282 
Rev. H. B. Tristram on the 
from our old nesting locality, Kef Laks, an egg which is richly 
coloured over its whole surface with red blotches and spots. I 
may remark that the Griffons we saw in the Desert always 
appeared to come from the north, not from the south. 
2. Otogyps nubicus. (Nubian Vulture.) 
This bird did not often come under my observation, but is 
a constant resident in the Sahara, though in very limited num¬ 
bers. While the Griffon breeds throughout the Atlas, the 
Nubian seems to resort to more southern ranges for his eyrie. 
There is a breeding-place to the south-west of Biskra, in some 
lofty isolated cliffs, and another near the stupendous gorge of 
El Kantara, where I have watched these birds with the tele¬ 
scope. The heavier build, larger size, and short stout neck and 
head render this bird distinguishable at a glance from the Griffon. 
The plumage also appeared to me darker; but I am inclined to 
think that the hues of all vultures change much according to 
age. I noted three or four among some precipitous ridges 
between the M/zab country and the oasis of Waregla, in lat. 
32° N., and was told by the natives that they remained there 
ail the year. As we saw them in December, it is probable they 
breed in these cliffs. Their habits seem precisely similar to 
those of the Griffon. 
3. Neophron percnopterus. (Egyptian Vulture.) 
The inhabitants of the Desert are familiar with the ‘ Rakhma/ 
which is very rare in winter (I only observed one in the M’zab 
country), but visits all the oases, and follows the nomad camps 
for offal in summer. 
4. Gypaetus barbatus. (The Lannnergeyer.) 
The southern limit of the ‘ Boulakhia J appears to be the 
oases of Laghouat and of Biskra, so that he only just makes 
good his claim to rank among the birds of the Desert. I shot 
one specimen in the range of cliffs behind Laghouat, and its 
plumage was of the richest ochreous colour I ever saw. Had he 
dyed his feathers in any muddy water, he must have gone many 
leagues for his bath. Of the many adult Gypa'eti which I have 
observed in Africa, I never saw one without the rich tawny hue on 
the neck and under surface of the body. Either this is the true 
