THE BIRDS OF ST KILDA 217 



We saw several examples between ist and 5th Sep- 

 tember 1910, but did not detect this typical form later, 

 though we were continually on the look-out for it. In 

 1911, however, one was observed as late as the 21st. 



* Saxicola leucorrhoa (Saxicola cenanthe leu- 

 corrhoa). Greater Wheateai'.- — This large north-western 

 race of the Wheatear was constantly observed on 

 passage, frequently in abundance, from 2nd September 

 down to 1 2th October, and possibly occurred later. 

 It was especially numerous on 12th to 13th September 

 1 9 10, and the latest date for its appearance in numbers 

 was 4th October 191 1. This was one of the commonest 

 birds of passage, and was observed on no fewer than 

 twenty-eight days during my sojourn. The wings of 

 males obtained varied from 100-108 mm., and those of 

 females from 100-107 mm. 



In 191 1 it was present throughout our visit in 

 varying numbers. The latest date recorded for its 

 arrival in some abundance was 4th October. 



* Saxicola hispanica. Black-throated Wheatear. — 

 On 2 1 St September 191 1, we were fortunate enough to 

 discover an example of this rare visitor to the British 

 Isles on high ground over which large boulders were 

 scattered. Our attention was drawn to the bird by its 

 small size and pale colour. It proved to be a female, 

 which had recently assumed its winter dress. This 

 elegant summer visitor to the western portion of the 

 Mediterranean basin had only once previously been 

 obtained in Scotland, namely, by myself at Fair Isle in 

 September 1907 (see p. 145). 



* Pratincola rubetra, Whinchat.—A. female seen in 

 the crofts on 8th September 19 10 was the only bird 

 of this species to come under notice. 



