THE BREEDING BIRDS OF MALTA. 177 



considered also one of our resident species, as a few individuals 

 are to be met with all the year round. Its nests, though not 

 common, are to be found every year. 



The site chosen by the bird wherein to nest is generally a 

 crag in the cliffs overhanging the sea towards the south of the 

 islands ; the material used being identical with that employed 

 by the foregoing species. Some observers are of opinion that 

 the Kestrel often uses the nest of the Jackdaw after having com- 

 pelled its owner to desert it. When it really makes a nest for 

 itself, both male and female seem to take part, and they 

 generally employ from six to fifteen days to complete it. 



Nidification commences rather late. I have never seen a 

 nest earlier than in May. The young seem to leave the nest by 

 the end of June. 



26. Bock-Dove. 



Columba livia, Bonn. — Hamiema tal gebel. 



This is one of our resident birds ; it is, however, by no means 

 common. Evidently Wright, who says that it breeds in con- 

 siderable numbers, was not aware that the bulk of the birds 

 which are seen about the southern parts of the islands are 

 nothing but escaped examples of the several varieties of our 

 domestic pigeons. 



The site chosen by the Bock-Dove wherein to nest is generally 

 a crag or a cave in the high southern cliffs. 



Both sexes take part in its construction, which they complete 

 in a period varying from six to ten days. The nest seems to 

 be used not only for several broods but for several successive 

 years. 



No description of nesting-material or eggs is needed, as these 

 are quite identical with those of the domestic pigeon. 



I fear that it is difficult to fix the length of the nesting period, 

 though some observers are of a persistent opinion that it lasts 

 from March to July. 



27. Quail. 

 Coturnix communis, Bechst. — Summiena. 

 Undoubtedly the Quail would be one of our more common 

 breeders if it were not so much persecuted ; unfortunately, 

 Zool. Uh ser., vol. XX., May, 1916. p 



