191 7-] Birds recently observed in Macedonia. 429 



XXI. — Notes on Birds recently observed in Macedonia. 

 By Captain Alex. G. L. Sladen, R.E. 



In writing these notes on the avifauna of Macedonia, I have 

 been careful to give only such facts as I can personally vouch 

 for as to species identified, and in every one of the following 

 cases I have myself had the specimen in my hands, except 

 when so stated. I say this because, although there are un- 

 doubtedly capable ornithologists in this country, I have had 

 statements made to me as to the existence of species which 

 on investigation proved wholly incorrect. My informant, 

 having trusted entirely to his impressions of birds on tlie 

 wniig, and never having handled the specimen, has fallen 

 into error which, if perpetuated, would extend rather than 

 advance the investigation of this interesting subject. I have 

 kept a very careful diary from day to day, when possible, 

 in which all my observations have been recorded, both of 

 identified and unidentified species, together with notes of 

 wind and weather, and I am hoping that I shall be able 

 sc^ne day to collate these notes and illustrations which I 

 trust may be of interest to other ornithologists. 



On the front occupied by British troops in Macedonia 

 the country varies from flat marshy ground bordering lakes 

 partially covered by rushes, to rocky undulating ground re- 

 sembling almost exactly the hilly country of Wales ; some 

 of this is bare but for a few thorn-bushes, and in other parts 

 the country is covered with stunted oak-bushes and in some 

 cases oak-trees of various ages. One of the first birds which 

 attracted my attention on my arrival was the Little Bustara 

 ( Otis tetrax) . During the winter large flocks ol: these frequent 

 the flat country, showing a decided preference for cultivated 

 land. Their flight is so strong and like that of a wild fowl 

 that, for a time, until I obtained a specimen, I took them to 

 be some small species of Goose. It was now a matter of 

 considerable interest as to whether a few of these birds 

 remain to breed, for at the time of writing (May 1) I still 

 find four or five pairs frequenting similar ground having 

 assumed the black and white band on the neck, which I 



