Ornithology of Cyprus. 407 



911. Phasianus colchicus Linn. 



References to the Pheasant in Cyprus are made by the 

 mediaeval writers, but it has long ago disappeared. Mariti, a 

 most reliable and accurate author, who was acquainted with 

 both Partridges and Francolins, writing towards the end 

 of the 18th century, states that Ci pheasants, which abounded 

 in Cyprus even after its unhappy absorption in the Ottoman 

 Empire, have all been exterminated." 



An attempt made very shortly after the British occupation 

 to re-introduce Pheasants by Lord John Kennedy and 

 Captain A. S. Stevenson was not a success, though the 

 birds were turned down at Aghirda Wood in the Kyrenia 

 district, probably as suitable a locality as there is in the 

 island. Through the kindness of Mr, W. Fremlin we have 

 this year been able to make another attempt at the introduc- 

 tion of Pheasants. Horsbrugh brought out in January 

 twenty-eight birds, which have been distributed in two 

 centres and some of which are, at present, doing very well. 



947. Caccabis chucar (Gray). 



The Chukar Partridge is a resident, and the only Part- 

 ridge which occurs in Cyprus. The introduction of modern 

 weapons of precision in large numbers has, within the last 

 twenty years, caused a very marked decrease in the abund- 

 ance of the species. From early accounts it must have been 

 exiremely numerous. At present, though found in all parts 

 of the island, it is only in a few secluded localities that 

 a bag of eight or ten brace may be confidently expected. 

 Though mercilessly pursued it is so wary a bird and so well 

 accustomed to take care of itself, that it is in little danger 

 of extermination. It is, notwithstanding the law, by no 

 means an uncommon practice for the peasants to utilize the 

 eggs of this bird for making " Easter " cakes or omelettes, 

 but I am glad to say that the offenders, when discovered, are 

 now promptly prosecuted. It is a good bird on the table 

 with a well marked flavour of its own. It nests during 

 April and May and lays sometimes as many as sixteen eggs ; 

 the average size of twelve was 1*53 X 118 inches. 



