1917-] Onuthulogy of Malta. 293 



wliich may be observed evident signs of captivity, so tliat 

 if the specimen in cpiestion is the one recorded by Schembri, 

 the occnrrence is mnch in need of further evidence. It is 

 to be further noted that these birds are at times imported 

 from Siciiy and sokl to local bird-fanciers, so tliat if even an 

 individual is taken careful enquiries should be made before 

 recording it as a locally occurring bird. 



7. (139) Garrulus glandarius glandarius (Tj.). The Jay. 

 Local name : Sultan icciaul. 



In my list of the birds of Malta of 1915, I g:ive this 

 species as one of doubtful occurrence, saying that the only 

 specimen existing in Malta is the one in the University 

 Museum, and that this, like many of the older specimens, 

 though stated to have been locally taken, bears neither 

 locality nor date. On the lOtli of May, 1916, however, 

 I found a specimen in the Valletta Market; it was obtained 

 the day before from the limits of Casal Zabbar. The 

 example was in very good condition, not bearing the 

 slightest sign of having been kept in confinement; it 

 now forms part of my collection, and I consider it a 

 genuine locally occurring bird. The jMaltese name above 

 given has been suggested by my lamented friend the late 

 Prof. Tagliaferro, and has already been accepted by those 

 interested in our ornithology. 



8. (136) Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris L. The Starling. 

 Local name : Sturnell. 



Occurs in fairly large numbers on migration during the 

 autunm, the first arrivals are generally observed about 

 the end of September ; the bulk of the birds, however, are 

 never noticed before the middle of October, when large 

 flocks are usually noticed coming in about sunset. Both 

 gun and net, unfortunately, await the poor migrants, and 

 in a short time their numbers are markedly reduced. 

 The few individuals wliich find sanctuary in our public 

 gardens, and thus escape destruction, linger here until the 

 beginning of spring, when they depart. I have a specimen 



