Birds of Astrakhan. 215 



TURDUS PILARIS. 



The Fieldfare is principally seen near Astrakhan on mi- 

 gration^ especially in autumn. Very few stop the winter. 



Merula merula. 



The Blackbird is also principally seen on migration, very 

 rarely in winter, 



Sturnus vulgaris. 



The Starling is exceedingly common near Astrakhan in 

 summer, and makes- its nest in holes in trees, holes in the 

 banks, and in the thatched roofs. Unfortunately Henke did 

 not bring any skins of this species from Astrakhan, so that 

 it is doubtful which of the various forms of coloration to 

 which this bird is subject is found there. 



Pastor roseus. 



The Rose-coloured Pastor is not very frequently met with 

 near Astrakhan, but is commoner on the Kirghiz steppes. 

 Never seen in winter. 



Oriolus galbula. 



The Golden Oriole is a very common summer visitor. 



CeRTHIA FAMILIARIS. 



Henke did not meet with the Tree-creeper, but states that 

 it passes through Sarepta on migration. 



Troglodytes EUROPiEus. 



The Wren breeds near Astrakhan, but is not common. A 

 few remain during winter. 



Parus major. 



The Great Tit is a resident near Astrakhan. 



Parus c^ruleus. 



The Blue Tit is a common resident. 



Parus ater. 



The Cole Tit is rare, and has only been seen in winter. 



Parus palustris. 



The Marsh-Tit has been observed on migration late in 

 autumn. 



