— 30 — 



140. Egyptian Sand Martin. Rifaria riparia littoralis (Heuglin). 



Cotyle minor. Shelley, p. 124. 

 Found in enormous numbers in suitable localities during 

 the breeding season. A few remain throughout the year. 

 Similar to the English sand martin, but much smaller. 



141. European Crag Martin. Cotilerupestris rufestris (Scopoli). 



Cotyle rujoestris. Shelley, p. 122. 



Not uncommon during the winter months, especially in 

 Upper Egypt. 



Length about Sj inches. Upper parts brown, below brownish 

 white ; a few brown flecks on chin ; white spots visible on out- 

 spread tail ; under tail coverts brown. 



142. Pale Crag Martin. Cotile rupestris ohsoleta Cabanis. 



Cotyle ohsoleta. Shelley, p. 123. 



Common in rocky desert country and near Pyramids and 

 old temples. Resident. 



Slightly larger than the sand martin ; pale mouse-grey 

 above, whitish below. The tail feathers show white spots when 

 outspread. 



143. Amadavat Finch. Sporceginthus amandava (Linnseus). 



Estrelda melanorhyncha. Shelley, p. 152. 



During the last four years a resident. Formerly only met 

 with as a breeding visitor from August to October. Probably 

 this species originated in Egypt from individuals escaped from 

 confinement, though its absence near Cairo in winter (except in 

 isolated cases) up to 1914 and its abundance at that season now 

 is remarkable. 



Length about 3J inches. Upper parts brown tinged with 

 crimson, under parts crimson sj^eckled with white. Female 

 yellowish below and more brown above, with a crimson rump. 

 After the breeding season the male assumes a plumage 

 similar to that of the female, though somewhat brighter. 



144. Goldfinch. Carduelis carduelis carduelis (Linnaeus). 



Carduelis elegans. Shelley, p. 152. 



A resident in small numbers. The few examples examined 

 by the writer belong to this, the central and southern European 

 form. 



