The Zoologist/4th series, vol 3 (1899)/Issue 696/Ornithological Notes from Malta, Mackay
ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM MALTA.
By Sergeant Hugh Mackay
(Highland Light Infantry).
During my stay in Malta I visited Mr. Micallef's interesting establishment at Birchircara, with a view of obtaining information regarding the numerous migratory birds which at times pass over the island. In a large show case of beautifully mounted specimens, I was prepared to find a number of birds which, although not altogether unknown in the British Islands, are nevertheless rare, and even here in Malta may be considered scarce, being only obtainable on migration. Altogether I saw no birds entirely foreign to the British Islands, yet for the benefit of the ornithological student the undermentioned species are well worth attention, if only for comparison with the numerous works on this interesting subject. I have not specified the scientific names of these birds, for the sake of space, while they are perhaps better generally known under their commoner names.
Ducks.—Garganey, Teal, Pochard, Pintail, Tufted, Scaup, Shoveller. These birds are obtained here during the winter months.
Herons.—Common, Purple, Squacco, and Night Herons; fairly common on migration.
Grebes.—Little Grebe, Sclavonian, and Black-necked. Of the three mentioned the Sclavonian is the most common, several specimens annually frequenting the Sliema and Quarantine harbours and other suitable localities between the months of October and January.
Owls.—Barn Owl, Long-eared, Short-eared, and Scops. All obtainable on migration; while the Short-eared species is known to breed sparingly on the island, and is therefore classed as a resident species.
I have enumerated under different headings the species which predominate; but as the remainder are isolated more or less from their families, it would occupy too much space to individualise each species under separate headings, therefore I will only comment upon those deserving note at the conclusion of the following list.
Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Turnstone, Starling, Glossy Ibis, Common Cuckoo, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Kingfisher, Black Redstart, Common Redstart, Pratincole, Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor: I mention the scientific name of this bird to distinguish it from others of the same family), Common Bittern, Crane, Storm Petrel, Nightjar, Razorbill, Blue-headed Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Turtle Dove, and Quail. All these birds have been obtained by Mr. Micallef, principally during the spring and autumn migrations. He pointed out to me several immature specimens of the Razorbill; adding that in one winter he secured thirty-four of these birds, all being young birds of the year.
At home I have had occasion to note and comment upon the irregular visits of the Razorbill, particularly along the shores of the Solway, where in some winters immature birds are extremely abundant, adult specimens being rarely found among them; while other winters pass without the appearance of a single specimen.
Three specimens of the Quail were also shown to me, one being plentifully suffused with bright yellow, the remaining two being of a dark reddish-brown colour, similar to that of the Red Grouse. In Malta, where Quails are so abundant on migration, it is not surprising to find some slight variation in size or colouring of plumage occurring.
Mr. Micallef has in his possession two specimens of the Nightjar, which at once attract the attention of an ornithologist. This is the species known as the Red-necked Nightjar, a species distinct from the common or Egyptian forms, and very rare.
The Whooper Swan is unquestionably of rare occurrence in Malta, being essentially an inhabitant of the far north; yet four specimens were shot on the Marsa during the month of March, 1898.
The Common Starling is known to almost everyone; but Mr. Micallef pointed out a specimen totally devoid of those markings so conspicuous on the British bird. This is the variety known as Sturnus unicolor, and only wanders to the Mediterranean in very cold seasons.
The Bittern and Golden Oriole pass the island on migration, the last named being a very rare wanderer to the British Islands; while it breeds in Greece, Sicily, the Balearic Islands, Spain, and France.
Sclavonian and Eared Grebes.—Both species frequent the different harbours around Malta between the months, of October and January.
Kestrel.—These birds are common in the winter months, but the majority leave the island in the spring months for their breeding grounds, probably Spain, where they are abundant.
Redbreast.—During my stay in Malta (two years and a half) I saw only three of this species.
Wagtails.—White and Grey Wagtails common during the winter months.
Finches.—The Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and Hawfinch. The first three named species are common on migration; the Hawfinch is much scarcer, and is obtained generally in the autumn. The whole of these birds are much prized by the Maltese as cage pets.
Siskin.—I have only seen two Siskins personally in the open, and these were obtained by a birdcatcher; but I am informed they visit the island from time to time in large numbers.
Linnet.—I have observed several Linnets in the vicinity of Citta Vecchia, but, as yet, nowhere else upon the island, except at Manoel, where four were caught in a field near the camp.
Nightjar.—Upon two occasions only have I seen and handled a pair of Nightjars, although the bird is said to be plentiful on migration. I examined one at Manoel on November 7th, 1896. Its appearance is unusual on the island at this period of the year.
Skylark.—The Skylark is somewhat plentiful on the island.
Quail.—Quails are extremely abundant all over the island during the migratory seasons, but particularly in April and May. One single specimen was shot on the shore at Manoel, November 7th, 1896; while as late as December 8th, 1896, six specimens were shot near the same place.
Golden Oriole.—Saw several specimens near Pembroke camp between May 10th and 31st, 1896.
Stonechat.—Fairly common all over the island.
Purple Heron.—Observed a specimen of the Purple Heron on the ranges at Pembroke, April 16th, 1896; and subsequently handled the same bird in the flesh an hour later. I am informed it is of frequent occurrence on the island, principally during the winter months.
Jackdaw.—So far as my observations have gone this is the only representative of the Crow family existing on the island, and it appears to be confined to the localities of Citta Vecchia and Musta.
Montagu's Harrier.—Have seen a good many specimens at Pembroke camp during the months of April and May. They are common on migration.
Black Redstart.—Observed a single specimen on April 30th, 1897; and handled a bird in the flesh the following day which was shot near the shore at Manoel.
Thrush.—Observed a Thrush in the moat at Port Reale, November 1st, 1897. This is the first I have seen in Malta.
Bee-eater.—On April 18th, 1898, Capt. Murray shot a male specimen of the Bee-eater, which he kindly gave me. It is not uncommon during the migratory season.
Little Grebe.—Handled one of these birds which was shot near the shore at Manoel, April 20th, 1898.
Turtle Dove.—Abundant during April and May.
Hoopoe.—Saw a specimen of the Hoopoe in the moat at Fort Manoel. I was within twenty yards of it, and had an excellent view of the bird. I am informed that it is not uncommon on the island, although it is the only specimen I have seen. (September 6th, 1897.)
Blackbird.—There is only one place to my knowledge which these birds frequent in Malta, and that is at Musta, where they nest on the bushes which grow out of the rocky sides of a deep ravine.
Kingfisher.—I have only seen one solitary specimen of the Kingfisher here, and that in the early morning, near the Quarantine Bridge at Manoel, November 10th, 1897.
Shag or Green Cormorant.—Handled one of these birds which was shot on the shore at Manoel, November 12th, 1897.
Wild Geese.—A flock of Geese flew over Camp Manoel on November 19th, in a south-easterly direction, about 4.30 p.m.
Ruddy Shelduck.—A male example of the Ruddy Shelduck was shot in Sliema harbour, December 10th, 1897. I consider the occurrence of this species most unusual, and can only account for its appearance as a straggler. I am very sorry I did not secure the specimen.
Whitethroat.—These little birds are plentiful during the spring months. I have frequently found their nests around Manoel.
Lapwing.—On December 13th, 1897, I saw six Lapwings which had been shot in a field close to the Quarantine harbour. I am told they are of uncommon occurrence on the island.
Common Sandpiper.—Have seen several flocks in various localities in the months of April and May, but at no other time during the year.
Redshank.—Handled a fine specimen in full breeding plumage, April 16th, 1897. It was shot on the shore near Manoel; another bird was fired at, but got away. This is the first specimen I have seen in Malta.
Great Snipe.—A gunner along the shore at Manoel showed me four specimens of the Great Snipe which he had shot. These are the first I have seen.
Squacco Heron.—During the four days (April 29th to May 2nd) four specimens of the Squacco Heron frequented the shore at Manoel. They appear to be very lazy and inactive, allowing one to approach within twenty or thirty yards before taking wing. On the morning of May 1st I watched them for over half an hour, and during that time they remained almost motionless, except for an occasional turn of the head; the head and neck were drawn back upon the shoulders. I subsequently handled two of these birds in the flesh, which were shot by a native.
Short-toed Lark.—This is a resident species in Malta, and is fairly common. I found a nest with young as late as July 11th, 1897.