observed in the Islands of Malta and Gozo. 61 



species. It delights in the wastes and desert tracts of the 

 island. At the commencement of autumn it gathers together 

 in flocks, which appear to be joined by numerous fresh comers 

 from the north ; but all speed away long before the winter sets in. 



81. Alauda lusitanica (Gmel.). (Cream-coloured Lark.) 

 The capture of a single specimen, of which the skin is in the 



possession of Signor Schembri, entitles it to a place in this 

 catalogue. 



82. Alauda calandra. (Calandra Lark.) 

 Calandra, Maltese. 



An annual visitor in March and October, and a few may not 

 unfrequently be detected by their larger size amongst flocks of 

 Skylarks. It cannot, however, be said to be very common. 

 Numbers are yearly imported from Sicily, and kept as cage-birds 

 for their song, which is too powerful for a room. A good 

 songster is much esteemed, and fetches a high price. 



83. Anthus richardi. (Richard^s Pipit.) 

 Bilblun selvag, Maltese. 



Accidental. In the spring of 1853 I was so lucky as to shoot 

 one of two which appeared on Fort Manoel Island. My atten- 

 tion was attracted by its exceedingly sharp and powerful note. 

 Another is recorded as having been taken in October. 



84. Anthus campestris. (Tawny Pipit.) 

 Bilblun, Maltese. 



Common from March to May, and again in the autumn. I 

 have never seen it in winter. 



85. Anthus pratensis. (Meadow Pipit.) 

 Pespus tal giargir, Maltese. 



Exceedingly plentiful in October and November, and com- 

 mences arriving when the Short-toed Larks disappear. A good 

 many stay the winter. Passes again in March. 



86. Anthus cervinus. (Red-throated Pipit.) 



That no notice has been taken of this species as a visitor to 

 Malta is probably owing to its having been considered only a 

 variety. The first specimen that fell into my hands was shot 

 on the 7th April, 1860, by Signor Pace, who kindly gave it to me. 



