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Mr. M. J. Nicoll— Contributions 
All the Redbreasts that I have at present examined from 
Giza belong to the pale-breasted greyish-backed form, which 
differs considerably from the British E. rubecula melophilus. 
25. Daulias luscinia (Linn.). 
Philomela luscinia Shelley, p. 88. 
Nightingales begin to arrive in Giza towards the end of 
March, and for about a fortnight they abound. Great 
numbers frequent the Zoological Gardens, and I have seen 
as many as fifteen together close to the verandah of my 
house. Very soon after their arrival they commence to 
sing. In the autumn I have only met with this species on 
three occasions. I think that it is probable that the birds 
follow a different route on their way south from that taken 
on the passage northwards in spring. In addition to its 
song the Nightingale utters in spring a curious shrill 
squeak, unlike anything I have heard in England. 
26. Daulias Philomela (Bechst.). 
Philomela major Shelley, p. 88. 
I have only twice met with the u Sprosser 99 Nightingale 
in Egypt. On May 5th, 1907,1 watched an example perched 
on a wire fence in the Zoological Gardens, and on November 
1st, 1908,1 obtained a specimen at Giza. The latter example 
had both feet considerably swollen, and this probably had 
retarded its passage southward. 
27. Sylvia cinerea Bechst. 
Sylvia cinerea Shelley, p. 111. 
The Whitethroat appears to be a spring and autumn 
visitor in very small numbers. I saw a few during April 
1907 in the Zoological Gardens, and obtained an adult male 
on the 12th of that month. I also have an adult female 
shot by Capt. J. W. H. Seppings on the 17th of April, 
1907, at Giza, where I shot another adult male in winter- 
plumage on September 24th, 1908. 
28. Sylvia curruca (Linn.). 
Sylvia curruca Shelley, p. 110. 
The Lesser Whitethroat is one of the most abundant 
