List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 255 



Mergus merganser. One of the species doubtfully allowed 

 into my List in Italian, published in 1862, and afterwards 

 omitted for want of satisfactory proof. But our author admits 

 it without any sign of hesitation. 



Pelecanus orientalis (Dalmatian Pelican). 



Sterna stolida ! ! 



Larus atincilla. Said by our author to be common. It is 

 not impossible that this American Gull may occasionally find its 

 way here; but that it is common, no one will readily believe. 

 My friend Mr. Howard Saunders informs me that it has been 

 obtained near Palermo, and specimens were pointed out to him 

 in the Museum there by Prof. Doderlein. 



Sylvia, erythrogastra. ^ 



Sylvia cairii. n • i , 



c* 7 - 7 f- All said to be common ! 



Sylvia sarda. ( 



Sylvia olivet arum. 



Sylvia hypolais. It is strange that this bird has never come 

 into my hands. I have frequently met with S. icterina, with 

 which it is often confounded, but never with the other. I am 

 in hopes of finding it some day amongst our visitors. 



Sylvia elaica. 



Sylvia cettii. 



Sylvia locustella. 



Troglodytes europteus (?) . Rumours of this, or an allied 

 species, having been seen in Malta have reached me ; but I 

 have never been able to view a specimen. Our author admits 

 it without any doubt. 



Saxicola saltatrix. I examined the specimen which was pro- 

 bably the authority for this species. It was certainly not S. sal- 

 tatrix, and I said so at the time. It was a sand-coloured 

 species, and very small, and appeared to be in immature 

 plumage. Our author, nevertheless, coolly informs us that this 

 bird is common. 



Saxicola leucomela. We are seriously told to believe that 

 this species is also common in Malta ! 



Motacilla citreola. This is a species from Eastern Russia, 

 and not at all likely to be found here ; yet we are told this, too. 



is common 



