Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/281

Rh from their families, it would occupy too much space to individualise each species under separate headings, therefore I will only comment upon those deserving note at the conclusion of the following list.

Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Turnstone, Starling, Glossy Ibis, Common Cuckoo, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Kingfisher, Black Redstart, Common Redstart, Pratincole, Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor: I mention the scientific name of this bird to distinguish it from others of the same family), Common Bittern, Crane, Storm Petrel, Nightjar, Razorbill, Blue-headed Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Turtle Dove, and Quail. All these birds have been obtained by Mr. Micallef, principally during the spring and autumn migrations. He pointed out to me several immature specimens of the Razorbill; adding that in one winter he secured thirty-four of these birds, all being young birds of the year.

At home I have had occasion to note and comment upon the irregular visits of the Razorbill, particularly along the shores of the Solway, where in some winters immature birds are extremely abundant, adult specimens being rarely found among them; while other winters pass without the appearance of a single specimen.

Three specimens of the Quail were also shown to me, one being plentifully suffused with bright yellow, the remaining two being of a dark reddish-brown colour, similar to that of the Red Grouse. In Malta, where Quails are so abundant on migration, it is not surprising to find some slight variation in size or colouring of plumage occurring.

Mr. Micallef has in his possession two specimens of the Nightjar, which at once attract the attention of an ornithologist. This is the species known as the Red-necked Nightjar, a species distinct from the common or Egyptian forms, and very rare.

The Whooper Swan is unquestionably of rare occurrence in Malta, being essentially an inhabitant of the far north; yet four specimens were shot on the Marsa during the month of March, 1898.

The Common Starling is known to almost everyone; but Mr. Micallef pointed out a specimen totally devoid of those markings so conspicuous on the British bird. This is the