7 fy.'^^i^f^

FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

1

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

Frontispiece.

•- '^///

THE JOURNAL

OF THE

VOLUMES I. & II.

0

PUBLISHED BY
THE UNION IN PRETORIA, TRANSVAAL.

LONDON AGENT :
R. 11. I'OUIKI!, 7 I'lilNCKS STREET, CAVEXDISH SQUAIIK, W.

1905-1900.

ALKRIC V FLAMMAM.

PRINTKD BY TAYLOR AND FRANCLS,
liED IJON COURT, FLEET STIiEET.

// *^rA^(^- (^^T-frr

PIIOCEEDINGS OF THE UNION

Report of the Third Annual Meeting.

The Third Annual Greneral Meeting of the Union was held
in the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, on the 25th August,
1906. The Meeting, which took place at 3 p.m., was preceded
by a luncheon at the Grand Hotel, Pretoria, covers being
laid for about thirty.

Amongst the guests of the Union present at the luncheon
were His Worship the Mayor of Pretoria (Mr. J. Gr. Van
Boeschoten), Mr. F. Braybooke Smith, M.L.C. (Director
of Agriculture for the Transvaal) , and Dr. Theiler (Principal
Veterinary Bacteriologist to the Transvaal Department of
Agriculture) .

Mr. J. E. Adamson, M.L.C. (Director of Education for
the Transvaal), and Mr. R. Kelsey Loveday, M.L.C, were
also invited, but were unable to be present, owing to absence
from Pretoria.

An excellent collation was provided, and the tables were
most tastefully arranged, the production by the talented chef
of several elaborate representations of a variety of species of
birds — apparently hitherto undescribed — being a most appro-
priate feature of the decorations. The menu cards consisted
of a series of six artistic designs of bird-life from original
drawings by Mr. C. B. Hoesbeugh, specially executed for the
luncheon.

In the absence of the President of the Union (Mr. W. L.
Sclatee) the Chair was taken by Dr. J. W. B. Gunning,
one of the Vice-Presidents of the Union and Director of the
Transvaal Museum and Zoological Gardens.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, and after the loyal
toasts had been duly submitted, the Mayor of Pretoria pro-
posed the health of the Union and its Members. He said
that he always regretted that a very busy life had prevented

liini from making a close study of ornitholoo;y, but that,
although he himself could not claim any exact knowledge o£
the scientific aims of regular students in the science, he knew
that the work done by such associations as the South African
Ornithologists' Union was both of scientific and practical
valucj and the more so in a country such as South Africa,
where the economic value and danger of different species of
birds were so little understood. He desired to wish the Union
every prosperity and a long period of existence in which to
continue and carry, if possible, to a successful conclusion the
work for which it was founded.

In response to this toast the Chaikman, after thanking the
Mayor for his congratulatory remarks upon the Union^s
work and for having spared some of his valuable time in
which to join the Union at its Annual gathering, said that he
also welcomed the presence of the Director of Agriculture,
whose department was so very intimately connected with one
important side of the work of the Union. The Union was as
yet a very young child, with its objects and aims still imper-
fectly defined or understood, but if its labours were carried
out upon the lines of similar and older established associations,
it could scarcely avoid being of substantial benefit both to
science and to agriculture. So far the only definite pro-
duction of the Union had been its Journal, in connection with
which he desired to mention particularly the names of Messrs.
Bucknill and Haagner.

Ornithology had during the last year sustained the loss of
some of its oldest and most renowned students. Canon
Tristram, Jean Cabanis, Dr. Fatio, M. Oustalet, and the
young and brilliant Von Erlanger were men familiar to all
naturalists throu;i,hout th« world ; their loss was irreparable,
but their names and their work would endure. Much valuable
addition had been recently made to the study of South African
Ornithology during the twelve months by the publication of
several important volumes dealing with the avifauna of this
country ; Professor Reichenow's German work on the Birds
of Africa was recently completed, whilst further instalments
of Captain Shelley's monumental volume on the same subject

were being frequently issued. It was much to be regretted
that the President of the Union, Mr. W. L. Sclater, whose
concluding volume in the series ' The Fauna of South Africa :
Birds^ had x'eceutly come from the press, had now given up
his post as Director of the South African Museum, Cape Town,
and had left this country to reside in England ; not only did
this action cause him to resign from the Presidency of the
Union, but it was a loss to ornithologists in this country, as
his work, knowledge, and energy were certainly unequalled
by any other resident ornithologist. These losses, however,
it was the duty and the hope of the Union to fill, and from
the younger generation of enthusiastic students now coming
■ to the fore it was to be hoped that there would be found some
who might in some degree worthily follow in the footsteps of
those who had preceded them.

Mr. J. A. S. BucKNiLL, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Joint-
Editor, Journal S.A.O.U.), also responded to the toast on
behalf of the Editorial C^onnnittee of the Journal. He said
that the side of ornithology which perhaps enlisted the widest
sympathy was the practical side relating to the harm or utility
of birds in their relation to agriculture. Whilst many reports
had already been received by the Editors of the Union's
Journal as to the depredations amongst the crops caused by
various species of birds, it was, on the other hand, a well-
known fact that many birds of beauty and note which were
formerly deemed to be harmful were, as a matter of fact, of
utility and value in the destruction of the insect pests which
were one of the farmer's curses in this and other countries.

South Africa presented an enormous field for useful study
both on this and on the more scientific side of ornithology.
Little or nothing was known as to the migratory movements
of birds — whence they come, why they move and where they
go ; there were, doubtless, also many new species still unre-
corded and undescribed, whilst the habits and eggs of even
many common birds in South Africa were still quite unknown.
Systematic ornithologists all over the world were now
attempting to find out many interesting facts, such as the
common origin of birds, the relationship those of different

a 2

IV

origins bear to each oilier, and the proper place which shouhl
be assigned to different species in the great theory of evolution
which was the accepted zoological hypothesis of the present
time. The Union had had little chance as yet to foster the
more scientific side of ornithology or to collect sufficient
data for generalization, but its foundation might have the
effect of, to some extent, doing away with that lack of desire
hitherto shown in South Africa to devote time to the advance-
ment of such a non-material science as ornithology and
kindred natural history subjects. Speaking for himself, he
felt that to the retiring President of the Union the thanks of
all ornithologists were due for having presented to them a
comparatively cheap form of working handbook upon which
students could base their future observations. He added
that in future he hoped that it would be possible to hold the
Annual Meeting of the Union in conjunction with the
Meetings of the South African Association for the Advance-
ment of Science.

Mr. Langford proposed the health of the visitors, in reply
to which Mr. F. B. Smith (Director of Agriculture) responded.
He said that it gave him great pleasure to be present at the
Union^s Meeting ; Agriculture, of which he was locally the
official representative, owed to ornithologists in all parts of
the world an enormous debt of gratitude, and the investiga-
tions of ornithologists would always have the hearty support
of the Agricultural Department of the Transvaal. Almost
every branch of natural history touched agriculture more or
less directly, and whilst perhaps South Africans had been in
the past somewhat too material in their aims, the foundation
of a Union such as the South African Ornithologists' Union,
the members of which devoted much of their leisui-e to the
pursuit of a delightful hobby, was a good augury for the
future. The study of birds — many of them beautiful creatures
renowned in prose and poetry — might well be included in
that liberal education Avhich he would advocate for every
person and even child in this country. Upon the detailed
work of members of bodies such as this Union the great
naturalists of the day built up the splendid edifices of scien-

tific theory and practical results which were of lasting and
immeasurable benefit to the public. In conclusion, he wished
to compliment the Society upon the excellence and accuracy
of its Journal, which he hoped would continue to be issvied
with the same care as had hitherto been bestowed upon it.

An adjournment was then made to the Museum Buildings,
and after a group-photograph of the Members of the Union
present had been taken (vide Frontispiece), the official
business of the Meeting was proceeded with.

There were present, amongst others: Dr. J. B. Gunning,
F.Z.S. (a Vice-President of the Union and Director of tbo
Transvaal Museum and Zoological Gardens), who occupied
the Chair, Messrs. F. J. Ellemorand A. Duncan of Johannes-
burg, Mr. C. McG. Johnston of Bloemfontein, O.R.O ,
Mr. A. Haagnor, F.Z.S., M.B.O U. (Hon. Secretary), of
Modderfontein, Transvaal, and Messrs. Newton Spicer, J. A^
S. Bucknill, M.L.O., M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Joint Editor)*
0. W. Howard, B.A., J. B. Pole-Evans, M.A., C. B. Hors-
brugh, B. C. R. Langford, E. M. Skea, J. C. Johnstone,
Dr. Lewis Gough, Ph.D., C.B., and 0. B. Simpson, B.S.
(Idaho), A. M. (Cornell) of Pretoria.

The Minutes of the Second Annual General Meetinji held
on the SOtli August, 1905, were read and confirmed.

The Hon. Secretary and Treasurer (Mr. A. K. Haagnki;)
presented his Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for
the year 11)05, both of which were adopted on the motion of
Mr. Spiceu seconded by Mr. Ellemor. Mr. C. B. Hork-
BRUGH was appointed to audit the Trensnrer's balance-sheet.
In the course of his statement the Secretary mentioned that
107 Members in all had been admitted as Members of the
Union, of whom 4 had resigned and 1 would be transferred
to the Honorary List. Two issues of the Journal had been
published in 1905, costing, including process-blocks and
postage, £34 17s.

The El(!ction of Officers of the Union then took place.

The resignation of the President (Mr. W. L. Sclateu)
was formally reporied and rec(uved.

In accoidance with the i)ro\ isions of Rule 10, the; Members

of the Publication .Committee, Messrs. W. L. Sclatkr,
J. A. S. BucKNiLL, and Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, havin<T held
oflfice for the prescribed perion of three years, tendered their
resignation.

the Union for lUO? were elected as

The officers
follows : —
President

of

Vice-Presidents

Hon. Treasurer .

Hon. Secretary

J. A. S. BrCKNiLL, M.L.C., M.A. (Oxen.),
F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
f Dr. J. W. B. GuNNiXG, F.Z.S. (Director of
the Transvaal Museum and Zoologii*al
Gardens).
/ Professor J. E. Dueeden, Ph.D. (Professor
of Zoology, Rhodes University College^
Grahamstown, Cape Colony).

Dr. E. Symonds, L.B.C.P., M.R.C.S., Kron-
stad, Orange lliver Colony.

jS'ewton Spicer, Lands Department, Pre-
toria, Transvaal.

A. K. Haagxer, P.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Dyna-
mite Factory, Modderfontein, nr. Johan-
nesburg.
/John Wood (Cape Colony).

A. D. Millar, Col.M.B.O.U. (Xatal).

A. Duncan (Transvaal).

G. A. K. MARsnALL,r.Z.S., F.E.S. (Ehodesia).

C. McG. Johnston (Orange Eiver Colony).

J. P. Murray (Basutoland).
\ C. PoGGfi (German South-West Africa).

Rules 6 and 11 were duly altered to meet the enlargement
of the Council.

In Rule 6, paragraph (/), which reads —

" Five Members of the Association not holding any
of the above offices, ""' the word " Five '' was deleted and
the word " Seven " inserted.

In Rule 11, which reads —

" The five unofficial members of the Council shall be
the representatives from the Cape Colony, Natal, Orange
lliver Colony, Transvaal, and Rhodesia respectively,''

Members of Council '-

the word " five " was deleted and the word ^' seven ""
inserted : after the word " Transvaal " the words
" Basutoland, German South -West Africa/' were
inserted.

In accordance with Rule 10, the following three Members
of the Union were appointed as the Publication Committee
for the years 1907, 1908, and 1909 :—

J. A. S. BUCKNILL.

Dr. J. W. B. Gunning.
A. K, Haagnee.

The election by the Council of Professor Alfred Newton,
F.R.S., &c., of Cambridge University, England, as an
Honorary Member was confirmed.

The retiring President, Mr. W. L. Sclater, was unani-
mously elected an Honorary Member.

The following gentlemen having been duly proposed and
seconded were elected Ordinary Members of the Union : —

Mr. TuEODORE Bell ; Epsom, Surrey, Eugland.

Mr. C. W. Cooper ; Salisbury, Ehodesia.

Mr. Max Cocit ; Eeitfonteia Lazaretto, Johannesburg.

Dr. D'EvELYN ; San Francisco.

Mr. H. G. R. FiscnER ; Bloemfoutein, Orange Elver Colony.

Mr. H. Gronvolb ; Natural History Museum, South Kensington.

Capt. C. W. Gordon ; Cape Town.

Lieut. Philip Hamond ; Norfolk, England.

Mr. C. MoG. Johnston ; Bloemfoutein, O.E.C.

Capt. A. C. H. Jones ; Bloemfoutein, O.E.C.

Hon. Mr. H. F. Wilson, C.M.G. ; Colonial Secretary, O.E.C.

Mr. Bedver Jackson ; Bloemfoutein, O.E.C.

Mr. J. C. Johnstone ; Pretoria, Tvl.

Mr. T. H. Newman, F.Z.S. ; Middlesex, England.

Lieut. Stanley Pebshouse ; Middleburg, Tvl.

Herr C. Pogge ; German South-AYest Africa

Mr. D. Seth-Smith, F.Z.S. ; London, England.

Mr. C. H. Taylor ; Indlhovodvvalilie, Amsterdam, Tvl.

Eev. E. S. Tabor ; 64 St. George's Square, London, England.

Mr. F. Thomson ; Pretoria, Tvl.

Major F. Vaughan-Kirby, F.Z.S. ; Lydenburg, Tvl.

"^ VIU

Mr. A. 11. Wood, A.E.M. ; Wepener, O.R.C.

Dr. L. GoDGH, Ph.D. ; Transvaal Museum, Pretoria.

Dr. Walkee ; Asst. Medical Officer of Health, Pretoria, Tvl.

Dr. Abeecrombie ; Pretoria, Tvl.

Mr. P. 0. NooMi: ; Pretoria, Tvl.

Mr. J. G. VAN BoESCuoTEN ; Pretoria, Tvl.

Mr. F. T. Nicholson ; Pretoria, Tvl.

After some discussion it was unanimously ai^reed that the
name of the Journal should remain unaltered. The frequency
of issue of the Journal and the possibility of arranging for
its local production was left to the consideration and dis-
cretion of the Publication Committee.

The formation of sub-committees to deal with the im-
portant questions of migration, geographical distribution, and
bird -protection were the subjects of lengthy deliberation
and discussion, and a considerable number of letters were
read from Members of the Union, who were unable to be
present at the Meeting, expressing their views on these
matters.

It was resolved that an effort should be made during the
forthcoming year to obtain co-operation amongst members of
the Union and others in connection with the exact observa-
tions of certain species of migratory birds in order to
endeavour to trace the lines of migration of certain species.
It was thought that the Transvaal Museum offered a suitable
centre as a bureau for a collection of whatever information
might be obtained, and Dr. Gunning promised that the
results of such information, when sufficiently important,
would be collated by his staff in a form suitable for publi-
cation in the Journal.

The geographical distribution of birds would also to a
certain extent be investigated by the above indicated scheme.
The question of bird-pi'otection was the subject of an
interesting debate, and a sub-committee, consisting of
Dr. Gunning and Messrs. Simpson, Horsbrugh, and Vaughan-
Kirby, was elected to collect information and report upon
the possible protection of useful species, the reduction in
Dumbers of harmful species, and the prevention of indis-

IX

criminate importation of foreign birds, such as the European
House-Sparrow and Starling.

In connection with these two latter species, Dr. GuNNiNG
expressed considerable fears as to their early extension of
range throughout South Africa, and also stated that, as an
instance of curious change of habits, he had been informed
on indubitable evidence that some Vultures, presumably
Gijps koUd, have recently begun to prey upon living animals,
such as newly-lambed ewes and their young.

The Chairman then delivered the following address : —
Gentlemen, —

I have been asked to give you a short address on
the recent Ornithological additions to the Museum, but
there is so little time at my disposal that I fear I must bo
very brief. There are a few valuable additions which I hope
to enumerate later on. I have prepared a list of all South
African birds which are at present in the Museum, both
mounted as well as unmounted, which I hope may shortly be
printed either in the first number of the 'Annals of the
Transvaal Museum ' or in our Union's Journal. Another
list of the South African birds which are or have been
domiciled in our Zoological Gardens is in course of pre-
paration ; and the two combined lists will form a complete
enumeration of all South African birds which have come
under our observation during the past six years. The
oological collections have been lately enriched very mate-
rially by the acquisition of the fine collection made by
Mr. Ivy, of Grahamstown, C.C. ; and within a short time
South African ornithologists will, it is hoped, be enabled to
see at a glance what forms are here available for study, and
can also see which species are still unrepresented. With
this knowledge, the National collections will be no doubt
augmented greatly by the assistance of all South African
students of ornithology, who of course earnestly desire the
presence here of full and proper means for pursuing their
work.

For some considerable time past I have endeavoured to

obtain further information as to the localities in which South
African birds may be found ; but wliat I have at my dis-
posal is, as yet, exceedingly incomplete. Of course we have
old books, like Le Vaillant's, which is extremely interesting in
itself ; but when we realize that the Crowned Pigeon of New
Guinea is in it included in the list of South African birds,
we are reminded that we have to take the information given
in works such as these with a certain amount of discretion.
The one-time standard work of Layard and Shnrpe gives
much more concise and trustworthy information ; but being
printed between the years 1875-1884, it is now out of date
and contains no information about the very large amount of
work carried out since that time. We now, however, have
Shelley's beautiful book on the ' Birds of Africa ' and
Reichenow's standard work on ' Die ViJgel Africas.' The
former is not yet complete. Both works deal with the whole
of Africa, but owing to their large size and considerable cost
they are not within the reach of or useful to all, especially
those persons who do not study ornithology as a speciality,
but have taken it up as a most charming hobby for their spare
time.

Lastly comes the valuable work of Dr. Stark, so ably
continued and finished by our esteemed friend and late
President, W. L. Sclater. This book should be in the hands
of all of you, and it gives a good description of the birds
found in the Southern part of this Continent. It suffers,
however, from one very important omission, and it shares
this fault with most, if not all, the lists of birds published by
the different museums in South Africa : I refer to the
omission of dates. It concerns the student of ornithology
very little to know that a certain specimen has been purchased
by or presented to a particular museum ; but it matters very
much to learn in what month this specimen was secured.
You will notice. Gentlemen, that the point to which I refer
especially is the migration of birds within the limits of South
Africa. In order to understand our ornithological Fauna, it
is absolutely essenti;d that we should have a clear under-
standing about the migration of our birds. Very little is

published about this important subject in connection witli
South Africa. In Sclater's work we find, under the de-
scription of each species, the words : " the following are the
recorded localities ''; the names of those localities are given,
but only in a few cases is the date recorded at which the
specimens were observed or secured.

Now I have interviewed several of our leading local
ornithologists about this question, and have asked them
whether they could inform me if such and such a bird
migrates north, south, east, or west ; whether from the
highveld to the bushveld, or vice versa ; whether certain
birds migrate every year, or migrated in one year and were
more stationary in other years, under perhaps more favourable
climatic and meteorological conditions. I am sorry to say
that my own ignorance on this subject was not only not
relieved, but I received so often such absolutely contradictory
evidence and information that I have come to the conclusion
that South African ornithologists have overlooked this subject
altogether, and are hopelessly incapable at present of giving
much reliable information.

You will all agree wdth me that it is not only desirable, but
absolutely imperative, that we should try to make an end to
this most unsatisftictory state of affairs. The only way out of
the difficulty is to follow the example set by Hungary in this
matter — the mode of operation being explained by Otto
Herman, the Director of the Hungarian Central Office of
Ornithology, in his yearly report. In 1808 more than
5900 masters of elementary schools and others also interested
in the subject decided to observe the arrival of the Swallows
and to report the result of their observation to the Central
Ornithological Office. These observers, in all more than
6000 in number, covered the whole area of Hungary very
effectually. They sent in their data on special postcards ;
the points of observation were geographically determined,
and daily separately schematized on particular card maps.

In the same way I should like to cover South Africa.
I should like to circularize all the Members of the Union,
and all others known to be interested in Ornithology in

xn

South Africa, asking them to distribute circulars and post-
cards to all teachers in the different districts of the various
Colonies in South Africa, urging them to cooperate. All
that they would have to do is to note on these postcards
once a day, or even once a week, which species of birds
come under their observation, dead or alive, and to send
those postcards to me as soon as filled in — say, once a week,
or once a month. By comparing all these many reports
it would be possible to determine respectively the last and
the first day of observation of a certain species in a certain
area; and by continuous records wo might be able to
discover which birds are migrating, in what directions they
migrate, and when they return to their old haunts.

Many of you must also have noticed that some, species
are much more common during one summer than during
the next. I remember that three years ago hundreds of
Orti/gosjn-a polyzona (Bar-breasted Weaver Finch) were
offered for sale by boys who caught them in the neigh-
bourhood of Pretoria, whilst in the following year hardly a
single specimen was seen. The same is the case with the
Blue-breasted Waxbill, the Latham's or the Red-billed
Weaver Bird, the Black-faced Waxbill, and the Common
Waxbill. Four years ago we received a large number of
Pyrrlmlauda verticalis (Grey-backed Lark), the following
two years none ; last year, all of a sudden, they were again
plentiful, whilst not one has come under my observation
during this year. These phenomena must have causes ; and
I think it is entirely within the scope of our Union to find
out these causes and effect practical work of this character.

It is a well-established fact that meteorological conditions
have an enormous influence on the migration of birds, and it
is therefore exceedingly desirable that notes should l)e taken
and entered upon the cards as to the direction of the wind,
prevalence of rain, &c., when the entries are being made.
The task is not a light one, and can only be accomplished by
the diligent cooperation of all those that are interested in tliis
fascinating subject ; and I believe that the small amount of
money which would be necessary for the printing of these

circulars and cards and for postage would bo well spent in
attempting to solve those questions.

Gentlemen, I need not assure any of you that it will bo a
great pleasure to me to identify any specimens you may
capture or shoot if they are sent to me, and, as it is necessary
that we should have absolutely correct records, if the distance
may prevent the sending of the whole body of the bird,
the head, the feet, the wings, and the tail need only be
forwarded. All parcels addressed to the Director of the
Transvaal Museum are conveyed free by rail if labelled
" Specimens of Natural History." I would also like to
remind those who wish to assist in a serious way^ of the
importance of making an accurate note of the colour of
the iris and soft parts, and to distinguish, when possible,
between old and young specimens and also between the
sexes. I find the iris of one species described in one book
as light brown, in another as dark brown, in a third as
hazel, in a fourth as brownish yellow, and in a fifth as red I
It is therefore of some interest and importance to renew
these observations and to record them carefully. A last
remark, before inviting you to an inspection of our col-
lections of birds and eggs, would be to request you to open
the crops of all birds coming under your observation. There
is still great uncertainty as to the principal food of very
many common birds in different seasons of the year, and
I need not remind you of the importance of correct know-
ledge on this point, especially in view of the close relationship
in which birds may stand to agricultural pursuits.

A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring Editors and to
Dr. Gunning for his remarks and for the able and genial
manner in which he had presided over the Congress.

The Members of the Union then inspected the Museum
and the Taxidermists' Laboratory, and with this visit
terminated an extremely pleasant and satisfactory meeting.

A number of interesting specimens were exhibited during
the meeting, amongst which may be mentioned the albino
collection of the Museum, including several curious varieties

XIV

of Knorhaan, a remarkable albino of Erythropyyia pcena
(Smith's Ground Robin), and an extraordinary cinnamon-
coloured variety of Colius striatus minor (?) (Natal Speckled
Mouse -Bird), shot near Lydenburg by Major Vaughan-
Kirby on April 10th, 190G.

A complete nest of Gyps kolhii (?) in a tree, with two live
half -fledged young, recently brought in by a farmer from
the Rustenburg district, attracted much attention.

Mr. Duncan exhibited the skin of a female Amadina
fasciata believed to have been obtained in the Transvaal,
and, if so, new to South Africa ; and Mr. Bucknill a short
series of Laniariiis olivaceus and ruJng'inosus obtained by
Mr. C. H. Taylor at Amsterdam, Transvaal.

LIST OF PAPERS
PUBLISHED IN THIS JOURNAL.

L Presidential Address delivered at Inaugural Meeting
of the Union. By W. L. Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S.,
M.B.O.U., President S.A.O.U., Director S.A. Museum,
Cape Town. [Vol. I. No. 1, pp. 1-8.]

IL Supplementary Notes on the Nesting- Habits and Eggs
of certain South African Birds described in Stark
and Sclater's ' South African Fauna.' (Birds, vols, i.,
iL, and iii.) By Richard Sparrow, M.B.O.U.,
Major 7th Dragoon Guards. (Communicated to and
prepared for publication by Mr. A. Haagner ; with
some Notes by the latter.) (Plates I. & II.) [Vol I
No. 1, pp. 9-18.]

ill. Notes on the Nest and Eggs of Coliopasser ardens
(Red-collared "Widow Bird). By F. J. Ellemor,
(Plate III.) [Vol. L No. 1, p. 18.]

IV^. Birds collected and observed round Hanover, Cape
Colony, from July 20th to the end of September, 1903.
By Guy C. Shortridge. [Vol I. No. 1, pp. 18-31.]

V. A Visit to a Breeding Colony of This cethiopica (Sacred
Ibis). By Austin Roberts. [Vol. I. No, 1, pp. 32
& 33.]

VI. Notes on the Water- Birds of the Zwaai'tkops River,
Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony. By James G. Brown,
(Plate : Frontispiece.) [Vol. I. No. 2, pp. 40-48.]

b

1 LIST OF PAPKRS.

VII. A further Contribution to the Ornithology of Modder-
fontein, Transvaal. By Alwin K. Haagner, F.Z.S.,
M.B.O.U. [Supplementary to three papers previously
published : q.v. ' Ibis,' 1901, pp. 15 & 190 ; ibid. 1902,
p. 569.] [Vol. I. No. 2, pp. 48-56.]

VIII. Notes on the Genus Pyromelana (Bishop Birds), with
reference in particular to the Seasonal Changes of
Pkimage and Nidification in Captivity of P. oryx
(Red Bishop Bird). By A. Duncan. [Vol. I. No. 2,
pp. 57-61.]

IX. Remarks upon some hithei-to undescribed or unfigured
Eggs of certain South African Passerine Birds. By
John A. Bucknill, M.A., F.Z.S., and G. H. Gronvold.
With Field-notes by the Collectors. (Coloured Plate :
Frontispiece.) [Vol. II. No. 1, pp. 1-10.]

X. Ornithological Notes from Wolmaransstad, Transvaal.
By Austin Roberts. [Vol. II. No. 1, pp. 10-14.]

XI. The Migration of Birds in South Africa : a paper read
before Section D of the British Association during
its Meeting at Johannesburg in 1905. By W. L.
ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. [Vol. II. No. 1,
pp. 14-24.]

XII. (a) Notes on some Migratory Visitants to Kroonstad,
Orange River Colony.
{h) Notes on some Members of the Family Ploceidfe
occurring in the Kroonstad District, Orange River
Colony.
By Edmond Symonds, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. [Vol. II.
No. 1, pp. 24-29.]

XTII. Some Observations upon the Behaviour and Treatment
in Captivity of Otis ccerulescens (Blue Knorhaan).
By C. B. HoRSBRUGH. (Plate I.) [Vol. II. No. 1,
pp. 29-32.J

XIV. Ornithological Notes from Natal. By Alfred D.
Millar, Col.M.B.O.U. [Vol. II. No. 1, pp. 32-35.]

LIST OF PAPERS. XVll

XV. Notes on the Nidification of the Genus Chrysococcyx.
By A. K. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and R. H.
Ivy. (Plates II. & III.) [Vol. II. No. 1, pp. 35-
39.J

XVI. Notes on certain Birds hitherto unrecorded from the
Transvaal. By Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

[Vol. II. No. 1, pp. 39-43.]

XVII. The Birds of Irene, near Pretoria, Transvaal. By
Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Plate IV.)
[Vol. II. No. 2, pp. 55-83.]

XVIII. Notes on a Collection of Birds made in North-east
Rhodesia by Dr. F. E. Stoehr. By Dr. F. E. Stoehr
and W. L. Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S., late Director of the
South African Museum, Cape Town. [Vol. II. No. 2,
pp. 83-114.]

XIX. Description of the Nest and Eggs of Mirafra rujipilea
(Rufous-headed Lark). By Lieut. Stanley Pers-
HOUSE, 2nd Border Regt. [Vol. II. No. 2, p. 115.]

XX. The Nomenclature and Mode of Measuring the Ex-
ternal Portions of a Bird's Anatomy. By Professor
Anton Reichenow. Translated for this Journal by
Mr. Henrik Gronvold from the original paper (Orn.
Monats., March 1905) by special permission and wish
of the Author. (Figure.) [Vol. II. No. 2, pp. 115-
120.]

LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS.

Vol. I. No. 1 :—

To face page
Frontispiece. Nest of Lesser Piili-back Shrike (Dryoscojiufi

(After Photo by cuhla).

A. D. Millar, Durban.)

Plate I. Nest of Smith's Weaver Bird {Sitayra

(After Photo by ocularia) 9

A. D. Millar, Durbau.)

Plate II. Nest of Cape Flycatcher {Pachyjjrora

(After Photo by c(ij)ensix) 14

A. D. Millar, Durban.)

Plate III. Nest of Coliopasser ardens (Red-coUiued

(After Photo by Widow Bird) 18

F. J. Ellemor, Johannesburg.)

Vol. I. No. 2 :—

Fbontispiece. Bine Cr&ne {'fefraptert/.r /larrnlisea) .39

(After Photo by
R. H. Ivy, (irahamstown.)

Plate V. iSfri.r capensis (Grass Owl) 43

(After Photo by
R. H. Ivy, Graharastown.)

Plate VI. Turacus conjthuix (Knysna Plantain I^ater

(After Photo by or Lourie), with Nest and I'^ggs 61

R. II. Ivy, Grahamstown.)

XX LIST OF ILLfSTliATIONS.

Vol. II. Xo. 1 : —

To fdce page
FuONTi.spii;c'E : I'-opS of South African Passerine Birds,

('oloured Plate.
(From a Painting by G. H. Gronvold.)

Plate I. Figs. 1 & 2. Otis ccerulescnn (Ijlue KnorLaan) 2f)

(After Photos by
C. B. Ilorsbrugh, Pretoria.)

Plate II. Figs. 1 & 2. Fig. 1 . Nest of Tarisoma suhcaruleum (Tit-
(After Photos by Babbler) with Egg of Chrysocvccyx

R. H. Ivy, Grahanislowu.) cupreus (Didric Cuckoo) 35

Pig. 2. Nest of Passer arcuatus (Cape
Sparrow) with Nestling of Chrysococcyx
cupreus (Didric Cuckoo) 35

Plate III, Eggs of Chrysococcyx klaasi (Klaas'
(After Photo by Cuckoo) and Chrysococcyx cupreus (Didric
R. H. Ivy, Grahamstown.) Cuckoo) with tho.se of Hosts 38

Vol. II. No. 2 :—

Fhontispiece. Group : Members of Union at Third Annual

(After Photo by General Meeting.
J. C. Munro, Pretoria.)

Plate IV. Nest and Eggs of Anas sparsa (Black Duck) 79
(After Photo by
L. E. Taylor, Irene, Pretoria.)

Diagrammatic Figure. Illustrating the Nomenclature of the

(After Drawing by External Portions of a Bird's Anatomy. . 1 17
A. K. Haaguer, Modderfontein.)

Plate V. Smith's Ground Robin : Albino {Erythro-

(After Photo by pyjia p^na) 122

C. B. Horsbrugh, Pretoria.)

SUBJECT-MATTER INDEX,

INCLUDING NAMES OF CONTRIBUTORS.

(Figures marked with an asterisk indicate Vol. II.)

Page

Address of Chairman ( W. L. Sclater : Inaugural) 1

„ ,, (Dr. Gunning: 3rd Annual Meeting) ix*

Agriculture, Pamphlets of U.S. Department of, noticed 138*

Andersson, Charles John 6

' Auuals of S.A. Museum,' vol. iii. pt. viii., noticed 65

Annual Meetings, Reports of vi, i*, i*

Antarctic Expeditiim, Ornithological results of National, noticed . 133*

' Avicultural Magazine,' noticed 49*, 136*, 139*

Bates, George L. Field-notes on Birds of Cameroon, noticed. 68, 53*

Birds collected and observed at Hanover, Cape Colony 18

Birds of Irene 55*

* Bird-notes from South Africa,' noticed 134*

Bird-show, Crystal Palace 1^.3*

Blue Knorhaan in Captivity 29*

Bonhote, J. L. Hybridisation of Ducks, noticed 137*

Bourke, E. F. Donation to Illustration Fund 3.5

British Museum Collection 121*

Brown, J. G. Notes on Birds of Zwaartkops River 39

Bucknill, J. A. S., M.A., F.Z.S., and G. H. Gronvold. Remarks
upon some hitherto undescribed or unfigured Eggs of certain

Passerine Bii'ds 1*

Burchell, Wm. John 5

Butler, A. L., F.Z.S. Ornithology of Egyptian Soudan, noticed , 53*

Campbell, A. G. ' Fruit-eating Birds,' noticed 52*

Center, Robert. Exhibit, noticed 64

Check-list of South Afiican Birds, noticed 65

Clarke, Major S. R. On Birds obtained at Bloemfontein, O.R.C.

and Ingogo, Natal, noticed , gg

Clarke, Wm. Eagle. Ornithological Results of Scottish National

Antai'ctic Expedition, noticed 133*

Congress, Fourth International Ornithological 40*

Crawford, Lord. Cruise of ' Valhalla,' noticed 122*

XXll SUBJECT-MATTER INDEX.

Page

Description of neat and eggs of Rufous-beaded Lark llo*

Douglas, lion. Arthur. Ostrich-farming in S.A., noticed 132*

Dubois, Dr. Alpb. Ornithology of Congo Free State, noticed. . . . 139*

Duncan, A. Notes on genus Fyromelana . 57

. Eggs of White-shouldered Bush-Chat 3o

. ' Aviary Notes,' noticed 44*

East London Natural History Society (34

Eggs of S.A. Passerine Birds, description of 1*

EUemoi', F. J. On nest and eggs of Caliopasser ardent 18

. Birds of Bezuidenhouts Valle}', noticed 44*

' Emu,' noticed 36, 6o, G7, 52*, 136*

Erlanger, Baron von. On the Avifauna of North-east Africa,

noticed 36, 65, 67, 52*

. Obituary of 61

Evans, A. II., M.A., F.Z.S. " Bird-Notes from South Africa,"

noticed 134*

Feltham, 11. L. L.. F.E.S. Donation to I'late Fund 37

Field Naturalists' Club. See Johannesburg.

First Annual Meeting S.A.O.U vi

Fry, Harold A. " Collecting-trip to Parys, O.R.C.", noticed .... 35

General Meeting, Special xiv

Gronvold, G. XL {see Bucknill) 1*

. Translation of Prof. Reicbenow's paper 105*

Ground Robin, Smith's (Albino : Plate IV.) '. 122*

Gunning, Dr. J. W. B. " Birds in Relation to Agriculture," noticed. 66*
. Address, 3rd Annual Meeting ix*

Haagner, Alwiu K., F.Z.S. , M.B.O.U. Notes on Major Sparrow's

paper on nesting-habits of certain Birds 9

. A further Contribution to the Ornithology of Modder-

fontein, Tvl 48

. Ecojiomic value of some South African Birds, noticed . . 62

. Birds of Waterval North, Aapies River, noticed 63

, and Ivy, R. H. Notes on the Nidification of genus Chryso-

coccyx 35*

Hamerton, Capt. A. E. (R.A.M.C). Field-notes on Birds of

Somaliland, noticed 53*

Ilamlyn, J. D. Collection of Animals 122*

Hanover, Cape Colony. Collection of Birds 18

Horsbrugh, B. R., Capt. A.S.C., M.B.O.U. " Some field-notes in

South Africa," noticed 49*

SUBJKCT-JIATTKIt IXDKX. XXIU

Page
Ilutton, Capl:., F.lt.S. " (!eop:r;ipliical oriirin and subsequent

developmeut of the Land Birds of New Zealand," noticed . . 67

Hybridisation of Ducks, noticed 1.37*

llyde, Jolin. ^Lmfico/a eij)/ornf or at Wixtn-val Ondev 63

' Ibis ' (the Jiuirniil of the B.O.U.), noticed 35, 36, 68, 43*, 132*

Ibis, Visit to breeding cokiny of Sacred 32

Inaugural .Meeting S.A.O.U iv

International Ornithological Congress 6-1, 46*

Irby, Lt.-Col. L. II. Obituary 43*

Irene, the Birds of 5o*

Ivy, R. IL, and A. K. Haagner. Niditication of genus Vlinjso-

coccijjr 30*

Jackson, 1'. J. •'' Notes on East-African species of Maciony.r and

Tvieiothylaciis," noticed 08

Jeppe, Julius. Donation to Illustration Fund So, 62

Johannesburg Field Naturalists' Club 35, 62, 63, 44*

' Journal fiir Ornitholugie,' noticed 36, 6o, 67, 51*, 53*, 136*

Kemp, ltd bin. Birds from Sierra Leone, noticed 68

Kleinschmidt, O. On the genus Corvus 136*

Layard, Edgar Leopold 7

Le Yaillant = 3

Loat, W. L. S,, F.Z.S. On Egyptian P.irds, noticed 52*, 133*

Marais, J. v. ( )., M.llO.U. Obituu-y 33

Marshall, (luy A. K., F.Z.S. Ivctter re ]^>ird-stoniachs 45*

Measurement of a Bird, mode of 115*

Meetings of Union iv, vi, xiv, i*

Members, List of x, xxxv*

Migration of Birds in South Africa 14*

Migratory visitants to Kroonstad 24*

Millar, A. D., Col.M.B.O.U. Ornithological Notes from Natal . . 39*
Modderfontein, TvL, further contribution to the ornithology of . . 48

Nest and eggs of C'u/iopasxcr ardcuti 18

Nest and eggs of Rufous-headed Lark 115*

Nesting-habits of certain S.A. Birds, by Major Sparrow 1)

Niditication of genus Chrysococcij.c 35*

Nomenclature of external portions of a Bird 115*

North-east Africa, on the Avifaun.i of, noticed . . ."!(), 65, 67,52*, 136*

Notes from Natal 32*

Notes on a collection of lairds made in N.I']. Rhodesia 83*

xxiv SLBJl-XT-MATTKK INDEX.

Page

Oberholser, H. C. Description of new Sylvietta, noticed fc)7«

. Birds collected by Dr. Abbott in East Africa, noticed . . 51*

Obituary : v. O. Marais 33

von Erlanger 61

E. C. Tavlor and Lt.-Col. Irby 43*

Occasional Notes .". 34, 62, 43*, 121*

Ogilvie-Graut, W. K. Birds collected by Doggett in Uganda,

noticed 68

Ornithological Congress, Fourth International 64

' Ornithologische Monatsberichte,' noticed 06, 50*, 51*, 135*

Ornithological Notes from Natal 32*

,, ,, ,, AVolmaransstad 10*

Ostrich-farming in South Africa, noticed 132*

Pershouse, Lieut. Stanley. Donation to Illustration Fund 44*

. Description of nest and eggs of Rufous-headed Lark .... 1 15*

Phylogeuy of the iawiMS-species, noticed 1 36*

PloceidiB, notes on some members of, in Kroonstad Distiict .... 27*

' Proceedings Zoological Society,' noticed 137*

Reichenow, Prof. Dr. A. New African forms, noticed . . 66, 51*, l.:35*

• . Nomenclature and mode of measuring external parts of

a Bird ll"'*

. ' Die Yogel Afrikas ' (Birds of Africa), noticed 140*

Rhodesia, on a collection of Birds from North-east 83*

Roberts, Austin. A vi-it to a breeding Colony of Ihis (ethiopica

(Sacred Ibis) 32

. Ornithological Notes from Wolmaransstad 10*

Rules of tlie Union vii

Schiebel, Dr. G. ' Phylogeny of the Zr/nms-species,' noticed 136*, 137*
Schilling, A. C. 'With Flashlight and Rifle in Efiiiatorial

Africa,' noticed 132*

Sclater, W. L., M.A., F.Z.S. Inaugural Address 1

. " Saklanha Bay and its Bird Islands," noticed 3ii

. " Ornithological Excursion to Victoria Falls, ' noticed . . (iS

. Migration of Birds in South Africa 14*

. " Nature Study in South Africa," noticed 49*

. Record of Thalassogeron layardi, noticed 121*

, and Dr. Stoehr, Birds of North-east Rhodesia 8.3*

, aud Stark, " Birds " (in 'Fauna of S.A.'), reviewed 1 'H^*

S.'.th-Smilh, L. M. " Notes on a Trip to Uganda." noticed .... 1 3.";*
Scth-Smitli, Dr. "The Common-sense of ]?ird Protiction,"

noticed 130*

SUfiJECT-MATTEU IXDKX. XXV

Pago
Sliarpe, R. Bi)wdlur, LL.l). Oa Birds of iJeeU'ontein, C.C.,

noticed 35

. On liirds of t'luiioroon, W.A., noticed 5-"5*

Shelley, Capt. G. 1']. ' Birds of Africa,' reviewed 50*

Short Notices of other Publicfttions 65, 49*, 126*

Shortridge, Guy C. Birds collected and observed around Han-
over, O.C. . . . . , 18

. Birds of St. John's, Pondoland, noticed 3G

Smith, Sir Andrew G

Sparrow, Major R., 7th I).(t. Supplementary Notes on tlie

Nesting-habits and Eggs of certain S.A. Birds 9

Stark, Br. A. C., and Sclater. ' Birds of S. Africa,' reviewed . . V2{j*
Stoehr, Br. F. G. Notes on a Collection of Birds m:ide in North-
east Rhodesia 83*

Symonds, Dr. E. Notes on the Migratory \'isitauts to Kroon-

stad, O.R.C '....." 24*

. On some members of the Bloceidse occurring in Kroonstad

District 27*

Taylor, E. C. Obituary 43*

Taylor, L. E., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. Notes on some Birds hitherto

unrecorded from Transvaal 39*

. The Birds of Irene 55*

. Letter on Geographical Distribution 124*

' Transvaal Agricultural Journal,' noticed 66

I'ransvaal, Birds new to 30*

Tredgold, C. II. Quail in Ma.'^honaland, noticed l^rJ*

Turner, Dr. G. Collecting-tour noticed 124*

U.S. Department of Agiiculture : Pamphlets noticed 138*

Vauhoffen, Dr. E. " Report on Birds obstrved by the German

South-Polar Expedition," noticed 61*

Whitiiher, J. I. S., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 'The Birds of Tunisia,'

noticed , i 141*

"Widow-Bird, Red-collnred : Notes on nest and eggs 18

Witlierby, II. F. " Collection of Birds from Algeria," noticed . . 68

. '" Collection of lairds from Somaliland," noticed 53*

Wood, John. I'aper noticed 64

. Letter re Irregular Nesting-habits 123*

Zwi;urth(ips River, Port Elizabeth, on the "Water-birds of 39

Froyitispiece .

JOURN. S. A.O. U.,VOL.

Photo by A. D. Millar, Durban.

NEST OF LESSER PUFF-BACK SHRIKE .Dryoscopus cubia).

r R 1-: F ACE.

TuK Committee to which the editorial functions of
The South Africax Orniteiologists' Uniox have been
entrusted feels the greatest pleasure in the issue of
this the first number of the Journal of the Society.

It is sincerely hoped that this volume may be
the precursor of a long series, useful alike to the
student of South African Avifauna and to Orni-
tliok)gists throughout the world.

The object of the Journal is to promote and
foster the study of a branch of science which,
perhaps more than any olher, combines pleasure
and physical and mental exercise with practical and
scientific utility.

The only apology which it is felt must be made
at this first issue is one which must be tendered not
only by the Editorial Committee but by all South
Africa — namely, that it is the first.

W. L. SC LATER.
J. W. B. GUNNING.
J. A. BUCKNILL.

}st March, 1905.

IIEMARKS RELATING TO THE FORMATION
OF THE UNION.

The utility and value, both to science and agriculture,
rendered by the numerous ornithological unions which have
at different times been formed in several countries for the
purpose of promoting the study of ornithology, suggested
some years ago to the minds of local students the desirability
of establishing a South African Association with similar aims
and objects.

Although thought of prior to the war, the foundation of
the Union was not effected until 1904 when the occasion of
the visit to Johannesburg of the South African Association
for the Advancement of Science in April of that year was
seized upon as an opportune time for the calling of a meeting
to consider the project. The credit of this first step lies
largely with the present Honorary Secretary (Mr, A. K.
Haagner, M.B.O.U.), who was the chief mover in the issue
of a circular to all prominent South African Ornithologists,
giving them notice of the suggested meeting and asking for
an expression of opinion for or against the formation of such
a society.

The response to this letter of invitation was of a gratifying
character, some 40 persons, numbering amongst them all the
best-known local students o£ South African Ornithology,
unanimously deciding in favour of the proposed Union.

The Inaugural Meeting was accordingly held on the 8th
April, 1904, at Johannesburg, and the following is a report
of what took ])lace.

a2

IV

Uktoiit of ]naugural Meeting of the South AftvICan
Ornithologlsts' Union.

A CONFERENCE of South African Ornitbologists was held on
the 8th April, ir04, at the Normal School, Johannesburg,
Transvaal, at 6 p.m. Ihere were present, amonorst others : —
W. L. Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Director of the
South African Museum, Cape Towti); Dr. J. W. B. Gunnino;,
F.Z.S. (Director of the Transvaal Museum and Zoological
Gardens), Messrs. C. S. Aitcheson, J. A. Alexander, F.R.S.E.,
S. H. Boyle, J. A. Bucknill, M.A., F. J. Ellemor, A. Haagner,
M.B.O.U., A. 0. Pittar, W. J. Powell, and C. C. Roberts.

Mr. W. L. Sclater was unanimously voted to the Chair,
and in his opening remarks stated the reasons for the holding
of the Meeting.

He said that, although the date of the conference was
])ropitious in view of the visit of so many scientific men to
the town, it could not be expected that every individual
interested in the Avifauna of South Africa could be present ;
but Mr. Haagner had taken the trouble to endeavour to
ascertain, as far as possible, what was the general feeling
amongst local ornithologists as to the possibility and de-
sirability of forming a South African Ornithologists' Union.
He asked Mr. Haagner to give the Meeting some account of
w hat had already been done by him in this direction.

Mr. Haagner stated that, in response to a circular issued by
him, 40 gentlemen had handed in their names as desirous of
becoming Members of the Union if such was formed, and

that these included nil the leading local students of oruitliology.
Of these replies, 21 came from the Transvaal, 12 from ('apo
Colony, 4 from Natal, 2 from the Orange River Colony, and
1 from Rhodesia. The list of names was read.

The follo^viiio- resolution, proposed by Dr. Gunning and
seconded by Mr. Bucknill, was unanimously carried : —

" That a South African Oi'nithologists' Union be
formed, and that a Committee be appointed to frame
rules and decide upon the possibility of publishing a
Journal.^'

The Committee was then nominated and elected, consisting
of Messrs. Sclater, Bucknill, Alexander, Ellemor,
Haagner, and Dr. Gunning.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the })roceedings
of the Meeting.

Mr. Sclater then read an Inaugural Address, which will
be found printed in this volume.

VI

PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNION,

Report of First Annual Meeting.

The First Annual General Meeting of the Union was held
in Pretoria in the Directors' Room of the Transvaal Museum
(b}' kind permission of Dr. Gunning) at 4 P.M on the 2'4th
September, 1904. Owing to the visit of H.R.H. Princess
Christian of Schleswig-Holstein to the adjoining Zoological
Gardens, the attendance wiis, unfortunately, very small.
There were present Messrs. J. Bnrtt Davy, F.L.S., Newton
Spicer, B. Langford, E. Skea, L. E. Taylor, C. B. Horsbrugh,
F. J. Ellemor, L. Griffin, and A. Haagner, M.B.O.U.
Mr. J. BuRTT Davy was elected to the Chair. The Minutes of
the Inaugural Meeting were read and passed. Mr. Haagner
reported that the Committee appointed at the Inaugural
Meeting had draw^n up Rules for submission and confirmation,
and that the Officers of the Union had been elected by ballot
of the Members by means of correspondence. Thirteen new
Members had applied for admission to the Union, thus
bringing the number up to 53.

On the motion of Mr. Spicer, seconded by Mr. Langford,
Mr. Haagner^s Report was adopted.

The Draft Rules were then read and discussed. Rules 4
and 13 were amended, and, on the motion of Mr. Haagner,
seconded by Mr. Spicer, were finally adopted in their
entirety.

The election of office-bearers, with their proj)Osers and
seconders, were, on the motion of Mr. Griffin, seconded by
Mr. Horsbrugh, unanimously confirmed by the Meeting.

Some discussion took place as to the name and scope of the
proposed Journal, and it was proposed by Mr. Skea, seconded
by Mr. Ellemor, that its name should be " The Ostrich : a
Journal of South African Ornithology.'^ This motion
was passed.

The question as to whether the cohimns of the Journal
should be opeu to matters other than Ornithology was left to
the Council.

It was resolved that

" An Illustration Fund for the Journal should be
inaugurated, to which voluntary contributions might
be invited."

The following gentlemen were elected Honorary Mem-
bers :— Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe,
Capt. G. E. Shelley, F.Z.S., Dr. Anton Reichenow, and
Mr. Roland Trimen, F.R.S , F.Z.S.

A vote of tliauks to the Chairman concluded the Meeting.

Rules of the Union.
Name.

(1) This Association shall be called "The South African
Ornithologists' Union.'"

Object.

(2) The object of the Association shall be the advancement
of the science of Ornithology, and in particular of South
African Ornithology.

Alemhers.

(3) The Association shall consist of

(a) Honorary Members.
[li) Ordinary Members.

ITonorarij Members^

(4) Any person of ornithological eminence not resident
in South Africa is eligible for election as an Honorary
Member. The number is limited to 10.

Ovdiuarrj Members..

(5) Any person desirous of becoming a Member of the
Association is eligible for election as an Ordinarv Member.

VUl

Management of the Association.

(6) The affairs of the Association shall be controlled by a
Council composed of

(a) A President.
{h) Vice-Presidents,
(c) A Treasurer.
{(l) A Secretary.
(^) A Publication Committee.

(/) Five Members of the Association not holding
any of the above Offices.

Annual General Meeting.

(7) A General Meeting of all Members of the Association
shall be held annually at such place and on such date as the
Council may deem expedient. Due notice in writing of such
Meeting shall be given by the Secretary to all Members of
the Association.

Election of Offcers.

(8) The election of Officers and Councillors shall take place
at the Annual General Meeting. Any Member of the Asso-
ciation resident in South Africa is eligible for election to any
Office or on the Council. Save as provided by the provisions
of Rule 10, all Officers and Members of the Council retire
annually, but are eligible for re-election.

Election of Council.

(9) Any candidate for any Office or for Membership of the
Council must be duly proposed by one and seconded by
another Member of the Association. Every Member of the
Association present at the Meeting shall have one vote, and
in the case of absent Members their proxies may be used.
Honorary Members have no vote.

Publication Committee.

(10) The Publication Committee of the Association shall
consist of three Members, elected as above, but for a period
of throe years.

IX

Unofficial Alemher'S of Council.

(11) The five unofficial members of the Council shall be
the representative from the Cape Colony, Natal, Orange
Kiver Colony, Transvaal, and Rhodesia respectively.

Property of Association.

(12) The whole of the property of the Association shall be
vested in the Council for the time being.

Powers and Duties of Council.

(13) The Council shall control the working and funds of
the Association, shall conduct its business in whatever mode
may be most convenient, shall direct the issue of [>ublications,
and shall present an Annual Report to the Membei's of the
Association at the Annual General Meeting. The Meetings
of the Council shall be called by the President (or one of the
Vice-Presidents) and Seci'etary at such times as are most
convenient and expedient. Three Members to form a quorum.

Election of Honorary Members.

(14) Any candidate for Honorary Membership mnst be
pro])Osed by one and seconded by another Member, his
candidature must be approved of by the (Jouncil, and he can
tlien be elected by the Members at the Annual General
Meeting. Honorary Members pay no sul)scription but are
entitled to one copy of all publications of the Association.

Election of Ordinary Members.

(15) Ordinary Members must be proposed by one and
seconded by another Member of the Association and can be
elected by the Council or by the Members at the Annual
General Meeting. Ordinary Members must pay annually in
advance a Subscription of £1 Is. Od., and are entitled, gratis,
to one copy of all the publications of the Association.

(IG) Notwithstanding anything in any of the foregoing
Rules, the Council may, if it thinks it expedient in the interests
of the Association, alter or amend any of said Rules at any
time, subject to the ratification of the Members at the ensuing
Annual General Meetino-.

LIST OF OFFICEES AND MEMBEES

AS AT 1st Jaisuary, 1905.

Vice-Presidents .

Hon. Treasurer
Hon. Secretanj

President . . . W. L. Sclatee, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
(Director of the South African Museum,
Cape Town).

I Br. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S. (Director of
the Transvaal Museum and Zoological
Gardens).

Dr. S. SCHOENLAND, HoU. M.A. (0x011.),

F.L.S., C.M.Z.S. (Director of the Albany
V Museum, Grahamstown, Cape Colony).

A. Haagnek, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

A. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

{W. L. SCLATER.
Dr. J. W. B. Gunning.
J. A. S. BUCKNILL, M.A.

F. J. Ellemoe (Transvaal).
J. AVooD (Cape Colony).

Members of Council I ^- ^- Hatcharb, F.R.A.S. (Orange Eiver
Colony).
A. D. Millar (Natal).
^G, A. K. Marshall, F.Z.S. (Ehodcsia).

No.

Year of
Election.

Name and Address.

1

1904

AiTCHESON, C. S. ; P.O. Box 2641, Johannesburg,
Transvaal.

2

55

Alexander, J. A., F.E.S.Edin. ; Jeppe Street,
Johannesburg, Tvl.

3

)>

Bain, Chas. A. 0. ; P.O. Box 267, Johannesburg,
Tvl.

4

5)

Bourke, E. F. ; P.O. Box 321, Pretoria, Tvl.

5

55

Boyle, S. H., B.A. ; Johannesburg College, Johan-
nesburg, Tvl.

XI

Year of
Election

Name and Address.

1904

9

J5

10

)>

11

5?

12

5J

13

»>

14

5)

15

?»

16

5)

17

»J

18

55

19

55

20

)5

21

1905

22

1904

23

55

24

55

25

55

26

15

27

Beidgeman, Lieut. E. O. B., E.N., M.B.O.U. ;

H.M.S. ' Clio,' Australian IStatioa.
BucKNiLL, John A., M.A. ; P.O. Box 52, Pretoria.

{Editor.)
BuTTEEFiELD, "W. EusKiN, M.B.O.U. ; 4 Stauhope

Place, St. Leouards-on-Sea, Eiiglaiul.
Center, Egbert ; Southernwood, East London, C.C.
Chute, Dr. H. M. ; Hon. Director Public Museum,

Kingwilliaujstown, C.C.
Davy, J. Burtt, F.L.S. ; Govt. Botanist, Dept. of

Agriculture, Pretoria, Tvl.
Dendy, Arthur, P.L.S. ; Professor of Zoology,

S. Afr. College, Cape Town, C.C.
Douglas, A. E. ; Public Works Dept. Stores,

Pietermaritzburg, Natal.
DRiiGE, J. L. ; Secretary Public Museum, Port

Elizabeth, C.C.
Duncan, A. ; P.O. Box 1214, Johannesburg, Tvl.
Eastwood, A. K. ; Forest Eanger, Ilaenertsburg,

Tvl.
Ellemor, F. J. ; P.O. Box 1214, Johannesburg,

Tvl.
Fairbridge, Wm. Geo., M.B.O.U. ; 141 Longmarket

Street, Cape Town, C.C.
Feltham, H. L. L., F.E.S. ; P.O. Box 46, Johannes-
burg, Tvl.
Fry, Harold A. ; P.O. Box 46, Johannesburg, Tvl.
Grant, C. H. B. ; c/o S. A. Museum, Cape Town,

C.C.
Griffin, L. T, ; Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, Tvl.
Gunning, Dr. J. W. B., F.Z.S. ; Director of Trans-
vaal Museum and Zoological Gardens, Pretoria,

Tvl. ( Vice- President.)
Haagner, Alavin K., F.Z.S. , M.B.O.U. ; Dynamite

Factory, Modderfontein, Transvaal. (Secretnr)/.)
Hatchaed, J. G., F.E.A.S, ; P.O. Box 508, Bloem-

fontein, O.E.C.
Horsbrugh, C. B. ; P.O. Box 449, Pretoria, Tvl.
Jepi'e, Julius ; P.O. Box 60, Johannesburg, Tvl.

No.

28
29

30
31

32

33

34
35

36

46

Year of
Election.

1904

37

55

38

55

39

1905

40

1904

41

5>

42

'5

43

>>

44

55

45

55

Name and Address.

47

55

48

55

49

5>

50

55

Kellnee, Dr. B. O. ; Bloemfontein, O.E.C.
KiEBT, W. ; luterraed. Pumping Stn., Waterworks,

Kimberlev, C.C.
KiEKMAX, Dr, A., Touw's Eiver, C.C.
Langforb, B. C. E. ; P.O. Box 557, Pretoria, Tvl.
LiTiNGSTOXE, H. ; P.O. Box 63, Fordsburg, Joliaii-

nesburg, Tvl.
MacCausland, D. E. ; Civil Commissioner's Office,

Kimberley, C.C.
Makats, p. D. ; P.O. Box 1892, Johannesburg, Tvl.
Marshall, A. ; Curator Public Museum, Port

Elizabeth, C.C.
Marshall, Guy A. K.. F.Z.S., F.E.S. ; P.O. Box

149, ISalisbury, Mashonalaud.
Millar, A. D. ; 298 Smith Street, Durban, Xatal.
Pease, Sir Alfred E., Bart., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ;

Barbertou, Tvl.
Percival, a. B., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ; Nairobi,

Br. East At'r. Protec.
PiTTAR, A. 0. ; P.O. Box 5627, Johannesburg, Tvl.
Powell, W. J. ; " Leader " Office, Johannesburg,

Tvl.
Ptm, Frank A. O. ; Curator Public Museum,

Kingwilliamstowu, C.C.
Egberts, Austin ; P.O. Box 126, Potchefstroom,

Tvl.
Egberts, C. C. ; P.O. Box 1645, Joliannesburg, Tvl.
Eoss, Alex., F.Z.S. ; P.O. Box 1461, Johannesburg,

Tvl.
ScHGENLAND, Dr. S., Hoa. M.A. (Oxoa.), F.L.S,,

C.M.Z.S. ; Director Albany Museum, Grahams-
town, C.C. (Vice-President.)
ScLATER, W. L., M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ; Director

S. A. Museum, Cape Town, C.C. (President.)
SiiORTRiDGE, Guy C. ; c/o S. A. Museum, Cape

Town, C.C.
SiCE\, Ernest M. ; P.O. Box 373, Pretoria, Tvl.
Sparrow, Major E., M.B.O.U.; 7th Dragoon Guards,

Eookwoods, Sible Headingham, Essex, England.

xin

No.

51
52

63

54
55
56
57
53

59

Year of
Election.

1904
1905

1904

1 1904

2

3

4

5

Name and Address.

Spicer, Newton ; P.O. Box 557, Pretoria, Tvl.
Stbnning, a. N. ; Trout Actlimatisation Society,

Potchefstroom, Tvl.
Swinburne, John, M.B.O.U ; Ilaenertsburg, Tvl.
SwiNNY, H. H. ; Qiimbu, G-riqualand East, C.C.
Stmonds, Dr. Edmund ; Kroonstad, O.E.C.
Taylor, Lionel E. ; Govt. Nurseries, Irene, Tvl.
Unkles, a. p. ; P.O Naauwte, Zoutpansberg, Tvl.
Warren, Dr. E. ; Director Natal Museum, Pieter-

iiiaritzburg, Natal.
Wood, John ; P.O. Box 40, East London, C.C.

Hon. Members.

Eeichenow, Prof. Dr. AtvTon; K^L Zoolngisdien

Museum, Berlin, Germany.
ScLATER, P. L., M.A., D.ric, F.R.S., &c. ; Odiham

Priory, Winchfield, Hants, England.
Sharpe, Dr. R. B., E.L.S.. F.Z.S. ; British Museum,

London, S.W., England.
Shelley, Capt. G. E., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.; 39 Egerton

Gardens, London, S.W., England.
Trimen, Roland, r.B.S.,F.Z.S.,&c.; c/o 11 ChanJos

Street, Cavendish Square, Loudon, W., England.

XIV

Heport of Special General Meeting.

The S))ecial General Meeting was held in the Transvaal
Museum, Pretoria, on Saturday the 5tli November, 1904, at
4 P.M. There was a small attendance ; Mr. J. A. Bucknill
was elected to the Chair. The Hon. Secretary stated that
the object of the Meeting was to reconsider ihe name chosen
for the Journal at the last Meeting of the Union, owing to
the large number of Members who had taken exception to
the title. After considerable discussion it was proposed by
Mr. Spicer, and seconded by Mr. Skea, that the name of
the Journal should be simply " The Journal of the
South African Ornithologists' Union.-'-' This motion
was unanimously carried.

It was also recommended that the publication of the first
number should be proceeded with as soon as possible.

The following gentlemen were elected Ordinary Members
of the Union : — Messrs Julius Jeppe, C. H. B. Grant,
A. N. Stenning, and Dr. Kirkman.

THE JOURNAL

OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

Vol. I. JULY 1905. No. 1.

I. — Address delivered by the Chairman, Mr. W. L. Sclater,
M.A., at the Inaugural Meeting.

Befoee commencing my address, let me congratulate you
all who are here on your presence to-day at the founding of
our proposed new Society or Union for the study of South
African ornithology.

I am sure that you will all join with me in wishing it a
long and prosperous life, and that by its means our know-
ledge of South African ornithology — now, alas ! in a very
backward state — may be increased and furthered.

In this respect South Africa offers a strong contrast not
only to the United States, but also to India and Australia,
although South Africa has had a white population settled
here for so much longer than either ; but I hope that the
stimulus offered by our new Union, and by our proposed
journal, will bring together our hitherto scatt(;red naturalists,
and will encourage them to keep careful records of their
observations and to publish them.

The oldest and most celebrated of the societies similar to
the one we are proposing to start is undoubtedly the British
Ornithologists' Union, which was established in 1858 by a
small band of gentlemen interested in the study and progress
of ornithology, chief among whom were the late Lords Lilford
and Waldeu, John Henry Gurney, and Osbert Salvin; while

VOL. I. 1

2 Inaugural Address.

Canon Tristram, Professor Newton, and my father, Mr. P.
L. Sclater, still survive among the original members.

The chief object of the Union was to sujiply a journal or
organ whereby the Members and others " might more readily
bring before the public the results of their labours, discoveries,
and observations in diiferent parts of the world." Such an
organ was provided in ' The Ibis/ a journal which has been
issued in quarterly parts ever since 1 859, and which contains
an amount of information on all branches of ornithology such
as has never been before or since brought together. So far
as I am aware, there is no complete set of this indispensable
publication to be found in South Africa, though in the Public
Library in Capetown there is a set complete but for the
first two volumes for 1859 and 1860. It is to be hoped that
one of the objects of our present Union will be to start an
ornithological library and that this library will obtain, as
soon as funds allow, a complete set of ' The Ibis.'

Other countries have followed England's example ; in fact,
Germany was before us, where Cabanis founded his ' Journal
fiir Ornithologie ' in 1853, which is now under the able editor-
ship of Dr. Anton Reichenow, of the Berlin Natural History
Museum. In America the Nuttall Ornithological Club issued
its Bulletin from 1876 to 188.''), after which the name of the
journal was changed to the ' Auk/ and is now edited by
Mr. J. A. Allen, for the American Ornithological Union.

A more recent magazine is the Australian ' Emu,'' the first
part of which w-as only issued in 1 901 ; while in India, under
the editorship of Mr. Allan 0. Hume, there were published
between 1873 and 1899 twelve volumes of a journal exclu-
sively devoted to the ornithology of that dependency, which
form a storehouse of information to the bird-lover of the
Orient.

The time seems ripe, therefore, to endeavour to bring our
knowledge of our native South African birds up to the
standard of other civilised countries : and there can be little
donbt that the formation of a society or club and the
publication of a journal will be the best means of stimulating
and focussing all future work on the subject.

Tnaugxtral xXddress. 3

SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS.

Le Vaillant.

I propose now to recall to your minds a few of our
more illustrious predecessors, to whom we chiefly owe
what knowledge we now possess of South African orni-
thology.

The first of these is undoubtedly the Frenchman, Francois
le Vaillant (1753-1824) : this celebrated sportsman and
naturalist was born at Paramaribo, in Dutch Guiana, in
1753. His father was a wealthy merchant of that place,
who originally came from Metz, then in France, and was
the Acting French Consul. When only ten years old,
Le Vaillant was sent to Holland, and from there returned
to France, and rejoined his parents there. He early evinced
a great taste for natural history, and employed a great deal
of his time hunting and collecting birds. Finally he deter-
mined to go to Africa for this same purpose. He embarked
from Texel, in Holland, at the end of 1779, and did not reach
the Cape till early in 1781, having been more than a year
making the voyage. He spent three months at the Cape,
and made a celebrated journey to Saldanha Bay, where he
stayed on board the ' Middelburg,' one of the ships of the
Dutch fleet, which was ordered in that year to retire there
to avoid the English expedition under Commodore Johnston.
The English squadron, however, appeared, and all the Dutch
fleet was captured except the ' Middelburg,' which was fired
by her skipper. Van Glennep, and sunk in the shallow water
of the bay. Poor Le Vaillant made his way back to Cape-
town on foot, having lost his collections and most of his
possessions. However, he found some friends, who assisted
him, and after equipping himself with a wagon and all the
necessary paraphernalia for an extended journey, he started
off" on his eastern trip towards Kafiirland, which lasted for
sixteen months ; he travelled along the south coast of the
Colony, not far from the coast, but apparently did not get
much further east than the Great Fish River ; on his return

1*

4 Inaugural Address.

he took a more northerly course through what is now the
Somerset East district and the Karroo.

In 1783 he went another journey into the interior, this
time travelling northwards towards the Orange River : he
does not appear to have gone much beyond that point, but
he obtained a giraffe, ot" which he was very proud, and which
finally found a resting-place in the Paris Museum.

Le Vaillant returned to France in 1784, and prepared
accounts of his travels and of his collections ; the travels
were published in 1790, and went through many editions,
besides being translated into several other languages. The
book, however, that chiefly concerns us here is the celebrated
'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d'Afrique,' in six quarto
volumes, published in Paris between 1799 and 1808. This
sumptuous work, illustrated by 300 coloured plates prepared
under the author's eye by the celebrated French artist,
Barraband, contains descriptions of 284 birds. Unfortunately,
whether owing to loss of part of his collections or of his
notes, or, perhaps, owing to his trusting too much to in-
formation imparted to him by untrustworthy people, his
statements as regards some of his birds are by no means
reliable. A valuable commentary and criticism on Le Vail-
lant was published by Sundevall in 1857. He divides the
284 species as follows : —

Birds accurately described by Le Vaillaut and easily
recognisable as from South Africa 134

Birds probably from South Africa, but with faulty
descriptions 9

Doubtful birds, not recognisable from the descriptions
given ; • • 10

Birds stated by Le Vaillant to have been obtained in
South Africa, but which almost certainly come
from elsewhere 50

Birds described by Le Vaillant and stated by him to
have been obtained in countries other than South
Africa 71

Birds almost certainly artificially made up and not
existing in nature 10

284

Inaugural Address. 5

Notwithstandinor, however, Le Vaillant's obvious errors
and misapprehensions, many, i£ not most, of his observations,
especially on the habits o£ Cape birds, have been confirmed
by subsequent observers, and there is no reason to reject his
whole work as unworthy of credence because he fell into a
certain number of errors.

BURCHELL.

The next visitor to South Africa who devoted special
attention to birds was William John Burchell (1782-18()3).
The son of a nurseryman at Fulham, he received as a
young man an appointment of schoolmaster in the island
of St. Helena ; while there he prepared himself assiduously
for his proposed journey to the interior of South Africa.
He landed in Table Bay in 1810, and shortly afterwards
started for the interior. Crossing the Orange River near
its junction with the Vaal, he reached Klaar water, now
called Griquatown, and subsequently Old Lattakun, not very
far from Kuruman. The published account of his travels
ends here ; but he spent three more years in Africa, and did
not return to England till 1817. He brought back with him
a very large collection of animals and plants ; the former
were deposited in the British Museum, where, however, they
were not taken very good care of or appreciated. The
account of his travels in two quarto volumes, beautifully
illustrated by drawings made by himself, was published in
1822 and 1824, and is, perhaps, the most accurate and
painstaking record ever produced dealing with South Africa.
Burchell did not devote special attention to birds, though he
must have brought back a good many specimens with him ;
he mentions a good many in his book, and describes a certain
number as new, while others were described by Sir William
Jardine and other ornithologists of the period. Burchell
subsequently travelled in South America, between the years
1825 and 1829, and finally died at Fulham in 1863.

Burchell's merits never seem to have met with the appre-
ciation they deserved ; the only recognition of his genius
was the bestowal of an honorary degree of D.C.L. by the

6 Inaugural Address.

University of Oxford in 1834. All his observations and
records were obviously most carefully made, and can be
implicitly relied on.

Sir Andrew Smith.

Andrew Smith, afterwards Sir Andrew Smith (1797-
1872), came to the Cape in 1821 as a medical doctor, in
the employ of the military, and remained in this country
for 16 years. He devoted a good deal of attention to natural
history, and was the hon. curator of the museum founded as
early as 1826 by the then Governor, Lord Charles Somerset.
In 1831 he made an expedition, accompanied by the botanist,
Drege, eastwards through Kaffirland and Zululand to Delagoa
Bay ; and in 1834 to 1836 another journey into the interior
to the head waters of the Orange River, in what is now
Basutoland, ^nd further north to the Lim]jopo. The results
of these journeys are described in the ' Illustrations of the
Zoology of South Africa,' completed in four volumes.
Of these the second, consisting of 114 plates, with corre-
sponding descriptive letterpress, is devoted entirely to
birds ; in it a large number of species are described for
the first time, while others are figured and more completely
defined and made known.

The illustrations were published subsequently to Sir An-
drew's return to England ; where he became Director-
General of the Army Medical Department in 1853, resigned
on a pension in 1858, and died in 1872.

Andersson.

Charles John Andersson (1827-1867) was born in the
province of Wermeland in Sweden in 1827, and early
evinced a taste for natural history. Visiting England in
1849, he met Mr. Francis Galton, who was at that time
arranging for a journey to Lake Ngami, then only recently
discovered by Livingstone. Mr. Galton arranged to take
Andersson with him as his assistant and collector. Together
they landed at Walvisch Bay in August 1850, and spent two
years wandering about what is now German South-west

I nail (jural Address. 7

Africa, but without reaching Lake Ngami. In 1852 Galton
went home to England, and Andersson resumed his travels,
and shortly afterwards reached the lake. With the exception
of a short visit to Europe in 1854, he spent the rest of his
life in Damaraland and Namaqualand, travelling and col-
lecting. Finally, worn out by illness, caused by hardships
he had undergone, he died on July 5, 1867, in the wilds of
Ovampoland, where his remains were interred in a sand hill
by his Swedish friend and follower. Axel Eriksson.

Although Andersson had spent a great deal of time over
the composition of his work on the avifauna of South-west
Africa, he never lived to complete it ; but after his death
his notes and manuscript, together with the bulk of his
collections, passed into the hands of Mr. John Henry Gurney,
who published them under the title of ' Notes on the Birds of
Damaraland,' in 1872.

Layard.

Edgar Leopold Layard (1824-1900) was born at Florence
in 1824, and was a younger brother of the famous diplomatist
and archseologist, Sir Henry Layard. He entered the Ceylon
Civil Service in 1844, and remained in that island until 1855,
when, his health giving way, he accepted a post in the Civil
Service of Cape Colony under Sir George Grey. He was
the first Curator of the South African Museum, which was
formed in 1855, chiefly owing to the exertions of the late
Mr. Charles Fairbridge and himself. In 1867 he published
the first complete account of the birds of South Africa, in
which were included " all the species then known occurring
south of the 28th parallel of south latitude." This work,
though incomplete and faulty in many respects, is, con-
sidering the collections of specimens and the books of
reference at the disposal of the author, an exceedingly
creditable one, and forms the foundation of all the modern
work on South African birds. After Mr. Layard had left
the Colony, he placed all his manuscript notes in the hands
of Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, of the British Museum, under whose

8 Inauffnral Address.

editorship a second edition of the work, thoroughly revised
and augmented, was issued in 1875-1894.

Mr. Layard held several posts in the Cape Civil Service
until 1872, when he was transferred to the Consular Service,
and was appointed to Para, in Brazil, and his connection
with the Museum was severed. He was afterwards in the
Fijis and New Caledonia, and ultimately retired, after
47 years of hard work. He spent the last part of his life
at Budleigh Salterton, in Devonshire^ where he died on
January 1, 1900.

Mr. Layard, though he did not travel or collect much
himself, had a wonderful talent for interesting others in his
favourite subject, and in this way got together very complete
collections of birds and their eggs for the South African
Museum, and acqvtired that very extensive knowledge of the
habits of our native birds which is exhibited to such an
extent in his writings.

These five names by no means comprise the roll of South
African ornithologists ; but I fear I have already trespassed
too long on your patience. Victorin and Wahlberg, the
Swedes who collected chiefly for Sundevall, the great
Swedish ornithologist ; Delalande, Verreaux, and Dela-
gorgue, the French collectors ; Peters, afterwards the head
of the Berlin Museum, who travelled in Mozambique, must
all be passed over. So, too, the Atmores, the Jacksons,
Mrs. Barber, and many others who assisted Mr. Layard.
One of the most renowned and well-known of African
ornithologists, whose labours commenced as far back as
1859, I am happy to say is still with us. 1 need hardly
say I refer to Mr. Thomas Ayres, of Potchefstroom, who
has contributed to the pages of ' The Ibis,' in collaboration
with Mr. Gurney, 11 papers on the birds of Natal and 15 on
those of the Transvaal.

In conclusion, I may say that it is my earnest wish that
our Union should take up the work of these old pioneei'S,
and continue to add fresh observations and discoveries to the
study in which we are all of us deeply interested.

JouRN. S. A O. U., Vol. I. Pl.

I'hoto by A. D. Millar, Duiliaii.

NEST OF SMITH'S WEAVER-BIRD (.Sitagra ocularia)

Nesting- Ilahlts ^c. of South African Birds.

II. — Supplementary Notes on the Nesting- Habits and Eggs of
certain South African Birds described in Stark and Sclater's
^ South African Fauna' (Birds, vols, i., ii., & iii.). ^Y
EiCHARD Sparrow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th Draf^oon Guards.
(Communicated to and prepared for publication by Mr. A.
Haagner ; with some Notes by the latter.)

(Plates I. & II.)

1. Corvultur albicollis. (White-necked Raven.)

The clutch is usually five, not three eggs. In the O.R.O.
and Natal I have found that it lays in August.

2. BuPHAGA erythrorhyncha. (Red-billed Oxpecker.)
This species also nests in stone walls, and the eggs are of a

white ground covered with dark pink spots and blotches. It
nests from November to January.

3. Lamprocolius ph(enicopterus bispecularis. (Lesser
Red-shouldered Glossy Starling.)

Nests in November. The clutch is only three eggs.

4. Lamprocolius melanogaster. (Black-bellied Glossy
Starling.)

This bird nests on the coast of Natal in the early part of
November, and lays three pale blue-green unspotted eggs.

5. Hyphantornis subaureus. (Yellow Weaver Bird.)
The eggs of this species vary as much as those of H. spllo-

notus, and pure white, pure blue, and white and blue spotted
eggs are equally common. •

[This is also my experience. — A. Haagner.]

6. Sitagra ocularia. (Smithes Weaver Bird.)

I have found that eggs pale blue with dark spots are as
common as the white eggs spotted with red.

7. Sycobrotus bicolor. (Black-backed Weaver Bird.)
In Natal this species lays in November, and frequently

deposits four eggs.

10 Major R. Sparrow on the

8. Amblyospiza albifrons. (Thick-billed Weaver Bird.)
The entrance to the nest is halfway up one side. The eggs

usually number three^ and are either of a white ground-colour
with small red spots chiefly at the larger end or of a pinkish
ground with dark pink blotches and spots.

9. EsTRiLDA ASTRILDA. (Common Waxbill.)

There is invariably a small nest on top of the main nest,
j)resumably for the cock bird's use.

10. Amadina erythrocephala. (Red headed Weaver
Finch.)

I found a nest with two fresh eggs at Bothaville on the
31st July, 1901.

[Bothaville is in the O.R.C., on the Valsch River. —
A. Haagner.]

11. Pyromelana capensis minor. (Lesser Black-and-
Yellow Bishop Bird.)

This subspecies nests on the hill-sides in Upper Natal in
long grass and small bushes, about three feet from the
ground, in the early part of December, and lays three to
four eggs resembling those of P. capensis.

12. Coliopasser ardens.

The Red-collared Widow Bird usually makes its nest in
long grass on hill-sides, frequently in company with Fyro-
melana capensis minor and C. procne (Great-tailed Widow
Bird). The eggs, laid in December, are of a bluish-green
ground-colour spotted all over with blue-black, especially at
the larger end. Clutch three.

13. Passer diffusus. (Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.)
A pair of these birds built in the verandah of a house at

Newcastle, Natal ; and on the 7th December, 1902, I took
three eggs slightly incubated. They w^ere covered with
blackish-brown blotches and streaks, and resembled in size
and shape the eggs of the English P. montanus (Tree-
Sparrow) and were a good deal smaller than the eggs of
P. arcuatus (Cape Sparrow). The nest was untidy, and
composed of grass lin(Mi with feathers.

Ncstiiiij-Uahits S^r. of South African Binls. 11

14. Fringillaria tahapisi.

In Upper Natal the Rock Bunting lays, in January and
February, a clutch of three eggs of a pale blue ground-colour,
covered all over, especially at the larger end, with spots and
blotches of reddish brown.

15. Spizocorys conirostris. (Pink-billed Lark.)

I found this bird common in the Lindley District of the
O.R.C. It makes a small round cup-shaped nest, let into
the ground, usually close to the broad leaf of a weed. Eggs
rarely more than two in number and very small, being of a
white ground spotted all over with dots of greyish brown,
frequently forming a ring at the larger end. It lays in
December.

16. Certhilauda rufula. (Rufous Long-billed Lark.)
This species is very common in the O.R.C, and nests from

August to December. Clutch usually three, sometimes only
two eggs ; they are of a pale cream ground-colour spotted
with yellowish-brown dots, frequently forming a ring round
the larger end ; they are hard to distinguish from the eggs
of T. cinerea (Red-capped Lark). It lays from August to
December.

17. Nectarinia famosa. (Malachite Sunbird.)

In Upper Natal builds a second nest in February or
March, generally in the scrub alongside rivers and spruits,
and frequently lays three eggs.

18. EuROCEPHALUS ANGUITIMENS. (White-crowned Shrike.)
Two eggs of this species were taken by Mr. P. Krantz at

Matlabas in 1894. They are larger than those of L. collaris
(Fiscal Shrike), and are of a cream ground sparingly blotched
with olive-green.

[Matlabas River is in the North-western Transvaal. —
A. Haagner.]

19. NiLAUS BRUBRU. (Brubru Shrike.)

This Shrike builds, iu the middle of October, a nest in the
fork of a camel-thorn or other tree, fifteen to twenty feet
from the ground. In external appearance it resembles the

12 Major R. Sparrow on the

nest of P. moUtor (White-flanked Flycatcher), but is larger
and flatter, and is composed o£ the ends of small twigs and
weeds strengthened by twine and cobwebs and covered
externally with lichen. It is lined with lichen and leaf-stalks.
The clutch consists of two eggs only, of a white ground-colour
covered and blotched all over with dark brown.

20. Laniarius quadricolor. (Four-coloured Bush-Shrike.)
The eggs found by me were of a blue ground, spotted,

chiefly at the larger end, with pale brown, and resembled the
eggs of D. ferruglneus (Greater Puflf-back Shrike). Its
nests are built in dense thickets and are very difficult to
find. It lays in the early part of December.

[In vol. ii. of Stark and Sclater's ' Birds of South Africa,'
at p. 36, Mr. Millar, a thoroughly reliable observer, describes
the eggs as being " white delicately marked with grey-
brown streaks and splashes at the obtuse end;" so it would
appear that the eggs of this bird are subject to variation. —
A. Haagner.]

21. Andropadus impoetunus. (Sombre Bulbul.)

The clutch consists of two eggs of a pale cream ground-
colour, with a few lines and spots of yellowish brown, usually
forming a ring at the large end. It lays in November.

22. Chlorocichla flaviventris. (Yellow-bellied Bulbul.)
Clutch usually two eggs, which resemble those of Phyllo-

strophus capensis (Capo Bristle-necked Bulbul), and can
generally only be distinguished from them by their larger
size. This species lays in November and December.

23. Bradypterus bab^cula. (Babbling Reed-Warbler.)
This bird does not lay until the end of November or the

beginning of December in Natal. I have never found more
than two eggs in a clutch.

24. Prinia iiypoxantha. (Saffron - breasted Wren -
Warbler.)

This species makes a deep purse-shaped nest, composed
entirely of a broad seedy grass, some of which is stitched
to the nearest leaves. The entrance is near the top. It

N e filing -I Libit s &;c. of Stmth African Birds. 1.'3

nosts from October to January. The nest is usually in
bushes or trees near a river, and about four feet from the
ground. The clutch is from three to four eggs, of a bluish
green, covered, especially at the large end, with minute russet
spots, and resembling the eggs oi Pratincola torquata (South
African Stone-Chat).

25. CiSTicoLA TEKKESTRis. (Wren Grass- Warbler.)
Eggs of this species of a bluish-green ground-colour

spotted with large and small spots of slaty purple are as
common as white-spotted varieties.

[This is a fairly common bird at Modderfontein, near
Johannesburg. The above variation was first noticed by
me in 1899, when I found at least half a dozen nests con-
taining eggs of the above-mentioned colours. — A. Haagner.]

26. Sphenceacus natalensis. (Natal Grass-Bird.)

This species nests in December. The eggs are similar to
those of S. africanus (Cape Grass-Bird), and number three
or four to the clutch.

27. TuRDUS litsipsirupa. (Ground-scraper Thrush.)
The nest of this bird closely resembles that of T. iliacns

(Missel-Thrush). I found a nest in a willow-tree, in a fork
quite thirty feet from the ground. It also nests in low
mimosa-trees. The clutch consists of three eggs of a pale
blue ground-colour, not white. It lays in September and
November.

[The only previous record of the egg of this species is that
of a single specimen taken by a Mr. Lucas at Rustenburg,
Transvaal, and said to be of a shiny white ground spotted
with very dark and very pale purplish-brown blotches
(Stark and Sclater's ' South African Fauna,^ Birds, vol. ii.
p. 174).— A. Haagner.]

28. MoNTicoLA EXPLORATOR. (Sentinel Rock-Thrush.)
At Mooi River, on the 1st October, 1903, I found a nest

of this species under a flat stone on the side of a kopje, which
contained three bright blue very pointed oval eggs without
any spots — quite different to eggs of M. rupesfris (Cape Rock-
Thrush), although the nest was similar.

14 Major R. S])arro\v on the

29. Thamnol^a cinnamomeiventris. (White-shouldered
Bush- Chat.)

This bird occurs at Waschbank, Howick, and Inchanga,
all in Natal, but is nowhere plentiful. The nest is usually
inside an old nest o£ U. cucullata (Larger Stripe-breasted
Swallow), with the tunnel broken away and the entrance
enlarged, and is composed of coarse grass and roots and
lined with wool. I found one nest on a ledge inside a
small cave amongst steep rocks. Five other nests were
inside old nests of H. cucullata. The clutch consists of
three eggs of a pale blue ground spotted all over with
small spots and blotches of purple-brown, forming a ring
round the obtuse end. It nests in early October.

30. Cossypha bicoloe. (Noisy Robin-Chat.)

I found a nest of this species in a big yellowwood-tree at
Balgowan, in Natal, on the 15th November, 1903. It was
built in a cavity on the side of the tree about twenty feet
from the ground, and was concealed by small ferns. The
nest resembled that of C. nataletisis (Natal Robin-Chat).
The eggs, three in number, slightly incubated, were of a uni-
form dark olive-green, and larger than those of C. natalensis.

31. Cossypha signata. (Brown Robin-Chat.)

At Clairmont, near Durban, on 23rd November, 1902,
Mr. A. D. Millar found two nests of this species in old
stumps ten feet from the ground in thick bush. One nest
contained two eggs, hard set ; the other, one fresh egg.
They are Oi" a bluish-grey ground-colour, covered with large
reddish-brown spots and blotches.

32. Pachyprora capensis. (Cape Flycatcher.)

Fairly common throughout Natal, especially in the thorn-
trees, where it lays two eggs only, in the early part of
October.

33. (X^iTiLE cincta. (Banded Sand-Martin.)

This Sand-Martin does not lay in Upper Natal until the
end of NoA'ember or beginning of December. Two or three
eggs form the clutch.

JOURN.S.A.O. U.,VOL. I.Pl. II

Photo by A. D. Millar, Durban.

NEST OF CAPE FLYCATCHER (Pachyprora capensis).

Nesting-Habits ^'c. of South African Birds. 15

34. HiRUNDO ATROC^RULEA. (Blue tSwallow.)

This bird is fairly common near Balgowan (Natal) close to
the yellowwood-trees ; it also occurs at Gilletts and Pine-
town in Natal, but is very local. It builds a small open cup-
shaped nest of mud and grass against the roof of a large
ant-bear hole about three feet from the entrance : it is lined
with grass and feathers. The clutch consists of two ep-ffs,
which vary considerably in size and shape. They resemble
those of IT. smithi (Wire-tailed Swallow), but the spots and
blotches usually form a ring round the obtuse end. Nestino-
commences in December and lasts till the beginning oi
March.

35. HiRUNDO SEMIRUFA. (Rufous-breasted Swallow.)
Mr. Austin Roberts has sent me a clutch of four eggs of

this bird, which he says also nests in ant-bear holes. They
are white and resemble the eggs of II. cucullafa (Larger Stripe-
breasted Swallow). He took the clutch at Potchefstroom on
the 4th December, 1903.

36. Irrisor viridis. (Kakelaar.)

Near Durban on the 6th December, 1903, I found a nest
of this bird with four young just hatched. The nest was in
an old hole oi Lybius torguatus (Black-collared Barbet).

37. Alcedo semitorquata. (Half-collared Kingfisher.)
At Newcastle, Natal, on 8th October, 1902, 1 found a nest

of this species containing four half-fledged young : the nest-
hole was under a small willow about three feet above the
water, and was as foul as Kingfishers' nests usually are.

38. BucoRAx cafer. (Brom-vogel.)

Mr. Graham Hutchinson very kindly gave me two eo-gs
of this bird taken from the same hole visited by the late
Dr. Stark at Boschfontein, near Balgowan, Natal (Stark and
Sclater, Fauna of S. Africa, Birds, vol. iii. p. 105) ; they
were collected in October 1902, and were quite fresh, being
pure white and covered with tubercles.

39. Lophoceros melanoleucus. (Crowned Hornbill.)
In Natal this bird nests in October and November.

IC Major R. Sparrow on the

40. LoPHOCEEOS ERYTHRORHYNcnus. (Red-billed Horn-
bill.)

Two clutches of eggs of this species were taken by Mr. P.
Kranz at Pienaar's River, Transvaal, in October 1893.
Their coloration is a dirty white, and they resemble the eggs
of Z-. melanoleucus (Crowned Hornbill), but are a good deal
smaller. Three to four eggs form the clutch. The eggs are
now in the Pretoria Museum.

41. Geocolaptes olivaceus. (Ground- Woodpecker.)
According to my experience, the usual number of the

clutch appears to be two or three, not four or five.

42. Campothera bennetti. (Bennett's Woodpecker.)
Five eggs of this species, taken by Mr. P. Krantz at

Matlabas in 1894, are white ovals, a little smaller than those
of C. ahingdoni (Golden-tailed Woodpecker).

43. Iynx ruficollis. (South African Wryneck.)

Very common at Waschbank, Natal. It lays three eggs
in old holes of Woodpeckers, or in a natural hole. The eggs
are smooth, white, and almost perfect ovals ; it nests from
the middle of August till the middle of October.

44. Barbatula pusilla. (Tinker Bird.)

I took two fresh eggs of this species — small white ovals —
from a dead limb of a mimosa, about ten feet from the
ground, at Waschbank, Natal, on the 5th November, 1902.

45. Trachyphonus cafer. (Le Vaillant's Barbet.)

This species is fairly common in the thorns near Waschbank.
On the 23rd October, 1903, I found a nest in a hole in a
camel-thorn, about two feet from the entrance, containing
four hard-set eggs which were laid on the chips. (I caught
the cock bird on the nest.) Another nest containing three
efffs was taken on the 5th November, 1903, in the same
locality. . The eggs are white ovals, rather rough, and half
as large again as the eggs of L. torquatus (Black-collared
Barbet) .

I^e sting- Habits 8fc. of South African Birds. 17

46. Chrysococcyx cupreus. (Didric Cuckoo.)

I have taken five eggs of this species this season, all from
nests of S. capensis caffra (Eastern Cape Weaver Bird),
which lays blue eggs only. All the five eggs of the Cuckoo
were of a bluish-green ground-colour thickly spotted with
slaty brown. Mr. A. D. Millar and Mr. Austin Roberts
both corroborate this view that the eggs are not white.
They lay in December.

[I took three eggs from the nests of H. velatus (Masked
Weaver Bird) on the Yokeskei River near the ford of the
Johannesburg-Pretoria road, on the 17th November, 1903.
The coloration of these eggs was, strange to say, very
similar to that described by Major Sparrow. I will give
more details of this case on some future occasion. —
A. Haagner.]

47. Gallirex porphyreolophus. (Purple - crested
Lourie.)

Mr. H. Millar took a nest of this species on the 16th
November, 1902, at Clairmont near Durban, containing three
large chalky-white eggs. The nest was like that of a large
Dove^s.

48. Falco biarmicus. (South African Lanner.)

Very common at Potchefstroom (Transvaal) and Harrismith
(O.R.C.), and common near most krantzes in Upper Natal.
This Falcon lays from July 15th till August 1,5th, and the
clutch consists of three or four large roundish eggs very
similar in shape and markings to the eggs of T. rupicolus
(South African Kestrel). In the Potchefstroom district it
occupies the deserted nests of a Vulture, Crow, or large
Kestrel. Near Harrismith (O.R.C.) and in Upper Natal it
lays its eggs in a hole or ledge of a cliff usually inaccessible
without ropes.

49. AcciPiTER RUFiVENTRis. (African Sparrow Hawk.)
Two clutches of four eggs each of this species were taken

by me at Mooi River on the 11th October, 1900, and the
29th October, 1903. Both were hard-set and resembled the
VOL. 1. 2

18 Mr. G. C. Shortridge on the Birds collected

eggs of the English Sparrow-Hawk (A. nisus), but are
smaller and the markings are fainter. The nest in each
case was high up in a yellowwood-tree and well concealed
by green moss.

50. PoLYBOROiDES TYPicus. (Harrier Hawk.)

Mr. H. Millar has three eggs of this species taken at the

Elandslaagte Falls, Natal, in September, a few years ago.

They are large ovals covered with blood-red blotches, almost

concealing; the white ground-colour.

III.^ — Notes on the Nest and Eggs of Coliopasser ardens
(Red-collared Widoio Bird). By F. J. Ellemor.

(Plate III.)

Whilst collecting at Witpoorje (about sixteen miles from
Johannesburg on the Randfontein line) on the 4th December,
1904, in company with my friend Mr. Duncan, I found the
nest and eggs of C. ardens. The nest was built amongst the
fine long grass and weeds about 18 inches from the ground
and measures 4| by 3j inches; it is kidney-shaped, with
the opening on one side near the top, and is constructed of
fine grass, with the heads attached and woven towards the
inside of the nest. The grass-heads at the top of the opening
are woven into the growing grass, being thus attached to it
and forming a canopy. The eggs were three in number, of
a greenish blue blotched with slate-colour overlaid with
olive-brown (whilst fresh). They have since faded to a
duller tint. Two measure 0*81 X 0*55 inch and oneO'77x
0"51 inch.

IV. — Birds collected cmd observed around Hanover^ Cope
Colony, from July 20th to the end of September li)03.
By Guy C. Shortridge.

[The birds here described by Mr. Shortridge are now in the
South African Museum, (/ape Town. Only those species

JOURN.S. A.O. U., Vol. 1. PL. Ill

Photo by F. J. Ellemor, Johannesburg.

NEST OF COLIOPASSER ARDENS.

and ohserved around Hanover, Cape Colony. 19

marked with an asterisk are unrepresented. The references
are to the first three volumes of Stark and Sclater's ' Birds of
South Africa" and to Sharpens edition of Layai'd's ' Birds of
South Africa.' — W. L. Sclater.]

1. CoRVULTUR ALBICOLLIS. (White-necked Raven.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 10.)

Rare : only once seen while at Hanover.

2. CoRVUS scAPULATUS. (Pied Crow.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 12.)

(Jommon : nesting on the kopjes around Hanover ; shy
and difficult to approach ; generally going about in pairs,
occasionally in flocks of about six.

3. Amydrus caffer. (Pale- winged Starling.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 28.)

Not very plentiful around Hanover, going about in pairs.
The pale wings of this bird are very conspicuous in flight,
which easily distinguishes it from A. morio (Red-winged
Starling), which it resembles in habits.

4. Spreo bicolor. (Pied Starling.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. W.)

One of the most })lentiful birds in the district. They are
great scavengers here, feeding to a large extent amongst
refuse and often collecting and flying about in big flocks.

5. Hyphantornis velatus. (Masked Weaver Bird.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 58.)

Very plentiful, gregarious. When I was at Hanover this
species was in winter plumage ; a few were just beginning
to change when I left at the end of September. The male
could always, when shot, be distinguished from the female
by the red iris, which in the female is hazel. Stark describes
the iris of the male as turning brown in the winter, but this
evidently does not happen here. //. velatus mariquensis,
which occurs near Pretoria, is a smaller bird, and the iris of
the male there is [)inkish straw-colour.

2*

20 Mr. G. C. Shortridge on the Birds collected

6. EsTRiLDA ASTRILDA, (Common Waxbill.)

(Stark, vol. i. p. 98.)
Not plentiful : irregular in appearance ; sometimes coming
and going in small flocks.

■^7. Pyromelana oryx. (Red Bishop Bird.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 126.)
Described as being fairly plentiful on banks of rivers
around Hanover.

8. Passer arcuatus. (Cape Sparrow.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 160.)

The most abundant bird in Hanover. It swarms in the
town, building large and untidy nests in the trees which line
the streets.

9. Serinus flaviventris. (Yellow-bellied Seed-eater.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 170.)

Plentiful, especially near springs and in damp localities :
gregarious.

10. Serinus albigularis. (White-throated Seed-eater.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 174.)

A fairly plentiful species, going about in pairs.

11. Alario alario. (Mountain Canary.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 179.)

More or less migratory, appearing in considerable numbers
towards the end of August : local ; collecting in flocks near
springs and damp localities and coming day after day to the
same place. They obtain their food on the ground, which
consists of seeds and vegetable matter.

12. Fringillaria capensis. (Cape Bunting.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 187.)

Plentiful among rocks on kopjes.

13. Fringillaria impetuani. (Lark Bunting.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 190.)

Not plentiful, among rocks; only single individuals observed,
occasionally with flocks of A. alario (Mountain Canary).

and observed around Hanover, Cape Colony. 21

14. Pyrrhulauda australis. (Dark-naped Lark.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 194.)

Not plentiful, going about in small flocks of about six :
very tame and easy to approach.

15. Calendula crassirostris. (Thick-billed Lark.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 202.)

Very plentiful : often found in flocks of about ten or
twelve, when they are much more difficult to approach than
are single specimens. They occasionally settle on the tops of
low trees and bushes. The crops of some specimens examined
contained white ants.

16. Tephrocorys clnerea. (Red-capped Lark.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 222.)

Very plentiful : more or less migratory ; often going
about in large flocks of several hundred, at which time they
are rather wild ; very easy to approach at other times.

17. Al^mon semitorquata. (Grey-collared Lark.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 228.)

Fairly plentiful : going about in pairs ; never found far
away from rocky ground or kopjes. The males are, as a
rule, much larger than the females.

18. Certhilauda rufula. (Rufous Long-billed Lark.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 234.)

Very plentiful : usually found in pairs, but occasionally in
small flocks of about eight or ten. This is a curiously tame
and unsuspicious bird, allowing anyone to approach within a
few feet. On rising it rather resembles a Quail in flight.

19. Anthus nicholsoni. (Nicholson's Pipit.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 249.)

Not plentiful. Rather similar in flight to A. semitorquata
(Grey-collared Lark), which frequents the same localities;
easy to approach, going about singly or in pairs.

20. Motacilla capensis. (Cape Wagtail.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 2.59.)

Plentiful except in particularly dry localities.

22 Mr. G. C. Shortridge on the Birds collected

21. Nectarina FAiiosA. (Malachite Sunbird.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 276.)

Not plentiful : arriving towards the end of August when
aloes and other plants start coming into flower.

22. CiNNYEis FTTSCUS. (White-vented Sunbird.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 290.)

Not plentiful : going about in pairs ; probably migratory
durincr the winter months.

*23. ZosTEROPS CAPENSis. (Cape White-eye.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 302.)
Not common : found in small flocks ; irregular in appeai'-
ance.

24. Parus afer. (Grrey Tit.)

(Stark, vol. i. p. 305.)
Not common.

.' 25. ^Egithalus CAPENSIS. (Cape Penduline Tit.)
(Stark, vol. i. p. 310.)
Not common.

2^. Lanius collaris. (Fiscal Shrike.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 6.)

Not uncommon in the district where trees have been
planted. The closely-allied species L. siihcoronatiis (Coronetted
Shrike) also occurs here, but the markings of the specimens
from this district are not so well defined as those from near
the Orange River, being more or less intermediate between
the two. There is no doubt that they interbreed when
they occur in the same locality, some specimens having
very faint traces of the white eyebrow which distinguishes
L. subcoronatus from L. collaris.

27. Lanius subcoronatus. (Coronetted Shrike.)

(Stark, vol. ii. p. 9.)
Not plentiful : in flight and habits exactly resembles the
preceding species.

22.7.03, ? ; 8.8.03, S-

and observed around Hanover, Cape Colony. 23

28. Laniarius gutturalis. (Bacbakiri Shrike.)
(Stark, voL ii. p. .33.)

Rare. 1.8.03, $ ; 23.8.03, ? .

29. Pycnonotus nigricans. (Black-fronted BulbuL)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. G-i.)

Fairly plentiful : the conspicuous wattle round the eye is
a bright orange-colour.

30. Parisoma layardi. (Layard's Tit-Babbler.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 76.)

Fairly plentiful among bushes on or near kopjes. It
resembles A. scita (Fairy Warbler) very much in flight,
in spite of its larger size. All the specimens of this bird
obtained by me had their heads covered with a yellow dust,
probably pollen from flowers caught whilst in pursuit of
insects.

31. Eremomela flaviventris. (Yellow - bellied Bush-
Warbler.)

(Stark, vol. ii. p. 106.)
Generally plentiful : frequenting open country ; frequently
seen on the top of some low karroo-bush ; flying on to the
nest when disturbed.

32. Sylviella rufescens. (The Crombek.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 115.)

Rare ; one specimen obtained among rocks on a kopje on
21.8.03, a male.

33. Apalis scita. (Fairy Warbler.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 122.)

Probably migratory ; it appeared quite suddenly in some
numbers towards the end of August; it flies about amongst
bushes on kopjes. It has a weak flight, and its tail, which
seems rather heavy for the bird, is spread out like a fan
whilst flying. It does not resemble A. thoracica (Bar-throated
Warbler) either in habits or movements.

34. Prinia maculosa. (Cape Wren- Warbler.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 133.)

Not common : a much more shy bird here than at the
Cape. Male, 5.8.03 ; female, 25.9.03.

24 Mr. G. C. Shortridge 07i the Birds collected

35. CiSTicoLA SUBRUFICAPILLA. (Grey - backed Grass-
Warbler.)

(Stark, voL ii. p. 151.)
One specimen seen 26.9.03.

36. TuRDUS CABANisi. (Cabanis's Thrush.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 177.)

Not common : female obtained 22.9.03.

37. Myrmecocichla formicivoea. (Ant-eating Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 186.)

Fairly plentiful : a very weak flyer ; if wounded it can
run very swiftly and will frequently make its escape down an
ant-bear hole.

38. Pratincola torquata. (South African Stone-Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 190.)

Rare around Hanover : a single pair only seen. Male
obtained 4.9.03; female 17.9.03.

39. Saxicola monticola. (Mountain Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 194.)

Frequents kopjes : very plentiful ; rather wild, going
about in pairs. I did not stay long enough at Hanover to
determine accurately the plumage-changes of the males. I
found, however, all the forms pairing with females. They
undoubtedly change from black to grey, but I believe that
the white shoulders and underparts are peculiar to individual
birds which develop during the black stage ; others never
obtain this coloration, although intermediate forms with more
or less white shoulders are common. The females also vary
as to the amount of white on the tail-feathers. The following
list of specimens obtained may be instructive : —

(1) 22.7.03, S (black form : white shoulders).

(2) 24.7.03, (? (grey: white shoulders).

(,3) 25.7.03, S (grey: without white shoulders).

(4) 13.8.03, cJ (black : white shoulders, crown turning

(5) 20.8.03, (? (grey: indistinct white shoulders).

(6) 9.9.03, c? (black : white belly and shoulders).

a^id observed around Hanover, Cape Colony. 25

(7) 9.9.03, 2 (tail-feathers, excepting two centre, entirely

white).

(8) 9.9.03, ? (tail-feathers only white at base).

40. Saxicola pileata. (Capped Wheatear.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 190.)

Migratory around Hanover : appearing in considerable
numbers towards the middle of August.

41. Saxicola familiaris. (Familiar Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 201.)

Plentiful, but not nearly so abundant as Emarginata
sinuata (Sickle- winged Chat).

42. Emarginata sinuata. (Sickle- winged Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 203.)

The most plentiful bird on the Karroo, near Hanover.
Although somewhat like S. familiaris (Familiar Chat), it
is not easily mistaken, even when seen flying ; its tail, which
is a brighter chestnut than that of its congener, and banded
with brown, is very noticeable in flight, being spread out in
the shape of a fan.

43. Emarginata pollux. (Hartlaub's Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 205.)

Not plentiful : a single pair seen ; not very easy to
distinguish in flight from the grey form of Saxicola monticola
(Mountain Chat).

Specimens obtained : ^ 9.8.03 ; ? same date.

44. CossYPHA CAFFRA. (Cape Robin-Chat.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 213.)

Not common : specimen obtained 12.9.03.

45. Eeythropygia coryph^us. (The Cape Ground-
Robin.)

(Stark, vol. ii. p. 229.)
Very plentiful : much more familiar and tame here than
at the Cape.

46. Bradyornis infuscatus. (Brown Flycatcher.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 237.)

Rare : one specimen seen; very shy; rather like a Thrush

2Q Mr. G. C. Shortridge on Birds collected

in flight. Fond o£ settling on the tops of bushes, from which
it watches for insects on the ground ; it takes short flights
backwards like a Flycatcher.

(1) 21.8.03, (? : iris dark brown ; bill and legs black.
Ants in the stomach.

47. CoTiLE PALUDICOLA. (South African Sand-Martin.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 283.)

Not plentiful around Hanover : migratory.

(1) 28.8.03, ? : iris black-brown; legs and bill dusky black.

(2) 27.9.03, ? : iris black-brown ; bill black.

48. Ptyonopkogne fuligula. (Rock-Martin.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 28G.)

Plentiful towards the end of August, a few pairs being
probably resident here and occasionally nesting in farms and
houses.

49. HiRUNDO ALBiGULARis. (White-throated Swallow.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 292.)

Arrives in considerable numbers at the beginning of
September. I saw a few individual birds towards the end of
July, which must have been either residents or very early
arrivals ; they breed here, making cup-shaped mud nests
under the eaves of houses.

50. HiRUNDO DIMIDIATA. (Pearl-breasted Swallow.)
(Stark, vol. ii. p. 293.)

Not plentiful : one specimen ; very diflicult to distinguish
in flight from the preceding species.

(1) 26.9.03, ? : iris dark brown ; bill and legs black.

51. HiRUXDO cucuLLATA. (Larger Stripe -breasted
Swallow.)

(Stark, vol. ii. p. 298.)
The latest Swallow to arrive at Hanover, coming in con-
siderable numbers towards the end of September.

52. Petrochelidon spilodera. (South African Cliff'-
Swallow.)

(Stark, vol. ii. p. 304.)
Arrives in large numbers about the middle of September.

and observed around Hanover, Cape Colon//. 27

A colony builds on one of the walls of the church at Hanover
every year.

*53. Cypselus caffer. (African White-rumped Swift.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 25.)
One specimen seen 22.9.03.

*5-i. Caprimulgus sp. ?
A species of Nightjar occurs around Hanover: not common.

*55. CoRYTHORNis CYANOSTIGMA. (Malachite Kingfisher.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 81.)
A small blue Kingfisher, most probably this species, is said
to occur on the Seacow River in the Hanover district.

56. CoLius CAPENSis. (White-backcd Mouse-bird.)

(Stark, vol. iii. p. 97.)
Fairly plentiful, but rather an uncertain visitor in this
district : gregarious.

*57. Geocolaptes olivaceus. (Ground Woodpecker.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 126.)
Rare round Hanover : one specimen seen.

58. Trichol^ma leucomelas. (Pied Barbet.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 160.)

Fairly plentiful : frequenting scrubby bush on kopjes and
in gardens ; going about singly, occasionally in pairs. It has
a loud note which is rather ventriloquial, but when seen the
bird is easy to approach.

59. Bubo maculosus. (Spotted Eagle-Owl.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 249.)

Fairly plentiful around Hanover.

60. Falco biarmicus. (South African Lanncr.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 269.)

Not very plentiful. Almost impossible to tell from F. minor
(South African Peregrine) in flight. Not easy to approach
within gunshot; but when chasing a small bird becomes very
bold and fearless, flying within a few yards of a man's head.

28 Mr. G. C. Shortridge on Birds collected

Gl. TiNNUNCULUS EUPicoLUS. (Soutli African Kestrel.)

(Stark, vol. iii. p. 276.)
Fairly plentiful.

*62. BuTEO JAKAL. (Jackal Buzzard.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 330.)
Fairly plentiful.

63. Melierax canorus. (Chanting Goshawk.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 361.)

Not plentiful. I kept a female of this species alive while
at Hanover ; it can run very swiftly. Its colour, movements,
and general appearance are very much like those of the
Secretary Bird. The specimen I kept always remained very
shy and wild, but it was not at all savage, never attempting
to defend itself when handled. Specimens obtained :
(1) 9.8.03, c? ; (2) 9.8.03, ? .

*64. Gyps kolbii. (Kolbe's Vulture.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 383.)
Occasionally fairly numerous ; at most times rare.

*65. Serpentarius secretarius. (Secretary Bird.)
(Stark, vol. iii. p. 402.)
Not common : said to occur occasionally around Hanover.

*66. CoLUMBA PH^ONOTA. (South African Speckled
Pigeon.)

(Layard, p. 559.)
Fairly plentiful in certain districts around Hanover, chiefly
near farms or among kopjes.

67. TuRTUR CAPicoLA. (Cape Turtle-Dove.)
(Layard, p. 567.)

Plentiful, but not so abundant as in some districts.

68. (Ena capensis. (Long-tailed African Dove.)
(Layard, p. 572.)

Migratory, arriving in September : not plentiful.

69. Pterocles namaqua. (Namaqua Sand-Grouse.)
(Layard, p. 594.)

Migratory : said to be plentiful at certain seasons.

and observed around ITanover, Cape Colony. 29

70. Francolinus afer. (Grey-winged Francolin.)
(Layard, p. 595.)

Local : fairly plentiful among kopjes and rocky ground.
Migratory : moves about, as a rule, in parties of about ten or
twelve.

*71. Francolinus levaillanti. (Le Vaillant's Francolin.)
(Layard, p. 596.)
Said to occur at Hanover, but, unlike the preceding species,
to keep always to the open veldt.

*72. FuLicA CRisTATA. (Red-knobbed Coot.)
(Layard, p. G21.)
Said to occur, often numerously, on the Seacow River in
the Hanover district.

^73. Balearica chrysopelargus. (Southern Crowned
Crane.)

(Layard, p. 629.)
Occurs in the district around Hanover.

74. Otis c^rulescens. (Blue Bustard.)
(Lajard, p. 638.)

Plentiful : generally found in pairs, but occasionally in
small flocks. When on the ground these birds, in spite of
their size, are very difficult to see even when the very spot
they have alighted on has been marked, whilst if they think
themselves watched they will often creep away unseen
amongst the karroo-scrub a few inches in height for a
considerable distance. When put to flight they will seldom
fly far, but they become more difficult to approach every
time they are flushed. They are generally shot with a rifle,
as it is not easy to get within gunshot in the open districts
which they frequent. The Paauw {Otis Jcori) is said to
occur near Hanover, and also a smaller species of Bustard
with a black breast like Otis afra (African Black Bustard).

75. (Edicnemus capensis. (South African Thick-knee.)
(Layard, p. 645.)

Migratory: very plentiful at certain times of the year;
crepuscular in its habits. Its wings are curiously mottled

30 Mr. G. C. Shortridge on Birds collected

and very large, which give it a great resemblance to Bubo
maculosus (Spotted Eagle-Owl) when seen flying at dusk.

76. CuKSORius BiciNCTUS. (South African Two-banded
Courser.)

(Layard, p. 654.)
Not plentiful : generally found in pairs. A very swift
runner ; when chased will seldom take to flight except when
hard pressed, and then seldom flies far.

77. Chettusia coronatus. (Crowned Lapwing.)
(Layard, p. 670.)

Mioratory : arrives in September with (Edicnemus capenxis
Laro-ely nocturnal in its habits, flying about and becoming-
very noisy on moonlight nights, and are more often heard
than seen. During the day they usually lie very close, but
after being once flushed are difficult to again approach.

78. EuDROMiAS ASIATICUS. (Asiatic Dotterel.)
(Layard, p. 665.)

One specimen obtained 14.9.03 on a dam at Hanover.

79. JEgialitis tricollaris. (Treble-collared Sand-Plover.)
(Layard, p. 662.)

Plentiful, but irregular in appearance.

80. -^GlALiTis VARIA. (Kittlitz^s Sand-Plover.)
(Layard, p. 661.)

Fairly plentiful : migratory ; arrive in September. Local.

(1) 16.9.03, 6-

(2) 22.9.03, 2 (egg half-developed).

81. ToTANUS GLAREOLA. (Wood-Sandpiper.)
(Layard, p. 690.)

A single female obtained on a dam at Hanover on Sep-
tember 5th, 1903.

82. Machetes tugnax. (Ruff.)
(Layard, p. 685.)

Two specimens obtained : one by a dam near the town, the
other on the Seacow River ; both in winter plumage.

and observed around Hanover, Cape Colony. 31

■ 83. Tringa subarquata. (Curlew-Sandpiper.)
(Layard, p. 682.)
Two specimens obtained in September on the Seacow
River, near Hanover ; both had traces of summer plumage,

*84. Geeonticus calvus. (Bald Ibis.)
(Layard, p. 738.)
Not plentiful round Hanover : a flock of about eight seen
in August, and three specimens in July.

*85. Ardea melanocephala. (Black-necked Heron.)
(Layard, p. 709.)
An occasional visitor : not so plentiful as the following
species.

86. Ardea cinerea. (Common Heron.)
(Layard, p. 708.)

There are one or two heronries amongst willow-trees on
several of the farms around Hanover.

87. Scopus umbretta, (Hammer-head.)
(Layard, p. 725.)

Fairly plentiful.

*88. Chenalopex ^egyptiacus. (Egyptian Goose.)
(Layard, p. 747.)
Fairly plentiful in the district, generally going about in
flocks of six or eight. This species or Casarca cana (South
African Shell-Duck) is said to breed in the kopjes around
Hanover. It is described as being plentiful near the Seacow
River.

*89. Casarca cana. (South African Shell-Duck.)
(Layard, p. 753.)
Not plentiful : several seen. The males, which are much
larger than the females, resemble the preceding species when
flying.

*90. Anas xanthorhyncha. (Yellow-billed Teal.)
(Layard, p. 755.)
Not common : said to be fairly plentiful on the Seacow
River.

32 A Breeding Colony of the Sacred Ibis.

Y. — A Visit to a Breeding Colony of Ibis sethiopica
{Sacred Ibis). By Austin Roberts.

Whilst travelling from Springs to Witbank I discovered a
" pan " overgrown with reeds, around which were numbers
of Herons and Sacred Ibis. Stopping for a few minutes I
observed an Ibis carrying a long rush in its mouth flying
round, evidently waiting for us to move away ; eventually it
alighted at a spot which I carefully noted but had not, that
day, time to investigate.

On the 11th December, 1904 — about a fortnight later — I
again visited the spot, and, wading in to a depth of about
4 feet amongst the rushes and scattered reeds, came across
two colonies of this species — one consisting of seven nests, four
containing three eggs and throe containing two ; the other
consisting of three nests, one of which held three eggs and
the remaining two two. The birds did not observe me until
I was quite close at hand : some were sitting on the eggs and
others standing up. The one nearest me was pulling up the
rushes near her nest and placing them round her feet ; there
were only two eggs in her nest — evidently not the full
complement.

The nests in each colony were built on a common platform
of rushes, the seven nests not covering more than 4 feet
square of space ; each nest was about from 10 to 15 inches
across at the top, being raised about 6 inches above the water,
and circular, with a depression in the centre for the eggs.
The nests were so close together that it is hard to conceive
how all the birds could sit on their eggs without getting in
each other^s way.

The eggs are of a dirty white ground-colour, becoming
darker as they advance in incubation, from the mud brought
to the nests by the feet of the parents. Some of them are
prettily marked with streaks and spots of light brown round
the thicker end, but by far the majority were hardly marked
at all.

Later in the day I found another small colony of about

Ohituary. 33

six nests, which had apparently been raided by some other
waders. On one was a full-grown Ibis, which had been
pulled to pieces ; here and there eggs and shells lay scattered;
the reeds were much trodden down, and feathers lay thick in
all directions. In a very secluded part of the pan, only
capable of being reached by the boat, was the main colony of
perhaps some seventy to eighty nests ; these contained young
only in all stages of growth.

On the 31st December I again visited the " pan " and
found that all the nests had been deserted and the egos
destroyed.

It is perhaps unnecessary to give the exact locality of this
interesting place, but it is situated not far from Balmoral
Station. Several other interesting species were also nesting
on the pan, and I discovered nests of Ardea cinerea (Common
Heron), BuJndcus this (BufF-backed Egret) , Ardea purpurea
(Purple Heron), Botaurus pusillus (African Little Bittern).
I also heard the booming of Botaurus stellaris (Common
Bittern), and observed several other waders and water-birds
of which I hope, on a future occasion, to give a more
extended account.

OBITUARY.

Mr. JOHANN VAN OOSTERZEE MaEAIS, M.B.O.U.

We much regret to have to record the death of Mr. Johann
VAN OosTERZEE Marais, M.B.O.U., which took place on the
15th February, 1904, at the early age of thirty-three. Born
in Queenstown, C.C., in 1871, Mr. Marais had already made
a name for himself as an ornithologist. He was an ardent,
indefatigable, and capable collector, and the magnificent
condition of the large collections of skins which he at
different times amassed in the course of his life proves him to
have been a most skilled and thorough taxidermist. The
quality and finish of his specimens were of the very highest
order, and a model of perfection and neatness. For some
time prior to the war, and for a short period afterwards, he
VOL. I. 3

34 Occasional Notes.

was employed by the Cape Government in the Forest
Department at Knysna, and in that capacity and that district
had ample opportunity for exercising his favourite pursuit.
Both the South African Museum in Cape Town and the
Transvaal Museum in Pretoria were able to acquire from him
large numbers of valuable specimens obtained chiefly in this
district, and it w^as here that he discovered a species new to
science, Laniarius maraisi (Marais' Bush-Shrike), described
by Mr. W. L. Sclater in the ' Ibis,' 1901, p. 183, and named
by him in honour of its discoverer. He was much interested
in and greatly in favour of the establishment of the Union,
to which he would undoubtedly have given much assistance.
He was constant in his endeavour to induce the Cape
Government to protect certain species of birds of service to
the farmer, and, by the aid of local councils and munici-
palities, succeeded in his efforts in some few districts. He
saw service during the war as a Lieutenant in Kitchener's
Horse, and on the Staff of the 6th Corps, 2nd Brigade,
Mounted Infantry. After leaving the Cape Service he had
planned, and was carrying out, an extended collecting-tour in
the north of Rhodesia, during which his death occurred from
blackwater fever at Sipolilos, a station about one hundred
miles north of Salisbury. His last collection, made on this
expedition and containing many rare specimens, has been
obtained by the Transvaal Museum.

OCCASIONAL NOTES.

(1) The Hon. Secretai-y has received extremely kind letters
from Dr. P. L. Sclater, Captain Shelley, Mr. K. Trimen,
and Professor A. Reichenow, in which they all express their
thanks to the Members of the Union for having done them
the honour of electing them as Honorary Members.

(2) Captain Shelley, whose address is 39 Egerton Gar-
dens, London, S.W., kindly offers to compare with and

Occasional Notes. 85

identify from the type specimens in the British Museum any
skins collected by Members of the Union of which they may
be in doubt, and to answer any queries upon South African
Ornithology.

(3) The thanks of the Union are due to Mr. Julius Jeppe,
Johannesburg, and Mr. E. F. Bourke, M.L.C., Pretoria, for
donations of £2 2s. each to the Illustration Fund of the
Journal.

(4) At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Johannesburg
Field Naturalists' Club, held in Lancaster Buildings on the
16th December, 1904, the Hon. Secretary (Mr. H. A. Fry)
read an interesting paper on a collecting-trip to Parys (on
the Vaal River, in the Orange River Colony), and exhibited
specimens of the eggs of Buhdcus ibis (BufF-backed Egret),
of which he had found a colony nesting in willows near
the river.

At the same meeting Mr. Duncan exhibited the eggs of
Thamnolcea cinnatnomeiventris (White-shouldered Bush-Chat),
taken from an old Swallow's nest at Orange Grove, near
Johannesburg, on October 26th, 1902 ; they are very
pale blue, marked with brown, chiefly at the larger end.

(5) In the January number of 'The Ibis' (1904) appears
the first part of a paper, by Dr. R. Bow^dler Sharpe, on a
collection of birds from the district of Deelfontein in Cape
Colony. This paper is founded on a collection of skins,
including 123 species, presented to the British Museum by
Colonel Sloggett, C.M.G., Principal Medical Officer of the
Imperial Yeomanry Hospital at that place.

The second part appears in the July number of the Journal,
and is accompanied by a coloured plate of jEgitlialus
caroli (Anderson's Penduline Tit) and JErjithalus capensis
(Cape Penduline Tit). The actual collecting was mainly

36 Occasional Notes.

effected by two convalescent Troopers of the Imperial
Yeomanry (Messrs. Seimnnd and Grant).

(6) In the former number of ' The Ibis ' appears an in-
teresting article by the present President of our Union on
" Saldanha Bay and its Bird-Islands." The jiidification of
many of the littoral species is described, and interesting
tables relating to the collection of the guano and Penguin
eggs from the various islands are shown.

(7) The April number of 'The Ibis' (1904) contains a
lengthy paper on a collection of birds from the neighbourhood
of Port St. John, in Pondoland, by Mr. Gr. C. Shortridge,
with preface and notes by Mr. W. L. Sclater. It describes
198 species, seven of which were new to Cape Colony.

(8) In the April number of the ' Journal fiir Ornithologie '
appears an exhaustive article entitled " Contributions to the
Avifauna of North-east Africa, with special reference to
the Zoogeography,^' by Carlo " Freiherr " von Erlanger.
This paper is chiefly of interest, from a South African point
of view, owing to the attention paid by the author to the
variations which occur in the plumage of Helotarsus ecau-
datiis (Batelcur) on comparison of specimens taken by him
in North-east Africa with those from South Africa.

(9) The October number of 'The Ibis' (1904) contains
an article by Major S. R. Clarke, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., entitled
" Field Notes on Birds obtained or observed at Bloemfon-
tein, O.R.C., and at Ingogo, Natal, in 1901 and 1902.''
176 species are referred to, and he records from Natal, for
tlie first time, Buteo desertorum (Steppe Buzzard).

(10) The October numljer (1904) of ' The Emu ' contains
a lengthy account of the foundation of the South African
Ornithologists' Union, and proffers its congratulations upon
its formation.

Notices. 37

(11) The thanks of the Union are diK^ to H. L. L. Felt-
ham, F.E.S. (Hon, President of the Johannesburg Field
Naturalists' Club) for a donation of £10 10s. to the Illus-
tration Fund, such donation to be allocated to the production
of plates illustrative of any hitherto unfigured birds, nests, or
eggs obtained by Transvaal collectors, and more particularly
by Members of the Johannesburg Field Naturalists' Club.

(12) The scientific and English nomenclature in this
number of the Journal is taken from the first three volumes
of Stark and Sclater's ' South African Fauna : Birds ' ; and,
for those species not included in those first three volumes,
from Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpens edition of Layard's 'Birds
of South Africa.' It is anticipated that the fourth and last
volume of the more recent work will within a few months be
issued from the pi-ess, and the nomenclature will in subse-
quent issues of this Journal follow entirely that of this
production.

NOTICES.

Geneeal.
The address of the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer
(pro tern.) of the Union is as follows : —

A. Haagner, Esq., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.,

Dynamite Factory,

Modderfontein.
Near Johannesburg, Transvaal.

Any person desirous of joining the Union should com-
municate with the Hon. Secretaiy.

The Annual Subscription is £l Is., and all Members of
the Union receive a free copy of all its publications.
Subscriptions for 1905 are now due.

VOL. I.

38 JVotices.

Copies of the Journal can bo purchased at tlie following
rates : —

5. d.
B_y Members of the Union ... 2 6 per copy
Non-Members 4 0 „

and can be obtained from the Hon. Secretory.

Editorial.

The Editors invite contributions on South x\frican Orni-
thology from all students.

Drawings (which, for the purpose of ease of reproduction,
should be, as far as possible, in line and without wash)
and photographs from nature will be gladly welcomed.
Original MSS. drawings and photographs will, if desired,
be returned, after publication, to their owners.

All documents intended for publication should be for-
warded to A. Haagner, Esq., Dynamite Factory, Modder-
fontein, Transvaal.

This Journal will be issued as often as the funds of the
Union permit, subject, of course, to there being sufficient
matter suitable for publication.

Ten copies of every paper published in the Journal will be
reserved for the author free of charge, and fifteen further
copies will be retained by the Editors and will be available
for purchase by Members of the Union at low prices varying
according to the length of the printed matter.

The Editors will be pleased to answer, to the best of their
ability, through the medium of this Journal, any questions
relating to ornithological matters, and to identify ornitho-
logical specimens submitted to them.

In cases where an imiiiediate answer is recjuired, a reply
will be forwarded through the post if a stamped addressed
envelope is enclosed with the enquiry.

The Editors respectfully draw attention to the necessity
for support to the Illustration Fund, and invite subscriptions
thereto.

Front ixjiiece.

JOURN. S.A.O.U.,VOL.l.

1 r^^^fez:^:^afi^

EDITOEIAL NOTE.

Although, for some reasons, it might have been preferable
to delay the publication of this issue of the Union's Journal,
it has been thought, after careful consideration, that it would
be desirable to issue two numbers in the current year.

A quantity of matter, which it was hoped would be
available, has, for unavoidable reasons, been temporarily held
over in order that careful verification and investigation of
certain points may take place before publication.

It is satisfactory to note that the first number of the
Journal has been received on all sides with gratification, and
it is trusted that the standard which was therein set may be
maintained in the future.

It is requested that any suggestions for the improvement
of the Journal which may occur to Members of the Union
will be forwarded without hesitation. It will be observed
that some slight alterations in the arrangement of the text
have already been eifected.

So far as can be at present judged, it is considered that
the Union should not endeavour to publish more than two
numbers annually, and it is confidently thought that if this
course is adopted the standard of the matter published and
the accuracy of the contents of the Journal can be safely
guaranteed.

W. L. SCLATER.
J. W. B. GUNNING.
JOHN A. BUCKNILL.

1st October, 1905.

THE JOURNAL

OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

Vol. I. DECEMBER 1905. No. 2.

VI. — Nates on the Water-Birds of the Zwaartkops Elver,
Fort Elizabeth, Cape Colony. By James G. Brown.

[The Zwaartkops is a tidal river and salt for a distance of
some eight or ten miles from its mouth. In addition to the
species enumerated by me below, Lieut. Whitehead has
recorded the occurrence in the same locality of Totanus
ochropms (Green Sandpiper), Totanus calidris (Redshank),
and ^gialitis cantiana (Kentish Sand-Plover). As, how-
ever, I have not observed these species personally I have
omitted them from my list.]

1. PoRZANA BAILLONI (Hermann). (Baillon^s Crake.)
(Layard, p. 614.)

Scarce ; found on the pools of the higher parts of the
river.

2. Rallus c^rulescens. (Caffre Rail.)
(Layard, p. 610.)

Fairly common ; difficult to shoot.

3. LiMNOCORAX NIGER. (Black Crake.)
(Layard, p. 618.)

Rare : this class of bird is difficult to observe ; they may
bo a good deal more plentiful than is supposed.
VOL. 1. •">

40 Mr. J. G. Brown on the

4. Gallinula chloropus. (Moor-hen.)
(Layard, p. 623.)

Scarce : resident. Very active towards evening.

5. PoRPHYKio ALLENi. (Allen's Purple Gallinnle.)
(Layard, p. 621.)

Very rare : only once obtained.

6. PoRPHYRio swARAGDONOTUS. (Green-backed Purple
Gallinule.)

(Layard, p. 619.)
Fairly common on the reedy pools near Uitenhage.

7. FuLiCA CRISTATA. (Red-knobbed Coot.)
(Layard, p. 621.)

Very common at times : lives in both the fresh- and salt-
water portions of the river.

8. PoDiCA PETERSi. (Peters' Fin-foot.)
(Layard, p. 625.)

Only one specimen seen and obtained.

■^9. AxTHROPOiDES PARADISEA. (Stanley Crane.)
(Layard, p. 628.)

A colony of these fine birds is located at Zwaartkops and
another at the Drift-sands, south of Port Elizabeth. Flocks
are often seen passing to and fro flying high over the town.

10. (Edicnemus vermiculatds. (Vermiculated Thick-
knee.)

(Layard, p. 647.)
Only a single specimen seen and shot near Redhouse.

11. (Edicnemus capensis. (South African Thick-knee.)
(Layard, p. 645.)

A common resident : I only once found a pair on the sea-
beach.

12. Chettusia coronata. (Crowned Lapwing.)
(Layard, p. 670.)

This bird is a resident, going about in pairs during summer,

* Plate : vide Frontispiece,

Watev-Binh of the Zicaavthops River. Ail

and associating with the succeeding species when it arrives
in April.

13. Chettusia melaxoptera. (Black - winged Lap-
wing.)

(Layard, p. 6G9.)
A regular winter migrant to this locality ; common and
spread all over the country.

14. Squatarola helvetica. (Grey Plover.)
(Layard, p. 658.)

A rather uncommon summer visitor.

15. EuDROMiAS ASiATicus. (Asiatic Dotterel.)
(Layard, p. 665.)

An almost regular summer visitor, arriving in large flocks.
Occurs both in breeding and non-breeding plumage. Found
on the flats away from the water.

16. ^GiALiTis TRicoLLARis. (Trcble-collared Sand-
Plover.)

(Layard, p. 662.)
Not very common. Resident. More plentiful in winter.

17. Jl^GlALiTis HIATICULA. (Common Ringed-Plover.)
(Layard, p. 660.)

Very common in summer. Occurs on the river, the sea-
shore, and the grassy flats away from water. Specimens
vary in size.

18. ^GiALiTis MARGINATA. (White-fronted Sand-Plover.)
(Layard, 659.)

A common resident. It is never found away from the
water.

19. JiIgialitis varia. (Kittlitz's Sand-Plover.)
(Layard, p. 661.)

More often found on the flats away from water. The
bulk migrate in winter ; the few remaining then become
very wild.

5*

42 Mr. J. G. Brown on the

20. ^GiALiTis VENUSTA (Fi.sch, & Reichenow). (Fischer's
Sand-Plover.)

{■= Cliaradrius venustus, Fischer & Reichenow.)
(Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xxiv. p. 286, 1896.)

This species has either only recently extended its range to
South Africa or has been overlooked by former collectors.
It was first recorded from this country by Lieut. C H. T.
Whitehead, M.B.O.U. It is now a regular visitor to this
locality in winter and is usually found on the salt " pans " ;
rarely on the river.

[This rare species has only l^een, as yet, recorded once
from South Africa (Annals S. African Mus. vol. iii. part viii.,
paper ix. p. 359, 1905), and the type specimens were
described from skins obtained in Masailand, where it inhabits
the salt lakes. As the S. African locality in which it has
already been recorded is at Port Elizabeth, there is no reason
to doubt the accuracy of Mr. Brown^s remarks, which will, it
is hoped, shortly be established by the production of specimens.
The species was first described by Fischer and Reichenow, in
the Journ. fiir Ornithologie, 1884, p. 178, as Cliaradrius
venustus {tide also Reichenow, Vog. Afr. i. p. 173, 1900). —
Editorial Note.]

21. Recurvirostra avocetta. (Avocet.)
(Layard, p. 673.)

An occasional visitor in summer. When wading in very
shallow water they draw the bill from side to side along the
bottom, but in deeper water dive their heads under water like
Ducks. When at rest the neck is drawn in Plover-like and
often one leg is slightly drawn up. I found them very
tame.

22. NuMENius arcuatus. (Common Curlew.)
(Layard, p. 692.)

Common on the river and surrounding country.

23. NuMENius PH^oPus. (Whimbrel.)
(Layard, p. 693.)

This species is not nearly so common as the Curlew. It is

JOURN. S. A. O. U., Vol. I. Pl, IV.

I'hoto liv R. H. Ivy, Cnihriiiivtown.

STRIX CAPENSIS (Grass Owl

Water-Birds of the Zioaartkojys River. 43

found with other waders on the mud-banks. I have not seen
them away from water.

24. ToTANUS STAGNATiLis. (Marsh Sandpiper.)
(Layard, p. 690.)

This is a rather scarce species. I have found them in the
company of other allied Sandpipers.

25. Strepsilas interpres. (Turnstone.)
(Layard, p. G71.)

The Turnstone is a regular visitor in small numbers during
summer. I found that when pressed they can swim well.

26. H^M..\TOPUS CAPENSis. (African Black Oyster-Catcher.)
(Layard, p. 672.)

Found in pairs : they have become rather rare of late.

27. Tringoides hypoleucus. (Common Sandpiper.)
(Layard, p. 686.)

A few of these birds can always be found in the muddy
creeks during the summer. One which I shot and winged
swam away like a Duck. When pursued in the water it at
once dived and swam under water like a Grebe, ^

28. ToTANUs canescens. (Greenshank.)
(Layard, p. 687.)

A common summer visitor to this locality,

29. ToTANUS GLAREOLA. (Wood Sandpiper.)
(Layard, p. 690.)

Met with singly or in the company of other Sandpipers.
Often only a single bird is found on the margm ol a litrlo
pool of water far away on the flats and quite away from the
river or large dams.

30. Machetes pugnax. (Ruff.)
(Layard, p. 685.)

Found in flocks all over the country ; sometimes tar from
watei'. ]t only occurs here in summer.

31. Calidris arenaria. (Sanderling.)
(Layard, p. 684.)

An irregular visitor during our summer months.

44 Mr. J. G . Brown on the

32. Tringa minuta. (Little Stint.)
(Layard, p. GSl.)

Very common in summer ; a fair proportion remain with
"US all the year round. S[iecimens are sometimes seen in the
first stages of breeding-plumage.

33. Tringa subarquata. (Curlew Sandpiper.)
(Layard, p. 682.)

Common during the summer months, a few remaining to
winter with us. Two specimens were obtained in breeding-
plumage.

34. Gallinago KiGRiPENNis. (Black-quilled Snipe.)
(Layard, p. 67G.)

Scarce on the mud-banks of the river, but more often
found on the vleis.

35. Rhynch^a capensis. (African Painted Snipe.)
(Layard, p. 679.)

This is rather a rare bird here.

36. I^YDROCHELIDON HYBRIDA. (Whiskered Tern.)
(Layard, p. 699.)

A rare and irregular visitor to the river. AVhen they
appear they spread themselves all over the country. Some-
times met with many miles from water.

37. Sterna fluyiatilts. (Common Tern.)
(Layr.rd, p. 701.)

This and the Roseate Tern visit the river occasionally, the
flocks being mixed ; this species, however, appears to be in
the majority.

38. Sterna dougalli. (Roseate Tern.)
(Layard, p. 702.)

Found in large flocks, often in company with other Terns.

39. Sterna caspia. (Caspian Tern.)
(Layard, p. 703.)

A regular visitor during our summer months. T have
never seen them in large numbers.

Water-Birds of the Zwaartkojis River. 45

40. Sterna cantiaca. (Sandwich Tern.)
(Layard, p. 702.)

Occasionally met with in small flocks.

41. Sterna bergii. (Swift Tern.)
(Layard, p. 704.)

A little more plentiful than the Caspian Tern.

42. Sterna saundersi (Hume\ (Saunders' Little Tern.)
(Saunders, Cat. B. M. xxv. p. 120, 1896.) (Cf. Sterna

minuta : Little Tern. Layard, p. 705.)
A single specimen was picked up dead near the mouth of
the river.

43. Larus dominicanus. (Southern Black-backed Gull.)
(Layard, p. 697.)

The common Sea-Gull of Algoa Bay. It is abundant on
the sand-banks of the river.

44. Hagedashia hagedash. (Hadadah Ibis.)
(Layard, p. 739.)

Sometimes common in the neighbourhood of the river.

45. Herodias intermedia. (Short-billed White Egret.)
(Layard, p. 714.)

Hather a scarce summer bird ; it, however, visits the river
every year.

46. Herodias garzetta. (Little Egret.)
(Layard, p. 716.)

A regular visitor in small numbers. I have never seen
any in full breeding-plumage.

47. BuBULCUS ibis. (BuflF-backed Egret.)
(Layard, p. 717.)

Rare on the river ; they are more often found on the veld.

48. Ardea cinerea. (Common Heron.)
(Layard, j). 708.)

Not very conmion ; they spread themselves all over the
country. A single bird is usually seen.

46 Mr. J. G. Brown 07i the

49. Herodias alba. (Great White Heron.)
(Layard, ]). 714.)

This bird is reported to occur on the river, although I have
not seen it.

50. Ardea purpurea. (Purple Heron.)
(Layard, p. 710.)

A regular summer visitor, but rather scarce ; very seldom
found in breeding-plumage.

51. Nycticorax griseus. (Night Heron.)
(Layard, p. 724.)

Scarce ; found on the freshwater part of the river. They
conceal themselves perched on trees.

52. BoTAURUS PUSiLLUS. (African Little Bittern.)
(Layard, p. 720.)

Found in fair numbers in the weedy portions of the river,
although they do not keep so much to the reeds and bushes
as the larger Bittern does.

53. BoTAURUS CAPENSis (Ayres). (African Bittern.)
(Ogilvie-Grant, Oat. B. M. xxvi. p. 257, 1808.) (Cf.

Botaiirufi stellaris : Common Bittern. Layard, p. 722.)
Found in the reed-beds of the freshwater part of the
river. It is very seldom seen. I believe it to be a local
resident.

54. Scopus umbretta. (Hammer-head.)
(Layard, p. 725.)

Common resident. Only seen singly, except during the
breeding-season.

55. Ciconia alba. (White Stork.)
(Layard, p. 728.)

These Storks are only occasionally seen ; generally in large
flocks.

56. CicoNLA NIGRA. (Black Stork.)
(Layard, p. 729.)

A regular summer visitor. It is usually seen in small
flocks — sometimes singly. They are becoming scarcer every
year.

Water-Blrds of the Zwaarlkops River. 47

57. PsEiiDOTANTALUS IBIS. (African Wood-Ibis.)
(Layard, p. 735.)

I have only seen this species twice.

58. Phalacrocorax lucidus. (South African Cormorant.)
(Layard, p. 779.)

Common, especially near the mouth of the river.

59. Phalacrocorax capensis. (Cape Cormorant.)
(Layard, p. 780.)

This is the commonest Cormorant in this locality. Found
singly, in pairs and in large flocks.

60. Phalacrocorax africanus. (Long-tailed Cormorant.)
(Layard, p. 781.)

Scarce : often found on the fresh water.

61. Plotus levaillanti. (African Darter.)
(Layard, p. 782.)

Seen only once on the fresh water near Uitenhage.

62. Phcenicopterus erythr^us. (Greater South African
Flamingo.)

(Layard, p. 744.)
Formerly very common at the mouth of the river, but I
have seldom seen them there of late.

63. Nettapus auritus. (African Dwarf Goose.)
(Layard, p. 750.)

Sometimes occurs in fair numbers on the pools of the
higher part of the river.

64. Anas sparsa. (Black Duck.)
(Layard, p. 756.)

Scarce. After very wet seasons they occur in fair
numbers.

65. Anas xanthorhyncha. (YelloW- billed Teal.)
(Layard, p. 755.)

Fairly common. This species and the Red-billed Teal
(Pcecilonetta enjthrorhyncha) are the Ducks most commonly
found here.

48 Mr. A. K. Haagner on the

66. QUERQUEDULA HOTTENTOTTA. (Hotteiltot Teal.)

(Layard, p. 757.)
Only once seen and shot near (Jitenhage.

67. PcECiLONETTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. (Red-billed Teal.)
(Layard, p. 754.)

This is the commonest Duck on- the river. I once found
a small flock on the salt water within a few hundred yards of
the sea. This is the only occasion on which I have seen any
of our wild Ducks on sea-water,

68. Thalassornis leuconota. (White-backed Duck.)
(Layard, p. 76L)

Very rare : only observed on two occasions.

69. PoDiCEPS CAPENSis (Ogilvie-Grant). (South African
Little Grebe.)

(Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. M. xxvi. p. 513, and plates vii.

& viii.) (Cf. Podiceps minor : Little Grebe. Layard,

p. 787.)

Common at times. These birds seem incapable of walking

on land and are seldom found many inches from water.

When surprised on the edge of a pool they fall forward and

flapping their wings quickly drag themselves in.

VII. — A further Contribution to the Ornithology of Modder-
fontcin, Transvaal. By Alwin K. Haagner, F.Z.S.,
M.B.O.U.

[Supplementary to three papers published previously (q. v. Ibis, 1901,
pp. 15 & 190; ibid. 1902, p. 569). J

]n 'The Ibis 'of October 1902 I published a list of Birds
found at Modderfontein. This place is somewhat peculiarly
situated, as, although geographically and for administrative
purposes regarded as in the Pretoria District, it is very much
nearer to Johannesburg, being over thirty miles from the
former town and only about ten from the latter. Owing also
to topographical changes in the neighbourhood, the bird-hfe

Ovnltliologij of Mudderfonfein, 7\ansvaal. 49

has somewhat altered within the last few years, the formation
of plantations and water-reservoirs being responsible for a
considerable number of additions to the local avifauna.

The more common species mentioned below were originally
omitted by me from my ' Ibis ' list, owing to the absence at
that time of any recent works of reference — a want now
partly filled by the publication of the first three volumes of
Messrs. Stark & Sclater, dealing with Birds, in the " Fauna
of South Africa " series.

All measurements here recorded by me were taken from
specimens in the flesh.

In my ' Ibis ' list I enumerated seventy-five species found
at or near Modderfontein.

76. Lampkocolius sycobius. (Peters^ Glossy Starling.)
Occasionally met with. Further north it is a little more

common.

77. Oriolus larvatus. (Black-headed Oriole.)

A single specimen frequented my garden for some days
during June of 1905.

78. DiLOPHUS CARUNCULATUS. (Wattled Starling.)
Several flocks have passed at various times, in pursuit of

flights of locusts.

79. SiTAGRA CAPENSis CAFFRA. (Eastern Cape Weaver
Bird.)

Fairly common. A colony bred during October and
November 1903 amongst Eucalyptus trees growing on the
shores of one of the local dams. The eggs, two to four in
number, were of a bright blue colour. Although reeds and
rushes were abundant in the locality, the birds chose the trees
as nesting-sites.

80. Pytelia melba. (Southern Red-faced Weaver Finch.)
Only one specimen : obtained in 1898.

81. Lagonosticta rubricata. (South African Ruddy
Waxbill.)

Scarce.

50 Mr. A. K. Haagncr on the

^2. Lagonosticta brunniceps. (Little Ruddy Waxbill.)

A pair frequented some dead trees, which had been

uprooted from a garden, for some weeks in June, feeding

on seeds on the around. These little birds have a sweet

twittering song.

83. EsTRiLDA ANGOLE>TSis. (Blue-breasted Waxbill.)
Somewhat scarce and local.

84. EsTRiLDA SUBFLAVA. (Orangc-breasted Waxbill.)
Fairly common at times.

85. Ortygospiza POLYZONA. (Bar-breasted Weaver Finch.)
Common : feediuff in flocks amongst the rank weeds and

grass bordering the dams and spruits.

^Q. Amadina erythrocephala. (Red-headed Weaver
Finch.)

Fairly common at times. During the late autumn of 1899
I took several nests here. This year I have not as yet
noticed them in any number.

87. QuELEA QUELEA. (Red-billed AVeaver.)

Common migrant. This bird is a winter visitor, feeding
in flocks amongst the dried weeds and on old " lands.^* It
is, however, apparently resident at Irene, twenty miles
north of Modderfontein. A migratory swarm in transitional
plumage passed Modderfontein early in February, staying
here only a few days.

88. Serinus angolensis. (Black-throated Seed-eater.)
Not common : arriving occasionally in small flocks. Very

fond of feeding on the seed-pips of the sunflower.

89. Fringillaria capensis. (Cape Bunting.)
Not common.

90. Mirafra africana. (Rufous-naped Lark.)
Fairly common.

91. Tephrocorys cinerea. (Red-capped Lark.)
Common on the veld, particularly by the side of roads and

pathways.

Ornithology of Modderfonfein, Transvaal. 51

92. Certhilauda rufula. (Rufous Long-billed Lark.)
Fairly common amongst the rocky outcrops on the veld.

93. Macronyx croceus. (Yellow-throated Long-claw.)
Occasionally met with in the company of M. capensis

(Orange-throated Long-claw).

94. Anthus pyrrhonotus. (Cinnamon-backed Pipit.)

A common resident, met with in pairs during summer and
assembling in small flocks throughout the winter.

95. Anthus rufulus. (Lesser Tawny Pipit.)

Fairly common resident : during winter occasionally
found consorting with the previous species, from which it
can be easily distinguished by its duller coloration.

96. ZosTEROPS viRENS. (Green AVliite-eye.)
C'Ommon at times. A great fruit thief.

97. Parisoma subc^ruleum. (Tit-Babbler.)
Scarce : commoner to the north of Pretoria.

98. CisTicoLA FULVICAPILLA. (Tawny- headed Grass -
Warbler.)

A scarce resident. I took a nest on the 29th December,
190.3. It was constructed of grass in the shape of a circular
pouch or pocket in a tuft of herbage, and lined with a thick
felt-like [)adding of the flower-heads of various grasses. It
contained three eggs of a pale blue, marked with a few
scattered purplish-red spots of varying size.

99. CiSTicOLA ABERRANS. (Smithes Grass-Warbler.)

A common resident. I took a nest on 12th March, 1904.
It was of the same shape, size, and texture as that of the
preceding species, but not so thickly lined. The clutch
consisted of three pure white eggs — hard set — shaped like
those of Cisticola subrujicapilla ((irey-backed Grass-Warbler)
and measured 16 x 11 mm.

100. Cisticola subruficapilla. (Gr^y-backed Grass-
Warbler.)

An abundant resident. I found a nest on 2,3rd November,
1904, coutainiug two eggs of the same ground shade as

52 Mr. A. K. Haagner on the

those of C. fulviccqnlla (Tawny-heaJed Grass- Warbler), but
marked with much smaller and more regular spots. I
obtained the female, which was identified by Mr. W. L.
Sclater, to whom it was sent. The head was of a plain
rufous colour and not streaked with dark brown.

101. TuRDUS CABANISI. (Cabanis' Thrush.)
Scarce. Apparently a resident ; specimens obtained :

(1) Adult ? : 30.12.04.

(2) Immature S ' 6.1.05.

(3) Adult ? : 28.5.05.

The second specimen (evidently only recently out of the
nest) had the breast spotted ; upper breast pearl-grey tinged
with yellow ; lower breast and abdomen light cinnamon-
yellow.

102. Myrmecocichla formicivora. (Ant-eating Chat.)
A common resident. Always seen perched on an ant-heap

or fluttering up into the air with a feeble flight.

103. C/OTILE PALUDICOLA. (South African Sand-Martin.)
Scarce.

104. HiRUNDO RUSTICA. (European Swallow.)
Common migrant. Usually arrives in October. On

29th December, 1904, I found a pair ((;?&$) lying dead
in a recess of a bank near the ford of the Johannesburg-
Pretoria road on the Jokeskei River. They h;id evidently
succumbed to a severe spell of wet and cold weather during
the previous week — a most unusual occurrence with us at
that season of the year.

105. CoRACiAS GARRULUS. (European Roller.)
One specimen obtained in December, 1902.

106. CoRACiAS CAUDATUS. (Moselikatze's Roller.)

I obtained a female in full plumage on the 28th IMay,
1904. Iris clear brown; bill black; feet and legs blackish
yellow. 1 subsequently saw a male.

107. Ceryle MAXIMA. (Giant Kingfisher.)
A ])air occasionally seen.

Ornitholof/i/ of Modderfontein, Transvaal. 53

108. Halcyon orientalis. (Peters' Kingfisher.)

I saw a solitary specimen of this bird two years ago
whilst fishing on one of the local dams. I had no gmi with
me at the time, but noted down a careful description, and I
think the identification quite satisfactory. Its large size,
which far exceeds that of any other South African Kingfisher
except Ceryle maxima, is alone sufficiently distinctive.

109. CoLius ERYTHROMELON. (Red-faced Mouse-bird.)
A common resident and our greatest fruit thief. Owincr

to the attentions of these birds our apricot crop was a very
poor one last season. They are particularly partial to this
fruit and to figs. Mr. Sclater in his ' Fauna of S. Africa :
Birds,' vol. iii., gives no description of juvenile plumage, and
I therefore append some details of an immature male shot
on the 23rd March, 1905. This specimen was flying in
company with a flock of old birds. Length 9^'g in. ; wino-
3^ in. Bill : tip horn-colour, remainder yellowish-green
merging into a slatish tinge at the base and edges ; yellowish-
green naked skin round eye ; iris dusky grey ; legs and feet
magenta ; claws black. The under surface of the body is
paler than that of the adult.

110. Iynx ruficollis. (South African Wryneck.)
Scarce: adult specimens obtained in 1902 and 1.4.05.

Iris light yellowish brown; bill horn-colour; feet and leo-s
greenish slate. Length 7| in. ; wing of in. This bird is
apparently a resident, as I have seen it in February, April,
and July. Mr. John A. Bucknill shot an adult on the
banks of the Crocodile River about twenty miles west of
Pretoria on December 26th, 1902.

111. Lybius torquatus. (Black-collared Barbet.)
Resident and breeding, though scarce.

112. Trichol^ma leucomelas. (Pied Barbet.)
Common resident.

113. CoccYSTES hypopinarius. (Black-and-Grey Cuckoo.)
This bird is only an occasional visitor to Modderfontein,

although I found it fairly conmion in February on Vast-

54 Mr. A. K. Huagner on the

fontein (a farm on the Aapies River, about six miles north
of Waterval North). They go about in pairs, and have a
harsh laughing cry.

114. Centkopus burchelli. (BurchelFs Coucal.)
A single specimen obtained.

115. Strix flammea. (Barn Owl.)

Somewhat scarce. One obtained 25th February, 1904.

116. Accipiter minullus. (Little Sparrow Hawk.)
Rare.

117. Circus cineraceus. (Montagu's Harrier.)
Rare.

118. Circus ranivorus. (South African Harrier.)
Not at all common.

119. Melierax gabar. (Gabar Goshawk.)
One seen 24th June, 1905.

120. TuRTUR senegalensis. (Senegal Turtle-Dove.)
Common resident. On the 15th March, 1905, I took a

nest with two eggs from a MacrocarjM tree. The nest was
built of the roots and ends of coarse grass with a saucer-
shaped lining of fine roots — a much more solid structure
than that usually put together by T. capicola (Cape Turtle-
Dove).

121. NuMiDA CORONATA. (Crowned Guinea Fowl.)

This bird has found its way into our plantations from the
scrub on the Jokeskei River — no doubt attracted by the one
time domesticated birds liberated there for sporting purposes
some years ago.

122. Otis c^rulescens. (Blue Bustard.)

Scarce on Modderfontein and the neighbourhood, but I
found it very common at Vastfontein near Waterval North
on the Aapies River.

Ornitholoc/f/ of Modderfontein, Transvaal. 55

123. Otis scolopacea. (Pink-coloured Bustard.)
Very scarce ; only one specimen procured — in 1897.

124. Otis ludwigii. (Ludwig's Bustard.)
Scarce. I have seen several pairs here.

125. Glareola melanoptera. (Black-winged Pratin-
cole.)

Common migrant. I have seen these birds in small parties
after a rain hawking flying ants on the wing. Their evolu-
tions in the air are extremely graceful and most interesting
to watch. On March 5th, 1905, I saw a large crescent-
shaped flock flying southwards.

12G. Parra africana. (African Jacana.)

Scarce visitor. I have seen several pairs here during the
course of the last few years, feeding on the weeds growing
in the waters of our dams.

127. Parra capensis. (Lesser African Jacana.)
One specimen seen 2nd June, 1905.

128. Tringa minuta. (Little Stint.)

A fairly common migrant, feeding along the shores of our
dams.

129. Totanus glareola. (Wood Sandpiper.)
Fairly common during late summer and autumn.

130. Hydrochelidon hybrida. (Whiskered Tern.)

A common autumn migrant. This bird was very common
during February and Marchj flying about the shores of one
of the local dams. They were then in non-breeding or
winter plumage.

131. Hagedashia hagedash. (Hadadah Ibis.)
Very scarce : one immature S procured.

132. Ibis ^thiopica. (Sacred Ibis.)
Scarce : an autumn and winter visitor.

VOL I. 6

56 On the Ornithology of Modderfontein, Transvaal.

133. BuBULCUS IBIS. (Buff-backed Egret.)
Not common.

134. CicoNiA ALBA. (White Stork.)
A straggler to the local waters.

135. C'henalopex ^gyptiaca. (Egyptian Goose.)
An occasional visitor.

136. Plectroptekus gambensis. (Spur-winged Groose.)
Several obtained from the local dams.

137. PcECiLONETTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. (Red-billed Teal.)
Common migrant.

138. AxAS XANTHORHYNCHA. (Yellow-billcd Teal.)
Scarcer than the Red-billed Teal.

139. Anas sparsa. (Black Duck.)

This pretty Duck arrived here in fair numbers in April,
and may be recorded as a common migrant to Modderfontein.
They rise readily and afford good sport.

140. Anthropoides paradisea. (Stanley Crane.)

This stately bird is not uncommon in this vicinity, but I
have never found it frequenting the dams; they may usually
be seen in pairs on the veld during the breeding-season, and
assemble in small flocks of from six to twenty individuals
during winter. I have come across both eggs and young,
the latter resembling rather closely young Ostrich chicks.
The eggs seem to vary considerably in size, shade, and
markings. The largest I have seen measure 3"937 X 2"519 in.

141. Pterocles namaqua (Namaqua Sand-Grouse.)
Common migrant.

142. Francolinus gariepensis. (Orange River Fran-
colin.)

Fairly common in the plantations and moving to the open
veld to feed at sunset.

On the Genus Pyronielana. 57

VIII. — Notes on the Genus Pyromelana (^Bishop Birds),
with reference in particular to the Seasonal Changes of
Plumage and JVidi/ication in Captivitt/ of P. oryx {^Red
Bishop Bird). By A. Duncan.

This genus is according to Sclater ('Fauna of South Africa :
Birds/ vol. i. p. 12e5) represented in South Africa by three
species and two subspecies — P. oryx (Red Bishop Bird),
P. taha (Taha Bishop Bird), and P. capensis (Black-and-
Yellow Bishop Bird) constituting the former ; whilst the latter,
P. capensis minor (Smaller Yellow-and-Black Bishop Bird)
and P. capensis xanthomela;na (Black-thighed Bishop Bird),
only differ from P. capensis in minor characteristics. Since
the publication of the above work it may be noted that
P. oryx has itself been separated into two forms differing
only, though considerably, in size : the larger form, which
retains the old Latin and English names, being regarded as
a southern type confined to Cape Colony, and the smaller,
which is known as P. oryx sundevalli (Northern Red Bishop
Bird), as occurring in Natal, Zululand, the Transvaal, Rho-
desia, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, and German South-
west Africa. A species new to South Africa, but of wide
tropical distribution, P. flammiceps (Zambesi Bishop Bird),
has been added to the list, having been procured south of
the Zambesi, and the name of P. capensis minor has been
changed to P. capensis approximans upon the authority of
Reichenow [vide ' Annals of the South African Museum/
vol. iii. part viii. 9, July 27th, 1905).

As the range of P. capensis xanthomelwna does not extend
south of Rhodesia, I have no experience of this subspecies,
and my remarks only refer to those forms of P. oryx and
P. capensis which are found in the Transvaal and to P. taha.

These birds are lovers of the borders of marshy ground,
and in their summer dress are conspicuous for their bright
and striking plumage, which, as a rule, arrests the attention
of the most casual observer. During the winter, on the
other hand, they are singularly inconspicuous in a garb of

6*

i^y Mr. A. Duncan on the

plain brown. I have for some time had these birds under close
observation in captivity with a view of following the exact
course of the changes of plumage which occur. I may state
that my aviary is eighteen feet long, eight feet wide, and
eight feet high : one half is roofed in, and the other covered
w^ith wire netting : the floor is the natural soil, in which is
placed a cement bath : the cage contains two trees and
plenty of reeds.

Under these conditions I have found that these birds
thrive well.

In their winter plumage of plain unattractive brown there
is little noticeable except that the centres of the feathers are
darker than the edges. The two sexes are then so much alike
as to render them almost indistinguishable : oryx com-
pletely throws off its summer tints, taha retains its yellow
tail-coverts and capensis its yellow rump.

In their wild state September is their moulting month,
but, for some reason which, I presume, may be due to their
state of captivity, the first signs of change of plumage do
not take place in my aviary until October.

In the male the first indication of moult is shown by the
appearance of a few black feathers at the base of the upper
mandible, but, after this first alteration, there is no definite
rule — some assuming the feathers of the head first, others of
the back or breast, and others their tail-coverts.

In this moult they change their feathers and colour with
the exception of the wings and tail. The bill becomes jet-
black, whilst the legs retain the horn-colour of the winter
dress. With the change of plumage the character of the
birds alters considerably. Many of the feathers are erected
at will, the effect being to impart a depth and intensity of
tone to the colour of which the preserved skin gives but a
poor idea.

On/.r in its summer plumage of scarlet and black becomes
extremely pugnacious and amatory, each bird selecting, as a
rule, a particular perching place, from which it endeavours
to drive any intruder, particularly of its own species. It
menaces any trespasser with every feather erect and shrill

Genus Pyromelana. 59

repetition of its harsh note. I£ the intruder happens to be
a female, it performs various amusing antics to attract
attention.

The male is far more industrious in the building of the
nest than the female. In the aviary, although supplied with
an abundance of different materials, they seem to prefer
long fine grass, but, although it is stated by Dr. Stark
(' Fauna of S. Africa : Birds/ vol. i. page 128) that the nest
is woven out of grass, my own experience has been that the
birds in the wild state invariably use strips of the leaves of
reeds for the purpose of nidification. The actual process of
nest-buildiug is extremely interesting : the bird, choosing a
suitable spot amongst upright reeds, takes a blade of grass
in its bill and perches on an upright reed-stem, holding the
grass at the same time with the foot ; it then passes the grass
round the reed-stem, brings the end under the loop and forms
a knot ; passing to the next upright it repeats the manoeuvre,
and returns in the same way to and fro till the grass-length
is used up. This process is repeated with fresh blades until
the bird forms quite a strong bar between the uprights. It
then stands on this thick strand and builds the nest from this
position. It now forms loops over its head — this being the
portico of the nest — and then, bringing the grass from the
portico in a circle, forms the back and bottom, fastening
the blades to the bar on which it stands. This forms the
skeleton of the structure. Through this framework the
bird then weaves the grass, working from the outside, and,
holding the grass close to the end with its bill, pushes it
through, always looking to see when it emerges on the other
side ; it then grasps the protruded end, pulls it through and
returns it the same way, till the grass-length is finished. In
the wild state the bird is not particular about lining the nest,
and I have found nests so thin that the blue eggs could be
clearly seen through the walls ; at the same time I have also
seen them lined with with grass-heads. Whilst engaged in
nest-building the bird keeps up a constant chatter. During
the actual period of work on the nest and for some days
after it has been completed, it will stoutly defend its handi-

''^ On tJie Genus Pyromelana.

work, but after a time suddenly appears to lose all interest
and allows it to be pulled to pieces by other birds without
concern. Oryx is a destructive bird and mischievously tears
to bits everything it can. I planted a live tree and some
reeds in my aviary, but directly a bud appeared on the tree
or a shoot on the reeds they were promptly torn off and
dropped on the ground.

I have come to the conclusion that the males are several
years old before they assume full breeding-plumage, as I
have two in my aviary which have now moulted three times
without changing their colour.

It may be asked how I can be certain that these two
specimens are really males seeing that their coloration is so
nearly identical with that of the female ; but I identify them
in the first place by their plumage being slightly darker (as
is iiLso the case with the males in winter)^ secondly by their
larger size, and lastly by their unmistakable attitude towards
the females in the breeding-season.

I am also inclined to think that oryx is not so polygamous
as is usually thought, the young males which do not assume
breeding-jjlumage often being mistaken for females.

When undisturbed but emitting its harsh notes, oryx often
interludes them with a few sweet notes like the twitter of a
Swallow — notes so low and sweet that I had^ at first, some
difficulty in identifying their author.

In the month of March the autumnal moult is commenced,
and it should at once be stated that, though the birds change
colour from their brilliant black and scarlet to dull brown,
the feathers are not cast.

With the change of colour in the feathers the bill loses its
blackness and becomes horn-colour and more in keeping with
the brown tint of the plumage. The birds also lose at the
same time much of their pugnacious character.

I may also mention that as the plumage becomes brown it
ceases to be erectile : this is most noticeable on the head,
one half of which may be brown with the feathers lying close
to the head, whilst the black feathers oj^the other half will be
standing uj) like a ruff.

JOURN. S. A. O. U., Vol, I. PL. V.

,^

Fw^^^IuIaI^v' *c

^^ ^^D

^|K^s

■

^^^HBk^^/^

^BR

^^lHMf:i?i

Photo l.y R. H. Ivv, (iraliainrtovvn.

TURACUS CORYTHAIX fKnysna Plaintain Eater or Lourie)
with Nest and Eggs.

Obltaarij. 61

Most of the previous remarks applicable to oryx may also
be applied to the other members of the genus which I have
kept in confinement, although they are much quieter and less
assertive in their manners. The nest-building o£ taha and
capensis I am unable to describe, as they have never built in
my aviary as yet.

I have never found the nest of oryx anywhere but in
reeds : capensis is riot so constant in choice of position, and
I have sometimes discovered their nests in long grass : that
of taha is generally observed well hidden in a tuft of grass
in some damp locality.

OBITUARY.

We regret to have to announce the death of the brilliant
young ornithologist and explorer Carlo " Freiherr " von
Erlanger at the early age of 34. He was born at
Ingelheim, Germany, on the 5th September, 1872, and
succumbed to the effects of an unfortunate accident whilst
driving in his motor-car on September 4:th, 1904, at
Salzburg. He was well known for his contributions on
ornithological matters to the German journals, and was
responsible for the creation of a large number of geogra-
phical subspecies, he being a systematist of the most modern
school. From his school days he was an ardent naturalist,
and at Frankfurt-a.-Maine, Lausanne, Cambridge (1895),
and Berlin, in which places his education was conducted, he
kept up his ornithological studies. His first important tour
was in Tunis (1893-4), and in 1896 he organised an expe-
dition to the Tunisian Sahara, the results of which made his
name world famous. His discoveries on this journey were
recorded in the 'Journal fiir Ornithologie^ in 1898 and
1899. His next expedition led him, with a splendidly
equipped party of associates, from Zeila on the Somaliland
coast, through Adis Abeba to Kismayu, and he brought back
no less than 8()()() ornithological specimens I The results of

(y2 Occasional ^^otes.

this journey have not yet been fully worked out, and his death
— at a moment when his own assistance in the publication of
his records would have been of the greatest value — is a sad
loss to the ornitholoo-ical world.

OCCASIONAL NOTES.

(1) The Hon. Secretary has received a letter from
Dr. BowDLER Sharpe, expressing his thanks to the Members
of the Union for having done him the honour of electing him
an Honorary Member.

(2) Mr. Lionel E. Taylor, of the Government Nurseries,
Irene, Transvaal, has been elected a Member of the British
Ornithologists' Union ; and Mr. A. D. Millar, of Durban,
has been elected as a Colonial Member of the same
Association.

(3) The thanks of the Union are due to Mr. Julius Jeppe,
Johannesburg, for a donation of £10 towards the Illustration
Fund of the Journal, such donation to be allocated to the
jtroduction of plates illustrative of Transvaal birds or their

(4) At a meeting of the Johannesburg Field Naturalists'
Club, held on the 13th January, 1905, Mr. A. K. Haagner
read an interesting paper upon the economic value of some
of the commoner South African birds. In the discussion
which subsequently arose the action of the Transvaal Game
Protection Association in suggesting the offer of a reward
for the destruction of all birds of prey was strongly
condemned.

(.5) The Annual General Meeting of the Johannesburg
Field Naturalists' Club was held in Norwich Union Buildino;s
on the 6th day of March, 1905. There was a large attendance.

Occasional JS^otes. 63

Mr, A. Duncan, of Johannesburg, exhibited a collection of
Transvaal birds, including specimens of Vidua regia (Shaft-
tailed Widow Bird) and Coliopasser albonotatus (White-
winged Widow Bird). Mr. F. J. Ellemor, of Johannesburg,
showed a small, but interesting, selection of Australian
Cockatoos and Parakeets. Mr. J, Hyde exhibited a collection
of English game-birds and water-fowl, and Mr. A. K. Haagner
a number of interesting Transvaal specimens including Parra
afncana (African Jacana) and Halcyon cyanoleucus (Angola
Kingfisher). The eggs of Coliopasser albonotatus (White-
winged Widow Bird), taken by Mr. A. Duncan at Pienaar's
River during the Christmas holidays, were also exhibited.
They are a dark greenish blue, blotched with slaty brown,
and measure \l x y% in. The officers for the ensuing year
were elected as follows : —

President. Mr. J. Hyde,

Bon. President. Mr. H. L. L. Feltham, F.E.S.
Vice-President. Mr. F. J. Ellemor.

Hon. Treasurer, Mr. A. Duncan.

Hon. Secretary. Mr. H. A. Fry, P.O. Box 46, Johannes-
burg,

Librarian. Mr. A. J. Cooke,

Committee. Mr. A, K. Hi.agner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ; Mr. H.
Livingstone ; Mr. A. E. Ochse ; Mr. Alex. Ross, F.Z.S.

(6) At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Johannesburg
Naturalists' Field Club on the 5th June, 1905, the President
(Mr. John Hyde) reported having obtained an immature
specimen of Monticola explorator (Sentinel Rock-Thrush) at
Waterval Onder, at Christmas 1897. At the same meeting a
short paper was read by Mr. A. K. Haagner, on a collecting
trip near Waterval North, Aapies River, during February
1905, and noted in particular the occurrence on the farm
Vastfontein of Pytelia mdha (Southern Red-faced Weaver
Finch), Sporopipes sguaniifrons (Scaly-feathered Weaver
Bird), Laniarius alrococcineus (Black-and-Crimson Shrike),
Coccystes hypopinarius (Black-and-Grey Cuckoo), Lanius

64 Occasional Notes.

collurio (Red-backed Shrike), Erytliropygia poena (Smith's
Ground-Robin), Brady ornis mariguensis (Mariqua Fly-
catcher), and Otis ccerulescens (Blue Bustard) .

(7) At a meeting of the East London Natural History and
Scientific Society held on the 29th May, 1905, Mr. J. Wood
read an instructive paper upon the modern methods o£ classi-
fication and identification of Birds. At the same meeting
Mr. R. Center exhibited local specimens of Parra africana
(African Jacana), Campothera notata (Knysna Woodpecker),
and Cerijle maxima (Giant Kingfisher).

(8) The Fourth International Ornithological Congress
took place in London in June 1905, under the Presidency of
Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe. The official record of the pro-
ceedings is not yet published, but will be referred to in the
next issue of this Journal.

(9) In the next issue of the Journal it is hoped to publish
a coloured plate of the hitherto unfigured eggs of six species
of South African birds. The plate is at the time of going
to press in the hands of the well-known artist Mr. G. H.
Gronvold.

(10) As the fourth and last volume of Stark and Sclater's
' South African Fauna : Birds ' has not yet been issued, the
nomenclature in this number of the Journal is still taken
from the first three volumes of that work and for those
species not therein included from Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpens
edition of Layard's ' Birds of South Afi'ica.' In a few cases
in which neither of these works mention species reterred to
in the Journal the full reference to the Catalogue of the
British Museum is given.

Short JS'otices. G5

SHORT NOTICES.

(1) In the 'Annals o£ the South African Museum/ vol. iii.
part viii. paper 9 (issued July 27th, 1905), is published
" A Check-list of the Birds of South Africa, containing addi-
tions and corrections since the issue of the successive volumes
of the Birds in the Fauna of South Africa Series/' by W. L.
Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S., Director of South African Museum.

This is a most important publication, which should be in
the hands of all students. Ifc constitutes a complete list of
all known South African species to date, and consists of three
parts. The first is a short introduction detailing the reasons
for the publication of the paper and enumerating with full
references the more important contributions to South African
ornithology which have appeared since the issue in .1900 of
the first volume of the series referred to above. The second
part comprises the key-list, and gives the Latin and English
nomenclature and abbreviated notes as to the distribution of
all species included, a large number of which are new to
South Africa. The third part is composed of notes on many
of the species referred to in the key-list in those cases in
which explanation, or correction of previously published
matter, is necessary.

It may be stated that the work is published by the Trustees
of the South African Museum, Cape Town, from whom, or
from the printers Messrs. West, Newman, & Co., of London,
it can be obtained. (Price 2*. 6d )

(2) The July number (1904) of 'The Emu' contains an
interesting paper by Mr. A. G. Campbell on "Insectivorous
Birds," dealing with their economic utility. Mr. H. Kendall,
co-editor of the journal since its inception, has, owing to
business reasons, been compelled to resign, his place having
been taken by Mr. C. S. Belcher, M.A., LL.B.

(3) In the July number (1904) of the 'Journal fur
Ornithologie ' appears a further instalment of the late von

66 Short Notices.

Erlanger's " Contributions to the Avifauna of North-east
Africa/^ The article is illustrated by a series of beautiful
coloured plates.

(4) In the ' Transvaal Agricultural Journal ' for July
(1905), Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S., contributes the fifth
instalment of his publication " Birds in Relation to Agricul-
ture." In this portion of his paper he deals with the Rollers,
Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, and Barbets.
Dr. Gunning is of the opinion that the harm done by King-
fishers to fry in fish-ponds is completely outweighed by their
utility in destroying creatures which are of little service to
mankind.

(5) In the ' Ornithologische Monatsberichte ' of February
1905, under the title "New African Forms," Dr. Anton
Reichenow describes a new species from South Africa : —

Ekemomela baumgarti (Rchw.).

Above grey ; hinder rump-feathers with hidden white tips ;
dark lore stripe above which a lighter stripe ; chin and under
wing-coverls white ; rest of under surface from lower throat
to under tail-coverts cream-coloured ; wing-feathers and
rectrices dark grey-brown, the former edged with white on
the inside, and the latter tipped with white.

Length; about 110 mm. ; wing 55 mm. ; tail 45 mm. ;
bill 10 mm. ; tarsus 20 mm.

Locality. Windhoek, Damaraland [Dr. Baumgart).

]n the same article Dr. Reichenow puts forward a new
subspecies : Eremomela flaviventris sharpei (Rchw.).

With the help of a series of skins sent by Dr. Baumgart
from Windhoek he confirms Dr. Sharpe's separation of the
Damaraland form of E.Jiaviventris. He does not, however,
allow the name of E. damarensis, proposed by Dr. Sharpe, to
stand, on the grounds that this name was already given by
Wahlberg to another member of the genus. This bird can

Short Notices. 67

be distinguished from the type form by the pale drabbish-
grej^-brown of its upper surface.

(6) In the ' Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections ' for
March 1905 appears a " Description of a new Si/lvietta,^' by
Harry C. Oberholser (of the United States Biological Survey).
He apparently separates the Damaraland form of Sylvietta
Tufescens (Vieill.) (South African Crombec) on the strength
of a single specimen collected by Mr. C. J. Andersson in
Damaraland, and now in the collection of the United States
National Museum, which he says " differs so greatly from
the Cape Colony bird that it appears to represent a well-
marked subspecies, which, as it seems to be undescribed,
may be called Sylvietta rufescens ochrocara, subsp. nov."

We need not give the full description of the bird. It
differs from the type in being " very much paler both
above and below, the lores and postocular stripe pale brown
instead of blackish ; the rump and upper tail-coverts more
tawny ; the lower surface not so uniform. Same size as
S. rufescens typ.'"

Neither Andersson nor his Editor make any mention of a
difference in the Damaraland form.

(7) In ' The Emu ' for January 1905 appears an important
article entitled " The Geographical Origin and subsequent
Development of the Land Birds of New Zealand," by Capt.
F. W. Hutton, F.R.S., who is the President of the Australian
Ornithologists' Union.

(8) The January (1905) number of the 'Journal fiir
Ornithologie ' contains an obituary notice with a portrait of
the ornithologist Carlo " Freiherr " von Erlanaer,

(9) In the same number of the same periodical appears
the concluding portion of the deceased^'s papers entitled
" Contributions to the Avifauna of North Africa." This

68 Sliort Notices.

instalment is also illustrated by a number of excellent
coloured plates, amongst which are figured the various
geographical races or subspecies of Tnrtur semitorguatus
(Red-eyed Dove) and Turtur senegalensis (Senegal Turtle-
Dove) .

(10) In the January (1905) number of The Ibis' several
interesting papers appear : —

1. Field-notes on the Birds of Efulen, in the West-

African Colony of Kamerun, by George L. Bates.

2. Notes on the East-African Species of Macronyx and

Tmetotht/laci/s, by F. J. Jackson, C.B., C.M.G. — A
new species, Macronyx sharpei, is figured (plate iii.).

3. An Ornithological Excursion to the Victoria Falls of

the Zambesi, by W. L. Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S.—
Amongst interesting species which were noticed may
be mentioned Larus cirrliocephalus (Grey-headed
Gull) and lihinoptilus seehohmi (Seebohm^s Courser),
whilst specimens of Gyps rueppelli (Riippell's Vul-
ture) and JVecrosyrtes pileatus (Hooded Vulture) were
procured.

A list of all the species observed and collected is
also given.

{IV) The April number (1905) of 'The Ibis' contains the
following articles to which attention may be draw^n : —

1. Notes on a small Collection of Birds from Algeria,

by Harry F. Witherby, M.B.O.U.

2. A paper on the Birds collected by the late Mr. W. G.

Doggett on the Anglo-German Frontier of Uganda,
by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

3. The Birds of the South-eastern Part of the Protectorate

of Sierra Leone, by Robin Kemp ; with notes by
Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, and one plate.

Joarn S.AOU. Vol.JL PI I

.■«^

6

4» ^ U ' ii

H.Gronvold.piiix .

10

12,

'"^^^

FIGURES OF EGGS OF SOUTH AFRICAN PASSERINE BIRD;

PROCEEDINGS OF TPIE UNION.

Report ob^ Second Annual Meeting.
The Second Annual General Meeting of the Union was held
in the Transvaal Technical Institute, Johannesburg, on the
30th August, 1905.

The presence in South Africa of the Members of th(^
British Association lent a general interest to the proceedings,
which cannot fail to be beneficial in promoting the advance-
ment of the objects of the Union. There were present,
amongst others, the President of the Union, Mr. W. L.
ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Director of the South
African Museum, Cape Town), who occupied the Chair,
Dr. S. Schonland, Hon. M.A. (Oxon.), F.L.S., C.M.Z.S.
(Director of the Albany Museum, Grahanistown, Cape
Colony, and a Vice-President of the Union), Messrs. H. A.
Fry, E. H. U. Draper, E. M. Skea, L. T. Griffin, L. E. Taylor,
F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., C. B. Simpson, W. J. Powell, and A. K,
Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Hon. Sec).

Amongst the distinguished visitors were Dr. P. L. Sclater,
F.R.S. (Joint Editor of ' The Ibis '), Mr. A. H. Evans, M.A.,
F.Z.S. (Joint Editor of 'The Ibis'), and Mr. A. B. U.
Trevor-Battye, F.Z.S.

The minutes of the First Annual General Meeting held on
the 24th September, 1904, and of the Special General
Meeting held on the 5th November, 1904, were read and
confirmed.

The Hon. Secretary and Treasurer (Mr. A. K. Haagner)
read the Annual Report of the Union and presented a state-
ment of accounts, both of which were adopted and passed on
the motion of Dr. Schonland.

The following gentlemen having been duly proposed and
seconded for Membership of the Union, were forthwith
elected on the motion of Mr. L. E. Taylor seconded by
Dr. Schonland : —

Mr. AV. ir. WoRicMAX, M.B.O.U. ; Lisniore, Windsor, Belfast,

Ireland.
Dr. J. WiGLESWoRTir, M.D., F.R.C.P., M.B.O.U.; llaiulnll, near

Liverpool, England.
Dr. Marthixius ; Orange Eiver Colony.
Capt. E. Hall ; JSouth African Constabulary, Orange liiver

Colony.
Capt. B. R. HoRSBRUGH, M.B.O.U. ; Army Service Corps, Naval

Hill, Bloemfontein, Orange Eiver Colony.
Dr. Walter Fka>X'is Innes Bey, M.B.O.U. ; Curator of the

Zoological Mnseum, School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.
Mr. Harry C. Oberuolser ; Biological Survey, Department of

Agriculture, Washington, U.S.A.
JMr. E. JI. Draper ; Transvaal.
Mr. IT. liAWRENCE Lake ; Transvaal.
Mr. IT. O. Coleett; Transvaal.
Mr. J. P. Murray ; Basutoland, Sonth Africa.
Mr. EoRERT IL Ivy ; Cai)e Colony.
JNIr. J. Gr. McCusKER; Transvaal.
Mr. M. M. LouBSEK ; Cape Colony.
Dr. J. B. Greathead ; Cape Colony.
]\lr. I. Ayres ; Transvaal.

]\lr. J. B. Pole Evans, M.A. (Cantab.) ; Transvaal
Mr. C. P. Simpson ; Transvaal.
Col. C. L. Andersson ; Transvaal.
Mr. C. W. Howard; Transvaal.
Professor J. E. Ddekden ; Cape Colony.

The officers of the Union for IDOC) were elected as
follows : —

President . . . W. L. Sclatee, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
(Director of the South African Museum,
Cape Town).

(Bv. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S. (Director of
the Transvaal Museum and Zoological
Gardens).

Vu-e-rresiJents . . { Professor J. E. Duerden (Professor of
I Zoology, Eliodes University College, and
I Curator, Zoological Division, Albany
i Museum, Grahanislown, Cape Colony).

lion. TreaA-urer . . A. K. IIaa.gxer, F.Z.S., jM.B.O.U.
JJon. Secretarij . . A, K. IIa..vg\er, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

' JoHJf Wood (Cape Colony).

L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Transvaal).

,r , j.^ J. Gr. Hatckaud, F.E.A.S. (Orange Eiver

Members of Council r^ ■, , \ o

•' \ Colon_y).

A. D. Mir.LAR, Col.M.B.O.U. (Natal).

G. A. K. Marshall, F.Z.S., F.E.S. (Rhodesia).

Azotes of thanks were passed by the Meeting to the Editors
of the Journal and to the Hon. Secretary,

Dr. P. L. ScLATER (for many years Secretary to tlie
Zoological Society of London and Joint Editor of ' The
Ibis^) then addressed the Meeting. He said that as a
foundation member of the British Ornithologists' Union it
gaye him very great pleasure to attend the 2nd Annual
Meeting of the South African Ornithologists' Union. Thi;
Members of the Association could congratulate themselves on
the success which had been attained by them during the first
two years of its life. The British Ornithologists' Union
commenced with a membership of only about 20 in its
first year, whereas the South African Ornithologists' Union
already contained in its ranks between 70 and 80 Members
in its second year of existence. Dr. Sclater laid great stress
on the importance and educational value of Museums, and
expressed the opinion that every chief centre of ])opulation
should have a properly equipped institution containing repre-
sentative collections of the local fauna, especially of birds.
He concluded by wishing the Union long life, prosperity
and continued success in the future.

Mr. Harold Fry (Hon. Secretary to the Johannesburg
Field Naturalists' Clui)) proposed a vote of thanks to
Dr. Sclater for his address. He said that it was a great
honour and pleasure for the Union to have Dr. Sclater
amongst them and to hear his remarks. He (Mr. Fry),
being South African born himself, might probably never
have the chance of visiting England,and he and many others
looked upon this visit of the British Association as the event

IV •

oF a lifetime, and enjoyed it quite as nnicli as tlie Members
of that Association themselves. They had a magnifieent
opportunity of meeting and making the acquaintance of
many illustrious men whose books they had read and whose
names were so familiar. The vote of thanks was seconded
by Mr. Haagner, and passed with loud ap])lause.

A vote of thanks to the Chairnian concluded the
proceedings.

THE JOUJINAL

OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' ONION.

Vol. II. JUNE 1906. No. 1.

IX. — Remarks tfpoti some li'dherto undescr'iJied or iirifi<jnred
Kggs of certain South African Passerine Birds. By John
A. BucKNiLL, M.A., F.Z.S., and G. H. Gronvold. With
Field-notes by the Collectors.

(Coloured Phite : Frontisjiiece.)
Fig. 1.

CoLiOPASSER ARDENS. (Red-collared Widow Bird.)

The egg figured is one of a clutch o£ three taken at
Witpoortje near Johannesburg on the 4th December^ lUOi,
by Mr. F. J. Ellemor. A photograph and descri[)tion ot" the
nest by Mr. Ellemor appears in this Journal, vol. i. no. 1,
p. 18, and ])1. iii.

The eggs were first described l)y the Messrs. Woodward
as being " little white speckled eggs." Major Sparrow took
several clutches in Natal [vide this Journal, vol. i. no. 1,
]). .10), three o£ which are in the Bretoiia Museum; these
three clutches, each ot" three eggs, show little variation from
each other or inter se or from Mr. Ellemor's clutch. There is
another single egg in the Pretoria J\luseum labelled as of
this species, which is stated to have come irom Pietermaritz-
burg, but is of a different type and marking, and belongs I
think, without doubt, to C. procne (Great-tailed Widow Bird).
In the almost exact similarity of the twelve eggs of this

VOL. II. 1

2 Messrs. J. A. Bucknill and G. II. Giunvold on

species wliich I have examiued, it was considered unnecessary
to figure more than one. [J. A. B.]

They are of a bluish-green ground-colour, -with large and
small rather dark brownish-grey spots, with underlying
blotches and vor}- fine spots of light smoky-grey evenly dis-
tributed over the entire surface. They are of an ovate or
slightly elongated ovate form, and measure from 18"5 x 13'0
to 19-2 X 13-4 mm. [G. H. G.]

Fig. 2.
Pytelia melba. (Southern lied-faced Weaver Finch.)
The eni'" from which the figure is taken was laid in con-
finement in the aviary of Mr. A. Duncan, of Johannesburg.
Mr. Duncan writes : " I had a pair of these birds in my aviary,
which is a very large one. 1 watched them building the
nest, which was situated about three feet from the ground
on a tree : it was domed, with a small opening in the side,
and was rather a rough structure of grass lined with feathers
and cowhair with which the birds were supplied. "When I
first closely examined the nest it contained three eggs : after
this I watched it daily and always found the hen sitting ;
after about a week I noticed the birds had deserted the nest,
which I found on examination to contain only one egg."

The egg has been described by Jackson (' Ibis,' 1809,
]). GOG) as being pure white ; taken near Kibwezi, British
East Africa. [J.A. B.]

The egg is of a uniform creamy-white colour and slightly
glossed. It is of an elliptical-oval shape^ the larger end
being slightly attenuated. It measures 18*0 x 12"0 mm.

[G.H.G.]

Fig. 8.

CoLiOPASSER ALBONOTATUS. (White-winged Widow Bird.)

The esg figured is one of a clutch of three taken bv Mr. A.

Duncan, of Johannesburg. Mr. Duncan writes : " This nest

I found at Pienaar's River, about 40 miles north of Pretoria.

It was situated in long grass close to the stream, and was

attached to several stems about a fuot from the ground ; it is

a verv open structure of grass lined with a few grass heads ;

Kiiqs of certain Soutli. Africau Passerine Birds. ',)

kidney-shaped, with an entrance near the top. I spent a
considerable time in trying to catch the female with limed
twigs at the entrance of the nest, but was only rewarded
with a few feathers, as she got off the lime before I conld
get hold of her : I caught the cock, however, which is now
in my aviary. I took a photo of the nest, which I enclose."

Capt. Shelley (Birds of Africa, vol. iv. p. 48) states that
Mr. A'ehrkorn describes the egg as of a deep blue with dull
red and violet spots clustered towards the thick end, and
measuring 0*8 X 0*58 mm. Capt. Shelley kindly informs
)ne that the egg has also been described by Kuschel (Journ.
1'. Orn, 1895, p. 338, and quoted by Heichenow, Vog. Afr.
vol. iii. p. 140, 1904). [J. A. B.]

The three eggs vary a little inter se, but somewhat resemble
those of C. aniens. The ground-colour is bluish-green with
underlying lavender-grey blotches of varying size and
brownish surface-spots and lines both large and small. In
two of the eggs these markings are smaller and evenly dis-
tributed over the whole surface ; in one of these two the
markiniT'^ are so thick as to tend to cover the (ground-colour.
In the third egg the markings are rather larger and form a
more or less well-defined zone round the larger end, showing
more of the ground-colour all over. They are of the same
shape as those of C. arc/ens, and measure 18"0 x 13'0, 17*5 X
13-0, and 18-0x1 2-2 mm. [G.H. G.]

Figs. 4 and 5.

Eremomela FLAViVENTKis. (Yellow - bellied Bush -
Warbler.)

The two eggs figured are from a clutch of lliree taken ))y
]\Ir. Austin Roberts at Fotchefstroom, Transvaal, in Novem-
ber 1904. Mr. Roberts writes: "The nest was fixed to a
branch of a small thorn-bush about three feet from the oround
and well concealed by foliage. The bush formed part of a
thick patch of thorn-scrub close to the railway^ line on the
Government experimental farm at Potchefstroom.'^

So far as can be ascertained, the eggs of this species have
never hitherto been described. [J.A. B.]

1*

4 Me.<.srs. J. A. Bucknill and G. II. GiuiivolJ on

Two of" tlie three eggs are almost identical, hiit the third
slightly differs. The ground-colour is pure white and slightly
glossy, with medium-sized spots and minute specks of blackish
brown and smoky grey forming an interrupted zone round
the larger end ; a few of these spots are scattered over the
smaller end of the shell. Two are ovate in shape, but the
third is a little more elongated. They measure lo'Oxll'o
to 15-8 X 11-0 mm. [G. H. G.]

Fig. G.

Thamnol^ea ciXNAMOMEiVENTitis. (White - shouldered
Bush-Chat.)

The egg figured was one of a clutch of three taken by
Mr. A. Duncan of Johannesburg. The three eggs were so
much alike that it was not thought necessary to figure more
than one of the clutch. The discovery has already been
shortly noticed in this Journal {q.v. vol. i. no. 1, }). 3.5).
Mr. Duncan now writes : "I found these eggs on October 26th,
] 902, in the range of hills beyond Orange Grove, about
four miles from Johannesburg. The birds had nested in an
old Swallow's nost on the face of a rock about ten feet from
the crround. The nest was formed of small twios lined with
hair, small roots, and some pieces of twine, and was held
together with spiders' webs. I also found another nest a
week afterwards, also situated in an old Swallow's nest placed
in a prospecting tunnel about ten yards from the entrance ;
this nest contained three fully-fledged young — two male and
one female. 1 mention the sexes as the young males had the
■white patch on the wings as in the adult male, and the female
corresponded with the adult female."

Mr. Duncan's account agrees with that of Major Sparrow,
who took some six nests in Natal, as described in this Journal,
vol. i. no. 1, p. 14. So far as can be ascertained no other
precise descriptions of the nidification or eggs of this species
have been published.

The three eggs of the White-shouldered Bush-Chat do
not vary very nmch inter se. They are of a bluish-white
ground-colour, very slightly glossed, and have small blotches
and minute spots of lavender-grey and huffish brick-colour,

EcfQt; of certain South African Passerine Birds. 5

forming a broad, fairly well-defined zone round the larger
end, the spots from the zone flowing towards both poles.
On one of the eggs these markings are finer, on the others
they are slightly larger and a little more pronounced. The
shape is ovate, and they measure 26'0xl9'0 and 27*0 X
19-0 mm. [G. H. G.]

Figs. 7-16.

Hypiiantornls mariquensis (Smith). (Masked Weaver
Bird.)

Shelley, Birds of Africa, vol. iv. pp. 399, 405.

Hypliantornis velatus, Stark & Sclater, Fauna of S. Africa,
Birds, vol. i. p. 58.

The eggs figured are from a very fine set of clutches taken
by Mr. Duncan, of Johannesburg.

The intergradation of plumage between some of the
members of this group is very noticeable, and the determina-
tion of the more or less accepted species somewhat puzzling.

The late Dr. Stark gave a " Key" (Fauna S. Afr., Birds,
vol. i. pp. 55 & 50), which Mr. W. L. Sclater does not now
consider satisfactory, and for which he proposes to substitute
another (vide Ann. S. Afr. Museum, vol. iii. pt. viii. no. 9,
p. 367). It will perhaps be useful to give both in extenso
(vide p. 6).

Sclater (Faun. S. Afr., Birds, vol. i. p. 59) writes :
" Specimens (of //. velatus) from northern localities are
smaller and brighter than those from further south. They
have been separated and called 11. mar>(juensis ; but there
is a regular gradation in size and colour from south to north
and vice versa."

Capt. Shelley separates IT. velatus into two subspecies.
In identifying a cock bird shot by Mr. Duncan off" one of
the nests, from which the eggs figured were taken, he writes
to me under date 5th Jan., 1906: — "The bird sent me is
H. mariquensis (Smith) in full male plumage, well figured,
' Ibis,' 1868, pi. X. Both Stark and Reichenow unite it to
Ploceus velatus (Vieill.), the Namaqua form, which ranges
from Western Cape Colony into Benguela, while your bird

Messrs. J. A. Buckiiill and (J. 11. Urluivold on

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7u///.s' of certain South African Pas^seriiie JJirds. 7

belongs to the conmioner subspecies which rano((s from CJape
Town to the Limpopo. See my ' Birds of Africa,' iv. pp. 3^1),
405, 40G/'

In this reference it will be seen that Capt. Shelley states
(ih. p. 406) : — "//. marignensis: Male in full plumage. DiflFers
very slightly from //. velatus. Rather larger : bill stouter ;
tarsi longer and, like the feet, larger ; upper parts slightly
darker, mantle greener ; rump more golden-yellow, with a
slight olive wash."

It will not be out of place to refer to here the species
II. auricapillus, of which mention is made in Sclater's Key
referred to above.

This species is the same as //. slielleyi (Shelley's Weaver
Bird) [Sclater, Fauna S. Afr., Birds, vol. i. p. 62] and
//. tahatali (Shelley, B. of Afr. iv. p. 408). Sclater (Ann.
S. Afr. Mus. vol. iii. pt. viii. no. 9, p. 367), in referring to
the change of name^ says : — " Reichenow (Vog. Afr. iii. p. 79)
adopts the older name ^ auricapillus ' of Swainsou for this
species. It is merely a smaller and brighter-coloured form
of H, velatus. Males in the non-breeding season appear to
have a strong tinge of pinkish below, judging from examples
sent to the S. African Museum by Dr. Stoehr."

Capt. Shelley writing to me says : — " Ploceus auricapillus
(Swains. 1838) =P/oc^w.s tahataVi (Smith). Smith described
it from a nesting female. It is a smaller bird and the full-
plumaged males (//. slielleyi, Sharpe) are much brighter
than If. inariquensis, which they meet in the Transvaal.''

I have myself felt so much difficulty in the correct identi-
fication of members of this group that I have ventured to
refer to them at considerable length : it is hoped that with
the assistance of the Keys and the above remarks it will be
tolerably easy to separate typical specimens of II. cabanisi,
mariquensis, velatus, snhaureus, and auricapillus, and to notice
any specimens which appe;ir to link up any of the forms.
The writer would be greatly obliged if anj^ of the doubtful
specimens would be forwarded to him for further identification.

With regard to the eggs figured (which were at first
thought to belong to //. cabanisi), it will be seen from the

8 Messrs. J. A. Buckiiill avd G. H. GrlMivold on

identification of Capt. Shelley that they are those o£ //. mar'i-
(jnensis. Mr. Duncan writes : — " The efjo-s sent were collected
])y me at Pienaar's Hiver and were all taken from one tree
which held about two hundred nests. The nests were
identical with those of //. velatus, with the exception of their
})ein^- — to my mind — rather smaller. The male bird enclosed
was shot hanoing on a nest, and seemed to me to be a small
specimen of //. velatus^ but, on exhibitino- it at a meeting of
the Johannesburg Field Naturalists' Club, it was considered
by the members to be //. cabanisi." It need only be added
that the eggs of this bird (/. e. the form of H. velatus found
in the Transvaal amongst other places, and separated by
Shelley as //. mariquenitis) have been often described before.

[J. A. B.]

The nine clutches of eggs of H. marijuen.vs offer a striking
instance of the variation of the eggs of a single species.

The normal number of eggs in a clutch seems to be three.
They divide into four grou{)s : —

1st. Pure white.
2nd. Pure bluish-green.
3rd. With the ground-colour bluish-green, with red-brown

and lavender-grey spots.
4th. With the ground-colour creamy or whitish-buff,

with dark, light brown, reddish-brown, and lavender

spots.

In the 1st section the three white eggs have a very slight
shade of cream-colour and are slightly glossed.

In the 2nd the three bluish-green eggs are also slightly
glossed and do not vary much in tint ; they resemble in colour
light specimens of the British Hedge Sparrow (Accentor
^nodularis) .

In the 3rd the three clutches of three eg-gs have the
ground-colour bluish-green, much the same as in No. 2 : the
clutches do not vary very much in colour or markings ; in
some the dark brown spots and blotches are spread over the
entire shell, in others less scattered, while in one examjile

Eggs of certain South African rasserine BiriU. 9

tliey are more or less concentrated round the larger end of
the shell so as to form an open zone. The underlying
lavender blotches and spots and the dark brown and nmber-
coloured sjiots and minute specks, even in the densest-spotted
egg, leave the ground-colour quite prominent, whiljit in the
other type the surface is but sparsely spotted. Only in one
of the eggs do the markings form an open zone : in all the
remaining eggs the s])ots are evenly distributed over the
entire surface of the shell.

4^/t section. — Four clutches : two of three eggs and two of
two. They vary to some extent inter se, M'hereas the eggs in
each clutch do not vary very much. The ground-colour in
the first three eggs is almost white, with large and small spots
of pinkish-brown and lavender-grey ; on one of the eggs are
some tiny dark brown spots ; all the spots are genei'ally
distributed on the surface and leave the ground-colour quite
prominent. In one clutch of two eggs the ground-colour is
creamy and the pinkish-brown and lavender spots evenly
distributed over the shell tend to hide the ground-colour, the
markings being larger in the one si)ecimen and smaller in
the other, with an indication of a cap. A third clutch, two
efi'GS, has the ground-colour creamv with laroer imderlving-
lavender spots and blotches, large and small roundish spots
of dark reddish-brown, the edges of most of these latter
spots confluent and reddish, but leaving the ground-colour
quite prouiinent. The fourth set, three eggs, has the ground-
colour creamy, with underlying small lavender blotches and
large reddish spots and blotches of good size, roundish dark
brown spots about the size of a pin's head ; though these
larger markings combined with minute specks are boldly
distributed over the entire surface, the ground-colour is still
dominant. All four sets are slightly glossed.

The shape of these eggs does not vary very much, being
of an ovate or elliptical -ovate form. In some of the
specimens the smaller end is rather pointed, and one of the
white eggs is approximately a short " fusiform." In size
the eggs in the individual clutches are very uniform. Some
measurements are :

10 Mr. A. no])eri^—()rnlfliolo;fin(l ^\>f<'s

mm. mm.
Fio-. 7. 19-5 X 14- P,

„ 8. 22-0 X U-7J ^"

„ 9. 220x1 40.

„ 10. 21"5x 14"2, Creamj ; confluent dark spots.

„ 11. 21-0 X 14-5.

„ 12. 21-0x]5'0. Creamy: profusely spotted.

„ 13. 22-5 X 15-0. Blue: spotted.

„ 14. 20-5 X ia-0. Blue : spotted.

„ 15. 21 -Ox 14-5. Blue.
Unfig. 20*5 X lo'O. Creamy; small spots.

Ma.\imuni lenoth of all 22'5 mm.
Minimum „ ,, 19"5 „

Maximum breadth „ 1;V0 „
Minimum „ „ 13'0 „

[G. H. G.]

X. — Ornithological JSotes from Wolmaransstad, Transvaal.
By Austin Roberts.

1. Passer diffusus. (Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.)
These Sparrows are plentiful here, but often overlooked

on account of their resemblance to the hen of Passer arm-
atus (Cape S])arrow). During Novemb<^r last, on the Vaal
River, near Venterskroon, I took several clutches of their
eggs from old nests of the Pied Barbet ( Irichokcma
leiicomelas). These nests had been warmly lined with soft
feathers, and the clutches consisted of from two to five eggs.

2. Amauina ERYTHROCErHALA. (Red-headed Weaver
Finch.)

During the months of March and April all the old Sparrows'
nests in the neighbourhood of the village were taken up by
these Finches for the purpose of incubation. 1 have not,
so far, met with a nest constructed throughout by these birds
themselves ; but have observed a large number of old
Sparrows' and Weavers' (^Hijphantornis velatus) nests which

fi'Dtn Wolnianiiisstiul, Tvan^ritaJ. 11

VieVQ being used, after having been relined with feathers.
The clutch consists of four white eggs, about tlie size and
shape of those of E'lrundo cucullata (Larger Stripe-breasted
Swallow).

3. Sporopipes squamifrons. (Scaly-feathered Weaver
Bird.)

These Finches are common amongst the thorn scrub,
where their nests are conspicuously placed in a thorn bush
about six feet from the ground. A nest discovered on the
10th June contained four fresh eggs. This nest was of the
usual Waxbill type, being made of grass-stems, those on
the outside converging to a point over the entrance, which is
thus quite closed up.

4. Serinus angolensis. (Black-throated Seed-eater.)
This bird is rare here. At Potchefstroom it nests during

the months of December and January. One nest discovered
there on the 16tli January, 1903, is worth describing. It
was placed in the hollow at the top of a cone of the " sugar-
bush," about seven feet from the ground, and was so cleverly
constructed that detection was almost impossible. The nest
was made of soft brown fibres, obtained from the dry flower
in the centre of sugar-bush cones, bound together with cob-
webs, the edges being nicely rounded off level with the pro-
truding sides of the cone. It measured about an inch deep
by an inch and a half across. The clutch consists of from
three to five eggs, which are white without spots.

5. Rhinoptilus africanus. (Two-banded Courser.)
These " Plover " are abundant in this neighbourhood ; but
always shy. They lay their solitary egg during the latter
part of July or beginning of August. The only indication of
a nest is a small accumulation of pebbles, which would hardly
be noticed by the casual observer.

G. CuRSORius Rurus. (Burchell's Courser.)
The eggs of this species may easily be distinguished from
those of the preceding by the darker-coloured markings and

12 ]\Ir. A. Roberts — OrnlllioJoqical Xotes

rounder shape; there are also, as a rule, two eggs to the
clutch.

7. tEgialitis yaria. (Kittlitz's Sand Plover.)
These Plover are tairlj common here on bare patches of
veld near water. At Potchefstrooin they are also fairly
common, and in certain favourite localities, during August
and September, their eggs could nearly always be found by
watching for them to get up off their nests. On one occasion
I witnessed a pretty little comedy which is worth relating.
Whilst cycling along an old road, one of these Plover stood
up over her eggs right in the track of the bicycle, and with
her mouth open and waving wings bravely tried to scare me
away. I rode up opposite the nest and, dismounting, stood
over it not more than two feet away ; but she still would not
budge from her post. I wished I had had the powers of an
artist so as to have painted the pretty little picture which she
presented as she stood there wavering between fear and her
firm resolve to defend her eggs. Finally, finding she could
not drive me away, she vainly tried to distract my attention
from the nest and to lead me off by suddenly collapsing and
fiuLtering away, screaming as though severely wounded ;
she was shortly afterwards joined by her anxious mate. The
nest was a hollow in a sand-heap, and the two eggs would
in the ordinary course have been covered over with sand
before being left.

8. Aquila rapax. (Tawny Eagle.)

A pair of these Eagles were nearly always to be seen in
the neighbourhood of a patch of thorn scrub, about 2i miles
to the west of VVolmaransstad. They usually perched on
trees, from which they could watch every movement in the
surrounding veld. During April they started to construct
a nest on the top of a"kameel doom,'' about fifteen feet
from the ground. The nest was completed and two eggs
were laid about the end of May. One of these eggs is white,
slightly discoloured, without spots, measuring '2''60 by 2'15
inches, and the other pure white, spotted with rusty red,
mcasurinii" 2'75 by 2"2 inches.

from Wolmaraihisfad, Tiunsvaal. 13

Tlie iicsfc was nijide by laying a foundjition of sticks across
the highest and firmest part o£ the tree with coarse grass
thrown over them. On the top of this again finer grass and
dr}^ husks of bulbs were thickly strewn, and in the centre a
depression wns formed for the eggs. The whole nest measured
about 2 feet G inches across, and was surrounded by feathers
from the parent birds.

On visiting the place again on the 30th July, I found that
they had relined the previous year's nest situated on a neigh-
bouring tree and had laid two more eggs. The old l)irds wei-e
nowhere to be seen, so the eggs were left untouched. Agtiiu
visiting the nest six days later, the eggs were more closely
examined, as the old birds were not about, and found to be
slightly addled.

9. Elanus c^ruleus. (Black-shouldered Kite.)

I was very much surprised on the 28th May to find two
fresh eggs of this bird, as I had found a nest just six months
previous at Potchefstroom, containing four eggs much incu-
bated. Apparently they lay twice a year.

10. Otogyps auricularis. (Black Vulture.)

A pair of these Vultures built their nest this year on the
top of a tall straight-stemmed mimosa thorn situated on the
outskirts of a belt of thorn trees miles away from any farm-
houses. The tree was matted with thorns nearly the whole
way up, and very difficult to scale on that account; it had
been used before, as part of an old nest was sticking halfway
up. The nest was large, measuring about four feet across at
least, and was lined with grass, the edges being protected by
twigs of the wild asparagus. A fresh egg was taken on the
17tli June.

11. PsEUDOGYPS AFRiCANUS. (AtVican White-backed
Vulture.)

The nest of tliis species is distinctly different from that of
0. auricularis. A nest also discovered on the 17th -lune was
built on the top of a tall scniggling " kameel doom," about
30 feet from the ground. It was composed of grass throunji-
out, and only measured about twenty inches across. The eog

li m. W. L. Sclatcr on the

taken from this nest is white, tliickly marked with blood-
coloured spots, principally round the thinner end, and
measures 3*70 hy 2*75 inches.

12. Petrochelidon spilodera. (South African Cliff
Swallow.)

These Swallows last year had a colony of nests under the
eaves of the Dutch Reformed Church. After minruting for
the winter they returned last night, and their cheerful
twittering broke the dawn this morning (August 27th, 1905)
for the first time.

^\.— Tlte Mlfiratlon of Birdii in South Africa. (A Paper
read before Section D of the British Association during
its Meeting in Johannesburg in 1905.) P)y W. L. Sclater,
M.A., F.Z.S., Director of the South African Museum,
Cape Town.

The subject on which I propose to address you has attracted,
especially of late years, a very large amount of attention in
Europe and North America, and not only have very large
numbers of observations on the subject been made and re-
corded, but these have formed the basis for several general
theories of migration, which, if they are correct, should hold
good for the Southern Hemisphere as well as the Northern.

The study of the migration of birds has, so far as South
Africa is concerned, been hitherto almost entirely neglected,
and until we have more observations on the times of the
arrival and de[)arture of our migrants, and as to their
presence and absence in diti'erent months of the year, it is
impossible to give any very reasonable account of the matter.
In the present paper I propose to direct your attention to
what is at present known with any certainty, and to point
out to you the lines on which a further advance may be
made through the co-operation of simultaneous observations
over a wide area.

One of the greatest difficulties in regard to observation is
the lack of knowledge amongst most jxiople in Suuth Africa

Miijvatioii of BlnLs in Svufh Africa. 15

of even the niiiTies of the conimoner birds which they see every
day around them. This, I fear, it will take many years to
remed}', l)iit doubtless it will come with increase of population
and civilization, and also if the study of Natural History bo
taken up in the South African schools to a greater extent
than it has hitherto been.

For the purpose of this paper I have taken the list of birds
contained in the recently published three volumes of the
' Fauna of South Africa,' written by the late Dr. Stark and
myself, together with those in the fourth volume shortly to
be issued.

The number of species described in the four volumes is
814, which includes all those hitherto found in Africa south
of the Zambesi and in tiie neighbouring seas. I have
divided them into five categories as follows : — Residents
numbering- 731, Northern Migrants numbering 7(1, African
Migrants numbering 21, Partial Migrants numbering 50, and
Island Breeders numbering 3(j ; these groufjs I now propose
to shortly discuss in turn.

Of the Residents it is not necessary to say very much ; it
is highly probable that a large proportion of these when
carefully observed will be found to fall under tlie heading of
Partial Migrants. Even in England many birds, such as
the Robin and the Skylark, formerly supposed to be residents,
have been found of late to be largely migratory. Under
this category, too, have been placed a number of rare birds
and wanderers which have been noticed in South Africa on
only two or three occasions, and about the movements antl
habits of which we are at present entirely ignorant.

The most interesting of the migratory birds in South
Africa are without doubt those included under the heading
of the Northern Migrants, which number 76. These are,
most of them, familiar European and English birds, which
make a double journey of over 4000 miles every year from
the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern. The bulk of
them reach South Africa in October and leave again in
March and April. The Golden Oriole, four Yellow Wag-
tails, the Red-backed Shrike, the Willow AVren, the Spotted

If) :\Ir. ^^\ r.. Sclat-T on the

Flycatclior, the Enolisb Swallow, the Egyptian Kite, throe
Harriers, the White Stork, four Sand Plover?^, aivl a niiiTiber
of Sandpipers and otlier Waders are the best known and the
most common of this group of birds. The English Swallow
first arrives at the neighbourhood of Cape Town at the end
of October, and becomes common in November ; it remains
here till March, and has entirely disappeared by the middle
of April. In North Africa Swallows arrive very early during
the latter half of February ; in South Europe during the
first half of March, and in C*entral Europe not until the last
half of March; while in England the immigration is at its
height in the middle of April.

A thesis, maintained by Seebohm in this connection, is
that the individuals of a species which go furthest south in
winter go furthest north in summer to breed; and the fact
that the Swallows do not leave South Africa till the beginning
of April seems to lend some support to this view, as those
which reach North Africa in February and March from the
south cannot be the same individuals that leave South Africji
a month later.

As is, no doubt, well known to you, all Swallows have
only one moult in the year just before returning northwards
from their winter quarters, so that during the greater part of
their stay in South Africa they are in exceedingly worn
plumage, until just before leaving for the north again.

But it is among the Shore-Birds and Waders that the
greatest number of northern migrants are found. During
the African summer every vlei and every river-bank swarms
with Buffs, Sandpipers, and Plovers, most of which moult
into non-breeding plumage on their arrival, and again often
into breeding dress before their departure ; and among
the specimens in the South African Museum there are a
good many collected, either early in October or late in
February or March, showing either full or partial breeding
jdumage either just before the non-breeding plumage is
assumed or just after the second moult is again taking place.

All these Northern Migrants reach South Africa in the
spring-time of the Southern Hemisphere, when the resident

Migration of Birds in South Africa. 17

birds are commeuciiig breeding operations ; and while there
can be no doubt that the great majority of these birds,
especially among the Waders, make no uttem[)t to breed,
there is undoubted evidence that some few do so.

Perha[)S the best instance of this is the European Bee-
eater (Merops apiaster). This bird, often called the Berg-
Zwalauuw by the Dutch, is found throughout Southern
Europe and ( Central Asia from Spain to Kashmir and the
Altai Mountains during the northern summer months. In
Spain, where it is well-known and abundant, it remains from
April till August, breeding freely in May. During the
northern winter the Bee-eater comes south to Africa, ap-
parently passing over Northern and Central Africa on
migration, and spending the months from October to March
in South Africa.

The first notice of the breeding of this bird in South Africa
is that of Mr. Layard's correspondent, Mr. Henry Jackson,
who observed it so doing on his farm near Nelspoort in the
Beaufort West division. Mr. Layard himself also found it
nesting on the Berg River in the Malmesbury division, and
there is now exhibited in the South African Museum a model
of a nest with the eggs and parent bird, obtained by Mr.
Grithn, then the Museum taxidermist, taken on Mr. Kotze's
farm on the Berg River on November 11th; on another
occasion my friend Mr. W. G. Fairbridge took an egg ou
October 27th, 1901, on the Cape Flats about twelve miles
from Ca[)e Town, where I myself also saw the birds nesting in
a hole in the bank of a ditch.

The evidence for the breeding of the Bee-eater, both in its
nortliern summer home and in its southern winter home, is
therefore indisputable.

The question as to whether the same individual birds breed
twice in a year, once in the north in May and once in the
south in October, is, of course, another question, and one
which it would be very difficult to settle definitely. A pos-
sible hypothesis is that there are two races of Bee-eaters — the
northern race breeding in South Europe from May to
August, and wintering in Central Africa from September to

VOL. II. 2

18 .Air. W. L. Sclater on the

Aj)ril; and a POTithern race breeding in South Africa from
October to March, and wintering in Central Africa from
April to September ; ])iit, so far, no one has succeeded in
pointing out any distinction in {)luniage between the two
supposed races, Bee-eaters from Spain and from South Africa
appearing to be absolutely identical.

The case of the Bee-eater is certainly the best authenticated,
but there are several other northern migrants which appear
to breed with us : the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops per-
siciis), breeding in South-w^est Asia, was found nesting by
Kirk on the Zambesi, and by Ayres on the Vaal ; Mr. Ivy,
of Grahamstown, took a nestling Great Spotted Cuckoo
[Cocci/stes glandar'ws) from the nest of a Red-winged Starling
near Grahamstown in December, and kept it alive till April.
This bird is a northern breeder, found commonly in Spain,
Avhere it frequently deposits its eggs in the nest of a Magpie.
The English C-orncrake is a common bird between the months
of December and March in the Transvaal and Natal, though
rarer in Cape Colony. Mr. Fitzsimnions, of the Maritzburg
Museum, has sent me an egg which he believes to be that of
this bird, and of Avhich a good many specimens have been
brought to him. It agrees very well with the European
eggs of the same species, and I know no reason to doubt its
authenticity. Mr. G. A. K. Marshall informs me that the
European Roller, another northern migrant, nests in
Mashonaland, while there are several species, such, for
instance, as the Curlew and Whimbrel, which can be met
with occasionally all the year round in South Africa, but
which are not yet known to breed within our limits.

The second group of migratory birds which I have dis-
tinguished under the name of African Migrants number
twenty-one. These birds arrive in South Africa with the
northern migrants in October, and after spending the summer
with us leave again in March, but, whilst here, they nest in
the usual way ; so far as we know, these birds winter in
Tropical and Central Africa, but observations on this point
are wanted in many cases.

A good example of this class of birds is the Larger Stripe-

Mlijndioa of Ifii'ds in Souf/i Afncn. \ '.•

breasted Swallow {IJirundo cvntUaia). It arrives in the
South and West of Cape Colony about the beginning of
September, and is an exceedingly common bird everywhere.
At the end of March or the beginning of April it disappears
northwards, and the most remarkable fact is that its winter-
quarters are quite unknown ; hitherto it has never been met
with between the months of May and August either in South
Africa or elsewhere.

It is among the Cuckoos, however, that the greatest
number of these African migrants are found. Out of twenty
South African species nine are included in this category.
The South African Cuckoo {Cuculus gularls) is rare in Cape
(Colony, but not uncommon in the Transvaal, Bechuanaland,
and Rhodesia in the summer months from October to March.
In the cold weather it appears to be found all over Tropical
Africa north of the Zambesi, where it lias been met with by
many observers, as at Witu in British East Africa in May
by Jackson, and at Lado on the Upper Nile in April by
Emin Pasha. This is also the case with the Red-chested
Cuckoo (^Cuculus solitarius), common in the neighbourhood
of Cape Town, the Black Cuckoo (C clamosus), the three
Green Cuckoos (Chri/sococn/.v), and the Black-and-White
Cuckoo (^Coccystes jacolnnns) .

Under the heading of Partial Migrants I have included a
number of birds which, although subject to migratory move-
ments of various kinds, appear to be found at all times of
the year in South Africa in fair numbers. The movements
of some of these birds dejjend on special circumstances, such
as the presence or absence of some particular kind of food,
and in others are probably due to climatic causes. For
instance, Andersson notes that in the case of many birds they
are only to be found in Damaraland during the rainy season,
though in other parts of South Africa they are residents.

One cause of partial migration is due to the movement of
the swarms of locusts found in so many pnrts of Africa.
Three species of birds are especially associated with such
swarms: the Wattled Starling (Creaiopltora carunculata),
Nordmann's Pratincole {Glareola »iela/ioj4era), and, when

20 Mr. W. L. Scliiter or> tie

here, tlie AVhite Stork (Ciconia alha) ; of these the first-
named is a resident with lis, and, where conditions are favour-
able, breeds in great numbers in certain localities. The
other two, the Pratincole and the Stork, are both Northern
IVIigrants, only remaining in South Africa during the southern
sumiuer months, and not, so far as we yet know, breeding.
Another bird of irreguLir migratory habits is the Cape Quail
(Cotiirni.T afrncana). This bird is to be found at all times of
the year in most parts of South Africa where suitable con-
ditions exist ; but at certain periods of the year, varying
considerably in different parts of South Afrira, the Quail
" come ill " ; in most places the migrating flocks remain
about six weeks and then again disappear.

Finally, I have placed in a class by themselves a number
of Sea-birds (thirty-six in all), which are found about our
coasts most abundantly during our winter months, March
and October, and which migrate away to distant Oceanic
Islands, such as Kerguelen, the Crozets, and Tristan group,
during the summer months to l)reed. Among these are found
all our representatives of the Order Tubinares (twenty-nine
in number), including the Petrels, Shearwaters, and Alba-
trosses. Although so abundant about our coasts not one of
these breeds either on the mainland or even on any of the
Bird-Islands round the coast. So far as we yet know, they
all o-o awav south durinj; the breedino-season. This is also
the case with a few of the Terns, such as the Kerguelen
{Sterna vitfata) and the Sooty Tern [Sterna fuliglnosa) . The
following is a complete list of Migratory Birds, so far as I
have been able to arrange them, and a survey of the various
Orders into which they are divided.

I. jS^orthern Migrants.

Oriolus galbula.
Anthus trivialis.
Motacilla capousis.

„ flava.

,, Tjorealis.

,, nielauucepliala.
Lauius uiinor.

Lanius collurio.
Sylvia simplex.
„ ciiierea.
Phvlloscopus trochilus.
Ilypolais icterina.
Acrocephalu6 arumliiiaccus.
„ palustris.

^[/(/ra/'ioii of JJ/'rds in Soiillt Africa.
T. NoriJiern Miijrant.H (continued).

n

Acrocephalus sclioenobienus.
Locustella fluviatilis.
Cisticola cursitans.
Erithi'feus philomela.
Saxicola oeiiaiithe.
Miiscicapa grisola.
Chelidon urbica.
Cotile ripaiia.
Hirundo rustica.
Cypselus apus.
Caprimulgus eiivopajus.
Coracias garrula.
Mernps apiaster.

,, per.sicus.
Cuculus canorus.
Coccystes glandarius.
Falco subbuteo.
Tinnunculus vespertiiius.
„ amiircnsis.

„ uaumauni.

Buteo desertoriim.
Milvus pegyptius.

„ korscliuii.
Pernis apivorus.
Circus cineraceus,

,, iiiacnirus.

,, .'Briigiiiosus.
Ciconia alba.

,, nigra.
Ardelta niinuta.
Spatula clypeata.

Crex prateiisis.
Ortygometra porzana.
Glareola pratincola.

„ nielanoptera.
Arenaria itterpres.
Sqiiatarola belvetiea.
yKgialites geofimyi.

,, asiatica.

,, hiaticola.

„ alexandrina.

Totanus cnlidri.s.

,, glottis.

,, stagnatilis.

,, glareola.

„ ochropus.

„ cinereus.

„ hypoleucus.
ravcincella pugnax.
Triiiga canutns.

,, bairdi.

„ niinuta.

,, subarquata.
Calidris arenaria.
Gallinago media.
Ilydrochelidon liybrida.

,, leucoptora.

Sterna cantiaca.

„ niacrura.

„ niinuta.
Stercorarius crepinatus.

,, poiualorhinus.

Ilirundd alljigulnris.

,, cucullata.

„ semirufa.
Cvppelus africanus.
Kury.stonius afer.
Halcyon swainsoni.
lynx ruficollis.
Cuculus gularis.

„ solitarius.

„ clamosu!?.
Clirysococcyx cuju'eus.

ir. South African }Ji(jrants,

Chrysococeyx lilaasi.

„ smaragdiueus.

Coccyste.s jaeobinus.

,, liypo])inarius.

„ serratus.
Falco minor.
Abdiinia abdimii.
Cursorius temminclui.
llhinoptilus chalcopterus.
Lobivanellus lateralis.

'12

]Mr. W. L. ►Sclator on tin

Diloplius caviinculatiis.
l*holidaiiges verreaiixi,
Oriolus iiotatus.
Estrilda dufresnii.
Spern)este3 scutatus.
„ nig'ripes.

Caniaroptera sinidevalli.
Cotile paludicola.
Hirundo dimidiata.

,, STiiithi.

„ puell.a.
Upupa africana.
C3'pselus barljatus.

,, caffer.

Coracias mossaiiibicus.
Merops nubicoides.
Halcyon seiiegaloides.
CucuIhs polioceplialus.
Coccystes cafer.
Astur poh'zonoides.
])issura microscelis.
Ibis jietliiopica.
Plioenicopterus roseiis.
„ minor.

Dendroeycna vidiiata.

in. Partial Mi(/raiifs.

Anas undiilata.

Nyvoca erythvophthalma.
Yinago delelandi.
,, sclialowi.
Columba arquatrix.
(Eiia capensis.
Coturnix africana.

„ delagorguei.
Excalfactoria adansoni.
Pteroclurus namaqua.
Bugeranus carunculalus,
Otis ludwig-i.
,, caffra.
„ kori.
Qlidicneunis capensis.

„ verniiculatus.

Cursoriiis nifus.
Rbinoptilus africanus.
Iloplopterus armatus.
^gialitis venusta.
Niimeuins arquatus.
„ phfeopus.

Gallinajro nigripeniiis.
Sterna fliiviatilis.

From Avliat I have said it will be seen that, at present, while
our knowledge is so incomplete, it would be most unwise to
evolve any theories on niioration in South Africa, and my
chief object in putting together these feve notes is to draw
the attention, especially of residents here in South Africa, to
the great dearth of observations hitherto recorded on this
subject.

1 am in hopes of making some advance by the distribution
of schedules for the purpose of recording day by day and
month by month the appearance of different species of birds,
both among the lighthouse keepers along the coast and also
among the teachers in the schools all over the country, and
anyone else who will undertake to make observations, and I
hope, eventually, to perhaps secure some more data for
further work. I fear it will be some time before I shall be

Migralion of Birds in South Africa. ^3

able to obtain the services of: 6000 assistants, as has been
done by Mr. Hermann in Hunoary, but I hope we may be
be able to throw some further light on the subject in this way.
Appended is the form of the leaflet which it is proposed to
issue and the schedule for observation records.

Notes on Afethods for Recording the Migration of Birds.

It is of very great scientific interest to obtain information
about the movements or migration of Birds, as very little is
known on the subject in South Africa.

In South Africa, Birds may be divided into four classes as
far as migration is concerned : —

(1) Migrants from the Northern Hemisphere, /. e. Birds

which breed in Euro})e or Asia during the Northern
summer and which come southwards as far as South
Africa between the months of October and March to
avoid the European winter, but which do not, as a rule,
breed here. Examples are : the European Swallow,
the Flycatcher, the Roller or Bluejay, Montague^s
Harrier, and many shore and wading birds, such as the
Ruff, Sanderling, Turnstone, and Kentish Plover.

(2) African Migrants. — These spend the Southern summer

months (October to March) in South Africa and breed
there and move off, probably into tropical Africa,
during our winter. Examples are : the Stripe-breasted
Swallow, the Red-chested Cuckoo, and many others.

(o) Wanderers. — Birds which move from place to place in
an irregular manner, probably due to the presence or
absence of food-supplies. Snch are the Locust Birds,
the Wattled Starling, and Nordmann's Pratincole, also
the Cape Quail, as well as many others.

(4) Residents. — Birds which remain in the same place all
the year round and hardly move away at all. Such are
the Turtle and Laughing Doves, the Cape Sparrow, the
Thrush, Fiscal and many others.

Between these various classes there are doubtless many
birds which are intermediate in habit and which do not

24 I>r. E. Symonds on some

strictly fall into any one ot" them ; moreover, tliis classifi-
cation is chiefly drawn up for the Land-birds; of the move-
ments of the Sea-birds we know little or nothinf^.

The schedules sent out are for the purpose of obtaining
more definite information about the movements of birds, and
it would be of great assistance if observers would carefully
fill in particulars thereon of all birds observed or collected
by them.

In order to identify the birds it will be best if the examples
could be skinned, following the directions sent herewith, and
forwarded by post; but failing this it will be generally possible
to identify the birds by the wings, beaks, and legs if these
be simply removed from the body and dried. The birds
should be sent to the Museum at once, and to each should be
attached a ticket giving particulars of date and locality.

Parcels and letters, if addressed to the Director of the
South African Museum, Cape Town, P.O. Box 61, and
superscribed " On His Majesty's Service," are carried free of
charge by post and need not be stamped.

XII. (a). — JS^otes on some ]\Jujratory Vhiiants to Krooristad,
Oravge River Coloriy. By Edmond Symonds, M.B.C.S.,
L.R.C.P.

The object of making the subjoined incomplete observations
upon the summer and winter visitants to this district is not
so much with the idea of recording anything of striking
novelty as with the hope of inducing others to prepare notes
on the migrants in other parts of tiie country with detail of
climatic, seasonal, and any circumstances which may tend to
throw light on the still puzzling reasons for Migration.

Although I have kept no precise data of the appearance
and departure of the various species to which I refer, I know,
from my almost daily journeying in my neighbourhood, the
months in which most of our visitors make their advent and
exodus.

Mhjratorij ]i.silanl.^ lo Kvootidad. 25

Of the Birds of Prey the first to iippeiir is Circus macrurvs
(Pale Harrier), which may frenerally be seen about the middle
of October skimming over the vekl and, as a rule, close to a
road. It appears to feed on locusts and the big blue lizard
commonly seen at the sides of the pathways. I have never
observed them touch small birds. They disappear towards
the end of March or beginning of April just as suddenly as
they arrive, and I may here draw attention to the suddenness
of both arrival and departure of neaidy all the nn'gratory
species of this district. Shortly after the arrival of the
Harrier is observed Buteo desertorum (Steppe Buzzard),
which may usually be seen about the end of October sitting
on an ant-heap, fencing- or even telegraph-pole. This bird
has a bad re])utation, being very fond of chickens and also
preying freely on the small and young birds in the veld. 1
saw one strike a young Francolin out of a covey I flushed
near the road late one afternoon, and holding on after his
stoop pick it to pieces. This Buzzard disappears in March
before the Harriers. I cannot find any reason to sujipose
that either of these two species nest here, and as most of our
Falconidse nest in our early sunnner I think it is highly
probable that neither the Harrier or Buzzard ever breed here.
[Dr. Symonds is, so far as is known, quite correct in his
conclusion. — Edd.] The only member of the Family which
I have found nesting here in our winter is T'mminculus rupi-
coins (South African Kestrel), which breeds here regularly
and is with us all the year round.

An interesting group, the members of which come and go
in a somewhat irregular manner, is the Caprimulgidjc, being
in some years very connnon and in others entirely absent. I
have never noticed them earlier than the end of November or
beginning of December. All the specimens I have actuallv
obtained have been shot in Januarv. In 1885 I saw a pair
in June, but in that year they had been very common. The
species I have collected are C. pectoralis (South African
Nightjar), C. rvjigena (Rufous-necked Nightjar), and one
specimen of C. fossil (Mozambique Nightjar) [q. v. ' Ibis,'
5th series, vol. v. 1887, p. 321]. During the last five years

2G Mhjvator^ Vh'itants to Kroonstad.

the Capriimiloidse ;ij)])(>ar to have absented themselves entirely
troni this district, and I have not seen one, although I have
I'requented their old haunts during the evening. I do not
know the exact date when the}' leave on their migratory
inovements, as they are not easy to see, although I have some-
times caught sight of them in the daytime lying flat on the
branch of a willow ; their presence was only noticeable owing
to their bright eve catching and refli^ctino; the light.

Another most interesting group here is the Cuculidse, of
which three visit us. The tirst to arrive is Chrt/sococci/x
aqweus (Didric Cuckoo), which a])pears in large numbers,
and is followed by Cocci/stes glamlarius (Great Spotted
Cuckoo), which is also common. Coccystes jacohinus (Ji\sLc\i-
and-White Cuckoo), the third, is rather rare. I had a young
specimen of the first named hatched out in a Sparrow^s nest
in the eaves of my house (q. v. ' Ibis,^ 1887, p. 328), and since
that date have found a young bird just ready to fly in the
nest of the C^ape Weaver-Bird {Sitagra capensis), which is
very common here and makes its nest on the branches of the
willows overhanging the water. It is rather a mystery how
the female Cuckoo can ])lace her egg into either of these
nests, as they both seem too small. The Didric arrives in
October and departs suddenly in April. C. glandarius is
ver}^ noisy and chattering and, if not seen, can usually be
heard. Although I have never been successful in finding a
young bird, I think it is probable that the species breeds here:
the males, which az-e easily distinguishable from the females
on the wing, chase each other vigorously from the time of
their arrival ; this habit becomes less marked in December
and ceases entirely l)y January: all have disappeared by the
end of March. C. jacolnmis is a regular visitor, but I have
never seen it before November, and then, as a rule, only two
or three pairs on the Yalsch liiver. Here they usually
frequent the same neighbourhood and are fond of the tops
of large mimosas. I have never seen them on the ground.
They are always in })airs and leave us early in March.

On goiite Members of the Fdiiiili/ riocei(la\ 27

XII. (h). — X,)(es on some Members of the FamiJ// Plocdidse
occurrhui in the Kroonstad District, Orange River Colony.
By Edmond ISymonds, M.R.C.S., L.H.C.P.

Many of the Ploceidae are — although belonging to different
sub-families and genera — familiarly known as " Waxbills/'
and are not only pretty and interesting in captivity, but
rather puzzling to the observer. The following remarks
may be worthy of reproduction.

1. Sporopi-pes squamifrons. (Scaly-feathered Weaver
Bird.)

This is not a very regular visitor ; in some years it is
abuntlant, and then disappears for a year or two. I have
never known it nest here, and have only observed them once
in our winter months. I have kept some in my aviary, but
they are so pugnacious and quarrelsome that I was glad to
net rid of them.

2. Vidua regia. (Shaft-tailed Weaver Bird.)

This is not a common visitor ; it always, as far as I am
aware, ajjpears in our summer, and although it is possible
that it may occur in winter, I hardly think it likely, as 1
have never observed any in transitional plumage so noticeable
in the case of other closely allied species. The males are
often seen together in pairs accompanied by a crowd of
sober-plumaged females. They are very fond of sitting on a
wire fence and flying rapidly to and fro between the ground
and the fence. They are mostly found on the outskirts of
the town and in the gardens. On a farm some distance from
here I observed a pair of males as usual and several f(!males,
and a nest was commenced in a peach-tree but never finished,
though protected as far as possible. I kept one once in my
aviary, but he died before changing his garb : they seem
delicate and difficult to keep in confinement, like some others
of the same family.

3. Vidua principalis. (Pin-tailed Widow Bird.)
Common here all the year round, and lives fairly well in

an aviarv.

2S On some Mcinl/ers o/ tlic Fdiiiil// Ploccidye.

4. QlIKLEA QUELRA. (Red-hillcil "Wt'iiver.)

Fairly common here all the year round ; they Imilil nests
in an aviary, but pull them to pieces as fast as they huild
them, and I have never yet known them lay in confinement.
Can anyone tell me the meaning and derivation of the name
Quelea ?

5. Caliopasser phocne. (Great-tailed Widow Bird.)
Common here all the _year round.

6. Pyeomelana oryx. (Red Bishop Bird.)

Very common here, and builds in the reeds on the river-
bunks.

7. Pyromelana capexsis. (Black -and -Yellow Bishop
Bird.)

Also common in the lonji crass altout the vleis.

8. Amadina erythrocephala. (iied-hcaded Weaver
Finch.)

Common here throughout the year ; very tame and lives
well in a cage, where it attracts others, which come and sit
on the outside of the aviary.

9. EsTRlLDA ASTRILDA. (Common Waxbill.)

Large flocks here all the year. They make churming
little cage-birds.

10. Estrilda angolensis. (Blue-breasted "Waxbill.)
These are decidedly rare here, and some years conspicuous

by their complete absence. I have only found them in the
summer, and once found a nest in a low mimosa-bush on
the llhenoster River : I saw the bird Hy out and took the
nest, which was rather oval-shaped, made of dried grass, and
was not lined. The etTjrs, six in number, were round and
})ure white. These are delicate birds and difficult to keep
in a cage, the cold winters seeming to kill them.

11. EsTRlLDA GRANATINA. (Grenadine Waxbill.)

Some years these beautiful birds are plentiful and found
winter and summer in the bush along the river and also at

I'lioto by C. B. llorsbrugh, Pretoria.

OTIS G/ERULESCENS (Blue Knorhaan).

Fh;. -2.

photo by C. 13. ll'jrsbnif;li, Prrtorln.

OTIS C>!ERULESCENS '.Blue Knorhaan).

On Otis Cfcvuloscons in Capt'irUi/. 29

lihenostcr Kop, Avhicli is near here. In other 3'ears not
one is to be seen. I hiive never vet found a nest ; the
hoys do a hirge trade in catching them in trap-cages and
selling them, but they require a lot of care to keep them
safely through the winter. I have seen them in flocks of at
least fifteen to twenty, and they can be easily recognised by
the blue rumj).

12. Lagonosticta rubricata. (South African Ruddy
Waxbill.)

One winter these were quite common, and I caught several
in a hedge in my garden. They lived in my aviary for two
or three years, always thrived well, and were very tame,
coming to feed from the hand. Strange to say, I have
never seen them here since.

For all these birds I find the best food is what is known
here as " manna " or " millet,-*^ which is best given in the
ear, so that they can pick out the seed for themselves ; all
that falls to the bottom of the cage they also pick up,
together with the sharp sand. I tie up a bundle of the
grain in the cage, and it is very interesting to watch the
different varieties at work together, chattering incessantly
all the time.

XIII. — Some Ohservations vpon the Behaviour avd Treatment
In CaptivUij of Otis cserulescens {Blue Knorhaan). By
(J. B. HORSBKUGH.

(Plate I.)

The photograjdis of the Knorliaan illustrating these notes were
taken at no distant date, and as the birds are now almost, if
not quite, adult, their plumage, as time advances, will, I
believe, show little appreciable difference in coloration to
that which they hav(? now assumed. To photograph such a
bird in its natural haunts would be no light undertaking-, so

30 Mr. 0. B. Ilorsbruoh on

that it' these remarks were to appear in some Avicultural
Magazine I cannot but feel that such a periodical would be
the most appropriate medium for them ; these jtarticular birds
being in a state of domestication, and, doubtless, exhibiting
traits foreign to their wild relations on the veldt.

The species which this article concerns is the Blue Knor-
haan (Otis cn'rulescens), a pair of which, as well-advanced
chicks, came into my brother's possession some five months
ago. They were purchased for him in the Bloemfontein
market for a trifling sum, and, since the day they were
obtained, have been given as much liberty as is consistent
with their safety. Last week they had a narrow escape, and
nearly shared the fate of a pair of young Spur-winged Geese
{Plectropterus gamhensls) destined for the Pretoria Zoo, which
met an untimely end through the attentions of a wretched
cur. For a little time every day they are allowed the freedom
of the garden, and, when they have sufficiently exercised their
wings and performed their weird dance, they then [)roceed to
enjoy a dust-bath. If, however, the hose-pipe happens to be
playing on the plants in the flower-beds they perhaps undergo
a slight bath in addition to their dry-cleaning process. They
then carefully preen their feathers in the sunshine and rest
themselves after their ablutions. Every evening they are
driven inside a large hen-house which has been erected in the
fowl-run solely for their acconniiodation : otherwise they
would speedily become the victims of prowling cats or dogs,
as did the unfortunate Geese which had no such refuge. To
ensure the safety of these interesting pets every possible pre-
caution has been taken ; the chief danger which might
threaten them at any time being perhaps in the shape of
a Crow or Hawk. Luckily these enemies are not very
plentiful, and a gun is always at hand sliould any appear.
Knorhaans are uncommon birds to keep in captivity, and of
the numerous visitors who have inspected them, all state that
they have never heard of this species having been successfully
kept in confinement before. It is only this month (August)
that I have seen this Knorhaan as a wild bird, but, owing to
its shyness, I could make no comparison between them and

Otis cseruleseens hi Captirili/. 31

the tame ones. All that I have as yet observed were in small
flocks of from three to five in numhor, hut our best executed
manoeuvres to circumvent any were without success.

In Woodward's ' Natal Birds ' he quotes Major Butler,
who, besides mentioning the fact that he reoards the Blue
Knorhaan as common in the vicinity of Ladysmith, also
states that the note resembles the words kirk-pa-wow repeated
several times. To my mind the harshly-uttered expression
hiock-me-doivn gives a clearer idea of their curious cry, and
doubtless the sportsman after a bad miss or lost opportunity
must resent the apparent jeer when his quarry vanishes
beyond ])ursuit. The i)air under observation also utter a soft,
almost inaudible, call-note, too difficult, I find, to describe
accurately on paper, though of late the male lias begun to
practice the notes described by Woodward. With reoard to
the hen, I believe she has attempted no others beyond those
to which she has always been accustomed. So tame are they
that one can only walk with difficulty in their run, and the
fearlessness they evince towards everyone is curious to
■witness. Only towards the house-dog, a mongrel fox-terrier
do they show animosity when he lets curiosity overcome his
natural timidity, and ai)proaclies too near for their comfort.
The cock Knorhaan, without much warning, often executes a
" pas-seul," letting his wings drop from their usual position,
and " fluffing out " the feathers of his head and neck, at the
same time outspreading and moving the tail from side to side
and then taking a short flight by way of ending the per-
formance. Judging by the wild ones I have seen they seem
to be slightly larger than their near relatives the Black
Knorhaan (Otis afro) : yet, on the other hand, these two
individual birds belie this fancy. Again, there is a perceptible
difference in respect of the colouring of the legs in these two
species, for those of the Black variety, in the adult stage, are
chrome-yellow, whilst those of the Blue are of a very pale
straw, or dry grass tone. Further, the peculiar shading of
pink, pale yellow, and horn in the beak in the former is quite
at variance with that of the latter, and the Black has a straw-
coloured iris and the Blue a brown, which latter is darker iu

32 Mr. A. D. Wi\]av—Oni!thoh;/;cnl

tlie male tlian the female, accordino- to tbe observations made
of my brother's specimens. With such a veMt hauntino- bird
as this species one would naturally exjiect it to take toll of the
locust swarms when these occur, and the avidity with which
the tame ones swallow these insects gives oround for the
belief that they form their sta[)le food (as they must with
many other birds), varied with spiders, beetles, ants and their
ego's, and possibly a little vegetable diet.

In addition to the above menu the tame ones consume
lettuce, bread and milk, and a small quantity of Quaker
Oats, but any other variety of cereal they leave untouched.
It is regrettable, but it was a matter of absolute necessity that
their flight- feathers had to be shortened, as w^ere it not for
this treatment they would soon escape from the large
enclosure in which they spend their lives. A striking dis-
similarity in size, which should have been notified earlier in
these notes, is apparent between these two birds : the male,
by reason of his larger bulk and brighter plumage, is more
conspicuous than his mate. In conclusion, I might mention
that a characteristic peculiar to this latter which I have lately
observed is, that she often rests the body on the tarsus,
particularly when any soft material, such as a lady's dress or
piece of sacking, is near by ; and on it she contentedly squats
till requested to depart elsewhere.

XIV. — Oniltliological Notes from Natal.
By Alfred D. Millar, Col.M.B.O.U.

1. The Genus MoTACiLLA. (Wagtails.)

These birds are so named from their peculiar habit of
constantly vibrating their tails upwards and downwards.
They are now protected by special enactment in Natal by
reison of their utility in destroying and eating insects, of
■which they are constantly in search.

Seven species are found in South Africa, but of these only
three are resident, all of which have taken up their abode in
ISatalj the remaining four being migrants from Europe.

Kutea from JVdfdI. ',u]

The three species known liere are the African Pied
[Motacilla vidua), the Grey-backed {Af. lonf/icaiala), and the
Cape Wagtail {M. capensis), uW of which belong to the group
known as the Pied Wagtails,

The nesting-habits of the first and last-named species are
fully described in Stark's ' Fauna of South Africa/ Birds,
vol. i., but the eggs of the Grey-backed {M. lont/icauda)
so far appear to be unknown to collectors, and have not been
previously recorded. These notes, therefore, may be of
interest to the oologist.

My discovery of the young in previous years gave me
some idea as to the date when to expect the nesting, and
consequently in Se])tember last (1'.104) I carefully watched
a pair of these delicate and graceful birds flitting about the
shady nooks of the Palmeit River, actively engaged in
searching for the larva? of dragon-flies or other insect life
and warbling beautifully.

At last, after a very lengthy search, patience was rewarded,
the nest being found cai'efully hidden in a nook on the over-
hanging rock of a precipice, with a deep pool of water a few
feet below, close to where they had nested the previous year.

It was somewhat bulky, roughly constructed outwardly of
dead leaves, grass, and other materials gathered from the
water's edge, but inwardly a snugly-built cup-shaped hollow
was lined with fibrous tissues. When visiting the nest on
the 22nd September last it contained two freshly-laid eggs.

On the 15th October the same pair of birds had again
nested within a few yards of the same spot and had laid
three eggs which were then slightly incubated. I presume,
therefore, the clutch consists of three eggs.

The eggs measure |§ X /^ "^ch, and, although of the
usual AVagtail-shape, are distinguishable from the other Pied
species by the lighter ground-colour, which is grey, freckled
with brown irregular markings at the obtuse end, some of
the eggs having a dark hair streak circling the crown.

2. Halcyon chelicuti. (Striped Kingfisher.)

Several pairs of these birds were noticed by me at the

Vlil,, II. o

34 ( >niU]iul('(j'ii-al Xotc.f from JWital.

Lower Tugela, known as Bond's Drift, on the 23rJ October
last, and after carefully observing them I was surprised to
find one had nested about 20 feet from the ground in the
nest-hole of a Black-collared Barbet {Lyhhis torqiiatns), and
that the old birds were feeding their young on locusts.

I closely watched them for some considerable time catching
the locusts in the air ; after battering them about on the
branches until life was apparently extinct, they then flew
to the entrance of the nest, when the young Ijirds at once
ap])eared and greedily devoured the captures.

On the following day I came across another nest, which
Avas also in the hole of a Barbet about the samo distance
from the ground ; this also contained young.

Although there were suitable banks in the vicinity fre-
quented by numbers of other Kingfishers, it seems strange
that these birds selected the trees, and as Mr. Sclater mentions
that this habit was observed by Bohm in German East Africa,
it may be a peculiarity of this peculiar species ; it will be
interesting to learn if they likewise build in banks, as is
customary with other Kingfishers.

3. Barbatula pusilla. (Tinker Bird.)

Like the Barbets, this Tinker Bird makes a small round
hole in the dead bough of a tree when nesting, but usually
inside the forest about 10 feet from the ground. They lay
two pure white eggs, elongated ovals, | x ^^ inch.

Their nesting-season is during the latter part of October
and early in November.

4. Iynx kuficollis. (South African Wryneck.)

I have found a number of these birds nesting, all of which
were either in Barbets' or Woodpeckers' holes. The last
taken by me was on the 28th August, and contained four
fresh white eggs. The bird had its head out of the hole, but
noticing my approach quickly drew in. I climbed the tree
with the assistance of a ladder, and, clinging to the bough
about 25 feet from the ground, endeavoured to frighten the
bird out of the nest by knocking the tree, but it refused to
be drawn, and I had to chop out the entrancCj exi)Osing the

JOURN. S.A.O. U.,VOL.II. PL.

bo

:i <

X UJ

- CO

■^ <

,. Q-

ho
UJ

-Q O

O
CO

On the Xidlficatlon of the (reniis Chrysococcyx. .'^i5

bird on the nest ; even then it refused to quit until I bad
actually touched it with a twig.

The eggs are similar in shape to the Woodpeckers', and
measure }4 x ^.j inch.

XV. — Notes on the Nidi/ieation of the Members of the Genus
Chrysococcyx. By Alwin K. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.,
and Robert H. Ivy, S.A.O.U.

(Plates II. & III.)

Chrysococcyx smaragdineus. (Emerald Cuckoo.)
This bird is rare about Grabamstown, although it becomes
commoner towards the Great Kei River. The Woodwards
are the only previous observers who have noticed the niditica-
tion of this species. Two birds were shot in October and
December containing shelled eggs, one white and the other
white speckled with purple (y'lde Sclater, " Birds," Fauna of
S. A. vol. iii. p. 18Gj.

A young bird with " quill " feathering was taken from a
nest of the Cape Sparrow [Passer arcaatus) on Keevey's
Farm, at Koonap. Koonap River is part of the dividing line
between the Albany and Beaufort Districts of Cape Colony.
It only lived for about a fortnight, but developed very quickly,
as it had the yellow underparts and bright metallic coloration
of the upperparts before it died.

Chrysococcyx klaasi. (Klaas' Cuckoo.)

The egg of this species varies in shape and colour, but not,
so far as we are aware at present, so much as that of the
Didric {C. cupreus). On November 9th, 1902, Mr. Pym
took a clutch of seven eggs — six of the Malachite Kingfisher
[Corythornis cyanostlgma) and one larger and more elongated
egg (vide fig. ill., Plate III.), which was ascribed to Klaas'
Cuckoo [vide Ivy, 'Ibis,' 1901, p. 28). This egg was beauti-
fully transparent ; the yolk showed through the shell and
gave a pinkish tint to the egg. On blowing the eggs the
yolk of the Cuckoo's was found to be of a much deeper shade
of orange than that of the Kingfisher's. In Deceinhnr l^i95

',)(] ]\l('>srs. A. K. Haa^^nor <(n(l U, IT. Ivy on llie

a yoiin^' hird of this species was taken from the nest of
Cinnyris afer (Scarlet-chested Sun-bird), coloured like the
adult female. — In December 1898 Mr. Key Ivy took a
yount^ female from a nest of the same species, which also
resembled the adult. A photograph from life was
obtained. In December 11)00 and on November 0th, 1901,
two nests of Apcdis thorarica (Bar-thi'oated Warbler) were
taken on Belmont Farm, Grahamstown, in almost the same
spot. One nest contained three small verditer-blue eggs
spotted with red-brown of the Warbler, and one much larger
egg. The other nest contained four of the Warbler's eggs
and another much lai'ger egg identical with the first one
taken. On the last occasion the Cuckoo was seen within a
few inches of the nest. These two eggs resembled those of
the Warbler in coloration, but, as will be seen from the
photograph (Plate III. figs. i. & v.), they are much larger and
differ also in sha))e, being more rounded at either extremity.
Other hosts of this Cuckoo are the Cardinal Woodpecker
{Dendropicus cardinaUs) [Victorin] and the Amethyst Sun-
bird (^C'mnijris anietJn/stinna) [Fitzsimmons].

Chrysococcyx cupreus. (Didric Cuckoo.)
It appears quite conclusive to us that the eggs of this bird
vary considerably in size, shade, and markings. In support
of this view we venture to submits the following renuxrks : —
In the first place, it has been described as ivJdfe by more than
one competent observer, including Mrs. Barber, Messrs. Lo
Vaillant and Jackson. Mr. Ayres says he took a spotted egg
from the ovary of a female, and that the Sparrow is the usual
host ; this was the case at Springfontein, O.H.C., in 1890,
when a large number of Didric C!uckoos were taken from the
nests of Passer arcvalus, but not one white egg was found ;
and at Modderfontein, Transvaal (vide Ilaagner, ' ibis,' 1901,
p. 1()). Messrs. A. I). Millar, Austin Koberts, and Major
S})arrow have also found it spotted {vide Journal S. A. 0. U.
vol. i. p. 17), while Fitzsimmons took a blue eg^" from the
ovary of a feiiiale. In January 1890 a nest of Parisoina
snlcivvHleuni (Tit-Babbler) was taken at Coleman's Farm,

^\ nbi'ictd loii (if I hi' (iciiH.s ( 'liivsococcvx. 37

Modder River, in the Bloemfontein District of the O.R.C.,
with one egg of C. cupreus [vide ' Ibis/ 1901, p. 28, Ivy). Tliis
tiny nest contained the two eggs of the Tit-Bahhler and one
much larger pure white egg which was, ahnost witliout doubt,
that of the Didric, as one of these birds insisted on returning
to the tree in which the nest was situated. The larger egg
can be distinctly seen protruding from the nest in the
])hotograph (Plate II. fig. 1). In March H)0;5, five young
C. cupreus were taken from Sparrows^ nests, and over 100
eggs were examined, but none differed from the ordinary
Sparrow egg. On November 17th, 1903, near the ford of
the Johiinesburg-Pretoria road, a colony of Masked Weaver-
Birds (IlyplLaiitornis velatus mari(juetisis) were found breeding
in a tree overhanging the Yokeskei River. In three of the
nests one egg was found entirely difi'erent from the others in
the same nest. These eggs were precisely similar to each
other in size, shape^ and markings, being of a dull greenish
blue spotted with brownish, and were distinctly smaller than
the eggs of the Weaver, and also slightly different in shape,
being more attenuated. One of the eggs was in a nest with
the typical " blue-spotted with brown," velatus variety,
another with white, and the last with " pink-spotted " eggs.
There seems little doubt that these eggs were those of
C. cupreus, as these Cuckoos were extremely common all along
the river, and one actually flew away from the nests as the
tree was approached. On 29th November of the same year,
at Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, a pui'e white egg was
discovered in the nest of a Cape Wagtail (JJotucilla capeusis).
The nest was situated on the top of a willow stump, and
contained, besid<'s the wliite egg, three typical Wagtail's eggs.
A pair of C. cupveus were very much in evidence in the
neiglil)ourhood of the nest, making the woods resound with
tlieir noisv, plaintive calls. In order to absolutely prove the
identitv of the egg, it was left in the nest to hatch out. On
visiting" the nest several days later one young bird was found
in it, which could easily be told as a Cuckoo by its beak and
zvgodactvle feet. The eggs of the rightful owners of the
nest had disapi'carcd and had no doubt been I'jected. The

S<S On the ^Mdijicafion o/' the (Jenvs (."hrysococcyx.

nestling, when only half-grown, quite filled the nest, and
must have sorely tried the untortiniate foster-parents in their
endeavours to appease its voracious appetite ; whenever the
nest was approached the young bird would raise itself with
beak widely distended clamouring for food, with loud cries.
It finally flew from the nest (in less than a fortnight) a
typical young Didric. In the Uitenhage, Grahamstown
(CO.), Bloemfontein and Springfontein Districts (O.R.C.),
this species is fairly plentiful, and in the Pretoria District
they are very common ; in all those localities the usual host
is the ordinary Cape Sparrow (Passer arcuatus), the next
commonest being the Masked Weaver [Hyphantornis^. The
young at first have a bright coral bill, which turns to a
salmon tint and finally becomes the blackish and horn-colour
of the fully adult bird. They assume the brilliant metallic
colouring of the adult before they leave the nest, differing
only in those particulars as enumerated in Sclater's ' Fauna
S. A.' Birds, vol. iii. — In January 1906, at Koonap, near
Beaufort, CO., seven young Cuckoos were taken from the
nests of the (-ape Sparrow and the Spotted-backed Weaver
( /Ii/jJitniforriis spUonotus). Here, again, no single instance
can be recorded where an egg differed from the ordinary
" Sparrow '^ or " Weaver " types. There was one notable clutch
of six (the usual number is three or four) presumed Sparrow
eggs — four dark and two light coloured ones (which latter
Avere much like the ordinary lighter type of S] arrow egg).
On blowing the " light " eggs one was found to contain a
young bird, which had the swollen nostrils characteristic of
Cuckoos. The embryo Sparrows were, on the other hand,
without these swollen nostrils, and were also snudler than the
embryo Cuckoo. — On Plate II. fig. 2 will be seen a young
Didric Cuckoo in the nest of a Cape Sparrow, with the male
foster-parent perched above the nest. This jihotograph was
taken at Koonap River. — On the 31st December, 1905, a
female of C. cupreus was shot on the banks of the Crocodile
Biver, north of (*onnnando-nek in the Magaliesberg Range,
Transvaal. She, with her mate, was flying about the trees
containing a colony of nesting Shelley's Weavers (llyphant-

JOUKN. S. A, O.U., Vol.11. Pl. Ill

(-'/(, liillwrlo unrccordt'd B'nxU from the Tran.sraaL 31)

or Ills auricapillus), and when shot was found to contain .a
pure white egg in her oviduct. This egg most nearly
resembles No, iv. on Phite III., being, however, a little more
pointed at the acute end, and measures 21"5 mm. by 15 mm.
Major Sparrow's view that the eggs are not white would
appear to be ill-tbunded, as we think we have conclusively
proved that not only is such the case, but that these birds
lay eggs which show a considerable diversity in colour, size,
shape, and markings.

X^I. — Notes on certain Birds liitherto wirecorded from the
Transvaal. By Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

The following species have, so far as I am aware, never been
previously recorded from the Transvaal in any published
work, although, possibl}-, some of them may have been
obtained in the Colony by other collectors who have never
made public their results. My thanks are due to Mr. W. L.
Sclater for having kindly identified the specimens forwarded
to him. Those species initialled [C. H. T.] were procured
by my brother Mr. C. H. Taylor; those initialled [L. E. T.]
by myself. The numbers prefixed to each species are (where
applicable) those given in Selater's Check-list of the Birds
of iSouth Africa {' Annals of the South African Museum/
vol. ill. i)art viii. no. !»).

2U*. Hyphantoknisjamesoni. (Jameson's Weaver Bird.)
A single specimen obtained near Krabbefontein in tln!
Zoutpansberg in Oct. 1905. [C. H. T.]

Stark records this s{)ecies from Swazieland, and Sclater
marks it in his Check-list as from the Eastern Transvaal.
Possibly the latter refers to the Swazieland specimen.
Swazieland is now (since 1904) included in Transvaal
territory, but the Eastern Transvaal difi'ers so greatly topo-
graphically from Swa/ieland that, I think, for ornithological
pur[)oses it is as well to diti'erentiate between the two.

40 Uv. L. E. Ta\ lor oh hll/wrlo

Anthus tenelus, (Golden Pipit.)

cJ. Irene, near Pretoria, 15 January, HHjO.

Length (ij" ; wing ^j}/' ; culmen j''^." ; tarsus l^," ; tail
91"

Iris dark brown; bill: upper inandible dark brown, lower
mandible slaty-brown. [L. E. T,]

This Pipit has only previously been recorded from between
5° N. and 5° S. lat., and is therefore a new addition to the
avifauna of South Africa south of the Zambesi. The yellow
plumage is most striking, the underparts being bright yellow
with a broad black baud across the chest. The wings are
also bright yellow, the tips of the primaries being black.
My attention was first drawn to it as it rose from the ground
close by the river. Its flight much resembled that of a
Wagtail, but its gaudy plumage and sharp-pointed wings
reminded one of Mellito'pluujus meridionalis (Little Bee-eater).
It is an exceedingly restless bird, and it was all I could do to
keep it in sight during about a quarter of an hour which
passed whilst my gun was being brought by a friend. From
the ground it flew to the very toj) of a willow tree, where it
was presently joined by a liird which I took to be its mate —
dull plumaged and very much like a Wagtail. The two
birds chased one another for several minutes and Anally
separated. The male alighted twice on the ground, and
always flew up on to the topmost branch of a tree. I
eventually shot it on the top of a willow tree about 50 feet
from the ground. The other bird — which I took to be a
female — unfortunately flew away and was not seen again.
Judging from the large size of the testes, I should say that
the bird had undoubtedly paired for breeding. The occurrence
of this species some 1250 miles from its hitherto known
southerly range is interesting, and rather unaccoimtable, as
it has, from its plumage, all the appearances of a typical
tro})ical bird.

231. Parisoma rLUMBEr:\r. (llartlaub's Tit Babl»ler.)
A single specimen was procui'ed at Kaapmuiden, on the

inirccorded B'lnh j'ro))i flw 'fnin.^raal. 41

Del;i<ioa Bay line, in August 11)05. It was one of a pair
frequenting thick scrub. [L. E. T.]

Stark and Sclater record this s[)oeies from Swazi(dand
(fide Buckley) and Natal {fide Jteid). In habits and plumage
this species very much resembles Muscicapn cceruJescnis (Blue-
grey Flycatcher), and it \vould be almost imjiossible to dis-
tinguish between the two unless handled in the flesh.

330. EiiYTHROi'YGiA ZAMBESIANA. (Zambesi Ground
Robin.)

c?. 12.9.05. Koodoo River, Zoutpansberg. [L. E. T.]
The only previous record of this species in South Africa
south of the Zambesi is that of the type specimen obtained
at Tete on the south bank of the Zambesi by Dr. Kirk. I
found it very plentiful all along the road from the Koodoo
Kiver to Thabana, in the Great Letaba valley. When dis-
turbed these birds usually fly to the top of an Acacia tree.

341. MusciCAPA c^KULESCENS. (Bhie-grey Flycatcher.)
?. 30 9.05. Leeuw's Creek, Barberton District. [C. H. T.]
This species has been recorded already from all the colonies
south of the Zambesi, with the exce])tion of the Transvaal.

3G0. Graucalus c^sius. (Great Cuckoo Shrike.)

G.9.05. Great Letaba valley, Zoutpan>berg.

This was the only specimen which I saw. The skin was
exceedingly delicate, and as it was also badly shot it was
quite impossible to preserve it. Sclater's Check-list only
records it from Natal, Caj)e Colony, and Zululand.

434. Hapaloderma narina. (Narina Trogon.)
A single specimen was obtained in the Great Letaba
Yalley, Zoutpansberg, in October 1905. [C. H. T.]

Mr. W. L. Sclater informs me that since the publication of
vol. iii. of his 'Fauna of South Africa: Birds,' he has received
one specimen from the Sabi District. This Trogon is also
found in the Barberton district near Leeuw's Creek, but is a
rare bird in the Transvaal.

42 On It'll lierto unreconled Birds fro))i the Tnuisraal,

44:7. Indicator minor. (Lesser Honey-Guide.)
A single specimen was obtained at Irene in 1904. [L.E.T.]
I can find no record of this bird having been previously
obtained in the Transvaal, but it is widely distributed in all
tiie other South African colonies. Whilst I was digging out
a bees' nest at Irene last December (1905) one of these birds
])orched on a tree within a few yards of me, and watched my
o})erations with considerable interest, uttering at intervals
its call-note. I saw a i)air subsequently on several occasions.

446. Inuicatok variegatus. (Scaly-throated Honey-
Guide.)

? . 9.9.0.5. Magab IS Kloof, Zoutpansberg. [L. E. T.]

This species has only previously })een recorded, from Southern
Cape Colony and Zululand, so that its range may now be
regarded as considerably extended.

5.54. Poi.YBOROiDES TYPICUS. (Harrier Hawk.)

Obtained in the Great Letaba Valley, Zoutpansberg, in
Sej>tember 1905. [C. H. T.]

This Hawk appears to be fairly common in the low
country of the Zoutpansberg District, and is frequently shot
by farmers there: not hitherto recorded from the Transvaal.

A snake was found in the sromach of one specimen
j)rocured.

()40. Tympanistria bicolor. (Tambourine Dove.)
A single specinien was obtained at Krabbefontein, Zout-
pansberg District, on the (jth September J 905. [L. E. T.]

This species ranges through the forest regions of Ca[)e ( "olony,
Natal, and Zululand. I was informed by Mr. Altenroxel (of
the Tzaneen Tobacco Factory) that during a residence of
thirteen years in the Great Letaba Valley he had only ob-
served this species once, and a keen and trustworthy observer
j't Leeuw's Creek also told me that it was regarded as a known
but very rare bird in tlie l^arberton district. It has not
hitherto Ijeen recorded from the Transvaal.

Oblldnvi/. — ()cc(i.s/<)ii((l Safes. 43

607. Otis melanogaster. (Bl:ick-l)ellie(l Knorluian.)
Three specimens were obtained in the Great Letaba Valley

during September 1905. [C. H. T.]

This species has been recorded from Natal and l\hod(!sia,

so tliat tliis record in the Transvaal forms a territorial link

between the two districts. Althout«h not j)lentiful it is not

uncommon in the Great Letaba Valley.

OBITUARY.

Mr. Edward Cavendish Taylor, whose death took place in
London on the I'Jth April, ] 905, at the age of 73, was an
ornithologist of considerable eminence. He was one of the
original members of the British Ornithologists' Union and
contributed a number of pajiers to its Journal, 'The Ibis.'
He was an enthusiastic collector and in his younger days
travelled somewhat extensively, devoting some attention to
African Ornithology in frequent visits to Egypt and in an
expedition to Tunis and Algeria in 1859. His collections of
skins and eggs, numbering in all rather over 2000 specimens,
were bequeathed by him to the British Museum.

Lieut-Colonel Leonard Howard Loyd Irby, whose death
took place in London on the l-lth May, 1905, was well known
by name as an ornithologist throughout the w^orld. He was
also a distinguished soldier, having served in the Crimea
during the siege of Sebastopol, the Indian Mutiny (including
the relief of Lucknow), the defence of the Alum Bagh, and the
siege and fall of the former town. He was best known to
English Ornithologists as the author of ' Irby's Key List of
British Birds," but was the writer of a far more important
\\ork on the Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar, which
described many species from Northern Africa.

Colonel Irby was born in 183(1.

OCCASIONAL NOTES.

(1) An appreciative review of the first No. of Vol. I. of
this Jouinal appears in the ' ll>is' for October 1905.

41: (>ccaxiuiKil Xofes.

(2) The thanks of the Union are due to Lieut. Stanley
Pershouse, 5tli M.I., for a donation of £2 2.v. towards the

Illustration Fund of the Journal.

(IV) ]\Ir John A. Bucknill has been elected a Fellow of
the Zoolof{ieal tSocietv of London.

(•4) In the Teni])orary Museum arranged at the Johannes-
burg Technical Institute durintr the recent visit of the
British Association an Ornithological exhibit was shown,
consisting of the collections of skins made by the Hon.
Secretary of the Union (Mr. A. K. Haagner) and Mr. L. E.
Taylor of Irene. This loan collection attracted considerable
attention.

(5) The number of Members of the Union at the date of
the Second Annual General Meeting was eighty.

(G) At the August (1905) Meeting of the Johannesburg
Field Naturalists' (ylub, Mr. A. Duncan read an interesting
paper entitled " Aviary Notes." He described the moult and
winter plumage of the Widow Birds, and exhibited a living
male of Coliopasser alhonotatus (White-winged AVidow Bird)
in winter plumage. He also described the moult of Quelea
(juelea (Red-billed Weaver) and expressed the opinion that
the existence as a subspecies of Quelea quelea 7^ussi fRuss'
Weaver) was not justified, owing to the great variation in
])lumage of Q. <juelea, ranging from one extreme to the
other.

(7) At the October (11M)5) Meeting of the same Society
Mr. F. J. Ellemor read a paper entitled "Notes on the Birds
of the Bezuidenhout's Valley, Johannesburg." He referred
to o7 species, including Sa.vicola plleata (('apj)ed Wheatear),
Amj/drus morlo (Red-winged Starling), and Geocolaptes
oliraccus (Ground Woodpecker). His earliest date for eggs
of Motacilla capensis (('ape Wagtail) was July 7th, which is
extremely early for this district.

Occasiojial ^oles. 45

(8) With reference to the Editorial Note on pa^e 42 of:
Vol. I. No. 2 of this Journal regarding the recorri by Mr. J. Ct.
Brown of JEijialitis venusta (Fischer's Sand-Plover) near
Port Elizabeth, it is extremely satisfactory to note that
Mr. Brown has forwarded a specimen of this bird to
Mr. Bncknill through the Hon. Sec. Mr. Brown's identi-
fication has been confirmed by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, of the
British Museum, and, as no specimen was in the possession of
that institution, this one has been presented to it with the
consent of Mr. Brown and Mr. Haaoner.

(9) Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall, F.Z.S., F.E.S., whose
address is P.O. Box 149, Salisbury, Rhodesia, writes that he
is making an investigation upon the species of insects which
are eaten by Birds in various parts of South Africa. He
would be greatly obliged if any collectors would be good
enough to preserve the stomachs of any birds they may shoot
and forward them to him for examination. He adds : " There
is no difficnlty in preserving the stomachs, as they need only
be screwed up in a piece of paper, labelled with the name of
the bird, and pLiced in a box containing a plentiful supply of
naphthaline or carbolic, the box being left open so as to allow
of the contents drying out thoroughly. Such an investigation,
apart from its purely scientific interest, will have a distinct
economic value, especially if done on a sufficiently big scale. ^'

(10) A NUMBER of Members of the Union think that as the
Journal is fairly established it should be designated by some
distinctive name, as are the Journals of the Societies which
produce the ' Ibis,' the 'Emu,' and the 'Auk.'

Various names liave been suggested, such as the ' Paauw,'
' Ostrich,' ' Falcon,' and ' Eagle.' As, however, this question
was the subject matter of discussion both at the 1st Annual
General Meeting (24th Sept., 1904) and at the Special General
Meeting (.5th Nov., 1904), on which latter date the present
title was settled, the Editorial Committee dues not feel disposed
to make anv alteration of its own motion.

46 Occaiiohdl Xotes.

(11) In the next issue of the Journal, which will be
published in December, will ap{)ear an Index of the Avifauna
to which reference has been made durin<r the life of this
publication. An Index of the names of (Contributors to the
Journal, a List of the Members of the Union at the date of
the Annual General Meeting, which will be held in August
1906, a List of the Papers published, and an Index to the
Illustrations will also be provided. With the December issue
it is proposed to complete the First Series of the Society's
Publications.

(12) L\ the December issue of this Journal will appear
[inter alia) a paper on the Birds of North-east Rhodesia, bv
Dr. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater, a paper on the Birds of
Irene, near Pretoria, by Mr. L. E. Taylor, a translation of a
paper by Dr. Reichenow, and the description of the nest and
eggs of Mirafra ruppilea (Rufous- headed Lark), hitherto
undescribed.

(13) The Fourth Quinquennial Congress of the Inter-
national Ornithological Committee was held during the week
commencing June 12th, 1905, at the London University,
Imperial Institute Buildings, under the Presidency of Dr. R.
BowDLER Sharpe, of the British Museum. There was a large
attendance of some 300 Members from all parts of the world,
including many of the most distinguished ornithologists.

The Congress was divided into five sections : —

1. Systematic Ornithology and Geographical Distribution.

President : Dr. P. L. Sclater.

2. Migration. President : Herr Otto Herman, of

Hungary.

3. Biology and Oology. President : Dr. Fatio, of

Switzerland.

4. Economic Ornithology. President : Mr. H. E.

Dresser.

5. Aviculture. President: Mr. E. G. B. Meade- Waldo.
An informal meeting was held at the Imperial Institute

Occa/nnKtl ]S()I('S. 47

Buildings on the evening of the 12tli, and on the morning of;
the 18th Dr. Sharpe read a Presidential Address on the origin
and progress of tlie national bird-collection in the British
Museum. In the afternoon, meetings of Sections I. and IV.
were opened, and interesting papers read by different members:
Dr. R. Blasius, of Brunswick, on Methods of Nomenclature ;
Dr. Louis Bureau, of Nantes, on the lioseate Tern [Sterna
dougalli, Mont.) on the coast of Brittany ; and Graf von
Berlepsch, of Berlin, on some new Neotropical Birds. In
the IVth Section, papers on Bird Protection in Great Britain
and Australia were i-ead by Mr. T. Digby Piggott and
Sir John (^ockburn respectively.

On the 14th, the principal papers were those of Mr. F. B.
Chapman, of the United States, on Museum Collections of
Birds ; Dr. Dwight, of ihe United States, on colour changes
due to abrasion ; Dr. Leverkiihn, of Bulgaria, on the
nesting of the Egyptian Vulture and the Imperial Eagle ;
Herr Otto Herman on Bird -Migration ; Mr. Pycraft on
Nestling Birds and their relation to evolution ; and Padre
Ernesto Schmitz, of Madeira, on the Birds of that island.

A conversazione was held in the evening at the Natural
History Museum, South Kensington. Thursday, the 15th,
was occupied by a visit to Tring, the country seat of the
Hon. Waiter liothschild, whose Museum is one of the finest
private establishments in the world. The host lectured on
"Extinct and Vanishing Birds," illustrated by specimens
contained in his collections.

On the 16th, Mr. Bonhote, of Cambridge, England, read a
paper on the hybridisation of Ducks ; Dr. Hartert one on the
Principal Aims of Modern Ornithology ; and Dr. Wilson one
on the Birds of the Antarctic. In the afternoon the Lord
Mayor of London held a reception at the Mansion House,
and in the evening the British Ornithologists' Union enter-
tained the Foreign Members of the Society at dinner at the
Frascati Restaurant

On the 17th, Mr. Bruce read a paper on the Scottish
Antarctic Expedition ; other papers were also read by
Mr. D. Seth-Smith on Aviculture ; Dr. Penrose, on behalf of

48 Occa/ioind Xofrs.

Herr Svotozar, on tlie Sj)arrow and its Economic Value ;
Dr. Helm on the Autumnal Mi<:^ration of the Starling ; and
Dr. Dwight on the ^Significance of Sequence in Moults and
Plumages.

At the conclusion of the Sectional Meetings it was decided
that the next Congress should be held in Berlin, under the
Presidency of Prof, Dr. Reichenow, or if found impossible to
carry out the proposal, then at Brussels with Dr. Alphonse
Dubois as President.

On Monday 19th, Woburn Park, the seat of the Duke of
Bedford, was visited, and his Zoological Gardens inspected.
On the 20th, Cambridge was the objective of an excursion, the
visitors being entertained at luncheon at Magdalene College.
On Wednesday, the 21st, the well-known Bird Cliffs at
Flamborough and Bempton in Yorkshire were seen, and the
cliff-climbers, who collect a rich harvest of the eggs of the
Guillemot and Razorbill, observed at work.

With these three semi-official visits was terminated a most
successful meeting. It is impossible within the limits of these
columns, and difficult in the face of the production of so much
brilliant, interesting, and instructive information made public
at this memorable gathering, to refer at any length to the
more salient features of the papers which attracted the
greatest attention. Perhaps, however, mention may be made
of Mr. Pycraft's suggestive lecture, which indicated that all
birds were primarily arboreal and nidifugous, that these
primary habits had modified in the course of evolution in
two marked lines, the young of the arboreal nesting birds
becoming more and more helpless, whilst the young of the
non-arboreal ground-nesting birds become similarly more and
more independent immediately after leaving the shell of the

ecror.

Mr. Chapman's remarks on the value of a Museum
Collection of Birds is also well worth study, the maximum
of adeepuite public exhibition, coupled with the greatest
facility for work and research by students, being the ideal of
the objects which should be aimed at by the controllers of
any Natural History Institution. Mr. Seth-Smith's paper

Sho7't yofices. 49

on Aviculture, indicating the important observations wliicli
may be made in connection with changes of plumage, moult, and
nesting-habits on birds kept in captivity, is also of great value.

The House Sparrow was finally condemned, and the edict
is out against him.

The CJongress was an unqualified success.

SHORT NOTICES.

(1) In the ' Avicultural Magazine,' new series, vol. ii.
(1904:) p. 94, appeared an interesting article by Capt. Boyd
Horsbrugh, A.S.C, entitled " Some Field Notes in South
Africa." The paper gave an account of some species of
Birds met with during two years' travelling in the Western
Transvaal.

(2) Attention may be directed to an instructive paper bv
Mr. W. L. Sclater entitled " Nature Study for South Africa,'
read before the South African Association for tlie Advance-
ment of Science at its Meeting in Johannesburg in 1904, and
recently published in the Reports of that Society.

(3) The fourth volume of Shelley's ' Birds of Africa' [The
Birds of Africa, comprising all the Species -which occur in
the Ethiopian Region. By CI. E. Shelley, F.Z.S., F.R.G.S.,
etc.] was published in two parts in 1905. It need hardly be
stated that this is a most important and valuable work. Jt
deals with the Ploceidse (Weaver-Birds), which the author
divides into three subfamilies: Viduinne, Estrildinse, and
Ploceinaj.

The first part of vol. iv. describes the two first-named
groups, the Viduinse being credited with seven genera and
fifty-five species and the Estrildinse with sixteen genera and
one hundred and twelve species. The Ploceinae, wiiich
form the subject of p;ii-t 2, are dividcij into twenty-five genera

VOL. II. 4

50 Sliurt yohcex.

and one hundred and twenty-four sj)ecies. The " keys '^ and
text are of an exhaustive character and the vohime is, as were
its predecessors, beautifully illusti'ated with a large number
of coloured plates.

Amongst the species figured are some of considerable
interest to South African Ornithologists, such as UrohracJiija
affinis (Natal Fan-tailed Weaver), supposed to be a variety of
U. cuillaris (Red-shouldered Widow Bird), which assumes
the form of plumage denoted as that of U. affinis when .kept
in captivity for some length of time ; Anomalospiza rendalli =
Serinus imherhis and Seriniis rendalli (Sclater, Fauna of
S. Africa, Birds, vol. i. p. 172 ; vide also Annals S. African
Mus. vol. iii. pt. viii. no. 9, pp. 313 & 372) ; Lagonostlda
rlwdopareia (Heuglin's Ruddy Waxbill), recently added to
the South African List (vide Annals S. African Mus. vol. iii.
pt. viii. no. 9, pp. 309 & 3G8) ; Ploceipasser j^ectoralis (Stripe-
chested Weaver-Bird) ; SycoJirotus didifrotis (Spot-headed
Weaver Bird) ; and Ilyphardornis nigriceps (Black-headed
Weaver Bird).

(4) Ijs the ' Ornithologiseho Munatsberichte ' fur Se})tember
1905 appears an article by Dr. A. Reichenow on " Three
new Species of Seedeaters from North-east Africa.^'

He describes in detail PoUospiza erlmif/eri (named after
the late Carlo von Erlanger), P. coUaris, and P. pachy-
rhyncJia. The specimens from which these birds were de-
scribed are from ErJanger^s collection made during his travels
in Africa.

(5) In the same Number of the same Journal Dr. Reichenow
further describes a new species from South Africa : —

Ploceus tkoth^ (Rchw.), n. sp.

Similar to P. rxdnginosus, but with the red-brown of the
plumage paler, going over more into yellowish. Collected
by General von Trotha in Windhoek, German South-west
Africa.

SJinrI yotjrcs. 51

(f)) Tn the November number ot" the same Journal appears
an article by Dr. Reichenow on " Descriptions of new
Species/' Eleven new species and one new subspecies are
described, princi[)ally from East Africa and the East African
coast.

(7) The ' Proceedings of the United States National
Museum,' xxviii. I'.Kjf), contains an article by Harry
C. Oberholser, F.M.B.O.U., of the United States Biological
Survey, on '* Birds collected by Dr. W. L. Abbott in the
Kilimanjaro Region, East Africa." The paper deals with
25G species, and describes a number of new subspecies and a
few new species. It seems to be rather regrettable that the
author should alter so many well-known generic names and
use such as " Tach^nautes" for " Cypselus," "' Poueropsar'^
for " Sj>reo" etc. One or two names used are only new ones
for old established species, e. g. " Lissotis notliopldla " for
L. lovati (Grant) and " Acrocephalus rinus " for A. macro-
rliynclius (Hume).

(8) In the 'Journal fur Ornithologie ' for July 1905,
Prof. Dr. E. Vanhotfen, of Kiel, publishes his very interesting
" Report on the Birds observed by the German South-Polar
Expedition." The following extracts may be of interest to
Members :— On the 28th October, at 28° S. lat., the first
Cape Pigeon {Daption capense) was seen, and on November
5th the first southern member of the Tern family {Sterna
vittatii) was met with, which latter bird remained with the
ship till the IGth of the same month, when it was shot.
About 200 sea miles from the South African coast. Prion
cceruleus was seen on 22nd Novem])er, and when about 120
miles from the Cape the coast birds began to show them-
selves, becoming more numerous the nearer the vessel ap-
proached land. The species were Sula capensis. Lams
dominicawit^, a species of Skua, Phalacrocorax capensis, and
a Tern — probably Sterna /wn/ei. The expedition left Capo
Town on 7th December, and on ihe afternoon of the 8th all

52 /SAo?'/ jXaflcei^.

coast birds had disappparod. The ocean birds accompanied
the ship the whole way from (*ape Town to the Kerguelen
Islands. Cape Pigeons were met with in numbers on 23rd
Deceml)er, near the Crozet Isles. On Xmas da}^ a land
expedition was organised on the Possession Isles, which re-
sulted in the discovery of two new species — a Duck and a
Cormorant — named by Prof. Reichenow Anas dr>j<iahkii and
Plialacrocora.r ranholfeni respectively. Heard Island was
reached on 3rd February, where fresh batches of Cape
Pigeons greeted the expedition. Landing in Corinthian Bay
a new species of Chionls was discovered — named by Reichenow
C. naslcoruh. — On 7th February the first iceberg was seen.
On 22nd February, 1902, in 6(j° 2' 9" S. lat. and 89° 38'
E. long., the ship was frozen up for a period of fifty weeks I
On 8th February, 1903, the winter-quarters were left behind.
On the 31st May, in the neighbourhood of Port Natal, Sula
capensis, Lestris antarctica were seen, also Majaqueus and
Tlialassogeron. The author w^as able, on six occasions, to
observe the going and coming of the coast birds of Cape
Town — during the months of October, November, December,
and August, — and arrives at the conclusion that Lestris, Sula,
Phalacrocoracc, Larus dominicanus, and Sphenisnis of their own
free will hardly wander further than 2'^ lat. = 120 sea miles
from the coast. The ship left Simonstown on 2nd August,
1903, and reached the Elbe on 23rd November, after an
adventurous but pleasant trip. The deeply interesting article
is illustrated by a clear chart giving the distribution of the
sea-birds — i. e. the northern and southern limits of the more
locally distributed species, as observed by the "Gauss''
expedition.

(9) Thk October number (1905) of the 'Journal fiir
Ornithologie ' contains a further contribution to the Bird-
fauna of North-east Africa, by the late Carlo von Erlanger.
The article is again illustrated by a series of tine }ilates.

SJio)i Xofires. 53

(10) The October number (1905, part 2, vol. v.) of 'The
Emu ' contains an interostintr article by A. G. Campbell, on
"Fruit-eating Birds." He thinks that they are deservincr
of better treatment than is usually meted out to them. With
this part is issued as a Supplement an excellent " Dicho-
tomous Key " to the Birds of Australia.

(11) In the July (1905) number of 'The Ibis' attention
may be drawn to the followinor articles : —

1. A Contribution to the Ornithology of the Egyptian

Soudan, by A. L. Butler, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., &c.,
Superintendent of Game Preservation, Soudan Govern-
ment.— This is a lengthy and most important contri-
bution to African Ornithology. Three hundred and
thirty species are referred to, many of which are
familiar in the Southern portion of the Continent.

2. On a small Collection of Birds from the Wadi-en-

Natrun, Egypt, by W. L. S. Loat, F.Z.S.

3. On further Collections of Birds from the Ef ulen District

of Camaroon, West Africa, by R. Bowdler Sharpe,
Lli.D., with Notes by the Collector, G. L. Bates.

(12) In the October (1905) number of 'The Ibis' the
following paper relating to African Ornithology appears: —

On a Collection of Birds from Somaliland, by Harry F.
Witherby, with Field-notes by the Collector, Cai)tain
A. E. Hamerton, R.A.M.C, D.S.O.— This article
describes a collection of skins made by Captain
Hamerton whilst on active service with the Somali-
land Field Force in 1903-4. A large number of the
specimens were obtained in Eastern Somaliland, which
is but little known, and the collection, although small,
contains several new forms.

VOL. II.

JcuRN. S. A. O. U., Vol. II. PL. IV.

riioto by L. E. Taylor, ]n-in-.

Nest and Esr^s of ANAS SPARSA Black Duck'

THE JOURNAL

OF THE

SODTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

Vol. II. DECEMBER 1906. No. 2.

XVIT. — Ihe Birds of Irene, near Pretoria, Tixinsvaal.
By Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Plate IV.)

The following notes, which are the result of two years'
close observation of the birds of Irene, may, I trust, be of
interest.

The small township of Irene is situated in the Transvaal,
10 miles south of Pretoria, on the main line to Johannesburg
(lat. 25° 52'-8 S., long. 28° 13'-3 E., altitude 4800 feet). The
country presents the usual features of the High Veld, being
almost bare of trees, with the exception of a Eucalyptus
plantation, a few clumps of scattered Acacias, and the
indigenous trees which skirt the river.

The Hennops rivulet passing through the Irene Estate
flows in a N.W. direction to the Crocodile River. It is up
this comparatively well-wooded water valley wdiich the few
subtropical birds, which appear in the following list, make
their way. With these few exceptions the birds enumerated
are typical High Veld species.

I have confined the list to birds obtained within a radius
of four milos from Irene Railway Station, thus excluding
the immediate neighbourhood of Pretoria, Avhich, lying almost
on the border line of the High Veld and Bush Veld, presents
features more closely resembling the latter.

VOL. II. 6

56 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

There are no large dams or vleis in the vicinity, and
although the Hennops Hiver is a perennial stream, there is a
marked absence of water birds and waders.

The Accipitres are poorly represented here, being much
more plentiful immediately the range of hills directly south
of Pretoria is passed.

My thanks are due to Mr. W. L. Sclater and Dr. J. B.
Gunning for having assisted me in the identification of those
specimens of which I was in doubt.

The numbers prefixed to the species referred to are, where
applicable, those given in Sclater^s " Check-list of the Birds
of South Africa " [Annals South African Museum, vol. iii.
part viii. no. 9]. The actual specimens referred to by date
or in detail are in my own collection. This paper was written
mainly in November and December 1905.

2. CoRVUS SCAPULATUS. (Pied Crow.)

-The Pied Crow is fairly common here at times ; they
usually go about in pairs.

3. CoRVUS CAPENSis. (Black Crow.)
(a) ? (juv.). 25.12.03. Irene.

In stomach insects.

These birds are more common here than in any other
place where I have seen them. They generally are seen
in twos or threes. In April 1905 I counted over sixty
here in one flock; they were making a most unusual noise,
and must, I think, have been migrating. On another occasion,
in July 1905, I saw about twenty together. I have seen
one of these birds carrying a snake (AhlabopJds rufulus) in
its mouth.

6. Creatophora carunculata. (Wattled Starling.)
The Wattled Starling is a local migrant, appearing at
intervals in enormous flocks during the summer. Althouoh
I have seen thousands I have never been able to notice a
male with an aljuormal wattle, as ]iictured in Stark ('Fauna
S. Africa,' Birds, vol. i. p. 23), and such specimens must be
extremely rare.

Birds of Irene. 57

9. Spreo bicolor. (Pied Starling.)

The Pied Starling is a very common resident here. They
always roost in a flock in the same trees in a plantation on
the estate.

17. Lamprocolius sycobius. (Peters' Glossy Starling.)

[a) 18.2.01. Irene.

In stomach seeds and berries.

(/;) ? . 26.2.04. Irene.

Fairly couimon, usually found in small parties.

20. Oriolus galbula. (Golden Oriole.)
(a) 2 . 12.2.05.

This is the only specimen of the Golden Oriole which I
have seen here, K. is a rare visitor to the Transvaal.

22. Oriolus larvatus. (Black-headed Oriole.)

The Black-headed Oriole Ls a rare bird here and very
difficult to get near.

23. Hyphantornis nigriceps. (Black-headed Weaver
Bird.)

I have only seen one example of the Black-headed Weaver
Bird, which was obtained here by Mr. Shortridge.

25. Hyphantornis velatus. (Masked Weaver Bird.)
= //. mariquensls (Shelley, Birds of Africa, vol. iv. pp. 399
& 405.)

The Masked Weaver Bird is very common and nests
abundantly along the river. The nests are always suspended
from a tree over the water, and I have never seen one
attached to reeds, although the latter are plentiful. The
males assume their breeding-plumage early in September.
The young are hatched in November.

33. SiTAGRA CAPENSis OLIVACEA. (Eastern Cape Weaver
Bird.)

(a) 29.9.04.

(6) 14.10.04.

The Eastern Cape Weaver Bird is fairly common here.
It is usually found along the river, where it either suspends
its nest from a bush or builds it amongst the reeds, but I

6*

58 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

Lave found a colony breedinor in an isolated tree a long way
from water. When perched on a reed these birds keep their
tails incessantly moving.

47. Lagonosticta rubkicata. (South African Ruddy
Waxbill.)

(a) (?. 12.1.04.

The Ruddy Waxbill is common here. They always go
about in pairs and are never found far from water.

49. Lagonosticta rendalli. (Little Ruddy Waxbill.)

(a) c?. 13.1203.

(b) 2- 13.12.03.

(c) c?. 12.1.04.

(d) c^. 27.9.04.

The Little Ruddy Waxbill is a very common resident. In
summer they are generally found in pairs, and in winter the
pairs assemble round buildings and on old cultivated land,
where they feed on grass and weed seeds. They never fly
in flocks like Estrilda astrilda (Common Waxbill).

52. Estrilda astrilda. (Common Waxbill.)
(a) c?. 25.1.04.

Very common ; gregarious.

53. Estrilda erythronota. (Black-faced Waxbill.)

I have only seen three pairs of the Black-faced Waxbill
here, all of which were caught by bird-catchers, togethcsr
with other Waxbills.

55. Estrilda angolensis. (Blue-breasted Waxbill.)

(a) $. 8.12.03.

In stomach insects.

The Blue-breasted Waxbill is a common resident, generally
seen in pairs or small parties in old cultivated ground or low
scrub.

57. Estrilda clarkei (Shelley). (Orange-breasted
Waxbill.)

Capt. Shelley separates the Southern form of £. suhjlava
from the Northern form under the above name (Shelley,

Birds of Irene. 59

'Birds of Africa,' vol. i v. part i.). These little "Zebra''
Waxbills are exceedingly common here this summer (1904-5) ,
whereas last year I tried in vain to procure a specimen.
They feed amongst the short grass round my house in small
flocks, and are very tame, allowing one to approach within
two or three yards of them in the open, and when frightened
they only flit along a few yards.

59. ORTYGOsriZA roLYZONA. (Bar-breasted Weaver Finch.)
{a) S. 20.2.04.
Qj) $. 20.2.04.

A common resident; gregarious. Generally found in open
veld, but never far from water.

65. QuELEA QUELEA. (Red-billed Weaver.)

(a) S- 18.1.05.

The Red-billed Weaver is very common here at times, but
during a whole year I never saw one. In November 1904
they commenced to nest in colonies, but in no single instance
was a nest completed. The nests are small domed structures,
usually attached to the lesser branches of stunted willows
(^Salix capensis). One colony commenced to nest at the
same time in a dead hedge. It remains to be proved whether
these birds are parasitic or not, but I am inclined to think
that they use the nests of Pyromelana oryx sundevalli
(Northern Red Bishop Bird).

67. Pyromelana oryx sundevalli. (Northern Red
Bishop Bird.)

The Northern Red Bishop Bird is very common here along
the river, where it nests amongst the reeds. Nesting com-
mences in November.

^^. Pyromelana taha (Smith). (Taha Bishop Bird.)
(a) S- 18.1.05.

There were a few Taha Bishop Birds here last summer,
none the year before, and none so far this summer.

60 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

75. CoLioPASSER PROCNE. (Great-tailed Widow Bird.)
(a) S. 25.12.03.

In stomach seed (oats).

(&) ? .

The Great-tailed Widow Bird is very common in the open
veld and near tlie river.

76. CoLiOPASSEK ARDENS. (Rcd-colLired Widow Bird.)
(a) 6. 11.12.03.

The Red-collared Widow Bird is a very common resident.
They are polygamous, and in winter the males, females, and
young assemble in huge flocks. I have never seen these
birds far from water, and they breed in long grass by the
river side. A nest found in March 1905 contained young
birds just hatched; it was domed, with the entrance at the
side, and built about 2 feet from the ground between tall
grass- stems.

77. Vidua principalis. (Pin-tailed Widow Bird.)
The Pin-tailed Widow Bird is very common.

82. Hypochera funerea amauroptera. (Steel-coloured
Widow Finch.)

(a) 6- 1.1.04. Bill white.

{h) 6. 16.1.04. Bill salmon.

(c) 6 . 26.2.04. Bill pinkish.

This species is not uncommon here and is resident. They
are very shy, except in winter, when they feed round
buildings on small seeds which they obtain by scratching up
the ground like a fowl. They go about in small flocks, and
the females usually outnumber the males. The bill of this
bird varies in colour from white to red, red being the more
common. When disturbed they fly high and generally
settle on the very top of a tree.

83. Petronia petronella. (South African Rock
Sparrow.)

(c) S- 23.9.04.

In stomach seeds and insects.

This is the only example of this species which I have seen ;

Bu'dx of Irene. fil

but beino- very like Passer griseus (Southern Grey-headed
Sparrow) it might easily be passed over. It was amongst
some Acacias right out in the veld.

*84. Passer melanurus. ((-ape Sparrow.)

The Cape Sparrow is common here.

All the nests I have seen have been very untidy domed
structures, placed in the branches of very thorny trees. I have
never seen a nest in a hollow of a tree.

Reichenow (Vog. Afr. iii. p. 233) adopts the older name
of " melanurus" in place of " arcualus " for this species.

*S6. Passer griseus. (Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.)

(a) c?. 13.11.03.

In stomach seeds.

The Southern Grey-headed Sjiarrow is very connnon here,
more so than P. melanurus. It nests in the hollow of a tree.
Reichenow (Vog. Afr. iii. p. 230) has adopted the older
name of ''^griseus " in place of '■'' difxisus."

87. POLIOSPIZA gularis. (Streaky-headed Seed-eater.)

(a) S- 26.12.03.

(//) S- 2.1.04.

In stomach seeds.

The Streaky-headed Seed-eater is a common resident ; in
winter generally found in company with other Seed-eaters.
They are tame birds, easily caught, and make good songsters
in an aviary.

*91 & 92. Anomalospiza imberbih. (Von der Decken's
Seed-eater.)

= Critliagra rendalli (Tristram, Ibis, 1895, p. 129).

=zSerinus rendalli (Kendall's Seed-eater).

I obtained what I am sure was an example of this Seed-
eater in Nov. 1904, but unfortunately the skin was destroyed
by a cat before I could compare it with other skins. I have
seen other specimens obtained near Johannesburg.

Capt. Shelley has pointed out in his ' Birds of Africa,'
vol. iv. p. 108, that the two type specimens of Serums

62 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

rendalli obtained by Dr. Reiidall .'^bould be placed in a new-
genus, which he calls " Anomalospiza."

. 93. Serinus icterus. (Eastern Yellow Seed-eater.)

(a) ? . 21.1.04.

In stomach seeds.

The Eastern Yellow Seed-eater is a very common resident,
confrrcfratins in flocks durino; the winter, and mixing; freely
with S. angolensis (Black-throated Seed-eater).

98. Serinus angolensis. (Black-throated Seed-eater.)
The Black-throated Seed-eater is a very common resident

here. During the winter they collect in small flocks and

mix freely with the preceding species.

[*99. Alario alario. (Mountain Canary.)

(a) (?. 19.5.04.

I think that it is most likely that the specimen which I
obtained here had escaped from captivity. Although Distant
records it from Pretoria, I do not think its range extends as
far north as the Transvaal, and probably the one which he
obtained had also escaped from captivity, as they are very
favourite cage-birds.]

101. Emberiza flaviventris. (Golden-breasted Bunting.)

(a) 2.1.04.

[b) 21.1.04.

The Golden-breasted Bunting is resident but not plentiful.
I have shot specimens on the top of a high Acacia tree and
on telegraph-wires, and I have seen them more often perching
on trees than on the ground or on rocks.

*103 B. Fringillaria capensis reidi. (Natal Bunting.)

(a) S- 20.3.04.

I have only seen one specimen of this Bunting here.

104. Fringillaria tahapisi. (Rock Bunting.)

(a) (?. 12.1.04.

The Rock Bunting is plentiful on rocky ground where
there is any scrub, on the lower branches of which they perch
and utter a pleasant note.

Birds of Irene. 63

105. Fringillauia impetuani. (Lark Bunting.)
(a) c^. 15.9.03.

The Lark Bunting is perhaps the commonest of the
Buntings here, frequenting rocky open ground.

107. Pyrrhulauda verticalis. (Grey-backed Lark.)

(a) S' 19.5.04.

(6) ?. 19.5.04.

In stomach seeds.

The Grey-backed Lark is not uncommon here, but seems
to be confined to one particukir place where the vehl is open
and stony.

119. Mirafra africana. (Rufous-naped Lark.)
(a) S' 0.12.03.

The Rufous-naped Lark is very conunon here in open
veld, and is generally found in pairs,

125. Spizocorys conirostris. (Pink-billed Lark.)
(a) S- 10.2.04.

In stomach seeds.

This Lark is fairly common in the oj;en veld. It is easily
recognized by its shortfall and quick movement of the wings
as it ascends vertically in the air, often to a great height.

126. Tephrocorys cinerea. (Red-capped Lark.)

The Red-capped Lark is a very common resident here.
In the winter they collect in flocks.

*131. Certhilatjda SEMiTORQUATA. (Grey-collarcd Lark.)

(a) S. 18.4.04.

In stomach insects and seed.

I have only seen one pair of the Grey-collared Lark here.

The specimen which I procured, and which Mr. Sclater
has kindly compared with others in the S. A. Museum, differs
most strikingly from other specimens which I procured at
Hanover, C.C. The length of a Hanover ^ is 9'' and an
Irene S ^l". The bill of the latter is very much shorter,
the feathers of the back have no shaft-stripes, and the oeneral
colour is totally different.

G4 Mr. L. E. Taylor on /he

*134. Certhilauda albofasciata, (Rufous Long-billed
Lark.)

(a) cT. 29.12.03.

The Rufous Long-billed Lark is very common here in
open veld.

In this species, as in the last, there is a great variation
both in size and colour between those obtained here and at
Hanover, CCJ.

135. Maceonyx CAPENSis. (Orange-throated Long-claw.)

(a) ?. 29.12.03.

Not plentiful just here, but very common in neighbourhood.

141. Anthus trivialis. (Tree Pipit.)

(a) ^ . 12.12.03. Iris dark brown. Bill : up})er mandible
dark brown, lower mandible light brown. Legs light brown.

(b) c? (?). 18.1.04.

(c) ? . 18.1.04.

The Tree Pipit is a very rare migrant here. The first one
I shot from a pair which rose from the ground and settled
on a willow tree. My attention was attracted to them by
their note, which is unlike that of any other Pipit. The last
two I shot within 50 yards of where I had shot the first one
six weeks previously.

The only reported occurrences of this Pipit south of the
Zambesi are by Wahlberg, on the Limpopo between 25° and
26° S. lat., and by Jameson, on the Tatin River in 1880.

143. Anthus nicholsoni. (Nicholson's Pipit.)
[a) $. 29.12.03.

This is the commonest of the Pipits here. It is resident
and frequents open stony veld where the grass is short.

143 a. Anthus vaalensis. (Vaal River Pipit.)

(a) S. 18.4.04.

Mr. W. L. Sclater has compared this specimen with others
in the South African Museum and considers that it is
referable to Cajjt. Shelley's new species ^^1. vaalen.us (' Birds
of Africa/ vol. ii. p. 311).

Birds of Irene. 65

This species seems to replace A. pyrrlionotus (Cinnamon-
backed Pipit) here, which it more closely resembles than
A. nicholsoni (Nicholson's Pipit). I have only observed it
during the winter, when it is common. Last year a large
number arrived in April and they were mostly in pairs.

149. MoTACiLLA CAPENSis. (Cape Wagtail.)
The Cape Wagtail is very common everywhere.

164. CiNNYRis AMETHYSTINUS. (Black Sunbird.)

(a) ?. 18.2.04.

In stomach insects.

These birds are local migrants here, appearing at intervals
during the summer.

I have seen the males in their breeding- plumage in October.
During Feb. 1904, when there were a lot here, none of the
males were in their breeding-plumage, but some of them
seemed to be just getting it.

174. ZosTEROPS viRENS. (Green White-eye.)
(a) 22.12.03.

The Green White-eye is very common and resident.
These birds when feeding otten congregate in large numbers
on the same tree, generally close to water.

*177 A. Parus cinerascens. (Grey Tit.)

(a) c?. 16.2.04.

Not common. A pair nested in a hollow in a willow tree
here last year : the hen bird, when sitting, is extremely
pugnacious, and shows her resentment at being distm-bed, in
the same way as the European Tits, by puffing out her
feathers and hissing, and it is with the greatest difficulty
that she can be dislodged.

The Tits found here are refei-able to P. cinerascens and not
P. afer (Black-breasted Tit), as pointed out by Dr. Sharpe
(' Ibis/ 1904, p. 342), being blue-grey above and below.

184. Lanius collaris. (Fiscal Shrike.)
The Fiscal Shrike is very common wherever there are
trees or bush.

66 Mr. L.E.Taylor o?i ^//f'

187. Lanius collurio. (Red-backed Shrike.)

The Red-backed Shrike is fairly common liere (lurin<; tlie

summer, arriving in November. In 1903 they were much

more plentiful than in 1904:.

189. NiLAUS BRUBRU. (Brubru Shrike.)
(a) (^. 26.12.03.

In stomach insects and caterpillars.

The Brubru Shrike is not a common bird here. It frequents
Acacia trees.

191. Telephonus senegalus. (Black - headed Bush
Shrike.)

[a] ^. 16.4.04.

In stomach caterpillars, grasshoppers, and other insects.

(6) ? . 16.4.04.

The only ones I have seen here, althouoh I have seen two
other pairs nearer Pretoria. They seem to alw^ays go in
pairs and frequent thick bush. The tail is spread out when
flying and they very much resemble Sphenceacus natalensis
(Natal Grass-bird), although they are, of course, much larger.

195. Dryoscopus cubla. (Lesser Puff-back Shrike.)
The Lesser Puff-back Shrike is rare here.

*196a. Dryoscopus rufiventris hybridus. (Northern
Puff-back Shrike.)

{a) 2.2.04.

In stomach insects and Acacia seed.

Not very common, only found in thick bush and more
often heard than seen.

Reichenow (Vog. Afr. ii. p. 583) distinguishes this northern
subspecies of D. rujiventris (Greater Puff-back Shrike), having
the underparts pale ochreous colour, under the name of
D. rufiventris Ivjhridus. In comparing specimens shot here
yf'iih. those obtained in Cape Colony the former seem to be
referable to this subspecies.

200. Laniarius gutturalis. (Backbakiri Shrike.)
There are only a few pairs here, but they are very common
near Pretoria.

Birds of Irene. C7

219. Pycnonotus layardi. (Black-capped Bulbul.)
T-l'iis is one of the coinnione.st birds here. They are very
destructive to fruit, but at the same time they eat an
enormous number of insects. They are very easily kept in
captivity, and the amount of " mealie pap " which they can
consume is astonishing. They are very adept at catching
flies.

229. Parisoma suBCiERULEUM. (Tit Babbler.)
(a) 22.1.04.

Fairly common. They have the prettiest note of any bird
I have heard here.

233. Sylvia simplex. (Garden Warbler.)
(a) S' 12.12.03.

The Garden Warbler is a common visitor here in the
summer.

234. Phylloscopus trochilus. (Willow Wren).

The Willow Wren is fairly common here durino- the
summer, arriving in November.

238. Acrocephalus b^ticatus. (African Reed Warbler.)
(a) c?. 12.12.03.

The African Reed Warbler is fairly common amongst reeds
along the river.

239. Acrocephalus schcenob^nus. (Sedge Warbler.)
(a) 4.1.04.

I have seen several Sedge Warblers amongst the rushes in
the river, but they are difficult to procure, being very shy and
only coming out from thick rushes towards dusk. They are
rare mio;rants in the Transvaal.

248. Eremomela flaviventris. (Yellow-bellied Bush
Warbler.)

(a) 7.(5.05.

This is the only specimen of the Yellow-bellied Bush
Warbler I have seen here.

C8 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

251. Eremomela usTicoLLis. (Brown-throated Bush
Warbler.)

I have only procured one specimen of the Brown-throated
Bush "Warbler here. It was creeping about in search of
insects in the topmost branches of an Acacia tree.

269. Prinia mystacea. (Tawny-flanked Wren Warbler.)
(a) 21.11.03.

(h) ^. 30.12.03.

The Tawny-flanked Wren Wai'bler is a common resident
here and frequents the long grass and scrub near the
river.

270. Prinia flavicans. (Black-chested Wren Warbler.)
(a) 24.12.03.

The Black-chested Wren Warbler is a common visitor here
during the summer only.
It is always found in trees.

273. CiSTicoLA aberrans. (Smith^s Grass Warbler.)
(a) S. 11.12.03.

Smith's Grass Warbler is common here. It frequents long
grass and scrub, generally near the river.

278. CiSTicoLA TiNNiENS. (Lcvaillant's Grass Warbler.)
(a) c?. 30.12.03.

This is the commonest of the Grass Warblers here and is
usually found amongst the reeds and long grass along the
river. Its nest is a small domed structure attached to reeds
and tall grass about 3 feet from the ground.

279. CisTicoLA TERRESTRis. (Wren Grass Warbler.)
(a) S- 11-2.04.

The Wren Grass Warbler is common in open veld. It
nests during the winter months in tufts of grass on the
ground.

292. Sphenceacus natalensis. (Natal Grass-bird.)
(a) ? . 16.4.04.

This Grass-bird is quite common along the river, but its
distribution seems to be somewhat local. It is a very noisy

Hir(l.<i of Irene. G9

bird, especially in the morning and evening. A nest found
in October 1905 was placed in some reeds close to the
water.

294. TuRDUS LITSIPSIRUPA. (Ground-scraper Thrush.)

(a) c?. 13.11.03.

The Ground-scraper Thrush is not common. I have
never seen more than one pair at a time, generally amongst
Acacias by the river.

297. TuRDUS CABANisi (Cab.). (Cabanis' Thrush.)
(a) 21.5.04.

I have only seen one or two specimens of Cabanis' Thrush
here.

298. TuRDUS LiBONiANUS. (Kurrichaine Thrush.)
(a) ? (juv.). 23.5.04.

In stomach caterpillars, beetles, and fruit-seeds.
The Kurrichaine Thrush is not common here ; one pair is
usually to be found amongst the Acacias near the river.

304. Myrmecocichla formicivora. (Ant-eating Chat.)
The Ant-eating Chat is very common all over the veld.

305. Myrmecocichla bifasciata. (Buff-streaked Chat.)
Last year there was a pair of these Buff-streaked Chats

close to the railway, but they were so wild I could never get
near enough to shoot them.

306. Pratincola torquata. (South African Stone-
Chat.)

(a) ? . 2.1.04.

This species is a common resident, generally found near
the river.

307. Saxicola monticola.
(a) 2.1.04.

Not common here, although plentiful nearer Pretoria.

308. Saxicola pileata. (Capped Wheatear.)
(a) ?. 19.5.04.

The Capped Wheatear is not a common bird here.

70 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

*313a. Saxicola familiaris galtoni. (Galton^s Chat.)

(a) ? . 18.4.04.

I have only seen this bird on one occasion ; it was on the
Pretoria road.

The above example is referable to S. familiaris galtoni
(Strickl.), Reichenovv^s Transvaal geographical form of
S. familiaris (Stephens) (Familiar Chat).

323. CossYPHA CAFFRA. (Cape Robin Chat.)
Very common here.

328. Tarsiger silens. (Silent Bush Robin.)

(a)juv.

The Silent Bush Robin is very common here. They are
generally to be seen perching on a conspicuous branch of a
tree, from which they continually dart after insects.

This bird is very like Lanius collaris (Fiscal Shrike), and,
at a distance, the two are difficult to distinguish. It also
shares with the Fiscal the liking for bullying other birds, and
I have caught dozens of them in a trap-cage, where they
could only have gone for the purpose of attacking the call-
birds.

331. Erythropygia leucophrys. (White-browed Ground
Robin.)

Mr. Shortridge and I saw a pair of these birds on one
occasion here.

340. MusciCAPA GRisoLA. (Spotted Flycatcher.)

(a) ?. 21.1.04.

Migrants; common during the summer months, frequenting
Acacia bushes, where they can be always seen darting back-
wards and forwards from the lower branches in search of
insects, which they catch on the wing, making at the same
time a very audible click with their bills.

All the specimens I shot in January were changing their
plumage.

Birds of Irene. 7 L

350. Pachyprora molitor. (White-flanked Flycatcher.)
(a) S' 14.12.03.

Not uncommon amongst thick Acacia bush.
This species is out of pkce here and they must have come
up from the Crocodile River by way of the Hennops River.

354. Terpsiphone perspicillata. (Paradise Flycatcher.)
(a) (J. 17.12.03.

(0 ? •

Fairly common resident, but more common during the

summer.

355. Dicrurus afer. (Fork-tailed Drongo.)
(a) (J. 14.12.03. Iris light brown.

(h) ? . 14.12.03. Iris dark brown.
Common resident.

357. Campophaga nigra. (Black Cuckoo Shrike.)

(a) 2. 2.2.04.

This is a rare bird here. I have only seen two at Irene
(both females) and three young birds at the Fountains near
Pretoria.

363. CoTiLE PALUDicoLA. (South African Sand Martin.)
This bird is fairly common and I think resident.

364. CoTiLE ciNCTA. (Banded Sand Martin.)

(a) ?. 18.3.04.

(b) ? 28.11.05.

This species is very common here during the summer.
They often congregate in numbers, and I have obtained several
at one shot when they were perched on a tree in company
with Hirundo rustica (European Swallow).

367. Hirundo rustica. (European Swallow.)
Very common : is the latest Swallow to arrive here. This
year (1905) it arrived on the 4th November.

369. Hirundo albigularis. (White-throated Swallow.)
The White-throated Swallow is the first to arrive and is

the most common of the Swallows : this year (1905) they

came in numbers on the 20th August.

VOL. II. 7

12 Ml-. L. E. Taylor on the

374. HiEUNDO cucuLLATA. (Larger Stripe-breasted
Swallow.)

The Larger Stripe-breasted Swallosv is very common all
the summer and breeds here. This year these birds arrived
on the 13th September, but last year did not appear before
the 16th October, on which occasion they were all on the
ground and seemed to be resting after a long flight.

376. HiRUNDO SE3IIRUFA. (Rufous-breasted Swallow.)

(^0 ? . 28.9.04.

The Rufous-breasted Swallow is a regular visitor ; they
arrived here on the 26th September this year. They are
nearly always in pairs and are by no means common. I
noticed a pair of these birds recently catching insects on the
ground ; it was not a mere chance, as each time the birds
were frightened up they returned to the same place and
commenced walking about catching the insects. I have
never seen any other Swallows do this.

382. Upupa africana. (South African Hoopoe.)
(a) juv. 4.12.03.

This species is common and I think resident. They are
usually seen in small parties amongst the Acacia trees.

388. Cypselus caffer. (African White-rumped Swift.)
Very common here during the summer.

392. Caprimulgus europ^us. (European Nightjar.)
(a) 12.2.05.

The European Nightjar is common here during the summer,
but not so plentiful as the next species.

393. Caprimulgus RUFiGENA. (Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.)

(a) juv. 28.12.03.

In stomach insects and beetles.

[b) 16.10.04.

These birds are common here during the summer ; they are
generally found singly or in pairs, but in the evening numbers
may be seen flying together in company with C. europceus
(European Nightjar) .

Birds of Irene. 73

405. Merops apiaster. (European Bee-eater.)

(a) 15.12.03.

The Europoau Bee-eater arrived Lere this year on the
22nd Oct., and last year on the 15th Oct. They roost every
year in the same willow trees, congregating in a large flock
towards sunset. They leave their sleeping-quarters soon after
sunrise. I have never seen them near these quarters during
the day. Several times I have seen a large flock of these
birds mobbing a pair of Bideo desertorum (Steppe Buzzard)
in the evening. At times they may be observed skimming
over the water and actually dipping into it like Swallows in
the pursuit of insects.

410. Melittophagus meridionals. (Little Bee-eater.)
The Little Bee-eater is fairly common and resident.

412. Ceeyle rudis. (Pied Kingfisher.)
{a) S- 8.12.03.

In stomach fish.

The Pied Kingfisher is not common here. Usually seen in
pairs. It hovers when fishing very much after tlie manner
of a Kestrel.

413. Ceryle biaxima. (Giant Kingfisher.)
(a) 10.11.03.

This species is found here either singly or in pairs. Each
pair has its own " beat " on the river.

414. Alcedo semitorquata. (Half-collared King-
fisher.)

(a) S' 4.12.03.
In stomach fish-bone.

This bird is fairly conmiou, and is always to be found along
the river.

415. CoRYTHORNis CYANOSTIGMA. (Malachite Kingfisher.)
The Malachite Kingfisher is the connnoncst of the family

here. Just now (Nov.) several young broods are ro be seen
along the river fully fledged.

7*

74 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

418. Halcyon albiventris. (Brown-hooded King-
fisher.)

(a) 22.11.03.

This species is not very common here.

438. Cami'OTHera smithi. (Smith's Woodpecker.)

(a) (?. 18.9.04.

I have only seen Smith's Woodpecker here on two or three
occasions, and it is a rare bird. Its note is very loud and
harsh.

440. Dendropicus cardinalis. (Cardinal Woodpecker.)
The Cardinal Woodpecker is not common here, and it is
always a shy bird to approach.

443. Iynx ruficollis. (South African Wryneck.)

(a) 19.2.04. Iris yellowish brown ; bill brown ; legs
greenish.

This is a rare bird here. I have only seen it on two
occasions, in Feb. 1904 and Sept. 1905, each time amongst
scattered Acacia trees.

It has not previously been recorded * from South Africa
during the winter, and although the one which I shot may
have been a straggler, I am inclined to think that they may
be found in this region all the year round.

447. Indicator minor. (Lesser Honey-Guide.)

(a) ? . 20.5.04.

In stomach beeswax and larvae.

I have only seen one pair of these birds here. From
this Colony it has only previously been recorded from
Swazieland.

449. Lybius torquatds. (Black-collared Barbet.)

(a) cJ. 8.5.04.

In stomach fruit and beetles.

Fairly common ; generally seen in pairs, both birds often
sitting on the topmost branch of a tree and calling to each
other.

* Vide, however, Bucknill and Haagner, this Journal, vol. i. no. 2,
p. 53.

Birds of Irene. 75

450. Triuhol^ma lp^ucomelas. (Pied Barbet.)
(a) 21.5.04.
Fairly common.

458. Trachyphonus cafer. (Levaillant's Barbet.)
(a) ?. 16.4.04.
In stomach vegetable matter.

This large Barbet is rare here. I have seen it on a few
occasions in the trees along the river.

466. Chrysococcyx cupreus. (Didiic Cuckoo.)

(a) juv. 27.1.04. Iris greyish brown ; bill orange-red ;
legs dusky.

(b)(c).

This is the commonest bird here during the summer months
with the exception, perhaps, of the Weaver Birds. This year
they arrived in large numbers on the 22nd Oct., the same day
on which the European Bee-eater arrived. Last year they
arrived on the 11th Oct. They usually go north in March
or earlier, but I have seen a single specimen near here as late
as the 18th April.

468. CoccYSTES jacobinus. (Black-and-White Cuckoo.)

(a) 6.1.04.

This bird is not very common here. It is very noisy ;
generally seen in pairs or small parties in Acacia bush near
the river. Last year the first ones arrived on the 22nd Oct.,
and this year I saw them on the 26th Oct.

472. Centropus burchelli. (Burchell's Coucal.)

(a) ? . 6.2.04.

In stomach insects.

Not common, or at least not often seen ; frequenting thick
bush along the river. I recently saw one perched on a tree
in the open 500 yards from the river; but this is very unusual,
as they rarely leave the neighbourhood of water.

491. Strix flammea. (Barn Owl.)
(a) ? . 25.6.04.

Common around farm-buildings, it is said to kill a great
number of young pigeons in their nests.

7G Mr. L. E. Taylor un the

492. Strix capensis. (Grass Owl.)

This species is not common here. The only specimen met
with I found impaled on a barbed- wire fence.

497. Bubo maculosus. (Spotted Eagle Owl.)

(a) juv. 13.2.04.

This is the commonest Owl here. They usually nest on
stony ground. Two young ones which I took from a nest
and kept in captivity became wonderfully tame, and one of
them, which was flying at liberty for several months, would
come when called and sit on my arm.

504. Falco biarmicus. (South African Lanner.)
This has been recorded here twice by my friend Mr. Basil
Langford, S.A.O.U.

509. TiNNUNCULUS RUPicoLoiDEs. (Larger Kestrel.)
(a) 3.1.04.

This Hawk is fairly common at times. It is a local
migrant.

510. TiXNUNCULUS NAUMANKi. (Lcsser Kestrel.)

(a) ? . 14.12.03.

In stomach quantity of hunting spiders.

(b) S- 16.12.03.

In stomach one grasshopper.

(c) <$. 16.12.03.

In stomach grasshoppers and hunting spiders.

(d) ? . 6.1.04.

In stomach grasshoppers.

These Kestrels are migratory ; they are very common here
in the summer^ always flying in flocks. Their food consists
largely of red hunting spiders. It is by far the commonest
Kestrel here, although coming at irregular intervals.

530. AsTURiNULA MONOGRAMMICA. (African Buzzard-
Eagle.)

(a) 1.6.05.

This is the only specimen of the African Buzzard-Eagle
which I have seen here.

Birds of Irene. 77

533. BuTEO DESEHTORUM. (Steppe Buzzard )

00 30.1.04.

Ill stomach large number of grasshoppers.

A regular summer visitor. They always frequent the same
eucalypt plantation, where they roost close to the roosting-
place of Meroj^s apiaster (European Bee-eater), which seem
to very much resent their presence.

1 do not think these birds are so destructive to poultry as
is generally supposed, and I have never seen them attempt
to clutch chickens, although they have here every opportunity
of domg so. The contents of the stomach of the one I shot
was crammed full of grasshoppers ; the stomach of one which
my brother shot recently in the low country contained a
lizard and a snake.

534. MiLvus ^GYPTiAcus. (Yellow-billed Kite.)
This species is an occasional summer visitor.

536. Elanus o^ruleus. (Black-shouldered Kite.)
The Black-.shouIdered Kite is fairly common and breeds
here.

544. AsTUR POLYZONOIDES. (Little Banded Goshawk )

(a) ?. 28.5.04.

In stomach mouse.

My attention was called to a pair of these birds by their
loud call-notes whilst perched on the topmost branch of a
willow tree. When disturbed they flew backwards and
forwards amongst the willow trees, both birds calling all the
time when on the wing. These are the only two examples
which I have seen here.

549. Circus cineraceus. (Montagu's Harrier.)
Montagu's Harrier is sparingly distributed here during

the summer months.

550. Circus macrurus. (Pale Harrier.)

This bird arrives in October, and a few pairs remain
during the summer. They are exceedingly destructive to
poultry.

78 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

555. Gyps kolbii. (Kolbe's Vulture.)

Kolbe's Vulture is common here. It has often been
stated, and is popularly believed, that no Vulture will feed
on animals killed by lightning; but I have seen 200 birds
of this species and 20 Otogyps auricularis (Black Vulture)
feeding at one time on the carcases of a flock of 42 sheep
which were killed by lightning close to Irene station in the
summer of 1903.

558. Otogyps auricularis. (Black Vulture.)
The only occasion on which I have seen the Black Vulture
here was on that referred to in my remarks on the preceding
species. The twenty then seen was, I believe, an unusually
large number for this species, of which not more than six or
seven are usually seen together.

563. Serpentarius secretarius. (Secretary Bird.)
The Secretary Bird is not uncommon here ; a pair may be
seen on almost every farm. The farmers usually destroy the
eggs when found, as they consider the birds destroy the
young of game-birds.

578. Ciconia alba. (White Stork.)

Some White Storks were seen flying near here on the
14th December, 1905. I saw a flock of several hundred on
the veld near Kaalfontein, not far from Pretoria, a few days
previously.

584. Scopus umbretta. (Hammerkop.)

The Hammerkop is a common bird, and there are five or
■six of their massive nests to be seen built in willow trees in
the neighbouring plantation.

587. Ardea melanocephala. (Black-headed Heron.)
The Black-headed Heron was seen here once by Mr.

Shortridge.

588. Ardea purpurea. (Purple Heron.)

On one or two occasions I have seen Herons here which
were of this species.

Birds of Tvene. 79

591. Herodias garzetta. (Little Egret.)
The Little Egret is seen here occasionally in small
flocks.

594. BuBULCUs IBIS. (Cattle Egret.)
This bird is not very common here.

598. Nycticorax griseus. (Night Heron.)

(fl) 27.8.04.

The Night Heron is not common, but I have seen them
singly, also in twos and threes, in the plantation near the
river.

605. Geronticus calvus. (Bald Ibis.)
A well-informed farmer here informs me that these Ibises
used to visit his farm before the war.

611. Plectropterus gambensis. (Spur-wing Goose.)
I have seen Geese flying over here on one or two occasions,
and they were, I think, of this species.

620. Anas sparsa. (Black Duck.)

The Black Duck is found here sparingly. A pair nested
on an islet in the middle of the dam here in July
1905 ; the nest, which contained eleven eggs, was concealed
in some rushes and built on the ground about 2 feet above
the water. The photograph which forms the accompanying
illustration was taken two days before the eggs were
hatched.

631. CoLUMBA PH^ONOTA. (Speckled Pigeon.)

This bird is seen here occasionally, but is not common.

635. TuRTUE CAPicoLA. (Cape Turtle Dove.)
The Cape Turtle Dove is common, but not so plentiful as
the next species.

638. TuRTUR senegalensis. (Laughing Dove.)
The Laughing Dove is very common.

639. (Ena capensis. (Namaqua Dove.)

This Dove is very common, more especially during the
summer.

VOL. II. 8

80 Mr. L. E. Taylor on the

646. Pteroclerus namaqua. (Namaqua Sandgrouse.)
(a) 24.12.03.

A very uncertain visitor ; there were only a few here in
the summer of 1903-04, and they frequented the same pond
for some months. This year I have only seen one lot flying
over.

647. Francolinus coqui. (Coqui Francolin.)
(a) 15.6.05.

I have only shot one of these Francolins here, and they
are not so common as the Redwing.

650. Francolinus levaillanti. (Cape Redwing.)
(a) 2.4.04.

Owing probably to persecution during the war these
Francolins are not very plentiful just here.

660. CoTURNix sp., ? africana. ((*ape Quail.)

661. CoTURNix DELAGORGUEi. (Harlequin Quail.)
Quail are never common here, and I have not been able to

obtain a specimen for identification.

663. NuMiDA CORONATA. (Common Guinea Fowl.)
Guinea Fowl are now plentiful on most farms, having been
preserved and little shot since the war.

671. Crex pratensis. (European Corn Crake.)

(a) ?. 12.12.03.

The European Corn Crake is a very rare bird here. I
have only seen two specimens, both in cultivated " lands.''
Their flight is weak and they are difficult to flush a second
time.

681. Gallinula chloropus. (Moor-Hen.)

(a) 27.11.05.

There are a few Moor-Hens on the dam here.

688. Tetrapteryx paradisea. (Blue Crane.)
This handsome bird is fairly common and breeds on all
the adjoining farms.

Birds of Irene. 81

692. Otis afroides. (White-quilled Knorhaan.)
Found here sparingly.

69G. Otis cafra. (Stanley^s Paauw.)

I Lave seen a pair of Stanley's Paauw on two occasions on
the adjoining farm. The owner of the farm tells me that
they breed thei'e every year. In the winter they "trek^' to
the Bush Veld.

699. Otis c^rulescens. (Blue Knorhaan.)

The Blue Knorhaan is the commonest of the family

here, and havii)g been preserved since the war it is on the

increase.

701. Otis kori. (Gom Paauw.)

This fine bird is said to pass through here every year
about May in numbers, as many as 30 having been seen
together, evidentlv " trekking; " from the cold High Veld to
the warmer Bush Veld.

702. ffioiCNEMUS CAPENSIS. (Dikkop.)

The Dikkop is fairly common, but is more often heard
than seen.

703. ffioicNEMUS VERMicuLATUS. (Water Dikkop.)

I only know of one specimen of the Water Dikkop having
been found here, but it may be fairly common, as, on account
of its nocturnal habits, it is seldom seen.

705. CuRSORius RUFUS. (Burchell's Courser.)
(a) 18.2.04.

These birds are only to be seen here during the winter^ and
generally only after the grass has been burnt, although I
have seen one lot in November.

When disturbed they always circle round, sometimes at a
great distance, but alight again on almost the same spot from
which they arose. They associate in small flocks with
C. temmincki (Temminck's Courser).

706. CuRSORius TEMMINCKI. (Temminck's Courser )
Temminck's Courser is common at times ; it has the same

habits as the preceding species.

8*

82 Mr. L. E. Taylor 07i the Birds of Irene.

711. Glareola MELANOPTERA. (Nordmann's Pratiiicole.)
An occasional visitor here. I have only seen them on the
23rd and 24th November this year.

719. HoPLOPTEEUS ARMATUS. (Blacksmith Plover.)

A rare visitor here during the winter after the grass has
been burnt.

720. Stephanibtx coronatus. (Crowned Lapwing.)

A small flock of Crowned Plover remained here during
most of last winter. Their harsh notes could be heard at a
great distance on bright moonlight nights.

728. JiIgialitis tricollaris. (Three-banded Plover.)
Very common.

741. ToTANUS GLAREOLA. (Wood Sandpiper.)
I have only shot one specimen of this species here.

744. ToTANUS HYPOLEUCUS. (Common Sandpiper.)
I have only seen the Common Sandpiper here once, on the
25th November, 1905.

752. Gallinago nigripennis. (Ethiopian Snipe.)
The Ethiopian Snipe is rare here.

811. PoDiciPES capensis. (Cape Dabchick.)

(a) 5.10.04.

The Cape Dabchick is found sparingly on a dam on the
river here. I have never seen more than a single pair at one
time, but should one of a pair be shot its place is soon filled
by another.

Since writing the above notes in November 1905 I have
been able to add a few more species to the list, making a total
of over 170 in all up to date (March 1906).

Anthus tenellus. (Golden Pipit.)

(a) rj. 15.1.06.

This specimen was fully described in this Journal, vol. ii.
no. 1, p. 40. It is not in the check-list and is new to South
Africa south of the Zambesi.

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 83

576. Abdimia abdimii. (White-bellied Stork.)
Several hundred of these birds visited Irene at end of
January and remained for about a week. During the day-
time they flew to adjacent farms, but always returned to roost
here in the evening on the Acacia trees. The presence of
these birds in such large numbers was probably due to the
fact of the presence in the neighbourhood of large flights of
locusts.

*5. BuPHAGA ERYTHROKHYNCHA. (Red-billed Oxpecker.)
Three of these birds were seen by my brother and myself
in January 1906, The occurrence of these birds in the
High Veld is apparently unusual, as they are, properly, a low-
country species.

XVIII. — Notes on a Collection of Birds made in North-east
Rhodesia hy Dr. F. E. Stoehr. By Dr. F. E. Stoehr and
W. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., Director of the South
African Museum, Cape Town.

This collection was made by the first-named author between
July 1903 and October 1905 whilst acting as Medical Officer
to the Geodetic Survey engaged in completing the triangula-
tion between Rhodesia and Lake Tanganyika.

The work of the survey commenced at Feira, which is
situated on the north bank of the Zambesi, at its confluence
with the Loangwa. Here, or in the immediate neighbour-
hood, the greater number of the birds mentioned in the list
were collected. During the latter half of 1905, however,
from July onwards. Dr. Stoehr was in the neighbourhood of
Mpika and Serenji, about 200 miles north of the Zambesi,
and about 100 miles west of Fort Jamieson, the headquarters
of the administration of North-east Rhodesia, and it was in
this region that most of the birds not mentioned in the
' Check-list of the Birds of South Africa •" (1905) were met
with.

In the list which follows, 249 species are recorded, and

84 Dr. F. E. Stoelir and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

specimens of all these, with the exception of 28, have been
sent to the South African Museum and there identified.

The list is arranged in accordance with the "■ Check-list of
the Birds of South Africa,^^ recently published by Sclater
(Annals S. A. Museum, Part viii. No. 9), and the numbers
prefixed correspond to the numbers in that list.

Dr. Stoehr is responsible for the notes on the habits,
Sclater for the notes in square brackets and for the identi-
fication of the birds.

The country is nearly all bush-covered, sometimes thickly,
more often moderately open ; it is very dry in the dry
season, there being few perennial streams, and even the
Loangwa can be crossed knee-deep in September and October.

1. CoKVULTUR ALBicoLLis. (White-necked Raven.)
(a). Nr. Feira.

Every hill has its pair, rarely more than one. One
day in May 1905 I saw a concourse of seventeen or more of
these birds. They had not, so far as I could make out, been
attracted by any carrion. For half an hour or so they in-
dulo-ed in fliohts all together, during which some of them
would M'heel and circle, seeming to show off. Then they
would perch on the rocks and presently fly again. They
were silent all the time.

2. CoRVUS SCAPULATUS. (Pied Crow.)

One day in August 1903 a pair of these birds came down
to the sands of the Loangwa. They were chased away with
much noise by a pair of the Ringhals [C. alhicoUis) which
frequented the same sands. I have never seen them since.

4. BuPHAGA AFRICANA. (Yellow-biUed Oxpecker.)
I have not seen this bird, but once when we were following
the spoor of some Sable Antelope to the south of the Zaml)esi
wo heard a loud bird-call ; the " boys " said " that is tlieir
bird.'" We went in the direction, and sure enough we saw
the Sables. We hunted them, but failed to get one.
Coming back about mid-day we heard the call again, and on
going in the direction we came on a little herd of four cow

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 85

Sables standing in the shade and entirely off their guard.
The incident seems worth relating, because in this case the
bird acted a part directly opposed to its reputation. I have
never met vv'ith the bird since and do not think it can be
common.

The " Go-away Bird " (Schizorhis concolor) (Grrey Lourie)
has a bad name, but I have no cause to complain of him
myselE. An undoubted nuisance is the Honey-Guide {Indi-
cator), which sometimes follows one very persistently, and
the only thing to be done is to send a boy to give him his
honey.

7. Amydrus morio. (Red-winged Starling.)
(a). No loc.

Occasionally on the hills, and I have also seen it frequent-
ing big baobab-trees,

10. Lamprotornis mevesi. (Moves' Glossy Starling.)

(a) $ . Feira, July '03. Stomach insects.

Common on the moderately open flats near the Zambesi
and Loangwa. It gets its food on the ground and has a
harsh screeching cry,

17. Lamprocolius sycobius, (Peters' Glossy Starling.)
(a) $ , Feira, Feb. '04, Iris orange-yellow.
Frequents much the same localities as the preceding
species.

19. CiNNYRiciNCLUS VERREAUXi. (Verreaux's Glossy
Starling.)

(a) $ . Boundary, Oct, '03.

{h) ? . George's Ferry, Feb, '01.

(c) $ . Kanyani, Mar. '05.

(d) 9 . Mpika, Oct. '05. Iris brown, with a bright yellow
outer ring at the corneo-sclerotic junction.

(e) $ . Serenji, Oct. '05.

Where tall trees are found {i. e. near water) this bird
frequents the tops of them, but it also visits very dry
country.

86 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

21. Oriolus notatus. (Andersson's Oriole.)
(a) $ adult, Kanyani, Feb. '04. Iris red; bill dull red;
feet grey. Testes small. Buds of acacia in stomach.
(h) (c) ? , ad. ? George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

(d) $ juv. Serenji, Sept. '05.

[e) 9 . Mpika, Oct. '05.

[The only male adult bird procured by l)r. Stoehr is
certainly an example of 0. notatus, and I believe that all the
other Yellow Orioles, females and young, are likewise referable
to the species. 0. auratus is reported from the Zambesi
Valley by Alexander ; possibly he has confused this species
with 0. notatus, which it closely resembles.]

Appears in January. Only a few of the birds are pure
yellow ; by far the greater number have spotted breasts.
The adults are very wary. They frequently utter a loud
mewing call, but I never heard a clear whistle.

22. Oriolus larvatus. (Black-headed Oriole.)
(a). Opposite Feira, Oct. '03.

Frequents thick bush and big trees near water.

23. Hyphantornis nigriceps. (Black-headed Weaver
Bird.)

(rt). Korasisi, Sept. '04. Iris orange; bill black ; legs and
feet brown.

{b-e) 3 ^ , 1 ? . Kanyani, Mar. '05.

24. Hyphantornis cabanisi. (Cabanis' Weaver Bird.)
(a) ? . Kanyani, Feb. '05.

(b-d) 2^,1$. Johnson's, Mar. '05.

27. Hyphantornis auricapillus. (Shelley's Weaver
Bird.)

{a~d) ^ . Feira, Dec. '03, Feb. '04.

(e). Loangwa, Apr. '05.

At Feira H. auricapillus was very common. Further
north, along the Loangwa, I found plenty of H. nigriceps.
It builds in reed-beds, one nest being generally attached to
the tall reeds, but sometimes it is suspended from a branch

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 87

overhanging the water. H. cabanisi seemed nowhere common,
and to resemble //. auricapillus in habits, building in trees.

30. SiTAGRA OCULARIA. (Smith's Weaver Bird.)
(a) ? . Ulungu, May '05.

33. SiTAGRA CAPENSis OLIVACEA. (Eastern Cape Weaver
Bird.)

(a). Uliiugn, Apr. '05.

37. Anaplectes gurneyi. (Gurney's Weaver Bird.)

{a) (b). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(c) juv. Korasisi, Sept. ■'04.

(c^) $ juv. Serenji, July '05.

Occurs singly and is not common. Early in January I
saw a few building.

[These specimens are all somewhat intermediate between
A. rubriceps (Red-headed Weaver Bird) and A. gurneyi.
The latter does not appear to be a very distinct form and is
hardly recognized by Shelley. One of the examples from
Chiromwe has the most black about the ear-coverts and front
of the face and is nearest to the true A. gurneyi.']

41. Ploceipasser MAHALi. (White-browed Weaver Bird.)

(a). Between Tette and Chilwa on the Zambesi, June '03.

[h). Boundary, Oct. '03.

{c) [d). George's Ferry, Feb. and Mar. '04.

A common species.

44. Ploceipasser pectoralis. (Stripe-chested Weaver
Bird.)

(a) (b) $ . Ulungu, June '05. Iris light or red ; bill
white or horny.

[A rare species; previously obtained only once, on the
Cnnene River in Angola by Van der Kellen.]

45. Pytelia melba. (Southern Red-faced Weaver
Finch.)

(a) ^ . Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.
Common in thickets.

88 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

48. Lagonosticta JAMRSONi. (Jameson's Ruddy Waxbill.)
(a) S- Ulungii, May '05.

Fairly common.

49. Lagonosticta rendalli. (Little Ruddy "Waxbill.)
(a) (h) ^ ? . No locality.

Hops about every village.

50. Lagonosticta niveoguttata. (Peters' Ruddy Wax-
bill.)

(a) (b) (c). c?, 2 ?. Ulungu Nov. '04. L'is dark brown.

Common on the Ulungu stream, which runs into the
Loangwa, but I have only once seen it elsewhere. Generally
in thick bush. It is, I believe, the bird which sings with a
soft whistle " wh-wh-wh-tvh~i.vhwo"

55. EsTRiLDA angolensis. (Blue-breasted Waxbill.)

(a). No loc.

Often found with Lagonosticta rendalli.

57. EsTRiLDA CLARKEi. (Orange- breasted Waxbill.)
{a-d) 3 c?, 1 ? . Loangwa, Nov. '04.
Found in the reeds along the river.

62. Spermestes nigrigeps. (Rufous-backed Weaver
Finch.)

(a) S • Escarpment nr. M^tika, Oct. '05. Iris dark; bill
dark blue-grey ; legs leaden grey.

64 a. Amadina fasctata. (Cut-throat Weaver Finch.)

(a) (/>) S ? . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

{c) (d) S ? . Nr. Feira, Apr. '05.

Fairly common near Feira. In July 1 came across a flock
of them at a waterhole between the Angwa and Planjani.
Close by was a party of Ploceipasser jyectoi^alis, and it struck
me that the two species were much alike in manners, flying
after each other and sitting all together on a branch, then to
their nests and then back again, all with much twittering and
excitement without any apparent cause. Their nests, too,
were like those of P. pectoralis but smaller.

On the Zambesi during the breeding-season they were
never in flocks, but in pairs and were very quiet, sitting on a
branch for a long time together.

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 89

€5. QuELEA QUELEA. (Red-billed Weaver.)
{a-c) 1 c?,2?. Feira, July '03.
{d-h) 3 c^ , 2 ? . Kanyani, Mar. '05.

In winter they go in flocks of thousands together. The
Zumbo people fancy them for rosettes.

6(3 A. QuELEA CARDiNALis. (Cardinal Weaver.)

(o) Q') <S ? . Kanynni, Mar. '03.

This bird is moderately common on the flats along the
Lower Loangwa, but 1 have not noticed it on the Zambesi.

[This bird is included in the Check-list, but hardly, per-
haps, deserves a place in the South African list. Previously
it had not been recorded south of Lake Tanganyika.]

67 a. Pyromelana oryx sundevalli. (Northern Red
Bishop Bird.)

(a) ^ . Feira, July '03. Non-breeding plumage.

(/') S ■ Feira, Dec. '03. Changing plumage.

(c-e) 3 c?. George's Ferry, Feb. '04. Breeding-plumage.

(/) ? . Kanyani, Mar. '05.

The smaller Red Bishop Bird is found in great numbers on
flats, nesting among the reeds. I have seen a native with a
sackful of young birds which he had taken in an afternoon.

67 B. Pyromelana flammiceps. (Zambesi Bishop Bird.)
(a) S • Feira, Dec. '03. In breeding-dress.
(/>) Ulungu, May '05. Non-breeding plumage.

71. Pyromelana capensis xanthomeljena. (Black-
thighed Bishop Bird.)

(a) ? . Ntambwa, Oct. '0-i.

74. CoLioPASSER ALBONOTATUS. (White-winged Widow
Bird.)

(a) $ . George's Ferr}^ Feb. '04.

Found along with Pyromelana ori/x sundevalli, but not in
such numbers.

— . CoLiOPASSER HARTLAUBi (Boc). (Hartlaub's Marsh
Whydah.)

(a) (b) (c)l$,2^. Serenji, July '05.

[These birds are in winter dress, and so are difficult to
identify with certainty, but judging chiefly by their size I
think they must be referable to this species, originally de-

90 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

scribed by Bocage from Angola, and subsequently obtained
near the northern end o£ Lake Nyasa. It is not in the
Check-list, but is described by Reichenow (Vog. Afr. iii.
p. 142) and by Shelley (B.ls. Afr. iv. p. 54).

77. Vidua principalis. (Pin-tailed Widow Bird.)
00 [ ? ]• Between Tette and Chilwa, June '03.
{h) $ . Feira, A})r. '04. In non-breeding dress.
Occurs occasionally, but is not common.

79. Vidua paradisea. (Paradise Widow Bird.)
(a)(hy2 $ s. George's Ferry, Feb. '04. In breeding plumage,
(c) $ juv. No loc.

The male in his breeding-plumage is very conspicuous, as
he flies high and perches on tall trees.

80. Hypochera funerea, (Black Widow Finch.)

(a) (b) $[^ ?]. George's Ferry, Feb. '04. $ , bill and
legs red ; ? ?, bill and legs white.

The male is fond of sitting motionless at the top of a tall
tree, very often a thorny acacia. The bill is red in most
specimens, and I fancy those with a white bill are either
females or not in adult plumage.

83. Petronia petronella. (South African Rock Sparrow.)

(a) (h). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(c) $ . Kapsuku. Iris and bill brown ; legs grey.

((/) $ . Ulungu, June '05.

Generally distributed, mostly on the wooded hills. They
chirk a good deal, but have also a sort of song.

86. Passer griseus. (Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.)

(a) (b). Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

(c-/) 2 ^ s, 2 ?. George's Ferry, Mar. '04.

(g). Ntambwa, June '05.

(A). Ulungu, May '05.

Found almost everywhere, but never in great numbers.

— . PoLiospizAREiCHARDiReichw. (Reichard's Seed-eater.)
((f) {h) $ . Ulungu, June, July, '05. Iris and bill brown ;
legs light brown.

[This species is not in the Check-list. It has previously

Birds fvom North-east Rhodesia. 91

been obtained in Njasaland and British East Africa, and is
described and figured by Shelley (' Birds of Africa/ iii. p. 229,
pi. 26. fig. 2).]

89 a. Serinus sharpei. (East African Yellow Seed-
eater.)

(rt). Opposite George's Ferry, Apr. ■'05.

A single specimen was shot on the bank of the Zambesi,
sitting on a thorn-bush.

93. Serinus icterus. (Eastern Yellow Seed-eater.)
(a). Ohiromwe, Oct. '03.
{h) ? . Ntambwa, Oct. '04.
Occasionally met with on the hills.

98. Serinus angolensis. (Black-throated Seed-eater.)
{a) J . Serenji, July '05. Iris brown.

101. Embeeizaflaviventris. (Golden-breasted Bunting.)
{a) (b). Chiromwe.

(c). Korasisi, Sept. '04.
(d). Chickere, Oct. '05.
(e). Mtimba^ June '05.
Found in the hills.

102. Emberiza major orientalis. (Shelley's Bunting.)
(a) $ . Chifukungu, Apr. '05.

{!>) $. Serenji, July '05.

(c) ? . Ulungu. Bill brown, lighter below ; iris brown ;
legs light brown.

104. Fringillaria tahapisi. (Rock Bunting.)

(a) $ . Chiromwe, Oct, '03.

(h) $ . Luvia's, near Mpika, Oct. '04.

114. MiRAFRA nigricans. (Dusky Lark.)
(a). Chingombe, May '05. Iris light brown ; bill brown;
legs grey.

122. MiRAFRA FiscHERi. (Fischer's Lark.)

(a) juv. George's Ferry, Apr. '04.

This is the Lark which makes a cracking noise with its

92 Dr. F. E. Stoelir and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

wings during the rainy season, particularly on cloudy days-
The specimen procured was probably a young bird, as it was
indulging in very short flights, but, as a rule, they fly high
and drop a long way off.

— . Macron Yx fuellebop.ni, Reichw. (Fulleborn's
Yellow-breasted Long-claw.)

(a) $ . Serenji, July '05.

[This is a Nyasaland species, differing from M. croceus
(Yellow-throated Long-claw) only in slightly larger size and
darker brown colour. It has been obtained in one or two
localities in the highlands to the north of Lake Nyasa, and is
described by Shelley (Bds. Afr. iii. p. 9).]

139. Anthus lineiventris. (Stripe-bellied Pipit.)
(a) (J . Chiromwe, Oct. '03.
(h) 9 . Palnohwe, Aug. '04.
{c) S • Lushinga Hill, Nov. '04.
{d). Malagulo, Serenji, Aug. '05.
(e) c?. Lavunsi, near Serenji, Sept. •'05.
I have always met with this Pipit in the hills near rocks.
It does not particularly frequent the neighbourhood of water.

144. Anthus pyrrhonotus. (Cinnamon-backed Pipit.)
(a) S ' Serenji, July '05.

145. Anthus rufulus. (Lesser Tawny Pipit.)
(a) S • Zumbo, Sept. '03.

This Pipit is found on the open flats, and is common there,
but one sees very little of it until the grass is burnt.

147. MoTACiLLA VIDUA. (African Pied Wagtail.)
(a) 9 . Karoka's, near Mpika, Aug. '05.
Quite common.

150. MoTACiLLA CAMPESTBis. (Ray's Yellow Wagtail.)
(a) $ . Feira, Nov. '03.

This Wagtail comes with the rains and is always in flocks,
whereas M. vidua is solitary or in small parties.

151. MoTACiLLA FLAVA. (Bluc-headed Wagtail.)
(a) $ . Dambo, near Kanyani, Mar. 3rd, '05.

[This individual, which was met with in a flock of

Birds from Nortli-east Rhodesia. 93

M. campestris, has a very pale crown and forehead, becominfJi;
almost white in front. It is far paler than any other example
of the species in the South African Museum, and is probably
referable to M.jlava heema of the Eastern Palasarctic Region.]

154. Salpornis SPILONOTUS SALVADOEii. (African Spotted
Creeper.)

(a). BC3, May '04.

{{>). Ulungu, June '05.

On the hill from which I write I see these birds every day.
They run up a tree-trunk with amazing speed, reach the top
and fly off' to another tree. The marvel is how they get any-
thing to eat while going so fast.

169. CiNNYRis LEUCOGASTEE. (South African White-
breasted Sun-bird.)
(a). No loc.

162. CiNNYRis CHALYBEUS. (Lesser Double-collared Sun-
bird.)

(a) $ . Chifukungu, Apr. '04.

163. CiNNYRis GUTTURALis. (Scarlct-chested Sun-bird.)
[a) $ . Feira, July 03.

(6) $ . Mpika, Sept. '05.

{c-e) $ . Ulungu, June '05. In transition plumage and
young birds.

166. CiNNYRis KIRKI. (Kirk's Sun-bird.)

(a) $ . Feira, Aug. '03.

{b) 9 . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

173. ZosTEROPS ANDERSSONi. (Andersson's White-eye.)

(a) $ . Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

(b-d). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(e) 9 . Korasisi, Oct. '04.

(/) {(/) 9 . Serenji, June, Oct. '05.

177 B. Parus cinerascens parvirostris. (Northern Grey
Tit.)

(a) (b) $ . Ulungu, June '05.
(c) {d) ? . Serenji, Sept. '05.

94 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

178. Parus pallidiventkis. (Pale-bellied Tit.)
(a) 9 . Palnohwe, Aug. '04.
{h) ? . Ulungu, June '05.
Not at all common.

— . Parus insigkis (Cab.). (Cabanis' Black Tit.)

(a) $ . Lavusi, Sept. '05.

[This species is larger and blacker than P. niger (Black
Tit), and is spread over Ti'opical Africa from Angola to the
Shire highlands and Usegua. It is not in the Check-list,
but will be found described in Shelley's ' Birds of Africa,'
vol. ii. p. 231.]

180. Parus xiger xanthostomus. (Zambesi Black Tit.)
(a) (h) 9 . Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.
(c) 9 . Palnohwe, Aug. '04.
Generally in pretty thick bush.

184. Lanius collaris. (Fiscal Shrike.)
(a) $ . Serenji, July '05.

[This bird seems to be a somewhat intermediate form
between L. humeralis and L. collaris. '\

186. Lanius minor. (Lesser Grey Shrike.)
(a) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

Not common. I have only met with it two or three times,
though it is easy to see, being very fearless and always sitting
on a conspicuous bare branch.

187. Lanius collurio. (Red-backed Shrike.)
(a) (h) juv. Feira, Nov. '03.

(c-e) 2 $ s ad., 1 $ . George's Ferry, Mar. '04.
(/) juv. Ulungu, Nov. '04.
Very common.

190. NiLAUS NiGRiTEMPORALis. (Bluck-browed Brubru
Shrike.)

(a) (b) ?, ? . Ulungu, June '05.

191. Telephonus senegalus. (Black -headed Bush-
Shrike.)

(a) 9 . BC3, May '04. Iris blue-grey, with a narrow

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 95

inner rim of reddish brown ; bill black ; legs and feet ligLt

grey.

Very frequent on the hills. Its song is '' ohw ohl"
repeated two or three times, but it also makes harsh queer
noises.

194. Telephonus minor. (Eastern Three-streaked Bush
Shrike.)

(a) 9 . Feira, July '03.

(6). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

Plentiful chiefly in the bush of the hot valleys, whereas
T. senegalas is only on the hills.

195 A. Dryoscopus cubla hamatus. (Tropical PufF-back
Shrike.)

(a) Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(6) (c) $ , $ juv. Uluugu, June '05.

198. Dryoscopus mossambicus. (Mozambique Shrike.)
(a) Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.
Common in thick bush.

205. Laniarius sulfureipectus. (Orange-breasted Bush
Shrike.)

(a) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

(h) $ . Mpika dist., Oct. '05.

Shot near the Loangwa in November, in thick bush.

206. Laniarius starki. (Southern Grey-headed Bush
Shrike.)

(a) ? . Feira, Sept. '03.
(6) $ . Ulungu, June ''05.
Common near Feira.

207. NiCATOR GULARis. (Zambesi Green Shrike.)
(a) 9 . Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

{b) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

The Zambesi Green Shrike is always in thick bush, and
does not seem to fly much. I have seen it fly to the bottom
of a tree and hop to the top of it. In the rainy season it has
a remarkable song — a short burst of half a dozen notes rapidly

VOL. II. 9

96 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

uttered iu a very liquid tone. In October one hears the song
prefaced by three or four low single notes, as if the bird were
practising. This Shrike is usually, though not invariably,
close to a stream.

210. SiGMODUS TRICOLOR. (Zambesi Helmet Shrike.)
(a). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(b) $ . Boundary, Nov. '03.

(c) (d) ^ 9 . Kanyani, Mar. '04.
(e). Mtimba's, June '05.

(/) ^ j^'^' Serenji, July '05.

(g) $ . Karoka's, Sept. '05.

Parties o£ the Zambesi Helmet Shrike are to be seen fairly
often in places where the trees are a good size, but not too
thick. They travel in the same way as Pr'ionops talacoma
(Smith's Helmet Shrike), but faster and with longer flights,
and this makes them rather hard to shoot. A flock of these
birds is nearly always accompanied by a Drongo. Whether
he robs them, or goes with them just for company, I cannot
say.

211. Prionops talacoma. (Smith's Helmet Shrike.)
(a). Feira, July '03.

(b). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.
(c) ^juv. Mtimba's, Feb. '05.

This Shrike resembles the Zambesi Helmet Shrike, but flies
more slowly and is often found on low bushes.

212. Crateropus jardinii. (Jardine's Babbler.)
(a). Feira, Sept. '03.

215. Crateropus hartlaubi. (Hartlaub's Babbler.)
{a-d) $s & 9 s. Serenji, July, Aug. '05.

219. Pycnonotus layardi. (Black-capped Bulbul.)
(a). Feira, Sept. '03.

— . Andropadusmasukuensis (Shelley). (Masuku Bulbul.)

(a) $ . Nr. Mpika's, Oct. '05.

[This species is not included in the South African Check-
list. It was described by Shelley (' Ibis,' 1897, p. 534) from
Masuku, near the north end of Lake Nyasa.]

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 97

224. Chlorocichla occidentalis. (Damara Bulbul.)
(a) Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

227. Phyllostrophus STREPiTANS. (Reichenow's Bristle-
necked Bulbul.)

{a-c) ? . Feira, Sept., Dec. '03.

— . Phyllostrophus fulviventris (Cab.) (Buff-bellied
Bristle-necked Bulbul.)

(a) 9 . Karoka's, Sept. '05.

[An Angolan species not in the Check-list, though
included by Sharpe in his edition of Layard's ' Birds of
South Africa' (p. 814).]

231. Parisoma plumbeum. (Hartlaub's Tit Babbler.)
(a). Palnohwe, Aug. '04.

234. Phylloscopus trochilus. (Willow Wren.)
(a) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.
Q>). Luvia' Mpika's, Oct. '05.

236. Acrocephalus arundinaceus. ( Great Reed
Warbler.)

(a) $ . Feira, Feb. '04.

251. Eremomela usticollis. (Brown-throated Bush
Warbler.)

(a) $ . Uimbe Hill, nr. Serenji, Sept. '05.

252. Eremomela scotops. (Dusky-faced Bush Warbler.)

(a) (h) 9 . Serenji, Sept. '05.

255. CaMaroptera brevicaudata. ( Riippell's Bush
Warbler.)

(a) $ . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.
(h) (c) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

257. Sylviella pallida. (Zambesi Crombec.)
(a). George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

269. Prinia mystacea. (Tawny-flanked Wren Warbler.)

(a). Zunibo, Oct. '03.

(/>) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

((') $ . Dambo, nr. Kanyani, Mar. '05.

9*

98 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

274. CiSTicoLA CINERASCENS. (Grey Grass Warbler.)
(a). George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

275. CiSTicoLA ERTTHROPS. (Rufous - fronted Grass
Warbler.)

(a) Q)). George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

284. CiSTicoLA CHINIANA. (Eastern Grey-backed Grass
Warbler.)

(a) $ . Feira, July '03.

283. CiSTicoLA NATALENSis. (Natal Grass Warbler.)
(a). Karoka's, Mpika dist., Sept. '05.

286. PiNARORNis PLUMOSUS. (Sooty (!hat Warbler.)
(a) Qi) (c) $ '^ . Palnohwe, Aug. '04. Iris brown ; bill,
legs, and feet black. Stomach, little beetles.

298. TuRDUS LiBONiANUS. (Kurrichaine Thrush.)
(a) ? . BC2, July '04.
(h) ? . Palnohwe.

303. MoxTicoLA ANGOLENSis. (Angola Rock Thrush.)

(a) $ . Chiromwe.

'{h) ? juv. BC3, May '04.

(c) 9 juv. Kapsuku, Apr. '05.

{d) $ . Uluugu, June '05.

Myrmecocichla, sp. inc.

(a) 9 ? Lavusi, Sept. '05.

(&) ? . Serenji, Sept. '05.

(c) 9 . Nr. Mpika^s, Oct. '05.

Above and below glossy black throughout, slightly
browner on the wings ; a large white patch at the angle
of the wing, including the least coverts ; wing-quills bronzy
brown below ; under wing-coverts black, like the rest of the
plumage.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black. Length (in skin)
7'5 in., wing 4-5, tail 2*10, culmen '(}>2, tarsus I'O."

This description is drawn up from a specimen sexed
as a female bv Dr. Stoehr, but which I think must be a

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 99

male. It was shot when seated on an ant-hill, at Lavusi, in
the Serenji district of North-east Rhodesia, in September, by
Dr. Stoehr, and was presented by him to the South African
Museum (Reg. no. 9272).

Two other Chats, which I take to be the females of the
same species, are dark brown throughout above and below,
with a slight wash of chestnut-brown on the upper and under
tail-coverts. The quills below are bronzy brown, but there
is no trace of the white shoulders.

One of these is labelled " $ . Iris brown ; bill and legs
black. On Dambo, sitting on ant-hills. Flight undulating.
Chatwatiie, nr. Serenji, Sept. '05." The other, "$. Iris
brown ; bill and legs black. Nr. Mpika, Oct. '05." Both
were procured by Dr. Stoehr, of the Geodetic Survey, and
were presented by him to the South African Museum.

This species differs from M. formicivora (Ant-eating Chat)
in the black coloration of the male and the entire absence of
white on the wing-quills. Its correct name cannot be ascer-
tained without further examination and comparison.

30G. Pratincola torquata. (South African Stone-
Chat.)

(a) (b) i . Serenji, July '05.

309. Saxicola pileata livingstonii. (Livingstone's
Wheatear.)

(a) ? . Lavusi, nr. Serenji, Sept. '05.

314. Saxicola falkensteini. (Falken stein's Chat.)
(a-d) $ 9 . Chiromwe, Oct. '03.
(e). BCs, May '04.
(/). Serenji, July '05.

318. Thamnol^a cinnabiomeiventris. (White-shouldered
Bush Chat.)

(a) i . Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(6) $ . BC2, July '04.

Wherever there are rocks, there are plenty of these birds
exploring the cracks for beetles. In one place, where the

100 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

rocks were very steep, they had a pretty habit of taking long
jumps down-hill, perfectly motionless like a diver, but feet
foremost, with the wings closed until just before reaching the
ground^ when they would open them to break the fall,

319. Thamnol^a arnotti. (Arnot's Bush Chat.)

(a) 9 ? Boundary, Oct. '03.

(6) $ . Ulungu, July '05.

We found Arnot's Bush Chat very common at a spot on
the Anglo-Portuguese boundary in very dry mopani veld,
some four miles from water. I have since seen it twice,
both times in dry country, and it is plentiful on Ulungu
Hill. They eat small insects, particularly ants, which they
find partly on the ground, but also, at some seasons, on
the bark of trees. Sometimes they perch on a dead branch
and take insects in the air, in much the same style as a
Drongo. The females have a varying amount of grey or
white extending from the throat on to the breast.

322. CossYPHA HEUGLINI. (Heugliu's Robin Chat.)

(a) {h) ^ 9 . Korasisi, Sept. '04.

(c). Ulungu, Nov. '04.

{d) ? . Luvia' Mpika's, Oct. '05.

Heuglin's Robin Chat inhabits thick woods near water.
I rather suspect it of the song ascribed to Lagonostida niveo-
guttata (Peters' Ruddy Waxbill).

333. Erythropygia quadrivirgata. (Rufous-breasted
Ground Robin.)

(a). Opposite Feira.
(6). Boundary, Oct. '03.
Not common.

336. Bradyornis ater. (Black Flycatcher.)
(a) juv. George's Ferry, Feb. '04.
{li) $ . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

339. Bradyornis murinus. (Mouse-coloured Flycatcher.)
(a) $ . Serenji, July '05.

340. MusciCAPA GRisoLA. (Spotted Flycatcher.)
(a) ? . Ulungu, Nov. '04,

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 101

34:1. MusciCAPA c^RULESCENS. (Blue-grev Flycatcher.)
(a). Opposite Feira, Sept. '04.
(b). Boundary, Nov. '03.
(c). Korasisi, Sept. '04.
(d) (e) ^ ? . Ulungii, Nov. '04.
(/) i . Mpika, Oct. '05.

Plentiful at Feira, but further north I think it got less
common.

342. Alseonax adusta, (Dusky Flycatcher.)
(a). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.
(6) juv. Kanyani, Mar. '05.

(c) $ . Serenji, July '05.

345. Hyliota australis. (Mashonaland Flycatcher.)
(a-c) $ . Chiromwe, Sept. '03.

(d) $ . BO3, May '04.

(e) (/) S ? . Luvia, Mpika dist., Oct. '05.

The Mashonaland Flycatcher was met with in several
places on the hills : in one case they were about for a few
days and then disappeared ; I thought they were travelling.

— . Hyliota BARBOZ^ (Hartl.). (Barboza's Hyliota.)

(a) $ . Serenji, Sept. '05.

[This species, which is not in the South African Check-list,
is distinguished by its metallic steely-blue upper plumage.
It has hitherto been known from Angola, the Congo Free
State, and Nyasaland. It is described by Reichenovv (Vog.
Afr. ii. p. 473).]

348. Platystira peltata. (Green-throated Flycatcher.)
(a) (6) (c) ^ , ? , juv. Chikere, nr. Mpika, Oct. '05.

350. Pachyprora molitor. (White-flanked Flycatcher.)

(a). Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

352. Erythrocercus livingstonii. (Livingstone's Fly-
catcher.)

(a) (b). Ulungu, Nov. '04.

In November a party was seen hopping about, examining
buds, in a big tree. They were very busy and quite fearless.
I met them again in May ll'OS at Chindewere's.

102 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater o?i

— . Elminia albicauda (Boc). (White-tailed Elminia.)
(a) (h) ? . Serenji, July, Aug. '05.

[An Angolan and Nyasaland species described by Reichenow
(Vog. A£r. ii. p. 497).]

354a. Terpsiphone plumbeiceps. (Grey-chinned Paradise
Flycatcher.)

(a). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

355. DiCRURUs AFER. (Fork-tailed Drongo.)
(a) juv. Ulungu, June '05.

357. Campophaga nigra. (Black Cuckoo Shrike.)

(a). Feira, Apr. '05 : a young bird, just assuming adult

plumage.

I only noticed the Black Cuckoo Shrike once, but I may

have overlooked it. The one I shot was moving about

in the middle o£ a bush, suggesting a Cuckoo much more

than a Drongo.

359. Graucalus pectoralis. (Black-chested Cuckoo
Shrike.)

(a) $ . Ulungu, June '05.
(h) ? . Serenji, Sept. '05.

365. Ptyonoprogne fuligula. (Rock Martin.)
Seen once on Mpokwewe, but not procured.

367. HiRUNDO RUSTiCA. (European Swallow.)
(a). Feira, Feb. ^04.

In February and March there were a great number of"
young birds to be seen.

372. HiRUNDO SMiTHi. (Wire-tailed Swallow.)
(a) (b). No label.

375. HiRUNDO PUELLA. (Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow.)
(a) ? . Feira, Sept. '03.

376. HiRUNDO SEMiRUFA. (Rufous-breasted Swallow.)
Seen at Feira, but not shot.

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 103

377. HiRUNDO MONTBiRi. (Monteiro's Swallow.)
In March 1905 I fouud a pair of these Swallows, with nest
and young, in a tall baobab-tree. As Alexander remarks,
their flight reminds one of that of a Bee-eater. The cry is
rather harsh.

381. Pitta longipennis. (Central African Pitta.)
(a). Boundary, Nov. '03.

I found this bird at a stream on the Anglo-Portuguese
boundary.

382. Upupa africana. (South African Hoopoe.)
Not very numerous, but evenly distributed.

383a. Irrisor erythrorhynohus. (East African Kake-
laar.)

{a). Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

384. Rhinopomastus cyanomelas. (Scimitar-bill.)
(a). George's Ferry, Mar. '04.

385. Cypselus africanus. (White-bellied Swift.)
Seen on the Mpokwewe.

390. Tachornis parva. (Palm Swift.)
(a) $ . Johnson's, Oct. '04.

This Swift is found in one or two places near the Loangwa,
where there are palms.

394. Caprimulgus FERVIDUS. (Fiery- necked Nightjar.)
(a) ? . Opposite Feira.

397. Caprimulgus fossil (Mozambique Nightjar.)
(a). George's Ferry, Mar. '04.
{h) $ . Serinji, Sept. '05.
Common on stony ground.

399. CosMETORNis VEXiLLARius. (Standard-wing Nightjar.)
Common, but no specimen procured.

400. CoRACiAS GARRULUS. (European Roller.)
(a) 9 . Feira, Feb. '04.

Occasional ; first seen on August 24th, last seen in
February.

104 Dr. F. E. Stoelir and Mr. AY. L. Sclater on

401. CoRACiAS CAUDATUS. (Moselikatze's Roller.)
(a). Feira, Sept. '03.

402. CoRACiAS SPATULATUS. (Racquet-tailed Roller.)
(a) ? . Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

Occasionally seen ; in one place near the Loangwa there
were a good number. Both pexe.s, or at least both of a pair,
seem to indulge in the diving game describe.l by Marshall.

404. EuRYSTOMUS AFER. (CJInnamon Roller.)
(a) 3 . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.
Occasionally seen.

405. Merops apiaster. (European Bee-eater.)
(a). Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

(b). George's Ferry, Mar. '04.

408. Merops nubicoides. (Carmine-throated Bee-eater.)

(a) $ . Chiromwe, Oct. *03.

(b) juv. Feira, Feb. '04.

409. Dicrocercus hirundineus. (Swallow-tailed Bee-
eater.)

(a) {h) $ 9 . Ulungu, June '05.

410. Melittophagus meridionaus. (Little Bee-eater.)
(a). Feira, July '03.

411. Melittophagus bullockoides. (White-fronted
Bee-eater.)

Plentiful on the Zambesi, a little way above Feira.

412. Ceryle rudis. (Pied Kingfisher.)

413. Ceryle maxima. (Giant Kingfisher.)
Rather uncommon.

415. Corythornis cyanostigma. (Malachite Kingfisher.)
(a) ? . Feira, July '03.

417. Halcyon swainsoni. (Grey-headed Kingfisher.)
(a) i . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.
[h). Kanyani, Feb. '05.

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 105

419. Halcyon okientalis. (Brown-hooded Kingfisher.)
(a). Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

(b) . Serenji, Aug. ^05.

The last two mentioned species are not very easy to
distinguish in life and, as far as I can see, their haunts and
habits are very similar.

420, Halcyon chelicitti. (Striped Kingfisher.)
(a) $ . Karoka's, Mpika distr., Sept. '05.

425. CoLius ERYTHKOMELON. (Red-faced Mouse-Bird.)
(a). No label.

The Red-faced Mouse-Bird is plentiful about Feira, but I
do not remember finding it common elsewhere.

426. BucoRAx CAFER. (Brom-Vogel.)
(a) $ . No label.

Occasionally met with in twos and threes.

427. Bycanistes buccinator. (Trumpeter Hornbill.)
(a) 9 . Mtambvva's, Jan. '05.

428. LoPHOCEROS melanoleucus. (Crowned Hornbill.)
(a). No locality.

430. LoPHOCEROS epirhinus. (South African Grey Horn-
bill.)

(a) juv. Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.
(6). George's Ferry, Mar. '04.
(c) juv. Korasisi, Sept. '04.

431. LoPHOCEROs erythrorhynchus. (Red-billed Horn-
bill.)

(a) $ . Kanyani, Jan. '05.

Of these three Hornbills the first two are widely dis-
tributed, the other, the Red-billed, is rather local, apparently
liking tall trees.

— . Campothera chrysuea (Swains.). (Golden-tailed
Woodpecker var.)

(a). Serenji, Sept. '05.

[This species is very closely allied to C. abingdoni (Golden-
tailed Woodpecker), which indeed in considered by Reichenow
(Vog. Afr. ii. p. 173) as merely a subspecies of C. chrysura.

106 Dr. F. E. Stoehr ami Mr. W. L. Sclater on

The Serenji birds appear on the whole closest to the typical
form.]

440 A. Dexdropicus cardinalis hartlaubi. (Hartlaub's
Cardinal Woodpecker.)

(a) (6) $ . Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.

(c) 9 . Chiromwe, Oct. '03.

This is undoubtedly the most abundant and widely-spread
of the Woodpeckers.

441. Thripias namaquus. (Bearded Woodpecker.)
(a) $ . George's Ferry, Mar. '04.

Apparently a rare species, though I may have over-
looked it.

444. Indicator sparrmani. (Sparrman's Honej-Guide.)
(a). BC3, April '04.

(h). Korasisi, Sept. '04.
(c). Ulungu, Nov. '04.

445. Indicator major. (Yellow-throated Honey-Guide.)
(a) $ . Korasisi, Sept. '04.

44G. Indicator minor. (Scaly-throated Honey-Guide.)

(a) 9 . BC3, April '04.

(b) 9 . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

Sparrman's Honey-Guide is far the most common of the
three ; I have only met with the Yellow-throated species
once or twice. I am not sure if it guides one to honey. The
other two species certainly do so.

448. Prodotiscus regulus. (Wahlberg's Honey-Guide.)

(a). Cyhiromwe, Oct. '03.

{b) $ . Mpika, Oct. '05.

(c). Chikwere, May '05.

I met with Wahlberg's Honey-Guide several times on the
hills. The first bird I found sitting on a dead tree. The
second example was flitting to and fro and making itself
busy among the bushes like a Warbler or a Flycatcher. The
stomach contained insects.

Birds from North-east Rhodesia. 107

Lybius torquatus irroratus (Reichw.) (Tropical Black-
collared Barbet.)

(a) ^ . Chiroiuwe, Oct. '03.

(b). Greorge's Ferry, Apr. '04.

(c). Ulungu, May '05.

[Reichenow (Vog. Afr. ii. p. 126) distinguishes the Black-
collared Barbet of Tropical Africa from L. torquatus (Black-
collared Barbet) under the above name ; it is rather smaller
(wing under 3*5 against wing over 3'5) than the typical
form from Cape Colony, and also differs in the greater
distinctness and extension of the freckling on the brown back,
which includes even the greater wing-coverts.]

— . Lybius macclounii (Shelley). (Maccloun's Barbet.)

(a) 9 . Uimbe, nr. Serenji, Sept. '05.

lb) 9 . Mpika, Oct. '05.

[This is a well-marked species, first obtained by Gen,
Manning from the highlands near the north end of Lake
Nyasa. It was described and figured by Shelley ('Ibis,' 1899,
p. 377, pi. vi.) and is not known from south of the Zambesi :
cf. Reichenow, Vog. Afr. ii. p. 120.]

— . Stactol^ma anchiet^ (Boc). (Anchieta's Barbet.)

(a) $ . Serenji.

[Anchieta's Barbet has hitherto been known only from
Angola, where it was found by the collector whose name it
bears. Its occurrence in North-west Rhodesia extends its
range very considerably to the west. It can easily be dis-
tinguished from S. sowerbyi (Sowerby's Barbet), its nearest
ally, by its green-streaked throat and breast ; it is described
by Reichenow (Vog. Afr. ii. p. 141).]

456. Barbatula extoni. (Extou's Tinker Bird.)
(a) (b) $ s. Ulungu, June '05.

458. Trace YPHONUS cafer. (Levaillant's Barbet.)
(a). Ulungu, June '05.

462. CucuLUS soLiTARius. (Red-chested Cuckoo.)
{a) $ . Mpika, Oct. '05.

463. CucuLUS CLAMOSUs. (Black C Cuckoo.)
(a) ? . Mpika, Oct. '05.

108 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Sclater on

4G5. Chrysococcyx klaasi. (Klaas' Cuckoo.)
(a) (1)). Karoka, Mpika dist., Oct. '05.

466. Chrysococcyx cupreus. (Didric Cuckoo.)
(a) $ . Feira, Feb. '04.

467. CoccYSTES GLANDARius. (Grreat Spotted Cuckoo.)
(a) $ . Feira, Dec. '04.

468. CoccYSTES JACOBINUS. (Black-and- White Cuckoo.)
(a) $ . Feira, Nov. '03.

(h) ? juv. George's Ferry, Feb. '04.
(c). Ntambwa, Jan. '05.

First seen in November ; young birds about in February
and March.

476. Centropus superciliosus. (White-browed Coucal.)
(a) {h) ? . Feira, Aug. and Dec. '03.

I fancy there must be more than one species of Coucal.
I wish 1 had shot more of these birds.

482. Gallirex chlorochlamys. (Zambesi Purple- crested
Lourie.)

[a-c) $ s. Boundarj', Nov. '03.

483. ScHizoRHis coNCOLOR. (Grey Lourie.)

485. PCEOCEPHALUS ROBUSTUS ANGOLENSIS. (Brown-

necked Parrot.)

(a) (6). Boundary, Nov. '03.
A local bird.

487. PcEOCEPHALUS MEYERI. (Meyer's Parrot.)
(a) (5). Mpanza, north-west of Feira, Aug. '03.

490. Agapornis Lilians. (Nyasaland Lovebird.)
A native bi'ought me a dozen young Nyasaland Lovebirds
which I kept for some time in a box ; but they gave me no
pleasure that way, as they were incurably hostile and on my
appearance would do nothing but run into a corner, climbing
over each other in their efforts to get into the darkest place.
I then put their box into the fork of a big spreading fig-tree,
under which we were then living, and the plan succeeded for
a time excellently.

Birds from JSortli-east Rhodesia. 109

They were untiring climbers, using their beaks as much as
their feet, and working away till they got out to the smallest
twigs, where they would manage to stand until a breeze
came. At first they had some terrible falls, but after a while
they managed to tumble without hurting themselves, and for
about a week all went well ; instead of sleeping, however, in
their box they chose a hole at the foot of the tree, and one
night a wild cat came and that was the end.

I once saw a tlock near Feira, but could not stop to watch
them.

495. Syrnium woodfordi. (Woodford's Owl.)
An example was shot at Chindewere's.

502. ScoTOPELiA PELi. (PcFs Fishing Owl.)
(a) 9 . Ulungu, Nov. '04.

503. Falco minor. (South African Peregrine.)
(a). No locality.

504. Falco biarmicus. (African Hobby.)
(a) $ . Feira, Sept. '03.

510. TiNNUNCULUS NAUMANNi. (Lesser Kestrel.)
(a) 9 . George's Ferry, Mar. '04.

517. Aquila rapax. (Tawny Eagle.)
(a) $ juv. Loangwa, Dec. '04.

520. EuTOLMAiiTus SPILOGASTER. (African Hawk Eagle.)
(rt) $ . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

524. Haliaetus vocifer. (Sea Eagle.)
(a) Q)). Loangwa, Dec. '04.

525. Helotarsus ecaudatus. (Bateleur).

I have mistaken the call of this bird for the bawl of a
baboon.

528. CiRCAETUS PECTORALis. (Black-breasted Harrier
Eagle.)

(a) 9 . George's Ferry, Feb. '04.

530. AsTURiNULA MONOGRAMMiCA. (African Buzzard
Eagle.)

110 Dr. F. E. Stoehr and Mr. W. L. Scluter on

532. BuTEO AUGUR. (Augur Buzzard.)
(a). BC2, July '04.

534. MiLVUS ^GYPTius. (Yellow-billed Kite.)
(a). Nr. Feirca, Sept. '03.
Seen from August to March.

538. Pernis apiyorus. (Honey Buzzard.)

539. AcciPiTER MiNULLUS. (Little Sparrow Hawk.)
(a) 9 juv. Ntambwa, Jan. '05.

(/>) ? . Ulungu, June '05.

543. AsTUR TACHIRO. (African Goshawk.)
(a). No locality.

544. AsTUR POLYZONOiDES. (Little Banded Goshawk.)
(a). Ulungu, June '05.

561. Necrosyrtes pileatus. (Hooded Vulture.)

(a). No locality.

There were also two other Vultures which used to frequent
one of our hunting camps, but I neglected to shoot them
when I had a chance.

567. Phalacrocorax africanus. (Reed Duiker),
(a) 9 . Loangwa, Dec. '04.

568. Plotus rufus. (Snake Bird.)
(a). Feira.

577. Dissoura microscelis. (Woolly-necked Stork.)

I saw a flock of Woolly-necked Storks on the Zambesi in
March 1905.

578. CicoNiA ALBA. (White Stork.)
(a) ? . Feira, Dec. '03.

Early in December 1903 a great flock of these birds came
to Feira in pursuit of a flight of locusts. In the evening
they came to drink at tlie Loangwa and I estimated there
must have been a thousand of them. Next morning some
came down to the river, while others were taking locusts off
the ground before the sun warmed them. One meets them

Birch J ro))i JSortJi-east lllnHle^'ia. Ill

singly or in couples where there are no locusts, and we found
a nest of one on a cliff on one of the hills.

[It is very interesting that Dr. Stoehr should have found
the White Stork breeding in Africa, as it is a northern
migrant wintering in Central and South Africa, and, except
in the case of one or two of this class of birds, they only winter
here without breeding.]

580. Anastomus lamelligerus. (African Open-Bill.)
(a) 9 . Loangwa.

581. Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. (Saddle-Bill or
African Jabiru.)

(a). Loangwa, Nov. '04.

582. Leptoptilus crumeniferus. (Marabou.)
(a). No locality.

A big flock came to a marshy plain, where we were
woi'king during the early rains.

583. PsEUDOTANTALUs IBIS. (Wood Ibis.)
(a). Feira, Dec. '03.

584. Scopus umbretta. (Hammerkop.)
(a). Feira, Aug. '03.

588. Ardea purpurea. (Purple Heron.)
(a) Q)) ^ 9 . Feira, Dec. '03.

589. Herodias alba. (Great White Egret.)
(a) 9 . Loangwa, Dec. '03.

590. Herodias brachyrhyncha. (Yellow-billed Egret.)
(a) 9 . George's Ferry, Mar. '04.

594. BuBULCUS ibis. (Cattle Egret.)

597. BuTORiDES atricapilla. (Green-backed Heron.)
(a) $ . Mazenlai, Mar. '04.

602. Ardeirallus sturmi. (African Dwarf Bittern.)
(a) 9 . Dambo River, Kanyani, Mar. '05.

007. Plegadis falcinellus. (Glossy Ibis.)
(a) $ . Loangwa, Dec. '04.
VOL. II. 10

112 Dr. F. E. Stoehr ami Mr. W. L. Sclater on

G08. Platalea alba. (African Spoonbill.)
(a). Feira, Nov. '03.

611. Plectropterus gambensis. (Spur-wing Goose.)
Not very common.

613. Sarcidiornis melanonota. (Knob-billed Duck.)
(a) 9 . Loangwa, Nov. '04.

616. Dendrocycna fulva. (Whistling Duck.)
(a) ? . Feira, Dec. '04.

617. Alopochen ^gyptiacus. (Berg Gans.)
(a). Feira.

623. Pcecilonetta erythrorhyncha. (Red-Bill.)
(a) $ . Feira, Sept. '03.

626. Nyroca erythrophthalma. (South African Po-
chard.)

(a) ? . Feira, Dec. '03.

629. ViXAGO DELALAJSfDii. (Delalande's Green Pigeon.)
(a). Chitangi, July '04.
(h). Loangwa, Nov. '04.

635. TuRTUR AMBiGUUS. (Bocage's Red-eyed Dove.)

(a) $ . Loangwa.

(b) (c) $ . Ntambwa, Jan. '05.

638. TuBTUR SENEGALENSis. (Laughing Dove.)

This Dove is rather local ; I remember seeing it close to
the big rivers.

639. (Ena capensis. (Namaqua Dove.)

The Namaqua Dove is also local ; it is very common and
tame at Feira.

641. Chalcopelia afra. (Emerald Spotted Dove.)

645. Pterocles bicinctus. (Double-banded Sandgrouse.)
The common Sandgrouse found in stony places is, I am

tolerably certain, this species, but I have not been able to

secure a good specimen.

Birds from Nortli-easf Jxhodes'ui. 113

Qi'i^. FiiANCOLiNiTs SEPH^NA. (Crested FrancoJin.)
{a). Opposite Feira, Sept. '03.
Generally in the bush.

653. Francolinus shelleyi. (Shelley's Francolin.)

(a). Chiromwe.

(/>) {c). Korasisi, Sept. '04.

656. Francolinus natalensis. (Natal Francolin.)
(a) $ . Opposite Feira, Oct. '03.

659. Pternistes swainsoni. (Swainson's Francolin.)

(a). Korasisi, Sept. '03.

This Francolin lives in the open country.

661. CoTURNix DELAGORGUEi. (Harlequin Quail.)
(a). Boundary, Oct. '03.

665. NuMiDA MiTRATA? (East African Guinea Fowl.)

ii66. GuTTERA EDOUARDi. (Crested Guinea Fowl.)
(a). Feira.

The Crested Guinea Fowl frequents hill-sides and thick
bush, whereas the Common Guinea Fowl prefers flatter and
more open country ; yet they encroach on each other, and you
may find two flocks of difl^erent species near the same place.
We found this species on one occasion living in a thicket a
good four miles from water.

The natives consider it less wary than the other species,
and I think they are right ; but probably this is because they
are, as a rule, further from villages and so get less worvied.
I have seen this species try to escape by covering, but not
the other. The call is less harsh and more rapidly uttered.
They fly well enough in the open, but one often meets them
in tliick bush, where they cannot rise. They are said to be
untameable, and that if you put them in a pen with fowls,
the fowls will peck and chase them. The Common Guinea
Fowl is often reared in captivity from wild eggs.

671. Crex pratensis. (Europsean Corn Crake.)
(a). No locality.

10*

114 (hi J^irds from Sorlli-east Jlliudcsia.

672. CiiEX EGREGIA. (African Corn Crake.)
(a). Ntambwa, Feb. '05.

{h). Kanyani, Mar. '05.

The two Corn (^^rakes were snared for me on a plain near
the Loangwa.

673. Ortygometra porzana. (Spotted Crake.)
(a) Qi) ? . Ntambwa, Feb. '04.

680. LiMNOCORAX NIGER. (Black Crake.)
(a) ? . Feira, Dec. '03.

685. FuLiCA CRISTATA. (Red-knobbed Coot.)
(a) $ . Feira, Nov. '03.

709. Rhinoptilus ghalcopterus. (Bronze - winged
Courser.)

(a) $ . Feira, Dec. '04.

710. Glareola pratincola. (Pratincole.)
(a). Loangwa, Sept. '03.

On the sand-banks in the river.

712. Galactochrysea emini. (Emin's Pratincole.)

713. AcTOPHiLUS AFRICANUS. (African Jacana.)
(a) 9 . Feira, Dec. '03.

731. JiIgialitis marginatus pallidus. (Tropical White-
fronted Sand Plover.)
(a). Feira, Sept. '03.

734. HiMANTOPUS CANDIDUS. (Black-winged Stint.)
{a) $ . Feira, Sept. '03.

736. NUMENIUS ARQUATUS. (Ciirlew.)
(a) 9 . No locality.

744. ToTANUS HYPOLEUCUS. (Common Sandpiper.)
(a). Feira, Aug. '03.

On (he Xometidature ^r. of a BlnVs Anatomy. 115

XIX. — Description of the Nest and E(jgs of Mirafra rufii)il< a
{Rufous-headed Lark). By Lieut. Stanley Pershousk,
2nd Border Regt.

At Middelburg, Transvaal, on the 11th November, 1905,
I found the nest of the Rufous-headed Lark (Mirafra
rufipilea). The parent bird was snared on the nest and
identified by Mr. W. L. Sclater, M.A., of the South African
Museum. The nest, which was made of coarse grass and
lined with finer grass, dome-shaped, was sunk about two
inches in the ground, under a tuft of grass, quite close to a
cart-road. Some of the grass-stems of the tuft were pulled
over and woven into the nest. It contained two white
elongated eggs, thickly spotted with brown and rusty brown,
forming almost a brown patch on the obtuse ends. They
were incubated and I was unable to blow them.
Middelburg, 4.12.05.

XX. — The Nomenclature and Mode of Measuriny the External
Portions of a Bird's Anatomy. By Professor Anton
Reichenow. Translated for this Journal by Mr. Henrik
Gronvold from the original paper (Orn. Monats., March
1905), by special permission and wish of the Author.

It is of considerable importance for any person who may
have to identify Birds from written descriptions to be
acquainted with the correct names of the different parts of a
Bird's body.

At the present day, more than in former times, the Col-
lector, Traveller, and Field-Naturalist all have both the
opportunity and wish to describe new forms.

Even if the accurate naming of the special characteristics
of a Bird was only of importance to the describer of a new
form, it is still clearly necessary that his description should
be generally intelligible. On account of this, and for the

116

Prof. A. Reichenow on the

purpose of avoidiui^ ambiguity, the amateur frequently is
led into using lengthy explanatory terms, whilst the expert
is able to utilize the accepted technical expressions. It is
not always easy for the casual ornithologist to obtain the
knowledge of these " technical " words, often because he is
unable to gain access to works in which they are explained,
or through ignorance of any publications where explanatory
diagrams can be found. I have been repeatedly requested
by a number of persons to publish an ornithological glossary
of this character in my Monthly Journal, and I have accord-
ingly drawn the subjoined diagrammatic figure, which may,

.fofilxeAO

I fm/n/ifr/es .
IT Secoi^D/iffies
UT PfUMfiity coyEfTTS
IV GRE/trefi IV/Ns cnye/frs
V Meoz/in CO^EftTS

Vn. BfisTAffo-yv"^ii

The Nomenclature of the External Portions of a Bird's Anatomy.

perhaps, serve as a basis for a universal nomenclature ; it
has the further recommendation of having been adopted by
other authors, as, lor instance, by Hartert in his ' Birds of
the Palsearctic Fauna.'

Next to the German words are added the correspond-
ing English expressions as used by Dr. Sharpe and others
in the ' Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum,' the
Italian terms as used by Arrigoni in his 'Manual of Italian

Nomenclature ^'c. of a BinVs Anatonv/.

117

Ornithology/ No French expressions could be added, us
no French work exists which gives suitable synonyms.

The chief measurements which are of importance for the
complete description of a Bird are : — Total length ; length
of wing ; length of tail ; length of tarsus, and also sometimes
length of the middle toe and of the claw of the middle toe ;
and length of bill, which in the case of Birds of Prey is
from the cere to the tip.

The exact manner in which these measurements are taken
may have hitherto somewhat differed, but in order to establish
a universal uniformity of practice, the mode adopted by the
Author will be given in detail below, the methods being
based upon over thirty years' practical experience.

German, Latin, English, and Italian Synonyms.

German.

Latin.

English,

Italian.

Schnabel

rostrum

beak

becco

Oberkiefer

maxilla

upper beak (max-

mandibola superi-

Ula)

ore (mascella)

Unterkiefer

mandibula

mandible

mandibola iu-
feriore

Firsts

culmen

culmen

culmine

DiUe

genys

genjs

gonide

Schnabelspalt

rictus (rostri

hiatus)
angulus oris

gape

fessura della bocca

Schnabelwinkel

corner of the

angolo della bocca

mouth

Schnabelborsten

vibrissae

rictal bristles

vibrissi

Wachshaut

ceia

cere

cera

Oberseite

notseum

upper surface

parti superiori

Kopf

caput

head

testa

Oberkopf

pileum

top of the head

pileo

Stirn

frons

forehead

fronte

Scheitel

vertex

crown

vertice

Hinterkiipf

occiput

occiput

occipite

Hals

collum

neck

coUo

Oberhals (friiher

cervix

hind-neck

cervice

Hinterhals)

Genick

nucha

nape

nuca

Nacken

auohenium

lower hind-neck

auchenio

Riicken

dorsum

back

regione dorsale

Mantel (Vorder-

straguUun (pal-

mantle

dor so (mantello)

und Hinter-

lium)

riickcn)

Vorderriicken

iuterscapuliuui

interscapular

regione inter-

(friihur Obcr-

region

scapolare

riicken)

118

Prof. A, Keichenovv on. the

German.
Jlinterriicken

(friiher Unter-

riicken)
Biirzel
C>berschwanz-

decken
Unterseite

Uiiterhals (friili.

Vorderhals)
Kinnwinkel
Kiiiii
Keble

Kropf (Gurgel)
Unterkorper
Vorderbrust

(frliber Ober-

brust)
Brust
Baucb
Weichen (Kor-

perseite)
Scbenkel (Hose)
Steiss
Unterschwanz-

decken
Ziigel
Obrgegend

Wange
Augenbraue

Scblafe

Bartstreif

Halsseite

Schwanz

Steuerfedern

riiigel

Fliigelbug

Armraiid (friiher

oberer Fliigel-

rand)
Ilandrand (friib.

Fliigelrand)
Schwingen
Handschwingen
Armscbwingen

Innere Arm-
scbwingen
Oberfliigeldecken

Uutertiiigeldeckeu

Latin.
tergULu

uropygium
supracaudales

gastrseum

guttur

angubis meutalis

mentuui

gula

iugulum

abdomen

prsepectus

pectus
venter
hypochondria

tibia

crissiim

subcaudales

lorum

regio parotica

gen a
supercilium

tempera

regio malaris

parauchenium

Cauda

rectrices

ala

fiexura

campterium

remiges

remiges primariaj
remiges secun-

dariae
remiges tertiarias

tectrices superi-

ores.
tectrices inferiores

English.
lower back

rump

upper tail-coverts

entire under sur-
face

entire throat (fore-
neck)

interraraal space

chin

throat

lower throat

Under surface

chest

breast
belly (veut)
flanks

thigh

crissum

under tail-coverts

lore
ear-coverts

cheek

eyebrow (super-
ciliary stripe)
temporal region
malar stripe
side of neck
tail

tail-feathers
wing
bend of wing;

Italian.

edge of wing-
quills
primaries
secondaries

inner secondaries

(tertials)
u pper wing-coverts

under wing-coverts

tergo

groppone
sopraccoda (sopra-

caudali)
parti inferiori

collo anteriore

spazio interranmle

men to

gola

gozzo

addome

alto petto

petto

ventre

ipocondrio

calzone
basso addome
sottocoda (sotto-

caudali)
redini
cuopritrici auri-

colari

sopracciglio

tempia

mustacchio

collo laterale

coda

timoniere

ala

angolo dell' ala

margine dell' ala

remiganti

reniiganti primarie

remiganti secon-
darie

remiganti cubitali
(terziarie)

cuopritrici superi-
ori

cuopritrici inferi-
ori

NoniettrUdnre 6;c. of a B'lnVs Anatom//.

119

(lernutn.

Latin.

En(jlish.

Italian.

Hantldt'ckeu

tectrices primaria3

primary coverts

cuopritrici pri-
marie

Kleiue Fliigel-

tectricos uiinores

lesser wing-coverts

piccole cuopritrici

deckeu

secoudarie

Mittlere Fliigel-

tectrices mediae

median wing-

mediane cuopr.

decken

coverts

secondarie

Grosse Fliif^el-

tectrices majores

greater wing-

grandi cuopr.

decken

covei'ts

secondarie

After fliigrel

alula

bastard-wiiig

ala bastarda

8chulterfeder

scapulares

scapulars

scapolari

(Schultertittich)

Achselfedern

axillares

axillaries

ascellari

Lauf

tarsus

tarsus

tarso

ilinterzehe

hallux

hind toe

dito posteriore

(1. Zehe)

(primodito)

Innenzehe

digitus secundus

inner toe

dito iuterno (se-

(2. Zehe)

condo d.)

Mittelzehe

digitus tertius

middle toe

dito mediano

(3. Zehe)

(medius)

(terzo d.)

Aussenzehe

digitus quartus

outer toe

dito esterno

(4. Zehe)

(quarto d.)

Spiegel

speculum

speculum

specchio

Sporn

calcar

spur

sprone

Tlie Methods and Technique of Measuring.

It is desirable in })ractice to give measurements in milli-
metres (mm.). The term " Centimetre,'^ which is also
sometimes used, is not satisfactory, because in the case of
small measurements it is necessary to employ decimals,
which may easily lead to mistakes and misprints, and the
omission of a stop or point is liable to cause confusion. It
is, therefore, always undesirable to employ "Centimetres"
in measuring Birds and Eggs.

1. The Total Length (T. L.) is the measurement from the
tip of the bill to the tip of the central tail-featlier measured
on the outstretched body of a bird : the body must not be
forcibly lengthened.

2. TJie Length of Wing (L. of W.) is the measurement
taken from the carjial (wrist) joint to the end of the longest
llight-featlier. The method of measurement is as follows:
place a millimetre-rule under the wing and press the wing
gently on to it, reading the scale thereafter.

[As above stated, Dr. Hartert has adopted this mode of
measurement, but I do not believe that this has hitherto been

120 On the Nomenclature Sfc. of a BiriVs Anatomy.

the usual practice — at any rate, not in England, where the
wing is not measured pressed down on to the rule, but lying
on it, with its natural curvature, thus giving a short
measurement. — G. H. G.]

3. The Length of Tail (L. of T.) is the measurement from
the root of the tail-feathers to the end of the longest feather.
The measurement must be taken by placing the rule under-
neath the tail, with one end of the rule against the place
where the under tail-coverts start and where also can be
easily felt the roots of the tail-feathers proper.

4. The Length of Tarsus (T.) is the measurement taken
from the notch in the posterior part of the joint between the
leg and the lower thigh to the notch between the upper ridge
of the middle toe and the lower edoje of the lowest scale of
the front part of the leg : should be taken with a pair of
compasses.

5. The Length of the Middle Toe (Mt.) is the measure-
ment from the notch on the anterior ridge of the lowest
scale between the leg and the root of the middle toe to the
point of the claw on the middle toe — the toe being stretched
out.

5 a. The Length of the Middle Claw is the measurement
taken from the upper anterior edge of the last scale on the
toe to the point of the nail on the claw.

6. 71ie Length of the Bill is the measurement taken in a
straight line from the point of the root of the upper ridge of
the bill where the forehead-feathers begin to the point of
the upper mandible. One point of the compass must be
placed where the horny substance of the bill and the fore-
head-feathers meet, and it is sometimes necessary to move
the feathers to one side. In Birds which have a cere at the
root of the bill, the measurement is a straight line taken
from the upper anterior part of the cere to the point of the
upper mandible.

Occasional Notes. 121

OCCASIONAL NOTES.

(1) Mr. John A. Bucknill has been elected a Member of
the British Ornithologists' Union.

(2) The Hon. Secretary has received a letter from Pro-
fessor Alfred Newton, F.R.S., of Magdalene College, Cam-
bridge, thanking the Members of the Union for their kindness
in electing him as an Honorary Member ; he congratulates
the Union on its formation and wishes it continued prosperity.

(3) As the concluding volume of Stark and Sclater's
' Fauna of S. Africa : Birds ' has now been published, the
nomenclature used in this Journal will in future, as far as
possible, follow that of this work. In cases where this course
cannot be adopted the full reference to whatever work the
name is taken from will be oiven.

(4) Mr. W. L. ScLATER records in ' The Ibis ' for January,
11)06, the second known local specimen of the rare llialasso-
(jeron layardi (Layard's Mollymawk) . It was obtained by
the late Mr. J. 0. Marais off the Knysna Heads, on the
eastern coast of Cape Colony, in August 1899, and is now in
the Pretoria Museum. Messrs. Ogilvie-Grant and Rothschild
have decided that Lajard's Mollymawk, which was until
recently supposed to be of specific identity, is really the same
as Diomedea caiita (Shy Albatross), a species which is found
not uncommonly in New Zealand waters and was described
by Gould in 1840. The bird breeds on the Bounty Islands.

(5) Amongst the many collections of Ornithological in-
terest which were acquired for the British Museum in the
year 1904-5 was one consisting of four hundred and twenty-
seven birds and eggs from the Orange River Colony and
British Bechuanaland, collected by ]\Iessrs. R. B. Woosnam
iind R. E. Dent.

122 Occasional ^'vtes.

(6) Plate No, V. illustrates an albino specimen of
Erytliropygia pcena (Smith's Ground Robin), together with
another of normal plumage for comparison. The albino, sex
unknown, wa.i obtained at Warmbaths, some few miles north
of Pretoria, in April 1904, and is now in the Transvaal
Museum at Pretoria. The photograph is by Mr. C. B. Hors-
brugh, of that Institution.

(7) Mr. J. D. Hamlyn, of liondon, recently concluded a
collecting trip in Cape Colony and the Orange River Colony,
returning to England with a considerable number of live
birds and animals ; included amongst the latter were Eland,
AVhite-tailed Wildebeeste, Springbok, Blesbok, and four Cape
Sea-Lions. Arnongst the birds obtained were specimens of
Ila'matopiis moquini (Black Oyster-catcher), Eutohnaetus
bellicosus (Martial Eagle), Spheniscns demersus (Jackass
Penguin), Gyps kolhii (Kolbe's Vulture), and many Passerine
species. Most of these animals and birds were deposited in
the Zoological Society's Gardens, but the majority will
probably pass into the hands of different collectors.

(8) The cruise of Lord Crawford's fine yacht the ' Val-
halla ' came to an end in the spring. Those who were lucky
enough to participate in it must have had a delightful and
interesting ornithological journey. The route taken was via,
Grand Canary, St. Paul's Island, Bahia (where the island of
Jtaparica was visited and where some of the party caught
malaria), South Trinidad Island, Tristan d'Acunha, Cape
Town (where the party visited the Penguin rookeries on
Dassen Island), Durban, Mayotta (one of the Comoro Islands),
North-east Madagascar, Glorioso Island, Assumption Island,
Aldabra, and the Seychelles, and then home via Aden and
the Canal.

Mr. M, J. Nicoll preserved over five hundred birds besides
mammals and fishes, all of which were presented to the British
Museum. Mr. E. G. B. Meade-Waldo accompanied the
expedition.

JOURN. S.A.O. U..VOL. II. PL. V.

Photo Ijy C. I!, ll'irslirii-li, ri-ctoria.

SMITH'S GROUND ROBIN: Albino lErythropygia paena).

Orran'toudl JVoles. 1^>J

The fearlessness of the Jackass Penguins (Splieniscus
demersus) on Dassen Island caused much surprise. It was
noticed by Mr. Meade-Waldo that the Sacred Ibis {Ibis
cethiopica), which was found breeding in the midst of a colony
of Cape Cormorants, w^as reported to live on the food brought
for the young Cormorants and on their entrails ! — a statement
supported by the fact that a young Sacred Ibis on being
handled disgorged a mass of intestines.

(9) A SHORT review of the 2nd No. of this Journal appears
in the April (190G) No. of ' The Ibis.'

(10) On the 29th May Mr. Oldfiekl Thomas and Mr. Harold
Schwann gave to the Zoological Society of London an account
of the collections made by Mr. Grant, who has been touring
in the North-eastern District of the Transvaal, his route lying
by way of Delagoa Bay and Pretoria to the Zoutpansberg.
Details of this collection are not, as yet, to hand.

(11) At the Crystal Palace Bird Show held last February
(9th-13th), a pair of Violet-eared Waxbills {Estrilda grana-
tina) took first prize in the Waxbill and Weaver class, whilst
a fine cock Red-faced Waxbill (Pytelia melha) was second.
In the class for Sugar-birds, Tanagers, and Sun-birds, a male
Malachite Sun-bird [Nectarina famosa) took premier honours.

(12) Mr. John Wood, of East London, writes : — ' I
should like to see a List made of our birds exhibiting what
may be termed ' irregular ' nesting-habits.

'' The following have come under my notice here : —

"March 29th. — Bulbul (Pt/cnonntits capensis), known in
the Western Province as ' Kuif-kop,^ and in the Eastern
Province as ' Tiptolitje.^ I found it sitting on four eggs
which were only about half incubated.

" April 27th. — Red-winged Spreeuw {Amydrus morio)^
^ Rooivlerk.' I saw it on this date feeding three young ones

124 Oecasioiial Azotes.

nearly ready for flight. The nest was on a ledge in face of
a krantz.

" June 10th. — South African Ruddy Waxbill (^Lagonosticta
ruhricatd). In the heart of a bunch of lily-leaves by the
edge of the bush I chanced upon a nest, at this late date, of
this species. As I laid hold of it four young ones barely
able to fly made their escape. It was loosely constructed of
coarse grass, and the inside for more than three parts towards
the dome was plastered with the birds' droppings. This was
so systematically done that not a chink was left for the wind
to enter opposite the inmates.

" So far as I have seen about here, the great majority of
birds are finished with nesting before the end of the year.

" Last Easter I handled a young Trogon which was
probably hatched out in January or February. During July
1904 — midwinter — I noticed a pair of Trogons here, and had
previously believed they entirely left us at the approach of
the cold months."

(13) Dr. George Turner, Medical Officer of Plealth for
the Transvaal, left on his long-planned water expedition
down the Inkoomati River in the early part of June. The
Doctor will be absent some four or five months and expects
to bring back with him many ornithological specimens.

(14) With the commencement of the 2nd Series of this
Journal an endeavour will be made to give, in addition to
original papers, more systematic information as to the progress
of ornithology in general, and of South African Ornithology
in particular, than has hitherto been the case. The Union
now regularly receives a variety of Ornithological periodical
publications, such as ' The Ibis,' ' The Emu,' ' The Auk," the
'Journal fiir Ornithologie,' the ' Ornithologische Monats-
berichte,' and the ' Proceedings of the Zoological Society of
London,' &c., &c.

Those papers which appear in these and similar journals
will be in future, wherever it is thought that the}- will be of

Occasional JVotes. 125

fi;enenil interest, systematically extracted in the pages of this
.lournnl.

New Ornithological publications of specific local character
will also be separately reviewed by a competent staff of
abstractors.

A list of the Ornithological additions to the Transvaal
Zoological Gardens will also be published, and a special
column will be devoted to answers to enquiries and general
local correspondence.

(15) In the June, 1907, number of this Journal, it is
hoped to publish the first of a series of papers descriptive of
the unique collection of South African Birds' Eggs in the
possession of the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, by Messrs.
John A. Buckuill and C. B. Horsbruoh.

(16) Mr. L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., writes :—" 1
have been struck lately in reading through vol. iv. (Sclater's
' Birds S. Africa') with the very scanty information which is
given of the distribution of birds in South Africa. I think
that our Union ought to endeavour to collect more informa-
tion on the subject, in the same way as the botanists are doing
with plants. 1 would like to suggest that the matter should
be brought up at the next Annual Meeting, and that a
circular should be sent to every member asking him to
compile a list of the birds in his district or wherever he has
a chance of making observations. One member or a com-
mittee might be appointed for each Colony to tabulate the
results, and a further committee might later on work on the
determination of the ornithological regions for the whole of
South Africa. Care would have to be taken that the exact
localities should be carefully noted, otherwise it would be
difficult to define the various regions: e. <j., a man workino- in
Pretoria would probably note the birds on the north side of
the Magaliesberg and also beyond Irene, and if the locality
was simply given as Pretoria there would be no means of
defining the great boundary line which exists in the Magalies-
berg Range. The nature of the country would also be very

120 Shot't JSutirex.

important, whether forest, scrub, or grass-land, also the topo-
gra])hy and meteorological conditiuns, and any special features,
such as rivers, which would tend to cause overlapping in the
different regions. The more lists that are made of the birds
even in one district the better.

" It is an immensely interesting subject, and if it was
properly worked up I am sure it would be of great scientific
value, not only to ornithologists but to botanists and others
also.

" It cannot, of course, be done in a few months, and would
probably take some years, and when the time came for
publishing the results the South African Association for the
Advancement of Science or even the Governments might
assist with grants."

SHORT NOTICES.

(1) The fourth and final volume of Stark and Sclater's
' Fauna of South Africa : Birds ' was issued from the press
early this year. With this publication closes a chapter in South
African Ornithological history and a work for which no
words of praise can be too high and which deserves the deepest
gratitude of every Ornithologist throughoiit the world.

The scientific and systematic character of the four volumes
mark this work as one which must always rank with those
other productions upon the Avifauna of great countries which
are generally designated as Standard.

It must not be forgotten that although the rough outline
of the scheme and many original notes and collected observa-
tions were in the first instance framed and obtained by the
late Dr. Stark, and although the proofs of the first volume
were actually passed by him through the press, his tragic
death threw the whole of the burden of the three succeeding
volumes upon the shoulders of Mr. Sclater, to whom, indeed,
the praise is by far most due.

Short yutices. 127

It may, perhaps, be not out of place to give here a brief
review of the whole undertaking.

The Series of Works dealing with the Fauna of Africa
South of the Zambesi and Cunene Rivers was planned by
Mr. W. L. Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S., Director of the South
African Museum, Cape Town. That part of the series which
related to Birds was placed in the hands of Dr. A. C, Stark,
a most capable naturalist, who, unlike the General Editor,
Mr. Sclater, was able to devote the whole of his time to the
work in hand. Some systematic work of the proposed
character was much needed, the most recent volume of a
general nature, that of Sharpe's Edition of Layard's ' Birds of
South Africa' (published 1875-1884), being alroady'quite out
of date, and much material having been since accumulated
and only to be found scattered throughout the pages of various
Ornithological Journals.

The first volume was issued in 1900, its compiler unfortu-
nately not being alive to view its success : on the outbreak of
the second Boer war Dr. Stark volunteered as a medical
officer and proceeded to Ladysmith, where, on the 10th Nov.,
1899, he was killed by a shell whilst he was standing at the
door of the Royal Hotel : a sad and irreparable loss. En-
trusted by the deceased's executors with all the material
already collected, Mr. Sclater issued the second volume in
1901, the third in 1903, and the fourth and last this year.

Supplementary material was also published in the ' Annals
of the South African Museum,' vol. iii. part 8 (1905).

The extent of the whole work can be fairly gauged when
it is stated that the first volume consisted of 322 pages and
over 80 illustrations, the second volume of 323 pages, a map,
and 83 illustrations, the third of 416 pages and 141 illustra
tions, and the fourth of 545 pages and 163 illustrations.

The first volume deals with about half of the Passerine
Birds and details the members of the Corvidae, Sturnidae,
Oriolidse, Ploceidse, Fringillidfe, Alandidse, Motacillidae,
Certhiidae, Promeropidse, Nectariniidae, Zosteropidse, and
Paridfe.

The second volume concludes the Passerine Order and
VOL. II. 11

128 Short Notices.

relates to the Laniidse, CrateropodidEe, Sjlviidoe, Turdidae,
Muscicapidae, Dicrurida3, Campophagidge, Hirundinidse, and

PittidEG.

The third volume treats of the Orders Picarise, Psittaci,
Striges, and Accipitres, and the fourth with the Orders
Steganopodes, Herodiones, Odontoglossae, Anseres, Columbae,
Pterocletes, Gallinae, Hemipodii, Fulicarige, Alectorides,
Limicolse, Gaviae, Tubinares, Pygopodes, Impennes, and
Struthiones.

The total number of species described is 814, a figure
which is, however, increased in the Supplement referred to
above to 868.

It is, indeed, impossible to be critical when reviewing a
work of this broad and invaluable nature ; it is noticeable,
indeed, throughout that although, as must in works of this
class of necessity be the case, the w^ork is largely a com-
pilation, there is in this work much more original and personal
observation and knowledge displayed than is, as a rule, found
in similar productions.

In looking through its pages one is struck by the meagre
records which were at the disposal of the authors concerning
many species of birds and eggs which during the last few
years have been found to be very common in many localities;
the framework is, however, now erected and will, it is hoped,
be rapidly filled up.

In the new volume special attention should be drawn to
the many interesting photographs, amongst which may be
mentioned : —

Fig. 6. A colony of Malagashes (Sula capensis) on Bird
Island in Algoa Bay.

Fig. 64. Nest and eggs, with female, of the Cape Bedwing
(^Francolinus levaillanti).

Fig. 93. Balearica regulorum (Crowned Crane).

Fig. 118. yEgialitis tricollaris (Three-banded Plover) with
nest and two eggs.

Fig. 119. yEgialitis marglnata (White-fronted Sand
Plover) and nest in sea-grass with two eggs.

Short Notices. 129

Fig. 120. y^Egialitis pecuaria (Kittlitz's Sand Plover).
Adults and nestlings.

Fig. 160. JnckussFengmns (SpJieniscusdemersus)onDjev^s
Island off the coast o£ the Caledon division, Cape
Colony.

Fig. 162. Hen Ostrich sitting on nest.

Fig. 163. Nest of an Ostrich with the eggs just hatched
out and the cock bird in the distance.

It is impossible within the limits of a short review to
refer to the text of the work in much detail ; our veteran
Ornithologist, Mr. T. Ayres — who is still with us, — looms
large throughout its pages. A few notes which struck the
writer of this review upon reading through the volume may
be, perhaps, inserted.

The claim of the Common Cormorant of Europe (^Pliala-
crocora.v carlo) to inclusion in the avifauna of South Africa
is finally rejected (p. 3); about 5000 tons of guano, composed
chiefly of the excrement of the Trek Duiker {Phalacrocoraa;
capensis) and Malagash [Sula capensis), is collected annually
on the islands off the Cape coasts, where both these species
breed in enormous numbers, and is sold to the farmers at
about cost price (pp. 7, 20, and 21). The claim of Pliaethon
ruhricanda (Red-tailed Tropic Bird) for inclusion in the list
rests practically solely on the discovery of an apparently
freshly shed red tail-feather on the beach at Port Elizabeth
(p. 24). The Marabou {Leptoptihis crumeniferus), a rare
bird in South Africa, was met with in some numbers by
Mr. Ayres near Pretoria just after the first Boer war, the
birds coming to feed on the dead mules and cattle lying about
the camp (p. 48).

The writer of this review may here state that although he
was present at the close of the second Boer war in Pretoria,
and although one or two places in the neighbourhood, such as
Eloff's farm and a station outside the big Repatriation Camp
not far from Skinner's Court, were crowded with dead horses
and mules, the carcases of which were conveyed daily to
particular spots on the veld — veritable Golgothas — where

11*

130 Short Notices.

enormous flocks of Vultures (chiefly Gyps kolbi) assembled to
devour the repast purposely provided for them, no Marabous
were ever seen, although the writer frequently visited both
these stations to observe the Aasvogcls.

Dr. Stark in the case of the Wood Ibis (Pseudotantalus
ibis) and Mr. Ayres in that of the Black Heron (MelanopJioyx
ardesiaca) — the latter a very rare bird south of the Zambesi —
both observed that these birds have the curious habit, when
feeding during the heat of the day, of throwing one wing
forward and holding it out so that it shades a small portion
of the water in which the bird is wading, thus taking off the
glare of the sun and enabling the bird to see to the bottom of
the stream (pp. 50 & 71).

The Red-throated Heron (^Melano2:>lioyx vinaceigula) seems
to be a mj'sterious species, as the only two specimens known,
which are now in the British Museum, were obtained by
Mr. Ayres near Potchefstroom in the Transvaal. The
separation by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe of the type Botaurus
capensis (Cape Bittern) from Botaurus stellaris (European
Bittern) in 1898 should be noticed. The South-African
species is confined to South Africa and only differs from
B. stellaris in being slightly smaller in size and less barring
on the wing-quills. Its identity is recognized by Reichenow
under the trinomial subspecific name of Botaurus stellaris
capensis (Vog. Afr. i. p. 364, 1901). The typical B. stellaris
seems to be known no closer than from Abyssinia.

Another of Mr. Ayres' curiosities is the so-called Black
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus niger) : the types brought
alive to the Zoological Gardens in London came from Zanzibar,
and Mr. Ayres obtained a specimen at Potchefstroom which
is now in the British Museum at South Kensington.
Mr. Sclater thinks, probably truly, that this species recog-
nized by Reichenow as Plectropterus gambens'is niger (Vog.
Afr. i. p. 136, 1900) is only a variety of our friend, which
takes such a lot of shot, P. gatnbensis (Spur- winged Goose),
so familiar to South-African early-rising sportsmen. The
whole account of the Order Anseres is very interesting, and
to a Transvaaler particularly so, because of the serious dis-

Short JVotices. 131

cussion which is now taking place in the Transvaal as to the
propriety of permitting Ducks to be shot in the present open
game-season, which extends from the 14th April to the 31st
August.

Attention of sportsmen may also be drawn to the difference
between the two Knorhaans, Otis afra (Black Knorhaan),
which seems to be confined to Cape Colony south of the
Orange River, and Otis afroides (White-quilled Knorhaan),
which replaces the former in other parts of South Africa :
the only difference is that in afroides the primaries after the
first are white on the inner web, the tips alone being black,
whilst the under wing-coverts and the quills from below are
also white ; in afra this feathering is black. It would be
interesting to discover if these two species grade off into each
other in any localities. The bird known as Turnix nana
(Natal Hemipode) was discovered by Wahlberg and then
lost sight of until rediscovered quite recently by Grant
(p. 241). The Spotted Crake {Ortijgometra j^orzana) — a
fairly common bird in Europe, where it nests — appears to
just fall short of our limits, as a rule, on its southerly winter
migration ; although only twice observed hitherto, once by
Ayres in Bechnanaland and once by Fleck in the Kalahari,
Dr. Stoehr found it on many occasions in the Zambesi Valley
near Feira (p. 2.30). All the Crakes are so shy and retiring
in their habits that they are seldom observed or flushed ;
this no doubt accounts for the apparent great rarity of several
species such as Coturnicops ayresi (White-winged Crake),
only procured on three occasions (p. 258), Limnocorax niger
(Black Crake) (p. 260), Sarotlmra elegans (White-spotted
Crake) (p. 254), Sarotlmra lineata (Jardine's Crake) (p. 253),
Limnohcmus marginalis (Hartlaub's Crake) (p. 258). Little
is recorded about these species, and ornithologists might with
advantage turn their attention to the group whenever they
have an opportunity of investigating a likely haunt.

The greatest known weight of the Gom Paauw {Otis kori)
— a much-vexed question — is here recorded as 42 lbs. ; but
this would seem, from other weights given, to be quite
exceptional.

132 Short Notices.

The Gulls and sea-going species which inhabit the coasts —
few of which, alas ! gladden our eyes up country — are dealt
with in an exhaustive and masterly manner.

It is, perhaps, needless to say that this fourth volume is
bound to prove a great success. It is published by R. H.
Porter, 7 Prince's Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.,
and was delivered to me in the Transvaal, postage included,
for £1 135. &d.

(2) Attention may be drawn to a very remarkable work
by C. B. Schillings, entitled ' With Flashlight and Rifle in
Equatorial East Africa,' originally published in Leipzig in
1905, but of which an English translation has recently been
issued by Messrs. Hutchinson & Co., of London. This work,
which gives an account of the author's explorations, is illus-
trated with numerous photographs of wild life, including
many illustrations of rare and interesting African birds.

(3) In the ' Proceedings of the Rhodesia Scientific Asso-
ciation,' vol. iii. p. 3, 1902, appears an article by Mr. C. H.
Tredgold, " On the Extensive Appearance of Quail in Mata-
beleland, 1901-2." The species referred to, Coturnix
delagorguei (Harlequin Quail), appeared in enormous flocks, in
December 1901 and January and February 1902, in the
neighbourhood of Buluwayo, where they bred very freely.

(4) The January (190G) number of 'The Ibis ' contains
several articles of interest to South African ornithologists: —
1. " Ostrich-farming in South Africa." By the Hon. Arthur
Douglas.

This paper was read in Section D at the Meeting of the
British Association at Cape Town in August of last year.
The author, who was, it will be remembered. Minister for
Railways in the present Cape Grovernment, died quite recently.

The domestication and farming of Ostriches for the pro-
duction of feathers was, it appears, first commenced in 1867 :
incubation was at first almost entirely practised, owing to the

Short Notices. 133

general belief that the Ostrich would not sit in captivity.
In 1880 the Colony's export of feathers was 163,065 lbs., of
which about one-eighth was from wild birds; in 1904 the
amount had risen to 470,381 lbs., all, practically, derived
from domesticated specimens. In 1891 the Census returned
154,880 tame birds in the Colony ; in 1904 357,970 !!!

A Thread- worm, " Yellow-liver" (an infectious fever) , Tape-
worm, " Ostrich-fly " (a parasite of which the life-history is
not yet understood), and Lice appear to be the chief disease
to which the domesticated birds are subject.

Two well-defined methods of Ostrich-farming are followed :
the one by grazing the birds on fields of lucerne under
cultivation, and the other by letting them run wild in large
enclosures of three thousand acres or upwards. The former
method supports five birds to the acre, and is centred round
the Oudtshoorn district; the latter mode requires a range of
from ten to twenty acres for each bird, and is mainly adopted
on the coast west of East London and in the large river-
valleys.

The value of feathers exported in 1904 was £1,058,988,
about £3 10.S. Qd. per head of feather-producing birds. As
much as £1000 has been paid for a good pair for breeding-
purposes. If well managed Avith skill and knowledge, the
business is undoubtedly a promising and lucrative one for a
farmer with sufficient capital to cover the initial outlay.

2. " On a small Collection of Birds from the Vicinity of Lake

Menzalah in the Delta of Egypt." By W. L. S. Loat,
F.Z.S.

3. '•' Ornithological Results of the Scottish National Antarctic

Expedition.— II. On the Birds of the South Orkney

Islands." By Wm. Eagle Clarke, F.R.S.E., F.L.S.,

Royal Scottish Museum.

This paper is a continuation of Part I. of the description of

the Ornithological results of the expedition, which dealt with

the Avifauna of Gough Island, near Tristan da Cunha, in the

South Atlantic ['Ibis,' April, 1905, pp. 247-2G8J. The

previous paper was, perhaps, worthy of remark, as although

134 Short Notices.

Gough Island is some 1500 miles from the Cape and a mere
precipitous rock, some species of sea-going birds were
noticed there which are occasionally observed in the Cape
Seas, e.g. : — Sterna vittata (Kerguelen Tern), which breeds
on the island ; Stercorarius antarcticus (Southern Skua) ,
also breeding ; Oceanites oceaaicus (Wilson's Petrel) ; Fre-
getta grallaria (White-bellied Petrel) ; Piiffinus assimilis
(Gould's Little Shearwater), breeding ; Priofinus cinereus
(Great Grey Petrel) ; Majagueus cequinoctialis (Cape Hen);
(Estrelata mollis (Soft-plumaged Petrel), breeding ; Ossi-
fraga gigantea (Giant Petrel), breeding ; Prion vittatus
(Broad-billed Blue Petrel) ; Diomedea exulans (Wandering
Albatross), breeding ; Phoehetria fuliginosa (Sooty Alba-
tross); Catarrhactes chrysocome (Rock-hopper Penguin), also
breeding.

The South Orkney Islands are also a very long way from
the Cape, but the results of the Expedition are particularly
interesting owing to tlie fact that many well-known species
of birds which are familiar visitors to the Cape Seas, and of
which, hitherto, little has been known about the breeding-
habits, were discovered nesting in larcje numbers. These
Islands — over a dozen in number — are situated between 60°
and 61° S. lat., and 43° 3' and 47^ \N . long. The climate is
polar : excessive snowfall, deficient sunshine, strong gales,
and a mean annual temperature of 22° 7 F., the thermometer
dropping at times to 40° below zero F.

Daption capensis (Cape Pigeon), Stercorarius cmtarctica
(Southern Skua), Ossifraga gigantea (Giint Petrel), Fre-
getta melanogaster (Black-billed Petrel), Oceanites oceanicus
(Wilson's Petrel) were all found nesting, and many important
collections of both skins and eggs were made. The account
is illustrated by a number of interesting photographs of the
birds and their nests and effijs.

(5) The April (1906) number of 'The Ibis' contains an
interesting paper, to which attention may be drawn : —
" Bird-Notes from South Africa." By A. H. Evans.
This is a pleasant account of the birds observed by the

Short Notices. 135

author— conjoint Editor of ' The Ibis '—during his visit with
the British x\ssociation in August and September, 1905.
Although but a very short time was spent in the many loca-
lities, Mr. Evans with his broad knowledge o£ ornithology
was able to use his opportunities to great advantage, and his
rapid itinerary through the sub-continent enabled him to
obtain a good general idea of our avifauna. Cape Town,
Wynberg, Table Mountain, the Cape Flats, Simonstown,
Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Colenso, Ladysmith,
Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Bulu-
wayo, and the Victoria Falls form a typical, though perhaps
by now a somewhat hackneyed, route, and Mr. Evans was
fortunate enough to obtain glimpses of most of our more
familiar species. It is gratifying to note that the author
seems to have thoroughly enjoyed his visit, and he repeatedly
refers in the w\armest terms to the hearty welcome with
which he was everywhere greeted. We can only assure him
that our own pleasure at his presence amongst us amply
repaid any little assistance which we were able to give him,
and that he can rely on our united help whenever he visits us
again.

(G) In the ' Avicultural Magazine' for Feb. 1906 appears
an interesting article by Mr. L. M. Seth-Smith, B.A., M.B.O.U.,
entitled " Notes on a Trip to Uganda." The author gives an
account of a journey from Jinja (a small station on the north
of Lake Victoria) to Mbnle. He mentions several South
African species of birds, amongst them being Nettapus
auritus (Dwarf Goose), Halcyon cyanoleucus (Angola King-
fisher), Halcyon chelicuii (Striped Kingfisher), Coturnix
delagorguei (Harlequin Quail), (Ena capensis (Namaqua
Dove), and Macronyx croceus (Yellow-throated Long-claw).

(7) In the ' Ornithologische Monatsberichte ' for January
1906, Dr. Reichenow describes a new subspecies. Bubo ascala-
plius trothce, from German South-west Africa. This bird, which
was obtained by General von Trotha at Kutmanshoop on

136 Short Notices.

June 2-4th, 1905, is very similar to the type B. ascalaphus,
but is smaller, whilst the wavy lines on the breast-feathers
are more thickly distributed.

(8) The March (1906) number of the ' Avicultural Maga-
zine ' contains a short account of the Bar-breasted Weaver
Finch (Orti/ffospha pohjzona), which is aptly termed the
" Quail Finch." Two pairs of this species were received in
the London Zoological Society's Gardens in January, being
the first occasion on which this species has been represented
in the Society's collections.

(9) The January number of the ' Journal f iir Ornitho-
logie ' contains the first part of a lengthy and very interesting
paper on the " Phylogeny of the jLam'iw-species,^' by Guido
Schiebel, Dr. Phil. (Innsbruck), illustrated by a most in-
structive series of coloured plates giving adult and juvenile
plumages of many members of the genus Lanius. In this
article, which is too long for a general review, he tries to
explain how the different species arose and in what way they
differ from one another.

(10) The same number contains an article on the genus
Corvus, with four plates, by 0. Kleinschmidt. This is really
a supplement to von Erlanger's series on the " Bird Fauna of
N.E. Africa," and is founded on the collections made by
von Erlanger.

(11) The April number of ' The Emu ' (part 4, vol. iv.)
contains some interesting papers, chief amongst which is a
paper by Dr. D'Ombrian on a " Visit to an Ibis Rookery,"
which is illustrated by a photograph of young Ibises on plat-
forms of rushes, and an exceedingly interesting monograph
of " The Coach-whip Bird," by their Secretary (A. H. E.
Mattingley). The latter is illustrated by two charming photo
^-tones of Coach-whip Bird and nest of young, and nest

Short Notices. 137

with two eggs. A list of Members is also given from
which we see tl
now numbers 199.

which we see that the Australian Ornithologists Union

(12) In the ' Journal fiir Ornithologie ' for April 1906
appears the concluding half of Dr. G. Schiebel's " Phylogeny
of the Za?izws-species." It is illustrated by four lovely
plates, depicting 27 figures of adult and juvenile " Lanius "
species. This number also contains the concluding chapter
of 0. Neumann's " Birds of Schoa and Southern Ethiopia.'^

(13) The P. Z. S. of August 1905 contains a paper entitled
" Remarks on the Hybridisation of Ducks/' by J. L. Bonhote.
In summing up his results obtained by hybridisation he lays
stress on the antagonism between Natural Selection and
variation, and how the one tended to keep the species pure
and fixed in spite of the innate tendency of every individual
to vary, and also pointing out how, in spite of Natural
Selection, marked variations were constantly making their
appearance among pure species. Mr. Bonhote did not
believe the resemblances shown by hybrids to one or the other
species were due to reversion, but merely to variation.
This number also contains a paper entitled " Notes on the
Mammals and Birds of Liberia," by Sir Harry H. Johnston,
G.C.M.G., &c.

After a short sketch of the fauna of Liberia he gives a list
of mammals and one of the birds collected by Mr. Harold
Reynolds (by Charles Chubb, Zool. Dept. British Museum).
We see that Chrysococcyx ciipreus (Didric) is not often met
with in Liberia.

(14) The October (1905) number of the same Journal
contains an important article on the " Osteology of the
Euryltemida^," by W. P. Pycraft, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and one
on the " Anatomy of Limicoline Birds/' by Dr. P. C. Mitchell,
M.A. (Sec).

138 Short Notices.

(15) We have received the following publications from
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington : —
' Farmers* Bulletin/ No. 230 ; ' Game Laws for 1905 ' ;
' Game Protection in 190-1/ and ' Some Benefits the Farmer
may derive from Game Protection/ both by T. S. Palmer,
Assistant, Biological Survey, U.S.A. ; Bulletins 21 & 24
Biological Survey. ' The Bobwhite and other Quails of the
U.S. in their Economic Relations,' and the ' Grouse and
Wild Turkeys of the U.S. and their Economic Value,' both
by Sylvester D. Judd, Assistant, Biological Survey. These
pamphlets are very interesting and serve to show the great
importance attached to agriculture and its adherent sub-
departments in the United States. The following extract
from the letter of the Chief of the Biological Survey
(Dr. C. Hart Merriam), transmitting the report on Grouse
and Turkeys to the Secretary of Agriculture, will be of
interest to anyone : — " From the earliest settlement of the
country to the present time these Game-birds have been
of great economic consequence. Their value as food was
early recognized, and they played an important role by
furnishing the pioneers with no small part of their fare.
When found by the Spaniards domesticated among the
Indians of Mexico, the importance of the Turkey was at once
perceived, and the bird was soon carried all over the world.
It is only in comparatively recent times, however, that the
economic value of Grouse and Turkeys as insect destroyers
has been recognised. The results of the present investi-
gations should lead to a wide knowledge of the essential part
these birds play in checking the increase of noxious weeds and
insects and the importance of preserving them and of increasing
their numbers." The pamphlet is illustrated by a coloured
and a plain plate and gives complete records upon the
natural history, feeding, preservation, and breeding of each
species in detail.

The other pamphlet on the Quails is equally interesting ;
in the words of Dr. Merriam : — "The chief purpose of the
present paper is to consider the Quails in their economic
relations to the farmer — relations not so well understood as

Short Xotices. 139

they deserve to be. Investigation shows the birds to be no
less important in their economic than in their other relations
to man. They are found to be exceedingly valuable allies to
agriculture because of the quantity of noxious insects and
weed seeds they destroy, while the harm they do is insigni-
ficant." These highly instructive and well got up little
pamphlets serve to show us what careful investigation can do
and are certainly valuable object lessons to us here in S.A.

(16) In the ' Avicultural Magazine ' for Nov. 1905 appears
a sensible little article by the Editor (D. Seth-Smith, F.Z.S.,
M.B.O.U.), on " The Common-sense of Bird Protection."
In this paper he points out the hmits that should be drawn
between ruthless destruction of bird-life on the one hand and
narrow-minded " protection at all costs " (not even allowing
legitimate scientific collecting), i. e. " extremists," on the other.
He says : " we fail to see any excuse whatever for collecting
the few remaining specimens of a vanishing species to enrich
cabinet collections . . . . " ; and again " .... of course the
collecting of birds in foreign lands, and whose natural history
is little known, is deserving of all encouragement . . . . "
Remarks with which we fully concur.

(17) An important work on the Avifauna of the Congo Free
State, entitled " Remarques sur I'Ornithologie de T^tat
Independant du Congo, suivies d'une liste des especes re-
cueillis jusqu'ici dans cet Etat," has recently been published
by Dr. Alph Dubois. Four hundred and eighty-three species
are enumerated, and the book is illustrated by a valuable
series of coloured plates. Several forms quite new to Science
are described : Barhatula ruhrigidaris, Ispidina leopoldi,
P seudospermestes goossensi, and Francolinus nahani. This
great Belgian possession still offers a great field for ornitho-
logical research. The work is published in Brussels : Spineux
et C^ 1905. Large 4to.

(18) With the issue of the second part of the third volume

140 Short JS'odces.

of Professor Anton Reichenow's ' Die Vogol Afrikas ' is con-
cluded a most important contribution to the Standard
Ornithological publications of the world. It is not easy for
the lover of Nature, whose liking for Field Natural History
and perhaps a special taste for ornithology may perhaps
occupy occasionally a few leisure hours snatched from a busy
week of professional work, to realize that the whole life-work
of some men is devoted solely and entirely to the study of
that Science to which the amateur lends a casual though
deep interest ; nor is it possible, unless one happens to be
brought into close personal contact with the life and work of
the leading ornithological specialists, to fully appreciate the
vast knowledge which such specialists obtain during the course
of their life-long studies and the huge gulf which separates
such knowledge from the cursory acquaintance with Bii-ds
which is possible to the non-professional ornithologist.
Dr. Reichenovt^'s name is one which is known and respected
throughout the world, and with the completion of his
monumental work he has finally sealed his reputation as one
of if not the foremost ornithologists of all time. The three
volumes, each of which consists of some six to eight hundred
pages of text, which are completed by a fourth volume of
coloured plates and maps, deal with all the known species of
Birds which occur in the Continent of Africa — 2381 in
number.

It is, of course, not a final work ; much, very much, still
remains for future explorers ; many great areas of vast extent
still remain practically unexplored ; many parts (indeed most)
of Africa have not yet been more than casually worked ;
many actual species and forms may have found their way
into the Museums of Europe, America, and South Africa but
of the life-history of African Birds Science is still, in ; the
vast majority of cases, woefully ignorant.

As a basis for future investigation Dr. Reichenow^s publi-
cation must always hold a classic and permanent position,
and although to those who unfortunately are in the unhappy
position of being unable to read the German language this
work will be at present more or less useless, to the lucky

Short Notices. 141

scholars of that scientific tongue the volumes will prove of
inestimable service. The present volume is published by
J. Neumann, of Neudam, at £3 10s. Od. net.

(19) Attention may perhaps be drawn to the i-ecently
published work on ' The birds of Tunisia, being a History of
the Birds found in the Regency of Tunis/ by Mr. J. I, S.
Whitaker, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. It includes a description of
some 355 species and is illustrated by fourteen coloured plates
besides other illustrations. It constitutes a very valuable con-
tribution to the works on African avifauna. Price £3 'ds. Od.
net. R. H. Porter : 2 vols. : London.

NAME INDEX.

(Note. — 'Numbers with an asterisk refer to Vol. II.)

Page

Abdimia abdimii 21*, 80*

Accipiter minuUus 54, IIO*

riifiventris 17

Acrocephalus arundinaceus 20*, 97*

bseticus 67*

palustris 20*

schoenobpenus 21*, 67*

Actopbilus africaiuis 114* ■

J^]gialitis alexandrina 21*

asiatica 21*

geoffroyi 21*

hiaticoia 41, 21*

marginata 41

marginatus pallidus .... 114*

pecuaria 129*

tricollaris . . 30, 40, 82*, 128*

varia 30,41,12*

venusta 42, 22*, 45*

^githalus capensis 22, 35

caroli 35

Agapornis lilianse 108*

Alfemon semitorquata 21

Alario alario 20, 62*

Alcedo semitorquata 15, 73*

Alopochen a;gjptiacus 112*

Alseonax adnata 101*

Amadina erythrocephala .... 10,
10* 50*, 88*

Amblyospiza albifrons 10

Atuydrus caffer 19

1 morio 44*, 85*, 123*

Anaplectes gunieyi 87*

Page

Anas drygalskii 52*

sparsa 47, 56, 79*

undulata 22*

xantliorhyiicba .... 31, 47, 56

Anastoraus lamelligerus 11]*

Andropadus importuuiis 12

masukiiensis 96*

Anomalospiza imberbis rendalli 50*,

61*
Anthropoides paradisea .... 40, 56

Aiithus lineiventris 92*

nicholsoni 21, 04*

pyrrhonotus 51, 92*

riif ulus 51, 92*

teuellus 40*, 82*

trivialis 20* 64*

vaalensis 64*

Apalis scita 23

tboracica 36*

Aquila rapax 12*, 109*

Ardea cinerea 31, 33, 45

melanocephala 31, 78*

- — • purpurea. . . . S3, 46, 78* 111*

Ardeirallus 8turmi Ill*

Ardetta minuta 21*

Arenaria interpres 21*

Astur polyzonoides . . 22*, 77*, 1 10*

tachiro 110*

Asturinula monograranuca 75*, 109*

Balearica clirysopelargus .... 29

regulorum 129*

d

NAME INDEX.

Page

Barbatula pusilla 16

rubrigularis 139*

Botaurus capensis 46

pusillus 33, 46

stellaris

46, 130*

25
64

100*
12

135*

Bradyornis ater 100*

infuscatus

mariquensis

mui'inus

Bradypterus babrecula . . .
Bubo ascalaplius trothse .

maculosus 27, 76*

Bubulcus ibis 33, 35, 4-5,

56, 79* 111*

Bucorax caffer 15

Bugeranus canmculatus 22*

Buphaga africana 84*

erytlirorhynclia 9, 83*

Buteo augur 110*

dusertorum 36, 25* 76*

jackal 28

Butorides atricapiUa Ill*

Calendula crassirostris 21

Calidi-is arenaria 43, 21*

Camaroptera brevicaudata. . . . 97*

sundevalli 22*

Campophaga uigra 71*, 102*

Campotliera bennetti 16

cbrysura 105*

notata 64

smitbi 74*

Caprimulgus ? 27

europteus 21*, 72*

fervidus 103*

fossii 25*, 103*

pectoralis 25*

rufigena 25*, 72*

vexillarius 103*

Casarca cana 31

Catavrbactes cbrysocome .... 134*

Centropus burcbelli 54, 75*

superciliosus 108*

Certhilauda albofasciata .... 64 •■

Page

Certhilauda rufula 11, 21, 51

Ceryle maxima 52, 73*, 104*

rudis 73*, 104*

Circus feruginosus* 21*

ciueraceus 54, 21*, 77*

macrurus 21*, 25*, 77*

ranivorus 54

Cisticola aberrans 51, 08*

chiniana 98*

cinerascens 98*

cursitans 21*

erytbrops 98*

fulvicapilla 51

natalensis 98*

subruficapilla 24, 51

terrestris 13, 68*

timiiens 68*

Cbalcopelia afra 112*

Cbelidon urbica 21*

Cbenalopex segyptiacus .... 31, 50

Cbettusia coronata 30, 40

• melanoptera 41

Cblorocicbla flaviventris .... 12

occidentalis 97*

Cbrysococcyx cupreus .... 17, 21*,
36* 75*, 108* 137*

klaasi 21* 35* 108*

smaragdineus 21*, 35*

Ciconia alba . . 46, 56, 20*, 21* 78*

nigra 46, 21*

Cinnyricinclus verreauxi .... 85*

Cinnyris afer 36*

ametbystinus 36*, 65*

cbalybeus , 93*

fuscus 22

gutturalis 93*

kirki 93*

leucogaster 93*

Circaetus pectoralis 109*

Coccystes cafer 22*

glandarius 18, 21* 27*

bypopiuarius .... 53, 63, 21*

jacobinus . . 19* 21* 27* 75*

— — serratus 21*

NAME INDEX.

Page
Coliopasser albonotatus 3*, 44*, 89*

ardens 10, 18, 1*, 60*

hartlaubi 89*

procne 28*, 60*

Colius capeusis 27

erythromelon 53, lOo*

Columba aiquatrix 22*

phjEonota 28

Coracias caudatus . . f)2, 21*, 108*

garrulus 52, 21*, 103*

mossambicus 22*

spatulatus 104*

Corvultur albicollis 9, 19, 84*

Corvus capensis 56*

scapulatus 19, 56* 84*

Corytbornis cyanostigma . . 27, 35*,
73*, 104*

Cotile cincta 14, 71*

paludicola . . 26, 52, 22*, 71*

riparia

21*

Coturnix africana 20*, 22*

delagorguei . . 22*, 113*, 135*

Crateropus bartlaubi 96*

jardinii 90*

Creatopbora caruncubita .... 49,
19*, 56*

Crex egregia 114*

prateu.-is 21*, 80* 113*

Cuculus canorus 21*

clamosus 19*, 21*

gularis 19*, 21*

poliocepbalus 22*

solitarius 19* 21*

Cyp.selu3 africamis 21*, 103

apus 21*

barbatus 22*

caffar 27, 22*, 72*

Daptiun capensis 5L*, 134*

Dendroeycna fulva 112*

viduata 22*

Dendropicus cardinalis . . 30*, 74*

bartlaubi 106*

i)icrocercu.s birundineus .... 104*

Page

Dicriirus afer 71*, 102*

Dilopbus carunculatus. . 49, 19*, 22*

Diomedea cauta 121*

exulans 135*

Dissura microscelis 22*, 110*

Uryoscopus cubla 66*

bamatus 95*

mossambicus 95*

rutiventris bybridus .... 66*

Elanus cseruleus 13*, 77*

Elminia albican da 102*

Eniarginata poll ax 25

sinuata 25

Emberiza flaviveutris. . , . 62*, 91*

major orientalis 91*

Epbippioihyncbus senegalensis 111*

Eremomela baumgartii 66

daviventris 23, 3*, 67*

.sbarpei 66

usticoUis 68*, 97*

Erytbrocercus livingstouii .... 101*
Erytbropygia corypba3US .... 25

leucopbrys 70*

poena . .' 64,122*

quadrivirgata 100*

zambesiana 41*

Estrilda augolensis . 50, 28*, 58* 88*

astrilda 10, 20, 28* 58*

clarkei 50, 58* 88*

dufresnii 22*

erytbronota 58*

Eudromias asiaticus 30, 41

Eutolmaetus bellicosus. . 109* 122*
Eurocephalus anguitimens . ... 11

Eurystomus afer 21*, 104*

Excalfactoria adansoni 22*

Falco biarmicus . . 17, 27, 76*, 109*

minor 21* 109*

subbuteo 21*

Francolinus afer 29

coqui 80*

gariepcrsie 5'o

NAME INDEX.

Page
Francolinus lovaillanti . 29, 80*, 128*

nahaui 139*

uatalensis 113*

shelleyi 113*

Fregetta grallaria 134*

— — melauoptera 134*

Fi'iugillaria capensis 20, 50

reidi 62*

■ impetuaui 11, 62*

tabapisi 29, 40, 114*

Galactochrysea emini ^14*

Gallinago uigripennis 44, 82*

Galliuula cbloropus 48, 80*

Gallirex cliloroclilamys 108*

porpliyreoloplius 17

Geocolaptes olivaceus . . 16, 27, 44*

Geronticus calvus 31, 79*

Glareola melanoj^tera 55, 19*,

21*. 82*

pratincola 21* 114*

Graucalus caesius 41*

Guttera edoiiardi 113*

*Gyps kolbii 28, 78* 130*

rueppelli 68

Ha^matopus capensis 43

moquini 122*

Hagedashia hagedash 45, 55

Halcyon albiventiis 74

cbelicuti 33*, 105* 135*

■ cyanoleiicus 135*

01 ieutalis 53*, 105*

senegaloides 22*

swainsoni 104*

Ilaliaetus vocifer 109*

Ilelotarsus ecaudatus .... 36, 109*

Herodias alba 46, 111*

bracbyrbyncba Ill*

garzetta 45, 79*

intermedia 4o

Himantopus candidus 114*

Hirundo alblgularis .. 26, 21*, 71*
■ atroceerulea 15

Page
Hirundo cucullata . 26, 19* 21* 72*

dimidiata 26, 22*

monteiri 103*

puella 22* 102*

rustica .... 52, 21* 71*, 102*

semirufa.. 15,21*71*102*

smitbi 22* 102*

Hoplopterus armatus .... 22*, 82*
Hydrocbelidon hybrida .... 44, 55

leucoptera 21*

Hyliota australis 101*

barbozce 101*

Hyphautoruis auricapillus .... 7*,
39*, 86*

cabanisi 7*, 86*

jamesoni 39*

■ — - nigriceps 50* 57*, 86*

spilonotus 38*

subaureus 9, 7*

velatus mariquensis . . 12, 19,

5*, 7*, 37*, 57*

Hypocbera funerea 90*

amauroptera 60*

Hypolais icterina 20*

Ibis setliiopica 32, 55, 22* 123*

Indicator mnjor 106*

minor 42* 74* 106*

sparrniani 100*

variegatus 42*

Irrisor erythrorhynchus 103*

viridis -35

Ispidina leopoldi 139*

lynx riificollis . . 16, 53, 21* 34* 74*

Lagonobticta brunneiceps

( = rendalli) 50, 58* 88*

jamesoni 88*

nireoguttata 88*

rbodopareia 50*

rubricata . . 49, 29* 58*, 124*

Lamprocolius melanogaster . . 9
phcenicopterus bispecu-

laris 9

XAME INDEX.

Page
Lamprocolius svcobius 49, 57*, 85*

Jjamprotornis mevesi 85*

Lauiarius atrococcineiis 63

f^utturalis 23, 66*

maraisi 34

quaclricolor 12

starlii 95*

sulphureipectus 95*

Lauius collaris 22, 65*, 94*

collurio .... 64, 20* 65*, 94*

minor 20*, 94*

subcoronatus 22

Lanis cirrhocephalus 68

dominicanus 45, 52*

Leptoptilus criimeniferus 111*, 129*

Lestris antarctica 52*

Limnobaenus margiualis 131*

Limnocorax uiger . . 39, 114*, 131*
Lissotis notophila ( = lovati). . 51*

Lobivanellus lateralis 21*

Locustella fliiviatilis 21*

Lophocerus epirbinus 105*

erytbrorhynchus. ... 16, 105*

■ melancleucus 15, 105*

Lybius macclouui 107*

torqiiatus 53, 34*, 74*

irroratus 107*

Macbetes pugnax 30, 43

Macrouyx capensis 62*

croceu.s 51 , 135*

fuelleborni 92*

■ sbarpei 68

Majaqueus asquinoctialis .... 134*

Melanopboj'x ardesiaca 130*

vinaceignbi 130*

Melierax canorus 28

gabar 54

Melittopbagus meridionalis . . 73*,

104*

bulloclvoides 104*

Merops apiaster 17* 73* 104*

nubicoides 22*, 104*

persicus 18*

Page
Milvus Eegyptius .... 21*, 77*, 110*

korscbun 21*

Mirafra africana 50, 63*

fischeri 91*, 101*

nigricans 91*, 101*

■ rufipilea 46*, 115*

Monticola angolensis 98*

explorator 13, 63

Motacilla borealis 20*

campestris 92*

capensis 21, 20*, 33*

37*, 44*, 65*

flava 20*, 92*

longicauda 33*

melanocepbabi 20*

vidua 33*, 92*

Muscicapa cseriilescens 41*

grisola 21, 70*, 100*

Myrmecocicbla bifasciata .... 69*

forniicivora 24, 82*

stoebri 98*

Necrosyrtes pileatiLS .... 08, 110*

Nectarinia famosa 11, 22, 123*

Nettapus auritus 47, 135*

Nicator gularis 95*

Nilaus brubru 11, 66*

— — nigritemporalis , 94*

Numenius arquatus 42. 22*

pbfBopus 42, 22*

Nuniida coronata 64, 80*

mitrata 113*

Nycticorax griseiis 46, 79*

Nyroca orythropbtbalma. . 22* 113*

Oceanites oceauicus 134*

CEdicnenius capensis 29, 40,

22*, 81*

verniiculatus 40, 81*

(Eua capensis 28, 22* 79*,

112* 135*

CEstrelata mollis 134*

Oriolus galbula 21*, 57*

larvatus 49, 57*, 86*

NAME INDEX.

Page

Oriolus notatus 2:2*. SO*

Ortygometra porzana . . 114*, 131*

Ortygospiza polyzuna oO, 59*,

136*

Ossifraga gigantea 134*

Otis afra 131*

afroides 31* 81* 131*

cterulescens 29, 54, 64,

29* 81*

cafra 22*81*

kori 22*, 81*, 122*

ludwigii 55, 22*

melanogaster 43*

• scolopacea 55

Otogj'ps auricularis .... 13*, 78*

Pacliypi'ora capensis 14

molitor 71*, 101*

Parisoma layardi 23

plumbeum 40*, 97*

subcaeruleum 51, 67*

Parra africana 55

capensis 55

Parus cinerascens ( = afer) . . 22, 65*

parvirostris 93*

iasignis 94*

pallidiventris 94*

niger xantho-stomus .... 94*

Passer arcuatus ( = melanurus) 20,

35*, 37*, 61*

— — diffusus (= griseus) . . 10, 61*,

90*

Pavoucclla piignax 21*

Pernis apivorus 21*, 110*

Petrochelidon spilodtTa . . 26, 14*

Petronia pp.tronella CO*, 90*

Phaethon rubricaudata 129*

Phalacrocorax africanus . . 47, 110*

capensis 47, 129*

carbo 129*

lucidus 47

vanhoffeni 52*

Phoebetria fuliginosa 134*

Phoenicopterus erytlirifus .... 47

Page

Phoenicopterus minor 22*

roseus 22*

Phylloscopus trocliilus . . 20*. 67*,

97*
Phyllostiophus fulviventris . . 97*

strepitacs 07*

Pinaroruis plumosus 9S*

Pitta longipenuis 103*

Platalea alba 112*

Platystira peltata 101*

Plectropterus gamben^is . . 56, 79*,
115*, 130*

niger 130*

Plegadis falciuelkis Ill*

Ploceipasser mabali 87*

pectoralis 50*, 87*

Ploceus trotbas 50*

Plotus levaillanti 47, 110*

rufus 1 10*

Podica petersi . 40

Podicipes capensis 48, 82*

Poecilonetta erythrorbyncba 48, 56,

112*

Poliospiza collaris 50*

erlangeri 50*

gularis 61*

pacbyrhyncba 50*

reichardi 90*

Polyboroides typicus 18, 42*

Pceocepbalus meyeri 108*

robustus angolensis .... 108*

Porphyrio alleui 40

smaragdonotus 40

Porzana bailloui 39

Pratincola torquata. . . . 24, 69*, 99*

Prinia flavicans C8*

hypoxantha 12

maculosa 23

mystacea C8*, 97*

PrioMnus cinereus 134*

Prion cocruleus 51*

vittatus 134*

Prionops talacoma 96*

Protodiscus rcgulus 106*

NAMK INDEX.

Page

Pseudogyps africanus lo*

Pseudospermestes goossensi . . 139*
Pseudotantalua ibis. . 47, 111*, 130*

Pternistes swaiusoni 1 13*

Pterocles (= Pteroclunis) Li-

cinctus 112*

namaqua .... 28, 56, 22*, 80*

Ptyonoprogiio fuligiila . . 26, 102*

Puffimis assimilis 134*

Pycnonotus capensis 123*

layardi 67*

nigricans 23

Pyi'omelana capensis minor . . 10,
r,7, 28*

xauthomelpena . . 57, 8i)*

flammiceps 57

oryx 28*, 57

• • sundevalli . . 57, 59*, 89*

Pyrrhulauda australis 21

verticalis 03*

Pytelia melba 49, 63, 2*, 87*,

123*

Quelea cardiualis 89*

quelea 50, 28*, 44*, 59*

Querquedula hottentota 48

Rallus cperulescens 39

Ilecurvirostra avocetta 42

Rhinopomastus c^'anomelas . . 103
Piliinoptilus africanus. . . . 11*, 22*

chalcopterus 21*, 114*

seebohmi 68

Salpornis spilonotus salvadorii 93*

Sarcidiornis melanonota 112*

Sarothura elegans 131*

lineata 131*

8axicola oenanthe , 21*

falkensteini 99*

familiaris fgaltoni) . . 85, 70*

livingstonii 99*

monticola 24, 69*

pileata 25, 44*, (;9*

Page

Scbizorliis concolor 108*

Scopus umbretta . . 31, 46, 78*, 111*

Scotopelia peli 109*

Serinus albigularis 20

angolensis . . 11*, 50*, 60*, 91*

liaviventris 20

icterus 57*, 62*, 91*

sbarpei 91*

Serpentarius secretarius .... 28, 76*,

' 78*

Sigraodus tricolor 96*

Sitagra capensis cafra (olivacea) 49,
26*, 57*, 87*

ocnlaria 9, 87*

Spatula clypeata 21*

Spermestes nigriceps .... 22*, 88*

scutatus 22*

Spheniscus demersus . . 122*, 129*
Sphenceacus natalensis .... 12, 68*

Spizocorys conirostris 11, 63*

Sporopipes squamifrons .... 63, 11*,

27*

Spreo bicolor 19

Squatarola helvetica 41, 21*

Stactoleema ancbieta; 107*

Stepbanibyx coronatus 82*

Stercorarius antarcticus 134*

■ crepidatus 134*

• pomatorbinus 134*

Sterna bergii 44, 51*

• cantiaca 21*, 44

caspia 44

dougalli 44

fluviatilis 44, 22*

fuligiuosa 20

macrura 21*

minuta 21*

saundersi 44

vittata 20*, 51*, 134*

Strepsilas interpres 43

Strix capensis 76*

flanimea 54, 75*

Sula capensis 51*

Sycobrotus bicolor 9

XWIV

NAME INDEX.

Page

Sycobrotu3 stictifrons 20*

Sylvia cinerea 20*

simples 20*

Sylviella rufescens 23

ochiocara 07

Syrnium woodfordi 109*

Tacliornis parva 103*

Tarsijrer sileiis 70*

Telephomis senegalus. . . . 66*, 94*

minor 95*

Tephrocorys cinerea . . 21, 50, 63*
Terpsiphone perspicillata .... 71*

plumbeiceps 102*

Tetrapteryx paradisea 80*

Thalassogeron layardi 121*

Thalassornis leuconuta 48

Tbamuolaea arnotti 100*

cinnamomeiventris .... 14,35,

4*, 99*

Thripias namatjuus 106*

Tinnunculus amurensis 21*

naumanni 21*, 76*, 109*

rupicoloides 76*

— — xupicolus 76*

ve.spertinus 21*

Totanus calidris 21*

canescens 43

■ cinereus 21*

glareola . . 30, 43, 55, 21*, 82*

glottis 21*

bypoleucus .... 21*, 82*, 114*

Page

Totaniu ocbropiis 21*

stagnatilis 43, 21*

Tracbyphoaus caffer. . 16, 75*, 107*
Tricbolseniii leucomeLis. . 27, 53, 7o*

Tringa bairdi 21*

canutus 21*

. minuta 44,55, 21*

subarquata 31, 44, 21*

Tringoides bypoleucus 4."»

Turdus cabanisi 2 i, 52, 69*

■ ■ libonianus 98*

lit.sipsirupa 13, 69*

Turnix nana 131*

Turtur ambiguus 112*

capicola 28, 79*

semitorquatus 68

senegalens/s . . 54, 68, 79*, 112*

Tympanistria bicolor 42

Upupa africana. . . . 22*, 72*, 103*

Urobracbya affiuis 50*

axillaris 50*

Vidua paradisea 90*

principalis . . . 27*, 60*, 90*

regia 27*

Vinago delalandii 22*, 112*

scbalowi 22*

Zosterops anderssoni 93

capensis 22

virens 51, 65*

LIST OF MEMBERS

AS AT 1st October, 1906.

No.

Year of
Election.

Name and Address.

15

1904

10

1905

5 I 1904

1906
1905
1904

1906

1904

1906

AiTcnESON, C. S. ; Inspector of Schools, Johannes-
burg, Tvl.

Alexander, J. A., F.E.S.E. ; Director of Agriculture,
Campagnia de Mozambique, via Beira, Poitng.
East Afr.

Andebsson, C. L. ; P.O. Box 2162, Johannesburg
Tvl.

Ai'RES, IvAN; Distributor of Stamps' Office, Pre-
toria, Tvl.

Bain, Chas. A. O. ; P.O. Box 267, Johannesburg,
Tvl.

Bell, Theodore; Downside, Epsom, Surrey,England.

BoURKE, E. F. ; P.O. Box 321, Pretoria, Tvl.

Boyle, S. H., B.A. ; address unknown.

Bridgeman, R. O. B., Lieut. K.N., M.B.O.U. ;
AV'eston Park, Shipnal, Salop, England.

BucKNiLL, John A., M.A., E.Z.S. ; Patent Office,
Pretoria. {President Sf Joint- Editor .)

BuTTEREiELD, W. RusKiN, M.B.O.U. ; 4 Stanhope
Place, St. Leonards-on-Sea, England.

Center, Egbert; Southernwood, East London, C.C.

Cocn, Max; Rietfontein Lazaretto, Box 1076,
Johannesburg, Tvl.

Cooper, C. W. ; c/o Argus Co., Salisburj', Ehodesia.

Daty, J. BuRTT, E.L.S., r.E.G.S. ; Govt. Botanist,
Dept. of Agriculture, Pretoria.

Dendy, Arthur, F.L.S. ; address unknown.

D'EvELYN, Dr. F. W. : Phelan Bhig., San Fran-
cisco, U.S.A.

e

XXXVl

Year of [
Election. ,

Ifame and Address.

1905

20 I 1904
1905

lOOi

1905

1904
1905

1906
1905

1901
1906

1904

Douglas, A. E. ; Public Woi-ks Uept. Stores,

Pietermaritzburg, a^ataJ.
Deapek, E. H. U. ; Govt. Laboratories, Box 1080,

Johannesburg, Tvl.
Drege, J. L. ; Secretary Public Museum, Port

Elizabeth, C.C.
DuEKDEX, J. E., Ph.D. ; Professor of Zoology,
Rhodes University College, Grahauistown, C.C.
( Vice-President.)
DuNCAX, A.; Box 1214, Johannesburg, Tvl.
Eastwood, A. K. ; P^'orest Ranger, Haenertsburg,

Tvl.
Ellemor, F. J. ; P.O. Box 1214, Johannesburg,

Tvl.
Evans, J. B. Pole ; Dept. of Agriculture, Pretoria,
I Tvl., ^

I Fairbuidge, Wm. Geo., M.B.O.U. ; 141 Longmarket
i Street, Cape ToAvn, C.C.

j Feltham, H. L. L., F.E.S. ; Box 46, Johanues-
' burg, Tvl.
Fischer, H. G. E. ; Hillandale, near Bloemfontein,

O.J^.C.
Fry, Harold A. ; P.O. Box 46, Johannesburg, Tvl.
GoRDOX, Capt. C. W. ; 5th Fusiliers, The Castle.

Cape Town, C.C.
Gough, Dr. Lewis H. ; Tvl. Museum, Pretoria, Tvl.
Graxt, C. H. B. ; c/o S. A. Museum, Cape Town,

C.C.
Greathead, Dr. J. B. ; Greystone, Grahamstown,

C.C.
Gkiffix, Louis T. : Tvl. Museum, Pretoria, Tvl.
Groxvold, Hexrik; Artist, British Museum, South

Kensington, London, England.
GuxxixG, J. W. B., M.D., F.Z.S. ; Director Tvl.
Museum and Zoological (wardens, Pretoria, Tvl.
{^Vice-President Sf Joint- Edit or.)
Haagxer, Alwix, F.Z.S. , M.B.O.U. : Dynamite
Factory, Modderfoiilein, Tvl. {Hon. Secretanj 4'
Joint Edit-'r.)

No.

Year of
Election.

1904

1906

40

1904

?>

5>

19C5

1

45

" i

1906 1

1904

1905

1906

50

1905

1904

55

55

55

65

55

1905

1904

5>

60

55

1
J?

Name and Addresii.

Hall, Capt. K., S.A.C. ; Vrede, O.E.C.

Hamond, Philip, Lieut. 2nd Norfolk Eegh, Easb
Dereham, Norfolk, England.

Hatciiard, J, Gr., F.E.A.S, ; Box 508, Bloeinfon-
tein, O.E.C.

HcmsBKUGH, Boyd E., M.B.O.U.: Capt. A.S.C.,
Naval Hill Bloemfontein, O.E.C.

HoESBRUGH, C. B. ; Tvl. Museuin, Pretoria, Tvl.

Howard, C. W., B.A. ; Dept. of Agi-iculture, Pre-
toria, Tvl.

Innes Bey, Dr. Walter, M.B.O.U. ; School of
Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.

Iyy, Egbert II. ; Grahanistown, C.C.

Jackson, Bedyer ; Govt. Offices, Bloemfontein,
O.E.C.

Jeppe, Julius ; P.O. Box 00, Johannesburg, Tvl.

Johnston, C. JMcG. ; Biological Divn., Dept. of
Agricultm-e, Bloemfontein, O.E.C.

Johnstone, J. Campbeij.; Bunk of Africa, Pre-
toria, Tvl.

Jones, A. C. H. ; Capt. 5th Fusiliers, Teiiipe, Bloeni-
fentein, O.E.C.

Kellner, Dr. B. O. ; Bloemfontein, O.E.C.

KiRBT, AV. ; Intermediate Pumping Station, Water-
works, Kiiuberley, C.C.

KiRisMAN, Dr. Albert ; Touws Ei\er, C.C.

Langford, B. C. E. ; P.O. Box 557, Pretoria, Tvl.

LiYiNGSTONE, lIuGH; Johannesburg, Tvl.

LouBSER, M. M. ; Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony.

Marats, E. D. ; P.O. Box 1892, Johannesburg, Tvl.

Marshall, A. ; Cvu*ator Public Museum, Port
Elizabeth, C.C.

Marshall, Guy A. K.. E.Z.S., E.E.S. ; P.O. Box
149, Salisbury, Mashonaland.

Marthinius, Dr. J. G. ; District Sui'geon, Wepener,
O.E.C.

McCausland, D. E. ; Civil Commissioner's Office,
Kimberley, C.C.

McCusKER, J. G. ; P.O. Box 133, Pretoria, Tvl.

t Year of
Election.

65

70

19IU

L'.JOo
19U()

1905
1904

1905
1904
1906

1904

80

1906

1904
1905

1904

85

Name anil Address.

MiLLAH, A. D., Col.AI.B.O.U. ; :^9S Smith Street,

Durban, Xatal.
Murray, J. P. ; Maseru, Basutolaiul.
Newman, T. H., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ; Xewland-,

Ilarrowdene Eoad, Wembley, Englaud.
NiCHOLSOif, F. T. ; Bux 134, Pretoria, Tiansvanl.
XooME, r. O. ; Transvaal Museum, I'reloria, Tvl.
Oberholser, Harry C, F.M.B O.U. ; jiiolo^ic-al

Survey, AVashington, B.C., U.S.A.
Pease, Sir Alfred E., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ; Bar-

berton, T\].
Percival, a. B., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ; Nairobi,

Br. East Africa.
Pershouse, Stanley; Lieut.5ttiM.I..Middelburg,Tvl.
PiTTAR, A. O.; P.O. Box 5627, Johannesburg, IM.
PoGGE, C. ; Conservator of Forests, Wiiidhuk,

Dainaraland.
Powell, W. .T. ; " Leader " Office, Johannesburg,

Tvl.
Pym, F. a. O. ; Public Museum, Kingwilliams-

town, C.C.
Egberts, Austin ; c/o The Hon. Secretary, S.A.O.U.
KoiJERTS, C. C. ; P.O. Box 1645, Johannesburg, Tvl.
Eoss, Alex., F.Z.S. ; Box 1461, Johannesburg, Tvl.
ScHOENLAND, Dr. S., Hon. M.A., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S. ;

Director Albany Museum, Graharastown, C.C.
Seth-Smith, D., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.; Editor Avi-

cultural Magazine, London, England.
SuoRTRiDGE, GrUY C. ; address unknown.
Simpson, C. B., M.A. ; Govt. Eutomologist, Dept.

of Agriculture, Pretoria.
Skea, Ernest M. ; Box 373, Pretoria, Tvl.
Sparrow, Major E., 7th D. Gds., ]\LB.O.U. ; Sible

Headingham, Eookwoods, Essex, England.
Spicer, Newton ; Box 557, Pretoria, Tvl . ( Treasurer.)
Stenning, a. N. ; Potchefstroom, Tvl.
Swinburne, John, M.B.O.U. ; Pierersburg, Tvl.
SwiNNY, H. H. ; Qumbu, Griqualand East, C.C.
Symonds, Dr. I'Idmon-d; Box 78, Kroonstad. O.E.C.

( Vice-President.)

XXXIX

Year of
Election.

1906
1905
1904

1906
1904
1906

1904
1906

1904
1905

1906
1904

1906
1904

Name and Address.

Taboe, Eev. E, S. ; 64 St. George's Square, London.
Tatlor, C. H. ; Rolfontein, Amersfoort, Transvaal.
Tatloe, L. E., E.Z.S,, M.B.O.U. ; Forest School,

Muizenberg, C.C.
Thomsen, F. ; c/o Govt. Entomologist, Pretoria, Tvl.
Uncles, A. P. ; P.O. Naanwte, Zoutpansberg, Tvl.
Van Boeschoten, J. G. ; Box Oil, Pretoria, Tvl.
Vaughan-Kirbt, F., F.Z.S. ; The Oaks, Leyclenburg,

Tvl.
Walker, Dr. A. C. ; e/o M.O.H., Pretoria, Tvl.
WiGLESAvouTH, J., J\J .D., M.B.O.U.; Eaiuhill,

Liverpool, England.
Wilson, Hon. H. E. ; Col. Secretary, Bloemfon-

tein, O.E.C.
Wood, A. E. ; A.E.M., Wepener, O.E.C.
Wood, Joun ; Box 40, East London, C.C.
Workman, W. H., M.B.O.U. ; Lismore, Belfast,

Ireland.

Hon, Members.

Newton, Prof. Alfred, M.A., kc. ; Magdalene Col-
lege, Cambridge, England.

Eeichenow, Prof. Dr. Anton; Kgl. Zoologischen
Museum, Berlin, Germany.

ScLATER, P. L., M.A., D.Sc, F.R.S., &e. ; Odiliam
Priory, Winchtield, Hants, England.

ScLATEE, W. L., M.A., F.Z.S. ; c/o above.

Sharpe, Dr. E. B., E.L.S.. E.Z.S. ; British Museum
London, S.W.

Shelley, Capt. G. E., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.; 39 Egertor
Gardens, London, S.W.

Trimen, Eoland, F.E.S., F.Z.S., &c.; c/o 11 Chandos
Street, Cavendish Square, London, W., England.

PKINTEI) BY TAYLOit AND FHANCIS, RED LION COURT. FLEET STREET.

Vol. I. No. 1.

JULY 1905.

Price 4s.

THE JOURNAL

OF THE

CONTENTS.

Page
Frontispiece.

Preface i

Remarks relating to the Formation of the Union ill

Proceedings of the Union :^

Report of First Annual Meeting vi

Rules of the Union vii

List of OtRcers and Members x

Report of Special General Meeting xiv

Papers :—

I. Address delivered by the Cliairman at Inaugural Meeting 1

II. Supplementary Notes on tlie Nesting-Habits and Eggs of certain
South African Birds described in Stark and Sclater's 'South African
Fauna' (Birds, vols, i., ii., and iii.). By Richard Sparrow,
M.B.O.U., Major 7th Dragoon Guards. (Comnuuiicated to and
prepared for publication by Mr. A. Haagner ; with some Notes by

tlie latter.) (Plates I. & II.) 9

III. Notes on the Nest and Eggs of Coliopasser ardcns (Red-collared

Widow Bird). By F. J. Elle.mok. (Plate III.) 18

IV. Birds collected and observed around Hanover, Cape Colony, from

July liOth to the end of September 1903. By Guy C. Siiortkidgk . 18

V. A Visit to a Breeding Colony of Ibis (Bthiopica (Sacred Ibis). By

AusiN Roberts 32

Obituary : — Mr. Johann van Oosterzee Marais, M.B.O.U 33

Occasional Notes 34

Notices :—

General 37

Editorial .'itf

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THE JOURNAL

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General Notices. Inside Front Page Wra^jper.
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Editorial Note.

Papers :— Pagk

VI. Notes on the Water-Birds of tlie Zwaartkops River, Port Elizabeth,

Cape Colony. By J.^mes G. Brown. (Plate: Frontispiece) 39

VII. A further Contribution to the Ornithology of Modderfonteir., Transvaal.
By Alwin K. Haagnuu, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. [Supplementary to
three papers previously published: q. v. Ibis, 19U1, pp. 15 & 190;

ibid. 1902, p. 669.] •1'^

VIII. Notes on the Genus Tyroinelana (Bishop Birds), with reference in
particular to the Seasonal Changes of Plumage and Nidification in

Captivity of P. orijx (Red Bishop Bird). By A. Duncan r»7

Plate IV. .S/W.r ra^jmsis (Grass Owl). R. H. Ivy To face 43

Plate V. Turacus corythaix (Knysna Plantain Eater or Lourie) with Nest

and Eggs. R. H. Ivv To face (U

Obituary : — Carlo "Freiherr" von Erlanger 01

Occasional Notes *•-

Short Notices of Ornithological Publications <>r>

Editorial Notices. Inside Back Page Wrapper.

List of Officers of the Union. Outside Back Page Wrap^jer.

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General Notices. Inside Front Page Wrapper. P.ujk

Frontispiece.

Proceedings of the Union: — Report of Third Annnal Meeting i

Papers : —

XVII. Tlie Birds of Irene, near Pretoria, Tranfevaal. By L. E. Taylor,

F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Plate IV.) ;V)

XVIII. Notes on a Collection of Birds made in Nortii-east Rliodesia by
Dr. F. E. Stoebr. By Dr. F. B. Stoeiir and VV. L. Sclater, M.A.,
F.Z.S., late Director of the South African Museum, Cape Town ... So
XIX. De.scription of the Nest and Eggs of Mirafra vnfipilea. (Rufous-headed

Lark). By Lieut. Stanley Persiiouse, 2nd Border Regt llo

XX. The Nomenclature and Mode of Measuring the External Portions of
a Bird's Anatomy. By Professor Anton Reiciienow. Translated
for this Journal by Mr. IIenrik Gronvold from the original paper
(Orn. Monats., March 1905), by special permission and wish of the

Author. ( Figure.) 1 1 •')

Occasional Notes. (Plate V.) 121

Short Notices of Ornithological Publications 12(i

Indices to Series No. I. : —

1. List of Papers published -xv

2. List of Illustrations xix

3. Subject-matter Index, including Names of Contributors xxi

4. Name Index xxvii

List of Members as at October 1st, 1906 xxxv

Editorial Notices. Inside Back Page Wrapper.

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IX. Rsniarks upon .some hitherto undescribed or unfigured Eggs of certani
South African Passerine Bird?. By John A. Buckxill, M.A.^ F.Z.S.,
and G. H. Gronvold. With Field-notes bj tiie Collectors. (Coloured

Plate: Frontispiece.) 1

X. Ornithological Notes from Wolmaransstad, Transvaal. By Ausnx

ROBEKTS 10

XI. The Migration of Birds in Soutli Africa. (A Paper read before Section D
of tlie British Association during its Meeting in Johannesburg in 19J5.)
By W. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U 14

XII. (a). Notes on some Migratory Visitants to Kroonstad, Orange River Colony.

By Edmond Sy.monds/M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P 2-i

XII. {!)). Notes on some Members of the Family Ploccidce occurring in the
Kroonstad District, Orange River Colony. By Edmond Symonds,
M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P 27

XIII. Some Observations upon the Behaviour and Treatment in Captivity of

Otis cierulescens (Blue Knorhaan). By C. B. Horsbrucii. (Plate I.). 29

XIV. Ornithological Notes from Natal. By Alfred D. Millar, Col. M.B.O.U. 32
XV. Notes on the Nidification of tlie Genus Chn/sococcyx. By A. K.

Haacner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and R. H. Ivy. (Plates II. & III.) 35

XVI Notes on certain Birds hitherto unrecorded from the Transvaal. By

Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U .'50

ObttUary :— Edward C. Taylor ; Lieut.-Col. L. Howard Irby 43

Occasional Notes 43

Short Notices of Ornithological Publications 40

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List of Officers of the Union. Outside Back Page Wrapper.

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EDITORIAL NOTICES.

The Editors invite contributions on South African Orni-
tholooy i'roni all students. These should, if possible, be type-
written.

Drawings (which, for the purpose of ease of reproduction,
should be, as far as possible, in line and without wash)
and photographs from nature will be gladly welcomed.
Original MSS., drawings, and photographs will, if desired,
b(; returned, after [jublication, to their owners.

The Editors will be pleased to receive from contributors
short extracts from concurrent literature or accounts of tha
Meetings of Associations dealing with South African Orni-
thology or of general interest to the Members of the Union.

All documents intended for publication should be for-
warded to A. Haagner, Esq., Dynamite Factory, Modder-
fontein, Transvaal.

This Journal will be issued as often as the funds of the
Union permit, subject, of course, to there being sufHcient
matter suitable for jxdjlieation.

Ten copies of every paper published in the Journal will be
reserved for the author free of charge, and fifteen further
copies will be retained by the Editors and will be available
for [)urchase by Members of the Union at low prices varying
according to the length of the printed matter.

The Editors will' be pleased to answer, to the best of their
ability, through the medium of this Journal, any questions
relating to ornithological matters, and to identify ornitho-
logical specimens submitted to ihem.

In casos where an immediate answer is required, a reply
will be forwarded through the post if a stamped addressed
envelope is enclosed with the enquiry.

The Editors respectfully draw attention to the necessity
for support to the Ulusiration Fund, and invite subscrijilions
thereto.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN ORilTHOLOGISTS' UNION.

PRESIDENT.

W. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Director of the South African Museum, Capa Town.)

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S.

(Director of the Transvaal Museum and Zoological Garden 5.)

Professor J. E. Duerden.

(Professor of Zoology, Rhodes Univ^ersity College, Grahamstown,

Cape Colony.)

HON. TREASURER.
A. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

HON. SECRETARY.
A. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Dynamite Factory, Modderfontein, near JohannesburgjTransvaal.)

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
W. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S.
J. A. S. BucKNiLL, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.
J. Wood. (Cape Colony.)

J. G. Hatchard, F.R.A.S. (Orange River Colony.)
A. D. Millar, Col.M.B.O.U. (Natal.)
G. A. K. Marshall, F.Z.S., F.E.S. (Rhodesia.)
L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Transvaal.)

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

The Editors invite contributions on South African Orni-
thology from all .students. TJiese should, if possible, be type-
written.

Drawings (which, for the purpose of ease of reproduction,
should be, as far as possible, in line and without wash)
and photographs from nature will be gladly welcomed.
Original MSS., drawings, and photographs will, if desired,
be returned, after publication, to their owners.

The Editors will be pleased to receive from contributors
short extracts from concurrent literature or accounts of the
Meetings of Associations dealing with South African Orni-
thology or of general interest to the Members of the Union.

All documents intended for publication should be for-
warded to A. Haagner, Esq., Dynamite Factory, Modder-
fontein, Transvaal,

This Journal will be issued as often as the funds of the
Union permit, subject, of course, to there being sufficient
matter suitable for publication.

Ten copies of every paper published in the Journal will be
reserved for the author free of charge, and fifteen further
copies will be retained by the Editors and will be available
for purchase by Members of the Union at low prices A^arying
according to the length of the printed matter.

The Editors will be pleased to answer, to the best of their
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logical specimens submitted to them.

In cases where an innuediate answer is required, a reply
will be forwarded through the post if a stamped addi-essed
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The Editors respectfully draw attention to the necessity
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thereto.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

PRESIDENT.
J. A. S. BucKxiLL, M.A. (Oxon.), F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

VICE-PRESIDENTS.
J/W. B. GuxxiNG, M.D., F.Z.S.

(Dii-ector, Tran.svaal IMuseum and Zoological Gar(len.s, Pretoria.)

J. E. DuERDEX, Ph.D.
(Professor of Zoology, Rhode.s University College, Grahaiustown.)

Edmond Symonds, L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S.
(Kroonstad, Orange River Colony.)

HON. SECRETARY.

Alwin Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

( Dynn mite Fjvetory , Modderf ontein, neai- Johannesburg, Tran.svaa] .)

HON. TREASURER.

Newton Spicer.

(Lands Department, Pretoria, Ti-ansvaal.)

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE.
J. A. S. BucKxiLL, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U,
J. W. B. GuxxiNo. M.D., F.Z.S.
A. K. Haagxer, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL,
John Wood. (Cape Colony.)
A. Duncan. (Transvaal.)
C. McG. Johnston. (Orange River Colony.)
A. D. Millar, Col. M.B.O.U. (Natal.)
Guy a. K. Marshall, F.Z.S., F.E.S. (Uhodeaia.)
J. P. Murray. (Basutoland.)
C. PoGGE. (German South- West Africa.)

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

The Editors invite contributions on South African Orni-
thology from all students.

Drawings (which, for the purpose of ease of reproduction,
should be, as far as possible, in line and without wash)
and photographs from nature will be gladly welcomed.
Original MSS., drawings, and photographs will, if desired,
be returned, after publication, to their owners.

The Editors will be pleased to receive from contributors
short extracts from concurrent literature or accounts of the
Meetings of Associations dealing with South African Orni-
thology or of general interest to the Members of the Union.

All documents intended for publication should be for-
warded to A. Haagner, Esq., Dynamite Factory, Modder-
fontein, Transvaal.

This Journal will be issued as often as the funds of the
Union permit, subject, of course, to there being sufficient
matter suitable for publication.

Ten copies of every paper published in the Journal will be
reserved for the author free of charge, and fifteen furtlier
copies will be retained by the Editors and will be available
for purchase by Members of the Union at low prices varying
according to the length of the printed matter.

The Editors will be pleased to answer, to the best of their
ability, through the medium of this Journal, any questions
relating to ornithological matters, and to identify ornitho-
logical specimens submitted to ihem.

In cases where an immediate answer is required, a replv
will be forwarded through the post if a stamped addressed
envelope is enclosed with the enquiry.

The Editors respectfully draw attention to the necessity
for support to the illustration Fund, and invite subscriptions
thereto.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

PRESIDENT.

W. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Director of the South African Museum, Gape Town.)

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

Dr. J. W. B. GuNXixG, F.Z.S.

(Director of the Transvaal Museum and Zoological Gardens.)

Dr. S. ScnoEXLAXD, Hon. M.A. (Oxon.), F.L.S., C.M.Z.S.
(Director of the Albany Museum, Grahamstown, Cipe Colony.)

HON. TREASURER.
A. Haagxer, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

HON. SECRETARY.
A. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Dynamite Factory, Modderfontein, near Johannesburg,Transvaal.)

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE.
W. L. ScLATER, M.A., F.Z.S M.B.O.U.
Dr. J. W. B. GuxxiNG, F.Z.S.
J. A. S. BucKxiLL, M.A. (Oxon.).

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.
F. J. Ellemor. (Tranvaal.)
J. Wood. (Cape Colony.)

J. G. Hatohard, F.R.A.S. (Orange River Colony.)
A. D. Millar, Col. M.B.O.U. (Natal.)
C. A. K. Marshall, F.Z.S. (Rhodesia.)

s