Mr. J. J. S. Wliitaker on some Tunisian Birds. 87 



mens obtaiued had none of them assumed their full breeding- 

 plumage. 



4. Saxicola deserti. 



This Chat I also only found in the semi-desert country- 

 lying between Gafsa and Tamerza, where it seemed to be 

 fairly abundant about the middle of March. I was some- 

 what surprised not to have met with it further north, but 

 probably it was too early in the year for it to be found far 

 from the desert. Dr. Koenig (J. f. 0. 1892, p. 276) mentions 

 having found it in the early part of May near El Djem, 

 which is a good deal further north. The specimens I obtaiued 

 were all males, but I generally saw this species in pairs. 

 It is not particularly shy or difficult to approach. I do not 

 remember having heard its note. 



5. Saxicola stapazina. 



The only specimen of this species that I brought home 

 with me had the broad black throat-band. I fouud this Chat 

 in the same country as the two preceding species, although not 

 so abuudaut as either of them. So far as I can recollect, the 

 few specimens I shot were all males. I am informed on good 

 authority that this species is common in the neighbourhood 

 of Tunis in spring and summer^ and that it breeds there. 



6. Saxicola leucuka. 



This was about the commonest, or rather I should say the 

 most ubiquitous, Chat that I met with during my journey, 

 from beginning to end, every mountain-gorge or rocky ravine 

 being a pretty sure find for at least a pair. It was perhaps 

 rather more common towards the north near Tebessa and 

 Kasrin, but I also fouud it on the arid mountains further 

 sjuth near Gafsa, and should say it has a fairly wide range 

 throughout the Regency. It is essentially a mountain- or 

 rock-loving bird, and is generally to be met with singly, 

 perched conspicuously on the top of a rock or stone in some 

 inaccessible spot. I saw it also, however, in pairs. It is a 

 shy bird and not easy to approach, but I obtained a good 

 many specimens, both male and female. 



