Bird-Life of Eastern Algeria. 163 



154. Erismatura leucocephala (Scop.). White-headed 

 Duck. 



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

 near Ain Mokra, May 10, 1913 (R). 



155. Columba palumbus excelsa Bp. Algerian Wood 

 Pigeon. 



A few in the woods from Batna to Lamb^se (J). Very 

 local : nineteen seen on one dead tree at H. Meskoutine on 

 March 28 (W) . 



156. Columba livia 11 via L. Rock Dove. 



A local resident, very numerous in some places. Great 

 numbers breed in the wonderful labyrinth of canons between 

 Djebel Mellah and the Oued El Kantara, ranging thence over 

 the plain of El Outaia (J) . Common at El Kantara, Tilatou 

 and the Taya Gorge (W). 



157. Streptopelia turtur arenicola Hart. Desert Turtle 

 Dove. 



Plentiful in the Taya valley : also in the oases of Biskra 

 and Sidi Okba (J). A few at Biskra early in February: 

 H. Meskoutine in April (^W). Several seen at east of Khen- 

 chela, May 24 (R). 



158. Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca (Lath.). Senegal 

 Turtle Dove. 



Breeds among the palms at Biskra. A clutch of two 

 incubated eggs taken April 23 (J). 



159. Pterocles arenarius Pall. Black - bellied Sand- 

 Grouse. 



Each of the Sand-Grouse has a characteristic note con- 

 stantly uttered in flight, by which it can be easily identified. 

 This species breeds on the rock-strewn slopes and barren 

 levels of the plain of El Outaia in considerable numbers, 

 but the area is so vast that it is difficult to find the nests. 

 First egg picked up on April 20 (J). Seen near Biskra, 

 April 10 (W). 



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