr. Sharpe, who
has written a complete ]\Ionograph of the African Swallows
(P. Z. S. 1S70, p. 303), has not been able to make it out
satisfactorily. For the better elucidation of the species, I
quote his remarks as follows : — " According to Dr. Cabanis
this Martin approaches C. riparia and C. palmtris in form
and colour, but is larger than the former and smaller than
the latter, and differs from both in the form of the tail, and
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 125
also in the colour of the underside, as in this species both
the grey breast-band and white throat are wanting. The chin
and throat down to below the breast are yellowish grey.
" I have now a specimen lying before me of what I take to
be this species, brought from Abyssinia by Mr. Blanford, and
I cannot see that it is really distinct from Cofi/le paludicola.
It appears to be identical with a Natal specimen of the
latter in my own collection, with the exception of the length
of the wing, which is longer in my Natal bird. I cannot
perceive, even in the rather unsatisfactory diagnosis of Dr.
Cabanis, any real characters whereby the species may be dis-
tinguished from C. palustris."
86. Chelidon urbica (Linn.). House-Martin.
Our Common Martin may occasionally be met with both
in Egypt and Nubia, but does not appear to make its home
in those countries ; for on each occasion Avhen I observed it
during the mouths of April and May it seemed to have no
fixed abode, but to be on its way northward. This may
possibly be accounted for by the general absence of large
houses, against which we know this bird usually ^^likes to
place its nest.
Rump and imderparts white ; wings and tail dark brown ;
remainder of the plumage steel-blue ; beak black ; irides dark
brown ; tarsi and feet covered with little white plumes.
Entire length 5*5 inches; culmen 0*3; wing, carpus to
tip, 4-2 ; tarsus 0-4.
Fig. Gould. B. of Eur. pi. 57.
126 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Fam. MOTACILLID-ffi.
87. MoTACiLLA ALBA, Linn. Wldte Wagtail.
This is one of the most abundant birds in Egypt and Nubia
during the winter ; but its numbers diminish considerably as
spring advances, and in Nubia I found it comparatively rare
in April.
Winter plumage. — Crown of the head and nape black, or
inclining to black ; remainder of the upper plumage slaty
grey ; wings dark brown, most of the feathers broadly edged
with dirty white ; tail dark brown, with the exception of the
two outer feathers on each side, which are white ; forehead
and underparts white, with a black crescent-shaped collar ;
legs and bill black ; irides dark brown.
In summer plumage the throat is black.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmeu 0"4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"4 ; tarsus 0*9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 143.
88. MoTACiLLA VIDUA, Suud. Wliite-vnnged Wagtail.
This species, although I believe it to be a resident in Upper
Egypt and Nubia, is most abundant at the First Cataract,
the only place where I myself have met with it. Although
it has selected this barren and rocky district, where the Nile
dashes over the rough granite rocks in a turmoil of waters,
it is by no means an unsociable bird, but appears to welcome
the stranger as it flits from rock to I'ock along the shore or
alights upon his " dahabeah." It is ever active in the
pursuit of food, which consists chiefly of a small green beetle,
and is perfectly heedless of intrusion. Its sociability was the
chief cause of its safety ; for the banks being crowded with
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 127
natives hauling at the boat prevented the possibility of my
shooting it on several occasions. It is a beautifully marked
species, the pure black and white of its plumage rendering it
very easy to distinguish from M. alba. In April I found it
beginning to breed. Much confusion has been created in
the nomenclature of this species, which is usually called
3f. lugubris, and is thus designated by me in one of my
papers to ' The Ibis.' Having compared my Egyptian speci-
mens with examples of M. vidua in Mr. Sharpe's collection
from all parts of Africa, I cannot see any specific distinctions.
A Very plain white band passes from the beak over the eye to
behind the ear-coverts. The following portions of the plumage
are black : — lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, a band down the side
of the neck joining a crescent-shaped patch on the front of
the chest ; top of the head, back of the neck, back, scapulars,
tail, except the two outer feathers on each side ; wing, except
the basal portion of all the quills but the two outer ones, the
edges of the secondaries, and the greater portion of the larger
wing-coverts, which are white ; remainder of the plumage
white ; beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 0*6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"5 ; tarsus 0*9.
89. MoTACiLLA SULPHUKEA, Bcchst. Grey Wagtail.
I was never fortunate enough to meet with this species
myself in Egypt, although it is undoubtedly to be found
there, probably as a winter visitor. Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis,
1867, p. 63) says that he saw it at Cairo in January; and
Dr. A. Leith Adams (Ibis, 1864, p. 22) mentions that it was
met with in its usual retreats as far south as Nubia.
128 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Upper plumage slaty grey, shading off on the rump and
upper tail-coverts into liriglit greenish yellow ; wings dark
brown, the secondaries broadly edged with yellowish white ;
tail dark brown, the three outer feathers on each side white ;
underparts white, usually strongly tinted with sulphur-
yellow from the chest downwards, and always brightest on
the under tail-coverts ; a distinct white eyebrow ; beak pale
brown, darkest towards the tip ; legs flesh-brown ; irides
brown.
In summer plumage both sexes assume a black throat.
The tail is longer than in any of the Yellow Wagtails!
Entire length 7-5 inches; culmen 0-45; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'3 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 147.
90. Bddytes flava (Linn.). Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail.
This and the next two species are generally considered to
be mere varieties of the same bird ; and in large series of
specimens it is difficult, if not impossible, to draw the line
between them. However this may be with birds from other
localities, in Egypt and Nubia they appear to keep perfectly
separate. I only met with the true B. Jlava of Linnaeus
about the middle of April in Nubia, travelling northward in
large flocks, out of which I killed more than twenty speci-
mens without finding the least variation in plumage ; while I
had already found B. cinereocapilla, one of the most abundant
bii'ds in Egypt, in March. The true B. flava may be most
readily distinguished by a well-defined white eyebrow, which
is absent in the next two species or subspecies. I would
HIKD.S OF EGYPT.
129
also draw attention to the slight, but constant, diflPerence in
the measurements of my Egyptian specimens of B.flava and
B. cinereocapilla.
Top of the head and nape grey, remainder of the upper
parts greenish yellow ; wings dark brown, most of the feathers
broadly edged with pale brownish yellow ; tail dark brown,
the two outer feathers on each side white ; underparts bright
yellow, shading off to white at the chin ; a distinct white eye-
brow ; bill and legs dark brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 6'5 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3*2 ; tarsus 09.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 146.
91. BuDTTES CINEREOCAPILLA (Savi). Grey-headed Yellow
Wagtail.
This is the most abundant form of Yellow Wagtail in Egypt,
where it appears to remain throughout the year. It is very
Pipit-like in its habits, and is more frequently met with in
pairs and flocks in the fields than by the water's edge. I
have before me six Egyptian specimens of this species, shot
between the 1st of March and .5th of May. They differ from
the two specimens from which I described the last species in
the entire absence of a white eyebrow, and in the rather
darker colour of the cheeks and ear-coverts. These six
specimens do not vary one tenth of an inch in any of the
following dimensions.
Entii'e length 6 inches ; culmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to tip,
2-9 ; tarsus ()-9.
Eig. Bree, B. of Eur. p. 143.
130 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
92. BuDTTES MELANOCEPHALA, Savi. Black-headed Yellow
Wagtail.
In Nubia I frequently met with this bird in April, in flocks
among the herbage by the river-side. Although I shot many
specimens out of these flocks, I never came across a grey-
headed bird among them. They were evidently migrating
northward at that season. In the Fayoom in March I shot
the only pair of these birds which I saw there. Specimens
from Egypt appear to have the black head remarkably well
defined.
Top and sides of the head, ear-coverts and nape jet-black ;
remainder of the plumage similar to that of B. Jlava, except
that it has no white eyebrow and no white on the chin.
Entire length 6'7 inches ; culmen 0-5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 33 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Demidoff", Voy. Russ. Merid. tab. 2.
93. Anthus plumatus (Midi.). TreC'Pipit.
This bird arrives about March, when it becomes plentiful
throughout Egypt and Nubia.
Upper plumage olive-brown, with the centre of most of
the feathers dark brown ; wings and tail dark brown, the
feathers edged with pale olivaceous brown, outer feathers
of the tail nearly white ; underparts white, tinted with
pale brownish yellow on the sides of the throat and chest ;
chest, and occasionally the flanks, distinctly marked with
longitudinal dark brown spots ; beak brown, paler at the
base of the lower mandible ; legs pale fleshy brown ; irides
brown.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 131
Entire length 6'2 inches; culraen 045; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"5 ; tarsus 0*8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 139
94. Anthus pratensis (Linn.). Meadow-Pipit.
The Meadow-Pipit is of rare occurrence in Egypt and
Nubia, where it is a winter visitor. I have only one Egyptian
specimen, which was killed near Alexandria in April.
Entire upper plumage olive-brown, vnth the centre of the
feathers dusky, the edgings to the quills being narrow ; of
the tail, the outer feather has the exterior web dull white, and
a large wedge-shaped white spot at the tip ; the next feather
has a similar but smaller spot ; the two centre feathers are
dusky ; and the others are brown, with narrow edgings of
olive-colom- ; the entire under plumage is buff, richest on the
breast and flanks, with an oval dusky spot along the shafts of
the feathers on the breast and flanks, and a line of dusky
spots from the base of the lower mandible down the side of
the neck ; beak dusky, shading into deep yellow towards
the base of the lower mandible ; legs fleshy brown ; irides
brown.
Entire length 5*8 inches ; culmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-1 ; tarsus 0*9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 136.
95. Anthus cERviNUs, Pall. Bed-throafpd Pipit.
This species is one of the most abundant birds throughout
Egypt and Nubia. Its numbers iuv somewhat decreased by
K 2
132 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
the month of April ; but I believe it remains there throughout
the year.
Upper plumage olive-brown, with the centre of the feathers
dark brown ; wings and tail dark brown, the feathers edged
with pale brown, the outer feather on each side of the tail
nearly white ; underparts buff, with large longitudinal dark
brown spots on the chest and flanks ; throat and feathers
round the eye more or less rusty-red, occasionally with a
violet tinge on the former ; beak brown, inclining to pale
yellowish brown towards the base of the lower mandible ; legs
pale brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 6'2 inches; culmen 0-45; wing, carpus
to tip, 3"5 ; tarsus 08.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 140.
96. Anthus spinolettus (Linn.) neater-Pipit.
This species is a winter visitor to Egypt, when it probably
ranges throughout the country, but has not, to my knowledge,
been met with in Nubia. It is most plentiful in the Fayoom
and Delta, where I found it very abundant in the marshes in
February and March. Owing to its simple colouring it may
be easily overlooked; but if sought for, it may be recog-
nized from A. cervinus (the only Pipit it is likely to be con-
founded with) by its rather larger size and darker coloration.
Upper parts and ear-coverts olive-brown, shading into
umber-brown on the rump ; feathers on the head, upper part
of the back, and scapulars with dark centres ; wings and tail
dark brown, with pale edges to the feathers ; exterior web
and end of the outer tail-feather and tip of the next one
BIEDS or EGYPT. 133
white ; eyebrow buff, uiiderparts creamy white, strongly
sliaded on the throat, crop, and flanks with pinkish brown,
and with a few longitudinal brown spots on the flanks ; beak,
legs, and ii'ides brown, the former shading into pale brownish
yellow towards the base of the lower mandible.
Entire length 6'3 inches; cnlmen 0"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'5 ; tarsus 09.
The description is taken from a specimen shot in the
Fayoom on the 4th of March.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. ii. p. 164.
97. Anthus Raalteni, Temm. African Tawny Pipit.
I shot a Pipit in the Fayoom on the 3d of March, 1871,
which I refer with some hesitation to this species, inasmuch
as the bird was moulting at the time I procured it, and looks
very ragged. It is, however, undoubtedly a new bird to
Egypt. I met with a pair on a broad sandy ridge close to
the great lake of Birket el Korn, and observed them in tlie
same spot on several occasions. They frequented the desert
sand, over which they ran swiftly, and never left it for the
cultivated fields, which were close by ; and in habits they ap-
peared very similar to A. campestris, for which I at first
mistook them. The following description is taken from my
Egyptian specimen.
Upper plumage rather pale ashy brown, faintly tinted with
rufous on the crown of the head ; feathers on the top of the
head and upper part of the back with darker brown centres ;
wings brown, the coverts shaded with chestnut, very strongly
on the shoulders ; the inner feathers of the median and
134 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
greater coverts and the inner secondaries nearly black, with
very broad sandy edges, remainder of the feathers on the
wing very narrowly edged with pale sandy, almost approach-
ing to white ou the wing-coverts ; tail-feathers rather narrow
and pointed, the two outer ones on each side white, the exterior
one having about half the inner web brown, the next with
the shaft and two-thirds of the inner web of that colour,
remainder of the tail brown, with paler edges to the feathers ;
lores white ; eyebrow cream-colour ; underparts white, shaded
with sandy yellow on the front of the chest, where there are
a few brown spots ; the sides of the throat are also slightly
spotted ; beak and legs yellowish flesh-colour, the former
inclining to brown on the upper mandible ; irides brown.
Entire length 5*9 inches ; culmen 06 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3"1 ; tarsus 1.
98. Anthus campestris, Bechst. Taicny Pipit.
This species is abundantly distributed throughout Egypt
and Nubia. It is an early spring visitant, arriving about
the middle of February. It chiefly frequents the confines of
the desert, where its plumage harmonizes with the colour of
the sand, and renders it difficult to be seen.
Entire upper plumage pale sandy-brown, the centre of the
feathers inclining to dark brown, which gives it a somewhat
mottled appearance, especially on the head; wings dark
brown, the feathers edged with pale sandy-brown ; tail dark
brown, the two outer feathers broadly edged with dull white,
the two centre ones with pale sandy-brown ; underparts
buff", inclining to very pale russet-brown on the chest and
flanks, the former occasionally marked with small longitu-
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 135
dinal brown spots ; beak fleshy brown, inclining to dark brown
on the upper inaudible ; legs pale fleshy-brown ; irides hazel.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 0"6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3" 5 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 137.
Fam. ALAUDID^.
99. Certhilauda DESERTORUM (Stanley). Bifasciated Lark.
1 have occasionally, though rarely, met with this bird in
Egypt, and always singly ; yet Dr. A. Leith Adams (Ibis,
1864, p. 24) says that it is not uncommon in small flocks
along the edge of the desert from the Pyramids to Nubia.
It is essentially a desert bird, so that it is only upon journeys
which take us into those sandy wastes that we are likely to
meet with it. It runs with great swiftness, and when flying
may easily be recognized by the distinct black and white
markings on the wings.
Upper plumage sandy colour, usually slightly tinted with
grey towards the nape ; primaries dark brown, secondaries
white, with dark brown blotches about the centre ; tail dark
brown, with the two centre feathers approaching to sandy
colour, and the exterior web of the outer feathers on each
side white ; it has a white eyebrow ; underparts white, tinted
occasionally with pale buff on the crop, and more or less
spotted with dark brown on the lower part of the throat and
crop ; beak horn-brown ; legs pale fleshy-brown ; irides broAvn.
Entire length 8 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip, .5 ;
tarsus IS.
Fig. Guuld, B. of Eur. pi. 168.
136 BIRDS or EGYPT.
100. Ammomanes lusitana (Gm.). Desert-Lark.
The present species and its closely allied form A. frater-
cuius, Trist., are abundant throughout Nubia, frequenting
the confines of the desert.
. ^ k / ■. I h3,ve before me a series of twenty-four specimens of
_ . Ammomanes from Egypt, Nubia, Palestine, and Abyssinia,
' ' -'^ ^ ^ J apprently, at first sight, including three races : — 1st, the paler
one, the true A. lusitana, ranging throughout Egypt as far
as Assouan ; 2nd, A. fraterculus, Trist., very abundant in
Nubia and Upper Egypt, and agreeing precisely with typical
specimens from Palestine in Canon Tristram's collection ;
3rd, a race from Abyssinia, collected by Mr. Jesse, which is
much darker and smaller than A. fraterculus from Palestine.
Of these three races, the first and second, i. e. A. lusitana and
A. fraterculus (the only two which 1 have to consider in the
present work), appear to me to be simply subspecies or races,
and exhibit scarcely sufficient distinction to warrant their
separation into different species ; for when we examine a
series collected between Cairo and Assouan, these two races
merge imperceptibly into each other. Yet in the present
work I have separated them imder their distinctive names,
A. lusitana being described from one of my paler specimens
collected at El Kab, and A. fraterculus from a type specimen
in Canon Tristram's collection from Palestine, which agrees
perfectly with most of my Nubian birds.
Upper plumage pale sandy colour, inclining to cinnamon
on the rump and base of the tail ; wings and tail pale brown,
with sandy edgings to the feathers ; underparts cream-
colour ; beak flesh-colour, darkest towards the culmen ; legs
pale brown; irides brown.
BIRDS OP EGYPT. 137
Entire length 6*4 inches ; culmen 0'6 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3-8 ; tarsus 85.
Fig. Temm. PI. Col. 244. fig. 2.
101. Ammomanes fratercclus, Trist. Tristram's Desert-
Lark.
Very closely allied to the last species. Abundant in
Upper Egypt and Nubia.
Very similar to A. lusitana, hut of a generally darker hue;
upper plumage tinted with ash-colour ; throat rather faintly
spotted with brown.
Entire length 6 inches; culmen 0'5; wing, carpus to tip,
3'6 : tarsus 0"8.
102. Ammomanes arenicolor (Sundev.). Sandy-coloured
Desert-Lark.
Mr. G. R. Gray (Hand-list of B. vol. ii. p. 122) gives the
locality " Lower Egypt " for the present species. Dr. von
Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 685) considers J. arenicolor,
Sundev., to be synonymous with J. cinctura, Gould, but
does not mention it as observed in Egypt. Professor Sun-
devall, however, in his original description (Ofv. Kongl. Vet.
Akad. Eorh. 1850, p. 128), says that it is found in Lower
Egypt and Ai-abia Petrgea, having often been confounded
with A. lusitana.
Somewhat similar to A. lusitana, but a little smaller, and
having not so large a bill, the colour of the tail different, and
also the relations of the quills.
■/,</.
138 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
103. Galerit A CRIST ATA (Linn.). Crested Lark.
V y Tkis is one of the most abundant birds in Egypt. It is
very similar to the Skylark in general appearance ; but it
never soars very high, and has but an indifferent song.
1 have before me for comparison one hundred specimens
of the present species from S. Europe, N. Africa, Abyssinia,
the River Gambia, and China ; from among this series the
Egyptian specimens may be easily picked out by their gene-
rally darker coloration, while some of those from Algeria and
Palestine are the lightest in the series. Above the First
Cataract I observed that the Crested Lark appeared lighter
in colour than those in Egypt.
The following description of the plumage is taken from
live. specimens shot by myself in Egypt : —
Upper plumage very similar to that of Alauda urvensis,
but darker ; wings brown, feathers paler towards their edges,
inner web of the quills marked with cinnamon-brown ; tail
dark brown, outer feathers edged with buff: a crest on the
head of narrow dark brown feathers, edged with sandy ;
underparts creamy-white, shading off darker on the sides of
the chest and flanks, and spotted with dark brown on the sides
of the throat and crop ; two thirds of the under surface of
the wing pale cinnamon-brown ; beak yellowish-brown, darkest
on the culmen ; legs pale brown ; irides brown.
Entire length Q1 inches ; culmen 06; wing, carpus to tip,
4 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part xiii.
G. rutila (Miill.) of Mr. G. R. Gray's ' Hand-list of
Birds' (vol. ii. p. 119) has the locality Egypt attached to
it. As I cannot detect any specific difference in the Crested
BIED.S OF EGYPT. 139
Larks from Egypt, I have followed Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O.
Afr. p. 681) in considering this name a synonym of G.
cristata (L.).
104. Alauda arborea, Linn. Wood-Lark.
Brehm mentions having met with the Wood-Lark once in
liower Egypt in the winter. As I know of no other instance
of its occurrence in the country, it may, doubtless, be con-
sidered a rare straggler.
Plumage similar to that of A. arvensis, with the following
distinctive characters : — a clear sandy-coloured eyebrow,
separating the top of the head from the ear-coverts; the
wing-coverts tipped with white; outer web of the second
tail-feather only bordered with white, and all but the two
centre ones tipped with that colom-; spots on the throat
richer in coloiur and more distinct.
Entire length 7 inches; culmen 0-5; wing, carpus to tip,
4 ; tarsus 0"9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 167.
105. Alauda arvensis, Linn. Sky-Lark.
In writing upon A. arvensis I include the subspecies
J. intermedia, as determined by Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser
(B. of Eur. part vi.). Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 679)
regards the Sky-Lark as an occasional and not very regular
visitor to Lower Egypt. From my own observations I cannot
altogether agree with him, as on two occasions when I visited
the Delta in February, and during my stay in the Fayoom m
that same month, I found it plentiful in flocks ; so that I con-
140 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
sider it regular in its visits and abundant in Lower Egypt
during the early spring. I have a specimen collected at
Alexandria in March which corresponds in every respect with
A. arvensis from England ; the other specimens, four in
number, which I collected in the Delta and Fayoom, ai'e the
true A. intermedia of Swinhoe.
Upper plumage brown, with pale edgings to the feathers,
more especially on the back of the neck ; rump inclining to
grey ; upper tail-coverts strongly tinted with rufous ; quills
brown, narrowly edged with dull white ; wing-coverts paler
than the back, and more sandy in colour ; tail bnjwn, the two
centre feathers lighter and washed with grey towards the
tip ; outer feather on each side white, the inner web edged with
dusky ; the second feather has the outer web white ; cheeks
and eyebrows sandy colour ; under surface of the body creamy-
white, with the lower part of the throat and crop washed with
yellowish brown and streaked with dark brown ; beak flesh-
colour, shading into brown on the culmen ; legs flesh-colour ;
irides brown.
Entire length 7"7 inches ; culmen 0'6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4-4 ; tarsiis 0-9.
A. intermedia, Swinhoe. P. Z. S. 1863, p. 89.
I only separate the present form as a subspecies of A. ar-
vensis, a mere climatic variety, similar in measurements to
that bird but differing in plumage, yet so slightly that a
description almost fails to point out any true distinction,
though in a series of Larks the eye will enable one readily
to distinguish the bird. Von Heughn (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p.
679) has included this subspecies under A. arvensis without
remark. It is the A. ca/ilarella of authors, but wA of liona-
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 141
parte, who appears to have applied that name to the true
A. arvensis of Italy. In keeping the name J. intermedia of
Swinhoe for this subspecies, I have followed Messrs. Sharpe
and Dresser in their admii'able work on the birds of Europe
(part vi. Alauda arvensis, p. 6), in which they specially notice
this Sky-Lark from Egypt.
It differs from the typical A. arvensis in being shghtly
smaller, and in the plumage being rather hghter in colom-
and more grey, especially on the upper part of the back ; the
markings are more pronounced, the spots on the chest slightly
more distinct ; and it has a more clearly defined eyebrow.
Eig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vi.
100. Calandrella brachydactyla (Leisler). Short-toed
Lark.
This Lark arrives in March, when it may be met with
abundantly throughout Egypt in large flocks.
Upper plumage very similar to that of Alauda arvensis ;
wings brown, the feathers edged with sandy colour ; tail dark
brown, the two outer featliers on each side strongly marked
with cream-colour, and the two centre ones broadly edged
with pale russet ; imderparts dull white without spots, and
with a more or less distinct brown shade on the crop, and
occasionally marked with a brown blotch on each side of the
crop ; beak pale whitish brown, darkest on the culmen ; legs
pale yellowish brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 5" 5 inches ; culmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3'5 ; tarsus 0'8.
Eig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 163.
142 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
107. Calandrella reboudia, Trist. Algerian Short-toed
Lark.
This species is very closely allied to C. hrachydactijla, and
appears to be a resident in Egypt ; for Mr. E. C. Taylor killed
some specimens in the month of January near Caii'o, out of
a flock which he found on the desert. It is, however, of
very rare occurrence in the country ; and I not aware of its
ever having been met with in Upper Egypt or Nubia.
Upper plumage, wings, and tail similar to those of C.
hracliydactyla ; under plumage of a purer white, and distinctly
spotted loith brovm on the centre of the feathers of the crop
and flanks.
Entire length 5"3 inches ; culmen 0'35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-3 ; tarsus 0-8.
108. Calandrella minor, Cab.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 697) mentions the
present Lark as a bird of passage in the spring and autumn
in both Egypt and Nubia.
Of this species we have examined two specimens lent
by Dr. Peters, of Berlin, to Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser,
for the purposes of their work on the birds of Eui'ope.
They were sent from Egypt by Ehrenberg ; and although
closely allied to both the foregoing species, they seem to
diff'er from C. brachydactyla by being much smaller, and from
both in their pale coloration and yellow bill.
Total length 5'3 inches ; culmen 0*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-7 ; tail 2'5 ; tarsus 0-85.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 143
109. Melanocorypha calandra (Linn.). Calandra Lark.
The Calandra Lark occasionally passes the winter months
in Lower Egypt ; but its appearance is of uncertain occurrence,
and its numbers Umited. Riippell mentions it as a plentiful
winter visitor to Egypt and Nubia ; but as I can find no
evidence of its capture above Cairo, I am inclined to consider
its range on the Nile to be limited to Lower Egypt.
It must be observed that the Calandra Lark of Egypt may,
after all, not be the true M. calandra (Linn.) ; for Messrs.
Sharpe and Dresser (B. of Eur. part viii.) have shown that an
allied species, M. bimaculata (Menetr.), is the Calandra of
Abyssinia ; and as this bird extends through Palestine and
South-Eastern Europe to North-Western India, it is quite
possible that it passes through Egypt on its migration. In
the work above mentioned a good figure will be seen of this
bird, which diff'ers from the ordinary Calandra in having no
white on the wings, but has white spots on the end of the
tail-feathers, instead of the outer feathers being for the most
part white.
Upper plumage similar to that of the Sky-Lark ; primaries
edged with white, secondaries tipped with that colour ; outer
feathers of the tail pure white, second feather edged and
tipped with white ; underparts white, with a very distinct
black patch on each side of the upper part of the chest ; crop
spotted with brown on the tips of the feathers ; flanks shaded
with brown ; beak pale yellowish-brown, darker above ; legs
pale brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 7"2 inches ; culmen 0'7 ; wing, carpus to tip,
5'2 ; tarsus r2.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part v.
144 BIEDS OF EPtTPT.
110. Rhamphocokis Clot-Bey (Temm.). Thick-billed Va-
landra.
The typical specimen of this Lark came from Egypt ; yet
it appears to be extremely rare hi the coimtry ; for I know of
no other specimen having been procured in that locality.
Upper plumage sandy colour, slightly tinted with ashy
towards the head ; centres of the feathers on the head occa-
sionally marked with dark brown ; primaries brown, edged
on their outer webs with buff, secondaries broadly edged
with white ; tail white, inclining to sandy colour towards the
centre feathers, and broadly tipped with dark brown, forming
a triangle with its apex about the centre of the tail ; two
centre tail-feathers sandy colour, darkest towards the apical
half; feathers round the eye white ; cheeks, ear-coverts, and
sides of the throat black ; underparts white, tinted with
sandy colour on the sides of the breast and flanks, and spotted
wth brown, mostly towards the centre of the abdomen ; beak
very stout and notched, of a pale buffish colour ; legs pale buif,
claws short and thick ; irides brown.
Entire length 6'3 inches ; culmen 0'7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4-9 ; tarsus 0"9.
Pam. EMBERIZID^.
111. Emberiza miliaria, Linn. Common Bunting.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. G58) this
species is a winter visitor to Egypt, but is rarely observed in
Nubia. I first met with it on the 4th of March, in the Fayoom,
and afterwards foimd il :ib\indiiiit nrav Diimiettn, towards the
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 145
end of that month, when I generally met with it in small
flocks.
Upper parts and ear-coverts pale brown, with a gi-eyish
shade on the back, the centres of the feathers being dark
brown except on the rump ; wings and tail dark brown, with
pale edgings to the feathers ; feathers round the eye, and
underparts, cream-colour, spotted with brown on the throat,
chest, and flanks, mostly so on the sides of the throat and
crop ; beak brownish flesh-colour, shading into dark brown
on the culmen ; legs flesh-colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 6'5 inches; culmen 0'5; wing, carpus to
tip, S'Q ; tarsus 0"95.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part viii.
112. Emberiza hobtulana, Linn. Ortolan Bunting.
The Ortolan is only a bird of passage in Egypt, and I am
not aware of its having been captured in Nubia, although
according to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 662) it is very
plentifid in Abyssinia from September to April, and occa-
sionally breeds there.
I have shot it on several occasions in Middle Egypt in
April. It arrives on its northward migration about the end
of March, and returns through the country in the autumn.
Male. — Head and neck yellowish grey ; throat, feathers
round the.eyes, and under the ear-coverts pale yellow ; back,
scapulars, and wing-coverts pale chestnut, with the centre of
the feathers dark brown ; primaries dusky brown, narrowly
edged with pale yellowish brown ; tail, two exterior feathers
on each side having the apical half white, with a streak of
146 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
brown along the quills, remainder of the feathers dark brown,
bordered with pale brown ; underparts pale rufous, shaded
with yellow ; legs and beak flesh-colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 6 inches ; culmen 0"4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3-6 ; tarsus 075.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vii.
113. Emberiza c^sia, Cretzsch. Cretzschmar' s Bunting.
This is a spring visitant, arriving in Egypt about the end
of March, and does not appear to be abundant at any season.
I only shot it once, near Cairo, in the beginning of April.
The Rev. A. C. Smith {' Attractions of the Nile,' vol. ii.
p. 232) mentions seeing it at Alexandria. According to Von
Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 663) it is most plentiful in the
spring, during March and April, and in the autumn, when it
may often be found in company with E. hortulana. It breeds
occasionally in the Delta and near Cau'o.
Head, nape, and crop slaty grey ; upper plumage chestnut,
with the centres of the feathers on the back dark brown ;
wings brown, the feathers edged with pale chestnut; tail
brown, the feathers edged with chestnut, the end-third of the
two outer feathers on each side white on the inner web ; in
front of the eye, throat, under the ear-coverts, and abdomen
chestnut ; beak, reddish brown above ; legs brown ; irides
brown.
Entire length 6"2 inches ; culmen 0*4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3-3 ; tarsus 0-7.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ii.
BIRDS OF EGYPT, 147
1 14. Emberiza inteemedia, Michah. Smaller Beed-Buniing.
(Plate III. fig. 2.)
I met with a single specimen of this Bunting (a female) in
the reedy marsh near Damietta on the 22nd of March, and
brought home the skin.
Von Heuglin never observed this species himself in North-
eastern Africa (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 668), but includes it on
t*' J authority of De Selys-Longchamps, who says that it is
found at Damietta ; so that it is evidently of rare occurrence
in Egypt, and, as far as we know, confined to a very limited
portion of the Delta.
Female. — Top of the head and ear- coverts mixed rufoiis
and sandy brown, the centres of the feathers black ; nape
blacker ; back of the neck ashy brown ; back and wing-
feathers dark brown, broadly edged with rufous and pale
brown ; rump ashy brown ; upper tail-coverts rufous brown ;
tail, outer feather, and apical thii'd of the next one white,
with some brown along the shaft, remainder of the tail dark
brown with pale edgings ; throat and feathers round the ear-
coverts yellowish white, with two broad brown stripes on
each side of the throat ; remainder of the underparts creamy-
white, with rufous-brown streaks on the centres of the fea-
thers of the chest and flanks ; beak and legs dark brown ;
irides brown ; diameter of the beak 0'3.
Entire length 5"8 inches ; culmen 0"4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 0"8.
Male. — Top of the head, nape, cheeks, ear-coverts, and
throat black; under the ear-coverts, sides and back of the
neck, and under surface of the bodv white.
148 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
The figure is taken from my Damietta specimen, which is
still in my collection.
ram. FRINGILLID-ai.
115, Passer domesticus (Linn.). Common Sparrow.
The Sparrow is as abmidant in Egypt and Nubia as in
Europe, and remains there throughout the year.
Male. — Top of the head, nape, and sides of the breast slate-
colour ; chin, throat, and region of the eyes black ; behind the
eye a small white spot ; ear-coverts greyish-white, and behind
them a broad band of chestnut extending over the eye ; back
and scapulars chestnut, with black centres to the feathers ;
rump and upper tail-coverts greenish grey ; quills black,
edged with chestnut ; lesser wing-coverts chestnut, the lower
row broadly tipped with white, forming an alar bar; tail
dark brown, the feathers edged with yellowish brown ; under-
parts pale dusky grey ; legs and beak pale brown ; irides
hazel.
Entire length 5'5 inches; culmeu 0*5; wing, carpus
to tip, 3'1 ; tarsus 0'6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 184.
11(5. Passer Italle (Vieill.). Italiaii Sparrow.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. (330), this
bird is to be met with in Egypt and Nubia, and extends its
range as far south as the Blue Nile. I have never, to my
knowledge, seen an Egyptian specimen of this Sparrow.
Male. — Top of the head and back of the neck chestnut ;
BIKDS OF EGYPT. 149
cheeks pure white ; a white eyebrow ; remainder of the
plumage similar to that of P. domes fictis.
Female. — Resembles that of P. domesticus.
Entii'e length 5 '5 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 185.
117. Passer salicicola (Vieill.). Spanish Sjjarrow.
Abundant during the winter in Egypt, rarely, however,
remaining late enough to breed. Dr. A. L. Adams (Ibis,
1864, p. 23) says that in November and December, during
the ripening of the dhurra, Spanish Sparrows assemble in
enormous numbers, and do great damage to the crops ; and
Mr. E. C. Taylor {op. cit. 1867, p. 65) says that this species
is more abundant even than P. domesticus. This can only
hold good in speaking of the winter months, as during three
tours in Egypt I never met with this species later than the
beginning of February. Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr.
p. 632) declares that it breeds in Egypt in March, and in
Nubia in August and September — a statement which I am
inclined to doubt,
Male. — Top of the head and nape chestnut, the feathers
shghtly edged with pale brown ; remainder of the upper
plumage similar to that of the Common Sparrow, but rather
darker on the back ; cheeks, ear-coverts, and sides of the
throat white ; feathers in front of and under the eye, throat,
and crop black, those on the latter part edged with white ;
abdomen white ; the centre of the feathers on the flanks
black ; beak brown, paler towards the base of the lower
mandible ; legs pale brown ; irides brown.
150 BIKDS OF EGYPT.
Female. — Very like that of the Common Sparrow.
Entire length 6 inches ; culmen 0*45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eiu-. pi. 185.
118. Passer montanus (Linn.). Tree-Sparrow.
Von Heuglin (Om. N. O. Afr. p. 633) states that this
species comes into Egypt probably as a winter visitant.
Both sexes are alike in plumage, and closely resemble the
male of P. domesticus, but are smaller, and differ in having
the top of the head chocolate, a black patch on the ear-coverts,
and some of the wing-coverts tipped with bufiF, forming two
bars on the shoulders.
Entire length 5'3 inches ; culmen 04 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2-8 ; tarsus 0-5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 184.
119. CoccoTHRAUSTEs VULGARIS, Pall. Hawpich.
Dr. Cavafy has kindly written to me, informing me that
he received a specimen of this bird from Alexandria in 1859.
This is the only instance of its occurrence in Egypt that
I know of.
A narrow edging of feathers round the beak and a large
patch on the throat black ; top of the head, cheeks, and rump
chestnut-brown ; back and sides of the neck ash-colour ;
back and scapulars deep brown ; most of the greater and
the last row of the smaller vidng-coverts white, forming a
large central mark ; remainder of the wing-feathers black.
BIRDS OF E&TPT. 151
with green and violet reflections ; the secondaries are square
at the ends, and the smaller primaries end in abrupt loavy
lines ; centre feathers of the tail brownish white, the outer
ones black, and the intermediate ones have more or less broad
white ends ; beak and legs fleshy brown ; irides white.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen O'S ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4 ; tarsus 0"85.
Fig. Gonld, B. of Eur. pi. 199.
120. Eringilla ccELEBS, Linn. Chaffinch.
I met with several specimens of this bird near Damietta in
March; and on the 2Sth of that month I shot one, in order to
verify the species. It is only a winter visitant to Egypt, and
appears to be rarely seen above Cairo, and probably never
ranges above the First Cataract.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 640) observes that Dr.
Hartmann met with it at Thebes in February. This is the
most southern point on the Nile that we have any positive
record of its occurrence.
Male. — Top of the head and back of the neck grey ;
upper part of the back and scapulars chestnut ; rump yel-
lowish green ; lesser wing-coverts white, the greater ones
tipped with yellowish white ; outer web of the quills narroAvly
edged with yellow, with some white at the base of all but
the three outer ones ; remainder of the wing brownish black ;
tail with some white on the two outer feathers, the remainder
dark brown ; cheeks, throat, and underparts ferruginous ;
beak and legs fleshy brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 6 inches ; culmen 0*45 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'4 ; tarsus 0-7.
152 BIRDS OF E&YPT.
Female. — Upper plumage olive, inclining to yellowish green
on the rump ; wings dusky brown, the feathers edged with
yellowish white ; three white bands are formed on the wing
by some of the primaries being marked with white, and the
greater and lesser wing-coverts being edged with the same
colour ; underparts dusky white.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 187.
121. Carduelis elegans, Steph. Goldfinch.
Abundant in the Delta in winter, but I am not aware of
its having been met with south of Cairo. I shot a specimen
out of some large flocks that I fell in with neai- Damietta in
March.
Male. — Feathers round the beak and region of the eye
black ; forehead, and a broad patch beneath the chin, crim-
son, a black patch covering the top of the head and half
encircling the ear-coverts, the latter being nearly white ; back
and sides of the chest pale olive-brown ; wings black, with a
large golden-yellow patch crossing their centres ; quills tipped
with white ; tail-feathers black tipped with white ; under
surface of the body white, tinted on the breast and flanks with
pale brown ; legs and beak flesh-brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 5 inches ; culmen 0"4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3 ; tarsus 05.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 196.
122. EsTRELDA MELANOUHTNCHA, Antin. Black-bUled FincL
This bird was discovered by Antinori near Alexandria in
1861. Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 577) has not, ap-
1
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 153
parently, been able to identify the species, which he fancies
must belong to the genus Euplectes, as Antinori has heard that
it is found in spring near Jaffa in bright plumage. If it
should be a Weaver bird, this will be, as Von Heuglin
justly remarks, a curious circumstance, as extending the
range of the genus Euplectes into the Palsearctic region.
The following is Antinori's description : — " Very small
the whole of the upper surface of the body chestnut-olive,
underneath of an ochreous-isabelline colour ; wings dusky ;
tail-feathers blackish, the side ones terminating in a yellowish-
grey spot ; bill black ; feet horn-colour. Size of Amadina
ultramarina."
123. ^GioTHUS RUFESCENS (Vieill.). Lesser Bedpole.
I include this species on the authority of Riippell, but
I think it is highly probable that it is not met with in Egypt ;
for Von Heuglin observes that he never found it in any part
of North-eastern Africa, and I myself know of no instance of
its capture there.
I have not given a detailed description of this well-known
bird. It may briefly be said that it is like the Common
Linnet, but is much smaller, with brighter crimson on the
forehead and breast, and having a white belly, with stripes
on the flanks and no white on the tail. This diagnosis will
serve for the recognition of the species should any one meet
with the bird in Egypt.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 194.
1 54 BIRDS or EGYPT.
124. Serinus hortulanus, Koch. Serin Finch.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 647) mentions that he
met with the Serin Finch in the Delta and in the neigh-
bourhood of Cairo in pairs and small flocks during the month
of March.
3fale. — ^Forehead, breast, and rump bright lemon -yellow,
the lower abdomen and vent white ; cheeks yellow, tinged
with greenish ; upper surface of the body olive-green, with
central streaks of dark brown to each feather, the flanks also
streaked with dark brown ; bill brownish white, the lower
mandible paler ; feet fleshy brown ; iris dark brown.
Total length 4'5 inches; culmen 0*35; wing, carpus to
tip, 2'8 ; tarsus 0'5.
Female. — Much duller than the male, and having no
yellow forehead ; breast not so bright, and streaked all over
with brown markings.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 195.
125. LiNOTA CANNABiNA (Limi.). Linnet.
This is a common winter visitant to Lower Egypt, where
it remains until the end of February. I have never met with
it above Cairo ; but it probably ranges into Nubia, as it is
mentioned by Blasius as occurring in Abyssinia.
My description is taken from a female specimen, which
I shot in the middle of February in the Delta.
Top of the head, nape, and ear-coverts ashy grey ; centre
of the feathers on the top of the head dark brown ; forehead
marked with cherry-colom-ed reflections ; back, scapulars, and
wing-coverts chestnut ; primaries black, edged with white ;
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BIEDS OF EGYPT. 155
upper tail-coverts white, with black centres to the feathers ;
tail-feathers pointed and black, with white edges ; underparts
white ; throat marked with longitudinal dusky spots ; sides
of the chest rose-colour, inclining to cherry-red ; flanks chest-
nut ; beak dark brown, inclining to flesh-colour towards the
base of the lower mandible ; legs and irides brown.
Entire length 55 inches; culmen 4; wing, carpus to
tip, 3*2 ; tarsus 0.6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 191.
126. Erythrospiza githaginea (Licht.) Besert-Bulljinch.
(Plate V.)
This pretty little bird, rendered so conspicuous by its
bright red bUl, is very plentiful in Upper Egypt and Nubia,
where it may be met with in paii-s and flocks along the
confines of the desert. It invades the cultivated land for
its food, which consists entii'ely of small seeds, and at such
times may be seen clustered in groups upon the mustard-
and other plants, which wave to and fro under the weight of
the birds as they busily peck away at the seeds. In flight
it closely resembles the Linnet ; but its pale roseate tints
easily distinguish it from any other Egyptian Finch.
Male in breeding-plumage. — The feathers round the beak
are brightly tinted with rosy red ; top of the head, ear-coverts,
and sides of the neck delicate ashy grey, shading on the nape
and back into soft pinkish brown ; rump and upper tail-
coverts pink, the feathers edged with carmine ; wings brown,
with broad pink borders to the secondaiies and wing-coverts,
all being narrowly edged with carmine ; tail brown, with
156 BIKDS OF EGYPT.
similar edging towards the base of the feathers ; underparts
pink, with the ends of the feathers carmine ; beak bright
orange-red ; legs brownish flesh-colour; irides brown.
In winter plumage, pink takes the place of the carmine.
Entire length 5 inches ; culmen 0*4 ; wing, cai-pus to tip,
3-3 ; tarsus O"?.
The immature bird is of a general sandy colour, with the
centre of the feathers of the wing and tail dark brown ; beak
pale yellowish brown.
The figures are taken from an adult male and an immature
bird, both shot by myself on the 7th of May.
Pam. ORIOLID-aE.
127. Oriolus galbula, Linn. Golden Oriole.
This bird passes through Egypt and Nubia on its spring
and autumn migrations, but does not remain to breed in the
country. In spring it arrives about the middle of April,
when it is rather plentiful among the thicker-foliaged trees.
Male. — Brilliant golden yellow, with the exception of the
lores, which are black ; wings black ; most of the quills
tipped with pale yellow, and a yellow spot about the middle
of the wing ; tail black, with the end bright yellow ; beak
red ; legs brown ; irides crimson.
Female. — Colours duller, top of the head, back, and sca-
pulars greenish yellow, bright on the rump ; wings brown,
feathers edged with white ; a less amount of yellow on the
tail ; throat and centre of the body stone grey, more or less
shaded with yellow \ flanks and under tail-coverts yellow.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 157
with occasional stripes of pale dusky or brown down the
centres of the feathers.
Entire length 9' 5 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 6 ; tarsus 0"9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 71.
Fam. STURNID^.
128. Sturnxjs vulgaris, Linn. Starling.
This bird is a winter visitant, and may be found plentifully
in the Delta up to the end of March ; it may also occasionally
be met with in Middle and, possibly, Upper Egypt.
General plumage deep metallic green, with purple reflections
on the throat and back ; more or less of the feathers on the
upper surface tipped with buff, and those on the under sur-
face with white, according to the age of the bird ; wings and
tail brown, with pale edging to the feathers. Legs pale
brown ; beak brown, except in breeding-plumage, when it is
bright yellow; ii-ides dark brown.
Entire length 8'3 inches; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4 '8 ; tarsus r2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 210.
129. Pastor ROSEUS (Linn.). Bose-coloured Pastor.
Von Heughn (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 531) says that he only
knows of a single instance of this bird's capture in Egypt,
when a young bird was killed in a field near Cairo, on the
25th of August, 1S64.
IlL
158 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Entire head and neck purplisli black ; wings and tail black,
with green and purple reflections ; remainder of the plumage
pale pink ; basal half of the beak black, remainder yellowish
brown ; legs pale brown ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 8" 5 inches ; culmen 0*8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5*1 ; tarsus 1"2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 212.
Pam. CORVIDiE.
130. CoRvus UMBRiNUs, Hedenborg. Brown-necked Haven.
This Raven is very plentiful throughout Egypt and Nubia.
It prefers desert and rocky districts to the more cultivated
parts, and may frequently be seen near the Pyramids, on
which it yearly builds. Like the Common Raven it nests
both on rocks and trees, in the latter instance usually select-
ing the crown of some lofty date-palm. It is essentially a
desert-bird, and therefore not to be met with in the Delta.
Entire plumage blue-black, except the feathers of the head
and neck, which are brown almost approaching to black.
Legs and beak black ; irides very dark brown.
Entire length 22*5 inches ; culmen 2'6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 15'8 ; tarsus 2"6.
131. CoRvus AFFiNis, Riipp. Abi/ssinian Haven.
This small species of Raven is a resident in Egypt and
Nubia, but is rather uncommon. 1 have seen a specimen
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 159
from Egypt in Mr. E. C. Taylor's collection, obtained by
Mr. Clark Kennedy during his visit to that country.
Entire plumage black, slightly shaded with brown on the
throat. The hairy coverts to the nostrils are very stiff and
fully developed, and directed forwards and upwards in a fan-
shape on the sides of the beak. Beak and legs black, the
former very stout and short ; irides brownish black.
Entire length 19'5 to 20*5 inches; culmen 2-2 to 2'5,
diameter of the beak I'l ; wing, carpus to tip, 15 to 15'5 ;
tarsus 2" 5 to 2" 7.
Fig. (head only) Schl. Bijdr. Dierk.Afl. pi. vii. 1 h. fig. 26.
132. CoBVUS coRNix, Linn. Hooded Crow.
This is the common Crow of Egypt, but in Nubia it is
less plentiful. It begins breeding towards the end of Feb-
ruary, when its nest may be procured in almost every clump
of sont trees.
Head, throat, wings, and tail blue-black, remainder of the
plumage stone-grey. Legs and beak black, irides very dark
brown.
Entire length 18 inches; culmen 2; wing, carpus to
tip, 12 ; tarsus 2"2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 222.
133. CoRvus FRTJGiLEGUs, Linn. Rook.
Large flocks of the Common Rook may be met with in the
Delta up to the end of March, but it does not remain to
^
160 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
breed in the country. It is rarely seen south of Cairo, al-
though upon one occasion I obsei'ved a few at Memphis ;
this may be owing to the fact that snails and slugs, delicacies
on which this bird delights to feed, are entirely absent from
Upper Egypt.
Entire plumage blue-black. Legs and beak black, irides
dark brown.
Entire length 18' 5 inches; culmen 2"3; wing, carpus to
tip, 11"5 ; tarsus 21.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 224.
134. CoRVUS MONEDULA, Linn. Jackdaw.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 498) observes that
RiippeU mentions the Jackdaw as plentiful in Lower Egypt.
I consider this evidence insufficient, and therefore give no
description of this well-known bird.
135. Pica caudata, Keys. & Bl. Magpie.
According to Bonaparte the Magpie is to be met with in
Egypt and Nubia, and Riippell states that it is tolerably
plentiful in Lower Egypt during the winter. Von Heuglin,
on the other hand (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 497), affirms that it was
never seen by Hemprich and Ehrenberg, Brehm, or himself
in the course of all their travels in North-Eastern Africa.
There is a Magpie in the Frankfort Museum labelled " from
Egypt;" but as this may have been a tame bird, and as
the statements of Bonaparte and Riippell are not always to be
relied upon, 1 feci that ] sliould not be justified in including
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 161
the Magpie among the true Egyptian birds, and therefore do
not describe it.
136. Pyrrhocouax alpinus, Vieill. Alpine Chough.
I consider the occurrence of this species in Egypt very
doubtful ; for it is included solely upon the authority of Hassel-
quist.
Entire plumage uniform black ; beak yellow ; legs ver-
milion, with the soles of the feet and claws black ; irides
dark brown.
Entire length 15*5 inches ; cuhnen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
10-2 ; tarsus 1-7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 218.
Order PICARI^.
Pam. YTJNGID^.
137. YuNX TORQUILLA, Linn. Wryneck.
The Wryneck is not uncommon as a spring and autumn
visitant, but is much less plentiful in Upper Egypt and Nubia
than lower dowa tlie Nile, where it is usually to be met with
singly, perched upon some low hedge.
Upper plumage grey mingled with rufous, and the whole
delicately pencilled with dusky ; a patch of mottled black and
rufous runs from the back of the head to the centre of the
back ; on the scapulars there is a band of black and buff
spots ; wings brown, the quills barred with rutous ; tail
ashy brown, beautifully pencilled and irregularly barred with
black ; chin white, throat buff, the whole evenly barred with
M
162 BIEDS or EGITPT.
pure black ; under surface of the body white shaded with
yellow on the flanks and under tail-coverts, and with brown
barbed spots on the centres of the feathers. Legs and beak
fleshy brown ; irides pale brown.
Entire length 7 inches; culmen 0'4 ; wing, carpus to tip,
3 '5 ; tarsus 0"8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 233.
ram. CUCULID^.
138. CucuLUS CA.NORUS, Linn. Cuckoo.
The Cuckoo arrives from the south in March, and is gone
again by May, returning once more in August. I have shot
it on several occasions ; but it does not appear to be very
abundant in the country at any season.
Upper plumage slaty grey, wings browner ; inner web of
the quill-feathers banded with white ; tail black tipped with
white, and with white spots along the shafts of the feathers ;
tlu-oat slaty grey ; remainder of the under plumage white,
barred, with dusky on the body. Base of the bill, legs, and
irides yellow, remainder of the beak black.
Entire length 14 inches ; culmen 0"9 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus 9.
Eig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 240.
139. CoccYSTES GLANDARius (Linn.). Great Spotted Cuckoo.
This graceful bird is a resident in Egypt and Nubia, and
may be met with abundantly in the clumps of sont trees,
usually in pairs or small family parties. They are by no
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 163
means shy, and will often sit motionless on a bough while one
walks beneath the tree. In Egypt they breed at thesalno
time as the Hooded Crow, and invariably select a nest of
that species in which to deposit their eggs.
Von Henglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 787) is of opinion that
they first lay their eggs on the gromid and then carry them
in their beaks to the nest they have selected, in the same
manner as the Common Cuckoo does. About half of those
that I saw even as late as May were in immature plumage.
Top of the head crested, and of a pale slaty-grey with finr
dusky streaks along the shafts of the feathers ; remainder of th-
upper plumage olivaceous brown, all the feathers of the wing
and upper tail-coverts tipped with white ; tail bronzy black
tipped with white ; throat buff ; under surface of the body
creamy white. Legs slate-colour ; beak dark brown, inclining
to yellow at the base of the lower mandible ; irides brown.
Entire length 17 inches; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
8 ; tarsus 1'3.
The females have the primaries more or less strongly
marked with rufous. The immature birds have the top of
the head black, primaries more rufous, and the throat yellow.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 241.
140. Chrysococcyx cupreus (Bodd.). Bronzy-green Cuckoo.
Herr F. Heine (J. f. 0. 1863, p. 350) states that this bird,
which he calls Lamprococcjjx chrysocUlorus, comes into Egypt.
This Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 777) disbelieves; for,
as he observes, it is a truly tropical species, never occurring
in Nubia or in northern Scnaar and Kordofan, and conse-
quently still less likely to be met with in Egypt. I perfectly
M 2
164 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
agree with him in considering that the present species does
not come into Egypt, and have in consequence not described
its plumage.
141. Centropus ^gtptius (Gm.). Lark-heeled Cuckoo.
(Plate VI.)
Von Heughn (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 796) considers C. cegypi'ms,
Gm., to be synonj'mous with C. senegalensis (Briss.); but this
latter name cannot hold good, as it has been given by Linnaeus to
the West- African form. I have in my collection four skins
of C. (Egyptius from Egypt, and one of C. senegalensis from
West Africa, and they certainly are distinct species. C.
(sggptius is, I believe, confined to North-eastern Africa, and is
most abundant in Lower Egypt.
In habits it is lazy, and prefers creeping among the thick
beds of cane and the upper branches of the more densely
foliaged trees to showing itself in the open, and is con-
sequently not very common in collections.
Top of the head, ear-coverts, and nape brownish-black
with an oily green reflection, the shafts of the feathers stout
and polished ; back, scapulars, and wing-coverts duU brown ;
primaries and secondaries bright rufous, tipped with brown ;
tail and upper tail-coverts brownish black, with metallic
green reflections ; under surface of the body pale straw-
colour, the shafts of the feathers very stout and glossy. Legs
and beak black, irides red.
Entire length 18 inches; culmen TS; wing, carpus to
tip, 7 to 8 ; tarsus 1-7.
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BIEDS OF EGYPT. 165
Fam. UPUPIDJE.
142. Upupa epops, Linn. Hoopoe.
This bird is extremely plentiful throughout Egypt and
Nubia, frequenting the neighbourhood of villages, where it
may be daily seen perched upon a mud wall or bough, singing
its simple song of " Poop-poop-poop," or else strutting along
the ground with dignified gait, stopping here and there to
drive its beak into the earth after its insect food. It breeds
in March and April. The Arabic name is " Hud-hud."
Head and a highly developed crest rufous, the end of each of
the longer crest-feathers black, some of them having a
white bar before the black. The rufous colour extends to
the centre of the back and over the shoulders, but is some-
what duller ; it also extends down the neck and over the
chest, where it acquires a pink hue ; primaries and taU
black, each distinctly barred with pure white ; a distinct white
bar across the rump ; remainder of the back and wings black
barred with buff or pure white ; abdomen and under tail-
coverts white, the flanks marked with dusky brown. Legs
brown ; beak black, paler at the base ; irides brown.
Entire length 12 inches ; culmen 2*3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 6; tarsus 9.
Eig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vii.
Fam. ALCEDINID^.
-V 143. Alcedo ispida, Linn. Common Kingfisher.
Very abundant in the Delta, and occasionally met with
166 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
throughout Egypt. I have myself seen it above Cairo upon
three occasions, at Sioot, Koos, and Thebes.
Head crested ; top of the head and nape black, closely
barred with cobalt ; lores and ear-coverts light chestnut ; a
patch behind the ear-coverts along the neck piu-e white ;
cheeks blue ; centre of the back and upper taU-coverts bril-
liant cobalt ; quills dusky, the outer web greenish blue ;
scapulars and wing-coverts green, the latter spotted with
cobalt ; tail blue ; throat white ; remainder of the underparts
light chestnut, with the exception of a blue patch on each
side of the upper part of the breast.
In the male the bill is entirely black, while in the female
it has an orange patch on the lower mandible. Legs red ;
irides dark brown.
Entire length 6-6 to 6*8 inches; culmen 1-55 to 17;
wing, carpus to tip, 2 9; tarsus 0-4.
The description is taken from five Egyptian specimens in
my own collection.
Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pi. 1.
144. Alcedo BENGALENSis, Gm. Little Indian Kingfisher.
This species, which chiefly differs from A. ispida in the
greater length of its bill, may occasionally be met with both
in Egypt and Nubia. Mr. Sharpe in his ' Monograph of the
Kingfishers,' Part ix., has described a specimen of this
bird killed by Mr. Lord at Shoobra, near Cairo, and he re-
marks that there is a specimen from Nubia in the Leyden
Museum. Mr. Larking also obtained a specimen in Egypt.
I believe it to be by no means so common there as A. ispida.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 167
Plumage very similar to that of A. ispida, but rather
brighter. It is a smaller bird, and may be most readUy
distinguished from the foregoiug by its greater length of bill.
Entire length 5*8-6"6 inches; culmen r65-2; wing,
carpus to tip, 2*6-2"9.
These measurements are taken from Mr. Sharpe's ' Mono-
graph of the Alcedinidse.'
Fig. Sharpe's Monogr. Alced. pi. 2.
145. Ceryle rudis (Linn.). Black and White Kingfisher.
Abundant throughout Egypt and Nubia. It may be
daily seen, generally in pairs, perched upon the steep bank or
the stranded roots of some tree that has been carried down
by the river. At times, with beak directed downwards, it
hovers over the water, into which it darts boldly after its
finny prey ; if unsuccessful, it will repeat the performance
until it captures a fish, when it flies to the bank to enjoy the
repast at its ease. Sometimes it flies slowly close over the
surface of the water.
It begins breeding about the end of March, when it drills
deep holes in the steep river-banks to place its nest in.
Head crested. The whole of the upper plumage, with the
wings and tail pure black and white, sharply defined ; under
surface of the body pure silvery white, with the following
markings : — in the adult female, only one large black patch
on each side of the upper part of the breast, which nearly
meets in tlie centre, and a few black marks ou the flanks ; the
male has in addition an entire narrow black collar across the
168 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
chest ; in not quite adult plumage some of the feathers on the
neck and crop are narrowly edged with dull black. Beak
and legs black, irides dark brown.
Entire length 11*5 inches; culnien 2-3; wing, carpus to
tip, 55; tarsus 0"5.
Fig. Sharpe's Mouogr. Alced. pi. 19.
Fam. COEACIAB.^.
146. CoRACiAS GARRULA, Linn. Boiler.
This is only a bird of passage in Egypt and Nubia, ar-
riving on its way north about the end of April. I first
met with it at Koos on the 26th of that month ; and two days
later I killed three out of a party of four that I saw near
Dendera. In the spring of the year they are not rare in
Egypt. They are rather shy ; but, owing to a fancy they
appear to have for certain clumps of trees, they may be easily
obtained by waiting near where they are first seen, and then
getting them driven back by a companion. The birds which
I shot at Dendera were obtained in this manner, as they had
at first slipped out at the further side of the clump and settled
in the open fields. The food of the three that I examined
consisted entirely of beetles.
Head and neck bright bluish green ; upper part of the
back and scapulars chestnut ; rump ultramarine, shading ofi"
to green on the tail-coverts ; quills black with blue reflections,
especially on the under surface ; base of the quills, and all
the wing-coverts bluish-green, with the exception of a bi'oad
BIEDS OF EGFPT. 169
band on the shoulders which is ultramarine ; tail greenish
blue, two centre feathers entirely dark green, the remaining
feathers much lighter towards their ends, outer feathers tipped
with black ; entire underparts greenish blue. Legs reddish
brown, beak black, irides brown.
Entire length 12"5 inches; culmen 1"2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7"5 ; tarsus 0*8.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part i.
/ Fam. ]V[EROPID.ffl.
147. Merops apiaster, Linn. Common Bee-eater.
This species arrives in Egypt about the 10th of April, and
is then very plentifully distributed in flocks throughout the ■'^^^■^i<!^:
country, but is not quite so abundant as M. cegyptius. The
greater number do not remain in Egypt to breed, but pass
northwards in May, returning again about August. They
are seen in flocks throughout the year, and nest in colonies
in the sandbanks.
Forehead white in front, blending into bright emerald-
green, which colour extends on each side, and forms a short
eyebrow ; a black band runs from the gape under the eye and
over the ear, under which comes a narrow faint streak of
green ; top of the head, nape, upper part of the back, and
part of the wing-coverts chestnut-brown, remainder of the
back, rump, and scapulars pale yellowish-brown ; primaries
bright green, tipped with dusky ; outer secondaries chestnut,
tipped with dusky, inner secondaries green ; tail green, the
^^A^
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170 BIRDS OP EGYPT.
two centre feathers long and pointed ; throat i/ellow, hovAeredi
by a black collar ; remainder of the underparts bright bluish-
green ; legs dark brown ; beak black ; irides crimson.
Entire length 11 inches; culmcn 1-4; wing, carpus to
tip, 6; tarsus 5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eux. pi. 59.
148. Merops iEGYPTius, Forsk. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater.
(Plate VII. fig. 1.)
"Vf^/iA. "^^^^ ^^ '^^^ viio%\. abundant of the Bee-eaters in April. It
.^ . ■ , arrives in the country about a fortnight earlier in the spring
/Ut^-t S^ tliaji j/_ apiaster, which it resembles in size, habits, and cry ;
yet the two species are never found in one flock. During
the day they may generally be met with perched upon the
telegraph-wires, or feeding among the herds of cattle. I
once observed them towards evening alight in such immense
numbers upon a sandbank, that they made it look almost as
green as meadow-land; they appear, however, generally to
roost at night in the sont trees.
Forehead white, shading off into pale blue, which colour
extends on each side of the head, and forms an eyebrow ;
a black band passes from the gape through the eye to the
ear ; the cheeks are blue ; the throat russet-broicn, fading into
yellowish-white on the chin ; remainder of the plumage
brilliant green, except the underside of the wing, which is
pale rufous ; legs dark brown ; beak black ; irides crimson.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 1'6; wing, carpus to
tip, 6 ; tarsus 0'5.
Plate VJ
1. WEROPS /EGVPTIUS.
2. MEROPS VIRIDIS.
BIEDS OF EGYPT, 171
149. Merops viridis, Linn, Little Green Bee-eater. /^
(Plate VII. fig. 2.) ^
This pretty little Bee-eater is a resident in Middle Egypt
througiiout the year, but does not during the winter months
range north of Golosaneh. They do not congregate in flocks,
like the last two species, but are generally to be met with in
pairs or family parties, often perched in rows on the long
leaves of the date-palms, or on the outer twigs of the sont
trees. In flight they look extremely beautifid, as they skim
gracefully through the air with outspread wings, showing the
orange colour underneath like an illuminated transparency.
They breed in holes in the banks in April.
In this species a black band extends through the eye ; and
it has a partial black collar ; remainder of the plumage bril-
liant green, excepting under the wings, where it is bright
rufous ; the two centre tail-feathers are very much elongated ;
legs brown ; beak black ; ii-ides crimson.
Entire length 11 inches; culmen M ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-7 ; tarsus 4.
Fam. CYPSELIDJE.
150. Cypselus melba (Linn.). Alpine Swift.
The Alpine Swift is a j-are bird of passage in Egypt and
Nubia, only met with in the more mountainous parts during
the autumn and spring.
The entire plumage is very dark brown, almost black,
except the throat and abdomen, which are white ; beak and
legs black ; irides very dark brown.
172 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Entire length 8 inches ; culmen 0*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 81.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 53.
151. Cypselus apus (Linn.). Common Swift.
This is not the common Swift of Egypt ; nor do I know of
any authentic instance of its having been captured there. The
C. apus of Egyptian lists refers generally, if not invariably, to
the closely allied species C. pallidus, which is abundant and
the only species which 1 have met with in that country up
to the end of April. C. apus ranges throughout Africa and
Europe ; and as it visits Palestine, it must undoubtedly pass
through Egypt ; for this reason, rather than upon the testi-
mony of others, I have included it in the present list.
Throat white, remainder of the plumage very dark brown,
almost black ; beak black ; irides very dark brown.
Entire length 8'5 inches ^ culmen 04; wing, carpus to
tip, 8 ; tarsus 0"6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 53.
152. Cypselus pallidus, Shelley. Egyptian Swift.
This species is very abundant throughout Egypt and
Nubia. It has long been included in the Egyptian list as
C. apus, from which, however, it differs in its rather smaller size,
whiter throat, and general paler coloration, which latter cha-
racter suggested to me the name C. pallidus as appropriate
when I first described it (Ibis, 1870, p. 445). It may be
distinguished from C. apus at a considerable distance ; and
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 173
when I first shot it I at once doubted its identity with that
bird, and found on my return that Mr. E. C. Taylor agreed
in my view, which made me careful, on revisiting Egypt, to
procure more specimens, and I watched in vain among the
many that I daily saw for one dark specimen ; all were of
the paler kind. It was not apparently breeding up to the
beginning of May, when I last shot it. Major Irby has pro-
cured this species from Tangier, where, he says, it arrives
before C. apus.
Above uniform brownish-grey, slightly inclining to white
on the forehead and over the eye ; feathers in front of the
eye blackish ; wing-coverts greyish brown, with an obsolete
white edging; primary-coverts rather darker; quills dark
greyish-brown, paler ou the inner webs, the outer web (espe-
cially of the primaries) very dark (almost black on the last-
mentioned feathers) ; tail greyish-brown, uniform with the
breast ; cheeks and sides of the neck pale greyish-brown ;
entire throat white, and under siu-face of the body dark
greyish-brown, the feathers on the lower part of the breast
having obsolete white tips.
Entire length 6'5 inches ; culmen 0"3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 6-5 to 6-7 ; tarsus 05.
153. Cypselus parvus, Licht. Little Grey Swift.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 145) says of this species
that it is a resident in Southern Egypt and Nubia throughout
the year, and that he has found it breeding near Wady Haifa
between the months of May and August.
Tail forked, outer feather on each side very lony and
174 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
pointed; entire plumage sooty brown, with bronze reflections
on the upper surface ; under surface paler, especially on the
throat ; beak and feet black ; irides very dark brown.
Entire length 6'5 inches; culmen 0'2; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 ; tail 4'1 ; tarsus 0-35.
Fam. CAPRIMTJLaiD^.
154. Caprimulgus EUROPiEUS, Linn. Goatsucker.
This species is only met with as a bird of passage in Egypt
and Nubia. According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr.
p. 125) it passes southward through Egypt in August, and
returns again in March and April, at which seasons it may
generally be met with in small flocks.
Male. — Upper parts rich ash-colour, shaded slightly with
chestnut on the wings and with yellow on the rump, and
beautifully pencilled with dusky ; the centre of the feathers
streaked with black, more boldly so on the crown and sca-
pulars ; quills dark brown, with imperfect sandy-coloured
bars ; a white patch on the three outer primaries near their
tips, and a bold white tip to the two outer feathers of the
tail ; on the under surface there are two white patches on the
sides of the throat ; throat itself and crop dusky ; remainder
of the underparts orange-buff", barred with dusky ; beak
black ; legs reddish brown ; irides black.
Female. — No white spots on the wings or tail.
Entire length 10 '5 inches; culmen 0"4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7*4 ; tarsus 0-7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 51.
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BIEDS OF EGYPT. 175
155. Caprimulgus iEGYPTius, Licht. Egyptian Goatsucker.
(Plate VIII.)
This species, which ranges throiighout Egypt and Nubia,
appears to be most plentiful in spring and autumn, when it
is generally in flocks. Von Heughn (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 128)
remarks that six specimens which he killed out of a large
flight of fifty were all females. In the Fayoom, in March,
I met with a small party of four, all of which were males,
from which it would appear that these birds travel in flocks
of the same sex, and do not pair until shortly before breeding.
Those that I met with in the Fayoom were sitting on the
bare sand ; and as they rose they frequently uttered a little
snapping sound, and took refuge in some neighbouring
tamarisk-bushes. 1 have also occasionally seen them flitting
over the water towards sunset. Mr. S. Stafford Allen
observes (Ibis, 1864, p. 236) that he found two distinct
varieties. I agree with him that there is a considerable
difference in the shade of colouring in certain individuals ;
for the four which I killed in the Fayoom, though perfectly
like each other, were much darker than my former specimen
from Aboo-fayda, so that at first I fancied that I had two
species ; but on comparison the markings would not justify
their separation, although all five were males.
Pale variety. — Upper plumage pale sandy-brown, finely
pencilled with black ; inner web of the quills marked with
white, and the whole of them irregularly banded with dusky ;
tail barred with nine or ten irregular wavy streaks ; a white
patch on the centre of the throat ; remainder of the under-
parts pale sandy-brown, faintly, barred on the chest with
narrow streaks of dusky ; greater portion of the underpart
176 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
of the quills white ; legs reddisli-brown ; beak dark brown ;
irides black.
Entire length 9 inches ; culmen O'G ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7 ; tarsus 0'7.
Dark variety. — Slightly larger ; plumage rather more
shaded with grey ; some black marks on the scapulars ; bars
on the wuigs and tail more pronounced.
Order ACCIPITRES.
Fam. STRIGIDiE.
156. Aluco flammea (Linn.). Barn-Owl.
This species is frequently to be met with throughout
Egypt and Nubia, generally in thick-foliaged trees or in ruins.
Upper plumage yellow, with the centres of the feathers
marked and freckled with grey and white, and small oval
spots of black and white ; wings and taU banded with yel-
lowish brown ; face and underparts white, tinted with buff on
the chest, and finely spotted at intervals with dusky ; tarsus
feathered about halfway down, the remainder covered with
hair ; feet pink ; beak pale yellow ; irides black.
Entu-e length 13*5 inches ; culmen 1"3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 11 ; tarsus 2"5.
The above description is from an Egyptian specimen in my
collection.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 36.
157. Strix aluco, Linn. Tawny Owl.
Savigny mentions the Tawny Owl in his ' Description de
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 177
I'Egypte,' but it appears to be of very rare occurrence there,
and probably never ranges south of Cairo.
Upper .plumage tawny, with the centre of the feathers
marked with dark brown ; wing-coverts spotted with white,
forming two irregular bands ; quills and tail brown, barred
with darker brown ; underparts white, shaded with russet
on the crop, and many of the feathers marked with dark
brown stripes down their centres and barred with russet;
legs and feet covered with creamy white down ; beak yellow ;
irides black.
Entu-e length 15 inches; culmen 1-2; wing, carpus to
tip, 10 ; tarsus I'D.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 47.
158. Nyctala Tengmalmi (Gm.). Tengmalm's Owl.
The present species is of very rare occurrence in Egypt.
Schlegel, however, mentions it as being found in that country ;
and there is a specimen in the British Museum from Mr.
TurnbuU's collection.
In plumage it somewhat resembles the next species, but is
more slender in form, greyer in plumage, with a white facial
disk; it has also longer wings and tail, and more woolly
feet ; beak and irides pale yellow.
Entire length 10'3 inches; culmen 1; wing, carpus to
tip, 6-8; tarsus 12.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 49.
159. Carine meridionalis (Risso). Southern Little Oicl.
This small Owl is extremely plentiful, both in Egypt and
178 BIEDS or EGYPT.
Nubia, and remains there througliout the year. It frequents
ahke both trees and rocks, and is very partial to the small
clumps which surround the water-wheels so abundant in
Egypt. It breeds in March.
Upper plumage russet-brown, spotted with cream-colour,
which forms two irregular bands on the shoulder; on the
quills and tail the spots form interrupted bars ; under surface
of the body cream-colour, irregularly spotted with russet-
brown ; beak and irides pale yellow.
Entire length 8-5 inches ; culmen 0'8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 6 ; tarsus 1'3.
160. Scops giu. Scops Owl.
This little Owl extends its range throughout Egypt and
Nubia, where it may generally be met with in pairs or
families. It appears to be most frequently found near Alex-
andria and Cairo, but is nowhere plentiful.
Head ornamented with short, thick, tufty horns ; upper
plumage mixed dusky grey and rufous-brown ; quills and
tail irregularly barred with white and dusky ; under plumage
yellowish grey, with bold distinct brown blotches on the
chest; remainder of the feathers barred with narrow wavy
lines, and occasionally streaked with brown down the centre.
Entire length 7'5 inches; culmen 0"8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 60 ; tarsus 1*05.
Eig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 41.
161. Asio OTUS (Linn.). Long-eared Oiol.
This bird is, I believe, a resident in Egypt ; for Dr. von
BIEDS OP EGYPT. 179
Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 107) mentions having killed it
at Alexandria at the end of March, at which season it would
probably be breeding. Mr. E. C. Taylor also shot two or
three pairs (Ibis, 1867, p. G4).
It has long horns. Upper plumage buff, white, and grey,
beautifully blended together, and mottled with dusky ; quills
and tail irregularly barred ; face buff, with black round the
eyes and towards the beak ; under plumage buff and white,
mottled with dusky ; legs and feet covered with buff-coloured
down ; beak black ; irides orange.
Entire length 14 inches; culmen 1-3; wing, carpus to
tip, 11-3; tarsus 1-8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 39.
162. Asio ACCiPiTRiNUS (Pall.). Short-cared Owl.
The Short-eared Owl is only a winter visitor in Egypt,
although it remains as late as the end of March. I have
killed it on two occasions in the fields while out Quail-
shooting.
Upper plumage buff, mottled with dark brown and black ;
feathers round the eye black ; wings and tail barred with
brown ; under plumage buff, mottled with dark brown on the
throat and crop, and streaked with that colour on the
abdomen ; underpart of the wing white, excepting the tips of
the feathers and a band near the middle, which are dusky ;
its horns are hardly distinguishable ; beak black ; ii-ides
orange.
Entire length 15 inches; culmen r3; wing, carpus to
tip, 12 ; tarsus r8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 40.
N 2
180 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
163. Bubo ignavus, Forst. Eagle Owl.
This bird appears very rarely in Egypt. Von Heuglin
(Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 110) mentions having seen a fine old
specimen, which was shot in the vrinter in the neighbourhood
of Cairo. I know of no other instance of its capture in the
country ; but the statement of such a good ornithologist is
sufficient proof that the present species does come to Egypt,
though probably only as a straggler. In habits it is solitary,
and frequents rocks and ruins.
It has very long and distinct horns.
Entire upper plumage yellowish brown, tinted with rufous
and mottled with black, the quills and tail irregularly barred ;
throat white, remainder of the under plumage ferruginous
bufi", the feathers boldly marked with black down the centre
and barred with the same colour ; legs and feet covered with
downy buff feathers ; beak dusky ; irides orange.
Entire length 24 inches; culmen 1*5; wing, carpus to
tip, 16'5 ; tarsus 2"5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 37.
164. Bubo ascalaphtjs, Sav. Egyptian Eagle Owl.
This species is distributed throughout Egypt and Nubia,
and remains there the whole year. It frequents the moun-
tains and ruins. Perhaps the best localities to meet with it
are the Pyramids and the rocks near Soohay. It breeds in
March.
Upper plumage buff, mottled with dark brown and white ;
quills and tail-feathers barred with dark brown ; chin and
throat white ; remainder of the underparts buff, the feathers
■M U '
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 181
round the crop marked with large brown blotches ; feathers
on the abdomen, flanks, and thighs narrowly barred with
russet ; legs and feet covered with downy buff feathers ;
beak black ; irides deep yellow.
Entire length 20 inches; culmen 2-1; wing, carpus to
tip, 15'5 ; tarsus 3.
The above description is taken from a specimen I shot in
the Fayoom.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 38.
Fam. FALCONID-S].
165. Circus ^ruginosus (Linn.). Marsh- Harrier . -^f //t^ /
To be met with throughout Egypt and Nubia, but far most
abundant in the Delta and the Fayoom.
I have a fine series of seven specimens in adult plumage,
with grey wings and tail, from Egypt and Nubia, varying
considerably in their coloration, which must be my excuse for
the following long description of then- plumage. I may also
remark that they were all males by dissection, which inchnes
me to believe that the females do not assume this plumage
at all ; or if they do, it must be a long time before this
change is completed.
Male. — Top of the head and nape of the neck white, buft',
or russet, more or less streaked with dark brown down the
centre of the feathers ; back and wing-coverts brown, paler on
the edges, especially on the shoulders ; wings more or less
washed with silvery grey; tail grey, and the upper tail-
coverts usually marbled with white, grey, and rufous ; under
182
BIEDS OF EGYPT.
plumage more or less shaded with russet-brown, with the
centre of the feathers marked with dark brown.
A Nubian specimen in my collection is entirely of a dark
brown colour, with the following exceptions : — Base of the
feathers on the head white and narrowly edged with buff;
feathers on the shoulders and crop narrowly edged with pale
brown ; tail grey, wings washed with the same colour ; cere
and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue ; ii'ides pale brownish
yellow.
Entire length 19-5 inches; culmen 1'5; wing, carpus to
tip, 15 ; tarsus 3"4.
Immature plumage. — Brown, with the exception of the
head, nape, throat, a patch on the shoulders, and an irregular
baud on the chest, which are buff-coloured.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 32.
166. Circus cyaneus (Linn.). Hen Harrier.
This species is not nearly so common in Egypt as C. pal-
lichis ; but I have found it occasionally in rows of sont trees
in Middle Egypt along with that bird. It only remains in
the country during the winter months.
31ale. — Upper plumage pearl-grey, slightly mottled on the
nape with white ; primaries black ; iail-coverts pure white ;
the outer tail-feathers incline to white, and all except the
two centre ones have seven dusky bars on them ; throat, crop,
and remainder of the underparts white ; cere, legs, and
irides yellow ; beak black.
Entire length 19 inches; culmen 1'2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 13"6 ; tarsus 2'7.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 183
The description is taken from a specimen I shot at Benisouef.
The female is so similar to that of C. pallidus, that the one
description will answer for both species.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 33.
167. Circus PALLIDUS, Sykes. Pale-chested Harrier. ~J^£*<(PLiA,A^\
This species is resident in Egypt and Nubia throughout the 3 /rtAJL/?
year, where it may often be seen in small parties frequenting '
the rows of sont trees which are not uncommon in the
neighbourhood of villages, and sometimes in company with
C. ci/aneus. The immature bird assumes a plumage which
has caused it occasionally to be mistaken for C. cineraceus.
Male. — Similar to C. ci/aneus, except that the upper tail-
coverts are white, barred with grey.
Female. — Forehead and eyebrow buff; feathers under the
eye white ; ear-coverts brown ; nape mottled with white,
remainder of the upper plumage brown, all the feathers edged
with pale brown ; upper tail-coverts white, barred with brown ;
inner web of the primaries marked with buff and barred with
brown ; tail hghtest towards the outer feathers, and barred
with dark brown ; under plumage buff, with the centre of
most of the feathers rufous-brown ; cere and legs yellow ; "^
beak horn-blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 20 inches; culmen 1*3; wing, carpus to
tip, 14-7 ; tarsus 2-8.
Immature bird. — Upper plumage similar to that of the
adult female, except the upper tail-coverts, which are pure
white ; underneath it is of a uniform pale ferruginous-
brown.
II
184 BIRDS OF EGYPT. ^
Entire length 19 inches; culmen 1'3; wing, carpus to
tip, 14*1 ; tarsus 2*9 . i
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 34.
168. Circus cineraceus (Mont.). Montagu s Harrier.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 105) calls this a bird of
passage in Egypt ; and several other writers upon Egyptian
ornithology have included it in their Usts, in some instances,
to my certain knowledge, from the immature Circus pallidus
having been mistaken for this species. I myself have shot
three such specimens in Egypt. The Pale-chested Harrier,
however, may easily be distinguished by the wing being
shorter in proportion to the size of the bird than it is in the
present species. These specimens rather closely resemble
the female, but are without spots on the under surface of
the body.
Male. — Upper parts and two centre tail-feathers grey;
primaries black ; secondaries with three dusky bars, only one
of which is visible from above; two outer tail-feathers on
each side white, barred with chestnut, and tipped with dusky
grey ; throat grey ; under surface of the body white, with
chestnut streaks on the centre of the feathers ; legs, cere, and
ii'ides yellow ; beak black.
Entire length 17 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 13'5 ; tarsus 2.
Female. — Above brown, with the centre of the feathers
darker, lightest on the head ; under surface pale ferruginous
brown, with longitudinal chestnut spots on the centres of the
feathers.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 185
Entire length 17'5 inches ; wing, carpus to tip, 13"5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 35.
169. AsTTJR PALUMBARirs (Linn.). Goshawk.
The Goshawk appears to be of very rare occurrence in
Egypt ; and I know of no record of its having been met with
in Nubia. On the 24th of March, 1868, my brother shot a
fine female specimen in the sont woods near Benisouef, which
has formed the subject of the following description : —
General colom* of the upper plumage ashy grey ; it has a
white eyebrow, finely mottled with dusky ; nape mottled
with white ; quills barred with dark brown ; on the tail four
distinct bars ; underparts white, closely barred with brown ;
cere, legs, and irides yellow ; beak horn-blue.
Entire length 25 inches; culmen 1'5; wing, carpus to
tip, 14*6 ; tarsus 3"5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 17.
170. AcciPiTER Nisus (Linn.). Sparrow-Hawk. /^ /^
The Sparrow-Hawk is very plentiful throiighout Egypt and
Nubia.
Adult female — Upper surface of the body, including the
wings and tail, greyish brown, with a large white patch on
the nape ; under sm-face white, the feathers of the throat
marked with fine longitudinal streaks ; breast and abdomen
thickly barred with dark brown ; tail barred with dusky ;
cere, legs, and irides yellow ; beak horn-blue.
Entire length 14 inches.
186 BIRDS or EGYPT.
Adult male. — Smaller and brighter ; upper plumage blue ;
underparts shaded with rufous on the breast, but especially
on the flanks and thighs.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7-2 ; tarsus 2-3.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ix.
171. AcciPiTER GABAR (Daud.). Little Bed-billed Hawk.
This species may probably be met with as a rare straggler
throughout Egypt and Nubia; for Mr. Edgar Larking has
given me the description of a bird shot by him in Upper
Egypt which agrees precisely with the present species.
Although he brought the specimen home, it has unfortunately
been mislaid, so that I have not been able to examine it.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 74) gives Derr as its most
northern limit on the Nile, while Schlegel says that it is plen-
tiful near Suez.
Upper plumage slaty grey ; quills barred with dusky, their
inner webs white, secondaries tipped with white ; tapper tail-
coverts and tip of tail white, with four broad black bands on
the latter; throat pale grey; remainder of the underparts
white, closely banded with narrow dusky bars ; cere and legs
red ; beak black.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 0"8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7'5 ; tarsus 1"9.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. vol. i. p. 51.
172. Falco peregrinus, Linn. Peregrine Falcon.
The Peregrine ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia. It is
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 187
most plentiful in the winter, but probably remains occasionally
to breed in the country ; for on the 6th of May I shot a spe-
cimen at Aboo Fayda.
Upper plumage slate-colour, darkest on the head and
shoulders, and changing to grey on the rump and upper
tail-coverts, which are barred with dusky ; feathers on
the back and wings narrowly edged with dirty white; tail
iDanded with grey, inclining to cream-colour on the inner
webs, and tipped with buff. Under plumage white or cream-
colour, streaked or spotted with brown on the crop and barred
on the abdomen, flanks, and thighs ; cere, eyelids, and legs
yellow ; beak horn-blue, inclining to yellow at the base of the
lower mandible.
Feviale. — Entire length 19 inches; culmen 1"5 ; wing,
carpus to tip, 14 ; tarsus 21.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 21.
173. Falco barbarus, Linn. Barhary Falcon.
This Falcon, though a resident, is rather rare in Egypt
and Nubia. At Edfoo on the 21st of April I saw a pair of
Falcons which, from their small size and long pointed wings,
I beheve to have belonged to this species ; and on the follow-
ing day I shot a handsome male specimen on a sandbank
near El Kab.
To'p of the head grey, with dark centres to the feathers ;
nape rufous ; remainder of the upper parts grey barred with
dusky, most strongly between the shoulders ; inner web of
the primaries barred with flesh-colour ; tail darkest towards the
end, tipped with white and banded with irregular dusky
188 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
bars ; a distinct dusky moustache edged with rufous. Under
parts creamy white, finely barred on the abdomen andflanls
ivitJi dusky ; cere and l^ase of the bill yellow, remainder of the
beak horn-blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 13"5 inches; culmen Tl; wing, carpus to
tip, 11 ; tarsus 1'6.
The description is taken from the bird I shot at El Kab.
Fig. Salvin, Ibis, 1859, pi. 6.
S^ fl'l^^lyt l'^'^- I'alco lanarius, Linn. Lanner Falcon.
X !r /A-ZAA^^-*^ This is the most abundant of the large Falcons, and re-
j f \ mains throughout the year in Egypt and Nubia, breeding
y/ K^JM^ M. ^ annually on the Pyramids.
Like all the true Falcons it appears very partial to the
neighbourhood of water ; frequently it will follow the sports-
man on the look-out for wounded game. On the 19th of
April I shot a female specimen in an interesting stage of
plumage, from which my description of the immature bird is
taken.
Adult. — Forehead neurit/ white ; remainder of the upper part
of the head and nape rufous finely marked with narrow black
streaks ; moustache, feathers in front of the eye, and an eye-
brow extending to the nape black; remainder of the. upper
plumage dark slaty grey, with the feathers on the back and
wing-coverts edged with buff; feathers on the rump and
tail-coverts paler grey barred with dusky ; primaries dusky
grey distinctly barred with cream-colom* on the inner webs ;
tail-feathers barred and tipped with cream-colour. Under-
parts cream-colour, streaked with brown on the crop, and
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 1S9
spotted with the same colour on the abdomen ; cere, eyelids,
and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue, more or less yeUow to-
wards the base according to age ; irides brown.
Male. — Entire length 17 inches ; culmen 1"1 ; wing, carpus
to tip, 13'3 ; tarsus 1-9.
Tlie sexes only differ in size, the female being larger.
A verj' old specimen in my collection has the top of the
head very pale ; and aU the feathers on the crop and abdomen
have brown streaks along the shafts, broadening into spots
towards the tips of the feathers.
Immature. — Top of the head white, inclining to pale rufous
towards the nape, with the centres of the feathers strongly
streaked with brown ; moustache, feathers round the eyes,
and nape nearly black ; remainder of the upper plumage
uniform dusky brown ; primaries marked on the inner webs
with cream-coloured spots rather than bars ; tail brown, two
centre feathers without markings, remaining feathers faintly
marked with a few smaE cream-coloured spots ; tips of the
feathers cream-colour ; underparts white, with the greater
part of the feathers on the crop and abdomen brown ; cere,
eyehds, and legs greyish yeUow ; beak horn-blue ; irides
brown.
Entire length 17 inches; culmen \i; ^ving, carpus to
tip, 13"5 ; tarsus 2'1 ; middle toe 1"S.
Tig. Bree, B. of Eur. vol. i. p. 37.
175. Falco BABTLOicus, Gumey. Re d-naped Falcon.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 26) calls this Falcon a
tolerably common resident in Egypt and Nubia, frequenting
the palm trees, mountains, pjTamids, and ruined temples.
190
BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Plumage nearly similar to that of F. harharus, but lighter
and rather more rufous on the front of the head. It is the
size of F. lanariiis, with which it is most liable to be con-
founded, but differs from that bird in the absence of a
whitish frontal band, the rufous feathers extending on to the
cere and bordered behind by a broad, dark, slate-coloured
band across the head, which separates the forehead from the
rufous of the nape ; feathers on the back of the neck beloio the
nu])e bordered with rufous ; a comparative absence of spots on
the upper portion of the lower surface. Middle toe longer
than in F. lanarius.
Entire length 17*5 inches; wing, carpus to tip, 12'8;
tarsus 2 ; middle toe 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Asia, pt. xx.
176. Falco sakee, Schl. Saker Falcon.
This large species of Falcon is rather rare in Egypt and
Nubia. In 1868 I obtained two specimens — one near Kom
Ombo, the other near Sioot. It is called by the Arabs " Saker
el hor ; " and they train it to hunt the Gazelle.
Top and sides of the head white, each feather marked with
a longitudinal streak of brown ; remainder of the upper plu-
mage slaty brown ; primaries marked with cream-coloured
spots or bars on the inner webs ; tail marked with cream-
colour in the form of spots on the centre feathers, inclining to
bars on the outer ones ; underparts white, boldly marked
with large oval brown spots ; legs and cere rather dull yellow ;
beak horn-blue, darkest towards the tip and inclining to yellow
towards the base of the lower mandible ; irides lirown.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 191
Entire length 22 inches; culmen 1'55 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 15'8 ; tarsus 2*2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Asia. pt. xx.
177. Falco ^salon, Linn. Merlin. /i^ ^
The Merlin, which is extremely abundant in Egypt in
spring, rarely extends its range so far south as Nubia. It
may generally be met with in clumps of sont trees, and in
some woods near Benisouef I have seen as many as thirty
in a day, yet I never met with a single female specimen.
This great preponderance of males, which has also been re-
marked by Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis 1859, p. 45), leads me to
believe that it rarely, if ever, breeds in Egypt, although I
have seen it as late as the end of April, though apparently
not paired at that season.
Male. — Upper plumage bright blue-grey, the centre of the
feathers streaked with black ; a narrow edging of white
feathers to the forehead, and a well-defined rufous collar on
the nape ; quiUs dusky, the inner webs barred with grey or
white ; a band an inch broad at the end of the tail dusky, the
feathers tipped with white, and all but the two centre feathers
barred with dusky on their inner webs ; throat white, re-
mainder of the underparts ferruginous white, darkest on the
thighs and streaked and spotted with dark brown on the
centres of the feathers ; cere, base of the bill, and legs yellow,
remainder of the beak horn-blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 11 inches; culmen 0*7 ; wing, carpus to tip,
8 ; tarsus 1*4.
The description is taken from Egyptian specimens in my
collection.
Fig. Gould, B. of Enr. pi. 24.
192 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
178. Falco subbuteo, Linn. Hobby.
The Hobby is by no means plentiful in Egypt and Nubia.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 34) mentions three in-
stances of its capture in that country ; and I have a specimen
procured for me at Damhanhoor in April.
Forehead buff, upper plumage dark slaty grey, with a patch
of ferruginous colour on the nape ; inner web of the quills
barred with ferruginous buif ; a moustachial stripe, feathers
under the eye, and ear-coverts black ; underparts buff,
changing to rufous on the thighs and under taU-coverts ;
crop, chest, and under wing-coverts strongly mottled with
dusky ; cere and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 13 inches ; culmen 0'7 ; wing, carpus to tip,
10-5; tarsus 1-4.
The description is taken from my Egyptian specimen.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. Part iv.
179. Falco concoloe, Temm. Sooti/ Falcon.
Von Heuglin observes (Ibis, 1860, p. 409), in speaking
of this bird under the name of F. horus, " I have observed
this species rarely in the rocky deserts of Egypt and Nubia.
A. Brehm has described a young specimen killed by myself
in August 1852, near the so-called 'Fossil Forest,' at the
Mokattam Mountains." In the Ibis for 1871 (p. 42) I in-
cluded F. eleonora among the birds of Egypt on the authority
of Von HeugUn (Ibis, 1860, p. 408), who writes of that
species : — " Rare and only as a migrant bird in Nubia ; "
however, in his large work on the ornithology of North-
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 193
Eastern Africa he includes F. eleanorte from those parts as
synonymous with F. concolor, which seems to be the repre-
sentative of that species in the Red Sea ; for two pairs that he
shot in the archipelago of Kakara, in 1857, appeared to belong
certainly to F. concolor.
Entire plumage uniform plumbeous grey, except the pri-
maries, which are dusky, and the shafts of the feathers, which
are dark ; cere and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue ; irides
brown.
Total length 14 inches; culmen 0'75 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 1175 ; tarsus IS.
Fig. Finsch & Hartlaub, Vog. Ost-Afr. pi. 1.
180. Falco VESPERTiNUs, Linn. Bed-legged Falcon.
This species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but is
most abundant in the Delta. According to Von Heuglin it is
usually to be met with in small flocks of from six to twelve in
Lower Egypt, but singly in Nubia. It is most plentiful in
spring and autumn.
It feeds chiefly upon insects, and consequently is most
likely to be met with while in pursuit of locusts in the corn-
fields.
Male. — Plumage uniform deep slaty-grey, lightest on the
wings and lower part of the chest ; abdomen, thighs, and
under tail-coverts rich russet brown ; cere, base of the bUl,
skin round the eyes, and legs vermilion ; remainder of the
beak horn -blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 11-5 inches; culmen 0"7; wing, carpus to
tip, 9'8 ; tarsus 1-1.
194 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
The description is taken from a specimen in my collection
from Damanhoor, shot in April.
Fig. Sliarpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part i.
181. Falco TiNNtTNCDLUs, Linn. Ki'strel.
This is by far the most abundant Hawk in Egypt. On
one occasion I saw at least one hundred in a single clump
of palm-trees, doubtless attracted there by the locusts, which
were passing in dense, continuous clouds beneath them. In
1870 the flight of locusts spread throughout the country,
clearing whole districts of every green crop as they passed.
Possibly it was owing to the good done by the Kestrel in
devouring these destructive insects that the ancient Egyptians
placed this Hawk among their sacred animals.
Male. — Forehead buff; top of the head, nape, and ear-
coverts grey ; back and wing-coverts rich ferruginous brown
spotted with black ; rump and tail grey, the latter with a
broad black band at the end, the extreme tip of the feathers
being white ; underparts ferruginous bufi", spotted on the
chest with black ; cere, base of the bill, and legs yellow ; re-
mainder of the beak horn-blue ; clmos black ; irides brown.
Entire length 13"5 inches; culmen 0"7 ; Aving, carpus to
tip, 9 '3 ; tarsus 1*5.
The female differs in the absence of grey on its plumage,
being wholly rufous, with dusky bars on the back and tail.
The young birds more or less resemble the female.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ii.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 195
182. Falco cenchris (Cuv.). Lesser Kestrel.
This bird ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia. It is
most abundant in spring and autumn, especially around
Alexandria, where Von Heuglin says that a few pairs remain
to breed in the walls of that town,
I only shot it upon one occasion, in a wood near Benisouef,
on the 29th of March.
Male. — Top of the head, nape, and ear-coverts, a band
across the wings, rump and tail grey ; remainder of the back
and wing-coverts bright chestnut, without spots ; tail similar
to that of the Common Kestrel; throat buff; remainder of
the underparts rosy buff, with small distinct black spots on
the chest ; cere, base of the bill, eyelids, and legs yellow,
claws yelloioish-white ; remainder of the beak horn-blue ;
irides brown.
Female. — Plumage very similar to that of the Common
Kestrel, but the claws are yelloioisli white.
Entire length 11'5 inches; culmen 0"8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus \'2.
The description is taken from a male specimen which 1
shot at Benisouef.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part iii.
183. MiLvus REGALis (Linn.). Common Kite.
Riippell remarks of this species that it is abundant in
Lower Egypt, while Von Heughn says (Orn. N. 0. Afr.
p. 97) that neither he nor Brehm ever met with it there.
I know of no instance of its capture in Egypt, and am there-
196 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
fore of opinion that Riippell is in error, having no doubt
mistaken specimens of 31. agyptius, which is the only Kite
that is abundant in the country.
Head and neck pale grey, with brown streaks down the
centres of the feathers ; the whole of the upper surface fer-
ruginous-brown, with dark brown centres to the feathers ;
primaries dusky ; tail rich ferruginous-brown ; under surface
of the body pale brown or orange, shading into rufous on the
flanks and thighs, with the centres of the feathers dark
brown ; cere and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue ; irides pale
yellow.
Entire length 26 inches; culmen I'o; wing, carpus to
tip, 205; tarsus 2 '4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 28.
184. MiLVTJS iEGYPTius, Gm. Parasitic Kite.
Arabic name " Hedaich."
Very abundant throughout Egypt and Nubia. They frequent
every village, and indeed any place where there is a chance of
their obtaining offal ; and at Cairo and Alexandria great
numbers may be seen flying over the town or perched upon
the housetops. They are very inquisitive, and become bold
when in search of food, often following the sportsman for a
considerable distance ; but I have never observed them
capture even a wounded bird, although they will occasionally
swoop at them. They begin breeding in March, usually
selecting a sont tree near some village for their nest, which
appears invariably to contain some pieces of old rag.
Adult. — Head and neck whitish grey, inclining more or
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 197
less to pale rufous on the top of the head and nape, the
centre of each feather marked with a narrow streak of dusky
brown ; remainder of the upper plumage brown, with light
edgings to the feathers ; primaries black ; tail rufous brown,
darkest on the outer feathers, and crossed by nine or ten bars ;
uuderparts rufous brown, the feathers marked down theii"
centres with dusky ; tail forked ; beak, cere, and tarsi yellow ;
irides pale yellowish brown.
Entire length 24' 5 inches; culmen I'S ; wing, carpus to
tip, 18 ; tarsus 2" 2.
Immature plumage. — Tail often not forked ; top of the
head and nape sandy colour, with the centres of the feathers
dark brown ; remainder of the upper plumage dark brown,
all the feathers, including the quills and tail, broadly edged
with pale brown ; underparts pale brown, mottled with dark
brown, mostly on the chest ; cere and legs yellow ; beak
black ; irides brown.
Entire length 19 to 21'2 inches ; culmen 1*5 ; wing, carpus
tip, 13 to 16.
The description of the immature bird is taken from fom'
specimens in my own collection.
Fig. Dubois, Ois. de I'Eur. pi. 14.
185. MiLVUs MIGRANS (Bodd.). Black Kile.
Some ornithologists include under this name both the
Black Kite [M. migrans) and the Yellow-billed Kite {M.
ceggptius), both of which birds are met with in Egypt ; but
the black-billed examples are rare, excepting immature spe-
cimens, which invariably have the beak of that colour, whether
198
BIEDS OF EGYPT.
they belong to M. migrans or to M. (Pffi/jjtius. So great is'
the preponderance of the yellow-billed race, that I am not
aware of having killed a single adult specimen in Egypt with
a bill entirely black ; and Von Heuglin and Mr. E. C. Taylor
make similar observations.
This species is very similar to M. (egyptius, but has always
an entirely black bill. The general shade of the plumage is
blacker, the dark streaks down the centres of the feathers on
the throat and crop are broader, and the irides, I believe, are
invarial)ly darker than in the adult M. aggptius.
Entire length 23-3 inches ; culmen 1-7; wing, carpus to
tip, 18-5 ; tarsus 2-3.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 29.
2jU/^
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.1
186. Elanus CiERULEUS (Dcsfont.). Black-shouldered Hawk.
This pretty little Hawk is a resident in Egypt, and is very
abundant as far south as Thebes, above which place and in
Nubia its numbers are much more limited. It generally
frequents the sont trees ; but I have rarely observed more
than a pair in the same clump. The food consists of insects
and mice, which I have seen it pursuing after sunset, when
I have been waiting for duck. Being by no means shy, its
habits may be easily observed ; and I have seen a bird occa-
sionally remaining perched upon the top bough of a sont tree
for hours together, uttering at intervals a low cry to its mate,
who is rarely far off. By this rather peculiar cry, which it
frequently repeats while sitting on its eggs, I was attracted
to its nest on one occasion. The eggs, though rare in col-
lections, are by no means difficult to find in Egypt. It
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 199
begins breeding towards the end of February, and appears
invariably to select a sont tree for its nest, which is con-
structed of sticks and reeds, put together with some care,
and smoothly lined with the dried leaves of the sugar-cane.
The eggs somewhat resemble those of the Kestrel, but are
rarely quite as rounded in shape, and show more of the
white ground, whUe the brown markings look like dry paint
smeared carelessly over the surface. On the 12th of March,
at Golosaneh, I found a nest containing four young birds.
They were of a pale ashy colour, considerably darker on the
back and top of the head, where the feathers were mostly
tipped with brown, and the chest was of a pale brown.
Adult. — The eyes are surrounded by black ; forehead and
feathers over the eyes white ; remainder of the upper plumage
grey, except the shoulders, which are black ; the outer
feathers of the tail almost white ; the whole of the uuderparts
white ; cere and legs yellow ; beak black ; irides carmine.
Entire length 13 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 12 ; tarsus 1'3.
Immature plumage. — Head and back tinted with yellowish
brown, and the feathers of the wing and tail tipped with
white ; chest delicately shaded with yellowish brown, with a
few brown streaks on the centres of the feathers ; irides pale
brown, while in the nestlings they are dark brown.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 31.
187. Pernis apivorus (Linn.). Honey Buzzard.
Both Hedenborg and Riippell mention this bird as being
found in Egypt. I am, however, inclined to look upon it as
a mere straggler in that country.
200 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Feathers of the head short and stiff.
Adult. — Top and sides of the head brownish grey ; re-
mainder of the upper pUimage brown tinted with grey ; quills
barred with dusky black, and marked with white on their
inner web ; tail tipped with white, and marked with the
same colour at the base and on the inner web of some of the
feathers ; tail crossed by four distinct dark brown bands at
irregular intervals ; under surface of the body white, with
the feathers boldly mottled and barred with brown ; cere
and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue ; irides brownish yellow.
Entire length 23 inches ; culmen 1*5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 16 ; tarsus 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 16.
188. BuTEO VULGARIS, Bechst. Common Buzzard.
This bird is by no means common in Egypt. The only
specimen I saw was one which I killed in a wood near Beni-
souef on the 25th of March ; and from this bu'd I have taken
my description.
Upper plumage brown, with lighter edgings to the feathers,
mottled with white on the head and neck ; tail distinctly
marked with numerous dark brown bars ; underparts white,
mottled with brown ; cere and legs yellow \ beak horn-blue ;
irides brown.
Entire length 17 inches; culmen 1-5; wing, carpus to
tip, 15 ; tarsus 3 "2.
Specimens vary considerably both in colour and size.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 14.
b
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s
\— -!•"" N'w„.isSf^
a:
o
LU
H
m
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 201
189. BuTEO DESERTORUM, Daud. African Buzzard.
In ' The Ibis ' for 1871 (p. 40) I observed that it is highly
probable that this bird is to be found in Egypt ; but I do not
know of any authentic instance of its capture there, though
I fancy that I saw it in Nubia. As it is met with in all the
surrounding countries, it cannot, in my opiiiion, fail to occur
in Egypt.
z^u.tJL-
190. BuTEO FEROX, Gm. Long-legged Buzzard.
This is the most plentiful species of Buzzard throughout —
Egypt and Nubia. In Lower Egypt it is less frequently
met with than higher up the Nile, and does not, I believe,
winter in the Delta. It appears to be less abundant in some
years than others ; for in 1870 I only met with one specimen,
at Kom Ombo, where it was breeding at the time. This
specimen, unlike any other that I have ever seen, had a
brown tail distinctly barred. In 1868 it was rarely absent
from any field where Quail were abundant; and in 1871
I found it very plentiful in the Fayoom. It is a bird of
lazy habits, rarely flying far, even after being shot at, but
soon alighting again upon some mound or heap of maize-
stalks, from which it keeps watch over the fields. I have
found it breeding in Egypt in April.
Specimens differ very considerably in size and coloration.
Upper surface — top of the head varying from white to
cinnamon, more or less mottled with brown down the centres
of the feathers, remainder of the upper plumage bufi" or
202 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
cinnamou-brown, mottled with dark brown ; primaries dark
brown, inclining to grey on the outer webs, and boldly
marked with white or pale cinnamon on the inner webs ;
tail buff or pale cinnamon-brown, sometimes faintly edged
with grey on the outer feathers, and usually unbarred, or at
most only exhibiting veiy faint signs of cross bars ; but upon
one occasion I met with a specimen which had the tail very
distinctly marked with a number of perfect brown l)ars ;
underparts cream-colour, more or less streaked with brown
or cinnamon on the throat and crop ; abdomen more or less
of a uniform pale chestnut ; most of the underpart of the
wings white ; legs and cere yellow ; beak dusky ; irides pale
yellowish brown.
Entire length 22 to 25 inches; culmen 10 to 1'8 ; wing,
carpus to tip, 17"5 to 18 "7 ; tarsus 3' 5 to 4.
'^ttolsAAJi 191 • CiRCAETUS GALLicus (Gm.). Skort-toed Eaffle.
m hiii<.jjr(p^ Tolerably plentiful throughout Egypt and Nul)ia, fre-
vOj^d , quenting mountainous districts. On the wing it may be
mistaken for the Osprey ; but it is rather larger, and of a
generally paler colour, while in disposition it is not nearly
so shy.
Head rather broad ; upper plumage ashy brown, with pale
edgings to the feathers ; head and neck occasionally much
paler ; inner web of the quills marked with pure white, and
barred with dusky brown ; tail tipped Avith white, and with
three rather indistinct dusky bars, the inner web of all but
the two centre feathers white ; underparts white, spotted and
barred with pale brown, chiefly on the upper part of the
BIRDS or EGYPT. 203
chest ; tarsus bare ; cere and legs yellow ; beak horn-blue ;
irides yellow.
Entire length 28 inches ; culmen 2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 20' 5 ; tarsus 3" 5.
The description is taken from specimens shot by myself in
Egypt.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 24.
192. Pandion HALiAETUs (Linn.). Osprcy.
The Osprey is plentiful throughout Egypt and Nubia
during the winter. In the Fayoom I found it extremely
abundant, and not so shy as along the banks of the Nile.
In the former locality I have often watched it hover for a
moment over the water ; then descending on its prey with
a splash, seldom without success, it would rise and, shaking
the water from its feathers, fly slowly off to some suitable
position to devour its captive.
Feathers on the back of the head rather long ; top and
back of the head white, mottled with dark brown ; remainder
of the upper plumage dark brown, with pale edges to the
feathers ; the inner web of the quills marked with white and
barred with brown ; tail-feathers, with the exception of the
two centre ones, pale brown, inclining to white, and with five
or six distinct brown bars ; under plumage white, more or
less mottled with brown on the crop, according to the age of
the specimen ; cere and legs slaty grey ; beak horn-blue ; irides
brown.
Entire length 21 inches; culmen i"8; wing, carpus to
tip, 19 ; tarsus 2"3.
204 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
The description is taken from two specimens shot by
myself in the Fayoom.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 12.
193. Haliaetus albicilla (Linn.). White-tailed Eagle.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 52) states that this species
is a resident in Lower Egypt, where it frequents the lakes, as,
for instance, lake Menzaleh. It is usually to be seen in pairs
even during the winter months, at which season its numbers
appear to be recruited by visitors. He considers the Egyptian
specimens to belong to a small and possibly climatic variety
of the true H. albicilla.
Adult. — Entke plumage ashy brown, palest on the under-
parts ; tail pure white ; beak and legs yellow ; irides pale brown.
The immature bird has a brown tail and slate-coloured beak.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 10.
194. Aquila fulva (Linn.). Golden Eagle.
This species is likewise said by Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O.
Afr. p. 44) to visit Lower Egypt occasionally and at irregular
intervals during the winter.
Adult. — Head and neck rich rufous-brown ; remainder of
the plumage dark brown ; cere yellow ; beak horn-blue ; feet
yellow ; irides pale brown ; tarsus covered with feathers. It
has three large scales on each toe.
Immature plumage. — Head and neck not so pronounced
rufous-brown ; the tail more or less barred with white at the
base, and the feathers of the tarsi more or less white.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 205
Entire length 29 inches; culmen 2'7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 23'5; tarsus 4'5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 6.
195. Aqtjila iMPERiALis, Bechst. Imperial Eagle.
This fine species of Eagle is not uncommon in Lower Egypt
during the cooler months, but is rarely met with on the Nile
above Cairo, and in Nubia appears only as an occasional
straggler.
Adult. — Top of the head and back of the neck rufous ;
back and wings dark brown, with the exception of the sca-
pulars, which are mostly white ; tail shaded with ash-colour,
and irregularly barred with black, the broadest bar being
next to the buff tip of the tail ; under surface of the body
dark brown, shading off into rufous on the abdomen ; cere
and tarsus yellow ; irides pale brown ; beak horn-blue.
Entire length 27 inches ; culmen 2'1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 2r5; tail ll'O ; tarsus 3*8.
The immature bird is much paler on the chest, which is
distinctly striped with fulvous, and without the white on the
scapulars.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 5.
196. Aqttila n^vioides (Cuv.). Tawny Eagle.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 45) mentions this species
as of rare occurrence in Egypt and Nubia.
Entire plumage ferruginous-brown, with the centre of the
feathers of the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts darker
206 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
brown ; quills and tail dusky brown ; legs feathered down to
the feet ; feet, cere, and base of the bill yellow, remainder of
the beak horn -blue ; irides pale brown.
Entire length 24 inches ; culmen 1-8; wing 18*0; tarsus
3-2.
197. AauiLA N.EViA, Gm. Spotted Eagle.
This is the most abundant species of Eagle in Egypt, but
it is less plentiful in Nubia. During my visit to the Fayoora
in February and March it was extremely plentiful, and was
generally to be seen sitting still by the water's edge. I fre-
quently found it devouring pieces of decomposing fish, which
appeared to form its chief food in theFayoom.
Entire plumage brown, feathers on the head and neck with
pale edgings ; rump boldly mottled with white and pale
brown ; tail narrowly tipped with pale brown, and very
indistinctly barred; under tail-coverts buff, mottled with
brown. In younger specimens the chest, back, and wing-
coverts are marked on the centre of the feathers with cream-
colom-ed spots. Tarsus feathered ; cere and feet yellow ;
beak horn-blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 24-28 inches ; culmen 2-4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 18-5-20 ; tarsus 4.
The descriptions are taken from Egyptian specimens in my
collection.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 8.
198. Aqdila Bonellii, Temm. BoneUi's Eagle.
According to Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 49) this
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 207
Eagle is occasionally met with throughout Egypt and the
Fayoom during the winter mouths ; and Antinori calls it com-
paratively common in Egypt and Lower Nubia. I have,
however, never met with it during my several visits to those
countries, nor have I seen an Egyptian specimen in any
collection.
Upper plumage brown, with the edges of the feathers
mostly lighter ; quills black ; tail more or less shaded with
ash-colour, paler at the tip, and somewhat irregularly barred
with dusky ; throat and under surface of the body white or
pale ferruginous, with brown stripes down the centres of the
feathers ; tarsus feathered ; cere and feet yellow ; beak horn-
blue ; irides brown.
Entire length 24 to 30 inches ; culmen 1-75 ; wing 19*8 ;
tail irS ; tarsus 43.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 7.
199. Aquila pennata (Gm.). Booted Ea^le.
Plentiful at times in Egypt and Nubia. It arrives about
March to breed, and leaves again in September. It appears
to be rather uncertain in its visits ; for I never met with it
during my last two tours in the country ; but in March
1868, near Benisouef, our party killed three, and we saw
several others either among the clumps of sont trees or
beating up and down the fields, which were at that time full
of Quail.
Specimens often differ very considerably in the colour of
their chests.
Forehead occasionally white ; remainder of the head and
208 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
neck light brown, the centres of the feathers streaked with
dusky ; remainder of the upper phimage dark brown, the
feathers mostly edged with paler brown ; under plumage
white, streaked down the centres of the feathers with brown,
or else pale brown streaked with darker brown ; a more or
less well-defined moustache ; tarsi feathered ; cere and feet
yellow ; beak horn-blue ; irides brown.
This variation in plumage, as far as is known at present,
depends neither upon sex nor age.
Entire length 21 inches; culmen 1-6; wing, carpus to
tip, 15'5 ; tarsus 2'5.
The description is taken from Egyptian specimens in my
collection.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em-, pi. 9.
200. Gypaetus nudipes, Brehm. Southern Bearded Vulture.
According to Riippell this bird is found in Egypt and
Nubia; and Antinori says that it breeds in the Mokattam
mountains, near Cairo. Dr. A. L. Adams mentions having
seen G. barbatus on the Pyramids (Ibis, 1864, p. 8); and
this specimen probably belonged to the present species,
which does not appear to be very uncommon in Egypt. Dr.
von Heuglin met with it on the shores of the Red Sea, near
Suez (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 18).
On the chin a tuft of dark brown bristles 1 inch in
length; feathers on the face and throat short and brown,
those on the back of the head and neck long, lanceolate, and
nearly black ; back, wings, and upper tail-coverts paler brojvn,
and boldly marked with dirty white spots ; quill feathers of
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 209
the wings and tail dark brown ; the feathers on the lower
part of the throat are marked with longitudinal brownish-
yellow spots ; remainder of the underparts pale ferruginous
brown ; beak dull yellow, black at the base ; legs yellow ;
u'ides brown.
Entire length 40 inches ; culmen 4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 28 ; tarsus 4 ; tail 19-5, wedge-shaped.
Fig. Riipp. Syst. Uebers. pi. 1.
201. VuLTUR MONACHUS, Linn. Black Vulture. / '77^^ ''
The Black Vulture ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, //^^ t-v^«-u
but is nowhere abundant. It may occasionally be seen on 2{'' f/t^ / '
the sandbanks, either singly, or, more frequently, in company /^— -
with flocks of Gypsfulviis.
Head and upper part of the throat covered with down, and
ornamented with a ruff at the base of the neck ; the whole of
the plumage dark brown, with the edges of the feathers paler ;
basal half of the beak and a bare space on the throat bluish
flesh-colour, remainder of the beak black ; legs bluish flesh-
colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 45 inches ; culmen 3*7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 28 ; tarsus 5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 2.
202. VuLTUR AURiCTJLARis, Daud. Sociable Vulture.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 9) mentions this bird as
plentiful in Nubia, and not uncommon in the middle and
p
210 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
southern provinces of Egypt ; he observes, however, that he
has not met with it in Lower Egypt.
Head thinly covered with dusky-coloured down ; neck
flesh-colour, naked, and covered with wrinkles ; at the back
of the neck a partial collar of short stiff feathers ; back and
wings brown ; under surface of the body paler, the feathers
long and narrow ; legs and cere yellowish grey ; beak and
irides brown.
Total length 45 inches ; culmen 3'7 ; wing 31 "5 ; tarsus 6" 5.
203. Gyps fulvus (Gm.). Griffon Vulture.
This species is plentifully distributed throughout Egypt
and Nubia. At Edfoo I met with several hundreds of them
around the body of a dead camel, which they were extremely
unwilling to quit, and allowed my dragoman to hit at them
with his stick before they would take wing. Towards the
end of April I observed a pair in the mountains of Aboo
Fayda, where they were probably breeding.
Head and neck covered with short white down ; lower
part of the neck surrounded by a ruff of long, slender, white
feathers, occasionally tinged with rufous ; quills and tail
dusky ; remainder of the plumage brown, with a slight tint
of rufous on the body ; legs hght brown ; beak slate-colour ;
ii'ides hazel.
Entire length 48 inches ; culmen 2'9 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 27 ; tarsus 4.
Immature birds have the head and neck dirty white, varied
with brown, and the rest of the plumage much lighter than
in the adult, with white and grey markings.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 1.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 211
204. Neophron percnopterus (L.). Egyptian Vulture.
Arabic " Racham."
These birds are extremely abundant throughout Egypt and
Nubia, where they may be daily seen feeding in pairs or
flocks upon the offal round the villages, or slaking their thirst
on the opposite sandbanks.
Adult. — Head, face, and throat bare, and of a bright
yellow colour ; wings black, with the outer web of some
of the primaries and most of the secondaries washed over with
silvery white ; remainder of the plumage creamy white, more
or less tinted with pale brownish yellow on the neck and
crop ; base of the beak yellow, apical half black ; legs flesh-
colour; irides crimson.
Entire length 27 inches ; culmen 3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 18"5 ; tarsus 3'5.
The immature bird is more or less brown all over, and has
brown irides.
It appears that this species does not obtain its mature
plumage and crimson irides until the fourth year {cf. ' Nat.
Hist, and Archeology of the Nile Valley and Maltese Islands,'
by A. Leith Adams, p. 104).
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 3.
Fam. COLUMBID^.
205. CoLUMBA LiviA, Linn. Bock-Dove.
This Dove is abundant throughout Egypt and Nubia,
inhabiting rocks and ruins, and the dove-cots in the Arab
villages, in a semidomesticated state. By far the greater
p 2
212 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
proportion of the Egyptian Pigeons have a grey rump ; and
such birds I refer to the next species, C. ScJiimperi, although
I consider the colour of the rump to be a rather doubtful
mark of specific distinction, as one cannot feel sure of the
purity of the breed of even the apparently wild race. How-
ever, there are other distinctive marks, which, though less
apparent, are more to be relied upon for the recognition of
C. Schimperi from the present species.
General plumage slate-colour ; rump white ; lower part of
the neck and upper part of the breast Vidth a metallic green
and purple lustre ; the slate-colom* is darkest on the head,
neck, breast, and upper tail-coverts, and lightest on the
wings ; primaries dusky ; basal portion of the secondaries
and greater wing-coverts black, forming two bars on the
wing; tail broadly banded across the tip with dusky, and
the basal half of the outer tail-feathers white ; beak dusky,
with a fleshy substance at the base of the upper mandible ;
legs blood-red ; irides brownish red.
Entire length 14 inches; culmen 0"8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8'6 ; tarsus 1"1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 245.
206. CoLUMBA ScHiMPERi, Bp. ScMmpers Pigeon.
I unfortunately paid but little attention to the Pigeons
during my travels in Egypt, yet I think there can be no
doubt that there are two races mixed in the vast semi-
domesticated flocks, and living more or less in a pm-e wild
state in the cliffs which in some places border the river.
The one race has a white rump, and is C. livia ; the other.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 213
and by far the most abundant, has a slate-coloured rump, and
belongs to the present species. Von HeugHn (Orn. N. O.
Afr. p. 828) does not admit the specific distinctness of these
two races, and considers them all to belong to C. livia, which
is, in my opinion, an error. Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1867,
p. 66), on the other hand, includes all the Pigeons under the
name C. Schimperi, with the following observations : —
" Flocks of Pigeons, perfectly wild, frequent the precipitous
rocks that here and there border the Nile. I have frequently
shot examples of them, and have always found them to
possess the characteristics of Columha Schimperi, being de-
cidedly and conspicuously distinguishable from C. livia by
the absence of the white rump which forms so marked a
feature in that species." I have certainly shot Pigeons both
with and without the white rump ; the former must un-
doubtedly be C. livia, and the latter, which on many occa-
sions had the strongest claims to be considered pure-bred
wild birds, I refer to the present species, C. Schimperi, as
they were certainly not C. o&nas, a bird of whose capture in
Egypt I entertain very strong doubts.
207. CoLUMBA CENAS, Linn. Stock-Dove.
Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 828) observes that there
is a specimen in the Berlin Museum considered to be
Egyptian ; but he doubts the occurrence of this species in
the country, and believes that the uncoloured plate in the
' Description de I'Egypte,' though named C. cenas, may be
referred to C. livia.
General colour of the plumage slaty grey, a patch on the
214 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
side of the neck metallic green, the crop tinted with claret-
colour ; quills dusky, with a single row of black blotches on the
wing ; a broad black band at the extremity of the tail, and the
exterior web of the outer tail-feather edged with white. In
adult birds the beak is yellow, with the base red ; legs blood-
red ; irides reddish brown.
Entii'e length 14"5 inches; culmen 0'8 ; wing, carpus
to tip, 8'8 ; tarsus 1"1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 234.
208. TuRTUE AURiTUS (Linn.). Turtledove.
(Plate X. fig. 1.)
This Turtledove is abundant throughout Egypt and
Nubia in the spring, and frequently breeds in the country.
I first met with it on the 20th of April at Edfoo, when it had
evidently just arrived ; for I afterwards saw it daOy in greater
abundance than either T. senegalensis or T. Sharpii. Von
Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 840) has fallen into the same
error as most previous writers upon the birds of Egypt, and
has mistaken T. Sharpei for the present species. The accom-
panying plate will show the distinctness of these two Doves.
Top of the head, back of the neck, sides of the back, rump,
upper tail-coverts, and outer portion of the wing-coverts
smoky grey ; remainder of the back brown, with dark
centres to the feathers ; scapulars and greater portion of the
wing-coverts black, broadly edged with clear yellowish brown ;
quiUs and tail dusky, shaded with grey ; exterior web of the
outer tail-feather, and a broad tip to all but the two centre
ones, white ; sides of the face shaded with sandy brown ;
Plate X.
i.TURTUR AURITUS.
2.TURTUR SHARPll.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 215
feathers on the sides of the neck black, tipped with white,
forming three distinct obhque bands of each colour ; throat
and chest rich purplish pink, gradually shading into pure
white on the abdomen ; eyelids lilac-red ; beak dusky, with a
reddish shade towards the base ; feet red ; irides red, tinted
with orange.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 0"7; wing, carpus to
tip, 7 ; tarsus 0'8.
209. TuRTUR Sharpii, G. E. Shelley. Sharpes Turtledove.
(Plate X. fig. 2.) K^
This bird arrives in the beginning of February, and by the
end of the month becomes plentiful throughout Egypt and
Nubia, and may be found breeding in great numbers towards
the latter end of March, some three weeks before T. auritus
arrives in the country. It has long been confounded with
the latter species, owing to the similarity of its markings ; but
may at once be distinguished from that bird by the absence
of any blue shading on the head and back, and from its wings
being one inch shorter from carpus to tip. I first described
this species in 'The Ibis,' for 1870 (p. 447), and named it
after my esteemed friend Mr. R. B. Sharpe, the author of the
' Monograph of the Alcedinidae ' and other ornithological
works. This Dove I regard as a desert form of T. auritus,
and in some respects as intermediate between that bird and
T. senegalensis. It appears never to breed on the ground, as
the latter bird often does, but resembles it in the habit
of frequenting burial-grounds and sandy districts, frequently
at some distance from trees, which is seldom the case with
216
BIRDS OF EGYPT,
T. auritm. Its egg is intermediate in size, and, from tlie one
specimen I broaglit home, appears to be of a less pure white
than those of the other two species. In the beginning of
April it so far surpassed in numbers its congener, T. sene-
galensis, that sixty out of sixty-two specimens which I killed
on an island of the First Cataract were of this species.
Its plumage differs from T. auritm in the following
particulars : — The head is of a pale yellowish brown, lighter
beneath, shading gradually on the chest into rich pink, which
again fades into white towards the vent ; under taU-coverts
white ; the rump and upper tail-coverts broadly edged with
yellowish brown ; the exterior web of the outer tail-feather is
stained brownish black at a distance of about an inch and a
half from the tip ; the two middle tail-feathers broadly edged
with yellowish brown, and the two or three next feathers on
each side have their white tips partially marked with the same
colour ; beak, legs, and irides similar to those of T. auritm.
Entire length 11-5 inches; culm en 0"7; wing, carpus to
tip, 6 ; tarsus 0*8.
210. TdrTUR ISABELLINUS, Bp.
The type specimen of this species is in the Berlin Museum,
and has been figm'ed by Bonaparte, the original describer
(Ic. Pig. t. 102) ; yet Von Heuglin makes no mention of it
in his great work on the ornithology of North-eastern Africa.
The figure is indifferent ; and as I have not seen the type
specimen, and do not know upon what authority its claims
are based to be an Egyptian species, I shall refrain from
further remarks, merely adding, that if the species is a good
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 217
one, and not a variety, I doubt if its real habitat will be
found iu Egypt.
211. TuRTUR ALBiVENTRis, G. R. Gray. Wliitc'bellied Turtle-
dove.
According to Von Heuglin, this Dove is met with singly
in Egypt and Nubia. It is the T. risorius of his ' Syste-
matische Uebersicht ' (p. 49).
Head, neck, and crop creamy pink, with a broad black
collar on the back of the neck, narrowly bordered with
white; back and scapulars brown, shaded with grey on the
rump ; tail, two centre feathers brownish slate-colour, the
remainder greyer, with white ends, increasing in width
towards the exterior feathers; wings brown, shaded with
grey towards the shoulders ; under surface of the body white,
shaded with pink on the chest and with grey on the flanks ;
beak, legs, and irides the same as in T. auritus.
Entu'e length 9 inches ; culmeu 0"7 ; wing, carpus to tip,
5"9; tarsus 0"8.
212. TuRTUE 8ENEGALENSIS (Linn.). Egyptian Turtledove.
This Tiu:tledove, the only species which remains in
Egypt the vphole year, is very abundant and evenly distri-
buted throughout the country. It is very sociable and tame,
and not so fast on the wing as the other species. In every
palm-grove pairs- may be seen sitting together on the long
leaf-stems, and in the villages they may be found strutting
along the mud walls which form the native houses. They
218 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
have begun breeding by the end of February, both in trees
and on the ground by the side of banks.
Head purphsh pink ; back, scapulars, tail-coverts, and tvpo
centre tail-feathers umber-brown, shading into clear yellowish
brown on the inner wing-coverts ; remainder of the wing-
coverts smoky grey ; apical half of the three outer tail-feathers
white, remainder of the tail, except the two centre feathers,
slate-colour, broadly marked with black; feathers on the
sides and front of the neck black, with broad yellowish-brown
tips, forming a collar ; chest purplish pink, gradually shading
into white towards the vent ; eyelids, beak, legs, and irides
similar to those of T. auritus.
Entire length 10" 5 inches ; cidnien 0'7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5'5 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. iii. p. 195.
ram. PTEROCLIDiE.
213. Pterocles ExusTus, Temm. Sinffed Sand-Grouse.
This is the most abundant species of Sand-Grouse in the
country, ranging throughout Egypt and Nubia ; in the latter
locality it may be most plentifully met with on the uncul-
tivated tracts, where the coarse halfa-grass has been recently
cut, and on fallows. It usually keeps in small flocks, and is
a bird of strong flight, frequently uttering while on the wing
its loud peculiar note, which may be heard at a considerable
distance, especially in the early morning and towards sunset,
when they leave the more barren parts to slake their thu'st at
the river. The localities where I met with them most abun-
dantly were at the Fayoom, Golosaueh, Karnak, and between
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 219
Silsilis and Kom Ombo. It breeds in April in small holes
which it forms in the sand and lines with dried grass.
Male. — Head, throat, back, and upper tail-coverts sandy
colour, shaded with yellow on the face and neck and with
brown on the back; quills and primary coverts black, the
inner primaries and outer secondaries tipped with white ;
wing-coverts sandy colour, those nearest the shoulder strongly
shaded with brown, the remainder with yellow, and the
inner ones tipped with deep brown, some of the larger ones
having a white spot near the end ; scapulars brown, shading
into sandy yellow towards the ends of the feathers ; tail,
two centre feathers black, shaded with sandy colour, the
remainder brown, barred with black and tipped with bufi';
a clear narrow black belt across the chest, edged with sandy
colom', which shades into chocolate-brown on the abdomen,
the centre of the latter being almost black ; tarsi and under
tail-coverts buff; beak dusky ; feet and iiides brown.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7'5 ; tarsus 0'9.
Female. — Upper parts sandy colour, the feathers mottled
and barred with black ; quills and larger wing-coverts similar
to those in the male ; sides of the head, throat, and upper
part of the chest sandy colour, mottled with black on the
lower part of the throat and crop ; a narrow double black
belt across the chest, the lower part of which, as well as the
abdomen and thighs, are black, narrowly barred with sandy
colom* ; tarsi and under tail-coverts buff.
Specimens vary considerably in size.
Eig. Gould, B. of Asia, part ii.
220 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
214. Pterocles senegallus (Linn.). Senegal Sand-Grouse.
This Sand-Grouse, which is similar to the last in habits,
may easily be recognized by its paler colours and yellow
throat. Though a resident in the country it is not very
abundant, but may generally be met with during the Nile
tour, and is often brought to the market at Alexandria.
Male. — General plumage sandy colom- ; lores and a broad
band encirchng the head grey ; basal portion of the scapulars
and greater wing-coverts brown; primaries dark brown,
washed on the outer webs with sandy colour ; tail, the two
centre feathers elongated and dusky towards the tip, the
remainder barred with black and broadly tipped with white ;
upper half of the throat, cheeks, and ear-coverts bright
yellow ; remainder of the throat and crop washed M'ith grey ;
centre of the chest and abdomen brownish black ; tarsus
covered with buff-coloured feathers ; feet slaty brown ; beak
dusky ; irides brown.
Female. — Entirely of a pale sandy cream-colour, with
dusky spots on all the upper parts excepting the qmlls and
tail ; primaries inclining to brown on the inner web ; secon-
daries, except a few of the inner ones, uniform brown ; upper
part of the throat, cheeks, and ear-coverts yellow ; remainder
of the throat spotted with dusky ; centre of the abdomen
dark brown ; the rest of the plumage the same as in
the male.
Entire length 12 inches; culmeu 0"5; wing, carpus to
tip, '/'•2 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Asia, part iii.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 221
215. Pterocles coRONATCs, Liclit. Coromtted Sand-Grouse.
In Egypt and Nubia this species is rare, and does not, to
my knowledge, come into the Delta. Dr. A. Leith Adams
(Ibis, 1864, p. 27) mentions having shot four out of a flock
at the Second Cataract ; and Mr. S. Stafford Allen also killed
a pair at El Kab (Ibis, 1864, p. 240).
Male. — Front of the forehead and over the eye creamy
white ; crown of the head cinnamon, surrounded by a band
of grey ; a black patch on each side of the beak, joining on the
chin, and extending down the centre of the throat ; remainder
of the upper part of the throat, cheeks, ear-coverts, and neck
yellow, the rest of the plumage sandy colour ; scapulars and
wing-coverts mottled with dark brown, with a pear-shaped
spot of buff at the tips of the feathers ; primaries blackish
brown, slightly edged with sandy colour ; tail, two centre
feathers sandy coloixr, without elongated ends, the remainder
with a bar of black and broad white tips ; underparts sandy
colour, washed with grey on the base of the throat and fore
part of the chest ; beak and feet leaden black ; irides brown.
Entire length 10 inches; culmen 0*6; wing, carpus to
tip, 7-7; tarsus 1*2.
Female. — Generally paler, and without any black on the
face and throat, and wanting the grey band ; the crown much
paler, and the plumage generally barred with brovni on the
crop, back, and wing-coverts.
Fig. Gould, B. of Asia, part iii.
222 BIEDS OP EGYPT.
Fam. TETRAONIDJE.
216. Francolinus vulgaris, Steph. Francolin.
I only include this species on the authority of Riippell,
who says that it is met with singly in the Delta during the
winter.
Male. — Top of the head and nape rufous, streaked with
black ; a large patch of white on the ear-coverts ; remainder
of the head black ; a broad rufous-brown collar, with some of
the feathers tipped with oval black spots edged with white ;
upper part of the back black, with white spots ; scapulars and
wing-coverts dark brown, the feathers broadly edged with
rufous ; remainder of the back, tail-coverts, and tail composed
of alternate black and white transverse zigzag lines ; quills
rufous brown, with transverse bars and spots of dusky brown ;
chest, abdomen, and flanks black, with oval white spots,
becoming larger on the flanks ; lower part of the abdomen
rufous, with white edges to the feathers ; under tail-coverts
rich rufous brown, also edged with white ; feathers of the
thighs barred with black and white, and pencilled with
rufous ; beak dusky black ; legs reddish brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 13 inches; culmen 13; wing, carpus to
tip, 6 ; tarsus 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 259.
217. Ammoperdix Heyi, Temm. Hei/s Sand-Partridge.
This species is rare in Egypt and Nubia, but is probably
a resident there throughout the year, frequenting rocky dis-
tricts, where it prefers running and hiding among the stones
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 223
to taking wing. Mr. E. C. Taylor mentions his having ob-
tained a specimen at Assouan (Ibis, 1867, p. 67). Canon
Tristram gives a good account of its habits (Ibis, 1868,
p. 214).
Male. — General plumage deep sandy buff, washed with
dark grey on the crown and cheeks; rump, upper tail-
coverts, and centre tail-feathers sandy buff, pencilled and
barred with brown ; lateral tail-feathers chestnut ; primaries
brown, blotched on their outer margins with buff ; secondaries
pencilled with black ; lores and a stripe behind the eye white,
bordered above and below with dusky brown ; breast deep
buff; remainder of the under surface of the body chestnut
and white, with the sides of the feathers black ; under tail-
coverts reddish orange ; beak orange ; legs olive-yellow ;
irides brown.
Entire length 9 inches ; culmen, 0'7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4*8; tarsus 1'5.
Female. — Entire plumage greyish buff, mottled and pen-
cilled with pale buff and black, and with a wash of reddish
buff on the shoulders and back.
Fig. Gould, B. of Asia, part iii.
218. CoTTJRNix COMMUNIS, Bonn. Common Quail. ■-, '~Z- ■
A few Quail remain in Egypt throughout the year. The
migratory birds arrive there in abundance towards the be-
ginning of March and again in November, the greater number
only passing through the country on their way to and from
Europe ; but still many remain to breed. When these
travellers have arrived in the country the fact soon becomes
224 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
known from their peculiar call, which may be constantly
heard from among the crops, especially in the early morning
and towards sunset. These are the best times for shooting
Quail ; for during the heat of the day they retire to the thicker
crops, and are very unwilling to rise.
Female. — Upper parts brown, shaded with rufous and grey,
and marked with black ; a buff line extends over each eye,
and another one down the centre of the head ; the feathers
on the neck, scapulars, sides of the back, and tail-coverts have
pointed streaks of buff edged with black down the centre of
the feathers ; wings brown, with irregular narrow bars ;
underparts creamy white, shaded and spotted with brown on
the crop and flanks, a distinct semicircular collar of brown
spots on the tliroat; beak brown; legs flesh-colour; irides
hazel.
Male in summer. — Chin and centre of throat black; the
crop and flanks more rufous and less spotted.
Entire length 7'5 inches ; culmen 0-5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4*5 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 263.
219. TuRNix SYLVATICA, Desfont. Andalusian Hemipode.
This bird appears to be of very rare occurrence in Egypt,
and probably never ranges into -Nubia. Von HeugUn (Syst.
Ueb. p. 52) only once met with it, in a clover-field, in Lower
Egypt.
Upper plumage of a general sandy-brown colour ; the top
of the head has a plain sandy-coloured central line, extending
on to the nape, with a dusky black and rufous line on each
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 225
side ; remainder of the feathers dusky, with sandy-coloured
edges, and tipped with rufous ; sides of the face sandy
coloured, with dusky tips to the feathers ; feathers on the
back and scapulars finely pencilled with black, the centres
stained and spotted with rufous, many of the wing-coverts
having the centre of the feathers black, forming large spots ;
quiUs dusky, edged with pale brown ; chin and belly cream-
colour ; sides of the neck, front of the chest, sides, flanks, and
under tail-coverts deep sandy orange, spotted with black ;
beak and legs yellowish brown ; irides brown .
Entire length 6 inches ; culmen '55; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'75 ; tarsus 1.
¥ig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 264.
Order GRALLvE.
Pam. 0TIDID-5i.
220. Otis houbara, Gm. Houbara Bustard.
This fine Bustard is plentiful in most parts of Northern
Africa, frequenting the desert, and ranges, I believe, through-
out Egypt and Nubia. I have never myself met with it
alive, but it is not uncommon in the market at Alexandria.
This species is distinguished by a long crest of white
feathers and a thick ruff of long narrow ones on each side of
the neck, the upper ones black and the lower ones white ;
the whole of the upper plumage is sandy brown, each feather
marked with zigzag bars of dusky colour ; primaries white
at their base and dark brown towards their ends ; tail barred
with grey and black ; throat white, freckled with brown ;
226 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
some sandy-brown feathers on the chest ; remainder of the
under surface of the body white ; beak and legs olive-green ;
irides brown.
Entire length 25 inches ; culmen 2'1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 14 ; tarsus 4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 268.
221. Otis tetrax, Linn. Little Bustard.
According to Von Heuglin (Syst, Ueb. p. 54) this bird is to
be met with singly in the north-eastern portion of Lower Egypt.
Male. — Upper part of the head and nape black, freckled
with sandy colour ; throat, cheeks, and ear-coverts deep slate-
coloui'; remainder of the neck black, with a narrow white
collar descending in a V-shape in front of the throat ; a broad
white band at the base of the latter, followed by a narrow
one of black ; the remainder of the upper plumage is sandy
brown, pencilled with black and grey and spotted with
black ; upper tail-coverts and all the tail-feathers, except the
two centre ones, tipped with white ; wings, the three outer
primaries dark brown, the remainder white with black ends,
which are again tipped with white ; secondaries white, with
a narrow black bar on their outer webs ; the greater wing-
coverts white ; underparts of the body and wings white, with
a patch on each side of the crop of the same colour as the
back; beak yellowish brown, darkest on the culmen and
towards the tip ; legs yellow ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 17 inches; culmen 09; wing, carpus to
tip, 9*5 ; tarsus 2*5.
Female. — No black or white on the throat, which is of the
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 227
same colour as the back ; feathers on the crop and flanks barred
with brown, and no white ends to the upper tail-coverts.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part xiii.
222. EupoDOTis ARABS (Liun.). Arabian Bustard.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 53) mentions this species as
being met with singly in Egypt.
General coloiu: sandy, all the feathers delicately pencilled
with darker brown ; quills blackish ; the greater coverts and
outer secondaries tipped with white, forming an oblique bar
across the wing, some of the lesser coverts exhibiting an
obsolete white spot ; tail greyish brown, tipped with white,
before which is a subterminal bar of brown pencilled vrith
sandy, and across the middle of the tail is a broad white band ;
crown of the head and whole of the neck whitish, varied with
minute transverse hues of blackish ; a broad black band ex-
tending from above the eye backwards, and forming a crest
where it joins the nape ; eyebrow whitish ; under surface of
the body white, the outermost under wing-coverts pencilled
with brown; vent and under taU-coverts brownish, with
central white streaks ; bill yellowish, brownish above the
nostril ; feet yellowish ; nails horn -brown.
Total length 34 inches ; culmen 3'6 ; wing 14'5 ; tail 11 ;
tarsus 8 "5.
Fam. CHARADRIID^.
223. Glareola PRATiM COLA, Linn. Collared Pratincole.
This Pratincole arrives in Egypt in great numbers about
the middle of April. I first met with it near Assouan on
q2
1.'U<' jrr^-'-y.
228 • BIEDS OF EGYPT.
the 15th of that month, and afterwards saw it in great
abundance as I descended the Nile, sometimes on the bare
fields, but more frequently by the sides of small pools or on
the numerous sandbanks of the river. The flight is very
peculiar and varied, the birds at times passing rapidly
through the air in flocks, like Plovers, or else floating at
a considerable height with outspread wings, or again playing
over the water after the manner of Terns. When I first saw
a single specimen of this bird rise from a small pool, I should
have taken it for a Green Sandpiper, which it closely re-
sembled in the colour of its back and flight, had it not been
for the greater length of the pinions. Probably the larger
portion of these flocks do not remain in the country to breed,
but pass on into Europe, returning again in October or
November on their way south. When I met with them,
their chief food consisted of locusts, which were extremely
abundant.
Upper parts olive-brown, shaded on the nape with sandy
colour ; quills and greater wing-coverts brownish black ; tail-
coverts and tail, which is forked, white, the latter with a
broad brown ending to the feathers ; throat sandy colour,
bordered by a narrow band of white feathers tipped with
black, forming a collar ; chest sandy colour, shaded on the
sides with hair-brown ; remainder of the body white ; under
wing-coverts chestnut; beak black, with some light red at the
base ; legs dusky olive ; irides brown.
Entire length 10 inches ; culmen 0"6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7"7 ; tarsus 1*2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 265.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 229
224. Glareola Nordmanni, Fischer. Black-winged Pra-
tincole.
Von Heuglin observes (Syst. Ueb. p. 55) that this species
is to be met with throughout Egypt and Nubia in small
family parties in the fields, and that in October 1851 he
found it abundant in the Eayoom and Middle Egypt.
Very similar to G. pratincola, but easily distinguished by
the entire underpart of the wing and axillaries being black,
and by its having no red on the beak.
Entire length 9 inches; culmen 0*6; wing, carpus to
tip, 7 "4; tarsus 1'9.
Fig. Giu-ney, Ibis, 1868, pi. viii.
225. CuRSORius GALLicus, Gm. Cream-coloured Courser.
This species, although a resident, is not very abundant in ^C
either Egypt or Nubia. It is a desert bird, preferring the
sandy wastes to the more cultivated parts, and is generally
to be met with in small flocks, probably consisting of the last
year's brood. I myself only found it on one occasion, on
the 4th of February, opposite Aboo-fayda, where I had a most
exciting chase, as I had recognized the birds, and was anxious
to procure a specimen. They were four in number, and very
shy ; they, however, preferred running to flying, never re-
maining long on the wing. Finding that I could not stalk
them in the ordinary way, I drove them towards a bush, and
then making a long round got up to that piece of covert, and
shot one and broke the leg of a second. This wounded bii-d
detained the other two, and enabled me to procui'e one of
them. The wounded one was now alone, and so shy that I
230 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
had great difficulty in procuring it, which I finally succeeded
in doing by walking on one side instead of directly towards it,
when it couched on the sand, hoping to be passed unobserved ;
and thus, after an hour's pursuit, I obtained my third specimen.
Forehead sandy rufous ; hinder part of the crown grey ;
nape black ; eyebrows white, extending back to the nape,
where they join a black streak running from the eye to the
nape ; remainder of the upper plumage sandy colour, except-
ing the primaries and primary-coverts, which are black, the
secondaries tipped with white, with more or less black on
their inner webs ; the tail-feathers, all but the two centre
ones, have black spots near the ends and their tips white ; the
sandy colour shades off" lighter on the underparts, and becomes
creamy white on the chin, lower part of the abdomen, and under
tail-coverts ; beak black ; legs enamelled white ; irides brown.
Entire length 10 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 6"3 ; tarsus 2-1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em-, pi. 266.
226. (Edicnemtjs crepitans, Temm. Tliick-biee.
Plentiful throughout Egypt and Nubia, in pairs and
families, afi'ecting the more desert spots in the neighbour-
hood of small bushes, in preference to the cultivated fields,
while they are occasionally met with on the sandbanks of the
river. On the first approach of danger they crouch close to
the ground ; and when pursued, usually fly only for a short
distance, and then run with considerable fleetness.
Upper plumage sandy colour, the centre of the feathers
marked with dark brown, some of the smaller wing-coverts
having a band of white and one of dark brown on them,
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 231
forming a distinct diagonal bar on the wing, the greater
coverts also forming a white bar ; quills dark brown, with
a white patch on the three outer primaries, the inner
ones having their base and tips white ; tail white, excepting
the two centre feathers, and barred and tipped with dark
brown ; feathers in front of and under the eye, and a streak
from the lower mandible under the ear-coverts, dark brown ;
cheeks and upper part of the throat white ; remainder of the
underparts cream-colour, shaded with brown on the throat
and with rufous on the under tail-coverts ; lower parts of the
neck and chest streaked with brown ; legs and basal half of
the beak yellow, remainder of the bill and edge of it black ;
irides yellow.
Entire length 17 inches; culmen 1"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9'5 ; tarsus 2'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 288.
227. Vanellus cristatus, Meyer. Lapxoing.
-) ■ '' .., ..-
Very plentiful throughout Egypt up to the end of March, , -V* /^
at which season they pass northward, leaving but few to breed ' /
south of Cau'o. In Nubia they are much less abundant.
Top of the head and crest, cheeks, ear-coverts, and a broad
collar on the cropblack ; a broad eyebrow, extending back
to the nape and throat, white ; back of the neck ashy brown ;
back, scapulars, and wing-coverts metallic green and purple ;
remainder of the wing black, with a white patch near the end
of the outer primaries ; upper tail-coverts chestnut ; tail white,
with a broad black ending to all but the two outer feathers ;
under surface of the body white ; vent and under tail-coverts
rufous ; beak black ; legs reddish brown ; irides dark brown.
332 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Entire length 13 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus 1'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of EuT. pi. 291.
228. HoPLOPTERUS spiNosus (Linn.). Spur-winged Plover.
The Spur-winged Plover is one of the most abundant birds
in Egypt, where it remains throughout the year. In the
fields and on the sandbanks it may be constantly seen, either
sitting motionless, with head depressed and shoulders up,
trying to elude observation, or else standing erect, and con-
stantly moving the body with a little spasmodic jerk. Its
cry is loud and varied, and is frequently heard. In March
this species commences to breed, at which season I have
found as many as thirty nests close together towards the
point of a sandbank; it also breeds in the fields. The
nest consists of a neat circular shallow hole in the sand,
roughly lined with short pieces of dried reed, just sufficient to
prevent the eggs from touching the ground.
A sharp hlack spur on the carpal joint of the wing ; upper
part of the head, nape, and throat black, remainder of the
head and neck white ; back, scapulars, and inner half of the
wing-coverts hair-brown, remainder of the wing-coverts and
basal portion of the secondaries pure white; primaries and
ends of the secondaries black ; tail-coverts and basal half of
the tail white, the remainder black ; chest and sides of the
abdomen black, remainder of the abdomen, flanks, and under
tail-coverts white ; beak and legs black ; irides red.
Entire length 12 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
8-2; tarsus 2-1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 298.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 233
229. Chettusia GREGARiA (Pall.). Social Plover.
This species is sparingly scattered throughout Egypt and
Nubia. I only fell in with it twice between Girgeh and
Sioot, killing one of a pair which I saw on the 9th of March,
and one on the following day, out of a flock of eight, lower
down the river.
Forehead, sides of the crown, cheeks, and chin pale buff;
top of the head and a streak from the gape through the eye
black ; back of the neck, back, scapulars, and wing-coverts
stone-grey ; primaries black ; secondaries white ; tail white,
with a black mark on the feathers near the end, forming an
incomplete bar ; throat and ear-coverts sandy colour, verging
into stone-grey on the front of the chest, and shading off to
black on the abdomen, which latter terminates posteriorly in
rich chestnut ; thighs, vent, and under tail-coverts white ;
legs and beak black ; ii-ides dark brown.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen I'l ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8 ; tarsus 2' 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 292.
230. Chettusia ViLLOTiEi, Audouin *. WJiite-tailed Plover.
Egypt appears to be the metropolis of this beautiful bird,
as it is a resident in the country and very plentiful, being
generally distributed in pairs or small flocks round the
* Although Mr. Sharpe took especitol pains to unravel the intricate
synonymy of this bird for the ' Birds of Europe,' and had apparently
proved that the name of lettcura should be appHed to the species, he
has shown me a letter addressed to him by Count Salvadori, in vrhich he
states that in his possession is an older edition of the ' Description de
I'Egypt,' bearing the date of 1809, in which Audouiu bestowed the name
of ViUoicei, which accordingly stands.
f
2Jntif
234 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
marshes of the Delta, the Fayoom, and near Erment, and it
may also be met with in Nubia. It is essentially a marsh
Plover, and may be seen either wading in the mud or shallow
water, or sitting stiU upon some raised bank. On rising
from the ground it frequently utters its ciy, which consists of
a single harsh note several times repeated. The bright
crimson reflections on the back, which are very beautiful in a
freshly killed specimen, fade slightly after death.
Head and neck hair-brown, shading off paler in front of
the forehead and round the eyes, and merging into pure
white on the throat ; back, scapulars, smaller wing-coverts,
and some of the inner secondaries of a delicate crimson
shaded with brown ; tail-coverts and tail pure white ; pri-
maries black ; secondaries, basal half of the primary-coverts,
and the ends of the greater wing-coverts white ; the wing-
coverts have a black bar on them next to the white, forming
a band on the wing ; chest slaty grey ; abdomen and under
tail-coverts buff; beak black; legs pale yellow; irides hght
red, with a tinge of orange.
Entire length 10' 5 inches; culmen 12; wing, carpus
to tip, 7 ; tarsus 3.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part ii.
231. Pltjvianus iEGYPTius (Linn.). Black-headed Plover.
This species is plentifully distributed throughout Egypt
and Nubia, but is most abundant in Upper Egypt, from
Sioot to Thebes, being almost invariably seen in pairs. They
never wander far from the river-bank ; and when on the wing
fly close over the surface of the water, frequently uttering
their cry during flight. They look very handsome as they
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 235
thus skim along the stream on outspread pinions, displaying
their distinctly marked plumage to the greatest advantage.
Top and sides of the head, nape, back, and band round
the chest, base and tip of the quills, and greater part of the
first primary glossy black ; scapidars, wings, and tail-coverts,
and the whole tail excepting the tip clear grey ; a band over
each eye meeting at the back of the head, throat, edge of the
pectoral black band, about half of each quill, and end of the
tail pure white; remainder of the underparts bufi"; beak
black, with a small grey spot near the base of the lower
mandible ; legs clear grey ; irides brown.
Entire length 8*5 inches ; culmen 07; wing, carpus to tip,
5*4, tarsus 1'4.
rig. Gould, B. of Asia, part xvii.
232. Charadrius pluvialis, Linn. Golden Plover.
The Golden Plover only visits Egypt during the winter,
and does not range south of Cairo. In the Delta I have met
with it in flocks on the open ground, or by the edge of the
marshes, and I have frequently killed specimens. It pro-
bably arrives about September, and leaves again in March.
Winter plumage. — Upper parts black, mottled with yellow ;
forehead and over the eye buff ; primaries dusky black with
some white on the shafts, secondaries barred on the edges
with yellow ; under wing-coverts and axillary plumes white ;
tad black, barred and tipped with whitish yellow ; under-
parts white, shaded with brown on the lower part of the
throat and crop, and spotted on those parts with dusky
brown ; beak black ; legs dusky ; ii-ides dark brown.
236 BIEDS OF EGYPT,
Entire length 1 1 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
7*4 ; tarsus 1-5.
In summer the throat and chest become black.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur, part vi.
233. Squatarola helvetica, Linn. Grey Plover.
This Plover closely assimilates to the last species in its
habits and distribution, and hke it is only a winter visitant
in Lower Egypt.
Winter plumage. — Very similar to that of C. plumalis, but
of a general paler colour, and the bars and spots on the
upper parts are dii'ty white, not yellow. The axillary plumes
are black ; and it may further be distinguished by the presence
of a hind toe.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 1-2; wing, carpus to tip,
7-4; tarsus 1-5.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part vi,
234, EuDROMiAS MORiNELLUs (Linn.), Botterel.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 56) remarks concerning this
species, that it is met with during the winter in Egypt and
along the shores of the Red Sea. In 1851 he saw a large
flock of Dotterel on the desert between Sakkara and the
Fayoom.
Winter plumage. — Top of the head, back, and scapulars
brown, with sandy spots and edges to the feathers ; prima-
ries dark brown, exterior web of the outer one strongly
marked with white ; no other white on the primaries ; tail
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 237
more slaty brown, with sandy tips to the feathers ; collar
round the neck and underparts sandy brown, spotted on the
throat and crop with dark brown ; vent and under tail-coverts
white ; beak black ; legs olive-black ; irides dark brown.
In summer the underparts have distinct bands of white,
chestnut, and black, and the bird differs considerably from its
winter plumage.
Entire length S'5 inches ; culmen 065; wing, carpus to
tip, 6'3 ; tarsus 1"4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 294.
235. Etjdromias asiaticus, Pall. Asiatic Dotterel.
This bird is mentioned by Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 57)
as frequenting the coasts of the Red Sea and Mediterranean
during the winter months.
TFinter plumage. — Upper parts hair-brown, forehead and
over the eye white ; primaries brown, with some white on the
sixth and consecutive feathers; tail, all but the two centre
feathers, narrowly tipped with white ; underparts white
with a broad collar of hair-brown ; beak black ; legs olive-
black[; irides dark brown.
Summer plumage. — Pectoral band chestnut, bounded on the
chest with a few black feathers.
Entire length 7*3 inches ; culmen 0-8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5'6 ; tarsus 1'5.
Fig. Harting, Ibis, 1870, p. 202, pi. 5.
238 BIRDS OP EGYPT.
236. ^GiALiTis Geoffroyi (Wagler). Large Sand-Plover.
Although I only know of two specimens of this bird having
been brought back from Egypt, one in Mr. E. C. Taylor's
collection and one in my own, I do not look upon it as of
rare occurrence in that country ; but it is doubtless absent
from most Egyptian collections on account of its habit of
frequenting the sandy shores of the lakes near the sea, which
are rarely visited by the Nile tourists. I saw a flock of
twenty of these birds on Lake Mareotis, when I obtained my
specimen, in the beginning of February ; and towards the end
of March, near Damietta, I again saw considerable numbers
of a Plover, which was probably this bird ; but, owing to its
shyness, I was unable to procure a shot.
The specimen I obtained on the 6th of February has a well-
defined collar of hair-brown inclining to rufous in the centre,
showing that at that early season it has already begun to as-
sume its breeding-plumage.
Winter plumage. — Upper parts, with the exception of the
forehead, pale hair-brown ; forehead and underparts white ;
lores, under the eye, ear-coverts, and a spot on each side of
the breast hair-brown ; primaries dusky, fifth and consecutive
one marked with white on their outer web.
Summer plumage. — A black band behind the white fore-
head ; lores, under the eye, and ear-coverts black ; top of the
head, nape, and pectoral collar ferruginous.
Beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 8*7 inches; wing, carpus to tip, 5'5 ; beak
0"9 ; tarsus r4.
Fig. Harting, Ibis, 1870, p. 878, pi. 11.
BIRDS OP EGYPT. 239
237. ^GiALiTis MONGOLicus (Pall.). Mongolian Sand-Flovef.
I first had my attention drawn to a specimen of this bird
in the British Museum, marked as from Egypt, by Mr. J. E.
Harting's paper " On rare or little-known Limicolae " (Ibis,
1870, p. 887). The mere fact of there being a specimen
in the British Museum labelled Egypt is not very positive
evidence as to its locality ; but I think the shores of the Red
Sea near Suez are a likely place for this bird to be found.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 56) records it as Abyssinian, but
he did not meet with it in Egypt. The following description
is taken from Mr. Harting's paper above referred to : —
" Similar both in summer and winter plumage to the last-
described species {M. geoffroyi), but differing in size, being
considerably smaller. The bill, also, is shorter, has the out-
line of both mandibles straighter, and is of a dark horn-
colour ; the iris dark yellow-brown ; tarsus dull yellowish
grey."
Total length 7 "3 inches; culmen 0-7 ; wing, carpus to tip,
5 ; tarsus 1*3.
238. ^GiALiTis PECUARius (Temm.). Afnean Sand-Plover.
This species is plentifiU throughout Egypt and Nubia,
frequenting similar locaUties to those of ^. cantianus and
^. minor, and may generally be met vnth in flocks. Its
numbers appear to vary considerably in the same locality in
different years; for in 1870 I only met with it once, near
Golosaneh, although I was then anxious to procure some
specimens, while in 1868 and 1871 it was one of the most
abundant of the small Plovers.
240 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
I have retained tlie name pecuarius for this species, as it
is probably this bird which Temminck has figured under
that name (PI. Col. 183) ; but this figure is by no means a
good one. It appears to be identical with JE. Kittlitzi of
Reichenbach and Layard and JE. longipes of Heuglin.
Summer plumage. — Forehead, a band from the eye round
the nape, throat, under the wing, and tail-coverts white ; re-
mainder of the underparts ferruginous brown, darkest on the
chest ; top and back of the head, back, wing-coverts, centre
of the tail, and two spots on each side of the chest dusky
brown, the edges of the feathers tipped with rufous or hair-
brown ; a band across the head from eye to eye, and another
from the lores under the eye and down the side of the neck,
and the quills black ; sixth and consecutive primaries marked
with white on their outer web ; legs and beak black ; irides
dark brown.
Winter plumage. — Underparts whiter, black markings on
the head absent, and the nape ferruginous brown.
Entire length 6'4 inches; culmen 0*65 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4'2 ; tarsus 1'2.
Fig. Temm. PI. Col 183.
239. ^GiALiTls CANTIANUS (Lath.). Kentish Plover.
This is a very abundant Plover both in Egypt and Nubia,
frequenting the sandy flats near water, and is apparently a
sociable bird, as it is always met with in flocks. Owing to
the assimilation of their plumage to the ground they frequent,
they are difficidt to distinguish ; and their presence is often
first made known by the sudden rising of a flock from a
spot in the immediate vicinity.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 241
Winter plumage. — All the upper parts, lores, under the
eye, and ear-coverts hair-brown, excepting the forehead and
a ring round the neck, which are white ; all the underparts
pure white, excepting the two spots of hair-brown on the
sides of the breast meeting in some specimens and forming
an indistinct collar.
Male in summer plumage. — Top and back of the head
rufous, which colour is separated from the white forehead by
a black band ; lores, under the eye, ear-coverts, and a spot
on each side of the breast black.
Legs and beak black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 65 inches; culmen O^O ; wing, carpus to
tip, 42 ; tarsus 11.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 296.
240. iEaiALiTis HiATicuLA (Linn.). Greater Ring-Plover.
This species is included in the ' Description de I'Egypte ;'
and Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 56) observes that it is to be
met with during the winter in Lower Egypt. I never found
the true yE. hiaticula, but have often killed JE. intermedius,
a very closely allied form, which has frequently been con-
founded with the present species.
Breeding-plumage — Back of the head and all the upper
parts hair-brown ; remainder of the plumage and a ring
round the back of the neck white, with the following excep-
tions : — a band over the base of the beak, lores, under the eye,
ear-coverts, a band across the head from eye to eye, and a
broad collar extending round the back of the neck, all of
which parts are black ; quills dusky, fifth and consecutive
&
242 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
primaries marked loifh white on their outer loeh ; tail brown,
lighter towards the base and broadly edged with white, ex-
cepting on the two centre feathers ; legs orange ; heak orange,
with a broad black tip.
In winter plumage and in the immature birds the black
markings are less distinct and occasionally all but absent.
Entire length 7" 5 inches ; culmen 0-G ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 '3 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em-, pi. 296.
241. ^GiALiTis iNTERMEDiTJS (Mcnetr."). Middle Bin ff-Plover.
• The present species is not imcommon in Lower Egypt,
where I have shot it on several occasions near Damietta, and
frequently seen it. I have also received several specimens
from a collector at Alexandria. In the Fayoom I never met
with it, nor do I know of an instance of its capture above
Caho. It is very closely allied to ^. hiaticula, from which
it chiefly difi'ers in being rather smaller.
Plumage similar to u^. hiaticula, but with only a narroto
patch of orange on the base of the bill.
Entire length 6' 2 inches ; culmen 0'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 44 ; tarsus 09.
242. ^Egialitis MINOR, Meyer & Wolf. Little Ring-Plover.
The Little Ring-Plover is a resident and very abundant
throughout Egypt and Nubia, frequenting alike the river-
banks, canals, pools, and marshes, either singly or more
often in small flocks.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 243
Very similar to jE. hiaticula, but smaller. It has no
yellow on the beak, no white patch on any of the primaries,
the shaft of the first primary only being white.
Entire length G5 inches; culmen 055; wing, carpus to
tip, 4"6 ; tarsus 095.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 297.
243. HiEMATOPus osTRALEGUS, Linn. Oyster-catcher .
This well-known bird is of rare occurrence on the Egyptian
coast, but may be occasionally met with on the Mediter-
ranean and Red Seas during the winter. Mr. E. C. Taylor
(Ibis, 1867, p. 69) and Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 57) have
both observed it there.
Entirely black above, and on the throat and upper breast ;
lower part of the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, as well
as the rest of the under surface of the laody, pure white ; base
of the tail white, tip black ; lesser wing-coverts black, like the
back ; wings lilack, with a white bar across the primaries, and
the tips of the greater coverts white, forming a very distinct
patch on the wing ; the innermost long secondaries entirely
black ; legs lake-colour ; bill orange-red at the base, shading
into yellow to the tip.
Entire length 14 inches ; culmen 3 ; wing, carpus to tip,
9/ ; tail 4 ; tarsus 21.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 300.
244. NuMENius ARQUATA, Liuu. Curlcw.
The Curlew is plentiful throughout Egypt and Nul)ia,
where it frequents the sandbanks on the river and the marshes
R 2
244 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
of the Delta and the Fayoom. I have seen it in Upper Egypt
as late as the end of April, but found it niost plentiful in the
Fayoom and Lower Egypt, where I have frequently killed
specimens.
Head, neck, and chest brownish buff, with dark brown
centres to the feathers on these parts and on the flanks ;
chin, upper part of the throat, and remainder of the under-
parts white, the axillaries with a few brown marks near the
ends of some of the feathers ; back and scapulars dark brown,
edged with buff; wings dark brown, edged and barred with
buff on the inner half, and with white on the outer half,
except on the exterior web of some of the outer primaries ;
rump and upper tail-coverts white, the latter with dark brown
centres to the feathers ; tail white, barred with brown and
shaded with buff; beak fleshy brown shading into dark
brown towards the tip ; legs dusky ; irides brown.
Entire length 22 inches ; culmen 4 to 6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 12; tarsus 32.
Specimens vary considerably in size, the females being
generally the largest and having the longest bill.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 302.
245. NuMENius pHjEOPUS, Linn. Whimbrel.
The Whimbrel is to be met with on the banks of the Nile
in small flocks in the winter (Von Heuglin, Syst. Ueb. p. 62).
Somewhat similar in plumage to N. arquata, but of a
smaller size, and diSering in the following points : — top of the
head brown ; tail-coverts more distinctly barred with brown ;
axillaries distinctly barred with brown ; flanks barred with
brown, and lower part of the chest slightly so.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 245
Entire length 175 inches; culmen 35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8'2 ; tarsus 2"Z.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 303.
246. NuMENius TENUiROSTRis, Vicill. Slender-billed Curlew.
The present species is usually to be met with on the Nile
during the spring and autumn ; yet, according to Captain
Loche, it breeds there in the marshes amongst the grass. In
habits it is shy and usually frequents the more desert flats
by the side of large lakes. Von Heuglin mentions having
seen a large flock in the desert near Alexandria (Syst. Ueb.
p. 62).
Very similar in plumage to N. arquata but much smaller
and more mealy-looking. The chest is white, and the spots
on the underparts are pear-shaped. It may at once be re-
cognized from N. phaopus by its not having a dark crown, as
well as by the colour of the axillaries and under wing-coverts,
which are pure white.
Entire length 148 inches j cidmen 3; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus 2*3.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part iii. •
247. LiMOSA jEgocephala (L.). Black-tailed Godwit.
The present species is a winter visitant, ranging throughout
Egypt and Nubia, and is by no means imcommon in Lower
Egypt and the Fayoom, where I have frequently shot it. It
is generally to be met with in small flocks, though often
singly, feeding in company with Redshanks, Ruffs, and other
246
BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Waders ; but on the
from them. I
g it keeps separate
have rarely been to Sakkara without meeting with this bird
on some of the larger pools, where, as they often retui'n
to the same spot and are not more shy than Redshanks, they
may easily be obtained.
Winter plumage. — Upper parts hair-brown, lightest on the
head and back of the neck, and darkest towards the rump ;
the latter as well as the upper tail-coverts white, with the
ends of the latter black ; tail brownish black, with white bases
to the feathers increasing in breadth towards the outer ones ;
quills dark brown, with some white only on the inner web of
the first four, the remainder of the quills having a broad
white base ; underparts white, washed on the neck and crop
with ashy brown ; beak brownish flesh-colour, shading into
black towards the tip ; legs dusky black; irides dark brown.
Entire length 19 inches; culmen 4"S ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8'8 ; tarsus 3" 5.
In summer the breast and throat become ferruginous
brown, and the upper parts are mottled with that colour and
black.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part xiii.
248. Machetes pugnax (Linn.). Ruff.
The Ruif is very abundant throughout Egypt and Nubia
from August till May, more especially in the Fayoom and the
Delta, where it may generally be met with in large flocks,
frequenting the flooded fields in preference to the marshes.
Male in loinlcr plumage. — Upper parts hair-brown, the
centre of the feathers darker ; tail-coverts white, excepting a
BIRDS or EGYPT. 247
few of the centre ones ; quills dark brown ; undcrparts
white, shaded with hair-brown on the lower part of the throat,
crop, and sides of the chest ; beak brownish black ; legs
olive-brown ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 1'5; wing, carpus to
tip, 7"5 ; tarsus 1"9.
Female in winter. — Differs only from the male at that
season in being smaller and in having the legs pale yellowish
brown. Entire length 10 inches.
In summer the male puts on the broad ruff from which
the bird takes its name, and varies immensely in its plu-
mage, no two specimens being exactly alike.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 328.
249. ScoLOPAX RUSTicoLA, Liuu. Woodcock.
The Woodcock appears to be only an accidental straggler
in Egypt. During my last tour I heard of a specimen having
been captured in the Delta, and am also glad to find the
locality " Egypt " given to the species in Mr. G. R. Gray's
' Hand-list of Birds.'
Forehead and top of the head greyish brown, hind part
and nape rufous, with four broad black bands ; from the
gape to the eye a streak of deep brown ,- chin white ; on the
side of the neck a patch of brown ; the upper parts are a
mixture of rufous brown, black, yellow, and grey, with zigzag
transverse lines and pencillings of black, darkest on the back
and scapulars ; rump and tail-coverts chestnut, Avith paler
tips and narrow transverse bars of black ; tail black, varied
with chestnut and tipped with grey above and white beneath >
248 BIRDS 0¥ EGYPT.
quills dusky, with chestnut bars ; underparts greyish white,
tinged with yellowish brown and barred with dusky pencil-
lings ; under tail-coverts yellowish, with black triangular
central spots ; legs flesh-coloui', tinged with grey ; beak flesh-
colour at the base, shading into dusky at the tip ; irides deep
brown.
Entire length 13"8 inches ; culmen 2'8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7'8; tarsus 1-4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 319.
250. Gallinago major (Gm.). Solitary Snipe.
This Snipe is not uncommon in Lower Egypt during the
winter, but does not range, to my knowledge, south of the
Delta, though it appears to me highly probable that it is to be
found in the Fayoom.
Top of the head black, with pale brown markings and a
central line of the same colour ; in front of the eye a dark
i)i'own patch ; sides of the head and throat white, speckled
"fith dusky ; nape pale rufous with black spots ; back and
scapulars dark brown, the feathers partly edged with rufous
brown ; wings dusky, the greater wing-coverts edged with
white ; tail consisting of \^ feathers, which are tipped with
white and barred with black and chestnut ; underparts vai'ied
with transverse triangular bars of dark brown, and shaded on
the chest and flanks with ferruginous brown ; beak flesh-
colour at the base, shading into dusky brown at the tip ; legs
olive ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 12'5 inches; culmen 2'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5"5 ; tarsus r4.
'• Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 320.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 249
251. Gallinago media, Leach. Common Snipe.
The Common Snipe ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
and is very abundant wherever there is suitable ground for it,
as, for instance, throughout Lower Egypt, the Fayoom, and
around the lake near Erment. There are perhaps few lo-
calities better suited to this bird than the large marshes of
Lower Egypt, where, in February, I have killed over forty
couple in a day. By the end of that month their numbers
rapidly decrease ; yet towards the end of March I one
day killed twenty couple in the same marsh. Up the Nile
at Dendera I have met with them as late as the 24th of
March.
Top of the head, back, and scapulars black, streaked with
chestnut and yellow ; quills black ; wing-coverts dusky, edged
with buff ; uuderparts white, more or less shaded with ferrugi-
nous brown on the cheeks, throat, and upper part of the chest,
the latter parts spotted with dusky ; thighs also barred with
dusky ; tail, which consists of 14 feathers, black, tipped with
white and barred with ferruginous brown ; beak brown,
shading into dusky at the tip and flesh-colour at the base ;
legs greenish slate-colom- ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 11*5 inches; culmen 2"8; wing, carpus to
tip, 4*9 ; tarsus 1'2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 321.
252. Gallinago gallinula (Linn.). Jack Snipe.
The Jack Snipe has the same range in Egypt as the last
species ; and I have likewise procured it near Dendera as late
as the 24th of March.
250 BIED8 OF EGYPT.
Crown of the head black, the feathers edged with rufous ;
a buff band extending from the beak over the eye and down
the nape ; a brown patch in front of the eye ; cheeks white,
with the tips of the feathers brown ; back and inner web of
the scapulars black and rufous, with purple and green
reflections ; outer webs of the scapulars cream-colour, forming
two bands down the back ; wings dusky, the coverts edged
with pale brown and tipped with white ; tail dusky, the
feathers edged with very pale rufous ; underparts white,
strongly mottled with brown on the throat, crop, and flanks ;
beak pale fleshy brown, shading into dark brown towards the
tip ; legs pale brown ; iridcs dark brown.
Entire length 8 inches; culmen TO; wing, carpus to
tip, 4 ; tarsus 9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 322.
253. Rhynch^a capensis, Linn. Painted Snipe.
(Plate XI.)
The present species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
and is not uncommon at times in the Delta and the Fayoom,
where it may occasionally be met with in flocks, though
more often singly. It remains in the country throughout the
year, and breeds in May. It somewhat resembles the Jack
Snipe in habits, being difiicult to flush, and in only flying
for a short distance ; but it is slower on the wing than
that species.
Secondaries long in proportion to the primaries, giving
the wings a very rounded appearance.
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BIRDS OF EGYPT. 251
Female. — Head and neck rufous brown, inclining to
greenish black on the top of the head ; a buff mark extend-
ing from the base of the beak to the crown ; a white patch
encircling the eye, and extending backwards through the ear-
coverts ; back and scapulars bronzy ; wing-coverts green ;
rump, tail, and quills slaty grey, inclining to dark brown at
the base of the outer web of the primaries, the whole pen-
cilled and barred with wavy black lines ; the quills have
numerous clear buff spots, forming rows when the wings are
extended; the neck shades into black at the base, which
colour is bordered by a clear white collar, extending round
the shoulders ; remainder of the underparts creamy white,
with a large dusky patch on each side of the chest next to
the collar; beak flesh-colour, shading into dusky brown
at the base, and into rufous brown on the culmen and
towards the tip ; legs olive-green ; irides brown.
Male. — Neck brownish grey, mottled with white on the
throat; feathers round the eye and collar buff; a buff band
down the scapulars ; some broad black bars on some of the
feathers ; wing-coverts pale green, mottled with buff ; beak
darker ; remainder of the plumage similar to the female.
Entire length 9'3 inches ; culmen 2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 ; tarsus 1'8.
254. Tringa MiNUTA, Leisler. Little Stint.
The Little Stint is a winter visitor to Egypt and Nubia,
and is extremely abundant in some parts. It may usually be
met with in flocks, frequenting the marshy ground, and on
the sandbanks of the river.
252 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Tn?ifer plumage. — Upper parts hair-brown, the centre of
the feathers darker ; tail-coverts dark brown, with narrow
pale edges ; tail, two centre feathers dark brown, the re-
mainder pale stone-grey ; wings dark brown, the coverts with
pale edges, the greater ones tipped with white, forming a
narrow bar on the wing; forehead and nnderparts pure
white ; beak and legs olive-black ; irides dark brown.
Summer plumage. — Upper parts mottled with rufous and
black.
Entire length 5"5 inches; culmen 0'7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'8 ; tarsus 0'8.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vii.
255. Tringa Temminckii, Leisler. Tcmminclcs SH/if.
This Stint ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but is not
so plentiful as the last species, being usually met with singly
or in pairs.
Upper parts dusky olive, with narrow dark streaks on the
centres of the feathers ; wings dusky black, coverts with pale
edges, the greater ones tipped with white, forming a narrow
bar on the wing ; underparts white, strongly shaded on the
lower part of the neck and crop with dusky ; legs and beak
olive-black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 5*5 inches; culmen 0'65 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 3'8 ; tarsus 0"7.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part vii.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 253
256. Tringa arenaria, Linn. Sanderliyig.
This species is to be met with in Lower Egypt in small
flocks during the winter months, according to Von HeugUn
(Syst. Ueb. p. 63).
Winter plumage. — Upper parts grey, with dusky shafts to
the feathers, shading into dark brown on the rump and
centre tail-feathers, the remainder of the tail much Hghter ;
a small dusky spot just in front of the eye ; quills dusky
black, much paler on the inner web, some of the smaller
primaries having the basal portion of the outer web and a
great part of the inner secondaries white; wing-coverts
dusky, with pale edges, and the ends of the greater coverts
white, forming a narrow bar on the wing ; front and sides of
the face and all the underparts white ; beak and legs olive-
black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 7 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 335.
257. Tringa cincltjs, Linn. Dunlin.
We are informed by Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 63)
that the present species is found on the Mediterranean and
Red Sea coasts from October till the end of May. It frequents
shingly beaches, where it may generally be met with in
flocks.
Winter. — Upper parts dark brown, with pale brown
edgings to the feathers ; base and tips of the inner secon-
daries white ; tail dusky grey ; throat, chest, abdomen, under
the wing, and under tail-coverts white ; neck and crop pale
254 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
brown, spotted with dark brown ; sides of the chest like-
wise spotted ; beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
In summer the upper plumage becomes more rufous and
black, and the centre of the chest and abdomen are black.
Entire length 6' 8 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4"4 ; tarsus 0'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 329.
258. Tringa subarquata, Giild. Curlew Smidpipcr.
This species is a winter visitant in Egypt, where it is not
very plentiful. I shot the only specimen that I saw, at
Golosaneh, on the 8th of May, and have one other specimen,
procured for me at Alexandria in February. Its habits are
similar to those of T. minuta, and it may occasionally be met
with in the same flock as that bird.
In winter the upper parts are hair-brown, darker in the
centre of the feathers ; wings dusky brown, with pale
margins ; tail-coverts white, with brownish-black bars ; under-
parts white, shaded with hair-brown on the base of the neck
and crop ; beak, which is slightly curved downwards, black ;
legs olive; irides dark brown.
In summer the back becomes mottled with black and chest-
nut, and the chest becomes rich ferruginous brown, more or
less mottled with white and dusky according to the season.
Entire length 8 inches; culmen 1'6; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 ; tarsus 11.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 328.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 255
259. ToTANTJS CALiDRis, Linn. Redshank.
Rare on the Nile above Cairo, but very abundant in the
Delta and the rayoom, where it is generally to be met with in
scattered flocks throughout the more marshy districts. On
the wing it may easily be recognized by the amount of white
which it displays, and especially by the white band on the
wings, which is very distinct. Its cry, consisting of two
short whistling notes, may be easily imitated, and is very
effective in calling the birds round within shot.
Upper plumage hair-brown, with a greenish shade, many
of the feathers finely streaked or barred with dusky ; rump
pure white ; tail and taU-coverts white, barred with dusky ;
primaries dusky ; secondaries nearly pure white, forming a
distinct white band on the wing, which is very apparent
dui'ing flight; underparts white, with the throat, crop, and
flanks more or less streaked with dark brown ; beak dark
brown, shading off to pale reddish brown towards the basal
half; legs transparent red ; irides brown.
Entire length 11 inches; culmen 1-7; wing, carpus to
tip, 6'2 ; tarsus 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 310.
260. ToTANUS Fuscus, Leisler. Dusky Redshank.
This bird ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but appears
to be rather sparingly distributed ; for we only met with it
on one occasion, near Sakkara, on the 7th of April, where we
killed several birds out of a large flock that had been feeding
in a small muddy pool. From these birds I have taken the
following description : —
256 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Winter plumage. — Upper parts hair-brown; lower half of
the back and rump pure white ; tail-coverts white, with well-
defined dusky bars ; tail dusky, with numerous white bars,
the white on the outer tail-feathers not so pure as in T. calidris ;
wing-coverts and secondaries edged vsdth white and barred
with brown ; underparts white ; beak long, slender, and
straight, slightly hooked at the point, of a dark brown colour,
inclining to pale reddish brown towards the base of the lower
mandible ; legs brownish red ; irides brown.
Specimens vary considerably in plumage according to
season, changing in summer to a deep slate-colour more or
less barred with white.
Entu-e length 12 inches; culmen 2'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 6"5 ; tarsus 2'2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 309.
//) • 261. ToTANUS CANESCENS (Gm.). Greenshank.
/fo\A^ A The Greenshank is plentifully distributed throughout
Egypt and Nubia, where it frequents the Nile banks, canals,
and pools, usually singly or in pairs, and is rarely met with
in the larger marshes of the Delta, where the Redshank
abounds. Its well-known call consists of three whistling
notes, which may be easily imitated, and will rarely fail to
attract the bird within reach of the gun.
Winter plumage. — Head whitish, with dusky black centres
to the feathers on the crown ; ear-coverts and in front of the
eye, back of the neck, scapulars, and inner secondaries greyish
ash-colour, with a dark streak next to the shafts, and the
edges of the larger feathers paler and barred with dark
BIEDS OF ERTPT. 257
brown ; wings brownish black, paler on the inner coverts and
secondaries ; remainder of the plumage white, the upper
tail-coverts barred with dusky ; tail, the centre feathers
shaded with ashy, and the whole partially barred with
dusky ; legs green ; beak dusky olive ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 13'5 inches ; culmen 2-2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7-5 ; tarsus 2-3.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part v.
262. ToTANUS STAGNATiLis, Bcchst. Marsh-SancJj)Jj)er.
The Marsh-Sandpiper ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
but is not very plentiful on the Nile above Cairo, where we
generally met with it singly or in company with the Wood-
Sandpiper. In Lower Egypt and the Eayoom it is far more
numerous, and in these districts I may have seen as many as
a hundred in one day. It is by no means shy, and comes
readily when its whistle is imitated, the cry consisting of one
note, which is easily acquired. It is active and graceful in its
movements ; and when it sees an intruder it will generally
stand motionless in the water, apparently hoping to pass
unobserved.
Winter plumage. — Upper parts ashy grey, inclining to
white on the forehead ; many of the feathers streaked in the
centre with dark brown ; lower part of the back and rump
pure white ; tail and tail-coverts white, barred with dark
bro^\Ti ; primaries dusky ; underparts white ; sides of the
neck and flanks sparingly marked with narrow brown streaks.
Summer plumage — The top of the head and back becomes
browner, ami the upper plumage is generally strongly marked
s
258 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
with black spots and bars ; under plumage spotted on the
lower part of the throat and crop ; beak black, inclining
to green at the base ; legs pale yellowisli green ; irides dark
brown.
Entire length 9 inches; culmen 16 ; wing, carpus to tip,
5-5 ; tarsus 2.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part i.
a , Y 263. ToTANus ocHROPUS (Linn.). Green Satidpiper.
This Sandpiper is abundant and very evenly distributed
throughout Egypt and Nubia, frequenting canals and pools
in preference to marshes, but generally to be observed where-
ever there is water. It rarely takes long flights, but if driven
from one pool will almost invariably fly to the nearest piece
of water, along the edge of which it runs, constantly stopping
to pick up some shell or worm, but always keeping a sharp
look out upon the sportsman.
Upper plumage dusky green, finely spotted with dull white ;
upper tail-coverts and tail white, the latter distinctly marked
with dusky black bars ; quills dusky ; uiiderparts white,
spotted on the lower part of the neck and crop with dusky ;
flanks dusky, narrowly barred with white ; beak and legs
deep greenish black ; irides bi'own.
Entire length 9-5 inches; culmen 1*4; wing, carpus to
tip, 55 ; tarsus V3.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 315.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 259
264. ToTANus GLAREOLA (Linn.). Wood-Sandpiper.
This Sandpiper ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
where it is, properly speaking, only a winter visitant, though,
according to Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 62), a few remain
in the country throughout the year. In its visits it appears
to be somewhat irregular ; for although in 1870 and 1871 I
found it one of the most abundant of the wading birds in
Lower Egypt and the Fayoom, and also shot several in Nubia,
in 1868 I did not fall in with it once, to my knowledge, above
Cairo, and Mr. E. C. Taylor also found it rare during his
visits.
Upper parts dusky olive, with the feathers edged or par-
tially barred with white or brownish white ; rump and tail
white, the latter barred with black ; underparts white, spotted
with dusky on the cheeks and neck, and barred with that
colour on the sides of the crop, flanks, and under tail-coverts ;
beak olive ; legs pale yellowish green ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 7"5 inches; cuhnen TS ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4"9 ; tarsus \h.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 815.
265. AcTiTis HYPOLEUCOs (Linn.). Common Sandpiipcr.
This species is a resident in the country and ranges through-
out Egypt and Nubia, where it is very abundant and evenly
distributed. It prefers the banks of the river and canals,
where it is generally met with singly.
Upper plumage bronzy green, feathers more or less streaked
and burred with dusky ; quills dusky, with a white patch on
s 2
260 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
the inner webs ; base and tips of the secondaries white ; tail,
exterior web of the two outer feathers and end of all but the
centre ones white, barred with dusky ; underparts white,
shaded and streaked with brown on the crop and sides of the
throat ; beak dusky ; legs olive-brown ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 7"5 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4'2 ; tarsus 0*9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 318.
266. HiMANTOPUS CANDiDUs, Bouu. Black-wmfjed Stilt.
Abundant both in Egypt and Nubia, but more especially
so in the Delta, where it may be almost daily seen in small
flocks, striding about the shallow pools which are so frequent
near the villages, perfectly undisturbed by the presence of
man ; for the natives never molest it.
Top of the head, nape, a band across the upper part of
the back, and wings black, with green reflections ; remainder
of the plumage white, with a delicate pink blush on the
breast ; legs pink ; beak black ; irides orange-red.
Entire length 14 inches; culmen 2*5; wing, carpus to
tip, 9'8 ; unfeathered portion of the leg 8.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 289.
267. Recurvirostra avocetta, L. Avocct.
The Avocet is a winter visitant to Egypt and Nubia, and
is moderately abundant. I have met with large flocks of
these birds on two occasions, — once in the Delta in February,
BIRDS OF EGYPT 261
when they were too shy to allow of my approach within shot,
and on the second occasion at Golosaneh in March, when I
obtained two specimens. According to Von HeugUn (Syst.
Ueb. p. 63) they are very abundant on the shores of the
Red Sea.
Entire plumage white, except the following parts — top of
the head and back of the neck, a band between the shoulders,
inner part of the scapulars, wing-covcrts, and primaries, which
are brownish black ; beak, the apical half of which is curved
upwards, black ; legs slaty grey.
Entire length 17 inches; culnicn 3'7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus 3"0.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 289.
268. Ibis iETHiopicA (Lath.)*. Sacred Ibis.
I can find no authenticated instance of this bird having
been seen in Egypt in modern times, although there can be
no doubt that it once lived in that country ; for the food found
in many of the mummied specimens consists of shells, insects,
and reptiles now common in Egypt. Some authors imagine
that the Ibis was brought into the country by the ancient
Egyptians ; but this appears to me highly improbable, as it
would be the only instance of an animal not indigenous to
Egypt having been made an object of general worship by
that people.
This bird is now plentiful higher up the Nile at Khartoom ;
and I think it probable that it may yet be found in Egypt
proper, for it breeds at Wady Halfeh according to Von
Hcuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 61).
* Ibis reJigiosa of authors.
202 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Head and neck bare and black ; end of the primaries
black, with metallic green reflections ; secondaries elongated,
forming a plume over the tail, which is black, with purple re-
flections ; remainder of the plumage pure white ; legs and
beak black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 28 inches; culmen 5'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 14 ; tarsus 3'5.
Fig. Savigny, Descr. de I'Egypte, pi. 7, fig. 1.
269. Ibis palcinellxjs, Linn. Glossi/ Ibis.
The Glossy Ibis ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
where it remains during the year, but is not very abundant.
I only met with it on one occasion, near El Kab, in April,
where I saw three feeding together in a small pool, and pro-
cured two of them.
Top of the head and cheeks, back, wings, tail, flanks, and
under tail-coverts bright metallic green and purple ; remainder
of the plumage, upper part of the back, and a broad band on
the wing-coverts bordering the shoulders bright ferruginous
brown ; beak and legs olive-black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 22 inches ; culmen 5'S ; wing, carpus to
tip, 11*5 ; tarsus 4.
The female is similar in plumage but rather smaller than
the male.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 311.
270. Tantalus ibis, Linn. African Wood-Ibis.
This bird wanders northward into Upper Egypt during the
time of the inundations, according to Von Hcuglin (Syst.
Ucb. p. 61).
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 263
Entire face and pouch witliout feathers and of a bright
scarlet ; plumage white, with a roseate shade on the body,
strongest on and under the wings ; quills, primary-coverts,
and tail black, with a bright metallic bronzy-green gloss ;
beak yellow ; legs dusky olive ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 34 inches ; culmen 8"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 17, tarsus 7'7.
Fig. Wolf, Zool. Illustr., 2nd series, pi. 46.
571. Grus cinerea, Bechst. Common Crane.
This is a common winter visitant both in Egypt and Nubia,
arriving in October and leaving again in March.
During their stay they may frequently be met with in
flocks on the sandbanks and desert spaces by the river, or
in the wide plains of halfa grass. When on the wing they
fly in long lines one behind the other, at even distances,
frequently uttering their cry, which may be heard at a con-
siderable distance. They are extremely watchful and very
difficult to approach.
Forehead covered with black hairs ; top of the head naked
and red ; back of the head and front of the throat dark slaty
grey ; remainder of the plumage pale slaty grey ; the secon-
daries very much elongated and forming a large pendent
plume, which covers the tail and is darkest towards the points
of the feathers ; beak olive-green, inclining to red at the base
of the lower mandible ; legs black ; irides reddish brown.
Entire length 46 inches ; culmen 5 ; wing, carpus to tip,
26 ; tarsus 10.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 2/0.
264 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
272. Grus VIRGO, Pall. Demoiselle Crane.
This Crane ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but is
-■-'•' ■ '-' far less plentiful than the last species and nearly as shy.
T/ IC(^(< On the 2nd of April I met with a large flock near Beni-
. 2 2>/ -, souef, when, after in vain trying to stalk them for more
/ than an hour, I obtained a long shot as they flew over my
head. I am not aware of having seen them upon any other
occasion.
Scapulars elongated and pointed, reaching beyond the tail.
The plumage is ashy grey, with the following exceptions : —
a tuft of elongated feathers behind the eye white ; sides of
the head, throat, front part of the neck, primaries, and tips of
the scapulars black ; beak black at the base, yellow at the
tip ; legs brownish black ; irides reddish brown.
Entire length 39 inches; culmen 2'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 25 ; tarsus 7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 271.
273. Platalea leucorodia, Linn. Spoonbill.
Very plentiful throughout Egypt and Nubia. It may
constantly be been in flocks on the sandbanks of the river
and in the great marshy lakes of Lower Egypt and the
Fayoom.
Beak long and flat, much widened at the tip.
Breeding-plmnarje pure white, excepting a long bufi"-
coloured crest, the pouch and a collar round the crop, which
are yellow ; beak deep slate-colour, irregularly barred with
black and having a yellow patch on its wider part ; legs
black; irides crimson.
Immature birds have the beak smooth and pale brown.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 265
Entire length 36 inches; culincn 8'8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, IG ; tarsus 6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 28G.
274. CicoNiA ALBA, Bechst. IFhite Stork,
The White Stork visits Egypt and Nubia during migration,
and at such times is extremely abundant. In March and
April I have seen these birds drawn up along the river-bank
like an army, and in such numbers that whole islands ap-
peared white with them.
Wings black ; the wing-coverts and remainder of the plu-
mage pure white ; beak, legs, and the bare skin around the
eyes and on the pouch bright red ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 44 inches ; culmen 8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 24 ; tarsus 9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 283.
275. CicoNiA NIGRA (Liun.). Black Stork.
The present species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
but is not very plentiful. It is an unsociable bird, never con-
gregating in flocks or associating with other species. I saw
it occasionally on the sandbanks, but could never get within
range, as it is extremely wary and always keeps to the open.
Adult. — Head, neck, chest, and all the upper parts black,
with purple, green, and bronzy reflections ; underparts white ;
the naked space around the eyes and on the throat, beak,
and legs vermilion ; irides brown.
Entire length 42 inches ; culmen 7'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 19 ; tarsus 11.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 284.
266 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Fam. ARDEID^.
276. Ardea cinerea, Linn. Common Heron.
The Heron is to be met with throiigliout Egypt and
Nubia, especially on the sandbanks, often in considerable
numbers, and in company with Spoonbills, Pelicans, and other
Waders.
Adult. — Forehead, top of the head, neck, a tuft of long
plumes on the crop, centre of the abdomen, and under tail-
coverts white ; a broad black band over the eye ; back of the
head and two long crest-plumes black ; back, wing-coverts, and
tail grey ; primaries and most of the secondaries black ; a
narrow line of black spots down the centre of the throat ;
feathers on the crop and on each side of the abdomen black ;
flanks grey ; beak and irides yellow ; legs black.
Entire length 38 inches ; culmeu 5 ; wing, carpus to tip,
18*5 ; tarsus 6'5..
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pk 274.
277. Ardea purpurea, Linn. Purple Heron.
This Heron is a resident in the country, and is very plen-
tiful in some parts of Lower Egypt and the Fayoom. I met
with great numbers on the desert side of Birket el Korn,
among the thick banks of sedge that grow in the lake.
They are not nearly so shy as the Common Heron, and
always frequent the dense reeds ; on being disturbed they
would rarely go straight away, but generally flew round
over the same spot several times, so that they were easily shot.
Top of the head, nape, and a crest of two long feathers
slaty black ; neck rufous brown, with a black streak running
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 267
down the back and one on each side of it ; throat white ;
remainder of the upper phimage slaty grey, strongly shaded
with rufous on the wing-coverts ; the ends of the scapulars long
and narrow, and of a light rufous and pale grey colour ; quills
browner ; tail shaded Avith olive ; feathers on the crop elongated,
of a creamy colour, shaded with rufous and boldly streaked
with black ; remainder of the underparts deep rufous brown,
lighter on the thighs, and shaded on the flanks with grey ;
centre of the abdomen and under tail-coverts black, chestnut,
and white mixed ; a bare patch in front of the eye and beak
yellow, the latter shaded with brown towards the culmen ;
legs greenish yellow, with the shins and upper part of the
toes black ; irides yellow.
Entire length 36 inches ; culmen o'3 ; wmg, carpus to
tip, 14'5 ; tarsus 5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 274.
278. Herodias alba (Linn.) Great IFIdte Heron.
The Great White Heron is plentiful in Lower Egypt and
the Fayoom. On lake Mareotis I have frequently observed
very large flocks of this species wading in the shallows at a
considerable distance from the laud ; and on Birket el Korn,
in the Fayoom, I have seen single specimens on several
occasions ; but, as it is a very shy bird, I was never able to
approach within shot. I have also seen it in the collections
of other travellers from Egypt.
Winter. — Entire plumage pure white; a bare space in
front of and behind the eye yellowish green ; beak yellow,
shaded with brown ; legs olive-black, shaded with yellow
268 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
towards the feathered part of the thigh and on the soles of
the feet ; irides yellow.
In the summer plumage the feathers on the back are hair-
like, and extend beyond the tail, and the feathers on the crop
are elongated.
Entire length 43 inches ; culmen 5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 16'5 J tail 7 ; tarsus 7'6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 276.
279. Herodias garzetta (Linn.). Little Egret.
This graceful little bird is abundant both in Egypt and
Nubia, and is a resident in those countries throughout the
year. It is usually to be met with singly by the edge of the
water, and is equally partial to both the river and pools,
feeding almost exclusively on fish. Early in April it begins
to put on its breeding-plumage.
Entire plumage pure white. In the breeding-season it
assumes a crest of two long narrow plumes ; the feathers
on the crop are elongated ; and those on the back are long,
extending rather beyond the tail, and are of a very peculiar
hairy structure; a bare space in front of the eye of a
greenish shade ; legs and leak Hack ; feet dirty yellow ;
irides pale yellow.
Entire length 23 inches ; culmen 35 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 11'5 ; tarsus 4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 277.
280. Ardeola russata (Wagl.). Buff-hacked Heron.
This species is very abundant in Egypt, especially iu the
Delta, where flocks may be daily seen feeding among cattle
t
BIBDS OF EGYPT. 269
without the least fear of man. On the ground it is graceful,
but looks awkward on first taking wing. It is a useful bird
to the natives, as it causes great havoc among the locusts
and other insects, in this respect replacing the Sacred Ibis,
for which bird it is usually made to do duty with the
tourist. In August it breeds in large flocks in the sont
woods.
Winter. — Entire plumage pure white, shaded with buff on
the crown.
Summer. — Top of the head and nape, crop, and back buff',
such parts of the plumage being composed of hairs rather
than feathers ; a bare patch in front of the eye and heah
yelloio ; legs olive-black ; irides pale yellow.
Entire length 20'5 inches ; culmen 2'4; wing, carpus to
tip, 3-2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 278.
281. Ardeola comata (Pall.). Squacco Heron.
The present species is distributed in small numbers
throughout Egypt and Nubia, where it is a resident. I have
shot it on the banks of the river near Dendera in May, and
saw it in flocks at Damietta and in the Fayoom in February.
Von Heuglin observes that he encountered it in numbers
between Assouan and Dongola in June and July.
Chin, upper part of the throat, abdomen, wings, rump, and
tail white, shaded with buff' on the wing-coverts ; a long crest
of wJdte feathers with black edges ; head, neck, and chest
brownish buff, the feathers on the crown more completely
edged with dusky black than those of the neck ; back light
^QP'
f^i
270 BIRDa OF EGYPT.
yellowish brown, shaded with purple ; a bare patch in front
of the eyes greon ; beak black, shaded with yellow towards
the base and keel of the lower mandible ; legs olive ; irides
pale yellow.
Entire length 18"5 inches; culmen 2'G ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8'5 ; tarsus 2*2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 275.
282. Nycticorax griseus (Linn.). Ni(]U-lIeron.
The Night-Heron is abundant throughout Egypt, usually
/, in flocks, frequenting clumps of sont- and palm-trees. They
are not shy, and are often difficult to drive out of the thicker-
foliaged trees. When disturbed they rise awkwardly, a few
at a time ; but when once fairly started they mount high, and
fly for a considerable distance.
Adult. — Upper plumage : forehead, eyebrow, and two long
plumes starting from the head white ; top and back of the
head, back, and greater wing-coverts black, with a bright
metallic green lustre ; wings and tail grey ; underparts
white ; beak black, inclining to greenish yellow towards the
base of the lower mandible ; legs pale brown ; irides crimson.
Immature. — Entire upper plumage ashy brown, streaked
with pale yellowish brown on the head and neck, and spotted
with white on the back and wings; underparts white,
mottled with pale brown ; legs and beak greenish black ;
irides brown.
Entire length 21 inches ; culmen 2"S ; wing, carpus to
tip, 12 ; tarsus 3.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 279.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 271
283. BoTAURUs STELLARis (Linn.). Bittern.
Very plentiful in Lower Egypt and the Fayoom, but less
common in other parts of Egypt and Nubia. This scarcity
is probably to be accounted for by the absence of reeds in
those parts. It feeds chiefly at night, and reposes during
the day amongst the rank marsh vegetation, where it is very
easily approached. In the Fayoom I got within a few yards
of a flock of about twenty that were perched up in the reeds,
reposing, as is their habit, during the day.
Feathers on the top of the head and neck long ; crown of
the head and nape black, a brownish-black patch extending
from the gape under the ear-coverts ; remainder of the
plumage sandy buff, mottled with brown, chin and centre of
the throat palest ; back strongly mottled with blackish brown ;
quills and primary-coverts dusky brown, irregular^ barred
and marked with rufous buff; remainder of the wing-feathers
and tail irregularly barred with brown ; down the centre of
the throat the brown forms irregular lines and bars on the
sides of the neck ; legs olive ; beak yellowish brown, shading
into dark brown towards the culmen ; irides brown.
Entire length 28 inches ; culmen 2"9 ; wing, carpus to tip,
12'5 ; tarsus 3'7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 280.
284. BoTAURUS MiNUTUs (Linn.). Little Bittern.
The Little Bittern ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia,
but is of rather rare occurrence. I only shot it on one occa-
sion, near Koos, on the 26th of April, when I met with it
272 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
sitting motionless by the river-bank, with its neck stretched
out in a straight line, making itself look as tall as possible.
Top of the head and nape, back, scapulars, and tail greenish
black ; quills black ; greater wing-coverts creamy white, re-
mainder of the coverts sandy colour ; the rest of the plumage
sandy brown, inchning to cream-colour on the sides of the
chin, the lower part of the abdomen, and under tail-coverts ;
«
ear-coverts washed with grey ; legs olive ; beak yellowish
brown, shading into dark brown on the culmen ; irides
brown.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen TO; wing, carpus to
tip, 5*5 ; tarsus I'G.
The immature birds have the feathers on the back and
scapulars brown, edged with sandy colour, with some brown
streaks on the throat ; abdomen and greater wing-coverts
sandy colour.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 281.
Order AN SERES.
Pam. PHffiNICOPTERID^.
285. Phcenicopterus antiquorum, Bp. Flamingo.
The Flamingo is rather rare on the Nile itself, but is
extremely abundant in the great brackish-water lakes of
Lower Egypt, and is not uncommon in the Fayoom. On
lakes Mareotis and Menzaleh large flocks of these birds may
generally be seen wading far out in the shallow water. They
are very shy and difficult to approach within gun-shot, and
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 373
when disturbed make a great clamour with their loud harsh
voices. On the wing they look very peculiar, as they fly
with their long necks and legs stretched out.
Head, neck, body, and tail white, delicately shaded with
pink ; quills black ; scapulars bright pink ; upper and under
wing-coverts brilliant vermilion ; legs and two thirds of the
bill pink, remainder of the bill jet-black ; iridcs pale yellow.
Entire length 45 inches ; culmen 5"7 ; wing, carpus to tip,
16 ; unfeathered part of the leg 19 ; tarsus 19.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 287.
Fam. EALLID^.
286. Rallus aquaticus, L. Water-Bail.
This species is a Avinter visitant, and is plentiful in Lower
Egypt and the Fayoom, where I have frequently killed it,
but has not been met with, to my knowledge, in Nubia. It
frequents the sedgy districts, and when disturbed only flies a
short distance to the nearest patch of thick covert.
Entire upper parts brown, with dark centres to the
feathers ; underparts uniform slaty grey, excepting on the
flanks, sides of the abdomen, and under tail-coverts, which in
the female are black, barred with white ; in the male the vent
and under tail-coverts are buff" ; beak red, shading into black
on the culmen and towards the tip ; legs reddish brown ;
irides red.
Entire length 10 inches; culmen 1'6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4'6 ; tarsus 15.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 339.
T
274 BIED8 OP EGYPT.
287. Obtygometra cbex (Linn.)- Corn-Crake.
The Corn-Crakc is a winter visitor to Egypt, where it
may be met with singly in the clover-fields, but is not
plentiful.
Upper plumage and tail pale brown, with dark centres to
the feathers ; wing-coverts chestnut ; quills dark brown, with
a rufous shade, outer web of the first primary white ; sides of
the head and neck yellowish brown without spots ; upper
part of the throat and abdomen white ; remainder of the
underparts sandy colour, shading into rufous on the flanks
and under tail-coverts, where the feathers arc mottled and
barred with that colour ; beak and legs flesh-colour ; irides
pale brown.
Entire length 10*5 inches; culmen 0"95 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 5"8 ; tarsus 1'5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 341.
288. PoRZANA MARUETTA, Leach. spotted Crake.
The Spotted Crake is probably a resident in Lower Egypt
and the Fayoom, where one or two specimens may generally
be met with during a day's sport in the marshes. They
frequent chiefly the low sedge, and are very similar to the
Water-Rail in habits and appearance on the wing.
Centre of the crown, back of the neck,back,tail, and scapulars
olive-brown, with black centres to the feathers ; wings brown,
without the olive shade, the carpal margin of the shoulders
white ; remainder of the head, neck, and crop slaty grey,
shaded with olive on the latter part ; neck and crop spotted
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 275
with white ; back, wings, and tail spotted and streaked with
the same colour ; abdomen white ; flanks strongly barred
with brown ; under tail-coverts buff ; beak yellow, greenish
at the tip, and shading into scarlet towards the base of the
upper mandible ; legs olive ; irides brown.
Entire length 8"5 inches ; culraen 0-8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 4-7 ; tarsus IS.
Fig. Gould. B. of Eur. pi. 843.
289. PoRZANA PYGM^A (Naum.). Baillon's Crake.
I have no other authority than that of Riippcll for in-
cluding the present species among the birds of Egypt.
Upper parts, including the wings and tail, olive-brown ;
back, scapulars, and wing-coverts marked with oval and
triangular white spots surrounded with black, and some of
them having a black spot in the centre ; outer edge of the
first primary white ; sides of the head, throat, chest, and
abdomen bluish slate-colour; flanks, vent, and under tail-
coverts black, transversely barred with white ; beak olive ;
legs pinkish brown ; irides red.
Entire length 05 inches; culmen 0-7; wing, carpus to
tip, 4 ; tarsus 1 • 1 .
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 344.
290. Gallinula chloropus (Linn.). Moor-Hen.
The Moor-Hen is very plentiful in some parts of Lower
Egypt and the Fayoom, but I have not met with it clse-
T 2
276
BIEDS OF EGYPT.
where in Egypt, although it probably ranges throughout the
country.
Head, neck, and undcrparts deep slate-colour, shaded with
dull white on the centre of the abdomen ; under tail-coverts
white ; quills and tail brownish black ; remainder of the upper
surface deep olive-brown ; the wings narrowly edged with
white, and some of the feathers on the flanks having white
streaks down their centres ; the frontal shield and beak red,
tipped with yellow ; legs olive-green, with a red and yellow
patch below the feathered part ; irides brown.
Entire length 14 inches; culmen 1"1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7'2 ; tarsus 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 342.
291. PoRPHTRio Alleni. Allen s Gallimde.
This Gallinule, which is of smaller size and more graceful
form than P. hyacintldnus, has been found by Mr. S. Staf-
ford Allen in Lower Egypt ; and an immature specimen,
which he procured near Alexandria, is now in the collection
of Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser, who have kindly lent it to me
for description in the present work.
Adult. — Back, wings, and tail green ; under tail-coverts
white; remainder of the plumage indigo-blue, inclining to
black on the head, neck, rump, and abdomen ; beak and
frontal shield red, tinged with orange ; irides reddish brown ;
legs pink.
Immatfure plumage. — Top and sides of the head clear brown ;
back and scapulars sandy brown, with olive-brown centres to
the feathers ; rump and tail dark brown, the feathers of the
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 277
latter edged with paler brown ; quills dark brown, primaries
shaded with olive on their outer webs; wing-coverts olive,
edged with sandy colour ; chin, centre of the chest, and
abdomen white; remainder of the underparts sandy, ex-
cepting the flanks and thighs, which are indigo-blue ; irides
light brown.
Entire length 9-3 inches; culmen 1*45; wing, carpus to
tip, 5'8 ; tarsus 2.
292. PoRPHYRio HYACiNTHiNUS, Tcmm. Violet Gallimle.
The present species is abundant in the Fayoom, where
I have frequently shot it, but have never met with it else-
where in Egypt, although it is probably plentiful also in
some of the lakes of Lower Egypt. It frequents the thick
beds of reeds and half-sunken bushes, and, like the Common
Moor-Hen, is very partial to perching up in them, and if
unobserved, will remain there motionless until the sportsman
has passed, before taking wing.
Back of the head, neck, and wings ultramarine, with the
exception of the inner web of the quills ; back and scapulars
green ; cheeks and throat bluish green ; chest indigo ;
abdomen black ; under tail-coverts white ; legs pink ; beak
and shield on the forehead red ; irides ferruginous brown.
Entire length 17 inches; beak, from the underpart of the
shield, 2*8 ; wing, carpus to tip, 9"7 ; tarsus 3'5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 340.
278 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
2U3. FuLiCA ATRA, Linn. Common Coot.
This species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, and is
extremely abundant on all the lakes.
Entire plumage dark slate-colour, shading into black on
the neck and head ; the wings have a narrow white edging to
them, and the secondaries are slightly washed with that
colour towards their tips ; beak and frontal shield pure white ;
legs dusky white, shaded ■tvith yellow next to the feathers and
on the sides of the tarsi, the joints and soles of the feet
shaded with black ; irides brownish red.
Entu-e length 16 inches; culmen 1-2, with frontal plate
2"3 ; wing, carpus to tip, 8 ; tarsus 2 •2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 338.
294. FuLiCA CEiSTATA, Liun. Crested Coot.
The Crested Coot appears to be plentiful at times in
Egypt, and extends, I believe, throughout Nubia. 1 never
met with a specimen while in the country ; but a resident
informed me that they are abundant dming the inundations.
Similar in size and plumage to F. atra, but distinguished
by having two red knobs on the white frontal plate.
295. Cygnbs olor, Linn. Mute Sweat.
According to Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 65) both this
and the next species come into Lower Egypt singly or in
small flocks in the winter, being especially noted ui the
neighbourhood of Damietta.
Entire plumage white ; beak orange, with its edges, as
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 279
well as a large tubercle next to the forehead and lores, black ;
irides brown.
Entire length 60 inches; culmen 3" 5; wing, carjjus to
tip, 25 ; tarsus 4'25.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 354.
296. Cygnus Musicus, Linn. Hooper.
A winter visitant, like the last.
Entire plumage white ; beak and lores pale yellow, with
the tip and edges of the former black.
Entire length 58 inches ; culmen 4'1 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 22; tarsus 4'25.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 355.
297. Chenalopex ^gyptiacus (Linn.). Egyptian Goose.
This species is very evenly distributed throughout Egypt
and Nubia. It is a very wary bird, and difficult to shoot ;
and will oftentimes avoid a boat by walking away from the
river, and taking up a position from whence it can see the
approach of danger. It breeds very early in the fields by
the river ; for in the beginning of May I shot some fair-sized
flappers, and while in pursuit of them the old birds tried
their best to draw me away by feigning to be wounded, but
still carefully kept out of shot.
Centre of the head light brown ; upper part of the throat
and cheeks white, the whole shading into brown on the nape ;
forehead, region of the eye, some of the feathers on the
throat, and remainder of the neck bright ferruginous brown.
280 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
ending abruptly at the base of the neck ; upper parts of the
back, chest, and flanks ferruginous buff, darkest on the back,
the whole finely barred with dusky ; middle of the back and
scapulars darker, the larger feathers of the latter changing
to chestnut ; primaries black, outer web of the secondaries
brilliant metallic green ; wing-coverts white, with a well-
defined narrow black line across the wing ; lower half of the
back and tail black ; centre of the chest marked with a broad
chocolate-coloured patch ; centre of the abdomen white ;
luider tail-coverts bufi" ; legs deep pink ; beak brownish
flesh-colour ; irides brown.
Entire length 26 inches ; culmen 2 ; wing, carpus to tip,
16 ; tarsus 3 "2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 353.
298. Anser ALBiFRONS, Gm. White-fronted Goose.
This is the most abundant Goose in Egypt, where it may
usually be met with in flocks, but does not remain in the
country later than March. When on the wing they fly in a
wedge-shaped flock, and frequently utter a loud harsh cry,
which may be heard at a considerable distance. They are
generally on the move just before sunrise and sunset, and as
they are very regular, taking the same line of flight and
feeding at the same spot each day, they may be most readily
obtained by lying in wait for them. If once fired at, the
flock generally leaves the neighbourhood altogether.
Forehead and front of the cheeks white ; whole of the neck
brown ; upper part of the back and scapulars darker brown,
with paler edgings to the feathers ; remainder of the back
and tail dusky brown, with the tail-coverts and end of the
BIEDS OF EGYPT, 281
tail white ; quills black ; wing-coverts grey, the larger ones
tipped with white ; under surface of the body and tail white
in winter, while in spring the breast becomes more or less
mottled and banded with deep chocolate-brown ; flanks
brown, with the feathers broadly edged with white ; legs
and beak orange ; irides brown.
Entire length 28 inches; culmen 1"8; wing, carpus to
tip, 16 ; tarsus 14.
Fig. Gould, B. of Gr. Br. part xix.
299. Bernicla brenta, Pall. Brent Goose.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 06) states that this bird is
found in Lower Egypt in small flocks during the winter.
Head, neck, front of the chest, and upper parts, including
the wings, black, with a patch of white on each side of the neck
and upper tail-coverts ; upper part of the back, scapulars,
and wing-coverts shaded with brown, with paler edges to the
feathers ; vent and under tail-coverts white ; remainder of the
underparts dusky ash-colour, each feather margined with
stone-grey ; beak and legs black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 24 inches; culmen 1'5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 14 ; tarsus 2* 7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em-, pi. 352.
300. Tadorna vulpanser, Fleming. Common Sheldrake.
The present species appears to be rarer than the Ruddy
Sheldrake ; for it is not so often found in the market at
Alexandria. I have met with it on two occasions — once near
Sioot, and once in the Fayoom.
282 BIED8 OF EGYPT.
Head and greater part of the neck brilliant dark green ;
remainder of the neck and body white, with the following
exceptions — upper part of the back and chest chestnut ; pri-
maries black ; secondaries tipped with white, and with their
outer webs brilliant metallic green ; scapulars mostly black ;
wing-coverts white ; tail black ; and a dark brown band down
the centre of the chest and abdomen ; legs and beak orange ;
irides brown.
Entire length 26 inches; ciilmen 1"2 ; Aving, carpus to
tip, 13 ; tarsus 2'2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 357.
301. Tadorna rutila (Pall.). Uuddy Sheldrake.
The present species is rarely met with on the river, but is
not uncommon on the lakes of Lower Egypt and the Fayoom,
and is frequently brought to the Alexandrian market. I met
with it twice on Lake Menzaleh, which appears to be its
favourite habitat in the country.
Head very pale rufous ; neck darker rufous, surrounded
near its base by a more or less distinct black ring ; upper
part of the back, scapulars, and the entire under surface of
the body rich ferruginous brown ; primaries black ; outer
web of the secondaries brilliant metallic green ; wing-coverts
white ; upper tail-coverts and tail black ; beak and legs
black ; irides brown.
Entire length 25 inches; culmen \'l ; vving, carpus to
tip, 14 ; tarsus 2'1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 358.
BIRDS OF EGrPT. 283
302. Anas boschas, Linn. Common Wild Duck.
Tlie Wild Duck is distributed throughout Egypt and
Nubia, and is everywhere plentiful.
Male. — Head and neck rich metallic green, the lower part
surrounded by a white ring; lower neck and fore part of
the breast chocolate-brown ; upper part of the back cho-
colate-brown, with pale edges to the feathers ; scapulars
grey and brown, pencilled with dusky ; lower part of the
back, rump, and upper tail-coverts black, with green re-
flections ; tail black, edged with white, except the foiu-
centre feathers, which are curled up ; primaries dusky brown ;
secondaries deep metallic blue, shading into black and
tipped with white; greater wing-coverts barred with white
and tipped with black, remaining wing-coverts brown ; ab-
domen greyish white, shaded with yellow and pencilled with
dusky ; legs orange ; beak yellow ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 24 inches ; culmen 2'3 ; wing, carpus to tip,
10-8 ; tarsus 2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 361.
303. Anas strepera, Linn. Gadwall.
The Gadwall ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, and is
moderately abundant, frequenting the large sheets of water
in preference to the small pools and canals. I have shot it
in Lower Egypt, the Fayoom, and up the Nile at El Kab.
Feathers on the top of the head and nape dusky, barred
and edged with brown ; remainder of the head and neck dirty
white, thickly freckled with brown ; base of the throat and
crop dusky black, with white semicircular bars and edges to
284 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
the feathers; upper part of the back, outer half of the
scapulars, and sides of the body dusky, with narrow un-
dulating white bars ; remainder of the scapulars brown, with
pale edges to the feathers ; back dark brown ; rump and
tail-coverts black, with a metallic gloss ; tail stone-grey, with
cream-coloured edges ; wings, some of the smaller coverts stone-
grey, the greater part chestnut, some of the larger ones tipped
with black ; primaries brown, becoming very pale on the
inner web ; secondaries greyish brown, some with black on
the outer web, and many with the outer web white ; centre
of the chest and abdomen white ; beak black ; legs orange-
brown ; irides brown.
Entire length 19 inches; culmea TS; wing, carpus to
tip, 11 '4; tarsus 1"3.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 366.
304. Dafila acuta (Linn.). Pintail Duck.
The Pintail is very abundant in Lower Egypt and the
Fayoom, but much less common on the Nile above Cairo.
It may usually be met with in large flocks on the lakes, or
feeding, in company with other kinds of Duck, along the
^jUw^' banks of the canals, and more rarely in the small pools.
Two centre tail-feathers long and pointed ; neck long.
Male. — Head brown, a white band commencing on each
side of the nape and joining the white on the throat ; back
of the neck ashy brown, almost black towards the nape ;
remainder of the throat and under surface of the body white,
shaded with grey on the abdomen ; back and smaller sca-
pulars grey, owing to the feathers being evenly barred with
BIRDS OP EGYPT. 285
dusky and white, and the flanks coloured in the same manner ;
the larger scapulars are black, elongated, and broadly edged
with grey and buff ; primaries brown ; secondaries tipped
with white, and with their outer webs brilliant metallic
green ; wing-coverts grey, the larger ones tipped with rufous,
forming a band on the wing ; legs black ; beak slate-colour,
with the tip and a broad band down the culmeu black ; irides
brown.
Entire length 23 inches ; culmen 2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 10'5 ; tarsus 1'5.
The female is a pale mottled brown bird, having the tail
pointed, but not so much elongated as in the male.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 365.
305. Rhynchaspis clypeata (Linn.). SZ/ovel/er.
The Shoveller is a resident in Egypt and Nubia, and is
one of the most abundant species of Duck in the country.
They prefer the smaller pools and the banks of the lakes and
river, are less shy than the other species of water-fowl, and
are therefore most frequently shot, though they are very
inferior eating. They are very late in assuming their breed-
ing plumage ; for I have frequently shot them in April still in
moult.
jBea/i~ long and widening out towards the end; head and
neck dark metallic green ; front part of the chest and greater
part of the scapulars white ; centre of the back brown, with
paler edgings to the feathers ; lower part of the back, tail-
coverts, and tail black, with green and purple reflections ;
outer feathers of the tail edged with white ; remainder of
286 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
the scapulars elongated, and coloured blue, white, and black ;
primaries brown, the secondaries having their outer webs
metallic green ; greater wing-coverts brown, edged with
white, the other wing-coverts blue-grey ; remainder of the
chest and abdomen chocolate-brown ; legs orange ; beak
black ; irides brown.
Entire length 20'5 inches; culmen 2'6 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus I'S.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 360.
306. QuERQTJEDULA CRECCA (Linn.). Common Teal.
/v^y' This is the most abundant species of water-fowl throughout
o ^ ^ y ^ Egypt and Nubia, being met with on nearly every small pool
/ / or canal, preferring these haunts to the larger sheets of water.
_ ' r^ 6^ Male. — Head and neck rich ferruginous brown, with a
large patch of bright metallic green encircling the eye and
extending over the ear-coverts down the sides of the neck,
ending in a steel-blue patch at the back of the neck; a
white streak passes from the beak between the green and
brown of the cheeks ; remainder of the neck, upper part
of the back, a portion of the scapulars, and sides of the body
dusky, the feathers being composed of alternate narrow
streaks of white and black ; remainder of the scapulars
white, with a border of velvety black on their outer webs ;
remainder of the back and tail dusky brown ; quills dusky,
exterior web of the outer secondaries black, of the inner
ones metallic green ; wing-coverts brownish ash-colour, the
larger ones tipped with creamy white ; underparts white,
spotted with black on the crop, and shaded with dusky on
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 287
the abdomen ; under tail-coverts buff, the centre ones black ;
beak and legs black ; irides brown.
Entire length 15'5 inches; culmcn 1*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7*3 ; tarsus I'l.
Fig. Sharps and Dresser, B. of Eur. part i.
307. QuERQUEDULA ciRCiA (Linn.). Garganey Teal.
The Garganey Teal is moderately abundant throughout
Egypt and Nubia, and is a resident in the country. We
met with a considerable number at El Kab towards the
end of April ; but it appears to be most plentiful in the
Delta, for I have seen it frequently in the market at Alex-
andria.
Top of the head dark brown, margined by a white streak
on each side, which commences over the eyes and joins on the
nape ; chin black ; remainder of the head and neck rufous
brown, finely spotted with white on the centre of each
feather ; front of the chest pale brown, with semicircular
black bars on each feather ; back and tail brown, often tinted
with grey, and with pale edgings to the feathers ; quills
brown, secondaries tipped with white, and with their outer
webs brilliant metallic green; greater wing-coverts broadly
tipped with white ; remainder of the wing-coverts and outer
web of the scapulars grey, the rest of the scapulars black,
with a clear white streak down their centres ; abdomen
nearly white, the flanks finely barred witli black ; legs and
beak nearly black ; irides brown.
Entire length 15 inches; culraen I'G; wing, carpus to
tip, 7'5 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part v.
288
BIEDS OF EGYPT.
308. Mareca PENELOPE (Linn.). Widgeon.
The Widgeon is plentiful in Lower Egypt in the wintei",
where I have shot it twice and frequently seen it, and it is
generally to be found in the market at Alexandria. Up the
Nile it appears to be of rare occurrence ; for I have not ob-
served it above Cairo nor in the Fayoom.
Forehead and top of the head huff ; remainder of the head
and neck chestnut; back grey, owing to the feathers being
evenly barred with black and white ; tail-coverts black,
edged on their inner web with white ; tail dusky ; primaries
brown ; secondaries black, with the lower half of the outer
web metallic green ; greater wing-coverts tipped with black ;
remainder of the wing-coverts white, except on the carpal
bend, where they are dusky ; fore part of the chest ferru-
ginous pink, remainder of the chest and abdomen white ;
flanks grey like the back ; beak grey, tipped with black ;
legs black ; irides brown.
Entire length 21 inches; culmen r4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 10'3 ; tarsus \2t.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 359.
309. Nyroca leucophthalma (Bechst.). Ferruginons Duck.
This Duck ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but
is most plentiful on the large lakes of the Fayoom and Lower
Egypt. On Birket el Korn I daily saw immense flocks of
many thousands together far out on the centre of the lake,
which when disturbed rose with a running flight, striking
the water rapidly with their feet, and making a noise in so
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 089
doing which could be distinctly heard at a couple of miles'
distance.
Head, neck, fore part of the chest, and sides of the body
rich ferruginous brown ; a ring round the neck, back, wings,
and tail dark brown ; secondaries and inner primaries shading
into white on their inner webs ; chest white, shading into
brown on the abdomen; under tail-coverts white ; beak slaty
grey with a black tip ; legs olive-black ; irides white.
Entire length 10 inches; culnien 1*8; wing, carpus to
tip, 7 "5 ; tarsus Tl.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 3fi8.
310. FoLiGULA FERiNA (Liuu.). Pochcird.
The Pochard ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, but is
most plentiful in the Delta. It prefers open water to the
more reedy districts, and on the approach of danger will
rather swim out of its way than take to the wing.
Head and neck rufous browti ; upper part of the back and
front of the chest black; centre of the back and scapulars pale
grey, finely pencilled with dusky ; remainder of the back and
tail almost black ; primaries brown, secondaries narrowly
tipped with white ; wing-coverts l)rownish grey ; underparts
of the body dirty white, ending in black tovpards the tail ;
legs dark slate-colour ; beak grey, tipped with black ; irides
brown.
Entire length 19 inches ; culmcn 2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8 ; tarsus 1*4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 3C7.
290 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
311. FuLiGULA MARiLA (Linn.). Scaup Buck.
This species comes into Lower Egypt in the winter, and
remains there until May, according to Von Heuglin (Syst.
Ueb. p. 67). It frequents the large brackish-water lakes
near the sea, and probably never ascends the Nile ; nor has
it been met with, to my knowledge, in the Fayoom.
Male. — Head and neck dark metallic green ; base of
the neck, upper part of the back and crop, rump, vent, and
tail-coverts black ; tail dusky brown ; back and scapulars
white, with fine undulating dusky bars ; wing-coverts dusky
grey, pencilled with black ; primaries dusky brown ; secon-
daries white, with broad black ends; chest and abdomen
white, sides shaded with brown, the feathers narrowly barred
with undulating dusky lines ; beak slaty blue, with the nail
black; legs pale slaty grey; webs of the feet inclining to
black ; irides yellow.
Entire length 20 inches; culmen 1"9; wing, carpus to
tip, 8*5 ; tarsus TS.
Female. — Fore part of the face and a patch on the ear-
coverts white ; remainder of the head, neck, crop, upper part
of the back, and tail-coverts brown.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 371.
312. FuLiGULA CRisTATA (Linn.). Tufted Buck.
This Duck is most plentiful in Lower Egypt and the
Fayoom, where I have occasionally shot it. It frequents the
open water, but is not very shy.
Male. — Head, which is crested, and neck deep greenish
purple; remainder of the neck, front of the chest, back,
Plate xn
ERISMATURA LEUCOCEPHALA .
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 291
scapulars, wings, and tail black ; primaries shading into
white on the inner web ; vent, under tail-coverts, and thighs
black ; chest and abdomen white ; beak slaty grey, with a
black tip ; legs black ; irides yellow.
The female has no crest, and is generally browner in
colour.
Entire length 16 inches; culmen TO; wing, carpus to
tip, S ; tarsus 1-3.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 370.
318. Erismatura i.eucocephala (Scop.). White-headed
Duel:
(Plate XII.)
The White-headed Duck is tolerably plentiful in Lower
Egypt ; but I am not aware of its having been met with on
the Nile above Cairo. Its favourite liaunts are the great
brackish-water lakes of Mareotis and Menzaleh ; and it is
probably to be met with in the Fayoom, though I do not
know of an instance of its capture there. It is an extremely
good diver, and prefers to keep to the water instead of
taking to flight, unless very closely pursued. I only met
with it alive on one occasion, on I^akc Mareotis ; when I shot
one on the water, believing at the time that it was wounded.
I have also seen it occasionally in the Alexandrian market.
The description is taken from one of my Egyptian speci-
mens, the colour of the beak, legs, and irides having been
noted at the time.
Bealy swollen ai Ihe base ; (ail-ferifhers lovg, narrow, and
^fiff; head white, all except the top, which is bhifk ; bark of
I -1
292
BIEDS OF EGYPT.
the neck below the nape bhick ; remainder of the plumage
ferruginous brown, freckled with pale brown and dusk}',
darkest on the fore part of the chest, flanks, and upper tail-
coverts ; lower parts of the chest and abdomen dirty white ;
tail black ; legs black ; beak blue-grey, without a spot ; irides
brown.
Entire length 18 inches; culmen TS; wing, carpus to
tip, 6 ; tarsus 1'3.
314. GIdemia fusca (Linn.). Velvet Scoter.
According to Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. C7) the present
species is to be met with singly in Lower Egypt in the
winter.
Male. — Entire plumage velvety black, excepting a patch
behind the eye and a bar across the wing, which are pure
white ; beak orange, with its margin and a swelling near the
nostrils black ; legs bright red ; irides yellow.
Entire length 23 inches; culmen 1'7; wing, carpus to
tip, 11 ; tarsus 1'8.
Female. — Blackish brown, with the under surface of the
body dirty white, streaked and spotted with brown ; on the
sides of the head some irregular patches of brownish white,
and a white bar across the wing ; beak dusky ; legs brownish
red.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 377.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 293
Fam. PELECANID-ffi.
315. Pelecanus crispus, Bruch, Dalmatian Pelican.
The present species is abundant throughout Egypt and
Nubia, frequenting the sandbanks in the river, often in large
flocks. It appears to be more plentiful than the other species
of Pelican, and was the only one I met with in the Fayoom,
where I frequently killed specimens.
Feathers on the forehead terminating in a curved line, which
is concave towards the middle of the culmen ; entire plumage
white, with the following exceptions : — primaries dark brown ;
upper part of the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts stone-
grey, with their edges more or less white ; tail-feathers brown
and grey, edged with white ; legs and pouch flesh-colour ;
irides greyish ivhite.
Entire length 72 inches; culmen IS" 5; wing, carpus to
tip, 28 ; tarsus 5'2c
The description is taken from a specimen in my collection,
shot in February.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 406.
316. Pelecanus onocratalus, Linn. TFJiite Pelican.
This Pelican is very abundant in Egypt and Nubia. On
the 20th of April, 1870, below Edfoo, we met with an
immense flock of several thousands, passing low along the
river on their way north ; and although fired at several times
they still kept streaming onwards in one continuous flock,
without diverging from their course. Mr. Adderley procured
a specimen out of this flock ; and as it does not agree in the
colour of the legs with former descriptions of this species,
294 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
I give the following notes as they were made by nie at
the time : —
Feathers on the forehead come to a ])oint towards the
culmen ; pouch pure pale yellow ; legs olive-black ; irides
crimson ; primaries black ; remainder of the plumage xohite,
with a very faint roseate blush.
Entire length 60 inches ; culmen 16 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 26 ; tarsus 4" 5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 405.
317. Pelecanus minor, B/iipp. Lesser Pelican.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 72) observes that according
to Riippell this bird is abundant in Lower Egypt ; and
Mr. D. G. Elliot (P. Z. S. 1869, p. 581) likewise gives the
locality Egypt for this species.
It is very similar to P. onocrotalus, but slightly smaller.
The feathers oh the forehead come to a point towards the
culmen ; crest long and pendent ; primaries black ; remainder
of the plumage pure white.
Entire length 55 inches; culmen 12; wing, carpus to
tip, 24 ; tarsus 5.
318. SuLA CYANOPS, Sundev. Masked Gannet.
Mr. E. C. Taylor tells me that he met with a Gannet on
the Red Sea, near Suez, which must have belonged to the
present species, as it is the only one that inhabits those
waters.
Naked skin on the face and pouch slate- colour ; quills.
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 295
greater wing-coverts, and -tail dark brown ; remainder of the
plumage white ; beak yellow ; legs slaty grey ; irides yellow.
Fig. Gould, B. of Australia, vol. vii. pi. 77.
319. Phalacrocorax carbo (Linn.). Cormorant.
The Common Cormorant is very plentiful throughout
Egypt, especially in the Fayoom ; and I have shot as many as
twenty in one evening during their flight from the lake to
their roosting-place in the rocks, where I believe they breed.
On the Nile they are more plentiful in the winter than later
in the season.
Entire plumage deep glossy green, with the following
exceptions : — part of the pouch which is without feathers
greenish blue ; a white crescent-shaped patch on each side of
the head, covering the cheeks, joining underneath and coming
to a point on the pouch ; feathers on the head and neck more
or less white according to age ; centres of the feathers on
the upper part of the back, wing-coverts, and secondaries
paler, and of a brownish hue ; a patch of pure white on the
flanks ; legs black ; beak black on the culmen and tip,
shading off to yellow on the remainder of the bill ; irides
green. The younger birds have no white on the head and
neck, and have the breast more or less white.
Entire length 36 inches ; culmen 3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 13"5 ; tarsus ]'5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em-, pi. 407.
320. Phalacrocorax pygm.eus, Temm. Little Cormorant.
The only locality in which I found this bird was the
296 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Fayoom, where it was not uncoinmon on the desert side of
the great lake of Birket el Korn, and I shot two specimens.
It is a far more active bird than the Common Cormorant, and
much more shy, but very similar in its habits ; for as I paddled
among the reeds I frequently saw it sitting upright on the
half-sunken bushes, or diving actively in pursuit of fish.
It appears to be a sociable species ; for I generally noticed it
in pairs or small flocks, possibly family parties ; but it never
flew in company with other birds.
The following description is taken from my Egyptian
specimens shot in February : —
Upper plumage black, glossed with green, with the fol-
lowing exceptions — sides of the neck shading off to brown ;
wing-coverts almost grey, with the ends of the feathers black,
narrowly edged with white; underparts white, shaded with
brown on the neck and crop ; flanks and under tail-coverts
black ; legs black ; culmen brown ; remainder of the beak and
bare part of the crop yellow ; irides brown (noted at the time).
Entire length 22 "5 inches ; culmen 1*4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 8'5 ; tarsus 1*2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 409.
321. Sterna caspia, Pall. Caspian Tern.
The Caspian Tern is tolerably abundant in Lower Egypt,
but does not, to my knowledge, extend its range up the
Nile. Mr. E. C. Taylor tells me that he has observed it on
several occasions at Port Said and at Damietta.
Adult in breeding-2Jluma(je. — Top of the head, nape, and
around the eye black ; back and wings pearl-grey ; ends of
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 297
the quills dusky ; remaiudcr of the plumage white ; beak
vermilion ; legs black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 21 inches; culmcn 2-8 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 16'5 ; tarsus 1"5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 414.
322. Sterna anglica, Montagu. Gull-billed Tern.
The present species is one of the most abundant Terns in
Egypt. Though most plentiful in Lower Egypt and the
Fayoom, I have met with it frequently as far up the Nile
as Sioot.
Breedinq-plumage. — Top of the head and nape glossy
l)lack, remainder of the upper plumage pale pearl-grey ;
under plumage white ; legs and entire beak black ; irides
dark brown.
In winter the top of the head is white, streaked or mottled
with black ; nape and in front of the eye darker.
Entire length 14 inches; culmen TS ; wing, carpus to
tip, 13 ; tarsus 1-35.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 410.
323. Sterna cantiaca, Gm. Sandwich Tern.
This Teni appears to be more confined to Lower Egypt
than 8. anglica, and is by no means so common, though it
cannot be considered a rare species in that country.
My description is taken from a specimen obtained at
Alexandria in February.
The plumage is very similar to that of S. anglica ; the bill,
298 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
however, is longer and more slender, and is tipped with dull
whitish yellow.
Eutii-e length 15 '7 inches; culmen TO; wing, carpus to
tip, 10*4 ; tarsus 1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 415.
324. Sterna media, Horsf. Allied Tern.
This species of Sea-Swallow is plentiful in Lower Egypt,
where it remains throughout the year,
Stimmer plumage. — Top of the head and nape black ; back,
scapulars, wings, and tail pearl-grey, the primaries having a
dusky border on the inner web next to the shafts ; remainder
of the plumage white; beak yellow; legs black.
Entire length 16'2 inches; culmen 2"2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 12-5; tarsus 1.
The description is taken from a specimen shot at Alex-
andria on the 2nd of June, 1865, by Mr. S. Staiford Allen.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. vol. iv. p. 87.
325. Sterna Bergii, Licht. Svnft Tern.
The present species is not uncommon in Lower Egypt,
where it is a resident.
Top of the head white, mottled towards the back with
black, nape entirely of that colour ; remainder of the neck
and underparts white ; back, scapulars, and wing-coverts
pale pearl-grey, fading almost into white on the rump and
tail ; first, three primaries nearly black, remainder of them
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 299
deep grey, with a white border on the inner web ; beak
yellow ; legs black ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 16'5 inches ^ culmen 2"3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 13*5 ; tarsus r2.
Fig. Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atlas, t. 13.
326. Sterna fluviatilis, Naum. Common Tern.
This Tern may be occasionally met with in pairs along the
Mediterranean coast in the winter and spring, according to
Von Heugliu (Syst. Ueb. p. 70).
Breeding-plumage. — Upper part of the head and nape
black; remainder of the head, neck, under smface of the
body, and the edges of the carpal band white ; the rest of
the plumage pearl-grey, with the first primary partially edged
with black ; beak and legs coral-red, the former shaded with
black towards the tip ; irides dark brown.
In winter the head is mottled with white towards the
forehead.
Entire length 15 inches; culmen 1*3 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 10 ; tarsus O'S.
Fig. Sharpe & Dresser, B. of Eur. part vii.
327. Sterna hirundo, Linn. Arctic Tern.
The present species is to be met with singly along the
Egyptian coast, as stated by Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 70).
Tail in the adult longer than in 8. fluviatilis, and the
tarsus always shorter.
300 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
Summer plumage. — Upper part of the head and nape
black ; entire plumage, including the inner webs of the quills,
grey, shading into white on the throat, cheeks, ear-coverts, and
towards the extremities of the tail-feathers ; the exterior web
of the first primary and outer tail-feathers dusky ; beak and
legs coral-red ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 15 inches; culmen r4; wing, carpus to tip,
11 ; tarsus 0*6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 419.
328. Sterna minuta (Linn.). Lesser Tern.
This small Tern is a winter visitor, but appears to be of
rare occurrence in Egypt ; for I have only seen one specimen
from that country, which was shot by Mr. Baird on the Nile,
and is now in his collection.
A streak extending from the lores over the eye, top of the
head, and nape black ; back and wings pearl-grey ; outer
primaries dusky ; remainder of the plumage white ; beak
yellow, tipped with black ; legs orange ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 8'7 inches; culmen 1"3; wing, carpus to
tip, 7 ; tarsus 0'7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 420.
329. Hydrochelidon fissipes (Linn.). Black Tern.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 71) says that this Tern is met
with on the Nile.
Head, neck, and breast dusky black, shading into slate-
colour on the upper parts and on the abdomen ; vent and
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 301
under tail-coverts white ; beak black, shaded with deep red
towards the base ; legs dusky red ; irides dark brown .
Immature plumage. — Forehead, cheeks, and under surface
of the body white ; back, wings, and tail leaden grey inter-
mingled with brown.
Entire length 10 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
8 ; tarsus 0"7.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 422.
330. Hydrochelidon nigra (Linn.). White-vnngcd Black
Tern.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 71) mentions this Tern as not
uncommon during winter and spring on the coasts of both
the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Summer plumage. — Head, neck, scapulars, and chest black ;
rump, tail-coverts, tail, and vent white; wings grey, with
white edges to the shoulders ; outer primary nearly black ;
beak dusky black, tinged with red at the base ; legs red ;
irides dark brown.
Entire length 9 inches ; culmen 1 ; wing, carpus to tip,
8-7 ; tarsus 0-9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 423.
331. Hydrochelidon LEUCOPAREIA (Natt.). Whiskered Tern.
This is a very abundant species on the Nile, ranging
throughout Egypt and Nubia. I met with small flocks on
several occasions as far up as El Kab, and on the 1st of May
302 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
shot several at How. In the Delta and the Fayoom they
are extremely abundant, and by no means shy, often flitting
gracefully backwards and forwards over the small ponds
close to the villages.
Breeding-plumage. — Top of the head and nape black ;
upper surface pearl-grey ; cheeks and throat white ; under-
side of the wings and under tail-coverts white ; remainder of
the under sm-face leaden grey ; beak and legs coral-red ;
irides dark brown.
Entire length 9"5 inches; culmen 1"2 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 9 ; tarsus 0-9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 424.
332. Rhynchops flavirostris, Vicill. Scissor-hilled Tern.
(Plate XIV.)
I first saw some of these curious birds flitting over the
sandbanks near Edfoo on the 1st of April ; on the 4th a
small flock passed our boat near Philae, and we met, I be-
lieve, the same party again ten days later among the rapids
of the First Cataract. Afterwards we saw these Terns fre-
quently in considerable numbers, and killed several near
Erment, where I believe they were beginning to breed on
the sandbanks. They were not shy, and afforded me plenty
of opportunities of watching their graceful evolutions as they
played together.
Mr. S. Stafibrd Allen (Ibis, lb64,p. 243) mentions having
seen the Scissor-billed Tern once near Thebes, and speaks
of its having been killed at Damiettii, which appears to
CO
a:
a
5
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 303
me very possible ; for when I met with them they had
evidently just arrived on their migration down the Nile, and
probably some intended to continue their jouiiiey.
Beak verymuch flattened at the sides and much deeper than
it is broad, lower mandible longest.
Top of the head, nape, back, centre tail-coverts, two middle
tail-feathers, and wings dusky brown ; forehead and re-
mainder of the plumage white ; secondaries tipped with
white ; inner web of the tail-feathers shaded with dusky ;
legs and beak vermilion, the latter shading off to yellow
towards the end ; irides bro^vn.
Entire length 17 inches; beak, from the gape, upper
mandible 3'1, lower mandible 3'!) to 4*4; wing, carpus to
tip, 14 ; tarsus Tl.
Description taken from three specimens shot by myself iu
Upper Egypt.
Fam. LAEID^.
333. Larus marinus, Linn. Greater Black-backed Gull.
According to Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 69) this species
is met with singly on the Mediterranean coast throughout the
year.
Head, neck, tail, and underparts white ; back, scapulars,
and wings deep slate-colour ; primary coverts white, the pri-
maries, secondaries, and scapulars tipped with white ; eyelids
red ; beak yellow, with a scarlet patch on the lower mandible ;
irides pale yellow.
304 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
Entire length 30 inches; cuhnen 3"5 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 20 ; tarsus 3'1.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 430.
334. Larus fuscus, Linn. Lesser Black-backed Gull.
This Gull ranges up the Nile into Nubia, where I fre-
quently saw it in small flocks, generally towards sunset,
passing northward in April. On the 24th of that month,
near Erment, I shot a specimen out of a small flock, ap-
parently the same that I had seen on several consecutive
evenings during our retiu-n journey down the river. I have
taken my description from this specimen.
Entire plumage pure white, except the back and wings,
Avhich are deep slate-colour, with the primaries black ; a large
white spot on the first primary near the tip ; ends of the quills
and greater scapulars white ; legs and beak yellow, with the
base of the gape and a spot on the lower mandible vermilion ;
irides pale yellow ; eyelids vermilion.
Entire length 23 inches ; culmen 2*3 ; wing, carpus to tip,
17; tarsus 2-5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em", pi. 431.
335. Larus LEUCOPHiEUS, Licht. Mediferranenn Hernnc/-
Gull.
This Gull is a very abundant resident in Egypt and Nubia.
I believe it to have been the species of which I saw flocks oc-
casionally in Nubia, apparently migrating northward in April.
Von llcughn (Syst. Ueb. p. G9) probably refers to this species
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 305
under the name of L. argentatus, which he declares is met
with singly along the Nile up to Kartoom.
This bird is very similar to L. argentatus, from which it
differs in the grey back being a shade darker, and in the legs
of the adult being yellow.
Entire plumage white, excepting the back, scapulars, and
greater part of the wings, which are grey ; the greater part of
the primaries black, with white tips and a white spot on the
outer one ; scapulars and secondaries tipped with white ;
beak yellow, with a scarlet patch on the lower mandible ; legs
bright yellow ; irides pale yellow ; eyelids scarlet.
Entire length 22 inches ; culmen 2'4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 17 ; tarsus 2 "5.
Immature birds have the legs flesh-colour.
336. Larus argentatus, Briinn. Herring-Gull.
Von Heughn (Syst. Ueb. p. 69) says that this Gull is very
abundant on the Mediterranean coast, and is found singly
up the Nile as far as Kartoom.
Similar to L. leucopheeus, but the grey on its plumage is of
a paler tint, and the legs in the adult are flesh-colour.
Entire length 22 inches ; culmen 2-4 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 16'5 ; tarsus 2"5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 434.
337. Larus canus, Linn. Common Gull.
I only met with a single specimen of this Gull, on the 27th
of February, near Damietta. According to Von Heughn
X
306 BIEDS OF EGYPT,
(Syst. Ueb. p. 69) it is to be found singly on the Mediterra-
nean coast in the winter.
Winter plumage. — Head white, with fine dusky streaks on
the upper part ; neck, rump, tail, and underparts white ;
back, scapulars, wing-coverts, and secondaries pearl-grey,
with a white edging to the shoulders and white tips to the
greater wing-coverts and secondaries ; primaries black, with
white tips, excepting the outer two, which have a white
patch near their ends ; beak yellow, shaded with grey to-
wards the base; legs yellow; irides brown.
The following measurements are taken from the specimen
I shot in Egypt : —
Entire length 16-3 inches; culmen 1"3; wing, carpus to
tip, 14 ; tarsus 1'9.
Fig. Gould, B. of Em\ pi. 437.
33S. Larus cachinnans. Pall.
According to Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 69) this Gull
is to be met with on the Red Sea and near Damietta.
From an examination of specimens, in which I have been
assisted by Mr. Howard Saunders, who is making an es-
pecial study of the Laridas, this species appears to be per-
fectly identical with Larus leucopheeus {antea, p. 304), and
I have, therefore, not given a desciiption of the bird.
839. Larus gelastes, Licht. Slender-hilled Gull.
This Gull ranges throughout Egypt, and is probably a
resident in the country. Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1867, p. 72)
mentions that his party procured a specimen out of a small
1-
X
I-
X
o
to
a:
<
J
BIRDS OF EGYPT. • 307
flock they saw near Keneh, in Upper Egypt. This is the
most southern point on the Nile that I am aware of its
having been met with.
Head, neck, tail, outer border of the wing, and greater
part of the first four primaries white ; outer web of the first
primary, inner border of the first four, and ends of all black ;
remainder of the upper plumage pearl-grey; underparts
white, beautifully shaded with pink ; beak and legs coral-
red ; irides very pale yellow.
Entire length 16 inches; culmen I'G; wing, carpus to
tip, 11-5 ; tarsus 1'9.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. vol. iv. p. 98.
340. Larus ichthyaetus. Pall. Great Black-headed Gull.
(Plate XIII.)
This fine species ranges throughout Egypt and Nubia, and
is far from uncommon. In the Fayoom I met with it daily
on Birket el Korn, and frequently shot it in full plumage in
February, and have also noticed it as high up the Nile as
El Kab. It is likewise abundant on the coast of the Red Sea
and Mediterranean.
Entire head and upper part of the neck black, with a small
white patch above and below the eye ; remainder of the neck,
upper part of the back, tail-coverts, tail, and under surface of
the body white ; back, scapulars, and greater part of the
wing-coverts pearl-grey ; primaries white, with a large patch
of clear black near the ends of the feathers and on the outer
web of the first one, the smaller ones being grey, with white
tips ; the outer secondaries white, the inner ones grey tipped
308 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
with that colour ; beak yellow, with a broad red patch
crossing it, and a black bar near the tip ; gape and eyelids
vermilion ; legs yellow ; irides dark brown.
Entire length 25 inches ; culmen 3 ; wing, carpus to tip,
19 ; tarsus 1-9.
341. Larus leucophthalmus, Licht. White-eyed Gull.
The present species is to be met with on the Egyptian
coast, but does not appear to be at all plentiful.
Head, nape, and throat black, with a small white patch
above and below the eye ; a white border to the black on the
neck, shading into dusky ash-colour on the back and sides of
the chest ; back and scapulars ashy brown ; tail-coverts and
tail white ; wings dusky brown, with white tips to the
secondaries ; remainder of the underparts white ; beak red,
tipped with black ; legs brownish red ; irides white.
Entire length 15*5 inches; culmen 1"8; wing, carpus to
tip, 12'5 ; tarsus l"?.
Fig. Bree, B. of Eur. vol. iv. p. 95.
342. Larus melanocephalus, Natt. Mediterranean Black-
headed Gull.
This species is moderately plentiful in Lower Egypt, espe-
cially in the neighbourhood of Alexandria, but is, according
to Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 69), only a winter and spring
visitant.
Sumvier phimage. — Entire head deep black, with a small
white patch above and below the eye ; back and wings pearl-
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 309
grey ; primaries tipped with white, and the outer web of the
first one black for three quarters of its length ; remainder of
the plumage white, with a delicate pink blush on the chest ;
beak, eyelids, and legs coral-red ; irides dark brown.
Mr. Howard Saunders (Ibis, 1872, p. 79) has given some
remarks on the distinctions between this species and the
common Black-headed Gull, which may be useful to my
readers : — " In the adult plumage this species is distinguish-
able at a glance from L. ridibimdus ; and even immature birds
of the former show a stronger bill and somewhat larger tarsi ;
still the best distinction exists in the first primary. In young
L. melanocephalus that portion of the inner web which lies
next to the shaft is smoke-coloured on both upper and under
sides, whereas in L. ridibundus it is white, as is also the
shaft. This holds good until L. melanoce'phalas has lost all
colour on the inner web of the first primary, when the dark
edging of the same feather in L. ridibundus forms a still more
marked distinction. A further peculiarity of this species is,
that although it assumes the black head in its second spring,
when it commences to breed, yet it does not acquire the full
white primaries until the third spring."
Entbe length 15 inches; culmen 1-3; wing, carpus to
tip, 11-3 ; tarsus VI.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 427.
343. Larus ridibundus, Linn. Blach-headed Gull.
This Gull is extremely abundant in Lower and Middle
Egypt, where it remains the whole year ; but I know of no
instance of its capture in Nubia. During March 1870, when
310 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
there was a plague of locusts in the land, we met the present
species far up the river in large flocks, busily engaged in
devouring these insects.
Adult in hreeding -plumage . — Head and throat dark brown,
with a small white patch above and below the eye ; neck,
upper part of the back, tail-coverts, tail, and under surface of
the body white ; remainder of the back, scapulars, secon-
daries, inner primaries, and greater part of the wing-coverts
pearl-grey ; carpal bend of the wing, outer wing-coverts, and
greater part of the four outer primaries white ; the outer web
of the first primary, the tips of all, and part of the inner
web of the larger ones black ; legs, beak, and eyelids brownish
red ; irides dark brown.
In winter. — The head white, a dusky patch in front of
the eyes, and often some dusky feathers on the back of
the head.
Entire length 15 inches; culmen 1*5; wing, carpus to
tip, 12"5 ; tarsus 1'6.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 425.
344. Larus minutus. Pall. Little Gull.
This species is to be met with in the Delta, and I one day
saw it on Lake Mareotis in great numbers. On the large
lake of the Fayoom I also believe that I saw a pair in company
with L. ridibundus.
My description is taken from a specimen obtained at
Alexandria on the 28th of February.
Winter plumage. — Back and wings pearl-grey, with the tip
of the quills white ; remainder of the plumage white, the
BIEDS OF EaTPT. 311
breast suffused with a pink blush ; beak brownish red ; legs
vermilion ; irides brown.
In summer plumage the head is black.
Entire length 10'4 inches; culmen 0*9; wing, carpus to
tip, S'8 ; tarsus 0"9.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. of Eur. part iv.
Fam. PROCELLARIID^.
345. PuFFiNus KuHLii, Boie. Cinereous Shearwater.
This is probably the species intended by Von Heuglin
(Syst. Ueb. p. 68) under the name Nectris macrorhyncha,
Heugl., which, he says, is not rare on the Mediterranean coast
of Egypt.
Upper sm'face ashy grey, the feathers slightly edged with
lighter grey, especially on the rump, the head darker ; wing
dark brown, the greater coverts decidedly lighter margined ;
quills and tail blackish brown, with a slight shade of grey;
under surface of the body entirely white, with an appearance
of ashy grey on the sides of the face and neck ; bill yellowish,
darker on the lower mandible, inclining to bluish a little way
off the tip ; feet yellowish, web lighter yellow, outer toe
darker.
Total length 20 inches ; culmen 2'05 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 12-8; tail 5-3; tarsus 1-95.
Fig. Kuhl'sProc. t. 11, 12.
312 BIED8 OF EGYPT.
346. PuFFiNUs ANGLORUM, Tenim. Manx Shearwater.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 68) calls this bird rare on the
north coast of Egypt, where he mentions that he found a
specimen that had been washed up by the tide.
We know that this bird is extremely plentiful throughout
the Mediterranean, where it is resident ; and after carefully
comparing a specimen from Malta with others from Ireland
(aU in the collection of Mr. Howard Saunders), it is difficult
to admit the specific distinction of P. Baroli, Bonelli, and
P.yelkouan, Acerbi, names which have been applied to the
Mediterranean bird.
Above sooty black, underneath entirely black ; the sides of
the face as far as the upper part of the breast shaded with
grey ; bill black, under mandible somewhat lighter ; feet
yellowish ; outer toe blackish.
Total length 13 inches; culmen 1-35; wing 9"2; tail 3"7;
tarsus 1"6.
Eig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 443.
Pam. PODICIPID-ffil.
347. PoDiCEPS CRiSTATUs (Linn.). Great Crested Grebe.
This Grebe is rare in Egypt ; yet 1 have certainly seen it on
two occasions in the Fayoom, and believe that I have also
observed it on the Nile near Keneh. In habits it is ex-
tremely shy, diving at the first glimpse of danger, so that it
is very difficult to approach, especially as it usually frequents
the open sheets of water.
Breeding-plumage. — Top of the head and ear-tufts dusky ;
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 313
round the neck a broad frill of chestnut, edged with black ;
cheeks and throat white ; upper plumage dusky brown, with
a white bar across the wings ; underparts silvery white,
becoming ferruginous brown on the flanks ; legs olive-black ;
beak dusky ; irides red.
In winter the ear-tufts and frill are absent.
Entire length 21 inches; culmen 1-9; wing, carpus to
tip, 72 ; tarsus 2*2.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 388.
348. PoDiCEPS NiGRicoLLis, Suudcv. Eared Grebe.
This is probably the bird referred to by Von Heuglin
(Syst. Ueb. p. 68) under the name P. auritiis, Briss., which,
he states, is to be met with in Lower Egypt during the
winter.
Feathers behind the eye and ear-coverts elongated, and of
a light chestnut-colour ; remainder of the head, throat, and
upper parts, including the wings, olive-black; secondaries
white ; under surface of the body silvery white, shading into
chestnut-brown on the sides ; beak black ; legs olive ; irides
red.
Entire length 12 inches; culmen 0'9; wing, carpus to
tip, 5 ; tarsus TG.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 391.
349. PoDiCEPS GRiSEiGENA, Bodd. Red-neckecl Grebe.
According to Von IleugUn (Syst. Ueb. p. 68) this species
314 BIEDS OF EGYPT.
comes into Lower Egypt in the winter, where it is met with
singly.
Summer plumage. — Tufts on the head, upper part of the
head, and back of the neck black j remainder of the upper
parts, including the wings, olive-black, the secondaries white ;
chin and sides of the head white ; neck chestnut ; remainder
of the under surface of the body white, shading into dusky
black at the vent ; beak olive-black, shaded with yellow at the
gape ; legs dusky olive ; irides red.
Entire length 17'5 inches; culmen 1"7 ; wing, carpus to
tip, 7"9 ; tarsus 12.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 389.
350. PoDiCEPS MINOR (Linn.). Little Grebe.
The present species is plentiful in Lower Egypt and the
Fayoom, where I have shot it on several occasions, but have
never observed it on the river.
Front of the face, upper part of the throat, and the whole
of the upper plumage olive-black ; wings brown, with a large
portion of the secondaries white ; ear-coverts and front of the
neck rich ferruginous brown ; uuderparts white, shaded with
dusky on the crop, sides, and vent ; beak olive-black, shading
into yellow at the tip and gape; legs olive ; irides brown.
Entire length 10 inches; culmen 0'9; wing, carpus to
tip, 4 ; tarsus 1'4.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 392.
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 315
351. CoLYMBUs SEPTENTRioNALis, Linn. Bed-throated Diver.
Von Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 68) mentions that he once
observed this species in Lower Egypt in the winter.
Summer plumage. — Forehead, sides of the head, and neck
slate-colour, with a ferruginous brown patch down the centre
of the throat ; back of the head and hinder part of the
neck black, streaked with white ; remainder of the upper
parts dusky, more or less spotted with white ; underparts
white ; beak and legs black, the latter tinted with olive ;
irides red.
Entire length 22'5 inches; culmen 2; wing, carpus to
tip, 11-5 ; tarsus 2' 5.
Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 395.
Order STRUTHIONES.
Pam. STRUTHIONID^.
352. Struthio camelus, L. Ostrich.
A perfect monograph of the Ostrich has been published
by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub in the ' Vogel Ost-Afrika's,' and
I translate from thence the following particulars as to its
occurrence in Egypt : — " They are no longer found on the
plains of El Mograh, between Cairo and Suez, where Burck-
hardt met with wild Ostriches in 1816. Von Heughn looked
in vain for it both on the Libyan plains and in Central Egypt ;
but a very trustworthy hunter, Prince Halim Pacha, assured
liim that he had found fresh-disturbed breeding-places of the
316 BIED8 OF EGYPT.
Ostrich a few days' journey distant from Cairo. Formerly it
was often referred to as occuri'ing there. Pocock states that
it inhabited the hilly desert to the south-west of Alexandria.
Sonnini often saw fresh tracks in the desert of Bahireh ; and
Minutoli observed flocks of from ten to fifteen individuals
on the route from Alexandria to Suvah and Dernah."
BIRDS or EGYPT. 317
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Having reviewed in the foregoing part of this work all
the different species of birds that have been included in the
Egyptian lists by former writers, as well as those that have come
under my own observation, it will, perhaps, be of service briefly
to determine the value of the evidence on which they have
been inserted, and the true claim to specific distinction of
the more closely allied species. In the former pages I have
included over 350 birds as having some feasible claim to be
considered inhabitants of the Egyptian district, bounded
on the north by the Mediterranean, on the south by the Second
Cataract, and on the east and west by the Arabian and
Libyan deserts.
Earn. TuRDiD^. — Among the Thrushes, Tardus viscivorus
has probably never occiured in Egypt ; for no traveller on the
Nile more recent than Riippell records it from that country.
T. torquatus, I have little doubt, is met with in Lower Egypt.
The true Pycnonotus nigricans (Vieill.) never could have come
to Egypt, as stated by Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 399).
The bird referred to by him is doubtless P. xanthopygius, the
Palestine form, differing only from P. nigricans in the absence
of a red eyelid ; and for that reason I have included it in my
work under the name of P. xanthopygius.
Fam. Stlviid^. — Saxicola philothamna has almost crept
into Egyptian lists on account of Mr. E. C. Taylor's S. erg-
thropygia having been referred to that species ; but the latter
bird is apparently referable to S. mwsta, Licht. S. xantJio-
melana is an undoubtedly good species, with which S. FinscJii
318 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
is identical (vide supra, p. 74). 8. homocJiroa, of which
I have only seen females, may, I think, only be a sexual or
seasonal plumage of S. deserti. S. lumens and ^S*. leucomela of
Von Heuglin's large vpork are doubtfully separable; while
his S. syenitica is probably only a stage of S. Ieuc02iygia,
depending on the age of the specimen. Pratincola Hem-
prichii is mentioned as Egyptian for the first time by Von
Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 339). It may have been re-
marked by some of my readers that although many species of
Warblers are included in my previous list, several still hold
their claim to being Egyptian birds upon rather unsatis-
factory evidence. This, I think, arises from the nature of
the Country, the diyness of the climate, and the great absence
of bushes, which are especially unfavourable to birds of this
family, and cause their numbers to be limited, while it does
not entirely exclude their occasional occurrence. Thus we
find ButiciUa seminifa, naturally a very local species, only
collected in Egypt by Hemprich and Ehrenberg, though, ac-
cording to Canon Tristram, it is not uncommon in Palestine.
Again, our Hedge-Sparrow, Accentor ^nodularis, has only
been observed by Von Heiiglin. Bradypterus Cettii appears
a somewhat doubtful Egyptian species, although I fully
believe that it does occur there. Pseudoluscinia fiuviatilis is
included upon still more uncertain authority ; but as both
these last species are found in Palestine, one may naturally
conclude that they do visit Egypt. Calamodyta aquatica is
stated by Von Heuglin to be common at times in company
with C. schoenobcenus; but I have never met with it, although
I have taken some pains to search for it. C. melanopogon is
perhaps more abundant in the Nile Delta than in any other
part of its range, yet it has been strangely omitted by Von
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 319
Heuglin in his work ; and this has rather shaken my con-
fidence in his remarks iipon the Calamodytce, as I think he must
have confounded it with some of the more nearly aUied species.
Calamoherpe arundiiiacea, the Reed- Warbler, probably escaped
my notice owing to its being a bird of passage ; although
during my tours I have spent about two months at difi'erent
times in February and March in the marshes of the Delta.
C. palustris is a bird which neither myself nor Von Heughn
ever met with ; but it is included as a bird of both Egypt and
Nubia upon the authority of Riippell and Lichtenstein ; the
determination is, however, in my opinion, open to question.
Acrocephalus pallidus of Von Heuglin (Orn. N. O. Afr. p. 294),
said by him to be a resident both in Egypt and Nubia, puzzles
me as to what species it should be referred. I do not know
of an Acrocephalus to which the name of pallidus could be
applied ; and he especially remarks that it is not the Hypolais
pallida of Gerbe. I have referred it, in a footnote (p. 100),
to Hypolais eltsica.
Of the three species of true Acrocephalus, A. turdoides
appears to me of doubtful occurrence j A. arahicus. Von
Heuglin, I only know from his description (Orn. N. O. Afr.
p. 289) ; but it seems to me to be probably a good species
and to occur in Egypt.
Hypolais olivetorum has been collected by Mr. Rogers
near Alexandria. I mention it here as it is new to the
country. H. elesica is a common Egyptian and Nubian
species ; it is included by Von Heuglin under a collective
specific name, H. languida, of which he recognizes five sub-
species, and includes his Acrocephalus pallidus, which a few
pages previously he referred to a different genus. Owing to
this apparent indecision of the author I have refrained from
320 BIRDS OF EGYPT.
adding H. pallida, Gerbe, to the Egyptian lists, although it
is probably the species which Von Heuglin considers to be
found in Egypt, but which I could only include upon his
authority, no positive instance of its capture in that country
being recorded. I may remark, however, that it is a War-
bler very likely to occur there. Phyllopneuste hippolais, the
Melodious Willow- Warbler, appears to have good claims as
an Egyptian species ; while P. Eversman7ii, though mentioned
by Mr. G. R. Gray in his ' Hand-hst of Birds ' (vol. i.
p. 215) as Egyptian, has not been observed by Von Heuglin
as occurring in any part of North-eastern Africa.
Curruca orphea is undoubtedly Egyptian, and likewise
C. atricupilla and C. hortensis, although they are all of rare
occurrence. C. melanocepliala : the Egyptian race of Black-
headed Warblers I have kept under this name, as I cannot
find that they differ sufficiently from the European specimens
that I have examined to justify their separation; yet Von
Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. p. 303) has separated them from
the European species under the name of Sylvia mclano-
cephala minor. There appears to me to be a slight differ-
ence ; but I should wish to see a large series before consider-
ing them distinct, for I think perhaps the differences are
accidental. MelizopMlus sardus is included upon very posi-
tive authority, though Mr. Sharpe informs me that he still re-
quires proof as to its occui'rence out of the island of Sardinia.
I am not surprised to find MelizopMlus provincialis as a
migratory species in Egypt ; but I should have expected to
find Sylvia conspicillata included by Von Heuglin among the
birds of North-eastern Africa, as it is a Ukely bird to occur in
that region.
Fam. NECTARiNiiDiE. — One beautiful species of this tropical
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 321
family comes within the scope of my present work, and is far
from being uncommon above the First Cataract.
Fam. Certhiid^. — This family has only been represented
in the preceding pages by one species, the Wall-creeper,
Tichodroma muraria ; and the authority upon which that bird
has been included is so far from convincing, that I do not
hesitate to express my doubts as to its occurrence in Egypt.
Fam. Laniid^. — Of this family I have included six species,
three of which are plentiful ; two, Lanius minor and L. col-
lurio, are rare ; the other, L. excuhitor, notwithstanding Von
Heuglin's very positive assertion, appears to me a species so
extremely unlikely to be found in Egypt, that I cannot con-
sider it to be an undoubtedly Egyptian bird.
Fam. MusciCAPiD^. — The three species of Flycatchers are
only met with during their migrations.
Fam. HmuNDiNiD^E. — Cotyle rupestris has been included
upon the authority of Brehm ; but is, in my opinion, not to
be met with in Egypt. C. minor appears to me a very
doubtfully good species ; the other Swallows, except Hirundo
rufula and Chelidou urbica, are extremely abundant.
Fam. MoTACiLLiD^. — Amongst the Wagtails, Motacilla
sulphurea is perhaps the rarest species in Egypt, while M. vidua
is almost exclusively confined to the neighbourhood of the
First Cataract. Of the Yellow Wagtails, I have recognized
three species as Egyptian ; for they are, in my opinion,
specifically distinct, Budi/tes flava and B. cinereocapilla being
more easily distinguished when alive than when viewed as
skins in a collection.
Of the Pipits, Anthus pratensis'is far from common, though
undoubtedly Egyptian. A. Baalteni is included for the first
time as Egyptian in this work. If properly identified, it is
Y
322 BIRDS or EGYPT.
doubtless only met with as a straggler, and is interesting as
being the most northern point at which the bird has yet been
met with.
Fam. Alaudid_«. — I have included twelve species of Larks,
although I consider some to be of very doubtful specific value.
Ammomanes liisitaiia and A. fraterculus appear to me to be
only local varieties, imperceptibly blending into each other
towards the confines of their respective ranges. A. arenicolor,
though included upon somewhat meagre data, I look upon as
very probably Egyptian. Galerita rutila, mentioned by Mr. G.
R. Gray (Hand-list of Birds, ii. 119) as Egyptian, I have not
included, but have only remarked upon at the end of
G. cristata, as I think the specimen from which the locality
" Egypt " has been taken may prove to be only G. cristata,
or else have a wrong locality marked on it. Again, I am
inclined to doubt Brehm's authority when he includes Alauda
arborea as Egyptian. Alauda intermedia, Swinhoe, the common
Egyptian form of A. arvensis, is a good instance of a constant
race or subspecies. Calandrella reboiidia appears to me
a somewhat similar constant subspecies of C. hrachydactyla,
while I cannot find any good specific distinction between
C . pispoletta and the last-named bird. Mdanocorypha calandra
is probably only met with as a straggler ; and the remarkable
desert form BhampJiocoris Clot-Bey, though undoubtedly
Egyptian, is extremely rare.
Fam. Emberizidjs. — Among the Buntings I have only to
mention Emheriza intermedia. I have retained this name
as determined by Von Heuglin ; but the only specimen I
know of from Egypt being a female, I cannot feel certain
of its distinctness from E. pialustns.
Earn. Eringillid^. — Passer Italia; and P. montanus are
BIEDS OF EGYPT. 323
both included upon Von Heuglin's authority. Coccothraustes
vulgaris is here mentioned for the first time as Egyptian, and
its claims rest upon good authority. I am very sceptical as
to the Lesser Redpole, JEgiothus rufesccns, ever having been
met with in Egypt. Estrelda melanorhpicha, included upon
the authority of Vou Heuglin, is the only instance we have
of a species of this genus being found in the country.
Fam. Sttjrnid^. — Pastor roseus is of very rare occurrence,
for I only know of a single instance of its capture.
Fam. CoRViD^. — I have included Corvus monedula and Pica
caudata upon very unreliable authority ; in fact, in my opinion,
they have probably never been met with there in a wild state.
As regards Pyrrhocorax alpinus, though there is no reason
why this bird should not be found in Egypt, the only autho-
rity we have for its occurrence is most unsatisfactory.
Fam. CucuLiDiE.— Although Herr F. Heine distinctly tells
us (Jom-n. f. Orn. 1863, p. 350) that Chrysococcyx cupreus
is found in Egypt, I think we may feel quite certain that it never
by any chance ranges into that country.
Fam. Alcedinid^. — Alcedo hengalensis is, in my opinion,
rather a subspecies (A A. ispida than specifically distinct.
Fam. Meropid^. — Merops viridis -. this includes M. viri-
dissiimis of authors ; for I can find no difi'erence between the
Egyptian and Indian specimens, unless it be in the generally
slightly longer tail of the former bird.
Fam. CYPSELiDiE. — Cypselus apus I have never met with in
Egypt, although it must undoubtedly come there. The bird
usually referred to this species from Egypt is C.pallidus, which
1 first described (Ibis, 1870, p. 445). C. parvus I hkewise see
no reason to doubt being found in Upper Egypt and Nubia,
though I have not seen a specimen of it from those parts.
324 BIRDS OF EaTPT.
Fam. STRiGiDyE. — Strix aluco, the Tawny Owl, is included
on the authority of Savigny, who mentions it in his ' Descrip-
tion de I'Egypte.' Njjctala Tengmalmi appears to be very
rare, but is, I think, undoubtedly Egyptian ; nor can we
doubt Bubo ignavm being met with out there after the
very positive evidence of Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr.
p. 110). The other six species of Owls are not uncommon
in Egypt.
Earn. FalconidjE. — Among the Harriers, I am very scep-
tical as to Circus cineraceiis ever having been met with in
Egypt. Accipiter gahar I have no doubt is found, but is cer-
tainly of very rare occurrence in that country, though probably
more plentiful in Nubia. Among the true Falcons, Von Heuglin
includes Falco babi/lonicus, which he calls tolerably common
in Egypt and Nubia. It is a rare and not very well-known
bird ; so I think it may have been confounded with F. lana-
rius, as a similar error has caused F. cervicalis to have been
included by some authors in the Egyptian lists. Besides,
Von Heuglin has on several occasions confounded F. concolor
with F. eleonores, which mistake he has corrected in his large
work ; so that F. eleonorcB no longer holds a place as an
Egyptian bird. The absence of this Falcon, I think, may be
accounted for by there being no cliffs on the Mediterranean
coast ; and towards the Red Sea it is replaced by F. concolor.
Of the remainder of the Falcons in my list I have specimens
from the country in my own collection. Of the Kites,
I feel certain that Milviis regalis has never been met with in
Egypt, although Riippell goes so far as to call it common
about Alexandria. M. aggptius and M. migrans are con-
sidered by some ornithologists to be varieties of the same
species ; but I do not agree in this theory. Pernis apivorus
BIEDS OP EGYPT. 325
has probably been met with in Egypt, though it is open to
doubt. Buteo deserforum is also probably Egyptian, but
I can find no positive evidence of its having occurred there.
Haliaetus albicilla opens up a subject for investigation
whether it be the true H. albicilla, a small subspecies, as Von
Heuglin asserts, or a new species. I include Aquila fulva,
A. navioides, and A. Bonellii upon Von Heuglin's authority.
The immature A. imperialis has been occasionally mistaken
for A. ncBvioides ; and I do not feel certain that Von Heuglin
may not have fallen into this same error.
Gi/paetus nudipes, I think, may be safely considered to be
the only representative of that genus in Egypt.
Fam. CoLUMBiDiE. — Columha livia and C. ScJiimperi, I
believe, are both plentiful in Egypt and Nubia, while I think
there are good reasons to doubt C. oenas being found there.
Turtur Sharpii is not only distinct from T. auritus in
plumage and measurements, but decidedly so in its habits.
T. albiventris is included on the authority of Von Heuglin,
and I have no doubt he is correct. T. isabellinus rests on the
authority of Bonaparte (Ic. Pig. t. 102). As I only know it
from the figure, I am unable to decide its claims to a place
in the Egyptian avifauna ; but it appears to me very possible
that the locality may have been wrongly given to the speci-
men which formed the subject of that plate. The type is in
the Berlin Museum.
Eam. TetkaonidjE. — The Francolin appears very doubtfully
Egyptian, being only included upon Riippell's list, which is,
perhaps, the most untrustworthy authority we have upon
Egyptian birds.
Turnix sylvatica, the Andalusian Hemipode, is a wide-
326
BIRDS OF EGYPT.
spread species, so that its occurrence in Egypt is not sur-
prising.
Fam. OxiDiDiE. — Otis tetrax barely claims a place in the
present work, as it appears only to be met with in the desert
east of Port Said. Eupodotis arabs is included solely upon
Von Heuglin's note (Syst. Ueb. p. 53).
Fam. CHARADRiiDiE. — Eudroimas morinellus and E. asi-
aticm are entered on Von Heuglin's authority. jEpalitis
mongolicus bases its claim upon a specimen in the British
Museum. One cannot always rely on a labelled museum
specimen ; but it is not an unlikely bird to find its way into
Egypt by the Red Sea. jE. hiattcula is included upon the
authority of Savigny's ' Description de I'Egypte,' and Von
Heuglin (Syst. Ueb. p. 56), where the latter author also
recognizes j^. intermedins; yet I think that it may pos-
sibly prove to be identical with the latter species, which
I have frequently killed iu Egypt without ever meeting with
the true ^. hiaticula.
Fam. ScoLOPACiDiE. — Numenius tenuirostris is undoubtedly
Egyptian ; and N. ph(eopus, though included upon less autho-
rity, is, in my opinion, also met with there. Scolopax rusti-
cola is, though rare, undoubtedly to be found in Egypt.
Tringa arenaria and T. dnclus are both stated by Von Heuglin
to be Egyptian.
Fam. Tantalid^e. — Ibis asthiopica breeds at Wady Halfeh,
and has therefore a right to a place in the present work,
although it does not appear to wander into Egypt proper.
Tantalus ibis is only an occasional visitor.
Fam. Rallid.e. — Ortygometra crex, the Corn-Crake, is
found in Egypt, according to Von Heuglin ; and this appears
BIRDS OF EGYPT. 327
very probable. Porzana pygniaa is also a likely bird to be
met with, but rests solely upon Riippell's statement. Por-
phyno Alleni has undoubtedly occurred ; and I think that there
need be no hesitation in admitting Fulica cristata.
Fam. Anatid^. — Cygnus olor, C. musicus, Bernicla brenta,
Fuligula mania, and Q^demia fusca are included upon the
authority of Von Heuglin ; the others I have shot myself in
Egypt.
Fam. Pelecanid^. — Pelecamis minor is undoubtedly
Egyptian, as is also Sula cyanops, which is here included for
the first time.
Fam. Larid^. — Among the Terns I have included Sterna
flimatilis, S. Mriindo, Ilydrochelidon fssipes, and H. nigra,
upon the authority of Von Heuglin. S. nilotica of the latter's
' Systematische Uebersicht,' p. 71, 1 refer to S. anglica ; while
Mr. G. R. Gray, in his ' Hand-list of Birds ' (iii. p. 119) con-
siders S. nilotica as the oldest name for this species ; but
that name is anterior to 1766, and cannot be employed.
Zarus marinus, included upon Von Heughn's authority, is
probably correct. L. argentatus and L. affinis of that author's
first list I beheve to be nothing else than L. leucoplicBus, the
Mediterranean Herring-Gull; for I much doubt the true
Herring-Gull of the Atlantic ever visiting Egypt. L. cachin-
nans of Von Heuglin's list I believe to be only a variety of
L. leucophaus, of very doubtful specific value.
Fam. PROCELLARiiDiE. — Nectris macrorhyncha of Heuglin
is probably synonymous with Puffiniis KuJilii, Boie, which
is the older name. This, as well as P. anglorum, have fair
claims to be Egyptian birds, though the latter would appear
to be of very rare occurrence.
328 BIEDS OF EGTPT.
Fam. PodicipiDjI;. — Podiceps nigricollis, P, griseigena, and
Colymhus septentrionalis are included upon Von Heuglin's
authority.
With the exception of some two or three species of which
I have seen undoubted Egyptian specimens, all the remaining
birds included in the present work have been collected by
myself in that country.
INDEX.
Abyssinian Raven, 158.
acacioe, Crateropus, 69.
Accentor, Hedge, 87.
modularis, 87.
Accipiter gabar, 186.
nisus, 185.
accipitrinus, Asio, 179.
Acrocephalus arabicus, 97.
stentorius, 95.
turdoides, 96.
Actitis hypoleucos, 259.
acuta, Dafila, 284.
Aedon galactodes, 85.
^Egialitis cantianus, 240.
Geoffi-oyi, 238.
hiaticula, 241.
intermedins, 242.
minor, 242.
mongolicus, 239.
pecuarius, 239.
JEgiothus rufescens, 153.
asgocephala, Limosa, 245.
tegyptiacus, Chenalopex, 279-
aDgyptius, Caprimulgus, 175.
Centropus, 164.
Merops, 170.
Milvua, 196.
Pluvianus, 234.
ifiruginosus, Circus, 181.
iesalon, Falco, 191.
setbiopica. Ibis, 261.
affiuis, Corvus, 158.
African Sand-Plover, 239.
Tawuy Pipit, 133.
Wood-Ibis, 262.
Alauda arborea, 139.
Alauda arvensis, 139.
cantarella, 140.
intermedia, 140.
alba, Ciconia, 265.
Herodias, 267.
Motacilla, 126.
albicilla, Haliaetus, 204.
albifrons, Anser, 280.
albiventris, Turtur, 217.
Alcedo bengalensis, 166.
ispida, 165.
Algerian Short-toed Lark, 142.
AUeui, Porphyrio, 276.
Allen's GalUnule, 276.
.\llied Tern, 298.
Alpine Chough, 161.
Swift, 171.
alpiims, Pyrrhocorax, 161.
Alueo flammea, 176.
aluco, Strix, 176.
Ammomanes arenicolor, 137.
fraterculus, 137.
lusitana, 136.
Ammoperdix Heyi, 222.
amphileuca, Saxicola, 72.
Anas boschas, 283.
strepera, 283.
Audalusian Hemipode, 224.
auglica. Sterna, 297.
anglorum, Putfinus, 312.
Anser albifrons, 280.
Anthus campestris, 134.
cervinus, 131.
plumatus, 130.
pratensis, 131.
raalteni, 133.
330
INDEX.
Aiithus spinoletta, 132.
antiquorum, Phoenicoptunis, 27
apiaster, Merops, 169.
apivorua, Pernis, 199.
apus, Cypseliis. 172.
Aquatic Warbler, 92.
aquatica, Calamodyta, 92.
aquatieus, Eallus, 273.
Aquila Bonellii, 206.
fulva, 204.
imperialis, 205.
naevia, 206.
nsevioides, 205.
pennata, 207.
Arabian Bustard, 227.
Sedge Warbler, 97.
arabicus, Acrocephalus, 97.
arabs, Eupodotis, 227.
arborea, Alauda, 139.
Arctic Tern, 299.
Ardea cinerea, 266.
purpurea, 266.
Ardeola comata, 269.
russata, 268.
arenaria, Tringa, 253.
arenicolor, Ammomancs, 137.
argentatus, Larus, 305.
arquata, Numenius, 243.
arsinoe, Pycnonotus, 67.
arundinacea, Calamoherpc, 94.
arvensis, Alauda, 139.
ascalaphus. Bubo, 180.
Asiatic Dotterel, 237.
asiaticus, Eudromias, 237.
Asio accipitrinus, 179.
otus, 178.
Astur palumbarius, 185.
atra, Euliea, 278.
atricapilla, Curruca, 105.
Muscicapa, 119.
auricularis, Viiltur, 209.
auriculatus, Lanius, 117.
auritus, Turtur, 214.
Avocet, 260.
ijvocctta, Eecurvirostra, 260.
Babbler, Egj-ptian Bush, 69.
babylonicus, Falco, 189.
Baillon's Crake, 275.
barbarus, Falco, 187.
Barbar}' Falcon, 187.
Barn-Owl, 176.
Bee-eater, Blue-checked, 170.
Common, 169.
— Little Green, 171.
bengalensis) Alcedo, 166.
Bergii, Sterna, 298.
Berniela brenta, 281.
_ Bifasciated Lark, 135.
Bittern, 271.
Little, 271.
Black and white Kingfisher, 167.
Black-billed Finch, 152.
Blackbird, 66.
Black-cap Warbler, 105.
Black-headed GuU, 309.
Plover, 234.
TeUow Wagtail, 130.
Warbler, 107.
Black Kite, 197.
Redstart, 83.
Black-shouldered Hawk, 198.
Black Stork, 265.
Black-tailed Godwit, 245.
Black Tern, 300.
Vulture, 209.
Black-winged Pratincole, 229.
Stilt, 260.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, 170.
Blue Rock-Thrush, 70.
Blue-throated Warbler, 85.
BonelHi, Aquila, 206.
BoncUii, Phj-llopneuste, 101.
Bonelli's Eagle, 206.
Warbler, 101.
Booted Eagle, 207.
bosohas, Anas, 283.
Botaurus stellaris, 271.
brachydactyla, CalandreUa, 141.
Bradypterus Cettii, 89.
Brent Goose, 281.
brenta, Berniela, 281.
Bronzy-green Cuckoo, 163.
Brown-necked Raven, 158.
Bubo ascalaphus, ISO.
ignavus, 180.
Budytes cinereocapilla, 129.
flava, 128.
melanooephala, 130.
^'Buft-backed Heron, 268.
Bulbul, White-vented, 67.
YeUow-ventcd, 68.
INDEX.
331
Bullfinch, Desert, 155.
Bunting, Common, 144.
Cretzsehmar's, 146.
Ortolan, 145.
Smaller Heed, 147.
Bustard, Ai-abian, 227.
Houbara, 225.
Little, 226.
Buteo desertorum, 201.
vulgaris, 200.
Buzzard, Common, 200.
Honey, 199.
Long-legged, 201.
cachinnaus, Larus, 306.
cseruleus, Elanus, 198.
cassia, Emberiza, 146.
Calamodyta aquatica, 92.
melanopogon, 93.
schoenobfenus, 91.
Calamoherpe arundinacea, 94.
palustris, 94.
Calandra Lark, 143.
calandra, Melanocorypha, 143.
Calandra, Thick-billed, 144.
Calandrella brachydactyla, 141.
minor, 142.
reboudia, 142.
calidris, Tetanus, 255.
camelus, Struthio, 315.
campestris, Anthus, 134.
candidus, Himantopiis, 260.
canescens. Tetanus, 256.
cannabina, Linota, 154.
canorus, Cuculus, 162.
cantarella, Alauda, 140.
cantiaca. Sterna, 297.
cantianus, .^Egialitis, 240.
canus, Larus, 305.
capensis, Ehyuchsea, 250.
Caprimulgus aegyptius, 175.
europffius, l74.
carbo, Phalaorocorax, 295.
Carduehs elegans, ] 52.
Carine meridionalis, 177.
caspia. Sterna, 296.
Caspian Tern, 296.
caudata. Pica, 160.
cenchris, Falco, 195.
Centropus aegyptius, 164.
CerthUauda desertorum, 135.
cervinus, Anthus, 131.
Ceryle rudis, 167.
Cettii, Bradypterus, 89.
Cetti's Warbler, 89.
Chaffinch, 151.
Charadrius pluvialis, 235.
Chat, Desert, 74.
Hemprich's Stone, 82.
Hooded, 78.
Mourning, 77.
Stone, 81.
Whin, 81.
White-rumped, 79.
Chelidon urbica, 125.
Chenalopex tegyptiacus, 279.
Chettusia gregaria, 233.
Villotoei, 233.
ChiiF-chaff Warbler, 102.
Chimney-Swallow, 120.
Oriental, 121.
chloropus, Gallinula, 275.
Chough, Alpine, 161.
Chrysocoecyx cupreus, 163.
Ciconia alba, 265.
nigra, 265.
cinclus, Tringa, 253.
cineraceus. Circus, 184.
cinerea, Ardea, 266.
Grus, 263.
Sylvia, 111.
cinereocapilla, Budytes, 129.
Cinereous Shearwater, 311.
Circaetus gallicus, 202.
circia, Querquedula, 287.
Circus aemginosus, 181.
cineraceus, 184.
cyaneus, 182.
paUidus, 183.
Cisticola schoenicola, 97.
Clamorous Sedge Warbler, 95.
Clot-Bey, Ehamphocoris, 144.
clypeata, Rhynchaspis, 285.
Coccothraustes vulgaris, 150.
Coccystes glandarius, 162.
ccelebs, Fringilla, 151.
Collared Pratincole, 227.
collaris, Muscicapa, 120.
collurio, Lanius, 117.
Columba livia, 211.
cenas, 213.
Schimperi, 212.
z 2
332
IKDEX.
Colymbus septentrionalis, 315.
comata, Ardeola, 269.
Common Bee-eater, 169.
Bunting, 144.
Buzzard, 200.
Coot, 278.
Crane, 263.
GuU, 305.
Heron, 266.
Kingfisher, 165.
Kite, 195.
Quail, 223.
Sandpiper, 259.
Sheldrake, 281.
Snipe, 249.
Sparrow, 148.
Swift, 172.
Teal, 286.
Tern, 279.
Wheatear, 71.
Wild Duck, 283.
communis, Cotumix, 223.
concolor, Faleo, 192.
conspiciUata, Sylvia, 109.
Coot, Common, 278.
Crested, 278.
Coracias garrula, 168.
Cormorant, 295.
Little, 295.
Corn-Crake, 274.
comix, Corvus, 159.
coronatus, Pterocles, 221.
Corouetted Sand-Grouse, 221,
C'orvus affinis, 158.
cornix, 159.
fnigilegus, 159.
monedula, 160.
nmbrinus, 158.
Coturnix communis, 223.
Cotyle minor, 124.
obsoleta, 123.
riparia, 124.
rupestris, 122.
- Courser, Cream-coloured, 229.
Crag-SwaUow, 122.
Pale, 123.
C'rake, Baillon's, 275.
Corn, 274.
Spotted, 274.
Crane, Common, 263.
Demoiselle, 264.
Crateropus acacife, 69.
Cream-coloured Courser, 229.
crecca, Querquedula, 286.
crepitans, Gidicnemus, 230.
Crested Coot, 278.
—Lark, 138.
Cretzschmar's Bunting, 146.
crex, Ortygometra, 274.
crispus, Pelecanus, 293.
cristata, Fulica, 278.
Fuligula, 290.
Galerita, 138.
cristatus, Podiceps, 312.
VaneUus, 231.
Crow, Hooded, 159.
Cuculus canorus, 162.
Cuckoo, 162.
Bronzy Green, 163.
.- Great Spotted, 162.
Lark-heeled, 164.
cupreus, Chiysococcyx, 163.
Curlew, 243.
Sandpiper, 254.
Slender-billed, 245.
Curnica atricapilla, 105.
hortensis, 104.
melanocephala, 107.
orphea, 104.
Kiippelli, 106.
curruca, Sylvia, 106.
Cursorius gallicus, 229.
cyana, Monticola, 70.
Cj'anecula suecica, 85.
cyaneus. Circus, 182.
cyanops, Sula, 294.
Cygnus musicus, 279.
olor, 278.
Cypselus apus, 172.
melba, 171.
paUidus, 172.
parvus, 173.
Dafila acuta, 284.
Dalmatian Pelican, 293.
Dartford Warbler, 108.
Demoiselle Crane, 264.
• Desert-Bullfinch, 155.
— Chat, 74.
_Lark, 136.
deserti, Saxicola, 74.
desert orum, Butco, 201.
INDEX.
333
desertoram, Corthilauda,' 135.
Diver, Ked-throated, 315.
domesticus, Passer, 148.
Dotterel, 236.
Asiatic, 237.
Dove, Egyptian Turtle, 217.
Rock, 211.
Sharpe's Turtle, 215.
Stock, 213.
Turtle, 214.
White-beUied Turtle, 217.
Drymoeca gracilis, 98.
Duck, Common Wild, 283.
Ferruginous, 288.
PintaU, 284.
Scaup, 290.
Tufted, 290.
White-headed, 291.
Duuhn, 253.
Dusky Redshank, 255.
Eagle, BoneUi's, 206.
Booted, 207.
Golden, 204.
Imperial, 205.
Short-toed, 202.
Spotted, 20f).
Tawny, 205.
White-tailed, 204.
Eagle Owl, 180.
Eared Grebe, 313.
Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, 72.
Egret, Little, 268.
Egyptian Bush-Babbler, 69.
Eagle Owl, 180.
Goatsucker, 175.
Goose, 279.
Swift, 172.
- Turtledove, 217.
Vulture, 211.
elaeica, Hypolais, 100.
Elanus caeruleus, 198.
elegans, Garduelis, 152.
Emberiza caesia, 146.
hortulana, 145.
intermedia, 147.
miliaria, 144.
epops, TJpupa, 165.
Erismatura leucocephala, 291.
Erithacus rubecula, 87.
prythropygia, Saxicola, 76.
Erythrospiza githaginea, 155.
Estrelda melanorhyucha, 152.
Eudromias asiaticus, 237.
morinellus, 236.
Eupodotis arabs, 227.
europaeus, Caprimulgus, 174.
eurymelajna, Saxicola, 73.
eversmanni, Phyllopneuste, 103
excubitor, Lanius, 114.
exustua, Pterocles, 218.
falcinellus. Ibis, 262.
Ealco aesalon, 191.
babylonicus, 189.
barbarus, 187.
cenehris, 195.
coneolor, 192.
lanarius, 188.
peregrinus, 186.
saker, 190.
subbuteo, 192.
tinnuuculus, 194.
vespertinus, 193.
Falcon, Barbary, 187.
Lanner, 188.
Peregrine, 186.
Red-legged, 193.
Red-naped, 189.
Saker, 190.
Sooty, 192.
Fan-tail Warbler, 97.
ferina, Fuligula, 289.
Ferruginous Duck, 288.
Fieldfare, 65.
Finch, Black-billed, 152.
Serin, 154.
fissipes, Hydrochelidon, 300.
Flamingo, 272.
flammea, Aluco, 176.
flava, Budytes, 128.
flavirostris, Rhynchops, 302.
fluviatilis, Pseudoluscinia, 90.
Sterna, 299.
Flycatcher, Pied, 119.
Spotted, 118.
White-collared, 120.
Francolin, 222.
Francolinus vulgaris, 222.
fraterculus, Ammomanes, 137.
Fringilla coelebs, 151.
frugilegus, Corvus, 159.
334
INDEX.
Fulica atra, 278.
cristata, 278.
Fuligula cristata, 290.
ferina, 289.
marila, 290.
fulva, Aquila, 204.
fulvTis, Gyps, 210.
fusca, ffidemia, 292.
f'uscus, Larus, 304.
Totaniis, 255.
gabar, Aceipiter, 186.
GadwaU, 283.
galaotodes, Aedon, 85.
galbula, Oriolus, 156.
Galerita cristata, 138.
rutila, 138.
gallicus, Circaetus, 202.
Cursorius, 229.
GaUinago gaEinula, 249.
media, 249.
major, 248.
Gallinula chloropus, 275.
gaUiniila, GaUinago, 249.
Gallinule, Violet, 277.
Allen's, 276.
Gannet, Masked, 294.
Garden Warbler, 104.
Garganey Teal, 287.
garrula, Coraoias, 168.
garzetta, Herodias, 268.
gelastcs, Larus, 306.
Geoffroyi, ^gialitis, 238.
githaginea, Erythrospiza, 155.
giu, Scops, 178.
glandarius, Cocoystes, 162.
Glareola Nordmanni, 229.
pratincola, 227.
glareola, Totanus, 259.
Glossy Ibis, 262.
Goatsucker, 174.
Egyptian, 175.
Godwit, Black-tailed, 245.
Golden Eagle, 204.
Oriole, 156.
Plover, 235.
Goldfinch, 152.
Goose, Brent, 281.
Egyptian, 279.
White-fronted, 280.
Goshawk, 185.
Graceful Warbler, 98.
gracilis, Dymoeca, 98.
Great Black-headed Gull, 307.
Great Crested Grebe, 312.
Grey Shrike, 114.
Sedge Warbler, 96.
. — Spotted Cuckoo, 162.
White Heron, 267.
Greater Black-backed Gull, 303.
Ring-Plover, 241.
Grebe, Eared, 313.
Great Crested, 312.
Little, 314.
Eed-necked, 313.
gregaria, Chcttusia, 233.
Green Sandpiper, 258.
Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail, 129.
Grey Plover, 236.
Grey Wagtail, 127.
Griffon Yulture, 210.
griseigena, Podiceps, 313.
griseus, Nyctioorax, 270.
grisola, Muscicapa, 118.
Grus cinerea, 263.
virgo, 264.
Gull-billed Tern, 297.
GuU, Black-headed, 309.
Common, 30.5.
Great Black-headed, 307.
Greater Black-backed, 303.
Herring, 305.
Lesser Black-backed, 304.
Little, 310.
Mediterranean Black-headed,
308.
Mediterranean Herring, 304.
Slender-billed, 306.
White-eyed, 308.
Gypaetus nudipes, 208.
Gyps fulvus, 210.
Hasmatopus ostralegus, 243.
Hahaetus albiciUa, 204.
Pandion, 203.
Harrier, Hen, 182.
Marsh, 181.
Montagu's, 184.
Pale-chested, 183.
Hawfinch, 150.
Hawk, black-shouldered, 198.
Little Red-billed, 186.
INDEX.
335
--Hawk, Sparrow, 185.
Hedge Accentor, 87.
helvetica, Squatarola, 2.36.
Hemipode, Andiilasian, '224.
Hemprioliii, Pratincola, 82.
Hemprich's Stone-Chat, 82.
Hen Harrier, 182.
Herodias alha, 267.
garzetta, 268.
Heron, Buff- backed, 268.
Common, 266.
Great White, 267.
Night, 270.
Purple, 266.
Squacco, 269.
Herring-Gull, 30.5.
Heyi, Ammoperdix, 222.
Hey's Sand-Partridge, 222.
hiaticula, ^gialitis, 241.
Himautopus caudidus, 260.
Hirundo Riocourii, 121.
rufula, 122.
rustica, 120.
hirundo. Sterna, 299.
Hobhjr, 192.
homochroa, Saxicola, 75.
Honey Buzzard, 199.
Hooded Chat, 78.
Crow, 159.
Hooper, 279.
Hoopoe, 165.
Hoplopterus spinosus, 232.
horteusis, Curruca, 104.
hortulana, Emheriza, 145.
hortulanus, Serinus, 154.
Houbara Bustard, 225.
houbara, Otis, 225.
House-Martin, 125.
hyacinthinus, Porphyrio, 277.
Hydi'ochelidon fissipes, 300.
leucopareia, 301.
nigra, 301.
Hypolais elaeica, 100.
olivetorum, 99.
hypolais, PhyUopneuste, 103.
hypoleucos, Actitis, 259.
Ibis, African Wood, 262.
Glossy, 262.
Sacred, 261.
ibis, Tantalus, 262.
Ibis ffithiopica, 261.
faloinellus, 262.
religiosa, 261.
ichthyaotus, Larus, 307.
ignavus. Bubo, 180.
Imperial Eagle, 205.
imperialis, Aquila, 205.
intermedia, Alauda, 140.
Emberiza, 147.
intermedius, vEgialitis, 242.
iaabcUinus, Turtur, 216.
ispida, Alcedo, 165.
Italiae, Passer, 148.
Italian Sparrow, 148.
Jackdaw, 160.
Jack Snipe, 249.
Kentish Plover, 240.
Kestrel, 194.
Lesser, 19-5.
Kingfisher, Black and White, 167.
Common, 165.
Little Indian, 166.
Kite, Black, 197.
Common, 195.
.- Parasitic, 196.
Kuhlii, Puffinus, 311.
lahtora, Lanius, 115.
Lanius auriculatus, 117.
coUurio, 117.
excubitor, 114.
lahtora, 115.
minor, 115.
nubicus, 116.
lanarius, Palco, 188.
Lanner Falcon, 188.
Lapwing, 231.
Large Sand-Plover, 238.
Lark, Algerian Short-toed, 142.
Bifaseiated, 135.
Calandi-a, 143.
Crested, 138.
Desert, 136.
Sandy-coloured Desert, 1 37.
Short-toed, 141.
Sky, 139.
Tristram's Desert, 137.
Wood, 139.
Lark-heeled Cuckoo, 164.
Larus argentatus, 305.
cachinnans, 306.
336
INDEX.
Larus canus, 305.
fuscus, 304.
gelastes, 306.
ichthyaetus, 307.
leucophthalmus, 308.
leucophaeus, 304.
marinus, 303.
melanocephalus, 308.
minutus, 310.
ridibundus, 309.
Lesser Black-backed Gull, 304.
Grey Shrike, 115.
Kestrel, 195.
Pelican, 294.
Eedpole, 153.
Tern, 300.
Whitethroat, 106.
leucooephala, Erismatura, 291.
loucomela, Saxicola, 78.
leucopareia, Hydroclielidon, 301.
leucophaeus, Larus, 304.
leucophthalma, Nyroca, 288.
leucophthalmus, Larus, 308.
leucopygia, Saxicola, 79.
leueorodia, Platalea, 264.
Limosa cegocephala, 245.
Linnet, 154.
Linota cannabina, 154.
Little Bittern, 271.
Bustard, 226.
Cormorant, 295.
Egret, 268.
Grebe, 314.
Green Bee-eater, 171.
Grey Swift, 173.
Gull, 310.
Indian Kingfisher, 166.
Red-billed Hawk, 186.
Ring-Plover, 242.
Stint, 251.
livia, Columba, 211.
Long-legged Buzzard, 201.
lugens, Saxicola, 77.
luscinia, Philomela, 88.
luscinoides, Pseudcluscinia, 89.
lusitana, Ammomanes, 136.
Machetes pugnax, 246.
Magpie, 160.
major, Gallinago, 248.
Philomela. 88.
Manx Shearwater, 312.
Mareca penelope, 288.
mania, Euligula, 290.
marinus, Larus, 303.
Marsh-Sandpiper, 257.
Martin, Sand, 124.
House, 125.
Marsh-Harrier, 181.
maruetta, Porzana, 274.
Masked Gannet, 294.
Shrike, 116.
Meadow-Pipit, 131.
media, Gallinago, 249.
Sterna, 298.
MediterraneanBlack-headedGull,308.
Herring-GuU, 304.
melanocephala, Budytes, 130.
Curruca, 107.
melanocephalus, Larus, 308.
Melanocorypha calandra, 143.
melanopogon, Calamodyta, 93.
melanorhyncha, Estrelda, 152.
melba, Cypselus, 171.
Melizophilus provincialis, 108.
sardus, 108.
Melodious Willow Warbler, 103.
Menetries's Wheatear, 72.
meridionaHs, Carine, 177.
MerUn, 191.
Merops aegyptius, 170.
apiaster, 169.
viridis, 171.
merula, Turdus, 66.
metallica, Nectarinia, 112.
Middle Ring- Plover, 242.
migrans, Milvus, 197.
miliaria, Emberiza, 144.
Milvus segyptius, 196.
migrans, 197.
regalia, 195.
minor. Jilgialitis, 242.
Calandrella, 142.
Cotyle, 124.
Lauius, 115.
Pelecanus, 294.
Podiceps, 314.
minuta. Sterna, 300.
Tringa, 251.
minutus, Larus, 310.
Missel-Thrush, 05.
modularis. Accentor, 87.
I
INDEX.
337
moesta, Saxicola, 76.
monacha, Saxicola, 78.
monachus, Vultur, 209.
monedula, Corvus, 160.
Mongolian Sand-Plover, 239.
mongolicus, ^gialitis, 239.
Montagu's Harrier, 184.
montanus. Passer, 150.
Montioola cyana, 70.
saxatilis, 70.
Moorhen, 275.
morineUus, Eudromias, 236.
Motacilla alba, 126.
sulphurea, 127.
vidua, 126.
Mourning Chat, 77.
muraria, Tiehodroma, 113.
Muscicapa atricapilla, 119.
coUaris, 120.
grisola, 118.
musicus, Cygnus, 277.
Turdus, 66.
Mute Swan, 278.
noevia, Aquila, 206.
naevioides, Aquila, 205.
Nectarinia metaUica, 112.
Neophron percnopterus, 211.
Night-Heron, 270.
Nightingale, 88.
Nightingale, Thrush, 88.
nigra, Ciconia, 265.
Hydrochelidon, 301.
nigricoUis, Podiceps, 313.
nisus, Accipiter, 185.
Nordmanni, Glareola, 229.
nubicus, Lanius, 116.
nudipes, Gypaetus, 208.
Numenius arquata, 243.
phaeopus, 244.
tenuirostris, 245.
Nyctala Tengmahni, 177.
Nycticorax griseus, 270.
Nyroca leucophthalma, 288.
ohsoleta, Cotyle, 123.
ochropus, Totanus, 258.
(Edemia fusca, 292.
QidicnemuB crepitans, 230.
cenanthe, Saxicola, 71.
oenas, Columba, 213.
Olivaceous "Warbler, 100.
olivetorum, Hypolais, 99.
Olive-tree Warbler, 99.
olor, Cygnus, 278.
onocrotalus, Pelecanus, 293.
Oriental Chimney-Swallow, 121.
Oriole, Golden, 156.
Oriolus galbula, 156.
orphea, Curruca, 104.
Orphean Warbler, 104.
Ortolan Bunting, 145.
Ortygometra crex, 274.
Osprcy, 203.
Ostralegus, Hsematopus, 243.
Ostrich, 315.
Otis houbara, 225.
tetrax, 226.
Otus, Asio, 178.
Owl, Bam, 176.
Eagle, 180.
Egyptian Eagle, 180.
Scops, 178.
Short-eared, 179.
Southern Little, 177.
Tawny, 176.
Tengmalm's, 177.
Oystercatcher, 243.
Painted Snipe, 250.
Pale Crag-Swallow, 123.
Pale-crested Harrier, 183.
Palestine Redstart, 84.
PaUid Shrike, 115.
palUdus, Circus, 183.
Cypselus, 172.
palumbarius, Astur, 185.
palustris, Calamoherpe, 94.
Pandion haliaetus, 203.
Parasitic Kite, 196.
Partridge, Hey's Sand, 222.
parvus, Cypselus, 173.
Passer domesticus, 148.
Italise, 148.
montanus, 150.
salicicola, 149.
Pastor, Rose-coloured, 157.
roseus, 157.
pecuarius, .lEgialitis, 239.
Pelecanus crispus, 293.
minor, 294.
onocrotalus, 293.
338
INDEX.
Pelican, Dalmatian, 293.
Lesser, 294.
White, 293.
penelope, Mareca, 288.
pennata, Aqiula, 207.
percnopterus, Neophron, 211.
Peregrine Falcon, 186.
peregrinus, Falco, 186.
Pernis apivorus, 199.
phaeopus, Numenius, 244.
Phalacrocorax carbo, 295.
pygmseus, 295.
Philomela luscinia, 88.
major, 88.
Phoenicopterus antiquorum, 272.
phoenicura, EuticOla, 82.
Phyllopneuste bonellii, 101.
eversmanni, 103.
hypolais, 103.
rufa, 102.
sylvicola, 101.
trochilus, 103.
Pica caudata, 160.
Pied Flycatcher, 119.
Pigeon, Schimper's, 212.
pilaris, Turdus, 65.
Pintail Duck, 284.
Pipit, African Tawny, 133.
Meadow, 131.
Red-throated, 131.
Tawny, 134.
Tree, 130.
Water, 132.
Platalea leucorodia, 264.
Plover, African Sand, 239.
Black-headed, 234.
Golden, 235.
Greater Ring, 241.
Grey, 236.
Kentish, 240.
Large Sand, 238.
Little Ring, 242.
Middle Ring, 242.
Mongolian Sand, 239.
Social, 233.
- Spur-winged, 232.
White-taUed, 233.
plumatus, Anthus, 130.
pluvialis, Charadrius, 235.
Pluvialis cegyptius, 234.
Pochard, 289.
Podiceps cristatus, 312.
grisoigena, 313.
minor, 314.
nigricoUis, 313.
Porphyrio Alleni, 276.
hyacinthinus, 277.
Porzana maruetta, 274.
P3'gmiEa, 275.
pratensis, Anthus, 131.
pratincola, Glareola, 227.
Pratincola Hemprichii, 82.
rubetra, 81.
rubicola, 81.
Pratincole, Black-winged, 229.
CoUared, 227.
provincialis, Melizophilus, 108.
Pseudoluscinia fluviatUis, 90.
luscinioides, 89.
Pterocles coronatus, 221.
exustus, 218.
senegaUus, 220.
Puffinus anglorum, 312.
Kuhlii, 311.
pugnax, Machetes, 246.
Purple Heron, 266.
purpurea, Ardea, 266.
Pycnonotus arsinoe, 67.
xanthopygius, 68.
pygmsea, Porzana, 275.
pygmseus, Phalacrocorax, 295.
Pyrrhocorax alpinus, 161.
Quail, Common, 223.
Querquedida circia, 287.
crecca, 286.
Raalteni, Anthus, 133.
Rail, Water, 273.
Rallus aquaticus, 273.
Raven, Abj^ssinian, 158.
Brown-necked, 158.
reboudia, CalandreUa, 142.
Recurvirostra avocetta, 260.
Red-backed Shrike, 117.
Red-legged Falcon, 193.
Red-naped Falcon, 189.
Red-necked Grebe, 313.
Redpole, Lesser, 153.
Redshank, 255.
Dusky, 255.
Redstart, 82.
INDEX.
339
I
I
Redstart, Black, 83.
Palestine, 84.
Red-throated Diver, 315.
Pipit, 131.
Reed Warbler, 94.
regalis, MilvTis, 195.
religiosa, Ibis, 261.
Rhamphocoris Clot-Bey, 144.
RhynehKa capensis, 250.
Rh3Tichaspis clypeata, 285.
Rhynchops flavirostris, 302.
ridibundus, Lams, 309.
Ring-Ouzel, 67.
Rioeourii, Hirundo, 121.
riparia, Cotyle, 124.
River Warbler, 90.
Robin, 87.
Rock-Dove, 211.
Rock-Thrush, 70.
RoUer, 168.
Rook, 159.
Rose-coloured Pastor, 157.
roseus. Pastor, 157.
rubecula, Erithacus, 87.
rubetra, Pratiucola, 81.
rubicola, Pratincola, 81.
Ruddy Sheldrake, 282.
rudis, Ceryle, 167.
RueppeUi, C'urruca, 106.
rufa, PhyUopneuste, 102.
rufescens, ^giothus, 153.
Ruff, 246.
Rufous SwaUoTV, 122.
Rufous Warbler, 85.
rufula, Hirundo, 122.
rupestris, Cotyle, 122.
RiippeU's Warbler, 106.
russata, Ardeola, 268.
rustica, Hirundo, 120.
rusticola, Scolopax, 247.
Ruticilla phoenicura, 82.
semirufa, 84.
tithys, 83.
rutUa, Galerita, 138.
Tadoma, 282.
Sacred Ibis, 261.
saker, Falco, 190.
Saker Falcon, 190.
salicicola, Passer, 149.
saltatrix, Saxicola, 72.
Sanderling. 253.
Sand-Grouse, Coronetted, 221.
Senegal, 220.
Singed, 218.
Sand-Martin, 124.
Sandpiper, Common, 259.
Curlew, 254.
Green, 258.
Marsh, 257.
Wood, 259.
Sandwich Tern, 297.
Sandy-coloured Desert-Lark, 137.
Sardinian Warbler, 108.
sardus, Melizophilus, 108.
Savi's Warbler, 89.
saxatUis, Monticola, 70.
Saxicola amphileuca, 72.
erythropygia, 76.
deserti, 74.
eurymelfena, 73.
homochroa, 75.
leucomela, 78.
leucopygia, 79.
lugens, 77.
moesta, 76.
monacha, 78.
oenanthe, 71.
saltatrix, 72.
syenitica, 80.
xanthomelaena, 74.
Scaup Duck, 290.
Schimperi, Columba, 212.
Schimper's Pigeon, 212.
schoenicola, Cisticola, 97.
schoenobaenus, Calamodyta, 91.
Scissor-biUed Tern, 302.
Scolopax rusticola, 247.
Scops giu, 178.
Owl, 178.
Scoter, Velvet, 292.
Sedge Warbler, 91.
semirufa, Ruticilla, 84.
Senegal Sand-Grouse, 220.
senegalensis, Turtur, 217.
senegaUus, Pterocles, 220.
septentrionalis, Colymbus, 315.
Serin Finch, 154.
Serinus hortulanus, 154.
Sharpe's Turtledove, 215.
Sharpii, Turtur, 215.
Shearwater, Cinereous, 311.
Manx, 312.
340
INDEX.
Sheldrake, Common, 281.
Ruddy, 282.
Short-eared Owl, 179.
Short-toed Eagle, 202.
Lark, 141.
Shoveller, 285.
Shrike, Great Grey, 114.
Lesser Grey, 115.
Masked, 116.
Pallid, 115.
Eed-backed, 117.
Wood-chat, 117.
Singed Sand-Grouse, 218.
Sky-Lark, 139.
Slender-billed Curlew, 245.
Gull, 306.
Smaller Reed-Bunting, 147.
Snipe, Common, 249.
Jack, 249.
Painted, 250.
Solitary, 248.
Sociable Vulture, 209.
Social Plover, 233.
Solitary Snipe, 248.
Song-Thrush, 66.
Sooty Falcon, 192.
Southern Bearded Vulture, 208.
Little Owl, 177.
Sparrow, Common, 148.
Italian, 148.
Spanish, 149.
Sparrow-Hawk, 185.
Spectacled Warbler, 109.
spinoletta, Anthus, 132.
spinosus, Holopterus, 232.
SpoonbUl, 264.
Spotted Crake, 274.
Eagle, 206.
Flycatcher, 118.
Spur-winged Plover, 232.
Squacco Heron, 269.
Squatarola helvetica, 236.
stagnatilis, Totanus, 257.
Starling, 157.
stellaris, Botaurus, 271.
Btentorius, Acrocephalus, 95.
Sterna anglica, 297.
Bergii, 298.
cantiaca, 297.
caspia, 296.
fluviatiUa, 299.
Sterna hirundo, 299.
media, 298.
minuta, 300.
—Stat, Black-winged, 260.
- Stint, Little, 251.
Temminck's, 252.
Stock-Dove, 213.
Stone-Chat, 81.
Stork, Black, 265.
White, 265.
strcpera. Anas, 283.
Strix aluco, 176.
Struthio camelus, 315.
Sturnus vulgaris, 157.
subalpina, Sylvia, 109.
Subalpine Warbler, 109.
subarquata, Tringa, 254.
subbuteo, Falco, 192.
suecica, Cyanecula, 85.
Sula cyanops, 294.
sulphurea, Motacilla, 127.
Siinbird, Yellow-breasted, 112.
Swallow, 120.
Rufous, 122.
Swan, Hooper, 279.
Mute, 278.
Swift, Alpine, 171.
Common, 172.
Egyptian, 172.
Little Grey, 173.
Tern, 298.
sylvatica, Turnix, 224.
Sylvia cinerea. 111.
conspicillata, 109.
curruca, 106.
subalpina, 109.
sylvicola, Phyllopneuste, 101 .
syenitica, Saxicola, 80.
Tadorna rutila, 282.
vulpanser, 281.
Tantalus ibis, 262.
Tawny Eagle, 205.
Owl, 176.
Pipit, 134.
Teal, Common, 286.
Garganey, 287.
Temminckii, Tringa, 252.
Temminck's Stint, 252.
Tengmalmi, Nyctala, 177.
Tengmalm's Owl, 177.
INDEX.
341
tenuirostris, Numenius, 245.
Tern, AUied, 298.
Arctic, 299.
Black, 300.
Caspian, 296.
Common, 299.
GuU-billed, 297.
Lesser, 300.
iSandwich, 297.
Scissor-billed, 302.
Swift, 298.
Whiskered, 301.
White-winged Black, 301.
tetrax, Otis, 226.
Thick-billed Calandra, 144.
Thick-knee, 230.
Thrush, Blue Eock, 70.
Missel, 65.
Nightingale, 88.
_ Eock, 70.
Song, 66.
Tichodroma muraria, 113.
tinnunoulus, Falco, 194.
tithys, Kuticilla, 83.
torquatus, Turdus, 67.
torquilla, Yunx, 161.
Tetanus calidris, 255.
cancscens, 256.
I'uscus, 255.
glareola, 259.
ochropus, 258.
stagnatilis, 257.
Tree-Pipit, 130.
Sparrow, 150.
Tringa arenaria, 253.
cinolus, 25.3.
miniita, 251.
subarquata, 254.
Temminckii, 252.
Tristram's Desert Lark, 1.37.
trochilus, Phyllopneuste, 103.
Tufted Duck, 290.
turdoides, Acrocephalus, 96.
Turdus merula, 66.
musicus, 66.
pilaris. 65.
torquatus, 67.
viscivoi-us, 65.
Turnix sylvatica, 224.
- TurtledoTe, 214.
Turtur albiventris, 217.
Turtur auritus, 214.
isabeUinus, 216.
senegalensis, 217.
Sharpii, 215.
umbrinus, Corvus, 158.
Upupa epops, 165.
urbica, Chelidon, 125.
VaneUus cristatus, 231.
Velvet Scoter, 292.
vespertinus, Falco, 193.
vidua, MotaciUa, 126.
VieiUot's Willow Warbler, 103.
Villota3i, Chettusia, 233.
Violet GaUinule, 276.
virgo, Grus, 264.
viridis, Merops, 171.
viscivorus, Turdus, 65.
vulgaris, Butco, 200.
Coccothraustea, 150.
Francolinus, 222.
Sturnus, 157.
vulpanser, Tadorna, 281.
Vultiir auricularis, 209.
monachus, 209.
Vulture, Black, 209.
Egyptian, 211.
Griffon, 210.
Sociable, 209.
Southern Bearded, 208.
Wagtail, Black-headed Yellow, 130.
Grey, 127.
Grey-headed Yellow, 128.
White, 126.
WTiite-winged, 126.
Wall-creeper, 113.
Warbler, Aquatic, 92.
Arabian Sedge, 97.
Black-cap, 105.
Black-headed, 107.
—Blue-throated, 85.
BoneUi's, 101.
Cetti's, 89.
— Chitf-chaff, 102.
Clamorous Sedge, 95.
Dartford, 108.
Fan-tail, 97.
(Jarden, 104.
— Graceful, 98.
342
Warbler, Great Sedge, 96.
Melodious Willow, 103.
Olivaceous, 100.
Olive-tree, 99.
Orphran, 104.
Eeed, 94.
Eiver, 90.
Eufous, 85.
Euppell's, 106.
Sardinian, 108.
Savi's, 89.
Sedge, 91,
Spectacled, 109.
Subalpine, 109.
VieiUot's Willow, 103.
Willow, 103.
Wood, 101.
Water-Pipit, 132.
Eail, 273.
Wheatear, Common, 71.
Eastern Black-eared, 72.
Menetries's, 72.
Whimbrel, 244.
Whin-Chat. 81.
Whiskered Tern, 301.
White Pelican, 293.
Stork, 265.
Wagtail, 126.
INDEX.
White-bellied Turtledove, 217.
White-coUared Flycatcher, 120.
WTiite-eycd Gull, 308.
White-fronted Goose, 280.
White-headed Duck, 291.
White-rumped Chat, 79.
White-tailed Eagle, 204.
Plover, 233.
Whitethroat, 111.
Lesser, 106.
White-vented Bulbul, 67.
White- winged Black Tern, 301.
Wagtail, 126.
Widgeon, 288.
Willow Warbler, 103.
Wood-Chat Shrike, 117.
Woodcock, 247.
Wood-Lark, 138.
Wood-Sandpiper, 259.
Warbler, 101.
Wryneck, 161.
xanthopygius, Pycnonotus, 68.
xanthomelaena, Saxicola, 74.
YeUow-breasted Sunbird, 1 12.
Yellow-vented Bulbul, 68.
Yunx torquilla, 161.
1
THE END.
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