488 Mr. G. Despott on the [Ibis, 



206. (203) Egretta garzetta garzetta (L.) The Little 

 Egret. 



Local name : Agrett abjad. 



Schembri says that this species is very commou in March 

 and September. Wright, too, says it is common during 

 both seasons, when large flocks are usually observed passing 

 in company with the Purple Heron. At present it is un- 

 questionably one of the rarer species which favour us with 

 u visit at rather long and irregular intervals — in fact, 

 I have not seen more than eight or nine examples in all. 

 The bird is also known locally by the simple name of 

 Agrett. 



207. (204) Ardeola ibis ibis ( L.) . The Buff-backed Heron. 

 Local name : Agrett injur prim. 



Wright mentions the si)ecimen preserved in the University 

 Museum, and says that Schembri records the capture of 

 two others. The local name was suggested by the late 

 Prof. Tagliaferro. 



208. (205) Ardeola ralloides ralloides (Scop.). The 

 Squacco Heron. 



Local name : Agrett isfar. 



According to Schembri this species, which he considers 

 as nut very common, generally arrives here during the 

 month of j\Iay. Wright states that he has met with it in 

 JunCj and that it passes also in September. According to my 

 observations it occurs on passage during both seasons, being 

 common in some years, while in others it is very scarce. 

 During the spring it makes its appearance in April, and is 

 often to be met with even late in June. In the autumn 

 the first arrivals are seen by the first or second week of 

 September, and till the middle or end of October single 

 individuals may sometimes lie metwitli. 



209. (206) Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax (L.), The 

 Night-Heron. 



Local name : Cuacca. 



Occurs on passage during both the spring and autumn. 



