— 28 — 



131. Collared Flycatcher. Muscicapa coUaris Beclistein. 



Plate 26, fig. 12. 

 Muscicapa coUaris. Shelley, p. 120. 



Very common during tlie spring migration. 



Though the collared flycatcher differs, superficially, but 

 little from the two aforementioned forms, it is really very 

 distinct, and it is now considered advisable to point out the 

 distinguishing characteristics of the three black and white fly- 

 catchers which pass through Egypt : — 



Muscicafa atrica'piUa atricapilla.— The three outer pairs 

 of tail feathers (rectrices) show white. 



Mtiscicapa atricapilla semitorquata. — The three outer pairs of 

 tail feathers are as in the above, but the white on the neck extends 

 backwards and forms almost a white collar, which is broken 

 by the black of the nape joining the back. 



Muscicapa coUaris. — Only the outer pair of tail feathers 

 have any white as a rule, though there is sometimes a white 

 patch on the outer web of the second pair, but never on the third 

 pair, whereas, in the two previously mentioned forms, the 

 white is often extended to the inner web of the third pair of 

 tail feathers. In the present species, however, there is a broad 

 white collar encircling the whole neck in adult males. 



The females of these three forms are usually only distinguish- 

 able when in the hand. 



132. Red-breasted Flycatcher. Muscicapa parva Bechstein. 



Not mentioned by Shelley. 



A regular visitor during the end of the autumn migration, 

 i.e. October and November. 



Length about 4 inches. Upper parts bro\\'TL ; breast pale 

 orange red ; base of tail tvhite ; belly white. In females and 

 young birds the breast is dull brownish orange. 



133. The Swallow. Hirundo rustica rustica Linnaeus. 



Hirundo rustica. Shelley, p. 120. 



Extremely numerous during the spring and autumn migra- 

 tions. 



Length 8 inches. Upper parts metallic blue ; chin and 

 throat brick red ; a dull blue-black band on fore neck ; rest 

 of under parts white or rufous (depending on age). Outer tail 

 feathers much elongated. White spots on tail feathers. 



