98 Mr. J. J. S. Whitaker on some Tunisian Birds. 



plentiful, coming in flocks of from ten to fifty birds to drink 

 at the water-holes made by the Arabs in the dry river-beds. 

 I saw it first on the 12th March, when the flight commenced 

 about 7 A.M., and lasted till nearly 10 o'clock, after which 

 hour the birds disappeared. During the remainder of the 

 day I only met with an occasional straggler on the plains 

 near Oglet-Alima, and think the bulk of the birds must have 

 gone further south, towards the desert, nor did they return 

 to drink here in the evening. The following morning, how- 

 ever, they were at the water-holes again in full force. They 

 are very strong on the wing, and fly at a considerable height, 

 uttering a loud clucking note all the time, something like 

 that of the Common Fowl. So loud is the note, and so high 

 do the birds fly, that they can often be distinctly heard when 

 scarcely visible to the naked eye. Though very shy and 

 difficult to approach, they do not leave the neighbourhood 

 when disturbed, but return to the water-holes, or their imme- 

 diate vicinity, till the hour arrives for their departure. As in 

 P. arenarius, their feathers lie very closely together, neces- 

 sitating heavy shot to bring them down. I secured fourteen 

 specimens in all, between males and females. The flesh of 

 this Sand-Grouse is excellent eating, and not at all dry or 

 tasteless, the breast having dark and light meat, the same as 

 Blackgame. 



I was unable to ascertain whether this species breeds in the 

 district in which I found it, but think it not unlikely. 



52. Caccabis petrosa. 



The Barbary Partridge I found constantly throughout my 

 journey wherever there were bushes, and within reach of 

 water. They were beginning to pair at the end of February, 

 and in March I never found them except in pairs. 



53. COTURNIX COMMUNIS. 



The Common Quail I also found generally distributed 

 throughout the country I visited. 



54. Phcenicopterus roseus. 



I must include this species, having brought home skins 

 with me, which I got at Tunis. I found the Flamingo as 



