486 Mr. G. Bespott on the [Ibis, 



during the mouth of June ia 1840 and 1842. Wright 

 records one observed on Fort Manoel in May 18.58, and 

 the same, or perhaps another, shot a few days later at 

 St. Paul's Bay, and another a few weeks later. Besides 

 these, he also records three shot in Gozo in the spring of 

 18G0, another at Marsascirocco in November of the same 

 year, one of two more killed in May 1861, two in June 

 1862, and a young one which was iu his possession and 

 which was obtained at the Salina on the 21st of September, 

 1862. I know of one specimen winch was taken in Malta — 

 it was shot by M. G. Molieras at Marsascirocco in the spring 

 of 1909 ; another was observed by me at the salt-pans of 

 Birzebbugia iu the summer of 1916. 



202. (212) Plegadis falcinellus falcinellus (L.). The 

 Glossy Ibis. 



Local name : Velleran, 



Schembri says that this species is very common during 

 its migrations in March and September, and Wright con- 

 sidered it as a pretty regular visitor during both seasons, 

 when it is usually seen in small flocks. From my own 

 observation I should say that these birds are rather scarce, 

 though they visit us regularly during both periods of 

 migration. 1 have seen solitary individuals as early as 

 the first week of April. In Gozo the species is known by 

 the local name of Serduk or Hasi tal hahar, and on two 

 or three occasions I have heard this name used in Malta 

 as well. 



203. (200) Ardea ciuerea L. The Common Heron. 

 Local name : Russttt griz. 



Schembri says that this species, which he considers rather 

 common, occurs on migration annually towards the end of 

 autumn, and is to be met witli till the middle of winter. 

 VVright considers the species not uncommon during both 

 the spring and autumn and that it is sometimes seen during 

 the winter as well. At present it is undoubtedly one of our 



