Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/282

256 variety known as Sturnus unicolor, and only wanders to the Mediterranean in very cold seasons.

The Bittern and Golden Oriole pass the island on migration, the last named being a very rare wanderer to the British Islands; while it breeds in Greece, Sicily, the Balearic Islands, Spain, and France.

—Both species frequent the different harbours around Malta between the months, of October and January.

—These birds are common in the winter months, but the majority leave the island in the spring months for their breeding grounds, probably Spain, where they are abundant.

—During my stay in Malta (two years and a half) I saw only three of this species.

—White and Grey Wagtails common during the winter months.

—The Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and Hawfinch. The first three named species are common on migration; the Hawfinch is much scarcer, and is obtained generally in the autumn. The whole of these birds are much prized by the Maltese as cage pets.

—I have only seen two Siskins personally in the open, and these were obtained by a birdcatcher; but I am informed they visit the island from time to time in large numbers.

—I have observed several Linnets in the vicinity of Citta Vecchia, but, as yet, nowhere else upon the island, except at Manoel, where four were caught in a field near the camp.

—Upon two occasions only have I seen and handled a pair of Nightjars, although the bird is said to be plentiful on migration. I examined one at Manoel on November 7th, 1896. Its appearance is unusual on the island at this period of the year.

—The Skylark is somewhat plentiful on the island.

—Quails are extremely abundant all over the island during the migratory seasons, but particularly in April and May. One single specimen was shot on the shore at Manoel, November 7th, 1896; while as late as December 8th, 1896, six specimens were shot near the same place.

—Saw several specimens near Pembroke camp between May 10th and 31st, 1896.