SIX MONTHS’ BIRD COLLECTING IN EGYPT. 157 
60. BLACKBIRD, Zurdus merula, Linn. 
I insert this with some doubt: it was seen by a friend 
on the 23rd of January. I also saw a couple in cages. 
Captain Shelley says it comes to Egypt.* 
61. GOLDEN ORIOLE, Oriolus galbula, Linn.; “Sufri.” 
This is about the last of the migratory Passeres to arrive. 
The first seen were old males; then several young males 
and females. They prefer the thicker foliaged trees, as has 
been observed, and in spite of their bright colours are not 
very easy to see when sitting. Only once did I hear the 
flute-like note of the Oriole, and it appears to me that many 
of the spring visitors, which pass through Egypt in April, 
are not near enough to the time of their nesting to be in 
much song. The Cuckoos, for instance, were mute, but in- 
England the first announcement of their advent is their 
familiar note. I believe very many birds pair ex route, but 
I believe also that they reserve their song of exultation until 
they reach the scene of their labours for the summer. 
62, BLUE THRUSH, Monticola cyana (Linn.) ; 
? “Hamamet-Um Aby.” 
If not got when first seen, it is of little use following the 
crafty Blue Thrush, for it will keep on ahead taking short 
flights, alluring one on, but always taking care to be just 
out of gunshot. We shot one in the great hall at Karnac, 
and saw another at Medinet-Haboo. It is not at all un- 
* In April, 1838, a pair of Blackbirds were put into my father’s 
aviary, and mdrabile dictu, these little monsters, in about forty-eight 
hours, killed twenty-six small birds which were contined there with 
them. 
