84 INIr. W. C. Tiiit on the Birds of Portugal. 



for comparison with my own; there are very few reference- 

 books on natural history in the Public Library, especially on 

 ornithology. I take this opportunity of acknowledging the 

 kind and ready assistance of Professor Alfred Newton, of 

 Cambridge, who has been good enough to write me very full 

 particulars in reply to my queries on various points. 



The classification which I have followed in this list is that 

 given in Dresser's list of European birds, but in a. very few 

 instances I have ventured to add a third name on the tri- 

 nomial system. I find it much against the grain to give 

 names of specific weight to closely allied races. 



j4 List of Birds observed in Portugal, with Special Reference 

 to those met ivith in the neighbourhood of Oporto. 



1. TuRDUs viscivoRUs. " Tordcia,'-" Oporto j '' Tordeira/' 

 '' Tordoveia,'^ Coimbra. 



Abundant, at all events in the north of Portugal, where 

 it breeds. It is found also in the extreme south, on the 

 Serra de Monchique, and I have met with it at Abrantes. 

 Dr. Jose Maria Rosa de Carvalho informs me that it is com- 

 mon near Coimbra. I have received eggs from the Beira. 

 I have generally found only three eggs in the nests of this 

 species in Portugal. In the year 1878, I saw one bird at 

 the mouth of the river Douro, which commenced to sing as 

 early as Dec. 3rd. 



2. TuRDUS Musicus. " Tordo,^' Oporto and Portugal 

 generally ; " Tordo branco/' Coimbra. 



This bird arrives in Portugal in the beginning of October, 

 passes the winter here, and is sometimes met with as late as 

 the end of March or even the beginning of April, being most 

 abundant during its passage south in November. When it 

 arrives in Portugal, the grapes are already gathered, and 

 therefore it does not damage the vineyards, as it is reported 

 to do in France. It is very fond of the small Portuguese 

 olives, and probably assists in the disjsersal of the seeds of 

 small stone-fruits. When on passage, the birds usually travel 

 singly, in pairs, or in small flocks. It has not yet been 



