spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 
Observed five times between 14 September and 27 October in the camp and on 
the lawns at the head offices of the plant. 
Pied Flycatcher Muscicapa hypoleuca 
One female at the plant on 1 October. 
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 
This species winters in Iraq and was observed four times: 9 September and 25 
November at the Euphrates; 9 November at Babylon; and 18 November in the 
open area between the camp and the plant. 
Tree Fipii Anthus trivialis 
A passage migrant in Iraq, the species was heard at the plant on 28 September and 
16 October. 
White Wagtail Motacilla alba 
Seen frequently from 1 October to 2 December, in the camp, at the plant, on the 
way to Baghdad, in Babylon and in Huseiba. The numbers peaked from the end 
of October into November. Flocks were seen flying west onl6 November and 
south on 20 November. 
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 
Up to 10 were observed daily from 9 September to 1 1 October, on the lawns at the 
plant's head office building. 
Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus 
On 12 September I saw either a female or juvenile at the plant. On 25, 27 and 28 
September and 10 October I saw males also at the plant. 
Yellow- vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos 
On 9 September, in the garden of the guest house in Baghdad, I watched several 
Bulbuls with spectacular yellow undertail-coverts. cSi 7 October, I saw three 
birds in a tree in the camp. I know Common Bulbuls Pycnonotus barbatus from 
East Africa, Israel, Morocco and Tunisia very well, but the bulbuls I saw in Iraq 
were definitely Yellow-vented Bulbuls. 
[There is a possible record of Yellow -vented Bulbul from Feluja, just east of 
Baghdad (J Bombay NHS 28: 271 ), but otherwise these seem to be the first records. 
Eds] 
10 
