On Nests and Eggs of some rare Philippine Birds. 231 



In conclusion, I would say that, whatever may be the 

 solution of the question, it is quite possible and even probable 

 that a certain modification of plumage colouring occurs in 

 both L. algeriensis and L. elegans, which is due solely to 

 local causes, and this modification is perhaps greater in the 

 case of the latter species, owing to its more extended range. 

 I may add that I have examined a large series of Grey 

 Shrikes from all parts of Tunisia, and have also compared 

 the Tunisian birds with specimens from Algeria and Morocco. 

 The Algerian and Tunisian Grey Shrikes appear to be 

 identical. Those from Morocco are also identical so far as 

 the north is concerned — that is to say, L. algeriensis is found 

 in the north of Morocco precisely similar to L. algeriensis 

 as found in the north of Algeria and Tunisia. Further 

 south in Morocco, however, a somewhat different form 

 occurs ; but with regard to this I may have something more 

 to say at a future date. 



XXI. — On the Nests and Eggs of some rare Philippine Birds. 

 By W. R. Ogilvie Grant and John Whitehead. 



(Plates V. & VI.) 



The collecting and identification of birds' eggs on the great 

 forest-covered islands of the Equatorial East is by no means 

 so easy as it is in more northern latitudes, where nearly all 

 birds are obliged to nest during the warm season of the 

 year, and, with most species, their young must be sufficiently 

 advanced to enable them to cover the enormous distances of 

 their autumnal migrations. The necessity for a general 

 breeding- season is especially noticeable among the many 

 thousands of birds which retire annually to the circumpolar 

 region in the months of April and May, and return south- 

 ward, with their full-grown young, about the middle of 

 August or in September. 



In tropical countries there is no forced migration or 

 danger to backward young through climatic reasons, and 

 birds' nests containing eggs or young may be met with in 



