32 
Rev. H. B. TristranPs Notes 
64. Enneoctonus rufus. 
The Woodchat is one of the commonest birds of Palestine, 
frequenting olive-yards and gardens. 
65. Garrulus melanocephalus. 
I found this splendid Jay in several localities where there was 
timber of sufficient size to afford it cover. My examples were 
shot by my friend Mr. J. L. Gibbs. 
It is difficult to conceive how, with specimens in hand of the 
different species, the confusion of authors could have arisen 
as to Garrulus glandai'ius of Europe, G. melanocephalus of Asia 
and the Caucasus, and G. cervicalis of Algeria. The smaller 
size, the darker colouring, the black forehead, deep chestnut 
neck and collar, the lesser extent of the blue on the scapulars, 
and the very light brown outer tail-feathers of the Algerian bird, 
at once separate it from the others. 
Garrulus melanocephalus has not only the rich black feathers 
extending to the nape of the neck, but has the forehead white 
instead of spotted, as in our species; while the black moustache 
is of twice the extent and breadth, the region behind the eyes 
is white instead of chestnut, the white on the throat extends 
much lower down, and the lower plumage is of a much lighter 
colour. It is probable, then, that the specimens quoted by 
Degland as from Syria have been Algerian skins passed off 
by the Paris dealers, my skins corresponding, as might have been 
expected, with the Caucasian bird described by Nordmann. My 
friend Colonel Drummond, who has frequently shot the Common 
Jay in Greece, remarks that he never found Garrulus melano¬ 
cephalus in that country. 
66. Amydrus tristramti, Sclater. 
This handsome bird, which Mr. Sclater has done me the 
honour to name after me, and has described in the 1 Annals of 
Natural History ’ for December 1858, I discovered in the gorge 
of the Kedron, not far from the Dead Sea. Several pairs were 
breeding in the rocks among the cells hewn out by the old 
monks of Mar Saba. In habits and manners they reminded 
me somewhat of the Grakles of North America, but seem a 
strictly desert bird. The species ought to be found at Petra, if 
