Capt. G. E. Shelley on Egyptian Ornithology. 313 



these birds on their way north. At times they have crowded 

 the bank like an array, and I have seen large sandbanks in the 

 river white with them ; yet I believe they never remain in the 

 country to breed. 



186. CicoNiA NIGRA (L.). Black Stork. 



I met with this bird occasionally on the sand-banks, always 

 singly, but could never get within shot. I have seen several 

 specimens which had been brought from Egypt. 



187. Ardea cinerea, L. Common Heron. 



To be met with daily throughout Egypt and Nubia on every 

 sand-bank, often in considerable numbers, in company with 

 Pelicans, Spoonbills, and Waders. 



188. Ardea purpurea, L. Purple Heron. 



Seen on several occasions by Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1867, 

 p. 70). I have seen a specimen shot by Mr. Josceline Amherst 

 on the Nile this year. It is very abundant in the Fayoom. 



189. Herodias alba (L.). Great White Heron. 



I met with this Heron occasionally in the Fayoom ; and I 

 also frequently saw flocks of Great White Herons on Lake 

 Mareotis, near Alexandria. 



190. Herodias garzetta (L.). Little Egret. 



We first met with this bird at Sioot, on the 5th of February ; 

 but it was not plentiful until April, when it had just put on 

 its full breeding-plumage. It feeds exclusively on small fishes. 

 The beak and legs are black, the feet a greenish yellow, irides 

 pale yellow. 



191. Ardeola russata (Wagl.). BufF-backed Heron. 

 Very abundant in Egypt, especially in the Delta, where it 



may be seen feeding in flocks among the cattle without the least 

 fear of man. It does not acquire its full breeding-plumage 

 before May. 



192. Ardeola comata (Pall.). Squacco Heron. 



This bird is not often met with by the Nile traveller, as it 

 does not arrive in Egypt before the latter end of April. I shot 

 the first specimen that I saw on the 1st of May, below Dendera; 



