132 SPANISH SPARROW. 



Blasius lias, however, made it a variety only of the 

 Passer domestieus. 



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 Miihle says it is very rare in 

 Greece, but when found it is not in company with 

 the Domestic Sparrow, from which 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 bill, and lighter tinge of plumage, 

 but 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 Western or 

 Trans-Indus portion of the Punjaub, where it is known 

 by 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 

 Mr. Salvin in Eastern Africa. — ("Ibis," vol. i.) Mr. 

 Tristram also includes it in his list of the birds of 

 Palestine, and Mr. E. C. Taylor says 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 Mr. Tristram's 

 and Mr. Salvia's very interesting remarks, from the 

 Avork 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, 



