+ Peotone es RAN et * ae Stes ; z pe ES Se Eee eee Pty SE ee etm RDO Pc alr ve CE ROSE etek Poh - ete Saas seek = fi oT AE: o ei ae flea OI ries : ape, ‘ V \ if rn | 46 ("624% yi fe - BULLETIN es orcad \ TI 433 é, u Na fonal. Muss ey . EDITED BY PERCY R. LOWE. ) r VOLUME XLII. SESSION 1920-1921. LONDON: WITHERBY & CO., 326 HIGH HOLBORN. 1921. ALERE 2% FLAMMAM. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. PREFACE, Wir the inauguration of the present Session it is a matter of congratulation to be able to state that the affairs of the Club would appear to have swung back to normal pre-war conditions. Indeed, one notes with pleasure that the pen- dulum appears to have swung rather beyond the normal, for the total number of. attendances has attained the satisfactory total of 466. This total has only once before been exceeded, viz. during the 1911-12 Session, when we note that there were 468 attendances. ; A large number of new forms have been described, chiefly from the Ethiopian and Oriental regions. We regret to record the death of Colonel R. G. Wardlaw- Ramsay, President of the Union from 1913 to 1918, and of Mr. H. M. Upcher, who was an original member of the Club from its foundation in 1882. At the November meeting Mr. Bonhote gave a very clear and able exposition of his views on the subject of Protection ; while at the June meeting the Club had the a2 IV privilege of listening to a most interesting and fascinating address given by Dr. F. M. Chapman, Curator of Birds in the American Museum of Natural History, on the subject of “ The Origin of Andean Bird-Life.” (Signed) PERCY R. LOWE, Editor. London, June 1921. RULES OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB, (As amended, January 12th, 1921.) —_—_ <> —_. I. This Club was founded for the purpose of facilitating the social intercourse of Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union. Any Ordinary Member of that Union can become a Member of this Club on payment (to the Treasurer) of an entrance fee of One Pound and a subscription of One Guinea for the current Session. Resignation of the Union involves resignation of the Club. II. Members who have not paid their subscriptions before the last Meeting of the Session, shall cease, ipso facto, to be Members of the Club, but may be reinstated on payment of arrears. III. Ordinary Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union may be introduced as Visitors at the Meetings of the Club, but every Member of the Club who introduces a Member of the B. O. U. as a Visitor (to the dinner or to the Meeting afterwards) shall pay One Shilling to the Treasurer on each occasion. IV. No gentleman shall be allowed to attend the Meetings of the Club as a guest on more than three occasions during any single Session. V. The Club shall meet, as a rule, on the Second Wednesday in every Month, from October to June inclusive, at such hour and place as may be arranged by the Committee. At these Meetings papers upon ornithological subjects shall be read, specimens exhibited, and discussion invited. VI. An Abstract of the Proceedings of the B.O.C. shall be printed as scon as possible after each Meeting, under the title of the ‘ Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club,’ and distributed gratis to every Member who has paid his subscription. Copies of this Bulletin shall be published and sold at Two Shillings each to Members. Descriptions of new species may be added to the iast page of the ‘ Bulletin,’ although such were not communi- eated at the Meeting of the Club. This shall be done at the discretion of the Editor and so long as the publication of the ‘ Bulletin’ is not unduly delayed thereby. AVw Any person speaking at a Meeting of the Club shall be allowed subsequently to amplify his remarks in the ‘Bulletin’; but no fresh matter shall be incorporated with such remarks. ; VII. The affairs of this Club shall be managed by a Committee, to consist of the Chairman, who shall be elected for five years, at the end of which period he shall not be eligible for re-election for the next term, the Editor of the Bulletin,’ who shall be elected for five years, at the end of which period he shall not be eligible for re-election for the next term, the Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be elected for a term of one year, but shall be eligible for re-election, with four other Members, the senior of whom shall retire each year, and every alternate year that member who has attended the Committee meetings least often shall also retire. Officers and Members of the Committee shall be elected by the Members of the Club at a General Meeting, and the names of such Officers and Members of Committee, nominated for the ensuing year, shall be circulated with the preliminary notice convening the General Meeting at least two weeks before the Meeting. Should any Member wish to propose another candidate, the nomination of such, signed by at least two Members, must reach the Secretary at least one clear week before the Annual General Meeting. Amendments to the Standing Rules of the Club, as well as very important or urgent matters, shall be submitted to Members, to be voted upon at a General Meeting. VIII. A General Meeting of the B. O.C. shall be held on the day of the October Meeting of each Session, and the Treasurer shall present thereat the Balance-sheet and Report ; and the election of Officers and Committee, in so far as their election is required, shall be held at such Meeting. IX. Any Member desiring to make a complaint of the manner in which the affairs of the Club are conducted must communicate in writing with the Chairman, who will call a Committee Meeting to deal with the matter. COMMITTEE 1920-1921. W. iL. Scriarer, M.A., Chairman. P. R. Lown, Editor of the ‘ Bulietin? J. L. Bonnore Secretary and Treasurer. Colonel Stevenson R. Crarxe, C.B. Elected 1919. The Lord Roruscnitp, Ph.D., F.LR.S. (Vice-Chairman). Elected 1918. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourpatn, M.A. Elected 1918. The Rev. J. R. Hate. Elected 1920. LIST OF MEMBERS. JUNE 1921. — Avams, Ernest E.; Lloyd’s, Royal Exchange, E.C. 3. ArtexanperR, H. G.; Woodbrooke, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Artin, Otiver Vernon; Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon. Arwotp, E. C.; Wish Rocks, Blackwater Road, Eastbourne. ArunDEL, Major W. B.; High Ackworth, Pontefract. Baxer, HE. C. Srvart, J.P., F.Z.8., F.L.S.; 6 Harold Road, Upper Norwood, 8.E. 19. Baxer, Dr. J. C., M.B., B.A.; Ceely House, Aylesbury. Bannerman, Davip A., M.B.E., B.A.; British Museum (Natural History), 8.W. 7. Barctay, Huen Gurney; Colney Hall, Norwich. Baynes, Grorce K.; 120 Warwick Street, 8.W. 1. Beven, Dr. Joun O.; London School of Tropical Medicine, Endsleigh Gardens, N.W. 1. Brpwett, Epwarp; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C. 4. Braavw, F. E., C.M.Z.S. ; Gooilust, s’Graveland, Noord-Holland. Bonnorr, Jonn Lewis, M.A., F.L.S.; Park Hill House, Park Hill, Carshalton, Surrey. Boorman, 8.; Heath Farm, Send, Woking, Surrey. Boots, H. B.; ‘“ Ryhill,” Ben Rhydding. Borrer, C. D.;: 6 Durham Place, Chelsea, S.W. 3. Boyp, A. W.; Frandley House, near Northwich. Braprorp, A. D.; Upton Lodge, Watford. | Braprorp, Sir J. Rosz, F.R.S.; 8 Manchester Square, W.1. Briees, T. H.; Sefton, Dawlish, South Devon. Bristowr, B. A.; Ashford Farm, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey. Bunyarp, P. F., F.Z.8.; 57 Kidderminster Road, Croydon. Burier, Artuur L.; St. Leonard’s Park, Horsham, Sussex. Buxroy, AntHony; Knighton, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Buxton, P. A.; c/o Department of Health, Jerusalem. Carrott, Crement Joseru; Rocklow, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Treland, VIII Cuassr, R. W.; Herne’s Nest, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Currsman, Major R. E.; c/o H.E. The High Commisioner, Baghdad. Cuvuss, Cartes; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. 7. Crarke, Brig.-General Gotanp. van Hort, D.S.0.; Brook House, Hayward’s Heath, Sussex. CrarkE, Joun P. Srepuenson; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. CrarkE, Col. SrepHenson Rosert, C.B.; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. Crarke, Witttam Eactr, LL.D., F.R.S.E., F.L.S.; Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, CocHrane, Captain Henry L., R.N. (Retd.); Whaddon, Bletchley, Bucks. Corrs, Ricoarp Epwarp; Rosebank, New Milton 8. O., Hants. Cotterr, A. K.; 5 Stone Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C. 2, Cottier, Cuartes ; Bridge House, Culmstock, Devon. Cotrart, Dr. Henry N.; Field House, Epsom. Congreve, Major, W.M.,R.A.; The Forest, Kerry, Montgomeryshire. Curtis, Freprrick, F.R.C.S.; Alton House, Redhill, Surrey. Davinson, J.; 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. Davis, K. J. Acton, F.R.C.8.; 24 Upper Berkeley Street, W. 1. Detacour, M. Jean; Chateau Cleres (Seine-Inf.), France, Detme-Rapowrrrr, Lieut.-Col. H. ; c/o Messrs. Cox & Co., 16 Charing Cross, 8.W. 1. Doszin, James B.; 12 South Inverleitlh Avenue, Edinburgh. Dosie, WittiAm Huwry, M.R.C.S.; 2 Hunter Street, Chester. Karts, Epwarp V.; Riverside, South Darenth, Kent. Extiot, Epmunp A. S., M.R.C.S.; Slade, Mounts, S. Devon. E:wns, Henry Joun, F.R.S. (President B.O.U.); Colesborne Park, Cheltenham. Evans, Artour Humprr, M.A.; 9 Harvey Road, Cambridge. Ezra, A., O.B.E.; Foxwarren Park, Cobham, Surrey. Fintryson, Horace W.; Lancing College, Shoreham-on-Sea, Sussex. FirzHersert-Brovkuoiss, W. J.; Claughton-on-Brock, Garstang, Lancashire. Frower, Major 8. 8.; Longfield, Tring, Herts. Foster, Nevin H.; Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland. Fronawk, F. W.; Uplands, Thundersley, Essex. Gis, Davin E. W.; Bridgehouse, Gerrard’s Cross, Bucks. Goonatt, J. M.; The Nest, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, Gooprettow, W.; The Poplars, Kettering. Grant, Capt. C. H. B.; c/o Chief Secretary to the Govt., Dar-es- Salaam, Tanganyika Territory, E. Africa. 1x Greenine, Linnzvus; Fairlight, Grappenhall, Warrington. Grey or Fattopen, Viscount, K.G., P.C.; Falloden, Christon Bank, Northumberland. Gairrita, ArrHUR F,; 3 Evelyn Terrace, Brighton. Gurney, G. H.; Keswick Hall, Norwich. Gurney, Joon Henry; Keswick Hall, Norwich. Hatexn, George Huyry Caron; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Harz, Rev. James R., M.A.; Boxley Vicarage, Maidstone, Kent. Harpy, Rear-Admiral E.C., R.N.; Woolage Green Farm, Womens- wold, near Canterbury. Harrert, Ernst, Ph.D.; The Museum, Tring, Herts. Harvey, Rozert E.; 46 Lewin Road, Streatham, 8.W. 6. Hawker, R. M.; Bath Club, Dover Street, W. 1. Hersert, Capt. E. G.; The Sports Club, St. James’s Square, S.W. 1. Hottanp, Earpitry; 55 Queen Anne Street, Cavendish Square, W.1. Horsrietp, Hersert Knieut; Crescent Hill, Filey, Yorkshire. Howarp, H. E.; Clarelands, near Stourport. Humeareys, Gro. R.; Ivy Lodge, Drumcondra, Dublin. Ineurs, Cuas. ; McFarlane, Baghownie Factory, Laheria, Serai P.O., Behar, India. Ineram, Capt. Cortinewoop; The Grange, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent. Trepate, Tom; 39 Northcote Avenue, Ealing, W. 5d. Jackson, Sir Freperick J., C.B., K.C.M.G.; Evergreens, Lyndhurst, Hants. Janson, Cuartes W.; 6 Hyde Park Square, W. 2. . Jourpatn, Rev. F. C. R., M.A.; Appleton Rectory, near Abingdon, Berks. Kinnear, Norman B.; British Museum (Natural History), Crom- well Road, S.W. 7. Kross, C. Bopen; Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States. La Toucue, J. D.; c/o Custom House, Mengtsye, Yunnan Province, China. Larpiaw, Taomas Gepprs; Bank of Scotland Branch, Duns, N.B. Lampert, Goprrey C.; Woodcote, Esher, Surrey. Laneron, Hersert; St. Moritz, 61 Dyke Road, Brighton. Learoyp, A. E.; 36 Princes Gate, S.W. 7. Le Sovir, D.; Zoological Society, Melbourne, Australia, Lines, G. H.; Richmond Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire. x Lonestarr, Tom G., M.A., M.D.; Picket Hill, Ringwood, Hants. Low, Dr. Groner C.; 6 Bentinck Street, W. 1. Lowe, P. R., O.B.E., B.A., M.B., B.C. (Editor of the * Bulletin’); British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. 7. Loyp, Lewis, R. W.; The Look-out, Branscombe, Beer S8.0., Devon. Lucas, Naraanisr S.; 19 Westbourne Terrace, Hyde Park, W. 1. Lyyes, Captain Husert, R.N., C.B., C.M.G.; 23 Onslow Gardens, Wenge Macxenzig, Joun M. D., B.A., C.M.Z.S.; c/o Messrs. Thos. Cook & Son, Rangoon, Burma. Mackwortsu-Prarp, C. W.; 51 Onslow Gardens, 8.W. 7. Macuinian, Captain W. E. F.; 42 Onslow Square, 8.W. 7. Macratu, Lieut.-Colonel H. A. F.; c/o Messrs. King & Co., - 9 Pall Mall; 8.W. 1. . Many, Captain Epwarp Hamttoy, M.C., R.G.A.; Junior United Service Club, Charles Street, S.W. 1. Manson-Banr, P. H., M.A., M:B., M.R.CS., L.R.C{P25 32 Weymouth Street, W. 1. MarsHatt, James McLean; Bleaton Hallet, Blairgowrie, N.B. Massy, Hurpert; Ivy Lea, Burnage, Didsbury, Manchester. Marnews, G. M.; Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants. May, W. Norman, M.D.; The White House, Sonning, Berks. Meapr-Waxpo, E. G. B.; Hever Warren, Hever, Kent. 5 MerinerrzHacen, Colonel R., D.S.0.; 63 Bedford Gardens, Campden Hill, W. 8. Mitts, Canon H. Hotroyp; The Rectory, St. Stephen-in-Brannell, Grampound Road, Cornwall. . Movrron, Major. John C., O.B.E., T.D., M.A., B.Se., F.L.S., FR.GS., F.Z.8., F.E.S., Director Raffles Museum and Library, Singapore; The Hall, Bradford-on-Avon. Mouyy, P. W.; Puerto Alcudia, Mallorca, Balearic Isles, Spain. Mount, Henry; 10 Ashburn Place, South Kensington, 8.W. 7. Munr, H. R.; 10 Ashburn Place, South Kensington, S.W. 7. Moussrrwuire, D. W.; 7 Jessica Road, Wandsworth Common, S.W. 18. Nesnam, Roserr; Utrecht House, Poynder’s Road, Clapham Park S.W. 4. Newman, I. H.; Verulam, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middlesex. Nicuors, J. B.; Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W. 1. Nicuorson, F’.; Ravenscroft, Windermere. XI Nicort, Micuart J.; Valhalla House, Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. OxpHAm, Cuas.; The Bollin, Shrublands Road, Berkhamsted, Herts. Parxry, Tuomas; Fairseat, High Wickham, Hastings. Parrerson, W. H.; 25 Queen’s Gate Gardens, S.W. 7. Pearse, THurep, Barrister ; Courtenay, British Columbia. Parson, Cuartes Epwarp; Hillcrest, Lowdham, Nottingham. Prwrost, Francis G., M.D.; Rathkeale, 51 Surrey Road, Bourne- ~ mouth, Prrcivanr, W. B.; Game Ranger, Nairobi, BELA. PrrsHoUsE, Major S.; ¢/o Cox & Co., 16 Charing Cross, S.W. 1. Pirman, Capt. C. R. 8., 27th Punjabis; c/o Grindlay & Co., 54+ Parliament Street, S.W. 1. Prayer, W. J. P.; Wernfadog, Clydach R.8.0., Glamorganshire. PorHam, Hueu Leyzorne, M.A.; Homuditrect House, Pensford, Somerset. Prics, A. E.; 4 Mincing Lane, E.C. 3. Rarcuirr, F. R.; 29 Connaught Square, W. 2. Reap, Roserr H.; Camelot, South Parade, Bedford Park, W. 4. Reyavr, Witt1am E.; Royal Academy of Music, York Gate, Marylebone Road, N. W. 1. Rrcumonp, H. W., F.R.S.; King’s College, CHa Ricxerr, C. B.; 27 Kenda Road, Reading, Berks. ltinerosr, Brrnarp J.; Wilford Rise, Bromeswell Heath, Wood- bridge. Rippon, Colonel G.; The Clump, Buckland, Lymington, Hants. Ritcurs, Captain A. T. A.; 17 Stratton Street, W. 1. Rivirrs, B. B., F.R.C.S.; St. Giles’ Plain, Norwich. Rosinson, H. C.; State Museum, Kuala Lumpur, F. M. States. Roruscairp, The Lord, Ph.D., F.R.S. (Vice-Chairman) ; The Museum, Tring, Herts. Roruscaitp, Hon, N. Cuartes; Arunde] House, Kensington Palace Gardens, W. 8. SapswortH, Arnotp Durnr; 30 Sussex Place, Regent’s Park, N.W. 1: Scrarrr, Wittram Lurrry, M.A. (Chairman); 10 Sloane Court, Wie, L Sura-Saira, Davin; 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W. 3. Seru-Smira, Lustre Morrat, B.A. ; Kampala, Uganda. XITt Seron, Sir Marcorm C.C., K.C.B.; 13 Clarendon Road, Holland Park, W. 11. Suipton, Wu.; 2 The Square, Buxton. Stapen, Major; 30 Barkston Gardens, S.W. 5. Smattry, Freperic W.; Windermere, 4 Blackheath Park, S.E. 3. Snouckarrr van Scnausore, Baron R.; Doorn, Holland. Sparrow, Col. R., C.M.G., D.S.0., F.Z.S., F.R.G.S. ; Rookwoods, Sible Hedingham, Essex. SranrorD, E. Fraser, F.R.G.S., F.Z.8.; c/o Messrs. E. Stanford, Ltd., 12-14 Long Acre, W.C. 2. Sraptes-Browne, Capt. R. C.; Brashfield House, Bicester, Oxon. Srares, J. W. C.; Portchester, Hants. Sronrnam, Captain H. F., O.B.E., F.E.S.; 1st Battalion East Surrey Regt., Northern Command, York. Sryan, F. W.; Ben Craig, Bayham Road, Sevenoaks. Swann, H. Kirxe; Thorncombe, Lyonsdown, New Barnet, Herts. Swinnor, Colonel C.; 4 Gunterstone Road, W. Kensington, W. 14. Swrnverton, C. F. Massy; Poste Restante, Dar-es-Salaam, Ex-German East Africa. Tatsot-PonsonBy, C. G.; Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. 4. Terry, Major Horace A.; Compton Grange, Compton, Guildford. TicrHurst, Craup B., M.A., M.D.; Grove House, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Ticenursr, N. F., F.R.C.S., O.B.E.; 24 Pevensey Road, St. Leon- ards-on-Sea. Townsend, R. G.; Critchells, Lockerley, Romsey, Hants. Trevor-Barryr, Ausyn B. R.; Ashford Chace, Petersfield, Hants. Tyrwuitt-Draxt, Huew G.; Cobtree, Sandling, Maidstone. Vaizey, G. de H.; 53 The Pryors, Hampstead Heath, N.W. 3. Vaizey, K. G. R.; 20 Cornwall Gardens, 8.W. 7. Van Someren, Dr. V. G. L.; c/o Post Office, Nairobi, B. East Africa. ; Watuis, H. M.; Ashton Lodge, Christchurch Road, Reading. Waypetin, Frepx. J.; Haverhill, Whitchurch, Hants. Wuisrier, Huew; Indian Police, Dharmsala, Punjab, India. Wuiraker, Josern I. §.; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily. Wuyrmerr, Samunn Leen; Oriental Club, Hanover Square, W.1. Witkinson, Jounson ; Vermont, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. XIII Wittamson, W. J. F.; C. M. G. Kingsdon, Bangkok, Siam. Witson, Cxartes Josep; 14 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall, S.W.1. Wiruersy, Harry F.,M.B.E.; 326 High Holborn, W.C. 1. Wirnerineton, G.; 19 Sumner Place, S. Kensington, S.W. 7. Workman, Witt1am Huenes; Lismore, Windsor, Belfast. Wrnng, R. O.; Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants. Members are requested to keep the Secretary informed of any changes in their addresses. | LEST OF AUTHORS AND OTHER PERSONS REFERRED TO. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, Minutes of ...........000e00- 29 Baker, E. C. Stuart. On new names and descriptions of new subspecies of Indian birds :— Ayithaliscus concinna tredalei, nom. n., Chloropsis aurifrons davisont, nom.n., Hypothymis azurea sykest, nom. n., Pellorneum ruficeps jonesi, subsp. n., and Turnix javanica legge, MUbSp. Ws 6... «ces ee ase sis s Wuatoieistea lorena 8-9, Descriptions of a new genus, species, and subspecies of birds :—Nigravis, Nigravis herberti, Picus rubricollaris, Scheniparus rufigularis major, and see eee + , and Dr. vAN SOMEREN, Exhibition and description of a new species of Green Bulbul (Phyllastrephus rabat) from Rabai, north of Mombasa Hon. SEcRETARY and TREASURER, Electionof .......... i. Humrnreys, G. R. Exhibition of clutches of eggs of Corn-Buntings (L’mberiza calandra) trom Co, Dublin ‘20... ees +> le JOURDAIN, Rev. F. C. R. Exhibition of a series of eight clutches of eggs of Acro- Cephalte DabylOniCUs nas senss sve vensucensteesee sane Exhibition of eggs of Charadrius alevandrinus, light variety, and of C, dubius, dark variety .......... Ma Remarks on the forthcoming Expedition to Spitzbergen .. Exhibition of a series of eggs of various species ........ Résumé on the importance of the study of variation from CG UO AN ELIS i. k's bh slgtetie steele weiss 4 dias pag a oe Page 120-125 126 74 64 29 58, 85 14 14 58 88 88 XIX Kinnear, N. B. Page Descriptions of two new races :—Certhia himalayana inter- media from S. Chin Hills, Burma, and Mirafra africana _ruwenzoria from §.H..Ruwenzorl......... bia hakeh. = APRS al 139 Koss © Be See Rowrnson, H.C. ooo. . cen nee OP cc ae 75-76 Laneron, Dr. H. Exhibition of a Yellowshank (Totanus flavipes) from the HEE mOMMSe lives. Mopeya aia erst ope aie Pees vxs%e che ci ats a ono cc dpal sy afeley ates 26 Exhibition of eoos of the Chaflinch 4... <.'.3s sm. es < 83 Lows, Dr. P. R. PMP ROOMM ON aoe MG NHO IN ya alals vik a gusie «etal elal sPalteleleia/a/stetevel ong 29 Editorial note on Siphia obscura Sharpe.............6.. 35 Hvemanlesion Lybvus chaplint 0... .ce+ sieves isan eee n ene 50 Exhibition and descriptions of three new- species and sub- species of Seed-Snipe:—Thinocorus rumicivorus bolivianus, Thinocorus peruvianus, and Attagis cheeputi ...........44. 109-110 Exhibition and description of a new subspecies of Whimbrel (Numenius pheopus alboaxillaris) from Portuguese Hast PAUICLEA] Wick evoitesisites si URAC 0b bdcb st Wakes Sebi ee arbres eae ie Sah 110 Proposed new name (Belonopterus cayennensis molina) for Belonopterus cayennensis chilensis, Molina ..... isnelay Beateist ores 110-111 Description of a new Petrel (Oceanites gracilis galapa- goensis) from Charles I., Galapagos............... cian Des 140 Description of a new race of Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus mauretanicus) from the western end of the Mediterranean . . 140 Lywzs, Capt. H. Exhibition and descriptions of species and subspecies from Darfur :— Mirafra rufa, Anthus sordidus jebelmarre, Amadina fasciata furensis, Saxicola torquata jebelmarre, Myrmecocichla ethiops sudanensis, and Prionops concinnata MERCCOM abate 5 clo evclari ss ROOM OCMeCobe HOE Petr mr nc So ge LZ=19 Exhibition and descriptions of two new subspecies from Darfur :—Micropus equatorialis furensis and Fringillarta EDEIINATINe ~ SEPOLAL (ee ws oecthe ta oeapeaeate fo alenaenit 34-35 Description of a new species of Pygmy Bustard (Lophotis BumeD Minonn Nester Mordotam 2... «adda aes aye o- « «ee. = 1-88 Exhibition of a series of eges of various species ........ 86 Mack wortH-PrRaep, C. W. Exhibition and description of a new subspecies of Fran- colin (Francolinus hildebrandti lindi) from Southern Tan- ganyika Territory ......... 0 > o's = MTRRA A ele tees ee ew bh Oe Manson-Banre, Dr. P. Exhibition of Lantern-slides...... SO eae 5d cable te car See Massry, H. Exhibition of a series of eggs of various species ....... : MatueEws, G. M. On two new generic names, Proseisura and Nesoceryx, and designation of the type of Adamastor............ oe SS May, W.N. Exhibition of eggs of the Corn-Bunting ............ MEINERTZHAGEN, Col. R. Remarks on a recent gale in the Outer Hebrides, and its pHECL on bird-lie tee ky. ket HERD = peraereneee see tee ‘ Exhibition and description of a new form of the House- Sparrow (Passer domesticus halfe) from the Sudan ........ Descriptions of new subspecies from various localities :— Corvus cornix minos, Garrulus glandarius cretorum, CEnanthe cenanthe virago, Oius scops powelli, Melanocorypha calandra helraica, Galerida cristata zion, Anthus richardi lacuum, Anthus sordidus decaptus, Anthus leucoryphus newmanni, Anthus leucophrys goodsoni, Anthus gouldi turneri, Anthus gouldi prunus, and Cisticola cisticola neurotica ...... 6000. Nrcott, M. J. Exhibition and description of a new subspecies of Pipit (Anthus campestris griseus) from Turkestan ....-......00. Description of a new subspecies of Sand-Grouse (Pterocles senegalensis flowert) from Upper Egypt ...... = ogre OpiruaRIAL Novicr. R, G. Wardlaw-Ramsay, H. M. Upcher........0...000 Page 111-112 100 84 84 57 67 19-25 128 120 XXI Pree, O. G. Exhibition of Lantern-slides.......... So ALE ISM ROR eed Reap, R. H. Exhibition of a series of nests and eggs of various species . Exhibition of two nests of the Mistle-Thrush............ ReEnpDAtt, Dr. Percy. Exhibition of a series of egos of various species..... Hopes Rosinson, H. C. Description of a new subspecies of Bulbul (Molpastes Miemavliisy lossy) trond INO STAMI YS Welsleie. «as «e/a cis emesis Exhibition and remarks on some rare birds from the Indo- MEDEA ATIPE MOLE OMI Spica cei eecchata cfc) oie se ters iare) sto alate Read a communication on behalf of Mr. Boden Kloss on some necessary alterations in the localities of birds recently described by Messrs. W. L. Sclater and E. C. Stuart Baker. . Roruscuiip, Lord. Exhibition and descriptions of two new birds discovered by Captain Angus Buchanan in Asben (Air), Central Sahara:—Myrmecocichla buchanani and Anthus sordidus BUSES CUS) Her de suedear Weve) alate el anon alate lege ofcistc\tiey asc 0(a) eho) aol sister sth Exhibition and description of a new subspecies of Snipe (Ceenocorypha aucklandica tredale:) from New Zealand...... Description of a new subspecies of Seed-Snipe (Thinocorus rumicivorus venturw) from Buenos AireS ..,......+...00. Exhibition of the Mt. Kenia Ibis (Oreotdis akleyorum Exhibition of specimens of North’s Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisea apodi granti North) from Huon Gulf .......... 86-87 140 83 33 63 Ja! 111 127 Rotuscuixp, Lord (cont.). Description of a new species of Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisea mixta) from an unknown locality .......+....+4.. aie Description of a new Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisea apoda subintermedia) from Huon Gulf ...... BP SA ey ye Vs! Exhibition of egos of living and extinct Struthionide, ete. , and Dr, Harrerr. Iexhibition and description of a new species of Thrush from ‘Garam OT rds joreeyt): sigs % calc wie > 5 bit ee ScraTER, W. L. On the financial condition of the B.O.C. ............4. A short account of his recent journey round the World ., Description of a new subspecies of Cuckoo-Falcon (Baza lophotes burmana) from Burma,...........52-.sseensevenee On behalf of Count Nils Gyldenstope, described a new sub- species of Tree-Pie (Dendrocitta rufa sakeratensis) from Siam Remarks on Lybius chuplini ........ oes ene oth Sates eee Announcement that Mr. Frank Chapman would give an address on ‘The Origin of Andean Bird-life”.......... Notes on the races of the Two-banded Courser (Zhinoptilus africanus), and proposed the new name of &. a granti for the Poem from. Cane MO mOw yg 56's. 50-08 sid pis .d ssa gE Bre Note on the Red-necked Francolin (Pternistes afer), with a description of a new subspecies (P. a. swynnertoni) from azaland 235/83 ke eS ees Baie eae Bis dietieee fk. : Seru-Smira, D. Exhibition of Lantern-slides........... Stee: 5 oe SS ai SmytuH, P. B, Exhibition of a series of eggs of the Corn-Bunting ..,... Exhibition of eggs of the Nightingale..........sseseeee Page 127 135 149 74 30 bl 133 100 83 144 XXIII ‘Someren, Dr. V.G. L. van. See also HARTERT, pp. 63, 64, 120. Descriptions of new species and subspecies of African birds :—Bias musicus pallidiventris, Alseonax caerulescens kikuyuensis, Dicrurus modestus ugandensis, Harpolestes australis littoralis, Harpolestes senegalus mozambicus, Batis molitor taruensis, Batis soror pallidigula, Smithorms rufo- lateralis budongoensis, Bradornis taruensis, Bradornis murinus suahelicus, Melenornis lugubris ugande, Hirundo senegalensis hybrida, Myioceyx ruficeps ugande, Mesopicos xantholophus chloroticus, Campothera caroli budongoensis, and Gymnobucco bonaparter intermedius .......2..c00206s Putney ch a's Steet Descriptions of new subspecies of African birds :—Antho- scopus rocatte taruensis, Parus niger purpurascens, Anthreptes tephrolema elgonensis, Anthreptes eollaris ugande, A. c. teitensis, Cinnyris angolensis kakamege, Cinnyris leucogaster lumbo, Serinus maculicolls taruensis, Serinus flaviventris loveridger, Passer griseus mozambicus, Polospiza striolata ugande, Ortygospiza atricollis dorsostriata, and Hypargus PORLCUNDUGANOCNSIS. 4. 0 civ vaccines oe yaitcrarsl at ans eats SparRow, Colonel R. Exhibition of a series of eggs of various species.......... Stoney, C. V. Exhibition of a series of egos of various species ........ Swann, H. Kirxe. Exhibition of eggs of Hagles and Vultures ... ........ TrceHurst, Dr. C. B. Exhibition and description of a new species of Reed- Warbler (Acrocephalus babylonicus) from Lower Mesopotamia Description of a new subspecies of Sparrow (Passer domes- ReMaBM int) TOM CASHMeLO. .)s/.).< ssc sna eene +s veans as A short account and remarks on the Avifauna of Meso- 1 LCUTLRTOED sod RR IS a Mier Ges esp «(7/35 Ve ae Page 102-106 112-114 83 85 XXIV TrcEnvuRsT, Dr. C. B. (cont.). Descriptions of new subspecies of Indian birds :—Phyllo- scopus proregulus simlaensis, Lanthocincla lineatum ziaratensis, Mirafra erythroptera sindianus, and Tephrodornis pondi- certanus pallidus ......e.006 a in 0 ase Im) 6, oY inieniatiae nal uacae coos Designation of the type-locality of Mirafra erythroptera CPU ERT UPUCLO « ins! ss vs one's we epeaeeeia cee SA esi Exhibition aud remarks on some Indian birds, with de- scriptions of the young in down of the common Indian Sand- grouse (Pterocles seneyallensis) and of Saunders’ Little Tern (Sterna saunder'sit).....+...55 La abies ity ass «3 pigeon TuRNER, Miss G. L. Hxhibitiow ofwantem=slides,. <0... s. «sis.ne sera cies eee Urcuer, H. M. Obit wsriel MOtiCeiOkie is antes esis aves ras eee cc eee Wa tis, H. M. Exhibition of a series of eggs of various species ..... ‘oe Wivurams, C. B. Exhibition of a series of nests of Humming-birds from UUTIO AG. oie hee abetesdinicidi cs ns a 'a'gm aie > 650 e'e 0's Ses a be Warpiaw-Ramsay, R. G. Obipuarial Mogeovge . sees salen. vs 3 2 2 0 0 9 6 6 0.8 8 es) eu nine Wirnersy, H. F. Exhibition and description of a new subspecies of Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola haringtont) from Kaghan, N.W, India Exhibition and remarks on some birds obtained in Portugal, with description of a new form of Skylark (Alauda arvensis guillelmt) ..cccccceccuee d Page 56 56 79-80 100 120 84 107 120 26 67-70 BULLETIN OF THE Peis ORNITHOLOGISTES CLUB. No. CCLIITI. Tae two-hundred-and-fiftieth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48, Great Portland Street, W. on Wednesday, October 13th, 1920. Chairman: W. L. ScuatEr, M.A. Members present :—H. C. Stuart Baker ; D. A. BANNER- MAN; EH. Broweii; J. L. Bonnote (Sec. and Treasurer) ; P. KF. Bunyarp; P. A. Buxton; C. CHuss; J. P. STH- PHENSON CLarke; H. J. Howes; Dr. P. H. Gossn; Rev. J. R. Hate; G. R. Humpureys ; C. Incram; T. [REDALE ; Rey. F.C. R. Jourparn ; N. B. Kinnear ; G. C. LAMBERT ; Dr. H. Laneton; Dr. P. R. Lowe (Editor) ; Capt. H. Lynzs, R.N.; C. W. MackwortH-Prarp; W. E. F. Mac- MILLAN; Dr. P. H. Manson-Baur; G. M. Maruews ; Col. R. MermnertzHacen ; H. Munt; D. W. Musse.wairs ; T. H. Newman ; M. J. Nicorz; C. H. Pearson ; Capt. C. R. Pirman ; A. H. Prick; F. R. Ratourr; C. B. Rickert; B. B. Riviere; D. Sers-Smita; F. W. Smarury; E. Fraser Sranrorp; H. Kirke Swann; C. G. Tarsor- Ponsonspy; Dr. C. B. Ticknurst; Dr. N. F. Ticnuurst ; K. G. R. Vaizny; H. M. Wauuis; H. F. Wrraersy. [November 9th, 1920. } a VOL, XLI. Vol. xli.] 7) Members of the B.O.U.:—A. L. Butier ; H. L. CocHRANE ; BK. P. Cuance; E. W. Hanrer; A. E. Jonus; A. B. PercivaL; W. BE. Renavut; H. Waistuer; A. F. R. Wo.L.asTon. Guests of the Club:—J. H. Fueminc; A. HAaGner. Guests:—D. W. Seru-SmiraH; J. B. Sarcent; W. CAMPBELL-SmiTH ; T. WELLS. Mr. D. A. BANNERMAN exhibited and described seven new birds from West Africa, as follows :— ; Micropus equatorialis lowei, subsp. nov. A very distinct subspecies, which differs from the typical M. cequatorialis equatorialis in the following particulars (compared with an adult male No. 441 obtained at Aela, S. Abyssinia, 3.11.01) :— Entire upper-parts deep biackish-brown, many shades darker than the Abyssinian birds and also much darker than Shelley’s M. alfredi, having a distinct gloss on the plumage; outer edges of the primaries black, inner webs dark brown. General colour of the under-parts blackish-brown ; throat and chin white, this white patch clearly defined and not gradually merging into the chest as in typical wquatorialis. The patch extends 28 mm. from the base of the bill on to the throat, and is 20mm. in width ; chest, sides of the breast and belly, flanks, and under tail-coverts dark brown, the middle of the breast and belly white, each feather subterminally barred with dark brown and becoming dusky brown at the base. [In M. w. equatorialis these breast-feathers are dusky brown, broadly barred subterminally with dark brown and narrowly fringed with white. | Under surface of the wing uniform blackish-brown, the feathers running down the outer margin of the wing narrowly tipped with dirty white. Bill black ; iris brown ; feet blackish. Measurements :—Bill 10 mm., wing 204, tarsus 15. Type in the British Museum, 1920.6.15.196, 9 ad., 3 [iVrole sxlas No. 527 (breeding). Mahera, Rokelle River, Sierra Leone, 21st April, 1920. Collected by Mr. Willoughby P. Lowe. This race is named in honour of the collector ; it is the first and only representative of the Great Equatorial Swift which has ever been obtained in tropical West Africa, north of Angola. Sarothrura bohmi danei, subsp. nov. Male. Most nearly allied to Sarothrura bohmi, Rcliw., but differs from it in several well-marked particulars. In each case the chin and upper throat are white, but in S. 4. danei the white covers a smaller area. The rufous of the head, which is perhaps a shade darker in S. b. danei, does not extend so far on to the nape as it does in S. bom. In the new form, irregularly mixed with the rufous feathers of the neck, are two or three white feathers narrowly edged with black and with the black base continued down the middle of the feather in a comparatively broad black line. These feathers appear to be quite new, and are very conspicuous. I cannot account for their presence. At first sight it would appear that the Rail is in the course of exchanging a rufous neck for that of a streaked black-and-white one, but I am of opinion that the reverse is the case, and that the barred feathers are the remains of the immature dress. The principal difference between S. b. danei and S. b. bohima is to be seen in the under-parts, the under-surface being very much blacker inthe newrace. In fact, whereas in S. b. bohmi the breast, belly, and flanks are mainly white streaked with black, in S. 6. danei the under-parts are mainly black streaked with white. The upper-parts are of a deeper black in S. dD. danet, and both the secondaries and coverts are narrowly and subterminally edged with pure white. The specimen of S. b. danei has every appearance of being an adult male, unless we consider the odd black and white feathers of the throat indicate that the bird has not attained its final plumage. For the present I prefer to unite it with S. b. bohmi, as it seems to be very closely related to that bird. The legs and feet of S. 6. bohmi are distinctly heavier - a2 Vol. xl}. 4 than in S. b. danei, although there is no appreciable dif- ference in measurement. The wing is, however, 3 mm. shorter: I have compared it with a specimen of S. b. bohma from Cameroon, No. 5639 in the British Museum collection. The measurements of S. 6. danei are as follows :—Total length in the flesh (from tip of bill to tip of toe) 63 inches. Bill 13 min., wing 84, tail 34, tarsus 24. Iris dark brown, eyelids chestnut; bill, upper mandible black, lower Indian purple ; feet brownish plumbeous. Type. 3 (in breeding condition), Reg. No. 1920.5.15.204, in the British Museum. Caught at sea on board H.M.S8. ‘ Dwarf’ (Capt. Dane, R.N.), lat. 10° 0’ N., long. 15° 30’ W., off the coast of French Guinea, 14th June, 1920. Willoughby P. Lowe, collector. Named in honour of Captain Dane, R.N., to whose generosity and interest in Ornithology we are indebted at the Natural History Museum for a fine collection of West African birds made this year by Mr. W. P. Lowe, while Capt. Dane’s guest on the ‘ Dwarf.’ Obs. There is a specimen of what I believe to be this new Rail in the British Museum obtained at Bo, in Sierra Leone, by Robin Kemp in 1904, erroneously recorded at the time as S. bonapartet. Sylviella flaviventris nigeria, subsp. nov. Evidently a local race of S. flaviventris flaviventris from the Gold Coast, and is distinguished from it by having the head greyer, less brown, and in having the back slightly more olive. The distinguishing shades are difficult to describe, but the difference is perfectly apparent when the two races are examined side by side. The under-parts are very similar, but in the new race the white of the belly extends further up towards the breast. were obtained. Bill, upper mandible dark horn-, lower flesh-colour ; iris reddish-brown ; feet dark flesh-colour. Bill 11 mm., wing 49, tarsus 17. Type in the British Museum, ¢?, Reg. No. 1920.3.10.3. Three specimens 5 [Vol. xl. Tju Water-works, nr. Lagos, 8. Nigeria, 29th Dec., 1919. W. P. Lowe, collector. A note on the label says that the bird was shot whilst singing in a cocoa-tree. Erythrocercus maccalli nigerie, subsp. nov. Entire under surface of body buffish-white, lacking the deep buff chin, throat, and breast of H. maccalli: macealli. The upper parts are washed with olive-brown. The crown of the head is of a deeper shade of chestnut and is distinctly less bright in colour. Three specimens were obtained at Lagos, 8. Nigeria : two adult males and an immature bird. Bill 9 mm., wing 49, tarsus 10. Upper mandible pale brown, lower whitish flesh-colour ; iris pale yellow; feet flesh-colour. Type in the British Museum, ¢, Reg. No. 1920.3.10.2. Iju Water-works, nr. Lagos, S. Nigeria, 9th Feb., 1920. W. P. Lowe, collector. Mr. Lowe remarks on the label that it is a very lively little bird, that it goes about in pairs or in families of six or eight like the Long-tailed Tit, and has a note like a Zosterops. Obs. A specimen in the British Museum in poor con- dition obtained by Major Pearse in Western Liberia seems to belong to the new form here described. Turdinus strenuipes, sp. nov. Adult male. Most nearly allied to Turdinus puveli Sal- vadori, but differs from that species in having the head and back olive-brown instead of rufous; the crown is darker than the back and is not washed with rufous. The upper. surface of 7. strenuipes closely resembles the upper parts of T. fulvescens in coloration. On the under surface the new species mostly resembles 7. puveli, but the chin and throat, as also the belly, are pure white; the breast, soft feathers of the flanks, and under tail-coverts are pale buffish-brown, palest on the breast, darker on the flanks and under tail- coverts. The tail-feathers are brown washed with rufous, aan Vol. xii] 6 with indications of fine bands on the upper surface. The bill is heavy, resembling that of 7. puveli; the legs and feet are exceptionally heavy and at once attract attention on this account. The measurements and soft parts are as follows :— Total length in the flesh 72 inches; bill (exposed culmen) 16 mm., wing 85, tail 67, tarsus 33. Bill, upper mandible black, lower whitish ; iris light brown ; legs and feet whitish flesh-colour ; claws white. Type in the British Museum, gad., Reg. No. 1920.3,10.1. Water-works, nr. Lagos, Southern Nigeria, 15th Feb., 1920. W. P. Lowe, collector. The bird had been feeding on ants and other insects, and scratches about for these in the dense bush. Andropadus indicator ussheri, subsp. nov. The race inhabiting the Gold Coast is undoubtedly separable from both A. indicator indicator and from A. indicator leucurus of Cassin. From the typical species it differs in the more olive coloration of the upper parts and in the darker, more grey under surface, with much less buff on the belly. The ten specimens before me from the Gold Coast are generally smaller than typical specimens, although the wing-measurements overlap. The measurements of this specimen are as follows :— Wing 95 mm. (barely), bill 15, tarsus 18. The type in the British Museum, No. 76.5.23.627. Collected by Ussher at Fantee. _ Obs. I recognise three forms of A. indicator from West Africa : the new race described above from the Gold Coast and, in addition, A. indicator indicator from Gaboon and A. i. lewcurus trom Sierra Leone and Liberia. Macrosphenus flavicans angolensis, subsp. nov. This is a short-billed race of M. flavicans jlavicans, and this is the only noticeable difference. It is, however, very striking and is perfectly constant. I have had seventeen examples of the typical form and there ure five examples of the new race. 7 [Vol. xli. The bill of the type-specimen measures : exposed*culmen 15 mm., from the tip to the gape 19 mm., and ranges in the five specimens from 14°5-15 mm. exposed culmen-—on an average, 4 mm. shorter than typical specimens. _ The soft parts are given by the collector as follows :— Tris lemon-yellow ; feet greenish-blue; bill, upper mandible greenish-black, lower mandible pur pieleere® with dark greenish-grey streak along each side. The type is an adult male in the British Museum, _ Reg. No. 1910.5.6.670. Shot at N’Dala Tando, N. Angola, by Dr. Ansorge, on the 26th October, 1908. Mr. BannermaN also exhibited and described a new Cisticola from Cameroon, West Africa, and said :—Mr. G. L. Bates hes recently returned to Hngland on a visit, and has brought with him a small collection of birds, some collected on Cameroon Mountain and a few from Akono- linga, a place on the Nyong River, in the northern interior of Cameroon. I name this new form Cisticola nuchalis sclateri, subsp. nov., in honour of Mr. W. L. Sclater, and characterise it as follows :— Similar to C. nuchalis nuchalis, but the crown of the head a deeper and duller chestnut and almost uniform, with only a faint indication of the heavy spotting of the crown which is such a conspicuous feature in typical nuchalis. There is no indication of pale chestnut on the nape, which is uniferm like the crown. The general colour of the upper parts, back, coverts, wings, and tail is much duller; the edgings to the feathers instead of being buff are chestnut ; and the heavy black middles to the feathers of the back do not in consequence stand out conspicuously as they do in C. n. nuchalis. The underside is of a much deeper buff, inclining almost to rufous on the flanks and under tail- feathers. Bill (exposed calm: 14 mm., wing 65, tail 55, tarsus 27. Cun / Vol. xli.] 8 Iris light brown; feet flesh-colour; bill black above greyish white beneath Type. No. 5234, @ ad., in the British Museum Collection. Akonolinga, River Nyong, Cameroon, 8.1.13. G. L. Bates, collector. Range. Northern Cameroon and Northern Nigeria. Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker proposed new names for certain birds on the Indian list, and described certain new species and subspecies as follows :— Zigithaliscus Concinna iredalei, nom. nov. Vigors’s name of Parus erythrocephalus (1831) for the Red-headed Tit is invalidated by Parus erythrocephalus of Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. p. 191 (1758). The next oldest specific name is concinna, from Psaltria concinna of Gould (B. of Asia, pt. vil. 1855), a Chinese race of this species, and a new subspecific name must be given. I propose to call it as above after Mr. T. Iredale, who has given me much assistance in nomeclature whilst working at my ‘ Catalogue of Indian Birds.’ The type-locality of 2. erythrocephalus was merely “ Himalayas,” and this I restrict to Simla. Chloropsis aurifrons davidsoni, nom. nov. Turdus malabaricus Gmelin, p. 837, is preoccupied by the same author, p. 816 (1788). The oldest specific name appears to be Phyllornis aurifrons Temminck, Pl. Col. 484, 1829, but there is no subspecific name available, and I therefore propose to call it davidsoni after Mr. J. Davidson, a keen ornithological worker for many years in the West of India. Type-locality for C. aurifrons was given in errore as Sumatra, corrected by Sharpe to India, and may now be urther restricted to Cachar. Hypothymis azurea sykesi, nom. nov. Muscicapa cwruleocephala of Sykes is preoccupied by Muscicapa cteruleocephala of Scopoli, Del Flor. et Faun. if 9 [Vol. xh. p- 95,1786. As there appears to be no other name available for this race, I name it after Sykes. The type-locality is Decean. Pellorneum ruficeps jonesi, subsp. nov. This form is nearest to P. r. mandellii and has the black markings to the nape even more highly developed. The head is, however, much less red and more brown, the black stipplings on the forehead are more numerous and highly developed. Generally speaking, the tint above and below is less rufescent and more olive, and the spots on the breast are much darker than in the average specimen of mandellii. The bill and legs also were darker in life than they are in any other race of rujiceps. Type. Adult $, No. 568 in Brit. Mus. A. E. Jones coll. 26. xii. 19. Type-locality. Kalka, Baghat State, N.W. Himalayas, 2000 feet. abet This bird is so distinct from any other specimen in the very big series in the British Museum Collection that, though Mr. Jones has procured but two specimens, I have no hesitation in giving them a name after its discoverer. Wing 74mm. The wing of P. r. mandella runs from 68 to 74 mm. in Nepal and 72 to 77 mm. in Assam. Mr. Jones has presented the type to the Natural History Museum. Turnix javanica leggei, subsp. nov. This form is very near Turniv javanica javanica, the typical form from Java, but the latter is a darker, blacker bird, with lighter chestnut below ; ,both races have a well- defined nuchal patch.. In size they are practically the same. Type. 2, 1916.9. 20.505 Brit. Mus. Coll. A. L. Butler, Cocowatta, 16. x. 94. | Habitat. Ceylon only. Vol. xli.] 10 Mr. Stuart Baker also described the following new genera, species, and subspecies from a collection of birds collected by Mr. E. G. Herbert in Siam :— Nigravis herberti, genus et sp. nov. Whole plumage very dark rich brown; the crown, fore- head, lores, and a line under the eye black; the shafts of the crown-feathers highly glazed and showing up well. Tail black showing very faint narrow bars in certain lights ; chin and throat paler and upper breast tinged with grey owing to the grey bases of the feathers showing through. “Hyes brown; beak bluish white; legs and claws blackish brown ” ( ferbert). Length of wing 78 mm.; tail, central tail-feathers 72 mm., outermost 56 mm.; bill at front 18 mm.; tarsus 28 mm. This bird undoubtedly belongs to the Timeliude, or Tur- doide as they must now be called, but I know of no genus in that family with which it can be placed. The wing is typically rounded, the first feather being about half the length of the 6th and the 6th to the 10th are subequal and longest, whilst the outermost secondary is only 2 mm. shorter. The tail-feathers are broad and graduated and the tarsus fairly stout but not very long; the bill is like that of LEthostoma ( Turdinus), but the nostril is completely covered by an operculum, and the feathers on either side of the base of the bill grow right up to the posterior edge of the nostril. There are three very short rictal bristles and the feathers of the chin have fine hair-like tips. Type. No. 213, 8, Ban Sao, Camp no. 42, Siam, 24th Feb., 1920. Type-locality. Ban Sao, Siam. Named after Mr. E. J. Herbert, the collector. Picus rubricollaris, sp. nov. Description, adult male. Whole crown brilliant crimson- scarlet changing to pure scarlet on the nape, the feathers of the crown with black bases which show through in places 5 sides of the head dull olive-green ; a line of red running from above the gape to the neck and a tiny line of reddish YL [ Vol. xlt. above lores; chin and throat greenish-white ; back to end of tail-coverts bright, but dark, yellowish-green ; tail black, greenish at the base and with broken white bars on the central rectrices ; lesser and median wing-coverts and inner secondaries like the back, but with a bronze sheen and inner webs blackish ; greater coverts, primaries, and outer secon- daries blackish-brown barred with white ; upper breast dull crimson-red, forming with the scarlet nape a complete red collar, the two colours blending on the sides of the neck ; lower breast dark green, abdomen, flanks, and under tail- coverts lighter, more yellowish-green with white and pale yellowish markings. . *« Hyes reddish-brown; bill black; legs and claws yellow ” (Herbert). Wing 136 mm., bill from front 36 mm., tarsus 30 mm. The female is like the male, but has the crown dark green ; the collar is less strongly developed on the upper breast, but is equally intense scarlet on the nape. “Hyes reddish-brown; bill black; legs green, claws brown ” (Herbert). Wing 139 mm.; bill from front 34°5 mm.; tarsus 29°5 mm. Types. 3, no. 262, Ban Hoi Mak, Camp no. 39, Siam, 29.2.20; 2, Muong Lep, Camp no. 15, Siam,16. 1. 20. } Scheniparus rufigularis major, subsp. nov. Similar to S. rujigularis rufigularis, but larger, wing 63 mm. as against a maximum of 61 andan average of 58 mm. in that bird. The upper parts are a brighter rufous and the crown is markedly paler and brighter; the white supercilium is larger and the chestnut collar on the throat - paler and interrupted, a feature seldom seen in the typical form. Although there is only a single specimen in Mr. Herbert’s collection, there is a very large series for comparison, with no one of which does it agree. This, combined with the great extension of its hitherto recorded range, induces me to name it. Type. S,no. 94, Herbert Coll., Pak Mat, Camp 18, Siam, be. £220: Vol. xli.] 12 Mr. Stuart Baker on behalf of Mr. Robinson also described :— = “24 ROC x ler bh, Re ~ Molpastes atricapillus klossi, subsp. nov. Differs from the typical Molpastes atricapillus atricapillus Vieill., from China, in being smaller. General colour above paler, almost pale wood-brown, the feathers of the mantle distinctly margined with pale whitish-brown, giving a striated appearance ; lower rump almost uniform white, this colour continued on the upper tail-coverts; some of the longest upper tail-coverts pale wood-brown at the tip; ear- coverts silvery-white, slightly tinged with fawn - colour anteriorly ; extreme portion of cheeks blackish like the chin and lores; centre of throat and middle of abdomen almost pure white; remainder of underparts. of the body, except the under tail-coverts which are bright scarlet-red, pale whitish-brown. Type. Adult male from Koon Tan, Northern Siam. Col- lected on the 10th May, 1914, by Nils Gyldenstolpe. Total length 195 mm., wing 92°5 mm., tail 93 mm., tarsus 20 mm., bill from gape 22 mm. Series examined. 21 specimens (11 do g, 7 2 2, 3 im.) from the mountain regions of Northern Siam. Dimensions. The wings vary between 88-0 to 93°4 mm. in the males and 85:5 to 86:7 mm. in the females, against 98 mm. in the males of the typical race. Hab. Northern Siam and possibly the adjacent parts of British Burma. Dr. C. B. Ticrnurst exhibited a new species of Reed- Warbler from the marshes of Lower Mesopotamia, which he proposed to call Acrocephalus babylonicus, sp. nov. This remarkable Reed-Warbler, of which I have examined five specimens, appears to be entirely new, and as:it does not obviously seem to be arace of any known species, I prefer at present to treat it as a new species. It has the same-shaped bill as A. stentoveus though smaller, but the wing-formula 13 [Vol. xli. of A. arwndinaceus—that is to say, the second primary is only a little shorter than the third (the longest) and reaches between the third and fourth. The first primary is minute, 6 mm. longer than the longest primary-covert. The tail is less rounded than in A. stentoreus or A. brunnescens, the outer feathers being 5-8°5 mm. shorter than the centrals instead of about 14-16 mm.as in A. brunnescens. The third primary only is emarginate on the outer web, unlike A. drunnescens, in which the third and fourth primaries are emarginate. The tail is shorter than in any race of A. arundinaceus or A. stentoreus, markedly so. The colour of the upper parts is more olivaceous-green than in either of these, and the throat is pure white with no obsolete streaks. Under wing-coverts - and axillaries paler, almost white. In autumn, judging from the poor specimens we have, the upper parts are more -rufescent than in spring birds. Wing 78-83°5 mm., tail 61°5-65, bill from base 19°d—22, tarsus 23°5-24. Iris brown, bill horn-colour, ee bright yellow, legs and feet plumbeous. Type-locality. Basra, Lower Mesopotamia. Type-specimen. In Brit. Mus., No. 165, $, Basra, 22.1v. 1917. Collected by Major R. E.Cheesemanand Sir Percy Cox. Distribution. Basra, where it evidently breeds, and the marshes of Akkarkuf near Baghdad, where Capt. C. R. Pitman obtained it in August. Perhaps sedentary. Dr. TiceuurRstT also described a new subspecies of Sparrow from Cashmere on behalf of Mr. Hugh Whistler, M.B.O.U.:— Passer domesticus parkini, subsp. nov. Type. 3, No. 3182, ex Hugh Whistler Coll., 5. iv. 1920. Now in Brit. Mus. Type-locality. Srinagar. Cashmere. Male. Distinguished from Passer domesticus indicus Jard. _ & Selby by the richer chestnut of the mantle, scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts, and by the considerably larger size and heavier bill; bill from skull 14-15, wing 77°5-838, tail 57— 62°5, tarsus 18°5- a mm. Vol. xli. | 14 Female. Similar to the female of P. d. indicus, but larger and with a heavier bill. Wing 75-78°5 mm. ; tail 53-61 mm. Distribution. The Valley of Cashmere, and probably other areas north of the outer ranges of the Western Himalayas. A winter visitor to the plains of Punjab and Sindh. Nidijication. Said by Davidson (‘ Ibis,’ 1899, p. 29) to breed in holes along the banks of the Jhelum River. Named in honour of Mr. Thomas Parkin, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., ete. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourpatn exhibited a series of eight clutches of eggs of the new species of Acrocephalus described above by Dr. Ticehurst, all taken in the marshes near Basra by Major Logan Home and Mr. A. G. Tomlinson. When the nests and eggs were first received, they were at once found to differ considerably from those of A. arundinaceus and A. stentoreus. The nests are comparatively small and slight, about 3-34 in. in depth, and about the same diameter, totally unlike the deep and bulky edifices constructed by the Great and Clamorous Reed- Warblers. The eggs, three or more (usually four) in number, are also smaller, averaging 19°5x14°6 mm. (23 measured), and are very variable in colouring, some closely approaching the type of A. palustris ; while others would almost pass for A. scirpaceus, and two sets have a pale bluish-grey ground and irregular streaks, spots, and blotches, chiefly at the large end, of varying depths of sepia and ochreous-brown. Mr. JourpAIN also exhibited 11 eggs of the remarkable light type of egg of Charadrius alexandrinus, taken by Captain P. W. Munn in Mallorca, and identified by him with the greatest care. These eggs closely resemble the accepted type of C.dubius. A clutch of three eggs of C. dubius, taken by Colonel Sparrow in Southern Algeria, boldly marked with black spots and with the dark ground, were also shown, and had also been carefully identified. It seems evident that though the ordinary types of eggs of the two species are very different, varieties of each may be found closely resembling the other, for in both the above- mentioned cases only one species of Charadrius was present. 15 [Vol. xli. Captain Lynus, who returned last June from Darfur, our recently acquired Province of the Anglo-Hgyptian Sudan, said that as he shortly intended leaving England to continue work there, he would now only invite attention to several of its new forms of birds, in the hope of being able to give a good account of the Ornithology of Darfur after his coming expedition. The majority of his present collections came from Jebel Marra and the country lying to the eastward of those mountains, which contains El Fasher, the capital of the Province. Captain Lynes drew attention to the isolated geographical position of the higher altitudes of Jebel Marra, an important massif Occupying some 800 square miles of the centre of Darfur, much of which area lay from about 7000 to 10,000 feet above sea-level. He described the following birds. as new :— Mirafra rufa, sp. nov. “Cinnamon Bush-Lark.” In general appearance this new Bush-Lark might he considered an ally of M. gilletti Sharpe or of M. africanoides harei Roberts, Ann. Transvaal Mus. v. 1917, but it differs essentially from both. Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from Central Darfur, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, collected 8th May, 1920, by Captain Lynes. Altitude 3000 feet. Description of type. Above, including upper tail-coverts, pale cinnamon-brown, more or less lightly streaked with narrow dark brown shaft-stripes—heaviest on head and nearly absent on lower back and rump. Below, including lower tail-coverts and flanks, light ochraceous-buff, palest (nearly white) on chin and throat, deepest on crop and flanks. Crop and lower throat lightly and softly spotted with ochraceous-tawny feather-centres. Wing. Primaries and secondaries clove~brown, narrowly margined on both webs with pale cinnamon-brown ; inner- most two or three secondaries heavily marked above with pale cinnamon-brown, thus harmonizing the dominant colour of the folded wing with that of the back. i Vol. xli.] 16 Tail-feathers black, except the central pair which are uniform cinnamon-brown, the next pair whose outer webs are mostly cinnamon-brown, and the outer pair which are tipped and broadly margined on the outer web with light cinnamon-brown. Sides of head and neck, including a well- defined superciliary streak, light ochraceous-buff, with (a) A narrow stripe of cinnamon-brown through the eye below the superciliary streak, (b) Ear-coverts of mottled cinnamon-brown, (c) A small moustache of triangular dark brown spots. Legs, feet, and claws pale clay-colour, with a dull pink tinge. Bill, upper mandible horn with pale cutting-edge, lower mandible dull whitish tinged dull horn. Iris pale sepia. Dimensions of the type. Wing 87 mm., tail 67, tarsus 21, bill 13. Female similar to male but rather smaller. Six specimens collected in Central Darfur :— Three males: Wings 86-89 mm., tails 65-67. . Three females: Wings 80-84 mm., tails 60-65. Obs. The dark streaking of the upper plumage varies considerably in depth of colour and quantity. Anthus sordidus jebelmarre, subsp. nov. “ Jebel Marra Pipit.” One of the “ sordidus” group with the long bills and dappled or streaked backs (as grouped by Dr. Hartert, Noy. Zool. xxiv. p. 458). It is nearest to A. sordidus hararensis Neum., but differs — at first glance in almost entirely lacking chest-spots—. e., nearly uniform below—and in the whole plumage being suffused with bright tawny-olive. The tail is very dark, almost black (instead of brown), and the light notch in the penultimate tail-feather is reduced to a tiny mark at its extreme tip. Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from Jebel Marra, Darfur, collected f2th April, 1912, by Captain Lynes. Altitude 6000 feet. Dimensions of the type. Wing 92 mm., tail 75, tarsus 26, bill 16. 17 [Vol. xli. Female similar to male but a trifle smaller. Hight specimens (one unsexed) collected in Jebel Marra :—— Four adult males: Wings 91 to 95 mm., tails 72 to 74. Four adult females: Wings 87 to 91 mm., tails 72 to 73. Amadina fasciata furensis, subsp. nov. ** Darfur Cut-throat Finch.” e. 4 Near A. fasciata fasciata (Gm.), but in the male the colour is generally of a warmer tint (‘‘ Mikado brown,” Ridgway), the dark vermiculations on the upperside considerably less, almost absent in the centre of the back; and below with a number of fine blackish vermiculations across the lower breast, instead of V- or crescent-shaped marks. The crimson of the throat is considerably lighter in colour. Female. Much the same as “ fasctata.” Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from Derrat, 50 miles east of El Fasher, collected by Captain Lynes on 9th March, 1920. . Dimensions of the type :—Wing 68 mm., tail 41, tarsus Hull) 9°). Five specimens collected in Darfur :— Three adult males: Wings 63 mm., tails 40-42. Two adult females: Wings 67-69 mm., tails 40-42. Saxicola torquata jebelmarre, subsp. nov. _* Jebel Marra Stonechat.” The first known breeding Stonechat of the ‘ S. torquata” species in the Sudan, those from the Blue and White Nile districts and Abyssinia being apparently all wintering examples of S. torquata maura (Pall.), which breeds in Persia, etc. This form much resembles “ maura,” but has the tail- feathers all (or practically all) black at the base. It is also not at all unlike the Madagasear P. torquata sybilla, but is rather larger, and the male has a somewhat more ginger than chestnut tint in the “red” of the underside. Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from Jebel b 66 Vol. xli. | 18 Marra, Darfur, collected on 6th April, 1920, by Captain Lynes. Altitude 8000 feet. Dimensions of the type :—Wing 70 mm., tail 55, tarsus L9=), bill ¥. Nine specimens collected in Jebel Marra :— Seven adult males: Wings 70-71 mm., tails 51-56. Two adult females: Wings 67-68 mm., tails 51-56. Myrmecocichla xthiops sudanensis, subsp. nov. “ Sudan Ant-Chat.” Nearest to M. wthiops ethiops Cab., from Senegal, but much smaller (Black Chat size instead of Thrush size). In full adult plumage both sexes of J/. w. ethiops become almost uniform black ; but at all ages IZ. @. sudanensis apparently remains snufl-brown, with conspicuous light dappled head and hind neck. Below, ethiops. has a slight mottling of light feather borders from chin to upper breast, whereas in sudanensis the mottling is very marked down to the crop. Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from El Fasher, Darfur, collected on 13th March, 1920, by Captain Lynes. Dimensions of the type:—Wing 101 mm., tail 68, tarsus 31, bill 15. Fourteen specimens collected in Darfur and Western Kordofan :—- (Four not sexed with certainty.) Six adult males: Wings 99-102 mm., tails 64-70. Four adult females: Wings 98-106 mm., tails 64-71. < Prionops concinnata ochracea, subsp. nov. Te x) py. “* Ochraceous Helmet-Shrike.” ‘- A new form of the “ concinnata” group (as described by Sclater in Shelley’s ‘ Birds of Africa,’ viz. with the white wing-patch and incurving sides of the helmet abaft all). This form has a similar colour-pattern to “ concinnata ” of the Hastern Sudan, Bahr-el-Ghazal, ete., but has no pure grey and practically no pure white, and looks as if its whole plumage had been painted over with a wash of 19 | Vol. xii. light ochraceous-buff. The crown, nape, and ear-coverts are very distinct in heing pinkish cinnamon wiih brown and black tints instead of different shades of ash-grey. _ Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from Nahud, Western Kordofan, collected on 22nd May, 1920, by Captain Lynes. Dimensions of the type:—Wing 114 mm., tail 94, tarsus 27, bill 21. . Two of a party of five collected in Western Kordofan. Adult female. Similar to male. Col. MernertzHacen described the following new sub- Species :— Corvus cornix minos, subsp. nov. Nearest to Corvus ¢. pallescens Mad. from Cyprus, but with a longer wing and a deeper and longer culmen. Wing of four males 316-327 and of one female 313 mm. Length of culmen of males 55-61 mm., and depth 20-22, whereas the wings of C.c. pallescens vary from 294-299, length of culmen 49-56 and depth 17°5-19. Type in the Tring Museum, 4, Candia, Crete! 1S: ve20. I name this Hooded Crow ities the ancient and celebrated King of Crete. Garrulus glandarius cretorum, subsp. nov. This race belongs to the streak-headed Jays, as in G. g. glandarius, and not to the black-headed Jays of Armenia, Asia Minor, ete. It is nearest to G. ichnuse of Sardinia, but has a slightly redder hind neck and: apparently a greyer back. Similar in size to G. ichnuse. The differences in colour are more noticeable in the juvenile plumage than among adults. Compared with the typical race, they are smaller and less vinous on both the upper and lower parts. Compared with G. glaeneri from Cyprus, they have a mueh longer culmen and a considerable amount of white on the forehead, G. glazneri having no trace of white. Compared with G. fasciatus from Spain, they are slightly darker and not Vol. xli.] 20. so vinous on the upper and under parts, especially on the abdomen. Type in the Tring Museum, ¢, Mount Ida, Crete, 4500 ft., 15. vi. 20. : Obs. I only found this Jay in the ilex forests on the hills of Crete. (Enanthe enanthe virago, subsp. nov. I obtained seven males, two females, and a young bird in June at over 4500 feet on Mount Ida in Crete. Adult male with a noticeably more silvery back than in any other race of C2. w. wnanthe, and with a considerable but varying amount of white on the forehead, in this latter characteristic resembling more birds from Central Asia (argentea). In some individuals white feathers extend back on to the crown. Wings purer black. Har-coverts black, without a trace of brown. Underparts a purer white than in any other race of (Enanthe cnanthe, and with less ochreous on the breast and lower throat. Culmen very large, varying from 19 to 20°5 mm. Wing small, varying from 89 to 95 mm. Adult female has the upper parts grey tinged with brown, whereas in all other females of Ginanthe wnanthe the back is brown, sometimes tinged with grey. Har-coyerts dark black-brown and not ochreous. Underparts with much less ochreous than in other races. Culmen.18 mm., wing 87-89. (A female in the Tring Museum shot in May in Algeria is undoubtedly assuming the plumage of the male if it is correctly sexed, having a brownish-grey back, but even this bird is much darker both above and below than females from Crete.) The juvenile plumage is distinctly grey on the upper parts, the feathers having pale brown edgings, whereas the juvenile plumage of other races is brown without a ‘trace of orey. Types in the Tring Museum, ¢ and ?, a breeding pair, Mount Ida, Crete, 27. vi. 20. I name this race after the presumptuous plumage of the hen bird. oT [ Vol. xli. Otus scops powelli, subsp. nov. Intermediate between Otus scops scops and Otus scops cyprius, lacking on both the upper and under parts most of the reddish-brown of the former, whilst it is a much paler grey than the dark Otus scops cyprius. These characteristics are more noticeable on the underparts than on the upper parts, especially on the abdomen. On the head, hind neck, and scapulars they have more white than in Otus scops Scops. Wing of three males 150, 155, and 160 mm., and of two females 147 and 159. Type in the Tring Museum, 2, Candia District, Crete, 30. vi. 20. I name this race after Mr. H. L. Powell, who accompanied me to Crete and prepared all my specimens. Melanocorypha calandra hebraica, subsp. nov. Intermediate between Melanocorypha c. calandra and Melanocorypha c. psammochroa. A series of seven birds obtained at Acre, Damascus, and in the Coastal Plain of Palestine south to Ludd from October to May, come closer to psammochroa than to the typical race, but are not so pale and sandy as psammochroa. This is particularly noticeable in fresh autumn plumage. Wing of six males 127-131 and of one female 117 mm., whereas the wings of 10 males from Hast Persia and Turkestan vary from 130-135, and of two females 131 and 136. Type in the Tring Museum, ¢, Jenin, N. Palestine, play. 20. Galerida cristata zion, subsp. nov. It is with misgiving that I enter the lists to compete with my friends Hartert and Nicoll, but on an examination of 44 specimens of Crested Larks from Jerusalem, Beisan, Lake Galilee, Jenin, Damascus, and the Syrian Desert 40 miles east of that town, and from Baalbek, I am forced to the 63 Vol. xli.] 29 conclusion that they differ from G. ¢. brachyura and G. ¢. cinnamomina. In fresh autumn plumage they lack the cinnamon tinge of G.c. cinnamomina, but are darker than brachyura, the feathers on the back having blacker centres. Underparts similar to cinnamomina, but the breast-spotting is more marked than in brachyura. Outer tail-feathers with black only on the proximal half of the outer web, whilst the black on the inner web frequently covers the whole web except the extreme tip. Wing of males 98-109 mm. and of females 96-104. Culmen of males 18°5—22, and of females 19-21. Type in the Tring Museum, ?, Jerusalem, 20. xi. 19. Anthus richardi lacuum, subsp. nov. For reasons I hope to give shortly in ‘The Ibis,’ I have united the rufulus group of Pipits with the schardi group. Now birds from British East Africa and Uganda have hitherto been united under the name Anthus rufulus cinna- momeus, described by Riippell from Abyssinia. I recently collected, with the assistance of Mr. Turner, a series of 47 birds from Hast Africa, and, in conjunction with a series of 37 birds from the Tring Collection, there can be no doubt that birds from Kenya Colony (British East Africa), Tan- ganyika Territory, and Uganda are not so cinnamon as birds from the type-locality and must be separated. They are darker, less cinnamon, and more fulvous than cinnamomeus. Generally a greyer bird. Birds from west of the Victoria Nyanza appear slightly more cinnamon than birds from east of the Lake, but such variation is not sufficiently constant to warrant a further separation. Type in the Tring Museum, 3g, Naivasha, collected by myself on 9. xi. 16. Wings 81-91, 95, 99, 100 mm. ; culmen 15-17, 18 mm.; hind elagr: 9-12°5 mm. 23 [ Vol. xli. Anthus sordidus decaptus, subsp. nov. Hartert, in describing Anthus captus from Palestine, included birds from Eastern Persia and Baluchistan. I have now got a good series of captus from Palestine, and there is no doubt that it is a smaller bird in every respect than birds from Hast Persia and Baluchistan, of which I have examined 44 specimens. Very similar to captus, but larger. In both fresh autumn and worn plumage the colour of the upper parts scarcely differs from captus, but the lower parts in fresh autumn plumage are more ochreous, whilst in winter and worn plumage the lower parts are not so white asin captus. The spotting on the breast is usually better defined than in captus. Wing 95-106 mm., culmen 18°5-21°5. Wing of captus (9 examined) 90-95 mm., culmen 18-20. In juvenile plumage birds are mottled on the back and have broad fulvous margins to the inner secondaries. The breast-spotting is also more distinct than in adults. Type in the Tring Museum, 2, Rud-I-Taman in East Persia, 23. viii. 98 (Zarudny leg.). Breeds in Persian Baluchistan, Hast Persia, and British Baluchistan, wandering to Sind in winter. In the J.£.0. 1906, p. 236, Oscar Neumann described a new Pipit as Anthus leucophrys angolensis. This name is preoccupied by Anthus angolensis of Bocage, ‘Jornal Sciencias Lisboa,’ viii. p. 341 of 1870, which describes Anthus chloris Lichtenstein, and of which it isa synonym. I therefore propose the name Anthus leucophrys neumanni, nom. nov., for Neumann’s angolensis. Type as for Anthus leucophrys angolensis Neumann (No. 158 in the Tring Museum) and description as for Anthus leucophrys angolensis in the J.f.O. 1906, p. 236. Anthus leucophrys goodsoni, subsp. nov. Upper parts as in Anthus 1. leucophrys and slightly darker than A. 1. newmanni, though in one bird from Nyeri (in the Vol. xli.] 24 Tring Museum) the back is as pale as in A. l. newmanni. Breast-spotting slightly more distinct than in newmanni, and much more distinct than in Anthus l. leucophrys. Wing and culmen as in A. 1. leucophrys and newmanni, but the hind claw is generally longer than in neumann. Wing of males 95-102 mm., and of females 90-97. Culmen 15-18 mm., and hind claw 10-13. Type in the Tring Collection, 9, Nakuru, in Kenya Colony, shot on 2.1.17, and collected for me by Mr. Alan Turner. I name this race after Mr. Arthur Goodson, whose assis- tance in the Tring Museum is so much appreciated by all of us who work there. Anthus gouldi turneri, subsp. nov. Upper parts uniformly dark hair-brown (Ridgway, PI. iii. fig.12). Underparts pale wood-brown (Ridgway, iii. fig. 19), and not so dark as in Anthus g. omoensis of Neumann. Breast with large distinct pear-shaped blotches. Wing of males 94-100, and of females 90 to 95 mm. Culmen 15-19 mm., and hind claw 9-13. Type in Tring Museum, @, Kituni in the N.W. part of Kenya Colony, shot on 19. ii. 17. I name this race after Mr. Alan Turner, to whom I am so much indebted for my East African Collection. Anthus gouldi prunus, subsp. nov. Upper parts of adults a rich uniform hair-brown (Ridgway, 1886, Pl. ili. fig. 12) with frequently a slight maroon tinge. Underparts varying from pale wood-brown (Ridgway, iii. fig. 19) to whitish. Breast-spotting usually indistinct, but sometimes, especially in immature birds, it is distinct. A well- developed eye-stripe, extending back to the sides of the head. The upper parts of immature birds are slightly tinged with yellow, are paler, and inclined to be blotched. Wing of males 93-102 and of females 90-101 mm. Culmen 15-17 mm., and hind claw 10-15. Type in the Tring Museum, ¢, Catatu River (Benguella in Angolaland), shot on 29. ix.04 by Mr. W. J. Ansorge. 95 [Vol. xli, Cisticola cisticola neurotica, subsp. nov. A slightly paler bird than Cistzcola c. cisticola, greyer on the upper parts and especially on the wing and upper wine- eoverts. Underparts as in C.¢. cisticola. This race is not so pale as C.c. aridula or arabica, or as a specimen from Mesopotamia which I have seen in the Tring Collection. Wing 49-51 mm. Type in the Tring Museum, ¢, Sidon on the Syrian coast, shot by myself on 30. x. 19. I name this race after its very nervous disposition, which is even more marked than in other Cisticolw I have seen in Heypt and Italy. Mr. M. J. Nicoun exhibited a new subspecies of Anthus campestris. On comparing a series of 22 examples of Tawny Pipits from Heypt, Turkestan, and Persia, with a large series from _ Kurope and Algeria, I find that the eastern birds differ in being greyer above, and in entirely lacking the ochreous- buff wash, in having decidedly shorter bills, and, on the whole, shorter wings. In A. campestris campestris the wing varies from 89-95 mm. and the bill (from the base of the skull) 20-21, while in the eastern race the wing-measurements range from 80-94 and the bill 17-19. Moreover, in the eastern race, the underparts are whiter and more streaked with brown on the upper breast. I propose the following name for this eastern race :—— Anthus campestris griseus, subsp. nov. Type, ¢, Tischan, Turkestan, 11-22.v.1900. Zarudny Collection in Tring Museum. It is possible that A. campestris minor of Blasius, 1900, is referable to this form, but is in any case a synonym, the name being preoccupied by Anthus pratensis minor Brehm, *Naumannia,’ 1856, p. 346. N.B.—In breeding-plumage the upper parts are more Vol. xli.] 26 brownish-grey than are examples in freshly moulted autumn _ plumage. I have examined several examples in Egypt in January, February, November, and December, both adults and young. The synonymy of this new race is as follows :— . ? Anthus campestris mimor KR, Blasius in ‘ Naumann, Naturg. Vég. Mitteleuropas,’ iii. p. 74 (1900, ex Homeyer MS. & nom. nud. Grabowski, 1893). Anthus rufulus Vieillot. Nicoll, ‘Hand-list of the Birds of Egypt,’ p. 24 (1919). Mr. H. F. Wirnersy exhibited a series of eight specimens of Acrocephalus, collected by the late Colonel H. H. Harington in the Kaghan, N.W. India, in June and July 1914, which he proposed to separate as a new geographical race as follows :— Acrocephalus agricola haringtoni, subsp. nov. Similar to A. a. concinens, but considerably more buff on the flanks and breast, and with a very slightly smaller bill.’ In addition to the series exhibited, five breeding birds collected in the same valley by the late Captain Whitehead had been examined, and all differed at a glance from a series of A. a. concinens from China, by their more buff flanks and breasts. Their measurements were as follows:— 2, wing 56-58 mm., tail 56-58, bill from skull 14-14°5. 2, wing 54-58 mm., bill 12°5-14:°5. Wing-formula as in A. a. concinens, the 2nd primary being. between the 8th and 10th. A. a. agricola, though differing in wing-formula, the 2nd primary being longer (type, Madras winter, in Brit. Mus. examined), was in winter plumage often as buff on the flanks as the formdeseribed. In summer plumage, if, indeed, breeding birds from Turkestan were the true A. a. agricola, they were even whiter on the underparts than A. a. concimens. Type. 3, Buttakundi, Kaghan, 12.7.1914, breeding, collected by H. H. Harington, in coll. H. F. Witherby. Dr. H. Laneron exhibited a Yellowshank, TVotanus flavipes, shot by Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith on the Little 27 [Vol. xli. - Pool, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, on September 2nd, 1920, on the exact spot where a Groater Yellowshank, Totanus melano- leucus, was shot in September, 1906. The bird, which proved a female by dissection, was observed about the pool for four days before being shot. Mr. P. F. Bunyarp exhibited the following eggs :— Hoopep Crow (Corvus corniz).—Two eggs showing true erythrism from Mark Brandenburg, April 1882. Ground- colour pale pink, with various shades of fine and evenly distributed chocolate-brown surface-markings and purplish- grey underlying markings. Measurements 43x29 and 43x30 mm. Erythristic corniz eggs have been previously recorded from Sweden and Mull. WuitetHroat (Sylvia communis).—An erythristic clutch of six from near Berlin. Ground-colour pinkish-white ; surface-markings pale reddish-brown, suffused and large, mostly confined to larger axis. Underlying markings, various shades of lead-grey, large and conspicuous. Another clutch of five from Mark Brandenburg had eround-colour pale greenish-white, with very bold surface- markings of dark brownish-black. Underlying markings olive-brown, suffused and large. BaRRED WARBLER (Sylvia nisoria).—A clutch of four from Coepenick, near Berlin, 2/7/10, showing true erythrism. Ground-colour very pale pink; surface-markings absent, as is the case with nearly all nisoria eggs. Underlying markings _ pale ash-grey tinged pink, mostly confined to the large ends. He believed this to be the first recorded occurrence of erythrism in nisoria eggs. Buack Revstart (Phenicurus titys).—A clutch of four marked egos from Coepenick, near Berlin. These are typical, except for the fine markings of pale reddish-brown at the larger ends. They are genuine pigment-markings, some of which are well under the outer lime-layer. © Vol. xli.] 28 Mr. Bunyarp also exhibited a Golden Hagle’s ege from Spain deeply scratched at the small end, in further support of his theory on the scratches on eggs (cf. Bull. B.O.C, vol. xl. pp. 33 & 71). GENERAL INDEX. A General Index to the ‘ Bulletin’ covering volumes 16 to 39 is now ready and can be obtained, price £1, from the publishers, Messrs. Witherby & Co., 325 High Holborn, W.C. The cost of production of this important volume has been very considerable and a serious tax upon the funds of the Club; it is hoped therefore that all members will subscribe for a copy, without which their series of the ‘Bulletin’ will be incomplete. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 10th of November, 1920, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W. 1, the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. L. Bonhote, Park Hill House, Carshalton, Surrey. | N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Hditor at Nat. Hist. Museum, South Kensington, and to place in his hands not later than at the meeiing MSS. for publication in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) W. L. Scuater, Percy Rh. Lows, J. L. Bonnorn, Chairman. Lditor. See. § Treas. BULLETIN OF THE Salish. ORNIVHOLOGISTS”, CLUB: Wo. CCLIV. Tue AnNuAL GENERAL Mexrine, postponed from October, was held at Pagani’s Restaurant immediately before the Dinner. Mr. W. L. Scuarsr in the Chair. The Hon. Secretary read the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, which were duly confirmed. Dr. P. R. Lows was elected Editor of the ‘ Bulletin’ in the place of Mr. D. Seth-Smith, who had completed his term of office. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring Editor. Mr. J. L. Bonunore was elected Hon. Secretary and Treasurer in succession to Dr. P. Gosse. Under a mis- apprehension that Col. Stephenson Clarke was retiring from the Committee, two members, Dr. H. LANGaron and the Rev. J. R. Hae, had been proposed as new members of the Committee. A nomination of Mr. D. A. BAnnEermAN for the Committee had been received from Dr. C. B. Ticehurst, seconded by Mr. F. W. Smalley, under Rule VII. Messrs. Laneron and Bannerman, however, having withdrawn in favour of the Rev. J. Rk. Haus, this latter gentleman was duly elected. [ Norember 30th, 1920. | a VOby Xii Vol. xii} 30 The CHAIRMAN stated that Messrs. Pagani had written to say that it would be necessary to increase the price of the dinner to 7s. 6d. from January next. After some discussion it was decided that the Secretary should make enquiries elsewhere, but unless he found good reasons for a change we should remain at Pagani’s. The CHAIRMAN made some remarks on our financial condition, and pointed out that our present liabilities would absorb all the subscriptions for the present session and possibly more. He further stated that owing to the increase in the cost of printing we must budget for a yearly expendi- ture of at least £200. Under these circumstances, a considerable increase of the yearly subscription would be inevitable, and he proposed calling a Special General Meeting for that purpose at an early date when the Committee had gone into the matter more fully. He also pointed out that the General Index had cost £169 and that only 45 members had bought a copy, and he hoped that all members would get one in order to help on the finances of the Club, even if they did not specially require it for use. A short discussion followed, in which Mr. Marurws suggested that many of the descriptions of new forms might be considerably shortened without impairing their scientific value. Mr. Bunyarp suggested that if the Index were sold to members for 10s. instead of £1 more members would be likely to buy it, and Major SLADEN that in future more consideration should be given to our finances so that we did not spend money on extra-ordinary publications which, however useful they might be, we could not afford. THE two-hundred-and-fifty-first Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48, Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, November 10th, 1920. Charman: W. L. Souater, M.A. ul Members present :—K. E. Apams; P. H. Bann; E. C. Stuart Baker; J). A. BANNERMAN; EH. Bipwez; J. L. Bonuyotre; P. F. Bunyarp; P. A. Buxron; C. CHuss; 31 [Vol. xli. Col. STEPHENSON R. Charke; H.J.Cocurane ; Lieut.-Col. Drutmé-RapciirFeE; Dr. P. Gossz; Rev. J. R. Hae; Capt. H. C. Harpy, R.N.; HE. Harrerr; G. R. Humpureys ; T. IrepaLteE; Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain; N. B. KInnezEar ; G. C. Lampert; Dr. H. Laneton; Dr. P. R. Lows (Editor) ; Capt. H. Liynes, R.N.; J. D. MAckENzIE ; H. A. F. Macrarn; G. M. Marnews; E.G. B. Muapr Watvo; H. Munr; D.W. Mussettawairn; J. H. Newman ; Capt. C. R. Prruay ; A. H. Price; F.R. Rarciirre; C. B. Rickert; Lord RorHscHiLp ; Sir Mancoum Seron, K.C.B.3, 4 Major A. L. SLApEN ; Col. R. Sparrow; H. Kirku/Swann ; ©. G. Tarzot-Poysonsy; H. M. Wats; H. Walstttur, 5 H. F. WirHersy. Guests:—E. C. Barrinatron; G. L. Bates; HE. W. Burssiz; R. R. Davis; C. E. Fagan; T. Forpes; G. M. Girrorp ; H. G. Maurice; O. R. Owen; H.C. Rosrnson, P. B. Suyrs, G. F. Stewarr, L. G. M. Suetpon, J. H. W. VALE. Mr. W. L. Scuarer gave the Meeting some account of his recent journey round the World. The last three months of 1919 were spent in the United States, where he attended the Annual Meeting of the American Ornithologists’ Union, which was held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on November 12 to 14. The question of the joint publication of the ‘Systema Avium’ with the B.O.U. was discussed at some length, and a provisional agreement come to in regard to the matter. In January Mr. Sclater crossed the American Continent to Vancouver, and thence travelled homewards, making short stays at Hong Kong, Singapore, and in Ceylon. Mr. W. L. Sctarer also described the following new subspecies :— Baza lophotes burmana, subsp. nov. Distinguished from B. |. lophotes by the absence of the rufous on the scapulars, which are white with a broad apical band of black, while in B. 1. lophotes there is a band of a2 ao fe Vol. xli.] 32 chestnnt between the black apices and the white bases ; the band across the chest posterior to the white band is black in B. 1. burmanus and rufous in B. 1. lophotes. In size the two forms do not appear to differ. Types in the British Museum, ¢ 2. Malewoon on the Patchan Estuary in the extreme south of Tenasserim Province in British Burma, 9.1.75, collected by W. Davison. Hume Coll., B.M. Reg. Nos. 85.8.19.2061-2. Distribution. Burma (Shan States and Tenasserim), Cambodia and the Malay Peninsula. Dimensions of types. Wing, ¢ 229 mm., 9 246; tail, ON 2) oo. cbansts es 026, F226, The type-locality of the typical race described by Temminck (Pl. Col. livr. 2, pl. 10, 1824) is Pondicherry. Birds from Southern India, Ceylon, and the Nepal terai all have the red on the seapulars, those from Burma and the Malay Peninsula are without it. Assam birds are intermediate. A bird from the Mi Nam Kabren, Siam, obtained 12:xi.15 by C. Chunggat, Mr. E.G. Herbert’s Siamese Collector, and now in the Museum, approaches the Ceylon form in having some rufous on the scapulars, but has the black band across the chest. The variation probably depends on climatal conditions. On behalf of Count Nits GyLprnstops, Mr. ScLATER gave the following description of a new Tree-Pie from Siam:— Dendrocitta rufa sakeratensis, subsp. nov. Similar to D. rufa rufa, Scop., from Bengal, but differs in having the brownish-black area on-the head and neck sharply defined from the colour of the upper back, never blending with it as in the typical form ; remainder of upper parts of the body bright ochraceous buff, only slightly washed with clay-colour on the upper back; abdomen and under tail- coverts ochraceous buff, instead of cinnamon-buff. Total length 415 mm., wing 153 mm., tail 236 mm., culmen 27 mm., bill from gape 33 mm., tarsus 31 mm. Iris dark brown, bill black, legs black. 33 [ Vol. xli. Type. Ad. @, collected at Sakerat in Hastern Siam, oth January, 1912. _ Distribution. Apparently only confined to Eastern Siam, and even there comparatively rare. Lorp RoruscuiLp exhibited two new birds discovered by Captain Angus Buchanan in Ashen (Air) in the Central Sahara, which lie described as follows :— Myrmecocichla buchanani, sp. nov. g ad. Upperside blackish brown, crown more brownish and with paler edges to the feathers ; one-half to two-thirds of the basal portion of the inner webs of the primaries white ; tail more blackish. Underside very dark brown, feathers of throat, chest, and breast with pale brownish-grey edges, tinged with buff; ear-coverts uniform deep brown. “ Iris dark brown, bill and feet black.” Wing 110-117, females apparently the smaller ones; tail 76-79, bill from base 22-24 mm. Juv.: Edges to the feathers more rufous. Hab. Damergou and Zinder, south to Kana in Northern Nigeria. Type. In the Tring Museum. 6 ad. Takoukout, Damergou, 1550 feet, north of Kano, 13.11.1920. No. 441. Collected by Angus Buchanan. Named after Captain Buchanan. This form is allied to M. formicivora ethiops, but the bill is longer, the colour of the males not so black, and the edges to the feathers of the throat and breast are lighter and wider. Anthus sordidus asbenaicus, subsp. nov. The Pipit breeding in the mountains of Asben (Air), in the Central Sahara, is, of all the forms known to us, nearest to Anthus sordidus hararensis (A. nicholsont hararensis Neum.) from Harar and Northern Somaliland, but more rufescent, especially on the rump and upper tail-coverts, the chest is less spotted and the flanks paler. There is also, as a rule, less brown on the inner webs of the outermost tail-feathers. Hab. Mt. Baguezan, Asben (Air), Central Sahara, 5200 feet. Vol. xii. ] 34 Tupe. In the Tring Museum. @ ad. Mt. Baguezan, 25.v.1920. No. 632. Angus Buchanan Coll, Captain H. Lynzs exhibited two more new subspecies of birds found by him in Darfur Province, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan :— Micropus equatorialis furensis, subsp, nov. “ Darfur Equatorial Swift.” Intermediate between typical M. wquatorialis and M. e@. lowei Bannerman. Above smoky-brown like the former ; below resembling the latter in the large clearly defined white throat-patch and in the barred white lower breast and belly, but the whole colour paler (like upperside) and the barred white feathering extending also to the flanks and sides of the body. Wing 208 mm., tail 85 mm., tarsus 15 mm., bill 10 mm. Type. In the British Museum. ¢ ad. El Fasher, Darfur, 17.11.20. Collected by Captain Lynes. Four specimens collected at El Fasher :— 3 adult males : wings 206-208 mm., tails 85 mm. 1 adult male : wing 200 mm., tail 85 mm. Obs. Although all specimens were collected at El Fasher (alt. 2600 feet), the birds only came there (probably from the mountains) for half-an-hour each mid-day to drink at the pools. Fringillaria striolata jebelmarre, subsp. nov. ‘“* Jebel Marra Rock-Bunting.” Of similar colour-pattern to F. striolata, but altogether larger and a more richly coloured bird, even than F. saturatior. Whole head, neck, throat, and crop French-grey, streaked with black, heavily above, but so much less so below as to leave the French-grey colour quite predominant. The white superciliary and moustachial streaks are much less distinct than in F’. striolata. Breast, belly, and flanks rich red-brown (Mikado-brown, Ridgway). Wings, tail, and remainder of plumage of similar 35 [Vol. xli. pattern to, but much darker and richer red-brown than, fF, striolata. Female. Similar to female F. striolata, but altogether larger; darker, more richly red-brown coloured throughout. Wing 79 mm., tail 64 mm., tarsus 18 mm., bill 10 mm. Type. In the British Museum. 6 ad. Jebel Marra. Altitude 7100 feet. 5.iv.20. Collected by Captain Lynes. _ Hight specimens collected in Jebel Marra, all above 7000 feet altitude. Five adult males : wings 82-77 mm. ; tails 67-62 mm. Three adult females: wings 78-73 mm.; tails 66-61 mm. Mr. C. Cuuss sent the following communication in regard to the rectification of two specific names :— (1) Pyrrhula cinereola Temm. Pl. Col., Livr. ii. pl. xi. fig. 1 (“ Brésil”’), vol. 111, pl. 96 [ wrongly dated December 1824 in the copy at the British Museum (Natural History) and in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’|; correct date September 1820 has priority over Fringilla hypoleuca Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 26 (1823) (Brazil). | (2) Sporophila intermedia Cab. Mus. Hein. 1. p. 149, note 1851 (Venezuela), must be used for the bird generally known as Lowia grisea Gmelin, which is undeterminable. Mr. Grecory M. Maruews sent the following communi- cation :— Proseisura, gen. nov. Type, Arses lorealis De Vis. Nesoceryx, gen. nov. Type, Charadrius bicinctus Jardine & Selby. ADAMASTOR. The type of Adamastor, Bonaparte, 1856, as now designated, is Procellaria wquinoctialis “ Edw. etc.” = Linné, 1758. [Hpiror’s Norz.—Siphia obscura Sharpe, P.Z.S. 1881, p- 789 (Borneo), Anthipes obscura, Hand-list of Birds, ii. p- 219, 1901= Basileuterus rivularis (Wied), Reise Bras. i. p- 103, 1821 (Villa d’Lhios, Bahia). | Vol. xli.] il J. Lewis Bonnots, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., then addressed the meeting on the subject of Bird Protection, and said :— In reading this short paper on “‘ Bird Protection,” I propose to deal with the subject on very general lines, not discussing the merits or demerits of particular species, but rather to enll your attention to the general principles which must be observed, and on which Protection Laws must be framed if they are to be in any way effective. There is perhaps hardly any subject which is more com- plicated, and in which it is easier to make mistakes, than in legislating hastily for the destruction or protection of any wild species, and a mistake once made is usually irretrievable, as, for instance, the introduction of Rabbits into Australia and Sparrows into North America. We may, first of all, ask ourselves why birds need pro- tection? Why, for instance, in this country we have a bird protection law, but none protecting Hedgehogs, Shrews, and other lower orders of animals? I think the answer is, firstly, that birds are more numerous and more beautiful, thereby attracting our attention; secondly, they are a commercial asset, therefore sought after, either for sport, plumage, or collections, and, lastly, they are both useful and harmful to agriculture. We cannot consider ‘‘ Protection” without also considering “* Destruction.” The economic reason for protection is that the species we protect may destroy other animals or insects which we do not require, or may so increase that we ourselves may destroy it for its food or feathers. Bird Protection in most countries has not, as a whole, been very successful, and the chief reason for the failure or futility of many Bird Protection Laws arises from three main causes :— (i.) Sentimentality. (ii.) Apathy. (ili.) Lack of knowledge. The first is the most powerful, and also the most dan- gerous, of the causes which confront the scientific protector, and on the rare occasions when sentimentality goes with science no further law is necessary. There are many 37 [Vol. xli. instances of this to be found in various parts of the world, and it is probable that the easiest, as well as the most effective, laws are the superstitions which exist among many races—such, for instance, as one in Egypt that demands the killing of certain Lizards; while in this country the halo of sentimentality which surrounds the Robin forms an abso- lutely effective protection for that species. The other two causes—apathy, lack of knowledge—may be taken together and arise from the general slackness of the man in the street, who knows and cares nothing about birds, and the ignorance of our legislators, who, when they are stirred up, frame laws which, if they get through Parliament, pass uncriticised owing to the indifference and apathy of other members. Only a few years back certain of the enactments of the Ministry of Agriculture—who at least should have known better—were obviously likely to be productive of much more harm than good, e.g., the greater liberty allowed to farmers and others to shoot pheasants, one of the best weed and insect killers we have, and more useful than ever when taking into consideration the shortage of labour, owing to the war; while millions of Ducks that were specially numerous in England in the winter 1916-17 were allowed to leave our shores untouched and, too late, the open season was prolonged, causing our own breeding birds to be sacrificed, while valuable food winged its way to other countries. In addition to these, school-boys were to be encouraged to destroy the nests, eggs, and young of Sparrows, a process which is most ill-advised and invariably leads to a great destruction of the more useful insectivorous birds. I only mention these instances to show you how easy it is to make mistakes, and how careful one ought to be before rushing into legislation. Three main causes lead to the necessity of having special legislative Protection for Birds :— (1) Collecting. (2) Sport. (3) Economically, when required for feather, eggs, or food. ad Vol. xli.] 38 The first is the one of which we hear most, and it is, economically, probably the least important. Collectors are not numerous enough, and do not run after a particular species until it has got extremely rare and has ceased to be of any economic importance—then the collector steps in and gives the death blow, and is the proverbial “ last straw.” Consequently it is a spectacular event which calls forth a universal chorus of condemnation. From a sentimental point of view, however, it is right that such species should receive all the protection we can give them, and we have no more right to allow them to be destroyed than we have to allow a collector of pictures to steal a Turner from the National Gallery and destroy it. They are both unique and irreplaceable. The Protection of Birds for Sport needs no comntee Sportsmen are numerous and influential, and they are not likely to exterminate any species and therefore lose their sport ; and as the average sportsman knows the habits of his game, the game protection Jaws are, us a rule, fairly good. Where the sportsman requires watching is regarding the protection of the enemies of his quarry, such as the Hawks and Owls, for here he may, and often does, destroy birds which are economically most useful. On the other hand, it must not be forgotten that certain animals, such as the Fox and Deer, probably owe their continued existence in England owing to their being pro- tected for sporting purposes, and that deer-forests have in many places been instrumental in saving the Golden Hagle. Lastly, birds need protection economically, either when we require them ourselves for food, eggs, or feathers, or to aid us in destroying pests. The former is, in my opinion, by far the more important, though it is for the latter reason that birds have been most protected. Each of these causes requires a special method of Pro- tection, and I purpose taking concrete examples to familiarise you with the main practical methods of Bird Protection :— (1) Collecting. The Kite in®England offers a good example of the steps which it may be necessary to take to save a 39 [ Vol. xli. vanishing species from the collector. A few years ago this species was reduced to nine birds: 45 pairs, of which one pair was barren. Firstly, the species was given absolute protection throughout the year, and the farmers and tenants in the district were interested personally in their protection. In spring the nests were located, the tree surrounded with barbed wire, and two keepers and a watch-dog obtained, to watch the nest night and day. In this manner, and at a cost of £50 to £60 per nest, defrayed by private subscrip-_ tion, this species was able to increase, and has now spread into several other counties. This is an extreme instance of purely esthetic and sentimental protection. (2) The essence of protecting for Sport is the principle of giving absolute protection to a species during the breeding season, and also of artificially increasing the output by hatching and rearing young birds under foster-mothers—the output being increased by removing the eggs from under the birds as soon as they are laid, and extra care in the rearing enables a greater number of the progeny to reach maturity than would es ease under their own parents. (3) A species economically useful for food, eggs, or feathers. Attempts to protect birds for these purposes usually resolve themselves into a fight between the Commercials on the one hand—who are, I am afraid, less alive to the danger of killing the Goose that lays the golden eggs than they should be—and the Sentimentalists who wish to ride rough- shod over the Commercials’ livelihood and the people’s food or pleasure by entirely prohibiting the trade, whatever it may be. In my opinion the sentimentalists are entirely on the wrong track, for, as in the case of the Game Birds, Nature, if properly handled, will provide abundance for man as well as for herself. Sentimentalists seem to forget that had their point of view been followed from the beginning of the world, we should have no wheat nor barley, no sheep, horses, or cattle, for all these species only yield their abundance to man through having been wWtilised and farmed, and not by man being forbidden to use them. Vol. xli.] 40 Some years ago the supply of Plovers’ eggs from Holland tended to diminish, but the authorities there, instead of stopping the trade, which is very large and might have seriously affected certain districts and islands, allowed the taking of eggs up to a certain date, and gave the adult birds absolute protection during the breeding season. The result was that although more eggs were taken every year the number of pairs increased until the country is now holding ‘its maximum quantity of birds, and the number of egyus taken yearly runs into hundreds of thousands. Normally, each pair hatches four young a year, of which probably 50 per cent. die before leaving for their winter quarters. Under the protection some eight eggs or two layings are taken from each pair, that finally lays a third clutch of four eggs, of which, as they are more carefully watched, we may assume that 25 per cent. only die young, leaving a net increase of 25 per cent. on the birds in normal conditions, and, in addition, man has taken his stock of eggs, which has thus given employment and food to hundreds. Yet in the face of this example we still have sentimentalists in England who wish to prevent us eating Plovers’ eggs. The same policy has been applied to the feather trade, and laws prohibiting the export and import of feathers have been passed in some countries, e. g., India and the United States, but I am afraid that these laws will be evaded, and so far I have noticed no diminution in the wearing of aigrettes on ladies’ hats. Let us now consider more particularly the Protection of Birds from the more strictly economical aspect—when we may wish to increase or diminish a species that is already fairly numerous. Before commencing to frame any laws, we must first study and understand the Laws of Nature, which are para- mount, and it can only be by acting through these laws that we can hope for any chance of success. The first and most important of these Laws is that with every species its rate of increase is directly dependent on its food-supply. EE _ — or ee AL [ Vol. xl. Secondly, under normal conditions, no species will ever exterminate the species (be it plant, insect, or animal) on which it preys. This second law is obviously a corollary of the first, since as the species preyed upon becomes scarce, so also will the attacker increase less rapidly and the relative balance between the two species remains un- altered, and a fortiori if the preyed upon species became extinct the attacking species would also have become extinct, unless it had turned its attention to other prey. A third law is, that if birds are granted absolute safety during the breeding season for themselves and their young, man may destroy all he can during the rest of the year without appreciably affecting their numbers. This is one reason why evg-collecting is more harmful than skin- collecting, and also, as I shall attempt to show later, gives us a lead as to the most imp»rtant period in which to concentrate our efforts for the protection or destruction of any particular species. Bearing these points in mind, it is obvious that man must be continually at war with Nature. For instance, man is largely dependent on wheat as his chief food—science and civilisation enable him to grow large tracts of wheat to the exclusion of other plants; these large and concentrated areas of wheat bring about a large increase of grain-feeding birds, more particularly the House-Sparrow, and we should also get an equally large increase of the Sparrows’ enemies, e. g., the Hawks. In this country, however, that is not the case: Ist, because Hawks find chickens, pheasants, and partridges, when being artificially reared, a much easier prey, so that they themselves have been largely kept down in the interests of sport and against the interests of Agriculture. 2nd, because the Sparrow is essentially a town bird, where Hawks dare not follow him, migrating into the wheat fields when the corn is ripe. Thus we see to what depths of complexity we immediately become involyed when thinking out what looks at the outset asa simple problem. In formulating the second law, I stated that under normal Vol. xli’ 42 conditions (7. e., where species have evolved together) the preyer would never exterminate his prey, but if we introduce an alien preyer the case might conceivably be different and that while the balance of Nature is being readjusted, the undesirable species might be exterminated. In theory this is possible, in practice we have never known it to happen. Wither the introduced species will oust entirely or partially the natural enemies of the noxious species so that the next result is unaltered, or he will be unable to adapt himself to his new surroundings, and so die out, or he will find some prey easier to capture than the species we wish exterminated and turn his attention to them, leaving our noxious species untouched. Hence the introduction of an alien species is most strongly to be deprecated, and I have not known of a single successful’ introduction, while the lesson of the Sparrow in America, the Mongoose in the West Indies, and the Rabbit in Australia are surely sufficient in themseives to condemn the practice. The balance of Nature is extremely complex, and in intro- ducing alien species we can never tell what effect it will have, and if the results should be disastrous it will then probably be too late to remedy the evil. Man is by means omnipotent over Nature, he is powerless to exterminate directly any species—witness the abundance of many species of Sparrows, Rats, Mice, Wasps, Fleas, and many other insects which increase and multiply even though in close contact with us in our daily life. Protection Laws are, however, necessary to prevent the absolute Jocal extermination of species that in thickly populated countries have become extremely rare through other causes only indirectly due to man—the Goldfinch, for instance, is much scarcer than it used to be, owing to the better cultivation of the land and the fewer areas of waste land containing its favourite food. It may be argued that since stricter watch has been kept on bird-catchers it has increased, and that may be so, but the days when one bird- catcher used to catch as many as 1154 dozens in a year had 43 [Vol. xli. gone long before the protection laws came to the rescue of the comparative few that remained. _ Another great reason adduced for protecting birds is their usefulness as destructors of insects; but even here the use- fulness of birds may be exaggerated—all insects are seasonal, only appearing in certain stages for a short time in the year,—so that if a species of Bird is to be effective, it. must not only be present when the insect is in the particular stage in which the Bird eats it, but the Bird must either migrate or turn its attention to other food during the rest of the year. ‘Take, for instance, Thrushes, who may do a consider- able amount of good by destroying snails, but they have now become so numerous that the damage they do to fruit in season far more than counterbalances the good that they may do at other times. Then, again, all insects are not injurious, and the number of species of birds that restrict their diet to one kind of insect is very small, so that in protecting an insectivorous bird we may be protecting the enemy of a very injurious insect. or instance, spiders are tit-bits to any insectivorous bird, yet they are the most efficient destructors of flies that are universally acknowledged to be noxious and dangerous to ourselves. Therefore, birds are at the best, merely aids, as the natural enemies of many insects, in destroying a proportion of them ; but, on the ground of our first law, they will never come anywhere near exterminating them, much less exterminating any particularly noxious spécies. When it is necessary to destroy insects, other and artificial means have proved the best—to mention two cases, Mosquitoes and Flies. The former, as is well-known, have been entirely eliminated in some districts by draining the land or spreading a thin film of oil over ponds or marshes, while flies have been largely reduced by the removal of refuse and rubbish heaps and greater general cleanliness. Both these methods agree with the third law in the destruction of breeding-places. These methods have been found quite as efficacious and Vol. xli.] 44 much more certain in their working than the attempted protection of insectivorous birds, who would not devote their whole energies to the particular species which it is necessary to destroy, and which, even if they did, would be unable to eat more than a certain number each day. From these instances we can draw two general deductions, V1Z. :-— (1) That if we wish to destroy any particular pest, artificial means are best, and (2) our efforts should be directed to the breeding-places. Artijicial means are best, because we probably destroy only the one species, and also because we keep the means of repression within our own control. If we attempt to destroy one species by protecting its enemies, we at once upset the balance of Nature. The fly- and mosquito-feeding birds, if we could get them here in sufficient numbers to destroy the mosquitos in autumn, would have to turn to another food in winter when the mosquitos are much fewer, and we could have no guarantee that they would only feed on noxious insects, and thus we get Nature locally in a state of unstable equilibrium, and the matter may easily get beyond our control, whereas by using artificial means we can make it much more effective and we never lose control. The destruction of breeding-places is the most effective of all methods, becanse thereby you can destroy a far greater percentage. Suppose, for instance, it was desirable to destroy Moorhens—a skulking water-bird that wanders into the crops for its food,—to try and shoot it down would be impossible owing to its skulking habits, an increase of natural enemies, such as Hawks, would fail for the same reason. Poisoned grain would destroy other species, but by draining the ponds, destroying the water-yegetation, or even by stocking the ponds with predatory fish, the birds would be bound to die out or to seek other quarters. We must remember that, save in exceptional cases, most species are increasing or decreasing very slowly, because to do so they are largely dependent on the increase or decrease 45 [ Vol. xli. of the species on which they live, 2. ¢., the amount of their food ; consequently, it follows that between, say, 98-100 per cent. of their progeny must be killed before the next breed- ing season, and hence it follows with certainty that if one artificially destroys, say, 50 per cent. of that progeny, Nature’s toll of 98 per cent. of what is left is bound to lead to a decrease of the species. Per contra, and just as surely, if we wish to preserve or protect any animal, we have only to increase its output and Nature does the rest, but in this case we must make sure that the necessary food is also there. G.) The easiest and most successful way is to have a close time in the breeding season, thus preventing the adults from being destroyed, and to reduce, if possible, their enemies during that time. Gi.) To increase, if possible, their food-supply. Of course, if we are protecting a species to destroy a pest, their food is already present, and (iii.) To grow, plant, or otherwise make suitable breeding- places. This last method may be of considerable importance, and there is no doubt that in many places in England birds have been induced to take up their quarters and stay to breed, owing to artificial nest-boxes being placed on trees and other suitable objects. Next in importance to their food is this question of breeding-places, for during the nesting- season many species will not allow another of their own kind within a certain radius ; each pair having, so to speak, an undefined kingdom, on which the intrusion of another of iis kind is violently resented, consequently the benefit of a useful species becomes restricted if there are not enough suitable and scattered breeding-places, in spite of the fact that there may be a superabundance of food. Thus far I have dealt generally with the best methods of increasing or decreasing species without reference to their benefit or the reverse to man, and I have tried to show that the protection of birds is not the best way of dealing with Vol. xli. | 46 insect pests, but none the less they may form a most useful adjunct, and therefore all methods for protecting useful birds should be employed ; but we must be certain that any particular species is useful and for that purpose we must know its food and habits minutely, and on these points our knowledge of birds in general is sadly deficient. Neverthe- less, a purely insectivorous bird is likely to do more good than harm, and hence in default of exact knowledge we shall do well to preserve it. We must remember that not all insects are harmful, and that many species of insects prey on others, and in that way do as much good as many insectivorous birds; also that certain insects are distasteful to birds and consequently no increase of bird-life will affect their numbers, e.g., Goose- berry Moth. The matter is also. further complicated by migration, so that the bird may not be in the country when the insect is in a suitable stage of development ; also the food of many birds varies according to the time of the year, and while eating insects during certain months they may turn their attention to fruit when in season, and for a similar reason a bird may be useful in one country and harmful in another, so that while we are trying to increase the numbers of a certain species all our efforts may be defeated by a reverse process in a neighbouring country. I trust that you will not think that Iam against any pro- tection of birds, far from it, but I am dealing to-day from the purely utilitarian point of view, and therefore for the moment am dealing in the hard facts and banishing all sentimental and esthetic considerations from my arguments. Before concluding, let me roughly summarize the gist of my remarks. The scarcity of any particular species of bird in this country has been primarily due to high cultiva- tion and destruction of suitable breeding-places, and no protection will increase those species, but, owing to their rarity, their eggs and skins have become of value to col- lectors and they are thus in danger of extermination in this country, more especially when they breed here and get their nests robbed, perhaps two or three times yearly. This AT | Vol. xli. is where the harm of egg-collecting comes in, and it is, I regret to say, often indulged in by those who should know better. Much may doubtless be learnt from series of eggs, but the science of oology is still in its infancy, and I would suggest to those students that they would achieve a more useful purpose by accumulating series, where necessary, of the commoner species and leaving rarities alone. Any way, we have to take the world as we find it, and consequently all rare breeding birds should be protected throughout the year. Though less to blame, the skin-collectur is not beyond reproach, as his passion for a “rare bird” has often pre- vented our rarer migrants from settling down to breed, as has been recently shown by the re-establishment of the Bittern on the Norfolk Broads. I am glad to think, however, that the skin-collector is usually a man with a gun—rather than a scientific collector. Beyond this, com- plete protection during the breeding season should be all that is required to keep our native bird fauna, and our present laws are perhaps fairly good on the whole ; they fail in being too much complicated by the innumerable Schedules, which differ according to the. whims of County Councillors, subject to the approval of a Home Secretary who is not chosen for his ornithological knowledge. When any species has been proved to be harmful, then a special and “ official”? campaign should be made against it, rather than by including it in Schedules; and vice versa if it be desired to increase a species, for the increase or decrease of a fairly abundant species cannot be brought about directly, but only by working in conjunction with Nature’s Laws, the two most important of which are Food and Reproduction. Mr. EpGar CHANCE is arranging for Dr. Eugene Ray’s work on the Cuckoo to be translated. Will those interested in becoming possessed of a copy of this translated work communicate with Mr. Chance, who will be pleased to supply details? Address: 9 Hay Hill, W. 1. Vol. xli.] 48 GENERAL INDEX. A General Index to the ‘ Bulletin’ covering volumes 16 to 39 is now ready and can be obtained, price £1, from the publishers, Messrs. Witherby & Co., 326 High Holborn, W.C. The cost of production of this important volume has been very considerable and a serious tax upon the funds of the Club; it is hoped therefore that all members will subscribe for a copy, without which their series of the ‘Bulletin’ will be incomplete. —— The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 8th of December, 1920, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W. 1, the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. L. Bonhote, Park Hill House, Carshalton, Surrey. [N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at Nat. Hist. Museum, South Kensington, and to place in his hands not later than at the meeiing MSS. for publication in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) W. L. Sciater, Percy R. Lows, J. L. Bonnors, Chairman. Editor. Sec. § Treas. BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. A — a No. CCLV. ( JAN 14 1926 / % ee. \Vational wee 5 Tue two-hundred-and-fifty-second Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48, Great Portland Street, W.., on Wednesday, December 8th, 1920. Chairman: W. L. ScuatEer, M.A. Members present :—H. H. Apams ; HE. C. Stuart BaKer ; KE. Briowett; P. A. Buxton; R. W. CuHase; C. Cuuss ; J.P. STEPHENSON CLARKE; Colonel STEPHENSON R. CLARKE; H. V. Harte; Rev. J. R. Hate; EH. C. Harpy; Dr. EH. Hartert; G. R. Humpureys; Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain; N. B. Krynzar; Dr. H. Laneron; Dr. P. R. Lowe (Editor) ; C. W. MackwortH-Prasgp ; Lt.-Colonel H. A. F. Macrata ; Dr. P. H. Manson-Banr; G. M. Maruews ; Colonel R. MervertzHacen ; H. Munt; H. R. Mount; D. W. Musset- wuHitte; T. H. Newman; C. OLtpHam; C. H. Pearson; W. E. Renavt; C. B. Rickert; H. C. Ropinson; Lord Roruscuitp; Sir Marcoum C. C. Seron; A. G. L. SLADEN ; J. Stewart; C. G. Tatspor-Ponsonspy; Dr. C. B. Ticruurst; Dr. N. F. Ticuaurst; K. G. R. Vamey ; H. F. Wiraersy. Guests :—C. T. Baker; B. J. Berrineron; R. I. { December 241h, 1920. ] a VOL, XLI. Vol. xii. | 50 Finnts; D. E. W. Grsp; E. Hartiayp; J. E. Horson ; H. G. Sroxes ; Sir Percy Sykes, K.C.B.; T. WELLs. Colonel STEPHENSON R. CLARKE exhibited a Barbet which he proposed to name after Sir Drummond Chaplin, K.C.M.G., Administrator of Southern Rhodesia, Lybius chaplini, sp. nov. Crown, neck, all the under parts, axillaries, and under wing-coverts white. Cheeks white, with pointed scarlet tips to many of the feathers. Lores and eyebrows scarlet. Back dark brown interspersed with a few white feathers, which increase in number on the rump. Wings dark brown, broadly margined on the outer web with yellow ; primaries more narrowly margined with the same colour. Tail-feathers dark brown. Bill and feet blackish grey. Culmen 25 mm., wing 92, tail 57, tarsus 25. Type in the British Museum. Collected by himself on the Kafue River, North-Western Rhodesia; latitude 16° south, and longitude 26° east. Reported as female by native skinner. This increases the number of known white-headed Barbets to four. Of these, L. senex from British East Africa has a white tail, and none of the four species, except L. chaplini, has the face and wing markings resembling those of the black-headed species, L. rubrifacies, from Uganda. Dr. Lows congratulated Col. Stephenson Clarke on the discovery of as interesting a bird as they had seen for a long time. Whatever its exact status might be found to be in the future, it was just one of those specimens which ought to be treasured as likely to increase our knowledge of the inception of species. He was inclined to think that this specimen might be one of several things :— (a) An isolated instance of hybridism between two : ( JAN 14 1920) 51 N [ Vol. xli. Se wh? “SSeiong) Mur” - contingent species, such as LL. rubrifacies and L. leucogaster ; (b) A representative of an intermediate or mongrel race with a definite intermediate distribution ; (c) A case of a partial albinistic variation of L. rubri- facies or some closely allied, but as yet unknown, species. Mr. W. L. Scuarer felt that there were not sufficient grounds for Dr. Lowe’s hypothesis, and thought that this bird should come under the ordinary category of a “ good species.” ; Captain H. Lynus, R.N., who is now on his way back to Kordofan, sent for exhibition a new species of Pigmy Bustard, which he proposed to call Lophotis savilei, sp. nov. ies) A very small Bustard, allied to the Lophotis, nape-tufted group (Sharpe, Cat. B. xxiii. p. 283), whose representatives have hitherto only been found in the eastern parts of Africa (Somali-land to §.H. Africa). Adult male in breeding-plumage. Above. General colour light sandy-rufous (light pinkish- cinnamon, Ridgway), varied with irregular blackish markings, consisting of (a) streaks and arrow-heads on the shafts and irregular sprinklings and small blotches on the webs of the feathers of the back, scapulars, and inner wing-coverts, and (6) heavy vermiculations considerably darkening the general appearance of the rump and upper tail-coverts. Below. From upper part of crop to under tail-coverts, axillaries, flanks, and sides of body black, steel-glossy on breast and belly, elsewhere glossless. Wing. Quills brownish black, all except the first primary with from one to four comparatively small cream-coloured bars across the inner or both webs. Upper coverts: the (mostly concealed) basal part of the feathers sandy-rufous speckled with blackish, fading to uniform pale cream on the Vol. xli.] 52 terminal and visible third so as to form a wide and con- spicuous whitish border between the quills and the mottled sandy body. Under surface of wing sepia, uniform save for the pale quill-bars and the lesser coverts, which form a con- spicuous black patch extending to the edge and angle of the wing. Flead. Top of head, forehead to occiput, and a small patch between lores and ear-coverts ash-grey ; chin and throat nearly white, with a glossy black central streak broadening and terminating abruptly in an oval patch about 12 mm. wide between the cheek-bones. Remainder of head whitish, with tints of sandy or grey or pinkish-buff ; the ear-coverts darkest. Nape with a slightly recurved brush-shaped tuft of pale vinous-red feathers projecting about 15 mm. Neck behind dull sandy-rufous ; in front ash-grey, broad- ening below to meet the black crop and at the sides shading’ into the colour of the hind-neck. On each side of the base of neck a small but conspicuous shoulder-strap. of pure white (feathers thereby made skewbald), separating the black crop from the sandy-rufous body. Bill yellowish clay, brownish on culmen. Feet pale yellowish clay. Iris pale clay speckled with brown. The down-feathers are almost entirely coloured rich brick- red by a pigment which is not “ fast”? and sheds a powdery deposit if the feathers are pressed or moistened, and the same pigment pervades and colours the bases of nearly all the contour-feathers, rhachi included. Notr.—The above description is taken from the type- specimen, which is in moderately worn plumage, about to breed. It is evident from a few new feathers in this and other specimens that when freshly moulted the ground- colour of the upper surface has a somewhat darker and distinctly more vinous (than sandy) tint. Type. In the British Museum. An adult male from near Nahud, Western Kordofan. Collected on 22nd May, 1920, by Captain Lynes. 53 [Vol. xli. Dimensions of the type:—Wing 230 mm., tail 129 mm., _tarsus 73 mm., bill 31 mm. 6 specimens collected in Darfur and Western Kordofan. 4 adult males. Wings 230-247 mm., tails 120-129 mm. 1 young male. Wing 230 mm. (very worn), tail 128 mm. 1 male (in spirit). I name this species in honour of Colonel Savile Pasha, the first British Governor of Darfur. Dr. C. B. Ticrnurst gave a short account of the Avifauna of Mesopotamia, and made the following remarks :—As no doubt many of you are aware I have heen engaged for some time past in working out the Birds of Mesopotamia from the field-notes and collections (2500 specimens) made by the British Expeditionary Force during the late war, a long and difficult work which is now nearing completion, and which I hope, early next year, will be published by the Bombay Natural History Society. I thought, therefore, that it might interest members if I made here a few remarks on the subject and exhibited a few of the more interesting birds. Mesopotamia is* for the most part alluvial plain, cultivated in the neighbourhood of canals and rivers, or in places given over to scrub jungle, while away from irri- gation it is barren and the lower part absolutely stoneless. Above the Median Wall, however, N. of Baghdad, commences undulating tableland more or less stony and rocky, and rocky cliffs are to be found bordering the Tigris, while at Fatah Gorge the Jebel-Hamrin range crosses the Tigris, and running 8.H. to Ahwaz, forms the eastern boundary. The western boundary is the edge of the Arabian desert bordering the Euphrates. Trees, except the date palm, are everywhere comparatively scarce. In the plain, due to overflowing of the rivers, there are many large swamps, some permanent, some temporary. Such then, is a rough outline of the country. The fauna is essentially Palearctic, and many of the species are those we are accustomed to in Europe. It is, a3 Vol. xli.] 54 however, the meeting ground of Hast and West with a pre- dominance of East. A great many of the winter visitors belong to the eastern forms of European species and a few to the western, and here we have them wintering side by side, as Sazicola x. rubicola and S. r. maura, Phylloscopus ce. collybita and Ph. c. tristis, etc.; so, too, with passage migrants we find Ph. t. trochilus and Ph. t. eversmanni passing together, Muscicapa grisola grisola and M. g. neu- manni, etc. While Mesopotamia can boast a goodly list of passage migrants and winter visitors, its breeding species are comparatively few. Some of these are summer visitors, such as Aédon g. familiarts and Sylvia. mystacea repre- senting the east and Hirundo rustica and Riparta riparia representing the west; but most species are resident, as Prina, Crateropus, Melanocorypha, Galerida, and many others. But it is the resident species which are, perhaps, of most interest, as it can be only recently that most of Mesopotamia emerged from the sea. Lung ago the Tigris entered the sea 400 miles above where it does now, and in Assyrian times the sea is supposed to have reached Ur of the Chaldees, one hundred and eighty miles from Fao. So it is of peculiar interest to know whence this plain has been populated by its present residents. Some we find have evidently come down from the Persian hills, such as Prea p. bactriana, Crateropus ¢. huttoni, some have extended in from Palestine—the Ammomanes, Passer domesticus and moabiticus. Of Indo-Beluchi forms there are a few, such as Sarcogrammus indicus, Prinia g. lepida, Coracias benghal- ensis, Alemon, etc., while the Ethiopian region contributes Plotus rufus, Pyrrhulauda frontalis, and perhaps others. Comparatively few birds have segregated out into local recognizable races, but amongst these are Ammoperdix, Francolinus, Corvus c. capellanus, Alectoris, Pycnonotus leucotis, but the last two are not quite confined to Meso- potamia, while the only species peculiar are meee ls eee ee eerie tae oe Descriptions of new subspecies from Cyrenaica :—Parus ceruleus cyrenaice and Troglodytes troglodytes junipert .... TREDALE, Tom. Exhibition and description of a new race of Grey Pharalope (Phalaropus fulicarius jourdaint) from Spitzbergen ........ JourpDaAI, Rev. F. C. R. Exhibition of specimens obtained by the Oxford University Expedition to Norway and Spitzbergen...............0.. Remarks on the recently described race, Phalaropus FUNCARTUS FOUL AGIND . 5. appeetecly ste ateles hye ees ee aa Exhibition of eggs of Branta leucopsis, B. bernicla bernicla, and Anser brachyrhynchus from Spitzbergen, with remarks on their breéeding-habits; Wii Seamer cuiiek tao center Account of the bird-life met with during the Expedition to Bear Island and -Spitzbergen Wier: oakasdtl 300% Description of a new species of Minivet, Pericrocotus montpelliert, from §.E, Yunnan .......... banmaoo Den Boar Lewis, Sir THoMAS. Exhibition of Lantern-slides........ Pia eM ae Ae Lows, Dr. Percy R. Remarks on the systematic position of Pmwcile atricapillus pecilopsis Sharpe ........ nn we EOI OE BE Eons «1 Batch en Remarks on Oreophilus ruficollis totanirostris Lesson .... Remarks on the status of Charadrius placidus Gray MeEapr-Waxpo, E. G. B. Remarks on the habits of Sand-Grouse in captivity...... VOU. XLII, ., b Page 29 90 XVIII MEINERTZHAGEN, Mrs. A. C. Description of a new race of the Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricarius oreophilos) from the British Islands ............ MEINERTZHAGEN, Col. R. Description of a new race of Rock-Pigeon (Columba livia butler?) from the Red Sea Province of the Sudan .......... Remarks on the recently described race, Phalaropus fulcarinus jourdain Tredale oi. st ieee oe es cote eee Description of a new subspecies of Tree-~Creeper (Certhia himalayana limest) from Gilgit... 1.0... cee eee eee ee ee ees Mount, H. Re-election as Hon. Auditor .................. Nico, M. J. Exhibition and descriptions of new subspecies (Galerida cristata halfe and Charadrius varius allenby?) from Egypt .. OédLoeicaL CxivB, Decision of Committee of B.O. U. not to publish any further proceedings of the ................0- OdLoeicaL Dinner, The Tenth, Proceedings of ............ The Eleventh, Proceedings of.......... Pearson, T. GILBERT, Address on the Conservation of Bird-life in N. America.. Rosinson, H. C. Description of a new race of Blue Flycatcher from Annam, Cyornis vubeculordes Klosst rine 2 sc 'cinp on 0 o's o> tie ont oho Roruscuixp, Lord, Exhibition of fossil eggs of Struthiolithus sp. from Province of Houan, Chins...".s.\. ss cee eRee Eee ht ete as eke ——.,, and Dr. E. Harverr. Description of a new subspecies of Racquet-tailed King- fisher (T'anysiptera dune intensa) from New Guinea ...... — 114 . 53 78 1389 12 71, 123 91 Ruts, Alteration of the ,....... ear haa tek Se ScLaTER, W. L. Annual Address for the Session ................:- Hye Notes on some African birds, with description of a new subspecies, Tyto alba erlangert, and Yungipicus obsoletus (es RABSD TONGAN E NOXCh ga oy Pa AA OI Rah al ae al Da saeciiaieatey cuca an Notes on some African birds, and new names proposed for Buceros leucopygius Dubois and Bycanistes sharpit duboist a Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of African birds, and descriptions of two new subspecies :—T?richolema leucomelan namaqua and Micropus caffer ansorget ........6+ Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of African birds, with new generic and specific names :—Lremvalector, Lremialector burchelli, Stephanotetus, Cassindetus, and Tropi- SAAC MMe ce I TURP ata vta tial vac le eee ohare siievesein etsy el eOutanatecs [SUT S55 Ge ey RUPEE 21 SPR an og AR eS ric HR Ric RAR Congratulations to Mr. G. L. Bates on success‘of his HLeapy VER UCOTINE J's) Ven, of ern haga Mele ysy eae) ofa lehscoekeistcrerecel so, 5) ske) sted SHGCRMEARY. , Ine-clection of J. i. Bonhote ye... 254.56. SETH-Smiru, D. Ppcinibrtion! of Warmtern=slid estes. 5 ye aeisieroeiel eld icko sieht ele Swann, H. Krrxe. Remarks on a recent visit to some of the principal museums in the Eastern States, and descriptions of two new subspecies :—Falco columbarius bendirer and F. rusticolus cy ESTELLE SB SOME Che ee oR HRT Re Ca icine Patt Stig bie Exhibition of two Kestrels from Wad Medine, Blue Nile, and remarks on Colonel Meinertzhagen’s observations...... Exhibition, on behalf of Dr. Casey Wood, of photographs and a fossil ez supposed to be that of Phaethon flavirostris . i) 44. 63 OF bo 65 134 143 XX Ticruvrst, Dr. C. B. Exhibition of a series of the young of the Common Indian Sand-Grouse (Pterocles senegalensis), illustrating the stages of plumage from the chick to the adult Descriptions of new races of Indian birds :—Dendrocitta vagabunda saturatior, Pyctorhis sinensis saturatior, and Otus bakkamena deserticolor ete 0. «ease 6.00. 0 2 0 «ele Bt © 6.86 60 5) 6 0s elererm Exhibition of chicks in down and young in various stages of growth of the Spotted Sand-Grouse (Pterocles senegallus), with remarks .. Exhibition of the young in down, immature and adult, of Phalacrocorax nigrogularis Forbes & Grant Descriptions of new races of Indian birds :—Tarsiger chryseus whistleri, Otus bakkamena gangeticus, and O. b. marathe cleovuvveeceseeecaedve tase sceCueuseacneceurcennvsesé we TREASURER. Statement of Accounts WiurHERBY, H. F. Exhibition of some Spanish birds, with description of a new subspecies of Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Dryobates medius liliane i Wo.tasron, Dr. A. F. R. Exhibition of a series of lantern-slides taken during the Mt. Everest Expedition of 1921 Woop, Dr. Casry. See Swann, H. KIRKE. .......++50000% Page 119 120 47 90 143 OOLOGICAL CLUB. LIST OF AUTHORS AND THEIR EXHIBITS. Baxer, E. C Sruart. Exhibition of eggs of Oriental Game-Birds, with remarks BRP OUINB EE Ee nla) sie setetanl uae aa area ae oe BpupoveDDtoUGoS b “Cuckoos—some Theories about the Birds and their Bonuots, J. L. Exhibition of eggs of the Cuckoo ...... AC CREROD ee ome Bunyarp, P. F. Exhibition of eggs of Razorbill, Common Guillemot, Brunnich’s Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Little Auk, and TE USSU, ee a pea Heh vie ME on NBII re nAI I ede ERD ARE Exhibition of nest-feathers, down, and eggs of the Buffel- Ine BPIO) EUG ey deo8 ph ei a dopant ne Gees 9 ai ee partes celal Exhibition of eggs of Larks, Wagtails, Pipits, and BSE MUON Stanitecl yf snaecs! Ay ssfsaakebet scl scabsla- «4/8 .g-a7 1-4 sh ule eaaiol he aa Exhibition of eges of the American Stint, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Solitary Sandpiper .....2..4.<«anceweee © CaRROLL, C. J. Exhibition of a large series of eggs of the Guillemot and SERA ZOMG POM Ap wsge we Warew a ea Sewed eich sh ahcuach eas’) 5) ev Gc cl'ey ah shes shone terete eaUeel eIeaToes Exhibition of a clutch of eggs of the Blackcap of a salmon- uk GOlOUM CRM Ee 6 aA 0 ee MIRC Inns EA EA ASE Shir es Cuancr, E. Exhibition of eges of Pipits and Wagtails............. i CocHRAneE, Capt. Exhibition of eggs of Stubble Quail and Painted Quail ., Page 93-112 144 38-41 36 XXII Crosorr, I. T. Page Exhibition of eggs of Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Pun, Quail, and Ptarmigan ™..-. 4. ./ <