1917-] Ornithology of Malta . 505 



261. (264) Cursorius gallicus gallicus (Gui.). The Cieuiii- 

 coloured Courser. 



Local name : Nanchina. 



This is generally considered a species of rare and irregular 

 occurrence in these islands. Of late years it appears to 

 have become more frequent. 1 have seen individuals taken 

 during almost every month of the year. Wright says that 

 it is known locally by the name Pluviera ta I'Inyhilterra, 

 but this name is no longer in use, and all our sportsmen 

 know it by that given above. 



262. (263) Glareola pratincola pratincola (L.). The 

 Pratincole. 



Local name : Perniciotta. 



In Schembri's time the Pratincole seems to have been 

 common during its migrations in March and September ; 

 and Wright says that it is an annual visitor in March, April, 

 May, August, and September, and that during some years it 

 is common. At present it must be considered as a mere 

 straggler, and I remember several years when not a single 

 specimen could be seen. 



263. (272) Charadrius morinellus L. The Dotterel. 

 Local name : Birivina. 



A regular bird of passage, the Dotterel is generally seen 

 towards the end of summer, though the bulk of the birds, 

 however, are only with us late in the autumn; during the 

 winter we often have new arrivals, and sometimes these are 

 also noticed towards the beginning of spring. Besides the 

 local name above given, the species is also known by the 

 name of Seconda or Mezza Pluviera, this last being used 

 more commonly in Gozo ; the name Birwina is without 

 doubt in more common use. 



264. (268) Charadrius asiaticus Pall. The Caspian Plover. 

 Local name: Birwina seconda. 



On the 26th of March, 1911, I found a specimen in the 

 Valletta Market ; it was shot at the Marsa two days before; 

 this individual is an immature specimen, and it now forms 



