observed in the Islands of Malta and Gozo. 63 



in its notCj both in spring and autumn, which they consider 

 different from that of M. flava and M. cinereocapilla. If this be 

 true, it is rather an important fact in favour of its being a dis- 

 tinct species. They are all caught in nets during their migra- 

 tions, and are frequently kept in shops and houses for killing 

 flies. 



92. Oriolus galbula. (Golden Oriole.) 



Taira safra (Yellow Bird), adult; Taira hadra (Green Bird), 

 female and young, Maltese. 



This strikingly beautiful bird is a regular visitor in spring, 

 and arrives in small flocks. It would probably breed here, if not 

 disturbed. It is very common sometimes in Sant' Antonio 

 Gardens, and is very destructive to the fruit of the Japan Med- 

 lars [Mespilus japonica), of which it appears to be exceedingly 

 fond. Occasionally, adult females, probably old birds, are found 

 in the brilhant plumage of the males. A few also pass in Sep- 

 tember. 



93. TuRDUS-MERULA. (Blackbird.) 

 Malvitz isued (Black Thrush)^ Maltese. 



Arrives annually in October and November. A few remain 

 the winter, individuals having been taken in December, January^ 

 February, and even in March. Leaves in spring. 



94. TuRDUs TORQUATUS. (Ring Ouzel.) 



Malvitz tas-sidra baida (White-chested Thrush), Maltese. 



Arrives about the same time as the other Thrushes, but it is 

 one of the rarest. Nevertheless a winter seldom passes without 

 some being taken. 



95. TuRDUs Musicus. (Song Thrush.) 

 Malvitz, Maltese. 



Very abundant in October and November, and a few continue 

 to be seen till December. It repasses in March. 



96. TuRDUs viscivoRUS. (Missel Thrush.) 

 Malvitzun (Large Thrush). 



A specimen was obtained by me on the 1st February, 1861, 

 and another by Mr. J. Home on the 2nd December the same 

 year. I obtained a third in the winter of 1862, and two others 

 in the autumn of this year (1863). 



