30 Rev. H. B. Tristram's Notes 



51. Petrocincla cyanea. 



Observed in every part of the country. Unlike the Rock 

 Thrush, it was often seen perched on the half- ruined buildings 

 of the Palestine towns and villages ; and has been supposed by 

 some to be " the sparrow that sitteth alone upon the house- 

 top " of Scripture. 



52. Ixos XANTHOPYGius, Hcmpr. et Ehrenb. {Ixos vallom- 

 brosce, Bp.) 



This most interesting bird was fovmd in all parts of the coun- 

 try, wherever there is wood or gardens, from Jaffa to the Jordan. 

 In its skulking habits it exactly resembles the Ixos obscurus of 

 Algeria, but its brilliant saffron vent renders it conspicuous 

 among the bushes. The head and throat are of a deep black ; 

 and there is scarcely any perceptible difference between the 

 sexes in plumage, but that the black on the head of the female 

 is not quite so bright. It is the finest songster in Palestine, 

 and has obtained the name of the Palestine Nightingale, which 

 is well deserved, whether for the volume or the variety of its 

 notes. It wants, however, the last two notes of the nightin- 

 gale's song. On arriving at the banks of the Jordan long 

 before sunrise, at 4 a.m., the thick jungle which fringes the 

 river was alive with the cheery notes of these unseen musicians, 

 who continued their concert until nearly noon. 



53. TURDUS MERULA. 



Seen, but not obtained. 



54. TuRDUS MUSICUS. 



In the olive-yards. 



55. Crateropus chalybeus, Bp. 



I obtained this rare bird in the open wooded district near 

 Jericho, where it lives in small flocks of from six to twelve. It 

 was interesting to observe how exactly, in its peculiar habits and 

 note, it corresponds with its congener, Crateropus nwnidicus, with 

 which I was most familiar in the Sahara. The unseen party 

 keep up a perpetual chattering in a bush, something like the 

 clamour of a flock of starlings. On your approach the noise is 

 hushed, and, if possible, they steal away unseen on the other side 

 to another thicket, where, as soon as they feel at a safe distance, 



