iQi?-] Ornithology of Malta. 467 



appeared in fairly good numbers ; it occurs in April and 

 September, but is more frequent during the former month. 



1J;8. (146) Micropus apus apus (L.). The Swift. 



Local name : Rundim. 



Occurs in considerable numbers durino; both seasons. 

 It generally makes its appearance in April, and is to be 

 met with until August. In September fresh arrivals are 

 noticed, but, as Wright remarks, it disappears as autumn 

 advances. I have seen, howevei', individuals even late in 

 November, and in 1910 I observed two specimens in the 

 middle of January. During the spring it seems to be 

 confined to the southern parts of the islands, where it breeds 

 in the inaccessible cliffs overhanging the sea on that side. 



149. (147) Micropus murinus murinus (Brehm). The 

 Pallid Swift. 



Local name : Rundun second. 



This species was reported for the first time amongst the 

 birds of Malta by Wright, who, in the fifth appendix to 

 his list of Maltese Birds, says that undoubted examples 

 of this Swift were taken in Malta in May 1874, and he 

 mentions a specimen procured in the market on the 18th 

 of the month by Capt. Feilden, and another obtained by 

 himself at the Salina on the 27th of the same month ; 

 he also says that on one occasion he killed several out of 

 a large flock during August at Fort Manoel. I have met 

 with the species three times, in May, June, and September; 

 and though I consider it rare, I also think that it may have 

 been overlooked. The local name was given to it by 

 the late Prof. Tagliaferro, and it indicates its somewhat 

 small size. 



150. (149) Caprimulgus europaeus europseus L. The 

 Nightjar. 



Local name : Bukrajk. 



Occurs on migration during both seasons, when great 

 numbers are slaughtered and brought into the market. 

 During the spring the first arrivals are generally, noticed 



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