530 DR. O. FINSCH ON BIRDS FROM NORTH-EASTERN 
smaller, than in most European specimens; but there appears to be no constant distinc- 
tion” (Blanf.). We also have not been able to distinguish specimens from Egypt and 
the Red Sea (ZL. fuscescens, Licht.) from European ones. 
PHAETON RUBRICAUDATUS, Bodd., p. 441. no. 290; Finsch & Hartl. Vogel Ostafr. p. 839. 
no. 439, ; 
‘“‘A single specimen of a young bird was captured alive in Annesley Bay. I did not 
notice any flying about the bay” (Blanf.). 
GRACULUS AFRICANUS, Gmel., p. 441. no. 291; Finsch & Hartl. Vogel Ostafr. p. 847. 
no. 446. 
“IT only saw Cormorants on Lake Ashangi, and only this species” (Blanf.). 
PELECANUS RUFESCENS, Gmel., p. 442. no. 292; Finsch & Hartl. Vogel Ostafr. p. 849. 
no. 448. 
“T shot a pair on Dissi Island at the end of August. They were in fine plumage, 
with a rich roseate tinge on the back” (Blanf.). 
PELECANUS PHILIPPENSIS, Gmel., p. 442. no. 293. 
“Between this bird, which was common on the shore of Zoulla, and of which I 
shot a single specimen, and the last, there is no difference in measurements, in the 
form of the frontal feathers, or the disposition of those behind the eye. The crest also 
appears similar; and although the feathers of the head are shorter and more woolly, 
this may partly be due to wear. Under these circumstances I should have been inclined 
to regard the roseate back and breast of P. rufescens as seasonal, but for the circum- 
stance that, while the present specimen is unquestionably identical with the common 
Indian P. philippensis, with specimens of which I have compared it, P. rufescens does 
not appear to have been noticed in India. If it were only the nuptial plumage of the 
present species, it ought to be equally common” (Blanf.). 
I agree with Mr. D. G. Elliot, who, in his valuable ‘Monograph’ of the genus 
Pelecanus (P. Z. 8. 1869, p. 583), unites P. philippensis from India with the African 
P. rufescens, and am of opinion that these species are inseparable, as pointed out by 
Professor Schlegel long since. ‘The red tinge on the back is not peculiar to the African 
bird; for we possess a specimen from Malacca which shows the red very well marked, 
and Mr. Elliot mentions a specimen from Nepaul in the British Museum which 
‘“‘exhibits very distinctly the reddish colour on the back and rump.” 
O. F. 
Bremen, May 26th, 1870. 
