FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY c/f f'y:4>^(^ THE JOURNAL OF THE VOLUME III. PUBLISHED BY THE UNION IN PRETORIA, TRANSVAAL. LONDON AGENT : R- H. PORTER 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQ.UAEK, W. 1907. PKINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET, LONDON. CONTENTS. Pages TiTLEPAGE i Contents iii List op Papers in this Volume , . v-vi Roll of Members ..,,... vii-xii Subject-matter Index , xiii-xv List of Illustrations xvi Journal 1-230 Index 231-252 LIST OF PAPERS IN THIS VOLUME. Pages 1. A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Indica- toridce (Honey-Guides). By Alwin K. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and R. H. Ivy. (Plates I. &II.) 1-5 2. Further Notes on the Occurrence and Nesting of some South African Birds. By R. Sparrow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th D.G 5-9 3. Remarks on the Breeding-Habits of the Pin-tailed Widow Bird. By Austin Roberts 9-12 4. Notes on a Collection of Birds made in the Am- sterdam District, Transvaal. By C. H. Taylor (assisted by J. A. Bucknill, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.) . 12-42 5. Some additional Notes on the Birds of Kroonstad, O.R.C. By Dr. Edmoxd Symonds, L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S 42-51 6. Notes on some Birds observed during a Shooting-trip in Portuguese East Africa. By Dr. George Turner, Medical Officer of Health, Tvl 51-56 7. Locust Birds in the Transvaal. By F. Thomsen, Assist. Chief Locust Officer, Dept. of Agric, Tvl. 56-75 VI LIST OF PAPERS. Pages 8. The Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. By A. Haagnek, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and R. H. Ivy. (Plates III.-VI.) 76-116 9. The Waltzing Instinct in Ostriches. By J. E. DuERDEN, M.Sc, Ph.D., &c 169-174 10. Notes on the Birds observed during a Shooting- trip in Portuguese East Africa, By R. Sparrow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th D.G 174-180 11. Notes on Birds observed and collected in the Districts of Port St. Johns, &c., Pondoland. By C. G. Da VIES, C.M.R. (Plates VIII. & IX.) ... 180-206 12. A full List of the more recent Works and Papers on South African Birds (in ' The Ibis '). By A. K. Haagner, F.Z.S., &c 206-208 1 3. On a new Genus and Species of Fringillidce. By Dr. J, W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S., &c. 208-210 ROLL OF MEMBERS AS AT 3rd August, 1907. No. 10 Year of Election. 15 1907 1904 1905 1904 1907 1906 1907 1905 1904 1907 1904 1907 1906 1907 Name and Address. Abercbombie, Dr. ; General Hospital, Pretoria, Tvl. Alexander, J. A., F.E.S.E.; address unknown. Andersson, C. L. ; P.O. Box 2162, Johannesburg, Tvl. Ayres, Ivan ; Office of Distributor of Stamps, Pre- toria, Tvl. Bain, Ciias. A. O. ; P.O. Box 267, Johannesburg, Tvl. Baxter, Gr. L., Lieut. Q.O. Cameron Highlanders ; Roberts Heights, Pretoria, Tvl. Bell, Theodore ; Downside, Epsom, Surrey,England. Booth, H. B. ; 40 Spring Eoyd, Shipley, Yorkshire, England. BouRKE, E. E. ; P.O. Box 321, Pretoria, Tvl. Bridgeman, E. O. B., Lieut. E.N. ; Weston Park, Shipnal, Salop, England. Briscoe, Dr. J. E. ; Charlestown, Natal. BucKNiLL, J. A., M.A. ; The King's Advocate, Nicosia, Cyprus. BuTTEREiELD, W. EusKiN ; 4 Stauhope Place, St* Leonards-on-Sea, England. Center, Eobert ; Southernwood, East Loudon, C.C. Chubb, E. C. ; Box 240, Bulawayo, S. Ehodesia. CocH, Max ; Box 1076, Johannesburg, Tvl. Cooper, C. W. ; Laugham Hotel, Salisbury, Eho- desia. Dayies, C. Gr. ; Cape Mounted Eiflenren, Lusikisiki, Pondoland. No. 20 25 30 35 40 Year of Election. 1904 1907 1904 1906 1905 1904 1905 1904 1905 1904 1905 1906 1905 1907 1905 1904 1906 1904 Name and Address. Daty, J. Bttrtt, r.L.S., r.E.G.S. ; Govt. Botanist, Dept. of Agriculture, Pretoria, Tvl. Day, M. F., Lieut. K.O. Yorkshire L.I. ; Canton- ments, Pretoria. Dendy, Arthur, F.L.S. ; c/o Linnean Society, London. D'EvEJA'N, Dr. F. W. ; 2103 Clinton Avenue, Ala- meda, U.S.A. Douglas, A. E. ; Mines Office, N'Kandhla, Zulu- land. Draper, E. H. U. ; Box 1080, Johannesburg, Tvl. Drkgb, J. L. ; Chemist, Port Elizabeth, C.C. DuERDEK, Professor J. E., Ph.D.; Ehodes University College, Grahamstown, C.C. [President.) Duncan, A. ; P.O. Box 1214, Johannesburg, Tvl. Ellemor, F. J.; P.O. Box 1214, Johannesburg, Tvl. Evans, J. B. Pole- ; Box 434, Pretoria, Tvl. Fairbridge, W. G., M.B.O.U. ; 141 Longmarket Street, Cape Towi], C.C. Feltham, H. L. L., F.E.S. ; Box 46, Johannes- burg, Tvl. Fischer, H. G. E. ; Hillandale, near Bloemfontein, O.E.C. Fry, Harold A. ; Box 46, Johannesburg, Tvl. Gordon, Capt. C. W., 5th Fusiliers ; The Castle, Cape Town, C.C. GouGH, Lewis H., Ph.D.; Transvaal Museum, Pre- toria, Tvl. Grant, C. H. B. ; c/o S. A, Museum, Cape Town, C.C. Gray, C. E., Govt. Veterinary Surgeon ; Box 434, Pretoria, Tvl. Greathead, Dr. J. B. ; Greystones, Grahamstown, C.C. Griefin, L. T. ; Tvl. Museum, Pretoria, Tvl. Grontold, H. ; British Museum, London. Gunning, Dr. J. W. B., Director Tvl. Museum and Zoological Gardens; Box 413, Pretoria, Tvl. { V'ke-Fresideui.) IX Year of Election 1904 1907 1905 1906 1904 1905 1907 1905 1907 1904 1905 1906 1905 1904 Name and Addresa. 1906 1907 1904 Haagnee, Alwin ; Dynamite Factoiy, Modder- fontein, Tvl. {Hon. Secretary Sf Joint-Editor.') Halhed, N. G. B., K.O. Yorkshire L.I.; Canton- ments, Pretoria. Hall, E., Inspector S.A. Constabulary ; Vrede, O.E.C. Hamond, Philip, Norfolk Regt. ; E. Dereham, Norfolk. Hatchaed, J. G., F.R.A.S. ; Box 508, Bloemfon- tein, O.E.C. HoRSBBUGH, Capt. B. E., A.S.C. ; Potchefstroom, Tvl. HoESBRUGH, C. B. ; c/o Stuckey's Bank, Bath. Howard, C. W., B.A., Dept. of Agriculture ; Box 434, Pretoria, Tvl. Hudson, C. E. ; Govt. Offices, Bloemfontein, O.E.C Ingle, J, C, E.Z.S. ; P.O. Sabie, Lydenburg, Tvl. Innes, Dr. Walter, Bey, M.B.O.XJ. ; School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt. Ivy, Egbert H. ; Grahamstown, C.C. Jackson, Bedvee ; Govt. Offices, Bloemfontein, O.E.C. Jameson, Dr. H. L., Professor Zoology, Transvaal Univ. College; Box 1176, Johannesburg, Tvl. Jeppe, Julius ; Box 60, Johannesburg, Tvl. Johnston, C. McG. ; Dept. of Agriculture, Bloem- fontein, O.E.C, Johnstone, J. C. ; Bank of Afx'ica, Pretoria, Tvl. Jones, A. C. H., Qn^t. 5th Fusiliers ; Tempe, Bloem- fentein, O.E.C. Kellnee, Dr. B. O. ; Bloemfontein, O.E.C. KiRBY, "W. ; Intermediate Pumping Station, Water- works, Kimberley, C.C. KiRKMAN, Dr. A. H, B. ; Touvvs Eiver, C.C. Langeoed, B. C. E. ; Box 557, Pretoria, Tvl. Lanham, W. E. ; Box 101, Pretoria, Tvl. LiTTLEDALE, H. A. P., Lieut. K.O.Y.L.I. ; Roberts Heights, Pretoria, Tvl. Livingstone, Hugh; address unknown. No. 70 75 80 90 Year of Election 1905 1904 1905 1904 1905 1904 1905 1907 1906 1905 j> 1907 1906 1907 1905 1906 1907 1904 1907 1904 Name and Address. LouBSER, M. M. ; Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony. Mabais, F. D. ; Box 1892, Johannesburg, Tvl. Marshall, A. ; G-rahamstown (address not known). Marshall, G. A. K., F.Z.S. ; Box 149, yalisbury, Mashonaland. Marthinius, Dr. J. G. ; District Surgeon, "Wepener, O.E.C. McCusKER, J. G-. ; Box 133, Pretoria, Tvl. Millar, A. D., Col.M.B.O.U. ; 298 Smith Street, Durban, Natal. ( Vice-President.) Murray, J. P. ; Maseru, Basutoland. Neethling, Harry ; Department of Agriculture, Bloemfontein, O.E.C. Nehrkorn, Adole ; Adolf strasse 1, Braunschweig, G-ermany. Newman, T. H., F.Z.S., M.B.O.TJ. ; Newlands, Harrowdene Eoad, Wembley, England. Nicholson, F. T. ; Box 134, Pretoria, Tvl. NooME, F. O., Transvaal Museum; Box 413, Pretoria, Tvl. Oberholser, Harry C. ; Biological Survey, Wash- ington, D.C., U.S.A. Pease, Sir Alfred E. ; Barberton, Tvl. Percival, a. B., F.Z.S. ; Nairobi, Brit. East Africa. Peringuey, Louis, D.Sc, F.Z.S. ; Director S.A. Museum, Cape Town. (Vice-President.) Pekshousb, Stanley, Lieut. 5th M.I. ; Middelburg, Tvl. Pickstone, S. p. ; P.O. Box 4820, Johannesburg, Tvl. PiTTAR, A. O. ; Box 5627, Johannesburg, Tvl. PoGGE, C. ; Conservator of Forests, Windhuk, Damaraland. Pbitchard, a. G-. E. ; P.O. Box 4820, Johannes- burg, Tvl. Pym, F. a, O. ; Public Museum, Kingwilliams- town, C.C. EoBERTS, Austin ; Box 434, Pretoria, Tvl. Egberts, Eev. Noel ; c/o above. ScHOENLAND, Dr. S. ; Director Albany Museum, Giahamsto\^u, C.C. XI No. 95 100 105 110 114 Year of Election. 1906 1907 1904 1905 1907 1906 1904 1905 1907 1906 1904 1906 1904 1905 1907 1904 Name and Address. Seth-Smith,D.,F.Z.S., Editor a vicultural Magazine; 14 Canning Eoad, Addiscombe, Croydon, London. Sheppaed, p. a. ; Box 64, Beira, Portug. E. Africa. Skea, E. M. ; P.O. Box 373, Pretoria, Tvl. Spareow, E., Major 7th Drag. Gds. ; Eookvvoods, Sible Headingham, Essex, England. Sptcbe, Newton; Bos 557, Pretoria, TvI. (Treasurer.) Stenning, a. N. ; address unknown. SwiNBUENE, John, M.B.O.U. ; Eand Native Labour Assoc, Pietersbnrg, Tvl. SwiNNY, H. H. ; Libodi, West Pondoland. SwTNNEETON, C. F. M, ; Gungunyana, Melsetter Distr., S. Ehodesia. Taboe, Eev. E. S. ; 64 St. George's Square, London. Tayloe,L.E.,E.Z,S,; Forest School, Muizenberg,C.C. Tayloe, Claude H. ; c/o above. Theiler, Dr. A., Govt. Vet. Bacteriologist ; Box 585, Pretoria, Tvl. Thomsen, p., Chief Locust Officer, Dept. of Agri- culture ; Box 434, Pretoria, Tvl. Van Boeschoten, J. G. ; Box 611, Pretoria, Tvl. Vaughan-Kirbt, F., F.Z.S, ; Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, Tvl. Walkee, Dr. P. C. ; c/o Med. Offr. Health, Tvl., Pretoria. WiGEESwoRTH, Dr. J., M.B.O.U. ; Eainhill, Liver- pool, England, Wilson, Hon. H. F. ; Col. Secretary O.E.C., Bloem- fontein, O.E.C. Wood, A. E., A.E.M. ; Wepener, O.E.C. Wood, John ; Box 40, East London, C.C. Woekman, W. H., M.B.O.U. ; Lismore, Belfast, Ireland. Hon. Memhers. Haeteet, Dr. E. ; Director Tring Museum, Herts, England. Eeichenoav, Prof. Dr. Anton; Kgl, Zoologischen Museum, Berlin, Germany. xu No. Year of Election. 3 1904 4 1906 5 1904 G 5J >» Name and Address. SOLATEE, P. L., M.A., D.Sc, P.R.S., &c. ; Odiham Priory, Wiuchfield, Hants, England. ScLATEE, W. L,, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Colorado Springs Museum, Colorado Springs College, Colorado, U.S.A. Shaepe, Dr. E. B., E.L.S.. P.Z.S. ; British Museum, London, S.W. Shelley, Capt. G. E., E.Z.S .; 39 Egerton Grardeus, London, S.W. Teimen, Eoland, E.E.S., F.Z.S., &c. ; c/o 11 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, London, W., England. SUBJECT-MATTP]R INDEX, INCLUDING- NAMES OF CONTEIBUTOES. Page ' Agricultural Journal, Transvaal,' noticed 220 Albany Division, CO., Birds protected in 215 Alexander, Capt. Boyd. Traus-African Expedition 117 * Aquila ' (Hungarian Organ), noticed 158 ' Auk ' (Journal of American O.U.), noticed 220 * Avicultural Magazine,' noticed 165 ' Bird Life, The Story of,' noticed 222 Birds protected in Albany Division 215 ' British Birds,' noticed 219 Bucknill, John A. See Taylor. . Letter on Wild Duck shooting 127 . Departure of 145 Buffalo Weaver Birds in London Zoo 21G Buller, Sir Walter L. Obituary 166 Cabanis, J. L. Obituary 163 * Carnegie Museum, Annals of/ noticed 160 Close season for Waterfowl 125 Coch, Max. Precocity of the Sparrow 217 Davies, C. G. Notes on Birds of Pondoland 180 Davy, J. Burtt, F.L.S. Letter on destructive Birds 136 Destructive Birds 135 Duerden, J. E. Waltzing instinct in Ostriches 169 Duncan, A. Occurrence of Amadina fasciata 141 ' Emu ' (the organ of the Australasian O.U.), noticed 222 Fatio, Dr. V. Obituary 165 Fitzsimons, F. W. New records from Port Elizabeth 143 Frmgillidce, on a new genus and species of 208 Game sold in Kimberley Market 139 Giza Zoological Gardens, Annual Report, noticed 157, 221 Gunning, Dr. J. W. B. On a new genus and species of Frinyil- lidct 208 XIV SUBJECT-MATTER INDEX. Page Haagner, Alwin. Bibliographical List of South African papers in ' The Ibis ' 206 . Annual Report S.A.O.U 210 , and Ivy, R. H. On the Indicatoridce 1 , . The Birds of Albany Division 76 Harvey, C. Notes from Potchefstrooni 123 Horsbrugh, Capt. B. R. Collection of Birds in London Zoo 117 Ilorsbrugh, C. B. Ross's letter on nest of Bush Shrike 142 Howard, C. W. Introduction of English Starling 140 ' Ibis ' (Journal B.O.U.), noticed 145, 218 Immigration of Summer Visitants to England. Report, noticed . . 223 Issue of Journal 217 Ivy, R. H. (and A. Haagner). See Haagner. Johnston, C. McG. Letter on destructive Birds 135 J ohnston, Sir Harry. ' Liberia,' noticed 160 Kirby, W. Dates from Kimberley 143 Locust Birds of the Transvaal 56 , Royal Game 139 Napier, M. Letter on Wild Duck shooting 185 ' Nature,' extract from 124 Neave, S. A. Collection of Birds N.E. Rhodesia, noticed 117 Newton, Prof. Obituary 225 ' Novitates Zoologicse,' noticed 219 Obituary Notices 163, 225 Occasional Notes 117, 215 * Ornithologie, Journal _fiir,' noticed 162, 223 '^ Ornithologische Monatsberichte,' noticed 163, 224 Ostriches, waltzing instinct in 169 Oustalet, E. Obituary 165 . " Birds from Lake Chad," noticed 160 Penguins, breeding of, in London Zoo 124 Philadelphia, Proceedings of Acad. Nat. Sc. of, noticed 160 Pigmy Falcon 217 Proceedings of the Union 210 Roberts, Austin. Tt.Breeding-Habits of Pin-tailed Widow Bird. ... 9 . Pigmy Falcon 217 SUBJECT-MATTER INDEX. XV Page Sclater, W. L, Appointment to Colorado Museum 117 Shelley, Capt. G. E. ' Birds of Africa,' noticed 159 Short Notices of Ornithological Publications 145, 218 Simpson, C. B. Obituary 166 Smith, Harry H. Letter on Wild Duck shooting 127 Sparrow, R. Further notes on nesting and occurrence of S.A. Birds 5 . Notes on a shooting-trip to Portuguese E,A 174 . Eggs of Ground-scraper Thrush 124 Sparrow, precocity of the 217 Starling, introduction of English 140 Symonds, Dr. E. Birds of Kroonstad 42 . Obituary 167 Taylor, 0. 11. (assisted by J. A. Bucknill). Birds of Amsterdam, Tvl 12 Thomsen, F. Locust Birds of Tvl 56 Transvaal Museum, Report of, noticed 221 Tristram, Canon H. B. Obituary 164 Turner, Dr. George. Birds observed on a shooting-trip to Portug. E. Africa , , . 51 . Account of trip 119 U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Ducks, Geese, and Swans, noticed . . 161 U.S. National Museum, Proceedings of 157 Vulture, change in economy of 138 ' Zoological Record,' noticed 161 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. To face 2>cgs Plate I. Young Indicator variegatus showing development on mandibles. From a photo by R. H. Ivy 1 II. Pterylosis oi Indicator. From a drawing by A. K. Haagner. 4 III. Eggs of Passerine and Picarian Birds. From a painting by H. Gronvold = 116 IV. Eggs of Indicators, with those of hosts 103 V. Female Jackal Buzzard at nest of S. A. Goshawlc. From a photo by Pv. H. Ivy 108 VI. Young Jackal Buzzard in nest. From a photo by II. H. Ivy. 110 VII. The late Dr. Edmond Syaioxds 167 VIII. Nest of Black Sunbird. From a photo by A. D. Millar . . 185 IX. Nest of Square-tailed Drongo. From a photo by A. D. Millar 189 X. Pigmy Falcon. From a photo by 0. B. Horsbrugh .... 217 Journal S.A.O.U., Vol. III., Plate I. D H < UJ < > O I- < o Q Z THE JOURNAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' DNION. SECOND SERIES. ^^j J JUNE 1907. No. 1. I. — A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Indicatoridfe {Honey- Guides). By Alwin K. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and Robert H. Ivy. (Plates I. & II.) I. G-ENERAL Remarks. Dr. Brehm in his * Tierleben ' (Vogel, Band i.), following Fiirbringer^ places the Indicatoridse in a separate family by themselves. Mr. W. L. Sclater, M.A., followed this classifi- cation in his work on the Birds in his ' Fauna of South Africa' series. Mr. F. E. Beddard, F.R.S., &c., on the other hand, like Gradow, has included them under the familv Capitonidse in his valuable ' Structure and Classification of Birds.' We are more inclined to fall in line with the first mentioned authors as regards the classificatory position of the Honey-Guides. They have only nine primaries, with the first one almost as long as the second, as against ten in the Capitonidse, the first of which is short. The members of the Indicatoridae possess twelve rectrices, with the exception of the genus Prodotiscus, which only has ten. In their parasitic habit of depositing their eggs in the nests of other birds (now proved beyond a doubt, at least so far as the South African species are concerned) they closely resemble the Cuculidse, in which family Nitzsch placed them. The ser. II. — VOL. I. 1 2 Messrs. A. K. Haagner and R. H. Ivy — Contrilxition to latter further says of the Cuculina3 * that the members have no definite pterylographic character, the only constant one common to the group being " the nakedness of the tip of the oil-gland, which is not furnished with a circlet of feathers." Although !Nitzsch writes thus of the Cuculinse {in which he includes the genus Indicator') he makes a diametrically opposite statement in his paragraph on Prodotes [Indicator, auctt.), in which he says " oil-gland with a small circlet of feathers at the tip, the quills of which extend to the walls of the apex." The Capitonidas, so far as we are aware, are not parasitic in their nidificatory habits, so taking all points into con- sideration it would appear both more correct and more convenient to place the Indicators in a family by themselves. There are, moreover, certain marked points in the anatomy of the nestling Indicator which do not occur, so far as we can ascertain, in the nestlings of either the Cuculidye or Capitonidse — or perhaps, indeed, in any living bird, — differ- ences which in themselves should be sufficient to relegate the Honey-Guides to a family of their own. II. Exterior Anatomy. A. Physiology. — The main points worthy of note are those occurring on the head of the nestling : — The extremity of the beak is furnished w ith a pair of hooks, which are hard, strong, and very sharp. These peculiar appendages, which remind one of the reptile-like toothed birds of the Jurassic and Cretaceous days long gone, such as Archceopteryx macrura from the Middle Oolites, are very curious as far as bird anatomy is concerned, and one is led to wonder at the reason of their presence on the nestling Indicator. We can only conjecture that they are of use to the bird when ejecting the young of the rightful owners of the nest, as the nestling would, by means of these hooks, have a perfectly * We are quoting from the English translation edited by Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., and published by the Ray Societ}^, not having had access to a copy in the original. 0U7' Knowledge of the Indicatoridse. 3 firm hold of the bird it wanted to throw out. This pre- sumption is doubly feasible when nests in holes of trees, such as those of Woodpeckers, Barbets, &c., are taken into consideration, as in these instances the method employed by young Cuckoos of working themselves under their victims and so ejecting them would not be of the slightest use. As all eggs discovered were in nests of this description it would appear that our explanation is not without reasonable founda- tion. These tooth-like appendages measure 1*8 mm. in total length, the ^^^ojecting portioii of the top tooth being 0"9 mm. and that of the bottom one 0*5 mm., and are situ- ated at the extremity of the beak ; the superior aspect of the top tooth being prolonged slightly above the surface of the premaxilla, while the inferior aspect of the bottom one is slightly projected beyond the lower level of the mandible, both having the distinct appearance of being welded on to the ends. They overlap one another, thus enabling the bird to obtain a very sure hold of anything it applied its beak to. These hooks are semi-transparent and appear to be an exaggeration of the shell-breaking scale which occurs on the beaks of chickens, — thus being epiblastic in origin, whereas the teeth of Odontornithes and Archceopteryx were true teeth and consequently partly epiblastic and partly mesoblastic in origin. It will thus be seen that the teeth of the ancient reptile-like ancestors of modern bird-life, and the projections on the beak of the nestling Indicator, are in no way related ; consequently it does not appear like a case of reversion, and would seem more after the nature of a subsequent develop- ment engendered by the bird's habits of life. The photograph (Plate I.) shows plainly what we have tried to describe. This was taken from a young Indicator variegatxis (now preserved in formalin) found in a nest-hole of Petronia petronella (Diamond Sparrow) on the 12th of November, 1905. The adult Indicator was seen in the tree, and no young Sparrows were found in the nest. Although large (the nestling measures 90 mm. in total length), we presume it developed quickly after the manner of young CuckooS; and should judge its age as not more than ten days 1* 4 On the IndicatoriJte. at the outside, as it eonkl lianlly open its eyes, keeping them almost constantly closed. The hooks apparently fall off" when the bird is fully adult, although there are traces of their existence in the slightly flattened end of the premaxilla, and the membranous scaly appearance of the terminal portion of the mandible of sevei*al adult specimens of Indicator sparrmani and I. minor examined by us. The beaks of the adult speci- mens of Indicator have the culmen and genys much more curved than that of the young bird under discussion, and it is therefore easy to see where the hooks pait from the beak, and by the distinctly wielded appearance of the whole struc- ture they are very obviously only superficially connected. The second noteworthy point about the head is that the nostrils have the same swollen appearance as those of young Cuckoos, but instead of being rounded as in the Cuculidse, they are of an elongated ovate form, appearing more in the form of slits. B. Pterylosis. — The following description is taken from the specimen of Indicator variegatus alluded to in the preced- ing chapter : — Pteryla capitis. Calls for no comment except that the feather- follicles are very minute, and their presence is only known by the shading in the skin. Pt. spinalis. This is a very narrow tract and ill-defined until the back is reached. Indeed from its juncture with the Pt. capitis it is represented only by a dark shading in the skin, which is so faint at the part left blank on the sketch as to be almost invisible, even with a strong magnifier. On the back it assumes two branches, some- what triangulated on the outer edges, but the true rhombic saddle and lanceolate space mentioned by Nitzsch have not yet been formed. Where the rhombic region ends, the young feather-follicles are plainly visible. Pt. liumerales. The humeral tracts are very sharply defined bands, and consist of very well developed follicles. Pt. alaimm. These are also well defined, and do not differ from Nitzsch's figure of the adult Prodotes. JouurrL. S.A. 0 U Vol. III. Ph. IJ. Ventz-al Aspect. Dorsal Aspect. A. Adult Indicator (Pro dotes) -after NitzscTa. Dorsal Aspect of Nestling Indicator Variegatus- after Haagner. A.K.Haagne-r del. Bale & Damelsson.L'r'l litt. PTERYLOSIS OF INDICATOR. On the Occurrence Si'C. of some South- African Birds. 5 Pt. gastrcei. The ventral tract is clear, and in accordance with Nitzsch's figure, except that the lower extremities end more abruptly and with very little curvature. Ft. femorales. Sharply defined, of well developed follicles, and considerably broader than Nitzsch's sketch would lead one to suppose. Pt. crurales. A double band ol; follicles across the thigh. There are no signs of feathers — not even a shading in the skin — on the lower regions as figured by Nitzsch in the adult. Of course it is possible that these appear much later in life. Apt. trunci lateralia. The lateral spaces of the trunk show a few scattered small but very distinct follicles, which are also not illustrated by Nitzsch. At some future date we hope to examine adult specimens of the various species of Indicator occurring in South Africa, to see how this fact aorees with the nestling above described. Our remarks on the niditication of this family will appear in a subsequent pa})er on the birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. EXPLANATION OF PLATES. Plate I. Nestling Indicator varieyatus, showing peculiar development of beak and nostrils, and lateral aspect of pterylosis. (Slightly enlarged.) Plate II. Pterylographic characters of Prodotes (after Nitzsch), figs. A & B; and nestling Indicator varieyatus (slightly reduced), fig. C. II. — Further Notes on the Occurrence and Nesting of some South African Birds. By Richard Sparrow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th Dragoon Guards. [The numbers prefixed are those of Sclater's ' Check-list.'] 584. Scopus umbretta. (Hammerkop.) This bird sometimes lays six eggs; I took a clutch of six at Elandslaagte on 14.9.02. 609. Ph(enicopterus roseus. (Greater Flamingo.) A flock of about thirty were observed at Matjespan, O.K.C., near the Lace Diamond Mines, on the 28.6.02. 6 Major R. Sparrow on the Occurrence and 611. Plectropterus gambensis. (Spur-wingGd Goose.) This bird nests in January and February in Natal. 597. BuTORiDES ATRICAPILLA. (Green-backed Heron.) Mr. A. D. Millar informs me he had three eggs brought to him, taken on the 7.11.02 from a nest in a mangrove at the head o£ Durban Bay, which he believes to belong to this species. 615. Dendrocycna viduata. (White-faced Duck.) Mr. A. D. Millar found a nest of this species containing twelve eojTs near the Durban Racecourse on 7.1.97. 619. Anas undulata. (Geelbek.) On the 14.4.02 I found a nest of this Duck containing nine fresh eggs : the nest was on the high veldt near a small spruit, in grass about 1 foot high, in the Harrismith district. 620. Anas sparsa. (Black Duck.) Mr. A. D. Millar found a nest of this Duck containing hard-set eggs near Kopstad, CO., on the 19.8.98. It seems as if the S.A. ducks are very irregular as to the months in which they breed, unless they are double-brooded, as I have found full-fledged young in the months one would expect eggs and vice versa. 623. PCECILONETTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. (Red-bill.) A nest of this species found on the banks of a small spruit near Winburg on 18.8.01 contained seven very hard-set eggs. 618. Casarca cana. (South African Shelduck.) I saw a pair of this species with several half-fledged young on a dam in the Winburg district, O.R.C., on the 9.9.01. 629. ViNAGO delalandi. (Delalande's Green Pigeon.) A nest of this species found by Mr. A. D. Millar at Inchanga on the 27.12.02 contained one egg and one young bird. 632. CoLUMBA arquatrix. (Olive Pigeon.) This species in the Balgowan district of Natal nests in April and May. Nesting of some South African Birds. 7. 638. TuRTUR SENEGALENSis. (Laughing Dove.) This Dove nests in August and September in the O.R.C. 639. Q]]na capensis. (Namaqua Dove.) I found nests of this Dove in the O.R.C. in Aug., Sept., and Nov., and in Natal in Nov. and also in Feb. My ex- perience is that their eggs are invariably cream-coloured and not white as stated in vol. iii. 642. Haplopelia larvata. (Lemon Dove.) I took a fresh clutch of the eggs of this Dove at Balgowan, Natal, on 20.2.04. 646. Pteroclurus namaqua. (Namaqua Sandgrouse.) The normal number of eggs in a clutch is three, and I found fresh eggs between 6.8.01 and 4.9.01. 663. NuMiDA coronata. (Common Guinea Fowl.) I found a clutch of twenty eggs, on which only one bird was sitting, at Highlands, Natal, on 27.12.03 : the eggs were hard-set. 685. FuLiCA cristata. (Red-knobbed Coot.) Mr. A. D. Millar found a nest of this Coot near Dundee on 1.6.03 containing; six egos. 687. Bugeranus carunculatus. (Wattled Crane.) I found a nest of this Crane in a dam at Hidcot, Mooi River, containing one fresh egg, on the 2.5.04 ; the nest was a large pile of weeds in about 2 feet of water. 689. Balearica regulorum. (Crowned Crane.) A clerical error in vol. iv. says I took eggs of this Crane " near Mooi River in May " ; it should read Dannhauser in February. 692. Otis afroides. (White-quilled Knorhaan.) I found several clutches of fresh and incubated eggs near the Modder River, O.R.C, in Aug. '01, and again fresh and incubated eggs near Lindley, O.R.C, in the middle of Dec. '01. It may therefore be presumed that this species rears two broods a year. 8 On the Occurrence S^'c. of some South, African Birch. 700. Otis barrowi. (Barrow's Knorhaan.) This Bustard is scarce in the N.E. part of O.R.C., except in the Lindley district, where it is fairly plentiful. I found a nest containing three eggs just hatching on 9.12.01 near Lindley. 695. Otis ludwigii. (Ludwig's Paauw.) I found a young bird of this species about ten days old near Newcastle on 27.10.02. The old hen ran up to within 10 yards of me with her wings scraping the ground like a cock turkey showing off. G97. Otis melanogaster. (Black-bellied Knorhaan.) The Durban Museum contains one sky-blue egg, unspotted, belonging to this species taken in Zululand ; in shape it resembles an orange. 702. (Edicnemus capensis. (Dikkop.) Fresh clutches of eggs of this species were taken on the following dates : Kroonstad, 23.11.01 ; Newcastle, 9.11.02 ; Reitz, O.R.C., 4.2.02. 705. CuRSORius RUFUS. (Burchell's Courser.) This Courser lays at the end of July or beginning of August in the O.R.C. and Upper Natal, though occasionally eggs will be found in September. 706. CuRSORins temmincki. (Temminck's Courser.) I found a dead bird of this species at Kroonstad in June 1901. 707. Rhinoptilus africanus. (Two-bauded Courser.) I took hard-set eggs of this Courser and also saw young birds about the middle of August '01 near the Modder River; on Sept. 5 I took one hard-set egg near Winburg, and fresh eggs near Lindley on 16th and 25th Nov. It seems probable that this species is also double-brooded. 719. Hoplopterus armatus. (Blacksmith Plover.) Both nests of this species found in the Winburg district were only a few feet away from the water on the side of BreediiKj-lIablls of the Pin-tailed Widow JJird. 9 dams : the first found on 20.8.01 contained one fresb eii^r, and the second on 10.9.01 contained three hard-set eogs. 728. ^GiALiTis TRicoLLARis. (Three-banded Plover.) The time for fresh eggs in tlie districts of Potchefstroom, Winburg, and Upper Natal is from August 15-31. 732. ^GiALiTis PECUARIA. (Kittlitz's Sand Plover.) A clerical error in vol. iv. says I took eggs at " Mooi R." ; it should read " Ladysmith." Time for fresh eggs, both at Potchefstroom and Ladysmith, is i'rom August 15-31. 739. ToTANUS NEBULARius. (Greenshank.) I observed this bird both at Mooi River and Ladysmith in the month of September. 751. Gallinago major. (Double Snipe.) Was common on the Eastern Vlei, Durban, in Nov. '99, and bags of ten or twelve couple were made before breakfast that year. HI. — Remarks on the Breeding -Hahits of the Pin-tailed Widoxo Bird (Vidua principalis). By Austin Roberts. The late Dr. Stark, in his excellent work on the ornithology of South Africa, mentions that he found the nests of the Pin-tailed Widow Bird containing young birds, and minutely describes these nests. He writes without, apparently, the least doubt as to the identity of the nests and the young birds. After perusing this article it will be seen how far he was correct, while he little suspected how the young birds happened to be in the nests he discovered. Before proceeding, I shall like to draw attention to his following remarks on the subject, which wall be found to bear out my statements to a certain extent : — " The only nests that I have seen contained young birds, from three to four in number. The eggs have not been described. A nest brought to Heuglin in Abyssinia, and ascribed by him 10 Mr. Austin Roberts on the to the present, is, from the description, obviously that of one of the African Tailor-birds/' It was not until after many an unsuccessful search for tlie nest of this bird that I one day stumbled upon a clue to its peculiar breeding-habits. When talking about birds to an old Natal colonist he happened to mention that the Zulus have a saying that a young " King-red-beak '^ (Vidua princi- palis) is reared out of every " rooibekje's " (Estrilda astrildas) nest, they, as usual, imputing it to some super- natural agency. Here I had the key to the solution of what had for so long puzzled me, and I immediately acted on it. It is well known how often the superstitions of the observant natives have been found to be based upon fact, and this, I have no doubt, is another instance. On examining my egg collection I noted particularly one clutch which quite bore out my expectations, viz., that the Pin-tailed Widow Bird is in the habit of laying its eggs in the nest of some other bird. This clutch was one of the Dufresne's Waxbill (Estrilda dufresnii\ four eggs of which were of uniform size — about the size one would expect ; but the fifth was much larger, and clearly not an egg laid by the Waxbill. Following this up, I took care to examine all Waxbills' nests found about that time, from December to March, and found that it was quite a common occurrence to find one or more of the larger eggs and the usual type of those of the Waxbills in the same nest. The mere fact of finding the laroer eo-os in the same nest as the smaller ones did not, however, prove much, but the following cases which came to my notice quite convinced me that my theory was correct. The first was the discovery of a nest of a Common Waxbill [E. astrilda) containing five fledgelings ; four were undoubtedly young Waxbills, the white spots on the gape — which are always found on young birds of that genus — clearly distinguishing them from the fifth, which, in addition to lacking the white spots, differed in other respects. I left the fledgelings, intending to get them a few days later when they were more developed, but I was unfortunately delayed and when I returned they had left the nest. Another day. Breeding -Habits of the Pin-tailed Widow Bird 11 when walking through the " bush/' I thought I would have a look at a nest I had found a few days previously, which had then only two eggs of the usual Common Waxbill type. When close to the nest a hen of the Pin-tailed Widow Bird flew from it and alighted upon a neighbouring tree, wiping her beak as she did so, and remaining there until I approached quite close. In the passage leading into the nesting-chamber I found a half-devoured egg, and in the chamber itself four whole eggs, one of them larger than the others. I conclude from what I saw that the bird I disturbed was in the act of devouring a Waxbill's egg to make room for her own. As already stated, the Pin-tailed Widow Bird does not confine itself to depositing one egg in each nest. I have frequently found two, and in one case discovered a nest in which the whole clutch of five eggs was replaced by those of the Pin-tailed Widow Bird. This I am sure about, as when I first found the nest some of the eggs were larger than the others ; and on leaving them to hatch, I found when again visiting the nest that they were all of the larger size, and the nest deserted. It will be seen how easily Dr. Stark may have been deceived with regard to the identity of the nest he found, presuming that he formed his conclusions on seeing the young birds only. The nest brought to Heuglin was probably similarly identified. In concluding I must express a hope that other South African oologists will take the matter up and examine with greater care all nests of Waxbills which they may come across, and, not only for my own satisfaction, but for naturalists generally, publish their observations in this Journal. 12 Mr. C. li. Tuvlor on Birds IV. — Notes on a Collection of Birds made in the Amsterdam District upon the Transvaal- Swazieland Border between the Months of June and October, 1906. By Claude H. Taylor : assisted by J. A. Bucknill, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. The collection of which an account is given below was made during a short stay of some five months upon the farm Indhlovudwalilie (No. 2G0), situated in the extreme south- eastern portion o£ the magisterial district of Ermelo in the Transvaal. The farm is situated about 31° long, and about 26*9° lat. ; it is about 100 miles from the sea as the crow flies, the nearest littoral being at the top of Tongaland. The farm Indhlovudwalilie (" Elephant's Rock " in the Swazi language) lies about ten miles south-east of the dorp of Amsterdam. Most of the birds detailed below were actually obtained upon the farm grounds, which are about 6000 morgan in extent. The physical characteristics of the farm are particularly favourable for the observation of several typical classes of birds ; the land over which the farm extends varies in altitude in a most remarkable degree. Part of the farm lies on the high plateau of that type of ground which is regarded as typical of the mountainous parts of Swazieland ; here it is healthy at all times of the year and is over 5000 feet above sea-level, whilst the lowest part of the farm is not less than 4000 feet. The ground runs down very abruptly into the valley of the Compise River, which passes a perennial stream through deeply cut gorges fed by numerous mountain streams rising in the hills above throughout the watershed through the southern part of the farm from west to east. The Compise River itself is not well wooded, though its tributaries in the mountain krantzes are very thickly bushed. On the main river the country is typically an open park-like thorn-covered land. The higher })arts of the farm present the ordinary features of the high veld ; the slopes leading down to the river are front the Amsterdam District. 13 densely wooded and offer all attractions to bush-lovino- birds; the waters of tins large stream attract many aquatic and similar species which frequent the vicinity of localities where congenial food can be found. Some of the birds mentioned in my notes have doubtless followed up the river-course from the more tropical parts of Swazieland. This list is based on a collection of 101 skins made during the four winter months (from June until the middle of October) and is in no way intended to be a com})lete list of the birds of this district. My thanks are due to Mr. J. A. S. Bucknill for having revised the following notes, and for looking through my collection and verifying the names; and also to Dr. Gunning, who gave me every assistance in identifying dubious specimens. Species prefixed by an asterisk are not represented in the collection. 1. CoRVUS ALBicoLLis. (White -necked Raven.) Fairly common. These birds are a great nuisance to the sheep- farmer and are very destructive to lambs and sickly sheep, especially during the lambing-season. On several occasions on the farm Indhlovudwalilie I have known them to kill lambs. The eyes are first picked out, and then when the animal opens its mouth to bleat the tongue is torn out by the roots, the beak of the bird being inserted at the side of the animal's mouth. The damage done by these birds as well as Gyps kolhii (Kolbe's Vulture) does not seem to be generally recognised. Farmers in this district and also in the Amersfoort district have now resorted to the practice of putting poisons in the carcases of animals and sheep and kill numbers of Vultures in this way. I lately came across the dead body of a Secretary Bird close to one of these poisoned carcasses, but whether it had died from poison or from natural causes I cannot say, but it appeared to be quite heahhy and in good condition. 14 Mr. C. H. Taylor on Birds 3. *CoRVUS CAPENSis. (Black Crow.) Occasionally observed. Not ijncomnion. Generally to be seen in small flocks of from ten to twenty frequenting old mealie lands, where they seem to obtain most of their food. 5. *BuPHAaA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. (Red-billed Oxpecker.) Only one flock of these "■ Tick birds '^ seen. They seem to keep to one locality as long as there are cattle about. I notice, however, that in this district they only visit them in the early morning and in the evening, when they busily pick off any ticks that are on them. This is not always the case, as in the Koodoo Valley in the Zoutpansberg I have seen them searching for food on oxen and donkeys in the middle of the day. Towards the end of September this flock had apparently broken up for nesting, as they were only to be seen either singly or in pairs. They are very difficult to frighten away from the oxen, flying from one animal to another when disturbed. 7. Amydrus morio. (Red-winged Starling.) (a) $ . Indhlovudwalilie. 5.9.06. In stomach insects. Common. A pair of these birds have roosted in the piping round the house here for three years, nesting and bringing out young ones ; as soon as these are old enough to take care of themselves, the old ones take them away to the bush and leave them there, returning themselves to their old quarters. They are very restless at night, when they are constantly running along the piping, uttering towards morning a low chirping whistle. 9. *Spreo BICOLOR. (Pied Starling.) Fairly common. On November 2nd J took a nest con- taining five eggs out of a wall in a disused farmhouse in the Amersfoort district. The nest was an untidy one composed of grass and sticks, being lined with a few pieces of old sacking and sheep's wooL The eggs were of the usual type, being bright pale blue without spots: Maximum length 30' 1 mm. ; minimum length 28"7 mm. Maximum breadth 22*2 mm. ; minimum breadth 21*1 mm. from the Amsterdam District. 15 19. CiNNYRICINCLUS LEUCOGASTER YERREAUXI. (Ver- reaux's Glossy Starling.) (a) (^ . 18.10.06. Swazieland. Iris yellow. In stomach insects. These beautiful Starlings are migratory in this district, arriving about the beginning of September. By the middle of October they are fairly common, always going about in pairs ; so that I think they must breed in this locality. Sometimes I found them very wild and difficult to approach, although, as a rule, they are not very shy. 22. Oriolus larvatus. (Black-headed Oriole.) (a) ? . 14.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris claret-red. In stomach insects and seeds. (h) S j^^v. 10.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Common. These birds often frequent Red Aloes which grow in this district, where they apparently hunt for insects; on two specimens which I shot I found the feathers round the beak and throat very thickly covered with pollen, giving the bird a peculiar appearance as if it had a red beak and head or as if dipped in a red colouring solution. 30. *SiTAGRA OCULARIA. (Smith's Weaver-Bird.) Not common. A pair of these birds were nesting in a tree overhanging the Compise River in the beginning of October^ I noticed that some of the same birds had nested in the same tree the year before. 33. SiTAGRA CAPENSis OLiVACEA. (Eastern Cape Weaver- Bird.) (a) ? . 17.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris brown. In stomach insects. (h) ? (J . 16.10.06. Swazieland. Iris whitish with a tinge of yellow. The head and neck of this bird (a) was thickly covered with the red pollen of the " Kaffir-boom," on which it had been feeding. The plumage of {h) is curious, as the bird is just assuming breeding colours ; the yellow is beginning to show on the IG Mr. 0. H. Tayl(^i- on BinLs under surface of the body and the brownish orange oE the head and neck is very patchy. 52. EsTRiLDA ASTRiLDA. (Comuion WaxbilL) (a) c? • 20.8.0G. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach seeds. (6) ? . 20.8.0G. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach seeds. Very common. Going about in large flocks and fre- quenting old mealie-gardens. 58. *EsTRiLDA DUFRESNii. (Dufresne's Waxbill.) Not common. They seem to be more partial to wooded localities than the other members of this famih'. 75. *CoLiOPASSER PROCNE. (Great-tailed Widow Bird.) Very common. The males begin to change their plumage about the beginning of September. They do a great amount of damage amongst the newly planted mealie lands, rooting out the plants as soon as they show above ground and eating the grain. 7G. CoLTOPASSER ARDENS. (Red-colUired Widow Bird.) (a) (J. 15.10.()G. Swazieland. In stomach insects. (/>)juv. Very common, especially along the sides of the rivers and spruits. 77. Vidua principalis. (Pin-tailed Widow Bird.) Fairly })lentiful. 87. PoLiosPiZA GULARis. (Streaky-headed Seed-eater.) (a). Common. Very fond of the fruit of wild fig-trees. 89. Serinus sulphuratus. (Large Yellow Seed-eater.) (a) (^ . 5.6.0G. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach seeds. 131. (Jerthilauda semitorquata. (Grey-collared Lnrk.) (a). 24.8.0G. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris dark brown. In stomach insects. Fairly common. When the grass has been burnt off these birds become very tame, allowing one to ride close up to from the Amsterdam District. 17 them, when they cau easily be killed with a whip. They run very swiftly. 135. Macronyx capensis. (Orange - throated Long- claw.) (a) (^. 15.6.0G. Iris brown. Very common. 130. Macronyx croceus. (Yellow-throated Long-claw.) (a) ? . 15.10.00. Swazieland. Iris dark brown. In stomach insects. Said to be fairly common, although I only came across one specimen. On being chased, this Long-claw flew from one thorn-tree to another for some distance, being ai)[)arently rather shy. 139. Anthus lineiventris. (Stripe-bellied Pipit.) (a) cJ. 2.10.00. Swazieland. In stomach insects. Rare. Only seen on one occasion ; I saw a pair on the ground, where they were evidently hunting for insects, in open thorn country. I watched them for some little time through my glasses ; on my approach, however, they imme- diately took shelter in some undergrowth at the foot of a thorn-tree, where I shot one. 147. MoTACiLLA VIDUA. (African Pied Wagtail.) (a) $ . 5.10.00. Swazieland. In stomach insects. Only one pair seen. They nested on the ledge of a rock in the middle of the Compise River early in October 1900 ; the nest was cup-shaped, made of dry grass and small roots, being lined with very fine roots and hair. The eggs, three in number, were of the usual type though rather small, measuring 21'9 x 1"59, 21*0 X I'OO, and 21*0 x 1*0 mm. Ground-colour pale whitish; texture of shell smooth; thickly spotted and freckled throughout with surface and under- lying markings of light brownish and yellowish brown-grey. 148. MoTACiLLA LONGICAUDA. (Grey-backed Wngtail.) (a) (?. 28.0.00. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris brown. In stomach insects. SER. II. VOL. I. 2 18 Mr. (\ H. Taylor on Birds I have seen several pairs of these pretty little Wagtails frequenting rocky streams where there is plenty of bush. More than one pair never seem to haunt the same stream. They are very tame and are easily approached. 149. *MoTACiLLA CAPENSis. (Cape Wagtail.) Common. 156. Promerops gurneyi. (Natal Long-tailed Sugar- bird.) (a) ? . 2.8.06. Swazieland. Fairly common in Swazieland. Feeding chiefly on the sugar-bush ; they are sometimes shy and rather difficult to approach. 157.* Nectarinia famosa. (Malachite Sunbird.) Very common in the more low-lying part of the district. 160. Cinnyris afer. (Greater Double-collared Sunbird.) (a) (^ . 3.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Very common, especially in Swazieland, I found thetn nesting in the latter part of September ; the nest was placed in a sugar-bush and seemed largely composed of dry grass and cobwebs. The specimen preserved was not in full breeding-plumage, the metallic green feathering being very patchy on the back, though fully developed upon the head. 164. Cinnyris amethystinus. (Black Sunbird.) (a) ^. 15.6.06. Iris brown. In stomach seeds. Fairly common near the river, but also observed on the top of the plateau. 176. ZosTEROPS capensis. (Cape White-eye.) Common in the thick bush. It is a very tame bird; I have often been within a few feet of them without their showing any signs of alarm. 179. Parus NIGER. (Black Tit.) (a) ? . 4.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. Common. Generally to be seen in small flocks of six or seven busily hunting through ihe bush for insects. They j'i'oin the Anisterdam iJ'istr'ict. li) are constantly flying from one tree to another and move with wanderful rapidity from twig to twig when searchini^ for food. 184. Lanius collaris, (Fiscal Shrike.) (a) ? . 19.10.06. Swazieland. Iris brown. Common. Generally to be seen perched on a prominent branch or on the top of a fencing pole. On one occasion I saw two frogs impaled on a barbed-wire fence, doubtless by this bird. 191. Telephonus senegalus. (Black -headed Bush - Shrike.) {a) S ' 30.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. Fairly common ; it is not entirely confined to the thick bush. I have frequently seen it in mimosa-trees in fairly open country ; they always make for the thickest part of the tree when disturbed, and in this position are very hard to see. On one occasion I hit a small bush three or four times before the bird flew out. 192. Telephonus tchagra. (Tchagra.) (a) ($ . 30.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach onl}' seeds. I only saw one specimen of this Shrike, it was in some thick bush only a few yards away from me when first I noticed it. It did not attempt to make its escape by flight, but kept hopping away from me in the thick undergrowth, always keeping quite close to the ground. 195. Dryoscopus cubla. (Lesser PufF-back Shrike.) (a) unsexed. 28.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris bright red. In stomach insects. Fairly common. They seem to prefer the thick bush to the lesser wooded localities. 196. Dryoscopus rufiventris. (Greater PufF-back Shrike.) (a) (J. 20.8.06. IndhlovudwaliUe. In stomach insects. Fairly common. These noisy birds may be heard calling 20 Mr. O. H. Til r lor on Birds to one another on any fine morning ; their loud note seems to carry for a long distance and can be heard above that of any other birds. 200. Laniarius gutturalis. (Backbakiri Shrike.) ((/) ? . 17.G.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. I have only seen one specimen of this Shrike and conclude that it is not common in this district. 202. Laniarius rubiginosus. (Ruddy -breasted Bush- Shrike.) (a) $ sex well marked. 14.8.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris reddish brown. In stomach insects. (J>) sex unrecognizable. 17.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. (r) ? . 23.9.06. IndhlovudwaiiKe. There are a considerable number of Bush-Shrikes to be found in the thickest bush. The plumage of many which I have shot is very puzzling, and it is difficult to identify the specimens I have obtained. In most cases the birds appear to be immature both from their plumage and from the absence of sexual internal characteristics. These immature birds are fairly common, and although they are all shy the mature birds, when frightened, immediately seek the undergrowth of the Bush, where it is impossible to secure them, whilst the immature birds do not attempt to conceal themselves in this way but keep to the bushes themselves. This shyness on the part of the mature birds may account for their apparent scarcity. The plumage of the immature specimens makes it difficult to refer them with certainty to either this or the succeeding species. 203. Lanarius olivaceus. (Olive Bush-Shrike.) (a) ^ . 28.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. (&)?cJjuv. 30.7.06. Indhlovudwalihe. Iris dark reddish brown. In stomach insects. (c) ? with eggs distinctly developed (about twice the size of a pin's head). 23.9.06. Indhlovudwalilie. This bird is in innnature plumage. from the Amsterdam Distriet. 21 The remark.s made with regard to the preceduig species apply equally to this. Both these species utter a loud harsh scraping call : one, when wounded and in my hand, made this cry. I hope next year to be able to obtain a longer series of these two species. This bird is apparently new to the Transvaal. 206. Laniarius starki. (Southern Grey-headed Bush- Shrike.) (a) S • 16.10.06. Swazieland. Iris yellow. In stomach insects. Only one specimen noticed, although it may be fairly common. The one I shot was in open thorn-tree country and some distance from any thick bush. 219. Pycnonotus layardi. (Black-capped Bulbul.) Very common : most destructive to fruit-trees. I have found them in numbers in wild fig-trees, the fruit of which they seem to be especially fond of. 296. TuRDUS OLiVACEUS. (Cape Thrush.) (a) ? . 28.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Legs yellow ; bill : culmen dark brown, mandible yellow. In stomach seeds. This large Thrush is fairly common, keeping entirely to the bush ; when disturbed they make for the nearest cover. 300. MoNTicoLA RUPESTRis. (Cape Rock Thrush.) (a) S' ^.^.'oM. Indhlovudwahlie. This handsome bird is not uncommon ; it seems to be quite the reverse of shy, and is generally to be seen seated on a prominent rock or tree top. 305. Myrtmecocichla bifasciata. (Buff-streaked Chat.) (a) ^. 26.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris dark brown; feet black. In stomach insects. Very common in the more rocky parts of the district. 308. *Saxicola pileata. (Capped Wheatear.) Fairly common. I did not preserve a specimen. 22 Mr. C, H. Taylor on Birds 320. CossYPHA BicoLOR. (Noisv Robin Chat.) (a) cJ . 6.6.06, Indhiovudwalilie. Iris dark brown. In stomach seeds and a beetle. Only to be found in very dense bush. When disturbed they do not appear to be particularly shy, generally hopping away from you in a leisurely manner. ;]23. ( 'ossYPHA CAFFRA, (Cape Robin Chat.) (a). 19.9.06. Indhiovudwalilie. Iris brown. In stomach insects. (l>) S ' 31.7.06. Indhiovudwalilie. In stomach insects. Fairly common. 335. LioPTiLUS NiGRicAPiLLUS. (Bush Blackcap.) (a) ? . 21.8.06. Indhiovudwalilie. Bill and legs pink. In stomach insects. Rare. I only saw this Blackcap on two occasions. Although frequenting the dense bush it does not seem to be a very shy bird. The one I shot was flitting about in a large tree over my head for some considerable time before I shot it. I noticed it making little darts at insects and catching them •with great rapidity from the foliage. On examination its stomach was found to be full of insects. 342. *Alseonax adlsta. (Dusky Flycatcher.) (? shot on 25.8.06. Indhiovudwalilie. In stomach insects. Fairly common in the thick bush. They are fond of sitting on dead branches of trees, from which they are not easily to be distinguished and are in consequence very hard to see, except when darting away for a second to catch some insect which is near them. They seem to frequent the same locality and almost the same tree for months at a time. I did not preserve any. 349. *Pachyprora capeksis. (Cape Flycatcher.) Very common in the thick bush. I did not preserve any. 354. TERpyiPHONE perspicillata. (Paradise Flycatcher.) (a) $ . 24.9.06. Indhiovudwalilie. In stomach insects. 1 iliiiik this beautiful Flycatcher is undwibtedly migrutorj fi'oin lilt' Ainsterduni l)islnct. 23 ill this district ; the first I noticed Avere on Sept. 2-4th, and after that date they seemed to arrive in numbers. They are quite plentiful now (October 5th), and had they been residents during the winter months I could not have failed to come across them. 355. DiCRURUS AFER. (Fork-tailed Drongo.) (6) cJ. 28.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. Fairly common. They are very destructive to bees, and caused great havoc with a hive that was standing; in the garden here last year ; the stomach of one that was shot was found to be full of these insects. Where grass is burnt off they come to that locality, moving off as soon as fresh fires are started elsewhere. 357. Cabipophaga nigra. (Black Cuckoo Shrike.) (a) J . 7.10.06. Swazieland. Fairly plentiful in the open thorn country, appearing to be more numerous in September and October ; at this time of the year they are usually to be seen going about in pairs* They are decidedly shy and difficult to approach, but very often when disturbed they make for the thickest part of a tree and stay there. 358. Campophaga hartlaubi. (Hartlaub's C^uckoo Shrike.) (a) cJ . 27.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Gape yellow. In stomach insects. Rare. I shot one specimen in thick bush — this being the only one I have seen here. 364. *Hirundo rustica. (European Swallow.) First observed here on August 28th, after w^hich they arrived in large numbers. 369. Hirundo albigularis. (White- throated Swallow.) (a) ? . 26.9.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach insects. My earliest record of this Swallow was on September 5th ; they are here now in great numbers (October 4th, 1906). 374. Hirundo cucullata. (Larger Stripe - breasted Swallow.) (a) $ . 18.10.06. Swazieland. In stomach insects. 24 Mr. C. H. Taylor on Binh Fairly common. First noticed early in September. When I left the Amersfoort district, in May 1906, a pair of these Swallows were still there — roosting by night in an outhouse. 376. HiRUNDO SEMIRUFA. (Rufous-breasted Swallow.) Only a few birds seen, namely on September SOth. They seem to go about either singly or in pairs. 379. PsALiDOPROCNE HOLOMEL^NA. (Black Rough-wingcd Swallow.) I have seen several of these little Swallows in Swazieland : as a rule they fly inear trees, but sometimes they go into the open. 385. *Cypselus africanus. (White-bellied Swift.) Not common. They seem to prefer flying over rocky kopjes, sometimes at a great height. They are also very fond of flying over grass fires, no doubt with the object of catching insects. 387. Cypselus barbatus. (Black Swift.) Fairly common, but not noticed before July 14th. They are very fond of flying over grass fires, sometimes dashing through the thick smoke. 410. Melittophagus meridionalis. (Little Bee-eater). (a) $ . 18.10.06. Swazieland, Iris bright red. In stomach insects. Fairly common. Generally to be seen along the sides of spruits and dongas. They are very quick on the wing when darting after insects. 412. *Ceryle rudis. (Pied Kingfisher.) Quite common. To be seen almost at any time " hawking " up and down the river. 413. *Oeryle maxima. (Giant Kingfisher.) Rare : only one example seen. I followed this bird for a long distance up the river, but it was so wary that I could not get within gunshot of it. Several times it flew into the inner branches of trees along the river bed, but always went out on my :i])proach. from I he ^{m^to'dani JJisfricf. 25 414. *Alcedo SEMiTOiiQUATA. (llal£ - colkrc J King- fisher.) Not uncommon on the small streams and sjjruits, although I have only once seen it in the large river. I did not preserve a specimen. 41,5. (^ORYTHORNis CYANOSTIGMA. (Malachite Kingfisher.) (a) ? . 20.10.06. Swazieland. Rare. Only one specimen seen and obtained by the side o£ a small stream. 418. Halcyon albiyentris. (Brovin-liooded Kingfisher,) (a) ? . 22.10 06. Swazieland. I have only come across one specimen of this Kingfisher, but no doubt they are not so uncommon as they appear. 423 a. Colius striatus minor. (Natal Speckled Mouse- bird.) (a). 6.6.06. Indhlovudvvalilie. Common. A great fruit thief. I foinid numbers of them feeding on the wild fig-trees. When disturbed they usually fly into the thickest foliage, where it is most difficult to see them. 435. GrEOCOLAPTES OLiVACEiTs. (Ground Woodpecker.) (a) ? . 24.8.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris whitish yellow, tinged with red. In stomach ants and larvas. (b) (^ . 23.8.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris white, surrounded by a tinge of red. In stomach ants and larvae. These birds have a very harsh scraping call when frightened, and when disturbed in their burrows by footsteps above call loudly whilst in their holes. One flock of about six of these birds were inhabiting a rocky kopje on this farm for some months. In the latter part of August, thinking they were breeding, I dug out three or four of the holes they had made in the side of a donga. I found no eggs, however, and I must have caused them to desert the spot, as they were not seen again^ The stomachs of two specimens shot were crammed full of ants and their larvae. In each of the tunnels 26 Mr. C. H. Taylor o„ Birds inhabited by these birds there was a hiyer two or three inches deep consisting of the legs, wings, and the hard part of the head of ants. The tunnel holes, which were not always straight, were about four to five feet in length in friable clayish earth ; at the end of each tunnel was a cavity about the size of a man's head. 440. Uendropicus cardinalis. (Cardinal Woodpecker.) (a) S . 11.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach cater- pillars. This is the most common Woodpecker in this district. I have found it both in the thick bush and in the more open country amongst the thorn-trees, 441. Thripias namaquus. (Bearded Woodpecker.) (a) $ . 20.9.06. Swazieland. Iris claret. In stomach caterpillars. The only one seen was procured ; it flew past me uttering its harsh bote and settled on a mimosa-tree within a few feet of where I was standing without apparently noticing me. 442. Mesopicus griseocephalus. (Olive Woodpecker.) (a) unsexed. ISwazieland, 26.7.06. In stomach insects. Common in thick bush. Generally going about in small flocks of from four to eight. They are very noisy birds whilst hunting through the bush, and utter a harsh scream. 443. Iynx ruficolliis. (South African Wryneck.) (a) ? . 2.10.06. Swazieland. In stomach insects. (6) ? . 15.10.06. Swazieland. In stomach insects. Fairly common. From March to the end of September only one was seen, in October they arrived in considerable numbers. They generally go about either singly or in pairs. On October 2nd 1 saw one fly out of a hole in a tree about twenty feet from the ground where it was probably nesting, but I had no opportunity of ascertaining whether this was the case or not. 447. Indicator minor. (Lesser Honey-Guide.) ('I') c? • 21.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris brown. from ilie Amdenlain JJistrict. 27 Not often noticed. I have only met this little Honey-Guide on two occasions : in the stomach of one was found a quantity of a yellowish substance which I should certainly say was bees-wax ; it appeared to be quite fresh and the bird had evidently only just had its meal. There were no signs of insects in its stomach. 449. Lybius torquatus. (Black-collared Barbet.) ($. 27.7.06. Swazieland. Iris reddish brown. In stomach seeds only. Very common, not at all shy. They prefer the open lliorn country to the thick bush. 450. *TRiCHOLiEMA LEUCOMELAS. (Pied Barbet.) Not common. 466. *Chrysococcyx cupreus. (Didric Cuckoo.) A few seen in the beginning of October. No doubt later on in the summer they are more plentiful. They are frequently mobbed by small birds. 469. CoccYSTES JACOBINUS. (Black-and- White Cuckoo.) (a) ? . 17.10.06. Swazieland. In stomach insects. Two pairs seen in Swazieland in the beginning of October, 1906. They seem to frequent open thorn country, where they are rather difficult to approach, flying from tree to tree when pursued. 493. Asio CAPENSis. (Marsh Owl.) cJ . 3.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris dark brown. In stomach nil. Common. To be seen in large numbers in a vlei not far from the house. These Owls invariably lie hidden in the long dry grass during the daytime, there being generally six or seven together. When disturbed towards evening they are very bold and fearless, circling round overhead and alighting quite close by. As soon as the grass has been burnt oti' they move awav to a different localit\-. 28 Mr. C. H. Taylor on Births 495. Syrnium woodfordi. (Woodford's Owl.) ? . 28.6.06. Indhlovudvvalilie. Iris brown ; bill and legs yellow ; claws slaty black. In stomach mouse. Rare. Only one specimen seen and obtained. When in a patch of dense bush my attention was drawn to an Owl that was being chased by numerous small birds, chiefly Bulbuls ; it alighted in a thick tree, but although I could not see it I was aware of its presence by the angry behaviour of these small birds, which kept up a constant chattering ; on my throwing a stone into the tree it flew out to another quite close by and was shot. This bird was flying about in bright sunlight during the middle of the day. As a rule they un- doubtedly keep to the thickest bush. One which I shot in the Great Letaba Valley in the Zoutpansberg flew out of a clump of banana-trees which had been allowed to grow wild, within a few yards of some farm buildings, where peo})le were constantly passing to and fro. 497. *BuBO MACULOSUS. (Spotted Eagle Owl.) Fairly plentiful. When approached in the daytime they rarely move until one is within a few feet of them. On one occasion I poked one, which was sitting on a rock just above me, with the end of my gun. As mentioned by Layard, pointers will stand them like game. 498. ^BuBO LACTEUS. (Verreaux's Eagle Owl.) I have not seen this Owl myself, but include it in the list on the authority of several reliable witnesses ; its huge size renders it not likely to be mistaken for any other species. 508. TiNNUNCULUS RuncoLUS. (South African Kestrel.) (a) 9 . 5.9.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach locusts and beetles. Very common. These birds are very fond of locusts and will follow a swarm for miles ; the stomach and crop of one shot was found to be full of them. They undoubtedly do a lot of good, feeding chicfl}* on grasshoppers and spiders, as wf'll as other insects. from till' Amsterdam District. 29 514. Baza verreauxi. (Cuckoo Falcon.) (a) ? . 26.8.0G. Indhloviidwalilie. Bill black ; feet dull yellow ; claws black. In stomach chameleons, lizards, and lai'ge insects. Seen on two occasions, one specimen obtained. I do not think this rare Hawk is nearly so shy as has been represented. The first time I met with it was at Lonw's Creek in the Barberton district, where I walked right underneath the large tree on which it was perched without alarming it ; on my moving about in the thick undergrowth it flew out, but only went as far as the next tree, where I shot it. Two o£ these Hawks were frequenting the trees around the buildings on the Tzaneen Estate in the Zoutpansberg, where there were plenty of Kaffirs about ; they allowed me to approach them across an open piece of ploughed land and shoot one, after which the other bird, flying from tree to tree, made off. In this district I came suddenly upon one seated on the top of a tree-fern within a few yards of me ; although it must have seen me it did not fly away, and actually allowed me to change the cartridges in my gun before taking flight, when it was shot. On another occasion one flew into a thick tree out in the open by a disused farmhouse; here I approached the tree, and after walking round it without seeing the Hawk, threw a stone into the tree, when the bird flew out on the other side and got away. I have no doubt that they seek protection amongst the thick foliage of trees, but they are not entirely confined to the bush, as I have on several occa- sions found them out in the open, when they do not appear to be particularly shy. These birds have a curious musk-like smell, which I have noticed on more than one occasion. 518. Aquila wahlbergi. (Wahlberg's Eagle.) (a) (^ . 20.10.06. Swazieland. In stomach three lizards. In October 1906 a pair of these birds were nesting in a high tree overhanging the Com pise river. The nest was a large one some two feet in diameter, and was built of sticks 30 Mr. C. H. Taylor on Birch placed in a fork o£ the tree al)ont 45 feet from tlie ground ; it was thickly lined with bunches of green leaves taken from the same tree. Both birds take their share in incubating the single egg, the one not so occupied remaining within call on a neighbouring tree. The male was shot as he flew from the nest. When the sitting bird is disturbed, after circling round the tree for some considerable time, sometimes as long as half an hour, uttering a very harsh scream every now and again, it mounts in wide circles until almost lost to view; from this elevation, often at a great distance from the nest, the bird glides with outstretched wings until it is immediately over the nest, when after poising for an instant it stoops perpendicularly; so rapid is its descent that the eye can hardly follow it, apparently it checks itself without effort only on reaching the nest. The single egg taken measures 63 mm. x 46 mm. It is of oval shape ; ground-colour dirty white; the egg is blotched sparsely with reddish-brown splashes unevenly spread and of varying size. The texture of the shell is, for an Eagle's egg, surprisingly smooth. The egg was rather dirty and more or less coloured with a reddish dyeing of what I take to be blood, particularly on one side, where it looks exactly as if some one had upset some red ink over it and then tried to rub it out. 523. LoPHOAETUS OCCIPITALIS. (Crested Hawk Eagle.) (a) unsexed juv. 25.7.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris light yellow ; feet whitish ; claws black. ih) c?. Rare. I first saw this handsome Eagle seated on a rock overlooking a stream ; although I took at least half an hour to crawl up to it through the grass, it never moved. The young bird had evidently been caught in a trap some time before I shot it, as the middle toes of both feet show some malformation, the claw of the right being completely reversed, whilst that of the left is double or split and about one-eighth of the proper length. from the Anisterclion lyistrirt. 31 530. AsTURiNULA MONOGRAMMICA. (African Buzzard Eagle.) (a) ? . 17.6.0G. Indhlovudvvalilie. Iris bright red. In stomach lizards. Length 15 in. (/>) ? . 21.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris bright red. Stomach empty. Length 14 in. Fairly common. On several occasions I have noticed these Hawks sitting either on trees or on a stony kopje near the house, waiting for an opportunity to catch young chickens. In this district it is considered to be one of the worst chicken thieves of all our Hawks. They are not shy and are generall}- easily approached. 531. BuTEO JACKAL. (Jackal Buzzard.) (a) (^ . 27.8.06. Indhlovudwalilie. In stomach one rat, one small bird, four lizards, one chameleon, a number of small insects and beetles, and a large hairy spider. Common. When pairing towards the end of August these large Hawks fight continually and may be seen circling round each other in the air, uttering every now and again a harsh scream which may be heard for miles. Last year two of these birds gripped one another in the air, and on tumbling down to the ground were both killed by a Kaffir in sight of the house. They may be seen seated for hours on some prominent rock on the look-out for their food, which consists largely of lizards. They are very cunning in always alighting on the highest rock, so that nobody can approach them without being seen. I have noticed them circlino- round and round over grass fires, sometimes dashing rio-ht through the thick smoke. As they have a habit of sitting on prominent posts or fencing poles, the Swazies set iron traps for them in these places, often with success. 533. BuTEO DESERTORUM. (Steppe Buzzard.) (a) 10.10.06. Swazieland. Two or three seen about the middle of October. A great chicken thief, very bold and fearless when hungry, I have seen this bird flying round within a few yards when the fowls 32 Mr. C. H. Taylor on JUrds were being fed. On one occasion it darted down and catching a chicken made oif before a gun could be procured. 534. MiLvus ^GYPTius. (Yellow-billed Kite.) (a) ? . 22.10.06. Swazieland. Occasionally seen and obtained. No doubt there are more in the district later on during the summer months. 536. Elanus CiERULEUS. (Black-shouldered Kite.) (a) ? . 2(j.9.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris bright red. In stomach two rats. Common. I do not think this harmless Kite ever touches chickens, its food consisting chiefly of lizards and rats ; two of the latter were found in the stomach of one shot. In this locality they remain all through the winter from May until October. 540. AcciPiTER RUFiVENTRis. (African Sparrow-Hawk.) (a) ? juv. 26.9.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris yellow. In stomach two small birds. {h) $ . 3.10.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris bright yellow. In stomach one rat. Several times I came across this Hawk in the thick bush, where it flies between the trees with the greatest of ease. 1 found it nesting in the beginning of October: the nest was placed in a fork on the top of a tree about twenty feet high ; it was built of sticks and thickly lined with lichen, evidently taken from a neighbouring tree. This lichen, which was very long, hung down so as to nearly cover the outside of the nest, giving it a green appearance. The plumage in (a) is very instructive ; the chin and chest-feathers show the dark brown shaft-stripes well marked, but there is no trace of cross-barring on the breast, abdomen, or flanks. 543. AsTUR TACHIRO. (African Goshawk.) (a) S' 21.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris light yellow; legs yellow. In stomach mouse. Eare. The only one seen was procured when seated on some trees quite close to the house, where it was apparently watching for chickens. They are said to be very destructive to poultry. from the Am&tordam Dislrict. 33 553. Circus ranivorus. (South African Harrier.) (a). 6 . Length 21", exp. al. 47". Legs light yellow. Swazieland. 22.6.06. Not common. I disturbed one of these Harriers when eating something in the grass, when it flew round and round at a great height for some minutes, and was shot on returning to the spot from whence it rose. 554. PoLYBOROiDES TYPicus. (Harrier Hawk.) (a) ? . 6.10.06. Indhlovudwalilie. (6) ? immature. 17.10.06. ISwazieland. Fairly common at times, though I never noticed it until late in the winter. This Hawk is a great chicken thief, though it is so shy and wary that it seldom approaches farm- buildings, but does great damage near Kaffir kraals. I think it is the most difficult to get near of all our Hawks ; on several occasions directly I came within sight of one of these birds it made off. They are very tenacious of life, and although badly wounded will generally make off to some trees as long as their wings are intact. I have noticed this on several occasions : one example which I shot in this district although coming down to the ground when hit with buck- shot, managed to rise again and flew off to the bush, appa- rently none the worse ; next day, however, it was found hanoinff dead in the boughs of a large tree. 'to 555. *Gyps kolbii. (Kolbe's Vulture.) These birds have been known to breed on a rocky precipice overhanging the Compies river for the last twenty years. I found a fully fledged young one in the middle of July when several pairs appeared to be breeding. Towards evening about fifty of these birds may be seen sailing along one after the other to their sleeping-place, sometimes flying close to the ground and sometimes at a great height. They are a great nuisance to the sheep-farmer. Several full-grown sheep and lambs were killed on this farm during the lambing-season. On one occasion four or five of these birds attacked a sick sheep and killed it before the herd boy SER. II. — VOL. I. 3 34 Mr. C. IT. Taylor on Birds could get up to them ; ou being frightened ofp they attacked another sick sheep some five hundred yards off, and again killed and partly ate it before they could be driven off. First the eyes and then the tongue of the sheep are picked out. In the Amersfoort district I knew a case in which two healthy full-grown Merino sheep were attacked and killed. These birds, although useful scavengers in devouring dead animals such as horses and cattle, are a serious menace to the sheep-farmer. During the war they increased very rapidly, and the wastage of stock supplied much food ; the supply of dead animals is now much less ; game has also been driven away by civilization, and the bad habits to which these birds are taking are probably due to a shortage of their normal food-supply. 563. Serpentarius secretaeius. (Secretary Bird.) (a) unsexed. 5.7.0G. Indhlovudwalilie. Length 51", exp. al. 74". In stomach two large rats, one small snake, two chameleons, and three lizards. Fairly common. They are generally difficult to approach, although the one I shot allowed me to crawl up to it through the long grass to within a distance of about 15 yards ; it evidently heard me coming, and stood looking in my direc- tion, appearing to be more curious than frightened. I notice that the wing is spread out as a shield on all occasions when they are catching their food, and not only when snakes are attacked. 564. Phalacrocorax lucidus. (White-breasted Duiker.) (a) ^ . 8.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris light green. In stomach fish. Not common. A fair number frequent the river. I w^atched one of the Comorants for some time on one occasion and was struck by the great ease with which so large a bird dives and splashes about in the water ; at times it would swim round and round in a circle, generally ending up with a diAe. Two large fish about 8 inches long were found in the stomach of one shot. Sometimes these birds may be seen flying up and down the river at a great height. from llie Amsferchou Dislrief. 35 568. Plotus rufus. (Snake Bird.) (a) (J. 17.7.06. Swazieland. In stomach fish. (b) ? . 15.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris yellow. In stomach fish. Fairly common along the banks of the Compies river. In three of these birds which I have skinned I have found the whole throat and the upper part of the stomach covered inside with countless numbers of worms : these parasites are about an inch in length and very thin. It is most surprising how these birds can live in such a state. In one specimen I found the worms in great numbers at the back of the mouth and under the tongue. They seem to be much more easily approached in this district than in the Great Letaba Valley in the Zoutpansberg, where I found them very shy. When wounded, they immediately dive and are not seen again ; probably they take shelter under the reeds by the side of the river. 584. Scopus umbretta. (Hammerkop.) (a) ? . 3.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Common. A very tame bird ; one was shot whilst feeding in the water-furrow a few yards from the house. In October 1906, I came across a nest, on a rock in the middle of a small stream, without eggs, which was composed entirely of mealie stalks. It was most surprising how a bird of this size could carry such a load to its nest. Two pure white ego-s were taken from a nest near Amsterdam on September 9th. 605. *Geronticus calvus. (Bald Ibis.) Plentiful, generally to be seen going about in small flocks of from three to six. They breed regularly on a ledge of a krantz overhanging the (Jompies river : they also breed near Amersfoort on the High Veld. A flock when disturbed usually rises in circle to a great height before making off. 606. *Hagedashia hagedash. (Hadada.) Common. Far more easy to approach than the preceding species, although at times they are very shy. Usually to be found in swampy places. I did not preserve any. no Mr. C. H. Taylor on JJ'wih On November 29fch, in the Amersfoort district, a fully- fledged young one (now in the Pretoria Zoological Gardens) was taken by a Kaffir from a nest, containing two birds, placed in a willow-tree overhanging a small spruit. Previous to this the same nest had been robbed of three eggs. I did not see the nest myself. 613. *Sarcidiornis melanonota. (Knob-billed Duck.) Rare. A few stragglers seen flying over, probably on their way to the more suitable " pan " districts of Lake Crissie. In the Amersfoort district (S.E. Transvaal) they are resi- dent, and breed regularly during the months of November and December, making a nest in the long grass, usually at the side of a vlei or near a pan. In one instance on the farm Eolfontein they used to nest amongst the stones on a low- lying kopje, but of recent years have been too much dis- turbed in this locality, and apparently no longer breed there. They are very destructive to lands freshly sown with mealies or oats, rooting up the grain and doing much damage. A few months ago, in the Ermelo district, four of these Ducks were caught in traps put into a patch of forage for this 2")urpose. I have seen them in great numbers on the Que Que river in Matabeleland, where they are migratory, arriv- ing in September and staying all through the rainy season. In Rhodesia I have noticed them flying in small parties often at a great heig'nt, but this is probably when they are migrating or changing their feeding-ground. I am told that when they change their plumage in the spring they lose nearly all their feathers at once, and when in this state, being unable to fly, are frequently caught. 620. *Anas sparsa. (Black Duck.) Fairly common. These birds seem to prefer the smaller rivers, where there is more cover, and where they are less likely to be seen than in the larger ones. I have shot but not preserved them. from the Ani.sferdain IHslrirt, 37 631. *CoLUMBA PHJiONOTA. (Speckled Pigeon.) Common amongst tbe krantzes overhanging the (Jompies river, where they nest. I have seen them in considerable flocks of over fifty. I have shot them occasionally, but never troubled to preserve them. They are excellent eating. 632. CoLUMBA ARQUATRix. (Olive Pigeon.) c? . 28.6.06. Indhlovudv^-alilie. Iris slaty grey, bill and legs bright yellow. Stomach contained wild figs and seeds. Very local. A flock of these birds frequented some lig- trees in the thick bush for some time, but moved ofl" again after beinij there about a fortnight and have not been seen since. They appear to be very tame, and when disturbed in the bush only fly from one tree to another. On one occasion when shot at they only flew about twenty yards into another tree. They seem to be particulnrly fond of the fruit of wild fig-trees, and whilst in the district could alwajs be found on these trees. The Swazie doctors value this bird greatly foi medicine, pounding up the heart into a powder. They are very good eating. 638. *TuRTUR SENEGALENSis. (Laughing Dove.) Abundant : far the commonest Dove in the district. I found them nesting early in May. 647. *Francolinus COQUI. (Coqui Francolin.) Not at all common. Generally found inhabiting stony kopjes. As a rule, the}'' lie very close and are hard to flush. 650. Francolinus levaillanti. (Cape Redwing.) (a) ?. 18.6.06. Indhlovudwalilie. Iris brown. Stomach contained seeds. (b) c? . 16.6.06. Iris light brown. In stomach seeds and insects. Common. These birds are entirely confined to the most rocky kopjes, and, as far as I know, are never to be found in the more open veldt, where I have often looked for them. However, they often go into the thick bu?;hj and wlren 38 Mr. C. il. Taylor on U'lnh flushed after a .sliort fliglit drop suddenly into thick cover. When found on rocky ground they are very difficult to flush, and I know of one instance wliere one was i)icked up by a shooter under his pointer's nose. They feed a great deal in old niealie lands by the side of the bush, and are generally to be found in coveys of tVoni six to ten. (KIO. *(ioTURNlx AFRICANA. (Cape Quail.) Never seen in large numbers, but a few odd birds have been here the whole winter. Their favourite haunt is in a vlei or by the side of a spruit. I have shot but not preserved them. CxSI"). PoDiCA PETERSl. (Peters' Fin-foot.) (a) ?. 5.7.06. Indhlovudwahlie. Length 22i", exp. al. 24". Iris pale yellow : legs bright orange-red ; bill : culmen and upper beak black shading into horn-colour at tip ; upper portion of upper beak orange-red at gape, shading past the nostril to brownish horn ; mandible reddish orange. Stomach contained two fish. {!>) 9. 14.7.06. Indhlovudwahlie. Length 22^'^ exp. al. 25'', wing W, Iris brown. In stomach two water-crabs, a fish, and three water-beetles. Hare resident. Two specimens only were seen and both were procured. Both these were females, each having the white stripe down the side of the neck. I first noticed one of these birds through my glasses and saw it swim across the Compies river from one clump of reeds to another; it was swimming with its body above the water just like a duck, nodding its head as it swaui. I found it exceedingly difficult to flush, and it was not until I had gone up and down the reeyinond.s on the i)^)S. Otogyps auricularis. (Black Vulture.) This Vulture is only seen here, as far as my experience goes, in pairs. They may be seen feeding on a carcase whilst Gf/ps kolhii stands looking on. Once, when trying to stalk them, I saw a fine Tawny Eagle (Agiiila rapa.v) feeding at the same time ; but although I fired both barrels at the Eagle as he rose, I failed to get him. On account of his feeding alone, and the Common Vulture holding aloof, avrindaris is often called the " King Vulture." I have seen their nests on mimosa-trees ; but as the nests are of large diameter (about 4 feet), and built of very fine thorny sticks on the top of these very thorny trees, they are difficult of access. The only egg I have ever obtained was one from such a nest near here, and identified by seeing the old bird on the nest. The egg was large, whitish and streaked or faintly blotched with a reddish-brown colour. Unfortunately the egg was broken and could not be saved, as the difficulty of reaching the nest and getting away again with the egg was too much for my very intelligent coloured boy. The markings on the egg were mostly on the large end on this specimen. There is only one nest I have ever seen — namely, that of the Secretary Bird — the diameter of which must have ])e(ni greater. I have never been able to shoot one of these birds, as they are very wary while feeding and sit close on their nests. I used to see two nests in the vicinity of our I own, but during the war the trees were cut down, and the nests are therefore no more there. .■)G3. Serpentarius srcretaril-s. (Secretary Bird.) This bird is protected in the O.ll.C, and I have never shot one, but have seen them frequently on the veld. As far as my observations go, they live on locusts, lizards, and young birds. I have never seen one attack a snake, though I have carefully watched them. A pair had a nest not far from my house : a gigantic structure on a low thorn tree, loosely [)ut together, and, although on a low tree, inaccessible without a ladder. I do not think the nests are lined, as one can see throu^ih them. I have never found anv skulls or bones Jjird.'^ of fJw J\rooiisfad J^l.'itricf. 45 outside the nests, as is generally tbe case round Eagles' nests. They are usually seen in pairs on the veld, and they run some distance (with wings outspread), at a considerable speed, before they start flying. 553. Circus rani torus. (South African Harrier.) I obtained a specimen of this Harrier in a vlei in this district in 1892 ; it is not common, so far as I know, and 1 know little or nothing of its habits. Perhaps the droughts of late years have made it scarce, as all our pans and vleis have been dried up. Trichol.ema leucomelas. (Pied Barbet.) I have been watching these birds for some weeks, and have sent to the Transvaal Museum a branch of a tree (willow) with the young birds. What is well marked is the different attempts at starting a hole for the nest, apparently due to their not finding a suitably soft enough place in the wood. Since then I have taken another nest in a large branch of dead willow ; and as I had carefully watched the bird make his nest — that is, pick it out with his beak, — and have since taken the eggs and the old bird, it is sufficient proof that the Barbets make their own nests in the old rotten wood of a willow tree, and do not use the holes made bv other species. The eggs (two in number) were pure white with a pinkish tinge, perhaps due to the yolk of the egg : 7iot rough, and with no spots or markings. As I had daily- watched this nest, I think my remarks can be taken as accurate. I am sending the branch of this tree, with the eggs, to the Transvaal Museum. We have at least ten or twelve more nests of the same bird in the neio-hbourhood, but most of them inaccessible, and not to be distinouished from T). cardinalis (Cardinal Woodpecker) unless the bird is seen and watched. 270. Prinia flavicans. (Black-chested Wren-Warbler.) I had a nest of this pretty little bird in my hedge in front of my verandah last year. I watched them building, with a lot of fine grass, a per})endicular oblong-shaped nest, with the 46 Dr. E. Symonds on the entrance at one side. When I thought they must have laid all their eggs I cut the branch in the hedge and brought the nest into the dining-room, intending to catch the old birds in the morning ; but my wife, on looking at the eggs early the next day, found one of them chipped : so we replaced the nest, and were very pleased to see the old birds take to it again. Eventually they raised the brood of four, and we always watched their comings and goings in the afternoon. They would fly so close to us that we could see the food in their beaks — generally small green caterpillars of, I suppose, the common cabbage white butterfly. They became very tame and did not mind any of us. When the young began to leave the nest there was a great commotion : the old birds called and twitted incessantly, especially to one weak one, which got on the ground and could not rise again ; so we picked it up and put it in the nest, being afraid of the cats. The others all slept happily in the hedge that night, and the next morning took their departure, including the Aveakly one. This year they are building again, but I have not yet found the nest. 681. Gallinula chloropus. (Moor Hen.) Very common in all the pans in this district, and very tame. It is rarely shot, as its edible qualities are not of the best unless skinned. 683. PoRPHYRio MADAGASCARiENSis. (King Reed-hen.) This beautiful bird — the " Konig Reit-haan '' of the Boers — is common in wet seasons. One year they were in this district in large numbers ; there had been heavy rains, and I put up many of them in a large vlei while walking-up snipe. The water was shallow and the grass very long. They do not rise unless one is almost over them. Their flight is heavy ; but they must be able to fly long distances, as they disappear in dry seasons. 687. BuGERANUS CARUNCULATUS. (Wattled Crane.) Some years ago I knew of a pair of these birds on a large pan (" Trutersdal ^^) in this district, and they nested on 'a Birds of llie Krooustad District. 47 small island of reeds for some years, as they were never molested. There was also a pair at a pan on the farm Leeuwkuil, Kronstad. These also nested in the reeds ; but, alas ! both these pans have been dry for some years, and the reeds have been destroyed. I could often hav(^ shot them, but never in any way interfered with them ; and the old '^ Boor " looked upon them with a certain amount of reverence, and was proud of seeino- them stalking about in a most stately manner. Their antics in the breeding-season w^ere decidedly ludicrous. (j%d). Tetrapteryx paradisea. (Blue Crane.) This Crane is very common here, and is found in flocks of almost one hundred, and they do great damage in the newly- sown mealie-ttclds. They are very wary and can only be shot with a rifle. The young ones are often caught and brought up on a farm. 089. Baleaeica regulorum. (Crowned Crane.) This most handsome bird was at one time not uncommon here, but since the droughts of the last three years I have seen very few. I had a tame pair for a couple of years, and they would come to be fed when called ; but they were often very troublesome, and had to be shut out of the room at meal-times, as they would walk round the table and snap anything off one's plate with considerable smartness, and then trot off making a sort of croak or chuckle. Un- fortunately, they both came to an untimely end. I have seen them in a troop of ten or twelve, but only in the winter. I think this bird should be protected, as it does no harm and is frequently destroyed in a wanton useless manner. 701. Otis koei. (Gom Paauw.) This fine Bustard is rarely seen here now, though it was never very common. I once saw a pair in captivity, and grand birds they were ; t!ie male had a way of ruffling-out his neck-feathers in great style, I have never yet seen one shot that weighed 30 lbs. ; Ijut 48 Dr. E. Symonds on the the late Mr. Edwards, of Dreifontein, Dist. Heilbron, O.E.C. (a good sportsman), told me he had shot one which weighed over 30 lbs. 696. Otis cafra. (Stanley Bustard.) This bird is fairly common in this district at certain times of the year, especially in August, when the veldt has been burnt. They require a very good shot to kill them outright. I remember killing three one afternoon, with a Martini-Henri rifle : two dropped stone-dead, but the third, raked through from stern to bow, flew about 1000 yards and then fell dead. 694. Otis vigorsi, (Vaal Knorhaan.) This Bustard is common here, and easily shot if one only circle round with the eye fixed on the spot where it squatted. If that spot is lost, the odds are that the bird will be lost. The beautiful pink tinge of the underparts is very interesting, as the colouring fades quickly after death. 699. Otis c^rulescbns. (Blue Knorliaan.) We have many of these fine birds, especially on certain farms. On one large block of ground, where the White- tailed Gnu still roams, they were very numerous, as old Piet Terblans would allow you to shoot a Wildebeest for money, but you were not allowed to shoot a " Blaauw Knor- haan." Having often shot on his farm as long ago as 1880, I knew his peculiarity ; and the birds were fairly plentiful. Why are they almost always found in threes and fives ? They are often easy of approach by circling round them, and if one is dropped and left on the ground the others will not go far away, and one can bag the three or five if only the gun is held straight. 692. Otis afroidis. (White-quilled Knorhaan.) This is our commonest Bustard and affords good sport, but will ruin dogs by its running propensities, and if winged or wounded in long grass is most difficult to find and bag. JiinLi (if the Ki'Ooii.- in Portinjiiese Juist Africa. '>?> 9. Pelecanus roseus. (Eastern White Pelican.) I met some of these birds off Xefnia in Delaooa Bav and in Lake Tswali on the border of Gazaland. I only shot a few in the Tswali in August 1906, but I was told that in a month or two the birds would be on the lake and on the Manzi Mhlope in great numbers. 10. Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. (Saddle-bill or African Jabiru.) This bird did not seem diflticult to approach. I shot at one with a rifle at about 100 yards, and again with shot as it flew. It only went about 400 yards and then settled, and I shot it with swan-shot at about 100 yards. Next day I shot another at 150 yards with a rifle. In the specimen which I shot in June 1906 a few miles above Sabie, on the Inko- mati River, the two small dependent fleshy lappets were lemon-yellow, and not nearly so large as depicted in Sclater's work (vol. iv. p. 44). I did not notice any bare bright crimson spot on the breast. The wings stretched 8^ feet. The nails resemble human nails in a most remarkable deo-ree. The bill from base to tip measured 14^ inches. The above remarks are substantially similar in the case of another specimen shot subsequently at Tswali. 11. Ardea GOLIATH. (Goliath Heron.) 1 shot a specimen of this bird on the outlet of the Manzi Mhlo})e into the Iswali on August 14th, 1906. 12. Ardea purpurea. (Purple Heron.) I shot these birds on the Inkomati River on the 16th, 17th, and 18th June, 1906, as food for my native boys. 13. Ibis ^thiopica. (Sacred Ibis.) I shot many of these birds on my trip, which were eagerly eaten by the Kaffirs. 14. Hagedashia HAGEDASH. (Hadadah.) I shot one of these birds on the Inkomati River two hours east of Maouda ; it was excellent catino-. 54 Dr. G. Turner oji Birds ohserved during a 15. Plegadis falcinellus. (Glossy Ibis.) I shot one on a vlei near Lake Tswali in August 1906. 16. Phcenicoptekus koseus. (Gi'eater Flamingo.) I did not see any of these birds, l)ut I was informed that they are very numerous on the Tswali and Manzi Mhlope in the summer. 17. Plectropterus gambensis. (Spur-winged Goose.) I shot these birds at Manzi Mhlope in August 1906 and near Sabie in June. 18. Sarcidiornis melanonota. (Knob-billed Duck.) I shot one in August 1906 on the Manzi Mhlope ; it was very good eating. 19. Dendrocycna viduata. (White-faced Duck.) I shot one of these on the Inkomati near Mangule on the 19th August, 1906. 20. Anas undulata. (Geelbec or Yellow-bill.) I shot one of these on the Tswali Lake on the 15th August, 1906, and since that date I obtained several others ; they are of very fine flavour. 21. ViNAGO DELALANDii. (Delalande's Green Pigeon.) I shot these birds between Kilometre 53 and Sabie, on the Inkomati Piver in July ; they are delicious birds to eat. 22. TuRTUR CAPicoLA. (Cape Turtle-Dove.) I shot these birds all along the Inkomati River in 1906. They nested in the trees beside the river, and I took several clutches ; some partly incubated in June. 23. Pternistes swainsoni. (Swainson's Francolin.) I shot a hen at M'Karu on the 12tli July, 1906 ; they are generally found in pairs in July. 24. Balearica regulorum. (Crowned Crane.) I saw this bird in small parties of four to six at Manzi Mhlope in August 1906. 25. Otis ruficrista. (Red-crested Knorhaan.) I obtained a specimen about three miles S.S.E. of Posto- IShoolliuj-l rljj In. Portuyiiese East Africa. 55 do-Sabie on the 20th June, 1906. I should not call the crown o£ the head and the patch from the base o£ the beak to below the eye exactly slaty blue ; the central band of black on the throat was very indistinct, due to the base of the feathers being black, whilst the tuft of decomposed feathers on the nape was very pale. 2<6. Otis afroides. (White-quilled Knorhaan.) Four were shot on August 10th, 1906, at Mangula, Gaza- land. There were 12 together in a flock. 27. CEdicnemus vermiculatus. (Water Dikkop.) I shot this bird on the Inkomati River near Mangula on August 19th, 1906. 28. Glareola melanoptera. (Nordmann's Pratincole.) I saw and shot birds answering this description on an island on the Tswali Lake in August 1906. Dr. Atherston, of Port Alfred, informs me that he has shot and eaten this bird, which caused him symptoms of ptomaine poisoning. 29. AcTOPHiLUS AFRICANUS. (African Jacana.) I first saw and shot this bird in a pan near the Inkomati on the border of the Sabie and Magar districts. When wounded, it hid in the reeds, keeping all but its bill under water. On the Kolivan River they were very numerous and very tame. They rose singly and in flocks up to two dozen in number and were quite a nuisance, because they flew before me a short distance at a time and put up the game — ducks &c. — which I was attempting to shoot. 30. LoBiVANELLUS LATERALIS. (Wattled Plover.) I shot a specimen of this bird at the end of June on a vlei on the border of Sabie and Magxida near the Inkomati, but the wattle was not red in colour — it was gamboge. 31. HorLOPTERUS ARMATUS. (Blacksmith Plover.) Very common on the Tswali and Manzi Mhlope. 32. Struthio australis. (Southern Ostrich.) On the 11th August, 1906, I saw an Ostrich's nest at ij(l Mr. F. Thomson on Mangula, Gazalancl. It was on a grassy plain wliich in snnnner would have boen under water. The hirds had carefully removed all the grass, and the eggs (21 in number) were on the bare sandy soil ; hardly so much as a depression had been formed to receive them. The nest had been visited on several occasions, the 9th, 10th, and 11th August, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on each occasion the cock bird was on the nest. The nest was discovered by Mr. Brockhuizen very nearly riding over the male, which he thought had scattered the eggs on starting up, but on the following day the cock bird was again on the nest, and the eggs were not all in it. Mr. Brockhuizen put them all in. On the 11th I saw the nest. The cock allowed us to get within 30 or 40 yards. Nineteen eggs were in the nest and two just outside ; the latter were quite cold, and I took them. They were addled. Most of the eggs were blood- stained. [It is greatly to be regretted that Dr. Turner was unable to take with him a taxidermist, as he shot and observed many species wdiich he was not able to determine or to preserve. His own time and that of his Dutch hunter was very fully occupied in shooting for his party and in looking after his boats, but it is hoped that now it has been shown that com- ])arativ('ly an easy river-trip can be taken through these interesting parts, others will follow Dr. Turner's example and make a survey on their route of the many rare species which are probably to be met with. — Edd.] VII. — Locust JJirds in the Transvaal. By F. Thojisen, Assistant Chief Locust Officer, Division of Entomology, Transvaal Department of Agriculture. My duties as Assistant Chief Locust Officer take me over most of the Transvaal. Everything in connection with locust- destruction is carefully noted, and birds especially are a subject of much study. All our District Locust Oificers LocHsl JJ'ird.^ ill the Transvaal. t)l are instructed to report on any birds they see destroying locusts. In tlie following paper I have prepared some notes on the most useful birds, as nearly all birds eat locusts ; even grain- eaters often feed their young on insects, and should there be some young voetgangers at hand would naturally take them. 1 have, however, selected those which have been noticed by myself, or on which we have reports from the District Locust Officers, or private observers. When the system of arsenic spray was introduced, the danger of poisoning useful birds presented itself. Experience has, however, taught us that the poisoned voetgangers have no ill effects on the birds in general, and even domestic fowls do not suffer harm. Still, orders are always issued to the District Locust Officers, and the farmers are warned not to spray with arsenic where locust-eating birds ap])ear in any number, not because of the danger to these birds, but because they are quite able to destroy the voetgangers without any assistance. Should there be very large swarms of these insects, as was the case, for instance, last year in the Rusten- burg District, the birds cannot eat them all. Small scattered swarms are an easy prey to birds. It is a notable fact that birds only attack the flying locusts from behind, and I have never seen birds, with few excep- tions, flying intentionally into a travelling swarm. They seem to tear the rushing noise, or know that a wind-driven locust travels with great force, and can hurt anything which it strikes. I am sure most people have experienced this, when they happened to drive or ride into a wind-driven locust- swarm. I have often noticed that locust-eating birds lie quite flat on the ground when a swarm passes overhead. I have observed tame pigeons becoming accidentally mixed up in a travelling locust-swarm ; they seemed to be quite helpless, fluttering about, darting here and there in tryino- to get out of the way, as the moving insects strike them, and when they had reached a place of safety were quite exhausted. 58 Mr. F. Tlioniscn on Both our inioratino; locusts, the Red Locust and the Brown Locust, do a great amount o£ damage, and the locust question is a most serious one for the South African fanner, as the growing crops, the ripening grain which meant (hiys of toil and labour, even the grass on the veldt is often devoured and swept away by these greedy insects. In the early stages, as Yoetgangers, the farmer can work against them with con- siderable ease, but when the flying swarms appear he can only try to drive them away. There are, however, many little feathered friends which hel]), and which although they niio'ht not be able to avert this danger altogether will do a creat deal in minimisino; it. To show what part the l)irds take in locust-destruction, the following will be of interest. A friend of mine who used to trap birds, and also animals for collections, often told me that it was useless to put out snares or lay tra])S when a swarm of locusts, either mature insects or voetgangers, were in the neighbourhood. All birds follow these insects, feeding on them, and no bait was touched ; he had to wait until the locusts were either eaten up or had passed. To the west of the Transvaal is a vast waterless stretch of country, the Kalahari Desert. The swarms which are hatched in the Transvaal travel westwards as soon as they are strong enough to fly long distances. These swarms seem to stay in the west for some time and return during the winter months- Last year the first swarms came in May, and this season as early as March. What is the attraction which causes the adult insect to go west, and come east in winter to lay eggs? There are ditferent views which could be taken on this question. We find during the summer months many swarms of birds, such as the " Glareola," the " Abdimia Stork," the " European Stork," and the " W attled Starling," hunting and eating the locusts ; in fact most of these birds live on locusts alone. I have often noticed these insects chased by birds ; they seem to be well aware of the danger, and either try to get away and out of reach by great speed of flight, or they drop to the ground and take cover. Many a time I have seen vocl- Locuxt Birch hi the TvausvaaJ. 50 ^Xnno-ers in a patch of mealies : the stalks were covered with the little fellows, lookino" reddish brown from a distance. Just heyond the field a flock of White-bellied Storks were feeding. I took up a good position and watched. The nearest birds to the mealie-land saw the voetoano-ers and moved towards them, the others following. Soon the birds were amongst the mealies picking otf' the young locusts as they hopped about, but this did not last long ; I saw the birds moving out of the fields, so I went nearer to ascertain whether all the voetgangers had been finished up, but found, however, most of them hiilden under the leaves and clods, or in cracks of the ground, where they were out of sight of the birds. The Storks returned later, and it was only by catching the young voetgangers outside of cover that the birds managed to procure them. Something of the sort can also be seen in the case of the flying insects. As soon as they find them- selves hunted by Pratincoles or Kestrels they fall to the ground, get out of sight as much as possible in the long grass, and are safe for some time, as the Pratincole is not fond of taking food off' the ground. These two instances should sufiice to show that the locusts have a knowledge of the danger, and try to escape. Let us take the case of the Brown Locust, " Pachyfylus sxdcicoUis." Li December or January when the young adults start flying slowly about they are a gi-eat attraction to all kinds of birds, which hunt them every- where, and the locusts try hard to get away. Wherever they go they ar(^ attacked, and the birds often follow them for days ; the hunted insect moves on and on till it happens to come to a place where birds are rare and far between, such as some part of the Kalahari Desert. Our principal locust-eaters, such as the Glareola, the Dilophus, or the Storks, are forced to a certain extent to keep near water. Others, like the Guinea-fowl, the Francolina\, &c., are more stationary birds, and never leave their breedino-- places for a long while ; they are also mostly to be found in the neighbourhood of water and rivers. There are districts in the Kalahari where rain is, virtually speaking, unknown, sometimes ten years go by without a drop of rain ; it stands CO Mr. F. Tlioniscn on therefore to reason that birds such as the above named would not stay in a place of" that nature. I should say that the Brown Locusts, by long experience, have found out that there is a place of safety, a place where they can rest and feed undisturbed by a host of feathered enemies during the re- maining summer months. When winter approaches and the sweet herbs are eaten or dried out, the swarms look for new fields of pasture and start moving again ; perhaps the ruling winds of that period of the year have something to do with it, as it is at that time that the locust-swarms again appear in the Transvaal, coming from the West. They find a clear ground, as their feathered enemies have migrated back to the interior or to Europe. There is nothing to oppose them, no body of birds to hunt and chase thein about, and the swarms move on and on, often covering many districts of the Transvaal. The Small Locust Bird. (Glareola melanoptera.) The " Glareola " (the Small Locust Bird, as it is called by the farmers) takes a most prominent })art as a locust destroyer. We have first to consider " Glareola melano Reiclienow, pp. 670, G71, says that Perissornis cariincv- latus is absolutely dependent on locusts. They appear in large swarms and nest in colonies, in ti-ees or in holes in the sides of dongas ; the voetgangers are their guides ; where they appear in large swarms, Dilophns will build their nests, and should they give out, or be eaten up before the young are reared, the little birds die in numbers. I can only verify this report in so far that anywhere where I saw the Uilopluis, the voetgangers were in abundance. I have heard, however, from Irene, close to Pretoria, that every year some Diloplius breed there — in fact, are resident all the year round. I have seen them at Grootafdeeling, Marico District, where they slept in reeds ; they were seen every afternoon in small flocks in conipany with the Red-wing Spreeuw {Amydriis morio). Along Oberholzer's Kloof, our locust officer caused many swarms of voetgangers to be burnt. This the Dilophis soon found out and fell to eating the half -burnt locusts. A fortnight later when I arrived there it was only necessary to make a little smoke to collect numbers of DUoplws. In this way I got the skins in my possession. At Koekemoer Station, between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp, I also saw a flight of these birds feeding their young. They came in small flocks, as all the Starlings like to fly, hopped amongst the fast-moving voetgangers, filled their beaks with as much as they could hold, and flew off, a fresh lot taking their place. I watched for about fifteen minutes, and counted about as many different flights of birds, each flight consisting of some fifty in number. I tried to follow them to their nests, but this led me so far off the road into such rough country, that I had to return. Diloplms carunculatus is about the same size as the Starling, greyish brown all over the wings and tail, very dark with a greenish sheen on it. The under part of the abdomen and under tail-coverts is a very pale greyish brown ; around the eyes there is a bare bright yellow patch, on the throat of the males are two black wattles, from which the bird takes its name. These wattles are larger on some specimens, and sometimes there is also another wattle on the top of the head and one on the forehead close to the upper mandible. ()4 JMr. E. Tlioinscn on The stuffed specimen in the Pretoria Museum, the live one in the Zooh^gieal Gardens, and the skins in my possession, only have the two small wattles under the throat. Most o£ our South African Starlings, or Spreeuws, live on insects, and naturally are often found followino- the voet- gangers, helping to diminish the numbers of these pests. Some, like the Red-wing Spreeuw (^Amydrus morio), which is so fond of figs and grapes, leave the fruit alone, for the time being, and gorge themselves with voetgangers. The Wit-gat (Spreo hicolor) can also be seen on the high- veldt, feeding on young locusts. This latter Starling does not live on the low-hing regions of the Northern Bush- veldt. The White-bellied Stork. {Ahdimia ahdimii.) Ahdbn'ia ahdimii [Ciconia ahdimii, Andersson's ' Birds of Damaraland,' p. 280 ; Reichenow, p. 343 ; Brehm, v. p. ;317) has been noticed in large swarms during the last few locust seasons in the Northern parts of the Transvaal. This Stork appears after the first rain in large numbers, destroying the voetgangers. I have seen these birds in the Waterburg District in thousands. Wherever young locusts were to be found this Stork put in an a])pearance. They covered the flats like a large flock of sheep, stalking or running with outspread wings after the locusts. The voetgangers soon vanished. It was a fine sight when these birds flew home in the evening to their roosting-place — first circling round till they were mere specks in the sky, then resting on their wings, all floating in one direction towards the sleeping-place. I did not allow any s})raying with arsenic where these Storks appeared, not alone for fear of killing any of these valuable birds, for they ate poisoned locusts in many places without any harm being done to them, but because the Storks wer(^ quite capable of finishing the swarms of voetgangers. We have also communications on record saying that the White- bellied Stork arrived at places where voetgangers had been poisoned by arsenic spray. The birds were watched at their roosting-place, which was some big thorn trees ; they relumed Locust Birch in the Transvaal. (j5 every day for at least a week and looked quite healthy, no dead ones being found anywhere. Some reports were circu- lated to the effect that thousands of these Locust Birds had died on the Springbok Flats, so I caused our Locust Officer for that District to make enquiries at once. He could not find dead birds, neither did he hear of any dead ones. One bird was, however, found eaten by Jackals, far away from where any spraying had been done. Ahdimia abdimii is black with a greenish gloss on the upper parts, and, as the name implies, has a white belly. There is a circle, bare of feathers, round the root of the beak. The White, or European Stork. (Ciconia alba.) Ciconia aiha (Andersson's, p. 280 ; or Cieonia cieonia, Reichenovv, p. 345 ; Brehm, vi. p. 508) visits the Transvaal every year. This is the Large Locust Bird of the South African farmer. I have seen this bird often in the company of the Abdimia Stork in the Northern Transvaal as well as on the flats of the high veldt of the Northern districts. They do a lot of good by eating great quantities of locusts both in the adult as well as the nymphal stages. A grass-fire will always bring a nvimber of them together if they are in the neighbourhood. One can see them darting through the smoke, even running through the fire where it is not too strong, catching all insects which are disturbed by the heat. At Kosterfontein, and at Twee River in the Rustenburg district, I saw a \erj large flock of these birds last November demolishing the swarms of voetgnngers. This Stork does not breed in South Africa. The white plumage with the bhick wings, red beak, and legs of the Large Locust Birds is well known to all travellers. The Kestrels. {Tinnunculus.) When the locust-destruction work in Rustenburg and Marico districts was finished in January this year, a few swarms of locusts remained over. Some few voetgangers in out-of-the-way places, between the mountains or bushes, shed their last skin and became adults, then collected together and began to move in a south-westerly direction ; but theii flight SEK. II. — VOL. I. 5 '6G Mr. F. Thomson on was short — some did not even reach Lichtenburg ; hundreds, in fact thousands, of the South African Kestrel (^Tinnuncidns rujncola), accompanied by some Large African Kestrels ( T. riqncoloides) and Lesser Kestrels { T. naiimanni), followed the slow-moving young adult locusts, eating them in vast numbers. Some eye-witnesses say that they had never seen so many Kestrels together. Tinnimculus riipicola, like all birds-of-prey, catch the flying locusts with their claws, eating the insect piecemeal on the wing, very seldom settling down on an ant-heap to finish the meal. The wings and hind legs of the locust are dropped. Reichenow (pp. 1, 640, & 645) as well as Andersson and Brehm (vi. p. 256) report on the utility of these birds. These Kestrels are everywhere recog- nized as locust-destroyers and in some countries even con- sidered as sacred. Brehm (vi. p. 257) believes that the Tinnunculus came to South Africa from the North by follow- ing the locust-swarms, and finding the country to its liking, and food plentiful, remained. The fact is that two of the three species of Tinnunculus now breed in South Africa, although only in small numbers. In summer they appear in swarms, whether migrated from the North or collected to- gether locally is difficult to ascertain. I noticed a few days ago several pairs of T. rupicoloides to the west of Pretoria, catching flying locusts. They do not seem to like the rushing noise of the flying swarm, and get out of the way, only commencing the chase when the main body has passed, catching the stragglers and weaklings. The Guinea Fowl. {Numida coronata.) Both Andersson and Reichenow mention this bird as a locust-destroyer. There are also several reports on this bird in the ' Cape Agricultural Journal ' (1896, p. 332). I have known the Gruinea Fowl for a long time as a great feeder on both flying locusts and voetgangers, as well as the locusts' eggs. I have seen flocks of a hundred and more of these birds getting round a voctganger swarm, doing away with it. in a short time. In some years, very likely on account of the great number of locusts, the Guinea Fowl rears Locust Birds in the 2'ransvaal. 67 two broods o£ chickens. I have a report of Guinea Fowls eating poisoned voetgangers without any ill effect on the birds. In connexion with Numida eoronata, I have to mention the Pheasants and Partridges (Francoli)ins), as they also do a lot of good in destroying locusts and their eggs. Most of our South African Partridges and Pheasants of the genera Fran- colimis and Pternistes, of which we have close on eighteen different species, are great locust-destroyers, although they do not rank alike with the Guinea Fowl, as their numbers are small and they are shot and trapped everywhere in spring on account of their habit of digging for the growing mealie- kernel. I have shot Pheasants with the crop full of voet- gangers,— at other times, however, I have found it filled with a large termite. If it happens that locusts have laid eggs in the neighbourhood of rivers or any standing water where the Francolinid?3 are fond of living, a great many of the eggs are sure to be dug up by these birds, as all Pheasants and Partridges are fond of scratching. The White Egret or Tick Bird. (Bubulcus lucidus.) (Brehm (vi. p. 491) calls it Ardea Jlavirostris (Rafui.).) This well-known bird is also a great locust-destroyer. I have seen flocks of these beautiful Egrets in the Nylstroom Valley looking like long white clouds as they floated past in the early mornings. They were going to feed on the red- locust voetgangers, which were very plentiful about there in January 1905. The White Tick Bird is fond of water or moist niarshy places, although one may often find it in spots miles away from any river or dam. They accounted for many swarms of voetgangers in November and December last, in the country along Mooi River and Schoen Spruit. I have had a report recently of a flock of several hundreds of these birds from the Springbok Flats eating the flying brown locusts which infest that part of the Transvaal at the present time. It seems, however, that they can only finish off a very small number of the locusts, as they have to catch each insect by running after it and cutting it up with their beaks before 5* 68 Mr. F. Thomsen on swallowing. The voetgangers are taken up whole and in larger quantities, evidently because they are softer and with- out wings and stout hind legs. The Hadadah Ibis. (Hagedashia hagednsh?) Not very long ago I was walking down one of the long bushy creeks leading to the Barberton Bailway. I was in a hurry and had to catch the train, and did not look about much. All at once T was startled by a peculiar cry: "Hah, Hah ! " a flutter of wings followed, and close in front of me rose two dark birds from the river-ljank. They settled in a big tree and gave me time to have a good look at them, re- peating the weird call several times ; when I came nearer they flew up and alighted on some rocks close at hand. I could see some twigs and grass sticking out over the ledge — they were busy building their nest and I had disturbed them. I recognized the birds as the Hadadah Ibis (^Hagedashki liage.dash). This incident brought back to my mind some pleasant days I had spent in company with a friend several years ago on the Eastern Springbok Flats after springbok. It was in March (the shooting-season opened earlier then); there were large swarms of red voetgangers about, and the " White " and " White-bellied Storks " were busy. Late in the after- noon, when we returned, I heard the same weird cry. A large flock of Hadadah arose on the wing right in front of us and dropped on some thorn-trees. They were feeding on little voetgangers when we disturbed them. On that occasion, in the dim evening light with the red glow of the setting sun on their bodies, the birds looked much browner than they really were. I have seen these birds — there must have been several hundreds of them — and also other flocks several years later, stalking about in their peculiar fashion, moving the body right and left and bringing the head down every time, devouring voetgangers. The Hadadah is dark greenish on the back and wings, the underparts are grey, the beak is long and bent downwards. The legs are short, and the beak and feet are greenish grey; Locust Birch in the Transvaal. GO eyes nearly black. It often breeds in colonies, gathering together as long as the young birds have still the juvenile plumage — which lis of a more mottled gi'ey all over — and pairing off in Spring. In warmer parts, such as the case afore-mentioned, it seems that they start building their nests in June. There is no doubt that this bird is of great utility in locust-destruction and should not be shot, although many people consider the Hadadah a delicacy. The Crested Bustard. (Otis kori.) Although this bird is only found sparsely here and there in the bush-veldt, it does away with a great many locusts, both in the " flying " and earlier stages. This " Paauw," as it is called by the farmers, is of great size, sometimes weigh- ing as much as 30 to 40 lbs., and naturally will have to eat a lot of food. When locusts were plentiful I have seen them so fat that they could only rise with difficulty, and I have heard from hunters and natives that when in this condition they could easily be ridden down and killed with a stick. The Crested Bustard is now protected by law, and rightly too — not alone because it is scarce and breeds very slowly, laying as a rule one or two eggs, but also because it does a lot of good to the farmer in killing and eating locusts as well as mice and snakes. Besides this large Bustard the other Bustards and Korhaans eat many locusts ; their number is, however, too small to be of any great account, yet it is in the farmer's own interest to extend to these last-mentioned birds more protection. The Cape Turtle-Do ve. ( Turtur cajncola.) I am sure many people will be astonished to hear that a bird which is known as almost an exclusive grain-feeder will eat voetgangers also. The Eing-Dove has been seen by one of our " locust " officers going in small flights during the afternoon where voetgangers were hopping about and feeding on them. This observation was made in Febiiiary 1905 along the Pienaars River ; it is not alone interesting on this account, but also for the reason that voetgangers (red locusts) were dying of arsenic spray. The Doves were carefully 70 Mr. F. Thorn sen on watclicd, whore they went to roost ; next morninfr all re- turned to their voetganger feed and none seemed to be the worse for it ; nor could any dead ones be found. The larger European Turtle-Dove has been reported as eating small snails in Europe. I have seen some of the Ring-Doves in Oberholzer's kloof eating voetgangers in November last. The Blue Crane. {Tetrapteryx paradisea^ All over South Africa the Blue Crane, or Stanley Crane (7'. paradisea), is found in pairs or small flocks. Most travellers know this stately bird with its pearl-grey plumage and long feathers. How often one hears, on a warm Spring day, the plaintive cry of this Crane flying high overhead, a mere speck to the eye, or more often nothing but the flash of the underside of the wings in the morning sun can be noticed as the eye looks where the strange call came from. This Crane is a great locust-eater, but, as far as the Transvaal is ccncerned, it does not account for much ; its numbers are too small. Reichenow calls this bird Anthropoides paradisea, the Large Locust Bird of the Dutch inhabitants (" De groote Springhaan-vogel"). I have never heard, in all my travel- lings, any Dutch farmer call the Blue Crane " de groote Springhaan-vogel ; " if he speaks about a Large Locust Bird he invariably means the European Stork (Ciconia alba). I have been informed by many people that this Crane does a lot of good in digging up locust-eggs. The Swallow. One afternoon late in November, while I was travelling on the road from the Lead-mine to Mabalstadt, my attention was drawn to perhaps a hundred small birds flying round one spot on the veldt. Coming near I recognized these birds to be the White-throated Swallow (Ilirimdo albigidaris) ; they had collected a little swarm of small voetgangers in some long grass and were circling round these, picking the insects off the grass as they darted past. The only other instance I can record was at Nylstroom. In January 1905 the voet- gangers were moving over the waggon-road, hopping in their Locust Birds in the Transvaal. 71 peculiar fashion. Some Swallows flying forwards and back- wards over them were taking the young locusts when they were in mid-air. It was there also, a few days later, that I saw about half a dozen Swifts swooping close over a swarm of very young voetgangers and catching them as they hopped up. The Quail. (^Cotumix capensis.) A small bird, but a great locust-eater, is the South African Quail. It appears, like most migrating birds, after the first rains have fallen, although I have often noticed a brace or so in the winter months where lots of food were to be found, such as old cattle-kraals or Kaffir corn- and mealie-fiolds, feeding on the little black seeds of weeds growing in such places. The Quail breeds in South Africa in wheat- and oat-fields. Numbers of eggs and young are destroyed by the reapers. In nearly every Dutch farmhouse strings of eggs can be seen hanging on the walls ; most of these are Quail-eggs — in the Orange River Colony more so than in the Transvaal ; in the latter Colony more eggs of the smaller Finches will be found. I have seen bags of fifty or more brace of Quail by one sportsman in a day. Considering the great help this small bird gives to the farmer in devouring all kinds of insects, and especially locust-voetgangers ^, I quote an article which appeared in the 'Cape Agricultural Journal' of 1893 (p. 227), under the heading of " Quails and Locusts." The French journal called the ' Eleveur ' (that is, " Breeder ") publishes an article on the traffic in Quails, which the writer criticises from an entirely new point of view. The correspondent attributes the enormous increase of locusts, from wdiich the Algerian Colonists have so fearfully suffered last year, to the cupidity and greed of gain of a few dealers in poultry. The writer goes on to say how most game-birds are shot at recklessly, and concludes with the following statistical remarks: — "A * [See the review of the U. S. Department of Agriculture Pamphlet on the Quails, vol. ii. p. 138. — Edd.] 72 Mr. F. Thomson on Quail consumes daily 50 to GO grammes of food, and twenty tiny locusts of the size of a hemp-seed go to a gramme." Hence it follows that, according to his calculations, one Quail alone devours daily one thousand locusts and from twenty to twenty-five thousand during the period in which these insects are small enough to be swallowed by a Quail. The Parisian sportsmen who on the 8th May last year shipped off 50,000 Quails to France are, then, in a great measure to blame for the fact that one hundred and fifty millions of locusts less than usual were destroyed by these birds during the year. The Hornbills. All the South African Hornbills (^Loplwceros leucomelas, L. eri/throrhpicJms, &c.) are locust-eaters. During the years when voetgangers are plentiful, the females and young are exclusively fed on these insects. Their breeding-season falls in November and December, just about the time when the brown locust is in its nymphal stage. The hen bird^ when all the eggs have been laid in a hole in a tree, is plastered in with clay by the male ; only a small slit is left, through which the food is passed. Most authorities agree that the male bird is so hard worked in supplying his family with food that he gets very weak and falls off in condition, barely taking the necessary time to swallow some food. Now, if a swarm of voetgangers is near at hand, the feeding of the female and young is easy work, the male obtaining leisure to rest and to feed himself. I have noticed these birds for hours flying continuously between the voetgangers and clay-hidden nest, they must have therefore done away with a great many young locusts. But, although doing a lot of good, these are not plentiful enough to annihilate large swarms of Toetgangers. The Domestic Fowl. To see what effect the poisoned locusts would have on Common Fowls, some experiments were made at the Entomo- logical Laboratory at Daspoort, Pretoria. Locust Birds in the Transvaal. 73 We obtained a lot of red-locust voetgangers from the District Locust Officer at Piet Retief, which had died of arsenic spray. These were analysed by the Government Chemist and found to contain as much as 0*291 per cent, arsenious oxide as compared to their weight. The average weight of each insect was 0'2 grannne, so that each would contain 0*000086 gramme (or 'OOOlSi grain) of arsenious oxide. Of six fowls (three cocks and three hens) two were selected and fed on 15 grains of arsenite of soda each, in porridge. Both died — one within an hour, the second one next morning. Post-mortem examination showed effects of arsenical poisoning. The other four fowls, two in one cage, were fed on the above-mentioned poisoned voetgangers, which had been dried first — 25 grammes pounded up and mixed with about 50 grannnes porridge. This was given once a day for twenty days — that is, from the 6th to the 26th April, 1906. All these four fowls were doing well — no sign of poisoning could be noticed ; in fact the fowls are still living, that is, June 1906. We have also several reports of Locust Officers as well as private people on record, mentioning the fact that in no case have fowls died which fed on locust voetgangers killed by arsenic spray. A report from llustenburg District says that farmers' wives asked the Locust Officer to bring some dead voet- gangers (killed by arsenic spraying) for poultry-food. From Waterberg District came a report that some arsenic spraying was done close to the Homestead, and the dead and dying voetgangers were greedily eaten by the fowls. It was expected that they would die, but quite the contrary happened ; the fowls did not die, in fact never seemed better, some infectious disease being stopped at the same time. The mature insect, however, might do some harm, even though not poisoned, as fowls, and especially Turkeys, get 74 Mr. F. Thoniscn on hurt internally by the .spikes on the ^toiit hind legs of the adult locust. I have seen reports of Turkeys dying after gorging themselves with locusts In a dry state and pounded up I do not think they would do any harm. The idea of breeding locust-eating birds and using them in the locust-destruction campaign has often been brought forward. I think this would be quite impracticable : the food question, and in consequence the expense, would be enormous. Every enterprising farmer could do something of this kind on a small scale himself. When it is known that locusts have deposited their eggs on the farm, the farmer could collect fowls, ducks, geese, or tame Guinea Fowls and have them in readiness for the first rains. When the voet- gangers appear above ground, he could move his poultry in portable houses to the s})ot on the farm where they are hatching, open the doors and let the birds roam about. A few pigs would help, in so far as they turn up the soil where the eggs are laid and so facilitate scratching and foraging for the birds. Water must be supplied, and very little grain- food, close to the roosting-houses ; it would also be advisable to keep a guard near by to drive off birds-of-j^rey or other vermin. Before closing this paper I would like to say a few words on the protection of birds. Game-birds have a certain time during which they are protected by law, but the other birds are free to be shot. How often wanton destruction takes place in towns and on farms : small boys with catapults and grown-up people with guns are seen killing birds for pastime ! I would not advocate having laws passed prohibiting the wanton killing of birds. No ! what is wanted is a more general, a more thorough education, on the utility of these feathered friends, not alone in all schools but also at home and in newspapers. A law without education does not help : the public must first know and feel that our winged allies are deserving of some recognition. Locust Birds in the Transvaal. 75 Pretoria, 20th January, 1907. Another locust campaign has been finished since the fore- going article was written — a campaign on a very much larger scale than the others. Nearly two-thirds of the Transvaal was covered with voetgangers of the brown locust, and about one-third of the Transvaal is still covered with the voetgangers of the red locust. Large swarms of Glareola appeared in November in the south and south-west. The White-bellied Stork and the European Stork were not noticed before the beginning of December, and then only in small numbers. In Waterberg, Rustenburg, Marico, Wohnaranstad, and in the Potchefstroom Districts, Creatopliora carunculata (Wattled Starlings) were found nesting. In the neighbourhood of Bloemhof large flocks of the Spur-wing Geese (^Plectropterus gamhensis) helped to finish off swarms of voetgangers. In January I noticed that the Quails were very plentiful, both in the Waterberg and the Zoutpansberg Districts. When the brown locusts got their wings they moved, as in previous years, in a south-westerly direction, followed by both Kestrels and Glareola, which I am sure finished off a large number of these insects. It was observed during this campaign that at the time the Brown Locust voetgangers hatch — that is, in October — very few birds had arrived ; in fact it is only now, in January, when the voetgangers of the red locusts are hatching, that the migratory birds are all here. In the Northern Transvaal where the Glareola is not a resident, and is only seen passing through, it is one of the first to arrive. This scarcity of Locust Birds, or their late arrival, is rather serious when considered in connection with the brown locust campaign. On the other hand, I find that the red locust voetgangers, now hatching, are sought after by most of the above-mentioned birds. I would also like to mention that in the Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom Districts exceedingly few birds were noticed. 76 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the VIII. — TJie Birds of Albani/ Division, Cape Colony. By Alwin HaacxNer, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and Robert H. Ivy. (Plates III.-VI.) [The foundation for this paper was a collection — or, more strictly speaking, the remains of a collection — of birds made by my old friend Robert Ivy, of Grrahamstown. Through an unfortunate accident a laroe number of the skins were destroyed by fire. The remainder have been acquired by the Transvaal Museum, and my thanks are due to Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, F.Z.S., the Director, for allowing me access to the same after they had left my hands. Mr. Ivy is mainly responsible for most of the actual field-notes, and my hearty thanks • are due to him and his sons, without whose able guidance my sojourn amongst the Albany Kloofs in January 1907 would not have been nearly so successful. — A. H.] The Division of Albany is in the South-eastern Province of Cape Colony, and has the small Districts of Bathurst and Alexandria between it and the seaboard. We have confined the list strictly to birds obtained within the borders of Albany. Species not represented in the Tvl. Museum are prefixed with an asterisk ; where species occur not so represented but have since been obtained, and are in our private collections, a reference will be made. Our thanks are due to Capt. Shelley for identifying several dubious species ; and last, but by no means least, we must express our indebtedness to Mr. Henrik Grronvold, the celebrated artist of the British Museum, for his ever ready help and sympathetic interest. 1. CoRVULTUR ALBicoLLis (Lath.). Whitc-necked Raven. Very common at times. Nests taken near Grahamstown in December 1892, January 1896, December 1896, and November 1898. During the year 1890 they were very plentiful, but of late years they have become much scarcer, probably owing to the work of the poisoning clubs. Judging by the way they follow one another, we should say they ,/ourn S.} O r ScrRVolJ PI IE. \ '^'"~>y i'^=^ r^^'" 5 I.- ;/ .■ w ^^•^•% wm ' ) 12, 13, 14". 15. ^ ■ 'ffi 16. •' <^/ 17 18. FIGURES OF EGGS OF SOUTH AFRICAN PASSER FNE AND PICARIAN BIRDS. Birds of Alhant/ J)ivisto)t, Cape Coloni/. 77 discover their food more by siglit than from any sense of smell. 2. CoRvus CAPENSis, Licht. Black Crow. Fairly plentiful, flying in family parties of six to a dozen individuals during the winter months, and feeding on both grain and animal food. In i October they pair off and begin to build — sometimes in a high tree in a solitary situation, but oftener among the trees in a wooded kloof. The nests — deeply cupped — are well made for such large structures and are composed externally of small branches, and lined with fine roots and fibres. A tame specimen learnt to imitate human voices, but could not articulate words. It mimicked the fowls and a terrier-dog to perfection, so much so that visitors were repeatedly taken in by the bird. 3. *BuPHAGA AFRICANA, Linn. Yellow-billed Oxpecker. One specimen, now in the Albany Museum, Grahamstown, rode four miles into town on the horse of a local resident, and was eventually knocked over with a riding-whip. This is, so far as we are aware, the only record of its occurrence in Albany. 4. Creatphora carunculata (Gmel.). Wattled Starling. [DilopJms earuncnlatus, Stark, Birds S. A. vol. i.] A flock nested close to the Chumie River near Koonap in December 1905. The nests — about 50 in all — were packed into a space of almost as many square yards. Small trees were literally enveloped in three or four nests. Other trees contained but a single nest. These latter measured about two feet by one foot, and every one examined contained two apertures on the same side. On January 20th the birds deserted the nests, leaving a few young ones and a number of eggs to perish and decay. During the winter months they are found in smaller numbers consorting with the common Spreo bicolor near Grahamstown. 5. Amydrus morio (Linn.). Red-winged Starling. Common everywhere, and a great fruit thief. 78 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the G. *Spreo bicolor (Gmel.). Pied Starling. Common : nesting in holes in cuttings, and in the sides of river-banks and dongas. It is quite possible that several females occasionally lay in one nest, as clutches of eight to ten eggs are not uncommon. 7. Lamprocolius phcenicopterus (Swains.). Red- shouldered Glossy Starling. Common. Frequently five or six pairs will Iniild in the hollow branches of a single decaying tree. 8. *Lamprocolius melanogaster (Swains.). Black-bellied Glossy Starling. Scarce. Seen in pairs in well-wooded neighbourhoods. The nest is similar to that of the preceding species, but the eggs are smaller, and those found by us were of a " some- what pointed ' ovate ' shape, of a uniform whitish cserulean- blue colour, the shell being grained and somewhat glossy, and measure 27 X 19'5 mm. Fig. 13, Plate III." (H. G.) 9. Oriolus LARVATUS, Licht. Black-headed Oriole. Very common in the neighbourhood of gardens and lawns during the winter months. About September they become scarcer and in October commence to build. The nest is composed wholly of Ptylandsia (old-man's-beard moss), and the full clutch numbers three. Although these birds are usually very wild, one individual once allowed a camera to be placed within a few feet of the nest on which it sat. The collection contained several specimens in juvenile plumage. a. S 5 February 190G. Wing-quills dull black with dirty white margins. Crown of a rusty-black appearance, owing to the edges of the feathers l)eing of a rusty colour. Cheeks black. Chin and throat hoary, broadly streaked with black. Remainder of plumage agreeing with Stark's description. Length 9^q inches, wing 5f, tail Sj'g. b. Resembles above, but is slightly larger. c. Resembles Dr. Stark's description to a greater degree than either a or b and is larger, so we conclude Stark Birds of Alhany Dii'hion, Cape Colony. 77 described his birds from individuals in ahuost mature plumage. 10. Hyphantornis velatus (Vieill). Masked Weaver Bird. [//. mariqueusls, Shelley, 'Birds of Africa.'] Capt. Shelley has given a key whereby he hopes it will be fairly easy to recognise the geographical races, but the single specimen in the collection is decidedly larger than the bird found on Modderfontein, Transvaal, and has, in addition, not nearly such a distinct chestnut shading on the forehead which is so typical of the Transvaal specimens. We have consequently no choice but to ascribe the specimen to the typical " velatus," although this name is only applied by Shelley to those birds inhabiting West Africa from C^ape Town to Benguela. This question is a vexed one and much yet remains to be done before we can be perfectly clear in the division of this difficult genus. Mr. W. L. Sclater thinks there are too many species of Hyphantornis and says there is a regular gradation in size and plumage between the (/ape and Transvaal specimens of velatus. This species does not occur iu the immediate vicinity of Grahamstown, but is found near Hylands. At the Kowie they are fairly plentiful, and build early. 11. Hyphantornis spilonotus (Vig.). Spotted-backed Weaver Bird. Very common. This species prefers to build on the over- hanging branches of trees near watercourses. We found them breeding heavily in Featherstone Valley near Gra- hamstown during the first week in January 1907. They are nmch execrated by the local farmers on account of their grain-eating propensities. 12. *Hyphantornis SUBAUREUS (Smith). Yellow Weaver Bird. Not common. Nests occasionally in the reeds at Blue Krantz. 13. Sit AGRA ocularia (Smith). Bottle Weaver. Fairly common, and living in pairs, thus not gregarious in 80 Messrs. A. Haagner ami R. H. Ivy on the habits like most of the Weavers. It often affects the open bush-veldt, sometimes nesting a considerable distance from water, although more frequently choosing a tree in the vicinity of water for a nesting-site. The nest is often of a tough red fibre. The eggs — three in number — are white, sometimes blotched with brownish pink and sometimes with purplish grey. We took a nest containing three fresh eggs, which was suspended from a branch of an old oak tree, on 5.1.07. The eggs were blotched and spotted, chiefly on the obtuse end, with pale purplish brown and dark brownish pink. 14. SiTAGRA CAPENSis (Linn.). Cape Weaver Bird. The range of this bird is given as AVestern Cape Colony in the check-list, but a specimen from Albany was forwarded to Capt. Shelley, who named it " Xanthophilus capensis" whereas according to the geographical-race theory it should be S. c. olivacea, the outside western range of the typical species being given as " Algoa Bay." It is highly probable that both species inhabit Albany and that here they " come together^' — or separate, whichever is the more correct way of expressing it. Common. Fond of suspending their nests over water, hanging them to reeds or the pendent branches of the (Jape willow. This bird is especially fond of feeding on the pollen of various flowers. 15. Sycobrotus gregalis (Licht.). Black-backed Weaver. [S. bicolor, Stark, Birds S. A. vol. i. p. 72.] Fairly common in wooded localities. We think the old name of " bicolor " by which it was known far more appro- priate than the present title. It is not at all gregarious in habits, living in pairs, and suspending its compact retort- shaped nests, built of coarse materials — chiefly tendrils of various creepers, — from a high branch overhanging a stream in a wooded kloof. On 6th January, 1907, we, however, found one situated only about four feet from the ground, which is certainly an exception, as only two days previously Birds of Albani/ Dlrision, Capi' Colon//. 81 we discovered six or seven nests at altitudes varying from twenty to forty feet. Their song is a sweet weird one, and not at all harsh or creaking as it has been described. The bird is locally known as the " Bosmusikant " or "Bush- musician." IG. *Amblyospiza ALBiFJiONS (Vig.). Thick-billed Weaver. Several clutches of eggs were taken at Blue Krantz. The nests are woven very close and constructed of very fine materials. 17. Sporopipes squamifrons (Smith). Scaly-feathered Weaver. Not uncommon at irregular intervals. 18. Lagonosticta rubricata (Licht.). Ruddy Waxbill. Fairly common throughout the district ; was particularly so at Alicedale Poort on the 12th January, 1907, where several flocks of from four to ten individuals feeding on the ground were observed. Eight eggs have been taken from a single nest; hence it is probable that several females lay in one nest — or harbour some parasitical species not yet discovered f. 19. *EsTRiLDA ASTRILDA (Linn.). Common Waxbill. Common throughout. 20. EsTRiLDA GRANATINA (Linn.). Yiolot-eared Waxbill. Very rare in Albany. cJ , August 1903. Cere red. Not previously recorded from Southern Districts. 21. *EsTRiLDA DUFRESNii (Vicill.) . Swec Waxbill. Common. The nest is generally situated in an aloe, thorn, or other bush, about three to six feet from the ground. Locally known as the " Swee" throughout the South-eastern Province. 22. Ortygospizapolyzona (Temm.). Bar-breasted Finch. At times fairly plentiful, but rarely nests in the District. "f [See Mr. A. Roberts's paper on Vidua principalis in this No. — Edd.] SER. II. — VOL. I. 6 82 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 23. Spermestes fringilloides (La£r,). Pied Finch. An occasional visitor. The specimen in the collection v^^as captured in Belmont Valley in January 1891, and was kept in captivity till August 1893, when it died. This species is new to Cape Dolony. 24. *Spermestes scutatus (Heuglin). Hooded Finch. Sparingly met with. It makes a good cage-l^ird, living for years in an aviary. 25. Amadina erythrocephala (Linn.). Red-headed Finch. Formerly very rare in Albany, but of late years it has become fairly common, nid nests in low thorn-bushes on the flats near Grahamstown. The locality in Sclater's Check-list is only given as Northern Cape Colony, so it must be considered another addition to the Southern Avifauna. 26. Pyuomelana capensis approximans (Cab.). Lesser Yellow Bishop. Fairly common ; nests in the long grass in the vicinity of small mountain-streams. 27. *Coliopasser procne (Bodd.). Great-tailed Widow Bird. Fairly common between Grahamstown and Port Alfred ; and also on the marshy ground near the Chief Reservoir at Sly Kraal. We have collected specimens. 28. *Coliopasser ardens (Bodd.). Red-collared Widow Bird. Fairly common, but not nearly so plentiful as in years gone by, before so much swampy land had been drained. Their nests are now very scarce, but were formerly very plentiful amongst the rank grass of the swamps in the vicinity of the town. The eggs number three or four, and the nest is as described by Ellemor in this Journal. 29. Vidua PRINCIPALIS (Linn.). Pin-tailed Widow Bird. Fairly common. Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. 83 30. Petronia petronella (Gray). Diamond Sparrow. In Winter they assemble in flocks amongst the high trees around town, but in Summer they resort to the high bush- veld, where they almost constantly affect the decaying branches of dead trees. The vernacular name of " Rock Sparrow by which this bird is commonly known in the text-books is a complete misnomer, as the bird is a true arboreal species, seldom alighting on the ground except when attracted by grain, which they readily eat, although they are principally animal feeders. So far we have only found them breeding in the hollows of trees and posts, and do not know of a single authentic case of a nest being found in a hole in a krantz or wall. 31. Passer melanurus (P. L. S. MiilL). Cape Sparrow. (P. ai'ciiatus, Stark, vol. i. p. 160.) The Mossie only occurs near Grahamstown as an occasional winter visitor. It begins to occur more frequently as the higher veld near the Fish River is reached, where little colonies of these birds are met with nesting in thorn-trees close to the roadside, or in holes in the walls of outhouses, and even in the water- spouts and under the eaves. They feed equally on grain and insect life and are not impartial to the young buds of trees. 32. PoLiosPiZA gularis (Smith). Streaky-headed Seed- eater. Very common. Eggs usually number four or five. 33. Serinus canicollis (Swains.). Cape Canary. Very common. The nest, so far as our experience goes, is always lined with the downy seed-tops of various plants. 34. Serinus sulphuratus (Linn.). Large Yellow Seed- eater. Common. Nest and eggs similar to those of P. gularis. During the Winter months these birds and P. gularis congregate together in flocks, and feed largely on the dry sunflower heads. 35. *Serinus flavivexteis (Swains.). Yellow-bellied Seed-eater. Very seldom met with until the Lower Karoo begins. We have taken a few specimens in Albany. 6* 84 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 36. Serinus icterus (Bonn. & Vieill.). Eastern Yellow Seed-eater. Fairly plentiful, frequenting the wooded hill-sides and kloofs. The nest is similar to that of S. canicoUis, but is lined with fibre, and is generally adorned on the outside with some green moss, a fact which we have never noticed to be the case with nests of S. canicoUis. The eggs have a few inky streaks on the obtuse ends. 37. Serinus scotops (Sundev.). Stripe-bellied Seed-eater. Occasionally met with. The collection contains two females. 38. Alario alario (Linn.). Mountain Canary. Only an occasional winter visitor to Albany, where they were trapped in cages prior to the Wild-Birds Protection Act. 39. "^Chrysomitris totta (Sparrm.). South African Siskin. Rare in Albany. Only a single specimen was taken. 40. Emberiza flaviventris (Vieill.). Golden-breasted Bunting. Fairly plentiful. The nest is generally placed in the fork of a small tree six to ten feet from the ground, but is never, according to our experience, placed on the ground or in thick bush, neither do they build in the kloofs. The nest is cup- shaped, and is constructed of grass beautifully lined with long stiff hairs, such as horse-tail hair. The eggs, with their exquisite scroll-like markings forming a wreath round the obtuse ends, are well-known. [Two eggs from Graham stown are of a " short ovate " shape, of a pure whitish blue-grey colour with a very faint tinge of lavender, and with lavender spots and dark purple- brown streaks and scrawls, forming a zone about one-eighth of an inch deep on the broader end of the shell. They are slightly glossed and measure respectively 20'0 x 15 mm. and 2(V5 x 10. Fig. 3, Plate III. (H. G.)]. Birds of Albany Division, Cajjc Colony^ 85 41. ^Fringillaria capensis (Linn.). Cape Bunting. Very rare in Albany, becoming more plentiful towards Cradock. 42. Fringillaria tahapisi (Smith). Eock Bunting. Scarce. A clutch of eggs was taken at Blue Krantz. We took several clutches in the 0. R. C. (at Springfontein and Brandfort), and in each case — both in Albany and the 0. R. C. — the nest was cup-shaped and composed of grass lined with fine fibre and hair, and was placed in a hollow in the ground beneath an overhanging stone on a rocky hill-side. The eggs, without exception, were " of a nearly ' ovate ' shape, the ground-colour being greenish-white, spotted all over with purplish-brown and lavender ; the spots are generally rather large, also there are many small ones and dots, the purple- brown spots are crowded over the larger end of the shell. They measure 18 x 12'5 mm." Fig. 1, Plate III. (H. G.) 43. ^Pyrrhulauda australis (Smith). Dark-naped Lark. Not uncommon at times. 44. Pyrrhulauda verticalis (Smith). Grey-backed Lark. An occasional visitor. c?j December 1905. Previously only recorded from Northern Cape Colony. 45. MiRAFRA AFRICANA, Smith. Rufous-naped Lark. Fairly common. 46. "^MiRAFRA APIATA (VicilL). Bar-tailed Lark. Not uncommon. 47. Tephrocorys cinerea (Gmel.). Red-capped Lark. Fairly common on the veld proper. 48. *Certhilauda semitorquata. Smith. Grey-collared Lark. Not common. 49. Certhilauda albofasciata, Lafr. Rufous Long- billed Lark. Not uncommon. 8& Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 50. Maceonyx CAPENSis (Linn.). Orange-throated Long- claw. Common. 51. ■'^Anthus chlokis, Licht. Small Yellow-tufted Pipit. Not common ; there are specimens in the Albany Museum obtained in the Division. 52. AjSfTHUS PYRRHONOTUS (VieilL). Cinnamon-backed Pipit. Fairly common. 53. Anthus rufulus, Vieill. Lesser Tawny Pipit. Common. 54. MoTACiLLA VIDUA, Sundcv. Pied Wagtail. Scarce. 55. MoTACiLLA LONGICAUDA, Riipp. Grey-backed Wag- tail. Scarce, but resident and breeding. 56. MoTACiLLA CAPENSIS, Linn. Cape Wagtail. Very common. 57. Promerops cafer (Linn.). Cape Long-tailed Sugar Bird. Fairly common in the unwooded valleys. They are, however, becoming scarcer on account of the grass-fires which destroy so many nests, these birds being Winter breeders, nesting in June and July. 58. Nectarinia famosa (Linn.). Malachite Sunbird. Fairly common. Nests from November to January. It becomes more plentiful in Upper Albany. In April and May they congregate in large numbers, feeding on the flowers of aloes &c., but never ^t/ in flocks. They moult in the Autumn. 59. CiNNYRis afer (Linn.). Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Very common throughout Albany. The top branches, of .Birds of Allan >j Division, C<-fp6 Colon//. 87 an Acacia is a favourite site for its nest. Like other Sunbirds, this species is a frequent host of C. klaasi (Bronze Cuckoo) . 60. CiNNYRis CHALYBEUS (Linn.). Lesser Double-collared Sunbird. Not nearly so common as the preceding species until the vicinity of Port Alfred and the seaboard, where the position is reversed, it being the commoner species. 61. CiNNYRis AMETHYSTiNUS (Sliaw). Black Sunbird. Common. 62. CiNNYEis VERREAUXi, Smith. Mouse-coloured Sunbird. Formerly very common, but the nests have become scarce of recent years. We were extremely lucky in finding two on the 4th January, 1907, containing two eggs each. The nest is large for the size of the bird, and almost invariably hung from a branch of a tree growing close beside a krantz in a kloof. 63. *Anthrobaphes violacea (Linn.). Orange-breasted Sunbird. Rare in Albany, but not at all uncommon in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. Its range is given in Sclater's Check-list as Western Cape Colony, but Stark (vol. i.) includes the Eastern Province. 64. Anthrothreptes collaris (Vieill.). Collared Sun- bird. Very common, nesting in the kloofs : nest usually about six to ten feet above the ground, and much like that of C. ver- reauxi, but very much smaller. 65. *Zosterops YiRENS, Bp. Green White-eye. Not common. 6G. ZosTEROPS CAPENSis, Sundev. Cape White-eye. Very common. No fresh eggs were taken in January 1907 — only hard-sat eggs and young birds in various stages of growth being found. 88 Messrs. A. IIa;igncr ami li. II. Ivy on the 67. Parus cinerascens, Vieill. Grey Tit. Fairly common. 68. Parus nicer, Bonn. & Vieill. Black Tit. Fairly common ; nesting in holes o£ trees from November to February, after which they gather into small flocks. G9. tEgithalus minutus, Shaw. CJape Penduline Tit. Fairly common in Upper All)any, though only sparingly found close to Grahamstown. The nest is often made of the cotton-like seeds of several of the local wild plants, and is a very firm felt-like structure. In localities where sheep are plentiful the nest is made of wool and is then exceedingly strong. 70. Lanius collaris, Linn. Fiscal Shrike. Very common everywhere. 71. Lanius collurio, Linn, Red-backed Shrike. Not uncommon in Upper Albany from November to March. We have a suspicion that it breeds here occasionally, but have not proved this satisfactorily as yet. 72. Telephonus senegalus (Linn.), Black-headed Bush Shrike. Very common. Nest often placed between two aloe-leaves. The eggs are of a blunt " ovate " shape, with the ground-colour creamy-white, the larger end profusely streaked and scrawled with reddish and lavender, the former tint prevailing ; on the lower part of the shell the lavender colour almost disappears, and the red takes the form of longitudinal and narrow elongate spots intercepted with smaller ones evenly distributed, but leaving the ground-colour quite conspicuous. It measures 2.5 X 18-5 mm. Fig. 11, Plate III. 73. Telephonus tchagra (Vieill.). Tchagra Bush Shrike. Fairly common. The nest resembles that of T. senegalus, but is smaller. The eggs — usually three in number — are of an " ovate " shape, the ground-colour creamy white slightly tinged with lavender, spotted and streaked with underlying- lavender of a rather light shade, and in addition there arc oblique dark })urplc-brown streak-like spots fairly evenly distributed, forming on the larger end an indistinct area but Birds of Albany JJiviaion, Cape Colomj. 89 leaving the extreme pointed end unspotted. It is somewhat glossy and measures 23*5 x 18*5 mm. Fig. 12, Plate III. — N.B. This egg agrees verj' well wath fig 7, plate xiii. Cat. Birds' Eggs in Brit. Mus, vol. iv., where it is named Pomato- rhynchiis senegalus (Linn.), p. 293, and stated to come from Natal & South Africa.* (H. G.) This bird has the same peculiar whistle — two notes ascending followed by the same in a descending scale ; in habits it also resembles senegalus. It frequents open bush-veld, but it is a shy bird : although one may hear it calling, it is often difficult to obtain a sight of the whistler, as it creeps through the bush and flies away on the opposite side before one can get near enough to see it. 73. Dryoscopus cubla (Shaw). Lesser Puff-back Shrike. Fairly common in the wooded kloofs. The nest is a neat cup- shaped structure of root and fibres, the outside being usually composed of the strips of the palm-like leaves of a Dracena sp. ?, thickly matted with cobwebs, and always built round the fork or branch on which it is placed. The eggs are usually three in number and of a pinkish-white ground-colour, thickly spotted at the obtuse ends with small dots of deep pinkish brown. The nests are frequently right on the top fronds of some high forest tree, and are very difficult to locate, and often as difficult to get at when found. Two males — presumably young birds, although the testes were fully developed — were procured in June 1906, and were identical with the female in full plumage, except that the iniderparts were a little more fulvous ; irides hazel-brown. 74. Dryoscopus rufiventris (Shaw). Greater Puff-back Shrike. Common in the l)ush-veld, building a very shallow nest of rootlets and small twigs in the centre of a thick bush. 75. Laniarius gutturalis (P. L. S. MiilL). Bakbakiri. Exceedingly common. Nests of this bird containing eggs are found at all times of the year. * [The eggs of sefiegalus can never be confused with tchayra, diff eiing considerably. — A. II.] 90 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 7G. Laniarius rubiginosus (Sundev.). Ruddy-breasted Bush Shrike. Not uncommon in bush country. Its call-notes, though simple, are most beautifully liquid. It is a very shy bird and most difficult to see, although one hears its beautiful call all through the summer months. The nest is very small and almost flat and so slight that one can see the eggs through it. The eggs — nev^^ to science — are of a blunt " ovate "" shape (the largest diameter being almost in the middle of the longitudinal axis. The ground-colour is of a light greyish hue, very slightly inclining to buff ; there is a broad and well-marked zone on the larger end of the shell formed by largish and smaller spots of dark and light lavender and brown ; the general run of the spots are somewhat ovate, but with irregular edges, the markings running almost parallel to the shelFs longest axis, the pointed end of the egg being- only sparingly spotted, whereas the broad end is covered with spots forming a zone. The slightly glossed ground-colour is conspicuous. It measures 23'5 x 17 mm. Fig. 10, Plate III. (H. G.) This clutch was taken at Blue Krantz on the 10th January, 1895. In addition to the clutches in our respective collections, the Transvaal Museum also possesses a clutch taken by us. 77. Laniarius olivaceus (Shaw). Olive Bush Shrike. This bird only appears here sparingly and occasionally — usually during December to March. During January 1907 no specimens were seen, but in 1906 several were observed and collected. They are very local, frequenting Howieson's Poort and the " Mountain Drive." 78. Laniarius maraisi, W. L. Sclater. Knysna Bush Shrike. A very shy bird, frequenting the hush-veld, but not the kloofs. Boy Ivy shot a specimen during the nesting-season of 1892, which was exhibited at a meeting of the Eastern Province Naturalists' Society, but was taken to be the young of L. rubiginosus. Since then we have obtained several more specimens, on each occasion during the nesting-season. There Birds of Alhanij Division, Ccij^e Colony. 91 seems little doubt that it is a distinct species, but more Jield work is required here : the theorising of " cabinet " natu- ralists will not help us to a clear and certain understanding in the matter. 79. Laniarius suLPHrREiPECTUS (Less.). Orange-breasted Bush Shrike. Scarce. The specimen in the collection is from the border, on the Peddie side. 80. Laniarius starki, W. L. Sclater. Southern Grey- headed Bush Shrike. Scarce. 81. Pycnonotus barbatus layardi, Gurney.f P. layardi, W. L. Scl. Check-list, p. 219. This is the common form of Bulbul in Albany. S2. Pycnonotus capensis typicus (Linn.). Cape Bulbul. Not uncommon in Lower Albany. 83. *Pycnonotus capensis nigricans (Vieill. & Hart.). Black-fronted Bulbul. Rare. Upper Albany. This bird can easily be recognised by its reddish-orange eyelids. 84. Andropadus importunus (Vieill.). Sombre Bulbul. Very common. The nest is a very shallow structure and invariably contains two eggs of a creamy grey ground prettily marbled with very pale and dark purple-brown blotches. 85. *Phyllostrophus capensis, Swains. Cape Bristle- necked Bulbul. Scarce. Lower Albany. The nest is a coarse structure compared with that of importunus, and is composed of grass and twigs, covered t [Dr. Hartert, in an article titled " Miscellanea Ornithologica," vert/ clearly works out the genus Pycnonotics, for which South African orni- thologists owe him a debt of gratitude. I must confess for one that this genus puzzled me, and I had already commenced, in conjunction with my friend Ivy, to collect material with a >iew to a better understanding of the " Pycnonotus.''^ A full review will appear in the next No. of the Journal, as this No. cannot be delayed any longer. — A. K. H.] 92 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the outside with a thin laver o£ moss and lined with fine grass and rootlets. The eggs are two in number and resemble those of importunus, but are usually darker both in ground-colour and mottling. Nests in December. SG. Parisoma subc^ruleum, Vieill. Not uncommon in Upper Albany. The eo-gs are three in number and of! a white ground marked with light and dark sepia blotchings, chiefly at the obtuse end. 87. Phylloscopus trochilus (Linn.). Several specimens obtained, so it can hardly be rare. 88. *AcROCEPHALUS B^TiCATUs (Vieill.). A scarce bird ; recorded from Grahamstown by Layard. 89. Bradypterus brachypterus (Vieill.). Stripe-throated Reed Warbler. Not uncommon. 90. *Eremomela flaviventris (Burch.). Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler. Not uncommon in the bush. 91. Camaroptera olivacea (Vieill.). Green-backed Bush Warbler. Fairly common. Locally known around Grahamstown as the Tailor Bird, as it constructs a beautiful semi-dome-shaped nest of fibres and fern-stems, lined externally with moss and internally with white vegetable down. It is usually situated in a green bush and has the leaves of the bush in the immediate vicinity of the nest stitched to it with fine fibre-like down from seed-pods, &c., and possibly cobweb. A nest f taken by us on the 7th January, 1907, contained three pure white hard-set eggs. The unique bleating call so well described by Dr. Stark was very much in evidence when we robbed the nest, and one of the parent birds was shot, which was sent home to make identification certain, in view of Dr. Stark's statements regarding the nidification of this species on page 113, vol. ii. ' Birds : Fauna of South Africa.' t Now in the Transvaal Museum. Birds of Alhamj Division, Cape Colony. 93 Dr. P. L. Sclater very kindly named it for ns, thus confirming our own identification of the .species. When the nest is detached from its position and held in the hand it has th<^ appearance of a deep cup, but it is placed in the bush at an angle and consequently becomes purse- or pocket-shaped. 92. Apalis thoracica (Shaw & Noddcr). Bar-throated Warbler. Fairly common. 93. *ArALis sciTA (Vieill,). Fairy Warbler. Uare. 94. CHLORODYTANEGLECTA,Alex. Eastern Black-breasted Bush Warbler. Not uncommon in Albany. The Transvaal Museum contains several specimens besides those in our private col- lections. We have collected a good many specimens, and in no case has the male a black spot on the breast described in Stark & Sclater (ii. p. 125). Of course a mistake can be made in sexing a bird, particularly when not fully adult, but in one instance we collected a pair from a nest. This matter must, however, remain in abeyance for the present, until we have collected more material. A nest was found at Blue Krantz which was merely a cavity in a bunch of Ptylandsia lined with vegetable down, and contained two eggs, of a " somewhat pointed ' ovate ' shape, of a bright light bluish-green ground-colour, with some black hair-lines and scrawls over the larger end, with a few roundish spots of black and chestnut-brown, the spots being about the size of a largo pin's head, leaving the lower part of the shell unmarked ; it is somewhat glossed, and measures 15 x 11 mm. Fig. 5, Plate III." (H. G.) , ./ , ; 95. *Prinia hypoxantha (iVyrpiD). f^affron-breasted Wren Warbler. Scarce. 96. Prinia maculosa (Bodd.). Cape Wren Warbler. Fairly common. 94 Messrs. A. Haagner and R, H. Ivy on the 97. Prinia mystacea, Riipp. Tawny-flanked Wren Warbler. Not uncommon at times. This is a new record for Cape Colony. It breeds near Grahamstown. 98. *Spiloptila ocqlaria (Smith). Rii£ous-eared Wren Warbler. Scarce. 99. CiSTicOLA FULVICAPILLA (VieilL). Tawny-headed Grass Warbler. Common. 100. CiSTicoLAABERRANS (Smith). Smith's Grass Warbler. Not uncommon. 101. CiSTicoLA TERRESTRis (Smith). Wren Grass Warbler. Scarce. We have a specimen in our collection. 102. CiSTiCOLA SUBRUFICAPILLA (Smith). Grey-backed Grass Warbler. Fairly common. 103. Sphenceacus intermedius, Shelley. Eastern Province Grass Bird. Not uncommon. A nest taken on the 19th October, 1904, near Grahams- town, contained two white elongated ovate eggs. 104. TiTRDUS OLIVACEUS, Linn. Cape Thrush. Common. 105. MoNTicoLA RUPESTRis (VieilL). Gape Rock Thrush. Very common ; affecting the rocky krantzes and hill-sides. 106. MoNTicoLA EXPLORATOR (VieilL). Sentinel Rock Thrush. Common ; affecting similar localities to the foregoing species. Its eggs are, as Stark says, very similar to those of M. rupestris, being, however, a little smaller. It seems hardly feasible to us that this bird, closely allied to rupestris as it is, should lay blue eggs (as described by Major Sparrow), which are characteristic of the Chats. Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. 05 107. Myrmecocichla formicivora (Vieill.). Ant-eating Chat. Not uncommon on the high veld. 108. Myrmecocichla bifasciata (Temm.). Buff- streaked Chat. Common on the rocky hill-sides near Grahamstown. 109. Pratincola torquata (Linn.). S. A. Stone-Chat. Not connnon. 110. Saxicola pileata (Gmel.). Capped Wheatear. Not uncommon. 111. Saxicola monticola (Vieill.). Mountain Chat. Scarce. Upper Albany. 112. Saxicola familiaris, Stephens. Familiar Chat. Not uncommon. 113. *Emarginata sinuata (Sundev.). Sickle-winged Chat. Scarce in Albany. The eggs are of a somewhat blunt ovate shape, the ground-colour being of a fairly light bluish-green tint, with some small very faint greyish-buff' spots on the larger end forming an indistinct cap. It is very slightly glossed and measures 21'5 X 15 mm. Fig. 2, Plate III. (H. G.) 114. Thamnol^a cinnamomeiventris (Lafr.). White- shouldered Bush Chat. Fairly common on the krantzes in the Bush. The first nest taken was at the Howieson's Poort on November 19th, 1892, with 3 eggs, which were similar to the specimen on the coloured plate in this Journal, vol. ii. part 1. They seem to invariably make use of old Swallows' nests. 115. CossYPHA BICOLOR (Sparrm.). Noisy Robin Chat. Fairly common in the thick bush, where its musical imitation of various bird-calls is quite a feature. Amongst the birds imitated we heard the screech of the Crowned Hawk Eagle. All eggs found by us were of a clear glossy chocolate colour, although when hard-sat they take an olive tinge, which could, however, hardly be called olive-green. In OG Messr?, A. Haagnor and R. IT. Ivy on the justice to Major Sparrow, we must draw attention to the fact that other members o£ the genus hiy eggs o£ both shades, so there is no reason why olive-green eggs of this species should not occasionally occur. A nest taken on 7th January was built in a hollow of an overhanging tree-trunk.* [One egg from Grrahamstown is of a regular "ora/" shape, of a uniform chestnut-russet-brown [very near to liidgw. N. C. pi. iii. no. 16 (1886)]. It is highly glo«sed and measures 23 X 18 mm. Fig. 7, Plate III. (H. a.)] 116. CossYPHA CAFFRA (Linn.). Cape Robin Chat. Common. 117. CossYPHA siGNATA, Sundev. Brown Robin Chat. Not uncommon in the thick bush. a. Juv. ? , Jan. 1906. The young bird has the top of the head and back of a spotted appearance, owing to the feathers (which have a rufous tinge) having black tips ; these are so broad on the forehead and crown as to give these regions a much darker appearance than the rest of the plumage. The primaries are darker than those of the adult, but have similar white markings. Breast of a streaky smeared appearance, owing to many of the feathers being tipped and edged with sooty black — this is so profuse on the upper chest as to form a broad indistinct band, — becoming sparsely scattered towards the belly. Only the outer tail-feathers have white tips, and the bird is smaller than the adult. Two clutches of each three eggs, taken in January 1006, were greenish white, covered with pink-grey blotches, chiefly at the obtuse end. 118. Tarsiger stellatus (Vieill.). White-starred Bush Robin. Very rare. One specimen, December 1895. 119. Tarsiger silens (Shaw). Common. 120. Erythropygia leucophrys (Vieill.). White-browed Ground Robin. Common. A bird of the open bush. * We have since taken eggs wliich are of a decided greenish tinge. Birds of Albany Dicision, Cape Colony. 97 Stark describes the eggs of this bird as being spotted with light reddish brown. We think this is a clerical error, as the eggs are invariably speckled with dark spots. The nest is always built of rotten dead grass and leaves, no new material being used except the lining, which is composed of fine fibres. 121. *Erythropygia coryph^us (Linn.). Cape Ground Robin. Not uncommon. Previously only recorded from Western Cape Colony. The nest is not always placed on the ground, being some- times placed in a bush a few inches above the surface. The eggs vary a little, being sometimes lightly blotched, and at others so profusely that hardly any ground-colour is visible. 122. LiOPTiLUS NiGRiCAPiLLUS (Vieill.). Bush Blackcap. Sparingly met with in the deep wooded kloofs, or on heavily wooded hill-sides, from November to March. It apparently migrates to higher altitudes in Winter. 123. Alseonax adusta (Boie). Dusky Flycatcher. Very common. It frequents high krantzes in deep kloofs and hill-sides. It constructs a neat little nest, covered on the outside with lichen, generally in a small cavity on the face of a krantz ; sometimes it builds in a hollow in the bark on the face of a tree-trunk. Since the hill-sides have been planted with pines and gums this bird has altered its habits, and will build in a fork of a branch, or on the top of a bundle of debris. 124. Pachyprora capensis (Linn.), (^ape Flycatcher. Common. Affects the wooded valleys near watercourses. 125. Pachyprora molitor (Hahn & Kuster). White- flanked Flycatcher. Fairly common, keeping more to the open bush country than the wooded kloofs. Its nest is a beautiful example of protective resemblance and takes a good deal of finding. 126. *Pachyprora pririt, Levaill. Pririt Flycatcher. Extremely rare. The occurrence of this bird in Albany is SER. II. — VOL. I. 7 98 Messrs A. Haagner and li. H. Ivy on the not clear, as it is supposed to be the Western "geographical" form o£ molitor, yet its identification is easy, although it closely resembles the latter bird. A pair were discovered nesting at Blue Krantz in January, and it was the difference in the eggs that drew our attention to the bird. These were "of a very blunt ' ovate ' shape ; the ground-colour is light bluish green, spotted all over with brown and lavender, the spots being generally fairly large with many small spots and dots on the larger end, where they form a fairly well-marked zone. They are slightly glossed and measure 16*5 x 13 mm." (H. G.) 127. Trochocercus cyanomelas (VieilL). Blue-mantled Flycatcher. Not common. 128. Terpsiphone perspicillata (Swains.). Paradise Flycatcher. Very common in the wooded valleys. We discovered no less than five nests containing eggs on January 5th, 1907, several being quite fresh. 129. DiCRURiTS afer (Licht.). Fork-tailed Drongo. Very common. Their eggs vary considerably in colour, shape, and size. In addition to those described by Stark, we have taken pure white eggs. 130. Campophaga nigra, Vieill. Black Cuckoo Shrike. Fairly common. One egg from Grahamstown is of an ' orate ^ shape; the ground-colour is light greenish-blue with a slight tinge of yellow, fairly evenly spotted all over with dark purple and dark lavender, the spots being roundish and the largest about the size of a medium-sized pin's head ; the small spots are numerous, there is but little indication of a zone, and the slightly glossed ground-colour is not hidden by the spots. Itmeasures24-75xl8mm. Fig. 9, Plate III. (H.G.) 131. *Campophaga hartlaubi, Salvad. Yellow-shoul- dered Cuckoo Shrike. Not common. Dr. Stark says the eggs are indis- tinguishable from those of C. nigra, but in all clutches taken by us the ground-colour is greyer. [They are usually of a Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. 99 " short ovate shape, the ground-colour being light greenish-buff with small spots of blackish and slightly larger ones of light and dark lavender forming an indistinct zone; these spots are fairly evenly distributed over the rest of the shell, leaving the slightly glossed ground-colour conspicuous. They measure 2^'6 x 18 mm." Fig. 6, Plate III. (H. G.)] 132. Graucalus cesius (Licht.). Grey Cuckoo Shrike. Found in Albany sparingly during the months of November to May. It frequents the top branches of high forest trees. 133. *CoTiLE PALUDICOLA (VieilL). South African Sand Martin. Not uncommon. 134. *Ptyonoprogne fuligula (Licht.). Rock Martin. Common. It builds sometimes in caves. 135. HiRUNDO RUSTiCA, Linn. European Swallow. Common migrant. 136. HiRUNDO ALBiGULARis, Strickl. White - throated Swallow. Common. 137. HiRUNDO DiMiDiATA, Suudev. Pearl - breasted Swallow. Common. 138. HiRUNDO cucuLLATA, Bodd. Larger Stripe-breasted Swallow. Very common. These Swallows only left Grahamstown on 25th July, 1906, with the next species. 139. HiRUNDO PUELLA, Temui. & Schl. Smaller Stripe- breasted Swallow. Very common. 140. *Petrochelidon spilodera (Sundev.). South African Cliff Swallow. Fairly common. 141. *PSALIDOPROONE HOLOMEL^NA (Suudev.). Fairly common. In the Albany District the nest is invariably made of Ptylandsia (old-man's-beard moss), n* 100 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 142. Upupa africana, Bechst. South African Hoopoe. Fairly common. 143. Irrisor viridis (A. A. H. Licht.). Wood Hoopoe. Common. Length of ad. $ 13^". Q 13J-" _„ ofjuv. 12^^ Two young birds, procured in February 1906, have the purple gloss very faint on the head ; back with violet and green reflections. Lower back and underparts without any gloss. The egg is of an " elliptical-ovate shape, of a uniform deep greenish cserulean-blue [a little darker than Ridgw. N. C. pi. ix. no. 23 (1886)] ; it is sparingly and very indistinctly spotted all over with whitish-grey pin-points ; the shell is almost without gloss ; it measures 27 x 17*5 mm." Fig. 8, Plate III. (H. G.) 144. *Cypselus africanus, Temm. White-bellied Swift. Not uncommon. We have specimens in our respective collections. 145. Cypselus caffer, Licht. White-rumped Swift. Common. 146. Caprimulgus europ^us, Linn. European Nightjar. Fairly common. 147. Caprimulgus rufigena. Smith. Rufous-cheeked Nightjar. Fairly common. 148. Caprimulgus pectoralis, Cuv. South African Nightjar. This is the commonest form of Nightjar around Grahams- town. 149. *CoRACiAS garrulus, Linn. European Roller. Scarce visitor. We have a specimen in our collection taken in January 1907. 150. *Merops apiaster, Linn. European Bee-eater. Rare in the Albany District. Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. 101 151. *Merops persicus, Pallas. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. Rare. 152. Ceryle rudis (Linn.). Pied Kingfisher. Common at times. It is an exceedingly common bird at Port Alfred. 153. Ceryle maxima (Pallas). Giant Kingfisher. Not uncommon. Feeds largely on land-crabs. 154. Alcedo semitorquata, Swains. Half - collared Kingfisher. Not uncommon towards Blue Krantz, where it breeds freely. 155. CoRYTHORNis CYANOSTiGMA (Rupp.). Malachite Kingfisher. Very uncommon of late years. Ten years ago it was fairly common, nesting near Grahamstown. 156. *IsPiDiNA natalensis (Smith). Natal Kingfisher. Rare visitor. 157. Halcyon albiventris (Scop.). Brown - hooded Is^ingfisher. Common. The young birds have black bills, but assume the red colour with the first moult. The red begins with a faint tinge on the gape, which gradually spreads towards the tip. The young are also darker on the throat and more striped than the adult. 158. CoLius STRIATUS, Gmel. Speckled Mouse-Bird. Very common. This species nests all the year round, laying four or five white eggs. Winter nests are, of course, few and far between. In Albany the nest is usually constructed of fine wild asparagus twigs and everlastings. 159. CoLius ERYTHROMELON, Vieill. Red-faccd Mouse- Bird. Not so common as the preceding species. IGO. *BucoRAX CAFER, Bocage. Brom-vogel. Rare. Nests near Beaufort occasionally. Eggs very strong with small granulations, wliite and deeply glazed. 102 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 161. Bycanistes buccinator (Temm.). Trumpeter Horn- bill. Rare. Sometimes seen flying with melanoleucus. Feeds on beetles, scorpions, centipedes, &c. 162. LoPHOCEROS MELANOLEUCUS (Licht.). Crowncd Hornbill. Common, but very shy when nesting. 163. Hapaloderma narina (Stephens), Narina Trogon. Not common. Nests in holes in trees and lays pure white eggs. 164. Geocolaptes olivaceus (GmeL). Ground Wood- pecker. Fairly common on the rocky sides o£ high hills. The nesting-holes are situated in the sides of dongas and kranzes, also in cuttings. They lay four glossy white eggs. 165. Campothera notata (Licht.). Knysna Woodpecker. Fairly common, nesting in dead trees. 166. Dendropicus cardinalis (GmeL). Cardinal Wood- pecker. Fairly common. 167. Thripias namaquus (Licht.). Bearded Kingfisher. Scarce. 168. Mesopicus griseocephalus (Bodd.). Olive Wood- pecker. Fairly common. 169. Iynx ruficollis, Wagler. South African Wryneck. Rather rare in the neighbourhood of Grahamstown. Commoner in Upper Albany. Nests in holes in trees, but since the introduction of the so-called American aloe it has become very partial to the flower-stems of this plant as a nesting-site. An egg from Grahamstown (December 1895) is of an " elliptical oval " shape, slightly pointed at the larger end and somewhat blunt or rounded at the smaller end. The ground- colour is creamy white with the merest tinge of lavender-buff. Journal SA.O U., Vol. Ill , Plate IV. Photo. K. H. Ivy.] EGGS OF INDICATORS WITH THOSE OF HOSTS. Birds of Alhanij JHvinon, Cape Colony. 103 The shell is rather glossy and with faint traces of transverse graining. It measures 24 x 15*75 mm. 170. Indicator sparrmani, Steph. Sparrman^s Honey- Guide. Not common. An egg was taken from a nest-hole of Irrisor viridis (vide Plate IV. fig. 3). For further notes see 'Ibis,' January 1901. [One egg from Grahamstown is of a regular " oval " shape, pure creamy-white with a mere tinge of lavender-bufif. The surface of the shell is like " smooth marble," of an extremely fine grain and only slightly glossed. It measures 25 X 19-5 mm. Fig. 18, Plate III. (H. G.)] 171. *Indicator major, Steph. Yellow-throated Honey- Guide. Common. Utilises the nest-hole of Spreo hicolor usually as a repository for its egg. It seems to us that all the Honey- Guides break the eggs of the foster-parent to make room for their own, icherever possible. Figs. 2nd row, Plate IV., show how a clutch of Spreo hicolor was smashed up. They are very persistent in " commandeering " the nest-holes of other birds, as they are generally fiercely attacked by the foster- parents. When they do not succeed in breaking the eggs, the young bird, which, as we have shown in this Journal, pp. 1 to 5, is furnished with a strong pair of hooks, very probably ejects its foster-brethren while the old birds are away foraging for the ravenous young. There is a specimen in our collection. 172. *Indicatok variegatus, Lesson. Scaly - throated Honey-Guide. Scarce. 173. Indicator minor, Stephens. Lesser Honey-Guide. Fairly common. An egg was taken from a nest-hole of Lyhius torqiiatus (see figs. 4th row, Plate IV.). 174. Lybiustorquatus (Dumont). Black-collared Barbet. Fairly common. 104 Messrs. A. Haagner and R. H. Ivy on the 175. Trichol^ma leucomelas (Bodd.). Pied Barbet. Fairly common. 176. Barbatula pusilla (Dumont). Tinker Bird. Common. 177. CucuLUS soLiTARius, Steph. Red-chested Cuckoo. The egg is of a peculiar chocolate-brown colour and measures 2G x 19 mm. 178. CucuLUS CLAMOSUS, Lath. Black Cuckoo. Lays a white egg, measuring 2G X 21 mm. 179. *Chrysococcyx smaragdineus (Swains.). Emerald Cuckoo. Rare in Albany. 180. Chrysococcyx klaasi (Steph.). Bronze Cuckoo. (Jommon. This is the commonest of the Grold Cuckoos in the Albany Division and apparently a partial resident, as several specimens were procured in the heart of winter. There are specimens in the Transvaal Museum procured in June 1906, so this species does not appear so migratory as is generally supposed t. One egg from Grahamstown is of a blunt " elongated ovate " shape, the ground-colour being light bluish green, spotted with underlying but not very numerous reddish-brown blotches and surface-markings about the size of a pin's head, or even smaller ; the spots form an open zone and diminish in number toward the smaller end, where they finally cease. It is somewhat glossy and measures 23' 75 X 14*0 mm. Fig. 14, Plate III. (H. G.). 181. Chrysococcyx cupreus (Bodd.). Didric Cuckoo. Common. Our remarks on the habits of the Gold Cuckoos were published in a separate paper in the June, 1906, number of this Journal. [One egg from the Crocodile River north of the Magalies- berg, Pretoria District, Transvaal (December 31, 1906), is of a somewhat " ovate " shape, the ground-colour being uniform t Vide also L. E. Tajlor, Bull. B. 0. C. cxviii. Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. 105 whitish with a shade of blue; the shell is finely grained and somewhat glossy ; it measures 21 x 14*5 mm. Fig. 15^ Plate III. A second egg is quite different from the above; it is of a blunt " elongate ovate " shape very slightly inclining towards pyriform, of a whitish blue-grey ground-colour, spotted with underlying lavender blotches and blackish lilac surface spots of larger and smaller size. These markings form a fairly large and compact zone, the spots becoming more scattered towards the pointed end, which is unspotted. It is only slightly glossed and measures 21*2 X 14'5 mm. Fig. 16, Plate III. A third egg of the same species is quite different from the two above described; it is of a regular '"'elliptical ovaV shape, the ground-colour light bluish green, evenly marked all over with underlying lavender spots of smaller and larger size; the surface-spots are dark brown, the ground-colour though clearly seen is not conspicuous; it is but slightly glossed and measures 21*5 X 14'5 mm. Fig. 17, Plate III. (H.G.)] 182. CoccYSTES GLANDARius (Linn.). Great Spotted (yuckoo. Fairly common migrant. 183. CoccYSTES JACOBINUS (Bodd.). Black-and-White Cuckoo. Fairly common. An egg was taken on January 16th, at Koonap, which was of a rounded ovate shape and measured 27 X 22 mm., and of a glossy white colour. 184. CoccYSTES HYPOPiNARius, Cab. & Heine. Black-and- Grey Cuckoo. Fairly common. It is doubtful whether these two birds (this species and the preceding) should be specifically separated, as they seem to us to pretty well cover the same range. 185. CoccYSTES SERRATUS (Sparrm.). Black-crested Cuckoo. Fairly common. On January 16th we took an egg from a nest of Andropadus importwius; it is not as glossy as that of C. jacobinus and more rounded, being 26 X 22 mm. 100 Messrs. A. Haanner and R. H. Ivy on the 180. Centropus burchelli, Swains. BurcholFs Coucal. Fairly common. 187. Centropus superciliosus, Hempr. & Ehren. White- browed Coucal. Scarce. 188. TuRACUS coRYTHAix (Wagler). Loiirie. Common in the thickly wooded kloofs. We can find no mention in Sclater's vol. iii. ' Birds ' (Fauna of S. Africa) of any difFerence in the plumage of the young bird. We procured several fully-fledged young birds flying in company with the adults on the 0th January of this year, and noticed the following facts : — They are considerably smaller than the adult, and have the beautiful red colouring only on eight primaries, as against fifteen })rimaries and secondaries in the fully adult bird. The red patches are also very much smaller, being only narrow bands of about one inch in length by a quarter of an inch in breadth on the inner primaries. It looks as if this red colouring-matter spreads as the bird gets older, as we counted red feathers varying in number from 8 to 15 on different birds. The bill is dark red — almost black in some specimens. According to our experience, we should not say that rain washes out the red from the living bird. It becomes decidedly paler, but we have never seen it wash out entirely. Several s[)ecimens, both adult and juvenile, were procured on January 8th during heavy rain, and the forest was sodden, but the red colouring seemed as bright as ever. Regarding the theory that the colour can also be washed out with soap and water: this may be possible, but the soap would require to be strongly alkaline. We tried it with " Sunlight" soap, and failed ! In old skins the red fades considerably. The copper content is there, as was proved by a friend — Mr. Ayers, a C-hemist of the Dynamite Factory — who tested some of the feathers for us. 189. *P(EOCEPHALUS ROBUSTUS (Gmcl.). Red-shouldered Parrot. Not common. Birds of Albamj JJivhion, Cape Coloiiij. 307 190. Strix flammea, Linn. Barn Owl. Fairly common. 191. *Strix CArENSis, Smith. Grass Owl. Fairly common. 192. *Asio CAPENSis (Smith). Marsh Owl. Not uncommon. 193. Syrnium woodfordi (Smith). Bush Owl. Not uncommon. 194. Bubo capensis, Smith. Cape Eagle Owl. Not common. 195. Bubo maculosus (Vieill.) Spotted Eagle Owl. Common. 196. *BuBO lacteus (Temm.). Giant Eagle Owl. Scarce. 197. Scops capensis, Smith. Cape Scops Owl. Scarce. 198. *Falco minor, Bp, South African Peregrine. Scarce. 199. Falco biarmicus, Temm. South African Lanner. Not common. 200. TiNNUNCULUS RUPicoLUS (Daud.). South African Kestrel. Common. 201. TiNNUNCULUS RUPicoLOiDES (Daud.). Larger Kestrel. Scarce. 202. TiNNUNCULUS NAUMANNi (Fleisch.). Lesser Kestrel. This is a scarce bird in Albany, although the Division was n one occasion visited by a large flock. 203. *Aquila verreauxi, Less. Verreaux^s Eagle. Scarce. 204. *Aquila rapax, Temm. Tawny Eagle. Scarce, but breeding. 108 Messrs. A. Haagnor atnl II. H. Ivy on the 205. *EUT0LMAETUS PENNATUS (Gmcl.). This bird was recorded from Grabamstown by Layard, but must be rare. 206. *El:tolmaetus bellicosus (Daud.). Martial Eagle. Scarce. 207. *Spizaetus coronatus (Linn.). Crowned Hawk Eagle. Not uncommon. We saw the old birds soaring above the nest (photographed by Dr. Stark) on 7th January, 1907. 208. Lophoaetus occipitalis (Daud.). Crested Hawk Eagle. Scarce. 209. *Haliaetus vocifer (Daud.). Sea Eagle. Scarce. 210. Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.). Bateleur. Scarce. 211. *CiRCAiiTUS pectoralis, Smith. Black-breasted Harrier Eagle. This bird is recorded from Albany by Layard, but we have not seen it. 212. BuTEO JAKAL (Daud.). Jackal Buzzard. Very common. The following are the complicated plumage changes of this species, so far as we have been able to work them out. We can conscientiously submit these remarks as the result of careful and lengihy obser- vations made from captive specimens and skins of adults and chicks. 1st Stage. — The chick is covered with white down until about three weeks old, when the brown colouring of the feathers begins to show. 2nd Stage. — When about seven weeks old the chick loses nearly all its down, the coloration being as follows: — upper surface and tail earth-brown with creamy rufous edgings to many of the feathers; chest and throat dull rufous; bill dark horn; cere and legs yellow. — Young male at six weeks: Journal S.A.O.U. Vol. Ill . Plate V. Photo, from life by R. H. Ivy.] FEMALE JACKAL BUZZARD at Nest of S. A. Goshawk. Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colomj. 109 Throat, chin, lower chest, abdomen, thiohs, tail-coverts, fore- head, axillaries, and under wing-coverts still covered with white down. Upper chest dark rufous. A patch of light rufous on each side of breast gradually extending towards abdomen. Primaries deep earth-brown; secondaries and rectrices of the same deep earth-colour tipped with fawn- grey. Top of head, hind-neck, back, and upper wing- coverts deep earth-brown. Bill and claws dark horn; cere, legs and toes yellow. Irides soft grey. '6rd Stage. — When three months old both sexes assume u dull tobacco shade. 4//i Stage. — At ten months many deep earth-brown feathers, almost black, appear amongst the somewhat rufous feathering, giving the bird a very patchy appearance; the irides then change to a soft ochre. btJi Stage. — Adult plumage is assumed when about fifteen months to two years of age by a moult extending over a period of several months, the new feathers appearing singly and irregularly. The full adult plumage is as follows: — Male : On either side of the forehead a small white patch formed by the white bases of the feathers. The secondaries are banded with grey, the basal half of inner web white, and the tail is bright rufous with subterminal bands on some feathers and blotches of deep earth-brown on others. Rest of exposed portion of upper plumage with closed wings deep earthy brown, almost black, only the dark tips of the feathers showing. The feathers have white bases shading into rufous at the junction with the dark tips, which are mostly hidden by the overlapping feathers. Upper tail- coverts faintly edged with rufous, and the unexposed white bases are tinted with the same colour. The earth-brown primaries have the inner web white as far as the emargina- tion. The secondaries are a beautiful silver-grey when first moulted, with narrow bands and broad tips of earth-brown. The silver-grey fades into white as the plumage becomes worn. Shafts of primaries white. Upper and under wing- coverts and axillaries deep earth-brown. Chin and throat white, extending by a narrow band to the rufous-coloured 110 Messrs. A. Haagner and R, H. Ivy oji the breast. — On either side of this white strip the lower neck is uniform with the earth-brown of the back of the neck. Abdomen creamy rufous. Thighs and legs white with dark brown centres. Female : There are no white patches on the forehead as in the male, and the tail-coverts are of a bright rufous tint with a subterminal band of earth-brown ; the remainder of the upper plumage resembling that of the male. Chin and lower throat uniform with the earth-brown of the hind-neck. Chest and sides rufous. Abdomen and lower chest rufous, feathers with earth-brown centres and blotches, giving^this portion of the plumage a banded appearance ; most of these feathers also have white or rufous tips. The thighs and legs are similarly coloured to those of the male, being, however, a little darker. Tlie hinder tail-coverts are rufous banded with earth-brown. Irides of both sexes at adult stage ochreous yellow. Bill and claws dark horn. Cere, legs, and claws yellow. 213. *BuTEO DESERTORUM (Grill). Steppe Buzzard. Not common in Albany. 214. Elanus c^ruleus (Desf,). Black-shouldered Kite. A young specimen about two months old, dated May 1903, has the upper breast suffused with pale rufous. 215. AcciPiTERMiNULLUS (Daud.). Little Sparrow Hawk. Not common. This species nests in Double Kloof near Grahamstown. 216. AcciPiTER RUFiVENTRis, Smith. African Sparrow Hawk. Not unconnnon. 217. AcciPiTER MELANOLEUCUS, Smith. Black Sparrow Hawk, Scarce. 218. AsTUR TACHIRO (Daud.). African Goshawk. Fairly common. The young bird is tinged on the cheeks, throat, and upper breast with pale rufous, which fades to pale Journal SA O.U , Vol. Ill , Plate VI. Birds of Alhauf/ Division, Cape Colojiy. Ill buff as the bird gets older, and finally becomes white when fully adult. 219. Melierax canorus (Rislach). Chanting Goshawk. Scarce. 220. *Melierax gabar (Daud.). Gabar Goshawk. Rare. 221. *Melierax NIGER (Bonn. & VieilL). Black Gabar Goshawk. Very rare. 222. *OiRCUS MACRURUS (GmcL). Pale Harrier. Rare. 223. Circus maurus (Temm.). Black Harrier. Scarce. 224. PoLYBOROiDES TYPicus, Smith. Harrier Hawk. Scarce. 225. *Gyps kolbii (Daud.). South African Griffon Vulture. Formerly extremely common, but of recent years, probably owing to the " Poisoning Clubs," like Curvus scajyulatuSy becoming scarcer. 22G. *Otogyps auricularis (Daud.). Black Vulture. Very scarce. 227. *Serpentarius secretarius (Sparrm.). Secretary Bird. Scarce. 228. *Plotus rufus, Lacep. & Daud. Snake Bird. Occasionally met with on the Great Fish River. 229. *CicoNiA ALBA (Linn.). White Stork. A scarce visitor. 230. *CicoNiA NIGRA (Linn.). Black Stork. Scarce. 231. Scopus umbretta, Gmel. Hammerhead. Common. 112 Messrs. A. Haiignor and \{. H. Ivy on the 232. *Ardea cinerea, Linn. Grey Heron. Not common. 233. Ardea purpurea, Linn. Purple Heron. Not common. 234. *Herodias alba (Linn.). Great White Egret. Occasionally met with on the Great Fish River. 235. *BuBULCUS IBIS (Linn.). Cattle Egret. Not common. 230. Ardeola ralloides (Scop.). Squacco Heron. Not common. 237. Nycticorax griseus (Linn.). Night Heron. Scarce. 238. Ardetta payesi, Hartl. Red-necked Little Bittern. Scarce. 239. *Geronticus calvus (Bodd.). Bald Ibis. Scarce. 240. Hagedashia hagedash (Lath.). Hadadah. Not common and breeding in the Division. 241. *Nettopus auritus (Bodd.). Dwarf Goose. Rare. 242. Alopochen ^gyptiacus (Linn.). Mountain Goose. Not uncommon and breeding. 243. *Anas undulata, Dubois. Yellow-bill Duck. Scarce. Upper Albany only. 244. Anas sparsa, Smith. Black Duck. Common everywhere. 245. PcECiLONETTA ERYTHRORYNCHA (Gmcl.). Red-billed Teal. Scarce. Upper Albany. 246. ViNAGO DELALANDii (Bp.). Green Fruit Pigeon. Very rare. (^ , Grahamstown, December 1892. 247. CoLUMBA PHiEONOTA, G. R. Gray. Speckled Pigeon. Common. Birds of Alhanij Division, Cape Colony. 113 248. C'oLUMBA ARQUATRix, Tcmm. & Knip. Olivo Pigeon. Common in the bush. 24:9. TuRTUR SEMiTORQUATUS (Rupp.). Red-ejcJ Dove. Common. 250. TuRTUR CAPICOLA, Smidev. Cape Turtle Dove. Common. 251. TuRTUR SENEGALENSis (Linn.). Laughing Dove. Not uncommon. 252. CEna carensis (Linn.). Long-tailed Dove. Scarce. 253. Tympanistria bicolor, Reichenb. Tambourine Dove. Not uncommon. 254. Chalcopelia afra (Linn.). Emerald-spotted Dove. Fairly common. 255. Haplopelia larvata (Temm. & Knip). Lemon Dove. Scarce, but breeding. We procured a pair on January 7th, 1907. 25G. Francolinusafricanus, Steph. Grey- wing Francolin. Not uncommon. 257. Francolinus levaillanti (Valenc). Cape Red- wing. Common. 258. Pternistes nudicollis (Bodd.). Red - nocked Francolin. Not uncommon in the thick bush. 259. CoTURNix AFRICANA, Temm. & Schleg. Cape Quail. Common. Their eggs vary considerably, being of a huffish tint to yellowish-brown ground-colour, sometimes finely spotted, sometimes heavily blotched, and sometimes both. An eoo- taken in November 1906 has no markings whatever. SER. II. — VOL. I. 8 114 Messrs. A. liaagner and R. H. Ivy on the 260. CoTURNix DELAGORGUEi (Delag.). Harlequin Quail. Common at times. Specimens obtained January 1907. 261. NuMiDA CORONATA (Gray). Common Guinea Fowl. Common. The youn^ fii/inri birds have no bony helmet on the top o£ the head, this region being covered with woolly feathers and striped like that o£ a young Ostrich. 262. Crex pratensis, Bechst. European Corn Crake. Scarce. 263. Ortygometra pusilla (Pall.). Baillon's Crake. Scarce. 264. Sarothritra lineata (Swains.). Jardine's Crake. Scarce. ?, Fish River Randt near Grahamstown, .1891. 265. Gallinula chloropus (Linn.). Moorhen. Not uncommon in some localities. 266. PoRPHYRio PORPHYRio (Linn.). King Reed-Hen. Rare. 267. FuLiCA CRiSTATA, Gmel. Red-knobbed Coot. Not uncommon. 268. PoDiCA PETERSI, Hartl. Peters's Finfoot. Rare. 269. *Tetrapteryx paradisea (Licht.). Stanley Crane. Fairly conmion. 270. Otis afra, Gmel. Black Knorhaan. Fairly common. 271. Otis vigorsi, Smith. Pink-breasted Knorhaan. Scarce. February 1894. 272. *Otis cafra, Licht. Stanley Paauw. Scarce. 273. *Otis barrowi, J. E. Gray. Barrow's Knorhaan. Rare. Birds of Alhany Division, Cape Colony. 115 274. ffinicNEMUS capensis, Licht. Dikkop. Common. 275. CuRSORius RUFUS, Gould. Rufous Courser. Common. 276. CuRSORius TEMMiNCKi, Swains. Temminck's Courser. Scarce. 277. Rhinoptilus africanus (Temm.). Two-banded Courser. Not uncommon. 278. *Glareola melanoptera, Nordm. Nordmann's Pratincole. Common occasionally. 279. HoPLOPTERUS armatus (Burchell). Blacksmith Plover. Rare. ? , June 1896. 280. Stephanibyx coronatus (Bodd.). Crowned Lap- wing. Common in Upper Albany. Their eggs vary a little in size, and are sometimes only thickly speckled with very few blotches, although the heavily blotched specimens predominate. 281. Stephanibyx melanopterus (Cretzsch.). Black- winged Plover. Scarce. 282. ^GiALiTis ASiATiCA (Pall.). Caspian Plover. Not uncommon. 283. J^^GiALiTis TRicoLLARis (Vieill.). Three-banded Plover. Common. 284. *Pavoncella pugnax (Linn.). Ruff. Scarce visitor. 285. Tringa minuta, Leisl. Little Stint. Not uncommon. IIG On the Birds of Alhany Dkns'wn, Cape Colon'/. 286. GrALLiNAGO NiGRiPENNis, Bp. Ethiopian Snipe. Very rare. 287. RosTRATULA CAPENSis (Linn.). Painted Snipe. Scarce, a. $ , January 1889. 288. Sterna bergii, Licht. Swift Tern. Occasionally met with. A specimen in the Museum is dated August 1902. 289. Prion desolatus (Gmel.). Narrow-billed Blue Petrel. One specimen obtained. 290. *PoDiciPES CRISTATUS (Linn.). Crested Grebe. Scarce. 291. *PoDiciPES CAPENSIS, Licht. Cape Dabchick. Not uncommon. An eog taken on November 9, 1895, on Table Farm near Grahamstown, was of a dirty cream colour, and of a pyriform-ovate shape — measuring 35*5 x 27 mm. EXPLANATION OF PLATE TIL Fig, 1. Frinr/illaria tahapisi. 2. Emnrc/inata siimata. *'' •3. Emherlzajlaviventris. \/ 4. Pachyprora pririt. *^ 5. Chlorodyta neghcta. ^ 6. Cnynpopluu/a hnrtlauJii. 7. Cossypha bicolor. ♦' 8. Irrisor virhlis, ♦- 0. Campophaya niyrn. ]0. Laninrius rubiyinosus. H. Telephonns seneyalus, " 12. ,, tchnyra. *' 13. Lamprocolius melanny aster. 14. Chrysococcyx klaasi. '^ 16-17. „ cupre7(.x. "' .'^ 18, Indicator sparrmani. >/ . ■ NoTF..— The top row of eg-gs on Plate IV. are two Hirundo albiyularis with one unidentitied Indicator. Occasional Notes. 117 IX. — Occasional Notes. (1) Mr. W. L. ScLATER, our late President, whose resig- nation from the Directorship of the South African Museum, Cape Town, we announced in our last issue, has taken an appointment as Director of the Colorado College Museum, (Colorado, U.S.A. The good wishes of the Union for a congenial and prosperous sphere of work follow him. (2) Mr. S. A. Neave, M.A., B.Sc.(Oxon.), who was attached as Naturalist to the Geodetic Survey in N.E. Rhodesia, spent in that part of Africa nearly two years from March 1904 to January 1906. His collection of birds numbers some 750 specimens, which, when worked out, are expected to display some highly interesting results. (3) Capt. Boyd Alexander's Trans-African Expedition had reached Bomakandi, a Belgian station on the Welle River, in April 1906 : on the 16th June it was at Niangara. Capt. Alexander intended to proceed via Dongu to Wadelai on the Nile. It will be remembered that early on this Expedition Capt. Alexander lost his brother, and it is sad to record that the remaining member of the Expedition, Capt. Gosling, has now also died, from blackwater fever. Nothing, however, daunts the courage of Capt. Alexander, who pushes on regardless of these misfortunes and who appears to be fever-proof. (4) The attached note from the London ' Times ' of Aug. 17th, 1906, may be interesting to readers : — " The Zoological Gardens. — The most important recent additions to the Zoological Gardens consist of a largo collection of South African birds, formed by Capt. B. K. Horsbrugh, A.S.C., who has been serving in the Orange 118 Occasional jXotes. River Colony, where he devoted his leisure to the practice o£ aviculture. On his recent return to England he brought with him about 100 birds, all rare, and some imported for the first time. Of these a few passed into the hands of other avi- culturists, who were glad to secure such prizes ; the rest, representing 21 species, in 19 genera, he presented to the Zoological Society. The Waxbills, Finches, Buntings, and Weaver Birds, which form the bulk of the collection, will appeal strongly to all interested in aviculture, as several have not been exhibited before. There are the Black-faced Wax- bill (Estrilda eri/thronota), of which Capt. Horsbrugh sent home a skin last year ; the Ruddy Waxbill (Lagonosticta hrunneiceps), the Queen Widah Bird ( Vidua o^egia), the Taha Weaver (^Pyromelana to/«a),the Cape Robin (Cossj/pJia ca^ra), the Pale White-eye (Zosterops pallida), and the Golden- crested Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris). In the collection are also three Pied Barbets (Ttichokcma lettcomelas), with black and yellow plumage, crimson forehead, and the feathers of the breast hairy, whence comes the generic name ; a Bacbakiri Shrike (^Laniarius gutturalis), a bush-haunting bird of green plumage, recognized principally in its native haunts by its loud call, for it is seldom seen, owing to its protective plumage ; a Tit-Babbler {Parisoma subcceruleum), a little ash-coloured bird with a long fantail edged with white ; a Double-banded Courser (Rldnoptilus bicinctiis), differing from the northern species in being brown, with dark markings above, and having two black bands on the chest ; and a Lesser Red-shouldered Glossy Starling (Lamprocolius phceni- copterus), with bluish-green metallic plumage and a red shoulder-spot. Two Red-cheeked Mouse-Birds (Colius ery- thromelon) and four Guinea-Fowls — two examples of two species {Guttera edouardi and Numida coronatd) — are welcome additions, as few individuals have previously been exhibited." Capt. Horsbrugh is now stationed at Potchefstroom, Transvaal. (5) The expedition planned by Dr. Turner during the winter months of last year was a great success. A short Occasional Notes. 119 account of the more conspicuous birds observed will be found in this Number. The following general account is extracted from the ' Transvaal Leader ' of Sept. 20th, 1906. "A Shooting Trip in-Gazaland. — Up the Incomati. " Pbetoria, Wednesday. " Of the many trips and shooting expeditions recorded from time to time in the public Press, that recently taken by Dr. George Turner, M.L.C. (Medical Officer of Health for the Transvaal), into Gazaland is of peculiar interest, by reason not only of its novelty, but also from the fact that in making the journey he passed through a populous native country, and toured one of the principal and most interesting waterways of Portuguese East Africa, in the River Incomati. " In arranging his trip. Dr. Turner received the infor- mation that at the dry season of the year there was usually some two or three feet of w^ater in the shallower reaches of the river. He had his boats specially built in Pretoria, and, as they were only to draw 11 inches of water, he rested content that he was well on the right side. When, however, he arrived at Kilometre 53, below Ressano Garcia, on the Delagoa line, and within easy distance of his jumping-ofF place, he found to his dismay only 4 inches of water in some parts of the river. Whilst the necessary pitching of the boat-seams had been gone through, the party spent the time in shooting the Guinea-Fowl and buck, and eventually made a start on the 10th June. The difficulties of poling the boats were many owing to the low water, but Sabi Fort was reached on the 17th June, some small game being bagged on the way. Leaving that place after a two days' delay, owing to a hitch with regard to the shooting licence, the party proceeded. In this section of the river several crocodiles were shot and some koodoo sighted. The scenery was magnificent, and the river- water clear and delicious to drink. The banks of the river w^ere densely populated by what the Doctor terms ' an infernally lazy native population.' 120 Occasional Notes. '''■ Bia Game. " From Magudo, where the travellers were hos})itably entertained by Commandant Pimental, arrangements were made for a trek across country for shooting. Two days' trekking brought the party to a large vlei and native kraal, but, owing to the presence of the natives, game was scarce. Trekking on, the M'Karu Forest was reached, and here game was found in abundance. At one spot close u})on 200 impala and wildbeeste wxre counted, and, in spite of high grass and the difficulty of getting at them, 20 impala and four wildbeeste were bagged. Here also three giraffe were located, but, despite a day was spent in the chase, nothing came of it ; and although Mr. Hauptfleish saw zebra, they also were too smart for the sportsmen. No lions were seen, but wolves and wild dogs were numerous, and constantly made things lively at night. " After two days at the forest, the party retired to the river by way of the Manzi 'Mhlope native labour compound, which Dr. Turner visited. It was then arranged that they should proceed down the Incomati as far as the Kolwen River, cross the Tswali Lake, make a detour, and come back by way of the compound again. Taking to the boats, there- fore, they reached the Kohven in four days, and found it so narrow that they had the greatest difficulty in getting the boats through. Camping for the night on the reedy banks of the river, the sportsmen had their reward at sunset. Wild- fowl were plentiful, and, as the Doctor put it, one could sit at the evening meal with a gun on one's knees and shoot Duck as they flew above the table. On reaching the Tswali Lake, it was found of large extent, the trees on the distant shore being only just discernible. Here another difficulty cropped up. The wind was blowing briskly, and it was dis- covered that the boat-boys could not row. After an un- successful attempt to reach them. Dr. Turner crossed the country on foot to the Manzi 'Mhlope compound, whence boys were sent to take the boats back to the river. Occasional JS^otes. 121 ^^ Ostriches. " From this point, under the guidance of Mr. Brukhuysen, the party went a two days' journey into Gazaland. On the second day out an extensive plain, studded with clumps of bush, tall trees, and with a dense underwood, was reached. Ostriches were seen on the plain and wildebeeste and sable antelope also, but the dense nature of the bush made shooting difficult. They, however, bagged one fine antelope, the skin and horns of which they preserved for setting up, and saw and visited an Ostrich nest which contained 21 eggs, of which Dr. Turner took two as specimens. On their return to ■'Mhlope the party passed through a country where they sighted sasebi, but unfortunately did not get within shooting- distance. Here also Paauws were very plentiful, and several were bagged. Ducks and Geese were innumerable, but very wild. In the river crocodiles could be seen three and four at a time, and some fine barbel were caught when the party got back to the Tswali Lake. Returning to the Kolwen, a man met them, who volunteered, for a consideration, to take them to a place where hippos were to be found. The offer was accepted, and they started on a toilsome journey in a dug- out canoe, and then by land to a small vlei, where, whilst hippo spoor and dung were plentiful, none of the animals were to be seen. It was then sunset, and, as the guide refused to go any further, his consideration at the end of the journey only amounted to one shilling, which he accepted with bad grace. " The Kolwen was safely negotiated the next day, and the boats once more started down the Incomati. The character of the counti'Y had changed, and instead of high well-grown trees right down to the banks of the river, with clear shallow water and a yellow sand, they now passed through enormous marshes covered with high cane reeds, the water being deep and no longer clear. On the second day down they heard that Buffalo were to be found in the neighbourhood, and they obtained 122 Occasional JVotes. guides from a native chiet' and set out, although they were warned as to the danger of their expedition. The ensuing tramp proved to be one of the wettest and hardest they had ever done, or ever wished to do. They were soon in water and mud up to their knees, and the Doctor at one spot got so fixed in the mud that it took the united efforts of two men to extract him. When they were not wading through cane- brakes, they were following buflfalo paths in reeds higher than their heads. They were lured on by fresh spoor and dung, and also by the fact that the guides were evidently very much afraid and could not be got away from the guns. After five hours' tramping they camped on high ground, all being in a soaked condition. They were all immediately covered with mosquitoes, which drew blood, but in spite of the tormentors they camped on the spot for the night in the lee of a smoky fire. In the words of the Doctor, ' It was evident that biifiPalo were in the neighbourhood, probably in large numbers. It was possible that we might stumble across one at any moment ; it was also just as possible, owing to the density of the reeds, that we might spend a fortnight there without meeting a single bull.' They there- fore determined to go back, and reached the boats an hour after sundown the next day. Resuming their journey, during the next few days they got plenty of Duck and Dikkop, and all sorts of Heron and wild Waterfowl abounded. " On the 25th August the party reached Manhica, where Dr. Turner had been in 1899, and the Portuguese Com- mandant welcomed the party and invited them to his table. For the next few days they were entertained most hospitably. Here the party disposed of their boats to a trader, and then started down the river in a schooner for Marcauenne. On the way down they bagged a lot of Duck, and also saw five hippo in the river, but refrained from shooting as time was running short, and there would have been too much delay in w^aiting for the carcase to rise and in drying the skin, even if they had bagged one of the animals. At Marcauenne an amusing incident occurred. When they arrived in the evening Dr. Turner wanted to send in his card to the Commandant Chrasional ^\)tes. 123 of the district. The officers on duty, however, refused to have anything to do with it, and, as the Doctor put it, ho did not blame them. ' I was/ he said, ' a distinctly dis- reputable-looking individual, with long hair, a big bushy white beard, and terribly stained and dilapidated clothes.' So they went on in the boat, and after a somewhat stormy passage landed at Allen & Mack's Wharf^ Delagoa Bay, whence, after being photographed and taking a day's rest, they came home to Pretoria after an absence of three months. " ' The trip,' said Dr. Turner, ' has done me an enormous amount of good, and I can strongly recommend it to elderly gentlemen suffering from obesity. They may depend upon it that when they have gone through the course they will have, as I have had, to reclothe themselves.' " (6) Mr. C. Harvey, of the Trout Hatchery, Potchefstroom, Transvaal, writes : — " In March 1906 a Tick Bird (Bupha(/a africana) was seen •doing an ordinary Yellow Masked Weaver {Hyphantornis velatus mariquensis) to death in a most excitable manner. Tick Birds have been exceedingly numerous this year in the Potchefstroom District ; I have seen as many as twenty-five in the Market Square at one time. " During the last two months I have shot about twenty Kingfishers of three different species in my pond enclosure on the Mooi River. " Not so long ago I saw one of the Giant Kingfishers {Ceryle maxima) — Groot Ijsvogel — making off with a 6-inch trout. In his fright he dropped the fish, which I secured and returned to its pond alive and well after despatching the bird with a charge of No. 6." \_Note. — When at the Potchefstroom Hatchery, in No- vember last, Mr. Harvey showed us some of the Kingfishers he had shot, which were Ceryle rudis (Pied Kingfisher) and Corytlwrnis cyanostigma (Malachite Kingfisher). — Edd.] 124 Occasional JS^otcs. (7) The following extract from ' Nature,' dated July 26th, 1906, may bo of interest : — " A beautiful coloured plate (by Mr. H. Gronvold) of hitherto undescribed or unfigured eggs of South African perching-birds forms an attractive feature in the first number of volume ii. of the ' Journal of the South African Ornitho- logists' Union.' The accompanying notes are by Messrs. J. A. Bucknill and G. E. Gronvold. In a paper on Bird- migration in South Africa (originally read at last year's British Association Meeting), Mr. W. L. Sclater directs attention to the occasional breeding of the Bee-eater during its (Northern) winter sojourn at the Cape. The evidence is indis- putable ; but the question as to whether the same individual birds breed in May in the Northern, and again in October in the Southern, hemisphere, has yet to be definitely answered. Possibly there are two phases of the bird — the one a Northern and the other a Southern breeder. Those interested in Parisitism among birds should read an article by Messrs. Haagner and Ivy on the breeding-habits of certain South African Cuckoos of the genus Chri/sococc^x." (8) Major R. Spakrow writes : — " Ground-scraper Thrush {Tardus litsipsirupa) . " In my former notes (vol. i. p. 13) I should have described the eggs as : ' Ground-colour pale blue spotted and blotched all over with reddish brown and with faint purple spots deeply inset in the shell.' The paragraph at present reads rather as if the eggs were unspotted. They resemble the pale variety of the eggs of the English Missel Thrush." (9) The onnexed cutting from the London ' Times ' will be of interest to South African ornithologists : — " Breeding of Black-footed Penguins. — This South African species (Spheniscus demersus) has for many years been represented in the Zoological Gardens ; but no attempt was made to nest till the stock, then largely increased, was transferred to the sea-lions' })oad. About six weeks ago Occasional Notes. 125 two o£ tho birds paired, and made a rude nost on a kind o£ terrace in the rockwork. The material consisted for the most part of dry sticks and twigs, and mixed with these were fish-bones and pieces of fish dried by exposure. Two eggs were laid, the second three days after the first ; tlie male bird took his fidl share of the duties of incubation, and the young were hatched out exactly five weeks after the deposition of the second egg. The chicks are clothed in dusky down, and are closely covered by the hen })ird. According to the general belief, the parents feed the young for a considerable time, inserting their bill in that of the nestling. It will be interesting to have this point established, or disproved, by the observation of the keepers. The converse method is adopted by the Common Cormorant ; the half- digested fish is regurgitated, and the young bird inserts its bill in that of the parent. Two other Penguins in the same enclosure have paired, and selected a site quite different in character from that selected by the first pair — namely, between two pieces of rockwork, and sheltered by a third. From the observations of naturalists it would seem that in a rookery these birds avail themselves of shelter, when it can be found, nestino- under overhanoino- stones or burrowino- according to the character of the ground, and only building in the open from necessity. Black-footed Penguins have nested in the Jardin d^Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne, where they were kept in a large enclosure. Small dog- kennels were utilized as nesting-boxes, and young birds have been hatched and reared.'^ (10) An appreciative notice of No. 1, Vol. II. of this Journal appears in the October 190G number of ' The Ibis.' (11) Close Season for Waterfowl. — There has been lately considerable agitation amongst sportsmen in the Transvaal towards the grant of permission to shoot Wild Geese and Duck outside the present open season. At present all Geese and Ducks are included in the Game schedule, and 12G Occasional Notes. can only be shot between the 14th April and 31st August. Tt is popularly considered that those species o£ Geese and Duck which are usually found in this Colony do not breed in the close season but nest in the shooting-time, and it is thought that if this is so the close season for these fowl should be altered. A good many people seem to advocate the total removal of waterfowl from the protected list. The Transvaal Game Protection Association has the matter in hand, and is anxious to receive any data of the nesting of Geese or Duck in the Colony, in order to be able to form a proper opinion on the matter and to advise the Government accordingly. A considerable number of letters have been received and have appeared in the public Press, from which the most important are here reproduced : — *' Duck Shooting. " To the Editor of the Leader. " Sir, — Now that the above season has closed until next year, I should like to say a few words re Duck shooting in the Transvaal. The present season lies between April and September — practically the dry season, and when most of the birds are away. All the small pans and swamps in the district during this time of the year are dried up, and the few Ducks that do remain here are only to be found on the large mining dams. These birds are carefully protected and guarded by the mining officials, and the dams are posted with notices — as ' Shooting strictly prohibited,' and such like. Consequently there is little or no chance of an outside sportsman having a day's sport. Whilst out walking on Sunday morning I passed several small pans and swamps, and was surprised to see the number of Ducks about. I counted fully forty of the birds flying around the pan ; and no matter where a person goes here in the rainy season, he will find birds on every available sheet of water. Might 1 suggest that a more suitable season be arranged for Duck shooting — say, the wet months of the year ? If such was the case, all classes of men wdio are fond of sport would be able to spend many pleasant hours shooting. I was surprised Occasional Notes. 127 to hoar that Ducks were protected in the Transvaal, as they are so numerous here. In the Australian Colonies, I believe, Duck shooting is carried on during- the whole year, and, as they breed very quickly, little harm is done. Why not remove Ducks from the protected list ? — I am, etc., " Sport." " WiLn Duck Shooting. " To the. Editor of the Leader. " Sir, — I see in this morning's ' Leader ' a letter by ' Sport ' re Wild Duck shooting : allow me, through your columns, to add a few remarks. In my opinion there should be no close time for W^ild Duck, as about here in the open season you hardly see any, only in such places as ' Sport ' mentions. Only once during last shooting season did I see any Duck in this district — I think it was in June, — when I came across about six old ones and about sixteen small ; some of them could not even fly : I could have secured the lot. Can you, Sir, or any member of the Transvaal Game Society inform me in what month Wild Duck breed? I have been here twelve years, and have seen young Duck in nearly every month of the year. — I am, etc., " Springs, " Harry H. Smith.^' " 28th September, 1906," " Wild Duck Shooting. — The Close Season. " To the Editor of the Leader. " Sir, — I was much interested to observe the letters of ' Sport ' anfl Mr. Harry H. Smith which recently appeared in your columns upon this question. It may not perhaps be uninteresting to state that the propriety of the present close season for Duck shooting is and has been for some time past engaging the close attention of the Transvaal Game Pro- tection Association, which has been endeavourino- to collect reliable data as to the breeding-seasons and places of the different members of the Duck family which frequent the Transvaal. As far as I am aware, the present position taken 128 Oecasional Notes. up by the Transvaal Game Protection Association as a result o£ a meeting held in April o£ this year is that, until some more positive information had been obtained as to the times of the breeding of Duck in the Colony, it was inadvisable that they should be removed from inclusion in the Game-list. I believe I am correct in stating that, as a result of an enquiry made by the Central Connnittee of the Transvaal Game Protection Association from its branches, six were in favour of the removal of Ducks from the list of Game, whilst five wore against that view. No doubt, before the commencement of the next shooting season, the Association will be in the possession of a certain numl)er of reliable observations which may enable it to advise the Government with certainty as to what should be the proper, if any, close season for these birds ; but at the present time it is undoubtedly the fact that the information which is at the disposal of those who are anxious to put this matter right (if it is wrong) is extremely meagre, and it is yet almost impossible to draw any general conclusions, owing to the lack of specific instances with accurate data upon which the breeding of Ducks or Geese has been recorded from the Colony. " I have been tempted, therefore, to venture into your columns with a few remarks upon this subject, with the hope that the publicity which the matter may obtain by means of this letter may possibly result in eliciting numbers of specific instances in which the breeding of the different species of Ducks have been here observed ; thus enabling the Association to draw some conclusions as to what line of action it is proper to take in the matter. In order to form a groundwork upon which observations might be made, it will perhaps be useful to append immediately below a list of those members of the Duck family which have hitherto been recorded from the Transvaal, as set out in the latest available publication, viz. Vol. iv. of Stark and Sclater's ' Fauna of South Africa ' (Birds), which work was only issued from the press in the current year. With this list I give all the places in the Transvaal from which the Occasional Holes. 129 species are recorded by Sclater as having been found. This list must not, of course, be regarded as in the slightest degree or in any way exhaustive, but is in practically every case only typical of the South African localities in which the bird referred to has occurred, and only refers to actual records, either published or personally handed to Mr. Sclater. Secondly, I give details of all the South African breeding- places of the different species as recorded by Sclater ; this list of breeding-places, unlike the list of recorded localities, probably is, so far as Mr. Sclater's information when he wrote his manuscript some three years ago is concerned, doubtless exhaustive of all the knowledge he had then been able to obtain on the subject. It will be observed that these details and observations are extremely scanty. " Below this list I append a few cases which have come under my personal notice, with which I can supplement Sclater's list. " List of Geese and Duck which are known to occur in the Transvaal, with account of known South African breeding-dates and localities. " 1. Plectropterus gamhensis (Spur-winged Goose, Wilde Macaauw, or Maccoa). — Recorded on the Vaal River, near Heidelberg (Gilfillan). Breeding-places : (a) Caledon River, Maseru, Basutoland, no date (Bowker) ; (h) Upper Zambesi, no date (Livingstone). " 2. Sarcidiornis melanonota (Knob-billed Duck, Knobbel- eend). — Recorded from Potchefstroom (Barratt and Ayres) and Rustenburg (Ayres). Breeding-places : (a) Bechuana- land, no date (Andersson) ; (A) Ovampoland, February (Andersson). "3. Kettopus aiiritiis (Dwarf Goose, Dwerg Gans). — Re- corded from Potchefstroom in April and June (Ayres). Breeding-jilaces not known in South Africa. " 4. Dendrocycna viduata (White-faced Duck). — Recorded from Potchefstroom in November (Ayres and Barratt). Breeding unknown in South Africa, but nests in Mada- gascar. SER. II. — VOL. I. 9 1«jO Occasional N^otes. " '). Alopochen a>p//ptiacvs (Eo-yptian Goose, Borg Gans). — Recorded from the Limpopo (Buckley and Eriksson). Breeding-places : (a) Limpopo, 17th September (Eriksson) ; (f>) Orange River, near Upington, 28th October (Brad- shaw). " 6. Caaarca carta (South African Sheldnck, Bergeend). — Recorded from Potchefstroom in July (Ayres). Breeding- places : (a) Deerfontein, Cape Colony, no date (Grant and Seimund) ; {h) Aliwal North, no date (Whitehead). " 7. Anas vndnlafa. (Yellow-bill or Geelbee). — Recorded from Pretoria in June (Oates), Potchefstroom in July and August (Ayres). Breeding-places : ('/) Vogelvlei in Paarl and LoetendaPs Vlei in Bredasdorp, Cape Colony, no date (Layard and South African Museum, Capetown) ; (h) Vlak- fontein, in Harrismith district, O.R.C., April (Sparrow). "8. A77as sparsa (Black Duck, River Duck, Zwaarteend). — Recorded from near Pretoria (Buckley), Potchefstroom in March and April, Lydenburg (Ayres). Breeding-places : (a) Maseru, Basutoland, November (Bowker) ; (A) Buffalo River, Kingwilliamstown, February (Pym). " 9. Nettion capense (Cape Widgeon, Teal-eendje). — Re- corded from the Transvaal in August (Ayres). Breeding- places : Vogelvlei, in the Paarl, Cape Colony, no date (Layard). " 10. Nettion punctatum {HoiienioiTe^X) . Recorded from Potchefstroom in November (Ayres). Breeding-places : (rt) Ovampoland, no date (Andersson). " 11. Poccilonetta eri/tJi7'orhyncha (Red-bill, Smee-eendje). — Recorded from the Limpopo (Holub), Potchefstroom in June and March (Ayres), Boksburg and Krugersdorp (Gil- fillan). Breeding-places: (a) Ovampoland, February and March (Andersson) ; (h) Maritzburg, February and March (Fitzsimmons) ; (^) Sclater states, ' It probably breeds throughout the country.' " 12. Spatula capensis (Cape Shoveller, Slop). — Recorded from the Transvaal (Ayres). Breeding-places : Berg River, no date (Layard). "13. Ni/7'oca erytJiroplitlialma (South African Pochard). — Occasional Notes. 131 Recorded from Marico (Barratt) and near Potchefstroom (Ayres). Breeding-places : (a) Berg River, September (Layard) ; (h) Loetendal's Vlei, Bredasdorp, November (Layard) ; (c) Newcastle, Natal, September to October (Butler) ; Ql) Odongo, Ovampoland, February (Andersson). " 14. Ihalassornis leuconota (White-backed Duck, Wit- rugeend). — Recorded from Potchefstroom (Ayres), Pienaar's River, near Pretoria (Penther), and Modderfontein, near Johannesburg (Haagner). Breeding-places : (a) Clairmont, near Durban, November to February (Millar) ; {!>) ? New- castle district, Natal, September to October (Butler and Fielden) ; (c) Modderfontein, near Johannesburg, April (Haagner) . ^^ 15. J^rismatura maccoa (Maccoa Duck). — Recorded from the Vaal River at Potchefstroom (Ayres). Breeding-places : It is thoaght that Butler and Fielden's eggs from Newcastle, described under (h) of No. 14, were of this species. " 16. Plectropterus niger (Black Spur-winged Goose). — Recorded from Potchefstroom, the specimen being in the British Museum. This bird is of doubtful specific identity, being probably a variation of No. 1. "To the above list I can add the few following notes : — " No. 8. Anas sparsa (Black Duck). — Nest and eleven eggs photographed in July 1905 at Irene, near Pretoria, by Mr. L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S. " No. 6. Casarca cana (South African Shelduck). — October 5th, 1906. I found three young birds in down, about a fortnight or three weeks old, Kruger's Drift, Modder River, O.R.C. One of these is in the Pretoria Zoo. " Most of the species of Geese and Ducks which occur in South Africa have a very wide range, and most are probably migratory in more or less degree. Probably comparatively few of the species, and comparatively few individuals of those species which visit the Transvaal, will be found to make a practice of nesting in the Colony ; while probably, again, those few species which do nest regularly in the Transvaal will be found to vary considerably both as species 9* 132 Occasional Notes. and individually in different localities in regard to the period at which they breed. 0£ the commoner Transvaal species, I think it is not unlikely that No. 5 — the Berg Gans or Egyptian Goose — will be found nesting, as a rule, in September, October, and November in the Transvaal, and probably not at all in the present shooting season. In the Pretoria Zoo this species is now nesting in captivity. " No. G, the Bergeend, or South African Sheldrake — a close ally of the Berg Gans — will, I think, be found in the Transvaal nesting much about the same time as the Egyptian Goose, the preceding species. "No. 7, the Geelbec, there should be no difficulty in finding out about. I expect it will be found, together with No. 8 (the Black Duck), to breed in the TransA-aal mainly in April, May, June, and July. "No. 11 (the Red-bill), No. 13 (the Pochard), and No. 14 (the White-backed Duck), all probably in their breeding- habits in the Transvaal follow Nos. 7 and 8. " A great deal of the above suggestion is naturally a matter of conjecture, and not, it should be at once stated, founded on precise information. I have ventured, however, to jot down the few notes which I give above, in the hope that they may perhaps lead in some small way to a settlement of this somewhat vexed question. " Apologizing for intruding upon your space at such length, " I am, etc., " John A. Bucknill, "F.Z.S., M.B.O. U., President of the South African " Pretoria, Ornithologists^ Unions "October 13th, 1906." " Wild Duck Shooting. " To the Editor of the Leader. " SiK, — Many people must have enjoyed the very inter- esting letter on the above subject appearing in your issue of the 1.5th inst. from the pen of Mr. J. A. Bucknill. In the belief that any observations of a lover of wild-fowl may possibly be useful to that body of sportsmen who frame our Occasional JVofes. li3o game laws, I beg to record my own experience in noting the irregular breeding habits oi; the Connnon Brown-backed Goose, the Brown-backed Duck, and a species of Teal which bears a strong resemblance in colouring to the above-men- tioned birds. I find entries in my diary during the months of July and early August 1902, of having met w^th broods of squeakers of all the above three kinds in the several pans in the Phillipstown-Petrusville district, Cape Colony. " One can hardly assume that during the months mentioned these various birds reared broods out of the ordinary closed season by accident, and I ventured to infer from these instances that wild-fowl in particular have no specified period for nesting in this country. " One naturally refrained from shooting them under the conditions, and it would appear extremely difficult for the game associations of South Africa to fix a closed season for wild-fowl while at the same time exercising that protection so necessary for the preservation of the most beautiful of our sporting birds. — I am, etc., " Britisher." " Wild Duck Shooting. " lo the Editor of the Leader. " Sir, — With great interest I have of late read the different letters r^ the closing season for shooting Wild Ducks, and perhaps my experiences may be of slight interest. For twelve years I have lived at Booysens, and only found that Wild Duck and Geese make their appearance during the rainy season. Now, during the whole of last shooting season 1 did not see a single Duck or Goose on the Crown Heef or any other dams running towards Langlaagte ; but since the rain set in you can see hundreds of Ducks flocking down after sundown into the shallow part of the Crown Beef dam, feeding there during the night, and are off' at dawn, after the first blasting operations commence, to a quieter spot at Heronmere. " I have shot a oreat number of Ducks from October till 134 Occasional Notes. February whilst there was no close season for Ducks, and never found an egg inside of one, neither have I found a single nest at Heronmere or any of the dams mentioned. Some years ago, I was the guest of the late Mr. Tobias Mostert during the Easter holidays, on his farm, Rock Nagaar, about thirty miles from Vryburg (Bechuanaland), and we used to row out early in the mornings on one of the beautiful lakes on his estate in search of Coote eggs for our breakfast. The lakes are surrounded by large trees and bordered with thick reeds and high grass. Ht-re I found numerous Duck nests, with eggs and young ones, and hundreds of young Ducks on the lake, from a week to a fortnight old. Nests of Ducks with eggs I found during May and April on the swampy banks of the Macabusi River, near Salisbury, and often sent my Kafir boys out to to collect some eggs, which in 1890 and 1891 were a highly appreciated dish after one's ordinary fare of bully beef. Now, one of the reasons of the Game Protection Association for including Ducks and Geese in the Game Law is that a person going out Duck-shooting might feel tempted to shoot a Koorkhan or any other game coming in his way. No real sportsman, I think, would commit himself so far. Snipe, which are at present plentiful on the waters mentioned, are, however, not included in the Game Law. Your purpose is Snipe shooting ; but what temptation if you are on the banks of these dams and a flock of Ducks or Geese fly round your head, and very few sportsmen think it right that these birds should be protected. — I am, etc., Herm Flugge. " P.O. Box 4397, Johannesburg-, '' October 16th, 1906. " To the President, South African Ornithologists'' Union. " Dear Sir, — Seeing your letter in this morning's paper I think the following facts may interest you : — " Between October 6 and 16, on the Klip River dam at Henley, I observed young broods of 6 to 9 or 10 weeks' old of Coot, Duck, and Dabchick (Moorhen). Occasional JS^oles. 135 " I observed them also at al)out the same date last year. None ot' these could yet fly, and as I was down a month earlier and failed to see any, they must have been still very young and keeping hidden among the reeds on the shore. " I would like to add that both in October and November of last year I was able to watch the trout laying eggs — so that on the Klip, at any rate, these months were also trout- breeding months. — Yours faithfully, "M.Napier." It seems clear that the Transvaal Game Protection Asso- ciation has adopted the right course in refusing to take hasty action. It is hoped that all Members of the Union will forward imy records of the nesting of any species of Wild Goose or Duck of which they have made observations, as it is extremely important that sufficient data of really reliable character should be furnished to enable the matter to be settled authoritatively. The paucity of the present records is a remarkable instance of the lack of knowledge of the habits of some of our well- known birds, and the solution of the difficulty one in which the Union ought to take a leading part and supply a clear answer. (12) Destructive Birds. — A matter which demands very- serious and careful attention of all ornithologists is the complaint, which is now being constantly received, as to the destruction of crops by various species of small birds. We have received recently a variety of complaints. Mr. Johnston, Chief of the Biological Division of the Orange River Colony, writes : — "iln some parts of the 0. R. C. various kinds of grain, such as wheat, oats, and Kafir corn, were seriously devastated this year by birds, the chief depredators being, so far as can be ascertained, the Red Katir Fink {Pyromelana oryx) and the Kafir Fink or Sakabula {Coliopasser procne). On the Modder River the Red-billed Weaver (Quelea quelea) has increased to an alarming extent, whilst in the Korannaberg 136 Occusiottal yotes. District a number of farniers have given up sowing grain- crops owing to the destructiveness of feathered thieves. It is a serious matter, and I should like to draw the attention of the Union to it in the hope of someone being able to suggest a remedy." We addressed a letter on the matter to the Government Botanist of the Transvaal Agricultural Department, Mr. J. Burtt-Davy, F.L.S., who in reply states : — "Transvaal Department of Agriculture, " Pretoria, 16th August, 1906. " Answering your enquiry I may say that at Skinner's Court Experimental Station and the Potchefstroom Experi- mental Farm we have had the greatest trouble in growing certain small grains for seed, particularly Pen?iis^iu/u spicatum, Setaria italica, wheat, Kafir corn, and millets. : " Several small birds seem to be responsible, and they come in flocks. So far I have found no practicable remedy for this kind of thing : we catch a few in trap cages, shoot a few, and in serious cases keep a piccaninny ' tenting,' but the two first-named do little good, and the third plan is expensive and not thoroughly efficient. " Some are making false nests in the Casuarinas and almost stripping them of leaves. " I might add that V. L. Robertson, of Rolfontein, Amers- foort, says that Doves make it practically impossible to grow peas there. Kafir Cranes are said to cause much loss of mealie-plants in the Standerton District, pulling them out along the rows as Rooks do wheat in England." The gist of this correspondence appeared in the ' Transvaal Agricultural Journal ' for October 1906 (vide pp. 263 & 264). It is rather difficult to suggest any very practical remedy. The trouble is common enough in other countries : in England elaborate scarecrows, clacking mills driven by wind, small boys with clappers, " sparrow-clubs," and poisoned grain are all well-known methods in frequent use, although the last is in England illegal. In great fields in the East, Occasional Notes. 137 such as in India, where labour costs nothing, every cultivated piece o£ ground has its bird-watcher, who is often perched on a high platform raised above the ground ten feet or more, from which a large expanse can be observed, and from which the watchman is often able to manipulate, by means of long- strings, various frightening devices in different parts of the ground. The Sparrow-club, in which a very small reward is paid for every dozen Sparrows, is a very old English institution, and used in some cas^s to be supported from Parish funds ! One penny or twopence a dozen was usually paid, and sometimes even more : most of tlie birds were taken with long purse-shaped nets, which, fastened on the ends of two long poles, were carried and })laced at night close to the ivy-covered walls of buildings or on haystacks, where Sparrows roost in large numbers, and then, as the frightened birds flew out, were clapped together. This kind of bird- catching is known as " Bat-fowling," and is quite a popular amusement, the professionals often taking many other species of birds besides Sparrows, for v^hich they find a ready sale to the bird-dealers. In the neighbourhood of London and other large towns live Sparrows are always saleable at fourpence per dozen for shooting from traps, a sport much indulged in by the less aristocratic gun-clubs. Poisoned grain will destroy thousands of birds — arsenic and strychnine are usually used, — but it is a dangerous practice, especially near homesteads, where fowls may pick up the grain, or pigs, cats, and dogs eat the poisoned birds' bodies. As, in this country, most of the small birds roost in reeds or grass, the Bat-fowling method is probably not of much use and poisoned grain a danger, as fowls and pigs are usually allowed to run about freely. Small Kaffir boys or girls' with clappers or wooden clack- windmills on high posts (which, it may be said, are quite easily made) seem to be the only remedies which at present occur as beine useful deterrents. (13) Habits of Gtps eolbii ((Jommon Vulture). — The economy of Gyps^ koibii (Kolbe's Vulture) seems to be 138 Occasional jVoles. changing somewhat, and its new habit is attracting con- siderable alarm. Although instances are quoted by Sclater of its attack on living animals, particularly lambs and kids {vide Fauna of S. Africa : Birds, a^oL iii. p. 386), it has, as a rule, been always recognized that its food consisted chiefly of carrion. Within the last two years the practice of attacking even full-grown sheep appears to be becoming quite common in the Transvaal, and if the habit spreads it will constitute a serious menace to the farmer. The matter was mentioned by Dr. Gunning at the last Annual Meeting of the Union (p. ix, vol. ii. no. 2), and is referred to at some length by Mr. C. H. Taylor in his paper in this Number of the Journal (p. 33). The reason why this Vulture is becoming a regular foe to live animals may be due to several causes, all of which may be partially responsible. In the first place, the decrease of buck throughout South Africa, upon the carcases of which it must have at one time chiefly fed ; secondly, there is little doubt, as remarked by Sclater, that the rinderpest of 1895 and succeeding years drew most of these birds from the southern portion of the peninsula northwards, where the dead cattle and other animals oflFered a plentiful food-supply (lide loc. cit. iii. p. 385) ; lastly, because there is equally no doubt that the enormous number of horses, mules, and cattle which perished during the war and for some time afterwards also provided conditions peculiarly favourable for the increase of the species, particularly in the Transvaal. During the past ten years or so it may be confidently stated that the economic position of this species has been very favourable, and it has doubtless increased numerically somewhat rapidly. The diminution of Game, and the absence of those two huge sources of food presented by the rinderpest and the war must have made the Vulture's task of finding sufficient food a matter of difficulty, with the result indicated above, a fairly natural corollary. It may be borne in mind that a far more unusual habit has arisen with the growth of sheep- Occasional Notes. 139 farming in New Zealand, where a Parrot, " Nestor notabilis (Gould)," the " Kea " of the Colonists, has of late years been found to attack sheep by picking holes in their side, and lacerating the intestines and thus causing death, although the loss thus occasioned has not been very great, not more than one sheep in three hundred being found to be attacked (vide Dr. Menzies, Trans. N. Zealand Inst. xi. p. 397 ; Newton, ' Dictionary of Birds,' p. 628). (14) The Central Committee of the Transvaal Game Protection Association passed a resolution on the 31st of October, 1906, recommending that the Government should protect absolutely, i. e., by declaring them Royal Game, all Locust Birds both large and small. This resolution would presumably include Dilophus carunculatus (Wattled Starling), Ciconia alba (White Stork), and Glareola melanoptera (Nord- mann's Pratincole). Tinmmculus naumanni (Lesser Kestrel) might also well be protected for the same reason. (15) The quantity of Game which now finds its way into the Markets in South Africa is very considerable and is undoubtedly increasing. From figures which have been supplied from the Kimberley Market the amount of Game there sold during the last three seasons was surprisingly large. In the 1904 season 12,975 head of Game was disposed of, realizing £2752 ; in the 1905 season 29,119 head realized £4667, whilst in the 1906 season 40,933 head realized £4829. Some interesting details of the different kinds of Game which are included in the 40,933 bead sold in 1906 are given ; these were : — Springbuck, 4025. Duiker, 174. Steinbok, 1415. Hares, 5131. Knorhaan, 3565. Redwing, 2957. 14:0 Occa.'iional J^otes. Guiuea Fowl, 81b. Paauw, 59. Wild Duck, 130. Geese, 33. Small Birds, 22,626. The item Small Birds would probably include the Coqui Francolin, as well as the Sand-Grouse, which is, of course, extremely abundant in that neighbourhood. (16) Introduction of English Starling. — The ' Trans- vaal Agricultural Journal ' of Oct. 1906 contains a letter (vide p. 263) from Messrs. Peterson and Techow, of Krugers- dorp, advocating the introduction of the English Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) into the Transvaal, for the purpose of checking the havoc caused in vegetable gardens, and espe- cially to turnips and cabbages, by the well-known pest the bug known as the Bagrada Bug. The writers, who say that they are AustraUans, state that this bird lives entirely on insects, and that they have had experience of the benefit which the introduction of the Starling has effected in Australia by the destruction oE noxious caterpillars and insects. In answer to their letter Mr. C. W. Howard, the Assistant Entomologist of the Transvaal Agricultural Department, deprecates the suggestion, pointing out that the Starling, since its introduction into New Zealand, has become a well recognized pest, and that the numbers of this Bug can be kept in check by proper attention to the culture of the plants which it attacks. Mr. Howard also refers to the danger of the introduction of species of birds into a new country where it is impossible to foretell how they may alter their habits under new economic conditions, and refers in particular to the disastrous result of the importation of the English Sparrow into the United States of America. Mr. Howard also states that both the English Starlinor and the English Sparrow have already been introduced into Occasional JS^otc^'. 141 South Africa, the former at Durban and the latter at C^ape Town, This last statement should be reversed. The English Starling was introduced into Cape Colony by the late Mr. Rhodes about 1898, when a few pairs were turned out at Grook Schuur at Rondebosch. It has now well established itself in Cape Town and the suburbs round Table Mountain, and has even been seen at Stellenbosch ; it nests freely, and will no doubt rapidly extend its range (Annal. S. African Museum, vol. iii. part viii. p. 366). The Common English Sparrow was recently introduced near Durban, where it was first noticed in 1902 ; it is rapidly increasing, and a specimen has already been shot in the neighbourhood of Pretoria (Annals S. African Museum, vol. iii. part viii. p. 37). That the English Sparrow is a curse to agriculture there is now not the slightest doubt, and its establishment in S. Africa should be most carefully watched. The English Starling, though primarily insectivorous, is a terrible fruit thief, and in England has, within the last fifty years, increased so enormously as to be the cause of serious trouble to both professional and private fruit growers. This country will probably be much the better without the presence of either species. (17) Occurrence of Amadina fasciata in South Africa. — Mr. A. Duncan (Johannesburg) writes : — " The specimen of Amadina fasciata (vide this Journal, vol. i. no. iv. p. xiv) exhibited by me at the Third Annual Meeting of the Union was one of a pair which I bought at Scott Wakeford's, the local bird-fancier. He informed me that they were brought with other birds from ' Plum Tree,' a station on the Rhodesian Railway north of Mafeking. The male died the following day, but the female is still alive in my aviaiy " (20.9.06). This is perhaps hardly sufficient to prove this species' claim to inclusion in the S. African list, as it is conceivable that the birds may have been brought in from outside our limits. As, however, Plum Tree is in Southern Rhodesia, this does 142 Occasional Kotes. not seem very likely. Mr. W. L. Sclater has, however, in- cluded the species in his Check-list of South African Birds, on the sound strength of a pair collected by Dr. Stoehr at Zumbo on the Zambesi. He also saw a pair in captivity in Buluwayo^ which its owner stated had been caught near the town. Rhodesian ornithologists might look out for the occurrence of this species. (18) Mr. C. B. HoRSBRUGH (Pretoria) writes : — " Perhaps the enclosed cutting from the ' Zoologist/ 1899, p. 80, might be interestino- to S. African ornithologists. It would be desirable to know if the nest was preserved. I might add that I once found a curious nest constructed entirely of fine wires taken from the wreaths in a cemetery. The builders were a pair of Turtle Doves (^Turtur auritus), and the nest was in the neighbourhood of Bath, England. I recorded the occurrence in the ' Field ' some years ago. " ' Strange Nest of a South African Bush Shrike. — I found a nest of the Pied Bush Shrike (Brach/ornis silens) near the Fountains, Pretoria, Transvaal, on Nov. 6th, 1898. The nest was about eight feet from the ground, in the fork of the stem of a small thorn tree. It was built purely of twine. I examined it carefully, but could not find any other material used in its construction. The inside was lined with small white feathers. It contained three eggs of a pale green colour, splashed with red at the larger ends. — Alex. Ross (Johannesburg, Transvaal).' " [Fountain Grove is a short distance from Pretoria, and is a favourite resort. There is a hostelry there, many picnics held, and many corks drawn. Hence the twine. — Ed.] " It may not perhaps be known to all our readers that the Editor of the ' Zoologist ' at the date of this Note was Mr. VV. L. Distant, who resided in the Transvaal for some time about 1889, and published that ])leasant little book ' A Naturalist in the Transvaal.-' Mr. Distant's residence in Pretoria accounts for the knowledge of the convivial character of " the Fountains/' as displayed in his Editorial Note. Occas'ionaJ Notes. 143 Bradyornis silens (Silent Bush Robin) = Tarsir/er sllens, and is not now called or placed with the Shrikes. (19) Mr. W. KiRBY, of the Kiniberley Waterworks, writes: — "The following dates for 1906 may be of interest: the first examples of the Rufous-breasted Swallow {Ilirundo semirufd) arrived here on August 20th, the Bee-eater (^Merops ((piaster) on 22nd September, and the Swift [Cypselus opus) on 2nd October. On 17th September there were upwards of 500 nests of the Cliff Swallow [Petroclielidon spiloderd) on a stone building.'^ (20) New Records from Port Elizabeth. — Mr. F. W. Fitzsimons, Director of the Port Elizabeth Museum, forwards us the following notes : — " The distribution of Meyer's Parrot {Poeocephalus mer/eri) , according to the latest authorities, does not include Cape Colony. During February last two of these birds were shot at Klip Vlei, which is in the near vicinity of Port Elizabeth. I have carefully examined these specimens, and I am quite convinced they are wild birds. They were shot in the scrubby bush and are both males. If more are discovered I shall let you know. " Sclater states that the Cape Grass Bird [Sphenocacus africanus) is confined to the western portion of the Cape Colony. I have carefully examined a specimen procured in the vicinity of Port Elizabeth, and it is without question one of this species. The main difference in the two species is that the upper and under tail-coverts are without streaks in S. intermedins, and the size differs somewhat. The specimen before me answers perfectly in the markings and measure- ment to S. africanus. Mr. J. G. Brown, who knows the birds in this locality better than any man, assures me it is quite common here. If this be so, then its range must be extended to the Eastern Division of the Colony. The specimen referred to was shot near Zwartkops, a few miles from this town.'' 144 Occasional ^^otes. (21) Bird Migration. — In order to endeavour to carry out immediately some part of the programme outlined at the Third Annual JMeeting of the South African Ornithologists' Union an attempt is being made to start to obtain some definite idea of the migration of some of the more typically migratory South African species of birds. AVith this object a short circular has been drawn up, a copy of which will be found enclosed in this number of the Journal, which will be circulated throughout South Africa to all persons whom it may be thought may be able to assist in furthering the scheme. It will be observed that at the commencement the list of birds chosen is a very small one ; but this course has been thought advisable in order not to deter those who may be willing to co-operate by any apparent difficulty or serious work in connection with the proposal, and at the same time an attempt has been made for the same reason to pick out species which are easily capable of being recognized, even by those who are not serious students of ornithology. If the plan seems to promise success it is hoped that next yeara more elaborate list can be circulated forasimilar purpose. It is hoped that every endeavour will be made by members of the Union to further the undertaking, and that it may lead up to a series of careful and accurate observations which may make possible a proper ornithological survey of South Africa, which will embrace the country south of the Zambesi River on the east, and the Cunene River on the west coast. At the commencement this surve}^ would occupy itself mainly with the question of migration. It will be remembered that a Committee of the Union has already been appointed to arrange, classify, and record systematically all observations which may be sent in, and this part of the work will be undertaken at the Transvaal Museum, Boom Street, Pretoria, under the superintendence of Dr. Gunning, F.Z.S. The Secretary of the Union will, on application, be pleased to supply any number of the forms which are now prepared to any persons desirous of lending their assistance. It may be mentioned that the results which have been Short Notices of Ornitholof/ical PuhliccitioDS. 145 obtained by similar methods in other countries have been extraordinarily interesting and most beneficial both to aoi'i- culture and to students of ornithology in general. (22) We greatly regret to have to announce the departure from South Africa of our much-valued President, Mr. John A. Bucknill, M.A., who, with the introduction of Kosponsible Government into the Transvaal, has resigned his office and taken up an appointment in Cyprus. Mr. Bucknill has been the chief Editor of this Journal since its inception, and liis loss will be greatly felt. South African ornithologists will wish him all prosperity in his new sphere of work. X. — Short Notices of Ornithological Puhlications. 1. 7 he Ibis: Journal of the B.O.U., July and October, 1906. The July (190G) number of 'The Ibis' contains the fol- fowing papers : — 1. " On a new Owl from Java." By Dr. 0. Finsch. The species is called Si/rninui bartelsi and is named after its discoverer, Mr. Max Bartels, a prominent student of Javan ornithology. Owls are rare in Java, only ten species being known. 2. "On the Birds collected in Transcaucasia by Mr. A. M. Kobyhn.^' By S. A. Buturlin. This paper gives a list, with some interesting notes of some 136 species of birds obtained by Mr. Kobylin during a three years' residence in this district. 3. " Field-Notes on the Birds of Chinkiang, Lower Yangtse Basin.— Part V By J. D. D. La Touche, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U. These are instructive notes compiled during a five years' residence in this city. The writer pays a good deal of attention to the eggs of many species and describes those of some rare birds with close precision. SER. II. — VOL. I. 10 146 Short JVotices of OrnifJiolor/ical PuhJicat'wns. 4. "Notes on the rarrots. (Part V.) By T. Salvadorl, H.M.B.O.U. The author continues his check-list of the Parrots. 5. " On the Birds collected hy Mr. Walter Goodfellow on the Volcano o£ Apo and in its Vicinity, in South-east Mindanao, Philippine Islands." By W. 11. Ogilvie- Grant. This is an account of an important collection, recently acquired by the British Museum, made during the early part of 1905. This part of these islands had been occasionally visited before by collectors^ but not by any means thoroughly worked. Seven species new to science were obtained. 6. " On a Collection of Birds made by Mr. Geoffrey Archer during a Journey to the Ruwenzori Range." By F. J. Jackson, C.B., C.M.G. With Notes by R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D. This paper describes 182 species of birds obtained by Mr. Archer during a stay of about five months, from January to June 1902, in the district. Mr. Archer marched from Entebbe through Toro and the Kibera Forest to Fort Portal ; thence to Ruwenzori, Lake Albert Edward, Kangao's, Katwe, Toro Forest and Ankole, to Nairobi. A large number of South African species were met with, such as Columha arquatrix (Olive Pigeon), Turtur semitorquatus (Red-eyed Dove), Turtur senegalensis (Laughing Dove), Clialcopelia afra (Emerald-spotted Dove), Steplianilnjx inornatus (Swain- son's Plover), 2'otanus glareola (Wood Sandpiper), Nettion punctatus (Hottentot Teal), Nyroca erytliroplithalma (South African Pochard), Circus cinereus (Montagu's Harrier), Circus ranivorus (South African Harrier), Buteo augur (Augur Buzzard), Buteo desertorum (Steppe Buzzard), Aquila icahlbergi (Wahlberg's Eagle), Coracias caudatus (Moseli- katze's Roller), Eurystomus afer (Cinnamon Roller), Halcyon cJielicuti (Striped Kingfisher), Rhinopomastus cyanomelas (Scimitar-bill), Melittophagris meridionalis (Little Bee-eater), Merops persicus (Blue-cheeked Bee-eater), CaprimuJgus na-_ Short JVotice.'i of OrnitJioUh/ieul Pii/)Hcaf/o/if:. 147 talensis (Natal Nightjar), Cypselus africamis (White-bellied Swift), Hapaloderma narina (Narina Trogon), Coccysles jaco- hiniis (Black-and- White Cuckoo), Cuculus gularis (South African Cuckoo), Cuculus solitarius (Red-chested Cuckoo), Clirysococcyx smaragdineus (Emerald Cuckoo), Clirysococcyx cupreus (Didric Cuckoo), Centropvs cupricauda (Bronzy-tailed Coucal), Indicator sparrmaui (Sparrman's Honey- Guide), Hirundo rustica (European vS wallow), Hirundo p>ueUa (Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow), Bias musicus (Black-and-White Flycatcher), Campopliaga nigra (Black Cuckoo Shrike), ScJiosnicola apicalis (Fan-tailed Reed Warbler), Phylloscopus trochilus (Willow-Wren), Za»iM5 fo//»?'io( Red-backed Shrike), Laniarius sidphureipectu s (Orange-breasted Bush Shrike), Telephonus senegalus (Black-headed Bush Shrike), JSllaus nigritemporalis (Black-browed Brubru Shrike), Cinnyris cupreus (Coppery Sunbird), Antlius trivialis (Tree Pipit), Mirafra fischeri (Fischer's Lark), Vidua principalis (Pin-tailed Widow Bird), Colopasser ardens (Red-collared Widow Bird), Pyromelana Jlammiceps (Zambesi Bishop Bird), Pytelia melba (Southern Red-faced Weaver Finch), Lagonosticta rJiodo- pareia (Heuglin's Ruddy Waxbill), Dicrurus afer (Fork- tailed Drongo), and Diloplins carunculatus (Wattled Starling). 7. "On the Correct Name of the Pied Flycatcher." By Ernst Hartert, Ph.D. The author proves satisfactorily that the correct Latin name for this species is that given to it by Linnajus, Muscicapa atricapilla, in 17GG. 8. " Proceedings at the Anniversary Meeting of the British Ornithologists' Union, 190G, held on May 30th, 1906." The proceedings disclosed a membership of 396 Ordinary Members, 2 Extra-Ordinary Members, 9 Honorary Members, 5 Colonial Members, and 18 Foreign Members. Dr. F, Du Cane Godman, F.R.S., was re-elected President, and Mr. Howard Saunders, Secretary. Dr. P. L. Sclater, D.Sc, F.R.S., and Mr. A. H. Evans, M.A., were elected Editors of ' The Ibis ' for the 9th Series. 10* 148 SJio7't JSotices of Ornithological Publications. Twenty-five new Members were elected, including Mr. G. L. Bates, C.M.Z.S., Kribi, Cameroon, West Africa, and Mr. John A. Bucknill, M.A., F.Z.S., Pretoria, Transvaal. The October (1906) number of 'The Ibis' contains the following papers : — 1. " Field-Notes on the Birds of Chinkiang, Lower Yangtse Basin.— Part 11.'^ By J. D. D. La Touche, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U. This is a second instalment of the paper commenced by the author in the July (19U6) issue of this periodical. The avi- fauna of this part of the world does not contain many species with which our sub-continent is acquainted. Cotile riparia (European Sand-Martin) is perhaps the only species men- tioned in this section of Mr. La Touche's paper (which embraces the Laniidse to the Alaudidse) with which South African ornithologists are acquainted. 2. " Notes on the Parrots (Part VI.)." By T. Salvadori, H.M.B.O.U. A continuation of the author's check-list. This portion includes our Poeocephalus rohustus (Levaillant's Parrot), P. fuscicollis (Brown-necked Parrot), P. fuscicapilhi.s (Brown- headed Parrot), P. meyeri (Meyer's Parrot), which is now apparently divided into several forms or subspecies, namely: — (a) P. meyeri — the type — confined, according to Neumann as followed by Dr. Reichenow, to Kordofan and Abyssinia. {h) P. ynatschiei=-P. meyeri matscJiiei. Habitat : E. Africa, (c) P. erythrece = P. meyeri erythrece (Neumann) = P. meyeri virescens (Reichenow). Habitat : N.E. Africa : Bogos-land, Anseba River. {d) P. transvaalensis-=P.meyerl transvaalensis. Habitat: Southern East Africa. {e) P. damarensis = P. meyeri damarensis. Habitat : Western South Africa. (/) 1\ reichenoui = P. meyeri reichenowi. Habitat: North Angola and probably the whole (!ongo district. S/ioii Sotict'.'< of Onilthohxi'ual I'alilirations. 140 The difFerences existing between the various subspecies are slight and some intermediate forms have been noticed. According to Capt. Alexander, our subspecies {d) does not differ from the type (a). The P. rueppelli (Riippell's Parrot) is also included. 3. " On an unnamed Species of Owl from South Africa.'' By W. R. Ogilvie-Grant. The late Von Erlanger separated the northern form of Scops leucotis^Asio leucotis (ranging from Senegal to Abys- sinia and Somaliland) from the southern form met with in S. Africa. Von Erlanger named the northern form Asio leucotis nir/rovertex, but retained the typical name Asio leucotis leucotis for the southern species. Temminck, however, in 1824 in naming the typical form originally from Senegal had used the nomenclature Strix Inuvfis. Consequently the northern form must retain the typical name, i. e. Asio (or, as is now recognized. Scops) leucotis, and the southern form must be re-named. The northern form will therefore be known as Scops leucotis and the southern form as Scops erlangeri. The separation of the two species is based upon the southern form having the dark bars on the primary quills and tail-feathers much wider and less numerous than in the northern species and in lacking the uniform black patch on the crown, all the feathers of that part, even in the darkest specimen, being mottled with black and white. 4. " The Breeding-grounds of the Rosy Gull.— Part III." By S. A. Buturlin. The author gives further details of his discovery of the nesting of this species in the Kolyma delta, in the province of Takutsh, North-east Russia. 5. " On the Birds collected and observed during the Voyage of the ' Valhalla,' R.Y.S., from November 1905 to May 1906." By Michael J. Nicoll, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. A very short account of this voyage has already been given in this journal {vide, p. 122, No. 2, vol. ii.). The present paper gives a systematized and scientific account of the orni- thological results of the expedition. The voyage must have 150 Short JS^otices of OrnUholoijieal J-'dhl/ratioiis. . been extraordinarily interesting, and it is hard to imagine a more delightful way of avoiding a European winter than enjoying the luxury of a cruise in southern waters on a magnificent vessel such as tlie ' Valhalla,' whilst to an orni- thologist the frequent visits to almost unknown islands, the exploration of which undertaken without hurry was almost sure to result in the discovery of rare and isolated species — some probably new to science — must have been the source of the keenest pleasure. Alas ! such joys are not for all of us, and we can only read and think what a glorious holiday such an adventurous trip would be. Mr. Nicoll has written a charming account of his voyage, and it is only to be regretted that it is too long to be here reproduced. In lat. 7° 14' S., long. 34° 25' W., the author and Mr. Meade-AValdo saw a remarkable sea-creature quite of the proper " sea-serpent " type [vide Proceedings Zoological Society, June 19th, 1906). The route has already been given in this journal, and the following notes, which are of interest to South African orni- thologists, are extracted from the scientific portions of the author's paper. On South Trinidad Island, Gyugnax (Ruff), Ossifraga gigantea (Giant Petrel), and Hirundo rustica (European Swallow) wore noticed. Excursions were made to Table Mountain and Kalk Bay under the guidance of Mr. W. L. Sclater, and Mr. Nicoll made a small collection of birds chiefly representing species 152 Short ]Sofice{< of OniUlioloijlval J/ublicLilions. wliicli ai-e t'amiliar to most oE. us, but amongst which may 1)6 mentioned Antliohaphes violacea (Orange-breasted Sunbird), Chrysomitris totta (South African Siskin), and Procellaria pcJaf/ira (Storm Petrel). After proceeding to Durban it was intended to visit Europa Island and other islets in the Mozambique channel, but a heavy cyclonic gale sprung up and prevented any stoppage at these places, the first halt being made at Mayotte, one of the Comoro Islands, which was reached on February 23rd. The avifauna of these islands and also of all the numerous strings of islands in this part of the Indian Ocean is extra- ordinarily interesting. Ornithologists very seldom visit them, and it is not surprising to find that Mr. Nicoll was able to describe quite a number of new species. Most of these groups of islands and some individual islands have some indigenous species or, at any rate, well-marked local forms. On Mayotte Mr. Nicoll collected specimens of twenty- eight species, including a new Terpsij)hone (Flycatcher) nauKMl lindsayi, and a new Swift, Cypselus mayottensis. On this island the following South African species were found : — Corvns scapulatas (Pied Crow). Very common. Corythoriiis cyanostif/ma (Malachite Kingfisher). Very common. 3Ierops peraicus (Blue-cheeked Bee-eater). Very common. Falco suhbuteo (Hobby). One specimen. Milvvs korsckun (Black Kite). Very numerous. Buhulcus ibis (Cattle Egret). Abundant. Butorides atricapilla (Green - backed Heron). Fairly numerous. ? Tartar' capicola damarensis (Damara Turtle Dove). ? ^"Egialitis maryi7iata jiallida (Tropical White-fronted Sand Plover). Dromas ardeola (Crab Plover). Noticed in flocks of from twelve to thirty. Numenius phceopns (Whimbrel). Very abundant. Niwienius arfjuatns (Curlew). A great many observed. tS/iorl ^\ullce.< of i)rn'tUiulod Glossv Starling). IGO Short Notices of Oniitholof/ical Publications. 8. The Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. In the 1905 volume, pp. 755-782, appears a paper by Mr. Witmer Stone on a collection o£ Birds made by Mr. G. L. Harrison, jun., in 1904 in the central part o£ the Pro- tectorate of British East Africa. Two hundred and twelve species are recorded, including a new Cisticola. 9. Oustalet on Birds from Lake Tchad. A pamphlet of some importance has recently been issued entitled ' Catalogue des Oiseaux rapportes par la Mission (Jhari-Lac Tchad,' by M. Oustalet. This paper, published in the Bull. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. x. pp. 131 and 536 (1904), and xi. p. 10 (1905), is a catalogue of birds collected by a French expedition to Lake Tchad. It mentions 107 s{)ecies and describes a new species, Cinnyris decorsei. 10. ' Liberia,' hi/ Sir Harry Johnston. Attention should be drawn to a work on ' Liberia ' by Sir Harry Johnston, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., &c., published by Hutchinson & Co., 1906 ; 2 vols. 8vo. London. Price 4:2s. The second volume contains an account of the Avifauna of the country and a list of all the known species, 260 in number, prepared for the author b}" Mr. C*hubb, of the South Kensington Museum. 11. The Annals of the Carnegie Museum. In vol. iii. p. 352 (1905) appears a List of the Birds collected near Mombasa, East Africa, by William Doherty. The list is published by Dr. AV. J. Holland : the collection was made in September and October, 1900 ; it contains the names of 106 species. 12. Report of South African Museum, 1905. The Report of the South African Museum (Cape Town) for the vear endino- 31 st December, 1905. shows that during Short JS'olit'fs of Oriiillioldii'iral J''tiliHca//oii.<. 1(11 that period a considerable number oE valuable additions were made to the Ornithological section o£ that Institution. Dr. Stoehr"s collection of 210 skins from North-east Rhodesia and a collection of 138 Birds' eggs — all South African — from Major Spari-ovv are worthy of particular mention. A Sunbird, new to the South African list {Nectarinia kilimensis), was received from the Melsetter district, Southern Rhodesia. 13. '' ZooJo has appeared durino- the year on any special group. We would, however, respectfullv draw the author's kind attention to the fact that No. 1, vol. i. of the Journal of the S.A.O.U. has apparently been overlooked. We can find no mention of Major Sparrow's excellent paper, nor of any of the others appearing therein. The papers in Number 2 are dulv mentioned. 14. U.Si. Department of Af/rirulture, Biological Survei/, Bxdletin No. 26 : on the " Distribution and Migration of North American Ducks, Geese, and Swans/' bv W<'lls W. C^ooke, Assistant Biological Survey. This well-printed pamphlet gives the range, abundance, and migration of the various species, in order to assist legislative enactment, as waterfowl are " steadily diminishing in numbers" in the United States. The principal causes of this increasing scarcity are '' markets, Imnting, spring shooting, and the destruction of the breedino-p-i-ounds for farminii" purposes." Sixty-four species of Ducks, Geese, and Swans are said to inhabit the United States, eleven of which are only of '" accidental " occurrence, leaving 53 regular inhabitants. These pamphlets are of great interest to us, as the day niav come — and that not very far ahead — when we may have to adopt drastic measures if we wish many of our bird-ornaments of the veld to survive. SER. U. — VOL. I. 11 162 'Short jyul'ires of Ortitt/iolor/ical Pidilicattoxs. 15. ''Journal fur Ornlthologie^ Nos. 3 & 4 (July and October, 1906, & " Sonderheft." The July number contains a lengthy paper (with portrait) by Herman Schalow on the illustrious German ornithologist Jean Cabanis, of whom we publish an "obituary notice" in this number. The October 1906 number of this excellent German Journal contains the following papers : — 1. " Unpublished Diaries of Baron von Kittlitz " (con- clusion). 2. " Systematic Review of my Java Birds," by Max Bartels (conclusion). ?t. " On Lower Amazonian Birds," by E. Snethlage (con- tinuation). 4. " Some Questions of Nomenclature,'^ by Prof. Dr. Einar Lonnberg. The latter is a common-sense review of the present chaos ornithology has been thrown into by the " priority " seekers and hair-splitting enthusiasts of our day. " The international rules of nomenclature have for some years now been accepted and fixed upon. Under the circumstances there is only one way of preventing further confusion, and that is to follow the said rules throughout, whether they be considered right or lamented as wrong, — or whether a mixture of the good and bad would be preferable. In any case it would appear best to curtail the curse and adopt as soon as possible all alterations appearing necessary under the international rules of nomen- clature. Many of these alterations are to my mind greatly to be regretted, and it would have been infinitely better if we could have retained the old names which all know so well." Remarks with which we must admit we fully concur. Dr. Lonnberg gives details of several instances, and dissects the evidence of each alteration. 5. " Investigations into the Food-supply of various Owls," by Baron von Schweppenburg. This is a lengthy, carefully worked out statement of the various articles of diet indulged in by Owls, giving per- centages and diagrams of each species treated. We see that Obit liar 1/ Xotices. 16',^ the Barn Owl (St rit; Jlammea) consumes 0*20 per cent, moles, 30*30 per cent, shrews, 0*20 per cent, bats, 0'20 per cent, rats, 23 per cent, mice, 44*30 per cent, voles, 1*50 per cent, birds, and 0*40 per cent, frogs. A. H. 16. ' Ornithologrische MonatsbericJde,' April to December, 1906. 9 numbers. The only paragraph in these journals which calls tor remark is the statement of the Editor regarding the nest of Turacus corythaix. In reviewing Journal S.A.O.U. vol. i. no. 2, he states that it includes a photograph of this bird situated on the ground under a bush, whereas the photo is of a nest in a tree some ten or twelve feet above the earth. Of course this is not clear in the photograph, but neither is there any indication of ground in it. The Loury has never been known to nest on the ground. The November number contains a paper titled " New Species from Africa,^' by Dr. Reicbenow. A new species of Weaver Bird (Pyromelana marwitzi) and a new Swift (^Apus rochli) are described, besides five new subspecies from " Mkalama and Usambara," wherever these places may be. A. H. The October '06 number contains nothing of any interest to South African ornithologists, and only one short article of general interest on " The Sociability and Unsociability of (captive Birds,^' by Fr. Braun. He quotes various instances of change in mode of life and temperament undergone by certain birds in confinement. A. H. XI. — Obituary Notices. Jean Louis Oabanis, who died at the great age of ninety, near Berlin, was one of the greatest Ornithologists whom the world has yet produced. For fifty years officially connected with the Zoological Museum of the University of Berlin, Cabanis was enabled to use the advantages offered to him by his position with the greatest zeal and success. He was the founder of the ' Journal fiir Ornitholoffie * ; 164 Uli'ilaarij JSoilcc'. lie described avpII over tour hundred new t^pecies of birds, whilst more than twenty are named after him ; Reichenow (his son-in-law), Gadow^, Hartert, LeverkiUm, and many other famous ornithologists were his pupils ; he himself served under Lichtenstein. He puhlished and edited many ornitho- logical works — on the Birds of Peru in conjunction with Dr. Tschudi in 1845-G ; on the classification of the Passeres in ltS47 ; on the Birds of British Guiana in 1848 ; on the description of the ornithological collection of Herr F. Heine, of Halberstadt, he spent thirteen years (1850-(J3), the matter being published in a production entitled ' Museum Heineanum ' ; he described Gundlach's collections from Cuba ; Hoffman and v. Frantzius's collections from Costa Rica ; and in 18()0 Baron von der Decken's collections from East Africa. In our own South Afi'iean nomenclature his name is jierpetuated by such s})ecies as IJ///)huntor)us cabanisi (Cabanis's Weavei- Bird) and Tardus cabanisi (Cabanis's Thrsuh). ( Jabanis was born in Berlin and there educated : he travelled for some time in North America ; at the age of twenty-six he was attached as an assistant to the Museum of the Berlin University ; he i-etired in 1802. He w'as elected an Honorary Member of the British Ornithologists' Union in 18(;;0. He died at Friedrichshagen on Feb. 28th, 1906. It is from such men as Cabanis, who enjoy a permanent and secured public position, and who are thus able without fear of the present or future to devote unreservedly their whole thoughts and work to the study of one particular lt)ranch of science during the whole of their life, that know- ledge of profound and valuable character may be expected to be forthcoming. That continuity of purpose and systematic .investigation which is rendered y)(>ssil)le under conditions such as these is in itself sufficient to justify its trial in a country such as our own. Canon Hknry Baker Tristram, who died at Durham on March -"^th. 1'.H)(i,at the age of 84, was a distinguished Divine, Authoi', and Naturalist. He travelled extensively in Algeria ULiliiart/ Codecs. IG') between l6'ji> and 18(J1, but perhaps Ava.s better known for his association with Palestine, which he freqnently visited. In 1860 he published 'The Great Sahara,' in 1865 'The Land o£ Israel,' in 1878 'The Land of Moab,' and in 1884 ' The Fauna and Flora of Palestine.' He was one of the founders of the British Ornithologists' Union and w^as elected a Fellow of the Kojal Society in 1868. He was an ardent collector, and in 18D6 his Birds, which contained some 20,000 specimens representing some 6000 species, were acquired by the Free Public Museums at Liverpool. His egg collection was about the same time purchased by Mr. Crowley, of Waddon, in Surrey, and at Mr. Crowley's decease passed with the remainder of that gentleman's splendid collections into the hands of the British Museum. He was educated at Durham School and Lincoln College, Oxford; ordained Deacon in 1845 and Priest in 1846; was naval and military cha})lain at Bermuda in 1847-49; was Hector of Castle Eden in Durham from 1849-60; Rector of Greatham from 1860-73, when he was appointed Canon of Durham, where he lived the remainder of his life. Dr. Victor Fatio, the well-known Swiss ornithologist, died at Geneva (where he was born) on the 18th March, ]90(), at the age of sixty-seven. He was the leading authority on Swiss ornithology as well as being closely engaged in studying for many years the vine-pest, the " Phylloxera " insect. He published, amongst other w^orks, a Catalogue of Swiss Birds in three parts (1889, 1894, and 1901), and 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux,' which constituted two volumes of his ' Faune des Vertebres de la Suisse ' (1899 and 1904). He was a Foreign Member of the British Ornithologists' Union, having been elected in 1872, and represented Switzer- land at manv Ornitholooical Congresses. Emile Oustalet, the well-known French ornithologist, died on 23rd 0ctol)er, at St. Cast (Cotes du Nord), after a painful though short illness. Born in August 1844. he 166 Ohiluan/ Notices. succeeded Verreaux in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. After the demise of Alphonse Mihie-Edwards he became Professor of Mammalia and Aves, which post he hehl till his death. In 1880-1 his masterly work on the Hemipode family appeared. His name, however, remains indelibly stamped upon the memory of ornithologists through his great knowledge of the birds of China, and in 1887 he published, in conjunction with Armand David, his ' Birds of China ' (' Les Oiseaux de la Chine'). He was President of the 3rd Ornithological C-ongress which was held in Paris in 1900. Many birds bear his name and afford striking testimony to the esteem and regard in which his fellow ornithologists held him. Several species were named by him. He was a C.M.Z.S. and an Honorary Member of both the British and American Ornithologists' Unions. Sir Walter Lawry Buller. — Sir Walter Buller was best known as the official authority upon the Birds of his native country. New Zealand, upon which subject he produced several very valuable works. Of these the most important was ' A History of the Birds of New^ Zealand,' the first edition of which appeared in 1873, the second in 1887-88, and a Supplement so recently as 1905-6. Sir Walter was of service to his Colony in many w-ays: he was a Native Commissioner and Resident Magistrate from 1862-1872: served in the Maori War of 1865; and represented New Zealand at the Colonial Exhibition of 1886, and the Paris Exhibition of 1889, besides being on the governing body of the Imperial Institute. He was called to the English Bar in 1874; was a Doctor of Science of Cambridge; a Fellow of the Royal Society (1879); and received his K.C.M.G. in 1886. He was the possessor of many foreign orders. He was born in New Zealand and died in Hampshire, England, on July 19th, 1906, at the age of 68. ( '. B. Simpson, M.A., B.Sc.Govt. Entomologist of the Trans- vaal.— 31r. Simpson was 1;)orn in California in 1876. Prom Journal S.A.O.U., Ser. II., Vol. I., Plate VII THE LATE DR. EDMOND SYMONDS, Vice-President S.A.O.U. Oliituurt/ jyol'iees. 107 there he went to Idaho to reside, and took his B.Sc. degree for the University o£ Idaho; later on he attended Cornell University, in New York State, where he took his Master's degree in 1901. Subsequently he became a Member of the Bureau of Entomology of the United States of America, Department of Agriculture, as a field investigator. In 1903 he was recommended by the U.S.A. Entomologist to the position of Government Entomologist for the Trans- vaal, which position he filled until his death in Pretoi-ia, from enteric fever, on 15th January, 1907. He was married quite recently to a local young lady, to whom we extend out heart- felt svni])atliv. Dr. Edmond Symonds, Vice-President S.A.O.U. — It is with more than ordinary regret that we have to announce the death of the genial Vice-President of the S.A.O.U. in the person of the late Dr. Symonds, of Kroonstad, O.R.C. Born in 1853 at Felstead in Essex, England, he was the son of the Pector of Thaxted (Essex). He was educated at the Felstead Grammar School, and studied medicine at the University College, London, qualifying as M.R.C.S. in 1875 and as L.R.C*.P. two years later. He then went to sea as a Surgeon in the employ of the Eastern Telegraph (*ompanv for two years, and was associated in practice for a short period with Dr. Henry Grace, brother of W. G. Grace, the famous cricketer. Dr. Symonds landed in Port Elizabeth in 1879 and went straight up to Kroonstad, where he practised his profession till his death. He died on 10th April of malaria and apoplexy. He was a well-known figure in Kroonstad, beloved by all who knew him. In 1887 he published a lengthy paper on the birds of Kroonstad in ' The Ibis/ and was a friend and correspondent of the well-known ornithologist J. H. Gurney. To readers of the 'Journal' his name is of course well known, and at the last annual meeting he was elected a Vice-President of the Union. His article in this Number has a melancholy interest, as he was not destined to see it in print 1G8 Ol'ihianf Nolircs. Dr. Symonds was an enthusiastic naturalist and a most hospitable host: one of his greatest delights was to show visitors the beauties and bird-life of the Valsch River, which almost encircles Kroonstad. He will be greatly missed, not only by the S.A.O.U. I)ut by the Transvaal Museum and Zoo, to which institutions h*^ was a frequent and valued contributor. The greatest sympathy is extended to his wife and five daughters in their .sad bereavement. A. H. THE JOURNAL OF THE SODTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION. Vol. III. DECEMBER 1907. No. 2. XII. — The Waltzing Instinct in Ostriches. By J. E. DuEEDEN, M.Sc, Ph.D., A.R.C.S., President S.A.O.U. The so-called waltzing performances o£ the Ostrich are familiar to all in South Africa with any experience of the bird's habits and instincts under domestication. They con- sist of a rapid whirling movement, sometimes one way some- times another, the wings at the same time spread out and, along with the sides of the body, alternately elevated and depressed. It is a most fascinating sight when indulged in by a large troop of such gigantic birds. The whole action seems indicative of an excessive exuberance of spirits on the part of the creature, and suggests playfulness of a highly strenuous character. The dance is displayed more frequently by chicks than by adult birds, and is most usually seen when chicks are first let out in the freshness of the morning from their night enclo- sure. At such times the escaping cliicks will make a short dash forward at full speed, with head either erect or lowered and wings expanded ; then, suddenly stopping, will commence to whirl round and round in a most vigorous manner, re- versing with great rapidity. At times the birds will run forward with the body nearly erect ; again they will lower it VOL. III. 12 170 Dr. J. E. Duerden on the and run a short distance with the head just skimming the ground, and then raise themselves with a sudden jerk and resume spinning. Occasionally during the day a troop of adult birds, it' slightly disturbed, will make a short start forward and then commence the same circling movements. The performance seems always indicative of good spirits and atmospheric freshness, such as one so frequently experiences in the early morning and towards evening. The waltzing is undoubtedly a performance of great com- plexity, involving a number of rapid, well co-ordinated movements of all parts of the body, and calls for considerable practice before perfection is attained. Young chicks, a month or two old, succeed in making only incomplete circles, and do this rather clumsily, sometimes stumbling in the attempt, particularly when reversing. But as they become older they perform several complete turns with great facility, though even adult birds will occasionally stumble and break their legs. In any individual the waltzing seems to be greatly stimu- lated by the force of example. At first one bird in a troop will dart forward and commence the circular movements, another will follow and begin the same, and then others, until in the end the entire troop will be careering round, mutually encouraged and stimulated in their mad wdiirl. Some will continue until they drop exhausted, or, apparently becoming giddy, will stumble and fall. The phenomenon is only displayed in all its fullness where a number of birds are herded together. It is, however, frequently resorted to where only a few are associated, but it is never so intense nor pro- longed as where the troop is large. The behaviour is without doubt truly instinctive, though, as in many other instincts, it is greatly encouraged by example and perfected by experience. It usually begins to show itself when the chicks are several weeks old, and that it can be initiated without any previous training or example was shown by three chicks under my own care. These were taken from the parent birds when only a week old and then reared by hand, far away from all other Ostriches. It was Waltzhui Instinct in Ostriches. 171 only after they had been under observation tor three or four weeks that on first taking them out of their small enclosure they began to dart along the pathway and then, with the fore-part of body elevated and head thrown back, attempt to whirl about. Their movements at first were imperfect, and reversal would take place before a complete turn was effected. Indeed, they never accomplished more than one or two turns in either direction, and at no time became as expert in the performance as chicks which are reared together in large numbers. They afforded an excellent illustration of beha- viour which, though instinctive, never reaches full perfection except under favourable conditions, iu this instance the stimu- lating conditions being a large number of individuals on the open veld. Such complex and highly characteristic behaviour on the part of Ostrich chicks must have some biological significance, though apparently no one has attempted the solution of the phenomenon. The theory of natural selection applied to animals assumes that in general all the structures of an animal are of some value to the creature; in whatever manner the structures may have arisen their continuance implies that they are in some way beneficial. Likewise all the activities of an animal must be assumed to be of some advantage at one time or another in the life of the individual. It must be admitted that on the surface the waltzing of the Ostrich appears to be of no direct utility to the bird, but to be merely so much intense playfulness, manifesting an exuberance of spirits, stimulated and encouraged to an ex- cessive degree by the example of others. Even regarded as playfulness, however, one must seek to understand its mean- ing in the economy of the animal. Two theories of the biological significance of the playful activities of young animals have been offered. One, that developed by the late Mr. Herbert Spencer, regards play as evidence of an exuberance of spirits, a kind of safety-valve, as it were, for the letting-out of surplus energy ; an explana- tion well suggested by the way a healthy, vigorous bov behaves when first let loose from school. Another explana" 12* 172 Dr. J. E. Dnerden on the tion, that of Professor Karl Groos, sees a deeper meaning in all the activity and playfulness manifested by animals in their youth. It is an instinct encouraged by natural selec- tion. While play is usually indicative of good spirits, its underlying meaning is not restricted to this. Rather it is regarded by Professor Groos as so much instinctive prepara- tory training and acquisition of experience for the serious business of later life, and most students of animal behaviour now accept this interpretation. The real meaning of infancy and youth is that there may be time for pla}', wherein certain functions may be practised before they are actually required. According to this, play in animals generally is a mimic of what the creature will have to perform when life commences in earnest, an instinctive make-believe of what life's activities will ultimately become. Such an idea is well exemplified as one compares the playful activities of a kitten with the real life of a cat under natural conditions. Professor Lloyd Morgan ('Animal Behaviour,' p. 255) expresses it as fol- lows : — " The play of youth, we may urge, depends on instinctive propensities to experimentation in varied ways, some of more general and others of more special import ; and the value of such experimentation lies in the fact that it is a means of acquiring, under circumstances more easy and less dangerous than those of sterner life, experience and skill for future use. In a word, play depends on instinctive propen- sities of value in education." To understand the serious business of an Ostrich's life one must consider the conditions under which the bird exists in the wild state, for it was under these conditions that his instincts as we see them in the domesticated state were evolved. The wild Ostrich in Africa inhabits o^en or bushy country infested with large Garni vora, such as lions and leopards, and, like the herbivorous animals generally, he has very inefficient means of protecting himself, having to depend largely on flight. In fight the Ostrich can only kick and struggle, actions of little value as a carnivore suddenly springs upon him. When an Ostrich is suddenlv alarmed he rarelv starts Waltzlmj Jiisfinct in Ostriches. 173 running in a straightforward course, but generally darts for- ward, twisting and turning in a very quick, irregular fashion; i£ the alarm continues he then settles down into rapid flight, which is somewhat sinuous in character. Evidently some significance is to be attached to these primary characteristic movements. It is manifest to anyone who has watched Ostriches that their first frightened dodgings are just such movements as would render ineffectual the precise springing actions of Carnivora like the lion. The Ostrich jerks so quickly from side to side that no beast of prey would be likely to have time to set himself for a determined spring in one direction ere tiie bird had changed its course. As regards their power of doubling, I have observed an Ostrich pursuing a dog at full speed suddenly stop, turn round as if pivoted, and then flee in a directly opposite direction — a performance which probably no other animal could achieve. May we not with good reason then interpret the waltzing movements of the Ostrich as of utility in perfecting the bird in the art of suddenly twisting and turning when alarmed, these being the movements which are most likely to assist it in eluding its natural enemies, the larger Carnivora? In- dulged in instinctively as play while young and even when adult, the performance gives the bird expertness in the rapid jerking movements which are those first followed on alarm. They are complex movements for such a large bird, and when carried out with rapidity call for great co-ordination of the legs, body, wings, neck and head. Probably some such preparatory form of play will be found in other birds which depend for escape from their enemies largely upon dodging movements. Professor C. B. Daven- port, of the Carnegie Station for Experimental Evolution, Cold Spring Harbour, informs me that he has observed similar waltzing movements in a very rudimentary stage in the chicks of the barn-door fowl. Some ducklings under my own care certainly showed rapid jerking movements when only a week or two old. In an exuberance of spirits they would dart forward and suddenly turn and reverse two or three times in a most comical manner, one individual after 174 Major R. Sparrow on Birds another taking up the performance. They never accom- plished a complete turn such as Ostrich chicks ultimately succeed in doing, but still the instinct seemed much the same, though far less developed. No one who has tried to catch domestic poultry can doubt the utility of the twisting and turning actions in enabling the adult to escape. XIII. — Notes on the Birds observed during a Shooting-trip in Portuguese East Africa. By Richard Sparrow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th Dragoon Guards. In May 1904, Mr. H. P. Smith, of Highlands, Natal, and I went for a two months' trip in Portuguese East Africa. We left the railway at Inkomati Station, and trekked almost due north until we reached the Singuedsi River, between the Olifants River and the Limpopo. We kept parallel to the Lebombo Mountains and from six to ten miles to the east of them : we returned by the same route. The country traversed was almost all " thorn "" country except the banks of the big rivers, and I imagine it is almost identical with the Transvaal " bush-veld." Water was scarce everywhere except in the two or three rivers we crossed, which were very low ; in consequence of this I saw hardly any water-frequenting birds. Bird-life, on the whole, was plentiful, but I had little time for procuring specimens ; I believe a keen collector would take a fine series of eggs if he visited the country between the Inkomati and the Crocodile in October and November. The following notes only enumerate a portion of the birds seen, more particularly the species I had not previously noticed in the 0. R. C, Upper Natal, or the vicinity of Durban, and are by no means exhaustive. As all the Weavers and Finches were in winter plumage, I was unable to identify many of them without shooting specimens. 1. Lamprocolius australis. BurchelFs Glossy Star- ling. - .' A few seen near Maplangwane on May 30th, 1904. observed 'm Poi'tayaese Kast Africa. 175 2. Lamprocolius phcenicopterus bispecularis. Lesser Red-shouldered Glossy Starling. Sabie River, June 20th, 1904 : not common. 3. Oriolus larvatus. Black-headed Oriole. A few seen near the Olifants River on June 17th, 1904. 4. TextoR NIGER. Buffalo Weaver Bird. Very common between the Inkomati and Olifants Rivers ; seen in small flocks near their old nests, which were generally on a tall, smooth, green-barked thorn called the fever-tree ; there were four to six nests on each tree. I sometimes saw an old Eagle's nest on the same tree. 5. Pytelia melba. Red-faced Weaver Finch. Near Uanetzi, on May 23rd, I found a nest of this species containing five young ones only a few days old ; their skin was quite black. The nest was low down in a small thorn- bush, and was composed of grass, well-lined with Guinea- fowl's feathers. 6. Emberiza FLAViVENTRis. Golden-breasted Bunting. A pair seen near the Olifants River on June 17th. 7. CiNNYRis LEUC0C4ASTER. S. A. White-breasted Sun- bird. Only seen in the Olifants River Valley, where it is very common in June. 8. Urolestes melanoleucus. Long-tailed Shrike. Very common between the Inkomati and Sabie Rivers, becoming scarcer towards north. 9. EuROCEPHALUS ANGUiTiMENS. White-crowned Shrike. Only met with in the Olifants River Valley, in small parties, where it was fairly common in June. A very handsome and conspicuous bird. 10. Telephonus australis. Three-streaked Bush Shrike. Shrikes believed to belong to this species were lairly common between the Inkomati and Olifants Rivers, but they may have only been T. senegalus, [Major Sparrow's supposition that the birds observed by 176 Major R. Sparrow on Birds him were not T. senegalus is probably correct, as there is no mistaking this species for T. aiistralis, owing to the great difference in size : Major Sparrow's birds may, however, have been T. minor. — Edd.] 11. Crateropus jardinii. Jardine's Babbler. 12. Crateropus bicolor. Pied Babbler. Both these Babblers w-ere very connnon along the whole of our route. 13. Thamnol^a arnotti. Arnott's Bush-Chat. I observed a pair in the Olilants River Valley, and their habits were precisely those described by Mr. Walter Ayres. 14. HiRUNDO PUELLA. Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow. The only Swallow observed ; I saw a few pairs on the Olifants River in June. 15. Irrisor viridis. Kakelaar. Common in small parties in the Olifants River Valley ; feeding on the ground. 16. Rhinopomastus cyanomelas. Scimitar-bill. A few seen in the Olifants River Valley in June. 17. CoRACiAS CAUDATUS. Lilac-breasted Roller. Very common, but shy : seen during May and June all the way from the Inkomati to the Olifants River. 18. CoRACiAS MOSSAMBicus. Purple Roller. A few pairs seen near the Sabie River in May, but they are much scarcer than C. caudatus. 19. Ceryle maxima. Giant Kingfisher, A pair seen on the Inkomati River on May 10th. 20. Bucorax caffer. Brom-vogel. Only one pair seen in June — near the Olifants River. 21. Bycanistes buccinator. Trumpeter Hornbill. Very common along the banks of the Olifants River in June. 22. Lophoceros eeythrorhynchus. Red-billed Horn- bill. Very common along the whole route traversed. observed in Portuguese Kast Africa. 177 23. Indicatok sparrmani. Yellow-shouldered Honey- Guide. Birds believed to be o£ this species frequently led our boys to bees' nests in the vicinity of the Olifants River. 24. Lybius torquatds. Black-collared Barbet. A common bird in this region. 25. ScHizoRHis coNCOLOR. Grey Lourie. This bird, with its irritating cry, was extremely common everywhere we went. 26. PcEOCEPHALUS FUSCICAPILLUS. Browu-headod Parrot. This, the only Parrot observed, was fairly plentiful along our route, especially among the fig-trees on the banks of the Olifants Eiver. 27. Glaucidium perlatum. Pearl-spotted Owl. An Owl of this species seen on a high tree on the banks of the Singuedsi River on June 7th. ^^. Glaucidium capense. Barred Owl. An Owl, heard at night at Inkomati, I took to be of this species from its soft " kroo kroo." 29. Aquila wahlbergii. Wahlberg's Eagle. Only one specimen seen near the Olifants River on May 25th. 30. EuTOLMAETUS PENNATUS. Booted Eagle. Two eggs, believed to belong to this bird, were brought me on June 26th : they were slightly incubated. Both are of a whitish ground-colour with a green membrane : one is profusely covered with reddish-brown blotches and spots, more especially at the larger end, and measures 2 j^g x 2-^q i"* 5 the other egg is smaller, and is of a whitish ground with a few faint spots and smears at the large end only, and measures 2fx2 in. The "Hlenganis" called the bird '' Ukosi,'' so it was certainly not a Bateleur, which they call " Ungulu '' ; besides, Mr. Smith saw this bird and described it as having a brown back, and he knew a Bateleur well by sight. 178 Major R. Sparrow on Birds 31. EuTOLMAETUS BELLicosus. Martial Eagle. A pair seen on the Sabie River on May 21st, 1904. 32. Spizaetus cokonatus. Crowned Hawk Eagle. A pair o£ Eagles seen near the Olifants River on May 31st, which I am almost sure were o£ this species. 33. Haliaetus vocifer. Sea Eagle. Only seen on the Olifants River on May 29th. 34. Helotarsus ecauuatus. Bateleur. This Eagle was very plentiful between the Inkomati and Olifants Rivers. On June 15th I found a nest in a tall thorn near the Olifants River containing one egg, which I left ; four days later I sent one of the boys to get the eggs as I was leaving the district, and he brought me two tine fresh eggs. Both are of a dirty white ground with a green membrane. One is profusely blotched and spotted, especially at the larger end, with reddish purple, most of the blotches being deep in the shell ; it measures 2^g X 2^^^ in. : the other egg shows very indistinct reddish-purple blotches at the small end only ; it measures 2]^gX2| in. Both these eggs are very much rounded at the small end, whereas the egg of '''' pennatus " is pointed. 35. Circaetus pectoralis. Black - breasted Harrier Eagle. One pair was seen near the Olifants River on June 16th. The " Hlenganis '^ call them " Isiziben.^' 36. Necrosyrtes pileatus. Hooded Vulture. On the 19th June I saw a pair of these birds near the Olifants River. I was particularly struck with the scarcity of Vultures in the districts traversed (no other species was observed), whereas Eagles of all kinds, especially Bateleurs^ were numerous. 37. Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. Saddle-bill. A solitary bird was seen on the Olifants River on May 31st, 1904. 38. BuTORiDES atricapilla. Green-backed Heron. A pair believed to belong to this species was observed on the Sabie River on July 7th. ohserred in Portuguese East Ajrica. 179 39. Hagedashia hagedash. Iladadah. A few were seen near the Olifants River on May 31st. •iO. Alopochen ^gyptiacus. Bers- Goose. Only one pair was observed — on the Olifants River on May 31st. 41. ViNAGO DELALANDii, Green Fruit Pigeon. These Pigeons were very common along the Olifants River, feeding on the fig-trees ; they were fairly plentiful all along our route. 42. Pterocles bicinctus. Double-banded Sandgrouse. Fairly common on the left bank of the Olifants River, and very partial to red soil, with which its eggs completely harmonise. I took a fresh clutch of these eggs on June 12th, and clutches of three, two and one on the following day, slightly incubated. A single egg was brought me on the 25th. 43. Francolinus coqui. Coqui Francolin. A few of these Francolins were shot near Inkomati in May. 44. Francolinus seph/Ena. Crested Francolin. This species was fairly common, and several were shot in May near the Sabie River. 45. Francolinus natalensis. Natal Francolin. A few were seen on the banks of the Olifants River in June. 46. Pternistes swainsoni. Swainson's Francolin. One bird, which had been snared by a native, was brought to me at Maplangwane on June 30th. Specimens of another Francolin. believed to be F. shellej/i, were shot but not properly identified. 47. NuMiDA coronata. Crowned Guinea Fowl. Extremely common between the Sabie and Olifants Rivers, occurring in large fiocks, especially near patches of Kaffir- corn. 180 Mr. C G. Davies on Birds observed 48. GuTTEEA EDOUAKUI. ('rested Guinea Fowl. Only one flock met with near the Massitonto River on July 4th, one o£ which was caught alive by our boys ; they are said to be quite common near Delagoa Bay. 49. Otis ruficrista. lled-crested Knorhaan. A few solitary individuals seen and one shot near Uanetsi on May 23rd. 50. Otis melanogaster. Black-bellied Knorhaan. A few seen and one specimen shot near the Sabie River on May 31st ; this species is easily recognised by its long legs. 51. Otis kori. Gom Paauw. We only met with this Paauw twice, once close to the Sabie River, at Maplangwane, on May 20th, when we saw five birds, and again near Inkomati, when we saw only one bird on burnt veld. I had expected to find this bird much more numerous. 52. Struthio australis. Southern Ostrich. We met with a herd of about twenty-five birds near the Massitonto River, one of which Mr. Smith shot, at the beginning of July. XIV. — Notes on Birds observed and collected in the Districts of Port St. Johns, Busikisiki, Fla(/staj/', and Bizana, Pondo- land, during the Years 1904 to 1906 and the beginning of 1907. By C. G. Davies, C. M. Riflemen. (Plates VIII. & IX.) The following birds have, with a few exceptions, been col- lected by myself in the above districts. This part of Pondo- land is for the most part grassy down country, a good deal cut up by rivers and deep valleys with well-wooded sides, and near the coast there is an almost unbroken forest-belt. I have followed the nomenclature of Stark and Sclatcr's ' Birds of South Africa.' 1. ('ORVULTUR ALBicoLLis. Whitc-nccked Raven. Very common everywhere. and collected in Pondoland. 181 2. CoRVUS SCAPULATUS. Picd Crow. Common at Lusikisiki, scarcer at Flagstaff, ami rare at Biguna. 3. CoRVUS CAPENSis, Black Crow. Not common except at Biguna. 4. BuPHAGA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. Red-billed Oxpeckcr. Rather scarce : only found in the low country near the coast. 5. Amydrus morio. Red-winged Starling. Very common everywhere, building in cliff's at the mouth of the Umzikubu River on ledges, sometimes only a few feet above the water. 6. Lamprocolius phcenicopterus. Red - shouldered Glossy Starling. Common everywhere except near the coast, where they are scarcer. 7. Lamprocolius melanog aster. Black-bellied Glossy Starling. Very common in the forest country along the coast, especially at Port St. Johns. 8. Oriolus galbula. Golden Oriole. Very rare. I saw a pair at Bizana in February 1906, and secured the female (immature). They were very wild, and I only managed to secure this specimen by discovering that they roosted in a certain plantation, where I waited for them one evening. I never saw the other again ; I believe it was a mature male. Eyes crimson ; beak black, reddish at base ; feet and leo-s slate. 9. Oriolus larvatus. Black-headed Oriole. Common in all the bush country and rather tame. 10. Hyphantornis spilonotus. Spotted-backed Weaver. Common everywhere. 11. Hyphantornis subaureus. Yellow Weaver. Not very common ; commonest at Flagstaff along the banks 182 Mr. C. G. Davies on Birds ohserved of the Umzinhlava River. I have seen a colony of this and the previous species nesting in the same tree, and the nests appeared to be exactly similar. 12. SiTAGRA OCULARIA. Smith's "Weaver. Fairly common everywhere, generally in pairs. 13. SiTAGRA CAPENSis OLIVACEA. Eastern Cape Weaver. Not common, and locally distributed — Lusikisiki and Bizana. 14. Sycobrotus gregalis. Black-backed Weaver. Rather common in all the forest country. 15. Amblyospiza albifrons. Thick-billed Weaver. Not common, but generally distributed, perhaps commonest at Port St. Johns ; there were a good many nesting in the reeds near the Pont just now. 16. Lagonosticta rubricata, S. African Ruddy Wax- bill. Common, generally in pairs. 17. EsTRiLDA ASTRILDA. Common Waxbill. Very common everywhere. 18. EsTRiLDA CLARKEi. Orange-breasted Waxbill. Not common, generally in small flocks. 19. EsTRiLDA DUFRESNii. Dufresne's Waxbill. Common at Flagstaff, scarcer elsewhere. 20. Ortygospiza polyzona. Bar-breasted Finch. Common everywhere. 21. Spermestes scutatus. Hooded Weaver Finch.. Rather scarce. Flagstaff and Bizana, 22. QUELEA ERYTHROPS ? In October 1905 I shot two small Red-headed Weaver Finches. As I could not identify them I sent them to the S.A. Museum, Cape Town. Mr. Peringuey, the Director, believes them to be Q. erythrops, which has so far not been recorded from S. Africa. Both these birds were moulting, and one of them had some red feathers on the mantle and and collected in PondoJand. 183 breast, which looks as if they would have had these parts red in the full plumage, in which case they would be a new species. I had intended to have looked out for more, but unfortunately I was removed from Flagstaff and have not been there since, nor have I seen any of these birds elsewhere. They were consorting with Pyromelana oryx and CoUopasser ardens in the reeds of a marsh close to the village. 23. Pyromelana oryx. Red Bishop Bird. Local. Common at Flagstaff and Bizana, but I have not seen them at Lusikisiki or St. Johns. 24. Pyromelana capensis approximans. Black-and- yellow Bishop Bird. Not common. Flagstaff and Lusikisiki. 25. Urobrachya axillaris. Red-shouldered Widow Bird. Common everywhere. 26. CoLiOPASSER PROCNE. Grreat-tailed Widow Bird. Not common, but generally distributed. 27. CoLioPASSER ARDENS. Red-collared Widow Bird. Very common everywhere. 28. Vidua principalis. Pin-tailed Widow Bird. Fairly common everywhere except Port St. Johns. 29. PoLiosPiZA GULARis. Streaky-headed Seed-eater. Very common. 30. Serinus canicollis. Cape Canary. Common everywhere. 31. Serinus flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Seed-eater. Common everywhere. 32. Emberiza flaviventris. Golden-breasted Buntino-. Not common ; generally found in mimosa thorn bush. 33. Tephrocorys cinerea. Red-capped Lark. Local : common, Bizana ; scarcer elsewhere. 34. Macronyx capensis. Orange-throated Long-claw. ^ Very common in grass country. 184 Mr. C G. Davies on Birds observed 35. Macronyx croceus. Yellow-throated Long-claw, Scarce. Connnonest at the mouth of Umtamvuna River on the Natal border ; scarcer as one goes south. Onlv found on low-lying country near the coast. In my opinion the note is very different from M. capensis, and they are also much fonder of perching on trees, almost invariably doing so on being flushed. 36. Anthus chloris. Small Yellow-tufted Pipit. Scarce. One specimen, cJ, Bizana. 37. Anthus pyrrhonotus. Cinnamon-backed Pipit. Local, Very common at Bizana. 38. Anthus rufulus. Lesser Tawny Pipit. Local. Fairly common at Flagstaff. Grenerally found in the mealie-lands in pairs. 39. MoTACiLLA vidua. African Pied Wagtail. Found commonly on the larger rivers, especially at the mouths. 40. MoTACiLLA LONGICAUDA. Grcy-backed Wagtail. Not common, but generally distributed. Usually found on rocky streams, especially those running through bushy kloofs. 41. Promerops gurneyi. Natal Long-tailed Sugar Bird. Rather scarce and somewhat migratory ; only found in the higher ground. Generally present when the aloes are in bloom. It is also fond of the flowers of the blue gum. Flaostaff and Bizana. 42. Nectarina famosa. Malachite Sunbird. Not common. More or less migratory, generally appearing when certain flowers are in bloom. 43. CiNNYRis AFER. Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Not uncommon. 44. CiNNYRis CHALYBEUS. Lesser Double-collared Sun- bird. Fairly common. JOURN.S.A.O. U.,1907, PL, VIII Phuto by A. It. Millar, Durban. Nest of BLACK SUNBIRD (Cinnyris amethystinus). and collected in Pondoland. 185 45. CiNNYRis AMETHYSTiNus. BLick Suiibir J. (Plate VIII.). Fairly common everywhere. 4G. CiNNYRis YERREAUXI. Mouso-coloured Smi])ir(l. Common in the coast bush, but not easy to procure, as it is always on the moYC. 47. CiNNYRis OLIVACEUS. Olive-colourccl Sunbird. This and the preceding species, being dull-coloured, are liable to be overlooked, as unless seen close by they will generally be mistaken for the females of other more bril- liantly plumaged Sunbirds. I have lately found this species fairly common at Port St. Johns. The males have a distinct wash of orange on the throat and upper breast, not mentioned in Stark and Sclater, and the forehead and front of crown are slightly iridescent. They are also a little larger than the measurements given S ad. Port St. Johns, 3.4.07. Length &i'\ wing 2|" tail ^" *. 48. Anthothreptes collaris. Collared Sunbird. Rather common in the forest country ; often found asso- ciating with the White-eyes. 49. Zosterops virens. Green White-eye. Very common in bush country and gardens. 50. Parus NIGER. Black Tit. Not uncommon, especially at Flagstaff. 51. Lanius collaris. Fiscal Shrike. Common at Bizana, but scarce at Lusikisiki and Flagstaff. I have not seen it at St. Johns. 52. Lanius collurio. Hed-backed Shrike. Not common, but generally to be found in summer wherever there is thorn-bush, 53. Telephonus senegalus. Black-headed Bush-Shrike. Very common everywhere. 54. Dryoscopus cubla. Lesser Puff-backed Shrike. Common. * [This is uow the type of a new subspecies, C o. daviesi, Haagu. — Edd. ] VOL. III. 13 18G Mr. C. G. Davies ou Birds ohserved of). Dryoscopus rufiyentris. Greater Puff - backed Shrike. Common in the lov/cr country and valleys. 56. Laniarius rubiginosus. Ruddy-breasted Bush - Shrike. Fairly common in l)ushy kloofs. ,57. Laniarius olivaceus. Olive Bush-Shrike. Scarce. One specimen, J" , Flagstaff. 58. Laniarius sulfureipectus. Orange-breasted Bush- Shrike. Scarce. S adult. Flagshiff, 15.8.05. c^ juv. Bizana. 59. Laniarius starki. Southern Grej'-headed Bush- Shrike. Scarce, Flagstaff ; common, Port St. Johns. Rather hard to procure. 60. Pycnonotus layardi. Black-capped Bulbul. Very common everywhere. 61. Andropadus importunus. Sombre Bulbul. Common. 62. PilYLLOSTROPHUS CAPENSIS. Cape Bristle - necked Thrush. Common in forest country and bushy kloofs. 63. Phylloscopus trochilus. Willow AVarbler. Fairly common in summer, especially in the town at Bizana. 64. Acrocephalus b^ticatus. African Reed AVarbler. ,« Fairly common along the rivers and marshes. 65. Schcenicola apicalis. Fan-tailed Reed Warbler. Not common. Flagstaff, Lusikisiki^ Bizana. ij'^). Apauis thoracica. Bar-throated Warbler. Rather common everywnere. ami collected in Pondoland. 187 G7. Prinia hypoxantha. Saffron-breasted Wren Warbler. Fairly common. G8. CiSTlCOLA TERRESTRIS. Wren Grass Warbler. Very common everywhere in grass country. 69. CisTicoLA NATALENSis. Natal Grass Warbler. Not uncommon. 70. Sphenceacus intermedius. E. Province Grass-bird. Not uncommon in long grass near the rivers and streams ; very hard to flush. 71. TuRDUS olivaceus. Cape Thrush. Very common in forest country. 72. MoNTicoLA RUPESTRis. Cape Rock Thrush. Not uncommon on the higher ground and among rocky ground and krantzes. 73. MoNTicoLA EXPLORATOR. Sentinel Rock Thrush. The only specimens I have come across were two pairs I found on a rocky hill near Bizana in August 1906. I secured one pair of adults. 74. Myrmecocichla bifasciata. Buffi-streaked Chat. I procured a pair of these birds not far from the Natal border near the Tugela Mountain in August 1906. These are the only ones I have seen. 75. Pratincola torquata. S. African Stone-Chat. Fairly common throughout. 76. Saxicola familiaris. Familiar Chat. Scarce. One specimen, ^ , Flagstaff. 77. Thamnol.ea cinnamomeiventris. White-shouldered Bush Chat. I have found a few of these birds in rocky places and cliffs along the river-banks at Flagstaff and Bizana. They are lively birds, with a loud call. They also have a way of jerking up their tails, at the- same time expanding them. 13''* 188 Mr. C. G. Davies on Binls observed 78. OoRSYPHA BicoLOR. Noisv Robin Chat. I shot one specimen in the thick bush at Port St. Johns in June 1905. This is the only one I have seen. 79. CossYPHA NATALENSis. Natal Robin Chat. Ad. S. Not uncommon. T have not seen one before. This speci- men was in some thick undergrowth, making a curious noise of two notes, something like that of a tree-frog. 80. CossYPHA CAFFRA. Cape Robin Chat. Not very common, but generally distributed. 81. CossYPHA siGNATA. Brown Robin Chat. Not common. Ad. S . Port St. Johns, 11.4.07. It haunts the thickest portions of the bush, and is rarely seen. 82. Tarsiger silens. Silent Bush Robin. Migratory ; found along the coast only in winter, when it is fairly common. 83. Erythropygia leucophrys. White-browed Ground Robin. The only place I have seen these birds was in the thorn- bush along the banks of the Umtamvuna River, on the Natal border. They were hopping about on the ground, and occa- sionally perching on the top of a bush and uttering a short song. I shot one specimen, an adult male. 84. LioPTiLUS NiGRiCAPiLLus. Bush Blackcap. Scarce. I shot three specimens at Flagstaff. They are quiet birds, and stick to the thick undergrowth and creepers in the bush. 85. MusciCAPA GRISOLA. Spotted Flycatcher. Fairly common in bush country. S6. Alseonax adusta. Dusky Flycatcher. Port St. Johns. Rather common. 87. Pachyprora capensis. Cape Flycatcher. Very common in bush countrv. and collected in Pondolaml. 180 88. Pachyprora molitor. White-flanked Flycatcher. (^ ? . Umgazi River mouth, 1.4.07. Rather uncommon. Those I have seen have always been in the more open thorn-bush in the river valleys. 89. Trochocercus cyanomelas. Blue-mantled Fly - catcher. Not uncommon in forest country. It has a harsh note, and is sometimes very tame, often coming quite close to have a look at you. 90. Terpsiphone perspicillata. Paradise Flycatcher. Not uncommon in the bush and along the river-banks. 91. Dicrurus afer. Fork-tailed Drongo. Very common everywhere. 92. Dicrurus ludwigi. Square-tailed Drongo. (Plate IX.) Much scarcer than I), ajer^ and confined to the forest-belt along the coast. 93. Campophaga nigra. Black Cuckoo Shrike. Rather scarce. I have so far only succeeded in getting two females, which seem commoner than the males. 94. Graucalus c^sius. Grey Cuckoo Shrike. A rather common bird in the bush country. 95. Ptyonoprogne flfligula. Rock Martin. Not uncommon wherever there are cliffs. 96. HiRUNDO RUSTiCA. European Swallow. Very common in summer from October to March. 97. HiRUNDO albigularis. White-throated Swallow. Fairly common throughout. 98. HiRUNDO cucuLLATA. Larger Stripe - breasted Swallow. Very common everywhere. 99. HiRUNDO PUELLA. Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow. Fairly common on the lower ground, especially along the coast at Port St. Johns, where they are as common as the previous species. 100 Mr. C. G. Davies on Birds observed 100. PsALiDOPROCNE HOLOMEL^NA. Black Eough-winged Swallow. Only found along the coast and about the forest-belt ; mostly seen in the evening and during cloudy weather. 101. Upupa africana. South African Hoopoe. Very i-are. I shot one c? at Bizana, and have heard o£ one being shot near Port St. Johns lately. 102. Irrisor viridis. Kakelaar. Not uncommon. Found in both forest and thorn country. The length of the beak seems to vary a great deal ; whether this is a sign of age or not I do not know. 103. Cypselus barbatus. Black Swift. Fairly common. 104. Cypselus africanus. White-bellied Swift. Not uncommon. 105. Cypselus caffer. African White-rumped Swift. I have noticed a good many of these birds at Flagstaff and Port St. Johns, but do not remember having seen them elsewhere. 106. Caprimulgus europ-SUS. European Nightjar. Nightjars of any species seem far from common in Pondo- land. This is the only species I have come across. a. c? ad. Bizana. b. $ ad. Near St. Johns, 16.1.07. 107. CoRACiAS GARRULUS. European Roller. Very rare. a. cJ ad. Lusikisiki, January 1905. This specimen was shot in one of the gardens in the village. 108. Ceryle rudis. Pied Kingfisher. This bird is somewhat local. I have found it fairly common at Port St. Johns and streams in the neighbourhood, but further north I have only procured one specimen at the Umtamvuna mouth. It must be also migrator}', as none are to be seen during the winter months. and collected in Pondoland. 191 109. Ceryle maxima. Giant Kingfisher. Found on all the larger rivers, especially near the coast ; the females seem commoner than the males. I have often seen them fishing ofE the rocks in the sea itself. 110. Alcedo semitorquata. Half-collared Kingfisher. Rather common ; found on both the large rivers and on the smaller streams. 111. CoRYTHORNis CYANOSTiGMA. Malachite Kingfisher. Common on the rivers and even small rills. 112. IsPiDiNA NATALENSis. Natal Kingfisher. Not common ; found mostly in the river valleys and scrub near the coast — often far from water. Commonest near Flagstaff and Port St. Johns. The stomach of one ^ , shot 12.2.07 at St. Johns, contained three fairly large grasshoppers. 113. Halcyon albiventris. Brown-hooded Kingfisher. Fairly common in the lower valleys and along the coast, especially at St. Johns. 114. Halcyon senegaloides. Mangrove Kingfisher. Rare. The skin of an adult male was sent me from Fort St. Johns in November 190G. This is the only specimen I have heard of. 115. CoLlUS STRIATUS. Speckled Mouse-Bird. Common everywhere. 116. BucoRAX CAFER. Brom-vogel. Not uncommon in the grass country ; commonest on the fiats by the coast. 117. Bycanistes buccinator. Trumpeter Hornbill. Rather common in all the forest country. They move about a lot, their movements being governed by the fruit- supply. They seem especially fond of the wild figs. The young birds are not bad eating. 118. LoPHOCEROS MELANOLEUCUS. Crowned Hornbill. Not uncommon in the forest country and river valleys : 192 Mr. C. G. Davies on Birds observed also sometimes found in gardens. I have seen them some- times indulging in wonderful evolutions on the wing, flying round and in and out of the branches, with wonderful twists, turns, and sudden swoops. 119. Hapaloderma NARiNA. Narina Trogon. This is not a common bird anywhere, but it is to be found wherever there is a tract of forest, and in the wooded klool's along the rivers. In Stark and ISclater's book the soft parts are wrongly given. I have shot a good many of both sexes, and in all of them the soft parts were as follows, viz. : — Adult male. Beak very pale yellowish horn, bright chrome- yellow towards the gape ; bare skin above and below eye and at corner of gape bright blue', shading through green to yellow on the hinder portion ; bare patch on throat bright greenish blue, becoming purplish round the edges. In Stark and Sclater there is no mention of these bare patches, neither is there any indication of it in the drawing of the head ; in life they are very prominent. The feet and legs arc greyish pink. The adidt female has the soft parts much the same, only duller, and the throat-patch is flesh-coloured. In the non- breeding season I have shot males with the bare throat slate- Goloured. 120. Campothera notata. Knysna Woodpecker. Not common. I shot one adult male at Flagstalf and a female and an immature bird at Port St. Johns on the 14.2.07. I have seen a few others in the same locality. 121. Dendropicus cardinalis. Cardinal Woodpecker. Fairly common ; found mostly in more open country and among thorn-trees in the valleys. 122. Mesopicus griseocephalus. Olive Woodpecker. Common in all the forest country. This is the commonest Woodpecker in Pondoland. 123. Indicator minor. Lesser Honey-Guide. Not common. Flagstaff and Port St. Johns. and collected in Fondoland. 193 124. Prodotiscus kegulus. Wahlberg's Houey-Guide. Scarce. 1 have only seen four of these birds, in both cases amongst black wattle trees, once at Bizana and again at Flagstaff. I procured a male bird on the latter occasion. They were hunting about for insects amongst the branches, and had a curious way of bobbing their heads. 125. Lybius torquatus. Black-collared Barbet. Not uncommon in the low country along the coast and in the valleys. 126. Barbatula. pusilla. Tinker Bird. Very common in all the bush country. Its monotonous note is heard everywhere, although the bird itself is seldom seen. 127. CucuLus solitarius. Red-chested Cuckoo. Fairly common in bush country during the summer, but it is restless and hard to procure. 128. CucuLUS CLAMOSus. Black Cuckoo. Rather commoner than the previous species, but only found in the low country near the coast. It has a loud mournful call, which is sometimes heard at night. 129. Chrysococcyx smaragdineus. Emerald Cuckoo. Not common, but found all over the forest country — commonest near the coast. I have not yet succeeded in getting a female, but have procured several male birds. 130. Chrysococcyx klaasi. Bronze Cuckoo. Not uncommon along- the banks of the rivers and amongst thorn-bush, but not found in the forests. I shot an adult male at St. Johns in June 1905, so that some evidently do not migrate. On the 19th April, 1907, 1 shot one specimen of C. smarag- dineus and two of the klaasi, and on the 20th I shot one specimen of the second species. With the exception of the last specimen, which was in adult plumage, they were all in immature garb, moulting into adult plumage. They were all males. It is possible, then, that some of these Cuckoos do not migrate in the winter, or were these birds migrating ? I shot 194 Mr. C. G. Davies on Birds observed them all close to the camp, in the scrub-bush that grows on the sandy hills near the sea. On the other hand, in June 1904, which is mid-winter here, I shot an adult -male C. klaasl in the same locality. Perhaps some other members of the Union might be able to throw some light on this matter *. 131. Chrysococcyx cupkeus. Didric Cuckoo. Scarce. I have personally only come across one specimen, an adult male, which I shot among thorn-bush on the upper Umzimvubu river in February 1905. 132. CoccYSTES SERRATUS. Blaclv-crcsted Cuckoo. Scarce. One specimen, J" , Bizaua. 133. Centropus burchelli. BurchelPs Coucal. Common, especially at Port St, Johns. 134. TuRACUS CORYTHAIX. Knysna Plantain-eater. Common all over the forest and bush country. 135. Pceocephalus robustus. Levaillant's Parrot. Generally found in the higher forest-tracks, but sometimes found in the coast bush. They appear to roost in the forests on the sides of the Tabankulu and Ingela Mountains, leaving for their feeding- grounds early in the mornings and return- ing in the evening. In 1905 they came to the black wattle plantations round Flagstaff in great numbers, and 1 shot a good many. I found that adult males were always larger than females, and the hook at end of the beak much longer. Also the females varied a lot in plumage, some having a band of salmon-colour across the forehead, while others, apparently adult, had no signs of this : none of the males had this band. Some of the brightest-coloured females had, in addition, one or two bright yellow feathers amongst the median wing- coverts, some of them having one yellow feather on one wing and none on the other. All these birds had their crops crammed with wattle-seeds. * [Messrs. Taylor & Ivy have procured klaasi in June, the former in the Transvaal and the latter in the Cape, so it -svould appear that C. cupreus is the only complete migrant of the three species of Chrysococcyx, the other two being residents, or " partial migrants," — Edd.] a7id collected In Fotulola)id. 195 136. Stkix capeksis. Grass Owl. Scarce. S . Lusikisiki. ? . Near Port St. Johns. Both these birds I flushed out of marshy ground. 137. Asio CAPENSis. Marsh Owl. Not uncommon ; always found on marshy ground. Flag- staiF, Lusikisiki, Bizana. 138. Syrnium woodfordi. Woodford's Owl. Rare. I have only seen one. ? adult. Near Bizana, in thick bush. 139. Bubo capensis. C-ape Eagle Owl. Scarce. One of a pair procured. S adult. Near Bizana. 140. Bubo maculosus. Spotted Eagle-Owl. This is the commonest Owl in Pondoland. 141. Falco minor. S. African Peregrine. Scarce. I have only seen one specimen. (J adult. Emkata, 14 miles from Lusikisiki. 142. Falco biarmicus. S. African Lanner. Not common, but generally distributed. 143. TiNNUNCULUS rupicolus. S. African Kestrel. Very common everywhere. 144. Baza verreauxi. Cuckoo Falcon. Scarce. Three specimens Flagstaff, one Biguna. 145. Aquila verreauxi. Verreaux's Eagle. I saw an adult one day at Flagstaff ; although out of range for my gun, it was close enough for me to identify it. 146. EuTOLMAETUS BELLicosus. Martial Eagle. Rare. I saw a fresh but mangled skin of an immature bird of this species hanging up in the verandah of a house at Port St. Johns some time ago ; the owner said he had shot it near his house. 196 Mr. C. G. Da vies on Birds observed 147. Spizaetus coeonatus. Crowned Hiiwk Eagle. Scarce. I shot an immature bird at Port St. Johns in June 1905. A friend shot an adult shortly afterwards at the same place. I also saw a skin of one shot here lately. 148. LoPHOAETUS OCCIPITALIS. Crested Hawk Eagle. Not common, but found all over the country, chiefly in the river valleys. 149. Haliaetus vocifer. Sea Eagle. There are generally a pair of these Eagles at the mouths of all the larger rivers. I found two nests, one at the mouth of the Umsikubu River and one at the Umtamvuna mouth, both were unfortunately at the tops of inaccessible trees. I shot the female at the latter place ; she was an adult bird in beautiful plumage, but the eyes were dark brown, not yellow as given in Stark and Sclater's book. 150. Helot ARSUs ecaudatus. Bateleur. Found sparingly along the coast belt. They are very wild and so far I have not obtained a specimen. A friend writes that he knows of a place where they nest. 151. BuTEO JAKAL. Jackal Buzzard. Common everywhere. 152. BuTEO DESERTORUM. Steppe Buzzard. Scarce. The only place 1 have seen these birds is about 20 miles N.E. of Bizana, where I secured a male in October 1906 and saw several others. 153. MiLVUS ^GYPTius. Yellow-billed Kite. Very common in summer. 154. Elanus c^ruleus. Black-shouldered Kite. Common everywhere. 155. AcciPiTER RUFiVENTRis. African Sparrow Hawk. Scarce. I have only seen one pair, which I shot near Flagstaff in November 1905. 156. AcciPiTER melanoleucus. Black Sparrow Hawk. Rare. I have only seen one specimen, a (^ , in the black- and-white plumage, shot at Emkata, 14 miles from Lusikisiki, in October 1906. and collected in Pondoland. 197 157. AsTUR TACHIRO. African Goshawk. This is the commonest of the short-winged Hawks, and is found in all the bush country ; adults seem rather scarce. 158. Circus ranivorus. S. African Harrier. Rather common wherever there is marshy ground. 159. PoLYBOROiDES TYPicus. Harrier Hawk. Rather scarce, but found in all the bush country, generally near rivers. 160. Gyps kolbii. KolVs Vulture. Generally seen in numbers whenever anything dies. IGl. Neophron percnopterus. Egyptian Vulture. Scarce. Generally seen singly feasting with the previous species. 162. Pandion haliaetus. Osprey. There is generally a pair of these birds on the larger rivers, but they are wild and unapproachable. 163. Serpentarius secretarius. Secretary Bird. Scarce. I have only seen one or two near Lusikisiki and Flagstaff. 164. Phalacrocorax lucidus. White-breasted Duiker. Not common, but generally distributed along the coast during the winter months ; they seem scarcer in the summer. An apparently adult male, shot on 18.1.07 near Port St. Johns, had the throat and front of neck and upper breast a pale rufous colour, instead of white. 165. Phalacrocorax africanus. Reed Duiker. Not uncommon on some of the larger rivers, especially the Umtamvuna River, where it breeds on ledges of the cliffs at the mouth. 166. Plotus rufus. Snake Bird. Rather scarce, but I have seen single birds on most of the large rivers. 167. SuLA CAPENSis. Malagash. Common at sea during the winter, evidently following the 198 Mr. C. G. Davies on Birds ohserved shoals of fish. They do not approach the land, but I picked up an adult, on the coast near Lusikisiki, with a broken wing. 168. DissuRA MiCROSCELis. Woollj-necked Stork. I managed to procure an adult ? from a flock of six. They were feeding on a mudbank near the water, and looked very Ibis-like in their gait and manner of feeding ; after firing, the remainder went right away and 1 did not see them again. The bird I got I skinned : the soft parts were as in Stark and Sclater ; the measurements : length 34 in., wing 17 in., tail 6| in. The stomach contained a mass of remains of small crabs. I also saw a pair of Crowned Cranes, but did not get one ; I noticed that they continually perched on the tops of the thorn-trees, a habit I have not noticed before. 169. CicoNiA ALBA. White Stork. Uncertain migrants, a few generally appear during the summer ; they were fairly numerous during the summer of 1905. 170. Scopus umbretta. Hammerkop. Very common throughout. 171. Adea GOLIATH. Goliath Heron. Scarce. The only specimens I have seen were a pair which I saw at the mouth of the Unigazi River in January 1907. They were wild and I was unable to secure one. 172. Ardea cinerea. Grey Heron. Not common and rather migratory. All I have seen have been at the mouths of rivers during the summer ; all these were immature birds. 173. Ardea melanocephala. Black-headed Heron. This is the commonest Heron and is generally seen in marshy places on the higher ground ; I have often seen them on the open veldt far from water, evidently hunting for locusts. 174. Ardea purpurea. Purple Heron. Rare. S j nearly adult, Lusikisiki. and collected in Pondoland. 199 175. BuBULCUS IBIS. Cattle E^-ret. Rather rare. I have only seen two specimens. $ adult in breeding-plumage. Umtamvuna River. ? adult. Port St. Johns. 17G. BuTOKiDES ATRICAPILLA. Green-backcd Heron. Scarce. 2 (J juv. Umtamvuna mouth. 177. Nycticorax leuconotus. White-backed Night- Heron. Rare. I have been fortunate in obtaining three specimens. (^ adult. Umzinhlava River, near Lusikisiki. ? adult. Near Port St. Johns, 15.12.0G. S not quite adult. Near Port St. Johns, 18.12.0G. All three of these birds were flushed from thick branches overhanging the water. The female ?hot on 15th December, 190G, had eggs in the ovary about the size of a marble. The male shot at Lusikisiki is now in the S.A. Museum. 178. BoTAURUS CAPFJNSis. Cape Bittern. Scarce. One or two specimens have been shot in a marsh near Lusikisiki, but personally I have not seen one. 179. Geronticus calvus. Bald Ibis. Scarce. One specimen, ^ juv., Lusikisiki, in July 1905. 180. Hagedashia hagedash. Hadadah. Some years ago these birds were common, but they are getting scarcer every year. There are still a good many in the wilder parts. I have found two nests of this bird ; they both contained young and were built of sticks in the fork of a branch. 181. Alopochen iEGYPTiACUS. Berg Gans. Only found in the Upper Umzimvubu and Umgazi Rivers, where they are by no means common. 182. Anas sparsa. Black Duck. This is the only Duck I have come across in E. Pondoland ; they are found sparingly in pairs and small family parties on all the rivers. 200 Mr. (,'. G. Diivies on Birds observed 183. ViNAGO DELALANDii. Delaliinde's Green Pigeon. Not uncommon and generally distributed all over the forest country. 184. CoLUMBA PH^ONOTA. Speckled Pigeon. Rather common in localities where there are cliffs. 185. CoLUMBA ARQUATRix. Olive Pigeon. Sometimes these Pigeons are very common in the forests round Flagstaff and Lusikisiki, at other times they are scarce. Probably they are attracted by certain fruit. I believe they sometimes breed in the wooded kloofs round Flagstaff, but I have not found any nests. The males and females are about the same size, but the males can be told by their greyer colouring and the almost white forehead, the female having this part much darker ash. The spots on the wings of the male are larger and more numerous. 186. TuRTURCENA DELAGORGUEi. Dclagorguc^s Pigeon. Rare. I only know of one locality where this Pigeon is found, viz. the Goza forest, about 15 miles from Lusikisiki, where I shot a male and female in May 1905. 187. TuRTUR SEMiTORQUATQS. Red-eyed Dove. Rather common, especially near the coast. 188. TuRTUR CAPICOLA. Cape Turtle Dove. Very common everywhere, except near the coast. 189. TuRTUR SENEGALENSis. Laughing Dove. Not common, and only found in the thorn-bush in the valleys. 190. CEna capensis. Namaqua Dove. Very rare. I obtained one specimen, (^ adult. This is the only specimen I have ever seen or heard of having been obtained in Pondoland. 191. Tympanistria bicolor. Tambourine Dove. Not uncommon in the bushy kloofs and deep river valleys ; its note is very similar to that of the next species, but deeper. 192. Chalcopelia afra. Emerald Spotted Dove. Not uncommon in the thorn-scrub in the valleys. and collected ia Poiidolanl. 201 193. Haplopelia larvata. Lemon Dove. Not uncommon in the forest country and wooded kloofs They feed mostly on the ground, and are hard to shoot, as they dash through the undergrowth. 194. Fkancolinus levaillanti. Cape Redwing. Not common. The Kaffirs give these Francolins no chance, killing them whenever they can. 195. Pternistes nudicollis. Red-necked Francolin. One often hears the call of these birds in the bushy valleys, but they are very hard to get, as they run into the thick scrub on the slightest alarm. The Kaffirs sometimes catch them in trivps. 196. CoTURNix africana. Cape Quail. These Quail generally arrive in September and leave again in December ; some years they are very plentiful. Some appear to remain the whole year. 197. TuRXix LEPURANA. Kurrichane Hemipode. Scarce. I have seen only one specimen, an adult male, shot at Flagstaff in January 1905. 198. TuRNix NANA. Natal Hemipode. Not common, but generally distributed. 199. Crex pratensis. European Corn Crake. Scarce. I have shot two specimens. S adult. Flagstaff, November 1904. (^ adult. Bizana, December 1905. 200. Ortygometra pusilla. Baillon's Crake. It is hard to tell how common these birds are owing to their skulking habits. 1 have shot one or two in a marsh close to Lusikisiki. 201. Sarothrura lineata. Jardine's Crake. Rare. ^ and ? , Flagstaff, September 1904. Flushed out of long grass. 202. Gallinula chloropus. Moor-Hen. Not common. 1 have seen a few of these birds amonij; the reeds of some of the larger rivers. VOL. in. 14 202 Mr. C. G. Davies 07i Birds observed 203. PoRPHYRio MADAGASCARiENSis. King Reed Hen. Very rare. Mr. Kilroe, a trader living near Lusikisiki, had one of these birds brought to him aUve by some natives ; he placed it in an empty fowl-run, and after a few days it became quite tame and ate almost everything — mealies, bread, chopped meat, and green stuff. It also has a live frog given it every day, which it cats with relish. He has had it now for about a year and it seems thriving and in good plumage. This is the only specimen I have heard of in Pondoland. 204. PoDiCA PETERSi. Peters' Fin-foot. Scarce, but found on most of the rivers. They seem to prefer the still luifrequented pools, and show themselves mostly in the evening. They seem unable to fly, but splash along the surface of the water, half flying, half paddling. 205. BuGERANUS CARUNCULATrs. Wattled Crane. Scarce. I have not secured a specimen, bat I have seen a pair on the flats near Lusikisiki, and Mr. Calvary (a trader) took a young bird from a nest near the same locality and kept it for some time. 20G. Balearica regulorum. Ch-owned Crane. Rare. One specimen shot at Lusikisiki near the coast in January 1897. 207. Otis ludwigii. Ludwig's Paauw. These Bustards are found in fair numbers on the flats near the coast. They are very wild and hard to shoot. 208. Otis melanogaster. Black-bellied Knorhaan. This is the only Knorhaan found in Pondoland ; they are not common, but appear all along the coast. They are rather stupid, tame birds and suffer from the Kaffirs in consequence. 209. CEdicnemus carensis. Dikkop. Uncertain migrants, generally appearing in the winter months. They generally prefer old Kaffir gardens and mealie- lands amongst thorn-bush, also rocky places on the flats. 210. CEdicnemus vermiculatus. AVater Dikkop. Rather scarce. Found rather sparingly on the muddy banks of the larger rivers. and collected in Pondoland. 203 211. CuRSORius TEMMiNCKi. Temminck's Courser. Scarce. I came across these Coursers for the first time on some flats near Bizana in August 1906. They were in pairs and very tame. 212. Glareola melanoptera. Nordmann's Pratincole. An uncertain migrant. I have only once seen these birds in Pondoland, when I came across a flock at Flagstaff in February 1904. 213. Stephanibyx melanopterus. Black-winged Plover. Not common, but found sometimes in large flocks on flats Vvhich have been lately burnt. 214. Squatarola helvetica. Grey Plover. Found sparingly on the mudbanks of some of the larger rivers along the coast, in company with other waders. 215. jEgialitis asiatica. Caspian Plover. Scarce. I came across a flock of about twenty at Bizana. They were wild and I only succeeded in shooting two speci- mens, both females in moulting plumage. 216. ^GiALiTis HiATicoLA. Ringed Plover. Not uncommon wherever there are mudbanks at the river mouths. The greater number found locally are in non- breeding plumage, but I shot a male in full breeding plumage at the mouth of the Umtamvuna River. 217. ^GiALiTis TRicoLLARis. Three-banded Plover. Scarce. One specimen at Flagstaff, December 1905. One specimen, $ > Umtamvuna mouth. 218. ^GiALiTis MARGINATA. White-fronted Sand Plover. Common along the coast on the sandy beach. All these birds have the back sandy rufous. 219. H^MATOPUS MOQUINI. Black Oyster-catcher. Rather rare. One specimen, Umzikubu mouth, August 1905. I also saw a pair near Port St. Johns, December 1906, but did not secure one. 14* 204 Mr. C. G. Davies on Birds observed 220. NuMENius ARQUATUS. Curlew. Not common. I secured thi'ee specimens, one ^ and two ? , at the mouth of the Umgazi River on the Gth January, 1907. 221. ToTANUS NEBULAMUS. Greeushank. Scarce. A few generally found on mudbanks at river mouths. 222. ToTANUS GLAREOLA. Wood Sandpiper. Scarce. I shot one specimen, (^ adult, at the mouth of the Umgazi River on the 28.1.07. I saw one or two others ; the flight is Snipe-like and twisting. 223. ToTANUS HYPOLEUCUS. Common Sandpiper. Common at all the river mouths and wandering a good way up the river. When winged they swim and dive well. 224. Pavoncella pugnax. Ruff. Not common, hut found during the summer both inland and on the coast. The majority I have seen were females, but I shot a male near Port St. Johns on the 12.12.06. This bird had the remains of its summer plumage. 225. Tringa canutus. Knot. I was lucky enough to secure a specimen of this rare Sandpiper on the coast near Lusikisiki on the 25.11.0G ; it was a male in non-breeding plumage. Legs and feet yellowish grey, not black as in Stark and Sclater. This bird is now in the S.A. Museum. 226. Tringa minuta. Little Stint. Scarce. One specimen, J", Port St. Johns, 21.12.0G. This was a single bird ; traces of summer plumage dis- cernible. 227. Calidris arenaria. Sanderling. Found in small flocks all along the coast, but never staying for any length of time in one locality. When they first arrive in October they generally have traces of summer plumage. aiul collected in Pondoland. 205 228. Gallinago media. Double Snipe. There are not many suitable spots for Snipe in Pondoland, but at Lusikisiki and Bizana there are marshes where these birds are nearly always to be found. 229. Gallinago nigripennis. Ethiopian Snipe. Found in the same localities as the previous species. 230. Larus dominicanus. Southern Black-backed Gull. Gulls are rarely seen along this coast, but I shot one out of three immature birds which I saw at the mouth of the Umtamvuna River. 231. Sterna bergii. Swift Tern. No. 1. Adult $ . Moulting, but nearly in full breeding plumage. Bill dull yellow; feet and legs black, soles spotted with yellow ; eyes very dark brown, almost black. No. 2. Immature ? . Moulting into adult plumage, but the whole of head except forehead brownish black ; sides of face and neck spotted with same. Soft parts as in the adult. 232. Sterna cantiaca. Sandwich Tern. No. 1. Adult $ . Moulting into breeding plumage ; a good many black feathers amongst the white of the forehead and crown. No. 2. This specimen, ^ , which I take to bo a slightly immature bird, had not moulted the streamers of the tail, which have a subterminal dark grey spot on both webs. The crown and forehead white, with numerous dark grey spots, getting darker towards the nape ; the crest very little developed, the feathers edged with white. Two other specimens were ? , but, although moulting, were not nearly so far advanced as No. 1. The soft parts were the same in every case, viz. : beak black, tip yellowish ; legs and feet black, soles yellow ; eyes very dark brown, almost black. All these birds had a very faint pinkish blush on the breast, most visible when the feathers are raised. The measurements of both species agree well with " Stark and Sclater," but in the case of Sterna cantiaca Sclater says : 206 Mr. A. Haagner — Literature " outer primaries dark, almost black, with a white band along the inner edge of inner web, 7iot reacldng the tips of the feathers.^'' This was the case only in one (specimen No. 2), all the others have the primaries grey, with the white band extending right round the tip of the feather. In the exception (No. 2) the two outer primaries, which are the ones which agree, are evidently old feathers and are abraded at the tips. 233. Steena macrura. Arctic Tern. cJ adult, in full breeding plumage. This bird was picked up on the beach about 15 miles from Port St. Johns. 234. DiOMEDEA MELANOPHRYS. Mollymauk. I picked up one of these birds with a broken wing on the coast near Lusikisiki. 235. PoDiciPES CAPENSis. Cape Dabchick. Not uncommon on still reaches of all the larger rivers. 236. Spheniscus demersus. Jackass Penguin. These birds are often washed up dead or dying on the coast after gales from the S.W. XV. — A full List of tJie more recent Woi^ks and Papers puhliienn{s Eeichenow and P. reichenoivi Madarasz." Ibis, 1903, p. 91, pi. iv. 18. . " On a Collection of Birds from the District of Deel- fontein. Cape Colony." Part I. Ibis, 1894, p. 1 ; Part II. Ibis, 1904, p. 313, pi. viii. 19. SnoRTEiDGE, Guy C. " On a Collection of Birds from the Neighbourhood of Port St. Johns in Pondoland." Ibis, 1904, p. 173. 20. Soaverby, J. L. "On a Collection of Birds from Port Chiquaqua, Mashonaland." With Notes by E. B. Sharpe, LL.D. &c. Ibis, 1898, p. 567. 21. Whitehead, Lt. C. H. T., M.B.O.U., 1st Batt. H.L.L "An Annotated List of the Birds observed on the Orange Eiver between Aliwal North and Odendaalstroom from De- cember 21st, 1901, to June 21st, 1902." Ibis, 1903, p. 222- 208 Dr. J. W. -B. Gunning on a new Genus and 22. SwYNNEETON, C. F. M. "On the Birds of Gazalaud, S. Ehodesia." Ibis, 1907, p. 30, pi. i. 23. "WooDWAED, E. B. and J. D. S, "Further Notes on the Birds of Zululaud." Ibis, 1898, p. 216. 24. . " On the Birds of St. Lucia Lake in Zululand." Ibis, 1900, p. 517. XVI. — On a new Genus and Species belonging to the Friu- gillidfe from the Transvaal. By Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, Director of the Transvaal Museum and Zoological Gardens. Among a small collection of bird-skins acquired by the Museum during the year from Mr. F. 0. Noome two skins were found — a male and a female, which were shot in the llustenburg District of the Transvaal in January 1907, and which defied identification. Not believing that it was probable that quite a new species would be found in a district like llustenburg, where our veteran South African ornithologist Thomas Ayres had collected for so many years, I took the liberty of sending the skins to Prof. Dr. A. Ileichenow, who was kind enough to confirm my suspicion that we had to do with an entirely new species, and on closer examination and comparison it was found that although closely allied to Anomalospiza, Shelley, yet it could not be classed in the same genus, as it presented several characteristics not agi'eeing wdth the definition of that genus by Shelley. Professor Peichenow writes, dated 3rd June, 1907: "This new form is evidently closely allied to Anomalospiza, Shelley, has like that a strongly rounded tail ; the centre tail-feathers are somewhat lanceolate towards the tip. The beak resembles that of Anomalospiza, but the culmen is more curved, the lower mandible narrower (less high). The wing differs in this respect tliat the first lanceolate primary is still more distinct than in Anomalospiza', the second and fifth primaries are smaller than in Anomalospiza. The markings of the Species of FnngiWidsQ from the Transvaal. 209 iippersiJe and the reddish tint of the plumage, especially on the head, remind us of the Pijronielana group/' I therefore propose Heliospiza as the generic name, and will describe this very distinct species as Heliospiza NOOME^, gen. et spec, nov., in honour of Mrs. Noome, who with her hushand has been fortunate and kind enouoh to procure many a rare and interesting specimen for our Museum. Heliospiza, gen. nov. Beak laterally compressed and high, culmon narrow, more strongly curved than in Anomalospiza ; the mandible is narrower than in that genus and bent downwards in an angle at the posterior end. Length of the tail less than two-thirds than that of the wing. First primary lanceolate and more distinct than in Anomalospiza', the second and fifth primaries a little shorter than in that genus. Tail strongly rounded; the middle tail-feathers lanceolate towards the tip. Heliospiza noome^e, sp. nov. Forehead yellow-brown with a tinge of chestnut; crown and nape of the same yellow-brown, with black centres to the feathers, narrower near the forehead and broadening towards the neck, producing a strongly streaked appearance; a yellow-brown streak over the eye, broadening immediately behind the eye and narrowing over the ear-coverts, which are yellow-brown finely streaked with black; cheeks darker yellow-brown; chin and throat paler, which colour extends over the whole of the underside, with black streaks on the sides and centre of the breast and on the flanks, stronger in the female than the male. Back mottled with yellow-brown and black, the centres of all the feathers being black, the broad margins yellow-brown. Wings bi-own ; the first primary very distinct and lanceolate, the other primaries with narrow yellowish-brown margins on the outer webs, lighter towards the tips, where the margins are dirty white; secondaries brown-black, with broad yellow-brown margins round the inner and outer webs, paler on the inner webs. Wing- 210 Proceedings of the Union. coverts like the back; under wing-coverts greyish white, washed with yellow. Upper tiiil-coverts black, with broad yellow-brown margins. Under tail-coverts pale yellow- brown, some with dark shaft-streaks to the feathers like some of the flank-feathers. Tail black, lighter towards the outer rectrices, with pale yellow margins, lighter on the underside. Upper mandible black, yellowish brown along the lower edge ; lower mandible yellow, base and tip black. Length 138-148 mm.; wing G5-GC ; tail 40-42; bill 9-5-10; tarsus 17-17*5. The types — male and female — are in the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria. Hah. Rustenburg, 1st Jan., 1007 i^Mrs. F. 0. JSoome). Pretoria, June 1907. XVII. — Proceedings of the Union. The Fourth Annual General Meeting of the S. A. 0. U. was held in the Board Room of the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, on the ?)rd August, 1907, at 3.30 p.m. Present were : Dr. J. W. B. Gunning (Vice-President), in the Chair, and Messrs. Newton Spicer (Hon. Treasurer), B. C. P. Langford, C. W. Howard, B.A., Austin Roberts, F. Thomsen, E. M. Skea, Drs. Theiler and Gough of Pretoria, Messrs. E. H. U. Draper and A. Duncan, Johan- nesburg, Max Coch of Rietfontein, and A. K. Haagner (Hon. Secretary) of Modderfontein. After the Chairman had welcomed the Members present, and the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting had been taken as read, he asked the Hon. Secretary to read the Report. The following is a brief summary of this Report : — The Union continues in a satisfactory condition, numbering 115 Members at date, after adding the prospective names and deducting the uinQ defaulters for non-payment of 1904 subscriptions. There were no resignations during the year, but the Council regretted to have to record the loss by death of two Proceedings of the Union. 211 Ordinary and one Honorary Member, viz., Mr. C. B. Simpson of Pretoria, Dr. Symonds o£ Kroonstad, and the veteran world-renowned ornithologist, Professor Alfred Newton of Cambridoe. A resolution of regret at the untimely end of these gentlemen, and of sympathy for the bereaved relatives, was passed. The (Council also regretted to announce the departure from South Africa of Mr. J, A. S. Bucknill, M.A., President, and Chief Editor of the Journal since its inception.. Mr. Haagner had assumed the Chief Editorship, and the vacancy on the Editorial Connnittee would have to be filled. Five issues of the Journal have been pubhshed to date, containing much original matter, two coloured and one plain lithograph, besides many half-tone illustrations. The Mioration and Bird Protection Committee held one meeting, at which the general opinion was to the effect that much could not be done yet, owing to the unsettled state of the country. Dr. Gunning and Mr.TnoMSEN were, however, appointed delegates to interview the Director of Education, and their report would better explain how far we had got. With regard to Migration, a circular had been issued giving the names of the following six birds, and requesting Members (and others) to fill in and post the postcards provided : — European Swallow. European Bee-eater. Lesser Kestrel. White Stork. Green shank. Hawk-wing Pratincole. These birds were chosen on account of their wide distribu- tion and easy recognition by anyone. The Secretary concluded by stating that the balance in hand at date was a little over £70. The Report and Finan- cial Statement were adopted. 2. Migration and Bird-Protection. — Dr. Gunning reported that, in accordance with instructions received from the Sub- 212 Proceedings of the Union. Committee, he and Mr. Thomsen had interviewed the Director o£ Education with a view to obtaining his assistance ; Mr. Adam son had been very sympathetic, but asked the delegates to meet him again at a Liter date, as he was extremely busy at present. Dr. Gunning also reported that he had interviewed the Editor of the ' Volkstera ' ancnt popular articles on birds, and this gentleman was quite willing to include these, illus- trated if desired, in the monthly supplement it was proposed to issue. Mr. Haagner suggested the advisability of a popular monthly leaflet issued by the Union in conjunction with the Journal. On the motion of Mr. Langford the whole matter was left in the hands of the Select Committee, with power for them to add to their number as they may deem best. The election of Messrs. Thomsen and Roberts by the Committee was confirmed, and Dr. Lewis Gough was also added to the number, so the Committee for Migration and Bird-Protection stands at present as follows : — Dr. Gunning, Director Tvl. Museum, Chairman. Dr. Gough. r. Vaughan-Kikby, F.Z.S. E. Thomsen. Austin Egberts. A. Haagnee, Secretary. 3. Honorarij Members. — Mr. J. A. S. Bucknill, M.A., President S. A. 0. U. for 1907, was unanimously elected an Honorary Member, in recognition of his good work for the Union while with us (1904 to 1907). Dr. E. Hartert, Director Tring Museum, was elected an Honorary Member, for his excellent work on certain African groups of birds. 4. Ordinary Members. — The following twenty-two names were read with their proposers and seconders, and on the motion of Dr. Gough, seconded by Mr. Spicer, their admittance by the Council was duly ratified : — 1. Baxter, G. L. ; Cameron llighlauders, Pretoria. 2. Booth, II. B. ; Yorkshire. Proceedings of the Union. 213 3. Beiscoe, Dr. J. E. ; Natal. 4. Chubb, E. C. ; Biilawiiyo. 5. Davies, C. G., C.M.E. ; Pondoland. 6. Day, M. E., Yorkshire Light Infantry ; Pretoria. 7. Halked, N. G. B. ; Pretoria. 8. Hudson, C. E. ; Bloemfontein. 9. Ingle, J. C. ; Lyclenburg. 10. Jameson, H. L., M.A., D.S.C, ; Johannesburg. 11. Lanham, "W. E. ; Pretoria. 12. Littledale, H. a. P., Yorkshire Light Infantry ; Pretoria. 13. Neethling, H. ; Bloemfontein. 14. Pebinguey, L. (Director S. A. Museum) ; Cape Town. 15. Pickstone, S. p. ; Johannesburg. 16. Pritchabd, a. G. R. ; Johannesburg. 17. Sheppaed, p. a. ; Beira. 18. Swynnerton, C. E. M. ; S. Ehodesia. 19. Dr. Theiler ; Pretoria. 20. A. Nehrkobn ; Germany. 21. E. C. Gray, P. Vet. Surg. TvL; Pretoria. 22. Eev. N. Eoberts ; Pretoria. Nine Ordinary Members were removed from the Roll for non-payment o£ Subscriptions for 190-1. 5. Office-hearers. — The following are the Office-bearers and Council for 1908 :— PresidenU J. E. Duerden, Ph.D., M.Sc, Professor of Zoology, Ehodes University College, Graham stown. Vice-Presidents. Dr. J. W. B. Gunning, Director Transvaal Museum and Zoological Gardens, Pretoria. A. D. Millar, Col.M.B.O.U., Durban. Dr. L. Peringuet, Director S. A. Museum, Cape Town. Hon. Secretary. A. K. Haagner, Modderfontein. Hon. Treasurer. Netvton Spicer, Pretoria. 214 Proceedings of the Union. Editorial Committee. Mr. B. C, E. Langfobd was placed on this Committee vice Mr. Bucknill departed. Council. John Wood, Cape Colony. Dr. J. E. Briscoe, Natal. A. Duncan, Transvaal. C. MoG. Johnston, Orange Eiver Colony. P. MuBRAY, Basutoland. Gr. A. K. Marshall, F.Z.S., Ehodesia. C. PoGGE, Grerman S.W. Africa. P. A. Sheppari), Portuguese S.E. Africa. 6. Rules. — Rules 6 and 11 were amended to meet the above enlargement of the Council. Rule 15 : the followino- rider was added : — " That proposed Members, when elected, shall not be placed upon the roll of Members until their first subscrip- tion has been paid ; neither shall the Journal be delivered to anyone more than a year in arrear.^' 7. He.vt Meeting. — This was fixed upon for Grahamstown, CO., in June or July 1908, in conjunction with the Mepting of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science. 8. General. — Dr. Gunning exhibited two specimens, ^ and ? , of a remarkable new form of Fringillidaj from Rusten- burg, TvL, and made the observation that it was strange that such a well-marked new genus and species should now be discovered in a district like Rustenburg, which has been so well-worked in the past, amongst others by our veteran ornithologist " Uncle " Tom Ayres. A full description will be found in this number. Mr. A. K. Haagner exhibited a S specimen of Sunbird similar to (Jinni/ris olivaceus (Olive Sunbird), from Pondoland. It difl:ers from the typical (Natal) form in several respects : the bill is longer, the forehead is darker, and the yellow Occasional JVotes. 215 pectoral tufts are distinctly mixed with orange-red. Should these differences prove constant in the Pondoland form (confirmation of which would be settled by the receipt of more specimens), Mr. Haagner proposed calling it CiNNYRIS OLIVACEUS DAVIESI, after its discoverer, Sgt. C. G. Davies, of the Cape Mounted Rifles. He did not wish to fully describe the bird yet, pending the receipt of more specimens, but Sgt. Davies informed him they were common and seemed all exactly alike. It is highly probable that it will turn out a good geographical form, as, although Shortridge collected in Pondoland, the specimens forwarded by him to the South African Museum were, strange to say, female. Hearty votes of thanks to the Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary terminated a very successful meeting. XVIII. — Occasional Notes. (23) Birds protected in Albany Division, C.C. — Below is a list of birds protected by special enactment in the Albany Division, C.C, mainly through the instrumentality of that excellent sportsman, Mr. Francis Graham, R.M., of Grahams- town. We are indebted to Mr. Graham for this list. In the Municipality : Doves of all kinds, Sunbirds, Wagtails, Woodpeckers, Large Yellow Seed-eater, Small Yellow Seed-eater, Cape Canary, Berg Canary, Cape Buntings, Waxbills (three sorts), Cape Robins, Thrushes, Bush Shrikes, other Shrikes (except Fiscal), Hornbills, Flycatchers, Swallows, Martins, Swifts, Kingfishers, Larks, Nightjars, Owls, Hoopoes, Cuckoos, Louries, Glossy Starlings, Plovers, Sandpipers, Barbets, Rock Thrushes, Chats, Warblers, Grebes, Kestrels, Hammer- Heads. 21G Occasional Notes. In the Division : Secretary Birds, Small Hawks, Black-shonldored Kite, Honey Guides, all Spreeuws (except Redwing), Crows (except Black Crow), Vultures, Rollers, Orioles, Sparrows, Herons, as well as all the birds protected within the limits o£ the Municipality. (24) Notes from Pondoland. — On the 4th April, at the mouth of the Umgazi River, I shot a fine specimen o£ Ardea goliath, an adult ^ . It was rather larger than Sclater's measurements, viz., length 50^', wing 24", tail 0^". They are rare birds in these parts, and I have not previously come across them, except in the above locality. This bird was winged, and looked very vicious ; it made a deep o-rowlins noise when I went to tackle it, but its bark w^as Avorse than its bite. I have also lately shot two specimens of Podica petersi, cJ and ? ; both these birds were in the same j)lumage, viz., that ascribed to $ in " Stark & Sclater." I have never seen them in the plumage ascribed to adult (J . Can there bo two species ?— C. G. Davies, C.M.R. Lusikisiki, Pondoland, 20tli May, 1907. (2.5) The ' Field ' of June 15 contains the following para- graph in the notes on the London Zoological Gardens : — "Two Buffalo Weaver Birds (Textor niger) from South Africa have also been received. They are large and finch- like in appearance, with black plumage, the feathers more or less mottled with snowy-white bases, gregarious in habit, breeding in colonies, and constructing many nests in the same tree. The collective nests consist externally of an immense mass of dry twigs, in whicli are from four to six separate nests, in each of which are laid three or four eggs resembling sparrows'' eggs, but much larger. Sir A. Smith reported that these birds followed herds of buffalo, and fed on the ticks infesting those animals : and this was confirmed by Livingstone. In the first volume of his Stuhenvogely £ to CO D H < D O q: O I- X < cc UJ I g -J o Occasional Notes. 217 publislied in 1879, Russ could not refer to living examples imported into Europe, and said that the species did not figure in the list of animals in the London Zoological Gardens. At least two other editions have been issued since then, and in neither does the name appear ; but a single example of the closely allied Alecto Weaver Bird (^Textor alecto) was received in 1865." ('2C)) Pigmy Falcon (PoUolderax torquatus). — We append a photograph (Plate X.) of a stuffed specimen of this uncommon little Hawk. It was taken on the nest on the 15th October, 1905, near Wolmaransstad, Transvaal, by Mr. Austin Roberts, and by him presented to the Transvaal Museum. (27) Precocity of the Sparrow. — A nest of the Cape Sparrow (^Passer melaiuirus) situated in a rose-bush in the garden of Dr. Mehliss (Resident Physician of the Lazaretto) will take some beating as to locality. It is placed in the bush about three feet from the ground, quite close to the entrance-steps of the house, and the birds are busy building it now. Whether they will rear their brood in that exposed and lowly position remains to be seen. Although Sparrows' nests in porches, under eaves, &c., are common, they are generally placed fairly high above the ground, but this particular nest can be got at by a dog, let alone cats, and is passed hundreds of times a day. — Max Coch. Rietfontein Lazaretto, 6th August, 1907. (2^) Issue of Journal. — In accordance with the decision arrived at by the Editorial Committee, an attempt will be made to issue a tri-annual Journal in future. Members have complained — with justice — that a six-monthly interval be- tween the numbers does not bind them sufficiently together. We therefore propose to lessen this interval by two months, and issue in January, May, and September, and in so doing VOL. III. 15 218 Short Kotices of Orintlioloijical Pnhlk-atums. would a])peal for more support — both from Members and the public. The percentage of Members who write for the Journal is exceedingly small ; to contribute it is not necessary to send a long geographical list or an original essay. Small paragraphs on anything of special or general interest in the Avian world for the "Occasional Notes" column will be welcome, and will afford our younger members an opportunity of a "start" in vvritino;. (29) Migration. — We would again remind our readers of the present influx of migrants, and trust that all who can possibly do so will comply with the request contained in the circular issued with the last number. Members need not necessarily confine themselves to the six birds mentioned, but can report upon the arrival of any migratory species if the}^ so desire. XIX. — Sliort Notices of Orn'itlwlogical Publications. 17. ' The Ibis, a Quarterly Journal of Ornithology.' The January and April 1907 numbers of the " mother" of British Ornithological publications contains an extremely interesting and valuable contribution to South African Ornithology by Mr. G. F. M. Svvynnerton, Col.M.B.O.U., titled " On the Birds of Oazaland, Southern Rhodesia." Two species new to science are included : Erithacus sicynnertoni, Shelley, and Apalis chirindensis, Shelley. These two birds were originally described from Sywnnerton's collection in the Bulletin B. 0. Club for June, 1906. The following species are also recorded from southern limits for the first time : — Nectarinia arturi. I Sylviella wlivtii. Cinnj'i-is niassae. Pachyprora dimorpha. Telephonus ancbitse. TrocliDcercus albonotatus. Laniarius bertrandi, Terpsiplione plumbeiceps. Phyllostrophus milaiijensis. The Ohirinda Bar-throated Warbler differs mainly from Short Notices of Ornithological Puhlications. 219 A. cinerens " in liavino[ the forehead and crown of the same shade of dusky grey as the entire upper parts, and in the white of the tail being confined to rather narrow ends of the four outer pairs of feathers/^ Swynnerton^s Robin is figured in a well-coloured plate by Keulemans ; it is stated by the author to be quite common in the Chirinda Forest ; he even describes the nidification of the species. This paper contains a mass of original information on the habits and nidification of various species, and we heartily congratulate Mr. Swynnerton on the excellent results of his labours. 18. 'British Birds' (June 1907), vol. i. no. 1. We have much pleasure in drawing attention to this new " Bird " periodical ; it is a neatly got up, attractive little monthly, published at the modest price of 10s. 6d. p. a. post free, and devoted to the Birds on the British list. The first number contains inter alia additions to the List of British Birds since 1'2, 110, 196. Acrocephahis bcBticaius, 92, 186. A ctophilus africanus, 55. ^'Kyialitis asiatica, 115, 203. hiaticola, 203. mnrginata, 203. pallida, 152. jKCuaria, 9, 151. tricolhiris, 9, 50, 115, 203. JEyithalus minutus, 88. African Buzzard Eagle, 31. Goshawk, 32, 110, 197. Jabiru, 53. Jacana, 55. Pied Wagtail, 17, 184. Eeed Warbler, 186. Sparrow Hawk, 32, 110, 196. White-rumped Swift, 190. Alario alario, 84. Alcedo semitorqtiata, 'lb, 101, 191, Alecto Weaver Bird, 217, uilopochen (egyptiacus, 112, 130, 179, 199. Aheonax adusta, 22, 97, 188. Amadina erythrocephala, 82, 167. fasciata, 141. Amhlyospiza albifrons, 81, 182. Amydrus ynorio, 14, 63, 64, 77, 181. Anas S2xirsa, 6, 36, 112, 130, 199, undtdata, 6, 54, 112, 1.30. Androjiadus im2Jotunus, 91, 186, Anoinalospiza, 205. Atioiis stolidus, 151, 153. Ant-eating Chat, 95. Anthobaphes violacea, 87, 152. Anthothreptes collaris, 87, 185. Anthvopioides jmradisea, 70. Anthus chlun's, 86, 184, lineiventris, 17. pyn-Jionotus, 86, 184, rufidus, 86. trivialis, 147. Apalis chirindensis, 218. cinereus, 217. scita, 93. thoracica, 93, 186. A2:)us melanonotus, 224. rochli, 163. Aquila rapax, 107. verreauxi, 107, 195. ivahlberyi, 29, 146, Archceopteryx, 3, Arctic Tern, 206, Ardea cinerea, 112, 153, 198, Jlavirostris, 67. yoUath, 53, 198, 216, melanocephala, 198, purpurea, 63, 112, 198. Ardeola ralloides, 112. Ardetta payesi, 112, 232 NAME INDKX. Arenaiia iidcrpres, lol, 153. Arnot's Bush-Chat, 170. Asio capc7isis, 27, 107, 195. leucotis, 149. Jsh/r tachiro, 32, 110, 197. Astw'imda moiior/rammtca, 31. B. Babbler, Jardine's, 176. , Pied, 170. , Tit-, 118. Bacbakiri Shrike, 20, 89, 118. Baillon's Crake, 114, 201. ]?ald Ibis, 35, 112, 199. Jjulearica reguloruni, 7, 47, 54, 202. Barbahda pusilla, 104, 193. Barbet, Black-collared, 27, 103, 177. , Pied, 27, 45, 104, 118. Barbets, 3, 215. Bar-breasted Finch, 81, 182. Baru Owl, 107. Barrow's Knorhaan, 8, 39, 114. Bar-tailed Lark, 85. throated Warbler, 93, 186. Bateleur, 178, 196. Baza verreauxi, 29, 195. Bearded Kingtisher, 102. Woodpecker, 26. Bee-eater, 124. , Blue-cheeked, 101, 152. , European, 100, 211. , Little, 24. Berg Canar}', 215. Ber^eend, 130. Berg Cans, 130, 199. Goose, 179. Bias niusicus, 147. Bishop Bird, Bed, 50. , Lesser Yellow, 82. Bittern, Cape, 199. , Red-necked Little, 112. lilack-and-Giey Cuckoo, 105. White Cuckoo, 27, 105, 147. Black - and - White Flycatcher, 147. -Yellow Bishop Bird, 183. backed Weaver, 80, 182. bellied Glossy Starling, 78, 181. Knorhaan, 8, 39, 180, 202. -breasted Harrier Eagle, 108, 178. capped Bulbul, 21, 186. • chested Wreu-"VVarbler, 45. collared Barbet, 27, 103, 177, 193. crested Cuckoo, 105, 194. Crow, 14, 77, 181, 216. Cuckoo, 104, 193. Shrike, 23, 98, 147, 189. Duck, 6, 36, 112, 130, 199. faced Waxbill, 118. footed Penguin, 124. fronted Bulbul, 91. Gabar Goshawk, 111. Harrier, 111. headed Bush-Shrike, 19, 88, 185. Heron, 198. Oriole, 15, 78, 175, 181. Kite, 152. Knorhaan, 114. Oyster-catcher, 151, 203. Rough-winged Swallow, 24, 190. shouldered Kite, 32, 110, 190 216. Sparrow Hawk, 110, 196. Stork, 111. Sun-bird, 18, 87, 185. Swift, 24, 190. Tit, 18, 88, 185. Vulture, 44, 111, 224. winged Plover, 40, 115, 203. Blackcap, Bush, 22, 97. lUacksmith Plover, 8, 50, 55, 115. NAME INDEX. 233 Blue-cheekod Bee-eater, 101, 140, 152. Crane, 38, 47, 70. Knorliaaa, 48. mantled Flycatcher, 98, 189. Booby, Brown, 163. Booted Eagle, 177. Botaurus capemis, 199. Bottle Weaver, 79. Bradyornis silens, 143. Bradypterus brachypterus, 92. Brom-vogel, 101, 176, 191. Bronze Cuckoo, 104, 193. Bronzy-tailed Coucal, 147. Brown-backed Duck, 133. Booby, 153. headed Parrot, 52, 177. hooded Kinghsher, 25, 101, 191. necked Raven, 158. Robin Chat, 96, 188. Bubo capensis, 107, 195. lactcus, 28, 107. maculosus, 28, 107, 195. Bubulcus ibis, 112, 152, 199. lucidus, 67. Bucorax cafer, 101, 176, 191. Buff-streaked Chat, 21, 95, 187. Buffalo Weaver Bird, 176, 216. Buyeranits carunculatus, 7, 46, 202. Bulbul, 91. , Black-capped, 21, 186. , fronted, 91. , Cape, 91, 215. , Bristle-necked, 91, 18C. , Sombre, 91, 186. Bunting, Golden-breasted, 84, 175. , crested, 118. , Rock, 85. Buntings, 118. Buphaga africana, 77, 123. erythrorhyncha, 14, 181. Burchell's Coucal, 62, 106, 194. Courser, 8, 49. Glossy Starling, 175. VOL. III. Bush Blackcap, 22, 97. Owl, 107. Bustard, Crested, 69. , Stanley, 48. Bustards, 69. Buteo augur, 146. desertorwn, 31, 110, 146, 196. jakal, 31, 108, 157, 196. Butorides atricapilla, 6, 152, 153, 178, 199. Buzzard, Augur, 146. , Jackal,'31, 108, 157, 196. , Steppe, 31, 110, 140, 196. Bycanistes buccinator, 102, 176, 191. C. Cabanis's Thrush, 164. Weaver Bird, 164. Calidris arenaria, 151, 163, 204. Camaroptera olivacea, 92. Campophaga hartlnubi, 23, 98. «;yra, 23, 98, 147, 189. Campothera notata, 102, 192. Canary, Berg, 215. , Cape, 83, 183, 215. , Mountain, 83. Cape Bittern, 199. Bristle-necked Bulbul, 91, 186. Bulbul, 91. Bunting, 85, 215. Canary, 83, 215. Dabchick, 116, 200. Eagle Owl, 107, 195. Flycatcher, 22, 97, 189. Ground Robin, 97. Long-tailed Sugar Bird, 86. Penduline Tit, 88. Quail, 38, 113, 201. Redwing, 37, 113, 201. Robin, 118, 215. Chat, 22, 96, 188. ■ Rock Thrush, 21, 94, 187. Scops Owl, 107. 16 234 NAME INDEX. Cape Shoveller, l.'?0. Sparrow, 83, 217. Thrush, 21,94, 187. Turtle -Dove, 54, 69, 113, 200. Wagtail, 18, 86, 151. Weaver Bird, 80. White-eye, 18, 87. Widgeon, 130. ^^'rell Warbler, 93. Capitonidce, 1, 2. Capped Wheatear, 21, 95. Cnprimulgus europfeus, 100, 190. natalensis, 146. — — pectoralis, 100. rufigena, 100. Cardinal W^oodpecker, 26, 102, 192. Casarca cana, 6, 130. Caspian Plover, 116, 203. Cattle Egret, 112, 152, 199. Centropus burcheUi, 52, 106, 194. cvpricauda^ 147. stiperciltosus, 106. Certhilauda albofusciata, 85. semitorquata, 16, 85. Ceryle maxima, 24, 101, 123, 176, 196. rudis, 24, 52, 101, 123, 190. Chalcopelia afra, 113, 146, 200. puella, 166. Chanting Goshawk, 111. Chat, Ant-eating, 95. , Arnot's Bush, 176. , Buff-streaked, 21, 95, 187. , Brown Kobin, 96, 188. , Cape Robin, 22, 96, 188. , Familiar, 95, 187. , Mountain, 95. , Natal Robin, 188. , Noisy Robin, 22, 95, 188. , Sickle-winged, 95. , South African Stone-, 95, 187. , White-shouldered Bush, 95, 187. Chats, 215. Chirinda Bar-throated Warbler, 218. Chlorodyta neylecta, 93. Chrysococcyx, 124. nipreus, 27, 104, 147, 194. klaasi, 104, 193. S7naraydineus, 104, 147, 193. Chrysomitris totta, 84, 152. Ciconia abdimii, 64. alba, 0,5, 111, 139, 198. ciconia, 65. nigra, 111. Cinnamon-backed Pipit, 86, 184. Roller, 146. Cinnyricinclus lettcoyaster verreauxi, 15. Cinnyris afer, 18, 86, 184. ametlnjdinus, 18, 87, 185. chalybeus, 87, 184. aipreus, 147. decor sei, 160. leucogaster, 175. niasscs, 218. olioaceus, 185. daviesi, 215. verreauxi, 87, 185. Circa'etus pectoralis, 108, 178. Circus cinereus, 146. macrurus, 111. viaums, 111. ranivorus, 33, 45, 146, 197. Cisticula, 160. aberrans, 94. fulvicapilla, 94. isabeUina, 224. natalensis, 187. ■ riifa, 224. ■ subruftcapilla, 94. terrestris, 94, 187. Coccystes glandarius, 105, 158. ■ hypopinarius, 105. jacobinus, 27, 105, 147. serratus, 105, 194. Coliopnsser ardens, 16, 82, 147, 183. NAME INDEX. 235 Coliopasser procne, 16, 50, 82, 13o, 183. Coitus erythroinelon, 101, 118. striatus, 101, 191. viinor, 25. Collared Sunbird, 87, 185. Columba arquatrix, 6, 37, 113, 146, 200. phcponota, 37, 112, 200. Common Brown-backed Goose, 133. Cormorant, 124. Guinea Fowl, 7, 114. Sandpiper, 153, 204. Vulture, 137. Waxbill, 10, 16, 81. Coot, 134. , Red-knobbed, 7, 114. Coppery SunbLrd, 147. Coqui Francolin, 37, 140, 179. Coracias caudatiis, 146, 176. gnrruhis, 100, 154, 190. mossaynbtciis, 1 76. Cormorant, Common, 124. Corvidse, 159. Corvultur albicollis, 76, 180. Corvus albicollis, 13. capensis, 14, 77, 181. scapulatus, 152, 153, 155, 181. Corythornis cyanostigma, 25, 101, 123, 152, 191. Cossypha, 157. *2Co/o?-, 22, 95, 188. caffra, 22, 96, 118, 188. natalensis, 188. signata, 96, 188. Cottle paludicola, 99. riparia, 148. Coturnix africana,?>S, 113, 201. capensis, 71. delagvrguei, 114. Co'ucal, Bronzy-tailed, 147. , Burcbell's, 52, 106, 194. , "White-browed, 106. Courser, Burchell's, 8, 49. , Double-banded, 118. Courser, Rufous, 115. , Temminck's, 8, 40, 115, 203. , Two-banded, 8, 50, 115, 118. Crab-Plover, 152, Crake, Baillon's, 114, 201. , European Corn, 114, 201. , Jardine's, 114, 201. Crane, Blue, 38, 47, 70. , Crowned, 7, 47, 54, 158, 202. , Demoiselle, 158. , Grey, 158. , Kafir, 136. , Stanley, 70, 114, , Wattled, 7, 46, 202. Crateropus bicolor, 176, jardinii, 176. Creatophora carunculatn, G2, 75, 77. Crested Bustard, 69. Francolin, 179. Grebe, 116. Guinea Fowl, 180 Hawk Eagle, 30, lOS, 196. Crex pratensis, 114, 201. Crow, Black, 14, 77, 181, 21G, , Pied, 152, 181, Crows, 216. Crowned Crane, 7, 47, 54, 158, 202. Guinea Fowl, 179. Hawk Eagle, 108, 178, 196. Hornbill, 102, 191. Lapwing, 115. Cuckoo, Black, 104. and-Grey, 105. and- White, 27, 105. crested, 105, 194. Bronze, 104, 193. Didric, 27, 104, 147, 194. Emerald, 147, 193. European, 153. Falcon, 29, 195. Great Spotted, 105, 158. Red-chested, 104, 147, 193, 16* 236 NAMK INDEX. Cuckoo, South Afrioan, 147. Cuckoos, 3, 215. Cuculidcs, 1. CuculincB, 1. Cuculus canorus, 153. clamosus, 104, 193. giilaris, 147. solitarius, 104, 147, 193. Curlew, 51, 153, 204. Cursorius rufus, 8, 49, 115. temmincki, 8, 40, 115, 203. Cypselus africanus, 24, 100, 147, 190. apus, 143. barhatus, 24, 190. . caffer, 100, 190. mmjottensis, 152. D. Dabcliick, Cape, 116, 201. Damara Turtle Dove, 152. Dark-naped Lark, 85. Delagortyue's Pigeon, 200. Delalande's Green Pigeon, C, 54, 200. Demoiselle Crane, 158. Dendrocygna viduata, 6, 54, 129. Dendropicus cardinalis, 28, 102, 192. Diamond Sparrow, 3, 83. Dicrurus afer, 23, 98, 147, 189. ludwiffi, 189. Didric Cuckoo, 27, 104, 147, 194. Dikkop, 8, 39, 49, 115, 202. , Water, 55, 202. Dilophus, 59. carunculatns, 61, 62, 77, 139, 147. Diomedea exulans, 150. melanophrys, 151, 206. Dissura microscelis, 198. Diving Petrel, 151. Domestic Fowl, 72. Double Snipe, 9, 205. Double-banded Courser, 118. Sandgrouse, 178. Dove, Cape, 113. , Turtle, 54, 69, 200. , Damara Turtle, 152. , Emerald-spotted, 113, 146, 200. , European Turtle, 70. , Laughing, 7, 37, 113, 146, 200. , Lemon, 7, 113, 201. , Long-tailed, 113. , Maiden, 156. , Namaqua, 7, 200. , Red-eyed, 113, 146, 200. , King-, 69. , Tambourine, 113, 157, 200. Doves, 136, 215. Dromas ardeola, 152, 153. Drongo, Fork-tailed, 23, 98, 147, 189. , Square-tailed, 189, Dryoscopus cuhla, 19, 89, 185. rujiventrisy 19, 89, 186. Duck, Black, 6, 36, 112, 130, 131, 199. , Brown-backed, 133. , Knob-billed, 36, 54, 129. , Maccoa, 131. , Eiver, 130. , White-backed, 131. , faced, 6, 54, 129. , Wild, 126, 133, 135, 140. , Yellow-bill, 112. Ducks, 121, 126, 128, 131, 133. Dufresne's Waxbill, 10, 16, 182. Duiker, Bank, 151. , Red, 197. , Reed, 52. , Trek, 151. , White-breasted, 34, 197. Dusky Flycatcher, 22, 97, 188. Dwarf Goose, 112, 129. Dwerg Gans, 129. NAME INDEX, 237 E. Eagle, African Buzzard, 31. , Bateleur, 108, 196. , Black-breasted Harrier, 108, 178. , Booted, 177. , Crested Hawk, 30, 108, 195. , Crowned Hawk, 108, 178, 195. , Martial, 108, 177, 195, 220. , Sea, 108, 178, 190. , Tawny, 107. , Verreaux's, 107, 195. , Wahlberg's, 29, 177. Eastern Black - breasted Bush Warbler, 93. Cape Weaver Bird, 15, 182. ■ Province Grass Bird, 94, 187. — — White Pelican, 53. Yellow Seed-eater, 84. Egret, Cattle, 112, 152, 199. • , Great White, 112. , White, 112. Egyptian Goose, 130, 158. Vulture, 197. Elanus c, 187. starred Bush Rubin, 96. Stork, 65, 08, 111, 139, 198, 211. • throated Swallow, 23, 70, 99, 189. Widah Bird, Queen, 118. Widow Bird, Great-tailed, 16, 82, 183. , Pin-tailed, 16, 82, 147, 183. , Red-collared, 16, 82, 147, 183. , shouldered, 183. Wild Duck, 126. Wilde Macaauw, 129. AVillow Warbler, 186. Wren, 147. Wit-gat, 64. Witrugeend, 131. Woodford's Owl, 28, 195. Wood Hoopoe, 100. Woodpecker, Bearded, 26. , Cardinal, 26, 102, 192. , Ground, 25, 102. , Knysna, 102, 192. , Olive, 26, 102, 192. Woodpeckers, 3, 215. Wood Sandpiper, 146. Woolly-necked Stork, 198. Wren Grass Warbler, 94. , Willow, 147. Wryneck, South African, 26, 102. Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler, 92. Seed-eater, 83, 183. bill, 54, 130. 252 NAME INDEX. Yellow- bill Duck, 112. — - -billed Kite, 32, 196. Oxpecker, 77. Masked Weaver, 123. nosed INIollymawk, 151. shouldered Cuckoo Shrike, 98. Honey-Guide, 177. throated Honey-Guide, 103. - — Long-claw, 17, 183. Yellow Weaver Bird, 79, 181. Z. Zambesi Bishop Bird, 147. Zosterops capensis, 18, 87. pidlida, 118. virens, 87, 185, Zwaarteend, 130. I'lilNTEIi BY TAYLOR AND TRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. Vol. UINo. 1. JUNE 1907. Price 63. THE JOURNAL OF THE CONTENTS. I A Contribution to our Knowledge oi' the IndicatorkUe (Honey -Guides). By Alwin K. Haagner, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and Robert H. Iw. (Plates I. & II.) 1 II Further Notes on the Occurrence and Nestinjr of some South African Birds. By Richard Sparrow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th Dragoon Guards. 5 III. Remarks on the Breeding-Habits of the Pin-tailed Widow Bird {Vidua prhicipalis). By Austin Roberts ■' IV Notes on a Collection of Birds made in the Amsterdam District upon the Trans>aal-Swazieland Border between the Moutlis of June and October, IWC). By Claude H. Taylor : assisted by J. A. Bucknill, F.Z S., M.B.O.U 1- V. Some additional Notes on the Birds of the Kroon^tad District, Orange ^ River Colony. By Edmond Sy.monds, L.R.C.F., M.R.C.S 4- TI Notes on some Birds observed during a Shooting-trip in Portuguese East Africa. By Dr. GEoaciE Turner, Medical Ofllcer of Health, Transvaal, ol VII. Locust Birds in the Transvaal. By F. Thomsen, Assis^ant Chief Locust ^ ^ Ofllcer, Div. Entom., Transv. Dept. ot Agriculture Tib VIII The Birds of Albany Division, Cape Colony. By Alwin Haagneu, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., and Robert H. Ivy. (Plate.s III.-Vl.) 7h IX. Occasional Notes ^ ^ ' X. Short Notices of Ornithological Publications 14- • XT Obituarv Notices : — Jean Lours Cabanis ; Canon H. B. Tr^tstra.m ; Dr V. Hatio ; E. Ou&talet; Sir Walter L. Buller ; C. B. Simi-son, Govt. Entomologist, Transvaal ; Dr. E. Symonds. (Plate VII.) I(i3 PU.BLISHED BY THE UNION IN PRETORIA, TRANSAXIAL. London Agent : R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. printed BV TATLOE and FRANCIS, BED LIOK COURT, ELEET STREET, LONDON, E.C. Annual Suhscriptiov =£1 Is. GENERAL NOTICES. The address o£ the Hon. Secretary o£ the Union is :- A. Haagnek, Esq., F.Z S., M.B.O.U., Dynamite Factory, Mo(hlerl:'ontein, Near Johannesburg, Transvaal. The address o£ the Hon. Treasurer of the Union is :- Newton Spicer, Esq., P.O. Box 557, Pretoria, Transvaal. Any person desirous of joining the Union shoukl com- municate with the Hon. Secretary. The Ainiual Subscription is £1 1$., and all Members of the Union receive a free copy of all its publications. The Funds of the Union are devoted mainly to the }»ublioation of this Journal. SUBSCRIPTIONS for 1907 are now due and should be for- warded to the Hon. Treasurer. Members are requested to be good enough to notify to the Hon. Secretary any change of address, so that prompt despatch of notices and publications may be ensured. Copies of the Journal can be purchased at the rate of 4.N per copy to Non-Members, and 2s. 6d. to Members. ( 'loth covers to take Vols. I. and II. in one, price l.v. 6^/, Obtainable from the Hon. Secretary, or from H. H. Porter. 7 Pi'inces Street, Cavendish Square, London, W. Vol. III. No. 2. DECEMBEE 1907. Price 45. THE JOURNAL OF THE CONTENTS. XII, The Waltzing Instinct in Ostriches. By J. E. Dueeden, M.Sc, Ph.D., A.R.O.S., President S.A.O.U 1^9 XIII. Notes on the Birds observed during a Shooting-trip in Portuguese East Africa. By Eiciiard Spaurow, M.B.O.U., Major 7th Dragoon Guards. 174 XIV. Notes on Birds observed and collected in the Districts of Port St. Johns, Lusikisiki, FlagstaflP, and Bizana, Pondoland, during the Years 1904 to 1906 and the beginning of 1907. By C. G. Davies, C. M. Eiflemen. (Plates VIII. & IX.) ■•••■••• 180 XV. A full List of the more recent Works and Papers published on South African Birds.— I. In ' The Ibis, a Quarterly Journal of Ornithology.' By Alwin Haagneb, F.Z.S., &c. -0« XVI. On a new Genus and Species belonging to the Fringillidpe Colony.) A. Duncan. (Transvaal.) C. MoG. Johnston, (Orange River Colonj.) A. D. Millar, Col. M.B.O.U. (NatMl.) Guy a. K. Marshall, F.Z.S., F.E.S. (Khodei-in.) J. P. Murray. (Basutoland,) C. Poggk. (German South-West Africa.) Co -• i>^e