observed in the Ionian Islands, 6jc. 347 



having once seen two specimens on the race- course in April 

 1857. 



197. Night Heron. {Ardea nycticorax.) 



Tolerably common in Epirus, arriving in INIarch, and remain- 

 ing only a short time on its passage northwards. Common on 

 the Lake of Scutari in August, where it doubtless breeds. 



198. Common Bittern. [Botaurus stellaris.) 



Common in Epirus from October till May. Its abundance or 

 scarcity seems to depend on the severity of the weather. I do 

 not think the Bittern breeds in Epirus, at all events not in those 

 parts of that province with which I have any acquaintance, but 

 it is found throughout the year in some of the marshes of 

 Albania and Dalmatia. 



199. Little Bittern. {Ardetta minuta.) 



Arrives in considerable numbers in Corfu and Epirus in April, 

 and remains to breed, leaving the country about the end of 

 September. In Corfu they are often to be found perched in 

 the olives near the marshes, motionless, with outstretched neck, 

 and beak pointing to the sky. More than once I have caught 

 this species with my hand ; and my old retriever often brought 

 me Little Bitterns alive, in the marshes of Butrinto, where I have 

 found the nest in a tamarisk a few inches above the water. 

 The curious habits of this species make it an interesting pet, 

 though I have not found it easy to keep it alive for any length of 

 time. All the birds of this species from Holland, which I have 

 at different times procured in Leadeuhall Market, were more or 

 less injured about the eyes. 



200. White Stork. (Ciconia alba.) 



Arrives in Epirus in March, and breeds on the house-tops. 

 Two pairs nested and reared their young annually on the top of 

 the old fort, known as the Aga's house, at Butrinto. The Ma- 

 homedan population protect the Stork, and consider it a bird of 

 good omen. 



201. Black Stork. {Ciconia nigra.) 



This species is very rare in these parts. The bird-stuffer at 

 Corfu told me, that two specimens only had passed through his 



