450 Ernesto Schmitz : 



the Madeiran Chaffinch, the Madeiran Long-toed Pigeon, and 

 perhaps also the Madeiran Petrel (Œstrelata feae). Certain 

 forms of species are also peculiar to Madeira, and are rarely 

 to be found elsewhere, as, for example, Grant's Sparrow Hawk, 

 Schmitz's Barn Owl, the Madeiran Ping-Dove, the Madeiran 

 Red-legged Partridge, the Madeiran form of Berthelot's 

 Pipit, and perhaps the Madeiran Wagtail and Linnet. 



I would like to tell you some details about these species 

 peculiar to Madeira, because they deserve it, not only on 

 account of their extremely restricted range, but also for 

 many other reasons. Our Gold-crest is a true jewel of our 

 wooded mountains, and not at all rare. His wonder- 

 ful nest with six eggs, exceptionally seven, is chiefly found 

 in laurel, erica-, vaccinium, and faya trees. Also on the 

 mountains, but further from all human habitation, chiefly in 

 the laurel and chestnut forests is found the Long-toed 

 Pigeon, G. trocaz. It is really a splendid and majestic bird, 

 from its large size, its silver collar and elongated middle toe, 

 5 cm. in length. The nests are rarely found, and are, as a 

 rule, inaccessible. The first egg was discovered twelve years 

 ago, differing from other Pigeons' eggs by its enormous size, 

 which is never less than 45 mm. in length ; but two eggs 

 have never been found in the same nest. Our peculiar 

 Chaffinch is also a lovely, lively bird, and may be distin- 

 guished from his nearest relatives in other countries by his 

 green back, slightly roseate breast, and generally darker 

 colours. It is always to be found in the wooded regions 

 of the island. 



Only a few months ago I learnt for certain that Œstrelata 

 feae ad. Salv., the peculiar Madeiran Petrel, breeds not only on 

 a little islet near Madeira, as stated before, but also in 

 Madeira itself, under conditions similar to those of the 

 Manx Shearwater in England, but later on in the year, in 

 July, August, or September. Eggs of this species are 

 scarcely to be found in the most complete collections ; and, 

 unfortunately, last year six of them were broken against the 

 rocks by the boys who found them, and did not know their value. 



A great many Red-legged Madeira Partridges, together 

 with Woodcock and Quail, are found throughout the entire 



