1917-] Ornithology of Malta. 513 



294. (279) Recurvirostra avocetta (L.). The Avocet. 

 Local name : Xifa. 



This is one of those I'are species which visit us most 

 irregularly. Schembri says that all the specimens seen 

 by him were taken in May. Wright says that the species 

 occurs about that time, but he also records a specimen 

 shot out of a party of three on the 7tb. of November, 

 1860. I have seen one in midsummer, and the late 

 Mr. Micallef mounted a specimen killed in the first week 

 of January 1906. 



295. (202) Limosalapponicalapponica (L.). The Bar-tailed 

 Godwit. 



Local name: Ghiriviel prim rar. 



Wright records a specimen taken by Mr. W. J. Ross on 

 the 22nd of September, 1843, and he says that he is in- 

 debted for this information to Dr. Leith Adams, who told 

 him also that the specimen is in the Derby Museum at 

 Liverpool. 



296. (203) Limosa limosa (L.). The Black-tailed Godwit. 

 Local name : G/m-wiel prim. 



According to Schembri this species is rather common, 

 occurring on passage in January. Wright says that it is 

 not very common and is to be seen on passage in spring and 

 autumn, being met with also in January and February. I 

 have met with it only during the winter aud at the beginning 

 of spring, and consider it one of our scarcer birds. 



297. (306) Numenius arquata arquata(L.). The Common 

 Curlew. 



Local name : Gurlin. 



Very frequent, but never abundant; it occurs generally 

 from July to September, but is to be met with also during 

 the spring. I have observed a few individuals during the 

 winter, but these must be considered quite exceptional. 

 Besides the local name above given, I have heard it also 

 called " Gurlin prim." 



SBR. X. VOL, v, 2 M 



