Handlist of the birds of Egypt / by M.J. Nicoll.

  • Michael John Nicoll
Date:
1919
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Handlist of the birds of Egypt / by M.J. Nicoll. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Similar to the aforementioned, but differing in the colora¬ tion of the metallic parts of the plumage. Back washed with metallic green, flanks with purple. 187. Purple Starling. Sturnus vulgaris furfur ascens Gould. Not mentioned by Shelley. Not uncommon in winter. Washed on back and belly, flanks and wings with deep reddish purple, throat with a green gloss. 188. Rose-coloured Pastor. Pastor roseus (Linnaeus). Pastor roseus. Shelley, p. 157. One was shot in a field near Cairo on August 25, 1864. Cf. Shelley, “ Birds of Egypt,” p. 157. Length 8 inches. Like a starling, but head black and tufted ; back and belly pink in the adults, greyish in young birds ; wings and tail black. 189. Hooded Crow. Corvus cornix cornix Linnaeus. Corvus cornix. Shelley, p. 159. Although abundant and resident in Lower Egypt, the distribution of this crow is peculiar. For no apparent reason some parts of the country, although presumably well suited to the species, are entirely devoid of hooded crows. Length about 18 inches. Back, lower breast, flanks, and abdomen grey; rest of plumage black, with a bluish gloss. 190. Rook. Corvus frugilegus Linnaeus. Corvus frugilegus. Shelley, p. 159. A scarce visitor in winter at the present day, though Shelley records “ large flocks ” in the Delta up to the end of March. Length about 18 inches. Whole plumage black, glossed with purple and green. Old birds have the face bare. 191. Brown-necked Raven. Corvus umbrinus umbrinus Sun- devall. Corvus umbrinus. Shelley, p. 158. Usually restricted to the desert or the edge thereof, where it is common and resident. Smaller than the English raven, and usually has a brownish neck,
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