BIRD-LIFE IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 95 



In all the rocky parts of the country we are sure to 

 meet with various representatives of the Chat family, of 

 which our own little Wheatear is the typical species. 

 No part of the desert seems too desolate and dreary for 

 the Black Chat. It perches daintily on the rocks, 'and 

 when too elosely scrutinised drops behind them out of 

 view, or creeps into a hole, where it lurks until the 

 threatened danger has passed. Near the mountain 

 pass of El Kantara the Black-eared Chat is often seen ; 

 and still further into the Sahara, in the rocky region 

 south of Biskra, I saw the Pied Chat. It loves the stony 

 hillsides and the broad sandy plains covered with rocks, 

 where scarcely a trace of vegetation can be seen. High 

 up the Aures Mountains the local Seebohm's Chat has 

 its summer residence in one or two chosen spots a 

 bird like the Wheatear, but with a rich black throat. 

 This latter species was first discovered by Captain 

 Elwes and myself during the spring of 1882, and, as the 

 nearest ally of the Wheatear, it possesses an unusual 

 interest for British naturalists. It is by no means shy, 

 but sufficiently wary to keep at a safe distance, flitting 

 along just above the ground and alighting on the clods 

 of earth or the large stones, where it watches every 

 movement. In the more cultivated districts the Stone- 

 chat and the Whinchat are common ; and in most wooded 

 localities and near to gardens, the pretty little Moussier's 

 Bush Chat is plentiful. It is a gay and lively little bird, 



