I9I7-] Ornithology of Malta. 519 



a hook by some fishermeu wlio were a little to the south of 

 Binghisa reef. The local name was given to the species by- 

 Mr. Micallef. 



317. (321) Lams canus canus L. The Common Gull. 

 Local name : Gawivja tas-siyiar. 



This species \%, according to Schembri, common here in 

 autumn and winter. Wright repeats Schembri's statement, 

 and mentions a specimen in the University ]\Iuseum in the 

 fifth appendix to his list ; he says that he possesses a specimen 

 taken on the 18th of December, 1865. 1 have not yet suc- 

 ceeded in seeing the bird. I have been assured, however, 

 by Mr. Micallef that an example was shot by him in the 

 vicinity of Gargur^ and that he called it by the local name 

 (which means Tree-Gull), because he saw the individual 

 alighting several times on the carob-trees. 



318. (324) Larus argentatus cachinnans Pall. The Yellow- 

 legged Herring-Gull. 



Local name : Gawwja prima. 



This species, which is frequently seen iu our harbours 

 during the winter, is one of our breeding birds. It has been 

 reported by both Schembri and Wright as Larus argentatus, 

 but from their notes it appears quite evident that they 

 alluded to the present form. 



319. (325) Larus fuscus fuscns L. The Lesser Black- 

 backed Gull. 



Local name : Gaivivja seconda. 



Schembri considers this species common during the 

 winter, and Wright states that it is rather rare ; he also 

 records some specimens seen by him, and a pair shot by 

 Mr. Medlycott and Lieut. Sperling, R.N. From my own 

 observations I cannot call it common, for although single 

 specimens are to be seen mingled with the other Gulls during 

 the winter, I also know of several seasons when not a single 

 individual could be observed. 



