1917-] Ornithology of Malta. 503 



254.. (24-2) Columba cenas L. The Stock-Dove. 



Local name : Hamiana taz-zebbug. 



Occurs on passage during the spring and autumn, but 

 appears to he more frequent during the latter season, though 

 iu neither is it to be considered a common bird. I have 

 only a female in my collection, and have not yet succeeded 

 in obtaining a male, though I have tried my best. 



255. (241) Coluraba livia livia (jin. The Rock-Dove. 

 Local name : Huiniema tal yebel. 



A resident and breeding species, which has been so per- 

 sistently persecuted that, if it is not entirely exterminated, it 

 has assuredly become very scarce — so much so, in fact, that 

 I have not yet obtained one for my collection. According 

 to Wright, it is also found on Filfla; there can be no 

 doubt, however, that at present not a single individual 

 of the species is to lie found there. Along the southern 

 coasts of the islands there are some Pigeons which breed 

 in the crevices of the precipitous cliffs, but these are only 

 escaped specimens of the various breeds of domestic Pigeons, 

 which are also known locally by the name Hamiema tal 

 gebel. 



256. (244) Streptopelia turtur turtur (L,). The Turtle- 

 Dove. 



Local name : Gumienia. 



Occurs on passage during both seasons, but is seen in 

 great numbers only during the spring, when many are 

 taken by the gun and in the clap-nets. 



257. (245) Pterocles arenarius (Pall.). Black-bellied 

 Sand-Grouse. 



Local name : Gunga ta Spanju. 



Of this species we iiave only two records : the first was 

 a specimen taken in Gozo on the 9th of December, 1911, 

 and now iu Mr. Saliba's collection ; the second one was also 

 taken in that island, on the 11th of April, 1916, and now 

 forms part of my collection. The local name apparently has 



