Collection of Birds from the Mediteiranean. 183 



Gallinago gallinula (L.). 



Gallinago gallinago (L.). 



The Common and Jack Snipe are abundant during winter 

 in suitable places all over the Mediterranean. At Port Said 

 both species were first observed on 13th November. They 

 Avere then on passage, as there is no ground sufficiently 

 suitable to be permanently occupied by Snipe within a few 

 miles of Port Said. 



Near Damauhour in December and January the Jack and 

 Full Snipe were abundant, and in about equal proportions- 

 The average weight o£ a number was poor; Full Snipe 

 under 3^ ounces, largest 3| ounces, smallest 2f ounces; 

 Jack Snipe If ounces, largest 2, smallest 1^ ounces. 



In Crete in spring a small influx of Full Snipe due to 

 migration was observed from the equinox until mid- April. 



ScOLOPAX RUSTICOLA L. 



The Woodcock, when frozen out of its winter quarters in 

 the north occasionally, as is known, crosses the eastern 

 Mediterranean in some numbers, but it seems that such 

 migrations are the outcome of exceptional years, and that 

 usually the numbers are few. 



Egypt. — A Woodcock was shot when out Snipe-shooting 

 in January, about 25 miles from Alexandria. 



Crete. — It is known that small bags of Woodcocks may be 

 obtained in suitable localities. 



Malta. — In some years severe weather to the northward 

 brings a sudden migration of Woodcocks through the Malta 

 islands, birds being found in all sorts of odd places in the 

 towns. 



Greece and Albania. — In suitable cover near the sea-coast, 

 very large bags of Woodcocks, depending on the severity of 

 the weather inland, are obtained. January is the best month. 



ROSTRATULA CAPENSIS (L.). 



In Egypt the Painted Snipe, which is resident and breeds, 

 was found here and there. A family of five birds was 

 flushed on one occasion. They were followed up, as with 



