in the Eastern Atlas. 307 



45. Saxicola aurita. (Eared Wheatear.) 



The favourite resort of this species is among the stony ground 

 at the foot of the hills ; and in such places it may be looked for, 

 and generally found. Roman ruins also are much frequented. 

 We obtained two nests from the Madracen, where they were 

 placed in the interstices of the stone of that building. Usually 

 the nests were close by, or under a large fragment of rock. 



46. Saxicola stapazina. (Russet Wheatear.) 



Is found in similar situations to those of the last, and appears 

 equally distributed over the same districts. No difference is 

 noticeable between the eggs of this and the former species. 

 The Arabic name for all the Wheatears is "Millil." 



47. Pratincola rubicola. (The Stonechat.) 



By no means uncommon in the mountainous districts. 



48. Saxicola rubetra. (The Whinchat.) 

 Also common in localities similar to the last. 



49. Ruticilla moussieri. (Moussier's Redstart.) 



This species, which is peculiar to North Africa, is perhaps one 

 of the most interesting in the Regency of Tunis and Eastern 

 Algeria, where I had the pleasure of observing it. Its favourite 

 resoi'ts are the ruins of the old Roman cities which lie scattered 

 in all directions throughout this district, and the loose rocky 

 ground which skirts the plains at the foot of the surrounding 

 hills. When visiting such spots, the bright plumage of the 

 male, as he glides from stone to stone, is one of the first objects 

 that attract the attention. The note uttered by the male during 

 the breeding-season is peculiar; and, unlike that of any of its 

 congeners, it is monotonous, but not unpleasing. This bird 

 seems intermediate between the Stonechats and Redstarts ; but 

 I am inclined to consider that it is more closely allied to the 

 former than to the latter : the character of the plumage of the 

 male would lead one to this supposition ; and its habits, actions, 

 and nest tend rather to confirm the idea. The eggs, which are 

 white with the faintest tinge of greenish-blue, only indicate its 

 connexion with the whole group, including the Wheatears ; and, 

 as in the case of the eggs of Saxicola oenanthe, I have no doubt 

 that spotted varieties occur. On observing the eggs of the 



