Mr. J. J. S. Wliitaker on some Tunisian Birds. 99 



pleutiful as ever on the Baliira, or Tunis Lake, about the 

 middle of February. On my return from the south at the 

 end of March they had all departed. 



55. Otis tarda. 



This magnificent bird I never actually obtained, although 

 with good luck I ought to have done so, particularly on one 

 occasion, near Feriana, when I suddenly came upon a pair 

 within thirty yards of me, and had ample time to admire and 

 identify the species as they quietly stalked away from me. 

 Unfortunately I was unprepared for them, and so lost my 

 chance. On another occasion, further south, between Gafsa 

 and Tamerza, I met with them ; but I believe this species is 

 not common in Tunisia, and near Tunis itself I understand 

 it is unknown. I was rather surprised not to have met 

 with (). houhara. 



56. Otis tetrax. 



The Lesser Bustard, or "Poule de Carthage^' of the French, 

 is abundant in some parts of the Regency, particularly- in 

 spring. I found it in pairs and singly on the plains between 

 Tebessa and Kasrin at the end of February, and on my return 

 a month later, in the same districts, it was in large flocks, 

 being then no doubt on passage. I did not meet with it near 

 the desert. In the north of the Regency it is common, and 

 I have found it in the middle of winter near Bizerta. 



57. CEdicnemus crepitans. 



I met with this species only after the middle of March on 

 my way from Negrine to Feriana, when it was in pairs on the 

 sandy plains. 



58. EUDROMIAS MORINELLUS. 



I found this species on the plains between Gafsa and Ta- 

 merza in small flocks. 



59. Vanellus cristatus. 



Common about Tebessa and Kasrin, but I did not meet 

 with it further south, no doubt owiug to the absence of water 

 and marshy ground. 



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