THE BIRDS OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS.

Abstract

SUMMARY1. Observations on Malta were made from August 1941 until July 1945.2. The typical species breeding in the major inland and coastal habitats are described.3. Only 18 species breed regularly in the islands. The number of breeding species on Malta is much less than in equivalent habitats in Sicily. The ecological niche occupied by a single species is often wider on Malta than that occupied by the same species in Sicily.4. The status of some breeding species has recently changed; the history of these changes, and some field‐notes on other breeding species, are given.5. The number of birds present did not suggest that Malta receives any concentrated stream of passage migrants. Diurnal migration was seen only during exceptional weather.6. Many passage migrants were seen only, or in much greater abundance, in spring than in autumn. Few species were seen exclusively on autumn passage.7. Some passage migrants have recently changed status, and there are some new records of rare species.