1917-] Ornithology of Malta. 525 



the islands. From my own experience I consider it rare 

 and of occasional occurrence, and I liave only met with it 

 three or four times. 



337. (249) Rallus aquaticus aquaticus L. The Water- 

 Rail. 



Local name : Gallozz tax-xitua. 



Schembri says that the species is common, and is met 

 with usually in the winter. Wright says that it is not very 

 common in spring and autumn, some remaining through the 

 winter months. I consider it as a scarce migrant during 

 both seasons, and during the winter I have only once met 

 with it. 



338. (254) Gallinula chloropus cMoropus (L.) . The Moor- 

 Hen. 



Local name : Gnllozz tal Germania. 



A common migrant during both seasons. I have often 

 met with a dozen or more in a single day at the Valletta 

 Market, especially in April and May. 



339. (255) Fulica atra atra L. The Coot. 

 Local name : Tigicyia tal hahar. 



Schembri says that this species is common along our 

 shores in August and September. According to Wright, it 

 is common in spring and autumn, but more particularly in 

 the latter season. I have met with it frequently enough 

 during both seasons, but cannot say that it is more abundant 

 in one season or in the other, 



340. (256) Fulica cristata Gmel. Crested Coot. 

 Local name : Tigiegia tal hahar tal toppu. 



Wright records a specimen killed by him in May 1859, 

 and says that Dr. Gulia informed him of three others killed 

 at Marsascala in February 1860 ; besides these, two or 

 three other individuals have been taken, but I have never 

 met with the species myself. The local name given by 

 Giglioli is Tiegiegia tal bahar prima. 



