in the Eastern Atlas • 
307 
45. Saxicola aurita. (Eared Wheatear.) 
The favourite resort of this species is among the stony ground 
at the foot of the hills; and in such places it may be looked for, 
and generally found. Roman ruins also are much frequented. 
We obtained two nests from the Madracen, where they were 
placed in the interstices of the stone of that building. Usually 
the nests were close by, or under a large fragment of rock. 
46. Saxicola stapazina. (Russet Wheatear.) 
Is found in similar situations to those of the last, and appears 
equally distributed over the same districts. No difference is 
noticeable between the eggs of this and the former species. 
The Arabic name for all the Wheatears is “ Millil” 
47. Pratincola rubicola. (The Stonechat.) 
By no means uncommon in the mountainous districts. 
48. Saxicola rubetra. (The Whinehat.) 
Also common in localities similar to the last. 
49. Ruticilla moussieri. (Moussier*s Redstart.) 
This species, which is peculiar to North Africa, is perhaps one 
of the most interesting in the Regency of Tunis and Eastern 
Algeria, where I had the pleasure of observing it. Its favourite 
resorts are the ruins of the old Roman cities which lie scattered 
in all directions throughout this district, and the loose rocky 
ground which skirts the plains at the foot of the surrounding 
hills. When visiting such spots, the bright plumage of the 
male, as he glides from stone to stone, is one of the first objects 
that attract the attention. The note uttered by the male during 
the breeding-season is peculiar; and, unlike that of any of its 
congeners, it is monotonous, but not unpleasing. This bird 
seems intermediate between the Stonechats and Redstarts; but 
I am inclined to consider that it is more closely allied to the 
former than to the latter: the character of the plumage of the 
male would lead one to this supposition; and its habits, actions, 
and nest tend rather to confirm the idea. The eggs, which are 
white with the faintest tinge of greenish-blue, only indicate its 
connexion with the whole group, including the Wheatears ; and, 
as in the case of the eggs of Saxicola cenanthe , I have no doubt 
that spotted varieties occur. On observing the eggs of the 
