1917-] Ornithology of Mnlfn. 341 



123. (9) Monticola saxatilis (L.). The Rock-Tlirusli. 

 Local name : Gianbiiblu. 



Fairly common during both the spring- and autumn, 

 more abundant however in the former season, when it is 

 sometimes taken in Lirge numbers and brouglit into the 

 market; it is usually plucked of its feathers and sold as 

 a Song-Thrush. Schembri states that the species is not 

 rare, and Wright that it arrives in pairs ; evidently, there- 

 fore, it is one of the few which may be said to be on the 

 increase. 



124. (13) Monticola solitarius solitarius (L.). The Blue 

 Rock-Thrush. [Montico/a ci/anns auct.] 



Local name : Merill. 



One of our common resident and breeding species which 

 cannot possibly escape detection, even by the most super- 

 ficial observer ; as it is not included in Mackay's list, it 

 is only natural to suppose that tiie Blue Rock-Thrush 

 was the bird which he mistook for the Blackbird when 

 he said that this last liird breeds near Musta. The Blue 

 Rock-Thrush is one of our protected species, and it is 

 badly in need of such a protection, as it is showing a very 

 marked decrease. The bird was once known locally by 

 the name " Ciccu di Diu," which is said to be a corruption 

 of " Cieco giudeo " ; this is, however, very seldom used 

 at present, the common local name being the one given 

 above. 



125. (11) (Enanthe cenanthe oenanthe (L.). The Wheatear. 

 Local name : Cuda. 



Both Schembri and Wright give this species as widely 

 spread over the island during the spring and autumn. 

 According to my observations, I can say that it is to be met 

 with during both seasons, but is more common in the autumn 

 when it begins to arrive at the end of August or during 

 the first days of September ; the bulk of the birds, however, 

 are rarely noticed before tlie last week of this month. In 

 the spring the first arrivals are observed by the beginning 



