Bird-Life of Eastern Algeria. 161 



April 4, 1912 (W). Several on Lac Fetzara, May 4, 

 1913 (R). 



138. Ardea purpurea purpurea L. Purple Heron. 

 One on Lac Fetzara, April 1910 : also at Bone (W). 



139. Ardeola ibis ibis (L.). Buff-backed Heron. 



A flock of about forty seen on Lac Fetzara on May 2, 

 and a breeding colony reported as still existing on the south, 

 side of the Lake (J). One shot in Oued Biskra, April 13, 

 1912 : others seen on Lac Fetzara (W). Common near 

 Ain Mokra (R). 



140. Egretta garzetta garzetta (L.). Lesser Egret. 



At Lac Fetzara, but less numerous than the preceding 

 species, April 1912 (W). Ain Mokra (R). 



141. Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax (L.). Night Heron. 

 One seen on Lac Fetzara, April 1910 (W). Flock of six 



near Ain Mokra on May 4, 1913 (R). 



142. Ciconia ciconia ciconia (L.). White Stork. 

 Locally very common where not persecuted. At Con- 



stantine at least a dozen nests could be seen from one point 

 on the roofs of the houses in the Arab quarter. Near Ouled 

 Rahmoun and by the line to Batna there are many nests in 

 trees : one tree alone contained four nests, but probably 

 some were unoccupied. Nests may also occasionally be seen 

 on Roman ruins (J). First arrival noted on February 6, 

 1906, when a flock of eight passed over Biskra. In pairs 

 on the nests at Constantino on February 24. Sometimes 

 breeds on the roofs of French houses : three nests seen 

 on the gables of one house. Rare in the Taya valley, but a 

 small flock seen migrating there on April 19, 1912. Two 

 clutches of four eggs found near Kroubs on April 24, one 

 slightly and one considerably incubated. Abundant at 

 Bone : seventeen nests counted in the town (W). 



143. Platalea leucorodia leucorodia L. Spoonbill. 

 Three seen on the wing, and also subsequently feeding, on 



Lac Fetzara, April 24, 1912 (W). 



SJtiK. X. — VOL. III. M 



