407 
Ornithology of Cyprus. 
911. Phasianus colchicus Linn. 
References to the Pheasant in Cyprus are made by the 
mediaeval writers, but it has long ago disappeared. Mariti, a 
most reliable and accurate author, who was acquainted with 
both Partridges and Prancolins, writing towards the end 
of the 18th century, states that pheasants, which abounded 
in Cyprus even after its unhappy absorption in the Ottoman 
Empire, have all been exterminated.” 
An attempt made very shortly after the British occupation 
to re-introduce Pheasants by Lord John Kennedy and 
Captain A. S. Stevenson was not a success, though the 
birds were turned down at Aghirda Wood in the Kyrenia 
district, probably as suitable a locality as there is in the 
island. Through the kindness of Mr. W. Fremlin we have 
this year been able to make another attempt at the introduc¬ 
tion of Pheasants. Horsbrugli brought out in January 
twenty-eight birds, which have been distributed in two 
centres and some of which are, at present, doing very well. 
947. Caccabis chucar (Gray). 
The Chukar Partridge is a resident, and the only Part¬ 
ridge which occurs in Cyprus. The introduction of modern 
weapons of precision in large numbers has, within the last 
twenty years, caused a very marked decrease in the abund¬ 
ance of the species. From early accounts it must have been 
extremely numerous. At present, though found in all parts 
of the island, it is only in a few secluded localities that 
a bag of eight or ten brace may be confidently expected. 
Though mercilessly pursued it is so wary a bird and so well 
accustomed to take care of itself, that it is in little danger 
of extermination. It is, notwithstanding the law, by no 
means an uncommon practice for the peasants to utilize the 
eggs of this bird for making iC Easter 99 cakes or omelettes, 
but I am glad to say that the offenders, when discovered, are 
now promptly prosecuted. It is a good bird on the table 
with a well marked flavour of its own. It nests during 
April and May and lays sometimes as many as sixteen eggs ; 
the average size of twelve was 1"53 X 1*18 inches. 
