256 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



variety known as Sturnus unicolor, and only wanders to the 

 Mediterranean in very cold seasons. 



The Bittern and Golden Oriole pass the island on migration, 

 the last named being a very rare wanderer to the British 

 Islands; while it breeds in Greece, Sicily, the Balearic Islands, 

 Spain, and France. 



Sclavonian and Eared Grebes.— Both species frequent the 

 different harbours around Malta between the months, of October 

 and January. 



Kestrel. — These birds are common in the winter months, 

 but the majority leave the island in the spring months for their 

 breeding grounds, probably Spain, where they are abundant. 



Kedbreast. — During my stay in Malta (two years and a 

 half) I saw only three of this species. 



Wagtails. — White and Grey Wagtails common during the 

 winter months. 



Finches. — The Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and Haw- 

 finch. The first three named species are common on migration; 

 the Hawfinch is much scarcer, and is obtained generally in the 

 autumn. The whole of these birds are much prized by the 

 Maltese as cage pets. 



Siskin. — I have only seen two Siskins personally in the open, 

 and these were obtained by a birdcatcher; but I am informed 

 they visit the island from time to time in large numbers. 



Linnet. — I have observed several Linnets in the vicinity of 

 Citta Vecchia, but, as yet, nowhere else upon the island, except 

 at Manoel, where four were caught in a field near the camp. 



Nightjar. — Upon two occasions only have I seen and handled 

 a pair of Nightjars, although the bird is said to be plentiful on 

 migration. I examined one at Manoel on November 7th, 1896. 

 Its appearance is unusual on the island at this period of the year. 



Skylark. — The Skylark is somewhat plentiful on the island. 



Quail. — Quails are extremely abundant all over the island 

 during the migratory seasons, but particularly in April and May. 

 One single specimen was shot on the shore at Manoel, November 

 7th, 1896; while as late as December 8th, 1896, six specimens 

 were shot near the same place. 



Golden Oriole. — Saw several specimens near Pembroke 

 camp between May 10th and 31st, 1896. 



