4G0 On Birds from the Wadi-en-Natrun, Egypt. 



noisy towards sunset, keeping up their clamour for several 

 hours after it was dark. 



37. Rallus aquaticus L. Water-Rail. 



Mr. Newlove, of the English staff, shot one of these birds in 

 a patch of bourdy growing by the edge of a freshwater pool. 



38. Fulica atra Linn. Coot. 



Several of these birds frequented the larger freshwater 

 ponds. 



39. *Anas roscuas Linn. Wild Duck. 



One of the least numerous of the Duck-tribe met with iu 

 the Wadi. 



Speaking generally, the Anatidae were well represented in 

 point of numbers, if not in species. They arrive, as I was 

 informed, during December, and take their departure about 

 the beginning of April, though a few remain all the year 

 round. The greater number passed the day on the larger 

 alkaline lakes, leaving them about sunset for their feeding- 

 grounds in the freshwater pools and wetter portions of the 

 marshes. 



40. Dafila acuta (Linn.). Pintail. 



A fairly numerous species. Locally known as ' 'Balboulie." 



41. Riiynciiasfis clypeata (Linn.). Shovelcr. 



The most abundant of all the Ducks. Known locally by 

 the name of " Abu mulla'a/' meaning " Father of a spoon." 



42. Querquedula crecca (Linn.). Teal. 



Next to the Shoveler, I should consider this to be the 

 most numerous species. Its local name is " Keesh." 



43. Mareca penelope (Linn.) . Wigeon. 

 I did not find this a common species. 



44. Nyroca leucophthalma (Bechst.). Ferruginous Duck. 

 Although this Duck was obtained only on one occasion, it 



was not an uncommon species in the Wadi. 



45. Podicipes minor (Linn.). Little Grebe. 



A few of these birds frequented some of the freshwater 



pools. 



