An Old Australian Bird-lover—The Colour Question 245


British Museum, but when any doubt of the correct name exists this

lias, I hope, been made clear in the text.


In the following list those species which 1 did not actually obtain

are named binomially, as in islands such as the Balearic group,

which lie in the direct line of migration of so many European birds,

it is often impossible to state exactly which particular race occurs,

unless the bird is obtained and examined critically.


Those species of which I obtained specimens are marked with an

asterisk, and the skins may be seen in the National Collection.


Systematic List


Corvus corone .—A few Carrion Crows were seen in the Island of

Iviza, and what was probably one in Mallorca.


Corvus frug ilegus .—The Rook is fairly plentiful in Mallorca, though

no nests were seen ; it also occurs in Iviza.


Sturnus vulgaris .—The Starling was chiefly noticeable by its

absence. Beyond seeing some in Palma City, only one other was

observed on April 14 at St. Eulalia. None in Formentera.


*Chloris chloris aurantiventris. — The Golden-bellied Greenfinch is

common. Even in the field the male struck me as being a good deal

more yellow in colour than the British variety and a much superior

songster. A half-completed nest was found on April 18 in Formentera.


Coccothraustes coccothraustes .—On April 12, at Santa Eulalia, Iviza,

I watched for some time and heard singing a male Hawfinch. This

was the only one seen and unfortunately not obtained, as it was in

a tree in the village street and an Easter Church procession was taking

place beneath. It is therefore named binomially.


(To be con’inued.)



THE COLOUR QUESTION


By an Old Australian Bird-lover

I read with much interest an article on the above by Dr. Butler

in the Avicultural Magazine January number. I don't wish these notes

to be taken as criticism, but simply as the views, based on personal

experience, of an ordinary practical bird-lover.



