581 
Ornithology of Cyprus. 
Christian and Moslem, are very keen sportsmen, and, I think, 
observe the Game Law as well as the English do; but the 
peasants, amongst whom to carry a gun is not only regarded 
as a sign of importance, but also as a surety for the safety of 
themselves and their flocks, are often picturesque poachers, 
and will at any time shoot anything worth a charge of 
powder and shot. 
The law, both with regard to the preservation of Game 
and Wild Birds, is probably adequate, but its enforcement 
is not easy in a place like Cyprus, where there is no such 
thing as “ game preserving,” and where any one can and does 
shoot practically wherever he pleases. However, there are a 
few forest plantations in which no shooting is allowed, and 
the new law of this year contemplates the establishment of 
large “reserves.” 
Of the distribution of birds in and their migratory move¬ 
ments to and from an island geo graphically situated as is 
Cyprus, it is difficult to express opinions which may not 
subsequently be rudely upset, but the following remarks are 
put forward in the belief that they are substantially correct. 
About two hundred and sixty species have been recorded 
from the island, in the main on very good authority. The 
list is one which a competent ornithologist would probably 
be able largely to compile by looking at a map. As time 
goes on and with closer observation perhaps the number will 
still be considerably augmented. Of real residents there are 
very few, and in all they barely exceed forty species, of which 
a Dipper, a Jay, a Coal Tit, a Wren, a Tree-creeper, a Scops 
Owl, a Chat, a Great Tit, and a Hooded Crow have all 
been accorded, on, at any rate in some cases, tolerably good 
grounds, subspecific rank. Of these nine local forms it is 
interesting to observe that the first five are entirely confined 
to the higher parts of the southern mountain-range. 
Other typical real residents are the Common Francolin, 
the Chukar Partridge, the Haven, Jackdaw, Magpie, and 
Little Owl. 
About thirty species are typical summer visitors, arriving 
in the island in spring, nesting and leaving for warmer 
