Mr. J. J. S. Wliitaker on some Tunisian Birds. 95 



37. CORVUS TINGITANUS. 



I saw Ravens, presumably of this species, constantly on the 

 plains between Tebessa and Kasrin, and at Kasrin itself, 

 among the ruins and rocky hills, but did not shoot any. 

 They were in pairs and fours. I also saw what I thought 

 was this species near Feriana, but instead of being in pairs 

 the birds were in small flocks. 



38. Cypselus melba. 



I met with this Swift only on one occasion, among the 

 mountains to the N.W. of Gafsa, when I saw a pair very 

 distinctly. C apus I may have met with, but do not recollect 

 having done so. 



39. Merops apiaster. 



I heard and saw the common Bee-eater on the 7tli March 

 at Gafsa, but without obtaining a specimen. This was the 

 only occasion on which I met with this species during my 

 journey. 



40. Upupa epops. 



I shot a Hoopoe on the 5th March, between Feriana and 

 Sidi-Aich, and met with them again on my return journey, 

 a fortnight later, on the plains between Mides and Feriana, 

 when they were in small flocks, evidently going north. 



41. CUCULUS CANORUS. 



I only heard the Cuckoo once, and that was in the woods 

 near Tebessa, on the 28th March. 



42. ASIO ACCIPITRINUS. 



I met with this Owl once only also, on a plain to the south 

 of Feriana, when T saw a pair and secured one. 



43. Athene glaux. 



This little Owl, the "Booma'^ of the Arabs, is common 

 throughout the Regency wherever there are rocks and suitable 

 hiding-places. I found it constantly during my journey. It 

 also seems to have a pai'tiality for olive-trees, no doubt on 

 account of the holes with wliich the trunks of the old trees 

 abound. It is very fearless, allowing one to approach within 



