— 40 — 



Similar to the aforementioned, but differing in the colora- 

 tion of the metallic parts of the plumage. Back washed with 

 metallic green, flanks with purple. 



187. Purple Starling. Sturnus vulgaris furfumscens Gould. 



Not mentioned by Shelley. 



Not uncommon in winter. 



Washed on back and belly, flanks and wings with deep 

 reddish purple, throat with a green gloss. 



188. Rose-coloured Pastor. Pastor roseus (Linnaeus). 



Pastor roseus. Shelley, p. 157. 



One was shot in a field near Cairo on August 25, 1864. Cf. 

 Shelley, " Birds of Egypt," p. 157. 



Length 8 inches. Like a starling, but head black and 

 tufted ; back and belly pink in the adults, greyish in young 

 birds ; wings and tail black. 



189. Hooded Crow. Corvus comix comix Linnaeus. 



Corvus comix. Shelley, p. 159. 



Although abundant and resident in Lower Egypt, the 

 distribution of this crow is peculiar. For no apparent reason 

 some parts of the country, although presumably well suited to 

 the species, are entirely devoid of hooded crows. 



Length about 18 inches. Back, lower breast, flanks, and 

 abdomen grey ; rest of plumage black, with a bluish gloss. 



190. Rook. Corvus frugilegus Linnaeus. 



Corvus frugilegus. Shelley, p. 159. 



A scarce visitor in winter at the present day, though Shelley 

 records " large flocks " in the Delta up to the end of March. 



Length about 18 inches. Whole plumage black, glossed 

 with purple and green. Old birds have the face bare. 



191. Brown-necked Raven. Corvus umhrinus. iimbrinus Sun- 

 devall. 



Corvus umhrinus. Shelley, p. 158. 



Usually restricted to the desert or the edge thereof, where 

 it is common and resident. 



Smaller than the English raven, and usually has a brownish 

 neck. 



