The birds of South Africa

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BY

EDGAR LEOPOLD LAYARD,

C.M.G., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U.,

H.B.M. Consul at Noumea, New Caledonia.

NEW EDITION.
Thoroughly revised and augmented

BY

RB. BOWDDER SHARPE,

SENIOR ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, BRITISH MUSEUM,

F.L.S., F.Z.8.. M.B.0.U., M.A. (HON.), BATES’ COLLEGE, LEWISTON, MAINE, U.“A.,
FOREIGN MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF LISBON;

FOREIGN MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION, ETC., ETC., ETC.

—————=a==E el

LONDON:

G. NORMAN AND SON, PRINTERS, HART STREET,
COVENT GARDEN.

548+ 29 be
» LUG
%, Birds

TO

EDGAR LEOPOLD LAYARD,

WHO,
IN CryLon, IN Brazit,

In SOUTH AFRICA,
tn Fig1, AnD In New Caeponia,

HAS EVER PROVED HIMSELF
AN EN@RGETIC AND CAPABLE
ORNITHOLOGIST,
THIS SECOND EDITION
OF HIS
“BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,”
Is Dedicated by
THE EDITOR.

PREFACE

Tue few prefatory remarks which I have to make will be simply
in the form of an apology to everyone whom this work concerns, on
account of the unfortunate delay which has attended its production.
To Mr. Layard himself I make my apologies for having been so
long in bringing a second edition of his most useful book before
the public. To my publisher, Mr. Quaritch, I am grateful when I
find that his patience has not been entirely exhausted, and that he
has not before this closed the publication of the book, in despair of
its ever being completed. And lastly to the subscribers, who have
not entirely lost faith in me, and who have been most patient and
uncomplaining during the nine years which have elapsed since
I issued my first part. I can only say in excuse that the great
pressure of my work at the British Museum has left me little leisure
for private enterprise, and has occupied the bulk of the time at my
own disposal.

I am fully aware, from the reviews which have appeared in various
ornithological periodicals, that the plan of the work, as altered
by me, has not met with the unqualified approval of my brother
ornithologists, and many field-collectors will doubtless miss the
descriptions of the families and genera of birds which were furnished
by Mr. Layard in the first edition. It was, however, impossible on
the extended basis which I proposed to myself for the second edition,
if it was to be published at a price within reach of field-collectors,
to include these descriptions of families, &c., and it will be seen

that the book has already reached a somewhat unwieldy size.

a SE ———— ee el lls ee

vi PREFACE.

By treating of the avifauna of South Africa according to what
I consider to be its natural limits, the area known as the South
African Sub-region extends to the Zambesi River on the east
coast, and to the Quanza River on the west, and this has resulted
in a large increase in the number of birds to be described. I have,
therefore, endeayoured to make the geographical distribution of
South African birds a feature of the present edition, and in some
instances, such as in the Woodpeckers, Grass-Warblers, Wheatears,
and Larks, a complete revision of the families has been attempted
and new descriptions supplied. In most cases, however, I have
retained the original descriptions given by Mr. Layard, inasmuch
as they were compiled by a first-rate field-ornithologist for the
benefit of field-ornithologists, and because they had proved eminently
successful in the first edition.

I have to thank all the kind friends who have assisted me in
the production of the present volume, and I must mention more
particularly the names of Captain Shelley, Mr. J. H. Gurney,
Mr. J. E. Harting, Mr. Howard Saunders and Canon Tristram, who
by the loan of specimens, or by actual assistance in the revision of
certain groups of birds of which they possess special knowledge,
have considerably lightened the labour of preparing the second
edition of the “ Birds of South Africa.”

R. BOWDLER SHARPE.
March 24, 1884.

ENT ROMUC TT ON:

AutHouGH several species of birds from South Africa were known
to the early writers, and are to be found figured and described in
the pages of Brisson, and Linneus, Sparrmann, Gmelin, and
Latham, it was not until the beginning of the present century, when
Levaillant published his ‘Oiseaux d’ Afrique,” that any connected
history of the ornithology of Africa was attempted. Levaillant
resided principally in the southern portion of the Cape Colony, and
many of his accounts of the habits of the birds. are exceedingly
good, and evidently taken from personal observation, but it is
greatly to be regretted that his work contains a large number of
species introduced into the book as African which are in reality
; Gebebiteatts of totally different countries ; in fact, on many occasions
he admits the circumstance. ‘The late M. Jules Verreaux, who
knew Levaillant personally, told us that it was quite by accident
that these extraneous species were introduced into his work, that
his intentions were perfectly honest, but that many of his specimens
were lost, and were not at his disposal when he wrote his book
in Europe. He consequently figured many species in his book
which he fancied that he had seen in Southern Africa, and that he
had no deliberate intention to deceive. In the case of several species
which were made up of two or three different kinds of birds,
Verreaux stoutly held that Levaillant was himself deceived, and that
he really believed the specimens placed in his hand to be individuals

of some species which he remembered to have seen in South

vill INTRODUCTION.

Africa. The late Professor Sundevall has published an elaborate
review of Levaillant’s six volumes, which enables the ornithologist
so to study the work that all the species, whether truly South
African or not, can be easily made out. We have found little to
dissent from in Professor Sundevall’s admirable treatise.

A work of a much more genuine character was commenced when
Sir Andrew Smith began to investigate the Zoology of South Africa.
In the South African Quarterly Journal from 1829 to 1834, we
find a descriptive account of the birds of South Africa, which,
however, never seems to have proceeded beyond the Birds of Prey ;
and in the same journal, there are several scattered descriptions of
other kinds of birds.

In 1836, a separate Report of the expedition into Central Africa
was published by Sir Andrew Smith, and this was in every
respect a most important contribution to the avifauna of the South
African region. It was followed by his great work, the “Illustrations
of the Zoology of South Africa,” in which no less than 114 plates of
birds were published. These were drawn by the late Mr. Ford,
and although this admirable artist was by far the best draughtsman
of reptiles and fishes that science has ever known, his efforts with
regard to the birds were not so successful, and considerable
confusion, especially in the case of the smaller Warblers and Larks,
has followed from the difficulty of identifying Mr. Ford’s plates.

Excepting descriptions of various South African birds in the works
of Burchell, Temminck, Swainson, Gray, Bonaparte, and others,
nothing of any importance appears to have been published until
Sundevall’s account of Wahlberg’s collections made its appearance
in the Stockholm (Mfversigt for 1850. Wahlberg penetrated
into the Transvaal, at that time included under the general heading
of “ Caffraria.”’ He procured many interesting species, both from

Natal and the Transvaal State; and he afterwards visited Damara

INTRODUCTION. ix

Land, where he was unfortunately killed by an elephant. A short
paper of his with descriptions of new species was published in 1855,
up to which time we had known nothing of the avifauna of that part
of South-western Africa, beyond the scanty descriptions of species
given by Mr. G. R. Waterhouse in the Appendix to Sir J. Alexander’s
Expedition, and a short paper by Messrs. Strickland and Sclater,
published in the ‘‘ Contributions to Ornithology” for 1852. Then
followed a more elaborate essay by Grill on the birds collected by
Victorin at the Knysna and in the Karroo country ; this was issued
in 1858. About this date, moreover, several excellent ornithologists
were hard at work in the South African region. Mr. Layard was
collecting materials for a history of the Birds of South Africa,
Mr. Andersson was working well in Damara Land and Namaqua
Land, Mr. Ayres had commenced his useful labours in Natal, while
Mr. Monteiro had already begun his career as a naturalist: in
Angola. Mr. Layard’s energy soon met with an adequate response
from naturalists both in Europe and at the Cape, and the publication
of his “ Birds of South Africa,” in the year 1867, will mark for
ever an epoch in the natural history of the continent; and from
this book commences the great progress which has lately been made
in our knowledge of South African ornithology. In deference to
the intentions of his friend, the late Mr. C. J. Andersson, who
intended to publish a work on the birds of South-western Africa,
Mr. Layard confined his researches to the species occurring south
of the twenty-eighth parallel of south latitude, although he was
fully aware that this was but an artificial boundary, and not a natural
one. Mr. Andersson did not suryive to carry out his proposed
work, but this was undertaken by Mr. J. H. Gurney, who, in 1872,
produced an excellent edition of Mr. Andersson’s “ Birds of Damara
Land,” which has been of great assistance to us in the preparation
of the present work. Mr. Gurney has also published from time to

time a considerable number of papers on the ornithology of Natal
b

x INTRODUCTION.

and the Transvaal, founded upon the collections made by that excellent
collector, Mr. Thomas Ayres. It is difficult to put too high an esti-
mate upon the field work which the last-named naturalist has done
during the last five-and-twenty years. On changing his residence
to the Transvaal, he continued his natural history labours in that
State, and has published many interesting essays on its ornithology.
It is indeed to be hoped that either Mr. Gurney or Mr. Ayres
himself will gather together these scattered memoirs, and give them
to us ere long in a connected form. The corrections in nomen-
clature have been somewhat numerous, and we fear that some of
them have escaped our eyes, scattered as they are through many
volumes of the Ibis.

Our knowledge of the ornithology of Natal has also been increased
by Captain Shelley in his paper in the Jbis for 1875, and
excellent lists of the birds met with by Mr. T. E. Buckley during
his journey to the Matabele country in 1873, as well as by
Mr. Barratt on his excursions between Bloemfontein and the
Lydenburg Gold-fields have been given in the pages of the Ibis.
A very important work was achieved by the late Mr. Frank Oates
on his journey to the Zambesi, and a full list of his collection
was given by ourselves as an Appendix to his posthumous work,
“Matabele Land and the Victoria Falls,” edited by his brother,
Mr. C. G. Oates. In the pages of the latter work frequent
mention is made of the name of Dr. F. Bradshaw, a zealous collector,
who resided for some years in the Makalaka country and the
Zambesi region, but whose large collections were unfortunately
dispersed before any connected account had been taken of them.
Some few specimens were secured by the South African Museum ;
others passed into our charge at the British Museum ; whilst a large
number are in the collection of Captain Shelley.

Dr. Bradshaw has for some time held an appointment as Surgeon

to the Northern Border Police, and he has fayoured us with a list

INTRODUCTION. x1

of the birds observed by him on the Orange River, which we have
had great pleasure in including in our “ Appendix.” In 1882
three very important memoirs on South Africa appeared. One
of these, by Captain Shelley, contains an account of the birds
collected by Mr. Jameson, in his expedition to Mashoona Land,
with excellent field-notes by that veteran naturalist Mr. T. Ayres.
A second paper by Majors Butler, Feilden, and Captain Reid,
published in the Zoologist, gives an account of their ornithological
collections made in the upper districts of Natal; while Dr. Holub
and Herr yon Pelzeln published, under the title of ‘ Beitriage zur
Ornithologie Siid-Afrikas,” a very elaborate work of 385 pages,
profusely illustrated with plates and woodcuts, principally of the
nests and osteology of South African birds.

We must not omit to mention the excellent paper by Sir John
Kirk on the birds of the Zambesi region, published in the Ibis
for 1864; while a vast amount of useful information will be found
in the “ Végel Ost-Afrikas,”’ written by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub,
in 1870. In this work are enumerated all the species collected by
Dr. Peters during his expedition to Eastern Africa, the descriptions
of which are spread over several years of the “ Journal fiir Orni-
thologie.”

Besides the elaborate work of Mr. C. J. Andersson on the
birds of Damara Land, the late Mr. Monteiro made important
collections in Benguela and Angola. His work as a pioneer has
been, however, largely supplemented by the vigorous efforts of
Senor Anchieta, a Portuguese naturalist, who has travelled exten-
sively for the Lisbon Museum in the provinces of Mossamedes and
Benguela, and who penetrated to the Cunene River, a locality
reached by Mr. Andersson shortly before his death. More than
twenty elaborate papers by Professor Barboza du Bocage have
been published on the collections which Senor Anchieta sent to

Europe, and recently a large work on the ornithology of Angola

xi INTRODUCTION.

has been published by Professor Bocage, wherein will be found a
full account of Senor Anchieta’s labours. We cannot too warmly
express our thanks to our excellent friend above mentioned, who
has sent us over from Lisbon many rare species to aid us in the
preparation of the present work.

Finally, we have deemed it of some advantage to future students
of South African ornithology to give a list of the principal papers
published in the Ibis which relate, more or less, to the subject of
the present book; and we only regret that space has not allowed
us to give more than the present slight sketch of the labours of

our predecessors in the field of South African ornithology.

R. Bowpier SHARPE.

LIST OF ESSAYS

ON

SOUTER AFRICAN BIRDS
PUBLISHED IN THE “IBIS.”

Gurney, J. H. List of a Collection of Birds from the Colony of Natal,
in South-eastern Africa.—Ibis, 1859, pp. 2384-252, pl. 7.

On Birds collected in the Colony of Natal, in South-eastern

Africa.—Ibis, 1860, pp. 203-221.

On some additional Species of Birds received in Collections from

Natal.—Ibis, 1861, pp. 128-136.

An additional List of Birds received from Natal.—Ibis, 1862,

pp. 25-39, pl. 3.

A fourth additional List of Birds received from Natal.—Ibis,

1862, pp. 149-158, pls. 4, 5.

Hartiavs, G. On some new or little-known Birds from the Cape Colony.
—Ibis, 1862, pp. 143-149.

Gurney, J.H. A fifth additional List of Birds from Natal—Tbis, 1863,
pp- 320-320, pls. 8, 9.

Scrarpr, P. L. On the Rapacious Birds collected by the late Dr.
Dickinson in the Zambesi Region.—I bis, 1864, pp. 301-307, pl. 8.

Kirk, Jonny. On the Birds of the Zambesi Region of Hastern Tropical
Africa.—Ibis, 1864, pp. 307-339.

Gurney, J.H. A sixth additional List of Birds from Natal.—Tbis, 1864,

pp- 346-361.

A seventh additional List of Birds from Natal.—Ibis, 1865,
pp. 263-276.

An eighth additional List of Birds from Natal.—Ibis, 1868,.
pp- 40-52, pl. 2.

Notes on Mr. Layard’s “ Birds of South Africa.”—Ibis, 1868,
pp. 135-164, 253-371, pl. 8.

A ninth additional List of Birds from Natal. — Ibis, 1868,
pp. 460-471, pl. 10.

XIV LIST OF ESSAYS ON

Layarp, E. L. Further Notes on South African Ornithology.—Ibis,
1869, pp. 68-79.

Suarre, R. B. On the Kingfishers of South Africa.— Ibis, 1869,
pp- 275-283.

Ayres, Tuomas. Notes on Birds of the Territory of the Transvaal
Republic.—Ibis, 1869, pp. 286-303.

Layarp, E. L. Further Notes on Sonth African Ornithology.—Ibis,
1869, pp. 361-378.

Tristram, H. B. Notes on some African Birds.—Ibis, 1869, pp. 443-
438.

Suarre, R. B. On the Oriolide of the Ethiopian Region.—Ibis, 1870,
pp: 213-229, pls. 7, 8.

Ayres, Tuomas. Additional Notes on the Birds of the Territory of the
Transvaal Republic.—Ibis, 1871, pp. 147-157, 253-270, pl. 9.

Suarpve, R. B. On the Coraciide of the Ethiopian Region.—JI bis, 1871,
pp- 184-203, 270-289, pl. 8.

Layarp, E. L. Notes on Sonth African Ornithology.—Ibis, 1871,
pp. 225-230.

Moris, J. On the genus Colius; its Structure and Systematic Position.
—Ibis, 1872, pp. 262-280, pl. 10.

Gurney, J. H. A tenth additional List of Birds from Natal.—lIbis,
1873, pp. 254-259.

Ayres, T. Additional List and Notes on Birds obtained in the Republic
of Transvaal.—TI bis, 1873, pp. 280-287.

The same.—Ibis, 1874, pp. 101-107, pl. 3.

Bucxtry, T. E. List of Birds collected or observed during a Journey
to the Matabili Country in 1873.—Ibis, 1874, pp. 355-391.

Suetiey, G. E. Three Months on the Coast of South Africa.—Ibis
1875, pp. 59-87.

Suarre, R. B. Descriptions of Two New Species of South African
Birds.—Ibis, 1876, pp. 52-54.

Barratt, F. A. Ornithological Notes made between Bloemfontein and
the Lydenburg Gold-fields—Ibis, 1876, pp. 191-214.

Ayres, THomas. Notes on Birds collected and observed in the Lyden-
burg district of Transvaal.—I bis, 1876, pp. 422-433.

Additional Notes on the Ornithology of Transvaal.—Ibis, 1877,

pp. 339-354.

SOUTH AFRICAN BIRDS. xv

Ayres, THomas. Additional Notes on the Ornithology of Transyvaal.—
Ibis, 1878, pp. 281-301, 406-411.

The same.—I bis, 1879, pp. 285-300, 389-405.

The same.—I bis, 1880, pp. 99-112, 257-273.

Suettey, G. E. Ona Collection of Birds made by Mr. J. S. Jameson in
South-eastern Africa, with Notes by T. Ayres.—Ibis, 1882, pp. 236-
265, 349-368, pl. 7.

On the Columbide of the Ethiopian Region. — Ibis, 1883,
pp. 258-331.

Borter, H. A., Fempren, H. W., and Rein, 8. G. Ornithological Notes
from Natal.—Zoologist, 1882, pp. 165-171, 204-212, 243-258, 297-
303, 335-345, 423-429, 460.

On the Variations in Plumage of Saaicola monticola as observed

in Natal.—Ibis, 1883, pp. 331-337.

Smaree, R. B. Note on Sazicola monticola with special reference to the
foregoing paper.—I bis, 1883, pp. 337-345.

SYSTEMATIC LIST

OF THE

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Sub-Class Carinate.
Order ACCIPITRES.
Sub-order Farcones.

Fam. Vulturide.

PAGE
2, 793
3, 793
4, 793
5, 793

794
6, 794
7, 794

9, 795
11, 795

18, 795
19, 795
20, 796
20
22, 796
796
22, 796
23
25

26, 796
28
29
30, 797
31

32, 797
33, 797

1. Gyps kolbii (Daud.)
2. rueppelli, Brehm . .
3. Otogyps auricularis (Daud.).
4. Lophogyps occipitalis (Burch.)
5. Pseudogyps africanus (Salvad.)
6. Neophron percnopterus (L.) .
7. i" pileatus (Burch.) .
Fam. Falconide.
Sub-fam. Polyborine.
8. Serpentarius secretarius (Scop.), 8, 794
Sub-fam. Accipitrine.
9. Polyboroides typicus, Smith .
10. Circus macrurus (Gm.)
11. Circus pygargus (L.)
12. +,, maurus (Temm.) =
13. ,, ranivorus (Dand.)
14. » eruginosus (L.)
15. Melierax canorus (Risl.)
16. ” polyzonus (Rupp.)
17. gabar (Daud) .
18. niger, Bonn. &Vieiil. 9
19. Astur tachiro (Daud.) . é
20 » polyzonoides (Smith) :
21. Accipiter ovampensis, Gurney
22: a rufiventris, Smith .
23. ie minullus ( Daud.)
24, a melanoleucus, Smith
Sub-fam. Buteoninez.
25. Buteo jakal (Daud.) .
26. ,, augur, Riipp. . :
27. 4, auguralis, Salvad. .
28. ,, desertorum (Daud.)
29. ,, ferox (Gm.) 5 F
Sub-fam. Aquilinz.
30. Gypaetus ossifragus (Savign.)
31. Aquila verreauxi, Less. .
32. » Yapax (Temm.) .

35,797

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.

40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48,

49,

50.
51.

52.
53.
54,
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

62.
63,
64.

65.

66.

67.
68.

PAGE

Aquila wahlbergi, Sundev. 36, 797
Nisaetus pennatus (Gm.), 37, 797
» Spilogaster (Bp.) 38, 797
Spizaetus coronatus (L.) : 39
. bellicosus (Daud.). 40, 797
Lophoaetus occipitalis (Daud.) 41

Asturinula monogrammica (Temm.)

42, 797

Circaetus cinereus (V.) 43,797
- fasciolatus, Gray 45
Gypohierax angolensis (Gm.) 45, 798
Haliaetus vocifer (Daud.) 46, 798
Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.) 48, 798
Milvus xgyptius (Gm.) 49, 798
» korsechun(Gm.). 50, 798
Elanus czruleus ( Desf.) 52,798

Macherhamphus anderssoni (Gurney)

798
Pernis apivorus (L.) . : 53
Fam. Falconide.

Baza verreauxi (Lafr.) . 54
Poliohierax semitorquatus (Smith)

55, 799

Falco communis, Gm. . . 56,800

»» minor, Bp. . 5 . 57

», biarmicus, Temm. . 58,800

» subbuteo, L. A . 59

» Cuvieri, Smith ., é 59

» Tuficollis, Swains. 60, 800

Cerchneis tinnunculus (L.) 60, 800

= rupicola (Daud.) 62, 800

“ rupicoloides(Smith) 63, 800
” tinnunculoides (Temm.)

64, 800
“A vespertina (L.) 65
fn amurensis (Radde) 66, 801

a" ardesiaca (Bonn, & Vieill.)
67, 801
Fs dickinsoni(Sclater) 68, 801

Sub-order PANDIONEs.

Pandion haliaetus (L.) . . 68, 801
Sub-order SrricEs.
Fam. Bubonide.
Scotopelia peli, Bp. . 69, 801
Bubo capensis, Smith . 70, 801
c

xviii SYSTEMATIC
PAGE
71, 801
73, 801
74, 801
75, 801
76, 801
802
77, 802
77, 802
78, 802

69. Bubo lacteus (Temm.) . C
70. maculosus (Vieill.) P
71. Scops leucotis (Temm.) .

72. ,, capensis, Smith . 5
. Syrnium woodfordi (Smith) .
74. » nuchale, Sharpe

. Glaucidium capense (Smith)
76. = perlatum (Vieill.)
77. Asio capensis (Smith) . .

78. ,, accipitrinus (Gm.) 79, 802
79. Strix capensis, Smith . 81, 802
80. ,, flammea, L. . : 82, 802
Order PICARLE.
Fam. Caprimulgidz.
81. Caprimulgus europeans, L. 83, 803
82. = pectoralis, Cuv. . 84
83. a shelleyi, Bocage 803
84. op rufigena, Smith 85, 803
85. “3 fervidus, Sharpe 86
86. AS fossii, Verr. 803
87. és lentiginosus, Smith
87, 803
88. yl mossambicus, Peters
88, 803
89. “A natalensis,Smith 88
90. Cosmetornis vexillarius (Gould)
89, 803
Fam. Cypselide.
91. Cypselus apus (L.) ; . 90, 804
92. 4 pallidus, Shelley . 92, 804
93. » eaffer, Licht. . . 92, 804
94. » aflinis, Gray ‘ 94
95. » parvus, Licht. . 94
96. » melba(L.) . . 95, 804
Fam, Meropide.
97. Merops apiaster, L. . 96, 804
98. » superciliosus, L. . 97, 804
99. », Dubicoides, Desm. . 99, 804
100. ,, bullockoides, Smith . 99
101 » pusillus, P. L. S. Mill.
100, 805
102, Dicrocercus hirundinaceus (V.)
101, 805
Fam. Coraciide.
103. Coracias garrula, L. . 102, 805
104. i: nevia, Daud. . 103, 805
105. S caudata, V. . . 104, 805
106. .» Spatulata, Trimen . 805
107. Eurystomus afer (Lath.) « 106, 806
Fam. Trogonide.
108, Hapaloderma narina, V. - 106, 806
Fam. Alcedinide.
109. Alcedosemitorquata,Swains. 107, 806
110. Corythornis cyanostigma (Ruipp.)
108, 806
111. Ceryle rudis(L.) . . 110, 807
112. ,, maxima (Pall.) . 111, 807

113. Ispidina natalensis (Smith) . 113, 807
114. Halcyon ser icerulea (Forsk.)
114, 807

LIST OF THE

PAGE
115. Haleyon albiventris (V.) . 115, 807
116. . orientalis, Peters . 116, 807
117. chelicutensis (Stanl.)

117, 807
118. x senegaloides(Smith) 119
119. Ps cyanoleuca (V.) - 120, 808
120. 7 senegalensis (L.) . 121, 808
121. “ cyanescens, Cab. & Reich.

121, 808
Fam. Bucerotide.
122, Bucorax cafer (Verr.) 7 122
123. Buceros buccinator, Temm.. 125
124, ae cristatus, Rupp. . 126
125. Tockus melanoleucus, Licht. 127
126. » _monteiri, Hartl. 129
127. ;, flayirostris (Riipp.) . 130, 808
128. » erythrorhynchus (Gm.) 131
129. », pasutus(L.) . . 133, 808
Fam. Upupide.
130. Upupa africana, Bechst. . 134, 808
131. Irrisor erythrorhynchus (Lath.)
137, 808
132. Rhinopomastes cyanomelas Ges)
138, 809
133. Scoptelus aterrimus (Steph.) 140
Fam. Musophagide.
134. Corythaix musophaga (Dub.) 141

135. 5s
136. 55

porpbyreolopha (Vig.) 142
livingstonii, G. R. Gray
143
137. » erythrolopha (V.) 144
138. Schizerhis concolor (Smith) 144, 809

Fam. Coliidx.
139. Colius erythromelon, Vieill. 551, 853

140. » capensis, Gm. . 552, 853
141. ,, striatus, Gm. . 555, 853
142. ,, castanonotus, Verr. . 554
Fam. Cuculide.
143. Cuculus canorus, L. . . 147, 809
144. » gularis, Steph. . 148, 809
145. ,, _ Solitarius, Steph. . 149, 809
146. - clamosus, Cuv. . 150, 809

147. » Smaragdineus, Swains.
151, 809 .

148. » _- cupreus, Bodd. . 153, 809
149. » Klaasi, Shaw . - 155
150. Coceystes glandarius (L.)_. 157, 810
151. a cafer (Licht.) . 158, 810
152. oo jacobinus (Bodd.) 158, 810
153. 4 serratus (Sparrm.) 160, 810

154. Ceuthmochares australis, Sharpe 161
155. Centrepus senegalensis (L.) . 162, 810

156. ~ natalensis, Shelley 163,810
157. = monachus, Riipp. 165
158. - nigrorufus, Cuy. . 165, 810

159.

160.
161.

162.

163.

164.

165.

166.
167.
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.

174,
175.
176.
Wii.
178.
179.
180.
181.

182.

183.

184,
185.
186.
187.
188.
189.
190.

191,
192.
193.

194.
195.
196.
197.

198.

199.

‘a BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

PAGE
Fam. Indicatoridz,

Indicator sparrmanni (Steph.)
166, 810
op variegatus, Less, . 167, 810
- major, Steph. . 168, 810
+ ‘minor, Steph. . 169, 811

Prodotiscus regulus, Sundey.
171, 811
Fam. Capitonide.
Pogonorhynchus torquatus (Dum.)
172, 811
» leucomelas (Bodd.)
173, 811
affinis, Shelley 811

Barbatula pusilla (Dum.) . 175
as extoni, Layard . 176, 811
5 chrysocoma (Temm.) 811
= bilineata, Sundev. 176
Smilorhis leucotis (Sundey.) 177
Trachyphonus cafer (V.) .178, 811
Stactolema anchietz (Boc.) 179
Fam. Picide.
Campothera capricorni, Strick]. 180
a bennetti (Smith) 181, 812
“r abingtoni (Smith) 182

re smithii (Malh.) 184, 812
3 notata (Licht.) 186
Geocolaptes olivaceus (Lath.) 187, 812
Mesopicus namaquus(Licht.) 188, 812
5 griseocephalus (Bodd.)
191, 812
Dendropicus cardinalis (Gm.)
190, 812

Fam. Iyngide.

Iynx pectoralis, Vig. . 191, 812
Order PSITTACI.
Fam. Psittacide.
Agapornis roseicollis (V.) . 192
fe pullaria (L.) 193

Psittacus robustus, Gm. d 194
ne fuscicollis, Kuhl 195
oo meyeri, Riipp. . 195, 813
om rueppelli, Gray 196

9 fuscicapillus, Verr. & Desm.
197
Order PASSERES.
Fam. Turdide.
Sylvia cinerea, Bechst. 829
» Salicaria (L.) . 304, 829

Phylloscopus trochilus (L) . 296, 827
Hypolais icterina (V.) : 295
Acrocephalus bzeticatus (V.) 290, 827

on schcenobanus (L.)

293, 827
ct arundinaceus (L.)

289, 826
cn palustris (Bechst.)

291, 827

Lusciniola gracilirostris, Hartl 287

XIX
PAGE
200. Scheenicola apicalis (Cab.) . 283, 825
201. Bradypterus brachypterus (V.)
286, 825
202. 3 barratti, Sharpe 826
203, Be sylvaticus, Sundey.
288, 826
204. Phlexis victorini (Sundev.). 284
205. Calamonastes fasciolatus (Smith)
273, 823
206. Euryptila subcinnamomea (Smith)
273, 823
207, Geocichla litsitsirupa (Smith)
189, 813
208. rf guttata (Vig.) 200
209. oF gurneyi (Hartl.) 202
210. Turdus libonyanus, Smith . 199, 813
211. » Olivaceus,L. . . 200, 813
212. » cabanisi, Bp. . : 813
213 Monticola rupestris (V.) . 219, 816
214, os explorator (V.) . 220, 816
215. = brevipes (Strickl. & Sel.)
221, 816
a Cossypha bicolor (Sparrm.) , 222, 816
217. natalensis, Smith . 223
218, Fe caffra (L.) . 224, 816
219, mH bocagii, Finsch & ‘Hartl.
225, 817
220, FF barbata, Finsch & Hartl.
226, 817
221. ie subrufescens, Bocage
227, 817
222, _ heuglini, Hartl. . 817
223. humeralis (Smith) 228, 817
224, Adonopsis signata (Sundev.)
229, 817
225. Cichladusa arcuata, Peters, . 229
226. = ruficauda (Hartl.)
230, 817
227, Erythropygia coryphzus (Less.)
251, 821
228. oF leucophrys (V-)
252, 821
229, re munda (Cab.) 821
230. e zambesiana, Sharpe
821
231. pena, Smith 253, 821
232, Thamnolxa cinnamomei-
ventris (Lafr.) . 232, 818
233. a arnotti (Tristr.) 245, 819
234. - shelleyi (Sharpe) 246, 819
235, Myrmecocichla formicivora (V.)
231, 818
236. “ bifasciata (Temm.)
240, 818
237. cp sinuata (Sundey.)
236, 818
238. Fs cinerea (V.)
242,818 819
239. Myrmecocichla pollux (Hartl.)
244, 819
240. Saxicola monticola (V.), 246, 819, 820
241, a galtoni (Strickl.) . 234, 818
242, . pileata (Gm.) . 238, 818
243, e albicans, Wahlb. 237
244, 3 layardi, Sharpe _. 236, 818
245. Pratincola torquata (L.) . 250, 820

xx

246.
247.
248.
249.
250.

251.
252.

253.
254.
255.

256.

257.
258.
259.
260.
261.
262.
263.
264.
265.
266.
267.
268.
269.
270.
271.
272.
273.
274.

275.

276.
277.
278.
279.
280.
281.
282,
283,
284.

285.
286.
287.
288,
289.
290.

291.
292.

293.
294,
295.

SYSTEMATIC
PAGE

Fam. Pycnonotide.
Pyenonotus capensis (L.) . 207, 814
is tricolor, Hartl. . 208, 815
“3 layardi, Gurney 815
nigricans (V.) 815

»”

Chlorocichla flaviventris, Smith
203, 813
a occidentalis, Sharpe 814

Phyllostrophus capensis, Swains.
203, 814
= fulviventris, Cab. 814
Andropadus importunus (V.) 204, 814

5 oleaginus, Peters
205, 814
Xenocichla flavostriata (Sharpe)
206, 814

Fam. Timeliide.

Sphenzacus africanus (Gm.) 280, 824
“4 intermedius, Shelley 824
natalensis, Shelley 825

Prinia flavicans (Bonn. & V.) 254, 821

» Inystacea, Rupp, . 258, 822
»» maculosa (Bodd.) _ . 259, 822
5, hypoxantha (Sharpe) 260, 822

Burnesia substriata (Smith) 256, 822

Spilotila ocularia (Smith) . 256, 822

Cisticola meridionalis, Sharpe 282, 825

4 aberrans, Smith . 271, 823
; cisticola (Temm.) . 275, 824
» cherina (Smith) . 278, 824
» textrix,V. . .279, 824
terrestris (Smith), . 824
4 tinniens (Licht.) . 265, 822
natalensis (Smith) . 261, 822

» lugubris (Rupp.)
264, 822, 823
»» subruficapilla (Smith)
266, 823
» grandis, Bocage 825
fi angolensis (Bocage) 822
Pinarornis plumosus, Sharpe 230, 817

Crateropus bicolor, Jard. . 210, 815
iy jardinii, Smith . 212, 815
5 kirkii, Sharpe . 213, 815

*5 melanops, Hartl. 214, 815
> hartlaubi, Bocage 214, 816
Aethocichla gymnogenys (Hartl.)
215, 816
Neocichla gutturalis (Bocage)
215, 816
Cheetops frenatus (Temm.) . 216
y aurantius, Layard . 217
» pycnopygius, Strickl. & Scl.
218, 816
Apalis thoracica (Shaw & Nodd.)
281, 825
Euprinodes flavidus (Strickl.)

299, 828

Dryodromas fulvicapilla (V.) 301, 828
“5 damarensis (W ahlb.)

300, 828

ay icteropygialis (Lafr.) 800
Sylviella rufescens ( V.) . 3038, 829
ruficapilla ( Bocage) 829

LIST OF THE
PAGE
296, Eremomela flaviventris (Burch.)
297, 827
297. 5 polioxantha, Sharpe 828
298. a usticollis, Sundey.
298, 828
299. » pulchra (Bocage) 828
300. C scotops, Sundey. 299, 828
301. Camaroptera olivacea (V.) . 294, 827
302, +s sundevalli, Sharpe
293, 827
Fam. Nectariniidz.
303. Promerops cafer(I.) . 5 305
304. 7 gurneyi, Verr. 306
305. Nectarinia famosa (L.) 306, 830
306. “ bocagii, Shelley . 830
307. Anthrobaphes olivacea (L.) . 308
308. Cinnyris yerreauxi, Smith 309
309. eS olivaceus, Smith 310
310. 5 olivacinus, Peters . 830
311. 4 gutturalis(L.) —. 311, 830
312. 5 afer (L.) 2 313, 830
313. 5 ludovicensis, Bocage 830
314. Ps chalybeus (L.) _. 314, 831
315. 7 amethystinus (Shaw)
315, 831
316. = kirkii, Shelley . 317, 831
317. 95 fuseus, Vieill. . 317, 832
318. ss leucogaster(V.) . 318, 832
319. Ps mariquensis, Smith 319, 832
320. + bifasciatus (Shaw) 322
321. + yenustus, Shaw 832
322. . oustaleti, Bocage . §32
323. Anthodieta collaris (V.), 320
324. 9 zambesiana, Shelley 321
325, Anthothreptes anchietz, Bocage 832
326. rs longuemarii, Less, 833
Fam. Meliphagidee.
327. Zosterops capensis, Sund. . 322, 834
328, 5 pallida, Swains. . 324, 834
329. oF senegalensis, Bp. . 325, 834
330. = virens, Bp. . ‘ 325
331. “ poliogaster, Heugl. 326, 834
Fam. Paride.
332. Anthoscopus caroli (Sharpe) 327, 834
333. + capensis(Gm.) 327
334. » flavifrons(Cass.) 854
335, Parus afer, Gm. . . 329, 834
336. ,, niger, Bonn.& V. . 331, 835
337. ,, rufiventris, Bocage 835
Fam, Certhiidee.
338. Salpornis salvadorii (Bocage) 835
Fam. Muscicapide.
339. Parisoma suberuleum, V. . 332, 836
340. 5 layardi, Hartl. —. 334, 836
341. “Ps plumbeum (Hartl.) 836
342. Chloropeta natalensis, Smith 335
343. es icterina, Sundev. 336, 837
344, Cryptolopha ruficapilla, Sund.

302, 829

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

PAGE
345. Hyliota australis, Shelley . 836
346, » barboze, Hartl. . 336, 836
347. Erythrocercus livingstonii,
Finsch & Hartl. : < 337
348. Bias musicus (Vieill.) . ; 337
349. Muscicapa grisola, L. . . 338, 837
350. A finschii, Bocage . 837
351, - crulescens, Hartl. 340
352. 5 lugens, Hartl. 341
353. “A cinereola, Kinsch & Hartl.
342
354. Alseonax adusta (Boie) . 339, 837
355. ay minima (Heugl.) . 837
356. Pogonocichla stellata (V.) 342
357. Lioptilus nigricapillus (V.). 343
358. Smithornis capensis (Smith) 344
359. Platystira peltata, Sundeyv. . 345
360. 55 mentalis, Bocage . 837
361. Pachyprora capensis (L.) . 346, 838
362. a molitor (Hahn & K.)
348, 838
363. ne pririt (V.). . 349, 838
364, a minulla (Bocage)
350, 838
365. Lanioturdus torquatus, Waterh.
351, 838
366, Stenostira scita (V.) . 352, 838
367. Terpsiphone cristata (Gm.) 352, 838
368. Trochocercus cyanomelas (V.) 354
369. Elminia albicauda, Bocage . 838

Fam. Hirundinide.

370. Psalidoprocne holomelena (Sundey.)

356
839
839

839
839
840
839
840
840
364
841
840
840
841
367
841
841
368
841
841
841

374
842
841
842
842

842

371. antinorii, Salvad.
372. Chelidon urbica (L.) .
373. Petrochelidon spilodera (Sundey.):
357,
374. Cotile cincta (Bodd.) . . 358,
375. ,, fuligula (Licht. ) . 360,
376. ,, Yiparia (L.) ©
Chie «95 paludicola (V. ie . 361,
378. Hirundo rustica, L. . 362,
379. os angolensis, Bocage
380. “5 rufigula, Bocage ,
381. ~ nigrorufa, Bocage .
382. + albigularis, Strickl. 364,
383. 5 dimidiata, Sundev. 366,
384. * atrocerulea,Sundey.
385. = smithii, Leach . 368,
386. 9 griseopyga, Sundey. 368,
387. - monteiri, Hartl. .
388. - semirufa, Sundey. . 370,
389. ~ cucullata, Bodd. . 370,
BEI puelia, Temm. . 373,
Fam, Laniide.

391. Lanius minor,Gm. . -
392, ,, souze (Bocage) '
393. ,, collaris, L. . 374,
vty ae subcoronatus, Smith 377,
395, Enneoctonus collurio (L.) . 378,
396, Urolestes melanoleucus

(Jard, & Selby) . : . 380,

397.
398.
399.

400.
401.

402.
403.

404,
405,

406.
407.
408,
409,
410.

411.
412,
413,
414,

415.
416.
417.
418.

419,
420.
421,

422,
423,
424.
425,
426.
427.
428.
429.

430.
431.

432,

433.

434,

435.
436.
437.

438.
439.

XX1

PAGE

Laniarius quadricolor, Cass, 381
7 olivaceus (Shaw) . 382

¥ rubiginosus, Sundey.
383, 842
. sulphureipectus (Less.) 384
rf gutturalis (P. L. S. Mill.)
385, 842
“5 poliocephalus (Licht.)
387, 842
a atrococcineus ( Burch.)
389, 842
a atricroceus, Trimen 390
x gularis (Finsch & Hartl.)

390
5 major, Hartl. . 391, 842
5 cubla (Shaw) . 392, 842
< hamatus, Hartl. 843

“5 ferrugineus (Cuy.) 393, 843
» erythropterus (Shaw)

393, 843

a senegalus (L.) . 394, 843

triv irgatus (Smith) 396, 843

Nilaus brubru (Lath.) . . 397, 843

» aftinis, Bocage - - 843
Fam. Campophagide.

Campophaga nigra, V. - 398, 843

- hartlaubi (Salvad.) 398
Graucalus czesius (Licht.) . 399
. pectoralis, J.and S, 843

Fam. Prionopide.

Eurocephalus anguitimens, Smith
400, 844
Bradyornis infuscata, (Smith)
233, 818, 844
mariquensis, Smith
401, 844
oatesii, Sharpe 402, 844

Bradyornis pallidus, Miill. 402
a woodwardi, Sharpe 403
a silens (Shaw) . 404, 844
‘“ ater, Sundey. 405
Prionops talacoma, Smith . 406, 844
Sigmodus retzii (Wahlb.) . 407, 844
is tricolor (Gray) . 407

Fam. Dicruridz.
Buchanga assimilis (Bechst.) 408, 844

Dicrurus ludwigii, Smith . 410, 845
Fam, Oriolidz.

Oriolus galbula, L, 411

s notatus, Peters - 412, 845

» larvatus, Licht. . 413, 845

Fam. Corvide.

Heterocorax capensis(Licht.) 415, 845
Corvus scapulatus, Daud. . 416, 845
Corvultur albicollis (Lath.) 417

Fam. Sturnidz,

Buphaga africana, L. . . 418, 845
rf erythrorhyncha, Stan].
420, 846

Xxil

440,
441.

442,
443.
444.

445.
446.
447.
448.

449.

450.
451.
452.

453.
454.

455.
456.
457.
458.

459,

460.
461.
462.

463.
464.
465.

466.
467.
468.

469.

470.
471.
172.

473.
474.
475.
476.
477.

478.
479.
480.
481.
482,
483.
484,

485.
486.
487.
488.
489.

SYSTEMATIC

PAGE
Dilophus carunculatus, Gm. 421, 845
Lamprotornis mevesii, Wahlb.
423, 846
af purpureus, Bocage 423
3 australis,Smith 424, 846
a pheenicopterus, Swains.
425, 846
of sycobins, Peters 426, 846
+ acuticaudus, Bocage 427
* nitens (L.) 427
+ melanogaster, Swains.
428
Pholidauges verreauxii, Bocage

428, 846
Spreo bicolor (Gm.) . . 429, 846
Amydrus caffer (L.) . 430, 846
= morio (L.) . . 431, 846
Fam. Ploceide.
Sycobrotus bicolor (V-) . 432

Hyphanturgus olivaceus (Hahn)

433, 846
Hyphantornis ocularius (Smith) 435
as cincta, Cass. . 436
a nigriceps, Layard 436
- spilonotus, Vig.
437, 847
“A temporalis, Bocage
438, 847
a subaureus, Smith 438
iy xanthops, Hartl 438
* yitellinus (Licht.)
439, 847
“i velatus (V.) . 439, 847
5 cabanisi, Peters 442
a nigrifrons, Cab.
442, 847
m capitalis (Lath.) 442
- intermedia (Rupp.) 443
s xanthopterus, F. and H.
443
7 superciliosus, Shelley
847
Sharpia angolensis, Bocage 443
» ayresii, Shelley, 847

Malimbus rubriceps (Sundey.)

444, 847
Textor erythrorhynchus, Smith 445
Plocepasser mahali, Smith . 447, 848
Amblyospiza albifrons ( Vig.) 449, B48
Philoeteerus socius (Lath.) . 449, 848
Sporopipes squamifrons, (Smith)

451, 848

Vidua verreauxi, Cass. - 452, 848

» regia (L.) . . 453, 848

» principalis (L.) . 453, 848

», ardens (Bodd.) . . 455, 849

Spermestes cucullata, Swains. 456

= rufodorsalis, Peters 456
Ortygospiza polyzona (‘lemm.)

457, 849

Hypochera ultramarina (Gm.) = 457

Quelea quelea CL.) - : 458

Chera progne (Bodd.) . . 458, 849

Penthetria albonotata (Cass.) 460

5 axillaris (Smith) 461, 849

LIST

490.
491,
492,
493,
494.
495.
496.
497.
498.
499.
500,
501.
502,
503.
504.
505.
506.

507.
508.
509,
510,
511.
512.
513.

514.
515.
516,
517.
518.
519.
520,
521.
522,
523.
524;
525.
526.
527.
528,
529.
530,

531,
532.

533.
534.
535.

536.
537.
538.
539.
540,
541.
542,
543.

544,

OF THE
PAGE
Penthetria bocagei (Sharpe) 461
% hartlaubi, Bocage 461
Pyromelana oryx (L.) . - 462, 849
oy capensis (L.) . 463, 849
- taha (Smith) . 465
Foudia eminentissima (Bp.) 467
Amadina erythrocephala (L.) 467, 849
Pytelia melba(L.) 4 468
as hartlaubi (Biane.) . 469
Estrelda subilava (V.). . 469, 849
5 dufresnii (V.) ~ . 469, 849
“A incana, Sundey. . 470
ys astrild (L.) . 470, 849
7 guartinii, Bp. ° 470
Sy nitidula, Hartl . 472

os erythronota (V.) . 473
Ureginthus cyanogaster (Dand.)
473, 850

“5 granatinns (L.) 474, 850

Lagonosticta rubricata (Licht.) 475
Es jamesoni, Shelley 475
+ minima (V.) 476

Hypargus margaritatus (Strickl.) 476

5 niveiguttatus (Peters) 477

Alario alario (L.) . . 477
Fam. Fringillide.

Passer areuatus (Gm.) . 478, 850

» diffusus, Smith. . 480, 850

» mMotitensis, Smith 480

Petronia petronella (Licht.). 481, 850
Poliospiza gularis (Smith) . 482, 850
* tristriata (Riipp.) 482

” crocopygia, Sharpe 483
Crithagra angolensis (Gm,) . 484, 850
An ictera (V.) - 484, 850
flavyiventris(Shaw) 485
os albogularis(Smith) 485
5 sulfurata (L.) . 486
> chloropsis, Cab. 486
butyracea (L.) —. 487, 850
scotops, Sundey, . 487, 850
canicollis, Swains. . 488, 850
tottus(Gm.) . : 488

es »
Serinus
»

Fam. Emberizide.
Fringillaria capensis (L.) _. 489, 851
impetuani (Smith)

489, 851
+ tahapisi (Smith) 490, 851
= flaviventris (V.) 491, 851
- cabanisi, Reichen, 491

Fam. Alaudide.

Pyrrhulauda verticalis, Smith 492
a smithii, Bp. . 493, 851
* australis, Smith 493
Certhilanda capensis (Bodd.) 494
+ rutula (V.) - 496, 851
Alzmon semitorquata (Smith) 499, 851
nf nivosa (Swains.) . 501, 851

Heterocorys breviunguis (Sundey.)
503

”

Ammomanes ferruginea (Lafresn.)
504

545,

546.
547.

548.

549.

550.

551.
552,
553.
554,
555.
556.
557.
558.
559.
560.

561.
562.
563.
564,
565.
566.
567.
568.
569.
570.
571.
572,
573.
574.
575.
576.
577.
578.
579,
580.

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

PAGE
Ammomanes erythrochlamys (Strickl.)
506

” grayi (Wahlb.) 507

Spizocorys conirostris (Sundeyv.) 508
Tephrocorys cinerea (Gm.) . 511, 851

Calendula crassirostris (V.) 513

Mirafra angolensis, Bocage . 851

» apiata (Gm.) . 515, 851

» Yufipilea (V.) . 517

» africana, Smith . 519, 851

» damarensis, Sharpe 522

» africanoides (Smith) 523

» neevia (Strickl.) . 524, 852

x, sabota, Smith . 526

» fringillaris (Sundey.) 527

» cCheniana, Smith . 528, 852

» ligricans (Sundey.) 530
Fam. Motacillide,

Macronyx capensis (L.) . 530

* striolatus, Heugl. 532

a amelie, De Tarr. 533, 852

Anthus campestris, Bechst. . 533

» caffer, Sund. . 534, 852

Anthus pallescens, Bocage . 536

» Nicholsoni, Sharpe . 536

x» pyrrhonotus (V.) 537

» brachyurus, Sundey. 539, 852

» lineiventris, Sundev, 540, 852

» chloris, Licht. 541

» crenatus, F. and H. 543

trivialis ( L.) 852

Motacilla longicauda, Riipp. 544

» vidua, Sundey. . 545, 853

capensis, L. . . 547, 858

Budytes flava (L.) . 550, 853

» _Viridis (Scop.) 3 853

»» Mmelanocephala (Licht.) 551

» campestris, Pall. 551

Order COLUMB.E.
Fam. Columbide.

Sub-fam. Treroninz.

. Treron calva, Temm. . 557

», Wakefieldii, Sharpe . 557

» delalandii, Bp. 5 558
Sub-fam. Columbine.

Columba phzonota, Gray . 559, 854

. Palumbus arquatrix (Temm. ) 561

Turturcena delegorguei (Deleg.) 563

Haplopelia larvata (Temm.) 564

. Turtur erythrocephalus, Gray 565
» Semitorquatus, Rupp. 566

» decipiens, F. and H. 567

» capicola, Sundev. 567

- 4, Senegalensis (L.) . 568, 854
. Chaleopelia afra (L.) . 570

. Tympanistria tympanistria (Temm.)

571

. G£na capensis (L.) . 572, 854
Fam, Pteroclide.

. Pterocles namaqua,Gm._—_. 574, 854

Xxill

PAGE
597. Pterocles bicinctus, Temm. . 575, 854
598. op gutturalis, Smith, 577
599: " variegatus, Burch. 578

Order GALLINE.
Fam. Phasianide.
600. Numida coronata, Hartl. . 581, 854
601. $ verreauxi, Elliot 585
602. 5 cristata, Pall. 586
603. rs pucherani, Hartl. . 586
Fam. Perdicide.
604, Pternistes swainsoni (Smith) 587
605. ry rubricollis (Gm.) . 589
606. * humboldti( Peters) 589
607. rf nudicollis (Lath.) 589
608. Francolinus adspersus, Waterh. 590
609. es clamator, Temm. 591, 854
610. cs natalensis, Smith 592
611. - pileatus, Smith 593
612. A granti, Hartl. . 594
613. ch afer (Miull.), . 595, 854
614, cf leyaillantii, Temm. 596
615. FA finschii, Bocage 598
616. ” gariepensis, Smith 599
617. rf subtorquatus, Smith 600
618. An schlegeli, Heugl. 602
619. a hartlaubi, Bocage 602
620. Coturnix coturnix (L.) . 603, 854
621. 7 delegorguei ( Deleg.) 605
622. adansonii, Verr. . 606
Fam. Turnicide.

623. Turnix hottentota (Temm.) 607
624. ,, lepurana (Smith) 608
Order GERANOMORPHE.

Fam. Rallide.
625. Rallus cxrulescens, Gm. 610
626. ,, aquaticus,L. . F 610
627. Crex crex(L.) . < 5 611
628. ,, egregia (Peters) . 612
629. ,, marginalis (Hartl.) 612
630. Porzana porzana (L.) . 5 613
GAL eee Pbaalloni(\VAien ae 614
632. Corethrura pulchra (Gray 615
633. 5 dimidiata (Temm.) 615
634. oo ruficollis, Gray . 616
635. Coturnicops ayresii, Gurney 616
636. Lymnocorax niger (Licht.) . 618
637. Porphyrio smaragdonotus, Temm. 619
638, re alleni ee: 621
639. Fulica cristata, Gm. . 621
640. Gallinula chloropus, L. 5 623
641. ns angulata, Sund. . 624
Fam. Heliornithidz.
642. Podica petersi, Hartl. . = 625
Fam. Gruide.
643. Grus carunculata, Gm. 626
644. Anthropoides paradisea (Licht. ) &8

645. Balearica chrysopelargus (Licht.) 629

XXIV SYSTEMATIC LIST OF THE
PAGE PAGE
Fam. Otide. 699. Tringoides hypoleucus (L.) . 686
: . it 700, Totanus canescens, Gm. 687
Pe eee 632 | 01. , __ealidris, Bechst. 688
647. ,, caffra, Licht. 634 | $ ° f au
648. ,, ludwigii, Riipp. - 686,064. | OR (i ee 689
649. Otis scolopacea,Temm. . 687, 854 | 703.» =. OGaropiiny . 689
650. ,, cerulescens, V. 638 | 20% » Staynatilis, Bechst. ‘ 690
651. ,, senegalensis, V. 639 705. glareola, I. 690
652. ” ruficrista, Smith . . 639, 954 | 106- Terekia cinerea, Giildenst. 691
653. ,, melanogaster, nae 642, a5 | 20% Numenius arcuatus (L.) cae
654. ,, afra,Gm. . 3 642 | 708. ” phaopus (L.) 693
655. ,, afroides, Smith . 642, 855 2 .
656. ” rueppelli, Wahlb.. ” 643 Ranh dress
709. Dromas ardeola, Payk. 694
Order LIMICOL. Order GAVLE
Fam. Gidicnemidx. Fam. Laride.
ag Gidicnemus pee Beas a 710, Stercorarius pomatorhinus (Temm.)
” S 695
659. “" vermiculatus, Cab. 647 | 77), ° crepidatus (Banks) 695
Fam. Parride. 712. +, antarcticus (Less.) 696
Q Str ees | 713. Larus dominicanus, Licht. . 697
660. Parra africana, Gm. . 648 | 714. ,, hartlaubi, Bruch 698
661. ,, capensis, Smith . 649 | 715. ,, phaocephalus, Swains. 698
, . 716. Hydrochelidon hybrida (Pall.) 699
Fam. Glareolide. 717. leucoptera (M. & S,) 700
662. Glareola melanoptera, Nordm. 718. Sterna. fluviatilis, Naum. 701
F ee 650,855 | 719. ,, macrura, Naum, 701
63. » _ pratincola, : 652 | 720. ,, dougalli, Mont. 702
664. Cursorius rufus, Gould. 653, 855 | 721. y, cantiaca. Gm. . . 702
665. “0 senegalensis, Licht. 654, 855 | 722. caspia, allen - 703
666. i bicinctus, Temm. . 654, 855 | 723. ,, _ bergii, Licht. . . 704
667. a bisignatus, Hartl. 655 | 724. ,, minuta, L. 705
668. » cinctus, Heugl. 656 | 725. balenarum, Strickl. 705
669. A chalcopterus, Temm. 656 | 726, Anous stolidus (L.) . . 706
ue ene ee = : be 727. Rhynchops flavirostris, Swains. 706
quatarola helvetica : 65
672. Aigialitis cantiana (Lath. Nae 659 Order HERODIONES.
673. AN marginata (V.) 659 7
674. 3 hiaticula (L.) 660 Fam. Ardeide.
LN » mater (Ménétr:) at | 728. Ardea goliath, Temm. 707
; ; : F
677. tricollaris (V-) 662 | er ‘ esis Gi Vi & Childr
678. geoffroyi (Wagl.) . 664 on 709
679. Endromias asiaticus (Pall.) . 665,855 | ~
680. Lobivanellus senegalus (L.) 666, 855 | ey By es ina a a i a
681. ee albiceps, Gould 667, 855 | 733. si rufiventris, Hey 713
682, Hoplopterus speciosus (Wagl.) 667 | 734. Herodias alba (L.) 714
683. crassirostris, De Fil. 669 735, aoe eilia (Wagl. ) 714
684, Chettusia melanoptera, Rupp. 669 | 736 yy garzetta (L.) 716
685. x coronata (Temm.) 670, 855 | 737° Bibalens ibis (L:) ; 717
686. Strepsilas interpres (L.) 671 | 738. Ardeola comata (Pall.) f 718
687, Hamatopus capensis, Licht. 672 | 739° Butorides atricapilla (Afsel.) 719
Fam. Scolopacide. i Botaurus pairs we a
688. Recurvirostra avocetta (L.) . 673 749. a serps (L.) . 722
689. Himantopus candidus, Bonn, 675 | 743, Nycticorax griseus (L.) 724
A Gallinago rae : me 744, if leuconotus (W: agi. ) 724
: , major (Gm . 745. Scopus umbretta, Gm. 5 725
692. Rhy mnchiea capensis (L. ) . 679, 855 ; at 1 id
693. Tringa minuta, Leis]. 681 Fam. Balwnicipitide.
694, », bairdii, Coues . 682 | 746. Balaniceps rex, Gould é 727
695, », subarcuata, Giildenst. 682 F Ciconiid
696. ,, canutus (L.) 683 am. Ciconlide.
697. Calidris arenaria (L.) . 3 684 | 747, Ciconia alba, L. . 728
698, Machetes pugnax (L.) ql 685 | 748. ,, nigra, L.. 729

rr >

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. XXV

PAGE
749, Ciconia abdimii, Licht. 730
750 + episcopus (Bodd.) 731
751. Mycteria senegalensis, Shaw 731
752, Anastomus lameligerus, Temm. 732
753. Leptoptilus crumenifer (Cuv.) 734
754, Pseudotantalus ibis (L.) 735
Fam. Plataleide.
755. Ibis ethiopica, Lath. . 736
756. Geronticus calyus (Bodd.) 738
757. Hagedashia hagedash (Lath.) 739
758. Falcinellus falcinellus (L.) . 741
759. Platalea tenuirostris, Temm. 742
Fam. Pheenicopteride.

760. Pheenicopterus erythreeus, Verr. 745
761. tn minor, Geoffr. 744
Order ANSERES.

Fam. Anatide.

762. Plectropterus gambensis, L. 746
763. Chenalopex egyptiaca (L.) 747
764, Nettapus auritus (Bodd.) 750
765. Dendrocygna viduata (L.) 751
766. Sarcidiornis africana, Eyton 752
767. Casarca cana (Gmel.) . 753
768. Poecilonetta erythrorhyncha (Gm. ) 754
769. Anas xanthorhyncha, Forst. 755
770. 4, sparsa, Smith . 756
771. Querquedula hottentotta, Smith 757
772. capensis (Gm.) 758
773. Chanlelasmus streperus (L.) 759
774, Spatula capensis (Smith) 759
775. Aythyia capensis (Cuyv.) 760
776. Thalassornisleuconota, Smith 761
777. Erismatura maccoa (Smith) . 762
Fam. Procellariide.

778. Oceanitis oceanica (Kuhl) 763
TEE > tropica (Gould) 764
780. s leucogaster (Gould) 764
781. Procellaria pelagica, L. 765
782. Ossifraga gigantea (Gm.) . 765
783. Majaqueus eequinoctialis (L.) 766
784, Cistrelata mollis (Gould) 766
785. + macroptera (Smith) 766
786, Thalassceca tenuirostris tbe ) 767
787, Daption capensis (L.) . 767

788.
789.
790.
791,
792.
793.
794.
795.
796.

810.
811.

812.

Halobeena cerulea (Gm.)
Prion vittatus (Gm.)

» desolatus (Gm.) .
Puffinus griseus (Gm.)
Diomedea exulans, L. . A

1" melanophrys, Gm.
rc chlororhyncha,Gm.
- culminata, Gould .
Fe fuliginosa, Gm.

Order STEGANOPODES.
Fam. Phaetontidze.

. Phaeton rubricauda (Bodd.) .

Fam, Pelecanidz.

. Sula capensis, Licht. :
. Pelecanus mitratus, Licht. .

4p rufescens, Gm.

Fam. Phalacrocoracide.

. Phalacrocorax carbo (L.)

am lucidus, Licht.
neglectus, Wahlb.

. Phalacrocorax capensis (Sparrm.)

africanus (Gm.)
Fam. Plotide.

. Plotus levaillantii, Licht.

Order PYGOPODES.
Fam. Podicipitide.

. Podiceps cristatus, L. .

im nigricollis, Sund. .
minor, L.

Order IMPENNES.

Fam. Spheniscide.

Spheniscus demersus, L.
Eudyptes chrysolophus, Brandt

Sub-class Ratite.

Fam. Struthionide.
Struthio australis, Gurney .

791

Page

ERRATA.

89, line 19, for ““ Pumbamba” read ** Lumbamba.”

291,
551,
565,
566,
587,
606,
645,
705,
789,

793, ,

”
”

35,
ll,
30,
say
8,

27,

“specimen ”’ read “ species.”

“(Ball)” read “ (Pall.).””

“ Rufus-headed ” read * Rufous-headed.””

“ Turtus”’ read “ Turtur.”

“ Pernistes ” read “ Pternistes.”

“ adamsoni” read “ adansoni.”’

“Pam. Charadriide” read ‘* Fam. ¢ Edlicnemide.”’
« Anoys ” read * Anous.”

“ demursus ” read “ demersus.”

“ Fielden ” read “ Feilden.”

LIST OF PLATHS.

I. Baza verreauxi. VI. Nectarinia talatala.

II. Falco biarmicus. VIIL Drymeeca flavicans.
III. Carine capensis. IX, fig. 1. Hirundo semirufa.
IV, fig. 1. Merops bullockoides. ie, Cs 5 atrocerulea.
ee; 2: FA nubicoides. X, fig. 1. Batis molitor.

V, fig. 1. Ceuthmochares australis. | » » 2and3. Batis pririt.
peas Ds % aereus. | XI. Laniarius quadricolor,

VI. Cheetops aurantius. XII. Podica petersi.

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

ORDER ACCIPITRES.
SUB-ORDER FALCONES.
Fam. VULTURIDZ.

1. Gyps KOLBII. South African Griffon Vulture.
Gyps fulvus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 6 (1867).

This Vulture is now recognized as distinct from the ordinary
Griffon of Europe, and when seen alive by the side of that bird is at
once recognisable by its general paler coloration when adult, and
uniform under surface. Although pretty generally distributed
through the colony, it appears to become rarer towards Damara Land,
as Mr. Andersson writes that it is only sparingly found there. “I
have only observed it,” he says, ‘‘in the vicinity of the sea, above
Oosop rocks, on the lower course of the Swakop River.” Farther
north on the west coast it is not known to occur, as Sefor Anchieta,
who is travelling from the northward into Damara Land, has not yet
succeeded in finding it. On the eastern coast, however, it is much
morecommon. Mr. Rickard notices it from Port Elizabeth and East
London, and it is plentiful in Natal according to Mr. Ayres. The
latter gentleman found it very numerous during his journey from
Potchefstroom to the Iimpopo River, and it is doubtless this species
which was met with in the Zambesi delta during November and
December, by Dr. Kirk (cf. Ibis, 1864, p. 314). During his journey
through the Matabili country Mr. T. EH. Buckley says it was not a
very common species.

The present bird is one of the typical South African species, being,
as far as we know its range, confined to the limits adopted for the
present work. Its nearest ally is G. himalayensis of Hume from the

B

2 j BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Himalayas and Turkestan. Beyond the next species to be considered,
it is probably the only Griffon Vulture found in South Africa, for it
is unlikely that the specimen of the true Gyps fulvus in the British
Museum, which was purchased from Leadbeater, did really come from
the Cape of Good Hope, as it was said to have done.

The Griffon Vulture is found throughout the Colony and Natal, and
still lingers even in the neighbourhood of Cape Town. They breed
in the most inaccessible precipices, depositing a few sticks in some
hollow of the rock, on which they lay one egg, which is of a dirty
white, more or less blotched and speckled with very light brown,
particularly at the obtuse end. Axis, 3’’ 9’’’; diam. 2” 10”;
weight 9:03. It is usually laid in June.

Mr. Henry Buckley, who has kindly furnished much interesting
matter to this work, writes as follows :—* My eggs were taken at
Nel’s Poort, June, 1868. They vary from3°72 x 2 75 to 3°62 x 2°58.
They are white in colour, with faint brown spots and streaks, which
however may be only nest stains.”

At Nel’s Poort* is a breeding place of these birds. It is situated
half way up a vast accessible precipice, and is their constant resort
at all times of the year, It is frequented by great numbers of birds,
and their dung whitens the cliff to such an extent, that the spot is
visible many miles off. They have bred in this place from time im-
memorial, and from it they range over the surrounding country. On
killing a springbuck or any animal, it is curious to see how they come
trooping in a lengthened string from this place to their anticipated
banquet. Though not one may be visible when the shot is fired, in
seven or eight minutes hundreds will be gliding to the spot.

The Chumie Banner has the following :—“ We are informed by Mr.
M’ Alister of the Bontebok Flats, that a little while ago he was sur-
prised by ‘ Aasvogels’ making an attack on his flock of sheep.
Two persons were on the spot trying to stop these avaricious birds,
but in vain. It was not until Mr. M’Alister arrived that they were
made to leave their prey, after killing and devouring two full-grown
sheep. They even attacked two herds with daring courage, caring
for nothing.” The editor has also been informed of an attack made
by Vultures on a flock of sheep near Colesberg, and that it really was
a Griffon, and no Hagle which was the robber. Specimens are

* For an account of a successful raid on the Vultures “ Krantz” in the Nel’s
Poort Mountains, see Ids, 1869, p. 68.

GYPS RUEPPELLI. 3

promised fcr the national collection, so that the species will doubt-
less soon be identified.

General cclour fulyous ; head and neck covered with short dirty
whitish hairs; lower part of cervix bare and bluish; lower part of
throat and middle of breast covered with short grey-brown feathers :
whitish down on the rest of throat, sides of neck and upper part of
cervix ; a ruff of short white feathers on the back and lower part of
neck; wing and tail feathers very dark-brown. Length, 3’ 9”;
wing, 2’ 4”; tail, 12”.

Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. pl. 1.

2. Gyps RUEPPELLI. Riippell’s Griffon Vulture.
Gyps vulgaris, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 7 (1867).

Mr. Jules Verreaux informs us that this Vulture is only found acci-
dentally to the south of the Orange River, its head-quarters being
to the northward. It is, however, undoubtedly a rare species in
Southern Africa. The Norwich Museum contains a specimen from
this locality, besides the example procured by Mr. Ayres in Natal.
The late Mr. Andersson collected a single one shot at Ondonga, and
these notices seem to include all the occurrences of Riippell’s Griffon
Vulture within the region of which this work treats.

The following description is from the British Museum ‘ Catalogue.’

Nearly adult. Down on head golden yellow ; ruff yellowish white ;
interscapular and scapular feathers dark brown, with a conspicuous
crescentic edging of fulvous white; wing-coverts creamy white, the
brown bases showing plainly on the median and greater series, the
latter conspicuously tipped with creamy white, as also are the inner
secondaries ; quills black, primaries washed with chocolate-brown ;

lower back and rump dark brown, narrowly edged with creamy
white, the upper tail-coverts more broadly; tail black, shghtly
shaded with chocolate-brown; crop-patch deep chocolate-brown ;
under surface dull creamy buff, some of the flank-feathers showing
the brown bases; under wing-coverts dark brown, with cream-
coloured tips ; bill black ; cere black ; feet black ; iris nearly black.*
Total length about 40 inches, culmen 3:8, wing 25:5, tail 11, tarsus
about 4°7, middle toe 5:3.
Fig. Cretzschm. in Riippell’s Atlas, taf. 32.
* The iris varies much in colour, perhaps according to age. Cf. Guriey, Jb’s,

1860, p. 207.
B 2

4 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

3. OroGyrs AURICULARIS. Eared Vulture.

The Black Vulture is generally distributed, but is not seen in such
large flocks as the Griffon, from which it keeps aloof, sailing round
in enormous circles, at a great altitude. It usually hunts in pairs,
and seems to have dominion over the common species.

Le Vaillant states that the eggs are white; but those which we
have obtained from the Frenchhock mountains, about 50 miles from
Cape Town, are of a dirty white ground, profusely blotched and
speckled with deep red-brown (dried-blood colour), especially at the
obtuse end, where the blotches become confluent. Axis, 3” 9;
diam., 2” 9", weight 9 oz. Another specimen is nearly spotless,
and throughout of a dirty white. In the Zwartberg mountains this
species builds on dense; flat-topped bushes, forming a vast accumu
lation of sticks, so closely matted together that a single nest will
hold and sustain the weight of several men. This is resorted to for
several years, until the lice and insects generated in the mass be-
come unbearable to the parent birds. I have never heard of more
than one egg ina nest. ItlaysinJune. Mr. Atmore says the young
remain in the nest nearly a year.

Mr. Andersson states that it is the ‘commonest species of Vulture
in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and is also found in all the
parts bordering those countries.’ Mr. Ayres likewise records it as
inhabiting Natal, where however it is more wary and difficult to
procure than the Griffon. He has also found it breeding in Trans-
vaal. It extends as far as the Zambesi, being noticed by Dr. Kirk
in that district, although no specimens were preserved by him.

Mr. Buckley writes :—“ An egg in my collection measures 3°48 x
2°76 inches. In colour it is dirty white marked all over with small
reddish-brown marks, which become more numerous, larger and more
defined at the smaller end. This egg was taken about June 1870, in
the Salt River Vley, within fifty miles of the Nieuwveldt Mountains,
from a nest which was placed at the top of a mimosa tree. The
bird only lays one egg.”

The Eared Vulture of North-eastern Africa is supposed to be a
different species from that inhabiting the Cape, and Mr. Gurney has
the following remarks in his excellent catalogue of the birds of prey
in the Norwich Museum :—“ Many of the specimens of this Vulture,
killed in South Africa, are found to be destitute of the peculiar fold

LOPHOGYPS OCCIPITALIS,. 5

of the skin on the sides of the neck, which produces the ear-like
flaps that give to this Vulture its specific name; and north of the
equator, the great majority of examples seem to be destitute of this
appendage. Some observers have even stated that this peculiar fold
of the skin is never found in the more northern specimens of this
bird, and many naturalists have therefore considered that these more
northerly specimens in reality belong to a distinct species, which has
received the name of Vultur nubicus (Smith). I have not as yet
adopted this distinction, considering that further observation is in-
dispensable before the question can be considered as satisfactorily
determined; and I may also observe that the Abyssinian specimen in
the Norwich Museum certainly shows traces of the folds in question
on the sides of the neck.” In the British Museum are three birds
from Shoa, obtained by Sir W. C. Harris, which have also slight ear-
lappets, but decidedly less developed than in the South African bird,
Dr. A. Brehm has recently insisted (J. f. O. 1872, p. 71.) on the
northern and southern birds being considered distinct species.

General colour above, brown; head and neck bare ; upper part of
breast covered with short brown feathers, surrounded by a ring
of white down; feathers of abdomen elongated, dark-brown in the
centre, light-brown at the edges; thighs covered with thick white
down. Length, 4’; wing, 2’ 7”; tail, 13”,

Fig. Temm. Pl, Col. 426,

4, LopHoGyYrs occIPrTaLis. White-headed Vulture.
Vultur occipitalis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 5 (1867).

This Vulture was first discovered in South Africa by Dr. Burchell
on the Makwarin River. We received two specimens from the late
Mr. R. Moffat, jr., which were killed at Kuruman, where Mr. James
Chapman tells us they are plentiful, and that their habits assimilate
to those of the common Vulture. It is possible that the late Mr.
Chapman, who was more of a sportsman than a naturalist, has made
a mistake in the above identification, as his remarks are somewhat at
variance with those of other observers. It hardly appears to come
within the boundaries of this colony, and in Natal Mr. Ayres says it
is much rarer than the other Vultures, ‘only going in pairs, and
generally coming to feed when the other kinds of Vultures are not
present.’ Dr, Kirk mentions this species as having been doubtfully

6 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

identified on the Zambesi, but no specimens were preserved by him
or by Dr. Dickerson. Mr. Andersson obtained it in Great Namaqua
Land and also near the Seeo-Kaama Hill, §.W. of Lake Ngami. It
is further known from north-eastern Africa and Senegambia.

General colour above, blackish brown ; thighs, under part of body,
and neck white ; quill feathers of wing and tail black; bare part of
neck, space round eyes, and base of bill white; bill and feet flesh-
coloured. Top of head covered with white down in the adult and
brown in the immature plumage, which at the back is elongated and
reversed. Length, 3’; wing, 1’ 11”; tail, 9”.

Fig. Temm. Pl, Col. 13.

5, NEoPHRON PERCNOPTERUS. Egyptian Vulture.

At this end of the Cape Colony this is decidedly a scarce species ;
but few specimens:have reached our hands. We saw a single bird
feeding on a dead horse, off which it drove three hungry white- necked
Crows not far from the Paarl. It is very abundant at the Cape de
Verde Islands, breeding in the rocky precipices in St. Vincent’s, at
the back of the town, off which the steamers lie to coal. We ascended
to their nests, which were vast masses of sticks ; but were, we believe,
too late (December) for theireggs. Mr. Atmore has found it breeding
about Swellendam, and Mr. A. F. Ortlepp near Colesberg. The
latter gentleman writes that beneath the nest he found ‘‘ vast num-
bers of the crania of small Rodents.”

A couple of magnificent eggs were sent to me from the neigh-
bourhood of Hopefield in the Malmesbury Division, taken from a nest
in a krantz, which is said to be tenanted yearly by a pair of these
birds. Mr. Rickard has procured the species at East London, and
informs us that it is also said to frequent a krantz on the Buffalo
river where Gyps kolbi breeds.

Mr. Andersson records it as “ not uncommon in Damara Land and
Great Namaqua Land and the parts adjacent, more especially in the
neighbourhood of the coast.”” The Leiden Museum also possesses an
example from Benguela. On the eastern part of South Africa it is
decidedly a scarce species, being very rare in Natal according to Mr.
Ayres, and in the Zambesi district it was only once observed in the
mountains to the South of Nyassa by Dr. Kirk, who says :—“ It is
a rare bird and was nowhere else obtained.” Mr. T, E. Buckley
found it rare in the Matabili country.

SS ee ——

NEOPHRON PILEATUS. 7

Mr. Henry Buckley sends the following note :— My eggs vary
from 8:04x1:98 to 2°431°88 inches. They differ much in size and
shape, but are usually a broad oval. They vary much in colour, from
dirty white with faint markings of brown to others richly coloured
all over with reddish brown, and frequently splashed with darker
markings of the same colour. (I haveno South African specimens.)”

General colour dirty white; feathers of nape narrow, elongated,
and pointed; quill feathers of wings black; secondaries greyish
black ; tail white ; bill long, slender, horn-coloured at the tip, yellow
at the base; space round the eyes, cheeks, ears, chin, and part of
throat bare and yellow. Length, 2’ 3”; wing, 1’ 10”; tail, 1’ 11”.
The young bird is wholly of a dirty dark-brown.

Fig. Gould, Birds of Eur. Pl. 3.

6. NEOPHRON PILEATUS, Hooded Vulture.

We have not ourselves met with this species, but have been in-
formed that there are two Vultures of this genus inhabiting the coun-
try North of the Orange River and Damara Land. One of them is
the common N. percnopterus; the other probably the present species.
Mr. Andersson says it is not common in Damara Land, but becomes
more numerous as one approaches the Orange River. Mr. Ayres
states that he has seen but few in Natal, but it is more plentiful
towards the Zambesi, for Dr. Kirk writes :—“* The common Vulture,
called ‘ Deze,’ of which no specimen was prepared, is universal ; it is

a Neophron, resembling the common brown Vulture at the Cape.”

It must be remarked that the Hooded Vulture of the countries
north of the Equator is always a much smaller bird, although this is
usually the case when Cape species occur in northern or western
Africa. The Vulture from the latter parts shows the feathers of the
hind neck ascending towards the nape, which has been made its claim
to specific distinctness in a catalogue of the Birds of Prey in the
British Museum, recently published by the editor.

Plumage brown, variegated with fulvous on the thighs; tarsi
black ; top of head, cheeks, and front of neck entirely bare ; lower
part of neck and posterior portion, almost to the hind-head, covered
with a close greyish down. Length, 2’ 2”; wing, 19”; tail, 7”.

8 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Fam. FALCONIDZ.
Sub-fam. POLYBORINZ.

7. SERPENTARIUS SECRETARIUS. Secretary Bird.
Serpentarius reptilivorus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 33 (1867).

This bird is widely distributed all over South Africa, and is met
with throughout the Cape Colony. Victorin found it from March to
September at the Knysna. Mr. Rickard informs us that it is found
both near Port Elizabeth and East London. Mr. Ayres has met
with it in Natal, where, however, he says it is rare near D’Urban ;
and more recently he has procured it in the Transvaal territory.
Mr. T. E. Buckley observes :—“ I only met with this bird on two or
three occasions in the Transvaal, and I saw one pair on the Lim-
popo.” Respecting its distribution in the Zambesi country Dr. Kirk
writes as follows —“ Not observed on the lower Zambesi, nor in the
vicinity of the Nyassa. One specimen alone was seen on the plain
between the Zambesi and Batoka hills, about the confluence of the
Kafne. By the natives it is respected from the nature of its food,
and from its killing snakes.”

The late Mr. Andersson records the Secretary Bird as “found
sparingly in Great Namaqua and Damara Land, and on the plains of
Ondonga in the Ovampo Country ; it also occurs about Lake Ngami.”
It has recently been procured still further to the northward on the
west coast, for the Lisbon Museum has received two examples, one
from Huilla in the Mossamedes district, collected by Sehor Anchieta,
and another from Benguela procured by Seftor Freitas Branco.

When a pair establish themselves in any locality, they speedily
drive out all others of the same kind, and will breed in the same nest
for along period. The latter is a huge structure, added to yearly,
placed sometimes in a low bush, sometimes in a thick thorny mimosa.
We are told they never lay more than two eggs, which are of a dirty
dull white, profusely dotted with light, brownish-red blotches at the
obtuse end, and sparsely over the whole shell: axis, 3” 1”;
diam., 2” 4’”. The young utter a guttural, rattling cry, precisely
resembling the call of the Stanley Crane. They are a long while ere
they can walk,.as their legs seem unable to support the weight of
their bodies, and snap with the least exertion. One which we were

POLYBOROIDES TYPICUS. ‘9

rearing for the Acclimatization Societies of Melbourne and Sydney
trod in a small wooden bowl sunk in the ground, and instantly fell,
breaking his leg* and wing. We spliced them both, but he died in
ten days. We are informed that the texture of the nest is so loose,

that the legs of the young hang through the interstices until they

acquire sufficient strength to be bent under them, but this we have
not found to be the case. [Mr. Atmore writes, “ I have seen several
encounters between the Secretary Bird and snakes. If the snake
bites a feather the bird pulls it out immediately. On one occasion I
saw one leave off fighting and run to a pool of water, where he sud-
denly fell down and died: on examining him I found the snake had
drawn blood from the point of the pinion. They eat everything,
rats, lizards, locusts, snakes, tortoises, etc.’ 2") Mr. H. Jackson says
they sometimes lay three eggs, and that the nest is firmly built and
lined with hair and wool.

Mr. Henry Buckley says that the eggs in his collection vary from
3°07 x 2°23 inches to 3 x 2°38, are pear-shaped and of a dirty white
colour.

Head, neck, breast, and mantle greyish-blue, slightly shaded with
reddish-brown on the wing-coverts. Larger quills black. Throat
white; under part of tail white, tinged with russet. Thighs black,
tinted brown. Tail-feathers very long, black at the base, then paling
into grey, and tipped with white; two long central tail-feathers
bluish-grey, tipped with black and white. Crest of ten feathers
arranged in pairs, the lesser ones at the top black and grey, the others
black. Legs very long, toes short, claws blunt. Length, 48”;
wing, 27”; tail, 26”.

Fig. Vieill. & Oud. Gal. Ois. I. pl. 260.

Sub-fam. ACCIPITRIN A.

8. PoLyBoRomezs tyricus. Banded Gymnogene.

Specimens of this curious bird have been procured in various parts
of the colony—by Mr. Gird, at the Paarl; Mr. Cairncross, at
Swellendam ; and Mr. Atmore, in the George district. Mr. Chap-
man also found it in the interior. Mr. Gird observed his specimen
beating over a marsh abounding in snipe. The stomach of one we

* All who have tried to rear these birds notice this brittleness in their bones.

We have, since the above was written, lost several more from similar causes, and
have known them snap a leg if suddenly startled into a quick run !!

10 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

opened contained the remains of lizards. Mr. Gird’s bird was pro-
bably engaged in the pursuit of frogs. Itis found also near Grahams
Town.

Mr. Atmore writes :— Meiring’s Poort: Got a fine adult female
of P. typicus. She was full of frogs. This accounts for their sitting
so long on stumps, ete. by pools of water. They are very easily
procured ; not at all shy but scarce.”

Mr. Ayres has obtained the present species in Natal, and it was
met with on the Zambesi by the late Dr. Dickerson, who collected
two specimens there. Dr. Kirk, however, did not meet with it.
Andersson did not find the bird in Damara Land, but Sefor Anchieta
has sent to the Lisbon Museum a single example from Gambos in
the Mossamedes district.

Adult. General colour rusty pearl-grey, with a row of large black
spots from each shoulder; head crested, and with throat and chest
bluish. Flanks, thighs, belly, and vent profusely barred, black and
white ;* wing and tail feathers black, and tipped with white, the
latter with a broad white bar across the centre; bare space round
the eye, cere and legs light-yellow. Iris dark-brown. Length, 2’ 1”;
wing, 1’ 6”; tail, 12”.

Young. General colour brown, with rather paler margins to the
feathers, which are whitish at base; quills blackish brown; the
secondaries paler brown, like the back, the latter much mottled with
white near the base; all the quills barred across with dark brown ;
tail brown, tipped with fulvous, and crossed with five bars of darker
brown; head much crested, all the feathers fulvous at their base
and on their margins, brown in the centre, somewhat tinged with
rufous, especially on the sides of the crown and of the neck ; forehead
whitish, slightly streaked with dark brown ; afew feathers under the
eye and on fore part of cheeks black; throat and breast buffy white,
the feathers mesially streaked with dark brown and washed with
sandy rufous ; the lower breast sandy rufous, with fulvous tips; the
abdomen, thighs, and under tail-coverts barred with fulvous and
sandy rufous, the latter with dark brown ; under wing-coverts fulvous,
mottled with rufous or rufous brown; the lower ones brown at tips,
like under surface of wing. (Sharpe, Oat. B. I, p. 49.)

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 307.

* Mr. Gurney writes :—“It should be noted that these bars are narrower in
the old female (= P. maleazii of Verreaux) than in the male.”

CIRCUS MACRURUS,. 11

9. Cricus MACRURUS. Pallid Harrier.
Circus swainsonii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 34 (1867).

This Harrier has a wide range in South Africa, though doubtless
occurring, as Mr. Ayres states, only in our summer months, when it
arrives from the north, and makes South Africa its winter quarters.
Smith says he saw a few specimens near Cape Town, Natal, the
mouth of the Orange River, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Mr.
Jackson sends it from Nel’s Poort, and we have shot it near the
Observatory, Cape Town, in company with C.ranivorus. Dr. Ather-
stone also has procured it near Grahams Town. Our excellent
correspondent, Mr. Rickard, has also sent us word that he procured
one specimen near Hast London, and marks its occurrence near Port
Elizabeth as probable, but not yet thoroughly identified. Although
not recorded from Natal, Mr. Ayres has met with this Harrier in
the Transvaal territory, where, he says, it is seen “ only during the
summer months and then not plentifully. They skim quietly about
amongst the trees and houses of Potchefstroom.” On the west coast,
according to Mr. Andersson, it is “ migratory, appearing towards the
return of the rainy season in Damara and Great Namaqua Land.”

Its food consists of small quadrupeds, reptiles, birds, etc.; it
prefers a low damp locality.

“According to a note received from Mr. Henry Buckley, who
has Indian specimens in his collection, the eggs vary from 1°56
inch x 1:23 to 1:64 2: 3, and are bluish-white in colour.

The following Seppe are extracted from the editor’s ‘ Cata-
logue of Birds’

Adult male. nei pale ‘pluish grey, the crown and intersca-
pulary region very slightly darker; lores, a distinct eyebrow and
sides of face white, the ear coverts slightly streaked with ashy; under
surface of body white with a slight greyish shade on the facial ruff,
on the sides of the breast, and on the greater under wing-coverts ;
quills blackish brown, primaries externally washed with ashy grey, the
secondaries entirely of the latter colour and tipped with white ;
primaries white at base of inner web, the rest of the quills entirely
white underneath, the secondaries with a nearly obsolete greyish sub-
terminal band; upper tail-coverts white, barred across with ashy
grey; middle tail-feathers uniform ashy grey, the rest white with
seven or eight bars of ashy grey, all tipped with white, under surface
of tail entirely white, the bars less distinct. Bill black ; feet yellow ;

12 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

iris yellow. Total length 17:5 inches, culmen 1:15, wing 15-2,
tail 8°8, tarsus 2°65.

Adult female.—Above brown, the head and hind neck streaked
with tawny fulvous, with which most of the feathers of the upper
surface are margined and tipped, the small wing-coverts especially
broadly ; frontal feathers, a superciliary line as well as a spot below
the eye white ; cheeks and ear-coverts dark brown, very slightly
streaked with tawny; facial ruff dark brown, plainly streaked with
creamy buff; wings nearly uniform sepia-brown, tipped with buffy
white, primaries externally shaded with ashy grey ; primaries plainly,
secondaries obsoletely barred with darker brown, plainer underneath,
where the inner webs are creamy buff; upper tail-coverts white, barred
across or diamond-spotted with dark brown; tail pale tawny, crossed
with four broad blackish bars, the interspaces inchning to white on
the outer feathers, the black bars replaced by rufous on external
rectrix, the two centre feathers ashy brown, with six blackish brown
cross bars, the subterminal one broadest; under surface of body
creamy white, with broad longitudinal streaks of brown on chest,
becoming narrower and more rufous on lower breast and abdomen ;
under tail-coverts clearly rufescent ; under wing-coverts creamy buff,
with diamond-shaped spots and streaks of brown, the lower series
barred across with blackish ; axillaries brown, inclining to rufous, with
large oval spots of fulvous on both webs; cere greenish yellow;
bill horny black, gape dull greenish; feet yellow ; iris dark hazel.
Total length 20°5 inches, wing 14°7, tail 10°5, tarsus 2°9.

Young.—Brown, like the old female, but not so much variegated
above, with tawny margins to the feathers; under surface entirely
pale fawn-colour, the facial ruff of this same colour, and therefore
contrasting in marked prominence with the dark brown cheeks and
ear-coverts, the flank-feathers and axillaries with indistinct brown
central streaks; frontal feathers, superciliary streak, and spot under
the eye whitish ; upper tail-coverts white, spotted with pale rufous ;
tail much as in old female, but the dark bars only five in number.

Fig. Gould, B. Eur. i. pl. 34.

10. Circus pycaraus. Montagu’s Harrier.
Circus cinerascens, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 34 (1867).

Montagu’s Harrier is rare in South Africa. Mr. Atmore procured

a fine adult male at Swellendam, and we shot an adult female and a

CIRCUS MAURUS. 13

young bird near the Observatory at Cape Town, below which is a
marsh much frequented by Harriers of several descriptions. It has
also been procured at Tharfield, near the Kowie, by Mr. Holden .
Bowker.

It preys upon reptiles, mice, and small birds, remains of which
we found in the stomach of those procured. Mr. Atmore writes :
“ This fellow hunts his ground like a pointer, and drops suddenly on
its prey, which, from his minute inspection of fences, I suspect to be
mice.”

Concerning its appearance in the Damara country Mr. Gurney has
the following note :—‘I have seen specimens obtained by Mr. An-
dersson at Objimbinque in Damara Land and at Ondonga, Ovampo
Land.”

Adult Male. General colour of upper parts, neck, and breast light
bluish-grey ; the quill-feathers of the wings inclining to black; belly
and thighs white, the latter with the flanks longitudinally streaked
with bright rufous. Tail pearl-grey above, white beneath, the inner
webs obscurely barred. Two outermost feathers on each side barred
with rufous, which is deepest on the basal part of the feathers.
Trides, legs, and feet fine yellow. Length, 17”; wing 143’’; tail, 9”’.

Female and immature Male. General colour umber-brown above ;
below pale rufous-yellow, faintly streaked along the shaft of each
feather with a darker tint; collar round the neck rufous. Outer
tail-feathers white, the rest barred distinctly white and brown. A
young female shot by ourselves on the Cape Flats is very dark-brown
above, many of the feathers being edged with bright rufous ; below
bright rufous, streaked with black.

Fig. Gould, B. Hur. pl. 35.

11. Crrcus MAURUS. Black Harrier.

This bird has been more than once confounded with the black
variety of Montagu’s Harrier which not unfrequently occurs in
Europe, but this idea is erroneous, for it is a good species, distinct in
all its plumages.

Tt is not at all uncommon in the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
and it is also found about Grahams Town ;—indeed throughout the
Colony. Mr. Rickard tells us it is not very common near Port
Elizabeth but very plentiful at Hast London. Victorin procured it
both in the Karroo and at the Knysna. Although common enough

14 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

within the limits of its range, the latter is very restricted, for it is
not known either to inhabit Natal or the Transvaal, as far as the
researches of the indefatigable Mr. Ayres have shewn. It occurs as
far north as the Orange river, whence a specimen collected by M.
Jules Verreaux is to be found in the Leiden Museum. Andersson
says :—“ I have observed this bird in Little Namaqua Land, but am
not aware that it is an inhabitant of Damara or Great Namaqua Land.”

It is generally seen in pairs, beating the bushes for prey and quar-
tering the ground with the regularity of a pointer-dog. After a few
heavy flaps with its wings, it sails along with its pinions elevated,
swaying to and fro like a clock pendulum; suddenly it checks itself,
lets fall a leg, clutches up a cowering lark or unsuspecting gerboa,
and flies away with it to the nearest termite heap, on which it
perches and commences its repast. If accompanied by its mate, a
shrill stridulous cry soon brings it to its side, and the dainty morsel
is shared between them.

It breeds among reeds, making a thick heavy nest on any elevated
root that may lift it above the water. The eggs are usually whitish,
rather rough, and three or four in number; they are also often
mottled and clouded with reddish brown.

At the Berg river we found many nests in September; they were
always on the ground in the marshes, unlike C. ranivorus which bred
high up on the rushes. We found white and coloured eggs in the
same nest, and observed that when the birds laid again after we had
robbed the nest the eggs were always whiter than at the first laying.
In size they agreed with those of C. ranivorus.

Mr. Henry Buckley writes of the eggs of this Harrier :—“ They
vary from 1°38 x 1°34 inch to 1°57 x 1'5, and are of a bluish-white
colour, marked all over with small brown marks.”

General colour black, tinged with rufous; rump white; tail on
the upper side with four broad bars of grey, wliich below show white;
inside of wing more or less white, upper side grey; a few white
spots on the belly and flanks: cere of bill, legs, and irides bright
orange-yellow ; claws black. Length, 20’ ; wing, 13’’ 6” ; tail, 9” 9”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves. pl. 58.

12. Crrcus RANIVoRUS. South African Marsh-Harrier.

This is a resident bird and is at present not known to extend its
range beyond the limits of the South African subregion. It is not,

=

a 7

CIRCUS RANIVORUS. 15

however, found in the western portion, for Mr. Andersson says :—
“TJ do not recollect to have met with this Harrier in Damara or
Great Namaqua Land: specimens were collected in the Lake-country
by Mr. James Chapman.” It is nowhere very abundant in the
lower Zambesi country, according to Dr. Kirk, who observed it in
the Elephant Marsh on the Shiré River. Mr. Ayres has procured it
in Natal and Transvaal. He writes: —‘‘A nestling sent to me in
January was stated to have been taken in the swamp near Potchef-
stroom.” Mr. Rickard has procured it at Port Elizabeth and East
London, and throughout the whole colony it may be considered
plentiful, frequenting marshy places. It feeds chiefly on frogs and
small aquatic birds, and sometimes fish. The nest is built amongst
rushes, and is made with the stalks and heaped-up leaves of water-
plants. Eggs three or four, of’ a dull white: axis, 1/7 10'”’;
diam., 1/76”.

The marsh below the Observatory is a favourite breeding-place for
these birds, and several nests are annually made among the rushes.
We found it very abundant at Zoetendals Vley, and saw it even in the
dry Karroo country about Beaufort West.

At the Berg river it is very common, constructing a large nest of
flags and rushes on the bent down tops of the rushes which line the
river banks. On the 11th of September we took ten eggs all fresh
and unincubated; on returning to the nests a few days after we
again found many of them re-occupied. ;

Mr. Henry Buckley’s notes on the eggs are as follows :—“ They
vary from 1°76 x 1:42 inch, to 1-91 x 1°53, and are of a bluish-
white colour, faintly marked and stained with brown, which appear
chiefly nest stains.”

Adult.—All the upper parts of the body earthy-brown, that is, all
the visible parts of the feathers; the hidden parts are white on
either side of the quill. Throat and cheeks thinly sprinkled with
whitish feathers, with a brown band; lower parts clear-brown,
slightly mingled with white. On the legs rusty red feathers, edged
and spotted with white ; wings brown, with transverse white bars
on the under sides. Tail rufous-brown, and banded. Length, 19”;
wing, 15”; tail, 9”.

Young. SNe: throat, and anterior ‘eat of breast deep-brown ;
lower parts reddish-brown ; shoulders in two shades of brown. Fore
part of neck and breast white, or reddish-white ; wings deep-brown,

16 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

with pale tips. ail deep-brown, with pale bands and tip. Ivis

brown-yellow.
Fig. Levaill, Ois. d@ Afr. i. pl. 23.

13. Circus xRUGINOsUS. Marsh Harrier.

The Marsh Harrier of Europe has only recently been identified as
an inhabitant of South Africa, and is doubtless only an occasional
visitant. A single specimen was procured by Mr. Ayres at Potchef-
stroom in the Transvaal in December, 1869. On the western coast,
however, it has twice been procured by Senor Anchieta, at Huilla
and on the Rio Coroca in the Mossamedes district. I may add that
the late M. Jules Verreaux told us that it had occurred to him at
the Cape during his fifteen years sojourn there.

Young.—Nearly uniform chocolate brown, the feathers of the
upper surface washed with rufous on their margins ; the upper tail-
coyerts and under surface more decidedly rufous-brown ; crown of
head, throat, and cheeks more or less entirely creamy buff, the
feathers of the hinder neck, wing-coverts, and centre of breast often
showing margins of this colour, giving a streaked appearance and
indicating approaching adolescence; wings brown, the primaries
much darker ; tail uniform brown, very slightly mottled with rufous.

Adult male.x—Aboye dark brown, with slight remains of rufous
margins to the feathers of the upper surface, the least wing-coverts
buffy white with dark brown centres ; outer greater coverts, primary
coverts, and secondaries bluish-ashy, with very slight white tips; the
innermost secondaries brown, more or less washed with ashy-grey ;
primaries blackish-brown, much paler at the tips, creamy-white at
base of inner web, increasing in extent towards the secondaries,
which are entirely light-ashy below ; upper tail-coverts white, some-
what washed with grey and tinged with rufous; tail uniform bluish
ash-colour, paler and a little more fulvescent beneath ; entire head
and neck creamy-buff, streaked with dark brown, the interscapulary
region also slightly streaked; facial ruff indistinct, being coloured
like the rest of the head and neck; sides of face and throat white
with narrow streaks of dark brown, the hinder margin of ear-
coverts nearly uniform brown; under surface of body creamy buff,
the breast longitudinally streaked with brown; the abdomen and
thighs more decidedly rufescent, but appearing partially streaked by
reason of the fulyous margins to the feathers; under wing-coverts

MELIERAX CANORUS. . ai

and axillaries uniform buffy white, the latter with a narrow longi-
tudinal shaft-line of brown; cere greenish yellow; bill blackish ;
feet yellow; claws black; iris straw-yellow in adult male; dark
yellowish-brown in female and immature male. Total length 22-5
inches ; culmen 1°55; wing 16; tail 10; tarsus 3:4. (Sharpe, Cat.
B. i. p. 69.)

Adult female.—Slightly larger than male. Total length 23 inches ;
wing 17; tail 11; tarsus 3°8.

Fig. Gould, B. Great Brit. pt, xii.

14, MBuLinrax CANORUS. Chanting Goshawk.
Melicrax musicus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 31 (1867).

This is also aspecies whose range is at present confined within the
limits of this work. It is generally distributed over the colony, being
very abundant in the Karroo, but it does not occur in the Knysna
according to Victorin, nor have we received any notice from Mr.
Rickard of its capture near Hast London or the adjacent parts. Mr.
Atmore’s recent collections near Hland’s Post did not embrace an
example. Writing in 1868 Mr. Gurney observes:—* The geo-
graphical range of this strictly southern bird is singularly limited.
I have never seen it from any locality north of the Tropic of Capri-
corn. Mr. Ayres has not met with this species in Natal, but ho
obtained it in the bush country on the Limpopo River, where it is
very numerous.” Neither Dr. Kirk nor the late Dr. Dickerson
appear to have met with the species in the Zambesi district, and it
is doubtless replaced along the Hastern coast of Africa by M. poliop-
terus of Cabanis.

Mr. Andersson says that it is ‘common in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, where it is seen throughout the year: it is par-
ticularly abundant about Walvisch Bay, and is usually found in open
country.” Senor Anchieta has likewise procured it at Caconda in
the Mossamedes district.

It devours quails, partridges, and other small game, reptiles, and
locusts ; builds either in the fork of a tree or a thick bush. The eggs
are four, oval, and white: axis, 2’’ 4’’; diam., 1’ 9’’’.. Mr. Henry
Buckley informs us that examples in his collection vary from 2°03 x
1:7 inches, to 2°15 x 1°6 and are of a blueish white colour. Mr. H.
Jackson says they never lay more than three eggs and generally

c

.18 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

only two, but Mr. Atmore affirms that he has taken from two to five
eggs out of nests of this species. It occurs on the eastern frontier
and about the Berg river.

Le Vaillant states that the male sings for hours together in the
twilight of morning and evening, and sometimes through the night.
This we never noticed at Nel’s Poort, where it is very abundant,
as it is throughout the Karroo. It will perch on the top of a high
tree, utter its mellow piping whistle, and fly off again. We have
sometimes heard it call while on the wing, as also has Mr. Atmore.

Upper parts and breast pearly-grey ; belly white variegated by
many brownish-blue lines; shoulders light grey; rump white.
Larger wine-feathers black ; the tail dusky, tipped with white, and
crossed by broad white bars, except upon the two middle feathers.
Cere and legs red. Irides orange, according to Mr. Atmore dark-
brown. Length, 24’’; wing, 13’’ 6’’’; tail, 12’’. The young bird
of the first year is brown above, the secondaries being edged with
rufous and white, upper tail-coverts pure white. Below it is white,
the throat and chest being longitudinally striped with rufous brown ;
breast, belly, vent, and thighs transversely barred with broadish
rufous bars. é

Mr. Ayres (Ibis, 1869, p. 219) gives the following details of the
soft parts of an immature male. Inis yellow; bill black at tip, yellow
at base; cere yellow; tarsi and feet red.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’ Afr. pl. 27.

15. Metrerax PoLyzonvs. Many-banded Goshawk.

Only one specimen of this bird has as yet been known to occur
within our limit. Mr. Gurney thus records the circumstance :—“ An
adult male of this species was obtained by Mr. Andersson at Ele-
phant’s Vley, on November 10th, 1859, and is preserved in the
Norwich Museum. I know no other instance of this species
occurring so far south ; and it is remarkable that it should have
been obtained at the same spot, and within fifteen days of the same
date as the specimen of Asturinula meridionalis.

Adult male.—Above light bluish slate colour, the sides of the face
and region of the eye a little darker ; lesser wing-coverts coloured
like the back, the greater ones rather lighter and slightly freckled ex-
ternally with white; primaries blackish, externally shaded with ashy
grey, the secondaries pale greyish, freckled’ with white, the inner

MELIERAX GABAR. 19

secondaries entirely grey, like the back, none of the quills barred ;
upper tail-coverts white, crossed with numerous bars of slaty grey ;
tail blackish, white at the immediate base, and at the tips, the three
outermost feathers plainly crossed with four white bands, the next
more indistinctly, and the middle ones not at all barred; under
surface of tail whitish, the bands very distinct ; lores rufescent ; throat
and chest ashy grey; rest of the body white, minutely barred with
ashy grey, scarcely less thickly on the under tail-coverts, but much
fewer on the under wing-coverts, which are therefore purer white ;
cere vermilion ; bill horn-black, vermilion at base; feet vermilion ;
iris pale umber brown. Total length, 20-5 inches, culmen, 1-4; wing,
12°5; tail, 9; tarsus, 3°5. (Sharpe, Cat. B. p. 89.)

Adult female.—A little larger than the male. Total length, 21
inches, wing 13°4.

The immature bird resembles the young of M. canorus.

Fig. Rippell, Neue Wirb. taf. 15.

16. MeLiERAxX GABAR. i Red-faced Goshawk.

Examples of the present bird from South Africa are generally
larger and more coarsely barred than those from the northern parts
of the same continent, but after comparison of a large series the
editor has been unable to separate them specifically.

It is of general distribution in the colony, though not found near
Cape Town, frequenting the wooded banks of rivers and kloofs in
mountains, preying on small birds and reptiles. Victorin procured it
in the Karroo, and we have a note from Dr. Exton, that it is found
near Kanye in the Bechuana country. Mr. Ayres has shot this
bird in the Transvaal, where, he says, it frequents the thick
bush, and on the Zambesi, the late Dr. Dickerson procured speci-
mens at Chibisa, while the British Museum also contains several
examples shot by Dr. Kirk at Tete during the Livingstone expedition.

Mr. Andersson observes that it is “common in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, as well as in the Lake-region. Partially migratory
in Damara Land.” Sefor Anchieta has also met with the species at
Humbe on the banks of the Cunene River.

Mr. Atmore states that they whistle very much, and better than
M. musieus. The nest is a cup made of sticks and lined with wool in
the middle of a mimosa tree. Hggs dull white, axis 1’’ 8’’’ Diam.

2

20 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

1’ 31’, Le Vaillant found one white egg, and three young birds
in a nest, in a mimosa tree, built of flexible twigs and thorns, lined
with feathers.

All the upper parts and head grey, darker on the mantle and
occiput. Throat and breast blue-grey ; belly white, barred with grey.
Large wing-feathers brown, the centre ones tipped with white.
Upper and under tail-coverts white. Upper tail-feathers clear-brown,
barred with dark-brown: lower feathers barred, black and white.
Cere andlegs red. Iris, according to Mr. Atmore, bright crimson in
adult, yellow in young bird. Length, 14” ; wing, 8” ; tail, 7’’ 6’’’.

The plumage of the immature bird is brown as in the two pre-
ceding species, but the pure white of the upper tail coverts is con-
spicuous in all stages.

Fig. Leyaill, Ois. d Afr. pl. 33.

17. Metierax NIGER. Black Goshawk.

Sir Andrew Smith procured this species in South Africa, and his
specimens are still im the British Museum, but he does not state the
exact locality. Im Damara Land, Mr. Andersson says :—“ It is rather
scarce ; I do not recollect having seen it in Great Namaqua Land,
but it is found to the north as far as the Okavango, and eastward to
the lake, though nowhere numerous.” Senor Anchieta has procured
it in Mossamedes, at Gambos and Huilla. In the Zambesi country
Dr. Dickerson found it at Magomero.

Adult male.—General colour black ; tail-feathers each with three
white spots above and four below. Primary quill-feathers greyish
white, with small black and ashy-coloured spots. Total length, 11:3
inches; wing, 7°1; tarsus, 1°75.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but larger. Total length 13
inches; wing, 9'1; tarsus, 2°15.

18. AsruUR TACHIRO. African Goshawk.

We have received specimens of the young bird from several of our
correspondents, who tell us it is not uncommon in the forest dis-
tricts ; birds in adult stages of plumage are, however, very scarce.
Victorin procured it in the Karroo and in the Knysna, where it
appears to be plentiful. It is not included in Mr, Rickard’s Fast

ASTUR TACHIRO. 21

London list: but Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal, whence we
have seen many specimens. Mr. Ortlepp writes that it is by no
means rare in the woods skirting the Orange River, and easy of ap-
proach—feeding on small birds, beetles, &c. We believe it is gene-
rally distributed over all the forest country, being essentially a tree-
loving species. It seems to be much more plentiful in the eastern
districts of South Africa, for it is pronounced to be “ common all
along the Shiré Valley,” by Dr. Kirk, but Andersson states that it
is very rare in Damara Land. One specimen has been procured by
Senor Anchieta at Biballa in Mossamedes, which Professor Barbaza

du Bocage refers to A. zonarius, but which the editor fancies must

be the true A. tachiro, as the other species (or subspecies, for it is
only a brighter and darker form of the South African bird) has never
been known to oceur below Gaboon.

An adult female in Norwich Museum, from the Zambesi, is re-
markably pale and very large. Vide Ibis, 1868, p. 144.

Mr. Ayres says that this species lives entirely in the bush, es-
pecially frequenting the neighbourhood of wooded streams, and feeds
on small birds, but he also met with remains of a frog in one specimen
and of limpets in another. Le Vaillant, who first figured the young
bird under the name of Le Tachiro, describes its eggs as white,

blotched with red and three in number. His testimony on this

point must be taken for what it is worth.

Adult.—Above uniform ashy-brown; throat whitish, finely rayed
transversely with brown; anterior part of neck, breast, and belly dull
white, regularly rayed with transverse brown, or pale rufous bars ;

‘vent and under tail-coverts white, with some fine transverse brown

lines; wing-feathers light brown, banded with dark brown, inner
vanes marked with white towards the quills. Tail long, beneath ash-
white, with transverse brown bands; above brown, with darker
bands; tips white; iris light yellow in a female assuming adult
dress. (Ayres). Length, 15’’; wing, 8’’ 3’; tail, 73’’.
Young.—Above brown, each feather margined with rufous, and
usually with white at the base; beneath pale isabella colour, with

numerous large oval dark-brown blotches ; thighs transversely barred.
Legs yellow. Ivis dark greenish brown. (Ayres.)

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 24 (juv.). Rupp. Neue Wirb. taf.
18 (ad.)

22 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

19. AsTUR POLYZONOIDES. Many-banded Goshawk.

Of all the little Goshawks which are included as races or sub-
species under the title of Astur badius, this is the most distinct, by
reason of the number and narrowness of its breast-bands. It cannot
be plentiful in the Cape Colony, for it is not included in Victorin’s
Knysna list, and has not come under our notice from any part of the
colony itself. Sir Andrew Smith originally discovered the species
about lat. 26°S. In the Zambesi country, Dr. Dickerson procured
it at Chibisa, but Mr. Ayres has not found it in Natal, though more
recently he has met with it in the Transvaal. Mr. Andersson writes
that it is “rather rare both in Damara and Great Namaqua Land.
lt is migratory, arriving in Damara Land after the first rains have
fallen, and retiring again on the approach of the dry season.” Dr.
Smith says that it feeds on small birds and prefers the neighbour-
hood of rivers. f

Adult—Above pearl-grey, shaded with brown; throat speckled
with light-brown ; all under parts of body white, closely banded
with small wavy, brown bars; under tail-coverts white; back and
upper sides of wings deep grey; inside of wings greyish-white, with
small dark bars. Tail grey, with about six dark-brown bands ; tips
of feathers white. Tail long, slightly rounded. Cere of bill and
legs yellow. Iris orange in adult; yellow in immature bird, but sub-
ject to much variation. (Vide Ayres, Ibis, 1869, p. 288.) Length,
113” ; wing, 7’’ 9'’’; tail, 6’’.

‘ig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8, Afr. Aves, pl. 11.

20. ACCIPITER RUFIVENTRIS. African Sparrow Hawk.

This is the common Sparrow-hawk of South Africa, and is the
representative of the European species, to which it bears a close
affinity in form. It is found generally, though sparingly, throughout
the colony, and was obtained by Victorin at the Knysna. Mr. An-
dersson says it is common to the south of the Orange River, and in
various parts of the Cape Colony, but is scarce in Damara and Great
Namaqua Lands. In Natal Mr. Ayres found it rare, though not shy.
It does not seem to occur as far north as the Zambesi, but is met
with in North-Eastern Africa.

Two eggs, said to be those of the present species, were forwarded
to us from Tulbagy: they are of a dirty white colour, irregularly and
obscurely blotched here and there with pale blood-coloured marks ;

ACCIPITER MINULLUS. 23

axis, 1’’ 9'’’ ; diam., 1’ 5’’.. Mr. Henry Buckley, however, possesses
less typical eggs, which are of a dirty white colour, and measure 1°72
inch long, and 1°44: inch broad.

We have shot this species in the act of hovering like a Kestrel, and
as it preys much on birds and small quadrupeds, particularly field-
mice (Mus pwmilus), we do not so much wonder at this habit. At
other times we have seen it glance like lightning through a copse,
and whip off a bird from a branch in passing. It will also eat coleop-
tera and white-ants. We saw a pair constructing a nest of sticks in
a thick fir-tree. It was placed over an horizontal forked branch,
cleverly supported by two large sticks across the foundation, but we
were too early for the eggs.

Mr. Grill, in his account of Victorin’s collection, mentions a
Sparrow-hawk procured at the Knysna, which he refers to a variety
of the European species. We are not aware that any further notes
have been published on this specimen.

In the adult bird the upper parts are brownish-blue, glossed with
purple, chiefly on the head and neck, ear-coverts, and all the lower
parts of the body and thighs, mottled with reddish orange and white.
Tail above barred in shades of brown; all the feathers tipped with
dull white ; under tail-coverts white. The plumage of the young bird
is of a much browner tinge throughout. When folded, the wings
reach to the middle of the tail. Iris and feet yellow, claws very long,
slender, and curved. Female more rufous on the shoulders and back ;
mottled on the breast. Length, 163’’; wing, 10’’; tail, 8’’. The
male is smaller, being about 13’’ in length.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 93.

21. AccIPITER MINULLUs. Little Sparrow-Hawk.

We have not procured this bird ourselves in South Africa, but
Victorin shot it in the Knysna. Our esteemed correspondents, the
Messrs. Atmore, procured a single specimen near George, and inform
us that at one farm in Outeniqualand, three of them killed all the
young ducks, striking them in the water-sluight. It has been found
near Grahams Town, and like A. tachiro is a forest loving species.
In the British Museum there is a specimen collected by Mr. T. C.
Atmore, near Elands’ Post in S.E. Africa. Mr. Ayres has procured
it in Natal, and Dr. Dickerson shot a specimen at Chibisa in the
Zambesi. An unusually pale coloured adult ? from the Zambesi is

24 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in the Norwich Museum, (Vide Ibis, 1868, p. 144.) Mr. Andersson
writes :—“ To the best of my recollection I have never met with this
bird either in Damara or Great Namaqua Land, though I have ob-
served it sparingly in the lake-regions, and near the river Okavango.”
It has not occurred to Sefor Anchieta in the Mossamedes country,
but Mr. Monteiro procured a young male in Angola, which is now in
the British Museum. Being immature, it is a difficult thing to deter-
mine whether this should be referred to A. minullus or to A. ery-
thropus, but from its pale colouration it seems to be the southern
bird, which probably goes to Angola with Cossypha natalensis and
other true South-African species. A. erythropus is confined to the
Gold Coast, and is little more than a dark race of A. minullus,
affording an analogous case to A. tachiro and A. macroscelides.

According to Le Vaillant (who states that it inhabits the country
between the Gamtoos River and Kaffraria), it is a bold and fearless
little hawk, preying on small birds or insects, hunting in pairs, and
breeding in trees. The eggs are five, spotted with brown at the
ends. Mr. Andersson gives an instance of a daring attack made upon
him by one of these little hawks; and Mr. T. C. Atmore sent with
the young male bird which he shot at Elands’ Post, a specimen of
Hyphantornis spilonotus which it had in its claws: this is a large
quarry for so small a bird to capture.

Young.—Upper parts dark-brown ; throat and chin white ; sparsely
streaked with brown; under parts very much blotched with dark-
brown; the markings here and there edged with rufous; thighs
rufous-brown ; tail above brown, faintly barred with a darker shade,
but below these bars show plainly on a grey ground. Length, 103” ;
wing, 6’’ ; tail, 5’’.

Adult male-—Aboye deep slaty black, the hind neck slightly
mottled with white ; sides of face and neck uniform with the crown ;
the upper tail-coverts white at base, the lower ones also conspicuously
tipped with white ; tail blackish brown, tipped with white, with two
faintly indicated bands of paler brown, the line of these cross bands
being indicated by two large spots of white on the inner web ; under
surface of tail paler brown, barred distinctly and tipped with white,
the outermost feather entirely ashy white, with eight or nine bars of
dark brown ; under surface of body white, the sides bright chestnut,
the lower throat and under tail-coverts indistinctly but. the breast
plainly though narrowly barred with rufous, most of the bars haying

ACCIPITER MELANOLEUCUS. 27

a conterminous line of dark brown; under wing-coverts deep ochre,
streaked or barred with dark brown; iris and legs yellow. ‘Total
length 9°7 inches, culmen 0°7, wing 5:8, tail 4°6, tarsus 1-7.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but larger. Total length, 11°5
inches ; wing, 6°6; tarsus, 1°75.

Fig. Levaill, Ois. d’Afr. pl. 34.

22. ACCIPITER MELANOLEUCUS. Black-and-white Sparrow-Hawk.
Astur melanoleucus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 27 (1867).

Among the many good things sent to the South African Museum
by Mr. Jackson, of Nel’s Poort, appeared a young female individual
of this rare bird. While staying with him during the month of
December, 1863, we saw, just out of gunshot, a bird which we feel
sare was an adult specimen. He also informed us that he had fre-
quently seen a similar bird, but could never get within range of it.

It has been obtained at “Table Farm” near Grahams’ Town, but
it is a rare species in that neighbourhood. Mr. Atmore shot a pair
near Blanco. In the Leyden Museum is a specimen from Sunday
River. Captain Shelley’s collection contains a bird from the Knysna,
and Victorin procured it at the same locality im the month of June.
It is rare in Natal, according to Mr. Ayres, but more numerous from
November to March than at other seasons; it has not been met
with to the northward in the Zambesi country, nor did Andersson
ever meet with it during his travels in Damara Land. It is found,
however, on the Gold Coast and the Niger. Mr. Atmore tells us
that his birds had proved very destructive to poultry in their neigh-
bourhood. ‘Their nest, in a large tree, contained three young birds
and an egg just hatching.

The head, neck, and breast dark brownish-black; back pale-brown;
shoulders much diversified with white ; body, tail, and thighs white ;
tail-feathers equal, usually dashed with red, Length, 20’. (Sir A.
Smith.)

A fine pair of these hawks, male and female, shot by Mr. Atmore
and his son George near Blanco, differ materially from the phases of
plumage described by Dr. Smith. The male is throughout of a rich
brown-black ; the chin and vent are white, with streaks and blotches
of the prevailing colour. Length, 18’’; wing, 11’’ 5’; tail, 93’’.

The male resembles the female on the upper side, but below she is

26 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

white, blotched with the prevailing colour on the sides of the chest ;
two large patches of the same are over the head of thigh-bone, the
thighs themselves being of the same colour, mottled with white.
Her length is 21}’’; wing, 13’’ 9’’’ ; tail, 12’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 18.

Sub-fam. BUTEONINZ.
28. Burro JAKAL. Jackal Buzzard.

This Buzzard is very common throughout the colony, and its well-
marked colours are plainly distinguishable at a great distance; it is
therefore easily recognized. Many specimens were procured by Vic-
torin at the Knysna, and Mr. Rickard tells us itis very plentiful both
at Hast London and Port Elizabeth. In Natal, according to Mr.
Ayres, it is “shy, but not rare.” The following notes are from
Mr. Andersson’s book :—‘To the best of my belief this Buzzard
has never been observed in Damara Land ; and it is scarce in Great
Namaqua Land, where, indeed, I have only occasionally seen it in
the southern parts, usually in the neighbourhood of rocks.” It has
not yet been found farther to the north either in the Zambesi
country or in Benguela. It appears to capture its prey more by
surprise and stealth than by hunting, sitting motionless on a bush,
or tree, till some unsuspecting Jerboa or Sand-rat (Bathyergus)
emerges from its hole, when down swoops the Buzzard, clutches the
victim in its claws and bears it away, to be devoured at leisure. It
is a heavy-flying bird, but sometimes ascends to great altitudes,
wheeling in vast circles, and uttering a shrill, stridulous cry. An
accomplished observer, whose name will often appear in these pages,
writes as follows: “This bird, as you very justly observe in your book,
is ‘common throughout the colony.’ It frequents rocky or partially
wooded localities, and occurs always in pairs. It hunts by sight,
hovering over rocky or grassy vallies, and poising itself in the air for
a minute or two at a time, probably over some doubtful object, which
it will either leave or pounce down upon with the greatest rapidity,
or it will station itself upon some prominent rock or tree and there
motionless will watch for hours together, waiting for ‘ something
to turn up.’ The food of this Buzzard consists of rats, mice, rep-
tiles and insects, and some assert that it preys also upon birds, such
as the young of the partridge, pheasant, &c, but this 1 greatly doubt,

BUTEO JAKAL. 27

for a tame one in our possession refused to eat birds that had been
shot for it, and although the species is frequent around homesteads
it has never been known to plunder the hen-wife of her chickens,
or poultry of any description; but it destroys great numbers of
reptiles, such as lizards and snakes of various kinds, especially of the
last-named, for it will attack and kill the largest of our serpents. A
neighbour of ours (Mr. Joseph Wilmot), saw one of these birds
doing battie with a large snake. After watching this singular affray
for some time he went up to the spot to see what snake the bird was
fighting with, and found a large ‘ Ringtals,’ quite ‘hors de combat.’
Fearing that it might recover and creep away he dispatched it at
once. After some time had elapsed the bird returned and carried
the snake away to its nest on a neighbouring tree.”

«The cry of this species is singularly like that of the common
Jackal (Canis mesomelas) whence its name, and when its wings are
expanded shewing the light colour, together with the reddish-brown
breast-feathers, they greatly resemble the colours and markings of a
jackal’s skin; moreover this bird occupies just about the same posi-
tion in the tribe of rapacious birds as the jackal fills in that of rapa-
cious animals, and its name is therefore a most appropriate one.”

It builds in August or September on trees, or in thick, high
bushes. The nest is composed of small sticks and moss, thickly
lined with feathers and wool. Eggs two or three, rarely four, of a
dirty white colour, coarse in texture, and very thickly spotted, at the
obtuse end in particular, with dry-blood-coloured blotches and stains.
Axis, 2’’ 5”; diam, 1’ 10’’’; specimens, however, vary much both
in size and colour. Mr. Henry Buckley writes :—“The eggs are
white, handsomely marked, generally all over, with large brown
blotches. Those in my collection vary in length from 2°32 to 2:44
inches, and in width from 1°82 to 1:96, the average being 2°39x1:92
inches.”

Its chief hues are red and brown-black, the latter preponderating om
the head, neck, and mantle. The throat is enlivened by white, which
gradually deepens to rust-red on the breast. Under-wing feathers
nearly white ; under tail coverts black, mingled with red ; tail feathers
deep red, each with a black spot towards the tip. Bill, cere, and legs
yellow, irides ochreous grey. Length, 1’ 8'’; wing, 15’’ 8’”;
tail, 9’’ 3’’’.

Fig. Leyaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 16.

28 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

24, Burgo avaur. Augur Buzzard.

The only claim that this species possesses to be inserted in the pre-
sent work is the occurrence of two specimens in Mossamedes, where
they were shot by Seftor Anchieta at Capangombe and Huilla. Ex-
cepting these examples, which were kindly forwarded for inspection
by Prof. Barboza du Bocage, we have never seen an example from
any locality away from North-Eastern Africa, and the capture of
these specimens so far south of their ordinary habitat is of great
interest, when considered along with the occurrence of Melieraa poly-
zonus in Damara Land. ‘The notice of this Buzzard will be found in
Bocages’ fifth list of birds procured in the Portuguese possessions of
Western Africa.—(Jorn. Lisb. 1871, p. 335.)

As it is possible that this species may have occurred in South
Africa more often than has been supposed, the editor has added the
description of the plumages published by him in the British Museum
“Catalogue of Birds.”

Young.—Above uniform dark brown, the nape streaked with white;
sides and hinder part of neck streaked with rufous buff; lores
whitish, sides of face and under surface of body creamy-buff, much
marked with brown on the throat and cheeks, forming a distinct
moustachial indication on the latter; sides of breast and abdomen,
as wellas under wing-coverts, distinctly marked with dark brown ;
thighs uniform ochraceous buff; upper tail-coverts ashy-brown, tipped
with rufous ; tail ashy brown, with a whitey brown tip, and crossed
with twelve or thirteen bands of darker brown ; quills ashy brown,
externally ashy near the base, and barred with dark brown, the
inner web of quills white, the tips black both above and below,
secondaries with more or less distinct bars of dark brown below ;
iris umber-brown.

Adult male.—Above black, pure white below and on sides of neck ;
cheeks, ear-coverts, and throat black, the latter somewhat streaked
with white, the flanks slightly marked with black ; upper tail-coverts
rufous with black tips; tail bright tawny, with a blackish patch
towards the tip of outer web; quills black at tip, ashy grey near
the base, the secondaries paler and more silvery grey, all crossed
with black bars; under wing-coverts white, as also the inner web
of the quills; cere and feet yellow; iris yellowish brown.

In the foregoing stage, which does not occur in the allied Buteo

|

BUTEO AUGURALIS. 29

jakal, the under tail-coverts always incline more or less to rufous,
which sometimes extends halfway up these coverts. Although,
through the progress to maturity, the plumages are so different, yet
in the fully adult black dress it is almost impossible to distinguish
the present bird from B. jakal; and the only difference we can see
is, that in the latter species the silvery grey on the wing is lighter,
while the tail is darker and more decided chestnut. B. jakal gene-
rally has a rufous breast or ‘apron,’ but not always. The black
markings on the tail of the latter never reach quite to the end but
are always subterminal, and form a more or less perfect band.

Old male.—Black, the base of the quills externally ashy grey with
black bars; the tail rufous, with black markings near the tip. Total
length, 20 inches; culmen, 1°55; wing, 16:3; tail, 7°5; tarsus, 3°6.

Old female.—Similar to the male, but a little larger. Total length,
24°5 inches; wing, 18°75; tail, 9; tarsus, 3°6.

Fig. Rupp. ie, tae taf. 16.

25. Burro AUGURALIS. Salvadori’s Buzzard.

Specimens of this Buzzard have been procured in Mossamedes and
the interior of Benguela by Anchieta and Freitas Branco. Neither
the author nor the editor are personally acquainted with the species,
and the latter has, therefore, deemed it advisable to translate the
full descriptions given by Professor Barboza du Bocage.—(Jorn.
Lisb. II. p. 336).

Adult male.-—Above dusky blackish, with a white nape-spot, the
feathers of the back and wings margined with brown; sides of head
and a cervical collar varied with rufous; forehead, loral space, and
throat white ; lower throat and breast uniform with back; flanks
and abdomen white, with large cordiform spots and streaks of black ;
under wing-coverts white spotted with black; quills dusky blackish,
the inner webs white towards the base; primaries blackish at tip,
secondaries banded with blackish; tail above rufous with a broad
subterminal band of black, underneath greyish ; cere and feet yellow ;
iris white.

Young male.—Above dusky rufous, the feathers dusky, edge with
rufous ; the hind neck more rufous, with a white but less conspicuous
nape spot; underneath rufous white ; forehead white, streaked with
dusky ; throat white ; a large patch on each side of the breast dusky
rufous; flanks and belly with large cordiform spots and streaks of

30 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

blackish ; lower abdomen, vent, and under-tail coverts unspotted ;
quills dusky greyish, the inner webs white towards the base ; tail
above rufous, marked with eight transverse bands of black, under-
neath greyish; bill blackish ; cere and feet yellow.

Adult female—Above dusky, the feathers of the hind neck and of
the back margined with rufous, the margins of the wing-coverts
paler ; forehead white, streaked with black; nape spot white; below
rufous white, the sides of the breast more decidedly rufous, and
marked with large dusky spots; flanks streaked with dusky; tail
above rufous, the terminal half obsoletely banded, the two bands
before the tip more distinct, below greyish; bill blackish; cere and
feet yellow.

Since the above was written, Count Salvadori has kindly com-
municated the following diagnosis of the species, which has, more-
over, been recently figured in the work on the birds of Bogos by the
Marquis Antinori and himself.

Buteo B. auguri affinis, sed crassitie minori, capite supra ac dorso
summo pulchré rufis, brunneo mixtis; area cervicali nigricante ;
tectricibus alarum brunneis (nec nigris) ; pectore brunneo ; gula albi-
cante ; abdomine pure albo, maculis subcordatis brunneo-nigris ornato,
prorsus diversus.

Fig. Antin. & Salvad. Viagg. Bogos, tay. I.

26. Burro DESERTORUM. Rufous Buzzard.

This bird is not common in the Cape Colony, but appears to be
widely distributed. It frequents open country dotted with jungle,
and is found also in the forests about George and the Knysna.
Victorin procured it in the latter district in August. It appears
to be absent in the eastern districts, as neither Mr. Rickard met
with it near Port Elizabeth nor has Mr. Ayres procured it in Natal.
The late Mr. Andersson, however, states that it is not uncommon in
Ondonga, and Senor Anchieta obtained it at Caconda in Benguela.
A specimen from the province of Duque do Braganza in Angola was
at first referred to this species by Prof. Barboza du Bocage, but has
been more recently determined by him to belong to B. auguralis.

The note of this bird is a weak stridulous scream. A specimen
lived for some time in our taxidermist’s work-room, and would
eagerly answer to his name when called, by day or night. He would
come to the hand and take from our fingers the bodies of the birds

BUTEO FEROX. 31

skinned for mounting, or pounce from his perch upon any stray
mouse that ventured near him. This bird we afterwards sent home
to the Zoological Society, and after its death it passed into the
collection of the British Museum.

Upper parts brown, each feather having pale edges and a black
shaft. Head, pale fulvous, streaked with brown. Wing feathers
dark-brown. ‘Tail feathers fulvous, inclined to rufous, and narrowly
barred with brown; the broadest bar at the tip. Under parts,
pale fulvous, almost white on the chin and throat, streaked on the
two lattér, and blotched on the former with brown. Thighs rufous,
faintly blotched with fulvous. Vent feathers pale fulvous. Length,
1’ 8’; wing, 14”; tail, 7”. Inides yellow.

Fully adult birds become throughout of a deep rufous-brown,
blotched with dark markings. In this stage they constitute Le
Vaillant’s species, called Le Rougri, Ois. d’Af., Pl. 17.*

It is a noteworthy fact however that Indian examples never put on
the bright rufous phase of the African birds, nor are the young so
white underneath. Mr. Hume (Rough Notes, II. p. 268,) in speaking
of the Indian bird,.writes :—“ My own private belief is that ours is a
larger bird.”

Fig. Leyaill. (jun.) Expl. Sci. Alger. Ois. pl. 3:

27. BurTzo FEROX. Long-legged Buzzard.

Prof. Schlegel, in his catalogue of the Leyden Museum, gives this
species as an inhabitant of South Africa on the authority of a female
specimen procured in Caffraria by Van Horstock. Although the
validity of this determination has never been called in question,
the editor thinks it possible that the example in question may ulti-
mately turn out to be referable to B. jakal or B. desertorum, which
greatly resemble B. ferox in some stages of plumage.

* The late M. Jules Verreaux was of opinion that the “ Rougri” of Le
Vaillant is the 2 of Cerchneis amurensis. Mr. Gray in his “ Hand List ”
separates B. desertorum from B. capensis, but Mr. Gurney writes, ‘In my
opinion there is no specific distinction between them: the birds are undistin-
guishable when adult, but when young the Cape specimens have often more
white underneath, and some are also a trifle smaller.” He has also expressed
his opinion in the Birds of Damara Land that there is only one species to be
recognised under the name of B. desertorwm, though he does not fail to notice
some differences.

32 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The following description is extracted from the British Museum
Catalogue :—

Adult male.—Above brown, all the feathers broadly margined with
tawny rufous, except on the lower back and rump, where the
feathers are uniform brown; entire head and neck tawny, with
narrow brown streaks down the centres of the feathers, more distinct
on the nape; sides of head and ear-coverts whitish, with narrow
rufous shaft-lines; entire under surface rich tawny, deepening into
chestnut on the abdomen and thighs, the throat and chest narrowly
shafted with dark brown, alittle broader on the breast and decidedly
more distinct on the thighs, where the centres to the feathers are
also brown; under wing-coverts and axillaries rich tawny, the outer
median ones externally, and the greater coverts brown; upper wing-
coverts brown, edged with rufous like back, the least ones more
broadly ; quills dark brown, the primaries externally shaded with
silvery grey, the secondaries a little paler, especially the inner ones,
which are light brown like the back, the primaries pure white for
greater part of inner web, secondaries mottled and broadly barred
with brown: upper tail-coverts brown, the external ones bright
tawny; tail pale rufous, with white shafts, and inclining to whitish
towards base of centre feathers, the two outer ones externally shaded
with ashy grey, and marked near the end with an irregular spot of
brown ; cere yellowish green; orbital ridge dusky greenish; bill
brownish plumbeous, yellow at gape, tip black; feet grey, or pale
lemon yellow; iris brownish yellow. ‘otal length 26 inches; culmen,
19; wing, 17°7; tail, 10°5; tarsus, 3°75.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but slightly larger. Total
length, 26 inches; culmen, 1:6; wing, 18°4; tail, 10°5; tarsus, 3-5.

Fig. Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atlas, taf. 27.

Sub-fam. AQUILIN A.

28. _GYPAETUS OSSIFRAGUS. Southern Laemmergeier.

This noble bird is locally distributed in the hilly parts of the
colony. We have seen it often in Bain’s Kloof, near Wellington ; also
in the high mountains round Mr. Jackson’s residence at Nel’s Port,
near Beaufort, and at Swellendam. From this gentleman we have
received sundry specimens, and he informs us that several pairs
constantly breed in his neighbourhood; also that they will kill

te

AQUILA VERREAUXI. 33

lambs and sickly sheep. A pair of young birds was sent to the South

African Museum from Graaff-Reinet by Mr. Ziervogel, the member
- for that division, who tells us that it is a constant (though rare)

resident there. Mr. Ayres writes :—“ Not at all plentiful in Natal.

The only locality in which I have yet seen them, has been amongst

the rocky hills of the Inanda location.” He has more recently

obtained it in the Orange Free State on a range of hills near

Hland’s River. ‘

Mr. H. Bowker, Commandant of the Frontier Armed and Mounted

Police, writes in epistola: “Do you know the story of the ‘ Arend’

among the Dutch? It is supposed to be the Raven let out of the

Ark, and it is considered very unlucky to do it any injury. Family

sickness, insolvency, loss of cattle or sheep, are amongst the evils

which will fall on the unfortunate wight who may interfere with
them, so take care how you shoot one now that I have warned
you!”

Adult.—Top of head dirty white, bill black ; circle round the eyes,
space between them and bill covered with black stiff hair, which
extends on each side to the base of the lower mandible. A tuft of
similar hair, of considerable length, projects outwards from under
the bill. Back, wings, and tail dark blackish ash, each feather
being light in the centre and darker on the edges, with white shafts
and blotches. Shafts of wing and tail feathers white : tail wedge-
shaped. Under parts white, tinged and coated with a reddish
substance, which can be scraped off; iris pale yellow; sclerotic
membrane blood red. Length, 3’ 10”; wing, 2’ 8”; tail, 1’ 9”.

Young.—Quite different from the adult, being brown, the whole
of the head blackish; quills and tail paler than the adult; iris very
bright greyish brown.

Fig. Riipp. Syst. Uebers, pl. 1.

29. AQUILA VERREAUXI. Verreaux’s Hacle.
Oo

Mr. Andersson found this Eagle nesting in Little Namaqua Land on
lofty rocks, but he adds :—“ I cannot specify an instance of its occur-
rence to the northward of the Orange River.”

Although it is found in North Eastern Africa, the limit to its
range in the southern part of that continent as above given by Mr.
Andersson seems to hold good.
Verreaux’s eagle is not uncommon throughout the colony, wher-

. D

His,

34 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

ever rocky precipitous mountains are to be found. In these it fixes
its eyrie, sallying out daily at early dawn in quest of food, and
returning in the evening. One pair had their haunt in some of the
vocks of the “ Devil’s Hill,’ near Cape Town, and sailed over the
“Camp Ground” to and fro, night and morning, with the regularity
of clock-work, to their hunting grounds somewhere on the Cape
flats. We have never ascended Table Mountain without encountering
a pair near the gorge which opens on to the top, but they never
suffered us to get within range.

It is called ‘ Dassie Vanger” (Coney-eater) and “ Berghaan”
(mountain-cock) by the colonists, from feeding principally on the
coney, or rock-rabbit (Hyrax capensis). It also attacks the klip-
springer antelope (A. oreotragus), darting at them when perched on
pinnacles of the rocks (their favourite position), and hurling them
headlong into the abyss below, into which they descend to feed on
them at their leisure. They are also accused of killing lambs and
sickly sheep, and carrying off the smaller antelopes from the low
country.

Mr. Atmore writes, July 21st, 1864: “Fancy my knowing of two
nests of A. verreauxii, but in such inaccessible places that no one
can get at them. Large nests in rocks about 1000 feet high, just
on a ledge 300 or 400 feet from the top.” Messrs. H. Jackson and
A. F. Ortlepp have both sent eggs of this fine eagle. The latter
writes: ‘‘ These birds lay about the beginning of July, on ledges of
steep precipices, though not always, as I have heard of their nests
in § Paijbos’-bushes (Zthus lucida) along the Zeekoe river. Hegs
two. For some time after leaving the shell, the young birds are
quite white, more like balls of swan’s down than birds. All our
* eagles are here called ‘ Lammerfangers.’ ”

An egg brought to us by Mr. Hugo, of Fransch Hoek, is chalky
white, mottled throughout, and especially at the obtuse end, with
rust-coloured and light-coloured spots. Axis, 3’’ 5’; diam. 2’’ 4°",

The title of Aquila verreauci must be retained for this Eagle in
preference to the unsatisfactory one of vulturina of Daudin. The
latter name was bestowed on the “ Caffre” of Levaillant. He appa-
rently founded the “ Caffre” on the present bird, and enters into a
long description of habits which the bird does not follow. In fact,
he never obtained a specimen: only saw it at a distance; and invented
his account. Had he secured one, he never could have stated that

AQUILA RAPAX. 35

its talons were not fitted to carry away its prey: a single glimpse of
the powerful, curved, sharp claws is enough to dispel this illusion.

Adult.—Jet black, with half the back and rump white; legs
feathered to the toes, which are bright yellow; claws black, very
strong, and curved. Length, 2’ 9”; wing, 2’ 1”; tail, 13”. The
young bird is fawn brown, inclining here and there to black,
according to its age.

Fig. Des Murs in Lefebvre, Voy. Abyss. Zool. pl. iv.

30. AQUILA RAPAX. Tawny Hagle.

Aquila senegalla, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 10 (1867).

This bird seems to be very common at Kuruman, Colesberg, Nel’s
Poort, Beaufort, and the Karroo generally.

Mr. Rickard notes it from Port Elizabeth, but Mr. Ayres says
that it is rare in Natal; the same gentleman has met with it in
the Transvaal territory. According to Mr. Andersson, it is not
uncommon in Damara Land, and Great Namaqua Land, and Senor
Anchieta has obtained numerous examples at Huilla in the Mossa-
medes district.

‘I should fancy, from the behaviour of one which we kept for some
time in confinement, and which went to the Zoological Gardens,
Regent’s Park, that it would make a good hunting eagle. Mr. Arnot,
of Colesberg, from whom it was received, tells us that it became
quite as tame with him as with us. We have been informed by the
Messrs. Jackson, of Nel’s Poort, that these birds constantly accom-
pany persons in pursuit of game, and have been seen by them to
carry off wounded Vaal Knoorhaans (Otis vigorsii) and hares. Their
depredations on the flocks cause them to be killed on all occasions ;
but they are still very numerous in the Karroo. We found a nest,
evidently inhabited by young birds, in the month of January. It
was a large mass of sticks in the top of a high, scraggy, and to us
inaccessible tree, on the banks of the Dwass River, near Mr. Jack-
son’s residence. Mr. H. Jackson subsequently took two eggs from
this nest in the middle of June. They were of a rounded oval,
white, more or less spotted and blotched with dry blood-coloured
spots and patches. Axis, 2’’ 9’; Diam. 2’’ 1”. Mr. Henry
Buckley writes: “‘ They vary from 2°82 x 2°17 inches to 2°70 x 1:52.
In colour they are white, blotched with faint ashy grey.” One that

D2

36 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

we killed near the same place had frogs and fish in his throat :; he was
sitting by the river, close to the water’s edge, evidently fishing.

Mr. Artlepp writes (July, 1868) : “A few weeks ago, a pair darted
down on a flock of merino ewes and lambs, and only flew off after
having despatched forty of the latter! At the time this happened,
the sheep were in charge of a small bush-boy in a secluded kloof,
far away from the homestead. They quite disregarded the boy, and
were only put to flight when the unfortunate owner made his
appearance with a gun.”

General colour rufous-brown; tail and wing feathers dark-brown ;
the former tipt with rufous. Eyebrow and hairs covering the space
between the eye and the bill very dark brown, almost black ; from
the angle of mouth on each side of chin, a dark rufous patch. Bill
black ; cere and toes yellow; irides the same. Legs feathered to
the toes. Length, 2’ 8”; wing, 1’ 11”; tail, 12}”.

Mr. Gurney observes :—“The great peculiarity in the adult of
this Eagle is that most of its feathers are parti-coloared—a portion
of the feather being rich rufous and the remainder dark purplish
brown.

«This peculiarity does not exist in the plumage of the young bird,
which is also much paler than that of the adult. Andersson says that
the iris in adults is pale yellow freckled with brown, and in immature
birds brown—a young specimen killed by Ayres had the iris light
brown.”

Fig. Lilford, Ibis, 1865, pl. 5.

31. AQUILA WAHLBERG. Wahlberg’s Eagle.

This species was first discovered by Wahlberg in Caffraria, but
only one example has ever fallen under our notice, having been
obtained at Kuruman by our friend, Dr. Exton. Senor Anchieta
has, however, met with it very plentifully at Huilla in Mossamedes,
and also at Humbe, on the river Cunéné.

Exton’s specimen was throughout of a dark coffee-brown, varie-
gated on the crown of the head, with light brown, wing and tail
feathers shot with purple; legs, feathered to the toes; head, with a
slight occipital crest. Length, 24”; wing, 17”; tail, 10” 2’’’.

Fig. Gurney, Trans, Zool. Soe. Vol. iv. pl. 77.

NISAETUS PENNATUS. 8/7;

32. NIsAETUS PENNATUS. Booted Haele.

Aquila pennata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 10 (1867).

Le Vaillant found this species only in the forests of Outeniqualand,
perching on the summits of high trees, and shy and difficult of
approach. Dr. Smith cites it as from near ‘‘ Heeren Logement,” in
Clanwilliam. A young bird, shot by Mr. Jackson at Nel’s Poort, is
entirely of a dark-brown colour, in some places inclining to black.
He tells us he was attracted to it by its peculiar cry, and has never
seen another.

We have procured it at Saldanha Bay on the West Coast,
and found it breeding on the Berg River in the month of Sep-
tember. It has also been obtained near Grahams-town, but has
not yet occurred to Mr. Ayres in Natal or the Transvaal, though Dr.
Dickerson procured a single example at Chibisa in the Zambesi
district. Mr. Gurney also states that Mr. Andersson’s last collection
contained one of these Hagles obtained in Ondonga, Ovampo
Land.

The nests are placed in trees, very similar to those of Buteo jackal;
the eggs are generally two, of a dirty white ground, more or less
blotched and smeared with light reddish-brown ; axis, 2”5'’’; diam.,
1” 10’’’.. Our son also found a nest containing a pair of eggs at
Grootevaders-bosch, near Swellendam. The nests we examined all
contained green leaves. Mr. Henry Buckley sends the accompanying
note :—“ An egg of this species sent me by Layard from South
Africa is white blotched with light brown, and measures 2°17 x 1:78.
Eggs from Spain measure 2:03 to 2:24 long by 1:7 to 1°82 broad
(Vide Ibis, 1866, p. 389). Hume (Scrap Book, p. 187) records an
Indian egg measuring 2°13 x 1°78.”

Above brown ; the shoulder feathers margined with white; ears
and space behind the base of the lower mandible brown-black ; under
parts white; the breast and anterior part of belly streaked with
brown-black ; tail nearly even, black-brown, variegated with narrow,
irregular, wavy bars of a darker tint, and all tipt with obscure white;
legs feathered to the toes. Length, 20”; wing, 14”; tail, 8”.

Fig. Dresser, B. of Eur. part xxxil.

38 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

33. NISAETUS SPILOGASTER. African Hawk-Eagle.

Aquila bonellii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 11 (1867).

Spizactus spilogaster, id. t. c. p. 14.

This species bears so close a resemblance to N. fasciatus of Europe,
that it has on more than one occasion been confounded with it.
According to recent determinations, however, that bird is not an
inhabitant of South Africa, and it is probable that the young speci-
men procured by Senor Anchieta at Biballa, and determined to be
N. fasciatus, is really not that species but the present one. _

Only two examples are known from the Cape Colony. One was
taken alive in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, probably wounded
by a gun-shot. He lived a few days in our possession, and was
remarkably bold and fearless. He eat everything thrown to hin—
raw meat, birds, rats, and even fish.

Another was shot at Wynberg, in Mr, Trotter’s garden, after
having made considerable havoc among the fowls in two previous
visits. Mr. Andersson procured several specimens, and informs us,
in epistold :— Its flight is heavy, but when once risen to a certain
height it soars powerfully. It perches on trees or rocks ; but to the
best of my belief roosts only on the latter: its food consists of small
quadrupeds.”

Mr. Ayres met with it in Natal and further north Dr. Dicker-
son obtained three specimens in the Zambesi region at Magomero
and Chibisa. Mr. Andersson writes ;—*I have obtained examples
of this Eagle at Objimbinque, the mouth of the Onanés River, Bull’s
Port, the Omaruru River, and Ondonga.” More recently Senor
Anchieta has procured it at Gambos, in Mossamedes, and at Humbe,
on the river Cunéné.

General colour above dark-brown, approaching to black, mottled
throughout with white ; below white, blotched longitudinally on tho
breast and belly with dark-brown ; vent white, tinged with chestnut,
Tail ashy-grey with a broad black bar at tip. Legs white, feathered
to the toes, Length, 2’; wing, 17”; tail, 11”. Irides yellow; cere
and base of mandibles greenish-yellow ; anterior portion dark horn-
colour.

Young.—Differs from the adult in being browner, and is uniform
tawny rufous underneath: tail-feathers ashy-grey with seven ill.
defined blackish cross-bands.

Fig. Mill. Beitr. Orn, Afr. taf. 1. Gurney, Ibis, 1862, pl. 4,

SPIZAETUS CORONATUS. 39

34, SprmzaETUS CORONATUS, Crowned Hawk-Eagle.

This is a rare bird in South Africa, and very few examples have
come under our notice. One was trapped in the mountains near
Fransch Hoek, about fifty miles from Cape Town, and another was
shot at the Knysna by Mr. G. Rex, while the Grahams-town
Museum contains a fine female, which we describe below. Mr. Ayres
has procured it in Natal, but it never occurred in any of Mr.
Andersson’s collections, though he believed that he saw it in Damara
Land on at least two occasions. The Lisbon Museum contains a
specimen from Angola, and it is known from various localities on
the west coast as high as Senegal.

Mr. W. Atmore writes :—“ This species prefers thickets of mimosa-
trees, and is very destructive to geese and young lambs. It makes
a large nest in a mimosa, and lays two large white eggs, much
pointed at the small end.”

One of these eagles, shot by Mr. Ayres had just killed a monkey
(Cercopithecus lalandii).

It is easily distinguished from 8. bellicosus, and the other more
common species, by the comparative roundness and shortness of
the wings, and great length of tail. A fine adult female in the
Grahams-town Museum may be thus described :—

General colour of upper surface a rich warm dark brown ap-
proaching to black. Head crested—crest coloured like the upper
parts; cheeks below the eye and sides of neck lighter brown ;
below this a black collar ; chest rufous; belly and under tail-coverts
white, transversely crossed by bold broken black bars. Legs
feathered to the toes, profusely mottled black and white; on the
inner sides the black spots are smaller in size than on the outer,
where they assume the form of blotches. Inner surface of wing
along the shoulders and ramus deep rufous edged with black
followed by a broad band of brown; primaries greyish-white crossed
by four bands of grey brown, the two nearest the quills more or less
indistinct and broken, the next narrower but more defined, the
outermost very broad and distinct; tips of feathers grey-brown. On
the outer surface of the wing these bands appear black on a reddish,
or greyish-brown, ground. Tail beneath greyish-white crossed by
five black bars, that nearest the tip being the broadest; above the
same but darker. Upper tail-coverts black tipped with white.

40 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Irides yellow ; bill and claws horn-colour ; toes yellow. Length, 3;
wing, 1’ 9”; tail, 1’ 3”.

Immature birds are much paler than the adults, and are almost
entirely white underneath.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. S. Afr. pls. 40, 41.

35. SPIZAETUS BELLICOSUS. Martial Hawk-Eagle.

This species is very scarce in the colony, only two specimens
having fallen under onr notice. One was procured at the Knysna by
Mr. George Rex, the other at Colesberg by Mr. Arnot.

Mr. Gueinzius procured a specimen in Natal, which was shot with
“a young goat in its talons,” and Mr. Rickard has obtained it at
Port Elizabeth. The latter gentleman writes:—“Mr. Hallack
informs me that a fine male was killed at Betheledorp in May, 1869.”
Mr. Baines shot one between Mount Lubels and Mount N’guiba,
twenty or twenty-five miles south of Lake N’gami. Regarding its
occurrence in Damara Land, Mr. Andersson observes :—“I never
identified but one pair, which I found close to Objimbinque and the
female of which I killed.”

It is of this species that Mr. Atmore writes, in epistold :—“ Just
as we were leaving the Kuysna, we heard of an eagle’s nest in the
forest, and under the tree the person who found it counted 95 heads
of the little ‘ Blue Buck’ (Cephalophus cerula).” Mr. Tom Atmore
informs us that the tree was an enormous “ yellow-wood,” quite in-
accessible ; and the nest a huge mass of sticks impervious to a bullet.
The Hon. Mr. Vigne informs us that one of these birds attacked his
sheep-kraal and killed the lambs, It was ultimately caught in a
steel trap placed near the kraal,

Mr. Harford gives me the following description obtained from
Mr. T, Ayres of the egg of this species :—‘“ Chalky white, faintly
spotted and blotched with light reddish brown, shape roundish.
Axis, 3,5;in.; diam. 2,%, in. The nest was taken in the Orange
Free State, June 10th, 1870, placed in a large tree, old and gnarled,
on the side of a rough pyramidal granite hill. It was about five feet
in diameter, composed of the usual rough sticks, and lined with fresh
green twigs. It contained one egg only, and that much incubated.”
This egg and the old bird are now in the collection of Canon
Tristram,

LOPHOAETUS OCCIPITALIS. 41

Adult.—General colour above, chest and neck dark grey-brown ;
beneath white, spotted with very dark-brown ; thighs barred with
the same; large wing feathers, dark brown: the lesser ones and
tail transversely barred with grey. Talons black, much curved and
strong; legs feathered to the toes. Length, 2’ 7”; wing, 1’ 11”;
tail, 12”.

The young bird is pale brown, and is much lighter everywhere
than the adult, the under surface being almost entirely white.

Fig. Smith, Dll. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 42 (adult). Levaill. Ois.
d’ Afr. pl. 1 (young).

36. LOPHOAETUS OCCIPITALIS. African Crested Eagle.

Spizaetus occipitalis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 13 (1867).

This beautiful Eagle is a bird of the eastern districts, being
decidedly more common there than elsewhere. Victorin procured it
at the Knysna in July, August, and October, and Mr. Atmore, to
whom we are indebted for specimens, describes it as not uncommon
in the neighbourhood of Traka.

We saw it in some abundance in the forest country about the Kat-
river, Kowie, Fish-river, &c. It did not appear to be shy, but
allowed us to ride past it on several occasions.

Dr. Atherstone notes it from the neighbourhood of Grahams-
town, and Mr. T. C. Atmore procured it near Hlands’ Posh Mr.
Rickard states that he got three specimens at Port Elizabeth, and
found the bird very plentiful at Hast London. Mr. Ayres records it
as common in Natal, and Dr. Kirk informs us that in the Zambesi
country it “frequents the neighbourhood of rivers. It was not
observed in the mountains, but was common in the Shiré and Zambesi
Valleys.”

It has not been recorded by Mr. Andersson from Damara Land,
nor has Senor Anchieta met with it in Benguela, but a specimen
from Angola is in the Lisbon Museum.

Mr. Atmore writes :—“ The crested Eagle is a gentleman of low
tastes. One was eating an owl (S. capensis) the other day. Tom
could easily have shot him, but mistook him for a Buteo jackal. He
is not uncommon about George, and not at all difficult to get at: sits
for hours on a naked pole. I saw several during my survey, and
might have bagged at least four, but had no gun with me.” Mn.

42 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

T. C. Rickard writes :—“In the stomach of one I found a full-grown
rat, eleven young ones, and a mouse.”

Dr. Atherstone remarks of a specimen which he had alive :—“ He
used to walk up and down the river’s bed catching frogs, and after-
wards was so mean as to kill our pet toads and lizards on our grass
plat.” Le Vaillant says they build on lofty trees, and line their
nests thickly with feathers and wool: lay two round eggs, blotched
with brownish-red.

Upper parts glossy-brown, approaching to black, darkest on
extremities of wings and tail, and lightest on the shoulders and
cheeks. Tail barred more or less faintly with white on the upper
side, the wings with black. Head crested; crest-feathers very long,
and nearly black; feathers of head minutely tipped with white.
Under parts almost black; legs feathered to the toes, and nearly
pure white; inside of quill feathers of wings and tail silvery-grey ;
barred with deep-brown. Iris bright yellow. Length, 25”; wing,
16”; tail, 9”9’’’; length of crest, 5” 6”.

Fig. Levaill, Ois. d’Afr. pl. 2.

37. ASTURINULA MONOGRAMMICA, African Buzzard Eagle.

The appearance of this bird is of interest as connecting the
Avifauna of Southern Africa with that of the more northern portions
of the continent. Dr. Hartlaub has described the Angolan bird as
distinct from the ordinary form of Western Africa and in his catalogue
of the Accipitres (p. 277) the editor was inclined to recognise this
fact and separated it as Asturinula meridionalis (Hartl.), but having
recently examined a series along with Mr. Gurney, he has come to
the conclusion that the difference may be sexual, as he found a closely-
barred specimen from West Africa. We therefore extract from the
above-mentioned work a description of the Gambian bird, remarking
at the same time that A. meridionalis was separated from A. mono-
grammica on account of its having the bars on the lower parts much
broader and darker, especially on the thigh feathers, and the white
band on the tail much narrower. These characters were maintained
both in the typical specimen from Angola as well as in a Zambesi
skin in Shelley’s collection.

The African Buzzard Eagle only just enters the country treated of
in the present work, and never seems to come as low as the Cape
Colony or even into Natal, as far as we know at present. Captain
Shelley possesses a Zambesi specimen, and here it would seem to be

CIRSAETUS CINEREUS. 43

tolerably common, as Dr. Dickerson procured four specimens, at
Quilimane, Magomero, and Chibisa: Dr. Kirk also states that it is
found in the open forests of the Shiré Valley. On the western side
it has been shot once in Damara Land by Andersson, who obtained
a single example at Elephant Vley on the 26th of October, 1859.
Senor Anchieta has likewise killed it at Capangombe in the interior
of Mossamedes.

The following description is from the British Museum Catalogue :

Adult.—Above dark slaty grey, the head and sides of the face
lighter, the wing-coverts also a little paler grey, the edge of the wing
white, with which colour the outermost of the upper primary coverts
is edged; quills blackish, all tipped, and the outermost edged, with
white, the secondaries ashy grey like the back and more broadly
tipped ; all the quills white at the base of the inner web, extending
in notches for some distance up the feather; lower back and rump
blackish ; the upper tail-coverts and immediate base of tail white,
forming a broad band; .tail blackish, broadly tipped with white, and
having one conspicuous white band across the centre; lores and
feathers in front of the eye whitish; throat white, with a very broad
streak of black down the centre; fore neck, sides of neck, and chest
ashy grey; rest of under surface, including the flanks and axillaries,
thickly barred with white and ashy brown; under wing- and tail-
coverts white; cere, orbits, and base of lower mandible bright
cinnabar-red; bill dark leaden horn-colour; feet vermilion ; iris
umber-brown. Total length, 12 inches ; culmen, 1'1; wing, 8°9 ; tail,
5:8; tarsus, 1°95.

Adult female.—A little larger than the male, Total length, 13°5
inches; culmen, 1°2; wing, 9°5; tarsus, 2°1.

Fig. Swains, B, W. Afr. i., pl. 4.

28. CIRCAETUS CINEREUS. Black-breasted Harrier-Eagle.

Circaetus thoracicus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 15 (1867).

This fine Eagle is generally distributed in the Colony, although
rather rare. Mr. H. Gird, M,L,A., obtained a noble pair on his farm,
Oliphant’s Fontei, which are now mounted in the Museum at Cape
Town. Victorin procured it in the Karroo, and Mr. Henry Jackson
says that in this locality they are always found near water and not
in the mountains. We ourselves found it breeding at the Berg
river and we also saw it about Grahams-town and the Kowie mouth.

44 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Ayres states that it is not rare in Natal, but extremely wild, and
he has also procured it in the Transvaal. One specimen was shot in
the Zambesi country by Dr. Dickerson at Chibisa, and we saw several
pairs on the East Coast of Africa, and shot two at Fazy, a native
village within a degree and a half of the Line; here they seemed
quite fearless and allowed an easy approach. Senor Anchieta has
obtained it at Biballa and Huilla in Mossamedes, and also at Humbe
on the River Cunéné. Mr. Andersson writes: ‘On March Ist, 1865,
I observed an adult soaring very low, just in front of my window
[probably at Objimbinque] and I have subsequently killed this bird
in Damara Land.”

In the colony it frequents mountain ravines clothed with timber,
and keeps to the same spot for many successive years: shy and
suspicious, it rarely falls to the gun. Mr. Ayres (Ibis, 1860, p. 203)
says that the stomach of one he killed contained the remains of
lizards and of a poisonous snake, which could not have been less
than seven or eight feet in length. ‘This snake,” he adds, “is
called by the Caffres ‘ Armaunbak.’ A favourite dog of ours, bitten
last year by a snake of this species, died from the effects of the
poison in less than an kour.”

Mr. Henry Jackson has sent an egg of this fine bird from Nel’s
Poort. He says that they nest in the top of a high tree and lay but
one egg: the latter is pure white and its axis measures about 3-1
inches, the diameter being 2-4. At the Berg river we found that they
bred yearly on the tops of dense bushes in the month of September.
Some of the eggs procured by us and by Mr. J. Kotze were slightly
spotted. Mr. Henry Buckley writes: “The ege of this species is
pointed, white, and is 2°75 inches long by 2°27 broad.”

Adult.—Head and neck blackish-brown, tinged with grey; back
and shoulders of the same colour, each feather tipt with white.
Throat black and white; breast brownish-black ; lower parts white ;
tail grey, crossed with broad black bands, tipt with white. Length,
29 inches; wing, 21; tail, 11; tarsus, 3°85; iris pale straw-yellow;
cere and gape olive-yellow ; bill blackish.

Young.—Above brown; the feathers of the head and upper surface
broadly margined with light tawny or pale fulvyous; quills blackish,
the secondaries browner, all broadly margined and tipped with pale
tawny, inner webs white below; the secondaries ashy grey towards
their tips; tail brown, tipped with fulvous and crossed with three

aaa

GYPOHIERAX ANGOLENSIS, 45

indistinct bands of ashy grey ; head and neck tawny, with narrow
central shaft-stripes of dark brown, much broader on hind neck;
lores whitish; over the eye a narrow line of black feathers; ear-
coverts a little browner than the head, washed with tawny and
narrowly streaked with darker brown; under surface of body light
orange tawny; the throat whitish and streaked with narrow shaft-
lines of dark brown extending on to the chest, but absent on breast
and abdomen, which are much varied with white bases and bars to
the feathers ; the under tail-coverts white, with broad bars of tawny.
The description of the young bird is from the Museum Catalogue.
It should be noted that the adult form of this Harrier Hagle with
the black breast-band and white under-surface has not yet been met
with north of the Equator, and it is considered by some ornitholo-
gists that two species are confounded under the name of C. cinereus.
Fig. Riipp. Neue Wirb. pl. 14.

39. CrRCAETUS FASCIOLATUS. Banded Harrier-Hagle.

This species, which is quite a distinct one, does not appear to
come within the limits of the Cape Colony, and as far as we know
at present is confined to Natal. Mr. Gurney, writing in 1868, says:
“Tt appears to be very rare, and I have only seen three examples of
it, which were all obtained in the Colony of Natal.” Mr. Ayres
states that it inhabits the dense bush along the coast. Mr. Gueinzius
found the stomach of one full of termites.

General colour above brown ; below, throat and chest light brown ;
chin white; belly, breast, and flanks white banded with brown;
tail yellowish brown with four bands of dark brown, tip edged with
white ; irides, legs and cere yellow. Total length, 25 inches; wing,
14-6; tail, 10°5; tarsus, 3:4.

Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1862, pl. 3.

40. GyPoHIERAX ANGOLENSIS. Vulturine Sea-Eagle.

The occurrence of this bird below the River Quanza, which we
have assigned as the northern limit of this work, compels us to
include it here, but it is strictly a West African bird, and cannot be
found in any numbers below the above-mentioned river. Neverthe-
less, Heer Sala, a Dutch collector, obtained an example at Katten-
bella in Benguela on the 10th of December, 1868. In recording
this specimen in a paper on Angolan birds forwarded by Mr.

46 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Monteiro, the editor was induced to accept from Mr. Keulemans an
apparently circumstantial account of its breeding in the Cape Verde
Islands. Hearing from many reliable authorities that only the
common Neophron perenopterus was found in these islands, the
editor has repeated his enquiries of Mr. Keulemans as to his being
sure of the identification of the species, and he has lately admitted
that he believes the account of the breeding-habits refer to N. per-
enopterus and not to G. angolensis. Much as he regrets the publi-
cation of these notes, the editor believes that any one would have
followed his example in accepting such a detailed account of the
breeding of this rare species. The following description is from the
Museum “ Catalogue.”

Adult male.x—General colour white, the following parts black:
scapulars except the very highest, which are mottled with white ;
quills, the primaries for the most part white, excepting the tips
which are black, and the outer web which is more or less mottled
with black, the inner web less so; tail black with a very broad white
tip forming a terminal band; all the rest of the body white; head
slightly crested ; cere grey; bare skin of face flesh-colour ; feet rosy
flesh-colour ; iris light yellow. Total length, 23 inches; culmen, 2°5
wing, 17:2; tail, 8°8; tarsus, 3°35.

Adult female.—Similar to male, but larger. Total length, 24°5
inches; culmen, 2°7; wing, 17:0; tail, 9°5; tarsus, 3°5.

The young bird is brown, resembling in general appearance the
immature Egyptian Vulture.

Fig. Wolf, Zool. Sketches, pl. 38.

40, HAattarrus vocirer. African Sea-EKagle.

This fine Sea-Eagle is found generally in pairs, frequenting the
embouchures of rivers, lakes, and other parts of the colony, where
wood and water afford a congenial home.

Le Vaillant procured it on the Orange River. Mr. Chapman
brought it from the Zambesi, and we saw it as far North as Fazy. It
is common at the Knysna, forming an enormous nest of sticks and
rubbish. Victorin also appears to have met with it in great numbers
at the latter place. Mr. Rickard notes it from East London where
it is called the “ Rock-Eagle.” He writes: “A pair or two are
generally seen near the mouth of the Buffalo: they are said to breed
in the large Euphorbie on the river banks,”

HALIAETUS VOCIFER. 47

In Natal, according to Mr. Ayres, it is found frequenting the bays
and lakes along the coast, and the same gentleman has recently
obtained specimens in the Transvaal.

Dr. Kirk gives the following note: “On the lakes and rivers ;
common among the mangrove creeks of the coast; on the Zambesi,
above the great falls, and on Lake Nyassa; in fact, wherever the
forest comes down to the shore, or high rocks overhang it.”? Mr.
Andersson writes as follows: “It is not an inhabitant of either
Damara or Great Namaqua Land, but is tolerably common in the
Lake-region and its water-sheds, and also along the course of the
Okavango.” Senor Anchieta has quite recently procured it at
Humbe on the River Cunéné.

This species feeds on fish, crabs, and reptiles, and will not refuse
earrion sheep, &c. (Le Vaillant says he has found antelope bones in
their nests), resorting usually to some bare rock or dead tree to
devour its quarry.

Mr. W. Atmore records that they destroy lambs, and while on a
visit to Mr. John Van der Byl’s farm, Nacht-wacht in the Strand-
Veldt, we found a young bird just shot. It was still in the immature
brown plumage, but had committed terrible depredations on our
friend’s young lambs, slaughtering one or two daily. He was shot
in the act and we had him to skin.

Le Vaillant says the eggs are white, and shaped like those of a
turkey, only larger. . One was sent to us by Mr. A. F. Ortlepp taken
from a nest in the head of an old pollard willow growing on an
island in the Orange River. It was white, but not so pointed as the
ege of a Turkey.

Adult.—Head, breast, and top of back and tail pure white; wings
and back nearly black, the larger feathers edged with white; upper
parts of the wing reddish-brown. Belly and thighs deep-reddish
brown. Cere and legs yellow. Irides yellow. Length, 2’ 8”;
tail, 11”.

Young.—Differs from the old bird principally in being more dingily
coloured and in not showing the contrast of colours as in the adult;
thus the whole of the head, neck, and breast are more or less brown
in the young, though generally giving indications of approaching
whiteness, especially about the ears and lower breast, the crown
being the last to change; least wing-coverts blackish, with rufous
margins, the rest dark brown, but the greater ones for the most part

48 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

white, causing a large patch across the wing; lower parts of the
belly brown, more or less varied with white, the thighs inclining to
rufous ; tail ashy white, brown at the tip, and more or less brown
on the rest of the feather; gape whitish yellow; orbits and cere
dusky; bill dusky bluish; iris darker hazel than in the adult.—
(Sharpe, Cat. i., p. 311).

Fig. Des Murs, Iconogr. Orn. pl. 8.

42, HZLorarsus ECAUDATUS. Bateleur Eagle.

This Eagle is not very common in this colony, single pairs
frequenting high mountain ranges near Caledon, and a few other
spots. We saw several along the Hast Coast of Africa, and obtained a
living specimen from the Governor of Mozambique, which lived with
us upwards of two years. It fed voraciously on carrion of all kinds,
including fish, but never molested living things—indeed, we kept
him for a long time in the fowl-house with the fowls, but had to turn
him out, as he devoured the eggs as fast as they were laid by the
hens.

I have seen a specimen from Lake N’gami, procured by Mr.
Chapman ; and Mr. Atmore killed another with a stick in a wood at
the Knysna. He also found it about Blanco. He writes, May 25,
1864: “ We are going to lay wait for an ‘Arend’ to-morrow evening.
He always sits on one particular yellow-wood tree in the forest ; but
he examines the premises very closely before he perches. What a
beautiful flight they have, sailing about without even flapping a
wing; and when they stoop they come out of the sky like a lightning
flash. There are several here, and we know of a nest; but they
breed late, so no chance of eggs; but we will give it a look up on
our return trip.” He further declares that it kills its own food and
never, in the wild state, touches carrion, but Mr. Ayres states that
it feeds on carrion, moles and snakes.

The latter gentleman writes: “It is found in Natal and also in
the Transvaal.” Mr, Gurney has seen two young birds of this species
which were obtained from a nest situated in a lofty and rocky
precipice by the side of a river, a few miles above the town of
D’Urban. Dr. Kirk says it was frequent in the marshy lands of the
River Shiré.

Mr. Andersson observes that it is probably the most common
Eagle in Damara and Great Namaqualand; it is usually found in_

MILVUS XGYPTIUS. 49

plains. Several pairs bred in the neighbourhood of my place at
Objimbinque.” Senor Anchieta has obtained it at Gambos in
Mossamedes and at Humbe on the river Cunénée.

Adult.—Head, neck, and nearly the whole of the upper and under
parts of the body black; back and tail deep-red; lesser wing-
coverts rufous; head crested and frilled; cere deep-orange ; fect
crimson. Length, 2’; wing, 164”; tail, 53”.

Some specimens are found with a cream-coloured back (H.
lewconotus), but whether this plumage indicates an adult H. ecav-
datus, or a distinct species, it is difficult to say. A specimen of
this light-backed race is in the British Museum from South Africa,
so that it occurs along with the ordinary Bateleur in the southern
part of the continent.

Fig. Heuglin, Orn. N. O. Afr. pl. ii.

43. Muinvus meyprius. Yellow-Billed Kite.

Although a rare bird within the colony, so much so that it does
not occur in Victorin’s list, nor in the collections of our excellent
correspondent, Mr. Rickard, this species is more plentiful in
South Africa than the Black Kite. Mr. Ayres records it as common
in Natal and Transvaal, and Dr. Kirk says that it “‘ arrives in the Zam-
besi Valley from the north in August, and is very abundant along
the river.” Mr. Andersson shot it at Ondonga, and notes that it is

_ more common than the Black Kite in Damara and Great Namaqua

Land, whence it migrates from the neighbourhood of the Equator.”
(Cf. Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. p. 23.) Senor Anchieta has
procured it in many localities during his travels in Mossamedes,
viz., at Biballa, Quillengues, Caconda, and Ambaca, and more
recently at Humbe, on the Cunéné River.

Le Vaillant states that it inhabits Great Namaqua Land, builds
amongst trees or rocks, but prefers marshy ground, where it makes
its nest on some raised spot amongst the reeds. Hges four, white
speckled with red. Itis a bold and hardy bird, pursuing its prey
even in inhabited places.

In November, 1863, we observed a single specimen flying over the
village of Ceres, in the Cold Bokkeveld. We have also received it
from Kuruman, and observed it along the Hast Coast as far as Fazy.
A pair frequent the homestead of the Honourable T. H. Vigne, at
Tyger Hoek, River “ Zonder End” (1865). The flight and habits of

E

50 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

this species differ in no way from those of the Common Kite of
India ; indeed, until we shot one, we did not discriminate that any
difference existed. Eggs procured by Mr. J. Kotze and ourselves at
the Berg River are dull white, sparsely spotted, blotched and
streaked generally at the thick end with dry blood-coloured
markings. Axis, 2” 3”’; Diam. 1” 9’’’.

The whole of the upper parts tan-brown, each feather with a paler
edge; breast tan-brown; top of head, neck, cheeks, and throat
whitish or light brown; the centre of each feather being dark-brown
inclining to black, gives a striped appearance. Lower part of body,
thighs, and under part of tail cinnamon-colour. Wings very long
and pointed, tail deeply forked. Legs and bill straw yellow in the
adult bird, and dark yellowish-brown in immature specimens ; iris
brown, cere yellow. Length, 21'’; wing, 17’’; tail, 10’’.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. 1, pl. 22.

44, Muitvus KorscHun. Black Kite.

Milvus ater, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 25 (1867).

Although not migrating as far south as Cape Town itself, this
Kite is by no means uncommon in Southern Africa. We first received
it from Mr. Arnot, of Colesberg, who shot it in a street of that
town. We have since had specimens from the Zambesi, brought down
by Mr. J. C. Chapman. Mr. Andersson writes :—“‘ It appears in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land with the first rains, or even
before.”

From Mr. Chapman’s descriptions, it appears to resemble in habits
M. govinda of India and Ceylon, frequenting by preference the
neighbourhood of native towns, near water, and feeding upon offal,
particularly that of fish. It wheels round in large and easy circles,
rising and falling, without flapping its wings, for an immense length
of time. It catches up its food with its foot, and eats it in the air,
bending the head down, and bringing up one or both feet to meet
it. Eggs in our possession are of a dull white, with here and there
coarse dry blood-coloured dots. Axis, 2’’ 2”; diam. 1” 9’’’.

Mr. Ortlepp says this species has long been known in Colesberg,
where it is called “ Kuikenduif” (chicken thief). Mr. H. Bowker
says “it is probably so called from the fact that it has never been
seen to touch one unless thrown away dead! While hunting near
Bloemfontein in the Free State, I have suffered from their stealing

- |

“f

MILVUS KORSCHUN. 51

the Biltong (dried flesh) and whatever they could get hold of from
the waggon—in fact they will sweep down at the fireplace, and
before you know where you are, carry off a piece of meat. One day
we came home from hunting, and were getting our dinner at the
fireplace—a fine wildebeest’s tongue was taken out of the pot and
placed to cool on a flat stone about a yard from where we sat—down
came a fellow, and though there was a rush and a scramble from the
nearest man, it was too late, and the Kite carried off the prize to a
koppie about 300 yards off and ate it at his leisure. On another
occasion I saw one swoop down and take a piece of raw meat from a
Kaffir girl’s head which she was carrying to her hut.”

«The nest from which I took the eggs sent was in a large pollard
willow on the banks of the Caledon river, made of dry willow-sticks,
and lined on the inside with hair chiefly from the hairy exuvie of
dogs and other animals. The old birds were very bold almost
striking my hat off while at the nest. In blowing the eggs I found
a considerable difference in the size of the young birds, that in the
white egg being almost ready to hatch, the other in the egg slightly
coloured next in size, while that in the deeply marked one was but
just formed.”

Dr. Exton writes :—* Milvus korschun is said by the Matabili to be
the “ King’s bird,” andis respected by them. One of the King’s sons
examining my specimen said that they never killed that bird. It does
not seem very choice in its food, as the gizzards of those I examined
contained both locusts and lizards, and I have seen family parties
dining after the manner of Vultures off the putrid carcase of an ox.
They breed about the time the locust larvae become developed, the
young birds just taking wing when the “hoppers” are becoming
strong on the ground. They then congregate in flocks and I have
counted between eighty and ninety hovering over an army of infant
locusts and have seen them in still greater numbers, some on the
ground busily devouring the hoppers, and others perched on the
neighbouring trees gorged with a full repast. The Matabili name is
“ Mezwazwa.”

Mr. Henry Buckley sends us the following measurements of
Spanish eggs of the present species :—‘‘ They vary from 2°15 x 1:57
inches to 2°28 x 1:69, and in colour they are white, spotted or
blotched with brown.”

General colour deep hair-brown, tinged with rufous on the under

E 2

| es

52 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

parts, particularly on the flanks, thighs, and under tail-coverts ; each
feather has a black shaft. T'ail much forked, and barred with grey-
brown. Bill black at allages. Iris brown. Length, 21'’; wing,
18’; tail, 10”’.

45, ELANus CZRULEUS. Black-shouldered Kite.

Elanus melanopterus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 26 (1867).

According to our own experience in South Africa this is a migra-
tory species, appearing about Cape Town in the month of May.
Victorin, however, procured it in the Karroo in January and Feb-
ruary, and at the Knysna in April, May, July, August and December.
Mr. Rickard states that it is common at East London, and Mr. Ayres
records that it appears to be equally distributed throughout Natal
and Transvaal. Dr. Kirk notes it as very common both on the
Shiré and Zambesi.

Mr. Andersson writes as follows: “ Rare in Damara Land, and is
only found about the estuaries of some of the large periodical water-
courses; but itis not uncommon at Lake N’gami and its watersheds.”
Senor Anchicta has procured it in Mossamedes at Ambaca and
Biballa, and Mr. Monteiro in Angola.

According to Le Vaillant, it builds in the fork of a tree; the nest
large, lined with feathers and moss. Eggs white; four or five in
number. It perches on the tops of trees or bushes, and utters a
frequent and very piercing cry, especially when in flight. Its food
consists of insects. We have also found it devouring small birds and
reptiles. It is a bold and fearless bird, and generally allows of
approach within gunshot. It is migratory, appearing about Cape
Town in the month of May. To a certain extent this species is
gregarious: wo counted nine roosting in one tree at Eerste River,
and several more were flying about close by: they had probably
been attracted by an exodus of white ants which had taken place that
afternoon. Mr. Atmore confirms Le Vaillant’s statement that it lays
white eggs, and sent us one taken by himself. We fancy, however,
that these must be exceptionable instances, for Mr. Kotzé and our-
selves found them nesting in abundance at the Berg River in Sep-
tember and October in trees and high bushes; the eggs varied, the
ground colour ranging from white to dull red and the marking also
being sometimes blotchy and smeared like those of the English

Sine

PERNIS APIVORUS. 53

Sparrow-hawk, at other times finely sprinkled on the surface. Axis,
ee 5 Diam. 1’! 4/’72

Mr. Buckley writes: “The eggs vary from 1:46x1:16 inches to
168x 1:26. The ones in my collection agree in coloration with
those described by Mr. Hume in ‘Stray Feathers,’ (p. 25), as
received from Mr. Blewitt, but in my specimens I do not perceive
the pale sea-green colour of the shell referred to by him. I agree
with Hume that the eggs figured by Bree do not appear to belong
to this. species.”

Adult.—Upper parts bluish grey, under parts pure white. Fore-
head whitish, Tail white on the upper side, slightly tinged with
grey. Hye-brows black; shoulders black. Feet bright yellow.
Eyes carmine in adult; bright-yellow in the young bird. Length,
12”; wing, 10” 9”; tail, 5” 6”. The young birds are more or less
mottled with brown.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxv.

46. PERNIS APIVORUs. European Pern.

The ‘ Honey-Buzzard,’ as it is familiarly called, can be considered
only a rare winter visitant to South Africa, having but twice been
obtained in Natal by Mr. Ayres, though figured by Levaillant as
‘Le Tachard.’ It is, however, more often procured on the Gold
Coast during the winter months, and probably does not always
migrate to South Africa, Sir Andrew Smith procured a young
specimen in Madagascar, which is still preserved in the British
Museum.

Tail with four broad and numerous small dusky bands; wings
with two similar bands. Adult male with the anterior parts of the
head brownish-grey, the upper parts deep-brown; the throat white,
with longitudinal dark lines; the rest of the lower parts white, with
broad bands and spots of brown. Female with the forehead bluish-
grey; the upper parts deep-brown; the lower pale, yellowish red,
with large reddish-brown spots. Length, 243”; wing, 16” 9’;
tail, 113”.

Fig. Gould, B. Eur. i, pl. 16.

54 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Fam, FALCONIDZ.
47. Baza Verreavuxu. Verreaux’s Cuckoo-Falcon.
(Praze I.)

Avicida verreauxii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 24 (1867).

The South African species of Baza is distinct from B. cuculoides
of Western Africa and may be recognised by its lighter coloration,
and paler grey breast, but more especially by the colour of the under
wing-coverts which are uniform rufous in the West African bird.

It is only known from the eastern parts of South Africa, not
having at present been obtained out of Natal. Here, Mr. Ayres
says, “it frequents the dense bush and is extremely shy.” Mr.
Harford sent a fine female from Natal and writes as follows: ‘ They
are very fond of settling on the ground. This specimen was shot in
the act of settling on an ant-hill. This morning I had the luck to
kill a pair, both of them females, at a right and left shot. Three of
them have been in the habit of passing below the house for the last
two weeks. Out of a specimen I killed the other day I took several
legs and wings of grasshoppers and mantide.” Mr. Ayres likewise
found in the stomach of one of these Hawks remains of a green
Mantis, of locusts, and of a chameleon.

The figures given in the accompanying plate represent an adult
and young bird in the British Museum, and the following descrip-
tions are taken from the “ Catalogue of Birds” (Vol. 1, p. 355):—

Adult male. — Above dark ashy grey, somewhat shaded with
brown, crown and occipital crest dark ashy; quills brown, tipped
with whitish, externally shaded with ashy grey; under surface of
wing white for the basal, and shading into greyish white for the
apical half; primaries crossed by a few bars of brown above and
below, more indistinct on the inner ones, the secondaries with a
broad subterminal bar of dark brown; upper tail-coverts ashy grey
at base, brown at tip, appearing slightly banded; tail slaty grey
above, conspicuously tipped with white, crossed by four bars of
black, the subterminal one very broad, under surface whitish, the
basal bars more indistinct and represented on the outer feathers by
a black patch on the outer web, extending a little across to the
inner one; sides of the face, throat, and chest clear grey ; breast
pure white, banded with pale rufous brown, a little broader on the

Weare
Nya} vy

' tee ay
A vr
Lahn

Vou)

Plate I.

BAZA VERREAUXI.

POLIOHIERAX SEMITORQUATUS. 55

sides of the body, and gradually decreasing in size towards the
- flanks and under tail-coverts, the latter of which are entirely white ;
under wing-coverts very thickly barred with pale rufous and fulvous ;
cere and orbits light yellow; bill black, bluish at base of under
mandible; feet yellow; iris lemon-yellow. Total length, 17 inches ;
culmen, 1:05; wing, 12°7; tail, 7-9; tarsus, 1-4.

Adult female.—A little browner than the male, and not so clear
grey; bars on the breast broader and more rufous, being equally
distinct on the flanks. Total length, 17 inches; culmen, 1°15;
wing, 12°6; tail, 7°9; tarsus, 1-40.

Young. — Brown above, the feathers narrowly margined with
fulvous, much broader on the secondaries; quills and tail pale
brown, banded with blackish brown, the latter tipped with fulvous,
especially on the outer rectrix ; sides of head and neck rufous brown,
with dark brown centres to the feathers, giving rather a streaked
appearance; under surface of body whitish, streaked on the throat
and banded on the breast with pale rufous, the inner face of the
thighs also rufous; on the breast and flanks some feathers with dark
brown oval spots, less distinct on the under tail-coverts ; crest less
developed than in the adult and dark brown in colour ; iris very
light brown.

48. PoLloHtHRAX SEMITORQUATUS. African Falconet.

As duly stated by Sir A. Smith this species probably never reaches
the latitude of the Colony and has never fallen under our notice.
He writes as follows: ‘ Only three specimens of this elegant little
Falcon were procured by the expedition party, and those nearly in
the same spot among some large mimosa trees a little to the east-
ward of Old Latakoo. None of them were ever observed soaring
like other Falcons, and the few individuals that ‘were seen were
either perched upon the lowest branches of the trees or in the act of
flying from one tree to another. Considering that this bird was
never afterwards procured or even seen more to the eastward, it is
probable that the proper habitat of this species will be found in the
opposite direction, which I am more inclined to believe, as one of
our party declared he had seen it on the borders of the Kalahari
desert during an excursion we made to the westward of New
Latakoo. In the stomachs of two were found the remains of small

56 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

birds, and in the third portions of a lizard and different parts of
coleopterous insects.”

Mr. T. Vanzeller has lately procured a specimen in the Transvaal,
and Mr. Andersson gives the following note on the species in Damara
Land :— ,

“ This exquisite little Faleon may be regarded as very rare in both
Great Namaqua Land and Damara Land, especially im the latter,
where I have only seen it once or twice ; altogether I have probably
not come across above cight individuals, three-fourths of which I
have secured.

“tis always met with in pairs and usually perches on bushes or on
the lower and middle branches of small trees, though J have seen it
on the topmost boughs of lofty trees. I never saw it soar like other
Falcons; it is not shy, and when disturbed it never moves further
than to the next conspicuous tree or bush. It feeds on small birds,
mice, lizards, and coleopterous insects, the latter being, I apprehend,
its chief food.”

Adult male.—Above blueish-grey, the head darker, the hind neck
and upper tail coverts pure white ; quills and tail brown, spotted on
the outer and barred on the inner web with white, the secondaries
and tail-feathers also tipped with white ; forehead, sides of face and
underparts white ; under-wing coverts white with indistinct brown
cross-bars on some of the lower ones; bill yellow, horn-coloured at
tip; cere, orbits and feet yellow, claws horn brown. Total length
7°5 inches; culmen, 0°45; wing, 4°6; tail, 3:2 ; tarsus, 1-2. (Sharpe,
Cat. B. i., p. 370.)

Adult female.—Differs from the male in having the interscapulary
regions and scapulars deep vinous chesnut. ‘Total length, 7.5
inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 4°8; tail, 3°0; tarsus, 1°15.

The immature male resembles the female.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 1, (male). Scelater, Ibis,
1861, pl. xii. (female).

49. Faco communis. Peregrine Falcon.

Falco peregrinus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 19 (1867).

Mr. Sclater quotes a single specimen as having been received from
Natal ; we have not seen it from within the limits of the Cape Colony,
where the next species seems to take its place. Mr. Garney tells us,
however, that the Norwich Museum possesses a specimen from

ee IR Ae EE A AEE A OO LI

FALCO MINOR. 57

thence, as well as one from Natal, the latter being probably the same
individual as that mentioned by Mr. Sclater.

Prof. Barboza du Bocage states that it has been procured by
Senor Anchieta on the Coroca River in Mossamedes, but he does
not state whether it was the large Peregrine of Europe, or the small
Faleo minor of southern Africa, which some ornithologists do not
consider specifically distinct from the ordinary species.

General colour above, deep blueish lead-colour, barred with black ;
crown of the head and upper part of neck nearly black; greater
wing-feathers dusky, with oval whitespots. Tail similar to the back,
and much barred ; beneath each eye a patch of black. Under parts,
from chin to bottom of the breast, yellowish white, a brownish streak
down the shaft of each feather. Thighs and remainder of body dirty
white, barred with deep-brown. Bill blue; cere yellow; iris brown.

The description and measurement are taken from a fine Huropean
female in the South African Museum. A young male is more rufous
on the back, and the under parts more mottled with brown. It is
likewise much smaller.

Fig. Gould, B. Gt. Br. part 1.

50. Fanco minor. South African Peregrine Falcon.

This Falcon seems to have a pretty general range over the colony,
several specimens having reached us from different localities. We
have likewise seen it on the wing several times near Cape Town, and
purchased one in the flesh which was being carried through the town
by ashooter. Mr. Atmore writes from Swellendam: “ It is notrare
about here, but very difficult to get, except in the breeding time,
when they come after the poultry.”

Victorin notices it from Rondebosch and also from the Knysna.
Dr. Atherstone records it from the neighbourhood of Grahams-town,
and a specimen was obtained by Mr. Gueinzius in Natal. Mr.
Andersson writes :—‘ I never observed but one individual of this
Falcon, which I obtained at Objinere about two days journey from
Objimbinque ;” but he subsequently obtained a specimen in
Ondonga.

Mr. J. Kotze found this species at the Berg River nesting in trees.
The eggs generally three, are more or less spotted and stained with
dry blood colour on a dirty cream coloured ground; they however
vary very much. Axis, 1’’ 9’’’, Diam. 1” 4'"”,

58 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The description given of I’. communis will suffice equally well
for this species, with the exception that all the specimens that have
fallen under our observation seem to be duller-coloured, and the
transverse dark bars on the abdomen of the adult bird are also closer
together than in F. communis, in which respect I’, minor resembles
I’, melanogenys of Australia.

Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. i, pl. xii.

51. Fatco BIARMICcUS. South African Lanner.
(Prats II.)

The present species, though closely allied to F. tanypterus, which
it represents in South Africa, differs from that species and from the
true Lanner of Europe in being perfectly uniform and unspotted on
the under surface when adult. It is scattered throughout the colony,
but is not common anywhere. Mr. T. Atmore procured old and
young birds near Hland’s Post. Both Mr. Ayres and Mr. T. E.
Buckley have found this Falcon in Natal and the Transvaal, in both
of which countries it is rare. Dr. Kirk did not meet with it in the
Zambesi regions. Numerous specimens were contained in Mr,
Andersson’s collections, and he says that it “is to be met with from
the Cape Colony in the South, to the Okavango River in the north,
and as far eastward as Lake N’gami; it is particularly numerous in
Little Namaqua Land, and also in the neighbourhood of the Okavango,
and is occasionally seen along the sea coast.” Senor Anchicta has
met with it at Huilla in Mossamedes.

It is very rapid on the wing, and a great scourge to poultry and
game of all kinds. It will not hesitate to dash at a flock feeding
close to the door of a dwelling and in the midst of people working on
the werf. Mr. Ortlepp writes, ‘‘I procured two parent birds and
five nestlings ready to fly. The female resembles the male+but she
is larger (Length, 18’’; wing, 14’’; tail, 74’".) The nestlings were
all mottled on the breast and belly. Found near Colesberg, feeding
on small birds, reptiles and insects.”

Adult male.—General colour above blueish ash; transversely barred
with dark-grey ; head clear rufous, marked on the forehead, side and
nape with black ; under parts clear vinaceous, marked on the thighs
with a few black spots. Tail underneath grey and ash. Cere and
legs yellow ; eye light brown. Length, 17” ; wing, 12}’’; tail, 7’’.

;

FALCO BIARMICUS.

PALCO CUVIERS. : 59

A fine female is more rufous-brown in the gencral appearance,
and is much mottled on the breast and belly, the latter character
being in both sexes of this species a mark of immaturity.

52. Fatco suBBUrEoO. Hobby.

The Hobby appears to be only a winter visitant in Southern
Africa. Several specimens of this Hawk have been received from
| that locality, viz. :—a fine female from Swellendam; a pair, from Mr,
/ Jackson, at Nel’s Poort; one male purchased in the flesh in Cape
“Town. A rich-coloured male also fell to our own gun on Cape
Flats ; and Mr. Atmore has procured it near Blanco.

Tt also occurs in Natal, as a specimen in the British Museum from
that country is the Falco cuviert of Mr. Gray’s “ Hand-list.” Mr.
Andersson states that it occasionally makes its appearance in
Damara Land during the rainy season, and, as Mr. Gurney adds, it
appears to occur in Ovampo Land as well as in Damara Land, a
specimen from Ondonga being comprised in Mr. Andersson’s last
collection.

Senor Anchieta has procured it at Gambos in Mossamedes.

Head and upper parts of neck dark blue-grey ; rest of upper parts
pale-blue. Shafts of all the feathers black; over each eye a narrow
rufous white stripe; below each eye a black crescent. Sides of neck,
throat, breast, and belly tawny-white. On the two last parts are
many black blotches. Under tail-coverts and thighs rufous. Outer
vanes of wings hoary-blue; inner ‘vanes dull-brown, crossed with
white bars. All margined and tipped with white. Tail slightly
rounded, the two central feathers blue-grey only; the others blue-
grey, banded with pale rufous, and tipped with white. Length, 14
inches; wing, 1U’’ 9’”; tail, 6’’2’’.

Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Hur. part iv.

53. Faco cuviert, African Hobby.

This rare species is entirely confined to Africa, but it is only
known from the Gold Coast and from the Cape Colony, in both of
which places it appears to be somewhat scarce. Sir A. Smith, who
described it, states that the typical specimen was obtained in Caffer-
land near to the Kai River, where it was said to be not unfrequent.
Tt has been more than once received in Europe from South Africa,

|

60 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

but we have not been able to obtain any precise particulars of its
capture ourselves.

Adult male.—Above dark slaty grey, inclining to black on the
interscapulary region, the scapulars and inner secondaries edged
with paler grey; primaries dark brown; tail dark brown with a
slight greyish shade above, barred with fulvous underneath on the
inner web and tipped with pale rufous; forehead inclining to buffy
white ; fore part of cheeks as well as a short malar stripe and a line
under the eye along the upper ear-coverts greyish black ; rest of the
cheeks and sides of neck and throat white washed with rufous;
remainder of under surface rich rusty red, the thighs and under tail-
coverts unspotted, the breast and sides marked with central streaks
of black ; under wing-coverts buff, streaked with black; cere, orbits
and feet orange; bill dark horn-blue, yellow at base of lower man-
dible. Total length, 11 inches; culmen, 0:8; wing, 8°5; tail, 5:0;
tarsus, 1°2. (Sharpe, Cat. B. i, p. 400.)

Fig. Schl..N. T. D. i, pl. 5.

54, Fanco Rvricozuis. African Rufous-necked Falcon.

The only specimen of this elegant little Hawk that has fallen under
our notice was shot by Mr. A. V. Jackson, at Nel’s Poort, in the
Beaufort division. Sir A. Smith procured it during the movements
of the South African Expedition between the principal branches of
the Orange River, and Mr. Ayres has met with it in the Transvaal,
where he tells us it is not very common. It is not yet known from
the Zambesi country, and, according to Mr. Andersson, it is rare in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and in all other parts of South
Africa which he traversed.

General colour above and below light blueish-ash, much barred
with brown-black ; tail tipt with white, and crossed near the end by
a broad black band; head deep-rufous, with black eyebrows and
moustache; chin white; throat and chest vinaceous; legs yellow;

bill horn-coloured, yellow at base; iris dark brown. Length, 14’;

wing, 92'’; tail, 7’’.
Fig. Sw. B. W. Afr. pl. 2.

55. CERCHNEIS TINNUNCULUS. Common Kestrel.

Only one specimen of the European Kestrel is known as yet to
have been shot in South Africa, and is recorded by Mr. Gurney in

ia

CERCHNEIS TINNUNCULUS. 61

the following terms: ‘The only South African example of this
Kestrel which has come under my notice is a female killed at
Objimbinque, Damara Land, on the Ist of February, 1865, and com-
prised in Mr. Andersson’s last collection. This specimen, which is
preserved in the Norwich Museum, is of the ordinary European
type.” As, however, the species may have been overlooked, a full
description is here added, extracted from the Catalogue of Birds
(I. p. 426).

Adult male.— Upper parts brick red, with a few arrow-head
markings of black, larger on the inner secondaries ; primary-coverts
and quills dark brown, the former narrowly margined with rufous,
the primaries notched white for about two-thirds of their length,
the inner primaries and outer secondaries narrowly edged and
tipped with buffy white; head and neck clear blue-grey with narrow
black shaft stripes; forehead and narrow eyebrows buffy white;
cheeks silvery grey, inclining to blackish below the eye and on the
fore part of cheeks, forming a tolerably distinct moustache ; lower
back, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail clear blue-grey, the latter
tipped with ashy white, before which is a broad subterminal band of
black; throat and under tail-coverts buff, unspotted ; remainder of
under surface rufous fawn, the chest-feathers mesially streaked with
black, these dark centres being larger and more oval in shape on the
flank feathers, the thighs clear rufous, unspotted; under wing-
coverts white, spotted with black ; bill blueish horn-colour, black at
tip, yellowish at base; cere, orbits and feet yellow; iris brown.
Total length, 12°5 inches; culmen, 1°75; wing, 9:2; tail, 6°7;
tarsus, 1°6.

Adult female.—Similar to the male underneath, but not so deeply
coloured. Upper surface entirely rufous banded with black, with a
faint blueish shade on the rump, the upper tail coverts inclining to
buff; head rufous, streaked with black; tail rufous, banded with
black, the bars not being strictly continuous, tipped with buffy white,
before which is a conspicuous broad band of black; facial features
and soft parts as in the male. Total length, 12°5 inches; culmen,
0°75; wing, 9:2; tail, 6:5; tarsus, 1°6.

Young male.—Resembling the old female, but rather paler and
more distinctly striped on the breast. The tail first changes, be-
coming blue like that of the old male, and thus birds are often seen

62 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in partial plumage, having the blue tail of the adult male, but retain-
ing the rufous head of the old female dress.
Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Eur. part 2.

56. CiRcHNEIS RUPICOLA. South African Kestrel.
Tinnunculus rupicolus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 22 (1867).

This little Hawk is common all over the country as far as we haye
been. Victorin met with it in the Karroo in January, and at the
Knysna in March, and Mr. Rickard informs us that it is common
both at East London and Port Elizabeth. Mr. Ayres found it in
Natal, where it is not rare and breeds, but he has not yet procured
it in the Transvaal, where its place appears to be filled by C. rupico-
loides. Indeed it seems to be a more western bird in its range, as
it has not been found in the Zambesi region, but Mr. Andersson says
that it is very common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where
it “is one of the few Hawks which remain in Damara Land during
the dry season.” Senor Anchieta has shot this Kestrel at Huilla in
Mossamedes, and at Capangombe in the interior of the same country.
It extends its range likewise into Angola proper, as Mr. Monteiro |
procured it in the neighbourhood of Ambriz. |

This species takes the place in this colony of the Windhover of
Europe, which it resembles closely in all its habits, hovering in the

:

air over small birds, mice, &c., and falling suddenly from a consider-
able height upon its quarry. It nests in trees (or the high bushes —
which do duty for trees in this country), and its eggs, 3—5, are
similar in colour to those of the European birds, having a reddish-

brown ground, profusely spotted with very dark marks of various |
sizes and shapes. They, however, vary extremely, even to being pale
cream-colour, with the minutest possible spots of brown. In size

they also vary, but the shape is pretty constant, being rather round.
Axis, 1’ 7’; diam. 1” 4’... Mr. Henry Buckley observes :—
“My eggs vary from 1°57 x 1:25 inches, to 1:7 x 1°35, and are white

in colour, suffused all over with very pale brown. My specimens are

very much paler than those of the English Kestrel.”

Adult.—Head, back, and sides of neck dull blue grey: back, belly,
and shoulders deep rufous, with irregular black spots. Breast rufous,
with black lines. Primary wing-feathers black; secondaries blackish,
crossed with irregular rufous bands. Tail blueish grey, banded with

“Seal

CERCHNEIS RUPICOLOIDES. 63

black, all its feathers broadly tipped with white, next to a broad
black bar. Cere round eye bright-yellow; cere of bill and legs
orange-yellow ; irides brown. Length of fresh-killed male, 11’’
(female, 14’’); wing, 10’; tail, 7’.

This Kestrel is distinguished from C. tinnuneulus by its uniform
blue side-face.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1874, pl. Ixvi.

57. CERCHNEIS RUPICOLOIDES. Large African Kestrel.

Tinnunculus rupicoloides, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 25 (1867).

This Kestrel is very rare near the colony, but becomes more com-
mon towards the Zambesi, where Mr. Chapman procured it in some
abundance. Mr. Andersson observes that it is ‘‘ very sparingly met
with in Damara Land, but isa little more frequent as one approaches
the Orange River; it is also found at Lake N’gami.” Mr. Ayres
says that it is one of the commonest Falcons in the Transvaal,

Sir A. Smith gives the West Coast of South Africa, near the Orange
River, and the interior to the north of that, as the chief habitat of
this species; and states that unlike its congener, C. rupicola, it

never perches on rocks. Mr. Henry Jackson has sent it with its

eggs, from Nel’s Poort. The eggs resemble those of the preceding,
but are rather larger. The nest was found in a tree, and the parent
bird shot from it. It appears to be not uncommon in the Karoo,
Mr. Jackson having sent numerous eggs and specimens. He
writes, “this Kestrel was very rare here until quite lately. It has
now quite taken the place of CO. rupicola, which was formerly very
plentiful, but is now seldom seen.” Dr. Exton says, “‘it inhabits the
open Veldt, perching on isolated trees and stumps.” He found
it in considerable numbers in the interior. Eggs in Mr. Henry
Buckley’s collection are stated by him to measure 1:75 x 1°35
inches, and are white, blotched all over with pale brown.

Head, neck, shoulders, and scapulars pale tawny, clouded with pale
rufous; head and neck with black longitudinal stripes; back,
shoulders, and scapulars have broad, brown transverse bars. Throat
and under parts pale fawn; breast and belly striped brown ; quill-
feathers brown, inner vanes banded pale rufous; tail brown, with
about six white transverse bands ; tips of feathers white. Bill blueish
black ; base of lower mandible yellow. Length, 16’’; wing, 12” ;
tail, 8’.

64 '- BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Ayres gives the cere yellow ; tarsi and feet, dull yellow ; iris,
tawny yellow.
Fig. Smith, Til. Zool. §. Afr. pl. xcii.

58. CERCHNEIS NAUMANNI. Lesser Kestrel.
Tinnunculus cenchris, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 22 (1867).

Mr. Andersson says that this species is “rather scarce in Damara
Land, and only makes its appearance during the rainy season.” It
occasionally strays into the colony, following the locust swarms.
On one of these occasions the pair now in the Cape Museum were
obtained by Mr. Cairncross, of Swellendam, in 1860. He informed
us that they were feeding on the locusts, and after gorging them-
selves, perched on the summits of high trees, from which they were
easily shot. On the 7th January, 1870, Mr. Cairncross wrote “ over
the street (Swellendam), I to-day counted thirty-four of the little
Kestrel drifting along westward about 200 feet over head. Locusts
are plentiful this year.” Dr. Exton writes, ‘‘ North of Sechele’s I
shot a pair of O. nawmanni out of a flock from which I also obtained
C.rupicola. They were harrying a flight of locusts, taking them on the
wing, striking them with their feet and then carrying them to their
bills.” Mr. T. E. Buckley, during his journey to the Matabili, shot
a young male on the Limpopo River, on the 14th of November, 1873.

Adult male.—Head, shoulders, and tail ash-coloured ; back rufous ;
under parts vinaceous, more or less spotted with dark-brown ; throat,
and chin white ; wing-feathers brown-black ; tail tipped with white,
and crossed at the end with a broad bar of black; legs and cere
yellow ; iris yellow brown. Length, 12’’; wing, 93’’; tail, 6}’’.

Adult female.—Dissimilar to the male. Above tawny rufous,
transversely crossed by bars of blackish brown, narrower and more
obscure on the lower back, ramp, and upper tail-coverts, the latter
of which are strongly inclined to grey; tail rufous, barred with
black, tipped with whitish, before which a broad subterminal band
of black; head and neck rather pale rufous, the former broadly,
the latter more narrowly, streaked with blackish shaft-stripes ; fore-
head and a distinct eyebrow whitish, cheeks and ear-coverts silvery
white, with narrow shaft-lines of black; primaries dark brown,
barred on the inner web with rufous, secondaries coloured like the
back, the outer ones narrowly margined with white at the tip;
throat, vent, and under tail-coverts fulyous white, unspotted ; breast

a

CERCHNEIS VERPERTINUS. 65

inclining to rufous fawn-colour, all the feathers mesially streaked
with blackish, these stripes being broader on the flanks, and very
tiny on the thighs, which are also paler rufous. Total length,
12°5 inches ; culmen, 0°7; wing, 9°3; tail, 5-9; tarsus, 1:2. (Sharpe
Cat. B. i. p. 436.)

Young male.—Like the old female, but somewhat paler rufous.
The blue tail is assumed by a moult, the blue head being, on the
other hand, gained by a change of feather. Birds in intermediate
stages are often thus seen. (id. ¢. c. p. 437.)

Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Eur. part 3.

59. CERCHNEIS VERPERTINA. Red-footed Kestrel.

Although it has not yet been found within the limits of the colony,
this species nevertheless visits certain portions of South Africa,
along with the other insect-eating Falcons. According to Mr.
Andersson it “ usually arrives in Damara and Great Namaqua Land
about the rainy season, and again retires northward on the approach
of the dry season; they arrive in enormous flocks of many thousand
individuals.” Mr, Andersson also killed the species in Ovampo
Land, and Senor Anchieta obtained numerous specimens at Huilla, in
1868.

The following description is extracted from the ‘Catalogue of
Birds,’ (I, p. 444).

Adult male.—Above leaden grey, a little paler on the wing-coverts,
the greater series of which are conspicuously silvery-grey ; primary-
coverts and quills silvery-grey, the secondaries darker and approach-
ing the colour of the back; tail brownish black; under surface
blueish grey with faint indications of blackish shaft-stripes ; lower
abdomen, vent, under tail-coverts and thighs rich chestnut; under
wing-coverts leaden grey; inner lining of wing brownish black ;
cere, orbits and feet bright brownish red; claws yellowish white,
horn coloured at points; bill yellowish horn colour, blackish at tip ;
iris light brown, (according to Andersson “dark brown”). Total
length, 11°5 inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 9°8; tail, 56; tarsus,
115,

Adult female.—Different from the male. Above blueish grey,
with transverse black bars on all the feathers, the interscapulary
region a little darker and more ashy; tail also blueish grey, with
narrow black bars, the subterminal one much broader, the tip a little

iy

66 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

paler grey; quills brownish, externally ashy grey, barred on the
inner web with whitish; head, hind neck and under parts rufous,
inclining to buff on the under tail-coverts ; forehead whitish ; lores
and feathers round the eye greyish black; sides of the face and
neck, as well as the throat, yellowish white, with faint indications of
a pale rufous moustachial streak; soft parts as in the male but less
bright. Total length, 11 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 9°7; tail,
5°6; tarsus, 1°15.

Young.—-In general colour similar to the adult female, having the
tail barred with black. The fore part of the head is whitish, and
there is a strong tinge of rufous on the edgings to the interscapulary
region, the bases to the feathers being blackish; feathers round the
eye and on the upper part of ear-coverts greyish black, with
faint indications of a moustachial streak ; throat and sides of neck
creamy white; under surface rufous, paler than in the old female,
and streaked with blackish centres to the feathers, these developing
into spots towards the end of the feather; cere, orbits, and feet
reddish yellow, claws yellowish white, with dark grey tips.

Tig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Eur. part 1.

Eastern Red-footed Kestrel.

Eyen as in its breeding places this species has a more eastern
habitat, so in its winter residence it appears not to go so far to the
westward as C. vespertina. Only three specimens occurred to the
late Mr. Andersson in Damara Land, the foregoing species being by
far the more common bird there, as it is in Benguela. There are
two specimens in the British Museum, obtained by Dr. Kirk on the
Zambesi, and Mr. Gurney states that the Norwich collection contains
a specimen from thence. The following remarks of Dr. Kirk refer to
this species: ‘In February and March it is seen in numbers on the
Shiré, where the bush vegetation and palm-forest come down to the

60. CrrcHNEIS AMURENSIS.

river.”

Mr. Ayres has procured this Kestrel in the Transvaal, and accord-
ing to the same gentleman, in Natal, “ numbers may be seen
during the summer months about the open downs in the neighbour-
hood of Maritzburg,”

Dr. Exton likewise shot a fine example in the Matabili country,
and Mr. Andersson obtained one at the Knysna.

Dr. Kuk gives the following account of its habits in the Zambesi

CERCHNEIS ARDESIACA. 67

country :— This pretty little hawk is found near the river. It appears

_ only at sunset and in the dusk, when, coming in great numbers from

the shady forest or from among the fronds of the lofty Borassus-palm,
it hoyers, swallow-like, over the plains and water, catching dragon-
flies and locusts, which, with other insects caught on the wing, seem
to constitute its chief or only food. In February and March it was
seen in numbers on the Shiré, where the bush-vegetation and palm-
forest come down to the river.”

Adult male.—Above leaden black, a little paler on the lower back
and secondaries, the greater wing-coverts and primaries clearly
washed externally with silvery grey; tail greyish black above, paler
beneath ; under surface of body pale grey ; lower abdomen, thighs,
vent and under tail-coverts bright chestnut; under wing-coverts
pure white ; cere and orbits orange; feet and tarsi dark orange, claws
whitish ; bill dark orange, black at tip; iris hazel. Total length, 9°5
inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 9°0; tail,5°3; tarsus, 1:15. (Sharpe,
Cat. B. i, p. 445.)

N.B.—The above particulars as to the soft parts are given by
Ayres’ (Ibis, 1868, p. 41). Mr. Gurney observes that the female
“differs materially from the female of C. vespertinus in the absence
of rufous tints from all the upper portions of the plumage.”—See
the accurate plate in the Ibis, loc. cit.

Young.—Brownish, the feathers indistinctly margined at the tip
with dull fulvous, the lower scapulars, inner secondaries, ramp and
upper tail-coverts inclining to greyish, all tipped with fulvous and
barred with dull black; tail grey, with distinct transverse bars of
black ; sides of the face and throat white, the nape also mixed with
white; the lores and feathers of the eye as well as the indistinct
moustache brown; rest of under surface of body white, the breast
thickly covered with blackish central streaks to the feathers, the
thighs and under tail-coverts buffy white, the former tinged with
rufous.

Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1868, pl. 2.

61. CrrcHNEIS ARDESIACA. Grey Kestrel.

Only one specimen of this exclusively north-tropical species has
occurred within our limits. According to Prof. Barboza du Bocage,

a single specimen was procured at Humbe on the River Cunéné by

F2

68 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Senor Anchiecta. Hitherto it had only been known from north-
eastern Africa and Senegambia.

Adult male.—Slaty-grey with dark shaft stripes to the feathers,
especially distinct on the head and neck; quills dark brown, the
inner secondaries slaty-grey like the back, the outer ones clearer
grey towards the tips; tail slaty-grey, paler towards the tip, with
whitish bands on the inner webs; under surface pale slaty-grey,
with black shaft-stripes to the feathers, the throat and sides of the
face whitish; cere, orbits, and feet yellow; bill dark leaden blue ;
iris dark. Total length, 14 inches; culmen, 1:0; wing, 8-9; tail,
6-4; tarsus, 1:6. (Sharpe, Cat. B. i, p. 446.)

Fig. Temm. Pl. col. i, pl. 330.

62. CERCHNEIS DICKERSONI. Dickerson’s Kestrel.

This beautiful little hawk was discovered by the late Dr. Dickerson
at Chibisa on the Shiré Valley, where also Dr. Kirk obtained a
specimen. It has likewise occurred once to Senor Anchieta at
Caconda in Benguela, on the south-western coast of Africa.

Adult male.—Head and neck whitish ashy, with distinct blackish
shaft-stripes to the feathers; rest of upper surface deep brown,
inclining to black, the quills much darker brown, banded on the
inner web with white; rump and upper tail-coverts white with a
slight greyish shade ; tail banded alternately with black and greyish -
white, the subterminal black bar being very broad, the tip white ;
throat whitish; rest of under surface ashy brown with a slight
greyish shade; under wing-coverts whitish ashy with distinct shaft-
stripes; cere, orbits and feet yellow; bill blueish black, yellow at
base of lower mandible; iris dark brown. ‘Total length, 11 inches;
culmen, 0°95; wing, 8'°3; tail, 5-0; tarsus, 1:6. (Sharpe, Cat. B.
i, p- 447.)

Fig. Sclater, Ibis, 1864, pl. viii.

SUB-ORDER PANDIONES.

63. PANDION HALIAETUS. Osprey.

The Osprey appears to be confined to the eastern districts of
South Africa. It has been found in Natal by Mr. Ayres, who says
that it frequents the salt-water lakes near the sea. Dr. Dickerson

sae

i

SCOTOPELIA PELI. 69

procured a specimen at Chibisa; but we have never seen it from the
Cape Colony. Mr. T. C. Rickard writes that he believes he saw this
species up the Buffalo river on the 24th May, 1870. Our description
is taken from a Huropean specimen.

' Adult.—Above brown, most of the feathers with obsolete margins
of palér brown, more distinct on the wing-coverts ; primaries black,
secondaries brown like the back, the primaries pale, but uniform,
whity brown below, the secondaries whitish on the inner web, with
indistinct bars of ashy brown; tail almost uniform brown, tipped
with whity brown, and shaded with ashy externally, the inner web
obsoletely barred with ashy brown, a little more distinct below,

~ where the interspaces are whitish; head brown, with white bases

to the feathers ; a broad white streak from behind the eye running
down the sides of the neck; ear-coverts blackish brown; sides of
neck uniform with the back; sides of face and entire underparts
white, the breast varied with brown centres to the feathers of more
or less extent, the chin and fore part of cheeks also slightly streaked
with dark brown; axillaries and a few of the flank-feathers also
marked with rufous brown like the breast; under wing-coverts _
buffy white, with dark brown centres, the outermost almost entirely
brown, with whitish tips; cere blue; bill black; feet blue; iris
yellow. Total length 24 inches ; culmen, 1°75 ; wing, 19°1; tail, 9'5 ;
tarsus 2'4. (Sharpe, Cat. B. i, p. 450.)

SUB-ORDER STRIGES.
Fam. BUBONIDZ.

64, ScoropELIA PELI. Pel’s Owl.

In Western Africa this beautiful species has been found in different
localities from Senegambia to Gaboon, but in South Africa it has
been met with only in the Zambesi. Dr. Kirk gives the following
account of it:—“One of the rarest of the Raptores in the Zambesi
region. I know of only three pairs having been seen, and of these
five birds were secured. The pairs frequented the same locality
every day, and from their colour, were extremely difficult to observe.
Once started, they found more difficulty in again concealing them-~
selves, but remained exposed on some limb of a tree and might
then be approached, They were observed living in single pairs

ee = SS eee

i ae mos

. 25th May, 1855; it appeared to see perfectly well. Since we made

70 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

both in August before the rains and in March in the spring. All
three were inhabitants of the river Shiré valley, one at the con-
fluence, the others near the Murchison Rapids. The food of this
Owl is said by the natives to be small animals and snakes.”

The Rey. H. Waller, who obtained this species in the Zambesi
district, informed Mr. Gurney that it feeds on wild Guinea fowls
which it captures whilst roosting. In West Africa it has been
observed to feed on fish.

The following description is from a Zambesi specimen in the
British Museum, and is copied from the editor’s “Catalogue of
Birds.”

Adult.—Above deep rufous bay, crossed with numerous irregular
bars of black, fainter on the head, which is more fulvescent; wing- |
coverts and entire wing bay, barred with black, exactly like the
back, the under surface of the wing rufous and barred exactly like
the upper surface; tail rufous fawn-colour, rather lighter than back,
banded across with black; under surface of body light bay, with
distinct cordiform bars of black, somewhat irregular in shape ; under
wing-coverts rufous bay with a few black spots and bars, more
distinct on the lower series, which are lighter and resemble the
inner lining of the wing; cere blueish lead-colour; bill similar to
cere but darker, excepting towards tip; tarsi dirty white, tinged
with blueish» pink; talons light horn-colour with a tinge of dull
blue ; iris extremely dark brown. Total length, 23-5 inches; culmen,
2°7; wing, 16°5; tail, 10°0; tarsus, 2°7.

Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1859, pl. 15. ;

65. Bupo capensis. Cape Eagle Owl.

Its food consists of moles, rats, and small birds. Le Vaillant says
it makes a nest in a rocky locality, of branches, dried leaves, and
moss: eggs three.

We shot a specimen on the Cape Flats in the day-time on the

this old note in 1855, we have only obtained one other specimen ;

the species must, therefore, be rare. The example alluded to above —{
was shot in broad daylight in the bright sun, and gave usalong
chase, after being wounded at the first shot. He rose out of some
rushes in the first instance, and then perched in several different
places, but always keeping us well in yiew, and flying off on our

>|

BUBO LACTEUS. 71

approach. Two eggs were lately given to us as the “eggs of the
large owl,” and probably belong to this bird: they were taken from
a nest in the rocky sides of the Winterhoek Pass, by Mr. Short, the
Superintendent of Convicts, to whom we are indebted for many
good specimens. Eggs pure white, smooth, but not shining: axis,
2’; diam. 1’’ 9'’’; ends both alike rounded. Mr. Atmore says he
once took a nest at Bufflejaghts river in a mimosa tree containing
three eggs. The nest had been used (and probably constructed) by
a crow the previous year. The bird is common in the Karroo but
rare about George.

We took two eges exactly agreeing with those given to us by Mr.
Short, from a nest on an exposed bank along a wet ditch running
by the side of a frequented road at the Berg river, on the 21st of
September, 1869 ; it was about two feet in diameter and composed of
* soft dry flags and rushes; the hen bird sat very closely for several
days before we took the eggs and assimilated so closely with the
dead flags and rubbish on the bank that she was almost invisible.
Mr. Rickard writes us word that “ a very large owl with many rufous
markings was shot on the hills close to the town of Port Elizabeth
many years ago. I frequently saw it when stuffed and have but’
little doubt of its being this species.”

Although confined to a limited district in South Africa, this Owl
occurs in Abyssinia, for Mr. Gurney (P. Z. 8. 1871, p. 148) proclaims
that the type of B. dilloni is referable to the present bird.

General colour umber-brown, the under side being the lightest,
variegated with irregular spots of dark rufous on the head and
shoulders, and with bars and spots of deep orange on the rest of the
body. Wings umber-brown, much varied by pale buff bars of
irregular width ; each bar is spotted, or speckled brown. Feathers of
tail yellowish-white, with narrow dark bars. Legs and toes ochreous-
yellow ; collar brown; spot on the breast white. Facial disk yellow-
brown, with white wiry feathers near the beak. Length, 23’’; wing,
167; tail, 97’.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 70.

66. Buzo Lacrevs. Verreaux’ Hagle Owl.

Several specimens of this noble Owl have come to us from our
correspondents. Mr. Jackson says it is not uncommon in the
mountains near his residence at Nel’s Poort. Mr. Arnot has sent it

72 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

from Colesberg, and Mr. Atmore procured it at Blanco. Dr.
Atherstone also has it from the Fish River. Mr. Ayres has recorded
a specimen from the interior of Natal, and says :—“I observed this
fine Owl sparsely scattered along the banks of the Limpopo during
a recent journey through that district,” and the late Mr. Andersson
gives the following note :— This is the largest Owl found in Dam-
ara Land, It is of not unfrequent occurrence from the Okavango
River northward, to the Cape Colony in the south, and it is also
met with in the Lake regions.” Senor Anchieta has procured it at
Quillengues and Caconda in Benguela.

Mr, Atmore has sent us the following account of its habits :—

“ Meirine’s Poort, June 19th, 1863.—I heave at last obtained the
large Owl described to be as ‘big as a vulture. I send him
herewith. Eyes black, with a narrow brick-red ring round the iris.
He is very destructive to poultry, and judging from the capacity of
its swallow, could take down a chicken at a gulp. The throat is of
a peculiar construction, and I now regret I did not send it to you in
spirits. The fat all round it was half an inch thick. His call-note
is often mistaken for that of aleopard. One killeda dikkop (die-
nemus maculosus) and left his skeleton close to the house, so it
appears he victimises them as well as poultry. He throws up no
quids.”

Mr. Jackson corroborates Mr. Atmore’s statement of its being
destructive to poultry. He had many hens sitting in boxes in a
building with high walls, and closed doors, secure from every prow-
ler but a winged one; but the window in the roof being left open,
each night a hen disappeared. Mr. Jackson set a wire snare over
each box, and soon had the satisfaction of noosing the robber, who,
even with the wire round his leg, would not let go his prey, and was
killed “ red-handed.”

Mr. Ayres writes :—“ About sunrise individuals may be heard
making a low hooting ‘ goo, goo,’ repeated at intervals. The stomach
of the specimen sent from the Limpopo contained the remains of a
Guinea - fowl, Nwmida coronata, a species which is exceedingly
plentiful all along the Limpopo, and roosts at night on the trees by
the side of the river.” Mr. Andersson states that its food consists
of mice and other small quadrupeds, birds, lizards, and large beetles.

Mr. T. E. Buckley observes :—‘ This fine Owl is very common
from the Transvaal as far as the Matabili land, haunting the sides

a PO

ee

a eee, ee ae

a ee

a Le ee ee

BUBO MACULOSUS. as)

of rivers, away from which localities I never saw it. These Owls
generally go in pairs, but I once saw five together, out of which I
procured my specimen; after the first disturbance they get more
wary. I fancy they breed in old nests of other birds as I once saw
an Owl sitting in one.”

The following note is given by Dr. Kirk :— “The habits of this

_ bird resemble those of Scotopelia peli. It is much more common,

being rather plentiful among the mountains, and not unfrequently
met with in the Zambesi and particularly the river Shiré valley.”
Dr. Dickerson also procured examples at Magomero and Chibisa in
the Zambesi country, and gives the iris as “dark russet brown.”
General colour above and below brownish-grey, minutely variegated
throughout. A white mark extends from the shoulder half-way down
the back, and several white blotches appear on the wing-coverts. The
facial disk is lightish grey ; a semicircle of black extends from each
horn, under the chin, but they do not unite by several inches. The
horns are dark rusty-brown. The stiff hairs, which project along the
bill, are black along their shafts and at the tips. Cere, blucish grey ;
bill, pale ash-colour; iris, very dark hazel; eyelid, a conspicuous
pink. Length, 26”; wing, 183”; tail, 11; tarsus, 3 inches. ;
Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. ii, pl. 4.

67. Buzo MAcuLosus. Spotted Eagle Owl.
This is the commonest Owl in South Africa, and is found through-

out the colony. Victorin procured it at the Knysna, in June and

November, and Mr. Rickard informs us that it is plentiful both at
Hast London and at Port Elizabeth. Mr. Ayres has collected it in
Natal, where also Mr. R. 8. Fellows shot it, on the Tugela River. Mr.
Ayres has found it breeding in the Transvaal. Dr. Dickerson procured
it in the Zambesi country. Mr Andersson observes :—* This Owl is
sparingly met with in Damara and Great Namaqua Land,” and
Senor Anchieta has procured it at Humbe on the river Cunéné.
Mr. Monteiro says it is abundant about Benguela, and Anchieta met
with it at Huilla and Caconda.

It frequents forests, open lands, bush-covered or cultivated places
indiscriminately. We think it is subject to partial migrations, as on
several occasions we have, while hunting for game, come upon little
parties of eight or ten individuals, which kept together in their flight.
Pointer-dogs will stand to them as staunchly as to game. Our lato

Lyd ~
74 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

lamented friend, the Rey. John Fry, of Rondebosch, a zealous
observer of birds, informed us that they regularly frequented a grove
of fir-trees in his garden at one season of the year. We have noted
them in these trees in October. About twilight they begin to move,
ascending to the highest branch, and uttering their loud ‘‘hoo, hoo”
for a quarter of an hour together, and then sailing off to the Cape
Flats in search of their prey, which consists of mice, rats, moles, and
sometimes frogs. They lay two purely white eggs (axis, 2’’; diam.,
1’’ 9’’’) inholes of rocks, and sometimes in an old termite’s heap, or
even on the bare ground. Mr. Jackson says they make no nest with
him, simply depositing their eggs on the sand or on a ledge in the
river bank. Dr. Exton states that the Bechuanas hold the idea that
they are birds of ill omen.

Mr. Ayres gives the following note on the breeding of the present
species in the Transvaal ;—

«The only nest I ever found of this fine Owl was placed in a nook
on the face of a precipitous rock, and contained one young bird, not
long hatched, which was of a creamy, tawny-white colour, and one egg
cracked and addled, the shell of which Isend. This I took in the
month of October whilst on an exploring expedition to some very
curious limestone caves of great extent, some of the galleries of
which are exceedingly beautiful by torchlight, stalactites of all imagi-
nable shapes hanging in every direction.”

Above grey-brown, more or less variegated with light ochreous
(or white) spots and blotches ; below, the ground colour is more
ochreous, and the markings, chiefly fine wavy bars, with a few large
blotches, are of the same brown as the back. A dark circle surrounds
the facial disk, broken under the chin with rufous and white, imme-
diately under which is a broad white collar; facial disk grey. Feet
feathered to the toes, lightish-yellow or dirty-white, speckled with
brown. Tail broadly barred with ochreous brown; iris yellow.
Length, 19’’; wing, 13” ; tail, 73”.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. ii, pl. 50.

68. Scops LEUCOTIS. White-faced Scops Owl.

This species does not come into the colony, but we have received
specimens from Mr. David Arnot procured in Mahura’s country.
Mr. Ayres obtained it in Natal, where he found its nest containing
two white eggs, and composed of afew coarse dry fig-leaves, in a

SCOPS GAPENSIS. 75

small cavity on the top of the stump of a pollard Banyan fie-tree.
More recently he writes :—“ I met with only one of these owls during
my trip to the Limpopo, which was brought to me by a Caffre ina
starving state ; it was a female, and measured in entire length 10°4
inches; the wing, 7}; tail, 4; and tarsus, 12. Another specimen
was shot by my brother in the month of August, amongst some
willows at Pochtefstroom.” Dr. Dickerson procured a single ex-
ample at Magomero in the Zambesi district. :

To the westward it appears more plentiful, and Mr. Andersson
observes, that “‘ next to Athene perlata this is about the most com-
mon Owl in Damara Land, and the parts adjacent to the northward ;
it is also pretty frequent in the Lake regions, but is less frequently

observed in Great Namaqua Land.” Senor Anchieta has procured it

at Capangombe in Mossamedes, as well as at Ambaca in Angola
proper, the Lisbon Museum likewise containing a specimen from the
interior of the latter country, shot in Duque do Braganza.

Dr. Exton found this species roosting in forest trees, and the con-
tents of its stomach to be coleoptera. Mr. Andersson says :— It is
always seen in pairs, and though strictly a night owl, its vision by
day is by no means bad.” ‘The latter gentleman gives in his work
on the birds of Damara Land, a good account of its nesting.

General colour brownish grey, longitudinally striped with black.
Egrets very long, more or less tipped with black. Under plumage
with a deep black line down the centre of each feather. Legs white
faintly mottled; iris golden yellow. Length, 11’’; wing, 8’; tail,
4",

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. ii, pl. 16.

69. Scors caPENsIs. Cape Scops Owl.

Ephialtes senegalensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 41 (1867).

This beautiful little Owl is rare in Southern Africa, and we do not
know of a single specimen procured in the colony, though we saw a
bird in the possession of the Count de Castelnau, said to have been
procured at the Knysna, which was either this species or the common
Damara Land Carine perlata. We could not, however, obtain a
description of it at the time, and quote from memory.

Mr. Ayres has only obtained one in Natal, but Mr. Andersson
obtained several examples during his residence in Damara Land, and
further to the northward it appears to be common, for Senor

76 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Anchieta has shot specimens at Biballa, Maconjo and Gambos, as
well as at Huilla in Benguela, in which latter district Mr. Monteiro
also procured it. The present species extends its range into Angola
proper, having” been met with at Pungo Andongo by Anchieta and
in Duque do Braganza by Senor Bayao.

Mr. Gurney considers that the South African Scops owl is a
distinct species both from Scops giw and Scops senegalensis, and some
excellent remarks on this subject will be found from his pen in
Andersson’s ‘‘ Birds of Damara Land,” (p. 39).

This species is distinguished from the other South African Owls
by its small size and mottled plumage, the general colour being a
dark grey, finely pencilled with black cross-lines: it has distinct
ear-tufts, and is slightly paler below with more white on the abdomen
than onthe breast. Total length, 7-5; wing, 5:3; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0°95.

70. SyRNIUM WoODFORDI. Woodford’s Owl.

Not common, but has a wide range in the colony. Its food con-
sists of small quadrupeds, birds, insects, &c. We have received two
specimens from the Knysna, procured by the late Mr. Villet in that
neighbourhood ; but know nothing of its habits. Victorin also met
with it in the last mentioned locality in May and October, and one
specimen was procured at Port Elizabeth by Mr. Browning. While
in the Zambesi country a single example was shot by the late Dr.
Dickerson at Chibisa, and Mr. Gurney has received two specimens
from Natal.

Male.—All the upper parts very dark reddish umber, variegated
with white spots, and sienna-coloured and white bars. Wings
generally yellowish brown, marked with dark bars, and yellowish,
white blotches. Collar white, with brown bars. When lying smooth,
the breast and belly appear alternately in bars of white and reddish
pale brown. ‘Tail reddish brown, barred with pale brown.

Female.—Everywhere of a much lighter colour. Length, 132’ ;
wing, 9” ; tail, 6”.

Tris “dark brown” as observed by Mr. Ayres—“ light brown” as
noted by Dr. Dickerson—“ yellow” according to Sir A. Smith. Bill,
cere and feet light yellow. (Ayres.)

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 71.

te &

CARINE CAPENSIS.

Plate

I.

CARINE PERLATA. Ue

71. CARINE CAPENSIS. Barred Owlet.
(Plate ITI.)

Athene capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 387. (1867.)

The few specimens known to Dr. A. Smith were all killed in
forests in the Cape Colony. Personally we have not met with it;
neither does M. Victorin appear to have found it at the Knysna. Mr.
Ortlepp writes : “I hear they are not uncommon in the woods which
margin both banks of the Vaal River, where we procured one specimen
on the Ist of May about noon. It was asleep on one of the topmost
branches of a high tree, and looked more like a small ball of moss
than a bird. Its stomach was filled with some soft stuff which
looked like the soft rind of the ‘ wait-a-bit’ thorn-berry, and nume-
rous small bones (quite entire and clean) of mice, upon which they
commence to prey as soon as the twilight darkens into night. Inides
light yellow.” Mr. Andersson observes as follows :—‘ This, I
apprehend, is a very scarce bird in Damara Land, as I saw but very
few specimens in all my travels. I have never observed it in Great
Namaqua Land.” Mr. Gurney states that in Mr. Andersson’s last
collection were a pair of birds from the Cunéné and another specimen
from Ovampo Land. Dr. Kirk obtained it in the Shiré valley,
opposite the village of Chibisa in October, and says it was ‘ not un-
frequent in wooded country near the open plains.”

Head and neck red chestnut-brown, with imperfect white bars ;
from neck to end of tail umber brown, glossed with purple; some
feathers have large white blotches, others yellowish bars; wings
similarly coloured and variegated. Breast, of all these colours, but
each paler. Belly white, with large brown blotches ; under part of
tail pale-coloured ; legs white, faintly marked in brown. Length, 8}”’ ;
wing, 5’’ 9'’’; tail, 33’’.

The figure is taken from the type in the British Museum.

72. CARINE PERLATA. African Pearl-spotted Owlet.

Athene licua, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 38. (1867.)

This species is not plentiful in the Cape Colony, and when tho
first edition was written had not fallen under our notice, but as will
be seen below it is by no means uncommon in the interior of South
Africa. Mr. Ortlepp obtained this pretty little Owl to the north of
Colesberg, and Mr. T. C. Atmore procured a pair on the Vaal River.

78 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in Griqualand in May, 1871, while Dr. Exton fell in with it near
Kanye, and Mr. T. E. Buckley says it is common from the north of
Pretoria into the Matabili country. The Lisbon Museum contains a
specimen from the Transvaal, forwarded by F. Vanzeller, and Mr.
Ayres in his list of birds from the above locality, writes as follows:
—This little owl is tolerably common along most of the rivers in
the Bush, and especially on the banks of the Limpopo.” According
to Mr. Andersson it is the “ commonest Owl in Damara Land, Great
Namaqua Land, and Ovampo Land,” and Senor Anchieta has met
with it at Quillengues in Benguela as well as at Ambaca in Angola
proper.

For the following notes on the habits of the present species we are
indebted to Dr. Exton :—“ The stomach and bill of one showed that it
had been eating a specimen of Proteba melba, others contained only
coleoptera. They hunt by day, and I saw one in the middle of the
forenoon dart ona gryllus, which he still held firmly when I shot him.
In the midday heat its favourite position seems to be a perch on a
thick branch in the shade of the stem of the tree, and should it be
detected by the smaller birds it is treated with the same insult and
its presence as loudly protested against as is the common Bubo ma-
culosus when he makes his appearance in the day time.”

General colour above a warm brown approaching to rufous on the
head, and with a rufous and white collar round the neck. The upper
parts are throughout spotted with white, the spots being smallest
and most numerous on the head. Wings with six rows of white
spots. Tail greatly exceeding the wings, brown, crossed by seven
imperfect rows of spots more or less large. Under parts, except the
rufous collar, white, longitudinally striped with dark brown. Eye-
brows and sides of chin white. Legs covered to the toes, which are
hairy, with brown and white hair-like feathers. Iris yellow.
Length, 7’’ 6'”’ ; wing, 4”; tail, 3'’ 3’’’.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. ii, pl. 34.

73. ASIO CAPENSIS. African Short-eared Owl.
Otus capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 43. (1867.)

This Owl is only found in marshy places, and is usually gregarious.
It conceals itself during the day amongst long grass, or reeds, &c., and
preys upon water-insects, mice, and lizards. Dr. Smith gives no loca-

ASIO BRACHYOTUS. 79

lity for this bird ; but we have ascertained that it is pretty generally
distributed, though nowhere very common: it frequents dry vleys, in
the flags of which it lies concealed. We killed a couple in such a situ-
ation at ‘ Naght waght,” near Bredasdorpin June. Mr. H. Trevelyan
tells us that it is apparently common near Kingwilliamstown, where
he flushed seven or eight from some long grass in October, 1874.
Mr. Ayres has found it in Natal and also in the Transvaal Republic.
He says:—‘‘ This owl occurs in the swamps near Potchefstroom, where
I have occasionally come across its nest, whilst beating for snipes
among the long grass and rushes. The nest is merely a small cavity
in the ground, snugly situated under a clump of grass or rushes, with
a few blades of dry rushes at the bottom. The bird flies from its
nest in a great hurry at the near approach of danger. The eggs are
two or three in number, pure white and slightly glossy; size about
- 12 by 12 inches. I found a male bird sitting on a nest which con-
tained three eggs a good deal incubated; this was in the month of
April.” Dr. Kirk found it in the Zambesi district, where he observes
that it is ‘‘a common owl in the clumps of trees bordering the
valley, over the grass plains near which it hunts, during the dusk of
the evening, in search of small animals.” It is probably owing to
the more suitable country on the eastern and central portions of
South Africa that this owl is more common there, for it is a scarce
bird on the west coast, as Mr. Andersson only obtained it once in
Ovampo Land (Cf. Gurney in Anderss. B. Damara Ld. p. 43), and
Mr. Monteiro procured but a single specimen in Angola.

Upper parts of head, neck, back, upper tail-coverts, breast, and
lesser wing-coyerts reddish-brown, varied with a more yellow shade.
Body and legs pale yellow-ochre, barred with brown. Wings
chiefly brown, barred with yellow; most of the feathers with a much
paler margin. Tail barred brown and yellowish-white. Facial disk
pale, dull-yellow, marked with brown ; deep-brown round the eyes.
Collar deep-brown. Iris, as observed by Mr. Ayres, “ light reddish-
brown ;” as observed by the late Mr. Favier at Tangiers, “ blackish-
brown.”

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 67.

74, AsIo BRACHYOTUS. Short-eared Owl.

This species has been known to occur once in South Africa, as
recorded by Mr. Gurney (Ibis, 1868, p. 150) :—“ The Zoological

eee

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1 CS Ds CC

A. — I. oe ‘aa A OP TT Ped = Zz

r

80 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Society has lately acquired from Natal a living bird of this widely-
spread species. It is a dark-coloured example, but not more so than
some English specimens that have come under my notice.”

Adult male.—General colour above pale ochreous buff, deeper on
the centre of the back, the centres of the feathers longitudinally
dark brown, producing a broadly streaked appearance, the scapu-
lars much paler on their outer margins, the brown markings more
irregular and branching into bars, so that the interspaces represent
large ovate spots of whitish buff; wing-coverts rather darker than
the back and more of a reddish ochre, the central markings to the
feathers dark brown as on the back, but more irregular and forming
bars, on the median and greater series more confined to the inner
web, the outer ones haying very large and distinct ovate whitish
spots, which are very conspicuous on the wing; primary-coverts
dark brown, with a few rufous ochre spots, principally near the base ;
quills rufous ochre, with a whitish tip, inclining also to fulvous near
the base of the outer primaries, all the feathers very plainly
chequered with dark brown bars, which are much narrower on the
inner webs; upper tail-coverts nearly uniform ochraceous, shaded
slightly with brown near the tips ; tail-feathers ochraceous tipped with
whitish and crossed with seyen brown continuous bars on the centre
feathers, only five in number on the outer ones, where the bars are
much narrower and disappear near the base; frontal plumes dark
brown narrowly margined with ochraceous ; ruff whitish, slightly
washed with ochre and minutely speckled with triangular spots of
brown; facial aspect dull white, the lores shaded with brown, the
ear-coverts with narrow blackish shaft-lines, all the feathers round
the eye black ; ear-tufts 0°5 inches long, resembling the feathers of
the crown; chin whitish; the ruff below extending upwards behind
the ear-coverts ochraceous mottled with dark brown centres to the
feathers ; rest of under surface buffy white, washed with golden buff
on the breast and sides, the breast feathers streaked with brown
down the centre, these streaks narrowing into linear shaft-lines on
the lower breast and abdomen and disappearing entirely on the legs
and under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts white, very faintly tinged
with ochre, the outer greater coverts blackish, forming the charac-
teristic spot, the rest of the wing-lining whitish, the secondaries
with obsolete brownish bars, which are nearly absent on the prima-
ries, these being blackish on tips and only slightly barred with

STRIX CAPENSIS. 81

ochraceous, the outer feathers having a blackish mark about half
way up. Total length, 14 inches; wing, 12:4; tail, 6°5; tarsus,
1:75.

Adult female.—Of the same general appearances and markings as
the male, but always much deeper colour, the under surface being of
arich ochre. Bands on tail, six on the middle, and four or five on
the outer feathers. Total length, 15°5 inches; wing, 12°5; tail,
6°7; tarsus, 1°85.

Fig. Gould, B. Gt. Br. pl. xxxi.

75. STRIxX CAPENSIS. Sovth African Grass Owl.

Sir A. Smith says that this Owl is found about Table Mountain,
from which locality we have also obtained one pair ; but the species
is rare, as but few other examples have occurred to us.

Mr. Atmore writes: “Blanco, May 25th, 1864. A boy reports
an Owl’s nest in a vley near this. It was the female of this nest pro-
bably that Tom saw in the clutches of the Crested Eagle. May 26th:
Have visited the Owl’s nest and shot the male, (Stria capensis) ;
found three large young ones in the nest just getting quill-feathers,
so they breed early. It is not a rare bird here, but difficult to raise.
It inhabits the wide palmiet vleys.”’ Mr. Henry Bowker obtained this
species at Masura in Moshesh’s country and Captain Shelley shot one
near the Umgeni river. Mr. Ayres has also procured it in Natal, as
well as in the Transvaal territory, where he has found them inhabit-
ing the long rushes in the swamps surrounding Potchefstroom, but
not plentifully. Mr. T. E. Buckley also procured a male in the

Transvaal, on the 8th of June, 1873; it must therefore be widely
distributed.

Upper parts dark brown; on each feather a white spear-shaped
spot, larger and more distinctly marked as they near the tail. Shoul-
ders and inside of wings orange, spotted with brown. Sides of neck
and under parts pale reddish-orange, each feather with a light brown,
arrow-headed spot on its tip. Facial disk vinaceous, near the
eye brownish-black, surrounded by a ring of white feathers, tipped
with brown. Tail paler above, here and there barred with brown ;
below, nearly white; “eye black,” (Ayres). Length, 17’’; wing,
13}’’ ; tail, 5’’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. pl. 45.

82 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. :

76. SvRrx PLAMMEA, Barn Owl.

Strix afinis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 43. (1867.)

.

This Owl is common all over the colony, breeding in the roof
of nearly every farm-house that we have entered. Mr. Rickard
records it from East London and Port Elizabeth. Mr. T. EL
Buckley obtained a male in Bamangwato, and the British Museum
contains a Transvaal specimen, presented by Mr. A. Foresman : but
Mr. Ayres does not appear to have obtained it in Natal. Dr. Dicker-
son shot it at Quilimane in the Zambesi country.. Mr. Andersson in
his ‘ Birds of Damara Land’ writes :—“ South of the Orange River
this Owl is exceedingly common, but north of that river it is a very
scarce bird, though widely distributed over all the countries of which
these notes treat.” Mr. Monteiro states that it is abundant about
Benguela, and Anchieta has procured it at Gambos in the Mossa-
medes district. In Angola the same traveller has obtained it at
Ambaca, Toulson at Loanda, and Welwitsch at Bengo.

In Mr. Fry’s fir-trees, a pair or two were to be found at any time.

They occupy the same perch for days together, the ground below
being covered with their pellets. On examining these, they will be
found to consist almost entirely of the bones of mice—once only
have we found the skull of a bird.

Eggs, two to four in number, pure white, not shining : axis, 1’’ 7 ’s
diam., 1’’ 4”’’.. These birds will continue laying in the same nest
though it may be robbed many times in succession. We took three
pair of eggs from a nest in Mr. Kotzé’s wine store at the Berg river
in September. Mr. Thomas Atmore writes on 12th July, 1870,
Strix poensis has already hatched in the F. A. M. Police Barracks,
and the men have taken the young ones.” ’

Upper parts rather deep reddish-orange, profusely mottled with
dark grey, and spotted with white. Tail with four bars of deep
brown, variegated with grey. Under parts ochreous-yellow, spotted
with small arrow-head-shaped marks of a dark brown: on the feet
and half-way up the legs, short, stiff, yellowish hairs. Facial disk
white, tinted with vinaceous, darkest at the inner angle of the eye,
and surrounded with a circle of dark aie approaching to black,
on the lower half. Length, 16” ; wing, 12”; tail, 5’’ 6'”’.

83

ORDER PICARLA.
Fam. CAPRIMULGIDZ.

78. CAPRIMULGUS EUROPXUS. European Nightjar.

Caprimulgus smithii, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 47.
Caprimulgus infuscatus, Gurney, Ibis, 1859, p. 242, et 1868, p. 15].

Sir A. Smith was the first to figure the common Nightjar as a South
African bird, but Prince Bonaparte considered it to be a different
species, an opinion in which, until lately, we ourselves were disposed
to endorse. We have, however, lately seen undoubted specimens of
C. ewropeeus from the Cape Colony, and several are to be found in
the national collection. According to Prof. Malmgren in the ‘ Ibis,’
for 1869, (p. 69) a typical European Goatsucker was procured at Port
Natal on the 2nd of February, 1840: Mr. Ayres has also met with
it there, and Captain Shelley during a recent visit to that colony
“frequently met with it at Durban and Pinetown.” Mr. Atmore
obtained an adult male in full plumage at Grahamstown, and we
haye received it from Colesberg, Swellendam and other places in the
Cape Colony, and have shot it ourselves in the neighbourhood of
Cape Town. ‘The late Mr. Andersson also met with it at the Knysna,
a specimen killed by him on the 12th of February, 1866, having the

white-spotted tail-feathers just appearing.

We have noticed that Goatsuckers are more abundant near Cape
Town during the month of March, doubtless congregating together
before their departure northwards. It is just possible that, like the
European Bee-eater, the present species breeds during its sojourn in
South Africa, as some eggs of whose parentage we are not quite
| certain (though we know of no other South African species which
could lay claim to them) probably belong to this bird. They are of
a light cream colour, minutely freckled with purplish brown and
grey. Axis, 12’’’; diam., 9’’’.

As the Nightjars are all very similar in coloration, we purpose
only to give such characters as may be of use in distinguishing the
| different species found in South Africa. Thus the European Night-

G 2

A | '

— —— ae os. — , -

84 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

jar may be told by its large size, the wing being about 7} inches in
length. The male has white spots on the inner webs of the first
three primaries ; the female has none of these white spots on the
wing or tail, but the inner web of the quills is barred with rufous,
these bars being narrow and at least eight in number. The only
other South African Nightjar which could be mistaken for the
female (. ewropeus is the female of Cosmetorius vewillarius (M.
sperlingi, Sharpe), which is equally large, but has a very broad
rufous collar and has only sia broad rufous bars on the inner web.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxv [¢]: Smith, Hl. Zool. 8. Afr.
lec?)

79, CaPRIMULGUS PECTORALIS. South-African Nightjar.

Caprimulgus atrovarius, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 48.

This species appears to be entirely confined to South Africa, and
is found about Cape Town, frequenting gardens and orchards. It is
common at Rondebosch and along the forest-clad eastern face of
Table Mountain. The late Mr. Andersson procured it at the Knysna,
where also Victorin found it in May, as well as from July to Sep-
tember. Mr. H. Atmore has forwarded it from the neighbourhood
of George, and Mr. T. C. Atmore from Eland’s Post. Mr. Rickard
records it from Port Elizabeth.

Like all its congeners, it flies abroad as soon as the twilight begins
to darken, and often perches on the rails of garden-fences, sitting
lengthways along them. It has the churring note of the other
Goatsuckers, and lays two greyish, cream-coloured eggs, shaped
much the same at each end, freckled and blotched with brown spots
and patches. Mr. Henry Buckley tells us that the eggs in his col-
lection measure 1:04 x 0°77 inch, and are of a creamy white colour,
marked with faint purplish spots, and shaped alike at both ends.

The nest is a mere depression in the soil, under the shelter of a
large stone or bush. At Mr. Vigne’s farm, on the River Zonder
End, a bird of this species has hatched her eggs, for several succes-
sive years, in a flower-bed close to a well-used path. We saw her
sitting in the beginning of November; she allowed us to approach
within two or three feet of her, and never once moved from her
nest, though we visited her daily. Her eyes were always closed to
within a mere thread-like crack, out of which she watched every

=~

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-— -

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a few,

CAPRIMULGUS RUFIGENA. 85

movement, and she generally rested her head on a small dead branch
that lay beside the nest.

This Nightjar is remarkable for its very black coloration and broad
golden-buff collar. The length is about 9°5 inches; wing, 6°8. Both
male and female have the white spots on the wing-feathers, the first
four primaries being spotted. The two outer tail-feathers have a
white termination, of exactly the same size in both, and occupying
nearly the terminal half of the feather.

Fig. Levaill, Ois. d’Afr. i, pl. 49.

80. CapRIMULGUS RUFIGENA, Rufous-cheeked Goatsucker.

Sir A. Smith says that this Goatsucker ‘is chiefly found in the
eastern districts of the colony, and, in common with the other Cape
species, seeks its food generally in the dusk of the evening, and
during the early part of the night.” We have seen it from the
Karroo near Beaufort, and from Grahamstown. At Port Elizabeth
it has been noted by Mr. Rickard. Dr. Exton met with it near Kanye
in the Matabili country, and Mr. T, E. Buckley, in his account of his
journey in the latter locality, observes :—< This is the only species
of Goatsucker we obtained, and it was common from the Limpopo,
where we only found it in the rainy season, far into the Matabili
country.” Mr. Ayres has found it in the Transvaal, where he pro-
cured the egg. Mr. Andersson writes:—‘I have found this bird
tolerably common in the southern part of Damara Land, and it is
also an inhabitant of Great Namaqua Land. It is met with singly
or in pairs, and frequents moderately dense brushwood.” He thinks
that they are partially migratory as they are “much more common
in the rainy than during the dry season.” It is certain that the
present species goes further to the north than Mr. Andersson tells
us in the above notes, for he himself procured it subsequently in
Ondonga. How far it extends on the eastern side of the continent
has yet to be seen, but at present it has not been found even in the
Zambesi, and so does not find a place in the “ Vogel Ostafrika’s” of
Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub.

Mr. H. Jackson found it breeding at Camfers Kraal, where he
resides, and forwarded eggs: these are oval, of a dull salmon
coloured ground, profusely blotched and clouded with greyish purple.
exis, 12//’; diam., 9’/’,

86 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Dr. Exton also sent us an egg taken from the abdomen of a female
shot by him, and he writes :—“I can give no assistance in the col-
lecting of eggs. To the native mind there is something tangible in
a young bird—all sorts of fledglings have been brought to me,
Hawks, Owls, Hornbills, &e.—but the enquiry for eggs is generally
looked upon as a mild form of lunacy, partly it may be arising from
eggs (even those of poultry) not being admissible as food for men,
and only under exceptional circumstances for women and children.”

The habits of this bird seem exactly to resemble those of the
common Nightjar, like which species, says Mr. Buckley, “ it has a
jarring note, and is fond of settling in the paths: it roosts on the
ground during the day.” The eggs, according to the same gentle-
man, are pink, mottled all over with greyish brown. Canon Tristram
describes the egg as of a rich cream-colour, with faint fawn-coloured
cloudings all over it. This latter egg was sent by Mr. Ayres, who
found it “laid on the bare ground, without the slightest pretence to
a nest.”

C. rufigenis is like a miniature C. europeus, being smaller, and
having the under wing-coverts nearly uniform. Total length, 9°5
inches; wing, 6°35. our primaries are always spotted with white,
and sometimes traces are apparent on the jifth.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 100.

81. Carrmuneus rervinus, Sharpe. Fiery-necked Nightjar.

This new species, four specimens of which are in the British
Museum, was obtained by the late Mr. Andersson in Damara Land,
and has hitherto been confounded with C. rufigena. It is, however,
to be distinguished from this species by the characters mentioned
below, and, unless Mr. Andersson has erred in the sexing of the
specimens, it differs from the above mentioned bird in haying the
characteristic white spots present in both sexes. Two females were
procured by him at Elephant Vley on the 5th and 28th of October,
1859, another female at Otjoro on the 50th of November, while the
fourth was shot near Ovampo Land on the 2nd of February in the
same year.

This is the species identified by Messrs. Strickland and Sclater as
C. pectoralis (Contr. Orn. 1852, p. 148) and is likewise the C. pec-

toralis of Mr, Andersson’s work (p. 49). He writes concerning it:

CAPRIMULGUS LENTIGINOSOS. 87

—“ This species is tolerably common in the north of Damara Land.
It is usually found singly, and is partial to open roads and paths
about dusk. Its food consists of beetles and other insects, their
eggs, and small seeds.”” Mr. Gurney has correctly identified the
C. damarensis of Strickland (J. c.) with O. rufigena, and the deter-
mination of the other Damara Goatsuckers has been rendered easy
to us by the kindness of Mr. Salvin, who allowed us to see all the
Strickland specimens.

This bird may be briefly described as being very closely allied to
O. rufigena, but at once distinguishable by its uniform clear golden-
buff cheeks; the latter in C. rufigena are black slightly streaked.
with rufous. Totallength, 9°5 inches; wing, 6°7; tail, 4°8; tarsus, 0°7.

$2, CAPRIMULGUS LENTIGINOSUS. Freckled Nightjar.

We never personally fell in with this large Nightjar in the Colony,
and Mr. Andersson says:—‘I am inclined to think that this is a
scarce bird in South Africa, though, at the same time, somewhat
widely diffused, as I have obtained specimens in every part traversed
by myself.” The only example, however, of Mr. Andersson’s which
we have seen, is one from the river Cunene, formerly in the editor’s
collection and now in the British Museum. Sir Andrew Smith ori-
ginally procured the species in Great Namaqua Land, where he got
two specimens; “ the one, when it was shot, was seated on a high
road, and the other was skimming around a pool of stagnant water,
and occasionally darting from its general course as if to capture
insects. Many other individuals, probably of the same species,
were observed in the same country; but as they all kept so ex-
tremely close to the edge of the brushwood, and never appeared till
the dusk was about giving way to darkness, two specimens only

- were obtained.” :

This is a large-sized species, as well as a very variable one. Total
length, 10°6 inches; wing, 7:2; tail, 5-4; tarsus, 0°8. Its large
size prevents its being mistaken for any other South African Night-

* ‘jar excepting O. ewropeus, but it may at once be distinguished from
the latter bird by the small size of the white spots on the primaries,
four of which have the white markings: on the tail-feathers there
are no distinct white tips to the outer ones, only an indication of
white being present.

' Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 101.

> ae aa

ye

88 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

83. CAPRIMULGUS NATALENSIS. Natal Nightjar.

This small species was discovered by Sir Andrew Smith near
Port Natal, and seems to be confined to that country, as, although
recorded by Dr. Kirk from the Zambesi, we find that his specimens
really belong to OC. mossambicus.

It not unfrequently occurs in Natal collections. Mr. Ayres writes
concerning it :—“ The stomach was full of large and hard beetles
swallowed whole. These birds roost on the ground among the grass;
if disturbed, they fly a short distance and alight again ; they feed
only at night, and are fond of frequenting roads or any other bare
grounds; they rise from the ground, and catch any beetle that
passes, immediately alighting again. The flight of this Goatsucker
is noiseless ; its note is extremely liquid and mellow; it builds its
nest in the grass and lays two white eggs.” Mr. E. C. Buxton when
travelling in Natal met with this bird just beyond the Bombo moun-
tains.

The Natal Nightjar is a small species, and may be distinguished
by its having the terminal half of the outer tail-feather pure white,
extending nearly to the base of the outer web. The male has four
white spots on the primaries, which are otherwise uniform; in the
female these spots are sandy buff, and near the base is a second large
sandy coloured bar: the outer tail-feather also is brown barred with
dull sandy. The coloration of this Nightjar is different from any
other species known from South Africa, being a mixture of yellowish
buff and black, the latter forming large spade-shaped spots on the
scapulars. ‘Total length, 8:5 inches; wing, 63.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr., Aves, pl. 99.

84. CAPRIMULGUS MOSSAMBICUS. Mozambique Nightjar.

Two specimens of this bird were procured by Dr. Kirk at Tete
during the Zambesi expedition, and these are all that we have seen
from South Africa. It is probably the species identified by Dr.
Kark (Ibis, 1864, p. 31) as C. natalensis, “ obtained in the plains
near the sea-coast ;” as his Zambesi collection contains no specimen
of the Natal Nightjar.

This species, as well as its near ally C, fossi, may be distinguished

COSMETORNIS VEXILLARIUS. 89

from the other African Goatsuckers by the outer web of the last tail-

feather being white for its whole extent, the white tip to the inner

web being small: the secondaries all broadly tipped with white: five

primaries spotted with white. Total length, 10 inches ; wing, 6-4.
Fig. Finsch and Hartlaub, Vog. Ost.-Afr., taf. 1.

85. CoOSMETORNIS VEXILLARIUS. Standard-winged Nightjar.

This remarkable Nightjar has not yet occurred in the Cape Colony,
but is found a little further to the northward in Damara Land and
across to the Zambesi. Mr. Andersson says :—“ I only observed
this singular Nightjar in the large forests about one degree south of
the river Okavango. I never saw many of them, and the few that
were observed were all found within from twenty to one hundred
yards of each other.” In the British Museum is a specimen pro-
cured by Mr. Andersson at Elephant Vley on the 13th of October,
1859, being the example mentioned by Mr. Gurney as formerly in
the editor’s private collection (cf. Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld.
p: 46). Senor Anchieta has procured it at Biballa in the Mossa-
medes district of Angola, where he says it bears the native name of
Pumbamba. Dr. Kirk writes:—‘ The Cosmetornis was first observed
about 300 miles up the Zambesi, a little above Teté, on the Kebrabassa
Rapids in November, 1858, and was there decidedly common. It
was again met with on the western side of Lake Nyassa (lat. 12° to
18° S.) where, in September and October, it was very common, being
seen in flocks of from fifteen to twenty. It was also common at
Chibisa on the Shiré in lat. 16° S. It was only during the months
from October until January that the singular prolongations of the
wing-feathers were observed. These are peculiar to the males. Like
other Nightjars the habits of the Cosmetornis are crepuscular. It
catches insects on the wing, and frequents bushy lands and the
vicinity of water. When started during the day-time from the
ground where they always rest, they fly swiftly to a little distance,
and again settle, but are exiremely difficult to follow with the eye.
Not so the males when in full plumage; in their case there is no
difficulty ; their flight is evidently retarded, and they become pro-
minent objects from the long streamers waving behind them. A
deviation from the usual habits of this bird was observed when
cruising on the Nyassa. On two occasions being overtaken ina

.

90 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

gale, and riding out a short but dangerous sea which set in and
raised a surf on the shore, through which it was impossible to land,
the male birds came off in flocks of about fifteen, and flew over the
surface of the water. On no other occasion have I seen them take
wing of their own accord, or keep on the wing during the day.”
Mr. Andersson remarks :—“This bird, when seen on the wing at
dusk, presents a most singular appearance, giving the idea of a
large double-winged bat.”

We are convinced that the bird recently described by the editor
as Macrodipteryx sperlingi, the type of which was obtained at sea in
the Bay of Malimba by the late Commander Sperling, is only the
female of OC. vewillarius. A specimen agreeing in every particular
with the type was shot by the late Mr. Andersson at Otjimbinque on
the 13th of October, 1859, the very day on which he procured the
male Oosmetornis mentioned above, so there can be but little doubt
that our surmise is correct.

The male in full breeding plumage is an unmistakeable bird, being
easily recognized by its long streaming quill-feathers, which reach
out far behind the bird’s body. The female can be told by the
broad rufous bars, six in number, on the under surface of the quills,
and by her broad rufous neck-collar: she has no long streamers, and
looks like an ordinary Caprimulgus at first sight.

Fig. Gould, Icones Avium, ii, pl. 3.

Fam. CYPSELIDZ.
86. CypsELus arus. Common Swift.
Cypselus barbatus, Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. p. 47.

The supposition that the Swift of South Africa constitutes a dif-
ferent species from the ordinary Swift of Europe, does not seem to
us to be founded on fact, and we believe that when C. apus leaves
Europe, its makes South Africa its winter home. It is extremely
abundant about Cape Town during the South African summer, dis-
appearing about the middle of April. Mr. Atmore however says
this species sometimes remains with us all the year and did so at
George in 1870. Mr. L. Layard also used to declare that he saw it
all the year round at Swellendam, not every day, but frequently, at

CYPSELUS APUS. 91

odd times. This is curious, but a similar thing happens with Cotyle ©
paludicola, which we ourselves saw in the depth of winter hawking
over a river in the Strandveldt.

The following is an extract from our diary with respect to the
migration of the Swifts and Swallows :— We have this year (1861)
kept a strict watch over their time of departure. The result has
been as follows :—

“April 9th. C. apus and C. caffer about in abundance. Hirundo
eucullata come into town, the other swallows having left us.

“ April 27th. Large flocks of C. apus flying at a great altitude,
and screaming ; these were observed at night-fall—in fact just at

dark.
| “May 3rd, morning. C.apus and C. melba in the upper regions,
trending to the northward.

“May 30th. Several specimens of C. apus flying about the top of
the ‘ Lion’s Rump,’ in company with a flock of Cotyle fuliqgula—
three shot. After this they disappeared, with the exception of
Cotyle fuligula, which remains with us all the year.”

In 1867 the Swifts first arrived on the 3rd of August, and in 1868
they were noticed on the 28th of that month, about which time Mr.
L. Layard also saw them at Swellendam. Victorin has recorded the
species from the Karroo, and he shot it at the Knysna in August.
Mr. Rickard has procured this Swift both at East London and Port
Elizabeth, and in Natal Mr. Ayres says they ‘may be seen more or

less all the year round, but are more plentiful in summer. They are
generally in numbers, their flight being exceedingly rapid and mostly
at a considerable height: their food consists of small insects.”
According to Mr. Andersson, it is common in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land during the rainy season. It has likewise been sent
from the Rio Chimba in Mossamedes by Senor Anchieta.

We have remarked that here they are not in the habit, as in
Europe, of chasing each other round lofty buildings, uttering pierc-
ing cries and throwing up their wings. This evolution is performed
by C. caffer, and we are inclined to attribute it to some love-gambol,
as C. caffer breeds here, and C. apus does not. The latter, however,
constantly utters shrill screams when at a great altitude in the air;
and our attention has thus often been called to flocks that would
otherwise have escaped our notice.

General colour black, with a greenish reflexion on the mantle and

92 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

back ; throat, white; bill, plack ;_ toes, dusky ; iris, dark hazel.
Total length, 7°5 inches; wing, 7-4; tail, 3°5; tarsus, 0-5.
Fg. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxi.

87. CypsELUS PALLIDUS. Pallid Swift.

This species is closely allied to the ordinary Swift, and was first dis-
tinguished by Captain Shelley, who procured it in Egypt, and since
then it has been obtained in Morocco and Southern Spain by Colonel
Irby, and in Malta by Mr. C. A. Wright. It arrives in Europe before
C. apus, and in South Africa, which is doubtless its winter home, it
seems to occupy a different area to the last-named species, for, whereas
C. apus goes right down to the Cape, C. pallidus has not yet been
noticed further south than Damara Land. Mr. E. Cavendish Taylor
possesses a specimen shot by the late Mr. Andersson at “ Nonnidas,
Swakop River,” on the 11th of December, 1863, and the British
Museum contains an example procured by Mr. Monteiro in Benguela,
where, according to the latter gentleman, it is “ common, building
its nest very commonly under the eaves of houses.” It should be
noted that Mr. Monteiro’s specimen differs in being uniform above
and below, though very pale in colour, and shews little or no throat-
patch. Prof. Barboza du Bocage mentions a Swift from Loanda,
which may possibly be the same as the Benguela bird; he was
inclined to consider his specimen undescribed, but Dr. Finsch
referred it to the Madeiran 0. wnicolor. It is, therefore, possible
that a further supply of specimens may shew the existence of
another species in 8. W. Africa, but be that as it may, Mr. Taylor’s
bird is undoubtedly OC. pallidus, and this is sufficient warrant for
our including it in the present work. His specimen measures :—
Total length, 6°7 inches; wing, 6°8 ; tail, 3-0; tarsus,0°-45. ~ Tl

C. pallidus may be described as being closely allied to OC. apus
but smaller and paler, being pale brown or mouse-colour, with
generally indications of whitish edgings to the feathers. |

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxv.

88. CyYPsELUS CAFFER. African white-ruamped Swift.

This species can be easily distinguished from C. apus, even on the
wing, by its smaller size and conspicuous white rump. It is con-

CYPSELUS CAFFER. 93

stantly in company with it and C. melba; and indeed the former is
rarely seen in any number without being mixed with it.

It is more domestic than the other Swifts, breeding freely under
the verandahs of houses in the city, and occupying almost every
porch in the isolated farm-houses scattered over the country. It
usually takes possession of the nests of Hirwndo cucullata, driving
out the rightful owners. Its eggs, generally four or five in number,
are pure white, and singularly shaped, the small end rounding off
very suddenly, as if truncated. Axis, 1”; diam. 7’’’.

It seems to be distributed over the whole of Sonth Africa, being
found near Cape Town, where it arrives about the end of August.
In 1870, Mr. Thomas Atmore noticed its arrival near Grahams-
town at the end of August, and we observed it simultaneously at
Cape Town. Victorin collected it in the Karroo in December and
at the Knysna in March and April, and again in October. In the
latter place Mr. Andersson also obtained the species. Specimens
haye been sent to us from George by Mr. Harry Atmore, and his
brother, Mr. Thomas Atmore, has forwarded it from Eland’s Post.
Mr. Ayres writes concerning it in Natal, as follows:—‘I have not
seen these Swifts on the coast, neither have I observed them inland
during the winter months, but numbers were flying about Maritz-
burg in December. . . . Their flight is not nearly as rapid as
that of the Black Swift (C. apus).” Captain Shelley saw it occa-
sionally in considerable numbers near Pinetown. It is apparently
more plentiful in the interior, as Mr. Ayres writes :—“ I find these
Swifts very numerous in the Transvaal, much more so than in Natal.
In the town of Potchefstroom a pair have taken possession of a
deserted Swallow’s nest in one church, and another pair have located
themselves in a similar manner in another part of the town, but
whether this is their usual method of finding suitable places to
breed in I cannot say.”

Mr. Gurney remarks:—“ The nidification of this Swift as
described by Mr. Layard, and as also noticed in the Transvaal by
Mr. Ayres, differs from its habits in this respect as observed in
Senaar by Dr. Vierthaler and his companion, who found it breeding
in holes about two feet in length and terminating in a basin. These
holes were pierced in a steep river-bank; and in one of thema
sitting-bird of this species was captured on her nest, which con-
tained three white eggs.”

94. BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The distinguishing characters of this species are its white rump
and forked tail. The general colour is blucish-black, the wings and
tail glossy brown, as also is the head, the forehead being still paler:
throat white. Total length, 8°75 inches ; wing, 57; tail, 3:0.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 460, fig. 1.

89. CypsELUS AFFINIs. White-rumped Swift.

This is a well-known Indian species, and is found in North-Eastern
and in Western Africa, being very plentiful on the Gold Coast, but
it is only recently that it has been discovered in South Africa. Mr.
Dresser in his account of the species mentions that it has “occurred
as far south as the Cape of Good Hope, according to Dr. Sclater and
Dr. Finsch,” but he does not appear to have seen a specimen. One
is, however, duly recorded in the editor’s ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ (p. 2)

on our authority, and is to be seen in the British Museum. This

specimen was procured by our excellent correspondent, Mr. H.
Jackson, of Nel’s Poort, to whom the credit of the rediscovery of
this species in South Africa is due. He wrote to us saying that he
had found an apparently new species of Swift, differing from C.
caffer in their breeding habits and making their own nests in clusters,
fixed to the rocks and composed of feathers agglutinated together.
Of course a proceeding so different to the ordinary habits of 0.
cajfer convinced us that it could not be that species, and the receipt
of specimens proved it to be C. afjinis.

The present bird may be described as similar to O. caffer and
possessing a white rump like that species, but distinguishable at
once by its square tail. Total length, 4°5 inches ; wing, 5:0; tail, 1:8.

Trig. Dresser, B. Eur. part x xxiii.

90. CyYPpsELUS PARVUS. Little African Swift.
Cotyle ambrosiacea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 59.

This little Swift is found all over Africa, being especially plentiful
on the Gold. Coast: the specimens which we have seen from S.
Africa were much lighter in colour than those from other localities.
It may be distinguished from the other South African Swifts by its
small size and long, forked, tail. We have never seen it from the
Colony, but it was found to be “pretty common at Ondonga” by

:
®

i

CYPSELUS MELBA. 95

Mr. Andersson, and has been sent from Angola by Senor Furtado
d’Antas.

Mr. Andersson writes :—“ At the end of February these Swifts
appeared to be nesting, as they were seen in pairs and a male and
female were both shot with feathers in their bills. The flight of this
species is generally lofty.”

The small size of the bird will tell it at a glance, the length of
wing being under 54 inches, whereas C. pallidus, the only other
South African Swift with which it could be confounded has the wing
6°8 inches. The general colour is greyish brown, the head and
wings rather darker ; throat whitish ; tail very much forked and
the outer feather elongated. According to Mr. Andersson the “ iris
is dark brown, the legs and feet brown, the bill black.”

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 460, fig. 2.

91. CypsELUS MELBA. White-bellied Swift.
Cypselus gutturalis, Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. p. 46.

Aswith C. apus, the South African White-bellied Swifts have been
supposed by Canon Tristram to belong to another species and referred
to OC. gutturalis of Vieillot. The differences proposed, however, do
not hold good in our opinion, and in this Mr. Dresser also concurs
(B. Eur. part xxxi). It can, indeed, scarcely be doubted that the
specimens seen in South Africa, only at the time when the species is
absent from Europe, are emigrants from the latter continent. We
must, however, add one peculiarity respecting the South African
birds, and that is, that we never heard them utter any sound,
whereas during a visit to Switzerland, in the summer of 1871, we
were astonished to hear the stridulous cry uttered by the birds while
circling around the cathedral of Berne. Can it be, therefore, that
the note is only uttered during the nesting season, as the bird does
not breed with us, as far as we know? Le Vaillant, indeed, says
that it breeds in rocks, but we have never heard of their nests being
found, though we have seen them flying into crevices of the rocky
sides of Table Mountain. We have also watched several pairs flying
in and out of the rocky face of the “ Ravine” at Simon’s Town,
but had no means of ascertaining if the birds were in a breeding
state, and the crevices were perfectly inaccessible.

The great Alpine Swift is very abundant about Cape Town, where

96 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

we noticed its arrival in 1868, on the 2nd of August, and in 1870.

on the 10th of the same month. We have seen it at the Knysna,
and have received it from a valued correspondent at Swellendam,
Mr. Wm. Cairncross, who has sent it with several other Swifts and
Swallows killed in that neighbourhood.

Victorin procured it in the Karroo, and also in the Knysna in
May: here also Mr. Andersson shot it. Mr. Rickard says that it
occurs at Port Elizabeth, where it is generally seen about Christmas,

but does not stay. At East London the same gentleman has noticed —

it on the 3lst of July. Captain Shelley writes:—“ Although I
found this species plentiful in the Cape Colony, I did not observe it
near Durban.” Mr. Ayres has, however, procured it in Natal. Mr.
Andersson says :—“ On July 8th, 1866, I observed at Objimbinque
a large flight of these Swifts, which to the best of my recollection
were the first I ever saw in Damara Land, and particularly noted
them as very numerous on the Omaru River on November 2nd.”
Senor Anchieta has likewise met with the species at Huilla in Mos-
samedes.

C. melba appears’ to reside principally in the mountains, only
occasionally descending into the plains when some particular food
is to be found. On the top of Table Mountain we have seen it in
great abundance. Once, after lighting a fire there, we found our-
selves surrounded by hundreds of them, hawking after the flies
which the fire drove up. ‘They dashed through the dense smoke
and skimmed along the burning ground at the risk of singeing their
wings.

The large size of the Alpine Swift prevents its being mistaken
for any other species known from South Africa, measuring, as it
does, 8 inches in length, with a wing of 8 inches also. In addition
to this it can always be told by its white belly.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxi.

Fam. MEROPIDZ.

92. Muerops APIASTER. European Bee-eater.

The European Bee-eater, during its period of visitation, extends
all over the Cape Colony, and we have generally noticed its arrival
about August in company with the Quail. All the instances which

ee ee” ee ee ee

i

—

MEROPS SUPERCILIOSUS. 97

have been recorded with the actual-dates of capture, shew that it is
only during the months when it is absent from Europe that it visits
South Africa, and hence the fact of its breeding during its stay is of
great interest. Victorin procured it in the Karroo in January; Dr.
Exton shot a specimen at Kanye, and on the 24th of October, 1873,
Mr. T. E. Buckley shot two specimens near the River Meathly in
Bamangwato: It does not seem to have occurred to Mr. Ayres in
Natal, but Mr. Andersson states that it is “ very common in Ondonga
during the rainy season, when it is also not uncommon in Damara Land
proper :” he considers it to be less abundant in Great Namaqua Land.
Senor Anchieta has met with the species on the River Cunene, and also
at Caconda in Benguela, while the British Museum contains an example
from the Congo, without, however, any indication of the collector.

It hawks after flies, uttering its cheerful, chirruping cry, and
alighting on the summit of the highest bush in the neighbourhood.
It breeds in the neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort, Mr. Henry Jackson
having found several nests in holes in banks. The eggs are pure
white: axis, 12’’’; diam. 10’. We also found it breeding in great
abundance at the Berg river in September and October.. It does
not always select a bank into which to bore the hole destined for its
nest, for we found one flat piece of sandy ground perforated with
numberless holes into which the birds were diving and scrambling
like so many rats.

This species is of large size: Total length, 11:5 inches; wing, 5:9;
culmen, 1°4; tarsus, 0°45. It is distinguished from the other Bee-
eaters of South Africa by its yellow forehead and throat, and by its
straw-coloured scapulars.

Fig. Gould, B, Gt. Brit. pl.

93. Mbrors supPERciLiosus. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater.
Merops savignii and M. cegyptius, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 69.
Notwithstanding the difference in the shades of blue and green

which are to be found in a series of skins of this Bee-eater, we

believe that but one species is represented: the brown head which
is sometimes seen, more especially in Madagascar birds, is often to
be noticed in specimens from other parts of Africa, and these brown-
headed individuals occur along with green-headed specimens, so that

they are probably nothing but immature birds.
H

98 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Its range in the Cape Colony is not extensive, and not many —
specimens have come under our notice from the colony itself. Mr.
T. B. Bayley, of Wynberg, shot a specimen on the Cape Flats and —
sent it to the Cape Town Museum, and Mr. Dumbleton, of the same
town, assures us that these birds periodically visit a circumscribed —
portion of the Flats in considerable numbers. On the 15th of Fe- —
bruary, 1866, a specimen was sent to the Museum by Mr. Bishop,
shot near Knil’s Riyer. In Natal, according to Mr. Ayres, they
only inhabit the coast-lands, and are migratory, appearing only
during the months of the South African summer. Dr. Kirk observed —
them in the Zambesi district, where he says they were gregarious,
but not found in any numbers during the wet season. Mr. Andersson
first noticed them near the River Okavango, and afterwards obtained
several specimens in Ondonga, on the 20th and 28th of November,
1866. Senor Anchicta met with the species on the Rio Coroca im
Mossamedes, and it has also been sent from Benguela by Senor
Furtado d’Antas. It also extends to Angola proper, haying been ~
obtained there by Mr. Monteiro, whose specimens are now in the
British Museum.

Dr. Kirk gives the following note on its habits in the Zambesi
district :—‘ The nests are formed in the clay or sandy perpendicular
banks of rivers, and consist of long passages about three inches in
diameter, tunnelled in the face of the bank and generally about two
feet apart. The colony occupies a space of about fifty yards in
extent. In the heat of the day they are seen flying together near
their settlements, catching flies on the wing.”” Mr. Ayres writes :—
“These birds take their food on the wing, and their flight somewhat
resembles that of the Swallows: they frequently alight on the trees
and branches to rest: during flight they utter a harsh grating
note.”

This species is one of the larger Bee-eaters, measuring as follows :
—Total length, 10 inches ; bill, 1°7; wing, 5°75; tail, 4°03; tarsus,
0°5; middle tail feathers, 6:2. The general colour is green both
above and below, the forehead whitish, the ears black: both above
and below the eye a more or less distinct bluish stripe; chin
yellow, passing into chesnut, the latter forming a conspicuous gular
patch.

Fig. Shelley, B. Egypt, pl. vii. fig. 1.

Plate IV) |

I. MEROPS BULLOCKOIDES
2. ——— NUBICOIDES.

MEROPS BULLOCKOIDES. 99

94. Merrors NUBICOIDEs. Carmine-throated Bee-eater.
Plate IV, fig. 2.

Merops nubicus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 69.

This is a species seldom met with in collections, and as far as we
are aware, rarely occurring in the colony itself. M. Jules Verreaux,
however, informs us that he procured a stray specimen at Genaden-
hal, near Caledon. The KHditor’s collection contained a single
specimen from Port Natal, and this is now in the British Museum.
Mr. Ayres forwarded a specimen from the Transvaal to Mr. Gurney,
“shot on the Pindais River. about 130 miles to the north of Pot-
chefstroom, by Mr. Button, who states that there were many of
them together.” Inthe Zambesi region, according to Dr. Kirk,
they were rather local both in the Zambesi and Shire, but on the
former river they were discovered in colonies, tunnelling their
nests in the river-banks. Mr. Andersson writes :—“I have only
once observed this species, when a specimen occurred a few days’
journey south of the river Okavango: its appearance on the wing
was beautiful. I understood from the hunters that at certain seasons
this Bee-eater is common on the Okavango, and breeds on the banks
of that river.”

Its large size and ruddy coloration ought to distinguish this
species at a glance. Unfailing characters are its red tail and pink
undersurface, in which no other South African Bee-eater resembles
it. Total length, 13:7 inches; wing, 5°8; tail, 4:4; tarsus, 0°5;
middle tail-feathers, 7°8.

95. Merrops BULLOCKOIDES. White-fronted Bee-eater.
Plate IV, fig. 1.

This species was originally obtained by Sir A. Smith in 25° §.
lat., north of which it was not uncommon. “ When observed,” he
says, “it was perched upon the tops of trees, along the immediate
banks of rivers, or in the act of making short circuits through the
air, apparently in chase of flying insects.” Mr. David Arnot, of
Colesberg, has forwarded several examples to the South African
Museum, all of which were obtained in the Orange Free State. Mr.
T. E. Buckley found them breeding in the banks of the Limpopo,
and in the Transvaal he also procured specimens on the 1st and 2nd
of July ; and in the same district Mr. Ayres has noticed them. He

u 2

100 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

writes :—“ These Bee-eaters I have usually found in flights on the
banks of rivers, generally alighting on the tops of bushes and trees,
or on any bare exposed twig’: their notes are harsh and short.” The
same gentleman also procured specimens on the Monocusi River in
Natal. According to Dr. Kirk it was met with in the Zambesi
district, ‘‘ solitary in habits, frequenting the banks of streams.” It
never seems to have occurred to Mr. Andersson in Damara Land,
but Senor Anchieta fell in with the species on the River Cunene and
also at Huilla in Mossamedes. ,

This species is of medium size, the chief characters being its
straw-coloured nape and breast, the latter contrasting strongly with
the deep blue under tail-coverts : it is also remarkable for its white
chin and broad white moustache. Total length, 8°5 inches; culmen, —
1-4; wing, 4°6; tail, 4-0; tarsus, 0°5. |

96. Merrors PpusILLUs. Little Bee-eater.
Merops erythropterus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 70.

Although not yet recorded from within the boundaries of the
Cape Colony, the present bird is by no means rare in collections
from Natal and the Transvaal. Respecting its occurrence in the
former province Mr. Ayres writes :— These Bee-eaters are particu-
larly fond of frequenting reedy marshes and swamps, and are to be |
found here in certain localities all the year round. ‘They are by no
meaus so plentiful as the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, which is only here
during the summer months. It is seldom that more than five or six
are seen together, and generally not more than two. When feeding,
their flight is not so prolonged as that of M. supercviliosus, neither is
their note so loud and harsh.” Dr. Exton procured it at Kanye, in
the Matabili country, and generally throughout Zulu Land during
the winter months. “It flies low,” he writes to us, “and perches
on twigs near the ground, from whence it launches after passing in-
sects.” Mr. Ayres says that it is pretty common along the Limpopo,
and Mr. T. E. Buckley noticed it on the same river, as wellas on _
the Samouqui River in the Matabili country. He says that they were
“plentiful in comparatively open country in the north of the Trans-
yaal.’ Dr. Kirk, who speaks of this species as M. variegatus, —
mentions it as widely distributed in the Zambesi country in the
vicinity of water.

DICROCERCUS HIRUNDINACEUS. 101

Mr. Andersson observes:—“This exquisite and diminutive species
is common on the banks of the Rivers Okavango, Teoughe, and
Botletlé, as well as on the Lake-watersheds in general, and also
about Lake N’gami itself, but I have never observed it as far south
as Damara Land proper. It seems to be partial to the immediate
neighbourhood of the reedy banks of rivers, and of swamps and
morasses ; and I have never found it at any distance from water.”
Senor Anchieta has recently procured it on the Cunene River, and
Mr. Monteiro met with it both in Benguela and Angola proper.

The small size of this Bee-eater ought always to distinguish it,
but it may be briefly described as of a green colour on the upper
surface, with a yellowish brown breast: throat yellow with a blue
line across the lower part, followed by a black patch and shading off
into chesnut: bill and feet black: iris crimson in adults, dark hazel
in young. Total length, only 6 inches; culmen, 1:0; wing, 3-0;
tail, 2°5-; tarsus, 0°3.

The young bird is, as in other species, much greener than the
adult: there is no yellow on the throat, which is, however, of a
light straw-brown, resembling the rest of the under surface, the
breast being marked with green.

Fig. Levaillant, Hist. Nat. Guepiers, pls. 7, 17.

97. Dicrocercus HIRUNDINACEUS. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.
Merops hirundinaceus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 70.

Leyaillant found this species in abundance near the Orange River,
and Mr. Ortlepp, who has forwarded specimens from Colesberg,
writes :—“ I found, in June, several hawking over the trees on the
banks of the Orange River. As the season was so far advanced I
conclude that they are not migratory like their congener, M. apiaster,
which they much resemble in habits, only they do not fly so high
when in search of food.” Mr. Andersson observes :— This is the
commonest species of Bee-eater in Damara Land, and it is also
found in Great Namaqua Land and in the Lake country. Chiefly
visits Damara Land during the wet season. I took a nest of this
Bee-eater on the Omaruru River on the 31st of October. It was
situated in a soft sandy bank, some three feet deep horizontally: the
entrance was not above two fingers wide, but the hole was slightly
enlarged where the nest was found. The latter, which had no lining,

102 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

contained three beautifully white eggs.’’? The species has likewise
occurred to Senor Anchieta on the Cunene River, and to Mr. Mon-
teiro in Benguela.

The strongly forked tail renders this Bee-eater an unmistakeable
bird, no other South African species also having the tail-feathers
tipped with white: iris, carmine-red: bill, black: tarsi and feet brownish.
Total length, 8 inches; culmen, 1°3; wing, 3°9 ; tail, 4°2; tarsus, 0-4.

The young bird differs in being all green, the yellow throat and
blue gorget of the adult being absent, but it has the tail forked as
in the full-grown bird.

Fig. Swainson, B. W. Afr. pl. 10.

Fam. CORACIADZ.

98. CoRACIAS GARRULA. European Roller.

Coracias abyssinica, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 60.

This Roller has not as yet been noticed in any numbers within the
Cape Colony, and is doubtless only a winter visitant. We believe it
to be the species noticed under the heading of C. abyssinica in the
first edition, for it has been pointed out that CO. garrula is exactly
similar to that species without the elongated tail-feathers, (Cf. Sharpe,
Ibis, 1871, p. 201). We consider that C. abyssinica is confined to
North-Eastern Africa and Western Africa and has not yet appeared
in South Africa at all.

The European Roller has been received from one or two places
along the northern border of the colony, also from the neighbourhood
of Spring-bok fountain in Namaqua Land. Mr. Rickard tells us that —
he once saw a Roller, apparently of this species, near East London.

It has been killed in Natal by Mr. Ayres, Mr. Mohr and other
collectors, and Captain Shelley recently obtained a specimen from the
neighbourhood of Pinetown, but it was considered to be by no
means common in that locality. Mr, Ayres has lately forwarded a '
specimen from the Transvaal, which, he says, was killed amongst 7
some bushes about three miles from Potebefstroom in the month of
December. Mr. Andersson writes :—“ This species is common in
Ondonga, but is less so in Damara Land proper, than either CO. nevia
or C. caudata. As far as I recollect, it is only seen during the
rainy season.”

Upper surface sandy brown; head and neck blue; forehead and

9

CORACIAS NAVIA. 103

chin whitish ; cheeks and throat pale blue with streaks of silvery-
blue ; remainder of under surface pale greenish blue; least wing-
coverts rich ultramarine, the rest greenish blue; primaries blackish,
externally marked with ultramarine, secondaries externally greenish
blue, the innermost sandy brown like the back ; upper tail-coverts
greenish blue; middle tail-feathers dirty green, the other feathers
blue, paler towards the tip, the two outer ones tipped with dull blue;
bill black ; feet yellowish brown ; iris dirty brown. Total length,
12 inches; culmen, 1°3 ; wing, 7°6; tail, 4:4; tarsus, 0°7.

The present species has not an elongated outer tail-feather, and
therefore cannot be mistaken for O. abyssinica or OC. caudata,
which it somewhat resembles in coloration. It approaches C. neevia
in size and form of tail, but is differently coloured, and has no white
nape patch.

Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Eur. part 1.

99. CoRACIAS N&VIA. White-naped Roller.

Coracias nuchalis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 60.

Le Vaillant procured this Roller in Caffraria. One specimen was
shot near Middelburg on the eastern side of the colony, and sent to
us by the late Mr. J. O’Reilly, magistrate of that place. Dr. Reid
informs us that it is not unfrequent between Soutpans drift, Orange
River, and Gricqua Town.

Mr. Ayres says that in Natal it is “ not uncommon during summer,
and it also occurs on the River Limpopo; it is generally found either
solitary or in pairs:” Dr. Exton procured it at Kanye, and during his
journey to the Matabili country, Mr. T. H. Buckley found the species
fairly common. He obtained a specimen in the above locality in
October, 1813, and again in the Transvaal in July. Mr. Ayres has
also met with it in the last-named country. According to Mr.
Andersson it is not uncommon throughout Damara Land and is also
found in the Lake-regions. By Senor Anchieta it has been met with
at Huilla and on the Rio Cunene. | Mr. Andersson gives the follow-
ing excellent account of the habits :—“ It is usually met with in pairs,
and is not particularly shy. It seldom extends its flight far, but
occasionally rises suddenly to a considerable height, rocking violently
to and fro, and descending in a similar manner, with a motion re-
sembling that of a boy’s kite when falling to the ground on the
guiding force being withdrawn. When on the wing it makes a great

104 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

noise, rapidly uttering harsh and discordant sounds: its notes are at
times not unlike the sound produced by a broad-bladed knife passing
through a tough piece of cork, but in a louder key. This species
seeks much of its food on the ground ; but sometimes it watches from
some elevated position, and, the moment its prey comes within sight,
darts upon it with unerring certainty, its habit in this respect being
very much like that of the Butcher-bird Shrikes. It is a most useful
bird, feeding largely on centipedes, scorpions, tarantulas, and other
insects, as well as on small snakes and lizards,”

“This Roller is one of the earliest breeders in Damara Land, and
makes its nest in the hollows of trees, usually such as have been pre-
viously occupied by some Woodpecker ; the stems of these trees are
mostly very tall and straight ; and in consequence of this and of the
smallness of the apertures, the nests are very inaccessible. I have
frequently seen such breeding-places without being able to reach
them ; but I believe that the eggs are white and two in number,
and that both parents assist in their incubation.’’_|

General colour reddish-brown glossed with olive-green; under
surface dull reddish-brown, streaked with white; wings dull rufous
green, with purple reflexions; the primaries dark blue; tail ultra-
marine, the middle feathers olive-green ; forehead and chin white, as
well as a distinct patch on the nape; cheeks rusty red with white
streaks to many of the feathers ; bill black; legs and tail greenish
or yellowish brown ; iris varying from dark or hazel brown to oliva-
ceous brown. ‘Total length, 13 inches; culmen, 1:5; wing, 7°4;
tail, 5°6; tarsus, 0°8.

Fig. Wevaillant, Rolliers, pl. 29.

100. CoractAs CAUDATA. Lilac-breasted Roller.

This species inhabits the same localities as C. garrula, but like
that species, it has not fallen under our personal observation. Mr.
R. Moffat, jun. has forwarded several specimens from Kuruman, Ver-
reaux from Kurrichaine, and Mr. Ayres has found it in Natal. The
same gentleman has met with it on the River Limpopo. Mr. T. E.
Buckley says that it was first observed by him a few days north of
Pretoria and found far up into the Matabili country. “ This species,”
he remarks, “was extremely shy and it was difficult to procure
specimens. Just before the breeding-season they fly high up in the
air, rolling about from side to side, and uttering a harsh note all the

* GORACIAS CAUDATA. 105

time, settling afterwards on the very top of the nearest high tree.
In the Matabili country this is a royal bird, and no one except the
king is allowed to wear its feathers.” We are likewise indebted to
Dr. Exton for the following account of the bird :—“ From Sechelés
northward OC. caudata is commonly known as ‘ Mosilikatze’s bird, its
liveliness and pugnacity perhaps having given rise to the old
warrior’s interest in it. In his earlier career Mosilikatze claimed the
feathers solely for royal adornment, and in his milder moods has been
known to give an ox to the youth who had captured and presented
one of these birds. It delights to perch on the topmost branch of a
leafless tree, from which it gives out its note of challenge, and should
a crow or a hawk approach its vicinity, it will make rapid darts at
the intruder, and with sharp pecks and harsh screams drive off birds
greatly superior to itself in size and strength. It has a habit when
disturbed by the solitary hunter of flying directly towards him, but
high . overhead, and after careful scrutiny, wheeling off uttering
discordant screams. For so bright-plumaged a bird, it is noteworthy
that there is no difference between male and female. Bechuana name
‘Le-cler-cler ;? Matabili name ‘ Fee-Fe.’ ”

Mr. Buckley procured a male in the Transvaal on ae Ist of July,
1873, and he observes moreover that he has “ seen the young about
November, evidently not long out of the nest, so the Rollers must
be amongst the earliest breeders.” Dr. Kirk says it is a very common
bird in the open woods and bush country near the Zambesi and
other rivers, that the cry is harsh, and that the plumage varies con-
siderably, being much less brilliant during the cold and dry seasons.
Mr. Andersson writes :—‘‘This species is common in tha Lake-
Regions, and is also pretty common in Damara Land, where, how-
ever, I imagine that it must be partially migratory, as during the
dry season comparatively few individuals are seen. It is more shy
and difficult of approach than C. nevia, which it otherwise resembles
as to food and habits.” On the River Cunene Senor Anchieta has
recently met with it as well as at various places in the Mossamedes
district.

A long description of this bird is not necessary here, as it is easily
distinguishable by the following characters—its forked tail with the
outer feathers measuring 8°5 inches in length; white throat; blue
abdomen ; and by its lilac-colowred throat and breast, the throat being
streaked with white ; “ bill black; feet greenish yellow; iris yellow-

106 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

ish brown, the ring round the eyes greenish yellow, (Andersson,) iris
dark hazel (Buckley).

Total length, 15 inches ; wing, 7:0; tail, 5:5.

Fig. Des Murs, Iconogr. Orn. pl. 28. -

101. Eorystomus arer. Cinnamon Roller.

This small Roller was observed on the Zambesi by Dr. Kirk, who
writes respecting it:—*‘ Local, and observed rarely near Teté. Fre-
quent in the river-valley at Chibisa on the River Shiré. Its habits
resemble those of Ooracias caudata.” In other parts of Africa the
species is plentiful.

General colour cinnamon brown, with a distinct lilac gloss: least
wing-coverts bordering the edge of the wing, and the greater coverts
deep ultramarine, the inner ones inclining to cobalt; quills black,
externally washed with ultramarine, the outer web of the primaries
inclining to cobalt; the under surface of the wing greyish black
glossed with cobalt; upper tail-coverts dull cobalt; tail silvery
cobalt, inclining to white on the inner web, the middle feathers
brown washed with blue, the extremities of all the feathers banded
with black, more narrowly on the outer ones; under tail-coverts
cobalt: bill deep yellow: legs pale yellowish olive: iris olivaceous.
Total length, 10 inches ; culmen, 0:95; wing, 6°95; tail, 4°3 ;
tarsus, 0°65.

The species is to be distinguished by its yellow bill, which is very
stout, and as broad at base as it is long.

Tig. evaillant, Rolliers, pl. 35.

Fam. TROGONIDZ.

102. HapaLODERMA NARINA. Narina Trogon,
Apaloderma narina, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 61.

This brilliantly plumaged bird is found throughout the forests
and wooded kloofs in all the eastern portions of the colony. About
the Knysna it is scarce, but this was the only locality where the late
Mr. Andersson procured the species, and Victorin also met with it
there from September to November. Most of the specimens which
we have seen have been from Natal, where, says Captain Shelley,
“it is not uncommon in the thick woods about Durban and Pine
Town.” Dr. Kirk writes :— In the Zambesi this is decidedly a

i)

' ALCEDO SEMITORQUATA. 107

scarce bird: I know of only four specimens haying been seen; one
in the Zambesi delta, the others at Chibisa, on the Shiré. It seems
to frequent trees. Native name, ‘ M’voraio.’?” Bianconi procured
it in South Mozambique. The Trogon seems never to have been
met with in Damara Land by Andersson, but Mr. Monteiro obtained
one specimen which he shot in a wood in Benguela, and more re-
cently Senor Anchieta has procured a pair at Biballa in Mossamedes.
Mr. Hamilton also shot a pair at Cazengo in the interior of Angola.
Wherever found it exhibits the same shy, creeping habits. When
apprehensive of discovery, it sits motionless on its branch until
alarmed at same act of the fowler, when it precipitates itself head-
long into the bush, and is instantly lost to view. It feeds on fruits
and insects, and utters a loud moaning note, or, perhaps, more cor-
rectly speaking, a hoot, which Mr. Atmore describes as “like the
bark of a poodle with a bad cold.” Le Vaillant states that they nest
in holes of trees, and lay four, nearly round, white eggs; but this
requires confirmation. We have never met with any one who had
seen their nest, though we made particular enquiries for them when
at the Knysna. .

Adult male.—Entire upper surface shining green as well as the
throat and chest, the rest of the under surface crimson: wing-
coverts grey, finely pencilled with black lines and slightly shaded
with green: two centre tail-feathers green like the back, the three
others more or less white on the outer web: bill yellow: feet black:
iris red. Total length, 11°6 inches; wing, 5°3; tail, 7:0; tarsus,
0°65.

Female.—Duller coloured than the male: the breast greyish
washed with crimson.

Fig. Gould, Monogr. Trogon. pl.

Fam. ALCEDINIDZ.
103. AtLcEDO SEMITORQUATA. Half-collared Kingfisher.

This Kingfisher, which is the representative of the Huropean
species in Africa, and is strictly of the same type, is widely distri-
buted throughout South Africa and appears at uncertain intervals,
though it cannot be called migratory. Mr. L. Layard shot several
on the Liesbeck River near Cape Town, and Mr. John Reid has also
procured it on the Salt River. We have received it from Swellen-

108 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

dam, and we saw it ourselves near Graham’s-town, the Fish River,

and Kowie. Specimens were in Major Bulger’s Windvogelberg —

collection. Victorin obtained examples at the Knysna in April,
July, and August, and Mr. Andersson also shot it at the same place.
Mr. Rickard records it from Port Elizabeth and East London, where,
he says, it frequents the beach as well as the rivers and feeds much
on crabs: it has also been sent from Eland’s Post by Mr. T. C.
Atmore. It appears to be scarcer in Natal than in Cape Colony,
but Mr. Ayres says that it frequents both the coast and the interior.
The specimens he procured were named at the time A. quadribrachys,
a West-African species, and one which we do not consider an inha-
bitant of South Africa, for, though the late Mr. Jules Verreaux
assured us that he obtained it on the Buffalo River, no actual speci-
mens are in existence from any part of South Africa, and we think

it probable that in this instance his memory failed him. Mr. Ayres

has also found the species in the Transvaal, but it was not met with
in the Zambesi country by Dr. Kirk, although a specimen said to be
from thence is in Mr. Dawson Rowley’s collection. On the western
coast it has been procured by Anchieta at Capangombe.

In habits the Half-collared Kingfisher resembles its European
prototype, and may be seen perched for some time on a bough
overhanging the water, into which it plunges after fish, &c. Its
flight is strong, but is not so swift as that of its European congener.
Mr. W. Atmore informs us that it nests in holes of banks, and that
he took one at Kykoe, which contained three polished white eggs.

General colour rich blue, the back brilliant cobalt, the head and
nape banded with bright blue lines and a stripe on the sides of the
neck white, as well as the throat; rest of under surface orange, the
sides of the breast blue, somewhat converging so as to form a half
collar; bill black; feet coral red; iris black.* Total length 7:5
inches ; bill, 1°8; wing, 3°2; tail, 1°8; tarsus, 0°25.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 7.

104. CoryrHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA. Malachite-crested Kingfisher.

Alcedo cristata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 65.
This beautiful little Kingfisher is abundant throughout the colony,
wherever a stream or marsh exists which can supply it with its

* The descriptions of all the Kingfishers are derived from the editor's
“ Monograph of the Alcedinide.”

CORYTHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA. 109

necessary food. We have captured it even in Cape Town, two
specimens which we sent to London having actually killed themselves
by flying against a building in the town itself. Victorin procured it
in the Karroo in January and February, and we have seen it in Mr.
T. C. Atmore’s collections from Hland’s Post, as well as in Major
Bulger’s from Windvogelberg. Mr. Rickard tells us that it is common
at Port Elizabeth, but is not quite so numerous at Hast London.
Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal, where he says it frequents “‘ both
the coast and interior streams.” Captain Shelley remarks that he
found it, during his recent trip to the the same country, “ invariably
frequenting the small streams and ditches close to Durban, where
however, it is not very abundant.’”’ In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres has
found it breeding, and according to Mr. T. EH. Buckley, it frequents
pools and streams throughout the latter country, but always singly.
According to Dr. Kirk it was universal “on all the waters of the
Zambesi region, sitting on the reeds or bushes which overhang them,
and darting on its prey.” Mr. Andersson writes :—“ Probably from
want of permanently running rivers this exquisite little species is
not found in Damara or Great Namaqua Land, but it is common on
all the waters north of those countries.” Mr. Monteiro says it is
abundant at the Lagoons near Benguela, but at present Senor
Anchieta has not forwarded it from Mossamedes.

It breeds in banks, and lays from four to six glistening white eggs,
‘so transparent that the yellow yoke shines plainly through the shell.
Axis, 9’’’; diameter, 6’’ 6'”’. The nest consists of nothing but the
bones of the delicate little fish upon which the bird habitually feeds,
and is usually constructed, if the constantly accumulating mass of
bones can be called a nest, at the end of a hole bored two or three
feet into loose sandy soil, and situated in a chamber always elevated
above the mouth of the hole; the drainage is thus perfect, the
chamber being always dry. We found several nests along the Berg
river in September.

Mr. Ayres says that in Natal, “it feeds on fresh water shrimps and
small fish, but principally the former, as well-as on beetles and insects,
darting from a bough on to its prey.”

The general colour of this little Kingfisher is of a rich ultramarine,
the cheeks, ear-coverts and under surface rufous ; throat and a longi-
tudinal patch along the sides of the neck white. It may be told,
however, at a glance by its bright coral red bill and by its enormous

110 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

fan-like crest, which is of a malachite-green colour barred with black.
Total length, 5:2 to 6 inches; bill, 13; wing, 2°3. Sonth African
birds are rather larger than those from Western or North-Hastern
Africa.

Young birds have the bill blackish, the whole of the colouring
duller than in the adults, and may further be told by the bars of light
cobalt on the upper surface.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. xi.

105. Curyie rupis. Pied Kingfisher.

This species is not uncommon, and is widely distributed. We
have seen it about ‘Salt River,” near Cape Town, but in greater
numbers about the rivers, lakes, and estuaries of the Knysna, and
have received it from Kuruman, Colesberg, and Kaffraria. Mr.
Chapman found it all the way to Lake N’gami. It hovers over the
water while fishing, and plunges under the surface in pursuit of its
prey. It breeds in holes hollowed by itself in sandy banks. We
took a nest (Nov. 10th, 1865,) in a bank of Zoetendals Vley, which
was placed at the extremity of a small hole, more than two yards
deep. It was composed entirely of fish-bones and scales; and the
eggs, six in number, were of a lovely shining white, almost similar
in shape at each end: axis, 14’; diam., 11’’’.. At the time we
took them, the young were nearly ready for exclusion. We also
found them breeding in great numbers along the Berg River in
September, and we there took thirty-nine eggs in one day.

It must certainly be found plentifully at the Knysna, for Mr.
Andersson’s collections contained many examples, and Victorin
found it in the same locality from March to May, and in the months
of July, September, and October. At Port Elizabeth it is extremely
common, according to Mr. Rickard, but is not quite so plentiful at
East London. Mr. Ayres states that in Natal it frequents the lakes
and rivers near the coast, but is not found in the interior. Mr. T.
KE, Buckley writes:—“This bird is pretty common in Natal, but
much more so on the Limpopo, in the north of the Transvaal, where
I found its nest in a hole of the bank, but as the ground was hard,
I was unable to get the eggs. Its absence in the Matabili country
is accounted for by the rivers being mostly sand-rivers in the part
of the country I visited.’ Dr. Kirk says it is abundant on all
rivers and lakes throughout the Zambesi region,

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‘CERYLE MAXIMA. 111

Mr. Andersson observes :—“ I do not remember to have seen this
bird in Damara Land proper, but have occasionally met with it along
the periodical watercourses and temporary rain-pools of Great
Namaqua Land, and I have reason to think it may be found per-
manently on the banks of the Great Fish River, where large pools
of water, containing fish, exist at all times of the year.” Senor
Anchieta has met with the species at Capangombe and Gambos in
Mossamedes, on the Rio Coroca, and more recently on the Cunene
River. It is also found in Angola, and indeed all over Africa.

Adult male——Head crested, black, striped narrowly with white,
plainer on the cheeks ; a broad superciliary line extending down-
wards on to the sides of the neck, white; the rest of the body black
varied with white, the latter colour predominating on the lower parts
of the back and rump ; quills black, white at the base, the seconda-
ries barred with white, the primaries externally white at the base,
forming a large white patch ; tail feathers black, spotted and tipped
with white; under surface of the body pure white with two black
bands across the breast; a few black marks on the flanks, and some-
times a few spots on the throat; bill and feet black; ims dark
brown.

Adult female.—Similar to the adult male, but has only one band
across the breast.

Young.—Similar to the adults, but the plumage above almost
entirely black, and the breast marked with grey edgings to the fea-
thers, giving a barred appearance, the band across the breast not
complete.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 19.

106, Cryin Maxima. Great African Kingfisher.

This is the largest of the South African Kingfishers, and is very
widely distributed : it is not at all uncommon, but is migratory and
we do not know anything of its nidification. It frequents the “Salt
River,” and other small streams in the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
perches on trees, and is wary and difficult of approach. It is very
common at Zoetendals Vley and along the River Zonder End. Mr.
Rickard reports it from Port Elizabeth, and informs us that it is
common at Hast London, being very numerous in May; some stay
all the year, frequenting both the beach and river, and feeding on

112 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

crabs. The late Mr. Andersson procured several specimens at the
Knysna, where also Victorin found it in March and April. Mr.
Ayres has procured the species in Natal and the Transvaal, it being
found in the former country not far from the coast, where it fre-
quents rivers and lakes. Captain Shelley says:—‘I met with a
pair of these gigantic Kingfishers amongst the low bushes between
Durban and the Conguella, and procured them both. They kept
entirely to the small streams, and when disturbed flew only for a
short distance, returning again to the same haunt as soon as they
fancied they were out of danger.”” Dr. Kirk says that throughout
the Zambesi region, it was observed on the courses of the rivers.
According to Mr. Andersson it is occasionally found in Damara
Land on the Teoughe River and also on the Okavango, but is every-
where very shy. Senor Anchieta records it from Humbe on the
Cunene River. It is not uncommon on the Quanza, where, we are
informed by Mr. Monteiro, “it may be seen generally on the bare or
dead branches of trees overhanging the river, sitting upright, with
its head at nearly right angles with its body, and the crest is pro-
minently exhibited.” On the Congo, however, it appears to be repre-
sented by Ceryle sharpii.

The food of this large Kingfisher consists of crabs, frogs, reptiles,
and fish. Mr. Atmore writes:—“I once found one of these birds
with his bill shattered, evidently from striking his prey in too shal-
low water.”

Adult male.-—Above slaty-black, darker on the head, which is
crested ; most of the crest feathers with good sized white spots upon
both webs, towards the nape some of the feathers in very old birds
unspotted; back and scapularies clearer slaty-grey, a few shaft
stripes very plainly developed, and all the feathers spotted with
white, some of the spots being more longitudinal bars; the lesser
wing-coverts slaty-grey with a heart-shaped spot of black in the
centre of the feather; the rest of the wing coverts black, edged
with slaty-grey and conspicuously spotted with white ; quills black-
ish, the inner web white at the base and broadly edged with slaty-
grey and spotted with white ; a small spot in front of the eye, throat
and a line of feathers from the base of the lower mandible down the
sides of the neck, pure white, the latter varied with longitudinal
black marks; cheeks and a line of feathers below the last mentioned
line of white and black feathers, black, the former narrowly, and the

ISPIDINA NATALENSIS. 113

latter broadly varied with white ; lower part of the throat and chest
rich rufous, the sides varied with slaty-grey, the feathers spotted with
white; flanks white banded with slaty-grey; under wing and tail-
coverts white with an occasional black spot ; centre of the abdomen
and vent pure white ; bill black; feet dark olive brown; irides nearly
black. ‘Total length, 14°8 inches; of bill from front, 3°5, from gape,
4:3; wing, 8:0; tail, 5-3; tarsus, 0°4; middle toe, 1:0; hind toe,
0:3.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but instead of the upper part
of the chest being rufous, it is replaced by a broad slate-coloured
band, each feather being banded with white; below this there is a
white band, and the rest of the under surface of the body with the
under wing and tail-coverts isrufous. Total length, 16°5 inches; of
bill from front, 3°5; from gape, 4:5; wing, 8:0; tail, 4°75; tarsus,
0:4; middle toe, 1:0; hind toe, 0'3.

Young female.—Similar to the adult female, but has the feathers
of the band on the breast darker and edged with white the whole
band tinged with rufous.

Young male.—Similar to the young female, but has the abdomen
and under wing and tail-coverts white. From an examination of
several young males we are induced to believe that as the bird ad-
yances in age the rufous colouring of the under wing-coverts becomes
pure white as in the adult male; then the abdomen loses the rufous

— colouring, the flanks and under tail-coverts becoming slaty-grey

barred and spotted with white, the latter again in very old birds
becoming pure white. At the same time the black feathers on the
upper part of the breast disappear, being replaced by a rufous
band.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 20,

107. IsPrpINA NATALENSIS. Natal Kingfisher.

Haleyon cyanotis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 64.

Alcedo natalensis, Layard, t. c. p. 66.

Sir Andrew Smith, who first described this species, states that it
““imhabits the banks of rivers, &c., to the eastward of Cafferland.”
The Leiden Museum also has it from Caffraria, but the greater num-
ber of the specimens which we have seen have been from Natal,

where, according to Captain Shelley, “it is rather more plentiful
1

114 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

than OC. cyanostigma, and occasionally met with in the woods away ;

from water.’ Mr. Ayres also writes :—“'These birds feed entirely
on butterflies and insects caught on the wing; they frequent the
dense bush, and are often seen along the streams, but never catch

fish.” Although not recorded by Dr. Kirk in his Essay on the —
Birds of the Zambesi region, a specimen from that locality was in ~

the Editor’s collection, and it doubtless occurs there, as it has been
found by Bianconi in Mozambique.

Adult.—Crown of the head black, barred with rich ultramarine ;
a line of feathers extending from the base of the nostrils backward
over the eye, cheeks, sides and back of the head rich lilac rufous;
a patch of feathers behind the ear rich ultramarine ; throat white;
rest of the under surface of the body bright orange red; bill rich
coral red ; feet red ; irides dark brown. ‘Total length, 4 inches; of
bill from front, 0°9; from gape, 1:1; wing, 2°1; tail, 0-9; tarsus,
0:25 ; middle toe, 0°4; hind toe, 0°2.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 52.

108. Hatcyon sEMIC@RULEA. African white-headed Kingfisher. ;

Haleyon Swainsonii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 63.

This species has the bill red, but may be told at once by its

whitish head from the rest of its African congeners.

Sir Andrew Smith stated that this Kingfisher was an inhabitant
of the interior of South Africa, but there is every reason to believe
that he described a West African skin. At all events no specimen
of his collecting exists in any museum that we are aware of, and it
remains to be rediscovered as an inhabitant of South Africa proper.
Its only claim to a position in this book rests upon its occurrence in
South Western Africa, a specimen having been obtained at Ondonga
by the late Mr. Andersson, while Senor Anchieta has also procured
it on the Cunene River and at Gambos in Mossamedes. Mr. Mon-
teiro also collected a specimen in Benguela.

Male.—Head and neck greyish white, purer on the latter, the head
showing the shafts of the feathers rather strongly; back and scapulars

and wing-coverts glossy black ; lower part of the back, rump and
upper tail coverts rich glistening cobalt; primary coverts cobalt
shaded with black ; quills black, the inner web white for more than

half its length, the outer web, especially of the secondaries, broadly

edged with brilliant cobalt, extending nearly the entire length of the

-—

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HALCYON ALBIVENTRIS. 115

latter, but confined to the base of the former, where it has a faint lilac
tinge ; tail above brilliant cobalt, shading into black on the edge of
the feathers, the underside deep black; cheeks, throat, and breast
white ; rest of the body with the under wing and tail-coverts deep
sienna; bill and feet sealing-wax red. Total length, 8:0 inches, of
bill from front, 1°6 ; from gape, 1:95 ; wing, 43 ; tail, 1-4; tarsus, 0°45 ;
middle toe, 0°7 ; hind toe, 0°3.

Female.—Similar to the male, but the colours duller and the
head more dusky,

Young.—Similar to the adults, but the colours much more dingy,
those parts being blackish-brown which in the adult are jet-black ;
head uniform ashy; back of neck, cheeks and entire breast dirty
white, thickly crossed with transverse brown vermiculations ; throat
and abdomen white, flanks and under wing and tail-coverts tinged
with sienna; the blue on the wings and back dull; bill dark red,
black at the base.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 63.

109. Hatcyon aLBIvENTRIS. Brown-hooded Kingfisher.

Haleyon fuscicapilla, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 63.

Like the preceding bird this species has a red beak, blackish only
at the tip, but may be further distinguished by its striped head and
breast as well as by the black scapulars. Some specimens have the
back brown, and we are not certain whether it is the young bird or
the old female which exhibits this character. A pair of birds were
collected in the Transvaal by Mr. Buckley and in this case the male
had a black, and the female a brown back. This species is not found
in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, but it is common on the Eastern
frontier, and is plentiful both at Port Hlizabeth and Hast London, ac-
cording to Mr. Rickard. Victorin procured it in the Karroo in Decem-
ber and January, and again at the Knysna in April and December.
Mr. H. Atmore has forwarded specimens from George, as also has his
brother, Mr. T. C. Atmore, from Eland’s Post. Mr. Fellows noticed
it at St. Lucia Bay, and Mr. Ayres has sent it from Natal, where,
according to Captain Shelley, it is numerous about Durban and
Pinetown. Mr. T. HE. Buckley found it breeding along the banks of
Limpopo in November, and says that it was very common along the
rivers north of Pretoria. In the Zambesi it seems to be replaced by
the following species.

I 2

.

iy

116 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Atmore assures us that it is plentiful at Swellendam, and that —
when he is digging in his garden, specimens may always be seen
perched on the trees near him, from which they dart down on the
worms, slugs, etc. which he turns up with his spade. Mr. Ayres
writes :—“ These birds frequent the bush in Natal, generally perchmg
on some dead or bare bough not far from the ground; they do not —
take their prey on the wing, but take it from the ground. They have
a loud chattering note, somewhat similar to the Laughing Jackass of
South Australia, but do not laugh in the same ludicrous manner ;
they have a dipping flight, seldom flying far at once.” Eggs sent by
Mr. L. Layard and Mr. Harford were white but not so shiny as those
of Ceryle rudis. Axis, 1:2, diam. 1:0.

Adult.—Head dark brown, broadly striped with darker brown,
becoming nearly black; scapularies and wing-coverts black ; lower
part of the back and rump bright cobalt; quills brownish-black,
the mner web pale orange at the base, the primaries at the base of,
and the secondaries for the whole of the outer web, as well as the
primary coverts, bright cobalt ; tail cobalt above, black beneath, the
inner web of all but the two middle feathers more or less black at
the edge; feathers from the base of the nostril extending backwards
over the eye, cheeks and a collar round the neck pale yellowish-
brown with distinct longitudinal bars; throat and abdomen white
with faint lines marking the shaft of the feather; breast and flanks
tinged with yellowish-brown and marked with very broad and dis-
tinct longitudinal stripes ; under wing- and tail-coverts pale orange,
lighter on the latter ; bill crimson, black towards the tip; eye dark
brown ; feet dark red. Total length, 10 inches; of bill from front,
1:85; from gape, 2°3; wing, 4:2; tail, 2°7; tarsus, 0-5; middle toe,
0°6 ; hind toe, 0°3.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 65.

110. Hatcyon oRIENTALIS. Peters’ Kingfisher.

This species is closely allied to Huleyon albiventris, and like it has
a striped head, but is distinguished by its uniform whitish under-
surface. }

Although not included in Dr. Kirk’s Zambesi list, there is a
specimen in Lord Walden’s collection from that locality, obtained,
we believe, by the late Dr. Meller. It was originally discovered by
Dr. Peters in Mozambique, and ranges as high as Mombas, where

HALCYON CHELICUTENSIS. 117

Baron Von der Decken procured specimens. Curiously enough, it
has recently been shot on the Loango Coast in Western Africa, by
the German Exploring Expedition.

Adult male.—Head light brown, striped with dark brown along the
shaft of each feather ; rump and upper tail-coverts bright blue ; quills
light brown, the inner web pale orange at the base, the outer web
edged with bright blue, more especially on the secondaries ; tail
greenish blue above, blackish beneath; a loral spot produced back-
wards over the eye, sides of and a collar round the neck, and the
entire under surface white, inclining to fulvous on the flanks, and
purest on the throat and upper part of the breast; bill dusky-ver-
milion ; feet orange. Total length, 8°5 inches; of bill from front,
165; from gape, 2°2; wing, 40; tail, 2°4; tarsus, 0°5; middle toe,
07; hind toe, 0°35.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 66.

111. Hatcyon cuexicurensis. Striped Kingfisher.
Halycon striolata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 64.

This is a small species of the same peculiar African group as the
two preceding ones. It has a red beak and a striped head, but it has
the scapulars brown at all ages, and is further distinguished from
them by its smaller size. This Kingfisher is found all over the von-
tinent, but South African specimens are always larger than those
from North Eastern or Western Africa: we do not, however, consider
them specifically distinct.

The late Mr. Jules Verreaux states that “it is everywhere common
near Kurrichaine, Latakoo, and the Vaal River, and is also met with
commonly in Natal.” If the species was plentiful in the latter
country at the time of the writer’s sojourn in South Africa, it can-
not be said to be so now, for Mr. Ayres has never met with it there,
nor did it occur to Captain Shelley during his recent visit to the
colony. Mr. Ayres has, however, procured it on the Limpopo, and
Mr, T. E. Buckley shot a male bird in the Transvaal, in July, 1873.
Tn the Zambesi region, Dr. Kirk informs us that it is widely distri-
buted, being equally common on the sea coast among the mangroves,
and near the rivers far in the interior as well as in the plains. Mr.
Andersson writes :—‘‘ This Kingfisher is very sparingly met with in
Damara Land and the parts adjacent to the northward ; it is partial

-

118 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

to localities where the vegetation has been destroyed or partially in-
jured by fire; and it selects, if possible, a low dry branch on an
isolated tree, where it watches by the hour for its prey ; this, as far
as I could ascertain, consists of insects, which it generally seizes
on the wing. It utters loud, sharp, and shrill cries, and is always
found singly or in pairs.”’ Senor Anchieta has procured this species
at several of his collecting places in Mossamedes and Benguela, and
it also extends into Angola.

Dr. Kirk states that the food of this Kingfisher consists of insects.
He also says that it is a sweet songster, both before and during the
rains. Mr. Monteiro also refers to its note and observes as follows:
—‘ All the birds belonging to this family that I have observed in
Angola utter a very agreeable loud note or song, which produces a
singular effect when, in going down a river in a canoe, in the breath-
less mid-day sun, it is heard cool and clear, while all else is hushed
and still in the glaring heat. They are found in the thick woods
and bush in the vicinity of the rivers as much or more than on the
very banks.”

Adult.—Head brown, each feather longitudinally marked down
the centre with a shaft-stripe of darker brown ; ear-coverts and back
of the neck black; feathers in front of the eye at the base of the
bill, cheeks and a collar round the back of the neck dirty white,
marked with brown and slightly tinged with buff; upper portion of
the back, scapulars and wing-coverts brown, the greater coverts
narrowly edged with white, primary coverts dull green; quills dark
brown, the inner web broadly white at the base, the outer web
washed with dull green and narrowly edged with white towards the
tip ; lower portion of the back, ramp and upper tail-coverts bright
cobalt ; tail dull green above, greyish brown beneath; under sur-
face of the body white, inclining to buff on the flanks and abdomen ;
upper part of the breast and sides of the neck transversely crossed
with narrow margins of brown, and each feather marked down the
centre with a dark shaft-stripe; flanks longitudinally streaked with

dark brown ; bill and feet red (Buckley). Mr. Andersson gives the

following note on the soft parts:—‘The irides in this species are

claret-coloured, the bill reddish-brown on the upper mandible, and —

orange-red on the lower, the lores are dusky, the legs and toes
yellowish.” Total length, 6-7 inches; culmen, 1°3; wing, 3°3; tail,
1:9; tarsus, 0-4,

HALCYON SENEGALOIDES. 119

- Young.—Similar to the adult, but has the breast distinctly marked
with transverse edging to the feathers.
Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 67.

112. Hatcyon sENEGALOIDES. Mangrove Kingfisher.

The present bird, which is an inhabitant of Natal, belongs to a
very different group of the genus Halcyon, and although it has a
wholly red beak, which character allies it to H. albiventris, its affinities
are nearer to H. senegalensis. It may be distinguished from the
other red-beaked Kingfishers of South Africa by its uniform greyish
breast, and ash-coloured head washed with blue.

Sir Andrew Smith first discovered the species in Natal, where, he

says, “like other members of the group, it resorts to thickets, and:

feeds upon insects, especially crustacea and grylle.’ Mr. Ayres
gives the following note on the species in the same country :— “These
birds, as far as I know, are only found upon the mangroves which line
the Bay: they feed principally on small crabs, though fish are some-
times taken by them. They are generally seen singly or in pairs, and
are only here in the winter months, leaving us on the approach of
summer ; they are rather shy birds, and dive into the dense mangrove-

bush when alarmed.”
It has been procured as far west as the Buffalo River by Mr.

Rickard.

Head and nape cinereous, with a greenish blue lustre; back and
scapularies thalassine-blue, very bright on the lower part of the back ;
wing-coverts deep black ; wing feathers blackish, white at the base,
the basal half of the outer web of the primaries, and nearly the whole
of the outer web of the secondaries brilliant thalassine-blue ; tail
above blue, beneath black; a stripe from the base of the beak ex-
tending backwards over the eye, dusky cinereous : spot in front of the
eye and ring of feathers round the eye black ; throat, abdomen, under
wing and tail-coverts white, the latter washed with blue; cheeks,
sides of the neck, breast and flanks cinereous with a greenish lustre
and with transverse cinereous vermiculations ; bill coral red; feet
dark reddish yellow ; eye dark brown. Total length, 9 inches ; of bill
from front, 2; from gape, 2-4; wimg, 4°2; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0°45;
middle toe, 08; hind toe, 0°4.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 68,

.

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120 BIRDS OF SOUTH APRICA:

113. Hancyon cyanoneuca. Angola Kingfisher.

Halcyon senegalensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 62.

This Kingfisher has the upper mandible red and the lower one
black, and although very nearly related to the following bird, it may
be distinguished by the blue wash on the head, which is thalassine-
blue, and by the black streak through the eye produced to the upper
part of the ear-coverts. From H. malimbica both this species and
H. senegalensis may be recognized by their blue scapulars. ;

In the colony it is scarce: Mr. Atmore procured a specimen at the
Knysna in splendid plumage, and Dr. Exton found it in Mosilikatze’s
country, while Mr. Ayres has collected it at the mouth of Monocust
river in the north-east of Natal. Mr. T. E. Buckley obtained specimens
on the Limpopo in November, 1873, and writes as follows :—‘ Very
common during our journey down in the summer, but not seen in the
winter. It is rather a shy bird, and continually utters a monotonous
whistle. I did not meet withthis species except on the Limpopo,
where these birds are most conspicuous objects when on the wing.”
Specimens from the Zambesi are in Lord Walden’s collection.

The following note on the species in South Western Africa is
given by Mr. Andersson:—“This species is very abundant in
Ondonga. It generally perches on or near the summit of lofty trees,
from whence it sends forth a succession of rather pleasant thrilling or —
whirring notes.” Senor Anchieta has also procured it on the River
Cunene, and Mr. Monteiro in Benguela.

Above beautiful thalassine-blue, showing a sea-green tint in some
lights, especially bright on the rump and outer edge of the second-
aries; a white stripe from the base of the nostrils extending back-
wards over the eye; feathers at the base of the bill, encircling the
eye and extending backwards over the ear-coverts deep black ; wing-
coverts jet black, outer wing-coverts thalassine-blue ; quills black, the
inner web white at the base ; tail thalassine-blue above, beneath black ;
throat and under wing-coverts pure white; rest of the under surface
of the body greyish white, with small transverse cinereous vermicula-
tions, and washed in some lights with thalassine lustre ; upper man-
dible vermilion, lower mandible black; feet black. Total length,
9 inches; of bill from front, 1:8; from gape, 2°3; wing, 4°4; tail,
2°5; tarsus, 0-4; middle toe, 0°7; hind toe, 0°35.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 69!

—

HALCYON MALIMBICA. 121

114. Hatcyon sENnGALENSIS. Senegal Kingfisher.

A species with parti-coloured beak like the foregoing, from which
it is separable by its plain ashy grey or brown head and by the
absence of black behind theeye. Although most of the specimens of
Halcyon which we have seen from South Africa have belonged to I.
eyanoleuca, we have examined specimens of the true H. senegalensis
from the River Quanza in Mr. Monteiro’s collection, and some un-
doubted examples were forwarded from Katenbella in Benguela by
Mr. Sala: this therefore warrants our including the species in the
present work.

No full description of the bird is necessary, as the above characters
will serve to distinguish it. Total length, 8 inches ; bill, 1:9; wing,40.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. pl. 70.

115. Hancyon marmeica. Ashy-fronted Kingfisher.

Haleyon cinereifrons, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 64.

This is altogether a larger species than the foregoing members of
the genus Halcyon, and it may be distinguished at once by its black
seapulars. Its occurrence in South Africa is at present not well
authenticated. A specimen supposed to be from Natal exists in the
Philadelphia Museum, and another was sold to the editor as from the
Zambesi region. Its presence may be expected in South Western
Africa, as Mr. Monteiro states that it is not uncommon in the thick
woods near Bembe in the interior of Angola.

Adult.—Entire head ashy-grey, becoming tinged with blue on the
nape ; back, from the nape to the rump, rich cobalt; scapularies and
wing-coverts jet-black ; quills black, the inner web white at the base,
the basal half of the exterior web of the primaries, and nearly the
entire outer web of the secondaries, brilliant cobalt; tail dark cobalt
aboye, black beneath ; throat, and a narrow line over the eye, white ;
space between the bill and the eye, feathers round the eye extending
backwards over the ear-coverts, deep black ; cheeks, ear-coverts, sides
of the neck and the breast, greenish cobalt ; abdomen and under
tail-coverts, white ; flanks grey, with obscure vermiculations ; upper
mandible vermilion, black at the base and towards the tip, lower
mandible jet black ; feet red. Total length, 10 inches ; of bill from
front, 2°3; from gape, 2°7; wing, 4°6; tail, 3:2; tarsus, 0°5; middle
toe, 0°8 ; hind toe, 0°35.

Fig. Sharpe, Monogr. Alced, pl. 72.

See ee” ee

122 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

Fam. BUCEROTIDZ.

116. Bucorax carer. South African Ground Hornbill.

Professor Barboza du Bocage, following the idea of Professor
Schlegel, has separated the Ground-Hornbill of South Africa from
the other two species which inhabit Abyssinia and the west coast
of the continent. In this he is apparently quite justified, the different
shape of the casque being a good character.

The “ Brom-vogel,” as it is called from the droning cry which it
utters, is common on the Hastern frontier, where the birds associate
in large flocks and devour vast quantities of grubs and locusts. The
Fingoes seem to attach some superstitious veneration to them, and
object to their being shot in the neighbourhood of their dwellings,
lest they should lose their cattle by disease.

We are indebted to several correspondents for notes upon this
singular bird. From East London, Mr. T. C. Rickard writes :—‘ I had
one alive for nearly two months; it ate rats, birds, snakes, rotten
eggs, &c, also dry mealies; the latter did not digest. It tossed up its
food, and caught it as it fell. They are said to breed in a hole ina
‘Krantz’ on the Buffalo River: my informant says that he has seen
the eggs, which are large, and white. The Kaffirs have a super-
stition that if one of these birds is killed, it will rain for a long time.
I am told that in time of drought, it is their custom to take one alive,
tie a stone to it, and then throw it into a ‘vley’; after this rain is
supposed to follow. They avoid using the water in which this
ceremony has been performed. When I had this one in my yard we
were getting a good deal of rain, and I often heard the Kaffirs blame
me for keeping the bird a prisoner. Kaflir name ‘ Insigees.’? ”’

( Mr. H. Bowker writes :—“ There are many superstitions connected
with the ‘ Brom-vogel’, the bird is held sacred by the Kaflirs, and is
only killed in times of severe drought, when one is killed by order of
the ‘rain doctor, and its body thrown into a pool ina river. The
idea is, that the bird has so offensive a smell that it will ‘make the
water sick,’ and that the only way of getting rid of this, is to wash it
away to the sea, which can only be done by heavy rains, and flooding
of the river. |The ground where they feed is considered good for cat-

BUCORAX CAFER. 123

tle, and in settling in a new country, spots frequented by these birds
are chosen by the wealthy people. Should the birds, however, by
some chance fly over a cattle kraal, the kraal is moved to some other
place. They are mostly found in groups of from 8 to 6, or 7, and build
their nests in hollow trees, or in the hollow formed by three or four
branches striking off, from the same spot; they roost in tall yellow
wood trees, and commence calling about daylight. I never saw one
eating carrion, as stated in your book, though I have frequently
| seen them near the bones of dead cattle, picking up beetles and
worms ; they will eat meat, mice, and small birds, and swallow them
by throwing them suddenly up into the air, and letting them drop
| down the throat in falling. I once had a tame one, and noticed this
particularly. It is very weak on the wing, and when required
by the ‘ doctor, the bird is caught by the men of a number of
kraals turning out at the same time, and a particular bird is followed
from one hill to another by those on the look out. After three or
four flights it can be run down and caught by a good runner.”

Mr. Ayres’ account of the species in Natal, though often referred
to by other writers, is so excellent that no work treating of South
African birds can omit it, and is therefore reproduced here inits
entirety from the Ibis for 1861, (p. 133) :-{ In the stomach of the
male were snakes, beetles, and other insects. These birds are
gregarious and to be found here all the year round, but are not very
plentiful, generally three or four, sometimes more, being found to-
gether. They are very fond of hunting for their food on ground
from which the grass has been burnt; with their strong bills they
peck up the hard ground, and turn over lumps in search of insects,
making the dust fly again ; haying found an insect or other food, they
take it up, and giving their head a toss, the bill pointing upward,
appear to let the food roll down their throat. They also kill large
snakes|in the following manner, viz. :—On discovering a snake, three
or four of the birds advance sideways towards it with their wings
stretched out, and with their quills flap at and irritate the snake till
he seizes them by the wing-feathers, when they immediately all close
round and give him violent pecks with their long and sharp bills,
quickly withdrawing again when the snake leaves his hold. This
they repeat till the snake is dead. If the reptile advances on them
they place both wings in front of them, completely covering their

) ——

124 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

heads and most vulnerable parts. Their call, which consists of but
one note repeated, a deep and sonorous coo-coo, may be heard at a
great distance; I have myself heard it, under favourable circumstances,
at a distance of nearly two miles. ‘The call of the female is exactly
the same coo-coo, only pitched one note higher than the male. The
latter invariably calls first, the female immediately answering, and
they continue this for perhaps five or ten minutes, every now and
then, as they are feeding. Their flight is heavy, and when disturbed,
although very shy, they seldom fly more than half a mile before they
alight again. At a distance they would easily be mistaken for
Turkeys, their body being deep and rather compressed, similarly to
those birds, with the wings carried well on the back. ‘The little
pouch on the throat they are able to fill with air at pleasure, the
male bird sent by me to London doing this before he died. I think
their principal range of country is on the coast, and from twenty to
thirty miles inland. They roost on trees at night, but always feed
on the ground.”

In his essay on Transvaal ornithology the same gentleman con-
tinues :—‘‘ There are two or three kinds of land-tortoise in the
district of the river Limpopo which are eaten and much esteemed by
the natives, and also fully appreciated by the large Hornbill, which
attacks the tortoise and very neatly picks every atom of flesh from
the unhappy reptile, eating also the legs and head and leaving the

entire shell without damage. I could not at first imagine what it
could be which thus destroyed the tortoises without injuring their
shell ; but the Caffres assured me that it was the large Hornbill
during the summer months, when the tortoises are out in numbers.”

In the Zambesi region, Dr. Kirk says that it is “ widely spread,
but nowhere plentiful, and difficult to obtain, being shy, feeding on
the ground in the open plains or in a forest. Occurs singly, but
more frequently in pairs or in flocks of five or six. A specimen is in
Dr. Dickerson’s collection.” Mr. Andersson also found it common
in Ondonga, but very wild, and he also observed it sparingly in the
desert near the Okavango.

He gives the following note on its habits :—“The ground seems
to be the chief resort of these birds, and I have seen them running at
a tremendous rate; but they also perch on trees when flushed.
They utter at times an incessant kind of booming cry, which may

EEE ILL LLL LEO LE AGE NE OO ETE LE

ee ad

BUCEROS BUCCINATOR. 125

be heard a long way off. They are generally seen in small flocks of
from three to six individuals.

“The Ovampos seem to have a superstition about this curious bird,
which I cannot fathom. On asking Chijkongo, for instance, to get
me the eggs, he said it was not to be done, as they were soft to
the touch, and would fall in pieces on the least handling !’’

Senor Anchieta records it as plentiful at Humbe on the Cunene

’ River, where it is called ‘ Mucungungo’ by the natives. He has also
sent it from Quillengues in Mossamedes.

A very good account of the habits of the Ground Hornbill is given
by Mr. Monteiro in his paper on the birds of Angola, (Ibis, 1862,
p- 38.)

This species is distinguished by its large size and compressed
casque. Total length of wing about 19 inches. The colour is black
all over, with the exception of the primaries, which are white. Mr.
Ayres states that the iris is very light brown, the legs and the bill
black, the bare skin of the neck and round the eye bright red; the
female is said to have the bare parts blue. Senor Anchieta who has
forwarded several specimens to the Lisbon Museum, gives the follow-
ing account of the soft parts :—~ The region round the eye, the neck
and pouch on the throat, are yellowish, more or less mixed with
orange or red. One of the females has a large spot of blue-black
on the gular pouch, and in two other birds of the same sex, there is
plainly observable an elongated spot of dark blue on each side of the
neck, below the angle of the lower mandible. The young bird has
these parts of a yellowish red without any mixture of blue.” For
figures of the heads of all the African Ground Hornbills see the paper
by Professor Barbosa du Bocage (P. Z. 8. 1873, p. 698.)

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 230, 231, 232.

117. Buceros succrnator. Trumpeter Hornbill.

By no means a common species in collections. Victorin met with
it at the Knysna in June and July, and it has been forwarded to us
by Mr. Henry Bowker, who procured it in the Transkei country.
His sister, Mrs. Barber, informs me that it “is a very wild and shy
bird, and difficult to shoot.” It has been procured in Natal by Mr.
Gueinzius, and regarding its occurrence in the Zambesi, Dr. Kirk
writes as follows :—“ Rather common both in the mountains and

2

126 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

plains, frequenting the forests, and living in small flocks. It returns
every night to the same roosting-place, leaving in the day in search
of fruits. It is very fond of a drupaceous species of Strychnos,
(resembling the S. potatorwm of India,) the fruit of which is said to
be poisonous to man. Its cry is loud and harsh.”

Mr. D. G. Elliot who has given the best diagnoses of these large
African Hornbills, characterizes the present species as follows :—
“Crest slightly spotted ; secondaries black tipped with white; tail
feathers, except the median ones, also white for about an inch and a
half from the tip ; casque high and broadened on the ridge.” Total
length, 25 inches; wing, 11°5; tail, 9°5 ; tarsus, 1°75.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 284.

118. Bucrros cristratus. Crested Hornbill.

This large species is an inhabitant of North Eastern Africa, and
only claims a place in the present work from its occurrence in the
Zambesi Region, where it was collected by Dr. Kirk during the
Livingstone Expedition. We quote his account as follows:—
‘Native name, Kakomira, a local bird, not known to the natives
from the interior ; frequent on the River Shiré. Year after year it
returns to the same roosting-places, living in large flocks. During
the breeding season, or after the rains have set in, these become
scattered in the forest, where the natives say the female hatches the
eggs in a hole under ground, in which she is plastered up by the male.
The vessel being at anchor near one of the roosting-places, we had
an opportunity of seeing their habits. Towards sunset, in the months
of August and September, they come in from different quarters in
pairs, the male always known by his large bill. On perching, they
uttered a loud cry, heard far off, and hopped from one branch to
another, always keeping in pairs. As night set in they became quiet,
and roosted on the branches of the large trees. Early in the morning
they were off again, an hour before sunrise, not to return until the
evening. ‘The affection of these birds for one another seemed re-
markable. On one occasion, as a large male passed suddenly, I fired
and missed: but the bird fell from fear, and before it had fairly got
on the wing again, was secured and taken to the ship. It began to
get tame, and rather unwillingly took food; but the female came
every morning, when the others had gone to the forest, and remained
hovering about until 9 a.m., calling to its mate, which it saw on the

e

TOCKUS MELANOLEUCUS. tei

deck, to follow; at last she went off, but came back in the evening
to repeat the invitation. After five days the male became sulky,
would eat nothing, and died. No injury was found, and, but for the
female, there seemed no reason why it should not have lived.”

The following characters are given by Mr. Elliot for the species:
—Distinguished by its entirely black wings; tail black, except ex-
treme base and an apical band, which are white; spotted crest and
enormous casque. Total length, about 30 inches; wing, 14:5;
tail, 11:6; tarsus, 2:2.

Fig. Riippell, Atlas, taf. 1.

119. Tockus MELANOLEUCUS. Crowned Hornbill.

Buceros melanoleucus. Layard, A. 8. Afr. p. 225.

This Hornbill has a wide range, extending from the Knysna along
the East Coast as far as Kisiludini, 5° south of the Line. How much
farther it goes we do not know; but at this place we found it very
abundant, flying in small flocks or families, and feeding on berries and
fruits. At the Knysna, and in the Eastern province, it is also common.
Mr. Atmore writes from Geneva-fontein, George, March 16th, 1869:
—‘ My garden is now full of Hornbills, but as they eat nothing but
locusts, I do not shoot them ; besides they are in bad plumage.”

Mr. Ayres writes concerning it in Natal :—“TI shot this Hornbill
whilst in the act of swallowing a large locust which it had taken from
the bough of a low bush. This bird did not appear to throw the head
back so much as I have noticed that some other species do. Its
stomach was full of locusts and caterpillars. These Hornbills are
generally found incompanies of from ten to twenty; they mostly
frequent the coast districts, but occasionally during the winter
months they wander more inland.”

Dr. Kirk met with it in the River Shiré valley in open bush and
low trees.

Mr. Gurney states that a specimen was procured by Andersson in
Ovampo Land, but no details as to its distribution in the Damara
‘country were given by that excellent collector. Mr. Chapman, how-
ever, speaks of it as not very abundant there. Senor Anchieta has
collected the species at Humbe on the Cunene River, where how-
ever it was less common than J’. erythrorynchus. The same
ornithologist has sent it from Catonda in Mossamedes, and from
Biballa. The specimen from this former locality has been separated

128 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub as 7. pallidirostris,a species wecannot
allow, for in the series sent by Mr. Sala from Galungo were examples
with deep red and pale coloured bills, but belonging, as it seemed to '
us, to the true 7. melanoleucus. Whether this change in the colour —
of this organ is due to age or season we do not know, but it was ; |
probably one of the pale-billed birds which Mr. Andersson described

as having the bill “ reddish-yellow.” He says that its food consists of

lizards and beetles. :
Le Vaillant states that the nest is made in a large hole in a tree; i
and that the eggs, four in number, are white. | i

Our friend Mrs. Barber thus writes of the singular habit which this
bird exhibits, in common with other species of the genus, of blocking
up the sitting female in her nest :—“ By the bye, do you know that
our Hornbills build their nests of mud and sticks in old broken and
hollow trees, or between the crowded stems of the tall Euphorbia in
our forests; and while the process of incubation is going on the |
male bird builds the female into the nest, closing up the entrance in

such a manner that it is impossible for her to escape, leaving only a
small hole for the purpose of feeding her during her long imprison-
ment. I do not know how long she is kept in durance vile; but we
have sometimes taken them out, and found them so cramped and weak
that they were unable to fly. This peculiar habit may be a pre-
cautionary measure to protect the female during the season of incuba-
tion ; for it may be that during that time she is too weak and dull to
fly away from any approaching danger. Depend upon it that it is not
done in yain, and that there is a sufficient reason for this strange and
curious habit. We self-willed and presumptuous human beings often
act without reason or reflection; but the ‘birds of the air’ and the
‘lilies of the field’ are guided by a higher Power! And if we do not . :
understand the wisdom of all their ways, it is because we have not
studied them sufficiently.”

Head grey, some of the feathers at the back rather elongated, and
centred with white, giving the bird when in some positions the ap-
pearance of having a white half circle at the back; back dark brown,
each feather edged with lighter brown; wing-feathers very dark
brown, edged with white ; tail same as wings, and broadly tipped
with white, with the exception of the two centre feathers ; under side
with the exception of the throat*and chin, dull white; bill large,
slightly casqued, red, with a narrow yellow band along the base ;

tats

TOCKUS MONTEIRI. 129

eye-lashes very stiff and projecting; bill red; tarsi and feet black ;
fris yellow. Total length, including bill, 22’; bill, 8’’; tail, 11’’;
wing, 10” 6’.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 234, 2385.

120. ‘Tockus MONTEIRI. Monteiro’s Hornbill.

This beautiful species was first discovered by the well-known
naturalist, Mr. Joachim J. Monteiro, in Benguela, where he found it
pretty abundant. Mr. Sala also shot a specimen at Katenbella on
31st December, 1869, but it does not appear to have been met with
-by Senor Anchieta. Mr. Andersson’s account of the species is as
follows :—“ This Hornbill is not very abundant in Damara Land; it
is usually seen in pairs, but occasionally half a dozen individuals
may be found in close proximity to one another. It is a shy and
wary bird, and difficult to approach, except on hot days, when it
appears to suffer a good deal from the heat. About 8 or9 o’clock in
the morning it may often be observed quietly resting on the top of
a tree ; and it will also perch in such situations at other times when
alarmed, but takes its departure again on the least sign of danger.
It seldom flies far at a time, but if closely pursued extends its flight
each time it is dislodged, and thus soon distances its enemy. The
flight of this and other Hornbills is not unlike that of a Woodpecker,
dipping and rising alternately. The present species feeds on flowers,
young shoots, berries, birds’ eggs, and insects; and, in fact, little
comes amiss to it. J have found much gravel in its stomach, and
have often flushed it from the ground, to which it resorts for the
purpose of picking up sand as well as food.”

Adult.—General colour above ashy brown; the lower back and
rump darker and more blackish ; the wing-coverts spotted with white;
these spots being relieved by a circular margin of black, the greater
coverts broadly tipped with white; primary-coyerts and primaries
black, the latter with two rows of spots, one at the tip of the outer
web and the other at about one third of the distance from the base
of the feather on the same web; innermost secondaries ashy-brown
like the back, the others pure white, with a certain amount of black
on the outer web of those nearest the primaries; four centre tail-

_ feathers black, the rest of the feathers white, with a little black near

the base of the outer web of the external rectrices; head and neck
grey all round including the throat and the fore-neck, slightly spotted
% K

130 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

on the sides of the head and face with clearer grey ; rest of under sur-
face of body white, including the under wing- and tail-coverts; the
inner lining of the quills black. Totallength, 23 inches; wing, 9°0;
tail, 9°5; tarsus, 1°95.

Mr. Andersson gives the accompanying note on the soft parts :—
“The irides are nut-brown; the legs and toes brown horn-colour;
the bill which is much longer, broader, and stronger in the male than
in the female bird, is yellowish red, darkest towards the extremities
of the mandibles, which are dark purple, that tint being also some-
times apparent on other parts of the bill as well.”

Fig. Hartlaub, P. Z. 8. 1865, pl. 5.

121. Tockus FLAVIROSTRIS. Yellow-billed Hornbill.

Although specimens of this bird from South Africa were separated
by Dr. Hartlaub under the title of 7’. elegans, we have been unable
to find any difference between them and other examples from
North Eastern Africa, and we believe that Dr Hartlaub now concurs
in their specific identity. The Yellow-billed Hornbill, though not
included in the first edition, occurs in Natal, as Captain Shelley,
during his late visit to that colony, met with some very large
flocks to the east of the Umgeni, but did not see it elsewhere.

Mr. T. E. Buckley states that Hornbills were very common from the
North of the Transvaal through the Bamangwato country, and a pair of
the present species were collected by him in the Transvaal on the
7th July, 1873. Mr. Ayres also says that it is tolerably plentiful
throughout the bush country of the Transvaal, being mostly found
in small flocks. He states that it feeds principally on fruits. Mr.
Andersson writes :—“ This species is the most common of the Horn-

bills in the middle and southern parts of Damara Land. It is found —
singly, or in pairs, and being a comparatively fearless bird, is easily —

killed, especially during the heat of the day, when it invariably perches
on or near the top of a lofty tree (where such are to be found,) and
will remain for hours in this situation, keeping up, with short inter-

missions, a kind of subdued chattering note of Toc Toe Tée Tocké — |
Tocké Tocké Toc, in a tone not unlike the quick yelping of young —

puppies, and accompanied at intervals by a flapping and raising of its

wings and an alternate lowering and erecting of its head.” Anchieta |

has procured it at Capangombe, and Mr. Monteiro met with it in~
Benguela.

—

at oe

ee ee eee

y

TOCKUS ERYTHRORYNCHUS. 131

Adult.—Head grey, with a very broad white band extending over
the eye from the lores and joining on the neck ; sides of face, throat
and entire under parts white ; the ear-coverts slightly streaked with
black, more distinctly on the fore-neck and chest, some of the
feathers narrowly margined with greyish-black ; upper surface of the
body blackish, the centre of the back white; all the wing-coverts
spotted with white near the tip; quills black, glossed with green
near the base of the primaries, which have each a white spot about
the centre of their outer web, the outermost secondaries entirely
white, marked with black near the base, the inner secondaries brown
externally edged with white; four centre tail-feathers black, the rest
black at base, white at tip, the white increasing in extent towards
the outermost tail feather, where it occupies nearly two-thirds of its
extent ; ‘Iris tawny-yellow, bare skin round the eye dark pink; bill
bright yellow with brown margins” (Ayres) ; iris yellowish-white.
(Buckley.) Mr, Andersson observes :—“ The irides are yellow;
the legs and toes are very dark brown; the colour of the bill ap-

_ proaches orange-yellow, with the exception of the edges, upper ridge

and the tips of the mandibles, which are reddish-brown ; in the young
bird the bill is sometimes very dark coloured.”:
Total length about 16°5 inches; wing, 7°8; tail, 8:0; tarsus, 1°5.
Fig. Hartlaub, P. Z. 8. 1865, pl. 4.

122. Tockus ERYTHRORYNCHUS. Red-billed Hornbill.
Buceros erythrorhynchus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 227.

Sundevall gives this species as an inhabitant of Kaffraria, but we
haye not seen it ourselves from that locality, It was procured by
Victorin at the Knysna in April. Mr. Buckley shot a female in the
Matabili country on the 5th September, 1873, and Mr. Ayres has
found it to be numerous about the River Limpopo. Dr. Kirk gives
anote on the species in the Zambesi, where it is called by the
natives ‘‘ Koppi :”—“In all open woodlands common, feeding on
fruits and insects ; breeding in the hollows of trees during the season,
the female being closed in during the time of incubation, when she
moults her feathers, and is unable to fly.”

Mr. Andersson writes as follows :—“ Common in Ondonga, at the
Okavango River, and for some distance to the south of that stream ;
and I have obtained specimens from Lake N’gami. I have also met
with it in Damara Land proper, at Objimbinque and Schmelens Hope.”

K 2

132 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Anchieta has forwarded specimens from the Cunene River (Humbe),
where it is called Sunguiandondo, and he has also met with it at
Huilla and Capangombe in Mossamedes.

Of its habits, Mr. Andersson writes :—“ This Hornbill is frequently —
seen searching for food upon the ground ; and the way in which it
swallows some kinds of food is peculiar, raising its head and pitching
the morsel into the air, receiving it again into its bill, and repeating
the process several times, perhaps with the object of softening the
food or reducing it to a pulp.” 1

Top of head grey; forehead, cheeks, a line half-way down tke
middle of back, some spots upon the shoulders, some of the inner
wing-feathers, more or less of the three outer tail-feathers, and all
the under parts, white ; outer wing-feathers black, with some white
markings; four inner tail-feathers and rump black ; iris light yellow;
bill deep red, elongated, curved, sharply keeled above, not casqued,
3} inches long. Total length, 19’’; tail, 7”; wing, 7’’ 6'”’.

Some specimens appear to have the cheeks grey. Mr. Gurney
writes of a female from the Limpopo :—“ In the specimen sent the
cheeks were dark bluish grey, not white, as described by Mr. Layard
(B. 8S. Afr. p. 227.) I believe that both these variations of colour
occur in South-African examples of this bird, but whether they are
indicative of distinct races I am unable to say.” In a note to this
species in Mr. Andersson’s work, Mr. Gurney further writes :—“ Two
of these examples (a white cheeked bird from Objimbinque, and a
grey cheeked one from Ovampo Land,) are preserved in the collection
of Mr. R. B. Sharpe ; and as both of these were marked as males by
Mr. Andersson (no doubt from dissection,) and as both of them from
the character of their bills are evidently adult birds, it follows that
the difference is not due either to age or to sex. Professor Sundevall,
from his remarks at p. 130 of the ‘Ofversigt? for 1850, appears to
consider the grey plumage of the cheeks to be especially characteris-
tic of what he considers the Caffrarian race, for which he has pro=
posed the specific name of ‘rufirostris’ On the other hand, Mr.
Jules P. Verreaux informs us.that he considers that both birds are
of one and the same species, and that the pure white on. the cheeks _
and the parts adjacent is a nuptial dress annually assumed and lost -
by a double seasonal change.”

Fig. Uevaill. Ois. d’Afr, pl. 238.

- near Rustenburg.

TOCKUS NASUTUS. 133

123. Tooxus NasuTus. African Grey Hornbill.

Buceros pecilorhynchus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 226.

Buceros nasutus, id. t. c. p. 227.

This species does not appear to visit even the eastern districts of
the colony, and in the western portions it has never yet been found.
It has been stated by Dr. Hartlaub and Professor Schlegel to inhabit
Caffraria, and a specimen is recorded in the Leiden Museum as
having been procured by Wahlberg in the “ Makkalis Mountains.”
Tn the Transvaal it is more frequent, and Mr. Ayres writes as fol-
lows:—‘‘ This species is common along the Limpopo; and I have also
received it from Megaliesberg, a range of wooded mountains about
seven miles from Potchefstroom. Like T. flavirostris, this Hornbill
is a great fruit-eater, lives in small companies and has a dipping
flight. I was much surprised to find one of these birds, perched on
the top of a small tree, singing very prettily with the voice of a
Thrush. I could scarcely believe my ears, until I had watched the
bird for a considerable time: at last he flew away, and the woods
were silent.” Mr. F. Barratt has a specimen from Oliphants Nek,

Mr. T. E. Buckley shot specimens in Bamangwato, and Dr. Exton
observed the species at Kanye in the Matabili country. He says :—

_ “They are generally found in the early morning feeding on the

ground under trees. The stomachs of those I procured were filled
with berries, seeds, and insects (sand-wasps).” Dr. Kirk mentions
haying seen the species in the Shire Valley, but it appeared rather
rare in the Zambesi. Mr. Andersson give the following account of
it :-— This species does not occur in Great Namaqua Land, but is
found in Southern Damara Land, where, however, it is far from
common and excessively shy; in the northern parts of Damara
Land it is less shy and very common ; and it is also to be met with
in the Lake-regions. It is seen in small families rarely exceeding
half a dozen individuals. It roosts on large trees if such be within
reach, generally returning nightly toa fixed roosting-place ; it usually
perches upon trees about halfway up, and, unlike 7. melanoleucus
and T, flavirostris, rarely alights on the topmost boughs. In com-
mon with the rest of the genus it appears to suffer very much from

_ the heat during the most trying season of the year, when it may be

found perched at noon in the shadiest part of the forest, gasping as

134 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

if for breath, and may then be approached and shot much more
easily than at other times. When on the wing it occasionally utters
short piercing cries. This Hornbill is almost omnivorous ; but its
principal food consists of berries, young shoots, and insects.”

Adult male.——Head and neck all round dark grey, with a tolerably
broad white eyebrow produced to the nape, where the two join; rest
of upper surface brown, mottled with white edgings to the feathers,
especially down the centre of the mantle; the wing-coverts and
secondaries brown, the primaries blacker, all broadly edged and
tipped with buffy white ; tail black, broadly tipped with white, the
two centre feathers more narrowly tipped and laterally rayed with
brownish white ; under surface dull white, inclining to brown on the
sides of the body and chest, the latter being narrowly striped with
black shaft-lines; under wing-coverts ashy white, the quills dark
brown below, inclining to white near the base of the inner web 3
bill black, with a white streak on the upper mandible; legs dark
olive brown; iris dark hazel (Buckley). Total length, 19 inches;
wing, 8°6; tail, 8:5; tarsus, 1°6.

The female has the bill red, with a much larger yellowish patel
on the upper mandible than in the male: the base of the lower
mandible black. This sex has generally been separated as a distinct
species, but independent observers in different parts of Africa have
now determined that the sexes of this Hornbill differ in the colour
of the bill.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 236, 237.

Fam. UPUPIDZ.

i

124. Upura AFRICANA. South African Hoopoe. *

Upupa minor, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 72.

genus Upupa by its entirely black quills, not to mention its deep
rufous coloration and the absence of white on the crest-feathers.

Tt is not found to our knowledge within the Table Mountain |}
peninsula: the nearest spot whence we have received it being Swel- ‘|
lendam. At the latter place we saw them in considerable numbers, ~

UPUPA AFRICANA. 135

always feeding on the ground, into which they thrust their long bills
in search of their insect food. Mr. L. Layard found several pairs at
Grootevaders Bosch, breeding in the old Kraal walls: they made no
nest, but just laid their eggs on the mud that had been used
in cementing the stones in the rough wall: the eggs were very pale
greenish blue, unequally smeared throughout with indistinct mark-
ings of pale brown. It is certainly the “ill bird of the proverb”
that fouls its own nest, for the filth is described to us as intolerable.

It is very common in the Karroo towards Beaufort and Nel’s

Poort, frequenting the thickets of mimosa trees which border all

the rivers of that district. Its monotonous cry of ‘ hoop-poop ”
resounds the entire day. It is shy and difficult of approach, search-
ing for its insect prey about the rugged limbs of trees or crevices of
rocks. Mr. Atmore writes :—‘‘ They are migratory ; we did not see
them at Meiring’s Poort from February till June: they then came
in, but were in bad plumage.” Mr. Rickard notices it from the
neighbourhood of East London and Port Elizabeth ; and Mr. T. C.
Atmore has sent several specimens from Hland’s Post. Mr. Ayres
observes :—“ These birds are very scarce in Natal: when found they

are generally solitary, and only very occasionally a pair are found

together. I know little or nothing of their habits from personal
observation : they often feed on the ground, and are very shy gene-
rally.” During his journey to the Matabili country, Mr. T. EH.
Buckley says it was common in the bush country north of Pre-
toria, but he does not remember seeing it further than Bamangwato.
He observes :—‘‘It is rather a shy bird, the note and the habits

being the same as tlrose of U. epops.” In the Zambesi, writes Dr.

Kirk, it is “‘ everywhere rather rare, but widely distributed ; found
in the interior of the continent and near the coast. It is not injured
by the natives, by some of whom it is named the ‘ Little Doctor,’
in connexion with some superstition.”

The following account of the species is given by Mr. Andersson
in his well-known work:—“This species is very abundant in Damara
Land during the wet season, but gradually disappears with the
return of the hot weather, though a few individuals remain through-
out the year; it is also common at Lake N’gami. When it first
arrives in Damara Land it is seen in straggling flocks, which soon,

more or less, disperse ; yet a number of individuals are often found

in close proximity, leading a person unacquainted with the habits of

136 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the bird to believe that it is really gregarious; it is, however, most
frequently found singly. This species, to some extent, seeks its
food (which consists of insects) upon the ground ; but, like the Bee-
eater, it will also watch for and pounce upon its prey from some
commanding height. Besides frequenting the ground in search of
food, it also loves to dust itself in the sand. When in a state of
rest the crest of this bird is generally recumbent, but on the least
excitement it is alternately elevated and depressed, not rapidly, but
in a graceful manner, with deliberation and ease. In Damara Land
the Hoopoe is not very difficult to approach within range ; yet there
is some difficulty in obtaining specimens, as the bird, the moment
it finds itself observed, flits about incessantly amongst the foliage,
or is lost to view by gliding rapidly to the opposite side of a tree.
Its flight is short, rising and dipping alternately.”
Mr. Monteiro found the Hoopoe very plentiful in Benguela, and
Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens to the Lisbon Museum
from Biballa in Mossamedes as well as from the Cunene River.
Adult male.—General colour deep rufous above and below, the
crest-feathers with broad tips of glossy black ; middle of back barred
with black ; rump white ; upper tail-coverts black ; tail black, with
a broad white bar across it at about a third of the distance from the
base, extending higher up the outer feathers ; wings black, the least
coverts rufous like the back, the greater coverts broadly barred with
white, inclining to sandy rufous where they adjoin the scapulars,
which are also barred with black and yufous; primaries entirely
black, without any white spot at all; secondaries white, black ‘for
the apical third with a subterminal white bar ; innermost seconda-
ries black, rufescent at base and on the edge, and haying an oblique E
broad bar of rufous extending up the feather; entire under surface
of body rufous, the under tail-coverts slightly inclining to white; —
“bill dusky, pale at base; tarsi and feet dusky brown; iris dusky =
brown” (Ayres) : legs greenish black (Buckley). Total length, 9°8
inches ; culmen, 2:1; wing, 5:1; tail, 4:0 ; tarsus, 0-8.
Female.—Differs from the male in being paler, and in having the —
flanks broadly streaked with black. Total length, 9 inches; wing, ; 4
5:2; tail, 4-0; tarsus, 0°65. :
Fig. Vieill. Ois. Dor. pl. 2.

IRRISOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 137

125. IrrisoR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. Red-billed Wood-Hoopoe.

This bird inhabits the forests of the Knysna, in which locality it
was noticed by Victorin from July to November. It was found by
Mr. Atmore on the head waters of the Gamtoos River in mimosa
thickets, and it is abundant in the forest-clad eastern districts, being
common at Port Elizabeth and Hast London, according to Mr.
Rickard. Numerous specimens were forwarded to us from Eland’s
Post by Mr. Atmore, who records it as plentiful in that locality. It
is generally seen in small flocks of from six to eight individuals,
frequenting high trees, about the topmost branches of which it
hunts unceasingly for insects. Its voice is harsh and resounding,
and has acquired for it the name of “ Kackela”? among the Dutch,
which signifies the “ chatterer.”

It is a difficult bird to shoot, being very shy and wary, and for
ever whisking round on its perch, taking special care, however, of
its long tail, by lifting it over the branches: its motions at these
times reminded us very much of the habits of the Pheasant-Cuckoos
(Centropus). We never saw or heard of one of these birds being
observed on the ground. The residents'in the Knysna district
informed us that they bred in hollow trees, and that their eggs were
pure white and round. Mr. Ortlepp confirms this, and states that
their nests have the same offensive smell as those of the Hoopoes.

In Natal, Captain Shelley says it is migratory, but appears to be
tolerably common about Durban some years. Mr. Ayres writes
respecting its habits in the same country :—“ The food of these birds
consists almost entirely of a species of cockroach, which they take
from the crevices of rough-barked trees, and in search of which they
ereep about the trunk and branches somewhat similarly to the
Woodpeckers: in this manner their tail-feathers frequently become
much worn. From four to eight of these birds are generally toge-
ther, and frequent bushy country: they have a loud chattering note,
and are extremely restless in their habits: they have a peculiarly
powerful and disagreeable smell.” We have seen a specimen in
Mr. F. Barratt’s collection, which he shot at Oliphants Nek on the
Megalies Mountains. In the Zambesi country, writes Dr. Kirk, “ it
is more local than I. cyanomelas, which it resembles in habits: near
the head of the Lower Shire Valley we found it particularly abun-
dant.” Mr. Andersson writes as follows :—‘‘ This species is not

i=

188 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

uncommon in Damara Land, and the parts adjacent to the north and
east, extending to Lake N’gami.” It lives in small flocks, probably
consisting of entire families, which frequent trees, chiefly of the
larger kinds, and examine them most assiduously in search of
insects and their larve, which they extract from crevices in the
wood and from beneath the bark. These birds climb like Wood-
peckers ; and their long tails come into constant contact with the
rough surface of the trees, by which the tail-feathers are much
injured. When they have finished their examination of one tree—
they move to the next convenient one, but not altogether, as a short
interval generally elapses after the departure of each individual.
The moment flight is decided on, they utter harsh discordant cries
or chatterings, which are continued until they are all safely lodged
in their new quarters. These harsh notes are also heard when they
conceive themselves in danger from either man, beast, or bird; and
they thus often betray their presence.”
Senor Anchieta has forwarded this species from the Cunene River
as well as from Huilla, Quillengues, and Capangombe in Mossamedes.
Mr. Sala has also procured it on the Rio Dande in Angola, and it is
found both in Western and North Eastern Africa.
General colour black, glossed with green on the head, back, and
under parts, and blue on the throat, purple on the wings and tail,
and bronzed on the shoulders; tail lengthened and graduated; all —
the feathers, except the two centre ones, spotted with white near the
tips ; wings barred with white ; belly and vent dull black ; bill more
or less curved, bright coral-red, as are also the legs; iris very dark
brown. The bill differs in length and curvature with age and sex.
Length to base of tail, 7 inches ; wing, 7°0; tail, 10-0.
Fig. Levaill. Promer, pls. 1-3.

126. RuropomasTes cyANoMELAS. Scimitar-billed Wood-Hoopoe.

The present bird is not found within the Colony, but it was
brought from Kuruman by Mr. R. Moffat, and from Colesberg by
Mr. Ortlepp, who writes :—“ They are found in pairs or small flocks
in wooded places. They float gracefully with expanded tail and
wings from bush to bush in search of their insect prey. Should a
small grasshopper be espied on the ground they descend rapidly,
secure it, and fly up to the nearest bush to devour it.” Mr. T. C.
Atmore procured it in Griqua-land in April, 1871. Mr. Ayres

RHINOPOMASTES CYANOMELAS. 139

observes :—‘‘ These Hoopoes are very scarce in Natal, mostly fre-
quenting the inland thorn-bushes, though occasionally found near
the coast. They are always found either singly or in pairs, not in
families like I. erythrorhynchus, and may be seen creeping about
the thorn-trees, picking beetles and other insects from the crevices
of the rough bark. The hen bird sent by me to London was busily
engaged upon a swarm of white ants, which had worked their way
up on the surface of a tree.” Mr. F. A. Barratt has a specimen
from the Marico district. Dr. Exton met with the species at
Kanye, and Mr. T. E. Buckley says it was fairly common through
the Bamangwato and Matabili countries ; Dr. Kirk also gives a note
on its occurrence in the Zambesi :—“ A noisy chattering bird, found
in bush-country and forest, commonly near rivers. In its flight it is
peculiar, rising suddenly, and again descending more slowly while
it flies along. Occurs in flocks of about twelve, which, on settling
in a bush, run quickly up the branches and round the stem in search
of insects.”

Mr. Andersson writes as follows :—“ This species is sparingly
found throughout Damara and Great Namaqua Land, but more
rarely in the latter than in the former country; it is also met with
on the Okavango and Teoughe Rivers and about Lake N’gami. It
partakes much of the habits of the true Creepers, attaching itself to
trees and examining them in a similar manner, but sometimes with
this difference, that, after settling on a tree or stump (which it gene-
rally does about half-way up), it carefully examines it in a downward
direction, and with its head downwards, thus seeking for its usual
food, which consists of ants and other insects with their larve ;
having reached the base of the tree or stump, it moves onwards to
another, in a similar manner to that adopted by the preceding
species. These birds are usually observed in pairs ; but occasionally
a solitary individual may be seen perched on the topmost bough of
a lofty tree, uttering peculiar and plaintive notes.” According to
Mr. Monteiro it is not uncommon in Benguela. Senor Anchieta has
forwarded it from the Cunene River and from Capangombe in
Mossamedes.

Adult male—Above dull glossy violet with slight steel-blue
reflexions, the forehead inclining to green, the upper tail-coverts
also slightly greenish; wing-coverts violet, with very little steel-blue,
the inner primary-coverts pure white, forming an alar spot; quills

140 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

green with a steel-blue reflexion externally, the secondaries shaded
with violet on the outer web, more so than the primaries, all of
which have the terminal third of the feather whitey-brown, and have
a distinct white bar across the inner web of all the feathers, the
fourth to the seventh primary having a white spot on the outer web
also; tail violet, more or less inclining to steel-blue near the base,
the outer feather with a white bar near the tip; ear-coverts oil-
green; rest of under surface shining oily-green, blacker on the
abdomen, the throat and fore-neck slightly washed with steel-blue ;
under wing-coverts black, the edge of the wing greenish; “ bill
dark brown, yellowish towards gape; legs and feet dusky black,
with a brownish tint on the tarsi anteriorly and with the soles of the
feet olive ; iris very dark brown” (Andersson). Total length, 10°8
inches; culmen, 1°95; wing, 4°25; tail, 5.8; tarsus, 0°85.

Adult female.—Very similar to the male above, but is rusty brown
below and on the.sides of the face and of the neck: three outer
tail-feathers spotted with white. Total length, 10 inches ; culmen, 1°6 ;
wing, 4°0; tail, 5-5; tarsus, 0°8. Young birds are brown below like
the old females. Itis to be noted that the light endings to the
primaries seem to disappear with age, so as to become wholly black,
and the white spot on the first primary also becomes absorbed.

Fig. Jardine, Zool. Journ. iv. pl. 1.

127. Scorrerus ATERRIMUS. Straight-billed Wood-Hoopoe.

The authority for the occurrence of this northern species in South
Africa is the ‘ Vogel Ostafrika’s’ of Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub, where
a young specimen is said to have been examined from Damara Land.
The Kuruman birds identified as R. cyanomelas by the author are
also said to belong to I. aterrimus. We cannot but think that the
doctors are in error with regard to the first, as they certainly are
with the last occurrence, for the birds sent from Kuruman by Mr.
Moffat were the true R. cyanomelas : all the Damara skins examined
by us, including a good series in the British Museum, also belong to
that species. Although we are thus unable to include the present
bird as undoubtedly South African, we give a description of it
taken from an Abyssinian skin, to assist in its future identification.
[Cf. Gurney in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. p. 68.]

Adult male-—Above violet, inclining to steel-blue on the head
and more especially on the wings, the innermost secondaries being

CORYTHAIX MUSOPHAGA. 141

violet and inclining to purple or steel-blue towards the middle ;
eight primaries barred with white, extending across the outer web
on all excepting the three outermost, on which it is confined to the
inner web only ; inner primary coyerts pure white, forming a dis-
tinct alar spot; tail-feathers steel-blue, more or less inclining to
violet at the tips and on the margins, all of them waved under
certain lights ; ear-coverts dull greenish black; rest of the under
surface black glossed with violet, especially on the throat, which has
also a steel-blue lustre; bill and feet blackish; iris dusky. Total
length, 9°8 inches ; culmen, 1°2 ; wing, 4°05 ; tail, 5:3 ; tarsus, 0.7.

Fam. MUSOPHAGIDA.
128. CorYTHAIX MUSOPHAGA. White-crested Plantain-Hater.
Turacus persa, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 223.

This species is truly South African and is not found out of our
limits: it is very common in the forest districts, especially about the
Knysna, where it was procured by Victorin from March to July and
again in October and November. Mr. Rickard records it from East
London, and Mr. T. C. Atmore forwarded many examples from
Hland’s Post. It ranges as high as Natal, whence we have seen
_ several specimens. Captain Shelley writes, “A pair of these birds
flew across my path while in the thick wood about twelve miles east
of the Umgeni, when I procured one.” Mr. F. A. Barratt has shot
specimens in the Lydenburg district, at the foot of the western slope
of the Drakensberg.

This Plantain-eater feeds on fruits and frequents the highest trees,
rarely if ever descending to the ground, over which it can, however,
travel with great rapidity if brought down by a shot. The motions
of this species are very graceful and light, and performed with an ease
and rapidity that delight the eye of the beholder. Strange to say,
though we inquired carefully, we never could obtain any information
respecting the nidification of this beautiful and common bird. Mr.
Atmore, however, states that the eggs are white; but this must be
from hearsay, as he writes: “ How difficult it is to find these forest
birds’ nests. The Lories are breeding now: but for the life of me
I cannot find a nest. The young ones go in troops, and are delicious
eating : the old ones in pairs. We never shoot specimens out of a
troop, except for the pot.” An old forester told him that the eggs were

142 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. ’

white, both the latter and the nests being like those of Pigeons. Mr. if

Rickard says: “I once found an egg ina bird I shot at Hast London
(Jan. 27th) : it was pure white, and the size of a tame Pigeon’s.”
Mr. Bowker writes: ‘‘ I once found a Louri’s nest : it was just like a
dove’s, built of sticks laid horizontally, and about the size of a large
dinner plate, placed about ten feet from the ground in the centre of a
round bush. The old bird flew out as I walked up ; I found five young
birds in the nest; they were almost full grown, but their tails rather
short and stumpy, crest just showing, but I cannot remember
whether the red on the wing was showing or not. On my getting
up to the nest they all flew out, and were killed by my dogs before I
could come to the rescue. The bush was twenty or thirty yards from
the edge of a large forest, and I was rather surprised to find this nest,
as I had been told they built in hollow trees.”

General colour, green, iridescent, with steel-blue on the wings and
tail, and approaching to dull black, or rifle-green, on the thigh and
vent; head much crested, each feather being tipped with white ;
two white lines also extend from the corner of the bill, and passing
on each side of the eye, reunite behind it. The wings when expanded
display the most brilliant carmine, glossed with purple; bill orange-
brown; legs black; iris brown. Length, 19 inches; wing, 1°5;
tail, 9°9; tarsus, 1:9.

Fig. Schlegel and Westerm. Toerak. pl. 11.

129. CoryTHaiIx PoRPHYREOLOPHA. Purple-crested Plantain-Eater.

Turacus porphyreolophus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 224.

This very beautiful bird has been found at the Knysna; but is
there extremely scarce. It increases in numbers as the collector
travels eastward, until at Natal, as we are informed, it is not un-
common. Dr. Smith states that it inhabits thickets near the coast,
feeding upon fruits, &c.

The following note is extracted from Captain Shelley’s paper on
the birds observed by him in South Africa :—‘ This handsome species
is fairly plentiful about Durban, especially in the less frequented
woods to the east of the Umgeni and at Pinetown, where its
loud rough notes, somewhat resembling the word ‘ Tourakoo,’
repeated successively several times, may be frequently heard in the
morning and evening. It resorts mostly to the larger trees, where I

Te

CORYTHAIX LIVINGSTONII. 143

have frequently watched three or four playing together, hopping from
bough to bough, depressing and expanding their tails, and at
intervals displaying the rich crimson on their wings. There are few
more striking birds than the present one and some of the allied
species as they fly gracefully across the path in front, or are watched
during their quaint but pleasing gambols.”

In the Zambesi regions, writes Dr. Kirk,—* this was the common
species of the plains, but was not noticed high up in the mountains.
They are found in pairs and in small flocks.”

General colour, dark, iridescent green, with steel-blue reflections
on the back, wings, and tail; head slightly crested, shining green
and blue; under parts a dull green, with a reddish tinge on the
breast; wings, when expanded, display the same brilliant carmine,
glossed with purple, as seen in 0, musophaga; bill and legs black ;
eyelids scarlet ; iris dark brown. Totallength, 17 inches ; wing, 7:0;
tail, 8:0; tarsus, 1°6.

Fig. Schlegel and Westerm. Toerak. pl. 3.

130. CoryYTHAIx LIVINGsToNI. Livingstone’s Plantain-Hater.

This beautiful species was first discovered by the Zambesi
Exploring Expedition. Dr. Kirk writes as follows: “ It is peculiar to
the mountains south of Lake Nyanza, where it was seen by Dr.
Livingstone and myself in 1859, when passing to Lake Shirwa. On
that occasion we noticed it in the ravine at the foot of the hills within
a few miles of the river, but on no subsequent occasion was it seen so
lowdown. Itismost common near a hill called Sochi, and in the
wooded river-banks of the region near the late Bishop Mackenzie’s
mission-station.”” It likewise occurs in South Western Africa,
where Monteiro discovered it in Benguela. He gives the following
note concerning it: ‘ They are sometimes brought to Benguela for
sale by the negroes from Bibé. Appears to be much rarer than the
CU. erythrolopha. I have seen both pretty abundantly to the interior
of Novo Redondo.”

Senor Anchieta has also met with it in the same country, and at
Capangombe and Biballa in Mossamedes.

General colour, above green, with edgings of metallic darker green
to most of the feathers, especially the wing-coverts; innermost
secondaries green like the back, the primaries deep crimson, exter-

144 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

nally bordered with black, the outer secondaries green at base, red at
tip; tail-feathers metallic green with somewhat of a steel-blue re-
flexion ; head, neck and under surface of body rather lighter green,
the abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts dusky blackish; the
head ornamented with a beautiful crest of white-tipped feathers, all
the plumes of the nape also profusely tipped with white ; a loral spot
and a streak under the eye, white; bill yellow, inclining to red on
the culmen; feet blackish. Total length, 15 inches; wing, 7°4;
tail, 8:0 ; tarsus, 1°85.

Fig. Finsch and Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. taf. 1.

131. CoryTHAIX ERYTHROLOPHA. Red-crested Plantain-Hater.

As will be seen in Mr. Monteiro’s observations on the preceding
species, he notices the present bird as having been found near Noyo
Redondo. It is often seen in collections from Angola, but has appa-
rently not been yet procured by Anchieta south of the River Quanza.

Adult.—General colour above grass-green, many of the feathers
with a coppery lustre; back, rump and upper tail coverts deeper
green, slightly shot with steel-blue, the tail also deep green; wings
coloured like the back, the primaries deep crimson, edged and tipped
with black, the outer secondaries green at base, the innermost
entirely green ; head and nape dull crimson, the crest feathers tipped
with white ; forehead washed with olive-green; sides of face, neck
and under surface of body bright grass green; the abdomen, thighs
and under tail-coverts ashy-black; undér wing-coverts dull ashy-
brown, slightly washed with green; bill yellowish; feet black.
Total length, 12 inches ; wing, 6°8; tail, 50; tarsus, 1°45.

Fig. Schl. and Westerm. Toerak. pl. 6.

132. ScHiz@RHIs CONCOLOR. Grey Plantain-Eater.

Sir Andrew Smith gives a good account of the habits of this
species, which was originally described by him. He says :—“ It was
upon reaching 25° 24’ south latitude, a point where the rivers began
to flow to the eastward, and the country to acquire a partial clothing of
dwarf trees and brushwood, that this species was first discovered.”
Dr. Exton found it abundantly in Mosilikatze’s country, and Mr.
JT’. E. Buckley says that it is ‘‘a very common species throughout
the Transvaal and up to the Matabili country. They go about in

age

SCHIZORIS CONCOLOR. 145

small flocks; and their peculiar cry, something like the mewing of
a cat, often betrays their presence. They often raise and lower the
crest, and are not very easy to see by reason of their colour.” In
the Zambesi it is, according to Dr. Kirk, “rather a common bird in
wooded country at the foot of mountains; named by the natives,
from its cry, ‘ Kwe-kwe,’ which it utters while perched on the top of
some of the higher trees.”

Mr. Andersson gives the following account of the species :—“ This
is one of the commonest birds in Damara Land; and it is also found
abundantly in the Lake-regions and at the River Okavango. It
is partial to localities abounding in large trees ; and when prominently
perched, with crest erect, it is not unlike a gigantic Coly ; it also
climbs and flies like the Colies, which it strongly resembles in its
general habits. It is usually found in small flocks and feeds on berries
and seeds, especially that of a mistletoe and of other parasitical plants,
and also on fruits, young shoots and insects. The Damaras call this
species ‘ Ongoro-oroquena,’ from the extraordinary and almost human
ery with which it frequently startles the traveller who is passing near
its perch. It is sometimes very easy to approach these birds, whilst
at other times they are so shy that they will.defy the utmost exertions
which may be made to obtain them. On January 5th, 1867, I
obtained three eggs of this species, of a dull bluish-white colour,
at Omapju, from a boy, who told me that the nest which con-
tained them was composed of sticks roughly put together, and
situated in a tree at some distance from the ground; and, on March
1st, I met with a nest in Ondonga placed in a tree, but at no great
elevation, which also contained three eggs, but much incubated.”
According to Mr. Monteiro, the bird is also very abundant at
Benguela and Mossamedes, and it has been procured by Anchieta in
both these districts, particularly on the Rio Chimba and at Huilla in
the latter country: at the last named place it is called ‘ Quele’ from
its cry. It extends its range into Angola proper, whence specimens
exist in the Lisbon Museum, and whence we have seen examples shot
by Heer Sala at Galungo.

The following letter was addressed to the author by Dr. Exton :—
“T beg leave to call your attention to a question raised by Mr. P. L.
Sclater, of the Zoological Society of London, relative to the
crest of Schizorhis. In a paper by Mr. Sclater, in No. 1, of the

L

146 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

second volume of the ‘Student and Intellectual Observer,’ on
‘Turacoes and their distribution,’ there occurs the following passage ;
‘ Although some of these birds—the false Twracoes (Schizorhis)—are
provided with a crest, I dowbt whether that organ is ever erected and
depressed after the manner of the true Turacoes.’? With regard
to S. concolor, I have had frequent opportunity of noticing the
elevation and depression of the crest as one of the most common
habits of the bird. In travelling through the Bechuana country
one often comes upon a party of five or six of these birds, hiding
from the mid-day heats under the sheltered portions of denser
foliage near the centre of a large tree. Whilst yet undisturbed, the
crest’ lies flat on the head, and can only be seen as a tuft projecting
from the occiput. But their first act on becoming aware of an intruder,
is to run along the branches, either to the summit of the tree or to the
extremity of a branch commanding a good look-out, where, with
crest fully erected and well thrown forward, they keep up a constant
reiteration of their note. If but little alarmed they move rapidly
from branch to branch, frequently jerking up the crest,and assuming —__
an attitude of attention. Again, after flight from one tree to another,
on alighting they first rest on a branch, with the body somewhat
horizontal, and the tail drawn nearly to the perpendicular, as if
assuring themselves of their equilibrium, and then raising the body,
elongating their neck and at the same time elevating the crest, they
seem to take an observation as to the security of their new position.
So much is this a habit of the bird, that during the conversational
difficulties of my earlier intercourse with the Bechuanas, when in-
quiring for the nest of Schizorhis (the native name of which is
‘ Ma-quaai,’) as soon it dawned upon the mind of a native what bird I _
meant, he has imitated its note, accompanied by a sudden jerking up —
of the hand, with his fingers extended to their utmost, as if at the
same time to mimic the elevation of the crest. In the same paper ©
Mr. Sclater mentions that ‘ Mr. J. J. Monteiro, speaking of the grey
False Turaco (S. concolor), as observed in Benguela, expressly states —
that the crest feathers are always carried erect.’ In my own ex-
perience, the observation of Schizorhis was an every-day occurrence ;
and, as I have stated, when undisturbed (also when in flight), very
little of the crest is to be seen; but it is invariably carried erect on —
the least alarm. I may here mention a peculiar scream of S. concolor.
I was one day walking along a low ridge of rocks, from which I

CUCULUS CANORUS. 147

flushed an Owl, the common Bubo maculosus, that flew to some
distance to a clump of trees. Presently I heard an agonized scream,
such as is made by a young antelope when just seized by a dog; and
so exact a repetition of the sound was it, that even my dogs were
deceived by it, and rushed off in the direction whence it came. I
also sent off a Kafir boy, and presently followed myself, when I dis-
covered it was the frightful scream of Schizorhis, of which a party
were collected around the Owl I had previously disturbed, and whoso
presence appeared to be the exciting cause. At a later period I had
a second opportunity of verifying this observation.”

Forehead with a long crest, which, with the entire plumage, is
greyish ; quill-feathers dark-brownish; tail very long, hoary grey,
with a deep greenish gloss, particularly towards the tip ; legs purplish
black; iris brown. Length, 19 inches; tail, 10; tarsus, 1:4;
wing, 9.

Fig. Schl. and Westerm. Monogr. Toerak, pl. 13.

Fam. CUCULIDA.

133. CucuLUS CANORUS. European Cuckoo.

The European Cuckoo visits Africa during the northern winter,
but, as it has been more than once confounded with the ordinary
Cuckoo of the Cape (0. gularis), we have not at present any specific
details as to its range in the colony. It may be distinguished from
the last named bird by having the upper mandible black as well as
the nostrils, and by not having bars across the tip of the outer tail-
feather. Mr. Ayres has shot it in Natal, but considers it very raro
there. Our friend Mr. F. A. Barratt, has also killed it at a farm
about sixteen miles north-east of Bloemfontein: elsewhere in South
Africa it has not been recorded, but Mr. Andersson says it is
occasionally observed in Damara Land. Specimens were in his last
collection also from Ondonga, and Senor Anchieta has likewise pro-
cured it at Biballa in Mossamedes.

Adult Male.—Ahbove ashy grey, much darker on the back, where it
is glossed slightly with greenish; the head, rump, and upper tail-
coverts much paler grey ; wing-coverts dark grey, with scarcely any

Lt 2

134, CucuLus GuLaRIs. South African Cuckoo.

we

148 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

greenish gloss; quills brownish, the secondaries slightly glossed with |
greenish in some lights, the inner web broadly and numerously
barred with white, these white bars, however, not occupying more
than two-thirds of the quill; tail blackish, tipped with white, the
centre feathers showing an indication of atiny white spot along the
shaft, a little plainer on the three outer ones, becoming larger
towards the outermost, the four external feathers also minutely
spotted with white on the inner web, these also increasing in size
towards the outer feather, at the base of which they form irregular
bars: sides of the face, entire throat, and fore neck pale blue-grey;
rest of the under surface of the body white, transversely barred with
rather narrow. lines of greyish black; vent and under tail-coverts
whiter, indistinctly barred with blackish, the bars on the longer tail-
coverts broader, but further apart ; under wing-coverts white, shading
into greyish on the edge of the wing and lower coyerts; bill horn-
black, with a little yellow at the gape and on the base of the lower
mandible ; feet yellow, nails brownish ; iris and eyelid yellow. Total
length, 13 inches; culmen, 1:15; wing, 8°8; tail, 7°5; tarsus, 0°9.
Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. pls. 202, 203.

As mentioned on the preceding page the white bars on the outer
tail-feather distinguish this Cuckoo, which is otherwise a close ally
of CO. canorus; its yellow nostrils are also a good character. Itis rare
near the sea-coast, but becomes more plentiful towards the interior —
of South Africa. Le Vaillant records it from Caffraria. During his
recent excursion to the Matabili country, Mr. T. E. Buckley only
observed it once, on the River Meathly in Bamangwato, on the 24th
of October, 1873, when he thinks it was on migration. He adds:—
“Tt is shy and restless, continually flying from one tree to another,
generally in the same line of flight. It flies like our common
Cuckoo, but more deliberately ; its note, too, in the same manner, is
more slowly uttered, the first syllable not being in such a high
key.” i

Mr. Andersson writes :—‘‘ This Cuckoo is pretty common in the _
rainy season throughout Damara Land, and in some parts of crt :
Namaqua Land. Its flight is very rapid and zig-zag; but it does _
not move far at a time, usually taking refuge, after being disturbed,

:
I

CUCULUS SOLITARIUS. 149

in the nearest convenient tree.” He also procured a specimen in
Ondonga, and Anchieta has met with it at Humbe on the Cunene
River.

Adult male.—Above bluish grey, rather glossed with brownish on
| the head and back, and decidedly clearer grey on the rump and
‘upper tail-coverts, the lateral feathers of the last-named being
|

transversely spotted and barred with white ; wing-coverts dark <
greyish-brown, primary coverts and quills rather darker, especially
___ the secondaries, which are glossed with greyish, the inner webs very
distinctly barred with white; tail ashy grey, the outer feathers
. browner and all tipped with white, before which a distinct blackish
__ bar crosses the end of the tail, this bemg much more distinct when
viewed from underneath ; the centre feathers marked with longi-
tudinal drops of white along the shaft, these increasing in extent
towards the outer feathers, which are also notched or spotted
with white on the inner web, until on the last they form more or
i less perfect bars across the feather; sides of the face and entire
_ throat bluish grey, rather lighter on the lores and fore part of the
cheeks, the fore neck tinted with pale russet; remainder of under
surface creamy white, transversely barred with greyish brown, these
bars becoming more zig-zag in shape on the under tail-coverts ;
under wing-coverts white, with irregular cross markings of grey ;
axillary plumes white, barred like the breast; bill yellow on the
lower mandible and on the base of the upper one, including the
_ nostrils, becoming blackish on the edge of the culmen and the tip of
both mandibles; feet yellow. Total length, 12 inches; culmen, 1:0;
wing, 8°5; tail, 6°5; tarsus, 0°85.
Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. pls. 200, 201.

135. -CucuLus sOLITARIUS. Red-chested Cuckoo.

This Cuckoo, known among the colonists by the name of “ Pietinijn-
vrouw,” from its call resembling these words, is a periodical visitant
over the whole colony, extending even as far as the Cape peninsula.

Mr. Atmore informs us that in 1870, the first specimen of this
Cuckoo was observed at George, on the 13th September; in our
experience they generally made their appearance near Cape Town
from November up to Christmas time, and Victorin records it from
the Knysna in October and November. It has been sent from Natal

150 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

by Mr. Ayres, but we are not aware of any other occurrence within
our limits, excepting the specimens obtained by Mr. Monteiro at
Novo Rodondo in Benguela, and by Senor Anchieta at Capangombe
in Mossamedes. Their food consists of caterpillars and several species
of Hymenoptera. Le Vaillant states that they deposit their eggs, which
are of a pinkish colour, dotted with clear brown spots, in the nests of
the “ Capoevogel,” “Jan Fredrik” (Cossypha caffra), and other small
birds. Our friend, Mr. L. du Toit, confirms this statement as regards
the “Jan Fredrik,” as also does Mr. Fred. Barber, who adds to the
list the nest of the Cape Canary (Crithagra canicollis). He says the
egg is of a dark brown colour.

Adult.—Above greyish, with a slight gloss of oily green on the
scapulars and secondary feathers, the rump and upper tail-coverts
darker and inclining to cindery grey; quills brown, barred with
white near the base of the inner web; tail purplish black, glossed
with greenish near the base, tipped with white and marked with one
or two white spots along the shafts of the feathers, the inner web
also slightly marked with white on its edge; throat clear bluish-
grey ; fore neck deep ferruginous, with slight indications of blackish
cross bars; rest of under surface fulvous white, banded with blackish,
inclining to clear fawn on the under tail-coverts, where the cross
bars are narrower and more zig-zag in shape; bill horn-black, |
yellowish at base of lower mandible and along basal edge of upper
one; feet deep-orange, claws yellowish ; iris reddish hazel.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’ Afr. v. pl. 206,

186. CvucuLUs cLAMoSUS. Black Cuckoo.

This Cuckoo, which is a true Cuculus with rounded and swollen
nostrils, must not be confounded with Coccystes serratus, which has
oval nostrils and a long occipital crest: its black colour will dis-
tinguish it from every other species of Cuckoo found in South
Africa,

Le Vaillant states that the “noisy Cuckoo” is common about the —
Sunday and Swartkop Rivers, and throughout Camdeboo, depositing
its eggs in the nest of the “ Capocier” (Drymeca maculosa). It has
also been found in the neighbourhood of Grahamstown and was
sent by Mr. T. C. Atmore from Elands’ Post and the Katberg. Mr.
Ayres has procured it in Natal and gives the following note :—“ This

i

. CUCULUS SMARAGDINEUS. 152i

__ bird has a very loud, harsh note, and is more shy than the generality
_ of Cuckoos ; it is active, remaining but a short time in the same spot ;
it feeds on caterpillars ; it visits this part of the country periodically,
disappearing during the winter months.” Mr. Buckley states that it
was a common species throughout Bamangwato and the Transvaal,
where he says that its note may be heard almost any time of the day
or night. Mr. Andersson writes :—“I first observed this species in
the neighbourhood of the River Okavango, but only very sparingly ;
and the few individuals, which there came under my notice were so
excessively wild and wary that I only succeeded in bagging some
after an immense deal of trouble and smart shooting. They were
invariably perched on lofty trees, where they uttered loud cries, which
were my only guide to their whereabouts ; and before I got near they
would leave their perches and dart with lightning speed through the
neighbouring thickets. They were wild shots these! On a subse-
quent occasion I observed a flock of fully a dozen of these Cuckoos
creating a desperate hubbub, on the 21st of December, at Objimbin-
que. I have also obtained specimens of this Cuckoo from Lake
Ngami.” Senor Anchieta has also procured it at Biballa in Mossa-
medes. ‘ .

Adult male.—Above glossy greenish black, with a slight shade of
dull indigo on the interscapulary region; quills brown, the pri-
maries whitish near the base of the inner web, where there are re-
mains of brownish bars, the innermost secondaries greenish black
like the back; tail greenish black, tipped with white, all the feathers
more or less inclining to brown on the inner webs ; under surface of
body black, with a slight greenish gloss, not so glossy as the back,
some of the under tail-coverts tipped with brownish white ; bill

black ; feet yellow, claws black; iris dark brown. Total length,
12 inches; culmen, 0:95; wing, 7.2; tail, 6-2, tarsus, 0°75.
Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. pls. 204, 205.

138. CucuLUSs sMARAGDINEUS. Emerald Cuckoo.

Chalcites smaragdineus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 251.

The Emerald Cuckoo of Southern Africa has by many people been
considered to be a distinct species from the bird inhabiting Western
Africa, and was called C. splendidus by the late Mr. G. R. Gray, but

Go 2A een? 6

152 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

after careful examination we have not been able to recognize the
specific distinctness of the two birds, and as we know from the
writings of Von Heuglin and Dohrn that the Emerald Cuckoo —
migrates from Abyssinia and from Western Africa and only appears
in South Africa during the summer months, it is more likely that —
there is only one species throughout the Continent.

The Emerald Cuckoo is abundant at the Knysna, and throughout
all the forest regions to the eastward along the sea-coast. The males"
are killed in a proportion of at least ten to one female, from their —
habit of perching on the topmost branches of trees, and from thence
uttering their loud call of love or defiance. This is easily imitated
by a whistler, and the bird will answer the whistle, and remain on
the look out for its supposed foe, until the shooter creeps up within
range.

Captain Shelley found them fairly plentiful about Durban and Pine-
town, where they frequent the thick forest. Mr. Ayres also writes
respecting the species in Natal:—‘‘ These splendid birds, though
not by any means plentiful, are easily obtained in consequence of
their loud call, which they make at short intervals. They will remain
on the same tree, and nearly the same bough, for hours together ; they
feed principally on caterpillars, but sometimes catch the winged
females of the white ant as they rise from the ground, darting upon
them similarly to the Flycatchers or Drongo Shrikes. It has a swift
dipping flight, similar to that of the Wagtails, and when disturbed
generally flies to a good distance. It frequents bushy country near
the coast.”

It has not occurred to Mr. Andersson in Damara Land (though he
believes he saw it), nor to Senor Anchieta in South Western Africa,
but is met with in the interior of Angola proper.

Adult male.—Above brilliant metallic emerald-green, the plumage
having somewhat of a scaly and velvety appearance ; wings and tail
of the same metallic green as the head, this colour likewise extend-
ing over the sides of the face and throat as far as the fore neck ; rest
of under surface bright golden yellow, the under tail-coverts broadly
barred with metallic green; the quills and tail glossed underneath
with metallic green, the bases of the primaries whitish, the outer
tail-feather also spotted on the outer web and tipped with white ;
under wing-coverts golden yellow, the outer ones green ; bill greenish
grey, blackish along the line of gape and at tip, malachite-green at

eo .

tive

CHRYSOCOCCYX CUPREUS. 153

angle of mouth; feet and bare orbits lead-colour ; iris sometimes
brown, sometimes greyish (Heuglin).

Female.—Different from the male. Above metallic green, thickly
barred with rufous, the quills similarly marked, excepting on the pri-
maries, where the bars are more or less obsolete, leaving the ground-
colour brown, the quills brown underneath, very distinctly notched
with rufous or rufous white; under surface of body metallic green
barred with white, a little more narrowly on the under wing-coverts ;
tail brown, the middle feathers glossed with metallic green, and
washed with rufous, the outer feathers white internally washed with
rufous, and spotted near the tips and on the inner web with metallic
coppery green.

Fig. Vieill. et Oud. Gal. Ois. i. p. 33, pl. 42.

138. Curysococcyx cUPREUS. Golden Cuckoo.

Chalcites auratus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 250.

This is the commonest of the metallic Cuckoos, and it is to be dis-
tinguished from C. smaragdineus by its white abdomen and banded
flanks. In this respect it resembles O. klaasi, but is larger than
that species and has the tail metallie greenish-blue, spotted with
white.

This beautiful little Cuckoo, known by the name of “ Didric,”
from its oft-repeated mournful cry of “ Di-di-di-didric,” is extremely
abundant throughout the Karroo. At Nel’s Poort, near Beaufort,
we have frequently seen a dozen or more in a morning, while their
loud notes were incessantly ringing in our ears; they are, however,
so shy. that we only procured three specimens in as many months.
When calling, they perch on the summit of some dead branch, ready
to do battle with any male, or engage in an amorous chase after any
female that comes within their ken. They pursue each other with
great ardour, turning, twisting, and dashing about with much rapi-
dity. The stomachs of those examined contained nothing but small

_ insects chiefly swallowed whole.

_ We also obtained specimens at the Knysna, and from still farther
to the eastward. It appears in Mr. Chapman’s collection and has
been sent from Colesberg.

In Natal, Captain Shelley found it the rarest of the three metallic
Cuckoos about Durban, where he only saw it in collections, Mr.

154 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Ayres writes:—“ I found these Cuckoos plentiful in December, among
the low mimosa thorns and wood bordering the rivers and streams
in the upper districts of the colony of Natal, and also among the
fruit-trees in the scattered town of Potchefstroom. They are most
fond of apple-trees, where, I think, they find the caterpillars suited
to their taste and upon which they appear entirely to feed. Their
note, which is loud and monotonous, is frequently uttered whilst
they are flying high over head. Early in the morning they are par-
ticularly fond of chasing each other, frequently so high as to be
almost out of sight. They are often chased by the Sparrow and
other birds, which appear at once to knowa stranger. Like most
of our Cuckoos, they appear in summer and are away during the
winter months.” Mr. Barratt has procured several specimens recently
near Rustenburg.

Mr. Buckley observes :—“ A common species during our return
journey, from which it appears the bird is a summer visitant. I
found it throughout the Bamangwato and North Transvaal districts.”
In Dr. Kirk’s paper on the Birds of the Zambesi, he writes as fol-
lows :— Rare; found at the foot of Moramballa Mountains and
halfway up the Shiré, in a wood: it frequents forests. One speci-
men is in Dr. Dickerson’s collection; probably from near the same
locality.” The same gentleman has also found it higher up on the
Eastern Coast at Zanzibar.

Mr. Andersson writes :—‘ This beautiful species is by no means
uncommon in Little Namaqua Land; but to the north of the Orange
River I have only met with it in the neighbourhood of the River
Okavango, where it is both scarce and shy, and near Otniovapa,
where I observed two of these birds pairing on the 11th January.”
Mr. Monteiro has shot this Cuckoo in Benguela, and Mr. Sala also
shot specimens at Kattenbella in the same country, while Senor
Anchieta has met with it at Gambos in Mossamedes and at Humbe
on the river Cunene.

Le Vaillant states that it lays a white egg, and gives an account
of the manner in which it is carried in the mouth, to be placed in
the nests of those birds which are selected as foster-mothers for its
neglected offspring. Eggs sent to Canon Tristram from Natal by
Mr. Ayres appear to be “ like some of the lighter coloured eggs of the
British house-sparrow, and also very like the egg of the great reed-
warbler (Calamoherpe arundinacea) from which, however, it may be |

CUCULUS KLAASI. 155

distinguished by its rich gloss and by being slightly smaller and
more elliptical.” (Cf. J. H. Gurney, Ibis, 1868, p. 163). Mrs. Barber
says that they lay pure white eggs in the nests of Fringillaria vittata
and all the Nectarinic and remain constantly in the neighbourhood
of the nest watching over it safely. Mr. Jackson has found pure
white eggs in the nests of Hyphantornis capitalis, which we suspect
are the eggs of this Cuckoo, and we are inclined to think that Mr.
Ayres is mistaken in his identification, and that his sparrow-like eggs
belong to another species.

Adult.—Above metallic green, changing to golden green, some-
times with a coppery gloss, according to the light; a streak down
the fore part of the head, and a distinct eyebrow, white ; ear-coverts
coppery green; cheeks, sides of neck, and underparts white, the
sides of the body as well as the under wing- and tail-coverts barred,
the sides of vent streaked with dull metallic green; wings metallic
green above, like the back, varying with the light, the inner greater
wing-coverts and the quills externally spotted with white, the pri-
maries more minutely ; under surface of quills ashy brown, with oval
spots or bars of white on the inner web ; lateral upper tail-coverts
externally white; tail metallic green, all except the two middle
feathers tipped with white, the outermost spotted with white on both
webs, vanishing towards the centre feathers ; “ bill dusky above, horny
beneath ; legs dusky ; iris and orbit scarlet.” (Blanford.)

Total length, 8°5 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 4°25; tail, 3:4; tar-
sus, 0°65.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. p. 46, pls. 210, 211.

189. CucuLus KLAASI. Klaas’s Cuckoo.

' This is the smallest of the African metallic Cuckoos, and is dis-
tinguished from C. cupreus by its smaller size and white tail, spotted
with coppery-green.

Klaas’s Cuckoo is not uncommon in most wooded parts of the
‘colony, extending even as far as the Cape peninsula. It is, however,
not nearly so abundant as the foregoing, from which it is easily dis-
tinguished by its cry.

Mrs. Barber says, in its nesting and other habits it resembles the
preceding species. Victorin met with it at the Knysna in Novem-
ber and in the Karroo in January. Mr. T. C. Atmore has procured
it near Elands’ Post, and according to Captain Shelley it was not

156 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

uncommon in the neighbourhood of Durban and Pinetown, at both
of which places he shot specimens. Mr. Ayres also observes :—
“These birds are more active than C. smaragdineus, not remaining
so long in the same place; they also have the dipping flight of the
Wagtails, but do not call so frequently, and their note is not so loud.
They feed on caterpillars.” Only once did Mr. Andersson fall in
with it, when he shot a single specimen on the Swakop River in
Damara Land. Anchieta has procured it at Biballa in Mossamedes,
and on the Cunene river.
Adult male——Above metallic green, changing with the light to
fiery bronze and golden green; the sides of the face and of the neck
as well as the wings coloured like the back and subject to the same
reflexions ; under surface of quills greyish brown, very numerously
and distinctly notched on the inner web with white; four middle
tail-feathers golden green, with a slight coppery reflexion, especially
towards the tips, the other feathers white, with a spot of golden
green near the tip of the outer web, and three or four of the same
colour on the inner web ; under surface of body pure white, with a
few broad longitudinal streaks of golden green on the upper thigh-
feathers, the sides of the upper breast also bright golden-green, like
the back ; “ bill dusky; legs pale ; feet brownish olive ; iris brown ;
orbit very pale green” (Blanford). Total length, 7:0 inches ; culmen,
0°7; wing, 4°1; tail, 3:2 ; tarsus, 0°55.
Female.—Above brown, the head uniform ; interscapulary region
barred with dull rufous ; rest of the upper surface barred with dull
rufous and metallic green, broader and more distinct on the wing-
coverts, narrower and less plain on the lower back, rump, and upper
_ tail-coverts; quills brown, the secondaries coloured like the back,
the primaries notched externally with pale rufous; under surface of
quills ashy brown, deeply notched with pale rufous on the inner web ;
tail brown, with a subterminal spot of coppery green on the centre
feathers, the next one glossed with copper-colour and notched exter- —
nally with pale rufous, the three outermost white, with a conspicuous ,
spot of coppery green near the tip, and more or less remains of -
pale rufous notches and brown bars on the inner webs; ear-coverts —
brown like the head ; rest of under surface dull white, with narrow
brown cross lines, the sides of the upper breast uniform brown; —
thighs barred with pale rufous and metallic green, like the back ;
under wing-coverts pale rufous, with brown cross lines.
Fig. Levaill, Ois. d@’Afr. v. pl. 218.

COCCYSTES GLANDARIUS. 157

140. CoccysTEs GLANDARIUS. Great Spotted Cuckoo.

This bird, which can be told from the other species by its ashy-
grey crest contrasting with the brown back, and by the white spots
on the wings, is a migrant from Europe, and is of rare occurrence
within the colony. We have seen three specimens from Caffraria
and one was also contained in Captain Bulger’s Windyogelberg col-

lection. The British Museum’ possesses an example from Port
Elizabeth. Mr. Herbert Trevelyan of the 32nd Light Infantry pro-
cured a single example at King William’s Town. Mr. Barratt has
also shown us a specimen which he shot in November, 1874, among
_ the mimosa bushes on Modder River: he says that they return there
every year. Numerous specimens were collected by the late Mr.
Andersson in Ondonga, and he says that it is not uncommon
during the wet season in Damara Land, and also about the river
Okavango. Anchieta has also forwarded it plentifully from Huilla
and Capangombe in Mossamedes, as well as from the river Cunene.
Adult male-——Above brown, somewhat. inclining to olive-brown,
the scapulars slightly, the wing-coverts and inner secondaries more
- conspicuously tipped with whitish; quills darker brown above, the
inner primaries narrowly edged with whitish at the tips, the inner
face of the quills whitish ; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts
brown like the back, the outermost of the latter white on the outer
web, the inner ones tipped with white; tail brown, broadly tipped
with white ; crown of the head and crest bluish grey, with narrow
blackish shaft-lines; sides of the face and hind neck rather darker
brown, the ear-ccverts washed with grey ; throat and chest yellowish
white, the former somewhat tinged with greyish, with indistinct
hair-like blackish shaft-lines ; rest of under surface purer white, the
flanks shaded with greyish; under wing-coverts yellowish, the outer
ones and the axillaries white, the latter somewhat shaded with ashy ;
bill brown, yellowish at base of lower mandible; feet bluish, shaded
with brown ; iris pale brown. Total length, 15 inches ; culmen, 1:1 ;
wing, 8°15 ; tail, 9; tarsus, 1.3.
Adult female.—Generally similar to the male, but having a faint
rufous tinge on the inner webs of the primaries.
Fig. Dresser, B. Europe, pt. xxviii.

158 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

-~

141. Coccysrzs cAFER. Levaillant’s Cuckoo.
Oxylophus afer, Layard, B. 8S. Afr. p. 253.

This large Crested Cuckoo is distinguished by its black-striped
throat. It is not of frequent occurrence in South Africa, and we
have only seen two specimens, from Swellendam, where they were
procured by Mr. Cairncross. Wahlberg shot it on the Limpopo.
© Like the rest of the Cuckoos found in Damara Land,” writes Mr.
Andersson, “this species is only a periodical visitant during the
rainy season, and takes its departure long before the return of the
dry weather. I have heard its note on the river Okavango as early
as September, but it is a scarce bird in that district, and very rare
in Damara Land. It always appears in pairs, and is of a rather shy
and retiring disposition.”

Adult male.—Above shining greenish black, the head deeper black
and ornamented with a long crest of lanceolate feathers; lores and
ear-coverts dull black; quills brown, the inner webs white at the
base, the primaries also externally white at the base, causing a large
alar speculum, the inner secondaries greenish black like the back ;
tail greenish black lke the rest of upper surface, broadly tipped with
white, the inner webs showing somewhat of a purple tinge; under
surface of body buffy white, the feathers of the throat, breast, and
under tail-coverts, black in the centre, giving a thickly striped
appearance, the flanks also somewhat mottled with black centres to
the feathers; under wing-coverts white, streaked with black, the
lower ones entirely black ; bill black; feet brown, tinged with lead-
colour; iris dark olive. Total length, 15°5 inches ; culmen, 1°1;
wing, 74; tail, 10°2 ; tarsus, 1-05.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. pl. 209.

142. CoccysTEs JACOBINUS. Black and White Cuckoo. —
Oxylophus melanoleucus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 252.

This species inhabits the same country as C. serratus, and was
mistaken by Levaillant and Verreanx for the hen of that bird; it is |
however quite another species. Like O. glandarius it has a whitish
breast, but can be told by the absence of spots on the wing, and,by |

6 ee

\ a

COCCYSTES JACOBINUS. 159

its black upper surface. From O. cafer it is distinguished by its
smaller size, and by the absence of black streaks on the throat and
breast.

In aletter to the author, Mr. H. Bowker observes: ‘“ There is
another Cuckoo which I cannot quite make out from your book, but
I think it is O. melanoleucus, very common in Albany and appearing
early in October. It lays its eggs in the nest of the black forked
tail Spreo (Dicrurus musicus), and also in that of the Woodpecker.
It looks after its young to see that the foster parents are attentive to
them. I once watched a Woodpecker’s nest, and when the nurses

bry” g, food to the nest they were always followed by one of these
> ~~ ifter the Woodpeckers left, always looked into the nest to
3 s right and then sat near until the return of the Wood-
p ., wuen the same thing was repeated ; on examining the nest
I found four fine young Cuckoos in it.”

Mr. T. C. Atmore’s collections made near Elands’ Post included
examples, and Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal and the Transvaal.
Mr. F. A. Barratt informs us that he has shot the bird near Pochef-
stroom and also at Rustenburg in January, 1875. Mr. T. E. Buckley
collected it on the Limpopo and in the Transvaal territory, where he
found it abundant: as he only saw it on his way down from the
Matabili he considers it to be a summer visitant.

Mr. Andersson says :—‘ This is about the most common Cuckoo
in Damara Land, the first to arrive with the rainy season ; I have
also received specimens of it from Lake N’gami. I believe it breeds
in Damara Land, having seen young birds barely able to fly. This
species has a true Cuckoo’s note, and is very swift of flight and
quick in its movements.” Anchieta has found it on the River
Cunene, and at Huilla, Biballa and Gambos in Mossamedes.

Adult.—Head, which is ornamented with a long crest, and entire
upper surface glossy greenish black, the tail tipped with white; pri-
maries brown, white at the base both internally and externally,
forming a large white alar spot; sides of face black; under surface
entirely dull white, with a yellowish tinge on the throat and breast ;
under wing-coverts yellowish white, the lower ones greyish ; flanks
shaded with dusky grey; bill and feet black; iris yellow. Total
length, 13-6 inches ; culmen, | ; wing, 6°4; tail, 8 ; tarsus, 1°5.

Young.—Brown, the quills paler; tail brown, tipped with white,
the centre feathers glossed with greenish ; a white alar spot as in

160 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

adults ; under surface of body entirely yellowish white, the lower
under wing-coverts brown ; bill horn-brown.
Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. pl. 208.

143. CoccysTES SERRATUS. Black Crested Cuckoo.

This species can easily be told from any of the other Crested
Cuckoos of South Africa by its entirely black colour both above
and below.

It is abundant in mimosa bushes throughout the Karroo and
extends into the Cape peninsula, and has also been received fro2, all
parts of the colony to the eastward. This bird Vv lgotis ont
about the new year, whence the name of “ Nieuwejaai; 4 very rare?
it has acquired among the colonists. It evidently lays at. aay gh
as we took a mature egg from the body of one that was killed at
Rondebosch. The egg was white, glossy, and rounded at each end:
axis, 13’; diam., 11’. The stomach contained caterpillars,
beetles, maggots, and flies, but the chief mass consisted of termites.
We found them in considerable abundance at Nel’s Poort, usually in
pairs, frequenting the trees along the river banks. Mr. Atmore
writes that the “eggs are white, and usually deposited in the nest
of the ‘ Geelgat’? (Pycnonotus capensis).” We saw it near Alice, at
the farm of Barend Woests in March. Mr. H. Bowker writes: “It
calls frequently during the night, particularly about nine or ten
o’clock. I have found their eggs and young in the nests of Sigelus

silens.”

“Tn Natal,” writes Mr. Ayres, “these birds feed on cater-
pillars, ants, and other insects, in search of which they hop about
amongst the thick creepers, principally frequenting small, low, —
isolated bushes. They are weak on the wing, and do not take long
flights, but are migratory, arriving in October and leaving in March,
The gizzard of this bird is most curious, the inner skin is lined with
hair like the hair of a young mouse, and is quite separate from the
flesh of the gizzard.’ Mr. Gurney comments on this as follows:
“Tt will be recollected that a similar appearance of the stomach ~
being lined with hair frequently occurs in specimens of ‘Cuculus
canorus, and that these hairs were ascertained by the late Mr.
Thompson of Belfast to be those of the larve of the Tiger Moth, on ~
which the Cuckoo frequently feeds. (See P, Z. 8. 1834, p. 29.)

1. CEUTHMOCHARES AUSTRALIS

FAEREUS

—_

CEUTHMOCHARES AUSTRALIS. 161

_ Mr. Ayres says that it appears in Potchefstroom about November,
and leaves again before the winter sets in. Although the
occurrence of the bird in Damara Land proved to have been
erroneously recorded, the present species is most probably found
there, as Senor Anchieta has procured it at Biballa in Mossamedes.

Adult male.—Above glossy greenish black, with a long crest of
the same colour : under surface of body also greenish black, but a
little duller than the back; quills brownish, the secondaries glossed
with green like the back, the primaries white at the base of both
webs, forming externally a very large alar speculum; tail greenish
above, inclining to purplish brown underneath ; bill black; tarsi
slate coloured ; iris nearly black. Total length, 12°5; culmen, 1:0;
wing, 6°15; tail, 7°6; tarsus, 1:05.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d' Afr. v. p. 39, pl. 207.

144, CEUTHMOCHARES AUSTRALIS. South African Coucal.
(Pirate V., fig. 1.)
Zanclostomus aereus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 247.

In a paper on the African Cuckoos, (P. Z. S. 1874, p. 509,) the
editor pointed out that the Coucal of South Africa is a distinct species

from C. aenews of Western Africa, (Plate V., fig. 2,) as will be

seen by reference to the plate ; stead of having a purple tail, this
organ is green in the southern bird.

It is an inhabitant of Natal, where Mr. Ayres says that it “is rather
a rare bird, and frequents the dense bush, where it creeps about like
the Colies. Its habits resemble those of Centropus superciliosus,
but it is not so active. It feeds on locusts and large grasshoppers.”
Captain Shelley writes: ‘I shot two specimens at Durban, where
they frequent the upper branches of the higher bush, rendering it
very difficult to see through the thick foliage.” Captain Watson
informs us that he found it rather common on the Umgeni River.
Dr. Kirk states that it is found in the Zambesi, where it is a native
of the plains.

Adult,—Head and hinder part of neck ashy grey, with a slight
wash of olive; back dull metallic olive-green, shading into oily
green on the rump and upper tail-coverts; wing-coverts uniform

- with the back, as also are the quills, the under surface of the wing
being ‘ashy brown with a very faint shade of greenish; tail metallic
M

162 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

oily green, the two middle feathers having a slight shade of bronze; _
sides of face, throat, and fore part of chest whitish, with a yellowish

shade ; lower part of belly greyish, the under tail-coverts metallic
green ; bill yellow, with brown mark at base of culmen ; iris beau-
tiful dark red. Total length, 13-5 inches; culmen, 1:2; wing, 49;
tail, 8; tarsus, 1°15.

145. CrnTROPUS SENEGALENSIS. Lark-heeled Cuckoo.

Centropus burchelli, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 146.

This Cuckoo is found all over Africa, and although specimens from
the southern part of the Continent are brighter in colour than those
from West Africa, we cannot see any real grounds for their separation.

We have received several specimens of this lark-heeled
Cuckoo. One was shot in “ Grootevadersbosch,” near Caledon, by _
the Hon. T. H. Vigne; another near Swellendam, by Mr. Cairn-
cross. Specimens have also been shot near Graham’s Town and ~
other places.

Mr. T. E. Buckley informs us: “It was first observed on the
Crocodile River, but was also found in all suitable places as far into
the Matabili as I went. Being fond of hiding itself, it is not often
seen unless accidentally flushed, but its loud note betrays its presence.
It inhabits the thick reeds and bushes wherever there is water, far
from which it is never found.”

Dr. Kirk says that it was very common in all the grassy borders ~
of rivers, but is looked upon by the natives with disgust, and never .
eaten.

The following note is given by Mr. Andersson: “This species is
found abundantly at Lake N’gami, but I have observed it nowhere
else. It occurs singly or in pairs, and perches on lofty trees—but
also frequents reedy thickets, to the interior of which it usually
retreats when alarmed or pursued. Its flight is heavy and clumsy.
Its food consists of insects, and it is partial to locusts and grass-
hoppers.”

Le Vaillant states that he first met with this species near the
Gamtoos River, and that it makes its nest in holes of trees, laying
four eggs, of a reddish-white colour. Mr. Atmore says, “it inhabits +
palmiet vleys and feeds on locusts and large insects of all kinds.”
Mr. H. Bowker writes, “ The Vley Lourie builds its nest in the centre

ey

eeu iia

CENTROPUS SUPERCILIOSUS. 163

of a thick bushy tree or amongst the shoots from a cut forest tree
(Pollard?) It is about three feet in length by a foot in diameter
with an opening in the middle cavity in the inside rather flat. The
young may be perceived from the outside. I never saw but two
nests, one with a single young bird in it, the other an old one made
of small sticks. This bird is called the ‘ Rain bird’ by the Kaffirs,
and is said to call before a change in the weather. N.B. Inside of nest
daubed with mud.” His note contained a sketch of an oblong oval
nest made of twigs with a flattened oval opening near the centre.

Head dull black, with a greenish tinge when viewed from the
light, the shafts glossy black ; interscapulary region, scapulars, and
wing-coverts dull brownish rufous, the shafts glossy chestnut; greater
coverts and quills bright rufous, with dusky tips, the inner secon-
daries dull brownish rufous with an olivaceous gloss; lower back
and rump dusky, minutely barred with dull ochre; upper tail-
coverts and tail dull greenish, inclining to oily green, the former
generally with obsolete bars of ochre; feathers under the eye and
ear-coverts black, like the head ; entire sides of face and neck, as
well as the under surface of body, more or less deep ochre, inclin-
ing to white on the centre of abdomen, the shafts glossy fulvous,
especially distinct on the throat and sides ‘of neck, the flanks with
remains of dusky cross bars; under wing-coverts pale buff, inner
surface of wing dull rufous ; bill and feet black.

Young.—More dingy above and paler below than the adult; head
dull brownish ; upper surface barred across with dusky black, with
remains of dusky bars on the sides of the breast and flanks; upper
tail-coverts and tail barred more or less distinctly with pale ochre ;
beak horn-brown, the lower mandible yellowish.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. v. p. 72, pl. 219.

146. Crnrropus sUPERCILIOSUS.
White Eyebrowed Lark-heeled Cuckoo.

By many people the present bird has been considered to be the
young of O. senegalensis, but it may be distinguished at once by its
broad white eyebrow.

A fine specimen of this bird was sent to us in the flesh,
during the winter months, from Swellendam by the Hon. R.
Southey; its stomach contained insects. Mr. Rickard has ob-
tained it both at Port Elizbabeth and Hast London: near the latter

M2

A oo

164 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

place it is common. It has also been found in Natal by Mr.
Ayres. He writes: “This bird frequents the dense bush, and
principally lives amongst impenetrable creepers, where it hunts about
in search of the insects which it feeds upon ; if disturbed, it flies but
a short distance. The note is a loud, melancholy, cooing noise;
they call most in wet weather ; they are fond of getting up into trees
that are covered with creeping plants, and sunning themselves;
they generally fly on to the lower part, and gradually hop upwards till
they gain the top, but they can fly a very short distance at a time,
and are easily caught if chased ont into the open grass, though they
lie very close, and it requires a good dog to find them; if disturbed —
they immediately fly to the thickest cover at hand, and commence
running like the Rails. They feed on grasshoppers, caterpillars, and —
other insects.” Mr. Rickard narrates that in the stomach of one he
killed he found a Zosterops, in that of another a small snake, locusts,
and caterpillars.

Captain Shelley observes: “This is the common Centropus
about Durban. I shot a few specimens ; but they were in such bad
plumage, both in March and April, that I did not preserve them.”

Mr. T. E. Buckley shot a male in the Transvaal on the 5th July,
1873, and says that its habits did not differ from those of C. senegal-
ensis. Mr, Andersson does not appear to have procured it im
Damara Land, but Senor Anchieta has found it on the Coroca and
Chimba Rivers, as well as at Capangombe in Mossamedes. Mr. Sala
sent several specimens from Kattenbella in Benguela, and according | .
to Mr. Monteiro it is abundant everywhere in Angola ;

Adult.—Head and hind neck blackish or brownish black, andl
feathers under the eye and ear-coverts also black ; over the eye a
broad stripe of yellowish white; all the feathers of the hind head
and neck distinctly streaked down the centre with yellowish white ;
centre of back and scapulars dull rufous brown, all the feathers
mesially streaked with whitish, these stripes being further bordered
with blackish on each side, causing them to stand out in bolder .
relief; wings dull rufous above and below, the quills tipped with ~
dusky, the inner secondaries inclining to olive-brown, the least wing- |
coverts streaked with whitish, like the scapulars ; lower back dusky ,
black, transversely barred with dull ochre; upper tail-coverts and
tail greenish black, with somewhat of an oily-green gloss, the latter .
narrowly tipped with white, the upper tail-coverts barred with dusky |

ho

CENTROPUS NIGRORUFUS. 165

ochre; under surface of body yellowish white, the feathers of the
sides of the neck whitish in the centre, this streak margined on each
side with black, giving a very distinctly striped appearance, the
shafts of the breast feathers whitish, but without the black lines on
them; sides of the body, flanks, and under tail-coverts narrowly
barred with blackish ; under wing-coverts pale rufous, with obsolete
streaks as on the sides of the neck; beak black; feet bluish slate-
colour; iris bright crimson. Total length, 16°3 inches ; culmen, 1°35 ;
wing, 6°25; tail, 8:3; tarsus, 1°55.
Hig. Ripp. N. W. Vog. p. 56, t. 21, fig. 1.

_ 147. Centropus MonacuHts. Purple-headed Lark-heeled Cuckoo.

This fine Lark-heel is closely allied to the foregoing species, but is
slightly larger and has the head purplish-blue instead of greenish-
black. It is found in North Eastern and in Western Africa, and has
been procured as low down as Mosambique on the Hast Coast.
Senor Anchieta has collected specimens at Huilla’in Mossamedes
and Caconda in Benguela, as well as at Ambaca in Angola.

_ Adult.—Hntire head and neck black, with a brilliant purplish-
blue gloss, the shafts glossy black; centre of the back and entire
wings bright chestnut, the tips of the primaries and the inner

_ secondaries olive-brown ; rump dusky black, glossed with purplish

blue ; upper tail-coverts greenish ; tail brown with a dull greenish

gloss; under surface of the body yellowish white, the flanks and

abdomen inclining to ochre, the shafts rather distinct, especially

on the throat ; under wing-coverts buff, the lower ones chestnut,

like the inner face of the wing; bill and feet black; iris red. Total

length, 15-4 inches; culmen, 1:25; wing, 7:2; tail, 9:3; tarsus, 1-9.
Fig. Ripp. N. W. Vég. p. 57, Taf. 21. fig. 2.

148. Curnrrorus NIGRORUFUS. Natal Lark-heeled Cuckoo.

Le Vaillant found this species near the Zwart River, and the
description given below is from a Natal skin procured by the late
Professor Wahlberg on the 28th November, 1840. It may be distin-
guished from the other Lark-heels of South Africa by its black
abdomen.

Female——Head and neck all round, fore neck and chest deep
black, the shafts to the feathers glossy black; rest of underparts
also black, but the black shafts not so distinct ; interscapulary region

ee

166 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

deep chestnut, with rufous shafts to the feathers; wing-coverts
paler rufous, crossed with narrow blackish bars and very distinct
fuivous shaft-stripes to the feathers, these characters being more
decided on the lesser and greater coverts, nearly obsolete on the
median ones; quills pale rufous, with dusky tips and rufous shafts,
the inner secondaries crossed with alternate broad bars of black and
rufous or fulvous, with distinct fulvous shafts; middle of the back
pale rufous, minutely barred with black ; lower back, rump, and upper
tail coverts glossy black ; tail black, the middle feathers barred with
fulvous brown ; under wing coverts and entire under surface of wing
rufous ; bill and feet black. Total length, 13 inches; culmen, 1-1;
wing, 7°0; tail, 7-7; tarsus, 1°55.

Fig. Wevaill. Ois. d’ Afr. v. p. 78, pl. 220.

Fam. INDICATORIDZA.

149. InpIcAToR SPARRMANNI.

Indicator albirostris, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 242.

This species has only reached us from Swellendam, where it was

shot both by Mr. Cairncross and Mr. Atmore: it is perhaps more

abundant in the Hastern districts. Mr. W. Atmore writes that it is —

found chiefly in the Ruggens, being more plentiful about Heidelburg
than elsewhere. Mr. T. C. Atmore procured it at Eland’s Post, and
Mr. T. E. Buckley met with the species from the north of the Trans-
vaal into the Matabili country. On the western side it has been
sent from Gambos in Mossamedes by Senor Anchieta. In north-
eastern Africa and Senegambia the present species appears to be
much more common than within our limits.

Its habits resemble those of the other Honey-Guides. Mr. Buck-
ley writes: “ Hxtremely pertinacious in its habit of following one
in order to conduct to a bee’s nest, chattering incessantly until it gains
its point, or is knocked over with the gun. The natives, however,
strongly object to their being shot.”

General colour brownish-grey, lightest on the breast, and fading
to pure white on the belly, vent, and thighs, these latter marked
with broad streaks of brown ; rump white, streaked in the same way;

NE i sth Mil lh ae
— e.

White-eared Honey-Guide. !

eS

INDICATOR VARIEGATUS. 167

outer margins of all the wing-feathers dirty yellowish-white, those
of the secondaries being the most-marked ; ear-tufts white ; chin and
upper part of throat black; the two middle tail-feathers entirely brown ;
the next pair have the inner webs, with the exception of the tip,
white, and the outer three are all white, except at the tips; the outer-
most feather is in this, and I. major, considerably the shortest.
Length, 7’ 6’’ ; wing, 4’’ 4’”’ ; tail, 8” 3/’’.

The female wants the black throat of the male, but can always be
distinguished by the brown stripes on its flanks, this character bemg
the best to distinguish the species.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 867.

150. Inprcaror VARIEGATUS. Scaly-throated Honey-Guide.

We shot a solitary specimen of this Honey-Guide at the
Knysna, as it was flittimg about some bushes in the forests.
Victorin procured it in the same district, and Mr. H. Atmore
has forwarded it to us from George. His brother, Mr. T. C. Atmore,
also collected it at Beaufort. We know very little of the distribution
of the present species, as it has not been recorded from any other
place in South Africa, and the only other locality whence we have
seen specimens is Mombas on the east coast. It must certainly
occur in the intermediate localities, and has, perhaps, been mistaken
for the female or young of one of the other species. Le Vaillant con-
sidered it to be the hen of J. variegatus, an idea disposed of
by Professor Sundevall, who received dissected specimens of male and
female from Wahlberg. :

General colour above dull olive-green, changing to yellow on the
wings ; below dirty yellowish-white, immaculate on the centre of the
belly and vent, but much variegated on the throat, breast, flanks,
and thighs, with brown; forehead speckled with white. The tail
consists of twelve feathers, thus marked: two innermost pair all
brown ; one pair following white, with portion of inner web brown;

three outer pair white, with brown tips; the outermost pair very
short. Length, 7’’ 6’ ; wing, 4” 4’”’ ; tail, 3° 4’”".

This species has no white rump, this part of the upper surface
being uniform with the rest of the back. The flanks are streaked
with dusky brown, and the abdomen is whitish, the mottled feathers
not extending lower than the breast.

168 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

151. Inpicator masor. White-backed Honey-Guide.

In November, 1865, while at Tygerhoek, on the River Zonder
End, we shot a specimen clinging to the upright branch of a tree

‘like a Woodpecker. We subsequently saw a single bird at the

entrance of Cogman’s Kloof in December, and fancy it is pretty
generally distributed throughout the colony.
Le Vaillant found this species and J. variegatus, which he mistook
for the female, all along the South-Eastern Coast, as far as Kaffraria.
We have received it from Messrs. Atmore and Gairncross, killed at
Swellendam and George. Le Vaillant states they build in holes of
trees, and lay four white eggs, and Mrs. Barber says that they place
their eggs in the nests of Pogonorhynchus torquatus, which is
common at Highlands. The same lady writes with respect to the
alleged habit of the bird leading to a snake or a leopard :—‘ What
I wrote to you in a former letter is the opinion of many old bee-
hunters in this part of the country, who have no faith in the popular
belief, that leading to the leopard is done on purpose. My nine
brothers, who were all brought up in this country, were all of them
great hunters, as well as sportsmen; and during all the years of
their experience while they were living at Tharfield, where bees’
nests were exceedingly plentiful, and where they were constantly in
the habit of following these birds, never once did the Honey-Guide
ever lead them, purposely, to any noxious animal. Many times in
following the bird through dense woods have they started various
kinds of creatures; but if they did not neglect the bird for the
purpose of hunting, she would continue her flight towards the bee’s
nest, regardless of the startled animals. One of my brothers once,
while following a Honey-Guide through a dense forest near the
Kowie, passed directly through a drove of wild pigs. They were of
course more frightened than he was, and rushed about in every
direction ; but my brother knowing the popular belief, and wishing
to test it, took not the slightest notice of the wild pigs, but passed
on, keeping his eye on the bird, who went steadily on her way,
until she arrived at the nest she intended to show, regardless of the
pigs. a)
“ T have other reasons for not believing the story. Why should the °
Honey-Guide waste her time in leading people to leopards, jackals,

vee

:

INDICATOR MINOR. 169

wolves, and so forth? These creatures are not her natural enemies ;
she would gain nothing by doing it—no advantage whatever; and
I have ever found that in nature there is nothing done in vain, or
in an empty purposeless manner. There is always a reason for the
peculiar habits and actions of birds and animals of all kinds; and
therefore why should a bird, which does not even rear her own
young, and has not the-care of a nest, fear or care about these
animals? Why should the Honey-Guide, unlike all animals, do this
thing without any reason for doing it ?

« And again, when the bird has arrived at the nest she intends to
show, there is an alteration in the notes of her voice. An old bee-
hunter knows this in an instant, and knows when he ought to
commence searching for the nest. Now this alteration never takes
place when animals of various kinds are startled in passing through
the forest while following the bird. Hence I conclude that she does
not intend to show where these creatures are, or the alteration in
her voice would take place.”

General colour above, brown, with a tinge of yellow on the fore-
head ; ear-coverts whitish, and beneath them a dark-brown line;
chin, throat, and neck, yellow, fading into white on the sides, belly,
and vent; thighs immaculate. The tail, as in I. variegatus, consists
of twelve feathers, thus marked: first centre pair all brown; second
pair following, brown, with terminal half of the inner web white; the
three outer pair, with the tip and outer lower portion of the outer
web, brown; the outer pair very short. Size similar to that of

I. variegatus.

The white rump of this species renders it liable to be mistaken for
I. sparrmanni, but it may be told at once by its uniform whitish
flanks which have no brown streaks, by the yellow wash on the head,
and by the absence of a yellow shoulder patch.

Fig. Vieill. Gal. Ois. pl. 46.

152. InpicaTor MrvNor. Little Honey-Guide.

This little species is by far the best known of the African
Indicatoride. Victorin obtained his specimens in the Karroo in
January, and at the Knysna in December. Le Vaillant gives the
Swartkop and Sunday’s Rivers as other localities, and it probably
extends all along the south-east coast.

170 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Atmore procured it at Blanco, and writes thus: “ May 26,
1864. I have had another good opportunity of watching the habits
of I. minor. I used to wonder where they got all the bees-wax that
is usually in their gizzards, and the other day I found out. ‘There
was a male at a bee-hive as busy as possible catching bees. After
watching him for some time, Tom shot him, and his gizzard was
full of bees’ legs, with the wax on them. He is held in no repute
here as an Indicator ; but I. major is, and he is scarce.” Mr. Atmore

has mistaken the pollen of the bee for wax. The bird’s habit of

capturing bees like a fly-catcher is interesting ; but his most singular
statement follows. We had asked him for information upon certain
points, and he writes: “I can’t answer your queries yet, but I can
tell you that I. minor kills and eats small birds as savagely as
Lanius collaris! The very first I shot was in the act of eating a
sparrow that I saw him kill in flight: I suspect the others of similar
propensities.” In another letter he writes: “Eggs white, in nests
of Dendropicus menstruus and Pogonorhynchus leucomelas.’””

Mrs. Barber says that with them it lays in the nests of Barbatula
pusilla.

Mr. T. C. Atmore has sent it from Eland’s Post, and Captain
Shelley and Mr. Ayres have both procured it in Natal. Dr. Kirk
obtained it in the Zambesi district, and the late Mr. Andersson
writes: “I have met with it sparingly in Damara Land throughout
the year; and I also observed it in Great Namaqua Land.” Dr.
Kirk gives the following note on the species as observed by him in
the Zambesi. ‘The Honey-Guide is found in forests, and often far
from water, even during the dry season. On observing a man, it
comes fluttering from branch to branch in the neighbouring trees
calling attention. If this be responded to, as the natives do by
whistling and starting to their feet, the bird will go in a certain
direction and remain at a little distance, hopping from one tree to
another. On being followed, it goes further; and so it will guide
the way to a nest of bees. When this is reached, it flies about, but
no longer guides; and then some knowledge is needed to discover
the nest, even when pointed out to within a few trees. I have known
this bird, if the man after taking up the direction for a little then
turns away, come back and offer to point out another nest in a
different part. But if it do not know of two nests, it will remain
behind. The difficulty is, that it will point to tame bees in a bark

:

PRODOTISCUS REGULUS. 171

hive as readily as to those in the forests. This is natural, as the bee
is the same ; the bark hive, ‘ Musinga’ as it is named, being simply
fastened up in a tree and left for the bees to come to. The object
the bird has in view is clearly the young bees. It will guide to
nests having no honey, and seems equally delighted if the comb
containing the grubs be torn out, when it is seen pecking at it.”

General colour above, yellowish-brown, the yellow brightest on
the wing-feathers ; head ashy-brown; cheeks, chin, throat, breast,
and belly, cinereous; vent white; thighs faintly maculated with
brown; moustache blackish ; tail composed of twelve feathers, thus
marked: two inner pair all brown, four outer pair white, with base
and tips brown. In this species the outer pair are but very slightly
shorter than thenext. Length, 5’ 9’” ; wing, 3’’ 7’’’; tail, 2’” 6”;
tarsus, 10°6.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 542, fig. 2.

_ 158, Proporiscus reauwus. Brown Honey-Guide.

This peculiar little bird was discovered by the late Prof. Wahl-
berg in South-Eastern Africa, and one of the original specimens
from Port Natal is in the editor’s collection, and will shortly be
placed in the British Museum. Nothing is known of its habits, but
it may be distinguished from all the other Honey-Guides by its thin
bill and nearly uniform brown plumage.

The description here given is taken from a paper on the Indica-
toridz contributed by the editor to Mr. Dawson Rowley’s “ Ornitho-
logical Miscellany.”

Adult female—General colour earthy-brown, including the sides
of the face and neck; a tuft of white feathers on each side of the
lower back ; underneath rather more ashy-brown, the centre of the
body and under tail-coverts yellowish-white, the latter with a few
hair-like shaft-streaks ; under wing-coverts white, the feathers near
the edge of the wings brown; wings brown, the quills darker, the
secondaries edged with whity-brown; tail dark brown, the three
outer feathers white on the outer web extending for more than half
of the two outermost, but less extended on the third; bill and feet
blackish. Total length, 5 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 3:0; tail, 2°15;
tarsus, 0°45.

ig. Sharpe in Rowley’s Orn. Mise. part iy.

2 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Fam. CAPITONIDA.

154. PoGonorHyNCHUS TORQUATUS. Black-collared Barbet.

Laimodon nigrithorax, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 233.

This Barbet is a bird of the eastern districts. Mr. Rickard says
it is rather plentiful near Hast London, and it is not uncommon
about Graham’s Town, and Mr. T. C. Atmore collected an abundant
supply of specimens near Eland’s Post, where it was found feeding
on fruit and berries. “Mr. F. A. Barratt observes: ‘I have
noticed these birds near Pretoria and in Kaffraria. I shot
several near Rustenberg, where they abound, especially about
the fruit-gardens.”” Mr. Ayres has procured them in Natal, and
Captain Shelley writes: “ Very common about Pinetown, but I
never met with them nearer the coast : they were generally in pairs,
frequenting the scattered trees or the edges of woods.” Mr. T. Ey
Buckley obtained one specimen close to the Limpopo, near Pretoria,
where he considers it must be rather a rare bird. Dr. Kirk states
that it iscommon in open forests of the Zambesi valley, frequently to
be found on fig-trees. It occurs also higher up the coast at Mombas,
while Speke procured it at Uzaramo. On the western side of the
continent it has been found by Anchieta at Huilla and Biballa in
Mossamedes, and again at Pungo Andongo in Angola. Mr. Barratt
says it has a harsh, disagreeable note. ‘Their food,” writes Mr.
Ayres, “ appears principally to consist of small fruits and berries,
which they swallow whole. ‘Their note is particularly loud; the
syllables kook koroo, repeated eight or ten times would give a good
idea of it ; frequently both male and female call at the same time,
and when perched close together keep up a quick succession of
bows to each other, bowing at the repetition of each note.”

The genus Pogonorhynchus, to which the present species and the
next belong, is characterised, according to the Messrs. Marshall, our
best authorities on the family, by its strongly toothed bill. The
coloration of the species is its best distinguishing character, and its
large size. The ouly other South African species which has any-
thing like a red head and black pectoral collar is Trachyphonus cafer,
which is at once distinguished by its long black crest, black back,
yellow rump, and crimson upper-tail-coverts.

Top of head and front, sides of head, chin, throat, and gorget,

i

POGONORHYNCHUS LEUCOMELAS. 173

brilliant scarlet, all bounded by a band of glossy black, more or less
broad ; back and shoulders yellowish brown; quill-feathers of wings
and tail dark-brown, margined with bright-yellow, the latter very
slightly so ; under parts ashy-white, marked with sulphur yellow;
base of bill sparsely covered with long bristles; bill black; feet
black (Buckley), brown (Ayres), slaty brown (Shelley) ; iris reddish
brown (Ayres, Shelley), dark brown (Buckley).
Fig. Marshall, Monogr. Capit. pl. x.

155. PogoNoRHYNCHUS LEUCOMELAS. The Pied Barbet.

Laimodon leucomelas, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 232.
Laimodon unidentatus, id., t. c. p. 233.

This Barbet is common in mimosa bush throughout the: Karroo,
and has apparently a very wide range, having been received from
Beaufort, Swellendam, Knysna, Kaffraria, Colesberg, Hopetown,

Kuruman, and Damaraland. It does not occur, as far as we yet
know, in Natal, and Mr. T. E. Buckley says that they were first seen
by him about the trees in Pretoria; he also found them from the
north of the Transvaal into the Matabili country. Mr. Barratt states
that he has often seen this Barbet in the Transvaal, and has also
received it from Marico. Mr. Buckley met with it as far north as the
Tatti, but it has not been recorded from the Zambesi. On the
western coast, however, it extends much further, and according to
Mr. Andersson, it is ‘found from the northern border of Great
Namaqua Land (south of which it was not observed), as far north as
the river Okavango; and it also occurs at Lake N’gami. In the
neighbourhood of Objimbinque it is rather abundant.” The same
gentleman also procured specimens in Ondonga, while Anchieta has
procured it on the Rio Coroca in Mossamedes. Mr. Monteiro col-
lected several of this Barbet in Benguela, and it even ranges into
Angola proper, from whence specimens have been forwarded to the
Lisbon Museum.

Mr. Andersson remarks that in Damara Land, it is “ found singly
or in pairs, and is remarkable for its clear-ringing and far-sounding
notes, which, though heard at all hours of the day, are most frequent
in the early morning. It food consists chiefly of fruit and seeds; but
it will to some extent accommodate itself as regards food to the

174 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

produce of the locality in which it happens to be located. It is
rather a lively bird, and sometimes suspends itself below the fruit
on which it is feeding, and makes its repast whilst hanging in that
position.”

According to our own experience, it is a solitary bird, never more
than one pair being seen together, and that but seldom. Its call
is similar to that of the Indian Xantholema hemacephala, viz.
“ poo-poo-poop,” three syllables, constantly repeated. While uttering
this cry, it remains stationary in some tree, but evidently expends
much labour on its monotonous call, its body being jerked up and
down the while. It feeds on fruits and berries, and is said to build
in hollow trees; but we were not fortunate enough to obtain its
nest. Mr. Atmore writes: ‘ Feeds on seeds and insects. I see
them frequently feeding on the ground. I know of a tame one
which roved about unconfined. It eat meat, bread, sugar, corn, in
fact anything—appeared very much attached to its mistress, and
came regularly into the house to be fed. It disappeared at the
pairing season, so I suppose it got married! They nest in holes of
trees, but don’t make the holes. Eggs spotted.” Mrs. Barber also
says the latter are spotted, but Mr. H. Jackson sends us eggs of
three species which are white, elongated and roughish. Axis, 11’’;
diam. 8’’’. We found it common in the Albany division, and one
evening took five out of the stem of an aloe at Talk Farm, whither
they had retired to roost. We were assured by Mr. White, the
owner of the farm, that they had bred there, making the hole
themselves.

From the other African tooth-billed Barbets the present species is
distinguished, according to the Messrs. Marshall, by the following
characters: small size, black bill, crimson forehead, and black
occiput, throat and centre of the breast.

General colour aboye, black, pencilled with yellow ; forehead deep
crimson ; a stripe extends from the nostril, over the eye, to the back
of the head; the first part of this is yellow, the last part white; a
broad white line also extends from the corner of the bill down the
side of the throat ; chin and gorget black ; belly dirty white, mixed
with grey ; wing-secondaries and tail-feathers margined with yellow ;
** bill dark-brownish horn-colour ; feet and toes slaty-brown; iris
umber-brown. (Andersson.)” Length, 6'’; wing, 3” 6'’’ ; tail, 2’’.

Fig. Marsh. Monogr. Capit. pl. xii.

BARBATULA PUSILLA. 175

156. BarpatuLa PUSILLA. Little Tinker Barbet.

Megalema barbatula, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 234.

The members of the genus Barbatula are distinguished from the
Pogonorhynchi by the absence of the tooth in the bill, which is also
sharp and pointed. They are all birds of small size, and the South
African species can be divided into two sections, viz. those which
have the back black streaked with white or yellow, and those which
have the upper surface entirely black.

The present species belongs to the yellow-streaked section,
and is at once recognisable by its red crown. Mr. Rickard
notes its occurrence at Hast London: it inhabits the euphorbia
thickets of the eastern province, especially about Eland’s Post, where
Mr. T. C. Atmore obtained a nice series of specimens. The note is
often heard, but the bird itself is seldom seen, on account of its
small size and creeping habits: they feed on berries. Mr. Ayres
writes: ‘“‘ The note of this curious little bird so much resembles the
tapping of a hammer on an anvil (having that peculiar metallic ring)
that it is called in Natalthe Tinker Bird. It is silent during the
winter months, commencing its monotonous cry in the spring, and
continuing it throughout the summer. They are numerous, but not
easily seen, in consequence of their small size, and their habit of
sitting quietly on the tops of thick bushy trees. When in search of
food, they climb and creep about the thick foliage of trees. They
inhabit the coast-bush, being seldom found ten miles inland ; those
which I have seen at that distance from the coasts were silent. The
stomach of the specimen sent to England contained mulberries.” | It
is found in North-eastern Africa, whence the birds run rather smaller.

The following description is copied from Messrs. Marshall’s
Monograph :—Sexes alike ; a narrow frontal band black ; top of the
head bright red; upper plumage black, variegated longitudinally
with sulphur-yellow ; upper tail-coverts entirely of that colour ; wings
and tail earthy brown; lesser wing-coverts broadly bordered with
golden ; greater wing-coverts and quills edged with the same colour,
shading into creamy white on the tertiaries, inner webs at the base
yellow; tail narrowly edged with sulphur-yellow; under surface
greenish-yellow ; throat and under tail-coverts lemon-yellow; bill
black ; legs and feet dark greenish; irides dark brown. Length,
4” 6; wing, 2’ 4; tail, 1’’ 2.

~ Fig. Marsh. Monogr. Capit. pl. xlviii.

176 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

157. BarsarvLa EXxTONI. Exton’s Yellow-headed Barbet.

This pretty little species can be at once distinguished from the
foregoing by its yellow crown. It is a larger form of the ordinary
Yellow-headed Barbet of Western and North-eastern Africa (B. chry-
socoma). The southern species was distinguished by the author in the
‘Ibis’ for 1871 (p. 226), and named after Dr. Exton, who procured
the typical specimen at Kanye, a native town in the Bechuana country
(lat. 24° 50’ S. long. 25° 40’ E.), midway between the Marico and
the Kalahari desert. Another specimen, shot by the late Professor
Wahlberg, in the Transvaal, is in the editor’s possession. Dr. Exton
says that the stomachs of the three specimens procured by him
contained the fruit of a species of mistletoe.

Upper parts greyish-black, verging to pure black on the head,
mottled with greenish-white spots, smallest and roundest on the
back of the head and neck, longer and more elongated on the back ;
rump greenish-yellow; lesser wing-coverts and primaries on the
outer-edge bordered with orange-yellow ; tail-feathers narrowly
edged with dirty-white ; a brilliant orange patch occupies the ante-
rior portion of the vertex, separated from the bill by a broadish
black bar, coalescing with the pure black of the head, and succeeded
by a narrow white bar, which covers the nostrils and passes back-
ward under the eye ; two short white bars proceed from the edge of
this suborbital streak, and are divided by black bars from each
other and from the greenish-yellow of the throat and chin ; eyebrow
small and white. All the under parts dirty pale ashy, more or less
tinged with green or greenish yellow. Total length, 4:6 inches;
wing, 2°7; tail, 1°3; tarsus, 0°6.

158. BarpBaTuLa BILINEATA. Bridled Barbet.
Megalaima bilineata, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 234,

The present species has never been met with by collectors, since
it was described by the late Professor Sunderall, in 1850, from
specimens collected by Wahlberg, in “ Lower Caffraria.” Dr. Reiche-
now has, indeed, lately recorded it from various localities on the
West Coast of Africa, but we think the specimens referred to by
him are B. subsulfwrea, a smaller species and otherwise different.

The Bridled Barbet may be distinguished by its black back and

P|

Saas
y

SMILORHIS LEUCOTIS. Lig

orange rump from the other South African species: it is the sole
representative in the southern part of the continent of the black-
backed section of the genus Barbatula. As we have not personally
examined a specimen, we transcribe the description given by the
Messrs. Marshall :—Sexes alike: upper plumage shining black, with
a green tinge; a narrow frontal band, continued down the sides of
the face, and one over the eye, down the side of the neck, white ;
these two stripes separated by a broad black band, the latter from
the throat, which is white, by a narrow black moustachial streak ;

‘rump golden yellow ; lesser wing-coverts broadly tipped with sulphur

yellow ; greater coverts, wings, and tail brownish-black, edged on
the outer web with the same colour; under surface pale yellow;
flanks grey ; tail underneath grey ; bill, black ; legs and feet, brown-
ish; wing, 2’ 5; tail, 1’’ 6.

Fig. Marsh. Monogr. Capit. pl. 4, fig. 2.

159. SMILORHIS LEUCOTIS. White-eared Barbet.
Megalaima leucotis, Layard, B. 8S. Afr. p. 234 (1867).

_ This Barbet was discovered in Natal by the late Professor Wahl-
berg, one of whose specimens is inthe Editor’s collection. It
appears to be strictly a bird of Eastern Africa; having been found
besides only in Mozambique by Professor Peters, and in Uzanga, by
Baron Vonder Decken. Nothing has, as yet, been recorded respect-
ing its habits and economy.

For the description, we are again indebted to the work of Messrs.
Marshall.

Sexes alike: the head and neck are black, the shafts of the head
feathers being stiff and shining, and elongated beyond the webs ;
the rest of the upper plumage is dull brown. A broad line behind
the eyes extending down the sides of the neck, the abdomen, and
under wing and tail-coverts, snow white. The sides of the face,
throat, and breast are brownish black, the shafts of the feathers of
the throat being elongated into fine hair-like bristles; the flanks
brown, broadly tipped with white. The rictal bristles of this
species are not very strongly developed, The bill is plumbeous
black; irides, yellow; legs and feet brown. Length, 8’’ ; wing
3”: 4 inches.

Fig. Marshall, Monogr, Capitonide, pl. 52.

178 BIRDS OF SOUTH APRICA.

160. TRACHYPHONUS CAFER. Le Vaillant’s Barbet.
Capito vaillantii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 235.

This singularly coloured bird is chiefly found in the interior of
South-eastern Africa. It was procured at Kurrichaine by the late
Sir Andrew Smith during his expedition into Central Africa, and
was named by him Pollysticte quopopo, this being, as Dr. Exton
informs us, the Bechuana name for “ Woodpecker.” It has also been

recorded as having been obtained by the Mm. Verreaux in Mosili- —

katze’s country, but Dr. Exton informs us again that this means the
Marico or Mariqua district, on the borders of the Transvaal, from
which Mosilikatze was formerly ejected by the Boers, and is not the
present Matabilicountry. It is, however, found in the latter locality,
as Dr. Exton obtained examples near Kanye. Mr. Ayres shot one
specimen “ amongst the trees on the banks of the river Limpopo,
where it was apparently a solitary bird: the stomach contained
insects and fruits.” Mr. Buckley writes, “This species is very
common north of Pretoria, all along the Limpopo river; but I did
not observe it beyond Bamangwato. It creeps along the boughs of
the trees like a Woodpecker, for which I often mistook it; it is by
no means a shy bird.””? Mr. F. A. Barratt procured his specimens in
the bush under the mountains at Rustenberg, and it certainly occurs
in the Zambesi district as Dr. Kirk obtained specimens at Tete
during the Livingstone expedition. It has also been found by Senor
Anchieta at Huilla in Mossamedes.

Dr. Exton writes, “The note of this bird is a continuous trill,
somewhat resembling the quick ‘tap, tap, tap, of Dendrobates,’
when at work on a decayed tree. I obtained three specimens by
following the sound from tree to tree. When calling, they usually
perch on the uppermost twig, and their peculiar jerk of the body
whilst producing the sound, can then be visibly distinguished. The
female has the same note as the male. In a fresh specimen the bill
is greenish-yellow, tipped with black: iris, reddish-brown ; gizzard
contained berries, and shreds of leaves; that of the female only
contained shreds of leaves.”

The following good description of the bird is extracted from
Messrs. Marshall’s Monograph,

Al

a

ry,

STACTOLEMA ANCHIETR. 179

Entire head brilliant chrome yellow, each feather edged with
crimson at the tip, this latter colour predominating on the cheeks ;
back of the head, nape, and a large occipital crest glossy blue-black ;
a spot on the ear-coverts black tipped with white ; upper part of the
back, scapulars and wing-coverts glossy blue-black banded with
pure white; lower part of the back and rump black washed with
rich chrome yellow, this colour alone showing on the rump; upper
tail-coverts rich crimson; quills brownish black, grey at the base of
inner web, the outer web spotted with white; tail black, in some
lights appearing very distinctly barred, all the feathers broadly
tipped and sparsely spotted with white ; chin, white ; throat, chrome
tipped with crimson, and shading into beautiful lilac on the breast ;
a band of black across the upper part of the breast with a few spots
of lilac; rest of the breast white, passing on the lower part into
chrome streaked with crimson; flanks and abdomen chrome ; legs
and feet dull brown: orbital skin blackish.

Fig. Marshall, Monogr. Capit. pl. 56.

161. SracroLZMA ANCHIETR. Yellow-faced Barbet.

'

It was only as late as the year 1869, that this species was made
known to naturalists, and as yet no other specimens have been
recorded beyond those originally obtained by Anchieta. By him the
bird was discovered at Caconda in Benguela, and it therefore must
be regarded as a bird of Southern rather than of Western Africa.
Nothing has as yet been recorded concerning the habits of this
singular bird, and the description given below is taken from the
well known work of the Messrs. Marshall.

General plumage reddish-brown, forehead and sinciput, throat and

_a spot at the base of the lower mandible sulphur-yellow; occiput,

nape, and sides of the neck and breast shining black, the former covered
with numerous small spots, and the latter with longitudinal streaks
of sulphur-yellow ; superciliary eye-stripe, cheeks, and ear-coverts
white; primaries and tail brownish-black, secondaries with the
exterior web edged with greyish-white ; under wing-coverts, lower
belly, and under tail-coverts white ; tail underneath ashy-grey ; irides
reddish-brown ; bill, legs and feet black.
Fig. Marshall, Monogr. Capitonide, pl. 73.

180 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Fam. PICIDA.

162. CaMPETHERA CAPRICORNI. Capricorn Woodpecker.

As far as is yet known this species is only found in South-Western
Africa, haying been first obtained by the late Mr. Andersson in
Damara Land. He procured a male bird during his first trip there,
and a female was afterwards obtained by him on the Cunene river.
These are the only specimens of his collecting that we have seen.
His notes are as follows :—“ I never met with this species in Great
Namaqua Land ; and in Damara Land proper it is scarce. I do not
remember to have seen it much south of Omanbondé; but on my
journey to the Okavango I found it more frequent in the neighbour-
hood of that river, though even there it was of comparatively rare
occurrence. It appears to be a migratory bird, as I never saw it
during the dry season.” Senor Anchieta has also met with the
species at Capangombe and in Mossamedes.

The following description is from one of Mr. Andersson’s speci-
mens : the species may be told ata glance by its yellow rump slightly
spotted with black. Adult female—Above olive brown, barred
across with yellow and white, the bars of the latter colour being
mostly concealed, the shafts white or at least brighter yellow, forming
a distinct streak in the centre of the yellow bars; hinder neck
entirely ashy brown; rump and upper tail-coverts bright yellow,
with spots of brown in duplicate series or a single subterminal
one ; tail dull olive, blackish at tip with bright yellow shafts, all the
feathers crossed with bands of dark brown, very indistinct on the
centre ones, but plainer on the outer feathers, which have about nine
dark bars, the interspaces fulvous brown shading off into whitish on
the outer web, the last small feather distinctly barred with white ;
wings brown, strongly washed with olive-yellow, the least coverts
minutely, but the median and greater series distinctly barred with
white, the subterminal bar much plainer; primary-coverts brown
narrowly edged with olive-yellow; quills brown with golden shafts,
the primaries externally washed with olive yellow, and indistinctly
notched with paler yellow on the outer web, these notches lighter on
the secondaries, the innermost of which are barred across and broadly
tipped with white; crown black, thickly clouded with round spots of

CAMPETHERA BENNETTI. 181

white, the hinder part of the crown and nape crimson ; a loral streak
running from the base of nostril to below the eye, and another just
over the hind part of the eye, white; below the former a brown
streak is drawn from above the base of the bill to the ear-coverts
which are also brown, inclining to yellowish white on their hinder
margin; feathers at base of lower mandible and cheeks yellowish
white; sides of neck also yellowish white, most of the feathers
spotted with black; from the hinder ear-coverts down the sides of
the neck an indication of a blackish streak ; throat, brown; rest of
under surface of body bright yellow, paling into sulphur yellow on
the abdomen and thighs, the latter being mottled with brown bases ;
sides of upper breast spotted or mottled with brown, most of the
feathers being of this colour and barred across with white or yellow ;
under wing-coverts yellow, the lower ones spotted with brown;
quills brown below with yellow shafts and notched with yellow on
the inner webs; “bill brown slate-colour; legs and toes lead-
coloured ; iris, claret-coloured” (Andersson). Total length, 8:5
inches; culmen, 1°1; wing, 4°95; tail, 3°45; tarsus, 0°9.

The male differs from the female by having the whole of the
crown crimson as well as a broad moustache of the same colour:
the brown stripe on the sides of the face and the brown throat are
absent.

Fig. Newton, Ibis, 1869, pl. ix.

163. CamPETHERA BENNETTI. Bennett’s Woodpecker.

Like the preceding bird, Bennett’s Woodpecker differs much in
the sexes, the female having a blackish-brown throat, as in C. capri-
corm. The absence of the conspicuous yellow rump, however,
distinguishes it from that species, this part of the body being
banded across with yellow, as in all other South African Oampetheree.
Sir A. Smith, whose typical specimens are in the British Museum,
states that it inhabits the country about and beyond Kurrichaine.
Mr. Ayres obtained a pair near the river Limpopo, and Professor
Sundevall notes that Wahlberg procured several specimens in the
Transvaal, in about 24° south lat. Dr. Exton fell in with the species
near Kanye in the Matabili country.

Adult male.—Above brown washed with olive-yellow and every-
where barred across with yellow or white, the white bars predomi-

182 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

nating on the rump and upper tail-coverts, some of the bars on the
latter being tinged with bright yellow; crown of head and nape
crimson, a broad streak along the sides of the face, drawn from the
base of the bill below the eye and including the ear-coverts, yellowish
white, cheeks crimson, forming a broad moustache ; throat yellowish- — |
white, unspotted; rest of under surface yellowish white, inclining

to bright yellow on the breast, and to sulphur-yellow on the sides
of the body and abdomen, all the under surface spotted with black,
the sub-terminal marks very distinct, most of the plumes with an —
additional concealed spot of black, except on the flanks, where all
the feathers have several bars of greyish black; upper wing-coverts |
dark brown, washed with olive-yellow and having a narrowly indi- |
cated shaft-line of yellow, all of the feathers having a spot of white '
at the tip, the greater series with additional bars of whitish, irre-—
gular in shape and extending generally a little more than half across *
the feather; primary coverts uniform dark brown, externally shaded
with olive; quills dark brown, with bright golden shafts, all the
primaries externally washed with yellow and barred or notched on
the outer web with whitish, the secondaries tipped and barred across *
with white; tail dark brown, strongly shaded with yellow towards
the tips which are black, the shafts golden, all the feathers barred
across with obscure yellowish brown, these bars plainer and whiter
on the small external feather. ‘otal length, 8 inches; culmen, 1:2;
wings, 4°8; tail, 2°8; tarsus, 0°9.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but differing very much in
facial features, as follows: crown of head black, thickly mottled
with rounded spots of snow white, with an occipital band of crimson
feathers; from the base of the bill below the eye runs a line of dark
brown enclosing the lower ear-coverts ; cheeks greyish white,
mottled with black bases to the feathers ; the throat chestnut brown,

Fig. Malherbe, Monogr. Pic. ii. pl. 165,

164, CAMPETHERA ABINGTONI. Golden-tailed Woodpecker,

Campethera chrysura, Layard, B.S, Afr. p. 238.

This species has always been set down as an inhabitant of
Western Africa, having been originally described by Swainson in
his little work on the birds of that locality. Malherbe and Sundevall,
however, who have both monographed the Woodpeckers, confess to

al

CAMPETHERA ABINGTONI. 183

their never having seen an example from the western side of the
continent, nor have we ourselves been more fortunate. Swainson
gives no exact locality for his species, and our impression is that it
is a bird of South Africa alone. Sir A. Smith procured specimens
near Port Natal, and as his description of C. abingtoni clearly refers
to the present species, we have resuscitated the latter name pub-
lished in 1836, over that of C. chrysuwra of Swainson, which was
not-published before 1837. Mr. Gurney, in his early lists of Natal
birds, identified specimens sent to him by Mr. Ayres as C. chrysura,
but he afterwards (Ibis, 1862, p. 37) referred to the species as
Dendromus smithii. The British Museum, however, possesses one
of Mr. Ayres’ specimens collected about this time, and we believe
that the first determination was right, and that there was no need to
change the name. As far as we are at present aware, the species is
confined to Natal, where, according to Mr. Ayres, it is found all the
year round. The following notes are from his pen:— This Wood-
pecker makes a hole, for the purposes of incubation, in the trunk
of a decayed tree, just large enough at the opening for the bird to
enter, but becoming wider inside, and reaching downwards to a
depth of a foot or eighteen inches; ,it lays its eggs on the bare
wood, without making any nests.” Later on he observes :— These
Woodpeckers are to be found throughout the colony, wherever there
is bush-land, singly or in pairs; their note is loud and harsh; they
are very restless in their halits, constantly hunting for food as if
they never obtained a sufficiency ; ants and other insects appear to
be their usual food, which they search for and catch on the rough
bark of trees; they also hammer away at dead boughs, from which
they extract soft grubs, &c.; their flight is heavy and dipping.”

We are indebted to Mr. Sydney Cuthbert for a specimen of this
bird from Suazi Land.

Adult male.—Above olive-green, the bases to the feathers lighter,
all the dorsal plumes spotted with olive-yellow, the subterminal one
being diamond-shaped ; lower back and rump barred across with
white, the bars always pervaded more or less with an olive tinge,
the upper tail-coverts somewhat shaded with golden brown and
barred with darker brown, the shafts being yellowish; upper wing-
coverts more distinctly olive-brown than the back, somewhat shaded
with golden, all of them spotted with yellowish white, the shafts
being also of the latter colour ; quills deep brown, externally shaded

184 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

with olive, the shafts yellowish brown, whity brown on, the pri-
maries, all the feathers notched with yellowish white on the outer
web, and largely indented with white on the inner one; tail dark
brown, the shafts golden-yellow, paler below, all the tail feathers

web, these half-bars being about six or seven in number; crown of
head crimson, more clear on the nape, the frontal and vertical
plumes showing the greyish bases to the feathers; sides of face
yellowish white, including the lores, the ear-coverts minutely spotted
with black, a mark of which appears on the upper edge of the ear-
coverts behind the eyes; a very small malar stripe of crimson, much
mottled with black; under surface of body pale sulphur yellow, the !
throat whitish, with only a few black specks, which on the chest and
fore-neck are very broad, somewhat irregular in shape and on many
feathers appearing like two spots joined together, these streaks
becoming narrower on the breast, and again slightly dilating into
spade-shaped spots on the flanks ; the abdomen yellow in the centre,
the sides of it minutely spotted with black, these spots becoming
larger on the under tail-coverts ; some of the flank feathers with a '

externally notched with pale brown, and with whitish on the inner |

few indistinct greyish black bars; under wing-coverts yellowish F
with a very few black spots, more frequent near the edge of the |
wing, the lower series whitish with narrow dark brown transverse
bars, the lower surface of the quills dark brown, largely notched
with pale yellow on the inner webs; “iris light reddish brown; bill
dark brown, the under mandible with a yellowish tinge; tarsi and
feet very dull green” (Ayres). Total length, 7-5 inches; culmen,
1:0; wing, 4:2; tail, 2°95; tarsus, 0°8.

Adult female-—In general similar to the male, but differing in |
the coloration of the head, which is black, very minutely spotted |
with white, the nape with a large crimson crest; no red malar stripe,
this being replaced by a black one spotted with white. :

Fig. Malherbe, Monogr. Picide, pl. 94. 1

165, CAMPETHERA SMITH. Smith’s Woodpecker.
Ipagrus brucei, Gurney, in Anderss. B. Dam. Ld. p, 221.
Dendrobates striatus, Layard, Ibis, 1871, p. 227. q

‘The plumages of the present species are very little understood,
and it will be necessary to procure a very large series of carefully

Ai

CAMPETHERA SMITHII. 185

collected specimens before we can hope to understand the sequence
of changes through which this bird passes. After careful con-
sideration, however, we have come to the conclusion that the bird
first described by Malherbe as C. smithii is the same as the Wood-
pecker subsequently described by him as C. brucei, and more
recently still by the author of the present work as Dendrobates
striatus. The latter title must in any case be suppressed, for re-
examination of the subject shows us that the Matabili bird must be
the true 0. brucei of Malherbe. Whether the Damara species is
identical with the one from the Matabili country is at present rather
difficult to say ; inasmuch ag all the specimens collected by the late
Mr. Andersson show considerable difference when compared with
other examples from South Eastern Africa. None of the latter, as
yet examined by us, have shown the black cheeks and throat which
appear to characterize the adult plumage of the Damara bird. The
chief distinguishing mark of CO. brucei is perhaps its regularly banded
mantle, which is numerously and distinctly barred across with
yellow, or yellowish white: this however is, perhaps after all, a
doubtful character, for it would seem as if there was a regular
transition in a large series from spotted, to barred specimens.

C. brucei was originally described by Malherbe from the Bechuana
country, and Professor Sundevall records two specimens which he
doubtfully separates from the above-named bird as C. smithii, as
obtained by the late Professor Wahlberg on the Limpopo river on
the 29th October and 11th November, 1843. Dr. Exton shot three
specimens at Kanye in the Matabili country. Mr. Andersson says
that it is not unfrequent in Damara Land, and he also shot it in
Ondonga: one specimen, which we believe to be referable to this
species, was obtained by Mr. Monteiro in Angola. Senor Anchieta
has obtained it in Mossamedes at Capangombe, Biballa, and Gambos.

Adult male——Above dusky greenish, everywhere barred across
with greenish yellow or dull white, all the feathers having a terminal
bar of the same, and lighter median spots of a diamond shape i in the

centre of the bars: this spotted appearance is very distinct on the
mantle, but is not seen on the lower back and rump, nor on the
upper tail-coverts, where the cross bars are very regular; wings
olive brown, the coverts minutely spotted with yellowish white, the
greater series having a narrow yellowish shaft-line with indications
of a few whitish bars on the inner web; primary coverts brown,

186 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

washed with olive and minutely spotted with yellowish white ; quills
brown, externally golden olive and having golden shafts, all of them
externally spotted with yellowish white, producing rather a barred
appearance on the inner secondaries ; upper tail-coverts washed with
golden yellow and barred across like the rump; tail dark brown, all
the feathers with bright golden shafts and yellow tips, crossed with
lighter bars of golden brown, the inner webs notched with whitish
and the outer webs spotted with the latter colour also, especially the
small spurious one, which is regularly barred across with whitish;
crown greyish, the feathers tipped with crimson, the occipital crest
bright crimson ; feathers round the eye blackish; nasal bristles, lores
and a broad band below the eye embracing the ear-coverts white,
the latter minutely spotted or streaked with black, especially near
the upper margin; a short malar streak of crimson-tipped feathers
not reaching much beyond the hinder line of the eye; hinder cheeks
white, minutely spotted with black; throat and chest for the most
part black, spotted with white, the plumes of the fore-neck with
margins of yellowish white, more or less encroaching on the black
centres, and in some instances forming a cross-bar; rest of under
surface of body yellowish white, the breast distinctly streaked with
black, the flanks barred with the same; under tail-coverts whitish
with a few irregular spots or streaks of dull black; under wing-
coverts yellowish white with very distinct rows of large blackish
spots, forming bars on the greater series; quills brown below, with
large yellow notches on the inner web, the shafts golden; “ bill
bluish brown ; legs and toes greyish green; iris pink wine-colour”
(Andersson). Total length, 9 inches; culmen, 1°25; wing, 48;
tail, 3°1; tarsus, 0°9.

Female.—Similar to the male, but apparently never so black on
the throat, and having the crown black with tiny round spots of
white, the occipital crest only crimson.

Fig. Malherbe, Monogr. Pic. ii. pl. 93.

166. CAamPETHERA NoTATA. Knysna Woodpecker.

Campethera nubica, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 238.

This species is distinguished from the other South African Wood-
peckers by its thickly spotted under-surface, which is covered with
large black spots from the chin to the vent. We have received

.|

¥
.
:

GEOCOLAPTES OLIVACEUS. 187

specimens from Mr. Henry Bowker from the Transkei, and from
Mr. Arnott at Colesberg. Mr. H. Atmore has collected it at
George, and Le Vaillant cites the George forests and the Gamtoos
river as habitats for the species. Mr. Andersson also procured it at
the Knysna ; it is found about Graham’s Town, and was sent to us
by Mr. T. Atmore from Elands’ Post. Le Vaillant states that it lays
four eggs marked with brown on a bluish ground, and Mrs. Barber
informs us that it is the foster parent of Coccystes jacobinus.

Adult male.—Olive-green above, with indistinct small transverse
bars and a few diamond-shaped subterminal spots of paler olive
yellow ; quills brown, externally olive near the base, the secondaries
olive-brown, duller than the back, transversely barred with yellowish

' white, the primaries externally spotted with yellow, notched on
the inner web with white, the shafts brown; tail olive-brown,
shaded with greenish, and crossed with six bars of yellowish, the
tips of the feathers dull golden, the shafts golden brown; head
greyish black, all the feathers tipped with scarlet, the occipital crest
entirely bright scarlet ; lores yellowish, minutely spotted with black;
ear-coverts whitish, streaked with black ; fore part of cheeks scarlet,
forming a small moustache, the rest of the sides of the face and sides
of neck yellowish white, thickly mottled with black, the feathers
being black with a narrow whitish edging; entire under surface of
body yellowish, white on the throat, thickly spotted with black, the
spots rounded and very large on the breast, rather more diamond-
shaped on the abdomen, the flanks barred with dusky black ; under
wing-coverts yellow spotted with black like the breast; iris hazel.
Total length, 8°5 inches; culmen, 1:10; wing, 4°15; tail, 3-2;
tarsus, 0°9.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but haying the head black
minutely spotted with white, the occiput only scarlet.

Fig. Malherbe, Monogr. Pic. ui. pl. 95.

167. GEocOLAPTES OLIVACEUS. Ground Woodpecker.
Colaptes olivaceus, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 239.

[This singular bird presents a remarkable instance of the adapta-
tion of creatures to the localities wherein their lot is cast. Though
belonging to the Woodpecker family, it never pecks wood, but bores
its way into the banks of rivers, sides of hills, or the walls of mud-
buildings, in search of its prey, and for a home for its young. It

188 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

also seeks for food on the ground, in the same manner as the :
Golden-winged Woodpecker of North America; its flight likewise
struck me as very similar. | }

It excavates a hole, sometimes several feet in depth, in which to
deposit its eggs, which are pure white, and from three to five in :
number: axis, 13’’’ ; diam., 11’’’.

Families seem to keep in company until the arrival of breeding
season separates them. They feed together, and roost together in
some deserted hole, while their loud, harsh cries; as they call to each
other, may be heard for a considerable distance.

Major Bulger procured this species near Windvogelberg, and Mr.
T. Atmore has sent us a pair from Colesberg. It seems to be pretty
common throughout the colony, and extends to Natal. Wahlberg
procured it in worn plumage near Port Natal in January, and Mr.
Ayres has shot it on the Mooi river. Mr. Buckley gives the
following note: “Common in Natal, frequenting the open hills and
sitting among the stones. I never noticed it among trees. These
birds generally go about in parties of six or seven, probably the old
birds and their young.” qh

General colour, brown, mottled with dirty yellow ; rump crimson ;
breast and belly pale crimson, in the male, who has also an
indistinct crimson moustache ; in the female these parts are brown;
tail above, dark-brown, barred with yellow, the tip ridged, and
golden-orange ; below brown, glossed with golden-yellow, the yellow
bars also showing ; “ beak and legs black ; iris orange in male, dark-
red in female” (Buckley). Length, 10”; wing, 5” 3”; tail, 3” 9”.

Fig. Malh. Monogr. Pic. ii., pl. 111.

168. DeENpDROPICUS NAMAQUUS. Bearded Woodpecker.
Denbrobates namaquus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 236.

This Woodpecker is apparently not found within the limits of the
colony, though Le Vaillant states that he noticed it it Kaffraria. Mr.
Ayres has procured it in the Transvaal, where also Mr. Buckley met
with a pair, which were engaged in making their nest, on the 7th
of July, 1873. Dr. Exton shot the species at Kanye, in the
Matabili country, and Dr. Kirk obtained it at the Murchison Rapids
on the river Shiré in March, but he says that it is a much rarer
species in the Zambesi country than D. hartlawbi, and is, moreover,

DENDROPICUS HARTLAUBI. 189

limited to certain localities. Mr. Andersson writes as follows: “I
have scarcely ever seen this Woodpecker in Great Namaqua Land,
but have found it (very sparingly) throughout Damara Land, and as
far north as the river Okavango, where, and at the Lake N’gami, it
is more numerous than in Damara Land, though no species of
Woodpecker can be said to be common in any of the countries of
South Western Africa.” Mr. Andersson also procured itin Ondonga,
and Anchieta has forwarded this species from Huilla and the
Chimba river in Mossamedes.

Upper parts, dull-green, barred with dirty-yellow ; forehead black,
each feather tipped with white; top of head crimson in the male
(black in female) ; back, black; cheek, chin, and throat, white, the
latter crossed by two black lines, one passing over the ear from the
corner of the eye, the other extending from the base of the lower
mandible to the shoulders; under parts greenish-grey, faintly
barred with dirty-yellow ; shafts of wing and tail feathers, yellow,
as are also the tips and underside of the latter, and the upper
coverts. . “ Bill greenish-grey, legs and toes greyish-olive, iris of a
red-wine colour.” (Andersson.) Length, 8” 6’’’ ; wing, 5”; tail,
Bid 67! te :

Fig. Malh. Monogr. Picide. I. pl. 42.

169. Denpropicus HARTLAUBI. Hartlaub’s Woodpecker.

This little Woodpecker is very closely allied to D. cardinalis,
from which it differs in the yellower tint of the under surface, and
in the very distinct red tinge which pervades the upper tail-coyerts,
and which, Professor Sundevall says, is found in the young birds as
wellas the old. He gives its habitat as extending from Port Natal
into the tropical districts of South Africa. Dr. Kirk says that it
was frequent in all the woods in the Zambesi and Shiré valley. Mr.
Andersson procured a specimen in Damara Land, and Professor
Wahlberg also met with it at Walfish Bay on April 27th, 1854,

The species differs only from D. cardinalis in the points above
mentioned, which are not sufficiently strongly marked to render a
detailed description necessary. According to Mr. Buckley, the bill
is black, the legs greenish-grey, the iris dark-red. Total length,
5.8 inches ; culmen, 0.75 ; wing, 3.6; tail, 2.2 ; tarsus, 0.6.

Fig. Malherbe, Monogr. Pic. I. pl. 44.

190 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

170. Dernproricus CARDINALIS. Cardinal Woodpecker,
Dendrobates fulviscapus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 237.

This little Woodpecker has a wide range over the colony. Victorin
shot it in the Karroo in January, and we have received it from
Rondebosch, Beaufort, Colesberg, and the Knysna. Mr. Atmore
has procured it near Eland’s Post, but as yet we have seen no
specimen from Natal. Mr. Buckley found it in the Transvaal and
also in Bamangwato, while Dr. Exton brought specimens from
Kanye. The following note is extracted from Mr. Andersson’s work :—
“This pretty little Woodpecker, though it cannot be said to be
abundant, is the commonest of all those found in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, and is also tolerably numerous at Lake N’gami. It
is a comparatively tame species, and is sometimes found singly, but
more often in pairs; it usually frequents trees of moderate size,
situated in the more scanty woods or on the banks of periodical
watercourses.”

Senor Anchieta has obtained it also at Humbe on the Cunene
river, and also at Caconda in Benguela; and Mr. Monteiro has
recorded its occurrence at Little Fish Bay.

It affects the dead stumps of Huphorbias and Aloes; and reminded
us, from this peculiarity, of the Indian P. maharattensis, which con-
stantly keeps to the “ Candelabra euphorbia” of Ceylon. Le Vaillant
states that they lay from five to seven white eggs. A pair breed
annually in an old apple tree on Mr. Melck’s farm, at the Berg river,
and they had riddled the branches with their holes. We were too
late for the eggs in September, as the nests then contained young
birds.

General colour above, sepia-brown, barred all over with dirty-
yellow or white; forehead brown; top and back of head crimson;
under parts grey, striped on the breast, and barred on the belly and
vent with the colour of the back; shafts of the wing and tail
feathers, and underside of the latter, golden-yellow. Female
resembles the male, but has the crimson of head replaced by dark-
brown, approaching to black; bill bluish-grey in male, black
in female; iris dark red (Buckley); bill greenish-slaty; legs and
toes green, tinged with slate-colour (Andersson). Length, 6”; wing,
3” 9""; tail, 2” 6”.

Fig. Malh. Monogr, Pic. pl. 43, figs. 1, 2, 3.

—

YUNX PECTORALIS. 191

171. DenpRoPICUS MENSTRUUS. Red-vented Woodpecker.
Dendrobates griseocephalus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 236.

This is a strictly South African species, and is not uncommon in
all wooded parts of the colony. Victorin found it at the Knysna
from May to July, and again in October; and Mr. Andersson also
procured specimens in the same locality. Mr. Atmore has sent
examples from Hland’s Post, and Mr. Ayres remarks that in Natal
it frequents the dense bush, both on the coast and inland, and it
seems to occur on the Drakenberg mountains for their entire
extent, as Mr. Barratt shot two individuals on their northern slope,
near Macamac. Le Vaillant states that it breeds in holes of trees,
and lays four white eggs. This we can confirm: they are white and
shining, rather truncated at the obtuse end. Axis, 10”; diam. 7”.

General colour above, rich olive-yellow ; crown of head, rump, and
upper tail-coverts, brilliant crimson ; sides of head and upper parts
cinereous. The female resembles the male in all except the crimson
crown, which in the former is cinereous; irides reddish. Length,
7 6"; wing, 4” 6’”; tail, 3’’.

Fig. Malh. Monogr. Pic, ii. pl. 62. _

Fam. YUNGIDZ.

172. YuNx PECTORALIS. Red-breasted Wry-neck.

This very distinct species has been sent only from Natal and the
eastern districts of the colony. Mr. Ayres seems to have found it
not uncommon in the former country, and a very large series of
specimens was procured by Mr. Atmore in the neighbourhood of
Eland’s Post; it has also reached us from Butterworth, Transkei,
whence a single specimen was sent by Mr. Henry Bowker. It
occurs about Graham’s Town.

Above, brown, profusely variegated with fine markings of black,
and different shades of grey; a line of black feathers extends from
the crown of the head down the neck, ending between the shoulders ;
outside webs of the wing-feathers barred with rufous; tail barred
with black ; centre of chin and throat, deep chestnut; belly and vent

192 AGAPORNIS ROSEICOLLIS.

dirty-white; each feather with a dark-brown line down the shaft ;
under tail-coverts rufous; iris ashy-hazel. Length, 6” 6’’’; wing,
3”’ 6’”’; tail, 2” 3”.

Fig. Gray and Mitch. Gen. B. pl. 112.

Fam. PSITTACIDZ.

173. AGAPORNIS ROSEICOLLIS. Rosy-faced Lovebird.

This little Parrot is not known to occur within the limits of the
colony, but it was found to be very plentiful on the Limpopo by Mr,
Ortlepp, who says that they are great favourites with the Boers, who
keep them as pets along with the little Nacht-apie (Galago moholi).
It also probably occurs in the Zambesi region, as Dr. Kirk observes
that a smaller species of Parrot, which he believes to be the present
one, was found “‘in one spot, limited to about twenty miles, on the
Shire, between Nyassa and the rapids. It was never seen elsewhere, ‘
but was found there on two occasions. It is gregarious.” Sir J,
Alexander procured it in Namaqua Land, and{Mr. Andersson gives”
the following good account of its habits in South-Western Africa :— |

“This pretty little species is very generally distributed over _
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and is also found on the
Okayago and at Lake N’gami. It is always observed in small flocks,
and seldom far from water, to which it resorts at least once in the day,
and is consequently not a bad guide to a thirsty traveller; though if
he be inexperienced, it would hardly avail him much, as it frequently
happens that the drinking-places resorted to by this and other
water-loving birds, are of but small compass and strangely situated.
This species is very swift of flight, and the little flocks in which it
is observed, seem to flash upon the sight as they change their
feeding-grounds or pass to or from thei drinking-places; their
flight, however, is only for a comparatively short distance at a time,
They utter rapid and shrill notes when on the wing, or when
suddenly disturbed or alarmed. Their food consists of berries and
large berry-like seeds. This bird does not make any nest of its
own, but takes possession of nests belonging to other birds,
especially Phileterus socius and Plocepasser mahali. I cannot say
whether it forcibly ejects the rightful owners of these nests, or

|

AGAPORNIS PULLARTA. 193

merely occupies such as they have abandoned; but in the case of
the first-named species, I have seen the Parrots and the Grosbeaks
incubating in about equal numbers under the shelter of the same
friendly roof. The egg is pure white, not unlike a Woodpecker’s,
but more elongated.” |

Mr. Andersson also procured it in Ondonga, and Mr. Monteiro
says that it is very abundant from Mossamedes to Novo Redondo.
Senor Anchieta has sent specimens from Capangombe and the river
Chimba in the same district, as well as from Humbe on the Cunene
river as well as from Kattenbella in Benguela, where also Mr. Sala
met with the bird: it probably occurs on the West Coast of Africa
as far up as the Gaboon, as a specimen from the latter locality is in
the editor’s collection.

General colour pale green; forehead and eyebrows red; face and
neck in front, rosy; lower wing-coverts, blue-green; rump and
upper tail-coyerts, azure; tail scarlet, tipped with green, before
which is a sub-terminal black band, the centre feathers entirely
green, the outer webs edged with green, “ bill greenish-white; legs
blue with the faintest tinge of green; iris intensely dark brown”
(Andersson). Length, 6’’; wing, 4.0°77; tail, 2’’; tarsus, 0°5.

Fig. Bourjot, Perrogq. pl. 91.

174, AGAPORNIS PULLARIA. West-African Lovebird.

This species is included in the present work on the strength of a
statement made by Dr. Reichenow in his account of the birds sent
by the German expedition to West Africa, viz.—that many speci-
mens of this small Parrot are exported from the Coast stations of
Benguela as well as Loango. We can understand its occurrence in
the latter locality, but we think that as A. roseicollis is the only
Lovebird known as yet to inhabit Benguela, some confirmation is
necessary before the present one can be received as a South African
bird ; at the same time the Rosy-faced Lovebird certainly occurs in
Western Africa, above the Quanza, and it is by no means impossible,
therefore, that A. pullaria is also found both above and below this
river.

General colour grass-green, including the ear-coverts and sides of
neck; under surface of the body brighter green than the back;
frontal band, remainder of sides of face and throat, red; rump

oO

194 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

azure-blue ; upper tail-coverts light green; tail scarlet tipped with
light green, before which is a sub-terminal band of black; under
wing-coverts greyish-black. Total length, 5 inches; wing, 3°1;
tail, 1:8; tarsus, 0°35.

Fig. Bourj. Perroq. pl. 90.

175. Psirracus RoBUSTUS. Le Vaillant’s Parrot.

- These large African Parrots are divided by Dr. Finsch, our
greatest authority on these birds, into two sections distinguished by
their brown or yellow under wing-coverts. The present bird has
them brown, and can therefore only be compared with the West-
African P. fuscicollis. Professor Barboza du Bocage has recently
diagnosed the two species very carefully, and he gives the following
characters for P. robustus :—“ Brownish-green, the feathers of the
back and wings blackish in the centre; lower back, rump and
abdomen bright green; primaries, secondaries and tail obscure
brown, narrowly bordered with olive; head, neck and breast rather
bright yellowish-dusky colour ; forehead and cheeks, slightly
reddish; bend of the wing and tibial region vermilion; bill dull
white; feet black. Total length, 5 inches; wings, 8'’’; tail, 40°%5
tarsus, 0°7.”

Le Vaillant’s Parrot is rather difficult to obtain, and the few
specimens that have reached us have all been from the Knysna and
the Eastern frontier seaboard. Mr. Atmore procured it near Eland’s—
Post, and Captain Bulger at Windvogelberg. Dr. Kirk says that it
is a much rarer species on the Zambesi than P. fuscicapillus.
Le Vaillant states that they breed in hollow trees, and lay four white
eggs, about the size of those of pigeons. According to Dr. Kirk
the food consists of wild fruit and the kernels of nuts. We have not
seen any specimens from Natal, and the only reference to its
occurrence in that Colony is given by Mr. Gurney, who writes (Ibis,
1873, p. 255): “Mr. E. C. Buxton informs me that during a recent
visit to Natal he saw two young Parrots in that colony which had —
respectively been taken from nests at Cremer’s, Unyemi Falls: one |
of these he identified as P. robustus: the other, which was of a |
much smaller species, he was unable satisfactorily to identify in —
consequence of the bad condition of its plumage.”

Fig. We Vaill. Perrog. pl. 130.

PSITTACUS MEYERI. 195

176. Psirracts FUSCICOLLIS. Brown-necked Parrot.

Professor Barboza du Bocage gives the diagnosis of this species as
follows: “ Olive-green; the secondaries uniform with the back; the
primaries and tail brown, slightly bordered with olive-green; lower
back, rump, and upper tail-coverts light yellowish-green; head,
neck, and breast, olive grey; the forehead broadly, the cheeks
obseurely red; bend of the wing and tibial region vermilion; iris
chestnut; bill dull white; feet black.” Total length, 11:5 inches ;
wing, 8:2; tail, 4:5; tarsus, 0°6. s

Specimens which were obtained by Anchieta at Humbe on the
Cunene river have been identified as belonging to this species by
Professor Bocage, and he concludes that the examples obtained by
Andersson in Ondonga and Damara Land belong to the present
bird and not to P. robustus, to which they had been referred, and
this we find on a re-examination of the specimens to be actually the
case. Thus the following note of Mr. Andersson refers to P.
fuscicollis and not to P. robustus: ‘I haye met with this Parrot in
the country of Ovaquenyama, where it is very abundant, but very
difficult to approach ; and in fact it is only to be obtained in the
morning and evening, when it comes to the water during the dry
season.”

177. Psirracus MEYERI. Meyer’s Parrot.

This and the two following species have yellow under wing-
coverts. None of them occur within the limits of the Cape
Colony, but to the northward they are not rare, and are much prized
as cage-birds. Mr. Ayres says that they occur near the Limpopo,
and throughout the bush-veldt of the Transvaal. Mr. Ortlepp also
found them plentiful on the above-named river. Dr. Exton found
them frequent in the Matabili country,-generally keeping to high
thorn bushes, and Mr. T. E. Buckley writes as follows: “This was
the only Parrot seen during the journey. It is common from the
north-west of the Transvaal to the Matabili country. These birds
are seen either in pairs or small parties, and are not shy. Their cry
is a yery shrill note, repeated several times, and generally uttered

_ when flying ; their flight is extremely rapid, during which time the

blue on the rump is very conspicuous.” Mr. F. A. Barratt says:
“T shot one in the bush near Rustenberg, and saw a few more; I
02

196 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

have received them from Marico and from the northern parts of the
Transvaal.” Mr. Andersson writes as follows:—‘ This Parrot is a
rare bird in the middle portion of Damara Land ; but further north,
at Okamabuté, it is common, and also in the Lake-regions ; with the
occasional exception of a few ‘stray individuals, it does not occur
further south than Omabondé, which may be said to constitute its
usual southern limit. Its habits and notes closely resemble those of
the succeeding species, P. rueppelli. Senor Anchieta has collected it
at Biballa in Mossamedes, and at Caconda in Benguela.”

General colour, dusky brown with a band of yellow across the
crown (sometimes absent) ; small wing-coverts forming a shoulder-
patch, edge of wing and under wing-coverts, bright yellow; lower
back, rump and upper tail-coverts, bright greenish blue; under
surface of body, dusky brown; the abdominal plumes edged with
bright green; vent and under tail-coverts entirely of the latter
colour ; thighs, yellowish, “bare skin surrounding the eye, black;
bill, darkish horn colour, with a tinge of green; legs and toes,
greenish black; iris, deep bright red orange” (Andersson). Total
length, 8°5 inches; wing, 6:1; tail, 3°0; tarsus, 0°5.

Fig. Riipp. Atl. Taf. 11.

178. Psrrracus RUEPPELLI. Riippell’s Parrot. ;

Like P. meyeri this is a northern species, but is apparently
plentiful in certain parts of Southern Africa, though not found so far
south as the foregoing bird, nor does it occur in the eastern parts. —
It is found in various localities of Western Africa, and was collected —
by Mr. Monteiro in Benguela,where he observed it to be common from ;
Novo Redondo to Mossamedes. Senor Anchieta has obtained it at —
Capangombe in Mossamedes, and also at Humbe on the Cunene river.
Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—“ This species is common
in Damara Land, but is chiefly found in the middle and southern q
parts of that country ; it is always met with in small flocks of about
half-a-dozen individuals, and seems to prefer the larger kind of
trees. It is rather shy, and when quietly perched amongst the
branches is very difficult to perceive, until its presence is betrayed
by the cries it utters as soon as it conceives itself to be in danger;
these are at first shrill and isolated, but increase in strength and
frequency till it leayes its perch, and are usually continued during

PSITTACUS FUSCICAPILLUS. 197

its flight, which is generally short, but very rapid. It is rarely
found far from water, which it usually frequents twice a day. It
feeds on seeds and berries, sometimes also on the young shoots of
trees and plants.”

General colour both above and below smoky-brown, the wings
and tail rather darker; sides of face greyish, the ear-coverts
decidedly inclining to silvery-grey; lower back, rump, and upper
tail-coverts, fine blue; smaller wing-coverts forming a shoulder
patch, edge of wing, and under wing-coverts, yellow; thighs,
yellow ; vent and under tail-coverts, washed with blue; bill and feet,
dark horn colour ; iris, orange. Mr. Andersson gives the following
remarks on the yariation of plumage in this bird :—“ Messrs.
Strickland and Sclater state that the blue on the upper and under
tail-coverts is wanting in the female; but I have now lying before
me more than one individual of that sex in which this blue plumage
is present. I have, however, examined others in which it was
absent, but which, in all other respects, appeared to be adult ; whilst
in other quite young specimens, I have found the rump and the
upper tail-coverts nearly as blue as in the adult; and I have also
specimens in which the blue is present both above and below, but
which have none of the usual orange-yellow on the elbow or on the
thigh, but only on the under wing-coverts. Whether or not these
variations are merely accidental, I have been unable to decide.”
Total length, 8°5 inches; wing, 5°6; tail, 3:1; tarsus, 0°5.

Fig. Gray, P. Z. 8. 1848, pl. 5.

179. Psrrracus FUSCICAPILLUS. East African Parrot.

This seems to be as Dr. Kirk remarks, the most common of the
Parrot tribe in Eastern Tropical Africa, and it has been found at
various places from Uzaramo southwards to the Zambesi region ;
here Dr. Kirk says it is called “ Goe,” and he states that it is “ usually
found in small flocks or in pairs; feeds on fruits, such as figs, &.,
but also eats native millet and maize. Its clear scream may be
heard at a great distance ! ”

- General colour, above dull green; the quills externally shaded
with obscure bluish green ; lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts,
bright green, the latter inclining to yellow; head and neck all
round olive brown; the sides of the face, grey, inclining to hoary
on the ear-coverts; lores, fore part of cheeks and feathers above

198 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and below the eye, blackish-brown; rest of under surface of body

bright green, marked with yellow on the flanks and vent; under

wing-coverts bright yellow; thighs uniform with the abdomen.
Total length, 7°5 inches ; wing, 5°8; tail, 1:8; tarsus, 0°5.
Fig. Finsch & Hartl. Vog. Ostafr. taf. vii.

ORDER PASSERES.
Fam. TURDIDA.

180. TuRpDUS LITSITSIRUPA. South African Thrush.
Turdus strepitans, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 127.

We have received specimens of this Thrush from Kuruman and
Colesberg. Sir A. Smith writes:—“ Immediately upon reaching
Kurrichaine this Thrush began to appear in the thickets, and we
continued to acquire occasionally a specimen even in the vicinity of
the Tropic. It seeks its food upon the ground, and when so occupied
its resort is readily discovered by the natives from the noise it makes
in scratching the ground, or in displacing rubbish and decayed
leaves which conceal the insects it is seeking.” It has not occurred
to Mr. Ayres in Natal, but Captain Shelley saw a specimen which
had been killed at Durban. Mr. T. E. Buckley remarks that it was
not often seen by him during his journey to the Matabili country;

ee 7 84S

ee

he procured a pair in the Transvaal, and Mr. Ayres obtained it on ~

the river Limpopo. In the Bechuana country, where Dr. Exton met
with the species, it is called, “ Chu-chu-roo-foo.” Anchieta has
obtained it at Humbe, on the Cunene river, and in Mossamedes at
Huilla, Capangombe and Quillengues.

We extract from Mr. Andersson’s work the following account of
this Thrush in Damara Land. “ This Thrush is pretty abundant in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, especially the former ; it also
occurs in the Lake Regions. It is partially migratory, only a few
remaining in Damara Land throughout the year. It lives chiefly on
insects, for which it searches at the roots of trees and amongst low
bushes, old leaves, and decayed wood. It scratches somewhat after
the manner of fowl, and is thence called by the Bechuanas, the
‘ Ground-scraper ;’ it also runs with great celerity. It lives singly
or in pairs, and occasionally perches on the topmost branch of some

> o. ] al

a

TURDUS LIBONYANUS. 199

lofty tree. It utters a plaintive half-song, half-call, just as if it were
troubled with a bad cold. ‘This species breeds about Objimbinque ;
and I took a nest containing three young on the 29th of October,
it was built on a branch about ten feet from the ground, and was
composed exteriorly of grass, the interior being lined with down and
feathers.”

Front and top of head, brownish-grey ; back of head, neck, back,
and rump, ash-coloured ; under parts ochraceous-white, dotted all
over with dark-brown spots ; under the eyes are two black bands,
one semi-lunate, extending from the base of the bill to the back
of the eye, the other downwards from the eye to this lunate band;
bill, black, yellow at base (Buckley) ; upper mandible, horn colour ;
lower mandible, yellowish (Andersson) ; legs, light greenish-yellow
(Andersson) ; ochre in male, light brown in female (Buckley) ; iris,
dark hazel (Buckley); double ringed, yellow and red (Ayres).
Hength, 8” 6’; wing, 5” 2/’’; tail, 3’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Birds, pl. 37.

181. Turpus LIBONYANUS. Kurrichaine Thrush.

Sir A. Smith first procured specimens of this Thrush in the neigh-
bourhood of Kurrichaine, actively engaged, in the thickets which
occur on the banks of the river, scraping among the decaying leaves
for its food. We have never seen a specimen from any part of the
colony. Dr. Exton procured this rare species at Kanye. In
December he writes, “At this season of the year they are in pairs,
but their uncommonly shy habits and peculiar tactics make it most
difficult to obtain a knowledge of their peculiarities. I thought
Captain Harris never pursued the ‘Black Buck’ with more ardour
than I have done this Thrush! I have never seen one on the ground
as stated by Sir A. Smith. It seems very local, keeping to the same
patch of bush or portion of forest, where I have seen and hunted
the same pair on repeated visits. Its food consists of small berries
and insects, chiefly Coleoptera.’ Dr. Kirk procured specimens in
the Zambesi district. Mr. Andersson only obtained it at Ombongo,
in Damara Land, and he observes, ‘‘ In all my wanderings north of
the Orange River, I have but once met with this Thrush, which I
then fell in with in the neighbourhood of the river Okavango.”

Above, deep yellowish-grey; top of the head strongly shaded
with brownish-red, margins of some of the feathers of the wing
showing a pale buff-orange ; middle tail-feathers and outer webs of

Bees)

1) oe oe

3
i ll il a

200 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the rest, deep broccoli-brown; the inner webs, brownish-red,
distinctly tipped with white ; throat white, tinged with ochre-yellow,
and margined on each side by a series of small spots, of a dark
brown, forming two longitudinal bands; breast, light yellowish-grey,
with an orange tinge, which becomes brighter on the belly and
inner surface of the shoulders; middle of belly and vent, white;
bill, feet, and claws, yellow. Length, 9”; wing, 4” 6”; tail, 4”.
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Birds, pl. 37.

182. Turpus Gurrarus. Natal Thrush.
This Thrush seems to be entirely confined to Natal, where it was”
first discovered by Sir Andrew Smith. The only specimens which we
have seen were from this colony. Sir A. Smith states that “none
were found beyond the forests which border upon Port Natal. Those
which we have seen were found in damp retired situations, and when —
discovered were actively employed, beneath the brushwood, in search
of food.”
Upper parts, rich yellowish-brown; eyebrows and sides of the
-head dirty white; the latter with three umber-brown stripes ; under
parts white, spotted with good-sized umber-brown spots ; two white
bars across the wings when at rest ; tail, yellowish-brown ; the three
lateral feathers on each side broadly tipped with white. Length,
9" 6’; wing, 4’’ 10'”; tail, 4’.
Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Birds, pl. 29.

183. TuRDUS OLIVACEUS. Olivaceous Thrush,
Turdus obscurus et T’. olivaceus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 128.

We do not now believe in the differences which are supposed to
separate the two Thrushes of South Africa, as we did in the first
edition. An examination of a large series shows that the Transvaal —
bird cannot be separated from that of the colony, and we cannot ,
therefore admit Twrdus deckeni as an inhabitant of South Africa, ;
believing as we do that the Transvaal birds referred to this species _
by Mr. Gurney are specifically the same as T. olivaceus. The.
proportions of grey and orange on the breast vary exceedingly, and ;
Sir A. Smith seems to have described as 1’. obscwrus a peculiarly |
grey specimen, but we believe that it does not represent a distincb —
form or even geographical race.

At some seasons of the year, when fruit is ripe and apples and
pears fall off the trees, and rot on the ground, this Thrush may be 5
found in great abundance in orchards about Rondebosch, It utters —

“a

TURDUS OLIVACEUS. 201

no song, but only a short hurried cry when alarmed, and flying
upward to the topmost branches of the thickest trees, amid which
it endeavours to conceal itself. Jf unsuccessful in this, it launches
itself off and makes for the nearest thicket,—its voice and manner
reminding the observer of the European blackbird. It breeds in
thick bushes, making a nest like that of the blackbird, and lined
with fibres and roots. The eggs, large for the size of the bird, are
generally four in number, of a light verditer blue, mottled with
irregular patches of brown, thickest on the obtuse end: axis, 15’’’;
fisam., 11’"".

Victorin did not seem to have collected specimens at the Knysna,
but Mr, Andersson procured it here. Mr. Rickard has found it in the
neighbourhood of East London and Port Elizabeth, and Mr. T. C.
Atmore has sent it from Eland’s Post. In Natal, writes Mr. Ayres,
“These Thrushes appear to be more numerous during the winter
than the summer months. They frequent the bush range along the
coast, and are tolerably plentiful. I sometimes find their claws
much worn, as if employed in scratching for their food. They very
seldom utter a note, and might well be called the ‘ Silent Thrush.’ ”
We have also received specimens from the late Mr. R. Moffat, killed
near Kuruman, and Sir Andrew Smith obtained his examples of the
bird he named TZ’. obscurus towards Delagoa Bay. He says that
“itis a solitary bird, inhabiting damp, secluded thickets and brush-
wood skirting the banks of rivers, and is generally seen in such
localities actively employed in displacing the decayed vegetation,
which occurs upon the surface of the soil, covering the insects and
worms on which it feeds.” Mr. Ayres also observes concerning the
species in the Transvaal: ‘‘ These Thrushes.are common in Potchef-
stroom all the year round, but are silent and retiring in their habits,
frequenting thickets and dense hedgerows, and occasionally uttering
a low short chuck, very similar to that of the Redwing of Europe.”
Our friend, Mr. F. A. Barratt, shot several at Macamac in the
Lydenburg district. Andersson gives the following note :—
‘Messrs. J. and H. Chapman brought away specimens of this
Thrush from the Lake-regions: but I have never met with it to the
west of the Lake-country. It is one of the commonest species in
the Cape Colony, where it is partially migratory, being found most
abundantly at the grape and fruit-season: it is fond of almost all

kinds of fruit, but when these fail, it subsists on beetles and other
insects,””

902 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

All the upper parts very dark olive-brown; throat underneath
dirty white, speckled with dark brown ; breast cinereous-brown ;
belly and flanks deep rufous; vent dirty white; a few dark-brown
spots are distributed on the chest, flank, and vent; upper mandible
horn-colour; lower mandible and legs orange; bill yellow, the
ridge of the upper mandible dark brown; feet pale yellow; iris,
light ashy brown (Ayres). Length, 10’’; wing, 4’’ 9'’’; tail, 3’’ 9’”’.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 98, 99.

184, TuRDUS GURNEYI. Gurney’: Thrush.

Very little is known of this fine Thrush. Mr. Ayres observes
concerning it: ‘ This bird I shot in the bush on a precipitous range
of hills about six miles beyond Pieter-Maritzburg ; it is, I believe,
the only one I have seen, and I know nothing of its habits.” It has
occurred once in Abyssinia, but is represented on the west coast of
Africa by the closely allied species, Twrdus crossleyi, Sharpe.*

Above, olive-brown; spots between the eye and the bill, throat,
chest, and flanks, cinnamon ; belly and under tail-coverts, pure white ;
tail, coloured as the back; two rows of white spots across the wing,
bill, dusky; iris, hazel; tarsi and feet, dusky (Ayres). Length,
6" 5’; wing, 4” 5/’’; tail, 3” 3’’’.

‘Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1864, pl. 9.

185. TuRDUS VERREAUXI. Verreaux’ Thrush.

This Thrush was discovered by Senor Anchieta at Caconda in
Benguela, and the following is a translation of Professor Barboza du
Bocage’s original description :—

Of rather small size: above grey; the eyebrow fulvous white,
the ear-coverts streaked with dusky; underneath whitish-buff ;
the chin, throat, and breast, marked with dusty triangular spots;
middle of the abdomen and vent, whitish; the sides of the body,
pale buff, the feathers bordered with dusky at the tip ; under wing-
coverts fulvous; quills, dusky brown, margined on the inner web
with fulvous ; greater wing-coverts spotted at the tip with fulvous;
tail greyish, obsoletely banded with dusky ; bill, horn-colour ; feet,
pale; iris, brown. First primary very short, the second equal to
the 5th. Total length, 8°8 inches ; wing, 5°0; tail, 3°55 ; tarsi, 1:1;
bill, 1-05.

* Mr. Gurney has just presented a second specimen to the British Museum:
it was obtained by Mr. Ayres in the Macairac district,—R. B. 8.

PHYLLASTREPHUS CAPENSIS. 203

186. CRINIGER FLAVIVENTRIS. Yellow-breasted Bulbul.

Sir A. Smith discovered this species near Port Natal, where he
found it entirely confined to thickets, amongst which it searches for
insects, never descending to the ground; and Captain Shelley
writes :—“ Another very common bird about Durban, where its
loud notes may be constantly heard—and it is not unfrequently
seen, as it does not hide itself so carefully as most of the other bush-
birds.” Dr. Kirk obtained it in the Zambesi district. It also occurs
in §.W. Africa, Mr. Andersson haying procured two specimens at
Ovaquenyama in Damara Land. Senor Anchieta has also met with
it at Humbe on the Cunene river, and at Biballa in Mossamedes.

Upper parts of head, back, rump, and tail, olive-brown; outer
yanes of some of the quill-feathers, slightly edged with green;
chin and throat, pale straw-yellow; breast and flanks, greenish-
yellow ; centre of belly and vent, yellow; “ bill, horn-colour, shghtly
paler towards the base of the mandible; legs, leaden-grey ; iris,
brown” (Shelley). Length from point of bill to tip of tail, 9”;
wing, 4”; tail, 4” 2”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Birds, pl. 59.

187, PHYLLASTREPHUS CAPENSIS. Cape Bristle-necked Thrush.

We found this species rather plentiful at Grootervadersbosch, near

Swellendam ; itis also found in the Knysna district, where specimens
were collected by Andersson and Victorin, the latter meeting with
them from March to June, and again in September. It is not
mentioned in Mr. Rickard’s East London list, nor did he find it near
Port Elizabeth. To the eastward of Grahamstown it appears not
uncommon, though from its retiring habits it is seldom procured.
Captain Shelley observes :—“ This is the commonest bush-bird about
Durban. If one waits in a likely spot for a short time, they rarely
fail to make their presence known by their constant jarring notes,
as they approach quite close, keeping, however, well hidden amongst
the leafy parts near the ground. I always met with them in pairs or
‘in small family parties.” The Messrs. Chapman procured a specimen
at Lake N’gami, and Anchieta has forwarded others from Humbe
on the Cunene river, and Biballa and the Rio Chimba in Mossa-
medas.

Mr. Andersson states that they feed on seeds, and Mrs. Barber

204 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

sends us the following account of their habits, which we are able to
confirm from our own personal observations :— Dwellers in woods,
they love the deepest and most shady parts of the forest, where they
are seldom noticed; they build their nests in low situations, amid
the thick underwood that grows beneath the tall forest-trees, and
seldom lay more than two eggs; if the female is disturbed, she
utters one shrill note,as she flies away, letting her mate know
danger is near. The notes of this bird are low and croaking, some-
what resembling those of a frog; there is no perceptible difference
between the male and female.” A nest forwarded by this lady is
composed of coarse grass, moss, roots, and hair. The eggs are
creamy white, densely blotched with purple-brown at the thick end,
the blotches being confluent: axis, 11’’’; diam., 8’’’.

General colour, dull olive-green ; chin, throat, and centre of belly,
pure white; flanks, olive-green; shafts of wing and tail-feathers
white. Length, 8’’; wing, 3’’ 8’; tail, 4’°. Mr. Andersson says
that “‘the iris is yellow; the upper mandible, horn-colour; the
lower bluish ; tarsus, bluish.” Captain Shelley, writing on specimens

—

shot by himself in Natal, notes as follows :—“ Beak, horn-colour, —

inclining to white on the lower mandible; irides, hazel; legs, pale
pinkish grey.” He adds, “They occasionally differ in size, two
females measured respectively, 8°5 and 7:9 inches.” The above
differences in the colour of the soft parts probably arises from
difference of age or season.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 112, fig. 1.

188. ANDROPADUS IMPORTUNUS. Sombre Bulbul.

Criniger importunus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 137.

The “ Boschyogel,”’ as it is called, is not very rare in the neigh- |

bourhood of Cape Town, and also occurs at the Knysna, whence we
have seen a number of specimens obtained by the late Mr. C. J.
Andersson, and Victorin procured it in the same district in April,

May, and July. Le Vaillant states that he found it plentiful from _

Duivenbok’s River to Algoa Bay, and both Messrs. Atmore and
Cairncross have forwarded it from Swellendam. According to Mr.
Rickard it occurs both near East London and Port Elizabeth, and
quite recently Lieut. Trevelyan has sent us a specimen captured in

ANDROPADUS HYPOXANTHUS. 205

the neighbourhood of King William’s Town; it was also included
in Mr. T. C. Atmore’s collections from Hland’s Post. _ Captain
Shelley found it very common in the bush about Durban, and it
occurs as high as Macamac and the Lydenberg district, where Mr.
F. A. Barratt obtained several examples.

Le Vaillant calls this bird “ L’Importun,” but we have not found it
to manifest its presence by its importunity, as says that author. We
have generally found it in thickets, moving ‘quietly about in search
of insects, and darting upon them while at rest: we have sometimes,
but rarely, seen it on the ground, scraping among dead leaves.
Le Vaillant states that it builds on branches of large trees, and lays
four or five eggs, marked with olive-colour; and Mr. Atmore
informs us that it nests near the ground, the eggs being like those
of Lanius collaris. This would agree with Le Vaillant’s statement
that they are marked with olive-colour. Mr. Ayres observes :—
“Tn Natal these birds are very destructive to fruit, but fortunately are
not nearly so numerous as the Pycnonoti. They inhabit the dense
brush generally. They are not easily seen in consequence of their
sombre green plumage and their habits of hiding, to which they
trust for safety, rather than to flight. Their note much resembles
the ‘chisick’ of the House Sparrow at home, but is much louder ;
they have also a short warbling song. Besides fruit, insects form a
considerable portion of their food.”

General colour uniform dull olive-green, lightest on the under
side; feathers of the wings and tail edged with yellow; some thin,
long, hair-like bristles protrude from the back of the head; bill
black, with serrations near the tip of the upper mandible ; legs horn
colour; iris ‘“‘very pale yellow” (Shelley), “ pale green” (Ayres).
Tength, 7’ 9’” ; wing, 3” 9’; tail, 3’’ 9”.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 106.

189. Anpropapus HyroxanTHus, Suarre. Yellow-breasted Bulbul,

Two specimens of this new Andropadus were collected by Dr.
Kirk, at Tette, in the Zambesi country, and were doubtfully referred
to A. flavescens by the late Mr. Gray. The examination, however,
of the true A. flavescens, shows that the Zambesi bird is not the
same, as it differs in its brighter and more yellow colour above, and
below it is of a brilliant yellow, without any of the dark olive brown

206 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

shading on the throat and sides of the body, the thighs and under
wing-coverts in A. flavescens being tawny or slightly rufous yellow.

Again, it shows a striking resemblance to Oriniger flaviventris, of
which it is an almost literal copy, but independently of the serrated
notches at the end of the bill, which show that the bird is an
Andropadus, it may be also distinguished by its bright yellow

lores and by its black bill and legs, these being brown in the

Criniger.

Adult.—Above olive-brown with a yellowish tinge, the wings and

tail being of the same colour; lores light yellow, the forehead also
slightly shaded with this colour; ear-coverts olive brown with faint
stripes of yellow, the cheeks also yellowish like the under surface,
the centre of the body, thighs, edge of the wing and under wing-

coverts, yellow; lower margin of quills brown, yellow along the —

edge of the inner web; bill and feet black. Total length, 7.8
inches; culmen, 0.7; wing, 3.7; tail, 3.8; tarsus, 0.85.

190. ANDROPADUS FLAVOSTRIATUS. Barratt’s Bulbul.

The present bird was found by Mr. F. A. Barratt in the Lyden-
burg district, and was described as new by the editor. The British
Museum also contains a single example procured by Dr. Kirk on the
river Shire. It is by no means a typical Andropadus like the other
two South African ones, but has a very long thin bill like a true
Oriniger, and may prove on a subsequent revision of the group, to
belong to the latter genus. At present we have kept it as an
Andropadus, as it bears evident affinity to some of the West African
species, which are still included in the last-named genus.

Adult female.—General colour, above olive-brown, with somewhat

of a yellowish tinge ; head dusky grey, the lores and feathers round —

the eye greyish white; ear-coverts grey, with narrow white shaft-
streaks ; cheeks greyish white; throat pure white; rest of under
surface whitish, the feathers edged with greenish yellow, causing
the breast to appear streaked with that colour; sides of the body
dull greenish olive, deepening on the lower flanks and under tail-
coverts; thighs greenish olive; under wing-coverts dull yellow,
marked with brown near the edge of the wing; scapulars and least
wing-coverts coloured like the back; rest of the wing brown, all the
feathers externally washed with olive, inclining to golden brown on

al

Le
ha

PYCNONOTUS CAPENSIS. 207

the outer webs of the secondaries ; upper tail-coverts and tail brown,
strongly washed with olive-green ; ‘bill, tarsi, and feet, ash-colour ;
iris, ashy hazel.” Total length, 7.4 inches ; culmen, .75 ; wing, 3.45;
tail, 3.5; tarsus 1.

191. Pycnonorus cAPENsIS. Red-eyebrowed Bulbul.

Considerable confusion has existed with regard to the Pyenonoti of
Africa, and in 1871 the Editor, in criticising the conclusions of Drs.
Finsch, Hartlaub, and Von Heuglin (P. Z. .S. 1871, p. 131)
endeavoured to establish that in South Africa there were three
species of yellow-vented Bulbuls, P. capensis, P. nigricans, and P.
tricolor. More recently Dr. Reichenow has contended for the
recognition of one only, P. capensis, and he believes that the dark
plumaged bird is the young of the white-bellied species. As is the
case with the other authors above mentioned, he has discarded the
wattled eye-ring as an obscure character, but it is really of the first
importance. In the first edition it was stated to be white in the
present species, and so it isin the dried skin, but in life, Captain
Shelley found it to be of a “dull dark red,” and therefore Le
Vaillant’s figure of the “Brunoir,” which has hitherto been kept
distinct on account of the red eye-rings drawn by him, if it can be
recognised at all, must be intended for the present bird. Under these
circumstances we admit only two species, but we shall be obliged
for any information tending to elucidate the question in any way.
P. capensis cannot, however, be the young stage of P. tricolor, for we
owe to the kindness of Lieut. Trevelyan an immature bird of the
latter, which is coloured exactly like the adult and has the same
white breast, only the plumage is more fluffy, and the brown colour
much paler and more rufescent, especially on the margins of the
wings: the head is black, but not so intense as in the old bird.
P. capensis has not a black head, but is brown both above and
below, having only the centre of the abdomen white, gradually
shaded with yellow as it approaches the under tail-coverts, which are
bright yellow.

The “ Kuif-Kop,” as it is called by the colonists, is found in great
abundance in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, and indeed through-
out the whole colony. They migrate according to the fruit season,
and are especially partial to figs and grapes. They also feed largely

,
208 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

on the berries of the “ Persian Lilac,” and when that tree is in fruit
any number might be shot by a person lying in ambush near. When
feeding, they keep up a continued chattering, and as they usually
go in flocks of ten or fifteen in number, their presence is soon
detected.

These birds conceal their nests so skilfully, that they are rarely
detected, notwithstanding their numbers. It is composed of rootlets,
lined sometimes with hair and feathers, and is generally placed in
the fork of a tree or large bush. The eggs, three or four in number,
are a lovely pale pink, densely spotted and blotched with dark pink
and pale purple, presenting a most beautiful appearance : axis, 11”;
diam., 73’”.

Victorin procured the present species at the Knysna, as did
Andersson also. We have noticed that a specimen procured by Mr.
H. Atmore, at George, was smaller than the ordinary Cape examples,
measuring only 3°55 inches in the wing, and 0°8 inch in the tarsus,
but whether this is a sexual difference or indicative of a small race,
we do not know. The range of the species is certainly confined to
the colony, and it probably does not extend beyond the neighbour-
hood of East London and Port Elizabeth. Mr. Rickard records it as
common near the former place, but not so plentiful at the latter as
the next species.

General colour, brown; the head a little deeper in colour, but not
blackish; wings and tail, darker brown; under surface of body
brown like the upper; the centre of the belly whitish, washed
with yellow towards the vent; under tail-coverts bright yellow; “a
dark red wattled eyelid”? (Shelley). Total length, 8°2 inches;
wing, 3°8; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxix.

191, Pycnonorus TRICOLOR. Black-eyebrowed Bulbul,

After the observations made in the foregoing paragraph it is not
necessary for us to say more than that this, the second species of
Pycnonotus, is to be told by the absence of a wattle round the eye,
the eyelid being simply rather swollen and black, and by its white
breast and belly, the brown chest ending in a tolerably well-defined
line: it is likewise distinguished by its black cap.

This Bulbul is more a bird of the Eastern districts, but we found
it replacing P. capensis at Nel’s Poort. Major Bulger sent it from

1

,

k

PYCNONOTUS TRICOLOR. 209

Windvogelberg, and according to our correspondent, Mr. Rickard,
it is common at Hast London. To Lieut. H. Trevelyan we are
indebted for a very interesting young bird from King William’s Town,
which we have referred to above. Mr. Moffat forwarded us a
specimen from Kuruman, and Mr. Ortlepp informs us that it is
plentiful near Colesberg, where it does great damage to ripe fruit,
and especially figs. Captain Shelley found it very common about
Durban and Pinetown, and a note on the species in Natal, by Mr.
Ayres, is given below. Mr. H. C. Buxton also tells us that when
in the last-named colony he procured it on the Mooi River. Mr.
Ayres has collected specimens in the Transvaal and here also Mr.
Buckley found it “common throughout the country.” It was in
Dr. Exton’s Kanye collections, and also in Mr. F. A. Barratt’s from
the Lydenberg district. Dr. Kirk says that it is one of the com-
monest birds in the Zambesi country, and is “a good songster,
though not equal to Orateropus kirkii.’ Mr. Andersson procured
two specimens in South Western Africa, one at Ovvaquenyama in
Damara Land, and the other at Ondonga, which may be referred to
this species, and Anchieta has sent it from Humbe on the Rio
Cunene, and from Capangombe in’ Mossamedes, as well as from
several localities in Angola, whence the bird was first described by
Dr. Hartlaub. It certainly ranges as high as the Congo on the
western side, and as far as Mombas on the eastern coast.

Mr. Ayres observes :—‘‘ These birds live entirely on fruits and
berries, and are very destructive in our garden, devouring indis-
criminately bananas, loquats, peaches, papaws, Cape gooseberries,
and all other soft fruits. They are very numerous; they build
generally in a fork of a tree, towards the top, and lay from three to
five eggs. These birds often get intoxicated by eating fruit that is
over-ripe and has undergone fermentation, more especially the Cape
gooseberry ; and when in this drunken state are easily caught, as
they can fly but a few yards at a time, and then not straight, soon
tumbling to the ground. The berries of the Syringa trees have the
same effect on them, as also the fruit of the Banyan fig. Other
birds that live on these fruits become intoxicated in the same way.
Tf a hawk, or other bird of ‘prey, makes its appearance, these
Bulbuls begin to chatter at a furious rate; and if he settle, a lot of
them will frequently mob him; but the hawk, I have observed, takes
no notice of them.”

210 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Henry Jackson has sent us eggs of this species, precisely
similar to those of P. capensis, and writes that “the nest is a cup,
slightly formed, in a tree.”

General colour, brown, slightly darker on the wing and tail
feathers, the latter pale at the tips; head slightly crested, and black,
as is also the chin and upper part of throat; lower parts brown,
like the back, the breast and belly white, flanks brown; vent,
brilliant citron-yellow; “bill and legs black; iris dark claret”
(Buckley); ‘eyelids black, thick, but not wattled” (Shelley).
Length, 7” 9”; wing, 3” 9”; tail, 3” 5”.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1871, pl. vii. fig. 2.

N.B.—Although for the present admitting only two species of
Pycnonotus in South Africa, we do not regard the matter as settled,
for Mr. T. E. Buckley writes under the heading of P. nigricans
(Ibis, 1874, p. 369) :—“ There seem to be two sorts, one with a
flesh-coloured cere round the eye;”? and Mr. Andersson describes a
bird as common in Damara Land which has the eyes “rather pale
yellowish-redy and the skin round the eye bright orange” (Cf.
Gurney in Andersson’s B. Dam. Ld. p. 119). The distribution of
the species and their characters must be left, however, to the
naturalists in South Africa to work out from personal observations,

193. CRaTEROPUS BICOLOR. Pied Babbling-Thrush. —

Sir Andrew Smith procured this species between the Ky-Gariep
and Kurrichaine. Lieut. H. Trevelyan has recently sent us a
specimen procured not far from King William’s Town. I

In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres has obtained it, and Mr. Buckley —
writes as follows:—‘ Common throughout the north of the
Transvaal into the Matabili country, and first met with at
Eland’s river. The habits of this and of OC. jardinii are similar.
They go in flocks from tree to tree, following each other almost in
single file. When one commences its peculiar sort of chuckling
note, it is followed by the others, the noise increasing until it is
almost deafening. They creep about the bushes with wonderful
care; and if a wounded one gets into a tree, it is extremely difficult
to retrieve it. They have a skimming sort of flight.”

Dr. Exton, who procured it in the Matabili country, also states
that “its habits resemble those of C. jardinii, but it is more

CRATEROPUS BICOLOR. 211

frequently found among low bushes on the dry plains, whilst the
last-named species is rarely found away from vleys and rivers. The
stomachs were full of black ants and small seeds.”” We have
recently seen specimens of this Babbler from the Victoria Falls,
Zambesi.

The following interesting note is given by the late Mr. Andersson :
—This species is common throughout Damara and Great Namaqua
Land, and is also found in the Lake-regions; it always occurs in
flocks of many individuals, and creeps and glides through the mazes
of tangled wood and dense thickets with amazing ease and celerity.
When alarmed, it flies slowly from tree to tree, its flight being
feeble. It climbs excellently, and also seems equally at home upon the
ground. I was fortunate enough to fall in witha nest of this species
on the 15th of October, 1866 ; and, considering how common the bird
is, I wonder that I have not met with more nests; this one contained
three eges, in every way very similar to those of Orateropus
melanops. ‘The nest was situated in a fork on the very top of a
small anna tree, some ten or twelve feet from the ground; it was
composed externally of fine twigs and coarse grasses, and was lined
with somewhat finer grass; it was circular, deep, and very compact.
Icould both see and hear the parent bird whilst we were robbing
the nest; but it- did not come near or appear very solicitous. On
the 11th of December, 1866, I observed a family of these birds,
consisting of an old pair and their young, hopping about in an anna
wood, almost as carelessly and fearlessly as Robins. One of them,
evidently the female, led the way, followed by the young, which
uttered a querulous, subdued note. In the young birds the tail and
wings are of somewhat the same colouring as those of their parents ;
but the body differs much from the colour of the adult bird, being
grey or brownish-grey, instead of white.”

General colour, white; with black wings and tail, bill, and legs;

feathers of the back very thick and fluffy; tail rounded ; “bill and
feet black: iris reddish-orange” (7. EH. Buckley). Length, 10”;
wing, 5”; tail, 4” 7”.
_ A second specimen killed by Mr. Buckley on the 31st of July,
1873, had the iris “light yellow.” The one with the orange iris was
shot on the 16th of October of the same year, so that the colour of
the eye varies, probably with age.

Fig. Jard. Edinb. N. Phil. Journ. L. pl. 3.

P2

212 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

194. CRATEROPUS JARDINII. Jardine’s Babbling-Thrush.

The expedition under Sir Andrew Smith first obtained this bird
in lat. 25° 24’ S. We have received a few specimens from
Kuruman, and Dr. Exton found it common throughout the
Bechuana and Matabili countries. Mr. Ayres has forwarded a
specimen from Natal and writes as follows :—‘‘I found these birds
inhabiting the bush near the Tugela: there was a family of eight or
nine together, but I only succeeded in getting the specimen sent.
They have aloud chattering note, and a rather heavy flight; the
stomach of the bird sent contained caterpillars. I have never met
with them on the coast, and believe they are entirely confined to
the upper districts; they are, however, also found on the river
Limpopo.” It also occurs in the Transvaal, where both Mr. T. E,
Buckley and Mr. Ayres have obtained it. Mr. Buckley observes :—
“The description of the habits of C. bicolor will answer equally for
this species. I took a nest of this bird on the banks of the Limpopo,
on the 23rd of November. It contained but one egg; but the
parent bird was close to the nest, which was about the size of a
Blackbird’s, deep and coarsely lined, and placed in a small but very
thorny tree. The eggs were of a blue colour, like a Thrush’s,
without spots.” It does not occur apparently in the Zambesi
district, but is here replaced by the closely allied Crateropus kirkii.
Mr. Andersson procured some individuals of this species on the
Cunene river, on the 25th June, 1867, and Senor Anchieta has

obtained it at Huilla in Mossamedes. Sir Andrew Smith gives the ©
following account of its habits :—‘ The first specimens of this bird —

were obtained in latitude 25° 24’ S., and, as we have reason to

believe, upon the extreme limit of its southern range. Where the —

species was first discovered, only a few specimens were observed ;
but, by the time we had reached a degree more to the northward,
they occurred in great abundance. Spots covered with reeds, such

as are seen along the margins of many of the rivers of the country _
they inhabit, appeared to form their favourite feeding places; and ©

though when disturbed, they would leave those for a time, and take
up their abode among the brushwood with which the banks of the
stream were more or less covered, they invariably returned to the
haunts they had left when the cause which had led them to remove
hhad ceased to exist. While lodged among the reeds they were

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CRATEROPUS KIRKIT. 213

almost incessantly in motion; and from their being generally
associated in great numbers, the noise occasioned, partly by their
flitting from one stem to another or climbing, and partly by the
harsh cries they uttered, more especially on the appearance of
danger, rendered even a temporary residence in the vicinity of their
haunts quite disagreeable. Though they evidently preferred, as
resorts, the situations described, yet, where reeds did not occur,
they were occasionally found among the brushwood remote from
rivers; and in these positions they also displayed an extremely
restless disposition; scarcely were they observed to enter a bush or
thicket before they were seen leaving it from the opposite side, for
an adjacent one. Though such was their common practice, there
were times when they appeared less disposed to hasty changes, and
when they were to be noticed, not simply following a tortuous
course, but even ascending and descending among the branches ;
nay, even visiting the ground below and around the bushes. As
far as we had opportunities of judging, they feed exclusively upon
insects ; and those which were killed when among the reeds, seemed
to have committed great havoc upon the larve of Gryllide, &c.
while those obtained among the brushwood appeared principally to
have fed upon coleopterous insects.””

Above, olive-brown ; feathers of the head dark brown, edged with
greyish-white, imparting to the bird a scaled appearance; chin,
throat, breast, and anterior portion of belly, ashy-brown, marked
with elongated white spots; posterior portion of belly and vent,
yellowish-grey, tail, dark-brown; centre pair of feathers strongly
tinged with grey; all crossed by dark-brown bars, only visible if
held in certain positions; “bill, black ; tarsi and feet, dusky ; iris,
bright reddish-yellow” (Ayres) ; “bill and feet, black; iris, dark
red” (Buckley). Length, 10’; wing, 4” 6”; tail, 4” 3”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Birds, pl. 6.

195. CRrareRoPus KIRKI, SHARPE. Kirk’s Babbling-Thrush.

Dr. Kirk, who identified this species as Crateropus plebeius of
Riippell, says that it was common in long grass near rivers in the
Zambesi country. He writes as follows :— Found in flocks of five
or six. A noisy bird in the reeds, buta fine songster when perched on
the Borassus-palms in the early mornings during the rainy season.”

ee ee ee —

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

This species may shortly be described as similar to C. jardinii,
but much smaller and differing in having the region of the eye
blackish, the cheeks uniform greyish-brown, and alk the feathe of
the crown and neck tipped with grey. Total length, 7-8 inches.
culmen, 0°8; wing, 3°85; tail, 3°85; tarsus, 1:25.

196. CrarTBRoPUsS HARTLAUBI. Hartlaub’s Babbling-Thrush,

This species was discovered by Senor Anchieta at Huilla in
Mossamedes and he has also procured it at Gambos in the same
district and at Caconda in Benguela. Mr. Andersson met with it on
the River Cunene, where he procured two specimens on the 25th of
June, 1867.

The present bird may be described as very similar to C. melanops,
but easily recognisable from this and every other brown Babbling-
Thrush of Southern Africa, by its white rump. Total length, 9°3
inches ; culmen, 0°85; wing, 4°5; tail, 4°5; tarsus, 1:5.

197. CRaTEROPUS MELANOPS. Dark-faced Babbling-Thrush.

Mr. Andersson discovered this Babbling Thrush in Damara
Land, and gives the following description of its habits :—‘‘I have —
only met with this bird in the northern district of Damara Land,
and in the parts adjacent towards the north and east; there it is
common, and, when not too much disturbed, becomes quite familiar —
with man. During my encampment in the desert, on my return
from the Okavango, there was scarcely a day that a family of these
birds did not pay me a visit, coming quite close to my tent,
searching for insects amongst the débris, and especially attaching
themselves to my cook’s establishment. The favourite resorts of
this species are tangled brakes, where it restlessly hops about
amongst the bushes, gradually descending to the ground, exploring
on the way, and searching about the roots and amongst the fallen
dry leayes for insects and their larve. It is gregarious in its.
habits ; and several of its nests are frequently found on the same
bush or in the immediate neighbourhood of each other. The nest is
firmly constructed of fine twigs lmed with some softer materials.
The eggs are of a greenish-blue colour, smooth at the extremities,
but quite rough on the central parts, with numerous little tubereles.’””

NEOCICHLA GUTTURALIS. 215

General colour above brown, with obsolete lighter edgings to the
feathers, the wings and tail much darker brown; the lower back,
rump, and upper tail-coverts inclining to sandy brown, the latter
darker; crown of head, sides of face and throat hoary grey, the
feathers tipped with the latter colour, the grey colour especially
distinct over the eye and on the ear-coverts; lores and plumes
below the eye black; plumes of the throat and fore-neck brown,
margined with hoary grey; rest of under surface of body pale
fulvous brown, inclining to white near the vent; thighs and under
wing-coverts brown. Total length, 9°5 inches; culmen, 0:9; wing,
4:4; tail 4°7; tarsus, 1°4. «

198. AxrHocIcHLA GYMNOGENYS.* Bare-faced Babbling-Thrush.

This handsome species was described by Dr. Hartlaub from a
specimen obtained by Mr. Monteiro in Benguela, and Senor
Anchieta has procured it at Capangombe in Benguela and in
_ Mossamedes. Mr. Monteiro says that they were “ common at Novo
Redondo and Benguela in the thick wood and under brush, flying
in small flocks, and most discordantly noisy.”

Adult.—Crown of head and nape white; hinder neck and the
sides of the same tawny rufous; upper surface of body dark brown,
with indistinct rufous-buff edgings to the feathers inclining to
whitish on the outer wing-coverts; wings blackish brown; lower
back greyish brown; rump white; upper tail-coverts brown with
greyish tips; tail blackish brown; sides of face, region round the
eye and ear-coverts, bare; cheeks and chin white; rest of under
surface creamy white; the sides of the body, under wing-coverts,
and inner webs of quills, tawny rufous; the throat and fore-neck
with transverse bars of dusky brown. Total length, 9°3 inches;
culmen, 0°9; wing, 4°2; tail, 4°3; tarsus, 1:25.

199. NuocicHLa GurTURALIS. Anchieta’s Babbling-Thrush.

[The present bird was described by Professor Barboza du Bocage
as a Crateropus, but he pointed out at the time that it was rather an

* Although described as a Crateropus, it seems to me advisable to institute
a distinct genus for this bird on account of its naked face, a most prominent
character.— R. B. 8.

216 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

aberrant member of the genus. Having sent the type to England
for the purpose of being figured in his new work, I enjoyed the
opportunity of examining it, and I find that, although closely allied
to Crateropus and to Cichladusa, it differs from both m the short- j
ness of the first primary, which does not nearly equal the tarsus in )
length, whereas in both the above-named genera this quill is as
long or even longer than the tarsus. Again the upper tail-coverts —
are extremely long, falling short of the tip of the tail only by 14
times the length of the tarsus, whereas in the other two genera the
distance between the tip of the upper tail-coverts and that of the —
tail itself is more than double the length of the tarsus. I therefore —
propose the name of Neocichla for it. R. B. S.J

Only one specimen of this bird is known at present, the typical —
one in the Lisbon Museum, procured by Senor Anchieta at Huilla —
in Mossamedes. The following description is from that specimen.

Adult female (type of species)—Head and neck grey; back and —
scapulars brown, with “straw-coloured margins to the feathers ; }
lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts ashy, somewhat inclining
to creamy brown; wing-coverts brown glossed with purple, the
outer ones purplish black; quills purplish black, shading off into ©
brown at the tips, the secondaries externally white, forming a broad 54
longitudinal bar down the wing, the innermost brown, edged with |
fulvous inclining to white at the tip ; tail purplish black tipped with
white, more broadly on the outer feathers, the two centre ones paler
brown, a shade of this colour being also apparent on the inner webs —
of most of the others; entire sides of face and throat light grey, —
rather paler than on the crown and shading off into a black patch on —
the fore-neck, the lower feathers of which are edged with fulvous; ‘
rest of under surface orange buff, inclining to white in the centre of —
the abdomen and under tail-coverts; under wing-coverts like the
breast ; bill black; iris, bright yellow. Total length, 8 imches; —
culmen, 0°8; wing, 4:2; tail, 3°6; tarsus, 1-2.

200. Crmrors FRENATUS. Rufous-breasted Rock-Babbler.
This bird is, as far as we yet know, peculiar to mountain ranges.
We have seen it between Caledon and Swellendam, in How-Hoghte,
and once in Bains Kloof on the Wellington side. Mr. W. Atmore,
however, declares that it is more widely distributed, and is common

Plate Vl

ee

CHATOPS AURANTIUS.

. ”

CHETOPS AURANTIUS. PALL?)

on all the mountains that he has been up. He says that they nest in
the crevices of the rocks, and that their eggs resemble those of the
Cape Robin (Cossypha caffra) but are larger.

It frequents the tops of the hills and high elevations on their
stony sides, and seeks its food, consisting of insects, about stones
and rocks. In habits it much resembles the Rock-Thrush, and, like
it, is fond of perching on the summit of some conspicuous stone or
ant-hill, from which it surveys the surrounding prospect, and seeks
for safety by immediate flight on perceiving the approach of a foe.
It progresses by a series of enormous hops, its powerful legs being
well suited to this end; while its strong pointed claws enable it to
traverse with ease the inclined surfaces of slippery rocks. It con-
ceals itself readily in holes, and, if wounded, seeks such a retreat in
which to die. It is generally found in small families of three or four
individuals.

Upper parts of head and back, ash-coloured, the centre of each
feather being very dark ; rump, chest, and belly, bright red-brown ;
yent and thighs ash-coloured; head with a white eyebrow and
moustache ; throat and cheeks black ; wings black-brown, some of
the feathers edged with rufous ash; secondaries tipped with white,
causing the wing to appear crossed with a white bar; shoulders
spotted with white, a few spots of the same colour between the
white bar and the shoulder; tail-feathers, with the exception of the
centre pair, tipped with white; legs, claws, and bill, black; eye
bright-red ; plumage very lax and fluffy, particularly about the
rump; on being raised on this spot, it will be found to be ash-
coloured, like the back, the rufous tint being quite superficial.
Length, 9”; wing, 3” 7’”; tail, 3” 7”; tarsus, 1” 7’".

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 385.

201. Cumrors avrantivs. Orange-breasted Rock-Babbler.

(Pirate VI.)

This species, which we characterised as distinct in our first
edition, was at first identified by European ornithologists as C. fre-
natus, but as we were at the time in possession of a series of both
species, containing adult and young birds of both sexes, we affirmed
the distinction of C. awrantius, and the information received since

218 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

that date has entirely confirmed the correctness of our supposition,
C. aurantius appears to be a more eastern bird than O. frenatus,
with a different range. Our first examples were sent to us by Mr,
J. O'Reilly, from the neighbourhood of Graaf-Reinet, and Major
Bulger obtained it near Windvogelberg. Mr. T.’C. Atmore also
procured it near Eland’s Post, and Mr. Eyton’s collection contains
a pair said to have been sent from the vicinity of Port Natal.

Mr. O’Reilly writes as follows :—Graaf-Reinet, January 2nd,
1863. Inhabits rocks in high mountain ranges. Scarce; very shy
and cunning, usually frequenting places assimilating to its plumage.
Continually on the hop, and seldom takes wing; when it does so,
flies but a short distance. Always on the watch, seldom showing
much more than its head above the stones, Found about Graaf-
Reinet all the year round, and in pairs. Food consists of small
insects of any sort; drinks in the evening. Note, a sharp chirp,
particularly when surprised. Breeds in December. Nest built of
grass and rock-mosses, in crevices among rocks. Hggs, three to
four, green, with brown speckles.”

Head and shoulders above, ashy-grey, streaked with black; back
and rump brick-red; tail graduated, black, each feather, with the
exception of the two central, tipped with white; this colour extend-
ing farther up each feather, until it attains its maximum in the short
outside pair; throat jet-black, with a white band extending from
the lower mandible to the breast; another smaller white line passes
from the nostril over the eye, and terminates a little beyond it;
breast and belly, a fine clear orange-rufous, or burnt sienna; wings
black, each feather more or less edged with ashy-grey ; a white bar
extends across the wing; the plumage very lax and decomposed,
particularly over the rump. Length, 8” 9”; wing, 3” 7” ; tail, 4”;
bill, 9” ; tarsus, 1’’ 8’’’.

202. CumtTors PYCNOPYGIUS. Damara Rock-Babbler.

The original specimen of this bird was sent home by Mr.
Andersson in 1852, and was described by Messrs. Strickland and
Sclater as Sphenceacus pycnopygius. A second specimen shot by
him on the Omaruru river was made the type of the editor’s species
Chetops grayi. It was again described by Professor Bocage as
Drymeca anchiete, so that for so rare a bird it has rather an

MONTICOLA RUPESTRIS. 219

extensive synonymy. The last-named example was procured by
Anchieta at Biballa in Mossamedes. Mr. Andersson’s notes on
the species are herewith extracted from his “ Birds of Damara
Land.” “The only places where I can recollect having caught a
glimpse of this rarely seen Rock-Thrush are the Kaaru River,
_ Ongari Ombo, near Jacongana, Okamaluté, and, lastly, the Omaruru
River, where I obtained one specimen on October 30th, 1866,
which I found hopping about amongst some stones thickly over-
' grown with bush and coarse grass, and strewn with decaying wood.
_ As soon as the bird perceived that it was observed, it immediately
slipped into the thickest part of this tangled bush, and for some
time I thought I had lost it; but after pelting it with stones it flew
out and settled on the lower branch of a small acacia. I found,
_ when shot, that its bill was very dirty, from which I infer that it
seeks much of its food on the ground; its stomach contained only
small whitish ants (not termites) ; its flesh was light coloured, and
excellently flavoured. The iris was dark brown; the upper man-
dible, dark horn colour, the lower livid lead colour; the tarsi pale
brown, the toes a shade or two darker; there was a space under the
eye quite naked; the tail when closed was of equal breadth through-
out, but was cuneated when expanded.”
This species is distinguished at a glance from the other members
of the genus by its small size and white throat and chest, the sides
of the breast being spotted with black. Total length, 6°8 inches ;
culmen, 0°7; wing, 2°8; tail, 3-0; tarsus, 0°85; middle toe, 0:7.
Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1869, pl. 14.

203. MonricoLA RUPESTRIS. Cape Rock-Thrush.

Petrocincla rupestris, Layard, B. 8. Afr., p. 129 (1867).

This is the largest of the three South African Rock-Thrushes, and
is to be distinguished not only by its greater dimensions, but by its
brown back.

We have seen it at Kalk and Simon’s Bays, and on Table
Mountain, and have received it from Swellendam, Beaufort, Coles-
berg, Graham’s Town and Eland’s Post. Victorin mentions his
having obtained it in the Knysna district, in August, and Mr.
Rickard has found it both at Port Elizabeth and Hast London. Mr.
T. E. Buckley says that it was common in Natal, ‘“ where it may be

220 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

seen sitting on stones by the road-sides, in pairs or families. In its
flight and habit of flirting its tail it resembles the Wheatear.” Mr,
Ayres also writes :—‘‘ Frequents the same localities as the previous
species (Saaicola pileata). The stomach of the specimen sent con-
tained some of the Cape gooseberries, and some small stones.” In
a previous communication to Mr. Gurney, he makes the following
observation respecting a specimen forwarded by him :—* Stomach
contained insects and berries. This specimen and two others were
together: I did not see them settle on rocks or stones, but they
alighted on trees and fed on the nectar of the blossom of a species
of aloe. I found them on a hill called the Changa, between Pieter-
Maritzburg and Durban, a very precipitous country, where aloes

and low bushes are plentiful.”

Mrs. Barber informs us that it breeds in holes under rocks, and
sends a nest, composed of fine roots and hair. Eggs, 3—5, of a
light buff or dirty white, minutely freckled throughout with pale
rufous ; they are sometimes, however quite white; axis, 13”; diam.,
9”. Of its habits, she writes :—‘“ The male sings a rather lively song;
he does not commence early in the morning, at or before daylight, as
the Robins do; but after the sun has warmed him he begins to pour
forth his cheerful melody: his notes are clear, and rather pleasing,
and he is fond of choosing a conspicuous situation whence he can be
heard and seen to the best advantage.”

The whole of the head and throat, dark ashy-blue; back and
wings, dark-brown; the former with a deep rufous tinge, increasing
towards the rump, which is entirely deep rufous; the tail is also
rufous, with the exception of the two centre feathers ; all the under
parts deep rufous, lightest towards the vent; the female wants the
blue head, otherwise she is like the male; bill, black; the gape and
mouth, yellow; tarsi and feet, dusky (Ayres); feet, black; iris,
dark-hazel (Buckley). Total length, 8°4 inches; culmen, 1:05;
wing, 4°35; tail, 3°3; tarsus, 1:1.

Fig. Le Vaill., Ois. d’Afr., pls., 101, 102.

204. Monricona EXPLORATOR. ; Sentinel Rock-Thrush,
Petrocincla explorator, Layard, B. 8. Afr., p. 130 (1867).

Not very common, but widely distributed. We have seen it

MONTICOLA BREVIPES. 221

principally in rocky places about Table Mountain, and the face of
_ the hills overhanging Simon’s Bay and Kalk Bay. It appears to be
a frequent species at Swellendam; and we have received it from
_ Beaufort, Graham’s Town, and Colesberg. Mr. Rickard states that
it is common at Port Elizabeth, where it is not at all shy and
frequents the roofs of the houses. He writes:—“I have often
heard them sing at S. Paul’s Church during service.” Mr. T. C.
Atmore has procured it near Hope Town. In Natal, says Mr. Ayres,
“these birds are found in the open country and are generally seen
perched on some low hillock or stone. They are solitary and not at
all plentiful. Their food consists of small insects.” According to
our own experience, itis a shy and wary bird, keeping well out of
gun-shot when pursued, flitting from rock to rock, running up their
sloping surfaces, and keeping a good look-out from the extreme
summit. It feeds on insects, but often takes a little vegetable food.
In its nidification it resembles the preceding species and its eggs
are also similar, as might have been expected. In size the present
bird is smaller than M. rupestris, and has the back blue-grey instead
of brown; on the lower surface the blue extends on to the fore-
neck. r
Head, neck, breast, throat, back, and shoulders, blue-grey ; rump,
belly, and vent, orange-red, inclining to buff on the vent and thigh ;
wing and outer tail-feathers deep brown, the former edged with light
rufous; outer tail-feathers, orange-red, more or less marked with
brown. Bill, tarsi, and feet, black ; iris, dark-hazel (Ayres). Total
length, 7 inches; culmen, 0°85; wing, 3°75; tail, 2°5; tarsus, 1-3.

Fig. le Vaill., Ois. d’Afr., pl. 103.

205. MontTicoLa BREVIPES. Short-footed Rock-Thrush.

This Rock-Thrush, which was originally discovered by Sir J.
Alexander during his expedition to Damara Land, occurred plenti-
fully in the late Mr. Andersson’s collections from the same country.
He writes:—“‘ Tis species is not uncommon throughout Great
Namaqua Land and the southern parts of Damara Land ; and in one
year I found it particularly abundant at Otjimbinque. In its habits
and manners it resembles Sawicola monticola, and, like it, is partial
to localities of a rocky nature, as also to abandoned “ werfts” and
villages. It is rather a voracious feeder, preying on all kinds of

- 7 ¥ ee, ie eh aw

222 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

insects, from the minutest beetle to the scorpion, of which I have
found specimens in its stomach ; it also occasionally eats soft seeds.” —
Senor Anchieta has procured it at Caconda in Benguela.

The bird may be described as follows. Above, blue as in M,
explorator, but having a white eyebrow and the head and mantle
more or less inclining to white ; on the under surface the blue colour
is restricted to the throat as in M. rupestris and not, as in M.
eaplorator, occupying the chest also; bill, bluish-black, the base of
the gape yellow; legs and toes, bluish-black; iris, reddish-brown.
Total length, 6°5 inches; culmen, 0:95; wing, 4°15; tail, 2°65;
tarsus, 1:05.

206. CossyPHA BICOLOR. Noisy Chat-Thrush.
Bessonornis vociferans, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 130 (1867).

This bird—which, from its singular cry, has acquired the name
of “ Piet-Myn-Vrouw,” by which it is known to the colonists—is
common in the Knysna and other forest districts, but is very
difficult to procure, owing to its shy, retiring habits, and the
thickets in which it lives. Its loud call may be heard on every
side of the traveller, but not a single bird will show itself, and we
only procured the few specimens which we did obtain, by remaining
quiet in one spot and imitating their cry until one came within
range; then the difficulty often was to avoid blowing ‘the bird to
pieces, as the thickets are usually so dense, that the bird was almost
within reach of the gun-barrel ere we saw it.

It feeds upon worms and insects, and has the general habits of a
Thrush. Le Vaillant says he found it also in Kaffraria. Mr.
Rickard tells us that it occurs near East London, and we have seen ~
several specimens from Natal. Mr. Ayres says that in the latter
colony they frequent the dense bush. ‘The food of these birds,”
he writes, “consists of berries, small fruits, and insects. In their
movements and attitudes they much resemble the English Red-
breast, and they are particularly fond of chasing one another about.”
Dr. Kirk met with the species in the Zambesi, and states that it was
shot among the mango-trees at Shupanga. Mr. Andersson obtained
a single example of this Chat-Thrush at Otjimbinque in Damara
Land on the 11th of December, 1865, but it does not appear to have

COSSYPHA NATALENSIS. 223

occurred to Senor Anchieta during his travels in South-Western
Africa.

Adult.—General colour above slaty-grey, shading off into orange
on the rump, the upper tail-coverts bright orange; quills blackish,
externally washed with grey, the wing-coverts washed with bluish
grey ; two centre tail-feathers black, all the remainder bright
orange, the external feathers blackish on the outer web, and some of
the others with narrow blackish margins; lores, sides of face and
ear-coverts, black; cheeks, sides of neck, and the entire under
surface of body bright orange, the under wing-coverts uniform with
the breast, the lower surface of the quills ashy-brown, inclining to
greyish-white near the base of the inner web; “bill black; tarsi
and feet light pinkish brown; iris very dark brown” (Ayres).
Total length, 7°3 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°65; tail, 3:2;
tarsus, 1°2.

Fig. Le Vaill., Ois. d’Afr. pl. 104.

207. CossYPHA NATALENSIS. Natal Chat-Thrush.

Bessonornis natalensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 181.

A single specimen of this Chat-Thrush was obtained by Sir
Andrew Smith near Port Natal, and the natives informed him that
its habits were similar to those of C. bicolor of the Cape Colony.
We have seen a few specimens from Natal, but it is not very
common there. Captain Shelley met with it near Durban, amongst
some scattered bushes in the more open country. It extends across
the continent into South-western Africa, for it has been procured
by Mr. Monteiro in Angola, and by Senor Anchieta at Biballa in
Mossamedes. The latter observer states that it arrives from the
interior like C. bocagii, and has the same name as that species,
*€ Maxoxolo.”

This species may be distinguished by the absence of an eyebrow,
which makes it nearly allied to CO. bicolor, of which species Mr.
Gurney has fancied it may be the immature bird. It is, however,
quite distinct, being smaller than that species, and having the lores
and cheeks bright orange instead of black.

Adult.—Upper surface of body bluish grey, the mantle strongly
washed with orange, the scapulars clearer grey; head and hind
neck brownish orange, waved across with narrow greyish lines,

224 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

caused by the sudden appearance of the bases to the feathers ; lores,
eyebrow, sides of face and entire under surface of body orange,
rather paler on the abdomen; all the wing-coverts clear bluish grey,
blackish on the inner web; quills dull brown, externally shaded
with grey, the secondaries with a further external border of pale ~
orange as on the back; tail-feathers very pointed, the two centre
ones dark brown, the others dull orange, the outermost broadly
margined with brown on the outer web; bill horn brown; legs
slate-coloured ; iris dark brown. ‘Total length, 6-4 inches; culmen,
1:7; wing, 3°25; tail, 3-0; tarsus, 1:0.
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Birds, pl. 60.

208. CossyPHA CAFFRA. Cape Chat-Thrush.
Bessonornis phenicurus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 131 (1807).
Bessonornis caffra, id. t. c. p. 182.

This is the Cape “ Robin,” and decidedly deserves the name.
It is common in all the gardens, even in the midst of Cape Town,
flitting along the gravel paths, scraping in the flower-beds, perching
on the leafless summit of some deciduous tree, or the ridge of the
house-top, and pouring out a short, robin-like song, which, when
heard in the darkening twilight, reminds the listener of the familiar
note of the ‘‘ household bird with the red stomacher.”” It breeds in
August and September, and its nest is placed in much the same
situations, and built of the same materials, the eggs equal in number
and resemble in form, size, and shape, those of the Huropean bird,
only rather less coloured, being of a dirty white or buff ground,
more or less freckled with dull pale rufous; axis, 11” ; diam., 7”.
Its food consists of insects, worms, &c.,and when it hops from place
to place in search of it, it droops its wings and jerks its tail, just
like the Robin at home. Victorin met with it at the Knysna in
September and November, and it seems to occur all along the
Southern part of the African continent to Natal, as Mr. Rickard
records it as common both at Port Elizabeth and Hast London.
Captain Shelley writes — Very abundant in Cape Colony, espe-
cially in the pine-woods about Cape Town. In habits they are
extremely lively, running swiftly when on the ground, at intervals
spreading and erecting their fine rufous tails, and when on the

EE ——EEOOOOOEOEOEOEOEOOOeeeeeeO

COSSYPHA BOCAGII. 225

higher trees, constantly shifting their position.” We have received
specimens from Mr. Moffat at Kuruman and from Mr. Atmore from
Hopetown. We have also seen specimens of Mr. Ayres’ collecting
both in Natal and the Transvaal. Mr. Barratt has recently met
with it in the Lydenburg district.

Mr. Andersson says :—‘“‘ This species is sparingly met with on the
borders of the Orange River, whence it extends southwards to the
Cape, where it is very numerous. It is of a most inquisitive nature,
and seems to court the neighbourhood of man. It is very lively in
its movements, either hopping and gliding amongst bushes and
plants, or running along the ground with astonishing swiftness,
generally accompanying all such movements by rapid expansions
and depressions of its tail and wings. The male sings very
pleasantly ; and his notes have been likened to the following
differently intoned syllables, jan—fredric —dric — drie— fredric,
whence its colonial name of ‘ Jan frédric.’ ”

Above, cinereous brown, inclining to rufous on the back and
shoulders; rump deep rufous; wings and two centre feathers of
tail, dark-brown ; the rest deep rufous, more or less edged and
tipped with dark-brown ; a white line extends from the forehead
over the eye; space between the eye and the bill, and ears black ;
throat, breast, and chin, orange; the rest of the under parts bluish-
grey, inclining to white in the centre of the belly, and rufous on
the vent ; bill and legs black ; iris dark hazel (Ayres). Length, 7”;
wing, 3’ 9'’’; tail, 3” 3””.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 111.

209. CossyPHA BOCAGII. Bocage’s Chat-Thrush.

This species forms another of the many interesting novelties for
which we are indebted to the discoveries of Senor Anchieta, who
procured the original type at Biballa in Mossamedes, where it is
called, along with C. natalensis, “ Maxoxolo.” He says that it arrives
from the interior and it may, therefore, be looked for in the more
northern portions of South-Hastern Africa.

This bird will also be figured in the forthcoming work of Prof.
Barborza du Bocage, to whom we are indebted for the loan of the
original specimen, of which the following is a description. It has

Q

226 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

to

not a definite eyebrow, but has a white streak extending just over
the fore part of the eye; the ear-coverts are orange; the tail
orange, and the head, bluish-grey.

Adult. (Type of species.)—General colour above, light yellowish-
brown, shading off into orange on the rump and upper tail-coverts,
the latter being bright orange; crown of head slaty-grey; the
feathers in front of and over the fore part of the eye, white; lores,
blackish ; cheeks, ear-coverts and entire under surface of body,
bright orange; the centre of the abdomen, white; under wing-
coverts, pale orange; wing-coverts coloured like the back and
margined externally with orange ; quills, dark brown, the primaries
externally washed with ashy-grey, the secondaries with yellowish-
brown like the back; tail imperfect, the two feathers remaining
bright orange; bill, black; feet, brown ; iris, brown. ‘Total length,
65 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 32; tail, 2°8; tarsus, 1:0. (Mus.
Lisb.)

210. CossypPHA BARBATA. Bearded Chat-Thrush.

This fine species, which has more the appearance of an Aedon
than a Cossypha, was met with by Senor Anchieta at Caconda in
Benguela and we are indebted to our friend Professor Barboza du
Bocage for the loan of the type specimen, which will be figured in his
forthcoming work on the birds of South-Western Africa.

Like C. heuglini, the present species has a very distinct white
eyebrow, but is distinguished by its white throat, in which it
resembles (. humeralis. From the latter, however, it differs in its
white wing-spot and rufous ear-coverts, besides many other minor
particulars. The following is a detailed description of the type-
specimen.

Adult.—Above, ashy-brown; the rump and upper tail-coverts,
pale orange-rufous; forehead slightly tinged with rufous; lores
and a short eyebrow as well as a ring of feathers round
the eye, white, with a narrow margin of black running above
the white eyebrow; feathers in front of the eye, blackish; ear-
coverts, dull sandy-rufous; cheeks and throat, white, with a long
moustachial streak of dull grey, extending on each side of the
throat for its whole length; breast and sides of the body, pale
orange, inclining to buff on the centre of the chest and shading off

COSSYPHA HEUGLINI. 227

into white on the lower abdomen and under tail-coverts ; thighs,
white; under wing-coverts also white, the outermost spotted with
black ; wings, above ashy-brown, inclining to grey on the coverts,
the least series being streaked with white, the outermost broadly
edged with the same; primaries externally margined with white,
much broader near the base, which is entirely white on these quills,
so as to form a speculum ; tail, black, tipped with white, forming a
small triangular spot on the centre feathers and gradually increasing
towards the outermost, the external rectrix being white for its
apical half. Total length, 7 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 3:2; tail,
2°8; tarsus, 1:05. (Mus. Lisb.)

211. CossypHA HEUGLINI. Von Heuglin’s Chat-Thrush.

The characters which distinguish this from all the other Chat-
Thrushes of South Africa are the following, viz., a broad white eye-
brow extending along the sides of the crown to the nape, accom-
panied by an orange-coloured throat. We have seen two examples
from Angola, and, according to Prof. Barboza du Bocage, it has also
been procured by Anchieta at Caconda in Benguela.

Adult.—General colour above, grey, strongly marked with olive
brown on the back and scapulars and shading off into orange on the

‘rump and upper tail-coverts, the latter being bright orange; two
centre tail-feathers, dark brown, the rest bright orange, the
external one dark brown on the outer web; wings, dark brown, the
feathers externally marked with grey, particularly distinct on the
coverts ; crown of head, as well as the lores, feathers round the eye
and the ear-coverts, black; over the eye a broad white stripe
extending from the base of the bill to the sides of the nape; cheeks,
sides of neck, and under surface of body, deep orange, paler on the
abdomen ; round the hind-neck a faintly indicated orange collar.
Total length, 7 inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 3°45; tail, 3:0;
tarsus, 1:2.

Fig. Heugl. Orn. N. O. Afr. taf. 13.

ro |? aw ae
>

228 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

212. CossypHA HUMERALIS. White-shouldered Chat-Thrush.

Bessonornis humeralis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 132 (1867).

This is apparently the rarest of the South African Chat-Thrushes,
and is found only in the interior. Sir Andrew Smith met with it
on the banks of the Marico river, and procured it from about lat.
26° S. to the tropics. We have received it from Kuruman, but in
very limited numbers. Dr. Exton procured it at Kanye in the
Matabili country, and Mr. T. HE. Buckley shot a male near the
Makalapse river in Bamangwato on the 25th of October, 1873. He
writes :—‘ I observed a pair of these birds on a small stony hill,
and procured the male. ‘They were not at all shy; but from the
thickness of the cover it was difficult to get far enough off to shoot
them without spoiling them. They flew and hopped about the
bushes in search of food, but seemed to avoid the open ground.”
Mr. Ayres obtained a specimen in the Transvaal, and observes as
follows :—‘‘I shot this scarce bird among the thick scrub on the
Limpopo; the stomach contained insects ; it was lively and restless
in its actions.”

Adult.—Head, mantle, and scapulars grey, with a slight tinge of
olive on the back; rump and upper tail-coverts orange chestnut,
deeper on the latter; tail also orange, with a broad terminal band
of black, the outer feather also blackish on the outer web, and the
two centre feathers entirely blackish ; wing-coverts black, with a
broad longitudinal white patch formed of the inner lesser and
median coverts, and the outer web or the whole of a few of the
inner greater coverts; quills blackish, with a narrow external
border of greyish buff; over the eye a narrow white line, extending
from the base of the bill to the hinder ear-coverts; lores, cheeks,
and entire side of face and of neck black; chin and a patch on the >
sides of the upper breast also black ; sides of body, vent, and under
tail-coverts pale orange-buff; under wing-coverts white, the edge of
the wing black; bill black ; legs brownish-black; iris dark hazel.
Total length, 6°5 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 2°95; tail, 29;
tarsus, 1°15.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr, Birds, pl. 48.

Vl ee

CICHLADUSA ARCUATA, 229

213. CossYPHA SIGNATA. Brown Chat-Thrush.
Bessonornis signatus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 181.

This rare bird has never yet fallen under our notice personally,
but specimens now in the British Museum were procured by the
late Sir Andrew Smith, who, however, does not seem to have
bestowed a name on the species. It was first described by Professor
Sundevall from examples procured by Wahlberg in “ Lower Kaf-
fraria.”” This locality is not British Kaffraria as at present under-
stood, and the bird should probably be looked for in Natal.

General colour above chocolate brown, shading off into lighter
and more fulvous brown on the lower back, rump, and upper
tail-coverts; lores blackish, over the eye a distinct white eyebrow,
surmounted by a narrow black line drawn from the lores to above
the eye; round the eye a circlet of whitish feathers ; ear-coverts
brown, darker below the eye; cheeks and sides of neck greyish
with a slight indication of a darker malar stripe; under-surface of
body white, the throat circumscribed by a band across the breast
which is greyish-brown like the sides of the body; under wing-
coverts white with brown bases, giving a mottled appearance to the
edge of the wing ; upper wing-coverts greyish, the inner ones slightly
edged with olive-brown, the edge of the wings slightly and the
spurious quills broadly tipped with white ; primary-coverts blackish ;
quills blackish-brown, the primaries edged with white, the second-
aries with brown, the innermost resembling the back; primaries

“white at the base of the outer web forming a conspicuous alar

speculum ; two centre tail-feathers olive-brown, the others blackish,
broadly tipped with white, and washed with olive-brown, especially
near the base. ‘Total length, 7°3 inches; culmen, 0°85; wing, 3°25 ;
tail, 3°2; tarsus, 1°15.

214. CicHLADUSA ARCUATA. Peters’ Chat-Thrush.

Dr. Peters first discovered this interesting bird near Sena in the
Zambesi country, and examples are contained in the British Museum
collection, having been procured in the same region by Dr. Kirk,
during the Livingstone expedition. It extends far up the east
coast of Africa, having been met with by the late Captain Speke in
Unyamesi; and it is said to have a very beautiful song. The

230 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

following description is taken from a Mosambique specimen in the
British Museum :—Above fulvous brown, inclining to tawny, the
least wing-coverts coloured like the back, the rest of the coverts
chestnut edged with fulvous brown; quills chestnut, inclining to
blackish brown for the terminal third ; tail entirely chestnut ; head
chestnut brown, rather darker than the back; an eye-brow drawn
to the hinder neck light grey; cheeks and ear-coyerts light ashy-
brown; throat tawny-buff, surrounded by a narrow line of black,
which runs as a moustachial streak from the lower mandible down
the sides of the throat, and joins on the fore-neck; rest of under-
surface of body tawny-buff, much deeper on the under wing-coverts ;
upper breast greyish. Total length, 7°5 inches; culmen, 0°8; wing,
3°45; tail, 3°5; tarsus, 1°15.

Fig. Heuglin, Ibis, 1868, pl. ix. fig. 1.

215. CicHLADUSA RUFICAUDA. Red-tailed Chat-Thrush.

Originally described by M. Jules Verreaux from the Gaboon, the
present bird is included in this work on account of its occurrence in
Benguela. A single specimen is recorded by Professor Barboza du
Bocage as having been obtained by Senor Anchieta in the latter
country, where it is called by the natives “ Kitoni.” Never having
seen a specimen of this bird, we translate the following description
from Dr. Hartlaub’s “ Birds of Western Africa.”

Above pale brownish-red ; the back more ashy ; head and wings
browner; rump and tail bright red, the shafts of the tail feathers
red; primaries dusky ; under wing-coverts isabelline colour; sides
of the head and neck, eyebrow, breast, and sides of the abdomen
ashy; middle of the abdomen, chin, and throat pale buff; under
tail-coverts pale rufous; bill black; feet dusky. Total length,
7 inches; bill, 7” ; wing, 3” 3’”; tail, 24”; tarsus, 11”; middle toe,
with claw, 84’”.

216. Pryarornis pLumosus, Sharpe.* | Sooty-brown Chat-Thrush.

The British Museum contains the unique type of this curious bird,
for which no name appears to have been proposed, and it is here
designated as belonging to an undescribed genus and species. The
single example yet known was contained in a collection from the

* rivapoc, sordidus; 6prig, avis.

MYRMECGCICHLA FORMICIVORA. 231

Victoria Falls, Zambesi, and was received at the Museum through
Mr. Cutter. :

It is very difficult to know where to place this new genus. It
has the plumage of a dusky Chat, but in the form of its bill and feet
it approaches Crateropus ; from this genus, however, it differs in the
long loose plumage of the rump, and in the long upper tail-coverts
which remind us of Bradypterus ; altogether it is a peculiar form
which must be placed among the Thrushes, leading off from the
Crateropi to the Chats and Warblers.

Adult.—General colour above and below sooty-brown, a few of
the frontal plumes, the lores, and the throat edged with greyish
white; wings and tail darker than the body, and approaching to
black, the primaries with a very large spot of white on the inner
webs, and the three outer tail-feathers with a large spot of white at
the tip; bills and legs black. Total length, 10:2 inches; culmen,
0°95; wing, 4:2; tail, 5°5; tarsus, 1:25.

217. MyrmucocicHia rormictvora. Southern Ant-eating Wheatear.

Le Vaillant found this Wheatear near the Sunday and Zwartkop
rivers, not far from Algoa Bay, where we also observed it in abun-
dance during a flying visit to that locality. He says that it perches
on high trees, but in this he is certainly wrong, as far as our own
experience goes, for we have never seen them perch even on a bush,
though Mr, Andersson says that they do so. Like S. pileata they
habitually conceal themselves in rat-holes. Le Vaillant states that
he found their nests in holes or under rocks, and that the eggs were
white.

We have received many specimens from the neighbourhood of
Colesberg and Kuruman, and Mr. T. C. Atmore forwarded us a
skin of one obtained by him at Burghendorp in May 1871. Mr.
Rickard observes that it is common at Port Elizabeth, but is never
met with away from ant-hills, in which he believes they roost and
also breed. We found it to bea curiously local bird, and during
our recent visit to the eastern frontier we would drive for the best
part of a day without seeing a single specimen, and then suddenly
we would come upon a spot where there were two or three families.
Pass this spot as often as we would, there we always saw the birds !
There is one such place between Grahamstown and Table Farm,
where we knew that we could always shoot a specimen, we might

>.

232 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

almost say on one particular ant-hill. Mr. I. E. Buckley found them
common in Natal as well as in the Transvaal, sitting about on the
small ant-heaps, and resembling Sazxicola mionticola in their habits.
Mr. Ayres writes :—I first met with this Chat near the Tugela
river in the upper district of Natal, and found that it gradually
became more plentiful over the Drakenberg, in the Free State and
Transvaal Republic. These birds often rise a short distance in the
air with a fluttering flight, but are mostly seen perched on the ant-
heaps which abound in this country. They feed on insects.” Mr.
Andersson has the following note :—‘I have met with this species,
though only sparingly, in Damara Land, and in the parts adjacent
to the north and east, but I do not recollect having seen it in Great
Namaqua Land. It always occurs in pairs in open localities inter-
spersed with bush, on which, or on ant-hills, it usually perches. It
seeks its food on the ground, watching for insects from its elevated
perch, and when these are observed, descending at once upon them
and quickly returning to its post of observation. Its flight is
straight, and it moves its short wings with extraordinary rapidity ;
but it does not go far at a time, and I never found any difficulty in
approaching it.”

Generally of a sombre-brown colour, paler on the belly and under
the tail; the throat clouded with reddish, the same colour bordering
the feathers of the front of the neck and chest; a prominent white
patch adorns the shoulders of the male; the wing-feathers have also
white webs. The female wants the white shoulders, and is of a
deeper brown. Length, 7” 6’”; wing, 4”; tail, 3’.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 186.

218. THAMNOBIA CINNAMOMEIVENTRIS. :
Southern White-shouldered Bush-Chat.

Saxicola rufiventer, and S. albiscapulata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 106.

Dr. Burchell met with this species during his travels in South
Africa. We have only seen it from the eastern districts, and our
first specimens were forwarded from “ Highlands,” near Grahams-
town, by Mrs. Barber, at whose residence we saw it in some abun-
dance in March and April. It is a lively bird, ever on the move,
and feeds on insects of various kinds, which it catches in the bush.
We have also received a large series of specimens from Mr. T. C,
Atmore, all procured in the neighbourhood of Eland’s Post. Dr.

SAXICOLA INFUSCATA. 233

Exton also met with it at Kanye in the Matabili county, and
describes the stomach as being filled with black ants and various
species of Heteroptera (Cimew, §c.). In Natal it is rare, according to
Mr. Ayres, who gives the following anecdote in a letter to Mr.
Gurney :—“ Passing a Dutch farmer’s one day, I saw this Chat
hopping about upon a large stack of faggots some 200 yards from
the house. Being a scarce bird, I shot it at once, when one of the
farmer’s sons came running to me, exclaiming in tones of anguish,
‘What have you done? You have shot the Mock-bird’ He
went on to tell me that it was a great favourite of theirs; that it
came into the house every day to be fed, and was particularly fond
of admiring itself in the parlour looking-glass; and that the bird
had been with them for years. I expressed my sorrow for having
been so unfortunate as to cause them such grief for the loss of their
favourite, and offered to preserve the skin and send it to them ; but
the young Dutchman said, ‘Of what use is the skin? The bird is
dead: keep it.’ The specimen sent is the skin of this curious bird.”

Male.—General plumage throughout glossy black; rump, belly,
and vent deep rufous; shoulders white. Length, 81 inches ;
wing, 44; tail, 4-7. The female wants the white patch on the
shoulder, and is much greyer and duller in colour,

Fig. afr. Mag. de Zool. 1836, pl. 56.

219. SaxiconA INFUSCATA. Great Fuscous Wheatear.

Sir Andrew Smith considered this to be the rarest of the Chats
met with by him in South Africa, and he says that it appeared to be
“ principally, if not entirely, restricted to the districts between the
Oliphant and Orange rivers,” seldom occurring far from the sea-
coast. We know now, however, that it is rather a widely spread
species in South Africa, but is everywhere a very wary bird. We
found it abundantly at the Berg river, and have received specimens
along with the nests and eggs from Mr. Jackson at Nel’s Poort. Mr.
Atmore met with it sparsely at Traka, and it was also obtained by
his son, Mr. T. C. Atmore, at Hopetown; we have also received it
from Kuruman. Mr. Ayres writes:—“ I saw two specimens near
the Vaal river, one of which I killed; its stomach contained a single
locust, which it had swallowed nearly whole; it had all the appear-
ance of a Flycatcher, as it sat upon the upper twigs of a low bush,

234 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and somewhat of the Flycatcher’s wavering flight when it left the
bush and settled on the ground close by, apparently in search of
some insect.”
According to the late Mr. Andersson’s notes this species is
“ found abundantly in Great Namaqua Land, and also occurs ina
few localities in Southern Damara Land; it is found singly or in
pairs in open localities interspersed with low bush. It is extremely
wary and difficult to approach; perched on the top of a conspicuous
bush it quickly espies the hunter, and immediately takes its
departure ; it does not fly far at a time, but always takes care to be
beyond the range of the gun. It feeds on insects, which it catches
on the wing or on the ground, but it never stays on the ground to
search for them there.” Mr. Monteiro shot 4 specimen in Benguela.
It places its well-made cup-shaped nest in the bottom of a dense
bush; the eggs, three to five in number, well-marked and hand-
some, are light verditer blue in colour, much speckled with rather
large reddish-brown spots and blotches, sometimes forming a ring
at the obtuse end. Axis, 11’’’; diam. 8’”. '
General colour, rusty brown; chin and throat of a dirty white;
under parts grey, more or less tinted with yellowish-brown; wing
and tail-feathers with a dash of umber-brown about them ; the latter
and the wing-coverts are more or less edged with dirty-white; tail
square; iris black. Length, 7” 6”’; wing, 4” 9” ; tail, 3’’ 6'’’.
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 28.

a. Back in the males neither black nor cinereous.

220. SaxIcoLA GALTONI. Familiar Chat.
Sazicola sperata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 107.
In the arrangement of the Chats in the present work, recourse
has been had to a monographic essay by Messrs. Blanford and
Dresser, published in the ‘ Proceedings ” of the Zoological Society
for 1874. The present species belongs to the section of the genus
Sazicola which have the interscapulary region similarly colowred to
the wing-coverts, according to the classification of the above-
named gentlemen. It is the bird usually known to naturalists as
Saaicola familiaris or S. sperata, but for the reasons stated by the

authors of the above-named paper, neither of these titles can be
employed.

ie

SAXICOLA GALTONI. 235

The present species may be distinguished from the other
members of the genus by its rufous upper tail-coverts and tail-
feathers, which are conspicuous even in flight. We have found it
during the summer months about stones in rocky places. It is
abundant round the “ Lion’s Head,” at an elevation of about 1500
feet, nesting in crevices, and the young bird is speckled exactly
like a young robin. They have a habit of perching on the summit
of stones and rocks, opening and shutting their wings and tails. In
flight they resemble the Wheatear, and flit from stone to stone.
A pair or two frequent every farm-house in the colony, and are
accused of picking the grease out of the cart-wheels ; hence their
colonial name of “ Speckvreter.” They nest in old walls and banks,
and under stones, laying a foundation of small stones and gravel,
and lining with hair. The eggs, four in number, are undistinguish-
able from those of the next species. Mr. Atmore writes that at the
Oliphants river one made its nest in a hair broom standing in a bed-
room, and brought off her brood !

We presume that this is the species recorded by Grill as 8S.
sperata, procured by Victorin at the Knysna in April. We have
received it from Hland’s Post from Mr. T. C. Atmore, and at Port
Elizabeth Mr. Rickards says it is called the “‘ Day-breaker,”’ and is
very common, frequenting roofs of houses in the town. Mr. T. E.
Buckley procured a specimen in Natal on the 5th of June, 1873,
and says that he observed it in the Matabili country, hopping about
a cattle-kraal like a Robin. Mr. Andersson writes:—‘“ This is
the most common Sawicola with which I am acquainted both in
Damara and Namaqua Land, from whence it ranges southward
along the west coast as far as Table Mountain. It is very familiar
in its manners, and will fearlessly approach human habitations,
which it not unfrequently enters by the doors and windows. It
invariably perches on low bushes, whence it watches for passing
insects, which it usually seizes on the wing, though it occasionally
descends to the ground for a similar purpose. Like all the birds of
this family it is very restless, now flapping its wings, then raising
and expanding the tail or alternately raising and depressing its
whole body. It makes its nest on the ground, laying three or four
eggs, which are either greenish-grey spotted with brown, or nearly
white spotted with brown and grey. The iris is very dark brown,
and the bill, legs, and feet are ‘black.” Senor Anchieta has also
procured this species in Benguela.

236 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

221. SaxicoLa sINuATA. Sickle-winged Chat. *

Like the preceding species this Chat belongs to the plain-coloured
group, but is distinguished from S. galtoni by the peculiar sickle-
shaped emargination of the first long primary, and by the pale
ashy brown colouring of the lower parts. The “ Klappertje,” as it
is called by the Dutch colonists, is not uncommon at Nel’s Poort
and to the eastward, having been received from Colesberg and
Kuruman. We found it at the first-named place, breeding in
November, in holes of buildings, and occupying the place of
S. galtoni. It makes a nest of hair, roots, and feathers, and lays
three to five eggs, of a light blue, speckled with rufous. These
speckles generally assume the shape of a ring at the obtuse end.
Axis, 10’’’; diam. 7”.

In October 1868 we observed it for the first time abundantly
at Groenfontein, near Cape Town, and we subsequently found it in
February 1869 at Cape Point, at the extreme end of the promontory;
it seems now permanently stationed in the western end of the
colony. Mr. Rickard says that it is common at Port Elizabeth, but
that its habits are very different from those of the preceding bird,
being much more lively in its manners, and never being seen on
houses. Mr. Ayres shot a specimen of this Chat on the open plains,
some thirty miles from Potchefstroom. He writes:—“‘It was on
stony ground; and I put it up twice or thrice, when it invariably
settled on some small stone. The stomach contained insects.”

222. Saxicona LayarDI, Sharpe. Layard’s Chat.

Only a single specimen of this apparently well characterised
species has fallen under our notice. It is now in the British
Museum, having been formerly in the editor’s collection, and is the
individual mentioned by Messrs. Blanford and Dresser as being
probably new to science in their paper on the genus Sawicola.
Haying carefully compared it with a large series of South African
Chats, we have no hesitation as to its distinctness, and before very
long we shall doubtless hear of additional specimens being found by
some of our friends in South Africa.

The species is very similar to S. sinwata, but has not the emargi-
nation in the primary which distinguishes that bird; the rump is

-

|

Q

SAXICOLA ALBICANS. 237

rufescent, the upper tail-coverts white, as also is the base of the
tail. These characters bring the species in close relationship to
S. albicans, but the general colour of the bird is different, being
brown above, underneath isabelline brown, whiter on the throat and
abdomen ; it is, however, to be distinguished at once by its rufous-
brown ear-coyerts, these being white in S. albicans. Total length,
5°6 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°45; tail, 2°25; tarsus, 1°15.

The typical specimen was sent by Mr. Layard some years ago
labelled “ South Africa,” but the exact locality was not recorded.

223. SAXICOLA SCHLEGELI. Schlegel’s Chat.

This species belongs to the section of the genus Sawicola, in

which the species are of a pale isabelline colour, and have the inter-
sc wpulary region uniform with the wing-coverts. The distinguishing
characters of Schlegel’s Chat are the white under surface, and the
emargination of the first long primary, which has a distinct inden-
tation near the tip. The centre tail-feathers are black, white on
the outer webs but not at the tip, the black going right down to the
base of the feathers; the upper tail-coverts are white. Total length,
6 inches ; culmen, 0°65; wing, 3°75; tail, 2°75; tarsus, 1°25.
- Itisan inhabitant of South-western Africa, and Mr. Andersson
writes as follows :—‘ This species is very common in Great Namaqua
and Damara Land, and frequents alike broken ground, low bush,
and old abandoned ‘ werfts”; it seems to prefer low bushes for
perching on, whence it descends to the ground in search of insects,
and runs with great swiftness in pursuit of its prey. It is tolerably
easy of approach. Specimens are frequent in Damara Land of a
smaller size, and paler colour than the ordinary type, which, how-
ever, they exactly resemble in habits and manners.”

Fig. Blanford and Dresser, P. Z. 8. 1874, pl. xxxix. fig. 2.

224. SAXICOLA ALBICANS. Strickland’s Chat.

Very similar to S. schlegeli, but distinguished at once by the base
of the tail-feathers being white; the first long primary also is not
emarginate at the tip; upper tail-coverts white like the base of the
tail. Total length, 6 inches; wing, 3°6; tail, 2°3; tarsus, 1:25.

Like its near ally it is only known at present from South-Western

238 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Africa, and Mr. Andersson’s observations on the species are here-
with transcribed :—“I have only met with this bird in Damara
Land, and that at no very great distance from the sea-coast; it is
not uncommon on the extensive plains bordering on Walvisch
Bay, and seems to be chiefly confined to such localities. It is of a
very friendly, fearless disposition, almost rivalling Saaicola galtoni
in its familiarity with man; it will approach a person to within a
very short distance, and it is no uncommon thing to see it hopping
about amongst the cooking utensils that may chance to be scattered
.about a temporary encampment. It spends nearly all its time on
the ground, along which it runs with great swiftness ; but now and
then it may be seen perched on a stone raised a few feet above the
level of the plain. Its flight is a kind of alternate dip and rise, and
never extends far at a time. The food of this species consists of
small insects; its eggs are laid on the ground in a small excavation
sheltered by a stone or bush.

Fig. (tail only), Blandford and Dresser, P. Z. 8S. 1874, p. 236, fig. 1.

225. SAXICOLA PILEATA. Capped Wheatear.

The “ Schaapwachter” (lit. The Shepherd), as it is called by the
colonists, is one of the most favoured and favourite birds of the
colony, over the whole of which it extends. He is protected and
petted on account of his own natural sweet notes, and for his great
powers of imitation. Perched on a white ant’s nest, he pours out a
flood of song, chaunting long into the darkening twilight, when
other songsters are gone to rest; and the morning light scarcely
suffices to enable you to see the musician, ere he again commences
his mellow notes or imitations. He is a favourite with the farmer
and the shepherd—the master and the man: the good-wife also
casts a kindly eye on him, as he flirts his tail and wings on the mud
wall of her little garden, and thumps her “young hopeful” who,
unable to resist the tempting shot, is about to “‘shy a stone at him.”

It breeds in the rat-holes, close to the houses, or out in the
fields, in the month of September, and lays four white eggs tinged
with a faint greenish colour, very large for the size of the bird.
Axis 12’; diam. 9’’.. If wounded it retreats into the first hole it
comes to. It runs along the ground with great rapidity, and
seldom alights on bushes—scarcely ever on trees. If frightened

SAXICOLA PILEATA. 239

from one stone, it flits to another, and in alighting opens his tail,
so as to show the white patch on his rump. It is usually perched
on an ant-hill, in most cases sees you before you see it, and acts
accordingly !

Mr. T. E. Buckley shot this species near Newcastle, in Natal,
where, he says, he found a good number of these birds one day, but
those he procured were all males. It has not yet been recorded
from the Transvaal by Mr. Ayres, but Dr. Kirk says that it was
common among the rocks of the Murchison Rapids, but was not
observed in other situations. Mr. Andersson says :—“ I have found
this species common from Table Mountain in the south to the
Okavango in the north, in the neighbourhood of which river it may
be seen at all times of the year, though in Damara Land proper it
only appears during the wet season, and again gradually retreats
to more favoured regions as the dry season returns. In the Cape
Colony it is one of the best known birds, and from its familiar
habits and its being seen near cattle and sheep, the Dutch boors
have given it the name of “‘ Schaap Wachter,” or Shepherd ; it has
also the more local name of “ Nagtgaal” and “ Rossignol,” from a
habit it is said to have of singing by night. It is a very tame bird,
of a most inquisitive nature, and seems to seek the society of man.
The male has a very pleasant and varied song during the breeding
season, and is especially remarkable for its strange power of
imitating sounds, such as the notes of other birds, the barking of a
dog, the bleating of a goat, &c.”

Anchieta has likewise procured the species at Humbe on tho
- Cunene river, where it is called “ Utena” by the natives, and also at
Dombe in Benguela, where the native name is “ Kissanbondongi.”

According to the arrangement of Messrs. Blanford and Dresser
this Chat belongs to the same section of Sawicola as the foregoing
species, having the wing-coverts and interscapulary region of the
same colour, but it may be distinguished by its white throat and
black crown and breast.

General colour above, rufous-brown ; feathers of the wings dark-
brown, edged with the colour of the back; forehead white, this
colour extending in a line over the eye; top of the head black; a
_ stripe of the same colour extends from the corner of the bill down
the sides of the neck, and forms a broad collar across the breast ;
chin, throat, and belly white, the latter tinted with rufous, which

=

~

~~

240 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

becomes stronger on the flanks and vent; centre tail-feathers all
dark-brown, the basal half of the rest white. Length, 6” 9’”; tail,
Oo Le

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 181.

926. SaxIcoLA BIFASCIATA. Buff-streaked Chat.

The range of this bird is rather restricted, and it appears to be
peculiar to South Africa. Mr. Ortlepp has procured it at Colesberg,
and Captain Bulger at Windvogelberg, while our friend Mrs. Barber,
as noted below, says that they are plentiful in high situations all
over the eastern province. Mr. T. C. Atmore forwarded us a nice
series of specimens from the neighbourhood of Eland’s Post and
Queenstown, and we ourselves shot some near Grahamstown. Mr.
Buckley writes :—‘ I saw several of these birds near the foot of the
Drakenberg, where they were breeding. Their habits and haunts
are like those of our Stonechat, as far as I had the opportunity of
observing them.” Mr. Ayres states that he obtained this species
near the Upper Mooi river in Natal, but found them more plentiful
on the Drakenberg in the Transvaal Republic, frequenting rocky
hills and feeding on insects. Mr, F. A. Barratt observes :—“I pro-
cured a male ona journey from Potchefstroom to Lydenburg ; it
was flitting about the stones on a hill-side near Wittewater Rand.
I have since seen it between Potchefstroom and the Orange Free
State, always on elevations, and never on the plains.”

In a letter dated “‘ June 22nd, 1865,’ Mrs. Barber sends us the
following account of the habits of this fine Chat :—“ These birds are
dwellers amongst rocks, and frequent rocky mountains and hills,
old stone-kraals, &e. They build their nest under shelving rocks,
near or upon the ground, and sheltered by spreading ferns or long
grass; and their eggs are usually three in number. The male is
fond of placing himself on some high projecting rock, and of making
himself conspicuous by chirping away in a cheerful voice, either to
annoy a rival or amuse his mate: he is also fond of opening and
shutting his wings, ‘bowing and scraping,’ &c., and I haye no
doubt ‘thinks no end of himself.’ The female is a very quiet,
retiring little body. These birds (the males) possess the power of
mocking other birds and animals. When we were living in the
district of Graaf-Reinet, I had a beautiful spotted Merecat, a tame

SAXICOLA BIFASCIATA, 241

one: it was very fond of me, and was my companion in all my

walks. These little animals have a peculiar bark, and produce a

great variety of sounds with their pretty little voices: and these
mocking-birds, would imitate all the sounds that my pet made very
accurately. I have also heard them mocking robins and sugar-birds,
but they seldom use this power. We will get you some more specimens.
I was surprised to hear that they were new—very much so, for they
are common all over the Eastern Province, excepting near the coast.
They prefer high situations. There are always five or six of them
here: they sit upon the garden wall and upon the top of our house.
A few days ago there was one sitting upon the gable-end of our
stable, making a terrible row : a quiet old rock-thrush that belongs to
the place, feeling disgusted with his noise, went up to him, and
gave him a smart peck, which sent him flymg!! We never shoot
birds that take up their abode with us, so we see all their odd ways.”

A nest sent by Mrs. Barber, taken from a hole in a Kraal, is a
loose untidy structure of fine rootlets and hair. The eggs (four) are
pale creamy-white rather profusely speckled, especially at the
extreme obtuse end, with small elongated reddish-brown specks.
Asis Ll?"s* Diam, 8'!*.

Male.—Top of head dark —, mottled with black ; back and
neck reddish-brown, mottled with black; rump clear yellowish-
brown: the same colour prevails over the whole of the lower parts,
except the throat, and a little way on the chest, where is a rich
black patch extending to the head, and including the eye and ear;
a yellowish-brown stripe passes from the nape of the neck on the
one side, over the eyes and nostrils, to the nape of the neck on
the other side ; tail and secondary wing-feathers black ; quill-feathers
brown. Length, 7”; wing, 3” 6”; tail, 2” 6”. Irides black.

Female—Wants the black markings, and is altogether less
brilliant, the yellows being rufous, and the tail and wings dull-
brown.

The species may be told by its black wings and by having the
feathers on the interscapulary region intermixed black and rufescent

_ (Cf. Blanf. and Dresser, /. c. p. 217).

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 472.

242 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

B. Back in the males cinerous. -
227. SAXICOLA CINEREA. White-rumped Grey Wheat-ear,

The next section of Chats, according to the arrangement of the
above-named authors, contains four species inhabiting South Africa.
The first three have the rump white, and of these Sawicola cinerea
and 8. polluz have the second primary emarginate at the tip. Besides
this character, Messrs. Blanford and Dresser give the following as
distinguishing the present bird :—“ No black mark through the eye :
throat and breast, pale cinereous ; rump and outer edges of all the
tail-feathers except the central pair, white.”

Le Vaillant found this Wheat-ear in the province of Outeniqua,
perching on bushes, always on the move from one to another, and

very wary. In flying they expanded the tail, exposing the white ~

mark ; they also had the habit of opening and closing the wing, so
peculiar to the Wheat-ears. A male is in the British Museum from
Great Namaqua Land.

They build at the foot of bushes on the ground. The female lays
four bluish-green eggs, minutely speckled with brown, the specks
sometimes forming a ring at the obtuse end: axis, 11”; diam. 8”.
We found them abundantly at Nel’s Poort, nesting in November.
Mr. Atmore writes of them as follows :—‘‘ Blanco, Sept. 10th,
1864, The Rock-Chat (S. cinerea) is abundant in the Karroo;—and,
by the way, how well this class of birds obeys the geology of the
country: wherever there is karroo soil you find them. The same
also with the ‘ Kalkoentje’ (Macronyx capensis), which is found in
every patch of grass country, but never in karroo soil; for instance,
they are plentiful here, and proceeding northwards they do not occur
in the fifty miles of karroo you pass over on the way to Cango; but
in that narrow valley they are again plentiful.”

We transcribe the following description from the essay of Messrs.
Blanford and Dresser :—

Adult.—Upper parts to the rump brownish-cinereous; wings
brown, the coverts and secondaries with pale edges; lower rump
and upper tail-coverts white ; tail-feathers dark brown, the outer
webs of all except the central pair, white, the quantity increasing on
the outermost feathers; lower parts pale isabelline grey; chin
whitish ; abdomen and under tail-coverts white; ear-coverts pale
hair-brown. Culmen, 0°8; wing, 3°85; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 1°15.

Fig. Le Vaili. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 184, fig. 1.

SAXICOLA DILUTA. 243

228. SaxicoLA DILUTA. Pale-coloured Grey Wheat-ear.

Messrs. Blanford and Dresser were apparently justified in con-
sidering this to be a distinct bird; at all events it is difficult to
assign it as the young of any of the South-African Chats. So much,
however, remains to be discovered concerning the plumages of these
variable birds that the number of species of these grey-backed species
may yet be diminished on careful observation. The describers give
the following diagnosis: “ upper parts to the rump pale cinereous ;
rump and basal portion of all the tail-feathers, except the central
pair, white ; shoulders white or whitish.’ Unlike S. cinerea, the
second primary is not emarginate.

This Wheat-ear is, as yet, only known from Damara Land, and the
typical specimens are from Hykomkap and Oosop on the Swakop
River. Some mistake has occurred in the paper of Messrs. Blanford
and Dresser, where they state that they have “seen three specimens
marked as males in Mr. Sharpe’s collection and two in the British
Museum,” as there are only four specimens altogether in the
collections named and the only two which have the sexes marked
are determined by Mr. Andersson as females. We may add that by
the latter gentleman the species was considered to be the young of
Saxicola alpina” (his name for S. lewcomelena). They may yet
turn out to be the immature birds of S. anderssonz, but we believe
the young of S. leucomelceena to be wholly brown.

The following is the original description of the above-named
authors.

Adult.—Upper parts to the rump, pale cinereous; shoulders,
rump, and upper tail-coverts, white; central pair of rectrices
blackish-brown ; outer rectrices white with black tips, the black
usually running some distance up the external pair; sides of the
head and underparts very pale cinereous, becoming whitish on the
abdomen; under tail-coverts white and black mixed. In some
specimens the head and nape are paler grey than the back, and the
interscapulary feathers have dark shafts ; there are also dark shafts

on some of the lesser wing-coverts near the carpus. Total length,

about 5°5 inches: culmen, 0°8; wing, 4°1; tail, 2°55; tarsus, 1:22.
Fig. Blanf. and Dresser, P. Z. 8. 1874, pl. xxxix. fig. 1.

R2

<

244 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

229. SaxIcoLa CASTOR. Hartlaub’s Grey Wheat-ear,

In this species the second primary is not emarginate, and it
belongs to the same group as the two foregoing, as it has the rump
white, but it is entirely cinereous underneath, in which respect it
rather resembles S. pollua.

It was procured at-Colesberg by Mr. Ortlepp. Messrs. Blanford
and Dresser also give Eland’s Post as a locality, but on examining
Mr. T. C. Atmore’s specimen in the British Museum we believe it
to be referable to some other species, and the authors mentioned
also appear to have changed their mind, as the name has been
erased, and our original determination of its being S. monticola is
restored: it is therefore doubtless by an accident that the locality
has remained standing in their paper. They describe the species as
follows :—

Adult male——Upper parts dark ashy grey ; rump and upper tail-
coverts white; wing and four central rectrices dusky black ; outer
rectrices white at the base with a black tip, which is much broader
in the fourth from the outside than in the others; underparts very
little paler than the back, fading a little on the abdomen; axillaries
and under wing-coverts of the same colour as the breast. Culmen,
0:9; wing, 4°3; tail, 3°05; tarsus, 1:3.

Fig. Blanf. and Dresser, P. Z. 8. 1874, pl. xxxviii. fig. 2.

230. SAxIcoLA POLLUX. Sickle-winged Grey Wheat-ear.

A very striking species, easily distinguishable by its emarginated
second primary, as in S. sinwata, and by its uniform upper surface,
the absence of the white rump being a remarkable characteristic.
It was first procured by Mr. W. Atmore at Traka, and afterwards at
Colesberg by Mr. Ortlepp. Messrs. Blanford and Dresser record
specimens from Beaufort.

General colour brownish-grey; chin, flanks, belly, and sides of
rump whitish ; vent white; primary quills brown, secondaries the
same edged with whitish ; tail-feathers nearly black, the outer webs
of all, except the four centre feathers, more or less white; eyelids
white ; bill and legs black. The female resembles the male.
Length, 7” 8’’; wing, 4’’; tail, 2’” 9’”’,

Fig. Blanf. and Dressery P. Z. S. 1874, pl. xxxviii. fig. 1.

SAXICOLA ARNOTTI. 245

y: Back in the males black ; wing-coverts white.*

N.B.—It is with regard to the species comprised in this section
of the genus that we find ourselves at issue with the authors of the
valuable paper to which we have been so much indebted in the
course of the preceding pages, but in stating our views it must be
admitted that the changes of plumage are so little understood that
it is quite possible that our conclusions will require future modifi-
cation. We propose, however, the followimg arrangement :—

ee

a. with the tail entirely black
shelleyt

(3. with white in the tail.

a’. belly white monticola.
leucomeleena.
B’. belly black . é : - _ anderssont.
231. SaxrcoLA ARNOTTI. Arnott’s Wheat-ear.

This large and beautiful new species of Chat was sent to us from
the new country called Albania, by our friend, Mr. D. Arnott, in
whose honour the species has been named by Canon Tristram.
Professor Barboza du Bocage has also identified as belonging to
this species a Chat procured by Anchieta at Caconda in Benguela,
and this identification is probably correct, as the British Museum
has a specimen collected in Benguela by Mr. Monteiro. Nothing is
known as yet of its habits.

General colour throughout black ; wing-coverts white, as is also a
stripe extending from the nostrils over each eye to the side of the
head, and a few confused spots on the hinder part of the crown.
Total length, 7:2 inches; wing, 3:9; tail, 3. We do not consider
the typical specimen of 8. arnotti to be in full plumage as regards

its head; the male when adult has probably a pure white crown.

Mr. Monteiro’s bird has the crown entirely black, with a white line

in front of the eye.
Fig. Tristram, Ibis, 1869, pl. vi.

_ * Several ornithologists having described these Chats as haying white
shoulders, it should be pointed out that the shoulder-patch is formed by the
white wing-coverts; the scapulars, which are the true shoulders, are black, only

a few of them externally white.

246 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

282. SaxIcoLA sHELLEYI, Sharpe. Shelley’s Wheat-ear.

This species, which we consider to be new to science, was con-
tained in the same collection as Pinarornis plumosus, viz. from the
Victoria Falls. It has a totally black tail like Sawicola arnotti, but
it differs in having the primary-coverts white, with only a narrow
black tip, as well as the wing-coverts. We have already stated our
belief that S. arnotti has in its full plumage a white cap, and our
opinion is justified by the presence of a pure white crown in the
present species, its near ally.

The following is a brief description of 9. shelleyi :—Entirely black
including the wings and tail; crown of head pure white; outer
scapulars white at base; all the wing-coverts white, the primary
and greater coverts with a narrow apical bar of black. Total
length, 7°3 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 4°15; tail, 3°15; tarsus,
1:15. The bird described is probably the male, as accompanying it
was another skin, rather browner in colour, and haying the cheeks,
throat, fore-neck, and sides of neck white, here and there varied
with brown tips to the feathers. This may possibly be the female,
but in the absence of any correct dissection it is impossible to tell.

This bird is named after our friend Mr. Edward Shelley, of
Avington, one of the earliest of modern explorers in the Zambesi,
and an old comrade of Livingstone’s.

233. SAXICOLA MONTICOLA. Mountain Wheat-ear.

Le Vaillant found this bird inhabiting the mountains of Namaqua
Land, and never descending into the plains, except compelled by
great drought. He describes them as very shy and difficult of
approach, hiding themselves in holes or inaccessible precipices.
We have received a few specimens from Kuruman, and from Mr.
Atmore, who procured them about Traka; and we also found it
ourselves at Nel’s Poort. Le Vaillant’s account of their habits is
substantially correct. We only found them among the rocky
mountain sides, breeding in the holes and crevices. Mr. H. Jackson
writes to us:—‘‘Among the eggs I now send are fourteen of
S. monticola, all from the same pair of birds, our old friends of last
year. This makes thirty-four of this sort, all or nearly all from one

SAXICOLA LEUCOMELENA, 247

pair of birds: They build in my kraal walls, and no sooner are their
eges taken than they set to work to make a new nest in a fresh
place, finish it, and lay their eggs in a very short time.’ Eggs of
this species are light bluish green, rather closely speckled with red-
brown, chiefly at the obtuse end. Axis, 12”; diam. 8”. Mr.
Ayres observes :—“ This bird I shot in the Free State of Transvaal,
but I also saw one on the banks of a small stream near the Tugela
in Natal. It appears to be solitary in its habits, frequenting the
steep banks of rivers, and is very shy and scarce. The stomach of
the one I obtained was well filled with insects.” Later he writes :—
“These Chats are to be found in many localities in the open
country of the Transvaal, frequenting rocky situations. Their nests
are generally placed in crevices within a few feet of the ground;
but at some of the farmhouses they may be seen having taken
possession of an unfinished Swallow’s nest under the eaves, where,
if not interfered with, they become exceedingly tame. Though
sombre in colour, they immediately attract the sight by frequently
spreading the tail, and showing its snow-white feathers. They are
also frequently to be found amongst the ant-hills which are so.
abundant in the Transvaal.” Mr. T. EH. Buckley found them very
common in the *‘ High Veldt” portion of the Transvaal.

As we have been unable to distinguish the sequence of plumages
in this species, we copy the full description of the male given by
Messrs. Blanford and Dresser :—“ Adult male. Shoulders, rump,
abdomen, lower breast, upper tail-coverts, and the basal portion of
all rectrices, except the central pair, white; a narrow streak from
the base of the bill to above the eye grey, or mixed white and
black; remainder of plumage black; quills and greater coverts
brownish black, and the thigh-coverts the same, and some black is
mixed with the white of the under tail-coverts. On the pair of
rectrices next to the central pair the white extends about half-way
from the bases ; on the other rectrices only the tip is black, but this
colour extends on the outermost pair some distance up the outer
web. Culmen, 0°9; wing, 4°25; tail, 2°85; tarsus, 1:25.

Fig. We Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 184, fig. 2.

234. SAXICOLA LEUCOMELENA. Barchell’s Wheat-ear.

Mr. Andersson writes concerning this species: — “This fin

248 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Sawicola is abundantly met with throughout Great Namaqua Land,
and also in the south of Damara Land, especially in the valley of
Swakop: it is partial to localities which abound in rocks, and is
fcund throughout the year in the dreariest and most arid spots, but
never at any great distance from the hills, to which it immediately
resorts on the least approach of danger. Like the rest of its family,
this Wheat-ear is constantly moving about, now fluttering its wings,
then rapidly elevating and depressing its tail, and next all at once
vibrating in every part of its body with frolic and excitement ; it
perches on a dry branch, a bush, a stone, or any other spot from
which it can obtain a clear view of surrounding objects. It usually
seeks its food upon the ground, but will also seize insects on the
wing as they happen to pass within its ken and reach; if not dis- °
turbed it will return times without number, after such excursions,
to the same perch.” It also occurs in Benguela, where Senor
Anchieta has met with it at Dombe; the same gentleman has also
shot it on the Rio Coroca in Mossamedes. It likewise inhabits
Natal, as Mr. T. E. Buckley shot a male specimen on the 22nd of
May, 1873, during his journey through that province to the Matabili
country.

When adult, this Chat is a very recognisable species, having a
pure white head and white belly, but the changes of plumage and
the different garbs of the young and female birds are unknown.
From a study of the large series in the British Museum we believe
that the young bird is brown; in this stage it is Saxicola atmorii of
Tristram. It moults from this plumage into the full dress, but
at first with a greyish head; in this stage it is Sawicola griseiceps
of Blanford and Dresser. Our impression is that Saxicola diluta of
the same authors is the adult female of this bird, but we are unable
to say so for certain. Professor Barboza du Bocage has very kindly
sent us for examination the types of his Dromolea albipileata,
which is the same species as S. lewcomelena, but both white-headed
birds are sexed by Anchieta as females, while the males have black
heads with a white eye-streak. Two of these latter are also for-
warded, and in this plumage they would be S. equatorialis of
Hartlaub, a species referred by Messrs. Blanford and Dresser to
S. monticola. ven if the birds sent by Anchieta are really pairs,
the sexes must probably be reversed, as the testimony of other
observers is overwhelmingly in fayour of the white-headed birds

SAXICOLA ANDERSSONI. 249

being the males. Bearing in mind the difference in plumage
exhibited by S. shelleyi, it is possible that S. wquatorialis is the
female of S. lewcomelena, but this seems to us unlikely, though
Anchieta’s specimens were killed at the same place in the same
month of the year; a larger series of birds is, however, requisite
before we can finally decide on these questions.

The following is a full description of an adult male of Burchell’s
Wheat-ear. -
* Adult male—Head and nape white, the latter very slightly
washed with ashy; back and scapulars blue-black, the latter varied
with white, some having the outer web only white, while others are
edged with white on the inner and outer webs; feathers of the
lower back black, white at the tips, where they adjoin the rump,
which is pure white; upper tail-coverts also pure white, the centre
ones however largely varied with black; lesser and median wing-
coverts white, forming a large shoulder-patch; rest of the wing
black; two centre tail-feathers black, the next two black with a
white base to the inner webs; all the rest of the feathers white
with irregular markings of black near the tips, not the same in
shape in any two feathers, sometimes being a spot, sometimes an
irregular marginal band; a narrow black line drawn from the base
of the nostrils enclosing the eye, lores, sides of face, ear-coverts,
and sides of neck, throat and breast, blue-black, as also the flanks
and under wing-coyerts; whole of the lower breast, abdomen, and
under tail-coverts pure white; thighs black, the feathers narrowly
tipped with greyish-white; bill and legs black;. iris dark hazel.
Total length, 6-4 inches; culmen, 0°8; wing, 4°53; tail, 3:1;
tarsus, 1:2.

Fig. Blanford and Dresser, P. Z. 8. 1874, pl. xxxvii.

235. SaxicoLa ANDERSSONI, Sharpe. Andersson’s Wheat-ear.

This bird may be described as very similar to S. lewcomelena,
but distinguished by the entire under surface being black. Total
length, 7°6 inches; culmen, 0°85; wing, 4°6; tail, 3°3; tarsus, 1:3.
The specimens before us are five in number, one from Colesberg,

apparently young, with a dusky grey head, and two from Damara
Land, one (a male) haying been killed at “The Reeds,’ Swakop

250 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

river on the 8th of December, 1860, and the other, also a male, at
Koy’s Fountain, Great Namaqua Land, on the 18th of June, 1862.
The latter is in winter plumage, and answers to the “ S. griseiceps”
stage of S. leucomelena. The British Museum also possesses a pair ”
of wholly grey birds (males) killed at Koy’s Fountain on the 18th
and 21st of June, 1862, and marked by Mr. Andersson as the young
of the same species. Lastly, there is in the same collection a speci-
men with the plumage glossy black, and only a narrow white line
on the head, from the beak to the fore-part of the eye instead of the
white head. It bears a label, “ Male. Aamhoup, June 28, 1861,”
and like all his other Chats, is referred by Mr. Andersson to
“§. alpina.” This bird bears the same relation to the white-
headed birds of S. anderssoni, that S. equatorialis does to S. leuco-
meleena, but whether it is only a stage of plumage, or a different
species, we must leave to future observers to discover; as in the case
of Senor Anchieta’s black-headed birds, it is marked a male.

236. PRatINcOLA TORQUATA. South African Stone-chat.
Pratincola pastor, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 111 (1867).

The ‘ Bontrochie’ is abundant throughout the colony, occurring, as
Captain Shelley remarks, commonly from the Cape to Durban.
Victorin procured it at the Knysna in April and again from July to
September, and Mr. Andersson also met with it there. Mr. Rickard
notes it from Port Elizabeth and East London. In Natal both
Captain Shelley and Mr. Ayres have recorded it, and the latter
gentleman says that it is common throughout the Transvaal,
breeding in walls and banks. Mr. F. A. Barratt likewise met with
it at Macamac and we have seen a specimen said to have been shot
in the Zambesi district, though it is not included in Dr. Kirk’s list.
Mr. Andersson writes :— This bird is common in Little Namaqua
Land: but, to the best of my recollection, I have never seen it
either in Great Namaqua or in Damara Land, though it is not un-
frequent at Lake N’gami:” from this latter locality we have
examined skins collected by Mr. Chapman. Although not included
in the Damara list, it occurs farther north, as Senor Anchieta has
procured it at Huilla in Mossamedes and also at Caconda in
Benguela.

It inhabits open plains covered with low brushwood, generally

AEDON CORYPH@A. 251

going in pairs, male and female. We found it breeding at the
Berg River in September. The nest was like that of Motacilla
capensis and was placed in a head of rank grass near the river-side.

' Eggs three, light verditer blue indistinctly clouded with faint

reddish markings which coalesce and form a ring at the obtuse end:
axis 9”. diam. 7”.

Adult male.—Head and half way down the throat black, sprinkled
with yellow; lower throat and breast rufous; sides of the neck,
shoulders and rump white; belly and flanks pale rufous; eyes dark
hazel. Female less brilliant in colour. Length 5” 6”; wing 3”;
tail, 1” 9”.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 180.

237. AnDON CORYPH@A. Coryphée Warbler.
Bradypterus coripheus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 100 (1867).

This bird, which is called by the colonists ‘ Bosch-creeper,’ and
‘Katlachter’ (‘Slang verclicker’ of some), is common throughout
the colony. Victorin procured it in the Karroo in December and
January, and according to Mr. Rickard it is common at Port Eliza-
beth. Mr. T. C. Atmore sent specimens from Hopetown. Mr.
Andersson gives the following note :—“ I do not remember to have
seen this species in Damara Land, but I first observed it in the
central part of Great Namaqua Land, and from thence southward it
became more abundant. It seems partial to low bushes, and may be
seen running along the ground from one bush to another with
wonderful rapidity ; it also usually adopts this mode of endeavouring
to make its escape when pursued. The male has a very agreeable
song during the breeding season; it is very brusque in its move-
ments, and frequently utters a chirping noise, at the same time
elevating and spreading its tail Peacock-fashion over its back. The
food of this species consists of insects and berries.” It frequents
bush-covered land, and well deserves its trivial colonial name, being

always found running about the lower parts of the shrubs, very
rarely flying over the tops of them. It nests also at the foot of a
bush, forming a cup-shaped, rather flat structure, composed of hair,
wool, and bents of dry grass. The eggs are a lovely verditer,
irregularly blotched with brown and usually laid in September.
Axis 9” ; diam, 6”.

252 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Captain Shelley also observes ;—“ In habits it is very lively, now
flitting for a short distance along the path, then running fleetly
through the stunted bush, stopping at intervals and erecting and
expanding its tail, the white on the outer feathers contrasting well
with the dark sombre hues of its general plumage.”

General colour, cinereous, darkest on the crown of the head, and
tinged with rufous on the lower part of the back, wings, and two
centre tail-feathers; beneath paler, with belly, vent, and a broad
stripe down the throat, white; a narrow white stripe extends over
the eye ; tail-feathers black, broadly tipped with white; bill and legs
black, iris dark brown. . Length, 6’; wing, 2” 9” ; tail, 2” 6”,

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 120.

238. AEDON LEUCOPHRYS. White-eyebrowed Warbler.

Sir Andrew Smith states that this Warbler inhabits arid districts,
thinly covered with dwarf trees. Le Vaillant writes that he found
it on the borders of the Gamtoos, Sunday, and Swartkop Rivers,
among the mimosa bushes that fringe these streams. The male has
a moderate power of song, and the female deposits four or five light-
green eges, spotted with brown, at the obtuse -end, in a nest which
is placed in the midst of a thick bush. We have received it from
Kuruman, and Mr. T. C. Atmore found it in some abundance at
Eland’s Post inthe Hastern Province, and he says that “it has a fine
mellow note or whistle, which it utters while perching on the summit
of trees or shrubs.” Mr. Buckley states that it is one of the com-
monest Warblers in the Bamangwato district, and in the Transvaal,
writes Mr. Ayres, “these birds inhabit the bush, but appear to be
rather scarce. Their food consists of insects; and I noticed one
feeding on the ground. In habits they appear much to resemble the
Warblers.” According to Mr. Andersson, “ This is a pretty common
species in the middle and northern parts of Damara Land, and also
further to the northward, being very common near Ombongo.
During the pairing and breeding season it occasionally sings most
exquisitely ; and it, moreover, has the power of imitating almost
every other bird to be found in its vicinity. It forms its nest, in
November and December, on the lower branches of small bushes,
rarely more than one or two feet from the ground ; the nest is com-
posed of rough grasses, and is lined with material of the same kind,
but of a softer texture. The eggs are two in number.”

PETE A AES C1 oD | eo ee

AEDON P@NA. 253

Senor Anchieta has forwarded it from Humbe, on the Cunene
river, where, he states, it is called by the natives “ Piria.”

Brown above; posterior part of back and rump, deep reddish-
orange; chin, middle of abdomen, and vent, pale cream-colour ; breast
light sienna yellow, streaked with umber-brown ; wing feathers edged
with greyish-white ; eyebrows pale cream-colour ; tail liver-brown, the
feathers rusty at their.edges, and white at the tips, most visible on
the outside feathers, all but obsolete on the two centre ones. Irides
hazel. Length, 6’ 3” ; wing, 2’’ 9”’; tail, 3” 1””.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr, Aves, pl. 49.

239. AEDON P@NA. Sir Andrew Smith’s Warbler.

Sir Andrew Smith, who discovered this species, does not indicate
the locality where he procured it, but we have received it from Mr.
Moffat at Kuruman. Mr. Ortlepp has also procured it near Coles-
berg, and Mr. T. C. Atmore met with it in Griqua Land in May,
1871. Mr. Buckley observes :—* Common throughout the north of
the Transvaal and in the Bamangwato district, where they may be
found along the banks of the sand rivers; they are very tame.”
We have recently received it from the neighbourhood of Potchefs-
troom, through the kindness of Dr. Exton of Bloemfontein, who
sent us four specimens. Mr. Ayres says that in the Transvaal they
are “by no means plentiful; and the two I obtained were very shy
and difficult to approach. Their stomachs contained insects. This
species is found amongst thorn-trees and high grass, and when in
motion constantly jerks the tail, showing to advantage the broad
white tips of the feathers.” We extract the following note from
Mr. Andersson’s work: “This bird is pretty generally distributed
over Damara and Great Namaqua Land and the parts adjacent. Its
habits are exactly like those of the preceding species ; and I know
no birds which they both resemble so greatly in manner, habits,
food, &c. as those of the genus Sawicola. The present species
spends much of its time on the ground and amongst the roots of
bushes; it runs with great swiftness, and raises and droops its tail in
quick succession, but does not expand it; at times it stands quite
vertically, with its whole body vibrating with excitement, whilst it
rapidly utters a succession of harsh, jarring chirps.

«Two nests of this species, taken on the 5th and 6th of January,
contained two eggs each: the nests were composed of grass, and

254 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

lined with fine, soft tendrils; they were built in thorn-bushes, and
placed from twelve to eighteen inches above the ground,”

In a letter received from Mr. Ortlepp, that gentleman observes,
“These birds have the habit of cocking up their tails for a second or
two after settling on a branch, uttering a short lively note and danc-
ing about very much like our common A. coryphea, which they
resemble in general habits.” .

Head brown; neck rusty-grey; anterior half of back ruddy-
brown; hinder part of back, rump, upper tail-coverts, and the basal
two-thirds of tail, clear reddish-orange ; last third of tail-feathers,
liver-brown, edges rusty, four outer ones of each side broadly tipped
with white; chin and throat dull white: breast, belly, and vent, pale
cream-yellow. Length, 6”; wing, 2” 9"; tail, 2” 9”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 50.

a. with ten tail-feathers (Drymeca).
240. Dryma@ca FLAVICANS. Black-chested Grass-Warbler.
Plate VIII.
Drymoica pectoralis and D. pallida, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 86.

The principal character which distinguishes this long-tailed
Grass-Warbler is the yellow coloration of the under surface which
exists at all ages: the tail-feathers also never have a subterminal
blackish spot, which prevents the species being mistaken for D.
afinis, or D. maculosa. The plate represents three of the plumages
of this bird, but it has not yet been satisfactorily proved whether the
black chest-band is a sign of age or is merely a seasonal plumage ; it
seems certain, however, that the young birds never have it, and
therefore it is probably peculiar to the adults, but by the gradual
way in which it seems to be assumed, we conjecture that it is worn
only during a certain season of the year.

Sir Andrew Smith discovered the first specimens of this species
near Latakoo. We have received it from Mr. T. C. Atmore from
the neighbourhood of Hopetown, but as yet we have not seen a
specimen from Natal, though Mr. Gurney recorded it as occurring in
Mr. Ayres’ early collections. In the Transvaal, however, it is mnch
more numerous, and our excellent friend, Dr. Exton, has just
forwarded us several specimens procured in the vicinity of Potchef-
stroom. Mr. Ayres writes: “This delicate little bird is common

DRYMCECA FLAVICANS.

Plate VIL

DRYM@CA FLAVICANS. 255

about the hedgerows in Potchefstroom. Ground covered with dense
masses of tall weeds is generally chosen by it for its breeding place.
The nest is made of fine strips of green grass very curiously curled
and twisted together, attached to weeds some two or three feet from
the ground ; it is of oval shape, well closed in, with the exception of
small opening on the upper side, and is lined with fine white down
taken from grasses and plants. The eggs, which are from two to
four in number, vary much in colour.”

Numerous examples collected by Mr. Andersson are in the British
Museum. He states that he obtained it in Damara Land and the
neighbourhood of the Okavango, and we have seen specimens of his
shooting from Walwisch Bay, Otjinbinque, Swakop River, Elephant
Vley, and Ondonga. One example is from Great Namaqua Land,
and Sir A. Smith also procured the original examples of D. pallida,
which is not distinct from D. flavicans, in the same country “ about
300 miles north of Cape Town.”

Mr. Andersson observes: “I have found the nests of these birds
(usually containing three, but sometimes four, eggs) at various
dates, extending from December 20th to April Ist. The nest is very
light and graceful, composed of fine grass both externally and
internally, and built on a low bush a few feet from the ground.”

Adult.—General colour above pale brown, a little deeper on the
crown, the feathers on the forehead above the eyebrow dark brown ;
rump slightly more fulvous brown, the upper tail-coverts rather
rufous brown; tail pale brown with dusky obsolete bars across it,
very indistinct, no darker sub-terminal spots, the feathers having
only rather lighter edges; wings dark brown, the coverts edged
with ashy fulvous, the edge of the wing and the margins of the
bastard-wing plumes whitish; quills externally edged with rufous
brown, lighter towards their tips; lores and feathers over the eye
dull white; cheeks and ear-coverts also dull white, the latter
brownish on their hinder margins; throat white; across the breast
a broad band of dark brown; rest of under surface pale yellow;
thighs tawny ; under wing-coverts pale tawny buff, the quills ashy
brown below, edged with rufous along the inner webs; “bill jet-
black: legs and toes flesh-colour: iris brownish yellow” (Anders-
son). Total length 5:7 inches, culmen 0°55, wing 2°05, tail 2°8,
tarsus 0°8.

The above is a supposed male. A dissected female from Ondonga

r

256 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

measures as follows: Total length 4°8 inches, culmen 0°55, wing 2°05,
tail 2°3, tarsus 0°85.

241. Dryma@ca suBSTRIATA. White-breasted Grass-Warbler.
After much consideration we have come to the conclusion that
this species is distinct, both from D. maculosa, and D. flavicans.
It resembles the latter in wanting the sub-terminal black spot to the
tail-feathers, but it differs from it in being white below with rufous
flanks; the breast is very narrowly streaked with black. Sir
Andrew Smith met with but few of these birds, and those only on
the banks of the Oliphant River, about one hundred miles north of
Cape Town. They were usually found in thickets composed of high
brushwood or dwarf trees, in-which they were seen rapidly flitting
from branch to branch, apparently in quest of insects, which con-
stitute their food.
Mr. Atmore procured this species, with its nest and eggs, at
Traka; the latter are white, with the faintest tinge of green, marked
with large blotches of dark and light-brown: axis 8’’’; diam, 51’”;
We have also received it from Mr. Ortlepp at Colesberg.
The following is a description of the typical specimen in the
British Museum. Above light rufescent brown, more dusky on the
forehead ; least and median wing-coverts washed with grey; rest
of the coverts and secondaries externally of the same rufous brown
as the back, the primaries dull brown with narrow margins of paler
-brown; tail uniform brown; lores dull white; round the eye a
distinct ring of white feathers; ear-coverts washed with light
brown ; sides of neck greyish ; cheeks, throat, and under parts dull
white, the sides of the body washed with fulvous, the lower flanks,
thighs, and under tail-coverts tawny buff; the breast narrowly
streaked with dark brown down the centre of each feather ; under
wing-coverts dull white, as also the edge of the wing; quills ashy
brown below, buffy whitish along the edge of the inner web; bill
dark horn colour ; legs, toes, and claws pale buff-orange, the latter
brown at the point. Total length 5°5 inches, culmen 0°5, wing 2°15,
tail 3:1, tarsus 0°85.
Fig. Smith, Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 72, fig. 1.

242. Drym@ca OCULARIA. Rufous-eared Grass-Warbler.
This.is one of the most distinct species of Drymeca, and it may

DRYM@CA OCULARIA. 257

be distinguished by its rufous-brown back, broadly streaked with
black, and by its bright chestnut eyebrow and ear-coverts. Sir
Andrew Smith writes :—“ This bird has a rather extensive range in
South Africa, being found, though sparingly, among the brushwood
in the northern districts of the Cape Colony, and between those and
the Tropic of Capricorn. It feeds upon insects; and, in quest of
them, it is to be seen flitting from branch to branch in the most arid
and barren situations.” Victorin procured it in the Karroo in January
and February, and we have ourselves found it in one particular
locality near Mr. Jackson’s residence at Nel’s Poort, Beaufort. Mr.
Ortlepp says that it is plentiful on all the flats near Colesberg. We
have received several specimens from Kurwman, and we observed it
ourselves on the road between Grahams Town and Table Farm. Mr.
T. C. Atmore has sent us specimens from Hope Town, and the
following note is taken from Mr. Ayres’ paper on the birds of
the Transvaal :—“ There is very little difference in plumage between
the sexes ; but the rufous patch on the cheeks is much lighter in the
female than in the male. I first met with this species amongst the
low bushes on the banks of the Vaal river, and between that and
the Hartz, where they were pretty plentiful, hopping briskly about
amongst the thickets, with the active habits common to most birds of
this genus.”—The Hditor possesses a pair of specimens obtained by the
late Mr. Andersson on the Hountop River in Great Namaqua Land,
and the same gentleman writes :—* This species is very sparingly
found in Damara Land, but is more common in some parts of Great
Namaqua Land. Itis generally met with singly or in pairs; and it
is usual to find it amongst the most arid scenes, hopping slowly
about amongst the branches of low bushes in search of insects.”

In its method of flight and in its search after food it exactly
resembles the common species D. maculosa. Its nest is also similar,
and the eggs are pale blue unspotted: axis, 6’’’ ; diam., 5’’’.

The following description is that of the type-specimen in the
British Museum.

Adult Male.—Above sandy brown, very distinctly striped with
black on the back, less plainly so on the head, which is rather darker
brown; wing-coverts dark brown margined with dull sandy, the

* quills also dark brown narrowly margined in the same manner as the
coverts ; rump and upper tail-coverts exactly the same as the back,
the mesial streaks rather broader on the latter; tail deep brown,

8

258 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

waved with dusky cross-bars in certain lights, the centre tail-feathers
edged with ashy fulvous, the onter ones with deep buff, more broadly
on the external feathers; lores, eyebrows, feathers round the eye
and ear-coverts bright chestnut-red; cheeks and entire throat
white; across the chest a distinct collar of black; rest of under
surface buffy white inclining to dull tawny buff on the sides of the
body; thighs blackish; under tail-coverts dark brown, margined
with ashy fulvous; on the sides of the body a few hair-like streaks
of dark brown, a little broader on the flanks; under wing-coverts
tawny buff; “bill black, legs and toes flesh-coloured, iris ochry-
brown” (Andersson) ; iris reddish hazel (7. C. Atmore). Total
length 5 inches; culmen,-.0°5; wing, 1:9; tail, 3°05; tarsus, 0°85.

Adult Female—Similar to the male. Total length, 55 inches ;
culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°05; tail, 3°05; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 75, fig. 1.

243, Drym@ca AFFINIs. Tawny-flanked Grass-Warbler.
Drymoica afivis et D. melanorhyncha, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pp.
89, 92.

This species has a dark subterminal spot on the tail-feathers at all
ages, and is always perfectly uniform on the under surface; the
abdomen is whitish without any tinge of yellow, and the flanks are
fulvous brown. In the breeding plumage it has a black bill, which
has caused it to be confounded by some authors with D.
melanorhyncha of Western Africa, but this black bill is not a
specific character, as it is evidently gradually assumed. The young
birds, and probably those in winter plumage have the bill browner:
in winter the birds have distinct rufous edgings to the wing-coverts,
and are otherwise browner in appearance. Sir Andrew Smith says
that it “inhabits dry flats in the interior of South Africa, and flits
to and fro, in search of insects, amongst the shrubs with which they
are more or less coated.” We have not seen it from any locality
south of Natal, where Mr. Ayres found it in 1860, building among
stalks of high weeds. Mr. T. L. Ayres has forwarded several
specimens to Captain Shelley from the neighbourhood of Pinetown ;
these were all in warm breeding plumage and were killed in
February and March. In the Transvaal, writes Mr. Thomas Ayres,
“this species frequents weeds, high grass, and low bush, and is
generally distributed over the country.” We have examined

DRYMECA MACULOSA. 259

specimens in the British Museum, collected by the late Mr. Anders-
son at Ovaquenyama, in May, 1867, and a young bird from Elephant
Vley, shot on the 8th August, 1859. There is also a specimen of a
Drymeca in the British Museum collected by Livingstone at Tete
in the Zambesi district, which agrees with the description of Dr.
Peters’ Drymeca bivittata. The latter we think must be a synonym
of D. affinis, to which species the above-mentioned Zambesi skin
certainly belongs.

Adult in breeding plumage. —Above ashy brown; inclining
rather to fulyous brown on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; wings
brown, the coverts edged with ashy brown, the quills margined
with dull rufous; tail light ashy-brown, tipped with white, with a
distinct blackish subterminal bar on all but the two long centre tail-
feathers ; lores and a broad eyebrow dull yellowish white; feathers
in front of the eye and ear-coverts ashy-brown, the latter dull white
on the lower parts, like the cheeks; under surface of body pale
yellowish white, deepening into tawny buff on the sides of the body ;
thighs and under wing-coverts tawny; sides of the upper breast
washed with greyish; bill black; legs flesh colour; iris brown.
Total length,4°9 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 1-9; tail,2°4; tarsus, 0°9.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 77, fig. 1.

244. Drym@ca MACULOSA. Cape Grass-Warbler.
Drymoica capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 92.

Like the foregoing bird this species has a subterminal spot on the
tail-feathers, but it always has a distinct wash of yellow on the under
parts and on the breast, and is streaked with black at all ages. It is
the common species of the Cape Colony, and Mr. Andersson writes
as follows :—“I have reason to think that this bird is common in
some of the southern parts of Great Namaqua Land ; further south,
on the west coast and within the Cape Colony, I have frequently
met with it; and in the neighbourhood of Cape Town it is exceed-
ingly common, a pair or two inhabiting almost every garden.

“Tt is found singly or in pairs ; and its whereabouts is easily dis-
covered by the harsh querulous notes that it is in the habit of uttering
almost incessantly. It builds in low bushes; and the nest is com-
posed of moss, wool, and other soft material, which are artistically
and strongly put together. This species feeds on insects, searching
for them either on the ground or amongst the low bushes which

s 2

md Trin’ =~. =

260 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

form its favourite resort; it runs with great rapidity along the
ground, and steals through tangled foliage with equal celerity.”

Victorin records this species from the Karroo in January, and
from the Knysna in May and November. Mr. Andersson also pro-
cured it at the latter place in January and February, and we have
seen a specimen of his shooting, from Kugel Fountain, Little
Namaqua Land, and bearing date August 6th, 1862. We have
received it also from Colesberg and Swellendam, and it extends to
Port Elizabeth, where Mr. Rickard procured it im May, 1868.

Adult male—Above dull earthy brown, the wings a little darker
than the back, with indistinct rufous-brown margins to the quills,
the primaries narrowly edged with whity brown ; tail-feathers light
brown with pale whitish tips and a subterminal bar of black ; lores
yellowish white, as also a distinct eyebrow ; cheeks and sides of face
pale yellowish with distinct triangular spots of black, obscuring the
yellow of the ear-coverts which are also brown on their hinder
margin ; under surface of body pale yellowish, with distinct longi-
tudinal spots of black, larger on the breast and smaller on the
throat and on the sides of the body, which are washed with pale
tawny brown; the abdomen unstreaked, pale yellow; thighs dull
tawny, the under tail coverts also pale tawny brown with indistinct
darker centres ; wings light tawny buff, the lower series ashy brown
at tips like the lower surface of the quills whieh are edged with pale
rufous along the inner web; bill flesh-colour, shading into dark
brown on the upper mandible and the tips of the lower one; legs
flesh-colour ; iris brownish yellow. Total length, 5 inches; culmen,
0°55; wing, 2°0; tail, 2°75; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 76, fig. 1.

245. Drymaca nypoxantHa, Sharpe.
Saffron-breasted Grass-Warbler.
This new species, as we regard it, is the eastern representative of
D. maculosa, and differs from it in the deep yellow colour of the
throat and abdomen, and in the very narrow blackish streaks on the
breast. We have received several specimens from Mr. T, C. Atmore
killed in the neighbourhood of Eland’s Post in the Eastern Province,
and Captain Shelley has also examples from the neighbourhood of
Pinetown in Natal. We believe that it is this species of which Mr.
Ayres speaks in his early papers on the ornithology of Natal, under
the name of D. substriata. He writes as follows :—

CISTICOLA NATALENSIS. - 261

“T found a family of this Drymoica in July (midwinter here)
about forty miles inland, amongst some scrubby bush; also a
solitary individual some time after, in some high sedgy grass.
These birds seem much to resemble Drymoica subflava in habits and
appearance. Their food consists of small insects.” Mr. Barratt
procured a specimen at Macamac, and Mr. Gurney has recently
presented to the British Museum two specimens obtained in the
same district by Mr. Ayres on the 3rd December, 1874.

Adult male.—Above brown, nearly uniform everywhere, the head
indistinctly mottled with darker brown centres, the lower back and
rump slightly washed with olive; wings brown, duller than the
back, with paler edgings to the feathers, the primaries narrowly
margined with whity brown; tail ight brown, waved across with
dusky under certain lights, the feathers narrowly tipped with white,
with a faint indication of a subterminal blackish bar; lores and a
very distinct eyebrow, as well as a circlet of feathers round the eyes,
pale yellow; a few plumes between the eye and the base of bill
dusky brown, as also the upper margin of the ear-coverts ; rest of
the sides of the face and throat, lemon yellow, entirely unspotted ;
rest of under surface of body’yellow, unspotted on the abdomen, but
distinctly streaked with black down the chest and on the sides of the
body; flanks washed with yellowish brown; thighs and under tail-
coverts tawny buff; under wing-coverts also tawny buff, the edge of
the wing white ; quills brown below, the inner web edged with tawny
rufous; bill black; legs flesh-colour; iris light brown. Total
length, 5°3 inches ; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2°1; tail, 2°7; tarsus, 0-9.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but smaller. Total length,
4:7 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 1:95; tail, 2°2; tarsus, 0°85.

With twelve tail feathers (Cisticola).
246. CIsTICOLA NATALENSIS. Natal Fantail Warbler.
Drymoica natalensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 87 (1867).

Entirely confined to Natal and the surrounding districts, but as yet
not known within the limits of the Cape Colony, nor to the eastward
in the Transvaal. Its large size, stout bill and tawny colouring seem
to be its most distinguishing characteristics.

Sir Andrew Smith writes as follows :—“Inhabits the neighbour-
hood of Port Natal, and the specimen described was shot upon
reeds, among which it was flitting to and fro in search of insects,
which, from the ingesta found in its stomach, appeared to have been

262 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

its sole food.” Mr. Thomas Ayres also observes :—“ This species
frequents long coarse grass in the valleys and on the hill-sides; its
flight is tolerably strong, and it does not attempt to hide when dis-
turbed, but at once takes wing.” We have seen a considerable
number of specimens from the neighbourhood of Pinetown
collected by Mr. T. L. Ayres and now in Captain Shelley’s possession.
Mr. T. E. Buckley shot a male near Pietermaritzburg on the 2nd of
May, 1873, and writes :—“ I only observed this one specimen, which
I shot among some small reeds by a small stream: it was rather
shy.” During his recent excursion to south-eastern Africa he also
procured two examples in Suaziland on the 19th of June, 1876.

Adult male.—General colour clear tawny brown, with paler and
more fulyous margins to the feathers of the back, all the upper sur-
face broadly streaked with black down the centre of the feathers,
these black streaks slightly shaded on each side with rufous; wing-
coverts dark brown, externally fulvous, rather inclining to ashy buff
on the median series; primaries dark brown, tipped with whitish
and externally sandy rufous, the inner secondaries blackish in the
centre, edged all round with broad margins of tawny buff; rump
uniform ashy fulvous; upper tail-coverts tawny buff, mesially
streaked with blackish; the tail-feathers dark brown with margins
of clear tawny buff, the centre feathers paler at tip with a faintly-
indicated subterminal bar of black: this subterminal bar very dis-
tinct and broad on all the other feathers, which are conspicuously
tipped with pale tawny-buff, the outermost feathers being externally
edged with the latter colour and only having the black subterminal
bar on the inner web; lores dull whitish; feathers round the eye
light fulvous, as also a very faint eyebrow; cheeks and sides of
face yellowish buff, with a shade of brown on the ear-coverts ;
throat white, as also the centre of the abdomen; rest of under
surface of body tawny yellow, browner on the sides of the upper
breast; the under wing- and tail-coverts tawny, the edge of the
wing whitish: quills ashy brown below, the inner web rufous from
the base upwards; thighs deep tawny rufous; “bill yellow, the
culmen black; legs light brown; iris dark hazel” (Buckley).
Total length, 6°5 inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 2°9; tail, 3°28; tarsus, 1-2.

The female is smaller. Total length, 5°6 inches; culmen, 0°6;°
wing, 2°45; tail, 2°7; tarsus, 1:05.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, Pl. 80.

CISTICOLA CHLORIS. 263

247, CIsTICOLA CURVIROSTRIS. Brown Fantail Warbler.
Drymoica eurvirostris, Layard, B.S. Adres p= 93:

This species is a little smaller than the foregoing, which it
resembles in its stout bill. We have only seen it from Natal, where
it is one of the most recognisable of the Grass-Warblers on account
of its brown coloration and large size. Mr. Thomas Ayres writes :—
“These birds frequent long grass in the more open country ; their
flight is comparatively strong; during the breeding season they are
fond of mounting high in the air, uttering at the same time a very
loud and harsh chucking note; their food appears to consist of
crickets and other good-sized insects.” We have also seen several
skins sent to Captain Shelley by Mr. T. L. Ayres from Durban and
Pinetown.

Adult male.—General colour above brown, all the feathers
margined with ashy buff, giving a strikingly grey appearance to
the upper surface, the head more or less uniform brown without dark _
mesial streaks; the feathers of the hinder neck slightly margined
with sandy colour ; wing-coverts brown, the edgings to the majority
clear grey, the least and some of the greater series margined with
sandy; quills dark brown with indistinct light tips, the primaries
edged with rufous sandy, the inner secondaries margined all round
with light buff; rump and upper tail-coverts nearly uniform greyish,
the latter with dark brown bases, or centres to the feathers, giving
a streaked mottled appearance ; tail ashy brown, tipped with white
and faintly margined with pale sandy; the white tips indistinct on
the two centre feathers which have a plain subterminal bar of black,
as also have all the other feathers ; lores yellowish white; eyebrow
greyish; sides of face dull white, the ear-coverts washed with
greyish brown and narrowly streaked with white down the shaft ;
sides of neck greyish; throat and centre of the body white; the
sides dull tawny yellow, the upper breast laterally ashy brown ;
thighs deep tawny. ‘Total length 6 inches, culmen 0°65, wing 2°85,
tail 2°4, tarsus 1°15.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but much smaller. Total
length, 4°8 inches; culmen, 0.6; wing, 2.35; tail, 2°0; tarsus, 1-05.

248. CISTICOLA CHLORIS. Wahlberg’s Fantail Warbler.

This species is unknown to us, and we do not know whether it
should be included in the genus Cisticola or in Drymeca. Professor

264 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Sundeyvall (Ofv. K. Vet. Akad. Forh. Stockholm, 1850, p. 104),
places it in the latter genus. Its habitat is said to be in “ Kaffraria,”
where it was discovered by Wahlberg. The following is a trans-
lation of the original description :—

Adult male.—Belly unspotted, entirely yellow; back and head
fulvous grey, narrowly spotted with blackish ; bill pale, strong, the
culmen strongly arched as in D. curvirostris ; feet large, pale; quills
margined with greyish-buff; tail-feathers dusky, with a broad black
spot before the fulvous tip, the tips of the feathers sharpened, but
soft in texture. Total length, 6 inches; wing, 2°7; tarsus, 1°15 ;
tail, 2°5 ; bill from front, 0°55; height of latter, 0-2.

249. CISTICOLA FULVIFRONS. Buff-fronted Fantail Warbler.

This is really a very distinct species of Fantail Warbler, and
apparently one of the rarest in South Africa, as we have only seen
three specimens of it, and all from Natal. The British Museum
contains two of these and the third was shot by Captain Shelley,
near Durban, on the 14th of April, 1874.

Adult female ——Head pale-rufous, inclining to ashy-brown on the
nape; the back and scapulars ashy-brown, especially the mantle,
the rest broadly black in the centre of the feathers, some of which
are edged with sandy-buff; lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts
ashy grey, the latter rather more dusky with slightly paler edges ;
wing-coverts ashy brown with black centres, the median series with
rufous tips, the greater coverts tawny rufous with long black
centres; quills dusky brown, externally edged with tawny rufous,
paler towards the tips of the primaries, the inner secondaries edged
all round ‘with ashy; quills dark brown, edged with ashy and
broadly tipped with white, before which the brown deepens into a
black bar, which is apparent on all but the two centre feathers, these
having only a dusky subterminal spot, and no white tips; lores and a
faint eyebrow buffy-white; ear-coverts very pale fulyous brown,
clearer buff on the lower parts adjoining the cheeks, which are
yellowish; throat and centre of abdomen, white; breast whitish,
washed with pale yellow, the flanks slightly shaded with ashy-brown;
thighs tawny; under wing-coverts whitish with a pale wash of fawn-
colour; bill dusky; tarsi and feet pale; iris light reddish-brown.
Total length, 5 inches; culmen, 0°85; wing, 2°1; tarsus, 0°95.

The male is somewhat larger, measuring as follows :—Culmen, 0°6 ;
wing, 2°35; tarsus, 1°(.

CISTICOLA TINNIENS. 265

250. CistIcoLA TINNIENS. Le Vaillant’s Fantail Warbler.
Drymoica levaillantii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 90.

This is one of the most wide-spread of the Warblers in South
Africa. It is common near Cape Town. Sir Andrew Smith
procured it some distance north of the Orange River, and we have
likewise received it from Swellendam, Colesberg, and we found it
breeding about the Berg River in September.

Victorin procured it at the Knysna in May, September, and
October. Lieut. H. Trevelyan has recently met with it near King-
william’s Town, and we have seen specimens obtained near Hland’s
Post, by Mr. IT. C. Atmore. It is not uncommon in Natal, and Mr.
Thomas Ayres observes in a letter to Mr. Gurney :—“ Some of the
notes of the pair sent were very loud, and exactly resembled those of
Juida pheenicoptera, so much so, that I was astonished to hear, as I
thought, one of the latter birds calling from the midst of a rushy
swamp without a single tree in the vicinity.” Mr. T. E. Buckley
met with it on the Buffalo River, on the 7th June, 1876, and again —
in Suaziland on the 19th of the same month. The British Museum
has recently received from Dr. Exton several specimens from the
neighbourhood of Potchefstroom in the Transvaal, and it occurs as
high up as Macamac, from whence Mr. Gurney lately received a skin
shot in October, 1873. Respecting its breeding habits in the
Transvaal, Mr. Thomas Ayres writes as follows :—“ The nest of this
species is attached to the upper parts of tall weeds, amongst the
leaves ; it is composed of very fine wool and spiders’ webs mixed
with dry grass, rather roughly woven together; the inside is lined
lightly with the feathery down of some sort of wild flowers. It is
oval in shape, with the entrance on the upper side, and has altogether
a white, light, and pretty appearance. ,The eggs vary much in
colour, some being pure white with dark pink spots, others pinkish-
white with very fine small spots of rather darker pink; others,
again, are pale sky-blue, blotched and spotted with pale pinkish-
brown.” Mr. Andersson observes :—“I found this bird by no
means uncommon in the neighbourhood of the Okavango; its
favourite haunts seem to be along the sedgy streams and amongst
the rank vegetation of marshy localities. It flits quickly from reed
to reed in quest of insects, and is a comparatively tame species.”

266 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

We have examined the typical specimen of Cisticola elegans of —
Messrs. Hartlaub and Finsch, which we find to be only the female of
C. tinniens.

The following is a description of this identical specimen kindly
lent to us by the Bremen Museum,

Head and nape entirely rufous, with the exception of the centre
of the crown, which is obscured by broad streaks of dull black ;
back black, slightly streaked with pale ashy buff, some of the
feathers edged with this colour; the wing-coverts also black, broadly
edged with ashy fulvous slightly inclining to rufous; quills brown,
broadly margined with dull rufous, so that the external aspect of
the wing is of this colour, the inner secondaries black like the back,
and margined in the same way with fulyous; lower back and upper
tail-coverts black, with very broad margins of sandy or rufous buff ;
tail-feathers brown in the centre broadly margined with dull rufous,
all but the two centre feathers having a broad bar of blackish before
a pale fulvescent tip, the outermost edged with pale fulvous ex-
ternally ; lores and a very distinct eyebrow pale rufous buff; sides
of face light fulvous, with a few whitish streaks on the ear-coverts,
the hinder margin of which incline to rufous like the sides of the
_ neck; throat and under parts generally fulvescent as also the cheeks,
on the latter being a few indications of dusky tips to the feathers ;
the chest and sides of the body darker and more ashy fulvous, the
sides of the breast and flanks very broadly streaked with black,
extremely pronounced on the flanks; under tail-coverts uniform
ashy fulyous; thighs orange rufous; under wing-coverts pale tawny
buff; “bill black, the lower mandible reddish, but black at the
extremity ; legs pale flesh-colour; iris brown” (Andersson). Total
length, 5 inches ; cuJmen, 0°45; wing, 1:95; tail, 2°15; tarsus, 0°8.

The male is a little larger, and measures: total length, 5:4 inches ;
wing, 2°15; tail, 2°55; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 73, fig. 2.

251. CisTICcOLA SUBRUFICAPILLA. Small Grey-backed Fantail.
Drymoica subruficapilla, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 91.

This Warbler may be distinguished by its grey back and rufous

head, both distinctly streaked with black down the centre of the

feathers ; the sides of the body are grey.
Its range is very restricted, as it seems to be confined to the

CISTICOLA SUBRUFICAPILLA. 267

Cape Colony, not ranging higher north than Little Namaqua
Land. It is not uncommon near Cape Town, and Mr. Andersson
met with it at the Knysna. From George Mr. H. Atmore has for-
warded it, and Mr. W. Atmore from Swellendam. We have our-
selves seen it along the river Zonder End, and obtained it at the
Berg River. Mr. Rickard possesses one shot by himself near Port
Elizabeth, and another from near Hast London. The late Mr.
Andersson also met with it in Little Namaqua Land. Mr. H.
Jackson has sent its eggs from Nel’s Poort: the latter are
white, faintly tinged with green, and dotted with small red-brown
and purple spots, chiefly in the form of a ring at the obtuse end.
Axis, 7” ; diam. 53”.

Sir Andrew Smith writes :— This bird occurs in various districts
of the Cape Colony, and is either found upon brushwood or among
rushes or reeds. It feeds upon insects, and, like others of the
genus, flits generally from branch to branch or from reed to reed in
quest of its food.”

The following description is taken from the type-specimen in the
British Museum.

Adult.—Above ashy brown, all the feathers of the back streaked
down the centre with black, the head rufous with less distinct mesial
streaks of black, becoming still more obscure on the hind neck,
where the rufous shades off into the ashy grey of the back; wing-
coverts dark brown, margined with the same ashy grey as the back,
the greater series faintly washed with rufous; quills dull brown,
externally edged with rufous, the inner secondaries margined all
round with ashy grey; tail rufous brown, margined with fulvous,
tipped with dull white or rufous, before which isa distinct bar of
black on all except the two centre feathers; lores and a narrow eye-brow
dull white; round the eye a tiny ring of buff feathers; sides of face
dull white, browner on the ear-coverts ; entire under surface of body
dirty white, the sides of the body and under tail-coverts ashy brown,
the breast with a few small spots of brown; thighs tawny buff;
under wing-coverts buffy white, the lower surface of the wing
broadly edged with rufous along the inner web. Total length,
5 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°05; tail, 2:2; tarsus, 0-7.

We have not had under our eyes a female of this species, but it
will probably be smaller than the above measurements.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 76, fig. 1.

ae Cis . Te ene

268 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

252. CisrrcoLA CHINIANA. Larger Grey-backed Fantail.
Drymoica chiniana, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 91.

We regard this species as a large form of C. subruficapilla, which
it represents throughout 8. E. Africa, Natal, and the Transvaal into
Damara Land. Sir Andrew Smith procured the first specimen near
Kurrichaine, and Captain Shelley has recently received this bird
from the neighbourhood of Durban, where it was procured by Mr.
T. L. Ayres, and Mr. T. E. Buckley has brought back skins from
Suaziland. The latter gentleman also met with it in Bamangwato
in 1873, and in the Transvaal Mr. Ayres reports that it is common
in many localities on the Limpopo. We have also seen specimens
from Macamac. In Damara Land it cannot be rare, for Mr.
Andersson’s collections contained plenty of examples, shot near
Otjimbinque, Elephant Vley, on the Swakop River, &c. He also
procured it in Ondonga, and Senor Anchieta has likewise met with
it at Humbe on the Cunene river.

The following description is from Mr. Buckley’s Bamangwato
specimen, which seems to be in full breeding plumage. The winter
dress is more mealy.

Adult male.—Head and nape uniform rufous; back ashy brown,
with dark brown centres to the feathers, the scapulars more grey ;
wing-coverts coloured like the back with pale fulvous margins to
the feathers; quills dark brown, externally margined with rafous,
becoming paler towards the tips of the feathers, especially of the
primaries, the innermost secondaries edged all round with ashy
fulyous ; tail light brown, slightly rufescent, the two centre feathers
darker brown with fulvous margins, and tipped with pale fulvous,
the outer ones with white, all having a blackish subterminal bar ;
lores yellowish buff, as also a ring of feathers round the eye; feathers
over the eye fulyescent but not forming a very distinct eyebrow ;
ear-coverts greyish brown with narrow whitish shaft-lines ; cheeks,
throat, and under parts white, the flanks somewhat washed with
fulvous grey, the sides of the upper breast greyish brown; thighs ©
tawny buff; under wing-coverts also pale tawny buff; lower surface
of quills brown, the edge of the inner web pale rufous; bill brown,
the lower mandible lighter; feet very light brown; iris light hazel.
Total length, 5-6 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2°6; tail, 2°7;
tarsus, 0°9.

Fig. Smith, I. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 79.

CISTICOLA ISODACTYLA. 269

253. CISTICOLA RUFILATA. Rufous Grey-backed Fantail.

We have examined the type-specimen of this bird, which was
kindly shown to us by Dr. Finsch, and we are of opinion that it must
for the present be kept apart from D. chiniana, which it resembles
in general appearance, but is distinguished by its rafous and
general foxy-red cast of colours, more especially on the head. Two
specimens were procured by the late Mr. Andersson in Damara Land,
and the following is the description of the type.

Adult male.—Above sandy brown, the dorsal feathers mesially
dark brown, giving a slightly streaked appearance, these streaks
shaded with rufous on each side, imparting a rufous appearance to
the back ; head and neck uniform light chestnut ; wing-coverts light
brown, washed and tipped with ashy fulvous, the median series with
obsolete indications of a rufescent streak near the tip; quills brown,
externally edged with pale rufous, especially near the base of the
primaries, the margins to the inner secondaries paler; rump uniform
sandy brown; upper tail-coverts pale rufous with lighter buff mar-
gins; tail light chestnut, all the feathers tipped with buffy white,
before which is a blackish brown subterminal bar, the two centre
feathers much more narrowly tipped, and the subterminal bar very
indistinct ; lores and a very well marked eyebrow dull white; sides of
face yellowish, the upper margin of the ear-coverts inclining to chest-
nut; cheeks and throat dull white; rest of under surface of body
yellowish ochre, darker on the sides and much lighter down the
centre ; thighs pale chestnut ; under wing and tail-coverts yellowish
ochre; inner lining of quills ashy brown, margined with rufous along
the inner web; bill dark brown, the under mandible yellowish; feet
yellowish. Total length, 5°7 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2:3; tail,
2°7; tarsus, 0°95.

254, CrIsTICOLA ISODACTYLA. Tawny Grey-backed Fantail.

Under this title we believe that we have identified correctly a
little Grass-Warbler, of which we have seen several specimens ob-
tained by the late Mr. Andersson in Damara Land. The species was
originally described by Dr. Peters from South Mozambique (J. f.
O. 1868, p. 132), and more recently we received from the Rey. Mr.
Wakefield a specimen from Membas, agreeing with Dr. Peters’
description. From this Mombas skin Mr. Andersson’s specimens
are inseparable, and we therefore include C. isodactyla as a bird of

270 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

South Africa. It is very closely allied to C. subruficapilla, but has
the head uniform pale tawny rufous, and the flanks are not grey as
in the last-named bird. Mr. Andersson’s examples were obtained
by him at Otjimbinque and near ‘Onani’s Mouth’ on the Swakop |
River, as well as in Ondonga. We also identify a specimen procured
by Dr. Kirk at Tete in the Zambesi district as belonging to the
present species. The following description is that of a female bird
(sex ascertained by Mr. Andersson by dissection), but we have not
yet come across an authentic male.

Adult female-——General colour above fulvous brown, almost
tawny, with indistinct mesial streaks of darker brown on the back
and scapulars, the upper tail-coverts and rump uniform; crown
uniform tawny rufous, shading off into the brown of the back ; outer
scapulars and least wing-coyerts shaded with grey, the centres of
the feathers dark brown, the greater series and primary-coverts
dark brown, broadly edged with fulvous; quills dark brown, exter-
nally margined with rufous, the inner secondaries edged all round
with fulvous; tail rufous brown, pale fulvous at the tip, with a sub-
terminal bar of black, very distinct on all excepting the two centre
feathers, where it is only obscurely indicated; lores and a faint
line above the eye, yellowish white; round the eye a circlet of buff ;
cheeks and sides of face yellowish white, the ear-coverts marked
with brown, especially on the hinder margin ; under surface of body
pale tawny yellow, deeper on the flanks, the sides of the upper
breast washed with ashy brown ; the throat and centre of the belly
whitish; thighs bright tawny ; under wing-coverts pale tawny, the
lower series ashy-brown at tip, the lower surface of the quills brown,
margined with rufous along the inner web; bill (in skin) horn
brown, the lower mandible yellowish ; feet deep yellow in skin. Total
length, 4:7 inches ; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2:1 ; tail, 2°15; tarsus, 0°85.

255, CIsTICOLA LAIS. Rufous-flanked Fantail Warbler.

This little species is very closely allied to C. subrujicapilla, but is
apparently specifically distinct from the last named bird: from
which it differs in not having the grey back, so that the rufous head
never appears in strong contrast. Its principal difference, however,
consists in the tawny flanks, these being greyish-brown in C. sub-
ruficapilla. We have seen several specimens from Natal, all of
them being similarly coloured ; it is probably confined to this part

CISTICOLA ABERRANS. 271

of South Africa, and is apparently not rare in the neighbourhood of
Pinetown, whence Captain Shelley has received several specimens
from Mr. T. L. Ayres. He also met with it himself in Natal, this
being the species to which he alludes in the ‘ Ibis’ (1875, p. 71) as
D. subruficapilla, when he writes :—“ Very common about Durban
and Pinetown, usually in family parties, where I have frequently
watched them threading their way along the edge of the bushes,
constantly uttering a short note.”

The following description is taken from the type-specimen kindly
lent by Dr. Finsch.

Adult.—Ahbove fulyous brown, very broadly streaked with black,
the margins to the dorsal feathers rather rufescent; head and
hinder neck more rufous than the back, the blackish stripes
much less distinct and indeed almost obsolete on the nape and
hinder neck ; rump uniform fulvous brown, the upper tail-coyverts
also with very faint mesial streaks of blackish; wing-coverts
ashy fulyous with dark brown centres, the greater series more
shaded with rufous externally; quills dark brown, broadly edged
with rufous externally so as to give a rufous aspect to the wings,
the margins of the secondaries paler and more fulvescent; tail
rufescent brown, lighter rufous on the margins: the two centre
feathers without any subterminal black mark and irregularly waved
across with dusky bars under certain lights, all the other feathers
with a broad black subterminal bar, the tips being fulvescent, this
pale ending being more distinct on the outer plumes and forming a
margin to the last rectrix; lores and feathers round the eye
yellowish buff forming a tolerably distinct eyebrow; sides of face
also fulvous, the ear-coverts rather browner with obsolete dusky tips
to the feathers; cheeks fulvyous; chin and centre of the body
white, the throat and sides of the body tawny fulvous, clearer on
the thighs, the flanks slightly shaded with brown; under wing- and
tail-coverts tawny buff; bill brown, yellowish at the base of the
under mandible; legs yellowish. Total length, 5 inches; culmen,
0°45 ; wing, 2°1; tail, 2°35 ; tarsus, 0°75.

256. CIsTICOLA ABERRANS. Smith’s Fantail Warbler.
Drymoica aberrans, and D. ruficapilla, Layard, B. S. Afr. pp.

88, 90.
This Warbler is easily recognized by its uniform upper surface,
the head being rufous, the back dark grey. It was first called

272 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

by Sir Andrew Smith, Drymoica ruficapilla, but as this name had
already been applied by Mr. Fraser, the late Prince Bonaparte pro-
posed to call the bird Drymoica smithii after its discoverer. We
find, however, from an examination of the types that C. smithii is
only the female of C. aberrans, and consequently this name must
stand. Most of the specimens which we have seen have been from
Natal, where Captain Shelley records it as “not uncommon near
Durban.” Mr. T. L. Ayres has likewise sent several specimens from
Pinetown, and his father, Mr. Thomas Ayres, writes as follows :—
“These warblers are generally found amongst the high grass, which
forms a dense cover on the edges of the woods. When disturbed,
they flit and hop about the twigs and boughs of the adjacent bushes,
uttering at the same time a weeping note, which much resembles the
distant bleating of a goat; they seem to be particularly fond of the
eggs of moths and small insects. Their flight is but weak.” It
also occurs in the Transvaal, and we are indebted to Dr. Exton for a
specimen procured near Potchefstroom, in July, 1876. In this part
of the country, Mr. Thomas Ayres states that the species inhabits
low scrub. Mr. Andersson says that according to his experience it is
not an inhabitant of either Great Namaqua or Damara Land. He
first became acquainted with it on penetrating to the Okavango, but
even there he does not remember to have seen much of it. All the
specimens which have fallen under our notice from Mr. Andersson’s
collections were obtained at Elephant Vley, in September and
October, 1859.

We give a detailed description of the typical specimen in the
British Museum.

Adult in breeding plumage.—Above nearly uniform brown, slightly
washed with dull ochraceous and having obsolete darker centres to
the feathers; rump and upper tail-coverts uniform dull ochraceous
brown; least wing-coverts coloured like the back, the rest dark
brown, externally margined with dull sandy rufous, paler towards
the tips of the greater series; quills dark brown, externally edged
with sandy rufous, lighter and more fulyous on the secondaries ;
tail nearly uniform brown, with a few indications of wavy bars in
certain lights, the feathers rather paler at tips but without subter-
minal bars; head uniform chestnut; lores and a distinct eyebrow
yellowish white ; ear coverts browner than the rest of the side face,
the shaft-lines whitish; cheeks, throat, and under parts generally
yellowish or yellowish white, deeper on the abdomen, the sides of

CISTICOLA FASCIOLATA. 273

the body browner; thighs chestnut; under tail-coverts fulvous ;
under wing-coverts tawny-buff ; upper mandible light orange brown,
shaded with deep reddish brown; lower mandible straw yellow ;
feet pale reddish yellow. Total length, 5°5 inches; culmen, 0°55 ;
wing, 1°95; tail, 2°85; tarsus, 0°9.

The female is smaller, measuring only 1:75 inch in the wing, and
0°75 in the tarsus. Winter birds are much more mealy in colour.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 73, fig. 1, and pl. 78.

257. CrsTicoLa sUBCINNAMOMEA. Cinnamon-breasted Fantail.
Drymoica subcinnamomea, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 88 (1867).

This peculiar little Warbler is so different in its colouration that
some authors have considered it to be an Aedon. Sir Andrew Smith
only procured one specimen of this bird, which was killed on the top
of one of the mountains of the Kamiesberg, in Little Namaqualand.
“ For some time before it was shot, it was beheld flitting from bush
to bush, occasionally perching on their summits, at other times hop-
ping rapidly to and fro among their branches, as if engaged in quest
of insects, which were found to constitute its food.” Mr. Ortlepp
has also procured it near Colesberg.

Upper surface of head, neck, back, and shoulders, between oil-
green and orange-brown; forehead tinted cinnamon-red; wing-
feathers, light reddish-brown, with a tinge of green; the primaries
edged narrowly towards their base with cinnamon-red ; rump ruddy ;
tail rather long, and slightly rounded, deep brownish-red ; chin and
neck inferiorly liver-brown, variegated with narrow white trans-
verse bars; breast and fore part of belly cinnamon-red ; belly and
vent coloured as the back. Length, 5’’ 8’’’; wing, 1’ 11’”’ ; tail,
ONE (Seatelee

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 111, fig. 1.

258. CIsTICOLA FASCIOLATA. Barred-breasted Fantail.
Drymoica fasciolata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 86.

Sir Andrew Smith first obtained this very distinct species on open
flat plains to the north-east of Latakoo. He says that it “inhabits
districts covered thinly with small underwood, and in such places is
found moving from bush to bush in search of its food, which it
appears to take partly from the top of the bushes and partly from
the branches, among which it passes rapidly.”

|

274 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. T. E. Buckley obtained a specimen at Geoqui in Bamangwato,
on the 16th October, 1873, and Mr. Ayres has procured it in the
Transvaal. He observes :—“ These birds feed upon small insects.
They inhabit low bush and scrub’; when disturbed they invariably
fly and settle close to or on the stems of the bushes, and then work
their way up. They appear to be solitary in their habits. In the
living bird the speckled wings are more conspicuous than the barred
breast.”

Mr. Andersson writes as follows :—“ This species is common in the
neighbourhood of Objimbinque ; and I have found a few individuals
between that place and Rehoboth; it greatly reminds me of our
Swedish Girdsmygg (the common Wren of England) in its habits,
which are somewhat secluded. It frequents dense bush and occa-
sionally trees, searching diligently amongst the branches for insects;
it carries its tail erect when moving about. When disturbed it flies
but a short distance at a time, and is easily distinguished by the
bright brown on the rump.”

Adult.—Above warm brown, rather rufescent, the rump and
upper tail-coverts rather lighter and more tawny rufous; wings
brown, the coverts edged with fulyous brown and all tipped with
white or fulyous white ; quills brown, externally edged with rufous
brown, the innermost secondaries margined with whitish at the tip;
tail brown, the feathers edged with rufous brown and all tipped with
fulyous, before which the colour darkens, but does not form a sub-
terminal band; lores and sides of face greyish white waved with
transverse bars of blackish-brown, the ear-coverts washed with
brown with whitish shaft-stripes ; under surface of body dull white,
the sides bright fulvous, deeper and more tawny on the thighs and
under tail-coverts ; the throat very slightly, but the chest and sides’
of the body distinctly crossed with zig-zag or V-shaped bars of dark
brown; under wing-coverts light buff, the lower surface of the
quills ashy brown, edged with pale rufous along the inner web;
“upper mandible dark liver-brown, the lower edge and’ the under
mandible dark bluish or purple; legs pale flesh colour, toes the same,
but a trifle darker; iris yellowish brown.” (Andersson.) Total
length, 4°8 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 2°45; tail, 2°3; tarsus,
0:93

Fig. Smith, ll. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 111, fig. 2.

CISTICOLA CURSITANS. 275

259. CISTICOLA PROCERA. Zambesi Fantail Warbler.

Dr. Peters obtained at Tete in the Zambesi a specimen of a
Warbler which he describes under this name, (J. f. O. 1868, p. 132).
Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub in the “ Vogel Ost.-Afrikas (p. 233),
consider it to be a good species, and have given the following
description of the type. ‘Obscure dull brown, by no means
conspicuously varied with darker colour; head slightly rufescent ;
an obscure subterminal dark spot on the tail feathers ; underneath
dull whitish, the under wing-covers uniform; quills pale dusky
brown; bill and feet pale. Total length, 5 inches; bill, 5”;
wing, 2”; tail, 1” 5’’’; tarsus, 10”.

260. CrsTICcoLA OBSCURA. Dusky Fantail Warbler.

We have been unable to identify this species, which was described
by Professor Sundevall in 1850 (Oefy. K. Vet. Akad. Forh. Stockh.
1850, p. 103). It was obtained by Wahlberg in “ Kaffraria,” and
the following is a translation of the original description :—

Male. Back obscure grey, faintly spotted with dusky, the head
slightly rufescent; the forehead brighter; the occiput obsoletely
spotted with dusky ; the hind neck dusky brown; belly unspotted,
dull whitish, greyish on the sides ; quills externally edged with dull
dusky rufous; tail feathers above greyish rather pointed at the tip,
which is whitish with a black subterminal spot; bill notched and
rather pointed. Total length, 54 inches; wing, 2°5; tarsus, 1:0;
tail, 2°4.; bill from front, 0°55; its height, 0:2.

261. CrsTicoLa CURSITANS. Common Fantail Warbler.
Drymoica terrestris, and D. ayresti, Layard, B. 8. Afr., pp. 91, 94.
We agree with Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub that the “ Kloppertjie” of
Southern Africa is not specifically separable from the Fantail of Europe
and India, and C. ayresti we believe will turn out to be the young
bird in its first richly coloured plumage. Mr. W. Atmore says that
it is a grass-loving species, and is found abundantly in the George
District. He states that it “ constructs a nest on the ground, arched
and domed, and lays from six to ten white eggs covered with pink
spots mostly at the obtuse end.’’*

* The previous account given in the first edition is erroneous, owing to a
mistake in the numbering of a manuscript list kept by Mr. Atmore and the

author. ;
; t 2

276 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Writing from Windvogelberg in September, 1873, Major Bulger
sends us the following note :—“ There is a very tiny bird abundant
on the Flats all around us here, which we call the ‘little grass-bird.’
It is Drymoica terrestris—the smallest feathered creature I have seen
in the country, and something like a diminutive lark in appearance.
When started it always rises with a whirr, and flies away emitting a
snapping noise, and, occasionally, an alarm-note ; and, whilst on the
ground, amongst the grass, where it is commonly met with, I fancy
it not unfrequently makes the same snapping noise, for often, whilst
I have been walking on the Flats, I have heard this sound, and
presently, have flushed the ‘ little grass bird.’ It has seemed to us
that this Drymoica possesses the power of ventriloquism, for I have
remarked on many occasions that, although we have heard the
peculiar sound produced by this bird around us in every direction,
we have never succeeded in finding more than one or two, at the
most, of these little creatures.”

Lieut. H. Trevelyan has sent us a specimen from King William’s
Town, and from Eland’s Post in the Eastern Province we have
received several specimens collected by Mr. T. C. Atmore. In Natal
it is by no means uncommon, to judge from the numerous specimens
which have been sent from Pinetown and Durban, by Mr. T. L.
Ayres ; and Mr. Thomas Ayres gives the following account of the
species in that Colony :—

« These birds are common in the open country, frequenting much
shorter grass than that frequented by Drymeca curvirostris. Their
nest is very beautifully constructed, amongst the fine stalks of
grass, which are drawn together towards the top, a sort of purse or
bag being made of the finest and whitest down and spider’s webs
and attached at the sides to the~ grass which surrounds it, the
opening being on the top. On any intruder approaching the nest,
the birds generally mount overhead with a flitting eccentric flight,
watching with anxiety the fate of their domicile. Their flight is
tolerably strong; and when they have been disturbed once or
twice, it is sometimes a difficult matter to get within shot of them.”

Mr. T. E. Buckley says that he found it “ extremely common
throughout Natal and the Transvaal, being among the long dead
grass in the open veldt.” We are indebted to Dr, Exton and to
Mr. Thomas Ayres for some beautiful specimens procured near
Potchefstroon, and the latter gentleman writes :—* These little

CISTICOLA CURSITANS. 277

birds live among the long grass, and appear to move most in the
evening, about sunset, lying quiet in the heat of the day; they are
generally to be seen three or four together.”

The followmg admirable account of the species is extracted

_ verbatim from Mr. Andersson’s well known work on the “ Birds of

Damara Land.” ‘ This species came under my notice in Great
Namaqua Land in about 24° or 25° S. lat.; I have also met with it
abundantly in southern Damara Land, and have obtained it in
Ondonga. Specimens from Damara Land are of a lighter tint than
those from Ondonga, but I have no doubt they are identical. It is
common at some large waters on the Omaruru River, but is most
difficult to shoot ; it can generally only be shot on the wing as it rises ;
and when shot it invariably falls in the reeds, where its diminutive
size easily eludes the eye. It is, however, found in many other
situations besides reedy localities, but chiefly among tall, coarse
grasses growing about small periodical watercourses. When
disturbed, it rises almost perpendicularly, descending nearly as
abruptly, and either burying itself at once in the rank vegetation
or first perching on a grass-stalk and gradually creeping out of
view, and also out of reach ; for it is difficult to flush it again.

“The food of this little bird consists of small insects. Its eggs,
which are four or, rarely, five in number, are sometimes white, or
more frequently white freely sprinkled with minute brown spots ;
but occasionally they are tinged with green, whilst others are of a
reddish colour. The nests also vary in form, material, and construc-
tion; some are airy and fragile, like the home of a spider, whilst
others are pretty compact and more or less pasted on the outside
with decomposed grasses ; and it is a remarkable fact that the eggs
in the spider-like nests are always whitish, spotted with brown,
whilst those in the more complete nests are of a greenish tint but
with the same spotting. The nests which are sometimes globular,
are suspended to the stalks of long grasses about a foot above the
ground, I have found them with eggs from the 18th of February
to the 3lst of March.”

Top of head and interscapulars, umber-brown, variegated with
yellowish-brown; back of neck, back, and shoulders, clear yellowish-
brown, with umber-brown streaks; rump umber-brown; chin and
throat whitish; breast, belly, and vent, sienna-yellow ; tail mode-
rately long, and slightly graduated; two middle-feathers broccoli-

278 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

brown, broadly margined and tipped with wood-brown ; the other
feathers brownish-red, broadly tipped with white, with a large umber-
brown blotch just before the white, seen, as in all the species, most
plainly on the under side; irids light-brown. Length, 4” 3’;
meek NL! petals A dd!’

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves., pl. 74, fig. 2; Gurney, Ibis,
1863, pl. viii., fig. 2.

262. CursTICOLA CHERINA. Brown Fantail Warbler.
Drymoica cherina, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 89 (1869).

We feel considerable compunction in retaining this species in the
list of South African birds, for we find from an examination of the
type-specimen, that it is identical with the Fantail Warbler of Mada-
gascar, and the name of O. cherina will take precedence over the
later published name of C. madagascariensis by which the species is
generally known. Notwithstanding the account of the habits given
by the late Sir Andrew Smith, we still think that some mistake has
arisen, as in the case of Glareola ocularis, which was equally stated to
occur in South Africa, but is now known to be a native of Madagascar.
At the same time we notice that Grill records its occurrence at the
Knysna in September from Victorin’s collection, and, if no mistake
has occurred in this identification, the species may be common to
South Africa and Madagascar: but we can only say that out of
dozens of these Warblers sent to us by our correspondents we have
never seen a skin approaching C. cherina in colour, whereas all the
Madagascar examples agree exactly. We commend the subject
therefore to the study of our friends in South Africa, and meanwhile
we add a careful description of the typical specimen in the British
Museum.

Adult (type of species).—General colour above brown, with darker
centres to the feathers, giving a slight appearance of streaks to the
head, much more distinct on the back where the centres are black ;
rump (damaged) apparently uniform fulyous brown, the upper tail-
coverts with narrow blackish streaks; wing-coverts dark brown
with ashy fulvous margins, especially distinct on the greater series ;
quills dark brown also, the primaries margined with lighter brown,
the secondaries with ashy fulvous exactly like the wing-coverts ;
tail dark brown, with obsolete dusky bars under certain lights, the
four centre feathers tipped with lighter brown, with an obsolete sub-

blll ey

Sea

HEMIPIERYX TECTRIX. 279

terminal bar of blackish, all the other tail-feathers tipped with white,
before which is a very distinct subterminal bar of black, the outer-
most feather edged with whitish ; lores and an almost imperceptible
eyebrow buffy white, the ear-coverts browner ; cheeks and throat
dull white as also the centre of the body, the sides of which are clear
brown, darker on the thighs; under wing-coverts fulvous. Total
length, 4°1 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 1:9; tail, 1:7; tarsus, 0°8.
Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 77, fig. 2.

263, Huwipreryx TECTRIX. Pinc-pine Grass- Warbler.
Drymoica tectriz, Layard, B. 8, Afr. p. 85.
This little species, which is called ‘“ Ting-ting” by the Dutch

)

colonists (“ Kloppertjie,”” of some), is very similar to Cisticola ter-
restris, but is distinguished by its very short tail. It is abundant
throughout the western end of the colony, and we have received it
from Mr. Cairncross at Swellendam. Near Cape Town it is very
common, frequenting open plains covered with low scrub, or marshy
places in which reeds grow. It climbs about these im a very clever
manner, apparently sliding up and down; when pursued, it drops to
the tangled herbage at the foot of some bush, and cannot be induced
to quit its hiding-place. It often hovers in the air at a moderate
height over the bushes, uttering its ringing, metallic cry of ‘ pinc-
pinc-pinc,” jerking about with rapid strokes of the wing, suddenly
dropping into the bushes, and then remaining mute. Le Vaillant
attributes to this little bird a nest which is very common about the

‘country, and is well known under the name of the “nest of the

Kapokvogel,” but he is quite in error, the fabricator of this nest,
the true “ Kapokvogel” (or cotton-bird), being the little Mgithalus
minutus. The nest of D. tectrix is a domed structure, generally sup-
ported between stems of grasses, sometimes placed on the ground.
The eggs, 4—5, are white, sometimes light blue, spotted with minute
reddish spots. Axis, 7’’’; diam. 6”.

Upper parts of head and neck, interscapulars, back, and shoulders
umber-brown, variegated with white and clear yellowish-brown ;
sides of head and neck dirty yellowish-brown, with small umber
blotches ; wing-feathers brownish-red, edged with pale wood-brown;
chin and throat greyish white, indistinctly mottled with light umber-
brown; breast and belly pale sienna-yellow, mottled with umber-
brown spots; flanks and vent pale yellowish-brown, also spotted.

280 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

tail very short, and slightly graduated, two centre-feathers brownish-
red, the rest umber-brown, all edged with wood-brown, and the
three outermost broadly tipped with white. Length, 4”; wing,
Wee"; tail; 171".

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 74, fig. 1.

264. Huemirreryx IMMACULATA. Bulger’s Grass- Warbler.

This second species of “ Pinc-pinc” was discovered by Major
Bulger, near Windvogelberg, and was described by Dr. Hartlaub, in
the “ Proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1866” (p. 22). Itis
very like H. tectriz, but differs in having the under parts unspotted.
It has been subsequently described and figured under the name of
Hemipteryx oligura by Dr. von Heuglin. (Ibis (2) v. p. 79, pl. iii.)

Above, rufous-olivaceus, variegated with fuscous ; back of head,
back and rump, more rufous. Below, spotless, fulvous ; throat and
middle of abdomen whitish; tail feathers brownish-black, with a
white terminal spot. Inner margin of webs pale. Under wing-
coverts Isabella colour, feet and bill pale. Length 3’’ 10’’’; wing,
ES 97/45) tail, 91".

265. SPHENGACUS AFRICANUS. Pointed-tailed Grass-W arbler.
Drymoica africana, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 95 (1867).

This curious warbler is distributed throughout the whole colony,
preferring open country covered with low scrub or grass. Captain
Shelley obtained it at the Paarl in Cape Colony, and both Andersson
and Victorin shot it at the Knysna. Mr. Rickard procured it at
Port Elizabeth, and one specimen also at East London. Captain
Shelley shot it at Pinetown in Natal, and Mr. Ayres gives the follow-
ing note on its habits as observed by himself in the last named
colony :— This is also not a very common warbler; it frequents
much the same cover as the preceding species, but has perhaps a
rather greater partiality to bushy underwood on the edges of the
dense bush ; its flight is very weak, and it is difficult to drive it from
its hiding-places ; its food consists of insects.”

Mr. T. E. Buckley has recently procured a male specimen during
his trip to Suaziland: it was killed on the 16th of June, 1876.
Captain Shelley says that “it frequents the high grass and is difficult
to drive out of the thick covert it resorts to; when on the wing it
flies low with a straight and even flight.” The wings in this species

Eee

Se

t
-

APALIS THORACICA. 281

are very small and weak, hardly enabling the bird to fly fifty yards.
Tf flushed more than once, it betakes itself to a clump of grass, or
bush, and will suffer itself to be taken with the hand rather than
rise again ; for this reason it has acquired the name of “ Idle Jack”
and “ Lazy Dick.”

Mrs. Barber sends nest and eggs of this curious bird. The
former, usually constructed in the bottom of a bush, is a beautiful
structure, lined with feathers and hair. The eggs white, more or less
clouded (at the obtuse end chiefly) with very faint “ indian-ink”
spots or blotches. Axis, 11”; diam. 7”.

Upper parts rufous, deepest on the head and rump, inclining to
grey on the fore part of the back, and everywhere marked with
very dark-brown, broad streaks down the centre of the feathers :
these are nearly obsolete on the head, but extend along the centre
of the tail-feathers: under parts, uniform light Isabella-coloured,
everywhere mottled with dark black-brown streaks, most evident on
the flanks ; ‘beak grey, inclining to black towards the culmen ; legs
grey; iris hazel’’ (Shelley). Length 8” 9”; wings, 3”; tail, 4”.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 112, fig. 2.

266. APALIS THORACICA. Bar-throated Warbler.
Drymoica thoracica, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 93.

This warbler is generally distributed all over the colony. We
procured specimens in considerable numbers at Plettenberg’s Bay
(on the southern side of the colony), in the wooded ravines and
deserted gardens in which the brushwood had sprung up. They
hunted incessantly after insects, gliding about among the branches,
peering up at the under sides of the leaves or thick branches, and
darting up at the small insects which sought concealment in such
situations.

Swellendam has furnished us with several specimens; it is also
abundant at Nel’s Poort, and all along the rivers in that part of the
Karroo; and we likewise saw a pair which evidently were nesting in
the rank herbage and scrub which line the crater of the minute
volcano from which issue the hot springs of Caledon.

Captain Shelley says that he met with several specimens creeping
about the stunted bushes while on the way to Ceres. Victorin
procured it at the Knysna from April to September, and Mr.
Rickard has noted it from Port Elizabeth. Mr. Thomas Ayres gives

282 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the following note on the species in Natal :—“These birds are
generally seen in the thick bush, creeping about the stems and
boughs of trees and shrubs in search of small insects on which they
live; they are generally solitary, or in pairs, and very silent; their
flight is weak. They build a very delicate nest; it is hung to a
few fine twigs, in rather a horizontal position ; the outer layer is
composed of mosses, lichens, cobwebs, and very fine pieces of grass,
lined with thistledown ; the nest is deep and open at the top, and is
somewhat the shape of those built by some of the Sun-birds; the
eggs are elliptical in form, bluish-white, spotted pretty equally with
brownish red, some of the spots being fainter than others.” Our
friend Mr. T. A. Barratt writes :—“I have never seen this species
elsewhere than at Macamac and Pilgrim’s Rest Gold-fields.”

Le Vaillant found this bird in abundance after crossing the
“River of Elephants” as far as the tropics; also on the bank of the
Orange River, and in Kafirland. He states that they always went
in couples, male and female, breeding in November and December.
The nest is placed among grass or low bushes; the eggs are six
in number, and of a reddish white. The male has an agreeable
song.

Mr. L. C. Layard discovered the nest at Grootevadersbosch ; he
says it is domed and of the same shape as those of the Drymece.
The eggs are white, spotted with various sized dark brownish-red
spots chiefly at the obtuse end, and somewhat in the form of a ring.
Axis, 7}'’’ ; diam., 6”.

General colour above ashy-grey, tinted with olive-green, except
on the tail; chin, throat, and under parts whitish, tinted with rufous-
brown, deepest on the vent; a black collar extends across the chest,
and a black mark from the bill to the eye; tail graduated, the
outermost feather nearly all white, the second white at the tip, the
third at the tip only ; two tufts of black hair-like feathers, from
the basal half of the back of the head; eye light-yellow; tarsus
flesh-coloured; claws brown; bill black. Length, 5” 3’’’; wing,
2”; tail, 2” 4’/’,

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 123.

267. MertocicHLA PYRRHOPS. Congo Warbler.
Senor Anchieta has procured an example of this West African
bird at Caconda in Boenguela. It is recorded by Professor Barboza

ha oR mL te at ge Nl RMR A tN on
~ ban - - en a a 5 = . ve

.
ie A Sil Se

-

ae le

2 aug AT

SF FOE ie RO OS NOE ae. ae

CATRISCUS APICALIS. 283

du Bocage as Melocichla mentalis, but I believe that it will be the
Congo species, M. pyrrhops of Cabanis (J. f. O. 1875, p. 236),
which runs southward into Benguela. The Congo bird differs from
the true M. mentalis of the Gold Coast in being greyish-white from
the chin to the vent, whereas in the latter bird the breast is tawny
like the flanks. :

The following description is taken from an adult female bird shot
by M. Louis Petit at Chinchonxo in the Congo district on the 8th
of April, 1876.

General colour above ashy brown, the rump gradually inclinmg
to rufous brown ; forehead rufous, shading off into ashy brown on
the hinder crown: lores dull white ; round the eye a ring of whitish
feathers, and above the eye a very narrow line of white stiffened
plumes, forming with a streak of buff above the ear-coverts a faintly-
defined eyebrow; ear-coverts dull rufous with whitish shaft-lines ;
cheeks white as also the throat; a narrow moustachial line of black ;
rest of the under surface of body ashy white, with a slight tawny
tinge on the sides of the neck; the sides of the body light tawny
buff deepening on the lower flanks, thighs, and under tail-coverts ;
under wing-coverts ashy white, the lower ones washed with pale
tawny buff; wings above dark brown, the least wing-coverts washed
with ashy brown like the back, the greater coverts and quills
externally edged with rufous; upper tail-coverts deep rufous ; tail ©
dark brown, obscurely waved under certain lights, the feathers
externally washed with rufous, the outer feathers tipped with ashy
fulvous ; bill black in skin, the edge of the upper mandible whitish,
the lower mandible yellowish white, eyes dark brown; “ iris yellow
with an outer ring of brown” (Petit). Total length, 7°8 inches ;
culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°05; tail, 3°35; tarsus, 1°15.

268. CaTRIscUS APICALIS. Fan-tailed Reed- Warbler.

This species although found in North Hastern Africa, is, as far
as we yet know, confined to the Colony of Natal in the southern
part of the Continent. Captain Shelley writes as follows :—“I saw
several specimens of this bird in the sedge at Durban and Pinetown,
where, owing to their creeping habits, and the thick vegetation they
frequent, I was only able to shoot two. It is a very striking little
bird as it flits out from amongst the thick rushes with a jerky flight,
its heavy dark tail rather imclinmg downwards.’ He has also

284 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

received several specimens from the neighbourhood of Pinetown,
where they were procured by Mr. T. L. Ayres. Mr. Thomas Ayres
observes that in Natal ‘‘these Warblers, which are not so
common as some other reed-birds, are found amongst the rank grass
and rushes that grow in swampy places. When they have been
once flushed, it is a difficult matter to put them up a second time, as
they creep away with great swiftness amongst the stems of grass.
Their notes are rather loud and somewhat harsh; their flight is
weak, being seldom sustained for more than fifty yards. Their
food appears to consist entirely of small insects.”

Adult.—Above light tawny brown, rather darker on the head and
inclining to ashy brown on the sides of the neck; wings brown, the
least wing-coverts uniform with the back, the rest of the coverts and
the quills externally margined with the same tawny brown as the back,
becoming paler towards the tips of the primaries ; upper tail-coverts
very long and broad, resembling the tail in texture, and of a deep
brown colour like the middle tail-feathers, the remainder of the
latter blackish, obscurely waved with dusky under certain lights,
and tipped with dull whitish; lores and a faint eyebrow, ashy grey ;
sides of face light brown with paler shaft-streaks to the ear-coverts ;
throat and cheeks white, washed with yellowish on the hinder
margin of the latter; rest of under surface of body white in the
centre, the breast and sides as well as the flanks light tawny buff ;
thighs, vent, and under tail-coverts light brown, the latter rather
darker; under wing-coverts whitish, washed with buff; lower
surface of quills pale ashy brown, with an almost imperceptible
lighter edging along the inner web; upper mandible black, the
lower one grey; legs flesh-colour; iris brown. Total length, 5°8
inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2°4; tail, 3°35; tarsus, 0°8.

Obs. Mr. Ayres (Ibis, 1863, p. 323) gives the soft parts as
follows :—“TIris light hazel; upper mandible of bill very dark ashy
brown; under mandible light ash-colour; nostrils large and oval ;
tarsi and feet palish brown.”

Fig. Heuglin, Orn, N. O. Afr. taf. ix.

269. PHLEXIS VICTORINI. Victorin’s Reed- Warbler.

Bradypterus layardi and B. victorini, Layard, B. 8. Afr.
pp. 100, 101.
The identity of P. layardi and P. victorini we consider to he

—— SS a ae

PHLEXIS VICTORINI. 285

beyond doubt. We have examined in the British Museum a specimen
obtained by Mr. Andersson at the Knysna, and correctly identified by
the late Mr. George Gray as P. victorini. This individual perfectly
agrees with other specimens of the true P. layardi, obtained by Mr.
Atmore and his son, Mr. H. Atmore, near George in the Knysna
district. On comparing these specimens also with Sundevall’s origi-
nal description, there can be no doubt as to their perfect identity.
After the late Sir Andrew Smith’s death, there was discovered a
little box among his effects, containing some bird-skins, some of
which were marked by him as having been obtained during the old
expedition into Central Africa. The birds contained in this box
were handed over by his executors to the British Museum, and it is
evident that the contents were skins of birds which he had been
unable to identify, and which had been laid aside and forgotten.
Among them was a specimen of P. victorini, along with several other
birds which were not made known to science for twenty or thirty
years after they had been discovered by him.

We think that the present species may very fairly be kept generi-
cally distinct from the other Bradypteri. The extreme development
of the loose feathers on the lower back and rump, and the very
short wings seem to separate it. Victorin obtained his original
specimens at the Knysna in September and October, and the late
Mr. Andersson also met with it in the same locality. Mr. W.
Atmore writes to us :—* The habits of P. layardi are exactly like
those of Sphenceacus africanus, but it is even more difficult to raise
from its covert. The one now sent I got at Forest Hall, Pletten-
berg’s Bay. I was looking for a surveying station, and she flew out
of some dense scrub. In the scrub was a cup-shaped nest like that
of S. africanus, not quite finished. I hunted in vain for the male,
and never passed the spot without a search, as well as looking into
every similar place, but this was all I saw. When raised, their
flight is only a feeble flutter, like that of S. africanus or Porzana
pygmeea.”

Adult male-—Above rufescent brown; the head rather more ashy
brown than the back; wings dark brown, the feathers edged with
rufous brown like the back; tail rufous brown and consisting of
twelve feathers; lores slightly tinged with rufous; feathers round
the eye, and ear coverts dull greyish; cheeks and under surface of
body rufous, paler on the abdomen ; the sides of the body rufous-

a

286 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

brown ; under wing-coverts dull greyish-brown, like the quill lining.
Total length, 5°8 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2°15; tail, 3-4;
tarsus, 0°9. ‘

Fig. Hartlaub, Ibis 1866, pl. vi.

270. Brapyprerus pracuyprerus. Stripe-throated Reed-Warbler.
Bradypterus platyurus and B. sylvaticus, Layard, B. 8. Afr.

This species is the ‘ Pavaneur’ of Le Vaillant, and is distinguished
by the very distinct blackish streaks on the throat, the latter being
white, and by the light fulvous edgings to the wing-coverts, these.
being especially distinct on the primary-coverts.

Le Vaillant states that he discovered this bird in the marshes which
occur near Plettensberg Bay and throughout the whole of Outeni-
qualand. It is common in the yleys about Worcester and Swel-
lendam, and is also found near Wynberg, Cape Town, &. We
obtained it ourselves at the Berg River, and we have received it from
Mr. Moffat at Kuruman. Dr. Exton has lately sent us a pair from
the neighbourhood of Potchefstroom, and, according to Mr. Thomas
Ayres, it is common amongst the high grass and rushes of the
swamps in the Transvaal.

Adult male.—General colour dark rufous brown, the rufous
slightly more pronounced on the rump and upper tail-coverts ;
wings blackish-brown, the coverts conspicuously lighter edged with
fulvous brown, especially distinct on the primary coverts and the
outermost of the greater series; tail blackish-brown, all the feathers
externally washed wish rufous brown, the outer ones haying con-
spicuous lighter brown tips, the centre feathers more rufescent, all
the rectrices obscurely waved under certain lights; lores dull whitish
with a dusky spot in front of the eye; round the eye a ring of
whitish feathers; ear-coverts greyish-brown with whitish shaft-
streaks; cheeks buffy-white mottled with brown; sides of neck
paler brown than the back; throat and centre of the body white ;
the sides of the body rufescent brown, inclining to dull tawny on
the thighs and under tail-coverts; lower throat with a few tiny
longitudinal streaks of dusky brown; upper breast slightly washed —
with brown; under wing-coverts whitish, the outermost mottled
with brown bases to the feathers; the inner lining of the quills
ashy-brown, with paler margins near the base of the inner webs;
“pill dark slate colour; feet and legs pale; iris dusky hazel.” (MS.

le Ee ee

Se ae ee ee:

BRADYPTERUS GRACILIROSTRIS. 287

ticket on specimen). Total length, 5-7 inches; culmen, 0°55 ; wing,
2:25-; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0°85.

Adult female.—Similar to the male. Total length, 5:5 inches;
culmen, 0°6; wing, 2:2; tail, 2°55; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Le Vaillant, Ois. d’Afr. pl. 122.

271. Brapyprervus Graciuirostris. White-breasted Reed-Warbler.
Calamodyta gracilirostris, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 98.

Mr. L. C. Layard procured several specimens of this shy and
retiring bird in rushes on the banks of the “‘ Diep River,” near the
Observatory, Cape Town. He informs us that he was attracted to
them by their babblings, which he at once detected as new to him:
their stomachs contained the remains of minute Coleoptera and
other insects. When staying with Mr. Kotze at the Berg River we
found the eggs of this species. they were dirty white, spotted or
blotched, chiefly at the obtuse end, with light brown and purple
blotches: axis, 9’’’; diam. 63}’”.. The nest was similar in form and
position to that of Acrocephalus beticatus. At the Berg river it
was called ‘River Ting-ting.’ In Natal, Mr. Ayres says that ‘‘ these
birds are less plentiful than most of the Warblers, but are generally
dispersed throughout the colony. They are always found amongst
the reeds and rushes which border the streams, rivers, and lagoons.
Their notes are loud, clear, and pleasant. They fly with greater
ease and swiftness than most of the Drymecas. Their food consists

of small insects.”

We have also seen specimens from the neigh-
bourhood of Potchefstroom, for which we were indebted to the
kindness of Dr. H. Exton. The late Mr. Chapman obtained a single
specimen near Lake N’gami, and two specimens, procured in Damara
Land by Mr. Andersson, are in the British Museum: they were
obtained at Omanbondé.*

The distinguishing characters of this species are its large size,

long and acrocephalus-like bill and white under surface: there are

* Mr. Gurney inserts in the ‘“ Birds of Damara Land” Acrocephalus arun-
dinaceus, the Great Sedge-Warbler of Europe (p. 99). Mr, Andersson’s MSS.
contained a note on a “ Reed-Warbler” procured by him near Omanbondé,
which he compared to the British species, but found it larger. I believe he
intended the Reed-Wren (A. streperus) for the specimens from Omanbondé
now in the British Museum (of which two were recently discovered in an old
collection of Mr. Andersson’s) are Bradypterus gracilirostris, which is smaller
than A. arundinaceus.

288 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

no streaks on the breast, and the under tail-coverts are very pale
fulvous, quite different to the dark brown under tail-coyerts of the
other South African Bradypteri.

Adult male—Crown of head and back dull brown, shading
gradually off into fulvous brown on the lower back, rump, and
upper tail-coverts, which are much lighter than the rest of the back ;
wings dark brown, all the feathers edged with fulyous brown ; tail
dark brown, the tips pale fulyous brown, all the feathers obscurely
waved under certain lights; lores conspicuously whitish, a dusky
spot in front of the eye, and round the latter a ring of whitish
feathers ; above the eye a slight indication of a whitish streak ; ear-
coverts light brown; cheeks, and under surface of body white; the
sides of the upper breast brown ; the flanks, thighs and under tail-
coverts fulvous brown, the two latter much paler; under wing-
coverts whitish, especially the edge of the wing which forms a
conspicuous spot; under surface of quills ashy brown, with light
fulyous margins along the inner webs of the quills ; bill horn brown
(in skin); “‘legs and feet slate colour; iris hazel” (MS. note on
specimen). Total length, 6-2 inches; culmen, 0.8; wing, 3:05;
tail, 3°0; tarsus, 1°15.

272. BRrapypYERUS SYLVATICUS. Knysna Reed- Warbler.

Up to the time of writing we have been unable satisfactorily to
determine the above species, which was described by Prof. Sundevall
from a specimen obtained by Victorin at the Knysna. As will be
seen from the description which we transcribe below, it possesses
several peculiarities, such as the absence of spots on the throat and
the light edgings to the under tail-coverts. It cannot be B.
brachypterus, because this always has distinct throat-stripes and,
moreover, so good adescriber as Prof. Sundevall would not have
overlooked the peculiar light-edged wing-coverts. It cannot be
B. gracilirostris, which has no streaks or spots on the throat, on
account of the discrepancy in size, and the differences of colouration
are altogether too apparent. It is, therefore, closely allied to
B. barratti: but in this species the strongly developed throat-stripes
are one of the most distinguishing characters, so that altogether it is
difficult to refer any of the specimens examined by us to the true
B. sylvaticus. In the British Museum are two skins obtained by the
late Sir Andrew Smith, and these agree tolerably well in size, but

a

9

ACROCEPHALUS FULVOLATERALIS. 289

the brown edgings to the gular feathers cause a distinctly spotted
appearance, and it can hardly be said of them, “macule nulle
gutturis.”’ Then again Captain Shelley has lent us a skin from
Durban which has the throat uniform, and the edgings very dis-
tinctly indicated on the under tail-coverts. This may be a young
B. barratti, and it remains to be proved whether B. sylvaticus is the
young bird of the last-named species, in which case Sundevall’s
name will have precedence. No mention is made in the description
of the narrow white shaft-lines on the ear-coverts, which are seen in
B. barratti, and it is probable that an examination of the type will
be necessary before the question can be solved.

Adult male—Above entirely obscure dusky brown with an obso-
lete shade of rufous; underneath paler, the throat and the middle of
the belly dull white; the sides of the body and of the head a little
paler than the back; the feathers of the vent dusky with a paler
tip; wings and tail uniform with the back; bill dusky, underneath
pale; feet pale; no spots on the throat. Total length, about 5°5
inches ; wing, 2°4; tail, 2°3; tarsus, 0°8 (Swndevall).

273. ACROCEPHALUS FULVOLATERALIS; Sharpe.
Tawny-sided Reed-Warbler.

For many years the editor had in his collection the skin of a
large Reed-Warbler from Natal, which he has shown to Dr. Finsch
and other authorities on African birds, though at present without
being able to obtain any clue to its identification. It is a true
Acrocephalus with small attenuated first primary, but it differs from
A. stentorius in its thicker and shorter bill, and much larger size.
From A. arundinaceus and A. orientalis it equally differs in the want
of any olive shade of colour on the upper surface, and by having
such very distinct orange tawny flanks. Whether it will ultimately
prove to be a described species time alone will show, but at present it
is interesting to record such a large Acrocephalus as inhabiting South
Africa. Our friend Dr. Finsch suggests that it may be Calamoherpe
caffra of Lichstenstein (Nomencl. p. 29), a species of which no de-
scription is extant. Our type is in the British Museum.

Adult.—General colour above fulvous brown, a little darker on the
head and inclining to rather clearer fulvous on the rump and upper
__ tail-coverts; wings dark brown, the feathers margined with fulvous

brown like the back, the quills externally edged with ashy brown,
U

290 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

apparently the remains of worn plumage ; tail imperfect; the two
feathers remaining narrowly margined with buffy white on the outer
web; lores whitish buff extending backwards to a streak over the
eye, and forming a rather narrow eyebrow; round the eye a ring of
whitish buff feathers ; plumes in front of the eye dusky ; ear coverts
brown like the head; throat white, slightly washed on the lower
part with tawny buff; breast and sides of the body orange tawny,
paler on the thighs and under tail-coverts; centre of abdomen
white ; under wing-coverts dull orange tawny; lower surface of
quills ashy brown, edged with pale tawny buff along the inner webs;
bill very stout, dark horn-brown in skin, yellow at base of lower
mandible ; feet fleshy brown in skin. Total length, 69 inches ;
culmen, 0°75; wing, 3°65; tail, 2°8; tarsus, 1-1.

274. ACROCEPHALUS BHTICATUS. South-African Reed- Warbler.

This Reed Warbler is extremely similar in coloration to the Reed
Wren of Europe, but it is always more rufescent, and from this
circumstance it received the name of rufescens from Keyserling and
Blasius. We have no doubt, however, that it is Le Vaillant’s “Isabelle,”
and it therefore must be called Acrocephalus beticatus Vieill. It
may also be distinguished from its European ally by the proportions
of the quills; the second primary being about equal to the seventh
or eighth, and the third and fourth about equal. In A. streperus,
the second primary is about equal to the fourth, and the third is
longest of all. It is very common about the reed beds along the
banks of rivers in the Karroo, and about Nel’s Poort. We have
received it from Mr. Atmore from Swellendam, and haye found it
ourselves at Zoetendal’s Vley, Graham’s Town, and other places. It
is a noisy bird, continually uttering a stridulous cry of ‘ cur-cur-
crak-crak.’? It forms a nest between reeds and rushes, of wool and
straw, in the shape of a cone. The eggs, usually three, are white,
spotted throughout, but chiefly at the obtuse end with various sized’
brown and light purple, irregular dots and blotches. Axis, 8” ;
diam. 6”. Some eggs are more covered than others, and Le Vail-
lant’s statement that the eggs are spotless, may perhaps be occa-
sionally correct. Mr. H. Jackson writes us that he has found the
nest in December. We took it in September. Mr. Ortlepp notices
it at Colesberg, breeding in gardens in rose hedges, and along the
river banks in reeds.

ACROCEPHALUS PALUSTRIS. ~ 291

\The following account of the species in the Transvaal is given by-
Mr. Thomas (Ayres : :—“ The nest of this species is a very extraordi-
nary structure for so small a bird; it isa mass of seven or eight
inches in depth, and four or five in diameter, with a small neat cup-
shaped cavity at the top, an inch and a quarter across; it is com-
posed principally of white feathers intermixed and bound together
with pieces of cotton, wool, and grass; the tips of many of the
feathers are allowed to stick out fancifully, which gives the nest an
odd appearance as if expressly ornamented; the inside of the cup
is very neatly lined with fine grassand horsehair. All nests are not
as large as the one described; but all partake more or less of the
same character. They are built generally amongst the fig-tree
hedges common in the town of Potchefstroom. When insects are
scarce the birds feed readily on the ripe figs, here very abundant in
the autumn months. The eggs are generally two or three in num-
ber. It seems to me that the birds add to their old nest each BpasOm,
which will account for the structure being so extremely large.” / >) Mr.
Andersson says that he has obtained this bird on a few occasions in
Damara Land.

Adult.—General colour, above fulyous brown, more dusky on the
head and inclining to clearer fulvous on the rump and upper tail-
coverts : quills dark brown, all the feathers edged with the same
fulvous-brown as the back: tail brown with lighter-brown edges ;
lores rufous buff, as also a few feathers over the eye, not, however,
forming an eyebrow: round the eye a ring of buffy white feathers :
ear-coverts fulyous-brown with slightly indicated lighter shaft-
streaks : cheeks and under surface of body buffy white, the throat
and centre of the abdomen purer white: sides of the body clear
fulvous brown, deeper and more rufous on the sides of the breast
and flanks: thighs dull fulvous brown: under tail-coverts buffy
whitish : under wing-coverts light tawny buff. Total length, 5:2
inches; culmen, 0°55; wigg, 2°35; tail, 2°15; tarsus, 0°95.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 121, fig. 2.

275. ACROCEPHALUS PALUSTRIS. Marsh- Warbler.

Captain Shelley discovered this specimen in Natal during his
expedition to Southern Africa. He writes (Ibis, 1875, p. 72) :—“I
shot the only specimen I saw in the thick bush some 500 yards from
the Benshy ground near Durban, on the 30th of March. I com-
U2

292 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

pared it with a specimen in Mr. Dresser’s collection, with which it
entirely agrees. This is no doubt the species mentioned by Mr.
Gurney (Ibis, 1865, p. 266) as ‘0. arundinacea (Gm.)?’?” The
notes given by Mr. T. Ayres on the last-named specimen are
transcribed below, and we agree with Captain Shelley that the
species there spoken of is A. palustris. Mr. Ayres observes :—
“These birds frequent the sedgy pools and streams inland; they
appear to be tolerably numerous; their habits are active, their notes
loud and not unmusical. The specimen sent I shot in December: I
did not notice any last winter (July) when I was shooting in the
same locality, but still I think they must have been somewhere in
the neighbourhood.”

Whether A. palustris is a species distinct from A. streperus is a
question not yet determined by ornithologists. As regards the
occurrence of a second species of Reed Wren in South Africa it
does not much matter, as the proportions of the quills are the same
in both European species, and the birds should be looked for during
the summer months in South Africa.

The following description is taken from Captain Shelley’s specimen
above mentioned.

General colour above uniform olivaceous brown: wing-coverts
uniform with the back: quills dark brown, externally edged with
olivaceous brown, the edges to the secondaries rather more fulves-
cent, all the primaries with a narrow whitish tip, confined in most
cases to a slight terminal edging, which is almost obsolete in the
secondaries: tail-feathers dark brown, slightly fulvescent at tip
and washed on both webs with olivaceous brown: lores pale buff,
extending backwards and forming a faint eyebrow: round the eye a
ring of paie fulvous plumes: in front of the eye a dusky spot: ear-
coverts brown, with indistinct light shaft-streaks: cheeks and under
surface of body light tawny buff, paler on the centre of the abdomen:
throat white: sides of the body somewhat shaded with brown: under
wing-coverts white, some of the outermost shaded with pale tawny
buff, as is also the edge of the wing: “beak flesh-colour, shading
into brown on the culmen: legs flesh-colour with a slight livid
shade : iris hazel” (G. H. Shelley). Total length, 5:5 inches ; culmen,
0°55; wing, 2°75; tail, 2°3; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Gould, B. Gt. Br. part xxi.

= ~s

CAMAROPTERA OLIVACEA. 293

276. ACROCEPHALUS SCH@NOBANUS. European Sedge- Warbler.

The Common Sedge Warbler of Europe has only as yet been met
with in Damara Land as far as regards the limits of the present
work. Mr. Andersson thus records the circumstances of its cap-
ture :—“I obtained two specimens on December 22nd, 1866, at
Otjimbinque in the bed of the river, amongst some ‘ cotton-plants,’
on which, and on the ground, they were hopping about in search of
insects: they were new to me.” We have seen two specimens from
the Congo district, obtained by M. Louis Petit, so that the line of
migration probably lies along the west coast. The following
description is from one of Mr. Andersson’s specimens.

General colour above fulvous brown, streaked with dusky brown
on the back, and with black on the head: rump tawny buff, the
upper tail-coverts brown with dusky centres: wings dark brown,
all the feathers edged with fulvous brown, the primaries with some-
what ashy brown: tail-feathers dark brown with lighter fulvous
brown edgings, the outer feathers lighter: lores and a distinct eye-
brow yellowish buff: in front of the eye a dusky spot: ear-coverts
brown washed with fulvous: cheeks and under surface of body
yellowish buff inclining to tawny on the flanks and thighs, and to
brown on the sides of the upper breast: throat and centre of
abdomen buffy white: under wing-coverts ashy whitish washed with
yellow on the edge of the wing: ‘‘upper mandible dark horn-colour,
the lower brownish, but both yellowish at the edge: gape bright
orange yellow : legs and toes livid brown: iris dark brown” (Anders-
son). Total length, 4°5 inches; culmen, 0-55; wing, 2°53; tail, -
1°75 ; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Gould, B. Eur., pl. 110.

277. CAMAROPTERA OLIVACEA. Grey-backed Bush-Warbler.
Calamodyta olivacea, Layard, B. S. Afr., p. 98.

We have only seen this species ourselves from the neighbourhood
of Graham’s Town, but it has also been found in Natal by Mr. T.
Ayres, and the latter gentleman gives the following account of it in
that colony :—“ The Caffres call this bird ‘ Imboos Ischlaty” (sig-
nifying “bush goat”), from its curious notes when it sees an object
of suspicion or dislike, which much resemble the bleating of a kid
at a distance, although the tiny bird may be within a few feet of the

294 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

listener, hopping and creeping about the dense underwood, and peer
ing through the crevices at its supposed enemy; the tail is then
carried erect, like that of the English Wren, and the bird is in almost
constant motion ; it has also a loud and oft repeated “ chucking”
note, which it uses as a call to its mate during the breeding months.
Its food consists entirely of small insects.”

Mr. Andersson writes :—“ This species is pretty common in the
neighbourhood of the Okavango River, and is also not uncommon
in Damara Land proper; but I did not meet with it in Great Na-
maqua Land. It is avery tame bird, and hunts slowly and with
great care, examining alike, in quest of insects, both thickets and
the largest trees ; it generally carries its wings slightly drooping
when thus engaged, and its tail raised at an angle of 45°.” Senor
Anchieta has met with it at Biballa in Mossamedes as well as at
Humbe on the River Cunene.

The following description is taken from a Latakoo specimen ob-
tained by the late Sir Andrew Smith :—

Adult.—Above ashy brown or greyish; wing-coverts olive yel-
lowish, the quills brown, externally washed with the same olive-
yellow as the coverts ; upper tail-coverts slightly washed with olive:
tail ashy brown, with obscure dusky vermiculations under certain
lights, the outer feathers slightly tipped with whitish: lores dusky
white: feathers above the eye fulvous, scarcely forming an eyebrow :
round the eye a ring of fulvous feathers: ear-coverts ashy brown
with indistinct whitish shaft-lines: cheeks and under surface of body
very pale tawny buff, whiter on the chin and centre of the abdomen:
thighs tawny yellow: under wing-coverts and axillaries buffy white,
washed with yellow, the edge of the wing bright yellow, ‘bill livid
horn colour: legs, and toes brownish flesh colour, eyelids fleshy ; iris
light brown” (Andersson). Total length, 4°8 inches; culmen, 0°55;
wing, 2°25; tail, 1°9; tarsus, 0-9.

278. CAMAROPTERA BRACHYURA. Green-backed Bush-Warbler.
Drymoica brachyura, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 95.

Le Vaillant first described this bird as the ‘ Olivert’ from Outeni-
qualand, and Victorin obtained it in the Karroo. Mr. W. Atmore
has sent us specimens from Blanco, near George. Mr. Ortlepp has
met with it near Colesberg, where he says the species is called
‘ Kers-oojie’ and ‘ Glass-eye’ by the colonists. He says that they

HYPOLAIS ICTERINA. 295

are common about Colesberg, inhabiting large plains covered with

tall shrubs, in which they construct their nests. About the latter

they are very solicitous, often suffering themselves to be knocked
over with a stick when the nest is approached. Mr. T. C. Atmore
has sent us specimens from the vicinity of Grahamstown, and Mr.
T. L. Ayres has forwarded to Captain Shelley sundry examples shot
near Pinetown in Natal. We are indebted to Mr. Ortlepp for the
nest and eggs of the present species. The former is a small cup of
wool and wild cotton lined with a few grass stems, placed in a bush.
The eggs, three in number, are pure white, minutely spotted over
the whole of the obtuse end with red dots. Axis, 7” ; diam. 51”.

The following description is taken from one of Sir Andrew Smith’s
skins in the British Museum. The species may be distinguished from
C. olivacea by its green back, wings and tail, and by the entirely
white under-surface.

Adult.—General colour dull olive-green, the forehead with some-
what of a greyish shade: wing-coverts green like the back, but a
little brighter and more yellow in tone; quills brown, externally
washed with green like the back, brighter on the outer edge of the
primaries: tail dull olive-green, with nearly obsolete remains of
lighter tips: lores greyish white, as also a slightly indicated eye-
brow: round the eye a ring of buffy white feathers: in front of
the eye a dusky spot: ear-coverts ashy brown with faint whitish
shaft-lines: cheeks and entire under surface of body dull white, the
sides of the body washed with ashy grey: thighs dull tawny yellow :
under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellow, as also the outer edge
of the wing, the greater series of coverts whitish : “ bill black, legs
flesh-colour ; iris rich brown” (Z’. L. Ayres). Total length, 4°2 inches ;
culmen, 0°55; wing, 2°05; tail, 1:7; tarsus, 0°8.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. iii. pl. 125.

279. TH yYpoLais ICTERINA. Icterine Warbler,
Sylvia obscura, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 102.

Like the Willow Warbler, this European species appears to make
South Africa its winter home. Sir A. Smith, who described it
under the name of Sylvia obscwra, obtained a smgle specimen near
Latakoo. Mr. Andersson, who is at present the only other naturalist
who has met with the species in South Africa, writes as follows :—
“T observed this Warbler sparingly in the neighbourhood of the

296 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Okavango and in Damara Land: it is migratory and amongst the
earlier arrivals. It sings deliciously, and is found in small flocks
hopping about industriously among the branches of the smaller
trees, preferring such as have a thick tangled foliage, which it slowly
examines for insects and larvee.

Adult Male.—General colour above dull olivaceous rather greyer
on the rump and upper tail-coverts: wings brown, the quills and
coverts with lighter greyish edgings, apparently the remains of
worn plumage: tail brown with paler edgings to the feathers: head
clearer olivaceous and slightly more yellow than the back: lores and
an indistinct superciliary line pale yellow: round the eye a ring of
yellow feathers: ear-coverts olivaceous with narrow shaft-lines of
yellowish white : cheeks and entire under surface of body pale yellow
including the thighs and under tail-coverts : under wing-coverts and
axillaries very pale yellow: inner lining of quills ashy brown, with
whitish edgings along the inner web from the base upwards: “ upper
mandible brownish, with yellowish tips and edges, the under mandible
yellow tinged with flesh colour: ring round the eyes light yellow:
gape melon-yellow: legs and toes slate-coloured: iris brown.”
(Andersson). Total length, 5°4 inches; wing,3°0; tail,2°2; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxviii.

280. PHYLLOSCOPUS TROCHILUS. European Willow Warbler.
Sylvia trochilus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 102.

The European ‘Willow Wren’ visits South Africa during its
absence from Hurope and it seems to be very generally distributed.
Mr. L. C. Layard shot several specimens along the banks of the
Liesbeck River near Cape Town, and we have found it in the reeds
bordering the Berg River and in the neighbouring vleys. We
have also received it from Nel’s Poort near Beaufort and the late
Mr. Andersson procured a specimen at the Knysna. Mr. T. C.
Atmore found it not very uncommonly at Eland’s Post and in the
vicinity of Grahamstown, while Mr. Ortlepp procured it during a
journey near the Sunday’s River. Mr. T. Ayres has forwarded a
single specimen from Natal to Mr. Gurney, and in Damara Land
Mr. Andersson met with it, as well as in Ondonga. He writes :—
“‘T have observed this species in the neighbourhood of the Okavango.
It is rather lively in its habits, hopping incessantly among the
fohage, and even suspending itself head downwards from the buds

7 y .
pt
} .

EREMOMELA FLAVIVENTRIS. 297

and flowerets of the trees, almost every part of which it explores in
search of the small insects which constitute its food.’’

The following is a description of a South African specimen in the
British Museum :

Adult.—General colour above olivaceous brown, more strongly
washed with olivaceous on the lower back and rump and slightly on
the head; wings brown, the coverts and the quills externally washed
with olive greenish ; tail ashy brown, the feathers edged with olive-
green; lores and a distinct eyebrow yellowish white ; in front of
the eye a spot of dusky brown; ear-coverts dull brown, slightly
washed with yellow; cheeks and under-surface of body whitish ;
the chest distinctly washed with yellow, as also are the under tail-
coverts; thighs greenish yellow ; sides of body brown, washed and
streaked with yellow; under wing-coverts bright yellow, as also the
edge of the wing; “bill brownish, lighter beneath and tinged with
yellow ; legs and toes yellowish brown, but a narrow band at the
back of the legs and the soles of the feet are orange-yellow; iris
very dark-brown, almost black” (Andersson). Total length, 4°8
inches ; cuJmen, 0°4; wing, 2°5; tail, 2-2; tarsus, 0°8.

Fig. Gould, B. Eur. pl. 181, fig 1.

281. EREMOMELA FLAVIVENTRIS. Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler.
Drymoica brachyura, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 95 (partim).
=~

This species was discovered by Dr. Burchell. Wah’ ~g obtained
it in ‘Upper Caffraria,” both in the plains and in the woods, and this
locality is probably intended to indicate the Transvaal Republic,
where Mr. T. Ayres has met with it. He says that in appearance
and habits it resembles Zosterops virens. Mr. Andersson procured
specimens at Walfisch Bay and at Otjimbinque, and he observes :—
“This little bird is sparingly met with from the Okavango River on
the north to the Orange River on the south, but, on account of its
diminutive size and secluded habits, is probably often overlooked.
It is found in small families amongst dwarf vegetation, where it
diligently searches for small insects and their larve. It is very
tame, and is often found in company with other small birds.”

The following description is from a specimen obtained by Mr.
Andersson in Damara Land :—

Adult female.—General colour above light ash-colour, the rump
lighter and slightly olivaceous; wings dark brown, the feathers

298 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

washed externally with ashy, inclining to whity-brown on the outer
greater coverts and the primaries ; tail dark brown, externally edged
with dull olivaceous ; lores dull white, extending over the eye and
forming a narrow eyebrow; round the eye a narrow circlet of white
feathers ; ear-coverts ash-coloured, with very narrow shaft-lines of
white; in front of the eye a dusky spot; feathers below the eye
white ; cheeks and under surface of body as far as the abdomen
white; the sides of the upper breast light ash-colour; abdomen,
flanks and under tail-coverts light yellow; thighs ash-colour ;
under wing-coverts ashy whitish; “ bill dark horn-colour, yellow at
the angle of the mouth, and livid flesh-colour on the basal part of
the lower mandible ; iris dark brown” (Andersson). Total length,
3°5 inches; culmen, 0-4; wing, 2°1; tail, 1°5; tarsus, 0°65.

282. EREMOMELA USTICOLLIS. Brown-throated Bush-Warbler.

This little-known species was obtained by the late Professor Wahl-
berg in Upper Caffraria (25° S. lat.), according to Sundevall, who
described it (Oefv. K. Vet. Akad. Forh. Stockh. 1850, p. 103).
Since that time Mr. T. Ayres has met with it in the Transvaal, and
he observes :—“ This species much resembles a Zosterops in its habits.
It sings sweetly, but not loudly ; and when in a tree only a few feet
overhead, its voice sounds as if it came from a distance. Its food
consists of insects, for which it may generally be found searching
actively amongst the upper branches and leaves of trees and bushes.”’

Mr. Andersson obtained several specimens near Otjimbinque, his
first having been shot on the 7th July, 1866, “whilst hopping
amongst the branches of a lofty tree.’’

Adult female——General colour above light grey ; the upper tail-
coverts faintly tinged with olivaceous ; wing-coverts greyish, like the
back, the bastard wing and primary-coverts blackish brown ; quills
dark brown, externally edged with grey, the secondaries with greyish
white ; tail-feathers ashy-brown washed with grey on the margins of the
feathers which are all narrowly tipped with white ; lores whitish, as
also a narrow streak running above the eye; round the eye a
circlet of buff plumes ; cheeks white on the anterior part, dull chest-
nut on the hinder part: ear-coverts tawny buff, greyish on the upper
margin; throat buffy white ; rest of under surface rich buff, with a
distinct spot of chestnut on the fore-neck, across which it almost
forms a transverse bar; under wing-coverts light fulvous; lower

DRYODROMAS FLAVIDA. 299

surface of quills ashy brown, edged along the inner web with whitish ;
“upper mandible brown, the lower brownish flesh-colour ; legs yel-
lowish flesh-colour; iris lemon-colour” (Andersson). Total length,
42 inches ; culmen, 0°45; wing, 2°05; tail, 1:6; tarsus, 0°8.

283. HREMOMELA scoToPs. Dusky-faced Bush- Warbler.

The present species is unknown to us. It was described from
Wahlberg’s collections by Professor Sundeyall (Oef. K. Vet. Akad.
Forh. Stockh. 1850, p. 103), from Upper Caffraria (25°), and the
following is a translation of the original description.

Above grey, the head slightly greenish: underneath pale yellow,
the throat brighter: lores dusky. There is no pale superciliary
streak above the eye, whence the face appears dusky ; throat nearly
white; bill entirely black; feet dusky; wings and tail dull ashy
brown, narrowly margined with whitish (not with yellow) ; first
primary equal to half the third; second equal to the seventh.
Wing, 2°35; tarsus, 0°7.

284. DryopROMAS FLAVIDA. Black-breasted Bush-Warbler.

Professor Sundevall has separated this little bird as the type of a
distinct genus, Chlorodyta, but, until the necessary revision of these
difficult Warblers has been undertaken by some competent zoologist,
we prefer to keep it as a Dryodromas, in which genus it has been
placed by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub. We have received it from Mr.
A. F. Ortlepp from Sunday’s River, and Mr. T. C. Atmore also
procured a specimen at Eland’s Post.

The present species was originally discovered by Mr. Anders-
son. He writes as follows :—“It is only in the neighbourhood
of the Okavango that I have found this pretty little species
at all numerous, and I never saw it either in Damara or in Great
Namaqua Land. I generally found it in small flocks, probably
consisting of entire families. It resorts to the denser parts of the
forests, and lives entirely on small insects.”” He also met with it at
Ondonga.

Adult male.—Above yellowish green, rather brighter yellow on
the rump ; crown of head bluish grey shaded with yellow towards
the nape; sides of face bluish grey like the head; cheeks bright
yellow as also the under surface of the body; chin and centre of
the body silky white; chest with a conspicuous spot of black ;

300 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

under tail-coverts and thighs yellow; under wing-coverts ~ pale
yellow, the lower series silky white ; upper wing-coverts
yellowish green like the wings; quills blackish, externally edged
with yellowish green, the inner webs white towards their base ;
tail-feathers dull olive-green, edged and slightly tipped with yellow,
the outer feather entirely yellow; “bill almost black; tarsus flesh-
coloured; iris yellowish brown.” (Andersson.) Total length,
4-4 inches ; culmen, 0°5; wing, 1:95; tail, 2.0; tarsus, 0°8.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but wants the black spot on
the breast, which is entirely yellow. Total length, 4°6 inches;
culmen, 0°5; wing, 1°9; tail, 2.15; tarsus, 0°85.

285. DryYopROMAS ALBIGULARIS. White-throated Bush-Warbler.

Described by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub (Vg. Ostafr. p. 240)
from a specimen obtained by Mr. T. Ayres in Natal, and now in the
Bremen Museum. We have seen one specimen of this species, from
Namaqualand, in the British Museum, a full description of which is
given below: it is from Sir A. Smith’s collection, The species
was also found by Mr. W. Atmore at Traka. He says they inhabit
the short Karroo bush in little flocks of three or four individuals,
and are as affectionate as ‘“love-birds” If one is shot the others
make a doleful lamentation. Their habits and nest resemble those of
the White-eye (Zosterops), and the eggs procured on the 20th of
August are pale blue, spotted at the obtuse end with small dark dry
blood-coloured spots. Axis, 6” ; diam. 4}'’.

Adult.—General colour above olive-brown, rather more dingy on
the head, the ramp and upper tail-coverts dull olive-yellow; wings
brown, the wing-coverts edged with the same olive-yellowish as the

back, the quills also edged with the same colour but rather brighter ; »

tail brown, all the feathers distinctly edged with olive-yellow ; lores
and feathers over the eye dull grey ; ear-coverts ashy-brown ; cheeks
and under surface of body dull white, the sides of the body light
ashy brown, the upper breast laterally ashy grey; thighs ashy
brown ; under tail-coverts yellow; under wing-coverts light ashy.
Total length, 4-1 inches; culmen, 0-4 ; wing, 2°0; tail, 2°05; tarsus,
0°75.

286. Dryopromas DAMARENSIS.. “"% Damara Bush-Warbler.
Very like EF. flaviventris but distinguished by its yellowish back,
grey head, and especially by having the yellow on the lower parts

DRYODROMAS FULVICAPILLUS. 301

confined to the under tail-coverts. Mr. Andersson writes as
follows :—“TI only observed this diminutive species in one locality,
a place called Oosoop, on the lower course of the Swakop River ; and
even there it was very scarce, so that, though very tame, I have
hunted for it whole days unsuccessfully. It is found in small
families of from two to six individuals amongst the widely scattered
dwarf vegetation ; it hops slowly and systematically amongst the
branches, searching diligently for small insects, which constitute its
sole food, and uttering all the while a low but distinct chirp.”
Adult male-——Head and neck above grey, the back light olive
- yellow, becoming brighter yellow on the upper tail-coverts: wings
brown, the wing-coverts externally olive yellow, like the back, the
quills asky brown, the outer webs washed with yellow and narrowly
tipped with whitish: tail-feathers olive brown externally washed
with olive yellow, all the feathers tipped narrowly with yellowish
white, the external one light yellowish brown on the outer web, the
penultimate one with a streak of the same colour near the tip; lores
whitish, extending backwards over the eye, but scarcely forming an
eyebrow: round the eye an indistinct circlet of dusky whitish
plumes: ear-coverts ashy grey: cheeks and entire under surface of
body white; the under tail-coverts yellow; under wing-coverts
white: “upper mandible and tip of lower bluish black, remainder of
lower mandible bluish brown; legs liver brown; iris bright yellow”
(Andersson). Total length, 4-0 inches; culmen, 0°4; wing, 1:95;
tail, 1:95; tarsus, 0°65.

287. DRyYoDROMAS FULVICAPILLUS. Tawny-headed Bush-Warbler.
Drymoica fulvicapilla, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 94.
Calamodyta natalensis, id. t.c. p. 98.
Le Vaillant first described this bird as the “ Rousse-téte,” and
according to him it inhabits the district of Cambeboo, Caffreland,
and Namaqua Land. Victorin procured it at the Knysna in May,
_ and also in September and October ; we have likewise seen specimens

obtained by Mr. Andersson in the same locality. Mr. Atmore has
_ forwarded specimens from George, ond Mr. Cairncross has met with
it near Swellendam. In Natal it seems by no means rare, and we
have seen many specimens from thence. Mr. Thomas Ayres writes
from that colony: ‘“ These birds are plentiful, frequenting rough
weeds and grass; their flightis tolerably strong; their food consists

302 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of minute insects, eggs of moths, etc. During the summer months _
they may frequently be seen perched on the top of a low tree or
bush, when they utter a monotonous weeping note fora length of
time.”
_ Adult male.—Above brown, faintly darker in the centre of the
feathers, the upper tail-coverts somewhat washed with fulyous; sca-
pulars slightly shaded with ashy, the lesser and median wing-coverts
clearly edged with ashy grey, the greater coverts and the quills
brown washed with reddish brown, the margins of the quills rufes-
cent, inclining to whitish; tail-feathers brown waved with dusky
cross lines, and margined with yellowish brown, without any dark _
subterminal bars to the feathers; head and nape uniform rufous ;
lores buff extending backwards over the eye and forming a faint
eyebrow ; sides of face grey shaded with fulvous on the upper and
hinder margin of the ear-coverts ; entire under-surface of body ashy
grey, whitish on the chin and malar line; centre of abdomen and
vent also whitish, the under tail-coverts very pale yellowish ; under
wing-coverts buffy whitish slightly washed with fulvous near the edge
of the wing, the lower series ashy brown like the lower surface of
the quills, which are edged with light rufous along the inner web;
upper mandible brown, the lower flesh-colour ; legs flesh-colour ;
iris light brown. Total length, 4°3 inches; culmen, 0°45; wings,
1:9; tail, 1°85; tarsus, 0°75.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but rather smaller, and not so
brightly coloured. Total length, 3°5 inches; culmen, 0°4; wing,
1:7; tail, 1°5; tarsus, 0°75.

Fig. Hartlaub, Ibis 1863, pl. vin, fig. 1.

288. PINDALUS RUFICAPILLUS. Yellow-browed Bush-Warbler.
Muscicapa ruficapillus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 149.

We have received this rare species from Mr. Cairncross at Swel-
lendam, and from Mr. Atmore at Traka. The late Mr. Andersson
also procured it at the Knysna. It was originally described from
specimens procured by Wahlberg in “ Lower Caffraria,” and the .
editor’s collection contained one example shot by the last-named
traveller in Natal: this is now in the national collection. Here Mr.
Ayres also obtained it, and he observes concerning it :— Rare in
this locality ; frequents the bush and thick creepers. When in search
of food is exceedingly active, flitting and hopping from twig to twig

SYLVIETTA RUFESCENS. 303

with the greatest celerity, and catching the small beetles, gnats and
flies, of which its food consists.” Mr. Barratt met with it at Macamac,
and between this place and Pilgrim’s Rest gold-fields.
Adult male—Head tawny rufous, becoming paler on the nape and
hind neck ; back yellowish green, slightly shaded with rufous on
‘the mantle; rump dull grey ; upper tail-coverts yellowish green : tail
feathers brown, all edged with yellowish green: wing-coverts green
like the back ; the quills dark brown externally edged with yellowish
green, lighter on the primaries, the inner secondaries much more
broadly washed with the same green as the back: lores and a very
distinct eye-brow bright yellow : in front of the eye a dusky spot, and
round the latter a circlet of bright yellow feathers: sides of face also
bright yellow, the ear-coverts slightly washed with rufous: throat
and chest bright yellow, fading off gradually towards the abdomen,
which is white: sides of body dull grey washed with yellow: thighs
and under tail-coverts bright yellow: under wing-coverts yellow, the
lower series white washed with yellow: ‘upper mandible dusky,
lower chrome yellow : tarsi and feet pale dusky brown: iris dusky.’
(Ayres). Totallength, 4inches; culmen, 0:5; wing, 2.1; tail, 1°75;
tarsus, 0°8. ,

289. SyLVIETTA RUFESCENS. Short-tailed Bush-Warbler.
Diccewm rufescens, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 84,

This is the “ Stomp-stertje’ of the Dutch colonists, and the
* Crombec” of Le Vaillant, who found the species about the banks
of the Orange river in Great Namaqua Land among the mimosa trees,
amid the branches of which it hops in search of insects. We have
received specimens from Graaff-Reinet, Colesberg, Hope Town, and
Swellendam ; and we ourselves found it at the Berg River. Victorin
procured it in the Karroo in January. It is not common in Natal
according to Mr. Ayres, but Mr. T. E. Buckley obtained a specimen
at Palatzi in Bamangwato on the 20th October, 1873, and again in the
Transvaal on the 1st July in the same year. Mr. T. Ayres has also
met with it in the latter locality. A single specimen from Tete in
the Zambesi was brought home by the Livingstone Expedition. Mr.
Andersson writes :—‘“ I have found this species widely distributed
in all parts which I have traversed, from the Okavango to Table
Mountain, but nowhere very common. It frequents dwarf vegeta-
tion, which it examines carefully as it hops and glides quickly
onwards.’ Anchieta has procured it in Benguela, and also at

304 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Biballa in Mossamedes ; at the latter place it is called “ Kikuan-
diata.”’

Mr. W. Atmore informs us that it is not uncommon near Swellen-
dam, ‘creeping about the decaying fences like our English Hedge-
sparrow.” Its actions in the trees and bushes reminded us of the

European Wren: its flight is in short jerks and undulating. The -

eggs are white, spotted and blotched with brown and faint purple,
chiefly in the form of a ring at the obtuse end; axis 9’’’; diam.
6s

Adult.—General colour above ashy grey, the wing-coverts uniform
with the back: quills dark brown, externally edged with the same
ashy grey as the back, the innermost secondaries entirely of the
latter colour: tail ashy grey, slightly tipped with dull fulyous: lores
and a tolerably distinct eyebrow light tawny buff: in front of the eye
a dusky spot: ear-coverts tawny buff with narrow white shaft-lines :
cheeks and rest of under surface tawny buff, paler on the throat and
inclining to creamy buff on the centre of the abdomen: thighs deep
tawny as also the under tail-coverts: under wing-coverts tawny buff:
“irides yellowish brown ; upper mandible dusky, the under mandible
a purplish flesh colour, as also are the legs and toes” (Andersson).
Total length, 3°5 inches ; culmen, 0°6 ; wing, 2°45; tail, 1-0; tarsus,
0°75.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 135.

290. SyLVIA SALICARIA. Garden Warbler.

The Garden Warbler of Europe appears to make its way, during
its absence from that continent, to South-western Africa, for it has
been obtained by Senor Anchieta at Biballa and Huilla in Mossa-
medes. Mr. Andersson also procured it twice in Damara Land, and
among the birds discovered after Sir Andrew Smith’s death at his
house was a skin of a Garden Warbler, bearing the usual ticket
attached by him to birds obtained during the “ Expedition.” The
following is a description of the last-named specimen.

General colour above ashy brown, including the wings and tail:
lores and a ring of feathers round the eye buffy white: ear-coverts
brown: cheeks and under surface of body dull whitish, the breast,
sides of body and thighs brown: under wing-coyerts and axillaries
light orange buff. Total length, 6 inches; culmen, 0°5 ; wings, 3:1;
tail, 2°35; tarsus, 0°8.

Trig. Dresser, B. Eur. part lit.

ey 300

Fam. NECTARINIIDA.

291. Promenors CAPER. Cape Long-tailed Sun-bird.

This is one of the South African Birds which is entirely confined
to the Cape Colony, throughout the whole of which it appears to be
distributed ; it is abundant near Cape Town, and Captain Shelley
found it literally swarming on the Protea bushes at Mossel Bay.
Victorin records it from the Knysna district, but it becomes
gradually rarer as the eastern frontier of the colony is approached.
Mr. Rickard has procured it at Port Elizabeth, where it breeds, but
does not stay all the year; it is common when the red Protea is in
flower. This honey-eater differs considerably in all its habits from
the sun-birds with which it is associated. It is generally found in
small parties, the members of which, though acting much in concert,
still maintain their individuality. They follow one another to
favourite bushes, chase each other, or feed amicably side by side,
and if one is alarmed and flies off, the rest generally follow; yet they
cannot be called gregarious in the strict sense of the word. They
are fond of perching on the summit of high bushes, particularly
Proteacea, from the flowets of which they extract their food, con-
sisting of insects, and the limpid, saccharine juice which these plants
supply plentifully, and which will often run in a copious stream from
the bill of a fresh-killed specimen.

Le Vaillant’s account of the nesting habits is erroneous ; Mr. L. C.
Layard procured a nest, which he assured us belonged to this bird,
cup-shaped, about three inches in diameter within, composed of
rootlets, grasses, and the spicular leaves of firs, mingled with tho
silky, dark-orange seeds of the Protea. The single egg contained
in it instantly reminded us of that of the Bunting of England, being
a pale dirty cream-colour, irregularly though sparingly marked with
wavy tracery and hair-streaks, now and then inclining to blotches of
a dark purple-brown, or a pale indistinct purple: axis, 11”; diam.,
82”. Subsequent discoveries of nests and eggs confirm the truth of
the above observations. We found that they bred in the months
of May, June, and July. Mr. W. Atmore informs us that he has
found many nests, always cup-shaped, and placed in the fork of a
mimosa. A very good account of the habits of the present bird
from his own personal observations will be found in Captain Shelley’s
“ Monograph of the Sun-birds,”

x

Ty) oP =e eo

306 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Above, cincrous-brown, the shafts of the feathers darkest 5 greyish
on the forehead, and rufous on the sides of the neck ; chin whitish,
with a brown moustache; under parts mottled rufous, grey, and
white ; rump greenish; venta fine yellow. Length, 19°5’’; wing,
4’’; tail of male often extending 14”. The female has generally a
shorter tail, but Captain Shelley says that the length of this organ
depends upon the age of the individual and on the season more than
on the sex. He gives the measurements of a hen bird as follows :—
Total length, 15°7 inches; culmen, 1:25; wing, 3°8; tail, 11;
tarsus, 0°95.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part 1.

292, PRoMEROPS GURNEYI. Gurney’s Long-tailed Sun-bird.

This species, described by the late Mr. Jules Verreaux (P. Z. §.,
1871, p. 135) represents the foregoing in Natal, and the eastern
part of the Transvaal, and differs from it im having the crown and
breast chestnut. Mr. T. Ayres, who discovered it in Natal, states
that in habits it much resembles Nectarinia natalensis, its food
being also the same, viz., nectar and small insects, especially spiders.
“Tt is very rare in this locality, and besides is more shy than most
other species; I believe it is only to be found during the winter
months.” Mr. T. A. Barratt procured several specimens between

Pretoria and Lydenburg, and states that he found them exclusively -

on the ‘ Zuikerbosch,” or sugar bush. Mr. T. Ayres likewise
remarks that in the Lydenburg district the species is tolerably
common, feeding on the nectar of the flowers of a scrubby tree,
common on the sides and summits of the mountains.

Fig. Verreaux, P. Z. §., 1871, pl. viii.

293. NECTARINIA FAMOSA. Malachite Sun-bird.

Common throughout the colony, this Sun-bird abounds on the
Cape Flats during the flowering of the Protea, from which it
extracts the saccharine juice by means of its long brush-tipped
tongue. Captain Shelley observed them near Cape Town, and we
have found them plentiful up the ravines of Table Mountain,
extending even to the top. Mr. Andersson states that it is
“extremely abundant in Little Namaqua Land, and also occurs,
though but rarely, in the southernmost part of Great Namaqua
Land.” Victorin records it as found by him in the Karroo in

NECTARINIA FAMOSA. 307

December, and at the Knysna from April to December. Here also
Andersson obtained many specimens and Captain Shelley also found
it in the neighbourhood of Mossel Bay. Farther to the eastward the
latter gentleman obtained it at Port Elizabeth and Mr. Rickard at
East London. Mr. T.C. Atmore sent us specimens from the vicinity
of Grahamstown, but in Natal it is apparently rarer, and Captain
Shelley believes it to be migratory there, as he did not observe it
during February and March. Mr. Ayres states that it is found more
in the inland part of the colony, and in the Transvaal ; here, according
to the same naturalist, it is exceedingly scarce, a few only being found
in the hills and open country adjacent to Potchefstroom. Mr. T. EH.
Buckley procured some beautiful male specimens during his trip from
Natal to the Matabili country, on the Drakensberg mountains. He
writes as follows :—‘“‘ Only seen in this one place, but most likely only
a summer visitant. About here I found several pairs living amongst
the thick patches of bush along the small streams that run down
the side of the Drakensberg. They were restless but not at all shy.”
He has also recently met with it both in Natal and Suaziland.
Mr. F. A. Barratt obtained several in the Macamac district near the
Lydenburg Goldfields. In the latter district Mr. T. Ayres says that
it is commoner than C. chalybea frequenting the same localities, but
is more especially to be found about the sugar bushes with Prome-
rops gurneyi. Approaching the Zambesi it appears to diminish in
numbers. Dr. Kirk says that he only saw it once, during the rainy
season, in a thick clump of trees near the river Shiré.

An excellent account of the habits of this fine species is given by
Captain Shelley in his “ Monograph of the Cinnyride,” which
7 leaves us little to add. It is very partial to the blossoms of the

aloe, among which it finds an abundance of its insect food. It has

a shrill, not unpleasing, but short song, and when pursuing a rival
___ utters a piercing scream. It is very combative, and if two males
meet about the same bush, a fight is sure to ensue, to the great
detriment of their beautiful tail-feathers. The males lose their
beauty in the winter season; and the young birds are just like the
females. It builds a domed nest of cobweb, lichens, dry leaves, and
odds and ends of all kinds, usually suspended on the outside of a
bush or from the branch of a tree. The eggs, two* in number, are

* Two seems the normal number of eggs laid by all the Cape Wectarinie,

and some observers affirm the preduce of these is always a male and female
bird,
x 2

308 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of a dull greyish-brown colour, minutely mottled all over. Axis,
10” ; diam. 6’”.

In Natal, writes Mr. Ayres, they frequent ‘the open country,
feeding upon the nectar of the various kinds of aloes abounding in
some localities and also on that of some species of lilies which are
numerous in many of the valleys. When disturbed, they generally
fly right away, unless their attention is attracted by some flower or
by others of their own species.”” My. Andersson observes :—“ It is
usually found permanently established where it has once taken up
its abode. Its food consists of insects and the saccharine juices of
flowers, in search of which it flits incessantly from one flowering
tree to another, now settling and now hovering, but glittering all the
while in the sunshine like some brilliant insect or precious gem.
The male in addition to the beauty of its plumage possesses a very
pleasant warble.”

General colour, shining malachite green; wings and tail blackish ;
pectoral tufts brilliant yellow; two centre tail-feathers prolonged three
inches beyond the rest. Total length, 9’’ ; wing, 3’’; tail, 5” 5'’’.

Female-—Above dull brown tinged with green, below greenish
yellow, brightest on the belly and vent, mottled with brown on the
throat and chest, under tail coverts whitish. Length, 6”; tail, 2”3’.

The young male resembles the adult female.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part 1.

294. ANTHROBAPHES VIOLACEA.
South African Wedge-tailed Sun-bird.
Nectarinia violacea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 78.

Captain Shelley writes‘as follows :—* The South African Wedge-
tailed Sun-bird forms, I consider, the connecting link between the
African genus Nectarinia and the Oriental A?thopyga: to the former
it is allied in the shape and length of its bill, and in not possessing
the loose downy feathers on the middle of the back, which are so
characteristic of the genus Athopyga, while to the latter it shows
its affinities in the form of the tail. This last character, together
with the metallic colouring of the least series of wing-coverts, and
the orange yellow breast distinguish it from all the other members
of the family.”

This sun-bird appears to affect wild, uncultivated country and
mountains, more than the other species, 0. chalybeus, 0. afer, or N.

ee Ce ee

CINNYRIS VERREAUXI. 809

famosa: indeed, we never observed it near habitations. It is plenti-
ful on the top and about the sides of Table Mountain. At the
Knysna, we found it in abundance among the uncultivated hill-sides,
away from the timber. We saw a pair building a pendant, domed
nest, with a projecting: portico over the entrance, at Cape Delgado,
on the East Coast of Africa. The nest was hung at the extreme end
of a drooping branch of a Caswarina, close to the sea heach; not
far off was the nest of CO. gutturalis..

Mr. Andersson gives the following note:—“<I have found. this
species pretty abundant in Little Namaqua Land ; but, to the best of
my knowledge it is not an inhabitant. of Great Namaqua or Damara,
Land, though Mr. Layard informs me that Mr. Chapman brought

- specimens from the Lake country. It is found singly and.in pairs,

often also in flocks, frequenting the slopes of hills and mountains,
whence it descends to the lower grounds, but only during the
flowering season of thé garden plants and trees, amongst which it is
especially fond of the sweet scented orange. blossom, With the
exception of such excursions, it is not migratory. The male bird.
has a brisk, pleasant song. With regard to its supposed occurrence
near Lake N’gami as stated above, we agree with Captain Shelley as
to the identification of the species being in this case incorrect.

Adult male.-—Head, neck, throat and shoulders. shining green ;
breast shining violet ; back, wings, and tail olive green; belly and
vent deep orange and yellow; side-tufts yellow; centre feather of
tail prolonged about 11 inch beyond the rest, and darker. Total
length, 61”; wing, 22”; tail, 3” 2’’’. Captain Shelley states that
during the rainy season the male loses its bright colours, and
assumes a plumage almost identical with that of the female.

Adult female.—Above dull brownish-green, the rump tinged with

greenish-yellow; below tinged with yellow, especially on the belly

and vent. Total length, 5 inches; culmen, 0°85; wing, 2; tail, 2;
tarsus, 0°65.
Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Oinnyride, part iil.

295. CINNYRIS VERREAUXI. Mouse-coloured Sun-bird.

- According to Captain Shelley, our first authority on the sun-
birds, this very local South African form “may be readily distin-
tinguished by the peculiar colouring of its plumage, the upper parts
being of an olive-shaded ashy-brown, with only the ends of the

~

i |

319 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

feathers glossed with metallic green.” Below it is pale ashy-brown
in colour, with the pectoral tufts bright scarlet. Sir Andrew Smith,
who first named the species, writes :—“‘ Only a very few specimens
of this bird have yet been found in South Africa, and none, as far
as I know, within the limits of Cape Colony: Kafirland, and the
country eastward of it, towards Port Natal, furnished the specimens
we possess. Like the other species of the group, it feeds upon
small insects; and these it collects partly from the branches and
leaves of brushwood and dwarf trees, and partly from flowers; but
as far as my experience goes, I should be inclined to consider them
as giving a preference to insects. In those I examined I found the
bulk of the contents of the stomach to be insects, though at the
same time each contained more or less of the saccharine juice.”
Captain Shelley met with the species near Durban, and Mr. T. L.
Ayres has forwarded several specimens to him from Pinetown. <A nest
obtained by the latter gentleman was suspended from the outer twigs
of a bush, and was composed of dried grass, and lined with feathers
and horse-hair, being very similar in structure to that of Anthodieta
collaris. Mr. T. Ayres notices that in Natal he has only seen these
birds in the coast bush, and not so plentifully as most other species
of Nectarinia, Captain Shelley also states that in its habit of fre-
quenting the low thick bush it differed from C. olivaceus, which he
only met with in the large scattered trees in the more open country.
Captain Harford, when staying at Pinetown, never met with the
species, but he tells us that along the coast and on the Umgeni they
were very plentiful, especially about the time when peach-trees were
in blossom. We must add that Lord Tweeddale’s collection contains
a specimen said to have been procured in the Zambesi.

Above brownish; head, upper, and lateral parts of neck, back,
and shoulders, dark bluish-green, with a strong metallic lustre ;
wings and tail black-brown; under parts yellowish-grey; tufts
under the wings brilliant scarlet. Total length, 5°2 inches; culmen,
0-9; wing, 2°45; tail, 2; tarsus, 0°7,

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part ii,

296. CrNNYRIS OLIVACEUS. South-African Olive Sun-bird.
Nectarinia olivacea, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 78.

Of this species Sir Andrew Smith observes:—“ In the same

country in which we found C. verreauxi, we discovered another

¢

i

r

CINNYRIS GUTTURALIS, 311

species of the genus Cinnyris, which appears to us undescribed.”
It was subsequently described and figured by him (Ill. Zool. S. Afr.,
Aves, pl. 57) as O. olivaceus. All the specimens which we have
seen have been from the colony of Natal, whence Captain Harford
sent us examples: according to his observations it breeds there
in November, the eggs being ght brown, so profusely mottled
with purplish brown as almost to conceal the ground-colour.
Captain Shelley found them rare at Durban, but at Pimetown in
February and March they were far more common, being usually seen
in pairs among the tall trees which grow by the sides of the water-
courses ;. they appeared to him to prefer the higher branches to the
low, tangled brushwood. Mr. Ayres also writes :—“ These birds are
common on the coast and for some distance inland ;, they are parti-
cularly fond of shady banana groves, taking the nectar from the
long: drooping flowers of the plant, and chasing one another about
with great pertinacity. The plumage of the female is not so bright
as that of the male.” ,

The plain olive colouring of this bird is its most distinguishing
character; both sexes have a yellow pectoral tuft. The colour of
this species, above, is intermediate between grass and olive-green,
the head being strongly tinged with blue; below it is light
yellowish-green, with an orange tint on the throat, and on each
axilla there is a small tuft of brilliant yellow feathers. Length,
from the base of the bill to the point of the tail, 5”; bill, 1” 3”.
Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part 2.

297. CINNYRIS GUTTURALIS. Scarlet-chested Sun-bird.
Nectarinia natalensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 80.

This fine species is not an inhabitant of the Cape Colony, and it
does not appear to descend further than Natal. Here it breeds,
according to Captain Harford, who has sent us specimens. Mr. T.
Ayres has also found it breeding in that colony, and he states that
it “hangs its nest on the outer twigs of trees, at no great height
from the earth and frequently over water.” Captain Shelley has
received several examples from Pinetown and Durban, sent to him
by Mr. T. L. Ayres, who informs him that in this district it is
migratory, only arriving there in the cold season, and is never very
plentiful. Mr. T. E. Buckley writes :—“TI only met with this bird
in the Matabili country about the Imguisi and Samouqui rivers, and

812 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

even there they were not very abundant.” He has also procured it
in Suaziland. Dr. Kirk, however, found it common in the Zambesi
Valley and it extends along the coast as far as Mombas; we our-
selves met with it plentifully at Zanzibar and at Cape Delgado.

Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—“ This species occurs
at Lake N’gami, and is pretty abundant in the neighbourhood of
the Okavango, In Damara Land proper it is not common; but in
June, 1866, I obtained several specimens at Otjimbinque, where they
seemed chiefly to seek their food amongst the ‘ tobacco” trees now
growing so abundantly in the bed and on the banks of the Swankop.
Can the increase of this tree of late years have brought more of these
birds? I hardly remember to have seen them at Otjimbinque pre-
viously.’’ It is probable that the cause mentioned by Mr. Andersson
has attracted this species and extended its range to the southward,
but it is pretty plentiful in the countries more to the north; thus
Anchieta has met with it at Humbe on the Cunene River, where it
is called ‘‘ Kanzolo,” and is found breeding: he noticed that it sung
very sweetly. In Mossamedes he also procured it in several places,
at Gambos, Maconjo, on the Rio Chimba, and at Capangombe ; in
the latter places it is called by the natives “ Mariapindo.” Mr. Sala
procured it at Katenbella in Benguela and Mr. Monteiro both in
Benguela and Angola.

We killed a specimen at Cape Delgado, clmging to, and appa-
rently building, a nest similar in shape, and hung in like manner to
those of the N. famosa. With our rifle we also shot down the nest
from the elevated pendant branch of a Casuarina tree. It was
composed chiefly of cobweb and bits of lichen, and had the usual
covered porch ; it was incomplete, and contained no eggs.

Coronal patch (confined to the forehead and crown) is of a rich
bluish-green ; gular patch, of a golden-green, confined to the chin
and throat, and is bordered on each side with a narrow maxillary
stripe of the same colour as the crown. Upper parts, cheeks, and
sides of the neck, very deep, soft, and velvety: umber. brown, paler
on the wings and tail, the bend of the wing having a violet patch.
On the under parts, the fore part of the neck and breast are of a
brilliant scarlet, appearing in different lights waved with violet, from
the structure of the feathers being the same as those of N. senega-
lensis ; the simple apical tips only being scarlet and producing all
the brilliant effect. The remaining under parts are very deep

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=_

ba

CINNYRIS AFER. 313

blackish-brown, appearing in some lights almost black. Length,
almost 6”.
Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part i.

298. CINNYRIS AFER. Greater Double-collared Sun-bird.
Nectarinia afra, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 76.

This bird neve? visits the neighbourhood of Cape Town. It re-
places O. chalybeeus in the forest districts, but about Swellendam it is
mingled with it, and keeps to the wooded river banks. At the
Knysna it is abundant, and has the same habits as the latter, being
only perhaps rather more shy. Mr. W. Atmore found several nests in
the long Kloof, George district, in October ; he says “ that they were
well woven with the fibre of Asclepias, grass-bents, snake-skins, and all
sorts of odd things, and then filled up with feathers. My boys have
taken three or four nests each with but two eggs, and I believe that
to be the orthodox number.” The eggs sent were similar in colour
(clouded grey-brown) and size to those of the western species CO.
chalybeeus. Le Vaillant’s account of the breeding is quite wrong ;
the nests are not placed in the fork of a tree as he states, but are the
usual domed and pendant structures, and tho eggs are like those of
C. chalybeus. Mr. Rickard has obtained the present species at Port
Elizabeth and at East London, and Mr. T. C. Atmore at Hland’s
Post in the eastern district.

Captain Shelley writes :— During my short stay in the neighbour-
hood of Durban from February to April, I did not meet with this
species, it being, as I was informed, migratory, but occasionally
resorting there during the breeding season in July and August ;
from Pinetown some twelve miles distant I have received several
specimens collected by Mr. T. L. Ayres. Mr. T. HE. Buckley
found it rare in Suaziland. An example from Algoa Bay as well
as another from the Zambesi are in the collection of the British
Museum, and were formerly in that of the editor: the latter was
said to have been collected by the late Dr. Meller. Mr. T. Ayres
noticed the species in the Lydenburg district. Mr. Andersson
writes as follows:—‘ This is another species brought by Mr.
Chapman from the Lake-country, as I have been assured by Mr.
Layard; it never came under my personal observation, except in
the south-eastern districts of the Cape Colony. It frequents forests,
but may occasionally be observed in the more open parts during

314 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the flowering-season.” The non-appearance of this bird in Damara
Land is curious, as Professor Barboza de Bocage records a specimen
from Biballa in Benguela where it was obtained by Senor Anchieta,
who states that its native name is “ Kanjoi.”

Head, back, and breast metallic-green, blue, and bronze-shot ;
rump blue; wings and tail brown ; below the green of the breast is
a narrow blue collar, succeeded by a broad red one, whieh extends

nearly all over the stomach; vent brown; bright yellow tufts on -

each side. Length, 53’’ ; wing, 23’’ nearly ; tail, 2’’ 3’"’ ; bill, 1}’’
curved,
Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part ii.

299. CINNYRIS CHALYBEUS. Lesser Double-collared Sun-bird.
Nectarinia chalybea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 75.

This species is very similar to C. afer, but is smaller, and has the
scarlet breast band less extended and rather darker in colour. This
is a very common species about Cape Town, and as far as Swellen-
dam: there it becomes mixed with the greater double-collared
species, O. afer, which partially onsts it in the George and Knysna
districts, and throughout the Hastern Province, and supplies its place.

It is one of the boldest and most familiar of our sun-birds, fre-
quenting the flower-gardens in the midst of Cape Town, and even
venturing into open windows to visit potted plants.

Nests, reported to be of this species, have been brought to us—
pendant, domed, and porticoed structures, like those of others of the
family that we have seen. Eggs, two, minutely mottled grey-brown:
axis, 8’; diam. 5}”. We can confirm the statements of our
correspondents, having ourselves taken nests of this species con-
taining eggs and young birds. They breed in September. The
nests are not, however, always pendant, being sometimes supported
by twigs interwoven with their structure. They are usually com-
posed of cobweb, stuck over with bits of dead leaves, or chips
of thin bark, always placed on the outside of a bush, never among
the branches. We have, however, seen one placed on the side of a
bush close to a rock, so that the bird had to fly round the bush to
get at it. In appearance they exactly resemble the masses made
and collected by one of our commonest spiders; and we have more
than once seen an inhabited spider’s-web forming part and parcel of
the nest. Whether the nest was built in the web, or whether the

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TO A A AE ye ae

CINNYRIS AMETHYSTINUS. 315

spider found it a convenient place and selected it herself, or was
brought with a bit of web by the birds, and then took up her abode
and enlarged it, we cannot tell; but there the incongruous allies
lived, and each brought up her own brood, or would have done so,
had not we harried them both.

Captain Shelley writes that it is the ‘commonest and most
generally distributed of the sun-birds in South Africa; yet it is ina
manner local, being in certain spots replaced by C. afer, from which
it also differs somewhat in its habits, preferring the open country
where the low scattered bushes and tufts of grass afford a shelter more
congenial to its tastes than the woodland districts.’ Mr.
Andersson says that he does not recollect having observed this
species north of the Orange river, but he not unfrequently found it
in Little Namaqua Land. Captain Shelley states that during his visit
to South Africa he found this sun-bird very common at Ceres in the
Cape Colony, at Cape Town and at Mossel Bay. Andersson and
Victorin have both procured it at the Knysna, and Mr. Rickard
records it from Port Elizabeth and East London, while Mr. T. C.
Atmore has sent us specimens from Hland’s Post. Mr. Ayres states
that “in Natal these sun-birds appear to be most plentiful in July
and August, resembling C. afer in habits and appearance. In the
Lydenburg district of the Transvaal the same gentleman says it is
plentiful in the spring and early autumn, when they congregate on
the blossoming trees and shrubs; they are also found in winter, but
not commonly.” We also believe that we have rightly identified
this species as occurring in Mr. Chapman’s collections from Lake
N’gami.

Head, back, breast, and throat, all shining, metallic green ; rump
blue; wings and tail brown. To the green of the breast succeeds a
narrow blue collar, followed by a red one, about half an inch broad,
“not extending below the yellow side-tufts. Length, 4)’ 3 wing,
2”; tail, 1” 10”; bill, 1’’, curved.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, pt. i.

300, CrvNyRIs AMETHYSTINUS. Amethyst Sun-bird.
Nectarinia amethystina, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 79.

An abundant species in the Eastern province, but never seen near

Cape Town, and not very uncommon in the forest districts of the

colony; we have also received it from the neighbourhood of

316 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Swellendam, through Mr. Cairncross, who informs us that. the
specimens sent by him were procured in the mimosa trees which line
the banks of the rivers flowing through that district. We saw it at
the Knysna, and its habits appeared similar to those of the common
C. chalybeus. Victorin also obtained it in the latter locality from
April to November, and we have seen numerous specimens obtained
there by Mr. Andersson. Mr. Rickard informs us that it is not very
common at Port Elizabeth, where it frequents the aloes when in
flower : at East London, however, he says that it is very abundant

on the Tecoma (Cape Honeysuckle). Mr. T. Atmore has procured .

it near Eland’s Post and Grahams Town, and in Natal it is by no
means rare. We have received from Captain Harford the nest and
eggs taken by him in that colony in November. Mr. T. EH.
Buckley informs us that it was plentiful in Suaziland during
his recent journey in that country, but it does not cross the
Limpopo into the Matabili country. Mr. Barratt writes :—‘‘I
shot one or two near Rustenberg, and observed it more than once
during my journey through the bush between that place and
Potchefstroom; I also saw a few in the bush near Pretoria, and
I have killed it in British Kaffraria, near East London, in company
with 0. chalybeeus ; it is, however, much more shy in its habits than
the latter bird. Professor Barboza du Bocage has recorded it from
Caconda in Benguela, where it was procured by Senor Anchieta.

Mr. Atmore writes: ‘ Oudtshoorn, 24th January, 1863. I
enclose you a couple of eggs of the black sugar-bird. The nest is
a curious structure, hanging on the branch of an apple-tree, very
rough outside, composed of short bits of stick, grass, and spider’s-
web—arched, as are the nests of all the tribe. The number of eggs
appears to be two, as we did not take these till they were incubated;
before they were blown they were of a soft, creamy-yellow colour.
T have not seen this species west of the Gouritz River: on the other
side they are plentiful, especially when the ‘wilde dagga’ is in
flower.”

The eggs sent by Mr. Atmore are of a beautiful creamy grey, with
indistinct, confused blotches, spots, and streaks, chiefly at the obtuse
end; axis, 9”; diam., 6”. Others sent by Captain Harford were
spotted here and there as if fly-blown and then smudged.

Top of head and forehead, shining green; throat and rump
cupreus ; shoulders the same, but with a tinge of blue; all the

CINNYRIS FUSCUS. 317

other parts deep, rich, velvety purple-brown. Length, 6”; wing,
3”; tail, 110”.
Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part I.

301. CrnnyRis KIRKII. Eastern Amethyst Sun-bird.

Captain Shelley writes :—‘‘I have founded this new species of
Sun-bird upon an adult male specimen in the British Museum,
collected by Dr. Kirk in the Zambesi district: it is the Hast African
representative of C. amethystinus, from which bird it may readily be
distinguished by its having no metallic colours on the upper tail-
coverts, while it is also smaller.” Dr. Kirk obtained a young male
at Shupanga, and he observes (Ibis, 1864, p. 20) :—‘ Native name
‘Sungwe.’? The Sun-birds are abundant in open ground covered
with low, flower-bearing bushes, such as Poivreas, Dalbergias,
Acacias, &e. ; and they frequent especially such plants as the Leonitis,
searching inside the corolla for insects, and probably sucking the
saccharine juices. Before the rains they lose the fine plumage, and
become of a dull mixed colour. December is the breeding-season ;
nests have been observed among the grass, attached to its stalks,
and in the bushes. The’ young birds may be kept for some time
upon honey or sugar and water, which they lick up greedily from a
straw or the corolla of a plant ; but the absence of insect food pro-
bably causes them to die.” his species ranges up the east coast as
high as Mombas, where Mr. Wakefield procured it.

302. CrnnyRis FUSCUS. White-vented Sun-bird.
Nectarinia fusca, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 79.

The accounts of the distribution of this bird are very imperfect,
and much more information is wanted on the subject. We have
received it from Mr. Ortlepp at Colesberg, and Mr. T. C. Atmore
procured it near Hopetown, and we have examined specimens
procured in Little Namaqua Land by Mr. Andersson, who writes
further concerning it:—“‘This is the commonest Sun-bird in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where it is really abundant,
especially towards the sea-coast. The scantier and more dreary the
vegetation the more common is this bird; and though unattractive
in dress, it helps to enliven the monotonous solitudes which it
frequents, by its activity and pleasant subdued warbling chirp.
The male assumes a somewhat more attractive garb during the

318 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

breeding-season than at other times of the year, when it resembles
the female, whose colouring is of the most sombre description.
Le Vaillant tells us that this bird nests in the hollows of trees; but
this differs from my experience, as I have always found its nest
suspended from the branch of some low acacia. The nest is chiefly
composed of soft grasses and the fine inner bark of trees, and is
lined with a quantity of feathers. I found the young just fledged
on April 3rd.’ We agree with Mr. Andersson that Le Vaillant’s
account of the nidification is incorrect, nor do we believe that any
sun-birds build their nests in the holes of trees. Mr. Ortlepp found
the species incubating near Colesberg in the usual domed nest
suspended from a tree: it was composed of wool and fibres, lined
with feathers and goat’s hair. The eggs were of the abnormal
number of three, white, spotted with intensely dark purplish brown
and pale purple spots, chiefly forming a close-set ring near the
obtuse end. Axis 63’’’; diam. 4}'’’.

Top of head, back of neck, and wing-coverts, brown shot with,
dull violet; throat, changing violet and olive-green; wings and
tail brown-black, slightly shaded with violet; chest, belly and under

tail-coverts white, more or less clouded; axillary tufts brilliant -

scarlet and orange; inside of wing black; eyes, bill, and feet,
brown. Length, 5’’; wing, 2”’ 4’”’; tail, 1’’ 9’’’.. Female: uniform
greyish-brown on the upper parts; below dirty white.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Oinnyride, part ii.

803. Crynyris TALATALA.* South African White-breasted Sun-bird.
(Plate VIL.)

This is a species not known from the Cape Colony, and was first
discovered by Sir Andrew Smith, who met with it during his
Expedition, in the country between the Orange River and Kurri-
chaine. Mr. T. Ayres has met with it in Natal, and Captain Harford
kindly forwarded us specimens from that colony with the accom-
panying note:—“ This species always goes in pairs: and I havo
hardly ever seen many together. They keep company very often
with the ‘ White-eyes’ (Zosterops), and utter a note similar to theirs.”
Two eggs, sent by the above-named gentleman from Natal, resem-
bled those of N. famosa, but were paler and less densely speckled :

* Nectarinia talatala on plate.

i

NECTARINIA TALATALA.

CINNYRIS MARIQUENSIS. 319

axis, 9”; diam. 6’’”, and rather truncated in shape. Mr. T. E.
Buckley found them common in the Bamangwato district, where
they were generally seen in pairs. The same gentleman obtained
them in Suaziland. A specimen, said to have been obtained in the
Zambesi by the late Dr. Meller and formerly in the Editor’s collec-
tion, is now in the British Museum. Mr. Andersson gives the
following note on the species, and it will be noticed that the colour
of the eggs, as stated by him, differs from that recorded above :—

“T only met with this exquisite little species in my jour-
neyings to the Okavango, in the neighbourhood of which river it
was very abundant during the rainy season, being a migratory
species, and arriving a little before the commencement of the rains.
I also found it very common, though exceedingly shy, on the edge
of the bush in Ondonga, where I obtained its nest on February 19th ;
the nest was very large and strongly built, and resembled in form
and material that of C. fuscus ; it contained five, small, oblong, and
pure white eggs. Another nest, taken on March 27th, also contained
five eggs. This sun-bird is exceedingly lively in its habits, and at
the approach of the pairing-season it becomes inspired with the
most lovely and exquisite, melodies, being a concentration of the
softest trilling and melodious notes. I always found it either singly
or in pairs.”

General colour above glossy green, tinged with blue in certain
lights, especially on the forehead and tail-coverts; neck and throat
beneath blue, tinged with green, changing into deep purple on the
breast, where it forms a bar succeeded by another of very dark
brown ; the rest of the under parts white, faintly tinged with yellow;
axillary tufts bright pale yellow ; wing-feathers brown; tail-feathers
black, edged with iridescent green. Length, 4” 4’’’; wing, 2” 2”;
tail, 1’’ 6’; bill, 9’”, considerably curved.

The female resembles the male, but is all plain brown, tinted
white below.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part II.

804. CINNYRIS MARIQUENSIS. Southern Bifasciated Sun-bird.
Nectarina bifasciata, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 77.

If we are correct in separating these Bifasciated Sun-birds into
different races, the most southern of them must be called by Smith’s
name of mariquensis, as that of bifasciata is referable to the bird in-

320 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

habiting Western Africa. Captain Shelley remarks that this is 4 bird of
the interior and never appears near the coast. Sir Andrew Smith
procured it at Kurrichaine, and during his recent journey from Natal
to Matabili Land Mr. T. E. Buckley shot several specimens in Bamang-
wato towards the end of October, 1873, and he also met with it on the
Tatti River in the early part of the same month. He says that it
was “ quite the commonest sun-bird from north of Pretoria into the
Matabili country. They were generally to be seen in pairs, or
perhaps two cocks chasing a hen. Like all dark-coloured sun-birds
the beautiful plumage of the male is only to be seen on a near
approach. Mr. Ayres writes :—* This lovely little bird I first shot
at some distance from the river Limpopo during July. I found
several feeding among some aloes, but they were very shy and
difficult to obtain. Flowers being at that season exceedingly scarce,
they frequently hunted for small insects amongst the dry seed-tops
of the high grass, hovering round the stem as a humming-bird
would do, and thus remaining stationary, but darting away imme-
diately on my approach, so that I found it difficult to get within
forty or fifty yards of them.” A specimen from the Zambesi is in
the British Museum. Mr. Andersson observes :—‘‘ This species is
very common in Ondonga and is not uncommon in Damara Land;
it is also found at Lake N’gami. It is usually seen in pairs and
frequents the banks of periodical streams. I never saw it far away
from such localities.”

We follow Captain Shelley in the nomenclature of the South
African sun-birds and the following diagnosis of the present bird
is taken from his monograph. “Above metallic green, with a
coppery lustre; the head and the neck all round uniform with the
back ; across the lower throat a collar of metallic steel blue, and
below that another broad pectoral collar of red; the feathers of the
latter being slightly margined with steel blue ; rest of under surface
of body, wings, and tail black. Total length, 51 inches; culmen,
0°15; wing, 2°7; tail, 2-1; tarsus, 0°7.’’

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Oinnyride, part I.

305. ANTHODIETA COLLARIS. Natal Collared Sun-bird.
Nectarina collaris, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 77.

Entirely a bird of the Eastern districts, not approaching nearer
than the province of Uitenhage, whence we have received specimens.

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ANTHODIEZTA ZAMBESIANA. 821

Le Vaillant states that he procured it near the Gamtoos River, and
although Mr. Atmore, who knows this locality thoroughly, informs
us that he has never come across it, it is probable that the above-
named river forms the western boundary of its range. The reported
abundance of the species, of which Le Vaillant speaks, may well be
doubted after Mr. Atmore’s evidence. Mrs. Barber forwarded spe-
cimens to us from the “ New Year’s River,’ and Dr. Edwin Ather-
stone from the mouth of the Kleinemont River (eight miles distant
from the Kowie), where he shot three individuals: it has also been
found near Grahamstown, and Mr. Rickard records it from Port
Elizabeth. Captain Shelley says that in Natal it is very plentiful
about Durban and Pinetown, and Mr. Ayres also has a note on the
species in Natal, as follows :—‘ These little birds are, I think, rather
more insectivorous than the other Natal species, as I notice that
they climb about the creepers and thick foliage a good deal, hunting
under the leaves and into buds for small insects; but they take
nectar from flowers in an equal degree. They build a penduline
nest, generally in some thick bush, hanging it from the leaves and
outermost twigs. They are very fond of building in orange-trees
and others of equally dense foliage. They are decidedly scarce,
though found throughout Natal. Small insects appear to form their
principal diet.” The following diagnosis is adapted from Captain
Shelley’s work :—

General colour above metallic golden green, the least wing-coverts
uniform with the back, the greater wing-coverts and secondaries
brown edged with metallic green, the primaries brown edged with
olive-yellow : tail black, edged with metallic green: throat and fore
neck metallic golden green, with a narrow pectoral collar of violet:
rest of under-surface yellow: pectoral tufts bright yellow: bill and
feet blackish: iris brown. Total length, 3°8 inches; culmen, 0° ;
wing, 21; tail, t°5; tarsus, 0°67.

Adult females and young males resemble the old male, but have
the entire under-surface yellow.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Cinnyride, part I.

306. ANTHODIMTA ZAMBESIANA. Zambesi Collared Sun-bird.

This species, which has been to our mind rightly separated by

Captain Shelley, is the representative of A. collaris in Eastern

Africa. The type-specimen, now in the British Museum, was dis-
vF

i cro _— on.

322 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

covered by Dr. Kirk during the Livingstone expedition to the Zam-
besi, and examples are in the same collection from Mombas in
Eastern Africa. Dr. Kirk says that it was found near Shupanga
and Lena, but was not very common: its nest was seen suspended
to grass-stalls.

It may be briefly described as being similar to A. collaris, but of
a bright golden copper-colour, the secondaries being merely glossed
with golden copper, slightly shaded with green. Total length, 4
inches ; culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°0; tail, 1:5; tarsus, 0°6.

The female differs exactly in the same way as does that of A.
collaris.

3807. CINNYRIS BIFASCIATUS. Western bifasciated Sun-bird.

Nothing is more curious than the way in which representative
races of Sun-birds are distributed in Africa. This we have seen in
the case of C. afer and C. chalybeus, and here we have another case
in the double-collared species. Captain Shelley has shown that
there are four forms of these in Africa, one, C. mariquensis, confined
to South Africa, a second, OC. bifasciatus being West African, while
C. microrhynchus and C. osiris are inhabitants of Eastern and North-
Eastern Africa respectively.

The true C. bifasciatus (Shaw) is, according to Captain Shelley, the
bird usually called by naturalists C.jardinii, which latter name becomes
a synonym; and as it extends from Gaboon to Benguela, it must claim
insertion in the present work on the strength of the latter oceur-
rence, but it cannot be regarded as a very distinct species from O.
mariquensis, being only’a slightly smaller race. Senor Anchieta
procured three specimens in 1866 in the province of Benguela,
where, he says, it is called by the natives “ Kanjongo.” He has
also procured it at Dombe in the same province.

Fam. PARIDZ.

308. ZosTEROPS CAPENSIS. Cape White-eye.

The ‘ White-eye” is common throughout the whole of the colony,
roaming about in small families of from five to twenty in number.
During the fruit season they do great damage to the apricots,
peaches, plums, &c.; they also destroy the buds to get at the insects

ea)

ZOSTEROPS CAPENSIS. 323

that lurk therein. While on the wing, or fecding, they utter in-
cessantly a stridulous chirp, which is ‘generally the first thing that
reveals their presence. We never saw them on the ground, but
they sometimes creep about low bushes. They place their nests,
which they conceal with great care, in a fork caused by the union of
several small twigs. It is composed of moss and fibres, covered
with cobweb and lichens, and lined with hair, and is shaped like a
cup, about 3 inches across by 24 deep. The eggs, five in number,
are of a beautiful, spotless blue, rather sharp at the ends: axis, 8’”’;
diam., 6”.

Victorin obtained the present species in the Karroo and also at
the Knysna: here also Mr. Andersson shot numerous examples.
Mr. Rickard notes its occurrence both at Port Elizabeth and Hast
London. Mr. Gurney has also recorded it from Natal, but the

” species intended was probably Z. pallida or Z. atmorii (vide infra).

The following account is given by Mr. Andersson :—‘ I have only
once or twice observed this species in the southernmost parts of
Great Namaqua Land, along the periodical watercourses bordered by
mimosas; but from thence southwards it becomes more nume-
rous, and at the Cape and’in many parts of the colony it is abundant:
a pair or two may be seen any day in most of the gardens in the
immediate environs of the Cape. It is met with in small families,
probably the entire broods of the season. It feeds on small insects
and larvee, for which it searches diligently amongst low bushes and
trees. It is quite tame; and it is not very difficult to approach it
near enough to distinguish the colour of its eye, beak, &c. It
forms its nest on the extremity of some branch of a low tree; the
nest is very prettily shaped, and is composed of loose tendrils inter-
laced, covered with moss outside, and lined internally with hair, &c.
The eggs are four or five in number, and are said to be incubated
by both parents.”

Adult.—General colour above olive-green, rather brighter and
more yellow on the rump and upper tail-coverts; wing-coverts
coloured like the back, the quills brown, externally edged with
olive-green, the inner secondaries washed with the latter colour ; tail
brown, externally washed with olive-green ; forehead slightly tinged
with brown ; in front of the eye a black spot, above which is a small
loral spot of yellow; round the eye a ring of silvery-white plumes ;
sides of face and ear-coverts dark green, the anterior part of the

xy 2

«

324 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

cheeks and the upper throat bright yellow, paling on the lower
throat ; rest of under surface of body light brown, the sides of the
breast greyish, becoming a little more fulyous brown on the lower
flanks; under wing-coverts and axillaries ashy whitish, slightly
washed with yellow: thighs greyish, inclining to bright yellow at
the tarsal joint; under tail-coverts bright yellow, about equal in
intensity to the throat; “bill bluish black, lighter on the under
mandible; legs and fect lead-colour, with sometimes a tinge of
brown; iris yellowish brown” (Andersson). Total length, 4°5 inches ;
culmen, 0°45; wing, 2°15; tail, 1°85; tarsus, 0°65.
Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 182.

309. ZosTEROPS PALLIDA. Sundeyall’s White-eye.
Zosterops pallida § Z. lateralis, Layard, B. 8. Afr., p. 117.

This species is more generally known under Sundevall’s name of
lateralis, which was changed by Dr. Hartlaub (J. f. O. 1865, p. 9) to
Z. sundevalli, as there existed already a Z. lateralis. We believe at
the same time that it is without doubt the Z. pallida of Swainson
which was described from a specimen of Dr. Burchell’s. We have
received the species from Mr. Ortlepp at Colesberg, and Mr. Thomas
Ayres has met with it in the Transvaal, where, he says, “it is
occasionally seen in small companies, actively hopping and climbing
about the hedges and trees during the winter months.” The
present species may be distinguished from Z. capensis by its yellow
forehead, bright yellow throat, and by its isabelline-brown flanks.

Adult male.—General colour above olive-green, decidedly clearer
and more yellow on the upper tail-coverts; forehead and lores
bright yellow ; in front of the eye a black spot, extending in a line
under the eye ; round the eye a ring of silvery white feathers ; sides
of face and ear-coverts olive-green ; cheeks and entire throat bright
yellow, ending ‘abruptly on the fore-neck: centre of the body
whitish, shghtly washed with tawny: sides of upper breast greyish
brown, the flanks pale isabelline brown: under tail-coverts bright
yellow: under wing-coverts dull white washed with yellow on the
edge of the wing: upper wing-coyerts green like the back: quills
dark brown, the primaries externally margined with yellowish green,
the secondaries with olive-green: tail-feathers brown with olive-
green edgings. Total length, 4°7 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing,
2°35; tail, 1:9; tarsus, 0°7.

|
’

—
a
Poe

ZOSTEROPS VIRENS. 325

310. ZosTEROPs SENEGALENSIS. j Yellow White-eye.

The following account of this species in South Western Africa is
taken from Mr. Andersson’s work on the Birds of Damara Land :—
“T never met with this exquisite little bird in either Great Namaqua
or Damara Land; and it was only as I approached the Okavango
that I became aware of its existence. In the thornless forests
bordering upon this stream it is not uncommon, but it migrates
northwards during the dry season. It is found in small flocks, and
diligently explores in search of insects the branches of the: smaller
trees, and especially the buds and flowers, suspending itself in a ©
yariety of positions while it is thus employed.” Senor Anchieta has
obtained it at Biballa in Mossamedes.

This species cannot be mistaken for any of the other South
African White-eyes as its general yellow colour renders it very
distinct. j

Adult.—General colour bright olive-yellow, rather more intense on
the rump and upper tail-coverts: wings pale brown, all the feathers

_ edged with yellow, a little greener in tint than the back, the inner-

it age ae,

most secondaries washed with yellow all over: tail light ashy brown
with narrow margins of olive-yellow: forehead and lores brighter
yellow than the crown of the head: in front of the eye a dusky
blackish spot: round the eye a ring of white feathers: sides of face
bright yellow, slightly more green on the ear-coverts: entire under
surface of body bright yellow, slightly washed with greenish on the
sides of the upper breast : under wing-coverts and axillaries whitish
washed with bright yellow, the edge of the wing bright yellow:
under surface of quills greyish brown, with an edging of ashy-buff
along the inner web. Total length, 3°6 inches; culmen, 0°4; wing,
2°1; tail, 1°35; tarsus, 0°6.

dll. ZosrERops VIRENS. ' Green White-eye.

Described originally by Sundevall from a specimen obtained by
Prof. Wahlberg in “ Upper Caffraria.” Mr. Thomas Ayres has
procured it in Natal, where he says they are plentiful in the spring
of the year. Captain Shelley has also received a number of speci-
mens from Mr. T. L. Ayres at Pinetown, and Mr. F. A. Barratt
shot specimens at Macamac. Mr. Thomas Ayres in his account of
birds from the Lydenburg district also writes :—“ This species is

‘exceedingly plentiful, both in the forest of the Kloofs and amongst

ee ee

326 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the jungle on the slopes. It builds a neat open cup-shaped nest in
some low scrub: the eggs are white, and, as far as I can remember,
without spots.” The same gentleman has given the following note
on the species as observed by him in Natal :—“ These birds are
gregarious, and very plentiful in the spring of the year (September
and October). They do considerable damage to soft fruits, such as
the loquat and mulberry; but also do much good in clearing the
trees of insects, climbing and hunting amongst the buds and leaves
in search of them. They almost constantly utter a loud, mono-
tonous, weeping note, which somewhat resembles that of the
Nectarinie, and especially of Oinnyris amethystinus.”

The present species is distinguished by its bared belly and thighs
and general green colour.

Adult male.—General colour above grass-green, rather more yellow
on the rump and upper tail-coverts: wing-coverts coloured like the
back, the quills blackish, externally grass-green like the back, the
primaries rather more brightly edged: tail-feathers blackish, exter-
nally margined with grass-green: lores and a narrow frontal line
bright yellow: in front of the eye a black spot extending a little
below it: round the eye a ring of silvery white feathers: sides of
face green like the crown, excepting the fore part of the cheeks
which-are bright yellow like the under surface of the body: thighs
and under tail-coverts bright yellow: sides of breast and sides of
body yellowish green: axillaries bright yellow: under wing-coverts
white washed with yellow: quills blackish below, ashy whitish along
the inner web: “bill ash-colour, black at tip: tarsi and feet ash-
colour: iris light tawny.” (Ayres). Total length, 4°8 inches ; cul-
men, 0°45; wing, 2°4; tail, 1:95; tarsus, 0°75.

Adult female. Similar to the male but rather duller in colour,
particularly as regards the yellow of the breast. Total length, 4-4
inches; culmen, 0°45; wing, 2°35; tail, 1°8; tarsus, 0°7.

313. ZosTerors armor, Sharpe. Eastern Cape White-eye.

The British Museum contains a specimen of a Zosterops from
Grahamstown, collected by Mr. T, C, Atmore, and formerly in the
editor’s collection. It seems to be a distinct species from Z. capen-
sis, from which it is distinguished by its clearer coloration and

ANTHOSCOPUS CAPENSIS. 327

bright yellow forehead. Total length, 4°6 inches; culmen, 0°45 ;
wing, 2°3; tail, 1:9; tarsus, 0-7.

314, ANTHOSCOPUS CAROLI. Andersson’s Penduline Titmouse.

This little Titmouse was described by the editor from specimens
obtained at Ovaquenyama by the late Mr. Andersson, after whom it
is named (Ibis, 1871, p. 415). Although very similar in size to A.
capensis, it is distinguished at once by the under surface, which is
white as far as the breast and light tawny for the remainder, whereas
in AY. capensis the throat is white and the rest of the underparts
yellow : there are other differences between the species also which a
comparison of the descriptions will show.

Adult male. General colour above light grey, slightly olivaceous,
inclining gradually to tawny buff on the rump and upper tail-coverts:
wing-coverts brown with light grey edgings to the feathers, whiter
on the greater series: quills dark brown, narrowly edged with grey,
the margins beg broader and rather whiter on the secondaries ;
tail-feathers dark brown, margined with grey: forehead whitish, the
feathers mottled with grey tips: sides of face dull white, the ear-
coverts rather inclining to’ buff: throat and breast white, the rest of
the lower parts light tawny, including the thighs and under tail-
coverts : under wing-coverts whitish as also the inner webs of the
quills. Total length, 3 inches; culmen, 0°35; wing, 2°05; tail, 1:2;
tarsus, 0°6.

Adult female. Similar to the male. Total length, 3 inches;
wing, 2°1; tail, 1:25; tarsus, 0°55.

315. ANTHOSCOPUS CAPENSIS. Cape Penduline Titmouse.
Paroides capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr., p. 114.

This is the “ Cappoc-Vogel” of the Colonists, lit. “ Cotton bird,”
so named from its peculiarly constructed nest. Le Vaillant
found it in small flocks on the western side of the colony, in the
neighbourhood ef the “ Elephants’ River,” and we have received it
from various parts of the colony, east as well as west. It is enume-
rated in Mr. Rickard’s list of the birds of Port Elizabeth, and has
been obtained by Mr. Ayres in the Transvaal, on the borders of the
Limpopo. Mr. Andersson writes:—‘‘ This diminutive species is
sparingly found from the Okavango River to the neighbourhood of
~ Cape Town, following the line of the coast and occurring in small

328 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

flocks amongst brushwood, low trees, or flowers ; in such situations
it hunts with great assiduity for minute insects, in which occupation
it strongly reminded me of some of the Titmice, which it much
resembles in its mode of climbing and feeding. It utters a low and
almost inaudible chirp or whistle. I once found in Ondonga, on
March 27th, a nest of this species containing one young bird and
one egg, the latter being of so extraordinary a size that, had I not
shot the old bird at the nest, and had not the identity of the egg
been corroborated by the young bird, I should not have believed
that it belonged to this species. The nest had been rudely displaced
from its original site and was hanging down several inches, very
much the worse for its misfortune; I only wonder the birds stuck
so bravely to it. The rim of the nest was composed of very
fine twigs of small slender bushes, interlaced with decomposed silky
grasses ; the rest of the nest was chiefly of the latte material, but
lined within with fine tendrils. When I first observed the nest there
was no bird present; but after waiting awhile one appeared and was
on the point of entering the nest, when it perceived me and moved
slowly out of view. Not feeling quite certain of its identity, I
waited for nearly another hour to get a second sight of it, when both
parent birds came and settled quite close to the nest, and I killed
the male.

It is common about Nel’s Poort, and is the fabricator of the nest
figured by Le Vaillant, plate 131, which is there erroneously attri-
buted to “ Le Pine Pine,” which is clearly the Hemipterya tectrizx,
called by the Dutch colonists “ Tinc-Tine.”

The nests fabricated by these minute birds are wonderful structures,
more like balls of felted cloth than the habitation ofa bird. They vary
in size from five to eight inches in length, and three to five inches
in diameter. Some that we have torn to pieces appeared as if felted
in layers, coat upon coat. Hach nest is furnished with a tubular
entrance, underneath which is a pocket, the use of which is doubtful.
Some say the male bird sits therein during the night; others attri-
bute it to the cunning of the birds to deceive snakes, as it draws the
tubular neck of the real entrance into the body of the nest, and
closes it so tight that the snakes mistake the pocket for the orifice,
and vainly try to penetrate the nest thereby. We have conversed
with several individuals who had been deceived by this proceeding,
and did not find out their error until the parent bird effected her

Ctl
wk

PARUS AFER. 329

escape through the real opening, of her own accord. They lay from
six to ten eggs, pure white: axis, 7”; diam. 5”; and the whole
brood keeps together for some time after being fully fledged.

Mr. Atmore writes :—“ I took one in the nest, tied up the mouth,
and thought I had my little prisoner safe, nest and eggs, in my cart-
box; but on passing a fine Gladiolus, which I could not leave
behind, I opened the box to get something to dig the bulb out with,
when out flew the bird! She had bored a hole through the side,
and when the lid opened, ‘skedaddled.’ ”

Adult. General colour above ashy grey, slightly shaded with
olivaceous, the rump and upper tail-coverts olive-yellow: wings
brown with lighter edgings of ashy brown to all the feathers, very
distinct on the coverts: tail feathers brown undulated with dusky
under certain lights, edged with pale greyish: forehead black, the
feathers tipped with white producing a spotted appearance: nasal
bristles light ashy: round the eye a circlet of white feathers, as also
a slight eyebrow: sides of face dull white, the ear-coverts shaded
with ashy brown: throat whitish, the rest of the under surface of
body yellow; the under wing-coverts dull white, shaded with ashy ;
bill blackish: iris brownish yellow.” (Andersson.) Total length, 4°4
inches ; culmen, 0°4; wing, 1°95; tail, 1:45; tarsus, 0°6.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 134.

316 PARUS AFER. South African Titmouse.
Parus cinereus and P. cinerascens. Layard, B.S. Afr. pp. 112,113.

After carefully comparing a good series of specimens we have
come to the conclusion that the species called in the first edition P.
cinereus is only the young bird of P. cinerascens, or as it should be
called P. afer. We never ourselves met with it near Cape Town,
but a specimen was sent home by Mr. Butler from that vicinity.
The nearest point that we obtained it was at Beaufort West, where
it was first killed by Mr. Jackson’s son. We frequently saw the
species on our journey from Nel’s Poort to the Swartberg, creeping
about the sides of dry water-courses, clinging to the perpendicular
banks and apparently searching for spiders. During our visit to Mr,
Jackson at Nel’s Poort we obtained several nests in the crevices of
an old brick tank or bath, which was constantly used by the members
of the household. The entrances to these nests were very small and
tortuous, leading to the back of the brickwork, which we had to

330 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

remove before we could secure the eggs. The nests were large
masses of dried bents of grass and feathers. At the Berg River we
found them breeding in September both at Mr. Kotze’s and Mr.
Melck’s in holes of trees. The eggs were pure white with red
specks, principally at the obtuse end. We have unfortunately
omitted to record their measurements, but if our memory serves us
rightly, they were much more round than oval and broad for their
length. The nests were composed of hair, wool and feathers. Mr.
Atmore says that they are common near Swellendam in mimosa
thickets, nesting there in hollow trees: he mentions his having seen
twelve eggs in one nest, “ which certaimly required all the fur of a
hare to make it.” Mr. Ortlepp sends it from Colesberg, where he
says it is called “‘Slangwyte” by the Dutch colonists. We have
also received it from Colesberg and from Kuruman. Our friend Dr.
Exton has kindly given us a specimen procured on the Modder River
near Bloemfontein, and Mr. T. C. Atmore shot it near Hopetown.
During his journey to the Matabili country Mr. T, E. Buckley met
with the species in Bamangwato and again in Matabili-land. In the
Transvaal, writes Mr. Ayres, “‘ these birds are sparsely scattered
along the rivers, frequenting scrub and low bush, feeding upon insects,
and creeping about the roots and low branches in search of their
food: their flight is not prolonged, and their notes are harsh.” Mr.
Andersson states that this Titmouse is “‘ found sparingly in all the
regions between the Okavango towards the north, Lake N’gami
towards the east, and the Orange River towards the south, and it
also occurs in some parts of the Cape Colony.”

Adult male.—General colour above grey, the least wing-coverts
uniform with the back: wing-coverts black, all broadly edged with
white, the margins to the primary-coverts much narrower: quills
dark brown, externally narrowly margined with ashy whitish,
broader on the secondaries, which are also blacker: upper tail-
coverts and tail-feathers black, the latter with narrow apical tips of
white, the outermost white for the whole of the outer web: crown
of head glossy black including the lores and sides of the crown,
forming a cap: on the nape a distinct nuchal patch of white: a band
drawn from the base of the bill below the eye and occupying the
ear-coverts, pure white: under surface of body grey, the cheeks,
entire throat, and foreneck glossy black, extending down the middle
of the breast, this black throat bordered by an indication of ashy

PARUS NIGER. 331

whitish, extending from the white ear-coverts down to the breast,
the centre of the abdomen, thighs and under tail-coverts ashy
whitish: under wing-coverts whitish, the quills below brown with
whitish edgings along the inner web: “ bill klack: feet. lead-colour :
iris dark hazel” (Buckley). Totallength, 5°5 inches; culmen, 0°5 ;
wing, 3°15; tail, 2-4; tarsus, 0°5.

Young.—Ashy brown where the adult is blue-grey, the wings and
tail brown, the white edgings only slightly developed: crown of
head brownish black: sides of face and sides of neck dull whitish,
the sides of the body light ashy brown, paler in the centre of the
abdomen : throat and chest dull black.

Fig. Le Vail. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 138, 139, fig. 2.

317. Parus NIGER. Southern Black-and-White Titmouse.
Parus leucopterus, Layard, B. §. Afr. p. 113 (nec Swains.).

Le Vaillant found this species in the eastern districts of the colony.
We have received it from Beaufort, Kuruman, and met with it our-
selves near Grahamstown. Mr. Rickard has procured it on one
occasion near Hast London and Mr. T. C. Atmore records it as not
very uncommon in the neighbourhood of Eland’s Post. Captain
Shelley procured specimens both at Durban and Pinetown in Natal,
and Mr. Thomas Ayres writes :—-“ I have discovered a nest of these
birds containing one egg and four callow young. The old bird had
evidently taken possession of a deserted Woodpecker’s nest. The
hole was in a perpendicular and decayed bough of a large tree, about
twenty feet from the ground; it was about a foot in depth, and
there was a very little fine grass at the bottom, on which the ege
and young birds were placed. I was obliged to cut and break the
front of the bough to get at the contents of the nest; and the old
birds showed their dislike to my proceedings by their chattering
cries and uneasy manner. On leaving the nest I repaired the hole
as well as I could, and left the little ones safe inside; but passing
the place in about a week, I again climbed the tree and found the
nest cold and deserted.” Mr. T. E. Buckley, during his journey
into the Matabili country, shot a male bird in Bamangwato on the
18th of October, 1873. Mr. Andersson observes :— This Tit is to
be met with, though more sparingly than P. afer, in Damara Land
and in the neighbourhood of the Okavango River and of Lake
N’gami : it is, however, more frequent in the last two districts than

332 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in Damara Land proper, and in Great Namaqua Land I have never
observed it. It is generally found in pairs, searching amongst the
larger trees for insects and their larva: it also feeds on seeds.”
Senor Anchieta has obtained it at Capangombe and Biballa in Mos-
samedes; its native names being ‘ Kacelekete’ and ‘ Kiriruamba.’
He also met with it at Humbe on the Cunene River, where it is
called by the natives ‘ Conjungo-bala.’

The present bird is closely allied to P. leucopterus of Western and
North-eastern Africa, but differs in haying the outer web of the
external tail-feather white.

Adult male-—Above and below glossy blue-black, rather duller
on the abdomen and under tail-coverts, the latter being margined
with white: wing-coverts white, forming a distinct shoulder-patch,
the bases to the feathers being black, the greater coverts glossy
black with broad white edgings and tips, the primary-coyerts less
narrowly edged. with white: quills black, externally edged with
white, the edging being continued to the tip of the secondaries: tail
black, with narrow tips of white, the outermost feather white on the
outer web: under wing-coverts white as also are the inner webs of
the quills: “ bill black: feet lead-coloured : iris dark hazel.” (7. EL.
Buckley). Total length, 5-8 inches; culmen, 0°45; wing, 8°15; tail,
2°75; tarsus, 0°8.

Adult female.—Differs from the male in being less glossy-black,
especially on the under surface, which is dark leaden grey: the
white edgings to the wing-coverts and quills are also much
narrower.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 37, fig. 2.

Fam. MUSCICAPIDZA.

318. ParisoMA SUBCHRULEUM. ' Red-vented Flycatcher.
Parisoma rufiventer, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 115.

Le Vaillant states that this bird is very common on the banks of
the “Gouritz” and “ Brak” Rivers, dwelling among the mimosas
in small flocks, and incessantly traversing the branches in their
search after insects, and the eggs and larve of Lepidoptera, which
form their principal food. We have received specimens from the
Cedar Mountains, in Clanwilliam, and from the neighbourhood of
“ Riebeeks Kasteel,” in Malmesbury, through the kindness of Mr.

PARISOMA SUBCERULEUM. 333

Russouw ; also from Swellendam, Colesberg, and Kuruman. Mr.
Atmore tells us he finds it plentifully in the Bosjesveldt ; and we saw
it in great abundance in the Karroo, as far as Nel’s Poort ; also on
the New Year’s and Great Fish rivers.

Victorin procured the species in the Karroo in January and Feb-
ruary, but it does not occur along the south coast, as it has not been
found at the Knysna, nor is it contained in Mr. Rickard’s lists. Lieut.
Trevelyan has sent us a specimen killed by him near Kingwilliamstown.
Mr. T. C. Atmore obtained it near Eland’s Post, and it is apparently
not rare throughout the Transvaal: Mr. T. KH. Buckley indeed states
that it was very common during his journey from Natal to the
Matabili land. Mr. Ayres writes:—“TI first found this bird in the
Mariqua district, and afterwards along the Limpopo; it creeps about
the low bushes, and amongst the grass at the roots of trees, in
search of insects.” Mr. Andersson also observes :—“ This species is
common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, but, from its small
size and secluded habits, often escapes notice: it is rather a pretty
songster, and utters at times varied and singular notes, and occa-
sionally also a clear ringing call rapidly repeated. Is is very
familiar, active but not rapid in its movements, and careful in its
examination of trees and bushes in search of insects: it is found
singly or in pairs. A nest of these birds, taken on the 21st of
September, was situated in a hedge and composed outside of grass,
fine twigs and tendrils: internally it was lined with hair, and
contained two eggs. A second nest, obtained on the Ist of October,
was similarly composed externally, but ‘was lined with the softer
tendrils of flexible roots ; it contained two eggs, hard sat upon. A
third nest, taken on the 29th of November, also contained two
eggs.”

Senor Anchieta has obtained it at Humbe, on the Rio Cunene, and
gives its native names as “ Tubike” and “ Mudiankene.”

Adult male.—General colour above grey: wing-coverts brown
with grey edgings: primary-coyverts and coverts of the thumb black
with white margins: quills brown externally washed with grey, the
primaries externally edged with white: tail black, the lateral
feathers tipped with white increasing in extent towards the outer-
most, where the white tip occupies the apical third of the feather,
and extends quite half-way up the outer web: lores whitish:
feathers in front of the eye dusky: ear-coverts grey streaked with

334 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

white: cheeks and entire throat and fore neck greyish white,
broadly streaked with black: rest of under surface of body white,
the sides of the body grey: vent and under tail-coverts tawny
chestnut: thighs greyish white slightly washed with rufous: under
wing-coverts white, as also the edge of the wing, the bases to the
feathers black: lower surface of quills ashy grey with white margins
to the inner webs: “bill black: feet black: iris white” (Buckley) :
“iris bluish white” (7. C. Atmore): “iris yellowish white” (Anders-
son). Total length, 5°6 inches; culmen, 0°45; wing, 2°75; tail,
2°75; tarsus, 0°85.

Adult female——Similar to the male, but rather duller grey, and
less broadly streaked with black on the throat. Total length, 5°6
inches ; wing, 2°65; tail, 2°65 ; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 126.

319. ParisoMA LAYARDI. Layard’s Flycatcher.

This species closely resembles P. subcewrulewm, but differs in
never having the rufous under tail-coverts. From the fact of Mr.
T. C. Atmore haying procured a female of the present bird at
Colesberg anda male of P. subewrulewm, we were inclined to think
that they might be sexes of one species, but we now believe that
this view is erroneous, and the best evidence we have of their being
distinct is found in Mr. Andersson’s book, where he treats of them
separately. In the British Museum are several specimens obtained by
this excellent collector, and we find both males and females with rufous
as well as with white vents and under tail-coverts. The MS. names
on his labels also show that they were in his mind totally separate.
We procured this species at Nel’s Poort about the mountains: in its
habits it resembled P. subceruleum, for which we at first mistook it.
It is difficult to shoot, as it creeps about dense bushes, and on being
hunted, conceals itself in the thickest parts and remains perfectly
still. My friend, Mr. Henry Jackson, calls it the ‘‘ Mocking Bird,”
from its habits of imitation, and informs me that it makes a cup-
shaped nest in a bush, and lays three eggs, which are pure white,
blotched chiefly at the obtuse end with greenish-brown and faded
purple spots: axis, 9’’’; diam., 7”.

We have received it from Mr. Russouw, who obtained it in
Swartland, in the Malmesbury division. Mr. Andersson writes :—
“This species greatly resembles \P. subceeruleum in its habits, but is

CHLOROPETA NATALENSIS. 335

not so common: I have observed it, though very sparingly, in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and near the west coast of the
Cape Colony. I have also obtained specimens from the Okavango,
which are of a darker and richer hue than those from Damara and
Great Namaqua Land : this is also the case with specimens from the
western parts of the colony.”

Adult male.—General colour above rather dark-grey ; the least
wing-coverts uniform with the back; rest of the wing-coverts and
quills blackish externally, washed with grey; the primary-coverts
and primaries margined with white on the outer web rather conspi-
cuously ; tail black, the outermost feather obliquely white for the
terminal third and along the outer web, the next feathers slightly
white at the tip; lores dull whitish; feathers in front of the eye
dusky blackish ; ear-coverts uniform grey, duller than the sides of
the neck, which are also grey; chin and throat white, the latter
distinctly streaked with black; centre of the body white, the flanks
and sides of the body grey; under tail-coverts whitish, with dusky-
brown bases to the feathers; thighs brown; under wing-coverts
dusky grey, the edge of the wing white; quills ashy-brown below
with white edgings aloug’the inner webs. ‘Total length, 5 inches ;
culmen, 0°45; wing, 2°55; tail, 2°3; tarsus, 0°8.

Adult female.—Similar to the male. Total length, 5 inches;
wing, 2°5; tail, 2°35; tarsus, 0°8.

Young.—Suimilar to the adult but duller brown ; the throat whiter
with less distinct blackish streaks.

320. CurororeTa NaTaLeNsis. Natal Yellow-breasted Flycatcher.
Sylvia natalensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 102.

Professor Sundevall gives the following diagnosis for this
species :—“ Dull yellowish olive: underneath dull yellow: sides of
neck, thighs, rump and vent tinged with buffish colour: head rather
dusky above, with a dull yellowish superciliary streak; third quill
equal to the sixth in length.” We find that these characters are
exhibited by all the specimens which have at present come under
our notice, so that as yet we have not seen the real C. icterina (vidé
infra). Sir A. Smith procured the species near Port Natal, but his
typical specimen did not come into the British Museum. Mr. T.
Ayres has also met with it in Natal, and Captain Shelley has

336 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

received it from the neighbourhood of Durban and Pinetown. Mr.
F. A. Barratt procured specimens between Macamac and Lyden-
burg.

Adult male.—General colour above dull olive-yellow, yellower on
the back, all the feathers being brown towards the base: the head
browner than the back, the yellow margins not so broad: wing-
coverts and quills very dark brown, all margined with dull olive-
yellow: tail rather ighter brown, the feathers margined with olive
yellow, paler and inclining to whitish at the tip of the outermost:
feathers in front of the eye bright lemon yellow: ear-coverts olive
with narrow shaft-lines of bright yellow: cheeks, sides of neck, and
entire under surface of body, including the thighs and under wing-
and tail-coverts bright yellow, the flanks slightly washed with olive-
brown: “bill dusky, the under mandible yellow: tarsi and feet
dusky: iris hazel” (Ayres). Total length, 4°9 inches ; culmen, 0°55;
wing, 2°4; tail, 2°35; tarsus, 0°5.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but not quite so bright.
Total length, 5 inches; wing, 2°3; tail, 2:3; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 112, fig. 2.

321. CHLOROPETA ICTERINA. Icterine Flycatcher.

This species is described from Natal by Prof. Sundevall (Oefy. K.
Vet. Akad. Forh. Stockh. 1850, p. 105) as being closely allied to
C. natalensis (which he states to have been also sent by Wahlberg),
but differing specifically. He gives the following diagnosis of the
species :— Bright yellowish green: underneath very bright yellow:
a yellowish streak above the lores: thigh-plumes very bright yellow.
Total length, 5} inches ; wing, 2°45; tail, 2:4; tarsus, 0°85.

322. {YLIOTA VIOLACEA. . Violet Flycatcher.

This West African Flycatcher has been procured by Senor
Anchieta at Caconda in Bengnela, and therefore comes within our
limits. The following description is translated from Dr. Hartlaub’s
work on the Birds of West Africa, as we have not been able to
examine a specimen :—Above steel black, somewhat purplish: some
of the greater wing-coverts nearest to the back white; underneath
pale buffish yellow; thighs black; bill rather broad, black, as also
the feet; wings very long; tail moderate, square, black. Total

BIAS MUSICUS. 307

length, 5’; bill, 5”’; from gape, 7’’’ ; breadth of bill, 2}’’’ ; wing,
3”; centre tail feathers, 1” 9’; the outer ones, 2”; tarsus 7’”.

323. ERYTHROCERCUS LIVINGSTONII. Livingstone’s Flycatcher.

This pretty little species was discovered during the Livingstone
Expedition in the Zambesi district. The following is a description
of the unique type in the British Museum.

Adult.—Crown of head ashy grey: general colour above olive
yellow: the rump and upper tail-coverts bright tawny rufous: the
tail chestnut with yellowish margins near the base of the feathers:
wing-coverts light brown with yellowish margins: quills dark
brown, also margined with yellow: lores, cheeks, and chin white:
ear-coverts light ashy: rest of under surface of body bright yellow,
slightly washed with fulvous on the under tail-coverts: under wing-
coverts bright yellow, the greater series white. Total length,
3°7 inches; culmen, 0°3 ; wing, 1°75; tail, 1°95; tarsus, 0°6.

324. Bras musicus. The Black-and-White Flycatcher.

The late Dr. Dickerson obtained this species in the Zambesi, and
Dr. Livingstone brought back a pair from Tete. The male differs
from West African specimens in not having the black extending so
far on to the breast, while the female is whiter below, but it would
not do to separate the Zambesi specimens specifically on the strength
of a single pair of birds.

Adult male-—General colour above glossy rifle-green, the head
with a long crest, scapulars and the rump slightly mottled with
white subterminal spots to the feathers: lesser and median wing-
coyerts rifle-green, like the back; the greater series and the
secondaries black margined externally with rifle-green, the primaries
black with white bases extending in a band across both webs of all
but the two outermost quills, on which this colour is confined to the
inner web only: tail black, slightly glossed with rifle-green on the
edges of the feathers: sides of face and of neck, throat, and breast
glossy rifle-green: rest of under surface white, the flanks mottled
with black, with which all the feathers are broadly margined: thighs
black : under wing-coverts rifle-green like the breast: ‘ bill black :
feet, yellowish grey” (Reichenow). Total length, 6°2 inches:
culmen, 0°85; wing, 3°35; tail, 2°05; tarsus, 0°5.

Adult female.—General colour above chestnut, the tail entirely

Z

.

338 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of the latter colour: all the wing-coverts chestnut like the back, as
also the secondaries: primaries black for their terminal half, the
basal half chestnut: head, crested, blackish, the hinder neck dusky
blackish mottled with chestnut, the margins to the plumes being of
this colour: ear-coverts black slightly washed with chestnut:
cheeks and under surface of body dull fawn-bulf, the chin and lower
abdomen white, the breast, flanks, under wing-coverts and imner
lining of the quills chestnut, the primaries blackish at tip: thighs
chestnut. Total length, 6 inches; wing, 3:3; tail, 2°1; tarsus, 0°5.
Fig. Finsch and Hartl. Vég. Ostafr., pl. iii., figs. 2, 3.

325. Muscicapa GRISOLA. Spotted Flycatcher.

The Common Flycatcher of Europe is tolerably widely distributed
in South Africa during its absence from that continent, but it is
never very plentiful in the Cape Colony. Sir Andrew Smith
obtained a specimen during his sojourn in South Africa, and Mr.
L. C. Layard met with it at Grootevadersbosch, but neither Victorin
nor Andersson appear to have seen it during their stay at the
Knysna. From Natal Mr. Ayres has forwarded specimens, and the
British Museum also contains examples from this colony. Two
specimens only were contained in Mr. Andersson’s last collection
from Ondonga, and we believe that the note given in the “ Birds of
Damara Land” (p. 129), under the heading of M. grisola refers
properly to M. ccerulescens. The measurements of the wing given
by Mr. Andersson do not exactly accord with either of these species,
but that of the tarsus agrees with M. cwrulescens, and not with
M. grisola, which can also hardly be spoken of as “found in Damara
Land throughout the year.” The Ondonga specimens of M. grisola,
formerly in the editor’s collection, are now in that of the British
Museum, which also contains others from various parts of Western
Africa, Abyssinia, and Mombas on the east coast.

Adult.—General colour brown, the forehead and crown of the
head broadly streaked with dark brown centres to the feathers:
wing-coverts brown, with whity-brown edges to the wing-coverts
and secondaries, the primaries and primary-coverts dark brown
narrowly margined with paler brown: tail dark brown, with lighter
brown edges to the feathers: lores and feathers in front of the eye
dull whitish: round the eye a ring of buffy whitish feathers: ear-
coverts brown: cheeks dull white, longitudinally streaked with light

MUSCICAPA UNDULATA. 339

brown, broader on the sides of the throat, and forming an ill-
defined malar streak: rest of under surface of body dull white,
purer on the centre of the abdomen, the chest shaded with light
brown and narrowly streaked with darker brown, these streaks
becoming nearly obsolete on the lower breast and flanks, the latter
being more uniform, like the sides of the breast: thighs light
brown : under tail-coverts white: under wing-coverts orange brown,
shaded with darker brown in the centre of the feathers: quills ashy
brown below, dull buffy white along the inner webs: bill brown,
paler at base of lower mandible; feet black; iris dusky brown.
Total length, 5-4 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 3-4; tail, 2°45;
tarsus, 0°6.
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur., part xlv.

326. Muscicapa UNDULATA. Dusky Grey Flycatcher.
Muscicapa fuscula, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 148.

Stated by Le Vaillant to be very common in Outeniqualand and
Natal. Mr. W. Atmore has procured it at Blanco and at Geneva
fontein.* Victorin met with it at the Knysna from June to Septem-
ber, and the late Mr. Andersson also procured several specimens
there. We have recently received from Lieut. H. Trevelyan, of the
82nd Light Infantry, a pair of birds shot in the Peri bush near
Kingwilliamstown, and he informs us that they are not uncommon
in that locality. Mr. T. C. Atmore has sent it from Eland’s Post,
and Mr. T..Ayres gives the following note on the species in Natal :—
«“The sexes of these Flycatchers are very similar in size and
plumage. They are solitary in their habits, and fond of stationing
themselves on the bough of some tree, from thence darting upon the
small insects which fly around them. They also feed upon seeds and
berries in an equal degree ; and this cannot possibly be for want of
more congenial food, for imsects of all kinds abound throughout the
year in Natal, although far more numerous in the hot months.”
Mr. F. A. Barratt obtained the species at Macamac.

The present bird may be described as similar to M. grisola, but
distinguished by its smaller size, darker and more uniform colour
above, and by the absence of light streaks on the forehead, as well

* It may not be uninteresting to the general naturalist to know that Mr.
Atmore’s farm, Geneva fontein, is the site of Le Vaillant’s camp in Outeniqua-
land, where he so long resided and flirted with the lovely Narina!

" z 9

Ao

340 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

as by the shorter and broader bill: the breast is also more uniform
brown than that of M. grisola, which has the breast whitish with
longitudinal brown streaks.

Adult male.—Above ashy brown, the head obscurely mottled by
the dark brown centres to some of the feathers of the crown: wings
dark brown, the lesser and median wing-coverts edged with ashy-
brown like the back, the greater series tipped with dull white:
primary-coverts uniform dark brown: quills dark brown with narrow
edgings of ashy-brown, the secondaries margined with dull whitish :
tail brown, with obscure undulations, under certain lights, the feathers
edged with lighter brown near the base: lores whitish, extending
backwards above the eye and forming an ill-defined eyebrow : round
the eye a ring of whitish feathers: fore-part of cheeks ashy-brown,
mottled with whitish tips to the feathers: ear-coverts uniform ashy-
brown: throat pure white, with slight ashy mottling on the chin,
where the bases show through: breast and sides of body ashy-
browr, with a slight fulvous tinge, the chest streaked with fulvous,
the feathers being edged with the latter colour: belly and under
tail-coverts white: thighs brown: under wing-coverts light tawny-
buff with ashy-brown bases to the feathers: lower surface of the
quills brown, the inner webs edged with light fulvous brown: ‘bill
and legs black: iris brown” (7. LD. Ayres, MS.). Total length, 4°6
inches; culmen, 0°5 ; wing, 2°55; tail, 2°05; tarsus, 0°6.

Adult female.—Not different from the male in colour: “ bill black,
the under mandible yellowish at base: tarsi and feet dusky: iris
dusky hazel” (I. Barratt, MS.). Total length, 4°8 inches; wing,
2°65; tail, 2°05; tarsus, 0°65.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 156.

327. Muscicapa C@RULESCENS. Blue-grey Flycatcher.

The two remaining species of Muscicapa which are found in South
Africa are distinguished from M. grisola and M. wndulata by their
blue-grey colour. They form part of a small group of Flycatchers
peculiar to Africa, in which this blue-grey coloration is a prominent
feature. The present bird differs from M. lugens in having a
distinct white eyebrow and a white spot below the eyes, as well as
by the white edgings to the inner web of the quills: in M. lugens
this is brown. Mr. Thomas Ayres, who first brought the bird to
the notice of ornithologists, siys that in habits it much resembled

9

MUSCICAPA LUGENS. 341

Parus niger. He found a family of them seven or eight in number,
and they were hunting about some low bushes evidently in search of
insects. In the British Museum is a specimen of M. cerulescens
procured by the late Mr. Andersson at Ombongo, Damara Land, on
the 22nd of June, 1859. It is probably this bird to which he refers
under the heading of M. grisola (B. Dam. Ld. p. 129), as follows :—
“This species is common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and
is found there throughout the year, either singly or in pairs, perching
on some low branch of a tree, whence it makes short and rapid
excursions in pursuit of such winged insects as may chance to pass
within view, frequently returning to the same post of observation,
and uttering at intervals a kind of chirping call.”

Adult male.—General colour above dull blue-grey, the forehead
and crown obscurely streaked with dark brown down the centre of
the feathers: wing-coverts grey like the back: quills dark brown,
externally edged with grey inclining to white on the extreme edge
of the primaries, and more distinct on the secondaries which are
otherwise entirely grey: tail ashy-brown, with a very slight edging
of white at the tip: from the base of the bill a line of buffy white
extending above the fore-part of the eye: in front of the latter a
blackish spot: above and below the eye a spot of white forming a
tolerably distinct superciliary mark, the spot below the eye larger
and better defined: ear-coverts dull grey with indistinct whitish
shaft-lines : cheeks greyish, slightly mottled with whitish tips to the
feathers : under surface of body dull grey, the throat and centre of
the abdomen purer white: under tail-coverts ashy with whitish tips :
thighs greyish externally, dull white internally : under wing-coverts
ashy whitish: quills below dark brown, the inner webs whitish
towards their base: bill and feet black: iris dark brown. Total
length, 5°3 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 2°95; tail, 2:45; tarsus,
OF.

828. MuscicarA LUGENS. Angola Grey Flycatcher.

Dr. Hartlaub,who described this species in the “ Proceedings” of the
Zoological Society for 1860 (p. 110), from a specimen obtained by
Mr. Monteiro in Angola, mentions that he had also examined a
second one from the interior of South Africa in the Stuttgardt
Museum. The following description is taken from the typical speci-
men in the British Museum.

342 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Adult.—General colour above uniform blue-grey, the forehead
and crown slightly mottled with blackish centres to the feathers, the
upper tail-coverts browner with blue-grey margins ; wings black, the
wing-coverts broadly edged with blue-grey, the secondaries with
ashy-grey, paler at the tips of the feathers: primary-coverts and
primaries uniform blackish brown: tail-feathers dark brown, edged
with grey near the base, and very slightly tipped with white : lores
ashy whitish : feathers in front of the eye dusky: cheeks and ear-
eoverts dusky grey, the latter slightly streaked with whitish: throat
whitish: sides of neck, breast and sides of body ashy-grey, the belly
and under tail-coverts white : thighs grey : under wing-coverts ashy-
grey, the wing-coverts whitish at tip: quills ashy below with brown
edgings along the inner webs: bill dark brown, the lower mandible
lighter. Total length, 5°5 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 2°85; tail,
2°35; tarsus, 0°55.

329. Muscicara CINEREOLA. Speke’s Flycatcher.

Although originally discovered by the late Captain Speke in
Usaramo during his travels in Eastern Africa, the present species
has been met with by Senor Anchieta at Biballa in Mossamedes and
at Humbe on the Rio Cunene. Drs. Hartlaub and Finsch, who have
described the species (Végel Ost-afr. p. 302), state that it is strietly
congeneric with M. grisola, but that it shows great affinity to several
other African members of the genus which, on account of the pre-
vailing grey colour of their plumage, are very closely allied the one
with the other, and are not yet satisfactorily proved to constitute
different species. The following is a translation of the original
description :—Above ashy-grey, underneath dull whitish grey, paler
than the upper surface ; the wings and tail dusky ash colour, the
inner webs of the quills margined with white, the outer tail feather
with a whitish edging at the tip ; under wing-coverts white; lores
whitish; bill rather stout, blackish, the mandible pale at the base,
“ feet dusky grey: iris brown” (Anchieta). Total length, 5’’ ; bill,
5's wing, 2’’ 9’’’; tail, 2”” 1/’’; tarsus, 8’’ 8’”’.

Fig. Finsch and Hartl. Vég. Ost-afr. taf. IV, fig. 1.

330. PoGoNOcICHLA STELLATA. White-starred Bush-Flycatcher.

Muscicapa stellata, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 148.
Victorin procured this species in the Knysna in the months of

LIOPTILUS NIGRICAPILLUS. 343

June, July, and October, and it has been sent to us from Blanco by
Mr. W. Atmore, who states that it is very scarce in that neighbour-
hood. We have received a specimen from the neighbourhood of
Kingwilliamstown, from Lieut. H. Trevelyan. Mr. T. C. Atmore

‘has collected several examples near Eland’s Post, and further north-

ward in the Hastern Transvaal they are more often obtained. Mr.
¥. A. Barratt found them common at the Macamac Gold-fields, and
Mr. Thomas Ayres writes from Lydenburg as follows :—‘ These
birds seem to appear in the spring and summer months, when they
become tolerably plentiful, frequenting the thick forest; they are
solitary, or at most in pairs, and in habits much resemble our
Robin.” The sexes, when adult, appear to be perfectly alike, but
the young birds are much duller in colour, and have the white spots

- on the throat and above the eye scarcely perceptible.

Adult male.—Above yellowish olive, the upper tal-coverts bright
yellow; least wing-coverts olive like the back, the rest of the
eoverts and quills blackish, externally blue grey inclining to silvery
grey on the outermost greater coverts; tail yellow, with a broad
black band at the tip, the outer feather externally blackish for the
terminal half of the outer web, the two centre tail-feathers entirely
black; head dull blue, including the sides of head and entire throat ;
lores and feathers round the eye more dusky ; above the eye a large
spot of silvery white, a spot of which is also apparent on the lower
throat ; rest of under surface of body orange yellow, including the
under wing and tail-coverts; thighs and outermost of the under
wing-coverts light grey with whitish margins; “bill black; tarsi
and feet dusky pale; iris dusky” (7. Ayres). Total length, 6°2
inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, A°55; tail, 2°75; tarsus, 1:1.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 157.

301, Lropri.us NIGRICAPILLUS. Black-capped Bush-Flycatcher.

Pycnonotus nigricapillus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 140.

Le Vaillant found this bird only in the forests of Bruintjes
Hoogte, and even there sparingly. Major Bulger procured it in the
neighbourhood of Windyogelberg. We ourselves saw it near the
summit of the Kat-berg, and Mr. T. C. Atmore has sent us several
specimens from Eland’s Post, Mr. H. Bowker has also forwarded it
from the Transkeian region. Mr. Thomas Ayres writes from Natal;

r ‘Se ee ee
-

344 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

—T have at different periods met with several solitary individuals
of this species, always either amongst dense underwood or thick
creeping plants. They appeared to be sluggish in their habits, and
to feed on small fruits and berries. Their stomachs contained no
insects.” Mr. F. A. Barratt fell in with the species near Lyden-
burg and Pilgrim’s Rest gold-fields, but Mr. T. Ayres observes that
in the former district it is decidedly scarce, and adds that he cannot
remember ever having seen more than a pair together.

Adult male-—Upper surface warm brown, the wing-coverts and
quills ashy-brown, washed with the same brown as the back exter-
nally, the primaries narrowly margined with whitish; tail dark
brown, margined on both webs of the feathers with olivaceons ;
crown of head and nape black, the latter slightly shaded with grey ;
lores and feathers round the eye black; cheeks and ear-coverts
silvery-grey, the sides of the neck, throat, and breast rather darker
grey ; the chin blackish; centre of the breast and abdomen, white ;
sides of body and thighs fulvous brown; under tail-coverts light
brown edged broadly with buffy white ; under wing-coverts yellowish
buff ; quills ashy brown below, the inner webs white from their
base upwards; “ bill and legs flesh-colour ; iris, ashy hazel” (7’. C.
Atmore). Total length, 6°6 inches; culmen, 0°53; wing, 3°2;
tail, 3°15; tarsus, 0°95.

fig. Le Vaillant, Ois. d’Afr. pl. 108.

332. SMITHORNIS CAPENSIS. Cape Broad-billed Flycatcher.
Platyrhynchus capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 142.

A species entirely confined to South-eastern Africa. Sir Andrew
Smith who discovered it did not notice it beyond the forests which
exist upon the South-east coast towards Delagoa Bay. Captain
Shelley has received several specimens from the neighbourhood of
Durban obtained by Mr. Gordge, and Mr. T. L. Ayres has collected
it near Pinetown. His father, Mr. Thomas Ayres, sent specimens
to Mr. Gurney some years ago, and he has published the following
note on the species in Natal;—“ The stomach contained beetles and
a species of bug. These birds frequent the dense bush, and are by
no means plentiful; they have a curious harsh, loud and monotonous
note, which almost exactly resembles that of Scops capensis, and is
uttered at about the same intervals four or five times in a minute:

PLATYSTIRA PELTATA. 345

“‘kroo,” with a good roll on the r, would describe the note tolerably
well. Each time the bird makes this noise (which is about two
seconds in duration), he flits round in a small circle about a couple
of feet in diameter, and alights again exactly on the spot from whence
he started.”

Adult female—Crown of head and nape black, the forehead
slightly streaked with white; upper surface of body generally olive
brown, streaked with black, the Jongitudinal centres to the feathers
being black ; in the centre of the back a patch of white caused by the
bases to the feathers being cf this colour; wing-coyerts olive brown
with blackish centres, the feathers broadly edged with sandy buff ;
quills brown with sandy edges; tail brown with paler tips and pale
brown edges; lores pure white, the shafts blackish; ear-coverts -
dark brown with silvery white shafts; throat white with a broad
moustachial streak of dusky black on each side; rest of under
surface buffy white broadly streaked with blackish, the abdomen
and under tail-coverts pure white; under wing-coverts and axil-
laries buffy white, the outermost of the greater coverts blackish ;
under surface of the quills greyish-brown, the primaries white along
their inner webs, the secondaries buff; “ upper mandible nearly
black, the under one pale; tarsi and feet pale; iris dark umber-
brown” (T. Ayres). Total length, 5-4 inches ; culmen, 0°65; wing,
2°9; tail, 2°2; tarsus, 0°7.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 27.

333. PLATYSTIRA PELTATA. Green-throated Flycatcher.

The present very distinct species was discovered by Wahlberg in
Lower Caffraria, and we know of only two other specimens besides
the typical ones in the Stockholm Museum, viz. a pair in the national
collection obtained by Dr. Kirk on the Zambesi. The following is
a description of this pair. ;

Adult male.—Above rifle-green, the lower back and rump rather
more greyish; wing-coverts rifle-green like the back; quills blackish, '
the primaries margined with grey, the secondaries with rifle-green ;
tail black, glossed with greenish above and just tipped with white;
sides of face and pectoral band rifle-green; rest of under surface
white, the flank shaded with greyish; axillary tuft rifle green;
under wing-coverts white, the edge of the wing rifle green; eye-

hs

346 ' BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

wattle scarlet; bill black; iris yellow. ‘Total length, 4°9 inches;
culmen, 0°6; wing, 2°55; tail, 2°2; tarsus, 0°8.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but more grey on the back ;
the entire throat and upper breast dark rifle-green, the chin and a
spot on the fore-part of the cheeks white.

Fig. Sharpe, Ibis, 1873, pl. 4, figs. 2, 3.

334, Baris cAPEnsis.* Cape Flycatcher.
Platysteira pristinaria, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 143.

The genus Batis can be generically separated from the genus
Platysteira by the absence of any wattles round the eye. The
present species is a very distinct one, being always recognisable by
its rufous flanks,

It is rather abundant in certain favourite localities in the neigh+
bourhood of Cape Town, and is generally distributed throughout
the colony. I have shot it at the Knysna; and received it from
Swellendam, Colesberg, and Beaufort. It frequents wooded places,
generally hunting about thickets, high or low, for its insect prey,
upon which it darts, when at rest on the under side of leaves
and on the branches. I have occasionally seen it fly out and
capture an insect on the wing; but this is rare. It generally
makes known its presence by its curious note, which sounds as if
two stones were ground together. Ihave seen the bird about
at all seasons, but never could find a nest. Le Vaillant also
was equally unsuccessful, but Mr. L. C. Layard detected them
nesting at Grootevadersbosch, and procured a nest which had two

* In my copy of Le Vaillant, this bird is marked, in Swainson’s own hand-
writing, G. Zodus, Sw.; sub-genus Platysteira, Jardine. This copy formerly
belonged to Mr. Swainson, but was wrecked in Table Bay, in the ship conveying
his effects to New Zealand. Several of his books were recovered and bought up
by a number of gentlemen who admired his talents, and he was informed that they
would be forwarded to him if he would indicate his address. This he never cared
to do, and the books remained here. Of them, I was kindly presented on my de-
parture from the Cape by my most kind and valued friend Sir Thomas Maclear,
one of the trustees of the S. A. Museum, with the following:—Temminck’s Planches
Coloriées, Le Vaillant’s Oiseaux d’Afrique, the 1st Vol. of his Histoire Naturelle
d'Oiseaux Nouveaux de ]’Amerique et des Indes, and Wilson’s American
Ornithology. They contain many curious manuscript notes on the plates and
margins, all bearing on his ideas of the affinity of species.—E. L. L.

BATIS CAPENSIS. 3847

hard set eggs on the 20th November, 1868. The nest is just like
that of Tchitrea; cup shaped, built of grass-bents and fibres, lined
with horse-hair, and stuck all over with lichens so thickly as to
be entirely covered. The eggs are of a dull white tinted with
green, more or less spotted with pale brown dots and surrounded
at the obtuse end by a very broad band of close-set brown and
brown-purple blotches. Axis 9’’’, diam. 63’’’,. Both Andersson
and Victorin procured it at the Knysna, and it is included in
Mr. Rickard’s East London list. It has been procured both by
ourselves and by Mr. T. C. Atmore in the neighbourhood of
Graham’s Town. We have also seen numerous specimens from
Natal, and Mr, F. A. Barratt procured it on the stony coppices
on the sides of the hills at Macamac, where he observed them
flitting about among the stunted brushwood.

Adult male.—Entire head deep ashy grey, with a black line
drawn from the forehead on each side, inclosing the eye and ear-
coverts, and extending down on each side of the neck so as to
form a border to the grey head; the rest of the back* olive-brown,
the rump irregularly mottled with white, which shows more
conspicuously on the disarrangement of the feathers ; upper
tail-coverts glossy greenish-black, with a white tip; least wing-
coverts olive-brown like the back, the greater ones darker, the
median and the inner greater coverts bright orange-rufous; quills
dark brown, the inner secondaries tipped with white, the outer
secondaries broadly edged with orange-rufous, continuous with the
coverts, which are similarly coloured ; tail black, with a very slight
greenish gloss, the feathers more or less broadly tipped with white,
the outer feathers margined externally with a broad white line;
entire throat and sides of neck pure white; fore part of chest black,
forming a very broad pectoral band, slightly tinged on the side
with olive-brown, some of the lower feathers slightly margined with
white; centre of belly and under tail-coverts white; sides of body
bright orange-rufous; tibial plumes blackish; under wing-coverts
white, the outermost small coyerts brown; bill and feet black ; iris
yellow. Total length 3°9 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 2:2; tail,
1°65 ; tarsus, 0°65.

Adult female.—Forehead and eyebrow whitish, but otherwise
very similar to the male on the upper parts. Underneath white with
a patch of orange-rufous occupying nearly the whole of the throat ;

548 ; BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

upper part of breast and sides of body rich orange-rufous, deep-
ening into rust-colour on the pectoral band.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 160.

335. Batis MOLITOR. White-flanked Flycatcher.
Plate X., fig. 1.
Platysteira strepitans, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 144.

This is the bird generally called B. pririt or B. strepitans, by
ornithologists, but, as shown by the Editor in an article on the
genus (Ibis, 1873, pp. 156-177) the true B. pririt is the next species.
The males of both are very much alike, those of B. molitor being
slightly larger, but we cannot discover any difference in coloration :
the females, however, are very distinct, as will be seen by the
figures in the accompanying plate. :

It seems to be a more eastern bird than B. pririt. We have
received it from Eland’s Post from Mr. T. C. Atmore, and it is
found sparingly about Grahamstown. Mr. Thomas Ayres writing
from Natal, says:— These Flycatchers frequent the dense bush.
Their flight is weak. They are restless in their habits, constantly
flitting and hopping about in search of small slow-flying soft insects,
which they take on the wing. Their note is harsh and grating to
the ear ; more than two are seldom seen together. They are found
here all the year round.” Captain Shelley writes :—“ Plentiful
about Durban and Pinetown, usually frequenting the thick bush,
but not uncommonly taking up their position in the small scattered
trees, like true Flycatchers.”

Mr. T. E. Buckley states that it was a common species from the
Transvaal up to the Matabili country, and it extends to the Zambesi,
haying been collected by Dr. Kirk at Tete and Shupanga. In
Damara Land Mr. Andersson has obtained it at Elephant Vley and
at Ovaquenyama. Prof. Barboza du Bocage also identifies a speci-
men obtained at Humbe by Senor Anchieta as belonging to the
present species.

Adult male.—Above dull bluish grey, the nape whitish, and the
rump also mottled with white; a narrow line from the base of the
bill over the eye, running as far as the hinder part of the eye, but
not joining the nape, white; lores, feathers above and below the
eye, ear-coverts, and sides of the upper neck deep black, extending

down the back to the limit of the nuchal spot; wing-coverts and ~

ita

%

. BATIS
2.3.

. MOLITOR .
PRIRIT.

Plate

BATIS PRIRIT. 349

seapulars black, the least coverts slightly margined with whitish,
the median and inner greater ones broadly tipped with white,
forming a conspicuous alar bar; quills dark brown, very narrowly
edged with whitish, the secondaries black, more broadly margined,
so as to forma line continuous with the wing-band ; upper tail-_
coverts and tail black, slightly tipped with white, the penultimate
feather a little more broadly, the outermost altogether white on the
external web; cheeks, sides of neck, and under surface of the body
white, with a broad pectoral band of glossy black ; thighs black ;
flanks also mixed with blackish; under wing-coverts black, the
lower ones and those along the bend of the wing white; bill and
feet black; iris yellow. Total length, 5°3 inches; culmen, 0°5 ;
wing, 2°5; tail, 2°2; tarsus, 0°73.

Adult female—Above similar to male, but differing below. Under
surface white, sides of body mixed with grey; a patch in the centre
of the throat and a pectoral band deep chestnut.

336. Batis PRIRIT. Western White-flanked Flycatcher.
(Plate X. figs. 2, 3.)

As before mentioned the male of this species is so similar to that
of B. molitor, that a slight difference in size seems to be the only
character for separating them. The females are quite unlike each
other, and we believe that any one comparing the hen of the present
bird with the plate in Le Vaillant’s work will see that this is the
“ Pririt” figured by him. Mr. Ortlepp has procured it near Coles-
berg, and the only other localities whence we have seen specimens
are Benguela and Damara Land. Mr. Andersson observes :—“ This
species is very abundant in the Swakop valley ; it is usually seen in
pairs about large trees, which it explores carefully and systematically
in search of insects. It has at times a peculiar far-sounding note,
which a stranger might imagine to be uttered by a bird at a great
distance, whilst, in reality, the bird is near at hand.”

Adult male.—Indistinguishable from B. molitor in colour, but a
little smaller ; “iris light lemon-yellow on the inner edge, shading
off into greenish grey in the outer circle” (Andersson). Wing, 2°15.

Adult female.—Above clear bluish grey, the rump mottled with
white; sides of neck and nuchal spot clear orange buff; a narrow
superciliary line of white from the base of the bill; lores, feathers

350 BIRDS OF SOUIH AFRICA.

round the eye, ear-coverts, and sides of upper neck black ; wings
and tail as in B. molitor; throat and entire breast clear orange-buff ;
abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; flanks mixed with blackish ;
thighs black ; bill and feet black. Total length, 3°8 inches; culmen,
0°5; wing, 2:2; tail, 1-7; tarsus, 0°7.

337. Batis MINULLA. _ Lesser White-flanked Flycatcher.

This species has lately been described by Professor Barboza du
Bocage from examples obtained by Senor Anchieta at Biballa in
Mossamedes. It will be figured in his forthcoming work on the
Birds of West Africa, and as he has kindly lent us the typical
specimens for examination we are able to state that the species
appears quite distinct from the two foregoing, the male being dis-
tinguished by the absence of a white circlet round the crown, while
the female differs not only in this respect, but also in having only a
single pectoral band of chestnut without any spot on the throat,
which is white like the abdomen.

The following descriptions are taken from the type-specimens in
the Lisbon Museum.

Adult male-Upper surface of body dark grey, the nape with a
white patch; scapulars, lower back and rump mottled with white
subterminal spots to the feathers ; upper tail-coverts and tail black,
the penultimate feather narrowly edged with white, the outermost
rectrix white on the outer web and at the tip; wings black, the
least coverts very narrowly edged with white, the greater series very
broadly tipped, especially the innermost, which are white for the
terminal half, the inner secondaries also edged narrowly with white,
forming a thin longitudinal line down the wing; lores whitish, giving
the appearance of a narrow frontal line ; feathers between the bill and
the eye as well as the sides of the face and ear-coverts black; a
line of black feathers drawn down the sides of the neck on each side
of the white muchal spot; cheeks, sides of neck and under parts
pure white, the sides of the body mottled with greyish black ; across
the chest a broad band of glossy black ; thighs black ; under wing-
coverts black, tipped with white, the axillaries entirely white; bill
and feet black; iris bright yellow. Totallength 4:2 inches ; culmen,
0:55; wing, 2°18; tail, 1:6; tarsus, 0°65.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but distinguished by a chest-

LANIOTURDUS TORQUATUS. 351

nut pectoral band instead of a black one. Total length, 4 inches ;
culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°05; tail, 1:6; tarsus, 0°65.

338. LANIOTURDUS TORQUATUS. White-tailed Flycatcher.

This fine species of Flycatcher was first described by Mr. Water-
house from specimens brought by Sir J. Alexander from Damara
Land, where Mr. Andersson afterwards met with it. It seems to
be entirely confined to South-western Africa, haying been found
only in Damara Land, and at Biballa in Mossamedes. Mr. Anders-
son gives the following account of the species :—‘“ I met with this
fine Flycatcher in the south of Damara Land; and I also found it
very common, and in many cases paired, about the Omaruru River
in October and November. In the latter locality it was very tame,
and I could procure almost any number of specimens ; but in the
former it was shy and very restless, seeking the thickest part of the
tree or bush on which it might chance to be perched immediately
that it found itself pursued, and making its escape from the side
opposite to that on which its pursuer might be watching for it, not,
however, flying far, but settling on the nearest tree on which it
deemed itself secure. This Flycatcher presents a pleasing appear-
ance on the wing, although its flight is slow and apparently laborious ;
it is gregarious in its habits, and seeks its food amongst dwarf
vegetation, and also on the ground. I love this little bird, it is so
odd-looking, and often enlivens with its quaint appearance and
movements an otherwise dreary and monotonous solitude. It has a
very clear and plaintive call-note ; but generally its notes are queru-
lous, and at times not unlike the distant call of a Corncrake. The
tail feathers in this species are of extraordinary stiffness.”

Adult male.—Head black, including the lores and ear-coverts, the
latter produced backwards along the sides of the neck: forehead
and superciliary streak (not extending beyond the eye), cheeks,
throat, sides of neck, and a large nuchal patch white: back dark
grey, the rump mottled with white: upper tail-coverts black: tail
pure white, the two central feathers longitudinally marked with
black: upper wing-coyerts black, the primary coverts white at tip,
as also the inner greater coverts, which form a conspicuous patch
on the wing; quills black tipped with white, the secondaries more
broadly, the primaries white at base of inner web, and the outer

352 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

ones also white at base externally: across the breast a conspicuous
band of black ; centre of the body white, the sides of the breast and
flanks grey: tibial plumes white varied with black: a tuft of
axillary plumes under the wing white: under wing-coverts black,
the lower ones tipped with white: edge of wing white: “ bill
almost black : feet very dark brown, with a whitish or lead-coloured
tint about the joints: iris greenish yellow” (Andersson). Total
length, 5°5 inches ; culmen, 0.7; wing, 3°3; tail, 1-6; tarsus, 1°2.
Fig. Bp. Rey. et Mag. de Zool. 1857, pl. v.

331. STENOSTIRA SCITA. Fairy Flycatcher.
Platysteira longipes, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 143.

This lovely little bird was found by Le Vaillant in Kaffraria and
Namaqua Land, about the Orange and Groote Rivers, and we found
it ourselves very abundant in the neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort,
frequenting mimosa thickets along the borders of the rivers.
Victorin also procured it in the Karroo, and Mr. Ortlepp says that
it is plentiful on the banks of the “ Sea-Cow” River. Mr. T. C.
Atmore has also sent us a skin procured on the Orange River, and
Prof. Wahlberg found it in the Transvaal, a skin procured by him on
the 4th of August, 1843, being in the British Museum.

Adult male—Above greyish, a little paler on the rump: wings
black : the least wing-coverts greyish, like the back, with a vertical
line of white extending the whole length of the wing, beginning
at the outer median coverts: tail black, the outermost feather white,
the penultimate white for its apical half, and the next one with a
little less white towards the tip: a narrow superciliary line of white
from the base of the forehead to the hinder ear-coverts : cheeks and
ear-coverts black: a narrow cheek-stripe and chin white, the latter
with a delicate blush of rose-colour: lower throat and chest
greyish: lower breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts white, with
a beautiful blush of rosy on the former: outer wing-coverts
whitish: the outermost ones slightly shaded with grey : tibial plumes
black: bill and feet black: iris black. Total length, 4°5 inches ;
culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°25; tarsus, 0°8.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 154.

340. TERPSIPHONE CRISTATA. South African Paradise Flycatcher.
Tchitrea cristata, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 145.
This bird has a great range in South Africa. We have received

rr’

TERPSIPHONE CRISTATA. 353

Specimens from most of our correspondents. It is found not far
from Cape Town, at Somerset West, and in Drakenstein. It forms
a deep nest, in the fork of some small branch of a tree, and generally
in the neighbourhood of water. It is composed of fibres and dead
leaves, stuck over with bits of bark, cobwebs, and lichens, to
resemble a knot in the tree. Mr. L. C. Layard has sent to the
South African Museum more than a dozen eggs of this bird. It is
one of the handsomest and richest looking eggs that we know of,
being of a rich cream-colour, spotted chiefly at the thick end with
rich red spots, with here and there a pale purple one. These spots
usually form a circle, more or less: sometimes they are thickest at
the extreme top, at others they are distributed generally over the
whole egg: axis, 9”; diam, 6’"’. We have seen several specimens
of this Flycatcher collected by Mr. Andersson at the Knysna, where
also Victorin procured it from September to November. He also
obtained it in the Karroo in J. anuary. Mr. Rickard has met with it
at Port Elizabeth, but says that near East London it is rather rare.
In Natal, according to Mr. Thomas Ayres, “ these Flycatchers are by
no means scarce; they frequent bushy land, and are found within a
range of twenty miles from the coast. Their note is harsh, with
the exception of one short warble which they frequently repeat, and
which both male and female have to an equal degree. Their food
consists of flies, gnats, and small bectles. Five or six of these
pretty birds may frequently be seen together, generally one or two
males to four or five females; and pleasant it is to watch their
graceful motions when in pursuit of their food.” Captain Shelley
also found them plentiful in the thick woods about Durban and
Pinetown. Mr. F. A. Barratt writes :— I shot one of these birds
near the town of Rustenburg, and I found them also near the
waterfall under the mountain and by the side of an old stone wall.
T have also seen them in the bush near Pretoria.””? In the Zambesi,
Dr. Kirk states that it inhabits shaded forest, frequenting mango
plantations. Mr. Andersson states: “I have only observed this
very pretty and elegant Flycatcher in the neighbourhood of the
Okavango River, where. however, it is scarce; at Lake N’gami it is
less uncommon. The few specimens that I have personally secured
were exceedingly wary and difficult to approach. These birds live
in pairs and frequent the forests, perching only on the larger trees,
2A

je

354 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The males are said to be very quarrelsome, and to fight with con-
siderable ferocity and tenacity.”

Senor Anchieta states that it is called “ Mucombia” by the natives
of Humbe, on the Cunene River, and the same traveller has met
with it at Caconda in Benguela, and at Biballa in Mossamedes : here
it is called “ Katambuixe.”

Adult male.—General colour above bright chestnut, the tail en-
tirely chestnut with dark red shafts: wing-coverts also chestnut like
the back, the primary-coverts and quills blackish on the inner web,
chestnut on the outer one, the innermost secondaries entirely chest-
nut like the back: head, which is much crested, glossy steel-green,
as well as the sides of the face and the throat: rest of under surface
of body leaden grey, the steel-green colour of the throat descending
on to the fore-neck, the feathers of which are edged with the Jatter
colour: thighs, vent and under tail-coverts pure white : under wing-
coverts and axillaries white, slightly washed with chestnut near the
base, coverts near the edge of the wing dull chestnut mottled with
brown bases to the feathers: lower surface of quills blackish, the
inner web reddish along the edge: “bill grey tipped with black,
wattled eyelids of a bright greyish blue: legs grey: iris dark
brown.” (Shelley.) Total length, 14 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing,
3:25; tail, 3°5; long central tail-feathers, 11:2 ; tarsus, 0°65.

Adult female.—Differs from the male in wanting the two long
tail-feathers. The colours are altogether duller and paler, the head
dusky leaden grey, and the throat and under-surface dull grey with
no green gloss anywhere, excepting a little on the crown, the chest
slightly washed with brown on the sides: soft parts in the female as
_ in the male. Total length, 6 inches ; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°05 ; tail,
3:2; tarsus, 0°65.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. @Afr., pls. 142, 148.

341,.—TROCHOCERCUS CYANOMELAS. Grey-mantled Flycatcher.
Tehitrea cyanomelas, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 146.

Le Vaillant found this bird in the forests of Outeniqua Land, and
in the mimosa groves of Kaffraria, and it seems to be tolerably
plentiful at the Knysna, where the late Mr. Andersson procured
many specimens, and where Victorin also met with it between May
and September. Mr. L. C. Layard found it breeding near Groote-

i

I 8S A allen gen i nae

ea ae

}

4

TROCHOCERCUS CYANOMELAS. 350

vadersbosch, and sent us the nest and eggs with the birds. The
nest is cup-shaped, placed in the fork of a tree, and covered with
moss and lichens. The eggs, two in number, are pale cream-colour,
profusely spotted and blotched in a band near the thick end with
red brown and purple, much resembling those of T’. cristata: axis,
8”; diam- 6”. Lieut. Herbert Trevelyan has recently sent us a
Specimen killed in the Peri bush near Kingwilliamstown, and Dr.
Atherstone tells us that it has been found near Grahamstown. In
Natal it has been met with by Mr. Thomas Ayres, who writes as
follows :—“In habits these Flycatchers are excessively active, in-
cessantly hopping and flying from twig to twig amongst the under-
Wood in search of small flies and beetles, When thus employed, they
frequently expand the tail to its fullest extent, sometimes perpen-
dicularly, then to one side or the other, and again downwards, which
has a very pretty effect. Their note is harsh, and much resembles
that of the 7. cristata.”

Adult male.—General colour above light grey with a bluish gloss :
head crested, bright steel-green, as also the sides of the head and
the throat : sides of neck grey, glossed with steel-green: lesser and
median wing-coverts dark grey glossed with steel-green ; greater
series black, slightly edged with greenish and narrowly tipped with
white, the innermost of this series white on the outer web, forming
@ conspicuous white longitudinal patch with the innermost secon-
daries , which are entirely pure white, all the rest of the quills
blackish : tail blackish, undulated with dusky under certain lights,
the outer webs of the feathers washed with grey: under surface of
body white, the bases of all the feathers greyish, the flanks also
slightly washed with grey: under wing-coverts and axillaries white,
the outermost coverts and the edge of the wing grey: “ bill, tarsi
and feet slate colour: iris dusky.” (Ff. A. Barratt). Total length,
5°2 inches ; culmen, 0°5 ; wings, 2°6; tail, 3-1; tarsus, 0:7.

Adult female.—Differs from the male in having the back washed
with olive-brown, as also the sides of the face: crown of head
slightly crested, metallic greyish steel-blue: lores and cheeks
whitish, mottled with grey bases to the feathers: under surface of
body white, the flanks washed with olive-brown: the throat also
white, mottled with greyish bases to the feathers. Total length,

_ 5°8 inches; wing, 2°6 ; tail, 3-1; tarsus, 0°7.

Fig. Lo Vaill. Ois. d’Afr., pl. 151.

to

356

Fam. HIRUNDINIDZ.

342. PsaLIDOPROCNE HOLOMELENA. Black Saw-winged Swallow.
Atticora holomelas, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 57.

The Swallows of the world may be divided into two great groups,
those with smooth wings and those with serrated wings. The latter
have the outer edges of the first primary minutely jagged like the
teeth of a very fine saw, and one species of these Swallows is found
in South Africa, viz., the present bird.

This little Swallow first fell under our notice on the “ Keurboom’s
River,’ Knysna district, where we saw it apparently breeding in
holes in the banks, but were unable to investigate its doings more
closely. We found it abundantly in the forest, hawking after flies
over pools, frequently dipping into the water, and perching on the
overhanging boughs in clusters of six or eight, to dry themselves.

Their habit of perching is noted by Mr. Cairncross, who writes :
«‘This bird flies about very much like a bat (this resemblance also
occurred to us when we saw it), amongst thick forests, and is
generally more visible in rainy, heavy weather; but I have never
seen or heard of their breeding here (Swellendam). They remain
here after the winter has set in. Sometimes I have seen them roost
on trees at the bottom of my garden, where I shot the specimen
sent.”

Mr. L. C. Layard noticed its arrival at Grootevadersbosch on the
5th of September, 1869. It is found throughout the wooded dis-
tricts of the eastern province. We saw it near Grahamstown, the
Kowie, Fish River bush, &c., and Lieut. Herbert Trevelyan has
procured it in the Peri bush near Kingwilliamstown. Mr. Thomas
Ayres writes from Natal:—‘This species is common here all the
year round, but I think not immediately on the coast. They are
generally to be seen two or three together, searching for insects,
about the bushy valleys, and occasionally, though not often, alighting
to rest on some dead bough. Their food consists of minute beetles
and other insects.” Captain Shelley says that he found it very
plentiful about Pinetown in Natal, and occasionally met with it near
Durban. He observes :—“‘It is a woodland bird, usually seen in
small flocks, often perching on boughs on the shady side of large
trees. They appear to avoid the glare of the mid-day sun, feeding

/

ij

a

PETROCHELIDON SPILODERA. 857

mostly in the evening, often long after sunset.” Mr. F. A. Barratt
noticed the species both at Rustenburg and at Macamac, but in
either place it was rather scarce: he states that he shot them in the
forest as they flew up and down in the open spaces.

Adult male.—Above dark greenish black, deepest in the centre of
the back and on the breast: quills deep black, with a slight greenish
lustre, the outer web of the first primary distinctly serrated: tail
dark greenish black, long and deeply forked: “bill black, legs
purplish-brown, shading off into flesh-colour on the back of the
tarsus and on the soles of the feet: iris dark brown.” (G. H. Shelley.)
Total length, 6°4 inches; wing, 4°1; tail, 3:0; tarsus, 0°3.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but somewhat smaller and
more dusky: outer edge of first primary nof serrated: tail less
forked.

Fig. Cass. Pr. Philad. Acad. 1850, pl. 12.

343. PrrrocHELIDON SPILODERA. Prince Alfred’s Swallow.
Hirundo lunifrons, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 55.

The genus Petrochelidon is entirely peculiar to America with the
exception of this single ‘species, which inhabits South Africa. Here
it represents the North American Barn Swallow (P. lunifrons),
which it resembles so strikingly as to have led to its being actually
confounded with it in the first edition of this work. The circum-
stances of its re-discovery in Southern Africa were very curious. The
author was first led to a knowledge of this species by observing an
unusual appearance on an overhanging rock photographed near Mid-
dleburg during the journey of H.R.H. Prince Alfred through South
Africa in 1860. On applying a strong magnifying power to the
picture, he distinctly made out that the appearance consisted of a
cluster of birds’ nests. He at once concluded that they were con-
structed by some kind of Swallow unknown to us, and requested
our zealous contributor, Mr. Jackson, to look well after them, if
ever he found himself in the neighbourhood. This he did, and
tells us he counted about twenty nests, under a rock, clustered
together.

Mr. Ortlepp writes from Colesberg :—“ The nests are composed
of pellets of mud closely packed together. I counted no less than
sixty in a square yard against an overhanging bank. Lach nest is
a half sphere, with a small hole for entrance. The Boers tell me

358 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

that formerly these birds were unknown to them, and when first
seen they appeared in small numbers, which is not the case now, as
I saw hundreds hawking about in the neighbourhood. I calculate
that at least two thousand will be hatched at this place this season.”
We were informed that in 1870 they bred at Sidbury, about twenty-
eight miles from Grahamstown, and we are indebted to our kind
friend Dr. Exton for specimens of the birds and eggs taken in
Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State.

Mr. Thomas Ayres has procured the species in the Transvaal,
where it also breeds. The specimens sent home by this last-named
naturalist were described by Dr. Hartlaub as Hirwndo alfredi, but
a comparison of specimens showed that the species was identical
with Hirundo spilodera, described by Sundevall in 1850 from
“ Caffraria.”

Adult.—Head dark brown, obscurely glossed with dark blue,
lighter brown towards the nape; back and scapulars deep blue, the
feathers edged laterally with white, giving a striped appearance to
the whole back ; the scapularies and wing-coverts just faintly edged
with rusty white ; the lower part of the back blue, not marked with
the stripes ; rump and upper tail-coverts pale rufous; wing-coverts
and quills brownish-black, with a slight blue gloss on the latter and
on the extremities of the quills; tail brownish black also slightly
glossed with blue; a patch of feathers in front of the eye pale
sienna; cheeks, ear-coverts, and sides of the neck dark blue; chin
white, the throat tinged with sienna and covered with little black
spots ; below this a blackish band marked with whitish ; under sur-
face of body white, washed on the flanks and upper part of the breast
with sienna, with a few scattered black spots on the breast; under
tail-coverts and vent pale rufous, some of the former entirely black
and the others rufous with a blackish spot. Total length, 5-9
inches; culmen, 0-4; wing, 4°5; tail, 2-1; tarsus, 0°5.

Fig. Harti, Ibis, 1868, pl. IV.

344. CoryLE CINCTA. Brown-collared Sand-Martin.

The first specimens of this bank Swallow reached us from Capt.
Bulger, of H,M. 10th Regiment (2nd Batt,), who procured it at
Windvogelberg, on the frontier. We subsequently, in October, 1865,
discovered it about 14 miles from Cape Town, hawking about a
small stream; it was there in some abundance. We again recognized

COTYLE CINCTA. 359

a pair sitting on the telegraph wires near Somerset West; and on
arriving at Mr. Vigne’s farm found a pair breeding in the bank of
the River Zonder End. The nest was about three yards deep, ina
low bank. We did not obtain the eggs. The parent birds never
seemed to fly far from the spot, but skimmed up and down the
river. On our pointing them out, the Messrs. Vigne, who have paid
some attention to the birds found in their neighbourhood, pronounced
them strangers to them; and we do not think they have been in the
vicinity of Cape Town till the year 1865. During the whole of 1866
Mr. L. C. Layard found them abundant near Cape Town, and after
that date until we left the Cape this swallow could always be met
with in that vicinity during the summer months. We fancy that
previously to this the species could not have been very plentiful at
the western end of the Colony, although Mr. F. R. Surtees, who
has made a special study of these birds, tells us that he procured it
in 1862. About the Berg river we found it not uncommon in Sep-
tember, 1869, breeding in the river banks and the sides of the
ditches along the road to Malmesbury. It tunnels a hole about three
feet long, of the size of a man’s arm, inclining upwards, and the
eges (four or five) are-pure white and rather sharp at the thin end.
Axis, 10”; diam, 6’’’. Mr. Ayres gives the following note respect-
ing the bird in Natal :—‘‘These birds I only found inland. Their
flight much resembles that of the Rollers, and they make a loud
chattering note whilst flymg. The specimen sent I shot in February
near Pietermaritzburg ; it is a heavy, large-sized Swallow, solitary
and scarce. The stomach contained good sized beetles somewhat
broken up.” Mr. T. EK. Buckley obtained a male bird in the Draken-
berg Mountains during his journey to the Matabili country. He
observes :—“ A summer migrant apparently, as I only saw them on
our return journey ; they were not particularly abundant, a few pairs
only being seen together in this one spot.” Mr. Thomas Ayres says
that he also noticed it in the Lydenburg district.

Adult.—Above greyish-brown, darker on the head and paler on
the rump, where the dark shafts of the feathers become plainer ; quills
dark brown, the secondaries edged at the tip with whitish ; tail dark
brown, narrowly margined with whitish, no spots on the inner webs ;
lores black ; ear coverts dark brown; a patch of feathers extending
from the nostrils to the eye, throat, breast, under wing and tail-
coverts pure white; a band across the breast and thighs brown ;

360 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

“beak and legs black; iris dark hazel” (T. E. Buckley). Total
length, 6 inches; of wing, 4°8 ; tail, 2-0.

Young.—Similar to the adult, but has the plumage somewhat
darker ; rump very pale brown with a light rufous tinge; the whole
of the upper surface, quills, and the band on the breast with rusty
edgings to the feathers; bill dark horny brown; feet brown. Total
length, 6 inches ; wing, 4°7; tail, 2:0.

Fig. Buff. Pl. Enl. 728.

345. CoryLE FULIGULA. Buff-throated Sand Martin.

This Swallow remains with us all the year round, merely shifting
its quarters from a town toa country residence. As soon as our
summer visitants are gone, these crowd into the villages and take
their places. We. have counted upwards of one hundred sitting
together on the cornices of the Dutch Church in Cape Town on a
cold day, basking in the sun. They breed in the mountains, and
seem generally distributed, as we have received specimens from
Damaraland, Swellendam, Beaufort, and Colesberg, and Victorin
procured it at the Knysna. We have also found them nesting under
the eaves of houses in November. They lay 3 or 4 eggs, of a
creamy white, much spotted with brown, with here and there a grey
patch ; in some these spots seem to form a circle at the obtuse end:
axis, 10”; diameter, 6”. The flight of this species is very slow
and sailing, and they seek their prey usually near rocks, and are
more crepuscular in their habits than any of our other species, often
flying so far into the darkening twilight, that they can scarcely be
distinguished from the bats with which they mingle. Mr. H. Jack-
son writes from Nel’s Poort, 4th January, 1869 :—“ We have taken
the eggs of a pair of brown martins five times this season. They
have their nest against the gable of my house and do not forsake it
when robbed, as do the Chats and others,’ Mr. Thomas Ayres in
his paper on the birds of the Lydenburg district writes :—* Though
I have seen this Martin in other parts of the Transvaal, I shot
specimens for the first time at the gold-fields. They came in the
autumn and winter months, but were not in such numbers as the
two preceding species.” Mr. Andersson writes :—* This Martin is
common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and is the only species
of Swallow which remains throughout the year, a few couples being
always to be found in suitable localities, L.once saw a very large

Si

COTYLE PALUDICOLA. 361

number at Hykomkap on the 20th of May. This species breeds in
the holes of low rocks and clay-banks. The nest is cup-shaped,
and built of the usual clay materials; the eggs are five or six in
number, white, tinged with fawn, and spotted with brown.’’? Senor
Anchieta has sent it from the Rio Coroca, and from Biballa in
Mossamedes : at the latter place it is called ‘‘ Kapiapia.’’

This Sand Martin differs from Ootyle cincta in its dusky brown
colour underneath, the throat being rufous without any pectoral
band, the tail feathers are also spotted with white.

Adult.—Above dark greyish-brown, having a faint olive green
gloss in certain lights, paler on the rump and upper tail-coverts, the
shafts of the latter being distinctly marked; wing-coverts dark
brown, with the same olive-green gloss as the back in some lights ;
quills dark brown, grey underneath ; tail rather paler brown, all the
feathers except the two centre ones having a conspicuous white spot
on the inner web, this being exceedingly small or sometimes
wanting altogether on the outermost rectrix; lores blackish brown ;
entire throat and breast deep fulvous; flanks and abdomen dark
brown tinged with fulvous ; “ bill brown, the upper mandible being
darker than the lower, legs and toes brown, iris very dark brown,”
(Andersson). Total length, 5°7 inches; wing, 5°3; tail, 2:0.

Fig. le Vaill, Ois. d’ Afr. V., pl. 246.

346, CoTyLE PALUDICOLA. South African Sand Martin.

The Cape bank Swallow is the earliest comer of all our migratory
swallows and swifts. It is rarely seen far from water, and breeds in
the banks of rivers or artificial dams, over which it continually hawks
for flies. It lays three or four white eggs of the same size and shape
as those of our European C. riparia, and the nest is often run to the
depth of two or three feet into the soil, when it is loose and friable.

Mr. Cairncross of Swellendam informs us that, if the winter is
mild, it remains about that part of the country during the whole
year. Mr. Jackson has sent it from Nel’s Poort. He also states
that it stays with him all the year round. We saw this little species
hawking about over a river in the Strand Veldt near Mr. J. Van der
Byl’s residence at mid-winter (end of June, 1868). We found it
breeding at the Berg river in the banks in the month of September.
We also found it breeding at the “ Clay pits” near Graham’s Town.
Captain Shelley writes :—* At Ceres in Cape Colony, I found this

362 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

species very abundant, reminding me strongly of C. riparia, from
which its dull-coloured breast most readily distinguishes it.” Mr.
T. E. Buckley obtained one specimen out of a flock at Pietermaritz-
burg. Mr. Thomas Ayres gives the following note on the species in
Natal :—“ These Martins I have never seen on the coast. I found
many of them during the winter months about the stream near
Pietermaritzburg ; they occasionally alighted to rest on the over-
hanging reeds, where, I have no doubt, they roost at night, ‘as I
have frequently found them thus perched before the sun rose,
Sometimes they hunted singly, sometimes in companies ; and their
flight being very eccentric, I found them difficult to shoot.” The
same gentleman observes:—“‘ This Martin is as common in the
Transyaal in June and July as it is in the upper districts of Natal.
They are fond of following in the course of a river, skimming along
with rather eccentric flight within a few feet of the surface of the
water.” Dr. Kirk shot it in the Zambesi as it was “ flying round
the ship in the Elephant Marsh.”

This is the smallest of the South African Sand Martins, and is
distinguished by the entire absence of white spots on the tail
feathers.

Adult.—Above brown with lighter edgings to the wing-coverts
and secondaries; throat and breast greyish brown, the sides of the
body a little darker brown ; under wing-coverts brown mixed with
white, abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white ; “ bill and feet
black ; iris dark hazel” (7. H. Buckley). Total length, 4°7 inches ;
wing, 4:0; tail, 2:1.

Young.—Similar to the adult but a little more reddish in colour
and haying the upper plumage mottled.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. V, pl. 246.

347. Tiirunpo rustica, European Swallow.

The fork-tailed Swallows of Africa may be divided into three
groups, the first of which have the lower back and rump blue like
the mantle; to this section belong six species, of which the present
is one. It may be distinguished by the following characters: rufous
forehead and throat, and rufous-tinged under tail-coverts.

The European Swallow is a regular and common visitant to the
Cape Colony, throughout the whole of which it is distributed. In
1867 the first bird arrived in Cape Town on the 27th of July, and

\ HIRUNDO RUSTICA. 363

we have noticed a few stragglers as late as the 2nd of April.
Although the species stays with us for the greater part of the year,
it does not appear to breed, and we believe that all the young birds
which are seen in South Africa are not natives but are visitors from
the north. These young birds, during their stay with us, go through
a peculiar phase of plumage which was fully described by Messrs.
Sharpe and Dresser in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society for
1870 (p. 244), from specimens obtained at the Cape by Mr. F. R.
Surtees. Captain Shelley during his three months’ visit to South
Africa found it by far the most abundant Swallow in Capetown.
Victorin obtained it at the Knysna from September to November.
In Natal, writes Mr. Ayres, “these Swallows arrive in November
in great numbers, and congregate and leave again in March and
April; they are fond of alighting to rest on the outer twigs of
bushes, stems of tall grass, and trees, especially at the time of their
departure, when many hundreds assemble together. Like most
other Swallows they are almost constantly on the wing.” Mr. F.
A. Barratt states that “these Swallows appear every year in the
district of Potchefstroom during our summer months,” and in th
Lydenburg district,of the Transvaal, Mr. Thomas Ayres states that
they “appeared in fair numbers amongst the mountains during the
summer months, and very probably bred among the rocks.” Al-
though not observed to breed in other parts of South Africa it

would seem to do so from the accompanying note of Mr. Anders-

son’s :—‘ This well-known species is pretty common in Damara and
Great Namaqua Land during the rainy season, and I have found it
very numerous at Walvisch Bay and in other localities near the
coast. In uncivilized parts of Africa these Swallows affix their nests
to some projections of a rock or trunk of a tree, or occupy cavities
in rocks or banks.””

Upper side steel-blue, with greenish reflections; quill-feathers of
wing and tail rusty ; throat and forehead deep rufous; under parts
dull flesh-colour, with a broad collar of the same colour as the back,
joining the red throat; tail deeply forked; the two outer feathers
much prolonged ; all the inner vanes with a patch of white, which
together form a distinct white bar, most visible on the under side ;
“iris dark brown, bill black, legs brownish” (Andersson). Length,
63"; wing, 5’ ; tail, 4”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Europe, pt. xxxvii.

864 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

438. HiruNDO ANGOLENSIS. Angola Swallow.

This Swallow is smaller than H. rustica, which it resembles in its
rufous forehead and throat, and is further distinguished by its ash-
coloured under surface and under tail-coverts. It was discovered
by Senor Anchieta in Angola, and has also been found by him at
Hnilla in Mossamedes.

Adult.—Forehead, throat and upper part of the breast deep brick-
red ; the entire upper surface rich steel-blue, haying a greenish lustre
in some lights: tail gradually forked, the two middle feathers steel-
blue, the whole of the inner web white, except a black border at the
tip: a narrow interrupted band across the breast below the red
throat, steel-blue; rest of the breast and under tail-coverts ash-
coloured, a little paler in the centre of the breast, the under tail-
coverts washed with rufous, each feather margined with pale grey,
and having a little heart-shaped blue mark before the end of the
feather, the black shaft being also strongly defined; under wing-
coverts dark ashy grey, washed on the edge of the wing with steel-
blue ; bill and legs black. otal length, 5:7 inches ; culmen, 0°35 ;
wing, 4°7; tail, 2°5; tarsus, 07d.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1869, pl. xcii.

349. Hirunpo ALBIGULARIS. White-throated Swallow.
Hirundo albigula and H. rufifrons, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pp.
53, 55.

Although belonging to the red-fronted Swallows, this species is
distinguished by its white throat from the two foregoing birds. It
is probably this Swallow that Le Vaillant intended to figure in his
plate of the “ Hirondelle & front roux,’ which is, however, appa-
rently drawn from memory, and cannot be recognized.

If any of our Cape swallows could be mistaken for the European
species, this would in all probability be the deceiver. In fact, for a
long time we were deceived by it, until one bright sunny morning,
while watching the flight of some of these lovely aerial creatures, it
struck us that the blue of the back and white of the breast looked
brighter than in the old-country bird. For some time they confined
their course to the narrow river, on the bridge over which we stood,
but at last one strayed for an instant over the bank; a well-directed
shot laid him on the green sward, and we instantly recognized the

OS EE SS a ee ee

HIRUNDO ALBIGULARIS, 365

supposed ‘‘ Hirondelle 4 front roux” of Le Vaillant. They were
breeding beneath the bridge, but we were unable at the time to get
at the nests, which we have since visited, and found to resemble
those of the European bird in shape and structure. Le Vaillant says
he only found. this species in the rainy season (our winter). In this
he is most undoubtedly mistaken, so far as the Cape peninsula is
concerned. No other swallow than OC. fuligula remains during this
time, whatever they may do in the more inland districts; but,
from all we can gather from our correspondents, we have no reason
to think that even there H. albigularis is to be found in the
winter.

Mr. L. C. Layard found the species breeding at Grootevadersbosch
near Swellendam, and together we procured its nest at the Berg
river in the middle of September. The nest was a half cup attached
to a beam in a stable, and was composed of mud and lined with hay
and feathers. The eggs were very thin, white (pink when con-
taining the yolk), and spotted, chiefly at the obtuse end, in the
shape of a ring, with minute dots of green, brown, and yellow, with
here and there a larger spot. In shape they were sometimes much
pointed, at other times they were very round: axis, 11’’; diam. 7”.
Andersson and Victorin both procured this Swallow at the Knysna,
and we have seen several specimens from Natal. Mr. Thomas Ayres
has also found them in the Transvaal, and he says that they were
fairly common near Lydenburg, where they were most frequently to
be seen hawking along the streams.

Adult.—Above deep purplish blue: quills blackish brown, with a
faint gloss on the upper surface, the innermost cubital feathers
marked on the inner web with a greyish white spot: tail blackish
brown, the two centre feathers unspotted, but all the others marked
on the inner web with a large patch of white: forehead deep
chestnut : space between the bill and the eye, and the ear-coverts,
dusky-black : throat, cheeks, and sides of the neck white; below
the throat a broad band of purplish blue feathers, broad at the sides
and narrow in the centre of the breast: rest of the under surface of
the body dull white, greyish on the flanks: bill black: feet dark
brown. Total length, 6°3 inches; culmen, 0°4; wing, 5°25; tail,
32; tarsus, 0°45.

Fig. Strickl. Contr. Orn. 1849, pl. 15.

366 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

350. Hirunpo piMiprata. Pearly-breasted Swallow.

This Swallow is very rare in the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
but becomes more common on the mainland. It will be as well to
treat the peninsula bounded by False and Table Bays as apart from
the continent. The vast tract of land called the “ Cape Flats,”
together with Table Bay on the one hand, and False Bay on the
other, quite shut it off from the mainland, so to speak; and to aid
in this isolation, the mainland ends in an abrupt precipitous wall of
mountains, which are only to be passed in one or two places.
Doubtless the peninsula of Table Mountain was once an island, and
“Table” and “ False Bays” part of a strait between. As soon as
the hills are reached on the opposite side of Table Bay, this Swallow
commences; and from Swellendam Mr. Cairncross writes :—“ It is
very common, and builds its nest generally under the thatch of an
old mill or stable, where it is quieter than in a dwelling-house, lays
a small white egg, and tradition says that it drives the sparrow and
house-swallow (H. cucullata) from their nests, occupies them, and
breeds therein. For this reason it receives no mercy from the
farmer, but its eggs and young are destroyed whenever met with.”

We found it abundant all along the route as far as Nel’s Poort ;
there it was breeding among the rocks, and under the eaves of Mr.
Jackson’s barn. They construct a nest of mud very similar to that
of H. cucullata, but without the elongated neck. The eggs, three
or four in number, are pure white: axis, 7’’’; diam., 5”. We have
also found it breeding about the Berg River. Victorin procured it
at the Knysna and we ourselves have met with it near Grahams-
town, where it breeds. Professor Sundevall described it originally
from specimens obtained by Wahlberg near Port Natal. Mr.
Andersson writes :—‘ These Swallows are tolerably common in
Damara Land, where they arrive about November; but on the
Okavango river I have seen them as early as the lst of September.
They do not stay any great length of time in Damara Land, in fact
barely long enough to rear their young. In December 1863 a pair
of these birds took up their abode in my dining-room at Otjimbinque
where they half completed a nest and then abandoned it ; another
pair (at least I conjectured that they were not the same) after a time
continued the labour ; but finally they also abandoned the nest whilst
still incomplete ; the next season, however, it was finished, probably

Plate IX

|. HIRUNDO SEMIRUFA
2 — _ ATROC(ERULEA

HIRUNDO ATROC@RULEA, 367

by the original projectors, and the parent birds safely brought up
their young. The nest of this Swallow is cup-shaped, and the eggs
pure white.”

This little Swallow may be told by its entirely blue head and
wholly white undersurface.

Adult.—Above purplish blue: quills brownish black, grey on the
inner web, the innermost of the greater wing-coverts white, forming
a white spot, which, however, is generally concealed by the scapu-
lars ; occasionally in very old birds a small white spot also occurs on
the innermost secondaries: tail brownish black, without any spots,
glossed on the upper surface with dark blue, with a faint greenish
lustre; entire under surface silky white, having in some specimens
a certain woolly appearance, greyish in certain lights: on each side
of the upper breast a patch of dark blue feathers: “bill and feet
black: iris dark brown.” (Andersson). Total length, 5°5 inches ;
wing, 4°2; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0°4.

Young.—Not so bright above, and more distinctly tinged with
greenish: the white spot on the greater wing-coverts either absent
altogether, or when present, of a dull greyish colour, and very little
developed. ;

Fig. Cass. Pr. Philad. Acad. V., pl. 12.

351.—HiIRuNDO ATROCE@RULEA. Blue Swallow.
(Plate IX. fig. 1).

This very distinct species of Swallow is distinguished by its
entirely blue colour above and below. It is a native of Natal, where
it was first discovered by the late Professor Wahlberg. Mr. Thomas
Ayres writes from the same colony :—“ These are the most uncommon
of the Swallows here ; they frequent the open country, and appear
to be solitary in their habits, skimming with rapidity and ease over
the long grassy hills. Ihave never seen them take a rest, but on
and on they go, apparently without ceasing. They are, I think,
here all the year round; at all events, I have seen them in the
following months, viz. March, April, August, November, and
December.”

Adult.—Entirely glossy blue-black, a little more dusky underneath :
shafts of the primaries and of the tail-feathers white and very plain
on the underside: bill black: feet dark brown. Total length, 7:2
inches ; culmen, 0°3; wing, 4°5; tail, 4°6; tarsus, 0°35,

368 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

352. Huirunpo FILIFERA. Wire-tailed Swallow.

This fine Swallow has been obtained by Dr. Kirk in the Zambesi
region, and a specimen was shot at Tete during the Livingstone
Expedition. Senor Anchieta has also procured it at Gambos and
at Capangombe in Mossamedes. It is distinguished from the
other blue-backed species of South Africa by its entirely chestnut
head.

Fig. Gould, B. Asia, part xviii.

353 HrIRUNDO GRISEOPYGA. Ashy-backed Swallow.

The present species appears to be distributed over the greater
part of Africa, but is nowhere very plentiful. It-is the sole repre-
sentative of the second group of African Swallows, and has the
lower back and rump as well as the crown dusky grey. It was
originally discovered by Wahlberg in Natal, and has been recently
obtained by Mr. T. E. Buckley in Suaziland.

Adult.—Entire head, lower part of back, and rump brownish
grey; middle of the back and wing-coverts dark blue; quills
brownish black, glossed with dull blue; tail dull brown, glossed
with blue; lores black; a narrow line of feathers extending back-
wards over the eye, whitish ; cheeks and ear-coverts dull greyish-
brown; under surface of body milky-white, the sides of the upper
breast being greyish brown; bill and feet pale brown. Total
length, 5:8 inches; wing, 3°9; tail, 3:3.

Fig. Heugl. Orn. N. O. Afr. Tab, VII.

354. Hrrunpo MONTEIRI. Monteiro’s Swallow.

The third section of the South African Swallows comprises all
those species which have the lower back and rumprufous. Of these
the largest and finest species is Monteiro’s Swallow, which is dis-
tinguished by the following characters from the other members of
the rufous-backed section, viz., by its blue crown, rufous under-
surface, whitish throat, and above all by its large size.

The species was originally discovered by Mr. J. J. Monteiro in
Angola, and it has since been found by Senor Anchieta at Capan-
gombe and Biballa in Mossamedes, as well as at Humbe on the
Cunene River. Mr. Andersson gives the following account of the
bird in Damara Land :—“To the best of my knowledge this tine

en cas

a. ee

Sy i te

es

a

———

HIRUNDO MONTEIRI. 369

Swallow (of which I first obtained a few individuals on the River
Okavango in 1859) never extends its migration so far south as
Damara Land proper; and, indeed, very few individuals come much
further south than the Okavango. Those that came under my
notice were always found in large open forests, flying high above
the tree tops in pursuit of their insect prey, or occasionally perching
on lofty, isolated, and aged trees, and they were in consequence by
no means easy to procure.” Dr. Kirk also met with the species in
the Zambesi region, where they were seen “‘on the banks of the
River Shiré, away from dwellings, flying near the water, and
alighting on the clay-banks, where they were observed entering
holes, but whether these had originally been formed by Bee-eaters
was not ascertained.”

Adult malew—Above glossy blue-black, the head capped and
united to the nape by a broad interrupted band of blue-black
feathers ; a narrow line'of feathers from the base of the nostrils to
the eye dusky black; space below this line, and the base of the beak,
cheeks and ear-coverts whitish, tinged with grey on the latter ;
lower part cf the back and rump deep chestnut; upper tail-coverts
blue-black ; quills dusky brown, with a dark greenish-blue lustre on
the upper surface ; tail greenish-blue above, black underneath, with
an oblong white spot on the inner web of the outer tail-feathers ;
throat and under wing-coverts white, tinged with light rufous; a
triangular patch of feathers on the side of the head extending from
the eye backwards, nearly encircling the head and extending down
the sides of the neck, very bright rufous ; shoulders and sides of the
chest dark blue-black, like the back; breast and under tail-coverts
deep rufous, with a black spot near the tip of the two interior
feathers of the latter; thighs white; bill black; feet dark brown.
Total length, 8°5 inches; culmen, 0°45; wing, 5°75; tail, 4°75;
tarsus, 0°65.

Young.—Above blue-black, but not so rich or so glossy as in the
adult : quills and tail dusky brown, with scarcely any perceptible
gloss on the upper surface ; lower part of back pale rufous; throat,
cheeks and under wing-coverts pure white; sides of neck and breast
rufous, but not so rich as in the adult; under tail-coverts rufous,
the basal half of the two interior feathers black.

Fig. Hartlaub, Ibis, 1862, pl. 11.

CP

370 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

357. Hirunpo semirura, Sundev. Red-breasted Swallow.
(Plate IX., fig. 1.)

Although having a rufous back and blue head like H. monteiri, the
present species is easily distinguished by its smaller size and deep
rufous under surface. It was described originally by Prof. Sundevall
from Natal, where it was discovered by the late Prof. Wahlberg,
and Mr. Thomas Ayres has procured it in the Transvaal. He
writes :—‘‘ These Swallows appear in Potchefstroom in September,
in the spring of the year, and continue throughout the summer.
They appear to be somewhat solitary in habits during their stay, and
are decidedly scarce. Their flight is comparatively heavy.” The
late Mr. Frank Oates, during his journey to Matabili Land, met
with it at Tati on the 4th of October, 1874, and again at Inchlangin
about the beginning of December.

Adult.—Above dark blue, inclining to indigo; rump chestnut;
upper tail-coverts dark blue; quills black, brownish underneath,
glossed above with dark blue; tail black, glcssed with blue above,
every feather, except the two centre ones, having a very large white
spot on the inner web; space between the bill and the eye velvety
black; cheeks and ear-coverts deep blue-black ; entire under sur-
face chestnut, very deep on the flanks and abdomen; under wing-
coverts fulvous; edge of wing fulyous, mottled with black: “ bill
black; legs dusky; iris dusky” (7. Ayres). Total length, 8°8
inches; culmen, 0°69 ; wing, 5:2 ; tail, 5°3 ; tarsus, 0°56.

856. Hirunvo cucuntara, Bodd. Larger Stripe-breasted Swallow.
Hirundo capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 54.
The two remaining species of the rufous-backed Swallows are
easily distinguished by their rufous heads.

Chis is the household Swallow of the colony, breeding freely about
the houses and in the country, often selecting the usual living-room
of the family. In the city this familiarity is not permitted, on
account of the dirt made by the birds ; but the Boer fixes up a board
under the nest, to prevent the worst fouling, and considers that the
rest is atoned for by the destruction of the myriads of flies, of which
his little favourites rid him during the season of their stay.| And
only those who have sojourned in a Boer’s house can estimate the
plague of flies that infest it: they swarm on “ bed and board ;” they
pollute the food and drink; chairs, tables, walls, everything is

HIRUNDO CUCULLATA. 371

blackened by them. No wonder, then, that the Swallow is a welcome
guest, and that to rob his nest is to get into the bad books of every
member of the family.
fi As you sit at meals, the graceful bird hawks over the table, and
snatches the flies from the walls and ceiling; nor is this the only
service he renders, for, sitting on the top of the window or door
(always left open for his accommodation), he pours out a short but
lively song, which enlivens the dreary solitude and silence of the
lone homestead.
The nest of this species is always attached to the under side of
the place chosen, and is composed of little pellets of mud, like that

| . of the English Swallow. In shape it resembles a gourd with a long

neck, cut through longitudinally and glued up by the edges to the
ceiling. It lays four or five pure white eges: axis, 10”; diam. 6”,)

The Rey. John Fry, of Rondebosch, once related to us a singular
instance of the reasoning powers of this Swallow. The tube of a
nest in his bath-room fell down, and was not replaced by the old
birds, who had brought up their young, till within a few days of
their flight, when one, more venturesome than his brothers and
sisters, crept to the edge of the nest and fell over. After vainly
trying to replace their dead offspring, the disconsolate parents,
although their nesting was nearly over, repaired the broken tube to
prevent a recurrence of the catastrophe.

It arrives in the western part of the colony about the end of
August or beginning of September, but is somewhat irregular as
regards its advent. Thus in 1868 we observed the first Cape Swallow
at Uitkek, near Cape Town, on the 29th of August, but in the suc-
ceeding year the first bird was noticed by us at Greenpoint, near
Cape Town, on the 19th of September, and Mr. Atmore saw it at
George on the previous day for the first time. Victorin procured it
in the Karroo in December and January, and at the Knysna between
September and March, and he believes that it remains there as late
as April. We have no record of its occurrence in the Eastern
district of the colony, but they are found in Natal. Captain Shelley
writes :—“ Very plentiful throughout Cape Colony and Natal, and
very often seen feeding in company with the Swifts. In March and
April I frequently saw it engaged in constructing its nest, which it
places against walls of houses in similar positions to those chosen for
that purpose by our common House-Martin.”

232

~~

372 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The following note is by Mr. Thomas Ayres :—“ These birds arrive
in Natal in October or November, and leave again in March or
April; they are fond of building under the eaves of houses, con-
structing a chamber of about eight inches in diameter, with a long
horizontal neck to it; the nest is lined with fine grass, feathers, and
down. When flying about in search of food, they constantly utter
a short note, somewhat resembling the ‘chisick’ of the Sparrow, but
rather modulated.” The same gentleman has found it in the Trans-
vaal; and during his visit to the Lydenburg district he also
noticed the species. Mr. Frank Oates procured it at Tati in
October. Mr. Andersson gives the following account of the bird
in South-western Africa :—“ This is not a very common Swallow
in Damara Land, where it usually arrives later than Hirwndo dimi-
diata ; it courts the society and neighbourhood of man, and, where
permitted, will unhesitatingly enter his dwellings and construct its
nest and rear its young in the midst of the household duties of the
family. The nest is built of clay, and at first resembles in shape
that of Hirwndo rustica; but gradually the hollow bowl is nar-
rowed into a tube of some extent. If the nest be destroyed at this
stage, the poor bird at once sets about repairing the damage, but
generally contents itself with rebuilding the dome, to which a
narrow entrance is added. I have known a pair of these Swallows
reconstruct their nest three times in one season, the female deposit-
ing a nearly full complement of eggs on each occasion. At the
Cape this species commences its incubation towards the latter end
of September or early in October, but in Damara Land it is some-
what later. The eggs are four or five in number, of a pure white,
dotted over with minute brown spots.” Senor Anchieta has pro-
cured it at Humbe, on the Cunene River, and also at Huilla and on
the Rio Coroca in Mossamedes.

Adult.—Head intense sienna, the base of the feathers blue-black,
shewing occasionally a few markings of this colour on the crown ;
upper part of back and.scapulars steel-blue, marked with white on
the extreme upper part at the back of the neck, the feathers being
edged with whitish ; wing-coverts steel-blue, the edge of the wing
marked with white, especially on the primary-coverts which are
all edged with white; quills brownish black, lighter on the inner
web, washed externally with dark greenish steel-blue; lower part of
back pale sienna, much lighter on the upper tail-coverts, which are

=

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ae et

HIRUNDO PUELLA. 373

nearly white, the outermost tail-coverts steel-blue; tail brownish
black, glossed with greenish steel-blue, the middle feathers without
any white spot, the next two on each side with a small white spot on
the inner web, and so on till the last, where the white spot is very
large ; under surface buffy white, the shaft of each feather strongly
marked with brown, these shaft-streaks very minute on the throat
and cheeks; sides of body marked with pale sienna; under tail-
coverts white, with very distinct shaft-stripes; “bill black; legs
and irides brown” (Shelley). Total length, 7°8 inches; culmen,
0°35; wing, 5-1; tail, 4-1; tarsus, 0°6.
Fig. Buff. Pl. Hul. 723, fig. 2.

3899. Hrrunpo rugetia, Temm. Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow.

This is a diminutive of H. cucullata, and differs from that species
by its smaller size and broadly striped under surface, which has the
appearance of being profusely spotted with black. It was first
observed by Dr. Hdwin Atherstone near Grahamstown, and we
ourselves afterwards saw it, in company with Mr. G. Atherstone, in
the open space near the fort at Committee’s drift (in the Eastern
province). Here it was in large flocks, perching freely on the
ground, and we were assured by the hotel-keeper that it had bred
there: this we can easily believe, as we shot both old and young
birds. We have since scen specimens from Natal, and the late
Mr. Frank Oates shot the bird at Tati in Matabili Land, in October,
1874, along with H. cucullata. Dr. Kirk states that 1t was observed
during two successive seasons, building in the house at Shupanga,
on the Zambesi, in the months of December and January : it was
not seen elsewhere, and was absent during the dry season. It isa
well-known species in Western and North-eastern Africa.

Adult.—Head and back of neck pale sienna; back and scapulars
bright steel-blue ; wing-coverts steel-blue, but rather duller ; lower
part of back and rump deep sienna; quills brownish black, glossed
with dull greenish blue; tail-feathers brownish black, glossed above
with greenish steel-blue, with a large white spot on the inner web of
all but the two centre ones; underneath buffy whitish, profusely
marked with broad longitudinal stripes of dark brown; under wing-
coverts deeper buff; bill and feet black ; iris black. Total length,
7-8 inches; culmen, 0°3; wing, 4°2; tail, 4°8; tarsus, 0°.

Fig. Riipp. Syst. Uebers. pl. 6.

374 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Fam. LANIIDA.

308. Lanius Minor, Gm. Lesser Grey Shrike.

As far as has been recorded at present this well-known European
Shrike has been procured chiefly in South-western Africa.
Anchieta has obtained it at Humbe, on the Cunene -River, and

the following note appears in Mr. Andersson’s work :— This ~

species is very common in Damara Land during the rainy season ;
put on the return of the dry weather it mostly disappears, though
I believe a few individuals remain throughout the year. These
Shrikes usually perch on some conspicuous tree or other elevated
object, whence they can obtain a good view of what passes around
them; they feed chiefly on insects, which they catch both on the
wing and on the ground. <A great number of these birds are often
found in a very limited space and not unfrequently in the same
tree.’ The only occurrence that we are aware of in other parts
of South Africa has been the single instance when Mr. Frank Oates
shot two on the Tati River, on the 19th November, 1874.

Adult.—Above delicate French grey; wing-coverts black, the
least ones mixed with grey; quills black, the inner web pure white
at the base; the outer web of the primaries also white at the base,
forming a broad white alar band; the innermost secondaries
narrowly tipped with the same colour ; the four centre tail-feathers
entirely black, the next two white at the base and tip, black in the
centre of the feather, the next two similar, but with less black, and
the outer ones on each side are entirely white ; a broad black band
across the forehead, extending backwards over the eye to the ear-
coverts, which are also black ; entire under surface white, tinged on
the breast and sides of the body with delicate pink ; bill and feet
black. Total length, 8 inches ; wing, 4°7; tail, 4; tarsus, 0°9.

Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Eur. pl. xiii.

859. Lanivus couzanis, D. Fiskal Shrike.

This Shrike is more abundant in the neighbourhood of Cape
Town than in any other part of the colony that we have visited. It
appears to affect the vicinity of habitations at all times, as in the
very wild country it is seldom seen. It is bold, daring, and
rapacious, a deadly foe to cage-birds, Canaries in particular, entering
into rooms regardless of the assembled family, and tearing them
from their cages. It preys upon all kinds of small living things ;

A ce EO Ss

LANIUS COLLARIS. 375

and we have seen the spikes of an aloe—a favourite resort of these
birds—garnished with snakes, locusts, small birds, hard-cased
beetles, crabs, lizards, and sometimes even a fish. We have been
assured on good authority that they seize gold-fish out of the
fountains. It builds in trees and bushes, and constructs a nest of
grass, lined with fibres and hair. Eggs, four or five; of a pale grey
colour, blotched at the obtuse end, in the form of a ring, with
greenish and reddish spots; axis, 12” ; diam., 9”.

Mr. Guillemard says that the Fiskal Shrike may be said to be
tolerably common throughout the whole of South Africa, wherever
it can find a tree to perch on. Both Victorin and Andersson
procured it at the Knysna, and Mr. Rickard records it both from
Port Elizabeth and East London. We are indebted to Lieut. H.
Trevelyan for specimens from Kingwilliamstown, and Mr. F. A.
Barratt says that he has noticed the species plentifully in British
Kaffraria, as well as in the neighbourhood of Bloemfontein in the
Orange Free State. Captain Shelley says that it is not rare in
Natal, and that he met with it frequently near Durban and
Pinetown. Mr. Buckley obtaimed a specimen in the Transvaal,
and Mr. F. A. Barratt mentions his having seen it on the Rhinoster
River, a few miles south of the Vaal, and he has also shot it near
Potchefstroom. Mr. T. Ayres writes:—‘ This Shrike is about as
plentiful in the Lydenburg district as in most other parts of the
country, a single one or a pair may often be seen frequenting some
particular portion of ground.” Senor Anchieta has met with the
species at Ambaca and Caconda in Benguela, and Quillengues near
14° §. Lat., as well as at Humbe, on the Cunene River; it is
common everywhere. Its native name at Biballa is “ Kitiapi,” at
Humbe “ Kissanda-suala.”’ This last name has been given from its
custom of searching for insects among the heaps of dried leaves on
the ground.

«“ This Shrike,” writes Mr. Andersson, “is common in the southern
and middle parts of Great Namaqua Land, but further north it is
replaced by Lanius subcoronatus ; indeed, where the one species
ceases, the other may be said to begin, as, to the best of my belief,
L. collaris does not exist in any numbers where L. subcoronatus is
found. South of Namaqua Land the Fiskal Shrike is very abundant,
and nowhere more so than in the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
where a pair may be seen in almost every garden. It is a bold,

376 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

fearless, and quarrelsome bird, never allowing any bird of prey to
remain long within its particular district. This species has the habit
of impaling its prey, immediately after capture, on a thorn or a
naturally pointed stick or branch—a custom which is said to have
earned for it, from the colonists, the name of Fiskal, derived from the
title of the Dutch colonial magistrate of former times. The food of
this Shrike consists chiefly of various insects ; but it will also attack
young birds, rats, and mice. It perches on some branch of a tree
commanding a good view, whence it precipitates itself upon its prey
when perceived, whether on the ground or on the wing. It flies
low, alternately rising and dipping, but invariably in a straight
line, and does not move far at a time, generally only to the first
convenient tree. During the breeding season battles take place
between the males; and it is at this season also that the bird is
heard to sing in a strain at once varied and continuous, accompany-
ing™ his warblings with many different gesticulations. This species
builds in the forks of trees, and constructs its nest of bark, moss,
and flexible roots, lined inside with feathers, wool, &c. The eggs,
which both parents assist in incubating, are four or five in number,
broad at one end and very short, of a dusky green, with brown
spots clustered thickly round the larger end.”

Mr. T. Ayres gives a similar account of the habits of this bird in
Natal, and says that it impales mice, small rats, lizards, chameleons,
and other large insects on the thorns of the bush on which it
perches.

Adult male—General colour above sooty black, the lores,
feathers round the eye, ear-coverts, and sides of neck uniform
with the head; scapulars white, with dull greyish bases; wings
entirely blackish, the quills rather browner, the inner primaries
white at the base of both webs, forming an alar speculum ; rump
and upper tail-coverts dark-grey ; tail-feathers black, the four outer
ones on each side white at the tip, increasing in extent on both
webs towards the outermost, which is entirely white with the
exception of the inner web, which is blackish at the base; cheeks
and throat white; breast and sides of body light ashy grey, the
centre of the abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white: thighs
white with dusky bases to the feathers; under wing-coverts white
with blackish bases, the axillaries blackish with broad white edges ;
under surface of the quills ashy brown with pale brown edges to

LANIUS SUBCORONATUS. 377

the inner webs; “bill black: feet greyish black; iris black”
(Andersson). Total length, 8-5 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°9;
tail, 4:2; tarsus, 1°1.

Adult female.—Similar to the male but with chestnut flanks.
Total length, 9 inches; wing, 3°7; tail, 4°3; tarsus, 1°05.

The young bird has a rufous tinge throughout, darkest on the back,
and minutely crossed with small dark brown bars. The edges of
the wing and tail feathers are very rufous.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’ Afr. pls. 61, 62.

3860. Lanivs suscoronatus, Smith. Coronneted Shrike.

This species is nearly allied to ZL. collaris, but is distinguished at
once by its broad white eyebrow; it so closely resembles the last
mentioned bird in all its habits, that it was not found to be distinct
until one was accidentally killed by the members of Sir A. Smith’s
expedition. It was first seen by them at Latakoo, and we have
received it from Kuruman, where it was procured by Mr. R. Moffat.
Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—“‘ This Shrike is common
in the northern parts of Great Namaqua Land, and also in Damara
Land, and the parts adjacent to the east and uorth. Its mode of
flight, manners, and habits, are identical with those of the pre-
ceding species.”

Three specimens have been also obtained by Anchieta near the
mouth of the River Coroca, in Mossamedes.

Mr. Guillemard considers that the present bird replaces the
Fiskal Shrike to a certain extent in the Orange Free State and
the country north of the Diamond Fields. Mr. T. Ayres has shot
it on one occasion near Potchefstroom on the 23rd of March.

Adult male.—Aboye, slaty-blackish; lores and a broad eyebrow,
white ; feathers in front of and round the eye, dusky ; ear-coverts
blackish, darker than the head; scapulars, white; wing-coverts and
quills dark brown, the primary-coverts and secondaries narrowly
tipped with white, the primaries white at the base, forming a large
alar speculum; lower back and upper tail-coverts grey, the rump
white ; tail feathers blackish, the four middle ones entirely so, the
next slightly tipped with white, these white tips increasing in
extent towards the outermost, and running along the outer edge of
the feather, until in the last the white occupies the outer web and
the terminal half of the feather; cheeks and entire under surface of

378 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

body white, rather duller and greyer on the sides of the breast ;
under wing-coverts and axillaries white with dusky bases, the
greater series dusky brown, forming a patch; quills brown below,
white at the base of the inner web; “bill, brown horn-colour, livid
at base; feet, blackish brown; iris, dark brown” (Andersson).
Total length, 8 inches ; culmen, 0°75 ; wing, 3°65 ; tail, 4°1 ;
tarsus, 1°05.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but distinguished by the
chestnut streaks on the flanks. Total length, 8°3 inches; wing, 3°65;
tail, 4°1; tarsus, 1:05.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. hxviii.

361. Enneocronus corturio, D. Red-backed Shrike.

Le Vaillant states that this well-known European species inhabits
the country about the Sunday and Zwartkop Rivers (Port Eliza-
beth), Little and Great Namaqua Land and other places, but is not
found near Cape Town. We ourselves met with it about Graham’s
Town, the Blinkwater, Alice, Eland’s Post, and the Katberg, but we
believe that it does not come further eastward than Port Elizabeth ;
young birds were common in the months of March and April.
Lieut. Trevelyan has shot it near Kingwilliamstown, and we have
received specimens from Mr. J. J. O’Reilly at Graaff-Reinet,

and Mr. Ortlepp has found it breeding with him at Colesberg, —

while Mr. T. C. Atmore obtained it near Beaufort. Captain Shelley
says that he shot it on several occasions at Durban in Natal,
and Mr. T. E. Buckley procured the species on the Limpopo.
Mr. Barratt shot a specimen in the Potchefstroom district, but
Mr. T. Ayres found it scarce at the Goldfields, where it was solitary
in its habits, sitting stationary on the top of some low bush. The
latter gentleman has also procured it near Potchefstroom in Decem-
ber. Dr. Kirk obtained a specimen at Shupanga, and Mr. Oates
shot the bird at different places during his journey to the Zambesi
from November to March. Mr. Andersson writes in December :—
«This Shrike is pretty common in Great Namaqua and Damara Land,
as also in the Okavango region, where it breeds. It is migratory,
and returns to Damara Land at the approach of the rainy season. It
watches from some elevated position for its prey, which usually
consists of insects. Senor Anchieta has sent it from Humbe, on the
River Cunene, where its native name is stated to be “ Kissanda-

SONS Pet Ee Pee i te ee

a,

ENNEOCTONUS COLLURIO. 379

suala,” as well as from Biballa in Mossamedes, where it is called
“ Kitiapi;’ he has also met with it at Caconda in Benguela. He
states that it is common all over the country visited by him.

Adult male.—Head and neck grey ; a narrow frontal band, lores,
feathers round the eye and ear-coverts, black, separated from the
erey crown by an indistinct line of whitish across the forehead and
over the eye; mantle and back rufous, duller on the lower back,
the rump and upper tail-coverts dull grey ; scapulars rufous, like
the back; wing-coverts blackish, broadly bordered with rufous ;
primary-coverts blackish, with indistinct narrow margins of rufous ;
quills brown, narrowly edged with pale rufous, the innermost
secondaries almost entirely of the latter colour; primaries white at
the base, forming an indistinct alar speculum ; four centre tail-
feathers blackish narrowly tipped with white, the four outer
feathers on each side white with black shafts, and haying a broad
subterminal band of black, the tips of all the feathers conspicuously
white; cheeks and sides of face and throat whitish with a pink
gloss; rest of under surface of body light pink, much deeper on
the sides of the body; vent and under tail-coverts white; thighs
ereyish ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white with ashy-grey
bases, the outermost of the greater series ashy-grey, forming an
indistinct patch; quills dusky brown below, edged with very pale
rufous along the inner web; bill black; feet black; iris hazel
brown. Total length, 6-5 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 3°65; tail, 3:0;
tarsus, 0°9.

Adult female—General colour above reddish brown, slightly
ashy on the hind neck, and more decidedly rufous on the scapulars ;
wing-coverts, dark brown with very broad rufous edgings; quills,
dark brown, narrowly edged with pale rufous, more broadly on the
secondaries; no alar speculum ; lower back and rump dull ashy
brown, the upper tail-coverts rufous, mottled with a subterminal
line of black and obscurely tipped with fulvous ; tail-feathers brown,
slightly marked with rufous, all of them narrowly tipped with
fulyous, before which are generally some obscure dusky lines, the
outermost feather dull white for the extent of the outer web; a
frontal line, lores, and a broad eyebrow, buffy white, slightly
mottled with dusky tips to the feathers ; round the eye a ring of
dull buff plumes ; ear-coverts rufous; cheeks and under surface of
body, dull white, mottled with circular lines of dull brown on the

380 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

cheeks, chest and sides of the body, the sides of the vent washed
with rufous; under wing-coverts and axillaries dull white, with
dusky bases to the feathers. Total length, 6°7 inches ; culmen, 0°55;
wing, 3°6; tail, 2°9; tarsus, 0:9.

Fig. Sharpe and Dresser, B. Eur. part ii.

362. UnoLusres MELANOLEUCUS, Smith. :
South African Long-tailed Shrike.
Lanius cissoides, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 158.

This fine species was discovered by Sir A. Smith originally in
the neighbourhood of the Orange River. We have received several
specimens from Colesberg from our valued correspondent, Mr.
David Arnott. It occurs in Natal, and Dr. Exton found it plentiful
from Secheles’ into Mosilikatze’s country, and Mr. T. E. Buckley
shot a specimen in the Transyaal in July, 1873, and according to
Mr. Thomas Ayres it is generally distributed throughout the bush-
veldt, but is a somewhat local species. Mr. Andersson writes as
follows :—I did not find this species in Great Namaqua Land, but
first met with it in the central parts of Damara Land, from whence
to the River Okavango and to Lake N’gami it is not uncommon.
It is found in flocks of a few individuals, which at times create a
tremendous hubbub amongst themselves, especially on the approach
of a bird of prey; and the moment this alarm is sounded, every
little bird in the neighbourhood precipitately betakes itself to-a
place of safety. This Shrike usually seeks its food, which consists
of insects, amongst the branches of trees and bushes or on the
ground; but it will also watch for its prey from some elevated
perch. Senor Anchieta has procured it in several localities south of
the latitute of Benguela, and at Humbe on the River Cunene; here
it was known to the natives by the name of ‘ Bitocatoca’”

Mr. Guillemard, who has recently travelled through a great part of
South Africa, writes in the Field :— Although Layard mentions this
bird as common about Colesberg, I have personally never seen it
further south than the Rhenoster River, in the Free State, where,
however, I only procured one specimen.” The localities where the
late Mr. Frank Oates procured it were the Crocodile River, the Ibex
River, Tati, and the First Makalaka River on the Zambesi Road.
He procured a brown variety, now in the British Museum, and.the
note was said to be different from that of the ordinary black bird.

—

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Plate XI

LANIARIUS QUADRICOLOR

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SS a aes

LANIARIUS QUADRICOLOR. 381

Adult male.—General colour above, glossy black, the head much
crested ; scapulars white with black bases; wings black, the
secondaries tipped with white, the primaries white at the base,
gradually increasing in extent towards the middle of the wing, and
forming a conspicuous wing-patch; lower back and rump white
somewhat shaded with greyish; upper tail-coverts and tail black ;
under surface of body black, the feathers of the throat lanceolate
and of a bronzy brown tint; long flank-plumes black, with a faint
subterminal spot of white on a few of them; under wing- and tail-
coverts black; “bill and legs black; iris, dark hazel” (T.. E.
Buckley). Total length, 16 inches ; culmen, 0°8 ; wing, 5:14;
tail, 11:2; tarsus, 1-3.

Adult female——Like the male, but distinguished by the long
flank-plumes being pure white, some of the longer ones being white
internally, and black on the outer web.

Fig. Jard. and Selby; Til. Orn. iii, pl. 115.

363. LantaRius Quapricotor, Cass. Natal Bush Shrike.
(Plate XI.)

This species chiefly inhabits the country about Port Natal,
and Mr. Fellowes informs us that it was not unfrequent on the
Umgene. It has also been found once in Oliphant’s Hoek, between
Port Elizabeth and the Cowie, but its principal habitat seems
certainly to be Natal, whence we have seen a large number of
specimens. It was also included in one of Mr. Thomas Ayres’
recent lists of Transvaal birds. Respecting its habits in Natal, the
latter gentleman writes:—“‘ These birds inhabit the dense bush
along the coast, never leaving it; they creep about the underwood
in search of their food, and are easily obtained by those who can
imitate their call, for they will immediately answer, and come to the
sportman if within hearing; on perceiving their mistake, they make
a low chirring noise, as they do also if they see a cat, snake, panther,
or other beast of prey.”

Adult.—General colour above deep grass-green, the wing-coverts
uniform with the back; quills dusky blackish, externally green like
the back, the inner secondaries entirely green; tail black washed
with green near the base, the two centre feathers green for nearly
their entire length, the ends only being black; lores black,
surmounted by a broad line of orange from the base of the bill to

882 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

above the eye; ear-coverts green with a black line along the lower
margin; cheeks and entire throat deep scarlet, the bases to the
feathers yellow; across the chest from each side of the neck a
broad band of black; centre of the body yellow, the upper breast
washed with scarlet, the under tail-coverts being also of the latter
colour; sides of the body, thighs and under wing-coverts green ;
lower surface of the quills ashy, lighter along the inner webs ; bill
black; “feet lead-colour; iris dark” (7. Ayres). Total length,
7°7 inches ; culmen, 0°8 ; wing, 3°15; tail, 3°45; tarsus, 1°15.

Female.—Like the male (T'. Ayres).

Young.—Differs from the adult in wanting all the facial markings,
the black lores, and chest band, and in haying the throat yellow
instead of scarlet ; the line above the eye, and the fore-part of the
cheeks are yellow, as well as the centre of the body, the under tail-
coverts being slightly tinged with red; the tail is entirely green.

364. Lantartus ontvaczus, Shaw. Olivaceous Bush Shrike.

This is the Oliva” figured by Le Vaillant in his “‘ Oiseaux d’ Afrique”
(pl. 75, fig. 1). The bird intended to be represented by fig. 2 on
the same plate is thought by Professor Sundevall to be his Laniarius
rubiginosus. It is a rare species apparently, and as far as we know
is confined to Natal. Captain Shelley writes:—“I shot two
specimens in the thick bush near Durban, but never heard their
note; and as they were very cautious in their movements it was
exceedingly hard to find them. Those that I met with were slowly
climbing up amongst the tangled boughs.”

Adult male—General colour above olive green, fading to yellow
over the eye and forming an indistinct eyebrow ; wing-coverts olive-
green like the back, the quills dusky brown on the inner webs,
green on the outer webs, the inner secondaries almost entirely
green, rather yellower on the edges; tail black, the middle feathers
edged and tipped with greenish, the outer ones with yellow,
increasing on the two outermost which are for the most part
yellowish-green, more or less black towards the base of the inner
web, which has a terminal spot of bright yellow; a loral spot of
bright yellow; feathers round the eye as well as a line above the
latter and ear-coverts, black ; cheeks and under surface of body deep
orange yellow, brighter yellow on the abdomen and under tail-
coverts, sides of the body olive-greenish; under wing-coverts and

EE At gt a OE EI OE Gay AEA SP LA. DI EE ME aE En et

LANIARIUS RUBIGINOSUS. 383

inner lining of quills yellow. ‘otal length, 7 inches ; culmen, 0°65,
wing, 32; tail, 3-2; tarsus, 1:0.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but duller in colour and
haying the region of the eye dusky green instead of black; the
tail feathers also are greenish and not black, and the orange of the
breast is not so bright. Wing, 3:1 inches; tail, 3:0, tarsus; 0°95.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 75, fig. 1.

365. Lanrarius rupicinosus, Sund. Ruddy-breasted Bush Shrike.

Although nearly allied to L. olivaceus this species may be told
by its having the crown and hinder neck grey, instead of green like
the back as in the latter species. From the number of specimens
which we have received from Mr. George Rex, this Bush Shrike
would appear to be common at the Knysna, where it was also
procured by Andersson and Victorin. Mr. Atmore has found it in
the George Forests, whence it seems to extend at least as far as Hast
London ; here, however, it appears to be rarer, for Mr. Rickard only
succeeded in obtaining a single specimen. Mr. T. C. Atmore
obtained it near Grahamstown, and Lieut. Trevelyan shot specimens
near Kingwilliamstown in June, and near Panmure in July. Mr.
Gurney states that he has seen a specimen from Natal, where,
however, it must be very rare, being replaced by the foregoing
species. Mr. F. A. Barratt collected a specimen~at Macamac in
December, and Mr. Thomas Ayres gives the following note, in his
paper on birds from the Lydenburg district :—“ No doubt these
Bush Shrikes are amongst the mountains all the year round; but
they are particularly shy and difficult to see, especially during the
breeding-season, when they make the woods joyous with their
varied songs and calls. Many of their notes are very liquid, and
remind me much of those of the Nightingale. Often have I been
very close to one of these songsters, and, though his song was
pretty constant and he was frequently moving from bush to bush,
I could do no more than catch a glimpse of him now and then, so
skilfully did he conceal himself. During the winter they are
silent.”

Adult male.—General colour olive-green, the scapulars and wing-
coverts uniform with the back; quills dusky blackish on the inner
web, olive-green on the outer, the inner secondaries almost entirely
of the latter colour, all the quills light -yellow at their tips; tail-

384 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

feathers black, edged with olive-green, the three outermost tipped
with yellow, the latter more extended on the inner webs of the two
outermost, which are black for the greater part of the inner web,
olive-green on the outer; head and neck delicate slaty-grey,
separated from the black ear-coverts by a line of white; feathers
round the eye and ear-coverts black running down the sides
of the neck; in front of the eye a white spot; lores fawn-
rufous; cheeks and under surface of body clear fawn-rufous, the
belly and under tail-coverts white; thighs white with yellowish
bases; sides of body olive-greenish; under wing-coverts and
axillaries bright yellow, as also the inner lining of the quills; “ bill
black ; tarsi and feet bluish ash-colour; iris bright hazel”
(T. Ayres). Total length, 7:2 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°4;
tail, 3°45, tarsus ; 1:0.

Adult female-—Very similar to the male, but not so brightly
coloured, although in summer there is scarcely any difference, the
flanks slightly rayed with dusky cross-bars ; “ bill black, the under
mandible ashy at base; tarsi and feet as in male; iris reddish hazel”
(Tf. Ayres). Wing, 3°25 inches; tail, 3°35; tarsus, 1:0.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 75, fig. 2.

366. LANrIARIUS SULPHUREIPECTUS, Lesson.
Yellow-fronted Bush Shrike.
Laniarius similis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 163.

This is one of the rarer species of South Africa, and was
discovered there first by Sir Andrew Smith, who procured a single
specimen near Kurrichaine. It has also been met with near Grahams-
town, and once occurred to Mr. Rickard near East London.
Mr. H. F. Guillemard shot one in the Kowie bush, and it is also
found in Natal, where Captain Shelley says it is apparently of rare
occurrence about Durban. Mr. T. H. Buckley shot the species on
the Limpopo, and two specimens collected by Dr. Kirk at Tete, in
the Zambesi, are in the British Museum collection, while Mr.
Andersson states that he obtained several specimens from Lake
N’gami, but never observed it to the west of that locality. His
last collection, however, contained a single specimen procured by
him on the Cunene River in June, 1867. Senor Anchieta has also
met with it at Humbe on the same river, and at Capangombe in
Benguela. Here also the late Mr. Monteiro shot the species, and

LANIARIUS GUTTURALIS. 385

it appears to extend along the entire West Coast of Africa as far as
Senegambia.

Adult male.—F orehead, lores, and a broad superciliary streak bright
golden yellow, shading off into greenish yellow upon the crown;
hinder part of the crown, hind neck and upper back bluish grey ;
rest of upper surface of body yellowish olive, the long feathers on
the side of the rump brighter yellow with greyish bases ; upper
tail-coverts and tail-feathers dull olive-green, the inner webs
broadly edged with yellow and having a large spot of orange at the
tips; quills blackish brown, externally edged with olive-yellowish,
brighter on the edge of the primaries, the secondaries tipped with
yellow, the innermost entirely greenish ; eyelid yellow above, black
beneath, according to the colour of the adjacent parts; a streak of
black commencing at the base of the bill, drawn under the eye and
including the ear-coverts ; cheeks and under surface of body golden
yellow, including the under wing and tail-coverts and the inner
lining of the quills; the lower throat and fore-neck rich deep
orange, or orange-scarlet ; “ bill black; feet lead colour; iris dusky
amber” (Heuglin). Total length, 7 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing,
3°45; tail, 3°55; tarsus, 0°95.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Birds, pl. 46.

367. Lantarrus curturanis, P. LD. S. Mill.
Bacbakiri Bush Shrike.

Telephonus bacbakiri, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 161.

Common throughout the colony, feeds on insects, and breeds in
' low bushes, making a nest of small twigs and bents of grass,
/ coarsely lined with dry grass. Eggs, from three to five in number,
| of a beautiful verditer colour, spotted with brown, chiefly at the
obtuse end: axis, 12”; diam. 9’. It is usually found in small
families, excepting during the breeding season. Its loud call of
“bachakiri,” its imitative powers, and bright plumage, render it
one of the most conspicuous birds of the colony. We have not
unfrequently heard two birds uttering their peculiar note for twenty
or thirty minutes together—one bird giving out the harsh “backback,”
the other the shrill “‘kiri,” the two performers being at a consider-

able distance from each other.

Shelley writes :—‘‘ Very common in Cape colony,

2c

Captain

i

+]

386 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

especially about Cape Town; I also found them plentiful at Port
Elizabeth ; but did not meet with them in Natal. They are
generally seen in pairs, or in small family parties, frequenting the
low bushes, and often running on the ground.” Victorin records
it from the Knysna, and Mr. Rickard states that it is very common
at Port Elizabeth, and is also found near East London : we have
also had it from Eland’s Post from Mr. T. C. Atmore. Lieut.
H. Trevelyan shot specimens near Kingwilliamstown. In the
Editor’s collection was a specimen from Natal, whence also Mr.
Ayres has forwarded specimens. Mr. Andersson gives the follow-
ing account of this Shrike: “ This species is sparingly met with in
Damara Land, and only in a few localities; but as the traveller
proceeds southward it becomes more numerous, till on reaching
Cape Town it is found in every garden. In Damara Land I have
usually found it very shy and retired in its habits, quickly escaping,
the moment it finds itself observed, into the thickest part of the
nearest bush, and thence moving hurriedly on as near to the ground
as the locality will admit, so that it is often difficult to flush it a
second time. At the Cape, on the contrary, it is very familiar, and
is frequently seen perched on the garden walls, whilst it utters a
succession of ringing calls which the Dutch liken to the word
‘ Bacbakiri ;? but its notes and calls are in fact very varied. This
Shrike feeds chiefly on insects, but it is said occasionally to kill and
devour young birds; it hunts for its prey amongst low bushes and
on the ground, and runs with great swiftness. It is usually found
in pairs, but for some time after the breeding season the parents
are accompanied by their families, which they tend with much care.
This species builds in thick bushes; and the eggs, which are four
or five in number, of a greenish-blue colour, spotted with reddish
brown, especially round the thicker end, are incubated by both
parents.” Mr. Monteiro met with this species in Benguela, and
Anchieta has forwarded five specimens to Lisbon from the Rio
Coroca in Southern Mossamedes.

Adult. — General colour above dull olive-green, the wings
uniform with the back, slightly more yellowish-green on the outer
webs of the quills and greater coverts, all the quills light sepia on
the inner web ; two centre tail-feathers dull olive, the next on each
side blackish, more or less shaded with olive and slightly tipped
with yellow, all the others jet-black, very broadly tipped with

LANIARIUS POLIOCEPHALUS. é 387

a bright yellow; head and hind-neck dull ashy grey, as also the ear-
coverts and sides of neck; a broad loral streak of bright yellow
drawn from the base of the nostrils and forming a distinct eyebrow;
B eyelid blackish ; in front of the eye a distinct black spot; cheeks
and throat bright yellow, succeeded by a broad black collar running
across the hinder part of the cheeks to below the eye; rest of under
_ surface of body yellow, the flanks with greyish bases, imparting a
grey shade to this portion of the body, the longer ones on each
side of the rump creamy buff at their ends; under wing-coverts
dull olivaceous, the lower series ashy like the lower surface of the
quills; “ bill black ; legs and toes lead-colour ; iris reddish brown ”
. (Andersson). Total length, 8°5 inches; culmen, 0°95; wing, 39;
tail, 3°8; tarsus, 1:3. ~
Adult female.—Similar in colour to the male. Wing, 3°75 inches;
tail, 3°9; tarsus, 1°35.
Young.—Duller coloured than the adult, the head greenish like
the rest of the upper surface; throat and chest ashy; the ear-
coverts ashy grey ; rest of under surface yellowish buff, deeper
orange buff on the under tail-coverts ; no pectoral collar.
Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. IL. pl. 67.

368. Lantarius poLiocerHatus, Licht.

Large Grey-headed Bush Shrike.
* — Laniarius icterus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 164.

_ This species is often known by the name of Laniarius olivaceus
of Vieillot, but inasmuch as Shaw had already conferred this name
upon Le Vaillant’s “ Oliva,” the present species must be called
po. poliocephalus (Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 45). It may be mentioned
that specimens from South Africa are rather more orange on the
breast than others from Western or North-Eastern Africa.

This is a rare bird in collections from South Africa, arising more
perhaps from its shy and retiring habits than from its actual
‘scarcity in the haunts which it frequents, as it is rarely seen out of
the densest bush. Mr. H. Bowker has sent it from the country
beyond the Kei, Captain Harford from Natal, and specimens have
‘' procured near Grahamstown. The stomach of one examined
by Captain Harford “ contained beetles and insecis.”

_ Mr. Henry Bowker writes, “I send you the skin of a bird I shot
. ‘the other day on the ‘ Kwelega:’ they are common in some parts,
2c2

388 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and make a curious ‘moping’ noise, something resembling the |
word ‘mope,’ drawn out into a long low whistle. I have some
doubt in stating that the bird calls during the night, as I think
there are two species of them. There was one species very common
at the ‘Umboolo’ Forest, which used to call all day and night, and
T looked after them for hours, but could never get a shot, as they
always left off calling when I got close to them. This same bird
used to bother me at Tharfield (near the Kowie) when I was a boy,
as I could never get a shot at one, and only once saw a specimen.
1t was about four yards off ina thick bush, and to the best of my
memory seemed a browner bird, about the same size and shape as
the enclosed. The one I send calls more quickly, and it usually
keeps on five or six times and then leaves off for about two minutes.
I may be wrong, and write to you in hopes that the thing may be
brought to light, as they ought to be common in the western
forests. They are known to the Dutch by the name of the Spook
Vogel (ghost bird), and the low call of the bird during the night —
certainly would lead a person inclined to these things to think that
there was something supernatural about the ery. Since writing I
have had a conversation with my brother about this bird, and he
tells me he once saw one of them pounce upon and kill a small bird
after the manner of a butcher bird. He is opposed to my idea of
there being two species.”*

Captain Shelley obtained a single specimen from Durban, where
he thinks it cannot be very common. One skin is in the British
Museum, procured during the Livingstone Expedition to the Zambesi,
and it occurs in South-Western Africa, as Anchieta has met with it
at Humbe on the Cunene River, and also at Capangombe. It is
found on the West Coast and also in North-Eastern Africa.

Adult.—General colour above light olive-green; wing-coverts
tipped with yellow, whiter on the greater series ; quills ashy brown,
externally olive-green like the back, the primaries margined with
yellow towards their tips, the secondaries entirely olive-green and —
tipped with yellow like the coverts; tail olive-green, tipped with
yellow; head and hind neck, sides of face, cheeks and sides of neck
blue-grey ; lores and a ring of plumes round the eye white ; entire

* We suspect that our correspondent has sometimes seen and heard the

other large Bush Shrike, Zaniarius senegalus, and that this must be the
© browner bird” to which he alludes.

LANIARIUS ATROCOCCINEUS. 389

_ under surface of body bright yellow, richer on the chest, the flanks
somewhat washed with green; under wing-coverts yellow, as also
the broad edges to the inner web of the quills; ‘bill black ; feet
lead-colour ; iris yellowish orange ” (Heuglin). Total length,
9°8 inches; culmen, 1:2; wing, 4°85; tail, 4°6; tarsus, 1:5.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1870, pl. 13, fig. 2.

069. Laniarius arrococcrneus, Burch.
Crimson-breasted Bush Shrike.

— It is not difficult to recognize this fine Bush Shrike, which has
the entire upper parts black and the breast of a beautiful crimson.
It is not found near the Cape, but has been met with plentifully in
Griqualand and near Kuruman, and has also been procured near
Grahamstown. We have also seen it from Natal and near
-Pretcria. Mr. T. Ayres obtained specvimens near the Limpopo
River, and Mr. T. E. Buckley shot a specimen in Bamangwato,
whence it appears to extend up to the Zambesi region. Mr.
Andersson observes :—‘ This brilliantly coloured Shrike is pretty
generally dispersed over Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and
also over the Lake regions. It is usually found either singly or in
pairs, and is a wary bird, frequenting both open woods and dense
thickets, but preferring the latter. In such localities it searches
industriously for insects and their larve, and, whilst thus occupied,
occasionally utters pleasant, clear, ringing notes, but with the
prelude of a harsh, guttural sound. This species builds its nest in
the fork of a tree, constructing it roughly of the inner bark of trees,
with a few grasses interlaced, but without any softer ining. I
have found the nest in the more northern portion of Damara Land
as early as November; but one which I met with at Omapja con-
tained two fresh eggs on the 8th of January. The eggs are white
spotted with ight brown, and sometimes tinged with green.” We
are informed by Professor Barboza du Bocage that he has received
it from Senor Anchieta from the neighbourhood of the Cunene
River, and from the interior of Mossamedes.

Upper parts, thighs, and under the wings shining black, under
parts bright crimson ; a white bar down the wing. Length, 9 inches ;
wing, 4; tail, 4:9.

Fig. Swains. Zool. Ill. New Series, pl. 76.

BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

370. Lanzarius arricroczus, Trimen.
: Golden-breasted Bush Shrike.

Only a single specimen of this beautiful bird is known at present, _
which was obtained by Dr. Bradshaw far in the interior of South
Africa on the Upper Limpopo or Crocodile River, about sixty miles

in a south-easterly direction from Shoshong, on the edge of the —
southern tropic. It exactly resembles the Crimson-breasted Bush
‘ Shrike, but is distinguished by the entire under surface being
; beautiful golden yellow. It was found by Dr. Bradshaw in the
same districts as L. atricoccineus, and was at first taken for a variety
of that species. Having ourselves examined the bird, through the
kindness of Mr. Trimen, we fully believe it to be a good species.
The following description has been given by Mr. Trimen in the
“‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society ”’ for 1880.
« Entire upper surface (including that of wings and tail), together
with sides of head and neck, glossy black shot with a steel-blue
lustre; under surface throughout, from base of bill to under tail-
coverts, rich yellow, with a surface-tint of warm orange; rump
irregularly varied with numerous whitish-tipped feathers ; middle
upper wing-coverts and external borders of outer webs of three last
2 secondaries pure white, forming a continuous longitudinal wing-
a stripe ; all quill-feathers dull fascous beneath, paler towards their
bases ; under wing-coyerts dull blackish, irregularly flecked with
whitish ; tail beneath not so black as above and without steel-blue
lustre.

** Bill and legs black; iris lavender ” (B. F. Bradshaw).

Total length, 8°3; length of culmen, 8; of folded wing, 3°6;
of tail, 3°9 ; of tarsus, 1:3.

-

—o

ES ee —

Fig. Trimen, P. Z. 8. 1880, pl. lix,
371. Lantarius cutaris, Finsch and Hartl. Zambesi Green Shrike.
’ This species was discovered during the Livingstone Expedition
: at Teté in the Zambesi country. It differs from all the other Green
| Bush Shrikes of Africa in the want of the gaudy colours, being

rather a plain-plumaged bird. The following description is from
the typical specimen in the British Museum,

Adult.—General colour above dull olive-greenish, the fore part
of the head ashy brown; lores whitish; sides of face, cheeks and

ONIN nil) CE reine .

A Fe: A ye

LANIARIUS MAJOR. 391

throat pale fawn-colour; centre of the body creamy white, the
sides of the body yellowish green; thighs and under wing- and
tail-coverts bright yellow ; scapulars and upper wing-coverts olive-
green like the back, the rest of the coverts brown with a large
rounded spot of pale yellow ; quills brown, externally margined
with olive-yellow, the inner secondaries brown with a terminal spot
of white; tail olive greenish, tipped with bright yellow, broader
on the outermost feather, which is also externally bordered with
yellow ; quills and tail-feathers below edged with yellow along their
inner webs. Total length, 7-6 inches; culmen, 0°85; wing, 3°55 ;
tail, 3°8; tarsus, 1:2.

Hartlaub’s Pied Bush Shrike.
This species may be briefly described as black and white, faintly

372. Lanrarius masor, Hartl.

washed with rose-colour below, and with more or less distinct white
spots on the rump, which is greyer m plumage. A longitudinal
band runs down the wing, formed by certain of the inner wing-
eoverts and outer webs of two secondary quills. It is a West
African species, ranging from the Gold Coast to the Congo, and
thence from Angola to Benguela, where it was found by Mr.
Montiero. At Biballa and Capangombe, Senor Anchieta procured
it also, and gives the native names as Sequi aud Gongo at the latter
place, and Kikacia at Biballa. It is possible, however, that the
birds from the Congo and Angola are really different from those
of the Gold Coast, as no specimens have been found in the
intervening localities, in which case the bird of the southern
habitat must bear Hartlaub’s name of L. guttatus.

Prof. Barboza du Bocage has recently in his ‘ Ornithologie
d’Angola” separated another species as Dryoscopus neglectus from
Mossamedes, the region of the Cunene River and Lake N’gami.
The chief character of this species consists in the band down the
wing being formed of three white-bordered secondaries. He does
not adopt the name of ZL. stictwrus, F. and H., as he finds that both
of the species have occasionally white tips to the outer tail-feathers,
whereby he considers the name inappropriate. These white-tipped
birds are probably not so adult as those with the tail uniform.
Beyond its occurrence in Benguela and Mossamedes, where it has
been procured by Senor Anchieta, it was also met with by the late
Mr. Andersson on the Cunene River, and at Lake N’gami. According

a

a0

392 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

to the latter naturalist it frequents secluded, dense, tangled brakes,
and though not particularly shy is somewhat difficult to obtain from
the nature of its resorts. It utters pleasant ringing notes.

Fig. Hartlaub, Beitr. Orn. West-Afr. pl. v.

373. Lantartus cuba, Lath. Lesser Puff-backed Bush Shrike.

This little species is common in the forests of the Knysna as well
as in the eastern province. According to Lieutenant Trevelyan it
is common near Kingwilliamstown, particularly so in the Peri Bush.
In Natal, according to Captain Shelley, it is a very abundant
species about Durban and Pinetown in the thick woods, and it
appears to extend throughout the Transvaal and the Matabili
country to the Zambesi, where, however, the birds are rather smaller
and whiter than in the Cape Colony, and this is particularly the case
with the females. This white-breasted race appears to extend
along the east coast of Africa as far as Zanzibar and the adjoining
country. In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres found these birds not
uncommon among the bush on the Rustenberg Mountains, where
they were generally in pairs and their habits shy and retiring. Mr.
T. E. Buckley procured specimens on the Limpopo in December,
and the late Mr. Frank Oates shot the species on the Tati River.
In Damara Land Mr. Andersson observed it very sparingly,
meeting it first at Okamabuté, and thence northward as far as the
Okavango; but Senor Anchieta has found it in nearly every place
where he has collected in Benguela and Mossamedes. At Capan-
gombe the native names were Kissuala and Kikundi; at Humbe,
Kassa-lacatoto and Nangombeiomapupo; and at Quillengues,
Kiriamahuco.

Both Mr, Ayres and Mr. Andersson speak of the curious way
in which this species sometimes elevates the loose white feathers
on the back till they nearly encircle the bird. This is gene-
rally done during the courting season, but occasionally when
the bird is alarmed. ‘ When flying away,” says Mr. Ayres,
“they look at first sight like a white ball with a black spot in
the centre. The male has the upper parts glossy _ black,
except the lower back and rump, where the feathers are pure
white, and very loose and fluffy; the under parts are greyish
white; the bill is black, the legs slate colour, and the iris
‘yaries from yellow tored. Length, 7 inches; wing, 3°7; tail, 3°5.

LANTARIUS FERRUGINEUS. 393

The female may always be told by its greyish white loral spot, and
by its duller colours ; the under parts being greyer as well as the
loose feathers of the rump. \ The bill is black with the lower
mandible bluish slate colour, black at the tip.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 72.

374 Lantarivs rurruainnvs, Cuv. Large Puff-backed Bush Shrike.

This species is the ‘“‘Boubou” of Le Vaillant, and the “ Bonte
Canaribyter” and “Zwarte Canaribyter” of the colonists. It
appears to be distributed over the whole of Cape Colony, and is
not uncommon about wooded places in the neighbourhood of Cape
Town and Rondebosch. Mr. Rickard found it at Port Hlizabeth
and at Hast London, and we have received it from Grahamstown.
Mr. Ayres found it breeding in Natal, making a coarse open nest in
a low bush. Mr. F. A. Barratt gives the following note :—“ Shot
near Lydenburg. I also received it from Macamac Goldfields, near
the Drakensberg Mountains. It has a peculiar habit of puffing
itself out, which is thought by some to be a habit it assumes in
order to terrify other birds. It is certainly very puguacious, and
will not allow others to molest it.” It was procured by Mr. Frank
Oates on the Crocodile River. ‘In Natal,’ writes Mr. Ayres,
“these birds are almost invariably seen in pairs; they frequent
the dense bush, and are, I believe, equally distributed throughout
the colony. Their notes are loud and ¢urious: the male calls first,
and is so immediately answered by the female that anyone not
acquainted with the fact would suppose all the notes to be uttered
by the same bird.”

Male.—Upper parts glossy black, with bar on the wing white ;
under parts, from chin to middle of belly, pure white; the rest
rufous.

Female.—Upper parts dull brown; tail and wings darker, with
a faint white bar along the latter; under parts russet, paler on the
chin and throat. Length, 82”; wing, 43”; tail, 4”.

According to Mr. Guillemard the female is considerable larger
than the male, and Mr. Gurney mentions that a bird of this sex
procured by Mr. Ayres was nearly as black as the male and even
richer coloured underneath, the white bar on the wing being equally
distinct.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 68.

394 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

375, LaAnrarius ERyTHROPTERUS, Shaw.
Cape Red-winged Bush Shrike.

Telephonus erythropterus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 161.

Great confusion has always existed as to the species of Tchagra or
Red-winged Bush Shrikes, but as was pointed out in the “ Ibis” for
1870 (p. 460), by the author, the true Tchagra of Le Vaillant is the
bird generally known as T'elephonus longirostris of Swainson. It may
be distinguished from all the other Red-winged Bush Shrikes by
the following characteristics:—Its uniform scapulars, which are
not variegated with black, its perfectly brown head, its ash-coloured
under tail-coverts, and its wing-feathers not margined internally
with rufous. Total length, 8 inches; culmen, 1°05; wing, 3°25;
tail, 3°75; tarsus, 11. Young birds are like the adult, but are every-
where paler and are more olivaceous ; the wing coverts are washed
with fulvous at the tip ; the eyebrow is washed with rufous ; the under
surface of the body is ashy and the under tail-coverts are ashy fulvous.

The present species is a true bird of the Cape Colony, being very

“common at Nel’s Poort and Zootendals Vlei, and we have received
the bird also from Swellendam and Colesberg, as well as from
Grahamstown, but it does not seem to extend its range further
eastward.

Le Vaillant states that it lives only in the thickest brushwood and
densest foliage, such haunts being most productive of its favourite
food, which consists of the larvae and pupz of different insects. Its
eggs, five in number, are marked with brown.

Above brown; beneath cinereous; chin, ears, and stripe above
the eye whitish; ears margined above by a black line; bill much
lengthened, and slightly curved. Length, 83"; wing, 3”; tail, 4”.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 70.

376. Lanrarius senecaLus, Z. Common Red-winged Bush Shrike.
Telephonus erythropterus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 160,

This is the common Tchagra of the greater part of the African*

* Laniarius cucullatus of Algeria is generally considered to be the same as
L. senegalus, but this I now consider to be an error, as the Algerian bird has
the ear-coverts ashy-brown, nearly the same colour as the flanks, whereas
L. senegalus has the ear-coverts ochraceous brown, and the flanks ashy-grey —Zd,

Z LANIARIUS SENEGALUS. 395

continent. It inhabits only the eastern province of the Cape
Colony, and we saw it not uncommon near Grahamstown, the
Kowie, Keiskamma, where it frequents bushy country, creeping
about the scrub, uttering the most singular and discordant cries,
loud enough to proceed from a bird of ten times its size, and feeding
on grasshoppers, caterpillars, &c. Mr. Rickard notes its occurrence
at Port Elizabeth and East London, and Lieutenant Trevelyan has
forwarded many specimens from the neighbourhood of King-
williamstown, and we have also received it from Eland’s Post,
from Mr, Atmore. “In Natal,” writes Mr. Ayres, “this Shrike
frequents the dense underwood and jungle, being occasionally found
in more detached bushes ; its flight is weak, and it therefore trusts
most to hiding for safety in the matted coverts; its notes are harsh ;
the food consists, I believe, entirely of insects; during its short
flight the tail is frequently expanded, which gives the bird rather
a showy appearance.” According to the same observer it also
breeds in Natal, constructing a nest amongst a mass of tangled
creeping plants, merely placing the nests on or amongst them, either
not at all adhering to them or very slightly indeed. Mr. Ayres also
states that it is not uncommon in the Transvaal, and the same is
stated respecting the species about Bamangwato by Mr. T. EH. -
Buckley. The late Mr. Frank Oates procured it on the Pantama-
tanka River and other places on the road to the Zambesi, where
Dr. Kirk found it frequent. On the east coast we have seen
specimens from Mozambique and as high as Mombas, but in Abys-
sinia a smaller and distinct race (7. blanfordi, Sharpe) takes its
place. In South-Western Africa it is generally distributed, but
according to Mr. Andersson it was only found by him in the
northern parts of Damara Land, whence it occurs throughout
Benguela and Angola to the Congo, being found also in West
Africa, from the Gold Coast to Senegambia.

The following characters distinguish this species:—The scapulars
are varied with black, being black with rufous margins; the under
tail-coverts are whitish or pale ochraceous buff; the sides of the
body are ashy; and the ear-coverts are ochraceous brown. Total
length, 8} inches ; culmen, 0°85 to 0°95 ; wing, 3°05 to 35; tail, 3°9,
The specimens from beyond the tropics are smaller than tifone eae
Natal and South-Eastern Africa.

Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. I. pl. 479, fig. 2.

396 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

377. Lantarius TRIVIRGATUS, Smith.
; Smith’s Red-winged Bush Shrike.

At one time we were inclined to believe that the present bird was
only the young of the preceding species, but having now examined
a very large series we are convinced that it is quite distinct. It is
a smaller bird than L. senegalus, and may be distinguished by its
ochraceous under tail-coverts, which are of the same colour as the
flanks. The ashy-brown head uniform with the back, and bordered
on each side of the crown by a black streak, also marks the species.

First discovered by Sir A. Smith to the north-east of Kurrichaine,
between 24° and 25° 8. Lat., it is now known to extend over the
greater part of Southern Africa, but does not occur within the Cape
Colony. Mr. T. C. Atmore forwarded a male from Griqualand, and
we have received it from Mr. Moffatt at Kuruman, as well as from
Lieut. Trevelyan at Kingwilliamstown. Mr. Guillemard pronounces
it to be the commonest Shrike in the Transvaal, and Mr. Ayres
found it equally numerous near Rustenberg, with L. senegalus, and
inhabiting similar situations. Mr. T. E. Buckley procured the
species in Bamangwato, and it was shot by the late Mr. Frank
Oates on the Crocodile River and also near the Metli River, on his
way to the Zambesi, where Dr. Kirk also procured the species. From
South-Western Africa Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—
“This species is by no means uncommon in Southern Damara Land,
and it also occurs in the parts adjacent; it confines itself to dense
thickets or low bushes, where it hops about incessantly, flitting
rapidly from twig to twig, and passing out of sight directly you have
caught a glimpse of it. It is generally found either singly or in
pairs. Two nests of this bird, which I found in the month of
January, were composed of stalks of plants loosely put together,
and lined with stalks of a softer kind. One nest was placed very
low in a low bush, the other about five feet from the ground in a
thorn bush ; each nest contained three eggs.”” Mr. Monteiro found
it abundant in Benguela, and Senor Anchieta has also procured it at
different localities in that province. At Humbe it was called by the
natives Himba, and at Capangombe, Embolio and Kissandassuela.
It likewise ranges into Angola proper, having been sent from the
Rio Bengo by Dr. Welwitsch. In West Africa it is replaced on the
Gold Coast by the nearly allied L. ussheri, Sharpe.

—— es

al

4
‘

The length of the present species is about 7} inches; wing, 29
to 3:1; culmen, 0°75 to 0°8.
Fig. Smith, Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 94.

Nore spy tue Eprror.—The following is a list of the Red-winged Bush
Shrikes at present known :— :

1. Lanzarius eryTHroprervs, Shaw. Hab. Cape Colony.

2, Lanrarrus cucunnatus, Zemm. Hab. Algeria and Morocco.

3. Lanrarrus senecatus, LZ. Hab. Western, Southern, and Eastern
Africa.

4, Lantartus BLANFoRDI, Sharpe. Similis L. senegalo sed subcaudalibus
cineraceis albido terminatis distinguendus. Long. tot.7 6, ale 2°95—3-08. Hab.
N.E. Africa.

5. Lanzarivs remiciatis, F. and H. Hab. N.E Africa.

6. Lanrarius Trivireatus, Smith. Hab. 8. Africa.

7. LANIARIUS USSHERI, sp. n. Similis LZ. trivirgato, sed subtus cinereus, gula
et abdomine albis, subcaudalibus cinereis albo terminatis nec pallide cinereis
‘distinguendus. Long. tot. 7°3, ale 2°8.

8. Laniarius minutus, Hartl. Hab. West and East Africa.

9. LaNIARIUS ANCHIETE, Bocage. Hab. 8.W. Africa.

378. NILavs BRUBRU.
Nilaus capensis, Layard B. 8. Afr. p. 159.

Brubru Bush Shrike.

This little Shrike occurs in Natal, where it is apparently not very
plentiful, but it is more common in the Transvaal, and according to
Mr. Buckley is frequent in the Matabili country; it ranges to the
Zambesi. Mr. Andersson states that it is “widely distributed,
extending from the Okavango River on the north to Lake N’gami
on the east and the Orange River on the south. It is nowhere
numerous, but is scarcer near the last-named river than in the other
localities above referred. Its usual resorts are forests or large
trees, amongst which it hops about incessantly in search of insects.
I do not think that I have ever seen more than a pair together.”

Many specimens have been sent by Senor Anchieta from Humbe,
on the Cunene River, and one example from Huilla; at the former
place it rejoices in the native name of Kandilanakiuna.

Top of the head, and all the upper parts, black; the latter
mottled and marked with white ; tail black and white; wings the
same ; superciliary eye-streak white ; throat, chest, and centre of
belly white ; sides of body, from the shoulders, rufous. Length, 6”;
wing, 3” 4”; tail, 2” 7".

Mr. Andersson gives the soft parts as follows:—“ The iris is a
fine rich brown, with a very slight tint of red; the bill varies some-

NILAUS BRUBRU. 897

——

398 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

what with age, but in a male in perfect plumage the upper mandible

was very dark horn-colour, the under livid blue; the legs are

greenish blue, the toes somewhat darker.” ;
Fig. We Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 71. :

Fam. CAMPOPHAGIDA.

379. CAMPoPHAGA NIGRA, V. Black Cuckoo Shrike.

This species is not uncommon in the forests of the Knysna, and
we have seen it from Swellendam. It occurs throughout the
eastern province, for Mr. Rickard procured several at Hast London,
but he met with it only once at Port Elizabeth. Lieut. Trevelyan
tells us that he has seen very few specimens from the neigh-
bourhood of Kingwilliamstown ; a few examples were contained in
Mr. T. E. Atmore’s collection from Eland’s Post, and in Natal it
also occurs sparingly. Captain Shelley only fell in with a few
specimens in the latter colony, and Mr. Ayres, writing from Natal,
says :— This bird, when sitting, resembles the Drongo Shrikes in
appearance, but, on a near inspection, may be readily distinguished
by its straight tail, that of the Drongos diverging broadly at the tip.
The few I have seen were solitary birds. The one now sent I
observed frequently fly down from the tree on which it was sta-
tioned, on to the grass, to pick up caterpillars.” Mr. Andersson,
who only procured this species in the neighbourhood of the
Okavango River, states that it is migratory, and that he never saw
it in Damara Land proper or Great Namaqna Land, and Senor
Anchieta has only obtained it in Mossamedes, at Biballa and
Cacondo, and at Humbe on the Cunene River.

The Black Caterpillar Catcher is easily recognized by its entirely
black coloration, which is glossed somewhat with green ; “ bill black,
yellow at the gape, tarsi and feet black, iris very dark brown” (T.
Ayres). Total length, 8°3 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 4:1; tail,
41; tarsus, 0°75. The female is mottled with blackish bars on the
back, and the under surface is white barred across with blackish
brown.

Fig. Le Vaill, Ois. d’Afr. IV. pl. 164.

880. CampopHaca HARTLAUBI, Salvad. Hartlaub’s Cuckoo Shrike.
Campophaga wanthornoides, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 153.
This is a still rarer species in South Africa than the preceding,

GRAUCALUS C&SIUS. 399

from which it is distinguished at a glance by its bright yellow shoulder-
spot. We have received a few specimens procured by Mr. Atmore
in the neighbourhood of George. It likewise occurs in Natal, where
-Mr.Ayres has found it inhabiting the coast range. He states that the
__ females are more numerous than the males, and are generally found
in small companies when moving about; in appearance and shape,
and also in fight, they much resemble the hen-bird of the Emerald
Cuckoo (Cuculus smaragdineus). It has also been procured in
Benguela by Senor Anchieta.

Adult male.—Glossy black, with a bright shoulder-spot of lemon
yellow, occupying the lesser coverts and the outermost of the median
series. Total length, 8°5 inches ; culmen, 0°7; wing, 4°15; tail, 4-6;
tarsus, 0°8. The female is of a greenish grey colour, banded with
black above ; white below, also banded with black, and is, in fact, not
to be distinguished from the female of 0. nigra. The red-shouldered
Campophaga pheenicea does not occur in South Africa,

381. Gravucatus caustus, Licht. Grey Cuckoo Shrike.
Campophaga Levaillanti, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 153.

This species has a limited range, and is strictly South African
in its habitat. We found them in small flocks frequenting
the tops of lofty trees in the Knysna forests, searching after
insects. Le Vaillant also seems to have procured them in the
Outeniqua, and on the borders of the Sunday and Zwartkop Rivers.
Mr. Rickard notes them both from Port Elizabeth and Hast London,
and we have seen them from the neighbourhood of Grahamstown.
Lieut. Trevelyan informs us that near Kinewilliamstown it is rather

__- scarce, and in Natal it inhabits the dense bush on the coast range.

Captain Shelley writes :—“ Not very uncommon in the thick bush
near Durban. A boy who was with me shot at one of these birds
with a catapult, when it dropped a Mantis it was feeding on, but was
so intent upon its prey, that it came quite close to pick it up again,
and was dispatched by another shot.”

Adult male.—General colour above and below dark bluish grey,
somewhat lighter on the forehead and sides of the crown ; wings like
the back, the primaries blackish, narrowly edged with grey ; tail-
feathers blackish, slightly washed with grey, the outermost paler
towards the tip; round the eye a ring of whitish or grey; lores and
feathers in front of the eye slaty black, the shade of this colour

wo

400 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

extending on to the cheeks; quills ashy below, whitish on the inner
webs. Total length, 10 inches; culmen, 0.8; wing, 5°05 ; tail, 4°8 ;
tarsus, 0°95.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but decidedly lighter grey,
and having the lores grey instead of blackish. Total length, 10
inches ; wing, 4°95; tail, 4°8; tarsus, 0°95.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. IV. pls. 162, 163.

Fam. PRIONOPIDZ.
882. EvrocerHatLus aAncuitimens, Smith. Smith’s Wood Shrike.

This is a bird of the interior, and is not found further south than the
Transvaal; here Mr. Ayres met with it in the district of the River
Limpopo, in companies of from sixto ten. Mr. T. E. Buckley shot
a specimen in Bamangwato, and also procured it at Tati, where the
late Mr. Frank Oates likewise fell in with the species. Dr. Exton
found it at Kavye, and informs us that it keeps much to the open
forest, and is very shy and wary. It ranges to the Zambezi, and in
Damara Land, writes Mr. Andersson “it is pretty common as well as in
the parts adjacent, including the Lake regions. In the neighbour-
hood of the Okavango I observed single individuals perched on the
highest and most conspicuous boughs of trees, from whence they
would dart on passing winged insects; but in the other localities
where I met with this species, I found it associated in considerable
flocks, which, when disturbed, moved leisurely to the nearest tree,
rarely all at once, but one or two individuals at a time, chattering
incessantly whilst moving. These flocks frequent indiscriminately
bush and forest, hopping about amongst the branches and foliage in
search of insects. The flight of this species is straight, with a short,
rapid, and quivering motion of the wings.”

Senor Anchieta states that it is very common at Humbe, where it
is called Bamba, and he also met with it at Capangombe in Mos-
samedes ; the native name is here Kitecuria. Mr. Sala shot a
specimen at Katenbella, in Benguela.

Adult male.—Head creamy white above, extending on to the
nape ; lores and feathers below the eye black; ear-coverts, hinder
part of cheeks, and sides of neck blackish brown, shading off into
deep chocolate-brown on the latter; fore part of cheeks white, like

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BRADYORNIS MARIQUENSIS. 401

the throat ; entire back clear light ashy brown, many of the feathers
shading off into whitish on their edges; wings dark brown, the
coverts and quills very narrowly edged with lighter brown, the
quills darker brown than the coverts; tail dark brown, the feathers
with very narrow edgings of lighter brown; throat and entire
breast white; abdomen and under tail-coverts light ashy brown, the
thighs and under wing-coyerts rather darker ashy brown; “ bill
blackish horn-colour ; legs and toes a livid brown; iris brown ”
(Andersson). Total length, 9 inches; culmen, 0°8; wing, 5°35; tail,
4-4; tarsus 1:05.

Adult female.—Similar to the male. Total length, 8°5 inches ;

wing, 5°35; tail, 4°4; tarsus, 1.

Young.—Much paler on the back than the adult; lores and
anterior parts of cheeks very pale brown ; sides of neck white ; ear-
coverts whitish and mottled with brown; under surface of body
whitish, with a wash of pale brown on the abdomen and thichs.

383. BRADYORNIS MARIQUENSIS. Mariqua Wood-Shrike.
Sazxicola mariquensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 209.

Sir Andrew Smith discovered this species in the interior, where he
found it seeking its food generally in dense thickets, and, when in
quest of it, moving languidly from branch to branch. We have
received a single specimen from Kuruman, and Mr. Ortlepp
has found it at Colesberg. A single male was collected in Griqua-
land by Mr. T. C. Atmore, when en route for the Diamond Fields,
and Mr. Buckley met with it in the Transvaal and in Bamangwato.
Mr. Ayres writes :—“I noticed two of these Flycatchers on my
way to the Limpopo, and two others near the junction of that river
with the Mariqua; they appeared to have much the habits of the
common English Flycatcher.” According to Mr. Andersson “ this
species is very common throughout Damara Land and Great Namaqua
Land, and is very partial to burnt ground ; it usually watches for its
prey from some elevated position, whence it pounces on any coming
within reach. It appears to me a true Flycatcher in its habits, or a
Butcher bird. Ihave met with its newly fledged young in March
and April.”

Senor Anchieta has met with it at Humbe, where it is called Katena.

This species is easily recognized by its light brown upper surface ;

the under surface is dull white, and the under wing-coverts are white.

2D

402 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Adult.—General colour above light brown, the scapulars and least
wing-coverts like the back ; lesser and median coverts darker brown,
edged with light brown like the back; primary-coverts and quills
dark brown, externally edged with light fawn-colour, paler on the
secondaries ; upper tail-coverts rather more rufescent than the back ;
tail brown ; lores buffy white; in front of the eye a dusky spot,
round the eye a ring of buffy white feathers, and above the ear-
coverts a slight streak of whitish feathers ; ear-coverts light brown,
with obsolete lighter shaft-streaks; cheeks and throat dull white,
as also the rest of the under surface, the breast slightly washed with
isabelline, the flanks rather browner; under wing-coverts whitish ;
quills light brown, edged with fulvous along the inner web; “bill
and legs black; iris dark hazel” (7. FE. Buckley). Total length,
6°9 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 3°35; tail, 3:15; tarsus, 0°9.

Young.—Brown, mottled with longitudinal streaks down the
feathers, widening into a rather broad spot at the tip, very distinct
on the wing-coverts; under surface of the body dull whitish, the
feathers mottled with brown edges.

Fig. Smith, ll. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 113.

384. Brapyornis oaresn, Sharpe. Oates’ Wood-Shrike.

Oates’ Wood-Shrike was discovered by the gentlemen whose name
it bears in the Zambesi region, having been procured by him at
Geruah and the first Makalaka Kraal. A specimen in the British
Museum, from the Congo, also appears to belong to the same species,
but being in worn plumage it is difficult to say for certain. Nothing
has been recorded of its habits, but Mr. Oates found the stomach of
one of his specimens to be full of ants.

The characters by which Bradyornis oatesii may be distinguished
are as follows :—The upper surface is ashy above, the throat is white,
contrasting with the ashy under surface, and the under wing-coverts
are like the breast. Total length, 7:5 inches ; culmen, 0°55; wing,
3°85 ; tail, 3°1; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Sharpe in Oates’ Matabele Land, App. pl. A.

385. Brapyornis patiipus, Von. Mill. Pale Wood-Shrike.

‘This species was met with by Senor Anchieta at Caconda, in
Benguela, and was named B. murinus by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub.
Judging only from the characters given by these gentlemen, the bird

‘pina

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BRADYORNIS WOODWARDI. 403

‘described by them will probably be found to be identical with

Bradyornis pallidus, which inhabits Eastern and North-Eastern

_ Africa, and occurs also on the west coast. It may be distin-

guished by its uniform light brown colour, white throat, and
fawn-coloured under wing-coverts.

Adult male.—Above earthy brown or fawn greyish; wings dark
brown, slightly edged with rufous brown along the outer web, for
the basal half of the inner web clearer and broader reddish fawn ;
secondary coverts externally edged with pale reddish fawn; from the
base of the nostrils above the lores to the eye an indistinct reddish
white streak, the eye surrounded with an ill-defined ring of the same;
in front of the eye on the lores an obsolete dusky spot ; region of the
ear fawn-reddish brown, like the sides of the neck, crop, breast, and
sides ; under wing-coyerts clearer reddish isabelline fawn-colour ; chin,
throat, lower part of the breast, vent, and under tail-coverts white,
with a tinge of fawn colour; tail-feathers dark brown, externally and
at the tips very slightly edged with pale reddish brown; bill and
feet blackish horn-colour ; ‘‘iris chestnut-brown” (Anchieta). Total
length, about 7 inches; wing, 3°9; tail, 2°10; bill, 6’; tarsus, 10’”.
(Hartlaub and Finsch.)

3086. Brapyornis woopwarpi, Sharpe. Woodward’s Wood-Shrike.

A single specimen of this interesting bird was forwarded by the
Messrs. Woodward to the British Museum, having been obtained by
them on the Berea Hills, near Durban. It may be distinguished by
its olive brown colour; the throat, breast, and under wing-coverts
being pale yellowish buff with the abdomen whitish.

Adult.—General colour above olive brown, the wing-coverts
resembling the back; greater wing-coverts and quills ashy brown,
edged with the olivaceous colour of the back, the secondaries
resembling the latter, and having paler tips; tail-feathers ashy
brown, margined with olivaceous; lores and an indistinct eyebrow
buffy whitish; round the eye a ring of buffy white feathers; ear-
coyerts light fulvous brown ; sides of neck washed with clear grey ;
cheeks and under surface of body yellowish buff, whiter on the
centre of the abdomen, the flanks darker and more ochraceous
brown; under tail-coverts white, with dusky brown centres; under
wing-coverts yellowish buff; quills below ashy brown, the inner
webs ashy whitish along their inner edge; bill brown, lighter at

202

alll

404 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

base of Jower mandible; feet brown (in skin). Total length, 5°8
inches ; culmen, 0°45; wing, 3°25; tail, 2-4; tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Sharpe, Brit. Mus. Cat. B. IIT, pl. 14.

387. Brapyornis siuens, Shaw. Pied Wood-Shrike.

This species appears to be spread over the whole Cape Colony ;
Victorin procured it at the Knysna, where we ourselves have found
it common, as well as at Swellendam and Beaufort. Mr. Rickard
procured it at Port Elizabeth, and we have received specimens from
different parts of the eastern frontier. Mr. Ortlepp informs us that
it is found about the Orange River, and we have likewise seen it
from Natal. Mr, Ayres at first considered it scarce near Potchef-
stroom, but he informs us that it has lately become more common.
He says :—“ It frequents the hedgerows, and when perched on the
outer twig of some hedge it much resembles in appearance Lanius
collaris. They are inveterate bee-eaters, and I see a pair which
frequent my garden catching the bees in the morning and evening
as they fly from and to their homes.”

Mr. Ortlepp says that its song is sweet and sustained, and that it
has considerable powers of imitation. Le Vaillant states that it
nests in trees, forming a beautiful structure of flexible twigs, lined
with cotton, gathered from cotton-producing plants. Lays three or
four eggs, of a pale green colour, daubed (barbouillés) with light red.

This we can confirm. The axis is 10”’, diameter 72”. When
at Nel’s, Poort, in December, we procured several young birds in
their first phase of plumage, when they were spotted like a young
Chat.

Writing from the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres observes :—“ This species
is tolerably plentiful about Rustenberg, and I may also mention that
I took its nest and eggs, on the 26th of October, near Potchef-
stroom. The nest was in my garden, placed about eight feet from
the ground, on the top of a rough post, sheltered by grape-vines.
It was cup-shaped and rough in structure, composed of dry grass,
rags, and feathers, giving it a generally white appearance, with bits
of wool, fluffy grass-seeds, and finer feathers inside. The eggs,
three in number, were of a pale tawny or dingy white, faintly but
uniformly marked with very pale brown. They varied slightly in
colour and size, measuring respectively 14 of an inch by 43,

BRADYORNIS ATER. 405

33 by 33, and 3% by x. Considering the size of the bird, the
egg is small and delicate; it somewhat resembles that of Motacilla
capensis.

This Wood-Shrike is easily recognizable by its black upper
surface and white under surface.

Adult male.—General colour above glossy black, all the feathers
with ashy grey bases; wing-coverts black hke the back; quills
black, the inner primaries white at the base of both webs, forming a
large alar speculum, the outer secondaries white along their outer
margin, forming a longitudinal bar down the Wing; two centre tail-
feathers black, all the other feathers white, with a black terminal
band, the base of the inner web also dusky blackish; lores, sides of
face, and sides of neck black ; cheeks and under surface of body
dull white, the flanks greyish; under wing-coverts white, the quills
black below, white at the base of the mner webs; “ bill and feet
black ; iris dark hazel” (7. HE. Buckley). Total length, 7 inches;
culmen, 0°55; wing, 3°6; tail, 3:2; tarsus, 0°95.

Adult female.—Brown where the male is black, the alar speculum
not so distinct, and the outer edges of the secondaries also not so
broadly white, the white on the onter tail-feathers also not so
extended ; under surface of body dull ashy white, the under wing-
coverts whitish, with brown bases; greater series of under wing-
coverts brown, edged with white. Total length, 6°5 inches; wing,
4-5; tail, 3-2; tarsus, 0°95.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. II, pl. 74.

388. Brapyornis ATER, Sund. Southern Black Wood-Shrike.

This species does not come further south than Natal, where
Mr. Ayres believes that it breeds. It is also found in the Transvaal,
where, however, it is not very common. Mr. Ayres has met with
it near Rustenberg, and it extends to the Zambesi, as Dr. Kirk
shot a specimen at Shupanga. In 1877 the editor separated the
Damara Black Wood-Shrike from the present species under the
name of Bradyornis diabolicus, chiefly on account of the ashy black
aspect of the under surface of the wing, the inner webs of the
quills being light ashy, whereas in the Natal bird the quills
are deep black below. Since that time Mr. Gurney has carefully
compared a Transyaal specimen with the type of B. diabolicus, and
considers that they cannot be separated.

ge

4.06 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

If this should turn out to be the case, the range of B,adyornis ater
must be extended to Damara Land and even to Benguela; Senor
Anchieta procured it at Caconda, as well as at Humbe on the
Cunene River, where it is called Mungando.

Adult male.—General colour above and below blue-black, with a
dull gloss; quills and tail dark brown, the secondaries externally
glossy black, the innermost entirely like the back; tail-feathers
blackish brown, externally glossed with black; under wing-coverts
like the breast ; quills ashy below, decidedly lighter grey towards
the base of the inner webs. ‘otal length, 7°9 inches; culmen, 0°7;
wing, 4°5; tail, 3°8; tarsus, U°9.

389. Prionops Tratacoma, Sinith. South African Helmet Shrike.

Sir Andrew Smith first met with this species about 25° S. Lat., in
flocks of six or eight individuals, frequenting low bushes, or hunting
the ground for insects. It occurs throughout the Transvaal, and is
sparingly found in small parties throughout the wooded parts of the
Rustenberg district ; and Mr. Ayres, who has also procured it on the
Limpopo, says they are extremely wild and difficult of approach after
being shot at once or twice. Dr. Exton met with it in the Matabili
country, and both Mr. T. E. Buckley and the late Mr. Frank Oates
procured specimens at different places on their way to the Zambesi,
where the species was also procured by Dr. Kirk during the Living-
stone expedition. In Damara Land Mr. Andersson did not meet
with it until he had passed Omanbonde in 20° 8. Lat., and Senor
Anchieta has sent specimens from Humbe on the Cunene River, and
from Capangombe and Huilla, while Sala met with it on the Rio
Dande. It does not, however, according to Professor Barbosa du
Bocage, occur north of the Congo.

Mr. Andersson’s accounts of its habits are as follows :— It
is always seen in flocks of from half a dozen to a dozen indi-
viduals, which frequent secluded spots, where they restlessly hop
from branch to branch on the bushes and the lower boughs of the
trees, never remaining long on the same tree, but hunting most
systematically for insects, which, with the occasional addition of
young shoots and leaves, form their food. Whilst some individuals
of the flock are examining a tree in search of insects, others keep
moving slowly on, but rarely going further than the next tree.
When the locality is open, those which first reach a tree fix their

SIGMODUS TRICOLOR. 407

gaze intently on the ground, and, if any prey be in sight, pounce
upon it with great celerity, their companions, whilst the successful
foragers are devouring their booty, continuing to move on slowly as
before.”

Head light pearl-grey; cheeks white, margined behind by a
black crescent; neck and under parts pure white; back and
wines glossy, greenish-black, with a white strip along the latter;
two outer tail-feathers pure white; all the tail-feathers broadly
tipped with white; bill black; legs pale yellow. Length, 8’’;
wing, 43’’; tail, 3’” 10°”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 5.

390. Sramopus ar WAN: Z Retzius’ He'met Shrike.

This species is easily recognized from the other South African
Helmet Shrikes by the colouration of its back, which is ashy brown,
contrasting with the head, which is black, as well as the frontal

erest and hind neck. The whole under surface is black. It only
occurs in the very northern parts of the South African sub-region.
Mr. Andersson writes :—‘‘ When encamped in the desert, a few
days’ journey south of the Okavango, I for the first and only time
observed this fine Shrike. The flock consisted of six individuals, an
adult male and female and four young birds of both sexes, all of

which I secured after much running and dodging, as they were
exceedingly wary and watchful, always perching on the loftiest and
most exposed trees, in which respect they differed from the preced-
ing species, though they resembled it in the manner in which they
were feeding when I first saw them.” Senor Anchieta has met with

ee ee ee

the species at Caconda, Maconjo, and Humbe; it was very abundant
in the latter locality, and was called by the natives Kanjuele and

Banvo.

391. Siamopus TRIcoLor, Gray. Kirk’s Helmet Shrike.

This species replaces the foregoing one in the Zambesi, where it
was discovered by Dr. Kirk during the Livingstone expedition. It
. tay be briefly described as resembling S. retzii, but is smaller, with
| the wing 5 instead of 5°25 inches, and differs by having the back
drab brown.

Adult.—General colour above black, with a slight greenish gloss,
the quills and tail uniform with the back, all the primaries with a

408 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

broad bar of white across the inner web; head pearly grey, with a
slight gloss of lilac, the forehead and lores white, the grey colour
occupying the chin and entire sides of the face, as well as the head ;
throat black, forming a collar which runs round the neck and sepa-
rates the head from the greenish black of the back; breast greyish
white ; rest of under surface light chestnut or deep tawny ; under
wing-coverts black; bill and feet red. Total length, 7-5 inches;
culmen, 0°85; wing, 4°45; tail, 3:2; tarsus, 0°85.

Fam. DICRURIDZ.

392. Bucnanea assimitis, Bechst. African Drongo.
Dicrwrus musicus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 154.

This species is easily told by its entirely black colour and forked
tail; it is very abundant in the forests of the Knysna, and extends
to Swellendam, Beaufort, and the Karroo. We have also seen
them near Grahamstown and the whole of the eastern frontier.
Mr. Rickard records the species both from Port Elizabeth and
East London; and it is very common near Kingwilliamstown,
according to Lieut. Trevelyan. Mr. Ayres states that in Natal
they are plentiful throughout the coast district, and he gives the
following note:—‘They are generally found in pairs, excepting
during the winter months, when they hasten from fire to fire as the
grass is burnt, and take insects on the wing as they are driven out ;
in fact, I have frequently seen them dart through the densest
smoke in their eagerness to seize some coveted morsel. They
are intrepid little birds, attacking without hesitation the largest
Raptores ; and they are-especially fond of bullying any unlucky
Owl or strange bird that attracts their notice, rising quickly and
repeatedly in the air, and darting upon the back of, or making
feints at, the object of their aversion, at the same time uttering loud
and harsh notes of alarm or defiance, and spreading and shutting
the tail very quickly, which has a curious appearance. Many
small birds collect at once to add their voices to the hubbub, until
they fairly worry their victim away. These Drongos appear par-
ticularly fond of bees, feeding on scarcely anything else when
these are plentiful; so that a few of them would soon clear a hive.
They generally take up a position on a dead bough of any con-

er ee ee ee ea ee ESD Te te

BUCHANGA ASSIMILIS. 409

venient tree, and dart from thence upon insects as they pass. Their
ordinary flight is of a dipping character.

Mr. F. A. Barratt writes -—“‘ I observed this Drongo Shrike in
great quantities in the bush near the Magaliesberg Mountains, on
the Rhinoster River (Free State), im the bush about the Vaal, and in
many other places in the Transvaal.” Mr. T. HE. Buckley procured
a specimen in Bamangwato in August, and the late Mr. Frank Oates
met with it at Tati in October, and afterwards on the Ramaqueban
River, on his way to the Zambesi; in the latter district Dr. Kirk
shot specimens at Tete. In South-Western Africa it is stated by
Mr. Andersson to be common in all parts of Great Namaqua Land
and the Damara country; he also found it plentiful m Ondonga, but
it was there partially migratory. Senor Anchieta has procured it in
different parts of Mossamedes and Benguela, and it may be said to
occur in all other parts of Africa beyond our limits, with the excep-
tion of the forest region on the west coast. It is a bold, fearless
bird, darting about in the forest after imsects, or chasing another
one from tree to tree, uttering loud cries, which to some ears are
anything but musical. Le Vaillant says that they assemble in flocks,
morning and evening, to catch the bees as they go out from, or
return to, their hives. He says they make their nests in forks at the
extremity of horizontal branches. They are composed of roots and
flexible twigs, and of such a loose texture that the eggs are plainly
visible from below. The number of eggs is generally four, sprinkled
with black dots, nearly all of a square form. Mr. L. C. Layard
found several nests at Grootevadersbosch, some of which resembled
that figured by Le Vaillant, though not quite so open. He puzzled
us by sending two very distinct types of eggs, but we afterwards
ascertained that he was quite right in his identification. One set
were of the palest pink, unevenly marked with spots of pale and dark
purple, but not approaching to black, and not square, as Le Vaillant
stated. Another set were of a deep, rich pink (nearly salmon colour),
marked throughout with dark salmon-coloured spots, interspersed
with purple blotches, chiefly in the form of a ring, at the thick end.
The spots are large and coarse. Axis, 11}’"; diameter, 83”. The
birds frequent cattle for the sake of picking off the ticks.

As an instance of the bold character of the present species
Mr. Ayres has published the following note:—‘I found a nest
of these birds built on a horizontal bough of an acacia, overhanging

410 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

a pool of water, and about twenty feet above it. I sent a Caffre boy
up the tree to saw the bough off. While he was thus engaged the
old birds attacked him furiously, making repeated swoops and feints
at his head, and uttering at the same time loud notes of anger.”
Mr. T. E. Buckley writes:—“ Very common from the north of
Pretoria into the Matabili country. This species is an early builder,
as I found full-grown young ones ina nest on the 28th of November ;
the nest was placed in the fork of a branch, and seemed very small
for the young birds; the parents sat in the tree close to me while
I was inspecting the nest. This bird sits on a branch of a tree,
high up, on the look-out for insects, which it catches on the wing,
and then returns to its perch. They are generally found in pairs.”

This species measures: Total length, 9°5 inches; culmen, 0°95;
wing, 5°55; tail, 4-1; tarsus, 0-9. The bill and feet are black, the
iris red.

Fig. Hemprich and Ehrenb. Symb. Phys. Aves, fol. s. pl. viii.
fig. 3.

393. Duicrurvs Lupwicn, Smith. Small Drongo.

The smaller size and sqnare tail distinguish the present species
from the foregoing. Sir A. Smith first observed it in the forests
about Natal in 1832. They were very shy, and only one specimen
was procured. In habits they seemed to resemble others of the
family, perching on dead trees, and performing rapid evolutions in
the air in search of food.

Dr. Exton procured this scarce species at Kanye, in the Matabili
country, and the specimens sent by him exceed the measurements
given by Sir A. Smith. They are: length, 8’; wing, 4” 3'’’; tail, 4”.
He writes:—‘ Smith’s statement as to its shyness is certainly
correct, D. ludwigii being as shy and unobtrusive as B. assimilis
is noisy and bold. In regard to the migration of birds, it is note-
worthy that I have not observed D. ludwigii prior to the 26th
December, on which date I saw four and obtained two specimens, and
that in a part of the Veldt, with which I was well acquainted, and
which I had constantly visited during the previous three months, so
that I could scarcely have overlooked its presence had it been there.
From the number of species collected here, which have hitherto only
been obtained in Damara Land and Natal, I conclude this would be
an excellent place for further research.” Mr. T. Ayres says that in

;
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7
)
‘
‘

=

ORIOLUS GALBULA. 411

Natal this species “appears to frequent more dense bush than is the
case with Buchanga assimilis, and is never seen (like its congener)
to frequent the grass fires. It is a less plentiful species than the
above-mentioned Drongo, and its notes are neither so harsh nor so
loud.” Captain Shelley found them
always in the thickest parts of the bush, where their loud, harsh cry

“not uncommon near Durban,

may be frequently heard.” He adds that they were very active and
restless in their movements, and rarely failed to show their curiosity
by approaching quite close to an intruder, but they seldom remained
long in view.

Adult.—General colour above greenish black, somewhat greyer on
the ramp; wing-coverts and quills black, the coverts and the secon-
daries narrowly edged with the same glossy green as the back; tail
black, the feathers washed on their outer webs with glossy greenish
black; lores and frontal feathers, as well as the sides of the face
black, the latter with a shght gloss; under surface of body greyish
black, with a slight greenish gloss on the breast-feathers ; ‘ bill and
legs black; iris deep orange.” Total length, 7 inches; culmen,
0°8; wing, 39; tail, 3°7; tarsus, 0°7.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 34.

Fam. ORIOLIDA.

894. ORIOLUS GALBULA. Golden Oriole.

The Golden Oriole of Europe, when it leaves that continent, visits
South Africa for its winter quarters, arriving probably by the east
coast, as it has been shot at Mombas, but has never been seen on the
west coast of Africa. The late Mr. Andersson met with it at the
Knysna, whence a specimen of his collecting is in the British
Museum. Mr. T. Ayres has procured it in Natal, and Mr. F. A.
Barratt writes as follows :—‘“‘I observed several of these birds in the
bush near Rustenberg ; and I think I saw them at Lydenburg Gold-
fields. I also received a specimen from Marico. They are rather
abundant, but at the same time so wary of approach that it was some
time before I got a specimen.” A female was obtained by the late
Mr. Frank Oates on the Marico River. Mr. Andersson also
procured a specimen in Ovampo Land, and he observes :—“ The
European Golden Oriole arrives in Damara Land with the return of
the rainy season, but it is comparatively rare, and very few adult

412 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

birds are seen.” He found it, like Mr. Barratt, very shy and difficult
of approach. Senor Anchieta has not yet met with it in Angola.

Adult male.—Above rich golden yellow ; wing-coverts black, the
cubital coverts with a narrow tip of yellow; primary coverts black,
broadly edged with yellow, forming a conspicuous spot; quills black,
lighter underneath, the secondaries edged towards the tip with yellow-
ish white ; tail black, the middle feathers entirely of this colour, with a
spot of yellow at the tip,all the other feathers black at the base,
yellow towards the tip, the outer feathers having more yellow than
black ; a spot between the base of the bill and the eye black ; entire
under surface golden yellow ; bill dullreddish; feet leaden grey ; iris
blood-red. Total length, 9 inches ; of bill from front 0°1, from gape
2:2; wing,59; tail, 3°1; tarsus, 0°8; middle toe, 0°7; hind toe, 0-4.

Young.—Golden yellow above, tinged with olive green ; quills and
wing-coverts brownish black, tinged with olive green; tail-feathers
marked as in the adult, but the feathers olive green, blackish
towards the tip; throat and breast grey, with black stripes; flanks
bright yellow, with fainter stripes ; loral spot indistinct, dusky ; bill
brownish red; feet black. Total length, 9 inches; of bill from
front 1, from gape 1:2; wing, 5:2; tail, 3:3; tarsus, 0°8; middle
toe, 0°7; hind toe, 0:4.

Tig. Dresser, B. Europe, part 43.

892. OrtoLtus noratus, Peters. Andersson’s Oriole.

It is just possible that Le Vaillant may have intended the present
species when he spoke of his “ Loriodor ” being found in the forests
of Kaffirland, but the bird figured by him is the West African
Oriolus auratus, which never comesso far south, nor does the present
bird, as far as we know, ever visit the countries he mentions, and
therefore we must look upon the “ Loriodor” to be of doubtful
authenticity as a South African bird.

Andersson’s Oriole has been found on the east coast from Mombas
to the Zambesi region, where it was discovered by Dr. Peters at
Tete, and here Dr. Kirk also met with it. On the western side it
has occurred to Senor Anchieta in Benguela at several places, and
he also found it at Humbe on the Cunene River. Mr. Andersson
obtained a specimen in Ovampo Land, and he gives the following
note :— I only obtained the adult of this species in Damara Land on
afew occasions, and that always during the rainy season; the young,

ee | has gp Re eg ie egg 1 60S eee

in ge Nas! Ma NY

ORIOLUS LARVATUS. 413

however, are frequently met with, and at the Okavango River it is
more common than in Damara Land proper. The young birds are
easily obtained, but the old are excessively shy and difficult to
procure, as they always perch on the most elevated and conspicuous
trees, and retire into the densest parts of tangled brakes and
thickets on the least approach of danger. The food of this Oriole
consists of seeds, berries, and insects.”

Like O. galbula the present species has the head entirely golden
yellow, but has all the wing-coverts and the secondaries broadly
margined with golden yellow. It has also the outer tail-feather
entirely golden yellow without any black at the base at all. Total
length, 8 inches; culmen, 1:1; wing, 5-4; tail, 3:1; tarsus, 0°8.

Fig. Sharpe, Ibis. 1870, pl. vu. fig. 2.

396. OrroLus LArvatus, Licht. South African Black-headed Oriole.
Oriolus capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 134.

This is the only species of Oriole that builds in South Africa, It
is not uncommon in the forests of the Knysna, and along the south-
east coast of the colony in general. Le Vaillant met with it in the
same locality, and states that its nest is placed in very high trees
and composed of twigs and fibres, covered with moss, and lined with
feathers. Eges four, of a dirty white colour, with brown blotches.

On the left bank of the Keurboom’s River, which falls into
Plettenberg’s Bay, about half a mile from where the mountains
narrow down to the river, there is a lovely kloof, which opens to the
water’s edge, and stretches back inland for about a couple of miles.
A clear running stream flows through the centre of it, and on each
side rocky, inaccessible precipices hem in a splendid forest. In this
lovely spot the silence was only broken by the babbling brook and
the loud pipe of the Oriole, which frequented the summits of the
gigantic yellowwood trees, whose mighty heads, hung with dense
masses of a grey moss, seemed, like vegetable Titans, to watch over
the solitude around them. Thinking this avery paradise fer birds
and game we twice visited it ; but, with the exception of the Oriole,
the little black swallow (P. holomelena), and the Loury (Corythaix
leucolopha), not a creature was to be seen.

Mr. Rickard tells us that this species is found both at East London
and Port Elizabeth; and Mr. T. C. Atmore has forwarded some
specimens from Eland’s Post. Capt. Trevelyan found it near King-

414 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

williamstown, and in Natal, Capt. Shelley says it was “ common at
Durban and Pinetown, preferring the more open country, and always
in pairs. They huve a loud call-note, which may be heard at a con-
siderable distance.” Mr. Barratt procured a specimen about four
miles west of Rustenberg. It has not been recorded from the
Zambesi, nor did Mr. Andersson find it in the Damara country, but
Anchieta has collected it at Humbe on the Cunene River, and at
various places in Benguela, whence it ranges into Angola proper.
It should be noted, however, that the birds brought by Mr. Monteiro
from the latter country belonged to the small race called by Count
Salvadori Oriolus rolleti.

The present species is distinguished from the two other South
African Orioles by its black head.

Adult male-—Whole of the head deep glossy -black, extending
down to the breast ; nape and sides of the neck rich golden yellow ;
whole of the back and scapulars bright yellow, with a slight olive
tinge on the latter, and brighter yellow on the rump ; wing-coverts
black, but so broadly edged with yellow that the black does not
show ; the outermost cubital coverts edged with grey; the primary-
coverts black, tipped with white, forming a distinct speculum; quills
black, the inner web paler, especially in the secondaries; the
secondaries broadly edged with yellow on the outer web, those
nearest the primaries having also a margin of white, which in the
primaries themselves entirely takes the place of the yellow, so that
these are edged and tipped with pure white; tail-feathers for the
most part yellow, black at the base ; as they approach the middle
feathers the black colour occupies the most part of the feather,
being, however, strongly tinged with olive on those nearest the
middle feathers, which are entirely olive-green ; under surface of the
body brilliant golden yellow ; bill brownish red; feet black. Total
length, 9 inches; bill from front 1:1, from gape 1°4; wing, 5-4;
tail, 3°2; tarsus, 0°9; middle toe, 0-8; hind toe, 0-4.

Young male.—Similar to the old male, but the colours not nearly
so pure, with indistinct brown stripes on the feathers of the upper
part of the body; head dusky brown; quills brown, edged exteriorly
with lighter brown ; breast with black longitudinal markings ; tail
darker olive-green.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 261.

HETEROCORAX CAPENSIS. 415

Fam. CORVIDZA.

397. Hererocorax carensis (Licht). African Rook.
Corvus segetum, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 168.

This species never approaches Cape Town, but appears to be
otherwise generally distributed. We have seen it in considerable
numbers near Caledon and the Knysna, and have received it from
Kuruman ; but it is not mentioned in Mr. Rickard’s lists from Port
Elizabeth or East London. It is called by the colonists Koren-
land Kraai, lit. “ Corn-land Crow,” and keeps more to the culti-
vated land than do the other Crows; but it will not disdain to eat
carrion when its natural food, which consists of grubs, is scarce. It
breeds in trees, making a large nest of sticks, and laying from three
to five eggs, of a light pink colour, spotted with dark brown pink:
axis, 2'’ 2’’’; diam., 1’’ 2’’’. It has not been recorded from Natal.
According to Mr. F. H. Guillemard, it is pretty abundant in the Free
State. Mr. T. E. Buckley noticed it on his Matabili journey, but it
was not so common as OC. scapulatus. Mr. Ayres has found it in
Natal. Mr. Andersson gives the following account of its habits :—
**T found this Crow very common in Ondonga, where it nests. In
Damara Land it is very local and nowhere common ; but it is more
frequent in Great Namaqua Land, especially towards the Orange
River; and in the Cape Colony it abounds. In Damara Land,
where, till lately, the natives never cultivated the ground, it is a shy
bird, and I never saw it there near the native villages; but in the
Cape Colony it is pretty sociable, frequenting the cultivated land,
where it resorts to the vicinity of domestic buildings, and sometimes
follows in the wake of the plough in search of insects and larve,
which constitute its chief food, though it is said that it will also
feast upon carrion, and will sometimes plunder the crops of maize.
It is usually found in small flocks, and is a clamorous bird, uttering
harsh choking sounds, just as though its crop were too full. The
nests of this species, which I observed in Ondonga, were built on
palm trees; the eggs have a buffy ground-colour, and are thickly
sprinkled with spots, some of which are reddish and others brown,
giving the entire egg more or less of a pinking hue.” Mr. Ortlepp
says that they roost together in large flocks in a clump of willows

416 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

near his place at Colesberg, and are very destructive in the corn
and mealie fields.

Adult.—General colour dusky black, the gloss on the plumage
having somewhat of a greyish brown shade; the back and wings
glossed with purple, as also the under surface; quills externally
dull greenish black ; “ bill, legs, and toes dark horn-colour; irides
dark brown” (Andersson). Total length, 18 inches; culmen, 2°5 ;
wing, 13°8 ; tail, 7°7; tarsus, 2°7 (Sharpe, Cat. B. iii. p. 12).

Young.—Dusky brown where the adult is glossy black, nearly
all the gloss being absent in the young bird; quills and tail as in
adult; bill horn-coloured at top (Sharpe, J. a

Fig. Le Vaill, Ois. d’Afr. II. pl. 52.

3898. Corvus ScapuLatus, Dand. White-bellied Crow.

The Bonte Kraai (lit. Parti-coloured Crow) is the commonest of
the Corvide in the western country, and is distributed over the
whole colony. It is common near Colesberg, according to Mr.
Ortlepp, as well as in the Queenstown division, as we are informed
by Mr. Barber. Mr. Guillemard considers it more plentiful in the
Cape Colony than in any other part of South Africa which he visited ;
but we have received it from Zululand beyond Santa Lucia Bay. 7a
Frank Oates shot a specimen on the Seruli River in October.
also occurs in Damara Land and extends to Mossamedes and er
and is distributed over the greater part of Africa. It is usually
found about the high roads, seeking its food in the same manner as
C. albicollis. In some districts, chiefly those where H. capensis is
most common, it is rarely seen. It makes its nest in trees, or on
rocks ; and its eggs, sometimes six in number, are light verditer
blue, profusely spotted, chiefly at the obtuse end, with brown: axis,
1 Gia-idian., $17" *

Adult male.—Above glossy purplish black, with a shade of Pa
steel-blue under certain lights; the abdomen and under wing-
coverts not quite so glossy ; feathers of the throat rather lanceolate
but lax in texture, the plumes of the lower throat white at base ;
hind neck, mantle, sides of neck, and entire breast from the fore
neck to the abdomen pure white; under wing-coverts black, except
in the innermost axillaries, which are white; bill and feet black ;
“iris hazel-brown”’ (Andersson). Total length, 18 inches; culmen,
2-4; wing, 13°9; tail, 7-9 ; tarsus, 2°5,

a
4

CORVULTUR ALBICOLLIS. 417

Adult female—Similar to the male. Total length, 17:5 inches ;
culmen, 2°5; wing, 13°9; tail, 7-3; tarsus, 2°4.

Young.—Similar to the adults, but more dusky, especially on the
throat and abdomen; the neck white and breast dull white, with
dusky edgings to a great many of the feathers.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. IT, pl. 53.

399. CorvuLTUR ALBICOLLIS, Lath. White-necked Raven.
Corvus albicollis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 167.

This large Raven, which goes by the name in the colony of the
* Ring-hals”’ (Ring-neck), is abundant throughout the colony. It was
procured by Victorin at the Kuysna, and we have seen specimens
from different localities. On his journey through the Matabele
country, Mr. T. HE. Buckley states that it was common, affecting the
open places and neighbourhood of towns more than the bush
country, and Dr. Exton procured it at Kanye. Beyond the places
mentioned above, we have received specimens from Capt. Trevelyan
at Kingwilliamstown, and it was met with by Mr. Rickard both at
Port Elizabeth and East London.

It is very partial to the sea-side, where it preys largely on the
rejectamenta of the waves, especially on the animal of the Paper
Nautilus (Argonauta argo) ; and we are informed that it is rare to
get one of these shells perfect, unless it should happen to be thrown
up at the very feet of the seeker, so keen is the appetite of these
birds for them. It also frequents mountains not far from the sea.
It is frequently seen about Table Mountain, descending from thence
to the shores of the bay in the morning and returning at night, but
always flying at a great height over the town.

It is a constant visitor at the “ outspan” places along the “ hard-
road,” and on the road itself, where it examines the droppings of
the animals that pass along it, and picks the bones of those that die.

lt will attack weakly lambs and young antelopes, and it is said to
do much mischief in this manner. Of course, it shares with the
Vultures in all their feasts, remaining to the last to pick up the small
fragments that escape the notice of its larger confreres.

It breeds in the most lonely precipices, and its eggs are very hard to
get even if the nest is discovered. Mr. Atmore sends eggs, however,
which are of the usual crow-egg colour, pale green profusely mottled
with dark brownish-green blotches, somewhat confluent at the obtuse
end. Axis 1” 11'”; diam, 1’’ 3’... Mr. Harford also sent us an egg

25

i

418 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

from Natal, with the following note: “ It was a great piece of luck
my getting this nest, as they generally breed in such abominably out-
of-the-way places. Mr. Ayres tells me he never has been able to get
one. I got one on the ledge of a precipice on the ‘ Umhlalunan’
River about three or four miles from us. I found it while out
shooting, but it was of course too high to get at, so I brought a
ladder to the spot, and after piling up stones in the river, and
adding long pieces of bush-wood to the end of the ladder, we
' managed to get at it. I found three eggs in the nest, all varying in
size and colour. ‘The nest itself was formed of sticks on the outside
and lined with wool, rags, goats’ hair, &c., and smelt most
disgusting—like the monkey cages in the Zoological Gardens.”

Adult.—General colour above and below glossy black, without any
admixture of brown, excepting a slight shade on the inner second-
aries ; head purplish brown-black; round the hinder neck a very
broad white collar; throat and fore neck dull brown, contrasting
with the rest of the under surface, from which it is separated by a
concealed band of white, the feathers composing which are either
edged with white or are pure white, sometimes with dark brown
centres ; ‘bill very dark brown, the tips of the mandibles of a white
horn-colour; legs and toes brownish black; iris hazel-brown”
(Andersson). Total length, 18 inches; culmen, 2°95; wing, 15°7;
tail,.7:1; tarsus, 2°06.

Young.—More dusky brown than the adult, the lower feathers of
the white neck-collar mesially streaked with brown; below with a
very distinct white collar across the chest, all the feathers of which,
however, are much mixed with brown.

Fig. Le Vaill, Ois. d’Afr. pl, 50.
Fam. STURNIDA.

400. Burnaaa arricana, L. African Ox-pecker.

The present bird does not appear to enter within the limits of
the Cape Colony, but Great Namaqua Land and the neighbourhood
of the tropic seem to be its principal habitats. In its manners it
resembles the Starlings, but from the peculiar structure of its bill
for extracting “ bots,” and other parasitic insects feeding upon cattle,
it is constantly found perching upon them, and clinging to them
by means of its sharp and curved claws. We have no record of its
capture in Natal, but in the Transvaal, according to Mr. Ayres, it is
common from the Mariqua all along the Limpopo, but is not found

BUPHAGA AFRICANA. 419

near Potchefstroom. Mr. T. EH. Buckley procured specimens in
Matabele Land, and Dr. Exton found it not uncommon throughout
the latter country, frequenting the Rhinoceros, and being called by
the hunters the ‘‘ Rhinoceros Bird ”—the Matabele name, according
to the last named observer, is ‘ Umblanda.’ The late Mr. Frank
Oates procured it on the Semokwe River. Mr. Andersson says that
he only observed this species in the middle districts of the Damara
country. “Itis generally met with in small flocks, which visit the
cattle in search of the larvz and ‘ticks’ with which their hides are
often abundantly supplied; and indeed I never saw these birds,
except when they were occupied in thus searching for insects, though
Livingstone has recorded his having met with flocks of this species,
and of its congener, B. erythrorhyncha, roosting on reeds in spots
where neither tame nor wild animals were to be found.” Mr. Monteiro
states that it is common all over Angola, and Senor Anchieta has
found it at Humbe on the River Cunene, as well as at Capangombe
in Benguela. It is a well-known species from both North-eastern
Africa and Senegambia.

Mr. Ayres writes:—“ Is not this bird rightly named Buphaqa ?
[During our stay in the bush Ox-peckers appeared in numbers
_ about our oxen, and actually ate large holes in the fleshy part

of their backs, often one or two inches deep, and two or three
inches in diameter, thus creating bad sores. They do this little by
little, and day by day; and though it is annoying to the ox, I
cannot say that it seems to feel it much. The birds attack just that
part of the back where the ox cannot swish them off with its tail or
" dislodge them with its horns, They especially infest those oxen
Hy which have lost their tails by inoculation for the lung disease. I
; had previously thought that these birds only ate the parasitical
insects common to cattle and game. This species is a pest to the
| hunter, of whose approach it warns the Buffalo and Rhinoceros by
| its loud harsh note, which is perfectly understood by its huge
friends. I have not scen any holes picked by these birds in the
| Buffalo or other game, but only in cattle.’ /
| Mr. Andersson’s note does not give the Buphaga the bad character
{ assigned to it by Mr. Ayres, which, however, we have heard
confirmed by many other South African travellers. He writes :—
“‘The arrival of these birds is announced by a sharp cry; and the
next moment they may be seen in a little flock descending fearlessly
252

420 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

on and amongst the cattle, which are at first alarmed, and run about
in wild confusion just as they do when troubled with gadflies; but
their apprehensions are soon dispelled and exchanged for sensations
of evident pleasure as the Ox-peckers run over their backs, sides, and
bellies, like Woodpeckers upon trees, except when an ox, by an
occasional jerk or sudden twist, appears to indicate that the claws of
the bird have caused something like pain by touching some spot
where the skin of the animal happens to be tender.”

Greyish-brown; rump, breast, and body beneath, pale fulvous ;
lateral tail-feathers ferruginous, shafts strong, and somewhat rigid ;
bill orange; tip red. Length, 93; wing, 4}. The iris in the
male is deep orange, and in the female orange-yellow. Mr. Andersson
mentions a specimen in which the iris was greyish-green, and the
bill dark horn-colour.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 97.

401. Buprwaca rrytarorurncna, Stanley. Red-billed Ox-pecker.

Our friend the late Mr. Jules Verreaux was the first to affirm the
occurrence of this bird in South Africa, having received it from
Natal, where it was subsequently obtained by Mr. T. Ayres.
Mr. R. 8. Fellowes procured the species at 8. Lucia Bay, where he
found it not uncommon; its flight reminded him of that of the
European Missel-thrush. Senor Anchieta has met with it at
Katumbella in Benguela.

Mr. Ayres has given the following note :—“ These are amongst the
useful birds of Natal; their food consists entirely of Acari or ticks,
which taey pick from the cattle. They run and climb all over an
ox, much as a Woodpecker would about the stem of a tree. The
cattle, for the most part, much enjoy the operation, and may be seen
with tail partially extended, standing perfectly motionless whilst the
birds are picking amongst the crevices of their ears, where the ticks
generally adhere in the greatest numbers. These birds are mostly
seen in small companies, varying from three to ten ; their flight is
rather heavy; their notes are harsh, but not loud. The head is
carried with the bill pointed upwards.” _)

Above, grey-brown ; tail brown; the inner web of the external
feathers rufescent; wing-feathers black; beneath, pale fulyous;
throat grey; bill red. Length, 83; wing, 4” 5’". Irides reddish-
orange with white outside ring.

PESive-+—

DILOPHUS CARUNCULATUS. 421

The colour of the bill distinguishes this species from B. africana.
Fig. Ehrenb. Symb. Phys. taf. ix.

402. DitopHus caruncuLatus, Gmel. Wattled Starline.

This well-known bird is found over the greater part of the African
continent; in South Africa it frequents the same country as the
Common Spreo, with which it is often found mingled; though it
not unfrequently flies in large flocks composed wholly of individuals
of its own species.

Specimens with developed wattles are very scarce, and but one
that we have ever seen had these appendages as enlarged as those
figured by Le Vaillant (J. c.); this specimen is in the Grahams-
town Museum. Perhaps in the country where it breeds it may
acquire such during the nesting season. Mr. Schwartz, of Zoetendals
Vley, informs us that he once found this species breeding in his
neighbourhood. A large company formed their nests in a dense
bush, reared their young, and departed. He never saw them nest at
any other time. Mr. J. H. M. Weale found them breeding near
Bedford in 1869, Dr. Exton in Mozelikatze’s country. The truth
is, it follows the swarms of locusts and seems to know when the
young ones will be developed. They breed in companies. We found
them in September, 1869, at the Berg River; their nests filled many
small bushes; they were cup-shaped, but built close together, and
added to from time to time till they became almost a dense mass
which filled the bush. The eggs, four or five in number, were of
the very faintest blue, some of them minutely spotted with black.

Mr. T. C. Rickard writes :—‘‘ An immense flock arrived at Hast
London ; in a few days they broke up into smaller flocks and asso-
ciated with A. morio. They were feeding on the locusts, which they
took on the wing like a Fly-catcher, flying up a short distance and
returning to the same nesting-place. The ground beneath the
bushes on which they rested was strewn with the legs and wings of
the insects.”

Our observant correspondent, Mrs. Barber, makes the following
remarks :—“ Some years ago, when large flights of locusts laid then
eggs in the valleys of the ‘ Konappe’ and ‘ Chaka’ Rivers, they were
followed as usual by the small locust birds. It was spring-time, and
these birds filled the thorn trees (Acacia horrida) with their nests ;
and some of the trees were so over-burdened with nests, which were

429 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

packed about, and around, and upon each other, that with the
additional weight which a stormy wet day supplied, the trees gave
way and fell to the earth, and an awful smash of eggs and young
birds bore witness to the melancholy result. However, this ill wind
proved to be a windfall for the ants, as they had a great feast upon
the broken eggs and young ones. On another occasion these birds,
for some reason or other, were too late in commencing their nests,
and it so happened that before their young were fully fledged the
locusts began to leave the neighbourhood, most of the ‘ voet
gangers’ had thrown off their working jackets and resumed the
‘imago’ state. It was easy work for the birds to follow them at
first and bring back a sufficient supply of food to their nests, but as
the locusts day after day winged their flight towards the interior,
they found the task a difficult one; still for some days they succeeded
in keeping their young alive, but the winged swarms of locusts
travelled so fast that the birds were beaten in this great struggle for
life, and were compelled to abandon their nests, leaving the half-
fledged young ones to their sad fate; and to save themselves from a
similar one, flew after the locust swarms that were leaving the
colony. It seems unnatural for any animal to desert its young, and
Ihave frequently seen birds risk their lives for the sake of their
nests, but in the above-mentioned case, no blame nor want of natural
affection could be attached to the locust birds—they did all that they
possibly could under the circumstances—for, excepting the locust
swarms, no other source remained by which so great a multitude
could be supplied with food.’’*

“In the Transvaal,” writes Mr. Ayres, “they are only found at
Potchefstroom during the winter months, from April to November,
when they occur both singly and also in companies ranging in
number from three up to a hundred or more.” Mr. T. E. Buckley
shot a male in Bamangwato on the 28th of August, 1873, which was
then beginning to get the bare throat; it was also obtained by the
late Mr. Frank Oates on the Tati River, and as high as the Rama-
queban. It extends all along the east coast of the continent into
North-eastern Africa.

In South-west Africa the Wattled Starlings appear in Damara

* We have heard of a similar incident occurring with the other locust bird,
Glareola nordmanni, when a whole hill-side covered with nests containing young
birds was deserted.

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_ LAMPROTORNIS PURPUREUS. 423

and Great Namaqua Land about the beginning of the rainy season,
mostly leaving again upon the return of the dry, but Mr. Andersson
suspected that afew pairs occasionally remained and bred, as young
birds are to be found throughout the year. He gives the food as
consisting of worms, berries, and insects, chiefly small coleoptera.
Mr. Frank Oates also found beetles and sand in the stomach of one
specimen which he shot, and beetles and grasshoppers in another.
It has been procured by Senor Anchieta at Humbe on the Cunene
River, and on the River Coroca.

General colour, cinereous ; shoulder and upper part of wings, white ;
rest of wing and tail black, or dark brown, with green reflections.
Mr. Ayres gives the soft parts as follows :—“Ivis very light brown ;
bill pale on the upper, and pink on the lower mandible ; the bare skin
about the eye (which in some examples extends over the occiput), light
yellow ; wattles about the head and chin, black; tarsi and feet pale.”
The female differs in not having the naked head, the latter being of
the same colour as the back. Length, 8” 6”’; wing, 4” 6”; tail, 2”10”’.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 93, 94.

403. Lamprotornis muvust, Wahid. Meves’ Glossy Starling.

The members of the genus Lamprotornis differ from those of
Lamprocolius in their elongated tails.

Meves’ Glossy Starling was discovered by the late Professor
Wahlberg in Damara Land, where also Mr. Andersson procured it
at Ovaquenyama in June and July, 1867. Senor Anchieta has met
with it at Humbe, and the late Mr. Frank Oates obtained a male bird
on the Nata River during his journey to the Victoria Falls on the 5th
of December, 1874.

General colour purplish and violet, including the throat and
breast, the lower breast and abdomen coppery with violet reflec-
tions; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts coppery, slightly
shot with reddish violet; wing-coverts like the back; quills
blackish, externally purplish or violet blue; tail-feathers violet
blue, shot with purple and plainly barred under certain lights; tail
and legs black; iris hazel (Andersson). Total length, 14 inches;
culmen, 0°5 ; wing, 6°15; tail, 8°38; tarsus, 1°4.

405. Lamprorornis purpureus, Bocage. Bocage’s Glossy Starling.

This specimen was discovered by Senor Anchieta in Mossamedes

A24, BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and it seems to be entirely confined to South-western Africa. The
localities where Anchieta met with it were the Rio Chimba, Quil-
lengues, and Capangombe, where it was called by the natives
“‘Melombeanganza.” The reddish purple colour on the throat and
head distinguish this bird from L. mevesi.

The following is a translation of the original description given by
Professor Barboza du Bocage: Of small size ; head, neck, mantle,
scapulars and lesser wing-coverts, throat and breast, brilliant violet
purple, the feathers marked with an apical spot of golden copper ;
lower back, rump, and abdomen, golden copper ; the primary quills
blackish, with scarcely any steel-blue gloss; the secondaries more
or less violet purple, and barred with dusky ; tail long, violet purple
on the upper surface with transverse dusky bands; bill and feet
black, iris brown. Total length 14 inches; culmen, 1:0; wing,
6-0; tail, 8°3; tarsus, 1:55.

Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. vii.

405. Lamprotornis ausrrauis, Smith. Burchell’s Glossy Starling.
Jwida australis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 170.

This fine bird was discovered by the expedition under Sir A. Smith,
in lat. 25° south, It was rarely seen to leave high trees, but to seek
its food, which consisted of fruit and insects, exclusively upon them.
We have received it from Mr. Arnott at Colesberg, and Mr. Ayres
obtained it near the River Limpopo, where it was also met with by
Mr. Frank Oates. Mr. Andersson states that it abounds in the
Lake regions, and in the Damara country he found it abundant at
Schmelen’s Hope on the upper sources of the Swakop River. He
observes: “It is found singly or in pairs, and passes most of its
time on large trees, but occasionally descends to the ground in
search of insects, which, with berries, constitute its chief food. It
is, however, somewhat omnivorous in its habits ; and I have observed
its stomach to contain much sand. It is a very shy bird, but very
lively, jerking its body and tail (the latter of which it can raise
quite perpendicularly), and uttering all the while harsh clamorous
notes.” Anchieta states that it is one of the commonest birds at
Humbe.

Plumage a bright resplendent green; ears violet-purple, with a
half collar of the same colour on the back of the neck ; belly green-
blue, with a steel gloss; tail graduated, the outermost feather of

Be li bahay

"wwe

LAMPROCOLIUS PH@NICOPTERUS. 425

i each side three inches shorter than the two centre ones. Length,
SRG) seyaminns7 264s tails 6 OL
Fig. Smith, Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 47.

i 406. Lamprocotius pHeNicortervs, Swains.
Red-shouldered Glossy Starling.
Juida phenicoptera, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 171.

; Abundant throughout the eastern parts of the colony. Le
Vaillant first met with it on the borders of the Gamtoos River in vast
flocks. He says they are migratory, only visiting us during the dry
season. They subsist on berries and grubs of all kinds, as is the
habits of other Starlings, and breed in trees, or on the ground, laying
five or six blueish-green eggs. Mr. Atmore says it never comes to
the westward of the Gamtoos River. He saw it abundantly at
Uitenhage, and all over the eastern frontier. Mr. Rickard notes
it from Port Elizabeth and Hast London. We much doubt its ever
breeding on the ground from all we could gather; we believe it
nests in hollow trees and old woodpeckers’ holes. It also sometimes
constructs its nest in farm-buildings, in scaffolding holes, and such-
like places.

- Mr. Ayres has given the following note on the species in Natal :—
“These birds are generally to be found from three to a dozen
together, sometimes more, excepting in the spring, when they paired
off, They build in holes in the trunks of trees, generally at a good
height from the ground. I have known a pair of these birds take
possession of a Woodpecker’s nest, destroying the eggs, and laying
their own instead, which the Woodpeckers seemed rather tamely to
submit to. They feed almost entirely on fruits and berries, and are
destructive to our mulberries and other small fruits. They some-
times hop about and feed on the ground, somewhat like the Thrush
and Blackbird in England.” Mr. F. A. Barratt writes :—“ This bird
I met with in several parts of the Transvaal and Free State. ‘They
congregate in vast flocks, and keep up a harsh chattering noise. I
have also shot them near Pretoria, Rustenberg, Potchefstroom, and
near Bloemfontein ; and I noticed them on my farm on the Chalumna,
British Kaffraria, where they frequented the barns and buildings,
continually flying to and fro, like English starlings.” Mr. T. EH.
‘Buckley shot the bird on the Limpopo and at Tati, at both of which

|

426 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

places it was procured by Mr. Frank Oates, who also fell in with it
on the Mariko River. Mr. Andersson observes: “This bird is
found most abundantly throughout Damara and Great Namaqua
Land, in the valleys of the Okavango and of the Teoughe, and in
the Lake regions. Like our European Starling, which it very much
resembles in manners and habits, it frequently congregates in large
flocks ; it is comparatively tame and easy to approach, and is often
met with near villages. Its food is very various, consisting of
berries, seeds, and insects, and it is very destructive to fruit-gardens ;
its flesh is not unpalatable. This species forms its nest in the
hollows of trees, lining the cavity well with feathers. The eggs are

-
four in number, of a long oval shape, but tapering much more at ;
one end than at the other ; they are of a pale bluish-green, spotted ;
all over with small dots of light brown.
Professor Barboza du Bocage is of opinion that the species from j
Damara Land and Benguela is distinct from the ordinary LD. pheni-
copterus and should be recognized as L. bispecularis of Strickland
and Sclater. We may not have seen the species intended by
Bocage, but, as far as our own observations go, we think Mr. Gurney
is right in considering the Damara birds to be the same as the
ordinary Cape Glossy Starling.
Mr. Monteiro procured it in Benguela, and says it is common all
over Angola. The L. decoratus of Hartlaub we believe to be the
same as L. phenicopterus, and Juida awrata of our first edition
(p. 171) is also the same bird.
Sea-green, glossed with blue on the head, rump, tail, and thighs,
and with violet on the ears; shoulder covers greenish-blue, margined
by a flame-coloured and violet band; inner webs of the primaries
with a central notch. Length, 9” 6” ; wing, 5” 4”; tail, 4” 2".
Mr. Andersson gives the soft parts as follows:—“The iris is
bright reddish-orange, the bill, legs, and toes more or less black.” ;
Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 89. }

407. Lamprocotius syconius, Peters. Peters’ Glossy Starling.

Although very closely allied to L. phenicopterus the present
species differs in being a much smaller bird and in having the colour
of the head of a brilliant metallic oily-green colour, almost coppery
in hue, and in wanting the steel-blue gloss on the nape and crown.
Mr. Ayres, too, who procured it in the Mashoona country during

LAMPROCOLIUS NITENS. 427

Mr. Jameson’s expedition, states that the note is different. It
occurs in the Zambesi region, and extends up the east coast of
Africa. Senor Anchieta has also procured it ab Humbe: on the
Cunene River, as well as at Huilla and Gambos. Professor Bocage
has likewise included the North-east African L. chalybeus as being
found in Beneuela, but in his latest work he has referred the
specimen to L. sycobius.

Total length, 84 inches ; culmen, 0°95 ; wing, 4°9; tail, 3°5 ; tarsus,
1°25.

408. Lamprocolivs acuTicaupus, Bocage. Sharp-tailed Glossy Thrush.

This is another of Senor Anchieta’s discoveries in Southern
Angola, where he found it at Huillaand Caconda. It is closely allied
to L. pheenicopterus, but differs in the form of its tail, the dark ashy
grey colour of the under surface of the quills, and other minor
particulars.

_ The following description is translated from Professor Barboza
du Bocage :—

Brilliant greenish-gold; the ear-coverts steel-blue; a scapular spot
of violet-purple with a coppery gloss: median wing-coverts marked
at the tip with a small satiny black spot; under wing-coverts black
spotted with violet; primary quills and secondaries blackish above,
brilliant green at the tip and on the outer web, underneath ashy ;
the tail elongated and graduated, uniform with the back on the
upper surface, and conspicuously banded under certain lights,
blackish on the under surface; bill slender and black, as also the
feet; iris orange-yellow. Total length, 9°9 inches; wing, 5°05;
tail, 4°25; bill, 0°85; tarsus, 1°15.

Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. vi.

409. Lamprocotivs nirsns, L. Angolan Glossy Starling.

This West African species just strays within our limits in South-
western Africa, having been met with by Senor Anchieta at
Capangombe in Benguela.

Brilliant metallic green; some of the lesser wing-coverts having a

rather large violet-blue spot; quills and tail-feathers blackish under-
neath; under wing-coverts tinged externally and at the tip with

428 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

violet-blue; bill and feet black. Total length, 8” 10” ; bill from
gape, 113”; tail, 2°11” (Hartlaub).

410. LamprocoLius MELANOGASTER, Swains.
Black-bellied Glossy Starling.
Juida melanogaster, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pl. 173.

This is entirely a bird of the eastern districts, though Victorin
records it from the Knysna. Captain Trevelyan sent it from King-
williamstown, and Mr. Rickard procured it at East London. We

have received it from Pietermaritzburg, and Captain Shelley met

with it at Durban; Mr. Ayres says that in Natal it is a gregarious
species, inhabiting bush-land, the food consisting of small fruits,
the notes for the most part being loud and harsh. It appears to be
widely distributed in Eastern Africa, occurring throughout the
Zanzibar districts as far as Unyamesi.

Shining green, glossed with purple on the ears, scapulars, rump,
and upper tail-covers; belly and flanks black, the latter glossed
with copper; quills black, with obscure purplish edges; tail black,
glossed with fine purple ; no black spots on wing as in DL. pheni-
copterus. Length, 8”; wing, 4” 5”; tail, 3” 5”.

Mr. Ayres states that the bill is black, the tarsi and feet black,
and iris darkish yellow.

411, PoxipavcEs vernEavuxil, Bocage. Verreaux’s Glossy Thrush.
Juida leucogaster, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 174.

This beautiful bird does not appear to extend into the Cape
Colony, but we have seen specimens from Natal, where Mr. Ayres
says it is gregarious, but not nearly so plentiful as most other
species of Glossy Starling; Captain Shelley met with it both at
Durban and Pinetown. It occurs in the Transvaal, having been
met with by Mr. F. A. Barratt near Rustenberg, and by Mr. T. B.
Buckley on the Gooqui River in Bamangwato. Mr. Frank Oates
shot it near the Umvungu River, and it extends far up the east
coast into the Zanzibar district. Mr. Andersson says it is common
in Damara Land and to the northward, but only as a migratory
bird, arriving at the approach of the rainy season, and gradually
leaving as the country dries up, though he observed a few
individuals remaining long after the general emigration was over ;
and these, he thought, might probably stay throughout the year.

f
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ee ee ee Per ee

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tewth San

SPREO BICOLOR. 429

The exquisitely coloured males arrived first and seemed to associate
but little with the sombre females, from which they differ so
marvellously in appearance. Anchieta has recorded the present
species from several parts of Mossamedes and Benguela, and has
also found it in Angola proper.

From Natal Mr. Ayres writes :—“ Small fruits form their principal
diet, although they sometimes feed on flies and the winged females
of the white ant, rising and taking them on the wing, similar to the
Flycatchers. In fact, almost every bird and beast that I know will
occasionally feed on these insects, which in the spring of the year
swarm out by millions, when hawks, dogs, cats, toads, &c., &., all
feast alike.’ Mr. Oates found the stomach containing “ remains of
insects, and a number of large white berries, and sticky yellow
matter with the berries, the latter said to grow on trees, and
to be used for bird-lime. In another bird the stomach contained
a few remains of small insects, but principally a quantity of
vegetable matter like fine grass.”

The male of this bird is easily recognized by its beautiful puce
colour above, and white belly. The irides are said by Mr. Andersson
to be light chrome yellow, bill black, the legs brownish, and the toes
the same but browner. The female has the upper parts dark brown,
mottled with reddish brown, chiefly on the head; under parts white
marked with longitudinal dark brown. ‘Total length, 6 inches ;
wing, 3°9; tail, 2°5.

This species differs from the common P. lewcogaster, from Western
and North-eastern Africa, by the white on the outer tail-feather.

Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. v.

412. Spreo Brconor, Gin. Common Spreo.
Juida bicolor, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 172.

The Common §Spreo is found throughout the colony, frequenting
places about which cattle are accustomed to graze, for the purpose
of feeding on the insects which congregate upon their dung. They
also constantly perch on the cattle, to rid them of the parasites with
which they are infested.

They assemble during our winter season in small flocks, flying
thickly together, and uttering loud and repeated chirps. At the
breeding season they separate into pairs, and retire to rocks or
houses to build, forming their nests of sticks, small roots, and fibres,
in holes and crevices, and laying four or five lovely light-blue eggs,

{3

wa TAS ee. ee

430 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

sometimes faintly spotted with brown at obtuse end: axis, 1'’ 2’;
diam,, 10’’’.

They also breed in the sides of the gullies so frequent in the
surface of the country, and called slwitjes, digging holes in the clay.
When walking about over the newly-ploughed land, hunting for
grubs, they have much the manner of the European Starling, and
would be immediately recognized by even a casual observer as being
allied to them.

Victorin does not appear to have met with it at the Knysna, but
mentions it as occurring in the Karroo. Mr. Rickard says it is
common at Port Elizabeth, but is not found at Hast London.
Captain Shelley found it in Mossel Bay, and in Natal Mr. T. B.
Buckley procured it at Newcastle. Mr. Ayres fell in with the
species on the Vaal River, and also states that he found them on the
Bushman’s River in Upper Natal, and in increasing numbers (when
the locality was favourable) all along the road to Potchefstroom in
the Transvaal, where they are very plentiful.

Mr. Ayres gives the following note on the species in Natal :—
“These birds excavate holes for their nests in the perpendicular
banks of the Vaal River, two or three feet from the surface of the
ground, and from three to four feet deep, horizontally. The same
holes appear to be used for successive seasons, being merely pierced
further each year. The nest is composed of coarse grass, lined with
wool, hair, and feathers ; the eggs are from two to six in number.”

General colour, brown, changing into shot-green on the neck and
tail; lower part of belly and vent, white; base of lower mandible,
yellow. Length, 11”; wing, 6”; tail, 4” 2”.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 88.

413. Amyprus carrrr (L.) Pale-winged Glossy Starling.
Juida fulvipennis, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 178.

Le Vaillant states that this species inhabits the Great and Little
Namaqua Lands. We have received specimens from Colesberg and
the Free State, and Mr. Atmore found it at Aasvogelberg in the
Prince Albert division. We also found it plentiful at Nel’s Poort,
flying about in small parties of from five to fifteen or twenty in
number. Although A. morio likewise inhabits that neighbourhood
in smaller numbers, I never found the two species mixed together
in one flock, and they can at once be distinguished by the square

WS — tng 69 ga ey eee ee ere PP ee eS
« € - .

AMYDRUS MORIO. 431

shape of the tail and the pale colour of the under sido of the wing
while in flight.

Eggs sent by Mr. H. Jackson are a light verditer, speckled
throughout with minute brown specks. Axis, 1” 4””; diam. 9”,
They nest in holes of banks and inaccessible precipices. Mr. Anders-
son states that it is a tolerably common bird in Damara Land, and
in the adjacent countries to the north and east, as well as in Great
and Little Namaqua Lands. It is gregarious in its habits, congre-
gating in small flocks, and is partial to rocky localities; it some-
times flies at a considerable height, and frequents the water morning
and evening. It feeds on seeds, berries, insects, etc. Mr. Monteiro
found the present species very abundant near the coast from Novo
Redondo to Mossamedes, and Anchieta procured a pair on the Rio
Coroca.

Black, glossed with purple; greater quills externally rufous,
internally fulvous ; the shafts half white and half black; “bill, legs,
and toes black; irides bright yellow” (Andersson). Length, 10”;
wing, 5” 6”’ ; tail square, 4”’ 8”.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 91.

414. Amyprous morto, LD. Cape Glossy Starling.
* Jwida morio, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 173.

The “ Red-wing Spreo”’ is, equally with S. bicolor, a resident in
all parts of the colony. It is partially migratory, appearing in
certain places at certain seasons, its visits being determined by the
prevalence of some favourite food. Of this the farmer-gardener
and wine-grower are but too cognizant. Woe to the crop of ripe
luscious figs that are left undefended: but few of them will find
their way to market; but few would be the grapes that would
reach the wine-press, was not the vineyard guarded by vigilant
bipeds with loaded guns: the red-wing Spreo, aided by Finches,
Sparrows, &c., would soon pick the crop. They do not, however,
confine themselves to the neighbourhood of gardens, being extremely
partial to the sea-coast, hopping about the rocks, even within the
influence of the drenching spray, in search of small crustaceous or
bruised shells ; nor do we think a bit of putrid fish would, in default
of more cleanly fare, be rejected.

They breed among precipitous rocks, placing their nests in crevices,
and laying four or five large blue eggs, speckled with brown. We
have seen eggs quite pure blue: axis, 1” 5’; diam., 10’”,

-
4 *.

432 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Victorin notes the present species from the Karroo and the
Knysna, and Mr. Rickard found it both at Port Elizabeth and East
London. Mr. Ayres states that they are found in Natal, but not
during the breeding season, and it extends into the Transvaal,
where Mr. Ayres procured it in the Lydenburg district; and
Mr. F. A. Barratt records its occurrence in the Orange Free State.

Mr. Ayres gives the following note on the species in Natal :—
“ Small fruits form their principal food, such as mulberries, of
which they are very fond. Two of these birds perched on a tree,
not long since, close to my house, one evidently a young one; the
old bird, after swallowing a number of small berries, went to the
younger and proceeded to feed it, by disgorging the berries one by
one and giving them to the young, precisely as Pigeons do. Their
note is a loud and rather prolonged whistle ; they are not seen here
at all times of the year.”

General colour, dark steel-blue; tail brownish; wings deep
rufous, the large feathers more or less tipped with brown-black.
Length, 13’ ; wing, 6” 3’’; tail, 6’.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 173.

Fam. PLOCEIDZ.

415. Sycoprorus sicotor, Vieill. The Black-backed Weaver-Bird.
Sycobius bicolor, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 183.

This species is found in the eastern districts of the colony, the
most westerly point reached by it being Van Stadden’s River, near
Port Elizabeth, where we obtained it in March, 1870, in the wooded
kloofs through which that river flows. Mr. Rickard tells us that he
received several specimens from Kraggakamma, near Port Elizabeth.
Proceeding eastward, we saw it sparingly near Grahamstown, the
Kowie, Kat Berg, and Keish Kamma, and Dr. Atherston tells us
that it is found all along the east coast. Captain Trevelyan has sent
us several specimens from the neighbourhood of Kingwilliamstown,
and states that it is not uncommon in the Peri bush. In Natal,
Mr. Ayres found them frequenting the dense bush either singly or

in pairs ; he writes :—“ Their notes are harsh and very unmusical, ~

their ordinary song resembling the squeaking of a wheel wanting
grease. They are fond of climbing and hanging about thick
creepers and the foliage of trees in search of insects, much as some
of the Barbets do, which birds they seem to me somewhat to

|

Ange

HYPHANTURGUS OLIVACEUS, 433

resemble. The nest is hung from the tip of some bough in the
thick bush ; it is built in the form of a retort, with the neck hanging
downwards, and is composed of the tendrils of vines.’

It extends right up to the Zambesi, where it was obtained during
the Livingstone expedition. Captain Shelley, who procured the
species near Durban, says that “it inhabits the thickest parts of the
bush, and»being of an inquiring mind, frequently approaches an
intruder within a few yards, still keeping concealed among the
thick foliage, though its note is often heard as it creeps through the
network of boughs.” Mr. Woodward observes: “ It is very different
in its habits to other Weavers; it always remains in pairs, and builds
its nest in the thickest parts of the woods; the nest is large and
roughly put together, but in shape like to that of the Yellow
Weaver Bird (H. ocularius) ; it looks very pretty hanging from the
topmost boughs of a high tree. The eggs are white, speckled with
red; it is a cheerful bird and quite enlivens the bush with its
peculiar song, which sounds not unlike the creaking of a rusty
hinge, from which we sometimes call it the ‘ Hinge-bird.’ ”

General colour above sooty black, including the wings and the
tail, sides of the face and neck; the chin is dirty white tinged with

_pale yellow and mottled with brown; the remainder of the under
surface is bright yellow; “bill very pale horn grey shaded with
black on the culmen towards the tip; legs lilac pink; irides dark
brown” (G. H. Shelley).

Fig. Jard, and Selby, Ill. Orn. new ser. pl. x.

416. HypnHanturaus oLtvacnus, Hal.
Olive and Yellow Weaver Bird.
Hyphantornis awrifrons, and H, capensis, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 179.
According to Sir Andrew Smith, this Weaver Bird is generally
diffused over the more southern districts of South Africa, in flocks of
from ten to fifteen individuals, building on trees that overhang
rivers and marshes. The nests are constructed of coarse grass,
somewhat kidney-shaped, with the entrance towards the upper
end and directed downwards. The following note was published
by the author in the first edition of the present work:—“<T
have found this species to build indiscriminately over the driest
spots, or over water. At this moment a large colony is estab-
lished in some fir-trees opposite the house of a friend of mine,

25

434 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

at the outskirts of the town, on the way to ‘ Green-Point,’ close to
the main road, and the constant stream of traffic. I should not
describe the entrance of the nest as Dr. Smith has done; but should
rather say it was on the lowest or under side, opening downwards.
The eggs are four or five in number, and of a beautiful spotless
verditer: axis, 11'”; diam., 8’’’. I have kept these birds for a
considerable time in a large cage, and have known several in the
possession of others. They become very tame, and will readily
answer to the call. If they are supplied with cotton, or thread, they
will weave it most industriously into the bars of the cage, forming a
dense mass, which it is impossible to unravel. This work they
perform entirely with their bills, clinging the while to the side of
the cage with their powerful claws. -They are most mischievous,
cunning birds, and have more than once unfastened the bolts of my
cage-door and got out; such, however, is their attachment to each
other (I have two now before me in my cage), that they have never
left the room, though the windows, on each occasion, have been
wide open. <A party have several times endeavoured to form a
colony in the Governor’s garden, but for some reason failed. This
year (1861) a pair began to repair an old nest, in May, and I saw
the male and several of his companions in full breeding dress. Cold,
rainy, windy weather, however, blew away the structure, and though
I hear the churring cry of the birds about, I see no signs of building
up to the time I write (July 24).”

We have received specimens from Captain Trevelyan at King-
williamstown, and Mr, Rickard has procured it at Port Elizabeth,
and states that it is very plentiful at Hast London. Mr. Oates met
with the species in the Transvaal, and Mr. F. A. Barratt notes it
from the neighbourhood of Potchefstroom and the surrounding
districts. With regard to the species in Natal the following note
has been published by| Mr. Ayres :— These Weavers are exceed-
ingly fond of sucking the nectar from the flowers of the Cape-
Broom, a thorny tree which bears a bright scarlet blossom before
the leaves appear, and is common all along the coast, where it
blooms in the very early spring. They also feed on insects; their
flight is heavy and undulating. They are sometimes solitary, and
at other times to be seen in companies. ‘These birds are more
numerous in the Transvaal than in Natal, and breed there side by
side with Huplectes sundevalli, and apparently in equal numbers,

Ce ee me ae

bg

HYPIANTURGUS OCULARIUS. 435

Their nest is also composed of the same material as is used in the
nest of that species; 1t 1s woven to two or more reeds, and consists
of the leaves of the reeds torn into strips. The nest is in the shape
of a retort with the neck cut off, the opening being downwards; and
there is a sort of bar across the entrance, which prevents the eggs
from rolling out; it is lmed with the soft flowering heads of grass,
which form a very warm bed for the young birds.” |

The large size of the present species distinguishes it from most of
the South African Weaver Birds, as also does the fact of its having
no black on the head and throat. Some specimens are much finer
than others, and have been called H. awrifrons by naturalists, but
we consider them to be nothing more than fine old males of the
common species.

Front, chin, throat, and breast saffron-yellow ; top of head, sides
of neck, and vent gamboge-yellow ; nape, back, and rump lemony
yellow; back of neck and shoulders greenish-yellow; the middle of
each feather pale olive-brown; wing feathers dark purplish-brown,
edged with sulphur-yellow; tail olive-brown, tinted with yellow;
bill liver-brown. Length, 7’’; wing, 3’’ 6” ; tail, 2’’ 6’’’.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 66.

417, Hypnanroreus ocunarts, Smith. Smith’s Weaver Bird.
Hyphantornis ocularius, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 182.

Sir A. Smith states that he found this species sparingly spread
over South Africa, more especially in the vicinity of the south-east
coast. He says that it does not congregate, but suspends a nest
constructed of delicate fibres of bark, closely interwoven into the
shape of a retort from the branches of trees. Eggs three, bluish-
white spotted with dusky brown. A nest precisely answering the
above description was forwarded to us by Colonel Armstrong of
Bathurst, and several specimens were procured near Grahamstown
by Mr. T. C. Atmore, who also got it at Eland’s Post; Mr. Rickard
has found it at Hast London. In Natal it probably remains about
Durban and Pinetown the whole year, for Captain Shelley has
specimens collected by Mr. T. L. Ayres in February, May, June,
and July. Mr. T. E. Buckley procured it in Swazi Land in July,
1876, and Mr. Ayres has also obtained it in the Transvaal. Senor
Anchieta also met with it at Humbe on the Cunene River, as well ag
at Capangombe and Pungo-Andongo.

2r2

7

= Ase Ss

436 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

Male.—General colour of under parts golden-yellow; forehead
deep orange; back, rump, and shoulders greenish-yellow; chin,
throat, and a transverse stripe enclosing the eye, deep-black bordered
by a deep orange shade; bill black. In the female the chin and
throat are not black, and all the colours less vivid. Length, 7’’ ;
wing, 3’’ 3'’’; tail, 3 1’; irides yellow; bill narrow and
curved.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 30, fig. 2.

418. Hypnantornis cincra, Cass. Cassin’s Weaver Bird.

This species is not uncommon in Benguela, according to Mr.
Monteiro ; and Senor Anchieta found it very plentiful in the neigh-
bourhood of Novo Redondo. It is a bird of large size, having the
sides of the head and the throat black, and is nearly allied to the
common HH. teator of Western Africa. It has the mantle, however,
of a bright yellow evenly mottled with black, which brings it very
near to H. nigriceps, but it may be told from the latter species by
the chestnut on the sides of the lower throat and crop.

Fig. Cass. Journ. Acad. Philad. v, pl. xxiii, fig. 2.

419, Hypuantornis nickicers, Layard.
Black-headed Weaver Bird.

This species was originally forwarded to us by Dr. Moffat from
Kuruman, and a specimen is in the British Museum from Natal. It
is known to come also from Mozambique, and is apparently more
plentiful along the coast of Eastern Africa and in the Zanzibar
districts. Like H. cincta it has the entire head black, and the
mantle bright yellow evenly mottled with black, but it has no
chestnut on the sides of the lower throat and crop, these parts
being yellow. :

Mr. T. Ayres, who met with the present species when in company
with Mr. Jameson, on the Umvuli River, writes :—‘‘ On the 1st of
October we found a nest suspended over the water of one of the
small rivers which run into the Umvuli on the north side; it con-
tained two very pretty blue eggs. Subsequently a whole colony
hung their nests over a pool of water close to our camp, but we left
before the birds began to lay; this was in the middle of October.
We later on found many nests hanging from the reeds on a small
stream running into the Quaequae River. These nests much

HYPHANTORNIS SPILONOTUS. 437

resemble those of H. mariquensis, but are hung from the ends of
the reeds instead of being placed between two upright reeds as is
generally the case with H. mariquensis. The habits of the two
species are precisely similar and the eggs likewise vary much in
colouring; some are blue-white, others are white speckled with
brown.” A single specimen has been procured by Senor Anchicta
at Capangombe and Caconda in Benguela.

Under parts bright yellow; upper parts the same, variegated
with black: this effect is caused by the bases of the feathers being
black, and the edges yellow; wing and tail-feathers dark-brown,
the former with yellow margins to the outer webs, and the latter
tinted with yellow; collar round the neck bright pure yellow;
head, chin, and throat black. Length, 6’ 3’’; wing, 3’ 3’;
tail, 2’’ 3’””.

420. Hypnanrornis sritonorus, Vig. Spotted-backed Weaver Bird.

Sir A. Smith describes this species as inhabiting the districts
upon the south-east coast, but not found to the westward of Kaffir-
land, frequenting rivers, and suspending their kidney-shaped nests
of woven grass over the water.. We have received the species from
Kuruman, and several have been shot at Oatlands, close to Grahams-
town. Eggs, according to Dr. Smith, blue; but Mr. Ayres (Ibis.,
1860, p. 212) says that in Natal they vary much in colour, being
green, blue, white, and speckled white and brown.

Captain Trevelyan has met with it near Kingwilliamstown, and
Mr. Rickard has procured it near Hast London. It extends to the
northward, as Mr. Andersson has recorded it from the Lake country,
though he is not certain of its occurrence in Damara or Great
Namaqua Land.

The present bird belongs to the section of the Weaver Birds
which have the sides of the head and the throat black, but the crown
is yellow, the mantle being bright yellow, evenly spotted with
black.

General colour of head, breast, belly, vent, and rump, bright
gamboge-yellow: back liver-brown, and yellowish-green variegated;
sides of head, chin, and front of throat black; wing-feathers brown,
edged with yellow; tail greenish-brown; bill black; feet flesh-
colour, Length, 7’’; wing, 3” 6’’’; tail, 2’’ 7”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 66, fig. 1.

438 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

421. Hypnanrornis temrorauts, Bocage. Temporal Weaver Bird.

Recently described by Prof. Bocage from an example procured by
Anchieta at Caconda in Benguela. We do not know the species,
which is characterized by Prot. Bocage as being similar to H. guerini,
but with the head and abdomen yellower.

Total Length, 6 inches; bill, 0°65; wing, 3:4; tail, 2°05
tarsus, 0°9.

422, HypHANTORNIS sUBAUREUS, Smith.
Canary-coloured Weaver Bird.

This may be considered one of the rarest of the South African
Weavers, as it does not occur within the limits of the colony. Sir
Andrew Smith only met with a few specimens and those in the
neighbourhood of Algoa Bay. Captain Shelley has received it from
the vicinity of Durban, and Mr. T. E. Buckley procured a female in
Swazi Land in June, 1876. Mr, Ayres has likewise met with it in
the Transvaal.

Front, crown, sides of the head, and throat bright saffron-
yellow ; nape, back and sides of neck, back and shoulders between
sulphur and gamboge-yellow ; vent light chrome-yellow ; bill liver-
brown. Length, 6’’ 10’; wing, 3’’ 5’’’; tail, 2’’ 9’".

Mr. Buckley found the soft parts as follows :—“iris ight hazel ;
upper mandible horn colour, the under one lighter; legs dark
brown.” ‘The species may be distinguished by the absence of black
upon the head and face, the mantle being uniform olive-yellow; the
under surface of the wings is golden yellow, the inner webs of the
quills being broadly edged with that colour.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 30, fig. 1.

423. HypHantornis xaAntHors, Hartl. Golden-faced Weaver Bird.

This species may be shortly described as being very similar to
H. subaureus, but differing from that species in having the throat
faintly tinged with rufous, and haying the under surface of the wings
browner, with the inner webs of the quills narrowly edged with buff.
It was procured by Mr. Jameson on the Umvuli River on the 11th of
September, where, however, it was not very common, feeding among
the blossoms of the “ sausage tree.” ‘The iris is light tawny-yellow,
the bill black, and the tarsi and feet pale brown.

RET 1a a st ene nerrarocaes

HYPHANTORNIS VELATUS. 439

Senor Anchieta has met with this species in several parts of
Benguela, at Capangombe, at Caconda, and at Quillengues.

424. HyPHANTORNIS VITELLINUS, Licht. Lichtenstein’s Weaver Bird.

This is a small species with the sides of the head and the chin
black ; the mantle is olive yellow slightly mottled with brown
centres to the feathers. It is distinguished by only having the
upper half of the throat black. Itisan inhabitant of north-eastern
and of western Africa, but was found on the Zambesi by the
Livingstone expedition.

425. HypHantornis vetatus, Vieill. Black-fronted Weaver Bird.
Hyphantornis mariquensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 182.

Although of moderate size, like H. vitellinus, the present bird is
distinguished by having the entire throat black: it has also the fore-
head black, but this black colour is strictly confined to the forehead
itself. We have adopted the name of velatus of Vieillot, and it is
the H. mariquensis of Sir Andrew Smith’s “ Illustrations”? where
the species is represented in the undress livery in which, strange
to say, it sometimes breeds, as we have been assured by Messrs.
Ortlepp, Moffatt, and Dr. Exton, all reliable observers. We have
received the species from Kuruman and Colesberg, and we also
found it abundantly at Nel’s Poort, nesting on the trees overhanging
the rivers and water-courses. Theirnests are shaped just like those
of H. capensis, and suspended in the same manner. The eggs are
subject to great variation: some are green, spotted with reddish-
brown ; others are cream-coloured, minutely spotted with reddish-
brown or light-purple, or heavily blotched with the same. We have
taken eggs with green and cream-coloured grounds out of the same
nest: axis, 11'’’ ; diam., 7’”’.

Mrs. Barber writes from “The Highlands,” near Grahamstown :
“‘T send herewith the nest of a kind of finch (a yellow bird, with
a black head). They are common, and most likely you know both
the bird and its nest, though I do not suppose that you know the
material that the nest is made of; for in our youthful, bird-nesting
days it puzzled us amazingly, until at length we found out the secret,
and then I do assure you we were very proud of it, and gave our-
selves much credit for finding out what no one had been able to tell
us, which was, that the nest of this bird was made of the fibres of the
leaves of a species of Sanseviera, a plant belonging to the natural

he

44.0 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

order Asphodelew ; but as our Flora has not yet been published up
to that order, I cannot give you its specific name with any degree of
certainty. It is not the tall aloe, like one that grows in our forests ;
but the dwarf, thick-leaved, stemless Sanseviera, with the red edges
to its leaves. The whole leaf is full of strong fibres, but from its
tough nature the birds are only enabled to strip off the two marginal
threads; and to construct one of these nests many thousands of
Sanseviera leaves are deprived of their red-edged fibres; and in the
neighbourhood of one or two of these nests you will not find a
perfect leaf on any of these plants.”

“In Natal,” writes Mr. Ayres, “these birds are gregarious, and
are troublesome to all cereal crops, as they live almost entirely upon
grain and grass-seeds. They build their nests invariably amongst
reeds which grow in swamps and shallow water. Whilst building,
they have a curious habit of hanging by their feet from their nests,
and, with wings extended, drooping and fluttering, they sway them-
selves slowly from side to side; this has a very pretty effect when
a number of nests are close together, and all in about the same
stage of building.” The same gentleman gives a long note on their
breeding’in the Transvaal, as follows :—“ In the beginning of August,
1871, I noticed that a pair of these birds had commenced build-
ing, hanging their nest on the pendulous twigs of a weeping-willow
right over one of the secluded back streets of the town of
Potchefstroom, at a height of perhaps twenty feet from the ground,
the tree being large and one of a row. At this period the cock
bird had not assumed the yellow plumage, or the slightest symp-
tom of it that I could see, but was in appearance similar to the
female. The building of the nest proceeded very slowly, and by the
beginning of September it was not more than one-fourth com-
pleted, the pair of birds still remaining in the same plumage; but
at this stage the nest was pulled down by some boys, and of
course the birds left the place. At the same date (the beginning
of September) I explored the reeds at the river and found many
nests of this species in various early stages, and saw several cock
birds in full yellow plumage. About the middle of September I
again went to the river and found a good many nests among the
reeds, but none finished or containing eggs; the nests are almost
always hung between two reeds, sometimes where the water is knee-
deep, at others where it is waist-deep, and sometimes where they

ee

HYPHANTORNIS VELATUS. AA]

can only be reached by swimming; for the river, though narrow,
is very deep, and the reeds either shoot up from the bottom, or
form a sort of overhanging bank not easy of approach. On the
20th October I again visited the spot, but of the nests which I then
examined I only found one containmg eggs; I saw several cock
birds in full plumage, and it is noticeable that the cock birds are
more often to be seen at the nests than the hens. On the Ist
November I obtained three nests, with eggs, from the same locality,
but could not get the birds belonging to them; and though, as
far as I could judge, the males were in full plumage, I was never
certain which birds belonged to the nests which I took. I think,
however, that Mr. Layard’s correspondents are right considering
‘that many of these birds do not assume the yellow plumage in
summer, and that they breed, or at all events commence building,
before assuming the breeding dress.’”

Mr. T. E. Buckley procured the species on the Limpopo River,
and Dr. Exton found it breeding at Kanye in the Matabele country,
where, he says, that the birds use grass for their nests as they cannot
get the Sanseviera. The late Mr. Oates procured it on the Seruli
River in October, 1873, and Mr. Jameson met with them not
uncommonly about the Inshlangeen River in November, and in
December he found them breeding at Palatswie Pan; while Mr.
T. Ayres procured nests with eggs on the banks of the Makara,
a tributary of the Moloppo River, where their neatly constructed
nests were hanging on the bushes fringing the stream. Mr.
Andersson states that the species is common in Damara Land, and
the parts adjacent. Senor Anchieta has recorded it from Humbe
on the Cunene River, and from Quillengues in Benguela. It should
be noted that the specimens from Damara Land are smaller and
brighter than Transvaal skins, but we think they are only to be

considered a brightly-coloured race.

Male—Top of head, breast, and under parts bright-yellow,
darkest on the head ; forehead, side of the head, beyond the eye,
chin, and throat black, the colour ending in a wedge-shaped
mark on the chest; back greenish; wings and tail brown, with a
tint of yellow. The female is a dull-green, mottled, and wants
the black of the face and throat. Length, 6”; wing, 8” 6’; tail,
Q'/ 6". P

Fig. Gurney, Ibis. 1868, pl. 10.

. e ee ge le eee
SY Ps :

442 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
.

426. Hypnanrornis cananist, Peters. Cabanis’ Weaver. Bird.

This species belongs to the black-throated section of Hyphantornis,
but has only two-thirds of the crown black, this colour not extending
over the crown as far as the length of the culmen. It was described
by Professor Peters from specimens procured by himself at Inham-
bane, and it is characterized by him as a small race of H. capitalis
(= H. velatus). It is known also from Mozambique, and extends
into the Zanzibar districts.

427. Hypnanrornis nicrirrons, Oab. Black-fronted Weaver Bird.

A specimen of this Weaver Bird was in the editor’s collection
from Natal, and is now in the British Museum, and Captain
Shelley has a female in his collection from Durban. It would
appear, however, to be more plentifully distributed in the interior,
Mr. T. E. Buckley having met with it in Swazi Land, and again in
the Matabele country at Tati, and in Bamangwato. The late Mr.
Frank Oates procured specimens at Inyati, and again at Ishokwani,
near the Semokwe River. It is likewise found further up in
eastern Africa. Of its nesting habits and general economy nothing
has as yet been published; Mr, Frank Oates found insects in the
stomach of one that he killed, and states that in a female bird the
bill and legs were pinkish, the upper mandible being tinged with
dusky, and the iris pale reddish hazel. In one male bird he found
the iris yellowish white, while in another one it was straw-colour.

The present species has the forehead black, extending over
three-quarters of the crown of the head, the black portion
measuring more than the length of the culmen.

428. Hyprantrornis carrrauis, Lath. Rufous-chested Weaver Bird.

In the British Museum are specimens of a Weaver Bird which
are certainly referable to this species; they were collected by Sir
Andrew Smith somewhere in South Africa, but we have not received
the species, as far as we know, from any of our correspondents.
Sir Andrew Smith’s specimens are evidently the bird called by
Latham the ‘‘ Capital Tanager,” the characters of which appear to be
a completely black head, black face and throat ; the latter succeeded
by a strong rufous shade on the breast, while on the hind neck
there is a collar of bright yellow, which separates the black head
from the rest of the upper surface. We shall be glad of further

SHARPIA ANGOLENSIS. 443

information as to the present species, and its distribution in South
Africa.

429. HypHANTORNIS INTERMEDIA, Riipp. Riippell’s Weaver Bird.

Two adult males from Benguela and another from Quillengues are
recorded by Prof. Bocage, as having been obtained in South-western
Africa by Senor Anchieta; the species also occurs in Angola Proper.

Not haying an example of the species before us we quote the
description given by Prof. Bocage :—

Adult male.—A black hood covering the head, from the forehead
to behind the eyes, the cheeks, ear coverts and throat, where it
terminates in a rounded border; hinder part of head, breast, and

flanks tinged with maroon-rufous; base of the nape, sides of the
neck and lower surface jonquil yellow; back greenish yellow,
marked with slightly characterized brown streaks in the centre of
the feathers; rump and upper tail-coverts more marked with
yellow; lesser wing-coverts of the same colour as the back with
brown streaks, the other coverts and the quills of a dark brown,
bordered with yellow; tail-feathers olivaceous brown with paler
edges and tints of yellow; bill black; feet brownish; iris yellow.
Total length, 5 inches ; bill, 0°55; wing, 2°75; tail, 1°95; tarsus, 0°8.
Pig. Heugl. Orn. N. O. Afr. taf. xviii, fig. a (head).

430. HypHanrornis xanruorrurus, Finsch and Hartl.
Yellow-winged Weaver Bird.

This species was discovered during the Livingstone expedition to
the Zambesi, and was met with by Dr. Kirk in the Shire Valley.

The following description was given by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub
(l.c.):—Head intense golden yellow ; lores, cheeks, and throat bright
ferruginous ; back dull yellow; greater wing-coverts and secondary
quills dusky black broadly margined with yellow; primaries golden
yellow with a broad ending of dusky black; tail pale dusky brown
margined with yellow ; the whole of the belly very deep yellow ; bill
black; feet fleshy. Total length, 6”; bill, 74’"’; wing, 2’’ 9’;
taal, 1” 9'"’; tarsus, 10'’’.

431. SHARPIA ANGOLENSIS, Bocage. Sharpe’s Weaver Bird.

Senor Anchieta has discovered this species at Cacondain Benguela,
and it was described by Professor Barboza du Bocage, who states
that although generically distinct from Hyphantornis it somewhat

i

- ae vu, Ca:

4.4.4, BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

resembles the slender-billed members of the latter genus, and it
must be placed in the neighbourhood of the last named form and
Malimbus.

The following is a translation of the original description :—Above
dusky olivaceous; the back, rump and upper tail-coverts citron
yellow ; wing-coverts duller, and dusky brown in colour; the median
series with a broad ending of white; the greater coverts edged
with white on the outer web, underneath white; the breast and
abdomen yellowish ; quills dusky, the outer web narrowly fringed
with grey; tail dusky ; bill dusky horn colour, the mandible paler
at the base; feet pale dusky; iris red. Total length, 5:5 inches ;
bill, 0°65; wing, 3°35; tail, 1:95; tarsus, 0°75.
432. Matimeus ruspricers, Sundev. Red-headed Weaver Bird.

This handsome Weaver Bird was discovered by the late Professor
Wahlberg on the Limpopo, and besides one specimen in the British
Museum, formerly in the collection of the editor, we have only seen
two other specimens obtained by Mr. I’. H. Guillemard in the Water-
berg district of the Transvaal. During Mr. Jameson’s expedition it
was procured on the Tatin River ;* Mr. Ayres writes as follows :—
“This is by no means a common bird. I found it breeding at
the Tatin; it makes a rough retort shaped nest which hangs
mouth downwards from the outer twigs of rather tall trees. Some-
times a new nest is hung on to the tube of last year’s structure.
Mr. Jameson found a nest to the north of the Umvuli in October,
with two blue eggs in it, and at Tatin we pulled down one of the
double nests, and Mr. Jameson on trying to put his hand up to the
tube very nearly got bitten by a snake, which was lying in the
nest and had swallowed the old bird as well as her blue eggs. It
is evident therefore that nests of this shape do not keep out snakes.”
Senor Anchieta has procured the present bird in Benguela at
Quillengues and Capangombe as well as at Humbe.

We transcribe the following diagnosis given by Mr. Elliot in his
review of the genus Malimbus (Ibis. 1876, p. 461) :—Entire head,
neck, throat, and breast bright scarlet ; back and wings ashy brown,
outer edges of secondaries and primaries bright yellow; centre of
the mantle washed with pale vermilion ; rump pale ash ; tail ashy
brown, the edges of the outer webs bright yellow; entire under

* Captain Shelley informs us that he considers Mr. Jameson’s bird different
from M. rubiceps.

TEXTOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 445

parts pure white; bill pale horn colour; total length, 54 inches;
culmen, }; wing, 31; tail, 2}.

M. Guillemard has published the following note on the species :—
“Tn the male, the entire head, cheeks, chin, throat, and neck are a
brilliant orange red, the lowest feathers of which at the nape are
slightly tipped with black. Whole of under surface dirty white ;
back brown, with a slight surface tinge of greenish yellow; wings
brown, the outer webs of primaries and secondaries being edged with
canary yellow, as are also the outer webs of the tail feathers, though
faintly; iris reddish brown; legs brown; bill yellowish. Female
similar, except that the brilliant head of the male bird becomes in her
a dirty greenish yellow. Length, 5inches; wings, 3} inches; tail, 2
inches. The nest, composed of dried leaves, small sticks and grass, was
a curious structure, inasmuch as the dependent mouth was bell-shaped
and larger than the top of the nest in which the eges were laid. The
latter, two in number, I have unfortunately lost. They were of an entire
blue colour. The nest, taken in the month of December, was built at
the end of a mimosa branch, and was some distance from any water,

Fig. Elliot, Ibis. 1876, pl. xiii, fig. 2.

433. 'TEXTOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS, Smith.
Red-billed Black Weaver Bird.
This species is easily recognized by its red bill, and it is dis-
tinguished from the other species of the genus T'extor by having the
basal half of the under surface of the primaries white. It is not
found in the Cape Colony, and Sir Andrew Smith procured it after
passing the 25th deg. of south latitude, frequenting herds of
buffaloes, and perching on their backs in search of the parasitical
insects which infest their hides. We have received it from Kalahari
desert through the late Mr. Moffatt. ‘In the Transvaal,” writes Mr.
Ayres, “this finch inhabits the bush and is not, so far as I know,
ever found in the open country. We met with but few of them, and
then always in company with the little blue Hoopoe (Jrrisor
cyanomelas) in twos and threes. The stomach of the bird sent con-
tained insects; but berries, seeds, and fruits were not to be had at
that season, our trip being in mid-winter.” Mr. T. E. Buckley met
with the species in Bamangwato, and the late Mr, Frank Oates
procured several specimens at Tati, and also near the first Makalaka
Kraal ou the Zambesi road. This gentleman shot a specimen out of a

|

OdH a

446 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

flock of long-tailed Whydah birds (Chera progne), and found seeds and
insects in its stomach. During Mr. Jameson’s expedition it was met
with at Kooroomoorooi Pan, and Mr. Ayres writes :—“ These birds
are exceedingly local, for I have only met with them at the present
spot and on the Crocodile River close to its junction with the Marico.
The nest is placed high up in a large tree and is composed of long
twigs and coarse grass and measures about three feet in diameter.

It is so roughly put together that one can sce through it excepting

close to the centre. The birds roost in these nests which are pro-
bably used year after year. They feed upon seeds, berries, and
insects.” Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—‘‘ This large
finch-like bird is rather common in Damara Land and also in the
Lake regions, where it is known to the natives by the name of
‘Isaba Gushoa.’ It is a noisy species, gregarious in its habits,
breeding in colonies, and constructing many nests in the same tree:
it seems to prefer the giraffe-acacia for the purpose of nidification ;
and it is curious that when these birds have used a tree for this
purpose it usually withers in a short time after the building of the
nest is completed ; but whether birds instinctively select such trees
as have a tendency to decay, Iam unable to say. The collective
nests consist externally of an immense mass of dry twigs and sticks,
in which are to be found from four to six separate nests or holes of
an oval form, composed of grass only, but united to each other by
intricate masses of sticks, defying the ingress of any intruder except
a small snake. In each of these separate holes are laid three or
four eggs, exactly resembling sparrows’ eggs, but much larger. I
obtained no less than forty of these eggs (all much incubated) on
January 29th, from two low trees standing close together, at Amatoni,
in latitude 18° south ; and on the following day the birds were busy
in repairing one of the collective nests, which had been injured
during the collection of the eggs which it contained. I believe these

nests are annually added to; for, so far as I have been able to see, ;

the same nest is retained for several consecutive seasons. This
species is said by Dr. Smith to be a frequent attendant on the para-
sites which infest the hide of that quadruped : I have never observed
this in Damara Land, which may be owing to the buffalo being a
scarce animal in that country. ‘The irides in this species are brown.”
The present species has also been found by Senor Anchieta, at Humbe
on the Cunene River and at Quillengues, Gambos and Caconda,

2 NN Ee tN Rl EE Et Oe SNES A TENN a et

2 et atl es than eel apiece etm on

PLOCEPASSER MAHALI. 4.4.7

General colour of adult male black ; the first half of each wing-
feather white ; bill orange-red or coral-red; legs and toes orange
or coral-red; iris dark hazel. The young bird has some whitish
patches on the neck and breast. Length, 9’’ 6’; wing, 5’’;
tail, 4”,

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 64.

434, PLOCEPASSER MAHALI, Smith. White-browed Weaver Bird.
P. mahali, and P. pileatus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 187.

Sir A. Smith discovered this species to the north of the Orange
River, where he found it congregating in large flocks, and we have
_ received specimens from Kuruman, and also from Mr. Ortlepp at
Colesberg. He writes :—‘‘ Soon after crossing the Orange River at
Rhama they became plentiful. Several flocks build in the same tree.
generally on one side only. The nests are kidney-shaped, with two
entrances from below, with a band of grass between them on which
are laid the eggs. The grass used is pretty thick at the one end
which is allowed to bristle out, as the weaving can only be done
with the ear and a small portion of the stem. I noticed several
nests of the common Sparrow (P. arcuata) made of the same sort of
grass and presenting the same bristling appearance. They are active
birds constantly on the move from tree to tree. When on the
ground they utter a short “chick chick,’ which is anything but
pleasant to the ear, although when on the perch their note is
changed into a short song something like that of Crithagra selbyi:”
We have received it from Mr. T. C. Atmore, from Griqua Land, and
in the Transvaal, writes Mr. Ayres:—“ these birds are common
throughout the bush, but are not seen in open country ; they are
gregarious, and have a chattering note, which gives the idea of
sociability. Several build together in the same tree. We found
plenty of old nests on our late journey to the Limpopo ; they were
' very rough structures, made up of grass, with the long ends sticking
out in every direction, and formed like retorts, with two short necks
hanging down, and with so small a flat surface inside for the eggs to
lie on, that I cannot understand how it is they do not always roll
out at one end or the other, especially as the nest is built or hung
on the outer twigs of the spreading Mimosas, and is very liable to be
shaken by the wind.” Mr. T. H. Buckley procured it in Matabele
Land, and at Shashai, and Mr. Ayres has published a note on the

{=

ery. =")

4A8 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

bird as observed by him during Mr. Jameson’s expedition into the
interior :—‘‘ This is a very common species in many parts of the
Bamangwato country and from thence to the southward. There are
many nests on the trees in a kloof near Mangwato, and on a still day
their loud but not unpleasant notes resound amongst the rocks.
Occasionally two cock birds will fight with such eager ferocity that
clutching one another they fall struggling to the ground, and even
when thus picked up they will still continue to peck at each other.
The nest is retort shaped with two necks, very rough outwardly and
composed of wiry grass stalks, inwardly lined with feathers. The
eggs rest on a sort of platform between the two necks of the nests
and are three in number, of a pinkish white much marked in indis-
tinct stripes of pinkish brown, more especially at the obtuse end.
The eggs measure 1 inch by 0°6/’ Mr. Andersson observes :—
“Damara Land proper would seem to be the stronghold of this
species ; but I have also found it abundant at Lake N’gami and in
the neighbourhood of the Okavango, and it likewise occurs, though
less frequently, in Great Namaqua Land. It is gregarious in its
habits and may occasionally be seen in large flocks; it usually
frequents the wildest and most desolate spots, far away from either
fountain or stream. It feeds chiefly on seeds and insects, which it
seeks for on the ground, and, if disturbed, usually takes refuge in
the nearest tree till the supposed danger is passed, when it resumes
its previous occupation. At the beginning of the rainy season this
bird occasionally, though rarely, sings so melodiously that I have
seldom heard anything more exquisite. Several pairs of these birds
build on the same tree, constructing large rambling nests of coarse
grass near the extremities of the boughs; each nest contains two or,
rarely, three eggs ; and I have observed that all the old nests have
two entrances. The bill, legs, and toes in this species are yellowish
red. Senor Anchieta has met with it at Capangombe, Maconjo,
and Biballa, as well as at Quillengues and Caconda.

Upper part of head, and stripe on each side of neck black-brown ;
stripe over the eye white, widening considerably to the back of the
head; side of head brown; side of neck and back light-brown ;
rump, vent, chin, and throat pure white; breast and belly dull-
white ; wings with two white stripes across the shoulders. Length,
6’ 6/"" s wing, 4” 5 tail, 2° 9'7".

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr, pl. 68,

4

PHILETHRUS sSocius. 449

435, AmBLyoselzA ALBIFRoNS, Vigors. White-fronted Weaver Bird.
Pyrenestes frontalis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 191.

Sir Andrew Smith states that the present species inhabits the
forests on the eastern frontier and in Natal, feeding upon berries and
small fruits. On the 13th September, 1870, Mr. J. C. Rickard
wrote to us from Hast London: “TI have just obtained a nice speci-
men of P. frontalis, I think, but I could not ascertain the sex by
dissection. It has the white forehead, as in Smith’s plate, but the
plumage has not so much of that warm brown tint as there shown.
Nearly all the feathers are narrowly edged with greyish-white, giving
it a sealed appearance. The bill is also darker in colour; the lower
mandible lighter than the upper; the culmen runs well up on the
forehead, dividing the white into two distinct patches. In the
stomach was a quantity of hard substance like broken cherry stones,
evidently the remains of wild plum stones.”

From Mr. Rickard’s description we should fancy this must have
been a young bird bred somewhere in the neighbourhood. Captain
Trevelyan tells us that it is rare near Kingwilliamstown, and he only
procured one specimen during his stay in British Kaffraria. Mr. F.
A. Barratt found the species in the Macamac goldfields, but it
appears to be entirely confined to South Africa, and does not extend
beyond the Zambesi.

General colour, orange-coloured brown, with the feathers on each
side of the upper mandible white, and a speculum of the same colour
on the wings, formed by all the quill-feathers being white at their
base. Length, 7” 4” ; wing, 3” 9 ’’; tail, 3”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 61.
436. Puinerxrvus socius, Lath. Sociable Weaver Bird.

This bird is most abundant inthe interior, Sir A. Smith looks upon
Latakoo as its metropolis; but we have heard of it in great numbers
all over Damara Land, and even as low down as Namaqua Land.
Being the builder of the huge nests so often mentioned by travellers,
it is well known. Eggs three or four, bluish-white, mottled at

the large end with small brown dots. Feeds on seeds and insects.

The following note is given by Mr. Ayres in his paper on the
birds of the Transvaal :—“I first met with this curious bird near the
Vaal River, where there were several colonies amongst the large
camel-thorn trees. Their huge nests were very conspicuous at a

2a

450 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

considerable distance ; I first saw them in July, 1869 (midwinter),
when the birds, in flocks of from thirty to forty, were still inhabiting
-their nests, in which they appear to sleep all the year round, adding
to them each summer as the colony increases. I visited a nest early
one morning and found it apparently deserted; but on throwing a
stone or two at it, I heard a gentle chattering, and presently out flew
a bird, and then another, till the whole family were out. I found
them afterwards feeding on the ground at some little distance; on
rising they uttered the same chattering note, and continued it
during their flight. The nests are very irregular structures, varying
in size from a wheelbarrowful to a large cartload of coarse sticks
and grass, the mass forming a very thick and weatherproof roof, in
the substance of which the separate chambers are formed. The
number of these varies according to the extent of the colony. The
apertures of the chambers face downwards, and are barely large
enough to admit a man’s hand. ‘There is no connection between the
chambers; and each of them is warmly lined with feathers. In
February, being again in the district inhabited by these birds, I cut
a nest or two down and found the young birds mostly flown. One
chamber only contained callow young and a single unhatched egg,
greyish-white, indistinctly mottled with sepia-brown. ‘There were
several nests on one tree, each three or four feet in diameter.”

Mr. F. H. Guillemard writes as follows :—‘“ The country north of
the Diamond Fields seems to be the chief habitat of the Social Gros-
beak, Phileterus socius. Whether this bird has retreated before the
march of civilization I do not know, but it certainly seems as if it
were less common now in districts where former travellers, like
Harris, once found it abundant. Its huge nests, so often described
by interior travellers, do not need a further allusion here. I faney
they last for a great number of years, although they are continually
being repaired by their active little inhabitants. It is curious that
even the initiated eye is constantly being deceived by these peculiar
dome-topped structures; at a distance they closely resemble native
huts, except that the latter are less conspicuous, and occasionally so
exactly match the colour of the ground that I have more than once
found myself close to a kraal without having been previously in the
least aware of its proximity. Like many other creatures living in
communities, the Social Grosbeak, far from being as amiable as it is
supposed to be, is anything but averse to a quarrel, and I have often

ee ee

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ae se a

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—_—__~.

SPOROPIPES SQUAMIFRONS. 45]

seen them fight till the combatants were surrounded by quite a little
cloud of feathers.” ;

Mr. Andersson gives the following note: Great Namaqua Land
is the headquarters of this species, and the Orange River is its
southern limit; in Damara Land proper it is of somewhat rare occur-
rence. It congregates in large flocks; and when breeding, many
pairs incubate their eggs under the same roof, which is composed by
these birds of whole cartloads of grass piled on a branch of some
camel-thorn tree in one enormous mass of an irregular umbrella-
shape, looking like a miniature haystack, and almost solid, but with
the under surface, which is nearly flat, honeycombed all over with
little cavities, which serve not only as places for incubation, but also
as a refuge against rain and wind. The eggs of this species are
three or four in number, of a drab colour, closely speckled with
minute spots of purple grey; the eggs, however, vary in the
intensity of their ground-colour, and also in the degree to which
they are spotted, as well as in their shape, which is in some cases
very round, and in others more elongated.”

Flanks with a blackish patch, the feathers of which are margined
with whitish ; chin black ; plumage above drab brown; the margins
of all the feathers, and the whole of the under parts, pale isabella.
Length, 5’’; wing, 3’’; tail, 2’’. ‘‘ The irides are dark brown;
the bill pale livid horn-colour; the legs and toes light brownish
horn-colour ” (Andersson).

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 8.

437. Spororrpns squamirrons (Smith). Scutellated Weaver Bird.
Eistrelda squamifrons, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 169.

Sir Andrew Smith states that this species is frequently met with
to the northward of Latakoo, but rarely to the southward. We
have received it from Kuruman and Colesberg. In the Transvaal
Mr. Ayres writes:—These curious little birds are gregarious, but
not common in the districts I visited ; I found them on the Limpopo,
but never in the open country. When seen they were actively
hopping about the low thorn bushes; and in March last, I found
them building amongst similar bushes about the Hartz River. The
nest is placed amongst the thorny twigs of the bush, a few feet
from the ground, and is composed outwardly of thin grass stalks,
the ends roughly protruding in all directions ; it is thickly and very

2G2

452 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

warmly lined with the soft silky down of a species of Asclepia, and is
of much the same shape as the nest of Lstrelda astrild, but with a
more prolonged entrance, which gives the nest the appearance of
a retort placed horizontally in the bush, with the neck inclining
slightly downwards. The eggs are five in number, of a greenish-
white, much blotched with umber-brown, especially towards the
thicker end, and sometimes much marked with brown lines.”

Mr. Frank Oates procured a specimen on the Semokwe River,
and Mr. Jameson found the species breeding on the Palatswie
Pan in December. According to Mr. Andersson, “ this species is
widely and commonly diffused over the middle and southern portion
of Damara Land ; it is also pretty common in Great Namaqua Land,
in the Lake regions, and at the River Okavango. It is a gregarious
species, and is comparatively tame, often taking up its abode close
toman. It feeds on grass-seeds and insects, which it chiefly seeks
on the ground amongst the grass, resorting in small flocks to open
localities thinly covered with dwarf vegetation.”

Mr. Monteiro states that it was only observed by him in the rocky
barren districts to the south of Benguela ; and Senor Anchieta has
procured it at Humbe on the Cunene River.

General colour above, light liver brown; feathers of wings and tail
darker, edged with white; top of head and moustache black; the
feathers of the first being edged with white, giving a scaly appear-
ance; under parts dusky white; “ the irides are dark brown; the
bill yellow horn-colour, darkest above; the legs and toes yellow
brown (Andersson). Length, 2'’ 6'’ ; wing, 2’ 5’”; tail, 1’ 9’.

Fig. Smith, Ml. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 95.

438, Vinva verreauxu, Cass. Verreaux’s Widow Bird. |

This is a South African representative of Vidua paradisea, from
which it only differs in being a little smaller, and having the back
of the neck slightly paler. Captain Bulger procured the species at
Windyogelberg, and Mr. I’, A. Barratt had specimens in his collee-
tion from the vicinity of Rustenberg. Mr. Oates obtained a male
at Tati, and Dr. Kirk on the Zambesi and Shire Rivers. Mr.
Andersson writes :—‘‘This species occurs in Damara Land in the wet
season, but is even scarcer than Vidua principalis in that country,
though not unfrequent at Lake N’gami.” Senor Anchieta has met

4

eS Sey Le ea

VIDUA PRINCIPALIS, 4.53

with it in Mossamedes, where it bears the name of “ Kilatembo,” as
well as at Quillengues.

Head, throat, back, wings, upper and under tail-coverts, and tail
black ; neck, and remainder of the body buff, shaded with chestnut
on the sides of the body, back of the neck, and centre of the chest.
This species is easily distinguished by having the four elongated
centre tail-feathers broader than the others, and may further be
distinguished by the black bill. Length, 11 inches; culmen, 0:4;
wing, 2°9; tail, 8°1 ; tarsus, 0°65.

Figs. Buff. Pl. Enl. 194, figs. 1, 2.

439, Vipua ruaia (D.) Shaft-tailed Widow Bird.

We have received this bird from Mr, Arnot at Colesberg, and
Mr. F. A. Barratt met with it near Rustenberg. Mr. T. Hi.
Buckley procured a male on the Limpopo River in November, and
the late Mr. Frank Oates obtained a series at Tati. Mr. I’. H.
Guillemard once met with it in the Marico district, and Mr. T.
Ayres states that during Mr. Jameson’s expedition several of these
species were seen chasing each other about near Selenia Pan, and
were also fairly abundant near Kanye and in the Matabele country,
They affect well-wooded country with open patches of grass land.
Mr. Andersson states that it visits Damara Land and the adjacent
parts during the wet season, and is then by no means uncommon,
Anchieta has only met with it once in Benguela.

Sides of head, under parts of body, and round the neck, rufous ;
hind part of neck spotted with black ; plumage above, lower part
of thighs, and vent, black ; four middle tail-feathers nearly 10’ long,
and webbed only for about two inches at the end, the rest simple
shafts; other feathers even, short, and black; bill and legs red.

Female.—Brown, and without the long-tail feathers. Length,
5’’; tail (without long feathers), 2’’; wing, 2’ 10’. The peculiar
shafted tail-feathers distinguish this species,

Fig. Vieill. Ois. Chant, pls. 34, 35.

440. Vipua principatis (L.) Common Widow Bird.

These birds are found in small flocks throughout the colony, The
male only assumes the long tail-feathers during the breeding season.
In the winter he closely resembles the female, who is clad in a sober
livery of mottled brown and black on the upper parts, whitish on

454 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the centre of the belly, and rusty on the flanks ; on the head are six
dark black-brown stripes, divided by brown stripes, those which
pass through the eye immaculate, the others dotted with dark-brown.
Victorin procured this species at the Knysna from September to
November, and Mr. Rickard says it is very common at- Hast London,
and he also met with it at Port Elizabeth; thence it extends through-
out Natal into the Transvaal. Mr. Ayres writes :—‘‘ This Finch is
not uncommon south of Mangwato, usually in pairs and is also found
though more sparingly in the Rustenberg and Origstadt districts of
the Transvaal. During the breeding season when the wonderful
tail of the cock-bird is fully developed, he will sometimes rise until
nearly out of sight, when he suddenly descends with much velocity
and if approached makes off with ease and swiftness.” Mr. Andersson
remarks that it is “rather a scarce species, much more so than J.
regia ; it only occurs during the rainy season, and is generally seen
in pairs or in very small flocks. Its food consists of the seeds of
grass.” Senor Anchieta has procured it at Caconda and Quillengues.
Tt is also found distributed over the African continent. With
regard to its habits in confinement the author published the following
note in his first edition :—‘ They feed on grass seeds, and are only
to be found in open grassy country; they rarely perch on trees,
though a pair in my aviary always roost on the perches, the female
having taken possession of the highest in the whole cage. The female
amuses me by the way in which she scratches on the sandy cage-
bottom. How she does it I cannot tell, her motions are so quick ;
but she apparently springs forward and spurs backwards, and the
sand and seed fly in showers at each repetition of the manceuvre.
I have frequently observed the hovering motion described by
Mr. Ayres (Ibis., Vol. 2, p. 212), but attributed it to a design of
the male to take care of his long tail.” It is called by the colonists
“‘ Koning-Roodebec,” or King of the Red-bills.

General colour, deep glossy black: this colour covers the crown
and the back; collar pure white; wings and scapulars the same ;
lower parts of back and rump white; on the wings a large patch of
white; ears, side of head, and under parts pure white; but the black
colour of the back advances on to sides of breast, so as to form a
half collar, open in front; tail-feathers externally black, internally
white, this latter colour predominantly on the outermost feathers;
four middle tail-feathers greatly elongated, two convex and two (one

. Oo sheet bupcage

if
.
'

VIDUA ARDENS. 455

within the other) concave. Bill, brilliant rose-red. Length, 10”;
wing, 2’’ 9’; tail, 8’’.. The male often has a black chin, and is
as often without this mark, which may be a sign of old age. The
young is a plain brown bird and was described as Hstrelda carmelita
by Dr. Hartlaub (Ibis. 1868, p, 46).

Fig. Swains. B. W. Afr. i, pl. 12.

44], Vipva arprns (Bodd.) Red-collared Widow Bird.

This is a bird of the eastern portion of South Africa; Mr. Rickard
has found them at East London, and we fell in with them at Alice
and on the Blinkwater. Captain Trevelyan says that it is common
near Kingwilliamstown. Mr. TC. Atmore sent several specimens
from Eland’s Port, where it was common ; our friend Captain Harford
observed it in Natal, where also Mr. T. Ayres has procured it.
Capiain Shelley also met with it at Pinetown, and Mr. T. E. Buckley
obtained it in full breeding plumage on the Drakensberg Mountains
in December. Mr. F. A. Barratt states that he shot the species
between Potchefstroom and Rustenberg, and also near Pretoria. He
has seen it at the Macamac Goldfields, but did not notice it further
south than the Rhinoster River. Dr. Kirk likewise procured
specimens at Chibisa on the Zambesi and on the Shiré River. It
also extends to the west coast, having been obtained by Dr. Schiitt
at Malange in Angola.

Mr. Guillemard writes :—“ Vidua ardens is not uncommon on the
rivers of the north-western Transvaal, and may be met with even as
low as Rustenberg. It is fond of haunting large reed beds, from
which it does not seem ever to wander far; indeed, it is so shy that
one is rarely able to get a shot at it. At a distance they much
resemble Chera progne, from which they are only to be distinguished
by their smaller size. In summer plumage the bill and feet are jet
black, and, besides the tipping of the under tail coverts with grey,
there is occasionally a grey feather or two about the head.

Captain Harford informs us that in Natal! they fly in flocks, five or
six males with about fifty females. This we also observed when we
fell in with them in the swampy grass lands and fields of Kaffir corn
at Alice. The females usually hid themselves in the sea of herbage,
diving to the bottom in a moment, while the males, after occasionally
doing battle with each other, or hovering with the peculiar jerking,
flapping motion, common to this genus and Chera, over some of the

456 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

females concealed in the grass, would betake themselves to some
elevated head of corn or rush, and thence survey the field. We
feel convinced that all the species of the genus Vidua, and also Chera
progne, that we have encountered in South Africa are polygamous.
This may also account for what Mr. Atmore and others tell us of the
breeding of several females of Hstrelda astrild in the same nest.

Male.—In full breeding plumage, generally velvet-black, with a
broad half collar beneath of brilliant scarlet; wings, thighs, under
tail-coverts, and rump striped with grey, that colour being on the
edges of the feathers; tail elongated. Total length, 10’’ 6’’’;
tail, 7’; wing, 3”; tarsus, 11”. Male in non-breeding dress
variegated black on a ochrey-white ground; under parts ochrey-
white, not so dark as that of the back; wings and tail-feathers black,
the former edged with whitish; a faint trace of the red collar is
visible on the throat.

Fig. Buff. Pl. Enl. 647,

442, Sprrmesres cucunzata, Swains. Hooded Weaver Finch.

The chief habitat of this species is the west coast of Africa. Pro-
fessor Peters, however, procured it at Inhambane. Mr. Ayres has
found it in Natal, and it appeared in a considerable flock at Table
Farm near Grahamstown. It is a common West African species,
and has been found by Senor Anchieta at Dombe and Caconda in
Benguela.

General colour above, greenish brown; head, neck, and breast
deep brown with a purple-bronze gloss; shoulder coverts black, with a
ereen gloss; under parts white, with bronze patches on sides of flanks
and wavy lines on the under tail coverts; tail nearly black with
a slight green gloss. Length, 3” 3’; wing, 1’’ 11'”’; tail,1’’ 4’’’.

Fig. Reichb. Singv. taf. xii, figs, 114, 115.

443, SPERMESTES RUFODORSALIS, Peters.
Rufous-backed Weaver Finch.
This pretty little species was described by Dr. Peters from Inham-
bane, but is more generally seen in collections from the Zanzibar
district.
Head, neck, breast and tail black; hind-neck, mantle, wing-
coverts, and tips of secondaries rufous; quills dusky, partly black
on the outer margin, spotted or banded with white, and internally

HYPOCHERA ULTRAMARINA. 457

whitish ; rump, flanks, and thighs black banded with white; abdo-
men and under-wing coverts white ; bill bluish-white; feet black.
Total length, 3” 4/’’ ; bill, 4’’"; wing, 1’ 9’; tarsus, 5’’’ (Hartl.
and Finsch).

Fig. Bianc. Spec. Zool. Mozamb, Fasc. xviii., taf. iv., fig. 1.

A444, Ortyaosprza potyzona (Temm.) Little barred-breasted Finch.

A large series of this little Finch was collected by Mr. 'T’. C.
Atmore at Eland’s Post, and we have received it from Colesberg
from Mr. Ortlepp. Mr. T. Atmore says that “it is very common on
the flats in the Free State, and small as it is, its scent is so strong
that pointers will stand to them. In rising they utter a sharp chirrup,
and then fall suddenly to the ground.” Mr. Ayres has procured it
in Natal, and Mr. Frank Oates shot two out of a flock in the desolate
country near Newcastle, in June, 1873 ; Mr. Ayres has likewise met
with it in the Transvaal, and he observed it in the Matabele country
in December. In Natal Mr. Ayres writes, “these Finches are
only found here during the autumn and winter months, from May to
August or thereabouts ; they are generally, but not invariably, gre-
garious ; they seem always to settle on the ground amongst grass or
weeds, and not on the stalks of the grass or on bushes; their flight
is rapid; on rising, they utter a chattering note with a peculiar
metallic sound. The seeds of grass and weeds form, I think, their
entire diet.”

Above, fuscous-grey ; below, banded black and white; chin and
eyebrows white; throat and front black; chest and sides grey,
banded black and white; centre of chest rufous; vent white; tail
tipped with white ; bill, lower mandible black, upper red. Length,
Beno! wine Lo >) tail, 1 9%,

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 221, fig. 3.

445, HypocHeRA ULTRAMARINA (Gimel.) Ultramarine Finch,
Amadina nitens, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 201.

Mr. Ayres procured this species in Natal, and Mr, F. A. Barratt
met with it near Rustenberg; it was also obtained by Dr. Kirk on
the Zambesi, and Mr. Andersson’s last collection contained a single
example from Ondonga.

Shining bluish-black; wings and tail rather fuscous, with pale

3

458 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

edges ; under-wing white; bill red. Length, 4” 6’’’ ; wing, 2” 4”;
tally 1720",
Fig. Vieill. Ois. Chant. pl. 21.

446. QueLEa quer (Linn). Latham’s Weaver Bird.
Ploceus lathamii, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 186.

This species, which was called Lowia lathamii by Sir Andrew
Smith, was found by him inhabiting the country near to and beyond
Kurrichane. It extends into the Transvaal, where Mr. Ayres says
that it is “tolerably common in Potchefstroom and the neighbour-
hood in summer, associating freely with the flights of Pyromelana
oryx, which swarms here. It feeds with them on the open grassy
plains and corn-fields, principally on small grass-seeds which they
pick up from the ground.” Mr. Jameson met with a small flight
of these Finches at Kooroomoorooi Pan on the 2nd of January.
Mr. Andersson says that it ‘is a very common species in Damara
Land, where it congregates in immense flocks after the breeding
season; and it is also common in the Lake regions.” Senor
Anchieta has found it at Humbe and at Capangombe.

Above, brown: interscapulars and wing-coverts edged, and tipped
with pale rufous or rusty white; chin, middle of belly, and vent,
white; breast and sides of belly rusty-white, faintly clouded with
brown. Length, 4’’.

Mr. Andersson observes :—“ The iris is brown, the ring round the
eyes reddish-orange ; the bill scarlet, merging into vermilion at the
base and at the corner of the mouth; the legs and toes are flesh-

coloured.”
Fig. Vieil]l. Ois. Chant. pls. 22, 23, 24.

447, Cera progne (Bodd). Long-tailed Widow Bird.

We have only procured this species from the eastern side of the

colony; it is said to be very common in Kaffraria, and Captain ~

Trevelyan tells us it is very common near Kingwilliamstown. Mr.
Arnott has also sent several specimens from Colesberg. According
to Mr. Rickard it is common both at Port Elizabeth and Hast London.
We have seen numbers of specimens from Natal and the Transvaal,
and Mr. F. A. Barratt has published his experiences of the distribu-
tion of the species as follows :—“ I first met with this. graceful bird
in the district of Kingwilliamstown; thence I found it on my

——

en erases fe ee ee

~ the

i A Ai A a i i at a A ty

ere eee are

ee ne. ee ee

CHERA PROGNE. 459

journey through Queenstown, Alliwal North, Basuto Land, Orange
Free State, through the Transvaal, Potchefstroom, Pretoria, Lyden-
burg, up to the Goldfields, near the Drakensberg Mountains, and at
Rustenberg. Its favourite resorts are swampy ground, vleys, and
the lone reeds about ponds. After a sharp shower of rain, or in
a strong wind, they are scarcely able to fly, and can easily be
knocked down; when flying they very gracefully arch the tail.
They leave their nuptial district in the Transvaal about the end of
April or the beginning of May.”

It extends to South-western Africa, having been obtained at
Caconda in Benguela by Senor Anchieta.

We are informed that in the breeding season, when the male has
assumed. his nuptial livery and long tail-feathers, his flight is so
laboured that the children constantly run them down. They are
quite unable to fly against the wind, and in rainy weather can hardly
be got to move out of the thick bushes in which, knowing their help-
lessness, they conceal themselves. The Kafir children stretch bird-
limed lines across the fields of millet and Kafir corn, and snare great
numbers of the males by their tales becoming entangled in the lines.
Weare told that they breed among rushes and reeds, like Pyromelana
orya.

Mr. Henry Bowker writes :—“ This bird seldom interferes with
our corn-lands, and is mostly found on the open flats: it builds its
nest in long grass close to the ground, and the points of the grasses
are drawn over and tied together at the top like the framework of a
native hut. The tail of the male in the breeding season is not an
inconvenience to him. He never, in fact, seems to enjoy himself so
much as during a high wind, in which he shows off to advantage,
spreading his tail out like a fan. I should say the average is ten or
fifteen females to one male.”

The following observations are from the author’s note-book :—
“Riding once between Table Farm and Grahamstown with Dr,
Atherstone, I saw what I took to be a black silk neckerchief drifting
down to us in the strong wind from a house on a hill some 300
yards from our road. I called the attention of my companion to it,
when, with a laugh, he told me it was a male Kafir fink. The
deception was complete! as he came near, I saw he was drifting at
a prodigious rate; his wings flapping round and round like mill
sails, and his tail spread in a compact mass. He appeared quite

460 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

capable of guiding himself, for he took care never to let me get
within shot of him, though I tried hard; but I shall never forget
that queer black object. Harford says the Zulus set a high value on
their tails. Doubtless they are used to decorate the heads of the
warriors, as represented by Angas and other painters of Zulu battle-
fields.”

Mr. Ayres gives the following account of their breeding habits :—
“ The nest of this species is placed close to the ground, in a tuft of
long grass, to the blades and stalks of which it is roughly woven or
joined ; it is rather a rough structure, composed of fine grass and
lined with the seed-ends; the opening is at the side. The eggs are
almost invariably four in number.” It is called by the colonists
“Kaffir Fink,’ and Captain Harford says that the Zula name is
‘ Tsa-Kabuli.”

Male. — General colour, glossy black; shoulders fulvous and
brilliant crimson; tail enormously developed. Female, or young
male: general colour, pale yellowish-brown, the centre of each
feather being darker, approaching in some instances to black, give
the bird a mottled appearance; wing-feathers black, with pale,
yellowish-brown edges ; tail-feathers umber-brown, with light edges ;
shoulders showing a bright orange patch. Length, 21” ; wing, 6’ ;
tail, 16’’.

Fig. Buff. Pl. Enl. 635.

448, PrNTHETRIA ALBoNoTATA, Cass. | White-spotted Widow Bird.
Vidua albonotata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 189.

Said by the late M. Jules Verreaux to have occurred in Natal.
Wahlberg met with it in the Transvaal, and a specimen of his
collecting is now in the British Museum ; and the late Mr. Frank
Oates procured it at Tamasetsie, in December, 1874, and again
between the Pantamatenka River and the Zambesi, January 11th,
while Dr. Kirk found it on the Shiré River. It extends across to
the west coast, where it is found in Angola and the Congo region.
Senor Anchieta has also procured it at Caconda in Benguela.

General colour, shining black ; shoulders yellow ; base of the tail-
feathers white ; wing-feathers tipped with white. Length, 6” 6’” ;
wings, 3’.

The iris is said by Mr. Oates to be hazel, the legs black, and the
pill bluish or bluish-violet.

PENTHETRIA HARTLAUBI. 461

449, Purnraerrta Axinnaris, Smith. Red-shouldered Widow Bird.
Vidua azillaris, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 189,

Sir Andrew Smith procured but one specimen of this bird, the
male here described. When shot it was perched upon some bushes
growing out of some marshy ground in Kafirland. Mr. T. Ayres
obtained it in Natal, whence we have seen a number of specimens in
Captain Shelley’s collection, obtained by Mr. Gordge in the neigh-
bourhood of Durban. Captain Harford sends us a fine male with
the eggs, the nest having been found close to the ground, in the
standing grass, and bemg in. shape like the Roodebec’s (Ustrelda
astrild). The eggs are light verditer, rather thickly spotted and
blotched with brown of various shades. Axis 10’’; diam. 7’’’.

Mr. Rickard found this species breeding near East London in
October and November ; they were very shy in their habits.

General colour, velvet-black; shoulders reddish-orange, with
brilliant crimson epaulettes; feathers of wings and tail black, with
a greenish gloss, the former narrowly edged with pale-brown on the
outer side. Length, 6” 6’’’ ; wing, 3” 6’’’; tail, 3’” 2’”.

The male in non-breeding plumage is variegated dark brown on
a whitish-grey ground; wing and tail-feathers almost black; the
soulder patches unchanged; under parts almost white, faintly
streaked with brown ; bill very plain horn-coloured.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 17.

450, Punruurria socacu (Sharpe).
Orange-shouldered Widow Bird.

This species replaces the foregoing in South-western Africa,
where it was discovered by Senor Anchieta in Benguela.

It may be briefly described as very similar to P. awillaris, but
differing in having the shoulder patch orange instead of red.

451. PrENnTHETRIA HARTLAUBI, Bocage. Hartlaub’s Widow Bird.

Of this Widow Bird, which Professor Barboza du Bocage described
in 1878, Senor Anchieta has sent a few specimens from Caconda in
Benguela. According to Professor Bocage it is the largest member
of the genus Penthetria, but the bright orange colour of the shoulder-
spot distinguishes it at a glance, though at first sight it recalls Chera
progne.

The following translation of the original description is appended :—

Be

462 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Of large size, and entirely black; the lesser wing-coverts bright
orange-yellow, the median series pale fawn-brown, the greater series
black margined with fulvous; the under wing-coverts partly fawn-
yellow, partly black ; tail long and graduated ; bill leaden, with the
cutting edges whitish; iris dusky. Total length, 10°6 inches;
bill, 0°75; wing, 4°35; tail, 6°3; tarsus, 1°05.

452, Pyrompiana oryx (Linn.) Red Bishop Bird.
Ploceus ory#, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 185.

The “ Red Caffre Fink,” though not an uncommon bird, is cer-
tainly a very local one; that is, though distributed over the whole
colony, it seems to be confined to narrow limits. About Cape Town,
I only know of one place where it is to be found, and that is the
swampy ground near the Royal Observatory. It breeds in September
among the reeds growing in the river, supporting its nest on three
or four stems, like its congener, P. capensis. In the winter time it
congregates in flocks, and does much damage to the grain fields in
the neighbourhood of its nesting-place, but never strays away from
that locality. Nest like that of P. capensis. Eggs four or five;
pure light blue; axis, 10’; diam., 7’’’. Builds in thousands
about the swamps and river running out of Zoetendals Vley, also in
the Boschjeveldt between Swellendam and Robertson (W. Atmore),
but is not found about Grahamstown, according to Dr. Atherstone.
Captain Trevelyan informs us that it is tolerably numerous at Peel-
town, about six miles from Kingwilliamstown, but is very local; and
we received it from Mr. T. C. Atmore at Eland’s Post. Mr. Ayres
has found it in Natal, where he only saw it on the reedy banks of
rivers near the coast, while Mr. Woodward observes that in that colony
he found it only in the up-country districts, where it assembles in
small flocks, suspending its nest, which is found of grass of a very
fine texture, from the flags along the river. Mr. T. E. Buckley met
with it in the Drakensberg, and also in the Transvaal, where
Mr. Ayres has also found them breeding in large companies in many
reedy vyleys and pools, and also in great abundance in the swamps ;
they assemble in immense flocks both in winter and summer, but
during the latter season the flocks appear to consist almost entirely
of males in their gaudy red and black plumage. Mr. F. A. Barratt
observes :— The ‘Red Caffre Fink’ breeds in reeds near gardens,
and is plentiful about Bloemfontein, in the Free State, thence to the

PYROMELANA CAPENSIS. 463

Vaal River, Kronstadt, near Rustenberg, Pretoria, and Potchefstroom.
It is a very local bird; and I found it in only a few places along the
Vaal near the diamond-fields; but I did not observe it flying every-

)

;
H where, like Chera progne.”’ Mr. Frank Oates obtained a specimen
; at Hope Fountain, near Gubuleweyo, about the beginning of
} December, 1873, and Dr. Kirk found it on the Zambesi. Mr.
\ Andersson found the species abundant at Lake N’gami and in
| Ondonga, and though rarer in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, it
occurs in those countries also; it likewise extends into Benguela
(Anchieta).

A small race of the present species known to naturalists as
Pyromelana sundevalli occurs in many parts of South Africa, some-
times by itself in distinct localities, and sometimes mingling with

the larger race. We have not thought it necessary to separate these
two Bishop Birds specitically.
| Male.—In breeding plumage: upper parts brilliant scarlet ; lower
; parts, with the exception of throat and vent, which are scarlet, deep
velvety black; forehead, cheeks, and chin black; wings and tail
brown. Length, 5’’; wing, 2’’ 9'’’; tail, 1’’ 10’’’, Female and male
in non-breeding plumage, brown, the centre of each feather with a
dark stripe. Mr. T. E. Buckley says that the bill is black, the legs
light brown, and the iris hazel.

Fig. Shaw’s Nat. Mise. pl. 240.

453. PyroMELANA carensis, Linn. Black and Yellow Bishop Bird.
Ploceus capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 184.

As in the case of P. oryz there is both a large and a small race of
the present bird found in South Africa, and the latter is generally
known as P. aanthomeelas (Riipp.), but as they both occur in various
parts of South Africa, and have not a distinctive range, we can
only consider them as races of the same species. It is a very
common bird throughout the colony, affecting indiscriminately the
solitary vley (morass) in the midst of the veldt (open, uncultivated
country), or the homestead of the farmer. During the breeding
season it is seen about reeds, among which it breeds, placing its
nest with great art, so as to include in its structure three or four
of the firmest and most upright stems, which support it like
pillars. The male generally perches on the topmost twigs of the
bushes mingled with the reeds, or on the heads of the reeds them-

ji

464. BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

selves ; and his brilliant yellow rump, contrasting with his otherwise
intensely black plumage, render him peculiarly conspicuous. The
female resembles the male in the winter dress, being a light brown,
with a dark stripe down each feather.

Victorin found the small form at the Knysna and in the Karroo.
Colonel Bulger met with it near Windvogelberg, and we have
received it from Mr. T.C. Atmore at Eland’s Post. Captain Trevelyan
says that it is not a common bird about Kingwilliamstown, but
he found it plentiful near Grahamstown. Mr. F. A. Barratt states
that it was common in the Free State and in the Transvaal, and
he found it breeding near Kronstadt in the Free State, and also
about Potchefstroom and elsewhere in the Transvaal. At the same
time it must be remarked that Mr. Ayres has only procured a single
bird during his residence in the latter country, and we think there
must be some mistake in Mr. Barratt’s identification. In Natal
Mr. Ayres says that they frequent more particularly the hills fifteen
or twenty miles inland; they are found in small companies in the
open fields, and feed principally on grass seeds. Mr. T. E. Buckley
shot the species on the Drakensberg, and again in the Matabele
country ; both his specimens belong to the smaller form. Mr. Oates
met with it on the Kaar Kloof Heights near Pictermaritzberg as well
as at Inyati, the Semokwe River, and at Hope Fountain, near
Gubuleweyo; and it was also procured in the Umyuli River by
Mr. Jameson, and on the Zambesi River by Dr. Kirk. Mr. Andersson
gives the following note :—‘‘ This is a comparatively scarce bird in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, but is very abundant at Lake
N’gami; it sometimes occurs in large flocks in the open country, and
is also found in small communities in the neighbourhood of water
and in humid situations, where it breeds, constructing its nest of
strong grasses and suspending it between the stalks of two or three
reeds.” Senor Anchieta has met with the small race at Caconda.

The following note on the species appeared in the author’s first
edition :—‘‘ Having kept several in cages, I am enabled to describe
the moult which takes place. The first thing which changes is the
bill: the black commences to show at the tip of the lower mandible,
which gradually darkens, from its usual horn-colour, to the deepest
black ; before this is accomplished the upper mandible has begun to
blacken, and a few black feathers are visible round the neck; the
breast next shows a change, and a feather or two on the back

ie |

oe ee

PYROMELANA TAHA. 465

darkens, and thus by degrees the whole bird changes to its splendid
black. This transformation commences about July, and is complete
in September, which is the nesting season. The moult back again
begins in the same manner. ‘This species lives well in cages. I had
one which had been about six years in confinement, and effected his
escape after all, from the warping of his cage-bottom, owing to its
being exposed to the sun after my pet had enjoyed his bath. He
would come to the cage-bars whenever my wife approached them,
his long legs drawn out to their full extent, his bright black eye
glittering even in the midst of his deep black plumage, watching for
his morsel of bread. On his being addressed as ‘ I'ink,’ he instantly
replied, stretching his neck to the utmost, and uttering the most
piercing, discordant shriek. We used to laugh, and say he would
some day dislocate his neck in his attempts to sing, in rivalry to the
canaries. After his bath, or when enraged, which was pretty often,
he would erect the feathers of the back at right angles to his body,
and then looked beautiful, the light shining through the brilliant
yellow, setting it off to great advantage. The nest is constructed of
grasses, and is domed, with an entrance near the centre. The eggs,
four or five in number, are very pale verditer, thickly marked every-
where with dark, greenish-brown blotches and spots: axis, 10’’’ ;
diams,; 7 //??

General colour of male in breeding plumage, deep black; the
feathers of the head and neck short, and so closely set as to resemble
the richest velvet; rump and shoulders brilliant yellow; wings
brown. Length, 53’’; wing, 3” 3'’’; tail, 2’’3'’’. “The iris in
this species is dark brown; the legs and toes straw-brown; the
upper mandible of the bill dark horn colour, the lower, in some speci-
mens, of the same colour as the upper, in others of a yellowish-
white horn colour” (Andersson).

Fig. Buff. Pl. Enl. 629, fig. 1.

454, PyromEnana TAHA (Smith). Taha Bishop Bird.
Ploceus taha, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 184.

According to Sir Andrew Smith, this species does not extend
south of the 26th degree, and is said to breed in the reeds which
skirt the rivers north of that line; they congregate in large flocks
and are very destructive to cornfields. Captain Harford sent it from

Natal, and we have seen many other specimens obtained alive near
24

: =

466 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Darban. Captain Shelley met with it near Pinetown, and Mr. F, A.
Barratt writes :—“<T found this bird flying about the reeds which
skirt the ditches, &c. I shot my first specimen near the Modder
River, near Bloemfontein. It is very plentiful at Potchefstroom,

about the skirts of the vleys or swamps adjoining the town. I have.

got them all the way up from the Modder River to Potchefstroom,
near Bloemfontein, Rustenberg, Pretoria, Nazareth, and I think I
saw a few near the goldfields.”

Mr. Ayres observes :—“ During the winter months these birds are
found congregating with EH. swndevalli, and in equal numbers ; but
in the summer they are not found with their winter associates, and
the greater number of them leave us, though some are occasionally
met with in the rusty and reedy vleys, where they probably breed.
The males are at this season exceedingly beautiful; I can only
compare them to butterflies; they puff out all their feathers and
appear like balls of black and yellow floating slowly about over the
grass, evidently courting their less gaudy loves hidden hard by

among the long rushes.” Mr, Andersson has published the following

note:—“I do not recollect having met with this bird in Great
Namaqua Land or in southern Damara Land; but it breeds in great

abundance in Ondonga, and I have also seen specimens from Lake’

N’gami. It is found in flocks amongst trees, as well as on the reedy
banks of rivers and in marshes, where it suspends its nest amongst
the tall stalks of reeds and coarse grasses. The nest is composed of
fine grass woven somewhat closely together ; the eggs are six or seven
in number, white, but sprinkled all over with minute brown specks.”

Male.—In summer plumage black; the crown of the head, back,
rump, vent, and a narrow oblique stripe on each side of the breast,
immediately in front of the shoulders, bright yellow; wings and tail
grey brown; thighs pale yellow, speckled with brown.

Female.—In winter plumage, above, pale yellowish-brown ;. head
and neck freely dashed with longitudinal brownish-black stripes ;
back and rump the same; under parts greyish-white; throat and
breast tinged with sienna yellow, and with the flanks variegated
by longitudinal brown streaks. Length, 4” 9’; wing, 2’’ 7/’’;
tail, 1” 1.’ Iris dusky ; tarsi and feet dusky brown; the male has
the bill black in summer, but in winter dusky pale, darkest along
the ridge (Ayres).

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 7.

AMADINA ERYTHROCEPHALA. 467

455. FoudIA EMINENTISSIMA (Bp.). Splendid Weaver Bird.

This species has only been found on the Zambesi, where it was
met with by Dr. Kirk during the Livingstone expedition.

General colour olive brown with dusky streaks on the back and
mantle; head scarlet all round; on the rump a few scarlet feathers ;
wing-coverts and quills edged with olive brown, with whitish marks
at the ends of the median and greater coverts as well as the inner
secondaries ; under surface of body pale ochreous buff tinged with
scarlet on the centre of the breast. Total length, 5:2 inches ;
culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°15; tail, 2:0; tarsus, 0°85 (Spec. juv. in Mus,
Brit. ex Zambesi).

456, AMADINA ERYTHROCEPHALA (Linn.). Red-headed Weaver Finch.

Sir A. Smith found this species only in the neighbourhood of
Latakoo, feeding in the native gardens. and congregated together
in considerable numbers, We have received it from Kuruman and
Colesberg. Mr. Ortlepp writes that in the latter neighbourhood
it is rare, and at Priel it was common in large flocks; he found a
“colony in a large ‘ wait-a-bit’ thorn; a cart-load of grass stuck in
a fork with two or three dozen apertures bored in below.” . Mr.
T. C.. Atmore also forwarded us specimens from Griqua Land.
Mr. Ayres has procured it in the Transvaal, and Dr. Exton has
forwarded us a specimen from the neighbourhood of Bloemfontein.
The late Mr. Oates shot a specimen at Tati, and Captain Shelley has
in his collection a series obtained by Dr. Bradshaw in the Makalaka
country. “ This pretty bird,” writes Mr. Andersson, “ occurs in Great
Namaqua Land and at Lake N’gami, also in Damara Land, where,
however, it is far from common, except in places, being, in fact,
quite a local species. I found it congregated in large flocks on the
Omaruru River at the end of October; and it was also pretty
numerous at Objimbinque, where it nested under the eaves of my
house and in the adjacent trees in company with the South African
Sparrow (Passer arcuatus), which it exactly resembles in its manners
and habits; and I have found the nests of these two species on the
same tree, and even on the same bough, as well as side by side
under my eaves. The present species forms its nest of small sticks,
slender roots, &c., and lines it with wool, feathers, or other soft and
warm material. The young are fledged in June and July. It seeks

2n2

s

. 468 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

its food upon the ground, usually in small flocks, and, when
disturbed, takes refuge in the nearest tree or hedge; it occasionally
utters a kind of chirping twitter.” It has been found by Senor
Anchieta in Benguela.

Above brown; beneath grey-brown, with a tinge of red, and
barred with dark-brown, which imparts to it a scaled appearance ;
top and sides of head, and chin deep shining pink; tail-feathers
brown, all, with the exception of the two centre ones, tipped with
white, two exterior margined exteriorly with the same; upper tail
verts barred with brown. The female resembles the male, but wants
the crimson head. Length, 5’ 6’’’; wing, 3’’; tail, 2’” 3’’’.

“The bill is pale yellowish brown, the legs and toes bright straw-
yellow” (Andersson). A female shot by Mr. Frank Oates had the
iris pale hazel; the skin round the eye red; the bill dusky blue; and
the legs dirty flesh colour.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 146.

457, Pyrenta Mensa (Linn.) Southern Red-faced Finch.
Estrelda melba, Layard, Cat. B. S. Afr. p. 199.

This is entirely a bird of the interior, and we believe that it has
not yet been found in Natal. Professor Peters obtained it at
Delagoa Bay, and in the Transvaal it was shot by Mr. Ayres on the
Limpopo River. Mr. T. E. Buckley procured it in Bamangwato
and in the Matabele country; the late Mr, Frank Oates having met
with it at Tati in September and October. Mr. T. Ayres writes :—
“They frequent the low mimosa bushes mostly in pairs, and
although not uncommon on the Crocodile River and in the
Rustenberg district, we did not meet with them to the north of the
Tatin River.” Mr. Andersson observes:—“This Finch is found
sparingly in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and usually occurs
in pairs ; its favourite resort is low bush and old abandoned village
fences, whence the Damaras call it the ‘Kraal bird. Its food
consists of seed and insects.” It was met with by Mr. Monteiro in
Benguela, where also it has been found by Senor Anchieta.

Male.—Forehead, chin, and throat scarlet; back of head and
neck ashy; back and chest ‘golden-green, the latter spotted at

the junction of the belly with white; vent white ; rump and centre

tail feathers dull scarlet ; outer tail feathers black-brown. Female.—

ESTRELDA DUFRESNEI. 469

Ashy, barred on the hinder parts with white; vent white; ramp
dull scarlet. Length, 4’’ 9’”; wing, 23’’; tail, 2’’.

According to Mr. Andersson, the iris is orange-brown, tho legs
: and toes purplish.
_ ~*Fig. Vieill. Ois. Chant. pl. 25.

458, PyrnLIa HARTLAUBI (Bianc.). Hartlaub’s Waxhbill.

Discovered by Bianconi in Mozambique, and procured by
Professor Peters at Inhambane. The following description is taken
from the work on the birds of Hastern Africa by Drs. Finsch and
Hartlaub. Above dusky green, with the wings brown with a
greenish margin; breast and abdomen blackish, sprinkled with
rounded white spots, each feather marked with two spots.

Fig. Bianconi, Spec. Zool. Mozamb. fase. xviii, taf. 4, fig. 2.

459, EsrrELpa suBriava (Vieill.). Sanguineous Waxbill.

Mr. Ayres found a flight of these tiny Finches feeding in some
cultivated grounds near Maritzburg in July, and they were then the
first he had seen of the species; he afterwards met with them in
the Transvaal.

Above light brown; beneath varied with yellow and orange;
flanks with transverse brown lines; eyebrows and rump crimson
tail blackish ; two lateral feathers on each side edged with white.
Length, 3’’ 3’’"’; wing, 1’’ 8’”.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 221, fig. 2.

460. Esrretpa purrEsnel (Vieill.). Dufresne’s Waxbill.

Heidelberg, Swellendam, and the Kugela are the only places
whence we have received this pretty species in the western province.
Mr. Atmore says that it is common at George wherever there is
cultivation; it is restless in its habits and migratory, appearmg in
autumn. Mr. Rickard records it from Uitenhage and Hast London,
and it is also found near Grahamstown. Mr. Ayres has met
with it in Natal, where, however, he does not consider it a very
plentiful species, seldom more than eight or ten being seen
together. He observes :—“ When feeding, they hop about on the
ground and pick up the ripe grass seeds which have fallen. They
build a nest somewhat similar to the red-billed species, but instead

}

470 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of being close to the ground, they place it in the upper twigs of
some low bush six or eight feet high.”

Male.—Top of head and back of neck ashy ; back and shoulders
green; wings rufous; rump red; tail black; ears, chin, and upper
part of throat deep black; lower part of the latter white; chest
ashy white ; belly and vent yellowish white; bill, upper mandible
black, lower scarlet. Female wants the black on the head and
throat, and all her colours are less vivid. Length, 3’’ 9’; tail,
1” 8’! &

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 221, fig. 1.

461. Esrrenpa rncana, Sundev. South African Grey Waxbill.

Discovered by the late Professor Wahlberg during his travels in
south-east Africa. Captain Shelley found it in Natal, and writes :—
** Although it is far from common at Durban, on the 8th of March
I took one of their nests containing two pure white eggs. It was
placed in a creeper overhanging the footpath, and was easily reached
from the ground; in structure it was very similar to that of
Estrelda astrild, though smaller and less compact, though made of
the same materials.” We were informed by Mr. Fellowes that it is
common in the Umgene and Zulu countries, and Professor Peters
obtained it in Inhambane.

Ash coloured, with red rump ; throat whitish ; chin, stripe between
eyo, and bill black; tail black, graduated; vent dark fuscous ;
bill and legs black, Length 3” 9’”; wing, 1'’ 9”’; tail, 1’ 9”.

462, Esrrenpa astritp (Linn.). Common Waxbill.

These elegant little birds congregate in prodigious flocks through-
out the colony, frequenting the fields of grain, ploughed lands, and
vineyards, They are not unfrequently found close to habitations,
and their little shrill, piping notes may be heard even in towns.

The “ Roodebec ” is found in all parts of the colony, and extends
into Natal. Mr. F. A. Barratt states :—“I recognized this little
bird nearly all over the country, Orange Free State, Diamond Fields,
Potchefstroom, Pretoria, Lydenberg Goldfields; and I have seen

* Professor Barboza du Bocage records a Finch from Biballa (Anchieta)
which he thinks may be Ps(relda quariinia of Bonaparte. It is very similar
to .E. dufresnei, but undulated above and has the abdomen and vent bright
yellow.

ESTRELDA ASTRILD. 471-

it in the Kaffir gardens a few miles further north. I also met with
it at Rustenberg. They congregate in large flocks, and are said
by the Boers and farmers to do considerable damage to the grain
crops.” Mr. Frank Oates procured it at Tati in the Matabele country,
where also it was observed by Mr. Ayres during Mr. Jamegon’s
recent expedition. Mr. Andersson observes :— This pretty little
species is common in the southern districts of Damara Land and in
some parts of Great Namaqua Land, as well as at Lake N’gami. It
lives in flocks, and is generally found upon the ground, where it
seeks its food, which consists of seeds, insects, &c.’? Mr. Monteiro
found this bird very abundant in Angola, particularly to the south,
where it is gregarious and seen in flocks of hundreds of individuals.

We extract the following note of the author from the first edition
of the work :—“ They breed in communities, and it is said that
several inhabit the same nest, laying and sitting in it promiscuously,
and sometimes three or four together. The nest is a large structure,
composed of straw, grasses, feathers, wool, paper, rags, &c. It
is often as large as a stable bucket, round, and with an entrance
in the side. The interior is a mass of feathers; and the eggs, from
eight to fourteen in number, are pure white, oval, and about 7/’’
long, by 4’”’ broad.

«These birds live well in confinement, and add much to the
appearance of an aviary, by their sprightliness, and the beauty
of their plumage when many are together. It is no uncommon
thing to see a dozen or more on one perch, sitting close up to each
other, for company’s sake. I have four which have separated them-
selves into two pairs, though agreeing all well together. The birds
of each pair are always together, cleaning and caressing each other.
When I put in the bathing vessels, they crowd into them in defiance
of all the bigger and stronger birds; and it is no unusual thing
to see two canaries, or one canary, the ‘king of the roodebees,’ and
three or four ‘roodebecs,’ all in the vessel at once, splashing,
ducking, and jostling one another in the narrow bounds to which
their cage restricts them.”

Mr. Atmore writes, December, 12th, 1867:—“ You know what a
funny wisp of a nest it makes and how carefully concealed, but how
such small birds carry such large bents of grass is a puzzle. The
inside is very watm and comfortable, and what may be called the

=

472 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

frame-work of the nest is very nicely contrived so that all the ear-
ends of the grasses are woven together to form the pipe where the
entrance is. This nest was in a thicket of brambles and fern about
six inches from the ground. Even after the bird flew out, it
required a good search before I could find it. There were twelve
eggs in it (whether more than one lays in a nest I can’t say, but only
one flew out), they were in all stages of incubation—two not set,
and four or five had the young birds so large I could not blow
them.” This species of Finch, observes Mr. Ayres, “is by far the
most common in Natal; during the winter months immense flights
of them may be seen. They are fond of frequenting cultivated
ground, especially that on which weeds have been allowed to grow
and seed, where they find abundance of food. I have seen them
occasionally take the young queens of the white ant, rising in the
air and taking them on the wing; but they appear to haye much
difficulty in catching them, possibly from the smallness of their
mouth. They build close to the ground, amongst thick and tall
grass. I found several nests of these birds all built upon the
ground, generally in some convenient indentation sheltered by a
clump of grass. The little elongated entrance of the nest is placed
rather forwards, with the end of it touching the ground, On the
top of the nest there is a sort of chamber, in which, the Caffres
assure me, the male bird roosts at night during the incubation of
the female.”

Upper parts brown, minutely waved with darker brown lines ;
under parts, lighter brown, also waved with brown lines ; over the
whole of these parts, in certain lights, there is spread a lovely rose
colour, changing into purple; bill, stripe through the eye, and down
the centre of the breast, and stomach brilliant scarlet; vent intense
black ; tail graduated, brown; legs black. Length, 4’’ 9’’’; wing,
Qs teil BY 2/7",

According to Mr. Andersson the iris is brown, the bill bright red,
the legs and feet liver-brown.

463. Esrrenpa nitipuna, Hartl. White-dotted Waxbill.
Discovered by Mr. Ayres in Natal, where ho says it is very rare,
and he knows nothing of its habits.
General colour olive green; rump and upper tail-coverts yellowish

See ae

stheeee

URMGINTHUS CYANOGASTER. 473

green; an orange mark in front of the eye; body spotted with
white dots, surrounded with black. Length, 3’’ 2’’’; wing, 1’’ 9” ;
tail, 1’’ 2’”.

464, EstrrnpA ErytHronota (Vieill.). Black-cheeked Waxbill.

Found by Sir Andrew Smith inhabiting the country to the north
and east of Kurrichane. Mr. Ayres has only found the species
on the Limpopo, in companies among the low scrub which abounds
there in some parts. Mr. Oates procured it at Tati. Mr. Andersson
writes :—“ This species is generally distributed over Damara and
Great Namaqua Land, and is also found at Lake N’gami. It
resembles its congeners in manners and habits.”

Top of head, neck, and interscapulars tinted with crimson ; back,
rump, and upper tail-coverts crimson; hinder part of breast and
belly dull crimson ; sides of head, chin, under tail-coverts, and tail
black; quills ashy brown; wing-coverts and scapulars grey, closely
banded with brown. Length, 4’’ 6’’’.

The iris is bright wine-coloured red; the legs and toes black,
as is also the bill, except near the base, where it is whitish-blue ”
(Andersson).

Fig. Vieill. Ois. Chant. pl. 14.

465. Urmcintuus cyanogaster (Daud.). Blue-breasted Waxbill.
Estrelda benghala, Layard, B, 8. Afr. p. 199.

We consider that the southern bird is distinct from U. pheenicotis,
Swainson, inasmuch as we have never seen the male with the con-
spicuous red spot on the ears which is always seen in the species
from Western and North-eastern Africa,

The present species was procured by Sir Andrew Smith between
Kurrichane and the tropic of Capricorn. Mr. F. A. Barratt shot
it near Rustenberg, and Mr. Ayres has procured it from the Limpopo;
he likewise found it in some numbers among the bush on the banks
of the Tugela in Natal. Mr. Buckley met with it in the Transvaal
and the Matabele country ; and the late Mr. Frank Oates collected
several specimens at Tati. Further north it appears to be common,
for Mr. Ayres says that during Mr. Jameson’s expedition they
found it one of the most plentiful of the small Finches, and very
widely distributed. Mr, Andersson has the following note :—“ This

: |

474 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

pretty little Finch is common at Lake N’gami and in the neighbour-
hood of the Okavango River; but I do not think that it is found
either in Damara or Great Namaqua Land. I have heard occasionally
of immense gatherings of these birds; but usually they are found
in small flocks seeking on the ground for their food, which consists
almost entirely of the seeds of grasses. On the 2nd of February,
1867, I found in Ondonga a nest of this species in a palm bush
about six feet from the ground; it was constructed of grass, and
had no internal lining; the eggs were five in number.”

Senor Anchieta has met with the species at Biballa, where it
is called “ Kaxexe.”

Above grey-brown; ramp, tail, and under parts, with the
exception of the centre of the body, which is white, verditer-blue.
Length, 4’’ 6’”” ; wing, 1’’ 11”’; tail, 1’ 10”.

466. UrmaInruus Granatinus (Linn.). Grenadier Waxbill.
Estrelda granatina, Layard, B, 8. Afr. p. 199.

Sir Andrew Smith found this species between the Kiegariep and
Kurrichane, and we have received it from Mr. T. C. Atmore from
Griqua Land. Writing from the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres says :—“ The
first of these pretty birds which I met with I shot in the Mariqua
district, amongst some very thick cover; and I afterwards found
them plentiful all along the Limpopo: they are generally in pairs,
but sometimes three or four may be seen together. All the Hstrelde
are pretty nearly alike in their general movements, and eat similar
food.”

Mr. Frank Oates obtained the species at Tati, and Mr. T. E. '
Buckley also procured it in the Matabele country. Mr. Ayres states |
that it was not uncommon along the Limpopo, but he fancies that
it does not range beyond the Tatin River.

Mr. Andersson observes:—* This species is not uncommon in
Damara Land, but is more abundant further north, and also at Lake
N’gami. It congregates in small flocks and feeds on little seeds,
which it seeks upon the ground.”

Chestnut; cheeks a well-defined and beautiful violet; front and
rump blue; throat, vent, and tail black; bill red. Length, 6”;
wings, 2’ 2'”’; tail, 3’”.

According to Mr. Andersson, the iris is red, and the naked ring
round the eye is usually red also, but sometimes of a greyish drab ;

wal

LAGONOSTICTA JAMESONI. 475

the bill purplish, but red at the extremity ; the legs are purplish
grey.”
. Fig. Vieill. Ois, Chant. pl. 17.

467, Laconosticta rusricata (Licht.).

South African Ruddy Waxbill.
Estrelda rubricata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 197,

This little species is common about Grahamstown, and we have

received the nest and eggs from Mrs. Barber, taken at Highlands ;

‘ the eggs are pure white; axis, 7’’’; diameter, 54’’’. In Natal,
writes Mr. Ayres :—“ These Finches are generally found in pairs,
and never congregate like Hstrelda astrild. Their food consists of
grass-seeds ; they frequent rough high grass, hedgerows, and low
underwood at the edges of the dense bush. Their nest is generally
placed a foot or two from the ground, supported amongst coarse
grass; in shape it much resembles that of Hstrelda astrild, but
is built of coarser materials and lined with feathers; the eggs are
of a pure white, and from four to six in number.”

Captain Shelley procured specimens near Pinetown, and it has
also been obtained in the Transvaal by Mr. Ayres, who met with
it in the Lydenberg district.

Above dark olive-brown; rump vinaceous; beneath the same,
changing into brown in the centre of the belly ; vent and tail black;
spot between the bill and the eye the same colour as the lower
parts ; sides of chest ornamented with minute white dots ; under tail-

_ coverts black; bill black. Length, 4’’; wing, 2’’; tail, 1’” 9’”’,

Fig. Vieill. Ois. Chant. pl. 9.

468. Laconosticra yamesont, Shelley. Jameson’s Ruddy Waxbill.

_ This species is described by Captain Shelley as very closely allied
to L. rubricata, but the red portions of the plumage are paler and
of a pinker hue; the white spots on the sides of the chest are
scarcely visible ; the sides of the head are rosy pink, like the chest ;
the upper parts are tinted with the latter colour, most strongly
so on the sides of the crown and back of the neck. The present
bird was discovered during Mr. Jameson’s travels in the Mashoona
country, and Mr, Ayres gives the following note :—“ We met with
but very few of these Finches; near the Umyuli we found them

oo

=

476 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

amongst the rough cover on the banks of the river feeding on grass
seeds, and at the Tatin they were always in pairs.”

469, Laaonosticra minima (Vieill.). Little Ruddy Waxbill.
Lstrelda minima, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 197.

This species is spread over the greater part of the African
continent, and in South Africa occurs in the Transvaal, where,
according to Mr. Ayres, it “is found in small companies, but cannot
be called plentiful. The females far exceed the males in number,
The note is soft but guttural.”

The late Mr. Frank Oates procured specimens on the Crocodile
River, and he further notes it from the Tatin River, where he
says:—‘‘ We met with a small party feeding amongst the short
grass near the edge of some shrub, into which they immediately flew
on being disturbed.”

Mr. Andersson’s collection contained a single specimen from
Ovaquengama in Damara Land, and he also procured a male at
Ondonga, in November, 1866.

Pale-red; the lower part of the back pale brown, with a ruddy
tint; wings pale brown; scapulars and lesser wing-coverts ruddy ;
rump more red; vent pale brown; tail feathers fuscous; the webs
near their base ruddy.

The male bird, according to Ayres, has the bill rosy lilac, with
culmen and gongs nearly black, and the iris red. In the female the
bill was violet pink, with the culmen nearly black, tarsi and feet
dusky brown. Mr. Oates gives the colour of the iris in the male
as lake, and in the female as very pale hazel.

Jig. Vieill. Ois. Chant, pl. 10.

470, Hyparaus maraarrratus (Strickl.). Verreaux’s Spotted Waxbill,
Lstrelda margaritata, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 198.

Hartlaub says from “ South Africa.” Mr. Strickland, whose deserip-
tion we copy, says his specimen “ was purchased at Cape Town, and
was said to have been brought from Madagascar.” Mr, J. Verreaux,
however, assures us that his specimens, whence the figure in Des
Murs’ “ Iconographie” was taken, were killed by himself with
a samputan (or blow-pipe) in his garden in Staalplein in Cape Town.
It has not occurred since to our knowledge.

Upper parts rich ferruginous-brown, except the quills, which are
dusky within; upper tail-coverts and outer margins of rectices dull

|

ey :

q -
vs - - ”
‘

ALARIO ALARIO. 477

vinous-red, and their inner webs and apical portions black; the
circuit of the eyes, cheeks, throat, and breast pale clarot-red ; rest
of lower parts deep black, spotted next tho chest and on the sides
with large pearl-like spots, the colour of peach-blossom, of which
two are placed transversely and subterminally on each feather,
Length, 4” 9”’; wing, 2” 1”; tail, 2”.

Fig. Des Murs, Icon, Orn. pl. 64,

471, Hyraraus nivercurratus (Peters). Peters’ Spotted Finch.

Discovered by Professor Peters in Inhambane. The following
description is translated from the “ Végel Ost-Afrikas” of Drs.
Hartlaub and Finsch:—Back and wings fulvescent brown; head
4 ashy ; sides of the head, eyebrows, chin and throat intense crimson ;
if the rump red ; tail feathers black, of a beautiful rosy colour towards
the base; under tail-coverts and abdomen black, the latter with
rounded spots of pure white; under wing-coverts whitish; bill and
feet black.

472, Awarto ALARio (Linn.). Mountain Canary.
Amadina alario, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 200,

This is the Berg-Canarie of the colonists. We have received
it from the Knysna, Malmesbury, Swellendam, and Colesberg, and
Mr. Rickard has procured it at Port Elizabeth ; he writes :—“I fancy
this is the species much prized by the lads in Port Elizabeth, who
called it the ‘Namaqua;’ it only appears at long intervals, but in
considerable numbers when it does occur ; they sing well and become
very tame.”

It is not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort
(Beaufort), ranging in small flocks among the thorn-bushes, and
feeding on grass seeds. It often intermingles with flocks of the
common A. astrild. Its song is very swect and sustained, for which
reason it is kept in confinement, which it endures very well. It
seems to vary somewhat in the distribution of its colours: but
that described below is the general character. Its eggs, sent by
Mr. Jackson and others, rather resemble those of the Cape Canary,
being white tinged with green, more or less spotted, blotched, and
streaked, chiefly at the obtuse end, with various shades of brown.
Axis, 84'’; diameter, 6’’’.

Mr. Andersson says:—I only met with this pretty Finch in

‘

4

qo

478 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Great Namaqua Land, where it occurred in small flocks at the
water.”

Male.—Upper parts rufous; under parts white; tail rufous;
head, neck, and throat black: this colour extends from the throat,
and divides into two broad lines on each side of the breast ; quill-
feathers of wing black ; shoulders and coverts rufous; a white colour
extends from the back of the throat round to the back of the neck ;
bill black. The female is generally of a dull brown colour, lightest
on the under parts. Length, 5”; wing, 2” 8”; tail, 2’’ 2’”. :

Fig. Buff. Pl. Enl. 204,

Fam. FRINGILLIDZ.

473. Passer arcvatus (Gm.). Cape Sparrow.

This bird has a curious distribution in the colony. It is common

all over the western part of the Western Province. Mr. W. Atmore
tells us that they are “scarce in the Longe Kloof and at George,
while at the Knysna there are none at all. They abound where
there are most mimosas.”” We found none at Port Elizabeth (though
Mr. Rickard says they are to be met with on the Amsterdam Flats),
nor were any to be seen at Van Staden’s River or Uitenhage. One
pair were noticed at the half-way house between the former place
and Grahamstown ; at the latter place they were very scarce, none
at Highlands, and a single colony at Table Farm. Mr. Ayres
records it from the Transvaal, but does not give anything peculiar
respecting its distribution in that state; he says that it was very
plentiful at Spalding’s on Hart’s River in February, “where many
of the low thorny bushes hold one or two of their nests, which
are made of sticks roughly put together and thickly lined with
wool, which is the easiest soft material for them to procure.”
Mr. Andersson observes: ‘ This Sparrow is very abundant all over
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and extends as far south as the
Cape, where, however, it seems to be a trifle larger than in Damara
Land ; it takes up its abode near to man, and in all its habits exactly
resembles the House Sparrow of Europe. It makes a large rambling
nest of grass and sticks, lined with feathers, down, &c., and placed
either on a tree or bush or under the eaves of thatched roofs; the

PASSER ARCUATUS. 479

eggs vary wonderfully in size and colour. The male bird is rather
larger than the female.” A single specimen has been procured
by Senor Anchieta in Benguela, in 1867: native name Kimbolio.

The “ Mossie,” like its cousin, the English bird, is essentially
a “cit.” In the country you certainly find him, but never away
from human habitations. He seems to think man only builds houses
for him to dwell in; only grows corn for him to eat; only plants
trees for him to roost in. The airs he gives himself are amusing ;
and you feel inclined to forgive his peculations out of sheer admira-
tion for the boldness with which he executes the theft. With the
earliest dawn he is up and doing, and his chirrup arouses you from
your slumbers ; but as he has not got to dress, and you have, he
is off to visit your farm-produce before you are. As he has wings,
he visits all your property (not to count your neighbours’), and
levies toll where he likes; and you find him in the evening, when
you reach home, tired and footsore, there before you, and with
unabated vigour fighting for the snuggest and warmest berth
under the eaves, or the cosiest branch upon your pet oak-tree,
Well, don’t be hard on him! He will in his season rid you of
thousands of caterpillars and grubs; and if your “eldest hope”
is old enough to begin to shoot, he will do no great harm in thinning
their numbers in the autumn, and manufacturing puddings for his
brothers and sisters with the bodies of the slain. Sparrows build
in holes in walls, or in trees, indiscriminately. If they select the
former, they accumulate a lot of sticks as a groundwork, and fill
up with straw and feathers. If they build in trees, they construct
a large ball of straw, and line it with feathers. Their eggs, three
to five in number, are light verditer, with brown blotches ; but they
vary much in shape and colour.

Male.—Top of head, cheeks, chin, throat, and breast black ;

back of head and neck brown; back, rump, and shoulders rufous ;
wing and tail feathers brown, with hght margins; a white stripe
extends from over the eye, round the back of the cheeks, and
nearly unites on the throat; under parts dirty white.
_ Female.—Less brightly coloured. Length, 6” 6”; wing, 3” 4” ;
tail, 2’ 7’. “The bill is black in the male, and livid brown in the
female ; the legs and toes are olive-brown, darker in the male than
in the female; the iris is a very dark brown” (Andersson).

Fig. Buff, Pl, Hnl. 230, fig. 1.

480 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

474, Passmr pirrusus, Smith. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.

Passer diffusus and P. simplex, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pp. 204, 205.

The Grey-headed Sparrows are peculiar to Africa, where there
appear to be three species, or races, viz., the present one from
South Africa, P. simplex, of West Africa, and P. swainsoni from
the North-eastern part of the continent. Sir Andrew Smith found
it inhabiting the country between the Orange River and the tropic.
Mr. Ayres has found it in the Transvaal during his visit to the bush,
though but sparsely; he says that “it feeds upon grass seeds, and
that its note resembles the ‘chissick’ of the English Sparrow.”
Mr. Frank Oates procured it on the Crocodile River in July, in
cultivated fields.

Mr. Andersson says that he “ met with this species very sparingly
in Damara Land, but found it pretty common on approaching the
River Okavango ; it frequents the water in the morning and evening,
and feeds on seeds and berries. In Angola it is, as stated by
Professor Barboza du Bocage, widely spread, as he cites specimens
procured by Senor Anchieta and other collectors at Cabinda on the
Loango coast, Loanda, Ambaca, and Humbe, and also at Catumbella.
At Humbe the bird is called, according to Senor Anchieta, Hmbolio
and Ximbolio.

Head and neck dull rusty-grey; interscapulars brown, washed
with grey; wing coverts, back, and rump, dark chestnut-brown,
some of the coverts tipped with white, which form one or two
oblique bands on the wings; chin, throat, breast, and flanks pale
grey-brown ; belly and vent rusty white; quills and tail dark brown.
Length, 5’ 9”’.

“Tn some specimens of this bird the bill is quite black, in others
pale greyish-brown, with yellow near the base of the lower mandible ;
the legs and toes are pale greyish-brown” (Andersson).

475, Passer movirensis, Smith. Greater South African Sparrow.

Sir Andrew Smith only procured two specimens of this fine
Sparrow, “both about sixty miles north of the Orange River.
When they were killed they were on the ground actively employed
picking up seeds which had fallen from the shrubs among which
they were moving.” The late Mr. Frank Oates met with it at Tati,
and again on the Palatswe River. Mr. Andersson writes: ‘“ This

2

PETRONIA PETRONELLA. 481

species is found at Lake N’gami; and I also met with it at Objim-
binque, at Omapju, and near Otaiorapa. I first met with its nest at
Omapju, on January 5th, 1867; it was placed on the top of a thorn-
bush, about seven feet from the ground; and I subsequently found
several other nests during the same month. ‘The nest is large,
and is composed of coarse grass outside, and fine grass within,
and has an additional lining of feathers and other soft and warm
materials ; it is furnished with a long entrance, sometimes a foot or
more in length, which ends in a deep and wide hollow. The eggs

_are from three to six; but the most frequent number is four; they

Lh

are larger than the eggs of P. arcuatus, and are invariably covered
with a glutinous matter which it is difficult to remove, even with the
help of water.”

Top of head and back of neck grey; eyebrows, sides of neck, and
back, chestnut; the latter dashed with dark brown; streak through
the eye; chin, and throat, black; cheeks, breast, and belly, rusty
white; wing and tail-feathers light brownish-red. Length, 7” ;
wing, 3/5” ; tail, 3”. “Iris dark brown, bill liver-brown; legs
and toes resembling the bill in colour, but paler” (Andersson).

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 114.

476, PETRONIA PETRONELLA (Licht.)
Southern Yellow-throated Sparrow.

Mr. T. C. Atmore found this species in some abundance at
Eland’s Post, where, he tells us, they are fond of poking about
Euphorbia trees. Mr. Jameson obtained specimens during his
excursion into the interior, and Mr. T. Ayres has given the following
note of its habits: “These Sparrows are not uncommon about the
Umvuli, frequenting the high trees and feeding much as the Tomtits
do, hangiig about the outer twigs and eating the young buds, &c. ;
as, however, food of all kinds is scarce for birds, this may not be a
usual habit. They are now mostly in pairs, and their loud sparrow-
like note often repeated in the early morning attracts one’s attention
to them.” Mr. Andersson only met with it near the Okavango
River, where he obtained a few specimens. More recently Senor
Anchieta has procured a pair at Caconda, where it was called
* Sue-sue.”

General colour brown and sparrow-like, with a white eyebrow
extending from the front of the eye almost to the back of the

21

482 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

head, widening as it extends. Chin pale, almost white, followed by
a bright yellow spot on the “gorget. Length, 6”; wing, 3”9”;
tail, 2” 11’. Ivides hazel.

477. Pottosprza auLaris (Smith). Streaky-headed Grosbeak.
Fringilla gularis and F. striaticeps, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pp. 202,
203.

Victorin procured this species at the Knysna, and we have
received it from Mr. W. Atmore at Swellendam, while Mr. T. C.
Atmore collected it at Eland’s Post. According to Sir Andrew
Smith it inhabits the colony and the country as far as Latakoo.
Mr. Frank Oates procured a specimen between Pretoria and
Bamangwato. Mr. Andersson only observed it in Great Namaqua
Land, and there very sparingly. Mr, Ayres has met with it in
Natal, and writes as follows: “I found two pairs of these birds
about ten miles inland. One pair had built a nest in a low treo
on the top of a very exposed hill; the other pair had built in the
valley below, and had young ones in the month of December. The
nests were open, but compact, with much downy substance about
them. The sexes resemble each other in size and plumage.”
Mr. W. Atmore, writing from Geneva Fontein, says: ‘‘ Tobacco
seed is the great attraction to this species ; they feed also on chick-
weed and groundsel—do not congregate, but go in small lots of from
two to eight individuals. I have not heard them utter a note. They
mix with other ‘Finkies.’ Irides reddish-nankin.” Eggs found
by Mr. L. C. Layard precisely resembled those of Crithagra
sulphurata, as did also the nest.

General colour above dark reddish brown, the centre of the
feathers being darkest; head variegated with white streaks, which,
coalescing over the eye, form themselves into an eyebrow; chin
and throat white, mottled on the former with brown; under parts
ruddy brown, the colour clearest on the belly and vent. Length,
5// 9'’’; wing, 2'’ 9’’’; tail, 22’.

Mr. T. Ayres states that the bill is light dusky brown, with the
under mandible pale towards the tip, the tarsi and feet dusky
brown, and the iris hazel.

477. PoLtospizA TRISTRIATA (iipp.) Three-streaked Grosbeak.

This species represents the foregoing in North-eastern Africa,
and has occurred also within our limits, haying been found at

i

POLIOSPIZA CROCOPYGIA. 483

Caconda in Benguela by Senor Anchieta. We have not had an
opportunity of examining a specimen from South-western Africa,
and transcribe the description published by Professor Barboza du
Bocage in his “ Ornithologie d’Angolas.”’

Adult male.—Earthy brown above, {much paler below: the
feathers of the crown marked in the centre with a blackish streak;
a broad superciliary band, chin and middle of the throat pure white ;
sides of the head blackish brown ; lower tail-coverts whitish ; quills

_and tail-feathers brown, bordered with ashy grey; bill reddish
brown, darker at the tip; feet livid; iris brown. Total length,
5 inches; culmen, 0°45; wing, 3°4; tail, 2°4; tarsus, 0°65.

Fig. Riipp. Neue Wirb. taf. 35, fig. 2.

479. Pottosriza crocopra1a, Sharpe.
Damara Yellow-rumped Grosbeak.

At first sight this species might be taken for Crithagra albigularis
of Smith, but it differs in the bright’ sulphur-coloured rump being
common to both sexes, whereas in 0. albigularis the female has
the rump uniform with the back. It was discovered by the late
Mr. C. J. Andersson, who observes: ‘This species is sparingly
met with in Damara and Great Namaqua Land; it is generally seen
about rocks in the immediate neighbourhood of water, to which it
resorts in small flocks in the morning and evening to quench its
thirst. Its food consists of seeds and berries.”

Above, pale greyish brown, the middle of the feathers darker, giving
a striped appearance on the head, and mottled on the back ; lower part

of the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts bright sulphur-yellow, the
latter somewhat tinged with brown, owing to the basal portion of the
feather being of this colour ; wing-coverts, quills, and tail-feathers
dusky brown, edged with paler whitish brown; a superciliary line
and a small stripe under the eye white; throat white, marked
irregularly down the side and in the middle with dusky brown
_ spots; ear-coverts, upper part of the breast, and flanks pale greyish
brown; abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white; “iris dark
brown ; the upper mandible very pale brown, and the lower still
_ paler; the legs and toes slaty-brown” (Andersson). Total length,
| 5'3 inches ; wing, 3°35; tail, 2-1; tarsus, 0°7.
: The female is exactly like the male, but has the under wing-coverts
not tinged with yellow.
| 212

A484 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

480, Crrirtadra andotensts (Gmel.) Black-throated Secd-eater.

Sir Andrew Smith states that this species was found by him
about and beyond Kurrichaine, and it was procured by Mr. Frank
Oates at the first Makalaka Kraal, on the Zambesi road, in August.
We havo also seen specimens from Damara Land. Mr. Andersson
writes: “TI have met with this species both in Damara Land and
further northward ; it congregates in large flocks, and often associates
with O. chrysopyga.” Tt has been also found further to the north-
ward on the West Coast, having been procured by Dr. Falkenstein
in Chinchonxo in the Congo district.

Above grey-brown, the centre of the feathers dark brown; rump
sulphur-yellow; chin and throat black; breast, belly, and vent,
rusty white; wings brown, the tips of the quills and the inner edges
of inner vanes, towards bases, white; the outer edges golden-green ;
tail slightly forked, dark brown, with the tips, and more or less of
the inner vanes, white. Length, 4}’’.

Fig. Edwards, Birds, pl. 129.

.
)
i
.
:
481. Onrrrmaara rornra (Vietll.) Golden-rumped Seed-eater, |
Orithagra chrysopyga, Swains.: Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 219. .
Mr. Ortlepp has sent us specimens of this bird in breeding —
plumage from Colesberg; he says that it sings sweetly. Mr. T. C, :
Atmoro likewise procured it near Eland’s Post and Grahamstown. j
Mr. Ayres, writing from the Transvaal, states that he met with
a small company of five individuals amongst the low thorns in the —
Mariqua district. Mr. lrank Oates procured a specimen at Tati,
and Mr. Jameson occasionally met with it in small flocks during his ;
expedition to the Mashoona country. Mr. Andersson writes :—
“This species is common in the neighbourhood of the Okavango, }
and is also found in Damara Land, extending to the south of that —
country. On January 5th, 1867, I found a nest of this Finch at —
Omapju; it was situated in a kamel-thorn bush, about four foot
above the ground, and was composed of grass, lined with softer 7
grass internally ; it contained three eggs much incubated.” Senor
Anchieta has it from Biballa and Caconda; it is called Kabilo at the
latter place and Kianja at the former.
Upper plumage, including the crown, ears, wings, and tail, olive-
grey, with a dark stripe down each feather ; a broad stripe of bright
yellow is above each eye, meeting on the front; another below the

ual

CRITHAGRA ALBOGULARIS. 485

ear; upper tail-coverts, and the whole of the under plumage, from
chin to vent, also yellow. Length, 4”; wing, 2” 4’”; tail, 1” 5/’’.
According to Mr. Andersson, the iris is brown, the upper mandible
flesh-coloured, the lower mandible and also the legs and toes of a
dirty flesh colour.

Fig. Swains. B. of W. Afr. i, pl. 17.

492. CRITHAGRA FLAVIVENTRIS (Shaw). Yellow-bellied Seed-cater.

Shaw, the original describer of this species, states that it came
from the Cape of Good Hope. We know nothing of the species
ourselves, but Professor Barboza du Bocage records a specimen
from Huilla, at which place Senor Anchieta met with it. The
following is the description given by Professor Bocage :—

Adult male-—Upper parts olive-yellow, of a purer tint on the
rump, marked on the head and on the back with a brown streak
in the middle of each feather; forehead, cheeks, superciliary streaks,
and under surface of body jonquil-yellow, the breast shaded with
olive ; lores, ear-coverts and a streak forming a moustache, olive ;
wing-coverts dark brown, broadly bordered with greenish yellow ;
quills and tail-feathers blackish, bordered externally with yellow ;
bill pale, the upper mandible reddish brown, rather darker; feet
reddish brown; iris brown. ‘Total length, 5:25 inches; bill, 0-4;
wing, 3°05; tail, 2°25; tarsus, 0°7.

482. CrirHacRA ALBOGULARIS (Smith). White-throated Seed-eater.
Crithagra selbyi, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 219.

This species is called by the colonists ‘ Dic-bec Saysie” and
“Berg Saysie” ; it is very abundant about Saldana Bay, Colesberg,
and the Berg River. In the latter place we found them breeding
in September, constructing a nest like that of C. sulfurata, and
in similar situations. The eggs were similar, but seemed to be
a little more pointed. Like all their congeners, they have a very
sweet song. We are informed by Mr. Rickard that he procured
several specimens near Port Elizabeth, but it does not seem to
extend out of the colony, though it has been said by Dr. Hartlaub
to have occurred in Mr. Monteiro’s Benguela collection. Prof.
Bocage, however, seems to doubt the correctness of the identifi-
cation, as he has not given it a place in his work on the birds
of Angola.

ib

;

486 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Cinereous grey, striped above, and immaculate bencath ; the stripes
on the crown, and the spots on the back, dark brown; wing and
tail-feathers blackish brown, edged with light grey; stripe above
the eye, a small spot beneath it, and another divided into two,
beneath the ears, white ; rump yellow; middle of throat, belly, and
vent white. Length, 6”; wing, 3”; 2”.

484, CrirHaGra sutrurata (L.) Large Yellow Seed-eater.

This species is widely spread over the Cape Colony, being found
in the vicinity of Cape Town itself. We have received it from
Swellendam, from Mr. Cairncross, and it was found in the George
district by Mr. Atmore. Victorin likewise procured it at the
Knysna. It did not occur in Mr. Rickard’s lists from Port Elizabeth
and East London, but it extends its range into Natal, where,
according to Mr. Ayres, it is a tolerably common bird. He says
that they feed upon the hard nutty seeds of small berries, common
to many of the shrubs in Natal ;} the shell they appear easily to
break, and then deyour the kernel.

It is apparently not uncommon in the Swellendam district,
extending as far westward as Caledon. It is also plentiful at Nel’s
Poort, where we took the eggs in some abundance. The nest is
usually placed in a low bush, often only a few inches from the
ground; it is very compact, and cup-shaped; the eggs, generally
four in number, are white, slightly tinged with green, and dotted
at the obtuse end, mostly in an annular form, with intensely dark
or light purple spots, with here and there a wavy streak ; axis, 10’;
diam., 7”. The colonists call this grosbeak “ Geel Saysie.”

General colour above greenish yellow, much variegated with dark
brown; a yellow band extends from the nostrils over each eye;
another shorter band extends downwards, commencing below the
eye; at the base of the lower mandible a small yellow spot; chin
and under parts bright yellow in some specimens, faintly streaked
with rufous; pectoral band greenish; the outer edges of the wing A
and tail-feathers bright yellow; rump rather free from the brown
markings of the back. Length, 6” 2’’’; wing, 3” 2””; tail, 2’’ 5”.

Fig. Jard. and Selby’s Ill. Orn. pl. 109, fig. 1.

485, CrITHAGRA CHLOROPSIS, Cab. Von der Decken’s Seed-eater.
This brightly-coloured species was discovered by the late Baron

oe
“i '

CRITIHAGRA SCOLOPS. 487

Von der Decken in the Zanzibar country in Hast Africa. A
single specimen, without record of exact locality, was contained
in Mr, Andersson’s collection from Damara Land, and is now in the
British Museum.

Above olive-green, obscurely streaked with blackish; sinciput,
cheeks, and entire under surface of body very bright yellow; quills
and tail-feathers dusky margined with green; bill and feet dusky.
Total length, 43”; bill, about 4’”; wing, 2'’ 5”; tail, 1” 5’” ;
tarsus, 8’’’.

486. CrirHagra BuTyRAcna (L.) Common Seed-eater.
Orithagra butyracea and C. olivacea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 219.

The “ Kleine Seisje,” as it is called, is abundant throughout the
colony, congregating during the autumn in large flocks, and doing
extensive mischief to the grain crops. It sings very sweetly, and
thrives well in confinement. The nest is a cup-shaped structure,
placed in a low bush; the eggs, three to five in number, are
precisely like those of O. sulfurata, only rather less spotted, and
smaller; axis, 8’; diam., 5’’’; it breeds in September. It is
common at Port Elizabeth, according to Mr. Rickard, and Mr.
Ayres states that in the Transvaal it “is common at Potchefstroom,
breeding amongst the hedgerows, and constructing a cup-shaped
nest rather roughly built of twigs, intermingled with fine hair-
like substances as a binding, and lined with cotton and fine wool,
with here and there a feather. It begins to lay in September.”

Male.—Plumage above, olive-green ; quills the same, with whitish
edges; from the forehead over the eyes, a yellow streak, and one
of the same colour beneath, from the angle of the bill; under
parts of body and rump yellow; tail yellowish green and slightly
forked. Length, 5’’ 2’” ; wing, 2’ 10’”; tail, 2’ 4’””.

The female, which is the 0. strigilata of Swainson, differs in
plumage. Above, greyish olive, striped with dusty; rump and
tail-coverts greenish yellow; sides of the head grey-brown, with
two whitish stripes, one above the eyes, the other beneath the ears ;
body beneath with dusky stripes; belly white; inner wing-coverts
yellow.

487. Onirnacra scotors, Sund. Sundevall’s Seed-eater.

This pretty little species was discovered by Professor Wahlberg

488 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in South-eastern Africa. We have seen specimens obtained by
Mr. Andersson at the Knysna, where also Victorin procured it.
Mr. T. C. Atmore also met with it in the forests near Eland’s
Post.

General colour yellowish green, with brown centres to the
feathers of all the upper parts, except the rump; under parts
less marked, except on the flanks; belly and vent immaculate ;
forehead and chin almost black; a narrow eyebrow extending from
each nostril over the eye, and a half collar above the neck, bright
yellow; tail and primary quills brown, faintly edge4 -yith green.
Length, 5’’; wing, 2’’ 10’”’ ; tail, 2’’.

488, SERINUSs CANICOLLIS, Swains. Cape Canary.
Fingilla canicollis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 201.

The Cape Canary is a common bird throughout the colony,
congregating in flocks on the open and ploughed lands, and feeding
on grains and seeds of all kinds. It sings very sweetly, and
breeds in captivity with the tame Canary, the mule bird being very
handsome—and, We are told, again producing with either the yellow
bird or one of its own species. The nest of the Cape Canary is
generally constructed in a low thick bush, and is of a cup-shape,
formed of hair, moss, and feathers. The eggs, three to four in
number, are white, streaked and spotted at the obtuse end with
purplish brown: axis, 9'’’; diam., 6}’’’.. Mr. Rickard records it
from East London and Port Elizabeth, being most plentiful at the
latter place.

Forehead, back, and under parts greenish yellow, mottled with
brown on the two first; nuchal collar and flanks grey; vent
albescent or pale yellow; wings and tail dark brown; the outer
webs narrowly margined with yellow; the inner webs of the latter
broadly margined with brown-yellow. Length, 5” 3’’’ ; wing, 3’”’ ;
tail 2’ 2/’’,

489, Sermnus torrus (Gmel.) Brown Canary.

The “ Pietje Canarie,” as it is called by the Dutch colonists, is
found in similar situations to the Cape Canary. It is said that the
cock will breed with the hen Yellow Canary in captivity; but that
the hen Pietje Canary will not breed with the male of the yellow
species. This may be from an unwillingness of the wild hen to

FRINGILLARIA IMPETUANI. 489

build ina cage. Itis very common at East London according to
Mr. Rickard.

Head greenish brown; rump yellowish green, mottled with
brown ; eyebrows yellow; under parts greenish yellow, the yellow
predominating on the chin and down the centre of the belly ; wing
and tail-feathers blackish brown, tipped with white; tail-coverts
grey. Length, 5’ 3/’; wing, 2’’ 9''’; tail; 2’’ 2’’’. Ivides
reddish brown.

Fam. EMBERIZIDZ.

490, Frinainiaria capensis (D.) Cape Bunting.
Fringillaria capensis and FI’. vittata, Layard, B. of S. Afr.
pp- 206, 207.

This Bunting is universally distributed throughout the colony,
but apparently becomes gradually less plentiful in the Eastern
districts, as Mr. Rickard says it is not very abundant near Port
Elizabeth. Mr. T. C. Atmore has forwarded it to us from Hland’s
Post.

The “ Streepkopje” has very much the habits of the European
Hedge Sparrow. It frequents low bushes and rocks, creeping
about the former, and running up the latter, and sitting on their
summits, opening and shutting its wings, and uttering a little
short, piping note. It breeds about bushes and rocks, placing its
nest in crevices or among roots, or even on the ground; the eggs
are white, profusely speckled with minute rufous and light purple
markings: axis, 10’”’; diam.,6’’’. They are laid at the Berg River
in September.

Aboye grey, striped with black; beneath cinereous grey; sides of
the head with two white and two black stripes ; wing-coverts rufous ;
quills and tail blackish ; chin and under tail-coverts whitish. Length,
sewing. 9; tail) 2” 6’.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 664, fig. 1.

491. FRrncmLaria mmpeTuANt, Smith. Lark-like Bunting.

Common about Nel’s Poort, flying in small flocks and feeding on
small grass seeds and insects, It has a short lively song. Its nest

is cup-shaped, constructed in a low bush. Eggs white spotted in a
ring with obscure ill-defined cloudy blotches and pin-point dots of

490 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

purplish brown, Axis, 7”; diam., 53”, Captain Trevelyan has
procured it near Kingwilliamstown, and Mr. Ayres obtained a single
specimen in the Transvaal, in the bare open country. Mr. Andersson
writes: “This species is common in Damara and Great Namaqua
Land ; but as it frequently resorts to the ground in search of seeds
and insects, it often escapes observation ; itis gregarious, and is
partial to broken ground or its immediate vicinity, and also to
the neighbourhood of water, which it appears to require pretty
constantly.”

Coloured like a lark ; above isabella, striped with brown ; beneath
paler and immaculate; above the eye, and beneath the ears, a pale
stripe; outer edgo of the secondaries, and inner edge of all the quills,
rufous; a dark stripe behind the eye; throat inclining to dusky
white ; belly and vent almost white ; wings and tail brown. Length,
53"; wing, 2” 82’"; tail, 2”. Irides dark brown; legs, toes, and
upper mandible of a dusky flesh colour, the lower mandible livid
horn colour (Andersson).

492, FRincmianra ranaprst (Smith). Rock Bunting.

Mr. Ortlepp sends this species from Colesberg, and Mr. T. C.
Atmore from Eland’s Post. We also ourselves saw a pair in the
Blinkwater elinging to some low shrub on a high bank on the road-
sides, but only succeeded in shooting the male. Mr. T. Ayres shot
one specimen in November “at the upper drift of the Tugela, amongst
the thorn bushes. There were three of them together, feeding
amongst the short grass.” Sir Andrew Smith states that it inhabits
the country towards the sources of the Vaal River, and Mr. T. E.
Buckley obtained a pair in the Transvaal, at the end of N ovember,
1873. Mr. Jameson found it sparsely among the rocks at Kanye,
in the Matabele country. Although not met with by Mr. Andersson ¥
Senor Anchieta has procured two individuals in Angola, one at
Biballa (native name, Kangua) and one at Caconda (native name,
Giungo). It has also been found at Santo Antonio on the left bank
of the Congo River by Messrs. Lucan and Petit,

Head and throat black, the former with seven longitudinal white
stripes, one from base of mandible to centro of nape, and three on
each side ; body above light brown, dashed with dark brown, beneath
light cinnamon-brown; tail dark brown, the outermost feather on

FRINGILLARIA CABANISI. 491

ach side tipped and edged with pale rufous. Length, 6’; wing,
” 3” ; tail, 2”.

Fig. Riipp. Neue Wirb. taf. 30, fig. 2.

43. FRINGILLARIA PLAVIVENTRIS (Vieill.) Golden-breasted Bunting.

Mr. W. Atmore procured this pretty species at Kykoe and
Meiring’s Poort, where he met with it “in small flocks of four or
five individuals,” probably family parties. Mr. Rickard tells us
he only once fell in with it at Hast London, and Captain Trevelyan
records it as scarce near Kingwilliamstown. Mr. T. C. Atmore
obtained it near Grahamstown and Hland’s Post. Mr. T. Ayres has
found it in Natal, and observed it rather commonly in some parts
adjoining the Limpopo River. Mr. T. E. Buckley obtained specimens
in Bamangwato and the Matabele country, and Mr. Frank Oates
procured specimens at Tati, and at the first Makalaka Kraal on the
Zambesi road, at Inchlangin, on the Semokwe River, and again
between the Gokwe and Seruli Rivers. Mr. Ayres states that it is
by no means uncommon in the Mashoonacountry. Mr. Andersson’s
note is as follows: “ This very handsome bird is pretty common in
northern Damara Land, and thence onward to the Okavango. I have
usually met with it in well-wooded localities ; and I obtained my speci-
mens by quietly awaiting their arrival at some small piece of water,
which they were sure to visit in the morning and evening, especially
the former ; they are fearless birds, and consequently easy to secure.”

Head black, with seven white stripes, the centre one on the top
of the head broadest and often tinged with rufous; plumage above
yaried with rufous and grey; beneath bright yellow, with a rufous
pectoral bar; chin, vent, and tips of lateral tail feathers, pure white ;
rump grey. Length, 5” 6”; wing, 2” 8”.

“The upper mandible is dark liver-brown, the under mandible
salmon-yellow ; the legs yellowish brown, and the toes also, but more
dusky” (Andersson).

Fig. Riippell, Atlas, pl. 25.

494, FRrInGruLaria caBanist, Reichen. Cabanis’ Bunting.

The present species was originally discovered by Dr. Reichenow
in the Cameroons Mountains, and has since been obtained by Senor

- Anchieta at Caconda, in Benguela.

We have never seen a specimen of tho bird itself, but Professor

492 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Bocage states that, besides being larger than F’. flaviventris, there are
strong points of difference between the last-named bird and F’. cabanisi.
The following is the description given by Professor Bocage :—

Adult male.—Head above blackish, varied with ashy grey or
white in the middle of the crown, and of a deep black on the sides ;
a narrow superciliary band produced on each side as far as the nape ;
back marked with large black streaks on a ground of ashy and
maroon brown; rump and upper tail-coverts ashy, with the centre
of some of the feathers brownish; two transverse white bands on
the wing, one formed by the last row of the lesser wing-coverts,
the other by the tips of the greater coverts ; under surface of body
less brilliant yellow than in F. flaviventris, with the chin and a band
of each side of the throat, pure white ; flanks and crissum pale ashy ;
under tail-coverts white; quills brown, fringed with ashy grey
externally ; tail-feathers blackish, tipped with white, the external
one white externally as well; upper mandible blackish, the lower
one reddish with the tip brown; iris brown. Total length 6-7
inches; bill, 0°5; wing, 3°35; tail, 2°9; tarsus, 0°65.

Fig. Reichen. Journ. f. Orn. 1875, taf. ii. figs. 2, 3.

Fam. ALAUDIDZ.

494, PyYRRHULAUDA VERTICALIS, Smith. | Grey-backed Finch-Lark.

Sir Andrew Smith found this bird to the north and south of
Kurrichaine. Mr. Ortlepp tells us that it is plentiful near Colesberg,
and, when the breeding season is over, they are to be found on
most of the extensive plains in the neighbourhood, in large flocks.
Mr. Andersson writes as follows :—“ This species is pretty commonly
diffused over Damara and Great Namaqua Land, especially in the
latter country; and I generally observed it abundant in the rainy
season at Objimbinque, during my residence there. It congregates
in large flocks, and is always found on the ground, unless disturbed,
when it flies but a short distance before it again alights, scattering
widely amongst the grass in search of its food, which consists almost
entirely of seeds. Its flight is undulating; and occasionally an
individual may be seen to soar above the rest, descending again very
abruptly ; it may sometimes be heard to utter a shrill chirping ery.
The nest is constructed on the ground, under a tuft of grass.”

Professor Barboza du Bocage has received two specimens from
Angola, but without any indication of their exact locality.

a
_ ae

~—

PYRRHULAUDA SMITHII, 493

Head, neck, and under parts, black-brown ; ears, top of head, nuchal
collar, and spots in front of each wing, white ; back grey-brown ;
tail slightly forked, the outermost feather of each side brown towards
the base of the inner vane, elsewhere white. Length, 4” 9’; wing,
Meee se ball aor.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 25.

495, PyRRHULAUDA sMITHII, Bp. Smith’s Finch-Lark.
Pyrrhulauda leucotis, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 210.

This species of Finch-Lark was also met with by Sir Andrew Smith
near the Tropic of Capricorn, inhabiting plains thickly covered with
dwarf shrubs. Mr. Ortlepp has forwarded it from Colesberg, and he
tells us that they are found from the left bank of the Orange River,
where they range in flocks of from five to ten individuals, feeding
on grass seeds. Mr. T. C. Atmore forwarded a specimen from
Griqua Land. Mr. T. Ayres writes from the Transvaal :—‘‘ We found
these birds frequenting the open glades along the banks of the
Limpopo in companies consisting of sometimes as many as fifty
individuals. They were feeding on grass seeds after the manner of
Finches.” Mr. Andersson gives the following note:—“I have
observed this species, though very sparingly, in Damara Land, and
also to the northward, but not in Great Namaqua Land ; it is seen
in small flocks, which frequent the ground in open localities covered
with grass and scanty dwarf vegetation, among which they run
with great rapidity, taking flight for a short distance only when
disturbed.”

Male.—Head, neck, shoulders, breast, and abdomen, black ; ears,
half collar on back of neck, and a blotch on each side of the breast,
hinder portion of flanks, and rump, white, the two latter tinged with
brown ; back and shoulders chestnut ; tail umber-brown, except the
outer feathers, which are rusty white. The female is dusky brown,
with a speckled breast. Length, 5’’; wing, 3” 3”’; tail, 2’”.
Mr, Andersson states that the iris is dark brown, the legs and toes
fleshy brown.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 26.

497. PyYRRHULAUDA AUSTRALIS, Smith. Dark-naped Finch-Lark.

Sir Andrew Smith states that the present species inhabits the

494 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

country along the Orange River, but extends further south than
P. verticalis. Dr. Edwin Atherstone tells us that it is found near
Kingwilliamstown, and in the country round Colesberg it is plentiful.
We found it abundant in a limited tract of country near Nel’s
Poort, Beaufort. It seemed to keep in small parties of four or five
individuals and feed on small grass seeds. It sometimes congregates
in flocks of several hundreds and builds on the ground, under the
shelter of a tuft of grass or some dwarf shrub. Mr. T. Ayres gives
the following note on the species in the Transvaal :—“‘I found two
nests of this bird, one in March, the other in April; each nest
contained only two eggs, which, in one instance, were somewhat
incubated. One of these nests I found at Mamusa, on the Hartz
River, the other near Bloemhoff, on a tributary of the Vaal River.
The nest of this species is placed on the ground under shelter of a
clump of weed or grass. It is roughly constructed of coarse grass,
slightly lined with fine roots; both the nests which I found were
situated within twenty yards of water. The egg is white, much
spotted with light sepia-brown.”’ According to Mr. Andersson it
is “not uncommon in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where it
occurs in small flocks during the rainy season. Its habits are similar
to those of P. verticalis.”

Head, above, black-brown; back ferruginous, dashed with dark
brown, beneath black; quills and tail black-brown, the two centre
feathers of the latter edged and tipped with light rufous. Length
5”; wing, 3’ 2'”; tail, 2’°2’’. Mr. Andersson states that the bill
is light horn colour, darkest above; the legs and toes light flesh
colour.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 24.

498. Crrrnitaupa capensis (Bodd.) Cape Long-billed Lark.
Certhilauda africana, Layard, B. 8. Afr, p. 217.

In the Long-billed Larks the culmen or ridge of the upper
mandible is equal to, and in most cases longer than, the middle toe
and claw. Such is the case with the three long-billed genera of
Alaudide found in South Africa, and the four genera here referred
to are easily distinguished ; for instance, any of the species of
Certhilauda can be recognized at a glance by their long and
perfectly straight hind claw.

pi.

CERTHILAUDA CAPENSIS, 495

The chief distinguishing character of the present species is the
absence of white tips to the tail-feathers. It is common in
most parts of the colony, as we have received it from all our
correspondents. It frequents the sandy Cape Flats, the corn-
lands of Malmesbury, the uplands of Caledon, and the grassy
plateaux of the Knysna. It never congregates in flocks, rarely
more than two being found within a certain range. Its food
consists of insects and seeds.

It constructs a cup-shaped nest of hair and grasses, lined with
feathers, under the shelter of a bush or stone; the eggs, generally
three in number, are dirty white, faintly and minutely specked with
light brown: axis, 11’; diameter, 8’. Some specimens run much
darker than others.

Mr. Gurney records a specimen from Natal in one of Mr. Ayres’
early collections from that colony, but we have never seen a
specimen from that country.

Adult.—Above brown, slightly washed with sandy colour, and
streaked with dark brown centres to the feathers, many of which
are tipped with whitish ; hind neck greyish; wing-coverts darker
brown, washed with sandy colour on the outer web, and tipped with
whitish, the primary coverts narrowly tipped with the latter colour
also ; quills ashy brown, narrowly margined with sandy buff, the
innermost secondaries with a broad whitish margin ; rump and upper
tail-coverts sandy rufous, with dark brown central streaks to the
feathers ; upper tail-coverts ashy brown, darker brown in the centre
of the feathers ; tail-feathers dark brown, narrowly margined with
ashy fulyous, the two middle ones washed with greyish, the outer-
most margined and tipped with pale sandy buff; a very distinct
eyebrow creamy white ; feathers under the eye dusky white, those
in front of the latter blackish; ear-coverts dull sandy colour; cheeks
whitish, minutely spotted with black; chin white; rest of under
surface buffy white, the breast slightly washed with sandy colour,
the lower throat, fore neck, and breast plentifully marked with
triangular spots of black, larger and more longitudinal on the lower
breast and sides of the body ; sides of the upper breast shaded with
ashy ; under wing-coverts sandy buff, the outermost minutely
spotted with dark brown, the lower series ashy brown, like the
inner lining of the wing, the inner webs being pale rufous near the
base ; under-retail-coverts white, broadly streaked down the centre

496 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

with black ; ‘bill yellowish brown, shaded with umber-brown ; legs
and toes clear buff-orange, tinted with flesh-red ; claws yellowish
brown, shaded with umber-brown ; iris dark brown” (Sir A. Smith).
Total length, 7-4 inches; culmen, 10°5; wing, 3:9; tail, 3:0;
tarsus, 1°15.

Female.—Coloured like the male (Sir A. Smith).

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. iv. pl. 492.

499, CERTHILAUDA RUFULA (V.) Rufous Long-billed Lark.

This species differs from the foregoing in having large white
tips to the tail-feathers. It may be recognized by the generally
rufous colour of the plumage, varied with narrow dark brown
centres to the feathers, and by its rufous secondary quills which
are margined with fulyous.

We have received specimens from Colesberg from Mr. Ortlepp,
and from Griqua Land from Mr. T.C. Atmore. Mr. Ayres notes
it from the Transvaal under the name of O. garrula, with which for
a long time the present species was confounded. He states that it
is found in the open country, and it breeds there also, as in 1871 the
same gentleman records the finding of a nest at Mamusa, at some
distance from the river. ‘ It was placed under a tuft of grass, and
was composed of rough grass outwardly, lined with roots of fine
grass, and partially arched over with the rough grass of which the
outer portion of the nest was constructed. It contained two eggs,
one of which was larger than the other; and though I left the nest
for two days after finding it, no other eggs were laid.” Canon
Tristram, who had this pair of eggs from Mr. Ayres, believes that
one of them is that of one of the South African Cuckoos. Mr.
Andersson states that he found this species in Great Namaqua Land,
but not in Damara Land: it frequents very open localities covered
with grass and bush, where it runs about with great swiftness.

Adult male—Above bright sandy rufous, with narrow and
indistinct brown centres to the feathers, many of which are also
margined with buffy white in a more or less conspicuous manner ;
the head of the same rufous as the back, with slight fulvous margins
and small dark brown centres to the feathers; lores and a very
indistinct eyebrow buffy white; ear-coverts uniform bright sandy
rufous; cheeks buffy white, with a few tiny spots of brown; quills

. 7

CERTHILAUDA RUFULA. 497

sandy brown, with white margins to the feathers, which are all dark
brown in the centre, the greater coverts externally inclining to
greyish ; quills ashy brown, the primaries tipped with whitish, the
secondaries darker, externally margined with sandy rufous inclining
to buffy-white towards the tips of the feathers; rump and upper
tail-coverts nearly uniform rufous, the long plumes of the latter
dark brown in the centre and narrowly tipped with whitish ; tail
blackish, with a large spot of white at the tip of all the feathers
except the two centre ones, which are rufous, more or less marked
down the centre with greyish brown, all the feathers more or less
rufous towards the base, this colour sometimes extending for half
the feather ; the external rectrix narrowly margined on the outer
web with buffy-white ; throat entirely white ; rest of under surface
of body bright sandy rufous, with a few more or less distinct white
margins to some of the feathers on the breast minutely spotted with
dark brown; under wing-coverts pale sandy rufous, those on the
edge of the wing slightly mottled with brown ; “iris hazel” (Atmore).
Total length, 6:1 inches; culmen, 0°85 ; wing, 3°7; tail, 2°6; tarsus,
115.

Adult female.—Similar to the male in colour, but smaller, and
haying a much shorter bill. Total length, 5°5 inches; culmen,
0°75 ; wing, 3°5; tail, 2°1; tarsus, 1:05.

Young.—The young bird is principally distinguished by its spotted
plumage, the white margins to the feathers of the upper surface
being rather spots than terminal margins, and being further dis-
criminated by small subterminal black spots. Around the hind
neck is a distinct shade of fulvous, almost forming a collar and
much plainer than in the adult bird; the margins to the wing-
coverts very broadly and distinctly white; throat, lores, and a
scarcely perceptible superciliary line white; rest of under surface
pale sandy rufous, becoming gradually more fulvous on the abdomen ;
the breast slightly spotted with pale brown, the feathers margined
with whitish.

In winter the young bird is very different, having very broad
circular margins of white to all the feathers of the upper surface,
with obscure brown central streaks, the under surface very pale and
with scarcely any perceptible brown spots on the breast.

Fig. Vieill. Gal. Ois. ii, pl. clxi.

498 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

500. Cerrmmavpa GARRULA, Smith. Smith’s Long-billed Lark.

This Lark is very similar to the foregoing, but is dark brown with
a slight shade of rufous on the margins of the feathers, and the
secondaries are ashy brown with very narrow whitish or rufous
margins: the tail-feathers are also tipped with white spots.

It appears to be widely distributed. We obtained a few specimens
at Nel’s Poort, and observed it at the River Zonder End on
Mr. Vigne’s farm. We have also received it from Colesberg from
Mr. Ortlepp, who met with it likewise at Port Elizabeth in June and
August. Sir Andrew Smith found it inhabiting the northern parts
of the colony. He writes: “It is very noisy, and generally found
in small flocks. It moves rapidly, and when at rest is found either
on the ground, or perched on ant-heaps or small shrubs. It
constructs its nest in a hole or excavation in the ground; the
foundation is small twigs; the inner part grass or hair. It lays four
or five eggs, of an olive colour, with darker spots of olive brown.”
Several specimens were received from Mr. Atmore, who writes,
24th October, 1864: “TI have just stumbled upona nest of 0. garrula
with two eggs, hard set; they are brown spotted, much like those
of the ‘ Kalkoentje,’? but smaller. Nest open, and nicely secreted
under a bush. The whole family keep together till pairing time ;
they run very swiftly on the ground. Eggs—three, four, or five.
The male is very attentive to his sitting hen, spreads his wings, sets
up his feathers, and sings.”

A specimen collected by Wahlberg in the interior of Natal is in
the British Museum.

Adult male (type of species)—Above very dark brown, with
narrow margins of sandy fulvous, the hind neck inclining to ashy
grey, the head rather darker than the back, and slightly streaked
with rufous, the margins to the feathers being of this colour; wing-
coverts dark brown, with sandy fulvous margins, the greater series
paler brown, some of the coyerts slightly margimed with white ;
quills paler brown, margined with ashy fulvous and tipped with
white, the secondaries washed on the outer web with ashy grey, and
with rufous on the inner web, and tinged with the same at the tip,
the lower surface of the wing ashy brown, the rufous margins very
distinct on the inner secondaries; upper tail-coverts bright rufous,
some of them margined with whitish; tail-feathers dark brown

ALEMON SEMITORQUATA. 499

tipped with white, and rufous at the base, like the upper tail-coverts,
this colour extending further on the centre feathers, which are
shaded with ashy but not tipped with white; forehead tinged with
rufous ; ear-coyerts and a streak above the latter bright rufous, but
not forming a distinct eyebrow; lores buffy whitish; cheeks and
throat white, the former with a few specks of brown; rest of under
surface bright sandy rufous; the under wing-coverts light isabelline,
those on the outer edge of the wing more rufous; on the breast a
few spots of dark brown, and on the sides of the upper breast a few
streaks of the same: “upper mandible of the bill and the lower
towards the point reddish brown, the latter towards the base
reddish yellow lightened with flesh red ; legs and toes intermediate
between Dutch-orange and sienna yellow, and tinted with flesh red;
claws of the same colour as the legs, shaded with brown; eyes a
bright. clear brown” (Sir A. Smith). Total length, 6°7 inches ;
culmen, 0°9; wing, 3°7; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 1°35.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but much smaller, and haying
a shorter bill. Total length, 5 inches; culmen, 07; wing, 3°25;
tail, 2:1; tarsus, 1-1.

Young.—Very like the adult, and of the same dark brown colour,
but distinguished by very distinct white edgings to the dorsal
feathers, wing-coverts, and secondary quill-feathers.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. evi, fig. 1.

501. AtzMon semrrorquata (Smith). Grey-collared Lark.
Certhilauda semitorquata and C. subcoronata, Layard, B. S.
Afr. pp. 216, 217.

The members of the genus Alcemon differ from the Certhilaude
in haying the hind claw short and curved, instead of long and
straight: at the same time, they resemble the latter birds in their
long bill, which is about the same length as the tarsus. ‘T'wo
species are known from South Africa, of which the present is to
be distinguished by tho isabelline colour of the under wing-coverts
and base of the inner web of the quills.

But few specimens fell under Sir Andrew Smith’s notice, and
these were procured in the arid plains of the middle and eastern
districts. We found it near Grahamstown, and have received @
few specimens from Mr. Atmore, procured in the neighbourhood

of Traka, in the Albert division, in August; also from Mr. Arnot,
2x 2

i

500 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

killed near Colesberg, and from Mr. Ortlepp. Eggs sent by the
latter gentleman are of clear pale cream coloured ground, spotted
throughout with red, brown, and purple, rather inclining to form
a ring near the thick end, Axis, 11’’; diam., 8”. The nest
is a cup-shaped structure of dry grasses placed in a tuft of grass
on the ground. It feeds on insects and small grass seeds, and
inhabits flats and mountain slopes—soars frequently. Note, a loud
but plaintive whistle, something resembling e-i.

We have received specimens from Mr, T, C, Atmore from Hope-
town, Griqua Land, and the late Mr. Frank Oates procured a
specimen in the Transvaal in December, and here also Mr. T. EB.
Buckley met with it in June, but he fancies it is not very common.
He only obtained a single specimen, and observed only one or two
more: his bird was shot on the side of a small hill among some
stones : its flight was undulating. Mr. Andersson observes :—“‘ These
Larks are not uncommon in the middle and southern parts of Great
Namaqua Land: and I have also observed a considerable number
of them together between Wilson’s Fountain and Tjobis in Damara
Land. It feeds on insects, seeds, etc.” Mr. Monteiro procured a
specimen in Benguela.

The present species may be recognized by the diagnostic characters
given above, but considerable difference is seen between the summer
and winter plumages, which were tabulated in a paper on South
African Larks, published by the Editor, and which are here
reproduced :—

Summer plumage.
Upper surface clear vinous
brown, with distinct black stripes.

Hind neck indistinctly ashy
grey.

Lower back and rump same
as rest of upper surface, and
streaked in the same manner.

Upper tail-coverts dark brown,
with rufescent margins,

Winter plumage.

Upper surface sandy isabelline,
with fulvous margins to most of
the dorsal feathers; head and
interscapulary region with small
black shaft-stripes.

Hind neck decidedly ashy grey,
contrasting with head.

Lower back and rump entirely

uniform isabelline, with no shaft- _

streaks.

Upper tail-coverts light ash
colour, paler than the tail, and
margined with whitish.

Upper wing-coverts and quills
dark brown, with broad rufous
margins.

Ear-coverts deep rufous, with
slight fulvous shaft-streaks.

Cheeks and throat white, with
a few black spots.

Under surface of body isabel-
line, with vinous tinge on flanks,
breast broadly streaked with
black.

Under wing-coverts deep isa-
belline vinous.

ALMHMON

NIVOSA. 501

Upper wing-coverts and quills
brown, broadly margined with
pale sandy, shading off into white
on the margins,

Ear-coverts very pale sandy.

Cheeks and throat pure white,
unspotted.

Under surface of body white,
with a few triangular spots of
dusky black on the breast.

Under wing-coverts very pale
isabelline sand colour.

The male is larger than the female, measuring 0°9—0°95 inch in
the bill, as against 0°75—0°8 in the female, and has the wing 4°1—
4°4 as against 3°7—3°75 in the hen bird.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. evi, fig. 2.

502. Atmmon nivosa (Swains.) Cape Lark.

Alauda codea, Smith: Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 209 (winter
plumage).

Megalophonus lagepa (Smith): Layard, t.c., p. 214 (summer
plumage).

Megalophonus guttatus, Bp. Layard, t.c., p. 45.

This species differs from the foregoing one in its smaller size, and
ashy brown under wing-coverts and quill-linings. The difference
in the winter and summer plumages has caused considerable
confusion in its names, but we believe that A. codea, M. lagepa, and
M. guttatus of our first edition are all referable to one and the same
species.

Sir Andrew Smith states that it is generally, though sparingly,
scattered over the Western Province, particularly in the Karroo,
We have seen a specimen from the neighbourhood of Cape Town
shot by Mr. Butler of the Cape Museum, and Mr. C. A. Fairbridge
procured a single specimen on the Cape Flats, near Rondebosch.
We found it plentiful at Nel’s Poort, in the Karroo: it first appeared
in the neighbourhood of Beaufort. A single nest fell under our

502 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

observation in December. The eggs, four in number, and of a
mottled brown, were deposited in a cup-shaped nest, on the side of
a low bush, at the edge of a foot-path. When we approached it
the bird crept away to a little distance, then rose, flew a few yards,
and perched on an ant-heap to watch us. As we were proceeding
to kill a Hyena, which had been caught in one of our traps, we
deferred taking the eggs until our return; but coming home by a
different route, we had to leave them till next morning, when on
proceeding to the spot we found the young excluded. The hen
bird, on this and several subsequent occasions, executed the same
manceuyres to escape detection.

Mr. Atmore found it at Traka, and we procured several on the
Berg River. Mr. Andersson states that he observed this species
pretty frequently in Little Namaqua Land, but not to the north of
the Orange River: it perches on bushes as well as on the ground.

Adult in summer plwmage.—Above brownish cinnamon, streaked
with black down the shafts of the feathers, these shaft-streaks
disappearing on the rump; hind neck with a scarcely perceptible
shade of greyish, slightly distinguishable on the sides; wing-coverts
and quills dark brown, margined with cinnamon rufous, shading
off into a fulvous edging on the extreme margin of the greater
coverts and some of the secondaries, the innermost of which are
more broadly edged: upper tail-coverts rufous, with distinct blackish
shaft-streaks ; tail dark brown, with pale edgings of fulvous brown,
the two centre feathers broadly and the two outermost narrowly
margined with cinnamon-rufous: lores and a distinct eyebrow
creamy-buff ; feathers in front of the eye blackish; under the eye
another line of creamy-buff feathers ; ear-coverts cinnamon ; cheeks
and throat dull white, varied with a few blackish spots; rest of
under surface buffy-white, slightly rufescent on the sides of the
body, the fore neck and breast thickly spotted with dark brown, the
spots becoming narrower and more longitudinal on the sides of the
breast and flanks; thighs rufous; under tail-coverts white, the
shafts rufous, the longest plumes rufous, with black shafts and a
whitish tip; under wing-coverts ashy brown, like the inner lining
of the wing; “ bill light reddish brown, the lower mandible pale
buff-orange towards the base; legs and toes intermediate between
broccoli and yellowish brown, and tinted with flesh red; claws light
reddish brown; iris bright brown; eyebrow rusty white” (Sir A.

se

HETEROCORYS BREVIUNGUIS. . 503

Simith). Total length, 7 inches ; culmen, 0°7 ; wing, 3°65 ; tail, 3-8;
tarsus, 1°05.

Winter plumage.—KHntirely different from the summer dress.
Above ashy grey, with a slight sandy-colonred tinge, the black
central stripes broad but obscure, rather plainer on the middle of
the back and scapularies, which are rather broadly margined with
creamy white; wing-coverts dark greyish brown, with ashy margins
to least series, the greater and median series broadly edged with
whitish ; quills dark brown, margined with ashy, the secondaries
broadly edged with whitish; rump and upper tail-coverts rather
more distinctly washed with sandy-colour than the back, the latter
with dark brown shaft-stripes; tail-feathers dark brown, the centre
feathers shaded with greyish and plainly margined with ashy white,
the outermost feathers having also a slight edging of the same;
eyebrow and streak below the eye white; feathers in front of the
latter blackish; ear-coverts uniform ashy grey like the back, but
without dark shaft-streaks; himder part of the cheeks washed with
ashy-grey ; fore part of cheeks and throat white, with an indistinct
moustachial line of blackish spots; sides of neck and under surface
of body white, with triangular blackish spots from the lower throat
to the breast, changing into longitudinal streaks on the sides of the
breast and flanks and under tail-coverts ; sides of the body inclining
to greyish, as also the thighs ; under wing-coverts and wing-lining
entirely ashy brown. “ Bill, legs, toes, and claws deep orange-
coloured brown, shaded with brownish red, the lower mandible
towards the base sienna yellow ” (Sir A. Smith).

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 87, figs. 1, 2.

503. Hurmrocorys Breviuneuis (Sund.) Short-clawed Lark.

Having the short and curved claw of an Alaemon, the present bird
has the bill shorter and stouter than in that genus, the bill when
measured from gape to tip being much shorter than the tarsus. The
nostrils are bare and not hidden by bristly feathers.

This species seems to be very rare, as we have never seen a
specimen in any recent collection. Sir Andrew Smith procured
two individuals, which are now in the British Museum; but he does
not appear to have named the species. The late Professor Wahlberg
obtained it in the Transvaal, and the following description is taken

from one of his specimens :—

504 + BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Adult Male.—Above rufous fawn colour, the margins of the dorsal
plumes paler and more fulvescent, with broad centres of blackish
brown ; the head slightly crested and coloured like the back, the

hind neck more greyish and somewhat separating the head from the:

back by an indistinct collar; wing-coverts coloured like the back,
dark brown, with broad fulvescent margins, causing a somewhat
mealy appearance ; quills brown margined with fulvous fawn-colour
very broad on the secondaries, and paler in the outer edges; lower
back, ramp and upper tail-coverts bright rufous fawn colour with
narrow blackish shaft-lines, broader on the last named ; tail-feathers
brown, bordered with fulvous, a little broader on the outermost
feather and more rufous on the centre ones, which are shaded with
ashy ; lores and a distinct eyebrow fulvous white, tinged with fawn ;
ear-coverts rufous fawn, inclining to dark brown on their upper
margin; cheeks fulvous white, with a few spots of dark brown ;
under surface of body isabelline buff, the throat unspotted; the
flanks and chest washed with fawn-colour, the latter marked with
a good many triangular spots of dark brown; under wing-coverts
light fawn colour, the outermost spotted with brown, the greater
series ashy brown like the inner lining of the wing, which is almost
entirely of the latter colour, with a tinge of isabelline on the inner
web ; bill horn brown, inclining to yellowish horn colour at base.
Total length, 6°38 inches; culmen, 0°8; wing, 4°0; tail, 3:1;
tarsus, 1*1.
Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8., 1874, pl. Ixxvi, fig. 2.

504, AmMomanes rerruarena (Lafr.) Ferruginous Lark.
Alauda ferruginea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 208.

The chief difference between the genus Ammomanes and the
preceding genus consists in the feathered nostrils. The other
characters are the same, viz., the long first primary equal to the
tarsus, the short and curved hind claw, and the shorter and stouter
bill not equalling the tarsus in length.

Sir Andrew Smith found this Lark on the arid plains to the
southward of the Orange River, and appears to have procured several
specimens. Only one, however, is in the British Museum, the type of
the species, of which the following is a description :—The species is
distinguished by having no white tips to the tail-feathers, by its rufous
ear-coverts and the inner lining of the wing being lead-coloured, with-

Oe ee dee ates Ye

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7. ne

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AMMOMANES FERRUGINEA. 505

out any perceptible shade on the inner web of the primaries. Above
uniformly deep vinous cinnamon, the head coloured like the back
and showing no pronounced grey shade on the hind neck; least wing-
coverts uniform with the back, inasmuch as the brown bases to the
feathers are concealed ; median and greater coverts dark brown,
margined with cinnamon shading off into yellowish buff on the
extreme edge of the feathers; quills hght brown, with ashy fulyous
edges, the secondaries more broadly margined with cinnamon
shading into whitish on extreme edges, especially the innermost,
where the cinnamon colour occupies the greater part of the feather,
leaving the centre of it only longitudinally brown; rump vinous
cinnamon, the upper tail-coverts rather inclining to brownish
cinnamon,resembling the centre tail-feathers, which are longitudinally
brownish down the centre, and by no means so bright cinnamon as
the back ; rest of the tail-feathers very dark brown, narrowly edged
with cinnamon buff, a little more broadly on the penultimate feather,
and very distinctly on the outermost where the rufescent margin
occupies more than half of the outer web ; lores and feathers under
the eye dull white, as well an ill-defined eyebrow ; ear-coverts
uniformly cinnamon ; cheeks, throat, and sides of neck whitish, the
former slightly spotted with blackish, forming an indistinct mous-
tache: rest of under surface creamy white, shading into ashy rufous
on the flanks and thighs, the sides of the upper breast rufous ;
lower throat and breast very distinctly marked with blackish spots ;
those on the former triangular, gradually becoming more longi-
tudinal on the breast, and disappearing on the sides of the body;
many of the longitudinal streaks washed with rufous; under wing-
coverts and inner lining of wing almost uniformly ashy or leaden
brown, the innermost secondaries washed with rufous on inner web ;
some of the under wing-coverts with indistinct whitish edgings ;
under tail-coverts creamy-white washed with cinnamon towards the
tips of the middle ones ; “bill dark yellowish brown, passing towards
the base of the lower mandible into dusky yellow; feet and claws
light yellowish-brown ; eyes dark brown” (Sir A. Smith). Total
length, 7:5 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 4°1; tail, 3°2; tarsus, 1:2.
Sir Andrew Smith says that the female is “ not quite so bright
as the male, and the brown streaks on the breast are less distinct.”
Fig. Smith, Il. Zool, S. Afr. Aves, pl. xxix.

506 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

505. AMMOMANES ERYTHROCHLAMYS (Strickl.)
Rufous-mantled Lark.

The present species differs from the preceding in the pale ashy
lining of the quills, the inner webs of the primaries inclining to
isabelline. It also has not the greyish flanks of A. ferruginea.

We have seen a number of specimens from Damara Land collected
by Mr. Andersson, but they appear to be all in winter plumage.
The only bird in summer plumage, that has come under our notice,
was shot by Mr. T. Ayres in the Transvaal, in June, 1872. He
writes :—“I shot the specimen sent, a female, amongst some rocks
and stones in a low range of hills some three or four miles from
Potchefstroom ; it had a peculiar knack of hiding itself by creeping
over and about bits of rock.”

The following is a description of a Damara specimen :—

Adult male in winter plumage.—Above uniform pale fawn-colour,
with indistinct shaft-stripes of dull rufous on some of the feathers
of the head and back; wing-coverts pale fawn, like the back, but
with pale yellowish buff margins to the feathers ; quills pale brown,
broadly margined with fawn colour, the secondaries more broadly,
the innermost being coloured like the wing-coverts and margined
in the same manner with yellowish buff; tail dark brown, narrowly
margined with fulyous fawn colour, occupying the entire outer web
of the last tail-feathers, and running round the tip and up the margin
of the inner web of this and the penultimate feather; the two centre
feathers bleached fawn colour, paler than the back ; lores, feathers
below and above the eye, forming an eyebrow, and cheeks white,
the ear-coverts pale fawn colour like the back; under surface of
body creamy white, washed with fawn colour on the sides of the
body, the chest spotted with triangular markings of pale brown;
thighs pale fawn; under tail-coverts creamy white; under wing-
coverts buffy whitish, the greater series pale ashy brown, the outer
plumes fawn coloured ; inner lining of wing also pale ashy brown,
inclining to pale fawn colour at base of inner web. ‘Total length,
6°5 inches ; culmen, 0°75; wing, 3°6; tail, 2°38; tarsus, 1-05.

The summer dress is different from the winter, and is of much
rarer occurrence in collections than the latter; indeed we have only
seen one example, the one figured by Mr. Ayres (/.c.). It differs
in the following particulars :—

<a

rhe eee a eo —

AMMOMANES GRAYI. 507

a. In being deeper cinnamon above, the quills and coverts all
being edged with the same dark colour.

b. In haying the tail broadly edged and tipped with cinnamon
rufous, the outermost feathers not paler margined, the two centre
ones being almost entirely cinnamon, with a broad streak of greyish
black down the middle.

c. In haying a greyish shade on the hind neck, which is not
seen in the winter dress. The first primary in A. ferruginea is much
bigger, and the distance between its tips and the tip of the second
primary is 1°5 inch, whereas in A. erythrochlamys it measures 1:°35—
A inches ; but even this varies a good deal, and the best difference
between the two species lies in the larger size and greyish flanks
of A. ferruginea.

d. In having the lores, eyebrow, sides of face and underparts
generally washed with yellowish, and

e. In having more numerous and more distinct brown spots on
the chest.

Young.—Appears to differ from the adult only in having a few
whitish tips to the feathers of the head and scapulars, the wing-
coverts and quills being also much paler edged.

Fig. Ayres, Ibis, 1874, pl. ii, fig. 2.

506. Ammomanes crayt (Wahlb.) Gray’s Lark.

The present species is smaller than either of the preceding birds,
and has the ear-coverts whitish or slightly washed with isabelline ;
the tail is tipped with white spots on the inner webs of the feathers.

It appears to be confined to Damara Land. Mr. Andersson
writes :—‘“ This Lark is found on the barren plains in the neighbour-
hood of Walwich Bay, as well as some distance inland ; but I have
not observed it so far east as Objimbinque. It feeds on seeds and
insects, and is comparatively tame, but where grass abounds it is
difficult to procure. A few individuals are usually found together.”

Adult male.—Aboyve light sandy isabelline, not paler on the head,
but slightly fulvescent on the hind neck; forehead, lores, and a
tolerably defined eyebrow whitish; feathers in front of the eye
dusky blackish; sides of face whitish, the hinder ear-coverts washed
with isabelline; entire under surface of body whitish, slightly
washed with isabelline on the breast, on each side of which is an
indistinct blackish patch ; under wing-coverts white, with a very

508 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

faint isabelline tinge ; upper wing-coverts sandy isabelline like the
back, with light whitish margins, mottled also by means of the grey
bases to the feathers showing; quills greyish, slightly tipped with
white and margined with sandy colour on the outer web, the
primaries very narrowly bordered, but the secondaries very broadly,
the innermost being entirely rufous sand colour, with broad longi-
tudinal greyish centres, the inner lining of the wing greyish, inclining
to white near the base of the inner web; tail dark brown tipped
with white on the inner web, the centre feathers grey, with sandy
coloured margins and tips, the basal third of the tail-feathers
isabellme inclining to whitish, and extending farther up the outer
web of the external feathers. Total length, 4:8 inches; culmen,
0°65 ; wing, 3°25; tail, 1:8; tarsus, 0°85.

Adult female-—Similar to the male, but rather smaller in the
wing. Total length, 4°8 inches; culmen, 0°6 ; wing, 3°05; tail, 1°8;
tarsus, 0°85.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. S., 1874, pl. Ixxvi., fic. 2.

507. Sprzocorys conrrosrris (Suid.) Pink-billed Lark.

This pretty little Lark is one of the smallest known, and belongs
to the short-billed division of the family, where the culmen is not
so long as the middle toe and claw. The first primary is rudi-
mentary, being not so long as the inner toe and claw. The wing
is rounded, the distance between the tips of the primaries and the
tips of the secondaries not exceeding the length of the hind claw.

It was discovered in the Transvaal by the late Professor Wahlberg,
and was again found in that country by Mr. Ayres in June, 1872,
who shot a specimen on the flats about two miles from Potchef-
stroom.

We have also seen examples from Great Namaqua Land, obtained
by Mr. Andersson, who has published the following note on the
species in Damara Land :—“ This Lark is not uncommon in Ondonga;
before the breeding season they are seen in small flocks, but are
less observable after they are paired. A pair which I watched
oceupied about eight days in constructing their nest and in the
female bird laying her eggs, which I took on the 31st of March,
after they had been incubated about three days. The nest is
formed in a hole excavated to the depth of about two and-a-half
inches and thickly lined with decomposed grasses.’’

Pe gee agent 9 ee Ey eee oe

SPIZOCORYS CONIROSTRIS. 509

The following desvription of the species isttaken from the Editor’s
paper on the Larks of South Africa :—

Adult female (one of the typical specimens).— Above fulvous
brown, the feathers of the head and back blackish down their
centres, which are very broad, the margins being sandy, more or less
inclined to deeper rufous; all the plumes of the hind neck, rump,
and upper tail-coverts, as well as a few of the dorsal feathers,
broadly margined with greyish, producing a distinct ashy appear-
ance ; wing-coverts brown, broadly margined with sandy buff, the
lesser and median series so broadly as nearly to obscure the dark
brown centres to the feathers, the greater coverts with a slight
greyish shade on their outer margins; quills lighter brown, with a
slight ashy shade, the feathers margined with sandy buff, paling on
the extreme edge of the feather, the outer edge of the first primary
sandy white for nearly the entire length of the quill; tail blackish,
tipped with dull white, with ashy fulyous margins, broader on the
centre feathers, which are paler and nearly uniform brown, the two
outer feathers margined with sandy buff, occupying part of the inner
web and the tip of the outermost ; a distinct line of white over and
under the eye, with a small patch of blackish feathers in front of the
latter ; ear-coverts brown, blackish on upper margin; cheeks white,
washed with pale brown on hinder margin, and spotted with black,
a narrow line of which runs from the gape to the ear-coverts ; throat
pure white, with a few black spots on lower portion ; rest of under
surface of body sandy rufous, paler and more fulvous on the lower
abdomen, the fore neck and chest rather largely spotted with
triangular spots of blackish brown; under wing-coyverts sandy
buff, the lower series inclining to ashy, and resembling the inner
lining of the wing. Total length, 4°7 inches ; culmen, 0°5; wing,
3°0; tail, 1:75; tarsus, 0:75.

Six specimens of this pretty little Lark are before us, and
we appear to have the extremes of summer and winter plumage,
with intermediate grades. For the determination of the species
we have described one of the typical specimens in the British
Museum, received in exchange from the Stockholm Museum ;
but Mr. Gurney owns an example in still fuller plumage, the
specimen figured (badly) in “The Ibis” for 1874. The general
colour of this bird above is reddish sand colour, varied with

510 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

black centres to the feathers, and the under surface is likewise
deep sandy rufous with white throat and triangular chest spots
(wing, 3°0), This specimen was shot at Potchefstroom by Mr. Ayres,
on the 16th of June, 1872, and is a female. Another female, killed
by Mr. Andersson at Ondonga on the Ist of November, 1867, is in
what I take to be the winter dress of the bird. The general colour
is a sandy buff, with no rufous tinge to speak of, but with narrow
blackish centres to the feathers, and the under surface is buffy white
tinged with sandy rufous on the chest, which is streaked with
narrow little spots of blackish brown: the throat and sides of the
face are white, with a blackish malar stripe forming an indistinct
moustache. We think there can be no doubt of this being the winter
plumage of A. conirostris. The difference of being more mealy is
usual in the winter dress of Larks, and the proportions fairly agree
(wing, 2°85; tarsus, 0°75). T'wo male specimens are in the British
Museum from the Hountop River, Great Namaqua Land, shot by
Mr. Andersson on the 3rd of June, 1862. These birds are inter-
mediate between the winter and summer specimens described.
They are rather mealy in appearance, but the dark centres to the
feathers of the upper surface are becoming somewhat pronounced,
and several of the dark chest-spots are developing, as if it appeared
that the summer plumage is gained by the wearing off of the sandy
margins. These birds have the wing 2°9—3-0 inches, and the tarsus
0°75.

The white on the outer tail-feathers varies very much. In a
young specimen it occupies the outer web and half of the inner one,
as it does also in Wahlberg’s Transvaal skin and the Ondonga
female: but in the full-plumaged bird in Mr. Gurney’s collection,
and in both the Namaqua examples the sandy white is confined to
the outer web and forms a narrow margin to the tail.

Young.—Above dark brown, the feathers washed with sandy
colour and tipped with white, the hind neck inclining to ashy
grey, the white tips almost imperceptible ; wing-coverts dull brown,
margined with sand colour and ending in a white tip; quills and
tail much as in adult, but inclining to whitish at the tip of the
feathers ; lores dusky blackish; sides of face nearly uniform brown,
with a blackish streak running along the upper margin of the ear-
coverts and down the cheeks; under surface pale isabelline, the

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TEPHROCORYS CINEREA. yl:

throat spotted with dusky, and having on each side a moustachial
streak of the same, the breast inclining to sandy brown on the
sides and obscurely spotted with dusky.

Mr. Andersson observes that the iris is brown, the legs and bill
flesh coloured, but the lower mandible paler and more livid than
the upper.

Fig. Ayres, Ibis, 1874, pl. iii, fig. 1.

508. TrpHRocoRys CINEREA (Gm.) Rufous-capped Lark.
Megalophonus cinereus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 212.

The genus Tephrocorys, of which the present species is the only
representative, is like Spizocorys in general structure, but has the
bill of different proportions, being as broad as it is high, whereas
in Spizocorys the bill is higher than it is broad.

The Red-headed Lark is common throughout the colony, affecting,
however, some spots in preference to others; for instance, just on
the top of the little hill before reaching Mowbray, on the high-road
from Cape Town, a few pairs may always be found dusting them-
selves; yet a mile on each side the species is not often found. It
feeds on insects and seeds, builds a nest on the ground by a tuft of
grass, and lays three to five eggs, of a cream colour, profusely
speckled with brown and purple: axis, 11’’’; diam., 8’’’.

At Port Elizabeth it is common, according to Mr. Rickard, who
also met with it near Hast London, and we have procured it near
Grahamstown. Mr. T.C. Atmore found it near Eland’s Post, and
Capt. Trevelyan has forwarded specimens from Kingwilliamstown.
We have never seen any from the coast line of Natal, but Mr. Ayres
found a pair near Pietezmantzburg, and Mr. T. H. Buckley shot
one near the Shire Town in May, and Mr. Frank Oates also procured
it there. It is to be found in the open country of the Transvaal,
according to Mr. Ayres, and Mr. Andersson gives the following
note :—“ This Lark is very abundant in some parts of Damara and
Great Namaqua Land. I have observed that it uses much gravel
with its food.” The Damara birds are rather smaller than those
of the Cape Colony, and have been separated under the name of
Tephrocorys spleniata (Strickl.), but they seem to us to be merely
a slightly diminutive race. Professor Bocage has received two
specimens from Senor Anchieta, one from Benguela, and one from

Ambaca.

512 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Adult male.—Above ashy, mottled with dark brown centres to
the feathers, some of the dorsal plumes washed with sandy colour ;
crown of head bright chestnut, forming a cap, some of the feathers
shghtly margined with fulvous; hind neck decidedly ashy, paler
than the back and forming a kind of collar; wing-coverts ashy
brown, with broad fawn coloured margins, forming a conspicuous
shoulder-patch; the greater and primary coverts ashy brown, with
ashy fulvous edgings; quills dark brown margined with ashy fulvous
inclining to rufous near the base of the feathers; the outer primary
with a broad external margin of creamy white; upper tail-coverts
rufous fawn colour, the longest shaded with brown down the middle ;

tail-feathers dark brown, the penultimate and outer feather edged ~

with white occupying the whole external web of the latter; the
two centre tail-feathers margined with ashy brown; small frontal
plumes whitish ; lores and a distinct eyebrow white, as also the
feathers under the eye and the cheeks white, the latter slightly
spotted with brown; ear-coverts pale rufous; sides of neck clear
ashy grey; throat white; rest of under surface also white; the
middle of the breast ashy fulvous; the sides of the upper breast
bright chestnut, forming a patch on both sides; sides of body
inclining to ashy fulvous, washed with fawn colour on the lower
flanks ; thighs ashy fulvous; under wing-coverts pale ashy grey;
the edge of the wing fulvous white; inner lining of wing ashy
brown, the inner webs of the quills slightly rufescent towards the
base; “bill yellowish brown; legs and toes brownish or reddish
brown; iris dark brown” (CO. J. Andersson).

Total length, 6°2 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 3°9; tail, 2°7;
tarsus, 0°85.

Adult female.—Coloured like the male. Total length, 6-2 inches;
culmen, 0°5; wing, 3°65; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0°85.

The description is taken from a pair of birds collected and sexed
by our friend Mr, Ayres. They are both, we take it, in full winter
plumage, and we regret that we have the dates of scarcely any of
the specimens, which makes it difficult to determine the seasonal
changes of the species. ‘I'wo examples, however, now before us
differ sufficiently in their colouration to make us believe that they
are in their breeding-dress, and we therefore give the following
short notes on this plumage :—General colour more rufous than in
winter, especially on the upper tail-coverts and crown, the latter

CALENDULA CRASSIROSTRIS. 513

being deep chestnut and the patches on the sides of the breast much
larger and extending farther down the sides of the body, the centre
of the chest being also washed with rufous.

Young.—Above blackish, some of the feathers washed with sandy
colour, but all of them terminally spotted or edged with creamy
white, producing a pretty and variegated. appearance; hind neck
greyish mottled with dark brown and spotted with creamy white ;
head blackish varied with sandy rufous bases to the feathers and
spotted with creamy white; lores and a broad eyebrow whitish, as
also the sides of the face, which have, however, a mark of brown on
the cheeks under the eye, while the ear-coverts are dark brown
washed with rufous and spotted minutely with creamy white; under
surface whitish, the breast and sides of body mottled, with dark
brown bases to the feathers inclining to rufous on the sides of the
breast; under wing-coverts whitish ashy; quills brown broadly
margined with rufous, the outer web of external primary fulvous
white, the inner secondaries broadly edged with whitish; rump and
upper tail-coverts bright fawn colour spotted with white, before
which is a subterminal spot of dark brown; tail blackish-brown, the
outermost feather white on the outer web crossing the inner one
obliquely near the tip, the two centre feathers rufous near the base
and margined with whitish towards the tip.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. iv, pl. 199.

509. CaLENnDULA crasstrostris (V.) Thick-billed Lark.
Alauda crassirostris (V.): Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 208.

The first primary is very well developed in the genus Calendula,
being longer than the inner toe and claw. The nostrils are covered
with stiff bristly plumes, and the bill is very stout, being much
deeper than it is broad.

This fine Lark frequents equally the cultivated and bush-covered
lands. It feeds on insects and seeds; and makes a rough nest
in September in a depression of the soil, under the shelter of a low
bush, or large clod of earth, and lays four or five eggs of a very
pale cream colour, profusely dotted throughout with small light
brown and purple spots. Axis, 11’’’; diameter, 8’”’.

Captain Shelley shot specimens at Ceres and Stellendorf in
January, 1874, and it is abundant throughout the colony, extending
into the eastern districts, as we have received it from Hopetown

2 1

514 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

from Mr. T. C. Atmore. We have seen a specimen from Little
Namaqua Land, and Mr. Andersson writes :—“ This species is
pretty generally diffused over Damara and Great Namaqua Land ;
it frequents localities covered with grass and dwarf vegetation, and
frequently those which are of a rocky character.”

Adult. — Above dark brown, the feathers tolerably broadly
margined with sandy fulvous, getting lighter on the extreme edge
of the feather, the lower back and rump ashy brown, more uniform,
or having only a few central streaks of dark brown on the lower
back ; head rather lighter brown than the rest of the upper surface,
the dark brown central streaks rather narrower ; hind neck inclining
to ashy fulvous and minutely streaked with dark brown; wing-
coverts dark brown, somewhat shaded with ashy and rather broadly
margined with sandy fulvous on the median and lesser coverts, the
greater series margined with ashy, but without such distinct edges
of sandy buff as the other series; quills brown, narrowly tipped and
margined on the outer web with sandy white, the secondaries
distinctly shaded with grey ; upper tail-coverts ashy brown shaded
with sandy and streaked with dark brown down the centres of the
longest feathers ; tail-feathers dark brown margined with ashy grey,
the penultimate feather narrowly, and the outermost a little more
broadly margined and tipped with sandy white or fulvous; lores,
feathers above and below the eye, as well as a streak running along
the sides of the crown fulyous white, but not forming a distinct eye-
brow; cheeks fulvous white, minutely spotted with blackish brown ;
ear-coverts dark brown streaked with sandy buff; under surface
of body dull yellowish white, the throat very slightly spotted with
blackish brown, of which colour there is a moustachial line on each
side; the breast thickly and distinctly streaked with blackish brown,
gradually narrowing on the lower breast and sides of abdomen to
hair-like lines; belly, vent, and under tail-coverts unspotted ; flanks
ashy brown streaked with dark brown; under wing-coverts pale
ashy brown narrowly margined with sandy white, the outer feathers
near the bend of the wing sandy white spotted with brown, the
centres of the feathers being of this colour; “ upper mandible horn
colour, the lower one buff shading into dark horn colour towards
the tip; legs pale brown; iris brown” (Shelley). Total length,
6:8 inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 4°0; tail, 2°75; tarsus, 1-0.

Young.—Duller and more uniform brown than the adult, with
whitish edgings to the feathers of the crown, ear-coverts, and the

wcll

-

=.

MIRAPRA APIATA. 515

wing-coverts, the greater series of the latter with sandy rufous
margins ; quills brown, paler towards the tips, and margined with
sandy rufous paling into whitish buff towards the tips of the
secondaries ; under surface of body white, the breast streaked with
blackish brown, each feather narrowly margined with whitish.

Winter plumage.—Duller and more ashy brown than in summer,
all the feathers obscured with greyish margins ; underneath more
yellowish, the spots on the breast duller and paler brown, and not
nearly so largely developed.

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’ Afr. iv, pl. 192.

510. Mrrarra aprata (V.) Bar-tailed Lark.
Megalophonus apiatus (V.): Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 215.

In the genus Mirafre the first primary is well developed, being
longer than the inner toe and claw, but the nostrils are exposed
with a membrane on the upper margin, but not covered with
bristles, as in Calendula. The present species has the tail varied

- with zigzag spots and bars of black like M. rufipilea, but it differs

from that species in being grey, and on having the rufous on the
primaries confined to the outer web.

This beautiful Lark, of whose elegant colours it is impossible
to convey any idea by mere words, is common in all the western
districts of the colony, and is well known from its singular habit
of rising fifteen or thirty feet into the air, perpendicularly, making
a sharp cracking sound with its wings as it rises, uttering a long
shrill “‘phew,” and then falling as abruptly to the earth. This
action it will repeat at intervals of a minute or two, for an hour
or more, chiefly during dull mornings, but in bright weather it
commences before and after sunset. It delights in warm sandy soils ;
but we met with it on the high table-land of the Cold Bokkeveld in
considerable abundance.

It is not met with at George, according to Mr. Atmore, but
extends as far as Port Elizabeth. Here, writes Mr. Rickard, “ it
is common. It is most lively at sunrise and sunset, sometimes
heard when it is nearly dark. If on the ground near short scrubby
bush, it will run into it and may be driven a long distance before
taking wing.” We have seen specimens also from Kuruman, but
in the Transvaal and to the north of the colony its place appears

212

516 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

to be taken by the next species. It has been found, however,
in Benguela by Senor Anchieta, who shot a specimen at Caconda ;
and has also occurred in the Congo district.

Adult.—Above cindery grey, with concealed bars of cinnamon
rufous and black on most of the dorsal feathers, as well as all the
wing-coverts; head uniform with back, much crested, the feathers
blackish in the centre of the plumes, which are also minutely spotted
with rufous; hind neck cindery grey, separating the head from the
back ; quills dark brown, margined with rufous, the inner secondaries
with grey like the back, the innermost washed with rufous and
crossed with narrow transverse black lines ; tail dark brown washed
‘with cindery grey, and tipped with white, the outermost feather
broadly edged with fulvous extending over a great portion of the
inner web obliquely towards the tip, the centre feathers slightly
washed with rufous and minutely barred with blackish in an irregular
manner, besides a few spots of the latter here and there; loral
feathers minutely tipped with white, and behind the eye a small
streak of buffy white ; ear-coverts light rufous, inclining to blackish
on their hinder margin; rest of the sides of the face ight fulyous
thickly speckled with blackish ; throat whitish with a few scattered
spots of blackish brown ; rest of under surface ashy fulvous, the
feathers being all broadly margined with this colour, and thus
obscuring the pale fawn colour of their bases, the breast thickly
spotted with large triangular marks of dark brown, and on the
flanks a few narrow lines of dark brown; the under tail-coverts
minutely spotted with dark brown; under wing-coverts fawn colour,
except the outermost, which are washed with ashy brown, like the
greater series and the entire inner lining of the wing. ‘Total length,
5 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 3°0; tail, 2°2; tarsus, 1:0.

The difference between the summer and winter dress in this Lark
may be tabulated as follows :—

The full-plumaged specimens before us of this Lark have not their
dates of capture attached; but we believe that we have both winter
and summer plumages represented, thus disposing of the idea that
M. apiata can be the winter plumage of M.rufipilea. We therefore
append short comparative characters of the two states, the specimen
described being in what we consider full winter dress.

MIRAFRA

Summer plumage.

Upper surface dark brown, the
rufous obscure and the grey
shade strongly marked only on
the lower back and secondaries.

Head dark brown, with scarcely
any grey shade or rufous mark-
ings.

Hind neck scarcely lighter
than the head or back.

Wing - coverts ending in ru-
fous, with no perceptible grey
margin.

Inner secondaries with a nar-
row blackish shaft-line,
which radiate about six narrow
blackish cross lines.

from

Tail nearly uniform brown,
with an obsolete shade of greyish
on centre feathers, the external
ones light fawn colour on outer
web.

Hyebrow pale fawn.

Under surface of body bright
fawn, the throat and chest
speckled with black.

RUFIPILEA. 517-

Winter plumage.
Upper surface grey, the rufous
colour in broad and _half-con-
cealed bands.

Head entirely grey, mottled
with blackish centres to the
feathers, and slightly washed
here and there with rufous.

Hind neck very clear grey,
paler than head or back.

Wing-coverts with a broad
whitish grey margin.

Inner secondaries dark brown
in the centre and at entire base
of feather, with only a few im-
perfect radiations of black near
the tip.

Tail dark brown, tipped with
white, the centre feathers clearly
washed with grey as well as
slightly tinged with rufous, and
plainly marked with blackish
radiations and spots near the
shafts.

Eyebrow ashy fulvous.

Under surface ashy fulvous,
concealing fawn coloured bases
to the feathers, the chest-spots
obscured.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. iv, pl. 194,

511. Mrrarra rouripitea (V.)

Rufous Bar-tailed Lark.

Megalophonus rufipileus (V.): Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 211.

This species is nearly allied to M. apiata, which it resembles in
its radiated tail and peculiar mottled plumage. It is, however, not
the same bird, but a distinct species, distinguished by its general
cinnamon-coloured appearance and rufous head, but particularly by

518 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

its red wings, the cinnamon colour occupying the basal two-thirds
of both webs, and not being confined to the basal portion of the
outer web, as in M. apiata. In size the two species appear to be
very similar.

The present bird represents M. apiata on the northern borders of
the colony, ranging into the Transvaal. We have received it from
Bloemfontein, whence Dr. Exton sent us a specimen. Mr. T. Ayres
has procured the species in the Transvaal, and observes :-—“ This
Lark has precisely the habits of M. apiata, mentioned in Mr. Layard’s
catalogue, p. 206. One of the birds sent (a male) had evidently,
from the appearance of the skin on the breast and belly, taken his
share in incubation ; it was shot about the end of March.” Professor
Barboza du Bocage states that this species was obtained in the
neighbourhood of the Zambesi by Major Serpa Pinto.

Adult male.—Above entirely cinnamon rufous, the feathers of the
crown faintly tipped with whitish, these tips being much broader and
more distinct on the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts, these light
tips relieved by a subterminal line of black, most of the feathers
being blackish at base and having one or two other concealed bars
of blackish ; hind neck and interscapulary region brighter cmnamon,
with central streaks of deeper cinnamon ; wing-coverts cinnamon
like the back, but the margins to the feathers broader and the black
subterminal margins more pronounced ; quills rufous for two-thirds
of their length, brown for the terminal third, the secondaries
browner, the inner web almost entirely brown, the outer one mottled
with the same externally, the innermost deep cinnamon, like the
back, with the same distinct margins; tail brown, slightly tipped
with rufous, the two outer feathers externally margined with creamy
buff, the outermost more broadly, the two centre tail-feathers cinna-
mon, dark brown in the centre, from which radiate several imperfectly
formed bars and mottlings of blackish; lores and a fairly distinct
eyebrow buffy white; ear-coverts rufous, deeper on the hinder
margin ; cheeks and sides of neck buffy white, minutely speckled
with dark brown; throat, buffy white, unspotted; rest of under
surface pale fawn colour, rather obscured in some places by fulvous
margins to the feathers, the fore neck and chest numerously marked
with little round spots of black ; under wing-coverts deep cinnamon
like the inner lining of the wing; “ bill pale, with the tip dusky ;
tarsi and feet pale dusky ; iris light tawny ” (Ayres).

MIRAFRA AFRICANA. 519

Young.—Similar to the adult, but far deeper cinnamon, and every-
where barred with black wavy lines on the upper surface, the head
included ; tail with a broad centre of ashy brown followed by

_ another subterminal line along the apical portion of the feather, this

line evidently breaking up into the radiations from the shaft which
are seen in the tail-feathers of the adult; ear-coverts cinnamon,
thickly spotted with black; under surface of body isabelline, the
throat with a few concealed brown bars, the flanks and thighs
deeper rufous slightly mottled with brown barrings, the chest much
deeper cinnamon, especially on the sides, the latter being slightly
varied with blackish wavy lines, the centre of the chest sparsely
spotted with blackish. Total length, 5°38 inches; culmen, 0-6;
wing, 3°0; tail, 2°35; tarsus, 1:0.
Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. iv, pl. 198.

512. Mrrarra areicana, Smith. Rufous-naped Lark.
Megalophonus africanus and M. rostratus, Layard, B. 8. Afr.
pp. 212, 213.

In this and the remaining species of African Mirafre the tail is
uniform with rufous edgings to the centre feathers. The entire
base of the quills is rufous with the exception of the brown shaft,
and the present species is told by its large size and by the rufous
nape-patch.

Sir Andrew Smith found this Lark in the eastern districts,
frequenting the grassy plains between Algoa Bay and Grahamstown.
It was generally seen in pairs, feeding on insects and seeds. Mr,
Rickard tells us that it is rather rare at Port Elizabeth, but more
numerous near Hast London. Mr. Arnot sends it from Griqua Land,
and Mr. T. C. Atmore found it at Eland’s Post. We have received
it from Mr. Moffat from Kuruman. From Natal Mr. Ayres writes :—
“ This Lark is a stout, thickset bird, and runs with great swiftness
on the ground amongst the grass, so that even with a good dog
it is sometimes a difficult matter to flush it. From the frequently
worn appearance of their claws, I fancy they partially obtain their
food by scratching the earth, after the manner of the Rasores. IE
undisturbed when rising, their flight is generally fluttering and
noisy ; they also sometimes (but not always) utter a few sharp notes
as they rise. They are fond of sunning themselves on the top
of any convenient low bush, fluttering their wings every few seconds,

520 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and making a sort of rattling sound.” In the Transvaal, states
Mr. Ayres :—“ These Larks frequent principally the open country,
and are tolerably plentiful to the west of Potchefstroom, between
the Hartz and Vaal Rivers. They are found singly or in pairs, and
are fond of sitting on any low bush to sun themselves, at the same
uttering a rather loud whistle, pretty constantly repeated.” The
late Mr. Frank Oates found the species at Tibaka’s Vley, a little
to the south of the Zambesi.

Mr. Andersson does not appear to have procured it in Damara
Land, but Senor Anchieta found it very common at Quillengues
from January to March, and also obtained it at Humbe on the
Cunene River.*

Adult male in summer plumage.—Above light fawn brown, all the
feathers with a distinct blackish shaft-streak down the centre and
margined with ashy fulvous; the rump slightly more ashy than the
back, narrowly streaked with brown, the upper tail-coverts shading
off into light fulyous and having dark brown shaft-stripes ; wing-
eoverts fawn colour, darker brown in the centre of the feather,
margined with fulyous and streaked with dark brown along the shaft,
the greater coverts light rufous towards their tips; primary coverts
rufous fawn, with narrow whitish margins; quills rufous fawn,
gradually shading off into dark brown, which occupies about the
terminal third of the quills, which are margined with ashy white or
fawn colour; the secondaries brown, washed with fawn colour exter-
nally, and broadly margined and tipped with ashy buff; tail dark
brown, the feathers margined with ashy buff, especially the two
centre ones, which are rufous fawn at base, extending some way up
the margins of the feathers, a shade of the same colour extending
over the other feathers near their base, the outer feather creamy buff
on the outer web, the penultimate one narrowly margined externally
with the same colour ; crown of head bright fawn colour, with a few
narrow shaft-lines of dark brown, the forehead minutely streaked,
giving it a certain obscurely mottled appearance ; lores and a rather
broad eyebrow buffy white, as also the sides of the face, the cheeks
and ear-coverts minutely spotted with dark brown, the ear-coverts
washed with rufous, and inclining to dark brown on their upper

* Professor Barboza du Bocage mentions a Lark from Caconda which he

proposes to call WM. angolensis as being allied to M. africana, but, as yet, no
detailed description has been published by him.

sail

—

MIRAFRA AFRICANA. 521

margin ; throat white, the rest of the under surface isabelline buff,
washed with bright fawn colour, minutely spotted with dark brown
on the lower throat and chest, and streaked with the same on the
sides of the breast; under wing-coverts entirely rich fawn colour,
a little brighter than the inner lining of the wing, which is rufous
and very conspicuous; ‘‘upper mandible dusky, lower mandible
pale ; tarsi and feet pale ; iris hight hazel ” (Ayres).

Total length, 7 inches; culmen, 0°8; wing, 4:0; tail, 3:0;
tarsus, 1°3.

Adult female.—Smaller than male, and with a much thinner bill.

Total length, 6°8 inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 3°5; tail, 2:7;
tarsus, 1°2.

Winter plumage.—Much darker brown than in summer, and not
nearly so rufous on the upper surface, the rufous of the crown
entirely obscured by the broad dark brown shaft-stripes, and the
forehead entirely brown, shaded with ashy and slightly tinged with
rufous; the hinder back and rump decidedly shaded with ashy ;
below rather more richly coloured than in summer, the breast largely
marked with triangular spots of dark brown; hind neck decidedly
more ashy, separating the head from the back.

Young.—Obseure brown, with hardly any rufous shade above;
the hind neck washed with ashy fulvous, all the feathers very broadly
black in the centre, and subterminally barred with a crescentic black
line, very conspicuous before the fulyous tips to the feathers, more
distinct on the wing-coverts, which incline to light fawn colour;
quills much as in adult, and rufous at base, the inner secondaries
dark brown, with a distinct ashy whitish margin, before which runs
another subterminal line of black ; tail brown, shaded with ashy on
the margins of the feathers, the external web of the outer tail-feather
creamy white, the penultimate one broadly margined with the same ;
over the eye a broad superciliary streak of creamy buff; lores and
sides of face buffy white, the cheeks thickly spotted with black,
the ear-coverts washed with rufous; throat white, with a few tiny
specks of brown on the lower part: rest of under surface isabelline
fulvyous, the breast washed with fawn rufous and mottled with
rufous brown bars, some of the new triangular-spotted feathers just
appearing.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. lxxxvii, fig. 1.

522 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

512. Mirarra pamarensis, Sharpe. Damara Lark.

This Lark is smaller than M. africana, and does not show the
rufous patch on the nape, this part being of the same colour as the
head and back. It is distinguished from M. africanoides by the
white edgings and tips to the tail-feathers.

The only specimens which we have seen were from Ondonga in
Ovampo Land, where they were collected by the late Mr. Andersson.

Adult male in winter plumage.—Above sandy grey, slightly
washed with fulvous and having a distinct shade of ashy grey on
the margins of the feathers; the upper surface narrowly streaked
with black shaft-lines, rather broader and more distinct on the
crown; the hind neck inclining to ashy, the streaks much more
minute ; wing-coverts like the back but rather paler by reason of
distinct whitish grey margins to the feathers which have also central
streaks or markings of bright fawn, many of the greater coverts
washed with the latter colour before the whitish margin; quills
dark brown, externally shaded with ashy buff, broader and clearer
grey on the secondaries; the outer aspect of the wing rufous, this
colour extending right across the primaries of which it occupies quite
two-thirds and traverses also the basal part of the secondaries ; lower
back and rump sandy grey, like the back, with scarcely any shaft-
streaks, more distinct on the upper tail-coverts, which have distinct
ashy white margins; tail blackish brown, all the centre feathers
distinctly shaded with bluish grey and margined with whitish ash
colour, shading off into white at the tips, the three external feathers
bordered and tipped with white, this colour occupying the entire
web of the outermost feather ; lores, a distinct eyebrow, and sides
of the face white; the ear-coverts sandy, with indistinct white
streaks; throat white, unspotted; rest of under surface creamy
white with a tinge here and there of sandy isabelline, the chest with
numerous minute specks of dark brown; thighs buff washed with
sandy; under wing-coverts entirely rufous, like the inner lining
of the quills, this colour occupying the base of both webs. ‘Total
length, 5°5 inches ; culmen, 0°65 ; wing, 3°45 ; tail, 2-4; tarsus, 1-1.

Another specimen is rather clearer and more bluish grey above,
the central streaks darker and plainer, the spots on the chest a little
larger and more distinct. Total length, 5°5 inches; culmen, 0°65 ;
wing, 3°35 ; tail, 2°15; tarsus, 10. This is probably the female bird.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1874, pl. lxxv, fig. 2.

wy

}

MIRAFRA AFRICANOIDES, 523

513. Mrrarra arricanorpss (Smith). Fawn-coloured Lark.
Megalophonus africanoides, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 214.

Sir Andrew Smith says that specimens of this Lark are occasion-
ally to be procured to the south of the Orange River, but most
readily on the arid open plains which lie between that river and the
Tropic of Capricorn. We have received it from Mr. Ortlepp at
Colesberg, and he writes :—“‘ Found singly, inhabiting wooded places,
and abounding on tall camel or thorn trees, on whose topmost twigs
they are frequently to be heard pouring outa sweet sustained song.”
We have seen it in Mr, T. C. Atmore’s collections from Hope Town
and Griqua Land, but it does not appear to extend to the Transvaal.
In Damara Land, Mr. Andersson writes:—‘ This bird is very
frequent in the neighbourhood of Otjimbinque, and is not un-
common in various other parts of Damara and Great Namaqua Land.
It is easily distinguished from most of the other Larks by its reddish
appearance. It is found in pairs, and is comparatively tame, flying
but a short distance when disturbed, and settling on the ground or
on a bush or tree; it has a kind of chirping song.”

Adult (type of species)—Above sandy rufous, with narrow black
shaft-stripes to the whole of the upper surface, the neck very
slightly inclining to greyish ; wing-coverts dark brown, with narrow
blackish shaft-stripes, margined with sandy rufous, inclining to
fulvous on the extreme edge of the feathers ; primary coverts dark
brown, with broad margins of sandy rufous; quills ashy brown,
rufous on the outer web and very conspicuous, the inner web also
rufous, but separated the entire length of the quill by the dark
brown of the quill, the secondaries ashy brown, especially the
innermost, which are distinctly shaded with grey, all margined with
sandy colour ; upper tail-coverts pale ashy brown, broadly washed
with whitey brown; tail dark brown, the middle feathers washed
with clear grey and broadly margined with sandy rufous, the others
narrowly and almost imperceptibly edged with pale sandy, the
outermost narrowly bordered with whitish for the whole length of
the outer web; lores and feathers round the eye whitish as well as
a distinct eyebrow ; feathers in front of the eye dusky ; ear-coverts
bright sandy rufous; cheeks, throat, and underparts generally
whitish, washed with sandy isabelline on the chest, the cheeks with
a few indistinct dusky spots, the chest sparsely marked with
triangular spots of dusky black ; under wing-coverts entirely rufous,

524 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

as also the greater part of the inner web of the quills; “ bill
yellowish brown, shaded on culmen with brownish red; tarsi and
toes sienna-yellow, brightened with flesh-red; iris light chestnut”
(Sir A. Smith).

Total length, 6°5 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 3°65; tail, 2°7 ;
tarsus, 1°].

Adult female.—Similar to the male. Total length, 5°5 inches ;
culmen, 0°6; wing, 3°25; tail, 2°25; tarsus, 0-9.

The summer plumage is different from the winter dress only in
being much darker by reason of the absence of light margins to the
feathers of the upper surface, which is also much more rufous ;

underneath the chest is washed with rufous, and the black spots are

more distinct ; the inner lining of the wing is also deeper and more
leaden grey.
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. Ixxxviii, fig. 2.

514. Mrrarra nazvia (Sérickl.). Dark-lined Lark.

The present bird and all the remaining African species of Mirafra
have no rufous base of the quills, the primaries being merely edged
with rufous, this colour being confined to the outer web.

Mirafra nevia has the outer tail-feathers black, narrowly margined
with isabelline, and the inner lining of the wing leaden grey, as also
the under wing-coverts, the inner webs of the primaries narrowly
edged with isabelline. It resembles the next species, but has a
larger and stouter bill. As far as is known, the present species is
an inhabitant of Damara Land, ranging into the Transvaal and the
eastern districts of the Cape Colony. Mr. Andersson tells us that it
is a very common bird about Otjimbinque: it is by no means timid,
and settles on trees and bushes as well as on the ground. Its food
consists of seeds and insects. We have also received specimens
from Griqua Land, in summer plumage, collected by Mr. T. C.
Atmore. Those obtained by Mr. Andersson in Damara Land were
in winter plumage, and it probably migrates northward in the cold
weather. Specimens from Great Namaqua Land (Andersson), are
also in the British Museum.

The following note by Mr. Andersson given under the heading of
M. sabota in his work, also belongs to the present species :— I
met with this Lark at various places north of the Omaruru River,
where, although rather local, it is abundant in some localities, and

wedi

MIRAFRA NEVIA. 525

especially in Ondonga. On the 25th of April, I found its nest in
the last-named locality, containing three eggs of a very elongated
form, and much pointed at one end. Other nests which I met with
on various occasions were either empty or contained young birds.
The nest is composed of fine grasses, and is built upon the ground
into which the lower portion of it is sunk to the depth of two or
three inches; it is placed between and resting against two stout
plants, and is round and dome-shaped, with one large opening to
the southward, the side farthest from the wind and rain. Iam always
delighted to hear this bird as it makes the welkin ring with its
sonorous song and call, composed of a series of notes, which it utters
either when perched on a tree, or when moving from one spot to
another. Whilst thus flying and singing it may be seen alternately
to open and close its wings, sometimes almost bringing them to
meet over its back, when it appears for the moment to be suspended
in the air.

Adult male in summer plumage.—Above sandy rufous, with dark
brown centres to the feathers, the head with rather paler sandy
margins ; the hind neck distinctly inclining to ashy, and separating
the head from the back; scapulars blackish in centre, with very
broad margins of sandy rufous on each side; wing-coverts coloured
like the back, with concealed blackish centres to the feathers, which
are margined with sandy, shading off into fulvous on the extreme
edge, the greater series more broadly margined, the primary coverts
more narrowly; quills blackish, the primaries narrowly tipped
with greyish white and margined externally with sandy rufous, the
secondaries much more broadly, and bordered with fulvous on their
extreme edge; upper tail-coverts sandy rufous, inclining to brown
in the centre of the feathers, and narrowly tipped with greyish buff;
tail black, very narrowly margined and tipped with sandy buff, the
centre feathers broadly margined with sandy rufous, the outermost
externally margined with a narrow edging of light sandy colour,
changing to white at extreme tip: lores and a tolerably plain eye-
brow isabelline ; feathers in front of the eye dusky, those under it
isabelline, and marked with blackish ; ear-coverts dark brown, very
plainly and regularly streaked with sandy buff; throat and cheeks
white, the latter washed with isabelline on the chest and sides
of the body, the lower throat and chest plainly spotted with
triangular markings of light brown ; under wing-coverts ashy brown,

526 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the innermost washed with sandy, the inner lining of the wing
entirely ashy brown also, excepting the base of the inner web, which
inclines to sandy ; “iris hazel”? (Z'. C. Atmore). “Iris light brown ;
upper mandible horn coloured, fading into white on the edges and
on the lower mandible ; legs and toes pale straw colour, with a tint
of pale flesh colour on the toes” (Andersson). Total length, 6°5
inches; culmen, 0°75; wing, 3°5; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0°95.

Adult female.—Rather smaller than the male. Total length, 5-7
inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 3°4; tail, 2°3; tarsus, 0°9.

Winter plumage.—There are four specimens in the British Museum
in full winter plumage, which does not differ so much on the upper
surface as do some of the South African Larks. It is much more
mealy and of a paler sand colour, the grey collar round the hind
neck being very distinct, as well as the white eyebrow and the
margins to the wing-coverts and quills; under surface of body
white, tinged with isabelline on the chest, flanks, and thighs, the
chest with a few narrow streaks of pale brown, the entire lining of
the wing ashy, as also the wing-coverts, some of which are margined
with sand colour.

515. Mrrarra sapora, Smith. Sabota Lark.
Megalophonus sabota, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 213.

Sir Andrew Smith procured this Lark on the arid plains north
of Latakoo ; it perched frequently on low shrubs. Mr. Frank Oates
shot it at Tati in the Matabele country, and Mr. Ayres has met with
the species in the Transvaal. He observes :—“I found these Larks
in the Mariqua district, frequenting the open glades at the com-
mencement of the thicker bush, but in the latter I did not notice
them. When disturbed, they generally flew from the ground on to
the nearest bush.” Mr. T. E. Buckley likewise met with it in the
Transvaal and in Bamangwato. It is by no means improbable that
the present bird and M. nevia will be found on the comparison
of a larger series, to belong to one and the same species, as the only
difference seems to be the smaller and much more slender bill
of M. sabota, but as far as our material goes, the large bill of
M. nevia seems to be a very constant and conspicuous character.

Adult male. — Above sandy fawn colour, with distinct mesial
centres of blackish brown to all the feathers, more closely mottled
on the head, which appears in consequence rather darker than the

MIRAFRA FRINGILLARIS. 527

back ; the hind neck distinctly washed with ashy fulvous, slightly
separating the head from the back ; wing-coverts dark brown in
the centre, with broad fawn coloured margins, shading off on the
extreme edge into fulvous, the edge of the wing whitish, and the
primary coverts dull ashy brown, distinctly edged and tipped with
white; quills dark brown, the primaries narrowly margined with
sandy buff and tipped with whitish, the secondaries broadly edged
with fawn colour exactly like the wing-coverts ; rump coloured like
the back ; upper tail-coverts dark brown, tipped and margined with
fulvous, and washed with fawn colour near the base; tail-feathers
blackish, distinctly margined with sandy fawn colour and tipped
with whitish, the borders of the two centre feathers and the external
one the broadest; a very distinct white eyebrow; feathers in front
of the eye blackish, with a line of white feathers under the latter ;
ear-coverts sandy fawn colour, darker on the upper margin, and
streaked with fulvous ; cheeks buffy white, spotted with black, and
forming a moustache on each side of the throat, which is buffy white
and unspotted, excepting a few blackish spots on the lower part;
rest of the under surface isabelline sand colour, the chest plainly
covered with triangular spots of dark brown, some of the spots
inclining to rufous; sides of the body streaked, and the flanks
washed with sandy rufous; under wing-coverts ashy, with broad
whitish margins, some of them washed with sandy colour; the inner
lining of wing light ashy brown, inclining to pale isabelline near the
base of the inner web; “ upper mandible and tip of lower one light
reddish brown, rest of the lower one sienna yellow ; legs, toes, and
claws sienna yellow, tinted with flesh red; claws faintly shaded with
light reddish brown” (Sir A. Smith). Total length, 5:8 inches ;
culmen, 0°55; wing, 3°3; tail, 2°4; tarsus, 0°9.

The summer plumage is different from the winter dress only in
being much darker by reason of the absence of the light margins
to the feathers of the upper surface, which is also much more rufous;
underneath the chest is washed with rufous, and the black spots are
more distinct ; the imner lining of the wing is also deeper and more
leaden grey.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. Ixxxix, fig. 2 (err. for
fig. 1).

516. Mrrarra Frinarniaris (Swnd,) Finch-like Lark.

This species was discovered by the late Professor Wahlberg in

528 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

South-eastern Africa. Mr. T, E. Buckley had one specimen in his
collection from the Transvaal, and we have seen four examples from
Damara Land.

Adult.—Above dusky brown, the feathers margined with ashy
buff, but the general character of the upper surface more dingy than
in most other Larks, some of the back feathers washed with fulvous ;
wing-coverts dull brown, narrowly margined with fulvous, the
greater series with rufescent margins, especially at the tip; quills
dark brown, the primaries with broad rufous margins narrowing
towards the tip, the secondaries with ashy fulvous edgings ; lower
back, rump, and upper tail-coverts dull brown, slightly varied with
ashy fulvous margins; tail dark brown, the central feathers paler
and plainly margined with fulvous, the other feathers less plainly
edged, the penultimate one broadly margined with white on outer
web, the outermost feather white at base, but obliquely white for
more than the terminal half; lores and a distinct eyebrow sandy
buff; ear-coverts rufous, spotted with dark brown, especially on the
hinder margin ; cheeks, throat, and sides of neck buffy white; rest
of under surface creamy buff washed with isabelline on the chest,
which is thickly spotted with dark brown, a few spots of which
colour extend on to the throat; under wing-coverts isabelline,
resembling the inner lining of the quills, with a few spots of brown
on the carpal edge of the wing ; “ beak horn coloured ; legs sienna ;
iris hazel”? (7. H. Buckley). Total length, 5°3 inches ; culmen, 0°6 ;
wing, 3°1; tail, 2°5; tarsus, 0°85.

It is very closely allied to M. cheniana but is a much larger bird,
has not the red borders to the wing-coverts, nor is it so richly coloured.
The white border does not extend on to the inner web of the
penultimate tail-feathers in the present bird, whereas in M. cheniana
it extends to the inner web of the penultimate, and even forms a
border to the third feather.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1874, pl. Ixxv, fig. 1.

517. Mrrarra cHENIANA, Snvith. Latakoo Lark.
Megalophonus chenianus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 214.

This species appears to be rather rare. Sir Andrew Smith found
it first on the extensive grassy plains to the northward and eastward
of Latakoo. He says that it prefers situations abounding in long
rank grass, amongst which it runs; it feeds on grass and insects.

MIRAFRA CHENIANA, 529

Mr. T. C. Atmore procured it on the Whittlesea Flats in the eastern
district, and Mr. Ayres says that it is found in the Mariqua district,
where both bush and glade are pretty equally distributed. He
writes :—“ This Lark somewhat resembles in its habits the English
Skylark, rismg in the air in the early morning, with the same
fluttering flight and singing sweetly all the time. I observed this
in the middle of February, towards the end of our summer; and the
birds were then in pairs. The food of this species consists of small
insects.”

This species is very like M. fringillaris, but is smaller and has the
three tail-feathers white on their outer webs.

Adult.—Above dark brown, almost blackish, the feathers margined
with sandy rufous, especially broad on the hind neck, some few
of the scapular feathers with narrow fulvous tips; wings rufous, the
coverts having dark brown bases, the greater series dark brown,
margined with rufous, shading off into fulvous on the extreme edge ;
quills dark brown, with very broad rufous margins, the edges of the
secondaries more fulyous ; upper tail-coverts dark brown, with ashy
fulvous margins ; tail dark brown, the two centre feathers margined
with rufous, shading off into fulvous towards the tips; the two
outermost feathers pure white, with a touch of brown near the base
of the outer, but occupying the half of the mner web of the penulti-
mate feather for all its length, as well as a short distance towards
the end of the shaft; feathers above and below the eye, forming a
distinct eyebrow, creamy buff; ear-coverts rufous, slightly mottled
with dark brown, as also are the cheeks and sides of the neck, which
are white; throat white, unspotted ; rest of under surface creamy
buff, strongly inclining to rufous on the chest, which is marked with
triangular spots of- dark brown, inclining to streaks on the sides of
the breast; flanks and thighs washed with rufous; under tail-coverts
buffy white ; under wing-coverts deep rufous ; inner lining of wing
ashy brown, inclining to rufous on the inner web ; “ upper mandible
deep brownish red, lower mandible deep sienna yellow ; legs, toes,
and claws pale buff orange, tinged with flesh-red” (Sir A. Smith) ;
“iris dark brown” (Ayres). Total length, 5-3 inches; culmen, 0°5 ;
wing, 2°85; tail, 2°9; tarsus, 0-9.

Fig. Smith, Ill: Zool. S. Afr. pl. Ixxxix. fig. 2 (err. . for
fig. 1).

tho

M

530 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

518. Muirarra nigricans, Sundev. Dark-coloured Lark. |
This large species, remarkable for its size and peculiar coloration,
is apparently a rare bird in all parts of South Africa. It was
originally discovered by the late Professor Wahlberg in the district
of the Upper Limpopo, and we have seen one specimen obtained by
Dr. Bradshaw in the Makalaka country. ‘Two specimens have been
forwarded by Anchieta from Humbe and Quillengues in South-
Western Africa, and from one of these kindly lent to us by Professor
Barboza du Bocage, we have drawn up the following description :—
Adult.—General colour above blackish-brown with obsolete
sandy-coloured edgings to the feathers of the upper surface, the
wing-coverts more broadly margined, the edgings being whiter and
more distinct ; quills dark brown, the inner primaries and secondaries
tipped with white, the innermost secondaries broadly margined with
sandy buff; upper tail-coverts and tail blackish brown, with almost
obsolete fulyous tips; lores and plumes above and below the eye
white slightly spotted with black ; cheeks and sides of face also dull
white, the ear-coverts conspicuously ending in black and a line of
black feathers drawn across the cheeks from below the eye; entire
under surface of body white, the throat, abdomen and under tail-
coverts unspotted ; the lower throat and fore-neck thickly mottled
with black spots, becoming smaller and more ovate on the breast ;
sides of the breast ashy black; under wing-coverts and axillaries
dull black, very broadly tipped with buffy-white, the edge of the
wing entirely of the latter colour, the lower series ashy brown like
the inner lining of the quills, which are pale rufous at the base and
for the greater part of the inner web; bill horn brown, yellowish
' near the base ; feet dull fleshy brown; iris brown. Total length, 8:3
inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 4°8; tail, 3°3 ; tarsus, 1:15 (mus. Lisb.).
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. vii. fig. 1.

Fam. MOTACILLIDZA.

519. Macronyx capensis, D. Cape Long-claw.
Anthus capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 120.

This handsome Pipit, which is called the “ Cut-throat Lark” by
the English colonists, “ Kalkoentje” by the Dutch, is common
throughout all the open country of the colony; it would be better
to say the forest itself is the only place where it is not to be found.

MACRONYX CAPENSIS. 531

Mr. W. Atmore declares that it is never found on Karroo soil, and
we do not remember noticing it near Beaufort: certainly it is
not recorded in Victorin’s collections from the Karroo, though
he appears to have met with it plentifully in the Knysna district.
Mr. Rickard tells us that it is very abundant, both at Hast London
and Port Elizabeth, and Mr. T. C. Atmore sends it from Hland’s
Post. In Natal it occurs along with WM. striolatus, and Mr. Fellowes
found it abundant in Zulu Land. The late Mr. Frank Oates
procured it at Pretoria and between Ladysmith and Newcastle.
Mr. T. EK. Buckley writes: “ Very common through Natal and the
‘Hight Veldt’ part of the Transvaal. They are found singly or in
pairs, and fly with several very rapid beats of the wing together,
uttering their call-note all the time, which is exactly what Layard
calls ‘mewing.”?” Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Savile
Reid relate that in Natal it is universally distributed and extremely
common. “ Besides its peculiar ‘mewing’ cry, it has a rapid,
spasmodic, but not unpleasant song, which it utters only when on
the wing, and which is apparently confined to the breeding season.
Never seen in flocks.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition to the
Mashoona country, the present species was said to have occurred as
far north as the Inshlangeen River.

In its habits it resembles the Sky-lark, excepting that it does not
soar, sing’, or congregate in flocks. Instead of perching on clods of
earth,—such luxuries not beimg common in this land,—it mounts a
white-ant’s heap, and keeps a look-out for its enemies from that
eminence. It is usually found in pairs, and when one flies off,
uttering its peculiar “mewing” cry, the other is sure to follow. It
often perches on low bushes, amid which it runs with great rapidity,
leaving a scent so strong that even the best pointers will “ draw”
after it for a considerable distance.

The flesh of this bird is delicious eating,—and on the high plateau
about the Knysna, where they abound, a good shot might secure a
sumptuous dish in a very few hours. But powder and shot is too
expensive in these regions to be wasted on such “small fry,” and
perhaps the report of your gun will spring two or three Bustards
within a few hundred yards.

Tt makes a close compact nest of roots of fibres in a tuft of grass
most artfully concealed, and the female sits so closely that she will
allow the clump to be touched before she will move. Eggs 3-5; they

2m 2

d32 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

are large and vary much; but they are usually of a white or cream-
coloured ground plentifully spotted, but chiefly at the obtuse end, im
the form of a ring, with brown and pale purplish spots of different
shades and sizes: axis, 13”; diam, 9”.

Upper parts, variegated dark-brown, the feathers having light
edges; wing and tail-feathers the same, the edges of some of the
former being yellow, others white; three outer tail-feathers more or
less tipped with white; over the eye a bright orange line; from the
corners of the bill rise two black stripes, which extend down the
sides of the chin, and unite in front on the lower part of the throat;
all within this is a brilliant, shining, crimson-orange ; below it the
centre of the breast and belly is orange; sides and flanks cinereous ;
edges of shoulders bright orange; toes very long and strong, the
hinder one armed with a claw 9” long. Length, 7’9’"; wing, 3’ 9’".

Fig. Levaill, Ois. d’Afr. iv. pl. 195.

520. Macronyx striozatus, Heugl.
Southern Yellow-breasted Long-claw.
Anthus flavigaster, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 121.

A fine male bird, from which the subjoined description is taken,
is contained in the Albany Museum, and was procured near Grahams-
town. ‘his is the only instance of the occurrence of the species
within the limits of the colony, although it is frequently seen in
Natal collections. Captain Shelley states that they were common
about Pinetown, in Natal, and he also met with them near Durban.
He writes: ‘‘ They were generally in pairs, and when disturbed from
the high grass, they often fly to the topmost branches of some
neighbouring tree.” The specimens brought to England by Mr.
F. A. Barratt, belonged to this species and not to M. capensis ; and
he states that he has seen it from Bloemfontein up to Pretoria and
Nazareth, and on his trip to Rustenberg. “I have never seen them,”
he adds, “elsewhere than in the grass. This bird is often killed by
waggon-drivers with the whip, and I have frequently done so myself
when I wanted a specimen.” Dr. Kirk found them abundantly in the
Zambesi, on the sea-coast of the Delta, and he believes that it was this
same species which was observed in the interior. It ranges along
the Eastern Coast of Africa into the region of the Gazelle River,
in North-Eastern Africa. Although Mr. Andersson never obtained
specimens during his sojourn in South-Western Africa, Senor

|

|

mae -

+ ere

MACRONYX CAMPESTRIS. 533

Anchieta has procured it at Huilla, in Mossamedes, and the British
Museum contains a specimen shot in Angola by Mr. Monteiro.

Upper plumage light brown, the middle of each feather being
more or less occupied by black; wings the same; tail blackish, the
four lateral feathers more or Jess tipped with white. Under plumage
bright and clear yellow, interrupted by a gorget of deep black,
commencing beneath the eye and widening to the breadth of more
than half an inch on the breast, the sides of which have dusky
stripes; bill and legs pale. Length, 7’ 6’; wings, 3” 2’;
tail, 3” 3’".

521. Macronyx ametim, De Tarr. Red-breasted Long-claw.
Anthus amelie, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 124.

This fine Pipit is distinguished from the foregoing and indeed
from every species of Macronyx by its pink breast in addition to
several other striking characteristics. It is, says Mr. Ayres, found
only along the coast of Natal, on marshy flats, where they are fond
of perching on small mounds early in the morning, and sunning
themselves. Mr. Fellowes obtained the species north of the Tugela
and informs us that it is not uncommon there, taking the place of
Macronyx capensis of the Cape Colony.

Fig. Gray and Mitchell, Gen. B. i. pl. 54.

522. Anruus camprstRis, Bechst. Tawny Pipit.

This bird has been included by Mr. Gurney in Andersson’s “ Birds
of Damara Land,” on the strength of a specimen in the Editor’s
collection from Damara Land. The example in question, however,
we now believe to be referable to A. nicholsoni, but Professor
Barboza du Bocage states that he has received birds from Senor
Anchieta which are identical with A. campestris of Europe, though the
description which he gives of the outer tail-feathers in the specimen
described leads us to believe that his bird is likewise A. nicholsont.
In fact it appears to us extremely doubtful whether the European
Tawny Pipit comes to South Africa at all, as we believe that its place
is taken throughout all the southern portion of the African continent
by Anthus caffer.

We may state for the benefit of collectors that A. campestris can
be told unfailingly by two characters: it has only the 2nd, 3rd,

and 4th primaries with an emargination on the outer web, and

534 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the 2nd tail-feather is white along the whole of the outer web,

and diagonally white across the inner web almost to the same extent

as the outer one. These two nearly white outer tail-feathers ought to

distinguish it from all other African species excepting A. caffer.
Fig. Dresser, B. of Europe, iii. pl. 137.

5238. Awnruus carrer, Swnd. Lesser Tawny Pipit.

The present species may be looked upon as a small southern form
of the Palearctic A. campestris, and like that species it has no
distinct emargination on the 5th primary, only the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
being clearly emarginate. Like that species also it has the outer
tail-feather nearly white and the penultimate one almost entirely
white, but in freshly moulted specimens these feathers are sometimes
shghtly fulyescent. The breast is always spotted, whereas in A.
campestris it is quite uniform in the breeding plumage, and only the
young birds show spots on the chest. The wing in this species
measures 3°4 to 3°55 inches, the tail 2°5 to 2°6, and the tarsus 1:05
to 1:15. Examples from the Cape Colony are rather larger than
those from more northern localities.

It appears to be widely distributed throughout South Africa.
We have shot it ourselves near a vley on the Cape flats, and have
received it from Colesberg, Swellendam, and Kuruman. Mr.
Ortlepp and Mr. Rickard have both met with it near Port Elizabeth,
and from the ‘Transvaal specimens are frequently forwarded. It
was observed as high as the Tati River in Matabele Land by
Mr. Jameson’s expedition. Mr. Ayres notes that here it was pretty
generally distributed, but not common anywhere ; almost always in
pairs and frequenting the trees. The species was procured at Tete on
the Zambesi by Sir John Kirk, who has also found it near Zanzibar.

Besides the above localities in the Cape Colony we may mention
that Mr. T. C. Atmore has shot the present species at Eland’s Post
and Grahamstown in the eastern districts, and that the late Mr.
Frank Oates procured a specimen near Pietermaritzburg. Mr.
Ortlepp sends eggs, which are dirty white spotted with dark and
light brown spots of various sizes. Axis 94”, diam. 6}. This
Pipit places its nest on the ground in some snug well-sheltered
nook, or at the foot of a tuft of grass. It is cup-shaped and neatly
built of dry grass, the outer layers coarse, the next fine, and lined
with hair from the tails of cattle. The eggs are four in number.

ANTHUS CAFFER. 535

With regard to its occurrence in Natal, Majors Butler and
Feilden and Capt. Reid give the following note :—“‘ Common at
the Ingagane River, near Newcastle, where Reid obtained four
specimens in June and July, feeding on the bare patches round the
stone cattle ‘kraals.” He also met with it near Ladysmith in
November, and obtained the eggs from two nests on the 18th and
19th of that month. The nests were cup-shaped, well concealed
among the growing herbage, and resembling those of our common
European Meadow Pipit. The eggs im the first nest, three in
number, are white, with distinct freckles and small blotches of
chocolate-brown, and a more obscure series of ashy grey markings,
most numerous towards the larger end, measuring ‘8 inches by
*6 inches. In the second nest the two eggs have the markings
smaller, but more numerous and of a slightly duller brown.”

Adult male.—General aspect above mottled, the plumage rather
clear sandy brown with distinct blackish centres to all the feathers,
the margins of the mantle plumes slightly ashy; lower back and
rump perfectly uniform sandy ash-brown; wing-coverts more
strongly mottled than the back, the feathers with blackish bases
and broad sandy rufous margins, edged with creamy whitish at their
ends; inner median and greater coverts, bastard-wing and primary
coverts*blackish edged with ashy rufous ; quills blackish, externally
sandy rufous, the primaries narrowly edged with whitish; inner
secondaries very broadly margined with pale sandy buff; upper
tail-coverts sandy brown with dusky brown centres; tail-feathers
blackish, narrowly edged with sandy brown, the two centre feathers
more broadly edged with sandy buff inclining to white near the
tips, the outermost feather almost entirely white, excepting a dusky
patch for two-thirds of the inner web along its edge, the penulti-
mate tail-feather also for the most part white, but having the dusky
patch on the inner web darker and extending nearer to the tip, the
shaft of this feather being blackish ; head and neck clear sandy brown
mottled with blackish centres to the feathers like the back ; lores
dusky ; a well-defined eyebrow of yellowish buff; ear-coverts clear
sandy brown, darker on the upper margin; cheeks yellowish buff,
separated from the whitish throat by an indistinct moustachial line
of black; lower throat, fore-neck, breast and flanks bright sandy
buff, a little browner on the latter; centre of the breast and
abdomen isabelline white ; onthe lower throat and fore-neck some

536 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

very distinct longitudinal spots of black; thighs and under tail-
coverts pale sandy buff; under wing-coverts smoky brown, the
lower ones slightly tinged with sandy buff; axillaries smoky brown
with sandy buff margins; quills below dusky brown, inner edges
ashy fulyous: “bill brown, with the basal portion of the lower
mandible flesh-colour; legs and feet yellowish clay-colour ; iris
brown” (feid). Total length, 6°5 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing,
3°5; tail, 2°5; tarsus, 1:1.

524. AnrHus paLLuscens, Bocage. Pale Tawny Pipit.

This species is a pale edition of A. caffer, which it resembles in
the character of its markings, but differs in its extremely light
colouration. Only one specimen is known as yet, viz., the type
which has been kindly lent to us by Prof. Barboza du Bocage; it
was procured by Anchieta at Humbe on the Cunene River, and,
although we should like to have seen more specimens of this pale
form, yet the mere fact that none of the many specimens examined
by us from other parts of Africa in the least approach it in colour,
induces us to believe that it may be a differeut species peculiar to
South-Western Africa.

Fig. Bocage, Orn, Angola, pl. viii. fig. 2.

525. ANTHUS NICHOLSONI, Sharpe. | Nicholson’s Pipit.
Anthus campestris, auct. ex Afr. merid.

All the remaining Pipits of South Africa besides the three
foregoing species have the 2nd, 8rd, 4th, and 5th primaries
emarginate on the outer web, and the three species which follow are
distinguished by their smoky or fulvous brown axillaries and under
wing-coverts. One of these appears to us to be without a name, as
we cannot at present find any of the published descriptions which
will suit it, and we have affixed to it the name of Mr. Francis
Nicholson who has long been studying the Motacillide, and whose
monograph of the family we hope shortly to welcome.

The present species is about the same in size as A. pyrrhonotus,
but is distinguished by its more mottled back and by the markings
of the two outer tail-feathers: it would appear to be the South
African representative of Anthus sordidus of Abyssinia, but is not
nearly so distinctly mottled on the back, although it is much more
varied in this respect than its ally A. pyrrhonotus. ‘The tail-

Se

wn Ste

Os SET. 6 ge, a,

en ee ee re

a

ANTHUS PYRRHONOTUS. 537

feathers, however, are so characteristically marked that we do not
think it can be mistaken for any other African Pipit. The penul-
timate feather is almost entirely blackish, save for a narrow fringe
of isabelline along the outer web, sometimes extending round the tip
of the inner web, but always extremely narrow. The outer feather is
diagonally blackish on the inner web, the shaft appears to be always
blackish at the ends and generally for its whole extent. The outer
web is pale isabelline buff for its entire extent, but becoming whiter
towards the end; this is especially the case on the inner web, which
is diagonally pale isabelline for its terminal third, becoming whiter
towards the tip.

Five specimens of this species are in the British Museum. One
is a male collected by Mr. T. C. Atmore, at Eland’s Post, in June,
1870; a second was obtained by the same gentleman at Sigonell
on the Vaal River; a third, also a male, was shot by Mr. C. Newby
near Kingwilliamstown on the 24th of May; all these specimens
are in a very similar plumage and appear to be in winter dress.
A female killed by Mr. Andersson near Cape Town on the Ist of
May is also in winter plumage and differs only in being rather
more fulvescent on the tail-feathers. The editor’s collection also
contained a specimen of Mr. Andersson’s marked as a male, but
unfortunately bearing no indication of its locality. It is apparently
one of his Ondonga skins, and seems to be in breeding plumage. It
is much more rufescent than the winter killed birds, and from the
wearing off of the edges of the feathers the dark mesial markings of
the upper surface appear in somewhat stronger relief, and impart a
more distinctly mottled appearance.

526. AnrHus pyrrHonotus, V. Cinnamon-backed Pipit.
Megalophonus pyrrhonothus (V.): Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 211.
Anthus lewcophrys, id, tom. cit. p. 122.

This Pipit, the Enkelde Leeuwerk of the Dutch colonists, is-by far
the commonest of the South African species. It is found abundantly
all over the colony. Mr. Andersson procured it in the neighbourhood
of Cape Town, as well as at the Knysna. Mr. Rickard says that it
is common near Port Elizabeth, and we shot it ourselves in the
neighbourhood of Grahamstown. It was sent by Mr. Atmore from
Bland’s Post, as well as from the Vaal River, and Captain Trevelyan
procured it near Kingwilliamstown. We have seen examples from

538 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Natal collected by Mr. Ayres, and Mr. Frank Oates shot it on
the Kaarkloof Heights near Pietermaritzburg. Majors Butler and
Feilden and Captain Reid state that in Natal it is an exceedingly
common bird on the “ Veldt”’ in the upper portions of the colony.
Several nests were taken near Newcastle and Ladysmith.

In the Transvaal, writes Mr. Ayres :—‘‘ This Pipit is distributed
during the winter months over the whole country, but more plenti-
fully on high bare lands than in the bush or along the Limpopo. It
feeds on insects, has a low dipping flight, and occasionally alights on
low trees.” Mr. F. A. Barratt met with it in the Lydenburg district,
and Mr. Jameson procured specimens on the Umvuli River in
August and October. Mr. Ayres gives the following note :—“In
pairs, but not common. ‘They frequent the lower parts of the rocky
hills, and on being disturbed at once fly on to the nearest tree, and
when followed, continue from tree to tree. I was surprised at this
habit, as also at the bird not preferring the more open grassy
country: for those I saw were always in well wooded parts.”
According to Mr. Andersson it is widely dispersed over both
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and Senor Anchieta has met
with it at Caconda in the interior of Benguela, and in Angola
proper.

As in A. nicholsoni, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th primaries are
emarginate, but the outer tail-feather is very pale smoky brown or
slightly rufescent, lighter at the tip and a little more dusky along
the inner web; the shaft very pale; the penultimate feather smoky
brown, edged and tipped with whitish, both scarcely perceptible.
The uniform character of the upper surface will, however, generally
distinguish the present bird.

The nest of this species is placed under a tuft of grass, and the
eggs are very variable. The ground is usually cream colour
profusely spotted throughout with various shades of brown and
purple, more thickly at the obtuse end. Axis 2’, diam. 7’”.

Major Butler gives the following note on its nesting in Natal :—
“ Found a nest near Newcastle, on the lst of October, under a
tussock of grass. It was well concealed and composed of dry grass,
lined with finer material of the same description, cow-hair, horse-
hair, etc., with a run up to it on one side, so that it was necessary to
stoop down very low to see into it. Eggs three in number, fresh,
white, spotted all over with grey. Another nest, precisely similar in

Te ee eee

-

ANTHUS BRACHYURUS. 539

composition and situation, at Sunday’s River, on the 12th of October,
containing three eggs slightly incubated.”

Adult female (in breeding plumage).—General colour above nearly
uniform umber brown, but slightly paler and more ashy on the
hinder neck ; least wing-coverts like the back, the remainder blackish,
edged with dark sandy buff; the bastard-wing and primary-coverts
blackish brown narrowly margined with ashy fulvous, as also are the
primaries, the secondaries, however, having rather broader edges
of sandy buff; tail-feathers dark brown narrowly edged with ashy
fulyous, the two outer feathers smoky brown with an oblique mark of
dark brown along the inner web, the tips of both feathers isabelline,
as also the outer web of the external rectrix ; head nearly uniform like

-the back ; lores and a distinct eyebrow as well as the feathers under
the eye isabelline whitish, rather more sandy on the hinder part of
the eyebrow ; ear-coverts pale sandy buff, browner along the upper
margin; cheeks whitish with a dusky line along the upper margin and
a plainer moustachial line of blackish ; throat whitish ; remainder of
the under surface of the body pale sandy buff, inclining to isabelline
on the centre of the breast, abdomen, thighs and under tail-coverts ;
fore-neck and breast slightly washed with ashy fulvous with a few
indistinct streaks of dusky brown; flanks rather more strongly
washed with sandy buff; axillaries and under wing-coverts smoky
brown washed with sandy buff; under surface of quills dusky, ashy
isabelline along the inner web. Total length, 6:4 inches ; culmen,
0°65 ; wing, 3°6; tail, 2°25; tarsus, 1-1.

Fig. Levaill. Ois. d’Afr. iv. pl. 197.

527. ANTHUS BRACHYURUS. Short-tailed Pipit.
Anthus calthrope and A. brachywrus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pp.
121, 122.

The diminutive size of this Pipit is its foremost claim to recog-
nition among its South African relations. Total length, 4°6 inches ;
wing, 2°5. It is not a common bird in museums, and is almost
exclusively known as a Natal bird. Mr. Thomas Ayres writes from
that colony :—‘“ This species is only plentiful during the summer
months; it is quite a terrestrial bird, never, to my knowledge,
alighting on any twig or stem of grass, but always on the ground.
The birds generally rise from the grass close to one’s feet, and it is
no easy matter to shoot them, as their flight is both strong and very

540 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

eccentric. They build their nests (I am tolerably sure) similarly to
the Lark’s on the ground, with a few loose dry leaves of grass: they
are generally either single or in pairs.” We have recently seen
examples from the Lydenburg district in the Eastern Transvaal,
collected by Mr. Lucas, and now belonging to the Bloemfontein
Museum.

The author had a specimen alive at the Cape fora long time,
which he described as Anthus calthrope, but which we now know to
be the same as A. brachyurus. The following account of it is
extracted from the first edition of the present work:—* A little pet
—the only specimen I have seen—of a small Anthus is merrily
hopping about in my aviary, and known to the household by the
familiar name of ‘ Brownie,’ and from his engaging ways and
sprightly song, is a general favourite. He came into my possession
more than six years ago, and was brought from Swartland. He
usually commences his song the earliest, but one, of all my birds:
the “ early bird” is a Java sparrow, who with the faintest dawn begins
a low guttural gobbling, ending in a mellow but short pipe. As soon
as I remove the cover from the cage, ‘ Brownie,’ who roosts on the
ground, sometimes in a corner, at other times behind the seed-box,
mounts a large stone, placed in the cage for his special benefit,
and pours out his voluble song, short, certainly, but oft-repeated.
Occasionally he will hop on the edge of the cage, or mayhap on a
perch, and then treat us to a stave; but his favourite singing-place
is the stone. Sometimes when I am going to bed, without any
warning, ‘ Brownie’ will start off in full tide of song: he is then
usually on the ground. He, however, has more than once been
in disgrace. Among the many birds confined with him, are a pair
of doves from Java: these he almost stripped of their feathers,
for the sake of nibbling the quill-ends, which are rapidly passed
through his little sharp bill, like canes through a sugar-crusher, and
with the same results. From this propensity, I fancy ‘ Brownie’ must
like a meat diet—worms and insects, perhaps; he, however, feeds
upon canary-seed, and will eat groundsel and chickweed, and all that
the canaries which are inhabitants of the same large cage feed upon.”

528. ANTHUS LINEIVENTRIS, Sund. Larger Yellow-tufted Pipit.

This and the two following species of Anthus are distinguished
by their yellow axillaries and under wing-coverts. The upper

<a

2 lel eal aay: mt ee ee

1

ANTHUS LINEIVENTRIS. 541

plumage is mottled with dark centres to the feathers, and the only
other species with which it could be confounded is Anthus chloris.
It is, however, larger than that bird, and has no yellow in the
centre of the breast, which is streaked with black, like the flanks.
The species was originally discovered by the late Professor
Wahlberg, in the Limpopo River, and it appears to have been only
once obtained since, viz., by Senor Anchieta, at Pungo-Andongo
to the north of the Quanza River.

The following description is taken from the latter specimen,
which has been kindly lent to us by Professor Barboza du Bocage :—

Adult male.—General colour above dull brown, with lighter
brown edgings to the feathers; head lighter brown, with dark
brown centres to the feathers, producing a streaked appearance;
hind neck more ashy brown with dark brown centres, appearing
streaked like the head; wings dark brown, all the feathers broadly
margined with fulvous, washed with olive yellow on the least and
median wing-coverts, the quills also edged with olive-yellow ; tail
dark brown, margined with lighter brown and with olive-yellow near
the base ; outermost feather brown, with a large triangular wedge of
white on the inner web, the outer web white also near the base;
penultimate feather with a smaller triangle of white at the tip of the
inner web, the third feather having one smaller still; lores and a
narrow eyebrow dull whitish, the latter tinged with yellow; in front of
the eyea dusky spot; round the eye a ring of yellowish white plumes ;
ear-coverts dark brown ; cheeks white with small triangular spots of
dark brown; throat dull white, unspotted; rest of under surface of
body dull white, the throat marked with small triangular spots] of
blackish brown, widening on the fore-neck; breast and sides of
the body longitudinally streaked with blackish brown ; thighs dark
brown; under tail-coverts dull white with large centres of dark
brown; under wing-coverts olive-yellow with brown bases; bill
blackish, the lower mandible yellowish, the tip dusky; feet
yellowish; irisdusky brown. Total length, 7°4inches; culmen, 0°65;
wing, 3°5; tail, 2°9; tarsus, 1-1.

529. Awnruus cHLoris, Licht. Smaller Yellow-tufted Pipit.

Though possessing the yellow axillaries and yellow under wing-
coverts of A. lineiventris, which it further resembles in its mottled
back, the present species may be distinguished from that bird by its

542 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

smaller size, and by the patch of yellow in the centre of the breast.
The under surface is nearly uniform with a few indistinct centres of
light brown to some of the feathers. From A. crenatus it is easily
distinguished by its smaller size and Lark-like appearance, the upper
surface being strongly mottled with dark centres to the feathers,
thus presenting a great contrast to the uniform back of A. crenatus;
the thin, straight hind claw which is as long as the hind toe itself
is a further difference.

The species was originally described by Lichtenstein from
“ Kaffraria,” and a single specimen from Natal collected by Dr.
Gueinzius is in the British Museum: it measures as follows :—Total
length, 6°5-inches ; culmen, 0°6 ; wing, 3°25; tail, 2°6; tarsus, 0:95;
hind toe, 0°45; its claw, 0°45. Another specimen was shot near
Grahamstown by J. B. Glanville, and is preserved in the Albany
Museum. We think that there can be no doubt that the bird
recently described from Natal as Anthus butleri is the same as A.
chloris, and therefore the following note from the paper on the Birds
of Natal, by Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid, refers to the
present species :—“ Feilden shot the first specimen on the 6th June,
and Reid met with it at the Ingagane River in July, and obtained
three specimens. Butler afterwards obtained a fine male, nearly in
full plumage, on November 9th, at Newcastle, where it was by no
means common. Those obtained at the Ingagane were very local,
and only to be found on one particular open flat near the main
‘drift... In their movements and flight they much resembled
Wagtails.” Captain Butler adds the following notes referring to
his type specimen :—“ Legs and feet brownish flesh ; bill horny-
brown above, lavender below: iris dark brown.” He also says
that it is a bird of skulking habits, seeking concealment in the grass
much more than the other Pipits, especially when pursued, lying
close, and being consequently often difficult to flush a second time.
Mr. F. ‘Nicholson has received specimens from Mr. Lucas, shot in
the Rustenburg district, in the Eastern Transvaal.

Adult female.—General colour above dark brown, all the feathers
with edgings of sandy-buff, giving a Lark-like appearance to the
upper surface; hind neck slightly ashy; head with longitudinal
centres of dark brown; scapulars like the back with a slight wash
of yellow; least and median wing-coverts dark brown with broad
margins of pale olive-yellow, the greater series margined with sandy

BERR

ANTHUS CRENATUS. 043

buif like the secondaries; primaries and their coverts dark brown

. with narrow edgings of olive-yellow, the first primary whitish along

the outer web; upper tail-coverts and tail-feathers dark brown with
distinct edgings of sandy buff, slightly washed with yellow towards
the base, the penultimate feather tipped with white, the outermost
one for the greater part white excepting a broad diagonal mark of
brown on the inner web, widening towards the base: lores and a
broad eyebrow dingy white, as also a ring of feathers round the eye;
ear-coverts dull white, marked with dark brown on the upper and
lower margins ; cheeks sandy buff; throat dull white, the fore. neck
sandy buff narrowly streaked with reddish brown shaft-lines ; centre
of the breast pale yellow; abdomen dull whitish, the sides of the
body dull sandy buff, with distinct dark brown shaft-streaks on the
flanks ; under tail-coverts fulvous, with dark brown centres; edge
of the wing and axillary feathers light olive-yellow; remainder of
under wing-coverts dark brown, broadly edged with white; quills
ashy brown below, greyer along the inner web: “ iris dark brown;
upper mandible, and tip of lower, neutral tint; base of lower
mandible purple flesh-colour; legs and toes light yellowish brown ”
(Reid). Total length, 6:7 inches; culmen, 0°6; wing, 3°2; tail, 2:7;
tarsus, 0°95; hind toe, 0°45; claw, 0°5.

530. AnrTHus cRENATUS, F’. and H. Larger Yellow-tufted Pipit.

This species belongs to the section of Pipits with the shoulders or,
more strictly speaking, the wing-coverts washed with yellow. It is
distinguished from A. chloris by its larger size, curved hind claw and
uniform upper surface.

The typical example was sent by us to the Bremen Museum from
the neighbourhood of Cape Town, and another specimen exists in
the British Museum, obtained by the late Mr. Andersson at the same
place. Beyond these two birds we have only seen a pair, for which
we were indebted to Mr. T. C. Atmore, who procured them in the
eastern province, the male at Burghersdorp, the female at Colesberg.

Adult male—Uniform brown above, with obsolete ashy-brown
edges to most of the feathers of the upper surface ; wing-coverts and
quills brown, the least and median coverts, primary-coverts and
primaries washed with olive-yellow on the margins, the inner greater
coverts and inner secondaries edged externally with ashy-brown;
tail-feathers dark brown slightly washed with olive yellow on the

544 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

margins near the base; the outermost feather edged with fulvous
along the outer web and tipped with dull white on the inner web,
the penultimate feather with a dull whitish tip; a narrow eyebrow
running from the base of the nostril, and a ring of feathers round
the eye, dull white; ear-coverts rufous brown, streaked with whity-
brown, the upper edge of the ear-coverts dark brown, forming with
the dusky brown feathers in front of the eye a second streak running
through the eye below the white eyebrow; cheeks and throat dull
white; rest of under surface fulvous brown with fawn buff bases to
the feathers, the chest and sides of body with narrow rufous-brown
shaft-streaks ; edge of wing and axillaries deep olive yellow ; rest of
the under wing-coverts dull brown washed with olive-buff on their
edges, the outermost of the greater series and the quills below ashy
brown, the latter pale rufous-buff along the inner webs. ‘Uotal
length, 6-8 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°45; tail,2°6; tarsus, 1:05;
hind toe, 0°5; its claw, 0°45.

531. Moracrita tonaicaupa, Riipp. Long-tailed Pied Wagtail,

This very elegant Wagtail is rare within the bounds of the colony.
A single specimen was procured near Grahamstown by Mr. Glanville
on the 28th of May, 1868, and Mr. Rickard obtained another at the
Buffalo River on the 3rd of January, 1871. We have also seen a
skin preserved by Mr. F. A. Barratt, who shot it near Kingwilliams-
town: this specimen is now in the collection of Mr. Francis
Nicholson. Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal, whence also some
few skins have been forwarded by his son to Captain Shelley.

The following notes on this species in Natal are given by Mr.
Ayres :—“ These Wagtails are particularly graceful in their move-
ments. They frequent rocky streams, and go so close to the rushing
water that one expects to see them washed away every instant.
They appear to glide rather than walk or run over the stones in
search of insects, and are not at all afraid of wetting their feet.
Soft small dragon-flies are favourite food with them. They are
generally seen in pairs, and warble very prettily though not loudly.”
We must mention that Professor Barboza du Bocage records a
Wagtail obtained at Biballa, which he says agrees in colour with the
present species but is rather smaller.

Adult male.—General colour above clear blue-grey ; lesser wing-
coverts blackish edged with a little darker grey than the back;

=

MOTACILLA VIDUA. 545

median and greater coverts black, tipped with white, the inner ones
more broadly; inner greater coverts white with a black centre to
the outer web; bastard wing, primary-coverts and quills black, only
the imner secondaries edged with white, narrowly along the inner
web, very broadly along the outer one ; upper tail-coverts grey like
the back, the lateral ones externally white ; four centre tail-feathers
blackish, edged with greyish white, the remainder of the feathers
pure white; head a little duller grey than the back, scarcely
perceptible except on the forehead; a distinct superciliary streak of
white from the base of the nostril to above the ear-coverts, as well as
the upper and under edge of the eyelid; lores and ear-coverts blackish,
the latter washed with ashy and having a patch of white on their
posterior lower half; cheeks, throat and under surface of body pure
white, including the thighs and under tail-coverts; across the fore-
neck a crescentic bar of black, wider in the centre; sides of breast
and flanks slightly washed with ashy grey; axillaries and under
wing-coverts white; the external greater coverts blackish like the
under surface of the quills, which are white at the base of the inner
webs; “bill black; legs grey; iris brown” (Ayres). Total length,
7 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 2°95; tail, 3°8; tarsus, 0°8.

Adult female.—Similar to the male.

Young.—Browner than the adult and having the middle tail-
feathers somewhat mottled with white indentations near the base ;
the white markings on the wings abraded and much less distinct;
the black collar on the fore-neck much narrower and browner than
in the adult.

532. Moracinta vipua, Sund. African Pied Wagtail.
Motacilla agwimp, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 119.

Le Vaillant found this species first on the borders of the Orange
River, about the 28th degree of south latitude, and thence to the
tropic. We have received one or two specimens from Beaufort
West, more from Colesberg, and several from Kuruman and the
Free State. Mr. Rickard procured a fine male in full plumage on
the 9th of June, 1870, at Hast London, and we are indebted for a
specimen to Mr. T’. C. Atmore, who shot it at Hopetown. In Natal
Captain Shelley says that he “only saw single specimens or pairs of
birds at the edges of the rivers and brooks near Durban.” The
late Mr. Frank Oates met with it on the Crocodile River, and

2N

546 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. T. Ayres states that in the Transvaal, this Wagtail is “ not nearly
so plentiful as M. capensis : it is almost always found in pairs, usually
near rivers, and often where cattle have been lying during the
night, where it catches the insects that are attracted by the cow-
dung. It is generally distributed, but rather more plentifully
along the Vaal River than elsewhere.” Mr. Jameson’s expedition
procured this species on the Umvuli River in August, and in
the Zambesi region Dr. Kirk says it is found everywhere and is
superstitiously regarded by the natives, who call it ‘ Droindwi.”
Mr. Andersson writes in the “ Birds of Damara Land ” :—“T have
only observed this Wagtail on the borders of the Orange River,
where it is not uncommon. It is generally to be seen either singly
or in pairs, and usually settles on stones or on the ground, along
which it runs with great celerity in pursuit of small insects, which
constitute its chief food, and it also skims the surface of the water
for the same purpose.” Senor Anchieta has procured it once at
Humbe on the Cunene River, and Sala met with it at Kattumbella in
Benguela, as well as in Angola. On the West Coast of Africa it
appears to be seen on all the rivers from the Quanza to the
Cameroons. It is also found in other parts of Eastern and North-
Hastern Africa.

Mr. Ortlepp sends eggs of this species found at Colesberg, which
are light brown, profusely speckled throughout with dark brown,
chiefly at the obtuse end. Axis, 11’’’; diam. 7’’’.. He says that
in its habits and nidification it resembles M. capensis and that it has
a “sweet and sustained note like that of the Cape Canary.”

In their recent paper on the birds of Natal Majors Butler and
Feilden and Captain Reid observe :—* One seen and obtained by
Reid on the edge of a sluggish stream near Colenso, on the 20th
November, where Butler also observed a pair on the banks of the
Tugela. Several pairs seen, and a specimen procured, at the mouth
of the Umgeni, near Durban, on the 24th December. Not observed
in the neighbourhood of Newcastle.”

Adult male.—General colour above jet black from head to tail ;
lesser wing-coverts like the back; median and greater coyerts
white with concealed black bases, forming a conspicuous shoulder-
patch ; bastard-wing and primary coverts black ; quills black with
white bases, the shafts of which are black ; the innermost secondaries
as well as the innermost greater wing-coverts entirely black, the

MOTACILLA CAPENSIS. 547

former with slight ashy white edgings ; upper tail-coverts black, the
lateral ones edged with white ; all but the two outer tail-feathers
black, with slight remains of a white edging on the centre ones ; the
two outer tail-feathers white, the penultimate one edged with black
along the inner web; head like the back; a broad white eyebrow ;
lores and ear-coverts black, joined to the sides of the nape; throat
white, succeeded by a black patch on the fore-neck, which is joined
above by a narrow line to the ear-coverts and laterally to the sides
of the mantle, so as to enclose a large white patch on the sides of
the neck; breast and abdomen white as well as the under tail-
coverts ; sides of breast and flanks ashy grey; thighs black with
white tips; under wing-coverts and axillaries white, mottled with
blackish bases near the edge of the wing; quills dusky blackish
below, with a broad white base to the inner web. Total length,
8 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°65; tail, 3°7; tarsus, 1:0.

Winter plwmage.—Is ashy brown above with a black head, instead
of being entirely black above. The black collar has remains of
white edges to the feathers.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. iv. pl. 178.

533. Moraciita capensis, L. Cape Wagtail.

The “ Quick Stertje,” as it is called by the colonists, is abundant
throughout the colony, frequenting the crowded cities equally
with the outlying farmsteads. In Natal, according to Captain
Shelley, it is not met with in anything like the same abundance,
but is still considered by Mr. Ayres to be the most common
of the Wagtails in that colony. He writes:—“It will frequently
for a length of time follow a horse or ox whilst grazing, running
actively along the ground and catching small insects which are
thus disturbed ; it also appears to find its food abundant in cattle
pens and in muddy streams. Its flight is dipping, like that of
the Wagtail in England.”

Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid observe :—“ Every-
where abundant inland in Natal, but not so numerous, apparently, in
the neighbourhood of the coast. A graceful lively bird, with an
extremely pretty little song, not often heard. Nests were found in
September, October, and November, built on the banks of streams
or dry “dongas,” among over-hanging roots, or under projecting
stones; they are cup-shaped, neatly and massively constructed

ZN 2

548 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of dry grass, lined with fur and cow’s hair. The eggs, three in
number, are usually brownish cream-colour, very distinctly freckled
with brown, and very slightly glossed ; *85 in. by ‘55 in.”

It likewise occurs in the Transvaal, where it also breeds.
According to Mr. Ayres, the nest ‘is coarsely built of rough grass
rather thickly lined with short hair; it is cup-shaped and generally
placed in some crevice of a wall, or in a bank, or amongst the
crannies of a rock, and frequently within a foot or two of some
water. It may also often be found under the eaves of a building,
or in a hole in the thatch. The eggs are generally four in
number.” ;

It even extends its range to the northward of the Transvaal, as
the late Mr. Frank Oates shot a specimen at Inyati, and it was
observed in December in the Mashoona country by Mr. Jameson’s
expedition. The following note is given by Mr. Andersson :—
«This is rather a local bird in Damara and Great Namaqua Land,
but is found somewhat numerously in moist and humid localities,
and is also at times pretty freely met with on the sea-shore. It
occurs sometimes in pairs, and sometimes in small flocks. It
captures its prey both on the wing and by running along the
ground, frequently following in the wake of cattle and picking up
such small insects as may chance to be thus disturbed.” Senor
Anchieta has procured three specimens at Caconda in Benguela,
where he states that the bird bears the native name of Oquice-
cerebanene.

The Common Wagtail is everywhere petted and protected on
account of its trusting, confiding manners, and the gentle way in
which it makes itself one of the family.

Of course, in the towns, where boys, those natural enemies of
birds, abound, the Wagtail is more shy than in the country; but
even there they know the dwellings of those who protect them, and
take up their abode accordingly. In the country, each farm-house
and “ pondok ” (mud-dwelling of Hottentot labourer) has its well-
known pairs of this engaging bird; and woe to the unlucky urchin
who dares to meddle with them or their nests!! To say that “the
angels won’t love them,” would be a blessing compared to the fate
that would be prophesied for the wicked child.

We have often seen the master of the house sitting in his chair in
the cool of the evening, and, perhaps, while one bird perched on the

MOTACILLA CAPENSIS. 549

rail of his chair, another would jump at the flies on his soil-stained
shoes, while two or three more stood pecking at those that plagued
the old dog lying at his master’s feet. Perhaps one or two would
have found their way into the voorhuwis, or entrance-hall, where a
rich harvest awaited them in the bodies of those flies slain by the
attendant dark urchins, who, often ignorant of breeches or petticoats,
guard their master’s viands with a plume of dirty ostrich-feathers or
leafy bough torn from the nearest tree.

These birds consort much with cattle, and jump up against their

. sides as they stand lazily chewing the cud, to catch the small flies

that keep about them; they also congregate in considerable numbers
on the sea-beach, to feed on the flies bred in the putrifying sea-
weed: they run along the sand with great agility, or walk with a
stately, swaggering gait, which is very amusing. They also con-
gregate in flocks upon favourite trees for the purpose of roosting ;
and this may chiefly be observed in towns.

The nest is generally constructed in a bank if in the fields; but
when in the town they select a hole in the wall, or a dense mass
of leaves in some plant creeping up a wall or tree. The nest is
composed of leaves, small roots, and horse-hair, with which the
structure is lined. The eggs are four or five in number, greyish
white, minutely freckled with brown, chiefly at the obtuse end:
axis, 9’’’: diam., 61'’’.

Adult male.—General colour above brown with a faint wash of
olive; wing-coverts like the back, the outer median and greater
series as well as the bastard-wing edged with ashy olive; primary-
coverts and quills dark brown, edged with ashy olive, browner on
the secondaries, the first primary narrowly margined with white ;
upper tail-coverts and tail-feathers blackish brown, the two
outer feathers white with a mark of brown extending from the
base of the outer web for some distance obliquely up the inner web
and more extended on the penultimate than the external feather ;
head and hind neck dull ashy grey; a narrow eyebrow of white ;
lores, feathers below the eye and ear-coverts blackish; cheeks and
entire throat white ; across the fore-neck a rather broad crescentic
band of black; breast and abdomen pale yellowish or white marked
with pale yellow, becoming pure white on the under tail-coverts ;
sides of body brown, the sides of the upper breast lighter and more
ashy brown; thighs dusky brown; axillaries pale ashy or smoky

550 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFTICA.

brown ; under wing-coverts white with dusky bases, the edge of the
wing mottled with dark brown; quills below dusky brown, with a
large patch of white near the base of the inner web.

Total length, 7°2 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 3:25; tail, 3:4;
tarsus, 0°95.

Adult female.—Similar to the male, but a little duller in colour,
and having the collar on the fore-neck not quite so broadly indicated.
Total length, 6°8 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 3:2; tail, 3°35;
tarsus, 0°95.

534, Bupyrss riava (L.). Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail.

In our first edition we noticed (p. 119) a yellow Wagtail which
had been sent us from Swellendam by Mr. J. Reitz, the skin
of which was unfortunately lost. In the spring of 1868, however,
Mr. F. Dumbleton of Wedgewood, near Durban, about fifteen miles
from Cape Town, shot another specimen, which he was kind enough
to send to us. He had previously told us that he had seen a
specimen about the same farm many years before, and as he was a
close observer of birds we feel sure that his observations may be
trusted, and we may conclude from the fact that only two specimens
were met with by him in sixteen years, that this Yellow Wagtail is
a very rare and accidental visitor to this part of Southern Africa.
Mr. T. C. Rickard mentions the fact of a specimen having been
killed once near East London. In the Transvaal the species has
been noticed by Mr. Ayres, who writes:—‘ This Wagtail appears
here in our spring in considerable numbers, and leaves again about
the latter end of April; they do not appear to rest here, neither are
they in good plumage; the best plumaged birds are to be got just
as they are leaving. During their stay here they are common on
our market-square early every morning, where they find abundant
food amongst the short grass, and the cow-dung, which attracts
many insects, on which they are often to be seen feeding in
company with Motacilla capensis.” Mr. Andersson gives the
following note :—‘I had been fifteen years in Damara Land before
I became aware of the existence of this Wagtail, which I first
observed at Otjimbinque in 1865, when I obtained a few specimens,
nearly all of which were immature. It is a migratory bird, and
appears only in or about the rainy season.”

fe

COLIUS ERYTHROMELON. 551

This yellow Wagtail is easily distinguished by its blue-grey head
and white eyebrow.
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. iii. pl. 129.

535. Bupyres mELanocerHara (Licht.).
Black-headed Yellow Wagtail.
The present species may be distinguished from B. flava by its
perfectly black head. As far as we know at present it has only
once been noticed in South Africa, a specimen having been sent
by Mr. Ayres from the Transvaal along with examples of B. flava.
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. ii. pl. 130.

536. Bupyres campustris (Ball.). Ray’s Yellow Wagtail.

The British Museum contains a specimen of an adult Ray’s
Wagtail, shot by Sir John Kirk at Tete, on the Zambesi River.
The species may be told by its yellow forehead, this colour in old
birds pervading the entire head. We do not know of any certain
character by which immature birds of any of these three yellow
Wagtails can be distinguished.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. iu, pl. 131.

f Fam. COLIIDZA.*

5387. CoLtus ERYTHROMELON, Vieill. Quiriva Coly.
Colius capensis, Layard (nec Gmel), B. S. Afr. p. 222.

This Coly is generally distributed in the George district, and to
the eastward, but it does not appear to frequent the sparsely wooded
country west of Swellendam. We saw it abundantly at the Knysna,
and Mr. Atmore obtained the nest and eggs at Traka. Mr. Rickard
records it from Port Elizabeth and East London. Mr. Buckley states
that it is “very common throughout the Transvaal, being found in
flocks of six or eight or more; they fly with a rapid and straight
flight, and, when disturbed, generally all go off together.” Mr.

* These birds, it should be noticed, are entirely out of place here, and ought
to be placed near the Musophagide, the reason being that at the time when the
Editor was writing of the latter birds a question had arisen amongst Systema-
tists whether the Colies were not Passerine birds allied to the Tits, but by the
time the latter family were reached the general opinion was in favour of their
relation with the Musophagide, near which family they ought to be placed in a
future edition.

552 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Ayres procured it near Rustenburg in June, and says :—“ This is the
only species of Coly that I found amongst the Magaliesbergen ; it is
there very common in families, and feeds on various berries; its
flight is very much like that of some Parrots, rapid and straight,
with very quick beats of the wings.” Mr. Frank Oates shot a
specimen in August on the Makalapsi River, and it also occurs in the ©
Zambesi, as Sir John Kirk found it in large flocks flying from bush
to bush, and states that it is common in the forests and brushwood
of the river valley. Mr. Andersson writes :—‘‘ This species is
scarce in Damara Land; but I met with it about the Swakop River,
and also near Okambute, at Otjimbinque, and near Ojipatna. It
lives principally on the shoots and fruit of a bush of a yellowish-
green colour, bearing red berries, and resembles C. capensis in its
habits.” Senor Anchieta has procured it at Benguela and at Capan-
. gombe, where it bears the native name of Mokende-kende, and also
at Humbe on the Cunene River.

Our friend Captain Shelley has kindly lent us a MS. paper
on the Coliide, from which we find that the present species may
always be distinguished by the colour of the bill, which has the basal
half red, as well as the bare space round the eyes (fading into buff
in dried skins). The red base is sharply defined from the remainder
of the bill which is jet black. The upper surface of the body is
more or less shaded with green.

Upper parts shining bluish-green, inclining to grey; forehead
reddish-brown ; under surface reddish-brown, with a grey tinge on
the breast; vent, and under sidefof elongated tail-feathers, reddish-
brown ; base of bill, and cere round the eye, a fine coral-red, fading
to dirty-yellow in dried specimens. Length, 13” 6”; wing, 3’ 9”;
tail, 9” 9”,

Mr. Andersson states that the males are larger and handsomer
than the females. Mr. Ayres gives the following soft parts :—
“Trides pale grey; bill, tip black, basal part and also bare skin
round the eye crimson ; tarsi and feet rose-red. (Hemale similar.)”

Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’ Afr, pl. 258.

538. Coxtus capensis, Gm. White-backed Coly.

Of the four species of this genus found in South Africa, and
known by the trivial name of Muisvogel, or Mousebird, this is the
only one that is found in the neighbourhood of Cape Town. It is

i he

COLIUS. CAPENSIS. 553

not uncommon in gardens during the fruit season, ranging about in
small families of six or eight individuals. They fly with a rapid,
though laboured flight, generally at a lower level than the object at
which they aim, and on nearing it rise upward with a sudden abrupt
curve. They creep among the branches like Parrots and hang
suspended, head downwards, without inconvenience; indeed, it is
said that they invariably sleep in this position, many of them
congregated together in a ball.* They breed in the centre of a bush
or tree, making a structure of sticks and fine roots lined with wool,
laying three or four eggs, somewhat rounded at each end, of a dull
white colour, sometimes streaked with a golden brown; axis, 10’” ;
diameter, 8’.

In habits, the three species closely resemble each other; and at
the Kynsna, where they are all to be found, we frequently shot them,
and could not distinguish which we had obtained until we picked
them up.

Mr. Ayres writes from Natal:—“These birds are entirely
frugivorous. They live in companies, and are by no means so
common as O. striatus ; but their habits are very similar to those of
that species, except that they are more shy, and take wing more
readily. In this Coly the tarsus acts apparently like a heel, being
quite rough from constant use in climbing.” In the Transvaal, the
same gentleman observes: ‘“‘I met with these Colies in pairs in
February, in Lat. 27° 30’ and long. 26°; but found no nests. They
do not occur about Potchefstroom.” Mr. Barratt shot specimens on
the Vaal River, but did not observe it at Macamac. He states that
he has also received it from Marico. Mr. Andersson writes as
follows :—“ This species is somewhat widely diffused over Great
Namaqua Land and Southern Damara Land, through a portion of
the Lake-country, and in the valley of the River Okavango. It is
gregarious in its habits, being found in flocks by day and also when
roosting at night. Its flight is short and feeble, seldom extending
beyond the nearest bush or tree, on reaching which it usually
perches on one of the lower branches and then gradually glides and
creeps upwards through the foliage, using both bill and feet for that
purpose. It is essentially a fruit-eating bird; but I believe, when
hard pressed for its regular food, it does not despise insects and the
young shoots of plants. Its flesh is palatable. On September 26th,

* Mr. Atmore says he once fired into a cluster and killed twenty-five!

554. BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

1866, I obtained three eggs of this Coly from a nest built in a small
bush, and composed externally of grass and twigs, lined internally
with softer grass; the eggs were white, but dull. On October 16th,
I met with several nests of this bird on the same tree; but all
contained young, invariably three in number. On December 29th,
I obtained a nest with three eggs.”

According to Captain Shelley’s arrangement of the genus the
present species belongs to that section of the Colies which has
the entire lower mandible pale, with the upper mandible black
(sometimes with a paler basal portion). The chestnut rump and
uniform throat are also characters which distinguish this section
of the genus, but the colour of the middle of the back, which is
black with a broad white band down the centre, will always serve
to distinguish the present species.

Upper parts generally ash-coloured; a white line, bordered on
each side by a broad black one, extends from between the shoulders
to the rump, which is purple, glossed with red; throat and chin
cinereous, changing into vinaceous on the breast, and a dirty yellow
on the belly; head crested; tail very long, and graduated; wings
short and rounded; legs in a fresh specimen bright coral-red; bill
bluish; plumage of body singularly short and hair-like. Total
length, 13” or 14”; wing, 3" 7’’’; tail, 10"; bill, 6’’; tarsus, 8’”.

Mr. Ayres gives the following soft parts :—“ Iris greyish white ;
bill black at tip, dark crimson at base, as is the cere; bare skin
round eye bright scarlet; tarsi and feet dark pink. Sexes appear to
be similar in plumage.”

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. @’Afr. vi. pl. 257.

539. Coxius casTaNonorvs, Verr. Chestnut-backed Coly.

This species belongs to the same section of the genus as 0.
capensis, but has the middle of the back chestnut and uniform with
the rump.

It occurs in West Africa from the Gaboon down to Angola, and
its only claim to be included in our limits is its occurrence at
Benguela and Capangombe, where it was found by Anchieta. Mr.
Monteiro gives the following note:—“‘Feeds on wild fruits,
principally on that of a wild fig-tree very abundant all over the
country, and called Mucuwzo; flies slowly, generally in threes and
fours together, uttering a disagreeable note; found generally

COLIUS STRIATUS. 555

distributed ; its skin very thick and tough; stomach small and
delicate ; legs of a beautiful light-red colour.”
Fig. Sclater, P. Z. S. 1876, pl. 35.

540. Coxrus striatus, Gm. South African Coly.

The present species is not uncommon in the Karroo, and is equally
frequent about the Knysna, Caledon, and Worcester, and it extends
on this side of the mountain as far as Herste River, as we found by
shooting them in Mr. Laurence Van der Byl’s garden. Mr. Rickard
notes it from Port Hlizabeth and Hast London. In Natal, according
to Mr. Ayres, it breeds, building in the thick fork of a mimosa or
other low tree, well sheltered by creepers and foliage above. He
also remarks :—“ These birds appear to have the habit of constantly
adding fresh and green leaves to the inner surface of their nests. Is
a certain amount of dampness necessary for their eggs during
incubation? These Colies are always found in small companies,
excepting during the time of breeding. They inhabit the Bush, and
are fond of climbig about and sunning themselves on any trees
well covered with thick creeping plants. They are destructive in a
garden, attacking soft fruits, such as loquats, &c. I rather think
that when roosting they hang with their heads downwards, the
whole family being nestled together; but those I have seen have
generally flown off so quickly that I could not be positively certain
as to their position.”

Mr. F. A. Barratt observes :—“ This bird was often observed at
Macamac and elsewhere on my route from Potchefstroom to the
Gold-fields. All the species of this genus, as far as I could make
out, closely resemble each other in their habits. In British Kaffraria
one cannot give a Kaffir a greater treat than a few ‘ Mouse-birds,’ as
they are called ; and if one of them flies from a bush, sticks and
knobkeries will be thrown with such precision that the bird has little
chance of escape.”

Mr. L. C. Layard sent plenty of eggs of the species from Swellen-
dam; many of them were curiously streaked with a dull golden
yellow; the ground-colour of all was a dirty chalky-white, rough to
the touch.

Captain Shelley distinguishes this species from all the other South
African ones by the colour of the legs, which are dark reddish-
brown, and by the uniform black upper mandible, as well as by the

556 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

dull brown rump and the narrow bars which are seen in the throat.
Dr. Schalow has separated the bird from Natal as a smaller race.

Above cinerous, with a tinge of glossy greenish-brown on the
wings and tail, lightest on the head, which is crested ; under part of
throat and chest cinereous, minutely striated with brown; centre of
belly dirty yellow, inclining to rufous on the vent; inner surface
of wing rufous; tail long, and graduated ; upper mandible black,
and much curved; lower one light horn-colour ; feet horn-colour.
Length, 13”; wing, 4” 10”; tail, 9”; tarsus, 11’”; bill, 6”.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. pl. 256.

a

557

ORDER, COLUMBA:*

Fam. COLUMBIDA.
Sus-ram. Treroninz (Tail with fourteen feathers).

541. Treron catva, Temm. Bald-fronted Green Pigeon.

This species is easily distinguished from the other Green Pigeons
of South Africa by its grey tail. It is principally known as a West
African bird, but was met with by the late Mr. Andersson at Ondonga
in Ovampo Land, and Professor Barboza du Bocage does not seem
certain as to the identity of some of Anchieta’s specimens from
South-West Africa; this species will probably be found to be
represented among them.

According to Captain Shelley the measurements are as follows :—
Total length, 10°5 inches; culmen from the frontal feathers, 0°95 ;
wing, 6°1; tail, 3°7; tarsus, 0°9. The iris is blue, surrounded by a
red rim ; bill bluish grey, with the basal portion red ; feet yellowish
flesh colour.

Fig. Temm. and Knip, Pigeons, I, pl. 7.

542, TRERON WAKEFIELDII, Sharpe. Wakefield’s Green Pigeon.

The colour of the tail will serve to distinguish this Pigeon
from YT. calva, as all the tail-feathers are olive-yellow, like the
back, ending in a broad yellowish buff sub-terminal bar. It was
originally discovered by the Rev. Mr. Wakefield, near Mombas, in
Eastern Africa, and it has been recorded from various places on the
east coast, occurring on the Zambesi, according to Dr. Bradshaw,
and extending to Matabele Land, where it was obtained by the
late Mr. Frank Oates. Captain Shelley thinks that some of the
specimens from South-Western Africa which Professor Barboza du

Bocage was unable to identify, may perhaps belong to the present
bird.

* In treating of this Order we have followed the arrangement proposed by
Captain Shelley in his paper on the “ Columbide” of the Ethiopian Region (Lbis,
1883, pp. 258-331). 2

558 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The following description is given by Captain Shelley :—Very
similar to 7’. calva, which it resembles in size, nudity of the forehead,
the grey collar at the base of the hind neck, the vinous and the
yellow on the wings, the bright yellow thighs, and in the under
tail-coverts; but differing in the head, neck, and chest being
yellower, in the olive parts of the back and wings being also
yellower, and in the tail being olive-yellow above instead of grey,
ending in a broad yellowish-buff terminal bar; the iris, bill and legs
are probably similarly coloured to those of 7’. calva. Total length,
9°2 inches; culmen from the frontal feathers, 0°8; wing, 6°15;
tail, 3°5; tarsus, 0-9. The wing varies from 5:7 inches to 7-2.

Fig. Sharpe, P. Z. 8. 1873, pl. 58.

543. TRERON DELALANDI, Bp. Delalande’s Green Pigeon.

This is entirely a bird of the eastern districts ; Captain Trevelyan
tells us that it is rare in British Kaffraria, and during his stay there
he only saw three examples in the flesh. One was killed on the road
from Kingwilliamstown to Hast London in July, 1870, one at
Macleantown, and one he killed himself out of a small flock of five
or six on the banks of the Chalumna River in March, 1877. Mr —
Rickard informs us that they are not uncommon at Hast London,
and he has seen one which had been procured in the neighbourhood
of Uitenhage. Captain Shelley saw a specimen at Pinetown in
Natal, and he says that they generally keep well hidden amongst
the foliage of the large trees, where, owing to their green colour,
they are extremely difficult to observe; and relying on this natural
protection they sit close, often allowing stones to be thrown into a
tree before they will take wing.

Mr. Ayres writes :—‘ I found these handsome Pigeons somewhat
scarce in the Magaliesbergen in winter; but my brother tells me
that they are exceedingly plentiful there during our summer months,
when wild fruits abound; they are fond of densely foliaged trees,
keeping very quiet if any one approaches; and one may often walk
quietly right under the trees where they are, when they dash out
suddenly, generally one at a time. They are sometimes solitary, but
often in small flocks; their food consists entirely of small berries ;
and for the pot they are not by any means to be despised.” During
Mr. Jameson’s expedition to the Mashoona country, this species was

'

COLUMBA PHHONOTA. 509

procured on the Umvuli River in August and September, and Mr.
Ayres observes :—“ It is plentiful at the Umvuli at this season,
feeding on the wild fruit which the Boers call the ‘ Moople ;’ the tree
is a handsome, dense, dark-foliaged one, and grows here and there all
along the banks of the river. There is also a wild fig-tree in full
bearing with an insipid fruit of the size of a walnut, which the birds
are very fond of. After leaving Rustenburg we did not meet with
this bird until we arrived at the Umvuli.”

Like 7. wakefieldii this species has the tail of the same colour as
the back, and the following description is given by Captain Shelley.

Very similar to T. calva and T. wakefieldii, but differs from them
both in the more ashy olive shade of the head, neck and breast; the
feathers extend further on the forehead; the vinous patch on the
wings is generally paler and more ashy ; the remainder of the wing
is similar, excepting that the olive parts, as well as the back and tail,
are yellower; tail olive-yellow as in 7. wakefieldii, with the broad
terminal band paler but not so strongly marked ; “iris of a beautiful
pale blue; bill very light bluish ashy at the tip, with the basal portion
bright orange” (7. Ayres). Total length, 10inches; culmen from
frontal feathers, 0°9; wing, 6°65; tail, 4°1; tarsus, 0°95. The wing
varies, according to Captain Shelley, from 6-2 to 6°8 inches.

Fig. Bp. Icon. Columb. pl. 1.

Sus-ram. Cotumpine (Tail with twelve feathers).

Captain Shelley divides this sub-family into ten genera, of which
eight are represented in South Africa. We shall under the heading
of the various species enumerate the points by which the above-
named author distinguishes these genera.

544. Conumpa pHmonota, Gray. South African Speckled Pigeon.
Columba guinee, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 256.

In the genus Columba the wing is longer than the tail, the latter
not being two-thirds of the wing in length, and the distance between
the tip of the secondaries and the tip of the wing is more than half
the length of the tail; the fourth primary never longer than any of
the outer three; tarsus naked. The members of this genus nest in
holes. The present species represents in South Africa the well-
known Columba guinew of the northern part of the continent, from

560 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

which it is distinguished by having the rump and upper tail-coverts
deep leaden-grey instead of ashy-white.

The Bosch-Duif or Wilde-Dwif of the colonists is common
throughout the colony, nesting in rocky places in inaccessible ledges
and holes, never in trees. The nests are rude structures of a few
sticks situated on a ledge or cleft. Dr. G. W. Atherstone writes :—
«T saw it at Committees’ Drift, breeding in the Old Fort. The
Hottentot living there had a brood of young ones, and the old bird
with her wings clipped.”’? They fly in flocks when the crops are on
the ground, and do considerable damage to the agriculturist.

In the sea-face of the mountains, of which Cape Point forms the
extreme south, there are numerous caverns tenanted by these birds.
Some years ago we entered one of them in a boat, and for the first
time had the pleasure of seeing this fine Pigeon breeding in con-
siderable numbers: every ledge of the cavern side was tenanted by
as many nests as could be conveniently stowed away, while the
parent birds were continually arriving or departing on their busy
task of feeding their young. The cave was unapproachable except
by water, and one would have thought that the birds would have
been careless in consequence in the choice of their eyrie; but not a
nest was accessible. We have, however, obtained eggs of this species
from other sources; they are always two in number, glazy-white,
nearly similar at each end: axis, 17’”; diameter, 12’”.

Mr. Rickard states that it occurs near East London, and Captain
Trevelyan says that it is common in British Kaffraria. Mr. Buckley
procured it in Natal, and Captain Shelley states that it arrives in
that colony in large numbers ; but he did not meet with it in March
or April.

According to Mr. Barratt it is common in the Transvaal, where
it flies about in vast flocks, amongst the crops, and on newly-
ploughed land. Mr. Ayres observes :—“These Pigeons were pretty
common about the Magaliesbergen ; and I saw them in pairs and
shot some young birds amongst the ravines and precipitous clefts of
the rocks, where, without doubt, they breed, and where I frequently
heard their deep notes.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition to
Mashoona Land a specimen was procured at Dry Hart River, on the
25th of January, and Mr. Ayres gives the following note :—‘“< The
birds were passing over in flocks from east to west, this evening.
The crop of our specimen was crammed with the triangular sharp-

PALUMBUS ARQUATRIX. 561

pointed thorny seed of a plant which grows along the ground
in great abundance, all over the country, near water. These
seeds are very troublesome to those who try to walk barefoot,
and dogs are continually temporarily crippled by them; but the
natives, who are accustomed to go barefoot, do not appear to feel
them.”

According to Mr. Andersson, “this Pigeon is common through-
out Damara Land and Great Namaqua and, and congregates in
immense flocks about March, April, and May, after the breeding-
season, and may then be obtained in any quantity, at the expense of
a little powder and shot, which these birds are well worth, as their
flesh is well tasted and gamey.” Professor Barboza du Bocage has
recorded O. guinee from Huilla and Capangombe, but we agree
with Captain Shelley that the record probably belongs to the
present species.

Head, body beneath, rump, wings, and basal two-thirds of tail,
on upper side, cinereous, or plumbeus; back, shoulders, and wing-
coverts, vinaceous, the latter with numerous triangular white spots,
which also appear on some of the cinereous feathers of the wings;
feathers of neck and breast, ruddy vinaceous; each feather being
bifid at the tip, stiff, and inclined to cinereous, with a glossy green
tint; apical third of tail, black on the upper side; legs and bare
skin round the eye, in life, crimson; bill dark cinereous. Length,
12’’; wing, 8” 9”; tail, 43”.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pl. 265.

545. PaLumsBus arquatrix, Uemm. Rameron Pigeon.

In the genus Palumbus the tail is more than two-thirds the
length of the wing, and the difference between the tip of the
secondaries and the tip of the wing is less than half the length
of the tail; the tarsus is feathered on the upper part near the knee
joint, and the fourth primary is shorter than the outer three. The
characters which distinguish the present species are the white
spots on the wing-coverts and chest, and the lemon yellow bill and
feet.

In the months of November and December these pigeons con-
gregate at the Knysna in vast flocks, to feed on the berries that are
then ripe; they also extend to the Cape peninsula, migrating thither
at the season when the wild olive is in fruit, on the berries of which

20

562 BIRDS UF SOUTH AFRICA.

it greedily feeds, whence its name of “Olive Dove.” It breeds upon
trees in mountain ravines, aud, we have been informed, lays four eggs,
only two of which come to perfection. Two eggs which we have had
given us as the eggs of this species, are of the usual white colour
and shape: axis, 1” 6”; diameter, 14’. The nest is a loose
structure of sticks. Mr. Atmore writes, under date 13th May, 1864,
from near Blanco :—“ The large yellow-billed and yellow-legged
Bush Dove is breeding here now, high on the mountain. They
make their nests on the tops of the tree-ferns. I am trying to get
some young ones for you.” ‘The colonists call this bird Olive Dove,
or Bush Dove. Mr. Rickard tells us that it is common near East
London, and, according to Captain Trevelyan’s notes, it is plentiful
in the Peri Bush, near Kingwilliamstown, and is very fond of the
wild plum tree. In Natal, Mr. Ayres says that “they come by
thousands in the month of June, leaving again in August; they
keep to the bush along the coast, only a few stragglers being found
a few miles inland; they feed entirely on the berries which abound
on the trees in the bush during the winter months. I have never
seen them alight on the ground; they are shot here by hundreds,
and afford our Durban sportsmen capital sport.”
He also writes:—“ I found this pigeon scattered rather sparsely
amongst the Megaliesbergen, during the winter months; and,
according to my brother, it is not much more plentiful in
summer ; they are generally solitary birds; but once I saw about
twenty together.” Mr. Andersson did not meet with the species in
Damara Land, nor has Senor Anchieta procured it in a wild state
in any part of South-Western Africa. Mr. Monteiro forwarded a
living specimen in 1864 from Benguela, and Professor Barboza du
Bocage states that he has also received two live birds from Angola,
but as he very properly remarks, this does not prove that the
species occurs in South-Western Africa, although specimens in the
Lisbon Museum are labelled as coming from Galungo-alto.
General colour above, dark ashy, inclining to reddish on the back
and shoulders, light on the edge of the wing, and very dark on
the tail, over which there is a decided greenish tinge; wings, at the
shoulders spotted with white; forehead vinaceous, passing into
light ash-colour on the back of the head; chin, neck, and breast,
obscure vinaceous, mottled with black; belly and flanks, a mixture
of yinaceous and cinereous, with a profusion of crescent-shaped

q
A ren aii
» ST a AE eA cam a

TURTURENA DELEGORGUIL. 563

markings; a bare place round the eye; bill and legs bright yellow.
Length, 13”; wing, 8” 9”; tail, 53”.
Fig. le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi, pl. 265.

546. TuRTURHNA DELEGORGUII, Deleg. Delegorgue’s Pigeon.

The smaller size and white or pale terminal bar on the under
surface of the tail are some of the characters which distinguish
Turturena from Palumbus, the proportions of the primaries and the
short tarsi being the same in both genera.

The present species will always remain a curiosity among
ornithologists as being one of the few instances in which a
naturalist has named ‘a bird after himself. It is an extremely
rare bird in collections, and is only known from Natal. One
specimen was shot in 1863 by Mr. T. Ayres in November, being the
only one he had seen up to that time. ‘‘ The stomach contained
the frothy larve of a small species of Cicada, which is found
plentifully in Natal on the tops of trees.” Captain Shelley has
received a female from Mr. T. L. Ayres, who writes :—“ This is
the only specimen I have shot. It was feeding upon mulberries in
a garden on the Berea. My cousin shot two a few days before at
the same place in October.” Delegorgue himself appears to have
procured but two specimens, and the British Museum contains only
a single example, the type of C. lunigera of Gray.

There is a curious difference in the sexes, the male having a broad
white collar at the junction of the hind neck and mantle, which
is absent in the female. The following descriptions are copied
from Captain Shelley’s paper.

Adult male.—Head and neck deep slate colour, only very slightly
paler towards the forehead and chin; back of the head and back,
and sides of the neck very strongly glossed with metallic amethyst
lilac, with reflexions of green in certain lights; this same gloss
extends on to the front of the neck, from the middle throat on to
the upper chest, but is far less intense, only being visible in certain
lights, and disappears altogether on the lower chest; the back
of the neck is separated from the mantle by a broad white collar
extending from shoulder to shoulder ; remainder of the upper parts
slaty black, shading into chestnut on the upper back, wing-coverts,
and portion of the inner secondaries; the edges of the feathers

of the upper back are faintly glossed towards their edges with
202

564 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

metallic lilac and green; the tail has a narrow pale end, most
perceptible from beneath. Under surface—crop and chest vinous,
shading into slate colour on the sides of the body, abdomen, and
under wing and tail-coverts; towards the junction of the vinous and
slate colours the feathers become freckled with the two colours, and
the ends of some of the under tail-coverts are also freckled with
vinous; end portion of the bill yellow; basal portion dark; legs
yellow; “iris dark brown; bill ash; bare skin round the eye, and
also the tarsi and feet, dark pink” (JZ. Ayres). Total length 12°5,
inches; culmen,0°75; wing, 7'3; tail,4°6; tarsus,4°9. As beforestated
the female has no white collar. “Iris dull red, end portion of bill
yellow, basal portion dark purple; legs flesh colour” (7. L. Ayres).
Total length, 10-5 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 6°5; tail, 4°8; tarsus, 0°9.

547. HaprtopeniA Larvata, Zemm. Rufous-breasted Wood-Dove.
Peristera larvata, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 206.

The genus Haplopelia is close to Turturena, but is separated by
Captain Shelley by the following characters :—The fourth primary
longer than the first; the tarsus longer than the third toe with claw,
and almost entirely naked ; the sexes always similar in plumage.

This species, which is the Cinnamon Dove and Lamoen Duif
(Lemon Dove) of the colonists, is not uncommon about Rondebosch,
near Cape Town; and it is also found plentifully at the Knysna.
It keeps to wooded places and feeds on berries, and the nest is a
rude structure of sticks placed on the horizontal branches of a tree,
the eggs, two in number, are oval and white. Axis, 13’;
diam., 11’. We have no records of its occurrence in the eastern
districts of the colony, but in Natal it appears to be plentiful.
Captain Shelley writes:—‘‘ Very common in the thick bush about
Durban, where its brown colouring renders it hard to detect as it
sits motionless on the low creepers in the darker parts of the forest.
When disturbed it flies rapidly, but for only a short distance; and I
did not observe it at any other times on the wing, as it never
appears in the open. On the 11th of April I found two of their
nests, placed about four feet from the ground, in the low creepers
close to the same path, and nearly opposite to each other. The
nests were similar to those of Turtur auritus; each contained
two eggs nearly ready to hatch.”

Mr. Ayres gives the following note :—‘ These Pigeons inhabit the

TURTUR ERYTHROCEPHALUS. 565

dense bush along the coast of Natal, and are generally seen on the
ground, silently and busily seeking for food. They are rather shy
birds, and not easy to obtain. The best method of doing so is to
sit still in those parts of the bush which they frequent, when they
soon begin to move about ; otherwise they watch from their thick
covert any intruder who approaches, and, when he comes within a
few yards, fly up with much bustle and are immediately out of sight.
Their note is a low melancholy ‘coo-coo,’ rather prolonged and
very guttural. There is not much difference in the plumage of the
sexes; but the male is brighter and also larger than the female. It
is seldom that more than two or three are found together.”

In the Lydenburg district of the Transvaal Mr. Ayres states that
these Doves are pretty common ‘‘in the dense bush and underwood
of the kloofs ; but more than two are seldom found together. They
utter a low melancholy note, and are not very easy to shoot as they
are generally on the ground, and on the approach of anyone are up
in a great bustle and are immediately lost to sight.” Mr. F. A.
- Barratt also notes the species from the Macamac Gold-fields.

General colour above dark-brown; back of the neck and head
vinaceous, iridescent, with a beautiful coppery-green; forehead, top
of head, and throat, white; under parts vinaceous, inclining to
rufous on the belly and vent, and iridescent on the breast, with a
coppery gloss; tail-feathers above, with the exception of the two
central pair, cinereous-brown, cinereous on the tips, below the
same, but the brown is darker, the cinereous lighter ; thighs brown.
Length, 104’’; wing, 64’’; tail, 3’’ 9’. According to Captain
Shelley the iris is “ deep lilac; the bill black ; bare skin round the
eye, and the legs red.”

Fig. Temm. and Knip, Pig. pl. 31.

548. TurTUR ERYTHROCEPHALUS, Gray. Rufus-headed Turtle-Dove.

The two preceding genera, Turturena and Haplopelia, have both
been remarkable for metallic shades on the back of the neck and
upper mantle, but this is entirely absent in the members of the
genus Turtur, which have also a more or less defined black collar
on the neck. JT. erythrocephalus, according to Captain Shelley’s
arrangement, belongs to the group of typical Turtle-Doves which
have the wings mottled, many of the scapulars and wing-coverts
having their centres darker than their edges, while the collar is

566 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

confined to the sides of the neck. The tail-feathers have rather
narrower white ends, and the under tail-coverts are pale grey, while
the lower breast is vinous, fading into white on the vent.

All that is known of the present species is, that the type specimen
exists in the British Museum, and is said to have been sent from the
Cape of Good Hope by Mr. F. Campbell, who gave many specimens
of South African birds to that Institution. It is nevertheless some-
what peculiar that no second specimen has ever been procured.

549. Turrus srmirorquatus, Riipp. Red-eyed Turtle-Dove.
Turtur vinaceus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 359.

This Dove belongs to the section of the genus Turtur, which has
the collar not confined to the sides of the neck, and the wings not
mottled with dark centres to any of the feathers. It has a well
marked black collar round the back and sides of the neck, but has
no black feathers in front of the eye. The entire abdomen and
under tail-coverts are deep leaden grey, the chest being of a deeper
vinous shade. Great confusion has existed as regards the number
of Turtle-Doves inhabiting South Africa, but we have followed
Captain Shelley in his identifications, and we trust that hereafter the
various species will be found more easy to determine. The present
bird is found in some abundance at Twenty-four Rivers. We also
shot it at Van Stadens’ River Bush, and saw it near Grahamstown,
but it is certainly a rarer species than T. capicola. Mr. Rickard
states that it is common at Hast London, and probably occurs at
Port Elizabeth. Captain Trevelyan tells us that it is rather scarce
near Kingwilliamstown. A specimen was obtained by Mr. Jameson’s
expedition on the Umvuli River on the 8th of October, and Mr. Ayres
gives the following note on the bird: “ Iris bright orange-red ; bill
black ; tarsi and feet dark rose-red.”

Mr. Andersson says, that it is not found either in Damara or Great
Namaqua Lands, nor does he remember to have met with it on the
Okavango, but he received specimens from Lake N’gami. According
to Mr. Gurney, a specimen from the Cunene River was in Mr,
Andersson’s last collection, and Senor Anchieta has forwarded
examples from Humbe (native name, Filajila) as well as at Caconda
and other localities im Benguela and Angola. This species has a
wide range over other parts of the African continent. :

Fig. Riipp. Neue Wirb. Vog. pl. xxii. fig. 2.

a

a

eed «ae ee

=e

TURTUR CAPICOLA. 567

550. Turtur pecrerens, Ff’. and H. White-bellied Turtle-Dove.

With all the general characters of the foregoing species, this bird
is distinguished by having the centre of the abdomen and vent white,
the remainder of the abdomen and the under tail-coverts being pale
grey, the latter broadly edged with white.

This Turtle-Dove has been described since the publication of the
first edition of the present work, and not much is known about it.
Sir John Kirk obtained two specimens at Tete on the Zambesi
River during the Livingstone Hxpedition, and Professor Barboza du
Bocage states that Anchieta has forwarded two specimens to the
Lisbon Museum; one from Dombe in the South of Benguela, and
another from the River Coroca in Southern Mosamedes. Captain
Shelley has also in his collection a pair obtained by Dr. Emin Bey
on the Upper White Nile.

551. Torrour caricoza, Sundev. Cape Turtle-Dove.
Turtur semitorquatus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 260.

This species, according to Captain Shelley, may be known by the
following characters. It has a narrow black band from the eye to
the lores ; the under tail-coverts are white: the under wing-coverts
leaden grey; and the under-surface of the quills is uniform dark
brown. The only bird with which it can be confounded is 7.
vinaceus, which is a West African bird ranging from Senegal to the
Congo, but not occurring within the limits of the present work.
The Cape Turtle-Dove is abundant all over the colony, breeding
even in Cape Town. The nests are simply rude platforms of sticks,
covered with a thin layer of fine roots, through which the eggs (two
in number, oval, and pure white; axis, 13”; diameter, 11”) are,
in most instances, plainly visible from below. They are laid in
September.

Mr. Rickard states that it is common near Port Elizabeth and
East London, and Captain Trevelyan observes that it is plentiful
near Kingwilliamstown. In Natal, according to Majors Butler and
Feilden, and Captain Reid, it is common everywhere. They took
fresh eggs in the Newcastle district on the 23rd of October, and at
Richmond Road, near Pietermaritzburg, on the 7th of December.
Mr. Ayres has found it tolerably common at Potchefstroom, and Mr.
Barratt observed it in many places in the Free State and throughout
the Transvaal. He mentions having received it from Marico, and he

568 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

shot the species on the Vaal River near Rustenburg. The late
Mr. Frank Oates procured specimens at Pietermaritzburg and also
on the journey from Pretoria to Bamangwato. It was seen by
Mr. Ayres in the Mashoona Country.

In Damara Land and South-West Africa there is a pale form, con-
cerning which Captain Shelley writes as follows :—“‘ There is a well-
marked tropical race, rather constant in its character, first recognized
by Le Vaillant and afterwards named by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub,
T. damarensis. It differs from the typical Cape Town bird, but the
arrangement of the colours and the proportions are identical. The
grey of the head fades almost, or occasionally quite, into white on
the front and sides of the forehead and on the front of the cheeks ;
the grey shade on the cheeks is rarely present ; the partial grey
edges to the black collar above and below often pass into white; the
vinous of the neck and breast is paler, generally almost clear pink
with no grey shade, but greyer-breasted intermediate forms are not
uncommon ; the brown of the upper parts is generally paler, but not
always so. Total length, 19-3 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 6:21;
tail, 4°5; tarsus, 0°8.

Of this race Mr. Andersson gives the following account :—“ This
is the most abundant species of Dove in Damara Land and the parts
adjacent. It cannot be strictly said to be a gregarious species; yet
numbers are often found in close proximity, both on trees and on
the ground, and rise in one flock when flushed, producing a great
noise by the rapid concussion of their wings above their backs.
They seek on the ground for their food, which consists almost
exclusively of seeds. They build in small trees, generally at the
extremity of a bough, constructing a rough nest of a few twigs, with
no lining of any kind. The eggs are two in number, of a pure white.
I have observed these Doves building on August 20th, and have
found their eggs abundantly at the end of December; so that it
is probable that they produce two broods in the year.” Senor
Anchieta has also procured this bird in various parts of South-West
Africa. At Benguela it is called “Bango” by the natives, and at
Humbe “ Cocolumbua.”

552. TUurRTUR SENEGALENSIS, D. Senegal Turtle-Dove.

The present bird is recognized by the “mottled collar on the
front and sides of the throat, formed by the feathers of these parts

TURTUR SENEGALENSIS. 569

being black, broadly tipped with fawn-colour” (Shelley). It is
widely spread over Africa, and is found throughout the colony, and
is well known from the peculiarity of its note, which somewhat
resembles a human laugh. It frequents the same localities as do
the other species, and is often mistaken for them when on the wing.
A hen-bird, attracted by the call of the male of the Australian
Geopelia tranquilla in our aviary, entered the room and was
captured. We kept her in confinement a few days, and finally let
her loose. To our astonishment she appeared in the evening on the
window-sill to pick up the seed spilt there accidentally. She
remained about the house and garden, sometimes venturing into the
room, and in the breeding season sought a mate and bred in one of
the oak trees close to the window. Her first nest was destroyed by
a mischievous boy; but she made another, and brought off the
young one, which together with herself and mate were daily to be
found morning and evening, feeding in the garden, unmindful of
our presence. ‘They also associated with them T'urtur semitorquatus
and a Java sparrow. Subsequently they attracted many of their
own species, and we have counted as many ag sixteen in the garden
at once. Eggs taken from the nest of this bird measure—axis, 13” ;
diameter, 10’’. They are of the usual pure glossy white.

This species is rather scarce near Grahamstown, but is common at
Fort Brown, on the Fish River. Itis not mentioned in Mr. Rickard’s
lists from East London and Port Elizabeth, and is stated to be rare
near Kingwilliamstown by Captain Trevelyan.

Mr. Ayres has not procured it in Natal, but a specimen was given
to him from that colony. Captain Reid found the species common
in the mimosa bush along the Tugela River, at Colenso, in November.

From the Transvaal Mr. Ayres writes:—“ These Doves are common
in the Mariqua district; and many may be seen together hunting
for wheat or other grains amongst the chaff and straw on the
threshing-floors of the farms in the neighbourhood of the bush. I
have found but one nest of this bird, the egg from which I now
send; it is pure white, rather glossy, and equally obtuse at either
end. The nest was composed of a few twigs, and placed on the
horizontal branch of a low thorn tree growing on the banks of a
stream. A pair of these Doves built a nest in a rose hedge in June,
and laid two eggs; these I took, and in a fortnight they had built
another nest and laid two more eggs. Their eggs are pure white,

570 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

beautifully delicate and pretty.” The same gentleman states that
he observed it in the Mashoona country, and Sir John Kirk procured
“a specimen on the Zambesi. Mr. Andersson writes :—‘ This species
is found abundantly from the Okavango River southwards throughout
Damara Land and Great and Little Namaqua Land, as also at Lake
N’gami. In its habits, manners, and nidification, it resembles
Turtur damarensis ; but its eggs are a trifle smaller.” Professor
Barboza du Bocage records several specimens as procured by
Anchieta; but all of them were got to the south of the Quanza, at
Benguela, Capangombe, Caconda, and Humbe.
Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. pl. 270.

553. CHatcornxia ara, D. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove.
Peristera afra, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 262.

This genus and the following are distinguished by the large
metallic spots on the wings, and the rufous under-surface of the
wings ; the first primary not having a notch. Le Vaillant appears
to have found this species abundant about the Gamtoos, the Lourie,
and Van Staden’s Rivers, and throughout Kaffirland. Only one
specimen has, however, reached our hands, and for this the Museum
was indebted to Mr. J. D. Hugo, of Worcester, near which place he
shot it on the 3rd of September, 1862. Mr. Atmore afterwards
forwarded another specimen from the Long Kloof (Sept., 1865).
Mr. Rickard records it from Uitenhage, and states that at Hast
London it is more plentiful than 7’. tympanistria. It is mentioned in
Captain Trevelyan’s list from Kingwilliamstown. Captain Shelley
states that it is common about Durban and Pinetown, in Natal.
The late Mr. Frank Oates also procured it on Blauw Kranz River,
in May. Mr. Ayres writes :—~ This Dove is usually found in pairs.
It inhabits the same localities as the Tambourin Pigeon (Peristera
tympanistria), which it much resembles in its habits.”

Sir John Kirk obtained it on the Zambesi, and Professor Barboza
du Bocage records it from various places in Angola, as well as from
Caconda, in Benguela (natives names Wbobo and Bobo), and at
Humbe, on the Cunene River, where, according to Anchiecta, it
is called Kutiambobolo. Mr. Andersson has the following on the
species:—“I have never observed this pretty Dove in Great
Namaqua Land, nor in Southern Damara Land. I consider
Omanbondé its southerly limit ; and in travelling northwards I did

TYMPANISTRIA TYMPANISTRIA. 571

not find it abundant till I reached Okamabuti, some miles to the
north of Omanbondé; from thence to the Okavango River it was
common. This Dove constructs a nest of a few rough sticks ina
bush or at the extremity of a bough of some low stunted tree. The
sticks composing the nest are so loosely put together that a person
looking at it from below may see the two eggs through the nest. It
is seldom that more than one egg is hatched. The young are
usually fledged by the middle of January.”

General colour above, cinereous-brown ; forehead, light cinereous;
top of head, lead-coloured ; across the lower part of the back is a
white stripe, on each side of which is a broad black one; three
narrow bands of the same colour extend across the tail-coverts, the
last one being on the tips of the feathers ; on the centre of the wings
are two or three large spots of brilliant purple and green, while the
inner webs of the wing-feathers are bright rufous; under plumage,
vinaceous, lightest on the vent ; under-surface of the tail, and tail-
coverts, black; the basal half of the outer web of the former, and
part of the three outer pair of the latter, white. Length, 7h";
wing, 4” 5’’; tail, 34”. Some authors have considered that the birds
with blue and green spots on the wings constitute different species,
but Captain Shelley thinks that they are only varieties of one form.

Fig. le Vaillant, Ois. d’Afr. vi. pl. 271.

554, TYMPANISTRIA TYMPANISTRIA (J'emm.)

White-breasted Wood Dove.
Peristera tympanistria, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 262.

The genus T'ympanistria is closely allied to Chalcopelia, from which
it differs in having the first primary notched. The present species is
apparently confined to the forest districts. We found it common at
the Knysna, and all the wooded portions of the eastern province. But
though continually heard, it was difficult to procure, as it possesses
the power of throwing its voice to a distance like a ventriloquist,
thus deceiving the hunter, who often creeps from the tree on which
tho bird is actually perched. It is not very common near Hast
London, according to Mr. Rickard, and Captain Trevelyan says it
is scarce near Kingwilliamstown. Captain Shelley found it very
plentiful about Durban in Natal, and Mr. Ayres writes: “ These
pretty Doves inhabit the bushy country on the coast line, gradually
becoming rarer as we proceed inland. Their note is a soft and

572 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

melancholy coo-coo, uttered slowly at first, then gradually more and
more quickly, until it ends in a prolonged rattle. They feed on the
seeds of trees that drop on the ground (such as those of the castor
oil plant, which is indigenous here), and they may be seen actively
running about in search of such food. ‘Their flight is exceedingly
rapid ; they are found singly or in pairs, but never in companies.”

Although widely spread over nearly the whole of Africa, it has
not been recorded from any part of Benguel&, Damara, or Great
Namaqua Lands, or from the western districts of the Cape Colony.

General colour above, on the vent and tail-feathers fuscous-brown,
with a few dark-green, iridescent spots about the centre of tho
wing ; forehead, stripe over the eye, and the under parts pure white;
inner webs of the wing-feathers and flanks, clear rufous. Length,
84"; wing, 44”; tail. 2’ 9’’. Captain Shelley gives the soft parts as
follows: “ Beak deep lilac tipped with horn colour ; irides very dark
brown; eyelids deep lilac; bare space round the eye dark slate-
colour ; legs lilac red.”? According to the same author the female
differs slightly in the cheeks, lower throat, and crop being tinted
with dusky grey.

Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. vi. pl. 272.

555. (ina capensis, DL.

These lovely little Pigeons extend over the whole of the colony,
and appear in all the collections made in the Interior. They are,

Long-tailed African Dove.

however, rather rare in the eastern province. In the Karroo they
abound, breeding in the mimosa bushes. Their nests are rarely
placed above a man’s reach, and are simply a loose platform of sticks,
covered with fibrous roots, and on this are deposited their two delicate
cream-coloured eggs: axis 10’"; diameter, 8’”; similar at each end.
The young during the first year are mottled. They generally fly
in pairs, but several are often seen incompany. The males are very
salacious, cooing to any female they chance to fall inwith. We kept
one in confinement for many months: it became very tame, and would
salute our first coming into the room in the morning with a deep,
plaintive “ coo-coo-o0.” It was killed at last by some little Jove-
birds (Huphemia elegans), who tore it to pieces. These Doves feed
entirely on grass seeds and grain, and walk with such rapidity when
feeding, that we have often mistaken them for rats when about
the farmsteads where they congregate. It is probably migratory.

Se el ER Oe

(ENA CAPENSIS. 573

Captain Trevelyan writes: “I have very seldom noticed this bird
in British Kaffraria, but for a few days a pair were constantly seen
feeding in the barrack square in Kingwilliamstown. Writing in
1865, Mr. Ayres says: “This I killed in January, 1864; it is one
of the scarcest birds here, and I have seen but three since my arrival
in Natal some thirteen or fourteen years ago. This is the first I
have shot; it was busily engaged in our garden, picking up, with
extraordinary swiftness, some small grass seeds from the ground.
The flight is even, and the beat of the wings extremely rapid. It is,
as far as I know, the smallest of our Doves. The tail seemed to
have a decided tendency to divide, or fork.” Mr. Frank Oates
procured a specimen between Pretoria and Bamangwato, and again
near the Crocodile River in July: he also met with it at Tati in
September. Mr. Ayres, who accompanied Mr. Jameson’s expedition
to the Mashoona country, writes as follows :—‘“‘ Tolerably plentiful
along our route as far as the Inshlangeen river in Matabele, but we did
not notice it to the north of that locality. Southward again on the
Harts River in Griqualand it was very abundant.” The accompany-
ing note is taken from Mr. Andersson’s “ Birds of Damara Land.”
“This exquisite little Dove inhabits most parts of Ovampo, Damara,
and Great Namaqua Land, but is most abundant in the latter country,
and is known by the name of ‘ Namaqua Dove’ to the Dutch Cape-
colonists. This species occurs in pairs, and is chiefly found frequent-
ing the ground ; and when disturbed, it seeks shelter in low trees
or bushes, but rarely in the larger trees. It feeds on seed; and its
flesh is very palatable. It constructs its nest on a low bush of
similar materials to those employed by its congeners, but with rather
more care. Its two white eggs have a rosy tint, from the thinness
and semi-transparency of the shell.” Senor Anchieta has forwarded
specimens to the Lisbon Museum from Humbe on the Cunene River
(native name Tundulo), and from Capangombe in Benguela (native
name Kagolulo.)

Above ash-coloured ; bluish on the secondaries, with a rich purple
spot; wing-feathers deep red, edged with dark-brown; forehead,
cheeks, chin, throat, and chest, glossy black ; as are also the under
sides of the tail-feathers, the outermost of which are blotched with
white ; a white bar almost hidden by the closed wing extends across
the rump, succeeded after a little interval by a narrow black one—
the ends of the tail-coverts, black, form a third bar on the tail; bill

574 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and feet, in life, coral-red and orange. 'The female wants the black,

on the head, throat, &c., and is altogether more dull in colour; tail

much elongated and graduated. Length, 104”; wing, 4” ; tail, 5’9’”.
Fig. Le Vaill. Ois. d’Afr. pls. 273, 274, 275.

Fam. PTEROCLIDZ.

556. PrerocLes NAMAQUA, Gm. Namaqua Sand-grouse.
Pterocles tachypetes, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 277.

The “ Namaqua Patrys” of the colonists is very abundant on
the arid karroo plains throughout the colony and Namaqua Land. It
congregates in small parties of one or two families, as may easily be
seen from the age of the various individuals, which is marked by
their plumage. It runs with considerable swiftness, and its flight is
extremely rapid. While on the wing, it utters a shrill “ tweet,”
which may be heard at a vast distance, and resembles the piping of
a Plover, for which, till well accustomed to the sound, we have often
mistaken it—indeed, the whole appearance of the bird, whether flying
or running, reminds one of the Plover. It occasionally, during great
droughts, extends its migrations as far as the Cape Flats; but of
late years their visitations have been few and far between. Two or
three eggs are laid, of a light cream-coloured ground, spotted with
brown and purple, oblong, rounded, or semi-circular at both ends:
axis, 17” ; diameter, 12’. The nest is only a depression in the soil.
The crops of those we have examined contained masses of small
grass seeds.

Mr. Rickard records it from the neighbourhood of East London,
but we have not received any further notices of its occurrence in the
eastern districts. Mr. Ayres writes:—“I shot the first of these
birds on 10th May, on bare open country between Potchefstroom
and Marico, and subsequently found them, though not very plen-
tifully, throughout the whole of my journey along the River Limpopo.
When approached they do not run, but squat close to the ground
until they think it prudent to be off, when they rise with a noisy
rapid beat of their wings. Their flight, like that of other Sand-
grouse, is extremely rapid.” Dr. Exton procured it near Kanye,
in the Matabele country. The following note on the species is given
by Mr. Andersson :— This Sand-grouse is very abundant in some
parts of Damara Land, where these birds may be observed to make

ee

PTEROCLES BICINCTUS. 575

their appearance at the water about eight or nine o’clock in the
morning in immense flocks, circling round the water at a con-
siderable height before they descend, and adding to their numbers
at almost every turn they take. Frequently they make no attempt
at a descent until they are directly over the spot they intend to
visit, when they suddenly descend with great velocity, at the same
time describing more or less of a semicircle before they alight.
This species feeds on seeds, berries, and small bulbs, and swallows
gravel freely to assist its digestion. Its eggs are deposited
on the sand, and are of a drabbish colour closely spotted with
grey and brown; they are oval and less elongated than those
of P. bicinetus.”” Mr. Monteiro procured it in Benguela, and
Senor Anchieta has met with a single specimen on the Coroca
River in Mossamedes.

Male.—Ashy-brown ; throat and chin, yellowish; head, neck, and —
chest, ashy ; feathers of back, dark brown at the shafts, succeeded
by a band of bright nankin, then by a light purple spot, and finally
tipped with dark brown, giving the back a spotted appearance ;
wing-feathers dark brown; lower part of chest, vinaceous; between
it and the belly a double band, first of white, then of dark brownish-
red; belly, purple ash; vent and under tail-coverts, ochreous-
yellow ; tail-feathers pointed, tipped with the same, but lighter.
Length, 103"; wing, 7’; tail 3”.

Female.—Colour throughout, rich nankin, confusedly barred with
deep brown; paler on the under side; under tail-coverts im-
maculate ; wing-feathers as in male.

Fig. Reichenb. Hiihnervég. tab. ccix. figs. 1825-26.

557. Prerociys Bicinctus, Temm. Double-banded Sand-grouse.

Specimens of this Sand-grouse have been received from Kuruman,
through the late Mr. R. Moffat, and from Mr. Arnot, at Colesberg.
It does not appear south of the Orange River. Mr. Arnot’s
specimens came from the northern bank.

Mr. Ortlepp informs us that it is very common in Griqualand.
Eggs brought by Dr. Exton are of a warm cream colour like those
of P. alchata, more or less speckled, blotched, and dashed, with
reddish brown and pale purple markings, chiefly in a ring near one
end. Axis, 1” 5”; diam. 1” 1". He writes :—“I send also three
eggs of P. bicinctus, which I took out of the nest from which

576 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

I flushed and shot the pomles The nest was a depression in the
ground lined with grass.”

Mr. T. E. Buckley procured specimens in the Transvaal, and states
that it was very common from the Limpopo to the Matabele, and
Mr. Ayres writes:—“ Next to P. gutturalis, this is the most
plentiful of the Sand-grouse found near the Limpopo. The greater
number of those we saw there in June were in flocks, but some few
had paired and were breeding. The eggs, three or four in number,
are laid on the bare ground amongst the short grass, and the
hen bird will almost allow herself to be trodden on before she
will rise.” Dr. Exton procured it near Kanye, in the Matabele
country, and Mr. Frank Oates shot the species in the Makalapsi
River in August and also on the Motloutsi River in August.
Mr. Andersson also gives the following note :—‘‘ This is perhaps

_the most common species of Sand-grouse in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, where considerable numbers may be seen, during
the dry season, at any of the few permanent waters which exist
in those countries, and which these birds frequent in large
flocks about dusk and during the early part of the night, as well as
sometimes also at early dawn; they remain only a short time at the
water, and announce their arrival and departure by incessant sharp
cries. When dispersed on their feeding-grounds, they are generally
found in pairs, or at most two or three together. They feed chiefly
on the seeds of grass, as well as on other seeds and berries, and
mingle with their food considerable quantities of coarse sand.
Their flesh is very white but excessively tough; it may, however, be
somewhat improved by divesting the bird of its skin before cooking
it. The eggs of this species are from two to three in number, laid
npon the bare sand, and of a pinkish-yellow colour, spotted with
grey and reddish brown.”’ Senor Anchieta has found it at Biballa,
at Capangombe, and at Humbe on the Cunene River, at all of which
places it is called Kambanjo.

Male.—Above, ashy-brown, with triangular white spots and
reddish-brown bars; top of head, reddish-brown, with longitudinal
dark stripes; forehead black, with a small white patch at the base
of the bill, and a larger over each eye; chin, sides of head, and
throat, dirty nankin colour; chest ashy; between it and the
belly, two bands, the first white, the second black; belly, dirty-
white, minutely barred with very dark-brown ; under-tail coverts,

ad

—

PTEROCLES GUTTURALIS. 577

bright rufous nankin, sparingly barred with arrow-headed black

markings.

Female.—Not unlike that of Pterocles namaqua. Length, 94";
wing, 7”; tail, 34”.

Fig. Reichenb. Hiihnervég. tab. ccviii. figs. 18, 19.

558. Prerocius currurauis, Smith. Yellow-throated Sand-grouse.

The expedition under Sir A. Smith discovered this species about
eighty miles east of Latakoo, repairing in large flocks to water
at fixed periods, and feeding on grass seeds. Mr. Ayres writes :—
“These birds are tolerably plentiful in the neighbourhood of
Potchefstroom towards the latter end of winter and the beginning
of spring, but appear to leave in summer; they are generally in
companies of from three to a dozen or so, and very seldom found
singly: they mostly frequent bare ground not far from water; and
I am informed that they go regularly to drink twice a day, however
distant they may be from their supply. Their flight is exceedingly
strong ; they rise with a loud whirring noise, and when on the wing
they somewhat resemble some of the Pigeons, especially Columba
pheonota. On the approach of danger they crouch and he very
close to the ground, and it is then exceedingly difficult to see them ;
when disturbed they do not run, but rise quite suddenly. Their
notes, which are, I believe, only uttered on the wing, are short and
harsh, and may be heard a considerable distance ; they feed much
upon the seed of a small species of tare or pea, and also upon
bulbous nutty roots of a small species of grass, which they scratch
up; these bulbs have a strong, agreeable aromatic smell; and when
the birds have freely fed upon them they appear to be thoroughly
scented.” A second note from the same gentleman is as follows :—
“T found these birds about the River Limpopo in June; they were
in flocks which apparently consisted entirely of females. I killed
four out of a flight at one shot, with dust shot, all of which were
hen birds. A few of them were breeding; and I found their eggs,
three in number, laid on the bare ground amongst the grass, without
the slightest appearance of a nest, at no great distance from the
water.” Dr. Exton tells us that he did not observe it himself in the
neighbourhood of Kanye in the Matabele country, but two specimens
were obtained by a waggon-driver north of Bamangwato. Mr.'T. E.

2p

578 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Buckley states that he first met with this species about two days
journey by bullock-waggon from the Limpopo in the north of the
Transvaal, where they go about in small flocks in the open country.
He says that their note is very like the croaking of a Woodcock,
but much louder. The late Mr. Frank Oates procured a pair on the
Shashe River, where the Zambesi road crosses it north of Tati, and
Mr. Ayres gives the following remarks on the species, as observed
by him during Mr. Jameson’s expedition:—“We found large
packs of this Grouse feeding on the caffre-corn, which, at this
season, was hanging dead ripe on the stems. The birds were
exceedingly tame, allowing one to walk up to within a few yards of
them. Their note, being loud, harsh, and guttural, can be heard at a
considerable distance, and, being only uttered during flight, betrays
their approach to the sportsman. They are very plentiful from
Crocodile River, in the Transvaal, to about Tati River, the southern
boundary of Matabele land; but we did not meet with them to the
north of that river. They are excellent eating, split open and
grilled, with a little butter.”

Male.—Upper surface of head dull-green, faintly freckled with
black ; sides of head and chin, straw-yellow ; eye-brows, yellowish-
white ; space between the eye and the bill, black; the neck, the
breast, and a portion of each shoulder, intermediate between oil-
green and sulphur-yellow ; chest crossed by a narrow crescent of
deep brownish-black; back and upper tail-coverts pearly-grey,
strongly tinged with brown; belly and under tail-coverts deep
reddish-brown.

Female.—Above, nankin-yellow, profusely variegated with black ;
chin and throat immaculate ; belly and vent deep chestnut, trans-
versely barred with black ; under tail-coverts immaculate. Length,
114”; wing, 8” 3” ; tail, 4”.

Fig. Smith, Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pls. 3, 31.

559. Prmroctes variEcatus, Burch. Variegated Sand-grouse.

This species was found by Sir Andrew Smith’s expedition at
Tsinning, thirty miles to the west of Latakoo. Dr. Reid, of
Colesberg, has sent specimens from between Soutpan’s Drift,
Orange River, and Griqua Town, and Mr. Ortlepp found it between
Hopetown and Eskdale, eight miles north of Hopetown. Dr. Exton

PTEROCLES VARIEGATUS. 579

says that it is not uncommon on the flats to the north of Kuruman,
does not go in flocks, but is usually met with singly or in pairs in
the open grassy plains, and is very wary and shy in its habits.
“Tts note is less shrill and piping,” he continues, “than that of
P, namaqua. They come down to water with a dash, and are off
again in a moment, differing much from the other two, who lie
about on the sand or move with quick hurried notions.”

Mr. Ayres observes:—“‘ I found these birds tolerably plentiful
in June and July along the Limpopo and Mariqua; but though they
were often in pairs I did not succeed in finding their eggs. These
and the other Sand-grouse of this district are dry and very tough if
cooked fresh, but if kept for nearly a week become tender and
well-flavoured.”” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition the species was
obtained at Limonie Pan in the Bamangwato country in June, and
Mr. Ayres gives the following note on their occurrence :—“ At
about eleven o’clock hundreds of these birds came to the Limonie
Pan in small flocks, from about half-a-dozen to thirty ; they did not
remain more than a few minutes but hastened back to their feeding
ground, and by mid-day all had quenched their thirst and not one
remained at the Pan. Along the Crocodile River we also found
these birds mostly in pairs, which showed that their breeding season
had then commenced. The crops of those we shot were crammed
with seeds.”

Mr. Andersson writes as follows :—“ This species is not uncommon
in the northern and middle parts of Damara Land, as well as in the
Lake-regions; but I do not recollect having met with it further to
the south. It feeds on seeds, berries, and roots, and frequents its
drinking-places early in the morning. Its flesh is tough, like that
of its congeners. The mode of drinking adopted by this and by
other South African Sand-grouse resembles, as has been already
mentioned, that which I have described in the case of the wild
Guinea-fowl.”

The egg of this species is a pale dull green, spotted with light
brown and indistnict purple, and upon this more sparsely spotted
with dark brown. Axis, 1" 5’”; diam., 1" 2’,

Male.—General colour above, greenish-yellow, spotted with white ;
top of head dark brown, mottled with ochreous-yellow ; eyebrows,
chin, and sides of head, silver-grey; bare space round eye, light-

2P2

580 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

yellow; under surface, rufous-brown; the breast spotted with white ;
the belly and vent clouded with ochreous; wing-feathers, dark
ashy-brown, tipped with white.

Female.—Chin, sides of head, and stripe over the eye, ochreous-
yellow, instead of silver-grey; belly, pale yellowish-brown, barred
with dusky-white ; the rest much the same as inthe male. Length,
94”; wing, 6” 8”; tail, 3” 3”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 10.

ORDER GALLINE.
Fam. PHASIANIDE.

560. Noumipa coronata, Hartl. Crowned Guinea Fowl.
Numida mitrata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 266.

This species extends over the whole of the frontier districts, into
Mossamedes on the West, and to the Mocambic on the Hast. It is
still abundant in some places within the colony, where the mimosa
bush affords it sufficient shelter. It feeds on grain and insects, and
lays from seven to ten eggs, rather sharply pointed at the small and
rounded at the obtuse end, of a dark cream colour, minutely dotted
all over with pin-point spots of brown: axis, 2’ 1”; diameter,
eh op

In reply to some queries of ours, as to whether our friend Mrs.
Barber had ever seen a wild bird with white quill-feathers, she
writes :—“ With regard to Guinea-fowl. They are still very
numerous in several partially-wooded districts of the Hastern
Province, but more especially in the valley of the Great Fish River,
which is their stronghold, and I have been accustomed to see them
occasionally all my life; but I have never seen a wild one with
white feathers in its wings. It is contrary to the laws of natural
selection (in which I am a believer) for nature to produce any form
that is useless or hurtful to her, such as white wing-feathers would
be to wild Guinea-fowls, for they would at once point out to wild-
cats, owls, hawks, and sportsmen, the direction in which the bird
had flown or run (for in crossing all rough places they open their
wings while running); and I am inclined to think that if they
do occur in any part of the colony with white wings, it is when
they have accidentally been crossed with the tame, white-breasted
Guinea-fowl, that is so common (especially amongst the Dutch
colonists) nearly all over the colony. Our wild ones are easily
tamed, and you frequently see both sorts together upon farmers’
homesteads on the frontier. Our South African species is altogether
a much handsomer and larger bird than the tame, white-breasted

582 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

sort, and is of a much deeper colour, with the white spots larger
and more conspicuous. They are good layers, and rear their young
much in the same way as our pheasants do. If the female bird is
startled she flies off and leaves her young ones, who at once disperse
in every direction, and hide so cunningly amongst the grass and
bushes that they are seldom found; and the dear little creatures
will remain for any length of time in their hiding-places until they
are called together again by the shrill note of the parent bird. In
the Fish River valley they roost upon the willow branches that
project over the large holes of water, out of the reach of wild-cats.
Sir Walter Currie has upwards of a hundred of these beautiful
birds upon his property (Oatlands) at Grahamstown: they are
thorough-bred South African ones, with dark wings. I will try
and get you a skin of one somewhere. As I have friends in the
Fish River, where they are numerous, I will ask some of them to
get me a skin.—M. HE. B.”

Near East London, Mr. Rickard tells us it is not common, but
one specimen was caught close to the beach. Captain Trevelyan
records it from Kingwilliamstown, and Mr. Ayres writes:—
‘“« These birds are abundant in some of the upper districts of Natal;
they are gregarious, and are generally found amongst scrubby bush
on the borders of streams and rivers. They run with exceeding
swiftness, and in open ground a person on’ foot would stand but a
poor chance of running them up. When in cover they lie very close
indeed, and require a good dog to find them ; when found they will
frequently fly up mto the lower boughs of any convenient bush or
tree. They are naturally very tame, and easily domesticated, and
may be found thus at any farmsteads. In some instances I am
informed that they come regularly to feed with the poultry. In
their wild state they feed much upon berries, the roots of various
grasses, and so forth. They are excellent eating; and a good cock
will weigh from three pounds and a quarter to three pounds and a
half.””

Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid write :—“‘ Though
not obtained in the Newcastle district, this fine bird occurs in
considerable numbers in places, as at Estcourt, Ladysmith, etc.”
Mr. Ayres states that :—“ These Guinea-fowls are plentiful along
the banks of the Rhinoster River, on the Free State side of the
Vaal River.” Mr. T. E. Buckley found it very common from the

B

>
NUMIDA CORONATA. 583

Limpopo to the Bamangwato district, and on one occasion he says
that he ‘must have seen about two hundred on the wing together.
In the evening they come to the water holes to drink, and roost
in the trees close by.” In the Mashoona country it was seen by
Mr. Jameson’s expedition, but not procured, and, according to
Sir John Kirk, it is extremely common in the Zambesi region. It
is called Kanga and Kaha in the interior. He says when the rains
commence, the flocks go off to the interior, and scatter for the
purpose of breeding. Although easily domesticated, it does not
breed in captivity; and fresh birds require to be got, or eggs
obtained from the nests in the bush. Mr, Andersson has published
the following account of the species in South-Western Africa :—
“This Guinea-fowl is the commonest game bird in Damara and
Great Namaqua Land, being most abundant from the Orange River
in the south, to the Okavango in the north of those countries ;
and it is also very common in the Lake-regions. It is a*highly
gregarious bird, especially during the dry season, when it is not
uncommonly found in flocks of several hundred individuals; and
on one occasion I saw upwards of a thousand collected in one spot,
which was one of the prettiest sights I have had the good fortune
to witness. These wonderful congregations usually occur in the
immediate neighbourhood of waters of small extent; and it is quite
evident that were such a mass of birds to make a simultaneous rush
for the precious liquid, there would be much confusion, and com-
paratively few would be enabled to have their fill. But, on the
contrary, they go to work most economically and judiciously, and
it is very interesting to watch the process. The first comers enter
the well or hole, as the case may be, and, rapidly and dexterously
taking their fill, they make their exit in a different direction, if
possible, from that by which they entered; in the meanwhile the
outsiders gradually and evenly approach, and the ring is gradually
narrowed by a steady progressive movement of the whole. A batch
- of fresh comers never attempt to force their way amongst those
which had previously arrived, but remain quietly on the outside of
NG ring until their turn comes. I may add that I have observed
the same habit amongst the Sand-grouse. The Guinea-fowl feeds
on grass, seeds, and insects, but chiefly on a small bulb which is
also eagerly sought for by all gallinaceous birds, as well as by man,
and which grows very abundantly throughout the country. These

084 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

birds are great travellers, often going over fifteen or twenty miles
in the course of the day, but always returning, if possible, to the
water at night; so that by judiciously dodging their steps a thirsty
traveller may find the desired pool, though implicit reliance should
never be placed on this mode of obtaining water. The Guinea-
fowls usually rest during the heat of the day under some mimosa,
resuming their journeyings when the greatest heat is passed. <A
flock of these birds is in general easily discovered by their sharp,
discordant, and metallic cries, something like a rapid succession
of blows struck upon iron. They have many enemies, and seek
security at night by roosting in tall mimosas. The flesh of the
young Guinea-fowl is very white, tender, and well-flavoured, but
that of the old birds is far from tempting.

“The eggs of the wild Guinea-fowl are often hatched under
domestic fowls, and the young are not difficult to rear; but as they
grow their propensity for roosting on high trees is rapidly developed,
much to the distress of their foster-mother, which is usually unable
to follow them to their lofty perch. I have also known young
chicks of this species successfully reared when captured in a wild
state; but I have never known an instance of one of these birds,
when tamed, having reared a brood of its own young. The nests
of this species consist of slight rounded depressions in the ground,
and may be found from the end of December to May, containing
from fifteen to twenty eggs of a buffy-white or pale buff-colour,
sometimes obscurely speckled with pale grey.” Professor Barboza
du Bocage states that Senor Anchieta has sent specimens from
Caconda, and from Huilla, as well as from the Coroca River in
Southern Mossamedes, and from Humbe on the Cunene River. The
last-named traveller gives the native name as Kanga in all places
where the Guinea-fowls are met with.

It should be noted that Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub believe in the
existence of two forms of this Guinea-fowl occurring within our

limits, and Professor Barboza du Bocage says that in the specimens -

from Caconda and Huilla the neck and crop have white transverse
lines, whereas those from the Coroca River and Humbe have these
lines replaced by white spots similar to the rest of the plumage.
Some of the other characters mentioned by Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub
are not, however, borne out by the specimens in the Lisbon Museum ;
but Professor Bocage thinks that there may be two forms of this

—

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NUMIDA VERREAUXI. 585

Guinea-fowl in South Africa with different habitats—one, N.
coronata, inhabiting Hastern Africa and spreading out on the central
plateau as far as its nearest points to West Africa; and the other
NV. cornuta, essentially a more southern bird, crossing the Cunene
River to the northward, and approaching the littoral region in the
latitude of Mossamedes.

General colour, dark-grey, profusely spotted with round white
spots; on the outer edges of the wing-feathers these spots are
replaced by dashes; and on the neck they are very small, run into
each other, and become indistinct bars ; head bare, with a casque in
some specimens 1” 16’ in length; tip horny yellow; base, with top
and back of head, cere, and tip of wattles pendant from base of
upper mandibles, bright crimson; neck bare, sparsely sprinkled
with hairs, and together with bare space round eye, brilliant sky-
blue. Length, 16” to 17”; wing, 113’; tail, 6’. Mr. Ayres gives
the following soft parts:—‘‘ Male. Iris dusky; bill, blood red,
except the tip and under mandible, which are pale ash-coloured ;
tarsi and feet black.”

Fig. Elliot, Mon. Phas. ii. pl. 40.

561. Nomipa verreauxt, Hiliot. Verreaux’s Guinea-Fowl.

This fine crested Guinea-fowl, distinguished by its top-knot and
by the colouring of the bare neck, is apparently confined to Natal.
Here it was met with by the brothers Verreaux as long ago as the
year 1827, and examples existed for a long time in Huropean
Museums, but the species was always confounded with the West
African N. cristata, from which it is different.

Mr. Ayres writes : “‘ These fine Guinea-fowls I got in the month of
July at Durban, Natal, where they were being hawked about the
town by Caffre hunters as birds for the table, the flesh being
uncommonly delicate and good. They frequent the densest bush
immediately on the sea range, and are difficult to get; the best
method is with dogs accustomed to hunt the bush, as the birds,
when chased, take to the trees, and a good dog will bark until his
master manages with much trouble to get to the spot through
brambles, thorny bushes and nettles innumerable ; and then, if due
care is taken to approach without noise, the birds may be potted
from the tree, a flying shot being totally out of the question. The
Guinea-fowls are to be found from the Bay of Natal northwards ;

586 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

but, so far as I can learn, not a single bird is to be found in the
south, although the bush range is precisely similar.”

It appears to be avery local species. Mr. Fellowes found it in the
Umgowee forest, near the Umlalaas River, lat. 29°; in Zululand
and near St. Lucia Bay on a small promontory. The healthy
months for this country he found to be June, July, August, and the
first half of September. After this the Guinea-fowl have it all their
own way, as the country is unapproachable from fever.

The following description is given by Mr. Elliot in his “ Mono-
graph ”:— Head covered with a full, long, upright, jet-black crest ;
the rest of the face and head bare; around the eyes black; blue
on the sides and back of the neck; bright red upon the throat,
extending from the base of the lower mandibles to the feathers of
the breast ; the skin of the neck full behind, forming a plait about
midway and falling in a kind of fold over the feathers of the lower
part ; lower part of neck behind and upper part of breast black,
having a rich chestnut tinge on the breast; entire rest of the
plumage black, with a greenish gloss and spotted with light green ;
wings spotted like the rest of the body; primaries dark brown;
secondaries black with their inner webs spotted ; outer webs of the
first four of the rest unspotted, black with lines of bluish-green ;
thighs black; bill light-horn colour; legs and feet blackish-brown.”
The sexes are alike in colour.

Fig. Elliot, Monogr. Phasian. ii, pl. 44.

562. Numrpa cristata, Pall. Crested Guinea-Fowl.

According to Professor Barboza du Bocage three living specimens
of this species, from Benguela, were brought to Lisbon by M.
Freitas Branco, and Viegas do O.

The only difference between this species and the preceding
consists in the less extent of the black on the chest in N. cristata.

Fig. Elliot, Monogr. Phasian. ii, pl. 45.

563. Numipa pucuerani, Hartl. Pucheran’s Guinea-Fowl.

This species may be distinguished from N. verreauwi by having
the spotted plumage continued on the breast right up to the bare
throat. Dr. Kirk, whose specimens, according to Mr, Elliot,
belong to the present species, observes: “This fine species was
observed in large flocks at the head of the Zambesi delta, Shupanga,

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PERNISTES SWAINSONI. 587

on the Shire at Chibisa, and in the interior about forty miles east of
the Victoria Falls. Its nest is formed in the ground among grass.
The species keeps more to the forest than the common Guinea-fowl,
which frequents the open plains, and resorts during the dry season to
the river every night. Native name, Khanga Tore.”

Fig. Elliot, Monogr. Phas. ii. pl. 46.

Fam. PERDICIDA.

564, PERNISTES SWAINSONI. Swainson’s Francolin.
Francolinus swainsonii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 269.

The members of the genus Pternistes, according to Captain
Shelley, have the chin and throat bare. The males have a sharp
spur, the plumage of the sexes being otherwise perfectly similar.
The tail is not hidden by the upper tail-coverts, and the feathers on
the forehead are always parted by the culminal ridge. The present
species may be recognized by the absence of white stripes on the
back or breast, the feathers of the latter being more or less
vermiculated, and having moderately narrow dark shaft stripes.
The general colour of the breast is buffish brown, and the vermicu-
lations are very indistinct.

The expedition under Sir A. Smith first found this Francolin in a -
valley immediately south of Kurrichane, perching on the branches of
decayed trees near the margin of a small rivulet. To these places
they appear to resort at night, feeding by day on the banks of rivers.
In this, and in their habit of effecting their escape by fleetness
of foot, rather than by taking wing, they resemble the colonial
F. clamator and P. nudicollis, to which they are closely allied. We
have no notes of the occurrence of this species from any of our corre-
spondents in the eastern districts or in Natal, and Mr. T. E. Buckley
states that it was first met with by him two or three days north of
Pretoria, and thence it was common in all suitable localities into the
Matabele country. He writes :—“ This is the bird called ‘ Pheasant’
by the colonists; they are generally found in coveys, are very quick
runners, and require a good deal of exertion on one’s part to flush
them.” In the Transvaal, according to Mr. Ayres, it “is exceedingly
numerous in some parts of the Magaliesbergen along the banks of the
Crocodile or Limpopo River, and of the Eland’s River, amongst the

588 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

mountains.” He has also found it in breeding in the Waterberg
district. Mr. F. A. Barratt writes:—%This species I observed on
my route between Lydenburg and the Gold-fields. They appear to
be fond of water, especially small streams, where they are found at
early morn. At night they frequent the dead brushwood, and the
open in the day-time. I am not certain whether I observed them
on my trip to Rustenberg; but I have received specimens from
Macamac.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition it was procured on
the Inshlangeen River, and Mr. Ayres remarks concerning the
specimen :—“On the 4th of June I found the nest with six eggs,
slightly incubated. The nest was in rough high grass near the
river, in a slight cavity, and was constructed of soft dry grass and a
few breast-feathers of the old birds. The eggs are of a pinkish
cream-colour, finely speckled all over with chalky white, are roundish
in shape, measuring 142 by 1,4. We found this species also at
the Quae-Quae river, and in many other spots along our route.” In
his work on the “ Birds of Damara Land” Mr, Andersson says :—
“Tn travelling northwards through Damara Land, I first met with
this powerful and somewhat coarse-looking Francolin at the southern
extremity of Omuveroom, where it occurred sparingly; but it
became more common as I proceeded further north, till, on the
banks of the Okavango River, I found it quite abundant. It
frequents grassy localities sprinkled with brushwood, generally, but
not always, selecting the neighbourhood of springs, streams, or
marshes. It feeds in open spots, but retires to the jungle on the
. first approach of danger, chiefly trusting to its legs to effect its
retreat. It always roosts on trees by night, and occasionally perches
on them by day; in the early morning and at evening it utters
frequent harsh cries. This species feeds chiefly on small bulbs, but
also eats seeds, berries, and insects. The young of this Francolin
are strong on the wing about the month of May.”

General colour, brown; each feather of the back with a dark
stripe down the centre, and finely mottled; under parts rusty, or
yellowish-grey ; the breast and lower part of neck darkest, each
feather marked in the course of the shaft by a very dark umber
stripe; chin, throat, and space round the eyes bare, and of a
colour between lake and vermilion-red ; top of head brocoli-brown.
Length, 14”; wing, 8” 3”; tail, 3’ 6’. Mr. Ayres gives the following
soft parts :—‘‘ Iris brown ; bill black, with the lower mandible and

PTERNISTES NUDICOLLIS. 589

bare skin over the nostrils, round the eyes, chin and throat bright
dark rose-red ; tarsi and feet black with a ruddy tinge.”
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. §. Afr. Aves, pl. 12.

565. PTrERNISTES RUBRICOLLIS, Gm. Sclater’s Francolin.

This Francolin is aw inhabitant of South-Western Afriea, where it
has been found by Senor Anchieta on the Coroca River in Southern
Mossamedes, as well as at Huilla, Gambos, Quillengues, and
Caconda in the interior of Benguela. It is also apparently abundant
at Humbe on the Cunene River; but, as Professor Barboza du
Bocage well remarks, it probably does not occur to the southward of
that river, as it was not met with by Mr. Andersson during his
travels. In Benguela the native name is Unguari.

In addition to the bare throat which characterizes the genus
Pternistes, the present species is recognized by haying dark shaft-
stripes on the upper parts, and white stripes on the breast, and
particularly by the sides of the breast-feathers being white.

Fig. Daubent, Pl. Enl. 180.

566. PrerNistEs HUMBOLDTI, Peters. Humboldt’s Francolin.

This Francolin is very similar to the foregoing, but has the sides
of the breast-feathers black or brown. Dr. Peters first met with it
in Hast Africa, and Sir John Kirk procured specimens during the
Livingstone Expedition. He writes :—“ Native name Kavare. This
was the only Francolin of which I brought back specimens obtained
on Manganja Hills; but there are five different species of this group
in the Zambesi region, some peculiar to the coast and neighbouring
parts, others to the highlands and plains of the interior.

567. Prernistes Nupicouuis, Lath. Red-necked Francolin.
Francolinus nudicollis, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 268.

The “ Red-necked Pheasant”? is only found in wooded districts,
such as the forests of George and the Knysna, where it replaces
F. clamator, which it resembles in all its habits: the call is,
however, different. Mr. Atmore has it on his farm at Kykoe, in the
Long Kloof; and we are informed that it is very common on the
frontier. About Swellendam, likewise, it is plentiful; and at
Mr. Moodie’s farm, Grootvadersbosch, it is equally abundant as the

590 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

common Pheasant. On this farm we killed all four Francolins
usually found in the colony, viz., F'. clamator, P. nudicollis, F. afer,
and F’, Levaillantii.

Mr. L. C. Layard sent us the eggs from hence: they are precisely
similar to those of the preceding. Mr. Rickard informs us that it
is common at Port Elizabeth, but not very numerous near Hast
London, where, however, it is said to be getting more plentiful, and
Captain Trevelyan notes it from the neighbourhood of Kingwilliams-
town. Mr. Barratt writes :—‘‘I procured this bird in the district of
Lydenburg and in the Chalumna district in British Kaffraria, always
in the thick bush, where their loud cackling note is heard during
the greater part of the early morning.” Mr. Gurney states that a
specimen from Damara Land was in Mr. Andersson’s last collection.

General colour brown, the feathers of the back having a black
stripe down the centre; those of chest cinereous, with black centre
stripe; those of neck white, with black stripe, very broad; feathers
of breast, belly, and flanks, dark brownish-black, with a white stripe
running up each side of the shaft; chin, fore-part of throat, and
space round the eye, bare, and bright crimson. Length, 13” to 15’;
wing, 7”; tail, 44”.

568. Francotinus apspersus, Waterhouse. Red-billed Francolin.

In all the members of the genus Francolinus the throat is
feathered. The present species has no white shaft stripes in the
feathers of the back and wings, and has the chin, throat, and entire
under parts evenly and narrowly barred with black.

It is found about the Orange River, and northward through the
country to Ovampoland. It appears from all accounts to be very
common, and to replace the ‘ Pheasant,’”? which it somewhat
resembles. Eggs brought us by Mr. J. Chapman are singularly
shaped, appearing truncated at each end. The shell also is of
remarkable thickness, being the 24th part of an inch, and very dense
and heavy. Inside pure white and iridescent, outside very pale cream
colour. Axis, 1” 7”; diameter, 1” 1”. Mr. Andersson found it
at Lake N’gami, and writes:—“ This is the most common and
abundant Francolin indigenous to Damara and Great Namaqua
Land, where it is found in coveys, which, in favourable seasons, not
unfrequently consist of from ten to fourteen individuals. This
species is seldom found at any great distance from the banks of the

a ee ye eee en Oe

ee a EE

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Oe i ene ee

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FRANCOLINUS CLAMATOR. 591

periodical streams, and on the least approach of danger seeks shelter
in the trees and bushes, with which these banks are generally
studded. It lives much on trees, roosting among the branches by
night, and also resting there during the heat of the day. These
Francolins run with extraordinary swiftness, and will not use their
wings unless very hard pressed; and when they do so, it is with the
view of concealing themselves amongst the thickest of the branches
of some convenient tree, where they remain perfectly motionless ;
and it requires a good and practised eye to detect one of these birds
after it has taken refuge in a full-foliaged tree; when the danger is
passed they generally again seek the ground. Their feeding time is
in the early morning and the cool of the evening; and their food
consists of seeds, berries, and insects. The notes of these birds
are harsh, and so loud that they may be heard at a great distance ;
they resemble a succession of hysterical laughs, at first slow, but
increasing in rapidity and strength, till they suddenly cease. This
species deposits its eggs in a hollow in the ground, without any
lining.” Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens from Humbe
on the Cunene River, where he says it is called Muelle and
Angi.

Throughout of a mottled, brownish-grey, brownest on the back
and wings, where the marking is finest; below, the white and dark
brown are pretty evenly divided into narrow, irregular transverse
lines; on the neck they assume the appearance of scales; from
the base of the bill over the nostrils is a small black patch; a
black line also extends from the angle of the bill under the eye.
Length, 12”; wing, 7’; tail, 34”. According to Mr. Andersson,
the iris is dark brown, the bare skin round the eye pale yellow, the
bill and legs in the adult bird rich, warm red, the toes and the spurs
of the male purple. The females are somewhat smaller and less
robust than the males; in very young birds the bill is dark purple,
and the colour of the legs is much paler than in the adults.

569. FRancouinus cuamator, J'emm. Noisy Francolin.

In this species the chin and upper throat are spotted with black,
there are no large white spots on the upper back, nor are there any
white shaft stripes to the feathers of the back and wings.

The “ Pheasant ”’ is found throughout the whole of the maritime
districts of the colony, delighting in bushy kloofs and water-courses,

_

592 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

from which it is driven with difficulty, owing to its habit of perching
on branches, just out of the reach of dogs. It at all times prefers to
escape by running, instead of flying ; and on Robben Island, where
it abounds, having been placed there some years ago, whole flocks
may be chased for a mile or more in full view without once taking
wing. They usually, on these occasions, make for the rocks on the
beach, and will run out to the farthest extremity, regardless of the
surf breaking over them. Like the other Francolins of the colony,
they feed during the morning and evenings on bulbs, grain, and
insects ; they form their nests under a bush, and lay from eight to
fourteen eggs, of a greenish-brown colour, occasionally spotted.
Axis, 1” 10’; diameter, 1” 6”. They are noisy clamorous birds,
their harsh call being heard to a great distance. At Zoetendal’s
Vley they consort with the domestic fowls, coming close up to the
house to feed.

We have kept them in confinement, and observe that they always
seek the highest lateral branch as a roost at night. A strange
disease affects them when in a cage—a kind of ophthalmia—their
eyes swell to a great size, and they become perfectly blind, if the
complaint does not end in death. They have been introduced into
New Zealand and Australia, and will, we are convinced, soon become
naturalized.

Blackish-brown, each feather longitudinally marked with narrow
whitish lines, converging to the shaft; top of head, dark brown;
chin and part of throat, white; feathers of neck brown, with white
edges, giving this portion a mailed appearance; feathers of belly
and flanks, dark brown, sparsely mottled with white, and with a
broad white line down the centre. Length, 14” to 16’; wing, 8’;
tail, 4”.

570. FRANCOLINUS NATALENSIS, Smith. Natal Francolin.

This species has the same general characters as F’. clamator, but is
smaller, and has no white shaft stripes on the breast.

Sir Andrew Smith discovered this species in Natal, and Mr. Ayres
writes from the same colony:—‘‘The birds live entirely in the
dense underwood that abounds along the coast. Their food consists
of insects and seeds; their call very much resembles that of the
Guinea-fowl; they run exceedingly fast, and are shy and difficult to
obtain; they roost in trees at night, and, when on the ground, will

|:

FRANCOLINUS PILEATUS. 593

fly to them immediately, if chased by a dog, or in any other way
suddenly disturbed—otherwise they run.” Mr. T. H. Buckley says
that it was the commonest Francolin throughout the Transvaal up
to the Matabele country, and Mr. Ayres writes :—“‘ This Francolin
is not very plentiful just round Rustenburg; but amongst the
mountains it is as common as P. swainsoni, frequenting the same
localities, and always found in wooded situations close to water.’
The late Mr. Frank Oates obtained a specimen on the Makalapsi
River in August.

Birds with their eggs have been sent us from Mahuras country
by Mr. Arnot. The latter are pale brown, immaculate. Axis,
eScsp diam. 1” 5".

This species is also the Francolinus lechoho of Sir Andrew Smith,
and Dr. Exton tells us ‘‘that the Bechuana name for all Francolins
is Lisogo in the plural, Mésogo in the singular number.”

Top of head, back, scapulars, shoulders, and tail, light brown,
finely mottled with brownish-black and tawny white, the former in
the shape of longitudinal blotches upon the scapulars ; eyebrows,
sides of head, neck, breast, and anterior part of belly, variegated
black and white; posterior part of belly, vent, and under tail-
coverts, a mixture of black, tawny white, and light brown; bill
reddish-brown ; legs, toes, and claws, reddish-yellow; eyes brown.
Length, 124”; wing, 7’; tail, 3’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 13.

571. Francouius piteatus, Smith. Pileated Francolin.

This Francolin belongs to the section of the genus where there
are more or less well-marked white shaft-stripes on the feathers of
the back and wing. It has triangular spots of chestnut on the
lower neck and fore-part of the chest: the remainder of the under
surface of the body being narrowly barred with dusky vermicula-
tions, with no brown shaft-stripes or strongly defined buff streaks
along the shafts of the feathers.

Sir Andrew Smith procured the present species on the banks
of the Marico River to the north of Kurrichane, frequenting open
localities, and feeding in grassy places, on bulbs, seeds, and
insects.

Dr. Exton writes :—“ Sir A. Smith appears to have overlooked the
fact of this being a crested Francolin. I have only found it on

2Q

594 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

forest-covered hill-sides. It has the habits of the so-called ‘ Cape
Pheasant’ (I’. clamator), frequenting dense bush, and when flushed
by dogs flying up to high branches, at which time it elevates its
crest and watches the movements of the dogs with evident alarm.
Trides brown. Legsand feet red. Bill black.” Mr. Ayres found it
near the River Limpopo, and the late Mr. Frank Oates procured
specimens on the same river and on the Gokwe River. According to
Mr. Buckley it was very common from the Limpopo up to the
Matabele country. In the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres says, it is only met
with in the bush country frequenting the open glades, and he
considers it a much rarer bird than F’. afer or F. levaillantii. The
late Professor Peters procured the species in Inhambanie, and
Mr. Andersson writes :—“ In travelling northward I first met
with this Francolin on the stony and wooded slopes above
Okambuté, in Northern Damara Land, and subsequently observed
it to the north of that locality. It occurs in coveys, and feeds
on small bulbs, seeds, and berries; its flesh is very palatable.”
Senor Anchieta has only forwarded a single specimen, obtained
north of Humbe on the Cunene River. Native name Kalangue.

Upper surface of the head, rusty-grey, clouded with brown;
stripe of the eye, chin, and throat white; sides of neck and
nuchal collar, white, spotted with red; back, rufous-grey, the
shoulders most rufous, each feather having a broad whitish line
down the shaft; central tail-feathers light brown, delicately
mottled with darker brown; outer feathers dark brown ; breast and
belly, cream-yellow, the former marked with triangular reddish
brown spots at the point, and a similar coloured line in the centre
of each feather; the latter minutely barred with fine brown
transverse lines. Length, 13” 6”; wing, 6’ 6” ; tail, 4”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 14.

572. Francotrus aranti, Hartl. Grant’s Francolin.

This species is smaller than J’, pileatus, which it resembles in
the white shaft-stripes on the back and the wing, and in the
triangular chestnut spots on the lower neck and upper chest. The
vemainder of the under parts have only obsolete vermiculations,
and some strongly marked buff shaft-stripes, either uniform or
enclosing a lengthened brown spot. The male has no bars on the
upper parts, but indistinct barrings are present in the female,

FRANCOLINUS AFER. 595

which is further distinguished by the absence of a spur on the
leg.

This species is an inhabitant of Eastern Africa, and it was
procured by the late Professor Peters, at Tete on the Zambesi.

Fig. Hartl. P. Z. 8. 1865, pl. xxxix, fig. 1.

573. Francouinus arer, Mill. Grey-winged Francolin.

While agreeing with the two preceding species in general charac-
ters, the present bird is recognized by the absence of the triangular
chestnut spots on the lower neck and chest. It has a large portion
of the feathers of the crop and the flanks chestnut, and the breast is
less evenly barred ; the chin and upper part of the throat are white
speckled with black.

Inhabits the maritime districts in considerable number, feeding on
bulbs and insects, which it digs up from the ground with its powerful
hooked bill. About Beaufort, it is only found on the mountain tops.
It nests among bushes, forming a loose structure of grass and roots,
in a depression in the soil. Its eggs, six to eight in number, vary
in colour from a greenish-brown to a dark-brown, or a light-greenish,
almost white. All are, however, minutely spotted with brown
pin-points: axis, 1” 6’”; diam., 1” 2”. It feeds during the early
morning and evening during hot weather, sheltering itself from the
rays of the sun during the hotter portions of the day under thick
bushes, from which it rises readily on being pursued. It can, how-
ever, run with great swiftness, and « winged bird, unless followed
by a good dog, is sure to escape. Captain Shelley states that he
met with one fine covey between Stellenbosch and the Paarl in
Cape Colony, and found it fairly plentiful between Wellington and
Ceres. He says that when disturbed, their flight, though strong, is
slow and rarely sustained for any great distance. Mr. Rickard
records it from Port Elizabeth, but says it is not known at Hast
London. Captain Trevelyan states that he has shot this Francolin
near Grahamstown, also on the Winterberg, Bontebok Flats, and
near Dordrecht ; he found them to rise more readily and fly quicker
than Francolinus levaillantii. He states that it does not occur in
the vicinity of Kingwilliamstown. In the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres
says that it appears to be generally distributed all over the country,
where it is suited to its habits. Mr. Barratt writes:—“I have

shot this species in the district of Potchefstroom. I obtained all
2Q2

596 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

my specimens in stony elevations and on the sides of mountains,
where they are found in considerable quantity early in the morning.”
The late Mr. Frank Oates procured two males at Rettief’s Drift on
the Vaal River.

General colour, light cinereous, approaching to ashy on the breast —
and belly, variegated on the back with very dark blotches, rufous
transverse bars, and a light streak down the shaft of each feather ;
breast and flanks much blotched with deep rufous; belly and vent
much mottled with transverse, narrow bars of blackish-brown,
assuming an arrow-headed form on the shafts of many of the
feathers ; chin, throat, and stripe extending from the back of the
eye almost to the shoulder, white, mottled with black, disposed
more or less in the shape of a circle; a broad rufous band, more or
less mottled with black, extends from the forehead over the head
down the neck ; a similar band less in breadth, and scarcely mottled,
extends from the bill under the eye, and joins the rufous marking
of the chest; tail dark-brown, barred with rufous. Length, 12’;
wing, 6”; tail, 3”.

574, FRANCOLINUS LEVAILLANTIT, Zemm. Le Vaillant’s Francolin.

As in I’. afer, a large portion of some of the feathers of both the
crop and flanks are chestnut, and the breast is not so evenly
barred, but the chin and upper are not speckled, and the latter is
rufous buff.

This very handsome bird is in the western districts extremely
local, frequenting isolated spots, generally secluded vallies between
high mountain ranges, through which flows a mountain stream. In
the palmiet which crowds the morasses formed by the unrestraimed
waters, and crouching amid the tufts of coarse grass and reeds,
these birds may be found; and we have often killed one with our
first barrel, and a snipe with the second.

They lie very close, and on several occasions we have actually
parted the grass under the pointer’s nose to allow the birds to rise.
If flushed a second time and well marked down, they may often be
caught with the hand, as they will hardly rise again. In dry weather
they keep so close to the dense palmiet, that it is impossible to get
them out. We are informed that in the eastern districts it affects
the hill sides, and does not frequent morasses. This we found to be
the case at Grootvadersbosch, except that the places in which they

ie

ry

FRANCOLINUS LEVAILLANTIT. 597

lived were always covered with long grass and rushes, indicating
that they were always more damp than the surrounding country, and
in the rainy season were probably swamps.

Mr. Atmore makes the following observations on these birds :—
“ Here’s a query for you about partridges. The drought appeared
to have nearly destroyed them, particularly the red-wings, and now
they are swarming. They could not have increased so much in the
time, and I can’t make out where they come from. We had a little
work near Heidelberg, and in one kloof, say one mile long, we saw
more than one hundred birds. From that place we went to Rivers-
dale: killed five out of the cart; between Riversdale and Gouritz
River, killed seven and one Korhaan; between Gouritz River and
Blanco fifteen, and shot only what presented themselves. On this
journey we killed more than I saw altogether in two years of the
drought. Again, two years ago, in this Outeniqualand, Red Kestrels
were numberless, preying upon locusts. Last year rain had fallen,
and very few Kestrels were seen, but Harriers were numerous; at
present neither Kestrel nor Harrier is seen but rarely. South African
birds appear to be very migratory, and irregularly so—probably
food is the cause.”

Eggs of this species, sent by Mr. L. C. Layard from Grootvaders-
bosch, are rather larger and redder-coloured than those of the
preceding. Axis, 1” 8”; diam., 1’ 4”.

According to Mr. Rickard, it is found both at Port Elizabeth and
Hast London. “In British Kaffraria,’ writes Captain Trevelyan,
“this bird, owing to what it has to contend with in the shape of
Hawks, Kafir Dogs, Wild Cats, grass-firing, droughts, floods, sports-
men, etc., has much decreased of late years. Any one now getting a
bag of five brace within twenty miles of Kingwilliamstown, would
consider himself fortunate. They are very local, a covey (should old
birds be left) being found in the same place year after year.” Mr,
Ayres states that in Natal, ‘ these birds are scarce on the coast, but
more plentiful in the inland districts. They frequently le exceed-

ingly close, and it requires a very good dog to find them. They are

mostly found in small coveys, and are very good eating. Their call,
which is generally uttered morning and evening, is harsh and loud.
They frequent high grass and other good covert, and rise with a
loud burr. Their flight is rapid and strong, and they generally
manage to settle out of sight, behind some hillock or bush, where

598 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

they are not easily found a second time. Their food consists of
berries, fruits, seeds, and insects. They also feed very much upon
bulbous roots, which they scratch up, break to pieces, and devour.
They are much esteemed, both for sport and for the table.” This was
the only species procured near Newcastle by Majors Butler and
Feilden, and Captain Reid. Mr. Ayres notes it from the Lydenburg
district in the Transvaal, and says that it appears to be generally
distributed all over the country where the localities are suitable
to its habits. '

General colour grey, mottled on the back with very dark markings
on each feather, down the centre of which, and on the shaft, is a
rather broad light-buff stripe, inclining oftentimes to white ; top of
head mottled-brown; a narrow white band, much mottled with
black, extends from the nostrils over each eye, unites at the back of
the head, and extends down to the nuchal collar behind; a similar
band extends from the same place under the eye across the ear, and
sweeps round to the chest, where it extends into a broad crescent-
shaped gorget ; between these two bands is one of deep orange rufous,
enclosing the eye, widening as it passes over the ear, and spreading
backwards to the nuchal collar and forward to the gorget ; the fore-
part of the throat is of the same colour ; the chin albescent ; below
the gorget, the chest, belly, and flanks are beautifully mottled with
deep rufous, and brown ; wing-feathers, inside, deep rufous. Length,
13’; wing, 6’ 6”; tail, 3" 3’". Mr. Ayres gives the soft parts as
follows :—

“ Female.—Iris hazel; bill dusky-yellow at the base; tarsi and
feet dull yellow.”

Fig. Smith, Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 85.

575. FrRancotinus Finscutl, Bocage. Finsch’s Francolin.

A single specimen of this bird, with the adult plumage not fully
completed, was forwarded by Senor Anchieta from Caconda in
Benguela, and has been described by Professor Barboza du Bocage
jn his “Ornithologie d’Angola.” He states that it is similar to
F’. gutturalis of North-Eastern Africa, but is larger and has a stronger
bill. The head and hind neck are ashy brown, the feathers being
darker in the middle ; sides of the forehead, eyebrows, lores, cheeks,
sides of the neck and jugulum bright rufous buff unspotted ; ear-
coverts dusky ; throat pure white ; abdomen and flanks orange buff

2S

Re et OY Or ome &

FRANCOLINUS GARIEPENSIS. 599

with large spots of ferruginous, the margins of the feathers being
paler and more grey.

576. FRANCOLINUS GARIEPENSIS, Smith. | Orange River Francolin.

Although the chestnut markings on the crop and flanks are of
the same character as those in the preceding species, the present
bird may be distinguished by its uniform white chin and upper
throat.

It was found about grassy slopes towards the sources of the Caledon
and Vaal Rivers by Sir Andrew Smith, whence Mr. Arnot has also
forwarded it to the South African Museum. It is found in the
Transvaal, according to Mr. Ayres, who says :—‘ These birds breed
amongst rough grass in dry situations, but not far from water; the
eggs are spotted throughout with dark brown on a rather tawny
ground. It is rather a short egg, abruptly pointed atthe small end.
Size, 1% by 14, inch.” The same gentleman also writes :— This
is the commonest of the Francolins on the Umyuli River, where it
frequents the grassy and rocky slopes of the adjacent ranges. On
the 7th of September a nest was found with three eggs; it was
placed in a slight excavation in the ground, amongst high dry grass,
and was lined with soft, half-decayed grass bents, mixed with a few
feathers. The eggs were slightly incubated.” Mr. Andersson
observes :—“I only met with this beautiful Francolin on the high
tablelands of Damara and Great Namaqua Land; but there it is
frequently very abundant, in coveys usually of about six or eight
individuals, though sometimes as few as three birds, and at others
as many as fourteen compose the covey. These Francolins invariably
frequent grassy slopes sprinkled with dwarf bush; they lie very
close, and, after having been once or twice flushed, are not easily
found again, even with the assistance of dogs. They feed on bulbs,
grass, berries, and seeds.”

Mr. Monteiro states that this species is common all over Angola,
but Professor Barboza du Bocage is inclined to doubt this assertion,
as he has only received a single specimen from Caconda, from Senor
Anchieta, during all the years in which the latter has been engaged
in collecting in South-West Africa.

Forehead, upper surface of head, and back of neck, dull reddish-
brown ; all the feathers edged with pale rusty orange ; sides of neck
with two arched liver-brown bars, mottled with white, the upper

*

600 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

one originating at the outer feathers of the eye; the other at the
base of the lower jaw, and separated from each other by a rusty
orange stripe, mottled with umber-brown ; the superior of these
arches terminates at the base of the neck, the other joins its fellow
on the opposite side, and forms a dark semicircle in front of the
neck; chin and upper portion of throat, white; lower portion,
breast, belly, and vent, reddish-orange, blotched on the throat,
breast, and flanks with deep rusty, and on the belly with very
dark brown; upper surface of back, ashy-brown, mottled with
rusty, transversely barred with brown, and longitudinally streaked
down the shafts of the feathers with brownish white. Length,
14"; wing, 6” 3”; tail, 3° 9”. “Tris, hazel; bill, dusky brown,
with the basal half of lower mandible, and portion of base
of the upper one, dingy yellow; tarsi and feet, dingy yellow”
(Ayres).
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pls. 83, 84.

577. FRanconinus susrorquatus, Smith. Coqui Francolin.

This species belongs to a section of the genus F'rancolinus where
there is little more than a trace of any rufous on either the crop or
the flanks, but the breast has very straight and even bars, the hind
neck being pale rufous.

This Francolin was discovered by Sir Andrew Smith’s expedition,
and we have received specimens from the Free State. Mr. Ayres
writes :—“ These birds live in the open country, and are generally
dispersed all over the colony of Natal; they are to be found in
coyeys, like the Partridge in England ; they roost on the ground in
any convenient thick tuft of grass, and nestle all together. These
birds would be very numerous were it not for the burning of the
grass, together with the hawks, wild cats, and snakes which abound
here, and are their mortal enemies.” Mr. T. E. Buckley procured
the bird in Bamangwato, and says that, ‘it is found in Natal and
the Transvaal, and is fairly common up to the Matabele country,
but from the extreme difficulty in flushing them not often seen.
When once up they go off as quickly as a partridge in September.”
Mr. Ayres writes:—“This is the commonest of the Francolins
amongst the mountains of the Rustenburg district, and_is generally
to be found in coveys in the more open valleys, where the ground
is dotted with scrub and trees ; it is seldom far from water. They

j ae:
sa

FRANCOLINUS SUBTORQUATUS. 6OL

remind me of the English Partridge in their movements and
flight when disturbed ; with a good dog a fair bag may easily be
made.” It was procured by Mr. Jameson’s expedition at Matje
Umschlope, on the 23rd of November, and Mr. Ayres writes, “ Now
in pairs; they may often be heard calling in the early morning.”
The following note is given by Mr. Andersson :—“I only met with
this species in the neighbourhood of the River Okavango, where it
is found in coveys on grassy plains interspersed with large trees
and brushwood. ‘This Francolin lies very close and is exceedingly
difficult to flush without the assistance of dogs. It roosts
on the ground and utters a shrill, but not unpleasant call-note

in the early morning, and also towards evening. It feeds on

small bulbous roots, seeds, berries, and insects; its flesh is very
good.”

Upper part of head, deep rufous-brown, dashed with a tinge of
purple; eyebrow, ear-coverts, back, and sides of the neck, pale
ochreous-red ; sides of head crossed by two fine black lines, one above
and one below the eye, the former terminating on the side of the
neck, behind the ear-coverts, the latter, which springs from the base
of the bill, descending towards the throat, and with the corresponding
one of the opposite side, forming a narrow lunated collar across the
throat ; chest and narrow nuchal collar, vinaceous, with white shafts
to the feathers; belly, flanks, and vent, creamy-white, barred with
broadish black or dark-brown markings; back rusty-grey, with
rufous and dark-brown transverse markings, and white centres to the
feathers, resembling in the distribution of the colours I’. afra.
Length, 10’; wing, 5” 3”. Ivrides, brown; base of bill and legs
orange-yellow (Hxton).

Sir A. Smith’s description is taken from an old female. The male
differs considerably: its colours are much brighter and darker on
the back ; the throat and chin are bright rufous; there are no signs
of the black collar and stripes on these parts; the chest has the
same ground colour as the lower parts, and is closely and deeply
marked with black bars.

Specimens of both sexes now before us are armed with a spur
on each leg; that of the male being the most developed. This
armature is common to all our F’rancolins ; the female assuming it
as she gets old.

“‘Trides bright hazel ; bill, dusky brown except the basal part of

602 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the lower mandible and also the basal corners of the upper mandible,
which are chrome-yellow” (Ayres).
Fig. Smith, Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 15.

578. FRancoLinus scHLeceL, Heugl. Schlegel’s Francolin.

Professor Barboza du Bocage records a single specimen procured
by Messrs. Capello and Ivens during their exploration of the
Quango region, between 10° and 13° S. Lat., and 16° and 17° E.
Long.

The following is a translation of the description given by Professor
Bocage in his “ Ornithologie @’ Angola.”

Adult male—Mantle and wings ashy, shaded with rufous in
places and ornamented with transverse bands of rufous and black,
and streaked with buff on the shafts of the feathers ; sides of the
head and upper part of the neck ochraceous buff, which takes on the
throat a paler tint inclining to whitish; lower part of the neck,
breast, and abdomen transversely barred with black on a white
ground washed with grey, the breadth of the black bands being
less than that of the interspaces ; vent and under tail-coverts barred
across with brown on a buff ground ; tail-feathers barred with ashy
and ochraceous buff, the buff bands bordered with black; bill
yellow, with the culmen and the tip blackish; feet yellow; iris
brown.

579. FRANCOLINUS HARTLAUBI, Bocage. Hartlaub’s Francolin.

A female bird was sent in 1867 by Anchieta from Capangombe
on the River Chimba, with the native name Muhale, and in the
following year the same traveller forwarded a male bird from Hauilla.
No further specimens have since been received.

The following is a translation of the description given by
Professor Bocage :—

Adult male.—Back and wings of a pale greyish brown, irregularly
varied with spots and points of buff and brown, these spots less
distinct on the rump; upper part of the head dark brown, with a
small black space on the forehead, behind which there is a narrow
white band, which is prolonged on each side of the vertex into a
white superciliary band; ear-coverts brownish rufous ; sides of the
head, neck, and lower parts strongly streaked with blackish brown on
a white ground, slightly washed with buff on the posterior part of the

a —— —_ ee

COTURNIX COTURNIX. 603

abdomen and on the flanks; under tail-coverts white, with broad
blackish transverse bands ; quills pale brown, minutely spotted with
buff on the outer webs, and towards their inner margin ; tail-feathers
blackish, barred and tipped with white ; bill extremely stout, brown,
with the edges and the tip yellowish; feet pale yellowish; iris
reddish.

In another individual, marked female, the eyebrows are rufous
instead of white, and the lower parts are of a rufous buff without
any spots; the throat is paler in tint; the sides of the neck and
upper part of the breast are varied with buff on a grey ground, but
these traces of the first plumage will disappear later on, for the buff
tint which occupies the centre of the feathers begins to show traces
of vanishing.

580. Corurnix corurnix (Z.). Common Quail.

The common Quail arrives at this, the most southern limit of its
migration, about the end of August (sometimes as early as the 15th),
in great numbers. At first, if the corn crops are not sufficiently .
high to afford it the necessary cover, it frequents the grassy plains
and stunted bushes. It breeds in the standing crops, depositing its
eggs in a mere depression of the soil, sometimes without even a few
shreds of grass to protect the eggs from the ground. The eggs,
from six to twelve in number, are of a yellowish ground, more or
less spotted and blotched with dark-brown: axis, 1” 3’; diam.,
12’”.. The young birds run the instant they are excluded, and are
attended by both parents, who will feign lameness and tumble about
before the dog, or hunter, in order to draw him from their brood.
The male generally begins this manceuvre, while the female leads off
the little chicks; but should he not succeed, she will perform the
same tricks with tenfold more boldness, and frequently falls a prey
to her maternal solicitude. We have had in our aviary a female
thus captured, with two of her brood. We have observed from
these birds that the migratory desire is evidently strongest at night.
At this season, though perfectly quiescent during the day, our birds
fly up and dash themselves against the wires at all hours of the
night, particularly during moonlight. This could not have been
from any terror, as they were quite tame at the time, feeding from
our hands, and scratching on our palms to obtain some desired seed
that their little quick eyes discriminated in the mass thus offered

604 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

to them. Some Quails remain with us all the year round. On Robben
Island, for instance, ten or twelve brace may be shot any day in the
year. Why they should choose this barren spot, eight or ten miles from
land, in the mouth of Table Bay, I cannot conceive. The farmers
declare that every seven years the numbers of Quail exceed those
that visit us during the intermediate six. During one of these
“years of plenty,” we bagged forty brace in one day, and lost many
more.

It oceurs near Port Elizabeth and Hast London, according to
Mr. Rickard, and we found it common near Grahamstown in March,
1870. Captain Trevelyan writes :—‘The Common Quail is sup-
posed to arrive about Kingwilliamstown in August, September, or
October. I fancy, however, that their arrival depends to a very
great extent on the rains. In the rainy season of 1873 there was no
rain to speak of, but in January and February, 1874, fine rains fell.
The Quails came in great numbers, and I had the best shooting I ever
had in the colony.” In another letter the same gentleman observes :
—‘ The Quail comes to the lands about Kingwilliamstown as a rule
during the months of September, October, and November, and
remains about a month or six weeks. In 1872 they arrived about
the beginning of October, and left at the beginning of the following
month. 1873 was an exceptional year; there appeared to be a
kind of false flight in July, but the regular flight did not put in an
appearance till January, 1874 (the rains did not come till about this
time).”

The following note is given by Majors Butler and Feilden aud
Captain Reid :—“ Without attempting to explain the migrations of
this well-known bird, as far as Natal is concerned, we will merely
give in detail the various occurrences that came under our notice.
Reid saw five at Sunday’s River, on the 6th May ; Lieut. Giffard
saw one near the Leo Cop Mountain, on the 9th July; Butler shot
one near Newcastle about the same date; they appeared in consider-
able numbers in the district early in October, when many specimens
were obtained; and in the Maritzburg country they were simply
swarming in November and December. As many as one hundred
couple were shot here in one day by a party (though they were
breeding abundantly at the time). On the 2nd December, Colonel
Russell, 14th Hussars, informs us, his dogs flushed two sitting birds
from nests containing eggs. Are these the birds that breed in

eNOS ——————

COTURNIX DELEGORGUEI. 605

North Africa and the South of Europe in the summer months? If
so, how is it that the thousands of birds that visit India in the cold
weather do not breed there? In one case it looks as if they bred
twice in the year, and in the other as if they only bred once.”
Mr. Ayres states that in Natal a few of these birds are to be “‘found
all the year round, nesting in the open country amongst the thick
grass, but the greater part migrate here in large numbers during
the autumn, in the months of April, May, and June, leaving again in
the early spring.” The Quail is found, according to the same gentle-
man, but not plentifully, in the vicinity of Potchefstroom. Mr. Barratt
writes :—“ I have shot this Quail in the Chalumna district, British
Kaffraria, where it arrived in great numbers about the end of
August. In the Transvaal it is widely distributed. I have shot it
near Pretoria, Rustenburg, Nazareth, and many other places. I
received my last from the Marico district.”

Mr. Andersson states that the Quail is not uncommon in middle
and southern Damara Land, but it has not occurred to Senor Anchieta
in South-West Africa.

Above brown, variegated with grey and black; the shafts of many
of the feathers with a broad white stripe; head dark brown, with a
light buff stripe down the centre, and over each eye; throat and
chest, deep rufous ; the former in the male with a black patch down
the centre, the latter with faint-whitish lines down the shafts of the
feathers; flanks longitudinally richly variegated with dark brown,
black, and pale buff; belly light yellowish’ brown, immaculate.
Length, 5” 8”; wing, 3” 9” ; tail, 1” 7”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii. pl. 476.

581. Corurnrx peLucorcuEl, Deleg. Harlequin Quail.
Ooturniz histrionica, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 275.

As was the case with Turturena delegorguti, the French traveller
who discovered that bird and the present one, appears to have been

determined that there should be no question as to the fact of both.

these birds bearing the names of their discoverer, so he took the
precaution of naming them both after himself, a proceeding happily
almost unique in the annals of ornithology.

In the colony it appears to be principally found in the eastern
districts, as several specimens have been obtained near Grahamstown,
and we have also received it from Natal. Count Castelnau likewise

606 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

purchased a specimen out of a collection made near Swellendam.
Captain Trevelyan reports it from Kingwilliamstown, and says, “ The
first Quail of this species I saw was in the last part of 1870, or the
beginning of 1871. I did not again see them till the early part of
1874, when I killed some six or seven brace.” Mr. Ayres has met
with the species in the Transvaal on one occasion, and they were
shot by him in the open glades along the banks of the Mariqua
River, the only place where he had met with them. Their flight
resembled that of C. cotwrniz. The same gentleman observed them
on the Makara River during Mr. Jameson’s expedition, on the 22nd
of January, where they were plentiful and breeding. Mr. Chapman
obtained it at Lake N’gami, and Mr. Andersson met with it in
Ondonga on the 30th of March, 1867. Senor Anchieta has also
procured it at Capangombe, and on the River Chimba in the
interior of Mossamedes.

Above, fuscous cinereous, with black and white transverse markings;
feathers of the back and the wing-coverts marked with longitudinal
white patches, bordered and centred with black ; top of head and
back of neck brown; eyebrows, and a little mark on the top of head,
white; a short band between the nostrils and the eye, and others
beneath the eyes, black; throat and fore-part of neck white; the
centre spot black, and anchor-shaped; the greater part of chest
black ; belly intense rufous, the larger spots black ; under tail coverts
rufous; under the wings white; bill black; legs yellow; irides
yellow. Length, 7’ 2‘"; wing, 3” 8’.

Fig. Hartl. Beitr. Orn. W. Afr. pl. 11.

582. Corurnrx apAMsontt, Ver. Adamson’s Quail.

The only record, as far as we are aware, of the occurrence of this
species in South Africa has been supplied us by our friend Captain
Trevelyan, who shot one near Kingwilliamstown in July, 1876, and
informs us that two others were killed there about the same time.
It is a West African species, hitherto known from Gaboon and the
Gold Coast.

The following is a translation of the eee given by Dr.
Hartlaub in his “ Ornithologie West-Afrikas :’

Upper surface leaden grey, the head varied weit brownish ;
cheeks white, surrounded by black; chin and throat circumscribed
black ; plumes of the rump, leaden blue, with the shafts glossy grey ;

— aw ere 6"
en

TURNIX HOTTENTOTTA. 607

under surface of the body varied with greyish blue and rufous ; tail
leaden grey; upper wing-coverts rufous; scapulars marked with a
central line of white; greater series of under wing-coverts white ;
quills pale brown; bill blackish; feet yellow. Total length,
44 inches; wing, 2°95.

Female.—Above brownish rufous, the crown with scaly marks of
buff; back varied with black, each plume with a central streak of
white ; underneath pale fulvous, with scaly marks of dusky blackish.

Fam. TURNICIDA.

583. Turnix norrenrorra (J'emm.). South African Hemipode.

The Hemipodes are small game-birds like the Quails, but are
easily distinguished by the absence of the hind-toe.

This handsome little bird (Riet-Quartel and Sand-quail of the
colonists) is found sparingly throughout the colony, } evidently
in the most southern part of the continent, taking the place of
the next species, H. lepuwrana. We never saw more than two
together, rarely even that. It frequents grassy places, and reeds
in dry vleys, whence its name. When flushed, it flies a short
distance, drops into cover, and instantly decamps, running with
great rapidity. It feeds on seeds and insects, and is usually
very fat. It remains with us all the year round, and we are
told breeds in vleys, laying from seven to ten eggs, like those
of the common Quail, but smaller, and only minutely spotted.

Mr. W. Atmore writes: ‘‘I have taken several nests of this bird;
one was on a rocky head (koppie) near Swellendam, the others on
the kuggeas. I never saw one in a vley. Eggs 5, much pointed
and very like those of the Ring Dotterel (Agialitis tricollaris).” He
is not far wrong in the similitude. They are very abruptly pointed
and densely covered with small dark brown spots. Axis, 18” ;
diam.; 9”. It occurs, according to our correspondent Mr.
Rickard, near Port Elizabeth and also near Hast London, and
Captain Trevelyan tells us that in the neighbourhood of
Kingwilliamstown one or two of this species are generally shot
during a day’s Quail shooting. Captain Shelley says that he
found this species fairly plentiful in the long grass about Pinetown
in Natal.

608 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Above, variegated black, brown, and white: the colours so
disposed on each feather as to make the bird appear scaly ;
sides of the head, chin, throat, and breast, clear rufous, the
sides of the latter variegated with a few black and white bars;
belly and flanks albescent; vent, pale-rufous. Length, 6’ 4”;
wing, 3” 4’"; tail, 13”. “ Beak flesh-colour, shaded on the culmen
with pale brown ; irides white; legs flesh-colour” (Shelley).

584, TURNIX LEPURANA (Smith). Kurrichane Hemipode.

Discovered to the north of Latakoo, in grassy valleys, feeding on
seeds and small insects. Like the colonial species, 7’. hottentotta,
they seem difficult to flush a second time, and are never to be
found in any numbers.

Mr. Rickard writes from Port Elizabeth:—“In April, 1868, I
saw several of these birds, and one was procured by a friend.”
It does not occur in Captain Trevelyan’s lists, but Mr. Ayres
states :—‘‘ These beautiful little birds appear in Natal with the
common Quail, but by no means in such numbers. The sportsman
will seldom flush more than two at once of these birds, while of
the last-named species ten or twelve will frequently rise together.”
Mr. Buckley states that he saw it on several occasions in the
Matabele country.

It has apparently not yet been forwarded from the Transvaal,
but during Mr. Jameson’s expedition to Mashoona Land it was
obtained at Palatswie Pan, on the 18th of December. Mr.
Andersson writes: — “This species is not uncommon in Great
Namaqua Land during the rainy season; but I have never found
many of these birds together, and it is rarely that more than one of
them is flushed at a time. Their favourite resorts are rank grassy
spots in the neighbourhood of temporary rain-pools and periodical
water-courses ; here they run about with great celerity, and, when
hard pressed, lie so close as almost to allow themselves to be
trodden on before they take wing, after which it is really impos-
sible to flush them a second time. They feed on insects and
seeds.” It has also been procured by Senor Anchieta, at Caconda,
in the interior of Benguela.

Male.—Above, ground colour, intermediate between pale rufous
and light chestnut ; upper surface of head barred with brown ; on the
neck, back, and shoulders, numerous slender, blackish brown bars, or

Se

TURNIX LEPURANA. 609

irregular crescents; eyebrows, sides of head, and stripe between
base of bill and nape of neck, rusty-white; chin and throat dull
white; middle of breast, pale Dutch-orange, with a few minute
brown dots; sides of breast and belly, white, with a yellowish
tinge ; each feather with an arrow-shaped brown spot near the point.
Length, 4” 6’"; wing, 2” 10’; tail, 1’. “ Iris very pale yellow;
bill bluish horn-colour, with tip black; tarsi and feet pale”
(Ayres).
Fig. Smith, Ml. Zool. S. Afr. Aves. pl. 16.

bo
i]

610

ORDER GERANOMORPHE.

Family RALLIDZ.

585. RaLLus cmruLescens, Gm. Caffre Rail.

This Rail has reached us from several different places in the
colony ; but it seems to be nowhere plentiful. Mr. Cairncross
has sent it from Swellendam; Mr. Jackson from Nel’s Poort; Mr.
Arnot from Colesberg. Mr. Rickard states that it is found near
Port Elizabeth, and is not uncommon in the Swartkops, while
Captain Trevelyan tells us it is by no means rare near Kingwilliams-
town. In the Transvaal Mr. F. A. Barratt observes that it is
considerably abundant, and he has shot them as they flew among
the rushes and reeds bordering the Mooi River. Mr. Ayres
writes :— This is the commonest Rail we have in the Transvaal
and a most noisy little fellow, making wonderfully loud and startling
cries for its size. Stomach of one sent contained legs of a crab.”
Mr. Andersson’s work on the Birds of Damara Land contains the
following note :—‘‘I found this Rail plentiful at Omanbondé ; and it
is not uncommon in marshy localities in Damara Land and the parts
adjacent, more especially in the central and northern portions of the
country ; it frequents reedy thickets bordered by other rank aquatic
herbage, amongst which it searches for the insects, worms, and seeds
of water-plants which constitute its food. It runs with great swift-
ness, but does not refuse to take wing when pursued.” Senor
Anchieta has met with it at Caconda in Benguela, where it is called
by the natives Xitenguetenque.

Upper parts of head, neck, and body, reddish-brown; the chin,
fore-part of neck and breast, pale slate-colour; the flanks trans-
versely striped with black and white. Length, 10”; wing, 43”; tail,1”.

586. Rattus aquaticus, LD. European Rail.

Mr. Gurney has recorded the occurrence of this Kuropean species

CREX OREX. 611

in Natal, and the author has received one specimen from the same
colony from Mr. Windham. In the “Ibis” for 1868, p. 261, Mr.
Gurney also mentions his having seen a Damara specimen, but the
species is not mentioned in his edition of Andersson’s ‘‘ Birds of
Damara Land.” The editor has never seen an example from South
Africa, and is somewhat inclined to doubt the correctness of the
above identifications.

Throat whitish; sides of head, neck, breast, and belly, ashy lead-
colour ; the feathers on the upper parts of the body reddish-brown,
with a deep black mark in the centre of each; flanks black, trans-
versely rayed with white bars ; under tail-coverts white; bill red,
shaded with brown at the tip ; irides orange. Length about 12".

Fig. Dresser, B. Europe, vii. pl. 489.

587. Crex crex (L.). Corn-crake.

A specimen of the Corn-crake was killed on the Cape Flats near
Wynberg, by Mr. H. Dumbleton, in 1864, and Dr. Edwin Atherston
informs us that it was very plentiful in the neighbourhood of Grahams-
town, near the sea-coast, in April, 1869. Mr. Rickard procured one
near Hast London, and saw several in the month of January. Captain
Trevelyan writes :—‘ Rare near Kingwilliamstown; several were
killed after the rainy weather in the beginning of 1874. It is
possible that they may be more numerous than is generally supposed,
as not much shooting is done as a rule at the commencement of the
year.” Ina letter he says, “I also saw four Land-rails during the
first months of 1875, and killed three.” Mr. T. E. Buckley shot a
specimen in the Drakensberg, on the 19th of December. Mr. Ayres
gives the following note on the species in Natal :—“ These birds are
scarce on the coast, but become more plentiful inland. They are
only found here during the summer months. Having been once
flushed, it is a difficult matter to put them up a second time out of
the long grass ; for, besides running with great swiftness, they have
a curious method of evading the dogs by leaping with closed wings
and compressed feathers over the long grass some three or four
yards, and then, running a short distance, they leap again. The
scent being thus broken, they generally evade the most keen-scented
dogs; and so quickly are these strange leaps made, that it is only
by mere chance that the birds are seen. The flesh of these birds is
extremely delicate. Their food consists almost entirely of insects.

2R 2

612 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Their flight is weak, and seldom sustained for more than fifty yards.”
Mr. F. A. Barratt meutions one specimen procured in the Lydenburg
district, and the late Mr. Frank Oates records one from Tati in
the Matabele country, while a single specimen was obtained by
Mr. Jameson’s expedition at Palatswie Pan in December.

All the feathers on the upper parts of the plumage, dark-brown,
edged with pale-ferruginous ; wing-coverts and quills, deep-chestnut ;
fore-parts of neck and breast, pale-cinereous; belly yellowish-
white ; sides, thighs, and vent, rufous, marked with white bars.
Length, 92"; wing, 54”; tail, 1” 5”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii. pl. 499.

588. Crex nareaia (Peters). Greater African Crake.

A single specimen of this bird was killed in Natal and sent to us
by Mr. Windham. Mr. Ayres has met with one specimen in the
Transvaal, shot ‘whilst trying for Snipe in a marsh close by
Potchefstroom. It must be exceedingly rare here.” Mr. Frank
Oates obtained the species at Gubuleweyo; “shot in marsh by
‘Spruit,’ December 26th, 1873.” Professor Barboza du Bocage has
only recorded it from localities to the north of the Quanza.

Feathers of the upper parts black, with a broad border of brown,
giving the bird a scaled appearance ; markings on the head very
minute; line from bill over the eye white ; cheeks and sides of head
grey ; chin and throat white ; chest grey; sides of the same greenish,
rest of under parts barred black and white. Length, 7’ 6’’; wing,
4” 8’"; tail, 1° 3’". “TIrides orange, eyelids bright red; bill pale
bluish horn-colour, dusky on the ridge, and pale at the base of the
under mandible ; tarsi and feet dusky pale ” (Ayres).

589. Crex mararnatis (Haritl.). Olive-margined Crake.

Mr. Andersson has recorded five instances in which he procured
this bird in February and March, 1867, at Ondonga, in Ovampo
Land. The eggs were brought to him on the 23rd of February ;
they were of a yellowish ground colour, almost hidden near the
thicker end by a broad zone of light brownish red. On the Ist of
March he himself found a nest containing four eggs, situated just on
the edge of a marsh in a dry tuft of grass. ‘Two of Mr. Andersson’s
specimens were sent home in his last collection, one of which is now

PORZANA PORZANA. 613

in the Leiden Museum, where it was examined by Mr. J. H. Gurney,
who refers it to the present species, which was hitherto known only
from Gaboon.

The following is a translation of Dr. Hartlaub’s original
description.

Above blackish, the feathers margined with olive with a white
lateral edge; head grey; under surface of body ashy; the throat
and abdomen whitish; vent and under tail-coverts pale rufous ;
under wing-coverts ashy, varied with whitish. Total length, 73”;
bill, 8”; wing, 3” 10’; tarsus, 13’’; middle toe, 1"10”. Mr. Andersson
gives the soft parts as follows :—‘‘ The iris is brown tinged with
reddish yellow; the eyelid yellow; the basal part of the bill green,
merging into bluish at the extremity; the ridge of the upper
mandible dark brown; legs and feet dusky green with a shght
bluish tint on the upper portion of the uncovered part of the
tibia.”

590. Porzana porzana (L.). Spotted Crake.

This Huropean species has to our knowledge occurred but once
within our limits, Captain Shelley having recorded one specimen as
obtained by Mr. Jameson’s expedition at Selenia Pan on the 29th
of December, and Mr. Ayres adds :—“ This is a rare bird in all parts
of South Africa I have visited.’

The large size of this species as compared with Baillon’s Crake
ought to distinguish it at once, but in order to identify it clearly we
give a copy of the description given by Mr. Dresser in his “ Birds of
Europe.” , :

Adult male.—Forehead, crown, sides of the face, chin and upper
throat deep blackish slate-grey, the throat and head in front of the
eyes unspotted ; crown closely marked with black and dark reddish
brown ; lores and feathers at the base of the bill nearly black;
nape, hind neck, and upper parts generally dark reddish brown with
an olivaceous tinge, on the neck closely dotted with white, and on
the rest of the upper parts marked with short stripes and spots
of white and tolerably regularly blotched with black; quills and
tail olivaceous brown, the first primary externally narrowly
margined with white; under parts deep slate-grey, the centre
of the abdomen nearly white, the breast spotted, and the flanks
spotted and barred with white; under tail-coverts warm ochreous

614 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

buff; bill orange colour, except at the base, where it is red
iris dark reddish brown; legs green with a yellowish tinge, the
joints tinged with leaden blue. ‘Total length about 8-5 inches ;
culmen, 0°85; wing, 4:1; tail, 2°2; tarsus, 1°45 ; middle toe with
claw, 1-7.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii. pl. 496.

591. Porzana BAILLONI (Vieill.). Baillon’s Crake.
Ortygometra minuta, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 338.

Common in a few favoured localities. At Swellendam we shot
several in one small vley near the Buffeljagts River. They are
very difficult to flush, and fly heavily when on the wing. A
pointer will stand to them as to Snipe, and the bird often rises
from under his nose. They feed on minute crustaceans, a
little Swecinea (S. Delalandi), which abounds in its favourite
haunts, water-weeds, and worms. Mr. W. Atmore writes: ‘ Eggs
six to eight, rather long, dirty white, with pale brown spots
at the large end.” Mr. Ayres has procured it in the Transvaal,
where he says it is not common, but is occasionally put up while
Snipe-shooting.

Mr. Andersson writes :—‘This pretty species is an inhabitant
of the few marshes existing in Damara Land. At Omanbondé,
where it breeds, I found it plentiful; it is also common in the
marshy districts about Lake N’gami, and on the rivers Teoughe and
Okavango; and I likewise obtained a specimen in Ondonga. It
frequents alike the rank vegetation of the stagnant pools and the
more scantily sheltered rills, searching industriously for insects,
worms, slugs, snails, &c. When surprised it takes wing more
readily than most of its congeners, but flies only for a very short
distance, and drops amongst the aquatic herbage at the first
convenient spot, from whence, if needful, it prolongs its retreat by
running. This Crake constructs its nest of pieces of stalks of reeds,
rushes, and other vegetable substances. The eggs are six or seven
in number, of a brownish-buff or olive-brown colour, closely spotted
with obscure markings of a darker hue, and are rather larger than
the eggs of the Starling. The flesh of this species is very tender
and delicate.” One specimen has been sent by Senor Anchieta from
Capangombe, on the Chimba River.

Upper parts brown, variegated on the back with black and white ;

od

a

Se ee es ce ee le

CORETHRURA DIMIDIATA, 615

chin whitish; sides of the head, neck, and chest, light slate-colour ;
flanks, thighs, and belly, brownish-black, crossed with white bars ;
irides red, according to Mr. Atmore, dark-brown. Length, 7’;
wing, 32”; tail, 1”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii. pl. 497.

592. CoRmTHRURA PULCHRA ((7ray). White-spotted Crake.

A single specimen of this little species was sent to us by
the late Mr. G. Rex from the Knysna. It must be very rare,
as it has not since occurred to us in twelve years’ observation.
Mr. J. C. Rickard has obtained two specimens at Hast London,
one of which was caught in a rat trap! Captain Watson shot
it on the Umgene in Natal. Captain Trevelyan says that it is rare
near Kingwilliamstown and he has only procured one specimen
there.

Head, neck, and breast, bright-rufous; tail, dull rufous barred
with black; the rest of the plumage above and beneath, black,
spotted with white below, and fulvous above. Length, 6’;
wing, 3” 3"; tail, 1” 7”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 22.

593. COoRETHRURA DimipraTa (Temm.). Rufous-chested Crake.

This elegant little Gallinule is not unfrequent among reeds, and
appears widely distributed. It is difficult to flush, preferring to
skulk among the dense rushes and tangled herbage; if, however,
it does take wing, it quickly relinquishes its weak, butterfly-looking
flight, and drops into the grass again, from which it will suffer itself
to be captured by the hand rather than rise. Mr. Atmore sent us
an egg taken from the abdomen of a female shot by him, which is
pure white: axis, 13”; diam., 10’.

Mr. Ayres has found it in Natal and in the Transvaal ; in the latter
country he says that it “inhabits the Snipe-grounds, but is scarce
and difficult to flush.” Mr. Andersson writes:—‘“‘I have only
found this species at Omanbondé, where it is not uncommon and
breeds. It frequents stagnant waters, thickly frmged and studded
with aquatic herbage, amongst the ever progressive decay of which
it loves to disport itself and to search for food. It is very shy and
retired in its habits, seldom going far from effective cover, and
gliding through the mazes of the rank vegetation with astonishing

616 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

ease and swiftness.” Senor Anchicta has found it at Caconda
where it is not common; it is called by the natives rig ee
in imitation of its cry.

Male.—Head, neck, breast, and shoulders, chestnut; body bine
streaked with white; plumage very lax. Length, 6” 6”; wing, 3
tail, 2”. The female is blackish-brown, minutely spotted with light.
buff spots; chin white; centre of breast, dirty-buff.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr., Aves, pl. 20.

594, CoRETHRURA RUPICOLLIS, Gray. Jardine’s Crake.

Of this rare little Rail we have seen but few specimens. The
female has been described as a distinct species by Mr. Swainson.
His type specimen is in the Cambridge Museum. Mr. Windham
obtained it in Victoria County, Natal: he describes its flight
as very low and awkward, and only sustained for a_ short
distance. It frequents long grass. Mr. L. C. Layard sent us a
female caught on her eggs also transmitted, four in number, pure
white, rather sharply pointed at the thin end. They were taken
at Grootevadersbosch. Mr. G. Rex also obtained it at the
Knysna, and one specimen fell to our own gun high up among
some rocks, among the French Hoek Mountains, June 11/th,
1869. At Port Elizabeth Mr. Rickard informs us he has seen
several, but all females, and at Hast London also one female was
procured. It is rare near Kingwilliamstown, according to Captain
Trevelyan, but he thinks that these small Rails are much over-
looked.

Male.—Head, posterior portion of neck and tail, bright-rufous,
chin white; the rest of the body dark grey-brown, variegated with
numerous white stripes; plumage very lax. Length, 5” 6’;
wing, 2” 9”; tail, 1” 8”.

Female——Above, blackish, varied with numerous undulated,
transverse lines of light fulvous-brown, which assume the appearance
of stripes on the head and neck; beneath whitish, with black stripes
on the neck and breast, and bands on the flanks and body; tail and
tail-coverts black ; banded with ferruginous lines.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr., Aves, pl. 21.

595. CoruRNicors AYRESII, Gurney. , Ayres’ Crake.

This is a very interesting discovery of Mr. Ayres’. Hitherto only

>

COTURNICOPS AYRESII. 617

two species of the genus were known, one, C. noveboracensis, being
found in North America, and the second C. exquisita, of Swinhoe,
from China. All the species are remarkable for the white patch on
the secondaries. At present we only know this species from the
Transvaal, where Mr. Ayres gives the following note on it :—‘‘ This
pretty little fellow we call the White-winged Rail, from the white
patch on the wing, which is very distinct when it is flushed and
making away. I have only noticed this species here these last two
seasons. It is very scarce: the two sent are the only specimens I
have obtained, though I have seen one or two others. The bird shot
on the 4th of October contained water insects in its stomach.

The following is Mr. Gurney’s description.

Adult female.—Crown of head and back of neck blackish brown,
interspersed with dark rufous-brown spots, which are more numerous
on the neck than on the head; sides of head mottled with pale and
dark brown, the former slightly preponderating ; sides of neck rich
rufous-brown, with narrow blackish brown tips to the feathers ; back
black, with narrow white edgings to the feathers; an outer edging
of olive-brown perceptible ; similar but more conspicuous brown
edgings occur on the feathers of the greater and median wing-
coverts, which, with this exception, are blackish brown, as are also the
least coverts, all the coverts beg more or less spotted with white ;
the primaries dull brown, the fifth and subsequent ones being slightly
tipped with white ; all the secondaries pure white, except a brown
shaft-mark, slightly spreading on to the webs at the base and the
tip, and excepting also the last feather, which is slate-coloured,
mottled with white; upper tail-coverts transversely marked with
alternate bars of dark rufous and blackish brown, the latter being
the broader; chin white, slightly tinged with rufous; and the throat
the same, but with the feathers very narrowly edged with blackish
brown ; breast rufous brown, but paler than the sides of the neck ;
flanks and abdomen mingled black and white, the black predomi-
nating on the flanks, the white on the abdomen; tibize resembling
on the sides the coloration of the flanks, and on the front that of
the abdomen; under tail-coverts transversely and alternately barred
with pale rufous and black; wing-linings white, slightly mottled
about the edges of the wing with blackish brown; axillaries white
mingled with slaty brown. |

Immature female-—Resembles the above, but shows more of the

618 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

olive-brown edgings to the feathers of the mantle, and wants the
rufous tint on the breast and sides of neck, the former being a dirty
white, the latter two shades of brown, the centres of the feathers
being darker than the edges. Mr. Ayres has given the following
notes on the birds in the flesh.

Female (apparently adult), shot 24th November. Total length,
6} in.; bill, %;; tarsus, 42; wing, 3; tail, 13; irides, ashy hazel ;
bill dusky, under mandible pale; tarsi and feet dusky.

Female (apparently immature), shot 4th October. Total length,
61 in.; bill, 4; tarsus,1; wing, 3; tail, 14; bill pale dusky, darkest
on the ridge; tarsi and feet dusky pink.

Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1877, pl. 7.

596. Lmrnocorax nicer (Licht.). Black Crake.

Not uncommon in yleys and among the sedges along the river
banks. The Museum taxidermist, Mr. Butler, shot a fine specimen,
from which the description was taken, close to Cape Town, in the
Black River. In Natal, says Mr. Ayres, “ these birds much resemble
the Jacanas, frequenting sedgy swamps and pools, walking with
ease on the lilies and light weeds which grow on the surface of the
water, in search of the softer snails, insects and seeds, on which
they subsist. On being disturbed, they run immediately amongst
the rushes, from which it is then almost impossible to dislodge them.
They do not fly with such ease as the Jacanas; their habits appear
to be solitary.” The same gentleman observes :—‘ These Gallinules
are common along the Mooi River, and are exceedingly fond, on
sunny days, of issuing from the reeds and hunting for insects on
dead reeds across the stream ; they then look exceedingly pretty with
their red legs, green bill, and chaste plumage.” Mr. Andersson’s
notes on the species are as follows:—‘I have not unfrequently
met with this species in Damara Land in suitable localities, such as
Otjimbinque, Schmelin’s Hope, Omanbondé, &c.; and it is by no
means uncommon on the rivers Okavango and Teoughe, and in the
Lake-regions, though, from its exclusively shy habits and its
partiality for dense reedy thickets, it is difficult to obtain. The
surest way of procuring specimens is to lie in ambush near
one of their favourite haunts; but even thus success is not always
certain.”

Mr. Monteiro states that it is common on the waters of Angola,

I Be

PORPHYRIO SMARAGDONOTUS. 619

and Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens from various localities
in Benguela and Mossamedes.

General colour, deep black, shining-brown if held in certain
lights ; bill bright yellow; eyelids and feet red, changing in death,
the first to a dirty green, the latter to a light brown; irides dark
crimson. Length, 73”; wing, 44”; tail, 13’.

Fig. Swainson, B. of W. Afr. ii. pl. 28.

597. PorPHYRIO sMARAGDONOTUS, J'emm.
Green-backed Purple Gallinule.
Porphyrio erythropus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 341.

The “Blue Gallinule” “or Konig Reit-haan” (lit. King Reed-
Fowl) is generally distributed throughout the colony, frequenting
vleys and large ponds. It breeds in the marshes and vleys about the
Berg River and other such places among reeds in September, forming
a large nest of sedge, and depositing from six to ten eggs, of a ruddy-
brown, spotted with dark purplish-brown: axis, 2” 2’"; diam., 1”6’”.

Writing from Port Elizabeth, Mr. Rickard says that he has not
procured it himself, but has seen it from Uitenhage. Mr. Gurney
records it from Natal.

In one of Mr. Gurney’s papers on the birds of Natal Mr. Ayres
observes :— This beautiful species is found, though not abundantly,
in the more extensive swamps and lagoons in the colony of Natal,
and seems to be pretty generally distributed, though, in consequence
of its close and shy habits, it is not easily obtained. These birds
generally remain amongst the high rushes and reeds; but during
the winter, in the mornings and evenings, they often leave their
cover to catch the first and last rays of the sun, and they are then
frequently to be found perched on a clump of rushes or reeds.
They make many extraordinary noises, most unmusical and quaint.
Their food consists of the inner and soft parts of the shoots of reeds
and of other water-plants; these may be found in their stomachs
chopped up like chaff by their powerful bills, which no doubt are
expressly provided for peeling off the outer bark and hard parts of
the plants they feed upon.”

Later on he writes from the Transvaal:—“‘The specimen sent,
shot 20th June, is the only one I have been able to get lately.
This species is decidedly not so plentiful in the neighbourhood of
Potchefstroom as it used to be some years back : whether the gradual

620 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

decrease of rain in this country the last few years has had anything
to do with this, I cannot say; but it is very possible, for the swamps
have had less water in them, and have become more overgrown with
weeds. Ducks, too, are getting scarcer year by year.”

Mr. Andersson’s notes on the species in South-Western Africa
are as follows :—‘‘ This splendid bird is rather scarce in Damara and
Great Namaqua Land, but is pretty abundant in the lake regions
and on the rivers Teoughe and Okayango ; it is also not uncommon,
during the rainy season, in Ondonga, where the inhabitants call it
‘King of the Waterhens,’ and declare that the moment it utters its
deep guttural notes every Water-hen within hearing immediately
responds by its own peculiar cry. The only spot in Damara Land
proper where I found this species at all common was the great reedy
marsh of Omanbondé ; but there it was very timid, and consequently
most difficult to approach. It seldom ventured into the open, but
would warily skirt the dense reedy recesses which formed its favourite
haunts, and into which it would precipitately retreat on the slightest
sign of danger. At Lake N’gami and on the River Botletlé I found
it less difficult to obtain, probably on account of its greater abund-
ance. It lies close during the day, and is usually only to be seen in
the early morning and in the cool of the afternoon. Its food is very
various, and consists of aquatic plants, mollusks, fish, eggs, and, I
have no doubt, even young birds. In a domesticated state it will
eat meat readily. If captured young it becomes very tame, and may
be trusted at large, when it will freely associate with common
poultry. This species has a heavy unwieldy flight, and has recourse
to its wings only as a last chance of making its escape. It dives
when in water deep enough to allow of its doing so, and it runs with
great rapidity amongst the tangled reedy brakes of its native
haunts.” According to Professor Barboza du Bocage it regularly
frequents the coast of Mossamedes, and he has received from Senor
Anchieta a number of specimens from this district and from the Rio
Coroca, where it is called by the natives ‘ Kukulwivi.”

Head, hind part of neck, and wing-feathers, glossy-violet ; back and
rump, dull glossy-green ; cheeks, throat, fore-part of neck, and under
part of body, violet-blue ; tail, dull green ; vent-feathers pure white.
“Tris red; bill and frontal shield blood-red; thighs, tarsi, and
feet dark pink” (Ayres). Length, 17”; wing, 9"; tail, 3".

Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. 810.

ee a OU rte

er

a

FULICA CRISTATA. 621

598. Porrnyrro aLient (ZThomps.). Allen’s Purple Gallinule.

This is a much smaller species than the preceding bird, measuring
in the flesh, according to the late Mr. Andersson :—T'otal length,
10°6; wing, 5°8; tail, 2:9; bill, 1:0; tarsus, 2:0. A pair were
shot by his friend Axel at Ondonga in Ovampo Land on the 5th
of February, 1867, and Senor Anchieta has found the species at
Humbe, on the Cunene River—native name “ Canbonja-anganga.”
The same naturalist has also procured it in Loango, and it has been
seen from other parts of Western Africa. ‘lhe late Mr. Frank Oates
also had a specimen in his collection procured somewhere during
his journey to the Zambesi, but the exact locality was not recorded.

The following is a translation of Prof. Bocage’s description :—
Upper surface of the body olive-brownish, shaded with green ;
neck and breast bluish violet; head, belly, and thighs, deep black ;
under tail-coverts white, the shorter ones black ; quills blackish,
with the outer webs olive-green; centre tail-feathers like the back,
the others black, edged with olive-green; “ bill, legs, and toes bright
red.”

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii. pl. 502.

599. Fourica cristata, Gm. Red-Knobbed Coot.

The Crested Coot is abundant on all ponds and sheets of water, It
also frequents deep holes and still reaches in rivers, concealing itself
amid the herbage during the day, and feeding morning and evening
about the banks. It wanders at these times several hundred yards
from its lair, and on being alarmed, scuttles away on its feet, aided
by its wings, until, a sufficient impetus being attained, it rises in the
air, and willnot unfrequently fly avery long distance. It swims well
and boldly, and we have seen it alight on the waters of Table Bay
and breast a considerable sea. It constructs a nest in September
of sedge usually floating among the rushes, and lays seven eggs,
of a cream-coloured ground, covered with dark-brown spots: axis,
2” 1'"; diam., 1’ 6’”.. The young when first hatched are little black
balls of soft down, but they swim and dive almost from the moment
of leaving the egg.

Mr. Rickard informs us that it is found near Port Hlizabeth, being
common in the Swartkops, sometimes found in small vleys. In
Natal, writes Mr. Ayres, “these Coots inhabit the lagoons, and are ,

622 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

generally in companies. When disturbed, instead of attempting to
hide, they immediately take wing and fly a considerable distance
round and round, when, from their appearance and strong flight,
they may easily be mistaken for a flock of black Ducks. The
stomach contained weeds, seeds of water-plants, and insects.”

Mr. F. A. Barratt writes:—‘‘The Crested Coot is by no means
rare, frequenting the same places as G. chloropus. It is very quick
in its movements, and can run very rapidly on its feet as well as
being a swiftswimmer. Ihave seen the young ones swimming with
the egg-shell still attached to them; and it is curious to see the
manner in which they disappear when alarmed. Towards the mouth
of the Mooi River, near the Vaal, I found them in great abundance.
Ihave shot them a few hours north of Pretoria;” and Mr. Ayres
gives the following note:—“ These birds are much more abundant
in the Transvaal than in Natal, and also not nearly so shy. In
Natal they are very shy, and maintain a flight for a length of
time, examining their ground well before re-alighting; but in the
Transvaal they seem to trust more to hiding and diving for safety,
and, when flushed, fly but a short distance. Frequently have I
stood up to my middle in water listening to some cunning old bird
within a few yards of me, and vainly trying to catch a glimpse
of him, where there was not enough cover, apparently, to hide a rat.
Hither these birds must possess the power of ventriloquism, or they
must remain under water with perhaps just their bills out; one
thing is certain, that they are expert divers.”

Mr. Andersson’s notes on the species are the following :—“‘ This
species is common in suitable localities in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, but is more abundant in the Lake regions. These
Coots may often be observed congregated in large numbers on open
sheets of water, where they might easily be mistaken for a flock of
Ducks, except that they do not ‘ pack’ like wild fowl. If disturbed
they will sometimes, if near a reedy brake, seek safety by hiding
there; but more frequently they have recourse to their wings, when
they exhibit great powers of flight. They build their nests of,
and amongst, reeds, rushes, and grasses, usually selecting the most
retired spots, though I have also found their nests in most exposed
situations. A few old reed-stalks serve as a footing for the nest,
which is roughly but firmly constructed, and is raised, though
sometimes only a few inches, above the surface of the water.”

Sl scence

os et

oe

ee

ee ee ee eee eae

a

GALLINULA CHLOROPUS. 623

Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens from Mossamedes and
the Rio Coroca (native name “ Kitudi’”’).

The entire plumage (with the exception of the head and neck,
which are quite black) is a dull, dark slate colour; bill livid;
frontal shield pure white, and surmounted by two singular knobs of
a deep reddish chestnut colour, which shrivel up and become quite
brown in death; irides red; legs green, with a pink garter just
under the feathers of the thigh. Length, 16"; wing, 93”; tail, 24”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii. pl. 504, fig. 1.

600. GatiinuLa cHLororus (L.). Moor-hen.

The “ Waterhen” or “Moorhen” is not uncommon in the
colony, frequenting the same places as the Crested Coot. Most
of the specimens received by us came from Mr. Atmore, who shot
them about Swellendam. It is common at Zoetendals Vley, where
he met with itin November. Mr. T. Atmore also found it breeding
about Grahamstown.

Mr. Gurney has recorded the Moorhen from Natal, and Mr. Ayres
found it frequenting the reedy banks of the Mooi River, but not
plentiful.

Mr. Barratt met with it near Pretoria in December, and along
the Orange River, as well as in the Transvaal as far as Lydenburg.
Mr. Ayres has also shot the species close to Potchefstroom.
Mr. Andersson observes :—‘ This species is common in all suitable
localities in Damara Land and the adjacent countries. It breeds
in February and March, usually forming its nest amongst the rank
vegetation bordering on its favourite resorts, which are stagnant
pools and other still waters overgrown with weeds and aquatic
plants. This species swims and dives with great expertness, and
may be observed nodding its head first on one side and then on the
other as it swims in the more open parts of the water, picking up
vegetable substances, insects, and other food as it passes onwards.
In the early morning and in the evening it may be seen away from
the water searching amongst the grass for worms, slugs, and larvae,
in addition to which it also feeds on grass and seeds. When on
land it frequently twitches and jerks its tail, exhibiting the white
under-coverts; and if suddenly disturbed will occasionally take
wing for a short distance, flying with its long legs hanging down-
ward ; but more frequently prefers to seek its safety by running to,

624 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and concealing itself in, the nearest suitable reedy or marshy
thicket.”

Prof. Barboza du Bocage states that it is not rare in Angola, and
particularly in the maritime region of Benguela as far as the mouth
of the Cunene River. Anchieta has sent numerous specimens from
the Coroca River, Mossamedes, and Quillengues in the interior.

Upper parts, dull greenish brown; under parts, dark slate colour ;
head and neck darkest ; vent white ; as are also some stray feathers
on the flanks and in the centre of the belly. In some specimens the
slate-coloured feathers of the under parts are edged with dirty
white ; the throat is also spotted with it; tip of bill rich yellow;
base and frontal shield, bright red ; legs green, with a red and
yellow garter. Length, 11"; wing, 6” 9” ; tail, 3’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii. pl. 503.

601. Ga umuta anautata, Sund. South-African Moor-hen.

We have received one specimen of this elegant little Water-hen
from Mr. W. Cairncross, of Swellendam, who procured it in that
neighbourhood. Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal, and records it
from the Umschali Lakes, not many miles this side of the Zulu
border, and within three or four miles of the coast. The late Mr.
Frank Oates procured two specimens during his expedition through
Matabele Land, one killed at Dry River in February, and another at
Tibakai’s Vleiin December. Mr. Ayres, who was with Mr. Jameson’s
expedition to the Mashoona country, met with this Moor-hen at
Selenia Pan in December, and again at Spalding’s on the Hart
River, in February. He writes :— This bird is scarce, but widely
distributed over South Africa. The pans, which are the resort of so
many Waders during this portion of the year, are entirely dried up

during the winter rainless months, and the surrounding country so.

parched that travelling becomes difficult.”

Mr. Andersson’s work on the Birds of Damara Land contains the
following note:—‘I find the Lesser Water-hen literally swarming
in all the vleys of this country, where it breeds most abundantly.
Its flesh is much esteemed by the natives, who make up great
hunting parties to chase these birds out of the water on to the dry
land, where, as they unwillingly take wing and try to conceal
themselves in the bushes and grass, they are easily secured, being
sometimes shot with arrows, and sometimes taken alive. The eggs

PODICA PETERSI. 625

of this Water-hen are from five to six in number, of a yellowish
white, freely covered with small spots of light brown, with here and
there a blotch of the same colour. The nest is a mass of grass,
with its foundation laid on the water, and composed of standing
stalks bent downwards, with some loose ones added; the hollow in
which the eggs are laid is three or four inches deep, and has some-
what the appearance of a shallow inverted sugar-loaf: after the nest
has been completed, the bird binds the tops of the surrounding
grasses and ties them together so as to form a partial shelter
against the sun, as well as to afford concealment.”

Senor Anchieta has forwarded numerous examples to the Lisbon
Museum from Humbe on the Cunene River.

Upper parts, dark olive-green; wings cinereous, the outer edge
white, the inner rufous; chin and centre of belly light cinereous,
almost white; the flanks and chest darker ; outermost tail-coverts
of the under side white ; the inner black; a few white feathers are
scattered along the flanks; frontal shield and top of the bill near
the tip, bright crimson; the rest bright greenish-yellow; legs and
feet the same. Length, 8"; wing, 5”; tail, 22’.

Mr. Ayres gives the following account of the soft parts :—“ Iris
light-red; bill greenish-yellow, frontal shield bright red, tarsi and
feet drab.’ Mr. Frank Oates states that in the male bird killed by
him the iris was crimson, with a narrow circle of tawny-yellow within
the iris near the outside. In a female bird the same gentleman
found the iris “ pale crimson; the bill yellow with a scarlet stripe
on the top of the upper mandible, the inner one tipped with
scarlet; the legs being pale yellowish-brown.”

Fig. (Young) Sclater, Ibis. 1859, pl. 7.

Fam. HELIORNITHIDA.

602. Povica peterst, Hartl. Peters’ Fin-foot.
(Plate xii.)

This curious bird does not occur in the western parts of the
‘olony, but our correspondent, Mr. Rickard, has met with it near
dast London, and notes that the wing is armed with a sharp-curyed
spine; while Captain Trevelyan tells us that it is not so uncommon

es
=a DS

626 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

as is generally supposed, a good number iahabiting the banks of
the Buffalo River, but very hard to obtain. In Natal, writes
Mr. Ayres, it is “rare and exceedingly shy. It frequents the rocky
streams of the interior of the country ; can scarcely rise from the
water; generally flies along the surface, aiding itself with its feet,
which are lobed; when disturbed it hides under a bank like the
Moor-hen in England. It feeds on freshwater shrimps and small
fish.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition it was obtained on the
Elands’ River in the Rustenburg district of the Transvaal on the
11th of May. Mr. Ayres writes again respecting it: ‘The crop
contained insects. This is a very scarce bird, and exceedingly shy
and retiring in its habits. We never met with them in any of the
Matabele or Mashoona rivers.”

A specimen was contained in Andersson’s last collection, but
without any particulars attached, so that its occurrence in South-
West Africa needs confirmation. Senor Anchieta has not seen it
in the course of his travels, but it has been met with in the Congo
district by Messrs. Lucan and Petit.

Fam. GRUIDZ.

603. Grus caruNcULATA, Gm. Wattled Crane.

This great Crane is only found in a few favoured localities,
scattered over the country. A single pair take up their haunts and
maintain it for years, breeding constantly in the same nest, which
is repaired as occasion requires. We had the pleasure of watching
a pair, through our binoculars, engaged in this proceeding: both
birds contributed to the work, stopping now and then to do a little
courting, like an ordinary sparrow or canary, but surely undignified
in so grave a bird! It suggested to us the possibility of an
Archbishop or a Lord-Chancellor making love! Still “ something
came of it,” for our friend Hugo took two glorious eggs out of
that self-same nest, and presented them to us, and they now form
part of the treasures of the South African Museum. They are of
a dull olive-brown, irregularly blotched throughout with reddish-
brown, closely resembling those of Anthropoides virgo and A.
stanleyanus. Axis, 4’ 3’; diam., 2” 9”.

GRUS CARUNCULATA. 627

Mr. Rickard writes to us from Hast London :—“ TI believe I had
the pleasure of seeing one of these birds through my glass on 30th
May. The neck was white—carried straight out—and all the other
parts seemed to be black: the legs were extended behind. It came
from over the Buffalo and went away to the south-west. It is
called the Bell Crane here in allusion to the Wattles.” In Natal,
writes Mr. Ayres :—“ The Caffre Cranes are plentiful inland, but are
seldom, if ever, seen on the coast. They may be found on the open
plains, sometimes singly, at other times twenty or thirty in a flight.
They appear to feed on grain and insects, preferring the former
when attainable. They fly with neck and legs outstretched, the beat
of their wings being very quick, considering the size of the bird;
and during their flight, if in sufficient numbers, they form the usual
letter V, like swans and geese. My friend, Mr. G. A. Phillips, found
a nest of this Crane containing two eggs, which were on the point
of hatching, in a very large lagoon near the Vaal River. The nest
was about five feet in diameter, and of a conical form; it was com-
posed of rushes pulled up by the birds, and was placed in water
about five feet deep, the egos being well out of the water.”

In the Newcastle district Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Savile
Reid say that “‘ this Crane is not so numerous as the Stanley Crane
or the Crowned Crane, but is seen occasionally, in pairs.” Mr. Ayres
likewise records the species as having been seen, but not procured,
in the Mashoona country in September and October. Mr. Andersson
says that this Crane is found very sparingly in Damara Land
during the rainy season. He has also observed it on the rivers
Okavango, Teoughe and Dzouga, as well as at Lake N’gami. In
Angola, where it is called Panda by the natives, Mr. Monteiro
relates that it is common in the interior of Benguela, and Senor
Anchieta has procured it near Humbe on the Cunene River.

General colour above, grey-slate, darkest on the back, at the end
of the wings, and top of the head; neck pure white; the rest of the
plumage black. In the male, the fore-half of the head is bare,
wrinkled, and of ared colour; in the female this is much reduced in
size, and the dark mark on the top of the head is indicated by a few
dark spots only ; below the chin depend two flaps of skin, covered
with short dense feathers ; legs black; bill red; iridesred. Length,
4’ 7”; wing to the end of drooping feather, 3’; tail, 13’.

Fig. Gray and Mitch. Gen. B. ii. pl. 149.

b
nm
bo

628 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

604, ANTHROPOIDES PARADISEA, Licht. Stanley Crane.
Anthropoides stanleyanus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 303.

The “ Stanley” or “ Blue” Crane is not abundant in any locality,
but seems very generally distributed. We fancy that certain pairs
frequent the same district for the whole term of their lives, and may
always be found within a certain radius, as we saw it thus continually
at Nel’s Poort, and at the Knysna. It is wary, and difficult to
approach within gunshot ; but may always be got with a rifle. It
goes in pairs, male and female, the latter being considerably the
smaller. It becomes very tame when in confinement, and feeds
readily from the hand, eating bread, fruit, vegetables, &c. Its
harsh, rattling, guttural ery may be heard at an immense distance.
In a state of nature it feeds on fish, reptiles, locusts, and small
mammalia, and is often found permanently inhabiting the Karroo
country at a great distance from water.

Mr. Arnot has forwarded eggs from Colesberg, and informs us
that it breeds in that neighbourhood in some abundance. The eggs
resemble those of G. carunculata in every particular. Mr Ortlepp
writes :— Their principal food is small bulbs. When they have the
chance they pass the night sleeping in the water knee-deep ; in the
winter months they are frequently found with their legs frozen fast in
the ice!” It is not uncommon near Port Elizabeth, according to Mr.
Rickard, who has no doubt of its also occurring near Hast London,
though he never himself saw the species there. Capt. Trevelyan
also states that it is not rare near Kingwilliamstown. Majors
Butler and Feilden and Capt. Savile Reid say that this Crane is
very common on the “ yeldt” all about Newcastle in pairs and
small parties. They were informed by “an old sporting Boer
farmer that these birds scratched a hole and laid their eggs, like a
Bustard, on the open veldt, and never constructed nests in the
‘yleys,’ like the other Cranes.” This mode of nesting, it will be
observed, is different from that given by Mr. Ayres.

Mr. Barratt observes :—“ The Stanley Crane is generally distri-
buted throughout the Transvaal and Free State ; and I have met
with it in great quantities between Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom.
In the winter I have seen as many as fifty in a flock, besides many
more in the neighbouring vleys; they are difficult to approach,
but they can be shot with a rifle. They breed in the reeds, and I
have received eggs from the district of Potchefstroom. Their long

a

BALEARICA CHRYSOPELARGUS. 629

drooping feathers are readily bought by traders from up the country,
who sell or exchange them to the native tribes. They become very
tame in confinement, and will eat out of the hand and follow one
about. I have so far never shot them further north than within a
few miles south of Lydenburg.”’? Mr. Ayres also writes from the
Transvaal :—“ These Cranes are not at all uncommon in this country.
In the summer months they are generally seen in pairs, stalking
about the open flats in search of insects ; in winter they congregate
in certain localities and live sociably together. One of these spots
is on the Mooi River, about ten miles above its junction with the
Vaal River, and another is on the banks of the Vaal River, about
twenty miles below Bloemhof. These birds feed on seeds and roots
as well as on insects, and their flesh is not at all bad eating; slices
from the breast, fried with butter, are scarcely to be distinguished
in taste from excellent beef. Blue Cranes (as this species is locally
called) sometimes rise to an immense height in the air, uttering their
peculiarly loud guttural note. When on the ground they frequently
amuse themselves by dancing round each other, with wings extended,
bowing and scraping to each other in a most absurd manner, not a
little curious to see.” It was observed by Mr. Jameson’s expedition
in the Mashoona country, in September and October.

“This very graceful Crane,” says Mr. Andersson, “is not uncommon
in Damara and Great Namaqua Land during the rainy season, but
migrates on the return of the dry. It is found in the open country,
as well as in the moist beds of periodical streams, and always in
pairs. It is rather a timid bird, and is rarely to be obtained, except
with the rifle. The stomachs of the few individuals I have opened
contained nothing but insects and a large quantity of gravel.” It
is not recorded from South-Western Africa by Professor Barboza du
Bocage.

Entirely of a leaden-blue, with the exception of the upper portion
of the head, which is white, and the ends of the long drooping
plumes of the wings, which are black. Length, 4’ 4”; wing, 3’ 10"
(including the drooping plumes) ; tail, 1’ 2”.

Fig. Gray, Knowsl. Menag. pl. 14.

605. Batearica curysopeLarcus (Licht.). Southern Crowned Crane.
Balearica regulorum, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 304.

The “Crowned” or “Kafir Crane” is more common in the

630 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

eastern frontier of the colony, than about the western extremity,
perhaps owing to the latter being more settled and cultivated, as it
is found in considerable numbers to the north and north-west.

Mr. Arnot sent a magnificent egg of this species, procured in
Mahura’s country. It is of a dull pale brown tinged with green,
and obscurely marked with faint reddish brown, confused blotches
chiefly at the obtuse end, with here and there a dark mark standing
out prominently. Axis, 3’ 6” ; diam., 2” 5”.

At East London, Mr. Rickard informs us, it is not very common
in the immediate neighbourhood, but becomes more numerous
towards the Kei. It is called “‘ Mohimo.” Near Kingwilliamstown,
Captain Trevelyan says, it is not uncommon. Messrs. Butler and
Feilden and Capt. Reid state that in Natal they frequently observed
this Crane in the more open veldt, generally not far from a ‘‘ vley ”
or marshy spot. It appears to breed in the neighbourhood of
Newcastle, though no nests were found. Reid met with a family
party in the Ingagane Drift in June and July. It is called “ Mahem”
by the colonists, from their note; but Captain Reid says that he
was squatting in a vley within ten yards of a party of them fora
quarter of an hour, and after listening to their notes all this time,
he could only make these out to resemble “ aan-aan—nor-aan,”
uttered very softly and plaintively. From the Transvaal Mr. Ayres
writes :—“ These handsome Cranes are generally, though sparsely,
distributed over the country, and have much the same habits as the
Stanley Cranes, with which they occasionally associate, as flocks of
each may be seen feeding together on the banks of the Vaal River
below Bloemhof.” The nest was found in an extensive swamp on
the banks of the Mooi River, about twenty miles from Potchefstroom,
and was composed of rushes pulled and placed in a conical form on
the rank long grass, which fell over from its own weight and formed
a thick carpet of vegetation, often more than a foot thick; the rest
was built where the water was about ankle deep, and contained two
eggs only.

Mr. F. A. Barratt gives the following note :—“ In the district of
Potchefstroom this bird is not at all uncommon. I have seen them
between Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, and Pretoria. In the winter
they may be seen half-a-dozen together; but in the time of nidifi-
cation they are only found in pairs. I have never seen two pairs
breeding together in the same vley, but always some distance apart ;

BALEARICA CHRYSOPELARGUS. 631

and they can be heard a long way off, calling out ‘mahem’ with a
delightful mellow note. At the present time I have four living,
which I brought over from the Orange Free State and Transvaal.
They all, with the exception of the young one, have the white
cheek ; I have seen birds from the western coast with it red; but
Ihave never seen them so from the Transvaal. All I have shot,
heard of, or seen, have had the cheek white. The eggs I have
always found to be white with a bluish cast; some state, however,
that they are spotted; but I have never found them so. I have
seen these birds a few miles north of Pretoria.”

It was observed during Mr. Jameson’s expedition in the Mashoona
country in September and October, and Professor Barboza du
Bocage states that he has received two specimens from the Zambesi.
Mr. Andersson writes :—‘‘ I have never observed this handsome bird
in Great Namaqua or Damara Land ; but I have met with it at Lake
N’gami, and also on the rivers Botletlé, Teoughe, and Okavango. In
Ondonga it is very common during the dry season, but leaves the
open plains when the wet season returns. It is met with singly or
in pairs, and sometimes in small flocks, and presents a very graceful
appearance as it stalks leisurely about in search of its food, which
consists of various insects, of the smaller reptiles, and, it is said, of
fish also.”

Senor Anchieta has only procured the species at Humbe on the
Cunene River.

The eggs were found in the Transvaal by Mr. T. E. Buckley, who
describes them as white, slightly tinged with blue, and Canon
Tristram also describes the egg as white, with a green lining
membrane, its texture glossy, and its size about that of the egg of
a Goose.

The Messrs. R. B. and J. D. S. Woodward in the “ Zoologist”
(vol. 33, p. 4509) record the occurrence of the Demoiselle Crane
(Anthropoides virgo) in Natal, where it is said to be the commonest
of the Cranes in that colony. The bird intended is doubtless the
present species, as the name “ Kafir Crane” is given as belonging
to it, but the description appears to suit the Demoiselle, and was
perhaps taken from some book. ‘The latters species inhabit South-
Eastern Europe and India.

Upper parts, leaden-grey ; lightest on the hackle-shaped feathers
of the throat ; top of the head, velvety black ; chin black; back of

632 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

head ornamented with a curious tuft of wiry bristles, radiating from
an elongated centre, each bristle about 3}” long, flat, and twisted
throughout its entire length, one side being white, the other yellow,
thus causing the bristle to appear ringed with white and yellow; tip
black; beneath and behind the eye, and below the back of the chin,
a bare red spot; outer feathers of wing white, the inner red; and
covering them, when the wing is closed, are some elongated, decom-
posed yellow plumes; tail black ; under parts leaden grey. Length,
SS swing, L975 ftaile li
Fig. Gray, Knowsl. Menag. pl. 13.

Fam. OTIDZ.

606. Orts Kori, Burch. Kori Bustard.
Hupodotis Kori, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 283. ,

The “Gom-Paauw” is pretty generally distributed in favourable
localities, open plains dotted with mimosa jungle in the northern
and eastern parts of the colony. It is a noble bird, and when seen
stalking about in its proper haunts, affords a sight to a hunter’s eyes
never to be forgotten. It is migatory, as are all our Ofide, and is
more plentiful in some years than others; their numbers depending
on the drought of the Interior, whence they come. In habits and
food it resembles the rest ; but it is never found far from the mimosa
jungle that skirts the rivers. It can swallow a lizard or snake of
considerable size; and a female shot by our late friend Mr. A. V.
Jackson and ourselves disgorged the largest chameleon we had ever
seen ; besides this, its crop contained a mass of locusts, small insects,
&c. His brother, Mr. Henry Jackson, sent us the first egg of this
species which we had ever seen: it measured—axis, 3’ 4’”; diam.,
2” 5’. It was of a pale fawn-colour, unevenly spotted and blotched
with brown and faint purple markings of various sizes and shapes,
chiefly at the obtuse end. He tells us that they lay two eggs, but
Mr. Kotze says that at the Berg River they only lay one. This
Bustard is called at Saldanha Bay ‘‘ Duive Paauw.’’

Capt. Trevelyan tells us, that on the Fish River he has known of one
of these Bustards being killed which weighed 42 lb. Mr. Ayres states
that although he has often heard of “40 lb. Bustards” being shot,
he never saw one of anything like this weight, and a male he sent to

OTIS KORI. 633

England, with the throat pouch developed, and therefore an adult
bird, only weighed 161b. On the other hand the late Mr. E. C.
Buxton informed Mr. Gurney that one shot by him, near the
Lambomba mountains, weighed “ nearly 40 lb.” Majors Butler and
Feilden and Capt. Reid state that it is common in the more open
country, between the Buffalo and the Drakensberg, but not obtained
in the vicinity of Newcastle, where its place is taken by O. ludwigii.
Several were found in the Leo Kop district and on the Buffalo Flats.
Reid found them plentiful in the former district, and they undoubtedly
_ breed there, as well as between the Ingagane and Dundee.

Mr. T. Ayres writes :—‘‘ This splendid bird is not uncommon in
the Transvaal, living principally amongst the scattered mimosa bush ;
it is exceedingly fond of the gum which exudes from the mimosa,
and which much resembles gum-arabic, on which account it has
received from the Dutch inhabitants the name of ‘Gum-Paauw.’ I
never saw more than three of these birds together, and they are
generally found singly, though sometimes in pairs. The flesh of this
species is too coarse and oily to be good eating. ‘Two fine eggs of
this Bustard were brought me by a Kafir, from whose description I
identified them. He stated that no nest whatever was formed, but
the eggs laid on the bare open ground on a strong ridge.” The late
Mr. Frank Oates procured a specimen near the Palatswe River in
May, 1874, and it was observed in Mashoona Land in June, during
Mr. Jameson’s expedition. Mr. Andersson gives the following notes
on this Bustard :—“ It is found throughout the year in Damara and
Great Namaqua Land, and is common as far as Ondonga, but is
partially migratory. Personally I haye never seen one beyond
30 lb.; but I have been assured on good authority that in some
parts of the Free States and the Transvaal districts individuals are
sometimes shot weighing from 60 to 70lb. The spread of the
wings is 8 ft.4in. The flesh is excellent eating. This Bustard
is usually found in pairs; but sometimes three or four are to be
found together. Its flight is heavy, but nevertheless very rapid ;
and at night, when changing its feeding-ground, it may be seen
flying at a very great height. It feeds on insects, berries, &c., and
is partial to the sweet gummy exudations of the low mimosa thorn
so plentiful in D mara Land.”

Senor Anchieta has obtained two specimens at Humbe on the
Cunene River, where it is called Ditwa by the natives.

634 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Male.—General colour above, ashy-grey, with a tinge of rufous in
some examples; paler on the wings (white in some), all profusely
mottled ; the wings with large black blotches ; wing-feathers black ;
head and neck grey, transversely barred with black ; top of head
black, much crested ; breast and belly white; a half-collar of black
between the grey of the neck and the white of the chest; legs
yellow. Female.—Much smaller and duller coloured than the male,
which weighs from 30 to 35 lb. Male: Length, 56”; wing, 31”;
tail, 16”. Female: Length, 44"; wing, 23”; tail, 14”.

A male, according to Mr. Ayres, had the following soft parts :—,
“Tris light tawny-brown; the upper mandibles dusky, except the
side edges, which, with the under mandible, were dingy white, which
was also the colour of the thighs, tarsi, and feet. The stomach of
this bird was crammed with locusts.” <A bird obtained by Mr. Frank
Oates, and supposed to be a young female, was marked as follows :—
“Tris hazel, dark round the pupil, but becoming very pale towards
the outside; upper mandible black; under one greenish white,
tipped with black ; legs and feet pale greenish white ; claws dusky.”

607. Orts carrra, Licht. Stanley Bustard.
Eupodotis caffra, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 283.

This bird is common in the northern portions of the colony, parti-
cularly about Beaufort and that neighbourhood. It rarely comes to
the sea-coast, where its place {is supplied by O. ludwigii. The food
of the two species is similar—seeds, insects, and small reptilia ; nor
is there any difference in their habits, both frequenting open plains.
The males, when “ playing” before the females, expand the feathers
of the throat and strut about, uttering a loud booming noise, which
can be heard at a great distance. Like O. scolopacea, they will squat
and lie close to the ground, to avoid detection, and thus may be
approached and killed with a charge of No. 7 shot.

It lays two large eggs, of a reddish-olive ground, spotted
with brown and indistinct purple blotches: axis, 3’; diam., 2” 2”.
In the fine season of 1869, it hatched near Ceres on the 20th of
April.

Major Bulger thus writes of two young birds in his possession :—
“Feb. 9, 1864. Batho had two young Paawws given him to-day. I
have no idea what their age is, but they are as large as a chicken,
and completely feathered. Their irides are a light-yellowish brown.

~

a

OTIS CAFFRA. 63d

They make a most extraordinary low, plaintive noise, like one of the
high notes on a glass flute, or still more like the sound produced by
moving your finger rapidly round the rim of a tumbler: their note
is a semitone so soft and sweet, that it is almost impossible to
imitate it. They also make a sort of clucking or barking noise,
apparently when alarmed. As yet they have voluntarily eaten
nothing. Batho took them out in the garden, and one of them
immediately squatted like a partridge; the other wandered about.”

Capt. Trevelyan informs us that this Bustard, as wellas O. ludwigit,
appears on the Frankfort Flats (about fifteen miles from King-
williamstown) in July, and remains till about November. Mr. Ayres
in his lists of the birds of Natal mentions the bird three times. He
says :—‘‘ These birds frequently breed amongst the rocks and stones
on the top of some hill: the nest is merely a slight excavation
scratched in the ground, with perhaps a handful of grass. The eggs
are two in number; and the old bird sits so close that she will
almost let one tread on her before she rises.” He also states that
he has killed one of the weight of 20 lb., but another recorded by
him weighed only 9 lb., while Captain Trevelyan tells us that he has
shot them with a weight of only 64 1b. Mr. Ayres has sometimes
found good-sized snakes and lizards in their crops. He says that
all the Bustards in Natal are excellent eating. ‘They breed in the
interior of the country, only coming towards the coast as the winter
approaches: they always prefer ground from which the grass has
been recently burnt, to hunt for their food. They are exceedingly
shy, and yet stupid, for although there is no cover, if the sportsman
take a large circle round and round, gradually nearing the bird,
the Bustard will frequently squat down with his head to the ground,
thinking he will be passed unnoticed, when the sportsman may run
up to within easy shooting distance.”

Mr. Ayres has likewise shot the present species near Potchefstroom.
It did not occur to Mr. Andersson in Damara Land, but Senor
Anchieta has procured it at Huilla in Mossamedes and at Humbe
on the Cunene River.

Above, ashy black, waved and streaked ; eyebrows, chin, nape,
band on sides of neck and belly, white; crown, quills, and tail,
white, with three black bands. The male has the throat slate-
coloured; and the female has a black, waved, band on the crown
and throat. Length, 38”; tarsi, 6”.

636 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Ayres gives the following soft parts :—TIris light hazel,
upper mandible dusky, under one yellowish; tarsi and feet dingy
yellowish-white.”

608. Or1s Lupwier, Riipp. Ludwig’s Bustard.
Eupodotis ludwigti, Layard, B. 8S. Afr. p. 284.

This Bustard comes to us in its migrations, apparently from the
westward; at least most of them that we have seen have been
procured on the north-western side of Cape Town. In its habits it
resembles the preceding species. Its eggs, two in number, are
similar in size and appearance to those of O. phe but are usually
of a lighter and greener ground.

Mr. H. Jackson says that it only lays one egg, but Mr. Atmore
writes :—‘ All the nests (if a very shallow hollow in the ground can
be so called) that I have found have had two eggs, if they were
incubated. I have, of course, found them with but one, but then it
was not ‘sotten on,’ as we say in Norfolk.”

Captain Trevelyan states that, like O. caffra, the present species
come to the Frankfort Flats (about fifteen miles from Kingwilliams-
town) in July and remains till about November. Mr. Ayres writes
from the Transvaal :—“I took the eggs of this Bustard from the top
of a low stony range of hillocks. I happened to be at a farmstead
about thirty miles from Potchefstroom, when a young Boer told me
he had found a Paaww’s nest; so I immediately started with him to
the spot, rather late in the afternoon; after a smart walk of about
five miles we came to the stony ridge, and there lay the two eggs,
quite warm, the old bird having evidently just left the nest and crept
away amongst the stones on our approach; they were laid on the
bare ground, without any appearance of a nest. We sat down to
rest for a quarter of an hour or so, when my Hottentot, whom I had
taken with me, suddenly, but in a whisper, said that he saw the bird,
and pointed to a spot within a few yards of us; but I could see
nothing, so I handed him my gun, and he immediately killed the
bird as she lay crouched amongst the stones within ten yards of us,
and would, no doubt, there have lain until we left the place.”
Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid found this Bustard not
at all scarce on the undulating hills near Newcastle, where it breeds.
The crop of one shot by Feilden contained beetles and grasshoppers.

Adult (male).—General colour of back ochraceous, profusely

OTIS SCOLOPACEA. 627

variegated with minute dark brown wavy lines; top of head black ;
eyebrows and chin white; front of neck and chest white, tinged
more or less with slate colour; ruff at back and side of neck rufous,
under parts white ; wings, when closed, appearing mottled black and
white ; tail white, with four broad black bars; legs and bill yellow.
Length, 3’ 6”; wing, 23”; tail, 13”.

The female much resembles the male, except that she is smaller,
has only a corona of black round her head, and is altogether less
highly coloured.

Fig. Riipp. Mus. Senckenb., 1837, pl. 14.

609. Oris sconopacza, Temm. Pink-coloured Bustard.
Hupodotis scolopacea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 284.

The Vaal Knorhaan is common on the Karroo, about Beaufort
West and Zoetendals Vley. It is usually found in pairs, and prefers
running among the scanty herbage, and trusting to its dusky
plumage to effect its escape, to taking flight. If it fancies itself
unobserved it will suddenly squat, and, unless the spot is correctly
marked, so great is its similarity to the soil and stones among which
it is found, that it is next to impossible to detect it. It is so well
aware of this, that it will remain immoyable till the sportsman
walks direct towards it, on which it instantly takes flight; but if it
is approached in a series of concentric circles, it remains until the
sportsman is within a few paces.

It feeds on seeds, insects and small reptiles, constructs no nest,
but deposits its two eggs in a depression of the soil in the open
veldt. The eggs vary much in colour—some are olive, some light
brown, and others rich nankin. All are, however, more or less
spotted and blotched with brown and indistinct purple. Axis, 2” 8’;
diame, 1’? 1107";

General colour, cinereous, here and there passing into rufous,
minutely mottled with dark brown and black ; quill feathers black,
with the inner webs more or less isabella-coloured ; chin and top of
throat jet black, surrounded by a pale yellow edging ; a black half-
moon-shaped mark at the back of the head, which is slightly crested.
The whole of the body plumage in the live bird is glossed with a
beautiful pink lustre, which fades after death; each plume, on
being withdrawn, shows a delicate ferruginous and very lax web

|e

638 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

throughout two-thirds of its basal portion. Length, 20’’; wing,
14’’; tail, 8”.
Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 576.

610. Oris cmrutescens, Vieill. Blue Bustard.
Eupodotis cerulescens, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 285.

This beautiful bird, the Blue Knorhaan of the colonists, is locally
distributed. We have received it from Riversdale, and from the
neighbourhood of Hanover, and have been told that it is plentiful on
the eastern frontier in certain favoured spots. Mr. Windham sends
it to us from the Free State.

Mr. T. E. Buckley found it common throughout the high country
of the Transvaal, but not met with in the bush. This bird, he says,
goes in small families, three or four being found together; but, from
their habit of running, they rarely all rise on the wing together.

From Natal Mr. Ayres writes :—‘“ These Bustards are found more
along the banks of streams and valleys than is the case with
O. afroides ; but they are also often found amongst stony hills. They
are also less noisy than that species, and, I think, also more difficult
to approach, being seldom seen till flushed.” The late Mr. Frank
Oates procured a male bird near Sunday’s River in May, and Capt.
Reid also met with it in the same locality. It was found by him
and Majors Butler and Feilden to be the commonest Bustard from
Ladysmith and Newcastle. After describing the best way of stalking
these birds by walking round them in a gradually lessening circle,
Major Butler adds :—“ When they get up they utter a harsh note,
resembling the words ‘kuk pa-wow,’ repeating the call several
times as they fly away.”

Upper parts, ferruginous, minutely mottled with dark brown and
black; less on the wings, the quills of which are black, in some
places edged with blue ; the ends of the tail-feathers are also black;
top of head, black, and lower portion of front of neck, breast, belly,
and vent, blue; forehead, eyebrow, spot under the eye, and upper
part of throat, black; a white patch arising on the chin extends
backwards to the hinder part of the head; a similar but smaller
patch extends from the forehead, and joins it over the ears; “iris
dusky, with the outer wing tawny ; bill dusky, but pale at the base ;
tarsi and feet yellow” (Ayres). Length, 20’; wing, 13’; tail, 7”.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 532.

ee

———

OTIS RUFICRISTA. 639

611. Oris senzcaLEnsis, Vieill. Senegal Bustard.
Eupodotis senegalensis, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 285.

Several pairs of this handsome Bustard were procured in the
Free State by Mr. Arnot, and in Natal Mr. Ayres says that the
species is found in similar situations to O. afroides and O. ceru-
lescens. He has found it breeding in the Transvaal, where it lays
two eggs, which are generally placed in the open country under
shelter of some high tufts of grass. The eggs of different individuals
appear to vary much in shading and blotching. Dr. Exton procured
it at Kanye in the Matabele country.

General colour above, bright rufous, variegated with black; tail
barred with four cross bars, that near the point being the broadest ;
top of head black in the male, rufous in the female, minutely
mottled, and changing into light ash-colour at the back ; cheeks and
chin, white; throat, and crescent-shaped mark at back of head,
jet-black ; lower part of throat and breast rufous, with here and
there a bluish tinge; large wing-feathers black, the rest bright
rufous; under parts white. Length, 16” or-17’; wing, 10’;
tail, 5”.

On the variation of plumage in this species, see Mr. Gurney’s
remarks (Ibis, 1880, p. 266).

The soft parts in the male are given by Mr. Ayres as follows :—
“Trides pale tawny, gradually passing into dusky amber round the
pupils ; bill yellowish pale colour, with the ridge dusky ; tarsi and
feet dingy yellowish white.”

612. Oris RuFicrista, Smith. Red-crested Bustard.
Hupodotis ruficrista, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 286.

Sir Andrew Smith procured this beautiful Bustard between
Latakoo and the Tropic, but it seldom occurs within the colony; it
is found beyond the Orange River. Mr. Chapman obtained it as
far as the Great Lake. Messrs. Arnot and Ortlepp have forwarded
it from Colesberg. Dr. Exton procured it at Kanye, and writes :—
““The colour of the crest in the recent specimen is as if stained
with port wine, which fades after death. The fine down at the base
of the feathers, as well as the skin itself, have also the dark stained
appearance.”

Mr. T. E. Buckley states that he found it common from the north

640 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of the Transvaal to the Matabele country, where it is a bush-loving
species. It breeds about October or November, and lays either one
or two eggs, Mr. Ayres writes :—‘ I met with these Bustards, but
not plentifully, throughout the Marico bush; they appear to be
solitary in their habits, lie close, and rise very silently. In the
evening they utter a melancholy note, ‘goo, goo,’ often and slowly
repeated. When I first heard this note, I thought it must be that
of some Owl; but on cautiously approaching, up flew a fine cock
Bustard, the skin of which I now send. My brother and I came
across a few of these birds on the Eland’s River, in the Rustenburg
district. They appear to be scarce and local, frequenting low
thorns and other pretty thick cover.” During Mr. Jameson’s
expedition to the Mashoona country, Mr. Ayres states that they
were not uncommon from Rustenburg to the Umyuli River. “On
the 14th of November a nest of these birds was found at Matje
Umschlope in the Matabele. The eggs, two in number, were laid on
the ground, and partially hidden by a tuft of grass, and were very
much incubated. They were much pointed, resembling in shape
Plover’s eggs. In colouring they were greyish creamy-white, much
spotted and blotched with dark colour. One measured 2°25 inches
by 1°5 inches; the other 2” by 1°5’.”

Mr. Andersson observes:—“I have met with this species pretty
frequently in Great Namaqua Land, and also, but less frequently, in
Southern Damara Land, to the north of which, I believe, it does
not extend. It is usually found on open ground, thinly covered with
dwarf bush.”

Mr. Monteiro says that it is common in the littoral region of
Angola, but it has not occurred to Senor Anchieta.

Top of head, neck, and upper part of chest, blueish-ash, darkest
on the head ; ground colour of back, deep rufous, mottled with deep
brown and black; the prevailing marking on this part is of a
rufous colour, V-shaped, with a black centre; chin and sides of head
dirty white ; head crested; crest deep ferruginous; under parts all
black. Length, 17”; wing, 11"; tail, 7’. The female wants the
crest on the head, and is otherwise less brightly coloured. “ Iris
dusky, tawny brown ; bill yellowish ash, the culmen dusky ; tarsi and
feet nearly white” (Ayres).

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 4.

OTIS AIRA. 64

613. Ovis meLaANocastEr, Riipp. Black-bellied Bustard.
Eupodotis melanogaster, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 286.

This Bustard has only once, that we are aware of, been found within
the colony, Mr. Rickard having informed us of a single instance of
its occurrence near Kast London. Dr. Hartlaub, on the authority of
M. J. Verreaux, gives South Africa as a habitat; and it is included
by Mr. J. H. Gurney as among the birds received from Natal.
Messrs. Fellowes and Watson obtained it in Zululand and Natal, and
Mr. Chapman procured it towards the Zambesi. Mr. Ayres writes:
—“This very scarce and solitary bird is only occasionally met with
in the Mashoona country; and we did not see it in Matabele Land.
I have shot them many years ago on the coast of Natal, but have
not seen them since. In fact I saw in this part of Mashoona Land
many of the Natal coast-birds.’” Senor Anchieta has procured
specimens from Huilla and Caconda in Benguela, the native name
at this latter place being “ Quela.”’

Above, fuscous yellow, transversely streaked, and with large
longitudinal black markings down the centre of many of the
feathers ; cheeks dirty-white; chin, throat, a long line extending
down the neck, breast, belly, and quill-feathers of wings and tail,
black; a band of the same colour springs from above each eye, and

joins at the occiput; shoulder and large portion of the wing, white.

Length, 24”; wing, 13’ 4’"; tail, 6’.
Fig. Riipp. Neue Wirb. pl. 7.

614. Oris arra, Gm. African Black Bustard.
Eupodotis afra, Layard, B. §. Afr. p. 286.
The Knorhaan (lit. Scolding-Cock) is abundant throughout the

whole colony, frequenting the open country. It feeds on insects,

small reptiles, and seeds. The female deposits her two eggs in a
depression of the soil, in which she places a few bents of grass.
They are of an olive-green or brownish ground, spotted and blotched
with brown and indistinct purple: axis, 2" 3’; diam., 1” 8’. It
breeds at the Berg River in September, usually laying one egg, but
sometimes two.

It usually goes in pairs, and when followed by the sportsman
always endeavours to evade pursuit by swiftness of foot rather than

by flight. In this way we have seen it run before a pointer for.

20

642 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

several hundred yards, squatting at intervals, but all the time keeping
a careful watch on its approaching enemy.

Captain Trevelyan writes to us :—‘‘ Layard says that the Knorhaan
is abundant throughout the whole colony. There are none about
Kingwilliamstown ; but about twenty-one miles from Grahamstown,
on the Dikkop Flats and all along the valley of the Fish River,
except where the bush is too thick for them, they are in fair
numbers.”

Mr. Ayres writes that during Mr. Jameson’s expedition to
Mashoona Land, none were met with to the north of Mangwato ;
but southward they became more and more numerous, and on the
Moloppo and Hart Rivers they were very plentiful. Mr. Andersson
observes :—‘‘ I have frequently met with this bird to the south of
the Orange River, and at no great distance from it; but I have
never met with it to the north of that stream.”

Top of head, back, part of wings, and tail, brownish black, varying
in intensity, and crossed with irregular streaks of rufous, paling
into white; stripe over the eye, reaching to the back of the head,
ear-coverts, half-collar on back of neck, and part of wings, pure
white; the rest of the plumage deep black; legs bright yellow.
Length, 19”; wing, 12”; tail, 5’. The female differs from the male
in having the whole of the head, neck, and breast of the same colour
and markings as the back.

The soft parts are given by Mr. Ayres :—“‘ Male.—Iris dusky
tawny brown; bill horny ash at the tip, yellowish at base; tarsi and
feet yellow. Female.—Iris light hazel; bill brownish horn-colour ;
tarsi and feet as in the male.”

Fig. Lath. Gen. Syn. B. pl. 69.

615. Oris aFrrorpes, Smith. White-quilled Bustard.
Eupodotis afroides, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 287.

According to Sir Andrew Smith, this Bustard frequents the
country to the north of the Orange River, and is rarely seen south
of it. Its call differs considerably from that of O. afra, but in most
of its habits they closely resemble each other. Dr. Exton has sent
us eggs which differ in no way from those of 0. afra. Mr. Ayres
writes :— These fine birds are only to be found in the upper
districts of Natal, and not plentifully. In the Free State and
Transvaal they are, however, very plentiful. The male birds are

OTIS RUEPPELLI. 643

very noisy, uttering notes something like ‘knock-me-down, knock-
me-down ;” and their apparent wishes are very often acceded to.
These Bustards are somewhat wary, and are not always easy of
approach in the open country; they, however, prefer land well-
studded with thorn-bush, and there they are more easily got at.
They generally run, on the appearance of danger, with great
swiftness, and hide in the long grass. In the morning and evening
they are often to be seen sunning themselves, perched on some
ant-heap.””

Mr. T. E. Buckley states that it is common throughout the north
of the Transvaal. ‘‘ During the breeding season the male flies about
making a most peculiar noise, something like a small drum being
beaten with one stick.”

Mr. Andersson observes :—‘‘ This is perhaps the most common
Bustard in both Great Namaqua Land and Damara Land. On
taking wing or when disturbed the male becomes outrageously noisy
and will rise vertically and to a great height, often descending as
abruptly. This is a great nuisance to the hunter, who is frequently
done out of his quarry by the Bustard’s sudden and _ noisy
apparition.”

Adult.—Resembles the preceding in every respect, except the one
great distinguishing mark, viz.: on opening the wings the quill-
feathers of this species will be found with a large blaze of white
on them, while those of FH. afra are entirely black. Mr. Ayres gives
the following soft parts :—

Male.—Irides dusky, tawny on the outer edge; bill ashy at the
tip, the ridge dusky, base and gape reddish pink; tarsi and feet
yellow. In the immature birds the irides are hazel.

Fig. Smith, Ml. Zool. S. Afr. pl. 19.

616. *Or1s ruEpPELLI, Wahlb. Riippell’s Bustard.

This is a bird of South-Western Africa. Mr. Andersson writes: —
“This species is plentiful in Great Namaqua Land and is not
uncommon in some of the more open parts of Southern Damara
Land; it is partial to slightly undulating ground abounding in
boulders and loose stones, and is usually found in pairs. When
disturbed it utters a succession of quick harsh notes, and crows not
unlike a Corncrake on taking wing, but in a much louder strain.”

Mr. Monteiro, whose specimen was described as a new species by
272

644 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Dr. Hartlanb under the name of Otis picturata, states that it is
“found abundantly all along the littoral region of Angola, becoming
more so in the vicinity of Benguela.” Senor Anchieta does not,
however, appear to have come across the species as yet, though
Prof. Barboza du Bocage gives the following description of it.

Male.—Above clear fulvous, vermiculated with blackish; crown
ashy blue rayed with brown; eyebrow, and a malar streak, nape,
middle of the throat and a longitudinal median band on the fore-
part of the neck, black; sides of head white; lower parts dirty
white ; first and second quills blackish, rufous white near the base,
the others buffy white, with the tip blackish.

Fig. Hartl. P. Z. 8. 1865, pl. vi.

pe

os

a se

645

ORDER LIMICOLA.

Fam. CHARADRIIDZ.

617. C£prcnemus capensis, Licht. South African Thick-knee.
Gdicnemus maculosus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 288.

‘The “ Dikkop ” is found in Kaffraria and Cape Colony generally,
and Natal, frequenting open, unwooded country. It feeds on seeds,
insects, and small reptiles, and lays, in a mere depression of the
soil, unprotected by stone or bush, two eggs of a light fawn-yellow
ground, profusely spotted and blotched throughout with brown of
various shades: axis, 2” 1’"; diam., 1” 6”. ’

Mr. Ortlepp says that about Colesberg they are, migratory, appear-
ing in flocks sometimes numbering fifty individuals, and feeding
only at night. It is met with both at Hast London and Port
Elizabeth, according to our correspondent Mr. Rickard, and Captain
Trevelyan tells us that it is migratory near Kingwilliamstown, being
common at times. Mr. Ayres states that it is, generally dispersed
over the colony of Natal, appearing on the coast with the Bustards
in the month of June. “Like the Bustards,” he observes, “ they
will almost invariably try to hide themselves from the sportsman by
crouching on the ground. When on the wing, the legs are extended
straight out behind, similarly to the Herons.” Majors Butler,
Feilden, and Captain Reid remark that they found it commonly
near Newcastle on stony flats or slopes among the low hills. Mr.
T. E. Buckley says that he found this “ Dikkop ” both in the bush
and open country throughout Natal and the Transvaal, and Mr.
Ayres has procured the species near Potchefstroom. He says that
it is sparsely distributed all over the Transvaal. Dr. Exton met
with it at Kanye in the Matabele country, and Mr. Jameson’s
expedition at Matje Umschlope in November, and Spalding’s, on the
Hart River, in February.

Mr. Andersson writes:—“This bird is partially migratory in
Namaqua and Damara Land, and, though uncommon, is nevertheless

646 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

very local, so that numbers of them may be found in one small spot,
whilst the country far and wide around does not produce a single
individual. This species prefers broken ground sparingly covered
with dwarf bush ; it is comparatively tame and easy of approach, and
seems to be chiefly on the move after dusk.” Senor Anchieta has
forwarded specimens to the Lisbon Museum from Mossamedes,
Benguela, and from Humbe on the Cunene River.
Ground colour, pale rufous, fading on the belly and part of the
wings into white, everywhere (with the exception of the chin, and
upper part of throat, which are pure white) mottled with dark brown
blotches, which become longitudinal stripes on the neck, chest, and
flanks; under tail-feathers, rufous and immaculate; wing-quills,
deep brown, approaching to black, the first three crossed near the
tips with a white bar ; a few of the others tipped with white; base
of bill and legs yellowish-green; eye yellowish-green, and very
large. Length, 16" to 17°; wing 9" 6”; tail, 5°.
Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 229.

618. (EpicNemcs SENEGALENSIS, Siwains. Senegal Thick-knee. »

This species may be recognized, as we are informed by our friend,
Mr. J. E. Harting,* frem (2. capensis, by the more uniform colour-
ing of the dorsal plumage, and by the narrower striping of the under
parts, which form a strong contrast to the vigorous dark blotches
on the under surface of . capensis. It differs from @. crepitans,
to which it is more nearly allied, in having no white line across the
shoulder. The only specimen of this Thick-knee that has reached
our hands was shot by our friend Hendrick van Breda at his place,
Zeekoegat (Bredasdorp), in the Strandveldt. Victorin is said by
Grill to have also met with the species at the Knysna on the 25th
of March, and Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal. He writes as
follows :—“ These birds are gregarious, and found amongst the
mangroves at the head of the bay. In June and July they
appear to be most plentiful, and are not to be found in the
summer; they are very shy, and run out of sight amongst the
low trees with great swiftmess, and are, on the whole, difficult to
get. I believe they feed at night.”

* This gentleman has very kindly helped us much in the editing of the
Limicole, on which group of birds he is so well known an authority.— Ed.

(EDICNEMUS VERMICULATUS. 647

Head, neck and all the upper parts of the body pale tawny brown ;
down the middle of each feather a dark streak ; fore part of neck
and breast paler; belly, thighs, and vent pale yellowish white ;
above each eye a pale streak, below the same, extending to the
bill; throat white; tail with a dark band across each feather ;
tip black, the rest white; length, 13’; wings, 8”.

According to Mr. Ayres, the female is of the same size as the
male, but duller in plumage. “ Iris, light yellow; eye, very large ;
bill black, with the exception of a patch over each nostril and the
base of the lower mandible, which parts are yellow” (Ayres).

619. CEpicnemus vermicuLatus, Cab. Vermiculated Thick-knee.

A specimen of this Thick-knee is said by Drs. Finsch and Hart-
laub to be in the Stuttgardt Museum from the Orange River, and
they give the authority of the late Jules Verreaux for its occurrence
in Namaqua Land.

It is an East African species which appears to come into the
northern parts of our present limits for this work. Mr, Ayres says
that he saw it on several occasions in the sandy bed of some parts
of the Umvuli. He has not met with the species out of Mashoona
Land, and did not see any after leaving the Quae Quae River. Prof.
Barboza du Bocage has received it from localities to the north of
the Quanza, and also from the Cunene River. At Quillengues and
Humbe it is said by Anchieta to arrive along with @. capensis, and
both species bear the same native names, being called in Quillengues
Lungungua, at Humbe Kilubio and Soca-soca.

The following description is translated from Professor Barboza du
Bocage’s “Ornithologie d’Angola”’:—Plumage above, pale ashy
brown, striped with blackish, and varied with brown vermiculations,
more distinct on the feathers of the back and scapulars, the streaks
of the anterior part of the back more strongly marked and larger ;
throat and a band below the eye from the base of the bill to the
region of the ear-coverts white; lower part of the back dirty white,
washed with buff ; the breast and the flanks streaked with blackish ;
under tail-coverts rufous; an oblique band of black on the wing-
coverts, bordered above with whitish, and followed by a large space
of clear ashy streaked with black; quills black, the three first
primaries crossed with a complete white band ; centre tail-feathers
coloured like the back, the latter ones rayed with brown and white,

648 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

and blackish at the tips; bill dark brown, yellow at the base ; feet
greenish yellow; iris yellow, dotted with brown.

The female, according to Professor Bocage, is exactly like the
male in size and colour.

Fig. Cab. in Von der Decken Reis. iii, tab. xvi.

Fam. PARRIDZA.

620. Parra arricana, Gm. African Jacana.

This Jacana is decidedly rare in the colony, though we have
received specimens from several different and widespread localities.
Mr. Rickard states that they are occasionally to be seen on the
Swartkop. Near Kingwilliamstown it is said by Captain Trevelyan
to be rare. He killed two specimens after some rainy weather in
1876, and saw another which had been shot in the neighbourhood.
“Tn Natal,’ writes Mr. Ayres, “they are to be found in consider-
able numbers in the lagoons and pools along the coast; their food
appears to consist entirely of the seeds of water-plants and small
insects, which they find amongst the leaves of the water-lilies and
other weeds. Walking with ease on the floating leaves of these
beautiful plants, they feed more or less throughout the day, and are
active in their habits, apparently having constant feuds with each
other, and chasing one another about on the wing. If disturbed they
always fly to cover, unless very close to it.” It has not apparently
been recorded from the Transvaal, but during Mr. Jameson’s
expedition to the Mashoona country it was met with at Kooroomoorooi
Pan, and Mr, Ayres says, “ although there were several on this pan,
we only succeeded in shooting one, owing to their cleverness in
hiding amongst the water-grasses thinly growing in the shallow
water.”” Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—“I have never
seen this curious species in Great Namaqua Land; and it is a
comparatively scarce bird in Damara Land, but pretty common on
the rivers Okavango, Teoughe, and Botletlé, and also at Lake
N’gami. It is found in pairs or in small flocks, frequenting
stagnant pools or still waters on the sides of lakes and rivers,
where it runs about on the decayed semi-floating herbage, and
also on the large-leayed lotus plants, which generally abound in

a

PARRA CAPENSIS. 649

such situations—a feat which it accomplishes without sinking, by
means of its long and wide-spreading toes. These birds are of a
lively disposition, and frequently chase one another about. When
they have not been previously disturbed they are generally easy
to approach; and their vivacious habits, elegant forms, and hand-
some colouring add much to the interest of the scene.”

According to Mr. Monteiro, the present species is common on all
the fresh, still waters of Angola, and Senor Anchieta has procured
it on the Coroca River and at Mossamedes and Humbe.

General colour, rich cinnamon-brown; back of head and neck
black, tinged with green; chin and front of neck white, darkening
into shining-yellow on the chest, which is divided from the cinnamon
of the body by a narrow dark line; front of head bare, which
together with the basal half of the bill is blue in life; the tip is
horn-coloured ; legs dark-green; claws horn-coloured ; “ bill bluish
black, pinkish at the tip, the frontal shield and skin at the base
of the upper mandible light slate-colour; shanks, tarsi and feet
slate or ash-colour, the feet being rather darker than the legs ”
(T. Ayres). Length, 10"; wings, 54"; tail, 12”.

The female, according to Mr. Ayres, is considerably larger than
the male.

Fig. Lath. Gen. Syn. pl. 17.

621. Parra capensis, Smith. Lesser African Jacana.

Sir Andrew Smith procured a single specimen of this bird near
Algoa Bay, and the only other specimens which we have heard of in
the colony were two which Captain Trevelyan shot near Kingwilliams-
town in 1876, after some heavy rains ; these are the only two which
came under his notice during his residence in South Africa. In Natal,
Mr. Ayres “found numbers of these beautiful birds on the Sea-
Cow Lake. In habits they much resemble the larger kind, running
with ease on the weeds which appear on the surface ; they are rather
shy. If, on searching for food, they happen to approach a larger
Jacana (Parra africana), they are immediately chased away; and
as both kinds are plentiful in that locality, and feed all day long,
there is constant squabbling amongst them. There is one habit
they have which I have not noticed in the other Jacanas—viz.,
the dipping the head up and down, like some of the smaller

Plovers.”’

650 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Andersson says:—‘ This Jacana is common in the Lake-
regions and on the Okavango, where it breeds; but it is very rare
in Damara Land, and, I believe, is never seen in Great Namaqua
Land.”

Forehead yellow ; eyebrow white; crown of the head, a narrow
bar on each side of the base of the neck, sides of the body, and
tail, deep reddish-orange; back of the neck black; sides of the
necks and breast pale greenish-yellow ; chin, throat, breast, belly,
and under tail-coverts white; wings and back grey-brown; bill
yellowish-brown ; legs and feet greenish-yellow. Length, 7’ 3";
wing, 3" 9’"; tail, 1” 10”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 32.

Fam. GLAREOLIDZ.

622. GLAREOLA MELANOPTERA, Nordm. Black-winged Pratincole.
Glareola nordmanni, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 291.

This Pratincole differs from the European bird, and may at once
be distinguished from it by the under side of the wings, which in
this species is black, in the other rufous; it has also a longer tarsus
and shorter toes and tail. It appears in great numbers on the
eastern frontier and Natal during the visitations of the locusts, upon
which it feeds. We are informed that it hawks about the clouds of
the destroying insect, now and then darting into the mass, and
never failing to secure a victim. It is said to run and fly with great
swiftness.

Mr. Rickard has met with this species near Port Elizabeth and
East London. He writes:—“‘I have frequently seen ‘ Locust
Birds,’ but never where there were any locusts. I have also seen
swarms of locusts, but always unattended by G. melanoptera.”
Captain Trevelyan records it as migratory near Kingwilliamstown,
coming at times in large numbers.

Mr. Ayres has obtained it in Natal, and Major Feilden observed
it in large flocks on the way up country in March. Major Butler
and Captain Reid state that “the first pair was seen by them near
Newcastle on the 19th of October. In November they were most
abundant in flocks in the neighbourhood of Ladysmith and Colenso,

—"

ee ee

GLAREOLA MELANOPTERA. 651

and numerous specimens were obtained on our homeward march down
country.” Mr. Barratt met with the species near Pretoria, and in
the Transvaal Mr. T. E. Buckley found it very common on his return
journey where it was in large flocks on the high ground. Near
Pochefstroom, Mr. Ayres states that it is occasionally plentiful
but at uncertain intervals. Mr. Andersson met with the species
near Otjimbinque in Damara Land, and according to Drs. Finsch
and Hartlaub, it occurs both in Great and Little Namaqua Land.
The ‘‘ Locust Bird,” as it is called by the colonists, is well known
in South Africa as a friend of the farmer, and, as Mrs. Barber
informs us, it always builds its nest in the neighbourhood of the
swarms of young locusts, so that they may have plenty of food for
their young ones, for young locusts remain long near the spot
where they were hatched. An excellent account of the bird’s
habits is recorded by Mr. Gurney in his edition of Andersson’s
* Birds of Damara Land,” being extracted from Zhe Field of
February 26th, 1870. The author, whose name does not transpire,
is stated to have been engaged in a survey near the Fish River
under the Colonial Engineering Department. His account is as
follows :—“ The principal enemy of these great swarms (of locusts),
and the valued friend of the Cape farmer, is the small locust-bird,
Glareola melanoptera. These birds come, I may say, in millions,
attendant on the flying swarms of locusts; indeed, the appearance
of a few of them is looked upon as a sure presage of the locust-
swarms being at hand. Their mode of operation, as I saw it, was
as follows. They intercept a portion of the swarm and form
themselves into a ring of considerable height, regularly widening
towards the top, so as to represent the appearance of a revolving
balloon or huge spinning-top. They thus fly one over the other,
and hawking at the locusts within its limits. As their digestion,
like that of all insectivorous birds, is very rapid, the form in which
they thus enclose their prey is admirably adapted to enable the
lower to escape the droppings of the upper birds. When they have
consumed this portion of the swarm, they follow up the main body
and commence another attack, and so on, until night sets in and the
birds happen to lose the swarm or the locusts are all devoured. I
should not forget to mention that the beak of these birds is exactly
of such a shape and such dimensions that when they seize the
locust the snap cuts off the four wings, and a passer-by sees

652 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

a continual shower of locusts’ wings falling on the ground. At
another time, when I was stationed at Fort Peddie, and the country
was suffering from the effects of a long drought and was overrun
with unusual quantities of ants and grasshoppers, we were visited
by thousands of these birds, which remained many days devouring
these pests. Though the locust-birds are excellent eating, no one
ever thinks of destroying them, and they were so fearless that,
though I often rode or ran amongst them to test their tameness,
only a few in my immediate vicinity would rise, the rest continuing
to feed; but every ten minutes or so the whole mass would rise
of their own accord and fly, first a few yards to the right, and then
to the left, in a slanting direction, presenting alternately a black
and white wave of birds some miles in length, a sight never to
be forgotten by the spectator.”

General colour above, cinereous brown, glossed with green ; this
shade extending over the wing-feathers, which are black ; throat
tawny-white, with faint brown streaks, and separated from the
breast, which is cinereous, by a crescent-shaped collar; belly, vent,
and rump, white; tail long and forked, the two outer and longest
pair of feathers white, tipped with black ; the rest white at the base,
brown at the ends; legs black in a dried skin, but reddish in a
fresh one; eyelids and cere at base of bill also red. Length, 10” ;
wings, 7” 3”; tail, 4” 3”.

Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1868, pl. 8.

623. GuaREOLA praTINcoLA, LD. Red-winged Pratincole.

The only specimen of this species which has come under our
notice in the colony was shot by Mr. S. Gird, near George, in 1870,
and Mr. Ayres has forwarded a single example from Natal. Mr.
Andersson has likewise recorded it-as not uncommon near Jake
N’gami; but as Mr. Gurney well points out, it is quite probable
that at the time he wrote Mr. Andersson was not aware of
the occurrence of G. melanoptera in South Africa, and had not
distinguished between the two species.

This Pratincole may be distinguished from the preceding bird by
the chestnut colouring of the under wing-coverts, the same parts in
Nordmann’s Pratincole being black.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 513, fig. 1.

CURSORIUS RUFUS. 653

Fam. CHARADRIIDZ.

624. Cursorius rurus, Gould. Burchell’s Courser.
Cursorius burchelli, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 289.

This and C. bicinctus are not uncommon in the Karroo, in the
neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort and Beaufort. They are usually seen
in small flocks, varying in number from five to twenty or more,
running along with great rapidity between the tufts of stunted
herbage which cover these extensive plains. They have a curious
habit of swaying themselves to and fro on their long thin legs, when
halting after a run, as if they had overshot themselves, and were
trying to recover their balance. They feed on seeds and small
insects. Mr. Ortlepp says, “‘In summer I have often seen them
perch on small bushes, but I believe this was done for the sake of
taking their feet off the burning hot ground.”

Specimens have also been sent from Colesberg, and Mr. Rickard
has procured the species at Port Elizabeth, while we are informed
by Capt. Trevelyan that near Kingwilliamstown it is migratory and
not uncommon. Mr. T. C. Atmore met with them near Hopetown
in May, 1871.

In Natal it is recorded by Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt.
Reid as extremely common all over the Veldt, in pairs and small
flocks, apparently breeding in November. Near Potchefstroom it
is common, according to Mr. Ayres, in flocks in winter, and the
same gentleman says that near Rustenberg it is not nearly so
common as in the Potchefstroom district, but a few are occasionally
to be met with.

Sides of neck and fore part of head rufous; nape cinereous ;
crown bordered (behind the eye) with a pointed white collar,
margined by black; upper and under plumage fawn-coloured ;
rump cinereous ; tail the same, the outermost feather more or less
white ; two next with a black bar and white tip, the rest tipped
with black only ; chin, vent, and thighs white; legs clothed with
white scales; in the centre of the belly, a blackish patch ; larger
wing-feathers, black, the rest broadly tipped with white, which
appears most when the bird is on the wing. Length, 7’ 4"; wing,
Ata 3 taal dh Or

Fig. Gould, Icones Avium, pl. 10.

654 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

625. Cursorius SENEGALENSIS, Licht. Senegal Courser.

This species may be distinguished from 0. rufus by its smaller
size, and by the absence of white on the secondaries. It is generally
distributed throughout the colony, and has been sent from Natal by
Mr. Ayres, who says that it is scarce there. ‘They frequent the
open country, and are to be found after the grass has been burnt
off, when, I have no doubt, they more easily find their food. These
birds run with extraordinary swiftness, much faster than any of
the other kinds of Plovers here, notwithstanding their small size.”
Captain Reid met with several small flocks on flats near the Tugela,
at Colenso. In the Lydenburg district of the Transvaal Mr. Ayres
says that it is scarce. A single specimen was obtained by Mr.
Andersson at Ondonga, in Ovampo Land, and Senor Anchieta has
sent it from many localities in Mossamedes and Benguela.

Mr. Gurney states that this Courser may be distinguished from
its ally, C. rufus, by its “slightly smaller dimensions, by the
somewhat brighter tint of the rufous portion of the plumage, by the
greater size and intensity of the blackish abdominal patch, by the
absence of grey from the occiput, and by the less extended white
tipping of the secondary feathers of the wing.”

Fig. Swains. B. West Afr. ii, pl. 24.

626. Cursorius Bicinctus, J’emm.
South African Two-banded Courser.

We procured what we took to be, from the anxiety of the birds
hanging about the place, two eggs of this species. They are of a
light nankin-yellow ground, densely covered with thin compressed
streaks of dark brown, so closely distributed as almost to hide the
ground-colour, Axis, 14’; diam., 12’”.

Mr. Atmore sends several eggs, and confirms us in my opinion
of the parentage of the eggs I took. He writes :—“ It lays one egg
only on the bare ground, without even scratching a hole; prefers
bare grey places by road-sides. I picked up nearly twenty on my
road home from the Nieuw Veldt, by watching them run away from
a small flock of sheep, in September and October.’ It has been
found near Grahamstown and in the Free State by Mr. Windham.
Mr. T. C. Atmore forwarded a pair to us from Hopetown. Mr.
Barratt writes: “I first found this little bird rnnning rapidly along
between the herbage growing on the flats near Sandy River, Orange

CURSORIUS CINCTUS. 655

Free State. I have often watched the waggon-drivers run after
them with their whips ; and the birds would run a long way before
flying, and then only for a few yards. I have seen them further
north, but do not remember having seen them close to the
Lydenburg Gold-fields.” Mr. Ayres has found it breeding near
Potchefstroom, and says that “these birds frequent open ground,
and are to be found, though not plentifully, about six miles from
Potchefstroom, down the Mooi River, and thence right away down
the Vaal.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition to the Mashoona
country, it was observed on the Siklogolo River and at Spalding’s,
on the Hart River. Mr. Andersson writes :—‘ This Courser is not
uncommon in various parts of Great Namaqua and Damara Land,
chiefly during the wet season. I frequently found it plentiful in
the neighbourhood of Otjimbinque, and comparatively tame. It
sometimes occurs singly, at others in pairs, and occasionally in
small flocks, each flock probably consisting of an entire family.
This species runs with considerable celerity.”’

Upper parts, variegated rufous, black, dirty white, and brown ;
each feather being the latter colour at the base, more or less tinged
with rufous; then follows an indistinct black mark, extending in a
point down the shaft to the tip, which is dirty white, tinged more or
less with rufous; throat dirty white; chest and belly rufescent,
separated by two black crescent-shaped bars; the feathers of the
throat and chest have each a dark brown line down their centres ;
on the belly only the shafts of some of the feathers are of this
colour; vent and rump white; the first three pair of outer tail-
feathers the colour of the belly ; the rest brown; legs long,
covered with hard white scales. Length, 9” 6”; wing, 6" 3”;
tail, 3” 3’”.

Fig. Jard. and Selby, Ill. Orn. pl. 48.

627. Cursortus spisienatus, Hartl. Hartlaub’s Courser.

This species was discovered by the late Mr. Monteiro in Benguela,
but has not since been met with by any traveller.

It is said by Dr. Hartlaub to be allied to OC. bicinctus, but differs
in the following points:—(1) by its much smaller size; (2) by the
scarcely perceptible black band on the hind neck; (3) by the much
paler colour of the back ; (4) by all the secondaries and the fifth to
the tenth primaries being for the most part pale rufous; (5) by the

656 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

belly from the throat downwards, the under wing-coverts and under
tail-coverts being pure white; (6) by the inner webs of the quills
being rufous white below; (7) by the outer tail-feather being
entirely white.

Fig. Hartl. P. Z. S. 1866, pl. vi.

628. Cursorious crncrus, Heugl. Heuglin’s Courser.

This rare species was discovered by Baron yon Heuglin at
Gondokoro on the White Nile, and the late Mr. Andersson
obtained a pair at Ondonga in the Ovampo country in January,
1867. Senor Anchieta has collected specimens at Humbe on the
Cunene River.

The following is a translation of the description given by
Professor Bocage :—

Upper part of the head dark brown with the edges of the
feathers tinged with buff; forehead, lores, and auricular spot white
washed with buff; the feathers of the upper surface of the body
brown with broad edges of grey washed with rufous or buff, and
inclining to white on the wing-coverts; upper tail-coverts white ;
a white band bordered with black on each side of the head,
commencing above the eye, and uniting in a point with that of
the opposite side; throat, sides of the neck and fore-neck and the
lower parts white; a band of maroon brown, commencing behind
the eye, skirts the auricular spot and forms with that of the
opposite side a V-shaped mark on the fore-neck ; behind this
band keeping to a great extent parallel with it a black band
loses itself on the sides of the breast in a space varied with
brown and buff; two transverse bands on the breast, one black,
the other rufous, separated by an intervening space of white;
primary quills blackish; tail pale brown shaded with rufous,
marked near the tip with an indistinct black band; the outer
tail-feather white, the next one with the outer webs varied with
white; bill blackish yellow at the base; feet greyish; iris brown.

Fig. Heugl. Ibis. 1863, pl. 1.

629. Cursorius cHaLcoprerus, J'emm. Bronze-winged Courser.

We have never seen a specimen of this Courser from the colony,
though Mr. Jules Verreaux assured us that when he was in South

CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS. 657

Africa in the early part of the century, it was generally distributed,
but rare.

Mr. Ayres has met with it once in Natal, where it was excessively
rare in the parts in which he collected. Capt. Reid obtained one
specimen at Colenso on the 20th of November in thick dwarf
mimosa bush, to which it kept close. Mr. Ayres likewise procured
asingle example in January on the banks of the Rhinoster River.
It seems, however, to be more plentiful in South-Western Africa,
for Mr. Andersson writes: “The Violet-winged Courser arrives in
Damara Land in small flocks at the beginning of the rainy season.
On their first arrival they keep exclusively to the bush, but later
disperse themselves more over the open. The cause of their first
seeking cover is explained by the circumstance of their reaching
Damara Land in a moulting condition, or about to change their
plumage, when of course the bush affords them a better chance of
escape and concealment from their natural enemies. They are not
particularly wild, yet often very difficult to obtain, as they stick to
the cover with great tenacity, and when suddenly flushed the bird
just darts behind the nearest bush or tree, when it alights and
continues its flight by hard running, only using its wings in its
utmost need. During the heat of the day they remain nearly
stationary. This species feeds on insects of various kinds. The
flesh is very dark-coloured but excellent eating.”

Senor Anchieta has met with it at Capangombe and Humbe,
where it is always found near the water-courses and marshes.

Light brown above; front, throat, ramp, and body beneath,
white ; quills black, tipped with shining violet ; breast pale brown,
with a black band; “bill black, the base of the lower mandible
crimson; gape scarlet; legs crimson-pink; toes blackish; iris
dark brown ; eyelid thick and orange scarlet ” (Reid). Length, 10’;
wing, 7’ 9”.

Fig. Gray and Mitchell, Gen. B. in, pl. 143.

639. CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS, LD. Golden Plover.

Dr. Hartlaub has given South Africa as a habitat of this species,
and the late M. Jules Verreaux assured us that he had shot it at
Zoetendals Vley during his residence at the Cape. It has been met
with in Gaboon, but has not yet been recorded from Angola. We
ourselves procured it at Lamo, on the east coast of Africa.

20

658 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

In winter, upper parts brownish-black, spotted with yellow,
cheeks, neck, and fore-part of breast greyish, variegated with brown;
throat and abdomen white. In summer, upper parts black, spotted
with bright yellow; fore-part of neck and breast black; forehead,
line over the eye, band bordering the black of the lower parts, and
lower tail-coverts, white.

Fig. Dresser, B. of Europe, vol. vii, pls. 515, fig. 1, 518, figs. 1, 2.

631. SguararoLa HELVETICA (D.). Grey Plover.

The Grey Plover is, of course, only a winter visitant to the
African continent, and many young birds occur which, from the
golden spotting on the back, might be mistaken for the preceding
species, O. pluvialis. They may, however, always be told by the
black axillaries (these being white in the Golden Plover), and by
the presence of a hind toe as in Vanellus. The late M. Jules
Verreaux told us that he procured it at Zoetendals Vley, in
the non-breeding dress, and we have ourselves met with many
specimens. Mr. Ayres has shot it on the Monocusi River in Natal.
Mr. Andersson says: “This Plover is rarely seen inland in
Damara or Great Namaqua Land, but is very common on the coast.
It is found singly or in small flocks, searching for its food (which
consists of small crustacea, insects, and worms) where the tide has
receded, and sometimes wading into the water up to its belly. It
runs with very great rapidity, and is of a wary and suspicious
disposition, becoming extremely difficult to obtain if at all pursued.
Its flesh is palatable. This species takes its departure on the
approach of the breeding season ; and | have never seen it in such
dark plumage as it is represented as attaining in Europe at this
season.” Senor Anchieta has sent specimens from the River Coroka
in Southern Mossamedes. We may mention that we ourselves
procured a considerable number of specimens on the east coast of
Africa as far as 14° S. lat.

Adult male in summer plumage.—Fore-part of head, neck, chest,
and belly, deep brownish-black, bordered by a white line, which
blends into the ground of the back and top of the head, both of which
are more or less mottled with dark brown and black; vent and
thighs pure white; tail white, transversely barred with brown-
black. The plumage in winter is dark grey, variegated with light
markings, the black plumage disappearing entirely. The female is

eo eS! ge —

MGIALITIS MARGINATA. 659

similar to the male in winter dress. Length, 12”; wing, 7’ 10”;
tail) 36".
Fig. Dresser, B. of Hurope, vii, pls. 515, fig. 2, 518, fig. 3.

632. Alerariris cantTrANa (Lath.). Kentish Sand-Plover.
Charadrius cantianus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 296.

The only specimen of the ‘ Kentish Plover” which has fallen
under our notice occurred in a collection of birds made by the late
Mr. Villet at the Knysna. We purchased the specimen, which is
now in the South African Museum. Mr. Andersson has also met
with it in Damara Land. He writes: “This is rather a scarce bird
in Damara Land, and hardly to be found except on the sea coast,
in the neighbourhood of which it seeks its ford on open ground
slightly interspered with grass and aquatic herbage. It feeds on
worms and insects, and also on the sand-hoppers which abound on
the beach at Walwich Bay, and of which it seems to be particularly
fond. I have invariably found it in pairs, but have never met with
its nest.” :

Adult, with the upper parts light brownish-grey ; the forehead
with two bands, a white and a black; the hind part of the head
light brownish-red; the loral space and a band behind the eye,
black ; the throat, and a band crossing the hind neck, white; a
large patch of black on each side of the lower part of the neck ; bill
black ; the lower mandible flesh-coloured at the base ; feet dusky ;
claws black. Young, without black on the head; the bands on the-
sides, and the patches on the neck, brown; feathers of the upper
parts margined with whitish. Length, 6” 9’"; wing, 4’ 6’”; tail, 2’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, p. 523.

633. Alerauiris marcinara (Vieill.). | White-fronted Sand-Plover.
Charadrius marginatus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 298.

This little Sand-Plover is common along all parts of our coast,
and on any extensive inland pieces of water. It breeds with us in
the month of November, generally laying two eggs, of a fawn or
nankin colour, profusely spotted with black, sometimes streaked,
and sometimes the spots form a circle at the obtuse end: axis, 16” ;
diam., 11”.

The young run immediately on their exclusion from the egg.
They are covered with white down, and on being pursued, cower

20 2

660 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

down with such success among the rounded white pebbles, which
they closely resemble, that if once the eye is taken off them, it is
a mere chance if they are again detected. Captain Reid noticed
several small flocks of this bird on the beach outside Durban
Harbour in August and December. Mr. Andersson gives the
following account of the Plover in Damara Land: “ This species is
very numerous at Walwich Bay, and at many intervening points of
the coast between that locality and the Cape, but I do not recollect
having seen it inland. It can hardly be said to go in flocks, although
a considerable number of individuals may be found scattered over
a small extent of beach in close proximity to each other. It runs
along the sand with great swiftness; and, unless very hard pressed,
it prefers making its escape by trusting to its legs rather than by
taking wing; when it has not been previously disturbed it is easy of
approach. It utters a low plaintive cry, and feeds on small sandflies
and other minute insects, which it generally catches by running
rapidly in pursuit of its prey. Its flesh is very palatable. This
Plover breeds sparingly at Walwich Bay, scooping a small round
hole in the sand, but without any lining. The female lays two eggs
in the month of April or early in May ; these are of the usual Plover
shape, but sometimes rather blunt at the smaller end; they are of a
yellowish-brown colour, prettily variegated with numerous irregular
spots and streaks of a dark liver-brown.’’

Above, cinereous-brown; the edges of the feathers rufescent ;
forehead white; nuchal band faint rufous; lores black; below all
white; wing-coverts brown, with white shafts; webs of inferior
wing-feathers margined and tipped with white; four middle tail-
feathers brown ; those at the side white. A specimen shot April
29th, 1863, measured: length, 7’; wing, 4’ 9”; tail, 24”. Irides
brown ; bill black ; the base livid; legs and feet livid-blue.

634. Aaraniris maticuLa* (L.). Common Ringed-Plover.
Charadrius hiaticula, Layard, B. 8S. Afr. p. 298.

This species is stated to have been procured at the Knysna by
M. Victorin, and Mr. L, C. Layard shot a specimen in full plumage

* We copy entire the descriptions of 4. hiaticula and 42. cantiana from
Macgillivray’s work on the birds of Britain, in order that the two species
may readily be distinguished from each other. We also use his excellent
descriptions for such of our birds as belong to this class, as none can exceed
them for clearness and accuracy.

rier

“ae
ca

MGIALITIS VARIA. 661

at Salt River Mouth, near Cape Town, in April, 1865. At that
time, however, we were not aware of the occurrence of A/. inter-
medius in South Africa, and a re-examination of the specimens above
recorded is desirable. Mr. Rickard tells us that he has met with it
both at Port Elizabeth and East London. Mr. Andersson states
that it occurs at certain seasons at Walwich Bay, but only very
sparingly elsewhere in Damara Land.

Adult, with the upper parts greyish-brown; the forehead with
two bands, a white anda black; a dark brown band under the eye ;
aring of white including the throat, succeeded by a broader ring
of brownish black ; bill orange at the base, black at the tip; feet
orange ; claws black. Young, without the black band on the fore-
head, the other bands lighter; the feathers of the upper parts
margined with pale-brownish ; the bill entirely black in the young,
yellow at base in the old bird; the feet dull greenish-yellow ; the
claws black. Length, 8” 6”; wing, 5” 4”; tail, 2” 8”. Bill, 6”;
tarsus, 1”.

Fig. Dresser, B. of Eur. vii, pl. 525.

635. AlGIaLiTis INTERMEDIA (Ménétr.).
Intermediate Ringed Sand-Plover.

We shot this species on the Keishkamma River in March, 1870,
and a specimen from the Orange River was shown to us by
Dr. Bradshaw, who shot it in that locality.

It exactly resembles the preceding bird, but is much smaller.
Length, 6” 7” ; wing, 5" 2”; bill, 5’; tarsus, 9”.

636. ANeranitis varia (Vieill.). Kittlitz’s Sand-Plover.
Charadrius kittlitzi, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 297.

This little Plover is common about the chain of lagoons formed by
the “Salt River,’ and along the sea-shore near Cape Town. We
have also seen it in the month of September on the rocks at Green.
Point and on Robben Island, and it is abundant near Zoetendals
Vley. It breeds at the Berg River in September. The eggs are
laid in a little depression in the dry mud, which is heaped up a little
round them. The eggs are olive-brown, profusely and confusedly
marked with fine lines and spots of black throughout. Axis, 1’ 2” ;
diam., 10”. On leaving the nest the female, with a few rapid
motions of her feet, covers the eggs with mud and runs to some

662 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

distance before taking wing. When driving in a troop of fifty or
one hundred mares Mr. Kotze often discovered their nests by the
courageous little bird facing the whole troop, flapping her wings,
and assuming a threatening attitude; the galloping mares would
divide right and left and avoid the small atom, and she thus
preserved her nest. In the Transvaal, Mr. Ayres says: ‘‘ These
birds frequent the muddy flats, and run with considerable swiftness,
stopping suddenly, and bobbing the head, as many of the Plovers
do.” In a further note he observes: “This species migrates to
this part of the country during the present month for the purpose
of breeding; it is found sparsely in pairs, frequenting stony and
tussocky ground, where vegetation is scanty, and generally at no
great distance from water; it disappears during the winter months.
The stomachs of this bird and its mate (killed at the same time) con-
tuined insects, principally a species of white ant.’ Mr. Andersson
writes : “This pretty little Plover is not uncommon in Damara
Land ; but I do not think that it breeds there. It is to be seen in
flocks, often composed of a considerable number of individuals, and

feeds on the small insects which are to be found in the moist and -

humid localities to which it is partial. At some seasons I found it
very abundant at Otjimbinque, but I do not recollect having ever
observed it on the sea-shore.’”? Senor Anchieta has procured it in
Benguela, where it is called Kanhiapraia.

General colour above, ashy-brown, variegated with light ash ;
forehead, semi-circular band round the back of the head, chin,
throat, and vent, white; a black band extends across the head, just
behind the white of the forehead, through the eyes and behind the
white collar; a black patch extends from the bill to the eye; wings
black ; chest and belly, isabella-yellow ; four lateral tail-feathers on
each side, isabella-yellow, tinged with grey, the rest dark ashy-
brown; bill and legs black. Length, 6’ 6”; wing, 4’ 5’; tail,
Im oM

Fig. Harting, Ibis, 1873, pl. 8.

637. AderaLiris TRIcOLLARIS (Vieill.). Treble-collared Sand-Plover.

This pretty little Plover, the Strand-looper of the colonists, is
common throughout the colony, frequenting equally the sea-shore,
the natural vley, artificial dam, or river. We found it abundant in
the water-holes of the Karroo rivers, and equally so on the sea-shore

“a
ee

~e<

ee ON

et ee ee ete 89 Sey

—

MGIALITIS TRICOLLARIS. 663

of the coast. It is a solitary species, never appearing more than a
pair, male and female, at once; and though five or six pairs may
often be found within a few hundred yards from each other, they
keep to their respective puddles, and always return to them if
driven up by a passing foot. They run with considerable rapidity,
often squat behind a stone, or amid tufts of grass, to evade
detection; but when on the wing, fly strongly and well, They
breed on the sea-shore or along the banks of streams and vleys,
never far from water. Their nest is a mere depression in the soil,
unprotected by stone or bush; and their eggs, enormous for the
size of the bird, are two to five in number, of a dirty-white ground,
profusely and minutely covered with hair streaks, having a tendency
to run in zones, there being always one at the obtuse end: axis,
15”’; diam., 11”. Their food consists of minute crustaceans, shells,
and insects. Mr. Chapman, who found the bird at the Zambesi,
states that this is the companion of the hippopotamus and warns
him of danger. Mr. Bradshaw met with it in the Orange River,
and we are informed by Mr. Rickard that it is common both at Port
Elizabeth and East London. In Natal, writes Mr. Ayres, “ these
pretty little Plovers are by no means common; they are mostly
found on the muddy banks of creeks, amongst the mangroves,
either singly or in pairs; at first sight they might easily be
mistaken for Water-Wagtails, their movements and appearance
being very similar; their flight is rapid ; they feed on small marine
insects, and swallow a very fair share of pebbles to aid digestion.”

‘Mr. Frank Oates procured a specimen at Durban, and according to

the observations of Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid it
was abundant in all the vleys in the part of Natal visited by them,
being seen in parties of seldom more than three or four together,
and not associating in flocks. Mr. T. EH. Buckley also found the
species common throughout Natal and the Transvaal, frequenting
the banks of streams. Mr. Ayres writes: “‘ I found a pair of these
birds breeding on an island in the centre of the Vaal River in
the month of November. The eggs, two in number and much
incubated, were laid on the bare sand, exposed to the heat of the
sun, which, one would think, was enough to cook them. The nest
was formed by a few very small whitish and white stones in a slight
excavation. The eggs were of a creamy white, much marked through-
out with dark umber-brown lines, which were especially numerous

(ee

6o4 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in two zones, one of which was about the middle of the egg, and the
other and darker zone near its obtuse end; they were exceedingly
large for the size of the bird, measuring respectively 1.2; by 3§ and
1.8, by 2§ inch.” The following account is given by Mr. Andersson :
“This species is pretty commonly dispersed over Damara Land
and Great Namaqua Land, both on the coast and at inland waters.
It is generally seen in small flocks, and exhibits comparatively little
fear of man. It feeds chiefly on small insects, and also, at the
inland rills in Damara Land, on a species of aquatic worm. Its
flesh is palatable. In the egg of this Plover the ground-colour is
almost hidden by a profusion of thickly clustering spots and fine
eccentric lines of grey-brown and sepia-brown; in some instances
these markings are arranged in a ring round the thicker end of the
egg.” Senor Anchieta has met with it in considerable numbers
at Benguela, Quillengues, and Humbe: it is called at the latter
place Quicobequelababa.

General colour above, brown, glossed with green; forehead
white; a white line extends from thence over the eye, and unites
behind the head, at the base of the occiput; throat grey; this is
succeeded by a black collar, next by a white space, and that again
by a broad black one ; from this to the end of the tail it is all pure
white ; wing-feathers black and dark brown; the latter with the
secondaries tipped with white; bill black; base yellow; cere round
the eye and bill, red; iris hazel. Length, 6’ 3”; wing, 4” 7”;
tail, 3”.

Fig. Heugl, Orn. N. O. Afr., pl. xxxiv, fig. 5 (head).

638. Aiaraxiris cEorrroyr (Wadgl.). Geoffroy’s Sand-Plover.

We shot a single female of this Plover on the Salt River, near
Cape Town, in 1858. It was along witha flock of Sandpipers feeding
in the marsh. The late M. Jules Verreaux also mentioned it to us as
the bird which he himself had shot near Cape Town. Mr. Rickard
has also procured it near Port Elizabeth, on sandy plains near the
sea, and it is a well-known visitor to other parts of Africa.

General colour above, greyish-brown, each feather slightly margined
with pale-rufous; a white line springs from the nostril and passes
over the eye, but does not extend to the back of the head; throat,
and all under parts, white; loral space, greyish-brown, as are also
patches on each side of the lower part of the neck, which nearly

EUDROMIAS ASIATICUS. 665

meet across the chest, and form a collar; tail-feathers all brown,
the outer pair almost white ; under side of wings, white; upper side
of quill feathers, very dark brown; bill robust, black, thickened
towards the point, flesh-coloured at the base; legs (apparently)
flesh-coloured. Length, 8’; wing, 5’ 9"’; tail, 2”9” ; tarsus, 1" 6”;
middle toe, 11”.

Fig. Harting, Ibis, 1870, pl. 11.

639. Eupromias astaticts (Pall.). Asiatic Dotterel.
Charadrius asiaticus, Layard, B. 8. Afr., p. 278.

Mr. Arnott, who first forwarded specimens to us from the neigh-
bourhood of Colesberg, writes as follows: “Found together in
flocks of fifteen or twenty, very far away from water. They are
scarce, and I only see them after showers of rain, which bring out
small coleoptera and animal life of that sort, on which these birds
seem to feed, and get enormously fat.”” We have seen specimens
from the Knysna, and also from Grahamstown. Captain Trevelyan
informs us that they are migratory near Kingwilliamstown, but
not uncommon. Majors Butler and Feilden, and Captain Reid
saw several about the mouth of the Umgeni River, near Durban,
on the 26th of December, and Mr. Ayres records it from the
Transvaal. He writes: “One day, as I was trudging down to the
river to have an afternoon’s fishing, I found four of these Plovers
on the open flats outside Potchefstroom. They had somewhat the
appearance of Burchell’s Courser when on the ground, but did not
run so fast. They ran and then suddenly stopped, with their
bodies horizontal, ready for flight, and, being much the colour of the
ground, were not easily seen. They uttered a short ‘chuck’ whilst
rising. I bagged two at one shot. On a subsequent occasion I saw
two others, which I did not obtain.” In a male shot on the 19th
of September the “stomach contained beetles and other insects.
These Plovers make their appearance in these parts at this season,
about the time when the first heavy rains fall, and are pretty plenti-
fully scattered along the valley of the Mooi River, frequenting the
bare grass-lands, which at this time of the year are all but devoid of
herbage, in flocks of from six to twenty or more. On rising they
have much the appearance of Glareola melanoptera, and utter much
the same short stridulous note of alarm; they run with considerable
swiftness.” Mr, Andersson observes: “ Small flocks of this Plover

666 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

may at times be seen in Damara Land ; but it is never common, and
very shy. All my Damara specimens were procured at Otjimbinque,
in the moist bed of the river Swakop.’”? Senor Anchieta has
procured one young specimen at Benguela.

Above, greenish-brown, the edges of the feathers buff; forehead,
before the eye, chin, and throat, white; chest deep buff-coloured,
followed by a black band; all the rest of the under-parts white ;
tail-feathers tipped with pale-buff. Length, 9"; wing, 5” 9”;
tail, 24”.

Fig. Harting, Ibis, 1870, pl. v.

640. LopivANELLUS sENEGALUS (J.). Senegal Wattled Plover.
Chettusia lateralis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 292.

The members of the genus Lobivanellus may be distinguished by
having a spur on the wing, four toes, and by having the bill lobed.
Only one species is ordinarily met with in South Africa, and it does
not appear to be found in the western parts of the colony. Mr.
Rickard, however, informs us that it occurs near Port Elizabeth, but
is very scarce there. Mr. Buckley met with it once in the Transvaal
in November, and Mr. Ayres says that a few of these Plovers
occasionally find their way to Potchefstroom and the neighbourhood ;
they are, however, very rare visitants. It was seen in Mashoona
Land during Mr. Jameson’s expedition. Mr. Andersson gives the
following note: ‘I have met with this large Plover on the rivers
Okavango and Teoughe, at Lake N’gami, and in Ondonga in the
rainy season, when it is occasionally to be found in small flocks,
though more frequently in pairs or singly. It frequents the banks
of streams and the sides of marshy places; but though it appears
to find its food, consisting of insects and small mollusca, in the
immediate neighbourhood of such localities, I have never observed
that it approaches the water very closely.” Mr. Monteiro met with
the species in Benguela, and several examples have been procured by
Anchieta at Caconda, Huilla, and Humbe. Professor Bocage states
that it also occurred in a collection made by Messrs. Capello and Ivens
at Quango, where it is known to the natives by the name of Moko.

Front of head white, with a brown bar extending over the vertex;
back of the neck, back, and rump, brown, tinged and glossed with
green; wing-feathers black; tail white, with a broad black bar
across the apical half ; chin white ; throat black ; neck streaked with

HOPLOPYERUS SPECIOSUS. 667

blackish-brown ; breast and belly, dove-colour; flanks and thighs,
dark grey-brown ; vent white ; a yellow wattle tinged with orange-red
extends upwards and downwards from before the eye ; bill greenish-
yellow, tipped with black ; legs greenish-yellow ; wings armed with
aspur. Length, 13’ 6"; wing, 9”; tail, 4”.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. 8. Afr. pl. 23.

641. LoprvaneLius aLpicers, Gould. White-crowned Wattled Plover.
Hoplopterus albiceps, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 298.

In Dr. Hartlaub’s ‘Ornitologie West-Afrikas” the locality
“ Buffels River”? is given on the authority of Alexis Verreaux, but
Mr. Harting and other good authorities have doubted this occurrence,
and think that H. speciosus may have been mistaken for it. It must
be mentioned, however, that Mr. Ayres records a specimen as haying
been shot by him in the neighbourhood of Potchefstroom, of which
he forwarded the skin to England; unfortunately it was stolen
during the voyage. Sir John Kirk procured a single specimen on
the Zambesi during the first Livingstone expedition.

Head, throat, middle of the wing, rump, belly, and vent, white ;
sides of head and neck, cinereous-purple ; back brownish ; scapulars,
three external feathers, and apical half of the tail, black; bill
greenish-yellow ; tip black; wattles yellow, attached at right angles
to the beak, pendulous, narrow, pointed, 1”-6” long ; wing-spur about
an inch long. Length, 13”; wing, 8”; tail, 4”.

Fig. Fraser, Zool. Typ. pl. 64.

642. Hortoprerus spucrosus (Wagl.).
Black-and-white Spur-winged Plover.
Forwarded in some abundance from Colesberg by Mr. David
Arnot, who describes their habits as similar to those of C. coronata.
It occurred constantly in all the collections formed in the interior
by our several contributors. From Natal Mr. Ayres writes:
“These Plovers are plentiful in our bay during the winter, but I
believe they are not here in summer. They congregate in large
flocks and are very shy, but they are also frequently found solitary.
They feed on the mud banks when the tide recedes, together with
the herons, sandpipers, &c. ; their flight is very rapid, and they run
with considerable swiftness.” In the Transvaal, the same gentleman
observes: “ These Plovers are plentiful about Potchefstroom ; they
frequent the borders of swamps and snipe-grounds, and are some-

668 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

times found in companies of a dozen together, though generally not
more than two or three are met with. They fly about the intruder
on their haunts with loud screams of disapprobation, and keep up a
constant clatter to the annoyance of anyone intent upon Snipes or
other feathered game, among which they thus produce a state of
unwished-for watchfulness. The eggs of this Plover are generally
from two to four in number; the nest is simply a slight excavation
on the bare open ground, with a thin layer of grass-roots, and is
generally placed from fifty to a hundred yards from the edge of
some swamp. The birds breed in August and September, and are
at this time exceedingly bold, darting at the heads of any cattle
that happen to come too near their nests, and actually driving them
away by their incessant noise and annoyance.” Mr. Barratt says:
“‘T met with them in suitable places close to Lydenberg, and in the
greater part of my journey from Bloemfontein to the Gold-fields. I
found them also on my trip to Rustenberg.”’ The late Mr. Frank
Oates procured this species on the Shashe River in October, 1874,
and on the 19th of January it was met with by Dr. Jameson’s
expedition at the Great Chine Pan, but Mr. Ayres states it was not
so plentiful here as in some parts of the Transvaal, especially along
the Mooi River. Mr. Andersson gives the following note: “ This
is a common Plover in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, at Lake
N’gami, and on the Rivers Teoughe and Okavango. It is a some-
what local bird in Damara Land on account of its partiality for
water ; indeed I have never seen it far from the water, but generally
in the immediate neighbourhood of springs, marshes, lakes, and
streams. It is always found in small flocks, and, where not
disturbed, is comparatively tame; when flushed it rises with short
rapid jerks of the wings, but never flies far at a time. It is very
noisy when on the wing, and hence probably is derived its Sechuana
name of ‘Setula tsipi,’ 7.e., ‘iron-hammer’ or ‘ blacksmith ;’ for its
cries have a peculiarly metallic, rmging sound. This Plover feeds
on insects and worms; and its flesh is palatable. It breeds in
Damara Land, as, although I have not met with its nest myself, one
of my friends discovered one at Omanbondé, and presented the two
eggs which it contained to the Cape Museum. These eggs are
buff-coloured, profusely spotted with dark brown; their length is
1” 6”, and their breadth 1” 1’”.” Senor Anchieta has collected
it both on the Coroca River in Southern Mossamedes, as well as

CHETTUSIA MELANOPTERA. 669

in the interior at Huilla and Humbe, where it bears the name of
Kukolekole.

General colour, black; top of head, and forehead, patch at back
of neck, lower front of belly, vent, and basal two-thirds of tail,
white; lesser wing-feathers grey ; legs and bill black; wing armed
with a sharp spur. Length, 12”; wing, 8’ 7”’; tail, 4” 6”.

Fig. Temm, Pl. Col. 526.

643. Hoprtorrerus crassirostris, De Filipi.
Thick-billed Spur-winged Plover.

A single example of this rare species was obtained by Mr.
Fellowes at Ihluhlui Bay, a little inlet in Santa Lucia Bay, but we
have seen no other specimens.

Front two-thirds of the head-centre of neck, wing (with exception
of three first quill feathers), basal half of tail, sides, belly, and vent,

_ pure white; back of head and neck, chest, three first wing-feathers,

shining jet black; base of back of the neck and back, and wing
secondaries, grey-brown; apical portion of tail black ; legs and base
of bill red; point black; cere of eye red. Length, 13"; wing,
7” 8"; tail, 4” 6’; wing spur, 3” ; irides, black.

644, CHrrrusia MELANoPTERA, Riipp. Black-winged Lapwing.
Hoplopterus melanopterus, Layard, B. 8. Afr., p. 204.

The genus Chettusia is recognizable by its three toes and by the
absence of a spur on the wing and of the facial lobes. Procured in
certain circumscribed localities in the neighbourhood of Mossel Bay
by Messrs. Atmore. Mr. Glanville informs us that several have
been shot near Grahamstown on the Commonage, and Mr. I’. Atmore
has forwarded it from Eland’s Post. Mr. Rickard tells us that it is
very common at Port Elizabeth and East London, and forwarded an
egg which he took out of a bird shot on the 23rd of August, 1869.
It is very unlike that of H. coronatus, being of a pale grey-green
ground, spotted throughout with rather small blotches and spots of
various shades of brown and light purple, rather thickest at the
obtuse end. Axis, 1" 9"; diam., 1” 2”.

In British Caffraria, says Capt. Trevelyan, “it is common, but
to the west of the Fish River its place appears to be taken by
QO. coronata. It is said to have occurred in Natal.

General colour of back, brown, with a purple gloss; forehead,

670 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

chin, rump, thighs, vent, and stripe along the wing, white; wing-
feathers and band across the chest black; back of head, neck, and
chest, grey; basal half and tip of tail-feathers, white. Length,
10” 6”; wing, 8" 9” ; tail, 3” 8”.

Fig. Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atlas, pl. 31.

645, CxHerrusra coronata (J'emm.). Crowned Lapwing.
Hoplopterus coronatus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 294.

The “ Kiewit” is scattered throughout the country in small parties,
and frequenting grassy places, where it subsists on worms and small
insects. Its nest, usually a mere depression in the soil, contains
two, and sometimes three eggs, of a deep greenish-brown ground,
blotched with rather coarse brown and indistinct purple, chiefly in a
ring at the obtuse end: axis, 1’ 9"; diam., 15”. Mr. Atmore has
seen five eggs in a nest; Mr. Kotze never saw more than two.
During the day this bird does not stir about much; but as soon as
the cool shades of evening fall on the earth, the “ Kiewit’ makes
known its presence by its loud plaintive call. This, with the pipe
of the “ Dikkop” (d?. maculosus), and the wail of the jackal, are
nearly the only sounds that break the silence of the night about the
solitary dwelling of the Cape farmer. Mr. Rickard tells us that it
is rather rare near Port Elizabeth and East London, and Capt.
Trevelyan says the same respecting its occvrrence in British
Caffraria, replacing O. melanopterus to the west of the Fish River.
In Natal, according to Mr. Ayres, this species is not found near the
coast districts, but he met with them first under the Drakensburg.
Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid state that it was abundant
everywhere on the “ veldt” in small flocks. No nests were found,
though the birds were evidently breeding in October and November.
Mr. Ayres has found it nesting in the Transvaal. Mr. Frank Oates
procured the species at Tati in the Matabele country, and it was met
with at Spalding’s, on the Hart River, by Mr. Jameson’s expedition.

The following note is given in Andersson’s work on the birds of
Damara Land: “This handsome species is widely diffused through-
out Damara and Great Namaqua Land, in the Lake regions, and on
the River Okavango; it was very plentiful at my late residence at
Otjimbinque, where a flock or two were generally to be found
throughout the year; and I have no doubt that it breeds there, as I
have found young birds in almost every stage of plumage. It is a

STREPSILAS INTERPRES. 671

gregarious species, not unusually associating in flocks of from thirty
to forty individuals, sometimes frequenting the moist beds of
periodical streams, but more often haunting districts away from the
water, and of the driest and most arid character. I have often been
charmed with the presence of these birds in such localities, where
there was nothing else to break the monotony and the dreariness of
the desolate scene. The long stilt-like legs of this species enable it
to run with great celerity ; and if pursued, it invariably trusts to its
legs for safety, and only takes to the wing as a last alternative ; but
this is not from any want of power of wing, for it flies well, and
its flight is very similar to that of the European Lapwing. These
Plovers fly by moonlight as well as by day; and when flapping
about, either by day or night, they utter shrill cries which may
be heard at a great distance. The food of this species consists of
insects; and its flesh is excellent eating.” Prof. Bocage states that
it is common at Humbe on the Cunene River, occurring in large

’ flocks: native name Kilokuenke.

General colour above, grey-brown, glossed with purple ; paler on
the throat, and darkening on the breast, to a bold black bar, which
is succeeded by the pure white of the belly and vent; top of the
head black, divided into two portions by a pure white crown streak,
which springs from the forehead, and passes round to the back of
the head; a white line extends down the closed wings, the quills of
which have their inner webs more or less white; tail-feathers white,
broadly barred at the ends with black ; extreme tips white. Length,
13”; wing, 8"; tail, 4’ 6”.

Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. 800.

646. SrrepsiLas INTERPRES (L.). Turnstone.

The Turnstone is a constant resident on these shores, extending
upwards as far as the Equinoctial Line. It frequents rocky places
in preference to sandy beeches, feeding on small crustaceans, shells,
and the various insects which infest the decaying seaweed. They
usually keep in small families of from four to eight ; do not appear
to mingle with the sand-pipers; and are wary and difficult to
approach. We fancy it must breed on Robben Island, among the
rocks at the northern end, having seen young birds in’ that
neighbourhood. We have, however, never seen it in the breeding
dress except in one example in Andersson’s collection, shot in

672 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Walwich Bay. Dr. Bradshaw procured a specimen on the Orange
River in December, 1881, and Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal
frequenting the sea-shore. Sir John Kirk found it on the shores
of Lake Nyassa, and Mr. Andersson observes, “The Turnstone is
pretty common all along the south-west coast of Africa, and is found
either in pairs or in small flocks. I never met with the nest of this
species in Africa, although I was acquainted with its mode of
nidification from having seen its nests on the coast of Sweden.”

General colour of the upper parts, dark brown, glossed with green
and purple, the feathers edged with pale brown ; fore-part and sides
of the head, brownish-white, mottled with black ; throat white; a
band on each side from the lower mandible, the side of the head
behind the ear-coverts, and the fore-part of the neck, black; the
feathers slightly edged with whitish; the rest of the lower parts
pure white, as on the hind part of the back and the upper tail-
coverts, some of the rump-feathers, however, being black; the tail
is white at the base, brownish-black towards the end, edged
externally with light-brown, the outer web of the outer, and the tips
of all, excepting the two middle, white; legs and feet orange ;
claws black, as is also the bill; the lower mandible tinged with red
at the base. Length, 9” 9”; wing, 6” 4”; tail, 2” 9”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 532.

647, Hamarorus capensis, Licht. African Black Oyster-Catcher.
Hematopus moquini, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 300.

The “ Oyster-Catcher” is not uncommon along the shores of
South Africa, extending far towards the Line on both sides of the
continent. It is generally found in pairs, and feeds on small fish,
mollusea, &c., which it picks up along the margin of the retreating
tide. The colours of all the naked parts change considerably after
death. It breeds with us; and we have been favoured with eggs,
collected by Mr. Hugo, of Simon’s Town, who procured them along
the shore towards Cape Point. The eggs are generally two in
number, laid in a simple depression in the sand, in the debris
accumulated just beyond high-water mark. They are of a greyish
cream-coloured ground, generally, but rather sparsely covered with
coarse, irregular wavey black and dark brown broken lines: axis,
2” 6’; diam., 1” 9’. Mr. L. C. Layard found it breeding on
Robben Island about Christmas, 1865. Mr. Rickard has found

A et ee NG “te Sa Cima tre taly gettin AIR eee aS eS ea eENER ch a

RECURVIROSTRA AVOCETTA. 678

the species at Port Elizabeth and East London, but it is not
plentiful at either place; he found them breeding on Cove Rock
near Hast London. Mr. Ayres says: ‘ These curious birds
are very scarce in Natal; they frequent the sea-shore, are active
in their habits, and run with considerable swiftness ; they feed
along the sandy beaches; on the receding of a wave they run
quickly into the shallow water, and inserting their wedge-shaped
bill up to their heads in the sand, haul out small crabs, which having
secured, they run high and dry to devour atleisure.”” Mr. Andersson
writes as follows: “ This species is not uncommon on the mainland
of the South-west African coast, as well as on the adjacent islands, in
which latter localities it breeds. It is usually observed in pairs;
but I have seen it in considerable flocks at Walwich Bay late in
October and early in November : the birds composing these flocks are
always too shy to be approached within gunshot; they rise with a
shrill ery, which is continued during their flight ; and they generally
soar to a great height before re-alighting, sometimes, indeed, taking
their departure altogether, on which occasions they generally steer to
the northward. This species feeds on worms, insects, and mollusca,
searching for the latter in crevices and under stones; and whilst
thus engaged it sometimes swims a short distance from rock to rock.
It makes no nest, but deposits its eggs on the shingle of the beach ;
these are four in number, of a drab colour, with eccentric streaks
and spots of very dark brown. I have been told that the flesh of
this Oystercatcher is excellent, but have not myself tasted it.”

All over a deep black; bill and cere round the eyes in life, coral
red ; legs deep crimson ; bill, 2” 8” long, flattened throughout, and
very much compressed at the point.

Fam. SCOLOPACIDZ.

647. RecurvirostRA avoceTta (JZ.). Avocet.

The Bonte Elsje, lit. ‘‘ pied cobbler’s awl,” occurs periodically in the
colony in small flocks. It does not appear to be very shy, as many
have been yearly procured on Zeekoe Vley, on the Simon’s Town
and Wynberg road; among them several specimens in very young
plumage. Mr. Henry Jackson killed two or three specimens near
Nel’s Poort in February, 1866; at the same time, Mr. W. Keal
procured some near Beaufort.

2x

ie

674 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Ortlepp found it breeding on some vleys near Colesberg.
Mr. J. C. Faure procured it at Cape Town, and we saw them in
great numbers at the Berg River. Here we obtained numerous
nests and eggs. The former are slight depressions on the summit
of some slightly-raised hummock in the soil which is always very
damp and generally flooded, being in fact the marshes at the mouth
of the river. The crust is lined with dry sedge or grass, and the
eggs, usually four, are placed with the thin ends together in the
centre. The young runand take to the water, swimming beautifully
within a few minutes of their exclusion, as we have witnessed, and
the parent birds are deeply solicitous for their welfare. The eggs
are pale greenish nankin, spotted sparsely throughout with black
spots of rather a large size, and abruptly pointed at the thin end.
Axis, 1" 9’; diam., 1” 3”.

Mr. Rickard met with the Avocet once at Port Elizabeth, when
he procured two specimens, but the species was not seen afterwards.
Lieut. Stokes shot one near Newcastle early in October, but we have
no records of its occurrence from any of our other correspondents.
Mr. Andersson writes: “This handsome and peculiar bird is
occasionally found on the south-west coast of Africa, and also occurs,
though less frequently, inland. In the Cape Colony, however, I have
found the case, as regards its distribution, slightly reversed. I may
mention as inland localities for this species Otjimbinque, where I
have seen it once or twice, and Ondonga where it was shot by Axel.
At certain seasons the Avocet is not uncommon on the coast, at
Walwich Bay, Sandwich Harbour, Angra Pequéna, &c. ; but it
usually disappears from Damara Land during the breeding season,
though I have little doubt that a few pairs remain to nest there, as I
have occasionally met with very young birds during the dry time of
the year. The Avocet is generally observed in small flocks, and is on
the whole a shy and wary bird. It is an interesting object to the
ornithologist, to whom its graceful figure, as it quietly skirts the
glassy pool or wades amongst the shallows on the sea-shore, never
fails to be a source of pleasure. It feeds on insects, worms, thin-
skinned crustacea, &c., which it seeks when they are left exposed on
the mud or sand by the receding tide, and also by wading knee-deep
in shallow water.” Senor Anchieta has forwarded two specimens
from Mossamedes to the Lisbon Museum. Siz John Kirk states
hak qn the Zambesi the Avocet is not, unfrequent.

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HIMANTOPUS CANDIDUS. 675

Upper part of head and hind-neck, for half its length, black; the
rest white, excepting some of the scapulars, the smaller wing-coverts,
and the primary quills and coverts, which are black; legs and feet
black, the latter partially webbed ; bill black, very long, slender, and
turned considerably upwards. Iris red. Length, 18’; wing, 9” 3”;
tail, 3’ 3’"; bill, 3” 3””.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 534.

648. Himantorus canpipus, Bonn. Black-winged Stilt.

But one specimen has been obtained near Cape Town. It was
killed on the Cape Flats by Mr. Dumbleton, to whom we are indebted
for many rare birds, shot by his own hand. A pair were observed,
but the other escaped. We have seen this species very abundantly
in Ceylon, in the tanks scattered throughout the jungle. It is
usually in small companies, wading up to the extent of its long legs,
and even swimming across small holes or depressions which it may
encounter while wading. It feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and
shells, and is easy of approach, till it learns to fear the presence of
man. On being flushed, the flock flies round and round, each bird
uttering a loud cry of “ wheet-wheet-wheet,” in a different key, the
whole forming a pleasing music, as agreeable to the ear of the
naturalist as the cry of a pack of hounds is to that of a fox-hunter.

. To our great astonishment we found this bird in abundance at the

Berg River, breeding in company with the preceding from which in
its nesting it is undistinguishable : the eggs also much resemble those
of R. avocetta, but may be known at once by the practised eye.
Breeds in September, and is called Roodepoot Elsje, lit. “ red-legged
cobbler’s awl.” The likening of the bills of these two birds to an
awl is not bad !

Mr. Andersson writes: ‘‘ This species is sparingly met with in
the middle and northern parts of Damara Land, but more frequently
in the Lake regions, and on the River Okavango. I have always
found it singly or in pairs. It feeds on insects, snails, shells, &.,
and is a conspicuous and interesting object, being lively and graceful
in its actions, both when running (which it does with considerable
celerity) about the sides of marshes and streams, and when wading
quietly in shallow water.” Senor Anchieta has met with the

2x2

676 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

species on the Coroca River in Southern Mossamedes, and the late
Mr. Sala procured a single specimen at Katumbella in Benguela.

General colour, pure white; wings black; back with a small
brown patch near the shoulders ; tail tinged with brown; in some
phases of plumage the head and neck are also tinged with the same.
This bird may at once be distinguished from all our waders by
the disproportionate length and slenderness of its legs, which are
of a bright pink colour. Length, 15”; wing, 8” 9’’; tail, 3’ 6’";
legs, 10’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 535, 536.

649. GALLINAGO NIGRIPENNIS, Bp. Black-quilled Snipe.

This fine Snipe may be easily distinguished from the Common
Snipe of Hurope by the larger size, and by the blackness of the
dorsal plumage, as well as by the greater number of tail-feathers,
which in the last-named bird are only fourteen in number.

It is distributed throughout the colony, migrating from place to
place, according as the waters dry up. It prefers muddy swamps
to clear streams, crouching amid the rank herbage. Its flight,
compared to that of the Common Snipe, is slow and heavy, but
is sufficiently rapid to puzzle the Boer with his long flint gun, who
never dreams of firing a charge of shot at so insignificant a bird,
which he is almost sure to miss! Both this and the Painted Snipe
breed in the marsh below the Observatory near Cape Town. Mr.
L. C. Layard has captured the young birds just excluded from the
egg in November and December. The eggs themselves are laid in
September, and are of a deep olive green colour, spotted and blotched
chiefly at the obtuse end, with brown and purple patches more or
less dark, and of various sizes and shapes. Axis, 1” 9’; diam.
dees

Dr. Exton says that the “drumming” noise made by this bird
in its morning and evening flights have earned for it the name
of Spook Vogel (Ghost-bird) among the Boers of the far interior.
Mr. Rickard says that these Snipe are not numerous either at Port
Elizabeth or East London. He has not found them difficult to shoot
and has killed several with a walking-stick gun; they will sometimes
fly round and settle in the same place as they rose from. Near
Kingwilliamstown Captain Trevelyan states that it is common after

ml

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etd bee ay es

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GALLINAGO NIGRIPENNIS. 677

rains, though probably never very numerous. He writes :—‘'The
best bag I have ever known to be made was thirteen couple. I
myself once killed eight couple, but these are exceptionally good
bags. I once found a nest and eggs of this species.” Mr. Ayres
has met with it in Natal, and Mr. ‘I’. 8. Buckley shot a specimen near
Pietermaritzburg. Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid
write as follows: “‘Not numerous in the ‘vleys’ till the middle
of June, when they came in abundantly, ten couple being several
times bagged by a single gun. They must breed from about
December to March, for Butler heard of a nest containing fresh
eggs taken at Mount Prospect in February, and of young birds
being seen in the same locality in April.”

Mr. Ayres writes: “Though not plentiful in Natal, these
Snipe are extremely so in the swamps surrounding the town of
Potchefstroom, in the Transvaal, where they afford excellent
shooting, and also breed during the months of July and August.
At this season the cock birds are a great deal on the wing—
evidently wooing. They fly about like so many Swallows—rising
in the air, and descending with a rapid sweep and beat of the wings
to within a few feet of the ground, then rising again and repeating
the movement, at the same time making a curious, loud, vibratory,
rushing noise, which I once heard as late as midnight on a still
moonlight night. The cock birds on the ground almost incessantly
utter a loud ‘chuck, chuck.’ The hen birds are pretty silent and
quiet, merely rising with the usual sharp ‘quirk.’ I find a great
difference in the size of the females, those that are laying being
much larger than those that are not.”

On one occasion the same gentleman states that he shot a female
bird in mid-air, in the act of making that curious neighing noise
with the rapid beat of the wings which, till then, he always thought
was produced by the cock bird only. On its nesting in the
Transvaal he observes as follows: “ Breeds plentifully in the
swamps around Potchefstroom, principally in August. The bird
sits exceedingly close, and the nests are not easily found; they are
placed or rather formed in a stool or clump of grass, in the centre
of which the bird treads down the finer blades, and thus forms a
sufficient cavity, well surrounded and concealed by the outer blades,
which curve over and afford both shade from the sun and shelter
from the cold winds.”

678 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. F. A. Barratt says: “This Snipe is distributed through the
greater part of the Transvaal; and they breed in considerable
quantities in the swamp below Potchefstroom. In the winter
months (May, June, and July) they appear in great numbers and
are shot for forwarding to the Diamond-fields, where they command
a fair price.” It was likewise noticed by Mr. Jameson’s expedition
in Mashoona Land. Dr. Kirk met with it on the Shire marshes in
the Zambesi. Mr. Andersson does not appear to have met with it
in Damara Land, but Senor Anchieta procured two specimens at
Huilla and Caconda in Benguela, which at first Professor Bocage
was inclined to separate as a distinct species under the name of
G. angolensis, but in his latest work he considers that these specimens
are referable to G. nigripennis.

Tail rounded, of sixteen feathers; bill twice the length of the
head; two longitudinal black bands on the head, separated by a
narrow medial, reddish-white band, and on each side a yellowish-
white band; the upper parts variegated with black and light-red,
with four longitudinal yellowish-white bands ; wing-coverts tipped
with white ; three lateral tail-feathers on each side, white; sides
transversely barred with dusky ; axillary feathers white, barred with
greyish-black. Length, 12”; wing, 5” 6” ; tail, 2” 6”.

650. GaLtuinaco major (Gm.). Great Snipe.

This Snipe is a regular migrant to Natal, arriving in September
and October, and leaving in January and February. From King-
williamstown Captain Trevelyan writes: “ About 10 per cent. of
the Snipe killed in British Kaffraria are of this species. On one
occasion, when about twenty-three or twenty-four miles from King-
williamstown, I came across a likely looking piece of ground, so
determined to try it. I had gone but a little way, when my dog
stood, and on going up to her a Snipe rose. The dog ran in and
kept so close to the bird that I was unable to fire, and after a chase
of about twenty or thirty yards the dog actually caught the Snipe
on the wing. On looking over it I found-no trace of a wound of
any description, but it was extremely fat, and to this I attributed its
inability to get away. I killed on this piece of ground seven Snipe,
of which five were S. major, and these weighed slightly over 2} lb.,
or rather more than 8 oz. each.” In Natal Mr. Ayres states that
they are generally dispersed over the country, preferring the swamps

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Pe el ety

RHYNCHHA CAPENSIS. 679

on the flats to the hilly streams: they are usually found singly, but
sometimes, when plentiful, may be put up in flights.

It also occurs in the Transvaal, and has been shot near Potchef-
stroom by Mr. Ayres, between September and March. The late
Mr. Andersson’s last collection contained a specimen shot by him
at Ondonga in Ovampo Land, on the 6th of February, 1867, and
Professor Barboza du Bocage records an example killed in the
province of Duque de Braganga in Angola.

Tail rounded of sixteen feathers; bill twice the length of the
head; two longitudinal black bands on the head separated by a
narrow medial, reddish-white band, and on each side a yellowish-
white band; the upper parts variegated with black and light red,
with four longitudinal yellowish-white bands; wing diversified with
white. Three lateral tail-feathers on each side white, sides trans-
versely barred with dusky, axillary feathers white, barred with
greyish black. Length, 12”; wing, 5” 6’; tail 2” 6’.

Fig. Dresser, B, Hur. vii, pl. 541.

651. Ruynconxa capensis (L.). African Painted Snipe.

The “ Painted Snipe” frequents the same localities as the
preceding species, and is very common at certain seasons, breeding
with us in the marshy ground near Cape Town.

The eggs are somewhat like those of G. nigripennis, but are of
a yellower ground, and the markings are more defined and of one
colour, a very dark brown, almost black.

Mr. Rickard states that he has only procured it once near Hast
London, and Capt. Trevelyan says that it is scarce near King-
williamstown. In Natal Mr. Ayres also records them as very rare.
Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid observe that near Newcastle
it was not met with till July 20th, but it was afterwards common
in the thick sedge and grass in the “vleys.” No nest was found,
though the birds were in pairs in November, and evidently going to
breed.

According to Mr. Ayres they are scarce in the Transvaal, and
Mr. Barratt writes: ‘ This beautiful Snipe does not frequent the
marshy ground about Potchefstroom in such great numbers ag
G. nigripennis ; as [have never known more than five or six to have
been seen in a month or so, That is about the same place where
one can see thousands of G. nigripennis, which breeds there; but

680 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

I have never found the eggs of Rhynchea.’ It was procured by
Mr. Jameson’s expedition at Inshlangeen River, and at Selenia Pan,
! ut was only met with on these two occasions. Mr. Andersson gives
the accompanying note on this species: “The Painted Snipe is
sparingly found in Great Namaqua Land; but in Damara Land it is
very common, a pair or two being almost always to be found where-
ever the ground is swampy. It is also common on all the watersheds
north and east of Damara Land; and it is pretty common in
Ondonga, where it breeds, making no nest, but usually laying its
eggs near the water ; these are from three to four in number, of a
very dark colour, freely blotched with black. Though partial to
marshy ground this species is also found on the sides of little rills
and running springs. It lies close, like a Snipe, but is very different
on the wing, its flight being heavy and comparatively slow ; moreover
it flies but a short distance before it alights. It lives singly or in
pairs; but a dozen birds may sometimes be found scattered over a
small marsh within a short distance of each other. It seems to feed
chiefly on insects ; and its flesh is very palatable.’ Senor Anchieta
has forwarded several specimens to the Lisbon Museum from
Benguela, Capangombe, Huilla, and Quillengues: at Huilla it is
called Xiahula.

Male.—Head brown, slightly variegated with white; a yellow
stripe passes from the base of the bill over the centre of the head,
to the back of the neck ; a similar stripe rises immediately in front
of each eye, passing to the back of the head ; two smaller stripes,
bordered by black, extend from the shoulders, down the back, to
the root of the tail ; neck greyish-brown, barred finely on the back
portion with dark brown, on the anterior portion more coarsely with
the same colour ; it is likewise here bisected by a white collar ; under
parts all white ; the black beautifully marked with transverse black,
white, and grey bars; the wings with numerous yellow semiocelli,
edged with black. When extended, they expose numerous yellow
or white ocelli, also edged with black, and also numerous black
wavy transverse bars, chiefly on a slate-coloured ground ; the tail
is similarly marked. The female, reversing the ordinary rules, is
more brilliantly marked than the male. The eye-stripe is pure-
white; the chin dirty-white; neck and breast deep dull rufous,
succeeded by a broad black collar, and the pure white of the under
parts broken only by a patch of black on each side. ‘The plumage

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TRINGA MINUTA. 681

of the back is much darker, and the wings, when closed, instead of
showing the black and yellow markings of the male, are a shining-
green transversely and minutely barred with black, all lustrously
shot with metallic-green ; legs green; bill red at the tip; iris hazel.
Length, 10"; wing, 5” 2’; tail 2”.

Fig. Shelley, B. Egypt, pl. 11.

652. Trinea minora, Leisl. Little Stint.

Common in all marshes and on the seaboard. Their flight is
very beautiful when in large flocks; various evolutions performed
simultaneously show alternately the dark upper plumage and the
white under sides like flashes of light, particularly when seen against a
dull, lowering sky. Mr. Bradshaw obtained the species on the Orange
River in November. Mr. Rickard says that it is not numerous near
Hast London, and is generally seen in pairs by pools of fresh water.
Mr. Ayres has met with the species in Natal, where he thinks it is
only to be found in winter. He has also shot it at Reit Pan on the
Rhinoster River in the Orange Free State. In the Transvaal the
same gentleman says: “These Sandpipers are occasionally found
in considerable flights on the mud-flats and borders of pools. They
are very shy and difficult of access, and their flight is very rapid.”
Mr. Andersson observes: ‘‘This species is common throughout
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, and also occurs in the Lake
regions ; it is found in small flocks, and frequents alike the sea-
coast and freshwater pools, springs, and streamlets, where it eagerly
seeks for the minute insects, crustacea, and aquatic worms which
are more or less abundant in such localities. The flesh of this
Sandpiper is excellent; and as it is a very tame bird, numbers may
be bagged without much exertion.” Senor Anchieta has sent it
also from Benguela.

Adult in winter plumage.—Brownish-grey above, each feather
with a dusky streak; the sides of the neck paler; its lower part
tinged with brown; the throat, fore-neck, breast and abdomen
white; the middle tail-coverts dusky; the lateral white; the tail-
feathers ash-grey, edged with white ; the two middle greyish-brown.
In summer: the upper parts yellowish-red, spotted with brownish-
black; the throat, breast, and other lower parts, white; the lower
anterior and lateral parts of the neck reddish-grey, streaked with

682 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

brown ; a dusky loral band, and a whitish streak over the eye.
Length, 5"; wing, 4”; tail, 1”.
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 539.

653. Trinca Barrpu, Coues. Baird’s Sandpiper.

The late Mr. Andersson procured a single example of this
American species at Walwich Bay on the 26th of October, 1863.
The full particulars respecting this specimen will be found given by
Mr. J. E. Harting in a note to Andersson’s “ Birds of Damara
Land.” ‘The diagnostic characters given by Dr. Coues are summed
up as follows, and we copy them here, although it is scarcely likely
that a second specimen of Baird’s Sandpiper will be found in South
Africa.

Length about 7:25 in.; bill slender, entirely black ; feathers
extending on the lower mandible much beyond those on the upper ;
upper tail-coverts much lengthened, black; central tail-feathers
projecting but little; the emargination of the tail slight.

654. Trine@a suparcuata, Guldenst. Curlew Sandpiper.

The Pigmy Curlew is abundant along the shores in the winter or
non-breeding plumage, and we have shot some now and then, just
beginning to assume that of the summer phase; but only a single
specimen has ever occurred to us showing the full fine red tints of
that state. This was brought alive to the South African Museum
by a lad on the 26th April, 1868. He had captured it by hand. It
lives in great flocks on Robben Island, and at the mouth of the
Salt River.

Dr. Bradshaw showed us a specimen killed by himself on the
Orange River on the 3lst of August, 1881, which still retained
remains of the summer plumage. “In Natal,” writes Mr, Ayres,
“these birds are gregarious, frequenting the Bay in considerable
flights, and feeding on the mud-banks when the tide recedes. He
shot a specimen in the Transvaal on the 24th November on some
mud-banks in a swamp near Potchefstroom, in company with several
others of this species and of other Sandpipers, including T'ringa
minuta.” ‘The Curlew Sandpiper,” writes Mr. Andersson, “is the
commonest Tringa at Walwich Bay and all along the lagoons and
shallows of the south-west coast, where it ranges southward to
Table Bay. It congregates in flocks, often of many hundreds,

TRINGA CANUTUS. 683

and not unfrequently in company with the Little Stint and the
Sanderling. At some hours of the day, probably when changing
their feeding-ground, and chiefly in the early morning, these birds
are more on the move than at other times; and the air over the
lagoon seems then literally to teem with their myriads, presenting
a most animated picture as the white portions of their plumage
flash with almost dazzling effect in the early tropical sunlight,
especially when the brightness of the scene is enhanced by the
presence in the flock of a large reinforcement of Sanderlings. In
the afternoon, if, as is the case five days out of seven at Walwich
Bay, the wind blows strongly from the south-east, these birds
generally retire to some little distance from the water and seek a
large open flat in the immediate neighbourhood. Whilst there they
are excessively shy and difficult to approach; and I may add that
I have heard that this temporary wildness is common to most
water-birds on the Damara coast whenever a high wind arises. On
ordinary occasions the Curlew Sandpiper is comparatively tame,
and numbers may be bagged without difficulty. Considerable
variations of plumage are to be met with, as I have shot at the
same time specimens in the grey dress and others in which the
plumage has been almost of a rusty red. These Sandpipers grow
enormously fat, but are not desirable birds for the table, as their
flavour is excessively fishy.” Senor Anchieta has procured a single
specimen at Benguela.

Bill half as long again as the head, considerably decurved at
the end, and black. Plumage in winter: brownish-grey above, each
feather with a dusky streak; the sides and fore-part of the neck,
with a small portion of the breast, greyish-white, streaked with
brownish-grey ; the throat, breast, and abdomen white ; the tail-
coverts white; the tail brownish-grey. In summer: the upper
parts of the body black, mottled and streaked with light-red ; the
sides of the head, the fore-part and sides of the neck, and the
breast, bright yellowish-red ; the neck faintly streaked with dusky ;
tail-coverts white, spotted with brown and red; the tail brownish-
grey. Length, 9” ; wing, 5” 6’; tail, 2”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, p. 542.

655. Trica canurus (L.). Knot.
Said by Dr. Hartlaub to occur in South Africa, but it has never

684 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

come under our personal notice, though the late M. Jules Verreaux
informed us that he had shot it in Algoa Bay and other places. The
survivors of the wreck of the “ Strathmore,” who were cast away
for six months on the Crozet Islands, state that amongst other birds
they saw several hundred Knots. According to Mr. Andersson,
this species is of rather rare occurrence on the coast of Damara
Land; “the few that I observed there were generally associating
with flocks of Sanderlings, Curlew Sandpipers, and Little Stints,
along the shallows in Walwich Bay. The Knot feeds on aquatic
insects, in search of which it will wade knee-deep in the water. Its
flesh is good eating. One of my specimens has the breast and part
of the belly rufous.”

In winter, the plumage is ash-grey above, white beneath; the
neck and sides streaked with dusky. In summer, the back glossy
black, variegated with yellowish-red ; the fore-neck and breast,

yellowish-red. The young: grey above, each feather on the back

with a double marginal band of black and white. Length, 10’;
wing, 6” 9"; tail, 2’’ 9’”.
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 544.

656. CaLIpRIS ARENARIA (Z.). Sanderling.

The Sanderling is found in large flocks everywhere along our sea-
board, where sand patches afford it a congenial home and abundance
of food. Mr. Rickard has met with it both at Port Elizabeth
and Kast London, though it was not numerous at the latter place.
Mr. Ayres has found the species in Natal, and writes: “These pretty
Sandpipers are found on the sea-beach; they are gregarious, and
run about with great activity when feeding, following the waves as
they retire, and obtaining their food on the very edge of the water.”
The following note is given by Mr. Andersson: “The Sanderling
is very common on the coast of Damara Land, but is only sparingly
met with inland. It is found in great flocks, and associates with
the Curlew Sandpiper; but whilst the latter, as it searches for its
food, hunts and ranges not only along the beach, but at some distance
from it, the Sanderling, on the contrary, scarcely if ever leaves the
immediate edge of the water, where it is amusing enough to observe
it feeding along a beach on which the surf is breaking, now running
away from the threatening waters, then turning as if by instinct the
moment they have spent their fury, closely following the receding

o- 6 er ee Ee Oe

|

MACHETES PUGNAX. 685

waves and rapidly seizing, amongst their foam and spray, the minute
marine animals upon which this bird subsists. The Sanderlings
when thus engaged appear as if they must be overwhelmed by the
seething billows; but in some marvellous manner they always escape,
and it is rarely that they are even obliged to have recourse to their
wings to expedite their retreat. The flocks of Sanderlings afford a
pretty sight on a sunny morning, when in their evolutions on the
wing they eccentrically wheel and twist in the bright light, looking
not unlike silver clouds against the clear blue sky. The cry of this
species is a kind of chirping call, low and short, but shrill. Its flesh
is very palatable, and being plump little birds, they are worth the
trouble of shooting and cooking.” Mr. Monteiro shot specimens on
the beach at Benguela, but Senor Anchieta does not appear to have
met with the species in the interior of South-Western Africa.

Adult in winter.—The upper parts pale-grey, with dusky lines ;
the lower white; wings black and grey, with a white band. In
summer, the upper parts are variegated with black and red; the
lower parts red anteriorly ; white behind. Young birds have the
upper parts black, and variegated with yellow and white ; lower parts
white ; iris hazel. Length, 7’ 9’"; wing, 5” 2’”; tail, 2” 2’”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. viii, pl. 546.

657. Macuerss pvenax (L.). Ruff.

We have shot the Ruff on the Cape flats, and have received it
from Colesberg, the Knysna, Traka, &c. It seems to be generally
distributed.

The habits of this bird have been so well described by numerous
authors, that they need not be alluded to here—the more so as it
does not assume its nuptial dress and pugnaceous feelings in this
country, only visiting us during the non-breeding period. Captain
Trevelyan says that he has seen these birds in small flocks in winter
near Kingwilliamstown. Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal, and
says that the species is gregarious, frequenting the Bay and the
coast, and feeding on the mud-banks at low water; marine insects
appearing to be its favourite food. The same gentleman has procured
it near Potchefstroom, and during Mr. T. E. Buckley’s journey
through the Matabele country he observed it in large flocks on his
way down to the Transvaal. Mr. Frank Oates procured a female at
Mopani Pan, near the Ramaqueban River, in November. According

Be

686 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

to Mr. Andersson, “this bird generally appears in Damara Land
with the return of the rainy season, when it is not uncommon, and
leaves again before the ruff of the male bird is put forth ; but I have
reason to believe that it is to be met with in the Lake regions during
the intervening period. It is chiefly found inland and but rarely on
the coast. It feeds on insects and worms, for which it seeks in moist
and humid situations ; but during the rainy season, when food is
abundant, it may be found almost everywhere. It is a comparatively
tame bird, and is generally to be observed in small flocks of from
three to a dozen individuals—such flocks generally consisting of
females with perhaps now and then a male, which is easily dis-
tinguished by its greater size. This species when on the wing
resembles J'ringa subarcuata, but is larger and swifter.”’ Senor
Anchieta has procured it in various localities in Benguela and
Mossamedes, and says that it occurs in South-Western Africa in
large flocks during the European winter.

Male.—In winter, with the bill brown; the feet greenish-yellow ;
the throat and abdomen white ; the fore-neck and part of the breast,
pale reddish-brown, spotted with dark brown; the upper parts
variegated with brownish-black and light red. Female similar, but
with the upper parts lighter, the lower more grey; the bill and feet
dusky. Male, in summer, with numerous fleshy tubercles on the
face, two occipital tufts, and a very large ruff of elongated feathers
on the neck; the colour of the plumage varying in different
individuals, and even in the same at different periods of the same
season ; the bill and feet orange or yellow; iris hazel. Length, 12’;
wing, 7” 6’”; tail, 3”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 545.

658. Trincomes HypoLnucus (L.). Common Sandpiper.

The Sandpiper is rather a rare bird in this colony, and but very
few specimens have been seen. The first was forwarded to us in
March, 1864, by Mr. Cowen, of the Paarl; another was shot about
the same time on the Cape flats; and Mr. L. C. Layard procured
a third on the rocks at Green Point, Cape Town. We saw a
specimen or two at Zoetendals Vley, in November, 1865, and
Comenang, on the Kowie River, in February, 1870. Dr. Bradshaw
procured a specimen on the Orange River on the 25th of February,
1852, and Captain Trevelyan tells us that he obtained one

2 eee

TOTANUS CANESCENS. 687

near Hast London. It was sent from Natal by Mr. Hilliard, and
was met with sparingly near Newcastle in winter and spring by
Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid; while, according to
Mr. Ayres, it also occurs in the Transvaal, but is scarce. Mr. Frank
Oates, during his journey to the Zambesi, obtained this species at
Inyati in October, and at Sibanani in December, and Sir John Kirk
found it frequenting open sandy places on the river bank along the
Zambesi and Shire rivers.

Mr. Andersson obtained several specimens in Damara Land, and
Senor Anchieta has met with it at Benguela and at Novo Redondo.

Bill dusky ; feet greenish-grey; upper parts glossy greenish-
brown, transversely banded and undulated with dark brown ; lower
parts white, excepting the fore-part and sides of the neck, which
are greyish, with faint dusky lines. Young, with upper parts lighter,
the feathers margined with dusky and reddish; iris hazel. Length,
S60 > wing, 4°’ 9" ; tail, 2°56”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur, viii, pl. 549.

659. Toranus canescens, Gm. Greenshank.
Totanus glottis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 325.

The Greenshank is as common as the Green Sandpiper, and is
found on all vleys throughout the country. Dr. Bradshaw procured
it on the Orange River in December, 1851, and it occurs in Mr.
Rickard’s list from Hast London, and in Captain Trevelyan’s from
Kingwilliamstown. Mr. Ayres states that in Natal he found “ these
birds very shy, and mostly gregarious, but sometimes solitary. They
generally feed and intermix with the Curlews, frequently walking
into the water till it reaches their bodies. The specimen sent
seemed to have the remains of shrimps in the stomach.’ Mr. F. A.
Barratt shot this species on a vley near the Modder River, also
near Kronstadt and near Potchefstroom. They are often seen with
Totanus ochropus flying about the farmers’ dams. Mr. Ayres has
also procured it near Potchefstroom, and Mr. T. EH. Buckley found
it fairly common along the Limpopo. Mr. Frank Oates met with
the species on the Inquinquesi River in September, 1873, where
it was called Tabi-tabi; it was also seen in Mashoona Land by
Mr. Ayres. Mr. Andersson writes: “ The Greenshank is pretty
common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, in all suitable
localities ; and I have reason to believe that it is abundant in the

688 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Lake-regions and on the River Okavango. It frequents, when
inland, springs and small running streams, but is more common
along the coast. It does not appear to breed in Damara Land, at
least not in its middle and southern portion; from the sea-coast it
generally disappears about December, reappearing in March and
April. It in most commonly found in small flocks, but sometimes
singly or in pairs. Itis a shy and wary bird, and frequently most
difficult to obtain. It runs with great celerity, and is very powerful _
on the wing, frequently flying at a great height; when rising it
utters shrill cries, which may be heard at a very great distance.
This species feeds on the fry of fish, worms, insects, crustaceans, and
molluscous animals, in search of which it may frequently be seen
wading up to its belly in the water. The flesh of the Greenshank
is very palatable.” Professor Bocage observes that it is widely
spread, and very common in winter on the coasts of Loango and
Angola. Anchieta has forwarded it from Novo Rodondo, Benguela,
the Coroca River, Humbe, and Quillengues ; at nearly all of which
places it is called Kaniapraia, which is the common native name for
most of the small waders.

Adult.—In winter, with the bill greenish-brown at the base, black
towards the end; the feet greenish-grey ; the head, hind part and sides
of neck, greyish-white, streaked with brown; the fore part of the back,
scapulars and wing-coverts, greyish-brown, the feathers edged with
whitish ; hind part of the back, the fore part of the face, and all
the lower parts white, but with faint grey markings on the fore part
of the sides, and on the lower wing-coverts ; tail white, barred with
greyish-brown. Adult, in summer, with the fore neck and breast
marked with oblong black spots; the fore part of the back and the
scapulars, black, the feathers margined with whitish. Length,
14” 3” ; wing, 7” 6” ; tail, 3” 2”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 555.

660. Toranus catipRis, Bechst. Redshank.

The Redshank is found sparingly about the Knysna estuary and
the mouth of the Salt River, near Cape Town, in both of which
places we have shot them ourselves: at Zoetendals Vley they were
abundant in November. Capt. Reid saw it at the mouth of the
Umgeni River, near Durban, on December 26th. The species also
occurred in Messrs, Chapman’s collection from Lake N’gami, and a

TOTANUS OCHROPUS. 689

specimen from Walwich Bay, collected by the late Mr. Andersson, is
in Mr. Harting’s collection.

Plumage in winter: upper parts of the head and hind-neck
brownish grey; fore part of the back greyish brown, streaked
with dusky ; its hind part white; the tail and its coverts barred
with white and dusky grey; the fore part and sides of the neck
pale grey, streaked with dusky, as are the sides; the rest of the
lower parts white. In summer: the lower parts are white, or less
shaded with grey, and marked with decided dusky streaks, spots,
and angular bars ; feet and legs orange red in life. Length, 11’ 3”;
wing, 6” 6”; tail, 2” 10’”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 553.

661. Toranus ruscus, L. Dusky Redshank.

A single specimen, procured by ourselves at the Knysna, is the
only example of this species which has come under our notice in
South Africa.

Adult, with basal half of bill red, the other half brownish-black ;
the feet orange-red; the secondary quills black, barred with white.
In winter the upper part of the head and hind neck brownish grey ;
the fore part of the back greyish brown, streaked with dusky, its
hind part white; the tail and its coverts barred with white and
dusky ; the cheeks and fore-neck greyish white, faintly streaked
with grey; the rest of the lower parts white. In summer the head,
neck, and lower parts greyish black, the feathers slightly edged
with whitish ; those of the fore part of the back and wing-coverts
blackish brown, marginally spotted with black and white; the other
parts as in winter. Length, 12”; wing, 6” 9’; tail, 3’”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. viii, pl. 554.

662. Toranus ocurorts, L. Green Sandpiper.

This species was common at Zoetendals Vley in November, 1865,
as well as at the Knysna, and we observed it on the Kowie River in
March. We have also received several examples from Mr. Arnott,
procured near Colesberg, but it is curious that it does not occur
either in the lists of any of our correspondents or in any of the
papers published by Mr. Ayres in the “ Ibis.” It is mentioned by
Mr. Barratt as having been found by him in company with Totanus

canescens, but no localities are given.
i 4

690 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Tail, nearly even, white; the four middle feathers with three
blackish brown bars towards the end, the outermost feather plain ;
upper part of head and hind neck brownish grey ; back, scapulars,
and inner secondaries greenish brown, with marginal whitish and
dusky spots; neck greyish white, with longitudinal dusky lines;
the breast and abdomen white ; lower wing-coverts, axillaries, and
some of the flank feathers angularly barred with brown; bill
dusky above, reddish beneath ; feet greyish blue, tinged with green.
Length, 11” 6’; wing, 5” 11’”; tail, 2” 6”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 550.

663. Toranus staanatiLis, Bechst. Marsh Sandpiper.

Specimens have been procured at Colesberg by Mr. Ortlepp, and
at George by Mr. Atmore, where it appears to be common. He
writes, October 4th, 1869: ‘ Not scarce here now, but in the
drought not one was to be seen. I presume they breed about here
by their putting in an appearance at this time of the year, probably
on the margins of the vleys.” We have also seen it in winter
plumage shot by Dr. Bradshaw on the Orange River. From Natal
Mr. Ayres writes: ‘The only specimens I have seen of these grace-
ful birds have been at the edges of small pools on the roads some
ten or twelve miles from the coast. If disturbed, they most fre-
quently take a large circle and return to the same pool, just as a
Snipe would. In the stomach of the specimen sent were numerous
pebbles.” According to Mr. Andersson, this species is nowhere
common in Damara Land, but he has occasionally shot it in the
valley of the Swakop, and pretty frequently at Otjimbinque. It
frequents small streamlets and fresh-water springs, and is found
singly or in pairs. Only one specimen has been procured on the
Cunene River by Senor Anchieta.

Above pale cinereous; the margins of the feathers whitish ; eye-
brows, cheeks, back, and under parts pure white ; neck and breast
marked with brown; tail white, barred with brown. Length, 8” 6”;
wing, 5” 1”; tail, 2” 5’”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 552.

664, Toranus GLarEoLA, L. Wood Sandpiper.

The only place where we have observed this species ourselves
has been Zoetendals Vley, and we have seen a specimen procured

_——_———_-

TEREKIA CINEREA. 691

by Dr. Bradshaw on the Orange River on the 5th of September.
Mr. Rickard has met with it at Port Elizabeth on one occasion, and
in Natal Mr. Ayres has found it frequenting small inland streamlets,
and shallow pools. He states that they are found either solitary or
in pairs, and rise much like a Snipe, their flight being very rapid.
The same gentleman has also met with the species in the neighbour-
hood of Potchefstroom in the Transvaal. The late Mr. Frank Oates
procured a specimen at Inyati, and Mr. Ayres obtained examples
at Spalding’s on the Hart River in January and February during
Mr. Jatmeson’s expedition to Mashoona Land. He writes: “The river,
which is now in flood, has near its banks many soft muddy spots,
where these Sandpipers abound, feeding in small flocks; and a
solitary bird may here and there be flushed from the grass at the
edge of the water.” Sir John Kirk found the Wood Sandpiper
on marshes and sand banks on the Shiré River. Mr. Andersson
observes: “This is not a common bird in Damara and Great
Namaqua Land, but now and then small flocks are to be met with
at inland springs, streams, and marshes; in some seasons it was
frequently obtained at Otjimbinque, and I also found it not uncommon
in Ondonga. It occurs singly and in pairs as well as in small flocks,
and unless much disturbed it is quite tame. Its flesh is very
palatable.” Senor Anchieta has sent it from the Coroca River in
Mossamedes, and from Caconda in Benguela.

Tail, doubly emarginate, white, all the feathers barred to the base
with blackish brown; the outermost feather, with the inner web,
plain ; upper part of head greyish brown ; back, scapulars, and inner
secondaries, dark purplish brown, with marginal whitish and dusky
spots ; neck greyish white, with longitudinal dusky lines ; the breast
and abdomen white ; lower wing-coverts dusky, edged with white ;
axillary feathers, and some of those of the sides, narrowly and
irregularly barred with brown; feet greenish grey. Length, 9”
wing, 5" 2’"; tail, 2” 2”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 551.

665. Teruxra cineREA (Guldenst.). Terek Sandpiper.

Mr. Ayres obtained a specimen in Natal, shot out of a flock of
four or five; they are very scarce there. Mr. Andersson says: ‘I
have obtained very few specimens of this bird in Damara Land, the
only places where I remember to have met with this species being

2¥ 2

a |

692 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Omanbondé, Otjimbinque, and Hykomkap on the River Swakop;
those which I have observed were always solitary and were feeding
on the sedgy borders of marshy places or sluggish streamlets. Their
food consists of small insects.”

Upper parts, brownish-grey, shot with greenish, aud with a slender
black streak along the shaft of each feather; forehead, chin, throat,
and chest, white, mottled finely with grey streaks and spots; under
parts, and bar along the wing, pure white. Length, 9” (of which the
bill is 1’ 9”, and curved upward) ; wing, 4” 9”; tail, 2” 3’”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 557.

666. Numentus arcuatus, L. Common Curlew.

The Curlew is not uncommon on our sea-border throughout its
whole extent. It maintains its characteristic shyness, and rarely
falls to the gun of the sportsman. We never heard of its breeding
in the colony, though it is found here throughout the year. We
met with it up the whole east coast, as far as the Line, Schlegel
separates our South African species from the European bird on :
account of its size, and calls it Nuwmenius major. Mr. Rickard has ,
observed it near Port Elizabeth and East London. Mr. Ayres {
observes: ‘There are great numbers of these birds in the Bay of t
Natal ; and I think there are two or three species, as they vary much
in size. They are exceedingly shy, and difficult to shoot; they are }
gregarious, and feed at low water on the mud-banks; they utter :
precisely the same note as the Curlew in England, and their habits j
appear to be the same.” Single examples were occasionally met
with by Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid, near New-
castle, in September and October. Mr. F. A. Barratt obtained one
specimen near Potchefstroom, and observes that he has never seen
it farther north. Writing from the Transvaal Mr. Ayres remarks:
“‘This is a very scarce bird in these parts, two specimens were
seen last year (1876) of which I have procured one. I did not hear ;
either of them utter the usual ery of the Curlew: both were silent.”
Mr. T. C. Buckley observed it on one occasion in the Transvaal. 7
Mr. Andersson says: ‘ ‘I'he common Curlew is sparingly met with in
the interior of Damara and Great Namaqua Land, but is more
frequent along the coast and in the islands. It is most commonly
seen in pairs, but at times in small flocks. It is an exceedingly wary
bird, and, from the open character of the localities it frequents, often

NUMENIUS PHOPUS. 693

defies the efforts of the sportsman. It loves flat marshy lands and
the open sea-beach, where it searches for its food, which consists of
small marine insects, crustacea, worms, &c. At some seasons these
birds grow very fat, and they are palatable as food, especially when
they have not frequented the sea-shore for too long a period. The
Curlew swims with considerable ease, but appears not to take to the
water by choice. Senor Anchieta has obtained three specimens on
the Coroca River in Mossamedes.

Plumage of the head, neck, and fore part of the back, light
reddish grey, streaked longitudinally with blackish brown; hind
part of the back white, with narrow longitudinal dark marks; tail
white, with twelve dark brown bars; the breast, sides, and
abdomen, white, with lanceolate dark brown spots and bars; bill
very long (six to seven inches) and curved downwards. ‘Total length
(of male), 25”; wing, 12” 6’; tail, 4” 6’”. The female is somewhat
smaller.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 563.

667. NumeEnius pHmoprus, LD. Whimbrel.

The Whimbrel seems to be a rarer bird in South Africa than the
Curlew. Two specimens came under our notice during our residence
at the Cape, one being shot by Mr. L. C. Layard near Cape Town,
and the other by Mr. Butler in the same locality. Mr. W. Atmore
says that they are common at the mouth of Brak River, and at the
Knysna Lakes. Mr. Ayres has met with them in Natal, but says
that they are not so common there as the Curlew, with which they
associate. He has also shot a specimen near Potchefstroom in
the month of November. Mr. Andersson writes :—‘ So far as my
observation goes, the Whimbrel is less common in Damara and
Great Namaqua Land than the Curlew, and, in, fact, is but rarely
met with. Its food consists of snails, shells, crabs, insects, &c.”

Upper part of the head, dark brown, with a medial and two
lateral whitish bands, streaked with dusky ; neck, all round, pale
brownish grey, streaked with brown; feathers of the fore part of
the back, ‘scapulars, and wing-coverts, dusky, with marginal
whitish spots; hind part of back white; tail and coverts, greyish
white, barred with dusky; chin, hind part of breast, and abdomen,
white ; fore part of breast streaked ; sides and lower wing-coverts

694 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
barred with dusky. Length, 17’; wing, 9" 9”; tail, 4”; bill,
billAsans

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 561.

Fam. DROMADIDZ.

668. Dromas arpnota, Payk. Crab-Plover.

This curious bird frequents the whole of the east coast of Africa
as low down as Natal; but its favourite localities are sand-banks
far out to sea. It feeds on small crustaceans, which it collects
while walking. We never saw it take its prey on the wing. It runs
with considerable swiftness. Mr. Ayres procured a specimen in
Natal, and says that it was the only one that he saw. He killed it
early one morning on the sea-shore, and in appearance it much
resembled a long-legged Plover, taking wing immediately on his
appearance, so that he had no time to observe its movements.

General colour, white, with a black patch between the wings;
wing-feathers black ; head more or less mottled with black; some-.
times a grey tint on the back and shoulders; bill black, very
strong ; legs long, black ; feet semipalmated. Length, 1” 3’”; wing,
Series | re

_ Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 362.

695

ORDER GAVIA.

Fam. LARIDZ.

669. Srercorarius pomatoruinus (Temm.). Pomatorhine Skua.

Two specimens of this Skua were killed hy Mr. Andersson in
Walwich Bay.

The following description is taken from Dresser’s “ Birds of
Europe.”

Adult male——Crown, nape and sides of the head from behind the
eye to the base of the bill and below the sides of the lower mandible,
deep blackish brown; chin, white; rest of the neck all round, white,
tinged with light golden yellow, the feathers rather elongated and
acuminate ; entire upper parts (except the hind neck), wings and
tail deep brown, the fore part of the back slightly marked with
white ; primaries with white shafts, and white on the basal portion
of the feathers ; central rectrices elongated, but not pointed; under
parts white, the breast crossed by a band of dark brown markings,
and the flanks marked and barred with dark brown; lower abdomen,
crissum and under tail-coverts dark brown, slightly marked with white;
under wing-coverts and axillaries dark brown; bill dark horn, bluish
at the base ; iris brown; legs blackish. Total length, about 20 in. ;
culmen, 1:8; wing, 13°8; tail, 8°75; tarsus, 2°0; central rectrices
extending 2°7in. beyond the lateral ones.

Young.—Head, neck, flanks, and back dark brown, barred and
mottled with dirty white; crown and sides of the head less marked
with white ; abdomen white; crissum and under tail-coverts white,
slightly barred with dark brown; wings and tail as in the adult,
but the central rectrices extend only a little beyond the lateral
ones.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 610.

670. Srexcorartus crepripatus (Banks.). Richardson’s Skua.
Stercorarius spinicauda, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 366.

Common in Table Bay in the summer months, in the three phases
of plumage marked A, B,C. They chase the lesser Gulls and Terns,

696 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

and make them disgorge their prey: but we have also seen them
swimming on the water searching for their own food. Their flight
is very swift, and sustained by powerful strokes of the wing,
urging their bodies through the air with great rapidity: their
rapid evolutions when in chase of the nimble Terns are most
graceful. Mr. Andersson observes: ‘‘ This bird is not uncommon
on many parts of the south-west coast of Africa; and I have often
killed it at Walwich Bay. It frequents the innermost shallows
and lagoons on the coast, but is not equally abundant throughout
the year, apparently retiring from that part of the coast during
the breeding-season. ‘This species rarely fishes for itself, but
compels the timid Gulls and Terns to disgorge their captures for
its benefit.” Senor Anchieta has procured a single specimen at
Mossamedes.

(A) Throughout, a dull sooty-black, shghtly variegated on the

back of the neck with brown ; tail slightly pointed.

(B) Throughout, mottled brown and fulyous, the latter predomi-
nating on the neck and head; obsolete on the tail, which is much
pointed.

(C) Back of head, wings, and tail, deep sooty brown; chin and
under parts white; breast mottled with brown, forming a collar
round the neck; vent also mottled with brown; centre tail-feathers
not fully developed. Length, 16’; wing, 12’; tail, 6’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 611.

671. Srercorarivs antarcricus (Less.). Antarctic Skua.
Stercorarius catarractes, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 366.

Several specimens of this fine Skua Gull appeared in Table Bay on
the 29th of April, 1865, chasing the Solan Geese (Sula melanura),
which flocked in to prey on the vast shoals of fish in the bay.
Mr. L. C. Layard fired at one a week previous to this. They were
plainly recognizable at a great distance, owing to the white spot on
the wing, and their size ; and while the smaller S. erepidatus attacked
the little Gulls and Terns, they confined their attention to the Solan
Geese, compelling them to disgorge their hard-earned gains.

The following is a translation of the description given by the
editor in his report on the birds collected by the “ Transit of Venus ”
Expedition,

Above sooty brown, the dorsal plumes and scapulars washed with

ope btire eb. o

LARUS DOMINICANUS. 697

whitish at the ends; the feathers on the hind neck, and some of
those on the back, streaked with buff down the middle; wings
darker brown, narrowly margined with ashy; quills ashy brown,
the shafts white; the primaries conspicuously white towards the
base ; lower back and rump ashy brown, the upper tail-coverts more
of a chocolate brown; tail-feathers ashy brown, blackish towards
the tip with the shafts white; under surface of body entirely sooty,
a few of the feathers washed with dusky rust colour; some of the
flanks obscurely washed with whitish ; under wing-coverts dark
brown, the greater series and the quills underneath ashy brown, the
primaries conspicuously white at the base of the inner web: bill
black; feet slaty black with a green tinge. Total length, 23 in. ;
culmen, 2°8; wing, 16:3; tail, 6-0; tarsus, 2°8.
Fig. Sharpe, Rep. Trans. Venus, Zool. pl. 7, fig. 1 (head).

672. Larus pominicanus, Licht. Southern Black-backed Gull.

The descriptions are taken from specimens killed on the 29th of
April, 1865, in Table Bay, by Mr. L. C. Layard. It is an abundant
species, frequenting all our coast line, and breeding in large numbers
on the islands to the north-westward. Their eggs are very variable
in colour and markings, but are ordinarily of a darkish olive-green,
profusely spotted with brown, chiefly in a band round the obtuse
end: axis, 3”; diam., 2”. We had one in confinement for nearly
two years, and he had only just assumed the full adult plumage.
We think that it is not put on till the third year. Our friend
“Jack ”’ was quite tame, and stalked about the garden and into the
house at pleasure; he fed on any garbage, and generally took his
morsel to his water-tub, and washed or wetted it before swallowing.
His favourite sleeping-place, when not perched on the coal-heap,
was an old tree-stump standing in the garden. He was a great
adept at catching mice, which he swallowed whole, after giving them
a few preliminary raps on the ground. Indeed, they seemed a
great bon bouche with him; and he would hurry from the furthest
end of the garden, if we did but hold one in our fingers, or show
him the trap. He was very fond of worms, but would not eat slugs.
He usually washed himself morning and evening, and slept much
during the day.

Mr. Rickard has procured the species near Port Elizabeth and
East London. Captain Shelley states that it is common along the

698 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

coast from Cape Town to East London, and he also occasionally saw
it at Natal Point.

Mr. Andersson gives the following account:—“ This is a very
common Gull all along the south-west coast of Africa, from Walwich
Bay to Table Bay. It is a most voracious feeder, preying on the
carcasses of dead whales and seals, and also devouring freely dead
rats, birds, or fish, as well as worms, insects, and shell-fish; besides
which it is very destructive to the eggs of other sea-fowl. I have
been assured on excellent authority that it carries off whole, and
with perfect facility, the eggs of Penguins and Gannets to some
distant rock, where it devours them at leisure. It is also said that
this Gull has the singular habit of destroying its own eggs if it finds
that its nest is in danger of being robbed of them by any person
who is seeking to gather them. The breeding-places of these species
are the rocky islets off the south-west coast, to which it resorts for
the purpose of incubation about the month of December. Its eggs
vary much in colour, being of various shades of green, drab, or
brown, profusely blotched and spotted with dark brown, especially
at the larger end.”

Back, sooty-black ; quill-feathers jet black, tipped with white ;
near the end of the outermost a white spot; ends of the smaller
wing-feathers also white; rest of the plumage pure white; bill
yellow, with knob near the tip of the lower mandible scarlet.
Length, 24"; wing, 17’; tail, 7}’. Young: throughout mottled
brown and white; bill almost black; irides rich warm brown; legs
livid flesh-colour.

673. Larus HarrLausi Bruch. Hartlaub’s Gull.
Larus poiocephalus (part.), Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 368.

This species closely resembles the next in colour and size, but
never appears to possess the gray hood, characteristic of the true
L. pheeocephalus. It is extremely common in Table Bay all the
year round, and extends up the west coast. It breeds in thousands
on the islands in St. Helena Bay and Saldana Bay. The eggs are
light green spotted with dark brown and purple, but they vary in
both ground and colour of markings. Axis 1” 1’, diam. 1” 6’.

674. Larus pH@ocerHaLus, Swains. African Grey-headed Gull.
Larus poiocephalus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. pl. 368.
This bird never to our knowledge appears in Table Bay, where it

7

vr

ee ne erent

HYDROCHELIDON HYBRIDA. 699

is replaced by L. hartlaubi. We killed two out of four, which we
saw at Zoetendals Vley in November, 1863.

We took three broken eggs, floating on the vley, which we think
can only belong to this species ; they are greenish-brown, profusely
| spotted with brown and purple; axis, 2” 1’”; diam., 1” 6’”.

In the fresh specimens we were much struck with the exceeding
( beauty of the lovely delicate roseate tint which pervaded the whole
of the under side; this faded very rapidly after death ; but we think

it was the most lovely colour we ever beheld. We have never
noticed the faintest approach to this tint in any bird killed in Table
Bay, nor in the living example of L. hartlaubi, which we kept for a
short time in our garden.

It has been found near Colesberg by Mr. Arnot, and Captain
Watson saw it abundantly and obtained it at the mouth of the
Umphaloose River, east of Natal. Though he was there in the winter
he assured us that all the specimens he saw were hooded as in the
birds he showed us. Mr. Ayres says that these Gulls “‘ frequent the
Bay of Natal, frequently alighting on stakes or dead branches of trees

which may be above the water. They do not appear to be gregarious.”
Mr. Andersson says that in Damara Land it is found both on the
sea-coast and on the inland watersheds. It is rather a scarce species
at Walwich Bay, but more common at Lake N’gami. It generally
occurs singly.

General colour of back, cinereous ; a hood of the same colour, but
lighter, covers the head, chin, and upper portion of the neck ; wing-
feathers black, faintly tipped with white ; a white spot on the two
outermost near the tip, and a broad band across some of the others
towards the centre; the rest of the plumage fine white, tinted in life
with a lovely pink; bill and feet, deep crimson ; legs flesh-colour ;
irides white; cere round the eye as in legs. Length, 16’; wing,
123”; tail, 5”.

Fig. Swains, B. W. Afr. pl. 39.

675. HyprocHenipon HyBRipA (Pall.). Whiskered Tern.

According to Mr. J. Kotze, this species used to breed regularly
on a vley half way between his residence and the mouth of the Berg
River. The year of our visit not a bird was to be seen for some
weeks after our arrival, though we often passed the yley. At last one
morning early while going along the vley, Mr. Kotze exclaimed, “There

OE a

a |

700 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

is one of the Sternjes I told you of.’ We instantly detected a new
bird, and jumping from the cart we ran down each side of the yley
and between us succeeded in obtaining the only specimen that we
have seen. J. Verreaux says he also got them.
Mr. Andersson obtained a specimen in full breeding dress on the
6th of April. He says it was circling for some time round a vley in
company with another. Two young specimens have been sent by
Senor Anchieta from Humbe.
Above rather darkish slate colour, the exterior margins of the quill-
feathers of the wings frosted. Head black, that colour extending
on to the back of the neck; under the eye extending from the
gape of the bill under the lores a broadish white stripe; chin
whitish; vent white; the rest of the under parts dull dark slate
colour; bill, legs and feet coral red. Length, 10’; wing, 85” ;
tail, 3’ 9°". Wings extending beyond the tail, which is only slightly .
forked. i
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. viii, pl. 573.

676. HyprocuEtipon Leucoptera (M. and S.).
White-winged Black Tern.

Mr. Ayres has on several occasions procured this little Tern in the
Transvaal; one was killed by him on the 26th of June, and in
November “several of these Terns were hawking over a swamp

flight. The stomachs of those sent contained insects.”” Again he
writes: “This Tern was killed in the month of December, at the
lagoon at Loup-spruit, from a large flock which was apparently
engaged in catching insects on the wing, and which, after being shot

: . : ; )
some eight miles from Potchefstroom, with a slow, uncertain, wavy ;

at, wheeled round and round in a body to an immense height, and
then sailed away. The flight of these Terns was unsteady, like that
of many of the Gulls, as if the wings were too large for the body.”
Mr. Buckley, during his journey to the Matabele, says that it was seen
in the Transvaal during his way down, frequenting marshes and
lagoons. Mr. Andersson says: “I have never seen this Tern on the
sea-shore, but it is common on many inland fresh-water lakes, an
during the wet season hunts over the temporary rainpools.
feeds on fry, frogs, spawn, snails, &c. It flies slowly and heavily,
examining the ground carefully as it progresses.”

Winter plumage. — Upper surface, including the tail-feathers,

Le

STERNA MACRURA. 70L

uniform ashy grey ; forehead and crown white ; occiput and hind neck
streaked with black; a black spot behind the eye; under surface of
body pure white. Wing 8} inches.

777. SvTeRNA FLUVIATILIS, Nawm. Common Tern.
Sterna dougalli, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 369.

We have killed many specimens at different seasons of the year,
as it is a very common bird, seeking its prey along the edge of the
surf, or on the marsh at the mouth of the Salt River. Mr. Rickard
states that they are occasionally common near Hast London at the
Buffalo Mouth. Mr. Andersson also found the species pretty common
on many parts of the west coast, and Professor Barboza du Bocage
records a pair collected in Benguela by Senor Anchieta. He con-
siders that the South African bird is really distinct from the European
Common Tern, and that it should bear the name of Sterna macroptera
of Blasius.

The following description is a translation of that given by Professor
Bocage from South African examples.

Upper part of the head deep black ; mantle ashy bluish ; ramp and
upper tail-coverts white; lower parts white, slightly washed with -
grey on the breast and abdomen; the white of the cheeks is pro-
longed into a narrow white band on the sides of the forehead ; quills
black, broadly bordered with white inside, and glazed with grey on
the outer webs, the first quill excepted; tail white, the lateral
feathers ashy on their outer webs; bill violet black, with the base of
the lower mandible inclining to reddish brown, and the point reddish ;
feet violet red ; iris blackish brown.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vii, pl. 565.

677. Srerna macrura, Naum. Arctic Tern.
Sterna brachypus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 37.

During a drive late one evening across a marsh formed by the
celebrated hot spring called ‘Brandt Vley,” near the town of
Worcester, we observed a Tern, new to us, flying in consider-
able numbers over a portion of open water. Owing to the
lateness of the hour, we were unable to stop and procure specimens ;
but a short time afterwards we received a Tern from Tulbagh, a
village at the end of the same valley (which is enclosed between high
mountains), though distant about sixty miles, which we immediately

a |

702 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

recognized as belonging to the same species as those at Brandt Vley.
It answers in all respects to Swainson’s description (loc. cit.) of the
short-footed Tern, and as such we consider it.

A single specimen was obtained by Lieut. Giffard near Newcastle
in Natal, at the end of November.

Upper part of head and back of neck black; general colour
cinereous, both above and below, but paler and rearly white on the
chin ; upper and under tail-coverts, pure white; tail the same, but
the outer web of the two external feathers is deep cinereous, almost
sooty-black ; quills blackish-cinereons ; the shafts pure white, with
the inner web half cinereous, half white; bill red; feet orange ; tail
one inch longer than the quills. Length, 15’; wing, 11”; tail from
the base, 8; depth of fork, 44”; tarsus, }”.

fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 564.

678. Srerna poucattt, Mont. Roseate Tern.

The Roseate Tern is said by Mr. Howard Saunders to occur in
Natal, and there are specimens from South Africa in the British
Museum. The same gentleman states that it is also found at Rodri-
guez. All the specimens marked by Mr. Andersson as belonging to
this species from Damara Land were really 8. fluviatilis in winter
dress.

Mr. Saunders writes as follows:— Apart from its light and
elegant shape and its proportionately long wings, this species may
always be recognized by the white inner margins of the primaries
extending quite round the tips of the feathers as far as the
outer web; the rump and tail-coverts are washed with grey. The
colouration of the bill varies considerably with age and season;
in some specimens it is black almost to the base, whilst in others
the red or orange extends far in front of the angle.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. viii, pl. 566.

679. STERNA CANTIACA, Gm. Sandwich Tern.

Pretty common throughout the seaboard. In habits they resemble
S. bergii, with which they associate. According to Mr. Andersson,
it is “ common at Walwich Bay, and occurs in all parts of the coast
between that locality and Table Bay.” Senor Anchieta has met
with it at Benguela, where it is called “ Kamakundi.”

Above, throughout, pale pearl-grey, rather darker on the wing-

STERNA CASPIA. 703

feathers ; tail white and deeply forked; on top of the head, from
the bill, including the eye, and down the back of the head, a black
hood, ending in a point on the back of the neck; bill long and
narrow, black, with the tip yellowish horn-colour; legs and feet
black. In winter the black on the top of the head is replaced by
black speckles; forehead white. Length, 15’; wing, 12” 2’”; tail
(to the end of centre feather), 4”.
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii, pl. 571.

680. Srerna caspra, Pall. Caspian Tern.

This noble Tern is not uncommon on our shores; but is, we think,
a periodical visitant, appearing chiefly in the summer; though
Mr. L, C. Layard tells us he observed a pair during the day of the
great gale, May 17th, 1864. It feeds on fish, and plunges from a
considerable height, completely submerging itself, It is a solitary
Species, never appearing in flocks. Mr. J. Kotzé sent me an egg
which clearly, from his description, belonged to this bird. It was
found with three others (unfortunately eaten) on an island in
St. Helena Bay. It is of a pale salmon-colour, profusely spotted
with various sized spots of dark and light purple-brown. Axis,
2” 7”; diam. 1” 9’. Mr. Rickard records it from the neigh-
bourhood of Port Elizabeth, and procured one out of a small party
near the Swartkop’s mouth. Mr. Andersson gives the following
account of it :—“ This splendid and powerful Tern is not uncommon
at Walwich Bay and on the south-west coast of Africa generally.
When on the wing it usually pursues a steady flight, and at a distance
bears considerable resemblance to a Gull. It utters, at intervals,
especially when fishing, exceedingly harsh and discordant notes, and,
when about to do so, it arrests its course and, rising suddenly at an
angle of about 45 degrees to its line of flight, gives vent to its cries,
which are repeated two or three times, and in uttering which it
greatly depresses its lower mandible whenever it opens its bill for
this purpose. So far as I have seen, it lives entirely on fish.
Where not previously disturbed it is not particularly shy or difficult
to approach ; but when once it knows a gun it becomes exceed-
ingly cunning.” Sir John Kirk found this species breeding off the
mouth of the Zambesi in January.

Above, throughout, pale pearl-grey; quill-feathers of wings
darkest; beneath pure white; head of male in full plumage, at the

704 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

top, from the base of the bill, including the eye and down the back

of the neck, pure black; in the female this portion is only pro-

fusely speckled with black ; bill fine scarlet ; points horn-coloured ;

legs black. Length, 21’; wing, 17’; tail, to the centre, 5”, forked.
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 569.

681. Srerna sercu, Licht. Swift Tern.

The Swift Tern is, perhaps, our commonest species, appearing in
large flocks in Table Bay throughout the year. It breeds on the
islands to the north-westward; lays two eggs of a rich cream-colour,
dotted, blotched, and streaked with very dark brown and purple.
Axis, 2” 5”; diam., 1” 7’. The running of the smaller spots into
streaks at once seems to identify the eggs of this species from those
of others that may breed here. It feeds on small fish and crus-
taceans, the former of which it captures by dropping upon them
from a considerable height ; the latter it either gathers in a graceful
swoop, as it flies along the edge of the retiring wave, or composedly
picks up while walking along the sand, on which it readily perches.
It is a singular sight to see the small craft in the bay covered by
these birds and cormorants: each mast-head will be garnished
with one, the bowsprit has a line of them, and along the sides
and taffrail they sit as close as they can find room. When thus
in repose they will permit a close approach, well knowing that the
police regulations of the bay prevent their being fired at. Elsewhere
they are wary enough.

Mr. Ayres says that these birds frequent the Bay of Natal
generally in pairs, but sometimes as many as five or six are together.
When in search of food they hover over the water and dart down
on fish. Like Larus phecephalus, they alight on any branch or
piece of wood that may be above the water. Mr. Andersson writes:
“Next to Sterna caspia this is the finest Tern on the south-west
coast of Africa, where it is not uncommon. I have shot large
numbers of it at Walwich Bay, where I have found it frequenting
the innermost parts of the bay as well as some other inlets and bays
to the southward.” Sir John Kirk found this species breeding off
the Luabo mouth of the Zambesi in January.

Male.—General colour above rather dark pearl-grey, darkest on
the wing-feathers; under parts and lower part of the neck pure
white; forehead white; top of head, including the eye and crest in

ee ke ts ee EE Eo ae ae ous
A TT

6s aged OO a Ge eet greenies a ale ee Eten Sata re mY

STERNA BALENARUM. 705

the male, jet-black ; in the female this is replaced by black speckles;

tail very deeply forked; bill rich lemon-colour; iris brown. Length

(to centre of tail), 163”; wing, 15”; tail, 44’; outside feathers, 8”.
Fig. Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atlas, pl. 13.

682. Srerna minota, LD. Little Tern.

Mr. Howard Saunders states that in the British Museum is a
specimen of this species from South Africa.

According to this observer, who is so well known as an authority
on the Laride, the present species may always be distinguished
from the other Little Terns by having dark shafts to the outer
primaries, and by having the rump and tail white.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. viii, pl. 567.

683. SrerNA BALZNARUM, Strickl. Damara Tern.

This lovely little Tern is scarce in Table Bay, only four specimens
having appeared there during the whole of our residence at the
Cape. We detected them fishing on a little sandy spot called
Gordon’s Bay, on Robben Island, November 29th, 1867. We
killed a pair, right and left, and a friend with us knocked over
another; the remaining one decamped. ‘Their stomachs were filled
with small ‘“sand-hoppers”? (Crustacea). One specimen had the
head mottled ; on dissection it proved a female: the other two were
males. Mr. Andersson writes: “‘ This exquisite little Tern is very
abundant at Walwich Bay, and on some other parts of the south-
west coast. It flies in pairs, or in small flocks, uttering harsh and
rapid cries. It feeds on small fish and crustacea, in search of which
it explores the creeks and shallows which are left by the receding
trees. It is swift of flight, and very rapid in its movements. This
species occasionally breeds at Walwich Bay, being the only Tern
which does so ; its eggs are deposited in a small hole which it scoops
in the sand.” Mr. Howard Saunders gives the range of this Tern
as from Walwich Bay to the Cape of Good Hope, and adds the
following diagnosis :—“ In this species there is no white frontlet,
the black feathers coming down to the base of the bill, which is
slender and black except at the gape; the tail is grey like the
mantle; and the tarsi and feet are the smallest of those of the
group ; the shafts of the primaries are white.”

706 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

684. Awnovs stoutpus, DL. Common Noddy.

This is a likely species to be met with in South Africa, and two
specimens from the Cape seas presented by Captain Thomas Rowe
Harry are in the British Museum.

It may be told by its general sooty-brown colour, the lores and
sides of the face being greyish-chocolate; the crown of the head is

rather clear-grey, whiter on the forehead and over the eye; the
wing varies from 10°2 to 11°5 inches.

685. RHYNCHOPS FLAVIROSTRIS. Scissor-billed Tern.

This very odd-looking bird has been met with by Mr. Andersson
at Ondonga and also at Lake N’gami, and Senor Anchieta has sent
specimens from Humbe and the Rio Cunene, where it is called
Bamba. Sir John Kirk also met with this Skimmer on the upper
waters of the Zambesi and Shire Rivers.

The following description is from Captain Shelley’s “ Birds of
Egypt.”

Beak very much flattened at the sides, and much deeper than it
is broad, the lower mandible longer than the upper one. Top of
the head, nape, back, centre tail-coverts, two middle tail-feathers,
and wings dusky brown; forehead and remainder of the plumage
white; secondaries tipped with white; inner web of tail-feathers
shaded with dusky ; legs and beak vermilion, the latter shading
off to yellow towards the end; irides brown. Entire length
17 inches; beak, from the gape, upper mandible, 3:1; lower
mandible, 3°9 to 4°4.; wing, carpus to tip, 14; tarsus, 1-1.

Fig. Shelley, B. Egypt, pl. 14.

707

ORDER HERODIONES..

Fam. ARDEIDZ.

686. ArprEa conratH, Temm. Goliath Heron.

This gigantic Heron has only once fallen under our notice, a fine
male bird in full plumage having been received from Mr. Arnot, of
Colesberg. Dr. Bradshaw has seen one or two specimens on the
Orange River near Upington. The late M. J. Verreaux assured us
that he saw this noble Heron at Zoetendals Viey. Mr. Atmore also
says he is sure he saw it there. Mr. Arnot sends an egg, which
we feel certain must belong to this bird: it is in colour like that
of A. cinerea, but larger. Axis, 3’; diam. 2”. In Natal, writes
Mr. Ayres, “these birds frequent the mouths of the rivers and
the bays along the coast. They feed entirely upon fish, easily
swallowing those which weigh half-a-pound, or even more. They
wade about up to their bodies, and dart on the fish as they swim
past. The Bay of Natal affords fine fishing ground for these birds,
being three miles in diameter, the greater part shallow, with a
muddy bottom, and myriads of fish entering with the tide. These
Herons when gorged retire amongst the mangroves to digest
their meal, not roosting on the trees, but on the ground. They
appear to be very solitary birds; I have seldom seen two together.
The specimen sent measured, when in the flesh, upwards of six feet
from the bill to the toes.” In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres con-
siders it to be the scarcest Heron of the country. He says that
it is wonderful the size of the fishes they can swallow, and he
killed one which had swallowed a 2 lb. carp. He also writes:
“« Whilst out fishing I shot a fine specimen of this Heron; he had
just caught and gorged whole a cat-fish (here called Barbel) of at
least 2 lb. weight, and with a head as broad as one’s hand; he
had dexterously speared it right through the body behind the
head with one mandible, and had evidently clasped it with the
other.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition it was seen in Mashoona
Land, but was not procured. Sir John Kirk states that it was seen
in the swamps of the Zambesi delta and on Lake Nyassa, but was

272

708 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

nowhere plentiful; on the Chobé River it was found to be more
abundant by Dr. Bradshaw. Mr. Andersson observes as follows :—
‘« These fine Herons are not common in the Lake regions, from whence
they make temporary and solitary excursions into Damara Land
during the wet season. I have met with them on the Rivers Okavango
and Teoughe, at Lake N’vami, and thence eastward along the River
Botletlé. They are generally seen singly or in pairs, and are shy
and wary birds, usually able from their great stature to espy any
threatened danger from a considerable distance, and thus to make
their escape in safety. They utter a strong, hoarse, croaking
sound, not unlike the bark of a dog. I believe these Herons feed
almost entirely upon fisb, which they transfix with great celerity
and swallow entire: it is said that a half-pound fish is thus easily
disposed of.” It is not rare at Humbe on the Cunene River,
according to Senor Anchieta.

Upper part of back and drooping plumes of chest, leaden-grey ;
head, neck, and under parts of body, deep rufous; chin white;
down the front of the neck extends a line of black, mottled with
while, coalescing and mingling with the drooping plumes of the
chest. Length, 4’ 6”; wing, 1’ 11”; tail, 11”.

Fig. Temm., Pl. Col. 474.

687. Arpga cineREA, LD. Common Heron.

The Heron is very abundant throughout South Africa, in all
suitable localities, feeding upon fish and frogs, and an occasional
snake. We are told they breed on the Cape Flats, placing their
nests in company on tufts of grass and rushes, surrounded with
water. This seems a strange habit, and very different from their
European practice; but we see no reason to doubt our informant,
who has volunteered to show us the breeding-place, and whose
children make a yearly jaunt thither to feast on the eggs.

Miss Annie Van der By] has forwarded us eggs taken in a similar
situation in a vley near Fairfield (Caledon). We found it abundantly
breeding with the other two following species at the Berg River, in
September. The nest is a huge mass of rushes constructed on the
reeds. Eggs blue-green, shaped alike at eitherend. Axis, 2” 3”;
diam. 1” 9”.

Mr. Rickard informs us that it is occasionally met with at Port
Elizabeth and East London.

In Natal, Mr. Ayres says, they are found generally in pairs, and

ARDEA MELANOCEPHALA. 709

are exceedingly shy, often feeding with the White Herons, and
alighting on trees. Mr. Buckley states that it was fairly common
on the Limpopo, where he observed several pairs and obtained one
specimen. Senor Anchieta has found it in all parts of Angola and
Benguela. At Quillengues the native name was Lodera-angundo,
two words signifying to stand on a crocodile, a habit which they
attribute to the bird. In Damara Land, writes Mr. Andersson,
‘this species is rather common on and near the sea-shore, from the
mouth of the Orange River to Walwich Bay, wherever suitable
localities occur; but I have seldom seen it inland, except in
Ondonga, where it makes its appearance in December; but the
natives say that it does not breed there, and I think they are right.
These Herons usually occur singly or in pairs; but I have counted
as many as twenty in one small spot (not extending more than two
hundred yards in any direction). They will remain motionless
sometimes for hours, but in the mornings and towards evening are
usually on the move in search of their food, which consists in great
part of fish, though they also feed on rats, mice, and reptiles.”

Upper parts, blueish-grey ; head, neck, and under parts, white ;
a broadish black stripe commences just before and extends over the
eye to the back of the head, terminating in a lengthened pendant
crest ; a double row of black spots commences about one-third of
the way down the front of the throat, and terminates among the
pendant feathers of the chest, on each side of which is a broad
black patch, extending down each side to the thighs; quill-
feathers of wings black. Length, 3’ 3’’; wing, 1’’ 6"; tail, 8”,

Fig. Dresser, B. Kur. vi, pl. 391.

688. ARDEA MELANOCEPHALA, Vig.and Childr. Black-necked Heron.

We suspect that the Black-necked Heron is more commonly
distributed than is generally supposed ; but, owing to its resemblance
to the common species, is not often brought to notice. We once
shot one without being at all aware that we were obtaining such a
prize. It was on the marshy ground close to the Observatory, near
Cape Town, and at the moment when we fired it was engaged in
a fight with another. We took them both to be A. cinerea till
we picked up our bird. We have received it from Colesberg in the
young state; and Mr. Chapman procured it along the Zambesi
route; Mr. Atmore in the George district. We also saw a specimen

710 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

in the Worcester Valley. We found it very common at the Berg
River, breeding on the reeds along the river and in the vleys. The
eggs are like those of A. cinerea; average size: axis, 2" 5”; diam.
MAO Sis :

The late Mr. Frank Oates procured one example in a marsh near
Pretoria. Mr. Ayres shot a single specimen in Natal in a marshy
valley about a mile from the coast. Captain Feilden obtained a
female specimen at the Ingagane River on the 6th of June, and Major
Butler noted several other specimens shot in the same locality. Sir
John Kirk says that in the Zambesi it was scattered throughout the
marshy regions of the rivers and lakes. According to the late Mr.
Andersson, ‘‘this Heron is found sparingly about humid places in
Great Namaqua and Damara Land, and in the lagoons on the sonth-
west coast. Axel also found it common in Ondonga on his arrival
there in the month of November; there was then no water in the
vleys; and these birds were feeding exclusively in the fields, and
chiefly on grasshoppers ; but the ordinary food of this species also
comprises fish, reptiles, rats, and mice. These Herons perch upon
trees when there are any within reach.” Mr. Monteiro found it
“very abundant on all the fresh, salt, and brackish-water lagoons
and marshes on the whole coast of Angola.” Senor Anchieta has
sent it from the Coroca River, Quillengues, and Humbe; at the
latter place it is called Kilubio.

Upper parts, blue-grey, darkest in centre of back; upper portion
of head and back of neck, black; chin and upper portion of throat,
pure white ; centre portion profusely mottled with black and white ;
lower part blue-grey; under portion of body light blue-grey ; tail
black. Length, 3’ 3”; wing, 1’ 4”; tail, 8’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 393.

689. ARDEA PURPUREA, LD. Purple Heron.

The Purple Heron is abundant in all marshy places throughout
the colony, and has been brought by Mr. Chapman from the Zambesi.
It feeds on the same food as does A. cinerea, and is found in similar
localities. We obtained it abundantly at the Berg River breeding
in company with the two preceding, and making similar nests.
Eggs are also similarly coloured but are rather narrower in form.
Axis, 2” 4’; diam., 1’’ 7’’’.

Dr. Bradshaw has seen it twice on the Orange River near Uping-

~

ore

ARDEA PURPUREA. 711

ton. Mr. Rickard records it from the neighbourhood of East
London and Port Elizabeth, but it is not very common, as Captain
Trevelyan met with only two specimens during his residence there.

Mr. Ayres says that in Natal it frequents streams and marshes,
and he has found good-sized fish in the stomach. In the Transvaal
Mr. Buckley found it common throughout the open country, and
Mr. Ayres gives the following account of its nesting in the same
locality. “This Heron chooses for its breeding-place a secluded
reedy swamp. The nest is placed some few feet above the water
(which is frequently out of one’s depth), on reeds bent down by the
bird so as to meet from all directions and thus form a sufficiert
support for the nest, which is a very rough structure composed ct
dead sticks and pieces of reeds; it is two or three feet in diameter,
with a very slight concavity. These Herons lay three or four eggs;
and frequently five or six pairs breed in company, placing their
nests within a few yards of one another.”

Mr. Barratt writes :—“ The Purple Heron I have met with through-
out my travels in tlie Free State and the Transvaal, but not further
north than Nazareth in the latter state. I found that it became
less common in the southern portions of the Free State, and A. cinerea
seemed to take its place to a great extent. It is not so shy as most
of the Herons, for I could generally easily procure a specimen near
Potchefstroom when required.” According to Sir John Kirk it
was common in all marshy places in the Zambesi region. It
breeds in the swampy spots or islands, making its nest at the
foot of reeds; each has two or three eggs in February. They
live in societies, returning to the same place a little before sunset.
Mr. Andersson says: ‘‘I have not unfrequently shot this bird on
the rivers Okavango and Teoughe, and at Lake N’gami, and I
believe it also visits Damara Land during the rainy season; but the
specimens which I obtained in the latter country were not preserved,
and I am therefore unable positively to identify them. These birds
live in small flocks or societies, and frequent marshy ground and
the sides of running streams; they make daily excursions from
some fixed point, to which they return at nightfall. The nest is
formed in the ground, at the roots of reeds, in some swamp or
dense reed-bed.”

Senor Anchieta has found the species only at Humbe on the
Cunene River.

712 : 7 souT
é1a BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Upper part of back, ashy-grey, variegated with a few red plumes
on each side; top of head black; neck red, with a broad black
stripe down the back, a narrow one on each side, and a blue one in
front, formed of a succession of spots, and spreading out on the
breast, which is bright buff; centre of belly, very dark rufous; sides
lighter; thighs bright rufous; as are also the shoulders. Length,
2' 10’’; wing, 1’ 2’’; tail, 7’’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vi, pl. 392.

690. Arpga arpestaca, Wagl. Lesser Grey Heron.
Ardea calceolata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 307.
Ardea flavimana, id. t. ¢. p. 307.

As far as we know this Heron has only been found in the
Transvaal. Mr. Barratt shot one near Potchefstroom, and, writing
in 1871, Mr. Ayres says: “I have only obtained two specimens of
this Heron, one of which was shot by my brother in April, 1869, in
the swamp near Potchefstroom, and the other was also shot by a
friend of mine in the same locality. The flight of this species some-
what resembles that of Ardea purpurea.’ Later on he observes as
follows: “This beautiful Heron has a curious habit, whilst feeding,
during the heat of the day and when the sun shines blazing hot,
of throwing one wing suddenly forward and holding it out, so that
it shades a small portion of shallow water; the bird immediately
peers into the water searchingly, and invariably makes a dart at
some unlucky little fish. In the specimen sent the tips of the
primaries are worn; and without doubt this comes from the wing
being so constantly thrown forward against rough grass and plants.”
In 1880 he forwarded a specimen with the following note: ‘ This
was a solitary bird that I had noticed for some timé passing along
the river, morning and evening, to and from his feeding-ground ;
when shot he was leading a small flock of Herodias garzetta, and
these were immediately followed by about fifty of the Sacred Ibis,
all in flight towards their roosting-place. All these birds passed
regularly to their favourite resorts in the morning, returning in the
evening to more secluded spots to roost.” Sir John Kirk states
that he found it singly or in pairs along the marshy parts of the
River Shiré.

Mr. Andersson does not appear to have met with the species in

\

ARDEA RUFIVENTRIS. 713

Damara Land, but Senor Anchieta has procured specimens on the
River Coroca, and at Humbe, on the Cunene River.

General colour, black ; with chin and upper part of anterior portion
of throat, white ; two long narrow pendant plumes proceed from the
occiput ; the feathers of the breast and back are much decomposed
and elongated ; in the latter projecting slightly beyond the tail, and
curved upwards at the tip; irides bright-yellow. Length, 17’;
wing, 8” 3’"; tail, 44”.

Mr. Gurney (Ibis, 1871, p. 264) writes concerning the variation of
plumage in this species: “'There can, I think, be no doubt that
Ardea flavimana of Sundevall, as well as Ardea calceolata of Du Bus,
are synonymous with this species; the descriptions of Du Bus and
of Sundevall, and the plate given by the former author, agree well
with the specimen obtained by Mr. Ayres in April, 1869, except that
the latter has the throat and chin of a rufous maroon colour, which
is probably the remains of the immature dress, as the other specimen
sent by Mr. Ayres, the sex of which was not ascertained, but which
bears the appearance of being a younger bird, has the whole of the
under plumage from the chin to the under tail-coverts inclusive, and
also the thighs, more or less tinged with rufous maroon, interspersed
with a few worn feathers of a whitish hue, and especially white on
the shaft. Both the maroon tint and the intermingled white plumage
are especially noticeable in this specimen, on the lower part of the
front of the neck, where some of the lanceolate feathers are schista-
ceous on their outer, and rufous on their inner webs.” Professor
Barboza du Bocage also says that the young bird may be distinguished
by the blackish brown tint of the plumage instead of its being
slaty black, and by the absence of the long plumes on the back and
fore-neck.

Fig. Du Bus, Bull. Acad. Brux. iv, pl. 3.

691. ArpeEA RUFIVENTRIS, Sund. Rufous-bellied Heron.

The beautiful and singularly coloured Heron was procured at St.
Lucia Bay by Mr. Fellows, who kindly allowed us to describe this
and several other novelties in his collection during our voyage from
the Cape to England, in October, 1870.

Mr. Ayres has met with it in the Transvaal, and observes: “These
Herons are shy and exceedingly scarce here ; three or four are some-

714 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

times seen together. ‘They fly rapidly, and settle on the reeds. The
stomachs of those sent contained frogs.” Mr. Frank Oates procured
a specimen at Hendrik’s Vlei during his expedition to the Zambesi.
Mr. Andersson writes: “I have shot several individuals of this very
handsome Heron both on the River Okavango and on the River
Teoughe, as well as in the neighbourhood of Lake N’gami; but I not
recollect having met with it in Damara Land.”

General colour of head, neck, chest, back and wing primaries black
shaded with ashy ; belly, vent, sides, shoulders, secondaries, rump,
and tail deep chestnut ; legs and base of bill yellow ; tip black ; “legs
slate-colour ; iris dark hazel” (F. Oates). Length, 19” 6’"; wing, 9";
tail, 3” 5’.

Fig. Ayres, Ibis, 1871, pl. 9.

692. Hzropras axa, D. Great White Heron.

This fine Egret was shot on the Great Fish River and is now
in the Grahamstown Museum, where we took the measurements.
Mr. Gurney has recorded it from Natal. Mr. Buckley states that he
saw a few pairs along the Limpopo during the summer, but we are
not certain whether the identifications of these white Egrets in South
Africa can always be depended upon, and whether some of the birds
supposed to have been H. alba may not have been confused with the
next species. Mr. Andersson’s last collection contained an example,
but without indication of exact locality. Senor Anchieta has met
with it at Benguela, Lobito and Humbe on the Cunene River.

Pure white with decomposed feathers on the rump; bill yellow;
legs black. Length, 384”; wing, 14”; bill, 43”; tarsus, 64”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 394.

693. Herropias intermepiA, Wagl. Short-billed White Egret.
Ardea egretta, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 308.

A pair of these most lovely Egrets, male and female, have been
shot at different times in Zeekoe Vley, between Cape Town and
Simon’s Bay. We-have ourselves seen white Hgrets wading about
that piece of water, and also on the marsh nearer to Kalk Bay, but
always too far off to determine the species. We have also seen
some on the marsh below the Observatory, and on the rocks at
Robben Island. ‘They are, however, generally so wary as to be

HERODIAS INTERMEDIA. 715

unapproachable. Mr. Atmore tells us it is common at the Knysna,
but very shy, and breeds on a small rock in the sea, east of the
Heads ; he was too late (December) for eggs. Dr. Bradshaw says
it is scarce on the Orange River near Upington. In Natal, writes
Mr. Ayres, “ these Herons are gregarious, frequenting the bays along
the coast. They feed at low tide amongst the mud and shallow
water, stalking gently along. When they see their prey they stop
suddenly, and make a dead point at it, exactly like a pointer dog at
a partridge ; remaining motionless for a few seconds, then gradually
drawing nearer, they dart their long necks suddenly into the water,
and almost invariably catch. the unlucky fish. At high water, or if
disturbed, they always perch on the upper boughs of the mangroves,
and other trees which fringe the bay, never roosting on the ground.
Their flight is heavy, as is that of all the Herons I know.” In the
Lydenburg District of the Transvaal, Mr. Barratt states that it is shy
and not easily procured. Mr. Ayres found the species at Spalding’s on
the Hart River during Mr. Jameson’s expedition, and says that “a
pair of these Egrets were met with on the swampy banks of the
river, which was in flood, flying lazily up and down the stream of
their favourite feeding-haunts.” Dr. Bradshaw tells us that it is
common on the Zambesi.

Mr. Andersson writes: ‘I obtained these Herons both at Lake
N’gami and at Otjimbinque in Damara Land; on one occasion
(on February 2nd, 1865) I killed three out of a flock of four.
Thie flight is heavy, and at a distance they look larger than
they really are.” Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens from
Humbe.

Plumage, pure white; bill and bare space round the eye, and
between it and the bill, bright yellow; legs greenish-black. The
male in breeding plumage has the feathers of the lower part of the
neck elongated and decomposed, and those of the back also decom-
posed and prolonged to an enormous extent, projecting far beyond
the tail, drooping gracefully over the end of the wings, and turned
slightly upwards at the tips; irides bright yellow. Length, 2’ 2’;
wing, 10”; tail, 5” 6’. The length of the bill is given by
Mr. Andersson from the freshly-killed bird as 3°9 against 6:0 in
H. alba. Prof. Bocage makes it 2°8 as against 4°3 in the larger
species.

716 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

694. Heropias aarzerra (L.). Little Egret.
Ardea garzetta, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 308.

Specimens of this beautiful Egret, both in winter and nuptial
dress, have been procured in the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
also at Colesberg and at the Knysna. The stomachs of this and the
preceding, which we have examined, contained multitudes of small
aquatic shells (Physopsis africana and Succinia delalandi).

It is very abundant at the Berg River, breeding in company with
A. cinerea and the others: also in heronries by themselves. Their
nests resembled those of the larger species. Eggs also three or
four innumber. Axis, 2” 2/"; diam. 1” 7”.

Near Kingwilliamstown it is recorded as scarce by Captain
Trevelyan, and Mr. Ayres states that it inhabits the Bay of Natal.
Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid say that the White
Egrets were a familiar feature in all the less frequented yleys in the
Newcastle district. Mr. Ayres has also procured the species in the
Transvaal. Mr. F. A. Barratt observes : “I shot specimens of this
lovely little Egret near Pretoria, and I have obtained them near
Potchefstroom both in winter and summer.’ Mr. Andersson gives the
following note: ‘‘ This is a scarce bird in Damara and Great Namaqua
Land, and very local; but it is pretty common on the rivers flowing
into and out of Lake N’gami, and it also occurs on the Orange River.
It associates in small flocks, and feeds on fish, lizards, frogs,
crustacea, and aquatic insects.” Senor Anchieta has procured this
Egret in many localities in Benguela, the River Coroca, and at
Humbe. At the latter place it is called Nanhé, and on the Coroca
River Dila. Mr. Monteiro states that he observed it on all the
stagnant fresh water of the whole of Angola.

Entirely white, with two long plumes depending from the back
of the head; feathers of the breast and back elongated and
decomposed ; the latter not extending beyond the tail, and
curved considerably upwards ; bill and legs in full breeding plumage,
black: at other times the legs and feet are greenish-yellow; irides
bright yellow. Length, 2’ 4’; wing, 12’; tail, 5”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 395.

BUBULCUS IBIS. 717

695. Busuncus rpis (L.). Buff-backed Kgret.
Ardea bubulcus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 307.

Two specimens of this Egret, in non-breeding dress (which is all
white, without the crest and pendant plumes), have been received
from Mr. Arnot, from Colesberg. Mr. H. Shaw also procured it in
the same plumage at Wynberg, in May, 1867. It has also been
found at Grahamstown. Mr. Rickard notes it as occurring both at
Port Elizabeth and Hast London. Writing from Natal, Mr. Ayres
says: “The flats near the mouth of the River Umlaas are the only
localities where I have seen these birds. They are gregarious in
their habits, roosting by night amongst the branches of trees which
overhang the small lakes that are plentiful in that part of the
country. They appear to feed entirely on ticks (acari), which they
pick from the cattle as they are feeding, walking alongside of them
and every now and then taking one off. They are wary birds, like
most of the Herons, and not easy of approach. The farmers in the
neighbourhood have also, of course, great objection to such useful
birds being shot.” Lieutenant Giffard procured a single specimen
near Newcastle in the summer months.

Mr. Ayres has also shot the species in the Transvaal, but in 1880
says that it was becoming scarcer year by year. Mr. F. A. Barratt
writes: “I shot a fine male of this species in a flock which were
hopping about under some oxen, from which they were picking off
the ticks. I have obtained them close to Lydenburg and Potchef-
stroom, and I have seen them near Pretoria, Rustenberg, and near
the Vaal River. They congregate in flocks, standing on one leg
basking in the sun.”

Dr. Exton met with it at Kanye, in the Matabele country, and
says that he noticed it feeding on the ticks on the oxen, but only
observed this habit when the latter were lying down. Mr. Frank
Oates procured a specimen at Tati, and it was met with by
Mr. Jameson’s expedition at Spalding’s on the Hart River, when,
Mr. Ayres says, a solitary bird was procured on the 7th of February.
« We now and again saw a flock feeding, as they often do, amongst
the herds of cattle. At the Tati River in December we saw a small
flock.” In the Zambesi region, Sir John Kirk says that “ it is called
‘Kakoe ;’ it follows herds of elephants and buffaloes, sitting on
their backs or flying near to them, so that in long reeds the game
may be followed when nothing but the birds are visible.”

718 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. Andersson states that this species is exceedingly common in
Ondonga, and quite tame ; it perches on trees, and may be seen in
flocks of from ten to fifty, frequently in company with cattle. Senor
Anchieta has procured specimens in nearly every part of South-
Western Africa visited by him, and has found it both in the interior
and on the sea-coast.

Adult female, in breeding plumage: general colour white; top
of head, crest at the back, pendant feathers of breast, and decomposed
feathers of back, rufous-isabella colour; bill and legs yellow, irides
yellow. Length, 1’ 7’; wing, 9”; tail, 44”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 396.

696. Arpzota comata (Pail.). Squacco Heron.
Ardea comata, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 308.

Mr. Bowker sent it from Basuto Land in summer, and Mr.
Arnot from Colesberg in winter dress. We saw it abundantly up
the east coast and Mozambique Channel, frequenting the coral reefs
which line the shore. It is rare near Kingwilliamstown, as we are
informed by Capt. Trevelyan; he killed two specimens on the banks
of the Buffalo in 1871, and one on the banks of the Chalumna in 1877.

Mr. Ayres has sent several specimens from the Transvaal, and has
found the stomachs filled with crabs and grasshoppers. He says
that it is plentiful in the swamps near Potchefstroom. Mr. Barratt
observes: “I shot the best of my specimens of this lovely bird in
October, when it was in magnificent plumage. It is, however, a
rather wary bird; and I have often watched them from a distance
standing near a vley and occasionally curving their long necks.”
Mr. T. E. Buckley met with the species in Bamangwato in August,
and Sir John Kirk says that on the Zambesi it was seen in pairs,
feeding in marshes and shallow water.

We are informed by Mr. Andersson that this species of Heron is
found in Damara Land and Great Namaqua Land throughout the
year, but is more numerous in those countries during the rainy
season than at other times. Itis very abundant in the Lake-regions,
and on the rivers Botletlé, Teoughe, and Okavango. It feeds on
insects, frogs, &c. Senor Anchieta has only met with it on one
occasion, at Mossamedes.

Top and back of head, pale ochraceous-yellow ; occipital feathers
elongated, pointed, white ; back rufous, the feathers elongated and

ee

BUTORIDES ATRICAPILLA. 719

decomposed ; all the rest of the plumage white ; bill blueish, with
black tip; legs yellow; irides yellow. Length, 16” to 17’;
wing 84",

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vi, pl. 397.

697. Burorrpes arricaPinta (Afzel.).

African Black-headed Heron.
Ardea atricapilla, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 309.

We obtained specimens of this pretty little Egret at Mauritius,
Madagascar, the islands to the north-east, and along the whole
east coast of Africa. Two examples were procured by Mr. Arnot
somewhere in Mahura’s country. It frequents equally fresh and
salt water, finding its food, which consists of small fish, frogs,
water-insects, and shells, with equal facility in either. It is very
partial to the mangrove thickets which line the tidal rivers on the
coast, and roosts among them, perching on the branches.

Near Kingwilliamstown Capt. Trevelyan says that it is rare. He
informs us that Mr. Newby, of that place, killed one a mile or two a
from the town. In Natal, Mr. Ayres says that it is a scarce species,
appearing to be very solitary in its habits; they are generally found
amongst the mangroves, either perched on some low bough or on
the mud, and always in the shade, evidently preferring the darkness
to the light; if put up, they invariably fly but a short distance and
alight again in the shade, mostly at the foot of some low-spreading
tree or under the bank of some creek. He has also found it
frequenting trees on the Marico River, and during Mr. Jameson’s
expedition it was met with on the Umvuli River. Mr. Ayres writes :
‘‘ We found it solitary and rare, but met with a family party on the
Quae Quae amongst dense reeds and low trees in the bed of a small
stream.” On the Zambesi, Sir John Kirk says it was by no means
common, and was a solitary bird, keeping to the river, flying close
along under the banks, and perching on the bushes which overhang,
from which it watched for its prey. Mr. Andersson found it “not
uncommon at Lake N’gami and its watersheds, as also on the
Okavango.” Senor Anchieta has met with it on the Coroca River,
and at Gambos in Mossamedes.

Above, dark slate-coloured, tinged with green, which prevails on
the wings; back, sides of neck, flanks, and under parts, cinereous ;
top of head and crest black, shot with green ; chin and fore part of

7)
720 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

neck white, tinged with ferruginous ; dorsal plumes long, narrow,
and lanceolate. Length, 15"; wing, 7’” 2”; tail, 2” 9’.

698. Boraurus sturm1, Wagl. African Dwarf Bittern.
Ardea gutturalis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 310.

We have seen one specimen of this Bittern shot at the Paarl by
Mr. Gird in 1869. Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal, and says that
he believes that “both this species and Botawrus pusillus feed
entirely at night, generally hiding themselves in the reeds by day,
and coming out into the reeds at dusk.” Mr. Jameson’s expedition
met with the species at Kooroomoorooi Pan. Mr. Andersson
writes: ‘‘I observed several of these birds in Damara Land, and
found them very common in Ondonga. Axel also found them
exceedingly abundant between Ondonga and Ovaquenyama, as well
as at Ovagandyaro. The favourite haunts of this species are vleys
surrounded with trees and bushes, on which it perches ; and it is
rarely met with at a distance from trees. It feeds on insects and
the smaller crustacea, but seems to be somewhat omnivorous in its
diet. I am inclined to think that it feeds by night. It breeds in
Ondonga, usually placing its nest in the lower branches of palm
bushes which are partly immersed in water, a few feet above which
the nest is situated ; it is composed of stalks of coarse grass or of
small twigs laid across each other without much care or strength,
and with hardly any depression for the reception of the eggs, which
are four in number.” Senor Anchieta has procured a single specimen
at Biballa.

Above, dark slate-colour; beneath buff, variegated from the chin
down to the belly with elongated blotches of dark slate-colour,
here and there edged with rufous; flanks tinged with rufous.
Length, 12"; wing, 6’; tail, 2”. “Iris brownish-lake; bill black,
with the bare skin at the base light green; the bare skin round the
eye dusky blue; tarsi and feet chrome-yellow, suffused with dusky
brown” (Ayres).

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr., Aves, pl. 91.

699. Boraurus pusiLuus, V. African Little Bittern.
Ardea minuta, Layard, B. 8. Afr, p. 309.
Ardea pusilla, id. p. 310.
It is now generally conceded that the Little Bittern of Africa is

BOTAURUS PUSILLUS. 721

not the same as the Little Bittern of Europe, with which it has been
identified; and Mr. Gurney informs us that all references to A. minuta
by himself and Mr. Ayres belong to the present species. This pretty
little Heron is not uncommon in all suitable localities in the colony ;
and Mr. Chapman brought it in considerable abundance from the
Zambesi. It conceals itself among reeds, and lies so close that the
shooter often treads within a few feet of it before it will rise.
Mr. L. C. Layard has shot several pair in the neighbourhood of Cape
Town. Mr. Rickard has once met with it near Port Elizabeth, but
we have no other notices of its occurrence in the eastern districts.
Mr. Ayres has procured the species in Natal, and in the Transvaal
he says it “is common amongst the reedy swamps and banks of
rivers, where it lies close amongst the reeds and hedges, and is not
always easily flushed ; its flight is never lengthened.” Mr. Andersson
observes :—“I never met with this species in Damara or Great
Namaqua Land; but it is not uncommon on the rivers Okavango
and Teoughe, and also at Lake N’gami. It inhabits marshy districts,
where it hides closely, coming out on the approach of night to feed
on small fish and reptiles, and also on insects and mollusca. It is
found singly or in pairs.” Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens
from the Coroca River and Mossamedes, and it was found by Messrs.
Capello and Ivens, who met with it on the banks of the Quango,
in the interior. Mr. Monteiro’s specimens, which were wrongly
identified as belonging to Ardea minuta, were shot by him at the
Bimbas or fresh-water lakes at Benguela.

We translate the description given by Professor Barboza du
Bocage from African specimens..

Adult male.—Top of the head, occiput, back and tail, glossy
egreenish-black ; cheeks and neck bright rufous, inclining to ochra-
ceous on the fore-neck and chest; wing-coverts pearl-grey, the
lesser coverts washed with rufous; under-surface of body ochra-
ceous-rufous; the middle of the belly and under tail-coverts
white; bill yellow, browner on the culmen; feet greenish-yellow ;
iris orange-yellow.

Female.—Has the back dark maroon-brown, instead of black,
with narrow yellowish edgings to the feathers.

OA

722 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

700. Boraurus ste.iaris, LD. Common Bittern.

The Bittern is occasionally found in a few favoured localities, even
in the neighbourhood of Cape Town ; and we are told that it breeds in
Verloren Vley. At Zoetendals Vley we found it in great abundance;
and early in the morning, or during the evening twilight, their
booming call resounded from every part of the lake. Mr. Hugo,
of Fransch Hoek, brought us a pair of eggs, unfortunately both
broken, which he states belonged to this bird. The colour is a dark
olive-green, smooth and shining as a duck’s. Having seen Bitterns’
eggs in various collections in England, we are satisfied that Mr.
Hugo is right in his identification.

It does not occur in Mr. Rickard’s list from East London; and
Captain Trevelyan only met with it on two occasions near King-
williamstown.

Majors Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid state that “it was by
no means uncommon in the reed-grown vleys in the Newcastle
district ; four or five were sometimes seen in the course of a day’s
shooting.” Mr. Ayres says: ‘“‘I first met with these birds amongst
the rushes in the swamps surrounding Potchefstroom, where they
lie concealed during the day, emerging from their covert towards
dark to seek their favourite feeding grounds; at this time they
frequently fly over one’s head in their passage. Their flight is
slow and laboured; and a loud harsh ‘ quirk’ is occasionally
uttered as they pass. When wounded they are extremely pug-
nacious, defending themselves with great pertinacity: they throw
themselves on their backs, and, with claws and bill (which are
both very sharp and strong) advanced, make rather a formidable
appearance, more especially as the feathers round the neck are
ruffled up at this time: and few dogs care to interfere with them.
On wy first arrival in Potchefstroom I was informed by the Dutch
that a very large snake inhabited the surrounding swamps, that
many persons had seen it, all of whom had been alarmed, and that
at night, during the summer months, it made a loud bellowing sort
of noise, which I should surely hear. I at once determined to over-
come the monster and immortalize myself. The voice I certainly
heard at night and also in the daytime, and that when I was often a
mile or two distant from the swamps. I gave my friends, the Bull-

BOTAURUS STELLARIS. 723

frogs, credit for it; but the Dutch laughed me to scorn for such
an idea. I tried, guu in hand, several times to approach the spot ;
but sometimes the place amongst the reeds was inaccessible, at
others the reeds so thick that I made so much noise in pushing
my way through them as to frighten my enemy, who immediately
left off making the unearthly noise in which he appeared to delight.
One day, however, I heard it in a comparatively open swamp, and
on walking in a direct line to the spot the noise ceased and a Bittern
flew up and alighted again within three hundred yards. As I could
see nothing further, I waited and listened for the noise to recom-
mence, considering that the snake’s head might, perhaps, be under
water, as I was standing up to my middle in it amongst the rushes.
After wailing patiently for nearly half-an-hour, and watching care-
fully, I heard the noise begin again from the direction in which the
Bittern had flown. Proceeding thither, I again flushed the bird ;
the noise ceased. A third time the same thing happened; so
without doubt the Bittern makes this extraordinary noise, which
may be regarded as a love-note, and that apparently by drawing
in the air and forcing it out again. The skin of the neck being
exceedingly loose, the bird probably has the power of inflating it.
Tadpoles and small frogs form its principal diet.” Mr. F. A. Barratt
gives the following note :—“ The Bittern is found plentifully in the
district of Potchefstroom. Their booming note used at one time to
frighten the Boers that they would never go into a vley, even on
horseback, when they heard it, believing it was a large snake.
I have shot them near Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, but
never further north than about thirty miles north of Potchef-
stroom.” It does not seem to occur in South-Western Africa, as
Mr. Andersson did not meet with it, nor has it yet been procured
in Angola by Senor Anchieta.

General colour ochreous, profusely variegated with wavy lines of
dark brown; top of head deep brown; chin white, or pale-ochreous;
the markings on the back assume a bolder character than those on
the other parts of the body; the neck is furnished with a ruff, which
can be expanded at pleasure. Length, 2’ 4"; wing, 12”; tail, 4’.
“Tris brownish-yellow; bill greenish, brown on the ridge; tarsi
and feet greenish-yellow ” (Ayres).

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 400.

724, BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

701. Nycticorax Griszus, D. Night Heron.

The Night-Heron is generally distributed throughout the colony ;
but appears to be nowhere common. It breeds abundantly at the
Berg River in September, in company with the other Herons, in
a vley near the bank on Mr. Welck’s side, but we never found
it in the reeds lining the banks. The nests resembled those of
the other species, and the eggs, coloured the same, were generally
rather pointed at both ends—three to five in number. Axis, 1” 10’;
diam., 1" 4’. Mr. Rickard records it from Uitenhage. In Natal
Mr. Ayres says they are exceedingly scarce; when found they are
always amongst the dense mangroves, and stationary ; when disturbed
they almost invariably alight again at a short distance, getting more
and more wary each time they are put up. Majors Butler and
Feilden and Captain Reid state that it was uncommon in the
Newcastle district, only one young bird being met with. In the
Transvaal Mr. Ayres says they are more plentiful, and he procured
an adult female and a young male on the Inshlangeen River during
Mr. Jameson’s expedition to Mashoona Land. Mr. Andersson’s
notes on the species are as follows :—‘‘This species is pretty
frequent in the Lake country; it occurs in Ondonga in the wet
season, and is recorded as having been obtained on the Orange
River. In Damara Land I have only observed it very rarely, and
always in immature plumage. It feeds on fish, reptiles, aquatic
insects, slugs, &c.” Senor Anchieta has met with it at Mossamedes,
the Coroca River, and Humbe.

General colour, light slate; paler on the side of the head and
neck, with a vinaceous tinge; chin, centre of throat, and under
parts, white ; the back, top of the head, and a portion of the hinder
part of neck, dark iridescent-green; from the back of the head
emanate two long, narrow, and pure white plumes, eight inches
long; legs yellow; irides in adult bird the same; in young birds
light reddish-madder. The young bird is of a dirty-grey, mottled
with white. Length, 24’; wing, 13”; tail, 5’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vi, pl. 399.

702. Nycricorax Levconorus, Wagl. White-backed Night-Heron.

A pair of these birds, male and female, were killed in April,
1870, at the Klemmont, by Messrs. Ed. Atherstone and H. Barber.

SCOPUS UMBRETTA. 725

They were the only pair that fell under our notice. Senor
Anchieta has also met with it at Humbe on the Cunene River, where
it is rather common, and is known to the inhabitants by the name of
Xicongo.

General colour, above, dark cinereous, tinged with rufous on the
shoulders, and slightly shot with green in the primaries ; between
the shoulders a large black patch, becoming ashy on the rump;
neck, bright rufous, variegated in front with a line of brown, more
or less broken, which extends less conspicuously down the centre of
the chest and belly, which is a confused ashy-rufous ; chin and patch
behind the eye, white; the rest of the head black, with greenish
reflections, crested ; tail below, ashy. Length, 1" 10’; wing, 11’;
tail, 5”.

Fam. SCOPIDZ.

703. Scopus UMBRETTA. Hammer-head.

The “ Hammerkop”’ (literally Hammer-head) is found throughout
the colony, and all the way to the Zambesi, frequenting ponds,
marshes, rivers, and lakes. It is a strange, weird bird, flitting
about with great activity in the dusk of the evening, and preying
upon frogs, small fish, &c. At times, when two or three are
feeding in the same small pool, they will execute a singular dance,
skipping round one another, opening and closing their wings, and
performing strange antics. They breed on trees and on rocky
ledges, forming a huge structure of sticks, some of them of consi-
derable thickness. These nests are so solid that they will bear the
weight of a large, heavy man on the domed roof without collapsing.
The entrance is a small hole, generally placed in the most imacces-
sible side. The eggs, three to five in number, are pure white. Axis,
1’ 9’; diam., 1’ 4". On our late friend Jackson’s farm, at Nel’s
Poort, there is a singular rocky glen between two hills. In this
spot a beautiful permanent spring, called “Jackalsfontein,” takes
its rise. Of course, in consequence there are a few wild almond and
other trees, and the place is a little oasis amid the barren mountains.
It is a favourite resort of wild animals, hyzenas, leopards, jackals,
&e., and here Mr. Jackson has constructed one of his most
successful hyzena traps. On the ledges of the rocks in this
secluded spot a colony of Hammerkops have built for years. Some

ror
420 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

of the nests are quite inaccessible, while others can be reached
with a little trouble. We counted six or eight within fifty yards,
all exhibiting the same form and structure, and some of them
containing at least a large cart-load of sticks. Mr. Jackson told
us they occupied the same nest year after year, and added to it or
repaired it as required. About some that we visited, we found
brass and bone buttons, bits of crockery, bleached bones, &c.
Mr. Jackson said if a “ Tottie” lost his knife or tinder-box on
the farm, or within some miles of the place, he made a point of
examining the Hammerkops’ nests, and frequently with success ;
the birds, like the Bower-bird of Australia, embellishing their
dwellings with any glittering or bright-coloured thing they can pick
up. In the Karroo, between Worcester and Robertson, we saw a
nest placed on the ground on the side of a frifling rise: it was at
least three yards in length, by one and-a-half across, with a small
entrance hole at one end.

Mr. Rickard says that at East London, where it is called ‘‘ Podda
Vanger,” it frequents the rocky beach, and is generally seen in
pairs: it is also found near Port Elizabeth. Near Kingwilliamstown
Captain Trevelyan records it as common about the vleys, and he has
sometimes seen as many as five or six together, but says that this is
unusual. Mr. T. E. Buckley shot a specimen in the Free State in
June. In Natal, according to Mr. Ayres, it is spread all over the
country, but is not numerous, and is always seen singly. They
frequent the streams of the interior, and the rivers and lakes near
the coast, and are not very shy. Majors Butler and Feilden and
Captain Reid state that near Newcastle it was a common bird in
vleys and along sluggish streams. From the dates at which egos
were taken they opine that it breeds twice in Natal, in winter and
summer, if not all the year round. Writing from the Transvaal,
Mr. Ayres says: “ Mr. Layard’s description of the nidification of
this species is excellent, and I can add nothing to it except that the
inside of the nest is neatly plastered with mud, and that either from
this cause or from the bird’s muddy feet the eggs are often very
dirty. Not long ago I saw one of these queer birds feeding in a
shallow ditch ; the water was about halfway up his legs, and he was
feeling about with his feet in the mud and stones at the bottom,
very carefully and in a most careful manner, evidently trying to
worry out a frog or a crab, in which he did not then succeed. These

r

BALENICEPS REX. 727

birds, when flying, utter, every now and then, a short, weak,
metallic note, which one would not expect from a bird of that size.”
Mr. Frank Oates procured a specimen on the Makalapsi River in
August. It was seen in Mashoona Land during Mr. Jameson’s
excursion, and on the Zambesi Sir John Kirk says it is called

** Nyamehenquwe.”

He writes : ‘“‘ Although seemingly a clean feeder,
eating small fish, the Africans look on this bird as unfit for
food, and also as sacred, or as possessing the power of witchcraft ;
and to injure it is everywhere regarded as unlucky. It haunts
water, both running and stagnant. In its nest it is the most
remarkable of all birds in Tropical Africa. This is built either
on a ledge of rock or more frequently in some large tree. It is the
work of a single pair, and yet is colossal, sometimes measuring six
feet in diameter, in the form of a flattened dome: The entrance is
at one side, and small. The greater part of the mass is solid, and
composed of sticks and branches of trees intimately woven together.
This serves for many years. ‘The birds remain throughout the
year.”” According to Mr. Andersson, “this queer and sombre-
looking bird is pretty generally diffused throughout Damara Land
and Great Namaqua Land during the rainy season, but is nowhere
numerous, and moves to permanent waters as the rainpools dry up.
It feeds much on frogs and also upon fish. It is generally observed
singly or in pairs, and is of a fearless disposition, allowing a person
to approach within range without difficulty.” It has been procured
by Senor Anchieta on the coast of Mossamedes, and also at
Capangombe and Caconda in Benguela, as well as at Humbe on
the Cunene River: it is called “Kahumba” at Capangombe and
«“Nagine-ankine” at Humbe.

General colour, a warm brown, glossed with purple; tail with a
bar at the tip, and numerous narrow ones; head much crested ; bill
black. Length, 20"; wing, 134’; tail, 6”.

Fig. Shaw, Gen. Zool. xi, pl. 50.

Fam. BALANICIPITIDA.

704. Batmnicers rex, Gould. Whale-headed Stork.

Mr. H. H. Johnston (Ibis, 1883, p. 578) states that he saw this
species near Humbe on the Cunene River, on the 16th of August,
1882, and gives an extract from his journal. ‘There are here many

728 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

acres of dried-up marshes and occasional lagoons shaded with pine-
trees. On these reaches of still water innumerable wading birds are
seen, and have a boldness of demeanour only accountable for by the
supposition that man rarely comes here. Pelicans, Saddle-billed and
Marabou Storks, Baleniceps rex, and Crowned Cranes are to be dis-
tinctly seen amid theshort grass of the scattered pools.” And further
on he adds, “‘On these sand-banks, amid the sleeping crocodiles,
and apparently in no fear of them, were standing one or two whale-
headed Storks and Spur-winged Geese. On my return from the
Cunene to Lord Mayo’s hunting veldt, about forty miles off, I
mentioned Balceniceps to him (Dr. Loesche) among the birds I had
observed, and I believe he subsequently saw it there himself.”

We have given Mr. Johnston’s observations in full, inasmuch as
we think that the occurrence of Baleniceps in South-Western Africa
requires strong confirmation. We find it difficult to believe that
so remarkable a bird:should have escaped the researches of Senor
Anchieta who resided for so many years at Humbe, and who was
particularly careful to collect all the large Wading-birds for the
Lisbon Museum.

Fig. Parker, Trans. Z. S. iv, pl. 64.

Fam. CICONIIDA.

705. Crconta ALBA, D. White Stork.

The Great Locust bird, as it is called by the colonists, is only a
migratory visitant to the colony, following the flights of locusts, on
which it feeds. It is not confined to any locality, but pursues its
prey to all parts of the country. Our valued correspondent, Mrs.
Barber, however, informs us that it breeds in the Interior. She
writes as follows: ‘ My authority for saying that the White Locust
Crane build their nests in the Interior is good, or I should not have
mentioned it. When my brother Septimus was lion-hunting in the
Free State, he saw the hills where great numbers of their old nests
were. Mr. William Stubbs (of the Queen’s Town district), a great
observer of Nature, and ‘a good man and true,’ is another of my
authorities: he told us that he saw their nests upon the low rocky
hills near St. John’s River. Like the small locust-birds, they
always build their nests in the neighbourhood of large swarms of
young locusts, so that they may have plenty of food for their young

CICONIA NIGRA. 729

ones ; for young locusts remain long near the spot where they are
hatched.”

In the neighbourhood of Kingwilliamstown, Captain Trevelyan
says that it is an irregular migrant, but that he saw it in thousands
in 1876. Mr. Gurney has received it from Natal, and Majors Butler,
Feilden, and Capt. Reid met with it commonly near Newcastle
during the winter months. According to these gentlemen, a few
pairs breed in Natal.

In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres records it as a rare visitant, and says
that, though great swarms of locusts come every year, the Storks do
not seem to follow them thither ; he found a solitary wanderer stalk-
ing about on the open flats a mile out of Potchefstroom. Mr.
Buckley states that on his return journey from the Matabele country
he found immense flocks of these birds frequenting the sand-banks
and grassy places along the Limpopo, and Mr. Frank Oates procured
a specimen on the Ramaqueban River in November. According to
Mr. Andersson this Stork is abundant at Lake N’gami and in many
localities of the lake regions ; it is also quite common during the wet
season in Ondonga and in Northern Damara Dand, sometimes
occurring in large flocks; and it is seen occasionally during the
same season in Southern Damara Land.

All white, except the wings, which are black; bill and legs red.
Length, 3’ 9”; wing, 1’ 11"; tail, 1’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Kur. vi, pl. 402.

706. Crconia nigra (L.) Black Stork.

The Violet Stork is not common, but generally distributed. We
have killed it at the Knysna, and Nel’s Poort (Beaufort), and have
received specimens from most of our correspondents, including Mr.
Chapman. It feeds upon fish, frogs, and crabs, and will take asmall
mammal if it falls in with it. It is solitary in its habits, more than
two being rarely, if ever, seen together. Its great height gives it a
command of vision which puts all the shooters’ powers of woodcraft
to the tax, to enable him to circumvent his quarry ; and if the bird
is only wounded, he proves no mean antagonist, striking fiercely
with its sharp-pointed and powerful bill at the face and hands of his
pursuers. On one occasion, having only broken the tip of a wing
with a long shot, we had to despatch our bird with half a charge of
dust-shot, so great was his resistance; he, moreover, as if aware of

730 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

his greater chance, took to the water, and would not be driven from
it. Mr. Rickard tells us that he once saw it on the sandy beach not
far from Port Elizabeth, in considerable numbers, there being some
twelve or fifteen.

General colour, very dark brownish-green, shot with green and
coppery reflections ; belly, thighs, and vent-feathers, pure white ;
bill, space round the eyes, chin, and legs, red. Length, 3’ 8”; wing,
DVO Seetanly is

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 403.

707. Crconta appar, Licht. White-bellied Stork.

We have not seen this bird from any locality, save the Zambesi,
whence it was brought by Mr. Chapman, who informs us it is excel-
lent eating, and is found in vast numbers about the borders of Lake
N’gami. Mr. Jameson’s expedition met with it on the Makara River
in January, and Mr. Ayres writes: “ From here all the way down
the Hart River to Spalding’s we found these birds by myriads
in large flocks feeding on beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
Although they were excessively fat, their flesh was not good eating.
We saw this Stork also in some numbers in Matabele Land in
December. They frequent open grassy conntry in the neighbour-
hood of rivers and swamps. On hot days they often soar to an
immense height, appearing as mere specks in the clear blue sky as
they wheel slowly round and round.” Mr. Frauk Oates procured a
specimen at Sibanani. The following note is given by Mr. Anders-
son:—* This somewhat coarse but handsome Stork arrives in
Damara Land during the rainy season, leaving it again on the
approach of thedry. The more plentiful the rain the more abundant
the birds, the cause being simply the greater abundance of food.
This species feeds largely on locusts, but devours with equal gusto
beetles of all kinds, many hundreds of which I have taken from the
stomach of a single bird ; it also devours small reptiles, water-rats,
fish, and frogs, but appears to prefer locusts when these are to be
had, chasing them on the ground as well as in the air. On such
occasions these Storks may be seen in thousands gyrating in immense
circles, and, as it were, in different strata, the lower frequently flying
within range of the fowling-piece whilst the eye rests painfully on the
higher as mere specks in the air.”

MYCTERIA SENEGALENSIS. 731

Senor Anchietahasalso procured it at Capongombe and Quillengues,
and at Humbe on the River Cunene; it is called at the two last-
mentioned places, “ Humbi-hwmbi.””

Above, greenish-purple; neck brown, with purplish-gloss ; all the
under parts white; chin, bare part of forehead, space round the eye,
and tip of bill, orange-red ; the rest of the bill greenish ; bare space
round the eye, blue. Length, 2’ 9”; wing, 16”.

Fig. Cretzschm. in Riippell’s Atlas, tab. 9.

708. Ciconta nPiscorus (Bodd.). White-headed Stork.
Ciconia leucocephala, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 315.

This bird appears rather frequently in Natal; but we have not
met with it in this colony, nor in any collection made to the west-
ward or in the Interior. It could not have passed us unnoticed, as
we are well acquainted with it from seeing it in Ceylon. Mr. J.
Verreaux informed us that he procured it in Algoa Bay.

Mr. Ayres states that in Natal it “ frequents the bays and swamps
along the coast (occasionally coming inland). As the tide recedes,
they wade into the water after crabs and small shell-fish, of which
(especially the first) their food principally consists. They are
gregarious, and not so shy and cunning as most of the Waders; the
flesh is coarse, and not good eating. The stomach of the specimen
sent contained a large quantity of the shells of small crabs, a few
small shell-fish, and a very few fish-bones.” Senor Anchieta has
met with it at Quillengues and at Huilla, at all of which places it is
called Hombo.

Violet-black, shining-green ; plumes of lower neck, blackish-green,
long, wide, truncated, violet-purple at the tip ; forehead, chin, and
neck, white; belly and rump, white; top and back of head, black ;
tail white ; the webs of the four outside feathers, black, shining
coppery. Length, 24’; wing, 183”.

Fig. Gray and Mitch. Gen. B. iii, pl. 78.

709. MycreriA SENEGALENSIS, Shaw. African Jabiru.

We saw a single example of this fine Stork on the Kleinmont
River, and though it never allowed either Dr. Atherston or myself
to approach within gun-shot of it, we scanned it for some time
through our binoculars. Mr. Ayres writes: “The Jabiru is a very
scarce bird in Natal; a pair are occasionally seen at low water on
the mud-banks in the centre of the bay, and when here they also

732 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

frequent the lagoons and marshes at the mouths of the rivers. If
one of the pair happens to get shot, its place is not supplied by
another, but the solitary bird may be seen feeding by himself, when
he attempts to make friends with the Violet Storks, which seem to
be rather afraid of their gigantic relation. Occasionally when the
pair are feeding together, they stop suddenly and skip or dance
round and round in a small circle, then stopping to bow to each other,
again resume their quaint dance. Their food consists of crabs,
shrimps, and small fish.” During Mr. Jameson’s expedition it was
seen but not procured in Mashoona Land. Sir John Kirk states
that it was not uncommon on the Zambesi and Shiré Rivers, but was
more frequent on Lake Nyassa and the River Rovuma. “ It feeds,”
he says “on snakes, frogs, and fish. On the Rovuma it was seen
catching fish in shallow water, by running forward rapidly, so as to
make the fish rush past it, when it caught them, keeping its bill all
the while in the water. They are commonly found in pairs—never
in large flocks.” Mr. Andersson saw it occasionally in Damara
Land and Ondonga; and the Rey. C. H. Hahn, a most excellent
authority, informed him that, when stationed at New Barmen, he
twice saw this species in that locality.

Senor Anchieta has procured the species on the bank of the
Cunene, as well as at Caconda in Benguela, where it is called Hombo.

White ; head and neck black, glossed with bronze-green ; scapulars,
and wing and tail-feathers, raven-black; base of bill to nostril,
bright crimson ; as is also the skin round the eye and under the bill
(the bill from the nostril for 34 inches is black; from thence to the
tip bright crimson) ; frontal shield, bright yellow ; shanks and tarsi
black; knees and feet brick-dust red ; the bare spot on the breast,
crimson; iris bright yellow. Length, 43’; wing, 23”; tail, 10’;
tarsus, 114”; bill, 12”.

The description of the soft parts is taken from a note of Mr.
Ayres. Mr. Gurney (Ibis, 1865, p. 275) points out that the yellow
eye is a sign of the female bird, and that the male has the iris deep
brown.

Fig. Temminck, Pl. Col. 64.

710. ANASTOMUS LAMELLIGERUS, T'emm. African Open-bill.

This curious bird is not uncommon about the Zambesi; and the
specimen from which the above description was taken was brought

ANASTOMUS LAMELLIGERUS. 733

thence by Mr. Chapman. We have not seen it from this side of the
Tropic; but we believe it has been found in Kaffraria. Hartlaub
also gives it as an inhabitant of South Africa. Mr. J. Verreaux also
informed us that he obtained it both at the Berg River and on the
Orange River. Major Feilden records an example from Ladysmith
in Natal, killed on the 8th of March by Capt. Thackeray. Its
enormous gaping bill, and the curious structure of its plumage, at
once distinguish it from all our other Storks.

In forwarding a specimen from Potchefstroom in the Transvaal,
Mr. Ayres says that it is scarce there, and again in 1871 he writes:
“‘This curious bird was shot by my brother on the 6th February,
1869, in a swamp within a mile of Potchefstroom. It was a solitary
bird, and before it was shot had been observed several days feeding
in the swamp, and alighting on the neighbouring trees ; its stomach
contained all the soft parts of crabs well broken up. A few days
after it was shot, five others were seen to fly over the town at a great
height. This species only occurs as a visitor in this part of the
country.” Dr. Bradshaw informed us that it was extremely common
on the Zambesi, and that the young birds were not bad to eat. Sir
John Kirk states that it was frequent on the Zambesi and Shiré, in
marshy localities, and breeding on trees. ‘This singular-looking
bird,” writes Mr. Andersson, “ is not uncommon in the Lake regions,
and it is also common in Ondonga, where it is found throughout the
year. It roosts on trees, and is sometimes found solitary, but more
often in large flocks. It feeds on fish, frogs, shells, &c. ; and I have
often found its crop and stomach crammed full of the bodies of shells
in the driest time of the year; where does it get them? It may be
seen poking about on perfectly arid spots; but neither there nor in
moister places have I been able to obtain a single shell by the closest
observation, or even by digging.”

A large number of specimens have been sent by Senor Anchieta
from Gambos and Humbe, where it is very common.

General colour black, shining green and purple, with the feathers
of the lower part of the neck, chest, belly, and thighs, lamellated at
their tips, and along the shafts : those on the back of the neck and
chest, deep-brown ; those on the body black ; bill very large and
gaping. Length, 2’ 9’; wing, 1’ 4”; tail, 9”.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 236.

734 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

711. Lepropritus cRuMENIFER (Cwv.). African Marabon.

The only specimen of this bird that has fallen under our notice as
occurring in the colony was killed by one of the Messrs. Bowker on
the Swart Kei River about twenty miles from Cradock. The head
of this bird is still in the possession of Mrs. Barber at Highlands
where we saw it. ‘This lady was present when it was shot, and tells
us it was feeding on locusts.

We saw it abundantly on the east coast; and a specimen in the
S. A. Museum was brought from the mouth of the Zambesi.

Mr. Ayres believes that he has seen it in the Transvaal, but no
specimen has yet been procured. During Mr. Jameson’s expedition
it was met with on the Umvuli River in October, and Mr. Ayres
writes: “Shot by Mr. Jameson while feeding on a dead rhinoceros
in company with a flock of vultures. I am told that this bird is able
to cut a hole in a dead Rhinoceros when the vultures cannot do so.
The Boers call it the King of the Vultures, and say that when it
chooses it will keep the latter from carrion until it has satisfied itself ;
but this does not agree with the experience of Mr. Selous and other
hunters. Although I have always met with it singly, Mr. Selous
informs me that along the Chobé River and the Zambesi he has seen
great numbers together; and my brother Walter, when living in
Pretoria, saw a large flock of them one day assemble just outside the
town to feed upon some mules that had died of horse-sickness.”

In his paper on the birds of the Zambesi region Sir John Kirk
writes: “ The feathers under the tail are much valued, but are never
collected in Hastern Africa. The bird feeds on fish, reptiles and
carrion. It is readily tamed, and is then of use near a house.”
Mr. Andersson observes: “ This species is met with in Damara Land
during the rainy months, at which season it is also frequent in
Ondonga ; and it is abundant at Lake N’gami throughout the year.
It is usually seen in flocks, sometimes upon the ground, and at others
perched on trees. It will remain for hours in the same position,
with one foot drawn up under its body ; and a number of individuals
seen in this attitude through the fantastic medium of a mirage present
a singular and ludicrous appearance. It is a true scavenger bird,
feeding on carrion, as well as on the most offensive offal ; but it also
captures living prey, such as fish, tortoises, and snakes.”

Above, dark greenish-black, slightly glistening; below, dirty

PSEUDOTANTALUS IBIS. 739

white ; head and neck bare; the back of the latter furnished with a
stripe of scanty woolly hairs: a few of these are also scattered on
the pouch which hangs in front, and on the bare spot of the breast
beneath it. In life, these bare places are of a bright carmine. The
bill is very strong, straight, and of a dirty yellowish-white ; the legs
and feet jet-black. Length, 5’; wing, 28”; tail, 10’.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 301.

712. Pseuporanratus Bis, LD. African Wood-Ibis.
Tantalus ibis, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 318.

A single specimen of this bird in young plumage was shot at
Nel’s Poort by Mr. Henry Jackson. A second example was received
from him in February, 1866. He states that he killed it on his
dam : it was in company with two others, who, moreover, would not
permit any approach after the death of their comrade. Mr. Ayres
writes: “This specimen was shot by my brother at Port Natal,
amongst the mangroves, at low water, on the edge of the inner
harbour; there were two of them; and others have been seen
at the same spot subsequently. This bird was wounded by my
brother’s shot; and as he approached it made a curious snapping
noise with its bill, but did not attempt to defend itself.”

Mr. Barratt observes: “I procured one of these at Potchef-
stroom, where, I am told, a few are sometimes seen together; but
in 1875 mine was the only specimen obtained in the district. It is
said that they inhabit similar places to I. ethiopica.” Sir John
Kirk found it common on all the rivers in the Zambesi district. In
Mr. Andersson’s “ Birds of Damara Land,” we find the following :—
‘“‘T have once or twice observed this singular-looking Ibis in Damara
Land, but I do not recollect to have met with it in Great Namaqua
Land. In the Lake regions it is not uncommon at all seasons. It
is generally seen in small flocks, either wading about in shallow
water or stalking leisurely on the adjacent mud or sand-banks, in
search of insects, larve, &c. When not molested it is compa-
ratively tame.” Professor Barboza du Bocage states that the
Lisbon Museum has received many specimens from Senor Anchieta,
from the Coroca River, Quillengues, and Humbe: at the first-
named locality the native name is “ Gangula,” and at Quillengues
“© Humbo.”

White; fore part of head bare of feathers, red; some of the

736 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

feathers of the wing washed with rose-colour or purple; wing and
tail black; bill yellow, and curved downwards at the tip; thighs
and legs red. Length, 3’; wing, 18’; tail, 74”. The young bird is
of a dull brownish-grey ; wing and tail black.

Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. 389.

Fam. PLATALEIDZ.

713. Isrts mrurorica, Lath. Sacred Ibis.

A few specimens of the Sacred Ibis or Schoorstein veger (lit.
chimney-sweeper), as it is called by the colonists, have come under
our notice, killed in the colony; one, a female, in fine plumage,
having been shot at Green Point, within three miles of Cape Town,
feeding about the rocks which line the coast in that direction. It
appeared in Mr. Chapman’s collections ; and he informs us that they
are very common towards the Lake. We saw a large flock of them
at Zoetendals Vley, in December, 1865; they walked rapidly about
a mud bank in the river near the mouth, probing for worms; and
we noticed that they turned about in the usual quick manner of the
Curlew. We were informed that they sometimes bred in that
neighbourhood. It breeds occasionally near the Berg River, but
omitted to do so the year we visited that locality. Captain Roe
brought us a number of eggs from Dyer’s Island on the south
‘coast. They are white, unevenly spotted, chiefly at the obtuse end,
with small dry blood-coloured spots. Axis, 2” 9’’’; diam., 1’ 9’.
Mr. Ayres met with it in Natal, and gives the following note:
“These birds frequent the Bay of Natal and the mouths of the
rivers along the coast. They are very shy. They feed with the
Curlews at low water on the mud-banks ; but where they roost I do
not know, though I have seen them sometimes sunning themselves
on the upper boughs of the mangroves, together with Spoonbills,
White Herons, &c. In their flight they usually form some figure
similarly to the Pelicans, Swans, Geese, &c.” In a later paper he
writes: ‘These Ibises are only here during the winter months, and
then they are moulting, so that it is very difficult to get a specimen
in anything like decent plumage ; besides that, they are extremely
shy and wary, tough to kill, and frequent such localities as almost
invariably to fall in the mud, which ruins the delicate whiteness of

IBIS MTHIOPICA. 737

the plumage ; they are gregarious, and may often be seen feeding with
the Egrets and Herons on the shrimps, small fish, and crabs which
abound in the little streamlets and mud at low water at the head of
the bay. The White Herons and Sacred Ibis are absent during the
summer; no doubt they then resort to their breeding haunts.”
Major Feilden states that when in Natal he saw a flock of eight
flying over Bennett’s Drift Camp, about three miles from Newcastle,
on the 16th of September. Mr. Ayres says that the species is
plentiful in the Transvaal, frequenting the swamps, in flocks of fifty
or sixty together, but he is not aware that they breed there.
Mr. Barratt writes: “I have observed these birds in flocks of
about ten or a dozen at the sides of vleys and swampy places near
Potchefstroom and towards the mouth of the Mooi River, where
their white plumage and black shining necks cannot but attract the
notice of the bystander. They walk about thrusting their long bills
into the mud, and then will stop suddenly, and appear to listen with
their heads on one side, when they fly off, and, circling round, alight
a few yards further away. They have their favourite feeding-places,
which I generally found to be in corners near the bends of rivers.
I have also shot them near Bloemfontein, and I have observed them
a few miles south of Pretoria.” Sir John Kirk states that it arrives
in the Zambesi from the north in December, being found at all
seasons near the coast, where it feeds on the sea-shore at low water.
Its flesh is very good eating. In Mr. Andersson’s work on the
“ Birds of Damara Land,” he writes as follows: “‘I have never
observed this species in Damara or Great Namayua Land; but it is
not uncommon in the Lake-regions, and is extremely abundant in
Ondonga, especially during the rainy season, when it is compara-
tively tame, though wild at other times. It is sometimes met with
in flocks of from fifty to a hundred individuals; it is a heavy bird,
and its flesh is good eating.”” Senor Anchieta has met with it at
the Coroca River in Mossamedes (native name, Deleca), and at Humbe
on the Cunene River.

General colour pure white ; the tips of the wing-feathers being
brilliant dark green, and the supplementary plumes assumed by the
male in his nuptial livery, deep rich blue and white, and very lax ;
head and the whole of the neck in the male, bare and black ; in the
female, clothed with short black and white feathers ; chin and space

3B

738 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

round the eyes, bare, black ; legs black. Length, 2’ 6”; wing, 153’;
tail, 7”.
Fig. Cory, Beautiful and Curious Birds, part vii.

714. Geronzicus catyus (Bodd.). Bald Ibis.

The Wilde Kalkoen (wild-turkey) of Dutch colonists is not rare
on tke eastern frontier; but seldom appears to the westward. We
are told it is a very foul feeder, frequenting the neighbourhood of
native villages, and acting the part of scavenger. It thrives well in
confinement, and becomes very tame. One in the possession of His
Excellency Sir George Grey was at large in the Government Gardens;
he walked with great rapidity, and was always seeking for food,
probing the ground with his long curved bill, and drawing thence
the large earth-worms, which he swallowed at a gulp. Mr. Albert
Vigne shot a fine female at Tygerhoek, on the River Zonder End,
near Caledon, in February, 1866. Mr. Ortlepp says, ‘ Specimens
that I have shot had their stomachs filled with caterpillars and
beetles; it breeds in cliffs.” Mr. Ayres gives the following note
from Natal: ‘These birds feed entirely on insects, principally
beetles. They frequent the open country, and are invariably to be
found on land from which the grass has been burnt; they live
principally inland, where they are very numerous, but gradually
approach the coast during the winter months. I have not seen them
nearer the sea than eight or ten miles; they are exceedingly wary,
and it is a difficult matter to get within shot of them, as they generally
prefer the bare open plains, without cover, to feed on: they walk
about very fast, and are constantly on the move from morning till
night. I imagine they must eat a great quantity of food, for they
are always in search it—not resting now and then, as all reasonable
birds do; they seem to have no time at all for amusement.” Majors
Butler and Feilden and Capt. Reid write as follows: ‘We were
somewhat astonished to hear that wild Turkeys were to be found in
the country on our first arrival, and equally astonished to find out
what was intended by the same. They are not uncommon near
Neweastle, several specimens being obtained in the winter. Reid
shot a lovely one at the Ingagane on the 7th July, and saw others
there ; he also observed them, paired, at Rorke’s Drift on the 3rd
October. They breed on the steep banks of the Buffalo or its

HAGEDASHIA HAGEDASH. 739

tributaries in this neighbourhood, as Butler heard of several nests,
some with eggs and others containing young birds; but we had no
opportunity of examining the nests ourselves. Butler adds that
he found them very good eating.” Mr. Andersson says that he
procured it on the Orange River, but it did not occur in his Damara
collections.

General colour throughout, shining-green, glossed with purple,
with a patch of rich golden-copper on each shoulder; head, and
portion of the neck, bare, and of a greenish white, the top of the
head bright red; as are also the bill and legs. Length, 2’ 6’;
wing, 16"; tail, 84"; bill, 5” 6’”.

715. Hacupasu1a HAaGEDAsH (Lath.). Hadadah Ibis.
Geronticus Hagedash, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 320.

The Hadadah (so called from its ery of ‘ Ha-ha-hadadah !”) is
only found in wooded places, such as the Knysna, where it is not
uncommon, associating in small flocks, and making the wooded
streams resound with its loud and not unmusical call. It feeds on
worms and small crustaceans, which it finds in the shallows and
muddy creeks. Mr. Chapman procured it at the Zambesi. It is
everywhere very shy, and difficult to procure, the best way being to
watch their roosting-place, to which they nightly repair, and where
several may be obtained from an ambuscade by a successful discharge.

Mr. Rickard says it is migratory, “‘ generally arriving at Hast
London in March ; in 1870 they were later than usual.” We were not
able to ascertain, but suspect that it was only a partial migration.

Mr. Ayres writes from Natal: “These birds are seldom solitary,
generally occurring in small families of from four to ten or twelve.
When feeding they much frequent the dense bush, and though
usually very wary, will sometimes allow one to walk right in amongst
them before they rise, which they then do altogether, and with such
a din as quite to startle even a person accustomed to such things.
Beetles and insects form their food almost entirely. They are also
fond of hunting in old mealy-gardens, and on the tops of high hills
and amongst stones and rocks, where they find food in abundance.
Their notes are loud and harsh, and may easily be heard at the
distance of a mile or more in still weather. At the earliest break of
day they leave their roosting-places, generally in high trees over-
hanging water, and return again as the sun is setting, or a little

3B 2

740 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

after, when they are easily shot, as the same birds always return
to the same tree every evening; and the sportsman being hidden
beneath, he easily loads his game-bag with them as they straggle
home from their day’s labour. These fine birds are now becoming
very scarce, in consequence of their habits being so regular and so
well known. They are very good eating when properly cooked.
Their nest is built on a bough overhanging the water ; it consists
of coarse sticks lined with a little fine grass; the concavity is
just sufficient to prevent the eggs, four in number, from rolling
out; year after year the same pair, if undisturbed, build in the same
tree.”

Majors Butler and Feilden and Captaid Reid have the following
note upon this species in Natal: ‘‘ Very numerous at the Ingagane
(= Black Ibis, in Kaffir) River; there is a favourite roosting-place
on a precipitous range of low cliffs overhanging the river, about a
mile above the drift, on the main Newcastle Road. Here Reid
obtained specimens, and had a good opportunity of observing their
habits ; but he was unable, unfortunately, to ascertain if they bred
there. As many as one hundred made use of these cliffs at roosting
time, leaving in small bands long before sunrise for their feeding-
grounds in the marshy tracts on the veldt, and returning in the same
order about sundown, uttering their loud and weird cries the while.
There were smaller roosting-places lower down the river, but the
species was certainly not common elsewhere in the Newcastle district.
We are informed on the very best authority that these birds are
most delicious eating, ‘fit for the Prince of Wales,’ as one man
described them ; and Butler also pronounces them to be excellent birds
for the table, in fact better than the ‘ Knorhaan,’ being more tender
and highly flavoured. Butler adds the followimg note on its nidifica-
tion: ‘ Found a nest at Colenso on the 13th November. It was an
ordinary stick nest, well lined with dry grass, and placed in the
fork of a low bough, overhanging a well-wooded stream running out
of the Tugela River, and about seven feet from the ground. It
contained three incubated eggs of a light dingy olive-green colour,
smudged over with dark brown, and very unlike the ordinary type
of Ibis eggs. The nest was solitary, and the hen bird flew off close
to me as I approached it, uttering its peculiar call. I saw no other
birds of that species near the spot, but they may, notwithstanding,

sometimes build in groups.’ ”

VALCINELLUS FALCINELLUS. 741

In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres records it as very scarce, but he
obtained a solitary specimen amongst the thorn-trees on the banks
of the Vaal River. Mr. Andersson says: ‘‘This Ibis is found
abundantly in the Lake-regions and on the Rivers Teoughe and
Botletlé. It feeds on imsects, but does not despise other kinds of
food; it is always observed in flocks, which vary from a few
individuals to a dozen or two in number. These birds roost at
night on trees in the immediate neighbourhood of water, which
they leave at daybreak for their favourite feeding-grounds; these
are sometimes situate in dense forest bush, sometimes in reedy
thickets, and sometimes amongst rocks. They always return to the
same tree at night, and thus often fall an easy prey to the marks-
man, who conceals himself in ambush within a convenient distance
of their favourite perch, birds of this species being much sought
after for their flesh, which is very palatable. When suddenly
disturbed, or when straggling back to their nightly quarters, these
birds scream most vociferously ; and during my arduous and
tortuous ascent and descent of the Teoughe, I was not unfrequently
quite startled by their dining noise as we surprised them in their
reedy resorts, or as we passed at a sudden turn of the river, under
one of their roosting-places which had been previously hidden from
our view. This Ibis builds on trees overhanging the water; the
nest is constructed of rough sticks, superficially lined with fibrous
roots, tendrils, and grasses, and is so slightly depressed above that
the hollow is barely sufficient to admit the eggs and to prevent them
from falling out. It is said that these birds, when not disturbed,
will nest in the same tree for several successive seasons.”

General colour above, dark brown, glossed with shining-green
and purple, especially on the wings and tail ; head, neck, and under
parts, dull brownish grey; ridge of the bill near the head, red,
the rest black; legs red-brown. Length, 2’ 5’; wing, 144’;
tail, 7’.

Fig. Vieill. et Oudart, Gal. Ois. pl. 245.

716. FancmeLtus FALcineLtus (L.). Glossy Ibis.
Ibis falcinellus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 319.
Hartlaub cites this as a South African species; but it has not
come under our notice, dead or alive; and it is quite familiar to us
in either state, as we shot many of them in Ceylon.

742 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. J. Verreaux tells us that he obtained it on the Orange River at
Zee-koe Vley, at the base of the Muisenberg, between Cape Town
and Simons 'Town.*

Mr. Ayres has procured it once on the Monocusi River in Natal,
but in the Transvaal he says it is scarce, and also very shy and
difficult to approach. “ They frequent swamps, generally in pairs,
and on being disturbed circle up to a great height in the air, and
then go right away to some other favourite marsh.” On the Zambesi
Sir John Kirk found it rather common, but a shy bird, difficult to
approach. Senor Anchieta has met with it at Huilla, in Benguela,
and at Humbe on the Cunene River, whence he has sent numerous
examples.

General colour, very dark brown, resplendent with iridescent-
green, purple, and bronze reflections; shoulders deep ruddy brown,
as are also the neck and under parts; the cheeks and chin mottled
with white. In some specimens the neck and under parts are not
ruddy, and the former is mottled all the way down.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pls. 71, 72.

717. Pxaratma TeNurRostris, Temm. Slender-billed Spoon-bill.

The only specimen we have seen was in the Grahamstown Museum,
shot at the Kariega, fourteen miles west of the Kowie. Mr.J. Verreaux
assures us that in his time it was common at the Berg River,
Verloren Vley, &c. At Verloren Vley it used yearly to breed, but we
think that it has now forsaken these localities. Mr. Ayres procured
it im Natal. He observes: ‘The stomachs of these birds were
crammed with shrimps. Of their habits I know but little: they are
gregarious, and are frequently to be found with the White Ibis and
other waders. They are extremely shy, and I have not had an
opportunity of seeing them feed. They generally fly in lines or
form the letter V.””. The following note is given by Majors Butler
and Feilden and Captain Reid: “ First seen by Butler, a single

* Tt is singular to notice the change that has taken place in the ornithology
of the country since Mr. Verreaux collected in it at the beginning of the
century. We found on going over our catalogue together that many species
common in his time had utterly disappeared, while on the other hand species
unknown to him as inhabitants of the Cape, are now abundant even in the
neighbourhood of Cape Town. This occurs among the marine species as well
as the land birds —F. LZ. L

—_

PLATALEA TENUIROSTRIS. 743

bird being noted by him near Newcastle on the 18th September.
Afterwards occasionally observed in the ‘ vleys ;? and a small colony
were found breeding by Butler on the Ist October, in a thick reed-
bed near the Buffalo River, on the Transvaal side, of which he
furnishes the following note: ‘ Found a small colony of Spoonbills,
five or six pairs breeding in a bed of bulrushes growing in a“ vley”’
near Newcastle, on the Ist October, 1881. Nests large, composed
of sedge, being built just above the level of the water and placed
within five or six yards of each other. All contained young birds,
either two or three in number, almost ready to leave the nest,
except one, which contained three nearly fresh eggs, white, richly
marked with chestnut-brown. The parent birds evinced great
anxiety for their young as they hopped out of their nests, on my
approach, into the water, flapping their wings and trying to swim,
and descended on to the nests fearlessly within a few yards of me.
In the old birds, as far as I could see, the legs and feet were red
or pink (not black, as in P. leucorodia), and the young birds were
white, with black tips to the primaries; bill livid grey ; legs and
feet grey. Not bad eating. The bulrushes, in which the nests
were found, were growing in water about three or four feet deep.’ ”
Mr. Ayres has sent it from the Transvaal, and Sir John Kirk states
that it was not unfrequent on the Zambesi and at Lake Nyassa.

Mr. Andersson gives the following note:—‘‘ This species
occasionally visits Damara Land, chiefly during the rainy season,
when I have reason to believe that it also occurs, though less
frequently, in Great Namaqua Land. At Lake N’gami and its
watersheds it is by no means an uncommon bird. It is generally
observed in small flocks; and where not much disturbed, it is not
particularly shy. It feeds.on fish, shrimps, small mollusca, &c. ;
and the stomach of one which I dissected contained a large number
of beetles, chiefly aquatic.” The late Mr. Monteiro met with it in
Benguela, and Senor Anchieta has procured it at Mossamedes and
Humbe.

General colour, white; the shafts of the larger wing-feathers,
and the tips of the first four or five, being dark brown ; fore part
of head bare, and of a bright vermilion; the bill very narrow, but
expanding at the tip mto a broad spoon. Length, 33’; wing, 154”;
tail, 44”.

744 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Fam. PHENICOPTERIDZ.

718. PHenicoprerus ERYTHREUS, Verr.
Greater South African Flamingo.

Our large Flamingo has a wide range throughout South Africa,
and has been killed, both in mature and young plumage, at the
month of Salt River, close to Cape Town. We are informed that it
is very abundant at Verloren Vley at certain seasons; and many
persons have assured us that it breeds there. Mr. Chapman also
informs us that both the Flamingos found in South Africa breed on
Lake N’gami, forming a large elevated nest of rushes, amid the
reeds that surround the lake. We saw it in great numbers at the
mouth of the river flowing out of Zoetendals Vley in November.
An egg, said to belong to this species, was presented to the Museum
by Miss Boonzaier, of Hoedtje’s Bay. - It is pure white, finely
granulated ; shell extremely thin: axis, 3" 9’ ; diam., 2” 7’”’.

Mr. Rickard has procured the Flamingo near Port Elizabeth at
the salt-pan at Bethelsdorp, on the Uitenhage road. Mr. Andersson
writes: “This Flamingo is very abundant at Walwich Bay, Sand-
wich Harbour, Angra Pequena, and the mouth of the Orange River ;
it is also met with in a few inland localities, such as Lake N’gami,
Lake Orondava, &c., all of which are more or less impregnated with
saline substances, to which this species seems to be attached. With
rare exceptions (and these not well authenticated, but merely sur-
mised from young birds being sometimes found barely able to fly)
the Flamingos do not breed in any parts of the coast above particu-
larized ; and, indeed, the only locality where I know for a certainty
that they nest is the inland one of Lake N’gami. On the approach
of the breeding season they leave the coast of Damara Land, and
wing their way to the northward ; they take their departure about
the month of February, and return about the latter end of October
and during November, the old birds being the first to arrive. The
Flamingo feeds both during the day and the night; but I suspect
that the latter is its principal feeding-time ; for about sunset flocks
varying from a few individuals to many hundreds may be seen
pursuing their flight in various directions, and their loud croaking

PHENICOPTERUS MINOR. 745

voices may be heard throughout the night. The favourite resorts of
these birds are shallows partially left dry by the ebbing tide ; here
they industriously search for the small crustacea, marine animalcula,
and sea-grasses which constitute their food. The Flamingo is
strictly a wading bird, but on rare occasions will make use of its
webbed feet by resorting to deep water, evidently for the sake of
the fun of the thing.” A specimen has been procured by Senor
Anchieta at Mossamedes.

General colour, pure white; the wings black and crimson; base
of the bill crimson; the tip black; legs lhight-crimson. Length,
4’ 6"; wing, 173"; tail, 8”; leg, 2’ 2”.

Fig. Gray, Ibis, 1869, pl. xiv, fig. 6 (head).

719. PHenricorrerus minor, Geoff. Small Flamingo.

Several specimens of this Flamingo have reached our hands from
widely different localities; and Mr. Piers informs us that they
approach the end of the continent as far as Vogel Vley, near
Tulbagh. It has also been observed at Cradock.

According to Mr. Andersson, this species is comparatively rare
at Walwich Bay and elsewhere on the south-west coast of Africa,
but at Lake N’gami it is more common. Senor Anchieta has sent
five specimens from the neighbourhood of Mossamedes. Sir John
Kirk gives the following localities: Zambesi delta, Shire valley,
Lake Nyassa, Mozambique. Hesays that it is a constant dweller
throughout the year in the Zambesi delta, being found in other
parts during the wet season only.

General colour, pale pink; wings black ; outside edges, deep
pink or crimson; bill, purple-pink. Length, 3’ 3’; wing, 14”;
tail, 6”; leg, 16’’.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 419.

746

ORDER ANSERES.

Fam. ANATIDZ.

720. PLECTROPTERUS GAMBENSIS, L. Spur-winged Goose.

This is the largest of our Geese, and is easily distinguished by
the strong spur on the end of its wing. Our descriptions are taken
from a fine pair, male and female, brought by Mr. Chapman from
the Zambesi. We have also received it from Mr. Arnot, who
procured it in Mahura’s country.

Mr. H. Bowker sent us eight eggs: “They were obtained near
Maseru from an old ‘Hammer Kops’ nest (Scopus uwmbretta) on
an overhanging rock on the banks of the Caledon River.” They
resemble ivory in texture and creamy whiteness. Axis, 2” 9’’’;
diam., 2”6’’’. Captain Trevelyan tells us that he met with a couple
of specimens about Peelton, six miles from Kingwilliamstown, in
1876, after some heavy rain. Majors Butler and Feilden and
Captain Reid state that they found it “abundant in the Newcastle
district all through one winter, and up to the time of our departure
in November. Numbers were shot and eaten, the young birds
especially being excellent. They breed, according to trustworthy
informants, in the long grass at some distance from water, but we
were too early for nests.”

Mr. Buckley during his journey to the Matabele country obtained
one specimen. He says that he often used to see birds which he
supposed to be this species in the marshes of the Transvaal. From
their colour they were very conspicuous, but very shy. In the last-
named country, Mr. Ayres observes: “This is the commonest of
our wild Geese, and is by no means capital eating, as the flesh is
coarse and tasteless, and the young birds have scarcely any meat on
them. Sometimes they are very shy, and at others almost absurdly
tame; as a rule, it requires heavy shot to kill them. They come
out early in the morning from the swamps and reeds to feed on
grass-seeds, and are often seen on the farmer’s corn-lands: if

CHENALOPEX AIGYPTIACA. 747

stalked in the long grass they will almost invariably creep away,
instead of taking wing; and unless the hunter has a dog it is no
easy matter for him to find them, as they run at a good pace, and
by the time he is on the spot, expecting them to rise, he sometimes
sees the head of one a couple of hundred yards off examining the
situation ; if the shooter squats when the birds are flying, they will
often come and have a look at him, and this curiosity frequently
costs them their lives. As a rule, they are gregarious, but are
sometimes seen singly, and at others in pairs; they breed away
from water in thick grassy or rushy spots, and lay a number of
white eggs with thick glossy shells.” Sir John Kirk states that
they are called ‘‘ Tsekire”? on the Zambesi. “They vary,” he says,
“from 10 to 14 1b. in weight. They come with the rains in flocks
of ten or twelve, and remain to breed in the marshes. Their
favourite food is the ‘Nyka’ or tuberous enlargement of the bud of
the Nymphea which they swallow. They perch on trees, and seem
occasionally to roost in them. In the daytime they often settle
on the trees near their feeding-grounds.” Mr. Andersson writes:
“This noble bird is not uncommon on the River Okavango and at
Lake N’gami; it is also found on the River Teoughe; but I am
not aware that it has been met with in either Damara or Great
Namaqua Land. It is generally found in small flocks, and presents
a conspicuous object when standing erect in the marshes to which it
resorts. It is said to perch and roost occasionally on trees.” Senor
Anchieta has sent specimens from Benguela, Huilla and Humbe.

Upper parts black, shot with bronze and green; wings mottled
with white; lower parts white, with patches of black behind the
thighs; the front of the head is bare (more so in the female than
in the male), granulated, and reddish ; this is succeeded by a white
patch, which does not extend to the top of the head, but occupies the
chin and part of the front of the throat ; wings armed with a strong
powerful spur. Female: length, 3’ 6’’; wing, 21”; tail, 7’’. Male:
length, 3’’; wing, 19”; tail, 6’’.

On the variations met with in this species and its allies see
Professor Barboza du Bocage’s note (Orn. Angola, p. 491).

721. CHENALOPEX mGypriaca (L.). Egyptian Goose.

The “ Berg-Gans” or Mountain-Goose is the commonest of our
Geese, and is found in considerable abundance throughout the

748 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

colony. It congregates, at particular seasons of the year, in vast
numbers in certain well-known vleys, such as Vogel Vley (Bird Lake},
Verloren Vley (Lonely Lake), Bot River Mouth, &c., &c. In these
places it sheds the wing-feathers and becomes unable to fly. It is
then much sought after, being very fat; but it dives with such
rapidity that even in this condition it is very difficult to kill. It
breeds in the rushes in these vleys ; but in other places, such as the
Keurboom River, in the Knysna division, it breeds in holes of rocks
or hollow trees near the water, and is said to bring down its young
on its back. The goslings dive as actively as their parents, which
show much solicitude about them, keeping with them until they are
fully grown; in fact, the little flocks in which they are generally
found consist usually of an old pair and their brood, from ten to
fifteen in number. ‘They are easily tamed, and a great ornament to
- a poultry-yard; but sad plagues to the rest of the inhabitants, over
which they domineer. They have a loud, harsh ery, which, however,
sounds well amid the wild rocky scenes where they love to dwell.
They are strong on the wing, and require a hard-hitting gun and a
charge of buck-shot, well aimed, to bring them down. Their eggs
are white, and small for the size of the bird, being: axis, 2” 2’;
diam 772

Mr. W. Atmore writes: “At the Zaurits River they breed on
ledges of rocks 200 ft. above the level of the water in company with
Vultur kolbii, and appear quite friendly with them.”

Large flocks feed by day on the wet grass lands about the Berg
River, always shifting their quarters as night came on, and retiring
to sleep in other parts of the vley. Becoming acquainted with their
line of flight, the Messrs. Kotze with ourselves laid in ambush for
them and succeeded in cutting a wide lane through the flocks with a
discharge of eight barrels. Next night they changed their line, but
we had anticipated them, and again thinned their numbers: the
third night they avoided that bit of country altogether, and fetched
a tremendous circuit to reach their favourite roost.

At Port Elizabeth Mr. Rickard says that he only saw tame
individuals, and does not know whence they came. Capt. Trevelyan
found the species rare near Kingwilliamstown. In Natal, observes
Mr. Ayres: “these Geese feed on the land early in the morning and
towards evening, and are fond of the seed-ears of grasses, which are
abundant at certain seasons. During flight they sometimes utter a

CHENALOPEX GYPTIACA. 749

loud chattering note. They are mostly found in pairs, but some-
times a whole flock may be met with. This species also occurs in
the Transvaal.” In the Newcastle district it was not seen till the
6th of October, when Major Butler observed several in “‘ Spoonbill
Vley.” It was reported to be extremely abundant in a large vley
just over the Free State side of the Drakensberg to the west of New-
castle, called ‘“‘ Seekoe Vley.” During his journey to Matabele Land
Mr. Buckley says it was “seen in pairs on the banks of the Limpopo.
They are very wary, and begin to sound the note of alarm long before
one can see them ; one which we obtained was shot from a nest in a
tree, where it was doubtless sitting on its eggs.” It was seen but
not procured in Mashoona Land by Mr. Jameson’s expedition. Sir
John Kirk states that it frequents the Zambesi and the Shiré Rivers,
breeding during January on the coast and inland on theislands. It
was always solitary or in pairs, never in flocks.

According to Mr. Andersson “ This is the most common species
of Goose on the waters of Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where
it remains throughout the year, and is invariably found either in pairs
or in small flocks. During the daytime it is not unfrequently to be
seen at some distance from the water. When on the wing it utters
a kind of barking quack.”

Senor Anchieta’s specimens are from the Coroca River on the
coast of Mossamedes, and from Humbe on the Cunene River.

Upper parts ruddy grey ; between the shoulders, finely variegated
with black, deepening into pure black on the rump, and brick-red on
the wings; on the closed wing, a broad white patch commences at
the shoulder, and extends half-way, when it is met by a brilliant
green patch ; near this junction the white is interrupted by a narrow
black line, which extends across the white; under parts ruddy grey,
finely mottled ; the centre of the belly least so; in the middle of the
posterior part of the breast is a patch of deep rufous; top of the
head, chin, and cheeks, dirty-white; base of the bill, a patch round
the eye, back of the neck, and ring round the lower part, ruddy.
Length, 28”; wing, 16”; tail, 5”.

The soft parts are given by Mr. Ayres as follows : Male and Female.
Tris dark yellow ; bill pink, with tip, margins, and base black ; tarsi
and feet pink.

Fig. Daubent, Pl. Enl. 379.

750 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

722. Nerrapus auritus (Bodd.). African Dwarf Goose.
Nettapus madagascariensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 348.

This lovely little Goose may at once be known by its brilliant
colouring, particularly by the green patch on each side of the neck
of the male. It is abundant at Natal, where a friend informs us it
swims in such large flocks, that he has killed from ten to fourteen in
in a single discharge of a common fowling-piece. Mr. Chapman
found it equally abundant in his travels to the northward. A fine
pair were killed by Mr. J. Nightingale on a small vley near
Alexandria in 1868, and presented to the South African Museum ;
it has also been obtained at Grahamstown and beyond the Kei by
Mr. W. Bowker. Captain Trevelyan informs us that he saw the
skin of one of these birds which had been shot in British Caffraria
about seventeen miles from Kingwilliamstown.

In Natal Mr. Ayres says they are gregarious, frequenting the lakes
and rivers near the coast, but Majors Butler and Fielden and Capt.
Reid state that they were disappointed in not meeting with the
species, and it appears to be irregular in its visits to Natal. Mr.
Ayres states that a pair were shot on the Vaal River in April, about
fourteen miles from Potchefstroom. Sir John Kirk writes concern-
ing its occurrence in the Zambesi district: “ Native name ‘ Sequiri.’
This beautiful bird is confined to lagoons near the rivers and lakes,
being very seldom to be seen on the main waters. It occurs in pairs,
and in flocks of from eight to ten. When disturbed, it flies along
the water, following all its windings, never crossing the country. Its
habits are entirely aquatic. It dives, and remains long under the
surface, and is very difficult to obtain when wounded, getting
entangled in the weeds at the bottom.”

Mr. Andersson says: “I have only observed this handsome little
Goose on Lake N’gami and its watersheds, where if is not uncom-
mon. It is met with in small flocks and is not very shy. It is
exceedingly fat at certain seasons, and is pretty good eating.”
Senor Anchieta has met with it at Humbe on the Cunene River and
at Huilla in Benguela.

Adult male.—Upper parts, shining black green, with a longitudinal
white stripe along the wing; under parts white ; chest, flanks, and
sides rufous, the first transversely marked with narrow black bars;
front of head, cheeks, and throat, white; top of head shining black

DENDROCYGNA VIDUATA. 751

green; on each side of the neck a large dead green patch, surrounded
by the black green of the head. Length, 14”; wing, 6”; tail, 2” 9’”.

The females and young males want the green patch on the sides
of the neck. According to Mr. Andersson the iris is ‘‘ bluish in the
male ; the bill rich orange, inclining to livid on the edges of the
lower mandible, the ‘nail’ of the upper mandible horn-colour; the
legs and toes are shining black, tinged with dusky yellowish on the
outer toes and the outer side of the legs. In the female the bill
differs from that of the male in the upper mandible being dusky olive,
with a greenish orange patch on the lower part of the base, and a
small livid spot on each side of the ‘ nail.’ ”

Fig. Daubent, Pl. Enl. 770.

723. Denprocyena vipuata (L.). White-masked Duck.

This curiously marked Tree-Duck (which is easily distinguished
from all other species by its half-white face) is occasionally met with
in Natal, to which place it doubtless wanders from the Zambesi,
where it is common. We found it also abundant in Madagascar, in
the swamps and rice-fields, and very easy of approach. The habit
of perching on trees resembles that of the allied D. arcuata of
India.

In Natal, Mr. Ayres says, it is gregarious, frequenting the lakes
and rivers near the coast. Mr. Barratt shot one near Potchefstroom,
where, however, it is rare. Sir John Kirk states that it is very
abundant in all marshy lands in the Zambesi district, large flocks
arriving with the rains in November and December, but the
species never entirely deserts the Zambesi region: it breeds in the
marshes and on islands. Its favourite food is the seed of the
Nymphea. During the night the various flocks pass to and fro,
uttering a frequently repeated clear whistling note. The flesh is
particularly fine; and settling in dense masses on the mud-banks,
they can be had in great numbers from a canoe while passing
the marshy regions, in which the large game are so difficult to
precure.

Mr. Andersson observes: “ This Duck, which congregates in
immense flocks, is exceedingly common in the Lake-regions and
on the River Okavango; in the latter locality it is seen most
abundantly during the annual inundation, when much of the
usually dry land which abuts upon the river is converted into

752 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

marshes and swamps. As these temporary resorts dry up, the
Ducks of this species move eastward, until they arrive at that
extensive flooded country which stretches far and wide on each
side of the Teoughe below Libebé. I have never seen this Duck in
Damara or Great Namaqua Land.” Senor Anchieta has obtained
the species on the Coroca River, on the coast of Mossamedes, and
also in the interior at Quillengues and Humbe. At Quillengues it
is called Imbanteque.

Above, brown ; the feathers broadly margined with dirty fulvous;
wings and rump blackish-brown ; in the centre of the back a rufous
patch ; centre of under parts immaculate black-brown; flanks and
sides transversely barred with fulvous ; fore part of the head, chin,
and spot on the middle of the throat, white, more or less tinged
with fulvous ; back of head and neck black ; front of neck and chest,
deep ruddy. Length, 17”; wing, 84"; tail, 3”.

Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. 808.

725. Sarcrpiornis arricana, Lyton. Knob-billed Duck.

This Duck may be at once recognized in the breeding season by
the curious flattened knob on the bill. We have received it from
Mr. Arnot and Mr. Chapman, who tells us it is common on the
rivers of the north. It has also been killed on the Kleinmont
River (January, 1868). Mr. Barratt obtained a specimen in the
Transvaal near Potchefstroom, and Mr. Ayres also procured an
example at a lagoon on Loup-spruit, about six miles from Potchef-
stroom. He says: “ It is the only one I have ever met with; and I
had great trouble to get it, as, after being shot, it flew into the
spruit, dived, and died on the opposite bank.” In 1880 he writes:
*‘The specimen sent is the only one of the kind that I saw amongst
the Magaliesbergen ; it came down to a shallow pool one morning as
my brother and I were at breakfast ; and he made a successful stalk
and floored it.” The late Mr. Frank Oates shot an example in a
tree at Mopani Pan, near the Ramaqueban River, in March, 1874.
He adds: “The dogs caught a young one in the pan, where I
suppose this Goose had its brood.” Mr. Jameson’s expedition met
with it on the Molopo River in January; and Mr. Ayres observes
concerning it: “ Rather sparingly distributed over this part of the
country. I saw several in February flying over the Hart River.”
Sir John Kirk states that in the Zambesi region it was “ found only

CASARCA CANA. 753

during the rainy season and the few months which follow, but was
not seen during the dry, hot time. It feeds in fields and marshes,
perching readily on trees. The flesh is good, more tender than
that of the Black Goose, but without the delicate flavour of the
Whistling Duck.”

According to Mr. Andersson, “this very handsome species is
common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land during the rainy
season, and is found at all seasons at Lake N’gami and on the
River Okavango. It is usually found in flocks, and may not
unfrequently be seen perching on dry trees near the water; its
flesh is very good.” Senor Anchieta has forwarded many specimens
to the Lisbon Museum, procured at Caconda (native name Violo),
Huilla, Gambos, and Humbe (native name Heubo).

Upper parts, blackish-brown, shining-coppery on the back, and
brilliant green on the wing; rump brownish-grey ; under parts
whitish; flanks grey; head and neck white, covered with black
spots, which form a broadish line from the top of the head, down
the back of the neck. ‘he male, in the breeding season, has a
large elevated flattened black caruncle extending down the centre
of the upper mandible. Length, 24”; wing, 15"; tail, 7”.

726. Casarca cana (Gm.). South African Shell-Duck.
Oasarca rubida, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 350.

The “ Berg-Hendt ” is readily distinguished by its rufous colour
and grey head. It is rare in the colony, appearing at odd times in
different places. We are told it breeds among rocks, and, like the
Dendrocygna, conveys its young down to the water on its back.

“Three specimens,” writes Mr, Ayres, “were killed by my
brother on a lagoon in the Free State; but birds of this species
also occur on this side the Vaal, where I have seen them, but have
never been able to get at them.”

General colour, rufous, inclining to yellow (fulvous) on the chest
and vent, and mottled with minute wavy black lines on the back ;
rump and lower part of back very dark grey ; tail black, shining
green ; shoulder pure white ; green patch on the wing, very large ;
head and neck ash-coloured, with a dark rufous collar. Length,
2’ 3’; wing, 15”; tail, 63”.

3 ¢

Pr
754 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

727. PacILONETTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA, Gm. Red-billed Teal.
Anas erythrorhyncha, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 351.

The ‘‘ Smee-Hendtje ”* is common and very generally distributed.
It is usually found in little flocks of six or eight individuals,
frequenting tanks and rivers. It breeds among rushes, forming a
large flat nest of sedge, and lays from six to ten eggs, similar in
colour and size to that of the Al. capensis.

To Kingwilliamstown, Captain Trevelyan informs us, it comes
down in fair numbers after heavy rains. In the Newcastle district
of Natal Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid state that it
“is not so numerous as A. wanthorhyncha, but is a well-known Duck,
frequently met with in small flocks in all the ‘ vleys,’ and excellent
eating. The sexes differ so much in size that we were inclined at
first to think there were two species.” Mr. Ayres has also found
them in Natal, inhabiting the lagoons, but not very common. In
the Transvaal he says it far outnumbers all the other species of
Duck. Mr. Frank Oates met with it at Mopani Pan, near the
Ramaqueban River, in March, and again in November. He was
informed that it was the common small Duck of the locality.

Mr. Andersson observes: ‘This is the commonest Duck in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where it is found throughout
the year; and it also abounds on most of the waters to the north-
ward. I met with several of its nests in Ondonga in the months of
February and March; the largest number of eggs contained in any
of the nests was ten. This species is usually observed in flocks,
and, where not previously disturbed, is not very shy or difficult
to obtain.” Senor Anchieta has procured it plentifully on the
coast of Mossamedes and on the Coroca River, where it is called
“ Deleca.”

Upper parts brown, tinged faintly with green, each feather
margined with pale pinkish ; below brown, each feather so broadly
margined with white as to cause that colour to predominate; head
and neck dark brown, the latter minutely mottled with dirty white ;
chin, and lower parts of the cheeks below the eye, white ; on the
wings a broad bar of pink, crossed at the upper side by a narrow

* “Mr. Fellowes tells me that Widgeon are called “ Smees” in some parts of
Norfolk,—evidently derived frem the old Dutch name.”—£. L. LZ.

ANAS XANTHORHYNCHA. 755

green line; centre of the bill brown, the rest pink; iris hazel.
Length, 184”; wing, 84"; tail, 3’.
Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 104.

728. Anas XANTHORHYNCHA, Forst. Yellow-billed Teal.

The “ Geelbec” is our commonest Duck, being abundant all over
the colony and South Africa generally. It is migratory, as indeed
are all our Ducks, coming and going with the waters. It is usually
seen in pairs, male and female, and exhibits all the wariness and
caution of its race. They breed in considerable numbers at Vogel
Vley among the rushes and and rocks scattered over that lake. We
are told that at one season of the year the farmers in that neigh-
bourhood assemble for a grand hunt after these birds and the
P. erythrorhyncha. The method of hunting is as follows: The
shooters are posted in different parts of this long sheet of water,
hidden among the rushes and the bush-rovered rocks which jut out
here and there in the shallows. Men are then sent about with the
long waggon whips, and with these they beat the rushes, and keep
up a continual cracking (and the crack of a Cape whip is nearly equal
to that of a gun); the wretched birds fly backwards and forwards
(having no other water within many miles), and as they pass the
ambuscades, are shot down; when the day’s butchery is over, the
dead and wounded are sought for, and usually fill many sacks.

They construct their nests in the dry veldt, at a distance from the
water, generally in a dense bush; the female sits so close that unless
hunted for she will scarcely rise. Her eggs, usually six in number,
are cream coloured. Axis, 2” 3’; diam., 1’ 9’.

Captain Trevelyan says that it is not uncommon on vleys near
Kinewilliamstown. Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid
state that in the Newcastle district “it was abundant in all the
vleys, sometimes seen in flocks of considerable size. It was most
excellent eating, and a decidedly pleasant change from our imprac-
ticable rations of ‘trek ox!’ Though we found no nests, they
appeared to be breeding in October.” Mr, Ayres gives the
following note: “I found a pair of these birds in November,
in the upper part of the Mooi River, Natal; and in the Transvaal
they are tolerably plentiful, inhabiting there in some numbers.
They frequently lie so close in the rushes, where the water is about

knee-deep, as almost to allow themselves to be trodden on. They
3c 2

756 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

build, amongst the high rushes, a substantial nest of dry flags,
well elevated above the water, and generally choose such lagoons
as will not rise sufficiently to flood the nest, except in the case of a
very unusual fall of rain. These Ducks during the winter moult
lose all the feathers of the wings at once, and then they take good
care not to get far away from the reeds and other cover, where they
hide with much cunning; a good water-spaniel is then useful, as
the birds, though moulting, are generally fat and excellent eating.
I shot several in this condition on the ‘ Barbel Pan,’ near the
Rhinoster River, in the Orange Free State, last winter.” It was
seen in Mashoona Land by Mr. Jameson’s expedition. Mr. Anders-
son writes: “ This Duck is somewhat common on Lake N’gami and
the Totletlé River, but I do not remember to have met with it
in Damara or Great Namaqua Land, though to the south of the
Orange River it is a widely diffused and common species.” Senor
Anchieta has met with it at Huilla and Caconda.

Throughout a light brown, each feather broadly edged with white,
giving the whole a scaled appearance; head and neck minutely
mottled with white; a broad green band, narrowly edged with
black, and again by white, extends partially across the wing; bill
bright yellow, with the tip and centre of upper mandible black.
Length, 22”; wing, 9”; tail, 4”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 96.

729. Anas sparsa, Smith. Black Duck.

The Black Duck is solitary and shy in its habits, frequenting
rivers, under the banks of which it conceals itself during the day.
It is scarce, but generally distributed. We have received specimens
from Colesbere and Traka, and heard of it at Middelburg, where
our late friend, Mr. Jackson, shot several specimens. It may be
distinguished from all other ducks by its dark plumage and abrupt
white spots. Mr. Atmore writes: ‘The common duck of the
Oliphants River—very shy—delicious eating.’ Mr. H. Bowker
sends eggs procured in Basuto Land, near Maseru. ‘Nest in a
mass of drift in an overhanging willow-tree on the banks of the
Caledon River. It was about fifteen feet from the ground and six
from the water in a hollow of the rotten wood under the wreck, and
lined with down from the bird’s own breast. There were only five
eggs in the nest, almost ready to hatch.” The eggs are similar in

QUERQUEDULA HOTTENTOTTA. 757

colour to those of A. wanthorhyncha. Axis, 2" 6”’; diam., 1” 9’.
Laid in November.

Mr. Rickard notes its occurrence near Port Elizabeth, and at East
London he says several were procured up the Buffalo River. From
Kingwilliamstown Captain Trevelyan writes : “The commonest Duck
of the Buffalo River, but they are not numerous: very rarely found
on vleys.” ‘In Natal,” says Mr. Ayres, “we seldom find. more
than two of these birds together: they frequent the rocky streams
in the interior of the country, and are by no means plentiful, being
exceedingly shy and wary. In the moulting-season we have shot
them so denuded of feathers that they could not fly a yard, and
depended for their safety on diving, and hiding under the banks,
at which they are very expert, and it is difficult to frighten them
from their hiding-places.” Though not obtained in the vicinity of
Newcastle, this Duck was rather common at the Ingagane River,
about twelve miles away, where Captain Reid shot several in June
and July. They were very shy, and generally found singly or in
pairs in the river, not in the vleys. Mr. Buckley only met with
them south of Pretoria. Mr. Ayres found the species on the Mooi
River, but not common, and he has also sent it from the Transvaal.
On the Zambesi Sir John Kirk states that it it was “‘ nowhere vely
common, but widely distributed, occurring in single pairs. The
first appearance is with the rains, and it remains to breed. After
the end of April it is not seen. The young may be obtained in
March.”

Mr. Andersson observes : “I have never seen this Duck in Damara
Land, and only on one or two occasions in Great Namaqua Land ;
but I have reason to think that it is less unfrequent during the
rainy season in some parts of the latter country, chiefly along the
southern course of the Great Fish River and its tributaries.”

Throughout of a dark brown, finely mottled on the head and
neck with dirty-white, and marked on the wings and tail with large
pure white spots; vent edged with white; across the wing is a
bright green bar, edged with black and white; the black nearest
the green. Length, 22”; wing, 10’’; tail, 5’’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 97.

730. QuERQUEDULA HoTrENtoTTA, Smith. Hottentot Teal.

Sir Andrew Smith, whose description we quote, states that the

758 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

only specimens of this bird seen by him, two in number, were
procured on a large vley about one hundred miles north-west
of Cape Town. This was probably Verloren Vley. We have not
seen it from the colony; but a mutilated specimen appeared in
Mr. Chapman’s collection.

In Natal Mr. Ayres states that this Teal appears singly or at
most in pairs. Lieutenant Giffard obtained it near Newcastle in
November. In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres says that it is tolerably
common about the lagoons near Potchefstroom and is found in pairs
and small flocks.” Mr. Andersson writes: ‘This is a rare Duck in
Damara and Great Namaqua Land. I procured more individuals at
Omanbondé than at any other locality ; several specimens have also
been brought from the Lake country.’ Senor Anchieta found it
abundant at Mossamedes and on the Coroca River.

Male.—Umber-brown, edged with lighter; crown, occiput, and
quills, dark brown; chin, throat, cheeks, rump, and under tail-
coverts, light brown; the last narrowly edged with darker; breast,
lower part of neck, and under surface, darker than on the rump;
abdomen barred with black; speculum and secondaries, bright
brassy-green ; the former edged behind with black, then with white ;
coverts brown, slightly glossed with brassy ; tail dark brown.

Female.—Like the male, but markings less distinct; under
plumage lighter ; legs in both sexes brown ; bill lead-coloured ; nail
horn-brown. Length, 13’ 9”; wing, 5” 8’’’; tail, 2’’ 10’’’,

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 105.

731. QUERQUEDULA CAPENSIS (Gm.). Cape Teal.
Mareca capensis, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 351.

The ‘ Teal-eentdtje” is usually confounded here with the “ Smee
cendtje,” in company with which we have shot it at Beaufort, the
Knysna, on the Cape Flats, and at Vogel Vley. At this latter place we
killed one near a nest which contained a single egg; it was probably
one of this species, and is of a dirty greenish-white throughout : axis,
1” 10’”; diam., 1’ 6’”’.. Mr. Ayres has recorded one specimen which
he shot in the Transvaal in August, and Mr. Andersson writes:
“This is rather a scarce Duck in Damara and Great Namaqua Land ;
but I have found it more abundant in the immediate neighbourhood
of Walwich Bay than elsewhere in Damara Land.” Senor Anchieta
has procured it on the coast of Mossamedes and on the Coroca River.

SPATULA CAPENSIS. 759

Head, ash-grey, profusely streaked with blackish dots; lower
part of neck and breast, ash-grey, profusely variegated with reddish-
brown broken bars, giving the plumage a scaled appearance;
feathers of the back, dark reddish-brown, each feather edged with
lighter ; speculum of the wing, bright green, edged with white and
black; shoulders dark ash; legs reddish ; webs dusky; claws black ;
bill red, the base black. Length, 19’; wing, 83"; tail, 22”. Female
smaller than the male.

732. CHAULELASMUS sTREPERUS (L.). Gadwall.

The late M. Jules Verreaux assured us that he once procured two
specimens of this bird on the Orange River.

The following description is taken from Macgillivray’s “ British
Birds,” vol. v, p. 59: “ Male with the bill an inch and ten-twelfths
long, eight-twelfths broad toward the end, black; scapulars and
inner secondaries elongated and acuminate ; middle tail-feathers
pointed, but not much longer than the rest; upper part of the head
and nape dusky, with small reddish-brown markings; lower neck
all round, and part of the back, dusky, with semi-circular white
lines; middle of the back, scapulars, and sides, finely undulated
with dusky grey and reddish-white ; smaller wing-coverts grey,
barred with pale reddish; middle coverts deep chestnut-red ;
speculum black and white; hind part of back and tail-coverts
bluish-black ; tail grey. Female with the scapulars, inner secon-
daries, and tail-coverts less elongated ; the upper part of the head
dusky, a lightish streak over the eye; the upper parts blackish-
brown, the feathers edged with reddish; the lower parts light
reddish, marked with oblong spots of greyish-brown.”

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vi, pl. 424.

733. SPATULA CAPENSIS (Smith). Cape Shoveller.

The Shoveller or Slop is rarely seen in the neighbourhood of
Cape Town, but it accompanied Hrismatura maccoa and Aythia
capensis when they appeared there in such numbers. Mr. L. C.
Layard captured a wounded specimen near the Salt River in
November, 1865. It is common at Vogel Vley, near Talbagh, at
the Knysna Lakes and at the Berg River, where he obtained eggs,
which are of a delicate cream colour tinged with green. Axis,
2” 2''’; diam., 1’’ 6’’’.. Mr. C. D. Griffith says: “It seems rare on

760 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the eastern frontier, but has been procured near Queen’s Town.”
Mr. Rickard tells us that he has sbot it near Port Elizabeth on the
Swartkops River. Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal, and a pair
were seen by Major Butler on a vley east of Newcastle on the 18th
of September. Mr. Ayres states that it occurs in the Transvaal.
“It is comparatively scarce,” writes Mr. Andersson, “in Great
Namaqua and Damara Land; but I have traced it as far north as
the River Okavango,” and Senor Anchieta has only met with it on
the Coroca River in Southern Mossamedes. )

General colour above and below, dark brown, each feather being
bordered with dirty white, thus imparting to the bird a scaled
appearance; shoulder blue, succeeded by a bar of white, and then
by another of shining green, on the inner side of which there is a
patch of blue; head grey, finely mottled with dark brown speckles.
The female is much less brilliantly coloured. Length, 21’; wing,
94°’; tail, 32’’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 98.

734, AYTHIA CAPENSIS (Cuv.). South-African Pochard.
Nyroca brunnea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 355.

A periodical visitant to this end of the colony. We saw a pair in
Zoetendals Vley in November, 1865, apparently breeding in the vast
bed of rushes at the south end of the vley. In September we
found it breeding at the Berg River. Eggs 5°8, pale cream colour.
Axis, 2” 3’; diam. 1’ 9’’’, It has been found on the Kleinmont
River by Dr. Atherston. Mr. Ayres has shot the species on the
Sea-cow Lake, in Natal, in November; and Major Butler first saw
it in the vley to the east of Newcastle, near the Ingagane, early in
September. He saw a brood of five or six young ones, about ten
days old, on the 18th of that month. Captain Reid observed three
pairs of these Ducks on a small open vley, close to the main “ drift ””
and Fort Auriel, at Newcastle, on the 7th of November. In the
Transvaal, Mr. Ayres says: ‘‘ This species is to be found on the
lagoon at Loup-spruit, where a few years since it was plentiful, but
has lately become much more scarce.” Mr. Andersson writes:
“This species is only a visitor to Damara Land, and, I suspect, a
rare one; for I only remember meeting with it there on one occa-
sion, when I obtained several individuals from a flock which had
settled on a vley, a day’s journey from Barmen. It is, however,

THALASSORNIS LEUCONOTA. 761

very common in the Ondonga country during the wet season; and
whilst I was there eggs were shown to me which were said to belong
to this Duck; and, though I did not succeed in identifying then
with certainty, I think it probable that such was the fact, as they
exceeded in size the eggs of Anas erythrorhyncha, from which they
also differed in form and colour.” Senor Anchieta has procured
this species at Mossamedes, on the Coroca River, and at Humbe, on
the Cunene River.

Male.—General colour above, deep brown, minutely variegated
with grey; below, deep brown, tinged with rufous, more especially
on the flanks and shoulders; lower part of the neck and breast
approaching to black, tinged with faintish purple; cheeks and sides
of upper part of neck, rich dark chestnut; small spot on the chin
and bar on the wing, white.

Female.——Throughout a lighter brown, approaching to white on
the under parts, and all tinged and blotched with dirty rufous ;
chin, anterior portion of throat, base of the bill, and stripe through
the eye, white ; irides bright reddish-crimson, Length, 19’; wing,
94"; tail, 3”.

Fig. Eyton, Monogr. Anat. pl. iv, p. 61.

735. THALASSORNIS LEUCONOTA, Smith. White-backed Duck.

This singular Duck makes periodical visits to the vleys in the
neighbourhood of Cape Town. It is found in abundance to the
northward, and was included in Mr. Chapman’s collection. Sir A.
Smith says it inhabits Verloren Vley, that great haunt of all water-
fowl, and other lakes on the western coast of South Africa, and
that it prefers diving to seeking safety by flight. We fancied we
made out a pair of these birds at Zoetendals Viey. We examined
them for some time with our binoculars, but they would not allow
of a near approach ; still the yellow patch on the throat was very
visible.

Mr. Ayres has recorded it from Natal, and Major Feilden
obtained his first specimen near the Buffalo River, early in Septem-
ber. It was common on the vleys near this river and the Ingagane
in October ; and Major Butler had the good luck to find a nest with
four eggs in one of these vleys. He gives the following note:
“Found a nest of this species on the 18th September. It was
built of sedge, and very similar to a Coot’s nest, but smaller, and

762 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

placed in thin rushes, just above the surface of the water, which
was about two feet deep, and about ten yards from an island in the
centre of a good-sized tank. It contained a single large greenish-
white egg, quite fresh, and the surrounding rushes were broken
across (no doubt by the old bird), and bent down over the nest, so
as to conceal its contents. On revisiting the ‘vley’ on the 25th
inst., I found another nest, precisely similar, about twenty yards off,
containing three fresh eggs. This nest was probably built by the
same pair of birds. The eggs were warm all day, and a small
flock, consisting of three or four pairs of birds, remained close by
constantly ; still we never saw the hen bird go to the nest, although
there were feathers in it and scattered about on the water all round.
I fancy they slip off the nest and dive, like the Grebes, the moment
they see any one approaching. Legs and feet bluish plumbeous ;
iris dark brown; bill dark brown, inconspicuously spotted on the
sides of the upper mandible; lower mandible pale brownish-yellow,
with base and tip dusky brown.” Mr. Ayres states that it is very
scarce in the Transvaal. Mr. Andersson observes: ‘‘ This is a com-
paratively scarce species in both Great Namaqua and Damara Land ;
but during one season I found it tolerably abundant at the large
marshy vley of Omanbondé, in the latter country. It is generally
found singly or in pairs. When disturbed it takes wing unwillingly,
and merely skims the surface of the water, settling again as soon as
possible; it appears to prefer endeavouring to escape from danger
by diving, in which it is very expert, being able to continue long
under water.’ Mr. Monteiro found it in the fresh-water lakes of
Benguela to the south of Mossamedes; and Senor Anchieta has
procured it on the Coroca River.

Back white; all the rest of the upper parts variegated with
fulyous, black, and rufous; under parts fulvyous, transversely
striped with dark brown, least so in the centre of the breast and
belly ; head and back of neck fulvous, profusely mottled with black
round spots ; front and sides of lower part of neck bright fulvous ;
chin and spot on each side at the base of the bill white. Length,
18’; wing, 8’; tail, 24’.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 107.

736. Erismarura maccoa (Smith). Maccoa Duck.

The singular rigid tail-feathers of this Duck will serve to

OCEANITIS OCEANICA. 763

distinguish it from any of the other species inhabiting South
Africa. It is found at Verloren Vley ; and Mr. Dumbleton informs
us that he shot a specimen at Victoria. Sir Andrew Smith states
that it dives with great facility.

In the winter of 1858, great flights of these birds, and of Aythia
capensis, appeared in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, and were
shot in considerable numbers on the Cape Flats, and on all the
vleys of the neighbourhood. Since that date only a few stray
specimens have made their appearance at odd times; and it may
be reckoned as one of our scarcest ducks. Mr. Ayres observes :
“The specimen sent I shot in December whilst standing up to my
middle in water and mud in a very extensive lagoon on the borders
of the Vaal River. It kept constantly diving, and did not attempt
to fly; but so quick were its motions, remaining not a second
above water, that I had the greatest difficulty in shooting it. The
belly was extraordinarily large, and the stomach contained water-
snails.”

Upper parts, chestnut-brown ; under parts and wings, brown;
head and upper parts of neck, black ; bill blue; tail-feathers very
narrow and rigid. Length, 17”; wing, 6’ 6’’; tail, 84". The
young male is beautifully mottled, and the female is generally of
an umber-brown colour, with the chin and sides of the head clear
white.

Mr. Ayres gives the following soft-parts :—The irides were
brown, the upper mandible black, the lower pale, tarsi and feet
dusky ash-colour.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. pl. 108.

Fam. PROCELLARIIDA.

737. Ocxranitis ocEanica (Kuhl). Wilson’s Petrel.
Thalassidroma wilsoni, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 359.

The accompanying description is from a specimen killed in Table
Bay on the 29th April, 1865, by Mr. L. C. Layard, who informs us
that he saw several more of the same species. We procured several
specimens off L’Agullas Bank in 1856, since which time, until
Mr. L. C, Layard found it in Table Bay, we had not seen them
on the coast.

764 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

In habits they resemble Oceanitis lewcogaster, with which they
freely consort, flitting over the waves and picking up odd bits
flung over the ships’ sides. When taken in hand they disgorge
large quantities of an oily matter, which quickly congeals, and
assumes the appearance of dirty lard. Mr. Rickard records it from
the neighbourhood of East London, and Mr, Andersson gives the
following note:—“ This bird is not unfrequently met with off the
the south-west coast of Africa, as well as in many of the bays and
inlets. I have occasionally seen it very abundant about the
fisheries at Walwich Bay and Sandwich Harbour, where these birds
would approach within a few feet of the fishermen, eagerly picking
up the smaller particles of refuse thrown away by them whilst
cleaning their fish on the shore.”

General colour throughout, brownish-black ; rump and thighs
white ; legs and feet black; webs between the toes yellow, edged
with black ; irides black. Length, 7’; wing, 6”; tail, 24’.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 614, fig. 1.

738. Oceantris Tropica (Gould). Black-bellied Petrel.
Thalassidroma melanogaster, Layard, B.S. Afr. p. 538.

Not uncommon off Cape L’Agullas and on the south-eastern
coast. While cruising with Admiral Trotter in the old “ Castor ”
frigate, the boats being always at our disposal, we obtained many
specimens of this and other species of birds inhabiting the Cape
seas. Indeed, most of our knowledge of our oceanic birds is due
to the opportunities so kindly afforded us by our kind and noble
old friend, now, alas! no more.

General colour throughout, brownish-black ; belly white, divided
down the centre by a black stripe; rump and sides behind the
thighs, pure white; legs, feet, and webs between the toe, black.
Length, 84” ; wing, 6” 5’”’; tail, 3”.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vii, pl. 62.

739. OckANITIS LEUCcOGASTER (Gould). White-bellied Petrel.
Thalassidroma leucogaster, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 358.

Obtained by His Excellency Sir George Grey in the Cape seas.
The only specimen that has fallen under our notice was kindly
presented to the South African Museum by Lieutenant-Commander
L. A. Bearsdslee, of U.S. Navy, and captured on board his ship, the

OSSIFRAGA GIGANTEA. 765

U.S. steamer “ Aroostook,” about 300 miles to the westward of the
Cape, May, 1867.

Resembles the preceding species in size and colour, with the
exception of being rather lighter, and by having the belly not
divided by a black stripe ; the toes also are shorter.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vii, pl. 63.

740. Procettaria penaaica, DL. Storm Petrel.
Thalassidroma oceanica, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 359.

A few of these Petrels appeared in Table Bay in company with
Oceanitis oceanica, in the month of May, 1865. Specimens of each
were procured by Mr. L. C. Layard and ourselves. We had never
seen either of them so near inshore. According to Mr. Andersson,
“this Petrel is occasionally seen rather numerously at Walwich
Bay, and is quite common off the rest of the south-west coast of
Africa.”

General colour of plumage, soot-colour ; quill-feathers approaching
to black; edges of the secondaries whitish ; rump and vent white ;
four outer tail feathers white on the inner webs, at the base; bill
and legs black; eye dark brown. Length, 6’; wing, 5’; tail,
Lae

Fig. Dresser, B. Kur. vii, pl. 613, fig. 1.

741. OssIFRAGA GIGANTEA (Gm.). Giant Petrel.
Procellaria gigantea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 360.

The Giant Petrel is common in Table Bay, and all along our
coasts, throughout the year. Though very plentiful beyond the
shipping in the Bay, it never approaches the shore or wharves—
certainly not from the fear of man, because when a boat cruises
about the Bay, it is sure to pay it a visit and examine its inmates
closely. A white variety is common up the west coast towards
Walwich Bay. It is called “ the Nelly ” by sailors. Some of them
have here and there a black feather. They breed on the Crozette
Islands. Eggs of this species measure: axis, 4” 3’"; diam. 2” 8” ;
pure white, rough to the touch, and rather poimted at each end.
They retain the strong smell of the bird for a long period. Mr.
Andersson writes: “ The Giant Petrel is not unfrequently met with
on the south-west coast of Africa ; and I have observed it between
the 26th and 35th degrees of south latitude. It is a most voracious

Ld
766 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

feeder, and hardly anything comes amiss to it; but it seems to be
especially fond of the abandoned carcasses of whales and seals.
This species pursues the Greater Shearwater, probably with the
view of compelling it to disgorge any prey that it has captured.”
Senor Anchieta has procured it in the Bay of Mossamedes.

General colour throughout, deep brown-black ; bill livid. Length,
2’ 10"; wing, 21”; tail, 11”.

Fig. latham, Gen. Syn. vi, pl. 100.

742. Masaqugus mquinocriatis (L.). Cape Hen.

The ‘‘ Cape Hen” is a constant resident in Table Bay, though the
majority leave us at one season of the year to breed. It cruises
among the shipping and wharves, looking out for stray scraps
washing about, on which it feeds. It extends far out to sea, and
may be met with for some distance up both east and west coasts.
It breeds on the Crozette Islands.

The eggs are pure white, rather rdunded at each end: axis, 3’ 2’;
diam., 2” 2’.

Mr. Rickard has seen it from the vicinity of Port Elizabeth.

General colour throughout, deep brown-black, with chin, and
more or less of the top of the throat, pure white. Length, 21”;
wing, 154”; tail, 64”.

743. AXsTRELATA MOLLIS (Gould). Soft-plumaged Petrel.

This Petrel is common along the southern coast of this colony, to
the eastward. It is found far out at sea, and its flight is peculiarly
rapid and graceful. It is generally seen in small companies, although
each appears to hunt, and dwell apart.

General colour above, dark cinereous brown, darkest on the wing
and tail-feathers. A narrow collar of the same extends across the
chest; forehead more or less mottled; under parts white, slightly
mottled on the flanks and under tail-coverts. Length, 12”; wing,
10”; tail, 54”.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vii, pl. 50.

744, AMsTRELATA MAcROPTERA (Smith). Long-winged Petrel.
Procellaria macroptera, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 360.

Dr. Smith states simply that “this is a rare bird in the Cape

DAPTION CAPENSIS. 767

seas.” We obtained a single specimen of it off the Cape in 1856,
while cruising in H.M. Frigate “ Castor,” with Admiral Trotter.

The whole plumage intermediate between brownish-red and liver-
brown ; several of the scapulars and interscapulars narrowly tipped
with yellowish-brown; the feathers of the head, neck, and body,
silvery-white towards their base, with a satin lustre; bill, rich black;
tarsi, toes, and interdigital membrane, liver-brown, the two first
tinted lake-red. Length, 17’; wing, 13” 9’; tail, 6”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 52.

745. THALASS@CA TENUIROSTRIS (Audub.). Smith’s Grey Petrel.
Procellaria glacialoides, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 361.

The type of P. glacialoides was obtained in the Cape seas by Sir
Andrew Smith.

Aboye, cinereous ; below, white; head and back of neck white,
tinged with cinereous yellow; the coverts of the primaries and
secondaries, outwardly ruddy brown, with the two last white; tail,
pale cinereous ; the sides of the body tinged with bluish-grey ; bill
above, purplish-blue; below, livid flesh-colour; top of mandible,
livid black ; feet, livid grey; Length, 18” 9’’; wing, 12" 4’;
tails oo

Fig. Smith, Ill. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 57.

746, Daprion capensis (I.). Cape Petrel.
Procellaria capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 361.

This bird, though common enough along the coast, rarely enters
our harbours, preferring the open sea for its hunting-field. At one
season of the year, about November and December, they disappear,
and the voyager finds the sea duller and tamer than ever. We
presume that they go off to breed; but where they select their
nurseries we know not.

On a recent voyage to England, we left the Cape at the end of
March: not a single Daption was visible throughout our trip; nor
indeed, after we left the land, until off Ushant, did we see more
than half-a-dozen birds in all (1866). On our return in November,
we fell in with one three degrees north of the Line!! We have
never before heard of this species extending beyond the Equator.
Mr. Rickard states that three or four were seen, and one procured on
the 12th of September, 1861, near Port Elizabeth ; the only occasion

768 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

on which he met with them in that vicinity. According to Mr.
Andersson, “this is the most common Petrel off the south and
south-west coast of Africa, but is rarely seen much to the north of
27° lat. It is pretty generally known as the ‘ Cape-pigeon ;’ why,
it is hard to say, except it be from its comparative fearlessness of
man. Their food is various, consisting chiefly of mollusca, including
such refuse as is thrown overboard from vessels, and sometimes also
the carcass of a putrid whale, which, when it occurs, affords to those
birds a welcome feast. They are voracious feeders, and will rush at
a bait with the utmost avidity, disputing fiercely with each other for
the treacherous morsel; they are thus easily captured with a hook
and line, and sometimes by a line only, if suddenly thrown over
them as they pass close under a vessel’s stern. Sometimes, also, they
become entangled by flying against lines which have been set by
the sailors for that purpose. When caught, they are exceedingly
awkward on the deck of a vessel, as they cannot rise, but attempt
to make their escape by running along with outstretched wings ;
on such occasions they frequently vomit large quantities of a
reddish-coloured offensive oil. This they seem to do from sheer
fright only. Sealers declare that the only locality known as a
breeding-place of this species is the island of South Georgia.” The
late Dr. Welwitsch obtained a specimen at the mouth of the Bengo,
and Senor Anchieta procured a single example near Mossamedes.

Upper parts, mottled black and white ; head black ; chin speckled.
Length, 15”; wing, 104”; tail, 4” 9’”’.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vu, pl. 53.

747. HALopmNA CHRULEA (Gim.). Blue Petrel.
Procellaria cerulea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 361.

The larger size and the white edges to the scapulars, the tips and
- two outer tail-feathers distinguish this species at once from all the
Blue Petrels inhabiting our seas. It is not uncommon along the
coast, and is occasionally cast ashore after a gale of wind.

Mr. Rickard says that one specimen was brought to him near
East London, which was being carried off by a Sea-eagle, having
been probably picked up dead by the latter bird.

Upper parts, darkish pearl-grey ; under parts white; scapulars
grey, darkened by a distinct tint of brocoli-brown; several of them
finely tipped with white; tail pearl-grey, the tips of all the feathers,

PRION DESOLATUS. 769

as well as their inner edges, white; lateral feather on each side, dull
white, with a freckling of grey towards its shaft; forehead, space
in front of the eyes, eyebrows, and sides of head, white; bill very
narrow. Length, 10’ 5”; wing, 84”; tail, 3’ 10”.

Fig. Smith, Il. Zool. S. Afr. Aves, pl. 53.

748. Prion vitratus (Gm.). Broad-billed Blue Petrel.
Prion banksii, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 362.

This bird occasionally frequents the bays of our coasts, and is
constantly to be seen in the Cape seas. Mr. Ayres states that it
has been thrown ashore at Natal, dead, in vast numbers. ‘The same
thing has occurred here several times. Many were thus cast away
at Green Point on the 21st of April, 1866 ; and a large flock perished
in a vineyard at Constantia, belonging to Mr. Cloete.

General colour above, pearl-grey ; back of neck and interscapulars
tinged with brown; lesser wing-coverts, and the ends of the scapulars,
ruddy brown; tail grey, tinged with yellow-grey ; the ends of the
feathers dirty brown; through the eye a stripe of purple, tinged
with ruddy brown; sides of the chest shining grey; below white ;
eye brown; bill livid brown towards the tip of the upper mandible,
clouded greenish-yellow ; feet ruddy brown. Length, 10’; wing,
eo tall 9%

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 55.

749, Prion DESOLATUS (Gim.). Narrow-billed Blue Petrel.
Procellaria turtur, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 361.

The shape of the bill, the sides of which are nearly straight, will
distinguish this from the preceding bird, which has the bill bowed
sideways from the base to the tip.

Sir Andrew Smith procured it in the Cape seas, and Mr. Andersson
gives the following note: ‘This species is occasionally seen in the
pays and inlets of the south-west coast of Africa, especially after a
storm ; but the open sea is its favourite resort. It sometimes settles
on the water, but rarely remains longer than is necessary to enable
it to fish up its prey. It will follow in a vessel’s course for hours
together, but evidently not with a view of picking up the refuse
that may chance to be thrown overboard, as is the case with some
other species, nor does it approach very close. It is a very powerful

3D

770 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

flier, and cleaves the air with astonishing velocity—now rising
suddenly, then abruptly precipitating itself to the very crest of
the foaming waves, and skimming gracefully over the intervening
troughs—its varied evolutions thus affording to the voyager a
constant object of never-ceasing interest.”

Above, bluish ash-coloured ; beneath white; space before the eye,
eyebrow, and lower eyelids, white; lesser wing-coverts, tips of the
scapulars, webs of the primaries, the outer vanes of the four external
quill-feathers, and the tip of the tail, dull reddish-brown; base of
tail cinereous; bill greenish-black; upper mandible at the point,
yellow-brown ; lower mandible livid ; feet reddish-brown ; eyes
black-brown. Length, 10” 9”; wing, 7” 6”; tail, 4”.

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 54.

750. Purrinus e@riseus (Gm.). Sooty Shearwater.

The following description by Sir A. Smith is taken from a young
specimen. He states that they are common in the Cape seas; but
we never met with them. Mr. J. Verreaux confirms what Sir A.
Smith says, but they seem to have entirely disappeared now (1871).
Sir A. Smith’s specimens are in the British Museum. Mr. Andersson
writes: ‘This species is common in the Cape seas; and I have
reason to think that it is not unfrequently met with off the coast to
considerably north of the Orange River. It is generally observed
in the Cape seas from May till September, when it retires to its
breeding-grounds.”

Above fuscous, tinged with yellowish-brown ; below cinereous-
brown; wing and tail-feathers, and lower tail-coverts, brown; bill
livid brown ; at the tip, yellowish-brown; front of the tarsi yellow,
brown behind, and externally reddish-brown; eyes brown. Length,
17"; wing, 11" 9%; tail, 8” 10”,

Fig. Smith, Ill. Zool. 8. Afr. Aves, pl. 56.

751. Drtomeppa rexuans, L. Wandering Albatross.

The “ Cape Sheep,” as it is called, is a well-known inhabitant of our
seas, and though it seldom ventures into the bays, it is sometimes
caught by the fishermen between Robben Island and the mainland,
together with the next species. It retires from our shores about
November, and breeds on the Island of Tristan d’Acunha, An egg

r

DIOMEDEA EXULANS. 771

brought thence by Captain Nolloth, of H.M. steamer “ Frolic,” and
now in the South African Museum, is of a dull white, minutely
spotted with brown at the obtuse end: axis, 5’; diam., 3’ 3”. We
were on that island at Christmas, many years ago; but woe still
retain a vivid recollection of the marvellous number of albatrosses
of all kinds which we encountered on our arriving in that neigh-
bourhood, and of the thousands that we found sailing about the
singular peak, looking at that great altitude (8326 feet) like mere
specks in the sky. Eggs have been brought to us by Captain
Armson from the Crozette Islands. This gentleman informs us
that they make no nest, but simply lay in a depression in the soil
caused by their frequenting the same spot for many successive
years. He tells us that the young birds remain for several months in
the nest, not eating anything, that he could ascertain, the parent
birds having long left the islands. However, this statement, though
made in full sincerity, may not represent the facts of the case. We
know that a few hundred miles of flight would be nothing to a bird
of such vast powers as the albatross. Nocturnal visits may there-
fore be made to the young, and entirely escape detection. This
appears to us a likely solution of the difficulty.

Since the above was written, we have spoken to many of the
sealers frequenting these islands. They declare that the albatrosses
visit their young daily, and turn them off the nests when the next
breeding season comes round.

Mr. Andersson gives the following note: “The thirtieth degree
of south latitude has been assigned as the northern limit of the
Great Wandering Albatross; but I have frequently met with them
off the coast two or three degrees further north. They are generally
observed at sea from April to October; during the rest of the year
few or none are to be seen, certainly none of the old birds, which
retire at that season to their breeding-places at the Island of Tristan
d’Acunha, Prince Edward’s Island, and the south-eastern part of
Kerguelen’s Land.”

Adult: general colour pure white, mottled minutely on the back
_ with wavy black lines; wings black and white, mottled ; tail spotted
with black. Young: dull brown, with white face and neck.
Length, 3’ 9"; wing, 2’; tail, 12”.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vii, pl. 38.

772 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

752. DromEpEA MELANOPHRYS, Temm. Mollymauk.

Very abundant in all our bays, and on the coast generally.
Hundreds are caught by the fishermen while out pursuing their usual
trade, and are sold for three-pence each in the fish market. They are
much eaten by the lower orders, and we are told are very palatable.
They retire with the preceding to breed, and their eggs resemble
those of the latter in every particular, save size, being: axis, 3’ 9” ;
diam. 2” 6". This and the next species alight readily on the water
to pick up garbage thrown from ships, and are easily caught with a
hook and line in calm weather. Mr. Andersson writes: “‘ This bird
is very common on the south-west coast of Africa, and may even be
occasionally seen close inshore. I have not unfrequently found them
in Walwich Bay, as well as in some other bays and inlets to the
southward of that locality. It is known to sealers and sailors by the
name of ‘ Mollymauk,’ and is very little inferior in grace of flight
and strength of wing to the Great Wandering Albatross. As far as
I have observed, it is more difficult to capture in the open sea than
that species; but it is frequently taken by the fishermen in the
vicinity of the southern coast, and exposed for sale in Cape
Town market. This species sometimes captures, by diving, the
molluscous animals on which it preys, but it seems to do so
rather from necessity than from inclination; and it will frequently
pursue some of the smaller allied birds, especially the Greater
Shearwater, when these have captured anything in sight of
their stronger kinsman, and compel them to disgorge their prey
for its benefit.”

Back, wings, and tail, brown black, the latter with a grey tinge ;
head, neck, rump, and under parts, pure white; a blackish line
passes over the eye. Length, 36”; wing, 21”; tail, 11”.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 246.

753. DiomEpEA CHLORORHYNCHA ((7m.). Yellow-nosed Albatross.

Not uncommon off the south coast, but it does not approach so
near to land as.the preceding. All Albatrosses feed much on squids.
From the stomach of one we took a hendful of their hard, horny,
parrot-billed-shaped jaws.

They breed on the Crozettes in company with the preceding, and

—_-

DIOMEDEA FULIGINOSA. OEE:

their eggs are similar. Mr. Rickard has observed it off Port
Elizabeth and East London.

Wings, back, and tail, sooty black-brown; the shafts of the
latter white ; the rump and the rest of the plumage, pure white,
with the faintest tinge of black for an eyebrow; bill black, with
a broad yellow stripe commencing about 4’” of an inch from the
feathers, and extending along the ridge of the upper mandible to
the tip, which is reddish ; lower mandible black, with the exception
of the extreme tip, which is livid. Length, 31’; wing, 19’’;
teem Wa

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 468.

754. DioMEDEA CULMINATA. Culminated Albatross.

We obtained a single specimon of this Albatross off the south
coast, while cruising in H.M.S. “Castor,” and for some time
confounded it with the preceding, with which it was consorting, and
agreeing perfectly in habits. We have never before heard of this
species so far north. On the coasts of Australia it is a common
species.

Upper part of back, pale sooty black; head and neck lighter ;
wing much darker, and tinged with brown; eyebrow, above dark,
like the back, below white; under parts, from the base of the neck,
pure white. Length, 30"; wing, 19”; tail, 11”.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vu, pl. 41.

755. DiomepEa FuLIcINosa, Gm. Sooty Albatross,

The Black Albatross, or “ Blue-bird,’ as the sailors call it, is
common along our southern coast, at a little distance from land. It
may at once be distinguished from Ossifraga gigantea by its wedge-
shaped tail, and when close, by its white eyelids. It is fond of
hovering over a ship’s deck, and we have obtained specimens by
watching our chance and sending a small rifle-bullet through them,
thus killing them instantly ; if struck with shot, their feathers are
so dense that they seldom receive a death-wound, but drift to
seaward and perish miserably. We have never observed any of the
other Albatrosses hover over the deck in the manner that this bird
constantly does : sometimes we have seen it almost touch a man on

774 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

the royal-yard or on the lift of the spanker. It seems actuated by
curiosity, turning its head from side to side, and scanning every-
thing with its brilliant dark eye. Eggs of this species resemble
those of D. exulans, but are smaller: axis, 4’’ 2’"; diam. 2” 6”.

Throughout of a dull sooty black, darkest on the wings; eye
surrounded by a white eyelid; bill jet-black, with a narrow,
yellowish stripe along the lower mandible; legs flesh-coloured ;
irides brown; tail wedge-shaped. Length, 33’; wing, 20”;
tail, 13”.

Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vii, pl. 44.

~I
Or

ORDER STEGANOPODES.

Fam. PHAETONTIDZ.

756. Puarron rupricaupa (Bodd.). Red-tailed Tropic Bird.

It is with some hesitation that we include this species among the
Birds of South Africa. A single red tail-feather was picked up on
the beach at Port Elizabeth by our correspondent Mr. Rickard, who
believes that it was freshly cast there.

Fam. PELECANIDZA.

757. Sura capensis, Licht. Cape Gannet.

The Malagash, as it is called by the colonists, or Common Gannet
of South Africa, frequents, in countless thousands, the whole of our
coast-line, breeding on the various islands scattered over the whole
extent from St. Ann’s River to the eastward of Natal to the guano
islands off Angra Pequina. It visits Table Bay in vast numbers in
the months of April and May, in pursuit of the shoals of fish that
. then appear on the surface, upon which the birds pounce with almost
unerring aim, from a great altitude, becoming entirely submerged
by the violence of their descent. We have never seen this species
far from land: they have invariably disappeared on the morning
after the ship’s departure, if standing off the land. Eggs of a
blue ground, covered with white chalk: axis, 8’’ 5”; diam. 2”.

Mr. Rickard records it from Port Elizabeth and Hast London.
He states that he has found a great many parasites in the air
membranes found in these birds. According to Mr. Andersson,
‘‘this is a very common bird on the south-west coast, and is found
far to the north of Walwich Bay, and from thence southwards to
the Cape of Good Hope. Its flight is very powerful and continuous,
and it also presents a very pretty picture as it rides carefully on
the foaming and crested waves. It is a most expert diver, and will
precipitate itself from a considerable height with fearful velocity in
pursuit of its prey, which it seizes under the surface, often at some

776 BIRDS QF SOUTH AFRICA,

depth. As it comes sweeping down, its wings are extended and
motionless, but it tucks them in a moment or two before it touches
the water.” Senor Anchieta has met with it at the Coroca River.

General colour throughout white; the larger feathers of the
wings and tail, black-brown ; the shafts of the former grey; those
of the latter white; head and neck, and particularly the back of the
latter, ochreous-yellow ; space round and before the eye, bare, and
of a dark-blue colour; a bare stripe of the same extends from
the angle of the mouth, on each side of the head, and from the
chin, two-thirds of the way down the neck; irides, pale fulvous ;
legs, dark livid-colour. Length, 36’; wing, 19’; tail, 10’.

758 PELECANUS mITRATUS, Licht. Mitred Pelican.
Pelecanus onocrotalus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 381.

Widely distributed, frequenting vleys and the mouths of rivers.
Generally associates in small flocks; soars to an immense altitude.
We have never seen it plunge after its prey. It swims with great
rapidity, and captures its food while sitting on the water. It breeds
on all the islands both to the westward and eastward of Tape Point.
Captain Roe brought us specimens from Dyer’s Island of old birds,
young birds in all stages, and eggs. The latter are creamy white
covered with chalk, but very smooth and satiny. Axis, 3” 9’;
diam., 2” 6’. The yolk is a most beautiful crimson colour, totally
unlike that of any other egg we ever saw. The young are dark
brown, almost black, getting lighter by age. Capt. Roe says the
old birds feed them with fish and young Cormorants and Solan
Geese, for which reason the guano getters smash all the eggs and kill
all the young they can find to protect the guano makers. Dr.
Gueinzius has procured this Pelican in Natal. Mr. Andersson
writes: ‘This species is very’numerous at Walwich Bay, and is
also tolerably common at Sandwich Harbour; but south of this port
its numbers rapidly diminish. On approaching Table Bay the
Pelican reappears and is abundant in many parts of the Cape seas
nearly inshore; it is also found at Lake N’gami, Lake Omondara,
and a few other localities in the interior.” Senor Anchieta has
procured a male at Humbe on the Cunene River.

Plumage throughout, white, tinted with rose-colour; the larger
wing-feathers frosted with grey, and some of the smaller with grey
edges; on the breast a tuft of stiff bright straw-coloured feather ;

PELECANUS RUFESCENS. 777

feathers of the head coming down in a point on the forehead; head
crested ; cheeks bare, and with the pouch, which extends half-way
down the throat, light yellow; centre of upper mandible, and base of
lower, blue-black ; the other parts yellow, with crimson markings ;
legs flesh-coloured. Length, 6’ 2”; wing, 2’ 5”; tail, 1’ 3”; tip of
bill to forehead, 18”.

759. PELECANUS RUFESCENS, Gm. Red-backed Pelican.

This delicately-tinted Pelican has several times been shot in the
neighbourhood of Cape Town in company with the preceding, which
it resembles in habits. We saw them both in considerable numbers
at Zoetendals Vley in October, 1865. They have also been procured
in Natal.

Mr. Ayres observes: “These birds frequent the bay of Natal and
the mouths of the rivers on the coast; their food, I believe, consists
entirely of fish. They appear to feed in the evening and early
in the morning, basking in the sun during the day. They are
gregarious, and may be seen in flights of from three to thirty, which
occasionally come inland. In such cases, although I have seen
them wheeling round and round close to the ground, I have not seen
them alight, but have watched them until out of sight. In their
flight they generally form the letter V, similarly to the Geese, &c.
They are to be found here all the year round more or less, frequent-
ing the most retired parts of the bay, and are exceedingly shy and
wary. The bird now sent, when shot, was only pinioned, and falling
into the water, gave me a long chase. It swam with such swiftness,
that by the time I got into my boat it had three hundred yards’ start.
There being a strong head wind blowing at the time, I had the
greatest difficulty in overtaking it, and rowed more than a mile
before I was near enough to give the bird a second shot, which put
an end to its existence. These Pelicans soar to an immense height,
wheeling round and round, especially when coming from a distance.
They appear to examine the waters well before they alight, and settle
far out of gunshot of any cover there may be.” Senor Anchieta
has secured specimens at Mossamedes and on the River Coroca.

General colour, white ; frosted with grey on the wings, tail, head,
neck, and belly ; tinged with yellow on the stiff feathers of the
breast, and with pink behind the thighs and all down the back ;
wing-feathers, dark brown; head, crested; pouch, yellow, with

778 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

numerous perpendicular crimson lines. Length, 4’ 7’; wing, 1’ 10’;
tail, 10”.
Fig. Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atlas, pl. 21.

Fam. PHALACROCORACIDA.

760. PHatacrocorax carBo (Linn.). Common Cormorant.

We believe that we have seen this species in Simon’s Bay. Mr.
Barratt writes: “I shot one of these near Kronstadt, Orange Free
State, the only one I have ever seen in that State or the Transvaal.
I found it resting on an overhanging branch near a small stream.
When I fired it dropped into the water and dived; on its rising I
gave it the second barrel, which brought it down.” It is as well to
note that there may be some mistake about the identification of this
specimen, as the Common Cormorant has often been confused with
the next species in South Africa.

According to Mr. Andersson, the true Common Cormorant of
Europe is at one season of the year not uncommon at Walwich Bay,
and from thence southward to Table Bay.

The following description is from Macgillivray’s “‘ History of British
Birds”: ‘‘Length about three feet; tail of fourteen feathers ;
imbricated feathers of the back and wings ovate, rounded, with silky
margins. Adult in winter crestless; the head, neck, lower parts,
middle and hind part of the back, greenish black, tinged with blue ;
the feathers of the fore part and sides of the back, with the wing-
coyerts and secondary quills, greyish brown or bronzed, with
greenish black margins; a greyish-white band on the throat, ascend-
ing to the eyes; some scattered, extremely minute, filiform, pencil-
tipped, white plumulets on the head and neck, and a few white
streaks over the thigh. Adult in spring coloured as in winter, with
the addition of a longitudinal greenish black crest, numerous linear
white feathers on the head and neck, the throat-band pure white,
and a roundish ‘patch of that colour over the thigh. Young with
the upper part of the head and the neck dusky brown, finely
streaked with brownish-grey ; cheeks and fore-neck, greyish-white,
mottled with brownish-grey ; a brownish white band on the throat ;
lower parts greyish white, mottled with dusky, becoming darker
behind; upper parts nearly as in the adult.”

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur, vi, pl. 384.

PHALACROCORAX NEGLECTUS. 779

761. PHALAcRocoRAX LucIDus, Licht. South African Cormorant.
Graculus carbo, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 380.

Not so common as the lesser P. capensis, but still in considerable
abundance. Its chief haunt is the rocky, lonely shore at the base
of Cape Point. It breeds to the north-west, on the islands in
Saldanha, St. Helena, and Walwich Bays, also on Dyer’s Island, off
L’Agulhas. The eggs are bluish-green, covered with the usual
chalky coating, much pointed at each end, and narrow for their
length. Axis, 2” 8’; diam., 1” 8’. Mr. Rickard has met with it
near Hast London. Senor Anchieta has also shot the species on the
Coroca River. :

Head and back of neck dark brown, with a tinge of rufous ; back,
sides, and flanks black-green; wing-coverts and scapulars grey,
edged with black-green, causing a scaled appearance, which is very
beautiful ; tail black, slightly frosted with grey; chin, fore part of
throat, and under parts pure white. Length, 27’; wing, 13’; tail,
7’, fourteen feathers.

762. Puatacrocorax necuEctus, Wahlb. Wahlberg’s Cormorant.

We have not, to our actual knowledge, fallen in with this
species unless the bird shot by ourselves and Commander Sperling
in August, 1867, in Simon’s Bay (“ Ibis,” 1868, p. 121), may prove
to belong to it. It is a species with twelve tail-feathers, which was
discovered and described by the late Professor Wahlberg, but which
did not occur to Mr. Andersson. Mr. Gurney has appended an
account of it in the “ Birds of Damara Land,” p. 368, and has
given a translation of the original description, which we herewith
copy.

“*Greenish-black, but cinereous-brown on the back, with bronzy
reflections; the feathers narrowly (1-14 millim.) edged with
greenish-black, rounded at the tips in adults, but slightly pointed
in younger specimens ; throat almost bare, but the space extending
from the angle of the mouth to below the nostrils feathered; the
sides of the head much feathered, but a black bare ring round
the eyes (2 millims. wide). Rectrices twelve. Iris ochre-yellow
in adult birds, but green on the lower moiety, in younger
specimens entirely a cinereous-brown; bill blackish horn-colour ;
feet black.”

Male.—¥Entire length, 715 millims.; expanse of wings, 1160;

780 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

bill, from forehead, 60; height at base, 13°5; wing, 273; tail, 130
to 138; tarsus, 55; middle toe, with claw, 82.

Female.—Bill from forehead, 56 millims. ; height, 13; wing, 269 ;
tail, 137; tarsus, 55.

763. PiaLacrocorax CAPENSIS, Sparrm. Cape Cormorant.

Graculus capensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 380.

Extremely common along the whole coast. We have seen it in
flocks extending upwards of three miles in length and a quarter of
a mile wide, across the bay, the hindermost constantly flying forward
and plunging into the sea as soon as the outside of the army was
reached. In this way the flock gradually moved out of the bay,
feeding as it went. It breeds on Pomona Island, and all the small
rocks along the coast, laying two eggs of a blue ground, covered
with white chalk. Axis, 2” 4’’’; diam. 1’ 6’. It is eaten by the
Dutch colonists ; and after soaking for a night in vinegar, or being
buried for a few hours in the ground, it loses its disagreeable odour,
and is not bad food.

Mr. Rickard informs us that it is common both at Hast London
and Port Elizabeth. Mr. Ayres states that thousands of these
Cormorants appeared on the coast and in the Bay of Natal at the
latter end of the year 1862, but did not apparently remain more
than a month. He was told that the coolies went with sacks at
night and caught numbers on the rocks at the bluffs where they
roosted. Mr. Andersson says: “ This is the most abundant species
of Cormorant along the whole south-west coast of Africa; indeed,
at some seasons of the year they may be counted not merely by
tens or even by hundreds of thousands, but by millions; their
numbers, in fact, exceed all computation ; for it is no unusual thing
to see a deep unbroken line of these birds winging their way for
two or even three consecutive hours to or from their feeding-
grounds. This Cormorant leaves Walwich Bay for its breeding-
places in December ; and during the nesting-season large numbers
are to be found on almost every suitable rock and islet from the
River Cunéné to Table Bay, in which situations, next to the Gannet
and Penguin, this species is the principal depositor of guano. Its
nest is composed of seaweed; its eggs are either one or two in
number, white speckled with pearl-grey and pale sea-green, and
about two inches in length.”

.

nn ee ee

Aes a — megan

PHALACROCORAX AFRICANUS. 781

General colour of adult. black-green; the wing-coverts and
scapulars very dark grey, narrowly edged with black-green; tail
black, slightly frosted with grey; chin bare and bright orange;
irides green. Length, 22”; wing, 94”; tail, 4”.

Young: throughout of a dull rufous-brown, palest on the neck,
and darkest and least rufous on the wings and tail.

Fig. Sparrm. Mus. Carlss. pl. 61.

764, PHALACROCORAX AFRICANUS ((m.). Long-tailed Cormorant.
Graculus africanus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 381.

Of this elegant little Cormorant, examples have come under our
notice from the interior. One was sent from Colesberg by Mr. Arnot;
the other appeared in Mr. Chapman’s collection, and was killed
on Lake N’gami. Dr. Eyton found it at Kuruman. Mr. Fred.
Barber also obtained it near Graham’s Town, but its great habitat
seems to be the Berg River. Here we found it breeding in great
numbers with the herons and other birds in Mr. Melck’s vley, in
the month of September. Its nests were built like the others of
sticks and rushes, and the eggs of the usual Cormorant green, entirely
covered with white chalk, similarly shaped and pointed at each end.
Abasy lo 43) diams; 1° 277.

It is a fresh-water living Cormorant, rarely going to the sea, but
Mr. L. C. Layard shot one in Table Bay. In Natal, Mr. Ayres says
that the species “‘ frequents the fresh-water lagoons on the coast.
Its flight is rapid and strong. When in the water it swims extremely
low, scarcely any part of its back being then visible. Both in the
air and on the water it much resembles the Anhinga (Plotus levail-
lanti) in appearance. _ It is a very superior diver, and feeds entirely
on fish: if disturbed, instead of diving, it generally seeks safety on
the wing. It is solitary in its habits, and, like the Auhinga, is
particularly fond of sunning itself with outstretched wings on some
clumps of rushes.” Major Butler and Captain Reid saw a pair at a
small vley, a few miles east of Newcastle, on the 25th of September,
and Mr. Ayres states that “‘ these Cormorants are tolerably numerous
about Potchefstroom, but appear to keep to themselves, for they
fish and move from place to place in a solitary manner, passing
along the river, generally high overhead, early in the morning to
their favourite pools, and returning pretty regularly in the evening
to where they sleep ; they swim very low in the water.” Mr. Barratt

782 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

writes: “I have shot them near Pretoria, and found them to vary
a great deal in their plumage. They dive with great rapidity, but
when first rising from the water are rather slow, so are easily
killed; but if they attain an elevation they fly swiftly and are very
watchful, twisting their long necks from side to side.” Sir John
Kirk states that it is “common on all the rivers, lakes and lagoons
of the Zambesi, breeding on the retired islets among the rapids.
Native name Chidankwee.” Mr. Andersson gives the following note:
“This Cormorant occurs on Lake N’gami and its watersheds; but
I have never met with it, except on inland waters. It feeds on fish,
and is a most expert diver. Its flight is strong and rapid; and it
perches on trees both during the day and at night. This species
feeds chiefly at night; as the sun declines it is seen in flocks flying
from its roosting-places to its fishing-grounds. During the day it
remains in great measure stationary, either lazily sunning itself on
some branch overhanging the water, or on a bunch of reed; or it
may be seen standing erect on a sandbank, with outstretched wings.
When in the water, it has the habit of submerging its body to such
an extent as to leave little more than the neck exposed.” Mr.
Monteiro found it very common on all the rivers and fresh-waters
of Angola, and Senor Anchieta has sent it from Benguela (native
name Kamakundi), the Coroca River, Huilla, Quillengues, and
Humbe.

General plumage black; back and wing feathers, light grey, with
a terminal spot, and sometimes a white tip; above the eyes in some
specimens a pale brown stripe extending partly round the head;
bill,and cere round the eye, bright yellow; irides carmine (F. Barber).
Length, 17’; wing, 84’; tail, 64”. Sexes similar.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. vi, pl. 386.

Fam. PLOTIDZA.

765. PLotrus LEVAILLANTI, Licht. African Darter.
Plotus congensis, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 378.

The “ Anhinga,” “ Snake-bird,” or “ Darter,” is not unfrequeut
in certain localities, among which may be mentioned chiefly:
Verloren Vley and the Berg River generally, the River Zonder
End, and Zoetendals Vley. In this latter place, we saw several
individuals, evidently building, as they carried long trailing rushes

PLOTUS LEVAILLANTI. 783

in their bills; but we could not discover their nests. They may
often be seen sitting on the “snags” projecting out of the water in
the still reaches of the rivers, off which they dive with such ease
and dexterity as hardly to leave a ripple to betray their departure.
At the Berg River we visited a “rookery” of these birds. It con-
sisted of about thirty nests, thick dense masses of sticks and weeds
resting on them, placed among the branches of some African willows
growing in water during the breeding season, and unapproachable,
but dry at other times. The eggs were of a green ground colour,
covered with white chalk. Axis, 2” 2’’; diam.,1’’ 5’’’.. They are
much prized as very delicate eating, and we must say with good
reason. Indeed, we ate the eggs of all the herons, &c., which we
procured at the Berg River, and found them first-rate.

Mr. Rickard has procured it at Port Elizabeth on the Swartkops,
and at Hast London on'the Buffalo and Katroon Rivers.

In Natal Mr. Ayres says that ‘“‘these curious birds swim so low
in the water that scarcely a bit of their back is to be seen, and
indeed hardly anything but their long snake-like neck and head,
which, as they swim, are moved gracefully backwards and forwards.
When in this position, the bird might easily be taken, by those
unacquainted with it, for a water-snake. This species lives entirely
on fish, and is a most expert diver. It is particularly fond, on hot
days, of sunning itself, with wings outstretched, on some bunch of
rushes or a log of wood. Its flight is rather laboured, yet the bird
is able to sustain it for a length of time. On being disturbed, it
frequently circles round and round the waters which it inhabits,
rising higher and higher at each turn, when having attained a very
considerable height, far out of gunshot, it will go straight away to
some other distant pool.” Mr. Barratt observes: “The Anhinga,
or Snake-bird, is found in certain localities throughout the Transvaal.
I have shot them near Potchefstroom and Lydenberg, and I have
seen them near Pretoria and near the Modder River, Orange Free
State. I have often seen them sitting on a dead bush overhanging
the water; but on shooting at them they have dived so quickly that
I have lost them, not being able to see which way they had gone. I
observed several in the Chalumna district, between the Kaskama and
Buffalo River, British Kaffraria.” Mr. Andersson believes that he
saw it on Lake N’gami, where it was procured by Mr. James Chap-
man. Mr. Jameson’s expedition met with the species on the Quae-

784 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Quae River, and Mr. Ayres gives the following note: “The Darter
is found sparsely on most of the rivers of Mashoona Land, but is
more abundant in the Transvaal and Natal. Beware how you handle
a wounded bird. One made a sudden dart at my eye, and it was
only by the merest instinct of self-preservation that I put my hand
up in time to receive the thrust. The upper mandible pierced with
great force the bone of my thumb, and the bill being serrated stuck
there amongst the muscles, giving considerable pain, and I had to
pull hard to get it out.” Sir John Kirk states that it is found in
the Zambesi “in all waters, from the coast to the interior, to be
seen sunning its wings on rocks or trees; on the least danger
betaking to the water. The plumage varies very much; sometimes
it is of a rich glossy black, at other times of a rich brown. Its food
consists entirely of fish, which it catches under water, coming to
the surface before swallowing it.” Senor Anchieta has procured
specimens at Benguela, on the Coroca River, at Mossamedes and
at Humbe on the Cunene.

General colour, black, shining-green on the back and shoulders,
longitudinally striped with fulvous, that colour occupying tho centre
of each feather; neck and head rufous-brown; black lines extend
from the back of the eye, down the sides of the neck, becoming
fainter as they descend, and coalescing at the base of the neck ;
below this line, but only extending to one-third the distance, is a
pure white line; tail and wing feathers, black: the former very
stiff; the two centre ones corrugated. Length, 36’; wing, 13’;
teal, 10":9""".

The plumage in this species, as with the Cormorants, varies much
with age. ‘

Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. 107.

‘
ig

ORDER PYGOPODES.

Fam. PODICEPITIDZ.

766. Popiceps crisratus, D. Great Crested Grebe.

The Crested Grebe is common on all our vleys. It breeds in
companies, six or eight nests generally appearing within a few
yards of each other; these are built on the water—a mere flat form
of sedge, generally damp throughout ; indeed, we remarked that
every egg taken by us at Zoetendals Vley was wet. This might
have been caused, however, by the wet water-weed with which each
bird carefully covered her eggs as we approached the nest. We
watched three birds perform this manceuvre through our binoculars.
They slid off their nests and rapidly picked up the floating weed,
which they carefully disposed over the eggs, so as completely to
hide them from view. We examined some fifteen or twenty nests,
each one of which was thus covered. We never found more than
three eggs in each nest, of a dirty chalky texture. Axis, 2"; diam.,
17’. ‘he bird feeds on small fish and water-insects. Mr. Pratt
shot a specimen near Pretoria, and Mr. Ayres has met with it once
in the Transvaal. He says: “This bird was brought to me alive
one day in April by a Caffre; he stated that he had chased it
amongst the reeds in shallow water, and so caught it. It is the
first specimen I have met with in the Transvaal.” Mr. Andersson
writes: ‘I have only observed this handsome species on the sea-
coast, chiefly at or near Walwich Bay, and there by no means
numerously. It is seldom that more than three or four of these
Grebes are seen together, and generally not so many. They are
rather wary, but may nevertheless be successfully surprised if the
sportsman is acquainted with their habits. Not unfrequently they
may be seen asleep on the water, when, of course, it does not
require much art to secure them. It is, however, a bad plan to fire
at them in such a position, as there is then but a small portion of the
body exposed to view ; it is best to startle the birds lightly, when
they immediately stretch forth their long necks to the full extent,

3 2

Foe
786 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

besides considerably raising the body. If these birds are seen
swimming in deep water, but within gunshot of the shore, the
gunner should run as fast as possible straight for the birds, and as
far as the land will allow him, when they rarely take wing, but
appear surprised and half-stupified. When fired at they dive if not
killed, but generally reappear within range for a second or even a
third shot. In shallow water, however, they are difficult to reach,
as in such positions they take wing at once on the slightest approach
of danger. I dissected all the specimens which I obtained, and
invariably found that the stomach contained scarcely anything but
fine sea-grasses; this species does, however, feed on shrimps, sea-
lice, small mollusca, &c.”

General colour above, greyish-black, tinged with rufous; on the
wing a large white patch; under parts pure white; greyish on the
breast and flanks ; head ornamented with a double crest, and throat
with a large ruff; top of the head, crest, back of neck, anterior and
lower portion of neck ruff shining black, tinged here and there with
rufous; chin white, changing into golden-yellow and rufous on the
ruff; below the ruff white, tinged with rufous; tail spurious; iris
red. Length, 20’; wing, 74”.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 619.

767. Popicers niakicotiis, Sund. Eared Grebe.
Podiceps auritus, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 374.

The Eared Grebe was unknown to us as an inhabitant of South
Africa until the year 1859, when, having an opportunity of visiting
Vogel Vley, in the Wellington district, we found it breeding in
considerable numbers amid the rushes that border portions of that
lake. Hach pair seemed to keep guard over its special province,
and never to stray to any distance from the haunt. The nest was
constructed of sedge, and was a large compact structure; the eggs,
four or five in number, are chalky white. Mr. Ayres states that it
breeds in the Transvaal ‘“‘in December, in most of the shallow
lagoons, in from two to three feet of water, amongst the rushes.
The nests, which float on the water, are formed of a mass of rushes
built in a conical form, about a foot in diameter, and two or three
inches out of the water. On leaving the nest, the old bird always
carefully covers the eggs with rushes ; and any person unacquainted
with this habit would pass the nest as an unsightly heap of rotten

PODICEPS MINOR. 787

weed. The eggs, from three to five in number, are frequently much
discoloured from being half immersed in water; but this does not
appear in any way to injure them or to prevent them from hatching
in the usual way. The young birds are beautiful little downy crea-
tures, striped brown and black on the back and white and black on
the chin and throat, their bodies being pure white.” Mr. Andersson
says: “The only locality in Damara Land in which I have met
with this species is Walwich Bay, where, however, it is a rare bird.”
A single example was procured by the late Mr. Sala at Katumbella,
in Benguela.

General colour greyish-black, tinged on the sides with rufous ;
beneath, from the centre of the breast to the vent, satiny white ;
behind the eye, over the ear, a tuft of longish ‘ reddish-yellow
feathers; patch on the wing white. Length, 13’; wing, 5’; tail
spurious.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 682.

768. Popicrrs minor, D. Little Grebe.

Not uncommon throughout the colony, frequenting still “reaches”
(here called ‘‘ zeekoe gaten,” seacow-holes in the rivers) and all the
vleys. Young birds have been brought to us. We never knew the
nest to have been taken here; but in Ceylon we have found those of
an allied species (P. philippensis), constructed of sedge, and closely
resembling those of P. cristatus in all but size—the eggs pointed at
both ends, and chalky- white.

Mr. Rickard has met with it both at Port Elizabeth and East
London, and Captain Trevelyan records it as common near King-
williamstown. In Natal, writes Mr. Ayres, “these Grebes are
common in the lagoons, and are occasionally found in the rocky
streams inland ; they are almost always in pairs, and appear to be
somewhat pugnacious and fond of chasing each other about. The
stomachs of three which I shot all contained insects, but no signs of
fish, although the waters were swarming with them.” Majors Butler
and Feilden and Captain Reid state that it was common on all the
larger vleys near Newcastle in October and November. Mr. Ayres
has sent skins from Natal, and Mr. Barratt also states that he
saw it near Potchefstroom and at the mouth of the Mooi River.
Mr. Frank Oates procured specimens at the Tchakani Vley in May,
and at Tamasancha in December. Mr, Andersson gives the following

3 Ez 2

788 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

note: “I have repeatedly shot this diminutive Grebe at Lake
N’gami, Otjikoto, Omanbondé, and Walwich Bay, but have nowhere
found it abundant, except in the vleys of the Ondonga country,
where it breeds in vast numbers. Its eggs are from four to six
in number and of a dirty white. The nest is a mass of weeds and
grasses, and lies on the water. The eggs are always found covered
over, often several inches deep. Out of the numerous nests I have
taken and seen, in no one instance (except where the nest contained
only one or two eggs) did I find the eggs uncovered ; and the
covering is so complete and regular that it is not possible that it ean
be the work of an instant or performed whilst the bird was making
a hurried retreat from its nest.” Mr. Monteiro says it is abundant
in the fresh-water lakes of Angola, and Senor Anchieta has procured
it at Benguela and Mossamedes.

Upper parts, top of head, chin, and back of neck, greenish-black ;
rest of neck deep-rufous; breast brownish-grey ; flanks the same,
tinged with rufous; under parts satiny-white; all the plumage
lustrous, and very dense, more like hair than feathers ; eyebrow and
tip of bill, clear horn-coloured ; base bright green. Length, 10";
wing, 4”; tail spurious.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. viii, pl. 633.

a

ORDER IMPENNES.

Fam. SPHENISCIDZ.

769. SpHENtscus Demursus (Linn.). Cape Penguin.

The whole plumage is of a stiff character, resembling strips of
whalebone. The wings are mere paddles for progression under
water, and are incapable of flight—the feet placed so far back as to
cause the bird to appear always falling backwards if it attempts to
stand on dry land. This singular bird is very common on all our
coasts, swimming to great distances out to sea. It breeds on rocky
islets, in the months of August, September, and October. Through
the kindness of our dear and valued friend, the late Admiral Trotter,
we once had the pleasure of visiting a breeding-place of this bird,
Seal Island, a lonely rock in the centre of False Bay. It can only
be approached in certain winds, as the surf breaks on it with great
violence. The Penguins occupy the lower ledges by hundreds,
having dug their holes among the rocks. As we walked over the
stones, the birds rushed out at us, snapping at our legs, and
drawing blood plentifully from the naked feet of the sailors, in
defence of their one large solitary white ege, which is laid on
the bare ground, without any protection from the damp—axis, 2”9’";
diam., 2’”’—abruptly pointed at the small end. When not sitting on
their eggs, they stand upright on the rocks in long rows, balanced
on their stiff tails. They feed exclusively on fish, which they
overtake beneath the surface by their swiftness in swimming.

Mr. Rickard records it both from Port Elizabeth and Hast
London. Mr. Andersson writes as follows: “This is the only
description of Penguin found on the south-west coast of Africa; but
if this coast-line lacks variety in this genus, the deficiency is in some
measure compensated by the great abundance of this particular
species, which is found on almost all parts of the coast from the
Cape of Good Hope to Walwich Bay. How much further it may
extend to the north I cannot say. This species is known to sea-
faring men as the ‘ Jackass Penguin,’ and its most favourite

790 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

resorts are the Ichaboe, Mercury, Hollanis-bird, and Possession
Islands. From the latter end of March to late in May these
Penguins go to sea in a body, and may then be seen forty or fifty
miles away from land.

General colour, bluish-grey ; below white; a band, the colour of
the back, extends from the front of each thigh, up the flanks and
sides, passes in front of the root of the wings, and forms an arch at
the base of the neck; a patch of the same colour includes the eye,
ear, chin, and a portion of the side of the neck. Length, 26”;
wing, 7’ 3”; tail, 1”.

Fig. Temm. Pl. Col. 382.

770. Evupypres curysoLopnus, Brandt. Macaroni Penguin.

The late M. Jules Verreaux assured us that in the year 1828 or
1829 he found vast numbers of a Penguin dead on the rocks at
Cape Point. One was brought to us nearly dead in 1868 which had
been captured in Table Bay. He gave us the name of the Penguin
observed by him #. chrysochome, but we believe that the species
which he records was in all probability the present bird.

Fig. Sclater, Rep. Voy. “ Challenger,” II, pl. 29.

791

ORDER RATITA.

Fam. STRUTHIONIDZA.

771. SrRUTHIO AUSTRALIS, Gurney. Southern Ostrich.

It is beyond the limits of the present work to enter largely into
the natural history of the Ostriches, since that bird has been so
freely domesticated in Southern Africa. The subject is fully treated
by Messrs. Harting and Mosenthal in their interesting work on
“‘ Ostriches and Ostrich-farming,” to which the latter has contri-
buted an excellent account of the domestication of the bird. Since
then another practical work on the subject has been published by
Mr. J. W. Douglas. We would, however, remind our readers that
the range of the wild Ostriches in South Africa is still a subject of
much interest, and that the question of the number of species in
the northern regions of South Africa still remains unsettled. Mr.
Andersson was certain that at least two kinds occurred in Damara
Land, and the British Museum would be glad to acquire a series of
specimens illustrating the changes of plumage in these two species.

The Ostrich is still found in most of the Karroo country, within
the borders of the colony. It usually runs in small families of from
three to six individuals, except, of course, in the breeding season,
when a hen and her whole clutch of chickens may be seen together.

The hen lays a large number of eggs in her nest (thirty-six have
been found in one), while many more are dropped in the neighbour-
hood. The farmers affirm that these latter are broken when the
young are excluded, and serve for their first meals. They also
affirm that more than one female lays in a nest, which is always on
a sandy patch, and that they incubate by turns. The eggs measure:
axis, 6’’; diameter, 4” 9’” or 5”.

The South African Ostrich is now recognized as distinct from the
North African bird, to which the name of S. camelus was originally
given. The egg of the former may at once be distinguished by
its finer texture.

792 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr. T. E. Buckley states that it is still common in the Matabele
country, but much hunted for the sake of its feathers. Mr. Ayres
also writes: “ The Ostrich is sparingly distributed throughout the
Mashoona country, frequenting generally the more open shallow
valleys. In the Bamangwato country they are much more plentiful.”
According to Mr. Andersson, it is ‘ pretty commonly distributed
over the boundless wastes and plains of both Great Namaqua and
Damara Land.”

General colour, black in the male; cinereous in the female and
young male; feathers of the spurious wings and tail, pure white, or
sometimes mottled with black ; neck covered with brown hair-like
feathers ; stands about eight feet high.

APPENDIX. 793

Sslyl 2d SUNN LD PC

Durine the progress of the present work through the press
many important essays have been published on South African
Ornithology. We have, therefore, thought it best to write a few
additional notes in order to try and bring the work up to date.
This has been done more with a view to render complete the
geographical description of South African birds, and we have
been compelled to omit many interesting notes on their habits
which have been recorded in the recent papers of Mr. Ayres,
Captain Shelley, Mr. Oates, Mr. Barratt, and Majors Butler and
Feilden, and Captain Reid.

Page 1. Gyers KOLBU.
Lydenburg district (Ayres).
Exceedingly numerous in Newcastle district (Butler, Fielden, and
Reid).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 3. GyYPs RUEPPELLI.
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 4, OroGypPs AURICULARIS.
Orange Free State (Barratt).
Lydenburg District (Ayres).
Occasionally seen in north-west portion of Natal (B., F., and R.).
Near Umvungu River, December (I. Oates).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 6. LoPHoGyps OCCIPITALIS.
Humbe on the Cunene River; native name Kwhi (Anchieta).
Lydenburg District (Ayres).
A pair seen at the Ingagane River, July 23rd, 1881 (Red).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

794 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 6. Insert:—Psrupocyps africanus (Salvad.), AFricaAN WHITE-

BACKED VULTURE.

Senor Anchieta states that this species is common at Humbe on the
Cunene River; native name Kubi. Professor Barboza du Bocage
suggests that the Gyps kolbii identified by Andersson in Damara
Land, but of which no specimen was sent by him to England, may
after all have been the present species. We think this very likely.

Adult.—General colour deep brown, some of the feathers on the
back and wing-coverts blackish brown; lower back and rump pure
white; upper tail-coverts brown; some inclining to blackish ;
quills and tail black, the secondaries with an external ashy-grey
shade; ruff white, rather scanty ; crop-patch brown ; rest of under
surface pale brown with very narrow yellowish-white shaft-lines ;
bill brownish-black, the culmen yellowish; feet dusky plumbeous ;
iris umber brown. Total length, about 30 inches; culmen, 3°2;
wing about 22; tail, 9; tarsus about 4°5; middle toe, 5.

Immature female.—Fulvous brown, the secondaries lighter and more
ashy ; quills and tail blackish brown, the former externally shaded
with greyish; lower back and rump white; upper tail-coverts
brown, terminally washed with fulvous white; crop-patch brown ;
rest of under surface brown, palerand more fulvescent in centre
of body, the feathers with pale fulvous-white central streaks, very
indistinct. Total length, 34 inches; culmen, 3:15; wing, 245;
tail, 11°5; tarsus, 3°5.

Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. 9.

Page 6. NEropHRON PERCNOPTERUS.

Orange River (Dr. Bradshaw).

Mossamedes (Sala, Mus. Lugd.)—cf. Bocage, Orn. Angola, p. 4.

Lydenburg District (Ayres).

Buffalo River, about four miles east of Newcastle (Butler).

Colenso, Nov. 20th (Rezd).

Page 7. NrorHron PILEATUS.
Ramaqueban River, August (J. Oates).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 8. SmRPENTARIUS SECRETARIUS.

Dr. Bradshaw says that he has never seen one of these birds near the
Orange River, and but very few in the Zambesi country.

Near Lydenburg, Rustenberg, and sparingly throughout the Transvaal
and Free State (Barratt).

Common in Newcastle District, becoming scarcer down country
(B., F., and R.).

Mashoona Land (Ayres).

APPENDIX. 795

Page 9. PoLYBOROIDES TYPICUS.
Two specimens on the Orange River; also shot on the Chobe River
(Bradshaw).
Humbe on the Cunene River (Anchieta).
Two specimens obtained at the kloofs of the Drakensberg, near
Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Page 11. Circus MAcruRUS.
Lydenburg (Barratt).
Near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Page 12. Circus PYGARGUS.
Lydenburg, Transvaal (Barratt).
“Very plentiful on my brother’s farm about fifteen miles from Potchef-
stroom”’ (Ayres).
Spalding’s, Hart River, February 3rd (Ayres).

Page 14. Circus RANIVORUS.
Huilla in Benguela (Anchieta).
Very common in marshes close to Durban (Shelley).
Breeds in the Transvaal (Ayres).
Exceedingly numerous everywhere near Newcastle, nesting in the vleys
(B., F., and R.).

Page 17. Mutiprax cANORUS.

“This is the commonest species in Kovana Land, and it extends far
into the colony. I have not met with it further north than the
Makalapsi River, about twenty miles to the northward of Shoshong
in Bamangwato ” (Bradshaw).

“Transvaal ; they generally seem to keep to the low rocky ridges a
few miles from Potchefstroom ”’ (Ayres).

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Bush Veldt between Pretoria and Bamangwato, July (F'. Oates).

Page 18. MEeLIERAX POLYZONUS.
Humbe, Cunene River; native name, Kahahula (Anchieta).
Prof. Barboza du Bocage thinks that all the South-west African birds
are M. mechowi (Cab.).

Page 19. MELIERAX GABAR.
Common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Very common near Humbe; native names, Lucoi and Kuatakuti
(Anchieta).
Marico; near Potchefstroom; near Pretoria ; found breeding near the
Modder River (Barratt).

796 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Rustenberg, not plentiful (Ayres).
Lion Camp, Crocodile River, July ; second Makalaka Kraal on Zambesi
Road, September (J’. Oates).

Page 20. MELIERAX NIGER.
Humbe (Anchieta).
Vaal River, twenty-four miles from Potchefstroom (tex). Potchef-
stroom, August (Ayres). Rustenberg (Lucas).

Page 22. ASTUR POLYZONOIDES.
Huilla and Humbe (Anchieta).
Near the Vaal River; between Potchefstroom and Rustenberg ; near
Marico (Barratt).
First Makalaka Kraal on Zambesi Road, August 22nd; Hendrik’s
Vley, December 18th (Ff. Oates).
Umvuli River, August 23rd; Gangani River, September 18th (Ayres).

Page 22. Insert: Accirrrer ovAMPENSIS. Andersson’s Sparrow-Hawk.

This species was discovered in Ovampo Land by the late Mr. Andersson,

and was named by Mr. J. H. Gurney from specimens in the

Norwich Museum. We have since seen examples collected by

Dr. Bradshaw on the Zambesi, and Sir John Kirk has recently

presented to the British Museum a bird of this species obtained by
himself during the first Livingstone expedition.

The latter specimen, as well as the one in the Norwich Museum, had
been referred to Astur polyzonoides, which this Sparrow-Hawk
much resembles in its grey colour above and barred breast, but
it can always be distinguished by the long middle toe, which
measures 1°4 inch in the male, 1°7 in the female.

Fig. Gurney, Ibis, 1875, pl. vi.’

Page 22. ACCIPITER RUFIVENTRIS.
Lydenburg District (Ayres).
A male in the Drakensberg on August 27th (B., F., and R.).

Page 23. AccIPITER MINULLUS.
Humbe on the Cunene River (Anchieta).
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 26. Burgeo JAKAL.
Decidedly scarce in Koyana Land (Bradshaw).
Near Bloemfontein. Lydenburg; smaller than specimens from the
colony (Barratt).
Very common in upper portion of Natal Colony (P., L., and Ii.).

APPENDIX. 797

Page 30. Burro DESERTORUM.
Scarce and very shy on the Orange River; only one specimen procured
(Bradshaw).
Huilla in Mossamedes (Anchieta).
Transvaal in April (Ayres).
Siklogolo River, January 17th (Ayres).

Page 32. GYPAETUS OSSIFRAGUS.
Lydenburg District (Ayres).

Page 33. AQUILA VERREAUXII.
Breeds in the Magaliesbergen (Ayres).

Page 35. AQUILA RAPAX.
Humbe; native name Lucoi (Anchieta).
Potchefstroom (Ayres).

Page 36. AQUuILA WAHLBERGII.

Mrs. Monteiro has sent to the British Museum an immature specimen
of this Eagle from Delagoa Bay. It is possible that Lophotriorchis
lucani, Sharpe and Bouyier, Bull. Soc. Zool. France, ii, p. 471,
may also be the young of the present species.

Gangani River, September 17th; a pair commenced to build on an
upper bough of a large tree on the banks of the Umvyuli in the
beginning of October (Ayres).

Page 37. NISAETUS PENNATUS.
Near Newcastle, November (Fei/den).

Page 38. NISARTUS SPILOGASTER.
Biballa and Huilla in Mossamedes (Anchieta).

Page 40. SpizAETUS BELLICOSUS.
Caconda in Benguela; native name Gonga (Anchieta).

Page 42. ASTURINULA MONOGRAMMICA.

Common in the interior of Mossamedes, but not yet seen in collections
from Gambosand Humbe. Native name at Capangombe, Caconque
(Anchieta).

Rustenburg (Ayres).

Page 43. CIRCAETUS CINEREUS.

Maconjo and Humbe; resident during the year at the latter place.
Native names at Maconjo Kingakiadiulo, and at Humbe Ankubi
and Lucot. Professor Barboza du Bocage thinks that Circaetus
thoracicus is a distinct species from C. cinereus.

798 _ BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 45. GyYPOHIERAX ANGOLENSIS.
Transvaal; a young bird shot on a willow-tree in the town of
Potchefstroom (Ayres).

Page 46. HA IarTus yocIFER.
Not very common along the Orange River; very plentiful on the
Zambesi and Chobé Rivers (Bradshaw).
Transvaal; only makes its appearance in this part of the country
occasionally (Ayres).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 48. HELOTARSUS ECAUDATUS.

Not uncommon along the Orange River; very common about the
Zambesi (Bradshaw). Lydenburg district (Ayres).

Tolerably common all along the route from the Transvaal to the
Umvuli River (Ayres).

Page 49. MiLvus £GyYPTIUS.

Common during the summer on the Orange River; very plentiful on
the Zambesi; disappears during the winter months from both
places (Bradshaw).

Lydenburg District (Ayres).

Two pairs seen near Rorke’s Drift on October 3rd (Reid).

Tati, October: Ramaqueban River, October 17th (F. Oates).

Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 50. Mi.vus Korscuun.

Near Potchefstroom ; also near Rustenberg (Barratt).

Apparently a regular visitor in the summer months to the Newcastle
district (B., F'., and R.).

Page 52. ELanus CHRULEUS.

Common all over the country near the Orange River ; met with in the
Zambesi (Bradshaw).

First seen near Newcastle on August lst; common along road to
Colenso, and also seen down to the coast; Richmond Road,
December 10th ; Durban, August 12th; bred near Ladysmith, and
attempted to do so near Newcastle in October (Reid).

Hex River, July (#. Oates).

Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 53. Insert: MAcHaRHAMPHUS ANDERSSONI (Gurney).
Andersson’s Pern.
By some unaccountable oversight this most interesting species has
been omitted from the body of the work. It was discovered in
Damara Land by the late Mr. Andersson, and has since been met

APPENDIX. 799

with in Madagascar. It can be told from all other South African
Hawks by its thin, weak bill, with the feathers of the lores covering
half of the nostril. It has also a well-marked occipital crest.

Mr. Andersson gives the following note :—‘‘ On the 10th March, 1865,
I obtained one specimen, a female, of this singular bird at Otjim-
binque, Damara Land; it was shot by my servant, who observed
another, probably the male. I imagine that I have myself
observed it once or twice in the neighbourhood of Otjimbinque
just before dusk. When brought to me I instinctively suspected
the bird to be a feeder at dusk or at night, and called out, ‘Why,
that fellow is likely to feed on bats!’ And truly enough, so
it turned out; for, on dissection, an undigested bat was found
in the stomach ; and in another specimen, subsequently killed by
Axel, there were several bats in the stomach.”

The accompanying description is taken from the ‘“‘ Catalogue of Birds.”

Adult.—Upper surface chocolate-brown, the head very much crested,
the nape and some of the feathers of the upper parts somewhat
varied with white, where the bases to the feathers show through ;
above and below the eye a broad white line; lores inclining to
white behind the nostril; cheeks slightly mottled with whitish ;
below the gape a line of dark brown feathers, forming a kind
of moustache ; quills dark brown, banded with white below, some
of the inner secondaries with concealed white bars on the upper
surface; tail chocolate-brown, narrowly tipped with whitish,
with bars of paler brown on the upper surface, white on the inner
web of outer tail-feathers and under surface of all; throat and
chest white, with a faintly indicated streak of dark brown on the
throat, and many streaks of dark brown on the breast, the lower
part of which, as well as the flanks and thigh-feathers, are
entirely brown, slightly mottled with white; lower part of
abdomen and under tail-coverts white, the latter tipped with
brown; under wing-coverts brown, crossed and tipped with
white; bill and gape bluish lead-colour, black at tip of the
former; tarsi and toes bluish white; iris bright lemon-yellow.
Total length, 16°8 inches; culmen, 1; wing, 13:9; tail, 7:3;
tarsus, 2°4.

Fig. Gurney, Trans. Z. S. vi, pl. 29.

Page 55. POoLIOHIERAX SEMITORQUATUS.
One specimen shot on the Orange River on the 17th of August, 1881.
Tris light brown ; bill horn-colour, tip bluish ; cere and orbits deep
orange-red ; legs pale orange-red ; claws black (Bradshaw).

800 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

Page 56. Faco communis.
Professor Barboza du Bocage (Orn. Angola, p. 45) refers the pair of
birds obtained by Anchieta on the River Coroca to this species, and
not to Falco minor.

Page 57. Fatco BIARMICUS.
Humbe: native name Lucot and Kuata-andimba (Hare-catcher)
(Anchieta).
Lydenburg district ; breeds in June and July (Ayres).
Bred in the Drakensberg, near Newcastle, August 18th (Butler).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Newcastle (F’. Oates).

Page 60. FAuco RUFICOLLIS.
Very scarce on the Orange River; only two specimens seen (Brad-
shaw).
Lydenburg district (Ayres).
Near Rorke’s Drift, October 4th (Reid).
Page 60. CErRCHNEIS TINNUNCULUS.
According to Mr. Gurney (Ibis, 1881, p. 456) the Damara bird referred
by him to this species was C. tinnunculoides, and the occurrence
of the Common Kestrel in South Africa has yet to be confirmed.

Page 62. CERCHNEIS RUPICOLA.
Native name at Capangombe Banvo, at Huilla Katebi (Anchieta).
Potchefstroom (Ayres).
Abundant near Newcastle, nesting in holes and crevices of the cliffs
(B., F., and R.).
Spalding’s, Hart River, February 3rd; scarce in this part of the
country (Ayres).

Page 63. CERCHNEIS RUPICOLOIDES.
Lydenburg district; near Pretoria; Potchefstroom; Rustenberg ; and
between Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom (Barratt).
Not observed nearer to Newcastle than Rorke’s Drift, where Reid
found a pair breeding; iris white; common near Ladysmith
(B., F., and R.).
Page 64. CERCHNEIS NAUMANNI.
This species should bear the name Cerchneis tinnunculoides (Temm.).
Huilla; native name Katebi (Anchieta).
Near Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Near Rustenberg ; Potchefstroom district (Barratt).
Holfontein, November 25th (J. Oates).
Inshlangeen River, November 4th (Ayres).

ee

APPENDIX. 801

Page 66. CERCHNEIS AMURENSIS.
Potchefstroom, January (Ayres).
Between Sibanani and Tamasancha, December 9th (F. Oates).
Boatlanami Pan, December 31st (Ayres).

Page 67. CERCHNEIS ARDESIACA.
Quanza River (Mus. Brit.).

Page 68. CERCHNEIS DICKERSONI.
Dr. Sclater informs us that the discoverer of this species spelt his name
** Dickinson ” not “Dickerson,” and the species should stand as
Cerchnets dickinsoni. We forget who it was that informed us that
our orthography was right, but we know that we had good reason
for altering the name at the time.

Page 68. PANDION HALIAETUS.
One seen at the mouth of the Umgeni River, Durban, December
(Reid).
Page 69. Scoropgnia PEL.
Zululand (Gordge: Mus. G. E. Shelley).
We have also seen a specimen said to have been procured on the upper
Quanza River.

Page 70. Buso capensis.
Newcastle, June 5th (Feilden).

Page 71. Buso Lactevs.
Inkwesi River, August 5th (#. Oates).

Page 73. Buso MACULOSUS.
Common everywhere on the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Humbe; native name Cimbi (Anchieta).
Between Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom ; between the latter plas
and Rustenberg, and near Pretoria (Barratt).
Very scarce about Rustenberg (Ayres).
Common everywhere, and breeding near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Page 74. Scops LEUCOTIS.
Near Umvungu River, November 3rd; native name, Secova (F. Oates).

Page 75. Scops CAPENSIS.
One example obtained in the Drakensberg kloofs, near Newcastle, on
August 23rd (B., F., and R.).

Page 76. SyYRNIUM WOODFORDI.
Near Potchefstroom (Barratt).

802 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 76. Insert :—Syrnium nucuate, Sharpe. Fantee Wood Owl.
In the same collection as Scotopelia peli and Cerchneis ardesiaca was
an example of this bird also, which was said, like the others,
to have been collected on the upper Quanza. Mr. Whitely, of
Woolwich, through whose hands this collection passed, believed
the locality to be thoroughly genuine, but he may have been
deceived by the person who sold the collection to him.
Similar to S. woodfordi, but much darker in colour; the hind neck
marked with broad white bands, the breast dark brown broadly
banded with white.

Page 77. CARINE CAPENSIS.
This species should stand as Glaucidiwm capense (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. ii, p. 223).
A common bird throughout Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 77. CARINE PERIATA.

This species also belongs to Glaucidiwm, and should stand as Glau-

cidium perlatum (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii, p. 209).
- Huilla, Kiulo, and Humbe; native name Cahombo (Anchieta).

Near Rustenberg (Ayres).

Tati (Ff. Oates).

Umvuli River; by no means uncommon; Matabili name Mandoo-
goolvo (Ayres).

Page 78. ASIO CAPENSIS.

Huilla; native name Heulo (Anchieta).

Very common in the grass-grown edges of the vleys near Newcastle
(B., F., and R.).

Pietermaritzburg (Ff. Oates).

Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 79. AsIO BRACHYOTUS.
Should be called A. accipitrinus (Gm.), ef. Sharpe, Cat. B. ii, p. 234.
Page 81. Srrix cAPENsIs.

Common, but not so numerous as Asto capensis, in the Newcastle
district. Reid found a pair at Richmond Road Camp, near
Pietermaritzburg, on the 5th of December, and obtained a female
which contained three enormously developed eggs, and was
evidently just about to nest (B., F., and R.).

Sand Spruit, Transvaal (F. Oates).

Page 82. Srrix FLAMMEA.

Common along the Orange River; also found in the Zambesi, but

scarce there (Bradshaw).

ee

APPENDIX. 803

Not uncommon in the town of Potchefstroom (Ayres).
Natal (Gueinzius ; Mus. Norv.).
Near Camperdown Station in Natal ([e#d).
Tati (F. Oates).
Shango River ; pretty generally distributed over the country (Ayres).
Page 83. CAPRIMULGUS EUROPAUS.
Near Kronstadt and Potchefstroom; near Rustenberg; also received
from Marico (Barratt).
Transvaal during the summer (Ayres).
Lydenburg (Ayres).
Camperdown, Natal, December 15th (Rezd).
Page 84. Insert :—CaprimuLaus SHELLEYI, Bocage. Shelley’s Goatsucker.
Close to O. pectoralis, but with the colours brighter ; the breast rayed
with black on a rufous ground. Caconda: native name Quim-
bamba (Anchieta).
Country of Talla Magongo : native name Huicumbamba (Capello and
Ivens).
Page 85. CAPRIMULGUS RUFIGENA.
Lydenburg (Ayres).
Tati, March and October; Semokwe River, September and October
(F. Oates).
Caconda (Anchieta).

Page 85. Insert:—Caprimuxeus rossi, Verr. Mozambique Goatsucker.
Benguela, native name Ximbamba (Anchieta).

Page 87. CAPRIMULGUS LENTIGINOSUS.
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 88. CAPRIMULGUS MOSSAMBICUS.

During Mr. Jameson’s expedition to Mashoona Land this species was
found first on the Umvuli River on the 27th of August, when
they were not very common, but towards the end of September
they were very abundant near the Ganyani. Breeding commences
in September. On the 19th of October an egg was taken on the
Bembesi River (Ayres).

Tati, March 21st (7. Oates).

Page 89. CosMETORNIS VEXILLARIUS.

Mashoona name Amadaniba: Matabele name Manovella. First met
with in Mashoona Land late in August. First specimen shot
September 13th; after this they gradually became plentiful,
breeding at the end of September (Ayres).

Victoria Falls, January (J. Oates).

362

804 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 90. CypsELUS APUS.

Numbers seen on the 12th of January at Potchefstroom; a good many
seen flying northwards on the 8th of February (Ayres).

Between Sibanani and Tamasancha, December 9th (J. Oates).

** About eleven o’clock in the morning of the 27th of November we saw
a large number of Swifts on their migration towards the south-
east. We also saw a few at the Umyuli in September and
October, and at Dry Hart River in December and January”
(Ayres).

Towards the middle of September appeared in the neighbourhood of
Newcastle, and apparently nested (B., F., and R.).

Page 92. CYPSELUS PALLIDUS.
Capangombe: native name Kapiapia (Anchieta).
Page 92. CYPSELUS CAFFER.
Mashoona Land (Ayres).
First appeared near Newcastle on October 27th, afterwards common;
a pair breeding at Sunday’s River on November 17th (B., ’.,and R.).

Page 95. CypseLUS MELBA.
Appears in North-western Natal early in September. Observed in
Maritzburg on August 23rd (B., F., and R.),

Page 95. Mbrops APIASTER.
Crocodile River, November 15th. Inshlangeen, December. Hendrik’s
Viley, December 18th (F. Oates).

Page 97. Merops SUPERCILIOSUS.
Near the mouth of the Mooi, at the junction of that river with the
Vaal; also received from Marico (Barratt).
Transvaal (Ayres).
Hendrik’s Vley, December 18th (F. Oates).
Native name in Bengnela, Lengué (Anchieta).
Page 99. MEROPS BULLOCKOIDES.
Near Rustenberg ; Pretoria (Barratt).
Exceedingly common about Rustenberg (Ayres).
Ganyani River, September 18th. Appears about this date and pairs
off for breeding, but not in great numbers (Ayres).
Crocodile River, July and November (1. Oates).
Page 99. MERoPsS NUBICOIDES.
Appeared in considerable numbers on the Umyuli River about the
14th of September. Matabili name Inconjani (Ayres).
Daka River, January 20th. Gernah, January 24th (F. Oates).
Caconda, Benguela (Anchieta).

te

- —“ere ees

APPENDIX. 805

Page 100. Menrops pusintus.
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Not uncommon about the Umvuli River on the 11th of August
Found breeding at the Quae-Quae River on October 20 (Ayres).
Tati, March 24th (2. Oates).
Ambaca; Dombe: native name Kacetbinongo, at Humbe Lengua and
Kalumgumba; Huilla (Anchieta).

Page 101. DicroceRcus HIRUNDINACEUS.
Potchefstroom (Ayres).
Near the Pantamatenka River, January 12th (F. Oates).

Page 102. Coractas GARRULA.
Near Rustenberg ; received also from Marico, about twenty miles north
of Pretoria (Barratt).
Lydenburg (Ayres)
Tati, March 26th and 28th (F. Oates).
Palatswie Pan, Bamangwato, December 18th (Ayres).

Page 103. CoRractas NEYIA.

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Bamangwato, May 28th. Matabili name Chegala. Umyvuli River
(Ayres).

First Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road, August 24th. Second
Makalaka kraal, September 9th (2. Oates).

Capangombe. Native names at Humbe, Ambeta, Cicoca and Kahanana
(Anchieta).

Page 104. Coractas caupata.

Near Rustenberg and on the Vaal River; Marico (Barratt).

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Palatswie Pan, June 4th; Umyuli River, September 4th. Plentiful
throughout the Transvaal, Matabili, and Mashoona countries
(Ayres). Between Pantamatenka River and Zambesi, January
llth. Geruah, January 24th (J. Oates).

Page 106. Insert:—Coractas spatuLata, Trimen.
This species is distinguished by the form of the tail, which is
spatulated, the two long feathers ending in a broadened racket.
It is otherwise very similar to 0. caudata. It was discovered by
Dr. Bradshaw in the Zambesi region. He states: “It was not
seen far from the Zambesi, except once or twice, when I noticed
it at about eighty miles’ distance to the south of the river. The
species chiefly frequents the so-called ‘ Sand-veldt,’ a tract of
heavy sand-ridges, keeping about the tallest timber. In the

806 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

winter months it makes its appearance in small companies of
from four to ten or a dozen, but is out of plumage and very
scarce during the rainy season, viz., from November to April. In
flight and action these birds resemble the other Rollers, and are
usually difficult to approach. They have a most peculiar harsh
ery, which differs from that of the other species, and when once
heard is easily recognized on repetition. The male specimen
brought down was shot on the 23rd May, 1878, on the western
boundary of the Leshuno Valley, through the whole length of
which water only runs during heavy rains. All the specimens
sent had the extremities of the long tail-feathers expanded into
the battledore form.”

It was also procured on the Umvuli River by Mr. Jameson’s
expedition, and Senor Anchieta has forwarded a specimen from
Caconda in Benguela.

Page 106. Evurysromvs AFER.
Transvaal, November 26th (Ayres).
Umvuli River, October 8: very scarce in this part of Mashoona Land
(Ayres).
Near the Umvungu River, November 3rd. Native name Tchegala
(F. Oates).

Page 106. HapaLoDERMA NARINA.
Capangombe. Native names at Biballa, Kissai and Kinzamba-muxito
(Anchieta).

Page 107. AtcEDO SEMITORQUATA.
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Common on the Umynli River, Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Not common near Newcastle: seen occasionally along the upper waters
of the Incandu and its tributaries (B., I’., and R.).

Page 108. Cory?THORNIS CYANOSTIGMA.

Shot in different places between Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom,
from the latter place to Pretoria, and thence to Lydenburg;
Rustenberg; also met with in British Caffraria, and over the
Kei in the Fingoe country (Barratt).

Lydenburg ; Rustenberg (Ayres).

Sibanani, December 11th (F. Oates).

Numerous on the Mooi River, and not uncommon on all the streams
passed up to the Umvuli (Ayres).

Exceedingly common on all the rivers in Natal (B., F., and R.)

Capangombe. Native name Sumbo (Anchieta).

wath

APPENDIX. 807

Page 110. CrryuE rupis.

Potchefstroom, March 22nd (Ayres).

Marico River, November 17th; High Veldt, Transvaal, December 7th
(F. Oates).

Common on all the rivers of Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Common on the Incandu and other streams in the Newcastle district ;
Rorke’s Drift (breeding), Colenso, Estcourt, &c.; in fact generally
distributed throughout the Colony. Mouth of the Umgeni in
December (B., F., and R.).

Page 111. Crryie maxima.
Very scarce in Rustenberg district (Ayres).
Matengwe River, December 2nd (F. Oates).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Umgeni River, November 24th (Reid).
River Chimba; Huilla (Anchieta).

Page 113. IsPIpINA NATALENSIS.
Near the mouth of the Umgeniin December. Colenso, November 20th
(Reid).

Page 114. Hatcyon seMICHRULEA.
Umvyuli River; Mashoona Land, very scarce. A young bird on the
Tatin River, December 13th (Ayres).
Geruah, December 15th (F. Oates).
Capangombe ; Humbe (Anchieta).
Professor Cabanis has named the species from South-western Africa
Halcyon pallidiventris (J. £. O. 1880, p. 349).

Page 115. Haucyon ALBIVENTRIS.
Near Rustenberg and Oliphant’s Nek; also noticed several in the Mega-
liesberg Mountains; near Pretoria (Barratt).
Common in Rustenberg district (Ayres).
Crocodile River (F’. Oates).
Ladysmith (B., F., and R.).

Page 116. Hatcyon ORIENTALIS.
Caconda (Anchieta).

Page 117. Hatcyon cHELICUTENSIS.
Common in Rustenberg district (Ayres).
Crocodile River, July (F. Oates).
Umvuli River, August ; not uncommon (Ayres).
Quillengues ; Capangombe; native name Suwmbo (Anchieta).

808 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 120. Hatcyon cYANOLEUCA.
Crocodile River, November 15th. Nata River, December 6th (F.
Oates).

Page 121. Hatcron spNEGALENSIS.
Katumbella (Anchieta).

Page 121. Hancyon manimpica.
The specimens from South-western Africa belong to the race named
by Drs. Cabanis and Reichenow, Halcyon cyanescens (J. £. O. 1877,
p- 103).

Page 121. Tookus FLAVIROSTRIS.
Sparsely distributed about the wooded hill-sides in the Magaliesbergen
(Ayres).

Page 122. Bucorax CAFER.
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 130. Tockus rLayirostRis.
Crocodile River, July; Motloutsi River, August 24th (Ff. Oates).
Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Maconjo and Huilla (Anchieta).

Page 133. Tocxus nasutus.
Huilla (Anchieta).
Not common about Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 134, UPpura AFRICANA.

A great many seen about the mimosa thorns on the Rhinoster River,
between Kronstadt and the Vaal River; Modder River near
Bloemfontein ; between the Mooi River and Rustenberg (Barratt).

Not numerous near Rustenberg (Ayres).

Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Ingagane River, July 9th; near Ladysmith, August 2Ist; Blauw
Kranz River, November 22nd; Pietermaritzburg, August 30th and
September (B., F’., and R.).

Page 137. IrrisoR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS.
Oliphant’s Nek, near Rustenberg; British Caffraria, and Oliphant
Hoek, district Alexandria (Barratt).
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Crocodile River, November; Tati, June 26th; First Makalaka kraal
on Zambesi road, August 30th (1. Oates).
Not uncommon on Umyuli River. Matabili name Inshlaza (Ayres).

eee

APPENDIX. 809

Page 138. RHINOPOMASTES CYANOMELAS.
Marico (Barratt).
Near Metli River, August 10th; Seruli River, October 18th; Palat-
swie River, October 20th ; Tati, October (F’. Oates).
Ladysmith in the winter (Reid).

Page 144, ScHIzoORHISs CONCOLOR.
Common about Rustenberg ; from Marico (Barratt).
By no means uncommon in Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Dombe: native name Guere; Capangombe; Humbe: native name
Kuele (Anchieta).

Page 149. CucuLuts soLiTaRivs.
Near Newcastle, September 27th (Butler).

Page 147. CucuLus cANoRUS.
Transvaal, December 27th (Ayres).

Page 148. CucuLus GuLaRis.

_ Plentiful at Kanye in Sechele’s country in January. Liberally distri-
buted throughout South-central Africa; arrived at Umvuli River
about the middle of September in considerable numbers, when
their monotonous koo-koo was heard all over the country. From
there being no difference in the cadence of the two notes the song
may be readily distinguished from that of the Ouculus canorus
(Ayres).

Page 150. CucuLus cLamosvs.
Crocodile River, November (F'. Oates).

Page 151. CucULUS SMARAGDINEUS.
Near Newcastle, October 22nd (Jones). Between Colenso and Maritz-
burg (B., F., and R.).

Page 1538. CHRYSOCOCCYX CUPREUS.

By a mistake this species has been called Chrysococcyx instead of
Cuculus cupreus.

Potchefstroom. “Do not remain here during our winter months,
June, July, and August. In the stomach was an egg partly
digested, which I take to be that of Passer arcuatus; but I was
not aware that the Cuckoos eat the eggs from the birds’ nests they
are accustomed to lay in” (Ayres).

Crocodile River (F. Oates)

Umvuli River, October 6th. “I see Mr. Sharpe thinks I am mistaken
as to the identification of the eggs of this species, but I am

810 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

perfectly certain that Iam not. Perhaps the bird sometimes lays
white eggs ; but I have never found such to be the case’ (Ayres).
Mr. Ayres has very kindly presented to the British Museum some
specimens which prove the correctness of his statements.

Page 157. CoccysTgs GLANDARIUS.
A solitary-bird shot on the 18th of January abont fifteen miles from
Potchefstroom (Ayres).
A male, breeding, at Blanw Kranz River, November 23rd (Reid).

Page 158. Coccys?Trs CAFER.
Caconda (Anchieta).
Crocodile River, November 15th. Tati, October 17th (J. Oates).

Page 158. CoccystTEs JAcOBINUS.
Summer visitor in the Transvaal; first seen in September (Ayres).
Newcastle; Colenso in November; Blauw Kranz River, November
23rd (B., F., and R.).

Page 160. CoccysTEs SERRATUS.
Rocky ranges near Potchefstroom, November 3rd (Ayres).

Page 162. CrNnTROPUS SENEGALENSIS.
Tati, August 28th. Ramaqueban River, September 4th (F. Oates).

Page 163. CrnTRorus SUPERCILIOSUS.

Captain Shelley (Ibis, 1883, p. 246) has named this species C.
natalensis, as he considers it to be different from the true Centropus
superciliosus of Hemprich and Ehrenberg from North-eastern
Africa. ;

Between Durban and the Umgeni River, December 24th. Female
with eggs considerably enlarged (Reid).

Page 165. CEN?rROPUS NIGRORUFUS.

Quillengues (Anchieta).

Page 166. INDICATOR SPARMANNI.

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Holfontein, July (7. Oates).

On the Drakensberg, near Newcastle, October 9th; Blauw Kranz

(Butler).

Page 167. Inpicaror VARIEGATUS.

Fifteen lines from bottom of page, read I. major instead of I. variegatus.
Page 168. InpIcaTor MAsor.

By no means plentiful about Rustenberg (Ayres).

Humbe; native name Sequi (Anchieta).

~

APPENDIX, 811

Page 170. Inpicaror minor.
Humbe (Anchieta).

Page 171. Proporiscus REGULUS.
Caconda (Anchieta).

Page 172. PoGonoRHYNCHUS TORQUATUS.

Very common near Rustenberg ; “ sometimes four or five of them may
be seen together on the same bough, bowing and scraping to each
other in a most comical manner, and singing out most lustily,
ko-korro, ko-korro, rapidly repeated” (Ayres).

Umyuli River, August; somewhat scarce. Matabili name Trima-
cope (Ayres).

Ladysmith, spring (Harkness ; teste B., F., and R.).

Page 173. PogoNnoRHyNCHUS LEUCOMELAS.
Not uncommon in Rustenberg district, wherever bushy ranges are
found (Ayres).

Page 173. Insert :—Poconornyncuts arrinis, Shelley. Arnold’s Barbet.
Discovered by the late Mr. Arnold near Weenen in Natal. Capt.
Shelley remarks :—‘‘In size and colouring this species resembles
P. leucomelas, excepting that the entire forehead and crown are
black, as in P. melanocephalus. In the bill and rictal bristles it
resembles P. leucomelas, but the tooth on the upper mandible is
barely indicated and the culmen between the nostrils is not quite
so wide. Total length, 6:2 inches; culmen, 0°7; wing, 3°15;

tail, 2:1; tarsus, 0°8.

Page 176. BarBATULA EXTONI.
Not at all uncommon near Rustenberg in the Magaliesbergen (Ayres).
Kanye, January 7th. Sparsely distributed throughout the country
from the Umvuli southward (Ayres).

Page 176. Insert: Barpatu.a cHrysocoma. Small Yellow-headed Bartet.
This species is included by Professor Barboza du Bocage in his
“ Ornithologie d’Angola” as having been obtained at Biballa and
Caconda by Senor Anchieta.
Fig. Marshall, Monogr. Capit. pl. 49, fig. 2.

Page 178. TRACHYPHONUS CAFER.

Boatlanami Pan, December 30th. Not seen in Mashoona Land.
First met with in the Matabili country near the Tati River ;
occasionally heard in various parts of the country; common in
the Rustenberg district of the Transvaal (Ayres).

812 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 181. CAMPOTHERA BENNETTI.
Not common among the Magaliesbergen near Rastenberg (Ayres).
Second Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road, September 7th (F. Oates).
Capangombe and Huilla ( Anchieta).

Page 184. CAMPoTHERA SMITHII.
Tati, October 6th (F. Oates).
Not very scarce on the Umyuli River (Ayres).
Rio Chimba (Anchieta).
Rustenberg district (Ayres: Mus. G. E. 8.).
Page 187. GErocoLAPTES OLIVACEUS.
Exceedingly common in Natal, especially in the upper portions of the
colony. Bred in August (B., F., and It.).

Page 188. Drnproricus NAMAQUUS.

Should be placed in the genus Mesopicus (cf. Hargitt, Ibis, 1883, p.
407).

Scarce species near Rustenberg among the Magaliesbergen (Ayres).

Motloutsi River, August; Ramaqueban River, July and August
(F. Oates).

Umvuli River, August ; Quae-Quae River, October (Ayres).

Caconda; Humbe; native name Bangula (Anchieta).

Page 189. DeEnDROPICUS HARTLAUBI.
This is only the fully adult of D. cardinalis “with the red colour of
the rump strongly developed with age” (Hargitt, Ibis, 1883,
p- 441). ‘
Transvaal (Ayres).

Page 190. Dernpropicus CARDINALIS.
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Ramaqueban River, September 4th ; Tati, October 7th (I. Oates).
Blauw Kranz, Natal, November (Butler).
Biballa (Anchieta). Native name at Capangombe Bangula, at Humbe
Balambamba.
Page 191. Dernpropicus MENSTRUUS.
Should be called Mesopicus griseocephalus (cf. Hargitt, Ibis, 1883, p.
317).
In a kloof underneath the Drakensberg, not far from the Leo Kop
mountain, and near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).
Page 191. Yunx PEcTORALIS.
Should be written Iyna pectoralis.
Rustenberg ; very scarce (Ayres).

ae

re eh

APPEND]X. 8138

Blauw Kranz River, Natal, May 22nd (I. Oates).

Ladysmith, Natal (Harkness). Common along the Tugela at Colenso
(Reid).

Page 195. Psirracus MBpYERI.

Second Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road, September 4th. Tati,
October (Ff. Oates).

Common throughout the bush country; plentiful in Mashoona Land
at the Umyuli River and in the other parts. Matabili name
Zignonene (Ayres).

Page 198. TurpDUS LITSITSIRUPA.

Placed by Mr. Seebohm in the genus Geocichla (Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v,
p. 182).

Eland’s River, July; Tati, March (F. Oates).

Scantily scattered throughout Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 199. TurRDUS LIBONYANUS.
Quillengues (Anchieta). Caconda (Anchieta, s. n. T’. verreauat).
Makalaka country (Dr. Bradshaw).
Commonest Thrush in the Magaliesbergen (Ayres).
A pair occasionally to be found, here and there, about the country
of the Mashoonas. Matabele name Inshlara (Ayres).

Page 200. TuRDUS OLIVACEUS.
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Very numerous along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 202. Turpus cABANisi, Bp. Cabanis’ Thrush.
Distinguished from 7. olivaceus by haying the belly orange-chestnut
and the flanks brown. In 7. olivaceus the flanks are orange-chest-
nut like the belly.
Mr. Seebohm gives the above diagnosis (¢. c. p. 187). The references
in the present work to the Olivaceous Thrush from the Transvaal
and Lake N’gami, belong to this species.

Page 202. TURDUS VERREAUXII.
This species is the young of 7’. libonyanus (cf. Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. v, p. 230).
Page 202. TuRDUS GURNEYI.
Referred by Mr. Seebohm (t. c. p. 270) to the genus Geocichla. Inthe
note to p. 202, for “‘ Macairac,” read ‘‘ Macamac.”
Lydenburg district, Transvaal: exceedingly scarce (Ayres).
Page 203. CRINIGER FLAVIVENTRIS.
This is not a true Cringer, and has been placed in a distinct genus,

814 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. -

Chlorocichla, by the editor (cf. Sharpe, Brit. Mus. Cat. B. vi,
p- 113). The true C. flaviventris inhabits the eastern portion of
the continent, ranging from Natal to Mombas. The western birds
are different and have been separated by the editor as

186a. CuHLOROCICHLA occIDENTALIS, Sharpe.
Western Yellow-breasted Bulbul.

This is the western representative of (. flaviventris, and occurs in
Damara Land, Benguela, and extends into Angola. Quillengues
and Capangombe (Ancihieta).

It may be distinguished by having the lores grey, and the ring round
the eye white, the ear-coverts lighter and more ashy brown than
the crown of the head.

Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. Birt. Mus. vi, pl. viii.

Page 203. PHYLLASTREPHUS CAPENSIS. ‘
The generic name should be written Phyllostrophus (cf. Sharpe, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. vi, p. 116). By an oversight too it has been called
a “ Thrush ” instead of a Bulbul.
Humbe: native names Utena and Cazxezre (Anchieta).

Page 204. Insert :—PHYLLOSTROPHUS FULVIVENTRIS, Cab.
Buff-bellied Bristle-necked, Bulbul.
Differs from P. capensis in having the back pale olive-brown, contrast-
ing with the upper tail-coverts and the tail, which are rufous.

The head is dark ashy brown. Wing, 3°35 inches.
It is the species referred to under the heading of P. capensis, as
having been met with at Biballa and the Chimba River, by

Anchieta.

Page 204. ANDROPADUS IMPORTUNUS.
Breeding near Camperdown Station, Natal, in December (Reid).

Page 205. ANDROPADUS HYPOXANTHUS, Sharpe.
This must bear the name of A. oleaginus, Peters, discovered in Inham-
bane, from which place it extends to the Zambesi.

Page 206. ANDROPADUS FLAVOSTRIATUS.
Has been placed in the genus Xenocichla by the editor (cf. Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vi, p. 100).

Page 206. PYcNONOTUS CAPENSIS.
The editor expressed his doubts as to the number of species of
Pycnonotus to be recognized in South Africa. Since then Mr.

——

APPENDIX. 815

Gurney has distinguished P. layardi, and the editor in the
‘Catalogue of Birds” admits three species as follows:
a, with no black cap.

a, with a red eyelid; underparts dark brown: the centre of the
abdomen only white : : : capensis.

b, with a black eyelid ; underparts white, from the breast downwards ;

throat and chest brown tricolor.
b, with a black cap.
ce, eyelid black ; throat brown, only the chin black . layardi.
d, eyelid red ; throat black > nigricans.
The ranges of the species are as follows, el all notes on the habits of
the birds quoted by us, must be transferred accordingly.

P. capensis. Confined to the Cape Colony, not extending beyond
Port Elizabeth. Not found on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

P. tricolor. From Damara Land to Bengnela, and thence to Angola
proper and the Congo region.

P. layardi. astern Cape Colony from the vicinity of Grahamstown
ranging through Natal and the Transvaal to the Zambesi, and
up the east coast to Mombas, extending into Damara Land on
the west. Umyuli River (Ayres). Common everywhere in the
Newcastle district (B., F., and R.).

P, nigricans. Hastern Cape Colony through Natal and the Trans-
vaal to Damara Land. Very common along the Orange River
(Bradshaw).

Page 210. CRATEROPUS BICOLOR.
Tati (F. Oates).
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Tatin River, December (Ayres)

Page 212. CRATEROPUS JARDINII.
Quillengues (Anchieta).
Inkwesi River, October; Marico River, November; Tati, October
(F. Oates).
Common about the mountains near Rustenberg (Ayres).
Near Ladysmith, November (Harkness : teste B., F., and R.).
Linokana, western Transvaal (Holub).

Page 213. CRATEROPUS KIREI.
Umyuli River, Mashoona Land (Ayres). ~

Page 214. CRATEROPUS MELANOPS.
Kiulo and Humbe. Native name, Numbela (Anchieta).

sone =

816 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 214. CRATEROPUS HARTLAUBI.
Zambesi (Bradshaw: Mus. G. EH. Shelley).
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. i, fig. 1.

Page 215. AETHOCICHLA GYMNOGENYS.
Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, pl. xii.

Page 215. NEocicHLA GUTTURALIS.
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. i, fig. 2.

Page 219. CH#rops pycNopyaius.
Capangombe : native name Kankiria-Kiria.
Quillengues: native name Hlequete (Anchieta).

Page 219. MontTIcOLA RUPESTRIS.
Scarce in the Lydenburg district of the Transvaal (Ayres).
Common in the kloofs at the foot of the Drakensberg, near Newcastle,
and evidently breeds in the neighbourhood (B., F., and R.).

Page 220. MonticoLa EXPLORATOR.
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Macamac (T. Ayres).

Kaar Kloof heights (F. Oates). ‘

The specimen recorded by us as having been obtained at Hope Town
by Mr. T. C. Atmore is referred by Mr. Seebohm to M. brevipes
(cf. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v, p. 325). :

Numerous in all parts of the Newcastle district throughout the
winter, but only a few pairs remained to breed (B., F., and R.).

Page 221. MonvIcoLa BREVIPES.
Near Potchefstroom, August (Ayres).
Widely distributed about the mountains of the Transvaal, but not very
common (Ayres).

—- ret?

Page 222. CossyPHA BICOLOR.
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Exceedingly scarce in the Lydenburg forests (Ayres).
Zulu Land (Gordge: Mus. G. BE. Shelley). =

Page 224. CossYpHA CAFFRA.
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Newcastle (Butler). Ladysmith (Harkness: teste B., F., and R.).
Linokana, Western Transvaal (Holub).
Very common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

APPENDIX. 817

Page 225. CossyPHA BOCAGII.
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. ii, fig. 1.
Page 227. CossyPHA HEUGLINI.

This should be C. subrufescens, Bocage, a western form of O. heuglini,
distinguished by its dark brown or black central tail-feathers.
Obtained also by Anchieta at Quillengues: native names Quwitone
and Quiandamuchito.

Page 227. Insert :—CossYPHA HEUGLINI.

The true C. heuglini certainly occurs within our limits, and is
distinguished by having the two central tail-feathers olive.

Chobé River, Zambesi (Dr. Bradshaw).

Umvyuli River (Ayres).

Fig. Heuglin, t. c.

Page 227. Insert :—CossYyPHA BARBATA.
Quillengues: native name Quiepele (Anchieta).
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. 11, fig. 2.

Page 228. CossyPHA HUMERALIS.

Natal (Ayres).

Rustenberg, February (Ayres).

Page 229. CossYPHA SIGNATA.
Considered by the editor to be generically distinct from the Cossyphe,
and separated by him as A/donopsis signata (Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
vii, p. 68).
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
A specimen from Natal is in the British Museum, and Captain Shelley
also has it from that colony.

Page 230. CIcHLADUSA RUFICAUDA.
Quillengues, abundant: native name Kitole (Anchieta).

Page 230. PINARORNIS PLUMOSUS.

Umyuli River, Mashoona Land, August and October. “I found a pair
of these curious birds on a rocky spur of a low range of mountains,
well-wooded with high trees. Their habits are decidedly those of
a Chat; and although shy and retiring they are at once conspicuous
by their large size and the peculiar graceful movements imparted
to them by their lax soft plumage and ample wings and tail, as
they hop and flit about the the large boulders and rocks, alighting
on them as softly as a falling snow-flake. The male is darker and
brighter in plumage than the female, which gives the latter a
somewhat faded appearance” (Ayres).

Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, pl. ix.

3.6

818 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 231. MyrMEcocIcHLA FORMICIVORA.
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Rustenberg, July, common on all the open country (Ayres.)
Common near Spalding’s on the Hart River. Exceedingly common
after passing Estcourt; breeding near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).
Page 232. THAMNOBIA CINNAMOMEIVENTRIS.
Should be called Thamnolea cinnamometventris (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B.
vii, p. 49).
Rustenberg, May, very local (Ayres).
Hills near the Shongo River, November Ist; Kanye, Matabele Land
(Ayres).
Page 233. SAXICOLA INFUSCATA.
Is not a true Sawicola, and is referred by Mr. Seebohm to the genus
Bradyornis. It should, therefore, be called Bradyornis infuscata
(vide infra, p. 844).
Page 234. SaxIcoLA GALTONI.
Ladysmith (F. Oates).
Inyati (Ff. Oates).
A common species throughout the Rustenberg district (Ayres).
Rocky kopjes near the Shongo River on November Ist: breeding
(Ayres).
Ladysmith, August (Reid).
Page 236. SAxicoLa sINUATA.
Referred by Mr. Seebohm to the genus Myrmecocichla (Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vi, p. 359).
Page 236. Saxicona LAYARDI.
Fig. Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vi, pl. xviii.
Page 237. SaxicoLA SCHLEGELI.
Referred by Mr. Seebohm to Myrmecocichla cinerea (vide infra).
Page 238. SaxtcoLa PILEATA.
Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Potchefstroom (Lucas) ; John Scott’s Farm, Transvaal (I. Oates).
Mashoona Land, September and October (Ayres).
A familiar bird in the vicinity of habitations throughout the Newcastle
district, nesting about September (B., F., and Lt.).
Common all over the country near the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Page 240. SaxIcoLA BIFASCIATA,
Referred to the genus Myrmecocichla by Mr. Seebohm (Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. y, p. 355).
Plentiful in the neighbourhood of the Drakensberg at the foot of the
slopes, breeding there in considerable numbers (B., F., and R.).
Ingagane River (Reid).

APPENDIX. 819

Page 242. SaxicoLa CINEREA.
Is a Myrmecocichla, according to Mr. Seebohm (Cat. B. v, p. 358), who
considers that 8. schlegeli (p. 237 of this work) belongs to the same
species.

Page 243. SAaxtcoLa DILUTA.
Referred to S. leucomelena by Mr. Seebohm (¢. c. p. 377).

Page 243. Saxicona casTor.
Mr. Seebohm (¢. c. p. 380) considers this to be only a stage of
S. monticola.

Page 244, SaxicoLA POLLUX.
Is a Myrmecocichla, according to Mr. Seebohm (¢. c. p. 357).

Page 245. SaxICOLA ARNOTTI.
Is not a true Chat, and is referred by the editor to the genus Tham-
nolea (Cat. B. vii, p. 53).

Page 246. SaxIcoLA SHELLEYI.

Also referred to Thamnolea by the editor (¢. c. p. 52.)

Ramaqueban River, on the way to Gubuleweyo June 24; near Sibanane,
December 8 (Ff. Oates).

Umyuli River, Mashoona Land, August 10th. Native name Inque-
lechaine. “This is an arboreal Chat, frequenting the woods on
the banks of rivers: only met with on the Umyuli” (Ayres).

Fig. Sharpe in Oates, Matabele Land, App. pl. A.

Page 246. SaxicoLA MONTICOLA.

We have already referred (p. 247) to the difficulty of following the
sequence of plumage undergone by this Chat, and so dissatisfied
were we with the incompleteness of our information on the subject,
that we wrote to all our friends in South Africa to ask them to
work up the question and send us specimens In answer to this
appeal our excellent correspondents Dr. Exton, Mr. Lucas and
Captain Trevelyan sent us altogether twenty specimens, and with
this increased material Mr. Seebohm went to work at the species
for the British Museum “Catalogue of Birds.” The result he
arrived at was that there was a white-headed form, Sazicola
leucomelena, inhabiting Benguela and Damara Land (to which our
S. anderssoni, p. 249, is to be referred), and a southern form, S.
monticola, extending from the Cape Colony to Great Namaqua Land
on the west and from Bloemfontein to the Transvaal in the centre
of South Africa. These two forms interbreed and produce an
infinite series of intermediate specimens, the strain of S. leu-

3a 2

820 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

comelena being sometimes predominant and sometimes that of

S. monticola.

Majors Butler and Feilden and Captain Reid, on the other hand, who
paid great attention to the changes of plumage in this species,
believe that the female does not change her livery, while the male
goes through successive changes, sufficient to account for all the
links which are included in Mr. Seebohm’s chain of hybridization.
They believe that the progress from youth to age may be tabulated
as follows :—

1st stage. Birds of the year in immature plumage, very similar to
the females, though perhaps slightly darker.

2nd stage. Shoulders white, though the patch is not so conspicuous
as in the next stages. The whole of the lower parts black or
blackish-brown. ;

3rd stage. Shoulders white. Traces of white on the abdomen.

4th stage. Shoulders white. Head not so black as in the second
and third stages, but a few shades lighter, indicating the commence-
ment of the change to grey. Below, from breast to vent, white.

5th stage. Head grey or greyish-white. Below white, from breast to
vent.

6th stage. Head grey or greyish-white. Below, black from belly to
vent, with, in some cases, traces of white on the lower abdomen.
They consider stages six and seven to be of about the same
period of the bird’s life, but that in some the white head is gained
before the white belly, while in others the white belly is assumed
before the head changes.

7th stage. Grey, with greyish-white shoulders.

8th stage. Grey, shoulders white.

9th stage. Paler than seventh stage, becoming whitish-grey ;
shoulders white.

We can only say that, as far as the British Museum series goes, the
observations of the above authors seem to be confirmed.
Dr. Bradshaw collected a series in the Orange River district, and

says that the species is tolerably plentiful about three miles from
the river in rocky mountainous veldts.

Page 249. SAaxICOLA ANDERSSONI.
Is a stage of plumage of S. monticola.

Page 250. PRatTINcOLA TORQUATA.
Universally distributed and very abundant in the Newcastle district:
breeds (B., F., and R.).

bt eget ee ine

a.

APPENDIX. 821

Linokana, Western Transvaal (Holub).
Not met with on the Orange River: common from the Transvaal to
the Zambesi (Bradshaw).

Page 251. AxnDON CORYPHAA. Coryphée Chat-Thrush.
Is not a true Adon, but an Hrythropygia (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vii, p. 73). It should be called H. corypheus.
“ Chat-Thrush ” is a better English name for these birds.

Page 252. Axpon LEUCOPHRYS. White-eyebrowed Chat-Thrush,
Should also be referred to the genus Hrythropygia.
By no means plentiful in the Rustenberg district (Ayres.)
Matje Umschlope, November; Kanye, January 7 (Ayres).

Page 253. AEDON PENA. Sir Andrew Smith’s Chat-Thrush.

Should be called Hrythropygia pena (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. vi, p. 76).
Common at Bamangwato on the 26th December: breeding (Ayres).

Page 255. Insert:—EryTuropyGia munpA, Cab. Angolan Chat-Thrush.

The birds from Damara Land and Humbe turn out not to be H.
leucophrys, but an Angolan species H. munda, and the references
to the habits of the bird in Damara Land, given on p. 252, belong
to that species.

It differs from its ally, H. lewcophrys, in having the flanks uniform and
not streaked, the black streaks being confined to the lower throat
and fore-neck.

Fig. Reichen. &. Schalow, J. f. O. 1881, taf. iv, fig. 3.

Page 254. Insert :—HRyYrHROPYGIA ZAMBESIANA, Sharpe.
Zambesi Chat-Thrush.
Procured by Sir J. Kirk at Tete on the Zambesi. Allied to HL. pena,
like which species it has rufous tail-feathers tipped with white,
with a broad subterminal bar of dark brown, but distinguished by
having the wing-coverts tipped with white, and by the black
streaks on the fore-neck and chest.
Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. pl. xv, fig. 1.
Page 254. Drymmca FLAVICANS.
The genus Drymeca is identical with the older genus Prinia* and the
species should be known as Prinia flavicans.
Mangwato, December 26 (Ayres).
Numerous on the Orange River (Bradshaw).
* “ By an oversight the genus Drymeca is not given as a synonym in the Catalogue

(p. 183), where the following addition is necessary: Drymoica, Swains. Zool. Journ. ii,
p- 168 (1828) Type, D. maculosa.”’—R. B. 8.

822 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 256. Drym@ca suBSTRIATA.
This is the single representative of the Indian genus Burnesia in
South Africa, and should be called Burnesia substriata (cf. Sharpe,
t. c. p. 206).
Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 256. Dryma@ca ocuLaris.
Is a Spiloptila (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, p. 232).
Orange River (Bradshaw).
Abundant in the neighbourhood of the Malope River in January ; also
at Spalding’s on the Hart River, February 1st (Ayres).
Page 258. Dryma@ca Arrinis.
Is identical with a widely spread African species, Prinia mystacea,
Riipp.
Four lines from end of page read “‘ worn” for “ warm.”
Caconda (Anchieta).
Common in the Rustenberg Mountains (Ayres). Umvuli River,
Mashoona Land, August, scarce (Ayres).
The note on the habits of the bird in the Transvaal should, according
to Mr. Gurney, really apply to D. flavicans.
Umgeni River, December 26 (Reid).

Page 259. Drymm@ca MACULOSA.
Should be called Prinia maculosa.

Page 260. Drym@ca HYPOXANTHA.
Should be also referred to the genus Prinia.
Not uncommon in the Newcastle district (B., F., and R.).

Page 263. CISTICOLA CURVIROSTRIS.
This is the summer plumage of C. natalensis (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii,
p: 279).
Umvyuli River, August: not plentiful. Native name, Umkuwele
(Ayres).
Near Pietermaritzburg, August (Reid).
Page 265. CISTICOLA TINNIENS.
Rustenberg, scarce (Ayres).
Common in the neighbourhood of Newcastle (Reid).

Page 263. Insert:
CISTICOLA ANGOLENSIS (Bocage). Angolan Grass- Warbler.
Described by Professor Barboza du Bocage as being nearly allied to
C. natalensis and O. eurvirostris, but having the bill perceptibly
less stout. He says that Smith’s figure of (. tinniens (vel levail-

APPENDIX. 823

lantit) gives a good idea of the colouration of C. angolensis, but
that it is much larger. Our belief is that the Angolan bird will
prove to be C. natalensis.

Two specimens were procured by Anchieta at Caconda in Benguela.

Page 264. CrsTicOoLA FULVIFRONS.

Proves to be identical with C. lugubris (Riipp.), a widely spread African
species.

Page 268. Crsvicona cHrInrANa (large race of C. subruficapilla).

Tatin River, December 8; Seruli Pan, December 17; Mangwato,
December 27; commonest Warbler in that part of the country
(Ayres).

Very common near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Page 269. CrsTIcoLA RUFILATA (= C. subruficapilla, var.)

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 269. CISTICOLA ISODACTYLA.

This is not the O. isodactyla of Professor Peters, which is the same as
C. lugubris, as the editor has assured himself by an examination of
the type specimen. The bird called CU. isodactyla in the present
edition is CO. subruficapilla, adult, in winter plumage.

Page 270. CIsTICOLA LAISs.
This is the young bird of C. subruficapilla in its first winter dress
(cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, p. 289).

Page 273. CiIsTICOLA SUBCINNAMONEA.
It has been made the type of a separate genus, Huryptila, by the
editor (Cat. B. vii, p. 116).

Page 273. CISTICOLA FASCIOLATA.
Also separated by the editor under a different generic title, Calamo-
nastes (Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vu, p. 133).
Rustenberg district, May (Ayres).
Tatin River, December 13 (Ayres).

Page 259. CISTICOLA PROCERA.

Is the large race of CO. subruficapilla (i.e. C. chiniana) in breeding
plumage, the type having been examined by the editor (Cat. B. vii,
p- 286).

Page 271. CiIsTICOLA ABERRANS.

Rustenberg (Ayres). We think the specimen recorded by Mr. Gurney
(Ibis, 1880, p. 101), probably belongs to the winter plumage of
Dryodromas fulvicapilla. Mr. Gurney also points out that the
note on the habits of this bird, in Natal, really belongs to Prinia

mystacea.

824 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Kanye, Matabele, January 7th; Umvuli River, August; Matje
Umschlope, November 17 (Ayres).

Camperdown Station between Pietermaritzburg and Pinetown: Rich-
mond Road camp (Reid).

275. Insert :—CIsTICOLA TERRESTRIS (Smith).

It was a mistake to unite C. terrestris with C. cisticola. It is a larger
bird, and is distinguished by its perfectly uniform blackish tail,
with pale tips but no subterminal bar: in C. cisticola there is a
distinct shade of rufous on the tail before the subterminal bar.
All the occurrences mentioned in the body of the work under the
head of C. cursitans belong to the present species and not to the
last-named bird, which, as far as we know, has only been found
in Damara Land within our limits.

Rustenberg, scarce (Ayres).

Kanye, Matabele (Ayres).

Numerous on the “veldt” near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Page 275. CISTICOLA CURSITANS.
Stands as Cisticola cisticola (Temm.). The only specimens of this
European species which we have seen from South Africa are some
of Mr. Andersson’s from Damara Land (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii,
p 263). C. terrestris is distinct (vide supra).

Page 278. CISTICOLA CHERINA.
The editor (Cat. B. vii, p. 264) again reiterates his belief that this
species does not occur in South Africa, and that the type really

came from Madagascar.

Page 279. Hemipreryx TEX'TRIX.
The genus Hemipteryx is regarded by the editor (Cat. B. vii, p. 235)
as the same as Cisticola. The specific name should be written
tewtrin.

Page 280. Hemiprmryx 1MMACULATA.
Is the full breeding plumage of C. terrestris.

Page 280. SPHEN®ACUS AFRICANUS.

Captain Shelley recognizes three races of this bird in South Africa, as
follows:

265. SS. africanus, from the western portion of the Cape Colony.

265a. 8S. intermedius, from the eastern parts. of the colony; like the
foregoing, but having the upper and under tail-coverts uniform,
the head clearer rufous and the streaks on the sides of the body
much narrower.

APPENDIX. 825

265d. 8. natalensis, from Natal and the Transvaal, distinguished by
the absence of streaks on the flanks and upper and under tail-
coverts.

Magaliesbergen, not very common (Ayres) ; common near Newcastle
(B., F., and R.).

Page 282. MetocrcHLa PyrrHops.

The true M. pyrrhops of Cabanis turns out to be Cisticola erythrops
of Hartlaub (cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, p. 250). The bird here
intended is Cisticola meridionalis, Sharpe (¢. c. p. 243), or
Melocichla meridionalis for those naturalists who consider
Melocichla anything more than a big Cisticola.

Page 281. Insert:—Crsticona eranpis, Bocage. Large Grass-Warbler.

Caconda (Anchieta).

According to Professor Bocage this species is distinguished from its
allies by its large size and by its peculiar colouration: back pale
uniform earthy brown; a black moustache along the sides of the
chin; lower parts white, marked with dull rufous; feet leaden
brown.

Page 281. APALIS THORACICA.
Near Newcastle in a kloof in the Drakensberg (B., F., and R.).

Page 283. CatTRISCUS APICALIS.
The genus Schenicola of Blyth, 1844, being older than Catriscus of
Cabanis, 1850, the name of this species must be Scheenicola apicalis.

Page 286. BrabYpreRUS BRACHYPTERUS.
Not uncommon about Richmond Road, Natal; Kaarkloof, November ;
occasionally in the swamps about Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Page 287. BRrapYPTERUS GRACILIROSTRIS.

On account of its smaller first primary Mr. Seebohm has separated this
species from the other Bradypteri, and placed it in the genus
Lusciniola (cf. Cat. B. v, p. 122). Speaking of the range of this
Warbler, Mr. Seebohm says that it is found in South Africa from
the Congo, Damara Land, and the Transvaal down to the Cape,
and he adds: “It is probably a resident; but of this writers on
African ornithology, with their accustomed carelessness, fail to inform
us.” To whom Mr. Seebohm, that ‘“ Boanerges”’ of ornithology,
intends this somewhat ungracious taunt to apply, it is at first
sight rather difficult to imagine, and we have had to consider on
whose head to place the “cap” of carelessness. We expected to
find that the author of a volume of the “Catalogue of Birds”
would have shown at least some reason for such a strong remark,

826 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

but we notice that Mr. Layard appears to have done his best
for Mr. Seebohm, when he states that he found the bird breeding
on the Berg River, whence there are two specimens of his in
the British Museum. We ourselves, as editor, do not appear
to have been guilty of “carelessness” in our compilation of the
facts as far as they were published up to the time of our writing
the account of the species ; and, therefore, as the cap is still floating
about somewhere in search of a resting-place, we propose to place
it on the head of Mr. Seebohm himself, who, from the facts (1)
of the breeding of the bird at the Berg River, (2) of its occurrence
in the Transvaal in winter, i.e. April and June, (3) from the
presence of specimens in their breeding dress as well as in winter
plumage in the British Museum, and (4) because no one has
found the species owt of South African limits, has shown on
his part wn-‘‘accustomed carelessness” in not deducing from his
facts that the bird must be a resident in South Africa.

Not uncommon in the thickest reeds in the vleys near Newcastle in
September and October, at which season it breeds (B., F., and f.).

Page 288. BrapyPrERUS SYLVATICUS.

Caconda (Anchieta). Cf. Bocage, Orn. Angola, p. 554.

The editor has referred three specimens in the British Museum from
South Africa, collected by Sir Andrew Smith, to B. sylvaticus of
Sundevall. The under tail-coverts are dark olive-brown, lighter
on their margins; the throat is slightly mottled with dark edges
to the feathers ; the chest is uniform ashy brown.

Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, pl. iv.

Page 289. Insert :—BRrADYPTERUS BARRATII, Sharpe.

This species has the under tail-coverts, as in B. sylvaticus, dark olive-
brown with lighter margins. The upper surface is reddish
chocolate-brown, the throat and breast always distinctly spotted
and streaked with black.

It was discovered by Mr. F. A. Barratt in the Lydenburg district of
the Transvaal, and Mr. Ayres has met with it at Macamac. His
son, Mr. T. L. Ayres, has also sent some beautiful specimens to
Captain Shelley from Natal.

Fig. Barratt, Ibis, 1876, pl. 4.

Page 289. AcROCEPHALUS FULVOLATERALIS.
According to Mr. Seebohm (Cat. B. v, p. 95), this supposed new species
is only the ordinary A. turdoides (vel. A. arundinaceus) of Europe,
after the autumn moult. Mr. Lueas has procured the species

APPENDIX. 827

near Potchefstroom in February, and Mr. Ayres at the same place
in March.
Richmond Road, near Pietermaritzburg, December (B., F., and R.).

Page 290. AcROCEPHALUS BETICATUS.
Incandu River, near Newcastle, October (Reid).

Page 291. AcROCEPHALUS PALUSTRIS.

Mr. Seebohm states that, like A. streperus, the present bird has the
second primary longer than the fifth, but instead of being olive-
brown above, the back has a slight russet tinge, more decided on
the rump. We notice that he does not quote the present work,
and therefore he was apparently unaware of the occurrence of the
species in Natal, which is considerably to the south of the winter
homes accorded for it by Mr. Seebohm (J. c.), when he says that it
winters in Central Africa.

Mr. Gurney (Ibis, 1878, p. 289) states that the remarks of Mr. Ayres,
given by us on page 292 of this work, really belong to A.
beticatus and not to A. palustris.

Page 293. ACROCEPHALUS SCHENOBANUS.
Potchefstroom, April 10 and 18 (Ayres).

Page 293. CAMAROPTERA OLIVACEA.

A mistake has taken place in the identification of this species. The
true ©. olivacea of Vieillot, founded on Levaillant’s ‘‘ Olivert,” is
the bird called by us Camaroptera brachyura, and the present bird
must stand as C. swndevalli, Sharpe, J. f. O. 1882, p. 347.

Page 294. CAMAROPTERA BRACHYURA.
This must stand as C. olivacea (Vieill.). A specimen of Mr. Rickard’s,
from Uitenhage, is in the British Museum.

Page 296. PHYLLOSCOPUS TROCHILUS.
Quillengues in the interior of Benguela (Anchieta).
Potchefstroom, March (Lucas), November, December (Ayres).
Namaqua Land (Sir A. Smith).
Matje Umschlope, November 17th (Ayres).
Three miles south of Newcastle, October; and Camperdown Station,
December (Reid).

Page 297. EREMOMELA FLAVIVENTRIS.
Kinegwilliamstown (Trevelyan).
Caconda. Native name, Lugando-anjobo (Anchieta).
Umynuli River, August 19th (Ayres).

828 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 298. EREMOMELA USTICOLLIS.
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 298. Insert: EreMOMELA POLIOXANTHA, Sharpe.
Buckley’s Bush-warbler.

This species, which was discovered by Mr. T. E. Buckley in Suazi
Land, differs from ZH. flaviventris in haying the upper surface
ashy, slightly washed with yellow on the back; the throat and
chest are ashy white, the rest of the under parts being yellow,
which extends on to the lower breast ; whereas in H. flaviventris
only the lower abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts are yellow.
Total length, 3°8 inches; culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°3; tail,1°3; tarsus, 0°7.

Page 299. HEREMOMELA scoToes.

This species has been re-discovered in the eastern districts of the
-Transyaal by Mr. Ayres, who also met with it in Mashoona Land
during Mr. Jameson’s expedition. Mr. Seebohm named the
species recently H. hemizantha.

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Umvuli River, August 23rd (Ayres).

Fig. Sharpe, Cat. B. vii, pl. v, fig. 1.

Page 299. Insert: HremomELa PuLcHRA (Bocage).
Citron-headed Bush-warbler.
This species was described by Prof. Bocage under the name of
Tricholais pulchra, from Caconda, where it was found by Senor
Anchieta.

It belongs to the same section as H. scotops, with the head yellower
than the back, but has the breast and abdomen white, contrasting

with the yellow throat and fore-neck.

Page 299. DryopROMAS FLAVIDA.

According to a recent arrangement of the African Warblers by the
editor (Cat. B. vol. vii), the present species must be placed in the
genus Huprinodes of Cassin.

Kingwilliamstown (Trevelyan).

Page 300. DryopRoMAS ALBIGULARIS.
This species must bear the older name of icteropygialis of Lafresnaye.

Page 301. DryoproMas FULVICAPILLA.

In its plumage and general aspect this bird is exactly like a Cisticola
and is often confounded with Cisticola aberrans, especially in the
winter plumage, when the under surface is yellowish-buff. In
C. aberrans, however, the tail is always longer than the wing and
its feathers are rather pointed.

~ aan

— ee eeeESEeEEEeEeeEeEeEeE

APPENDIX. 829

Not uncommon in the Neweastle district ; near Ladysmith, August;
on the Tugela, near Colenso, November (B., F., and R.).

Page 302. PrpaLus RUFICAPILLUS.
Is a member of the Indian genus Cryptolopha, and must stand as
CO. ruficapilla.
Not uncommon in the kloofs, on the Drakensberg near Newcastle,
August (Butler).
Found sparingly in the dense forests of the Lydenburg district (Ayres).
Fig.” Sharpe, Cat. B. iv, pl. xii, fig. i.

Page 303. SYLVIETTA RUFESCENS.
Should be Sylviella not Sylvietta.
Not at all uncommon in the Marico district (Ayres): plentiful in
Swart-Ruggens and Rustenberg district (Lucas).
Umvuli River, October 6; Chakanie Pan, December 19 (Ayres).
Ladysmith, August (Harkness: teste B., F., and R.).

Page 304. Insert: SynyimLLA RUFICAPILLA, Bocage.
Rufous-headed Bush-warbler.
Discovered by Senor Anchieta at Caconda in Benguela. Native name
“ Goma-caxaca.”’
Like S. rufescens, the upper surface is ashy grey, but the head is
chestnut, as well as the ear-coverts, the belly white, the quills
externally edged with olive-yellowish.

Page 304. SyLvIA SALICARIA.

The facts of the capture of this species by Mr. Andersson and Sir
Andrew Smith should be reversed. It was the latter who procured
two specimens, Mr. Andersson having met with only one, a male,
killed on the 30th November (cf. Seebohm, Cat. B. v, p. 12).

Mr. Seebohm (J. c.) retains the name of Sylvia hortensis for this
species. According to him the Garden Warbler may be dis-
tinguished from the Whitethroat by having the chin and throat
not whiter than the rest of the under parts. The margins of the
quills, wing-coverts, and innermost secondaries are of the same
colour as the back, but somewhat paler.

Near Potchefstroom, December, January, to March (Ayres).

Page 304, Insert:—Synvia cineruA (L.). Common Whitethroat.

The Common Whitethroat was met with by the late Mr. Andersson at
Otniovapa in Damara Land on the 12th of January (cf. Seebohm,
Cat. B. vii, p. 10).

In this species the bastard primary is very minute, according to Mr.
Seebohm, falling short of the primary-coverts by 0°1 or 0:2 inches.

830 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The chin and throat are much whiter than the rest of the under-
parts; the wing-coverts, and especially the secondaries, edged
with pale chestnut.

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. ii, pl. 57.

Page 306. NercTARINIA FAMOSA.
Very abundant in the Newcastle district: wintering in the Drakens-
berg kloofs ; Ladysmith, August; common at Richmond Road in
December (B., F., and R.).

Page 308. Insert :—Necrarinia Bocacit, Shelley. Bocage’s Sun-bird.

Senor Anchieta discovered this species near Caconda in Benguela,
where it is rare.

It is of the same form and about the same size as N. famosa, but of
quite a different colour, being in fact a southern form of N. tacazze
of Abyssinia.

General colour coppery or violet bronze; abdomen black ; upper parts
and throat shaded with bluish-green. Total length, 8°1 inches ;
culmen, 0°9; wing, 3°05 ; tail, 4°2; tarsus, 0°7 (Shelley).

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Nect. pl. 6, fig. 2.

Page 310. Insert :—CINNYRIS OLIVACINUS.

Described by the late Prof. Peters from Inhambane; it is said to be

similar to C. olivaceus, but smaller.

Page 311. CINNYRIS GUTTURALIS.
Maritzburg : not uncommon in the hot months (B., F. and R.).
Pantamatenka River (Holub).

Page 313. CrnNYRIS AFER.
Common in the Rustenberg district (Ayres).
Kloofs of the Drakensberg, wintering there in May and June : breeding
in August (B., F., and R.).
Page 313. Insert :—CINNYRIS LUDOYICENSIS.
Sent from Biballa: native names Kanjoi and Kinbinja (Anchieta).
Captain Shelley unites this species with O. afer, but it seems to us not
unlikely to be identical with the recently described C. erikssoni, of
Trimen.

The latter species has been discovered in Damara Land by Mr. Axel
Eriksson, for many years the companion of the late Mr. Andersson.
It has been named after the discoverer by Mr. Roland Trimen, who
writes : ‘‘ This Sun-bird belongs to Shelley’s ‘ pale metallic group’
of the genus Cinnyris, and is in colouring almost identical with
C. afer (L.), but differs strikingly in size, being not larger than
C. chalybeus (L.), and in the shortness of its beak. In the male

APPENDIX. 831

the metallic green is perhaps rather more smooth and brilliant
than in C. afer, and the scarlet of the breast somewhat lighter ;
but it is in the width of the latter that the bird differs most, the
specimens in finest plumage having the belt an inch broad,
which is actually wider than the same marking in the much
larger C. afer. It is further remarkable that the wings are as
long as in OC. afer, viz. 2in. 6lin., while in OC. chalybeus they
measure only 2in. 3lin. The bill, however, is 1 line shorter than
in C. chalybeus (culmen 9 lin.) and 5 lines shorter than in C. afer
(123 to 13 lin.).

“©. erikssoni cannot be confounded with C. chalybeus, the latter
having such a very narrow scarlet breast-belt; but it is more like
C. chloropyyius (Jard.), a native of all the tropical West-African
coast from Senegal to Angola. This last-named bird, however, is
much smaller (total length 3 in. 7 lin.), and wants both the
blue upper tail-coverts and blue pectoral collar presented by
C. erikssont.”

Fig. Trimen, P.Z.S. 1882, pl. 32.

Page 314. CrnnyRIS CHALYBEUS.

Sent from Caconda by Senor Anchieta.

Prof. Bocage has described a new species, C. intermedius, similar to
C. chalybeus, but with the upper tail-coverts golden-green instead
of steel-blue ; the abdomen is paler and more ashy brown, inclining
to yellowish-white on the vent and under tail-coverts. Captain
Shelley, who has examined the type of the above species, considers
it to be the same as C. chalybeus.

Rustenberg, May; Umvuli River, September (Ayres).

Very common in the Drakensberg, near Newcastle, in midwinter ; also
breeds (B., F., and R.).

Page 316. CINNYRIS AMETHYSTINOS.

We should not be surprised if the two specimens from Caconda
recorded by Senor Anchieta turned out to be O. kirkii, as Prof.
Barboza du Bocage speaks of the back and rump being of a violet
colour with reflections, but does not speak of the metallic upper
tail-coverts.

Not uncommon from Durban to Ladysmith, but not seen beyond (B.,
F., and R.).

Page 317. CrnyyRis KIRKI.

Dr. Gadow has united this species to C. amethystinus, but, in our
opinion, wrongly: and we agree with Captain Shelley that it is a
distinct species. The origin of the mistake is no doubt the

832 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

specimen of Dr. Bradshaw’s in British the Museum, labelled
‘* Zambesi,” which has metallic upper tail-coverts, like C. amethy-
stinus. Dr. Bradshaw’s skins came to the Museum without
any localities attached to them, and were all said to have come
from the Zambesi; but, as Dr. Bradshaw informed us, he
collected all over the Matabele and Makalaka countries, and the
specimen in question doubtless came from one of the latter places.

Mr. Ayres collected four adult male specimens on the Umvyuli River,
in Mashoona Land, in September.

By an oversight Dr. Gadow has given Dr. Bradshaw’s example from
the Zambesi as the type of C. kirki: it should have been Sir John
Kirk’s specimen which was the type.

Page 317. Cuinnyris FuscUs.

The only Sunbird met with on the northern border; summer visitor
and very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

“ Nylefield,” given by Dr. Gadow as a locality for this species, is the
name of the collector, not of the place.

Page 318. CINNYRIS TALALALA.

The oldest name for this species is C. leucogaster (V). Cf. Shelley,
Monogr. Cinnyr. Intr. p. xxxix.

Capangombe ; native name Mariapindo ; Humbe (Anchieta).

Common near Rustenberg (Ayres).

Palatswie Pan, Bamangwato, June (fF. Oates).

Page 319. CINNYRIS MARIQUENSIS.

Palatswie Pan, Bamangwato, June; Matje Umschlope, Matabele

Land, November; Mangwato, December 27 (Ayres).
Page 319. Insert :—Cinnyris venustus, Shaw.

Met with by Senor Anchieta at Biballa, in Mossamedes.

This small Sunbird comes nearest to CO. leucogaster (C. talatala, Smith)
of all the South African species, but has the abdomen and thighs
buff. It is a West African bird.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Nect. pl. 74, figs. 1, 3.

Page 319. Insert :—Cinnyris ouSTALETI, Bocage. Oustalet’s Sun-bird.

This species is one of Senor Anchieta’s discoveries in Benguela. He
met with it near Caconda, where it was very common.

It is closely allied to C. leucogaster, but is to be recognized by its
scarlet and yellow pectoral tufts. It has a red border also to the
violet-blue feathers on the upper breast. Wing, 2°2 inches.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Nect. pl. 72, fig. 1.

Page 322. ANTHOTHREPTES ANCHIETH, Bocage. Anchieta’s Sun-bird.
Common at Caconda, in Benguela, according to Senor Anchieta. It

APPENDIX. 833

differs from A. longuemarii in having the metallic parts confined to
the throat and front half of the crown, and in having a broad
band of scarlet down the centre of the chest, and the under tail-
coverts also scarlet. The following is Captain Shelley’s descrip-
tion : Adult male—Upper parts dusky brown, as well as the sides
of the head and neck; feathers of the forehead and front of the
crown broadly edged with steel blue glossed with green; lower
back and upper tail-coverts shaded with olive; wings dark brown
with paler brown edges to the quills; tail-feathers dark brown
with very narrow paler edges; chin and throat blackish-brown
with broad steel blue edges to the feathers of the throat; chest
sulphur-yellow on the sides, with a broad central band of bright
scarlet; abdomen and thighs pale olive-yellow, shading into
sulphur-yellow towards the centre; under tail-coverts orange-red ;
under surface of the wings dark brown with pale inner margins
to the quills, and with the coverts mottled with ashy white;
bill and legs black; iris dark brown. Total length, 4:5 inches;
culmen, 0°5; wing, 2°4; tail, 1:6; tarsus, 1°7.
Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Nect. pl. 106.

Page 322. Insert :—ANTHOTHREPTES LONGUEMARII, Less.
Longuemare’s Sun-bird.
Also discovered by Senor Anchieta at Caconda. Itis a species hitherto
known only from Senegambia and Abyssinia, and Captain Shelley
says that the Caconda examples are identical with others from
Casamance.
The following descriptions are taken from his ‘‘ Monograph :”—

Adult male.—Upper parts metallic bluish-violet; wings dark brown ;
the least series of wing-coverts metallic bluish-violet, with a few
of the outermost ones metallic green; median series of wing-
coverts narrowly edged with metallic violet; tail dark brown
washed with metallic violet, and with edges of metallic violet to
the feathers ; sides of the head and sides of the neck dark brown ;
under parts white ; chin and throat metallic bluish-violet ; pectoral
tufts sulphur-yellow; under surface of the wings dark brown,
with the coverts white, mottled along the bend of the wing with
dark brown; bill brown, paler towards the base of the lower
mandible ; irides and legs dark brown. Total length, 49 inches ;
culmen, 0°65; wing, 2°9; tail, 2°3; tarsus, 0°7.

Adult female.—Upper parts ashy brown : upper tail-coverts metallic
bluish-violet ; tail dark brown washed with metallic violet, and
with violet edges to these feathers; a broad white eyebrow; sides

”

o H

834 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

of the head and neck and the wings brown; quills slightly edged
with yellowish-olive; under parts white, shaded with yellow on
the abdomen, flanks, and under tail-coverts. Total length, 4:7
inches ; culmen, 0°6; wing, 2°6; tail, 2:1; tarsus, 0°7.

Fig. Shelley, Monogr. Nect. pl. 108.

Page 322. ZosTeEROPS CAPENSIs.
Common near Newcastle and universally distributed throughout Natal,
(B., F., and R.).

Page 324. ZosTEROPS PALLIDA.
Orange River; common (Bradshaw).
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 325. ZosTEROPS VIRENS.
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 325. ZosTEROPS SENEGALENSIS.
Caconda in Benguela; native name Hoto (Anchieta).

Page 326. ZosTEROPS ATMORII.
The above title the editor has recently suppressed (Cat. B. ix, p. 169),
as he believes it to be identical with Z. poliogaster of Heuglin
from N. E, Africa.

Page 327. ANTHOSCOPUS CAPENSIS.
Shot on the 15th of May on the rocky ranges near Potchefstroom
(Ayres).
Rustenberg ; common (Ayres).
Spalding’s, Hart River (Ayres) ; nesting at Boatlanami Pan (Jameson).
Not very common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 327. ANTHOSCOPUS CAROLT.

Considered by Dr. Gadow (Cat. B. viii, p. 71) to be a sub-species or
race of A. capensis. The two birds are thoroughly and specifically
distinct, as is shown by Dr. Gadow’s plate I, bad though the
latter may be.

Ganyani River. Matabele name N’kilo (Ayres).

Fig. Gadow, Cat. B. vii, pl. i, fig. 1.

Page 329. Insert :—ANTHOSCOPUS FLAVIFRONS (Cass).
Yeilow-fronted Penduline Titmouse.
Found by Senor Anchieta at Caconda.
This is a West African species hitherto supposed to be confined to
Gaboon. It is distinguished from the African Penduline Titmice

APPENDIX. 835

by its bright yellow forehead, the rest of the upper surface being
olive-green tinged with yellow.
Fig. Cass. Pr. Philad. Acad. 1858, pl. i, fig. 2.

Page 329. PARUS AFER.
Caconda in Benguela: native name COamitico (Anchieta). Benguela
(Monteiro).
Orange River; common (Dr. Bradshaw).
Common amongst the wooded hillsides of the Magaliesbergen (Ayres).
Not uncommon in Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 331. Parvs NIGER.

Common about Rustenberg (Ayres).

Limpopo River; a tolerably common bird throughout the bush country ;
equally plentiful on the Umynli River, Mashoona Land, in
September and October (Ayres).

Camperdown, near Pietermaritzburg, December (Rezd).

Page 332. Insert:—ParUs RUFIVENTRIS, Bocage.
Rufous-bellied Titmouse.
Obtained by Anchieta at Caconda in Benguela: native name Cazito.
Easily distinguished from P. afer by its black ear-coyerts and rufous
belly. Wing, 3°35; tarsus, 0°8.
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. x, fig. 1.

Page 332. Insert:—SaLporNis sALvaporII (Bocage).
Salvadori’s Creeper.

This remarkable bird, which we believe Dr. Gadow to be perfectly
right in referring to the genus Salpornis, is the representative in
Africa of a rare Indian form of Creeper, Salpornis spilonota.
Senor Anchieta procured the species first at Caconda in Benguela,
and it was met with by Mr. Jameson’s expedition on the Ganyani
River in September.

The following is a translation of Professor Bocage’s original description
as given by Dr. Gadow (Cat. B. viii, p. 880) :-—

Above varied with rufous, white, and black; throat dull whitish with
small black spots; breast and abdomen more rufescent, with scaly
black margins ; upper tail-coverts, as well as the under tail-
coverts, whitish banded with black; ear-coverts blackish ; wing-
coverts and quills black, marked on both margins with rufous-
white spots; three outer primaries with a slight whitish edging
on the outer web; tail-feathers black, marked with three inter-
rupted bands of white, and with a white apical spot; “bill dusky

3 H 2

836 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

brown ; tarsi and feet ashy brown” (7. Ayres). Total length,
5 inches; bill, 0°55; wing, 2°85; tail, 1:65; tarsus, 0°6.
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. x, fig. 2.
Page 332. ParisoMA SUBCHRULEUM.
Ladysmith, August (eid).
Very common in the bush along the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Page 334, PAriIsOMA LAYARDI.
Scarce on the Orange River, and not found so near water as P. subce-
ruleum (Bradshaw).

Page 334. Insert :—Parisoma PLUMBEUM (Hartl.). Plumbeous Flycatcher.
Capt. Shelley has shown me two specimens collected by Mr. T. EB.
Buckley in Suazi Land, which are identical with others from Sene-
gambia and N. EH. Africa. Capt. Reid’s supposed specimen of
P. layardi, recorded as being procured by him on the 26th of
December between Durban and the Umgeni River, also belongs to
the present species.
P. plumbea differs from P. subceruleum in its white or fulvous under
tail-coverts, as in P. layardi, but it may easily be told from the
latter species by the absence of spots on the breast.

Page 336. Hy iora VIOLACEA.
Considered to be distinct from the true H. violacea, from Gaboon, and
named H. barboze by Dr. Hartlaub (J. f. O. 1883, p. 329).

Page 336. Insert:—Hyuiora Austrauis, Shelley. Mashoona Flycatcher.
This is an unmistakable species, only to be confounded with
H. barboze, of Benguela. It was discovered during Mr. Jameson’s
expedition to Mashoona Land. Mr. Ayres says it was exceedingly
scarce, frequenting the upper parts of high trees, amongst the
buds and young leaves of which it actively searched for insects.
Captain Shelley gives the following description of the species :—
Upper parts and sides of the head dull black, slightly glossed with
metallic lilac ; across the lower back a broad band of white feathers
tipped with black, much hidden by the overlapping of the black
feathers, giving a mottled appearance to this part; median and
greater wing-coverts entirely white, with the exception of a few
of the outer ones; secondaries with a white base, increasing in
breadth towards the innermost ones; inner webs of the quills with
white edges; under wing-coverts white; two centre tail-feathers
entirely black, the others more or less narrowly and partially
edged with white on both webs; the outer feather has the white
extending over the entire basal portion of the external web for

Se te

ca Ny: EEE Sag

en

APPENDIX. 837

about three quarters of its length; under surface of the body
ochraceous yellow, deeper on the breast and paler on the vent and
under tail-coverts, the latter being almost white: thighs white in
front and black behind. Total length, 46 inches; culmen, 0:4;
wing, 2°8; tail, 2; tarsus 0°75.

Fig. Shelley, Ibis, 1882, pl. vii, fig. 1.

Page 336. CHLOROPETA ICTERINA.
Caconda (Anchieta).

Page 338. Muscrcapa GRISOLA.
Caconda (Anchieta).
Potchefstroom, January: moulting (Ayres).
Quae Quae River, October 22 (Ayres).
Blauw Kranz River between Colenso and Estcourt, November (Reid).
In summer on the Orange River; not very plentiful (Bradshaw).

Page 338. Insert:—Muscicapa FinscHi, Bocage. Finsch’s Flycatcher-
Discovered at Caconda by Senor Anchieta. Professor Bocage says
that it is ike M. grisola and of the same size, with the throat and

breast marked with brown streaks en chevron.

Page 339. MuscicapaA UNDULATA.

Should be placed in the genus Alseonaw, which has a much broader bill
than Muscicapa. It should be called Alseonax adusta (Boie).
(Cf. Sharpe, Cat. B. iv, p. 129.)

Page 339. Insert:—Atsronax minima (Heugl.).
Von Heuglin’s Flycatcher.

This Abyssinian species has occurred to Senor Anchieta at Caconda.
It is described by Von Heuglin as follows :-—

Size very small; above greyish dusky; forehead, lores, eyelids and
belly dull dusky white, the sides of the neck, breast, flanks and
under wing-coyerts shaded with the same colour as the back;
quills internally towards the base dull buffy white; wing and tail-
coverts externally margined with pale rufous ; bill short, depressed,
dusky black, bluish flesh-colour at the base; feet bluish-black ;
iris dusky. Total length, 4” 3’; bill from front, 35’’; wing,
2" 42""; tail, 1” 9"; tarsus, 53°’.

Fig. Heuglin, Orn. N. O. Afr. taf. xviii, fig. 1.

Page 345. Insert :—PLarysTira MENTALIS, Bocage.
White-chinned Flycatcher.

Caconda (Anchieta).

Described by Professor Bocage as resembling P. peltata, but very much

larger.

838 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 346. Batis CAPENSIS.

The name Batis having been pre-occupied in Botany, it follows that
the genus Pachyprora must be employed, and the species will
stand as Pachyprora capensis,

Universally distributed, and common in every wooded kloof in the
Newcastle district (B., F., and R.).

Page 348. Baris MoLiror.

Must be called Pachyprora molitor.

Commonest of the Flycatchers about Rustenberg (Ayres).

Common on the Umyuli River, Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Not met with in the Neweastle district ; Ladysmith, August ; Colenso,
November (Reid).

Very plentiful along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 349. Batis prrrit.
Must be called Pachyprora pririt.
Tamasetse (Holub).

Page 350. Baris mINULUA.
Must stand as Pachyprora minulla.
Native name at Biballa, Kaloqueio (Anchieta).
Fig. Bocage, Orn. Angola, pl. iii.
Page 351. Laniorurpus TORQUATUS.
Capangombe (Anchieta).
Page 352. SrpnosTira sciva.
Very scarce in the Transyaal, but a pair are very occasionally to
be seen in winter (Ayres).
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Frequent in the kloofs at the foot of the Drakensberg in July, August
and September (B., F’., and R.).

Occasionally met with on the Orange River, but not at all common
(Bradshaw).

Page 352. TrpsiPHONE CRISTATA.
The proper name for this species is Terpsiphone perspicillata (Swains.).
Umvuli River: scarce in this part of Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Drakensberg Kloofs, near Newcastle, October: nesting at Colenso,
November, and at Camperdown in December (B., F., and R.).
Northern Bamangwato; Central Zambesi; West Matabele Land
(Holub).

Page 355. ELMinta aAnbicaupa, Bocage. White-tailed Blue Flycatcher,
Sent from Caconda by Senor Anchieta. Native name Okicecene.

a te

a

SE

APPENDIX. 839

Light blue; abdomen white, washed with rose-colour; outer tail-
feathers white, the three next broadly tipped with white, becoming
less towards the centre of the tail. Total length, 5:9 inches;
wing, 2°5; tail, 3:3; bill, 0°35; tarsus, 1-1.

Page 357. Insert:—Psanrporrocne antinori, Salvad.
Antinori’s Rough-winged Swallow.
In a collection recently presented by Sir John Kirk to the British
Museum, consisting of birds collected by him during the first
Livingstone expedition, there is a specimen of this new Swallow,
which was discovered in Shoa by the late Marquis Antinori. It
differs from P. holomelena in its white under wing-coverts.

Page 357. Insert:—Cuptipon ursica (L.). House-Martin.
The only occurrence of this European bird in South Africa is that
noted by Mr. Ayres, who met with the species on the Quae Quae
River in October, during Mr. Jameson’s expedition to Mashoona
Land. He writes:—‘‘For two or three days, from about 9 to
10 a.m. considerable numbers of Martins were flying up the river,
at a great height, only now and then one coming within range ;
they were apparently migrating.”

This species is dark blue with a white rump, and is white under-
neath. It may always be recognized by its white-feathered tarsi
and toes.

Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. ii, pl. 162.

Page 357. PETROCHELIDON SPILODERA.
Very numerous in the Newcastle district, breeding in October (B., F.,
and R.).

Page 358. CoryLp CINcTA.
Cotyle must, to be correct, be written Cotile.
This species has been met With by Senor Anchieta at Caconda in
Benguela.
Mashoona Land (Ayres).
First seen near Newcastle in October (B., F., and R.).

Page 358. Insert:—Corine riparia (L.). Common Sand-Martin.
This European species has been discovered by Mr. Ayres in the neigh-
bourhood of Potchefstroom. It is of about the same size as
C. paludicola, with which it consorts, but may be distinguished
from that species by its white throat and dark brown chest band ;
it may also be recognized by the little tuft of feathers on the back

of the basal part of the tarsus.

840 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. -

Mr. Ayres writes: ‘‘One morning, very early, I went down to the
river with my rod to fish, and sitting quietly near an extensive
bed of reeds and rushes, I saw many hundreds of these little
Martins leave their roosts among the rushes, all together, just as
the sun rose; about a quarter of an hour later many hundreds of
C. paludicola left the same patch of reeds, or others close by, all
together, or nearly so; at this time the two species were not
mixed, but at other times of the day they are nearly always
together, coursing for insects.’

Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. iii, pl. 163

Page 360. CormLe FULIGULA.

Potchefstroom, January: one of the scarcest of the Swallow tribe in
these parts (Ayres).

Tolerably common in the Rustenberg districts (Ayres).

A familiar species throughout the year in the upper part of the colony :
breeds in October and November (B., F., and R.).

Remains throughout the year on the Orange River; is most numerous
near rocky hills, where it nests under overhanging rocks: a few
pairs breed at Renhardt (Bradshaw).

Page 361. Corie PALUDICOLA.

A permanent and most abundant resident in the neighbourhood of
Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

An early arrival, and stays late: common on the Orange River (Brad-
shaw).

Page 362. Hrrunpo rustica.

First seen in the Newcastle distri¢t on the 19th of October; much
more numerous down country; large flocks seen at Richmond
Road and Durban (B., F., and R.).

Very plentiful on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 364. HiruNDO ALBIGULARIS.

Appeared at Newcastle in September in numbers, and noted all the
way down to the coast: numerous at Richmond Road in December
(B., F., and R.).

Page 364. Insert: Hirunpo nicrorura, Bocage.
Rufous and Black Swallow.

Found at Caconda by Senor Anchieta.

Black with a steel-blue gloss above, with the rump of the same
colour as the back; below cinnamon rufous. Total length, 6°4
inches; wing, 4:1; outer tail-feather, 2:15; centre tail-feather,
155; culmen, 0°45; tarsus, 0°55.

—eEEEEOO

APPENDIX. 841

Page 366. Hrirunpo pimipiata.
Caconda (Anchieta)
Rustenberg, May, July; common during the South African winter
(Ayres).
Umvuli River, August. Native name N’konjane (Ayres).
An early arrival, plentiful, nesting in every house (Bradshaw).

Page 368. Hrrunpo FILIFERA.
The oldest name for this Swallow appears to be Hirundo smithit of
Leach, described from specimens procured on the Congo by
Tuckey’s expedition.

Page 368. HrrunpO GRISEOPYGA.
Caconda (Anchieta).
Quae Quae River, Mashoona Land, October (Ayres).

Page 370. Hirunpo SEMIRUFA.
According to Mr. Gurney, the young bird has the outer tail-feathers
much shorter than in the adult ; the under surface of the body is
a paler rufous, and the upper surface brownish-black, instead of
dark blue with a metallic lustre as in the old bird.
Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Page 370. Insert:—Huirvunpo rurieuna, Bocage. Bocage’s Swallow.
Professor Barboza du Bocage has described this species from Caconda,
where, according to Senor Anchieta, it is called Miapia.
He states that in the style of colouration it resembles H. semirufa,
but is very much smaller.

Page 371. HirunDo cUCcULLATA.

Mashoona Land, September, October, and December seen, but no
specimens procured (Ayres).

Visited the upper portions of Natal rather later than H. albigularis ;
seen on October 2, from which date it was extremely abundant and
nesting (B., F., and R.).

Scarce along the Orange River, but plentiful further south in the
colony. Nests near Renhardt, a village seventy miles south of the
Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 373. HiruNDO PUBLLA.
Mossamedes (Sala). Coroca River and Huilla (Anchieta).
Umvuli River, Mashoona Land, October 1st (Ayres).

Page 374. Lantus cOLLarRis.
One of the commonest birds all over the Magaliesbergen (Ayres).
Spalding’s, Hart River, February (Ayres).

842 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,

Extremely abundant everywhere from Durban to the Transvaal:

breeding (B., F., and R.).
Page 375. Lantus suBcoroNnatus.

“Not so common on the Orange River as LD. collaris, but not met with

in any other part of this country during my travels” (Bradshaw).
Page 377. Insert :—Lanius souzz, Bocage. Souza’s Shrike.

Caconda: native name, Numbotue (Anchieta). Of the same group as
Lanius collaris, but distinguished by haying the crown and mantle
light grey.

Page 378. ENNEOCTONUS COLLURIO.

Tatin River, December 7 and 8: common (Ayres).

Blauw Kranz River and Weston (Mooi River in November) : common
at Richmond Road, near Pietermaritzburg, and at Durban in
December (B., F., and R.).

Rather scarce on the Orange River: very common on the Zambesi
(Bradshaw).

Page 380. URoLesTES MELANOLEUCUS.
Rather common throughout the bush-veldt from Rustenberg into the
Mashoona country, where it was breeding (Ayres).

Page 383. LANIARIUS RUBIGINOSUS.

A pair obtained in a kloof on the Drakensberg, near Newcastle, in
August (B., F., and R.).

Page 385. LantaRIvus GUTTURALIS.
Extremely common near Newcastle: numerous at Colenso, nesting in
November, and at Ladysmith (B., F., and R.).
Rather scarce along the Orange River, and not met with further north
(Bradshaw).

Page 387. LANIARIUS POLIOCEPHALUS.
Umvuli River, Mashoona Land : exceedingly scarce (Ayres).

Page 389. LanrIARIUS ATROCOCCINEUS.
Tatin River, Macloutsi River, Palatswie Pan and Chakanie Pan.
Matabele name Billi-bonvu (Ayres).
Local near Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 391. LANIARIUS MAJOR.
Rustenberg (Lucas: teste Holub).

Page 392. LaANIARIUS CUBLA.
Pretty common in Mashoona Land (Ayres).
Ladysmith, August ; near Newcastle, August (B., F., and R.).

APPENDIX. 843

Page 392. Insert :—Laniarivs Hamatus, Haril.

This species was discovered by the late Captain Speke in Uniamezi,
and has been said to have been obtained by Dr. Holub at
Linokana in the Marico district, Western Transvaal.

Of the South African Bush Shrikes, it would appear to come nearest
to L. cubla, but has the whole of the upper wing-coverts, scapulars
and quills entirely black, and the under surface of the body pure
white.

Page 393. LANIARIUS FERRUGINEUS.
Not uncommon in dense thickets near Rustenberg (Ayres).
On the Drakensberg near Neweastle: near Pietermaritzburg (B., f’.,
and f.).

Page 394. LanIARIUS ERYTHROPTERUS.
Common in the bush between Durban and the Umgeni River (8., F.,
and R.).

Page 394, LaniIARIUS SENEGALUS.
Rustenberg, not uncommon (Ayres).

Page 396. LANIARIUS TRIVIRGATUS.
Rustenberg district (Ayres).
Pantamatenka; common between the Zambesi and Lake N’gami

(Holub).

Page 397. NILAUS BRUBRU.
Generally distributed but not very common in the Rustenberg district
(Ayres).
Very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 398. Insert :—Ninaus arrinis, Bocage. Benguela Bush Shrike.
Discovered by Anchieta at Caconda. Native names Caaingo-anguluvi
and Kitikenene.
Distinguished from N. brubru by the absence of rufous on the sides of
the body.

Page 398. CAMPOPHAGA NIGRA.
Rustenberg (Lucas: teste Holub).
West Matabele Land (Holub).

Page 400. Insert:—GravucaLus prcroratis, J. and S.
Black-breasted Cuckoo Shrike.
Mr. Andersson obtained a single specimen at Ovaquenyama in June,
and Senor Anchieta has met with the species once at Caconda.

844 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

We have likewise seen one collected by Dr. Bradshaw on the
Zambesi, and a specimen was obtained by Mr. Jameson’s expedition
on the Umvuli River in Mashoona Land.

Distinguished by the light grey upper surface with no black on the
forehead ; the lores, sides of face, throat, and fore-neck blackish
slate-colour, the rest of the under surface white. Total length
9 inches ; wing, 5°65. In the female the whole under surface
is white with a crescent-like band of clear grey on the fore-neck.

Fig. Jard. and Selby, Ill. Orn. pl. 57 (male). Sharpe, P.Z.S. 1870,
pl. 4 (female).

Page 400. EvrocEPHALUS ANGUITIMENS.
Tatin, December (Ayres).
Between the Molapo and Zambesi Rivers (Holub).

Page 401. BRrapYORNIS MARIQUENSIS.
Macloutsi River, December (Ayres).

Page 402. Insert :—BRaDYORNIS INFUSCATA. Great Wood Shrike.
Sazicola infuscata of p. 233 of this work.
Spalding’s, Hart River. This species has a Shrike-like appearance,
and frequents the low bushes near the river, and seems invariably
to alight on the tops of them (Ayres).

Page 402. Insert:—Brapyornis murina, F’. and H.
Mouse-coloured Wood Shrike.
The original specimen was collected by Senor Anchieta at Caconda, in
Benguela ; it seems to us probable that it is allied to B. oatesi, if
indeed it is not identical with that species.

Page 404. BrapYORNIS SILENS.
Kanye, Matabele Land (Ayres).
Tati River (Holub).
Page 406. Prrionops TALACOMA.
Sparingly found throughout the wooded parts of the Rustenberg
district (Ayres).
Not common about the Umvuli, more plentiful at the Tatin River in
the Matabele country (Ayres).

Page 407. Sicmopus RETzit.
Umvyuli River: scarce (Ayres).
Page 408. BucHanea AssIMILIs.
Only met with once by Mr. Ayres near Potchefstroom. He states
that it was a common bird from the Umvnli River to the
Transvaal, and he found it breeding at Matje Umschlope.

APPENDIX. 845

Linokana, Western Transvaal ; Chobé River, Zambesi (Holub).

Met with all over the country from the south coast to the Zambesi.
They are fond of attending grass fires in common with Herons,
Rollers, Hornhills, and Bee-eaters, to catch insects flying from the
flames, and they often almost dart into the fire (Bradshaw).

Page 411. Dicrurus LupwiGi.
Mashoona Land, September and October : seen but not procured (Ayres).

Page 413. ORIOLUS LARVATUS.
Not uncommon in the wooded parts of the Rustenberg Mountains
(Ayres).
Umyuli River, August (Ayres).
Pantamatenka, August (Holub).

Page 412. OrioLus NOTATUS.
Shy, but not uncommon in Mashoona Land (Ayres).
This is probably the species recorded by Herr Von Pelzeln under the
name of O. auratus from Pantamatenka and Yoruah in Eastern
Bamangwato, collected by Dr. Holub.

Page 415. Hrrrocorax CAPENSIS.

Potchefstroom (Ayres).

Universally distributed between Maritzburg, or rather Howick (about
twelve miles up the road), and Newcastle, breeding in the latter
locality in September and October (B., F., and R.).

Linokana, Marico district, Western Transvaal (Holub).

Very common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 416. Corvus sCAPULATUS.

Mashoona Land (Ayres).

Scattered throughout Natal but not observed below Howick; bred
near Newcastle in October; especially abundant between Colenso
and Estcourt, but far less numerous to the north and south of
that district (B., F., and R.).

Common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 421. Dinopnus cARUNCULATUS.
Not uncommon near Rustenberg (Ayres).
Near Newcastle in December (B., F., and R.).
Pantamatenka (Bradshaw: teste Holub).
Not very common on the Orange River: did not meet with it on the
Zambesi (Bradshaw).

Page 418. BupHAGA AFRICANA.
Pantamatenka River (Holub).

846 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 420. BupHaGA ERYTHRORHYNCHA.
Near Durban: does not apparently occur any great distance inland
(B., F., and &.).

Page 423. LAMPROTORNIS MEYESI.
Sibanani (Holub).

Page 424. LamMprororNIs AUSTRALIS.
Mr. Ayres saw a few in Bamangwato, near Kama’s town.

Page 425. LAMPROCOLIUS PHENICOPTERUS.
Blauw Kranz, November ; Camperdown, December (B., I’., and R.).
Eastern Bamangwato and West Matabele Land (Holub).
Common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 426. LAMPROCOLIUS SYCOBIUS.
According to Captain Shelley this species is identical with L. chalybeus
(H. and E.) from Abyssinia.
Umvnuli River, August and September. Matabele name Iqueeze
(Ayres).
Central Transvaal: Bechuana Land (Holub).
Fig. Holub and Von Pelz. Beitr. Orn. Siidafr. taf. iii.

Page 428. PHoLIDAUGES VERREAUXI.
Mashoona Land, September and October (Ayres).

Page 429. SpreEo BICOLOR.

A very familiar bird in the upper portions of Natal, remaining in flocks
even after the breeding season has commenced. Nesting in
numbers on the Incandu River near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Common in the eastern part of the Colony and in the Transvaal, but
not met with on the Orange River, on the northern border, nor
seen in the Zambesi region (Bradshaw).

Page 430. AMYDRUS CAFFER.
Rather numerous about Kakamas: not seen anywhere else, not even
at Upington, only seventy miles away along the river (Bradshaw).

Page 431. AmypruS MoRIO.
Common in flocks in rocky places in Natal, especially in the rocky
districts (B., F., and R.). Rustenberg (Lucas). Linokana in the
Marico district (Holub).

Page 433. HyPHANTURGUS OLIVACEUS.
Breeding near Newcastle in the middle of October: not often observed
in the winter months (B., F., and R.).

APPENDIX. 847

Rustenberg (Ayres).
Zambesi (Holub).
Page 437. HypHANTORNIS SPILONOTUS.
Tugela River, near Colenso, November 21 (Reid).

Page 439. HypHANTORNIS VELATUS.

Rustenberg (Ayres).

In September in small reedy vleys between Newcastle and the Drakens-
berg; breeding near Ladysmith, Colenso and the Blauw Kranz
River (B., F., and R.).

Page 439. HyYPHANTORNIS VITELLINUS.

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 443. HyPHANTORNIS SUPERCILIOSUS (Shelley).
Buff-browed Weaver-bird.
This West African species, which ranges from the Gold Coast to the
Congo, has occurred at Caconda, where Senor Anchieta has
found it.

In the winter plumage it may be easily recognized by the broad
brownish buff eyebrow contrasting with the blackish crown, which
tends to brownish on the nape. In the summer plumage the eye-
brow is yellow, and the cheeks, part of the ear-coverts, chin, and
upper throat are black.

Page 443. Insert :—HyYPHANTORNIS TEMPORALIS, Bocage.

Benguela Weaver-bird.
Caconda (Anchieta).

Described by Professor Bocage as being similar to the Abyssinian
H. guerini, but with the abdomen and top of head brighter yellow.

Page 443. HyYPHANTORNIS NIGRIFRONS.
Hart River ; Linokana; Orange Free State; Griqualand West; Bechuana
Land ; Transvaal (Holub).

Page 444. MAnimBus RUBRICEPS.
Captain Shelley has named the bird procured by Mr. Jameson Sharpia
ayrestt, and the note of Mr. Ayres of course belongs to the same
species.

Page 444. Insert :—Suarpia ayrusit, Shelley. Ayres’ Weavyer-bird.

Captain Shelley writes: ‘“‘ This species appears to be most nearly allied

to Sharpia angolensis. The black border to the forehead, and the

absence of any yellow on the rump, upper tail-coverts and abdomen

in the present species, appear to me to be more likely specific than
sexual differences.”

848 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

“ Adult male.—Head, neck, and front of the chest yellow, or rather
strongly marked with yellow, the ground colour of the crown and
back of the neck being ashy, and of the throat, ear-coverts and
chest white; the forehead is margined with blackish brown,
gradually shading into yellow, this dark stripe extending back-
wards to above the centre of the eye; back uniform ashy brown,
with the mantle slightly washed with yellow; wings and tail
brown, the wing-coverts and inner secondaries edged with buffish
yellow, the remainder of the quills and tail-feathers edged with
bright yellow ; under parts white, shading into yellow on the throat
and front of the chest; under surface of the wings brown, with the
inner margins of the quills and the coverts white, the latter
slightly mottled with ashy brown and yellow. Total length inthe
skin, 5:2 inches; culmen, 0°65; wing, 3:1; tail, 2 ; tarsus, 0°75.”

Fig. Shelley, Ibis, 1882, pl. vii, fig. 2.

Page 447. PLOCHPASSER MAHALI.

I met with a small colony of these birds in a valley of thorn trees
several miles south of the Orange River when coming down from
the border in May, 1882. I have never seen them south of -
Bamangwato before (Bradshaw).

Page 449. AMBLYOSPIZA ALBIFRONS.
Near Newcastle in December, obtained by Lieutenant Giffard (B., F.,
and R.).

Page 449. PHiLermrvs socivs.
‘In central South Africa from the Orange River to 24° S. Lat. (Holub).
Very common on the Orange River, building their enormous nests in
the Kameel Thorn trees. They extend some distance into the
Colony. Not found on the Zambesi (Bradshaw).

Page 451. SporoPires sQUAMIFRONS.
Vaal River; and three miles from Potchefstroom (Ayres).
Very common on the Orange River; also plentiful at the Tati River
(Bradshaw).

Page 452. VipUA VERREAUXI.
Here and there in Central South Africa from 28° S. Lat. northwards:
West Matabele Land and Makalaka country (Holub).

Page 453. Vuipua RuEaia.

Vaal River, northwards to the Zambesi (Holub).
Page 453. V1IDUA PRINCIPALIS.

Very abundant all oyer Natal (B., F’., and R.).

APPENDIX. 849

Very local; met with at Upington on the Orange River; summer
visitor (Bradshaw).

Page 455. VIDUA ARDENS.
Generally distributed and fairly common in Natal (B., F., and R.).

Page 457. ORvryGOsPIzZA POLYZONA.
Rustenberg, common (Ayres).
Very common round Neweastle, winter and summer (B., F’., and R.)

Page 458. CHERA PROGNE.

One of the commonest birds in the upper portion of Natal, but not
observed in any great numbers below Howick, or rather Riet
Spruit, a few miles lower down on the Pietermaritzburg road ;
Richmond River Downs in December (B., F., and R.).

Linokana, Western Transvaal (Holub).

Page 461. PENTHETRIA AXILLARIS.

Extremely common at Richmond Road in December; Durban; a single
specimen at Calleba’s Laagte, about twenty-five miles from New-
castle, but not noted further north ; not seen north of the foot of
the Kaarkloof (B., F., and R.).

Page 462. PYROMELANA ORYX.

Molapo ; Barolong Land (Holub).

Very local in South Africa, being plentiful in some places and scarce
in others: have met with it from Cape Town to the Zambesi
(Bradshaw).

Page 463. PyRoMELANA CAPENSIS.

Common near Newcastle (B., F., and R.).

Only seen in the more settled parts of the colony; found in the reeds
on the Orange River, making their nests on the islands (Brad-
shaw).

Page 467. AMADINA ERYTHROCEPHALA.

Very common on the Orange River; have met with it as far south as

Renhardt (Bradshaw).
Page 469. EsTRELDA SUBFLAVA.

A small flock met with near Newcastle in September; Richmond Road

in December (Butler).
Page 469. HsTRELDA DUFRESNII.

Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 470. HstRELDA ASTRILD.

Everywhere common in Natal (B., F., and R.).
Not very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

850 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 473. URGINTHUS CYANOGASTER.
Natal; Ladysmith, August; Colenso and Blauw Kranz, Noyember
not observed in the Newcastle district (B., I’., and R.).
Hart’s River, Mooi, Limpopo and the Zambesi Rivers (Holub).

Page 474. UR2GINTHUS GRANATINUS.
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Vaal River northwards to the Zambesi (Holub).

Page 478. PasspR ARCUATUS.
First observed near Newcastle in September ; not seen there in mid-
winter, but probably remains there the whole year round (B., F.,
and R.).
Very common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 480. PAssER DIFFUSUS.

Ingagane Drift, Natal, in Joly; Ladysmith, in August; Dundee, in
October ; numerous and generally distributed in November from
Ladysmith, as far down as Howick (B., I’., and R.)

Very common along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 841. PrTRONIA PETRONELLA.
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 482. PowiosPizA GULARIS.
Common about Rustenberg (Ayres).
Colenso, Natal, November 21 (Reid).

Page 484. CRITHAGRA ANGOLENSIS.
Tolerably common on the Orange River. Food, seeds. Iris brown ;
bill, brownish ; legs flesh-colour (Bradshaw).

Page 484. CRITHAGRA ICTERA.
Pretty common about Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 487. CriTHRAGA BUTYRACEA.
Very common. Found about three miles from the Orange River.
Food, insects. Iris brown; bill brown; legs blackish-brown
(Bradshaw).

Page 487. CRITHAGRA SCOTOPS.
Not uncommon in the kloofs on the Drakensberg, near Newcastle, in
August (B., F., and R.).

Page 488. SpRINUS CANICOLLIS.
Common both in winter and summer in Natal, breeding in October
and November (B., F., and R.).

APPENDIX. 851

Page 489. F'RINGILLARIA CAPENSIS.
Rocky ranges near Potchefstroom (Ayres).
Not uncommon in the Neweastle district in July and October (B., F.,
and R.).
Griqua Land West: Orange River State (Holub).

Page 489. FRINGILLARIA IMPETUANI.
This species is not uncommon along the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 490. FRINGILLARIA TAHAPISI.
Not uncommon about Rustenberg (Ayres).
Newcastle and Ladysmith in Natal, in June, July, and August (B., F.,
and R.).

Page 491. FRINGILLARIA FLAVIVENTRIS.
Very common throughout the wooded parts of the Magaliesbergen
(Ayres).
Guinea-fowl Kop, near Ladysmith on the 21st of August (Rezd).

Page 493. PYRRHULAUDA SMITHII.
Mangwato, December (Ayres).
Page 496. CERTHILAUDA RUFULA.
Extremely abundant near Newcastle, breeding (B., F., and R.)

Page 499. ALmMON SEMITORQUATA.
A very abundant species on the rocky “kopjes” in Natal (B., F.,
and ft.).

Page 511. TEPHROCORYS CINEREA.
Found in abundance throughout the colony of Natal, but somewhat
local (B., F., and R.). j

Page 513. Mrrarra APIATA.
Umvyuli River, September; Matabele name Quatji (Ayres).

Page 513. Insert: Mrrarra ANGOLENSIS, Bocage. Angola Lark.

Two specimens were sent from Caconda by Senor Anchieta. We

have unfortunately not been able to make out the species without
seeing a specimen.

Page 519. MIRAFRA AFRICANA.
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Kanye, Matabele Land, January 8 (Ayres).

Page 524. Mrrarra N&VIA.
Rustenberg (Ayres).
Matje Umschlope, November (Ayres).

852 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 528. -MIRAFRA CHENIANA.
Near Potchefstroom (Ayres).

Page 530. Macronyx CAPENSIS.

“Common in the sonth-eastern parts of the colony and the Transvaal,
but not found along the northern border of the colony: it prefers
grass-country. I have not seen it on the Zambesi” (Bradshaw).

Southern and Western Transvaal: Linokana (Holub).

Page 533. Macronyx AMELIZ.
Pantamatenka River (Dr. Bradshaw ; teste Holub),

Page 534. ANTHUS CAFFER.
Potchefstroom and Rustenberg districts (Ayres).

Page 539. ANTHUS BRACHYURUS.
Found sparsely among the open glades of the hill-sides in the
Rustenberg district (Ayres).

Page 540. ANTHUS LINEIVENTRIS.
Rustenberg (Ayres).

Page 544. Insert :—ANTHUS TRIVIALIS (L.). Tree Pipit.
In his “ Syenska Foglarna,” Professor Sundevall has recorded a spe-
cimen as haying been shot on the Limpopo River between lat. 25°
and 26° S. (cf. Malmgren, Ibis, 1867, p. 230). The following is a
description of the adult male in breeding plumage. General
colour above sandy brown, streaked with black, a little more
narrowly on the head, all the feathers mesially centred with black
streaks; the mantle rather lighter sandy buff than the rest of the
upper surface ; ramp rather more uniform than the back; upper
tail-coverts sandy brown edged with ashy fulvous, and narrowly
centred with blackish ; least wing-coverts like the back; median
series blackish tipped with white, forming a wing-bar; greater
series dark brown, edged externally with whity brown, more
ashy towards the base; bastard-wing blackish brown narrowly
edged with white; primary-coverts and quills dusky brown,
narrowly edged with whity brown, the first primary margined
with whitish, the inner secondaries browner on the outer web,
and more broadly edged with dull whitish; tail-feathers brown,
the two centre feathers margined with whity brown, the outermost
dull white, with a dark brown shaft and a broad oblique mark of
dark brown on the inner web, the outer web pale brown towards
the end; penultimate tail-feather with a small wedge-shaped spot
of white at the tip of the inner web; lores and a tolerably-defined

APPENDIX. 853

eyebrow sandy buff, as well as the eyelid and ear-coverts,
rather more dusky along the upper and hinder margins; cheeks
sandy buff, with an indistinct superior line of black, and separated
from the throat by a blackish malar line; throat, breast and sides
of body sandy buff, the chin whitish; the lower throat, fore-neck
and breast broadly streaked with black, a little more narrowly on
the breast, sides of body and flanks; centre of breast and abdomen
buffy white, clearer sandy buff on the under tail-coverts; axillaries
and under wing-coverts sandy buff, those near the edge of the
wing mottled with dusky bases ; lower primary-coverts and quills
ashy brown, lighter on the inner webs.

Total length, 5°8 inches; culmen, 0°55; wing, 3°45; tail, 2°55;
tarsus, 0°9.

Fig. Dresser, B. Kur. iii, pl. 132.

Page 545. MoracinLa VIDUA.
“Very common onthe Orange River, but scarce in the colony: met
with sparingly about the Victoria Falls, Zambesi ” (Bradshaw).

Page 547. Moracinna CAPENSIS.
Very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 550. Bupyres FLAVA.

A male shot by Wahlberg at Port Natal (cf. Sundevall, Svenska
Foglarna, p. 46).

Page 551. Insert:—Bupyres viripis (Scop.). ;
Grey-Headed Yellow Wagtail.

Mr. Seebohm’s collection contains a specimen procured by T. Ayres
in the Transvaal.

This species has the head dark grey without any pale eyebrow.

Fig. Dresser, Birds of Europe, iu, pl. 129.

Page 551. Conius ERYTHROMELON.

Tati River (Bradshaw: teste Holub).

Page 552. CoLIUS CAPENSIS. ‘

Oolius erythropus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 221.

Very common on the Orange River; the only species found on the
Border: iris dark brown; bill bluish; legs bright coral red (Brad-
shaw).

Modder River, Orange Free State (Holub).

Page 555. COLIUS STRIATUS.

Not uncommon at Estcourt, Natal, in April; Durban, December

(Reid).

854 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Page 559. CoLuMBA PHZONOTA.
Very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 568. TuRTUR SENEGALENSIS.

This Dove is also very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Page 572. CENA CAPENSIS.

Also very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Page 574. PrErocLes NAMAQUA.

Very common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 575. PTEROCLES BICINCTUS.
Very scarce on the Orange River, but takes the place of P. namaquain
the interior (Bradshaw).

Page 581. Numrpa coronata.

This species is common where the bush is thick, but nothing like so
plentiful as on some of the colonial rivers, and the rivers in the
interior. I once counted 180 in a flock on the Chobé River as they
flew to a small island to roost singly and in threes and fours. I
think the absence of grass along the Orange River is the canse of
their not being so plentiful, their nests being easily found by cats
and other small animals (Bradshaw).

Page 591. FRANCOLINUS CLAMATOR.
This is the only species of Francolin on the Orange River, and the

same remarks apply to it as regards scarcity as to Numida coronata
(Bradshaw).

Page 595. FRANCOLINUS AFER.
Between the Orange River and the Molapo River (Holub).

Page 603. CoTURNIX COTURNIX.
Common in the Colony, arriving in spring, but very scarce on the
border, where I have only met with three or four (Bradshaw).

Page 639. OvIS RUFICRISTA.
Tolerably common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Page 636. Oris LUDWIGII.
This species is also tolerably common: along the Orange River (Brad-
shaw).
Page 637. Oris sCOLOPACEA.
Tolerably common on the Orange River (Bradshaw).
Page 641. Oris MELANOGASTER.
Albert’s Land (Holub).

APPENDIX. 855

Page 642. OvIs AFROIDES.
More common than 0. scolopacea on the Orange River (Bradshaw).

Page 645. CHpICcNEMUS CAPENSIS.
Very local on the border, and not so common as in many parts of the
Colony. I have met with it as far as Tati (Bradshaw).

Page 650. GLAREOLA MELANOPTERA.
On the Orange River I have once seen a small flock of these birds,
though no locusts were about (Bradshaw).

Page 653. CuRSORIUS RUFUS.
Not very plentiful on the Orange River, but very shy, running away
swiftly when approached. Very local (Bradshaw).

Page 654. CURSORIUS BICINCTUS.
More plentiful on the Orange River than the last, and much tamer, but
very local (Bradshaw).

Page 654. CuURSORIUS SENEGALENSIS.
From West Griqualand and the Orange Free State, through the
Southern Transvaal and Bechuana Land as far as the Zambesi
(Holub).

Page 664. HupRomias ASIATICUS.
Pantamatenka River (Holub).

Page 666. LoBIvANELLUS SENEGALUS.
Zambesi (Holub).

Page 667. LoBIVANELLUS ALBICEPS.
Dr. Holub found this species on the sand-banks in the Zambesi, and its
tributaries in Albert’s Land.

Page 670. CHETTUSIA CORONATA.
Not common on the Orange River, and very local, though common in
the Colony and plentiful at the Tati (Bradshaw).

Page 679. RHyYNCH#A CAPENSIS.
I met with only one specimen of this bird, a female. I have seen it in
the eastern part of the Colony, and they are tolerably common on

the Zambesi (Bradshaw).

abdimii, Ciconia, 730

aberrans, Cisticola, 271, 272,
823

aberrans, Drymoica, 271

abingtoni, Campethera, 182,
183

abyssinica, Coracias, 102, 103

Accipiter, 22

Accipiter erythropus, 24

— macroscelides, 24

— melanoleucus, 25

— minullus, 23

— ovampensis, 796

— rufiventris, 22

accipitrinus, Asio, 802

Acrocephalus, 289

Acrocephalus arundinaceus,
287

— fulvolateralis, 289

— beticatus, 290

— palustris, 291

— scheenobanus, 223

Adanson’s Quail, 606

adansonii, Coturnix, 606

adspersus, Francolinus, 590

Aedon, 226, 251, 273

Aedon coryphza, 251

— leucophrys, 252

— pena, 253

ZEgialitis, 659

Hgialitis cantiana, 659, 660

— geoffroyi, 664

— hiaticula, 660

— intermedia, 661

— maculosa, 670

— marginata, 659

— tricollaris, 607, 662

— varia, 661

segyptiaca, Chenalopex, 747

zegyptius, Merops, 97

— Milvus, 49, 798

gquatorialis, Saxicola, 248,
250

requinoctialis,
766

aereus, Zanclostomus, 161

eruginosus, Circus, 16

aethiopica, Ibis, 735, 736

Aethbocichla, 215

Aethocichla gymnogenys, 215

ZEthopyga, 308

afer, Cinnyris, 313,314, 315,
322, 830

— Enurystomus, 106, 806

— Francolinus, 590, 594,595,
596, 601

— Parus, 329, 835

Majaqueus,

INDEX,

affinis, Cypselus, 94

— Drymeeca, 254, 258, 822

— Drymoica, 25

— Nilaus, 843

— Pogonorhynchus, 811

— Strix, 82

afra, Chalcopelia, 570

— Eupodotis, 641, 643

— Francolinus, 854

— Nectarinia, 313

— Otis, 641, 642

— Peristera, 570

African Black Bustard, 641

— Black Oyster-catcher, 672

— Black-headed Heron, 719

— Crake, Greater, 612

— Darter, 782

— Dove, Long-tailed, 572

— Drongo, 408

— Dwart Bittern, 720

— Dwarf Goose, 750

— Grey-headed Gull, 698

— Jabiru, 731

— Jacana, 648, 649

— Jacana, Lesser, 649

— Little Bittern, 720

— Marabou, 734

— Open-bill, 732

— Ox-pecker, 418

— Painted Snipe, 679

— Pied Wagtail, 545

— Rook, 415

— White-backed Vulture, 794

— Wood-Ibis, 735

africana, Buphaga, 418, 421,
845

— Certhilauda, 494

— Drymoica, 280

— Mirafra, 519, 520, 522,
851

— Parra, 648, 649

— Sarcidiornis, 752

— Upupa, 134, 808

africanoides, Megalophonus,
523

— Mirafra, 522, 523

africanus, Graculus, 781

— Megalophonus, 519

— Phalacrocorax, 781

— Pseudogyps, 794

— Sphenzacus, 280, 285, 824

afroides, Eupodotis, 642

— Otis, 638, 639, 642, 855

Agapornis, 192

Agapornis pullaria, 193

— roseicollis, 192, 193

aguimp, Motacilla, 545

Alemon, 499, 503
Alzmon nivosa, 501
— semitorquata, 499

Alario, 477
alario, Alario, 477
— Amadina, 477

Alauda codea, 501

— crassirostris, 513

— ferruginea, 504

alba, Ciconia, 728

— Herodias, 714, 715

Albatros, Culminated, 773

— Sooty, 773

— Wandering, 770

— Yellow-nosed, 772

albicans, Saxicola, 237

albicauda, Elminia, 838

albiceps, Hoplopterus, 667

— Lobivanellus, 667, 855

albicollis, Corvultur, 417

— Corvus, 416, 417

albifrons, Amblyospiza, 449,
848

albigula, Hirundo, 364

albigularis, Crithagra, 483

— Dryodromas, 300, 828

— Hirundo, 364, 365, 840

albipileata, Dromolea, 248

albirostris, Indicator, 166

albiscapulata, Saxicola, 232

albiventris, Halcyon, 115,
116, 119, 807

albogularis, Crithagra, 485

albonotata, Penthetria, 460

— Vidua, 460

Alcedo, 107

Alcedo cristata, 108

— natalensis, 113

— quadribrachys, 108

— semitorquata, 107

alchata, Pterocles, 575

alfredi, Hirundo, 358

alleni, Porphyrio, 621

Allen’s Purple Gallinule, 621

alpina, Saxicola, 250

Alseonax minima, 837

Amadaniba, 803

Amadina alario, 477

— erythrocephala, 467

— nitens, 457

Ambeta, 805

Amblyospiza, 449

Amblyospiza albifrons, 449

ambrosiacea, Cotyle, 94

amelie, Anthus, 533

— Macronyx, 533, 852

amethystina, Nectarinia, 315

3K

868

amethystinus, Cinnyris, 315,
317, 324, 831

Ammomanes, 504

Ammomanes erythrochla-
mys, 503

— ferruginea, 504

— grayi, 507

amurensis, Cerchneis, 31, 66,
801

Amydrus, 430

Amydrus caffer, 430

— morio, 430, 431

Anas, 755

Anas erythrorhyneha, 754,
761

— sparsa, 756

— xanthorhyncha, 754, 755,
757

Anastomus, 732

Anastomus — lamelligerus,
732

Anchieta’s Sun-bird, 832

anchiets, Anthothreptes, 842

— Drymeca, 218

— Laniarius, 397

— Stactolema, 179

anderssoni, Machzrhamphus,
798

— Saxicola, 243, 249, 250,
819, 820

Andersson’s Oriole, 412

— Pern, 798

— Sparrow-Hawk, 796

Andropadus, 204

Andropadus flavescens, 205

— flavostriatus, 206

— hypoxanthus, 205

— importunus, 204

Angola Grey Flycatcher, 341

— Lark, 851

— Swallow, 364

Angolan Chat-Thrush, 821

— Glossy Starling, 427

— Grass-Warbler, 822

angolensis, Sharpia, 443

— Cisticola, 822

— Crithagra, 484, 850

— Gallinago, 678

— Gypohierax, 45, 46, 798

— Hirundo, 364

— Mirafra, 520, 851

anguitimens, Eurocephalus,
400, 844

angulata, Gallinula, 624

Anhinga, 782

Ankubi, 797

Anous, 706

Anous stolidus, 706

Antarctic Skna, 696

antarcticus, Stercorarius, 696

Anthodixta, 320

Anthodizta zambesiana, 321

— collaris, 320, 321

Anthoscopus, 327

Anthoscopus capensis, 327

— caroli, 327

— flavifrons, 834

INDEX.

Anthothreptes anchiete, 832

— longuemarii, 833

Anthrobaphes, 308

Anthrobaphes vyiolacea, 308

Anthropoides, 628

Anthropoides paradisea, 628

— stanleyanus 626, 628

— virgo, 626, 631

Anthus, 533

Anthus amelie, 533

— brachyurus, 539, 540

— butleri, 542

— caffer, 533, 534, 536

— calthorpx, 539, 540

— campestris, 533, 534, 536

— capensis, 530

— chloris, 541, 542, 543

— crenatus, 542, 543

— flavigaster, 532

— leucophrys, 537

— lineiventris, 540, 541

— nicholsoni, 533, 536, 538

— pallescens, 536

— pyrrhonotns, 536, 537

— sordidus, 536

antinorii, Psalidoproene, 839

Antinori’s — Rough-winged
Swallow, 839

Apalis, 281

Apalis thoracica, 281

Apaloderma narina, 106

apiaster, Merops, 96, 101,
804

apiata, Mirafra, 515, 516,
517, 518, 851

apiatus, Megalophonns, 515

apiculis, Catriscus, 283, 825

apivorus, Pernis, 53

apus, Cypselus, 90, 91, 92,
95, 804

aquaticus, Rallus, 610

Aquila, 33

Aquila bonellii, 38

— pennata, 37

— rapax, 35

— senevalla, 35

— verreauxi, 33

— vuiturina, 34

— wahlbergii, 36

Arctic Tern, 701

arcuata, Cichladusa, 229

— Dendrocygna, 751

— Plocepasser, 447

arcuatus, Numenius, 692

— Passer, 467, 478, 481, 850

Ardea, 707

Ardea, ardesiaca, 712

— atricapilla, 719

— caleeolata, 712, 715

— cinerea, 707, 708, 709,
716

— comata, 718

— egretta, 714

— flavimana, 712, 713

— garzetta, 716

— goliath, 707

— gutturalis, 720

Ardea, melanocephala, 709
— minuta, 720, 721

—- purpurea, 710, 712

— pusilla, 720

— rufiventris, 713

ardens, Vidua, 455, 849
Ardeola comata, 718

— Dromas, 694

ardesiaca, Ardea, 712

— Cerchneis, 67, 801, 802
arenaria, Calidris, 684
Arnold’s Barbet, 811
arnotti, Saxicola, 245, 246
arnotti, Thamnola, 819
arquatrix, Palumbus, 561

arundinacea, Calamoherpe,
154, 292

arundinaceus, Acrocephalus,
287, 289

Ashy-backed Swallow, 368

Asiatic, Dotterel, 665

asiaticus, Charadius, 665

— Enudromias, 665, 855

Asio, 78

Asio brachyotus, 79

— capensis, 78

assimilis, Buchanga, 408,410,
411, 844

astrild, Amadina,

— Estrelda, 452, 456, 461,
470, 475, 849

Astur, 20

Astur badius, 22

— melanoleucns, 25

— polyzonoides, 22

— tachiro, 20

— zonarius, 21

Asturinula, 42

Asturinula meridionalis, 18,
42

— monogrammica, 42

ater, Bradyornis, 405

— Milvus, 50

aterrimus, Scoptelus, 140

Athene capensis, 77

— licua, 77

— perlata, 75

atmorii, Saxicola, 248

— Zosterops, 323, 326, 834

atricapilla, Ardea, 719

— Butorides, 719

atricroceus, Laniarins, 390

atrocwrulea, Hirundo, 367

atrococcineus, Laniarius, 389,
390, 842

atrovarius, Caprimulgnus, 84

Atticora holomelas, 356

augur, Buteo, 28

auguralis, Buteo, 29

aurantius, Chiwtops, 217, 218

aurata, Juida, 426

auratus, Chalcites, 153

— Oriolus, 412

auricularis, Otogyps, 44, 793

aurifrons, Hyphantornis, 433,
435

auritus, Nettapus, 750

tly

auritus, Podiceps, 786

— Turtur, 564

australis, Ceuthmochares, 161

— Hyliota, 836

— Juida, 424

— Lamprotornis, 424, 846

— Pyrrhulanda, 493

— Struthio, 791

Avicida verreauxii, 54

Avocet, 673

avocetta, Recurvirostra, 673,
675

axillaris, Penthetria, 461,849

— Vidua, 461

Ayres’ Crake, 616

— Weaver Bird, 847

ayresii, Coturnicops, 616

— Drymoica, 275

— Sharpia, 847

Aythia, 760

Aythia capensis, 759, 760,
763

Babbling-Thrush, Anchieta’s
215

— Bare-faced, 215

— Hartlaub’s, 214

— Jardine’s, 212

Bacbakiri Bush-Shrike, 385

bacbakiri, Telephonus, 385

beeticatus, Acrocephalus, 287,
290, 827

bailloni, Porzana, 614

Baillon’s Crake, 614

Bairdii, Tringa, 682

Baird's Sandpiper, 682

balzenarum, Sterua, 705

Balzniceps, 727

Balzniceps rex, 727, 728

Bald-fronted Green Pigeon,
557

Bald Ibis, 738

Balearica, 629

Balearica chrysopelargus,629

— regulorum, 629

Bamba, 706, 400

Bango, 568

Bangula, 812

banksii, Prion, 769

Banvo, 407, 800

barbata, Cossypha, 226, 817

barbatula, Megalema, 175

Barbatula bilineata, 176

— chrysocoma, 176, 811

— extoni, 176

— pusilla, 170,175

— subsulfurea, 176

barbatus, Cypselus, 90

Barbet, Arnold’s, 811

— Black-collared, 172

— Bridled, 176

— Exton’s Yellow - headed,
176

Barbet, Levaillant’s, 178

— Little Tinker, 175

— Pied, 173

— Yellow-faced, 179

INDEX.

Barbet, White-eared, 177

barbozx, Hyliota, 836

barratti, Bradypterus, 288,
289, 826

Bar-tailed Lark, 515

Batis, 346

Batis capensis, 346

— minulla, 350

— molitor, 348, 349

— pririt, 348, 349

— strepitans, 348

Baza, 54

Baza cuculoides, 54

— verreauxii, 54

Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked, 97

— Carmine-throated, 99

— European, 96

— Little, 100

— Swallow-tailed, 101

— White-fronted, 99

bellicosus, Spizaetus, 39, 40,

benghala, Estrelda, 473

Benguela Bush Shrike, 843

bennetti, Campethera, 181

— Campothera, 812

Berg-Endt, 753

Berg-gans, 747

bergii, Sterna, 702, 704

Bessonornis caffra, 224

— humeralis, 228

— pheenicurus, 224

— natalensis, 223, 225

— signatus, 229

— vociferans, 222

biarmicus, Falco, 58, 800

Bias, 337

Bias musicus, 337

bicinctus, Cursorius, 653, 654,
655, 855

— Pterocles, 575, 854

bicolor, Cossypha, 222, 223,
816

— Crateropus, 210, 212, 814

— Juida, 429

— Spreo, 429, 431, 846

— Sycobius, 432

— Sycobrotus, 432

bifasciata, Nectarinia, 319

— Saxicola, 240, 818

bifasciatus, Cinnyris, 322

bilineata, Barbatula, 176

— Megalaima, 176

Billi-bonyvu, 842

Bishop Bird, Red, 462

— Taha, 465

bisignatus, Cursorius, 655

bispecularis, Lamprocolius,
426

Bitocatoca, 380

Bittern African Dwarf, 720

— Common, 722

— Little African, 720

bivittata, Drymeeca, 259

Black-and-W hite Flycatcher,
337

— Spur-winged Plover, 667

869

Black-and-Yellow Bishop
Bird, 463

Black-backed Gull, Southern,
697

— Weaver-Bird, 432

Black-bellied Bustard, 641

— Glossy Starling, 428

— Petrel, 764

Black-breasted
Shrike, 843

Black Bustard, African, 641

Black-capped Bush-Fly-
catcher, 343

Black-cheeked Waxbill, 473

Black Crake, 618

Black Cuckoo Shrike, 398

Black Duck, 756

Black-fronted Weaver Bird,
442

Black-headed Heron, Afri-
can, 719

— Weaver Bird, 436

— Yellow Wagtail, 551

Black-necked Heron, 709

Black-quilled Snipe, 676

Black Saw-winged Swallow,
356

Black Stork, 729

Black Tern, White-winged,
700

Black-throated Seed-eater,
484

Black-winged Lapwing, 669

— Pratincole, 650

— Stilt, 675

blanfordi, Laniarius, 395, 397

Blue Bird, 773

Blue-breasted Waxbill, 473

Blue Bustard, 638

Blue Crane, 628

Blue Gallinule, 619

Blue-grey Flycatcher, 340

Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail,

Cuckoo

550

Blue Petrel, 768

— Narrow-billed, 769

— Swallow, 367

Bobo, 570

Bocage’s Glossy Starling,
423

— Sun-bird, 830

— Swallow, 841

bocagii, Cossypha, 223, 225,
817

— Nectarinia, 830

— Penthetria, 461
bonellii, Aquila, 38
Bonte Canaribyter, 393
— Elsje, 673

— Kraai, 416
Bosch-Duif, 560
Botaurus, 720
Botaurus pusillus, 720
— stellaris, 722

— sturmi, 720
Boubou, 393
brachyotus, Asio, 79, 802

870

brachypterus, Bradypterus,
286, 288, 825

brachypus, Sterna, 701

brachy ura, Camaroptera, 294,
827

— Drymoiea, 294, 297

brachyurus, Anthus, 539,
540, 852

Bradyornis, 401

Bradyornis ater, 405

— diabolicus, 405

— infuscata. 844

— mariquensis, 400

— murina, 844

— murinus, 402

— oatesii, 402

— pallidus, 402

— silens, 404

— woodwardi, 403

Bradypterus, 231, 285

Bradypterus brachypterus,
286

— gracilirostris, 287

— layardi, 284

— platyurns, 286

— sylyaticus, 286, 288

brevipes, Monticola, 221,816

breviunguis, Heterocorys,
503

Broad-billed Blue Petrel, 769

Bronze-winged Courser, 656

Brown Canary, 488

Brown-collared Sand Martin,
358

Brubru Bush Shrike, 397

brubru, Nilaus, 397, 483

brucei, Ipagrus, 184, 185

Bubo, 70

Bubo capensis, 70

— dilloni, 71

— lacteus, 71

— maculosus, 73, 78, 147

Bubulenus, 717

Bubulecus ibis, 717

Buceros, 125

Buceros buccinator, 125

— cristatus, 126

— erythrorhynchus, 131

— melanoleucus, 127

— nasutus, 133

— pecilorhynchus, 133

buccinator, Buceros, 125

Buchanga assimilis, 408

Buckley’s Bush Warbler, 828

Bucorax, 122

Bucorax cafer, 122

Budytes campestris, 551

— flava, 550

— melanocephala, 551

— viridis, 853

Buff-backed Egret, 717

Buff-bellied Bristle-necked
Bulbul, 814

Buff-throated Sand Martin,
360

Bulbul, Barratt’s, 206

— Black-eyebrowed, 208

INDEX.

Bulbul, Buff-bellied Bristle-
necked, 814

— Red-eyebrowed, 207

— Sombre, 204

— Yellow-breasted, 203, 205

— Yellow-breasted Western,
814

bullockoides, Merops, 99, 804

Bunting, Cabanis’, 491

— Cape, 489

— Golden-breasted, 491

— Lark-like, 489

— Rock, 490

Buphaga, 418

Buphaga africana, 418

— erythrorhyncha, 419, 420

burchelli, Centropns, 162

— Cursorius, 653

Burchell’s Courser, 653

— Glossy Starling, 424

Bush-Chat, Southern White-
shouldered, 232

Bush-Dove, 562

Bush-Shrike, Bacbakiri, 385

— Benguela, 843

— Crimson-breasted, 389

— Golden-breasted, 390

— Large Grey-headed, 387

— Natal, 381

— Olivaceons, 382

— Ruddy-breasted, 383

— Yellow-fronted, 384

Bush - Warbler, Black-
breasted, 299

— Brown-throated, 298

— Buckley’s, 828

— Citron-headed, 828

— Damara, 300

— Dusky-faced, 299

— Green-backed, 294

— Grey-backed, 293

— Rufous-headed, 829

— Short-tailed, 301

— Tawny-headed, 301

— Yellow-bellied, 297

— Yellow-browed, 302

— White-throated, 300

Bustard, African Black, 641

— Black-bellied, 641

— Blue, 638

— Kori, 632

— Ludwig’s, 636

— Pink-coloured, 637

— Red-crested, 639

— Rippell’s, 643

— Senegal, 639

— Stanley, 634

— White-quilled, 642

Buteo, 26

Buteo augur, 28

— auguralis, 29, 30

— capensis, 31

— desertorum, 30, 31

— ferox, 31

— jakal, 26, 31, 37

butleri, Anthus, 542

Butorides, 719

Butorides atricapilla, 719

butyracea, Crithagra, 487,
850

Buzzard, Augur, 28

— Jackal, 26

— Long-legged, 31

— Rufous, 30

— Salvadori’s, 29

Cabanis’ Bunting, 491

— Thrush, 813

— Weaver Bird, 442

Cabanisi, Fringillaria, 491,
492

— Hyphantornis, 442

— Turdus, 813

Cagonque, 797

cerulea, Halobcena, 768

— Procellaria, 768

cwrulescens, Muscicapa, 340,
341

— Rallus, 610

cxruleus, Elanus, 52, 798

cxsius, Grancalus, 399

cafer, Bucorax, 122, 808

— Coccystes, 158, 816

— Oxylophus, 158

— Promerops, 305

— Trachyphonus, 172, 178

caffer, Amydrus, 430, 846

— Anthns, 533, 534, 536, 852

— Cypselus, 91, 92, 94, 804

— Trachyphonns, 811

caffra, Eupodotis, 634, 636

— Bessonornis, 224

— Cossypha, 150, 217, 224
816

— Calamoherpe, 289

— Otis, 634, 636

Caffre, Le, 34

Caffre Fink, Red, 462

— Rail, 610

Cahombo, 802

Calamodyta natalensis, 301

— olivacea, 293

calceolata, Ardea, 712, 713

Calendula, 515

Calendula crassirostris, 513

Calidris, 684

Calidris arenaria, 684

calidris, Totanus, 688

Calthorpe, Anthus, 539, 540

calva, Treron, 557, 558, 559

calvus, Geronticus, 738

Camaroptera, 293

Camaroptera brachyura, 294

— olivacea, 293

camelus, Struthio, 791

campestris, Anthus, 533, 534,
536

— Budytes, 551

Campethera, 180

Campethera abingtoni, 182

— bennetti, 181

— capricorni, 180, 181

— chrysura, 182

— nubica, 186

at cae

Campethera, notata, 186

— smithii, 184

Campophaga, 398

Campophaga hartlaubi, 398

— Leyaillantii, 399

— nigra, 398

— xanthornoides, 398

cana, Casarca, 753

Canarie, Pietje, 488

Canary, Brown, 488

— Cape, 488

— Mountain, 477

canary-coloured Weaver
Bird, 438

Canbonja-anganga, 621

candidus, Himantopus, 675

canescens, Totanus, 687, 689

canicollis, Crithagra, 150

— Fringilla, 488

— Serinus, 488, 850

canorus, Melierax, 17, 19,
795

— Cuculus, 147, 160, 809

cantiaca, Sterna, 702

cantiana, Adgialitis, 659, 660

cantianus, Charadius, 659

canntus, Tringa, 683

Cape __ Broad-billed
catcher, 344

— Bunting, 489

— Canary, 488

— Cormorant, 780

— Flycatcher, 346

— Gannet, 775

— Glossy Starling, 431

— Hen, 766

— Lark, 501

— Long-billed Lark, 494

— Long-claw, 530

— Penguin, 789

— Petrel, 767 —|

Fly-

~ — Red-winged Bush-Shrike,

394

— Shoveller, 739

— Sparrow, 478

— Teal, 758

— Turtle-Dove, 567

— Wagtail, 547

capense, Glaucidium, 802

capensis, Anthoscopus, 327,
834

— Anthus, 530

— Asio, 78, 802

— Athene, 77

— Aythia, 759, 760, 763

— Batis, 346, 838

— Bubo, 70, 801

— Buteo, 31

— Carine, 77, 802

— Certhilauda, 494

— Colius, 551,552, 554, 853

— Daption, 767

— Drymoica, 259

— Fringillaria, 489, 851

— Graculus, 780

— Hematopus, 672

— Heterocorax, 415,416,845

INDEX.

capensis, Hirundo, 370

— Hyphantornis, 433

— Macronyx, 242, 530, 532,

533, 852

Mareca, 758

— Motacilla, 405, 546, 547,
550, 853

— Nilaus, 397

— Cédienemus, 645, 646, 647
855

— Mina, 572, 854

— Oriolus, 413

— Otus, 78

— Pachyprora, 838

— Paroides, 327

— Phalacrocorax, 779, 780

— Parra, 649

— Phyllostrephus, 203, 814

— Platyrhynchus, 344

— Ploceus, 462, 463

— Procellaria, 767

— Pycnonotus, 160, 207, 814

— Pyromelana, 463, 849

— Querquedula, 758

— Rhynchea, 355, 679

— Scops, 75, 344, 801

— Smithornis, 344

— Spatula, 759

— Strix, 81, 802

— Sula, 775

— Zosterops, 322, 324, 326,
834

capicola, Turtur, 566, 567

Capital Tanager, 442

capitalis, Hyphantornis, 155,
442

Capito vaillantii, 178

capricorni, Campethera, 180,
181

Caprimulgus, 183

Caprimulgus enropus, 83,87

— atrovarius, 84

— damarensis, 87

— fervidus, 86

— fossii, 88, 803

— infuscatus, 83

— lentiginosus, 87

— mossambicus, 88

— natalensis, 88

— pectoralis, 84

— rufigena, 85, 87

— shelleyi, 803

— smithii, 83

carbo, Phalacrocorax, 778

cardinalis, Dendropicus, 189,
190, 812

Carine, 77

Carine capensis, 77

— perlata, 75, 77

earmelita, Estrelda, 455

caroli, Anthoscopus, 327,834

carunculatus, Dilophus, 421,
845

carbo, Graculus, 779

carunculata, Grus, 626

caspia, Sterna, 703, 704

Caspian Tern, 703

871

Casarea, 753

Casarea cana, 753

— rubida, 753

Cassin’s Weayer Bird, 436

castanonotus, Colius, 554

castor, Saxicola, 244, 819

capensis, Nyroca, 760

Catriscus, 283

Catriscus apicalis, 283

catarractes, Stercorarius, 696

caudata, Coracias, 103, 104,
105, 106, 805

Caxexe, 814

Caxingo-anguluvi, 843

Caxitico, 835

cenchris, Tinnunculus, 64

Centropus, 137, 163

Centropus burchelli, 162

— monachus, 165

— nigrorufus, 165

— senegalensis, 162

— superciliosus, 161,
163

Cerchneis, 60

Cerchneis amurensis, 31, 66

— ardesiaca, 67

— dickersoni, 68

— naumanni, 64

— rupicola, 62, 64

— rupicoloides, 63

— tinnunculus, 66

— vespertina, 65, 66

Certhilauda, 494

Certhilanda africana, 494

— capensis, 494

— garrula, 498

— rufula, 496

— semitorquata, 499

— subcoronata, 499

Ceryle, 110

Ceryle maxima, 111

— rudis, 110, 116

— sharpii, 112

Ceuthmochares, 161

Ceuthmochares aereus, 161

— australis, 161

Chalcites auratus, 153

— smaragdineus, 151, 153,
156

Chalcopelia, 570

Chalcopelia afra, 570

chalcopterus, Cursorius, 656

Chetops, 216

Cheetops aurantius, 217

— frenatus, 216

— grayi, 218

— pycnopygius, 218

chalybea, Cinnyris, 307

— Nectarinia, 314

chalybeus, Cinnyris,
314, 316, 322 831,

— Lamprocolius, 427

Charadrius, 657

Charadrius asiaticus, 665

— cantianus, 659

— hiaticula, 660

— kittlitzi, 661

162,

313,

872

Charadrius, marginatus, 659

— pluvialis, 657, 658

Chat, Buff-streaked, 240

— Familiar, 234

— Layard’s, 236

— Schlegel’s, 237

— Sickle-winged, 236

— Strickland’s, 237

Chat-Thrush, Angolan, 821

— Bearded, 226

— Bocage’s, 225

— Brown, 229

— Cape, 224

— Coryphée, 821

— Natal, 223

— Noisy, 222

— Peters’, 229

— Red-tailed, 230

— Sir Andrew Smith’s, 821

— Sooty-brown, 230

— Von Heuglin’s, 227

— Whiite-eyebrowed, 821

— White-shouldered, 228

— Zambesi, 821

Chaulelasmus, 759

Chaulelasmus streperus, 759

Chegala, 805

chelicutensis, Halcyon, 117,
807

Chelidon urbica, 839

Chenalopex, 747

Chenalopex xgyptiaca, 747

cheniana, Miratra, 528, 852

chenianus, Megalophonus,
528

Chera progne, 458, 461

cherina, Cisticola, 278, 824

— Drymoica, 278

Chestnut-backed Coly, 554

Chettusia, 669

Chettusia coronata, 667, 669,
670

— lateralis, 666

— melanoptera, 669

Chidankwee, 782

chiniana, Cisticola, 268, 269,
823

— Drymoica, 268

chloris, Anthus, 541, 542,
543

— Cisticola, 263

Chlorodyta, 299

Chloropeta, 335

Chloropeta icterina, 335, 336

— natalensis, 335, 336

chloropsis, Crithagra, 486

chloropus, Gallinula, 622,
623
chlororhyncha, Diomedea,
772

chrysocome, Eudyptes, 790

Chrysococeyx, 153

Chrysococeyx eupreus, 153,
155

chrysocoma, Barbuiula, 176,
811

chrysolophus, Eudyptes, 790

INDEX.
chrysopelargus, _ Balearica,
629

chrysopyga, Crithagra, 484
chrysura, Campethera, 182,
183

Cichladusa, 229

Cichladusa arcuata, 259

— ruficauda, 230

Cicoca, 805

Ciconia, 728

Ciconia abdimii, 730

— alba, 728

— episcopus, 731

— leucocephala, 731

— nigra, 729

Cimbi, 801

cincta, Cotile, 839

— Cotyle, 358, 361, 839

— Hyphantornis, 436

cinctus, Cursorius, 656

cinerascens, Circus, 12

— Parns, 329

cinerea, Ardea, 707, 708,709,
16

— Myrmecocichla, 818

— Saxicola, 242, 243, 818

— Sylvia, 829

— Tephrocorys, 511, 851

— Terekia, 691

cinereifrons, Halcyon, 121

cinereola, Muscicapa, 342

cinereus, Circaetus, 43, 797

— Megalophonus, 511

— Parus, 329

cinnamomeiventris, Tham-
nobia, 232, 818

— Thamnolza, 818

Cinnamon-backed Pipit, 537

Cinnamon Doye, 564

Cinnyris afer, 308, 313, 314,
322

— amethystinus, 315, 317,
326

— bifasciatus, 322

— chalybea, 307, 308, 313,
314

— chalybeus, 322

— fuscus, 317, 319

— gutturalis, 309, 311

— Jardinii, 322

— kirkii, 317

— mariyuensis, 319, 322

— microrhynchus, 322

— olivaceus, 310, 311

— osiris, 322

— oustaleti, 832

— talatala, 318

— verreauxi, 309, 310

Circaetus, 43

Circaetus cinereus, 43

— fasciolatus, 45

— thoracicns, 43

Circus, 11

Circus eruginosus, 16

— cinerascens, 12

— macrurus, 11

— maurus, 11

Circus pygargus, 12

— ranivorus, 14

— swainsonii, 11

cissoides, Lanius, 380

Cisticola, 261

Cisticola aberrans, 271

— angolensis, 822

— chiniana, 268

— cherina, 278

— chloris, 263

— cisticola, 824

— cursitans, 275

— curvirostris, 263

— fasciolata, 273

— fulvifrons, 264

— grandis, 825

— lais, 270

— isodactyla, 269

— natalensis, 261

— obscura, 275

— procera, 275

— subruficapilla, 266

— rufilata, 269

— subcinnamomea, 273

— tinniens, 265

Citron - headed Bush -
Warbler, 828

clamator, Francolinus, 587,
589, 590, 591, 592, 594,
854

clamosus, Cuculus, 150, 809

cxrulescens, Enpodotis, 638
639

— Mascicapa, 338

— Otis, 638

codea, Alauda, 501

Coceystes, 157

Coceystes cafer, 158, 159

— glandarius, 157, 158

— jacobinus, 158, 187

— serratus, 150, 158, 160

Cocolumbua, 568

Colaptes olivaceus, 187

Colius capensis, 551, 552,
554

— castanonotus, 554

— erythromelon, 551

— striatus, 553, 555

collaris, A nthodiseta,320, 321,
322, 310

— Enneoctonus, 378, 842

— Lanius, 170, 205, 374,
375, 377, 404

— Nectarinia, 320

Columba guinex, 559

— lunigera, 563

— pheonota, 559

Coly, Chesnut-backed, 554

— Quiriva, 551

— South African, 555

Coly, White-backed, 552

comata, Ardea, 718

— Ardeola, 718

Common Bittern, 722

— Cormorant, 778

— Curlew, 692

— Heron, 708

al ae agra is

Common Noddy, 706

— Quail, 603

— Red-winged Bush-Shrike,
394

— Ringed-Plover, 660

— Sand-Martin, 839

— Sandpiper, 686

— Seed-eater, 487

— Spreo, 429

— Tern, 701

— Waxbill, 470

— Whitethroat, 829

— Widow Bird, 453

communis, Falco, 56, 58, 800

concolor, Schizerhis, 144,
146, 809

congensis, Plotus, 782

conirostris, Ammomanes, 510

conirostris, Spizocorys, 508

Coot, Red-Knobbed, 621

Coqui Francolin, 600

Coracias, 102

Coracias abyssinica, 102

— caudata, 102, 104,
106

— garrula, 102, 104

— nevia, 102, 103, 105

— nuchalis, 103

— spatulata, 805

Corethrura, 615

Corethrura dimidiata, 615

— pulchra, 615

— ruficollis, 616

corypheus, Bradypterus, 251

Cormorant, Cape, 780

— Common, 778

— Long-tailed, 781

— South African, 779

— Wahlberg’s, 779

Corn-crake, 611

cornuta, Numida, 585

coronata, Chettusia, 667, 669,
670, 855

— Numida, 72, 581, 585, 854

coronatus, Hoplopterus, 669,
670

— Spizaetus, 39

Coronneted Shrike, 377

Coryphée Chat-Thrush, 821

coryphwa, Aedon, 251, 254,
821

Corythaix, 141

Corythaix erythrolopha, 143,
144

— livingstonii 143

— musophaga, 141

— porphyreolopha, 142

Corythornis, 108

Corythornis cyanostigma, 108

Corvultur, 417

Corvultur albicollis, 417

Corvus albicollis, 416, 417

— scapulatus, 415, 416

— segetum, 415

Cosmetornis vexillarius, 84,
89

Cossypha, 222

105,

INDEX.

Cossypha barbata 226

— bicolor, 222, 223

— bocagei, 223, 225

— caffra, 150, 217, 224

— heuglini, 226, 227

— humeralis, 226, 228

— natalensis, 4, 223

— signata, 229

Cotile riparia, 839

Coturnicops, 616

Coturnico})s ayresii, 616

— exquisita, 617

— noveboracensis, 617

Coturnix, 603

Coturnix adansonii, 606

— coturnix, 603, 606, 854

— delegorguei, 605

— histrionica, 605

Cotyle, 358

Cotyle ambrosiacea, 94

— cincta, 358, 361

— fuligula, 91, 360, 365

— paludicola, 91, 361

— riparia, 361

Coucal, South African. 161

Courser, Bronze-winged. 656

— Burchell’s, 653

— Hartlaub’s, 655

— Heuglin’s 656

— Senegal, 654

— South African
banded, 654

Crab-Plover, 694

Crake, Ayres’, 616

— Baillon’s, 614

— Black, 618

Crake, Corn, 611

— Greater African, 612

— Jardine’s, 616

— Olive-margined, 612

— Rufous-chested, 615

— Spotted, 613

— White-spotted, 615

Crane, Blue, 628

— Kafir, 629, 631

— Stanley, 628

— Southern Crowned, 629

— Wattled, 626

crassirostris, Alauda, 513

— Calendula, 513

— Hoplopterus, 669

Crateropus, 210

Crateropus bicolor, 210, 212

— hartlaubi, 214

— jardinii, 210, 212

— kirkii, 209, 213

— melanops, 211, 214

Creeper, Salvadori’s, 835

crenatus, Anthus, 542, 543

crepidatus, Stercorarius, 695,
696

crepitans, Cidicnemus, 646

Crex, 611

Crex crex, 611

— egregia, 612

— marginalis, 612

Crested Eagle, African, 41

Two-

873

Crested Guinea-Fowl, 536

Crimson - breasted Bush-
Shrike, 389

Criniger, 203

Criniger flaviventris, 203, 206

— importunus, 204

cristata, Alcedo, 108

— Fulica, 621

— Numida, 585, 586

— Terpsiphone, 352, 355,
838

— Tchitrea, 352

cristatus, Buceros, 126

— Podiceps, 785, 787

Crithagra, 484

Crithagra albigularis, 483,
485

— angolensis, 484

— butyracea, 417

— canicollis, 150

— chloropsis, 486

— chrysopyga, 484

— flaviventris, 485

— ictera, 484

— olivacea, 487

-— scotops, 487

— selbyi, 447, 485

— strigilata, 487

— sulfurata, 485, 486, 487

crocopygia, Poliospiza, 483

Crombec, 303

crossleyi, Turdus, 202

Crow, Corn-land, 415

— White-bellied, 416

Crowned Crane, Southern,
629

— Guinea Fowl, 581

— Lapwing, 670

crumenifer, Leptoptilus, 734

cubla, Laniarius, 392, 842

Cuckoo, Black, 150

— Black and White, 158

— Black-crested, 160

— Emerald, 151

— European, 147

— Golden, 153

— Great Spotted, 157

— Klaas’s, 155

— Lark-heeled, 162

— Levaillant’s, 158 :

— Natal Lark-heeled, 165

— Purple - headed Lark-
heeled, 165

— Red-chested, 149

Cuckoo, White Eyebrowed
Lark-heeled, 163

Cuckoo-Faleon, Verreaux’s,
54

Cuckoo-Shrike Black-
breasted, 843

— South African, 148

cucullata, Hirundo, 91, 93,
366, 370, 373, 841

— Spermestes, 456

— Laniarius, 394, 397

cuculoides, Baza, 54

Cueulus, 147

874.

Cuculus canorus, 147, 160

— clamosus, 150

— gularis, 147, 148

— klaasii, 155

— smaragdineus, 151, 399

— solitarius, 149

— splendidus, 151

culminata, Diomedea, 773

Culminated Albatros, 773

cupreus, Chrysococcyx, 153,
809

— Cuculus, 155, 809

Curlew, Common, 662

— Sandpiper, 682

cursitans, Cisticola, 275, 824

Cursorius, 653

— bicinctus, 653, 654, 655

— bisignatus, 655

— burchelli, 653

— chaleopterus, 656

— cinctus, 656

— rufus, 653, 654

— seneyalensis, 654

curvirostris,Cisticola,263,822

— Drymeca, 275

— Drymoica, 263

Cut-throat Lark, 530

cuvieri, Faleo, 59

cyanogaster, Uraeginthus,
473, 850
cyanoleuca, Halcyon, 120,

121, 807

cyanomelas, Irrisor, 137, 445

— Rhinopomastes, 138, 140,
809

— Tchitrea, 354

— Trochocereus, 354

cyanostigma, Corythornis,
108, 114, 806

cyanotis, Halcyon, 113

Cypselus, 90

Cypselus affinis, 94

— apus, 90, 92, 95

— barbatus, 90

— caffer, 91, 92, 94

— gutturalis, 95

— melba, 91, 95

— pallidus, 92, 95

— parvus, 94

— unicolor, 92

Damara Lark, 522

— Tern, 705

— Yellow-rumped Grosbeak,
483

damarensis, Caprimulgus, 87

— Dryodromas, 300

— Mirafra, 522

— Turtur, 568, 570

Daption, 767

Daption capensis, 767

Dark-coloured Lark, 530

Dark-lined Lark, 524

Dark-naped Finch-Lark, 493

Darter, 782

Darter, African, 782

decipiens, Turtur, 567

INDEX.

deckeni, Turdus, 200

decoratus, Lamprocolius, 426

Delalande’s Green Pigeon,
558

delalandii, Treron, 558

Deleca, 737

delegorguei, Coturnix, 605

Delegorgue’s Pigeon, 563

delegorguii, Turturcena, 563,
605

demersus, Spheniscus, 789

Dendrobates fulviscapus, 190

— namaquus, 188

— striatus, 184

— griseocephalus, 191

Dendrocygna, 751

Dendrocygna arcuata, 751

— viduata, 751

Dendromus smithii, 183

Dendropicus, 188

Dendropicus cardinalis, 189,
190

— hartlaubi, 188, 189

— menstruns, 170, 191

— namaquus, 188

desertorum, Buteo, 30, 31,
797

desolatus, Prion, 769

diabolicus, Bradyornis, 405

Diceum rufescens, 303

dickinsoni, Cerchneis, 68, 801

Dicrocercus, 101

Dicrocereus hirundinaceus,
101

Dicrurus Ludwigii, 410

— musicus, 159, 408

diffusus, Passer, 480, 850

Dikkop, 645, 670

Dila, 716

dilloni, Bubo, 71

Dilophus, 421

Dilopbus carunculatus, 421

diluta, Saxicola, 243, 248,
819

dimidiata, Corethrura, 615

— Hirundo, 366, 372, 841

Diomedea, 770

Diomedea culminata, 773

— exulans, 770, 774

— fuliginosa, 773

— melanophrys, 772

— chlororhyncha, 772

Ditua, 633

dominicanus, Larus, 697

Dotterel, Asiatic, 665

Double-banded Sand-grouse,
575

dougalli, Sterna, 701, 702

Dove, Bush, 562

— Cinnamon, 564

— Lemon, 564

— Olive, 562

Droindwi, 546

Dromas, 694

Dromas ardeola, 694

Drongo, African, 408

— Small, 410

Drymeeca, 254
Drymeeca affinis, 258
—anchiete, 218

— flavicans, 254

— hypoxantha, 260

— maculosa, 150, 259
— ocularia, 256

— substriata, 256
Drymoica aberrans, 271
— affinis, 258

— africana, 280

— ayresii, 275

— capensis, 259

— brachyura, 294, 297
— cherina, 278
—chiniana, 268

— curvirostris, 263

— fasciolata, 273

— fulvicapilla, 301

— levaillantii, 265

— melanorhyncha, 258
— natalensis, 261

— pallida, 254

— pectoralis, 254

— ruficapilla, 271

— subcinnamomea, 273
— subruficapilla, 266
— tectrix, 279

— terrestris, 275

— thoracica, 281
Dryodromas, 299
Dryodromas albigularis, 300
— damarensis, 300

— flavida, 299

— fulvicapillus, 301
Duck, Black, 756

— Knob-billed, 752

— White-backed, 761
— White-marked, 751
dufresnii, Estrelda, 469, 849
Dufresne’s Waxbill, 469°
Duif, Lamoen, 564
Duive Paauw, 632
Dusky-Grey Flycatcher, 339
Dusky Redshauk, 689
Dwarf Bittern, African, 720
— Goose, African, 750

Eagle, Bateleur, 48

— Booted, 37

— Tawny, 35

— Verreaux’s, 33

— Wahlberg's, 36

Eagle Owl, Cape, 70

— Spotted, 73

— Verreaux’s, 71

Eared Grebe, 786

Ebobo, 570

ecaudatus, Helotarsus, 48,798
Ecubo, 753

Eculo, 802

egregia, Crex, 612

Egret, Buff-backed, 717
— Little, 716

— Short-billed White, 714
egretta, Ardea, 714
Egyptian Goose, 747

Elanus, 52

Elanus ceruleus, 52

— melanopterus, 52

elegans, Cisticola, 266

— Euphemia, 572

— Tockus, 130

Elequete, 816

Elminia albicanda, 838

Embolio, 396, 480

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove,
570

eminentissima, Foudia, 467

Enkelde Leeuwerk, 537

Enneoctonus, 378

Enneoctonus collurio, 378

Ephialtes senegalensis, 75

episcopus, Ciconia, 731

epops, Upupa, 135

Eremomela flaviventris, 297,
300

— polioxantha, 828

— pulchra, 828

— scotops, 299

— usticollis, 298

Erismatura, 762

Erismatura maccoa, 759, 762

erythreus, Vhcenicopterus,
744

erythrocephala,
467, 849

— Turtur, 565

Erythrocereus, 337

Erythrocercus __ livingstonii,
337

erythrochlamys,
manes, 506, 507

erythrolopha, Corythaix, 143,
144

erythromelon, Colius, 551, 853

erythronota, Estrelda, 473

erythropterus, Laniarius, 394,
397, 843

— Merops, 100

— Telephonus, 394

erythropus, Accipiter, 24

— Colius, 853

— Porphyrio, 619

Erythropygia munda, 821

— zambesiana, 821

erythrorhyncha, Anas, 754,
761

— Buphaga, 419, 420, 846

— Pecilonetta, 754, 755

erythrorhynchus, Buceros,
131

— Inrisor, 137, 139, 808

— Textor, 445

— Tockus, 127, 131

Estrelda, 469

Estrelda astrild, 470, 475

— benghala, 473

— dufresnei, 469

— erythronota, 473

— incana, 470

— margaritata, 476

— melba, 468

— minima, 476

Amadina,

Ammo-

INDEX.

Estrelda nitidula, 472

— rubricata, 475

— squamifrons, 451

— subflava, 469

Eudromias, 665

Eudromias asiaticus, 665

Eudyptes, 790

Eudyptes chrysocome, 790

— chrysolophus, 790

Euphemia elegans, 572

Eupodotis afra, 641, 643

— afroides, 642

— cerulescens, 638

— caffra, 634, 636

— kori, 632

— melanogaster, 641

— ruficrista, 639

— scolopacea, 637

— senegalensis, 639

Eurocephalus anguitimens,
400

europzus, Caprimulgus, 83,
84, 86, 803

European Rail, 610

— Swallow, 362

Eurystomus afer, 106

explorator, Monticola, 220,
816

— Petrocincla, 220, 222

exquisita, Coturnicops, 617

extoni, Barbatula, 176, 811

exulans, Diomedea, 770, 774

Fairy Flycatcher, 352

Falcinellus falcinellus, 741

falcinellus, Ibis, 741

Falco biarmicus, 58

— communis, 56, 58

— euvieri, 59

— melanogenys, 58

— minor, 57

— peregrinus, 56

— ruficollis, 60

— subbuteo, 59

— tanypterus, 51

Falcon, African
necked, 60

— Peregrine, 56

Falconet, African, 55

familiaris, Saxicola, 234

famosa, Nectarinia, 306, 312,
318, 830

Fantail, Larger Grey-backed,
268

— Rufous Grey-backed, 269

— Small Grey-backed, 266

— Tawny Grey-backed, 269

— Barred-breasted, 273

— Cinnamon-breasted, 273

Fantee Wood-Owl, 802

fasciolata, Cisticola, 273, 823

— Drymoica, 273

fasciolatus, Circaetus, 45

fasciatus, Nisaetus, 38

Fawn-coloured Lark, 523

ferox, Buteo, 31

ferrnginea, Alauda, 504

Rufous-

875

ferruginea, Ammomanes,
504, 506, 507

ferruginens, Laniarius, 393
843

Ferruginous Lark, 504

fervidus, Caprimulgus, 86

Filafila, 566

filifera, Hirundo, 367, 841

Finch, Little barred-breasted
457

— Peters’ Spotted, 477

— Southern Red-faced, 468

— Ultramarine, 457

Finch-Lark, Dark-naped, 493

— Grey-backed, 492

— Smith’s, 493

Finch-like Lark, 527

Fin-foot, Peter’s, 625

Fink, 465

finschii, Francolinus, 598

— Muscicapa, 837

Finsch’s Francolin, 598

— Flycatcher, 837

Fiskal Shrike, 374

flava, Budytes, 550, 853

Flamingo, Small, 745

— South African Greater,
744

flammea, Strix, 82, 802

flavescens, Andropadus, 205,
206

flavicans, Drymavca, 254, 255,
256, 821

— Prinia, 821

flavida, Dryodromas,
828

flavifrons, Anthoscopus, 834

flavigaster, Anthus, 532

flavimana, Ardea, 712, 713

flavirostris, Tockus, 130, 133,
808

— Rhynchops, 706

flaviventris, Criniger, 203,
206, 813

— Crithagra, 485

— Eremomela, 297, 300, 827

— Fringillaria, 491, 492, 851

flayostriatus, Andropadus,
206, 814

fluviatilis, Sterna, 701, 702

Flycatcher, Angola Grey,
341

— Black-capped Bush, 343

— Black-and-White, 337

— Blue-grey, 340

— Cape, 346

— Cape Broad-billed, 344

— Dusky-grey, 339

— Fairy, 352

— Finch’s, 837

— Green-throated, 345

— Grey-mantled, 354

— Icterine, 336

— Layard’s, 334

— Lesser White-flanked, 359

— Livingstone’s, 337

— Mashoona, 836

3 L

’

299,

876

Flycatcher, Natal
breasted, 335

— Plumbeons, 836

— Red-vyented, 332

— Speke's, 342

— Spotted, 338

— Sonth African Paradise,
352

— Violet, 336

— Von Henglin’s, 837

— White-chinned, 837

— White-flanked, 348

— White-starred Bush, 342

— White-tailed, 351

— White-tailed Blue, 838

formicivora, Myrmecocichla,
231, 818

fossii, Caprimulgus, 88, 803

Foudia eminentissima, 467

Francolin, Coqui, 600

— Finsch’s, 598

— Grant's, 594

— Grey-winged, 595

— Hartlaub’s, 602

— Humboldt’s, 589

— Le Vaillant’s, 596

— Noisy, 591

— Pileated, 593

— Red-billed, 590

— Red-necked, 589

— Schlegel’s, 602

— Sclater’s, 589

— Swainson’s, 587

Francolinus adspersus, 590

— afer, 590, 594, 595, 596,
601

— clamator, 587, 589, 590,
591, 592, 5¢4

— finschii, 598

— gariepensis, 599

— granti, 594

— gutturalis, 598

— hartlaubi, 602

— levaillantii, 590, 594, 595,
596

— lechoho, 593

— natalensis, 592

— nudicollis, 589

— pileatus, 593, 594

— schlegeli, 602

— subtorquatus, 600

— swainsonii, 587

frenatus, Chetops, 216, 217,
218

Yellow-

frontalis, Pyrenestes, 449
Fringilla canicollis, 488
— gularis, 482

— Striaticeps, 482
Fringillaria Cabanisi, 491
— capensis, 489

— flaviventris, 491

— impetuani, 489

— tahapisi, 490

— vittata, 155, 489
fringillaris, Mirafra, 527, 529
Fulica cristata, 621
fuliginosa, Diomedea, 773

INDEX.

fuligula, Cotile, 840

faligula, Cotyle, 91, 360, 365

fulvicapilla, Drymoica, 301

— Dryodromas, 823, 828

fulvicapillus, Dryodromas,
301

fulvifrons, Cisticola, 264, 823

fulvipennis, Juida, 430

fulviscapus, Dendrobates, 190

fulviventris, Phyllostrophus,
814

fulvolateralis, Acrocephalus,
289, 826

fulyus, Gyps, 1

fusca, Nectarinia, 317

fuscicapilla, Haleyon, 115

fuscicapillus, Psittacus, 194,
197

fuscicollis, Psittacus, 194,
195

fuscula, Muscicapa, 339

fuscus, Cinnyris, 317, 319,
832

— Totanus, 689

gabar, Melierax, 19, 795

Gadwall, 759

galbula, Oriolus, 411, 413

Gallinago angolensis, 678

— major, 678

— nigripennis, 676, 678, 679

Gallinula angulata, 624

— chloropus, 622, 623

Gallinule, Allen’s Purple,
621

— Blue, 619

— Green-backed Purple, 619

galtoni, Saxicola, 234, 236,
238, 818

gambensis, Plectropterus, 746

Gangula, 735

Gannet, Cape, 775

gariepensis, Francolinus, 599

garrula, Coracias, 102, 104,
805

— Certhilanda, 496, 498

garzetta, Ardea, 716

— Herodias, 712, 716

Geocolaptes olivaceus, 187

geoffroyi, Aigialitis, 664

Geoffroy’s Sand-Plover, 664

Geopelia tranquilla, 569

Geronticus calyus, 738

— hagedash, 739

Giant Petrel, 765

gigantea, Ossifraga, 765

— Procellaria, 765

glacialoides, Procellaria, 767

glandarius, Coccystes, 157,
158, 810

Glareola melanoptera, 650,
651, 652, 665

— nordmanni, 650

— pratincola, 652

glareola, Totanus, 690

Glossy, Ibis, 741

glottis, Totanus, 687

Goatsucker, Shelley’s, 803

— Mozambique, 803

— Rufous-cheeked, 85

goliath, Ardea, 707

Goliath Heron, 707

Golden Oriole, 411

— Plover, 637

Golden-breasted Bunting,
491

— Bush Shrike, 390

Golden-faced Weaver Bird,
438

Golden-rumped Sced-eater,
484

Goma-caxaca, 829

Gom-Paauw, 632, 633

Gongo, 391

Goose, African Dwarf, 750

— Egyptian, 747

— Spur-winged. 746

Goshawk, African, 20

— Black, 20

— Chanting, 17

— Many-banded, 18, 22

— Red-faced, 19

govinda, Milyus, 50

gracilirostris, Bradypterus,
287, 288, 825

— Calamodyta, 287

Graculus africanus, 781

— capensis, 780

— carbo, 779

granatinus, Ureginthus, 850

grandis, Cisticola, 825

granti, Francolinus, 594

Grant’s Francolin, 594

Grass Owl, South African,
81

Grass-Warbler, Angolan, 822

— Black-chested, 254

— Bulger’s, 280

— Cape, 259

— Large, 825

— Pine-pine, 279

— Pointed-tailed, 280

— Rofous-eared, 256

— Saffron-breasted, 260

— Tawny-flanked, 253

— White-breasted, 256

Graucalus cxsius, 399

— pectoralis, 843

grayi, Cheetops, 218

Gray’s Lark, 507

Great Crested Grebe, 785

— Snipe, 678

— White Heron, 714

— Wood-Shrike, 844

Greater African Crake,
612
Greater South African

Flamingo, 744

— South African Sparrow,
480

Grebe, Eared, 786

— Great Crested, 785

— Little, 787

Green Sandpiper, 689

Green-backed Purple
Gallinule, 619

Green Pigeon, Bald-fronted,
557

— Delalande’s, 558

— Wakefield’s, 557

Green-throated Flycatcher,
345

Greenshank, 687

Grenadier Waxbill, 474

Grey-collared Lark, 499

Grey-backed FF inch-Lark,
492

Grey Cuckoo Shrike, 399

Grey-headed Gull, African,
698

— Yellow Wagtail, 853

Grey-mantled = Flycatcher,
354

Grey Plover, 658

Grey-winged _Francolin,
595

grayi, Ammomanes, 507

Griffon Vulture, Kiippell’s, 3

— South African, 1

griseiceps, Saxicola,
250

griseocephalus, Dendrobates,

248,

— Mesopicus, 812
grissopyga, Hirundo, 368,
841

griseus, Nycticorax, 724

— Pufiinus, 770

grisola, Muscicapa, 338, 339,
340, 341, 342, 837

Grosbeak, Damara Yellow-
ramped, 483

— Streaky-headed, 482

— Three-streaked, 482

Grus carunculata, 626, 628

Guere, 809

Guinea-Fowl, Crested, 586

— Crowned, 581

— Pucheran’s, 586

— Verreaux’s, 585

guiner, Columba, 559

gularis, Cuculus, 147, 148,
809

— Fringilla, 482

— Laniarius, 390

— Poliospiza, 482, 850

Gungo, 490

Gull, African Grey-headed,
698

— Hartlanb’s, 698

— Southern Black-backed,
697

gurneyi,
307

— Turdus, 202, 813

guttatus, Laniarius, 391

— Megalophonus, 501

— Turdns, 200

gutturalis, Ardea, 720

— Cinnyris, 309, 311, 830

— Cypselus, 95

Promerops, 306,

INDEX,

gutturalis, Francolinus, 598

— Laniarius, 385, 842

— Neocichla, 215, 816

— Pterocles, 576, 577

Gymnogene, Banded, 9

gymnogenys, Aethocichla,
215, 816

Gypaetus ossifragus, 32

Gypohierax angolensis, 45

Gyps fulvus, 1

— himalayensis, 1

— kolbii, 1, 793, 794

— rueppelli, 3, 793

— vulgaris, 3

Hadadah Ibis, 739

heemacephala, Xantholzema,
174

Hzmatopus capensis, 672

— moquini, 672

hagedash, Geronticus, 739

Hagedashia hagedash, 739

Halcyon albiventris, 115, 116,
119

— chelicutensis, 117

— cinereifrons, 121

—cyanoleuca, 120, 121

— cyanotis, 113

— fuscicapilla, 115

— malimbica, 120, 121

— orientalis, 116

— semicerulea, 114

— senegalensis, 120, 121

— senegaloides, 119

— striolata, 117

— swainsonii, 114

Haliaetus vocifer, 46

haliaetus, Pandion, 68, 801

Halobcena, 768

Halobeena czxrulea, 768

hamatus, Laniarius, 843

Hammer-head, 725

Hammerkop, 725

Hapaloderma narina, 106

Haplopelia larvata, 564

Harlequin Quail, 605

Harrier, Black, 13

— Marsh, 16

— Montagu’s, 12

— Pallid, 11

Harrier-Kagle, Banded, 45

— Black-breasted, 43

hartlaubi, Campophaga, 398

— Crateropus, 214, 816

— Dendropicns, 188,189, 812

— Francolinus, 602

— Larus, 698, 699

— Penthetria, 461

— Pytelia, 469

Hartlaub’s Courser, 655

— Cuckoo Shrike, 398

— Francolin, 602

— Gull, 698

— Pied Bush-Shrike, 391

— Waxbill, 469

— Widow Bird, 461

Hawk-Eagle, African, 38

877

Hawk-Eagle, Crowned, 39

— Martial, 40

Helotarsus ecaudatus, 48

helvetica, Squatarola, 658

Hemipode, Kurrichane, 608

— South African, 607

Hemipteryx immacnlata, 280

— tectrix, 279, 328

Hen, Cape, 766

Herodias alba, 714, 715

— garzetta, 712, 716

— intermedia, 714

Heron, African Black-headed,
719

— Black-necked, 709

— Common, 708

— Goliath, 707

— Great White, 714 ;

— Lesser Grey, 712

— Night, 724

— Purple, 710

— Rufous-bellied, 713

— Squacco, 718

Heterocorax capensis, 415,
416

Heterocorys breviunguis, 503

heuglini, Cossypha, 226, 227,
817

Heuglin’s Courser, 656

hiaticula, Adgialitis, 660

— Charadius, 660

himalayensis, Gyps, 1

Himantopus candidus, 675

Himba, 396

Hinge-bird, 433

Hirundo albigula, 364

— albigularis, 364

— alfredi, 358

— angolensis, 364

— atrocoerulea, 367

— capensis, 370

— cucullata, 91,93, 366, 370,
373°

— dimidiata, 366, 372

— filitera, 368

— griseopyga, 368

— lunifrons, 357

— monteiri, 368, 370

— nigrorufa, 840

— puella, 373

— rufifrons, 364

— rufigula, 841

— rustica, 362, 364

— semirufa, 370

— spilodera, 358

— smithii, 841

hirundinaceus,
101, 805

— Merops, 101

histrionica, Coturnix, 605

Hobby, 59

Hobby, African, 59

Hoio, 834

holomelena, Psalidoprocne,
356

holomelas, Atticora, 356

Hombo, 731, 732, 735

Dicrocercus,

878

Honey Buzzard, 53

Honey-Guide, Brown, 171

Honey-Guide, Little, 169

— Scaly-throated, 167

_ White-backed, 168

— White-eared, 166

Hooded Vulture, 7

— Weaver Finch, 456

Hoopoe, South African, 134

— Red-billed Wood, 137

— Scimitar - billed Wood,
138

— Straight- billed Wood, 140

Hoplopterus albiceps, 667

— Crassirostris, 669

— coronatus, 669, 670

— melanopterns, 669

— Speciosus, 667

Hornbill, African Grey, 133

— Crested, 126

— Crowned, 127

— Monteiro’s, 129

— Red-billed, 131

— South African Ground,
122

— Trumpeter, 125

— Yellow-billed, 130

Hottentot Teal, 757

hottentotta, Querqnedala,
757

— Turnix, 607, 608

House-Martin, 839

Huicumbamba, 803

Hnmbi-humbi, 731

humboldti, Pternistes, 589

Humboldi’s Francolin, 589

humeralis, Bessonornis, 228

— Cossypha, 296, 228, 817

hybrida, Hydrochelidon, 699

Hydrochelidon hybrida, 699

— lencoptera, 700

Hyliota australis, 836

— barboze, 836

— violacea, 336

Hypargus margaritatus, 476

— hiveiguttatus, 477

Hypochera ultramarina, 457

Hyphantornis 2urifrons, 433,
435

— cabanisi, 442

— capensis, 433

— capitalis, 155, 442

— cincta, 436

— intermedia, 443

— mariquensis, 437, 439

— nigriceps, 436

— nigrifrons, 442

— ocularius, 435

— spilonotus, 24, 437

— subaurens, 438

— temporalis, 438

— textor, 436

— velatus, 439

— vitellinus, 439

— xanthops, 438

— xanthopterus, 443

Hyphanturgus ocularius, 435

INDEX.

Hyphanturgns olivaceus, 433
Hypolais icterina, 295
hypoleucus, Tringoides, 686
hypoxantha, Drymeeca, 260,
822
hypoxanthns,
205, 814

Andropadus,

Ibis xthiopica, 735, 736

— falcinellus, 741

— Bald, 738

— Glossy, 741

— Hadadah, 739

— Sacred, 736

ibis Bubuleus, 717

— Pseudotantalns, 735

— Tantalus, 735

ictera, Crithagra, 484, 850

icterina, Chloropeta, 335,
336, 837

— Hypolais, 295

— Laniarius, 337

Imbanteque, 752

immaculata, Hemipteryx,
280, 824

impetuani, Fringillaria, 489,
851

importunus, A ndropadus, 204
814

— Criniger, 204

incana, Estrelda, 470

Inconjani, 804

Indicator albirostris, 166

— major, 167, 168, 170°

— Minor, 169

— Sparrmanni, 166, 169

—— variegatus, 167, 168

infuscata, Bradyornis, 818,
844

— Saxicola, 233, 818

infuscatus, Caprimulgus, 83

Inshlaza, 808

intermedia, Egialitis, 661

— Herodias, 714

— Hyphantornis, 443

Intermediate Ringed Sand-
Plover, 661

intermedius,Sphen:eacus,824

interpres, Strepsilas, 671

Ipagrus brucei, 184

Trrisor aterrimus, 140

— cyanomelas, 137

— erythrorhynchus, 137, 139

Isa-Kabuli, 460

Isaba Gushoa, 446

isodactyla, Cisticola, 269,
823

Ispidina natalensis, 113

Jabiru, African, 731

Jacana, African, 648

— African Lesser, 649

jackal, Buteo, 26, 28, 31,
796

jacobinus, Coceystes, 158,
187, 810

jamesoni, Lagonosticta, 475

Jameson’s Ruddy Waxbill,
474

Jardine’s Crake, 616

jardinii, Crateropus, 210, 212
214, 815

— Cinnyris, 322

Juida australis, 424

— bicolor, 429

— fulvipennis, 430

— leucogaster, 428

— melanogaster, 428

— morio, 431

— pheenicoptera, 425

Kabilo, 484
Kaceibinongo, 805
Kaffir Crane, 629, 631
— Fink, 460
Kagolulo, 573
Kaha, 583
Kahanana, 805
Kahumba, 727
Kakoe, 717
Kalkoentje, 498
Kalangne, 594
Kaloqueio, 838
Kalumgumba, 805
Kamakundi, 782
Kambanjo, 576
Kandilanakiuna. 397
Kanga, 583, 584
Kanhiapraia, 662
Kaniapraia, 688
Kanjuele, 407
Kankiria-Kiria, 816
Kapiapia, 804
Katambuixe, 354
Katebi, 800
Katena, 401
Kaxexe, 474
Kentish Sand-Plover, 659
Kestrel, Common, 60
— Eastern Red-footed, 66
— Grey, 67
— Large African, 63
— Lesser, 64
— Red-footed, 65
— South African, 62
Khanga Tore, 587
Khangua, 490
Kianja, 484
Kiewit, 670
Kikacia, 391
Kikundi, 392
Kilokuenke, 671
Kilatembo, 453
Kilubio, 647
Kimbolio, 479
Kinbinja, 830
King of the Red-bills, 454 :
Kingakiadiulo, 797 ;
Kingfisher, African White-
headed, 114
— Angola, 120
— Ashy-fronted, 121
— Brown-hooded, 115

Kingfisher, Great African,
111

— Half-collared, 107

— Malachite-crested, 108

— Mangrove, 119

— Natal, 113

— Peters’, 116

— Pied, 110

— Senegal, 121

— Striped, 117

KKinzamba-muxito, 806

Kiriamahuco, 392

kirkii, Cinnyris, 317, 831, 832

— Crateropus, 209, 212, 213,
815

Kirk’s Helmet Shrike, 407

Kissai, 806

Kissandassuela, 396

Kissuala, 392

Kite, Black, 50

— Black-shouldered, 52

— Yellow-billed, 49

Kitecuria, 400

Kitiapi, 379

Kitikenene, 843

Kitole, 817

Kittlizi, Charadrius, 661

Kitudi, 623

klaasi, Cuculus, 153, 155

Kleine Seisje, 487

Knob-billed Duck, 752

Knorhaan, 641, 642

Knot, 683

kolbii, Gyps, 1, 6, 793

Konig Reithaan, 619

Koning-Roodebec, 454

Kori Bustard, 632

kori, Eupodotis, 632

— Otis, 632

korschun, Milvus, 50, 51,798

Kraai, Korenland, 415

Kraal Bird, 468

Kuata-andimba, 800

Kubi, 794

Kuele, 809

Kukolekole, 669

Kukulxixi, 620

Kurrichane Hemipode, 608

Kutiambobolo, 570

lacteus, Bubo, 71, 801
lagepa, Megalophonus, 501
Lagonisticta Jamesoni, 475
— minima, 476

— rubricata, 475

Laimodon leucomelas, 173
— nigrithorax, 172

— unidentatus, 173

lais, Cisticola, 270, 823
lamelligerus, Anastomus, 732
Limmergeier, Southern, 32
Lamoen Duif, 564

Lamprocolius acuticaudus,
427

— melanogaster, 428

— nitens, 427

— phenicopterus, 425

INDEX,

Lamprocolius sycobius, 426

Lamprotornis australis, 424

— mevesi, 423

— purpureus, 423

Laniarius anchietae, 397

— atricroceus, 390

— atrococcinenus, 389

— Blanfordi, 397

— cubla, 392

— eucullatus, 397

— erythropterus, 394, 397

— ferruginenus, 393

— gularis, 390

— gutturalis, 385

— icterus, 387

— major, 391

— minutus, 397

— olivaceus, 382

— poliocephalus, 387

— quadricolor, 381

— remigialis, 397

— rubiginosus, 383

— senegalus, 394, 397

— similis, 384

— sulphureipectus, 384

— trivirgatus, 397

— ussheri, 396, 397

Lanioturdus torquatus, 351

Lanius collaris, 170, 205, 374,
404

— minor, 374

— souzae, 842

— subcoronatus, 375, 377

Lanner, South African, 58

Lapwing, Black-winged, 669

— Crowned, 670

Large Grass-Warbler, 825

— Grey-headed Bush Shrike,
387

— Puff-backed Bush Shrike,
393

— Yellow Seed-eater, 486

Larger Stripe-breasted Swal-
low, 370

— Yellow-tufted Pipit, 540,
540

Lark, Angola, 851

— Bar-tailed, 515

— Cape, 501

— Cape Long-hilled, 494

— Cut-throat, 530

— Damara, 522

— Dark-coloured, 530

— Dark-lined, 524

— Fawn-coloured, 523

— Finch-like, 527

— Gray’s, 507

— Grey-collared, 499

— Latakoo, 528

— Pink-billed, 508

— Rufous Bar-tailed, 517

— Rufous Long-billed, 496

— Rufons-capped, 511

— Rufous-mantled, 506

— Rufous-naped, 519

— Sabota, 526

Lark, dhort-clawed, 503

879

Lark, Smith’s Long-billed,
498

— Thick-billed, 513

Lark-like Bunting, 489

Larus dominicanus, 697

— hartlaubi, 698, 699

— pheecephalus, 698, 704

— poiocephalus, 698

larvata, Haplopelia, 564

— Peristera, 564

larvatus, Oriolus, 413, 845

Latakoo Lark, 528

lateralis, Chettusia, 666

— Zosterops, 324

lathamii, Loxia, 458

— Ploceus, 458

Latham’s Weaver Bird, 458

layardi, Bradypterus, 284

— Parisoma, 334, 836

— Phlexis, 284, 285

— Pyenonotus, 815

— Saxicola, 236, 818

lechoho, Francolinus, 593

Leeuwerk, Enkelde, 537

Lemon Dove, 564

Lengua, 805

lentiginosus,
87, 803

Leptoptilus crumenifer, 734

lepurana, Turnix, 608

Lesser African Jacana, 649

— Grey Heron, 712

— Grey Shirke, 374

— Puffed-backed
Shrike, 392

— Tawny Pipit, 534

— White-flanked Flycatcher,
350 e

leucocephala, Ciconia, 731

leucogaster, Juida, 428

— Oceanitis, 764

— Pholidauges, 429

— Thalassidroma, 764

leucomelena, Saxicola, 243,
247, 248, 249, 250, 819

leucomelas, Laimodon, 173

— Pogonorhynchus, 173,811

leuconota, Thalassornis, 761

leuconotus, Nycticorax, 724

leucophrys, Aedon, 252, 821

— Anthus, 537

— Erythropygia, 821

leucoptera, Hydrochelidon,
700

leucopterus, Parus, 331, 332

leucorodia, Platalea, 743

leucotis, Megalaima, 177

— Pyrrhulanda, 493

— Smilorhis, 177

— Scops, 74, 801

levaillantii, Campophaga, 399

— Drymoica, 265

— Francolinus,
595

— Plotus, 781, 782

Le Vaillant’s Francolin, 596

libonyanus, Turdus, 199, 813

Caprimulgus,

Bush

590, 594,

880

Lichtenstein’s Weaver-Bird,
439

licua, Athene, 77

Limnocorax niger, 618

lineiventris, Anthus, 540 541,
852

Lioptilus nigricapillus, 343

Lisdg6, 593

litsitsirupa, Turdus, 198, 813

Litule Barred-breasted Finch,
457

— Bittern, African, 720

— Egret, 716

— Grebe, 787

— Ruddy Waxbill, 476

— Stint, 681

— Tern, 705

livingstonii,
337

— Corythaix, 143

Lobivanellus albiceps, 667

— senegalus, 666

Lodera-angundo, 709

Long-claw, Cape, 530

— Red-breasted, 533

— Southern Yellow-breasted,
532

longicauda, Motacilla, 544

longipes, Platysteira, 352

longirostris, Telephonus, 394

Long-tailed African Dove,
572

— Cormorant, 781

— Pied Wagiail, 544

— Widow-Bird, 458

Longuemare’s Sun-bird, 833

longuemarii, Anthothreptes,
833

Long-winged Petrel, 766

Lophoaetus occipitalis, 41

Lophogyps occipitalis, 5

Loridor, 412

Lovebird, Rosy-faced, 192

— West African, 193

Loxia Lathamii, 458

Lucando-anjobo, 827

Iucani, Lophotriorchis, 797

lucidus, Phalacrocorax, 779

Lucoi, 797, 800

ludovicensis, Cinnyris, 830

ludwigii, Dicrurus, 410, 845

— Otis, 634, 635, 636, 854

Ludwig's Bustard, 636

lugens, Muscicapa, 340, 341

lunigera, Columba, 563

lunifrons, Hirundo, 357

Lungungua, 647

Erythrocercus,

Maccoa Duck, 762

maccoa, Erismatura, 759, 762

Machzxrhamphus anderssoni,
798

Machetes pugnax, 685

Macrodipteryx sperlingi, 84

macroptera, /Ustrelata, 766

— Procellaria, 766

Macronyx amelia, 533

INDEX.

Macronyx capensis, 530, 532,
533

— striolatus, 531, 532

macroptera, Sterna, 701

macroscelides, Accipiter, 24

macrura, Sterna, 701

macrurus, Circus, 11, 795

maculosa, Drymeca, 150,
254, 256, 257, 259, 260,
822

— Prinia, 822

maculosus, Aigialitis, 670

— Bubo, 73, 147, 801

— (dicnemus, 645

madagascariensis, Cisticola,
278

— Nettapus, 750

mahali, Plocepasser, 192, 447,
848

mahrattensis, Picus, 190

Majaqueus xquinoctialis,
766

major, Gallinago, 678

— Indicator, 167, 168, 810

— Laniarins, 391, 842

— Numenius, 692

Malagash, 775

malcazii, Polyboroides, 10

malimbica, Halcyon, 120,
121, 808

Malimbus rubriceps, 444

Mandoogooloo, 802

Manovella, 803

Marabou, African, 754

Mareca capensis, 758

margaritata, Hstrelda, 476

margaritatus, Hypargus,
476

marginalis, Crex, 612

marginata, Adyialitis, 659

marginatus, Charadius, 659

Mariapindo, 832

Mariqua Wood-Shrike, 400

mariquensis, Bradyornis,401,
844

— Cinnyris, 319, 322, 832

— Hyphantornis, 437, 439

— Saxicola. 401

Marsh Sandpiper, 690

Martin, Common, 839

Mashoona Flycatcher, 836

maurus, Circus, 13

maxima, Ceryle, 807

Megalzema barbatula, 175

Megalaima bilineata, 176

— leucotis, 177

Megalophonus africanoides,
519, 523

— apiatus, 515

— chenianus, 528

— cinereus, 511

— guttatus, 501

— lagepa, 501

— pyrrhonotus, 537

— rufipileus, 517

— rostratus, 519

— sabota, 526

melanocephala, Ardea, 709

— Budytes, 551

melanocephalus,
hynchus, 811

melanogaster, Eupodotis, 641

— Juida, 428

— Lamprocolius, 428

— Otis, 641, 854

— Thalassidroma, 764

melanogenys, Falco, 58

melanoleucus, Accipiter, 25

— Astur, 25

— Buceros, 127

— Oxylophus, 158, 159

— Tockus, 127, 128, 133

— Urolestes, 380, 842

melanophrys, Diomedea, 772

melanops, Crateropus, 211,
214, 815

melanoptera, Chettusia, 669

— Glareola, 650, 651, 652,
665, 855

melanopterus, Elanus, 52

— Hoplopterus, 669

melanorhyncha, Drymoica,
258

melba, Cypselus, 91, 93, 95,
96, 804

— Estrelda, 468

— Pytelia, 468

Melierax canorus, 17

— gabar, 19

— musicus, 17

— niger, 20

— poliopterus, 17

— polyzonus, 18, 28

Melocichla pyrrhops, 282

Melombeanganza, 424

menstruus, Dendropicus, 191,
812

mentulis, Melocichla, 283

— Platystira, 837

meridionalis, Asturinula, 18,
42

— Cisticola, 825

— Melocichla, 825

Merops xgyptius, 97

— apiaster, 96, 101

— bullockoides, 99

— erythropterus 100

— hirundinaceus, 101

—- nubicoides, 99

— nubicus, 99

— pusillus, 100

— savignii, 97

— superciliosus, 97, 100

— variegatus, 100

Meves’ Glossy Starling, 423

mevesi, Lamprotornis, 423,
424, 846

meyeri, Psittacus, 195, 813

Miapia, 841

microrbynchus, Cinnyris, 322

Milvus egyptius, 49

— ater, 50

— govinda, 50

— korschun, 50

Pogonor-

minima, Alseonax, 837

— Estrelda, 476

— Lagonosticta, 476

minor, Falco, 57, 58

— Indicator, 169, 170, 811

— Lanius, 374

— Pheenicopterus, 745

— Podiceps, 787

— Upupa, 134

minulla, Batis, 350, 838

— Pachyprora, 838

minullus, Accipiter, 23, 24,
796

minuta, Ardea, 720, 721

— Ortygometra, 614

— Sterna, 705

— Tringa, 681, 682

minutus, Agithalus, 279

— Laniarius, 397

Mirafra africana, 519

— africanoides, 522, 523

— apiata, 515, 517

— cheniana, 528

— damarensis, 522

— fringillaris, 527, 529

— neevia, 524

— nigricans, 530

— sabota, 524, 526

mitrata, Numida, 581

mitratus, Pelecanus, 776

Mitred Pelican, 776

Mohimo, 630

Moko, 666

molitor, Batis,
838

— Pachyprora, 838

mollis, Mstrelata, 766

Mollymauk, 772

monachus, Centropus, 165

monogrammica, Asturinula,
42, 797

monteiri, Hirundo, 368, 370

— Tockus, 129

Monteiro’s Swallow, 368

Monticola brevipes, 221

— explorator, 220

— rupestris, 219, 221

monticola, Saxicola, 221, 232,
246, 819

Moople, 559

Moor-hen, 623

Moor-hen, South-African,
624

Moquini, Hematopus, 672

morio, Amydrus, 430, 431,
846

— Juida, 431

Mésogo, 593

mossambicus, Caprimulgus,
88, 803

Motacilla aguimp, 545

— capensis, 405, 546, 547,
550

— longicauda, 544

— vidua, 545

motitensis, Passer, 480

Mountain Canary, 477

348, 349,

INDEX.

Mouse - coloured Wood -
Shrike, 844

Mousebird, 552

Mozambique Goatsucker, 803

Mucombia, 354

Mucuzo, 554

Muelle, 591

Muhale, 602

Muisvogel, 552

munda, Erythropygia, 821

Mungando, 406

murinus, Bradyornis, 402,
844

Muscicapa ccerulescens, 338,
340, 341

— cinereola, 342

— finschii, 837

— fuscula, 339

— grisola, 338, 340, 342

— lugens, 340, 341

— ruficapillus, 302

— stellata, 842

— undulata, 339, 340

musicus, Bias, 337

— Dicrurus, 159, 408

— Melierax, 17

musophaga, Corythaix, 141,
143

Mycteria senegalensis, 731

Myrmecocichla formicivora,
231

mystacea, Prinia, 822

neevia, Coracias, 102, 103,
105, 805

— Mirafra, 524, 526, 851

Nagine-ankine, 727

Namaqua Patrys, 574

— Sand-grouse, 574

Namaqua Pterocles, 574,
577, 579, 854
namaquus, Dendrobates,
188

— Dendropicus, 188, 812
Nangombeiomapupo, 392
Nanhé, 716

narina, Hapaloderma, 106,

806
Narrow-billed Blue Petrel,
769
nasutus, Buceros, 133
— Tockus, 133, 808
Natal Bush Shrike, 381
natalensis, Alcedo, 113
— Bessonornis, 223
— Calamodyta, 301
— Caprimulgus, 88
— Centropus, 810
— Chloropeta, 335
— Cisticola, 261, 822
— Cossypha, 24, 223, 225
— Drymoica, 261
— Francolinus, 592
— Ispidina, 113, 807
— Nectaripia, 306, 311
— Sphenzacus, 825
— Sylvia, 335, 336

881

Naumanni, Cerchneis, 64,
800

Nectarinia, 308

Nectarinia afra, 313

— amethystina, 315

— bifasciata, 319

— boeagii, 830

— chalybea, 314

— collaris, 320

— famosa, 306, 308, 312

— fusca, 317

— natalensis, 306, 311

— olivacea, 310

— talatala, 318

— violacea, 308

neglectus, Dryoscopus, 391

— Phalacrocorax, 779

Neocichla gutturalis, 215

Neophron, 6

Neophron percnopterus, 6,
46

— pileatus, 7

Nettapus, 750

Nettapus auritus, 750

— madagascariensis, 750

Nicholsoni, Anthus, 533, 536.
538

Nicholson’s Pipit, 536

niger, Limmocorax, 618

— Melierax, 20, 796

— Parus, 331, 341, 835

Night Heron, 724

— White-backed, 724

Nightjar, 83

Nightjar, Fiery-necked, 86

— Freckled, 87

— Mozambique, 88

— Natal, 88

— Standard-winged, 89

— South-African, 84

nigra, Campophaga, 398, 399

— Ciconia, 729

nigricans, Mirafra, 530

— Pycnonotus, 207, 210, 815

nigricapillus, Lioptilus, 343

— Pycnonotus, 343

nigriceps, Hyphantornis, 436

nigricollis, Podiceps, 786

nigrifrons, Hyphantornis,
442, 847

nigripennis, Gallinago, 676,
678, 679

nigrithorax, Laimodon, 172

nigrorufa, Hirundo, 840

nigrorufus, Centropus, 165,
810

Nilaus, 397

Nilaus affinis, 843

— brubru, 39/

— capensis, 397

Nisaetus, 37

Nisaetus fasciatus, 38

— pennatus, 37

— spilogaster, 38

nitens, Amadina, 457

— Lamprocolius, 427

nitidula, Estrelda, 472

882

niveiguttatus, Hypargus, 477

nivosa, Alaemon, 501

N’Konjane, 841

Noddy, Common, 706

Noisy Francolin, 591

nordmanni, Glareola, 4992,
650

notata, Campethera, 186

notatus, Oriolus, 412, 845

noveboracensis, Coturnicops,
617

nubica, Campethera, 186

nubicoides, Merops, 99, 804

nubicus, Merops, 99

— Vultur, 5

nuchale, Syrnium, 802

nuchalis, Coracias, 103

nudicollis, Francolinus, 589

— Pternistes, 587, 589, 590

Numbela, 815

Numenius arcuatus, 692

— major, 692

— phzopus, 693

Numida cornuta 585

— coronata, 581, 585

— cristata, 585, 586

— mnitrata, 581

— pucherani, 586

— verreauxi, 585, 586

Nyamehengwe, 727

Nycticorax griseus, 724

— leuconotus, 724

Nyroca capensis, 760

Oates’ Wood-Shrike, 402

oatesii, Bradyornis, 402

obscura, Cisticola, 275

— Sylvia, 295

obscurus, Turdus, 200, 201

occidentalis, Chlorocichla,
814

occipitalis, Lophoaetus, 41

— Lophogyps, 5, 793

— Spizaetus, 41

— Vultur, 5

oceanica, Oceanitis, 763, 765

— Thalassidroma, 765

Oceanitis lencogaster, 764

— oceanica, 763, 765

— tropica, 764

ochropus, Totanus, 687, 689

ocularia, Drymeeca, 256,
822

ocularis, Glareola, 278

ocularius, Hyphantornis, 435

— Hyphanturgus, 433, 435

CEdicnemus capensis, 645,
646, 647

— crepitans, 646

— maculosus, 72, 645

— senegalensis, 646

— vermiculatus, 647

Ena capensis, 572

C&strelata macroptera, 766

— mollis, 766

Okicecene, 838

oleaginus, Andropadus, 814

INDEX.

oligura, Hemiptervx, 2380

olivacea, Calamodyta, 293,
295

— Camaroptera, 293, 827

— Crithagra, 487

— Nectarinia, 310

Olivaceous Bush-Shrike, 382

olivaceus, Cinnyris, 310, 311

— Colaptes, 187

— Geocolaptes, 187, 812

— Hyphanturgus, 433, 846

— Laniarius, 382, 383, 387

— Turdus, 200, 813

olivacinus, Cinnyris, 830

Olive and Yellow Weaver
Bird, 433

Olive Dove, 562

Olive-margined Crake, 612

Olivert, 294

Open. bill, African, 732

Oquicecerebanene, 548

Orange - shouldered Widow
Bird, 461

orientalis, Acrocephalus, 289

— Halcyon, 116, 807

Oriole, Andersson’s, 412

— South Afrigan Black-
headed, 413

— Golden, 411

Oriolus capensis, 413

— galbula, 411, 413

— larvatus, 413

— notatus, 412

— rolleti, 414

oryx, Pyromelana, 459, 462,
463, 849

Ortygometra minuta, 614

Ortygospiza polyzona, 457

osiris, Cinnyris, 322

Osprey, 68

Ossifraga gigantea, 765

ossifragus, Gypaetus, 32,797

Ostrich, Southern, 791

Otis afra, 641, 642

— afroides, 638, 639, 642

— cverulescens, 638, 639

— caffra, 634, 636

— kori, 632

— ludwigii, 634, 635, 636

— melanogaster, 641

— picturata, 644

— rueppelli, 643

— ruficrista, 639

— scolopacea, 634, 637

— senegalensis, 639

— vigorsii, 35

Otogyps auricularis, 4,793

Otus capensis, 78

oustaleti, Cinnyris, 832

Oustalet’s Sun-bird, 832

ovampensis, Accipiter, 796

Owl, African Short-eared,
78

— Barn, 82
— Pel’s, 69
— Short-eared, 79
— Woodford’s, 76

Owlet,African Pearl-spotted,
77

— Barred, 77

Ox-pecker, African, 418

— Red-billed, 420

Oxylophus afer, 158

— melanoleucus, 158, 159

Oyster - Catcher, African
Black, 672

Painted Snipe, African, 679
Pale-winged Glossy Starling,
430

Pale Wood-Shrike, 402
pallescens, Anthus, 536
pallida, Drymoica, 254, 255
— Zosterops, 323, 324, 834
pallidirostris, Tockus, 128
pallidiventris, Haleyon, 807
pallidus, Bradyornis, 402,
403

— Cypselus, 92, 95, 804

paludicola, Cotile, 840

— Cotyle, 91, 361

Palumbus arquatrix, 561

palustris, Acrocephalus 291,
292, 827

Panda, 627

Pandion haliaetus, 68

paradisea, Anthropoides, 628

— Vidua, 452

Parisoma layardi, 334

— plumbeum, 836

— rufiventer, 332

— subceruleum, 332, 334

Paroides capensis, 327

Parra africana, 648

— capensis, 649

Parrot, Le Vaillant’s, 194

— Meyer's, 195

— Rippell’s, 196

Parus afer, 329, 331

— cinerascens, 329

— cinereus, 329

— leucopterus, 331, 332

— niger, 331, 341

— rufiventris, 835

parvus, Cypselus, 94

Passer arcuatus, 478

— diffusus, 480

— motitensis, 480

— simplex, 480

— swainsoni, 480

pastor, Pratincola, 250

Patrys, Namaqua, 574

Pavaneur, 286

Pearly-breasted Swallow, 366

pectoralis, Caprimulgus, 84,
86

— Drymoica, 254

— Grancalus, 843

— Iynx, 191, 812
pelagica, Procellaria, 765
Pelican, Mitred, 776
Pelican, Red-backed, 777
Pelecanus mitratus, 776
— rufescens, 777

peli, Scotopelia, 69, 73, 801

peltata, Platystira, 345

Penguin, Cape, 789

pennata, Aquila, 37

pennatus, Nisaetus, 37, 797

Penthetria albonotata, 460

— axillaris, 461

— bocagii, 461

— Hartlaubi, 461

Peregrine Falcon,
African, 57

peregrinus, Falco, 56

Peristera afra, 570

— larvata, 564

— tympanistria, 570, 571

perlata, Athene, 75

— Carine, 75, 77, 802

perlatum, Glaucidium, 802

Pern, Andersson’s, 798

— European, 53

Pernis apivorus, 53

Pernistes nudicollis, 587

— swainsoni, 587, 593

persa, Turacus, 141

perspicillata, Terpsiphone,
838

percnopterus, Neophron, 6, 7,
46, 794

Peters’ Fin-foot, 625

— Glossy Starling, 426

— Spotted Finch, 477

petersi, Podica, 625

Petonia petronella, 481

Petrel, Black-bellied, 764

— Blue, 768

— Broad-billed Blue, 769

— Cape, 767

— Long-winged, 766

— Narrow-billed Blue, 769

— Smith’s Grey, 767

— Soft-plumaged, 766

— White-bellied, 764

— Wilson’s, 763

Petrochelidon spilodera, 357

Petrocincla explorator, 220

— rupestris, 219

petronella, Petronia, 481, 850

phzonota, Columba, 559, 854

phopus, Numenius, 693

Phaeton rubricauda, 775

Phalacrocorax africanus 781

— capensis, 779, 780

— carbo, 778

— lucidus, 779

— neglectus, 779

Pheasant, Red-necked, 589

Philcetzrus socius, 449

philippensis, Podiceps, 787

Phlexis victorini, 284

Pholidauges verreauxii, 428

pheenicea, Campophaga, 399

pheenicoptera, Juida, 265, 425

South

pheenicopterus, Lamproco-
lius, 425, 426, 427, 846

Pheenicopterus erythraus,
744

— minor, 745

INDEX.

pheenicurus, Bessonornis, 224

pheeocephalus, Larus, 698,
704

phceonota, Columba, 577

Phyllastrephus capensis, 203

— fulviventris, 814 ~

Phylloscopus trochilus, 296

picturata, Otis, 644

Picus mahrattensis, 190

Pied Wagtail, African, 545

— Wagtail, Long-tailed, 544

— Wood-Shrike, 404

Pigeon, Bald-fronted Green,
557

— Delalande’s Green, 558

— Delegorgue’s, 563

— Rameron, 561

— South Atrican Speckled,

559
— Wakefield’s Green, 557
pileata, Saxicola, 220, 231,
238, 818
Pileated Francolin, 593
pileatus, Francolinus, 593,
594
— Neophron, 7
— Plocepasser, 447
Pinarornis plumosus, 230
Pindalus ruficapillus, 302
Pink-billed Lark, 508
Pink-coloured Bustard, 637
Pipit, Cinnamon-backed, 537
— Larger Yellow-tufted, 540,
543
— Lesser Tawny, 534
— Nicholson’s, 536
— Short-tailed, 539

—Smaller Yellow-tufted,
541
— Tawny, 523

Plantain-Eater, Grey, 144
— Livingstone’s, 143

— Purple-crested, 142

— White-crested, 141
Platalea leucorodia, 743

— tenuirostris, 742
Platyrhynchus capensis 344
Platysteira longipes, 352

— pristinaria, 346

— strepitans, 348
Platystira longipes, 352

— mentalis, 837

— peltata, 345

— pristinaria, 346

— strepitans, 348
platyurus, Bradypterus, 286
plebeius, Crateropus, 213
Plectropterus gambensis, 746
Plocepasser mahali, 447

— pileatus, 447

Ploceus capensis, 463

— Lathamii, 458

— oryx, 462

— taha, 465

Plotus congensis, 782

— levaillantii, 781, 782
Plover, Common Ringed, 660

883

Plover, Golden, 657
— Grey, 658
— Senegal Wattled, 666

— Black-and-White Spur-
winged, 667

— Thick-billed Spur-
winged, 669

— White-crowned Wattled,
667

Plumbeous Flycatcher, 836

plumbeum, Parisoma, 836

plumosus, Pinarornis, 230,
246, 817

pluvialis, Charadius, 657, 658

Pochard, South African, 760

Podica petersi, 625

Podiceps auritus, 786

— cristatus, 785, 787

— minor, 787

— nigricollis, 786

— philippensis, 787

Peecilonetta erythrorhyncha,
654, 755

peecilorhynchus, Buceros, 133

pena, Aedon, 253, 821

— Erythropygia, 821

poensis, Strix, 82

Pogonorhynchus affinus, 811

— leucomelas, 170, 173

— torquatus, 168, 172

Pogonocichla stellata, 342,
347

poiocephalus, Larus, 698

— Laniarius, 387, 842

Poliohierax semitorquatus,
55

poliopterus, Melierax, 17

Poliospiza crocopygia, 483

— gularis, 482

— tristriata, 482

polioxantha, Eremomela, 828

pollux, Saxicola, 242, 244,
819

Pollysticte quopopo, 178

Polyboroides maleazii, 10

— typicus, 9

polyzona, Ortygospiza, 457,
849

polyzonoides, Astur, 22, 796

polyzonus, Melierax, 18, 28,
795

Pomatorhine Skua, 695

pomatorhinus, Stercorarius,
695

porphyreolopha, Corythaix,
142

porphyreolophus, Turacus,
142

Porphyrio alleni, 621

— erythropus, 619

— smaragdonotus, 619
Porzana bailloni, 614

— porzana, 613

Pratincola torquata, 250
pratincola, Glareola, 652
Pratincole, Black-winged,

650
3M

884

Pratincole, Red-winged, 652

Prince Alfred’s Swallow, 537

Prion banksii, 769

— desolatus, 769

— Vittatus, 769

principalis, Vidua, 452, 453,
848

Prinops talacoma, 406

pririt, Batis, 348, 349, 838

— Pachyprora, 838

pristinaria, Platystira, 346

Procellaria capensis, 767

— cexrulea, 768

— gigantea, 765

— glucialoides, 767

— macroptera, 766

— pelagica, 765

— turtur, 769

procera, Cisticola, 275, 823

Prodotiseus regulus, 171

progne, Chera, 446, 455, 466,
458, 461, 463, 849

Promerops cafer, 305

— gurneyi, 306, 307

Psalidoprocne antinorii, 839

— holomelaena, 356

Psendogyps africanus, 794

Pseudotantalus ibis, 735

Psittacus fuscicapillus, 194,
197

— fuscicollis, 194, 195

— meyeri, 195, 196

— robustus, 194, 195

— rueppelli, 196

Pterocles alchata, 575

— bicinetus, 575

— gutturalis, 576, 577

— namaqua, 574, 577, 579

— tachypetes, 574

— variegatns, 578

Pternistes humboldti, 589

— hudicollis, 589, 590

— rubricollis, 589

pucherani, Numida, 586

Pucheran’s Guinea - Fowl,
586

puella, Hirundo, 373, 841

Puffinus griseus, 770

pugnex, Machetes, 685

pulchra, Corethrura, 615

— Eremomela, 828

pullaria, Agapornis, 193

purpurea, Ardea, 710, 712

Purple Gallinule, Allen’s,
621

— Green-backed, 616

Purple Heron, 710

purpureus, Lamprotornis, 423

pusilla, Ardea, 720

— Barbatula, 170, 175

pusillus, Botaurus, 720

— Merops, 100, 805

Pycnonotus capensis,
207, 210

~— nigricans, 207

— higricapillus, 343

— triculor, 207, 208

160,

INDEX.

pycnopygius, Chetops, 218,
816

— Sphenzacns, 218

pygargus, Cirens, 12, 725

pygmza, Porzana, 285

Pyrenestes frontalis, 449

Pyromelana capensis,
463

— oryx, 462

— sundevalli, 463

— taha, 465

— xanthomelas, 463

pyrrhonotus, Anthus, 536,
537

— Megalophonus, 537

pyrrhops, Melocichla, 282,
283, 825

Pyrrhulauda australis, 493

— lencotis, 493

— Smithii, 493

— verticalis, 492

Pytelia hartlaubi, 469

— melba, 468

462,

Quail, Adanson’s 606

— Common, 603

— Harlequin, 605
quadribrachys, Alcedo, 108
quadricolor, Laniarins, 381
Quela, 641

quelea, Quelea, 458
Querquedula capensis, 758
— hottentotta, 757
Quiandamuchito, 817
Quicobequelababa, 664
Quiepele, 817
Quimbamba, 803

(uiriva Coly, 531
quopopo, Pollysticte, 178

Rail, Caffre, 610

— European, 610

Rallus aquaticus, 610

— cerulescens, 610

Rameron Pigeon, 561

ranivorus, Cireus, 11, 14, 795

rapax, Aquila, 35, 797

Rayen, White-necked, 417

Ray’s Yellow Wagtail, 551

Recurvirostra ayocetta, 673,
675

Red Bishop Bird, 462

— Caffre Fink, 462

Red-backed Pelican, 777

— Shrike, 378

Red-billed Francolin, 520

— Ox-pecker, 420

— Teal, 754

— Weaver Bird, 445

Red-breasted Long-claw, 533

— Swallow, 373

Red-collared Widow Bird,455

Red-crested Bustard, 629

Red-eyed Turtle-Dove, 566

Red-headed Weaver Bird, 444

— Weaver Finch, 467

Red-knobbed Coot, 621

Red-necked Francolin, 589

— Pheasant, 589

Redshank, 688

— Dusky, 689

Red-shouldered Glossy Star-
ling, 425

— Widow Bird, 461

Red-tailed Tropic Bird, 775

Red-wing Spreo, 431

Red-winged Pratincole, 652

Reed- Warbler, Fantailed, 283

— Knysna, 288

— Stripe-throated, 286

— Tawny-sided, 289

— Victorin’s, 284

— White-breasted, 287

regia, Vidua, 453, 454, 848

regulorum, Balearica, 629

regulus, Prodotiscus, 171,811

Reit-baan, Konig, 619

remigialis, Laniarius, 397

reptilivorous, Serpentarins, 8

retzii, Sigmodus, 407, 844

Retzius’ Helmet Shrike, 407

tex, Balaeniceps, 727, 728

Rhinoceros Bird, 419

Rhinopomastes cyanomelas,
138, 140

Rhynchiea capensis, 679

Rhynchops flavirostris, 706

Richardson’s Skua, 695

Ring-hals, 417

Ringed Plover, Common, 660

riparia, Cotyle, 361, 362, 839

robustus, Psittacus, 194,195

Rock-Babbler, Damara, 218

— Orange-breasted, 217

— Rufous-breasted, 216

Rock Bunting, 490

Rock-Thrush, Cape, 219

— Sentinel, 220

— Short-footed, 221

Roller, Cinnamon, 106

— European, 102

— Lilac-breasted, 104

— White-naped, 103

rolleti, Oriolus, 414

Roodepoot Elsje, 675

Rook, African, 415

Roseate Tern, 702

roseicollis, Agapornis, 199,
193

. Tostratus, Megalophonus, 519

Rougri, Le, 31

Tubricata, Estrelda, 475

— Lagonosticta, 475

rubricanda, Pheton, 775

rubriceps, Malimbus, 444,847

rubricollis, Pternistes, 589

rubida, Casarea, 753

rubiginosus, Laniarius, 382,
383, 842

Ruddy-breasted Bush-Shrike,
383

rudis, Ceryle, 110, 116, 807
rueppelli, Gyps, 3, 793
— Psittacus, 196

rueppelli, Otis, 643

rufescens, Acrocephalus, 290

— Diceum, 303

— Pelecanus, 777

— Sylviella, 829

— Sylvietta, 303

Raff, 685

ruficapilla, Drymoica, 271

— Muscicapa, 302

— Sylviella, 829

roficapi!lus, Pindalus, 289,
302

ruficauda, Cichladusa, 230,
817

ruficollis, Corethrura, 616

— Falco, 60, 800

ruficrista, KEupodotis, 639

— Otis, 639, 854

rufifrons, Hirundo, 364

rufilata, Cisticola, 269, 823

rufigena, Caprimulgus, 85,
86, 87, 803

rufigula, Hirndo, 841

rufipilea, Mirafra, 515, 516,
517

rufipileus,
517

rufiventer, Parisoma, 332

rufiventer, Saxicola, 232

rufiventris, Accipiter, 22, 796

— Ardea, 713

rufiventris, Parus, 835

rufodorsalis, Spermestes, 456

Rufous and Black Swallow,
840

Rufous - backed
Finch, 456

Rufous Bar-tailed Lark, 517

Rufous-bellied Heron, 713

— Titmouse, 835

Rufous-breasted Wood Dove,
564

Rufous-capped Lark, 511

Rufous-chested Crake, 615

— Weaver-Bird, 442

Rufous-headed Bush -
Warbler, 829

— Turtle-Dove, 565

Rufous Long-billed Lark, 496

Rufous-mantled Lark, 506

Rufous-naped Lark, 519

rufula, Certhilauda, 496, 851

rofus, Cursorius, 653, 654,
855

rupestris, Monticola,
221, 222, 816

— Petrocincla, 219

rupicola, Cerchneis, 62, 63,
64, 800

rupicoloides, Cerchneis, 63,
800

— Tinnunculus, 63

rupicolus, Tinnunculus, 62

Rippell’s Bustard, 643

— Weaver-Bird, 443

rustica, Hirundo, 362, 364,
372, 840

Megalophonus,

Weaver

219,

INDEX.

sabota, Megalophonus, 526

— Mirafra, 524, 526

Sabota Lark, 526

Sacred Ibis, 736

salicaria, Sylvia, 304, 829

Salpornis salvadorii, 835

salvadorii, Salpornis, 835

Salvadori’s Creeper, 835

Sarcidionis africana, 752

Sanderling, 684

Sand-grouse, Double-banded,
575

— Namaqua, 574

— Variegated, 578

— Yellow-throated, 577

Sand-martin, Common, 839

Sandpiper, Baird’s, 682

— Common, 686

— Curlew, 682

— Green, 689

— Marsh, 690

— Terek, 691

— Wood, 690

Sand-Plover, Geoffroy’s, 664

— Intermediate Ringed, 661

— Kentish, 659

— White-fronted, 659

Sandwich Tern, 702

Sanguineous Waxbill, 469

savignii, Merops, 97

Saxicola albicans, 237

— albiscapulata, 233

— anderssoni, 249

— arnotti, 245

— bifasciata, 240

— castor, 244

— cinerea, 242

— diluta, 242

— familiaris, 234

— galtoni, 234, 236

— infuscata, 233

— layardi, 236

— leucomelzna, 247

— mariqnensis, 400

— monticola, 221, 232, 247

— pileata, 220, 231, 238

— pollux, 244

— rufiventer, 232

— schlegeli, 237

— shelleyi, 246

— sinuata, 236

— sperata, 234

Saysie, Berg, 485

— Dic-bec, 485

— Geel, 486

scapulatus, Corvus, 415, 416,
845

Schizcerhis concolor, 144

schlegeli, Saxicola, 237, 818

— Francolinus, 602

Schlegel’s Francolin, 602

scheenobanus, Acrocephalus,
293, 827

Scissor-billed Tern, 706

scita, Stenostira, 352, 838

Selater’s Francolin, 589

Scolding-Cock, 641

885

scolopacea, Eupodotis, 637,
854

— Otis, 634, 637

Scops capensis, 344, 75

— giu, 76

— leucotis, 74

— senegalensis, 76

Scops Owl, Cape, 75

— White-faced, 74

Scoptelus aterrimus, 140

Scopus umbretta, 725, 746

Scotopelia peli, 69

scotops, Crithagra, 487, 850

— Eremomela, 299, 828

Scutellated Weaver Bird, 451

Sea-Eagle, African, 46

— Vulturine, 45

Secova, 801

secretarius, Serpentarius, 8,
794

Secretary Bird, 8

Sedge - Warbler, European,
293

Seed-eater, Black - throated,
484

— Common, 487

— Golden-rumped, 484

— Large Yellow, 486

— Sundeyvall’s, 487

— Von der Deeken’s, 486

— White-throated, 485

— Yellow-bellied, 485

segetum, Corvus, 415

selbyi, Crithagra, 447, 485

semicerulea, Halcyon, 114,
807

semirufa, Hirundo, 370, 841

semitorquata, Almmon, 499,
851

— Alcedo, 107, 806

— Certhilauda, 499

semitorquatus, Poliohierax,
55, 799

— Turtur, 566, 567, 569

Senegal Bustard, 639

— Courser, 654 ;

— Thick-knee, 646

— Turtle-Dove, 568

— Waittled Plover, 666

senegalensis, Centropus, 162,
163, 164, 810

— Cursorius, 654, 855

— Epbhialtes, 75

— Eupodotis, 639

— Halcyon, 120, 121, 808

— Myeteria, 731

— Cédicnemus, 646

— Otis, 639

— Turtur, 568, 854

— Zosterops, 325, 834

senegalla, Aquila, 35

senegaloides, Haleyon, 119

senegalus, Laniarius, 388,
394, 396, 397, 843

— Lobivanellus, 666, 855

Sequi, 391, 810

Sequiri, 750

886

Serinus canicollis, 488

— tottus, 488

Serpentarius reptilivorus, 8

— secretarius, 8

serratus, Coccystes, 150, 158,
160, 810

Setula tsipi, 668

Shaft-tailed Widow Bird,453

Sharp-tailed Glossy Thrush,
427

Sharpe's Weaver Bird, 443

Sharpia angolensis, 443

— ayresii, 847

sharpii, Ceryle, 112

Shearwater, Sooty, 770

Shell-Duck, South African,
753

shelleyi, Caprimulgus, 803

— Saxicola, 246, 249, 819

Shelley’s Goatsucker, 803

Short-billed White Egret, 714

Short-clawed Lark, 503

Short-tailed Pipit, 539

Shoveller, Cape, 759

Shrike, Bacbakiri Bush, 385

— Cane, Red-winged, 394

— Common Red - winged
Bush, 394

— Coronneted, 377

— Crimson - breasted Bush,
389

— Fiskal, 374

— Golden - breasted Bush,
390

— Hartlaub’s Pied Bush,
391

— Kirk’s Helmet, 407

— Large Grey-headed Bush,
387

— Large Puff-backed Bush,
393

— Lesser Grey, 374

— Natal Bush, 381

— Olivaceous Bush, 382

— Red-backed, 378

— Retzius’ Helmet, 407

— Rnddy-breasted Bush,383

— Smith’s Red - winged
Bush, 396

— Smith’s Wood, 400

— South African Helmet,
406

— South African Long-
tailed, 380

— Sonza’s, 842

— Yellow-fronted Bush, 384

— Zambesi Green, 390

Sigmodus retzii, 407

— tricolor, 407

signata, Audonopsis, 817

— Cossypha, 229, 817

signatus, Bessonornis, 229

silens, Bradyornis, 404, 844

— Sigelus, 160

simplex, Passer, 480

sinuata, Saxicola, 236, 244,
818

INDEX.

Sir Andrew Smith’s Chat-
Thrush, 821

Skua, Antarctic, 696

— Pomatorhine, 695

— Richardson’s, 695

Slender-billed Spoon - Bill,
742

Small Drongo, 410

— Flamingo, 745

Smaller Stripe - breasted
Swallow, 373

—Yellow-tufted Pipit, 541

smaragdineus, Chalcites, 151

— Cneulus, 151, 153, 156,
399, 809

smaragdonotus, Porphyrio,
619

Smee-Eendtje, 754, 758

Smilorhis leucotis, 177

smithii, Campothera, 812

— Caprimulgus, 83

— Cisticola, 272

— Dendromus, 183, 184,
185

— Pyrrhulauda, 851

Smithornis capensis, 344

Smith’s Finch-Lark, 493

— Grey Petrel, 767

— Long-billed Lark, 498

— Red-winged Bush Shrike,
396

— Weaver Bird, 435

— Wood Shrike, 400

Snipe, African Painted, 679

— Black-quilled, 676

— Great, 678

Snake-bird, 782

Soca-soca, 647

Sociable Weaver Bird, 449

socius, Philstzrus, 192, 449,
450, 848

Soft-plumaged Petrel, 766

Sooty Albatros, 773

— Shearwater, 770

solitarius, Cuculus, 149, 809

sordidus, Anthus, 536

South African Black-headed
Oriole, 413

— Coly, 555

— Cormorant, 779

— Grey Waxbill, 470

— Helmet Shrike, 406

— Hemipode, 607

— Long-tailed Shrike, 380

— Moor-hen, 624

— Paradise Flycatcher, 352

— Pochard, 760

— Ruddy Waxbill, 475

— Sand Martin, 361

— Shell-Duck, 753

— Speckled Pigeon, 559

— Thick-knee, 645

— Two-banded Courser, 654

Southern Black-backed Gull,
697

— Black Wood-Shrike, 405

— Crowned Crane, 629

Southern Grey-headed Spar-
row, 480

— Ostrich, 791

— Red-faced Finch, 468

— Yellow - breasted Long-
claw, 532

— Yellow-throated Sparrow,
481

Souza’s Shrike, 842

souze, Lanius, 842

sparrmanni, Indicator, 166,
810

Sparrow, Cape, 478

— South African Greater,
480

— Southern Grey-headed,
480

— Yellow-throated, 481

Sparrow-Hawk, African, 23

— Andersson's, 796

— Black-and-white, 25

— Little, 23

sparsa, Anas, 756

Spatula capensis, 759

spatulata, Coracias, 805

speciosus, Hoplopterus, 667

Speckled Pigeon, South
African, 559

Speke’s Flycatcher, 342

sperata, Saxicola, 234

sperlingi, Macrodipteryx, 84

Spermestes cucullata, 456

— rufodorsalis, 456

Sphenzeacus africanus, 280

— intermedius, 824

— natalensis, 825

— pycnopygius, 218

Spheniseus demersus, 789

spilodera, Hirundo, 358

— Petrochelidon, 357, 839

spilogaster, Nisaetus, 38,
797

spilonotus, Hyphantornis, 24,
437, 847

spinicauda, Stercorarius, 695

Spizaetus bellicosus, 39, 40

— coronatus, 39

— occipitalis, 41

— spilogaster, 38

Spizocorys conirostris, 508

Splendid Weaver Bird, 467

splendidus, Cuculus, 151

spleniata, Tephrocorys, 511

Spook Vogel, 676

Spoon-bill, Slender-billed,
742

Sporopipes squamifrons, 451

Spotted-backed Weaver Bird,
437

— Crake, 613

— Flycatcher, 338

Spreo, Common, 429

— bicolor, 429

Spur-winged Goose, 746

— Plover, Black and White
667

— Plover, Thick-billed, 669

Squacco Heron, 718

Squatarola helvetica, 658

squamifrons, Estrelda, 451

— Sporopipes, 451, 848

Stactolema anchiete, 179

stagnatilis, Totanus, 690

Stanley Bustard, 634

— Crane, 628

stanleyanus,
626, 628

Starling, Angolan Glossy,
427

— Bocage’s Glossy, 423

— Burchell’s Glossy, 424

— Cape Glossy, 431

— Meves’ Glossy, 423

— Pale-winged Glossy, 430

— Peters’ Glossy, 426

— Red-shouldered Glossy,
425

— Wattled, 421

— White-bellied Glossy, 428

stellaris, Botaurus, 722

stellata, Muscicapa, 342

— Pogonocichla, 342

Stenostira scita, 352

stentorius, Acrocephalus, 289

Stercorarius antarcticus, 696

— catarractes, 696

— crepidatus, 695, 696

— pomatorhinus, 695

— spinicanda, 695

Sterna balenarum, 705

— bergii, 702, 704

— brachypus, 701

— cantiaca, 702

— caspia, 703, 704

— dougalli, 701, 702

— fluviatilis, 701, 702

— macroptera, 701

-— macrura, 701

— minuta, 705

sticturus, Laniarius, 391

Stilt, Black-winged, 675

Stint, Little, 681

stolidus, Anous, 706

Stone-chat, South African,
250

Stork, Black, 729

— Whale-headed, 727

— White, 728

— White-bellied, 730

— White-headed, 731

Storm Petrel, 765

Strand-looper, 662

Streaky-headed Grosbeak,
482

Streepkopje, 489

streperus, Acrocephalus, 287,
290, 292

— Chaulelasmus, 759

strepitans, Batis, 348

— Platystira, 348

— Turdus, 198

Strepsilas interpres, 671

striaticeps, Fringilla, 482

striatus, Colius, 553, 555, 853

Anthropoides,

INDEX.

striatus, Dendrobates, 184

strigilata, Crithagra, 487

striolata, Halcyon, 117

striolatus, Macronyx, 631,
532

Strix affinis, 82

— capensis, 41, 81

— flammea, 82

— poensis, 82

Struthio australis, 791

— camelus, 791

sturmi, Botaurus, 720

subarcnata, Tringa, 682, 686

subaureus, Hyphantornis, 438

subbuteo, Falco, 59

subceruleum, Parisoma, 332,
334, 836

subcinnamomea,
273, 823

— Drymoica, 273

subcoronata, Certhilauda,499

subcoronatus, Lanius, 375,
377, 842

subflava, Drymoica, 261

— Estrelda, 469, 849

subrufescens, Cossypha, 817

subruficapilla, Cisticola, 266,
268, 270, 823

— Drymoica, 266

substriata, Burnesia, 822

— Drymeeca, 256, 260, 822

subsulfurea, Barbatula, 176

subtorquatus, Francolinus,
600

Snue-sue, 481

Sula capensis, 775

sulfurata, Crithagra, 482,
485, 486, 487

sulphureipectus, Laniarius,
384

Sumbo, 806

Sun-bird, Amethyst, 315

— Anchieta’s, 832

— Bocage’s, 830

— Cape Long-tailed, 305

— Eastern Amethyst, 317

— Greater Double-collared,
313

— Gurney’s Long-tailed, 306

— Lesser Double-collared,
314

— Longuemare’s, 833

— Malachite, 306

— Mouse-coloured, 309

— Natal Collared, 320

— Oustalet’s, 832

— Scarlet-chested, 311

— South African Olive, 310

— South African Wedge-
tailed, 308

— Sonth African White-
breasted, 318

— Southern Bifasciated, 319

— Western Bifasciated, 322

— White-vented, 317

— Zambesi Collared, 321

sundeyalli, Estrelda, 466

Cisticola,

887

sundeyalli, Euplectes, 434

— Pyromelana, 463

— Zosterops, 324

Sundevall’s Seed-eater, 487

superciliosus, Centropus, 161
163, 810

— Hyphantornis, 847

— Merops, 97, 100, 804

swainsonii, Circus, 11

— Francolinus, 587

— Halycon, 114

— Passer, 480

— Pternistes, 587, 593

Swainson’s Francolin, 587

Swallow, Angola, 364

— Antinori’s Rough-winged,
839

— Ashy-backed, 368

— Black Saw-winged, 356

— Blue, 367

— Bocage’s, 841

— European, 362

— LargerStripe-breasted,370

— Monteiro’s, 368

— Pearly-breasted, 366

— Prince Alfred’s, 357

— Red-breasted, 370

— Rufous and Black, 840

—Smaller Stripe-breasted,
373

— White-throated, 364

— Wire-tailed, 368

Swift, Common, 90

— Little African, 94

— Pallid, 92

— White-rumped, 94

— Tern, 704

Sycobius bicolor, 432

sycobius, Lamprocolius, 426,
846

Sycobrotus bicolor, 432

sylvaticus, Bradypterus, 286,
288, 289, 826

Sylvia cinerea, 829

— natalensis, 335

— obscura, 295

— salicaria, 304

— trochilus, 296

Sylviella ruficapilla, 829

Sylvietta rufescens, 300

Syrnium nuchale, 802

— woodfordi, 76

Tabi-tabi, 687

Tachard, Le, 53

tachiro, Astur, 20, 21, 23, 24
— Le, 21

tachypetes, Pterocles, 574
Taha Bishop Bird, 465
taha, Ploceus, 465

— Pyromelana, 465

tabapisi, Fringillaria, 490, 851
talacoma, Prionops, 406, 844
talatala, Cinnyris, 318, 832
Tanager, Capital, 442
Tantalus ibis, 735
tanypterus, Falco, 58

888

Tawny Pipit, 533

— Pipit, Lesser, 534

Tchegala, 806

Tchitrea, 347

— cristata, 352, 354

— cyanomelas, 354

Teal, Cape, 758

Teal-eentdtje, 758

Teal, Hottentot, 757

— Red-billed, 754

— Yellow-billed, 755

tectrix, Drymoica, 279

— Hemipteryx, 279,
328

Telephonus bacbakiri, 385

— erythropterus, 394

— longirostris, 394

temporalis, | Hyphantornis,
438, 847

Temporal Weaver Bird, 438

tenuirostris, Platalea, 742

— Thalassceca, 767

Tephrocorys, 511

— cinerea, 511

— spleniata, 511

Terek Sandpiper, 691

Terekia, 691

Terekia cinerea, 691

Tern, Arctic, 701

— Caspian, 703

— Common, 701

— Damara, 705

— Little, 705

— Roseate, 702

— Scissor-billed, 706

— Sandwich, 702

— Swift, 704

— Whiskered, 699

— White-winged Black, 700

Terpsiphone, 352

— cristata, 279

terrestris, Cisticola, 279, 824

— Drymoica, 275, 276

Textor, 445

— erythrorhynchus, 445

textor, Hyphantornis, 436

textrix, Hemipteryx, 824

Thalassceca tenuirostris, 767

Thalassidroma melanogaster,
764

— wilsoni, 763

— leucogaster, 764

— oceanica, 765

Thalassornis, 761

Thelassornis leuconota, 761

‘Thamnobia, 232

— cinnamomeiventris, 232

Thick-billed Lark, 513

— Spur-winged Plover, 669

Thick-knee, Senegal, 646

— South African, 645

— Vermiculated, 647

thoracica, Apalis, 281, 825

— Circaetus, 43, 797

— Drymoica, 281

Three-streaked Grosbeak,
482

280,

INDEX.

Thrush, Cabanis’, 813

— Cape Bristle-necked, 203

— Gurney’s, 202

— Natal, 200

— Olivaceous, 200

— Pied Babbling, 210

— Sharp-tailed Glossy, 427

— South African, 198

— Verreanx’s, 202

— Verreaux’s Glossy, 428

tinniens, Cisticola, 265, 266,
822

Tinnunculus cenchris, 64

— rupicoloides, 63

— rupicolus, 62

tinnunculus, Cerchneis, 60,
63, 800

Titmouse, Andersson’s
Penduline, 327

— Cape Penduline, 327

— Rufous-bellied, 835

— South African, 329

— Southern Black-and-
White, 331

— Yellow-fronted Pendu-
line, 854

Tockus, 127

— elegans, 130

— erythrorhynchus, 127, 131

— flavirostris, 130, 133

— melanoleucus, 127,
133

— monteiri, 129

— nasutus, 133

— pallidirostris, 128

Todus, 346

torquata, Pratincola, 250,820

torquatus, Lanioturdus, 351,
838

— Pogonorhynchus,
172, 811

Totanus, 687

— calidris, 688

— canescens, 687, 689

— fuscus, 689

— glareola, 690

— glottis, 687

— ochropns, 687, 689

— stagnatilis, 690

tottus, Serinus, 488

‘Trachyphonus, 178

— cafer, 178

tranquilla, Geopelia, 569

Tree Pipit, 852

Treron calya, 557, 558, 559

— delalandii, 558

— wakefieldii, 557, 559

tricollaris, Egialitis, 607,662

tricolor, Pyenonotus, 207,
208, 815

— Sigmodns, 407

Tringa, 681

— Bairdii, 682

— canutus, 683

— minuta, 681, 682

— subarcuata, 682, 686

Tringoides, 686

128,

168,

Tringoides hypoleucus, 686

tristriata, Poliospiza, 482

trivialis, Anthus, 852

trivirgatus, Laniarius, 396,
397, 843

trochilus, Phylloscopus, 296,
827

— Sylvia, 296

Trochocereus, 354

— cyanomelas, 354

Trogon narina, 106

Tropic Bird, Red-tailed,
775

tropica, Oceanitis, 764

Tsekire, 747

Tundulo, 573

Turacus persa, 141

Turacus _porphyreolophus,
142

turdoides, Acrocephalus, 826

Turdus, 198

— crossleyi, 202

— deckeni, 200

— gurneyi, 202

— guttatus, 200

— litsitsirupa, 198

— libonyanus, 199

— obseurus, 200

— olivaceus, 200

— strepitans, 198

— verreauxi, 202

Turnix, 607

— hottentotta, 607, 608

— lepurana, 608

Turnstone, 671

Turtle-Dove, Cape, 567

— Red-eyed, 566

— Rufous-headed, 565

— Senegal, 568

— White-bellied, 567

Turtur, 565

— auritus, 564

— capicola, 566, 567

— damarensis, 568, 570

— decipiens, 567

— erythrocephalus, 565

— semitorquatus, 566, 567,
569

— senegalensis, 568

— tympanistria, 570

— vinaceus, 566, 567

turtur, Procellaria, 769

Turturena delegorguii, 563,
605

Two-banded Courser, South
African, 654

tympanistria, Peristera, 570,
571

— Turtur, 570

Tympanistria tympanistria,
571

typicus, Polyboroides, 9, 10
794
Ultramarine Finch, 457

ultramarina, Hypochera, 457
umbretta, Scopus, 725, 746

Unguari, 589

Umkuwele, 822

undulata, Muscicapa, 339,
340, 837

unicolor, Cypselus, 92

unidentatus, Laimodon, 173

Upupa, 134

Upupa africana, 134

— epops, 135

— minor, 134

Ureginthus, 473

— cyanogaster, 473

— granatinus, 474

— pheenicotis, 473

urbica, Chelidon, 839

Urolestes, 380

— melanoleucus, 380

ussheri, Laniarius, 396, 397

usticollis, Eremomela, 298,
828

Utena, 814

Vaal Knorhaan, 637

vaillantii, Capito, 178

varia, Aegialitis, 661

Variegated Sand-grouse, 578

variegatus, Indicator, 167,
168, 169, 810

— Merops, 100

— Pterocles, 578

velatus, Hyphantornis, 439,
442. 847

venustus, Cinnyris, 832

Vermiculated Thick-knee,
647

vermiculatus,
647

yerreauxi, Aquila, 33, 34
797

— Avicida, 54

— Baza, 54

— Cinnyris, 309, 310

— Numida, 585, 586

— Pholidauges, 428, 846

— Turdus, 202, 813

— Vidua, 452, 848

Verreaux’s Glossy Thrush,
428

— Guinea-Fowl, 585

— Spotted Waxbill, 476

— Widow Bird, 452

verticalis, Pyrrhulauda, 492,
494

vespertina, Cerchneis, 65, 66,
67

CGEdicnemus,

yexillarius, Cosmetornis, 84,
89, 90, 803

victorini, Bradypterus, 284

— Phlexis, 284, 285

Vidua, 452

— albonotata, 460

— ardens, 455

— axillaris, 461

— paradisea, 452

— principalis, 453

— reyia, 453

— verreauxii, 452

INDEX.

vidua, Motacilla, 545, 853

viduata, Dendrocygna, 751

vigorsii, Otis, 35

vinaceus, Turtur, 566, 567

Violo, 753

violacea, Anthrobaphes, 308

— Hyliota, 336, 836

— Nectarinia, 308

virgo, Anthropoides, 626, 631

virens, Zosterops, 297, 325,
834

viridis, Budytes, 853

vitellinus, Hyphantornis,439,
847

vittata, Fringillaria, 155, 489

vittatus, Prion, 769

vociferans, Bessonornis, 222

vocifer, Haliaetus, 46, 798

Von der Decken’s Seed-
eater, 486

Von Henglin’s Flycatcher,
837

vulgaris, Gyps, 3

Vultur occipitalis, 5

Vulture, African
backed, 794

— Eared, 4

— Egyptian, 6

— Hooded, 7

— Riippell’s Griffon, 3

— South African Griffon, 1

— White-headed, 5

vulturina, Aquila, 34

White-

Wagtail, African Pied, 545

— Blue-headed Yellow, 550

— Black-headed Yellow, 551

— Cape, 547

— Grey headed Yellow, 853

— Pied Long-tailed, 544

— Ray’s Yellow, 551

wahlbergii, Aquila, 36, 797

Wahlberg’s Cormorant, 779

Wakefield’s Green Pigeon,
557

wakefieldii, Treron, 557, 559

Wandering Albatros, 770

Warbler, Bar-throated, 281

— Black-breasted Bush, 299

— Brown Fantail, 263, 278

— Brown - throated Bush,
298

— Buff-fronted Fantail, 264

— Common Fantail, 275

— Congo, 282

— Coryphee, 251

— Damara Bush, 300

— Dusky-faced Bush, 299

— Dusky Fantail, 275

— European Sedge, 293

— European Willow, 296

— Green-backed Bush, 294

— Grey-backed Bush, 293

— Icterine, 295

— Le Vaillant’s Fantail, 265

— Marsh, 291

— Natal Fantail, 261

889

Warbler, Rufous - flanked
Fantail, 270

— Short-tailed Bush, 303

— Sir Andrew Smith’s, 253

— Smith’s Fantail, 271

— Tawny-headed Bush, 301

— Wahlberg’s Fantail, 263

— White-eyebrowed, 252

— White-throated Bush, 300

— Yellow-bellied Bush, 297

— Yellow-browed Bush, 302

— Zambesi Fantail, 275

Waterhen, 623

Wattled Crane, 626, 628

Wattled Plover, Senegal, 666

— White-crowned, 667

Wattled Starling, 421

Waxbill, Black-checked, 473

— Blue-breasted, 473

— Common, 470

— Dumfresne’s, 469

— Grenadier, 474

— Hartlaub’s, 469

— Jameson’s Ruddy, 475

— Little Ruddy, 476

— Sanguineons, 469

— Sonth African Grey, 470

— South African Ruddy,475

— Verreaux’s Spotted, 476

— White-dotted, 472

Weaver-Bird, Ayres’, 847

— Benguela, 847

— Black-backed, 432

— Black-fronted, 439, 442

— Black-headed, 436

— Buff-browed, 847

— Cabanis’, 442

— Canary-coloured, 438

— Cassin’s, 436

— Golden-faced, 438

— Latham’s, 458

— Lichtenstein’s, 439

— Olive and Yellow, 433

— Red-billed, 445

— Red-headed, 444

— Rnfous-chested, 442

— Riippell’s, 443

— Scutellated, 451

— Sharpe’s, 443

— Smith’s, 435

— Sociable, 449

— Splendid, 467

— Spotted-backed, 437

— Temporal, 438

— White-browed, 447

— White-fronted, 449

— Yellow-winged, 443

Weaver-Finch, Hooded, 456

— Red-headed, 467

— Rufous-backed, 456

Western White-fanked Fly-
catcher, 349

— Yellow-breasted Bulbul,
814

Whale - headed Stork, 727,
731

Wheatear, Andersson’s, 249

890

Wheatear, Arnott’s, 245

— Burchell’s, 247

— Capped, 238

— Great Fuscons, 233

— Hartlaub’s Grey, 244

— Mountain, 246

— Pale-coloured ,Grey, 243

— Shelley’s, 246

— Sickle-winged Grey, 244

— Southern Ant-eating, 231

— White-rumped Grey, 242

Whimbrel, 693

Whiskered Tern, 699

White-backed Coly, 552

— Duck, 761

— Night-Heron, 724

White-bellied Crow, 416

— Petrel, 764

— Stork, 730

— Turtle-Dove, 567

White-breasted Wood Dove,
571

White-browed Weaver Bird,
447

White - chinned Flycatcher,
$37

White - crowned Wattled
Plover; 667

White-dotted Waxbill, 472

White Egret, Short - billed,
714

White-eye, Cape, 322

— Eastern Cape, 326

— Green, 325

— Sundevall’s, 324

— Yellow, 325

White - eyebrowed
Thrush, 821

White - flanked Flycatcher,

Chat -

348
White-fronted Sand-Plover,
659
— Weaver Bird, 449
White-marked Duck, 751
White-necked Raven, 417
White-quilled Bustard, 642
White-spotted Crake, 615
— Widow Bird, 460
White - starred Bush - Fly-
catcher, 342
White Stork, 728
White - tailed Blue Fly-
catcher, 838
— Flycatcher, 351

INDEX.

Whitethroat, Common, 829

White-throated Seed-eater,
485

— Swallow, 364

White-winged Black Tern,
700

Widow Bird, Common, 453

— Hartlaub’s, 461

— Long-tailed, 458

— Orange-shouldered, 461

— Red-collared, 455

— Red-shouldered, 461

— Shaft-tailed, 453

— Verreaux’s, 452

— White-spotted, 460

Wilde-Duif, 560

Wilde Kalkoen, 738

Willow Warbler, European,
296

wilsoni, Thalassidroma, 763

Wilson’s Petrel, 763

Windhover, 62

Wire-tailed Swallow, 368

Wood - Dove, Emerald-
spotted, 570

— Rufous-breasted, 564

— White-breasted, 571

Woodfordi, Syrnium, 76, 801,
802

Wood-Ibis, African, 735

Wood-Owl, Fantee, 802

Woodpecker, Bearded, 188

— Bennett’s, 181

— Capricorn, 180

— Cardinal, 190

— Golden-tailed, 182

— Hartlaub’s, 189

— Knysna, 186

— Smith’s, 184

— Red-vented, 191

Wood Sandpiper, 690

Wood-Shrike, Great, 844

— Mariqua, 401

— Monse-coloured, 844

— Oates’, 402

— Pale, 402

— Pied, 404

— Southern Black, 405

— Woodward's, 403

woodwardi, Bradyornis, 403

Wry-neck, Red-breasted, 191

Xantholema hemacephala,
174

«

r

“4

xanthomelas, Pyromelana,

463 Ae |
xanthops, Hyphantornis, 438,
xanthopterus, Hyphantornis,

443 +.
xanthorhyncha, Anas, 75

755, 757 4
xanthornoides, Campop

398
Xenocichla, 814 J
Xiahula, 680 é
Xicongo, 725 4
Ximbolio, 480
Ximbamba, 803 .
Xitenguetengue, 610, 616 '

Yellow - bellied Seed -eater,

485
Yellow-billed Teal, 755
Yellow-breasted Long-claw,
Southern, 532 ;
Yellow-fronted Bush S

Yellow - throated Sand -
use, 577

Yellow-tufted Pipit, Larger.
540, 543

— Smaller, 541

Yellow Wagtail, Bla
headed, 551 {

— Blue-headed, 5500
Yellow Wagtail, Ray’s, 551

Yellow-winged Weaver Bird
443 :
Yunx, 191 ts

Yunx pectoralis, 191

Zambesi Chat-Thrush, B21
— Green Shrike, 390
zambesiana,Anthodie® 32)
— Erythropygia, 821.
Zanclostomus aereus, ‘61 —
zonarius, Astur, 21
Zosterops, 322 ’

— atmorii, 323,326 9
— capensis, 322, 32¢ 326)
— lateralis, 324

— pallida, 323, 324

— senegalensis, 325 —

— sundevalli, 323
— virens, 297, 325

Zwarte Canaribyter, 8

ae? «

G, NORMAN AND SON, PRINTERS, HART STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON.

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