26 Rev. H. B. Tristram's Notes 



16. Erythropus vespertinus. 



A few pairs were seen among the large terebinth-trees near the 

 foot of the hills of Judaea. They seem to roost and build there, 

 feeding only in the plains, over which they hover, resembling 

 rather the Kestrels in their habits and flight than the Hobby. 



17. MiCRONISUS GABAR. 



Once seen, on a hill-side to the south of Bethlehem, preying 

 on a large lizard. 



18. Circus ? 



We noticed Harriers several times skulking over the plains, 

 but, not having obtained specimens, cannot state the species. 

 The Marsh Harrier was not observed. 



19. Athene meridionalis. 



Extremely common in all the hill country and plains alike. 

 Frequently one would be seen by the side of a mountain-path, 

 on a bare rock, selecting the most conspicuous position, and 

 remaining there until we came close up, and then leisurely 

 removing to another spot some twenty yards ofl". Seldom could 

 we ride for an hour in any part of the country without noticing 

 this comical little fellow. Mount Olivet is one of his favourite 

 resorts. 



20. Scops zorca. 



Frequently heard, and once obtained. It seems to inhabit 

 the Mosque of Omar at Jerusalem, and prefers the neighbour- 

 hood of man to the wilder portions of the country. 



21. Strix flammea. 



I started this bird once in the daytime from a thicket of 

 trees on the banks of the Jordan. 



22. Cypselus apus. 



We saw a few Swifts, as we were leaving Jaffa, in April, but 

 had not observed them before in the interior. Probably they 

 were not then returned from their southern migration. 



23. Cypselus melba. 



We observed several pairs apparently commencing the business 

 of nidification near Mar Saba, and again in the tremendous 

 ravine above the site of Jericho. 



