346 Mr. G. Despott on the [Ibis^ 



confusion about this and the foregoing species in Schembri's 

 and Wright's catalogues, consequently I cannot but give 

 the occurreuce of this species as one in need of further 

 evidence. 



137. (22) Dandalusrubecularuhecula L. The Continental 

 Redbreast. 



Local nanae : Pitirross. 



Pretty common, daring some years occurring in rather 

 large numbers. The first arrivals are generally noticed 

 about the second or tliird week of October, and in a few 

 days our valleys are full of these birds. The majority 

 remain here for the winter, and those which are fortunate 

 enough to escape the gnu, the net, or one of the many traps 

 set for their capture, generally depart at the approach of 

 spring. 



138. (54) Crateropus fulvus fulvus (Desfont.). The 

 Algerian Bush-Babbler. 



There is an example of this species in our Natural 

 History Museum, consequently the bird figures in the 

 ' Catalogue of the Collection of the Birds of Malta.' 

 I Avas assured by Mr. Micallef that the bird was mounted 

 by him, and tliat he received it in the flesh in 1902, so tliat 

 he did not doubt for a moment that the example was locally 

 taken. In spite of all this, however, I think that the occur- 

 rence is one of those which require further evidence. 



139. (55) Pi-unella collaris collaris (Scop.). The Alpine 

 Accentor. 



Local name : Zerzur prin. 



The first example which came under my observation was 

 mounted by Mr. Micallef, who had asked me to identify it 

 for him on the 14th of January, 1913. I learned from the 

 same gentleman that the bird was sent to him in the flesh a 

 few days before. Some time afterwards I came to know 

 that a farmer from Gargur, Giuseppe Parnis (ta Bennard), 

 had shot six of these birds in the vicinity of his village. 



