1917-] Ornithology of Malta. 485 



of May, 1863. There are two specimens in the University 

 Museum. One of these is very probably that mentioned by 

 Wright; the other, as I have been told, was picked up iu 

 the market, where it was imported together with other 

 game from the north coast of Africa. I know of another 

 specimen iu tlie possession of Mr. L. Naudi of Rabato 

 (Malta), by whom it was mounted, and one or two in 

 Col. Francia's collection. On the 10th of May, 1916, two 

 specimens were shot in the neighbourhood of Birzebbugia 

 by two countrymen — Lorenzo Zammit (Ciaprott) and 

 Michele Bonnici (Tal Kerkni) by name. On the same day 

 another of these birds was shot at Marsascirocco, and 

 another three at Marfa which is just at the opposite end 

 of Malta. My friend Prof. Vassallo procured for me oue 

 of these last three ; another I was told was mounted by 

 Mr. L. Naudi, and the third was consigned to the pot. 



200. (210) Ciconia nigra (L.j. The Black Stork. 

 Local name : Ciconia stwda. 



Schembri says that this species is not so rare as the 

 preceding, and that it occurs during the winter months, 

 when some are taken almost every year. Wright, who 

 considers the species rare, records three individuals which 

 he saw alighting on some carob trees iu St. Julian's Valley 

 iu April 1852, aud another in his possession which was shot 

 ill May 1863 ; this is very probably the specimen which is 

 preserved iu the University Museum, though it bears neither 

 locality nor date. 1 have not yet succeeded in meeting with 

 the species, so that I consider it very rare. For both this 

 and the foregoing, besides the local name given, Giglioli 

 adds the Maltese name Grua. This is, however, undoubtedly 

 given only to the Crane. 



201. (211) Platalea leucorodia leucorodia L. The 

 Spoonbill. 



Local name : Faletta. 



Schembri' records two individuals seen by him at Marsa- 

 scirocco on the 14th of October, 1839, aud others taken 



