132 
Sl’AMSir SPARROW. 
lilasios has, however, made it a variety only of the 
Passer domesticus. 
The Spanish Sparrow is, as its name implies, an in- 
habitant of Spain, but it is also common in the south 
of Europe generally, particularly in Sardinia, Sicily, 
and Italy. Count jMiihle says it is very rare in 
Greece, but when found it is not in company with 
the Domestic Sparrow, from Avhich he considers it 
quite distinct. Dr. Leith Adams informs me that it is 
the commonest bird in the island of Malta, and breeds 
in the walls of the forts and houses. Dr. Adams also 
mentions having shot and seen it in confinement with 
a yellowish black hill, and lighter tinge of plumage, 
hut in no way distinct. It is also said in Malta to 
breed with P. cisalpina, and that a hybrid is produced, 
but Dr. Adams has not been able to confirm this 
statement. Dr. Adams further adds, “I have seen 
specimens in collections made in the AVestern or 
Trans-Indus portion of the Punjaub, where it is known 
bv the name of ‘Cabool Sparrow.’ I do not think it 
is found further eastward.” 
It seems very common in Africa. Captain Loche 
met with it in the three provinces of Algeria. Mr. 
Tristram has recorded it as abundant in Northern, and 
INIr. Salvin in Eastern Africa. — (“Ibis,” vol. i.) Mr. 
'fristram also includes it in his list of the birds of 
Palestine, and Mr. E. C. Taylor cays that it is abun- 
dant in Egypt, frequenting the open country in large 
flocks, and roosting in trees. 
I shall take the liberty of quoting IMr. Tristram’s 
and INIr. Salvin’s very interesting remarks, from the 
work above alluded to. Mr. Tristram says, “The 
Spanish Sparrow, of which the Arab name is Zaouch, 
is abundant in vast flocks wherever there is moisture. 
