191 7-] Ornithology of Malta. 343 



of Saxicola melanoleuca in the fifth appendix to his list of 

 Maltese birds. I have met with this species three times 

 during the spring. I consider, however, tlie bird as rare. 

 The local name Soru I obtained from some bird-catchers who 

 appear to be ignorant of the names given by both Giglioli 

 and Blasius. 



129. (16) Saxicola rubetra rubetra (L.) . The Whin chat. 

 Local name : Buciak. 



It has been stated that this si)ecies occurs commonly 

 enough during both spring and autumn. According to my 

 own observations, however, I can say that, although I have 

 met with it most frequently during the former season, I find 

 that in the latter it appears to be very scarce. The local 

 name Buciak tal Cudi seems to have fallen into disuse ; the 

 one which has been selected, however, is also given to the 

 Stonechat. 



130. (17) Saxicola torquata rubicola (L.). Stonechat. 

 Local name : Buzajzaf. 



Schembri says that this species is as common as the pre- 

 ceding, with which it generally arrives. Wright says that 

 it arrives in spring and autumn, but is rather more common 

 than the Wliinchat; he also observes that, unlike its con- 

 gener, it passes the winter with us. From my own observa- 

 tions I can say that it occurs on passage during the autumn, 

 when it begins to arrive towards the beginning of November, 

 and is to be seen here almost throughout the winter or till 

 the beginning of spring, when it generally departs for 

 northern latitudes to breed. Those who make a difference 

 between this and the foregoing species know the bird by 

 the local name given above. 



131. (18) Phcenicurus phcBnicurus phcenicurus (L.). The 

 Redstart. 



Local name : Fiamma. 



Occurs on migration during both seasons, but appears to 

 be more common during the autumn, when it makes its 



