298 Mr. G. Despott on the [Ibis, 



16. (94) Carduelis carduelis major (Tacz.). The Eastern 

 Goldfinch. 



Local name : Gardill ta Costantinopli. 



This Goldfinch is often imported to Malta, so that speci- 

 mens which are at times taken might easily be individuals 

 escaped from captivity ; but as I have seen two examples 

 obtained during the migration season in a good state of 

 plumage, quite incompatible with specimens which had been 

 kept in confinement, I give the species a place on the list of 

 the birds of Malta, adding, however, that further evidence 

 is desirable. Bird-catchers and dealers assure me that they 

 have met with the species several times and that they know 

 it by the local name given above. 



17. (95) Carduelis spinus (L.). The Siskin. 

 Local name : Ecura. 



It may be said that a few specimens occur annually ; 

 during some years, however, the species is known to arrive in 

 pretty good numbers. Schembri says that it is here asserted 

 that this takes place almost periodically every seven years. 

 I remember several seasons wlien not a specimen could be 

 observed ; when it does occur it is generally seen by the 

 end of October, it becomes more common in November, and 

 in winter it usually disappears. I know two occasions when 

 the species was observed at the beginning of spring ; this, 

 however, is undoubtedly quite exceptional. 



18. (110) Carduelis linaria linaria (L.). The Mealy Red- 

 pole. 



Local name : Giojjin salvayg. 



I only know of one specimen which was taken in Malta. 

 It was brought to me by my friend G. Vella of Zurrico, who 

 captured it within the limits of that village on the 20th of 

 October, 1909. The local name given is the one by which 

 Vella called the bird, and I think it might well be kept for 

 the species, as the word salvagg is often given to any rare 

 congener of species which are common here. 



