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Show 1886.] MR. H. SAUNDERS ON BIRDS FROM DIEGO GARCIA. 335 2. On the Birds obtained by Mr. G. C. Bourne on the Island of Diego Garcia, Chagos Group. By H O W A R D SAUNDERS, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c. [Received June 14, 1886.] I have had much pleasure in examining the small collection of birds obtained by Mr. Bourne on his visit, described in the preceding paper, to this little-known island or group of islets. As will be seen by the following list, the species are but few in number, and some of them are of either a pelagic or a regularly migratory nature ; the general character of the avifauna is, however, Indian rather than Ethiopian, with the exception of one (doubtless introduced) Madagascar bird. Mr. Bourne's remarks are added in square brackets. 1. FOUDIA MADAGASCARIENSIS (Linn.). "Cardinal," This species was no doubt introduced from Mauritius. [No. 4. d • Eye brown. Sept. 30th, 1885. One specimen in spirits. Common. They were building during my stay, but though I examined several nests I never found an egg. The negroes said that they could find me the eggs, but never did. The nest, loosely constructed of grass, is dome-shaped, with a circular entrance at the side.] 2. FREGATA AQUILA (Linn.). "Frigate." [No. 2. d- Sept. 29th, 1885. Eye dark brown. Naked skin on the throat lavender-coloured. Common, and may often be seen chasing Terns and Boobies till they make them disgorge their fish, as described by Mr. H. O. Forbes in his recent work. I have never seen Frigate-birds fishing for themselves ; they are said to do so sometimes, but very rarely. Their flight is magnificent ; I have seen one wheeling round and round in circles for at least five minutes without once flapping its wings, during which time it must have covered a mile of ground.] A bird in immature plumage, passing into the adult stage. A very similar example in this state is described in P. Z. S. 1880, p. 63. 3. SULA PTSCATOR (Linn.). [No. 15. d adult. Common at the south end of the island.] 4. ARDEA COROMANDA (Bodd.). " Macaque blanc." [No. 11. d • Eye lemon-yellow. Skin at base of beak yellow. Very rare on these islands, and appears only during the N.W. monsoons. It is supposed to come over from the Maldives.] This specimen presents some difficulty, as it is in winter plumage, but I think it is the Indian species and not the African Ardea bubulcus. The latter is found in Madagascar, and is believed to breed there in September, so that the African species would be in |
