observed in the Islands of Malta and Gozo. 55 



hemp and other seeds readily. It lived till the following August, 

 when, like most pets, it came to an untimely end. 



49. Emberiza hortulana. (Ortolan Bunting.) 

 Ortulan, Maltese. 



Not uncommon in some years. It appears in spring and 

 autumn — in March and April in the former, and in September 

 and October in the latter season. It is fond of bathing itself in 

 pools formed by the rain in the rocks. 



50. Emberiza schceniclus. (Reed Bunting.) 



This is another of the Buntings, which only at long and irre- 

 gular intervals favours us with a visit. I obtained one on the 13th 

 November, 1860, andanother on the 14th November, 1861. 



51. Emberiza miliaria. (Common Bunting.) 

 Duraisa, Maltese. 



This well-known bird is more or less common during the 

 greater part of the year. It is especially abundant in the breed- 

 ing-season, in March, April, and May, when its nest is one of the 

 commonest of the few found here. 



52. Emberiza nivalis. (Snow Bunting.) 



Schembri mentions two individuals having been taken alive, 

 in the autumn of 1840, by a man netting for Larks. 



53. Regulus cristatus. (Golden-crested Regulus.) 

 Ziemel, Maltese. 



54. Regulus ignicapillus. (Fire-crested Regulus.) 

 Ziemel, Maltese. 



Both these species have been taken in the winter months ; 

 and I have a specimen of the Fire-crested Regulus which was 

 shot by Mr. J. Home on the 5th November, 1860. They both 

 appear to be somewhat rare, although no doubt they often escape 

 detection, 



55. CoRvus frugilegus. (Rook.) 

 Corvu or Ciaulun, Maltese. 



A bird of passage in October and November, when it gene- 

 rally appears in small flocks. In the winters of 1861-62 and 

 1862-63 it was very common, and remained on the island several 

 months, associating with Jackdaws and Starlings. This year I 



