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BULLETIN

OF THE

BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB.

EDITED BY

W. R. OGILVIE-GRANT.

VOLUME XVI. SESSION 1905-1906.

3 LONDON: 3 | WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN EN eg /9, aa Nov : 12 1996

“v NL a Uy

=

Teena eee TERT

PREFACE.

Tuer Meetings of the British Ornithologists’ Club held during the 14th Session have all been unusually well attended, the largest number of Members and Visitors on one evening being 73, and the total number during the Session amounting to no less than

385, giving an average of néarly 43 per Meeting. There has

been no falling off either in the number, or in the interest of, the communications; on the contrary these seem to have increased, and many remarkable new birds will be found described on the pages of the present Volume XVI. of the ‘ Bulletin.’

Two important extra volumes of the ‘ Bulletin’ have appeared during the year, viz. :— Volume XVII.—“ Report on the Immigrations of Summer Residents in the Spring of 1905.”

Volume X VITI.—“ Index to the ‘Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club,’ Volumes I.-XV., 1892-1905.”

The former Volume, which appeared in February, 1906, is the first of a series of similar reports to be prepared by a Com- mittee appointed by the British Ornithologists’ Club. The latter volume, which appeared in August, 1906, contains Part I., “ General Subject Index” ; and Part IT., “ Index to the Genera and Species.’ It supplies a much felt want, and will prove a great saving of time to all those who wish to refer to the Volumes included.

The thanks of the Club are due to Mr. H. F. Witherby for having undertaken the publication of the ‘ Bulletin,’ free of any charge, an arrangement which has proved a great convenience

as well as an economy. e

(Signed) W. R. OGILVIE-GRANT, Editor. September 24th, 1906.

RULES

OF THE

BRITISH QRNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB.

(As amended 17th January, 1906.)

I. This Club was founded for the purpose of facilitating the social intercourse of Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union. Any Member of that Union can become a Member of this Club on payment (to the Treasurer) of an entrance fee of- One Pound and a subscription of Five Shillings for the current Session. Resignation of the Union involves resignation of

the Club.

II. Members who have not paid their subscriptions before the last Meeting of the Session, shall cease, ipso facto, to be Members of the Club, but may be reinstated on payment of arrears, and a new entrance fee.

III. Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union may be introduced as Visitors at the Meetings of the Club, but every Member of the Club who introduces a Member of the B. O. U. as a Visitor (to dinner or to the Meeting afterwards) shall pay One Shilling to the Treasurer, on each occasion.

IV. The Club shall meet, as a rule, on the Third Wednesday in every Month, from October to June inclusive, at such hour aud place as may be arranged by the Committee. At these Meetings papers upon ornithological subjects shall be read, Specimens exhibited, and discussion invited.

yt

V. An Abstract of the Proceedings of the B. O. C. shall be printed as soon as possible after each Meeting, under the title of the ‘Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club,’ and distributed gratis to every Member who has paid his subscription. Copies of this Bulletin shall be published and sold at One Shilling each.

VI. The affairs of this Club shall be managed by a Com- mittee, to consist of the Editors of the ‘Ibis, the Editor of the ‘ Bulletin,’ and the Secretary and Treasurer, ex officio; with three other Members, one of whom shall be changed every year. The Committee shall have power to make and alter Bye-laws.

COMMITTEE, 1905-1906.

P. L. Sciarer, F. R.8., Editor of ‘ The Ibis,’ Chairman. W. R. Oaitvize-Grant, Editor of the ‘ Bulletin,

H. F. Wirnersy, Secretary and Treasurer.

A. H. Evans, Editor of the ‘ Ibis.’

Howarp Saunpers, Vice-Chairman.

R. Bowpier Suarpr, LL.D., Vice-Chairman.

D. Sera-Smiru.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

JUNE, 1906.

ALEXANDER, Boyp ; Wilsley, Cranbrook, Kent.

APLIN, OLIVER VERNON ; Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon.

ARUNDEL, Major W. B. ; High Ackworth, Pontefract.

AsuBy, H.; Oakwood Lodge, Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton.

Baker, E. C. Stuart ; care of Messrs, H. 8S. King & Co., 65 Cornhill, E.C.

Baxer, Dr. J. C. ; Ceely House, Aylesbury.

Barcuay, HuGH Gurney ; Colney Hall, Norwich.

BARRETT-HAMILTON, Captain GpRALD HE. H.; Kilmanock House, Arthurstown, Waterford.

BARRINGTON, RicHARD MANLIFFE ; Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

BIDWELL, E.; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, London, E.C.

BineHamM, Lieut.-Col. C.T.; 6 Gwendwr Road, West Kensington, W.

BiaAuw, F. E., C.M.Z.S. ; Gooilust, s\Graveland, Noord-Holland.

BonnotTr, Jonn Lewis; Gadespring Lodge, Hemel Hempstead, Herts.

Boorman, S. ; Heath Farm, Send, Woking, Surrey.

Booru, H. B.; 40 Spring Royd, Shipley, Yorks.

BraprorD, Dr. J. Rose, F.R.S.; 8 Manchester Square, W.

Bristow#, B. A. ; The Cottage, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey.

Brockaoues, W. FrtzHerBertT; Claughton-on-Brock, Garstang, Lancashire. .

BuTTERFIELD, W. C. J. Ruskin ; 4 Stanhope Place, St. Leonards-on Sea.

Burrress, B. A. E. ; Craft Hill, Dry Drayton, Cambridge.

CAMPBELL, C. W.; Grosvenor Club, W.

CHapMAN, ABEL ; Houxty, Wark-on-Tyne.

CLARKE, Capt. GoLAND vAN Hott, D.S.O., Brook House, Hayward’s Heath, Sussex.

CLARKE, Lieut.-Col. StepHENSON RopEeRT; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. :

CLARKE, Wituiam Hace ; Royal Scottish Museum, Hdinburgh.

Cotes, RicHarD Epwarp; Ashley Arnewood, Lymington, Hants.

CoLLIER, CHARLES ; Clieveden House, 21 Eaton Terrace, S.W.

VIII

CrawrorD, F. C.; 19 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh.

CrossMAN, ALAN F.; care of F. Sharman, 47 Goldington Road, Bedford.

CrowLey, J. C. ; 16 Chatsworth Road, Croydon.

CROWLEY, REGINALD A.; Foord’s Farm, Vines Cross, Heathfield, Sussex.

Curtis, FREDERICK, F.R.C.S. ; Lyndens, Redhill, Surrey.

DALGLEISH, JOHN J.; Brankston Grange, Bogside Station, Stirling, N.B.

Davipson, J. ; 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh.

DE Winvon, W. E.; Orielton, Pembroke.

Dossre, JAMES B.; 2 Hailes Street, Edinburgh.

Dopigz, WILLIAM HeENry, M.R.C.S. ; 2 Hunter Street, Chester.

Dresser, HENryY EE.ss, 110 Cannen Street, E.C.

Drewir', Dr. F. D.; 14 Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, W.

Duruir, Lt.-Colonel W. H. M. ; The Presbytery, North Berwick.

Duron, Rev. & Hon. Ganon ; Bibury, Fairford.

EarLe, Epwarp V.; Franks, Farningham, Kent.

ELiior, Epmunp A. 8., M.R.C.S. ; Woodville, Kingsbridge, 8. Devon.

Euison, The Rev. ALLAN ; Ardoyne House, Watton, Herts.

ELwes, Henry Joun, F.R.S8. ; Colesborne Park, Cheltenham.

Evans, ARTHUR HuMBLE, M.A.; 9 Harvey Road, Cambridge.

EWEN, Guy L’EsrrRanGE ; 1 Claremont Road, Windsor.

Fenwick, E. N. F. ; Oxford and Cambridge Club, Pall Mall, S.W.

FINLINSON, Horace W. ; Gore Court, Sittingbourne, Kent.

Finn, FRANK ; 29 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, N.W.

FLoweERr, Capt. $8. 8S. ; Ghizeh Zoological Gardens, Cairo, Egypt.

Forbes, HENry Oe, LL.D. ; Director of Public Museums, Liverpool.

Foster, Nevin H.; Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland.

Fow Ler, W. Warpg, M.A.; Lincoln College, Oxford.

Frouawk, F. W.; Ashmount, Rayleigh, Essex.

GArINsBorouGH, The Earl of ; Campden House, Campden, Glouces- tershire.

GARNETT, CHARLES ; 9 Cleveland Gardens, Hyde Park, W.

GERRARD, JOHN ; Worsley, Manchester.

GILLETT, FRED. ; 28 Beaufort Gardens, S.W.

GILLMAN, A. R.; 5 Fellows Road, Hampstead, N.W.

Gitroy, NORMAN ; 95 Claremont Road, Forest Gate, Essex.

GODMAN, Freperick DuCaneg, D.C.L., F.R.S.; 10 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, W. (President B.O.U.)

GOODALL, J. M. ; 52 Oxford Gardens, North Kensington, W.

GoopcuHILD, H. ; 66 Gloucester Road, Regent’s Park, N.W.

GOODFELLOW, WALTER; care of J. J. Mumford, The Poplars, Kettering.

Ix

Gou.p, F. H. Carrutuers ; Matham Manor House, Hast Molesey.

GRIFFITH, ARTHUR F.; 59 Montpelier Road, Brighton.

GuntHerR, Dr. ArperTC. L. G., F.R.S.; 2 Lichfield Road, Kew Gardens, S.W.

GURNEY, JOHN Henry ; Keswick Hall, Norwich.

HaicH, GrorcGe Henry Catron; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

Hats, Rev. JAMES R.; The Vicarage, Horton Kirby, Dartford, Kent.

HaArinGron, Capt. H. H.; care of Messrs. Cook and Son, Rangoon,

Burma.

Hartert, Ernst ; The Museum, Tring, Herts.

Harvie-Brown, Joun A.; Dunipace House, Larbert, Stirlingshire, N.B.

Hawker, R. M.; Bath Club, Dover Street, W.

HeEavDuey, F. W.; Haileybury College, Hertfordshire.

Hetimayr, C. E.; Tring Museum, Tring, Herts.

Hert, G.S.; 16 Palace Gardens Mansions, Notting Hill Gate, W.

HorRsFIELD, Hersert Knicut ; Crescent Hill, Filey, Yorkshire.

Hoss, Cures, D.Sc. ; Baram, Sarawak, Borneo.

Howarp, Ropert JAMES; Shearbank, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Hupson, Witntiim Henry ; Tower House, St. Luke’s Road, West- bourne Park, W.

INGRAM, COLLINGWOOD ; 65 Cromwell Road, S.W.

Tideeson, F. J., C.B., C. M.G.; The Red House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

JoNnES, Major H. ; East Wickham House, yer Kent.

JOURDAIN, Rev. F. CO. R.; Clifton Vicarage, Ashburn, Derbyshire.

Joy, Norman H.; Bradfield, near Reading.

Ketso, J. E. H., M.B. ; 12 Festing Road, Southsea, Hants.

KinnEAR, NorMAN B. ; 12 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh.

La Tovucue, J. D. ; 58 Lansdowne Street, Hove, Brighton.

Larpiaw, THomMAs GEDDES ; Bank of Scotland Branch, Perth, N.B.

LANGTON, HERBERT ; 11 Marlborough Place, Brighton.

LASCELLES, Hon. GERALD ; King’s House, Lyndhurst, Hanis.

Leraroyp, A. E.; 7 The Crescent, Scarborough.

Loat, W. L. 8. ; Cumnor Place, near Oxford.

Lopes, G. EH. ; 5 Thurloe Studios, Thurloe Square, 8. Kensington, 8.W.

Lowes, Dr. P. R.; c/o Sir Frederic Johnstone, Bart., The Hatch, Windsor.

Loyp, Lt.-Colonel ArrHur Purvis; Hurst Lodge, Sunningdale.

Lucas, The Lord ; Picket Post, Ringwood, Hants.

Lynes, Commander Husprrt ; 23 Onslow Gardens, 8:W.

McConne t, F. V. ; Camfield, Hatfield.

Macruerson, Artuur Hote; 54 Cleveland Square, Hyde Park, W.

MarsHati, A. McLean ; Bleaton Hallet, Blairgowrie, N.B. .

x

MarsHa.u, JAMES McLEAN ; Bleaton Hallet, Blairgowrie, N.B.

Mason, Colonel E. S. ; 20 Minster Yard, Lincoln.

MAXxwEL.L, Rt. Hon. Sir Herserr E., Bart., M.P., P.C., F.BS. ; 49 Lennox Gardens, 8.W.

Merapr-Wapo, EpMuND GusTAvUS BLOOMFIELD ; Stonewall Park, Edenbridge, Kent.

Miuats, JOHN GUILLE ; Comptons Brow, Horsham.

Mitts, Rev. H. Hotroyn ; Treslothan Vicarage, Camborne, Cornwall.

Monro, H. C., C.B. ; Queen Anne’s Mansions, 8.W.

Montacu, E.S., M.P. ; 12 Kensington Palace Gardens, W.

Munn, P. W.; The Green, Laverstoke, Whitchurch, Hants.

Mount, Henry ; 83 Kensington Gardens Square, W.

Musrers, J. P. C.; Annesley Park, Nottingham.

NesHaM, Rosert ; Utrecht House, Queen’s Road, Clapham Park, 8.W.

NEUMANN, Oscar; care of Dr, A. Reichenow, Museum fir Natur- kunde, Invaliden Strasse, Berlin, No. 4.

Newman T. H.; Newlands, Harrowdene Road, Wembley, Middlesex

Nicuozs, J. B. ; Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, 8.W.

Nicnuouson, F.; The Knoll, Windermere.

Nicout, MicHareu J.; Ghizeh Zoological Gardens, Cairo, Egypt.

Nosir, HearLtey ; Temple Combe, Henley-on-Thames.

Oaitviz, Fercus Menreira ; The Shrubbery, 72 Woodstock Road Oxford.

OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. (Editor) ; 29 Elvaston Place, 8.W.

PARKIN, THOMAS ; Fairseat, High Wickham, Hastings.

Pearse, THEED ; Mentmore, Ampthill Road, Bedford.

PEARSON, CHARLES EpwarD ; Hillcrest, Lowdham, Nottingham.

Pearson, Henry J.; Bramcote, Beeston, Notts.

Penrose, Francis G., M.D. ; Wick House, Downton, Salisbury.

Puiuiies, E. Lort ; 79 Cadogan Square, 8.W.

Picor?, Sir Tuomas Diasy, K.C.B. ; The Lodge, Lower Sheringham.

Pixt, T. M.; care of R. H. Porter, 7 Princes Street, Cavendish Square, W.

PoruHamM, Hucu Leyporne; 14 Arlington Street, St. James’, S.W.

Prick, A. E.; 61, Great Cumberland Place, W.

Procror, Major F. W.; Downfield, Maidenhead.

Pycrarr, W.P.; Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, 8.W.

Ramsay, Colonel R. G. Warptaw; Whitehill, Rosewell, Mid- Lothian, N.B.

tATCLIFF, F. R. ; 24 Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W.

Rawson, Hersert Evetyn ; Comyn Hill, Ilfracombe.

ReaD, Ropert H. ; Camelot, South Parade, Bedford Park, W.

Rerp, Capt. Savitz G. (late R.E.); The Elms, Yalding, Maidstone.

Renavut, W.E.; 15 Grafton Square, Clapham, 8.W.

XI

Rickert, C. B.; Upton House, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. Rippon, Colonel G. ; 89th Punjabis, Mandalay, Upper Burma. Roruscuitp, Hon. L. Water, D.Sc., M.P.; The Museum, Tring, Herts. Rotuscuiip, Hon. N. CHarwes ; Tring Park, Herts. Sr. Quintin, W. H.; Scampston Hall, Rillington, Yorkshire. SapswortH, ArnoLD Dupr; National Liberal Club, Whitehall Place, S.W. Sarceaunt, ArrHuR Sr. GEorGE ; 83 Madeley Road, Ealing, W. SARGENT, JAMES ; 78 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, S.W. Saunpers, Howard (Vice-Chairman) ; 7 Radnor Place, Hyde Park, W. Saunpers, W. H. Rapcuirre ; 79 Warwick Road, 8.W. SCHERREN, Henry ; 9 Cavendish Road, Harringay, N. Sciarer, Puitie Luriny, D.Sc., F.R.S. (Chairman) ; Odiham Priory, Winchfield, Hants ; and Atheneum Club, London, S.W. ScraTer, WiLLIAM LurTiey ; South African Museum, Cape Town, Cape Colony. SELOUS, FREDERICK CouRTENEY ; Heatherside, Worplesdon, Surrey. SerH-Smiru, Davin ; 14 Canning Road, Addiscombe. SHARMAN, FrepERIc ; 47 Goldington Road, Bedford. Suarpr, R. Bowpier, LL.D. (Vice-Chairman); Natural History Museum, South Kensington, S.W. SHELLEY, Captain G. ERNEST ; 39 Egerton Gardens, S.W. Simpy, A. 1.; The College, Durham. StaTer, Rev. Henry H.; Oldbury Farm House, Ightham, Seven- oaks. Sparrow, Major R. ; Rookwoods, Sible Hedingham, Essex. SrargEs, J. W. C.; Porchester, Hants. | Sruppy, Colonel Roperr Wricut; Waddeton Court, Brixham, Devon. Sryan, F. W. ; Ben Craig, Bayham Road, Sevenoaks. SwinHOoEk, Colonel C. ; 31 Matheson Road, West Kensington, W. TEGETMEIER, WILLIAM BERNHARD; 16 Alexandra Grove, North Finchley, N. TENNANT, Sir Epwarp P., Bart. ; 40 Grosvenor Square, W. Tprry, Major Horace A. ; The Lodge, Upper Halliford, Shepperton. THORBURN, ARCHIBALD ; High Leybourne, Hascombe, Godalming. TiceHurstT, CLauD B.; Guy’s Hospital, S.E. Ticenurst, N. F.; 35 Pevensey Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea. TowNsEND, R. G.; Buckholt, Dean, Salisbury. Trevor-Battyr, AuByN B. R.; Chilbolton, Stockbridge, R.S.O. Hants. Urcuer, Henry Morris; Hast Hall, Feltwell, Brandon, Norfolk.

xII

Ussuer, R. J. ; Cappagh House, Cappagh, 8.0., Co. Waterford.

Wa tis, H. M.; Ashton Lodge, Christchurch Road, Reading.

Watton, Captain H., I.M.S.; care of Messrs, H. 8. King & Co. 65 Cornhill, E.C.

Warkins, WATKIN ; Highfield, Harrow.

Wuitaker, Josep I. 8. ; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily.

Waitt, 8. J. : Oakwood, Crayford, Kent.

Wuymper, Cuares ; 7 James Street, Haymarket, 8.W.

WILKINSON, JOHNSON ; St. George’s Square, Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

WIxiiams, Lioner A. ; Isthmian Club, Piccadilly, W.

Witson, CHARLES JosEepH ; 34 York Terrace, N.W.

Witson, Dr. E. A.; Tyncote, Bushey, Herts.

Wi son, Scorr B.; Heather Bank, Weybridge Heath, Surrey.

Wirnersy, Harry F. (Secretary and Treasurer) ; 11 Hereford Mansions, Hereford Road, W.

Wottaston, A. F. R.; 19 Upper Gloucester Place, Dorset Square, N.W.

WorkKMAN, WILLIAM HuaGues ; Lismore, Windsor, Belfast.

Wricut, Cuarites A.; Kayhough, Kew Gardens Road, Kew, S.W.

YERBURY, Colonel J. W.; Army and Navy Club, 8.W.

Joining from October, 1906.

Banr, P. H.; London Hospital, E. MacGratu, Major H. A.F.: c/o Messrs. King & Co., 9 Pall Mall, S.W.

[Members are requested to keep the Secretary informed of any changes in their addresses.

LIST OF AUTHORS

AND OTHER PERSONS REFERRED TO.

ALEXANDER, Boyp. On three new species collected during his ex- pedition, between Lake Chad and the Nile, 124.

BeriepscH, Count Von. On seven new Neotropical birds, 97-99.

Buaauw, F.E. On an albino specimen of the Little Owl, 41.

Brancut, Dr. V. On five new subspecies from South-eastern Tibet, 68-70. BIDWELL, E. Exhibition of lantern-slides, 75. Bonnore, J. L. Report of Migration Committee, 29, 30. Exhibition of a Shoveler, in an intermediate plumage be- tween that of the eclipse and the full breeding-plumage, 64, 65. ——. On the eclipse plumage of Pochards, 80. Boornu, H. B. Exhibition of lantern-slides, 75. BUTTERFIELD, W. R. Exhibition of a specimen of the Wall-Creeper from near Hastings, 44.

——. List of birds which have been recently added to the British list, 63.

——. HExhibition of an example of the Mediterranean Shearwater, from Pevensey, Sussex, 71.

CRAWFORD, Earl of. Remarks on his voyage in the ‘“‘ Valhalla,” R.Y.S., 102, 106.

Dresser, H. E. Exhibition of some Tibetan eygs, 38. On Mr. Buturlin’s discovery of the breeding-place of Ross’s Rosy Gull in N.E. Siberia, 41.

—. Exhibition of eggs of Ross’s Rosy Gull, 96.

Finscu, Dr. O. Ona newspecies of the genus Syrniwm from Western Java, 63.

GrirritH, A. F. Exhibition of a specimen of the Lesser Grey Shrike from near Chichester, and remarks on a piebald Golden-crested Wren, 38.

XIV

Harrert, E. On three new subspecies, Regulus 7. anglorum, Sitta Srontalis palawana, Lipangus holerythrus rosenbergi, 11, 12.

—. On Amytornis woodwardi, sp. n., and Strix flammea gracili- rostris, subsp. n., 30-32.

——. Exhibition of two specimens of HMimberiza striolata from Nubia, 38.

——. Remarks on the unusual numbers of Wood-Pigeons in the neighbourhood of Tring, Herts, 38.

—. Exhibition of Regulus r. interni, subsp. n., from Sardinia, 45.

——. Exhibition ofa specimen of Dioptrornis brunnea from Northern Angola, 46.

——. Exhibition of anew species of Calamocichla from Northern Angola, 52.

——. Ona new species of Zosterops, 81.

—. Ona new Cormorant from Morocco, 110.

HarvrinG, J. E. On a supposed hybrid Duck from near Maldon, Essex [= Nettion formosum], 80.

HeEtuMayr, C. E. Ona new subspecies of Formicariida, 53.

——. Exhibition of seven new subspecies of neotropical birds, 82-86.

——. On two new subspecies of neotropical birds, 91, 92.

——. Exhibition of Hypocnemis myotherina ochrolema, subsp. n., from the Lower Amazons, 109.

Incram, C. On new species from the Northern Territory of South Australia, 115.

Jackson, F. J. Exhibition of a new species of Callene from Lumbwa, 46.

——. Exhibition of a new species of Flycatcher, Bias feminina, 87.

On new species from Ruwenzori, etc., 89, 90.

JourpalNn, Rev. F.C. R. On the number of hybrids between Black Game and Pheasant, 76.

Kemp, R. Ona Waxbill (Estri/da) from the River Niger, 23.

La Toucue, J. D. On new species from §S. E. China, 21. LopGer, R. B. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 73, 74.

Merape-Watpo, E. G. B. On the financial position of the Kite- Fund, 10.

——. Account of his voyage with the Earl ef Crawford in the “Valhalla,” B.Y.S:, 95, 96.

——. On the “ Watchers’ Fund,” 109.

Mituats, J. G. Exhibition of a hybria between Black Game and Pheasant, 55.

xXV

Mittais, J. G. Remarks on the autumnal change of plumage in the Shoveler, 65.

——. Correction of his remarks on the autumnal change of plumage in the Shoveler, 76.

——. Exhibition of two examples of the Common Pochard in eclipse plumage, 80.

Musrers, P.C. Exhibition of a specimen of the Dusky Thrush shot in Nottinghamshire, 45.

NeruUMANN, Professor Oscar. Exhibition of an adult male of Lopho- triorchis luweani, 112.

—. On two new subspecies of Bee-eater, 113, 114.

—. Ona new species of the genus Cisticola, 114.

Nicony, M. J. Ontwospecies, Lanius nubicus and Saxicola stapazina, new to the British Jist, 21, 22.

—. On the Aquatic Warbler from Rye, Sussex, 23.

—. Ona partial albino Wheatear, 23.

—. Notes on Chrysotis quildingt, 23.

—. Account of his voyage with the Earl of Crawford in the “Valhalla,” R.Y.S., 92-95.

OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. On new species from 8. E. Mindanao. 16-19.

Remarks on Bolbopsittacus mindanensis, 36.

Exhibition of a specimen of the Fire-crested Wren from Abbey Wood, Kent, 45.

On a new Tree-Partridge from the Chin Hills, 68.

On the eclipse plumage of Ducks, 80.

On a new species of Nuthatch from Corea, 87.

On two new species from South-east Mindanao, 99, 100.

On new species from Ruwenzori, 116-118.

On new species from Central Formosa, 118-123.

On a new species of the genus Proparus, from the Manipur Hills, 123.

y

Bee

Parkin, T. Exhibition of some curious and abnormally marked eggs of Ducks and Fowls, 88.

Pearson, H. J. Exhibition of two photographs taken from the cases in the American Museum of Natural History, 47.

Penrose, Dr. F.G. Business Report of the Migration Committee, 24-26. :

——. Exhibition of a Copy of the Report of the Migration Com- mittee, 52.

——. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 72.

AM, H. L. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 73.

XVI

Pycrarr, W. P. Exhibition of a hybrid between Black Game and Pheasant, 54, 55.

—. On the filo-plumes in birds, 64.

——. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 75.

——. Recommendation to protect the nesting-places of the Red- necked Phalarope in Ireland, 109.

Rawson, H. E. Exhibition of two supposed bybrid Pheasants, 30.

Reap, R. H. Exhibition of a white-headed example of the Black- bird, 36.

Renavt, W. E. Exhibition of a specimen of the Fire-crested Wren from Wimbledon, 45.

Rieron, Colonel G, On two new species from Mt. Victoria, Chin Hills, 47.

—. On two new species from Mt. Victoria, Chin Hills, 87.

RoruscuHiLp, Hon. N.C. On Hmberiza striolata from Nubia, 38.

RovruscuHiLp, Hon. L. W. Exhibition of proots of some of the plates drawn to illustrate his paper on extinct birds, 54.

—. Notes on extinct Parrots from the West Indies, 13-15.

——. Exhibition of a clutch of eggs of Comatibis eremita, 15.

——. On two new subspecies of the genera Granatellus and Eula- beornis, 81.

——. Ona new species of Polyplectron from Hainan, 111.

Saunpers, H. Exhibition of Pratincola maura and Emberiza aureola, new to the British List, 10, 11.

—. [Exhibition of an example of the Common Eider with V-shaped mark on throat, 44.

Sciatrer, P. L. Chairman’s Annual Address, 2-9.

——. On the visit of the British Association to South Africa, 2-9.

——. On the anniversary meeting of the South African Ornitho- logists’ Union, 7-9.

——. Exhibition of two photographs of the nests of the colcny of Cape Weaver-birds, 32.

——. Ona new species of Bunting, 39.

——. Remarks on the generic name of the Nightingale, 39-41.

—. Proposal to raise the entrance fee to the Club, 44.

——. Exhibition of eggs of Irrisor viridis, 48, 63.

——. Remarks on the public exhibition of Fishing Cormorants at the London Hippodrome, 48, 49.

——. On the unusually large number of Bramblings seen in the winter, 1905-6, 49.

—. Exhibition of the last Volume of Stark and Sclaters’ Birds of

South Africa, 62.

XVII

Sciater, P.L. On the arrival at Cape Town of the Harl of Crawford’s yacht, the “ Valhalla,” 62.

ScraTerR, W. L. Ona new species of Love-bird, Agapornis, 61.

—. Account of his journey from Cape Town to Cairo, with notes on the birds met with. 106-109.

Seru-Smiru, D. On the breeding of Turnix varia in captivity, 19.

——. On the breeding of Sericulus melinus in captivity, 20.

Snares, Dr. R. BowpiEr. Exhibition of a new Ground-Thrush from the Camaroons, 36.

——. On some ancient bird-drawings in the British Museum, one species receiving a new name, Prosobonia ellisz, 86.

——. Ona new species of Swallow from Uganda, 86.

—. On a new species of the genus Pentholea from Winke Goffa, 126.

SHELLEY, Captain G.E. On two new species from Gazaland, 125, 126.

SusHxin, Dr. P. On new species from Tarbagatai Range and Zaissan-noor, 56-61.

TicpHuRST, C.B. EHrithacus cyaneculus and Sylvia orphea in Sussex, 34, 35.

——. Exhibition of an immature female of the Pine-Grosbeak, shot near Hawkhurst, Sussex, 47.

——. Exhibition of an adult male of the Black-throated Wheatear (Saxicola stapazina), shot in Kent, 124.

TichHursT, Dr. N. F. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 74.

—. Exhibition of a specimen of the Little Dusky Shearwater, 38, 39.

Trevor-Batrye, A. On some birds met with by him on the Upper Zambesi, 32-34.

Watus, H. M. On the bone-breaking habits of the Lammergeier, 97.

Waitine, 8. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 72.

Witson, Dr. E. A. Exhibition of Lantern-slides, 75.

Wituersy, H. F. Exhibition of an Aquatic Warbler and an Icterine Warbler from the Isle of Wight, 24.

—. Yearly statement of accounts, 29.

——. Exhibition of Somaliland birds, 35.

——. Exhibition of a specimen of Emberiza poliopleura, showing conspicuous filo-plumes on the nape, 63.

——. Ona new subspecies of Dipper from 8. W.-Persia, 72.

YERBURY, Colonel J. W. On the migration of birds at Torcross, 96.

>

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BULLETIN

OF THE

BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB.

No. CXVIII.

Tut hundred and seventeenth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 18th October, 1905.

Previous to the Dinner a meeting of the Committee was held, at which the following officers and members of the Committee were elected for the coming Session :—

P. L. Scuater, F.R.S., Chairman.

W. R. Ocitvir-Grant, Editor.

H. F. Wrrunrsy, Secretary and Treasurer.

A. H. Evans, Joint-Hditor of the “ Ibis.”

Howarp Saunpers, Vice-Chairman. | Members

R. Bowpter Suaree, LL.D., Vice-Chairman. of the

D. Sera-Smirn (in place of H. J. Pranson, J Committee. retiring by seniority).

Chairman: P. L. Scrater, F.R.S.

Members present :—Captain G. E. H. Barrett-Hamitton, HK. Brpwett, Colonel C. T. Biyenam, J. L. Bonnorg, H. H. Dresser, F. D. Drewirt, M.D., HE. V. Haris, F. W. Frowawk, Hart or GatnsporoucH, J. G. Gerrarp, F. GitteTT, N. Ginroy, F. H. Carrurners Goutp, Rev. J. R. Hats, HE. Harrert, Ph.D., Conmrncwoop Incram, Rev.

[November 1st, 1905. ] VOL. XVI.

“Vol. xvi.] 2

F. C. BR. Jourparm, P. R. Lows, M.D., HE. G. B. Map Watpo, H. Munt, T. H. Newman, M. J. Nicouz, W. R. OciLv1eE-GRANT (Editor), THrEp Prarsr, F. G. Penrose, M.D., A. E. Pricz, Major F. W. Procror, W. P. Pycrart, F. R. Ratcurrr, W. E. Renavt, C. B. Rickert, Hon. W. Roruscuitp, Ph.D., M.P., A. D. Sapswortn, J. SARGENT, Howarp Savunpers, D. Seru-Suirnx, W. B. Trecermerer, N. F. Ticrnvurst, M.D., 8S. J. Wurre, L. A. WI..iaMs, H. F. Wrrnersy (Secretary and Treasurer), A. F. RB. W oLLASTON.

Visitors :—C. E. Facan, R. Kemp, D. H. Mearss, J. B. Sarcent, A. F. WIEner.

The CHarrman gave the following Address :—

‘“ BrotHeR MEMBERS OF THE B.O.C.

* Having been absent from England during the last three months, and not having yet had time since my return to make myself acquainted with recent ornithological matters in this country, I propose to confine my address on opening the 14th Session of the British Ornithologists’ Club to remarks on such matters relating to our special science as have come under my notice during my visit to South Africa in company with the British Association.

“The various sections of the Association assembled at Cape Town on August 16th, 17th, and 18th. Only two papers connected with Ornithology were read. Both of these related to the Ostrich (Struthio australis), an impor- tant bird in South Africa. In the first Mr. Evans explained in familiar language the systematic position and structure of the Ostrich and the allied members of the Struthious group ; in the second the Hon. A. Douglas gave an account of the mode of Ostrich-farming pursued in the Cape Colony, and descanted on its present condition and future prospects. As the value of the Ostrich-feathers exported from the Colony in 1904 is said to have exceeded a million sterling, this was, no doubt, a subject worthy of

3 (Vol. xvi.

discussion, and very appropriate to the occasion. Mr. Douglas has kindly given permission to the Editors of the “This.” to reprint his paper.

“The South African Museum at Cape Town may be said to be the only institution in South Africa connected with zoology which is provided with a scientific staff and which is doing original work, apart from the acquisition and arrangement of specimens. It was founded in 1855, when

- Sir George Grey was Governor of the Colony, and its first

curator was EHdgar Leopold Layard—a name well-known in ornithology. Besides being an _ excellent field- naturalist, Layard was the author of the first complete handbook of the Birds of South Africa, which was published in 1867. In 1896 the collections of the Museum were removed to a new and commodious building, situated near the Public Gardens and House of Parliament, in the best part of Cape Town, and Mr. W. L. Sclater was appointed as director, a post which he still holds. The mounted series of South African Birds occupies one of the principal rooms on the first floor in this building. It contains about 1090 specimens, labelled and arranged according to the “ Birds of South Africa,” commenced by the late Dr. Stark and completed after his death by Mr. Sclater, and of which the fourth and last volume is now nearly ready for issue. The specimens are mostly in good order, and well set up, but some of the older ones require to be replaced by fresh examples, and this is being eradually done.

“ Besides the mounted specimens (for exhibition) there is a larger series of about 5500 skins in cabinets kept for purposes of study in one of the rooms on the ground floor. This has been one of the main bases of the information contained in the “ Birds of South Africa.” It is receiving continual additions from correspondents in various parts of the large area of Africa south of the Zambesi, to which Mr. Sclater has devoted his principal attention, but of which large portions are still almost unexplored. There is indeed much work in ornithology still to be done in South Africa.

Vol. xvi.] 4.

* The series of birds’ eggs in the South African Museum is likewise large and is carefully arranged in glass-topped boxes. It contains many of Layard’s original specimens.

“So far as I am aware, the only other Ornithological Collection in Cape Town is the series of eggs belonging to Mr. William Fairbridge, M.B.O.U. My. Fairbridge is an excellent field-naturalist, and the specimens have, I believe, been mostly taken with his own hands.

‘“« From the Cape the Association moved by sea to Durban, where my son and I were most hospitably entertained by Mr. A. D. Millar, a Colonial Member of the B.O.U. and a well-known person in that city. Mr. Millar is an accom- plished field-naturalist, and took us on an excursion into his collecting ground at Claremont, where we saw examples of Buceros melanoleucus, Cossypha natalensis, Laniarius quadri- color, and of other species new to us. He has a good collection of birds in skin and a fine series of eggs, nearly all procured by himself. Among the latter are eggs of Indicator, Irrisor, and Trogon. The eges of Irrisor are of uniform, pale, lavender-blue, as described in the ‘ Birds of South Africa” (ii. p. 16). You will recollect that Major Sparrow exhibited a specimen of this rare ege to us in January last (see Bull. B.O.C., xv. p. 59), which was the only one that [ had previously seen.

* The Municipal Museum of Durban is placed in two rooms in the Town Hall which are much crowded. The specimens of native birds are unfortunately mixed up with the general series, but there are some interesting birds amongst them, such as Nisaétus spilogaster, Macherhamphus anderssoni, Nycticorax leuconotus, and Ardea ardesiaca. Tt isto be hoped that the Municipality of Durban will soon provide better quarters for their Museum, which in its present state and position is quite unworthy of their important and flourishing city. The curator is Mr. J. F. Quekett.

* At Maritzburg, the capital of Natal, to which we pro- ceeded from Durban, the newly built Government Museum is under the charge of Mr. E. Warren as director. Here, also, there is a good series of native birds, unfortunately

5 [Vol. xvi.

mixed up with foreign specimens. In my opinion all Museums should have as good a series illustrative of the local Fauna as can be obtained, kept separate from the _ general collection; most naturalists, I believe, agree with me in this opinion. Worthy of special notice in this Museum was a fine pair of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaétus ossifragus) from the Drakensburg.

« After Maritzburg the next long halt was made at Johannesburg, where the Sections sat on three mornings and completed their work. The only ornithological paper read in Section D was one by Mr. W. L. Sclater on the migration of birds in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a most interesting subject on which much more information is required. Mr. Sclater’s paper will be published, I believe, in the second part of the “Journal of the South African Ornithologists’ Union,” which is now nearly ready for press.

« Among the objects exhibited in the temporary Museum attached to the Sectional meeting rooms at Johannesburg, was the private collection of birds and eggs belonging to Mr. Lionel E. Taylor, of the Forest Department of the Transvaal. Mr. Taylor’s collection consists of 340 speci- mens referable to about 260 species, all obtained by himself, mostly in the neighbourhood of Irene, Transvaal, where he resides. Mr. Taylor has kindly furnished me with the following notes on some of the more interesting specimens | in his collection.

1. HyrpocH@RA FUNEREA.

This bird appears to be common at Irene. I have also seen it on the Magaliesberg, near Barberton. I have observed just as many with red (salmon-coloured) bills as with white bills, but the latter colour is given in the text-books.

2. PETRONIA PETRONELLA.

This is a rare bird at Irene, or, at any rate, not often seen about here.

Vol. xvi.] 6

3. SERINUS RENDALLI.

I shot a bird exactly corresponding with the description of this species, but unfortunately could not preserve the specimen. I saw in Johannesburg two other examples of the same bird, but it is rare here.

4. PyYRRHULAUDA VERTICALIS.

This bird I met with near Hanover, Cape Colony.

5. PyRRHULAUDA AUSTRALIS.

This species is common round Pretoria.

6. ANTHUS TRIVIALIS.

I obtained a male example of the Tree-pipit at Irene on December 12th, 1903, and another on the 18th of January, 1904.

The last record I can find of this species south of the Zambesi is that of Jameson in 1880.

7. ACROCEPHALUS PHRAGMITIS.

Of this rare migrant (so far south) I obtained a single specimen at Irene on January 4th, 1904.

8. CoRACIAS MOSAMBICUS.

I obtained a single example of this Roller near Barberton.

9. Iynx RUFICOLLIS.

I shot an example of this Wryneck at Irene on February 10th, 1904, and saw another in September, 1904. It is rare, but I think it is resident in the Transvaal all through the year.

8. INDICATOR MINOR.

I have obtained this bird at Trene. I am not aware that it has been previously recorded from the Transvaal.

9. BARBATULA EXTONI.

I found this Barbet common near Barberton, on the Crocodile River.

a [Vol. xvi.

10. Curysococcyx KLAASI.

I shot one of these Cuckoos at Barberton on June 25th, 1905, and there was one if not two pairs of them there. It has only been usually observed in South Africa in the months from January to March. The latest date on which I have found the allied C. cwpreus here is on April 18th, and it generally leaves some weeks before that date.

11. TiInnuNcULUS NAUMANNI.

This is the commonest species of Kestrel here in the summer, and is generally seen in large flocks. At certain times they feed almost entirely on the Red Hunting Spiders, which swarm on the ground after rain.

12. CrEXx PRATENSIS.

A female of this Crake was shot at Irene on December 12th, 1903. It is not a common bird about here.

“ At Johannesbure on August 30th I had the honour of being present at the Anniversary Meeting of the South African Ornithologists’ Union. The attendance was not large, it being a busy day of the Association, but all spoke hopefully of the prospects of the new Society, and I am sure British Ornithologists will join me in wishing it every sort of prosperity in a country where such a large field is open for observation and discovery.

“ After spending nearly a week at Johannesburg we pro- ceeded to Pretoria, which is still the principal seat of the administration of the Transvaal Colony. Here the chief objects of attraction to the naturalist are the Zoological Gardens and the Museum, situated in a pleasant suburb north of the city, of both of which Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.8., is the director. I need not trouble this meeting with particulars about the Gardens, as there is nothing of very special interest in the series of birds there. But I may say shortly that the buildings and general arrange- ment of the Gardens do great credit to the director, who has only had charge of them since 1897, and that, con-

Vol. xvi.] 8

sidering the difficulties he had to contend with during the war, and the distance of Pretoria from any seaport, the success which he has achieved is truly remarkable.

“The Transvaal Museum, which adjoins the Gardens, is a new building lately erected at the cost of the State. It contains a good series of South African birds, which are well-mounted, arranged, and labelled.

“At Bloemfontein, the capital of the Orange River Colony, there is a Museum, under the charge of Dr. Dodt, containing a small collection of mounted birds, many of which were collected by Dr. Exton, a correspondent of Layard, who named Barbatula extoni after him.

‘* At Bloemfontein also I had the pleasure of meeting Capt. B. R. Horsbrugh, A.8.C., a member of this Union, who is well acquainted with the Avifauna of the Transvaal. He has sent many good birds home alive to Mr. Seth-Smith, and has written some notes on the birds of the district round Bloemfontein in the ‘ Avicul- tural Magazine” (n.s. ii. p. 250).

* Besides the Museums which I have mentioned, I am told that there are three others in South Africa in which small collections of native birds are exhibited. These are the Albany Museum at Grahamstown, of which Dr. 8. Schénland is director, the Museum at Kingwilliamstown, opened about a year ago, of which Mr. H. Pym is the curator, and the Rhodesia Museum at Buluwayo, in Rhodesia, of which Mr. F. P. Mennell, F.G.S., is curator. I should be glad of further information about these insti- tutions, which I have not been able to visit.

** Before concluding these remarks I will add a few words upon the birds that I saw im life in South Africa. It will be understood that, travelling by railway and stopping principally in the large cities, [ had not much opportunity of taking notes on African bird-life. But during three weeks’ residence at Cape Town, where I was living in a suburban villa with a well-treed garden attached to it and with many other similar villas surrounding it, I had some chance of watching the feathered inhabitants. My con-

9 [Vol. xvi.

clusions were that the Avifauna of Cape Town and its suburbs is rather poor in species, as in individuals. I saw examples of about 10 species only that I could certainly recognize. These were: Sitagra capensis, Passer arcuatus, Motacilla capensis, Zosterops capensis, Lanius collaris, Laniarius gutturalis, Turdus olivaceus, Cossypha caffra, Turtur capicola and Turtur senegalensis.

“The commonest bird at Cape Town is certainly Turtur capicola, the harsh and grating love-call of which (“ Chuck- kee-wah”’) is heard almost perpetually morning and evening in the spring months. The other Dove (7. senegalensis) is not quite so plentiful, but has a pleasant laughing note. The Sparrow (Passer arcuatus) is not so numerous as our domestic bird, but will, I trust, long succeed in main- taining itself at Cape Town against the European invader, which, however, I am told, is pressing it hard in other parts of South Africa.

“The “ Robin” of Cape Town is Cossypha caffra, easily known by its red tail, and Twrdus olivaceus is the Thrush. But the bird that interested me most was the Yellow Weaver-bird, Sitagra capensis, which builds its round and neatly-constructed nests in communities, in the most public places. I exhibit some specimens of the nests taken from a colony in an oak-tree in the Municipal Gardens, which are in the middle of the city close to Government House and the Houses of Parliament.

“Tt is curious that out of the ten commonest birds of Cape Town five belong to genera also found in England.”

Dr. Sctarer announced that there were still copies in hand of the “ Recensio Critica Automatica of the doctrine of Bird Migration,” by Otto Herman (which had been sent by the author to the British Ornithologists’ Union for dis- tribution amongst the Members), and that he would be happy to supply a copy to any Members who had not already received one.

Mr. E.G. B. Meapr-Watpo made a statement regarding

Vol. xvi.] 10

the financial position of the Kite-Fund, showing that the expenses of the previous year had exceeded the sum in hand by £8. He made a fresh appeal for further subserip- tions for 1906, which was cordially responded to by the members present.

Mr. Meade-Waldo further remarked that owing to the zeal of Dr. Salter and the kind co-operation of the landlords, and of some other gentlemen, who had warmly taken the matter up, two pairs of Kites had succeeded (for the first time in ten years, it was believed) in successfully bringing off their broods of two young ones each. It was now possible to save from extermination in this country the last remaining pairs of this grand bird. Lord Cawdor had built a hut for a watcher so close to one nest that it was a matter of surprise that the Kites had continued their nest- ing operations, and had reared their young ones, although a watcher and his dog were continually within fifty yards.

It was unanimously agreed that letters of thanks from the members of the British Ornithologists’ Club should be addressed to Earl Cawdor, Mr. Campbell Davys, and Dr. J. H. Salter, expressing their warm appreciation of the highly successful efforts which had been made to protect the Kite in South Wales.

Mr. Howarp Savunpers, on behalf of Mr. E. C. Arnold, of Eastbourne College, Eastbourne, exhibited the following birds :—

Pratincola maura (Pall.), the Eastern representative of the Stonechat (P. rubicola) of Western and Southern Europe. Increased blackness was the principal character- istic of this form, which ranges from the extreme east of Europe, through Asia, to Japan. The example exhibited was shot by Mr. Arnold’s brother near Cley, Norfolk, on September 2nd, 1904.

Emberiza aureola, the Yellow-breasted Bunting, shot by Mr. E. C. Arnold near Cley on 21st September, 1905. From

11 [Vol. xvi.

the plumage it appeared to be a young female. Mr.Saunders had for a long time expected the occurrence of this Species as a wanderer to Great Britain, inasmuch as it had been thrice recorded from Heligoland, eleven times from Northern Italy, twice from Austria, and often from South- eastern France. It was said to breed regularly at Archangel and eastward.

Dr. Ernst Harterr exhibited some new sub-species of birds, which he described as follows :—

REGULUS REGULUS ANGLORUM, subsp. Nn.

Differs from Regulus requlus requlus of Northern Europe in its darker plumage, the upper surface being darker and more olive, the underside somewhat more tinged with brownish. It seems to be generally slightly smaller, but this difference is not very striking. The wing ranges in the continental.form from 53°5 to 55:5 mm., seldom to 56°5 and 57, while in British males it is, as a rule, from 52 to 54 mm. long, but one male from Sussex has the wing 57 mm. !

Hab. Great Britain, Isle of Wight, Scotland, and Ireland. Type gad. Tring 31. x. 1900. H. Hartert coll. (No. 3119).

SITTA FRONTALIS PALAWANA, Subsp. n.

The Sitta inhabiting Palawan has been hitherto united with Sitta frontalis frontalis, which extends over India to the Malay Peninsula, and, it is said, to Java. Thus a very curious and interrupted distribution was accepted, as Borneo is inhabited by Sitta frontalis corallipes (Sharpe) with orange-red feet. The Palawan form, however, is not quite like the continental S. frontalis, for the chin and upper throat are not whitish, but vinous brownish, very little paler than the breast; and the black superciliary line is wider and more conspicuous. | * Hab. Palawan and Balabac. Type ¢ ad. Puerto

Vol. xvi. ] 12

Princesa, Palawan, January, 1898. W. Doherty coll. (No. 1198).

LripaNGus* HOLERYTHRUS ROSENBERGI, subsp. n.

Differs from L. holerythrus holerythrus, Scl. & Salv., which inhabits Central America, and ranges from Vera Paz to Chiriqui (type from Guatemala), in its much deeper, almost cinnamon-chestnut colour throughout, both above and below. This is especially striking on the breast, which is deeper in colour than the throat, lower abdomen and under tail-coverts, as well as on the sides of the head, wings and tail. Males and females are alike in colour, but the latter are a little smaller. Two males collected by Mr. Rosenberg on the Rio Dagua, have wings measuring 105 and 106 mm.; two females collected by the same traveller at Cachabé, have wings of 99 and about 102 mm. The specimens from Yuntas, on the Rio Dagua, collected by Raap, have the wines 97°5 to 105°5 mm. The tails measure 86 to 94 mm.; the bills 19 to 21:3 mm. “Iris, hght brown; feet slate or blue-grey; bill dark brown, with the basal half of the lower mandible whitish.”

Hab. South-west Colombia (Rio Dagua), and North- west Ecuador (Cachabé, Bultin). Type ¢ ad., collected by Mr. F. W. Rosenberg, on the Rio Dagua, 1. vi., 1895 (No. 1695).

“Of this new form we have two ¢ Rio Dagua, F. W. Rosenberg coll.; two 2 Cachabé, North-west Ecuador, F. W. Rosenberg coll., 500 feet above the sea (Nos. 113, 189) ; one“ 2” (probably ¢) Bultin, 160 feet above the sea, 26, 7, 1901, Fleming and Miketta coll. (No. 344); and seven 3 ¢ (in some of which the sex has evidently been wrongly determined) from Yuntas on the Rio Dagua, 400 metres above the sea, collected by W. Raap; (Nos. 594, 596, 597, 628, 633, 643, 647). These I have compared with thirteen Central American skins. This bird seems to inhabit the hot coast region and hills of South-west Colombia and

* The Author is responsible for the spelling : the name should be written Lipaugus.—ED, :

cece ie ata

13 [Vol. xvi.

North-west Ecuador, but it may have a wider range than we know of at present.

“Tn the “ Novitates Zoologice,’’ 1898, I mentioned this form under the name ‘ Lipangus holerythrus, as new to Heuador. At that time I had no typical example of L. holerythrus for comparison.

“The case of LD. holerythrus is a most interesting parallel to Lathria unirufus castaneotinctus and Aulia rufescens tertia (cf. Nov. Zool., 1902, pp. 609, 610), both of which differ from the Central American sub-species by being deeper and richer in colour. I am exhibiting these forms and their allies.”

The Hon. Watter Rotuscuttp, Ph.D., M.P., read the following notes on extinct Parrots from the West Indies, and exhibited drawings of them :—

“ During the course of my lecture on Extinct Birds, delivered before the members of the Fourth International Ornithological Congress, I mentioned and described a number of Parrots from the West Indies. The descrip- tions of these birds were taken from the works of Labat, Pére Bouton, and Du Tertre. As the proceedings of the Congress will not be issued before some months have elapsed, I think it best to publish the newly-named species in the Bulletin of the B.O.C.”

Conurus LABATI, NOM. Nn.

About the size of a Blackbird. Entirely green, except a small patch of red on the crown, bill white.

Hab. Island of Guadeloupe. Extinct.

(Ex. Labat, Voy. aux iles de PAmeér., IT., p. 218; 1742.)

ANADORHYNCHUS PURPURASCENS, Nom. Nl.

Entirely violet. Native name of the Caraibes “Onécouli.”

Hab. Island of Guadeloupe. Extinct.

(Ex. Don de Navaret, Rel. Voy. Christ. Colombe, IT., p- 425; 1838.)

Vol. xvi.) 14

ANADORHYNCHUS MARTINICUS, nom. Nn.

Upper surface and head blue, chest and rest of under surface orange.

Hab. Island of Martinique. Extinct.

(Ex. Pere Jacques Bouton, Rel. de l’établiss. d. Francais dep. 1635, en Vile Martinique, pp. 71, 72; 1640.)

ARA ERYTHROCEPHALA, nom. 0.

Head red, rest of body bright green. Wings and greater coverts blue. Tail above scarlet and blue, under- side of tail and wings intense orange-yellow.

Hab. Mountains of Trelawny and St. Anne’s, Jamaica, procured by Mr. White, proprietor of the Oxford Estate. Extinct.

(Ex. Gosse, B. Jamaica, pp. 261, 262.)

ARA GOSSEI, nom. n.

Forehead, crown, and back of neck bright yellow, sides of face, anterior and lateral parts of neck and back bright scarlet, wing-coverts and breast deep blood-red, winglet and primaries light blue, tail red and yellow. Basal half of the upper mandible black, apical half ash-coloured ; lower mandible black, tip only ash-coloured. Legs and feet said to have been black.

Hab. Mountains of Hanover parish, about ten miles east of Lucea, Jamaica. Specimen shot about 1765, by Mr. Odell.

(Ex. Gosse, B. Jamaica, p. 260.)

6s Gosse says: ‘ If this be not the A. tricolor of Levaillant, which is the only Macaw I am aware of marked with a yellow nape, it is probably undescribed.’ In spite of the evident differences in the description, the Jamaican Ara has always been united with the Cuban A. tricolor, even as lately as October, 1905, by Mr. Austin H. Clark (Auk 1905, p. 348), though he queries it in a footnote. I think that ornithologists will agree with me that the Jamaican bird was distinct. IL may also mention that a small Macaw, also supposed to have been A. tricolor, was found

-

:

15 [Vol. xvi.

on Hayti. This, in my opinion, must have been a third

species, but we have no definite description of it.” |

In addition to these the following parrots had been described from the West Indies :—

EXtTInct.

+ Anadorhynchus ceeruleus (Gm.), Jamaica. QYBTAe Ara guadaloupensis Clark, Dominica.

/ Ara tricolor (Bechst.), Cuba. Amazona violaceas (Gin.), Guadaloupe. Amazona martinicana Clark, Martinique.

Aumost Extinct.

Amazona guilding: (Vig.), St. Vincent.

Livine.

Amazone agilis (Linn.), Jamaica.

Amazona collarius* (Linn.), Jamaica.

Amazona leucocephalus caymanensis (Cory), Grand

Cayman.

Amazona leucocephalus leucocephalus (Linn.), Cuba.

Amazona leucocephala bahamensis (Bryant), Bahamas.

Amazone salle (Scl.), Haiti, yentee's s

Amazona vittata (Bodd.), Porto Rico.

Amazona imperialis (Richm.), Dominica. |

Amazona bouqueti (Bechst.), Dominica. Arn 3) cQ EG Seated (Mull), St. Lucia.

Conurus euops (Wagl.), Cuba.

Conurus chloropterus (Souancé), St. Domingo. +Conurus maugei (Souancé), Mona Island. ch lor Op (2%

Conurus nanus (Vig.), Jamaica.

Conurus pertinaa (Linn.), Curacoa and St. Thomas.

The Hon. Waurer Roruscuitp also exhibited a clutch of three eges of Comatibis eremita, which had been taken last

“= The Author is responsible for this and the following false concords.—ED.

Vol. xvi.] 16

spring near Mogador in Southern Morocco. The ege's were bluish-white, sparingly spotted, chiefly near the thick end with dark brown. The shell was somewhat coarse, prac- tically without gloss, having irregular deep pores and a few longitudinal grooves. When held against the light the shell appeared dark green. The eggs measure respectively 62°5 x 43°5, 61-1 x 44°5, and 64-2 x 44°7 mm.

Mr. W. R. Oaiivie-Grantr described six new species of birds which had been procured by Mr. Walter Goodfellow, in South-east Mindanao.

PriLOcOLPA MINDANENSIS, Sp. 0.

Adult male. Very similar to the male of P. nigrorum, Whitehead, but with the chin, throat and upper part of the chest nearly pure white, stead of. grey, and the breast deep greyish-black. Iris creamy-white; eyelids pale grey; bill scarlet at the base, pinkish-white towards the tip; feet dull purple.

Total length about 13-0 inches, wing 8-1, tail 4:5.

Hab. Mt. Apo, 8000 feet, South-east Mindanao, March, 1905.

CHRYSOCOLAPTES MONTANUS, subsp. 2.

Adult male and female differ from the male and female of C. lucidus in having the mantle and wing-coverts orange with scarcely a tinge of crimson. In the female also the top of the head and occipital crest are orange, not washed with crimson.

In the male the iris is red; the upper mandible black, the lower greenish-yellow ; and the feet blackish-grey.

In the female the iris is ruby-red; the upper mandible black, the lower greenish-yellow; and the feet greyish- olive.

Total length about 9°5 inches; culmen, 1°5; wing, 5:2; tail, 2°9; tarsus, 1-1.

Hab. Mt. Apo, 8000 feet, and Piso, South-east Min- danao, February to April, 1905,

aly) [Vol. xvi.

CEYX GOODFELLOWI, Sp. n.

Adult male.—Most nearly alhed to C. malamauwi, Steere, but the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts are of a brilliant ultramarine blue, tinged with cobalt on the middle of the lower back and rump; the feathers of the crown and nape are also tipped with much the same brilliant colour; the wine-coverts and scapulars like those of C. malamaw are of a deep purplish-blue. Iris dark brown, almost black; bill, feet and nails bright vermilion.

Total length about 5:0 inches ; culmen, 1°55; wing, 2°5; tail, 0°85; tarsus, 0°4.

Hab. oe South-east Mindanao, May, 1905.

BoLBOPSITTACUS MINDANENSIS, sp. n. = Hier. , 4.p, Sb,

Adult male.—Most nearly allied to B. intermedius, Salvad., but the forehead and crown are of a yellower green and the same green colour extends across the cheeks and below the eye to the gape. The blue collar across the hind neck is of a brilliant cobalt. Iris, brownish ; bill, grey at the base, black towards the tip; feet, grey, slightly washed with pale green. Total length about 5:5 inches ; culmen, 0:7; wing, 4:0; tail, 1-4; tarsus, 0°5.

Adult female.—Very similar to the female of B. inter- medius, but with the forehead and crown of a yellower oreen.

Hab. Piso and Davao, South-east pan oanae: February to April, 1905.

RHINOMYIAS GOODFELLOWI, Sp. 0.

Adult female.—General colour above, including the wings and tail, dark slate shading into dull black on the top of the head and ear-coverts; a narrow white band across the base of the bill, continued over the lores in a narrow superciliary stripe; lores and feathers surrounding the upper eyelid, black; chin, throat, middle of breast, belly and under tail- coverts, whitish; chest, sides and flanks, brownish-buff ; axillaries, under wing-coverts and inner edge of quills, whitish. Iris, dark reddish-brown; the bill black; and the feet ashy-grey.

Vol. xvi. | 18

Total length, about 6-2 inches ; culmen, 0°85; wing, 3°5 ; tail, 2°7 ; tarsus, 0°85.

Hab. Mt. Apo, 8000 feet, South-east Mindanao, March, 1905.

Prricrocotus JOHNSTONITA, Sp. Nn.

Adult male-—Most nearly allied to P. croceus, Sharpe, from the south of the Malay Peninsula, but differs in having an oblong orange-yellow mark on the terminal portion of the outer web of the six median secondary quills; the chin and throat glossy black, like the crown and mantle, and the breast and underparts deep yellow, less tinged with orange. The tail-feathers are black, tipped with orange, increasing in width, so that the outer pairs have the terminal half orange. The iris black or very dark brown; and the bill and feet black.

Total length about 6°5 inches; wing, 3°3; tail, 3:2; tarsus, 0:6.

Adult female.—Differs considerably from the female of P. croceus in having a narrow bright yellow band across the forehead continued backwards over the lores in short super- ciliary stripes ; the chin, throat, andall the yellow parts of the plumage bright yellow instead of orange, the six median secondary quills with an oblong yellow mark on the ter- minal half of the outer web.

From the female of P. leytensis, Steere, it is easily dis- tinguished by the narrower and much brighter yellow band across the forehead, as well as by the shining blackish-grey crown and mantle.

Hab. Mt. Apo, 7000 feet, South-east Mindanao, March, 1905.

This remarkably fine collection also included the following 17 species, making a total of 23 forms new to the British Museum :

Goodfellowia miranda, Hartert. Calornis todayensis (Mearns). Turdus kellert (Mearns).

19 [Vol. xvi.

Hypocryptadius connamomeus, Hartert.

Zosterops goodfellowi, Hartert.

Hyloterpe apoensis, Mearns.

Aithopyga boltom, Mearns.

Macronus mindanensis montanus, Mearns.

Brachypteryx mindanensis, Mearns.

Pseudotharrhaleus unicolor, Hartert (? = P. griseipectus, Mearns).

Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea, Hartert.

Muscicapula montigena, Mearns.

Stoparola nigriloris, Hartert.

Parus elegans mindanensis, Mearns.

Trichoglossus johnstonice, Hartert.

Prioniturus waterstradti, Rothschild.

Caprimulgus affinis mindanensis, Mearns.

Mr. D. Setu-Smiru made the following remarks :— (1.) Young of the Varied Hemipode (Turmix varia).

«7 have experimented in breeding the Australian Varied Hemipode in my aviary during the past summer, and succeeded in rearing two of the young birds to maturity. I have already published a full account of this in the “ Avicultural Magazine,” so need say very little about it except to explain the specimens I have to exhibit.

“The period of incubation is remarkably short in all the species of Hemipodes, and in this species only lasts about thirteen days, though it varies somewhat according to the temperature of the weather. I have here two newly- hatched chicks, in which it is interesting to notice their peculiar hairiness, especially on the nape. Then I have a@ specimen nine days old, which is just beginning to fledge, and another fourteen days old, which is practically feathered, except on the head, and would be perfectly capable of flight. I have also a bird twenty-five days old, which is hardly distinguishable from the adult male. I reared two specimens to maturity, and when between six and seven weeks old the young female had assumed her full adult colouring, and when eight weeks old I noticed

Vol. xvi.] 20

her display to the male and call him to feed after the manner of the fully adult bird—in fact, she was perfectly adult at about seven weeks old. I have described the dis- play of the female very fully in the number of the ‘* Avicul- tural Magazine” for last August.

(2.) Young Regent Bower-Bird (Sericulus melinus).

**'This bird was bred this year in the aviary of my friend, Mr. Reginald Phillipps, who has kindly supplied me with notes on the subject.

‘“He has had a male and two females together in his aviary this summer, the male having been in his possession for over six years, and the two females since January, 1903. On July 20th a nest built of hay was discovered in a large basket, and the female had probably been sitting some three days. On August 6th the eldest youngster was hatched, and Mr. Phillipps believes the second was hatched two days later, and he therefore concludes that the second egg was laid two days after the first. On August 22nd both young birds left the nest, with wings well developed, but miserably clad about the body, although in their own warm climate they would have been sufficiently protected. The youngest died during the night of Sep- tember 10th-11th, being apparently poisoned by nibbling at the shoots of an elder-tree.

«The period of incubation appears to be nineteen or twenty days.

“The female alone attended to the eggs and young, and was much annoyed at the presence of the male and second female, whom she persistently endeavoured to drive away, occasionally attacking them fiercely.

“The male and second female appeared to be anxious to breed, and would most probably have done so had it not been for the cold weather and the persecution they endured from the nesting female.

‘Mr. Phillipps believes these birds to be polygamous.

“The other young bird is now full grown, and almost indistinguishable from its mother.”

21 [Vol. xvi.

Mr. J. D. La Tovcur forwarded the following descrip- tions of two new birds from China :—

LocustELLA STYANI, sp. n.

Near L. ochotensis (Midd.), but with a much longer and stouter bill. Upper plumage greyer and duller. Terminal bar on the tail-feathers narrow. Second primary equal to the 5th, or between the 5th and 6th.

In L. ochotensis the 2nd primary is between the 3rd and 5th.

Six specimens (1¢ and 52), collected at Foochow and Swatow, South-east China, in late spring and early autumn.

PYRRHULA RICKETTI, sp. n.

Very near P. mipalensis, Hodgson, but smaller and darker.

In the male the centres of the feathers of the crown are .

very dark, giving a scaly appearance to that part. The white streak under the eye in both sexes is much smaller and duller than in the Himalayan bird.

Fifteen specimens (7 ¢ and 82) from the mountains of North-west Fokien, South-east China.

Mr. La Touche also stated that Cettia minuta, Swinhoe, is the female of Cetiia canturiens of Swinhoe. This fact had been proved by the shooting of the female C. minuta at the nest of O. canturiens. In further support of this statement he said that he had never yet procured a female specimen of C. cantwriens, nor had he received an authentic male of C.minuta. It was also probable that Cettia cantans minuta of Formosa was the same as C. minuta. He had, however, only one example of that bird, and it was doubtfully sexed asamale. Both the smaller birds were found in company with the larger.

Mr. M. J. Nicout exhibited examples of two species of birds new to the British list and made the following remarks :—

Vol. xvi.] 22 “1. Lanius nugicus, ¢ adult.

“This bird, new to the British list, was shot at Wood- church, Kent, on July 11th, 1905. I examined it in the flesh at Mr. Bristow’s, three days later.”

“2, Saxicona sTapazina, Linn. (= 8S. aurita, Temm. cf. Salvad., Ibis, 1904, p. 75), ¢ adult.

“T shot this Black-eared Chat on September 9th, 1905, near Pett, Sussex.

“Tt undoubtedly belongs to the eastern form, having the underside of the wing and the axillaries jet black. This is the first time that this form has occurred in Britain, the two previous examples of the Black-eared Chat being refer- able to the western form, Sawicola caterinx, Whitaker (cf. Ball, B:O.C., XU, p. 78, and XV. p. 7).

«The wind had been westerly or south-westerly-since the 1st September, with the exception of a few hours on the 6th, when it shifted to the south-east. On September 7th a south-westerly gale sprang up, accompanied by heavy rain which fell continually for the next three days. On September 9th, the day on which I shot this rare strageler, the rain was falling heavily and the gale was at its highest.

“The points of distinction between this species and S. stapazina, as given by Mr. Whitaker (Ibis, 1898, p. 624), hold good in all the specimens that I have examined in the British Museum, except as regards the colour of the scapulars, which Mr. Whitaker describes as creamy in S. caterine. In many examples, however, the scapulars are quite as black as in typical specimens of Sa«icola stapazina. The best point of distinction between the two forms is in my opinion the light colour of the under side of the primaries and secondaries in the latter.”

Mr. Nicoll also exhibited an adult male example of Acrocephalus aquaticus, and gave the following account of its capture :—

“JT shot an Aquatic Warbler on August 18th, 1905, near

23 . [Vol. xvi.

Rye, Sussex. A warm south-easterly wind had been blow- ing for about 24 hours, and as such weather conditions are stated by Gitke (Birds of Heligoland) to be favourable for the arrival of this species in some numbers in Heligoland, about the middle of August, I was specially looking out for it. During that day I saw about half a dozen Aquatic Warblers in one large reed-bed. This species may at once be recognized, even in flight, by the very light colour of _ the upper parts, and seems to be much more skulking in its habits than the Sedge Warbler.”

Mr. Nicoll further exhibited an immature female of the common Wheatear (Sawicola cnanthe) with a partially white head and neck, and with the tips of some of the wing coverts white. He had shot this bird on August 15th, near Rye.

Mr. Nicoll also read the following notes on Chiysotis guildingt, from the Island of St. Vincent, W.I. “When I was collecting in the West Indies, during the winter of 1903-04, we visited St. Vincent. Mr. Clarke was, at that time, collecting birds in the island, and subsequently published an account of the species he had met with in the “ West Indian Bulletin.”” He obtained several examples of this Parrot, which, though very rare, was not at that time extinct. It occurs on all the highest peaks of St. Vincent, only a small portion of which was affected by the eruption which had occurred a year before Mr. Clarke procured his specimens.”

Mr. R. Kemp exhibited examples of a Waxbill (Estrilda) from the Niger River, which were believed to represent a new species, but might prove to be the H. poliopareia, Reichenow, from the Congo. He stated that he had forwarded examples of this bird to Dr. Reichenow for comparison, and that if the Niger birds were really distinct

a description would appear in the next number of the Bulletin.

Mr. H. F. Wrrnersy exhibited an example of the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus aquaticus) and an Icterie Warbler

Vol. xvi.] 24

(Hypolais icterina), both of which had been taken at St. Catherine’s Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, in the early hours of the morning of September 29th, 1905. Both birds were females and birds of the year. The Icterine Warbler was the first record of that species for Hampshire. The Aquatic Warbler was the third for that county, the first occurrence being claimed by Mr. Hart, who shot a specimen at Christchurch in 1876. This record had been omitted from Mr. Howard Saunders’ “ Manual.”

Mr. Saunders remarked that he had probably seen this specimen too late to insert the record in the last edition of his “ Manual,” although it appeared in Mr. Hart’s catalogue (1904).

Mr. Witherby added that these two interesting birds would have been entirely overlooked had it not been for the systematic ‘‘ scheduling ” of the Southern Lighthouses by the Migration Committee.

Dr. F. G. Penrosr read the business Report of the Migration Committee :—

“Your Migration Committee beg to submit the first portion of this year’s report.

Part I.

“ As regards the land observations, they have more than fulfilled our expectations; the number of observers has been 172, and we have altogether received from them 738 schedules containing over 15,000 separate records.

“On the other hand, the records from the lighthouses have been scanty, and, so far, disappointing. We have found that no reliance could be placed on observations unaccompanied by wings, such birds as Willow Wrens, Redstarts, Nightingales, etc., being generally entered as Wrens or Flycatchers. Of the 50 lighthouses, to the keepers of which schedules were sent, records were received from 31, but the total number of wings. received from the lighthouses amounted only to 350.

25 E Wolke saya

“We have been busily employed in working out the results, and our report is now practically finished, and only needs final revision. We propose at the next meeting of the Club to lay before you a general summary of the spring migration as a whole, and a detailed descrip- tion of the movements of two or three species which we have selected as illustrative of the different methods of arrival and dispersal.

“ As regards the publication of the report in full, we are strongly of opinion that it should be in the hands of those interested, in January at the latest. By this means those observers throughout the country, whose records have made this enquiry possible, will gain a knowledge of the results obtained and realize more clearly what is required of them before another season commences. We quite realize that there will be considerable difficulty in the publication of the report out of the funds of the Club, and we would therefore suggest that the Members should discuss this question to-night, and, if possible, give some definite in- struction to their Committee.

“The results of this year’s work seem to us so promising that we hope that it may become possible for these investi- gations to be continued during a term of years. As may be easily imagined, the labour of classifying, arranging and working out the mass of material received has been very ereat, but we are quite willing to undertake the work in the future, if sufficient funds are forthcoming to carry it on. ;

“We are happy to say that the liberality of the Club in empowering us to spend £20 has practically covered expenses for this year’s work, so that we do not propose to ask for any funds to-night, but after reading our report at the next meeting we propose to bring forward a short financial statement, together with some indication of the amount required for future work, and a scheme whereby the necessary funds may be raised. In the meantime we shall be extremely grateful for any sugges-

Vol. xvi.] 26

tions from members either now or before the next meeting on this subject.”

(Signed) Frank Penrose, Chairman. Micuaru J. Nico... Norman F. Tickuurst. Harry F. WItTHERBY. J. Lewis Bonuore, Secretary.

On the motion of Mr. Howarp Saunpers, seconded by Mr. O«tivre-GRantT, it was unanimously decided that the Migration Report should be published as a separate volume of the Bulletin of the Club; that the copies should be sold to defray the expenses of publication ; and that any deficit in the necessary funds should be raised by appealing to the Members of the Club.

The Editor reminds the Members of the Club that there are still on hand a large number of packets of postcards representing some of the nesting-groups of birds in the British Museum.

The proceeds of all sales will be utilized in defraying the expenses in connection with the work of the B.O.C. Migration Committee, Kite-Fund, ete.

Each packet contains a set of thirteen excellent pictures, price ls., and may be had either from Mr. Witherby, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Editor at the Natural History Museum, 8.W.

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 15th November, 1905, at 8.50, at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ing to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

27 [Vol. xvi.

| N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Hditor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed) P, L. Scuarer, W. R. Ocinvre-Grant, H. F. Wirurrsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas.

* . 1. eee

BULLETIN

OF THE

Bailtish “ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB.

No. CxXIX.

THe hundred and eighteenth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 15th November, 1905.

Chairman: P. L. Scuarer, F.R.S.

Members present :—KH. Bipweit, J. L. Bonnorr, Rev. Apttan Huuison, A. H. Evans, J. Gerrarp, F. Giniert, N. Gitroy, H. Harrert, Ph.D., F. W. Heapury, G. EH. Loper, W. R. Oeitvin-Grant (Hditor), Rev. H. H. Mruxs, H. Mount, Turrep Prarsz, F. G. Penrosz, M.D., W. P. Pycrarr, R. H. Reap, W. WH. Renavt, C. B. Rickert, J. Sargent, H. SaunpErs, D. Seru-Smuiru, C. B. Tice- HuRST, N. F. TickHurst, M.D., A. Trevor-Barrys, L. A. Witiiams, H. f. Witnersy (Secretary and Treasurer).

Visitors :—J. A. Waurote Bonn, G. GoupiE.

The Treasurer made his yearly statement of accounts, showing that the financial state of the Club was in a satis- factory condition.

Mr. J. L. Bonwore, as Secretary of the Migration Com- mittee, read their report in so far as concerned the Spring. .

[November 29th, 1905. ] VOL. XVI.

Vol. XVI. | 30

immigrations of the Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Nightingale (Aédon luscinia), Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla campestris), and Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca), as illustrating the results which had been arrived at from the observations made this year. It was hoped that these results might be published in January, and the Committee proposed to ask the Club for funds at the February meeting to continue the work in the future, after members had had time to examine the report and judge whether it seemed to justify a continuance of the work.

On behalf of Mr. H. Evelyn Rawson, Mr. Howarp SaunpERS exhibited two Pheasants, supposed by the former to be hybrid birds. On examination, however, one proved to be a male (partial albino) of the common hybrid Pheasant of England, while the other was an immature male of the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) in its first year’s autumn plumage.

Dr. Ernst Harrerr described two new birds as follows:

1. AMYTORNIS WOODWARDI, sp. 0.

Differs from A. houset (Milligan) in having the throat and foreneck white, instead of striped with black and white; the tail much longer; and a uniform black malar stripe. The sides of the neck and foreneck, as well as the top of the head, hind neck and upper back, black, each feather with a white shaft-line, which, however, is not a mere straight line, but has short and fine lateral branches, thus looking like a line of tiny arrow-heads. Upper back also with some dark chestnut stripes, ramp and upper tail- coverts chestnut, with blackish-brown median stripes and light brown shaft-lines. Abdomen of male cinnamon, that of female chestnut. Under tail-coverts blackish with buff shaft-lines and buff or cinnamon edges. Remiges brownish-black, with very narrow dark brown margins. Upper wing-coverts black, with white shaft-lines. Rec- trices brownish-black, with narrow rufous outer edges. Bill (in skin) blackish horn-colour, legs horn-brown, iris

31 [Vol. xvi.

brown. ¢,2 wing 74 to 77; tail about 106 to 114; bill 13°5 to 15°5; metatarsus 28 to 30 mm.

Hab. South Alhegator River, Arnhem-Land, North Australia. Type gad. 10 miles east of South Alligator River, about 85 miles from the coast, 4. vii. 1903, collected by Mr. J. T. Tunney. No. 1805 in Tring Museum.

“In the ‘ Novitates Zoologice,’ 1905, pp. 225, 226, I described this bird, of which I had then examined 16 specimens, but I erroneously referred it to Amytornis housei (Miligan). Mr. Henry Woodward, curator of the Perth Museum, has now sent me a specimen of the true Amytormis housei, and I find it to be quite a distinct species. I have, therefore, the pleasure of naming the new bird in honour of Mr. Woodward. In Amytornis houset, originally described as Amytis housei (cf. Rep. Kimberley Expl. Exp., App. B., 1902), the tail is much shorter (in the specimen before me 91 mm.), the throat striated with black and white, each feather being white with black margins, the malar region similarly marked, the chest, breast, and abdomen light chestnut, the former only being slightly marked with buff shaft-lines, the vent and under tail-coverts blackish with rufous shafts, and the upper wing-coverts chestnut, with whitish shaft-lines. In other respects, A. housei is very similar to A. woodwardi. The specimen of A. housei before me is marked as a male.”’

2. STRIX FLAMMEA GRACILIROSTRIS, subsp. n.

Differs from its nearest allies, Strix flammea schmitzi of Madeira and S. flammea kirchhoffi, from the Mediterranean countries, etc., in its small size, and specially in its more slender bill. The upper surface is darker than in SV. /. kirchhoffi, being grey and yellowish-brown, mostly with very fine markings of black and white dots; the face is ight, but more or less tinged with silvery-grey, the underside varies from light cinnamon or rusty-brown to nearly white, tinged with buff, and is generally very finely, but some- times more boldly marked. Wing about 24 to 26°5 cm., tail about 10°5 em. Iris dark brown, upper mandible flesh-colour or rather dark horn-brown, ridge and sides

Vol. xvi.] 32

pinkish, under mandible at tip horn-colour, followed by a white line, then flesh-colour, or entirely whitish flesh- colour.

Hab. Fuertaventura and Lanzarote, Eastern Canary Islands. Typed Fuertaventura, 28. v. 1904 (No. 2895), in Tring Museum. I have examined five specimens collected by Hauptmann Polatzek.

Dr. Sctater exhibited two photographs of the nests of the colony of Cape Weaver-birds (Sitagra capensis) in the Public Gardens at Cape Town, which he had alluded to in his address at the last meeting of the Club (see above, p. 9). These photographs had just been received from Mr. W. L. Sclater.

Mr. A. Trevor-BartryE gave a short account of some of the birds he had met with during last September on the Upper Zambesi. He explained that he left the Rhodesian Railway at the Victoria Falls, travelled on horseback about fifty miles to the trading station of Kazungula, and thence by native dug-out canoes up the Zambesi about fifty miles further to Shesheke (King Lewanika’s former capital—now the home of his eldest son, Litia), a missionary station, and the post of a Chartered Company’s Assistant Com- missioner, Mr. W. P. Cockerell. Mr. Trevor-Battye had intended to spend a month or so collecting at Shesheke, but, immediately upon his arrival there, was unavoidably summoned back to England. He was therefore only able to give the members of the Club a general account of the birds seen up and down the river.

The river was wooded in character as far as Kazungula, and thence, to Shesheke, ran chiefly through a high, open plain. It therefore followed that the birds seen during the first and the second part of the journey would be more or less distinct.

Among the birds seen in the forest region were Meyer’s Parrot (Pwocephalus meyeri). These birds were difficult to detect, as they usually sat among the thick foliage of the masungula trees, and on the trees being approached

33 [Vol. xvi.

their noise ceased and the birds remained silent and absolutely motionless. The Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros melanoleucus) was often seen, flying in large parties from tree to tree. The Grey Louries, or Plantain-eaters (Schizorhis concolor), were usually in pairs; their variety of cries and calls was surprising. They had the Wood- pecker-like habit of flying from the top of one tree to the lowest branches of the next, which they immediately ascended, hopping up from bough to bough with rapidity. Rollers, both Coracias caudatus and C. mosambicus, were also often seen, likewise another Roller, not identified, but probably C. spatulatus. Motacilla vidua was abundant about the rapids, and also M. capensis. Merops bullockoides and M. nubicoides were seen every day. Both these lovely Bee-eaters differed somewhat in habits from M. apvaster. They were never seen flying round with the swallow-like flight of the last named. The first behaved more like a Chat, flying from bush to bush: the second like the Spotted Flycatcher, flymg out to take an insect and returning to its perch.

Mr. Trevor-Battye observed that he did not propose to say more of the many other interesting birds seen in this region, as a good many of them had been already referred to by Mr. W. L. Sclater in his paper on the birds of the Victoria Falls (cf. Ibis, 1905, p. 106). He would therefore turn to some of the birds seen on the river itself. The African Pochard (Nyroca erythrophthalma) was in considerable num- bers on the extensive sandbanks, which were also the resort of many striking wading birds. The Sacred Ibis ([bis ethiopica), generally in pairs, sometimes in small com- panies, was always one of the least shy, feeding to the last moment, and reluctantly rismeg on the approach of the canoes to fly round close overhead and settle again at about the same spot. Two migrants, the Greenshank (Glottis nebularius) and the Common Sandpiper (T’ringordes hypoleucus), were noticed, while the White Stork (Ciconia alba) had not yet left on September 26th. The Marabou Stork (Leptoptilus crumeniferus) was seen several times on the open plain. A Pratincole (Glareola pratincola, or,

Vol. xvi.] 34

possibly, G. melanoptera) was commonly hawking in con- siderable numbers over the river. The Whiskered Tern (Hydrochelidon hybrida), easily distinguished by its smoky coloration, consorted on the sandbanks with the Scissor- bill (Rhychops flavirostris). Mr. Trevor-Battye saw several individuals of the Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), but always singly, and it could not be described as a common bird. The Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) was seen on several occasions. Perhaps one of the most abun- dant birds on these sandbanks was the Open-billed Stork (Anastomus lamelligerus), recognisable, even at a consider- able distance and without the glass, by its peculiarly shaped head. It was a shy bird—always the first of the company to rise; and as it crossed in front of the canoes against the sky, the light could be seen between its mandibles.

The speaker acknowledged his indebtedness to Mr. W. L. Sclater, of the Cape Town Museum, for his kindness in taking him through that collection, which was rapidly becoming a very good one under the fostering care of the Director.

Mr. C. B. Ticenurst exhibited the following birds which had been obtained in Sussex : 1. Warre-sporren BuuetHRoat (Hrithacus cyaneculus).

“ An adult male was shot near Hastings on September Ist, 1905, and brought to Mr. G. Bristow, taxidermist, of St. Leonards; it was seen by me on September 9th.

“This is the second example of this form which has occurred in England: the first, also an adult male, was picked up at Dungeness Light (situated about fifteen miles from the spot where the present example was obtained) on October 6th, 1902, and was exhibited by Mr. M. J. Nicoll [ef. Bull. B.O.C., XT11., nope, ip. 14; (1903)q.

“On August 27th and 28th of this year a Bluethroat was observed by Mr. Nicoll and myself independently near Dungeness, but we were unable to say to which form it belonged.

BS Viol aisevat

“The breeding range of this bird is Western and Central Europe; on migration it passes through South Europe, and winters in Palestine and North Africa, a few examples reaching Persia.”’

2. ORPHEAN Warsier (Sylvia orphea).

“An immature male was picked up dead under the tele- eraph wires near St. Leonards on September 16th, 1905, and brought in to Mr. Bristow, the taxidermist. It was a fresh, clean-looking bird and had a bare spot under the chin, where it had struck the wires. It was seen by Dr. N. F. Ticehurst two days later.”

‘““The previously obtained examples mentioned in Mr. Saunders’ ‘ Manual’ are :—

(1) An adult female showing signs of incubation, obtained near Wetherby, Yorks, on July 6th, 1848, on questionable authority.

(2) A young bird, hardly able to fly, obtained near Hanley, Middlesex, in June, 1866, as recorded by Mr. J. H. Harting.

‘“‘ Besides these two examples, a female was shot near St. Leonards (close to where the present bird was obtained) on October 7th, 1903, and exhibited by Mr. W. R. Butter- field [cf. Bull. B.O.C., XIV., no. ¢., p. 16(1903) ].”

Mr. H. F. Wiruersy exhibited the following birds (collected by Capt. A. E. Hamerton in Somaliland), which he had lately described in the “ Ibis,”’ viz. :—

Alemon hamertonm from Obbia, Alemon hamertoni altera from North-east Somaliland, and also a male specimen of Pyrrhulauda melanauchen, which differed considerably from typical specimens of this species- by its paler coloration, and by the absence of a white frontal spot.

Dr. Bowpier SHarrPe sent for exhibition an example

Vol. xvi.] 36

of a new species of Ground-Thrush from Camaroons, which he proposed to name—

GEOCICHLA BATESI, Sp. N.

G. similis G. prince7, sed pileo et cervice olivascentibus, nec saturate brunneis; noteo brunneo, olivaceo lavato; dorso postico et uropygiorufescenti-brunneis nec castaneis; tectri- cibus alarum majoribus et tectricibus primariorum nigris, illis albo late terminatis ; hypochondriis cinerascenti-brun- neis nec rufescenti-brunneis distinguenda. Long. tot. circa 8:5, culm. 0°85, ala 3°95, cauda 2°6, tarsi 1°2.

Typus ex. Efulen, July 25, 1905 (G. W. Bates) : in Mus. Brit.

Mr. R. H. Reap exhibited a white-headed example of the common Blackbird (Turdus merula), procured at Andwell, near Basingstoke. It was especially remarkable on account of its curiously-coloured feet, which were partially black and partially pale yellow.

Mr. W. R. Oartvie-Grant pointed out that by an oversight Bolbopsittacus mindanensis had been included among the new species described in the last number of the “Bulletin” (cf. XVI., no. cxvi., p. 17); the name should stand as Bolbopsittacus nundanensis, Steere.

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 13th December, 1905, at 8.30, at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ing to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

(N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed) P. L. Scuater, W. R. Ocitviz-Grant, H. F. WirHersy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas.

BULLETIN

OF THE

BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB.

No. CxXX.

THe hundred and nineteenth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 15th December, 1905.

Chairman: P. L. Sctatrer, F.R.S.

Members present :—HK. Broweut, J. L. Bonnorr, H. EH. Dresser, F. D. Drewrrt, M.D., EH. N. F. Fenwicr, N. Gintroy, HK. Harrert, Ph.D., H. Munr, W. R. Ocinvis- _Grant (Hditor), C. HK. Pearson, H. J. Pearson, F. G. Penrose, M.D., R. H. Rzap, W. EH. Rewnaur, C. B. Rickert, A. D. Sarsworrtu, J. Sargent, Howarp SAUNDERS, C. B. Tickaurst, H. M. Watus, L. A. Wui1ams, H. F. Wrrnursy (Secretary and Treaswrer), Colonel J. W. YERBURY.

Visitors :—S. Boorman, W. A. Cunninetron, A. F. GrirFitH, P. B. Surrn, KH. Srewarp.

Mr. A. F. Grirriti (introduced by Mr. Howard Saunders) om exhibited an example of the Lesser Grey, Shrike (Lanius

[December 23rd, 1905.] VOL, XVI, sf ye PN \\ ae 7;

oe a

Vol. xvi.] 38

minor) which had been killed at Bosham, near Chichester, on the 14th October, 1905, and sent to Mr. George, of West Street, Chichester, for preservation. The specimen shown was an immature bird in its first autumn plumage.

Mr. Griffith also mentioned that he had purchased from the same taxidermist a piebald example of the Golden- crested Wren (Regulus cristatus), which had recently been procured near that town.

Mr. H. E. Dresser exhibited eggs of Babax waddelli, Podoces humilis, Lanius tephronotus, Linota rufo-strigata, Carpodacus pulcherrimus, Alauda inopinata, Leptopecile sophie, subsp. henrici, and Montifringilla mandellii, obtained near Gyantse, Tibet, by Captain Steen. The latter had also sent notes on the identification of these and other species of birds, which would be published in a future number of the ER O71 ae

Dr. E. Harterr, on behalf of the Hon. N. C. Rothschild, exhibited two specimens of Hmberiza striolata (Licht.), which had been shot by the latter at Merawi, in Nubia, on the 12th March, 1904.

Mr. Rothschild stated that this Bunting was one of the most local of Egyptian birds, being practically confined to the Fourth Cataract of the Nile, in the neighbourhood of Merawi, Belal, ete.

Dr. E. Harrert made remarks on the enormous numbers of Wood-Pigeons (Columba palumbus) to be seen at the present time in the neighbourhood of Tring, Herts.

Other members present stated that they had also observed unusual numbers of Wood-Pigeons in various parts of England during the present winter.

On behalf of Dr. N. F. Ticehurst, Mr. C. B. Ticknursr exhibited a specimen of the Little Dusky Shearwater (Pufinus assimilis), which had been caught alive by Mr,

39 [Vol. xvi.

Wallis, of Lydd, Kent. It had been captured near that town after the disastrous South-west gale of November 26-27th, and kept alive for two days in a pool of water. On its death it had been sent to Mr. Bristow, the taxidermist, of St. Leonards, who received it on November 30th, and unmediately brought it to Dr. Ticehurst. When examined by the latter 1t was covered with sand and sodden with sea-water. It had since been mounted and cleaned; and proved, on dissection, to be a male. The differences between this bird and P. obsewrus could clearly be distinguished, as pointed out by Mr. Saunders (ef. “Manual Brit. Birds,” 2nd ed., p. 744, and Bull. is @-€-, Vili. no. lin. p.40' (1898) ].

This was the fourth British example, the third picked up near Bexhill, Sussex, on the 28th December, 1900, had been recorded by Mr. W. R. Butterfield [cf. Bull. GO Xo, no. Txxvil...p..45 A900.) |

The breeding-quarters of this bird were said to be the Canary, Madeira and Cape Verde Islands.

Dr. Sciater exhibited a skin of a Bunting, allied to Hmberiza cinerea, but apparently different, obtained by Mr. Douglas Carruthers at Kuryatein, in Syria, on April 8th, 1905. He proposed to characterize this species as follows :—

EMBERIZA CITRINIVENTRIS, Sp. 0.

Supra Hmberize cineree onnino similis et ejusdem forme, sed subtus ventre toto flavo neque albo facile dignos- cenda.

Hab. In deserto Syriaco.

Dr. Sclater stated that there were three female examples of this species in the British Museum, all from Bushire on the Persian Gulf, two obtained by Mr. W. D. Cumming, and the third by Mr. A. J. V. Palmer.

Dr. Sciuarer made the following remarks on the generic name of the Nightingale. “ Dr. Bowdler Sharpe in his

Vol. xvi. | AO

Hand-list (IV., p. 153, 1903) has rejected the name Daulias assigned to the Nightingale in our List of British Birds and has used in its place the name Aédon, given to the Nightingale in 1817 by Thomas Forster in his ‘ Synoptical Catalogue of British Birds’ (p. 53). Although this name is not defined, it must be allowed that there can be no doubt of what Forster intended, as he writes ‘ AnDOoN LusciniA, Nightingale.2 Now in a recently published article on ‘ Birds from Kilimanjaro (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. XXVIII., p. 895, 1905), Mr. Oberholser, striving to put his British brother right, has made another error on this much-vexed question. Mr. Oberholser (prompted by Dr. Richmond) states that ‘ Aédon’ of Forster (op. cit., p. 53) is posterior to ‘ Luscinia’ of the same writer (op. cit., p- 14), and that the latter term should, therefore, be adopted. But if Mr. Oberholser had read Forster’s Preface he would have seen this passage:—‘In the following Catalogue the large capitals will designate the Linnean ‘name, according to the arrangement now adopted. ‘The small Roman letters will mark the names of the old writers brought to light again by Dr. Leach.’

“On turning to p. 14 of Forster’s Catalogue we find at the head of ‘Genus xxiv.” SyLvIA LUSCINIA In large capitals, showing that this is the name adopted by the author for the ‘ Nightingale,’ to which the English, French and German vernacular names are also added. On the inner side of the same page in small Romans are placed the words ‘Luscinia Aedon.’ These are of course not in- tended for new generic terms, as Mr. Oberholser suggests, but are merely ‘names of the old writers brought to light by Dr. Leach.’ It follows that the only new generic name given to the Nightingale by Forster in the work referred to is ‘ Aedon,’ as above quoted, and as used by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe in his ‘ Hand-list.? But it is not necessary to consider the rival claims of Aédon and Luscinia to be the generic name of the Nightingale, because, as has lately been discovered, the old classical name Philomela has precedence of both of them. In the first part of his description of the Collection of the University of Rostock,

AJ [Wol. xvi:

published in 1806,* Link proposed to use the name Philomela for the Warblers instead of Sylvia of Bechstein. But as Link put ‘ Philomela luscinia’ at the head of his genus we may well employ it for the Nightingale only, and thus terminate the long controversy that has existed respecting the earliest and correct generic name of this jovage eg

The following communication was read from Mr. F. E.

Buaauw, dated Gooilust, s’Graveland, Noord-Holland, December 5th, 1905 :—

“A few days ago, while riding through the woods in this neighbourhood, I noticed a white bird sitting on a wooden fence of a meadow. As I came nearer I saw that it was a specimen of the Little Owl (Athene noctua), which is a common species about s’Graveland.

“The bird being quite tame, I was able to ride up very close and obtain a good view of it. It was entirely white, with the dark markings characteristic of the Little Owl in its normal colouring, represented by yellowish tints.

“ Owls, as far as my experience goes, are seldom subject to albinism, so I think it may be of some interest to place this case on record.”

Mr. H. H. Dresser stated that he had received letters from Mr. Buturlin announcing that he had found the breeding-place of Ross’s Rosy Gull (Rhodostethia rosea) in the delta of the Kolyma river in North-eastern Siberia, and had obtained the adult bird, young in down and egos. Mr. Buturlin had sent full particulars of his discovery, which would be published in the “ Ibis.”

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 17th January, 1906, at 8.30, at the Restaurant Frascati,

* Beschreibung der Naturalien-Sammlung der Universitat zu Rostock. Erste Abtheilung Von Dr. F. H. Link, Professor der Naturgeschicte. 8vo0, 50 pp. Rostock. 1806.

Vol. xvi.] 42

32, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ing to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

[N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed) P. L. Scuater, W. R. Ociivie-Grant, H. F. Wiruersy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas.

tae AS Ae ee eae Se Le eee

BULLETIN

OF THE

Peliish: ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB.

No. CxXXT.

THe hundred and twentieth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 17th January, 1906.

Chairman: P. lL. Scuarmr, F.R:S.

Members present :—Major W. B. ArunprE., Hi. BrpwE1x1, W.R. Bourrerricip, H. EH. Dresser, F. D. Drewirr, M.D., K. V. Hartz, H. N. F. Fenwick, H. W. Fryurnson, EF. Giiwert, H. Harrert, Ph.D., Rev. Francis C. R. Jourpain, N. B. Kinnear, G. HE. Lopezn, H. Monz, P. C. Musrers, T. H. Newman, W. R. Ocitvin-Grant (Hditor), Turrp Prarss, H. J. Pearson, F. G.: PEnrosz, M.D., A. H. Pricz, Major F. W. Proctor, F. R. Rarcuirr, R. H. Reap, W. EH. Renavt, C. B. Rickert, J. Sarcent, Howarp Saunpers, R. Bowpuirr SuHarrz, LL.D., DPD. Sera-Suirn, C. B. Tictnurst, N. F. Ticrsorer, M.D., L. A. Witiiams, H. F. Wirnersy (Secretary and

Treasurer).

Visitors :—A. Jones, M. C. C. Szsron, W. H. Surru.

[January 31st, 1906. ] : VOL, XVI.

Vol. xvi.] Act

The Cuatrman made the following announcement: “The Committee have considered it advisable to raise the entrance fee of the Club to the sum of one pound (£1) for all candidates elected after this date. The yearly subscription will remain at five shillings.”

Mr. Howarp Savunpers exhibited a male Hider sent by Mr. H. W. Robinson, of Lansdowne House, Lancaster, and shot on December 7th, 1905, near Stromness, Orkney. The bird, which showed a well-defined but not very black V-shaped mark on the throat, was undoubtedly an example of Somateria mollissima, as proved by an examination of the large series of Eiders in the Natural History Museum. An exactly similar variety had been procured by Mr. Abel Chapman on Holy Island, and was recorded in 1905. (cf. Bull. B.O.C., XV., no. cxy., p. 69), —Alepese brown female, exhibited at the same time, on behalf of Mr. F. Smalley, and shot in Orkney in February, 1905, was considered to be a Common Eider, aged about eight months.

Mr. Ruskin Burrerrretp exhibited a specimen of the Wall-Creeper (Tichodroma muraria) which had been shot while climbing about the face of the cliff at Eeclesbourne, near Hastings, on the 26th December, 1905. The bird—a female—was taken to Mr. G. Bristow, of St. Leonards, and was shown by him to Mr. Butterfield before it was skinned.

Three previous occurrences of this bird in England had been made known, namely: (1) An example shot at Stratton- Strawless, Norfolk, 30th October, 1792 [cf. Marsham and White, Trans. Norf. and Norw. Nat. Soc., I., pp. 180, 184, 188 (1876)]; (2) an example obtained at Sabden, Lanca- shire, 8th May, 1872 (cf. F. 8. Mitchell, Zool., s.s., p. 4839) ; (3) an example, now in the collection of Canon H. B. Tristram, shot at Winchelsea, Sussex [cf. Sharpe, Bull. B.O.C., VI., no. xxxviii., p. 8 (1896).] Professor Newton,

AD [Vol. xvi.

(Dict. B., p. 986, footnote,) had called attention to the fact that Merrett had included the species in his list of British birds in 1667, the passage being as follows: “ Picus murarius, the Creeper, or Wall-Creeper, I. 1b. Ald. 1. 852. G. 644.” (Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britanicarum, 1667, pel’7.)

Mr. P. C. Mustmrs exhibited a well-mounted example of the Dusky Thrush (Turdus fuscatus=T. dubius), which had been shot by a market gardener named Mills near Gunthorpe, in Nottinghamshire, on October 13th, 1905. The bird had been taken to Rose, a bird-stuffer in Nottingham, who believed it to be a variety of the Field- fare, but it was subsequently examined and recognised by Mr. Musters and Mr. J. Whitaker.

This is the first known instance of the occurrence of this Thrush in the British Islands.

Mr. W. EH. Renavr (on behalf of Mr. Alec Jones) ex- hibited an admirably mounted male specimen of the Fire- crested Wren (Regulus ignicapillus), which had been obtained at Wimbledon on the 31st December, 1905.

The interest of the exhibit lay chiefly in the fact that it was the first authenticated record for the county of Surrey, the specimen having been seen in the flesh by the exhibitor and Mr. James Sargent, another member of the Club.

Mr. W. R. Ocinvin-Grant exhibited a male Fire- crested Wren, which had been picked up in a dying con- dition at Abbey Wood, Kent, on the 10th January, 1906, and forwarded to the British Museum (Natural History) by Mrs. A. G. Mitchell.

Dr. Ernst Harrerr exhibited an example of a new subspecies of Goldcrest, which he described as follows :—

REGULUS REGULUS INTERNI, subsp. n.

Differs from R. requlus requlus in having the hind-neck

Vol. xvi.] 46

and sides of the crown distinctly ashy, and the back duller and less yellowish olive-green. It differs from R.v. himalayensis in having the back less yellowish, and the wing slightly shorter; from R. 7. japonensis in the more yellow, less reddish-orange crest, the narrower whitish tips to the wing-coverts, and the generally whiter, less buffy underside. The wing in three males measures from 54°5 to 55 mm.

Hab. Corsicaand Sardinia. Type gad. Sassari, Sardinia, 6. ii, 1904; received from Mr. Squilloni. (Four males examined.)

“ Dr. Sharpe has already called attention to the differences of the Corsican Gold-crest in the ‘ Ibis,’ 1885, p. 34; but the note, by some inistake, appeared under the heading ‘50 Fire- crest,’ instead of ‘49 Gold-crest.? This is perhaps the reason why nobody has hitherto followed up the hint thrown out as long ago as 1885.”

Dr. Harrert likewise exhibited a specimen of Dioptrornis brunnea, Cab. from Northern Angola, collected by Dr. W. J. Ansorge. This species had hitherto been only known from an immature specimen in the Berlin Museum.

Mr. F. J. Jackson, C.B., sent for exhibition a specimen of an apparently new species of Callene, which he pro- posed to call—

CALLENE A QUATORIALIS, Sp. Nn.

C. similis C. cyornithopsidi sed subtus aurantiaco-rufa, abdomine tantum flavicanti-albo, subcaudalibus hypo- chondriisque concoloribus, aurantiaco-rufis. Long. tot. 5°2, culm. °55, ale 2°8, caude 2°05, tarsi °85.

Hab. Kericho, Lumbwa, 7500 feet, June 15, 1905.

Obs. In C. cyornithopsis the whole of the breast and abdomen, as well as the under tail-coverts, are white, with a slight rufescent tinge, whereas in the new species the under tail-coverts are orange-rufous, like the flanks and chest. In C. equatorialis the white is confined to

f

A7 [ Woll. xv:

the abdomen, and is much less extended than in C. cyornithopsis.

Colonel G. Rreron forwarded descriptions of two new species of birds, from Mt. Victoria in the Chin Hills, Burma.

TANTHOCINCLA VICTORIA, Sp. n.

Ad. Similis I. austent (Jerdon), sed subtus albicans, plumis singulis albis, versus basin rufescenti-brunneis, quasi squamatis: dorso postico et uropygio olivascentibus, nec sordide castaneis distinguenda. Lone. tot. 9:6, ale 3:7.

Hab. Mt. Victoria, 8. Chin. Hills, 7000—10,000 feet.

PYRRHULA VICTORIA, Sp. 0.

Sunilis P. nipalensi, sed saturatior, murino-brunnea, nee chocolatino-brunnea: tectricibus majoribus dorso fere concoloribus, nec conspicue cinerascenti-brunneis. Long. tot. 6°6, alee 3°3.

Hab. Mt. Victoria, 8. Chin Hills, 7000 ft., March 30, 1904.

Obs. “ Four specimens were obtained by me on Mount Victoria in March, 1904. One of them has the rump entirely black, without any white band. This is present, however, in the other three specimens.”

Mr. H. J. Pearson exhibited two remarkable photo- eraphs taken from the exhibition-cases in the American Museum of Natural History, New York. One showed an immense breedine-colony of Flamingoes (Phenicopterus ruber) in the Bahamas; the second, an irrigated tract of land covered with large numbers of Stilts and other water- birds.

Mr. C. B. Ticrnursr exhibited an immature female example of the Pine-Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), which was one of two young birds shot by Mr. Oliver out of

Vol. xvi.] 48

a small flock in some fir-trees near Hawkhurst, Sussex, on the 25th October, 1905. The flock contained some rosy adult birds. The two killed were forwarded to Mr. G. Bristowe, of St. Leonards, and were seen by the exhibitor on the following day. Mr. Ticehurst remarked : “7 exhibit the bird because there are so few records of its occurrence in the British Isles, which are beyond suspicion, many so-called occurrences having been proved to be escaped cage-birds, while in 1889 many examples were imported frozen.

“ On October 30th, 1890, an adult male in rosy plumage was shot by Dr. Dixon near Annesley, in Notts, and recorded by Mr. J. Whitaker. This example is in the collection of Mr. Musters.”

Mr. Harrert remarked that he had once caught half a dozen Pine-Grosbeaks in a short time in the garden of the Zoological Museum at Konigsberg, in Hast Prussia, where it is not rare in certain winters.

Dr. Scuarer exhibited an egg of the Kakelaar (Irrisor viridis) recently received from his friend Mr. Alfred D. Millar (Col. Memb. B.O.U.), of Durban. The egg had been taken at Isipingo, Natal, on the 8th of October last, and was one of a clutch of three fresh eggs placed in the deserted nest of a Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campothera abingdoni). The bird was found sitting in the hole, and flew off while Mr. Millar was engaged in cutting out the nest. A second nest of this bird had also been taken by Mr. Millar last season.

The ege, like that exhibited by Major Sparrow (Bull. B.O.C., XV., no. cxii., p. 39), was of a uniform pale verditer-blue, and measured 1:0 by °65 in.

There was no specimen of the egg of any species of the sub-family Irrisorine in the British Museum.

Dr. Sciarer called attention to the very interesting Chinese Fishing-Cormorants now being exhibited at the London Hippodrome. The birds (apparently Phalacrocorax

49 [Vol. xvi.

carbo) were brought on to the “ Lake” perched on a light skiff and attended by a native Chinese fisherman. On living fishes being thrown into the water the birds caught them with eagerness, and brought them back to their trainer, who made them disgorge their captures by a slight hand-pressure on the throat. The bands round the neck, which prevented the birds from swallowing, were sub- sequently removed, and the Cormorants were allowed to fill their stomachs with the captured fishes. This mode of fishing as practised in China was well known (for a good account of it see the Ibis, 1880, p. 375), but, so far as Dr. Sclater was aware, had not been previously exhibited as a spectacle in Europe.

Mr. Brpwett reminded the Members of the Club that the late Capt. F. H. Salvin kept a number of Cormorants trained to catch fish.

Mr. C. B. Rickert described the mode of fishing with Cormorants commonly seen in China.

Dr. ScuatEer also called attention to a small flock of Bramblings (Fringilla montifringilla) which had been seen this winter in the neighbourhood of his home in Hamp- shire. Several other members stated that they also had seen unusually large numbers of this Finch, especially in the beech-woods of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The CHarrman gave notice that the meeting to be held on March 21st would be devoted to an exhibition of lantern-slides; and requested that any members who might wish to show slides should supply the Editor with a list of the same on or before February 21st. Last year some of the gentlemen, such as Mr. R. B. Lodge, who had been good enough to brine slides for exhibition, were unable to show them through lack of time, and, to avoid this happening again, it was absolutely necessary that the programme of the evening should be arranged beforehand, the lists properly revised, and a certain amount of time apportioned to each exhibitor.

Vol. xvi.] 50

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 21st February, 1906, at 8.30, at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ing to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

[N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Kditor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed) P. L. Sctater, W. R. Oaiivie-Grant, H. F. Wriruersy, Chairman. Jditor. Sec. & Treas.

BULLETIN

OF THE

Boiiish’ VORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB:

No. CXXITI.

Tue hundred and twenty-first meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 21st February, 1906.

Chairman: P. L. Scuatser, F.R.S.

Members present:—H. Browett, J. L. Bonnorz, W. Ruskin Burrerrietp, W. H. De Winton, H. EH. Dresser, EF. D. Drewirt, M.D., EH. V. Harte, N. Gitroy, HK. Harrert, Ph.D., C. HE. Hetimayr, Contincwoop Iveram, Hon. Geratp Lascetues, G. H. Lopes, A. McLuan Marsuauu, J. G. Minnais, E. S. Montacu, M.P., H. Mont, P. ©. Musrers, T. H. Newman, W. Rh. Ociivie- Grant (Hditor), KF. G. Penrose, M.D., H. L. Pornam, A. HE. Prics, F. R. Rarcurrr, R. H. Reap, W. H. Renavr, ©. B. Rickert, Hon. N. C. Roruscuttp, Hon. L. W. Roruscuitp, Ph.D., M.P., J. Sarcent, D. Seru-Smirn, Major Horace Terry, N. F. Trcenurst, F.R.C.S., C. Wuynmpeer, L. A. Wriiitams, H. F. OCTET (Secretary and Treasurer).

Visitors :—H. Boventon-Leicu, G. UES S. HepeGss, A. E. Jonus, M. C. Szron.

af

[March 6th, 1906.] \ VOL. XVI,

Vol. xvi. ] 52

Dr. Frank Penrose called attention to a copy of the Report of the Migration Committee, which constituted Vol. XVII. of the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club.

He reminded the Members of the scope of the work entrusted to the Committee—viz., to collect observations on the arrival and dispersal through England and Wales of the commoner summer-migrants which come to breed in this country.

The Committee had sent out schedules to all those ladies and gentlemen who had intimated their willingness to help, and had also sent a slightly different set of schedules to all the larger lighthouses and lightships on the South and Hast Coasts, from the Scilly Islands to the mouth of the Humber. The results of these observations constituted the Report.

Dr. Penrose then proceeded to say that the question came up for decision as to whether Members considered that the investigation was worth continuing.

Dr. Penrose expressed his earnest hope that the Club would sanction the continuance of the work. He thought that it was full of promise, and that it could only be of permanent value if it were carried on for a series of years.

After Mr. Walter Rothschild, Dr. Hartert, Mr. Pycratt, the Chairman (Dr. Sclater), Mr. Millais, and Mr. De Winton had spoken, and all had agreed that it would be a great pity not to continue the observations, it was proposed by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, seconded by Mr. Bidwell, and carried unanimously that “the Migration Committee should be reappointed, and requested to continue their work on the same lines for the present year.”

Dr. Ernst Harrert exhibited an example of a new Calamocichla, which he described as follows :— CALAMOCICHLA ANSORGEI, sp. N.

g ad. Upper surface olive, somewhat lighter and more brownish on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Wings and

58 [Vol. xvi.

tail dark olive-brown, with narrow pale olive-brown outer margins. Sides of the head and neck greyish-olive, under surface pale olive-grey, jugulum with faint indications of stripes, upper throat and middle of the abdomen whitish, under tail-coverts also very light. Under wing-coverts and inner lining of wings dull whitish-buff. “Feet greenish- slate. Upper mandible dark-brown, with the edges and extreme tip horn-grey ; lower mandible grey-brown, with a yellowish tinge near the base.” Wing 82:5, tail 81-5, tarsus 31, culmen 21 mm.

Dr. W. J. Ansorge obtained a single male at Durque de Braganza, in Northern Angola, on August 2nd, 1903, (Type, No. 850; in Tring Museum).

«This new form resembles in the colour of the upper surface Calamocichla cunenensis, Hartert (cf. Bull. B.O.C., XIIL. no. xevii, p. 62, 1903), but is darker; the latter species is also considerably smaller, and has a white underside and whitish superciliary lines.”

Mr. C. H. Hetitmayr described a new sub-species belonging to the family of Formicariide as follows :—

THAMNOMANES CHSIUS HOFFMANNSI, subsp. n.

g ad. Like T. c. cxestus from Bahia, being without a white interscapular patch, but of a much clearer slaty-grey colour everywhere. It differs also in having the throat distinctly freckled with white, and in having the axillaries and under wing-coverts pure white instead of pale greyish ; the cheeks and ear-coverts have faint white shaft-lines not to be seen in the typicalform. @ ad. Exactly like that of T’. c. ccesius.

Type in Tring Museum: ¢ ad. Prata, Para, Brazil, November 15th, 1905. Collected by Mr. W. Hoftmanns. Wing 70:5, tail 63, bill 138 mm.

The same collection contained examples of a aries of very interesting species, some of which were new to the fauna of Para, while others were recorded for the first time for Brazil. Such were Myrmotherula swrinamensis

Vol. xvi.] 54.

(Gmel.), Avocettula recurvirostris (Swains.), Lophornis gouldi (Less.), Threnetes cervinicauda (Gould), and Microcerculus marginatus, Sel. There were also large series of Cono- pophaga roberti, Hellm., and Agyrtria nitidifrons, Gould.

Mr. Hellmayr also laid on the table specimens of Hypocnemis p. peecilonota, Cab., H. p. lepidonota, Sel. and Salv., H. p. grisewentris (Pelz.), and H. p. vidua, Hellm., and called attention to the highly interesting fact that the males of these four forms were scarcely dis- tinguishable, while the females presented strongly marked differences in coloration.

The Hon. Waurer Roruscartp exhibited proofs of some of the plates drawn to illustrate his paper on extinct birds. These had been printed by the three-colour process on permanent linen-paper by Mr. A. C. Fowler, and were much admired by the Members present.

Mr. W. P. Pyorarr exhibited a remarkably fine male hybrid between Black Game and Pheasant, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Rowland Ward, F.Z.S. It had been shot at Ringford, Kirkcudbrightshire, by Mr. Walter M. Neilson.

In this bird the characters of the males of the parent species were about equally divided. The head, neck, and underparts were of a rich glossy black with green reflections, but the flank feathers, when examined in a strong light, showed distinct traces of the mahogany-red and black tips to the feathers characteristic of the Pheasant. There was, however, no sign of the notched feathers of the neck and breast. The seapulars were freckled with black and brown as in the young Black Cock, while the back feathers showed a mixture of black and brown unlike the pattern in either of the parent species. The tail was fan- shaped, mottled with fine markings of black and brown, and without distinct bars. The quill-feathers were like those of the Pheasant, but the coverts, like the back,

55 [Wolk axavat

were marked with a coloration unlike that of either of the parents. The rump-feathers were rounded in shape, not long as in the Pheasant. There was a Pheasant-like bare space round the eye, but much smaller in area than in the male Pheasant. The beak was of a pronounced Pheasant-type, but with no scaly operculum, the nostrils being feathered as in the Black Game. The legs were feathered for about one-third the way down, but the _ sealing below this resembled that of the Pheasant only in so far as the outside of the lower third of the tarso- metatarsus was concerned, the rest of the scales being small and hexagonal in shape. The comb-like fringe alone the toes, so well developed in Black Game, was entirely wanting in this bird.

After some discussion, in which Mr. Walter Rothschild and Mr. J. G. Millais took part, it was decided that this bird must be regarded as a cross between a Black Cock and a hen Pheasant.

Mr. Oaitvie-Grant drew attention to the large size of the specimen exhibited, and remarked that these hybrid birds were apt to wander far from the place where they had been bred. He mentioned instances of hybrids between Black Game and Capercaillie killed in the northern part of Aberdeenshire and in Inverness-shire.

Mr. J. G. Mituats exhibited a fine mounted specimen of a male hybrid between Black Game and Pheasant, which had been killed at the Ross of Mull, N.B., in November, 1895, by Captain Murphy, and was now the property of Miss Lees. Mr. Millais remarked that hybrids between these two species were of rare occurrence, and that the present example and that exhibited by Mr. Pycraft were, he believed, respectively the sixth and seventh specimens which had occurred in the British Islands. These hybrids, as well as hybrid Capercaillie and Black Game, were generally found where one or other of the parents were vanishing or extending their range. Females of the Capercailzie had been known to go voluntarily to the Black Cock’s

Vol. xvi. ] 56

playing grounds, but in other cases the mating was accidental. Mr. Millais believed the male parent to be the Black Cock in every case.

A communication from Dr. P. Susuxry contained some notes on the birds of the Tarbagatai range and Zaissan-noor valley, with descriptions of new forms.

LEUCOSTICTE ANNA, Sp. Nl.

g. Cinerea; fronte, facie, auricularibus cinereis, pileo postico fusco-atro, nucha brunnea, dorso superiore brun- nescenti lavato; tectricibus alae minoribus, subalaribus et axillaribus argenteo cinereis, roseo hmbatis; remigibus fusco-atris, prumariis extus rosaceo marginatis, secundariis pogonio externo fere toto cinereo; dorso inferiore vix conspicue rosaceo squamulato ; tectricibus fusco-atris, extus late cinereo limbatis. Iride fusca, rostro pedibusque fus- co-atris. Long. tot. 170-191, ulna 111-116, cauda 74-82, rostr. 10°5-12, tars. 20-22. (Secundum tres ¢ ad finem junii occisos descripta.

Hab. Regio alpina montis Mus-tau, jugi Saur (montium Tarbagatai pars orientalis atque altissima), ad confines occidentales Asiae centralis.

Obs. The range of this new Leucosticte seems to be very restricted, as it was not met with in the other parts of Tarbagatai. Its nearest ally is undoubtedly L. brandti, Bp., from which L. annae is at once distinguished by its grey forehead, face and ear-coverts, and by the black hinder part of the pileum.

EMBERIZA PYRRHULOIDES HARTERTI, subsp. n.

g and ? Figura rostri et corporis statura H. tschusii, Reis. & Alm. simillima, vix major, sed clarius laetiusque picta, interscapulio valde nigricante, plumis late nigerrimo striatis. Ab H. pyrrhuloide typica differt rostro debiliore, coloribus laetis, haud exoletis, dorso inferiore in mari cinereo nec cinerascenti albido, in femina pallide griseo nec pallide isabellino. (Secundum 3 ¢ et 1 ?, initio Junii occisos, descripta. )

57 [ Vol. xvi.

Hab. lacus Saissan-noor et fluvius Kara-Irtysh.

“The Wren of Tarbagatai is alsonew. Unfortunately I only procured two young birds, with the quills and rectrices not yet quite developed. As the young Wrens are more - difficult to distinguish than the adult ones, I will give a more detailed description of my bird.

“Size as in the common Anorthwra troglodytes of a corresponding age. Dark above, as in 4A. mipalensis. Pileum uniformly ereyish-chocolate brown; colour of the hind neck rather clearer, and passing gradually into the dark-brown colour of the back, which becomes morered on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; interscapulium and scapulars with almost invisible traces of darker cross-bars ; rump and upper tail-coverts quite uniform. lLores and _ sides of the head dark brownish-ashy, ear-coverts with distinct pale stripes. A fairly distinct ashy-grey superciliary stripe. Underside brownish-ashy, mottled as in the young A. troglodytes, but more distinctly. Sides of the body ereyish-brown, with faint but distinct cross-bars. Under tail-coverts dark-brown, with black cross-bars and white tips. Ground colour of the wing the same as that of the back, but with the black markings more distinct than in A. troglodytes. Rectrices brown, with very distinct black cross-bars. Bull and feet darker than in A. troglodytes, and of a greyish-horn colour.

““Of the paleearctic Wrens, the following forms on account of their geographical distribution should be compared with the Tarbagatai Wren :—A. troglodytes, A. pallida, A. neglecta, and A. nipalensis. A. pallida is at once excluded by its pale colouring. From the young A. troglodytes, the Tarbagatai Wren differs in the darker and more smoky upper side, ashy underside and sides of the head, grey supercilium, uniform: top of the head, the much more sharply barred wings and tail, the barred under tail-coverts with white tips, and the cross-markings on the sides of the belly. The dark Wrens of the Himalaya and South-east Mongolia, viz., A. nipalensis and A. neglecta, though more nearly allied, are algo distinct, as might be expected from

Vol. xvi.] 58

their respective distribution. From A. neglecta of all ages the Tarbagatai Wren may at once be distinguished by the distinct grey supercilium and ashy under-side, and from the young A. neglecta the present species differs in the more smoky colour of the upper side, especially of the head, the ashy sides of the head and under-side of the body, the almost obsolete bars on the upper-back and the uniform upper tail-coverts (in A. neglecta these parts are more distinctly barred). In A. nipalensis the eyebrow- stripe is still more defined, but its colour is quite different, being of a clear brown, and the under side is also devoid of any grey colour.

“Judging from analogy with all other Wrens, the adult plumage of the Tarbagatai Wren should be more protusely barred and the grey tints more pronounced than in the young. Hence the Tarbagatai Wren should be con- sidered as an undoubtedly distinct form.”

ANORTHURA TARBAGATAICA, Sp. ll.

Juv. Supra obscure brunnea, pileo fusco, supercilio cinereo, capitis lateribus et corpore subtus cinerascentibus, alis caudaque intense nigro fasciatis.

Hab. Dumeta jugi Saur (montium Tarbagatai pars orientalis).

‘“* Our journey to Tarbagatai has also added rich material for the elucidation of the rare palearctic Shrikes, like L.raddei. With the diligent assistance of my companion, Stud. Tchetverikoff, I collected 27 specimens of L. raddei (7 adult males), 28 specimens ‘of L. infuscatus (16 adult males), ete.,in all 152 specimens of the smaller Shrikes, not includidg the common JL. collurio. The breeding grounds of L. raddei were found at last on the southern slopes of the western Altai and northern slopes of the Tarbagatai, bordering the Zaissan-noor valley. In addition to this, I had the whole material preserved in the Museum of the St. Petersburg Academy (including the collection of the late Dr. Severtzov’s), also Prof. Menzbier’s collection, and

59 [Vol. xvi.

IT also had the opportunity of studying carefully the types of DL. raddei, Dresser and L. varius, Zarudny. As the completion of my work on these forms will require some months more, a brief account of some of the results obtained may be of interest.

“T came to the final conclusion that L. raddei, L. im- fuscatus, L. elaeagni, cannot be separated specifically from L. pheenicuroides, Sev., as they are connected together by - intermediate specimens, whose existence cannot be ex- plained by hybridization. Iam of opinion that two more forms, quite as distinct as those just named, should be established, and that some forms formerly described should be considered as synonyms of others. My notion

5

of L. phoenicuroides and its variations is as follows ” :—

LANIUS PHENICUROIDES PH@NICUROIDES, SEV. (= Lanius pheenicuroides romanowi, Bogd.).

Adult male: Brownish-rusty above, with a very dark and bright pileum and greyer interscapulium; upper tail- coverts and tail uniformly bright rufous.

LANIUS PH@NICUROIDES KARELINI, Boged.

Adult male: Brownish-grey or pure grey above; tail- coverts and tail as in the preceding.

LANIUS PH@NICUROIDES var. BOGDANOWI, Bianchi (= Lanius varwus, Zarudny).

Adult male: Similar to LD. ph. phenicuroides, but with the tail-feathers parti-coloured, all the feathers being pro- vided with black subterminal markings, and with the middle tail-feathers usually darker towards the tip; the rufous colour is very often more or less replaced by white, spreading from the base of the tail.

«A variable form, in my opinion only a type of personal variation of L. ph. phenicuroides. The type is a very extreme specimen in very worn and sunburnt plumage; the type of DL, varius is one of the least prominent

Vol. xvi. | 60

specimens; I found every intermediate link between them.”

LANTUS PH@NICUROIDES aberr. n. analogus.

Adult male: Similar to LZ. ph. karelini, but the tail like that of the preceding form.

““T consider this form as an aberration only, to employ the term already adopted by lepidopterists. (Description taken from five specimens.) ”’

LANIUS PH@NICUROIDES ELAEAGNI, Sushk.

Adult male: Bright cinnamon-rufous above; fore part of the pileum pearl-grey; upper tail-coverts, orange-rutous; tail-feathers parti-coloured, more or less white at the base and tips, then rufous, with large subterminal black patches ; middle pair dark russet.

LANIUS PH@NICUROIDES INFUSCATUS, Sushk.

Adult male: Rufescent olive-greyish above, with ereyer pileum and rump, upper tail-coverts light mouse-brown; tail- feathers parti-coloured as in. L. ph. elaeagni, but generally with more white, and with the middle pair dark brown.

LANIUS PH@®NICUROIDES PSEUDOCOLLURIO, subsp. n.

Adult male: Pileum pearl-grey, gradually passing into the bright chestnut-rufous upper-side of body; upper tail-coverts chestnut-rufous ; tail feathers much like those of L. collurio, black and white, only suffused with rufeus on the edges and near to the black patches.

‘““T consider this form as a distinct subspecies ; it inhabits only the southern slope of the western Altai, both the northern and southern slopes of the western Tarbagatai (not penetrating into the eastern part of it), and was obtained at Verni.

“Tt differs from L. ph. infuscatus in its greyer head, brighter back and more collwrio-like tail. From D. collwrio it is mainly distinguished by the more sombre colour of the

61 [Vol. xvi.

back, and by the rufous rump and tail-coverts. (Described from 9 adult males.)

LANIUS PHENICUROIDES RADDEI, Dress. (= Lantus dichrurus, Menzb.)

Adult male: Grey above, with pure grey head, rump and upper tail-coverts, the mantle sometimes more or less suffused with olivaceous. The tail almost as in L. collurio, but sometimes more or less suffused with rufous on its - distal half. The type of LD. dichrurus which is in very worn plumage has a pure grey back and an excessive development of black on the tail.

“ Lanius collurio, L., stands very near to the group just described, but is a quite distinct species, not connected with the LL. pheenicuroides-group by any intermediate forms. The very archaic coloration of its female tells of an early separation from the phylogenetical stem of L. phemcuroides.”

The following communication was read from Mr. W. L. Sclater, recording the discovery of a new species of Love-bird, which he proposed to name :

AGAPORNIS NIGRIGENIS, sp. N.

General colour green, tinged with olive on the hinder half of the head and neck, brighter on the tail-coverts ; front half of the crown and forehead sienna-brown; sides of the face, including the ear-coverts and throat black ; quills dusky, washed with bluish-green on the outer-webs ; tail dark-green, all but the middle pair of feathers with a red stripe along the shaft and a subterminal dusky spot ; under-surface green, slightly lighter than the back, and with a patch of salmon-red on the lower throat.

Bill rosy-red, paler, almost white at the base; legs brown (in skin). Length (in skin) 6°25, wing 3:6, tail 1-6, culmen 62, tarsus °50.

‘“‘This is a very distinct species, at once recognisable by its black face. ;

Vol. xvi. ] 62

“The type (South African Museum, Ree. No. 3485), was obtained by Dr. A. H. B. Kirkman, on the Muguazi River, some fifteen miles from its junction with the Zambesi, in North-west Rhodesia, in September, 1904. Last year (1905) Dr. Kirkman, together with Mr. C. Struben, made another shooting trip into the same country, and procured au second example, a female, at the same place, while about twenty miles further on he found the birds fairly common in small flocks on the Majelie River, but did not obtain any more examples; he did not observe them on the banks of the Zambesi itself. Both the rivers mentioned are northern tributaries of the Zambesi, joining that river between Sesheke and Victoria Falls.

“The second specimen, the female, which I have been able to examine through the kindness of Dr. Kirkman, has the front of the head dusky rather than sienna-brown, and this colour does not extend so far back as in the case of the original specimen, which I take to be a male.”

On behalf of his son, Dr. Scharrer exhibited and handed round a complete copy of the fourth and last volume of Stark & Sclater’s “ Birds of South Africa,’’ the issue of which had been delayed by the necessity of sending the index out to South Africa for final revision. He stated that the work would be ready for publication in about a fortnight.

This volume contained the account of the game, shore, and water-birds, numbering altogether about 250 species.

Dr. Scuater stated that he had say aay letters from his son at Cape Town, informing him ‘of the arrival there on the 28th of January of Lord Crawford in the R.Y.S. ‘Valhalla,’ and that Mr. Meade-Waldo and Mr. Nicoll were in good health. The * Valhalla’ had met with fine weather at South Trinidad Island, and a good series of birds had been secured. At Tristan da Cunha, unfortunately, the reverse had been the case, and after waiting three days the ‘* Valhalla” had been compelled to leave without being able to land the Naturalists.

63 [Vol. xvi.

Dr. Scuarnr exhibited a second egg of the Kakaleur (Irrisor capensis), and remarked that it did not differ materially from the egg of the same species which he had exhibited on a former occasion. (Cf. Bull. B.O.C., XVI, no. cxxi., p. 48, 1906.) This egg, which had been kindly sent to Dr. Sclater by Mr. Haagner, the Secretary of the South African Ornithologists’ Union, had been taken by Mr. R. H. Ivy on the Ist of November, 1905, near _ Grahamstown.

Mr. Ruskin BurrerFievp read a list of birds which had been added to the British List since the publication of the second edition of Mr. Howard Saunders’ “ Illustrated Manual of British Birds.”

Dr. O. Frnscu, Hon. Memb. B.O.U., sent for exhibition an example of a new species of Owl from Western Java, which he proposed to name :

SYRNIUM BARTELSI, Sp. ni.

Toes feathered as in S. seloputo (Horsf.) and in S. maimgayt, Hume (from Malacca), but distinguished at once from both these species by the uniform dark-brown back and by having from 16 to 18 cross-bars on the tail- feathers. Similar also to S. leptogrammicum (Temm.), but that species is smaller (al. 300 mm.), has the back cross- barred and the toes naked. Al. 360, caud. 200 mm.

The single specimen, a fully adult female, had been captured by Mr. Max Bartels at Pasir Datar, Preanger, on Mount Pangerango (2600 ft.), W. Java, and belongs to the collection “ Bartels and ter Meulen, Amsterdam.”’

Mr. Wirnersy in exhibiting a specimen of Hmberiza polopleura called attention to a number of filo-plumes which projected conspicuously beyond the feathers on the nape of the bird. Mr. Witherby had found that such elongate filo-plumes were present in both sexes of this

Vol. xvi. | 64

species as well as in Hmberiza flaviventris and E. flavigastra, but he had been unable to detect them in other species of Buntings. He had, however, noticed that filo-plumes projected beyond the feathers on the nape of the Goldfinch, though not so conspicuously as in the specimen exhibited, and he had no doubt that they were present in other birds and had some significance. Captain A. E. Hamerton, who had shot the specimen exhibited, had pointed out these filo-plumes to Mr. Witherby, and had remarked that they were very conspicuous when the bird was alive.

Mr. Pycrarr pointed out that filo-plumes were present in all birds, but that they rarely projected beyond the contour- feathers. They did so in the Cormorant and _ other species, and no doubt had a decorative significance.

Mr. Bonnote exhibited and made some remarks on the Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), pointing out that this species of duck differed, so far as he knew, from all others, the drakes having an intermediate plumage between that of the eclipse and the full breeding-plumage of the following year.

This plumage might be recognised from the following points :—

(1) The head was of a uniform dark brown, much darker than that of the eclipse and showing no metallic gloss.

(2) The feathers of the chest (pure white in the full plumage and dark brown with lighter edgings in the eclipse) in the intermediate plumage were white, with dark brown bars and a buff margin.

This plumage was generally considered as that worn by young birds during their first winter; this, however, was not the case, Mr. Bonhote having had fully adult birds under observation throughout the year. Though the inter- mediate plumage was assumed by birds in their first year, they were always distinguishable from the adult by the following characters :—

(1) The head did not become of so dark a brown, but moulted straight into metallic green in its first spring.

65 [Vol. xvi.

(2) The white “intermediate feathers’’ on the breast were spotted, not barred.

Mr. Bonhote went on to point out that the intermediate plumage succeeded the “eclipse” in September, about the time that the Mallard was assuming its full plumage, and that the change from the intermediate to the full plumage went on slowly throughout the winter varying with the individual, but that the complete breeding-dress was hardly, if ever, assumed until the end of March.

The Hon. Watrer Roruscuitp believed that a similar intermediate plumage was assumed by the Pintail (Dafila acuta) also. Mr. Bonhote agreed, and said that he likewise suspected this to be the case.

Mr. J. G. Minuats, however, believed that this so-called intermediate plumage in drakes of the Shoveler and Pintail was not due to a distinct moult but was caused by the full winter-plumage gradually changing to spring-plumage, a change of pattern taking place in the feathers.

The Chairman requested that any Members who might wish to exhibit lantern-slides at the next meeting of the Club would furnish the Editor with lists of the same: before the 12th March.

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 21st March, 1906, at 8.30, at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ine to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

(N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed) P. L. Scuatzer, W. R. Ocrivre-Grant, H. F. Wiruersy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas.

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BULLETIN

OF THE

een iTisH: ORNITHOLOGISTS’.. CLUB.

Tae hundred and twenty-second meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 52, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 21st March, 1906.

Chairman: P. Li. Scuarur, F.R.S.

Members present :—E. Browe1x, Colonel C. T. Brncuam, J. L. Bonnotre, W. R. Burterrietp, H. EH. Dresstr, EH. V. Hart, H. J. Enwes, Guy L. Hwen, H. W. Frnuinson, C. Garnett, J. Gerrarp, F. Ginwerr, Norman Gunroy, H. Goopeutnp, J. H. Gurney, EH. Harrert, Ph.D., C. EH. Hettmayr, G. H. Loner, Lt.-Col. A. P. Loyp, J. Mch. MarsHaty, H. C. Monro, H. 8. Montacu, M.P., H. Munv, J. B. Nicuots, W. R. Oaitvis-Grant (Editor), THErp Prarssz, C. HE. Pearson, H. J. Pearson, F. G. Prenrose, M.D., H. L. Porpnam, A. EH. Pricz, W. P. Pycrart, F. R. Parone, KR. HH. Reap, C. B.. Rickert, Hon. W. Roruscuiip, Ph.D., M.P., A. D. SarpswortnH, J. SARGENT, H. Scuzrren, D. Seru-Surrn, F. Suarman, R. Bowpier sHaree, LL.D., J. Srares, A. Toorsurn, C. B. Tic NOE Ticurrsn, H.R.C.S., H. M. W auurs,

[April 2nd, 1906.)

Vol. xvi.] 68

Warpitaw-Ramsay, S. J. Wnairr, C. Wuymrrr, L. A. Wriirtams, H. F. Wrrnersy (Secretary and Ureasurer).

Visitors :—J. M. Barton, 8S. Boorman, HE. Batrers, Hon. J. M. Campsett, E. J. Harz, C. EH. Facan, H. Gronvorp, J. E. Harstonr, A. Jones, R. B. Lopez, HE. K. Loyn, L. C. Lorn, G. A. Macmrtitan, D. H. Meares, W. M. Merepitu, J. B. Sarcent, R. ScHo.erietp, J. B. Scorr, M. C. Seron, C. G. Tatsot-Ponsonsy, 8S. WHITING.

Mr. W. R. Oattvie-Grant described a new ‘Tree- Partridge from the Chin Hills, which he proposed to eall :

ARBORICOLA BATEMANT, subsp. n.

d adult. Closely allied to A. torqueola, from which it is distinguished by having the entire sides of the neck chestnut, spotted with black. In A. torqueola a short band of chestnut and black feathers commences behind the ear-coverts, and terminates half way down the neck, the remainder of the neck being black and white, like the throat. Wing 5°9, tarsus 1°7.

The type-specimen was obtained by Mr. A. C. Bateman at Tiddim, near Fort White, Chin Hills, on the 3rd of December, 1905, and was forwarded to Mr. HE. W. Oates, by whom it was presented to the British Museum. The present form takes the place of A. torqueola to the south of Manipur, and has been procured at Falam by Mr. P. F. Wickham, while a number of examples have been forwarded by Colonel G. Rippon from Mt. Victoria.

A communication from Dr. VY. Brancur contained diagnoses of five new subspecies of birds from south-eastern Tibet.

1. Con@us DAURICUS KHAMENSIS, Subsp. n.

Coleus ec. daurico persimilis, sed major, long. ale 248-251 mm. contra maximum 242 min. in C. dawrico ; auchenio et gastraeo magis cinerascentibus. (Typ. in Mus,

69 E Wolles Seva;

Zool. Acad. Scient. Caesar. Rossic. conserv. ¢ adult., ix., 1900, ad fl. Mekong dict. ; coll. Kozlow.)

Hab. in terra Kham dicta, Tibet. merid.-orient.

{+- 2. GECINUS GUERINI KOGO, subsp. n.

Gecinus 4 J guerim simillimus, sed ubique pallidior, macula spissa nigra auchenali comparative angusta, plumis occipitis verticisque pro majore parte cinereis, solum- modo striis suprarhachidalibus nigris tenuibus ‘ornatis, nigredine frontali in femina fere evanescente; dorso laete-viridi (Ridgway, Nom. Col., X., 10 ‘bice green’) non oleagineo-viridi (Ridgway, X.,21) sicut in G. querini quermmi, nec olivaceo-viridi (Ridgway, X., 18) sicut in G. guerint tancolo ; colore cinerascenti-viridi pectoris abdominisque quam in G. guerini guerini pallidiore ; Superficie superiore ale minus quam in G. gueri guervnt olivaceo tincta. (Typ. in Mus. Zool. Acad. Seren. Caesar. Rossic. conserv. G 2 adult., 3, ix, 1900, fl. Bar-tschou, aftluent. fl. Nomu-tschu, tribut. fl. Mekong sup.; coll. Kozlow.)

Hab. in terra Kham dicta, Tibet. merid.-orient.

-3. BusBo BUBO TIBETANUS, Subsp. n.

Bubo B. buboni setschuano Reichenow similis, sed multo major, long. ale g 460-470, 9 480-500 mim. contra $ 401-425 mm. in B. b. setschuano. (Typ. in Mus. Zool. Acad. Scient. Caesar. Rossic. conserv. ¢ 2 adult., vii., 1900, fl. Chi-tschu, affluent. Ytschu, tribut. fl. Dytschu, 2.e., Yang-tsze-Kiang sup. ; coll. Kozlow.)

Hab. in Tibet. orientali a jugo Tang-la usque ad montis

Nian-schan orient.

4, ACCIPITER NISUS LODYGINI, subsp.

Accipiter g adult. coloratione generali et magnitudine A. niso similis, sed corpore supra multo obscuriore coloreque praepectoris et pectoris praevalescente cinnamomeo: pileum et latera capitis, auchenium basibus albis plumarum transparentibus nonnihil variegata, interscapulium. scapularesque, tectricesque alee superiores minores schistaceo-nigrae (Ridgway Nom. Col., IT., 2), sed non schistaceae (Ridg gway, II., 4) brunneo tinctae sicut in speciminibus obscurissimis A. nisi; tergum, uropygium, tectrices caudae superiores

Vol. xvi.] 70

et superficies reliqua alae, primariis nigris exceptis, nigrescenti-schistaceae (Ridway, II., 3), sed non sicut in A. niso schistaceo-cinereae (Ridgway, L., 5) brunneo tinctae vel obscure cinereae (Ridgway, I1., 6); latera colli, praepectus, pectus lateraque pectoris cinna- momea, fasciis albis transversis paucis ornatae vel fasciis latioribus cinnamomeis fasciisque albis angus- tioribus delineatae. Long. corporis ©. 330, latitudo ec. | 570, long. alae 205-215, caudae 75-78, dig. med. cum ungue 40-42°5, culminis denudati per chordam - 16-0-16°5, a margine ceromatis ad apicem per chordam 10°5-11-75mm. (Typ. in Mus. Zool. Acad. Scient.

Caesar. Rossic. conserv 2 ¢ adult., 1 ¢ juv. 1* vest., x., | 1900, fl. Bar-tschu, afiluent. fl. Nomer-tschu, tribut. fl. Mekong; 1 ¢ adult., 2¢ juv. 1* vest., xi., 1900, fl. Mekong sup.; coll. Kozlow.)

Hab. in terra Kham dicta, Tibet Merid.-orient.

AsTUR PALUMBARIUS KHAMENSIS, subsp. n. a

Astur delineatione gastraei, in specie praepectoris sicut im A, palumbario solummodo fasciis regularibus transversis albis et brunneis nonnihil angustioribus, sed coloratione notaei obscurissimo. A. atricapillo simillimus: pileum. auchenium basibus albis transparentibus plumarum variegatuin ; auriculariae et latera ‘colli nigerrimae; inter scapuliuim, scapulares anteriores, tectricesque ¢ alae superiores minores schistaceo-nigrae (Ridgway, Nom. Col. IT. 2) plumis nigro marginatis ; superficies alarum superior, scapulares posteriores, tergum, uropygium, tectrices caudae superiores schistaceo-cinereae (Midway, IT. 5), marginibus plumarum obscurioribus ; praepec- tus, pectus, abdomen tibialesque fasciis regulariter transversis albis et brunneis, illis nonnihil angustio- ribus, his densius sitis sicut in A. palumbario delineatis, sed non sicut in praepectore A. atricapilli valde irregu- laribus, fere obsoletis, unduliformibus; plumae gas- traei totius lineis tenuissimis nigris, tantum a rhachi- dibus ipsis formatis, sed non sicut in A. atricapillo striis suprarhachidalibus latioribus ornatae. Long. corporis ¢ ¢. 520, latitudo c. 900, long. alae 320, caudae ¢. 242, tarsi 74, digiti med. cum ungue c. 64, culminis denudati per arcum 30, per chordam 26, a margine ceromatis ad apicem 20 mm. (Typ. in Mus. Zool. Acad. Scient. Cesar. Rossic. conserv., ¢ adult.,

71 [Vol. xvi.

3. 1. 1901, fl. Re-tschu, affluent. fl. Mekone dictae ; coll. Kozlow.)

Hab. in terra Kham dicta, Tibet. merid.-orient.

Mr. W. R. Burrerririp exhibited an example of the Mediterranean Shearwater, Puffinus kuhli kuhli, Boie, and made the following remarks :—

“The specimen now shown was picked up dead by a man named Jenner, on the Pevensey beach, Sussex, on the 21st February, 1906. It was carefully examined in the flesh by myself, and its sodden and sandy condition left no doubt that it had lain for two or three days where it was found. On dissection it turned out to be a female.

“This form is found in the Mediterranean, and is not hitherto known to have visited the British Islands.

“For comparison I also show a specimen of P. kuhli flavirostris (Gould), which replaces P. kuhli kuhli in the Atlantic. The Mediterranean form differs from that of the Atlantic, in having a smaller (especially shorter) bill; in having the basal portion of the inner webs of the longer remiges less uniformly dusky; and in having the front and sides of the head somewhat lighter (cf. Hartert, Novi- tates Zoologice, xu., p. 97. 1905). The Great Shear- water, Puffinus gravis, O’Reilly, differs from both the former in having a much smaller bill, a dark and well- defined crown, sooty under tail-coverts, and sooty edges to the feathers of the middle of the abdomen.

“The Pevensey specimen may, I think, be safely assigned to the Mediterranean form, and it furnishes a good illustra- tion of one of the advantages of recognising sub-species, namely, that thereby we are often enabled to point toa more exact locality than would otherwise be possible.”

Mr. Wirnersy described an apparently new sub-species of Dipper, as follows :— 1. CINcLUS CINCLUS PERSICUS, subsp. n.

Most like C. c.rufwentris, Tristram, from Palestine, but larger, the wing of the male measuring 103-104 mm.,

Vol. xvi.] 72

as compared to 90 mm., and that of the female 90 mm., as compared to 83 mm. in that of C.c. rufiventris. In colora- tion the two forms are similar, but the breast and belly of the new sub-species are of a slightly redder tinge of reddish- brown than in C.c. rufiventris, and the flanks are reddish- brown instead of smoky-brown, while the upper side is slightly paler than that of the Palestine race.

C.c. allicollis, of S.E. Europe, is smaller and of a much deeper red on the breast and belly, while C.c. caucasicus of Asia Minor and the Caucasus region is also smaller, and is of a dark smoky-brown on the belly.

Hab. S.W. Persia.

Type ¢ ad. April 16, 1905. Mountains near Mal Amir, 6000 feet altitude. Collected by Mr. R. B. Woosnam.

The following Lantern-slides were then exhibited :— By Dr. F. G. Penrose.

. Male Stonechat bringing food. . Coot on land. . Peewit on its nest. . Redshank on its nest. . Oyster-catcher approaching its nest. 55 settled on its nest. . Ruffs on their “ fighting-ground.” . Black-headed Gull on its nest. 9. Common Tern on its nest. 10. Arctic Tern settling. 11. Avocet on the watch.

ont oor wbnd F

12. » approaching its nest. 13. 5 settling on eggs.

14, , settled.

1 5. 3) 33

16. Pink-footed Geese on the wing.

Mr. S. Warrine (introduced by Mr. H. L. Pornam) exhibited a series of slides showing the Dartford Warbler at its nest.

73 [Vol. xvi.

Mr. H. L. Popnam showed the following slides photo- eraphed in Russian-Lapland : —

Mr.

. Site of a Jer-Falcon’s nest.

. Black-bellied Dipper’s nest.

. Merlin’s eggs.

. Lesser White-fronted Goose’s nest.

Wigeon’s nest.

. Capercaillie’s nest.

. Merganser on its nest.

. Reeve on its nest.

. Lap Tit at its nest.

. Whimbrel’s nest.

. Whimbrel on its nest.

. Dotterel’s nest.

. Dotterel on its nest.

. Temminck’s Stint on its nest. . Pine-Grosbeak on its nest.

. Siberian Jay at its nest.

. Greenshank’s nest.

. Greenshank on its nest.

. Dusky Redshank’s nest.

. Dusky Redshank on its nest.

R. B. Lopez (introduced by Mr. G. H. Loper)

_ exhibited the following very fine slides :—

1-2. Griffon Vulture in its nest.

3. 4.

Booted Hagle at its nest. Purple Heron ,,

39

5-6. Spoonbill and young in the nest.

the

8. 3) 10. TL

Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis). Red-backed Shrike.

Yellow Wagtail.

Reed-Bunting.

Young Cuckoo being fed by Hedge-sparrow.

12-13. Barn-Owl. 14-15. Cormorant.

16. ie

Heron on its nest. Little Hegrets.

Vol. xvi. | 74

18. Buff-backed Heron.

19. Little Egret and Buff-backed Heron. 20. Night-Heron.

21-22. Glossy Ibis.

23-24., » »9 . and Herons. 25. White Stork and its young. 26. Pratincole.

27-28. Stilt.

29. Black Tern on its nest.

30. Black-headed Gull on its nest. -32. Kittiwakes.

. Guillemots.

. Puffins.

. Little Grebe on its nest.

3 5, feeding its young. . Ruffs.

. pratail

. Teal.

. Tufted Duck.

. Great Reed-Warbler (young). . Waterhen.

. Little Owl (captive).

. Whiskered Tern’s nest.

. Little Egret’s nest.

. Night Heron’s nest.

. Buff-backed Heron’s nest.

. Glossy Ibis’ nest.

49, Stilt’s nest.

50. Black Stork’s nest.

Coe

PP RB DR DB SS B oO co CO CH OO Ww OO CD ANAC ErWNFH OO ON SH Ore

Dr. N. F. Ticenurst exhibited the following slides :—

1-2. Herons. Brede, Sussex.

3. Male Stonechat. |

4, Robin on its nest. |

5. Robin’s nest built in the open and domed like a Wren’s. Ewhurst, Sussex.

6. Blue-headed Waetail’s nest with young. Sussex.

7. Magpie’s nest. Hwhurst, Sussex.

St. Leonard’s, Sussex.

75 [Vol. xvi.

8. Yellow Wagtail’s nest. Romney 9. Waterhen’s nest. (eee ee 10-14. Reed-Warbler feeding its young. Foes i 15-16. Little Grebe on its nest. 17. Young of Common Tern. ills, Moune of Little Tern. Hompey are 19. Sand-Martin’s nesting-holes. 20. Short-eared Owl’s nest with young. Shoveler’s nest. S Water-Rail’s nest. . Great Crested Grebe’s nest. -28. Bearded Tit Feeding its young.

bho SS

Norfolk.

bo °

Do po bw bw ey

¢

=

Mr. H. B. Boors sent the following slides to illustrate the life-history of the common Cuckoo :—

1. Nest of Meadow-Pipit, containing three eggs and one Cuckoo’s egg.

2. The same nest, showing young Cuckoo about three days old, with two young Meadow-Pipits and an addled eee thrown out of the nest.

3. The same young Cuckoo when eight days old.

4. The same when fourteen days old, the young Cuckoo being now too big for the nest, which might be seen behind the bird.

In the absence of Dr. EH. A. Wutson, who was unfortunately unable to be present, Mr. W. P. Pyorarr exhibited a number of the magnificent slides taken by the members of the “ Discovery’ Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904. A list of these slides, which had already been shown at the meeting held on the 15th March, 1905, will be found in the Bull. B.O.C., XV., no. exiv., p. 59 (1905).

Mr. E. Browse showed slides lent by Mr. Thomas Tait, Broomend, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. 1. Curlew on its nest. 2. Young Curlew in down. 3. Hider-Duck’s nest and eggs. 4, Young of the Hider-Duck in down.

Vol. xvi. ] 76

5. Tern on its nest. 6. Nest and eggs of the Tern.

7. Grey Hen on its nest.

8. Nest and eges of the Grey Hen.

9. A Sutherland cliff. 10. Young Long-eared Owl.

11-12. Black-headed Gull hovering above its nest.

13. re " descending to its nest. 14. af 3 settled on its nest. 15. ¢ - leaving its nest.

The Rev. F. C. R. Jourpary forwarded the following note :—

“The number of hybrids which have occurred in Great Britain between Black Game and Pheasant is under- estimated in the Bulletin (cf. no. exxil., p. 55). At least thirty-seven specimens have been preserved, and others are known to have been shot, so that this hybrid is by no means so rare as 1s supposed by Mr. Millais. <A detailed list of occurrences is in preparation, and will be published shortly.”

Mr. J. G. Mruuais has sent the following correction respecting his remarks on the autumnal change of plumage of certain Shoveler drakes exhibited by Mr. J. L. Bonhote at the last meeting of the Club (cf. p. 65) :—

* Will you kindly allow me to state that I did not say that the change of plumage of surface feeding ducks ‘ was not due to a distinct moult but was caused by the full winter-plumage gradually changing to spring-pluinage, a change of pattern taking place in the feathers.’ On the contrary the change is due to a gradual moult, during which much change of pattern and colour takes place amongst the incoming feathers.”

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 25th April, 1906, at 8.30, at the Restaurant Frascati,

1 [EVOIEs xyz.

52, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ing to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C. :

For the convenience of those present it was unofficially announced that the Annual Meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Union would be held at 3, Hanover Square, at 5.30 p.m., on May 30th, and the usual dinner at the Restaurant Frascati at 7.30 o’clock. Price 7s. 64d., exclusive of wine.

[N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Hditor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed)

P. L. Scuarer, W. R. Ocrivin-Grant, H. F. Wirnerey, Chairman. Kditor. Sec. & Treas.

BULLETIN

OF THE

PriiboH ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB.

No. CXXIV.

Tue hundred and twenty-third meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 25th April, 1906.

Chairman: P. Li. Sctater, F.R.S.

Members present:—H. Bipweit, J. L. Bonnorze, W. Hacue Crarxe, fF. C. Crawrorp, H. H. Dresser, F. D. Drewirr, M.D., H. J. Euwes, H. W. Finuryson, F. W. Fronawk, H. Goopcuinp, H. Hartert, Ph.D., F. W. Heapuey, C. EH. Herimayr, G. HE. Lover, J. G. Mirais, EK. S. Montacu, H. Munz, W. R. Ocinvin-Grant (Hditor), Prince: iaieep Prarse.. Hi. J., Prarson, , EF. G. Penrose, M.D., W. P. Pycrarr, C. B. Rickert, Hon. W. Roruscuitp, Ph.D., M.P., Howarp Saunpsrs, H. Scuerren, F. C. Senous, D. Seru-Smuitu, W. B. Trcer- mErER, C. B. Ticenurst, N. F. Ticrnurst, F.R.C.S., H. M. Wauus, H. F. Wituersy (Secretary and Treasurer).

Visitors :—Hueu Huuior, Major Sir Anon ee Bart., Major W. H. Muttens, F. Smanuey. —

[Way 8th, 1906.] ff Svou. xv,

Vol. xvi.] 80

Mr. J. G. Mituais exhibited two male examples of the Common Pochard (Fuliqula jferina) in eclipse-plumage, and made the following remarks :—

* At the beginning of August the male Pochard assumes a dress resembling that of the female, but the scapulars are always lighter and more transversely barred, and the feathers of the rump are darker. Unless in perfect health, Diving-Ducks in confinement will not assume an eclipse- plumage, so that observations taken under these circum- stances have led certain naturalists to infer that this species, and other Diving-Ducks, do not change into an eclipse-dress.”’

Mr. Bonyuore stated that he was very pleased to have had an opportunity of examining these birds, as he had never before seen Pochards in that plumage, and those he had kept in confinement had not assumed it. He had been told that the White-eyed Pochard (Fuliqula nyroca) had no eclipse-plumage, and he suggested that possibly in these species we were approaching a stage where the eclipse- plumage was either only beginning to be assumed or to be lost.

[Nore.—Fuliqula ferina in eclipse-plumage is fully described and figured by Naumann [cf. Naturgesch Vée. Mitteleuropas, x., pp. 174-181; pl. xiv., fig. 2 (1901)]. This plumage is also mentioned by Seebohm, Hist. Brit. Birds, ii., p. 578 (1885).

The male of the White-eyed Pochard (Muliqula nyroca) in full and eclipse-plumage is figured by Naumann (tom. Cil., pl. X., ug. 4, and pl, xiv., fie 1):

Probably every species of Duck in which the male is more brightly coloured than the female assumes an eclipse- plumage. (cf. Guide to Gallery of Birds in the British Museum, p. 63 (1905).—Ep. |

On behalf of Mr. J. E. Harting, Mr. H. Scuerren exhibited a supposed hybrid Duck, which had been taken in the Marsh Farm Decoy at Bradwell, near Maldon,

‘=

81 [Vol. xvi.

Essex, during the past winter. It proved, however, to be an immature male of the Baikal Teal (Nettion formosum) assuming the adult plumage, and had, no doubt, escaped from some ornamental water.

The Hon. Wautzer RoruscHuiup exhibited and described examples of two new birds as follows :—

GRANATELLUS PELZELNI PARAENSIS, subsp. n.

& Differs from males of G. p. pelzelni from the Rio -Caura, Santarem and Rio Madeira in lacking the white longitudinal patch on the flanks. The black of the forehead extends over the eyes in a short black stripe only, the middle of the pileum being slate-blue like the back, but with black bases to the feathers, the bases to the feathers of the back being ashy-grey. There is only a short white mark, about 6 mm. long, behind the eye, instead of a long white streak about | cm. long.

Wing 53, tail about 50 (shghtly worn), culmen 12 mm.

? Similar to the female of G. p. pelzelni, except that the flanks are more strongly washed with grey.

Hab. Prata,near Para. Type ¢ 17. xi. 1905. No. 141, in Tring Museum ; collected by Mr. W. Hoffmanns.

HULABEORNIS CASTANEIVENTRIS SHARPHT, subsp. n.

Differs from Hulabeornis c. castaneiwventris from Northern Australia in having the entire upper surface, with the exception of the head and nape, which are grey, dark ochraceous brown with a rufous tinge, instead of pale ereyish-olive.

Hab. Wokan, Arulslands. Type ? 6.x. 1900. No. 2734, in Tring Museum ; collected by Mr. Heinrich Kuhn.

This is the form described in the “ Catalogue of Birds,” Xxill., p. 49, under the name of H. castaneiventris. The mistake arose through Dr. Sharpe having had no Australian specimens before him.

Dr. Ernst Harrerr exhibited and described examples of a new species of Zosterops, which he named :—

Vol. xvi. | 382

ZOSTEROPS KUHNI, sp. n.

Very similar to Z. novequinee from the Arfak Mountains, but the lores and feathers under the white orbital ring are distinctly black instead of yellowish-green, and the tail is longer. Wing 52-56 (the smaller specimens are probably females, though the sex was not determined in every case), tail about 37 to 40°5 mm. (against 34 to 35 in Z. nove- guinee).

Hab. Amboina. Type ¢ 16. ii. 1906. No. 7280, in Tring Museum ; collected by Mr. Heinrich Kuhn.

“T must apologise for employing for this new species a binomial name which does not express its affinities with the closely allied forms. To ascertain the correct second name to be used would entail a careful revision of the genus Zosterops, and for this I have at present no time.”

Mr. C!. E. Henimayr exhibited and described the follow- ing new neotropical birds :—

~ ACCIPITER BICOLOR SCHISTOCHLAMYS, subsp. li.

Adult. Similar to A. b. bicolor, but at once recognised by its much darker schistaceous, instead of white, under- surface. The axillaries and under wing-coverts are also cinereous, narrowly edged with whitish, and not pure white, as in A. b. bicolor (Vieill). Wing 200, tail 157, bill (from base) 22°5 mm.

Hab. Nanegal, Western Ecuador. Type ¢ vii. 98. in Tring Museum; collected by Messrs. Goodfellow and Hamilton.

This is the western representative of A. b. bicolor of Guiana and Amazonia. Specimens from Cachabi (N. W. Eeuador), Chiriqui and Panama, agree exactly with the type of A. b. schistochlamys, while those found in Bogota- collections are practically identical with skins from British Guiana, Para, and the Orinoco Region.

PHAETHORNIS RUPURUMII AMAZONICUS, subsp. n.

Differs from true P. r. rupurumii, Bouc., of British

83 [ Vol. xvi.

Guiana and the Orinoco Region, in having the under tail-coverts buff instead of pure white, and the three outer pairs of tail-feathers edged with bright cinnamon- rufous (not white). The lower surface is more suffused with buff, and the malar and superciliary stripes are of a brighter rufous-buff. Proportions of the tail-feathers exactly as in P. r. rupuwrumu. Wing 44, tail 47, bill 28 mm.

Hab. Itaituba, near Santarem, Lower Amazons. Type 2 19. 1. 06. No. 468 in Tring Museum; collected by Mr. W. Hoffmanns.

CHETURA CINEREIVENTRIS PHZOPYGOS, subsp. n.

Nearly allied to C. c. lawrencer, Ridgw., of Grenada, but easily recognisable by having the upper tail-coverts pure ashy-grey like the rump, and the breast and abdomen smoky blackish, scarcely lighter than the crissum, instead of pure dark cinereous. Wing 101-107, tail 42-43, bill 5 mm.

Hab. Carrillo, Costa Rica, from whence the Tring Museum has received a good series of specimens. Type g 2.x. 1898. No. 1198 in Tring Museum; collected by Mr. Underwood.

Salvin referred the Costa Rica birds to his C. fumosa of Veracua and Chiriqui, apparently misled by the similarly coloured under-parts ; the latter form, however, has steel- black upper tail-coverts, and a creamy white rump-band, and is barely separable from C. spinicauda. This matter will be discussed on a future occasion.

GYMNOPITHYS BICOLOR DAGU#, subsp. n.

Like G. b. bicolor (Lawr.), of Panama, with the forehead and a broad superciliary stripe, dark grey, but differs in having a very much larger and stronger bill, and much darker coloration throughout. The pileum is deep rufous- brown, the back and the sides of the body are dark russet- brown, all these parts being considerably paler, rufescent olive-brown in the typical form, and the white colour of

Vol. xvi.] 84

the chest is laterally bordered with blackish. G. b. ruficeps, Saly. and Godm., of Antioquia, is much more rufescent everywhere, has no grey whatever on the head and no black border on the sides of the white chest. G. b. equatorialis (Hellm.), of West Ecuador, which agrees with the new form in having the sides of the occiput dark grey, has the fore- head and vertex cinnamon-rufous, and a much smaller, weaker bill. Wing 78°5, tail 48, bill 21-5 mm.

Hab. Coast region of S. W. Colombia; valley of the Dagua River. Type ¢, El Paillon, near Buenaventura, 9. v., 1899. No. 9599 in Tring Museum; collected by by Mr. E. André.

MyYRMOTHERULA ORNATA HOFFMANNSI, subsp. n.

g Resembles M. o. ornata (Scl.), of Bogota, but with a clearer, more bluish, slate-grey colour on the head, back and underparts, the chestnut-red patch on the rump decidedly smaller, the cheeks and malar region darker grey, and the brownish tinge on the flanks paler and more restricted. Wing 53, tail 39, bill 15 mm.

2 Quite different from that of M. o. ornata, having the throat uniform bright ochraceous, not black spotted with white, the apical spots on the upper wing-coverts buff instead of pure white, and only a small irregular spot in the middle of the back chestnut-rutous. In the unspotted throat it agrees with the ? of M. hematonota (Scl.), but differs at a glance in its olive-grey (not light rufescent-brown) head and mantle, and olive-grey (not rufous-brown) tail, besides other differences. Wing 51, tail 36, bill 14°5 mm.

Hab. Itaituba, near Santarem, Lower Amazons.

Type ¢, 31.1. 06. No. 521 in Tring Museum ; collected by Mr. W. Hoffmanns.

CoRAPIPO LEUCORRHOA ALTERA, subsp. n.

g Exactly of the same coloration as C. 1. leucorrhoa (Scl.) of Colombia, but at once known by the different form of the wing. The fourth primary the longest; the fifth

85 [Vol. xvi.

about 2 mm. shorter; the third about 1 mm. shorter than the fifth ; the second 2 mm. less than the third ; the first 12 to 14 mm. shorter than the second, and about two-thirds of the leneth of the wing. The first primary is somewhat narrower than the following ones, and slightly emarginate on the inner web, towards the tip, but does not otherwise differ in shape.

In C. l. leucorrhoa the fifth and sixth primaries are the longest ; the fourth, third and second are each from 3 to 5 mm. shorter than the preceding one; and the first is reduced to a small, narrow lanceolate feather, not more than 15 mm. in length.

9 JDiffers in the same way as the ¢ from C. l. leucorrhoa, and the chest and sides are much duller green, and the middle of the belly paler yellowish. Wing 56, tail 53, bill 9 mm.

Hab. Costa Rica and Chiriqui.

Type ¢ Carrillo, Costa Rica, 18. x. 1898. No. 1098, in Tring Museum: collected by C. F. Underwood.

Twenty-five specimens of the new form have been com- pared with four examples from Bogota including the types of Pipra leucorrhoa, Scl., with an adult ¢ from Bucara- manga (Mus. v. Berlepsch), as well as with a pair from the Cauca Valley (Raap coll., Tring Museum), and the differ- ences in the structure of the wing were found to be quite constant.

SICALIS COLUMBIANA LEOPOLDIN#, subsp. n.

¢@ Differs from S. c. columbiana, Cab., of Venezuela in its smaller size, much smaller and weaker bill, more yellowish-green back, and in having the frontal patch much brighter, fiery orange-red (instead of dull orange). Wing 58, tail 40, bill 9°5 mm.

@ Like S. c. columbiana, but smaller, the bill especially so, the upper parts paler, and the lower surface more whitish, the chest and sides being scarcely shaded with brownish. Wing 57, tail 41, bill 10 mm.

Hab. Central Brazil: 8. Leopoldina, Rio Araguay,

Vol. xvi.] 86

province of Goiaz. Type ¢, 15. viii., 1888. No. 100, in Tring Museum; collected by Prof. K. von den Steinen.

Dr. Bowpier Suarre forwarded the following note calling attention to some of the ancient drawings in the British Museum. ‘In the library presented by Sir Joseph Banks, some of the greatest treasures are the drawings made by the artists Sydney Parkinson, G. A. Forster, and W. W. Ellis during Captain Cook’s voyages to the South Seas, and many of the species represented are now apparently extinct.

“One of these birds is the T'ringa pyrrhetrea of Forster, which is Prosobonia leucoptera (Gm.) founded on Latham’s ‘White-winged Sandpiper’ (Gen. Syn. ii. pt. 1, p. 172, pl. Ixxxi.). Latham seems to have examined three specimens in the Banksian collection, but not one of these is now in the British Museum. Possibly they never came to that institution, as many of the Banksian types passed into the Leverian and Bullock Collections. The only specimen of Prosobonia known to exist at the present day is in the Leyden Museum. ‘The bird figured by Forster was from Tahiti, but Ellis figured a bird from Eimeo, or York Island, and this is, in my opinion, a different species from the Tahiti bird. It has a circlet of rufous round the eye, a double patch of white on the wing-coverts, and the median and greater wing-coverts pale ferruginous, like the rump. For the Eimeo bird I propose the name of

PROSOBONIA ELLISI, Sp. Nn.

Dr. S#arre also sent the description of a new species of Swallow from Uganda, presented to the British Museum by Dr. Cuthbert Christy :-—

Hirvunbdo CHRISTYI, Sp. Nn.

3 Similis H. atrocerulee, Sund. sed nitore chalybeo- viridi, nec purpurascente distinguenda. Long. tot. 4°8, culm. 0°35, alee 45, caudee 2°0, rectr. extimis 5°45, tarsi 0-4.

Hab. Kungu Hill, Mabira Forest, Chagwe, 7. viii.

1905,

87 [Vol. xvi.

Colonel Rippon sent for exhibition some new species of birds from Mt. Victoria, 8. Chin Hills, Burma :—

SYLVIPARUS SATURATIOR, sp. N.

Similis S. modesto, sed saturatior, et subtus pallidior, vix flavescens, gutture et preepectore grisescentioribus. Long. tot. 3°6, culm. 0°35, alee 2°38, caudee 1:5, tarsi 0°65.

Hab. Mt. Victoria, 14. iv. 1904. (Type in British

Museum.)

CERTHIA VICTORIA, Sp. n.

Similis C. discolori, sed ubique rufescentior, gastrzo rufescenti-brunneo, gutture et prepectore castaneo- rufis. Long. tot. 6°3, culm. 0°75, ale 2°8, caude 2°95, tarsi 0°65.

Hab. Mt. Victoria, 28.11.1904. (Type in British Museum.)

Mr. F. J. Jackson sent for exhibition a pair of Fly- catchers from Toro, which were apparently distinct from Bias musicus of West Africa. He proposed to call the species

Bias FEMININA, Sp. n.

?. Similis B. musico 2, sed noteo pallide cinnamomeo, nec saturate castaneo distinguenda. Long. tot. 5:9, culm. 0°8, alee 3°5, caudee 2°5, tarsi 0:5.

g. Similis B. musico g, sed notei et gutturis nitore viridi magis oleagineo distinguendus. Long. tot. 6-0, alee 3°5.

Hao. Coro, 17: Ww. 1902:

Mr. Octtvie-Grant described a new species of Nuthatch from Corea, for which he proposed the name of

SITTA COREA, Sp. n.

S adult. Most nearly allied to S. villosa, Verr., from North China, but distinguished by its smaller size, and by the absence of rufous on the breast and belly, which are

Vol. xvi.] 88

pale whitish-buff. Total length, ca. 4°0 inches, culmen 0°65, wing 2°45, tail 1°5, tarsus 0°6.

Hab. Min-gyong, 110 miles S.E. of Seoul, Corea, 30. xi. 1905. This species was procured by Mr. M. P. Anderson, who is collecting in the East on behalf of the Duke of Bedford.

Mr. T. Parkin exhibited some curious and abnormally marked eggs of Ducks and Fowls.

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 16th May, 1906, at 8.30, at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members intend- ing to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

| N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi-

cation. | (Signed) P. L. Sctater, W. R. Ociivie-Grant, H. F. WitHersy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas.

BULLETIN

OF THE

BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB.

No. CXXV.

Tue hundred and twenty-fourth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 16th May, 1906.

Chairman: P. L. Scuater, F.R.S.

Members present :—H. Brownt1, J. L. Bonnorn, H. B. Boorn, C. Coutier, H. E. Dresser, F. D. Drewirr, M.D., Haru or Garnsporoucn, H. Goopcuinp, H. Harrert, Ph.D., C. EH. Herumayr, H. G. B. Meapr-Watpo, EH. 8. Monraaeu, H. Mount, M. J. Niconz, W. R. Oainviz-Grant (Lditor), C. H. Pearson, F. G. Penrose, M.D., EH. Lort Puitires, W.P. Pycrart, W. H. Sr. Quintin, R. H. Reap, D. Seru- Suiru, R. Bowpier Soarre, LL.D., H.M. Watuis, H. F. Wirnersy (Secretary and Treasurer), Colonel J. W. YERBURY.

Visitor :—Cuarires M. Tue.

Mr. F. J. Jackson, C.B., sent for exhibition some specimens of birds which he believed to be new to science.

ALSEONAX MELANOPTERA, Sp. 0.

S Similis A. lugenti, et subalaribus griseis insignis, sed abdomine et subcaudalibus albis, alis nigri- cantibus, plumis minime griseo marginatis, facile distinguenda. Long. tot. c. 5:2, culm. 0°6, ale 2°8, caudee 2°15, tarsi 0°55.

Hab. Toro, March 19th, 1902.

[28th May, 1906.] yo 5 A sot!

——

an institys;, ~~

Vol. xvi.] 90

Dryoscopus ALBOPLAGATUS, Sp. Nn. Similis D. funebri, sed plaga triangulari gutturali alba distinguendus. Long. tot. c. 7°3, culm. 0°95, alee 3°2, caude 3:1, tarsi 12.

Hab. Doingo Narok, Equat. Africa, March 26th, 1906.

Dryoscoprus HOLOMELAS, Sp. 0.

3g Similis D. leucorhyncho sed multo minor, rostro breviore (culm. 0-9, nec 1:2) distinguendus. Long. tot. 7:0, culm. 0°9, alee 3°2, caude 2°75, tarsi 1:2.

Hab. Ruwenzori, February 21st, 1902.

EUPRINODES NIGRESCENS, Sp. 0.

E. similis 1. melanocephalo, F.and R. sed notzeo fuliginoso- nigro, pileo dorso concolori, et rectricibus tribus extimis pure albis distinguenda. Long. tot. 4°6, culm. 0°55, alee 2°0, caudee 2°1, tarsi 0°7.

Hab. Ruwenzori, April 8th, 1902.

TURDINUS BARAKA, Sp. 0.

3 Similis 7’. jacksoni sed pectore et abdomine lactescenti- albo, gutture cinerascenti-albido distinguendus. Long. tot. c. 6°3, culm. 0°7, alee 3-1, caudez 2°4 tarsi 1:1.

Hab. Kibera, Toro, September 15th, 1905.

NEocossyPHUS PRAPECTORALIS, Sp. Nn.

gd Similis N. poensi sed notzo olivaceo lavato, gutture et preepectore sordide cinerascentibus distinguendus. Long. tot. c. 8°5, culm. 0°8, ale 4:4, caude 3°6, tarsi 1-2.

Hab. Kibera, Toro, September 14th, 1905.

NECTARINIA CHLORONOTA, Sp. 0.

S adult. Similis N. purpureiventri, sed dorso chalybeo- viridi, nec igneo-purpurascenti distinguenda. Long. tot. c. 7:9, culm. 0°85, ale 2°7, caudz 2:1, rectr. med, 4°5, tarsi 0°65.

Hab. High up on Ruwenzori.

Mr. ©. E. Hetimayr described and exhibited the types of two new species of Neotropical birds.

91 [Vol. xvi.

CHAMAEZA TURDINA CHIONOGASTER, subsp. nov.

& Nearest to C.t. turdina (Cab. & Heine) from Bogota, but easily recognisable by its stronger and longer bill, by the pure white ground-colour of the under-parts without any fulvous tinge on the foreneck and sides, and by having the three outer pairs of tail-feathers narrowly fringed with white at the tip. The upper-parts, too, are rather lighter rufescent-brown, and the tail is much paler, dark-brown with the outer webs but slightly washed with rufescent, instead of being uniformly dark russet-brown. In the white ground-colour of the under-parts the new form agrees with O. nobilis, Gould, of Eastern Ecuador and N.H. Peru, but this bird has a distinct ferruginous supra-loral streak, and all the rectrices, except the middle pair, have a broad black subterminal band, followed by a narrow whitish apical margin. Wing 91:5, tail 70, bill 19°3 mm.

Hab. Venezuela. Hl Guacharo near Caripé, State of Cumand4. Type ¢ i. 94. No. 281, in Tring Museum ; collected by A. Mocquerys.

TURDUS FUSCATER OCKENDENI, subsp. n.

Merula gigantodes (nec Cabanis), Sharpe, in Seebohm, Monogr. Turdide ii., p. 59 (part: spec. ex Ceachupata et Cuzco) pl. xcili.

& Differs from all the other Giant Ouzels of the Andes in its much darker, uniformly blackish coloration, only a few feathers on the upper back and breast showing very slight brownish edges. The axillaries and under-wing coverts are blackish like the rest of the plumage, and there is no trace of the whitish chin-spot, always to be seen in T. f. fuscater and T. f. gigas. Wing 150, tail 139, bill 29 mm.

Hab. S.H. Peru: Marcapata, Cuzco, Ccachupata Carabaya, Limbani. Type ¢ Limbani, Carabaya, 9500 feet, 21. iti. 1904. No. 6754, in Trmg Museum; collected by Mr. G. Ockenden.

«This form has been mistaken for 7’. gigantodes, Cab. (type ex Maraynioc, Central Peru), by Seebohm and Sharpe.

Vol. xvi. | 92

Specimens from Central Peru (I have examined skins from Maraynioc, Ninabamba and Palaquemado) differ in no way from a series of true 7. f. gigas, from Bogota and Ecuador, and therefore, Cabanis’ name becomes a synonym of 7’. f. gigas. The differences pointed out by Cabanis in the original description are those existing between 7’. /. gigas and T’ f. pallidiventris, Berl., for he compared the type of T’. gigantodes, with a specimen from Mérida.

‘«* Another mistake was made with regard to the identifica- tion of T'urdus fuseater, Lafr. et D’Orb. This name has always been applied to a much smaller Thrush found in Eastern Bolivia and Western Argentina, but an examina- tion of the typical examples (from La Paz) in the Paris Museum proves, beyond doubt, that it is really referable to the Bolivian form of the Giant Ouzel, which differs from 7’. gigas, Fras., only in its smaller size, shorter bill, and weaker feet. Accordingly, 7’. fuscater must be accepted as the specific name of the Giant Ouzel, and the geographical forms should stand as follows :-—

A. Turdus fuscater fuscater, Lafr. et D’Orb. Andes of Central and Northern Bolivia.

B. Turdus fuscater ockendeni, Hellm. Andes of 8.H. Peru.

c. Turdus fuscater gigas, Fras. Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, North and Central Peru.

p. Turdus fuscater pallidiventris, Berl. Andes of Mérida.

gE. Turdus fuscater cacozela (Bangs). Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

“The relations of all these forms will be discussed in my forthcoming paper on D’Orbigny’s types.”

Mr. M. J. Nicott gave the following account of his voyage with the Earl of Crawford in the “Valhalla,” R.Y.S.

“ We left Cowes on November 6th, 1905 for Las Palmas, where wearrivedon November 13th. [made asmall collection of birds on Gran Canaria. On December 2nd we sighted St. Paul’s Rocks, where we had intended to land, but after lying off the rocks for most of the day we were obliged, on

93 [Vol. xvi.

account of the weather, to leave without being able to land. Hight days later we anchored at Bahia, where we were delayed until December 30th, but during our stay we made several excursions to the Island of Staparica, and on two occasions we camped there for two nights. I collected a number of birds on this island as well as mammals. At 6 a.m., on January 3rd, 1906, South Trinidad was sighted, and a few hours later we steamed close up to the leeward side of the island, and landed on a promontory of rock. The sea was perfectly smooth and landing was easy. Trinidad swarmed with birds, and I made a large collection of sea- birds. We climbed to the top of the island and thoroughly explored the groves of tree-ferns, as well as the other vege- tation, but without finding any trace of a land-bird, and I am quite certain that no such thing exists on this island. Sea-birds there are in plenty as well as mice. The lower slopes of this island, the zoology of which is so little known, are covered with a tall stragegline erass ; higher up in the watercourses a species of fern grows in abundance. At an elevation of about 1500 ft. the groves of tree-ferns begin, while on the top of the island at an elevation of from 1975-2000 feet there are a number of trees and a large patch of bushes. Gannets (Sula piscator) and White Terns (Gygis sp.) are the only birds breeding at this elevation. Farther down, on the rocky hillsides, the Petrels CHstrelata trinitatis and Ci. wilsoni were nesting, the former, which is by far the rarer of the two, had young, but the latter were apparently only just pairing, though I found one fresh egg. Although I specially searched for it, I saw no signs of CHstrelata armunyjoniana.

“The Greater Frigate-bird (Mregata aquila) was very abundant, but did not seem to be breeding at the time of our visit. The Lesser Frigate-bird (Fregata ariel) was seen several times, but only one specimen, an adult male was obtained. After spending two delightful days on South Trinidad, we sailed for Tristan da Cunha, first, however, visiting the islets of Martin Vas, which lie twenty-six miles from South Trinidad. We rowed round the largest of

Vol. xvi. | 4

these three islets, but did not land. The only birds that appeared to be breeding there were Noddies (Anous stolidus) and Sooty Terns (Sterna fuliginosa).

** Tristan da Cunha was sighted at 8 a.m. on January 17th, and at 4 p.m. we were off the settlement. Two boats came off to us, and I had a talk with one of the men about the birds. He told me that the only land-bird on Tristan is the Thrush (Nesocichla eremita), which is now very rare. The Waterhen (Porphyriornis nesiotis) is, I imagine, long since extinct, as none of the men I questioned knew anything aboutiton Tristan da Cunha, although they said that a bird like a little black chicken was very abundant on Inaccessible Island. We had no time that day to go ashore, but I had half-an-hour’s shooting from a boat, and obtained a few sea-birds. That night a gale got up which blew with such fury for three days that after lying off the island for that time we were obliged to leave for the Cape.

“On January 23rd we reached Cape Town, where we stayed till February 8th.

“During our stay at Cape Town Mr. W. L. Sclater most kindly arranged several enjoyable excursions for us, the most interesting being a visit to Dassen Island, the largest breeding-place of the Jackass-Penguin (Spheniscus demersus). (Cf. W. L. Sclater, [bis, 1896, p- 519).

‘** After leaving Cape Town, Lord Crawford had intended to visit the islands of Europa and Bassas-da-India in the Mozambique Channel. Unfortunately, however, we encountered very bad weather inthe Channel,and were unable to go to the islands owing to a very strong gale, which finally developed into a cyclone. Our next port of call was, therefore, Mayotta, Comoro Islands, where I made a col- lection: of about 150 birds. We visited Anjouan Island, but were unable to anchor or land owing to the weather. We left Mayotta on March 3rd for Diego Suarez, North- east Madagascar, where we coaled. During our stay we visited the Forét d’Ambre, which extends for 400 miles.

95 [Vol. xvi.

Here I obtaimed or saw many interesting specimens of birds and mammals. For the opportunity of visiting this forest we were indebted to the French governor of Diego Suarez, who kindly placed a special train at our disposal. Thence we steamed to Glorioso Island, where we landed on March 10th. Here examples of three species of land- birds, as well as several sea-birds, were obtained. After staying at Glorioso for two days we visited Assumption, and during two delightful days, I managed to collect specimens of every species of land-bird seen, of which there were five. On March 13th we left Assumption for Aldabra, where many interesting birds, etc., were collected. After leaving Aldabra, Lord Crawford had intended to stop at two more of these coral islands, viz., Cosmoledo and Astove, but on our way to the former we had the misfortune to be carried twenty miles out of our course in a few hours, and in the middle of the night of March 16th we ran ashore on Assumption Island. Here we remained fast for twenty-four hours, but finally got off without damage. After this, however, it was necessary to go into some port, so we laid our course straight for the Seychelles, and anchored at Mahé on March 22nd. Col- lections were made here, as well as on Praslin and Felicité Islands, but we were prevented from visiting other islands of this group by bad weather, the worst known at the Seychelles for many years. On April 8th we left Mahé for Aden, and from there for home wid the Suez Canal. During the voyage I collected and skinned just over 500 birds, besides mammals, fishes, ete. The collections thus made have been presented to the British Museum by Lord Crawford, as was the case with those made during the former cruises of the ‘ Valhalla.’ ”

Mr. EH. G. B. Mrape-Waxpo, who also accompanied Lord Crawford on the “ Vahalla,” made some interesting remarks on the birds observed during the voyage. He specially mentioned the immense numbers and extreme familiarity of a species of Gygis met with on South

Vol. xvi.] 96

Trinidad Island; also the great numbers and extreme tameness of the Jackass-Penguins on Dassen Island. He called attention to the habit of the Sacred Ibis of breeding in the midst of a colony of Cape Cormorants, and said that the former bird was reported to live on the food brought by the Cormorants for their young, and was also believed to feed on the intestines of living young Cormorants. This latter statement was partially confirmed by his own observa- tions, for a young bird of the Sacred Ibis on being handled disgorged a mass of entrails. The Sacred Ibis is conse- quently treated as ‘‘ vermin” by the owners of the island. He stated that the Gannet breeding on Glorioso was almost entirely a brown bird with white tail, rump, etc., and that if it proved to be merely a dark phase of S. piscator it was remarkable that the latter should not have been found breeding with it. The dark phase was apparently not an intermediate stage of plumage, and the few pairs of white S. piscator on Glorioso kept entirely to themselves. He drew special attention to the remarkable “ breeding-play ” on the wing of Fregata aquila; the extreme tameness of the Dove, Rail, Cuckoo, and Gannet (Sula abbott’) on Assumption Island; and of [bis abbotti on Aldabra, the latter bird allowing itself to be picked up without displaying any sign of alarm.

Colonel J. W. Yersury, speaking of the migation of birds, observed :—‘‘I would draw attention to the enormous flocks of Swifts and Swallows which gather at Torcross in 8S. Devon, on the southerly migration. I arrived at Torcross on August 5th, 1903, and on the next day saw hundreds of Swifts flying over Slapton Ley. These flocks were to be seen daily for probably a fortnight, and after the departure of the Swifts the Swallows came in thousands. Many of these birds roosted in the reeds and were often to be seen perched on the telegraph-wires, while many came in from the sea and dropped exhausted on the shore.”

Colonel Yerbury suggested that this spot was well worth

Or" [Vols save

the attention of any naturalist interested in migration, and might also prove to be an interesting point for observing the spring immigration.

Mr. H. H. Dressup exhibited eges of Rhodostethia rosea obtained by Mr. 8. A. Buturlin on the delta of the Kolyma River in North-east Siberia; these being some of the eggs referred to in Mr. Buturlin’s article on the breeding of R. rosea published in the “Ibis” for January, 1906. He said that they were undoubtedly the first authentic eggs of this rare Gull which had ever been seen in this country.

Mr. Dresser pointed out that the eggs of R. rosea did not resemble those of any other Gull excepting Xema sabi.

Mr. H. M. Wauuis gave an account of the bone-breaking habits of the Lammergeier (Gypaétus barbatus),as observed by him at El. Kantara, Algeria.

Count von BerLEpPscH sent descriptions of seven new Neo- tropical birds. Examples of most of them were exhibited by Mr. Hellmayr.

PoosPIzA HYPOCHONDRIACA AFFINIS, subsp. n.

P. p. hypochondriaca (Lafr. et D’Orb.) dictae valde affinis, sed rectricum externarum apicibus albis brevioribus, uropygio in adultis, ut videtur, pure griseo nec brunneo lavato, capitis lateribus lorisque purius grisels nec nigrescentibus.

& $ al. 80-72, caud. 681-67, culm. 12¢ mm.

9 al. 67, caud. 653, culm. 12 mm.

Hab. Tucuman. Typus in Mus. H. v. B. Ad. Tucuman, 4000 metr., 2. ii.

1903. G. A. Baer coll., no. 1407.

SICALIS GOELDII, Sp. n.

S. s. columbianae (Cab.) maxime affinis sed major, colore frontis aurantiaco-rubro intensiore usque ad occiput ducto, colore dorsi flavescentiore minus virescente, corporis inferioris aurantiaco-flavo nec viridi-flavo. Remigibus intus sicut in 8. columbiana anguste flaves- cente-albo marginatis.

Vol. xvi.] 98

3S ad. al. 62-623, caud. 45-451 culm. 12}-114, tarsi. 164 mm. Hab. Santarem (Amaz. inf.) Typus in Mus. H. v. B., A. Schulz coll.

MYI0THERETES STRIATICOLLIS PALLIDUS, subsp. n.

M. m. striaticollis, Scl., dictae valde affinis, sed abdomine rufescente pallidiore, gulae striis obscurioribus et minus distinctis, necnon rostro breviore ac angustiore distinguendus.

3 ? al. 1315-129, caud. 97-96, culm. 213-214 mm.

Hab. Tucuman. Typus in Mus. H.v. B. g ad. Norco, Tucuman, 1200 metr., 2. viii. 1904. L. Dinelli coll.

OcHTHOECA LEUCOPHRYS TUCUMANA, subsp. n.

O. 0. leucophrys (Lafr. & D’Orb.) dictae ex La Paz (Bolivia) valde aftinis, sed coloribus laetioribus: uropygio rufescenti-brunneo lavato nec dorso concolore, dorso etiam rufescentiore, tectricibus alarum superioribus mediis et maximis latius rufo-castaneo terminatis, secundariis late rufescente nec anguste fulvescente- albo extus marginatis distinguenda.

3 6 al. 78-77, caud. 7334-723, culm. 123-21; mm.

9 al. 713, caud. 643, culm. 12 mm.

Hab. Tucuman.

Typus in Mus. H. v. B. ¢ ad. Norco, Tucuman, 7. viii.

1904; L. Dinelli coll., no. 3250.

SIPTORNIS SORDIDA AFFINIS, subsp. n.

S. sordidae flavogulari (Gould) ex Patagonia orientali valde affinis, sed corpore supra obscuriore, magis fumoso-brunneo nec fulvescente tincto, corpore subtus clare cinereo-albo nec brunnescente-cinereo, humeris dorso fere concoloribus nec rufo-brunneis, macula gulari intensiore, necnon alis longioribus diversa.

Al. 67, caud. 86, culm. 12% mm. Hab. 'Tucuman.,

Typus in Mus. H. v. B. g ad. Los Vasques, 445 metr., 19. vi. 1908; L. Dinelli coll., no. 2708.

99 [ Vol. xvi.

SIPTORNIS BAERI, sp. n.

S. sordidae (Less.) ex Chile affinis sed sane diversa, superciliis latis ad capitis latera ductis necnon colli lateribus griseis, nec brunnescentibus, corpore Superiore magis eriseo-brunneo, nec fulvo-terreneo- brunneo, corpore subtus albescentiore, nec eriseo tincto, primariis in adultis pure griseo nec brunneo mareina- tis, cauda multo breviore, rectricibus mediis apice semper rotundatis nec acuminatis, rostro crassiore, breviore, magis curvato, minus recto, mandibula albescentiore.

3 & al. 64-603, caud. 693-644, culm. 112-113, tars. 20-19 mm.

9 ? al. 633-59, caud. 663-613, culm. 112-114, tars. 212-19 mm.

Hab. Argentina occ. (Cordova, La Soledad, Tucuman).

Typus in Mus. H. v. B., Cosquin, Cordova (Whiste coll.)

THAMNOPHILUS DINELLII, sp. n.

3 Th. gilvigaster Pelz. dicto (= T. maculatus Lafr. et D’Orb. nec Such) affinis, differt pectore pallide fulvo minime cinereo, corporis lateribus pallidius fulvescentibus, fronte cinerascente, nigredine pilei magis restricto minime ad nucham ducto, dorso palli- diore eriseo vix nigro maculato, maculis albis in rectricibus externis magis restrictis.

? eodem modo, pectore pallide fulvo nec cinerascente, oula fulvescenti alba nec cinerea diversa.

Hab. Tucuman (Sierra de Santiago, Santa Ana). Typus in Mus. H. v. B., ¢ ad., Sa. de Santiago, 22. vii. 1904; L. Dinelli coll., no. 3239.

Mr. W. R. Ocinviz-Granr described two new species of birds collected by Mr. Walter Goodfellow in South-east Mindanao.

PsEUDOPTYNX MINDANENSIS, Sp. Nn.

Adult male. Most nearly allied to P. philippensis (Gray), but larger and with the upper-parts much darker, the feathers being blackish, narrowly edged with pale sandy rufous, instead of brieht rufous with blackish middles. The

Vol. xvi. | 100

quills are uniform brownish-black, with only faimt traces of crossbars, and the median streaks on the feathers of the underparts are much bolder and coarser. Iris light brownish-gold ; bill bluish-erey at the base, shading into white towards the tip; feet pale grey; nails white at the base, grey at the tip. :

Total length, ca. 19°5 inches, culmen 2°0, wing 14°8, tail 7°3, tarsus 3°0.

Hab. Davao, 8.E. Mindanao: vy. 1905.

SARCOPS MELANONOTUS, sp. n.

Adult male and female. Differ from the adult of S. calvus (Linn.) in having the upper-back smoky black instead of silvery grey.

Total length, ca. 10:0 inches, culmen 1:1-1:2, wing 4°7-5°0, tail 3°9-4°1, tarsus 1-22.

Hab. Philippine Islands, east of longitude 122°. Types Davao, 8.E. Mindanao, ii. and 11.1905.

The characters by which this species of Starling is distinguished from S. calvus have been somewhat fully discussed (ct. Ibis, 1895, pp. 258-259 ; 1896, p. 469.)

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, the 20th June, 1906, at 8.80, at the Restaurant Frascati, 32,Oxford Street ; the Dinnerat 7 p.m. Members intending to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, at 326, High Holborn, W.C.

(N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Kditor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publi- cation. |

(Signed)

P. L. Scuater, W. R. Ocitvie-Grant, H. F. Wirnersy, Chairman, Editor, Sec. & Treas,

BULLETIN

OF THE

Pegs ORNITMOLOGISTS: CLUB:

No. CXXVI.

Tut hundred and twenty-fifth meeting of the Club was held at the Restaurant Frascati, 32, Oxford Street, on Wednesday, the 20th June, 1906.

Chairman: P. L. Scuater, F.R.S.

Members present :—H. Brpwett, J. L. Bonnore, 8. Boor- man, Col. 8S. R. Cuarxe, H. HE. Dresser, H. W. Finuinsoy, F. W. Frouawk, J. Gerrarp, F. Girtert, N. Guitroy, F. D. Gopman, F.R.S., J. M. Goopatt, H. Goopcuitp, F. H. Carzutuers Goutp, Capt. H. H. Harineron, HE. Harrert, Ph.D., fF. W.Heaptey, C.H. Herumayr, CoLiine- woop Ineram, Major H. Jonus, Hon. Guratp Lascexes, G. H. Lopez, Col. A. P. Loyp, A. McLean Marsnatt, H. G. B. Mzapr-Watpo, H.C. Monro, C.B., H. 8. Montagu, M.P., H. Mount, Oscar Neumann, T. H. Newman, M. J. Nicozt, T. Parkin, E.G. Penrose, M.D., Major F. W. Procror, W.P. Pyorart, W. H. Sr. Quintin, R. H. Reap, J. Sarcent, H. SaunpERs, H. Scuerren, W. L. Scuater, F. C. SExous, D. Sers-Suitu, R. Bowpner SuHarpe, LL.D., W. B. Trcetmerer, C. B. Ticrnurst, A. Trevor-Battyz, C. Wuyrurrr, L. A. Witiiams, C. J. Witson, Scorr B. Witson, H. F. Wrrurrsy (Secretary and Treasurer), C. A. WRIGHT.

Guests of the Club:—Haru or Crawrorp, K.T., Hon. W. P. Linpsay, BeRNHARD Ennaseesy {

[July 10th, 1906.] ,f VOL. XVI.

Vol. xvi. | 102

Visitors:—J. M. Barton, W. H. Brpwett1, C. E. Fagan, Sir Witi1am Ineram, Bart., J. E. Knox, M.D., GrorFREY Mrapr-Watpo, 8. A. Neave, R. I. Pocock, H. THomaAsseEt.

After the usual toast of “The King,” the CHarrman proposed the health of the Earl of Crawford, who was the guest of the Club on this occasion. Dr. Sclater referred to the collection of birds exhibited to the members, the result of the cruise of Lord Crawford’s yacht, the “Valhalla.” This collection had been made by Mr. M. J. Nicoll, who had accompanied Lord Crawford as naturalist for the third time.

Lorp Crawrorp responded to the toast, and expressed his gratification at learning from the Chairman that the results of his recent cruise had been of such importance to science.

Mr. M. J. Nrcott made the following remarks on some species of birds collected during the recent voyage of the R.Y.S. “ Valhalla’? :—

(FYGIS CRAWFORDI, sp. n.

Similar to G. candida, but may be easily distinguished by the following characters. Bill wholly black (not blue at the base, as in G. candida), more slender and narrower at the base ; nostril situated much nearer the forehead ; wing longer than in G. candida ; tarsi and toes pale blue, webs white.

3 adult. Total length 11°7, wing 10:4, culm. 2:1, tarsus *5.

Hab. South Trinidad.

N.B.—AIl the examples of Gygis from the Atlantic are probably referable to this species.

(EstRELATA ARMINJONIANA, Gigl. et Salvad.

One pair only obtained. They agree with the specimen in the British Museum procured by Lord Crawford on South Trinidad in 1874.

103 [Vol. xvi.

CisTRELATA WILSONI, Sharpe.

48. 32. Light phase.

3g. 39. Dark phase.

‘“‘This species was just commencing to nest at the time of our visit (January 4th); I only obtained one egg. The dusky-breasted examples of this species are almost as dark as GH. trintatis.

“‘They have the tarsi and basal half of the toes very _ dark brown, not flesh-coloured as in the lighter specimens. I should not be surprised if this dark form proves to be the young of the light form, as all the birds I saw nesting had light breasts ; one of the specimens has a nearly white breast, while the others grade into one another. I fancy that if a large series of these Petrels was examined links would be found to connect all these three species, certainly Zi. wilsoni, and CZ. arminjoniana.

“The number of these Petrels on this island was extra- ordinary. From the sea-shore to the summit of the island they swarmed in countless multitudes.”

CisTRELATA TRINITATIS, Gigl. et Salvad.

2¢. 19. One in down.

“This appears to be the least abundant Petrel on the island, and was found much higher up the hillside than the former species. It had young at the time of our visit.”

PELECANOIDES DACUNHA, Sp. 0.

Nearest to P. urinatriz but smaller, especially as regards the bill and feet; flanks much less marked with grey; the throat and fore-neck also much whiter.

Total lencth 8 inches, wing 4°3, culm. 1:0, middle toe 1:0, tarsus 1.0.

Hab. Tristan da Cunha. Two females obtained.

“‘T have not seen the Pelecanoides wrinatriz (?) obtained at Gough Island by the ‘Scotia,’ but it is probably referable to this new species.”

Purrinus Gravis, O’Reilly. While lying-to, off Tristan da Cunha on account of the

Vol. xvi.] 104

bad weather, I saw a great many Shearwaters of this species flying round us and noticed that they were always im pairs. When we got to the Cape, Mr. W. L. Sclater showed mea skin of “this bird which had been obtained on Inaccessible Island. I have little doubt that this species breeds on one if not on all the islands of this group.

“TI make these remarks, as up to the present time the breeding-cround of the Great Shearwater has not been discovered.”

TERPSIPHONE LINDSAYI, Sp. n.

*‘T have only one specimen of this bird, from the Island of Mayotte, but as it is strikingly different from the other species of Terpsiphone inhabiting this region, I have no hesitation in describing it as distinct.”

General colour of the upper and underparts deep maroon. Forehead, ear-coverts and crown deep metallic blue, the feathers of the crown much elongated, and forming a crest; primaries black, narrowly edged on the outer web, and more broadly on the inner web, with white. Most of the greater wing-coverts white, with a black shaft-line, and a blacker patch on the inner web; innermost secondaries with a varying amount of black down the middle, rectrices chestnut.

Total length about 6°3 inches, culmen 0:8, wing 3:1.

Hab. Mayotte Island, Comoro group.

“ From the elongated crest and the general appearance of this specimen I have little doubt that it is in adult plumage, and never assumes a white adult stage. In this respect it resembles T. comorensis, from Grand Comoro, and T’ vulpina, from Anjuan.

“This species is named in honour of the Hon. Walter Lindsay, to whom I am indebted for valuable assistance in collecting birds during the voyage.”

CYPSELUS MAYOTTENSIS, Sp. n. Nearest to C. barbatus, but smaller, and with a dis- tinct blue gloss on the upperparts, wings, and tail; under

105 [Vol. xvi.

surface dull greenish-brown; chin and throat greyish- brown, streaked with darker brown.

Total length 6 inches, culm. 0°4, wing 6:1.

Hab. Mayotte Island.

BuToRIDES CRAWFORDI, sp. n.

Forehead and crown glossy green, every feather broadly tipped with deep blue, giving the head a distinctly blue appearance; hind neck pale grey, as also the sides of the neck and breast. Dorsal plumes bottle-green at the base, the remainder greyish-blue; rump brownish-grey ; upper tail-coverts bluish-green ; rectrices bluish-green, narrowly fringed all round with white; remiges greyish-blue, narrowly edged with white; wing-coverts dull bottle- ereen, with purplish reflexions, and edged with buffy- white; underside of the wing whitish-crey; under wing- coverts milky-white ; sides of the face yellowish-white; a black streak from the eye to the ear-coverts ; chin, front of neck, middle of breast, and entire abdomen, creamy- white ; a line of indistinct greyish-black spots from the chin to the upper breast, down the middle of the throat ; under tail-coverts white, with a black spot on the longest pair.

Total length 12:4, culm. 2:3, wing 6:2, tarsus 1°6.

Hab. Assumption Island, Indian Ocean.

“ Dr. W. L. Abbott did not find any species of Butorides on Assumption.” (Cf. Ridgway, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., XVIII, p. 541.)

CENTROPUS ASSUMPTIONIS, Sp. nN.

Similar to C. insularis, Ridgw., from Aldabra, but con- siderably smaller; the wings darker maroon, especially the underside of the quills.

Total length about 16 inches, culm. 11, wing 5°8, tarsus 1:4. ;

Hab. Assumption Island, Indian Ocean.

TURTUR ASSUMPTIONIS, Sp. 0. Nearest to 1. aldabranus, but darker, especially on the

Vol. xvi.] 106

mantle, crown, and hind neck; the black centres of the feathers of the hind neck much larger, and the under wing-coverts slate-coloured, and not vinous-chestnut, as in T'. aldabranus. Total length 11:7 inches, culm. 1:0, wing 6°8, tarsus 1°1. Hab. Assumption Island, Indian Ocean.

* We also obtained examples of the following species”’:—

Crynyris ABBoTTI, Ridgw. Assumption Island.

*« Probably the only skin of this species in England.”

CINNYRIS ALDABRENSIS, Ridgw. Aldabra.

CinnyRis sourmANGA (Gmelin). Glorioso.

Rauus ALDABRANUS, Giinth. Aldabra.

Rais apporrr (Ridgw.) Assumption.

“There are two living examples now in the Zoological Gardens, presented by the Earl of Crawford.”

Fanco Newtont, Gurney. Aldabra.

BucHanGaA ALDABRANA, Ridgw. Aldabra.

Isis apporti, Ridgw. Aldabra.

Qad. ¢imm.

“The young of this species is much whiter on the neck than I. wethiopica.”

CINNYRIS MAHEI, sp. n.

Similar to C. dussumieri, but with the pectoral tufts pale lemon-yellow, instead of flame-coloured.

Total length 4°8 inches, culm. 1:1, wing 2:4, tarsus 0°7.

Hab. Mahé, Seychelles.

“T also exhibit an immature female of Coracopsis barklyi from Praslin, Seychelles.”

Mr. W. L. Scuarer gave some account of his recent journey, in company with Mrs. W. L. Sclater, from Cape Town to Cairo, via Hast Africa, Uganda, and the Nile, and of the birds noticed by him, of which the following is an abstract :-—

Cape Town was left on February 28th by train, Delagoa Bay was reached on the following Sunday, the 4th of

ye [Vol. xvi.

March, and Zanzibar, by the Austrian Lloyd’s steamer, on the 9th. Very few birds were seen in Zanzibar harbour ; the Kites (Milvus cegyptius), however, were very plentiful, scouring the water for scraps from the ships, and Mr. Sclater also noticed several examples of a brown Gull with white underparts and tail, which he believes was Larus hemprichs. In the town by far the commonest bird was the Java Sparrow, which was busy everywhere in the streets and gardens. Opposite the windows in the hotel was a large palm tree, which was the resort of numerous green-and- yellow Sun-birds (Anthothreptes hypodila), besides many Chameleons (Chameleon parvilobus). A drive out in the country to Chakwane, one of the Sultan’s palaces, did not bring many more birds to notice, but a good many Pied Crows (Corvus scapulatus), aCoucal (Centropus superciliosus), besides Drongos and a number of little greyish-brown Palm Swifts (Tachornis parva) were observed.

A few days later the journey was continued to Mombasa, where Mr. F. J. Jackson, the Deputy-Commissioner of the Kast African Protectorate, and one of our best authorities on East African Ornithology, was met with. After a short stay at Mombasa the railway was taken to Nairobi, half way between the coast and the Victoria Nyanza, and a rapidly risine town, the centre of the farming country. The birds here were not very interesting except the Sakabulas (Coliuspasser), which were just assuming their nuptial dress, and were jumping up and down in the grass and performing their strange antics.

On Lake Victoria, which was reached a few days later, there were plenty of birds; Larus cirrhocephalus was quite common, as were also the Snake-bird (Plotus rufus), and the little Duiker or Cormorant (Phalacrocoraz africanus), while on the islets were large flocks of Herets.

At Entebbe, the capital of Uganda, where the steamer was left, the most interesting bird seen was a large Barbet with a pale green beak and scarlet underparts, believed to be Lybius equatorialis. It was nesting in a hole made in a pole which supported the roof of a summer-house.

Vol. xvi. | 108

The female was observed going in and out through an exceedingly narrow opening hewn in the wood.

Leaving Entebbe on March 29th, Mr. and Mrs. Sclater ~ marched in twelve days 180 miles across Uganda to Butiaba, on the shores of Lake Albert. On this road the Blue- headed Wagtail (Motacilla flava) was very common, and also Hirundo smithi. Near Entebbe the Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was seen several times flying about, and a beautiful little Blue Flycatcher (Elmina) was caught sight of. Other birds observed were a Black-faced Yellow Weaver (Hyphantornis), the King Rooi-bekje (Vidua principalis), generally two or three males flirting with the females, Monteiro’s Swallow, Palm-Swifts (whenever there were Borassus palms), Egyptian Kites (which were very bold and daring, swooping down on the fowls when in camp), Hammerkops (Scopus umbretta), and a Weaver- finch of the genus Lagonosticta.

On April 10th Butiaba, Lake Albert, was left in the cutter “ James Martin” for Nimulé on the Nile, where the rapids begin. On Lake Albert and the Upper Nile the following birds were identified :—Ardea goliath, Herodias alba and H. brachyrhyncha, Leptoptilus crumeniferus, Ibis ethiopica, Hagedashia hagedash, Phalacrocoraz africanus, Plotus rufus, Chenalopex cegyptiacus, and Haliaétus vocifer, while at one of the camping grounds, to Mr. Sclater’s astonishment, a number of Pelicans were found roosting in the large palms. .

From Nimulé a