1 917] Oruithotogij of Malta. 335 



aud^ though it occurs auuually, I cousider it rare. Schembri 

 gives it the local name Beccafic, and Giglioli and Blasius 

 Beccafic rasu seuda. The name here giveu^ however, is the 

 one more commonly used. 



108. (25) Sylvia communis communis Lath. The White- 

 throat. 



Local name ; Beccafic ahmar. 



According to Schembri, this species is rather common, 

 occurring on passage in March and September, at times 

 breeding also with us. Wright says it is one of the 

 commonest of the Sylviidse in spring and autumn, but does 

 not say anything about its breeding here. I have known 

 these birds to occur in considerable numbers in some seasons, 

 but have found their nests only four times. The local name 

 Beccafic ahmar appears first in Schembri's catalogue. 



109. (26) Sylvia curruca curruca (L.). The Lesser 

 White-throat. 



Local name : Beccafic irnw di. 



Schembri says that lie never saw this species, and reports 

 it in his catalogue on the authority of Dr. Delicata, who 

 found an individual in Septemhcr 1842. W^right records 

 the same occurrence, adding that he had never met with 

 it himself. During the past eight years I have seen at 

 least twenty specimens. I must say, however, that these 

 birds are scarce, though it may be that they are often 

 overlooked. The local name is given by Schembri, thus 

 showing that Schembri also gave names to birds of very rare 

 occurrence, or, at least, he accepted names which had been 

 suggested to him. 



110. (31) Sylvia melanocephala melanocephala (Gm.). 

 The Sardinian Warbler. 



Local name : Buswejda. 



Both Schembri and Wright do not seem to consider this 

 species as common, and they state that it generally appears 

 during the winter months. From my personal experience 

 I can say that, though it is rather irregular in its visits, it 



