on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 31 



the conversation recommences. They fly in an irregular line, 

 never in a flock, and spreading their long tails, always alight at 

 the foot of the bush or tree. They then climb to the top one 

 after another, hopping from bough to bough (where is the 

 only chance of getting a shot), and leisurely descend to the 

 ground on the other side, taking care in retiring to keep the 

 covering object in a straight line between their pursuer and 

 themselves. I scarcely ever met with a more wary bird. They 

 appear to be sedentary in all their localities, and there is no 

 sexual distinction of plumage in either of the two species of the 

 genus with which I am acquainted. 



56. AnTHUS CAMPESTRIS. 



Common in the higher plains and on the hills. 



57. Anthus pratensis. 



Very abundant in the Plain of Sharon. 



58. BUDYTES MELANOCEPHALA. 



The only one of the genus I noticed. The head was of a 

 deep black, and the white line behind the eyes very distinct. I 

 saw a skin in Jerusalem, which I took to be that of Budytes 

 flava. 



59. MOTACILLA ALBA. 



On the Plain of Sharon, beginning to assume its summer 

 dress. Abundant. 



60. Parus major. 



The Great Tit was the only species of the genus which I met 

 with. 



61. MUSCICAPA ? 



I observed a Flycatcher repeatedly, but neglected to secure 

 a specimen, and therefore cannot be certain whether it was 

 Muse, atricapilla or albicollis, but I think the latter. 



62. Lanius minor. 



In the neighbourhood of Jafi'a. 



63. Lanius cucullatus. 



Seen only once near Kii'jath-jearim. 



