ANTHDS CERVINUS 157 



Observations. — In vpinter the rufous colour is wanting in both the sexes, 

 except in the very old birds, and it is then not easy to distinguish at a glance 

 between the present species and the Meadow-Pipit. On closer examination, 

 however, and a comparison of the respective measurements, the differences 

 between the two species are apparent. The browner colour of the upper 

 parts and the bolder markings of the underparts in the present species are 

 distinctive features. 



I have examples of this Pipit from Central and Southern. Tunisia, 

 where in certain districts the species is not uncommon during the 

 winter and spring months. Owing, however, to its resemblance in 

 winter plumage to the Meadow-Pipit, it is no doubt often mistaken 

 for that species, and is probably less uncommon than is generally 

 supposed. Whether the Red-throated Pipit breeds in Tunisia or 

 anywhere in North-west Africa I cannot say, but seeing that it occurs 

 in the Regency as late as the end of April and the beginning of May 

 {Erlanger, J.f. 0. 1899, p. 318) it is not unhkely that it does .so. I 

 have myself obtained a specimen of the species at Metlaoui in South 

 Tunisia about the middle of April, and Mr. Aplin met with it near 

 Maktar in North Tunisia at the end of that month. 



In its habits and mode of life generally the Red-throated Pipit 

 resembles the Meadow-Pipit to a great extent, and it is not unfre- 

 quently to be found consorting with that species. The notes, 

 however, of the two species, according to Mr. Aplin, are altogether 

 different, that of the present species, when flushed, being fairly 

 rendered by the syllable '' clizee," whereas that of the Meadow-Pipit 

 is more like "snick " or " sncel\" Apparently, too, although often to 

 be met with on the sea-coast and in the vicinity of water, like A. 

 pratensis, the present species seems to be almost equally at home on 

 inland plains and drier spots. 



Its diet is the same as that of the Meadow-Pipit. 



I have no note of the occurrence of the Red-Throated Pipit in 

 Marocco and cannot say whether the species extends its western range 

 to that countrj'. It has been recorded, however, from South Spain. 

 In Egypt it appears to be very abundant. 



