observed in the Islands of Malta and Gozo. 69 



au island not much favoured by the song of birds. One of these 

 birds, fed on bread and milk, throve and sang in confinement. 



119. Sylvia melanocephala. (Sardinian Warbler.) 

 Busueida, Maltese (in allusion to its black head). 



This is another strikingly pretty little Warbler, which visits 

 Malta from southern Europe and northern Africa. It generally 

 appears in the winter months, which has given rise to another 

 local name by which it is also known, Ghasfur tal Maltemp, or 

 the " Bird of Bad Weather." It is never very numerous, and in 

 some years is not often met with. The locality mentioned as a 

 good one for the last two species is also a favourite resort of the 

 Sardinian Warbler. When disturbed, it flits along the ground 

 in a slinking manner to the nearest bush, into which it enters so 

 rapidly that it is difficult to catch more than a glimpse of its 

 outspread tail before it disappears from view ; and if the bush 

 furnishes a good hiding-place, it will not readily move out again. 

 Its characteristic note is powerful and harsh, resembling the 

 winding of a clock; it has also another note, "chuck-chuck-chuck." 

 It is not unfrequeutly seen amongst thickets of cactus [Cactus 

 opuntia), with which this island abounds ; and it is also partial 

 to gardens. I have never known it breed here. 



120. Sylvia provincialis. (Dartford Warbler.) 

 Included in Schembri's Catalogue from the capture of a single 



specimen. Is found in North Africa. 



121. Phyllopneuste trochilus. (Willow Warbler.) 

 Bu-fula, Maltese. 



A bird of passage in March, April, September, and October. 

 It does not appear to be very common ; but in the above seasons 

 I have obtained several specimens — in the latter chiefly the young 

 of the year. 



122. Phyllopneuste rufa. (Chifi'chafi'.) 

 Bu-fula, Maltese. (Father of a Bean.) 



Arriving in autumn, after passing the summer in Europe, the 

 Chiff'chaff' remains with us all the winter. During that season 

 until spring, when it is joined by new-comers, it is one of the 

 most familiar birds, being generally spread over the country, in 



