Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula 
krameri resident in small numbers, 
maximum of six, most commonly 
observed at GSC and in the gardens 
around the Gezira Tower. The species 
seems especially attracted by the Silk- 
cotton tree and large, fruit-bearing Ficus 
species such as Banyan and Sycamore 
which also provide suitable nesting 
sites. 
Barn Owl Tyto alba present in small 
numbers, probably breeding in the 
minarets of mosques and the towers of 
old villas. 
Long-eared OwMsio otus resident and 
probably breeding at GSC. The only 
previous breeding records in Egypt 
came from the Delta. (Lillian Goulty) 
Little Owl Athene noctna one calling in 
Zamalek, November 1988. 
Pallid Swift Apus pallid us breeds in the tall buildings of Zamalek and is common 
during the breeding season. In most years, the species is largely absent during 
November to January when it presumably winters farther south. During this 
period, small flocks of up to 65 birds occasionally fly south high over the island, 
but sometimes also appear to move north at dusk. The species returns in strength 
at the end of February or the beginning of March. 
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus four, 13 April 1991, at GSC. 
Bee-eater Merops apiaster spring migration over the island from the third week in 
April to the end of May with peak numbers usually during the second week of 
May; flocks of typically 20 to 65 birds. Autumn passage less obvious than spring, 
with birds from the start of September until the end of October; flocks typically 
20 birds. 
Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis apparently only a winter visitor, present 
from the second week in October until the first week in March; in groups of up 
to six wherever taller trees provide perching sites. 
Hoopoe Upupa epops common breeding resident. 
Wryneck ]ynx torquilla singles at GSC, 17 March 1987 and 1 April 1988. 
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla at GSC in 1987: two, 17 March and 13 
in flight to the northeast, 21 March. 
Sand Martin Riparia riparia spring migration from mid-February to mid-May 
with maximum of 175 on 28 February 1987. No autumn records. 
Swallow Hinmdo rustica the Egyptian racesaz>i£;iiiisa common resident breeder, 
but the nominate race is a surprisingly scarce m igrant during March to May and 
in October. 
House Martin Delictum urbica scarce spring passage migrant, March to May. 
Tawny Pipit An thus campestris the commonest pipit on the island. On spring 
passage from 19 March to 22 April, with an average of six per visit and maximum 
of 12 on 24 March 1987. Much scarcer in the autumn: two on 29 October and 5 
November 1986. All recorded at GSC. 
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis up to three between 4-19 November at GSC. 
22 
