282 Rev. H. B. Tristram on the 



from our old nesting locality, Kef Laks, an egg which is richly 

 coloured over its whole surface with red blotches and spots. I 

 may remark that the Griffons we saw in the Desert always 

 appeared to come from the north, not from the south. 



2. Otogyps nubicus. (Nubian Vulture.) 



This bird did not often come under my observation, but is 

 a constant resident in the Sahara, though in veiy limited num- 

 bers. While the Griffon breeds throughout the Atlas, the 

 Nubian seems to resort to more southern ranges for his eyrie. 

 There is a breeding-place to the south-west of Biskra, in some 

 lofty isolated cliffs, and another near the stupendous gorge of 

 El Kantara, where I have watched these birds with the tele- 

 scope. The heavier build, larger size, and short stout neck and 

 head render this bird distinguishable at a glance from the Griffon. 

 The plumage also appeared to me darker ; but I am inclined to 

 think that the hues of all vultures change much according to 

 age. I noted three or four among some precipitous ridges 

 between the M^zab country and the oasis of Waregla, in lat. 

 32° N., and was told by the natives that they remained there 

 all the year. As we saw them in December, it is probable they 

 breed in these cliffs. Their habits seem precisely similar to 

 those of the Griffon. 



3. Neophron percnopterus. (Egyptian Vulture.) 



The inhabitants of the Desert are familiar with the ' Rakhma/ 

 which is very rare in winter (I only observed one in the M'zab 

 country), but visits all the oases, and follows the nomad camps 

 for offal in summer. 



4. Gypaetus barbatus. (The Liimmergeyer.) 



The southern limit of the ' Boulakhia ' appears to be the 

 oases of Laghouat and of Biskra, so that he only just makes 

 good his claim to rank among the birds of the Desert. I shot 

 one specimen in the range of cliffs behind Laghouat, and its 

 plumage was of the richest ochreous colour I ever saw. Had he 

 dyed his feathers in any muddy water, he must have gone many 

 leagues for his bath. Of the many adult Gypa'eti which I have 

 observed in Africa, I never saw one without the rich tawny hue on 

 the neck and under surface of the body. Either this is the true 



