1922.] some Cretan Birds. r)79 



Corvus comix. 



Seen close to Candia. I saw Ravens driving Hooded 

 Crows away from their feeding-grounds. 



Corvus corax. 



The liuvcn is ver\^ plentiful in Crete, especially along the 

 coast where, instead of being solitary or in pairs, I noticed 

 that it collected in large flocks, a favourite resort being the 

 waste land just west of Candia, where it shared the filth from 

 the offal heaps with the pariah dogs. 



These large gatherings dispersed in the early spring when 

 the birds pair and nest in the rocky ravines along the 

 coast, building on ledges. 



I knew of two nests, just north of Anapoli, and obtained 

 a young bird which accompanied me to England, and lived 

 for many years ; a most amusing but troublesome pet. It 

 learned to talk and would repeat its name : " Bashi I Poor 

 Bashi, Poor Bashi," in tones of much commiseration. 



Plumage, when adult, black with rich metallic blue gloss; 

 irides gi'ey. 



Judging by its gregarious habits I at one time thought 

 this Cretan Raven might be Corvus tingitanus, but Mr. 

 Sclater informs me such is not the case. 



Alauda arvensis. 



Plentiful in large flocks on the ploughed land round 

 Candia during the winter ; I shot several. Length 1\ in. ; 

 outer tail-feathers and outer webs of secondaries white. 



Alauda cristata. 



Candia, during the winter. A specimen I shot was 7j in. 

 in length, under surface of the wings and tail rufescent, the 

 short crest had the brown feathers dark-centred. In my 

 notes is: — " 15 August: Lark, a crested species, plentiful on 

 the rough land near Candia." 



Micropus apus. 



Common round Candia, breeding there. 



