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We = a 4 SY, as = 251) O ep ee ° hime az XN a) LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN” INSTITUTION, NOILALILSNI_N! ro) wD — fe) — a Vj; = F = eS ; > - > =. es Ee a Z us ‘Z i NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S31uyvVUaIT_LIBRARIES SI z wn s = we ly, F = 5 = ti pmo n 72) ol Vf.” oO aa O : Gp hue z pes z ; = >" > > = > Y”) Fa | LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION |. _N i z uw a = e a = S nr = oc = ec a = 2 = 2 NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS Sa1uvug!I7 LIBRARIES SI a = ie = o = _@ = Po) > | > > Ej ” s = eA LIBRARI ES SMITHSONIAN _ INSTITUTION NOMLNLILSNI N aw. reo a = oO = = } j os \ . ; . - f | f t i i * x H) > ay rl oe & pit mY - Qe ISSN 0250-4162 SCOPUS A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East Africa Natural History Society Edited by GRAEME BACKHURST Volume 7 (1) March 1983 SCOPUS Scopus is published five times a year by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, surface mail: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya shillings cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya shillings cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. All material for Scopus, including papers, short communications, letters and notices, should be sent to the Chairman of the Ornithological Sub-Committee, Dr D.J. Pearson [tel. 47041], Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. Other members of the sub-committee are: G.C. 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The material published in Scopus will be divided into 'papers' and 'short communications', the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should be written in the third person (except in the 'Acknowledgements' section); 'short communications' may be written in the first or third person. Authors of ‘papers’ are entitled to five copies of Ener contribution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions shouid be typed in 1% or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. 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Continued inside back cover Scopus 7 (1), March 1983 SCOPUS 4 iat set | umd od MOVEMENTS OF PALAEARCTIC RAPTORS IN THE ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY Alan Vittery Much information has been published in recent years on raptor migration at the Bosphorus, in northeastern Turkey, at Elat, the Gulf of Suez and else- where in the Near and Middle East. Less is known about the movements of the large proportion of these birds which winter in tropical or southern Africa. - From June 1974 until June 1975 (except for November and December 1974) I was based in Addis Ababa and was able to make fairly frequent visits to the Rift Valley which runs in a southwest-northeast direction from the Kenya border in the south to the Danakil Desert in the north, passing within 60 km of the Ethiopian capital at Mojo, on the Awash River. Raptor movements were noted in autumn 1974 and spring 1975 from the west shore of Lake Langano. These observations are supplemented by records from the nearby Lakes Shalla, Abiata and Zwai, the Koka Dam area near Mojo, the Awash National Park, the environs of Addis Ababa and nearby localities on the Western Highlands, and from the inter-linking road system (Fig. 1). The only published reports of raptor movements on any scale in the area come from Eritrea, to the north, where K.D. Smith (1960) reported that "Eagles in thousands, together with (Black) Kites, Buzzards and Lesser Kestrels pass regularly over the plateau in November, although Kites also appear earlier in September." Although these concentrations coincided with the arrival of desert locusts Schistocerca gregaria in the area, Smith considered that the raptor passage was true migration and not merely related to the abundant food supply. Urban & Brown (1971) described several of the Palaearctic raptors as common passage migrants but did not give any indication of the routes used. MIGRATION AT LAKE LANGANO Lake Langano lies at 7.35'N, 38.45'E and is the easternmost of a group of three lakes at an altitude of about 1580m, 160km due south of Addis Ababa. Observations were possible on eight dates in September (from 14th) and four in October (24th - 27th inclusive) in 1974 and on seven dates in March/April 1975. They were made from the top of a low (20m) cliff fringing the western shore of the lake which commanded an unbroken view over the plain to the north Scopus 7: 1-9, March 1983 : D) Raptor movements in Ethiopia WESTERN HIGHLANDS Addis Ababa “VALLEY »... Lake Shalla Wa Lake Abiata ee / Zh Lake Langano Fig. 1. Map of the Rift Valley and Western Highlands, Ethiopia and the acacia woodland to the west and south. In autumn raptors would gain height over the plain before filing south over the narrow land bridge between Lakes Langano and Abiata. Black Kites Milvus migrans and Steppe Buzzards Buteo buteo vulpinus accounted for almost 98 per cent of all Palaearctic raptors recorded in autumn (assuming the Black Kites were all of the race migrans - see Systematic List). Migration was less concentrated in spring but involved a greater variety of species. Most observed movement occurred in the late morning with much smaller numbers after midday, although the pattern was reversed on 29 Sep- tember with the second largest of all recorded movements taking place in mid- afternoon after early morning rain. It was difficult to correlate movement with weather patterns. The largest movements occurred when there was a light headwind, but winds from the southwest quarter seemed to prevail in autumn and there was often little movement when conditions seemed to be ideal. This suggests that migration this far south along the route is very dependent on conditions further north. Passage was noted on both bright and overcast days. Rain becomes more infrequent as the autumn progresses and is unusual in spring. The narrow land bridge between Lakes Langano and Abiata undoubtedly funnels birds of prey moving on a roughly north/south axis along the Rift Valley, but no observations were possible from the sides of the Rift to ascertain what proportion of raptors used this route. An indication of the relative importance of the Langano route may be the fact that it was also used as a flight line by unusually large numbers of the 'resident' raptors - mainly vultures and Tawny Eagles Aquila rapax - and also by migrating Marabous Lepto- ptilos crumeniferus and Abdim's Storks Ciconia abdimii in April 1975. A summary of movement at Lake Langano in autumn 1974 is given in Table 1 while spring 1975 movement is in Table 2. i Raptor movements in Ethiopia TABLE 1 Autumn movements at Lake Langano in 1974 - Se!) (ptt er mi bi "ein Oct Date 14 15 21 22 26 2) 28 Zoe en Time pm 11230. pm i005 09 745240)2 30) tO 10) 215) (09) +30 13:00 US TO0O0Ms1 3.00) 4 3) OOM S 40400 512-730 Pernis apivorus - = 1 5 - 4 10 Milvus migrans 2 38 Gyps fulvus - - = - Accipiter nisus = - - - Buteo b. vulpinus = 1 - Hieraaetus pennatus - = 1 Falco subbuteo 1 - 1 - Falco peregrinus = - 1 Oo fon) oO (@) at 3) 106 192 35 — ee) oO frereererel pil ' ! | iS Ie SIS NOe Coma All birds were moving S or SW unless stated. No movement was noted on 24, 25 or 26 October TABLE 2 Spring movements at Lake Langano in 1975 Male Carh YW Oise ly yall Date 16 17 19 12 13 26 PAT! Time 08:50 09:00 am 09:30 09:50 10:00 09:15 12:30 12:00 10:30 11:10 2S PTS Pernis apivorus Milvus migrans 1 Circus macrourus Circus pygargus Accipiter brevipes Buteo b. vulpinus Aquila pomarina Aquila nipalensis 1 Aquila heliaca Hieraaetus pennatus Falco naumanni Falco subbuteo - Falco vespertinus - 0) 1oa) is) — N I | Perreomtliotlhnoraor- 1! otrnw iil i} ! ee par e — ee On a | i} 1 Sy) — I | All birds were moving N or NW unless stated 4 Raptor movements in Ethiopia SYSTEMATIC LIST The order and scientific nomenclature follow Voous (1973) except that the Steppe Eagle is accorded specific status under the name Aquila nipalensis. Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard In September 1974 a total of 20 flew south at Lake Langano; on 29th, of the ten recorded, five were together. All were of the typical form and all passed through in the late morning or early afternoon. There were only three records of single birds in spring 1975: at Addis Ababa on 9 and 11 March (both flying north) and at Lake Langano on 16 March (flying northwest) . Urban & Brown (1971) knew of no recent occurrences of this species in the country and questioned the validity of earlier records. Milvus migrans Black Kite The race parasitus is resident in central and southern Ethiopia while aegyptius largely replaces it in the northeast. The numbers of local Black Kites are supplemented by wintering migrans from September to May. Many migrans winter further south in Africa and undoubtedly account for the vast majority of the birds passing through the Langano area. Not all migrants were positively identified as migrans and the possibility of local movements of parasitus and/ or aegyptius must also be borne in mind, although rains-associated movements of these races would be expected to take place in May/June and November/ December. In autumn 1974, a total of 1024 flew south at Lake Langano on nine dates between 14 and 29 September with maxima of 600 in two hours (11:00 - 13:00) on 22nd and 234 on 28th, 215 of which passed through in 25 minutes from 15:15. Passage seemed to have virtually stopped by late October since, during the period 24th - 27th the only evidence of movement was of three flying south during a two-hour watch on 27th. In spring 1975 a total of 29 flew north between 16 and 19 March and then 14 on 12-13 April. Urban & Brown (1971) were uncertain about the relative status of the three races in Ethiopia. Smith (1957, 1960) regarded migrans as a common migrant in Eritrea in both spring and autumn, when passage was noted in both September and November. Ebbels (1973) reported large movements further south in the Rift Valley in Tanzania in October. Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture A breeding resident in the Rift Valley. Palaearctic migrants would be imposs- ible to distinguish from local birds, but there was no discernible increase in numbers in autumn 1974 or spring 1975. The only possible evidence of migration was of two adults flying south over Lake Langano on 22 September 1974. Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture Two adults circled high over Lake Langano on 27 October 1974 before drifting off to the east. Although Urban & Brown (1971) described the species as an uncommon passage migrant in the Western Highlands and northeast Ethiopia, Moreau (1972) pointed out that Sudanese and not Palaearctic breeding birds are most likely to be involved. The above record nevertheless represents the most southerly occurrence in the Rift Valley. Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle Only two records of single birds in autumn 1974: at Koka on 20 October and — Lake Langano on 25 October. One at Lake Langano on 20 January 1975 was the only winter record. In spring 1975 one was seen south of Koka on 13 April and a late bird was over Addis Ababa on 6 June. Urban & Brown (1971) regarded the species as an uncommon passage migrant Raptor movements in Ethiopia 5 from October to March. The last of the above records suggests that, as in West Africa, some birds remain in the tropics during the summer. Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier Small numbers were seen at suitable localities in the Highlands and the Rift Valley between early October 1974 and late March 1975, but there was no evidence of passage through the Lake Langano area. Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier In autumn 1974 this species was positively identified at Lake Langano on 24, 25 and 27 October (one or two males and one female). In 1975, males were seen at several localities in January, February and March. For discussion and records of unidentified 'ringtails' see Circus macrourus/pygargus below. Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier In 1974 two males were seen south of Mojo on 24 October. In 1975 three single males were seen in January and there were several near Teji, southwest of Addis Ababa, on 1 and 2 March. One over Addis on 10 March was an obvious migrant, reflecting a marked passage in the Rift Valley where 14 Circus spp. south of Mojo on 15 March included three male Montagu's. Two males flew north at Lake Langano on 16 March, there was one at Akaki Reservoir on 23 March and two in the Awash National Park on 28 March. Circus macrourus/pygargus Pallid/Montagu's Harrier In autumn 1974 'ringtail' harriers were recorded in small numbers (up to four) from 25 September to 27 October. Numbers of both species were higher in spring 1975, with a combined total of 14 south of Mojo on 15 March being the highest count. It was last recorded on 13 April. Urban & Brown (1971) regarded both species as fairly common passage migrants between October and March, but uncommon outside this period. There seemed to be no appreciable difference in their relative abundance. Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrowhawk One circled high over Lake Langano before moving off to the south on 26 Sep- tember 1974 and one, of this species or the next, flew north there on 12 April i975. Small numbers of the Eurasian Sparrowhawk are known to reach East Africa in winter (Britton 1980) but Urban & Brown (1971) were uncertain about its status in Ethiopia. Accipiter brevipes Levant Sparrowhawk Two males flew north over Lake Langano on 17 March 1975; see also a possible record under A. nisus. The status of the species in Ethiopia is obscure, but it is likely that the Main wintering areas in Africa are well to the west of the Rift Valley. Flocks of migrating Accipiter spp. were seen in the Nile Valley in northern Sudan in September (Christensen 1960). Buteo buteo Common Buzzard All the birds seen showed the characteristics of the Steppe Buzzard B. b. vul- Pinus. In September 1974 a total of 515 flew south at Lake Langano on six dates between 15th and 29th with maxima of 180 on 22nd and 192 on 28th. Singles were seen over Addis Ababa on 3 and 15 October and four flew south at Lake Langano on 27 October. In spring 1975, one was seen west of Addis on 9 March while at Lake Langano a total of nine flew north on 16 and 17 March, 11 flew north on 13 April and singles were seen flying in the same direction there on 26 and 27 April. The species was often associated with other raptors, Mainly Black Kites. The most concentrated passage was of 174 in 25 minutes from 15:15 on 28 September (cf. Black Kite). Otherwise most passed in the 6 Raptor movements in Ethiopia late morning, although a watch beginning at 10:25 on 29 September caught the tail-end of a movement of unknown dimensions. The numbers passing through the Lake Langano area represent only a small fraction of the birds wintering in eastern and southern Africa and it seems likely that the majority follow the Nile route further west. Moreau (1972) speculated that, in view of the numbers of vulpinus taken in Arabia an important passage across the Bab el Mandeb is probable. Smith (1960) referred to passage across the Eritrean plateau in November but, as wintering popul- ations are well established in southern Africa by this time, these birds may stay in the northern tropics. Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard The only record was of one south of Mojo on 15 March 1975. Brown et al. (1982) show the main wintering areas in eastern Africa as in Sudan and Ethiopia but there seem to be few definitive records and Urban & Brown (1971) considered the species to be uncommon in Ethiopia. Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle None seen in autumn at Lake Langano but two spring records in 1975: an immat- ure at Koka Dam on 19 March and an adult flying west at Lake Langano on 26 April. Smith (1960) saw thousands of "Spotted Eagles" (A. pomarina/clanga) in Eritrea in November and Urban & Brown (1971) referred to birds thought to hav been of this species migrating in the lower Omo valley in southwest Ethiopia, presumably in autumn. Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle None was seen at Lake Langano. The only records were of single immatures north of Zwai on 18 January and near Nazret on 28 March 1975. Urban & Brown (1971) regarded the species as a "frequent to common passage migrant" in the Western Highlands but admitted that its status was obscured by the possibility of confusion with other similar species. Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle None was identified at Lake Langano in autumn 1974. The main arrival was pre- sumably in November (when I was absent from the country) since it was not uncommon on my return in January in parties of up to six in both the Western Highlands and the Rift Valley. An adult was seen displaying at Koka Dam on 23 February 1975. In spring 1975 at Lake Langano, a total of 23 flew north on 16 and 17 March. Thereafter, it was seen on only four occasions: over Addis Ababa on 21 March, in the Awash National Park on 30 March, two at Lake Langano on 12 April (eight eagles flying north there on the next day were considered to have been the 'resident' race of the Tawny Eagle A. rapax raptor) and a late bird near Gewane on 5 May. Urban & Brown (1971) considered the species to be a common passage migrant 4etween October and April. As many winter further south in East Africa, there must be a considerable movement through Ethiopia in autumn, possibly along the western river systems. Moreau (1972) suspected that some must enter Africa via southwest Arabia (Bab el Mandeb) but there is still no firm evidence to support this. Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle Three records of single birds: an immature at Lake Langano on 25 October 1974 (which was photographed), an adult at Lake Shalla on 22 January 1975 and an immature flying north at Lake Langano on 16 March 1975. The species is known to occur sparingly in winter in northeastern Africa, although Urban & Brown (1971) knew of no recent records from Ethiopia. Raptor movements in Ethiopia 7 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle At Lake Langano in September 1974 a total of nine flew south (Seven adults, one sub-adult and one immature) on six dates between 21st and 29th. In spring 1975 adults flew north there on 16 March and over Addis Ababa on 19 April. Urban & Brown (1971) described the species as a passage migrant of uncertain status. It is known-to winter widely but thinly throughout eastern and southern Africa. Pandion haliaetus Osprey Rather surprisingly there were only four records: in autumn 1974 single birds were seen at Lake Basaaka on 8 September and Lake Langano on 15 September. In spring 1975 there were singles at Lake Basaaka on 30 March and Lake Shalla on £2 pri. The species was described as a resident in the Dahlak Islands in the Red Sea by Urban & Brown (1971). Ash (1981) gave a ringing recovery of a Finnish bird further south in Tigre. Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel None was seen at Lake Langano in autumn 1974. In 1975 the first to be posit- ively identified were two east of Debre Zeit on 18 January, followed by a marked passage through the Western Highlands and Rift Valley lasting until 5 May. Maxima were 20+ at Debre Zeit on 9 February, 100+ at Teji on 2 March, 30 at Debre Zeit on 19 March and at Akaki Reservoir on 23 March, 50+ in the Awash National Park between 28 and 30 March and 30 south of Mojo on 13 April. At Lake Langano five flew north on 17 March. Urban & Brown (1971) described the species as a "common to abundant passage migrant" from October to May. Smith (1957, 1960) noted movement through Eritrea in October and November and it is probable that the main arrivals in the Addis Ababa area and the Rift Valley occurred during my absence in Nov- ember. The above records nevertheless support the conclusions of Cramp & Simmons (1980) that the spring passage is more conspicuous and protracted, lasting from January until May. Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Migrants were difficult to separate from the resident race rufescens, altnough the species was undoubtedly commoner from September to March in the Western Highlands and the Rift Valley. There was no evidence of movement at Lake Langano, but a male of the distinctive Egyptian race rupicolaeformis flew north at Lake Abiata on 18 March 1975. This race is known to straggle to northeastern Africa (Moreau 1972) but there are no published records from Ethiopia. Urban & Brown (1971) regarded the nominate race as a "common to abundant passage migrant, September - April." Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon Only one record, of a male which flew north at Lake Langano on 26 April 1975. There are few records of this species in East Africa (Britton 1980). Urban & Brown (1971) listed it as a passage migrant of uncertain status in Western Ethiopia (September/October and March/April) and referred to migration in association with Kestrels. It seems probable that the main migration route lies well to the west of the Rift Valley. Falco subbuteo Hobby Recorded in autumn and spring but only at Lake Langano (see Tables 1 and 2). Urban & Brown (1971) regarded the species as a locally abundant passage migrant (October and March/April), with the spring movement mainly affecting eastern Ethiopia. 8 Raptor movements in Ethiopia Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon In September 1974 singles were seen near Menegesha on 11th and at Lake Langano (flying south) on 21st. Both were considered to be of the Palaearctic race calidus. Urban & Brown (1971) regarded the Palaearctic nominate race as an uncommon passage migrant between October and March; they did not record calidus but noted that it might occur. Falco spp. Five other species of migratory falcons are listed by Urban & Brown (1971). The Eastern Red-footed Falcon F. amurensis was considered by them to be a possible passage migrant in the northeast of the country. Eleonora's Falcon F.eleonorae and the Sooty Falcon F. concolor seem to be exclusively coastal in this part of Africa. The Saker Falcon F.cherrug is described as a fre- quent visitor, mainly in wetland areas, and might therefore be expected to occur at the Rift Valley lakes in winter. Finally, these authors record the Barbary Falcon F. pelegrinoides as an uncommon Palaearctic migrant. CONCLUSIONS From the limited observations at Lake Langano, it is reasonable to assume that well in excess of 10000 Palaearctic raptors pass south along this part of the Rift Valley in September and October, the vast majority of which are Black Kites and Steppe Buzzards. Numbers would appear to be much smaller in spring, suggesting that an alternative route is used. Even the autumn Kite and Buzzard numbers are only a small fraction of the migrants reaching eastern and southern Africa and the absence or scarcity of several other species wintering south of Ethiopia indicates that most birds use other routes, of which the Nile and the river systems of Western Ethiopia are the most obvious. It is likely that many of the birds of prey at Lake Langano in autumn have either travelled south from Eritrea, possibly following the eastern escarp- ments of the Western Highlands, or have entered Ethiopia in the northeast after crossing the Straits of Bab el Mandeb, adding weight to the few published observations (e.g. Tuck 1965) supporting the theory that numbers of large raptors cross into Africa from southwest Arabia. Comparative studies from the sides of the Rift Valley are necessary to determine more accurately the volume of passage, but random observations by the author and other observers in recent years have not given any indication of the presence of another major route in this part of Ethiopia. SUMMARY Observations in autumn 1974 and spring 1975 revealed a passage of Palaearctic raptors over the land bridge between Lakes Langano and Abiata. The species involved in autumn were mainly Black Kites and Steppe Buzzards. Spring passage was less concentrated but involved a greater variety of species. Several species, for which there are no previous or recent Ethiopian records, were seen. The Lake Langano observations are supplemented by data from other localities in the Rift Valley and the adjacent Western Highlands, and are related to published information on Ethiopia and neighbouring countries. REFERENCES ASH, J.S. 1981. Bird-ringing results and ringed bird recoveries in Ethiopia. Scopus 5: 85-101. Raptor movements in Ethiopia 9 CHRISTENSEN, N.H. 1960. (Ornithological observations at Atbara, North Sudan.) [In Danish] Dansk Ornithologisk Forenings Tidsskrift 54: 144-161. CRAMP, S. & SIMMONS, K.E.L. (eds.) 1980. The birds of the western Palearctic vol. 2. Oxford: OUP. EBBELS, D.L. 1973. An introduction to the natural history of Mwanza Gulf, Smith Sound and adjacent areas, Tanzania. 2. Animal life. FANHS Bulletin 1973: 78-81. SMITH, K.D. 1957. An annotated check list of the birds of Eritrea. Ibis 99: 1-26, 307-337. 1960. The passage of Palaearctic migrants through Eritrea. Ibis 102: 536-544. TUCK, G.S. 1965. Reports on land birds at sea. Sea Swallow 17: 40-50. URBAN, E.K. & BROWN, L.H. 1971. A checklist of the birds of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Haile Sellassie I University Press. VOOUS, K.H. 1973. List of recent Holarctic bird species. Ibis 115: 612-638. Alan Vittery, 6 St Clair's Road, Croydon, Surrey CRO 5NE, England (Received 20 November 1982) CORRECTION In the list of contents on the back cover of Scopus 6 (4), December 1982, S.W. Sikombe's name was omitted as co-author (with D.C. Moyer) of the Short Communication ‘A breeding record of the White-rumped Babbler Turdoides leuco- Pygius from Tanzania'; we are sorry about this mistake. Ed 10 Aberrantly plumaged barbets ABERRANTLY PLUMAGED BARBETS L.L. Short, J.F.M. Horne & J-P. Vande weghe In the course of our studies (LLS, JFMH) of African barbets (Capitonidae) we have observed several aberrantly plumaged individuals of two species. This led to a review of literature on such aberrant barbets, especially the report on the Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus by Salomonsen (1934). We note our observations, and point out various other reported individuals in aberrant plumages because these seem to occur with some frequency in the family, and because colour replacement is evident between members of various species pairs and within species groups (e.g. differences between the White-headed and Chaplin's Barbets Lybius leucocephalus and L.chaplini, between the Red-faced and Black-billed Barbets L. rubrifacies and L. guifsobalito, between the Red and Yellow and Yellow-breasted Barbets Trachyphonus erythrocephalus and T.margaritatus, and between the Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and the Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus and P. pusillus). Tendencies for intra- specific colour variations may be related to the speciation process in that the genetics of the observed variation could be similar to that involved in speciation affecting the same traits. OBSERVATIONS While studying Red-faced Barbets in the Lake Birengero region, southern Akagera National Park, eastern Rwanda on 3 January 1982, we encountered a largely white barbet accompanying one, and at times up to four Red-faced Bar- bets in typical plumage (this is essentially black with yellow edges on the primaries and secondaries and a red area from the forecrown to the forehead, around the eyes and over the forethroat and chin). The habitat in which we found the bird was hill-slope Combretum-Terminalia open woodland west of Lake Birengero. The white barbet interacted within a group of two to five birds, and in observations during parts of three days between 3 and 7 January it associated closely with one Red-faced Barbet in particular. Using playback of the duets of this species (Short & Horne MS) we stimulated the five-bird group so that two birds duetted, presumably the primary pair, and several times while the other three members of the group were elsewhere, we were able to elicit duets by the white bird and its close associate (these duets were recorded on tape by JFMH). Vocally the white bird was typical of rubrifacies, and hence there is no doubt that it represents that species, although we had thoughts of it possibly being Lybius chaplini during our initial encounter with it. We carefully noted the plumage of the white barbet and, on 3 January, it was sketched by J-PV (Fig. 1). Based upon our collective field notes, taped comments and the sketch, we can describe the bird as follows: bill pale (creamy) yellowish; 'face', i.e. forehead to mid-crown, forethroat, chin, area around eyes, lores and anterior moustachial region, red as in typical rubri- facies; rest of head, upperparts, underparts, wing coverts and tail clear white except for the outer two or so tail feathers that were black, and the primaries and secondaries, which were black, edged with pale yellow. The bill was also paler than in typical rubrifacies. Because of the melanin evident in its wings and tail, and the presence of the presumably lipochromic pigments red and yellow, we consider the bird to have been a largely albin- istic individual of L. rubrifacies. To our knowledge no such aberrantly plumaged individual of this species has been mentioned in the literature. From 17 to 20 September 1980 LLS and JFMH studied tinkerbirds (Pogoniulus chrysoconus) at about 1300m, 28km northwest of Kericho, western Kenya in Scopus 7: 10-14, March 1983 Raptor movements in Ethiopia 9 CHRISTENSEN, N.H. 1960. (Ornithological observations at Atbara, North Sudan.) [In Danish] Dansk Ornithologisk Forenings Tidsskrift 54: 144-161. CRAMP, S. & SIMMONS, K.E.L. (eds.) 1980. The birds of the western Palearctic VOL OxtOrgd- OUP. EBBELS, D.L. 1973. An introduction to the natural history of Mwanza Gulf, Smith Sound and adjacent areas, Tanzania. 2. Animal life. FANHS Bulletin 17S 75-9. . SMITH, K.D. 1957. An annotated check list of the birds of Eritrea. Ibis 99: 1-26, 307-337. 1960. The passage of Palaearctic migrants through Eritrea. Ibis 102: 536-544. TUCK, G.S. 1965. Reports on land birds at sea. Sea Swallow 17: 40-50. URBAN, E.K. & BROWN, L.H. 1971. A checklist of the birds of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Haile Sellassie I University Press. VOOUS, K.H. 1973. List of recent Holarctic bird species. Ibis 115: 612-638. Alan Vittery, 6 St Clair's Road, Croydon, Surrey CRO 5NE, England (Received 20 November 1982) CORRECTION In the list of contents on the back cover of Scopus 6 (4), December 1982, S.W. Sikombe's name was omitted as co-author (with D.C. Moyer) of the Short Communication 'A breeding record of the White-rumped Babbler Turdoides leuco- Pygius from Tanzania'; we are sorry about this mistake. Ed 10 Aberrantly plumaged barbets ABERRANTLY PLUMAGED BARBETS L.L. Short, J.F.M. Horne & J-P. Vande weghe In the course of our studies (LLS, JFMH) of African barbets (Capitonidae) we have observed several aberrantly plumaged individuals of two species. This led to a review of literature on such aberrant barbets, especially the report on the Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus by Salomonsen (1934). We note our observations, and point out various other reported individuals in aberrant plumages because these seem to occur with some frequency in the family, and because colour replacement is evident between members of various species pairs and within species groups (e.g. differences between the White-headed and Chaplin's Barbets Lybius leucocephalus and L.chaplini, between the Red-faced and Black-billed Barbets L. rubrifacies and L. guifsobalito, between the Red and Yellow and Yellow-breasted Barbets Trachyphonus erythrocephalus and T. margaritatus, and between the Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and the Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus and P. pusillus). Tendencies for intra- specific colour variations may be related to the speciation process in that the genetics of the observed variation could be similar to that involved in speciation affecting the same traits. OBSERVATIONS While studying Red-faced Barbets in the Lake Birengero region, southern Akagera National Park, eastern Rwanda on 3 January 1982, we encountered a largely white barbet accompanying one, and at times up to four Red-faced Bar- bets in typical plumage (this is essentially black with yellow edges on the primaries and secondaries and a red area from the forecrown to the forehead, around the eyes and over the forethroat and chin). The habitat in which we found the bird was hill-slope Combretum-Terminalia open woodland west of Lake Birengero. The white barbet interacted within a group of two to five birds, and in observations during parts of three days between 3 and 7 January it associated closely with one Red-faced Barbet in particular. Using playback of the duets of this species (Short & Horne MS) we stimulated the five-bird group so that two birds duetted, presumably the primary pair, and several times while the other three members of the group were elsewhere, we were able to elicit duets by the white bird and its close associate (these duets were recorded on tape by JFMH). Vocally the white bird was typical of rubrifacies, and hence there is no doubt that it represents that species, although we had thoughts of it possibly being Lybius chaplini during our initial encounter with it. We carefully noted the plumage of the white barbet and, on 3 January, it was sketched by J-PV (Fig. 1). Based upon our collective field notes, taped comments and the sketch, we can describe the bird as follows: bill pale (creamy) yellowish; 'face', i.e. forehead to mid-crown, forethroat, chin, area around eyes, lores and anterior moustachial region, red as in typical rubri- facies; rest of head, upperparts, underparts, wing coverts and tail clear white except for the outer two or so tail feathers that were black, and the primaries and secondaries, which were black, edged with pale yellow. The bill was also paler than in typical rubrifacies. Because of the melanin evident in its wings and tail, and the presence of the presumably lipochromic pigments red and yellow, we consider the bird to have been a largely albin-— istic individual of L.rubrifacies. To our knowledge no such aberrantly plumaged individual of this species has been mentioned in the literature. From 17 to 20 September 1980 LLS and JFMH studied tinkerbirds (Pogoniulus chrysoconus) at about 1300m, 28km northwest of Kericho, western Kenya in Scopus 7: 10-14, March 1983 Aberrantly plumaged barbets 11 a degraded patch of acacia wood- land amid cultivation near the main Kericho-Kisumu road. Here we found a population of variably yellow-to gold-fronted Yellow- fronted Tinkerbirds. We quickly became aware that one of about half a dozen of the tinkerbirds about us had a red, not gold, orange or yellow front. We thought the bird might be a representative of P. pusillus, very similar to and parapatric with, P.chrysoconus, with which it forms a superspecies (to attract chrysoconus we played back various calls of pusilius only, always getting a response, just as in Malawi in 1980 we had chrysoconus reacting to playback of Kenyan pusillus, and in central and southern Kenya we have had pusillus respond to playback of chrysoconus as if their calls were of the same species). Its vocal- izations seemed generally typical of chrysoconus (voice recorded by JFMH), although the various calls of the two are so similar as to Fig. 1. Aberrantly plumaged White- make distinction difficult. Careful headed Barbet observations showed no other features (colour of underparts or general pattern) that we could ascribe to pusillus. Unfortunately we were unable to collect the bird. Adjacent chrysoconus collected (three birds) were gold-to yellow-fronted. We could find no P. pusillus in a roadside search within 10km of that site, although chrysoconus was common to abundant. We surmise that the individual seen, which reacted strongly to, and was dominant on its ‘territory’ to adjacent chrysoconus, was a red-fronted mutant, or otherwise aberrant P.chrysoconus. We note that in southern Africa, where P.chrysoconus and P. pusilius are also parapatric, there exists near the range of pusillus a population of chrysoconus that tends to be orange-fronted. Ross (1970) showed that these orange-fronted (Transvaal) tinkerbirds resemble chrysoconus, and show no other traits indicating pusillus influence. He concluded (Ross 1970: 203) that the orange-fronted birds are variant individuals of P.chrysoconus. In view of the vocal as well as morphological similarity between these two tinkerbirds, it is interesting that the aberrantly plumaged (red- or orange-fronted) birds come from areas close to the range of red-fronted P. pusillus. OTHER ABERRANTLY PLUMAGED BARBETS Within Lybius, the Ethiopian Banded Barbet L. undatus leucogenys varies greatly. Individuals of this subspecies may have white supercilia without other head markings, or have white blotches on an otherwise black throat, white marks on the ear coverts, the sides of the neck and the hind neck. In some birds with mixed throat colour the pale patches are white but others 12 Aberrantly plumaged barbets have the white mixed with red or orange. Of those leucogenys showing white or red on the head, no two birds are alike. Traylor (1962) described a moulting specimen of leucogenys in which the yellow of the underparts, flight feathers of the wing, rump and uppertail coverts was replaced by orange in the new but not the old plumage. Macdonald (1938) suggested how great is the variation in leucogenys by describing its throat as black to white. Even in black-throated L.u. undatus some individuals exhibit red feathers amid the black throat feathers (pers. obs.). Steyn & Densham (1975: 51) reported a Black-collared Barbet L.torquatus in Mkuzi Game Reserve, South Africa, having its head "lime yellow" instead of the normal red, a presumed case of xanthocroism. There is much variation in the tone of red (orange-red, red-orange) in specimens of torquatus that we have examined, some birds even showing yellowish (the related, red-headed L. guif- sobalito shows the same variation towards orange and even yellow (pers. obs.)). Salomonsen (1934) treated the forms zombae and 'albonotatus' of L. torquatus; the former has the red of its head replaced by black bearing white or yellow- white spots, and the latter shows a partial white supercilium. It is known (Short & Horne, in press) that zombae (including albigularis) is a variable but valid race of L. torquatus, the red of its head being replaced by black with the spots just mentioned. Williams (1966) described a race nampunju from southern Tanzania; it seems to represent an extreme, white-throated variant of L. torquatus zombae. Occasional specimens of Lybius minor, the Black-backed Barbet, show indic-— ations of partial albinism in white marks on the plumage (pers. obs.). A female Double-toothed Barbet L. bidentatus from Ntandi, Uganda, in the Cornell University collection is aberrant in having its upper back half white (instead of all black) and one white feather bears an orange spot. Most specimens of the Brown-breasted Barbet L.melanopterus bear a white moustachial mark usually masked by the red of the surrounding feathers. A specimen (No. 108953) of Vieillot's Barbet L. vielloti in the Leningrad Zoological Museum has the red of the head entirely replaced by buffy yellow and its breast spots are yellowish rather than red; peculiarly, the areas normally yellow in vieill- oti have the yellow suppressed in this bird, that is, its belly lacks yellow, as do the edges of the primaries and secondaries, and the yellow rump is very pale. The melanins are unaffected in this specimen, which can be considered xanthocroic with some reduction of lipochrome pigments. Also partly xantho- croic is an unsexed Gambian Boucard specimen of vieilloti in the Cornell University collection, generally typical of that species; it is pale yellow- Orange in the malar area, under the eye and across the centre of its crown. In the collection of the American Museum of Natural History is a male Yellow- breasted Barbet Trachyphonus margaritatus (No. 454080) obtained by G.W. Bury or his collectors in the Wagar Mountains of Somalia. This bird is fully albino, lacking all melanins; it is entirely white except as follows: 1. yellow forehead, sides of crown, supercilia, crest, and rear of the neck (where shaft streaks are orange) ; 2. bright yellow nape, ear coverts (except for a white patch over the ear openings), 'face', chin, throat and breast, with orange shaft streaks on the sides of the mid-breast; 3. pale red feather tips at the border of the breast and belly; 4. very pale yellow tips of the white belly to undertail coverts; 5. a yellow-cream tinge to the white tail which is unlike the pure white wings and most of the back; 6. bright red uppertail coverts; 7. a few pale yellow tips on the lower back; 8. rump feathers broadly yellow-tipped on white. Aberrantly plumaged barbets iL 3} Thus, the lipochrome pigments appear in this specimen as red and yellow where these normally occur in margaritatus, the normally melanic parts of the plumage being white. DISCUSSION These tendencies towards colour aberration described are, in our experience, unusual in avian families. Of course albinism, melanism and xanthocroism occur in most if not all groups of birds, but instances of replacement patterning, the addition of presumed lipochrome pigments to melanic pigmented or unpigmented (white) areas, and partial albinism in a group having white- headed, white-bodied and white facially-striped species are of significance. Speciation can involve mutations relating to these patterns, and probably has done so, e.g., in the evolution of the Tricholaema diademata complex, T. hir - suta, T. melanocephala (flavibuccalis), Stactolaema olivacea (woodwardi), Lybius leucocephalus, L.chaplini and probably L.vieilloti. White and melanic face patterning and the presence or absence of a white scapular bar are traits by which the hybridizing L. minor minorand L.minor macclounii differ (Short 1SE2)"s Replacement of red by yellow, or vice versa is apt to be genetically very Simply controlled, yet differences involving these colours appear important between yellow-fronted Pogoniulus chrysoconus and red-fronted P. pusillus, and between yellow-cheeked Trachyphonus margaritatus and red-cheeked T. erythrocephalus (both Trachyphonus have a small white ear patch, obscured by the pale yellow colour of the ear coverts in margaritatus, but emphasized by the bright red surrounding it in erythrocephalus). We do not speculate further at this time, but call upon field observers to note such aberrancies in these and other barbets, and to report them to us, or publish their observations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Our studies in Kenya (LLS, JFMH) have been under research authorization from the Office of the President, and with the support of G.R. Cunningham-van Someren and R. Leakey of the National Museums of Kenya. Our investigations in Rwanda were assisted greatly by the Office de Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux of Rwanda. The Leonard C. Sanford and Ritter-Eisenmann funds of the American Museum of Natural History covered the expenses of LLS in Africa. We are grateful to these individuals and agencies, and to local persons too numerous to name individually, but without whose assistance the field work would have been more difficult and the results less satisfactory. REFERENCES MACDONALD, J.D. 1938. Systematic notes on some African barbets. Ibis 80: 346-349. ROSS, G.J.B. 1970. The specific status and distribution of Pogoniulus pusillus (Dumont) and Pogoniulus chrysoconus (Temminck) in southern Africa. Ostrich 41: 200-204. SALOMONSEN, F. 1934. Mutationen bei Lybius torquatus (Dumont). Proceedings of the VIII Ornithological Congress 191-198. SHORT, L.L. 1982. On the status of Lybius (minor) macclounii. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 102: 142-148. & HORNE, J.F.M. In press. Capitonidae, in The birds of Africa, WoOlLa a 14 Aberrantly plumaged barbets STEYN, P. & DENSHAM, W.D. 1975. Xanthocroism in a Black-collared Barbet. Lammergeyer 22: 51-52. TRAYLOR, M.A. 1962. An aberrant specimen of Lybius undatus leucogenys Blundell and Lovat. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 82: 86-87. WILLIAMS, J.G. 1966. A new race of Lybius torquatus from Tanzania. ibidem 86: 47-48. L.L. Short, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA, J.F.M. Horne, Box 24622, Nairobi, and J-P. Vande weghe, B.P. 931, Kigali, Rwanda (Received 3 January 1983) Important ringing site on the Red Sea coast 15 AN IMPORTANT PASSERINE RINGING SITE NEAR THE SUDAN RED SEA COAST G. Nikolaus During continued ringing studies of Palaearctic migrant birds in the Sudan Red Sea coast Province during autumn 1982, a new and important site was discovered at Khor Arba'at (19.48'N, 37.03'E at an altitude of 100m above sea level), some 15km inland and immediately to the east of the Red Sea Hills. A water pumping station supplies the town of Port Sudan 25km to the southeast from wells located on an island in a normally dry 500m wide river bed. A small watered garden (50 x 15m) on the island, with lemon and guava trees and date palms, provides the only concentrated green vegetation for many kilometres around during August and September. Except for a few scattered bushes along the Khor, vegetation in the surrounding desert is quite leafless. Three periods were spent netting migrants at Khor Arba'at during 1982, from 19-25 August, 3-10 September and 2-14 October. Over 4000 Palaearctic passerines were ringed at the site in all, and during the peak migration period in early September more than 1000 migrants were present daily in the garden. Nets (usually 6 x 12m plus 6 x 6m) were in position from dawn to 13:00 during the August and September periods and from dawn to dusk during October. They were checked frequently, for the average daily maximum shade temperature was 43°C during August and early September and 37°C in October. Numbers of Palaearctic birds caught and ringed during the three periods are listed in Table 1. The Khor Arba'at 'oasis' site appears to have a potential for the ringing of passerine migrants similar to that of the Ngulia Lodge ‘lighthouse’ site in Kenya (Pearson & Backhurst 1976, Backhurst & Pearson 1977), situated some 2540km almost due south in Africa. A comparison of Migration at these two sites is of interest. Timing is very different: the Main passerine passage on the Red Sea coast appears to occur during late August-September (see also Nikolaus & Pearson 1982), whereas that in eastern Kenya is about three months later, during November-December. There are marked Similarities in species composition. Thus, at Ngulia the Marsh Warbler’, the Whitethroat and the Sprosser are the three main species involved, accounting between them for over 80 per cent of each season's ringing total. During peak Migration the Marsh Warbler (36 per cent) was also easily the most frequently caught migrant at Khor Arba'at. Whitethroat (7 per cent) and Sprosser (7 per cent) were again second and third in order of predominance, but formed more minor compenents than they do at Ngulia. Almost the entire migration of the Marsh Warbler and the Sprosser into southern Africa appears to pass through central and eastern Kenya (Pearson & Backhurst 1976). Many of the birds involved presumably enter Africa across the Sudan Red Sea coast. The same May well apply in the case of the River Warbler, which accounted for 2 per cent of the Khor Arba'at August-September catch. This species has only rarely been recorded in well-worked areas of central Ethiopia (Ash 1973, 1977) and is found regularly on passage further south only in inland eastern Kenya. The case of the Whitethroat appears to be different. The high incidence at Khor Arba'at of adults with partially moulted primaries indicated that the population was not the same as that which crosses Ngulia. The main differences in the species composition of the Khor Arba'at and Ngulia movements may also be discussed. In general a wider variety of passerines was represented at the former site. Many of the species caught *Scientific names are given in Table 1 Scopus 7: 15-18, March 1983 16 Important ringing site on the Red Sea coast TABLE 1 Numbers of Palaearctic migrants caught and ringed at Khor Arba'at in autumn 1982 OMDNIAUB WHE Species Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Quail Coturnix coturnix Corncrake Crex crex Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Little Crake Porzana parva Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Scops Owl Otus scops Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster Blue-cheeked Bee-eater M. persicus Hoopoe Upupa epops Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla Eurasian Swallow Hirundo rustica Sand Martin Riparia riparia Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Rufous Bush Chat Cercotrichas galactotes Sprosser Luscinia luscinia Nightingale L. megarhynchos Bluethroat L. svecica Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe Redstart Phoenicurus p. phoenicurus White-winged Redstart P. p. samamisicus Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Stonechat S. torquata Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Basra Reed Warbler A. griseldis Marsh Warbler A. palustris Sedge Warbler A. schoenobaenus Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis Savi's Warbler L. luscinioides Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Wood Warbler P. sibilatrix Willow Warbler P. trochilus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Garden Warbler S. borin Whitethroat S. communis Lesser Whitethroat S. curruca Orphean Warbler S. hortensis Barred Warbler S.nisoria Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis* Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Tree Pipit A. trivialis 19=25/8 2=1079) .2=14/10 Wtotal [No. [2 |No. | 4 |No- | % | No- | SOO (OO OOF OW WOO tO) OO er Ok CO OO O,Or©@ N NO Ww os SNe Wor & Re m NM = as = (o>) Pm *#WWUORP RPP OF OFF OO ND rary Nt Wo Nm uo ie) — 0 — N Bit ~ me WW Ke) is nay 3 1 1 6 12 1 1 0 3 0 * 1 5 0 0 * * 2 1 9 1 9 0 4 0 1 1 0 ) 1 4 0 6) 3 7 1 5 6) 2 1 9 0 0) U 15 28 8 3 0 2 if 8 3) 3 1 iS) N (e%) — iS) = 2 sy BI FPP rP On r rr WN — —s me es] 36 w m= 1 UW WwW OV —y eT Important ringing site on the Red Sea coast 7, Table 1, cont. 19=25/8a2-10/9 2-140 aatotall Species Beale | sade E pee % 47 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea “i 2 0) 2 48 Yellow Wagtail M. flava 0) 3 P22 15 49 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 2310 Sie tsS ommaee ted 203 50 Great Grey Shrike L. excubitor 0 2 * 2 51 Red-tailed L. isabellinus 0 6 3 9 52 Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor Sid: Zot 1 32 53 Nubian Shrike L. nubicus 9 4692) 1S 2 68 54 Woodchat Shrike L. senator 0 9 1 10 55 Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla 0) 1 = 1 56 Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia 0 we 8 8 57 Cinereous Bunting FE. cineracea 0) 1 0 i 58 Ortolan Bunting £. hortulana 0 9 fos 25 Totals 1077 2523 603 4203 trace semitorquata, the Half-collared Flycatcher *seen but not caught Loni NO Ke _ frequently at Khor Arb'at winter in Ethiopia and the Sudan, but do not pene- trate, at least in any numbers, south to Kenya. These include, for example, the Redstart, the Bluethroat, the Lesser Whitethroat, the Orphean Warbler, the Savi's Warbler, the Nubian and Woodchat Shrikes and the Ortolan Bunting. Five other species common at Khor Arba'tat but scarce or absent at Ngulia are ina different category for they do reach southern Africa. These are the Great Reed Warbler, the Lesser Grey Shrike, the Golden Oriole, the Reed Warbler and the Blackcap. Of these, the first three winter mainly in the southern tropics Their absence or relative scarcity on southward passage in East Africa suggests that their southward route from the Red Sea coast passes through south or southwest Sudan and eastern Zaire. The Reed Warbler was particularly common at Khor Arba'at in October. Again, there is no marked passage of this species through eastern Kenya (Pearson 1982), and the Red Sea birds were probably bound for wintering areas to the southwest, in southern Sudan, Uganda and Zaire. Blackcaps were common at Khor Arba'at; indeed, many more would have been caught in October but for their habit of remaining at the tops of the small fruit trees. The absence of this species at Ngulia perhaps implies that movement into highland wintering areas further south occurs further west. A few migrants, common at Ngulia, were notable for their absence or low numbers at Khor Arba'at. Thus, the Irania Irania gutturalis has not yet been recorded in the Sudan, and presumably enters Africa entirely through Ethiopia and perhaps northern Somalia. The few Rufous Bush Chats caught at Khor Arba'- at were of the nominate race; the eastern race familiaris was not encountered. The few Red-tailed Shrikes racially assignable were L.i. speculigerus; the race phoenicuroides, very common in Kenya, probably migrates through the horn of Africa. Finally, Olive-tree and Upcher's Warblers Hippolais olivetorum and H. languida are regular at Ngulia, presumably arriving via Ethiopia and northern Somalia; neither of these species was caught at Khor Arba'at. Further work at Khor Arba'at is planned. A consolidated account of autumn Migration here and elsewhere on the Sudan Red Sea coast is to be prepared. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I should like to thank the Ministry of Wildlife, Khartoum and Mr Asir, Chief 18 Important ringing site on the Red Sea coast Engineer; the study was only possible with their help. The Ministry was kind enough to issue me with the necessary permits and Mr Asir allowed me to work in the garden and stay in the Rest House. I also thank D.J.Pearson for comments on a draft of this paper. REFERENCES ASH, J.S. 1973. Six species of birds new to Ethiopia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 93: 3-6. 1977. Four species of birds new to Ethiopia and other notes. ibidem Bis Los) BACKHURST, G.C. & PEARSON, D.J. 1977. Southward migration at Ngulia, Tsavo, Kenya 1976/77. Scopus 1: 12-17. NIKOLAUS, G. & PEARSON, D.J. 1982. Autumn passage of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris and Sprossers Luscinia luscinia on the Sudan Red Sea coast. Scopus 6: 17-19. PEARSON, D.J. 1982. The migration and wintering of Palaearctic Acrocephalus warblers in Kenya and Uganda. Scopus 49-59. & BACKHURST, G.C. The southward migration of Palaearctic birds over Ngulia, Kenya. Ibis 118: 78-105. G. Nikolaus, 219 Cuxhaven, Feldweg 87, West Germany (Received 4 January 1983) Short communications 19 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS ATTRACTION OF NOCTURNAL MIGRANTS TO CAR HEADLIGHTS IN THE SUDAN RED SEA HILLS The appearance of migrant birds at floodlights on moonless misty nights is well known in the Ngulia Hills, Kenya (Pearson & Backhurst 1976). Smaller numbers were also attracted under the same conditions to a single car head- light in the Chyulu Hills in November 1979 (Nikolaus 1980). Low cloud is usual at night from October onwards on the Sudan Red Sea Hills. Attempts to attract migrants were therefore made using four 45W (12V) vehicle lights on the ENE-facing Erkowit escarpment (1000m above sea level) during early October 1980. These attempts were unsuccessful; three birds were caught in all during periods of experiment late on four consecutive misty moonless nights, a Whitethroat Sylvia communis, a Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and a Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva (see also Nikolaus 1981). Observation during the autumns of 1980-82 has since established that the Main passerine migration at the Red Sea occurs during late August-September, when the hilis are still clear of mist; October movement is on a much reduced scale (Nikolaus & Pearson 1982, Nikolaus 1983 and unpubl. obs.). However, a further experiment with two car headlights plus an additional spotlight was Made at Erkowit, in thick mist and with no moon, on the night of 17/18 October 1982, this time with more success. During the first two hours of full darkness (18:00-20:00 local time) 17 birds were caught in two 12m mist nets placed a few metres in front of the vehicle, and on the edge of the escarpment; over 100 others were seen. These birds appeared from the direction of the Red Sea, and dropped down to the lights from above. Short-toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla and Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava arrived in small groups, and the latter were heard calling before they appeared. Arrivals ceased rather suddenly about 20:00, and no birds were seen during the next half-hour, or during further half-hour periods with the lights on at about midnight and at 04:00. Birds which appeared soon after darkness had perhaps all taken off that evening from the 30km wide coastal hinterland strip to the northeast of Erkowit. The lack of birds later at night on 17/18 October 1982, and during the 1980 experiments, could imply that migrants on flights originating on the Arabian side of the Red Sea were not attracted down, and perhaps flew at a greater hight. Migrants caught at Erkowit between 18:00 and 20:00 on 17 October 1982 were as follows: 3 Quails Coturnix coturnix (7 others seen), 3 Short-toed Larks (many others seen), 2 Black-eared Wheatears Oenanthe hispanica, 3 Yell Wagtails (many others seen), 1 Sprosser Luscinia luscinia, 1 Reed Warb - 1 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, 1 Garden Warbler S. borin, 1 Whitethroat, and 1 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio (2 others seen). A few Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana were seen but none was caught, and a few Tree Pipits Anthus trivialis were heard. REFERENCES NIKOLAUS, G. 1980. An experiment to attract migrating birds with car headlights in the Chyulu Hills, Kenya. Scopus 4: 45-46. 1981. Palaearctic migrants new to the North Sudan. Scopus 5: 121- 124. 1983. An important passerine ringing site near the Sudan Red Sea coast. Scopus 7: 15-18. & PEARSON, D.J. 1982. Autumn passage of Marsh Warblers Acro- cephalus paiustris and Sprossers Luscinia luscinia on the Sudan Red Sea 20 Short communications Coast SCOpUuS O-e iy —19r PEARSON, D.J. & BACKHURST, G.C. 1976. The southward migration of Palaearctic birds over Ngulia, Kenya. Ibis 118: 78-105. G. Nikolaus, 219 Cuxhaven, Feldweg 87, West Germany and D.J. Pearson, Depart- ment of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi Scopus 7: 19-20, March 1983 Received 17 January 1983 JACK SNIPE LYMNOCRYPTES MINIMUS, COMMON SNIPE GALLINAGO GALLINAGO AND BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER LIMICOLA FALCINELLUS AT NDOLA, ZAMBIA The purpose of this note is to document my Ndola records of three waders species which are rarely recorded in Zambia. No details of these records have appeared elsewhere, but mention was made in Taylor (1980) of the occurrence of the two snipe species at Ndola. Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe I recorded this species on two occasions at Itawa swamps, Ndola (12.57'S, 28.47'E). One was flushed by my dog from short tussocky grass and mud on 6 March 1979, and one was seen standing on a muddy track in short wet .grass on 4 February 1980. Both sightings were in the early morning. The birds were identified by their small size, short bills, bold pale lines on the back, graduated all-brown tails, mottled flanks, short legs, lack of pale central crown streak, and their flight. Great Snipe Gallinago media and African Snipe G. nigripennis were also present on both occasions, and in 1979 Common Snipe G. gallinago was also present for comparison. Full details of both records are on file at the Zoological Museum, Tring, England. There is only one other record of the Jack Snipe from Zambia, that of one at Mwinilunga (11.44'S, 24.26'E) on 26 October 1946 (Benson et al. 1971). However, two were recorded as having been shot at Itawa on 31 December 1973 by the late Dr F.W. Gilbert, a keen wildfowler who had also shot this species in the UK (P. Gilbert in litt.). Although no details were preserved, this record would seem to be acceptable on the basis of Dr Gilbert's experience of snipe in Zambia and the UK. The Itawa records are the most southerly for the species im yATYa1C ale Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe One was present at Itawa on 3 March 1978, and one from 26 February 1979 to at least 9 March 1979, with at least two on 6 March 1979. Great and African Snipe were also present for comparison. The Common Snipe were identified using the criteria given in Taylor (1980); this paper also gives details of the habitat occupied by all three species. Benson et al. (1971) did not accept the occurrence of this species in Zambia, but Button (1973) showed that this snipe has reached Zambia in small numbers in several years (the latest year mentioned is 1964) and that in the early 1940s it was not uncommon at Itawa. It may be of regular occurrence in Zambia, and is probably over- looked, but my intensive observations at Itawa from 1975 to 1980 produced only the 1978 and 1979 sightings given above, so the bird's status at Ndola appears to have changed considerably in the last 40 years. The 1979 records were at the time of the greatest abundance of the other Gallinago species at Itwara. Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper One was at Kanini Sewage Works, Ndola (12.59'S, 28.38'E) on 21 October 1979, at a time of increased wader numbers following heavy storms on the previous day. The bird fed alongside Little Stint Calidris minuta, Curlew Sandpiper C. ferruginea and other species. It was identified by its size (smaller than Short communications 21 Cc. ferruginea but larger than C.minuta), short legs, long bill drooping at the tip, grey upperparts with pale feather edges, dark carpal joint area, streaked breast, double eyestripe, indistinct pale wingbar, and dark tail and rump with whitish sides. It was also seen by C. Carter, who agrees with the identification (pers.-comm.). A full description is on file at the Zoological Museum, Tring. This is the second record of this species from Zambia, the first being of one at Mufulira (12.34'S, 28.16'E) on 1 and 2 November 1975 (Robinson 1976). REFERENCES BUTTON, E.L. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago in Copperbelt Province: a species new to Zambia. Bulletin of the Zambian Ornithological Society 5: 72. | ROBINSON, G.P. 1976. First record of Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcin- ellus in Zambia. ibidem 8: 64-65. TAYLOR, P.B. 1980. The field separation of Common, Ethiopian and Great Snipe Gallinago gallinago, nigripennis and media. Scopus 4: 1-5. P.B. Taylor, Box 25138, Nairobi Scopus 7: 20-21, March 1983 Received 17 January 1983 UNREPORTED HUNTING BEHAVIOUR OF THE MADAGASCAR MALACHITE KINGFISHER 1CORYTHORNIS VINTSIOIDES ON GRAND COMORO The Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher is a regular, but not a common bird on Grand Comoro. Benson (1960) found it "only in the north of the island, at tree-fringed pools on the coast and at the Mitsamiouli crater-lake" and Forbes- Watson (1969) saw three on the coast and one "at c. 1,000 feet a.s.1." (i.e. about 2500m from the coast) during a six-day stay. On the three other Comoro islands it is much more common and is also found inland, where it occurs along fresh water, which is lacking totally on Grand Comoro, a volcanic island with- out permanent rivers (Benson 1960). Benson (1960) records as stomach contents on the Comoros, insects and, in three specimens, crustaceans. Milon, Petter & Randrianasolo (1973) state that in Madagascar the nominate race occurs along fresh waters but also along the coast in the northwest, although this pertains probably to mangroves (see Schlegel & Pollen 1868). During a stay of about a month on Grand Comoro in July and August 1981 we met with the species twice in mangroves (once at Hahaia and once at Ourovéni, in the north). However, it was also seen in dry vegetation twice by R. Pot- vliege (pers. comm.) near Droudé (a coastal village) and we observed one bird perched in a baobab at Dzahadjou ( in the south about 2km from the coast). Our final observation of the species near M'bachilé at the coast (11.45'S, 43.13'E) enabled us to witness an undescribed method of prey-catching. At low water level a steep cliff about 3m high is apparent in this locality and, along narrow ridges in the wall of this cliff, large numbers of small crabs were hiding. The kingfisher was first seen sitting on some rocks which emerged from the sea about 10m away. It then made a short flight towards the cliff and quickly snatched a small crab from a hiding place. It immediately returned to its perch on the rocks and then made another flight towards the cliff a little later, after which it returned again to the perch. On our approach it flew away. To our knowledge this method of hunting has not been reported before in Corythornis vintsioides. We thank C.H. Fry for commenting on our observation. *We follow the nomenclature of Fry (1980) 22 Short communications REFERENCES BENSON, C.W. 1960. The birds of the Comoro Islands. Ibis 103b: 5-106. FORBES-WATSON, A. 1969. Notes on birds observed in the Comoros on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution. Atoll Research Bulletin 128: 1-23. FRY, C.H. 1980. The evolutionary biology of kingfishers (Alcedinidae). The Living Bird 18: 113-160. MILON, Ph., PETTER, J.J. & RANDRIANASOLO, G. 1973. Faune de Madagascar XXXV. Oiseaux. ORSTOM Tananarive - CNRS Paris. SCHLEGEL, H. & POLLEN, F. 1868. Recherches sur la faune de Madagascar et de ses dépendances. 2nd part: Mammiféres et oiseaux. Leiden: Steenhoff. M. Louette, Koninklijk Museum voor Midden-Afrika, B-1980 Tervuren, Belgium and A. Schoeters, Dosfelstraat 31, B-9330 Dendermonde, Belgium Scopus Fg PIO. March 1983 Received 15 October 1982 THE BLACK AND WHITE FLYCATCHER BIAS MUSICUS IN KENYA Britton (1980) describes the Black and White Flycatcher Bias musicus as un- recorded in coastal Kenya for over 50 years, though suggesting that it might still occur in Rabai and Ribe forests. I can trace no recent records from inland Kenya either, apart from a single male specimen in the National Museum, Nairobi, that was collected at Maua in the Nyambeni Hills, Meru District in 1944, apparently by J.P. Benson (G.R. Cunningham-van Someren, pers. comm.) . The racial identity of this apparently disjunct Meru population has not been properly determined; White (1963) gave the range of changamwensis as"Kenya inland to the eastern side of the rift" but it is not clear whether he examined any specimen from Meru District. Very little now remains of the Nyambeni Forest, but about 20km east of Maua lies the little-known Ngaia Forest, covering about 36 km? at a much lower altitude than the Nyambeni Forest (1100-1400m). On 26 November 1978, during an investigation of the ecology and avifauna of the forest (Diamond & V.C. Fayad, unpubl.) I heard a harsh nasal call note from a flycatcher about 10m up in a broad-leaved tree. The bird was identified as a female Bias musicus; I did not know the species, and was not aware of its present rarity in Kenya, but the short chestnut tail, very broad black bill, conspicuous white eye, white underparts, black crown and chestnut upperparts cannot be confused with any other species. The bird was foraging actively for insects beneath the edge of the canopy, frequently flying up to pick insects from the underside of a leaf as well as sallying out to catch them in mid-air, and it remained under observation for over five minutes. It was easy to find on subsequent days once the call was heard, but I came across no more in the forest. If Ngaia Forest is its last refuge in inland Kenya, other than any that may persist in the remaining vestiges of the Nyambeni Forest, then its status must be regarded as threatened since the Ngaia Forest is being rapidly over- exploited for timber, charcoal and poles. The sighting reported above is referred to by Britton (1980). REFERENCE WHITE, C.M.N. 1963. A revised check list of African flycatchers, tits, ...- Lusaka: Government Printer. A.W. Diamond, EGI, Zoology Department, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK Scopus 7: 22, March 1983 Received 17 October 1979 We are sorry for the late appearance of this note. Ed. Short communications 23 THE FIRST RECORD OF THE NORTHEASTERN RACE OF THE NORTHERN RED BISHOP EUPLECTES FRANCISCANUS FOR KENYA Due to an oversight, Britton (1980) treated the Northern Red Bishop as a monotypic species (P.L. Britton in litt.). This note reports the finding of the distinctive Ethiopian and Somali race pusillus in Kenya for the first CMe. On 25 March 1978 D.R. Waugh and I located a small group of Euplectes francis- canus, comprising two males and three females, 40km north of Marsabit town on the edge of the Dida Galgalla desert (2.40'N, 38.05'E). They were identified as of the race pusillus on account of the orange in the plumage of the males as opposed to the red-orange of nominate birds from the Baringo area (pers. obs.) and from Uganda (National Museum, Nairobi, collection). Britton (1980) gives the range of nominate franciscanus in Kenya as an "apparently disjunct population in and around the rift valley ... from Elgeyu and Eldama Ravine east to the N Uaso Nyiro River, including Lakes Baringo and Bogoria." The Marsabit birds were some 300km northeast of the rift valley lakes mentioned by Britton but only 200km south of the type locality of Pusillus at Lake Stephanie, in southern Ethiopia. J.S. Ash (in litt.) has a recent breeding record from Ethiopia at 4.30'N, 36.30'E, just west of Lake Stephanie and sight records from further east at 4.30'N, 37.30'E (Ethiopia) and 4.00'N, 42.00'E, east of Mandera on the Ethiopia/ Somalia border. In conjunction with the above sighting it is worth noting that exceptional numbers of Fire-fronted Bishops FE. diadematus occurred in eastern Kenya during 1978, particularly in March and April (pers. obs. and Scopus 5: 116). Outside Kenya and northeastern Tanzania diadematus is only found in Somalia south of 3N (J.S. Ash, in litt.), and records of wandering examples of this species as far west as Marsabit (Britton 1980) could thus be of Somali origin. I am grateful to the Kenya Meteorological Department for rainfall data for 1978, to J.S. Ash for his very useful unpublished records and to P.L. Britton for his help. R.D. Moore, c/o Swandene, The Mount, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, UK Scopus 7: 23, March 1983 Received 4 December 1981 We are sorry for the late appearance of this note. Ed. RANGE EXTENSION AND POPULATION INCREASE OF THE HOUSE SPARROW IN KENYA The Indian race of the House Sparrow Passer domesticus indicus has been known for many years as an introduced species in Mombasa (van Someren 1932). This note describes the recent rapid population increase of these birds and their extension of breeding range inland, and discusses their potential for further extension to Nairobi. The population increase of the House Sparrow in and around Mombasa is evident from the records given here. Initially van Someren (1932) reported the presence of the bird in Mombasa, but Jackson's (1938) comment on the lack of supporting specimens may well have prompted Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1960) to describe its presence there merely as 'probable'. Its rarity in the town in earlier years, despite the presence of ample, apparently suitable habitat, was noted by Forbes-Watson (1972), who could trace no record subsequent to van Someren's (1932) report, and who considered its continued presence there to be uncertain. Similarly, McVicker (1982) did not personally see the species until 1981, despite being resident in Mombasa from 1953 and a frequent visitor to the dock area between 1953 and 1961, though cther observers reported the 24 Short communications occasional single bird or pair to him from 1973 onwards. In 1979, however, small numbers were ‘established’ in the old town, docks and causeway areas of Mombasa (East African Bird Report 1979), while by February of the following year five or six pairs were breeding in Moi Inter- national Airport (East African Bird Report 1980). The most noteworthy expansion of 1980 was D.A. Turner's record of several at Mariakani (3.52S, 39.28'E) on 20 August, which represented an extension of approximately 30 km inland (East African Bird Report 1980). During 1981, McVicker (1982) observed a flock of 25-30 at the airport in May, and also recorded several in October around the Manor Hotel and Moi Avenue in Mombasa itself; finally, during December, he noted a spread of the species to the vicinities of Mombasa Hospital and Bamburi, though he considered this expansion to have subsequently been arrested by adverse weather conditions. By May 1982, however, Cunningham-van Someren (1982) noted at least 100 individuals at the airport, and also numbers around the Manor Hotel and the Kenya Meat Commission building. There was widespread nest construction at the airport, where the birds had become a serious pest that required deploy- ment of a small labour force to dispose of both their droppings and their numerous nests: the species was considered to be 'firmly established' on Mombasa island and its outskirts. Following these population and range increases, a further more radical range extension has occurred. On 12 August 1982, H. Gomez de Silva observed a pair feeding young at the Caltex petrol station on the main A109 Nairobi-Mombasa road on the outskirts of Voi (3.23'S, 38.34'E). The young birds were not visible, but were heard calling loudly from the nest hole (EANHS Nest Record Card and HGdS in litt.). This record represented a range extension of about 110km northwest from Mariakani, and an extension of known breeding range of approximately 140km inland from Mombasa. There are four subsequent records of the species from this petrol station. D.A. Turner (pers. comm.) observed a male there on 11 November 1982. Four days later, I watched a pair flying around the station's buildings: the nest site was not detected, but the presence of other young was demonstrated by the female depositing a faecal sac on the garage forecourt. The male made several foraging trips to the edge of the shambas directly behind the garage, and was ignored by several Grey-headed Sparrows P. griseus in the near vicinity. Despite a prolonged search, I was unable to locate any further individuals, so that the fate of the August brood remains obscure, though very high infant mortality is a characteristic of this species (Penny 1974). A month later, on 23 December, H. Gomez de Silva (in litt.) again recorded young at the petrol station, this time in a nest under the roof of the vehicle inspection pit. The female was feeding the brood, and two adult males were in the near vicinity. Four days later, the same observer revisited the garage and, in addition to the nestlings still being fed, observed one of the males constructing another nest under the same roof. This production of at least three broods in just over four months is typical of the species in India, where from three to six broods per season are reared, depending on the climate and the availability of food for the insectivorous young (Penny 1974). The mode of range extension involved here appears to conform to a well established pattern. Most bird species successfully introduced on to contin- ents initially become established in coastal towns, because these constitute the single environmental niche that may be left vacant by the indigenous species: thus the more successful introduced species are often those that are commensals of man (Forbes-Watson 1972). All but one of the sites mentioned by Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1960) as having been colonized by the House Sparrow are on the coast and have large docks, or at least harbours. The single exception is Khartoum, in the Sudan, which is an inland port and trade centre Short communications 23 THE FIRST RECORD OF THE NORTHEASTERN RACE OF THE NORTHERN RED BISHOP EUPLECTES FRANCISCANUS FOR KENYA Due to an oversight, Britton (1980) treated the Northern Red Bishop as a monotypic species (P.L. Britton in litt.). This note reports the finding of the distinctive Ethiopian and Somali race pusillus in Kenya for the first time. . On 25 March 1978 D.R. Waugh and I located a small group of Euplectes francis- canus, comprising two males and three females, 40km north of Marsabit town on the edge of the Dida Galgalla desert (2.40'N, 38.05'E). They were identified as of the race pusillus on account of the orange in the plumage of the males as opposed to the red-orange of nominate birds from the Baringo area (pers. obs.) and from Uganda (National Museum, Nairobi, collection). - Britton (1980) gives the range of nominate franciscanus in Kenya as an "apparently disjunct population in and around the rift valley ... from Elgeyu and Eldama Ravine east to the N Uaso Nyiro River, including Lakes Baringo and Bogoria." The Marsabit birds were some 300km northeast of the rift valley lakes mentioned by Britton but only 200km south of the type locality of Pusillus at Lake Stephanie, in southern Ethiopia. J.S. Ash (in litt.) has a recent breeding record from Ethiopia at 4.30'N, 36.30'E, just west of Lake Stephanie and Sight records from further east at 4.30'N, 37.30'E (Ethiopia) and 4.00'N, 42.00'E, east of Mandera on the Ethiopia/ Somalia border. In conjunction with the above sighting it is worth noting that exceptional numbers of Fire-fronted Bishops E. diadematus occurred in eastern Kenya during 1978, particularly in March and April (pers. obs. and Scopus 5: 116). Outside Kenya and northeastern Tanzania diadematus is only found in Somalia south of 3N (J.S. Ash, in litt.), and records of wandering examples of this species as far west as Marsabit (Britton 1980) could thus be of Somali origin. I am grateful to the Kenya Meteorological Department for rainfall data for 1978, to J.S. Ash for his very useful unpublished records and to P.L. Britton for his help. R.D. Moore, c/o Swandene, The Mount, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, UK Scopus 7: 23, March 1983 Received 4 December 1981 We are sorry for the late appearance of this note. Ed. RANGE EXTENSION AND POPULATION INCREASE OF THE HOUSE SPARROW IN KENYA The Indian race of the House Sparrow Passer domesticus indicus has been known for many years as an introduced species in Mombasa (van Someren 1932). This note describes the recent rapid population increase of these birds and their extension of breeding range inland, and discusses their potential for further extension to Nairobi. The population increase of the House Sparrow in and around Mombasa is evident from the records given here. Initially van Someren (1932) reported the presence of the bird in Mombasa, but Jackson's (1938) comment on the lack of supporting specimens may well have prompted Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1960) to describe its presence there merely as 'probable'. Its rarity in the town in earlier years, despite the presence of ample, apparently suitable habitat, was noted by Forbes-Watson (1972), who could trace no record subsequent to van Someren's (1932) report, and who considered its continued presence there to be uncertain. Similarly, McVicker (1982) did not personally see the species until 1981, despite being resident in Mombasa from 1953 and a frequent visitor to the dock area between 1953 and 1961, though other observers reported the 24 Short communications occasional single bird or pair to him from 1973 onwards. In 1979, however, small numbers were ‘established' in the old town, docks and causeway areas of Mombasa (East African Bird Report 1979), while by February of the following year five or six pairs were breeding in Moi Inter- national Airport (East African Bird Report 1980). The most noteworthy expansion of 1980 was D.A. Turner's record of several at Mariakani (3.52S, 39.28'E) on 20 August, which represented an extension of approximately 30 km inland (East African Bird Report 1980). During 1981, McVicker (1982) observed a flock of 25-30 at the airport in May, and also recorded several in October around the Manor Hotel and Moi Avenue in Mombasa itself; finally, during December, he noted a spread of the species to the vicinities of Mombasa Hospital and Bamburi, though he considered this expansion to have subsequently been arrested by adverse weather conditions. By May 1982, however, Cunningham-van Someren (1982) noted at least 100 individuals at the airport, and also numbers around the Manor Hotel and the Kenya Meat Commission building. There was widespread nest construction at the airport, where the birds had become a serious pest that required deploy- ment of a small labour force to dispose of both their droppings and their numerous nests: the species was considered to be 'firmly established" on Mombasa island and its outskirts. Following these population and range increases, a further more radical range extension has occurred. On 12 August 1982, H. Gomez de Silva observed a pair feeding young at the Caltex petrol station on the main A109 Nairobi-Mombasa road on the outskirts of Voi (3.23'S, 38.34'E). The young birds were not visible, but were heard calling loudly from the nest hole (EANHS Nest Record Card and HGdS in litt.). This record represented a range extension of about 110 km northwest from Mariakani, and an extension of known breeding range of approximately 140km inland from Mombasa. There are four subsequent records of the species from this petrol station. D.A. Turner (pers. comm.) observed a male there on 11 November 1982. Four days later, I watched a pair flying around the station's buildings: the nest site was not detected, but the presence of other young was demonstrated by the female depositing a faecal sac on the garage forecourt. The male made several foraging trips to the edge of the shambas directly behind the garage, and was ignored by several Grey-headed Sparrows P. griseus in the near vicinity. Despite a prolonged search, I was unable to locate any further individuals, so that the fate of the August brood remains obscure, though very high infant mortality is a characteristic of this species (Penny 1974). A month later, on 23 December, H. Gomez de Silva (in litt.) again recorded young at the petrol station, this time in a nest under the roof of the vehicle inspection pit. The female was feeding the brood, and two adult males were in the near vicinity. Four days later, the same observer revisited the garage and, in addition to the nestlings still being fed, observed one of the males constructing another nest under the same roof. This production of at least three broods in just over four months is typical of the species in India, where from three to six broods per season are reared, depending on the climate and the availability of food for the insectivorous young (Penny 1974). The mode of range extension involved here appears to conform to a well established pattern. Most bird species successfully introduced on to contin- ents initially become established in coastal towns, because these constitute the single environmental niche that may be left vacant by the indigenous species: thus the more successful introduced species are often those that are commensals of man (Forbes-Watson 1972). All but one of the sites mentioned by Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1960) as having been colonized by the House Sparrow are on the coast and have large docks, or at least harbours. The single exception is Khartoum, in the Sudan, which is an inland port and trade centre Short communications 25 via the Nile. The deliberate introduction of this species as a cage bird seems unlikely due to its rather drab appearance and harsh, noisy character. Instead, it seems much more likely that, as a facet of its well known familiar- ity with man and his surroundings, it has come aboard ships at ports in India and Arabia, possibly in search of nesting sites, and then left the vessels to colonize the habitations around their ports of call. In view of the species’ nesting attempts actually inside aeroengines, on the Comoros early in the last decade (D.A. Turner pers. comm.) and at Kenana in the Sudan during October 1982 (F. Alexander in litt.), it is quite easy to envisualize the inadvertent imprisonment of individuals in ships' cargo holds, with release only when the holds were opened in port for off-loading. Penny (1974) presumed introduction of the species on to the Amirantes to have been accidental, possibly via a shipload of rice from Africa. The current mode of range extension in Kenya seems to be related to this ship-borne method. Random dispersal from Mombasa appears unlikely since, with the single exception of a female 20 km to the south near Tiwi (4.14'S, 39.36'E) on 19 December 1982 (C. Briffett pers. comm.), the species has yet to be reported from other apparently suitable settlements along the coast. However, both Mariakani and Voi are on the main Nairobi-Mombasa road and railway links, and it seems likely that the birds are being transported in heavy road vehicles or, more probably, in trains. Given the penetration of aircraft engines mentioned above, individuals could easily enter railway freight wagons, to be released when the cars are opened at a station. A search of the railway stations and heavy vehicle stopping places between Mombasa and Voi may well disclose further populations of sparrows. In this connection, there is an unconfirmed record from Mtito Andei (2.41'S, 38.10'E) - a locality which straddles the road and the railway (per D.A. Turner). The remaining question is, of course, whether the House Sparrow will continue its presumably assisted advance up the railway and/or roads to enter Nairobi, Where the abundance of nesting sites and food might produce a dramatic popul- ation increase which, in view of the events at Mombasa's airport, could be the cause of considerable expense to the civic authorities. Though Nairobi appears remote from Voi in both distance and altitude, a chance train-assisted passage could bridge the distance in hours. Periodic searches of the environs of Nairobi railway station appear worthwhile since eradication is known to be extremely difficult after a breeding population of any size has been estab- lished (Penny 1974). The potential for competition from highland species is uncertain, but is worth considering since an introduction of the House Sparrow on to the Sey- chelles in 1965 may have failed due to competition with the ubiquitous Mada- gascar Fody Foudia madagascariensis, which is similarly common around human settlements and commensal with man (Penny 1974). The House Sparrow appeared to coexist peacefully with the Grey-headed Sparrow at Voi, but has yet to make contact with the more closely related Rufous Sparrow P.motitensis of higher altitudes. However, the Rufous Sparrow does not show so great a preference for human habitations so that a niche for the House Sparrow may well be available in urban Nairobi. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am very grateful to D.A. Turner for discussion and for unpublished records, and to H. Gomez de Silva and C. Briffett for the use of their unpublished data. Finally, thanks to F. Ng'weno who drew my attention to the nest record card in the first place. REFERENCES CUNNINGHAM-VAN SOMEREN, G.R. 1982. The House Sparrow, an introduced menace. Museum Avifauna News: 57. 26 Short communications EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT 1979. Scopus 3: 105-140. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT 1980. Scopus 4: 101-140. FORBES-WATSON, A.D. 1972. Birds naturalised in East Africa. EANHS Bulletin 1972: 144-145. McVICKER, R.A.M. 1982. Exotic birds in Mombasa. ibidem 1982: 74. PENNY, M. 1974. The birds of the Seychelles and the outlying islands. London: Collins. VAN SOMEREN, V.G.L. 1932. Birds of Kenya and Uganda, being addenda and corri- genda to my previous paper in Novitates Zoologicae 29, 1922. Novitates Zoologicae 37: 252-380. Adrian D. Lewis, Department of Geology, Box 30197, Nairobi Scopus 7: 23-26, March 1983 Received 10 January i983 A RECORD OF THE GREY-CRESTED HELMET SHRIKE NEAR NAIVASHA, KENYA The Grey-crested Helmet Shrike Prionops poliolopha is endemic to Kenya and Tanzania, and has recently attracted comment due to its range fluctuations and erratic occurrence; of particular interest have been its extension of range northwards to the Nakuru area, and the fact that it was not recorded in the Naivasha area, the type locality, between 1926 and 1979 (Lewis 1981, 1982). A second recent record for the Naivasha area is reported here. T. Stevenson (pers. comm.) observed a flock of seven individuals flying across the new Naivasha-Nakuru road, 19km north of Naivasha town, on 2 November 1982. Having been initially detected in flight, the birds were followed and watched perched in a low bush, to confirm the identification. Lewis (1981) suggested that the species might reach Nakuru during post- reproductive dispersal from its breeding grounds in the Kenya-Tanzania border region. Since all available breeding indications are in April-May (Fischer & Reichenow 1884, Jackson 1901, Betts 1966), this view was supported by the other post-1926 record from the Naivasha-Kedong are, the flock on 21 July 1979, at Mt Longonot (Lewis 1982). On this basis, the November date of this latest record appears too late in the year for a post-breeding movement, but does provide a further example of a foraging party in the eastern rift, within the October-February range of the recent Nakuru sightings. The occurrence of P. poliolopha at Naivasha is certainly a very uncommon phenomenon since, while Lewis (1981) suggested misidentification as the Helmet Shrike P. plumata as one potential reason for the general paucity of records of P. poliolopha, the very numerous species lists for the Naivasha area contributed to the Kenyan bird atlas scheme (Lewis & Pomeroy in prep.) do not mention either species. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am very grateful to Terry Stevenson for the details of his observation. REFERENCES BETTS, F.N. 1966. Notes on some resident breeding birds of southwest Kenya. Ibis 108: 513-530. FISCHER, G.A. & REICHENOW, A. 1884. Neue Végelarten aus dem Massailand Short communications; Report 257) (inneres Ost-Afrika). Journal fiir Ornithologie 1884: 178-182. JACKSON, F.J. 1901. List of birds obtained in British East Africa, with notes by R-B. Sharpe. Ibis 1901: 33-97. LEWIS, A.D. 1981. The past and present status and distribution of the Grey- crested Helmet Shrike Prionops poliolopha. Scopus 5: 66-70. 1982. Further records of the Grey-crested Helmet Shrike. Scopus 6: 47-48. & POMEROY, D.E. In prep. A bird atlas for Kenya. Adrian D. Lewis, Department of Geology, Box 30197, Nairobi Scopus 7: 26-27, March 1983 Received 30 November 1982 REPORT A BIRD ATLAS FOR KENYA: A PROGRESS REPORT In order to complement similar studies being undertaken in eastern and other parts of Africa, the Ornithological Sub-Committee (OSC) of the East Africa Natural History Society (1979) introduced a scheme to map bird distributions in East Africa. Turner (1981) presented a map showing the overall progress of this study for Kenya and Tanzania, and noted that further summaries would appear. Since late in 1981, the proposal for an East African mapping scheme or bird atlas has been superseded by separate studies based on each of the individual East African countries, and co-ordinated by individuals rather than by the OSC as a whole. The reason for this has been the predictably more rapid accumulation of data for Kenya, which has caused this country's scheme to quickly reach an advanced stage. While the progress to date of the Kenyan scheme has been reported in seven privately circulated progress reports, more widespread circulation by means of this publication is intended to attract new contributors; fundamental changes from the format and approach of the initial stages of the scheme are also given. THE FORMAT OF THE KENYA SCHEME 1. The Kenya scheme has retained the use of quarter square degrees (i.e. x degree squares) as suggested by the Fifth Pan-African Ornithological Congress (Ash & Pomeroy 1981) and by the OSC (1979). While the choice of this grid has attracted criticism on the grounds that it will not provide such resolution of detail as finer grids (Cunningham-van Someren 1982), its usefulness is endorsed by the following points. Firstly, the use of this scale facilitates rapid progress and is particularly suitable for countries as large as Kenya and with such a relatively small observer force. It is our aim to conclude the study within the near future, so as to establish a baseline on which to measure future trends. This was noted as a basic objective of such schemes by Ash & Pomeroy (1981). A finer grid, while providing more resolution of detail, would inevitably take far longer to complete: for a country the size of Kenya, assuming a uniform rate of one 10-km square daily, 17 years would be needed for complete coverage, so that distributions mapped in the early stages of the scheme may well have changed by the end of the study. Secondly, the use of a coarser grid allows the incorporation of far more 28 Report poorly sited records. This is particularly relevant to a country like Kenya, where vast amounts of data are already extant, both in the literature and in observers' personal records, but frequently not sited to within 10-km grid accuracy. Thirdly, the usefulness of the present scale and rapid approach has been demonstrated by the significant and interpretable results and distributions shown by our species maps, and by the results already made available by the scheme, both privately to individual researchers and in published form (summ- arized below). 2. The submission of monthly data was requested by the OSC (1979) and classed as optional by the P-AOC (1981); this format has been used by Cyrus & Robson (1980) in the Bird atlas of Natal. We have decided to discard this method because of the extended period required for its completion, plus the fact that the more complicated type of data required could well deter contributors. We feel that the excellent response that we have drawn from contributors is in no small part due to the simplicity of the data that we have requested. Thus the Kenya scheme maps just the presence or absence of a species,. plus breeding data. 3. The OSC (1979) requested the recording of breeding as a single, undiffer- entiated factor, but we follow the P-AOC (1981) in discriminating between "probable' (in their case, 'possible') and 'confirmed' categories. Using the criteria given in the Atlas of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland (Sharrock 1976), we class probable breeding as breeding phenomena numbers three to nine inclusive, and confirmed breeding as ten to sixteen inclusive. Breeding data will always form a minority of the records in such a scheme, and particularly in one lasting for a relatively short period, and the use of this 'probable' category has certainly provided many more data. 4. We are dividing records into two categories according to date. Most of our records post-date 1 January 1970, and data collection will probably cease in early 1984. This is shorter than the 1970-1990 period suggested by the P-AOC (1981), but our reasons for rapid completion have already been given. Our second category of records pre-dates 1 January 1970, and accounts for about 10 per cent of the total. The extra time required for the collection of this ‘pre’ data has been small, and apparent range fluctuations as shown by vari- ations in the 'pre' and 'post' distributions of species (e.g. bustards Otididae) have added a valuable extra dimension to the study THE PROGRESS OF THE SCHEME Sources of data By far the greatest contribution to the scheme has come from ornithologists and birdwatchers living in Kenya, though a, few have responded from overseas. The collection of these data has proceeded in three stages. Firstly we incorporated all our own records, and then collected data from members of the OSC and other interested observers personally known to us; finally, via requests for information published in the EANHS Bulletin and in the Newsletter of the Kenya Museum Society, and also by means of numerous comprehensive requests by personal letter, we extended our coverage to a good proportion of the active observers in the country. Over 90 observers are, or have been, involved in the scheme. In addition to the above, we have extracted all relevant information from the specimen collection of the National Museum, Nairobi, and from the East Africa Natural History Society's Nest Record Scheme. Other sources covered include Jackson (1938), Britton (1980), Scopus, the EANHS Bulletin and other journals. Finally, several trips have been made to collect data from poorly Report 29 known areas of Kenya, and more of these are planned. Methods, and progress of compilation The records were initially listed in copies of the Check-list of the birds of Kenya (Ornithological Sub-Committee 1981): one of these booklets was used for each of the one-degree squares in the country, and each of the check-list's four columns for one of the constituent quarter square degrees. These data were later transferred to a series of maps, one per species, showing the quarter square degree grid in Kenya. Subsequently, new records have been entered on both the maps and the check-lists. Since August 1981, over 30500 post-1970 presence records have been entered on the scheme, plus breeding data. The total number of records examined is certainly over three times this figure since, particularly for the better known areas, many have been duplicates. Pre-1970 records are accepted only where there is an absence of post-1970 data. These pre-1970 records have not been acurately counted, but they certainly total over 3000. The progress of our coverage of Kenya is continuously updated on regularly produced progress maps, which show the number of species recorded post-1970 for each of the quarter square degrees in the country. Copies of these maps and further information on the scheme can be obtained from ADL. We have also compiled a series of transparent overlays to aid in the inter- pretation of the maps. These overlays show altitude, rainfall, Bailey's moisture index (Bailey 1979), six categories of surface water, four categories of woodland and forest, and principal towns and roads. Interpretation and use of results Most species maps show interpretable distributions and, while data collection will continue until at least the end of 1983, our main effort now lies in the use of the overlays and reference literature to interpret these distributions, and to compile a short summary account of the various aspects of the distrib- ution of each species in the avifauna of Kenya. Our objective is then to publish this text, the maps and the overlays as an atlas of the birds of Kenya. As mentioned above, some preliminary results of the scheme have already been published (Lewis & Pomeroy 1982a,b, Pomeroy, Lewis & Mutere 1982, Lewis 1982, 1983) and more notes and papers are in preparation. In addition, the scheme's distribution maps and/or other data files have been made available to the following researchers: H. Adan (Northern Olive Thrush Turdus abyssinicus and congeners); G.R. Cunningham-van Someren (Narina's and Bar-tailed Trogons Apaloderma narina and A. vittatum); C. Gichuki (Speke's Weaver Ploceus spekei) ; V. Haas (Anteater and Sooty Chats Myrmecocichla aethiops and M. nigra); Inter- national Council for Bird Preservation (all species of bustards Otididae in Kenya) . ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We gratefully acknowledge grants from the East Africa Natural History Society to fund various aspects of the scheme, as well as the donation by the Ornith- ological Sub-Committee of the Society of 64 copies of their Check-list of the birds of Kenya for use as data collection files. While a complete list of contributors will appear in the published version of the study, we would like at this stage to express our sincere thanks to Mrs Mary Sinclair for untold hours of toil during the extraction of data, both from the EANHS Nest Record Scheme and from the National Museum collection, and during the transfer of (at the time) 20000 data points from the check-lists to the species maps. REFERENCES ASH, J.S. & POMEROY, D.E. 1981. Mapping schemes in the Afrotropical region. Scopus 5: 36-38. 30 Report BAILEY, H.P. 1979. Semi-arid climates: their definition and distribution, in Agriculture in semi-arid environments, eds. Hall, A.E., Cannell, G.H., & Lawton, H.W. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. CUNNINGHAM-VAN SOMEREN, G.R. (ed.) 1982. Mapping scheme. Museum Avifauna News: 79. ) CYRUS, D. & ROBSON, N. 1980. Bird atlas of Natal. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press. LEWIS, A.D. 1982. The Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator in Nairobi. Scopus 6: 102-103. 1983. A record of the Grey-crested Helmet Shrike near Naivasha, Kenya. Scopus 7: 26-27. & POMEROY, D.E. 1982a. A bird atlas for Kenya. EANHS Bulletin 1982: 64-70. 1982b. A bird atlas for Kenya: further progress. ibidem 1982: 86-91. ORNITHOLOGICAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE EANHS 1979. Distribution mapping scheme for East Africa. SCOpuUS Sis 32). 1981. Check-list of the birds of Kenya. Nairobi: OS-C EANHS. POMEROY, D.E., LEWIS, A.D. & MUTERE, A. 1982. Use of the 'Bird Atlas for Kenya' data for ecological studies. EFANHS Bulletin 1982: 105-109. SHARROCK, J.T.R. 1976. The atlas of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. London: T. & A.D. Poyser. TURNER, D.A. 1981. The East African distributional mapping scheme - a progress report. Scopus 5: 38-40. Adrian D. Lewis, Department of Geology, Box 30197, Nairobi and D.E. Pomeroy, Department of Zoology, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Scopus 7: 27-30, March 1983 Received 10 January 1983 Review 31 REVIEW Bird Migration in Africa - Movements between six continents. By Kai Curry-Lindahl, 1981. London: Academic Press. Volume 1: 510 pp; 13 text figures, 255 maps and several tables. £41.40; Volume 2: 274 pp; 32 half-page black and white habitat photographs, tables, bibliography. £20.60. Although this work inevitably invites comparison with Reg Moreau's The Palae- arctic-African bird migration systems, published, also by Academic Press, some ten years earlier, it must be emphasized that its attempted scope is much larger. In addition to the subject of Palaearctic migrants in sub- Saharan Africa, it deals with movements between Eurasia and North Africa, within continental Africa and between Africa and Madagascar. Information is given on over 450 Eurasian breeding species or sub-species, and over 530 forms classified as inter-African migrants. There are also short sections dealing with seabirds which visit African coasts, and vagrants from the Nearctic. After three introductory chapters, the bulk of Volume 1 is taken up by two sections on movements and distribution, dealing respectively with Eurasian birds in Africa and intra-African migrants. Data on individual species are presented in extended tables, accompanied in many cases by half- Page maps. The shorter Volume 2 comprises small chapters on selected topics, including nocturnal migration, stepwise migration between different African wintering areas and the physiological problems of migration. Information on the preferred habitats and behaviour of Eurasian species in Africa is given in further tables. The volume contains an extensive and useful bibli- ography. The treatment of Palaearctic migrants in sub-Saharan Africa is disappointing. Apart from some new data of the author from Zaire, and discussion of some recent findings from Ethiopia and Kenya, there is little to add to the general Picture given by Moreau. Recent work on waders on the Atlantic coasts of Africa receives scant coverage, as indeed does West Africa generally. Data on individual Palaearctic species is commonly distributed between four tables, two in each volume, which tends to make reference unnecessarily cumbersome. Wintering distributions south of the Sahara are shown in reasonable detail on well-produced maps, but brief accompanying accounts fail to do justice to much of the information which has emerged over the past fifteen years. Moreover, some erroneous impressions are given. For example, the Sooty Falcon Falco concolor is not known to winter in Kenya as implied, and neither the Dunlin Calidris alpina nor the Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus is recorded from the East African coast. The concentrated migration of the Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris through eastern Kenya is well known, and indeed emphasized in Chapter 14 of this book, yet Map 161 shows the main passage of the species as occurring through Uganda. The treatment of migration timing is limited. The spring dates given in Table 1 rely heavily on the author's experience in Zaire and Sweden, and are unfortunately extreme dates rather than times of peak migration. Further information on early autumn arrival in the northern tropics would have been useful. The section on intra-African migration is extensive, and some well estab- lished examples of regular long distance movements are described. However, the movements of the majority of examples dealt with here are still poorly understood, and many surely exemplify migration only in the very broadest 32 Review; notices sense of the term. Although it may facilitate interspecies comparisons, the tabular system of data presentation which accounts for some 70 per cent of the text is not on the whole successful, particularly since only a minimum of integration and discussion has been attempted within the main chapters. Moreover, this system has led to a surprisingly extravagant use of space, presumably reflected in the book's extremely high price. Bird migration in Africa should prove useful to specialist workers, but despite the attractive title its wider appeal is likely to be limited. Scopus 7: 31-32, March 1983 D.J. Pearson NOTICES ELSAMERE CONSERVATION CENTRE, NAIVASHA The Elsamere Conservation Centre is to be opened in August 1983 at Lake Naivasha. Elsamere was the home of the late Joy Adamson and belongs now to the Elsa Trust (Elsa Ltd.). It was Mrs Adamson's wish that her beautifully situated home, set in a forest of fever trees on the shores of Lake Naivasha, should be used for the furtherance of conservation work in Kenya. The house is being enlarged but will retain the character of a private home, and will be much as Mrs Adamson knew it. Initially there will be accommodation for 13 people in six double rooms and one single. Bathroom facilities are available and home-made farmhouse food will be provided. Mrs Adamson's own room, which she used as a bedroom and workroom, will be maintained as a museum of her work and will be used too for seminars and small conferences. Elsamere is not an hotel and will only be available for genuine conservation usage. Its residential charges will be at a very low rate to aid the study of conservation in Kenya. Any bona fide research worker or university group studying any of the biological or geological sciences, including any member of the East Africa Natural History Society, East Africa Wild Life Society or Kenya Museum Society May stay at Elsamere. In addition, members of overseas scientific societies are likely to be eligible to stay. Further information may be obtained from The Warden, Elsamere Conservation Centre, Box 4, Naivasha, Kenya. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT 1982 We regret that the 1981 Report has only just been published. We plan to produce the 1982 Report more quickly but to do this we need the co-operation of all observers. Please send your records by 30 April 1983, or as soon after as possible; Palaearctics to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi, and all other species to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi. Guidelines for the submission of records are given in the 1981 Report (Scopus 5 (5), March 1983) and lists of rare and requested species are in the Scopus Supplement of June 1982. Spare copies of the Supplement are available from D.A. Turner. Continued from inside front cover Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently, should not be listed under "References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions should be sent to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38. = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON ewe), BROOKE, Rak, DOWSETT, RJ. & DTRWEIN, M.P.S: 1971. The birds of Zambia. London: Collins. = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) Birds of East Africa their habitat, status and distrib- ution. Nairobi: EANHS. = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANYS. = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London: Academic Press. = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist). = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson. = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2. Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa. 2nd Edition. London: Longmans Green & Co. = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press. = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press. = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African -Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.). = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to D.J. Pearson [tel. 47041], Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be phoned. through to any OS-C member. BERD SOR EAGT AR REA Copies of this 270 page book are available from the EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi at the following post-paid prices. All cheques should be made out to the BAS NSE. Sic Those overseas MUST remit in Sterling, US$ or the equivalent in a convertible currency; drafts in Kenya Shillings cannot be accepted. By surface mail to East Africa or to anywhere in the world: Shs. 130/-, £8.00 or US$17.00. Airmail, Africa: £11.50 or US$24.00. Airmail to Europe: £12200 06 US$25.00. Airmail to the Americas, Australia and the Far East: El Sp oO Om USS2 8.00). The 40 page Check-list of the birds of Kenya is available from D.A. Turner. Post-paid: surface: East Africa Shs. 12.00, anywhere in the world £0.70 or US $1.50. Airmail to anywhere in the world £1.00 or US$2.20. |C6AMREF CONTENTS ALAN VITTERY. Movements of Palaearctic raptors in the Ethiopian ile aoe A IL ee re eo KOMCUMTESO Tr ONG aid o 6 6 0 0 a L.L. SHORT, J.F.M. HORNE and J-P. VANDE WEGHE. Aberrantly plumaged barbets G. NIKOLAUS. An important passerine ringing site near the Sudan ISCaYo Latsyaye Weoley Ihe a so) SOS ONEOn OG OG) 6 0 O01 6-0 6 6 0.0 0.0 © Short communications G. NIKOLAUS and D.J. PEARSON. Attraction of nocturnal migrants to car headlights in the Sudan Red Sea Hills . P.B. TAYLOR. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago and Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola ime iosiar ahi Eic INGE, rAeinoMel 6 6 6 6 6 6 56 6 6 6 6 6 6.0 M. LOUETTE and A. SCHOETERS. Unreported hunting behaviour of the Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis Vineslovdes) on) Grand, Comoro’ = =] a 4 2) ee cee A.W. DIAMOND. The Black and White Flycatcher Bias musicus di WINE 5 5359 6 56 6 00 Ooo ooo OOO R.D. MOORE. The first record of the northeastern race of the Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus in Kenya ADRIAN D. LEWIS. Range extension and population increase of the House Sparrow ain) Kenya fie) ce) eh ol ro dcn EN ICES ADRIAN D. LEWIS. A record of the Grey-crested Helmet Shrike near Naivasha, Kenya ........... « « « Report ADRIAN D. LEWIS and D.E. POMEROY. A bird atlas for Kenya: Gl jersdolopacrsic) saeislenaie 9G 6 6 6 6 66 0 6 6 800 6 oo Cormeecieilem 66°66 0 6 6 6 6 0,006 56059066606 0600505605600 6 INGNALGYnG ode Glide ono oO a 6 Oo 6 Go © 10 6 G O20 6 6 60 6 6 6 6-60 © 0 'o 0 INGER Slo Ses eCme OEE CEC EO RCmESE CMON TOL cor otmomnos EGG ro aon OC duran 6216 0 o- 6 0 0 © Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi 10 iL5) 19 20 21 22 28, 25 26 Dil 32 GL LG2 ISSN 0250-4162 — SCOPUS Z7d & A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East Africa Natural History Society Edited by GRAEME BACKHURST Volume 7(2) June 1983 SCOPUS Scopus is published five times a year by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, Surface mail: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya shillings cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya shillings cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. All material for Scopus, including papers, short communications, letters and notices, should be sent to the Chairman of the Ornithological Sub-Committee, Dr D.J. Pearson [tel. 47041], Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box SO197), Naarobay Other members of the sub-committee are: G.C. Backhurst [tel. 891419], Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; J.S.S. Beesley, Box 634, Arusha, Tanzania; Dr Margaret Carswell, Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda; M.E.J. Gore, [tel. 335944 (office), 65103 (house)], Box 30465, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dr A.D. Lewis, Department of Geology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows (UK); Dr D.E. Pomeroy, Department of Zoology, University of Makerere, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; J.F. Reynolds (UK); D.K. Richards [tel. 501501 (office)], Box 30750, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557, Nairobi; P.B. Taylor [tel. Karen 2019], Nest Record Scheme Organizer, Box 25138, Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the ornith- Ology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the Sub-Committee and by independent referees. The material published in Scopus will be divided into 'papers' and 'short communications', the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should be written in the third person (except in the 'Acknowledgements' section); 'short communications’ may be written in the first or third person. Authors of ‘papers’ are entitled to five copies or ener contribution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 14 or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped On separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. If non-metric units were used in the original observation or experiment, the approximate metric equivalent should be given in brackets. Illustrations should be on bristol board, good quality white paper or tracing material, in line - i.e. black on white, and should not be larger than 19 x 23 cm. Lettering (in black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Continued inside back cover Scopus 7 (2), June 1983 SCOPUS org set UNUSUAL BREEDING RECORDS MADE FROM A HELICOPTER IN TANZANIA Ga Cate Et lrote Helicopters have been used for surveying for Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea breeding colonies in Tanzania since 1978. The area covered by the surveys has included a broad band of country from Mbeya in the south, north to Lake Jipe, west as far as Lake Natron and Shinyanga and east as far as Kilosa. Surveys were most often conducted at about 50m above the ground at a speed of about 190 km/h, but the helicopter could be slowed down to a hover to make precise observations. The quelea surveys provided an opportunity to make incidental observations on the contents of large nests in the tops of trees or in other difficult of access breeding sites. The more unusual of these observations are recorded below. BREEDING RECORDS Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. At least five nests were seen on 17 May 1981 in dense reed beds in the swamps 10-15km NE of Kilosa (6.50S, 36.59E). The clutches of the turquoise-blueeggs were one (two nests), two (1) and three (2) compared to those given by Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1957) of 2-5, suggesting that breeding had only recently started, towards the end of the rains. Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris. Singles of this species are regul- arly encountered around Mbarali State Rice Farm (8.35S, 38.40E) in southern Tanzania. On 22 April 1981 a flock of about 100 birds was disturbed from a dense reed bed about 40km N of the farm in the swamps of the Usangu Flats (8.30S, 34.15E). Because of the very dense vegetation, it was impossible to detect any nests, but the presence of a breeding colony seemed the most logical explanation of such an unusual congregation of this species. Other Similar species breeding in the vicinity at that time included Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala and Sacred Ibis Thresk- iornis aethiopica. According to Britton (1980) only one other breeding record for Ardeola rufiventris exists for East Africa - a colony of eight pairs in Busi Swamp, Uganda, but colonies of up to 30 nests are known in southern Africa (McLachlan & Liversidge 1970). On 29 April 1983, 5km S of Mbarali State Rice Farm, about 30 Rufous-bellied Herons were seen sitting on the outside of two small (0.25ha) areas of reeds. Scopus 7: 33-36, June 1983 34 Unusual Tanzanian breeding records When the helicopter approached, a further 30 birds burst out of the reeds. We hovered over the area searching for nests and saw one bird floundering on what appeared to be a nest, half-way down into the reeds, but we could not see whether the bird concerned was a well grown chick or an adult protecting its nest contents. When we left the area, we noticed that the birds returned very quickly to the patches of reeds. These observations would seem to be further evidence of communal breeding of this heron in the area. Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. Brown & Britton (1980) give only 13 records for the whole of East Africa, of which five are from Tan- Zania. The six records I have are all of nests in the tops of tall trees in May. Four were along the Manonga River, 50km S of Shinyanga (at 3.50S, 33.20E) (clutches C2 3 May 1978, C3 3 May 1979, C3 23 May 1981 and C4 1 May 1982) and two on the Usangu Flats of the Ruaha valley (2 young plus a possible egg on 10 May 1978 and 2 young on 15 May 1979). The clutch of four seems one more than usual compared to southern Africa (McLachlan & Liversidge 1970) and the presence of chicks in May in the south suggests that breeding takes place at least one month earlier there than in Shinyanga. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber. A breeding colony of about 3000-5000 pairs was observed on a mudbank in the middle of Lake Eyasi (3.40S, 35.05E) on 28 April 1982. Almost all the nest mounds contained a single egg, but three small chicks were also seen. It was not possible to inspect any eggs so it is uncertain if the chicks were early hatchers or if the colony was relatively asynchronous. No Marabous Leptoptilos crumeniferus or mammalian predators were seen in the area, which was at least 5km from the nearest, western, shore. All around the colony were large numbers of Lesser Flamingos Phoeniconaias minor, but no sign of breeding was seen. The breeding of the Greater Flamingos might have been related to the exceptionally good 'short' rains reported from the Oldeani region in December/January, the run-off of which goes into the lake. A similar flight over the lake in 1981 did not reveal any breeding, nor were many flamingos of either species seen. A flight over Lake Natron in June 1982 revealed very many fewer flamingos than had been seen in April in Lake Eyasi, and no sign of breeding or even of old nest mounds. Lake Eyasi is a new breeding locality for the Greater Flamingo. Eyasi has been checked by air before (Brown 1973) but without success, so it is not clear if it is a regular breeding site or an exceptional one. On the other hand, the ability of the species to nest in almost any month (nine out of 12 at Lake Elmenteita, Kenya - Brown 1975) means that aerial surveys would have to be carried out every three months to be sure of detecting breeding. In Brown's (1975) speculations on the age to which Greater Flamingos would have to live to replace themselves (58yr at the high predation rate seen at Elmenteita), he mentioned that this surmise would be exploded if new breeding grounds were discovered. It remains to be established whether Lake Eyasi con- tributes to that explosion by being proved to be a regular breeding site or not. African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus. This species was one of the commonest seen from the helicopter and small colonies of five or more nests were occasionally noted in patches of tall trees along river beds. The main difficulty was the disinclination of the sitting bird to get off the nest, even when being affected by the down-wash of the helicopter, which might have endangered the nest contents if we went too close. Our surveys, starting in March, showed a fairly precise start to breeding in northern Tanzania in late May each year (all nests, one egg only: near Arusha 29 May 1982 (2), 30 May 1982 (2); south of Moshi: 6 June 1982 (4)). Prior to that, empty nests were seen or, later, vultures were seen standing beside Unusual Tanzanian breeding records 35 empty nests. Not until late May were birds seen sitting and the first egg noted. In the extreme south of the country, around the Usangu Flats, nests were seen on 16 May 1980 (one with one egg, two with tight-sitting birds), in central Tanzania nests were seen near Kondoa (4.54S, 35.47E) in early May 1981 (three with one egg, two nests with birds sitting tight) and on 20 May 1980 (one with one egg). There is therefore a slight indication that breeding may be about two or three weeks earlier, but not more, in the south than in the north. This would be expected if the breeding is matched to the rains in order to fledge chicks at the end of the dry season. RUppell's Vulture Gyps rueppellii. Only one definite breeding site was seen, on the cliffs in the side of a small crater about 20km S of Arusha. On 6 June 1981 six birds were observed sitting and one of them revealed an egg. On 30 May 1982 a similar number of birds was present and one was seen with an egg. These breeding dates are different from those obtained by Houston (1976) in the Serengeti where peak laying is in December/January. The rainfall pattern given by Brown & Britton (1980) shows that there is only a difference of one month in the peak month, with Arusha being the later. The possibility that the eggs observed were addled on both occasions seems unlikely but further observ- ations are needed for clarification. Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus. A nest was found by helicopter on 1 May 1982 in the grassland dotted with acacia on the Manonga River, roughly due south of Shinyanga; the bird flew off as the helicopter got near. The nest Was situated in a rather spindly gall acacia, possibly a whistling thorn Acacia drepanolobium, about 5-7m high. It was a platform of thin sticks and contained a Single white egg. This seems to be the first definite record for Tanzania within Brown & Britton's (1980) climatic zone C. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax. Four nests were seen, all with one egg and all on the flat tops of substantial acacia trees. One of the nests was along the Man- onga River on 1 May 1982, one near Kiomboi (4.16S, 34.22E) on 3 May 1982, one west of Basotu (4.22S, 35.05E) on 4 May 1982 and one near the north end of Lake Balangida (4.20S, 35.20E) on the same day. Only two records have been reported previously from Region C in Tanzania (Brown & Britton 1980). Wattled Crane Grus carunculatus. Two adults and one chick, which was big enough to half flap, half run along, when we approached, were seen in swamp- land SW of Iringa in southern Tanzania. The grass-swampland in which the birds were seen was not far from some open water which was bordered by a large clump of papyrus. The exact location of the site is not known but it was about 80 km from Iringa. From the air, apart from their size, the most striking features of the adults were their bright white necks and the grey colour of the upper surface of their wings, thereby clearly distinguishing them from Woolly-necked Storks Ciconia episcopus. Reference to Brown & Britton (1980) indicates that this is the first breeding record for East Africa. The nearest locality where it is reported to be common and is known to breed is probably western Zambia (Benson et al. 1971). Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina. Five records can be added to those reported by Brown & Britton (1980). One was seen in the Wembere Swamp (4.30S, 34.00E) having two chicks not yet able to fly on 30 April 1978, one with one egg at Mbarali (8.35S, 38.40E) on 23 March 1982, another with one egg in a flattened part of a reed bed along the Great Ruaha River where it runs through the Usangu Flats (8.30S, 34.15E) on 25 March 1982, one with two eggs in a mine- pit at Mwadui (Williamson) Diamond Mine (3.33S, 33.36E) and one with one egg on the banks of the Manonga River 50km S of Shinyanga. These few records Suggest earlier breeding in the south than in central Tanzania. 36 Unusual Tanzanian breeding records Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops. Extensive surveys of the swamps east and northeast of Kilosa (6.50S, 36.59E) were made by helicopter. In the Typha reed-beds about 15km E of Kilosa, near Msimba Farm, 11 colonies of densely- packed nests of Red-headed Quelea were seen from the air between 13 and 19 May 1981. The species identity was verified by entering the edge of the swamp on foot. These colonies covered in total at least 40ha, and it is likely that about 1.5 million breeding adults were present. The only colony which was approached on foot had young chicks in the nest - determined by the buzz of the juvenile chirping - but no nests could be examined because of the swampy conditions. The birds were reported to be causing damage to cultivated rice. This record appears to be the first breeding for East Africa (Brown & Britton 1980) and Britton (1980) refers to the species as a non-breeding visitor, especially in the coastal lowlands of Tanzania. These colonies are also quoted by Taylor (1983) from data supplied by J.S.S. Beesley on 22 April 1981. The nearest other breeding record appears to be from the Kafue Flats in Zambia (Benson et al. 1971). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS These observations were made incidentally in the course of many helicopter surveys for quelea colonies in Tanzania. The helicopter was hired by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for the Project - Strength- ening of the National Bird Control Unit Nos. URT/78/022 and URT/81/013. I would like to thank my colleague John Beesley for commenting on a draft of this paper. REFERENCES BROWN, L.H. 1975. Populations, ecology and the conservation of flamingos - East Africa in Kear, J. & Duplaix-Hall, N. Flamingos. Berkhamstead: T. & A.D. Poyser. , POWELL-COTTON, D. & HOPCRAFT, J.B.D. 1973. The breeding of the Greater Flamingo and Great White Pelican in East Africa. Ibis 115: 352-355. HOUSTON, D.C. 1976. Breeding of the White-backed and Ruppell's Griffon Vultures, Gyps africanus and G. rueppellii. Ibis 118:14-40. McLACHLAN, G.R. & LIVERSIDGE, R. 1970. Roberts birds of South Africa. Cape Town: John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. TAYLOR, P.B. 1983. E.A.N.H.S. Nest Record Scheme: 1981. Scopus 5: 154-164. C.C.H. Elliott, Box 634, Arusha, Tanzania (Received 3 February 1983 with additions on 31 May 1983) Notes on Blue-eared Glossy Starlings 37 NOTES ON BLUE-EARED GLOSSY STARLINGS ZLAMPROTORNIS CHALYBAEUS AT NAKURU, KENYA John P. Dittami In the course of a study on the physiological control of breeding in Blue- eared Glossy Starlings Lamprotornis chalybaeus at Lake Nakuru National Park (20000 ha), some interesting findings emerged on the size and structure of the population. These, together with basic data on the timing of breeding and moult, are summarized in this paper. The Nakuru study lasted for two years, from February 1981 to February 1983, during which over 450 individuals were caught and ringed. Periodic censuses were made of the park population, during which the locations of flocks and individual birds were noted. DETERMINATION OF AGE AND SEX The sex of birds caught and ringed was determined by laparotomy. First year birds were easily recognized by the yellow colour of the inside of their mandibles, which darkened with age and disappeared at about 14 months. The golden eye colour took four to five months to develop fully in young birds. Weights and winglengths of birds in different age and sex categories are Summarized in Table 1. TABLE 1 Weights and winglengths of Blue-eared Glossy Starlings caught in Lake Nakuru NP Males | Females n Median Quartiles Range n Median Quartiles Range Adults Weight (g) 191 94 91/97 79-106 109 79 76/83 66-96 Wing (mm) 191 149 147/152" 136-157 109 136 134/138 126-146 Juveniles Weight (g) 63 90 86/96 76-104 52 78 74/82 60-99 Wing (mm) 63 140 138/142 130-151 52 if shil 128/135 122-140 Females tended to be smaller than males as has been described by Mackworth- Praed & Grant (1957), and first year birds had shorter wings than adults. Provided age was taken into account, most Blue-eared Glossy Starlings could in fact be sexed with confidence on the basis of weight and winglength. NUMBERS, BEHAVIOUR, AGE/SEX RATIOS As shown in Table 2, there were major fluctuations in numbers, but the total population of Blue-eared Glossy Starlings was at times estimated to be as high as 800 birds. Two distinct classes of birds were recognized during the study. Some pairs remained in territories all the year round; twelve such pairs in all were known in the study area. The majority of birds, however, occupied territories only when breeding, and otherwise formed wandering groups of up to about 300 individuals. The larger groups began to congregate in June, after breeding, and reached a peak in August. Benson & Benson (1977) made the same Scopus 7: 37-39, June 1983 38 Notes on Blue-eared Glossy Starlings TABLE 2 Monthly numbers of Blue-eared Glossy Starlings censussed (1982) and percentage of juveniles in catches (1981 and 1982 data combined) in Lake Nakuru NP I SS IS J 5 M A M J J A Ss O N D Censussed (1982) 150 650 650 400 350 400 350 800 600 200 90 80 No. of birds caught (1981/82) 151 73°49 17° 5428"). 20) 45) oil ec Percentage of juveniles in catches 53) 534.200 335 2) 29, 30,0 22) (30 SUR one SS SL TD observation on the species in Malawi. The structure of the Nakuru flocks was quite flexible, as they appeared to split up into smaller groups and reform from day to day or even within the course of the same day. The flocks often congregated around food sources such as the rubbish pits at the lodges or patches of fruiting trees or bushes. One surprising finding was that there seemed to be a mass exodus of birds during October-November, and numbers were very low from late November to early January (Table 2). During December of both 1981 and 1982 the overall population was estimated to be less than 80 birds and no large groups were present. Numbers began to build up again from mid January in both years, until at the onset of the long rains they broke up and dispersed in pairs around the park. Where the flocks had gone to from November to January is difficult to say. A few excursions were made in various directions from Nakuru during that period, to the Mau and Kikuyu escarpments, towards Naivasha and Lake Bogoria and to the Kinangop plateau. They produced the same results: only a few birds were seen and no large flocks were found. This would imply that the seasonal exodus of Blue-eared Glossy Starlings was not merely a local Nakuru phenomenon, but a reflection of a more general movement. Similar dry season migrations have been described for the Lesser Blue-eared Glossy Starling L. chloropterus (Wells & Walsh 1969) and the Splendid Glossy Starling L. splendidus (Elgood, Fry & Dowsett 1973) in Nigeria. The population which remained at Nakuru during November-January consisted of the few resident pairs which occupied territories all the year round, together with juvenile birds. The contribution of juveniles to total monthly catches increased from 20-30 per cent during June-August (shortly after the main breed- ing period) to 81 percent in November and 66 percent in December (Table 2). The seasonal exodus of young birds was evidently less complete than that of adults. There was a preponderance of males over females amongst the birds caught, which was more marked in adults than in juveniles. This was presumably a reflection of either a higher mortality rate in females or a higher dispersal Baeer TIMING OF MOULT AND BREEDING Forty-eight breeding records (birds feeding nestlings) were collected over the two years (Table 3). The bulk (33) of these were associated with the long rains in April, May or June. There were 12 records from July-August, and one each in September, October, December and January. The nesting site was always in a hole or cavity in a dead tree or in a pole. However, the choice of breed- ing habitat was seasonally dependent. Thirty-one of the long rains breeding pairs were found in open savanna, and only two pairs in acacia forest. By contrast, breeding from July to January was restricted to acacia forest, and off season breeders apparently utilized an ostensibly more stable environment. Notes on Blue-eared Glossy Starlings 39 In contrast with other Lamprotornis species (Craig 1983), no co-operative breeding was seen in this species. Breeding was always followed in individuals by a complete moult, beginning two to six weeks after young were hatched. No breeding birds (i.e. feeding at the nest) were found to have any primary moult. This contrasts with reports by Payne (1969) and Foster (1975) but is consistant with many other results (see Britton 1978 for a review). The incidence of post-nuptial flight feather moult was high (over 80 percent) in adult birds present at Nakuru from July through to November (Table 3). Juveniles went through a complete body moult contemporaneous with the adult moult, but their flight feathers were not replaced until the second year of life. TABLE 3 Monthly numbers of breeding records and incidence of flight feather moult (1981 and 1982 data combined) of Blue-eared Glossy Starlings in Lake Nakuru NP Savanna nests 0 0 O 3) 24 4 0 0 @) 0 @) Forest nests 1 0 0 0 2 6) 8 4 1 il 0 1 Percentage of adults caught showing flight feather moult 5 8 2 0 22 40 80 96 92 30 96 6 REFERENCES BENSON, C.W. & BENSON, F.M. 1977. The birds of Malawi. Limbe: Montfort Press. BRITTON, P.L. 1978. Seasonality, density and diversity of birds of a papyrus Swamp in western Kenya. Ibis 120: 450-466. CRAIG, A. 1983. Co-operative breeding in two African starlings, Sturnidae. rons 1252 114-115. ELGOOD, J.H., FRY, C.H. & DOWSETT, R.J. 1973. African migrants in Nigeria. Ibis 115: 1-43, 375-409. FOSTER, M.S. 1975. The overlap of breeding and molt in some tropical birds. Condor 77: 304-314. PAYNE, R.B. 1969. Overlap of breeding and molting schedules in a collection of African birds. Condor 71: 140-145. WELLS, D.R. & WALSH, F. 1969. Birds of northern and central Borgu. Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithological Society 6(21): 1-25, 63-93. John P. Dittami, Max-Planck-Institut ftir Verhaltenphysiologie, D-8138 Andechs, West Germany (Received 9 April 1983) 40 Kenya atlas estimates ESTIMATING THE NUMBER OF SPECIES LIKELY TO OCCUR IN KENYA BIRD ATLAS SQUARES D.E. Pomeroy and Adrian D. Lewis Work on the Bird atlas for Kenya is making good progress (Lewis & Pomeroy 1982 IDIQ Bp Jo), iU9)s}3})) and, by the end of 1982, a combined total of around 34000 pre- and post-1970 records had been entered on the draft species maps. The basic unit of mapping is the quarter square degree, i.e. each 1-degree square of latitude and longitude is subdivided into four smaller squares. Kenya is contained within 230 of these quarter square degrees, which we shall refer to here as 'squares', although along the country's borders many of them are only part squares. So far, the square with the highest total, as one would expect, is Nairobi (75b), where 591 species have been recorded. Rather surprisingly, 54 of these species have not been reported since 1970. At the other extreme are 45 squares without a single species recorded. During 1983 an effort will be made to visit as many as possible of the poorly recorded squares, almost all of them in the north and east of the Country. Some areas, however, are too remote or present unpredictable risks and are likely to remain inadequately known. Hence it is of some interest to estimate how many species are to be expected in a particular square, and thus to know how effective the eventual coverage has been. Several factors are likely to influence the number of species recorded from a particular square. Three important ones are: a. the range of habitats within the square b. the size of the square c. the ‘observer effort.' Some account needs to be taken of each of these if an estimate of species numbers is to be made. We have taken data from 33 well known squares and tried to see how closely the numbers of species recorded from each relates to these factors. SOURCES OF INFORMATION We have used two simple measures of habitat diversity: altitude range and presence of aquatic habitats. Altitude range the difference in height between the highest and the lowest points is likely to reflect the numbers of habitats within a square, because both temperature and rainfall vary with altitude. Thus a square containing a very small altitude range, as in much of northeastern Kenya, will also contain very few habitats. By contrast, hilly country will be likely to contain a variety. We used altitude range because it can be read from a map. Anna Mutere (pers. comm.) examined 1:250000 topographical maps of Kenya and abstracted the highest and lowest altitudes in each square, and so obtained the range. The greatest range, incidentally, is 3675m, for the square which contains Mt Kenya but also descends almost to Embu (63a). Several coastal squares, and two near Lake Victoria, have altitudinal ranges of only a few metres. Aquatic habitats there are approximately 1050 species on the Kenya list, of which about 206 are aquatic, 24 of those being exclusively marine (Pomeroy 1981). Thus squares containing a variety of aquatic habitats would be expected to support more species than 'dry' squares. With the help of Brian Meadows © (pers. comm.), we defined seven categories of aquatic habitats, namely oligo- trophic lakes, eutrophic lakes, permanent rivers, temporary (but regular) Scopus 7: 40-43, June 1983 Kenya atlas estimates Al flood-waters, algal lagoons, soda lakes and marine habitats. We recorded how many of each of these habitat types occurred in every square, although small bodies of water such as ponds were not considered; generally the size limit for inclusion was about 100ha. We used two other sources of information: The size of the square this is variable because some squares fall on Kenya's national boundaries, or along the coast, and consequently the area where birds occur is less than that for a full square (this point is still relevant for a square containing a large area of sea, as there are very few pelagic species). However, since even a tenth of a square is more than 300 km*?, such an area Might contain almost as wide a range of habitats as a full square, and in some cases probably does so. We have therefore only excluded part squares “which are very small, or which appear to contain a poor range of habitats for their part of Kenya. There are 27 of these. Observer effort obviously one would expect the Nairobi square to have more species than, say, one to the east of Marsabit. Rather few squares have resident observers, but some, e.g. those containing National Parks, receive plenty of visiting bird-watchers. We have assessed observer effort by using a simple scoring system (Table 1). TABLE 1 Scoring system used to assess observer effort 4 For the purposes of this assessment, an observer is defined as 'a competant bird-watcher who would be likely to contribute records.’ We have split our assessment into resident and visiting observers. observers resident in the squares in the period 1970-1982 Score Criteria Bireic ce ts ee ae -10 or more active observers for 10 or more years EP Mie atc. Co's, sce. es 3 tO. 9 i 1 pe a 5 factive observers for 10 or more years Papers (alicis iss, , a6 1 to 2 active observers for 3 to 9 years oto SSE eee . 1 to 2 active observers for more than 3 months but less than 3 years observers visiting the squares in the period 1970-1982 (duration of visits not defined) Score Criteria 5 an average of 50 or more visitors per year 4 an average of 11 to 49 visitors per year “fees. 5. «- «. an average of 5 to 10 visitors per year 2 an average of 3 to 4 visitors per year 1 an average of 1 to 2 visitors per year In addition to the authors, D.J. Pearson (pers. comm.) and D.A. Turner (pers. comm.) made independent estimates of the observer effort scores for the squares used in the analysis; the results were pooled. A2 Kenya atlas estimates A MODEL FOR ESTIMATING SPECIES NUMBERS Let us call S the number of species that might have been recorded in a square between 1970 and 1982; we shall try to describe S in terms of: r- the altitudinal range within the square, in metres; w - the number of types of aquatic habitat in the square; e - the observer effort, as defined above. We have assumed that r, w and e are independent of each other, which is probably true, and also that each is linearly related to S. This last assumption is justified by plotting S against each of the three variables Separately, and noting that there is a rough linear correlation in each case. Based upon these assumptions, our model is the multiple linear regression, described by the equation: Sa eq 4 Joy se + bw + b,e in which a, b,, by, and b, are all constants. We took our observed values of S, r, w and e for 33 squares that we believe to have been reasonably well covered, and used them to estimate values of the constants. RESULTS Fach of our three variables gave significant values for the coefficient of correlation when compared to the number of species, and hence all were included in the multiple regression analysis. Further, in no case did the use of a logarithmic transformation increase the correlation coefficient. The best fit regression equation, by the method of least squares, is: S = 234.5 + 107023457 -a22wit al 59e The equation is statistically highly significant (F(3,29)) = 18.9 e000 te it 'explains' 66.3 per cent of the varience. DISCUSSION The equation that we have given can only be regarded as tentative, but seems sufficiently interesting to be worth reporting; so far as we know, this approach has not been used before. Already there are several features of interest. The Nairobi square total of 537 post-1970 records is significantly higher than the next largest, which is the square containing Lakes Nakuru and Elmen- teita (62a), which has 496 species recorded. This confirms the importance of a concentration of observers, and implies that every other square is seriously under-recorded. This could well be the case; for example, around Bushwhacker's camp (Machakos District), the rate of additional species recorded showed little sign of declining even after an estimated 300 hours of observation (Lewis & Pomeroy 1982a). Most species of birds in the drier areas move extensively when they are not breeding, and whilst it would be an exaggeration to suggest that anything can occur anywhere, there is an element of truth in the notion. A provisional estimate for the total numbers of records possible for Kenya can be made by using the regression equation to predict the number of species that would have been seen had every square been as intensively watched as Nairobi; (for the present purpose, the 27 small part squares referred to above were assumed to contain only half the number of species of a full square). The approximate total of records obtained in this way is just under 100000, i.e. three times the present number. There is, of course, no hope of achieving anything like the maximum possible number of records: even in the Nairobi Kenya atlas estimates 43 square, six species were added to the list during 1982. Fortunately, however, the records obtained are already sufficient to show the general patterns for Many species (see, for example, Lewis & Pomeroy 1982a, b and Pomeroy, Lewis & Mutere 1982). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank Peter Lack, Brian Meadows, Anna Mutere, David Pearson and Don Turner for their assistance, and PL and DP for their comments on a draft of this paper. REFERENCES LEWIS, A.D. & POMEROY, D.E. 1982a. A bird atlas for Kenya. EFANHS Bulletin 1982: 64-70. , ————— — 1982b. A bird atlas for Kenya: further progress. EANHS Bulletin 1982: 86-91. 1983. A bird atlas for Kenya: a progress report. Scopus 7: 27-30. POMEROY, D.E. 1981. Composition of Kenya's avifauna. EFANHS Bulletin 1981: 30- Sith , LEWIS, A.D. & MUTERE, A. 1982. Use of the 'Bird Atlas for Kenya' data for ecological studies. EFANHS Bulletin 1982: 105-109. D.E. Pomeroy, Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda and Adrian D. Lewis, Department of Geology, Nairobi University, Box 30197, Nairobi. (Received 3 February 1983) CORRECTION In the paper 'Aberrantly plumaged barbets' (Scopus 7: 10-14) Fig. 1 is incorrectly captioned. The drawing is of an aberrantly plumaged Red-faced Barbet. 44 Kenya Lesser Kestrel roost A MAJOR LESSER KESTREL FALCO NAUMANNI ROOST IN KENYA M.E. Smalley Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni are small insectivorous falcons whose Palae- arctic breeding range extends from Spain and Portugal to about 100°E in the U.S.S.R., with a separated breeding population in northeastern China (Cramp & Simmons 1980). The birds migrate south before the northern winter, many of them passing through East Africa to more southern areas of the continent. None apparently winter in Asia (Vaurie 1965). In Kenya, therefore, the species is chiefly a passage migrant, seen especially during March and April on the Beturny flight noceh (Britton 1980) The species is gregarious during breeding, on migration and in the non- breeding quarters (Cramp & Simmons 1980). In southern Africa large numbers of roosts, often containing several thousand birds each, are well known (Siegfried & Skead 1971), and some of the roosts have been used for many years (Kolbe 1972). These traditional roosts are particularly common in the relatively low rainfall grasslands of the Highveld (Siegfried & Skead 1971). On passage Lesser Kestrels are usually nomadic and, whilst large daytime flocks of feeding and migrating falcons are often seen congregating in areas of abundant food (Cramp & Simmons 1980), huge night-time roosts lasting for several weeks have rarely been described in East Africa. Between early March and late April 1983 a large Lesser Kestrel roost in Nairobi National Park (1.22S, 36.49E, 1670m a.s.1.) was studied. This paper describes the numbers of birds attending the roost. DESCRIPTION OF ROOST, AND METHODS The roost was in mature Acacia kirkii trees which were scattered either side of a stream along about 1500m of a shallow valley. The ridges either side of the valley were of open grassland, and the valley itself ran southeast from the roost before opening out on to the Athi Plains on the southern border of the park. Once a week from 5 March to 30 April the roost was surveyed from a road which ran along one side of the valley, always between 18:00 and 18:30 hrs, and travelling in the same direction. The number of birds in each tree, and in the air during the survey, were counted using 10 x 40 binoculars. Care was taken not to count birds more than once. The number of birds arriving at the roost between 16:00 and darkness was counted on 19, 22 and 23 April. Casual observations were made on other days. PATTERN OF ATTENDANCE OF FALCONS AT THE ROOST The roost was discovered on 5 March and birds were present until 30 April, a period of eight weeks. During that time the numbers of Lesser Kestrels reached two peaks. Firstly during the third week of March, when only Lesser Kestrels were present, and again later, during the second week of April when some Eastern Red-footed Falcons F. amurensis joined the roost. Although this species never exceeded 1 per cent of the total roost, both species were then present in the roost until it was finally abandoned between 24 and 30 April (Fig. 1). The weekly survey indicated that the numbers of Lesser Kestrels varied between 60 and 2500. However, by comparing the results of a survey with the total number of birds counted entering the roost (Fig. 1) it became clear that the survey was seriously underestimating the size of the Scopus 7: 44-47, June 1983 Kenya Lesser Kestrel roost 45 - Lesser Kestrels Eastern Red-footed Falcons Numbers of Lesser Kestrels 1000 ae} & ) SS 30 =z 20m Cie Bee & 28 10 3473 Zw hee rk Rls Une lie lala March April Fig. 1. Number of Lesser Kestrels and Eastern Red-footed Falcons counted each week at a roost in Nairobi NP roost. This was partly due to the difficulty of counting falcons in the trees, but more importantly because it was shown that by 18:00 hrs only about 37 per cent of the final roost had assembled, and 62 per cent by 18:30 hrs (Smalley in prep.). The actual maximum attendance at the roost was therefore probably about 5000 Lesser Kestrels and up to 50 Eastern Red-footed Falcons. TABLE 1 Estimates of the number of falcons in the roost from a survey, and from total evening counts Date Survey count evening total count 8 April 2500 about 4500 19 April 1400 2078 22 April 1000 1963 SAL ApELL 1000 2069 However, the pattern shown in Fig. 1 is considered to be a good reflection of attendance at the roost since the rate and pattern of entry into the roost was broadly similar on different days (Smalley in prep.). The number of Acacia kirkii trees used by the falcons varied with the size of the roost. The more birds, the more trees. Early in March, and again during the last week of April, the birds settled in only two trees, but not the same two. During the peak attendance 29 trees were used, with up to 156 birds in a single tree. Two or three trees, where the first incoming birds settled, always formed the nucleus of the roost. This nucleus shifted at least once, by 300m during mid April, for no apparent reason. 46 Kenya Lesser Kestrel roost DISCUSSION Although the roost was not discovered until 5 March, it is quite probable that it had already been in use for some time because Lesser Kestrels were seen frequently in and near Nairobi National Park from January onwards. The prolonged presence of Lesser Kestrels in the central Kenya highlands, lasting about 14 weeks from January to late April was not unusual (Britton 1980), but the large numbers that eventually made use of the roost certainly was. Despite Jackson's (1938) description of large assemblies in the Nairobi area between mid January and March, such numbers have not been recorded for many years. It is thought that, at its peak, about 5000 Lesser Kestrels and up to 50 Eastern Red-footed Falcons were using the roost. The birds passing through the central highlands stayed longer than in recent years, presumably because there was an abundant food source. Lesser Kestrels require a high concentration of prey on suitable ground (Cramp & Simmons 1980) and such conditions were clearly available on the open grasslands south of Nairobi where daytime feeding falcons were common. Preliminary analysis of pellets collected at the roost shows that only insects were being taken, mainly Orthoptera (Smalley, unpublished data). Two distinctly separate waves of Lesser Kestrels passed through the roost; I suggest that they came from different wintering populations and that they were destined for different breeding areas. It is suspected that populations from separate parts of the breeding range remain segregated in their winter quarters and that those wintering in southern Africa have originated in Asia (Moreau 1972). Support for this is given by the single ringing recovery of the species affecting the Afrotropical region: a bird ringed in Kazakhstan recovered in Cape Province (Curry-Lindahl 1981). The first wave of Lesser Kestrels left the Nairobi roost between 19 and 27 March and were probably bound for central European breeding areas, a timing which accords with the peak passage through the Mediterranean basin between mid March and early April (Cramp & Simmons 1980). The bulk of the Eastern Red- footed Falcons leave southern Africa (Transvaal to Malawi) between late February and March (Benson 1951, Siegfried & Skead 1971, Irwin 1981) and very -Few are seen in the huge area between Malawi and the breeding grounds north and east of the Himalayas (Brown et al. 1982). That Eastern Red-footed Falcons were associated with the second wave of Nairobi roosting Lesser Kestrels (but not with the first wave) lends support to the suggestion that these later Lesser Kestrels had wintered in southern Africa and that they were bound for Asiatic breeding grounds where the breeding season is later, in mid May (Cramp & Simmons 1980). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank Hector Gomez de Silva, Adrian Lewis and David Pearson for sharing their unpublished observations of the roost. REFERENCES BENSON, C.W. 1951. A roosting site of the Eastern Red-footed Falcon Falco amurensis. Ibis 93: 467-468. CRAMP, S. & SIMMONS, K.E.L. (eds.) 1980. The birds of the western Palearctic vol. 2. Oxford: OUP. CURRY-LINDAHL, K. 1981. Bird migration in Africa vol. 1. London: Academic Press. IRWIN, M.P.S. 1981. The birds of Zimbabwe. Salisbury: Quest Publishing. Kenya Lesser Kestrel roost . 47 KOLBE, F.F. 1972. The Lesser Kestrels of Senekal, Orange Free State. Bokmak- Ferre, 24; 18-21. SIEGFRIED, W.R. & SKEAD, D.M. 1971. Status of Lesser Kestrel in South Africa. Ostrich 42: 1-14. SMALLEY, M.E. (in prep.) The behaviour of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni entering and leaving a major Kenyan roost. VAURIE, C. 1965. The birds of the Palearctic fauna. Non-Passeriformes. London: Witherby. M.E. Smalley, Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi (Received 29 May 1983) 48 Short communications SHORT COMMUNICATIONS A BIRD CEMETERY IN THE NUBIAN DESERT, SUDAN Although casualties among Palaearctic migrants crossing the Sahara are a regular and well known feature, the discovery of a concentration of dead and dessicated migrants under an isolated thicket in the Nubian Desert, North Sudan, seems worth reporting in detail. The birds were found in March 1983 at 17.35N, 34.25E, some 60km east of Atbara. The thicket was a patch of low thornbush some 6m across, and was the only substantial piece of vegetation in sight in what was otherwise sandy desert. Well over 100 dried corpses were found beneath this thicket in a good enough state of preservation to permit identification. Thirty-three species, all Palaearctic migrants, were recognized as follows: Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1, Hoopoe Upupa epops i, Eurasian Roller Coracias garrulus 1, Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster 1, Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 1, Corncrake Crex crex 1, Scops Owl Otus scops ssp. (a Palaearctic race) 1, Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 3, Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 6, Tawny Pipit Athus campestris 1, Tree Pipit A. trivialis 9, Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 9, Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 1, Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina 1, Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 9, Pied/Collared Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca/albicollis semitorquata 1, Sprosser Luscinia lusSinia 3, Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 2, Whitethroat S. communis 10, Barred Warbler S. nisoria 1, Garden Warbler S. borin 6, Savi's Warbler Locust- ella luscinioides 1, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 18, Chiffchaff P. collybita 1, Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis 1, Marsh Warbler A. palustris 7, Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus 1, Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida 3, Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 1, Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor 1, Red-backed Shrike L. collurio 14, Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla 1 and Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 3. This was evidently only a proportion of the birds which had perished in the thicket, for many loose feathers, wings and legs were also scattered around, and rats were discovered to be living there. To judge from plumage state and characteristics, and moult, the birds had died on autumn migration - presumably some six months earlier. Sandstorms (most prevalent during May-August) would probably have tended to obscure the casualties from earlier years. It could perhaps be assumed that most had entered Africa across the northernmost part of the Red Sea. It was surprising, in view of their prominence on migration on the Red Sea coast (pers. obs.), that no Quails Coturnix coturnix or Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla were represented among this collection of birds; the absence of Eurasian Swallows Hirundo rustica deserves comment. The Basra Reed Warbler was a particularly interesting find. This species had previously been recorded in the North Sudan only from the Port Sudan and Suakin areas of the Red Sea (Nikolaus 1981, Niko- laus & Pearson 1983), and the desert corpse reported above represents the most northwestern record of the species in Africa. REFERENCES NIKOLAUS, G. 1981. Palaearctié migrants new to the North Sudan. Scopus 5: T20—4 24h & PEARSON, D.J. 1983. Attraction of nocturnal migrants to car headlights in the Sudan Red Sea hills. Scopus 7: 19-20. G. Nikolaus, 219 Cuxhaven, Feldweg 87, West Germany Scopus 7: 48, June 1983 Received 20 April 1983 Short communications 49 UNUSUAL DECEMBER-JANUARY BREEDING AT THE GARSEN HERONRY, KENYA The Garsen Heronry, described by North (1956), is situated in Terminalia thicket in a large floodpan beside the west bank of the lower Tana, 3km south of the village of Itsowe and some 15km south of Garsen, Coast Province. Breed- ing occurs after seasonal flooding from the river. A lagoon up to a kilometre across is created, and this becomes sealed off and may take several months to dry out. Typically, flooding occurs during April-May as a result of the long rains in central Kenya, and according to local information the colony is commonly active between May and September. Previous accounts of breeding (North 1956, Britton 1974, P.L. Britton pers. comm. and MACC pers. obs.) have all been based on observations between late June and August. The short rains do mot usually raise the level of the Tana greatly, and the heronry area typically remains dry from October to March. After the heaviest October-November rainfall inland for 21 years, the lower Tana valley experienced widespread floods at the end of 1982. We checked the Itsowe area on 12 January 1983, and found the level of the river still very high. The heronry lagoon was flooded to a depth of 1-3m, and much breeding was in progress. We estimated the size of the colony as at least 4000 pairs. Some 10-20 per cent of the nests were in thicket flooded to 0.5-1m immediate- ly inside the river bank. The majority, however, were above deeper water in an island of thicket which covered several hectares and extended to a height of 7-8m. This island was situated about 400m out in the lagoon, and was approachable only with difficulty by canoe through thick beds of the tall rhizomatous grass Echinocloa stagnina. Most nests were positioned 2-6m above the water, in the dominant small Terminalia brevipes trees or in clumps of Combretum constrictum on the peri- phery of the thicket. Most of the birds breeding were herons - Yellow-billed Egret’ being the dominant species - followed by Purple Heron, Squacco Heron and Night Heron (see Table 1). The great majority of nests contained chicks, and most of the young Purple Herons and Night Herons were already very large. Other species breeding were Open-billed Stork Anastomus lamelligerus (200+ pairs), African Spoonbill Platalea alba (100+ pairs), Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (50+ pairs) and Darter Anhinga rufa (30+ pairs). Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopica and Long-tailed Cormorants Phalacrocorax africanus were present, but few appeared to have nests. Itsowe was visited again by MACC and DJP on 20 June 1983. Further flooding had evidently occurred during April-May, and breeding was again in progress, although on a rather smaller scale than in January, and this time it was con- fined to the main island of thicket. Over 2000 nests were estimated, most with eggs, but some had very small chicks. In contrast to January, the dominant species was the Cattle Egret, and there were very few Purple Herons or Night Herons (Table 1). About 100 pairs each of Sacred Ibis, Darters and Long-tailed Cormorants were nesting, and tens of pairs of African Spoonbills, but there were fewer Glossy Ibis than in January, and no Open-billed Storks were seen with nests. Earlier estimates of colony size, in June 1974 and July 1981, gave 2000 pairs and 5000+ pairs respectively (Britton 1974, MACC pers. obs.). Activity in January 1983 was clearly comparable. Assuming that these water birds are typically geared to respond to breeding conditions during April-August, and moult presumably about July-November, the ability of so many to take breeding advantage of the November-December floods is surprising. Were the birds involved individuals which had returned to a state of breeding readiness particularly early? We do not know how successful the colony was during June-July 1982, but *Scientific names of herons are given in Table 1 50 Short communications in view of the moderately good 'long' rains in the upper Tana catchment, and unusually heavy coastal rain, we assume that it was active then. Some species were clearly able to utilize the unseasonal breeding opportunity better than others. Purple Herons and Night Herons were well represented at the colony in January 1983, with most young in nests further advanced than those of other species. The very minor involvement of these two species during the second 1983 breeding period would suggest that they had been particularly successful at the beginning of the year; indeed, most adults could already have been in moult by May-June. Cattle Egrets, on the other hand, were surprisingly absent from the colony in January 1983, and this species evidently succeeded in breeding only at the usual time of year. TABLE 1 Estimated contribution of various species to the total breeding heron number at the Garsen colony during January and June 1983 Species i2 January 20 June Grey Heron Ardea cinerea <1% None Purple Heron A. purpurea 25% <1% Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 15% 5% Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis <1% 70% Great White Egret Egretta alba 3% <1% Black Heron E. ardesiaca <1% 1% Little Egret E. garzetta 13% 2% Yellow-billed Egret E. intermedia 50% 20% Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 5% 1% Colony size (pairs of herons) 4000+ 2000+ REFERENCES BRITTON, P.L. 1974. The Garsen heronry on the Tana River. EANHS Bulletin 1974: ZO es Ore NORTH, M.E.W. 1956. The great heronry of Garsen on the River Tana. Journal of the East Africa Natural History Society 101: 159-160. M.A.C. Coverdale, Box 36, Ukunda, Mombasa, J. Hancock, Brookside, St Cross, Winchester, Hants SO23 9SB, England and D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry Box 30197, Nairobi Scopus 7: 49-50, June 1983 Received 25 June 1983 A MELANISTIC COMMON SNIPE GALLINAGO GALLINAGO NEAR NAIROBI: AN EXAMPLE OF 'SABINE'S SNIPE'? In the late afternoon of 30 December 1982 I flushed a very dark snipe Gall- inago sp. from short grass at Athi River sewage ponds, near Nairobi. The bird was obviously a Common Snipe G. gallinago, being of the correct size, shape and proportions, and having the typical fast zigzagging flight, loud harsh call and long bill of that species. A normally coloured G. gallinago was also present for comparison. The dark bird was flushed several times, giving excellent views in flight at close range. It was remarkable in having no trace of white anywhere in the plumage, and it appeared almost entirely sooty black. The head and upperparts, including the upperwings, were sooty black, with no pale longitudinal lines on the back which did, however, have some Short communications 51 rufous-brown markings. The flanks were dark-barred on a very dusky ground colour, and the rest of the underparts were sooty-brown to sooty-black, includ- ing the entire underwings. The tail was dark, the bill and leg colour were not seen. Witherby et al. (1943) refer to a well defined and constantly recurring melanistic variety of G. gallinago, which is known as Sabine's Snipe. Their description of its plumage, and their illustration, agree in all respects with the Athi River bird, and it would therefore appear that this bird was an example of Sabine's Snipe. This variety has been recorded mainly before 1920 in Ireland and southern England, and rarely from Denmark, the Netherlands, West Germany and France (Cramp & Simmons 1983). Its occurrence in Africa has not apparently been reported previously. The origins of the G. gallinago occurring in East Africa are not known, there having been no ringing recov- eries or controls for this region (G.C. Backhurst, pers. comm.). If the Athi River bird was an example of Sabine's Snipe, this suggests either that the bird originated from the known range of the variety in western Europe, and therefore that other G. gallinago from this area could also reach East Africa or, more likely, that this variant occurs over a wider range in the Palaearctic than is at present known, including Asiatic areas of the USSR; the lack of ringing recoveries in the Afrotropical region suggests that the G. gallinago wintering in this area are largely of Asiatic origins (Cramp & Simmons 1983). REFERENCES CRAMP, S. & SIMMONS, K.E.L. (eds.) 1983. The birds of the western Palearctic Vor... 3.2. .Oxford: (OUP. WITHERBY, H.F., JOURDAIN, F.C.R., TICEHURST, N.F. & TUCKER, B.W. .1943. The handbook of British birds vol. 4. London: Witherby. P.B. Taylor, Box 25138, Nairobi Scopus 7: 50-51, June 1983 Received 2 February 1983, revised 17 May 1983 A RECORD OF THE PEARL-BREASTED SWALLOW HIRUNDO DIMIDIATA FROM LAKE SUNDU IN SOUTHWESTERN TANZANIA On 1 December 1980 I was on a foot safari passing by Lake Sundu (8.30S, 31.40E) in southwestern Tanzania. At 10:30 hrs I saw a small swallow, totally white below, fly across the path and out over the edge of the lake. It was noticeably smaller than the Eurasian Swallows H. rustica with which it was flying. At first I took it to be a Wire-tailed Swallow H. smithii but the lack of a chestnut cap and no white in the tail eliminated this species. The back and rump were metallic blue-black, eliminating the possibility of the Grey- rumped Swallow H. griseopyga and the House Martin Delichon urbica, the only other similar species found in the area. I identified the bird as a Pearl- breasted Swallow H. dimidiata. There is a single previous record of the species from East Africa, that of a Specimen from Malangali, also in southwestern Tanzania (Britton 1980). White (1961) lists its occurrence in southern Tanzania and there is a record from the Kasama area, some 160 km to the south in Zambia (Hall & Moreau 1970). The occurrence of H. dimidiata in southwestern Tanzania comes as no surprise but further observations will be necessary to determine its status. REFERENCE WHITE, C.M.N. 1961. A revised check list of African broadbills.... [etc]. Lusaka: Government Printer. 52 Short communications D.C. Moyer, 325 East Walnut Street, Perkasie, Pennsylvania 18944, U.S.A. Scopus 7: 51-52, June 1983 Received 10 May 1983 A RECORD OF THE ANGOLA WHITE-BELLIED SUNBIRD NECTARINIA OUSTALETI FROM KASESYA IN SOUTHWESTERN TANZANIA On 27 November 1979 and again on 3 June 1982 I saw a single Angola White- bellied Sunbird Nectarinia oustaleti at Kasesya (8.40S, 31.28E), 2km from the Zambian border. At first I mistook the bird for a Variable Sunbird N. venusta but then I noticed that the call was different and, on closer investigation, I found that it had a white not yellow belly. It had a violet reddish coloured band across the chest and lower neck, while the chin and throat were black. Above it was metallic blue with greenish tinges. There were no tufts visible at the side of the chest. The voice is quite different from other sunbirds and, once learned, is a valuable guide to identification. There is a single record of the species from Tanzania, that of a bird taken at Kigoma on 25 December 1961 (Britton 1980). It occurs 20km from Kasesya at Mbala (Zambia) in miombo woodland (Benson et al. 1971), the same habitat that I found it ins White (1963) gives) the» limit of its distributionidas) thestan— Zanian border. In the light of these records, the occurrence of N. oustaleti in southwestern Tanzania is not unexpected. REFERENCE WHITE, C.M.N. 1963. A revised check list of African flycatchers...fetc]. Lusaka: Government Printer. D.C. Moyer, 325 East Walnut Street, Perkasie, Pennsylvania 18944, U.S.A. Scopus 7: 52, June 1983 Received 10 May 1983 NOTICE THE EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT The 1982 report should be published within the second half of 1983, much later than we had hoped. Although the OS-C must take some of the blame for the late appearance of these annual reports, the main reason behind the delay is that observers are so late in sending in their records. In an attempt to produce the 1983 report in the first half of next year, we are setting a dead- line for all records at 29 February 1984. Please help to get the annual reports out in good time. Continued from inside front cover Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently, should not be listed under "References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions should be sent to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38. = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON, C.W., BROOKE, R.K., DOWSETT, R.J. & IRWIN, M.P.S. 1971. The birds of Zambia. London: Collins. = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) Birds of Fast Africa their habitat, status and distrib- ution. Nairobi: EANHS. = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANHS. = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London: Academic Press. = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist). = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson. = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2. Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa. 2nd Edition. London: Longmans Green & Co. = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press. = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press. = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.). = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to D.J. Pearson [tel. 47041], Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be phoned through to any OS-C member. BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA Copies of this 270 page book are available from the EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi at the following post-paid prices. All cheques should be made out to’ the BoA oN HS. Those overseas MUST remit in Sterling, US$ or the equivalent in a convertible currency; drafts in Kenya Shillings cannot be accepted. By surface mail to East Africa or to anywhere in the world: Shs. 130/-, £8.00 or US$17.00. Airmail, Africa: £11.50 or US$24.00. Airmail to Europe: £12.00 or US$25.00. Airmail to the Americas, Australia and the Far East: £13250 or US$28.00. The 40 page Check-list of the birds of Kenya is available from D.A. Turner. Post-paid: surface: East Africa Shs. 12.00, anywhere in the world £0.70 or US $1.50. Airmail to anywhere in the world £1.00 or US$2.20. | CBAMREF CONTENTS C.C.H. ELLIOTT. Unusual breeding records made from a InSILlCG@joneere alig WeMyseiOsiel 6 56 50 0 0 5 6 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 ll JOHN P. DITTAMI. Notes on Blue-eared Glossy Starlings Lamprotornis GleU Wloews Elie IWesbhebl, IWSHVEL 56 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 6 0% oO D.E. POMEROY and ADRIAN D. LEWIS. Estimating the number of species likely to occur in Kenya bird atlas squares) 2) meee M.E. SMALLEY. A major Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni roost in Kenya 2 a Short communications Correction Notice G. NIKOLAUS. A bird cemetery in the Nubian Desert, Sudan . M.A.C. COVERDALE, J. HANCOCK and D.J. PEARSON. Unusual Desember-January breeding at the Garsen Heronry, Kenya P.B. TAYLOR. A melanistic Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago near Nairobi: an example of JSabine's ‘Snilpeiwici-cmcmenee D.C. MOYER. A record of the Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata from Lake Sundu in southwestern Tanzania .. D.C. MOYER. A record of the Angola White-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia oustaleti from Kasesya in southwestern MWEUNZEVNMLE, 66 6 6 0 0 0 00000 oO 00 6 lll Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi 38 37 40 44 48 49 50 Syl 52 43 52 (3$/,9 ISSN 0250-462 ~ SCOPUS A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East African Natural History Society Edited by Graeme Backhurst ERTHSONIAyy LIBRARIES Volume 7(3/4) September/December 1983 SCOPUS Scopus is normally published five times a year (although issues may be combined to allow for long papers) by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, surface mail: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. The Chairman of the OS-C is Dr D.J. Pearson [house tel. 47041], Deapartment of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. Other members of the OS-€ are: G.C. Backhurst fhouse tel. 891419, office 501301, 500508], Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; J.S.S. Beesley (UK); Dr Mar- garet Carswell, Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda; J.H. Fanshawe, Box 15563, Nairobi; M.E.J. Gore [house tel. 65103, office 335944], Box 30465, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dr A.D. Lewis, Department of Geol- ogy, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows (UK); Dr D.E. Pom- eroy, Department of Zoology, University of Makerere, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; J.F. Reynolds (UK); D.K. Richards, Box 24545, Nairobi; Dr M.E. Smalley, Depart— ment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557, Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the orni- thology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the members of the OS-C and/or by independent referees. The material published in Scopus is divided into 'papers' and 'short communications', the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should, where possible, be written in the third person; ‘short communications' may be written in either the first yor third person. Authors of 'papers' are entitled to five copies of their contrib- ution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 14 or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped on separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. Illustrations should be on good quality white paper, bristol board or tracing material, in line, and should not be larger than 19 x 23cm. Lettering aan black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc.) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, Continued inside back cover Ba ge se es, ys) Rh a st ae | ‘a i eT miata Pe att oe 2 J a = 4 SVLS es 1 ACS Pa Bete sh é fet <5 ra, , * fy 53 Kea tt ais L* Gi hears bi wi Nim aes iu as ht ea noe TAd ay Sra | ar eeed | D TACs a, De = eo) Ware ee a, RAS Las es ps 2 apts Ae ers i uy vy Mea oR rye Er } Le) ee a Bs ee ta a sp WF ee. h ; t . Lied ' } rh a ed ) Vache! ny ‘ hee ES oe. F { [Ah hee - " ' @1 3 ’ ‘vs 7 . . s ya | Ly tie Lie * ‘ etetai ve met } f ae ings Bi ne a : Ht Pete ire ys i ‘ f 3 Magy WAS “4 RR eA ene) (yor. bo if a ee Ra ee ay pest YG AN ‘ ergo oe ed Boh, oy MoD r j 7 7 Pa de 17% : Bie oh F ‘ ’ 7 ~ > 7 ; re ae a A Age? 1 bP eS * " ‘ 4 i ey a iy - #} Pee CIP DR TGA wh Gs Me Te ak cme ka iyo! ; i . no ¢ Hede : PAID i BD . tia, Oe K A Ph. ee | Lote he. acide ‘or £6-00-) 1983. A most useful compilation which will greatly ease the labour of ornithologists seeking references to African birds. The book is nicely produced, in Ostrich 102 Reviews, Requests (journal) size, in two-column format covering both English and scientific names in the one list. I hope that more Old World journals will follow this example. G.C. Backhurst REQUESTS FOR RECORDS OF PALAEARCTIC MIGRANTS JANUARY DUCK COUNTS As part of an international exercise co-ordinated by the International Wild- fowl Research Bureau we are continuing to collect all available counts of Palae- arctic duck in Kenya during the month of January. The aim is to produce a January figure for each species - Pintail, Shoveler, Garganey, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Ferruginous Duck - for each mapping square. The grid in use is the UTM grid which produces squares of approximately 20km in width. We shall eventually average such annual counts or estimates as we have for each species for a given square from the data which have been accumulating since 1977. The details of the mapping system need not concern the potential contributor to this scheme too much, for in Kenya most ducks visit concentrated bodies of water which can easily be identified and reconciled with the grid by the com- pilers. What we require are records, with numbers, from a given dam, lake, or specified part of lakeshore. Some areas in central Kenya have been quite well covered, but further counts (accurate or approximate) from sections of such lakes as Naivasha, Ol Bolossat or Solai would be welcome. Records of even small parties of ducks from less well known areas would be extremely welcome, and we would be particularly interested in counts from any specified part of Lake Turkana. Finally, if you watch birds in an area where Palaearctic ducks just don't occur, it would be very useful to know this. We need this type of negative information to complete our survey. David Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi and Brian Meadows, 2 Naze Court, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the Naze, Essex, England. PALAEARCTIC MIGRATION IN KENYA AND UGANDA I am planning to review the available information on Palaearctic migrants in Kenya and Uganda. I am intending to map distributions using the % x 4-degree square grid as explained and numbered by Turner (Scopus 5: 38-40). I envisage a mapping system that goes further than that currently in use for the Kenya Distributional Atlas (Lewis & Pomeroy in prep.) in that: e I'm concerned with dates. I need to know whether records are for a chosen 'winter' period (1 January to 20 March), for ‘autumn' (up to December) or for 'spring' (from 21 March onwards). The period January to mid March has been chosen as a time when passage move- ment is minimal in our area in most of the visiting Palaearctic species. e I'm distinguishing two levels of abundance. The problem with mapping migrants is that they can turn up occasionally almost anywhere, so that in a well watched square almost all species will be recorded in time. It is therefore necessary to distinguish species occurring in appreciable numbers from those simply recorded in a square once or twice. My two categories are therefore: 1. Common to abundant: it would usually be possible to find 10 or more individuals per day in the square. 2. Recorded, but not known to be common to abundant as defined above. Request, notices j 103 Thus, if a species occurs in a square I need to know the period or periods in- volved (autumn, winter, spring), and whether or not it was common to abundant. I would be pleased to supply sheets on which this information could be entered, either as data consolidated over several years, or as data for any particular year. An example of the use of this mapping system may be found in my review of the Acrocephalus warblers in Kenya and Uganda (Scopus 6: 49-59). Casual records of migrants, especially from less well worked areas, could be very useful, even if they refer to quite common species. Lists of migrants from short excursions to a given site or square would also be most welcome, so long as some indication of numbers is given. Please get in touch-if you would like to help and need data sheets, or if you would like more information on just what records would be useful. All correspondence will be answered. David Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. NOTICES 6th PAN AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONGRESS BOTSWANA 1985 Arrangements are currently underway with a view to holding the next PAOC in Francistown, Botswana, possibly over the Easter holiday period in April 1985. e Participants/Delegates resident in the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia are requested to write direct to Ken Newman, Box 65426, Benmore 2010, South Africa for further details, and to be placed on his PAOC mail- ing list. e Participants/Delegates resident in North America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa (other than those countries mentioned above) are requested to write direct to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya for further details and to be placed on his mailing list. It is to be stressed that this is merely a preliminary announcement; further details will be available during the first half of 1984. CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCOPUS Notes for contributors to Scopus are given inside the covers of each number, however, there are one or two points which we would like to stress, although contributors are still asked to read the full text inside the covers as well before sending in their contributions. e Please send all contributions to the Editor, G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, Kenya. e@ Send them in duplicate. e@e All contributions will be acknowledged. e All contributions will be assessed by members of the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society and/or by independent referees. 104 Notices e If references to the literature are given, names of journals must be given in full; names of books must include the publishers and town of publication. @ A number of frequently quoted works need not be listed in the list of references; their titles are given inside the back cover. The purpose of this is to save space. Occasionally, particularly in long papers, all references will be printed at the end of the papen, at the Fadttor s diseretion- Recently a number of submissions have been received which do not conform to the standards of content or presentation which can reasonably be expected. The Editor and other members of the OS-C cannot be expected to rewrite such contributions for authors, even if the material may warrant publication. On the other hand, potential contributors who are not experienced in writing scientific papers (or whose first language is not English) will be given every encouragement and help if they intend submitting to Scopus, if they contact the Editor or other members of the OS-C beforehand. Please help us to maintain the standard of Scopus and spend just a few minutes making sure that your paper or short communication follows the small number of simple rules set out for your guidance. Thank you. Ed. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT A page was omitted from the 1982 Report (Scopus 6, November 1983) by mistake; we are sorry about this. The page (p. 116A) has now been printed and will have either been inserted in your report or included with this issue. Please remember that all records for the 1983 Report should reach the re- corders (addresses opposite) by the end of February 1984. Ed Continued from inside front cover in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently, should not be listed under "References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions, which will be acknowledged, should be sent to the Editor, G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38, = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON, C.W., BROOKE, R.K., DOWSETT, R.J. & IRWIN, M.P.S. OW Ehe bards) OF Zambia. London: Collins, = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) 1980. Birds of East Africa, their habitat, status and distribution. Nairobi: EANHS, = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANHS, = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London and New York: Academic Press, = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson, = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2: Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa. 2nd edition. London: Longmans Green & Co., = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be tele- Phoned through to any OS-C member (numbers inside front cover) in the hope that the bird(s) may be seen by others. ~ Criteria covering the submission of Bird Report records are given in Scopus Supplement, June 1982, copies of which are available from D.A. Turner. BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA Copies of this 270-page book are available from the Secretary, EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi for £8.00 or US$17.00 surface mail to anywhere in the world. | COAMREF CONTENTS BOPEOrTaN. gin ail wl er ee) ay et caplhe Ape; epee Sy co eset en ree eS J.S.ASH. Over fifty additions of birds to the Somalia list including two hybrids, together with notes from Ethiopia and Kenya ... . 54 J.S.ASH and J.W.ASH. Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata in Somalia, with inVand! Occurnencess 275 2 aais mer ee oes ot eS JEAN-PIERRE VANDE WEGHE. Sympatric occurrence of the White-winged Warbler Bradypterus carpalis and Grauer's Rush Warbler B. gQraueri in’ Rwanda .< < . 2. s w ntSoo- . 100 Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi ISSINMOZ50=4 1162 ~ SCOPUS A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East African Natural History Society East Airicam Bird Report 1963 Edited by Graeme Backhurst eee ALP QryKis . oN HSONI AA / SEP 18 1984 “LIBRARIES 7 Volume 7 (5), June 1984 SCOPUS Scopus is normally published five times a year (although issues may be combined to allow for long papers) by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, Surface mail: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. The Chairman of the OS-C is Dr D.J. Pearson [house tel. 47041], Deapartment of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. Other members of the OS-C are: G.C. Backhurst [house tel. 891419, office 501301, 500508], Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; J.S.S. Beesley (UK); Dr Mar- garet Carswell, Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda; J.H. Fanshawe, Box 15563, Nairobi; M.E.J. Gore [house tel. 65103, office 335944], Box 30465, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dr A.D. Lewis, Department of Geol- ogy, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows (UK); Dr D.E. Pom- eroy, Department of Zoology, University of Makerere, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; J.F. Reynolds (UK); D.K. Richards, Box 24545, Nairobi; Dr M.E. Smalley, Depart- ment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557, Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the orni- thology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the members of the OS-C and/or by independent referees. The material published in Scopus is divided into 'papers' and 'short communications', the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should, where possible, be written in the third person; 'short communications' may be written in either the first or third person. Authors of 'papers' are entitled to five copies of their contrib- ution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 14 or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped on separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. Illustrations should be on good quality white paper, bristol board or tracing material, in line, and should not be larger than 19 x 23cm. Lettering (in black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc.) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, Continued inside back cover Scopus 7 (5), June 1984 SCOPUS GENERAL REVIEW Nineteen eighty-three was especially noteworthy for the best supply of rec- ords from Uganda for at least twelve years, the result largely of the obs- ervations and travels of J.S.Ash. In Kenya, the small band of local contrib- utors provided coverage mainly of coastal, central and southwestern areas, whiist in Tanzania, resident observers were again active around Arusha, Dar- es Salaam and Mufindi. Two species, Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittata and Wedge-tailed Shear- water Puffinus pacificus, were added to the East African list during the year. Both were seen close inshore off Ras Ngomeni, north of Malindi. Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes was also new to Kenya, whilst Common Tern Sterna hirundo and Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur were new to Uganda. Also worthy of special mention were occurrences of Turtle Dove, Dunlin Calidris alpina, Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus and Nubian Shrike Lanius nubicus in inland Kenya and White-tailed Tropicbirds Phaethon lepturus and Black- browed Albatrosses Diomedea melanophris off the Kenya coast. A male Streaky- breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi obtained at night at Mufindi was the first proper record for Tanzania, while Sun Larks Galerida modesta found in extreme northwest Uganda were the first to be recorded in East Africa for a great many years. In Kenya, the year began with lakes and swamps full and most bushland and grassland areas exceptionally green after the heavy rain of late 1982. Flood- ing in the lower Tana valley resulted in unusually timed breeding in the Garsen heronry. However, these wet conditions attracted few Palaearctic ducks in traditional highland wintering areas, and in the rift valley, habitat Suitable for migrant waders was limited. Hot, dry weather prevailed, broken only by one rainy week in mid February, until early April, and most of the lower areas of the country became dry and parched. The long rains did not begin in central and eastern areas until mid April, and these were generally rather poor. In these dry conditions a heavy northward passerine migration, featuring Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus and Red-backed Shrikes Lan- ius collurio in particular, was observed at Nakuru, Naivasha, Baringo and Nairobi over the first three weeks of April. Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni, unusually common in the Nairobi-Kajiado-Sultan Hamud grasslands from late February, reached peak numbers in early to mid April when they were accomp- anied by small numbers of Eastern Red-footed Falcons Falco amurensis. Scopus 7: 105-106, June 1984 106 East African Bird Report 1983 Otherwise, however, little northward raptor migration was recorded. On the coast, there was a conspicuous movement of Eurasian Cuckoos Cuculus canorus, with accompanying Lesser Cuckoos C. poliocephalus and Black and White Cuckoos Clamator jacobinus, during mid to late April. Quite heavy rains were experi- enced here between late April and August, and after further flooding from the river, the Garsen heronry was active again in June. Inland, many areas had become dry by August, and exceedingly so by October. After little inflow during April - August, the rift valley lakes were reced- ing later in the year. Extensive muddy edges at Nakuru attracted thousands of Grey-headed Gulls Larus cirrocephalus, amongst which appeared Black-headed Gulls L. ridibundus and a few Slender-billed Gulls L.genei. Here, too, Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor numbers increased to hundreds of thousands, with much display activity, and large packs of Shovelers Anas clypeata appear- ed at the end of the year. Passerine passage was already well under way in central and eastern areas when the short rains broke rather belatedly during mid to late November. These rains were patchy and of short duration, but much of the country received a further week of rain in late December. The clear weather of late October and early November resulted in fewer than usual sightings of migrating falcons and eagles. However, flocks of Eastern Red- footed Falcons were again encountered in the Taita Hills/Tsavo N.P. (E) area during storms later in November, and hundreds of Aqulia spp., mostly Steppe Eagles A. nipalensis, were found in the Mara feeding on termites during the late December wet spell. We are grateful to contributors for the response to our request for records to be sent within two months of the end of the year. As a result it has been possible to produce this report in good time. Any acceptable records receiv- ed late will, of course, appear in the Back Records section of the 1984 report. We have introduced one change this year. Previous reports have included an annual summary of material received during the year by the EANHS Nest Record Scheme. We now feel, however, that reports of this scheme, with their recently expanded format, should be produced at appropriate intervals as separate Society publications, as has always been the case with the Ringing Report. The omission of a nest records section from this report has allowed us space to expand some of the species accounts, and give editorial comments where appropriate. In future reports we shall publish consolidated summaries of records of selected species. Those to which we shall pay special attent- ion during 1984/85 are listed at the end of the Species Report. We would be grateful if contributors could send us all records of these species for 1984. The adjudication of all records in this and previous East African Bird Re- ports has been the responsibility of Kenya-based members of the Sub-Committee. It has become clear, however, that the authority of future reports would be enhanced by the establishment of a broader-based Rarities Committee including members based outside East Africa. We hope that such a committee will be set up by July 1984. We intend to refer to it all records of species new to any of the East African countries, all sight records of S(A) species and any other important records whose acceptance or rejection poses a problem. Con- tributors are again reminded that records of scarce species, or of substantial range extensions, must be accompanied by appropriate supporting details. For S(A) species which cannot be caught or photographed, corroboration should be sought whenever possible from a second independent observer. D.J. Pearson, Chairman, Ornithological Sub-Committee, E.A.N.H.S. East African Bird Report 1983 107 SPECIES REPORT This report covers the three countries Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Records are included under one or more categories, indicated by code letters as follows: S(A): SCARCE species in category A (five or fewer previous records from East Africa); all records of such species are published. S(B):; SCARCE species in category B (six to 25 previous records from East Africa); all records of such species are published. R: Species of interest whose status in East Africa requires clarifi- cation, and for which ALL records are REQUESTED. Records may be listed or summarized in full each year, or reviewed after several years. E: Records showing an EXTENSION of range, or from areas where the species is decidedly uncommon to scarce. N: Records included for their NUMERICAL interest, either of partic- ularly large numbers or of careful counts. D: Records of migrants where DATES are of interest. B: Records of BREEDING interest, from new or unusual areas or in- volving interesting numerical elements. M: Records of MISCELLANEOUS interest. Records of Afrotropical and Oceanic species were collated by D.A. Turner, and those of Palaearctic species by D.J. Pearson. AFROTROPICAL AND OCEANIC SPECIES PODICIPEDIDAE: Grebes Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe R: 30+ L. Bogoria, 1 May; 2 L. Nak- uru, 11-12 Aug; 20 L. Naivasha, 21 Aug; 3 L. Nakuru, 26 Dec (DAT, DEW, JM). In Tanzania: 8 Arusha NP, 25 Oct (AJB) and a few L. Masek (Serengeti), 27 Oct (DAT). Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe M: Several at Magadi, 20 Feb (DKR) on newly formed soda pool after a few days of rain; unusual in this environ- ment. Also 1 netted at night, hot springs at southern end of L. Magadi, 14 May (DJP et al.). DIOMEDEIDAE: Albatrosses Diomedea melanophris Black-browed Albatross S(A): immatures in Pemba Channel off Shimoni, 12 Sep and 10 Oct (PH, MH). Details recorded exclude all other possibilities except immature Grey-headed Albatross D.chrysostoma which, however, rarely occurs north of 35S. PROCELLARIIDAE: Petrels, shearwaters Pachyptila vittata Broad-billed Prion S(A): 1 off Ras Ngomeni, 10 Sep (MACC, DJP). The third record of a prion off the East African coast but the first to have been identified to species - see Scopus 8: 43-44. Puffinus lherminieri Audubon's Shearwater S(B): 100+ off Ras Ngomeni, 18 Jun (MACC, DJP), and a few off Watamu, 29-30 Dec (DAT). Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater S(A): 2 Ras Ngomeni, 23 Apr (MACC, 108 East African Bird Report 1983 DJP) and 1 off Watamu, 30 Dec (DAT). The first definite records for East Africa - see Scopus 8: 24. Puffinus sp. a shearwater off Shimoni, 15 Sep was thought to have been a Wedge- tailed P. pacificus (PH, MH). HYDROBATIDAE: Storm Petrels Oceanites oceanicus Wilson's Storm Petrel S(B): 1 off Watamu, 26 Dec (DAT). PHAETHONTIDAE: Tropicbirds Phaethon lepturus White-tailed Tropicbird S(B): single adults off Shimoni, 6 and 14 Sep (PH, MH) and at Malindi, 11 Nov (MP). SULIDAE: Boobies Sula dactylatra Masked Booby R: several hundreds, including immatures, at Latham Is, off Dar es Salaam, 16 Dec (NEB). ANHINGIDAE: Darters Anhinga rufa Darter B: many nests at Garsen, 12 Jan and 19 Jun (MACC, DJP). FREGATIDAE: Frigatebirds Fregata sp. an immature off Ras Ngomeni, 23 Apr (MACC, DJP). ARDEIDAE: Herons, bitterns, egrets Ixobrychus minutus payesii Little Bittern R: ones and twos of the African race recorded in Kenya at Athi River (4 May), L. Baringo (May - early Oct), Ngo- meni (Sep) and near Siaport, Busia District (Sep) (MACC, JHF, MK, TS, DEW). In Tanzania singles recorded at Mbarali Rice Scheme, Bahi and Dodoma during Mar (JSSB) . Ixobrychus sturmii Dwarf Bittern R: in Tanzania singles at Seronera River, 22 Feb (PCL) and Mbarali Rice Scheme, 15 Dec (EMB). In Uganda singles on the Bokora Plain (Lango), 18 Jun, near Kitgum, 25 Jun and at Kibimba, 21 Jul (JSA). Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B: 750+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan (MACC, DJP). 50+ at Kapiri, Teso, Uganda on 11 Nov was an unusual concentration, poss- ibly indicating breeding in the area (JSA). Ardeola idae Madagascar Squacco Heron R: singles Nairobi NP, 17 Jul and 4 Sep, and at Athi River, 24 Sep, up to 4 Thika OPs, 26 May - 16 Oct, 2 Limuru, 25 Sep, 2 Lake Nakuru during Aug; in Tanzania, 2 at Dar es Salaam, 3 Jul (NEB, PCF, DJP, MES, DAT, DEW). Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B: 450+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan and 100+ there, 19 Jun (MACC, DJP). Ardeola rufiventris Rufous-bellied Heron R: 3-6 on a small lake near Siaport (Busia), 25 May (FRL, GKR) and 1 there, 21 Sep (JHF, MK). 1 near Thika, 3 Jul (FRL, PBT) and 1 in the northwestern corner of Mara GR, 19 Aug (DEW). In Uganda, 1 near Nakasongola, 13 Oct and 1 near Kinoni (Ankole), 14 Dec (JSA). In Tanzania, 1 Upper Ruvu Valley, 14 Jul and 2 Bagamoyo, 23 Jul are the first recent records from the coast region. Further south notable con- centrations were 80+ Mbarali Rice Scheme and 50+ Usangu Flats, both on 12 Mar (JSSB). Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret B: 1400+ nests, Garsen, 19 Jun (MACC, DJP). Egretta alba Great White Egret B: 200+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan (MACC, DJP). Egretta ardesiaca Black Heron R, B: resident at Gazi with max. of 30 on 9 Apr (MACC), singles Amboseli, 7 May, Lake Nakuru, 19 Mar, and Lake Naivasha, 21 Aug (JHF, DKR, DEW). A few nesting at Garsen, 12 Jan and 19 Jun (MACC, DJP). East African Bird Report 1983 109 In Tanzania, up to 100 on the Usangu Flats, Feb-Mar, and several at Dodoma, 18 Mar (JSSB). Egretta gularis African Reef Heron R: dark phase at Ngomeni, 23 Apr (MACC, DJP), and pale birds at Lake Nakuru, Jan-Mar and Nov (DKR, DAT), Lake Baringo 13-15 Jan (TS) and Mida Creek, where there were two on 26 Nov (MACC, DJP). Egretta intermedia Yellow-billed Egret B: 1500+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan and 400+ there on 19 Jun (MACC, DJP). CICONIIDAE: Storks Anastomus lamelligerus Open-billed Stork B: 200+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan anda few 19 Jun (MACC, DJP). E: 1 Nairobi NP, 13 Mar was unusual there (DKR). Ciconia abdimii Abdim's Stork D, N: recorded in Kenya to 27 Apr and from 5 Nov. Largest flocks in Uganda were 750 at Kibimba, 20 Feb and 100 Entebbe, 5 Mar follo d by 5000+ near Soroti, 11 Nov, 1600 Serere (Teso) on 17 Nov and hundred: in the Entebbe area, late Nov (JSA). In Kenya the largest concentration was 900 at Amboseli on 27 Feb (MEJG). As a passage migrant this species is regular in large flocks in Uganda during Nov and late Feb to early Mar. Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked Stork E: in inland Kenya up to 7 in Nairobi NP Mar to Apr and Jun to Oct, 4 Samburu GR, 24 Jun and 6 Mara GR, 27 Dec (DKR, DEW). In Uganda, scattered records from Kidepo, Kabalega Falls NP, Entebbe, Kibimba, Ankole and Masaka (JSA). THRESKIORNITHIDAE: Ibises, spoonbills Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis B: 50+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan (MACC, DJP). Threskiornis aethiopica Sacred Ibis B: several nests in borassus palms, Bu- tiaba, Uganda, 12 Oct (JSA). Platalea alba African Spoonbill B: 100+ nests, Garsen, 12 Jan (MACC, DJP). PHOENICOPTERIDAE: Flamingos Phoeniconaias minor Lesser Flamingo E: single immature at Mufindi, southern Tanzania, 9 Nov (EMB). ANATIDAE: Ducks, geese Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck N: 2500 Tana Bridge, 5 Feb and 1250 there on 3 Aug (DJP, DEW). 1500 Ahero Rice Scheme, 11 Feb (DJP). Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling Duck N: 2500 Tana Bridge, 3 Aug and 2000 there on 6 Oct (DJP, AEB, DEW). Anas sparsa African Black Duck E: 2 wanderers on the Tiva River, Tsavo East NP in mid Jun (JSSB). Netta erythrophthalma Southern Pochard N: 2000+ on a pool at the south end of Lake Nakuru, 8 Oct (DJP). 260+ Lake Ngwazi, Mufindi area, southern Tanzania on 9 Dec (NEB). Nettapus auritus African Pygmy Goose R: 12 on Ngogoni Dam, Gazi, 19 Mar (MACC), 2 on a roadside pool beside the Mombasa - Kilifi road, 7 Jul and 2 at Malindi Golf Course pools, 10 Jul (MK, GKR et al.). 1 adult with 3 immatures Lake Baringo, 5 May, and with 2 immatures up to 17 May (ADL, TS). In Tanzania, several Usangu Flats, 13 Mar (JSSB) and 18 on Kihanga Dan, Mufindi District, 4 Nov (AJB, EMB). Plectopterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose N: 400+ Mbarali Rice Scheme, southern Tanzania, 1 Aug (AJB). 110 East African Bird Report 1983 Sarkidiornis melanotos Knob-billed Duck N: 700 Tana Bridge, 5 Feb (DJP) but only 50+ there on 3 Aug (DEW), 700+ Ahero Rice Scheme, 11 Feb (DJP). In Tanzania, 150+ at Mbarali Rice Scheme on 1 Aug (AJB). Thalassornis leuconotus White-backed Duck M: now appears to be absent from Lake Jipe, possibly due to over silting (DAT). SAGITTARIIDAE: Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius Secretary Bird E: 1 Ruaha NP, southern Tanzania, 3 Jul, and up to four recorded there on several occasions Jul to early Sep (AJB, EMB) . The first records from Ruaha NP. ACCIPITRIDAE: Birds of Prey Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeyer R: 1 Kibichbich, Cheranganis, 9 Aug (JHF). Accipiter minullus Little Sparrowhawk R: records received from several ob- servers from Malindi (Aug), Sokoke Forest (Dec), Kapedo (Oct, Nov), near Kisoro, Uganda (Dec), near Arusha (Jan to Apr), Mbarali (Mar), Kilosa (Apr) and Mufindi (several months). Aquila verreauxi Verreaux's Eagle R: 1 some 30km S of Kondoa, Tanzania, 26 Apr (JSSB). (Kenya sites not listed.) Aquila wahlbergi Wahlberg's Eagle N: a total of 376 observed flying south in 1h from 11:45, at Pakuba, Kabalega Falls NP, 5 Aug (JSA). Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard R: singles Meru NP, 5 Nov (DAT) and near Ukasi (Thika - Garissa road), 21 Nov (DJP). Also several Mtito Andei/ Voi, 19 Nov (DAT) and near MacKinnon Road, 27 Nov (DJP). 6+ Kalalu Ranch (Kilifi District), 26 Nov (MACC, DJP) and 2 near Voi, 24 Dec (JHF). In Tanzania, 1 Ngorongoro, 24 Feb (PCL), 2 Mufindi, 10 Dec and 5 Iringa - Mikumi NP, 11 Dec (NEB, AJB, EMB). Buteo auguralis Red-necked Buzzard R: 1 60km north of Lira (Uganda), 14 Nov well to the east of all previous records (JSA). Hieraaetus dubius Ayres' Hawk Eagle E: in Uganda, recorded at Entebbe, 16 Oct, and 28km east of Lira, 13 Nov, the latter a quite recently fledged juvenile (JSA) . Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard E: recorded in inland Kenya at Nairobi (Jun and Sep), Athi River (Oct) and Saiwa Swamp (Jul) (ADL, PCF, DJP, DKR). Melierax metabates Dark Chanting Goshawk E: in Uganda it was found to be common from 29km NW of Moroto to Kidepo NP and extended west, probably continuously across into NW Uganda, where it was again found to be common (SSA) . Aviceda cuculoides Cuckoo Hawk R: in the Nairobi area, regular at Lavington, Jun to Sep (PCF). Adult with 2 immatures, Masai Lodge, 21 Jul (JHF) and singles recorded at Olulua during Aug and Sep (DKR). At the coast, 3 in Murafa Forest, N of the Sabaki River, 21 Jun (MACC, DJP) and i at Malindi, 12 Sep (TS) and 1 at Mariakani, 18 Aug (DAT). In the Masai Mara, 1 on 6 Sep (MK et al.). In Tanzania, several Mikumi NP, Jun and Jul and several in the Arusha area, Apr and May (NEB, EMB, AJB, JSSB). Chelictinia riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite R: recorded at the Kedong Valley site in several months, and a pair found breeding there in Sep and Oct (see Scopus 8: 25-26). Elsewhere, 1 Dida Galgalla desert, 20 May (FRL, GKR), 2 Lokichoggio, 11 Jun (PS) and two over wheatfields, Timau, 24 Oct (DAT) . East African Bird Report 1983 ital Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk R: several records from Lake Baringo, Jan, May and Oct, Tsavo East NP, Jan, Lake Nakuru, May, Diani, Mar, Shimba Hills, May, Gede, Jul, Malindi, Jul and Aug and Morogoro (Tanzania), Jun. FALCONIDAE: Falcons Falco alopex Fox Kestrel R: singles at Kakuma, 13 Feb (PS), around Kapedo in May and on 14 Jul and at Lokichoggio, 7 Sep (JHj). Falco chiquera Red-necked Falcon E: singles near Kapedo, 12 Jul (JHj) and near Kilosa, Tanzania, 7 May (JSSB). Falco cuvieri African Hobby E: Tanzania records from the Pugu Hills (Jan), Arusha area (Mar and Apr), Makuyuni (Jun), Dar es Salaam (Sep), Mufindi (Nov) and Njombe (Nov). _ Falco dickinsoni Dickinson's Kestrel E: 1 Nairobi NP, 17-18 Aug (WR) - photo- graphs supplied. This is only the third record for Kenya. Falco rupicoloides White-eyed Kestrel E, N: 40+ northern Dida Galgalla desert, 20 May (FRL, GKR). Polihierax semitorquatus Pygmy Falcon E: a female at Igawa, southern Tanzania, 1 Aug (AJB). PHASIANIDAE: Quails, francolins Coturnix chinensis Blue Quail R: a pair near Uleppi (West Nile, Uganda), 7 Aug (JSA). Coturnix coturnix erlangeri Quail E, M: a bird of this race caught at night inside Ngulia Lodge was the first of this species to be recorded there (GCB, AMF-W, DJP, JHF). Francolinus jacksoni Jackson's Francolin E: 1 at 3300m on Mt Elgon, 8 Feb (DJP). There appear to be only two previous records from Mt Elgon. Francolinus levaillantii Red-winged Francolin R: 2 recorded from Mufindi grass- lands, southern Tanzania, 6 Aug (AJB). Ptilopachus petrosus Stone Partridge R: 4 at Kongelai, 18 Jul (ADL, PCF) and many calling on the Losiolo escarpment, north of Maralal, 17 Oct (FA). NUMIDIDAE: Guineafowls Guttera edouardi Crested Guineafowl E: 7-8 Kabarnet Forest, 19 May (ADL, TS). Guttera pucherani Kenya Crested Guineafowl E: several groups (max. 14 birds) Mwanihana Forest, southern Tanzania, 9-12 Jul (AJB). TURNICIDAE: Button Quails Turnix sylvatica Button Quail M: 1 on soda flats at Lake Magadi, 16 Dec (DJP). E: widespread in Uganda in Kidepo, Kabelega Falls NP and Rwenzori NP and near Soroti and Kampala. Also 2 at Rom (northern Karamoja) 24 Jun, 1 at Adwari (Lango), 13 Nov and 3 Chepsekunia (Sebei), 21 Nov (JSA). RALLIDAE: Rails, crakes Crex egregia African Crake R: 1 near the Tiva River, Tsavo East NP, mid Jan (JSSB), 1 Malindi Golf Course, 9 Jul (MK, GA, JB). In Tanzania, several on the Usangu Flats Feb and Mar, a few Dodoma swamps, Mar, around Shinyanga in late Apr, several on the Mkata Plains, Kilosa area in early May (JSSB). 2 at night in mist at Mufindi, 12 and 15 May and 1 at Mbarali Rice Scheme 15 Dec (EMB). In Uganda, 1 Rwenzori NP, 9 May, 1 near Ngora (Teso) 17 Jun, i Kidepo NP 20 Jun and 13 there on 23 Jun; no less than 68 along 54km of 112 East African Bird Report 1983 road to the south of Lake Albert, 17 Aug; 1 at Entebbe, 27 Dec (all JSA). Gallinula angulata Lesser Moorhen E: 1 in seasonal swamp near Kapedo, 4 Sep (SH!) = ME: 1 grounded in mist at Mufindi, southern Tanzania, 13 May (EMB). In Uganda, 1 Kajanse near Kampala, 13 Mar, 12+ at Kibimba 16 Jun and 2 there on 4 Jul, common at 18km NE of Soroti, 18 Jun, 1 Kidepo NP, 23 Jun, 1 near Kitgum, 23 Jun, 1 Okole (Lango), 26 Jun, several near Bar (Lango), 27 Jun and 2 at Tiriri (Teso), 27 Jun (all JSA). This concentration of Uganda records between 16 Jun and 4 Jul is particu- larly interesting as there were only two previous Uganda sites. Porphyrio alleni Allen's Gallinule R (away from the Kenya coast): occurred seasonally at Lake Baringo as usual with 20+ Mar to May and 80+ Jun to Sep (TS), 2 on a small pool near Siaport (Busia) 21 Sep (MK, GA, JB). In Tanzania, several in swamps and rice paddies Usangu Flats, 11-12 Mar (JSSB). In Uganda, recorded 16 Jun to 4 Jul as follows: 20+ Kibimba 16 Jun and 2 there on 4 Jul, 1 near Ngora (Teso) 17 Jun, common 18km N of Soroti 18 Jun, several Kidepo NP 22 Jun, several near Bar (Lango) 27 Jun, 2 Walisa (Teso) 2 Jul (all JSA). Porzana marginalis Striped Crake R: 1 Kimondi Swamp near Kapsabet 1 May (LS). Rallus caerulescens African Water Rail E: in Uganda, 1 in Kidepo NP on 23 Jun represented a considerable extension of known range (JSA). Sarothrura boehmi Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake S(B): a male caught at night on 5 May at Mufindi, southern Tanzania, is now in the British Museum, Tring (NEB, EMB) and an account is in press for Scopus. The first definite record for Tanzania Sarothrura rufa Red-chested Pygmy Crake R: present at Tengeru near Arusha between Jan and May (JSSB). OTIDIDAE: Bustards Neotis denhami Denham's Bustard E (Kenya and Tanzania records): 5 or mere resident in the Aitong area of the Mara GR, with male displaying in Nov (TS, DAT). A pair displaying at Mugie, Laikipia plateau 4-5 May with srall num- bers resident there at least from May to Sep (TS), 1 in wheatfields near. Timau 5 Aug (DEW). In Tanzania, 2 near Mtera Dam 18 Mar (JSSB) and a pair in the Serengeti NP in Oct (DAT). JACANIDAE: Jacanas Microparra capensis Lesser Jacana E: fairly common resident at Lake Ngwasi, Mufindi, southern Tanzania with 20+ there on 24 Jul (AJB, EMB). ROSTRATULIDAE: Painted Snipes Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe R: records from the Tiva River, Tsavo East NP (Jan), Amboseli NP (Feb), Lake Baringo (Mar, Jul, Aug), Marich Pass (Mar) and Mwea Rice Scheme (Jul). In Tanzania, recorded at Ilonga near Kilosa (Oct) and from the Mbarali Rice Scheme (Oct). CHARADRIIDAE: Plovers Vanellus crassirostris Long-toed Plover E: several on the Usangu Flats, south- ern Tanzania during Mar (JSSB). Vanellus lugubris Senegal Plover E: 50+ Meru NP in early Nov (DAT). B: pair with 2 young about 14d old at Entebbe 4 Sep and another pair there also with 2 young (3 to 4 weeks old) 27 Nov (JSA). Pair in distraction display at Nabugabo (Masaka) 21 and 22 Oct may also have had young (all JSA). East African Bird Report 1983 ia) 3! Vanellus melanopterus Black-winged Plover E: 100+ Mara GR, 24-27 Dec (DKR). DROMADIDAE: Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Crab Plover M: flock of about 30 flying off Shimoni towards Pemba Island, 18 Oct (PH, MH). GLAREOLIDAE: Coursers, pratincoles Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Violet-tipped Courser R: 1 Kondoa, Tanzania, 1 Mar (JSSB) . Glareola ocularis Madagascar Pratincole N, D: 2500+ Sabaki River mouth, 22 Apr (MACC, DJP). LARIDAE: Gulls, terns Larus hemprichii Sooty Gull D: recorded in the Diani - Galu area of the south Kenya coast up to 22 May and from 28 Sep, but odd birds still present at Ras Ngomeni (north coast), 19 Jun (MACC). Anous stolidus Common Noddy R: 5-6 off Shimoni 27 Aug (MACC, DJP, TS, DAT), 1 Galu beach 24 Nov (MACC) and 3-4 off Watamu 30 Dec (DAT). In Tanzania, several thousands (presumed breeding) Latham Island 16 Dec (NEB). Anous tenuirostris Lesser Noddy S(B): 2-3 off Shimoni 27 Aug and 7+ off Mal- indi 11 Sep (MACC, DJP, TS). Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B: 7 or more pairs bred Lari swamp, Lim- uru, late Jan - Feb, with some chicks reared (DJP), while near Eldoret 10 or more pairs bred Oct - Nov (LS). Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern R: 6-7 off Shimoni 27 Aug, 30+ off Malindi i11 Sep and 2 off Watamu 30 Dec (MACC, DJP, TS, DAT) were the only records received. Sterna bergii Crested Tern N: max. count 70 at Ras Ngomeni 23 Apr (MACC, DJP). Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern N: 20 Ras Ngomeni 18-19 Jun, 350 Galu in breed- ing plumage 3 Jul, 200 in breeding plumage at Kilifi 16 Aug, 20+ off Shim- oni 27 Aug and about 50 off Malindi 11 Sep (MACC, DJP, TS, DAT). B: several hundred pairs bred on Whale Island off Mida Creek during Jul and Aug (DAT). Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern R: 2-3 Ras Ngomeni 18 Jun, 100+ off Malindi 11 Sep and 3 off Watamu 30 Dec were the only Kenya records (MACC, DJP, TS, DAT). In Tanzania, a few thousands (presumed breeding) at Latham Island 16 Dec (NEB) . Sterna repressa White-cheeked Tern R: hundreds at Ras Ngomeni 23 Apr with many in full or partial breeding plumage (MACC, DJP) and 200 Galu (south coast) in partial breeding plumage 22 May and 100 there on 3 Jul (MACC). Other records received were: 10 Ras Ngomeni 18-19 Jun, ones and twos along the south coast 16-20 Aug, 1 off Shimoni 27 Aug, 6 off Malindi 11 Sep, 4-5 Malindi fish harbour 23 Nov, 1 off Watamu 30 Dec (MACC, DJP, TS, DAT). RYNCHOPIDAE: Skimmers Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer R: 8-10 Sabaki River mouth from mid Jul to mid Aug (MK et al.) but only 2 there by 26 Nov (MACC). Singles Lake Jipe Aug to Nov (DAT) and Athi River 24 Sep (DJP); about 20 Lake Baringo mid Mar (TS) and 700+ Ferguson's Gulf, Lake Turkana, late Oct (TS). In Tanzania, 15+ Ruaha NP from Jun to Sep (AJB). In Uganda, about 120 Lake George i1 May (JSA). 114 East African Bird Report 1983 COLUMBIDAE: Pigeons, doves Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon N: 300+ Wilson Airport, Nairobi, 27 Apr (DKR). Columba unicincta Afep Pigeon R: fairly common Kibale Forest, Uganda, during May (JSA). Streptopelia vinacea Vinaceous Dove R: recorded in Uganda south to the Hoima, Nakasongola and Soroti areas (JSA). Treron waalia Bruce's Green Pigeon R: in northern Uganda fairly common in the Kabalega Falls NP and around Moyo (West Nile) during Aug. One about 30km S of Kitgum 25 Jun, 2 to the south of Arua 7 Aug, and recorded in several localities in south Acholi during Nov. Some overlap with the Green Pigeon T. australis at 2-3N in the west (all records: JSA). PSITTACIDAE: Parrots, lovebirds Psittacus erithacus Grey Parrot E: flock of 14 over Yala River in non-forest habitat 12 Nov (DAT). CUCULIDAE: Cuckoos, coucals Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo R: several records from Meru NP (Apr), Naivasha (May), Lake Baringo (Apr to Jun and a few Oct and Nov), Nairobi (Apr). In Uganda, at Chepsekunia (Sebei) during Nov and near Mbarara (Dec). Clamator jacobinus Black and White Cuckoo R: records from Bissel (late Mar), Nairobi, Amboseli and coast (Apr) and Nakuru (early May) and in Tsavo and along the Mwingi - Garissa road (late Nov - Dec) were all of birds with white underparts. All-black birds were seen at Meru NP 3 Apr and near Loi- tokitok 14 May (DJP, DAT). Two different birds at Naivasha 8 May were dusky below (presumed serratus) (DJP). In Tanzania a few were present in Mikumi NP 29 Apr and 1 May (NEB). Clamator levaillantii Levaillant's Cuckoo R: singles Tsavo East NP mid Jan, Langata (Nairobi) 22 Apr, Kongelai 18 Jul, Kakamega 13 Sep and Machakos 27 Nov (JSSB, PCF, JHF, MK, GA, JB, LB, ADL). In Tanzania, singles at Usangu Flats in Feb and Mar and at Dodoma 18 Mar (JSSB) . Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo R: Kenya records from Kakamega (Feb, Sep), Bissel (Mar), Tsavo West NP (Mar), Kongelai (Jul), Kapedo - Loruk (Sep, Oct), Lake Baringo (Oct), Mwingi - Ukasi (Nov, Dec) and Mara GR (Dec). In Tanzania heard near Kilosa in Nov (PJM). Widely distributed in Uganda in the west and southwest, also near Lake Victoria, but also recorded near Kit- gum 25 Jan, near Karuma Falls (Lango) 26 Jun, near Bar (Lango) 27 Jun and near Gulu 11 Aug (JSA). Cuculus gularis African Cuckoo R: in Kenya, records from Kajiado and Bissel in Mar, Marigat and Lake Baringo in Aug, Kapedo - Loruk from Sep to Nov, Garissa in Nov (a juvenile) and from MacKinnon Road, also in Nov (PCF, JHj, DJP, DEW). In Tanzania, a few in the Kilosa area 1 to 10 May (JSSB) and singles at Mufindi 15 Mar and 14 Nov (AJB) and Njombe 7 Nov (EMB). In Uganda, 1 near Tororo 24 Apr and a pair calling and displaying near Mbarara 12 Dec (JSA). Cuculus poliocephalus Lesser Cuckoo R: a male in Acacia woodland at Lake Nakuru on 2 May was in generally worn plumage and was therefore assumed to have been of the Madagascar race rochii (DJP). Centropus grillii Black Coucal R: 1 in breeding plumage Meru NP 3 Aug (DAT) was unusual in the middle of the dry season. In Tanzania, several in breed- ing plumage Serengeti Feb (PCL), and 1 Morogoro 13 Mar (AJB). East African Bird Report 1983 1S Centropus senegalensis Senegal Coucal E: present Mbarali Rice Scheme, southern Tanzania 31 Mar and a pair near Ruaha NP HQ on 24 Dec (PJM). TYTONIDAE: Barn Owls Tyto capensis Cape Grass Owl R: a pair breeding near Ol Donyo Sabuk during Feb (PED). In Tanzania, 1 near Makambako 26 Nov (NEB, EMB). STRIGIDAE: Owls Otus ireneae Sokoke Scops Owl R: common in suitable habitat in Sokoke Forest, with as many as 9 birds/km*? in some parts. Total Sokoke population thought possibly to exceed 1000 pairs (UEA-ICBP Exped.) . Otus leucotis White-faced Scops Owl R: pair Meru NP 2-3 Aug (DAT), 1 dead on road 35km N of the Marich Pass 14 Jan (PS). In Tanzania, a single bird at Dar es Salaam 24 Jun (NEB). _ Scotopelia peli Pel's Fishing Owl R: 1 observed near Bushwhackers Camp on the Athi River, 18 Jul (SH, DS). CAPRIMULGIDAE: Nightjars Caprimulgus fraenatus Dusky Nightjar R: records from the Laikipia plateau (May), Nairobi NP (Oct - road-kill) and Ngulia (early Dec) (GCB, AS, TS). Caprimulgus inornatus Plain Nightjar R: 2 caught in early Dec at Ngulia (GCB). In Uganda, 1 30km NW of Moroto 20 June (dead) and 1 Lutembo, Kampala, LOR Gal (SSA)... Caprimulgus nubicus Nubian Nightjar R: 3 caught at Ngulia in early Dec (GCB). Macrodipteryx vexillarius Pennant-winged Nightjar R: 1 near Kapedo 1 Sep (JHj). APODIDAE: Swifts Apus aequatorialis Mottled Swift N: flock of 75+ drinking from roadside pool near Marigat 7 Aug (DAT). Apus melba Alpine Swift E: in Tanzania, 7+ Mbarali Rice Scheme 1 Aug (AJB). In the Mufindi area 25+ on 30 Sep and 30+ on 4 Oct were the first records from this locality (EMB, AJB). Apus horus Horus Swift E: in Uganda, many at Mweya, Rwenzori NP 9-10 May (JSA). COLIIDAE: Mousebirds Colius leucocephalus White-headed Mousebird E: small party near the Tiva River, Tsavo East NP, mid Jan (JSSB). TROGONIDAE: Trogons Apaloderma narina Narina's Trogon E: recorded at two sites in the Mara GR in Aug (DAT). ALCEDINIDAE: Kingfishers Halcyon albiventris Brown-hooded Kingfisher E: a pair beside the Tana Bridge on 1 Nov (DAT). MEROPIDAE: Bee-eaters Merops bulocki Red-throated Bee-eater E: a single bird at Ntoroko at the south end of Lake Albert (Uganda) on 17 Aug and 2 more 28km further south were all well south of the species' known range (JSA). B: 200 at nest holes at Chobe, Kabalega Falls NP 13 Aug (JSA). Merops hirundineus Swallow-tailed Bee-eater E: 1 Adwari (Lango, Uganda) on 13 Nov was well south of its known range (JSA). Merops nubicus Carmine Bee-eater E: 1 at Mtito Andei on 11 Nov and 2 there on 26 Nov (DJP, JHF, DAT). 116 East African Bird Report 1983 CORACIIDAE: Rollers Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller E: 1 at Lake Baringo 28 Sep to 9 Oct (TS). In Tanzania, 1 at Mufindi on 12 Oct, a first record for the area, may have been a migrant en route to Madagascar (EMB). PHOENICULIDAE: Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculus minor Abyssinian Scimitarbill E: a pair Usangu Flats, southern Tan- zania mid Feb (JSSB). In Uganda, 1 10km E of Chepsekunia (Sebei) 21 Nov extends the species' range southwards in eastern Uganda (JSA). BUCEROTIDAE: Hornbills ¢ Bycanistes bucinator Trumpeter Hornbill E: 2 in the Ruvu Valley, coastal Tan- zania 23 Jul (NEB). Tockus hemprichii Hemprich's Hornbill R: 1 Kimwarei, W of the Kerio Valley, 11 Aug (JHF). Bucorvus abyssinicus Abyssinian Ground Hornbill R: a pair near Marigat 30 Apr (DAT) and 20 May (ADL, TS). Resident along the Ndau River (TS), also be- tween Nginyang and Kapedo (JHj) and several sightings N of the Marich Pass (PS). CAPITONIDAE: Barbets Buccanodon whytii Whyte's Barbet R: a pair feeding young near Mufindi, south- ern Tanzania 26 Nov (AJB, EMB). The race involved was presumably terminatum, only once previously recorded in Tanzania. INDICATORIDAE: Honeyguides Indicator variegatus Scaly-throated Honeyguide E: i Pugu Hills forest near Dar es Salaam 20 Nov (NEB). Prodotiscus regulus Wahlberg's Honeybird E: 2 in Mikumi NP 24 Jul (NEB) were the first records for the park. PICIDAE: Woodpeckers, wrynecks Jynx ruficollis Red-throated Wryneck R: apart from several records in the Kenya highlands, the following have been received: 1 Mara GR 18 Aug (DEW) and 1 30km N of Bushenyi (Ankole, Uganda) 17 May (JSA). Picoides obsoletus Brown-backed Woodpecker R: present in most months Ololua Forest, Nairobi (DKR) but no other Kenya records received. In Uganda, i near Bar (Lango) 27 Jun (JSA). EURYLAIMIDAE: Broadbills Smithornis capensis African Broadbill R: pair with nest near Kiganjo Jan (DAT) and 1 Sokoke Forest 25 Aug (UEA-ICBP Exped.). Heard in Kakamega Forest Jun, Aug, Sep and Dec with up to 5 in Jun (FRL, GKR, JHF, PEG, DEW). One heard Mrima Hill, Kenya south coast, 25 Sep and 2 there on 6 Nov (MACC, RAM). In Tanzania, resident around Lake Duluti and Arusha NP (JSSB). Recorded in Uganda 3km E of Kibimba 24 Apr and just S of Kibimba 19 Oct - new local- ities (JSA). PITTIDAE: Pittas Pitta angolensis African Pitta R: 1 Gede Forest 27 Aug (UCE-ICBP Exped.), and 1 near Shimoni on the late date of 19 Dec (TA). In Tanzania, 5 grounded at night in mist at Mufindi 5 May (EMB). ALAUDIDAE: Larks Galerida modesta Sun Lark S(A): records from West Nile District, Uganda, were: as follows: 3 10km NE of Yumbe 8 Aug, 2 30km NE of Omugo 8 Aug, 2 7km §S East African Bird Report 1983 157, of Laropi 10 Aug (all JSA). First Uganda (and East Africa) records for many years. Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush Lark M: 1 caught at night in mist at Ngulia 7 Dec (GCB). Mirafra hypermetra Red-winged Bush Lark E: 2 near Chepsekunia (Sebei) 21 Nov, thus extending its range southwards in eastern Uganda (JSA). HIRUNDINIDAE: Swallows Hirundo angolensis Angola Swallow D: present in the Mufindi area, southern Tanzania, Apr to Dec (AJB, EMB). Hirundo atrocaerulea Blue Swallow D: present in the Mufindi area from 4 Nov to 11 May (AJB, EMB). ' Hirundo semirufa Rufous-chested Swallow N: widespread in the Mara GR 18-20 Aug (DEW) . Psalidoprocne pristoptera Black Rough-wing E: 1 near sea level at Murafa, N of the Sabaki River, 21 Jun (MACC, DJP). ORIOLIDAE: Orioles Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole D: an immature at Bissel on the early date of 31 Mar (DJP, ADL). CORVIDAE: Crows, Piapiac Ptilostomus afer Piapiac E: flock of 26 at Kisumu 11 Aug (DAT, WR). Second Kenya record: the first was some 15km further west at Maseno in Apr 1971 (see EANHS Bulletin 1971: 99). REMIZIDAE: Penduline Tits Remiz musculus Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit E: a pair at Serere (Teso) on 16 Nov (JSA) extends the range south from NE Uganda. TIMALIIDAE: Babblers Turdoides hindei Hinde's Pied Babbler R: pair plus 2 fledged young at Kiri- nyaga in late Oct (DAT). Party of 5 on Potha Ranch, S of Machakos, 27 Nov (ADL) . Turdoides jardineii Arrow-marked Babbler E: small party 15km N of Mogotio on 16 May (ADL). Turdoides plebejus Brown Babbler E: 40+ Maralal area 7 Aug (DEW) and several groups along the western edge of the Laikipia plateau 8 Aug (DEW). Turdoides rubiginosus Rufous Chatterer E: 3 near Dodoma (Tanzania) 20 Mar (JSSB) . CAMPEPHAGIDAE: Cuckoo Shrikes Campephaga quiscalina Purple-throated Cuckoo Shrike E: 1 at Kabyoyon, Mt Elgon (Uganda) 10 Nov (JSA). Coracina caesia Grey Cuckoo Shrike E: 1 at Mrima Hill, south Kenya coast, 6 Nov (MACC, RAM). Coracina pectoralis White-breasted Cuckoo Shrike R: singles at Mikumi NP 26 Jun and near Njombe 7 Nov (EMB). In Uganda, 1 at Lutembe, Kampala, 25 Apr was well outside its known range (JSA). TURDIDAE: Thrushes Cercomela familiaris Red-tailed Chat E: 1 Kito Pass NW of Baringo 23 Feb (TS), 2 on the Ololoolo escarpment, northwestern Mara GR on 29 May and 18 Aug (FRL, GKR, DEW). In Uganda, 1 Rom (NE Acholi) 24 Jun and 3 Labwor (Lango) 13 Nov (JSA). 118 East African Bird Report 1983 Cercomela scotocerca Brown-tailed Rock Chat E: resident on lava flow in the Shaba GR near Archer's Post (DAT). Cercotrichas quadrivirgata Eastern Bearded Scrub Robin E: 2 near Dodoma (Tan- zania) 17 Mar (JSSB). Cossypha natalensis Red-capped Robin Chat E (away from the coast): 1 Kitovu Forest, Taveta 20 Nov (DAT) and 1 at Aruba, Tsavo East NP, 29 Dec (JM). In Tanzania, juveniles netted at Mufindi 14 Feb (EMB). Dryocichloides lowei Iringa Ground Robin R: 7 netted at Mufindi between 20 Mar and 7 May and 2 netted there 27 Dec (AJB, EMB). Monticola rufocinerea Little Rock Thrush R: 2 near Ngobit 8 Nov (DAT) and 1N of Baringo 18 May (ADL, TS). In Uganda, 1 Kapawata (Sebei) 9 Nov (JSA). Oenanthe bottae Red-breasted Wheatear R: a few Lokichoggio airstrip 6 Jul and 7 Sep (JHj). In Uganda, 2 10km W of Moroto 19 Jun and common north to Kidepo NP in Jun (JSA). Sheppardia gunningi East Coast Akalat R: a pair on the northern edge of the Shimba Hills NP 10-11 May and singles in Sokoke Forest 9 and 13 Jul and 3 and 6 Aug (FRL, GKR, UEA-ICBP Exped.) . Turdus fischeri Spotted Ground Thrush R: Gede Forest population estimated at 60-80 birds in Jul and Aug with a density of 1.5 - 2 birds/ha, however, only 3 recorded in Sokoke Forest during the same period (UEA-ICBP Exped.). Turdus litsipsirupa Groundscraper Thrush D, R: several in the Mufindi area of southern Tanzania during Nov (AJB, EMB). Turdus pelios African Thrush E: 1 15km N of Mogotio 16 May (ADL) and 1 be- tween Marigat and Kabarnet 19 May (ADL, TS). SYLVIIDAE: Warblers Apalis binotata Masked Apalis E: recorded in an area 37km NW of Kabale, and at Lake Mutanda near Kisoro in SW Uganda, 15-16 Dec (JSA). Camaroptera stierlingi Barred Wren Warbler E: in Tanzania, 2 40km N of Kondoa 1 Mar, a few near Dodoma 17 Mar and 1 Mkata plateau 5 May (JSSB). Cisticola bodessa Boran Cisticola E: 2-3 Kito Pass NW of Baringo 23 Feb (TS), a pair at Maralal 8 Aug and another on the escarpment NE of Lake Baringo 8 Aug (DEW). Cisticola nana Tiny Cisticola E: 1 Kito Pass NW of Baringo 23 Feb (TS). Drymocichla incana Red-winged Grey Warbler R: a pair with 2 dependent young 24km S of Paraa Lodge, Kabalega Falls NP, Uganda, 4 Aug (JSA). Eremomela scotops Green-capped Eremomela E: a pair feeding young 40km N of Kondoa, Tanzania, 1 Mar (JSSB). Heliolais erythroptera Red-winged Warbler R: in Tanzania, 2 pairs and a single bird in the Ilonga/Kilosa area, 1-10 May and 1 at Maguha (N of Kilosa) 2 May, (JSSB) and 1 Mremba, near Ilonga, 25-28 Dec (PJM). Parisoma lugens Brown Parisoma E: 1 Baringo 6 Aug (DAT). Phyllolais pulchella Buff-bellied Warbler E: 2 Usangu Flats, southern Tanzania 13 Mar (JSSB). Prinia leucopogon White-chinned Prinia E: present in Kabarnet Forest, 19 May (ADL, TS). East African Bird Report 119 MUSCICAPIDAE: Flycatchers Muscicapa gambagae Gambaga Flycatcher S(B): an adult with a juvenile 5km E of Garissa, and 2 other adults nearby 20 Nov (DJP). Muscicapa lendu Chapin's Flycatcher S(B): 1 Kakamega Forest 9 Aug (DAT). Myioparus plumbeus Lead-coloured Flycatcher E: a pair Baringo 6 Aug (DAT). Erannornis albicauda White-tailed Blue Flycatcher R: a pair building a nest at Karatu (Ngorongoro, Tanzania) 16 Oct (DAT). In Uganda, common in the area from 37km NW of Kabale to Kisoro, and in the Impenetrable Forest in May and Dec (JSA). MOTACILLIDAE: Wagtails, pipits, longclaws Anthus sokokensis Sokoke Pipit R, N: found commonly in Sokoke Forest with a density of about 1 pair per 2ha in an area of 35km? of Afzelia forest. Total Sokoke population thought probably to exceed 2000 pairs (UEA-ICBP Exped.) . Macronyx sharpei Sharpe's Longclaw E: a pair in highland grassland above Timau 1 Aug (DAT). MALACONOTIDAE: Bush Shrikes Laniarius barbarus Black-headed Gonolek E: 1 Baringo from 8 Aug onwards, and 2 there during mid Oct (TS). Laniarius mufumbiri Papyrus Gonolek E: in Uganda, a northerly record from Acholi at 37km S of Gulu on 26 Jun (JSA). Laniarius ruficeps Red-naped Bush Shrike R: common (20+ seen) around Ukasi on the Mwingi - Garissa road 19 Nov, with a few at the same locality, but in greener conditions, on 15 Dec (DJP). LANIIDAE: Shrikes Lanius gubernator Emin's Shrike R: 3+ Chobe (Kabalega Falls NP, Uganda) and 1 37km NW of Chobe, 12 Aug (JSA). PRIONOPIDAE: Helmet Shrikes Prionops poliolopha Grey-crested Helmet Shrike R: 1 near Narok 19 Sep (DAT) and a party of 7 in Lake Nakuru NP 23 Jun (PC-P). STURNIDAE: Starlings, oxpeckers Cinnyricinclus sharpii Sharpe's Starling R: party of 12 birds Kakamega Forest 12 and 14 Sep (JHF, MK, GA, LB) and i Tugen Hills Forest 19 May (ADL, TS). In Tanzania, a party in Arusha NP 7 Jan (JSSB). Lamprotornis chalcurus Bronze-tailed Starling R: several with Lesser Blue- eared Glossy Starlings L.chloropterus at the base of the Kongelai escarp- ment 17 Jul, and aiso several at Kodich, 18 Jul (PCF, ADL). In Uganda, 1 at Chobe (Kabalega Falls NP) 12 Aug (JSA). Speculipastor bicolor Magpie Starling R: numerous Kenya records south to the Lodwar - Kakuma area, Baringo and Tsavo East NP. Spreo shelleyi Shelley's Starling R: 30+ Meru NP 7 May (TS), small parties from Nguni (Kitui District) ea.t to Garissa, and at Kalalu Ranch (Kilifi District) during Nov (DJP), also in the Bachuma area, Tsavo East NP during Aug and Nov (DAT). Buphagus africanus Yellow-billed Oxpecker E: 1 Baringo 6 Aug (DAT). NECTARINIIDAE: Sunbirds Anthreptes pallidigaster Amani Sunbird M: fairly common in Sokoke Forest Jul 120 East African Bird Report 1983 and August (UEA-ICBP Exped.), but continued felling of Brachystegia woodland may soon seriously threaten this species here. Anthreptes platurus Pygmy Sunbird S(B): a male 40km E of Moroto, Uganda on 19 Jun (JSA). Nectarinia bifasciata Little Purple-banded Sunbird E: single males near Muhor- oro and Ntoroko (Toro, Uganda) 16-17 Aug (JSA). Nectarinia habessinica Shining Sunbird R: resident in the Kapedo area N of Baringo) Nectarinia manoensis Miombo Double-collared Sunbird R: singles at Mufindi, southern Tanzania daily during late Nov (AJB) and 1 at Lake Ngwasi 26 Nov (AJB, EMB) . Nectarinia minulla Tiny Sunbird E: 7 near Matiri (Toro, Uganda) 18 Apr near, or on the edge of Kibale Forest (JSA). Nectarinia rufipennis Rufous-winged Sunbird S(B): several pairs resident in Mwanihana Forest, southern Tanzania (AJB). Nectarinia seimundi Little Green Sunbird E: 2 at Nabugabo (Masaka, Uganda) 25 Oct, providing an interesting link between the Sango Bay population and recent Kifu records (JSA). PLOCEIDAE: Weavers etc. Anomalospiza imberbis Parasitic Weaver R: up to 6 pairs around Wilson Airport, Nairobi during Dec (FN). In Uganda, records from Kibimba area (Busoga) in Jul, from Kitgum in Jun and Olim (Teso) in Nov indicate a wider distribution than was known previously (JSA). Euplectes afer Yellow-crowned Bishop N: max. numbers at Baringo were 50+ in May (TS). B: breeding on the Usangu Flats, southern Tanzania, Dodoma and Kondoa areas during Feb and Mar (JSSB). Euplectes diadematus Fire-fronted Bishop R: plentiful and breeding along parts of the Tiva River, Tsavo East NP in mid Jan (JSSB). Ploceus golandi Clarke's Weaver R: small flocks recorded in Sokoke Forest in Aug (DAT, UEA-ICBP Exped.), and 4 birds recorded there 31 Dec (PAG). Ploceus heuglini Heuglin's Masked Weaver R: in Uganda, 6 near Katwe, Lake Edward 10 May, 1 at Paraa, Kabalega Falls NP 6 Aug, and 5 S of Ntoroko (Toro) 17 Aug (JSA). Ploceus rubiginosus Chestnut Weaver E: recorded in Uganda from near Katakwi (Teso) 18 Jun, 2 at Akoroi (Teso) 30 June, 7 near Palisa (Bukedi) 2 Jul and 6 near Chepsekunia (Sebei) 21 Nov (JSA). Ploceus spekeoides Fox's Weaver R: 1 seen 10km E of Chepsekunia (Sebei) 21 Nov (JSA). Ploceus superciliosus Compact Weaver R: small party Kakamega 12 Sep (JHF, MK, GA, JB, LB) and a pair near Port Victoria 28 May (FRL, GKR). Ploceus weynsi Weyn's Weaver R: about 50 near Bombo, Uganda, 11 Oct (JSA). Quelea erythrops Red-headed Quelea B: breeding colonies in Tanzania as follows: 1 Mwadui (Shinyanga) early Apr, 3 Mabana near Magole mid Apr, 2 near Kilosa early May and 2 near Dar es Salaam mid May (JSSB). Quelea quelea Red-billed Quelea E: huge colony in Ambatch trees at Akaroi, near Serere (Teso) 30 Jun, one of four in the area was apparently the first East African Bird Report 1983 21 breeding record for Uganda (JSA). Plocepasser superciliosus Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver E: Uganda records from Rom (NE Acholi) in Jun, Kabalega Falls NP in Aug, near Laropi (West Nile) in Aug, near Butiaba in Oct and at Labwor in Nov (JSA). Passer castanopterusSomali Sparrow R: resident at Kapedo with numbers fluc- tuating between 50 and 200 (TS, JHj). Also present 27km S of Lodwar on 13 Jun (PS). Passer domesticus House Sparrow E: now well established and breeding around Mombasa railway station and airport, while a pair at Voi 29 May (GCB) anda pair at Mtito Andei 29 Dec (JM) indicate further inland extensions of range. Passer motitensis Rufous Sparrow E: recorded in E Uganda south to Bugisu and Sebei, also common in S Teso between Serere and Ngora (JSA). Vidua hypocherina Steel-blue Whydah E: males recorded near Olorgesaillie 17 Mar, 15 May and 5 Jun, near Kajiado 31 Mar and near Kongelai 18 Jul (PCF, ADL, MEJG, DJP), while in Tanzania, 1 at Usangu Flats in mid Feb (JSSB). Vidua obtusa Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah R: 2 Mikumi NP, Tanzania 26 Jun, and 1 Ruaha River gorge 22 June (AJB, EMB). Vidua paradisaea Paradise Whydah E: 2 Kabyoyon (Sebei, Uganda) on 10 Nov was well to the south of other eastern Uganda records. ESTRILDIDAE: Waxbills Cryptospiza salvadorii Abyssinian Crimson-wing E: several Kabarnet Forest 19 May (ADL, TS). Estrilda erythronotus Black-cheeked Waxbill E: 2 near Mbirizi (Masaka) 30 Apr, 2 8km W of Lwampanga, near Nakasongole 13 Oct, and 4 at Nampyanga, near Soroti on 12 Nov were well outside the documented Uganda range (JSA). Estrilda rhodopyga Crimson-rumped Waxbill E: flock of 10 at Dar es Salaam 19 Nov (NEB) were the first records for Dar. Estrilda troglodytes Black-rumped Waxbill E: about 20 Lake Opeta (Teso, Uganda) were well south of the known range in eastern Uganda (JSA). Lagonosticta rufopicta Bar-breasted Firefinch E: common in various months in Serere area (Teso, Uganda), also 2 78km N of Soroti 27 Jun, 2 Kachoma (Teso) 2 Jul, 6 Dokolo (Lango) 12 Nov and 2 near Apala (Lango) 13 Nov all indicate that it is more extensive in range in Uganda than previously docu- mented; it probably extends right across the country (JSA). Ortygospiza gabonensis Black-chinned Quailfinch R: common at Kibimba (Busoga, Uganda) between Apr and Nov (max at least 50) while several seen in Rwen- zori NP and nearer Katwe during May, and 3 at Serere (Teso) 15 Nov (JSA). Pyrenestes minor Lesser Seed-cracker S(B): 2 at Mufindi, southern Tanzania, 9 Apr and 1 there on 15 Sep (EMB). Amadina fasciata Cut-throat E: 2 10km E of Chepsekunia (Sebei, Uganda) (JSA). Lonchura griseicapilla Grey-headed Silverbill E: flock of 16 at Karen, Nairobi 5 Nov (FA). At Dar es Salaam, 1 on 5 Feb (NEB) was the first for the area. Lonchura malabarica Silverbill E: a pair near Dodoma, Tanzania 22 Mar and a party to the south of Lake Manyara 26 Apr (JSSB). FRINGILLIDAE: Buntings, seed-eaters Emberiza cabanisi Cabanis' Bunting E: 2 males along the Ntandi - Fort Portal road (Toro, Uganda) 1 Aug (JSA). 122 East African Bird Report 1983 Serinus atrogularis Yellow-rumped Seed-eater E: 12+ Kadam (southern Karamoja, Uganda) 21 Oct (JSA). Serinus burtoni Thick-billed Seed-eater E: 1 20km SE of Mubende, Uganda, 28 Jul (JSA) was well outside the known range in Uganda. Serinus mennelli Black-eared Seed-eater S(B): 1 in Brachystegia woodland 100 km SE of Njombe, southern Tanzania 8 Nov. First record of this species for many years. Serinus reichardi Stripe-breasted Seed-eater R: pair at the edge of Mukogodo Forest near Dol Dol i7 Dec (DAT). In addition, records were also received of the following REQUESTED (R) species, but all from well known and previously documented localities and, as such, have not been included in the species accounts above: Southern Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus fasciolatus - Kenya coast Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus - Mara GR African Hobby F. cuvieri - western Kenya and the Lake Victoria basin African Finfoot Podica senegalensis - Nairobi NP and Fourteen Falls, near Thika Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis - Amboseli NP Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii - Baringo Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri - Kidepo NP Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx montanus - Mufindi, southern Tanzania Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti - Sokoke Forest Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense - Sokoke Forest Red-chested Owlet G. tephronotum - Kakamega Forest Donaldson-Smith's Nightjar Caprimulgus donaldsoni - Tsavo East and Tsavo West Black Swift Apus barbatus - Mt Kenya Scarce Swift Schoutedenapus myoptilus - Mt Kenya and Kakamega Forest Horus Swift Apus horus - rift valley and northern Tanzania Bohm's Bee-eater Merops boehmi - Pugu Hills near Dar es Salaam Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinica - Lake Turkana and northwestern Kenya Forest Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps - forests in western Uganda Pale-billed Hornbill Tockus pallidirostris - Mikumi NP and Kilosa, Tanzania Rufous Short-toed Lark Calandrella somalica - Nairobi NP Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata - Arusha area, northern Tanzania Spotted Creeper Salpornis spilonota - Kitale - Kapenguria area Grey-olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus cerviniventris - Arusha area, northern Tanzania Brown-backed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas hartlaubi - Nairobi area Southern Hyliota Hyliota australis - Kakamega Forest Little Tawny Pipit Anthus caffer - Mara GR Papyrus Canary Serinus koliensis - Kisumu area PALAEARCTIC SPECIES Ixobrychus minutus minutus Little Bittern (Palaearctic race) R: 1 Lake Baringo early Apr (TS). Ciconia ciconia White Stork N: largest numbers reported were 200+ Elmenteita 19 Mar (DKR), 350+ Mara GR 15 Nov (DAT), 400 Kiboko 11 Dec and 400 Naivasha 22 Dec (DJP). Hundreds Magadi 12 Dec and Mara GR 23-26 Dec (DKR). Large passage movements of this species have been most regularly noted in recent years through western Kenya in late Nov. D: oversummering birds in Uganda at Kidepo NP 23 Jun (single bird) and at East African Bird Report 1983 123 Kibimba 20 Jul (10 birds) (JSA). In Kenya, where oversummering groups are more regular, 100+ Athi River 12 Jun (PED). Ciconia nigra Black Stork R: recorded Nairobi area to 17 Apr (up to 4 birds), and from 15 Oct (again up to 4). In Tsavo East NP 1-2 Jan and Dec (JSSB, JM), 1 Kito Pass 23 Feb (TS), 1 Meru NP 7 Mar (TS), 1 Mara GR 2 Apr and 4 there 27 Dec (DKR), 1 Karatina swamp during Nov and Dec (DAT). In Tanzania, Singles Arusha NP late Jan and 26 Feb (JSSB, DAT) and 1 Seronera River 22 Feb (PCL). More records than usual away from the regular haunts in Nairobi NP and Tsavo East NP. This species tends to arrive earlier and depart later than the White Stork. Platalea leucorodia Eurasian Spoonbill S(B): a first year bird at Kajansi, near Kampala 18 Jan, 13 and 18 Mar (JSA, MJC, ABS). Probably the same individual as that at this site in late 1982. Anas acuta Pintail N: on the Kinangop, counts of 4000 at Strong's Dam and 1400 at Simini's Dam 3 Jan (DJP). At Lake Nakuru 400+ in Jan and 500+ at the Tana Bridge 5-7 Feb (MACC, DJP). At Thika 500+ in late Dec (DJP). E: flock of 50 Lake Magadi 17 Dec was unusual there (DJP, DKR) and 1 Sabaki River mouth 13 Jan (MACC, DJP). In Uganda, 1 Kibimba 16 Jan and 6 there 20 Feb; singles Kajansi 18 Jan, 24 Jan and 5 Feb (MJC). In southern Tanzania, 1 Mbarali Rice Scheme 15 Dec (EMB). Anas crecca Teal R: singles shot Ol Bolossat 8 and 22 Jan (HPB) and 4 there 30 Jan (DJP, DKR). Anas penelope Wigeon R: 15 Simini's Dam, Kinangop, 3 Jan (DJP), 2 shot Ol Bol- ossat 8 Jan (HPB) and 3 there 30 Jan (DJP, DKR). Anas querquedula Garganey N: counts of 2500 Tana Bridge 5 Feb and 2000-3000 Ahero Rice Scheme 11 Feb (DJP); 1000+ Thika area late Dec (DJP). D: 3 Lake Magadi 17 Sep were early as well as unusual at this site (DEGB, DJP, DKR). E: in Tanzania, 1 Usangu Flats 11 Mar, 1 Dodoma 19 Mar and 1 Lake Ngwasi 9 Dec (JSSB). Anas clypeata Shoveler N: largest counts from Lake Nakuru were 1500+ Nderit 29 Jan and 4000+ north shore late Dec (DJP). Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck R: 2 Nakuru - Ol Joro Orok road 30 Jan (DEGB, DJP, DKR) and 1 Thika Oxidation Ponds 5 Feb (DJP). Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle S(B): a juvenile Nairobi NP 26 Feb (MES), and another adult Olorgesaillie 17 Dec (DJP). Satisfactory details received. There are eight previous accepted records, all from Kenya. Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle N: hundreds present in rainy conditions Mara GR 23-25 Dec were feeding on termites (DKR). Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle R: early in the year, 2 Nakuru 28 Jan, 4+ Ol Bolossat 30 Jan, 1 Samburu 8 Feb, 1 Mara GR 2 Apr and 1 Nairobi NP 9 Apr (DJP, DKR, DAT). Recorded in Kenya from 15 Oct to end of the year (max. 5 together) from Nairobi, Meru NP, Ngulia, Mackinnon Road, Olorges- aillie and Mara GR (DF, DJP, DKR, DAT). In Uganda, whence there have been previous autumn records, moving south with flocks of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo at Entebbe (3 on 9 Oct), and near Lwampanga (3 on 11 Oct and 2 on 13 Oct) (JSA). Buteo buteo Common Buzzard D: late birds Ngomeni 23 Apr (MACC, DJP) and Nairobi NP (DJP). First of the autumn Nairobi 2 Oct (DJP). 124 East African Bird Report 1983 N: large southwest migration across southern Uganda second week Oct with flocks seen at Lutembe 8 Oct (2500 counted in 55min plus many more afterwards), and 10 Oct, near Lwampanga 11 Oct (255 counted) and 13 Oct (127), and Budongo For- est 12 Oct (JSA). In southern Tanzania, overwintering in grasslands and pine plantations at Mufindi to early Apr and from 20 Sep with 100+ Jan to Mar and 40+ Oct to Dec (AJB, EMB). Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle R: singles Kapedo 14 Oct and 18 Oct (JHj), Magadi 1 Nov (DAT), Vipingo 26 Nov (DJP, MACC, MW), Mzima Springs 25 Nov (DAT) and Ngulia 2-4 and 9-11 Dec (DJP). A pale bird Dar es Salaam 19 Nov (NEB). In Uganda, a few with B. buteo flocks N slope of Mt Elgon 9 Oct, 1 near Nabiswera (Buruli county) 11 Oct, 1 near Lwampanga 11 Oct and 1 En- tebbe 17 Oct (JSA, MJC). Accipiter brevipes Levant Sparrowhawk S(A): an adult male Meru NP 8 Nov (DAT, DF), full and satisfactory details received - to be published in Scopus. The first record for Kenya and the second for East Africa. Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard R: singles Kito Pass 19 Oct (TS), Ngulia early Nov and 13 Nov (GCB, JHF, DJP) and Nguni, E of Mwingi, 21 Nov (DJP). In Uganda, 1 Nabugabo, near Masaka, 25 Oct (JSA) and in Tanzania, singles Pugu Hills and Irundi (Mufindi) 26 Nov for which satisfactory details were supplied on request (NEB, AJB, EMB). Falco cherrug Saker Falcon S(B): 1 Bulak, S of Lake Stephanie, 10 Dec (FA). Satisfactory details received. Falco peregrinus calidus Peregrine Falcon R: 1 Lake Jipe 20 Nov (DAT). At Msambweni, S Kenya coast, 1 probably of this race 6 Mar (MACC). Falco amurensis Eastern Red-footed Falcon R: in southern Tanzania, up to 4 Mufindi grasslands Jan to Mar and 4 Irundi 6 Feb (AJB, EMB). Up to 50 with roosting Lesser Kestrels F.naumanni Nairobi NP 4-30 Apr (MES, ADL, DJP et al.) and 35 in another roost Kajiado 9-10 Apr (CAT, PBT), 6 Isinya 16 Apr (AEB, DJP) and 30 Amboseli 10 Apr (MEJG). In the autumn there were 80+ Bachuma 21 Nov and 10+ Ngulia 26 Nov (DAT, DF), 1 Mackinnnon Road 27 Nov (DJP, MACC), 1 Taita Hills 21 Nov, 200+ 24 Nov and scores 25 Nov (DJT). Falco concolor Sooty Falcon R: singles Nairobi NP 9 Apr and 22 May (DKR). The sole Uganda record was of 1 at Entebbe 14 Apr (JSA). Up to 12 daily Ngulia 6-11 Nov (GCB), 4+ Taita Hills 25 Nov (DJT), 2 Kitui turn-off, Garissa road, 18 Nov (DUP). This species has been recorded regularly in central and eastern Kenya in recent years from late October to mid November. Falco eleonorae Eleonora's Falcon S(B): 1 pale phase Ferguson's Gulf 21 Oct (TS) and a dark phase Nairobi 6 Oct (DKR). Satisfactory details were received of a pale phase example at Ndembera River (Mufindi, Tanzania) 10 Dec (NEB, MW, AJB, EMB). Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel N: hundreds present late Feb to Apr in the grasslands of the Nairobi - Kajiado - Sultan Hamud area; seen regularly at a roost Nairobi NP 5 Mar to 30 Apr with 1000-5000 first three weeks Apr (MES et al.); 2500 in another roost Kajiado 9-10 Apr (CAT, PBT); 200+ Amboseli 10 Apr (MEJG). D: first autumn record Nairobi area 20 Oct (DJP). D: recorded Mufindi, southern Tanzania, to 4 Mar and from 10 Dec (AJB, EMB). E: in Uganda, whence there are rather few records, 10 Kibimba (Busoga) 20 Feb, 1 Kibimba 18 Oct and 2 singles near Kumi (Teso) 11 Nov (JSA, MJC, ABS). East African Bird Report 1983 125 Porzana porzana Spotted Crake S(B): 1 Kapsabet 12 Apr (LS). Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher R: 1 Malindi 24 Apr and 2 Galu, south Kenya coast, 24 Nov to the end of the year (MACC). Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover S(B): 2 Ferguson's Gulf 20-23 Oct (TS). This species is probably regular at Lake Turkana. Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover R: in Kenya, recorded up to 26 Mar and from 8 Oct, from Ferguson's Gulf, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Dandora, Tana Bridge, Garissa, Tsavo East NP, Lamu and Amboseli (max. 9 Lamu 27 Dec) (MES, JSSB, ES Due). This species is a regular visitor in small numbers to the rift valley lakes, Nairobi and the Athi and Tana rivers. Charadrius leschenaultii Great Sandplover N: max. count Dar es Salaam 1000 31 Jan (NEB). Charadrius mongolus Mongolian Sandplover E: INLAND: 1 Lake Nakuru 28 Jan (DJP). Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover E: INLAND: in Uganda, 1 Lutembe, near Kam- pala, 12 Mar and 1 Entebbe 24 Jul and 20 Aug (JSA, MJC, ABS). At Lake Jipe 1 on 20 Nov (DAT). Numenius arquata Curlew E, D: the following presumably refer to coastal pass- age: 1 Manda Island 5 Aug, 1 flying south Diani 4 Jul and 2 on 7 Aug (MACC), and 1 flying south Galu 28 Jul (MACC). At Sababki River mouth 1 26 Nov (MACC, DJP). E: INLAND: 3 Ferguson's Gulf 20-24 Oct (TS). Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel E: INLAND: in Uganda, singles at Entebbe 19 Mar, 26 Mar, 17 Apr, 23 Jul and 20 Aug, and 3 there 9 Oct and 1 Kibimba Rice Scheme 18 Oct (all JSA). There were records from Entebbe in most months during the late 1960s, and this is probably a wintering as well as a regular passage site. Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank R: recorded in Kenya to 30 Apr and from 21 Nov, with records from Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, Thika, Dandora, Aruba, Tiva River, Lake Jipe and Ahero Rice Scheme. Max. was 3 apart from 165 at Ahero 11 Feb (DJP). In Uganda, 2 Kibimba Rice Scheme 16 Jan and 8 there 20 Feb (JSA), 4 Kakindu 12 Mar (MJC). In Tanzania, 3 Ngorongoro 24 Feb (PCL). The concentration at Ahero was by far the largest counted in East Africa, though scores were seen at this site in 1977 and 1982, and large numbers are probably now regular there. This species seems particularly partial to irrigation, and with the development of more rice schemes, oxidation ponds and other projects involving shallow flooding, it can be expected in East Africa in greater numbers in the future. Tringa totanus Redshank R: the only records received were of singles Lake Naivasha 20 Jan (PF) and at Mida 21 Jun and 26 Nov (MACC, DJP). Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper E: INLAND: in Uganda, 1 Kibimba Rice Scheme 18-19 Oct (JSA). In Kenya, 1 Dandora 8 Oct and 10 Nov (DJP) and 1 Lake Nakuru 12 Nov (DKR). Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper D: first return Diani noted 4 Jul (MACC). Calidris alba Sanderling E: INLAND: singles Entebbe 4 Oct and 6 Oct (JSA), 2 Dandora 28-29 Oct (DJP, DEGB, DKR) and 1 Lake Nakuru 20 Dec (PAG). Calidris alpina Dunlin S(A): a bird with the remains of juvenile plumage at Dandora Oxidation Ponds 28-29 Oct (PBT, JHF, DJP, DEGB, DKR) - full details 126 East African Bird Report 1983 received. This is only the third acceptable record for Kenya and the fourth for East Africa. Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint E: recorded Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha to 2 May and from 8 Oct, most records of 1-2 birds, but 11 together Njoro River mouth (Nakuru) 22 Dec (DJP). Singles Dandora 15 Oct and 10 Nov (DJP) and on the coast, 1 Sabaki River mouth 13 Jan (DJP, MACC). In Uganda, 2 Lutembe 19 Feb, 2 Kajansi (near Kampala) 19 Feb, 4 there 13 Mar and 2 16 Apr (JSA). Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper R: at Sabaki River mouth, 1 only 13 Jan but 9 30 Oct (TS) and 60+ 26 Nov (MACC, DJP). INLAND: 1 Lake Magadi 30 Oct (DJP, DEGB, JD). After several years in which wintering numbers at the Sabaki appeared to be decreasing, the count of November was the highest ever. Philomachus pugnax Ruff N: 2000 Sergoit dam, Eldoret, 7 Feb of which about one third were males (DJP), 4000-5000 Ahero Rice Scheme ii Feb (DJP). Large concentrations appear to be regular at several sites in Kenya west of (INS selsrse Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit R: the only records received were of 3 Mida 16 Aug and 3+ there 26 Nov (MACC, DJP), 1 Galu 20 Aug (DJP), 2 Malindi 2 Nov (TS) and 1 Watamu 31 Dec (PAG). Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit R: very few records this year: 15 Ferguson's Gulf 20-24 Oct (TS); 40 Ahero Rice Scheme ii Feb (DJP). In Tanzania, 1 Serengeti 24 Feb (DAT) and in Uganda, 6 Kibimba Rice Scheme 18 Oct and 21 there 18 Nov (MJC). Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope R: recorded off Shimoni from 27 Nov, with scores throughout Dec (MH, PH). INLAND: 1 Lake Nakuru 10 Nov (DAT). Arenaria interpres Turnstone E: INLAND: 1-3 Dandora Oxidation Ponds 13 Sep to 8 Oct (DJP), 1 Lake Nakuru 8 Oct (DJP). In Uganda, 2 Entebbe 6 Oct and 1 on 14 Oct, 1 Butiaba 12 Oct (all JSA). Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua S(A): a dark phase adult Ferguson's Gulf 20 Oct (TS); full details received. Only the fourth record for Kenya and East Africa. Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Skua S(B): a pale phase adult Ferguson's Gulf 21-24 Oct (TS); full details received. There are only five or six previous East African records, all from Kenya. Stercorarius sp. a dark phase bird off Ras Ngomeni 23 Apr was thought to have been S. parasiticus (MACC, DJP). Larus argentatus Herring Gull R: max. count Malindi area 40 on 13 Jan. On the Kenya south coast, 1 Galu 24 Oct (MACC) and 1 flying south Tiwi 5 Nov (DJP). At Ferguson's Gulf, 25 from 20-24 Oct (TS) was the largest number recorded to date from Lake Turkana. Larus genei Slender-billed Gull S(B): up to at least 3 adults and 3 immatures with exceptionally large flocks of Grey-headed Gulls L.cirrocephalus Lake Nakuru during Nov and Dec (ADF-W, DF, DJP, DKR, TS, DAT). Larus ichthyaetus Great Black-headed Gull S(B): a sub-adult Malindi 5-13 Jan (ALA, MACC, DJP) and an immature and a sub-adult there 31 Dec (PAG). Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull N: up to 150 Lake Nakuru Dec (DJP, TS). This species continues to occur regularly in small numbers, mainly at Lakes Nakuru and Turkana, and on the coast. East African Bird Report 1983 297 Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern N: 600+ counted roosting Lake Nakuru Nov and Dec (DJP). N, D: 300+ still present Nakuru i May (DJP) were mostly in non-breeding » plumage. Sterna caspia Caspian Tern E: 1 Lutembe, Uganda, 12 Mar (JSA, MJC, ABS). Sterna hirundo Common Tern E: an adult Lutembe 25 Apr and a first year bird Entebbe 13 Jun (JSA). The first records from Uganda. D, N: at Galu, south Kenya coast, 20-150 regularly roosting on beach May to Jul (non-breeding plumage) and larger packs, Aug to Nov, with 2000 24 Oct and 2 Nov and 4000 24 Nov; few remaining into Dec. Elsewhere on coast, 100 Ngomeni 18 Jun, but largest numbers Aug to Nov with up to 1500 Tiwi late Aug and 2000 there 5-7 Nov, 1000 off Shimoni 27 Aug and 2000 off Malindi 11 Sep. This species seems to occur mainly on southward passage, with smaller num- bers of northward passage and oversummering birds, and usually Jan - Feb. Contrary to the view expressed by Britton 1977 (Scopus 1: 29-34) we find that, during Aug - Nov at least, this is usually the commonest tern on the Kenya coast. Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern S(B): 1 Malindi 23 Nov (DAT, DF). Otus scops Scops Owl R: a pale greyish Scops Owl seen with other migrants near Bissel 31 Mar was assumed to have been a Palaearctic bird (DJP, ADL). At Ngulia, 4 seen on the road at night 6 Dec were thought to have been Palae- arctic, and a Palaearctic bird was caught there 9 Dec (GCB, AMF-W, DJP). Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove S(A): 1-5 first year birds together Entebbe 9 Oct to 6 Nov with at least 7 different birds involved (JSA); also in Uganda, a first year bird Kibimba (Busoga) 8 Nov (JSA). In Kenya, a first year bird Amboseli NP 20 Oct (DJP). There are only two previous East African records, both from northern Kenya. Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo D: Jan records from Tsavo East NP (JSSB). In Tanzania, Arusha Jan (JSSB), and Feb records from 80km S of Dodoma, Usangu, and Naabi Hill (Serengeti) 21 Feb (PCL). D, N: moderate passage Kenya coastal forests 10-25 Apr (MACC, DUP). Cuculus poliocephalus Lesser Cuckoo R: up to 5+ Diani 10-21 Apr (MACC, DJP), an hepatic female Mzima Springs 14 May (DAT) and 1 Sokoke Forest 23 Nov (DAT) were all presumed to have been Palaearctic (nominate) birds. Caprimulgus europaeus Eurasian Nightjar R: very few records: in the Mufindi area of southern Tanzania, 1 Kilima i3 and 14 Mar (AJB). In Lavington, Nairobi, 1 in Mar (PCF), 2 dead on road between Athi River and Kajiado 23 Nov (DJP, ADL), 1 Diani 18 Nov (MACC), 1 caught Ngulia 5 Dec and 2 caught on 7 Dec (DJP). Apus apus Eurasian Swift R: scores Mara GR 20 Feb (DJP) and Ngorongoro (Tan- zania) 25 Feb (PCL). Passage noted southern Uganda between 15 Aug and 16 Oct with small flocks Bujenje (Bunyoro), Ntoroko (S end of Lake Albert), Entebbe and Bombo (JSA). In Tanzania, flocks seen Mufindi 28 Sep and 4 Oct and a few over the Ulugurus 1-2 Oct (AJB). Many hundreds accompanying a storm Taita Hills 24 Nov (DJT) and a few near Galana Ranch 27 Nov (DJP). A similarly timed passage in southern Uganda, peaking in September, was recorded during autumn in the late 1960s (DJP). The status and movements of the Eurasian Swift within East Africa are still very much of a mystery. We would welcome any future records of swifts definitely identified as this species. 128 East African Bird Report 1983 Coracias garrulus Eurasian Roller N, M: thousands arrived with a heavy storm Taita Hills 24 Nov, and continual large movement next day, including a striking albino bird (DJT). E: in Uganda, whence records are sparse away from the western rift, 1 En- tebbe 9 Apr, up to 8 there 26 Oct to 5 Nov, 6 on 10 Dec and 2 26 Dec; also 1 Kibimba 19 Oct, 2 Lutembe 6 Nov and 1 Kajansi 11 Nov (all JSA). E: in Tanzania, Feb records from Serengeti 23rd and Ngorongoro 25th (PCL). Upupa epops epops Hoopoe R: up to 4 Baringo Jan to Mar and Oct to end of the year (TS), 1 Tsavo East NP mid Jan (JSSB), 1 Mt Kulal 11 Oct and 1 Ngulia 4-6 Nov and 13 Nov (GCB, AMF-W, LF). Delichon urbica House Martin D: a late party of 19 Kayonza (Kigezi, Uganda) 8 May (JSA). Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat E: 6+ Baringo Jan and Feb, 20+ there early to mid May and small numbers again Dec (TS). This now seems to be a regular wintering site. N: particularly abundant on passage Garissa area 19-21 Nov when several hundreds encountered (DJP). Irania gutturalis Irania R: Tanzania records from Chipongola 9 Feb, Dodoma 6 and 18 Mar and Arusha 9 Apr (JSSB); also 1 Olduvai 25 Feb (PCL). On north- ward passage Kenya, 4+ near Tawa (Machakos) with many Sprossers Luscinia luscinia 24 Mar (DJP), 3 Kajiado 31 Mar (ADL, DJP), 1 east of Meru 2 Apr, 1 Nyambenis and another, 40km E of Embu, 4 Apr (DJP).- Other records were all of birds on southward passage inland SE Kenya, Nov and Dec. Luscinia luscinia Sprosser N, D: usual southward passage E and central Kenya, with scores Chyulu Hills 13 Nov (JHF, DJP) and hundreds Mwingi - Nguni (Kitui) 21 Nov (DJP). Otherwise 2 singing Bissel 19 Mar (perhaps wintering), scores in misty conditions Tawa (Machakos) and nearby 24 Mar, and common in Lan- tana scrub in the Nyambenis and along the lower Meru - Embu road 4 Apr (DJP) and 1 Kariobangi 13 Apr (DJP). Monticola saxatilis Rock Thrush E: in Uganda, 1 Entebbe 8 Dec (JSA). Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear E: 1 16km E of Layantende (Masaka, Uganda) 2 Dec (JSA). Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart R: in Kenya, 2-3 Lolgorien 17 Mar (TS). Saxicola rubetra Whinchat E: central Kenya records from Lanet, Baringo, Keek- orok and Kajiado Jan to Mar, and from Nairobi - Athi Plains area 20 Oct to 27 Nov (DJP, TS, PCF). In southern Tanzania, 1 Mufindi 7 Feb (AJB, EMB). The Whinchat is regular and common in most areas of west Kenya and Uganda. Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler R: common and singing along the Tana below Garsen 12 Jan (DJP, MACC, JDH). One singing inside Serena Lodge, Amboseli NP, 19-21 Mar (DJP). Up to 4 together Nairobi area 13-25 Apr (DJP). Acrocephalus griseldis Basra Reed Warbler R: 1 28km E of Serere (Teso, Uganda) 20 Nov (JSA). Present most days Ngulia 4-10 Dec and 24 ringed (DJP, GCB). Numerous (scores) Idsowe area, lower Tana, 12 Jan (DJP, MACC, JDH). There are only two previous records from Uganda, both of birds caught at Kampala in the late 1960s (see EANHS Bulletin 1972: 27-29). Acrocephalus palustris Marsh Warbler D, E: as usual central and inland E Kenya Nov to Dec, with first record Nairobi area 4 Nov, and scores Nguni - Mwingi (Kitui) 21 Nov (DJP). Otherwise, 1 Baringo 30 Nov (TS, DJT), the first for this locality. At Bissel, 1 singing same site 13 and 31 Mar was presumably wintering (DJP, ADL). One 20km E of Machakos 18 Apr (DUP). East African Bird Report 1983 129 Hippolais icterina Icterine Warbler R: 1 singing strongly in Acacia grove 40 km NE of Keekorok 21 Feb (DJP). In Tanzania, 1 Shinyanga 16 Apr (JSSB). Hippolais olivetorum Olive-tree Warbler R: 1 10km SW of Meru NP 4 Apr (DJP). In autumn, 3 caught and ringed Ngulia 5-7 Dec (DJP). Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler R: 3-4 near Bissel 31 Mar (ADL, DJP), 1 found dead Nairobi 19 Apr (DAT) and 1 in song Kariobangi 25 Apr (DJP). Recorded Ngulia from 25 Nov with 132 caught and ringed 4-11 Dec (DAT, DUP, GCB) ; 5+ at two sites Nguni (Kitui) 15 Dec (DJP). Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff R: 1-2 Nakuru - Ol Joro Orok 30 Jan (DUP, DEGB, DKR). Total of about 10 at 3000-3500m E slopes of Mt Elgon 8 Feb (DJP). In Uganda, 1 Entebbe 2 Apr (JSA). Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler S(B): Uganda records from 14km S of Mbarara 13 Feb (snatches of song), Entebbe 27 Mar and 5 Apr, Serere (Teso) 16 Nov and Magoro (Teso) 19 Nov (all JSA). In Kenya 2 Mara GR 24 Mar (MEJG). Sylvia communis Whitethroat R for these areas: 2 50km NE of Keekorok 19 Feb (DJP) and i Kisumu 26 Dec (PAG). Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler R: away from well known wintering areas in SE Kenya: common mid Mar Kajiado and Amboseli (DJP), 1 Kedong 9 Apr (AEB, DJP), up to 5 Baringo throughout Mar, then unusual numbers (scores) there Nov, with many remaining to the end of the year (TS). Also 20+ Nginyang 20 Dec and 1 Kapedo 26-31 Dec (DJP, JHj). In Uganda, 1 Lutembe 6 Nov (JSA). Ficedula albicollis Collared Flycatcher R: a first year male of the race semi- torguata and at least 1 female Kakamega Forest station 9-11 Feb (DJP).. In Uganda, 2 Lutembe 8 Oct (JSA). Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher D: passage at Entebbe 8 Mar to 14 Apr and then from 17 Sep, peak in mid Oct (JSA). Anthus cervinus Red-throatedPipit N: scores Solai 29 Jan (DUP). E: in Uganda, up to 40 Kibimba Rice Scheme Jan to Feb and again in autumn up to 30 Nov; also records from Entebbe 6 Mar, 1 Apr and from 9 Dec, and Kajansi 12 Nov (JSA, MJC). E: in northern Tanzania, 1 Ngare Nanyuki (Arusha) 23 Jan (JSSB). Motacilla alba White Wagtail E: 1 Mida 23 Nov (DAT) and 1 Garissa 20 Nov (DJP). Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail E: lower altitude records from Shaba GR 29 Sep (DAT), Nairobi (Chiromo) 2 Oct, 12 Oct and 23-26 Dec (DJP), and Tiwi, south Kenya coast, 7 Nov (AEB, DJP). Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike N, D: autumn migration at Entebbe from 10 Oct with max. count of 29 on 30 Oct (JSA). Lanius collurio x L. isabellinus Red-backed/Red-tailed Shrike hybrid R: 1 Gal- ana River, Kalalu Ranch 27 Nov (DJP, MACC, MW). Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike D: birds on southward passage Uganda at En- tebbe from 9 Oct to 3 Nov (1-3 on 6 days) and 1 on 24 Nov (JSA). Lanius nubicus Nubian Shrike S(A): a first year bird remained at Baringo to 28 Feb (TS et al., see Scopus 7: 97-98) and an adult appeared there on 8 Dec and remained to the end of the year (TS et al.). These are only the second and third records for Kenya and East Africa. Lanius senator Woodchat Shrike R: different individuals Entebbe 1-22 Mar and 10-29 Mar (JSA). Baringo, i 4-11 Nov, 5 there 23 Nov to mid Dec and 3 to i130) East African Bird Report 1983 the end of the year (TS, MR et al.). At Lake Bogoria 2 from 22-29 Dec (TS,MR). There are very few previous records for Kenya and southern Uganda. BACK RECORDS AFROTROPICAL and OCEANIC SPECIES SULIDAE: Boobies Sula dactylatra Masked Booby R: 500-800 pairs nesting on Latham Island off Dar es Salaam 16 Sep 1982, with young of all ages (NEB). FREGATIDAE: Frigatebirds Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird S(A): an adult male off Watamu Jan 1980 (LG) and another adult male off Dar es Salaam 1 May 1982 (NEB) - full and satis- factory details received for both examples. First record for Kenya and the second for Tanzania. ACCIPITRIDAE: Birds of Prey Chelictinia riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite R: several records from the Kapedo area to the north of Baringo during Oct and Dec 1979, Jan 1980, Oct and Dec 1981 and Aug 1982 (JHj). OTIDIDAE: Bustards Neotis denhami Denham's. Bustard E: 2 Maralal 10 Mar 1982 (BSM). STRIGIDAE: Owls Otis leucotis White-faced Scops Owl R: 2 young found out of the nest at Kisii 19 Sep 1982 (Br MM). CAPRIMULGIDAE: Nightjars Caprimulgus inornatus Plain Nightjar R: 1 dead on road 40km N of the Marich Pass 17 Sep 1978 (PS). Caprimulgus nubicus Nubian Nightjar R: 1 dead on r@ad 5km N of the Marich Pass 17 Feb 1981 (PS). Caprimulgus stellatus Star-spotted Nightjar R: records from Lokori, N Kenya during Jul 1968 and Jun 1970, from Colcheccio Oct 1980, and from Kapedo during Sep 1981 and Jan 1982 (ADL, TS, JH} - see Scopus 8: 27-28). Caprimulgus tristigma Freckled Nightjar R: records from Kapedo during Jun and Jul 1981 and May 1982 (JHj). Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar R: 1 between Nginyang and Kapedo during Aug 1981 (JHj). Macrodipteryx vexillarius Pennant-winged Nightjar R: 1 at Mukutani, E of Baringo during Aug 1981 (JHj). COLIIDAE: Mousebirds Colius leucocephalus White-headed Mousebird R: records from Garissa area in Dec 1974, Jan, Nov and Dec 1975 and Dec 1976 (see Scopus : 27-28). MEROPIDAE: Bee-eaters Merops nubicus Carmine Bee-eater E: 2 Kapedo 30 Nov 1979 (JHj). TURDIDAE: Thrushes Cossypha natalensis Red-capped Robin Chat E: juveniles netted at Mufindi, southern Tanzania, 11 and 14 Nov 1982 were the first records for the area | (EMB, AJB). East African Bird Report 1983 Ib Sjal SYLVIIDAE: Warblers Camaroptera stierlingi Barred Wren Warbler E: 1 Manyoni, Tanzania, 14 Apr 1982 (JSSB) . Phyllolais pulchella Buff-bellied Warbler E: 1 Usangu Flats, southern Tanzania during Apr 1981 (JSSB). NECTARINIIDAE: Sunbirds Anthreptes platurus Pygmy Sunbird S(B): a male and 2 females near Kapedo 16 Nov 1979 (JHj). PLOCEIDAE: Weavers etc. Vidua obtusa Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah R: present at Ilonga, near Kilosa, Tanzania early May 1982 (RJM). ESTRIDIDAE: Waxbills Pyrenestes minor Lesser Seed-cracker S(B): an immature netted at Mufindi, southern Tanzania 14 Oct 1982 (AJB, EMB). Pytilia afra Orange-winged Pytilia R: present at Ilonga, near Kilosa, Tanzania 29 Apr to 15 May 1982 (PJM). PALAEARCTIC SPECIES List A: supplied by D. Schmidl - mostly from Serengeti NP Tanzania and Nakuru NP Kenya. Included are a number of previously unpublished records which pre- date our reports (which began in Scopus i: 116-131), but which seem to be of sufficient interest to merit publication. Unless indicated otherwise, D. Schmidl was the observer. Ciconia nigra Black Stork R: 1 Serengeti 9 Nov 1970 (KC-L) and i Mar 1977. Single birds Nakuru 14 Feb 1976, 16 Oct 1976, 2 Dec 1976, 13 Mar 1977 and 19 Mar 1977. Anas crecca Teal R: 1 Nakuru 20 Jan 1975. Anas penelope Wigeon R: 1 Nakuru 7 Jan 1973 and another 2 Dec 1976. At Lake Jipe 10 on 20 Jan 1976 (+PCL). Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck R: 1 Nakuru 16 Dec 1976. Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard R: 1 wintering Nakuru 24 Oct 1976 to 16 Feb 1977. Details supplied. Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard R: 2 flying north Nakuru i May 1977. Falco peregrinus calidus Peregrine Falcon R: seen Serengeti 27 Nov 1974 and 18 Feb 1975. A male and another pair wintering Nakuru between 28 Oct 1976 and Mar 1977. Charadrius leschenaultii Great Sandplover E: INLAND: 1 Nakuru 28 Nov 1976. Charadrius mongolus Mongolian Sandplover E: INLAND: i Lake Masek, Serengeti, 18 Sep 1968 (DAT). At Nakuru, 1 7 Aug 1977. Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover E: INLAND: singles Nakuru 20 Oct to 8 Nov 1976, 28 Nov 1976, 2 Dec 1976 and 28 Aug 1977. Calidris alba Sanderling E: INLAND: 1 Lake Lagarja, Serengeti 2 Mar 1966 (KC-L). At Nakuru, 1 4-8 Nov 1976 and 2 28 Nov 1976. Arenaria interpres Turnstone E: INLAND: 2 Lake Lagarja, Serengeti 14 Sep 1961 (KC-L). Singles Nakuru 12 Sep 1976, 1 Nov 1976 and 18 Aug 1977. Ney East African Bird Report 1983 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit R: 1 Nakuru 28 Jun 1977 and 2 there 4-5 Sep BOs Numenius arquata Curlew R: in Serengeti, 1 near Ndutu 18 Feb 1975 and 1 Lake Kaslya 2 Apr 1972 (LM). Singles Nakuru 27 Aug 1976 and 21 Apr 1977. Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel R INLAND: singles Nakuru 22 Sep 1976, 4 Nov 1976 andy, “Aug Ovi Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank R: several 1975-77 records of single birds Nakuru and Lake Naivasha dated 20 Jan to 1 Apr. In Serengeti, 4 on 18 Feb 1963 (KC-L), singles 8 Sep 1970, 7 Dec 1971 (DAT), 6 Jan 1973 and 16 Jan 1973 (KC=L), 28-31 ‘Jan/1974 (DAT), Prdani1975,. 12 dani 1975; er aanmo Sane 78) (one US) TB} e Tringa totanus Redshank R: singles Serengeti 7 Jan 1972 and 11 Jan 1975 (KC-L). Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper R INLAND: 1 Nakuru 16 Oct 1976, 2 28 Oct 1976, 514 (Nov 1976," 3) 1 boNow197 Grand 2) toi Nov 19i7/G: Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart R: 1 Nakuru 4 Mar 1975. Saxicola rubetra Whinchat R KENYA: occurred regularly Nakuru from 1975 to 1977 with records from Nov to 6 Apr. List B: other back records. Ciconia nigra Black Stork R: singles Saguta River, Kapedo 16-17 Nov 1979 and 8 Dec 1979; singles there 9 Oct 1981, 18 Nov 1981 and 3 26 Dec 1981; then singles 31 Jan and 7 Mar 1982 (all JHj). Anas crecca Teal R: 11 shot Ol Bolossat Nov and Dec 1981 and 8 in Jan 1982. No less than 85 shot Lake Solai Nov 1981 to Jan 1982 (HPB). Anas penelope Wigeon R: 17 shot Ol Bolossat Nov and Dec 1980, 6 in Jan and Feb 1981, 1 28 Nov 1981 and 15 in Jan and Feb 1982; 2 shot Lake Solai 26 Dec 19S ivand sl 23ncani 1982 (ales saPB)): Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle S(B): an immature Aitong 22 Nov 1982 (DEW) and another Mt Suswa 25 Nov 1982 (DEW). Full details of both supplied. Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover R: 1 40km N of Kapedo (Saguta River) 17 Nov 1979, 5 Kapedo 26 Dec 1981 and 1 there 7 Mar 1982 (all KHj). Gallinago stenura Pintail Snipe S(A): 2 Bamburu, Mombasa, 22-31 Oct 1981, at least 1 remaining in the area to 31 Dec (PBT et al.). At Lake Naivasha, 1 24 Jan 1982 (DJP, see Scopus 8: 45-46). Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint R: 2 Kapedo 17 Nov 1979 and 2 26 Dec 1981 (GIEIF})) c Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit R: 2-3 Tiwi Beach 17 Mar 1982. Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart R: 1 Lokichoggio 6 Mar 1980 (JHj). Saxicola rubetra Whinchat R KENYA: 1 Kapedo 11 Mar 1982 (JHj). Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler R: 1-2 Kapedo 27 Dec 1981 and 28 Feb to 18 Mar leva) ((capsts})) 6 East African Bird Report 1983 SS "REQUESTED' AND "SPECIAL ATTENTION' SPECIES Guidance on what records to submit for the East African Bird Reports is given in the Scopus Supplement of June 1982, copies of which still may be obtained free of charge from D.A. Turner, Box 48019 Nairobi. The response from obser- vers to the present report is most encouraging and shows that the Supplement is doing its job, so that the annual reports, coupled with Birds of East Africa and the forthcoming Bird atlas for Kenya, will serve as a full record of the status of the East African avifauna during the 1980s and, hopefully, beyond. For 1984 and 1985 we intend to make a special effort to obtain the fullest information on a number of species, mostly already in the Requested (R) category, and we urge observers to record and send in all such records during the next two years. A list of these birds follows but does not, of course, Supplant the full list of 'R' species. Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling Duck Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier Circus pygarus Montagu's Harrier Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard Chelictinia riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite Neotis denhami Denham's Bustard Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus Black and White Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii Levaillant's Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo Cuculus gularis African Cuckoo Caprimulgus spp. Ve et records of all species as well Macrodipteryx spp. as special attention to road-kills Coracias caudata lorti lilac-throated race of the Lilac-breasted Roller Pitta angolensis African Pitta Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush Lark Oenanthe pileata Capped Wheatear Saxicola rubetra Whinchat - from all areas of East Africa Tmetothylacus tenellus Golden Pipit Records of these species should be sent in in the normal way to the recorders early in 1985 and early in 1986. RARE BIRDS Records of birds new for any of the three East African countries Kenya, Tan- Zania and Uganda, and 'S(A)' species (those recorded in East Africa five or fewer times) should be sent in to one or other of the recorders, with full details, including photographs if available, and the name(s) of any other observer(s) present at the time, as soon after the observation was made for circulation amongst the members of the East African Rarities Committee. It would be much appreciated if details could be sent in duplicate. Photo- copies of original field notebook descriptions and sketches will be most use- ful for straight sight records. 134 East African Bird Report 1983 "FIRST' AND 'LAST' DATES FOR SOME PALAEARCTIC MIGRANT LANDBIRDS central/eastern Kenya Uganda Species except where marked* Last First First Merops persicus 22 Apr Amboseli 5 Nov Tiwi 10 Sep M. apiaster 10 Apr Kedong 28 Apr Nairobi 10 Sep Coracias garrulus 25 Oct Tsavo 15 Oct Dandora 26,0GE Cuculus canorus 23 Apr Ngomeni 18 Oct Marula = Delichon urbica 2 Apr Timau 1 Oct Naivasha = Riparia riparia - 22 Sep Dandora 23 Sep Oriolus oriolus 2 May Naivasha 10 Oct Diani 13 Oce Cercotrichas galactotes = 5 Nov Ngulia = Irania gutturalis 4 Apr Embu = = Luscinia luscinia 13 Apr Kariobangi 28 Oct Kariobangi = L. megarhynchos 31 Mar Bissel = = Monticola saxatilis 23 Apr Ngomeni 2 Nov Magadi = Oenanthe oenanthe 21 Apr Emali 16 Sep Ngongs 8 Oct O. isabellina 25 Apr Mara* 26 Sep Mara* 18 Oct O. pleschanka - 23 Oct Kajiado = Acrocephalus arundinaceus 25 Apr Kariobangi - - A. griseldis = (4 Dec) Ngulia = A. palustris 18 Apr Machakos 4 Nov Kariobangi =- A. schoenobaenus 11 May Kariobangi - 26 Nov A. scirpaceus 4 May Kariobangi 4 Nov Kariobangi 25 Nov Hippolais languida 3 Apr Meru NP 19 Nov Garissa = H. pallida 18 Apr Machakos 22 Oct Amboseli = Locustella fluviatilis 25 Apr Kariobangi 25 Nov Ngulia = Phylloscopus trochilus 8 May Naivasha 14 Sep Nairobi 10 Sep Sylvia atricapilla 24 Mar Nairobi 15 Oct Nairobi = S. borin 25 Apr Kariobangi 24 Oct Kariobangi 3 QGE S. communis 27 Apr Kariobangi 29 Oct Kariobangi > Si. nzsSOoGia 14 Apr Lukenya 9 Nov Baringo = Muscicapa striata 18 Apr Machakos 9 Oct Nairobi 17 Sep Anthus cervinus 17 Apr Kariobangi 24 Oct Kariobangi = A. trivialis 16 Apr Kajiado 6 Oct Langata 6 OcE Motacilla flava 2 May Nakuru 31 Aug Kariobangi 24 Sep Lanius collurio 23 Apr Tsavo and 8 Nov Nairobi 10 Oct Ngomeni L. isabellinus 16 Apr Kajiado 11 Nov Ngulia 11 Nov L. minor 1 May Bogoria = 9S0cE RT I I EIS SELLE LEAL All Uganda records supplied by J.S. Ash. The earlier arrival of Phylloscopus trochilus, Sylvia borin, Muscicapa striata and Lanius collurio in Uganda than in central Kenya accords with previous experience there (see, e.g. Pearson 1972 The wintering and migration of Palaearctic passerines at Kampala, southern Uganda, Ibis 114: 43-60). English names of birds listed above but not mentioned in the Species Report: Merops persicus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, M.apiaster Eurasian Bee-eater, Rip- aria riparia Sand Martin, Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole, Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale, Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear, O. isabellina Isabelline Wheatear, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler, A. scirpaceus Reed Warbler, Hippolais languida Upcher's Warbler, H. pallida Olivaceous Warbler, Phyllosco- pus trochilus Willow Warbler, Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap, S. borin Garden East. African Bird Report 1983 135 Warbler, Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit,and Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail. LIST OF OBSERVERS F. Alexander G. Allport A.L. Archer J.S. Ash Ayres -G. Backhurst Backhurst : : nouyna e 0) Ki -S. Beesley Bennun -M. Boswell - Bowler - Butterworth - Carswell - Chapman-Purchas M.A.C. Coverdale K. Curry-Lindahl P.E. Davey J. Dirks J.H. Fanshawe D. Fisher L. Fishpool P.C. Fletcher A.D. Forbes-Watson A.M. Forbes-Watson M.E.J. Gore L. Grant P.A. Gregory J.D. Hancock S. Harcourt J. Harjula (JHj) M. Hemphill vEramrapmandosy7y QQ P. Hemphill M. Kelsey P.C. Lack F.R. Lambert A.D. Lewis Br M. Maas L. Maddock R.A. McVicker B.S. Meadows P.J. Merritt J. Mulder F. Ng'weno D.J. Pearson D.K. Richards G.K. Richards M. Ross W. Russell D. Schluter D. Schmidl A.B. Sheldon L. Siemens M.E. Smalley A. Spoerry P. Squelch T. Stevenson C.A. Taylor P.B. Taylor D.J. Tomlinson D.A. Turner D.E. Wolf M. Woodcock Joint University of East Anglia/ ICBP Expedition to Sokoke Forest 1983 136 East African Bird Report 1983 RINGING AND MIGRATION AT NGULIA, TSAVO, AUTUMN 1983 G.C. Backhurst and D.J. Pearson The Lodge was manned for a total of only 14 nights between 3 November and 11 December, but netting at night was possible on only seven, while daytime netting was attempted on two more days. This was the lowest level of activity at Ngulia since night-netting started in November 1974. Moreover, the total of 2769 Palaearctic migrants ringed was the lowest since the 1973/74 season. On the positive side, the daily total of 900 ringed on 7 December was the highest ever, apart from the particularly productive 1979/80 season (when this figure was exceeded on no less than seven dates). The first visit, of four nights from 3 to 8 November, produced no birds at all: nights were either totally clear or with high cloud. Tsavo had had a little early rain before this visit but generally the park was dry. The December visit, from 2nd to ilth, provided the only ringing activity of the season; four nights were all clear with very few or no birds, while the remaining six nights were misty with appreciable falls of migrants. Palae- arctic birds ringed - and their scientific names - are given in Table 1. The second column shows the individual species totals expressed as a percentage of the mean for the previous eleven years. As would be expected, this year's means are all low, although (of the four major Ngulia species) the Sprosser and River Warbler figures make a reasonable showing. As noted in other years (see, for example, Scopus 3: 19-25), the variation in catch composition often varies substantially from night to night. This is 50 WB Sprosser sss: Marsh Warbler Y//, \Nhitethroat 40 sss: River Warbler 30 20 10 Percentage of daily Palaearctic total ringed 4 5 6 7 9 10 54 614 434 900 309 268 bold numerals: dates in December 1983 light numerals: daily Palaearctic total ringed Fig. 1. Comparison of the daily catch, as percentages, of the four main Palaearctic species during December 1983 East African Bird Report 1983 13/7, TABLE 1 Numbers of Palaearctic night migrants ringed at Ngulia Safari Lodge between October and February in the years 1969-1984* Species 1983/4* Total 1969- total Redd 1984* Scops Owl Otus scops 1 = 2 Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 3 12 229 Eurasian Roller Coracias garrulus 2 50 36 Eurasian Swallow Hirundo rustica [caught at night] 2 11 126 Rufous Bush Chat Cercotrichas galactotes 6 9 135 Irania Irania gutturalis 27 25 1226 Sprosser Luscinia luscinia 814 TM 127595 “Nightingale L. megarhynchos 19 47 464 Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 8 87 100 Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina 2 33 68 Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe 4 50 92 Pied Wheatear O. pleschanka Z 53 36 Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis 24 55 509 Marsh Warbler A. palustris 914 49 21573 Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus 1 19 61 Upcher's Warbler Hippolais languida A? 75 269 Olive-tree Warbler H. olivetorum 3 12 281 Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida 8 28 323 River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis 132 63 2447 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 67 63 1233 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 18 47 441 Whitethroat S. communis 657 40 18 648 Barred Warbler S.nisoria 14 34 477 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1 2 613 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 5 7 754 Red-tailed Shrike L. isabellinus 18 34 615 Number of species 26 26 Total 2769 63 953 * 1983/84 season - no ringing in January or February 1984 ** The autumn 1983 total expressed as a percentage of mean of the years 1972/73 to 1982/83 for each species Totals of Palaearctic species ringed in previous autumn seasons but not in the 1983/84 one are as follows: Little Bittern Ixobrychus m. minutus 4, Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae 1, Corncrake Crex crex 7, Spotted Crake Porzana porzana 1, Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2, Lesser Cuckoo C. poliocephalus i, Sand Martin Riparia riparia 6, Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 13, Redstart Phoeni- curus phoenicurus 2, Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 2, Great Reed Warbler Acro- cephalus arundinaceus 27, Sedge Warbler A. schoenobaenus 65, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina 2, Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides 1, Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 2, Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 48, Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 19, Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 3 and Red-backed x Red-tailed Shrike Lanius collurio x isabellinus hybrid 8. From December 1969 a total of 64167 Palaearctic birds of 44 species has been ringed at Ngulia during southward migration. SS SS SE EE SSE SO EE EEE EE I EB TED SE BEE EE EES OT EEE BIBI ASS TEE 138 East African Bird Report 1983 shown for six nights this season in Fig. 1. The Whitethroat may be singled out for special mention: overall (1969 to the present), 29 per cent of all birds ringed at Ngulia have been Whitethroats as against the River Warbler's 3.8 per cent'contribution; yet on 10 December the Whitethroat was down to less than 6 per cent of the day's catch compared with just over 7 per cent for the River Warbler. Numbers of Afrotropical birds moving at night were low. Only ten of the commonest species, the Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei, were caught and ringed yet a single example of the African race erlangeri of the Quail C. coturnix was found one night sitting on the bar and added to the Ngulia species list. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank the Warden of Tsavo National Park (West) for permission to ring birds in the park, the management of Ngulia Safari Lodge and African Tours and Hotels Limited for assistance with accomodation and help in other ways. For assistance during catching and ringing we are most grateful to Daphne Backhurst, Alan and Elizabeth Carles, Miles Coverdale, June Dirks, John Fan- shawe, Lincoln Fishpool, Anna Forbes-Watson, John and Jean Marchant, Maggie Pearson and Mary Sinclair. We thank too the East African Natural History Society for financial assistance from its Bird Migration Fund. G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi and D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochem- istry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi Scopus 7: 136-138, June 1984 ORNITHOLOGICAL PROJECTS IN EAST AFRICA, 1983 The following list includes all projects known to the Sub-Committee which, a) involved active field work during 1983, and b) were expected to culminate in publication in recognized journals. For professional workers, only their major projects are listed. Allan, R.G. FAO/UNDP Quelea bird control project, Nairobi. Biology and man- agement of quelea populations. Angwin, D. see Cunningham-van Someren. *Ash, J.S. FAO/UNDP Quelea bird control project, Kampala, Uganda: a) Biology and management of quelea populations, b) with Carswell, M. and Pomeroy, D.E. Atlas of the birds of Uganda. Backhurst, G.C., Nairobi: a) Eastern African Ringing Scheme, b) with Pearson, D.J., Migration studies at Ngulia, Tsavo National Park (West). Carswell, M., Kampala, Uganda: a) *Avifauna of the Kampala area, b) with Ash, J.S. and Pomeroy, D.E., Atlas of the birds of Uganda. Cunningham-van Someren, G.R., National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi: a) Taxon- omic study of the White-starred Forest Robin Pogonocichla stellata, b) Nectar and other food items taken by birds, c) Roosting behaviour of birds, d) National Bird Strike Committee of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, e) with Angwin, D., Ecology of the avifauna of Kora National Reserve, Kenya, as part of the National Museums of Kenya and Royal Geographical Society Re- search Project, f£) Conservation status of birds in Kenya for the Red Data Book. East African Bird Report 1983 139 Elliott, C.C.H., FAO/UNDP Quelea bird control project, Arusha, Tanzania: biol- ogy and management of quelea populations. Emlen, S.T. see Wrege, P. *Haas, V., Max-Planck-Institut, Lake Nakuru NP, Kenya: Social behaviour of the Anteater Chat Myrmecocichla aethiops. Harper, D. see Taylor, C. Horne, J.F.M., Box 24622, Nairobi: Comparative vocal communication in Kenyan and other African birds, especially the white-eyes Zosteropidae and cuckoo shrikes Campephagidae. Kalina, J., Michigan State University, U.S.A.: Biology of the Black and White Casqued Hornbill Bycanistes subcylindricus in Kibale Forest, Uganda. Leisler, B., Max-Planck-Institut, Lake Nakuru NP: Ecology of wintering wheat- ears Oenanthe spp. Lewis, A.D., Nairobi: a) with Pomeroy, D.E., Atlas of the birds of Kenya, b) vocalizations of the Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida. Meadows, B.S., U.K./Saudi Arabia: East African wildfowl counts. *Nicolai, J., University of Wilhelmshaven, West Germany: Host species of the Steel-blue Whydah Vidua hypocherina. *Oelke, H., University of Goettingen, West Germany: Birds of native and exotic forests in western Kenya. Pearson, D.J., University of Nairobi: a) Status, seasonality and distribution of Palaearctic migrants in southern and eastern Kenya, b) see Backhurst, Guc. b) e. ; Pomeroy, D.E., Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda: a) with Lewis, A.D., Atlas of the birds of Kenya, b) with Ash, J.S. and Carswell, M., Atlas of the birds of Uganda. Reyer, H.E., Max-Planck-Institut, Lake Nakuru NP: Behaviour of Pied Kingfishers Ceryle rudis at Lake Nakuru and Homa Bay, Lake Victoria. Short, L.L., American Museum of Natural History, New York and Horne, J.F.M., Box 24622, Nairobi: Taxonomy and behaviour, especially vocal, of barbets, honeyguides and woodpeckers Piciformes. Stevenson, T., Baringo, Kenya: Birds of the Lake Baringo area. Taylor, C.D. (with Harper, D.), University of Leicester, U.K.: Food preferences of the Jacana Actophilornis africanus at Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Taylor, P.B., Nairobi: EANHS East African Nest Record Scheme. Turner, D.A., Nairobi: Atlas of the birds of Tanzania. Wrege, P., Cornell University, Ithaca, U.S.A.: Social behaviour of White- fronted Bee-eaters Merops bullockoides at Lake Nakuru NP (in association with S.T. Emlen. * = Field work completed in 1983 [Compiled by A.D. Lewis] 140 East African Bird Report 1983 NEW SUBSCRIBERS (1983) AND CHANGES OF ADDRESS latest known address change of address + * +Blaber, Dr S.J. 12 South Arm Rd, Sandford, Tasmania 7020, Australia Brass, Mrs D. Box 59196, Nairobi, Kenya Casalis de Pury, R.J. Box 90456, Luanshya, Zambia Cran, H.R. Box 958, Nakuru, Kenya +Diamond, Dr A.W. 1376 Wesmar Drive, Ottawa, KiH 7T5, Canada +Dowsett, R.J. Box 313, Knysna 6570 South Africa Elliott, Dr C.C.H. Box 634, Arusha, Tanzania Fisher, D. 56 Western Way, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1DU, UK Fishpool, Dr L.D.C. c/o DLCO/EA Box 30023, Nairobi, Kenya Fletcher, P. Box 43675, Nairobi, Kenya Gallagher, M.D. Natural History Museum, Box 668, Muscat, Oman Grant, Mrs L.V.J. El Karama Ranch, Box 172, Nanyuki, Kenya *Hamel, Prof. P.J. 220 Evelyn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6P 229, Canada Harjula, Dr J. Kapedo Hospital, Private Bag, P.O. Nakuru, Kenya Hartley, Mrs J. Box 14098, Nairobi, Kenya Lake Baringo Club, c/o Block Hotels, Box 47557, Nairobi, Kenya *Larsson, L. Videgardsvagen 72, S-44500 Surte, Sweden *Penry, Dr H. Box 138, Orkney, Transvaal 2620 South Africa Potterton, T. c/o African Wildlife Foundation, Box 48177, Nairobi, Kenya Rae, M. c/o PDU (Marial Bai), Box 60837, Nairobi, Kenya Rathbone, P.H. 3 Park Lane, Little Hayfield, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 5NW, UK Reid, Dr G. Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi Riley, A.A. Box 189, Eldoret, Kenya Russell, W. Wings Inc, Box 974, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662, USA Scholtens, Dr R.E.M. Alupe Leprosy Hospital, Box 35, Busia, Kenya Tatchell, Dr and Mrs R.J. c/o FAO, Box 30470, Nairobi, Kenya Van Oosten, J.R. 8023 17th N.E., Seattle, Washington 98115, USA Woodcock, M. The Fives, Elderden Farm, near Staplehurst, Kent, UK New Institutional Subscribers (1983) Library, Adventist University of East Africa, Box 2500, Eldoret, Kenya Library, National Museum, Box 266, Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa New Exchange Publication The Babbler - Journal of the Botswana Bird Club [Compiled by D.A. Turner] East African Bird Report 1983 141 INDEX OF AUTHORS Ash, J.S. Over fifty additions of birds to the Somalia list including two hybrids, together with notes from Ethiopia and Kenya ........ 54 & Ash, J.W. Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata in Somalia with i a ee OS Fae Ss cis. pep icldie slow rete hoarse Pelgic Vicia b oobi oO dipy och lod Se StNNOO Backhurst, G.C. [Review] Ostrich Index Vols 21-50, 1951-1979 ...... . 101 ——————- & Pearson, D.J. Ringing and migration at Ngulia, Tsavo, en een es ee Male “a oie tan's SOGeSe is eee ieee «136 Baker, N.E. Eastern-bearded [sic] Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata eee NOLCH. isrralks) sti be Ss owes el sie es ete: ewer S95 Coverdale, M.A.C., Hancock, J. & Pearson, D.J. Unusual December-January Beceem dt the Garsen heronry, Kenya . 2... ....--- «+ «= «ss «.% «49 Diamond, A.W. The Black and White Flycatcher Bias musicus in Kenya... . 22 Dittami, John P. Notes on Blue-eared Glossy Starlings Lamprotornis Pee ial Kenya) ins Sictisis eirs (2 eo. Quen alle BAS mee eS ee 37 Elliott, C.C.H. Unusual breeding records made from a helicopter in Tanzania 33 Fuggles-Couchman, N.R. On the occurrence of Onychognathus fulgidus the Mara noCH Lota lingin Tanzania is 2). 5 soe. as) Cee ee oe 298 On the breeding of the Red-headed Quelea Quelea ee Cen MAA Osc oe oy wis poy ey eh eb s ey ep es ea wl eee eller. 299 Haas, Volker & Siebenrock, Karl Heinz. Successful breeding of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber at Lake Nakuru, Kenya .......... Q91 Kleinbaum, Michel & Alden, Peter. A pair of White-backed Night Herons Gorsachius leuconotus in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania ....... 90 Lewis, Adrian D. Range extension and population increase of the House ee eMart ia shia jes fis oe o «i= 6 sw. Bee we bs ere Se) 2S A record of the Grey-crested Helmet Shrike near Naivasha, ete se ets. cits ss fe es ee 6 6 see 6 ee sys «20 Old records of some scarce or little-known species a ee Ee tise celia es cm (see st A ek ie 6 ep eo ee lo oy. BO : Unusual prey of Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus . 92 A leucistic Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus ...... 94 Further records of the white-throated form of the Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka from Kenya ..........+..-e.-. 96 ——__—__————- &£ Pomeroy, D.E. A bird atlas for Kenya: a progress report 27 Louette, M. & Schoeters, A. Unreported hunting behaviour of the Mada- gascar Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis vintsioides on Grand Comoro .. 21 Moore, R.D. The first record of the northeastern race of the Northern Paeneonop Hupleetes franciscanus for Kenya . . .. 2. »« » « « » « « « 23 Moyer, D.C. A record of the Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata Pree sane 2n SOUthwestern Tanzania . .. . ss 1 6 6 pe cee ew ew el OO A record of the Angola White-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia eacereer? trom Kasesya in southwestern Tanzania ......«+s 6 « «+. 52 Nikolaus, G. An important passerine ringing site near the Sudan Red ee Te ee ett ay cis) a et eo a othe ee ee et tetta tee. «LS A bird cemetery in the Nubian Desert, Sudan ......... 48 & Pearson, D.J. Attraction of nocturnal migrants to car ie aes tae Sudan Red Sea Hills .. 5 2. 2s). se ss srs et sw we eC O19 Pearson, D.J. [Review] Bird Migration in Africa - Movements between Sl) FPR EL 22D S) 2. nh aS PS ESTAS em ees, i cea ae ea nen eae BE A Blacksmith/Spur-winged Plover Vanellus armatus x ee eee PRIEST A FN ea eta) |. a Way vs) ee wt) ee Ss ce) ee ee, es ee ew | 93 SECO POW ue niay Sie vac iemer fey ie ie eet a! es Ve le Mey ie nee) LLOD D(avid J.) Requests for records of Palaearctic migrants .... . 102 142 East African Bird Report 1983 Pomeroy, D.E. Bill abnormality in a Black Flycatcher Melaenornis (oie (oN ib ko ie (Ve eer er te rr cMREM NTMI SS Gg SE & Lewis, Adrian D. Estimating the number of species likely to,.occur in Kenya birdvatlasssquanes %iys a). ices oho) cane miei iano (0) Short, L.L., Horne, J.F.M. & Vande weghe, J-P. Aberrantly pianaged DALDCES go. jie we yale 04 Oe einer e ein oy elke Het ta ow We) o Mais il Gel) ae anette i Senin tt a ee RET Smalley, M.E. A major Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni roost in Kenya .... 44 Stevenson, Terry Kestrel Falco tinnunculus feeding on a bat ....... 93 ———__———————- A second record of the Nubian Shrike Lanius nubicus in Bast Africae) ssl T mea ee AP aan Se pear Taylor, P.B. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago and Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus at Ndola, Zambia io cee. eel el eee ee: ce etches Ur SP PRISON hat et rn a) A melanistic Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago near Nairobi: an example iof “Sabines Snipe?) 272.0 Sisco icc ee anne Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata in southwestern Tanzania and northeastern Zambia’ <9.) 5/00. ce okie te etn oia tmnt stn a Turner, D.A.\. [Review]: The birds of Africa ©. sys < o Wi). 0) eleeecnel meetin: Vande weghe, Jean-Pierre Sympatric occurrence of the White-winged Warbler Bradypterus carpalis and Grauer's Rush Warbler B. graueri in, Rwanda ss... «suis die » te) o 9 68s e516) wr iein ooh ohio) to, eet) eldtt tt net oo oD Vittery, Alan Movements of Palaearctic raptors in the Ethiopian rift VALLOY » oirieices event Mp e tie eh aw. el el wills te) ai loll) elm (ciara its tmeCttt. titer oma il East African Bird Report 1983 INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES All species mentioned in Scopus 7, numbers 1 to 5 are listed Accipiter spp. 60 brevipes 3,5,60,105,124 minullus 110 nisus 3,5,60 Acrocephalus arundinaceus 16,17,72,128, 134.137 baeticatus 72 gracilirostris 70,71 griseldis 16,48,128,134,137 palustris 15,16,31,48,71,128,134,136, 37 schoenobaenus 16,68,134,137 scirpaceus 16,17,19,48,71,134,137 stentoreus 71,72 streperus 71 Actitis hypoleucos 125 Actophilornis africanus 139 Alopochen aegyptiacus 59,66 Amadina fasciata 121 Anas acuta 59,60,123 Cclypeata 89,106,123 erecca 89,123,131,132 penelope 123,131,132 querquedula 68,123 sparsa 109 Anastomus lamelligerus 49,109 Anhinga rufa 49,109 Anomalospiza imberbis 120 Anous stolidus 56,57,113 tenuirostris 66,67,113 Anthreptes pallidigaster 119 platurus 120,131 Anthus caffer 122 campestris 48 cervinus 16,63,129,131 sokokensis 119 t¥Fivialis 16,19,48,134,137 Apalis binotata 118 flavida 139 Apaloderma narina 29,115 vittatum 29 Apus aequatorialis 115 apus 127 barbatus 122 horus 115,122 melba 115 Aquila spp. 106 clanga 6,123 heliaca 3,6,132 nipalensis 3,6,106,123 pomarina 3,6,123 rapax 2,6,35 Aquila verreauxi 110 wahlbergi 110 Ardea cinerea 50 melanocephala 33 purpurea 33,48-50,58,59,108 Ardeola idae 59,108 ralloides 16,49,50,59,108 rufiventris 33,108 Arenaria interpres 126,131 Aviceda cuculoides 61,62,110 Aythya fuligula 89,123,131 nyroca 89 Balearica pavonina 35 Bias musicus 22 Bradypterus baboecala 87 carpalis 85-87 grandis 85,87 graueri 85-87 Bubulcus ibis 33,49,50,108 Buccanodon whytii 116 Bucorvus abyssinicus 116 Bulweria fallax 57 Buphagus africanus 119 Butastur rufipennis 110,133 Buteo auguralis 110 buteo 2,3,5,6,8,60,61,123,124 rufinus 6,131 Bycanistes bucinator 116 subcylindricus 139 Calandrella brachydactyla 19,48 somalica 122 Calidris alba 63,125,131 alpina 31, 105,125,126 canutus 63 ferruginea 20,21,63,64 minuta 20,21,63,64,68 ruficollis 54,63 temminckii 68,126,132 tenuirostris 63 Calonectris diomedea 57 leucomelas 57 Camaroptera stierlingi 118,131 Campephaga quiscalina 117 Caprimulgus spp. 133 donaldsoni 122 europaeus 73,127,137 fraenatus 115 inornatus 115,130 nubicus 115,130 143 144 Caprimulgus stellatus 130 tristigma 130 Catharacta spp. 64 antarctica 64 maccormickii 64 skua 56,64,65 Centropus grillii 114 senegalensis 115 superciliosus 92 Cercococcyx montanus 122 Cercomela familiaris 117 scotocerca 118 Cercotrichas galactotes 16,17,73,128, 134) 137 hartlaubi 122 quadrivirgata 95,118 Ceryle rudis 139 Charadrius alexandrinus 31,63,125 asiaticus 133 dubius 68,125,132 hiaticula 64 leschenaultii 125,131 Marginatus 64 mongolus 64,125,131 Chelictinia riocourii 110,130,133 Chersomanes albofasciata 122 Chlidonias hybridus 67,113 leucopterus 67 niger 67 Ciconia abdimii 2,109 Ciconia 122,123 episcopus 35,109 nigray 123) io pEs2 Cinnyricinclus sharpii 119 Circaetus fasciolatus 122 gallicus 4,35 Circus aeruginosus 5,60 macrourus 3,5,133 pygargus 3,5,133 ranivorus 60 Cisticola bodessa 118 carruthersi 86 nana 118 Clamator glandarius 114,133 jacobinus 89,105,114,133 levaillantii 114,133 Cochlearius cochlearius 90 Colius leucocephalus 115,130 Columba guinea 114 unicincta 114 Coracias abyssinica 122 caudata 133 garrulus 48,128,134,137 Coracina caesia 117 pectoralis 117 East African Bird Report 1983 Corvus albus 70 albus X ruficollis 70 corone 70 ruficollis 70 Corythornis vintsioides 21 Cossypha natalensis 118,130 Coturnix chinensis iii coturnix (16, 19), 48) iii aise delegorguei 138 Crex crex 16,48,137 egregia ii1 Crinifer zonurus 90 Cryptospiza salvadorii 121 Cuculus canorus 16,106,127,133,134, 337 clamosus 114,133 gularis 114,133 poliocephalus 106,114,127,137 Delichon urbica 51,128,134 Dendrocygna bicolor 109,133 viduata 109,133 Diomedea melanophris 105,107 Dromas ardeola 113 Drymocichla incana 118 Dryocichloides lowei 118 Egretta alba 50,108 ardesiaca 50,59,108 garzetta 50 gularis 59,109 intermedia 49,50,109 Emberiza cabanisi 121 caesia 17 cineracea 17 hortulana 17,19,48 Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis 34 Erannornis albicauda 119 Eremomela scotops 118 Estrilda erythronotus i121 rhodopyga 121 troglodytes 121 Euplectes afer 120 diadematus 23,120 franciscanus 23 Eurystomus glaucurus 116 Falco alopex 124 amurensis 8,44-46,105,124 ardosiaceus 122 cherrug 8,124 chicquera 62,111 concolor 8,31,124 cuvieri 111,122 dickinsoni ii1 East African Bird Report 1983 Falco eleonorae 8,124,137 naumanni 3,7,44-46,105,124 pelegrinoides 8 peregrinus 3,7,124,131 rupicoloides ii1 subbuteo 3,7 tinnunculus 7,93 vespertinus 3,7 Ficedula albicollis 16,17,129 hypoleuca/albicollis 48 parva 19 Foudia madagascariensis 25 Francolinus jacksoni 111 levaillantii ii1 Fregata sp. 108 ariel 130 Fulica cristata 62 Galerida modesta 105,116 Gallinago gallinago 20,50,51,89 media 20 nigripennis 20 stenura 132 Gallinula angulata 112 chloropus 16 Gelochelidon nilotica 68,127 Glareola ocularis 113 Glaucidium capense 122 tephronotum 122 Gorsachius leuconotus 90,91 Grus carunculatus 35 Guttera edouardi iii pucherani 111 Gypaetus barbatus 110 Gyps africanus 34 fulvus 3,4 rueppellii 35 Haematopus ostralegus 125 Halcyon albiventris 115 Haliaeetus vocifer 62 Heliolais erythroptera 118 Hieraaetus dubius 60,110 pennatus 3,7,61,124 Hippolais icterina 16,72,73,129,137 languida 17,71,73,134,137 olivetorum 17,73,129,137 pallida 16,48,134,137 Hirundo angolensis 117 atrocaerulea 117 dGimidiata 51,94 griseopyga 51 rustica 16,48,69,137 semirufa 117 senegalensis 69 smithii 51 145 Hyliota australis 122 Hypargos niveoguttatus 74 Indicator variegatus 116 Irania gutturalis 17,128,134,137 Ixobrychus minutus 108,122,137 sturmii 58,108 Jynx ruficollis 116 torquilla 16 Kaupifalco monogrammicus 92,110 Lagonosticta rufopicta 121 Lamprotornis chalcurus 119 chalybaeus 37-39 chloropterus 38 spendidus 38 Laniarius barbarus 119 mufumbiri 119 ruficeps 89,119 Lanius collurio 17,19,48,105,129,134, 137 collurio xX isabellinus 129,137 excubitor 17 gubernator 119 isabellinus 17,134,137 minor 17,48,129,134 nubicus 17,97-98,105,129 senator 17,48,129 Larus argentatus 126 cirrocephalus 106 fuscus 64,66 genei 106,126 hemprichii 113 ichthyaetus 65,126 ridibundus 106,126 sabini 54,66 Leptoptilos crumeniferus 2,34,91 Limicola falcinellus 20,21,64,126 Limosa lapponica 126,132 limosa 64,126,132 Locustella fluviatilis 15,16,129,134, 136-138 luscinioides 16,17,48,137 Lonchura griseicapilla 121 malabarica 121 Luscinia megarhynchos 16,134,137 luscinia 15,16,19,48,128,134,136,137 svecica 16,17 Lybius bidentatus 12 chaplini 10,13 guifsobalito 10,12 leucocephalus 10,13 melanopterus 12 minor 12,13 146 Lybius rubrifacies 10,11,43 torquatus 10,12 undatus 11,12 VAlelnioth2i ks Lymnocryptes minimus 20,62 Macheiramphus alcinus i111 Macrodipteryx spp. 133 longipennis 130 vexillarius 115,130 Macronyx sharpei 119 Malaconotus quadricolor 74 Melaenornis edolioides 97 Melierax spp. 60 metabates 110 Merops apiaster 16,48,134 boehmi 122 bullockoides 139 budockana lS hirundineus 115 rand ojalcey ys}. alal'5) 5 1 S¥0) persicus 16,134 Microparra capensis 112,122 Milvus migrans 2-4,8 Mirafra ashi 69 cantillans 117,133 hypermetra 117 Monticola rufocinerea 118 Saxatilis 128,134,137 Motacilla alba 129 cinerea 17,129 fllava 17/,19,48,134;, 137 Muscicapa gambagae 119 lendu 119 Striatayl6, 487 3), 129,194), 037 Myioparus plumbeus 119 Myrmecocichla aethiops 29,139 nigra 29 Nectarinia bifasciata 120 habessinica 120 manoensis 120 minulla 120 oustaleti 52 rufipennis 120 seimundi 120 Neophron percnopterus 4,61 Neotis denhami 112,130,133 Netta erythrophthalma 109 Nettapus auritus 109 Numenius arquata 125,132 Phaeopus 125,132 Nycticorax nycticorax 49,50 Oceanites oceanicus 106 East African Bird Report 1983 Oenanthe spp. 139 bottae 118 hispanica 16,19,96 isabellina 48,134,137 oenanthe 16,134,137 pileata 133 pleschanka 96,128,134,137 Onychognathus fulgidus 98-99 morio 98 tenuirostris 98 walleri 98 Oriolus auritus 117 Onolus 167, S84 puSm Ortygospiza gabonensis 121 Otus irenae 115 leucotis 115,130 scops 16,48,127,137 Pachycoccyx audeberti 122 Pachyptila desolata 54-56 salvini 55 Valtctatanl OS lO, Pandion haliaetus 7 Parisoma lugens 118 Passer castanopterus 121 domesticus 23-25,121 domesticus X castanopterus 74 griseus 24 motitensis 25,121 Pernis apivorus 3,4,124,131 Petronia brachydactyla 17,48 Phaethon lepturus 105,108 Phalacrocorax africanus 49 carbo 58 nigrogularis 58 Phalaropus lobatus 126 Philomachus pugnax 68,126 Phoeniconaias minor 34,91,106,109 Phoenicopterus ruber 34,91 Phoeniculus castaneiceps 122 minor 116 Phoenicurus phoenicurus 16,17,48,128, LBV) 9 183)7/ Phyllastrephus cerviniventris 122 Phyllolais pulchella 118,131 Phylloscopus bonelli 16 collybita 48,129 sibilatrixe16), 735,429,090 trochilus 16,48,73,105,134,137 Picoides obsoletus 116 Pitta angolensis 116,133 Platalea alba 49,109 leucorodia 123 Plectopterus gambensis 109 Plegadis falcinellus 49,109 East African Bird Report 1983 Plocepasser superciliosus 121 Ploceus golandi 120 heuglini 120 rubiginosus 120 spekei 29 spekeoides 120 superciliosus 120 weynsi 120 Pluvialis squatarola 63,125,131 Podica senegalensis 122 Podiceps nigricollis 107 Pogoniulus chrysoconus 10,11,13 pusillus 10,11,13 Pogonocichla stellata 138 Polihierax semitorquatus 111 Porphyrio alleni 112 Porzana marginalis 112 parva 16 porzana 125,137 Prinia leucopogon 118 Prionops plumata 26 poliolopha 26,119 Prodotiscus regulus 116 Psalidoprocne pristoptera 117 Psittacula krameri 122 Psittacus erithacus 114 Pterocles lichtensteinii 122 Pterodroma arminjoniana 57 aterrima 57 baraui 57 brevirostris 54,56 macroptera 57 Ptilopachus petrosus 111 Ptilostomus afer 117 Puffinus sp. i108 lherminieri 57,107 pactei1cus 56,57, 105,107 puffinus 57 Pycnonotus barbatus 94-95 Pyrenestes minor 121,131 Pytilia afra 131 Quelea spp. 99,138,139 erythrops 36,99,100,120 quelea 33,54,74,99,120 Rallus caerulescens 112 Remiz musculus 117 Rhinoptilus chalcopterus 113 Rhodophoneus cruentus 58 Riparia cincta 69 riparia 16,69,134,137 Rostratula benghalensis 112 Rynchops flavirostris 69,113 147 Sagittarius serpentarius 110 Salpornis spilonota 122 Sarkidiornis melanotos 110 Sarothrura boehmi 105,112 rufa 112 Saxicola rubetra 16,48,128,132,133,137 torquata 16 Schoutedenapus myoptilus 122 Scotopelia peli 115 Serinus atrogularis 122 burtoni 122 koliensis 122 mennelli 122 reichardi 122 Sheppardia gunningi 118 Smithornis capensis 116 Speculipastor bicolor 119 Spreo fischeri 74 shelleyi 119 Superbus 74 Stactolaema olivacea 13 Stercorarius sp. 126 longicaudus 65 parasiticus 65,105,126 pomarinus 65,126 Sterna anaethetus 113 bengalensis 66,67 bergii 113 caspia 127 dougallii 67,68,113 fuscata 80-84,113 hirundo 66,67,105,127 paradisaea 54,67,68 repressa 67,68,113 sandvicensis 68,127 Streptopelia turtur 16,48,105,127 vinacea 114 Sturnus vulgaris 54,74 Sula dactylatra 108,130 sula 57 syivea atricapilla 16,17,19 ,48,73,134, 137 borin 16,19 ,48,73,134,137 communis 15,16,19,48,73,129,134,136- 138 curruca 16,17,48 hortensis 16,17 nisoria 16,48,73,129,132,134,137 Tachybaptus ruficollis 107 Thalassornis leuconotus 110 Threskiornis aethiopica 33,49,109 Tmetothylacus tenellus 133 Tockus hemprichii 116 148 Tockus pallidirostris 122 Trachyphonus erythrocephalus 10,13 margaritatus 10,12,13 Treron waalia 114 Tricholaema diademata 13 hirsuta 13 melanocephala 13 Tringa erythropus 62,125,132 glareola 68 nebularia 68 ochropus 68 totanus 125,132 Turdoides hindei 89,117 jardineii 117 leucopygius 9 plebejus 117 rubiginosus 117 Turdus abyssinicus 29 fischeri 118 East African Bird Report 1983 Turdus litsipsirupa i118 pelios 118 Turnix sylvatica 111 Tyto capensis 115 Upupa epops 16,48,128 Vanellus armatus 93 armatus X spinosus 93 crassirostris 112 lugubris 112 melanopterus 113 Sspinosus 93 Vidua hypocherina 121,139 obtusa 121,131 paradisaea 121 Xenus cinereus 125,132 [Indices prepared by G.C. Backhurst] John Kimunya Continued from inside front cover in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently; should not be listed under "References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions, which will be acknowledged, should be sent to the Editor, G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38, = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON, C.W., BROOKE, R.K., DOWSETT, R.J. & IRWIN, M.P.S. 1971. The birds of Zambia. London: Collins, = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) 1980. Birds of East Africa, their habitat, status and distribution. Nairobi: EANHS, = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANHS, = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London and New York: Academic Press, = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson, = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2: Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa. 2nd edition. London: Longmans Green & Co., = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be tele- phoned through to any OS-C member (numbers inside front cover) in the hope that the bird(s) may be seen by others. Criteria covering the submission of Bird Report records are given in Scopus Supplement, June 1982, copies of which are available from D.A. Turner. BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA Copies of this 270-page book are available from the Secretary, EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi for £8.00 or US$17.00 surface mail to anywhere in the world. | C9AMREF CONTENTS CGomerell GEWALGEWY 0 6 0% 0060000600000 0506000 86 Spécies Report: Afrotropicalvand Oceantc spectes ...-... . WEWLEOSUSCELG SOOACILES ooo 6 0 6 6 6 6 6 6 Back records - Afrotropical and Oceanic species PEWLAOCNECEILG SOOCGILES 6 o o o 0 0 PRequesiteduyand: "Specialy attention specilesn mi) enn Rare birds . '"First' and 'last' dates for some Palaearctic migrant landbirds IimLSiE ©ie CIOSEYEAVEIES 56 56 56 56 56 6 Oo @) ales S62) ten ie se SC IRalinvejaligvoy ElaXel jwklepaehesloyn Ele iNopbillalel, YNSEhye)/, Elwlewinis MISS 5 o o o OViMLEMOLOCGHLCGAIL joxIeOTECGES iin imeste Aiecice, LUYSS o so o o o New subscribers (1983) and changes of address ... . IMCs, CIE GUWNEINOYES 6 56 6 6 0 6 OOo oo ooo 8 IMCS CHE Gewese MEMNSS G6 ooo 0 0 0 6 0 oO 6 oO 8 lll Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi OS 107 122 130 Sil SS 13S 134 135 13S 138 140 141 143 OS922 ISSN 0250-4162 ~ SCOPUS A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East African Natural History Society Edited by Graeme Backhurst SET SSIS , a SO me SOT, iy eA OUn aa Wa 2 GEp 18 1MH4 LIBRARIES Volume 8,1 March 1984 SCOPUS Scopus is normally published five times a year (although issues may be combined to allow for long papers) by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, surface maii: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. The Chairman of the OS-C is Dr D.J. Pearson [house tel. 47041], Deapartment of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. Other members of the OS-C are: G.C. Backhurst [house tel. 891419, office 501301, 500508], Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; J.S.S. Beesley (UK); Dr Mar- garet Carswell, Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda; J.H. Fanshawe, Box 15563, Nairobi; M.E.J. Gore [house tel. 65103, office 335944], Box 30465, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dr A.D. Lewis, Department of Geol- ogy, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows (UK); Dr D.E. Pom- eroy, Department of Zoology, University of Makerere, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; J.F. Reynolds (UK); D.K. Richards, Box 24545, Nairobi; Dr M.E. Smalley, Depart- ment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557, Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the orni- thology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the members of the OS-C and/or by independent referees. The material published in Scopus is divided into 'papers' and 'short communications", the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should, where possible, be written in the third person; ‘short communications' may be written in either the first or third person. Authors of 'papers' are entitled to five copies of their contrib- ution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 1% or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped on separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. Illustrations should be on good quality white paper, bristol board or tracing material, in line, and should not be larger than 19 x 23cm. Lettering (in black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc.) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, Continued inside back cover Scopus 8 (1), March 1984 SCOPUS THE DISTRIBUTION OF, AND OTHER NOTES ON, SOME BIRDS OF TANZANIA N.R. Fuggles-Couchman The publication of Birds of Fast Africa (Britton 1980) was a most important event in East African ornithology. As Britton remarked in the preface of the book, East African ornithology, and the few ornithologists then working in East Africa, would have benefited greatly from such a work in the 1950s. But the work of the much larger number of ornithologists active in the field in the sixties and seventies would have made essential the publication of a new and up-to-date work, such as we now have, although no doubt the labour in- volved would have been greatly reduced. Because of the immensity of the task facing the authors of Birds of East Africa, and because of the uneven scatter of ornithologists in East Africa, and particularly in the past in Tanzania, it was inevitable that the range given of many species would be incomplete, or ill-defined, as is the case with many Tanzanian birds. In part this is due to a lack of diligence in the pub- lication of records by the present author and others, but in part it would seem to be due to an oversight of certain published work. It is hoped that the publication of the following notes will help make the information given in Birds of East Africa for Tanzania rather more complete, but it is appreciated that many of the notes could be considered as of only historic interest. However, some may give incentive to someone to check the present position in the field while others will serve as a record of an earlier presence of species no longer found in the area because of habitat destruction by man, climatic changes, or other factors. SYSTEMATIC LIST The nomenclature and order of families and species used in Britton (1980) have been followed in this paper. Numbers in brackets following reference to specimens are identification numbers of skins deposited at the British Museum (Natural History). Ixobrychus sturmii Dwarf Bittern In view of the dates given for this species, it is worth recording its pres- ence in Dar es Salaam District as late as August in 1953, and a young bird in the same area in May 1956. ; Scopus 8: 1-17, March 1984 2 Tanzanian birds Ardea cinerea Grey Heron While agreeing with the general statement in Britton (1980) that this species is usually solitary and never numerous, I did find a flock of 100 birds perch- ed in low shrubs along the stream entering Lake Basuto, Mbulu District, in November 1960. Ardea melanocephala Black-headed Heron A large colony of this species was found nesting in May 1959 in the tops of partially submerged Acacia tortilis in Hombolo Dam, Dodoma District only one year after that very large dam had filled. The heronry was among considerable numbers of nesting Cattle Egrets Bulbulcus ibis, Long-tailed Cormorants Phal- acrocorax africanus, Darters Anhinga rufa and Yellow-billed Storks Mycteria ibis. Egretta ardesiaca Black Heron In addition to its more typical habitat of lakes and coastal creeks, this species was to be found on such large rivers as the Kilombero. Several flocks of 20-40 birds were present along the River Mnyera (the upper waters of the Kilombero) in September 1934. It was also recorded in small numbers of from one to four birds in irrigated rice at Kilingali, Kilosa District, in April IIS Egretta intermedia Yellow-billed Egret Britton (1980) suggests that this species is seldom found in littoral habit- ats and that it is seldom numerous. In Dar es Salaam it was, and still is (Howell in MS), regularly to be seen flighting in the evening across the entrance channel to the harbour, often in considerable numbers, together with flocks of Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis, heading for the mangroves to roost. Gorsachius leuconotus White-backed Night Heron To the few localities listed by Britton (1980) should be added the Mangola Springs, Mbulu District, where a bird was found in January 1960. The Mangola Springs were surrounded by riverine forest and heavy vegetation, the typical habitat of this species. Ciconia abdimii Abdim's Stork This species occurred intermittently in the Eastern Province, especially in years of locust invasions. In 1932 considerable flocks were present in Moro- goro and Kilosa Districts among flying swarms, and in January to March 1933 they were in large flocks in Kilosa District where, after destroying quan- tities of adult locusts, they hunted out bands of hoppers, often destroying them completely. In February 1937 small numbers occurred on the old Dar es Salaam airport. In the Northern Province flocks were present in scattered tree-grassland near Monduli in February 1943, and in arable fields near Arusha. In February 1946 large flocks were on the Ardai Plains and at Mbulumbulu, while in 1959 enormous flocks were present near Meserani Dam in a year of heavy army worm Spodoptera exempta infestation, when the storks played a major part in their control. Mycteria ibis Yellow-billed Stork This species was nesting in small numbers on the edges of large colonies of other water birds at Hombolo Dam in May 1959 (see Black-headed Heron above). In August of the same year several hundred of this species were present on the western side of Lake Manyara, on rushy mud banks running out into shallow water. Threskiornis aethiopica Sacred Ibis Another species that was nesting, in small stearsene). in the partially submerged Tanzanian birds 3 Acacia tortilis in Hombolo Dam in mid May 1959, when there were young in the nests. The trees were shared with Darters Anhinga rufa, which outnumbered the ibises. Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck After the very heavy short rains in November and December 1961, Eluanata Dam, to the east of Monduli, filled fully for the first time for some years. This, and the following species of ducks, were all nesting on the dam in January and February 1962. Two nests of this species were found on 26 February, one with eight eggs, just on the point of hatching. Eggs measured were slightly larger than the size given in Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1957), at 55 x 43mm. Anas erythrorhynchos Red-billed Teal One nest found on 26 February at Eluanata Dam contained eight eggs. Anas penelope Wigeon There is a published record for this species from south and west of Arusha National Park, the southern limit given by Britton (1980): at Meserani Dam in Masailand, south of Monduli. Believed then to have been the first record for Tanganyika, up to 25 Wigeon were seen by Elliott on the dam from 2 Feb- ruary to 7 March 1943 (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946). Netta erythrophthalma Southern Pochard Two nests at Eluanata Dam, each with three eggs measuring 59 x 45mm, were found on 26 February 1962. Oxyura maccoa Maccoa Duck Three nests were found on 21 February 1962 at Eluanata Dam with one, six and eight eggs. Three eggs averaged 64 x 52mm. Several hundred of this species were found on Lake Embagai, Crater Highlands, in January 1945 (Elliott & Fuggles-Couchman 1948), and it has been reported from near Singida. Sarkidiornis melanotos Knob-billed Duck In view of the few dated nesting records for Tanzania, it is worth noting a female (containing a fully developed egg with shell) shot on 2 November 1952 at Kilingali, Kilosa District. This species occurred in flocks of up to 200, and frequently of over 100, in the War Wheat Scheme wheat fields on the Ardai Plains in May 1944, andin April 1959 large flocks were seen in wheat fields at Ol Molog, on the northwestern Slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Thalassornis leuconotus White-backed Duck This was the commonest duck nesting on Eluanata Dam in 1962 when 15 nests were found between 7 January and 26 February. Most of the later nests contained from 8 to 13 eggs, those measured averaging 62.5 x 49mm. Almost without ex- ception the nests had a dense hood of grass or rushes constructed over them. In mid October 1958 there were a number of White-backed Ducks on a partially filled Eluanata Dam with a considerable number of ducklings up to about one month old. Gyps africanus African White-backed Vulture Nests with young have been recorded in August 1958 in Acacia xanthophloea in Ngorongoro Crater, and in June 1944 in a large Acacia tortilis on the western edge of the Ardai Plains, Masailand. An adult was at the first nest, appar- ently shading a nestling. The second nest contained one chick. Circus ranivorus African Marsh Harrier A female was seen carrying nesting material on 31 January 1952 at Kilingali Swamps, Kilosa District. 4 Tanzanian birds Circaetus fasciolatus Southern Banded Snake Eagle In addition to the inland localities given by Britton (1980) this species was recorded in August 1938 in the Nguru Mountains, Morogoro District, at 1600nm, in forest on the southern side of the pass to Maskati. Accipiter minullus Little Sparrowhawk In view of the local nature of the distribution of this uncommon hawk, it is worth noting its occurrence in Balanites-scattered tree grassland west of Monduli at 1400m, in November 1942 and at Mbulumbulu in June 1945, at 1750n, in scattered Acacia tortilis in mainly open grassland. Accipiter ovampensis Ovampo Sparrowhawk I have only one record of this rare hawk in thirty-two years in Tanzania. A bird was stooping at small passerines near a well at Nondwa, Dodoma District, in March 1957. The Nondwa area is typical Central Province dry thorn country, dominated by Acacia tortilis. After stooping, the hawk circled several times | overhead, gaining height, and providing excellent views of the plumage. Accipiter rufiventris Rufous Sparrowhawk The only records given for this species in Tanzania by Britton (1980) are from Arusha and Songea. It has also been found in Nainokanoka, Crater Highlands over Crotolaria scrub at the edge of vestigial forest, in January 1945, and another was watched hawking a weaver on the edge of Lake Manyara, near the forest area, in August 1959. Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle A considerable concourse of at least 200 of this eagle was seen some 65 km southwest of Arusha, on the Great North Road, on 30 November 1961. The eagles were coming in from the south, and may have been wintering birds on local movement. They were flying at various heights, a few at considerable height, and were landing in open grassland with scattered trees and bush, in the low- er foothills of Burko Mountain, only a short distance from the road, provid- ing an excellent opportunity to study the plumage in some detail. Aguila verreauxi Verreaux's Eagle In addition to the five localities where this species has been recorded by Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott (1946), ranging from Samunge in northern Masai- land to Mt Lenjogi in the south of that district, it was also seen on the rift wall above Engaruka, in January 1945. Buteo buteo Common Buzzard This species was numerous at Mbulumbulu on 1 March 1946, resting in large bare trees, providing another record of this buzzard's movement up the rift valley on northern migration. Buteo tachardus Mountain Buzzard The most westerly locality given by Britton (1980) for this species in north- eastern Tanzania is Arusha National Park. In fact there are published rec-— ords well to the west of Arusha, in the Crater Highlands (Elliott & Fuggles- Couchman 1948), and on Mt Hanang (Fuggles-Couchman 1953). It has also been recorded from Monduli Mountain in November 1942. Aviceda cuculoides Cuckoo Hawk In addition to the published records of Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott (1946), one of which is for the late date of 30 January, from Ngayage 100km north of Kilosa, there is another published record (Elliott & Fuggles-Couchman 1948) from Lengopiron, Crater Highlands, also in January. I have also seen the Cuckoo Hawk in December in Arusha. These records are of particular interest because of their dates, compared with those given by Britton (1980) for rec~ ords from Tanzania. (oni Tanzanian birds Falco amurensis Eastern Red-footed Falcon In view of only three January records for Tanzania given by Britton (1980), it is worth noting a specimen, a male (46/2) collected at Ol Molog, on the north- western slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro at 1650m on 21 January 1946. It was one of three of this species seen together on that occasion. Falco biarmicus Lanner Falcon No specific localities are quoted by Britton (1980) for this uncommon falcon in Tanzania, and it is worth drawing attention to its presence in the Ngamat area of the Crater Highlands in February 1946 at 2000m. I also have records of single birds at Ol Molog in April 1959 in open arable and grasslands, and at Mbulumbulu in April 1946 in similar habitat, at 1650m. Falco concolor Sooty Falcon Britton (1980) mentions the lack of dated records of the movements of this species in East Africa. It is therefore worth noting the occurrence of small numbers of Sooty Falcons among large numbers of (presumably) Palaearctic Kestrels Falco tinnunculus which were moving eastwards over Mbulumbulu, Crater Highlands, on 7 December 1943. I also have a record of a single bird on 10 April 1957 between Songea and the Matengo Hills, southwestern Tanzania. Falco dickensoni Dickenson's Kestrel This species ranges west of Morogoro to Kilosa District. It was seen in con- Siderable numbers near Kilosa in April 1937, where it was hawking adult loc- usts over cultivations with scattered Kigelia trees, in which the birds fre- quently perched. It has also been recorded in Brachystegia woodland in the Mikumi area, 70km south of Kilosa, in December 1951, and during the same year it was frequent at Kilingali, in the more open areas in Combretum bushland, particularly round the edges of the large swamp where there were a few trees. Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Considerable numbers of, presumably, the nominate race were seen over Mbulu- mbulu on 7 December 1943, moving eastwards in company with a small number of Sooty Falcons. Large numbers have also been recorded from the Ngare Ol Mot- onyi area near Arusha when on northward passage on 19 February 1943. Polihierax semitorquatus Pygmy Falcon This species ranges well to the east of the range given by Britton (198C) in Tanzania. A pair was seen mating on 24 June 1942 at Ngulu, at the southern foot of the North Pare Mountains, in dry thornbush. A single bird, no doubt a wanderer, was also seen in Combretum bush near the River Kilombero in Aug- ust 1953, south of the Ifakara ferry. Coturnix chinensis Blue Quail In view of the few October records quoted by Britton (1980), ail from Kenya, attention should be drawn to a record from Mbulumbulu on 10 October 1942, in Themeda grassland (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946). Francolinus sephaena Crested Francolin Britton (1980) gives the range of the race grantii as south to Dodoma. It should be extended eastwards from there to include northern Kilosa District at Geiro, where a male (42/18) was collected in 1942. This species also occurred at Ngulu, Same District, presumably attributable to the same race. Francolinus squamatus Scaly Francolin The range of this species extends east from the Arusha National Park (the eastern limit given by Britton (1980)) to the western slopes of Mt Kiliman- jaro, where it was found in fringing bush along the Ngare Nairobi North River at 1790nm. 6 Tanzanian birds Acryllium vulturinum Vulturine Guineafowl Britton (1980) gives the range of this species in Tanzania as east of Mt Kili- Manjaro to Mombo. It was also to be found well to the southwest of Kiliman- jaro in the semi-arid plains 48km south of Arusha. A covey of young birds, just able to fly, was seen with adults on 22 June 1954. Guttera pucherani Kenya Crested Guineafowl In 1943 this species occurred in the forest above Mbulumbulu, Crater High- lands, at 1850m, and north of Lake Manyara, a locality which does not appear to be included in the range given by Britton (1980). I also came across it on several occasions in the Pugu forest, inland from Dar es Salaam, in 1935 and 1955? Crex egregia African Crake This species was frequent in the swampy grasslands at Kilingali, Kilosa Dis- trict, between February and the end of May 1952. A male (52/3) collected on 20 February 1952 had enlarged gonads. An October 1958 record from Boma la Ngombe, near Moshi, is also worth noting in relation to dates given by Britton (1980). I have also a record from the Serengeti in June 1962. Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen In view of the local occurrence of this species it is worth noting its pres- ence in northeastern Tanzania at Mbulumbulu in 1942; Lake Tlawi, Mbulu Dis- trict in 1943; Eluanata Dam and Boma la Ngombe in 1958. It was nesting on Eluanata Dam on 1 January 1962 when two nests had incomplete clutches of two and three eggs. Porphyrio alleni Allen's Gallinule In view of the apparent paucity of records for this species in interior Tan- zania (Britton 1980) it is worth noting its presence on a small lake 25 km south of Kilosa in June 1932, when one was found alive in a native trap on the edge of the lake, and released. Another was seen at Eluanata Dam in October 1958. Porphryrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule The Purple Gallinule was found in northeastern Tanzania on Lakes Tlawi and Basuto, Mbulu District, in September 1943 and November 1960; at the fresh water lake in Ngorongoro in August 1958; at Boma la Ngombe and on Eluanata Dam in October 1957 and January 1962. Several nests were found on Eluanata in 1962 between 1 and 7 January. Most nests contained four eggs and by 21 February, when coots and ducks still had eggs, no galiinule nests were found with eggs. This species tended to nest in deeper water than the Red-knobbed Coots Ful- ica cristata, and while the latter favoured isolated clumps of rush, the gallinules' nests were mostly just inside denser patches of vegetation. A series of six eggs measured averaged 52.5 x 37.5mm. Rallus caerulescens African Water Rail To the few localities given by Britton (1980) for this species in Tanzania should be added Itigi, on the Central Railway, where it was watched on the — large ponds near the station in May 1956. Fulica cristata Red-knobbed Coot Britton (1980) remarks that temporal patterns of occurrence are poorly doc- umented, so that the following observations may be of some interest if read in conjunction with other information. On 12 September 1943 there appeared to be a thousand or more on Lake Tlawi, and on Lake Basuta they were very numerous in November 1960. In the same year they were numerous on the freshwater lake in Ngorongoro Crater on 3 Aug- Tanzanian birds 7 ust. On 13 October 1958 coots were numerous at Eluanata Dam, which also held a moderate population in January and February 1962, when the birds were breed- ing there. Lake Duluti, near Arusha, held many birds in March 1945. In contrast with these records, the freshwater areas of Lake Embagai, Crater Highlands, held only one bird in January 1945, and at the salt pans in the Ngare Nanyuki area between Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, I could find only one pair in each of the two years, in May and December. Podica senegalensis African Finfoot In addition to its occurrence at Miwalleni Springs, east of Moshi and in the lowlands below Kilimanjaro, H.F.I. Elliott (pers. comm.) found the Finfoot frequent in the Kikuletwa River in the Sanya Plains in 1943, an environment now largely wrecked by the construction of Kilimanjaro International Airport. Eupodotis melanogaster Black-bellied Bustard This species was a scarce resident in the lower areas of wooded grassland at -Mbulumbulu at 1600m in 1942, and was also to be found in the rift valley north of Lake Manyara in 1945. Eupodotis ruficrista Buff-crested Bustard This species occurred at Engaruka, well to the west of the range suggested by Britton (1980) in Tanzania. H.F.I. Elliott and I found it in close associ- ation with the previous species, with no apparent difference in choice of habitat, in 1945. Eupodotis senegalensis White-bellied Bustard In 1942 the White-bellied Bustard occurred to the southeast of Kilimanjaro in Same District, in the open grassland and scattered Acacia tortilis area to the north of Same, and thus somewhat south of the range suggested by Britton (1980) for northeastern Tanzania. It was also a scarce resident in the rift valley near Engaruka. Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe An extremely elusive bird in east and northeastern Tanzania. A pair was seen in flooded grassland at Kilingali in May 1952, and a nest with four eggs was found at Lake Manyara in August 1959. Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover Though not numerous, this species occurred at Dar es Salaam fairly regularly, both in the town on the Gymkhana Club sports fields, and scattered in open areas to the north of the town. My records are all for September in the years 1955 to 1958. Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover I have one unusually early record of a flock of c. 100 at the edge of Msasani salt lake, Dar es Salaam, on 6 August 1955. Otherwise all records fall with- in the period September to May given by Britton (1980), up to 19 May in 1956. Vanellus crassirostris Long-toed Plover In Tanzania this species occurs rather further to the east than suggested by Britton (1980). It was found in the main swamp area at Kilingali, in small numbers in December and January 1951/52. Vanellus lugubris Senegal Plover Although the majority of my records for this species from Dar es Salaam and Mafia Island fall in the period May to August, with the latest date 17 Aug- ust at Dar es Salaam, I also have two unusual records, one of birds heard calling in flight over Dar es Salaam in February 1956, the other of theix presence at Msasani in November 1956. They were also common in burnt wooded grassland at Kingolwira, Morogoro District, in November to December 1938. g Tanzanian birds Vanellus senegallus Wattled Plover To the range given by Britton (1980) should be added the River Ruaha on the southern boundary of Kilosa District, a locality lying rather to the east of the general range given by him. The species was present there in August 1932. Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper In addition to the main habitats in littoral and wetland localities, the Com- mon Sandpiper was frequently found overwintering, usually solitarily, on rocky mountain rivers in the Northern Province. It favoured the River Weru-weru above above Lyamungu, in the southern foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, at 1500m, and the River Themi above Arusha in February. One bird was found by the stream in Ol Moti Crater at the end of January. In September a solitary bird was present near the wheat fields on the Ardai Plains for a week, and in April another was found at the edge of a new dam on the Ardai. This species was also frequently to be seen on the rocky rivers of the Uluguru Mountains, es- pecially on the River Mgeta in the west. Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Two birds were present at the saltpans on the Arusha - Ngare Nairobi road on the late date of 20 May 1945. Tringa totanus Redshank The only locality in the Northern Province where I found this species at all numerous was in the Maji ya Moto area on the west side of Lake Manyara in November 1958 when there were c.50 birds. Other localities where one to five birds have been seen include the saltpans on the Arusha - Ngare Nairobi road in December 1942; a newly filled small dam on the Ardai Plains, where three birds remained for nearly a month in March - April 1946, and five in flooded grassland at Kilingali in April 1952. Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper Britton (1980) mentions records of single birds eee many inland sites mainly on passage, September to November. A male collected by Elliott at Meserani Dam, Masailand, in February 1942 may therefore be of interest (Fuggles-Couch- man & Elliott 1946). Gallinago nigripennis African Snipe No localities are mentioned for this species in northeastern Tanzania by Britton (1980). I found it at 1300m at the saltpans on the Arusha - Ngare Nairobi road and on the Ardai at a similar altitude, in December and May between the years 1942 and 1944, and several birds were flushed along the stream in Ol Moti Crater at 2800m in January 1945. Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt The largest concentration of this species I ever found in northeastern Tan- zania was at the saltpans on the Arusha - Ngare Nairobi road wnere I esti=- mated that there were up to 1000 birds on 9 March 1945. That locality seemed to be particularly attractive to the Black-winged Stilt, for in December 1942 they were extremely numerous there, although in smaller numbers than those in 1945. In May 1946 only some 20 birds were found. Lake Babati was another locality where large numbers were seen in November 1959 while Eluanata Dam and Meserani Dam held one or two birds in June 1946. Further south it occurred in small numbers along the River Kilombero in September 1932 and at Lake Gombo, Kilosa District, in October 1934. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet In addition to the breeding localities cited by Britton (1980) in Tanzania, I have also recorded three birds at Lake Tlawi in September 1943, and a pair at the saltpans, Arusha - Ngare Nairobi road, in March 1945. Britton mentions Tanzanian birds 9 breeding at Ngare Nairobi and that is probably the same locality to which I refer. The saltpans used to be known as the Ngare Nanyuki saltpans, to which settlement they were probably nearer than Ngare Nairobi. Dromas ardeola Crab Plover - Britton (1980) speaks of flocks of hundreds wintering in the Dar es Salaam area. I have only two records of more than seven birds together at Dar in the 1930s and 1950s, and I never considered this species as particularly common there. -Both records were made in early May when 'large' flocks (probably 50 to 100 birds) were seen at high tide on the shore at Mjimwema. There would appear to have been a notable increase in population in the past 30 years. Burhinus capensis Spotted Thicknee Britton (1980) mentions no specific localities for this species in Tanzania. Between 1938 and 1942 I have recorded it at Kibedya, in northern Kilosa Dist- ‘rict; at Ngare Nairobi and at the western end of the Ardai Plains, all local- ities in low rainfall areas. Burhinus vermiculatus Water Thicknee This species was well distributed along the River Kilombero from Ifakara to Malinyi in 1932. Rhinoptilus africanus Two-banded Courser I have records of this courser from localities somewhat east of the range given by Britton (1980) for Tanzania. They are at Kongwa, to the east of Dodoma in December 1947, and at Kileo, at the northern foot of the North Pare Mountains, some 110km SSE of Amboseli, in June 1942. The most frequent Sightings of this species in northeastern Tanzania used to be on the Mto wa Mbu flats between Makuyuni and Lake Manyara. Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Violet-tipped Courser The only localities in Tanzania from which I have records of this species were all in the eastern area. They include Kidodi, southern Kilosa District; in the central area of that district; in cultivations and miombo woodland round Morogoro, and on the Wami Plains to the north. Those records were all in July and August between 1931 and 1935. But I also have records from near Kilosa and at Kilingali in January and May 1952, and one from Kongwa in December 1947. Rhinoptilus cinctus Heuglin's Courser It is worth noting that the only record of this species I have for Tanzania was from the Serengeti in June 1962, an area which does not seem to fall with- in the range given by Britton (1980). Glareola pratincola Common Pratincole Flocks of this pratincole were very frequent for a short period on ploughed land at Kilingali in November 1951. In June 1952 flocks again appeared there after the long rains, and were again much in evidence on newly «ploughed land. Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern It is perhaps worth noting that the first active colony of this species in Tanzania was only found in January 1961, on the Eluanata Dam, Masailand (Fuggles-Couchman 1962). Up to that time searches at its best known haunt in northeastern Tanzania, Lake Babati, had proved fruitless, and the only record of breeding in Tanzania was of a young bird, able to fly, being fed by an adult at Dodoma (Thomas 1960). Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern Although I have records of this species in northeastern Tanzania for every month except April and July, the largest flocks have been in May on the Ardai Plains, and in June and at the end of August at Lake Manyara. In May and June 10 Tanzanian birds the birds were in full breeding plumage, but the largest flock in August was composed mostly of birds in non-breeding dress. In the months September to March this species has been found in fair numbers at Lake Tlawi and Eluanata Dam in September; at Lake Babati in November and March, with one to five birds on the Ardai and at Meserani Dam in October and February. Sterna caspia Caspian Tern I can add two records of this species to the six mentioned by Britton (1980) for records south of Mida Creek (Kenya coast); both were near Dar es Salaam in October 1956. Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer This was a common bird on the River Kilombero from Ifakara ferry westwards to about Kotkota in 1932 and again between 1952 and 1953. Two chicks were seen with an adult on 20 August 1953, when there were several parties of five to eight birds along the river. A single bird was seen at the Ifakara ferry at the end of May in 1952. — Pterocles decoratus Black-faced Sandgrouse In my experience this species was in far smaller numbers in the general area rift valley - Kilimanjaro lowlands than the following two species. It occur- red sparingly in the rift valley between Mto wa Mbu and Engaruka, but rarely on the Ardai Plains. Pterocles gutturalis Yellow-throated Sandgrouse This species occurred in small packs of three to 18 birds in the grasslands and cultivations at Kilingali in May 1952, well to the east of the general range given by Britton (1980) for Tanzania. Parties were first seen on 28 May, and up to 50 birds on 13 June. A male (52/5) shot at Kilingali on 17 June had barely enlarged gonads. The birds remained for about four weeks and then dis- appeared from the Kilingali area, only to return on 2 July when most were in pairs. Unfortunately I was unable to return to Kilingali to check on possible breeding in the area. The Yellow-throat was by far the most numerous sandgrouse in the Northern Region, particularly in the area Ardai Plains - Meserani Dam in 1942 to 1947. Breeding was recorded as early as 7 July 1946 and very small chicks were seen with adults on 9 September 1943 on the Ardai Plains, near the wheatfields. Four eggs measured averaged 44.75 x 35.75 mm. Aplopelia larvata Lemon Dove Specific localities in Tanzania from which I have records of this dove include the Nguru Mountains at 1700m in rain forest on the southern side in July 1961; the forests on the east and west slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro at 1850 to 1950m in 1942 and 1946, and on Mt Hanang, in forests above Nangwa at 1900m in February 1946. A male (42/71) collected on 26 December 1942 on Mt Kilimanjaro was in moult. Columba arquatrix Oiive Pigeon In addition to Mts Kilimanjaro and Meru, the Crater Highlands and Mbulu High- lands, this species was frequent in and around the forest belt of Mt Hanang in February 1946, up to 2800m. A nest found on 11 February 1946 contained one partially incubated egg which measured 38 x 31mm. Columba delegorguei Bronze-naped Pigeon The general range given for this species by Britton (1980) would suggest that it does not occur in areas west and south of Arusha. In fact it has been re- corded in the Mbulumbulu forest, Crater Highlands in 1943, and from the forest above Nangwa, Mt Hanang, at 2100m in 1946. It was frequently heard in the wetter forest on the eastern side of that mountain. Tanzanian birds 11 Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon In February 1945 large flocks of this species were feeding on arable on the Ardai Plains. The crop and stomach of one shot were full of somewhat cyl- indrical black seeds, thought to be those of Commelina benghalensis, which was a rampant weed in the area. Otherwise, except round the hotel at Dodoma where there were numerous resident birds, I found it in only very small numbers of one to six from localities as far apart as Kilosa in 1952, the Crater High- lands and Mbulumbulu in 1945, and round the western foothills of Mt Meru, in June, July and August in 1945 to 1955. Streptopelia decipiens Mourning Dove The range in Tanzania as described by Britton (1980) for this species suggests that it does not occur east of the rift valley in more northerly parts of the country. It was in fact well distributed through the low rainfall areas of -the rift valley and Engaruka to the Ardai Plains, Meserani Dam and the lower country to the northeast of Mt Meru between 1942 and 1947. It was the common- est dove in the drier areas around Kilingali in 1951. Streptopelia lugens Dusky Turtle Dove The range of this species as given by Britton (1980) should more precisely be extended to include the Crater Highlands in Masailand, and north of Mbulu, where, in 1945, it was found in several localities including vestigial cedar forest at Nainokanoka; open grasslands at Olbalbal, north of Ngorongoro Crater; Hagenia trees at Ngamat, to the edge of the rift at Kavenjiro. A female col- lected at Kavenjiro on 3 February 1945 contained eggs in the oviduct. It also occurred in 1952 far to the south of Kilimanjaro, at Geiro, northern Kilosa, a few kilometres from the southern boundary of Masailand. At Geiro birds were seen flighting down from the Ukaguru Mountains at 09:00 to feed on the fruits of numerous small bushes. Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing Dove In my experience in Tanzania this species is typically the dove of semi-arid areas with Acacia tortilis and Commiphora sp. None of my many records have come from any other type of country. Agapornis fischeri Fischer's Lovebird This species was found at Digo Digo, Sonjo, east of the Serengeti, in June 1959, thus somewhat extending the range given by Britton (1980). It was also numerous at Mangola Springs, a few kilometres southwest of Ngorongoro, in the Lake Eyasi depression, in January 1960. Poicephalus cryptoxanthus Brown-headed Parrot This parrot was recorded at Kongwa in December 1947, somewhat to the west of the range given by Britton (1980). Poicephalus meyeri Brown Parrot Localities from which I have records of the species to the east of the race saturatus include the Combretum bushlands of lower Mbulumbulu in May 1946, presumably that race, and east of the general range given by Britton (1980) ; in Acacia tortilis grassland 15km east of Mt Hanang in February 1946, and at Kongwa, probably of the race matschiei, in December 1947. Chrysococcyx cupreus Emerald Cuckoo It is surprising that Britton (1980) does not specifically mention Mt Kili- Manjaro among the localities listed for this species in Tanzania, where it was frequently heard calling during the period late June to December. It also occurred on Mt Hanang above Nangwa in February 1946, and in the Pugu Hills inland from Dar es Salaam in December 1953. AD Tanzanian birds Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo Records from east and northeast Tanzania should be noted. A male (37/35) was collected at Msongozi, west Morogoro District, in October 1937 in Brachystegia woodland. Two were seen on the edge of Dodoma township in January 1954 and another was found on the Ardai Plains, in January 1959. Clamator jacobinus Black and White Cuckoo My records of this cuckoo include December 1942 and February 1945 in north- eastern Tanzania, in the Arusha and Engaruka rift valley areas; in March 1956 at the coast north of Dar es Salaam; in May 1956 near Musoma, western Tanzania, and a single bird was seen in the Serengeti National Park in June 1962. Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo In view of the scarcity of records of this species on southward passage in Tanzania, its presence at Mbulumbulu in November 1943 should be noted. A male (43/24) was collected in evergreen forest at 1850m on 12 November, and two others were seen on 18 November in the same locality in open Acacia woodland at 1550m. The stomach of the specimen was crammed with the remains of large hoary caterpillars 2% to 5cm long. Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo Britton (1980) was not able to trace any definite records in Tanzania west of 35°E. I have just one such record, a bird calling at Tarime, north Mara, on 19 May 1956, which is west of that line, if only by 60-odd kilometres. My records of calling birds in and around Arusha have all been from December onwards, earlier than is suggested by Britton (1980) for northern Tanzania, and similar to dates from Tsavo and Arusha National Parks, quoted by him. Cuculus gularis African Cuckoo Records between 1933 and 1943 from Ulanga District at Mtimbira and from the Monduli area, Masailand, fall in the period November to April given by Britton (1980). Centropus grillii Black Coucal This species is certainly uncommon in Tanzania, but in addition to the local- ities given by Britton (1980) I have records from Kilingali in swampy grass- lands in January 1952, where it was common. A female (52/1) collected then had a stomach filled almost entirely with small grasshoppers. It also occurred on the River Kilombero near Ifakara, in tall grass, at the time of the annual inundation of the valley in May 1957. Britton also states that the Black Coucal disappears from the Serengeti after breeding in December to March. However, I have a record of one bird seen there in June 1962 and Schmidl (1982) lists a specimen for the same month. I also found it at Mto wa Mbu in April 1944. Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle Owl [Bubo capensis Cape Eagle Owl Britton (1980) suggests that the Cape Eagle Owl may occur on Mt Hanang. During my survey of the birds of that mountain the only owl I encountered, other than the African Wood Owl Ciccaba woodfordii, was Bubo africanus, of which I ob- tained a female (46/28) on 7 February 1946. There is only a small area of moorland on Mt Hanang which held a very limited bird population and no owl was evident. ; Ciccaba woodfordii African Wood Owl The occurrence of this species at Mtii, South Pare Mountains, at 1400m (male 42/15) on 18 June 1942 and on the southern slopes of Mt Hanang at 2300m (male 46/52) on 13 February 1946 are worth noting. The first locality lies on the northeastern edge of the broad range given by Britton (1980), and that from Hanang adds definition to his range to the west. ee ee ee Tanzanian birds 13 Glaucidium perlatum Pearl-spotted Owlet Among several records of this owlet scattered through northeastern and eastern Tanzania, one from 3100m on the western side of Mt Meru, just above the for- est, is worth noting for the altitude, which is well above that given by Brit- ton (1980). Its characteristic call was heard at first light on a climb of the mountain. Caprimulgus fraenatus Dusky Nightjar A female (42/36) collected from several at Mbulumbulu on 1 October 1942 had somewhat enlarged ovaries. The characteristic call was heard at Litembo in the Matengo Hills of Songea in April 1957, providing a further record for this species from southeastern Tanzania. It was also found at Giting on the east side of Mt Hanang in February 1946. In the light of the appearance of numbers of this species at Ngulia (Tsavo, Kenya) in November to January (Britton 1980) it is worth noting the occurrence of large numbers at Ngare Nairobi at dusk in September 1944 from which a fe- male (44/10) was collected. The birds were flying on to a dirt road from the surrounding grassland. Apus aequatorialis Mottled Swift To the localities given by Britton (1980) for this species in Tanzania can be added Kongwa, at the northern foot of Kiboriani, where many were seen in com- pany with Alpine Swifts A. melba in July 1956; the Ardai Plains, where they were numerous in August 1958, and at Songea in April 1957. Apus apus Eurasian Swift Among records scattered over northern and eastern Tanzania the most interesting are of a flock of 200 to 300 birds at Kilingali one evening in November 1951, some flying low cleaving between the trees, some high up, slowly drifting south; and a very large concentration, larger than the flock at Kilingali, which spent two days around Ilonga, Kilosa District, on 10 and 11 January 1953 after heavy rain. Eurasian Swifts were first noticed passing Ilonga in October 1952, but the earliest record I have from Tanzania is 10 September 1942 at Ngare Nairobi. Apus melba Alpine Swift In addition to those localities in Tanzania given by Britton (1980), this bird has been recorded also from Kisangiro, at the northwestern foot of the North Pare Mountains, at 500m on 22 October 1952; at Kongwa, Central Region, from 4 May to 20 May 1949 and on 1 July 1956, and at Iguguno, Singida District, on 5 September 1955. Kongwa lies at the northern foot of Kiboriani Mountain and the birds seen there in May and July suggest that the Alpine Swift may well have been breeding on the mountain. Neafrapus boehmi Béhm's Spinetail The range given in Britton (1980) for this species in Tanzania other than in the northeast, is imprecise in relation to the central area along the Central Railway. This spinetail occurred at Kongwa, where a 'considerable' number was seen circling over Acacia tortilis/Adansonia wood- and bushland at the northern foot of Mt Kiboriani in July 1949. Two birds were also seen at Mal- olo, in southwestern Kilosa District in July 1953, also in semi-arid country with baobabs. I believe that the presence of baobabs is important for breed- ing where this species occurs in semi-arid areas, as in an earlier record at Kongwa in 1947, a few birds constantly circled a large baobab and frequently disappeared into it. Apaloderma vittatum Bar-tailed Trogon While the following localities fall within the broad range given by Britton (1980), it is worth recording its presence in the forests above Mbulumbulu 14 Tanzanian birds at 1850m in 1943 and at Kilomeni, North Pare Mountains, at 1550m in 1942, Ceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher In addition to records of single birds from the Ngare Nairobi South River in forest at 1850m in July 1945, from a small dam at Ngare Nairobi in December 1942, and from the Sanje River, Ulanga District in March 1933, the most inter- esting record was from the Tingida Swamp, Kilosa District, in March 1933 when three birds were seen along a small river running into the swamp. Halcyon leucocephala Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher Two localities where this species has been recorded in Tanzania would seem to lie outside the general range given by Britton (1980). They are at Engaruka on 3 February 1945 where it favoured fig trees along the stream, and at Mon- duli on 21 January 1943 in park-like grassland with a few scattered trees. Halcyon senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher In view of the lack of localities in northern and northeastern Tanzania men- tioned by Britton (1980) it is worth recording the occurrence of this species at Mangola Springs in January 1960. I have no other records of this bird in northeastern Tanzania other than at Serengeti National Park in June 1962. Ispidina picta Pygmy Kingfisher In my experience, by no means a common bird in eastern and northeastern Tan- zania. A male (31/6) was collected on the eastern slopes of the Uluguru Mountains in November 1931, above Kasanga at 1250m. That was the only oc- casion on which I saw this species in Morogoro and Kilosa Districts. It occur- red in March 1937 on the edge of the Pugu forest at Kisserawe, and I have a June record in 1942 from near the Ngare Nairobi North River in the western foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro. Merops bullockoides White-fronted Bee-eater The range given by Britton (1980) for Tanzania is imprecise and it is worth recording a breeding colony in the banks of the River Mbakana at Kissaki, southern Morogoro District on 16 September 1938, a locality which may or may not lie within the range indicated. In northeastern Tanzania it has been recorded in February 1945 from the edge of the Crater Highlands at Kavenjiro at 1800m, well to the west of Mt Meru, and it was seen in March 1946 at 2400m in Hagenia forest on the western Slopes of Mt Meru, an altitude well above the altitudinal range given by Brit- ton. It was breeding in December 1959 near the Great North Road in the West Meru area at c. 1550 nm. Merops hirundineus Swallow-tailed Bee-eater My records for this species contain three October dates, in 1934, 1935 and 1952, rather later than most records (Britton 1980) and that from Dar es Sal- aam rather earlier than that quoted by him. A pair was seen hawking on the open flats near the Ifakara ferry, River Kilombero; a pair was recorded at Sanje, Ulanga District, and several were seen in October near Mzenga, Dar es Salaam District, from which a male (35/46) with enlarged gonads was collected. I also have an August record, in 1938, from Turiani, northern Morogoro Dist- Gace. Merops oreobates Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater I have a record of this species 100km south of the Crater Highlands (Britton 1980), from Dareda, near the rift wall in southeastern Mbulu District, at 1400m on 22 February 1959. It was a young bird which might well have been bred in the area. Phoeniculus minor Abyssinian Scimitarbill Britton (1980) makes no specific mention of this species' range in northeast Tanzanian birds 15 Tanzania where it was widely distributed in 1942 to 1959 in Acacia tortilis and A. drepanolobium scattered tree and bushland in lower rainfall areas, ranging from Katesh at the southern foot of Mt Hanang, Mbulu District, to Mak- uyuni and Monduli, to the lowlands north of Mt Meru and between Mts Meru and Kilimanjaro, to Gonja, between the South Pare Mountains and the West Usambara Mountains. Smithornis capensis African Broadbill There are records of, presumably, the race albigularis (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946) well to the east of the Bahi area of Dodoma District, which ap- pear to have been overlooked by Britton (1980). This species was found from Kibaya, southern Masailand, in dense thicket and riverine bush to the Mpwapwa border, 50km to the southeast in 1944. Mirafra albicauda White-tailed Bush Lark ‘Britton (1980) states that this species is sparingly distributed in northern Tanzania and mentions only the Serengeti and Arusha National Parks. Fuggles- Couchman & Elliott (1946) found it a common bird in the short grass plains between Arusha and the western rift wall, particularly on the Ardai Plains and at Engaruka in the rift valley. Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush Lark The range of this species extends well to the west of Arusha, as far as En- garuka (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946). These authors also recorded a male with partially enlarged gonads from the Sanya Plains between Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, in December 1942. This date is of interest in view of the period March to August given by Britton for the occurrence of this species in north- ern Tanzania. Delichon urbica House Martin An overwintering locality not specifically mentioned by Britton (1980) is Mt Hanang, where 20 birds were seen between 11 and 13 February 1945. They were in company with other hirundines and were seen over grassland at 1950m and round Werther Peak at 3200m (Fuggles-Couchman 1953). Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow The range of this species (Britton 1980) should be extended further south to include Mahenge, 1100m, from where I have a record on 27 May 1952. Hirundo griseopyga Grey-rumped Swallow Britton (1980) overlooks published records of this species in northeastern Tanzania, where it was a regular visitor to the Ardai Plains between early May and the middle of October (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946). It has also been recorded from the River Kilombero where up to 200 birds were seen on 6 Novem- ber 1932; from the northwestern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro in July 1943; scatter- ed over the Engamat - Olmoti Crater area of the Crater Highlands in January 1945; from the lower slopes of Mt Hanang where two birds were seen in February 1946, and from Kilingali where up to 100 were present in April and May 1952. Parus albiventris White-bellied Tit The range given for this species in Tanzania by Britton (1980) should be ex- tended from Dodoma well to the east to include southern Masailand (Fuggles- Couchman & Elliott 1946) and northern Kilosa District at Idibo, 1280m. A breeding male was collected by H.F.I. Elliott in November at Kijunguu, not far from the western border of Handeni District, and I collected another male (32/16) at the same place in August 1932. Cercomela sordida Alpine Chat Britton (1980) considers that the reported occurrence of this species on Mt 16 Tanzanian birds Meru requires confirmation. I was familiar with this chat in the Crater High- lands and saw several on the upper eastern slopes of Mt Meru in January 1960 when on the approach to the secondary cone in the crater, which three of us climbed. The chats were seen at c. 2500m in short grass and shrubby areas. Cisticola cinereola Ashy Cisticola The range of this species extends beyond the Arusha/Longido area (Britton 1980) to Engaruka in the rift valley to the west, and to Kileo, 770m, at the north- ern foot of the North Pare Mountains, to the east (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946). Macronyx ameliae Rosy-breasted Longclaw Britton (1980) mentions records of this species from northern Tanzania. It was recorded by Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott (1946) from the western and northwestern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. In the Arusha area on the Ardai Plains it was sym- patric with the Pangani Longclaw M. aurantiigula and occurred there in ident- ical habitats. Creatophora cinerea Wattled Starling To the few breeding records for Tanzania mentioned in Britton (1980) should be added those from just west of Longido (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946), and in the Engaruka plains scattered over wide areas. Nests were found in May. Euplectes afer Yellow-crowned Bishop This species has been recorded breeding in eastern Tanzania, well to the east of Dodoma, the most easterly point of the range of the race ladoensis given by Britton (1980) for the central area of the country. In January 1952 it was numerous at Kilingali, Kilosa District, in the tall grasses fringing a long irrigation furrow, and in seasonal swampland where it was breeding. It also bred at Eluanata Dam near Monduli, in the north, in January 1962. Nests were about 120 cm above the water, in clumps of a tall Panicum grass. REFERENCES ELLIOTT, H.F.I. & FUGGLES-COUCHMAN, N.R. 1948. An ecological survey of the birds of the Crater Highlands and rift lakes, northern Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 90: 394-425. FUGGLES-COUCHMAN, N.R. 1953. The ornithology of Mt. Hanang, in northern- central Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 95: 468-482. 1962. Nesting of Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida sclateri in Tanganyika. Ibis 104: 563-564. & ELLIOTT, H.F.I. 1946. Some records and field notes from north-eastern Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 88: 327-347. SCHMIDL, D. 1982. The birds of the Serengeti National Park Tanzania. London: British Ornithologists" Union. THOMAS, D.K. 1960. Birds - notes on breeding: 1958-59. Tanganyika Notes and Records 55: 225-243. N.R. Fuggles-Couchman, Post House, High Street, Broughton, Stockbridge, Hants SO20 8AA, England (Received 10 July 1983) Tanzanian birds, Appendix: Gazetteer 17 APPENDIX: GAZETTEER The following localities in Tanzania were not included in the Gazetteer in Britton (1980). Locality Wyre ats Locality OFES 22 Ls Basuto, Lake 4 36 35 05 Lyamungu 210.37 45 Boma la Ngombe 3°20 3 10 Malinyi 8 55 36 01 Burko, Mt 4417-36. 42 Malolo tuw2Oido: 3b Dareda & 29. 35,.39 Mangola Springs c. 3 25 35 26 Geiro G@ \09/.36..53 Matale Sxl AL 37.22 Gombo, Lake 6 43 36 50 Meserani Dam 3 30 36 24 Gonja 4 19 38 03 Mikumi 7 24 37 00 Hombolo Dam Babl, 35 5A Miwalleni Springs c. 3 30 37 30 - Idibo 6 04 37 11 Mj imwema 6550139) -20 Ifakara 8 01 36 40 Msongozi 704 37523 Ilonga 6 47 37 02 Mto wa Mbu 323.235 5554 Katesh 4 33 34 56 Mzenga 7 00 38 47 Kibedya 6 08 36 55 Nainokanoka 3 04 35 40 Kidodi 1,36 37,01 Ngulu 4 03 37 52 Kijunguu 5 ed .37 14 Nondwa 6-25..35, 19 Kileo 3,29 37-37 Ol Molog 3 00 37 08 Kilingali 6/57..37 06 Rongai 3205 3ie286 Kilomeni 3 46 37 40 Sanje River 142 <36) +59 Kilosa 6 46 37 00 Sanya Plains 3+ kK 37.03 Kisangiro at 3t 34 Saranda 5yA2 35.00 Kissaki 7 27 37 46 Sonjo PW fe) tank Kongwa 6012136) 26 Tindiga Swamp 6 52.3714 Kota Kota 8 42 36 08 Tlawi, Lake 3°46 35° 34 Lengopiron Base. 35 56 Turiani 6" HITS 785 Lenjogi, Mt 5 52 36 48 Wami Plains 6 25" 37-34 18 The Nightingale, Sprosser and Irania in Kenya THE NIGHTINGALE LUSCINIA MEGARHYNCHOS, THE SPROSSER LUSCINIA LUSCINIA AND THE IRANIA IRANIA GUTTURALIS IN KENYA D.J. Pearson Two species of Luscinia occur commonly as Palaearctic visitors to Kenya, the Nightingale L. megarhynchos, which is primarily a wintering bird, and the Sprosser L. luscinia, which is mainly a passage migrant. Both are unobtrus- ive species of thicket and dense cover, which spend much time on or near the ground and seldom afford good views. They are active and vocal, however, at dawn and dusk, and although similar, the songs of the two species are suffi- ciently distinct to provide a valuable aid to identification. The Irania (or White-throated Robin) Irania gutturalis is a closely related Palaearctic species with a rather similar distribution in Kenya to that of the Sprosser. It is another skulking bird of low thicket, but tends to frequent drier habit- at than the Luscinia species. On passage, however, all three birds are likely to be found together. Distributions are mapped and compared here using a system similar to that previously employed for migrant passerines in Kenya and Uganda (Pearson 1978, 1982). In the species accounts which follow, stateménts unsupported by ref- erences are based on Pearson & Backhurst (1976a, b), annual accounts of mi- gration at Ngulia Lodge for the years 1976 to 1982 published in Scopus (not listed under References), records listed in East African Bird Reports for 1977 to 1982 (published as the fifth issues of Scopus volumes i to 6 and not listed here under References) and unpublished records of the author and observers listed under Acknowledgements. NIGHTINGALE LUSCINIA MEGARHYNCHOS The Nightingale breeds throughout Europe to about 53°N, in the Magreb and in southwest Asia to about 100°E. The brightly coloured nominate race of Europe and Asia Minor is replaced by the larger, browner africana between the Black and Caspian Seas, and in Syria, Iraq and northern Iran, and by the even larger, greyer hafizi in the U.S.S.R. east of the Volga and the Caspian Sea (Vaurie 1959). The species winters in humid country in sub-Saharan Africa, to the edge of the Congo basin in the west and to Uganda and northern Tanzania in the east. In Kenya it occurs commonly from sea level to 1800m, but is con- fined mainly to east central and southeastern areas, from Meru and Embu Dist- ricts, Nairobi and the Nguruman to the coast (Fig. 1). It winters in green thicket, especially along the Athi and Tana Rivers and their tributaries, and in dry woodland and patchy cover bordering cultivation in Kitui, Kibwezi and Taita-Taveta Districts. It also occurs in coastal scrub and in doum palm and other thicket in open Acacia woodland. Wintering birds are commonly sedentary for weeks or months at a time. They defend territories aggresively and sing strongly between December and March. The first birds may be recorded late in October (earliest date 22nd), but most arrive during November. Records at Ngulia Lodge have provided evidence of a small passage across Tsavo, concentrated mainly during early to mid Nov- ember, but continuing through December. Most birds leave wintering sites late -in March, only a few remaining to early April (latest record 13th). There is generally little sign of northward passage, but in some years concentrations have been noted at the coast early in April. The Nightingales which occur in central and eastern Kenya may be assigned to either africana or hafizi. Indeed, apart from birds which remain in Ethiopia (Ash 1973) these eastern races appear to be confined in winter to Kenya and Scopus 8: 18-23, March 1984 The Nightingale, Sprosser and Irania in Kenya 19 coat Sa pees ee ee Fig. 1. Recorded distribution of the Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos in Kenya and Uganda Squares: common to abundant. Ten or more per day likely to be seen in the square in appropriate habitat Circles: rare to uncommon. Fewer than ten per day likely to be seen @ MH Recorded 1 Jan to 20 Mar © WN Recorded only Sep to Dec (autumn) @ WM Recorded 21 Mar to May (spring) @ ] Recorded only in autumn and spring border regions of north and northeast Tanzania. In birds caught for ringing at Nairobi the ratio of hafizi (including hafizi/africana intergrades) to af- ricana has been less than 1:4 (16 birds examined), whilst at Ngulia it has been much higher (over 2:3; nearly 300 examined), and at the coast hafizi predominates. The Nightingale also winters in Uganda (Fig. 1). It is locally abundant in dry woodland undergrowth at the eastern end of Kyoga (Rolfe & Pearson 1973) and presumably elsewhere around that lake. There are also records along the Nile in the northwest, from Lake Victoria at Entebbe, Kampala and Mpumu and (once) from Lake Edward. With the exception of a hafizi near Kampala (Pear- son 1972) birds caught for ringing and the few specimens from Uganda have been of the nominate race. Two birds caught in central Nyanza in February were probably also nominate. British Museum (Nat. Hist.) specimens from southern and western Sudan are all nominate birds, and it seems likely that Uganda is the usual southern wintering limit of Nightingale populations from southeast Europe and/or Asia Minor. Certainly most of the birds that occur there are quite distinct from the Asiatic populations wintering in Kenya. SPROSSER LUSCINIA SUSCINIA This species has a more northern and a rather more limited Palaearctic range than the Nightingale, breeding from the southern Baltic, Poland, eastern Czech- oslovakia and Romania through the U.S.S.R. between latitudes 45° and 60°N to about 90°E (Vaurie 1959). It migrates entirely through the Middle East to non-breeding quarters confined to eastern Africa. A few birds remain in 20 The Nightingale, Sprosser and Irania in Kenya Ethiopia and Kenya, but most winter from southern Tanzania and eastern Zambia south to Mozambique, Botswana and the Transvaal (Vaurie 1959). This is mainly a passage migrant in Kenya, again confined to central and southern areas, and, although it has been recorded on migration in southeast Sudan (G. Nikolaus, pers. comm.) there are no traceable records for Uganda. The first Sprossers arrive in central and southeast Kenya late in October (earliest record 11th), usually before the beginning of the short rains. In lower areas. they are usually confined at first to the small patches of green thicket remaining near springs and watercourses. Southward movement occurs east of Lake Turkana, Laikipia and the Aberdares (Fig. 2a). The species is common during November at Marsabit, near the Mathews Range, and at Isiolo, Embu, Thika, Nairobi and Namanga, and there are records at this time from Naro Moru and Naivasha, and more rarely from Nakuru, Baringo and Nyanza. The main migration, however, appears to be concentrated further east, through Meru, Kitui, Machakos and Kibwezi Districts, and Tsavo, passing to the east of Mt Kilimanjaro. Passage is recorded later in these eastern areas. Thus, the heavy movement at Ngulia lasts mainly from early November to mid December, and birds stop over in large numbers in the Acacia-Commiphora bushlands only after the vegetation has leafed out, usually from late November to late December. The eastern edge of the migration also seems quite well defined. Thus, there are occasional records east to Garissa, Kalalu Ranch (south of the Galana) and Maungu, but none from the coast and lower Tana valley, or from the northeast. As a wintering bird, the Sprosser is far less abundant than the Nightingale, and more restricted both geographically and in terms of habitat. It is found locally east of the highlands between 500 and 1500m, in Meru and Kitui Dist- ricts, and from Nairobi and Namanga to Machakos, Kibwezi, Voi and the Taita Hills (Fig. 2a). The species is certainly regular at a few sites but seems to winter in others only in 'green' years with protracted 'short' rains. The thicket habitat favoured by wintering Sprossers is generally moister with more luxuriant herbaceous growth than that typically utilized by the Nightingale. ‘Damp wooded hollows seems to be characteristically preferred, and it is note- worthy that Sprossers are scarce in winter along the larger river courses where Nightingales are common. On passage, Sprossers are found in a variety of more open thicket and scrub situations. Like the Nightingale, the Sprosser is typically sedentary in winter quarters and sings strongly. Similar behav- iour is also observed during autumn passage when transit birds commonly es- tablish and occupy territories for up to two or three weeks. Fig. 2. Distrib- ution of (a) the Sprosser Luscinia lus- Cinia and (b) the Irania Irania gutt- uralis in Kenya. Con- ventions as for Figs. 2 a oe x pe re a ly The Nightingale, Sprosser and Irania in Kenya a The northward passage of the Sprosser through Kenya is less protracted and generally less noticeable than the autumn one. It occurs mainly during late March and the first half of April, but with occasional records up to 24 April. Birds are noted regularly along the eastern edge of the highlands, and are common in some years on the coast. Occasional large falls at Ngulia and at Mtito Andei (Pearson 1980, 1981) have indicated considerable movement across the eastern bushlands, but to judge from the scarcity of spring records from most areas, far more birds must overfly Kenya in spring than in autumn. IRANIA IRANIA GUTTURALIS The Irania has a breeding range restricted to southwest Asia, from Asia Minor, the Caucasus and the eastern Mediterranean to Iran, northern Afghan- istan and Soviet Turkestan (Vaurie 1959). It is known only as a passage migrant in Ethiopia and Somalia (Ash 1980, Ash & Miskell 1983), and is unre- corded in Uganda. Its wintering range would seem to be restricted to Kenya and Tanzania. In Tanzania it is known mainly from the northeast and the dry interior, but has recently been seen as far south as Mbeya (J.S.S. Beesley, in litt.). In Kenya it winters in plateau country north and east of the high- lands, mainly between 300 and 1500m. It typically frequents low thicket in Acacia or Commiphora bushland, often along gullies and watercourses or in dry scrub bordering marginal cultivation. Although it usually prefers drier hab- itats than the Luscinia species, it is often found in leafy situations along- Side the Nightingale, and seems to avoid the hotter, more arid lowlands. It has been recorded as wintering commonly at Isiolo, north of Mt Ololokwe, in eastern Meru and Kitui Districts, in Tsavo and on the lower slopes of the Taita Hills. There are also January to mid March records from Garissa and Wajir, and to the west from Laikipia, Machakos, Athi River, Nairobi, Namanga and the Mara (Fig. 2b). The first autumn birds are usually recorded early in November (earliest date 5th). Observations at Ngulia have indicated a considerable and protracted passage from November to early January. Birds are commonly found in and around Tsavo late in December and early in January, presumably on passage stopover, for most move on as the bushlands dry out. Spring passage birds have been found in several recent years along the east- ern edge of the highlands, from the Nyambenis and the Mt Kenya foothills to Nairobi and Kajiado, and also in Tsavo. Most spring records span the period 20 March to 15 April (latest 18 April), and this species usually lingers in Kenya rather longer than the Nightingale. DISCUSSION Migration routes Nightingales and Iranias reaching wintering sites in Kenya in November and December are of southwest Asian origin. Most presumably migrate through central or eastern Ethiopia and cross north or northeast Kenya. Sprossers, On the other hand, are from eastern European as well as western Asian breeding areas. They arrive in November after spending the previous two months mainly in easternmost Sudan and in Ethiopia west of the rift (Ash 1973, 1980, Niko- laus & Pearson 1982, G. Nikolaus pers. comm.), so that immigration appears to be from a direction west of north, perhaps even across the northern end of Lake Turkana. Arrivals of Nightingales and Iranias are probably associated with those of other Asiatic birds such as Red-tailed Shrikes Lanius isabell- inus and eastern Whitethroats Sylvia communis icterops. Sprossers, however, are clearly associated on southward passage with Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris and River Warblers Locustella fluviatilis, which would appear to De, The Nightingale, Sprosser and Irania in Kenya follow a similar route, not only through Kenya but through northeast Sudan and Ethiopia (Ash 1980, Nikolaus & Pearson 1982, Nikolaus 1983). Some Sprossers evidently follow a more easterly route across Kenya in spring than in autumn, and in fact the species appears to have a generally more eastern migration through the horn of Africa in spring and is not known in April from the Sudan (G. Nikolaus pers. comm.). A more detailed picture of its occurrence in Ethiopia during the two passage seasons would be valuable. Interspecific competition The species considered here are most likely to be found together at times of migration when a greater variety of habitats is tolerated. All three could well appear, for example, in Lantana or other dry scrub, or in semi-arid bush-- land. Thus, Nightingales and Sprossers are commonly found together around Nairobi in November, and passage Iranias usually accompany Sprossers during late March and early April. Of the three species, Sprossers prefer the wet- test wintering habitat, and Iranias the driest. There is considerable direct interaction and apparent competition between Sprossers and Nightingales where they winter together, but they do tend to segregate, Sprossers occupying sites with ranker undergrowth, sometimes with Nightingales singing from drier thicket within 50m. The relative preferences of these two species in Kenya are Similar to those found in eastern Europe and in Ethiopia (Voous 1960, Ash 1973). Iranias and Nightingales also winter together in Kenya, for example in marginal semi-cultivated country in Kitui District and near the Taita Hills, but it is not clear to what extent they compete with each other. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to the following for providing records and assistance: J.S. Ash, G.C. Backhurst, P.L. Britton, A.E. Butterworth, M.P.L. Fogden, P.C. Lack, A.D. Lewis, D.E. Pomeroy, J.G. Rolfe, J. Squire, T. Stevenson, D.A. Turner, A.P. Zeigler, the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) and the National Museum, Nairobi. REFERENCES ASH, J.S. 1973. Luscinia megarhynchos and L. luscinia in Ethiopia. Ibis 115: 267-269. 1980. Migrational status of Palaearctic birds in Ethiopia. Proceed- ings of the IVth Pan-African Ornithological Congress: 199-208. & MISKELL, J.E. 1983. Birds of Somalia. Scopus Special Supplement NOw al. NIKOLAUS, G. 1983. An important passerine ringing site near the Sudan Red Sea coast. Scopus 7: 15-18. & PEARSON, D.J. 1982. Autumn passage of Marsh Warblers Acroceph- alus palustris and Sprossers Luscinia luscinia on the Sudan Red Sea coast. Scopus 6: 17-19. PEARSON, D.J. 1972. Some migrant bird records from the Kampala area, Uganda. EANHS Bulletin 1972: 27-29. 1978. The genus Sylvia in Kenya and Uganda. Scopus 2: 63-71. 1980. Northward spring passage of Palaearctic passerines across Tsavo. Scopus 4: 25-28. 1981. Spring falls of Palaearctic passerines at Mtito Andei. Scopus 5: 80-81. The Nightingale, Sprosser and Irania in Kenya 22 PEARSON, D.J. 1982. The migration and wintering of Palaearctic Acrocephalus warblers in Kenya and Uganda. Scopus 6: 49-59. & BACKHURST, G.C. 1976a. The southward migration of Palaearctic birds over Ngulia, Kenya. Ibis 118: 78-105. 1976b. Palaearctic passerine migration at Kariobangi, Nairobi. EANHS Bulletin 1976: 23-28. ROLFE, J.G. & PEARSON, D.J. 1973. Some recent records of Palaearctic migrants from eastern Uganda. EFANHS Bulletin 1973: 62-66. VAURIE, C. 1959. The birds of the Palearctic fauna. Order Passeriformes. London: Witherby. VOOUS, K.H. 1960. Atlas of European birds. London: Nelson. D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi (Received 17 February 1984) 24 Short communications SHORT COMMUNICATIONS WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATERS PUFFINUS PACIFICUS OFF RAS NGOMENI, KENYA At 10:00 on 26 April 1983, we observed two shearwaters at about 500m range off Ras Ngomeni (2°58'S, 40°30'E), moving south together with terns Sterna spp. (mainly Lesser Crested S. bengalensis) into a strong southeast wind before an imminent rain squall. They were dark above, and completely so below, including the underwing, but there were light patches on the upper wing covert area. ' Flight into wind was faster than that of the terns, with a more purposeful wingbeat, low above the waves with frequent changes of tack and only occasion- al gliding; the wings were long but were angled like those of a tern. The birds were rather larger in wingspan than Lesser Crested Terns, but judged to be smaller than accompanying Crested Terns S.bergii. After some 2-3min they settled on the sea about 300m out and were lost to view. About 30min later bright sunlight provided excellent viewing of birds off- shore from a vantage point on coral cliffs about 10m high. A large-looking shearwater, presumably one of the original two, took off from the sea about 150m away and directly out, and flew off steadily south. The following points were noted: the flight was fast with steady wingbeats and no gliding; the wings were quite broad but pointed and well angled at the carpal joint; the tail was quite long, projecting well behind; the upperparts were rich dark brown, but with pale markings on the wing coverts and carpals; the underparts and underwing were all dark sooty brown; the bill appeared to be fine and rather long. We identified this bird as a Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus and presume that the earlier two birds were of this species. The only other all dark Indian Ocean shearwater of this size with a long and rela- tively thin bill, the Pale-footed Shearwater P.carneipes, has a heavier, stiff-winged flight with much interspersed gliding, narrow wings and a short tail (Tuck 1978, Harrison 1983). Indeed, no other all dark medium sized petrel or shearwater has the same combination of thin bill and long project- auiahopi (esl ibe There are other recent sightings of shearwaters off the Kenya coast which were thought to have been Wedge-tailed, as follows: Watamu, January 1974; Kilifi, December 1977; Ras Ngomeni, October 1980; Shimoni, September 1982. However, the observations described here would seem to represent the first fully substantiated records of this Seychelles breeding species from East Africa. REFERENCES HARRISON, P. 1983. Seabirds an identification guide. Beckenham: Croom Helm. TUCK, G.S. 1978. A field guide to the seabirds of Britain and the world. London: Collins. D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi and M.A.C. Coverdale, Box 36, Ukunda, via Mombasa Scopus 8: 24, March 1984 Received 14 February 1984 SHOEBILL BALAENICEPS REX AND WATTLED CRANE GRUS CARUNCULATUS IN THE MOYOWOSI SWAMP, TANZANIA In August and September 1971 I flew extensively about the Moyowosi swamp in western Tanzania (4°50'S, 31°24'E). Much of the flying was carried out at very low levels (<10m above ground) which permitted many birds to be seen and identified. In the course of the flying two species were seen repeatedly. Wattled Cranes Grus carunculatus were seen in pairs and small groups of up to Short communications 25 six individuals in a number of locations along the swamp's northwestern edge, particularly where these formed intrusions into the surrounding Brachystegia woodland. D.McCallum (pers. comm.), a hunter who knew the area well and who had photographed these cranes in the Moyowosi, confirmed that they had been seen whenever he had visited the area in previous years. There is therefore a suggestion that the species occupies this area permantently. Shoebills Balaeniceps rex were seen frequently over a large area running down the southeastern side of the Moyowosi swamps. Normally this species is somewhat cryptic from the ground, standing still amongst aquatic sedges and reeds. However, the low passage of the aircraft in the immediate vicinity of a Shoebill caused alarm - the bird either crouching with outspread wings or taking flight. Using these reactions I counted all Shoebills within 50m of my flight paths and was able to produce a crude estimate of densities. This was 0.64 Shoebills/km* of suitable habitat. The extent of suitable habitat was estimated to be of the order of 200km? and thus the area might have held a population of more than 300 of these birds. While the crudeness of the estimate calls for caution in any use made of it, it does suggest that Brown et al. (1982) were unduly pessimistic in their suggestion that the continental population might be as low as 1500. Being familiar with the species on Lake Bangweulu, Zambia, Lake Kioga, Uganda, and along the Albert Nile, also in Uganda, it was not my impression that the Shoebills on the Moyowosi were Particularly numerous. An impression of scarcity probably derives from the general inaccessibility of the species' habitat. In the few areas where it can be searched from a boat or from a vehicle, the habitat is usually a thin ribbon along the water's edge. In such circumstances the bird's scarcity is not surprising. Where the habitat is extensive, in the shallows between dry land and papyrus banks, it is difficult to search from either boats or wheel- ed vehicles. I.S.C. Parker, Box 30658, Nairobi Received 1 December 1984 Scopus 8: 24-25, March 1984 THE SWALLOW-TAILED KITE CHELICTINIA RIOCOURII BREEDING IN THE KEDONG VALLEY, KENYA In a recent note, Sutton et al. (1984) gave brief details of the first con- firmed breeding record of the Swallow-tailed Kite Chelictinia riocourii in the Kedong valley, some 60km northwest of Nairobi (1°03'S, 36°25'E), Kenya. Following a subsequent visit to the nest site on 23 October 1983, further information can be given. As previously noted (Sutton et al. 1984), the nest was built in a Balanites tree about 3m above ground level and about 1m be- neath the nest of a Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius. Three young Swallow-tailed Kites were seen: two were well able to fly while the third was obviously less advanced. Based on estimates of the incubation and fledging periods (Brown et al. 1982), the eggs must have been laid during the second half of August, when the Secretary Bird was still occupying the nest above. This association with other raptors while nesting is known in this species (Brown et al. 1982). The recorded breeding range of the Swallow-tailed Kite is in the northern tropics during the April/May rains (Brown & Britton 1980); these Kedong birds were thus breeding some two to three months later at 1°S, the southern limit of their known breeding range. As previously noted (Sutton et al. 1984), the nest was very white, contrast- ing with the green of the Balanites tree. The young birds' rather mucilag- 26 Short communications inous droppings fell vertically, thus whitening the nest material, a habit more typical of the Falconidae rather than of the Accipitridae (Brown & Amadon 1968) , which generally eject their excreta clear of the nest. Both adults brought food to the young and during the mid morning period one chick was fed seven times during 105min, another five times in 60min and the third seven times in 80min. All prey items seen delivered to the young were lizards, however, it was not possible from the distance to determine to what family they belonged. Each young bird was thus fed once every 11 to 15 min. The adults hunted within about 2km of the nest tree, and prey was caught either by a dive from harrier (Circus)-like quartering, or by plunging to earth from a hover. Not every attempt was successful. Two days later (25 October) the adults were seen passing food directly to the young in mid air, while doing so both young and adult tumbled earthwards (R. Campbell and B. Davidson, pers. comm.). Although the chicks called from time to time in the absence of the adult birds, they became very vocal when the adults were seen, uttering high- pitched 'chirruping' calls and exposing their red gapes. On two occasions, one of the adults uttered a melodious 'chattering' call as it left the nest, but otherwise they were silent. Some pellets were found beneath the nest, but many of them had been broken up by beetles (Coleoptera: Trogidae) which were feeding on their organic con- tent. Identified remains from the pellets included Orthoptera, Hymenoptera (Formicidae) , some Coleoptera, two separate chelicerae of a solifuge (Arach- nida: Solifugae) as well as lizard jaw bones and vertebrae. Two of the pel- lets, which were rough in texture, measured 22 x 13mm and 23 x 15mm. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We are grateful to R.G. Allan for his comments. REFERENCES BROWN, L.H. & AMADON, D. 1968. Eagles, hawks and falcons of the world. Feltham: Hamlyn for Country Life Books. SUTTON, Hes. SUTTON, A., DEWHURST, C.F. & DEWHURST, L.M. 1984. A confirmed breeding record for the Swallow-tailed Kite in the rift valley of Kenya. EANHS Bulletin 1984: 12. C.F. Dewhurst and L.D.C. Fishpool, Box 30023, Nairobi Received 4 January 1984 Scopus 8: 25-26, March 1984 A ROOST OF LESSER KESTRELS FALCO NAUMANNI ON THE ATHI PLAINS, KENYA Smalley (1983) describes a roost of Lesser Kestrels observed in Nairobi National Park during March and April 1983, and states that large assemblies of this species have not been recorded in the area for many years. This roost was not an isolated occurrence, however, as on 9 and 10 April 1983 C.A. Taylor and I observed a large roost of Lesser Kestrels in tall acacia trees in a valley on the Athi Plains near Kajiado at 1.46S, 36.46E. The roost contained at least 2500 Lesser Kestrels and 35 Eastern Red-footed Falcons Falco amurensis. Birds were seen to approach the roost from all directions but the majority came from the west and southwest; they continued to arrive at the roost until darkness fell. The only other Palaearctic falcon seen in the vicinity of the roost was a single Hobby F. subbuteo on 9 April. REFERENCE SMALLEY, M.E. 1983. A major Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni roost in Kenya. Scopus 7: 44-47. P.B. Taylor, Box 25138, Nairobi Received 7 November 1983 Scopus 8: 26, March 1984 Short communications D7 WHITE-FACED SCOPS OWL OTUS LEUCOTIS BREEDING AT MAKERERE, UGANDA Between 7 and 9 February 1984, two young White-faced Scops Owls were found in a clump of trees at Makerere University, about 4km from the centre of Kampala. They were brought to the Department of Zoology, where one was kept for a few days by JG, but unfortunately it died, apparently of pneumonia. The other was returned to the place where it had been found. The dead bird was skinned and its identity checked by comparison with skins in the National Museum, Nairobi. The birds had presumably left the nest, although their flight feathers were still sheathed at their bases, and the tail was only about half-grown. Both had bright orange-red eyes and ()-shaped black marks at the edge of the face, which had already developed white feathers. (The ‘horns', however, had not grown out.) Brown & Britton (1980) list only one confirmed breeding record for East Africa, and the only previous Ugandan records are from the north and east (Britton 1980). A search was made for the nest in the tall old trees where the young had been found, but it was not seen, neither did evening visits lead to the discovery of the parent birds. However, we feel certain that the nest was there; the people who broucht the birds showed us where they had been found. There is no reason to believe that the birds had been brought from afar in the hope of financial reward. John Goodman and Derek Pomeroy, Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala Received 20 February 1984 Scopus 8: 27, March 1984 NOTES ON THE RANGES OF THREE SPECIES IN NORTHERN AND EASTERN KENYA The following extensions or clarifications of range have been revealed by re- searches associated with the Kenya bird atlas scheme (Lewis & Pomeroy in prep.), and supplement information given in Britton (1980) and other sources. Star-spotted Nightjar Caprimulgus stellatus Britton (1980) describes this species as a rare inhabitant of the arid areas of northern Kenya and lists localities that are mostly north of 2°N; he also notes its occurrence on the northern edge of the central Kenya highlands at the Lekiundu River (0°29'N, 37°39'E) and at Kongeli (1°28'N, 35°01'E). The following records, all of single birds unless otherwise stated and all supported by the examination of corpses, are from the area between Kongeli and the Lekiundu River, and suggest that the species may be more frequent there than hitherto thought. July 1968, Lokori (1°57'N, 36°01'E), National Museum collection 17 June 1970, Lokori; 2, including a male in breeding condition, National Museum collection 25 June 1970, Lokori, National Museum collection 24 October 1980, Colcheccio (0°36'N, 36°49'E), road kill, J.M.S. & R. Cald- Wel ae et Ete.) 20 January 1982, Kapedo (1°10'N, 36°06'E), road kill, T Stevenson (pers. comm. ) 6 August 1982, El Karama Ranch (0°08'N, 36°54'E), killed by domestic cat LeVed. Grant in 27tE*) Mrs Grant also has a sight record of two further individuals of this species at El Karama Ranch on 7 September 1982. The El Karama records are the south- ernmost of this species for Kenya and, just to the northwest of Nanyuki, dem- onstrate its occurrence south to the northern edge of the highlands. 28 Short communications White-headed Mousebird Colius leucocephalus Records of this species from Garissa (0°27'S, 39°39'E) represent a new local- ity for Kenya and are of interest because this area is approximately midway between the known ranges of C. 1. turneri in northern Kenya and the nominate race along the lower Tana River. These occurrences, recorded by R. and L.M. Greenham (in litt.), were seasonal: 15 December 1974; 23 January, 15 November and 20 December 1975 and 29 December 1976. Brown-breasted Barbet Lybius melanopterus Britton (1980) described this species as common along the Tana River, upstream to Garissa. An adult was seen perched on the topmost exposed twigs of tall riverine trees opposite Samburu Lodge (0°35'N, 37°32'E) on 10 December 1977 (E. Muller and ADL) thus representing an extension of range of approximately 265km to the northwest. The bird had presumably wandered northwestwards along the Tana, Ewaso Ng'iro and associated river systems. This record cer- tainly represents a vagrant from the species' normal range since there is no subsequent record of this conspicuous bird on the numerous lists from this frequently visited locality contributed to the Kenya bird atlas scheme. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am most grateful to the observers for the use of their unpublished records and for their support of the atlas project generally; my thanks also to G.R. Cunningham-van Someren for the use of the study collection at the National Museum, Nairobi. REFERENCE LEWIS, A.D. & POMEROY, D.E. A bird atlas for Kenya. In prep. Adrian D. Lewis, Department of Geology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi Received 15 August 1983 Scopus 8: 27-28, March 1984 RECENT KENYA RECORDS OF CLARKE'S WEAVER PLOCEUS GOLANDI AND AN INDICATION OF ITS BREEDING SEASON Clarke's Weaver Ploceus golandi is a Kenya endemic at present known only from coastal areas between Kilifi Creek and the Sabaki River, in and around Sokoke Forest, and its nesting sites are unknown (Britton 1980). It is apparently seasonal in occurrence, Britton & Zimmerman (1979) stating that it is seldom recorded outside the period August to October, while Britton (1980) states that it is most frequent in August and September and that it is either absent or overlooked for months at a time. The East African Bird Reports (Scopus 1977-1983) give the following addit- ional information on recent occurrences in Sokoke Forest: 1976: 20 on 7 December 1977: regular August to October 1978: about 25 on 3 April; large flocks of mostly immatures reappeared from 16 August and remained through September and October, last seen on 10 November 1979: a pair "possibly nesting nearby" on 18 April; present August and 20 November 1980: 15 netted 6 July; a few 25 November 1981: small numbers August and early November 1982: about 100 15 April; 30+ 23 September. The period of regular occurrence has thus been extended to August to November Short communications 29 with records also for July and December, while the April occurrences suggest that this species may also be present, but overlooked, in May and June. In addition to these records, there is another April record as follows: on 4 April 1982 the author observed two flocks of P.golandi in the canopy of Brachystegia at Sokoke, one flock of 30 and one of 60 birds. The birds were very noisy, constantly uttering chattering and chirping calls, and not only were adults of both sexes present, but also juveniles which, in some cases were closely accompanying adult females. The juvenile plumage of this species is apparently not described in the literature, and brief field notes taken at the time of observation record that the juveniles were dull greenish above, hardly streaked, and washed with dull yellowish below. The wing pattern was not noted. Some of the juveniles were seen to beg for food from females, and at least one was fed by its accompanying female on several occasions. The behaviour of the juveniles indicated recent breeding, and this is of interest because there is very little information on the possible breeding season of this weaver. Apart from the pair seen in Sokoke in April 1979 which were thought to be possibly nesting locally, there is only the record of flocks of predominantly immatures reappearing from August in 1978. it is not possible to calculate accurately the period in which the 1982 juveniles were bred, but an estimate may be made on the basis of the available information for other Ploceus species (E.A.N.H.S. Nest Record Scheme data and personal observations). A study of the Golden Palm Weaver P. bojeri at Mombasa in 1981 (P.B. Taylor in prep.) gave approximate periods of incubation and nestling stages of 13 and 16-17d respectively. Assuming that the equivalent periods for P. golandi are not greatly different, the time from laying to fledging -Should not be more than about 30d. Hardly any information is available on the period of post-fledging depend- ence, but on E.A.N.H.S. nest record cards completed by Mrs F. Ng'weno for Baglafecht Weaver P. baglafecht the period of dependence is estimated to be 35 to 42d (four broods). It may therefore be estimated that the still-depend- ent young of the P.golandi were not more than five weeks out of the nest (and presumably not less than one week, as they could fly well). Laying therefore probably took place from five to nine weeks before the date of observation, i.e. in February. It is possible that free-flying but dependent young could accompany adults on at least local movements, so the April 1982 record does not necessarily indicate breeding in Sokoke Forest, and the birds could have travelled some distance from their breeding grounds. Indeed, the possible breeding month of February makes it unlikely that breeding took place either at Sokoke Forest or elsewhere on the Kenya coast: Brown & Britton (1980) give no February or March breeding records for any Ploceus species in their coastal Region E, and state that ploceids at the coast tend to breed in the main rains with a late rains peak in August. Moreover, the only coastal East African breeding record for a forest weaver is for the Dark-backed P.bicolorin April 1921 (E.A.N.H.S. Nest Record Scheme). The complete lack of records of P. golandi from Sokoke Forest in January to March also suggests that the birds may be absent from the area at this time, but they could conceivably be present and breeding in in- accessible areas. However, there is no definite evidence to suggest that P. golandi breeds either at the Kenya coast or in forest, and the possibility of medium- to long-distance movements to and from breeding areas cannot be discounted. REFERENCE BRITTON, P.L. & ZIMMERMAN, D.A. 1979. The avifauna of Sokoke Forest, Kenya. Journal of the East Africa Natural History Society and National Museum 169: 1-15. : P.B. Taylor, Box 25138, Nairobi Received 26 August 1983 Scopus 8: 28-29, March 1984 - : Short communications SOME SPECIMEN RECORDS FROM THE RUYUMA RIVER, FRONTIER OF MOZAMBIQUE AND TANZANIA Northern Mozambique is one of the ornithologically least known areas of Africa (Hall & Moreau 1970, Snow 1978) and one in which I have some interest (cf. Brooke 1969). Through the courtesy in December 1972 of Mr C. Jacot-Guillarmod, then Director of the Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa, I was able to examine a small collection made by W.O. Harvey in the Southern Province of Tanzania between 1935 and 1937. Some of his specimens were taken on the Mik- indani and Tunduru sectors of the Ruvuma River whose middle and lower reaches form the frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique and thus they can be re- garded as as much Mozambican as Tanzanian records. These specimens are now listed. Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule male, Mikindani sector, 15 October 1935. P.alleni Allen's Gallinule male, Mikindani sector, 15 October 1935. Actophilornis africanus Jacana male, Mikindani sector, 15 October i935. Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper unsexed, Mikindani sector, 13 October LO35% Glareola nuchalis White-collared Pratincole unsexed, Tunduru sector, no date. The lack of a date on this specimen is a pity since, at least to the south, the species is known to be a migrant (Benson & Irwin 1965). However, it may well have been taken in November, a probable month in terms of southern con- ditions, along with the next two species. The most southerly record in Brit- ton (1980) is from the Selous Game Reserve, southern Tanzania. Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer male and female, Tunduru sector, Nov- ember 1936. Ceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher male, Tunduru sector, November 1936. This is a newly fledged bird with white axillaries and measures wing 192mm, tail 114m, exposed culmen 72mm, all below the minimum measurements for adults given in Reichenow (1903), viz. 195, 120 and 85mm respectively. Alcedo semitorquata Half-collared Kingfisher unsexed, Tunduru sector, no date, perhaps November 1936. Halcyon albiventris Brown-hooded Kingfisher male, Mikindani sector, 18 Oc- tober 1935. Campethera cailliautii Little Spotted Woodpecker male, Mikindani sector, 13 October 1935. This is the only species mentioned in this contribution which is recorded by Frade (1953) for extreme northern Mozambique. Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling male, Tunduru sector, no uate, perhaps November 1936. REFERENCES BENSON, C.W. & IRWIN, M.P.S. 1965. Some intra-African migratory birds. Puku 3: 45-55. BROOKE, R.K. 1969. The Mueller collection of birds from northern Portuguese East Africa. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 89: 145-151. FRADE, F. 1953. Catalogo das aves de Mogambique. Anais de Junta das Missoes Geograficas e de Investigac6ées Coloniais Estudos de Zoologia 4(4) (4): 1-294. REICHENOW, A. 1903. Die Vogel Afrikas. vol. 2. Neudamm: J. Neumann. R.K. Brooke, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700 South Africa Received 17 February 1984 Scopus 8: 30, March 1984 as ee primary coverts. The bird weighed only 18g when caught and carried little visible subcutaneous fat. The whitish underlying colour of the upperparts and the practically white underparts would indicate that the bird was of the eastern race O.h. melano- leuca. This, as far as we are aware, is the first properly documented occur- rence of this species in East Africa. Daphne Backhurst, Box 24734, Nairobi, D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi and D.K. Richards, Box 24545, Nairobi Scopus 8: 50-51, June 1984 Received 2 May 1984 RECENT COASTAL RECORDS OF THE WHITE-STARRED FOREST ROBIN POGONOCICHLA STELLATA IN TANZANIA The White-starred Forest Robin ranges from the Cape Province of South Africa to isolated montane populations in northern East Africa (Oatley 1982a). Apart from coastal forests south of the Tropic of Capricorn it is basically a high- land species. Records from below 1000m in the East Usambaras and a single one from 300m in the Pugu Hills were presumed to have been wanders (White 1962), although Stuart & Jensen (1981) gave several records from inland east- ern Tanzanian forests below 500m. Records from Mrima Hill (Britton, Britton & Coverdale 1980) during August and September included spotted immature birds. This local breeding population was assumed to have been sedentary. During an ongoing study in the Pugu Hills (6.53S, 39.06E) near Dar es Salaam several additional records have been obtained. Observations include adults on 19 September 1981 and 11 September 1982 and two spotted juveniles around an ant swarm on 3 October 1981. Two adults were netted on 17 July 1983 and single juveniles netted on 21 August 1982 and 11 September 1983. Full mensural data are available for netted birds. Netting and regular visits by several birdwatchers in every month of the year since June 1981 have failed to reveal Forest Robins from November through to June. It is therefore suggested that the species is a scarce migrant breeder to the area. In coastal Natal, Forest Robins do not occur during the wet months (Oatley 1982b). The rains around Dar es Salaam are concentrated from November to May, indicating a similar situation. From breeding data obtained in South Africa (Oatley 1982c) it seems likely that egg-laying in the Pugu Hills occurred in July. These birds were not assigned to any race but P.s. orientalis is the most 52 Short communications likely of the seven races currently recognized for East Africa (Britton 1980, Britton et al. 1980). Further fieldwork may well clarify this. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank Terry Oatley, G.R. Cunningham-van Someren and Graeme Backhurst for comments and help on an earlier draft of this note. REFERENCES BRITTON, P.L., BRITTON, H.A. & COVERDALE, M.A.C. 1980. The avifauna of Mrima Hill, south Kenya coast. Scopus 4: 73-78. OATLEY, T.B. 1982a. The Starred Robin in Natal, Part 1. Ostrich 53: 135-146. 1982b. The Starred Robin in Natal, Part 2. Ostrich 53: 193-205. 1982c. The Starred Robin in Natal, Part 3. Ostrich 53: 206-221. STUART, S.N. & JENSEN, F.P. 1981. Further range extensions and other notable records of forest birds from Tanzania. Scopus 5: 106-115. N.E. Baker, Box 1599, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Scopus 8: 51-52, June 1984 Received 31 October 1983, revised 19 April 1984 CORRECTIONS David Moyer has kindly written in to correct two errors. In Scopus 6, p. 36, ist paragraph, 7th line: should be Euphorbia ebovalifolia In Scopus 7, p. 51, 'A record of the Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimid- iata from Lake Sundu in southwestern Tanzania', ist line: the date should have been 11 September 1981. We are most grateful to him for correcting these mistakes which were in the MS. NOTICE 6th Pan African Ornithological Congress Botswana 1985 BOTSWANA From Circular No. i, May 1984 The Congress will be held at the Motel Marang, 4km outside Francistown, from Friday 29 March to Thursday 4 April 1985. fe all rates are per person and are in US$, SA Rand, Botswana Pula * REGISTRATION FEES: Congress delegates 90 up to 31 October 1984 120 after that date For wives/spouses (no copy of the Proceedings supplied) 50 up to 31 October 1984 and 75 after that date. ACCOMMODATION COSTS: five categories will be available, full details in the circular. Briefly, the Motel Marang provides Luxury Chalets, Regular rooms, Tented Accomodation and camping facilities for those bringing their own camping equipment. In addition, Thalapama Lodge, 4km away, offers single and double rooms; no singles are available at Motel Marang. Costs range from 12.50/night camping, own gear to 60 full board in a Luxury Chalet at the Motel Marang and 63 dinner, bed and breakfast at Thalapama Lodge in a single room. . Details from Ken Newman, Box 65426, Benmore 2010, South Africa (for those in southern Africa) and Don Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi (for all others). Continued from inside front cover in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently, should not be listed under "References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions, which will be acknowledged, should be sent to the Editor, G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES ' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38, = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON, C.W., BROOKE, R.K., DOWSETT, R.J. & IRWIN, M.P.S. 1971. The birds of Zambia. London: Collins, = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) 1980. Birds of East Africa, their habitat, status and distribution. Nairobi: EANHS, = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANHS, = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London and New York: Academic Press, = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson, = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2: Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa.. 2nd edition. London: Longmans Green & Co., = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be tele- phoned through to any OS-C member (numbers inside front cover) in the hope that the bird(s) may be seen by others. Criteria covering the submission of Bird Report records are given in Scopus Supplement, June 1982, copies of which are available from D.A. Turner. BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA Copies of this 270-page book are available from the Secretary, EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi for £8.00 or US$17.00 surface mail to anywhere in the world. | C9AMREF CONTENTS Short communications R.K. BROOKE and S.A. PARKER. The African bird collections of SofNo \Wiloskee oie Soke meierselskal 5 56 56 6 6 50 006 Ol G. NIKOLAUS and D.M. HAMED. Distinct status changes of certain Palaecarctic migrants an) the Sudan (5 =) <0 eeee G. NIKOLAUS. Further notes on birds new or little known in the Sudan. . G. NIKOLAUS. Large numbers of birds killed by electric power line ... M.A.C. COVERDALE and D.J. PEARSON. A Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittatal on the! Kenya coast =) =) cyan DAVID E. WOLF. Ayres' Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus dubius feeding on WemgUien LEG OGG Oho GO OF OO tbl O 600 5050000000 e C.C.H. ELLIOTT. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus attacking hartebeest calf Alcelaphus buselaphus ........... D.J. PEARSON. A Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura at Naivasha ..... ADRIAN D. LEWIS, I.J.P. LOEFLER and D.J. PEARSON. Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus in northwest Kenya... . PATRICK J. FRERE. White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus robbing nest of Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons of eggs ADRIAN D. LEWIS. Hinde's Pied Babbler Turdoides hindei south of Meee OS, IXEMVEL G 6 0 6 6 6 0 OO oO GO Ol OHO lll DAPHNE BACKHURST, D.J. PEARSON and D.K. LEWIS. A Kenya record of the Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica ...........- N.E. BAKER. Recent coastal records of the White-starred Forest Robin Pogonocichia ‘stellata in) Ganzandiay. (i) lennon COEFEGELONS {6-8 6 6 64D Be 6 So Se fer ce a) en Ges ee 5) en ce OO OES No} cuit ol- arr ce Ae amen SE SUEINS Gt ict iG. nmcee cl Ofc =o co 0. 0f.0 6 0 co 4 0 oc Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi 35 36 38 42 43 44 45 45 46 48 48 50 Sil 52 B12 ee ISSN 0250-4162 SMMTHSOW aap A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East African Natural History Society Edited by Graeme Backhurst Volume 8, 3 September 1984 SCOPUS Scopus is normally published five times a year (although issues may be combined to allow for long papers) by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, Surface mail: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. The Chairman of the OS-C is Dr D.J. Pearson [house tel. 47041], Deapartment of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. Other members of the OS-C are: G.C. Backhurst [house tel. 891419, office 501301, 500508], Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; J.S.S. Beesley (UK); Dr Mar- garet Carswell, Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda; J.H. Fanshawe, Box 15563, Nairobi; M.E.J. Gore [house tel. 65103, office 335944], Box 30465, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dr A.D. Lewis, Department of Geol- ogy, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows (UK); Dr D.E. Pom- eroy, Department of Zoology, University of Makerere, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; J.F. Reynolds (UK); D.K. Richards, Box 24545, Nairobi; Dr M.E. Smalley, Depart- ment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557, Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the orni- thology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the members of the OS-C and/or by independent referees. The material published in Scopus is divided into 'papers' and 'short communications', the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should, where possible, be written in the third person; 'short communications' may be written in either the first or third person. Authors of 'papers' are entitled to five copies of their contrib- ution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 14 or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped on separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. Illustrations should be on good quality white paper, bristol board or tracing material, in line, and should not be larger than 19 x 23cm. Lettering (in black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc.) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, Continued inside back cover Scopus 8 (3), September 1984 SCOPUS A FIELD STUDY OF THE CORNCRAKE CREX CREX AT NDOLA, ZAMBIA Ist} 5 | HREUb Loe The major wintering area of the Corncrake Crex crex is believed to be the eastern half of Africa from Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique through Malawi and Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa (Cramp & Simmons 1980). Although the habits of this crake are well-known in the Palaearctic region, and although the species is regarded as common or regular over much of its winter range (Cramp & Simmons 1980), almost nothing has been recorded of its habits in Africa. During my residence in Zambia from 1975 to 1980 I had the opportunity to make regular observations of several rallid species at an area of grassland border- ing permanent swamp at Itawa, Ndola (12.57S, 28.47E) at an altitude of 1300m. The grassland held a small number of wintering Corncrakes and frequent visits with my dog produced numerous sightings of these and other crakes. The amount of human disturbance around the study area was considerable and it was there- fore not possible to trap the crakes, but by frequent observation I was able to estimate the total number of wintering Corncrakes and to record details of their habits and movements. My observations are summarized in this paper. THE STUDY AREA The study area lies at the southern end of the 11km-long Itawa dambo, much of which is permanent swamp and which represents the outcrop of the local water table. The underlying rocks are limestone and dolomite, and the surface soil is grey clay with a proportion of silt (Moore 1967). The vegetation of the study area is grassland, some of which remains dry throughout tne year although much becomes damp or inundated during the November to April rains. The drier grassland contains scattered Acacia bushes, moister areas have thickets of Acacia with Lantana, Ficus and Brachystegia, and the wettest areas contain small dense evergreen thickets. METHODS Frequent visits were made to the study area from early 1975 to mid 1980 but detailed studies of the Corncrake population were carried out only from No- vember 1978 to April 1980. By recording the exact location of each Corncrake Scopus 8: 53-59, September 1984 54 Corncrake field study ltawa Dam (open water) permanent swamp stadium building road path Corncrake site boundary habitat boundary area occupied by African Crake metres Fig. 1. The Itawa study area TABLE 1 Visits to Itawa sites 1978-79 and 1979-80 Average No. Days in No. of Successful of days be- Period of occupation period visits visits tween visits Site 1 4 Dec 78 —- 9 Apr 79 D7 50 24 (48%) DLE Yer AR SL) 2 5 Dec 79 - 7 Apr 80 124 33 16 (48%) Bag SiLeeeZ 26 Jan 80 - 4 Apr 80 70 BS 10 (67%) AT Site 3 16 Jan 79 - 18 Mar 79 62 24 9 (37%) 2.6 Site 4 20 Dec 78 = 1 Mar 79 72 115) 7 (473) 4.8. (35) * Figures in brackets represent the average excluding the 20-day period of the observer's absence Sighting and by ensuring that all parts of the study area were frequently searched with the aid of the dog, it was possible to delimit the areas of grassland occupied by the crakes. This work was made easier by the nature of the habitat: the occupied areas ('sites') were in patches of dry to moist grassland separated from each other by intervening unsuitable habitat (very Corncrake field study 55 wet or very sparse grass) and some of their boundaries were well-defined by adjacent flooded, cleared or disturbed areas. Four wintering sites were mapped and their areas calculated (Fig. 1); the boundaries represent the limits of the suitable habitat in all sites except site 2, which was within a large tract of apparently suitable grassland. The boundaries of site 2 were plotted by joining the loci of the outermost sight- ings to give a convex polygon. All records of wintering birds fell within the Site boundaries. That part of the study area occupied by the breeding popu- lation of African Crakes Crex egregia was also determined (Taylor in prep.) and is shown in Fig. 1. In order to estimate the wintering population of Corncrakes and to ascertain whether movements occurred either between sites or into and out of the study area, an attempt was made to search all parts of the study area regularly and to cover as many sites as possible on each visit. Four factors caused total SS Ie to be less than was planned: a) the inadvisability of searching any site too frequently because of the risk that the crakes might leave if disturbed too often and because the habitat would have suffered from excessive trampling. As nothing is known about Corncrake habits in Africa it could not be judged how much disturbance the birds would tolerate. b) the difficulty of searching each site's entire area at each visit to the site; this applied especially to sites 1 and 3, each of which had an area in excess of 8ha. c) the prevention of some planned visits by bad weather. d) the absence of the observer for 20 days in December 1978 to January 1979. During the periods 1 December to 15 April in 1978-79 and 1979-80, visits were made on 85 out of 136 days and 76 out of 137 days respectively. With the ex- ception of the 20-day period of absence, the maximum period between visits to a site was 8 days. The average frequency of visits to each site is given in Table 1. The pattern of visits was not uniform and the methods used were far from ideal; however, it is felt that no better could have been achieved under the circumstances (trapping being impossible) and the high percentage of successful visits achieved (Table 1) shows how effective is the simple method of disturSafice - with the aid of an experienced dog. HABITAT PREFERENCES The preferred habitat of the Corncrake in Africa is usually given as any dry Open grassland or grass plain (e.g. Benson et al. 1971, Cramp & Simmons 1980) but damper areas may also be occupied (Moreau 1972). Observations at Itawa Support these statements of habitat preferences and in the study area Corn- crakes occurred in grassland on the clay soil adjacent to the swamps, normally occupying the drier areas (78 per cent of 106 sightings were in dry grassland). They were most often found in the denser grass cover, were rarely seen in areas of sparse cover, and inhabited grass of heights from 0.3 to 2m. They also occurred in moist grassland (16 per cent of sightings) and occasionally in flooded grassland (6 per cent of sightings). In the moister areas they occurred alongside the breeding African Crakes but in areas of overlap the African Crakes usually occupied the wetter patches; however, African Crakes also ventured into dry areas and both species were occasionally flushed to- gether from dry grass. The Corncrakes did not occur in sparsely-grassed neglected ploughland in the southeast of the study area nor in neglected cultivation and maize patches immediately to the northeast. Elsewhere in 56 Corncrake field study Zambia, Corncrakes were observed in similar habitat to that at Itawa but were also occasionally seen in rank grass at the edges of sewage settling tanks (e.g. at Kanini Sewage Works, Ndola), a habitat which they probably only oc- cupied temporarily. POPULATION The wintering population at Itawa was very small (2 to 3 birds each winter) and occupied no more than 26.7ha of suitable habitat out of about 80ha of grassland and swamp edge. No more than one individual was flushed at any site during the wintering period (December to March) and it was assumed that win- tering birds were solitary, as they are normally said to be in the non-breed- ing season (Cramp & Simmons 1980). Furthermore, as the birds were regularly seen in the same small areas, as individuals were sometimes seen at two or more sites during one visit and as the total number of birds seen in the study area remained constant for most of the winter it was concluded that local movements did not normally take place and that all the wintering birds had been counted. It is unlikely that any wintering birds were overlooked, as the entire study area was searched and the birds were not difficult to flush. In some seasons, one or more apparently suitable sites remained unoccupied, e.g. no Corncrake was seen at site 2 until 1979-80; the reasons for this are not known. ¢ Sites 2 and 4 appeared to be fully utilized, sightings occurring throughout their areas. Sites 1 and 3 contained somewhat less dense cover, and site 3 contained patches of permantly unsuitable habitat (large thickets, scrub) and patches which were temporarily unsuitable due to occasional flooding, grass- cutting and clearing of small areas for cultivation. The total suitable habitat within site 3 was estimated at about 4.5ha at any time. Observations at site 1 in 1978-79 indicated that the southern half of the site was occupied in December (before the grass had grown in the northern half) and that the northern half was occupied (presumably by the same bird) from January to March; from late March the situation was reversed, with the southern half being occupied until the bird left in April. Thus for most of the winter only half of site 1 was in use (about 4.3ha), this representing the more suitable grassland at the site. In 1979-80 a similar pattern was observed at site 1. As individual Corncrakes could not be recognized it was not possible to show that a bird seen at a site for a long period was always the same individual, but this was thought to be probable. It may be assumed, however, that each site was occupied by only one bird and thus that the total area of grassland inhabited by one bird was between 4.2 and 8.9ha, with only 4.3 and 4.5ha of the two largest sites being used for most of the winter. The average area used by one bird was therefore 4.5ha. These figures may be compared with the size of the area occupied by the breeding African Crakes (somewhat smaller than Corncrakes) at the same locality. Eight pairs of African Crakes were counted at Itawa in 41.6ha of grassland, a density of 1 pair per 5.2ha (Taylor in prep.); this habitat was also apparently able to support their offspring as the season advanced. Of these 41.6ha, 10.lha (24.3 per cent) were within the mapped sites of the Corncrakes (see Fig. 1). The reasons why the African Crakes were able to exist at a higher density than the Corncrakes at Itawa are not clear: possibly the wetter habitat favoured by the former species was more productive of food than the drier grassland oc-— cupied by the latter. The problem is complicated by the possibility that the feeding methods (and possibly the food) of the two species may differ (see Food and Feeding Habits below). ‘ Corncrake field study 57 MOVEMENTS AND PATTERN OF OCCURRENCE Corncrakes arrived at Itawa from late November to late January and departed between March and early April. First and last dates were: First date Last date 1976/77 23 Nov 31 Mar 1977/78 27 Dec 11 Mar 1978/79 4 Dec 9 Apr 1979/80 5 Dec WiNons These dates agree well with the period of occurrence (24 November to 4 April) given for Zambia by Benson et al. (1971), and other recent Zambian records have also fallen within this period with the exception of 1976 when arrival was noted as early as 21 October (Zambian Ornithological Society Newsletters 197 i -1980;) Taylor’ 19:79) . No evidence of large-scale movements was seen at Itawa (but overnight passage could have occurred) and most records probably refer to wintering birds, but scattered November to January sightings in areas not normally occupied prob- ably represent individuals on local or long-distance movements. During the 1978-79 and 1979-80 winters birds were seen at the sites for long periods (Table 1) and, although restricted movements within one site occurred (see Population above), evidence for local movements was seen only once during each of these winters: despite searching, no Corncrakes were seen in any site from 11 to 21 February 1979 and from 27 December 1979 to 14 January 1980. The birds may have left the study area at these times and, in the former period, heavy rain may have made conditions temporarily unsuitable. In the latter period, however, conditions appeared to remain favourable. The normal pattern of occurrence was not followed in the 1977-78 winter, when the total rainfall at Ndola was 29.8 per cent higher than the average for the other seasons of the author's residence (P. Gilbert in litt.) and when conditions at Itawa were probably too wet to favour the Corncrakes' residence. Arrival was late (27 December) and no Corncrakes were seen from 31 December 1977 to 24 February 1978, when a temporary influx occurred; these birds soon departed, the last being seen on 11 March. Thus it appears that local movements of the wintering population may take place, probably in response to changing local conditions. The only other Suitable habitat in the Itawa area was at the edge of Ndola airport, some 1.8 km SSE of the study area, but it was not possible to ascertain whether Corn- crakes ever occurred there. Studies (pers. obs.) in Zambia and Kenya show that other species of crakes are itinerant in their non-breeding areas but that this behaviour is, predictably, more pronounced in wet-habitat species such as the Spotted Crake Porzana porzana, Lesser Spotted (Baillon's) Crake P. pusilla and Striped Crake P.[Aenigmatolimnas] marginalis than in the Corn- crake, which occurs in a drier and more stable habitat. GENERAL HABITS Corncrakes are said to be quite tame but skulking and to often occur out of cover (Cramp & Simmons 1980). At Itawa they were occasionally seen feeding in the open on narrow paths through the grassland and at the edges of leterite roads, but they were much more skulking than the African Crakes which were frequently seen in the open. If a slow and quiet approach could be made, it was sometimes possible to walk to within 10m of a Corncrake in the open with- out alarming it. When surprised outside cover, the normal reaction of the bird was to run swiftly away for a few metres with neck retracted and then to 58 Corncrake field study stand erect with neck stretched up and watch the intruder; this could be re- peated several times. African Crakes showed very similar reactions in the same Situation. If not greatly alarmed, the Corncrake would either then con- tinue feeding or would walk off, not always seeking cover immediately and sometimes appearing curious rather than unduly nervous. Corncrakes at Itawa were not difficult to flush from cover when located by the dog and they flew most readily from short grass; in very tall cover they were sometimes able to escape the dog by running. Most of the birds located in cover were flushed by the dog after a short search, and an observer without a dog could also flush birds from short grass. Normal escape flights were no llonges than 50m. Tt was not diltticullt to) flush a bird “two on cnneestames: when thus disturbed the bird would often finally land at the edge of bushes or thickets which it would then penetrate for concealment (but from which it could still be flushed by the dog). Escape flights were also made around thickets, the bird landing on the opposite side to the observer. Most visits to the Itawa grassland were made from 05:30 to 07:00 and from 17:30 to 19:00 local time. Corncrakes were found to be active from 10 to 15 min after first light and to cease activity at about dusk; they were not en- countered before dawn or after dark despite attempts to locate them at these times. This contrasts with behaviour on the breeding grounds, where they may be active during the night (Witherby et al. 1941). Unlike the African Crake, which shows greater activity in the morning than the evening (Taylor in prep.), the Corncrakes showed no significant difference in morning and evening activ- ity: combining results from all sites, the percentage of successful visits (i.e. when Corncrakes were seen) in the mornings was 47 per cent, in the evenings 50 per cent (P>0O.8, X? test). Occasional visits made between 07:30 and 17:30 produced no sightings after 10:00 but it is not known whether all activity ceased during the hottest parts of the day. Drizzle or light rain did not appreciably affect activity, but birds were not active during or just after heavy rain. VOICE Corncrakes are said to be silent in Africa (McLachlan & Liversidge 1978) and only once was one heard to call at Itawa: a bird surprised in the open flew off immediately with a loud and rather thrush-like tsuck call. This may be a stress call similar in nature to the loud kip call of the African Crake (Taylor in prep.). The only similar call recorded for the Corncrake in the Palaearctic is a ki or kah, said to be "much like the monosyllabic note of other crakes" (Witherby et al. 1941). FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS Although at times occurring alongside the African Crake at Itawa, no instances of interspecific aggression were observed and the two species appeared to co- exist amicably. This suggests that they are not in direct competition for food and, although their diets are similar (e.g. Cramp & Simmons 1980, Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957, Ripley 1977), the longer heavier bill of the African Crake (measurements in, for example Ripley 1977 and pers. obs.) suggests that different sized food items may be taken and/or that different feeding methods may be used. It was not possible to establish the range of food items taken by these species at Itawa and birds of both species feeding (never together) in open areas appeared to be taking a variety of invertebrate and vegetable matter. Corncrake field study 59 The African Crake has been seen to dig and probe with its bill (Taylor in prep.) but this behaviour is not recorded for the Corncrake by Cramp & Simmons (1980) . REFERENCES CRAMP, S. & SIMMONS, K.E.L. 1980. The birds of the western Palearctic, Vol. 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press. MOORE, T.A. 1967. The geology of the Ndola and Bwana Mkubwa areas. Report of the Geological Survey of Zambia 18 (Lusaka, Ministry of Lands and Mines). RIPLEY, S.D. 1977. Rails of the world. Boston: Godine. TAYLOR, P.B. 1979. Palaearctic and intra-African migrant birds in Zambia: a report for the period May 1971 to December 1976. Zambian Ornithological Society Occasional Paper No. 1. WITHERBY, H.F., JOURDAIN, F.C.R., TICEHURST, N.F. & TUCKER, B.W. 1941. The handbook of British birds. Vol. 5. lLondon: Witherby. P.B. Taylor, Box 25138, Nairobi (Received 23 May 1984) 60 Rwanda additions FURTHER ADDITIONS TO THE BIRD FAUNA OF RWANDA Jean-Pierre Vande weghe Since 1969 I have lived in Kigali, Rwanda and have been able to spend consid- erable time in the field. As many parts of the country, especially the east- ern rangelands and the Akagera National Park, had been subject to only limited ornithological investigation before that time, I have been able to identify a large number of species which were absent from the check-list of Schouteden (1966). Many of these new records have already been published in miscellan- eous papers. The latest additions are given below. Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Snake Eagle The race pectoralis (the Black-chested Snake Eagle) is a breeding resident in the eastern rangelands of Rwanda, but on 3 December 1983 I watched an immature bird of the western race beaudouini (Beaudouin's Snake Eagle) in the Kilala plain, Akagera NP. The bird was sitting on the top of a small isolated tree and could be seen from a considerable distance because of its prominent whitish head. At close range the entire head and underside looked white with a Slight buffish tinge. On the belly, especially on the sides, there were . some dark markings and the neck was also a mixture of white and dark feathers. The mantle and wings were light brown, much paler than in the local race pectoralis, and with a slight rufous tinge. Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard On 7 November 1981 I watched a single adult bird in the Kamakaba plain in the northern part of the Akagera NP. It was sitting on a very small termite mound in the grass and, in my car, I could approach it to within a few metres. The plumage looked in good condition, but when the bird flew away low over the ground, its flight was lop-sided and looked as if it was wounded in one wing. This record is about 150km to the south of the southernmost record from the Rwenzori NP in Uganda (Britton 1980), but most surprising is its early date. Falco eleonorae Eleonora's Falcon On 24 January 1983 a single pale phase bird was flying south along the Akagera swamps near Kajumbura, Akagera NP. It looked at first like a large Hobby Falco subbuteo, but with a longer tail and long narrow wings (especially the arm wing). Its flight was very typical of this species, with slow and rather graceful wingbeats. At close range the underside appeared more buffish than that of the Hobby and the undertail coverts looked pale. The underwing was dark on the coverts, pale at the base of the flight feathers and dark again at the posterior edge. Francolinus shelleyi Shelley's Francolin The first time I came upon a covey of four birds of this species in the Aka- gera NP and was able to identify them with certainty, was on 10 September 1975. Since that time I have made several sightings each year, but most of my records concern birds heard in the early morning or at dusk. A bird was also seen by D.A. Turner (pers. comm.) on 9 July 1981. I found this francolin over a large part of the Akagera NP and in the central area of the Mutara Game Reserve, up to 1.15S in the north and 30.21E in the west. I also found it further south, near the Rusuma Falls at 2.248, 30-468, near the Tanzanian border in extreme southeast Rwanda. Within that area this species has a very sporadic distribution. I found it on stony hills with Loudetia simplex grasslands and scattered combretaceous bushes or trees be- tween 1400 and 1750m above sea level. I found it also in the very open Scopus 8: 60-63, September 1984 Rwanda additions 61 Themeda-Hyparrhenia grasslands of the higher plateaux in the central areas of the Akagera NP at between 1500 and 1825m. Over nearly all of its distribution area in eastern Rwanda this francolin is sympatric with the Red-winged Francolin F. levaillantii, which is far more numerous. Shelley's Francolin keeps more to rocky or stony places with less luxuriant grass cover, but with a quite dense woody vegetation, while the Red- winged is most abundant in very open lush, long grasses or on the shorter grasslands of the central plateau of the Akagera NP. Their ecological sep- aration, however, is not complete and in some areas both species occur on exactly the same ground. On the other hand, the Red-winged Francolin comple- tely avoids the driest parts of Akagera NP while it extends its range on to the mountain grasslands of the high rainfall areas of western and northern Rwanda. The discovery of this Rwandan population of Shelley's Francolin gives more support to the isolated single record (of three birds) from southern Uganda (Britton 1980). Obviously this Rwanda population extends into the Ankole region, and perhaps also to the other side of the Akagera River in Karagwe, extreme northwestern Tanzania. Francolinus streptophorus Ring-necked Francolin On 29 September 1980, on the ridge of Kiyonza Hill in the southern part of the Akagera NP, I flushed two francolins which I had never seen before in Rwanda. Subsequently I came upon these birds several times, but until July 1981 I was unable to identify them with certainty. Finally I had good views of a single bird, calling from a stone on 6 July 1981, and was able to identify it as a Ring-necked Francolin. A few days later, on 11 July, D.A. Turner (pers. comm.) also had good views of a single bird about 3km north of Akagera Hotel, and flushed two more later on the same day. Since that time I have seen this species regularly. . The distribution of the Ring-necked Francolin appears to be restricted in Aka- gera NP to Kiyonza Hill, a steep stony ridge about 12km long and a few hun- dred metres wide. The centre of this area is at about 1.40S, 30.43E. Curi- ously, the species is totally absent from many other similar hills north and south of Kiyonza. Its habitat is a Loudetia grassland, interspersed with many stones and rock outcrops, and with quite a dense woody cover of isolated com- bretaceous bushes and small trees or dry thickets, situated at about 1500m. On the same hill and in the same habitat I have also seen Shelley's Francolin, the Cogui Francolin F.coqui, the Red-necked Spurfowl F. afer and, very rarely rarely, the Red-winged Francolin. The Ring-necked Francolin usually occurs in isolated pairs or in small coveys of up to six birds. When approached on foot, it remains very quiet and can only be flushed once, usually from about five or six metres. Numenius argquata Curlew On 28 December 1981 a single bird was found on a small rocky island in a bay of Lake Kivu near Kibogora, between Kibuye and Cyangugu. This is the first record for Rwanda, but the species is an annual visitor to the Rusizi Plain on the Zaire-Burundi border (pers. obs., Gaugris 1979). Sterna caspia Caspian Tern A single bird was observed on about 1 November 1981 by N. Monfort-Braham, K. Stuart and A. Harcourt on Lake Hago, Akagera NP (pers. comm.). Glaucidium capense Barred Owlet On 31 August 1981 a bird of this species was found sitting in the crown of a leafless tree on the edge of a narrow dry gulley thicket, being mobbed by 62 Rwanda additions small passerines, at Kitabiri Hill in the Akagera NP. It looked decidedly larger than the Pearl-spotted Owlet G. perlatum, and its barred upperside and breast were conspicuous. Since that time I have tried to find the species again in the same general area by playing-back its recorded voice at night. This method is very suc- cessful with other species of the same genus and always results in a rapid response when the target species is present in the area. The fact that I have never obtained any response with capense is, in my opinion, an indication that this species is not a resident in eastern Rwanda. Andropadus virens Little Greenbul On 28 August 1982 I found this species in a small but dense patch of riverine forest along the Akagera, about 2km south of Kagitumba in the extreme north of Akagera NP. At least four different birds were seen. They were members of a mixed party involving Yellow-whiskered Greenbuls A. latirostris, Leaf- loves Phyllastrephus scandens and Olive Mountain Greenbuls P. placidus among many other passerines. This is my first record from Rwanda, but I know the species very well from eastern Zaire. Ficedula albicollis Collared Flycatcher This species is a common and sometimes abundant migrant in eastern Rwanda from mid September to early November. Most of the birds are then in winter plumage and their racial identification is not possible. Britton (1980a) refers to my paper on Palaearctic migrants in Rwanda (Vande weghe 1979) and reports that the nominate race is "common on autumn passage". This is a misinterpretation, for I did not write about racial identification in that paper. I stated that the first arrivals include some males still carrying extensive remnants of summer plumage, and in fact the only bird of whose racial identification I am sure waS a nominate male, seen on 26 September 1980 on Kiyonza Hill in the Akagera NP. Another male of the nominate race was seen on 5 October 1978 near Kigwena in southern Burundi. This bird was mentioned, without subspecific quotation, in a paper on birds of Burundi (Gaugris et al. 1981). Spring migration is much more discrete. In dry years there are usually no records at all, but in wet years (e.g. 1971, 1978, 1983 and 1984) I have made Sightings over several days in mid March. Among these birds some are already in breeding plumage and racially identifiable. The birds seen on 14 March 1971 and on 13 March 1978 (Vande weghe 1979) were most probably semitorquata, but two or three males seen between 14 and 21 March 1984 in gardens in Kigali were definitely of this race. Nectarinia pulchella Beautiful Sunbird On 21 August 1981 I watched a pair about 3km south of Kagitumba (Uganda bor- der) in the extreme north of the Akagera NP. The birds were actively flying around and displaying in open Acacia polyacantha woodland close to the river. The male had elongated tail feathers and yellow pectoral tufts, but was not in full breeding plumage. The red breast patch showed some dull feathers, as did the metallic green of the head and mantle. The belly was greenish and the bird obviously belonged to the nominate race. As this sunbird has been found in Ankole, Uganda (Britton 1980), its occurrence in northeastern Rwanda is not too surprising; but as I have seen it only once in 15 years, it must be ex- tremely rare or perhaps only a straggler. REFERENCES BRITTON, P.L. 1980a. Ficedula flycatchers in East Africa. Scopus 4: 21-22. Rwanda additions 63 GAUGRIS, Y. 1979. Les oiseaux aquatiques de la plaine de la basse Rusizi (Burundi) (1973-1978). Oiseau et la Revue frangaise d'Ornithologie 49: 133- syst , PRIGOGINE, A. & VANDE WEGHE, J-P. 1981. Additions et corrections a l'avifaune du Burundi. Le Gerfaut 71: 3-39. SCHOUTEDEN, H. 1966. La faune ornithologique du Rwanda. Documentation zoolog- ique du Musée royale de l'Afrique centrale 10: 1-130. VANDE WEGHE, J-P. 1979. The wintering and migration of Palaearctic passerines in Rwanda. Le Gerfaut 69: 29-43. Jean-Pierre Vande weghe, B.P. 931, Kigali, Rwanda (Received 2 June 1984) XIX CONGRESSUS INTERNATIONALIS ORNITHOLOGICUS Second Announcement The XIX International Ornithological Congress will take place in Ottawa, Canada, from 22 to 29 June 1986. Prof. Dr Klaus Immelmann (West Germany) is President and Dr Henri Ouellet (Canada) is Secretary General. The programme is being planned by an international Scientific Programme Committee chaired by Prof. J. Bruce Falls (Canada). The programme will include plenary lec- tures, symposia, contributed papers (spoken and posters), and films. There will be a mid-congress free day. Pre- and post-congress excursions and work- shops are planned in various interesting ornithological regions of Canada. Information and requests for application forms should be addressed to: Dr Henri Ouellet Secretary General XIX Congressus Internationalis Ornithologicus National Museum of Natural Sciences Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A OM8 "Pre-registration' should be made by 30 November 1984. 0) 4 Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake in Tanzania STREAKY-BREASTED PYGMY CRAKE SAROTHRURA BOEHMTI: FIRST DOCUMENTED RECORDS FOR TANZANIA N.E. Baker, A.J. Beakbane & E.M. Boswell During the early morning of 15 May 1982 two female Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crakes Sarothrura boehmi were caught at Kilima tea factory (8.36S, 35.22E) in the Mufindi District of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The factory, at an altitude of 2005m, lies close to the escarpment edge of the Uzungwa Mountains. It is situated on a ridge overlooking a major valley where the escarpment runs almost east to west. The lights of the factory are used throughout the year and it has been known for sometime that migrant birds are attracted to them during nights of low cloud. Indeed, a list in MS of local species (Padget-Wilkes 1965) includes 'Boehm's Crake' but without sup- porting evidence or dates. Additional lighting and manning of the factory during 1983 and 1984 resulted in the capture of a further six birds with other known Afrotropical migrants which will be documented in a future Scopus (Beakbane & Boswell in prep.). Full mensural data of the eight birds are given in Table 1. The male bird caught in May 1983 died and was presented to the British Museum (Nat. Hist.), Tring, where it is registered B.M. Reg. No. 1983-7-1. TABLE 1 Mensural data (g and mm) of live S.boehmi at Mufindi Date Ring No. Sex Weight Wing Tarsus Middle Toe Culmen 15 May 82 A40001 F = 87 25.8 230 12.8 WCE) A40002 F = 85 25.6 Phe) 11.4 (F) 5) May “88-319 838=7—1 M 42 91 24.35 22.63 13.80 2 May 84 A47107 F 35 85 ANE) 23.54 13.04 3 May 84 A47108 M 3355 86 PANES) 22'.038 us hy A47109 M 33/55 91 22.36 2201 12295 5 May 84 A47240 M 35 on 25.98 22094 15.60 5 Jun 84 A47117 F 30.5 86 23033 23.40 14.16 In 'Culmen' column, (F) indicates that the measurement was to the feathers Weights were taken with a 'long' 50-g Pesola balance to 0.5g. Bird A47117 at 30.5g was extremely thin and had a very prominent sternum. Wing measurements were taken with a steel stopped-end rule to obtain ‘maximum length' - the method 3 of Svensson (1975); they are therefore slightly longer than those taken from museum skins. Tarsus measurements were taken from the notch on the back of the intertarsal joint to the upper base of the three forward toes. This method differs significantly from that used by Keith, Benson & Irwin (1970) who used the lower base of the hind toe that forms a spur in this species. Generally our field measurements are approximately 3mm longer than those of Keith et al. (1970). It is interesting to note that McLachlan & Liversidge (1978) give a 'short' tarsus of 18-19.5mm yet Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1957) give a 'long' one of 21-24mm. Middle toe measurements were taken from the tip of the claw to the base of the toe as detailed in Keith et al. (1970) and all claws were checked for irregularities. The culmen was measured Scopus 8: 64-66, September 1984 Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake in Tanzania 65 to the base of the skull except where stated otherwise in Table 1. A stan- dard vernier caliper measuring to 0.1mm was used in 1982 while a Jocal digi- tal vernier, reading to 0.01mm was used in the other two years. Sarothrura boehmi closely resembles the Red-chested Pygmy Crake S. rufa but differs most conspicuously in the reduced extent of chestnut on the head and neck of the male. The longer wing is of importance in separating this pre- sumably migratory species from more sedentary and closely related ones. The short middle toe is also of importance in separating it from the longer toed Sarothrura species that prefer a damper habitat (Keith et al. 1970). The relevant measurements of similar species are given in Table 2. Those for the specimen (1983-7-1) were kindly taken from the skin by Mr P. Colston using museum rather than field techniques. They therefore bear direct comparison with those from Keith et al. (1970); all other measurements are taken from their paper and refer to male birds. TABLE 2 Comparative measurements (mm) of males of three species of Sarothrura Wing Tarsus Middle Toe (iS. Duta 67 — 80 18 — 23 25) = 32 S. lugens 1A =12 82 NS BASS) DA — 229 S. boehmi 82 — 88 POs 5 245 INS pe 2S 1983-7-1 88 20 as Moult details were taken from three Mufindi birds but no clear picture emerges. They appeared to be in suspended wing moult with a mixture of new and old feathers, all full-grown. However, A47117 appeared to have eight missing flight feathers from the left wing and two missing from the right. A40002 had primaries 1 and 2 new and full-grown, the rest older, more faded and slightly worn. Secondaries 2 and 3 appeared new while others seemed old, some more obviously worn than others. Contour feather wear in females was more obvious than in males. In particular, A40002 had reduced and faded white feather tips which did not therefore form the distinct white bars as illus- Efated in Keith et al. (1970). It was noted that all captive birds were exhausted, far more so than other species being caught in similar circumstances. They were extremely thirsty, drinking water at the first opportunity upon release, even taking dew from a lawn for several minutes before running into cover. Later’ birds were fed on water and dissolved glucose, taking a teaspoonful, which revived them sig- nificantly. It is difficult to prove in which direction these birds were travelling. The species is known to breed in Central Africa, with egg laying in January, Feb- ruary and March and there are Kenya records of birds in breeding condition in May and June (Britton 1980). It therefore seems likely that they were moving northwards after breeding and that at least some (early breeders?) start their moult before departing from their breeding quarters. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to thank Mr Peter Colston for confirming our identification of the male bird and providing measurements from the skin; Mzee Mohamed Nawa for friendly assistance at the site and Mr Stuart Keith for helpful comments on an earlier draft. 66 Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake in Tanzania REFERENCES BEAKBANE, A.J. & BOSWELL, E.M. (in prep.) . Nocturnal Afrotropical migrants from southern Tanzania. KEITH, S., BENSON, C.W. & IRWIN, M.P.S. 1970. The genus Sarothrura (Aves, Rallidae). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 143 (1): 1-84. MCLACHLAN, G.R. & LIVERSIDGE, R. 1978. Roberts birds of South Africa. Cape Town: Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. PADGET-WILKES, C. 1965. List of species recorded in the Mufindi district. Unpublished MS. SVENSSON, L. 1975. Identification guide to European Passerines. Stockholm: Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet. N.E. Baker, Box 5272, Dar es Salaam, A.J. Beakbane, Box 40, Mufindi and E.M. Boswell, Box 23, Mufindi, Tanzania (Received 30 July 1984) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION The undersigned are investigating the question of host selection in two Clam- ator cuckoos in Africa, namely Striped or Levaillant's Cuckoo C. levaillantii and Jacobin or Black and White Cuckoo C. jacobinus (races pica and serratus). We are interested to know the whereabouts, if any, of preserved skins of nest- lings or fledglings of either species which record their host species. Whereas C. levaillantii parasitizes babblers of the genus Turdoides probably exclusively, we are anxious to confirm whether or not C. jacobinus sometimes parasitizes babblers anywhere in Africa. The best proof of this would be the existance of preserved material. We are conversant with the literature, both old and new, which cives general statements or specific examples of parasitism by C. jacobinus pica with Turdoides babblers in East and northeastern Africa. As far as we know these records have been based either on blue eggs found in babblers' nests or on sight records of young Clamator cuckoos being fed by these hosts. Notwithstanding the fact that C. jacobinus commonly parasitizes babblers in India we feel that positive proof is lacking that this cuckoo does so anywhere in Africa. We would be grateful if curators of collections which contain skins of young Clamator cuckoos would re-examine their material and, others who may have field information, would report their findings to the first-named. M.P.S. Irwin, 3 Whitecairns Avenue, Hillside, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and J.F.R. Colebrook-Robjent, Musumanene, Box 303, Choma, Zambia Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow 67 BREEDING OF THE ETHIOPIAN SWALLOW HIRUNDO AETHIOPICA IN INTERIOR KENYA Tavatiecwe Gracias AGi=tacn ID). Ge Wels: The Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica (hereafter callea the 'swallow') is a resident of the Afrotropical region that occurs across the northern tropics from Niger and Benin to Ethiopia and Somalia and thence southwards to East Africa (Hall & Moreau-1970). It has been extending its range southwards into East Africa during recent decades. Thus Jackson (1938) noted it south along the Nile valley to Kajo Kagi (3.53N, 31.40E) on the southern borders of the Sudan, but could find only three records for interior Kenya and none at all for Uganda. Since then, however, numerous sight records have shown its ad- vance south to the equator in Uganda and to eastern areas of Tanzania, south to 10 degrees South (East African Natural History Society (EANHS) Nest Record card, Britton 1980, Lewis & Pomeroy in prep.). Since all but one of the few breeding records for the interior of East Africa are on substantial buildings (Benson 1945, EANHS Nest Record cards, pers. obs.), this extension southwards may have been due, at least in part, to the increased use of relatively large and permanent, European-style buildings, on which nests can be built in rel- atively inaccessible situations. It has been known for many years as a breeding species along the Kenya coast (e.g. records in Cunningham-van Someren 1971), while more recent observations detail its breeding under coral overhangs, on buildings and inside sea caves (EANHS Nest Record cards, Dyson 1971, Lee 1971, Brown & Britton 1980). As- sociation with similar structures, and breeding on or near the coast, is also known from southern Somalia at latitudes 1 to 3 degrees N (Ash & Miskell 1983) and from interior @astern Tanzania at 3 and 10 degrees S (EANHS Nest Record cards). Less is known about its status in the interior of Kenya. It has been observed in many parts of the country north of the equator and this population may be discrete from that on the coast (Lewis & Pomeroy in prep.). The sole breeding records for these areas appear to be those of Benson (1945) who, in 1941, ob- served it inside European houses at Moyale (3.32N, 39.03E) on 11 March, at occupied nests at Marsabit (2.17N, 37.57E) in late May and at an occupied nest attached to an overhanging rock at a waterhole at Archer's Post (0.39N, 37.41E) on 21 May. In the course of researches associated with the Kenya bird atlas (Lewis & Pom- eroy in prep.), LG reported regular nesting of the species on her house at El Karama Ranch, Laikipia District (0.12N, 36.55E, 1740m). This paper summar- izes these new records from Laikipia and describes aspects of the breeding biology. All observations derive from the farm buildings at El Karama Ranch. The 'study pair' use the 'study nest' in LG's living room and have received the most observation. The data are compared with those for the Eurasian Swallow H. rustica (Ingram 1974, Sharrock 1976, Tate 1981, Witherby et al. 1938), a member of the same superspecies (Hall & Moreau 1970) which also uses manmade structures for breeding. Data extracted from EANHS Nest Record cards Beebo wn by HA. & P.L. Britton, W.G. Dyson, H.J. Lee, C.F. Mann, S. Sassoon, D.A. Turner and V.G.L. van Someren are acknowledged as 'EANHSNRC'. ’ THE BREEDING IN THE EL KARAMA AREA The swallow has been at least attempting to breed at El Karama since 1969, Scopus 8: 67-72, September 1984 68 Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow when LG came to live there. Successful breeding was taking place in 1977 when more concerted observation of the birds began, and probably before that. Al- though quantitative data are lacking, the numbers of pairs and their overall breeding success have shown a steady increase up to the present day, which may reflect the species' continued southward spread and/or the expansion of the successful El Karama population. In the stables, the swallow has largely replaced the White-rumped Swifts Apus caffer, Little Swifts A. affinis, Striped Swallows Hirundo abyssinica and Mosque Swallows H. senegalensis that bred there formerly, and it is spreading to other buildings on the farm. Although they may do so, the swallows have never been seen to exhibit aggression towards any of these other species, in fact quite the reverse. Little Swifts, which were not occupying any nest in the immediate vicinity, caused the death of a swallow brood by chasing the parents so persistently that they deserted, and knocked a nestling out of the nest. This nest is, however, now being used successfully by swallows. The conditions and habitat at El Karama are by no means unique and it would be surprising if other colonies do not exist elsewhere on the Laikipia plat-— eau. We have received several reports of breeding from the area between Ru- muruti, Nanyuki and Maralal, but have not been able to confirm any of them personally. SONG AND THE INITIATION OF NESTING Prior to normal 'long' rains breeding, the birds start to sing in January and may continue for a long period before nest building begins. The full song may be given in flight, but is more frequently uttered from a perch. Song ceases before hatching and does not resume, at least in the study pair, before the second clutch. As noted by Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1960) @the song is loud and as remarkably varied as that of a canary Serinus sp., consisting of long and sustained periods of constantly varied but fairly similar phrases. The notes are squeaky but melodious, not of a great range of frequency but never- theless very pleasant to the ear. A very quiet and introspective, but other- wise fully developed, version of the song given by a solitary, perched bird was apparently a subsong, or possibly the soft twittering of the female mentioned by Archer & Goaman (196!). After song begins, in some cases long after, the pair brings more lining ma- terials to a pre-existing nest and roosts near it or, in the case of a new site, near the place where they intend to build. At the Kenya coast, a pair intermittently perched near an old nest from mid February onwards, with in- cubation starting on 1 April (EANHSNRC). Although there is always some wet mud around the farmhouse at El Karama, building only begins with the onset of wet weather, as noted for several members of this genus by Brown & Britton (1980); this is presumably because, regardless of the constant presence of nest material due to domestic water, only widespread rain will stimulate the production of sufficient insect prey. This is usually during the April-July 'long' rains, but breeding may occur at other times as, for example, during the unseasonal rains of January 1983; prolonged unseasonal rain in September 1983 did not promote breeding, however. Nests may be built and then remain unused if the weather becomes unfavourable, while some nests can even remain unused when breeding is successfully underway in the rest of the colony. THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF THE NEST The nests are built of sticky wet mud pellets reinforced with dry grass. The Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow 69 structure is an open cup and building is started at the base, and thence up the sides to form a horseshoe shape, which is finally walled-in across the front. As in the Eurasian Swallow (Tate 1981), most building activity occurs in the morning, which enables the construction to dry and harden in the heat of the day to prevent collapse. Higher overall temperatures must render this factor less important in the tropics, however, and some building is also seen at El Karama in the afternoons. The nest is then lined with rootlets, dry grass, hair from horses and cattle and with feathers, these materials being identical to those used by the Eurasian Swallow (Tate 1981). At the Kenya coast, coconut fibre, palm leaf fibre and possibly seaweed are also used (EANHSNRC). One bird at El Karama carried a hair approximately one metre long; this material can be a source of young mortality, as for example when an immature was hanged by its neck below its nest in a loop of hair, and when another flying young was hobbled to its nest by a strand around its legs. The constituents of a failed nest were analysed. This nest was rather larger than average for this species at El Karama: its open, roughly circular top measured 10 x 8cm and it was 13cm deep, its overall shape being an inverted cone, flattened on the side on which it was attached, unsupported, on to the side of a vertical beam. The cemented part of this nest consisted of soil material ranging in grain size from mud (below 0.15mm) to a few rock grains over 3.35mm in diameter, together with vegetable material that was predomi- nantly dry grass and rootlets. Inside this was an outer 'foundation' lining consisting of dry grass, rootlets and a very few down feathers, the outer parts of this material being cemented into the inner side of the nest's mud wall. As its name implies, this foundation lining seems to provide a firm support within the nest for the more fragile inner lining. This outer lining is absent in nests built on wooden shelves (see Nest building and situation, below), where the shelf itself provides a competent, horizontal foundation. This outer lining enclosed an inner one of dry grass, feathers and hair that Surrounded an open cup 4cm in diameter. The composition of the inner lining, in terms of numbers of constituent particles, was approximately 75 per cent pieces of dry grass over 2cm long, 12 per cent feathers over 2cm long, 8 per cent rootlets, 4 per cent animal hair and 1 per cent twine, human hair and shreds of plastic sacking. The feathers were all from the feral chicken, and analyses of two other nests showed 93 per cent from this species and the remainder from the Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris, domestic pigeons Columba livia and the White- bellied Go-away Bird Corythaixoides leucogaster, and 94 per cent this species and the remainder from domestic goose, Helmeted Guineafowl and a roller Cor- acias sp., respectively. This preference for chicken feathers has previously been noted for this species (EANHSNRC) and for Eurasian Swallow (Tate 1981), and presumably reflects abundance around the farm and other rural buildings on which these two birds breed. The Eurasian Swallow has a great preference for white feathers (Tate 1981), possibly because their colour makes them more conspicuous and easily found, but in two analysed nests at El Karama only 51 per cent and 63 per cent respectively of the feathers over 2cm long were Mainly this colour; relining of a nest with white feathers is described at the Kenya coast (EANHSNRC) . NEST BUILDING AND SITUATION Nest building is undertaken by both members of the pair as in the Eurasian Swallow (Witherby et al. 1938) and is accomplished in about two weeks. At Entebbe, Uganda, the mud structure alone of a nest was constructed in five days (EANHSNRC). During building, either one or both members of the pair may 70 Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow roost on the nest at night: this behaviour appears irregular and unpredictable and cannot be correlated either with the amount of the nest completed or with the prevailing weather conditions. At El Karama, new nests have never been built on top of old ones as is often the case in the Eurasian Swallow (Ingram 1974), but old nests of other Hirundo and Apus species have been used as foundations for complete new nests. At the Kenya coast, one course of mud was added to an old nest that was about to be reused (EANHSNRC), and broken nests at El Karama have been repaired before re- use. The swallows also clean and reline old nests before use and any nest, whether old or new, before the production of a second brood; cleansing prior to a second brood has also been recorded on the Kenya coast (EANHSNRC). These measures presumably serve to reduce parasite infestation. The nests are either built inside buildings, e.g. in the stables and living quarters, or in sheltered situations on buildings' exteriors, e.g. under eaves and at the back of verandahs. The birds are characteristically tame (see, for example Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1960), but react to domestic cats and dogs as soon as nest building has started. No nests have been found on natural struc- tures, such as trees. In contrast to the habit of the Eurasian Swallow (In- gram 1974), the nests are mostly unsupported from below, and are built on surfaces that range from vertical to approximately 60 degrees above the hori- zontal, e.g. the vertical sides of roof beams and the undersides of sufficient- ly inclined roofs; nests can also be attached to free-dangling structures, e.g. a decorative rafia mat, and a bark sliver hanging from the underside of a wooden roof tile. Nests supported from below are rarer. Thus the study nest is at the junction of two walls and supported below by the picture rail, while a number of nests are supported by shelves erected on the verandah specific-— ally for this purpose. Nesting at the Kenya coast occurred in an old coconut shell, also hung up specifically for the purpose (EANHSNRC) . THE EGGS Clutch size varies from two to four, with possibly only a single egg at times, and two broods per season are usual. This compares to 14 clutches from the Kenya coast which averaged 2.7 (50 per cent of the sample = C3), but is Slightly below the C3 or C4 or sometimes more quoted by Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1960) and the four clutches averaging 3.75 quoted by Archer & Godman (1961) for Somalia. In the study nest, one egg per day was laid until the clutch of four was complete, when incubation began. An egg measured 18 x 13mm, which compares to 18.03 x 13.08mm quoted for Nigeria (Jackson 1938), 19 x 12.5mm (Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1960, area un- specified), and 17.5 x 13.5mm for Somalia (Archer & Godman 1961). The eggs are white tinged very faintly pink, with chestnut blotches and speckles of varying intensity which are concentrated in a poorly defined band around the blunt end and more thinly distributed over the rest of it. This colouration and patterning agrees with published descriptions, and to the eggs of other members of the superspecies (National Museum collection, Nairobi, Mackworth- Praed & Grant 1960). INCUBATION AND BROODING Incubation takes around two weeks (Table 1), which is very similar to the 14- 16 days of the Eurasian Swallow (Tate 1981). The individual birds of the study nest pair can be recognized by minor plumage differences, and in this pair one bird carries out at least the bulk of incubation and brooding while Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow TA the other roosts elsewhere. Recent colour marking of one of this pair con- firms this conclusion. If analogy with the Eurasian Swallow (Witherby et al. 1938, Tate 1981) is correct, it is the male that takes little part in these activities, but the sexes of the birds at El Karama cannot be distinguished. Whether hatching is simultaneous or sequential is uncertain, but the young are ready to leave the nest together. THE YOUNG The young are fed initially on material regurgitated by the parents and later on small flying insects held in the parents' bills. The parents do not always feed the chick that gapes widest or cries loudest, and may persistently push others aside to reach ones obscured at the back of the nest. The young are fed almost continuously from dawn to dusk and, as in the Eur- asian Swallow (Witherby et al. 1938), both parents assist; feeding becomes more intermittent, i.e. with the parents absent for periods of up to 30min, if unseasonal dry weather, and thus paucity of food, occurs after hatching, as in June 1984. On 12 June 1983, the study nest young received ten feeds be- tween 06:10 and 06:35, which is within the feeding rate quoted for the Eur- asian Swallow in Germany (Tate 1981), and both parents arrived at the nest Simultaneously on a number of occasions. This pair still brings food after the oil lamps are lit at dusk. The parents swallow some faecal sacs and remove others. They continue to re- move sacs from the nest even after the young, at about one week old, are able to back over the edge of the nest to defaecate normally. Sacs from the study nest are carried over 10m away, and are invariably deposited outside the house. For some days before flying, the young cling to the edge of the nest. Three of four young left the study nest 25 days after hatching, which is slightly longer than the 17 - 23 days quoted for the Eurasian Swallow (Tate 1981). The fourth chick of this brood left the nest, possibly accidentally, at 21 days, when it could certainly fly, but was killed by a domestic cat. Dated events for this brood are given in Table 1. TABLE 1 Dated breeding phenomena at the study nest, 1983 Running days Cumulative days 5 May: C4 completed and incubation started 1S ) 18 May: first egg (possibly all eggs) hatched 6 13 24 May: first audible sounds from chicks 15 19 8 June: first nestling flew - killed by cat 4 34 12 June: other three flew successfully 18 38 30 June: first egg of second clutch laid = 56 Most young at El Karama fiedge and fly in June and July, after normal ‘long’ rains. After their first flight and as in the Eurasian Swallow (Witherby et al. 1938), the young spend the nights roosting on or beside their nest for a week or possibly longer, though records from the Kenya coast suggest that this may not always be the case (EANHSNRC). While there is no certain evidence for the co-operative feeding of the young by the immatures of earlier broods, as there is in a few cases in the Eurasian Swallow (Tate 1981), 72 Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow immature birds can show an interest in later broods. Three free-flying imma- tures persistently perched near, and showed an interest in, a brood still in the study nest; the study pair persistently chased these immatures away from the nest but would perch normally with them away from the vicinity of the nest. When the brood flew, these immatures flew around with the parents, calling to them. BEHAVIOUR OUTSIDE THE BREEDING SEASON After the breeding season the swallows remain in the broad vicinity of the colony, and there is no noticeable diminution in numbers to suggest even lim- ited dispersal or migration. They spend the days feeding out over the sur- rounding bush, particularly the more open areas, and return at dusk to roost On or near the nests. The study nest pair roosted at precisely the same site near their nest and in the same positions relative to each other throughout the non-breeding season, while their progeny roosted elsewhere. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are very grateful to G.C. Backhurst and D.J. Pearson for comments on an earlier draft, and to P.L. Britton for information on the literature, to P.B. Taylor for the data from the EANHS Nest Record Scheme and EOuGaEe Cunningham- van Someren for access to the collection at the National Museum, Nairobi. REFERENCES ARCHER, A. & GODMAN, E. 1961. The birds of British Somaliland and the Gulf of Aden. London: Oliver & Boyd. ASH, J.S. & MISKELL, J.E. 1983. Birds of Somalia. Scopus Special Supplement No. 1. Nairobi: Ornithological Sub-Committee EANHS. BENSON, C.W. 1945. Observations from Kenya Colony, Uganda and Tanganyika Waa aaticoiaiia) omic {s)7/ 4 SKS) se CUNNINGHAM-VAN SOMEREN, G.R. 1971. Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica. EANHS Bulletin 97 le est. DYSON, W.G. 1971. A Kenya nest record for the Ethiopian Swallow. ibidem 1971: 38-39. INGRAM, C. 1974. The migration of the Swallow. London: H.F. & G. Witherby. LEE, H.J. 1971. Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica. EFANHS Bulletin 1971:167. LEWIS, A.D. & POMEROY, D.E. in prep. A bird atlas for Kenya. SHARROCK, J.T.R. 1976. The atlas of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. London: T. & A.D. Poyser. TATE, P. 1981. Swallows. London: H.F. & G. Witherby. WITHERBY, H.F., JOURDAIN, F.C.R., TICEHURST, N.F. & TUCKER, B.W. 1938. The handbook of British birds. London: H.F. & G. Witherby. Lavinia Grant, El Karama Ranch, Box 172, Nanyuki and Adrian D. Lewis, Geology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi (Received 3 July 1984) Tanzanian birds, part II U3 THE DISTRIBUTION OF, AND OTHER NOTES ON, SOME BIRDS OF TANZANIA - PART II N.R. Fuggles-Couchman The first part of this paper appeared in Scopus in March this year (Fuggles- Couchman 1984) and the following notes should be read in the context of the introduction to that part. As this paper is intended to focus attention on apparent gaps in the information on the distribution of some birds in Tanzan- ia, in order to save space other notes have been kept to a minimum. SYSTEMATIC LIST Numbers in brackets following reference to specimens are identification num- bers of skins deposited at the British Museum (Natural History). Coracias naevia Rufous-crowned Roller In view of the few records of this species from Tanzania (Britton 1980) it is worth noting its occurrence in the Wahoga area, south of Usa in Arusha Dist- Yict, at 1200m, in February 1943. Other records from Kongwa, December 1947 and May 1949, Kilingali, February 1952, and from between Itigi and Tabora in May 1956, can be added to the scattered records mentioned by Britton (1980). Coracias spatulata Racquet-tailed Roller This uncommon species was recorded only once, in miombo to the west of the Uluguru Mountains, in Morogoro District, in April 1938. Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller In addition to numerous records from the Eastern Region, all in September to November, one bird was seen at Lengopiron, in the Crater Highlands, in vest- igiel forest at 2500m in February 1945. Upupa epops Hoopoe Britton (1980) states that this species is occasional in Dar es Salaam in April to June. It has also been recorded there, in well-treed areas, calling freely in November and December, and birds have been seen in January. Other records are from Morogoro District in July 1931, and from the north of Kilosa, at Kibedya and Idibo, in August 1932. Adults were watched feeding young at a nest in a rotten branch of an Albizzia sp. at Monduli on 4 December 1942. Phoeniculus minor Abyssinian Scimitarbill The range given by Britton (1980) lacks sufficient definition in NE Tanzania, where it occurs widely from the Hanang area at Katesh, through Makuyuni and Masailand to Monduli and the dry acacia grasslands to the north of Mt Meru, to Ngare Nairobi and southeast to Gonja at the foot of the South Pare Mount- ains. Bycanistes brevis Silvery-cheeked Hornbill This species was common in the evergreen lowland forest on the Ruvu River at Kibungo, at the eastern foot of the Ulugurus at 430m, where R.E. Moreau and the author watched a male in September 1937 collecting material, presumably for lining a nest. A single bird appeared in Government House grounds in Dar es Salaam in July 1955, and was seen regularly until September that year. It has also been recorded from Mahenge in May 1952. Tockus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Hornbill The range given by Britton (1980) should be extended eastwards from Kiliman- Scopus 8: 73-78, September 1984 [To be concluded] 74 Tanzanian birds, part IT jaro to include the semi-arid country to the east of the South Pare Mountains and northwest of the West Usambaras, where it was recorded in June 1942. Lybius diadematus Red-fronted Barbet While Britton refers to this species as a rather uncommon bird, in Masailand Elliott (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946) found it the commonest barbet of the vast area of the Masai steppe, and widely distributed there. In the south it reached Kilosa District, to the east of Dodoma, where it was seen in December 1952. This defines rather more precisely the range given by Britton (1980) to the south and east. Lybius lacrymosus Spotted-flanked Barbet A record from Ngulu at the southern foot of the North Pare Mountains in June 1942 lies somewhat to the east of the general range given by Britton (1980). A female (46/41) of the race ruahae was collected on the edge of gallery forest on the northern slopes of Mt Hanang in February 1946. Lybius melanopterus Brown-breasted Barbet The range given by Britton (1980) for eastern Tanzania should be extended to include Dar es Salaam District. A female (36/6), one of three seen, was col- lected in January 1936 in the Mkamba area, on the southern border of the dis- trict, at 200m, in an area of open bush and scattered trees. Lybius torquatus Black-collared Barbet In eastern Tanzania Britton (1980) gives the range as coastal, inland to Moro- goro and Dodoma. That should be extended to the southeast of Morogoro to in- clude Ulanga District, where it was seen at Kiberege in March 1933. Trachyphonus erythrocephalus Red and Yellow Barbet The description of the range of this species in Tanzania given by Britton (1980) is somewhat indefinite and it is worth noting that it is widely dis- tributed from Lembeni, at the western foot of the North Pare Mountains, through much of the Masai steppe, to Kongwa. Trachyphonus usambiro Usambiro Barbet When a female (46/7) of this species was collected at the southern foot of Mt Hanang in February 1946, usambiro was still considered a race of d'Arnaud's Barbet T.darnaudii. At the time it was noted that the song duet was quite unlike that of darnaudii. D'Arnaud's Barbet is known in the Kipare language as Muhokivuta, a very good onomatopoeic name for it. Both birds appeared to make the first part of the call muho and one bird added kivuta. In the case of usambiro the duet resembled the winding of a clock with the second bird contributing ticktock at the end. Indicator variegatus Scaly-throated Honeyguide This species was recorded from widely scattered areas including Kibungo Forest at Morogoro (430m) in September 1937; in vestigial forest in the Uvidunda Mts at 1700m (male 35/31) in July 1935; forest edge at Ol Molog, NW Kilimanjaro at 1700m (male 42/69) in December 1942 and in the depths of evergreen forest on Mt Hanang at 2000-2200m (female 46/38) in February 1946. It was also seen in the Crater Highlands at 2100m in January 1945 and in the South Pare Mount-— ains at 600m in July 1942. Prodotiscus regulus Wahlberg's Honeybird This species was found in the dry Acacia tortilis grasslands in the lowlands to the northeast of Mt Meru at 1400m (male 46/64) in February 1946 and was recorded from scattered forest patches at Ol Molog at 2000m in August 1960. These two records are worth noting, for while Britton (1980) states that there are records from the northern parts of Tanzania, no locality from the north- Tanzanian birds, part II 75 east is included among those that are mentioned. Prodotiscus zambesiae Eastern Honeybird A bird, originally identified as P. insignis ellenbecki, was collected by M. Morgan-Davies, Park Warden of Lake Manyara National Park, in 1961. Presumably that should now be included under zambesiae, and provides an additional local- ity for the species in Tanzania. The skin was placed in the park's collect- ion. Jynx ruficollis Red-throated Wryneck In addition to the female (38/15) collected in August 1938 at Kingolwira, this elusive species was also recorded from Nachingwea, southern Tanzania, in 1950, well to the east of Nakapanya, the eastern limit of its southern range given by Britton (1980). Another locality not mentioned by Britton is Loliondo, in north Masailand and north of the Crater Highlands, where E.G. Rowe collected a male and female in October 1931 in forest. Both skins were deposited at the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) and, together with 38/15, are the only ones of this species in that collection from Tanzania. Calandrella cinerea Red-capped Lark This species ranges to the east of Arusha (Britton 1980) and was nesting on the northwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro at Ol Molog, at 1800m, in May 1945. Calandrella somalica Rufous Short-toed Lark The range as given by Britton (1980) "....from the Arusha area and Crater Highlands to the Athi and Kapiti plains" is insufficiently explicit and should be widened to include the northwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro to the east. In 1942-45 flocks of this species were frequent round Ngare Nairobi, up to 1700m. Two males (42/59, 45/20) were collected in December 1942 and June 1945 re- spectively. Most records of this lark in northern Tanzania were of flocks, particularly in the period December to June. Eremopteryx leucotis Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark The range given by Britton (1980) should be extended eastwards from Arusha to include the lower northwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro at Ngare Nairobi, where it was recorded in June 1945. Its occurrence at Kongwa in May 1949 and at Kilingali in February 1952 should also be noted, as apparently extending the. range in the Central and Eastern Regions of Tanzania. Mirafra africana Rufous-naped Lark This species was recorded in scattered scrub and thorn grassland near Dodoma township in January 1954, a locality that lies outside the ranges for the races tropicalis and transvaalensis given by Britton (1980). The bird was probably attributable to the race tropicalis as that western race is shown as ranging to Singida and Iringa, and this species was never recorded west of Kidugallo, the western limit of the range given for the race transvaalensis. Mirafra africanoides Fawn-coloured Lark The range given by Britton (1980) for this species should be extended east- wards to include northern Kilosa District at Geiro, where it was seen in January 1952. Mirafra rufocinnamomea Flappet Lark The range given by Britton (1980) should be extended westwards to include Kilosa District where it was common in the Kiliangali area. Its flappet- flight was a constant feature of the area in November 1951. Hirundo abyssinica Striped Swallow An unusual nesting site was found at Digo Digo, Sonjo, where a nest had been applied to the underside of a branch of a fig tree, some 6m from the ground. 76 Tanzanian birds, part II The spout faced downwards at about 45 degrees, and just below the entrance was a small branch which served as a perch. The structure was well-protected from rain by its position under the branch. Hirundo fuligula African Rock Martin This species has been recorded at Masasi, southern Tanzania, at 300m associ- ated with houses, providing an additional low altitude locality to those mentioned by Britton (1980). On Mt Hanang it appeared round Werther Peak at 3100 m. Hirundo smithii Wire-tailed Swallow Britton (1980) remarks on the few breeding records away from man-made struc- tures. It is therefore of interest to note a nest found on 20 January 1960 on the underside of a tree fallen across a stream. The nest of the usual type was only 60cm above the water. The underside of the nest was a mass of hornet combs. Psalidoprocne albiceps White-headed Rough-wing In addition to the three localities in NE and E Tanzania mentioned by Britton (1980) this species has also been recorded from the road round the edge of Ngorongoro Crater, where two birds were seen at 2000m in breaks in the for- est, in August 1945; from Mt Hanang at Katesh, where a small number were hawking over a furrow in February 1946, and from the forest on the mountain and at 3200m, where it was seen scattered over the open moorland at Werther Peak. P.albiceps has also been found at Lolkisale Mt and Ufiome Mt, as well as in the Sonjo area to the north of the Crater Highlands. In E Tanzania, five birds were recorded in open glades in the rain forest on the north side of the Ukagurus, north Kilosa District, at 1850m, in December 1952. Psalidoprocne pristoptera Black Rough-wing In addition to its occurrence in the North and South Pare Mts and round Mts Kilimanjaro and Meru in NE Tanzania, this species was recorded in the Crater Highlands at Lengopiron and Nainokanoka, and at Mbulumbulu where it was nest- ing in September to December in 1942-44. Further south it occurred at Dareda in southern Mbulu District, and on the northern slopes of Mt Hanang on the edge of gallery forest. Riparia cincta Banded Martin In NE Tanzania this species ranges south to Mt Hanang, at Katesh, and a small flock was recorded in February 1952 at Kilingali, well to the east of the southern inland localities mentioned by Britton (1980). Riparia paludicola African Sand Martin The range given by Britton (1980) for the northern region of Tanzania should be extended south from the edge of the Crater Highlands to include Lakes Tlawi and Babati, in Mbulu District, where this species was recorded in Sep- tember 1943 and February 1959 respectively, and Lake Manyara where it was seen in August 1959. Small numbers were seen near the edge of all three lakes, and at Lake Manyara the birds were in company with Eurasian Swallows Hirundo rustica and Banded Martins. Corvus albicollis White-necked Raven The White-necked Raven was almost the most characteristic bird around Mt Han- ang in February 1946. This may have been a seasonal occurrence for, after about 45 minutes of rain, a considerable concourse of this species together with many Black Kites Milvus migrans congregated at 18:20 over Shesyet, on the eastern slopes of the mountain. There were at least 200 ravens, and the whole flock of ravens and kites circled round and round at some height, drift- ing southwards along the edge of the high eastern cliffs, to disperse after Tanzanian birds, part II Wa some ten minutes, flying off to the mountain slopes. Corvus splendens Indian House Crow Colonization of the mainland at Dar es Salaam by this species would seem to have been at a much later date than that at Mombasa in Kenya. The author's first records of this species in the vicinity of Dar es Salaam were of six birds on Honeymoon Island, 4-6km off the coast, in June 1953, and again in 1954. The first record for the mainland was not obtained until August 1958, in Dar es Salaam township, near Government House. Turdoides aylmeri Scaly Chatterer The range of this species, presumably the race mentalis, given by Britton (1980) should be extended northwards from Ngorongoro up the rift valley to the SE shore of Lake Natron, at Gelai (Fuggles-Couchman & Elliott 1946), and to Engaruka, where a party of four was seen in February 1945. Two birds were also seen in September 1958 50km north of Arusha, a locality not included in the range for either the race mentalis or kenianus. Turdoides hypoleucos Northern Pied Babbler The first record of this species in Tanzania was from the semi-arid thorn bush in the extreme northwest of Kilosa District at Kibedya, where a male (34/26) was collected in June 1934. It is worth noting that this species was fre- quent in small parties at Kilingali, 100km south of Kibedya, where a female (52/4) was collected in April 1952 in less arid country. It was also recorded from Mbulumbulu in May 1945, an additional locality to those given by Britton (1980) in NE Tanzania, and 100km west of Arusha. Turdoides melanops Black-lored Babbler Britton (1980) makes no mention of this species occurring east of Tarime in west Tanzania. The range should be extended southeastwards to include the Mt Hanang area, where a female (46/59) was collected from a party of three in February 1946 near Katesh, in Acacia tortilis scattered tree grassland, at 1750m. (Fuggles-Couchman 1953) Turdoides rubiginosus Rufous Chatterer This babbler was found at Mangola Springs in January 1960, a locality lying between the ranges of the races heuglini and emini as given by Britton (1980). Campephaga quiscalina Purple-throated Cuckoo Shrike Britton (1980) gives the range of the race martini as reaching Oldeani. It also occurred to the east of Oldeani, in the Crater Highlands at Mbulumbulu, where a female was seen in gallery forest in April 1946 at 1800m, and it was recorded 110km south of Oldeani on the eastern slopes of Mt Hanang on the edge of the forest, where excellent views of a male were obtained in February 1946. Andropadus importunus Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul To the localities mentioned in Britton (1980) may be added Mahenge, where a bird was heard singing in December 1951. Mahenge is 120km south of the southern border of Kilosa District, the eastern and southern limits of the range given by Britton. Andropadus milanjensis Stripe-cheeked Greenbul Mt Monduli should be added to the localities given by Britton (1980) where this greenbul has been recorded. Birds were seen and heard singing in the forest and on the forest edges in November 1942 and October 1959. Mt Monduli is 60km west of the Arusha NP, the western limit of the range of the race striifacies given by Britton. 78 Tanzanian birds, part II Chlorocichla flaviventris Yellow-bellied Greenbul This species was recorded from Mt Hanang in February 1946, a locality lying somewhat west of the range of the race centralis given by Britton (1980). A male (46/39) collected on the mountain at 2100m was assigned to the race occidentalis at the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) and the record published as such (Fuggles-Couchman 1953), but a recent check has shown it to match a long series of centralis from Tanzania (P. Colston in litt.) as the ranges for the two races given by Britton (1980) would suggest it should. Nicator chloris Nicator This species was heard in full song in April 1954 in the foothills of the Uvidunda Mts, at Kidadi, Kilosa District, 45km southwest of the Uluguru Mts, and a locality not included in the range given by Britton (1980). Coccypha caffra Robin Chat Two localities, lying apparently on, or outside, the limits of the range broadly sketched by Britton (1980) for this species, include the Uvidunda Mts, where it was collected in May 1935 (35/45) in vestigial forest at Chonwe, at 1380m, and the North Pare Mts where it was seen in June 1942 on forest edges at Kilomeni at 1550m. Irania gutturalis Irania The occurrence of this species at Geiro, north Kilosa, is worth recording as that locality lies to the south and east of Naberera and Dodoma respectively, the southern limits given by Britton (1980). One bird was seen on 26 December 1952 while a male (46/1) was collected in the northern foothills of Mt Meru on 17 January 1946. The southernmost record for the species in Tanzania is that provided by J.S.S. Beesley near Mbeya (EANHS OS-C 1983). Monticola saxatilis Rock Thrush A regular visitor to the Kingolwira area of Morogoro District in 1937-39 in January and February. It was also seen in February 1946 on the southern slopes of Mt Hanang up to 1800m. Myrmecocichla nigra Sooty Chat Britton (1980) suggests that this species might occur south of Lake Victoria in Shinyanga or Mwanza. It is therefore of interest to note that it was re- corded in July 1957 from Geita, 90km southwest of Mwanza. Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear To the few records of this species south of 4S may be added Kingolwira, where it was recorded in February 1939. Oenanthe lugens Mourning Wheatear Britton (1980) states that this species is known in Tanzania only from the Crater Highlands, Lake Manyara and Mt Meru. There is a fourth locality, the Aitcho Scarp on the Karatu-Mbulu road, some 25km north of Mbulu township, and 50km south of the Crater Highlands, where it was frequent in April 1959 among the rock and scrub on the scarp. Oenanthe pileata Capped Wheatear Two records are worth noting. Britton (1980) states that virtually all dated records from the lowlands of SE and NE Tanzania, and including Dar es Salaam, are for April-September. One bird recorded at Dar es Salaam was seen on 20 March 1954. At Kilingali this species was recorded up to November in 1951 when it disappeared, suddenly returning there on 13 June 1952, after the first grass burn. At Mbulumbulu, NE Tanzania, males were in full song and display- ing on 10 October 1942 and one collected (42/35) had much enlarged testes. [To be concluded] Short communications 79 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS SHOEBILL BALAENICEPS REX: A DELETION FROM THE KENYA AVIFAUNA The Kenya shoreline of Lake Victoria contains ostensibly suitable habitat for Shoebills. In view of this, and the fact that between 1965 and 1971 I flew over this area repeatedly, going to and from Uganda, I was constantly asked earnestly by the ornithologist at Kenya's National Museum, Alec Forbes-Watson, to keep an eye open for the species. It so occurred that during aerial survey work along the Albert Nile in Uganda, I and a colleague photographed a Shoe- bill. After returning to Nairobi we were asked by Forbes-Watson if we had examined the grounds about the Yala Swamp. "Yes" said I, and handed over the photograph as Kenya's first authentic record of the species. The leg-pull was to have been revealed later in the day but, what with a more than usually con- vivial lunch intervening, it was not. And so 'Yala Swamp' slipped formally into the Kenya record as the only locality for this species. I now formally “remove it. Mea culpa! IT.S.C. Parker, Box 30678, Nairobi Received 1 December 1983 Scopus 8: 79, September 1984 RESPONSE OF A BLACKSMITH PLOVER VANELLUS ARMATUS TO ANTS ATTACKING A HATCHING EGG Although ants are well known to be significant predators of nestlings in the tropics (Skutch 1976), little appears to have been recorded about anti-ant strategies used by parent birds. Small passerines, like the White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys sclateri whose small nestlings I saw com- pletely devoured by 'safari' ants Dorylus sp. in 15 minutes, can do nothing to protect their young, but parental behaviour can free a nest from ants as in the instance described below. In July 1962 I had a hide at a Blacksmith Plover's nest on the Wembere in Tan- zania. When I entered the hide on 12 July three eggs were pipped and the fourth was holed. About an hour later the sitting bird started showing agit- ation when a column of 'safari' ants began invading the nest. When the plover left the eggs I could see that ants were entering the holed egg to attack the chick inside. The parent ran round calling and making ineffectual pecks at the ants in the nest and then, suddenly, picked up the holed egg in its bill, carried it away and dropped it into shallow water some 10m away. With no other chicks vulnerable to attack the ants quickly vacated the nest, allowing the plover to resume incubation. The remaining three eggs hatched during the next 12 hours. When I was let out of the hide a couple of hours later, I retrieved the dumped egg and found, as expected, that the chick was dead - whether drowned or kill- ed by the ants I cannot say. REFERENCE SKUTCH, A.F. 1976. Parent birds and their young. Austin and London: Univer- sity of Texas Press. J.F. Reynolds, 35 Foxcroft Drive, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 3PQ, England Received 30 June 1984 Scopus 8: 79, September 1984 80 Short communications THE RECORD OF THE ANGOLA WHITE-BELLIED SUNBIRD NECTARINIA OUSTALETI FROM KIGOMA IN WESTERN TANZANIA The late C.W. Benson (1982) in his review of Birds of East Africa, said that he would like to see details published of the Angola White-bellied Sunbird collected at Kigoma in western Tanzania on 25 December 1961. In addition, D.C. Moyer's record of this species observed at Kasesya in southwestern Tan- zania (Moyer 1983) has prompted me to record the details of the earlier bird. It was seen in secondary growth miombo scrub on the outskirts of Kigoma town- ship. It was first seen in flight before settling on top of a small bush where, having observed that it was not a Variable Sunbird N.venusta as the underparts were white, I decided to collect it. It was silent during the few moments I had it under observation. The specimen, a male, was sent to J.G. Williams at the Coryndon (now National) Museum in Nairobi on 31 December 1961; Williams confirmed the identification in his letter to me of 23 January 1962. Despite a further visit to the area the following day, I failed to locate any other individuals of this species. As I was only on a short visit to Kigoma I am unable to comment upon its status there. However, it may well occur southwards from Kigoma to the Zambian border. Apart from the Kungwe-Mahari mountain forests, this area has been visited only rarely by ornithologists. From my experience when living at Kibondo in northwest Tanzania where I re- corded a number of species previously unrecorded north of southwest Tanzania (e.g. Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus bangweolensis, Black-backed Barbet Lybius minor macclounii and Miombo Rock Thrush Monticola angolensis) this may well be another instance of lack of observers. REFERENCES BENSON, C.W. 1982. [Review] Birds of East Africa. Ibis 124: 362-364. MOYER, D.C. 1983. A record of the Angola White-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia oustaleti from Kasesya in southwestern Tanzania. Scopus 7: 52. I.H. Dillingham, Grove Farm House, Melbourne, York YO4 4SX, England Scopus 8: 80, September 1984 Received 4 December 1983, revised 6 March 1984 Continued from inside front cover in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently, should not be listed under "References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions, which will be acknowledged, should be sent to the Editor, G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38, = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON, C.W., BROOKE, R.K., DOWSETT, R.J. & IRWIN, M.P.S. 1971. The birds of Zambia. London: Collins, = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) 1980. Birds of East Africa, their habitat, status and . distribution. Nairobi: EANHS, = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANHS, = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London and New York: Academic Press, = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson, = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2: Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa. 2nd edition. London: Longmans Green & Co., = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be tele- phoned through to any OS-C member (numbers inside front cover) in the hope that the bird(s) may be seen by others. Criteria covering the submission of Bird Report records are given in Scopus Supplement, June 1982, copies of which are available from D.A. Turner. BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA Copies of this 270-page book are available from the Secretary, EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi for £8.00 or US$17.00 surface mail to anywhere in the world. | C9AMREF CONTENTS P.B. TAYLOR. A field study of the Corncrdke Crex crex at Ndola, Zambia are JEAN-PIERRE VANDE WEGHE. Further additions to the bird fauna of Rwanda . . N.E. BAKER, A.J. BEAKBANE and E.M. BOSWELL. Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi: first documented records for Tanzania LAVINIA GRANT and ADRIAN D. LEWIS. Breeding of the Ethiopian Swallow Jalslagionayolo) ElSigloaloy ose) alin, alinieienaaore KEINE, 6 5 6 0 0 0. 0 6 0 0 6 0 N.R. FUGGLES-COUCHMAN. The distribution of, and other notes on, some loaligGls| One Weigveiaglel > joeneis WIE 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 © 0 6006 6 6 Short communications I.S.C. PARKER. Shoebill Balaeniceps rex: a deletion smiaoyin ele Ieiahyel EhyalszelUinie) G6 6 6 6 6 0 0 0000 00 00 6 J.F. REYNOLDS. Response of a Blacksmith Plover Vanellus armajéus) Go) ants ateacking ahacchingmecci-micm-iinCCnnSmEe I.H. DILLINGHAM. The record of the Angola White-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia oustaleti from Kigoma in western WMelgvacinLey G5 6 6 6 6 6 6010 06006000000060000000 6 Notice XIX Congressus internationalis onni chollogaicus 3) -a-r-enee Requesia form ianformationy 7 72 ye 2 fewer be ey a tel ole) ote - 8 tC nn Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi 33) 60 64 67 ES 79 79 80 63 66 Qe an ISSN 0250-4162 El Bicds — SCOPUS A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East African Natural History Society Edited by Graeme Backhurst Volume 8, 4 December 1984 SCOPUS Scopus is normally published five times a year (although issues may be combined to allow for long papers) by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon. Treasurer (and Secretary), DA. Turner fitel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 40019r Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 75.00 (KShs 78.50 up-country) Overseas, surface mail: Sterling £6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Sterling £7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner Scopus a/c, No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. The Chairman of the OS-C is Dr D.J. Pearson [house tel. 47041], Deapartment of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi. Other members: of the OS-C are: G.C. Backhurst [house tel. 891419, office 501301, 500508], Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; J.S.S. Beesley (UK); Dr Mar- garet Carswell, Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda; J.H. Fanshawe, Box 15563, Nairobi; M.E.J. Gore [house tel. 65103, office 335944], Box 30465, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dr A.D. Lewis, Department of Geol- ogy, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows (UK); Dr D.E. Pom- eroy, Department of Zoology, University of Makerere, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; J.F. Reynolds (UK); D.K. Richards, Box 24545, Nairobi; Dr M.E. Smalley, Depart-— ment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557, Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the orni- thology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the members of the OS-C and/or by independent referees. The material published in Scopus is divided into 'papers' and 'short communications', the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. 'Papers' should, where possible, be written in the third person; 'short communications" may be written in either the first or third person. Authors of "papers' are entitled to five copies of their \contrrp— ution gratis. Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 1% or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally, clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used. English and scientific names should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped on separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. Illustrations should be on good quality white paper, bristol board or tracing material, in line, and should not be larger than 19 x 23cm. Lettering (in black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc.) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Any references cited should be listed at the end of the contribution following the form used in this issue. Names of periodicals MUST be given in full and, Continued inside back cover Scopus 8 (4), December 1984 SCOPUS THE DISTRIBUTION OF, AND OTHER NOTES ON, SOME BIRDS OF TANZANIA - PART II (continued) N.R. Fuggles-Couchman Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear Britton states that the nominate race ranges into NE Tanzania, north of about 4°S. This statement overlooks published records (Fuggles-Couchman and Elliott 1946). This species was a common migrant to the whole Masai area, to within 96 km of the Central Railway, between 5° and 6°S, where a male was collected on 13 November 1942 in the Samatwa area to the south-east of Kibaya. Thamnolaea arnoti White-headed Black Chat This species was common in miombo to the north of the range given by Britton (1980), reaching Msowero and Kidete, in Kilosa District, where it was regularly seen in 1932-35. Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris Cliff Chat The eastern and northern limits of the range of this species given by Britton (1980) are ill-defined, and it is worth noting its presence on the south-eastern slopes of the Uluguru Mts at Mngazi, at 1100 m, in June 1931, and near Chenzema, on the western side, in September the same year, at 2000 m. To the north, a pair was seen in August 1944 on the western Rift Wall above Mto wa Mbu, at 1400 m, and it was recorded from Mt Lolkisale in November 1958 at c. 1200 m. Turdus tephronotus Bare-eyed Thrush In addition to the Dar es Salaam records of this species quoted by Britton (1980) it is worth noting that it was found in Tanga, in November 1945, where it frequented the grounds of the Tanga Hospital. Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler Britton (1980) mentions only two areas in Tanzania where this Palaearctic migrant winters, the Lake Victoria Basin and Iringa. It has also been found wintering in NE Tanzania, at Mangola Springs, where a bird was seen on 20 January 1960. A female (45/15) was collected at Eluanata Dam on 18 April 1945, presumably on passage. Scopus 8: 81-92, December 1984 82 Tanzanian birds, part ITI Chloropeta natalensis Yellow Warbler The Yellow Warbler was recorded on the Mahenge plateau at ca. 1500 m in December 1951. That locality lies between the limits of the two races given by Britton (1980), natalensis in the south from Songea to Iringa, and massaica in the north, and east to the Uluguru Mts. The race to which the Mahenge birds belong is unfortunately unknown. This species was also recorded from rough grassland in Bukoba District in May 1956, a locality lying between Kasulu to the south and SW Uganda in the north, and presumably belonging to the race massaica. Chloropeta similis Mountain Yellow Warbler This species has been recorded from two localities in E Tanzania lying out-. side the range given by Britton (1980) for that part of the country. A female was collected in August 1937, at 1800 m in the Nguru Mts, north of the Uluguru Mts, the northern limit given for its range, and this species occurred in the northern parts of the Ukaguru Mts in December 1952, at 1850 m. Cisticola aberrans Rock-loving Cisticola This small Cisticola was recorded from the Serengeti NP in June 1962, where it frequented rocky kopjes. Presumably the bird belonged to the race emini, as the Serengeti lies between Mwanza and Limuru, Kenya, localities given by Britton (1980) for that race. Cisticola brachyptera Siffling Cisticola The range of the race isabellina in E and S Tanzania is given as extending from Morogoro to Mikindani, Songea and Ufipa (Britton 1980). It was also found to the west of Morogoro in Kilosa District. A male (34/20) was collected at Mamboya in June 1934, and birds were signing at Kilingali in February 1952. Cisticola brunnescens Pectoral-patch Cisticola The range of the race hindei in N Tanzania as described by Britton (1980) does not make sufficiently clear the western distribution from Mt Kilimanjaro. It is therefore thought to be worth drawing attention to the presence of this species at 01 Donyo Sambu, on the western slopes of Mt Meru, in May 1943, at 1850 m, and on the Ardai Plains, where it was in full nuptial display, and nests were found, on 9 May 1944 and 20 May 1946. This species was also noted in full nuptial display at Kongwa in May 1949, in somewhat atypical habitat, at the low altitude of 1100 m. Cisticola cantans Singing Cisticola A male (38/16) collected at Kombola, in the Nguru Mts, at 1850 m, in August 1938 was assigned to the race pictipennis at the British Museum (Natural History). The Nguru Mts lie outside the range given by Britton (1980) for this species but are nearly 60 km from the Uluguru Mts, the northern limit given for the race muenzneri, and 160 km from the Usambara Mts, the southern limit for the race pictipennis. Cisticola chubbi Chubb's Cisticola The race nigriloris extends over the border of Iringa into S Kilosa District where a male (35/36) was collected in the Uvidunda Mts at Chonwe, ca. 1400 n, in July 1935. A pair was seen in bracken and low shrubs in open grassland near the vestigeal forest on the mountains. It should be noted that the Uvidunda Mts are wrongly shown in the map of Tanzania in Britton (1980) as the Ukaguru Mts, which lie in the north of Kilosa District. Cisticola juncidis Zitting Cisticola This species has been recorded well inland from the coastal lowlands of Tanzania and south to 7°S, in localities which do not appear to be included in the range described by Britton (1980) for the race uropygialis. Males were seen in their typical flight display at Kongwa in May 1949, and at Kilingali, Kilosa, in December 1951 and January 1952. Tanzanian birds, part II 33 Eremomela icteropygialis Yellow-bellied Eremomela This species has been recorded to the east of the Arusha/Longido area, the eastern limit of the range given by Britton (1980) for the race abdominalis. It was recorded from Ngare Nairobi in December 1942 at 1550 m, in dry Acacia tortilis/Commiphora sp. grassland. The north-western limit of the range given by Britton (1980) for the race polioxantha is not clearly defi :d to the west and it is worth noting that this species, presumably poliox: .tha, occurred to the north of Iringa at Kisanga in south-western Kilosa, ' 1ere it was collected in too poor a state to make up a skin. Parisoma bohmi Banded Parisoma This species reaches the E Region of Tanzania in Kilosa District, somewhat to the east of the eastern limit of the range in C Tanzania at Dodoma, as given by Britton (1980). In 1932-34 it was frequent in the dry thorn bush in the Kibedya area where a male (32/15) was collected in August 1932. Phyllolais pulchella Buff-bellied Warbler The range of this species in N Tanzania should be extended westwards from Chubi in Kondoa, to include the Mt Hanang area in Mbulu. It was frequently seen in small parties of up to five birds in the tops of Acacia tortilis at Katesh, at 1750 m, in February 1946, where a male (46/5) was collected. Schoenicola platyura Fan-tailed Warbler Britton (1980) gives the western limit of this species in NE Tanzania as the Arusha NP. That range should be extended westwards to include the Crater Highlands at Mbulumbulu, where it was uncommon in the tall Themeda sp. grass- lands and Veronia sp. scrub from 1550 m to 1800 m. One bird was collected at Mbulumbulu in November 1943, but the skin was too damaged to make up. Myioparus plumbeus Lead-coloured Flycatcher Britton (1980) gives the range of the race orientalis in the E Region of Tanzania as inland to Morogoro. The range should be extended to Kilosa where an unsexed bird (39/7) was collected in January 1939 at Kibedya, in the north of the District. Erythrocercus livingstonei Livingstone's Flycatcher This species was recorded in a bird party in UVapaca woodland near Peramiho, Songea District, in April 1957. That record extends the range 280 km west- wards from the western boundary of Masasi, the western limit of the range given by Britton (1980). Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit Britton (1980) states that numbers of this species are regular south to Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro in NE Tanzania. Elliott and Fuggles-Couchman (1948) found this pipit numerous among hundreds of Budytes sp. and O. Oenanthe in the short grass areas of Embulbul in the Crater Highlands in January 1945. They were also numerous in patchy stands of the tufted grass Fleusine jaegeri in the nearby grasslands. On 10 April 1946 this species appeared in some numbers round buildings at Mbulumbulu on northern passage. Anthus leucophrys Plain-backed Pipit Although Britton (1980) gives the range of the race goodsoni as far south as Voi, there is no mention of its occurrence in NE Tanzania. While only sight records, it is worth noting one bird seen by Elliott and Fuggles-Couchman (1948) at the foot of the western Rift Wall near Engaruka in January 1945, and two very pale pipits seen in February 1946 at 3400 m on Mt Hanang, in the open moorland, which were considered to be of this species. 84 Tanzanian birds, part II Macronyx aurantiigula Pangani Longclaw This species has been recorded somewhat to the south and east of the range given by Britton (1980) for NE Tanzania, at Ngulu, at the southern foot of the North Pare Mts, in June 1942. It was also seen at Katesh, at the southern foot of Mt Hanang in February 1946, well to the south of the southern limit of the range, the Lake Manyara area, given by Britton. Motacilla capensis Cape Wagtail To the few records for Tanzania, mentioned by Britton (1980) as eeom Kasulu and Nyarumbugu in W Tanzania, can be added one from a secluded inlet on the lake at Bukoba, in May 1956. Motacilla clara Mountain Wagtail The range described by Britton (1980) would appear to exlude the South Pare Mts where this species was recorded by a stream in the forest at Bombo at 1550 m, in June 1942. Sclater and Moreau (1932) also refer to it in the East Usambara Mts, where it shared the same stretches of water with the visiting M. cinerea. Tmetothylacus tenellus Golden Pipit In addition to its occurrence at Kidugallo, in Morogoro District, this species has been recorded further west at Kingolwira. Single birds were seen in cleared miombo in the settlement area there in 1938. Nilaus afer Brubru The ranges for the races massaica and minor given by Britton (1980) appear to leave out a considerable area to the west of Kilimanjaro and the south-east of the Serengeti. Unfortunately, only sight records of this species are available from that area so that no race can be assigned to them. The species was not uncommon in suitable country around the northern foothills of Mt Meru where it was recorded in February 1945, through the scattered tree grassland at Monduli in January 1943 to Acacia woodland and scrub in the Makuyuni area, and south to similar country round Katesh, at the southern foot of Mt Hanang, where it was seen in February 1946. It was always presumed that birds seen in all those localities belonged to the race massaicus, following Grant and Mackworth- Praed (1955). Tchagra minuta Marsh Tchagra In view of the sparse distribution of this species in E Tanzania, as noted by Britton (1980), it is worth recording its occurrence in the Uvidunda Mts, where a male (34/3) and immature female (34/4) were collected at Chonwe at 1550 m, in bracken in May 1934. It was also seen at Mahenge in December 1951, and at Bulongwa, Njombe District, in July 1946, in both places in herbaceous scrub on hillsides. Lanius cabanisi Long-tailed Fiscal The Long-tailed Fiscal was to be found in N Tanzania to the west of the western limits of the range Namanga-Lake Manyara given by Britton (1980). It was recorded in January 1945 at Engamat, in the Crater Highlands, at 2600 mn, well above the altitudinal limit suggested by Britton. Lanius collaris Fiscal Records of this species from Mt Hanang between 1850-2000 m in February 1946, from Dareda, Mbulu District, in July 1958, at 1500 m, and from Dongabesh, Mbulu District, at 1850 m, extend to the south the range given by Britton (1980) for this species in N Tanzania. Tanzanian birds, part II 85 Prionops plumata Helmet Shrike It is worth noting the occurrence of this species at Sanje, Ulanga District, a locality in SE Tanzania some 200 km west of Utete, a region from which inland records appear to be scarce. A male (33/13) and a female (33/4) were collected there in March 1933. Prionops retzii Retz's Helmet Shrike Britton (1980) includes Kilosa among the localities where the race graculina occurs. In January 1935 a male (35/4) shot at Kisanga, in south-west Kilosa, some 20 km from the Iringa border, was identified at the British Museum (Natural History) as an intergrade between that race and the southern race tricolor. This species was also recorded from Rufiri, near the Rufiri River, a south-western tributary of the Kilombero River, and presumably assignable to the latter race. Cosmopsarus regius Golden-breasted Starling In addition to the localities given for this species in NE Tanzania by Britton (1980) should be noted the Kisiwani-Gonja areas in the thorn bush country at the western foot of the South Pare Mts, where it was frequent in July 1942. It was also found at Naberera, in the Masai steppe in December 1942. Cosmopsarus unicolor Ashy Starling Mackworth-Praed and Grant (1955) stated that the call of this species was un- recorded. It would appear to be a very quiet bird, for although it was frequently encountered from 1934 onwards in the Central Province and Kilosa District, and in Mbulu at Mangola Springs, it was not until January 1960 that its cail was heard for the first time. It consisted of two plaintive notes kuri kiwera, the second higher than the first. It was a slight call, rather squeaky or rusty in quality. A light rattling of the bill accompanied the second note. The call was sometimes preceded by two or three chuckled or warbled notes, but all the calls were quiet and intimate, as of a gentle con- versation between the four birds seen together. There was also a rather longer call which could be syllabilised as tcheed koora chink chink repeated twice. Lamprotornis chalybeus Blue-eared Glossy Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus Lesser Blue-eared Glossy Starling In December 1951 several Blue-eared Glossy Starlings were watched hawking flying ants from the tops of fig trees at Kilingali. The Lesser Blue-eared Glossy Starling was said to eat insects injurious to cotton in Kilosa, and flocks of up to a dozen were often to be seen in the cotton fields. In 1934 it was recorded eating small locust hoppers in Kilosa and the stomach of a female collected in 1935 contained remains of Orthoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera (W.V. Harris pers. comm). Lamprotornis purpuropterus Riippell's Long-tailed Glossy Starling In view of the restricted range of this species given by Britton (1980) for N Tanzania, it is worth noting that it was recorded in June 1959 near Loliondo to the north of the Serengeti, and almost to the top of the western Rift Wall, east of Serengeti, at Digo Digo in the Sonjo area of Masailand. Onychognathus walleri Waller's Chestnut-winged Starling To the localities listed by Britton (1980) where this species occurs in NE Tanzania, should be added the South Pare Mts where it was recorded from ever- green forest between Mtii and Mamba in June 1942. It also occurred in the forest at the foot of the crater of Embagai in the Crater Highlands. 86 Tanzanian birds, part II Poeoptera kenricki Kenrick's Starling This species was recorded at Tandala Mission, Njombe District, in July 1946, where several birds were seen at 2000 m in Eucalyptus trees in cultivations. That locality is 50 km north-west of Mdando Forest, the only locality given by Britton (1980) in southern Tanzania for this starling. It is well- distributed round Mt Meru and was nesting in October 1943 and April 1946 at Narok near Arusha township. Spreo hildebrandti Hildebrandt's Starling This starling was infrequently recorded in northern Kilosa District in the Geiro-Kibedya area, somewhat to the east of Dodoma and lying outside the general range given by Britton (1980) for this species. Spreo superbus Superb Starling Britton (1980) gives the range of this species in Tanzania as north of the highlands of Mbeya and Iringa through Singida and Dodoma to Arusha and Mkomazi GR. This starling also occurred in Kilosa District, both in the north at Kibedya where a female (32/4) was collected in March 1932, and at Kilingali where it was seen in December 1932 and again in May 1935. Both records, and especially that from Kilingali, are from areas well to the east of the general range given by Britton (1980). Anthreptes longuemarei Violet-backed Sunbird Britton (1980) restricts the range of the race nyassae to SE Tanzania from Nandembo to Songea. It is therefore of considerable interest that a male (36/30) was collected in May 1936 at Vikindu, 20 km south of Dar es Salaam, and 460 km north-north-east of Nandembo. The identification of this skin has been carefully rechecked at the British Museum (Natural History) and it has been confirmed by P. Colston (in litt.) that the bird is A. longuemarei nyassae. The male was in company with a female but was not in breeding condition. Nectarinia mediocris Eastern Double-collared Sunbird While Britton (1980) includes Mbulu in the range of this species in NE Tanzania, it is worth noting its presence specifically on Mt Hanang, in the southern part of that District. In February 1946 it was found from 1900 m on the eastern side, on the edge of the forest, through the forest and scrubby moorland on the north-east slopes, to the open moorland at Werther Peak at 3200 m. A male (46/23) and female (46/24) were collected. The range of the race fuelleborni is given by Britton (1980) as Iringa, Songea and S Mbeya. It has also been recorded from Njombe District in July 1946, at 2000 m, at Tandala Mission and at Ailsa, in the highlands above Chimala. Nectarinia olivacea Olive Sunbird The range of the race changamwensis in NE Tanzania is given by Britton (1980) as inland to the E and W Usambara Mts, to the Taita Hills in Kenya. This species was recorded in June 1942 in lowland forest at Gonja at the eastern foot of the South Pare Mts, and is worth noting as another specific locality defining more clearly its range inland in NE Tanzania. Nectarinia pulchella Beautiful Sunbird A record of this species in June 1959 from Digo Digo, Songo, is presumably referable to the race melanogastra, and should be noted as an additional locality for this species in Tanzania, being 160 km north-west of Arusha, the westerly limit of its range in NE Tanzania given by Britton (1980). It was also found at Kilingali, south-east of Kilosa township, and at Geiro, in the north of that District, localities lying outside the general range given by Britton for interior Tanzania. Tanzanian birds, part II 87 Nectarinia reichnowi Golden-winged Sunbird To the localities in N Tanzania by Britton (1980) for this species should be added Loliondo, 2150 m, in the north of Masailand near the Tanzania-Kenya border, where it was seen in full plumage in June 1959. Nectarinia tacazze Tacazze Sunbird The range given by Britton (1980) for this species in N Tanzania should be extended southwards to include Mt Hanang where one bird was seen feeding on Protea sp. at 2900 m on the ascent of the southern slopes of the mountain (Fuggles-Couchman 1953). Nectarinia venusta Variable Sunbird To localities in the plateau country of Tanzania mentioned by Britton (1980) for this species should be added Kilosa, where it was recorded both in the north at Geiro, 1200 m, in January 1952, and at Kilingali, 500 m, in December 1951, and breeding there in February 1952. It was a common bird in the Uvidunda and Ukaguru Mts of that District in 1935-37. Nectarinia veroxii Mouse-coloured Sunbird In view of the statement by Britton (1980) that records of this species from many Suitable sites are lacking, it is worth noting its occurrence at Dolphin Point, on the coast seom 20 km north of Dar es Salaam, where it was frequently seen in January-May 1957 in scattered coastal scrub with Baobabs and low trees. It was in full song during that period and attention was first drawn to it by the characteristic quality of the song which included something of the songs of Sphenoeacus mentalis and Cercotrichas leucophrys. Zosterops abyssinica Abyssinian White-eye Britton (1980) writes of this species as typically a bird of the E plateau of Kenya and N Tanzania, giving the range as from the Horr Valley and Wajir to Narok in Kenya to Singida and Dodoma in Tanzania. This would seem to omit the country round the northern foothills of the Nguru Mts, and possibly that round the North Pare Mts, from both of which localities it has been recorded. A female (38/20) was collected from a small flock at Sagasa in northern Morogoro District in August 1938, at ca. 600 m, and it was recorded from Geiro in northern Kilosa in January 1952. In June 1942 a small flock was seen at Same at 940 mn. While the broad description of the range probably includes the Mbulumbulu area, above the western Rift Wall, it is worth noting the occurrence of this White- eye there, where a female (45/24) was collected from a small group in August 1945 as the birds worked through Vernonia sp. 'scrub' in the valley of the Mbulumbulu River, in the open grassland below the forest, at 1750 m. The two specimens have been checked recently at the British Museum (Natural History) and P. Bolston (in litt.) confirms that they are both typical Z. abyssinica flavilateralis. Amblyospiza albifrons Grosbeak Weaver The status of this species in Northern Tanzania is rather indefinite from the range given by Britton (1980) and it is thought that records from Mbulumbulu, at 2000 m, and from the swamp at Karatu, Mbulu District, at 1700 m, should be noted. A female (42/45) was collected in November 1942 from open banks of the Mbulumbulu River in forest, and old nests were seen in a small pond ina clearing in the forest. At Karatu in June 1946 there were numerous birds in the tall rushes but no nests were seen. 88 Tanzanian birds, part II Anaplectes rubriceps Red-headed Weaver In view of the somewhat local distribution of this species, it is worth noting its occurrence on the south-east slopes of Mt Hanang in February 1946, in scattered tree-grassland, and at Ilonga, Kilosa District, in January 1953 in mixed woodland. Anomalospiza imberbis Parasitic Weaver Of only two personal records of this uncommon weaver in Tanzania, that from the edge of the Nou Forest, Mbulu District, at ca. 1850 m, in July 1958 is worth noting as an additional locality to the few given by Britton (1980) in Tanzania. Euplectes ardens Red-naped Widowbird This species was found in Vernonia sp. scrub on the upper edge of the forest above Nangwa, Mt Hanang, in February 1946, at 2600 m, well above the alti- tudinal limit given by Britton (1980) for this widowbird. Unfortunately, a specimen was not obtained and the race of the Hanang birds remains speculative. Euplectes gierowii Black Bishop The range of this species as given by Britton (1980) should be extended south- wards to include N Kilosa District at Geiro, where it was recorded in January 1952 in semi-arid Acacia tortilis thorn scrub and grassland. Britton states that it is seldom found far from water, but at Geiro, and on the edge of the Ardai Plain and to a lesser extent at Katesh, that was not the case. While birds were sparse in most localities from where it was known in NE Tanzania, the country between Babati and Gallapo Mission, Mbulu District, appeared to be a stronghold of this species. In February 1959 it was numerous singly, or two or three together, widely scattered through the low bush and tall grass. Euplectes macrourus Yellow-mantled Widowbird The occurrence of this species in full breeding dress at Kongwa in December 1947 considerably extends to the east the range given by Britton (1980), but it was never encountered in the Eastern Region nor in N Tanzania. Euplectes nigroventris Zanzibar Red Bishop Although the Moreaus (1938), in their paper on the comparative breeding ecology of this species and Euplectes hordeacea, stated that they had not found the two spp. numerous in proximity, close sympatry can occur and both species were found nesting in a mixed colony in Pennisetum purpureum, Panicum maximum and Chloris gayana, shrubby Vernonia sp. and cultivated Ramie, Boehmeria nivea, at the Morogoro Experimental Station in 1938. This may have been an abnormal occurrence, but the species are not wholly allopatric (Fuggles-Couchman 1943). Ploceus baglafecht Baglafecht Weaver The range given by Britton (1980) should be extended south to include Mt Hanang where this species was recorded in February 1946 from open grassland with scattered scrub, at Nangwa at 1900 m, and in Vernonia sp. scrub fringing the forest at 2600 m, where three pairs were building nests in small Croton trees on 9 February 1946. Ploceus intermedius Masked Weaver The range of this species is rather wider than that suggested by Britton (1980). Thus it was found well to the west of Kidugallo, in western Kilosa District at Kidete Station, where a male (32/7) was collected from a colony nesting in a coconut palm in May 1932. It also occurred to the west of Arusha, near Mto wa Mbu, where birds were nesting in low Gall Acacia, A. drepanolobium, in May 1944. Tanzanian birds, part II 89 Ploceus jacksoni Golden-backed Weaver Britton (1980) mentions the nesting of this species in mixed colonies with other species of weaver e.g. P. melanocephala and P. taeniopterus in Kenya, and that it is mainly or wholly allopatric with P. intermedius in Tanzania. It is therefore worth noting its nesting in close proximity not only to that species, but also to P. velatus at Engaruka in January 1945. The first two species were building in adjoining fig trees beside the small Engaruka River, while P. velatus was building in Acacia sp. nearby. : Ploceus ocularius Spectacled Weaver This species was recorded at three sites round Mt Hanang, in tall Vernonia spp. thicket in glades in the upper area of the forest at 2100 m; in dry gallery forest on the northern slopes at the same altitude, and in the cultivation zone on the southern slopes. Mt Hanang lies in between the ranges given by Britton (1980) for the two races suahelicus and crocatus and provides an appreciable extension of the range given for this species in Tanzania. Ploceus spekei Speke's Weaver Britton (1980) includes in the range of this species in N Tanzania the Arusha area and the Crater Highlands. To those localities may be added the Bashanet area of Central Mbulu District, some 90 km south of the southern edge of the Crater Highlands at Ngorongoro. In January 1960 a colony of some fourteen nests was active in a solitary tree in sparsely treed rough grassland. Bubalornis niger Red-billed Buffalo Weaver In May 1959 a colony was discovered nesting over water 30 m from the shore in Hombola Dam, Dodoma. The dam had filled the previous year and had nearly submerged the tall Acacia tortilis in which this buffalo weaver was nesting. Presumably the trees in the dam had been the customary site of this colony prior to the building of the dam and the birds had remained faithful to the site despite its changed environment. Dodoma is given by Britton (1980) as the eastern limit of the range of this species in Central Tanzania, but the range should be extended to include Kilosa District at Kilingali, 60 km south-east of the eastern boundary of Dodoma Region. Birds were nesting there in January 1952. Dinemellia dinemelli White-headed Buffalo Weaver The eastern limits of the range given by Britton (1980) for this species are left undefined and it is thought worth noting its occurrence through the lowlands of Arusha and Kilimanjaro to the lowlands on the north-east side of the South Pare Mts at Gonja in June 1942, and south to the country in the north of Kilosa District, at Kibedya, where it was recorded in September 1938. Histurgops ruficauda Rufous-tailed Weaver Another locality for this species, lying somewhat east and south of the broad range "... west of Lake Eyasi to the Wembere" given by Britton (1980), is Lake Basotu in south-west Mbulu District, 110 km south of Lake Eyasi, where two birds were seen in November 1960. Passer motitensis Rufous Sparrow Britton (1980) gives the eastern limit of the range of this species in N Tanzania as the Arusha area. It should be noted that that should be read to include the lower western slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro at Ngare Nairobi, where it was commonly seen during the period 1942-45, and was nesting there in June 1945. 90 Tanzanian birds, part II Sporopipes frontalis Speckle-fronted Weaver This species reaches Kilosa District on the south-eastern boundary of the range Mkomazi-Dodoma, given by Britton (1980). It occurred in the north at Geiro where it was recorded in December 1952, in scattered Acacia tortilis -grassland. Vidua fischeri Straw-tailed Whydah It is worth noting the occurrence of this species at Itigi, Manyoni District, where it was recorded in May 1956, as that locality may not be included in the range given by Britton (1980). Estrilda erythronotus Black-cheeked Waxbill This species has been recorded in two localities apparently lying on the fringes of the range given by Britton (1980). In November 1952 it was found at Geiro, in north Kilosa, on the south-eastern fringe of the range, while in November 1956 it was seen at Oldeani, at 1700 m, to the north-west of the range, foraging in the tops of Eucalyptus trees. Estrilda melanotis Yellow-bellied Waxbill The boundaries of the range given by Britton (1980) for this waxbill in N Tanzania are ill-defined and do not appear to include the Crater Highlands, where it was seen in January 1945 in several localities from 1850-2800 m, nor Mt Hanang, where it was recorded from Himit, at 1900 m, in February 1946. It appeared to be less numerous round Mt Hanang than in other localities in the north of Tanzania. Pyrenestes minor Lesser Seed-cracker In addition to occurring in the Pugu Hills (Britton 1980), this species was recorded once at the coast in thick scrub at Mtoni, on the southern outskirts of Dar es Salaam. While only a sight record, a very good view was obtained, showing the plumage colour and pattern quite clearly. Pytilia afra Orange-winged Pytilia In view of the local distribution of this species within its general range (Britton 1980), it is worth recording its occurrence in the Ukaguru Mts in 1934, where it was seen along forest edges at Vingwele, 1450 m. Uraeginthus bengalus Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Dar es Salaam does not appear to be included in the range given by Britton (1980) for this species. It was recorded there in 1936, and at other times 1953-58, but it was never numerous. Uraeginthus ianthinogaster Purple Grenadier It is worth noting that this species was recorded at Same in June 1942, and in the north of Kilosa, near Kibedya, in September 1938, both localities lying somewhat east of the range given by Britton (1980). Lonchura malabarica Silver-bill Britton (1980) uses the rather indefinite term "... from the Arusha area" in describing one of the two localities from which most recent records of this species have come. This may be meant to refer to the Arusha Region, or to the District itself. It is therefore considered worth noting that the Silver-bill has been recorded from Engaruka in the Rift Valley in Masailand, where a pair was seen in January 1945. Emberiza cabanisi Cabanis Bunting Britton (1980) gives the range of this species as from Songea to the E Usambara Mts in the east, with no mention of its reaching the coast. But it is also referred to as a wanderer and records of its occurrence in Dar es Salaam District in 1935, 1936 and 1956 are possibly of wanderers. But a male (35/63) with enlarged gonads was collected at Kisangire in December 1935, about 100 km south-west of Dar es Salaam, in the coastal uplands at ca. 250 m. The other Tanzanian birds, part II 91 sight records were at Chungu, 40 km south-south-west of Dar es Salaam, in January 1936, and on the coast at Kunduchi, 20 km north of the town, in June 1956. Emberiza flaviventris Golden-breasted Bunting To the localities mentioned by Britton (1980) for this species should be added the coast at Kunduchi, 20 km north of Dar es Salaam, where it was recorded in December 1955, and on the edge of the Dar es Salaam township in February 1957. It was also found in February 1946 near Katesh at the southern foot of Mt Hanang. Emberiza tahapisi Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting Although widely distributed in Tanzania this species is uncommon (Britton 1980), and it is worth recording its occurrence near Mgeta, on the western slopes of the Uluguru Mts at 1900 m, in June 1938; near the top of the western Rift Wall above Engaruka, on the edge of the Crater Highlands at 1400 m, in January 1945, and at Bolissa, Kondoa District, in March 1956. These are the author's only records of this species in Central, Eastern and Northern Tanzania in 30 years. Serinus donaldsoni Grosbeak Canary The occurrence of this canary at Mangola, in the Lake Eyasi depression, is worth noting, as the locality, lying at 35°E, is at the extreme western edge of the range given by Britton (1980) for N Tanzania. One bird was seen at Mangola in November 1956 in scattered low thorn bush in denuded grassland. Serinus dorsostriatus White-bellied Canary This species has been recorded in northern Kilosa District at Geiro, somewhat beyond the eastern boundary of the general range given by Britton (1980) to Dodoma and Singida. A female (52/7) was collected at Geiro in December 1952. Serinus sulphuratus Brimstone Canary Britton (1980) does not appear to include the Eastern Region of Tanzania in the range of this species. He confines the range in E and S Tanzania to the coast at Mikindani, inland to Songea and Iringa. It should therefore be noted that it has been recorded to the north of that range, both inland at Mahenge at 1250 m in April 1954, and on the coast on the northern outskirts of Dar es Salaam in June 1957. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The assistance of Mr Peter Colston of the Sub-Department of Ornithology, British Museum (Natural History), who checked the identification of several of the author's specimens deposited at the Museum, is most gratefully acknow- ledged. REFERENCES EANHS OS-C. 1983. E.A. Bird Report 1982. Scopus 6:124. ELLIOTT, H.F.I. & FUGGLES-COUCHMAN, N.R. 1948. An ecological survey of the birds of the Crater Highlands and rift lakes, northern Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 90: 394-425 FUGGLES-COUCHMAN, N.R. 1943. A contribution to the breeding ecology of two species of Euplectes (Bishop-birds) in Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 85: 311-326. 1953. The ornithology of Mt Hanang in northern-central Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 95: 468-482. 92 Tanzanian birds, part II 1984. The distribution of, and other notes on, some birds of Tanzania. Scopus 8:1-17. & ELLIOTT, H.F.I. 1946. Some records and field notes from north-eastern Tanganyika Territory. Ibis 88: 327-347. MOREAU, R.E. 1939. A new race of Glass-eye from Eastern Africa. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 60: 15. & MOREAU, W.M. 1938. The comparative breeding ecology of two species of Euplectes (Bishop-birds) in Usambara. Journal of Animal Ecology DBAS? Tie SCLATER, W.L. & MOREAU, R.E. 1932. Taxonomic and field notes on some birds of north-east Tanganyika Territory Part I. Ibis 1932: 487-522. N.R. Fuggles-Couchman, Post House, High Street, Broughton, Stockbridge, Hants S020 8AA, England (Received 17 July 1984) APPENDIX: GAZETTEER The following localities in Tanzania were not included in the Gazetteer in Britton (1980) nor in the first part of this paper. Locality ods OPE Bashanet 4 03 35.28 Bulongwe S20) 34 04 Chenzema 7 10) 3 BS Dongabesh 4 04 35 23 Embulul 3 00 35 46 Galappo Mission 4 14 35 Si Gelai BESS 36 05 Karatu 3) 7A0) 35 42 Kiberege P55 36 54 Kibungo Forest UO 37 47 Kidete 627 37 G6 Kidete Station 6 40 36 43 Kisanga 123 36 45 Kisangire UT 27 38 43 Mgeta 7 04 37 33 Mhonda Mission 6 08 ST ASd, Mkamba fT 2a 38) 57 Mngazi TLS 3) 35 Peramiho Mission 10538 35°28 Rufiri Saag 36 22 Sagasa 5356 Si ie) Samatwa 5 34 37 as Usa 3 24 36 54 Kenya winter wader counts o3 SOME COUNTS OF WINTERING WADERS ON THE SOUTH KENYA COAST D.J. Pearson The coral and sand beaches, flats and reefs of the Kenya littoral provide winter feeding areas for many thousands of Palaearctic waders. During the past ten years, these coastal waders have quite frequently been counted at certain high tide roosting areas, notably at Ras Iwetine at Mombasa, at Mida Creek and at Shelley Beach and Galu Beach on the south coast (Britton & Britton 1976; unpubl. obs. of the author, P.L. Britton and M.A.C. Coverdale). However, no systematic survey of numbers appears to have been attempted for any substantial stretch of the coast, and apart from the order of numbers indicated by Pearson & Britton (1980) no estimate of the coastal wader population has previously been reported. Over a series of spring tides from 1-5 January 1984 the author endeavoured to locate and count all high tide wader roosts along the Kenya south coast from Likoni - to Msambweni. Spring tides were chosen because birds are then less scattered and tend to be concentrated into fewer gatherings at high water than during neap periods. Only five significant roosts were found along the 60 km stretch of coastline concerned. The location of these, and the direction of the main wader movements noted on incoming tides are shown on the map. A roost at the southern extremity of Shelley Beach included birds which moved in from extensive coral flats to the north-east, and apparently from as far as Black Cliff Point to the south. The next, at Tiwi Creek, accommodated birds flying in from Tiwi Beach feeding areas to the — > Tidal Wader Movement north, and from the reefs and coral beaches along the northern part of Diani. A roost along the high sandy beach at Galu certainly accounted for birds from the southern part of Diani, from Galu and perhaps from Kinondo to the south. A small gathering on a sandbar at the back of Gazi Flats accounted approximately for the birds normally to be found feeding on the flats at low tide. Finally, a roost on a small beach at Kisimachande was thought to include birds from feeding areas around Chale Point as well as from Msambweni Reef. R High Tide Roost Details of counts at the five roosts are given in Table 1. The two species of sandplover are very difficult to count separately when present together in large mixed flocks, and numbers of the two are therefore tabulated together. The *Great Sandplover was, however, invariably the dominant S species of the two; it was considered : if | Mom yas To met se'S to have accounted for about 70 per cent Kisimachande 012345 km ——— of the sandplovers at Tiwi, 80 per cent Scopus 8: 93-95, December 1984 1 Systematic names are given in Table 1. 94 Kenya winter wader counts at Galu and 90 per cent at Shelley Beach and Kisimachande. The main species making up the total of just over 8000 waders found were thus Great Sandplover, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Turnstone and Grey Plover. Turnstones were found mainly along the Diani-Galu section where tidewrack patches were most abundant. Little Stints were generally scarce; the only substantial numbers TABLE 1. PALAEARCTIC WADER COUNTS AT HIGH TIDE ROOSTS ON THE SOUTH KENYA COAST JANUARY 1984 Date and height of high 1 Jan 2 Jan 3° Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan water above datum at Kilindini (2.70m) (2.80m) (2.86m) (2.89m) (2.90m) Roost counted Tiwi Tiwi Shelley Galu Msam- Gazi Creek Creek Beach Beach bweni Flats (birds in (birds in Beach from S) from N) Totals* Oystercatcher 0) 0 0 2 0 O 2 Haematopus ostralegus Caspian Plover 0) 0) 1 0) 1 0) 2 Charadrius asiaticus Ringed Plover 30 22 60 80 40 12 244 C. hiaticula Great/Mongolian Sandplover 125 60 1100 480 660 200 2630 C. leschenaultii/mongolus Grey Plover 73 60 90 240 80 60 203 Pluvialis squatarola Common Sandpiper 5 2 10 0) (0) 2 19 Actitis hypoleucos Whimbrel 9 10 80 2 35 1 1 37/ Numenius phaeopus Greenshank 6 10 ei 3 3 30 63 Tringa nebularia Terek Sandpiper Dil iL al 10 125 70 20 Sy) Xenus cinereus Sanderling 310 90 400 350 150 20 1320 Calidris alba Curlew Sandpiper 285 190 150 600 500 60 1790 C. ferruginea Ibalteielle Sealine 3} (0) 250 ) 3 90 346 C. minuta Turnstone 225 60 60 300 90 0) USE Arenaria interpres Crab Plover** 0) @) 20 2 220 0) 242 Dromas ardeola ROOST TOTALS* 1610 2240 2180 1840 495 8370 nD * Totals rounded to three significant figures **A migrant visitor from northeast Africa, the Crab Plover is only marginally a Palaearctic species Kenya winter wader counts 95 in roosts were from localised feeding areas on fine silty sand at the southern end of Shelley Beach and on the Gazi Flats. The only Whimbrel gatherings of any size were derived from the reefs north of Shelley Beach and off Chale Point and Msambweni. Crab Plovers are known to occur commonly on the reefs of the southernmost part of the Kenya coast (M.A.C. Coverdale, pers. comm.) but the Kisimachande count is perhaps the largest reported in Kenya away from the traditional Mida site on the north coast. Numbers of Terek Sandpipers from Galu to Msambweni are also noteworthy since again these seem to be the largest recorded in Kenya away from Mida; Terek numbers along Galu beach in fact regularly exceed 100 on spring high tides (unpubl. obs. of the author and M.A.C. Coverdale). Some small high tide parties may well have been overlooked on the beaches at Waa, or at Kinondo, and species such as the Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper which remain quite scattered at high tide were probably under- estimated. Nevertheless, the species totals produced by this survey were thought to represent reasonable estimates for the wader population of the 60 km stretch of coastline immediately south of Mombasa. It seems appro- priate here to consider the information available on wintering wader numbers elsewhere on the Kenya coast. North of Mombasa Is., from Nyali to Mtwapa Creek, P.L. Britton (pers. comm.) regularly found 1000-2000 waders, a high proportion of these gathering at a high tide roost at Ras Iwetine. Further north, the author counted some 1500 waders at low tide in February along a 10 km coastal stretch northwards from Kilifi, which were presumed to repre- sent about half the birds feeding between Kilifi and Mida. There are typically about 5000 wintering waders feeding on Mida Creek itself (author's obs., unpubl.) and some 3000-4000 to be found from Malindi north to the Sabaki mouth. A few more thousands would be accounted for by feeding areas from Malindi south to Watamu, and from Vipingo to Kikambala. In all, therefore, some twenty thousand would seem to be the best estimate for wintering numbers between Nyali and Sabaki. For the whole of the coast from Msambweni to the Sabaki (some 200 km) this would give almost thirty thousand waders. Numbers of individual species would probably lie within the following ranges: Curlew Sandpiper 6000-12000; Great Sandplover 6000-12000; Sanderling 3000-6000; Grey Plover 2000-3000; Turnstone 1000-3000; Mongolian Sandplover 1000-3000; Terek Sandpiper 1000-2000; Ringed Plover 1000-2000; Little Stint 1000-2000; Whimbrel 500-1000. These are of course very provisional figures. A much more accurate census of this stretch of coastline could be carried out by a small team over a single series of spring tides, and this would clearly be a worthwhile exercise. In addition, the remaining 300 or so kilometres of the Kenya coast, including the sandy beaches and flats around Formosa Bay and muddy mangrove areas around Lamu and Pate in the north, and the mangrove dominated stretch from Funzi to the Tanzania border in the south, would certainly repay more investigation. REFERENCES BRITTON, H.A. & BRITTON, P.L. 1976. Records Section (Birds). FANHS Bulletin 1976: 55-61. PEARSON, D.J. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. Arrival and departure times of Palaearc- tic waders on the Kenya coast. Scopus 4: 84-88. D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi. (Received 28 June 1984) 96 Short communications SHORT COMMUNICATIONS NESTING AND ROOSTING RECORDS OF PICIFORM BIRDS Our research on woodpeckers, barbets and honeyguides for The birds of Africa, and Short's long experience with woodpeckers prompt us to comment on the habits of piciform birds relative to 'nesting' reports. The literature is replete with casual statements about 'nesting' woodpecker-like birds, and the use of so many nest record schemes in which nesting reports are skimpy also indicates a laxity of rigour in checking such records. Woodpeckers and barbets not only nest in cavities that they excavate, but they roost in holes that the birds may excavate at any time of year. In woodpeckers the sexes usually roost separately, and each individual is apt to have avail- able one or more potential roosting cavities in addition to that normally occupied. Roosting holes are defended vigourously by the owners, and, indeed, in barbets especially, the roosting cavity is a major centre of activity throughout the year. As for honeyguides, those species that use woodpeckers and barbets as hosts may investigate nesting and roosting cavities of pro- spective hosts at times other than the breeding season (pers. obs.). The mere fact that a woodpecker (or barbet) excavates a hole is no indication of its breeding. Likewise, defence of a cavity does not constitute evidence that the cavity is, or will be, a nesting site. We note that some picids carry wood chips from the cavity that they excavate - these could be mis- interpreted as the carrying of faecal sacs from their 'young'. The main way to ascertain nesting in woodpeckers and barbets is to examine the contents of the cavity (a mirror and torch can be used to do this). Otherwise, careful observations of sustained incubation (e.g. frequent changeovers by two or more individuals, often marked by vocal or other displays) and repeated carrying of food into a cavity are good indications of nesting. There can be problems associated with the latter, for a male may coutship-feed its mate inside a nest-to-be, and the young in the nest may be a honeyguide rather than young barbets or woodpeckers! These remarks are designed to encourage caution and more careful observation in reporting nesting attempts by piciform birds, to give us accurate bases for breeding records. Lester L. Short, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024 and Jennifer F.M. Horne, National Museums of Kenya, Box 40658, Nairobi Scopus 8: 96, December 1984 Received 10 August 1984 Short communications 97 OBSERVATIONS ON NESTING OF THE BROWN SWIFT Apus niansae?* IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA Although the Brown Swift Apus niansae is regularly seen in most of its range in Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, its biology is not well known (Brooke 1971). In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is locally abundant during the rainy seasons (February or March through April and June through September ) but uncommon in the dry months of the year (EKU, pers.obs.; Guichard 1950; Pain et al. 1975, Smith 1944). During the rainy seasons it nests in colonies insidegsome of the larger, older buildings of the city. From 1965- 1969 I observed a colony nesting in the Science Building at Arat Kilo campus of Haile Selassie I University (now called Addis Ababa University). Some of my observations are reported below. Nesting site: This swift is known to nest in crevices of cliffs and gorges (van Someren 1922) and in air vents under house eaves (Schwab 1979). The colony reported in this paper was located in the attic of the Science Building, a 50 m long, 15 m wide, 2 storey concrete structure built in the late 1930s. The swifts nested on a concrete beam next to but inside the outer wall of the building, just below the junction of the outer wall and the roof and about 10 m above ground level immediately above the ceiling of the upper floor of the building. They entered the building through cracks and small holes in the outer wall at the level of the concrete beam. General activity: During many but not all days during the rainy seasons, as many as 75 to 100 pairs of the Brown Swift circled over and often flew in and out of the Science Building. They were most active in the early morning from about sunrise at 0600 to 0900-1100 and one to two hours before sunset from about 1700-1900, usually circling above the Science Building sometimes at heights of up to 200-300 m. When the swifts started to show nesting activity (eg. adults chasing each other and apparently copulating near the Science Building, flying into and out of the building or flying into and remaining in it, young calling in the attic, young falling out of the building, and one count of nests with eggs and young), they remained active throughout the day, chasing each other and flying in and out of the eaves of the building. During the rainy season this swift was seen in flocks in several other areas of Addis Ababa. After a major rain storm, especially in the late evening or early evening before sunset, it was not uncommon to see individual swifts circling high over the city. In the dry (non-breeding) months, swifts were rarely seen at all although very occasionally when I visited the Science Building after dark, I heard a few birds (probably less than 5) calling from the attic (8 nights during 5 years' observation). Time of nesting: Addis Ababa has two rainy seasons, the small rains that fall any time between February and April and the big rains from June through September. From 1965 through 1969 the Brown Swift nested usually during the small rains, always during the big rains, but never during the dry months. Thus in 1965 nesting occurred in April and July through September, in 1966 February through April and June through August, in 1967 March through September (this year the small rains continued through May, merging with the bia rains), in 1968 February through April and June through September, and in 1969 June through September. Although the small rains did occur in 1969, no nesting took place then. + Called Nyanza Swift in Birds of East Africa. 98 Short communications Nesting attempts: Between 10-50 pairs attempted to nest at a time with number of nesting attempts varying annually from 4 in 1965, 6 in 1966, 9 in 1967, 7 in 1968, and 4 in 1969. The total number of pairs nesting Varied annually from 150 in, 1965,560 im, 1966) .195.in 1967 79150 ame nsocr to. 20ean LIGI: . Nests: The nests were circular and consisted of numerous feathers glued together with pieces of straw 1-12 cm long. In one instance two pieces of loose concrete, each about 3 cm in diameter, were glued into the nest. Two nests measured 10 x 10 cm with the cavity 3 cm deep and 9 x 10 cm with the cavity 2.5 cm deep. Eggs and clutch size: Four, elliptical, unspotted white to off-white eggs measured 22=26 x 13=15 (23.5 x% 17:5 mm). Clutch size’ for 7 nests wasereg eggs /nest™ (34° 25° 25e tt ser nye Nesting success: In May 1967 50 per cent (25 out of a total of 50 nests counted) had eggs or partly feathered young. In 1965, 1967 and 1968 48.3 per cent of the nests were estimated to have young calling in them (1965: 55) of 150." 196727 1007 of) BIS; P1966 r a Couom bOne REFERENCES BROOKE, R.K. 1971. Breeding of swifts in Ethiopian Africa and adjacent islands. Ostrich, 421) 5-36. GUICHARD, K.M. 1950. A summary of the birds of the Addis Ababa region. JLS EB. Arr. Nat. Hse. "SOC VOln 09 ny NO SICOo i aa oe PAIN, H., TYLER, S.J. & VITTERY, A. 1975. A checklist of the birds of Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society, Addis Ababa. SCHWAB, L.T. 1979. Some nesting data on the Nyanza Swift Apus nianzae Seep (A) A= 27) - SMITH, K.D. 1944. The birds of Addis Ababa, Central Abyssinia, and its surroundings. Ibis 86: 245-251. VAN SOMEREN, V.G.L. 1922. Notes on the birds of East Africa. Novitates Zoological 29: 1-146. Emil K. Urhan, Department of Biology, Augusta College, Augusta, Georgia SO GTO Fe SinAure Scopus 8: 97-98, December 1984 Received 9 November 1984 EXAMPLE OF APPARENT HYBRIDISATION BETWEEN TERPSIPHONE RUFIVENTER AND TERPSIPHONE VIRIDIS The status of these two species in the area round Kampala is of some interest. Both species are common, and occur together in the same gardens in more than one place in Kampala.T. rufiventer is basically a forest species, and the race somereni occurs in southern Uganda in the true forests. The race emini tends to occur in more open areas, such as gardens and frag- mented forest. This race has much paler rufous underparts than somereni. T. viridis occurs in southern Uganda in two forms: restricta which, as far as is known, is confined to the islands, and the adjacent shore of L Victoria. In the Kampala area the commonest form of viridis is ferreti. Ths sie paler grey below than restricta, and the tail is not so long. Occasional Short communications 99 individuals are seen with the underparts a mixture of light grey and light rufous. The following observations made in a Kampala garden, relate to successful breeding between a male T. viridis ferreti and a female T. rufiventer emini: Male bird: fairly rich rufous above with darker flight feathers. Head black with a slight crest, and a blue eye ring. Tail rufous, and with only slightly elongated central feathers. Underparts grey, under tail coverts pale rufous. Female bird: Above as in the male. Tail not elongated. Below very pale rufous ‘including the belly and under tail coverts. The pair was observed building (only the female was actually observed building) and copulating between 5.6.81 and 10.6.81. On 10.6.81 the female was observed sitting, which st.e continued to do intermittently. The male was first observed sitting on 14.6.81 and the pair continued to share the incubation until 23.6.81. Unfortunately at that point I had to go on leave. . But a subsequent observer informed me that the nest was blown down in a storm in early July, and one partly fledged chick was found dead at the foot of the tree. Margaret Carswell, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala. Received 9 November 1984 Scopus 8: 98-99, December 1984 A RECORD OF BAR-BREASTED FIREFINCH LAGONOSTICTA RUFOPICTA NITIDULA FROM TANZANIA At 10.00 hours on 27 June 1982 I was tape-recording bird calls at the bridge crossing the Kalambo River in extreme SW Tanzania (08°916'S, 31°19'E). While walking along by the thick riverside vegetation I heard an unfamiliar twittering call coming from a clump of bushes. I recorded the call and then moved closer to investigate its source. I approached to within 10 m before I saw three small birds sitting close to each other on a branch making the call. I recognised them as firefinches but not of a species with which I was familiar. After watching them for about 10 minutes through x10 binocu- lars, they flew down to a puddle 5 m away made by a small spring flowing into the river, All three birds drank and then bathed for the next 5 minutes. During this time I had excellent views of them from all angles and concluded that they were Bar-breasted Firefinches Lagonosticta rufopicta. There was an adult male and female while the third bird was an immature. The male was brownish grey on the lower chest fading to light greyish buff on the belly. There was a pinkish wash on the upper chest and throat with Scattered white spots. The back, rump and tail were warm brown on all three birds. After the birds finished bathing they flew off into the under- growth. I stayed in the vicinity the rest of the day but other than hearing the distinctive twittering call a few more times, I did not see the birds again. The possibility of confusion with similar species occurring in the area was excluded on the following basis. The Red-billed Firefinch, L. senegala, occurs in drier situations and has a reddish rump in both sexes; the birds I saw had brown rumps. There was more white spotting on the chest of the male than there is in the male of LZ. senegala. The African Firefinch, L. rubricata, which could occur in the same habitat as nitidula, is darker brown above and both sexes have red rumps and black tails. I am familiar 100 Short communications with L. senegala and lL. rubricata and saw both species that day. Their calls are quite distinctive and not very similar to the call I recorded. Some authors, Benson et al. (1971), consider the southern race of L. rufopicta to be a separate species, L. nitidula. Britton (1980) includes L. nitidula as a race of L. rufopicta and speculates that it might occur in extreme SW Tanzania. I believe that this is the first reported occurrence of L. rufopicta from Tanzania and the first record of the race nitidula from East Africa. REFERENCES WHITE, C.M.N. 1963. A revised check list of African flycatchers etc. Lusaka: Government Printer. D.C. Moyer, 325 E. Walnut Street, Perkasie, PA 18944, U.S.A. Scopus 8: 99-100, December 1984 Received 25 October 1984 NOTICE RAPTOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION CONFERENCE-NOVEMBER 1985 ANNOUNCEMENT AND FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS The 1985 Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) International Meeting and Symposium on the Management of Birds of Prey will be held at the Capitol Plaza Holiday Inn in Sacramento, California, November 2-20 1985. High- lights of the meeting will include: 1) The Second RRF Conference on Raptor Conservation Techniques - Twelve Years of Progress, 1973-1985; 2) a Western Hemisphere Meeting of the World Working Group on Birds of Prey (ICBP); 3) the Second International Vulture Symposium; 4) a Western North America Osprey Symposium; 5) a Workshop on North American Candidate Endangered Raptors; 6) an International Symposium on Raptor Reintroduction; and 7) a Symposium on Raptor Rehabilitation, Captive Breeding, and Public Education. For more information or if you are interested in presenting a paper, please contact Dr. Richard Olendorff, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825, or Nancy Venizelos, San Francisco Zoological Society, Sloat Bvd. at the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, E€alifornia 94132. Continued from inside front cover in the case of books, the town of publication and the publisher should be given. A number of works, which are cited frequently, should not be listed under -"References'; the name(s) of the author(s) and date(s) of publication should be given in the text in the normal way. All contributions, which will be acknowledged, should be sent to the Editor, G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, Kenya. WORKS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LISTED UNDER 'REFERENCES' BACKHURST, G.C., BRITTON, P.L. & MANN, C.F. 1973. The less common Palaearctic migrant birds of Kenya and Tanzania. Journal of the East Africa Natural Hist- ory Society and National Museum 140: 1-38, = Backhurst et al. 1973. BENSON Ce, BROOKE, Ri.K., DOWSETT, RJ. & ERWIN, M.P.S. 1971. The birds of Zambia. London: Collins, = Benson et al. 1971. BRITTON, P.L. (ed.) 1980. Birds of East Africa, their habitat, status and distribution. Nairobi: EANHS, = Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H. & BRITTON, P.L. 1980. The breeding seasons of East African birds. Nairobi: EANHS, = Brown & Britton 1980. BROWN, L.H., URBAN, E.K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London and New York: Academic Press, = Brown et al. 1982. HALL, B.P. & MOREAU, R.E. 1970. An atlas of speciation in African Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Hall & Moreau 1970. JACKSON, F.J. 1938. The birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate. 3 vols. London: Gurney & Jackson, = Jackson 1938. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C.W. & GRANT, C.H.B. 1957 & 1960. African handbook of birds. Series I, vols 1 & 2: Birds of eastern and north eastern Africa. 2nd edition. London: Longmans Green & Co., = Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1957 and/or 1960. MOREAU, R.E. 1966. The bird faunas of Africa and its islands. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1966. 1972. The Palaearctic-African bird migration systems. London: Academic Press, = Moreau 1972. SNOW, D.W. (ed.) 1978. An atlas of speciation in African Non-Passerine birds. London: British Museum (Nat. Hist.), = Snow 1978. EAST AFRICAN BIRD REPORT This forms the fifth issue of Scopus and each report covers one calendar year. Records of Afrotropical Region (i.e. Ethiopian Region and Malagasy Sub-Region) and Oceanic birds should be sent to D.A. Turner, Box 48019, Nairobi; records of Palaearctic Region birds to Dr D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi. Records should be sent in early in the new year to ensure the speedy production of the Bird Report. Reports of rare birds may be tele- phoned through to any OS-C member (numbers inside front cover) in the hope that the bird(s) may be seen by others. Criteria covering the submission of Bird Report records are given in Scopus Supplement, June 1982, copies of which are available from D.A. Turner. BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA Copies of this 270-page book are available from the Secretary, EANHS, Box 44486, Nairobi for £8.00 or US$17.00 surface mail to anywhere in the world. |C9AMREF CONTENTS N.R. FUGGLES-COUCHMAN. The distribution Of, and other notes on, D.J. PEARSON. sone) birds of Tanzania — Pant mk (continued) 5 sn seen Some counts of wintering waders on the south Kenya coast . . 93 Short communications Notice LESTER L. SHORT and JENNIFER F.M. HORNE. Nesting and “LOOSting Kecords of piciftorm balrds)- a ncneeo enc EMIL K. URBAN. Observations on nesting of the Brown Swift Apus niansae in Addis! ‘Ababa, Ethiopia = 2) ene MARGARET CARSWELL. Example of apparent hybridisation between Terpsiphone rufiventer and Terpsiphone viridis ... . 98 D.C. MOYER. A record of Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta TAUPE OVONUGEG jalsijer(olbuley amaoynl GWelakzeilel 4 6 6 56 6 o 5 50 oo ce GY Raptor Research Foundation Conference - November 1985 announcement and first call) form papers) eee Printed in Kenya by AMREF, Box 30125, Nairobi | oli ISaIN O2Z50-— 4 G2 CG 2 Ea S42 Bicds SCOPUS A quarterly publication of the Ornithological Sub-Committee East African Natural History Society East African Bird Report 1984 Edited by Graeme Backhurst SON ane Jt Volume 8(5), January 1986 SCOPUS Scopus is normally published five times a year (although issues may be combined to allow for long papers) by the Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society. Subscriptions are payable to the OS-C Hon Treasurer (and Secretary), D.A. Turner [tel. 48772], Scopus a/c, Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya, at the following rates: East African residents: KShs 100.00 (KShs 107.50 up-country). Overseas, surface mail: Stg£6.00, US$12.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas, air mail: Stg£7.50, US$15.00 or equivalent in convertible currency. Drafts in Kenya currency cannot be accepted. Overseas rates apply to all countries other than Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Those wishing to remit by bank transfer should do so to D.A. Turner, Scopus a/c No. 2852601, Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd., Market Branch, Box 30018, Nairobi. Other members of the Ornithological Sub-Committee Dr D.J. Pearson (Chairman), Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi; house tel. 47041 G.C. Backhurst (Editor of Scopus and Ringing Organizer, Box 24702, Nairobi; house tel. 891419, office tel. 500508, 501301 N.E. Baker, Dar es Salaam; Dr Margaret Carswell, Kampala; M.A.C. Coverdale, Nakuru; J.H. Fanshawe, U.K.; Mrs Cecilia Gichuki, Nairobi; Dr K.M. Howell, Dar es Salaam; Dr W. Karanja, Nairobi; Dr A.D. Lewis, Nairobi; B.S. Meadows, U.K.; Dr D.E. Pomeroy, Kampala; J.F. Reynolds, U.K.; D.K. Richards, Nairobi; T. Stevenson, Baringo and Nairobi. NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS Scopus welcomes original contributions in English on all aspects of the ornithology of eastern Africa. Contributions will be assessed by the members of the OS-C and/or by independent referees. The material published in Scopus is divided into ‘papers’ and ‘short communications’, the latter will usually be less than two pages in length. Authors of ‘papers’ are entitled to five copies of their contribution gratis, Extra copies, which will be supplied at cost, must be ordered when the MS is submitted. Contributions should be typed in 1% or double spacing on one side of the paper only, with wide margins all round, and should be submitted in duplicate. Exceptionally clear hand-written MSS will be considered but these too should be sent in duplicate. Both English and scientific names of birds should be given when the species is first mentioned, thereafter only one should be used; they should be those of Birds of East Africa unless the species does not occur in that work. Tables, which should be numbered, should appear in the typescript, NOT grouped on separate sheets at the end. Metric units should be used. Illustrations should be on good quality white paper, bristol board or tracing material, in line, and should not be larger than 19 x 23 cm. Lettering (in black) will be the responsibility of the author and should be done neatly in Letraset (or similar), no larger than 14 point (3.9 mm). Each illustration should be numbered (Fig. 1, etc.) and be provided with a legend typed on a separate sheet of paper. Photographs will also be considered. Scopus 8 (5), January 1986 SCOPUS GENERAL REVIEW The year 1984 saw some unusual occurrences and influxes during conditions of extreme aridity, and there were three additions to the East African avifauna. Records from Kenya were supplied as usual by a rather small band of local observers, with some welcome contributions also from overseas visitors. Once again there was a valuable scattering of records from Tanzania, many of these from southern areas which until very recently had received no ornitho- logical coverage for some twenty years. In Kenya, parts of the rift valley were green in January and February, but most of the country started the year drier than usual, and the semi-arid eastern plateau country quickly became parched and leafless. Ducks and waders were concentrated on relatively few water bodies. Huge numbers of gulls and Shovelers Anas clypeata were present on the drying edges of Lake Nakuru in January but soon moved away as the lake receded even more. It was perhaps the drought conditions further north which were responsible for the occurrence early in the year of unusual Palaearctic species south of their normal range. A Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica at Athi River and a Desert Wheatear O. deserti at Kiunga were the first satisfactorily recorded for East Africa; Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator and Nubian Shrikes L. nubicus, first seen at Baringo at the end of 1983, remained for several weeks, with another Woodchat at Isiolo in February; and a Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris also visited Baringo. Unprecedented numbers of Great Black-headed Gulls Larus ichthyaetus and Slender-billed Gulls L. genei during the 1983/84 winter may also have been associated with the unusual conditions, and mention must also be made of a gathering of 24 Red- necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus at Ferguson's Gulf and a flock of 30 Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis at Kipini. Other notable Palaearctic visitors early in the year included the first Kenya coastal Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus and the first Long- toed Stint Calidris subminuta for ten years. Seabirds included an adult Kelp Gull Larus dominicus at Malindi in early January, the first record of this southern species north of Mozambique. Scopus 8: 101-103, January 1986 102 East African Bird Report 1984 Several Afrotropical species occurred further south than usual early in the year. Thus, parties of Swallow-tailed Kites Chelictinia riocourii occurred south to Galana Ranch and Vipingo, and this Species appeared in previously unrecorded numbers in the central rift valley. Roller populations showed evidence of displacement by birds from further north, with far more Rufous-crowned Coracias naevia than usual from January to April, the northern race lorti of the Lilac-breasted C. caudata replacing the usual nominate birds as far south as the Athi Plains and Tsavo, and the Palaearctic C. garrulus unusually scarce. The occurrence of significant numbers of Friedmann's Bush Larks Mirafra pulpa in northwest Kenya may also have represented an influx from further north. The long rains were very late, brief and patchy, and for the first time in many years effectively failed throughout Kenya except near the coast and in parts of the west. The drought already affecting most central and eastern areas was not much alleviated. As in other years with late or diminished April rainfall (e.g. 1971, 1972, 1976, 1983), passerine migrants were very much in evidence on northward passage. Palaearctic warblers and shrikes were especially abundant in the rift valley, in the Nairobi/Thika area and even on the coast. Many migrants lingered until very late dates, Wheatears Oenanthe spp. and Rock Thrushes Monticola saxatilis, for example, until well through April, and Acrocephalus warblers until mid and even late May. Although lorti Lilac-breasted Rollers disappeared from southern parts of the country later in April, the southern occurrence of two Abyssinian Rollers Coracias abyssinicus during July was perhaps a reflection of continuing bad conditions to the north. By September, much of the country was in the grip of extreme drought. Dams were dry, scrub and bushland degraded and grasslands bare, and many birds had disappeared from their usual habitats. The short rains began early, however, at the beginning of October. Showers were heavy and widespread over the next two months, and most of the country was rapidly transformed. Parts of the southeast, such as Kitui and Tsavo, were quite luxuriant by December, and some lakes and dam levels were partly restored. Local birds seemed to have returned to their usual areas by late November, and southward migration featured the usual numbers and variety of passerines and birds of prey; by December, duck and wader numbers were well up to usual in central Kenya. Some notable coastal occurrences during the second half of the year included a Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittata washed up at Watamu in August, a Brown Booby Sula leuco- gaster off Shimoni in September, another Kentish Plover, this time at Likoni in October, and a Long-toed Stint at Malindi in November. The migration study at Ngulia Lodge in November-December again accounted for the majority of birds ringed in East Africa during the year. Coverage was good, but the moderate total of just less than 3500 migrants caught and ringed reflected the scarcity of misty night conditions at the appropriate moonless times. Together East African Bird Report 1984 103 with an account of activity at Ngulia, this report contains a review of migrant arrivals at another lighted highland site, Kilima Tea Factory in Mufindi District, southern Tanzania, where record numbers of pittas, rails and crakes were picked up in thick mist in early May. The Sub-Committee has endeavoured over the years to maintain care- ful and responsible standards in assessing and publishing records, and has therefore asked for appropriate substantiation of anything unusual. Even so, its authority to sit in judgement on the records of others has occasionally been questioned, and to reduce such criticism it was decided during the year to establish a widely based East African Rare Birds Committee, to which the Sub-Committee would automatically refer (from 1 July 1984) any record new to one of the three countries, and any other sight record in the S(A) category. The members of this committee, each an accepted expert imuneswowln area. are as follows: J:S. Ash, R.J. Dowsett, D.J. Fisher, S.G. Madge, G. Nikolaus, D.J. Pearson, A.J. Prater, I.J. Sinclair, T. Stevenson and D.A. Turner. We thank them for their assistance in vetting records for this report. D.J. Pearson, Chairman, Ornithological Sub-Committee, E.A.N.H.S. 104 East African Bird Report 1984 SPECIES REPORT This report covers the three countries Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Records are included under one or more categories, indicated by code letters as follows: S(A): SCARCE species in category A (five or fewer previous records from East Africa); all records of such species are published. S(B): SCARCE species in category B (six to twenty five previous records from East Africa); all records of such species are published. R : Species of interest whose status in East Africa requires clarification, and for which ALL records are REQUESTED. Records may be listed or summarized in full each year, or reviewed after several years. E : Records showing an EXTENSION of range, or from areas where the species is decidedly uncommon to scarce. N : Records included for their NUMERICAL interest, either of particularly large numbers or of careful counts. D : Records of migrants where DATES are of interest. B : Records of BREEDING interest, from new or unusual areas or involving interesting numerical elements. M : Records of MISCELLANEOUS interest. Records were collated by T. Stevenson and D.J. Pearson. AFROTROPICAL AND OCEANIC SPECIES PODICIPEDIDAE: Grebes Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe R: 250+ L. Bogoria 12 Jan and many 21 Feb; 500+ L. Nakuru 5 Aug, 300+ there 8 Nov and 15 on 20 Nov; a few L. Naivasha 15-16 Nov; 10+ Limuru 17 Nov (DKR, TS, DAT, DEW). PROCELLARIIDAE: Petrels, shearwaters Pachyptila vittata Broad-billed Prion S(A): 1 found dead Watamu 16 Aug was assigned to the race desolata (formerly the Dove Prion) (per DAT, DIP). The second record of this species for Kenya and East Africa. See also Scopus 8: 43-44. PHAETHONTIDAE: Tropicbirds Phaethon lepturus White-tailed Tropicbird S(B): single adults off Shimoni or Funzi 4 Jan, 6 Feb, 19 and 21 Mar, 25 Sep and 10 Oct (PH, MH). SULIDAE: Boobies Sula dactylatra Masked Booby R: an immature off Shimoni 8 Jan (PH,MH). East African Bird Report 1984 105 Sula leucogaster Brown Booby S(B): an adult off Shimoni 10 Sep (PH, MH) . FREGATIDAE: Frigatebirds Fregata sp. Singles off Watamu late Mar (DS) and 20 Nov (DJF, DAT). ARDEIDAE: Herons, bitterns, egrets Ixobrychus minutus paysii Little Bittern R: singles of this race Nairobi NP 9 Jan and 13 Feb (DKR) and Baringo 15 Sep (JRPC). 1 attracted to lights Kilima Tea Factory (Mufindi, T) 10 May (AJB, EMB).~- 1 on pools Sokoke forest 3 Jan (JM et al.) was not racially assigned. Ixobrychus sturmii Dwarf Bittern R: | near Olorgesaillie 31 Oct (DAT). Ardeola idae Madagascar Squacco Heron R: recorded from Limuru, Thika, _ Nairobi and Mara GR 19 May-10 Aug, mostly singles but up to 11 Thika OPs (KDR, DJP). 1 Ngorongoro (T) 15 Oct (DAT). Ardeola rufiventris Rufous-bellied Heron R: in S Tanzania, 2-4 Kihanga Dam (Mufindi) 14-24 Oct and | Mbarali Rice Scheme 27 Oct (AJB, EMB, PJG). Egretta ardesiaca Black Heron R: records of small numbers Gazi, Beant, s- Jtpe and L. Bilisa (MACC, DJP, TS, DAT). 1 Port Victoria 12 Feb (DJP), up to 13 Baringo Nov-mid Mar (TS, DEW) and 4 Ferguson's Gulf 23-24 Jan (TS). In Tanzania, small numbers throughout year Msaseni beach, Dar es Salaam (AJB, EMB) and 3 L. Jipe 20 Aug (KMH, CAM). Egretta gularis African Reef Heron R: singles Mida 3 Jan, Ngomeni 26 Mar and Ferguson's Gulf 24 Jan (JM. DJP, TS). CICONIIDAE: Storks Anastomas lamelligerus Open-billed Stork E: 2 Nairobi NP 2 Jun (DKR). Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked Stork E: | Nairobi NP 10 Apr, 2 on 2 Jun and 6 on 4 Oct (DKR). THRESKIORNITHIDAE: Ibises, spoonbills Plegadis falcineilus Glossy Ibis B: c.100 pairs Bahi swamp, W of Dodoma (T) 6 Apr (CCHE). Platalea alba African Spoonbill B: c.20 pairs Bahi swamp, Dodoma (T) 6 Apr (CCHE). PHOENICOPTERIDAE: Flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo E: 300+ Naivasha Aug-Oct (DKR). In Uganda, 10-11 Katwe, Rwenzori NP, Oct-Nov (DEP). Phoeniconaias minor Lesser Flamingo B: rafts of several thousand non- flying juveniles L. Natron (T) 28 Jun (CCHE). E: 40+ Katwe, Rwenzori NP (U), 11-13 Nov (DEP). ANATIDAE: Ducks and geese Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck N: 400+ Ahero Rice Scheme IiSFeb and’400+ L. Solai 15 Jan (DJP). 106 East African Bird Report 1984 Nettapus auritus Pygmy Goose R: several Witu 22 Jan, and on S Kenya coast 16 Ngogoni Dam | Apr and 5 Ramisi 30 Sep (MACC). Up to 10 Kihanga Dam (Mufindi, T) Sep-Dec (AJB, EMB, PJG). ACCIPITRIDAE: Birds of Prey Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture E: seen occasionally Meru NP Sep-Dec, with one pair nest-building Oct (DKR). Accipiter minullus Little Sparrowhawk E: in Tanzania, several throughout year Mufindi district (AJB, EMB), singles Msimba (Kilosa; 6:44S, 37:04E) 2, 17 and 20 Oct (LDCF) and 1 Dar es Salaam 1 Nov (AJB, EMB). In Kenya, records from Baringo 3 Feb (TS) and near Nginyang 7 Mar (JH) were unusual. Accipiter ovampensis Ovampo Sparrowhawk E: 1 near Kabarnet 16 Jan (TS). Aquila verreauxi Verreaux's Eagle E: in Tanzania, 2 adults and an immature Ruaha NP mid Apr (EMB); an adult and an immature Songea- Njombe Road (PS). Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard R: recorded to 2 Apr and from 18 Oct from interior E and SE Kenya; also 1 Kinangop at 2500 m on 4 Feb (DJP) and |! Baringo 18 Mar (TS). In Tanzania, 1 Same 3 Feb (EMB); 1 Kimamba-Morogoro 1 Jan and | Makuyuni 2 Feb (LDCF). Aviceda cuculoides Cuckoo Hawk R: singles Tigoni 8 Jan (JBH, LH), Langata, Nairobi 14 Mar (DKR). In Tanzania 1-2 Msimba (Kilosa) 22, 23 and 29 Sep (LDCF). Chelictinia riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite R: an unusual influx occurred in E Kenya during Jan-Mar, with parties of up to 5 birds together on coast south to Vipingo, and several records Galana Ranch (many observers). In central Kenya a roost of c.150 was present Solio Ranch 31 Mar-1 Apr (DJP). Singles Ngobit and Meru NP in Aug and Saguta Marmar in Nov; up to 4 Timau in Nov (DJP, DAT, DEW). Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk R: records from Diani (Feb), Shimoni (Mar), Rhamu (Jun), Mweiga (Jul), Baringo (throughout year) and Samburu (Mar-Nov) (MACC, ADL, EJR, TS). In Tanzania, a pair Usa R (Arusha) Sep (DAT). FALCONIDAE: Falcons Falco alopex Fox Kestrel R: 5+ pairs Kamathia (N Turkana) apparently prospecting nesting cliffs 25-27 Feb (ADL, DJP). Falco cuvieri African Hobby E: | Baringo 4 Jan (TS) was unusual there. In Tanzania, |! Mufindi 16 Dec (AJB) and | Kimamba (Kilosa) 11 Oct (LDCF) . Falco rupicoloides White-eyed Kestrel E: 1 Kamathia (N Turkana) 26 Feb (DJP). PHASIANIDAE: Quails and francolins Ptilopachus petrosus Stone Partridge £: 4+ Kongolai escarpment 24 Apr (TS). Calling Timau 9 Dec (MACC). East African Bird Report 1984 107 TURNICIDAE: Button Quails Ortyxelos meiffreni Quail Plover R: 2 Galana Ranch 12 Mar (MACC, ADL, DJP) . Turnix sylvatica Button Quail E: 2 6km S of Kapedo 27 Jan (ADL. TS). GRUIDAE: Cranes Crus carunculatus Wattled Crane R: 2 pairs 20km W of Mbarali (T) 10 Mar (CCHE). RALLIDAE: Rails, crakes Crex egregia African Crake R: 12 birds at night at the lights of Kilima Tea Factory (T) 25 Apr-22 May (8 on 3 May) (AJB,EMB). 1 Dar es Salaam 9 Jul (NEB, KMH, WGH). Gallinula angulata Lesser Moorhen D, M: one caught at night at Ngulia 22 Dec (GCB). Porphyrio alleni Allen's Gallinule R: away from Kenya coast, a few Sioport (Busia) 12 May (DAT); 30+ Baringo Jan-Jun and a few Aug (DKR, TS). Porzana marginalis Striped Crake R: at lights of Kilima Tea Factory (T) a female 2 May, 2 immatures 5 May and a male 28 Dec (AJB,EMB). Porzana pusilla Lesser Spotted Crake R: | resident at the Ark, Aberdare NP during Aug (DKR). Sarothrura elegans Buff-spotted Pygmy Crake R: male caught and photo- graphed Mara River Camp, Mara GR 14 Dec (DKR). Sarothrura boehmi Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake R: 3 males and | female attracted to lights of Kilima Tea Factory (T) 2-5 May, and another female, in moult, on 6 Jun (AJB, EMB). Sarothrura rufa Red-chested Pygmy Crake R: common and calling from Swamps around Mumias, Kaimosi, Kapsabet and Timboroa 10-13 May (DAT) OTIDIDAE: Bustards Neotis denhami Denham's Bustard R: singles Lemek, Mara GR 11 and 14 Nov (DAT). 4 Inendi (Mufindi, T) Aug-Dec (AJB, EMB). JACANIDAE: Jacanas Microparra capensis Lesser Jacana E: resident on lakes and dams Mufindi District (T); recorded also 40 kmSW of Iringa (T) (AJB, EMB, PJG). ROSTRATULIDAE: Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe R: records from Port Victoria (Feb), Moyale (6 birds, Mar), Nakuru (Mar) and near Mbita, Rusinga I (Feb) (LDCF, ADL, DJP, DAT). CHARADRIIDAE: Plovers Vanellus melanopterus Black-winged Plover N: 500+ Mara GR 26 Nov (DEW). DROMADIDAE: Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Crab Plover N: away from Mida, large counts included 220 Msambweni 4 Jan and c.90 Kipini 21-22 Jan (DJP). 1 Magadi 1 Sep is the first inland record (JBH, LH, WL). 108 East African Bird Report 1984 RECURVIROSTRIDAE: Avocets, stilts Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet E: 2 at small coastal dam Likoni 21 Oct (MACC, DJP). 12 on 11 Nov and 14 on 13 Nov at Katwe, Rwenzori NP, constitutes only the second record for Uganda (DEP). GLAREOLIDAE: Coursers, pratincoles Rhinoptilis chalcopterus Violet-tipped Courser Rt 1 Ruaha NP (T) 16 Apr and 2 on 30 Jun (EMB). LARIDAE: Gulls, terns Larus cirrocephalus Grey-headed Gull N: unusually large numbers L. Nakuru during Jan, with 5000+ counted on 14th (JHF, DJP). Anous stolidus Common Noddy R: recorded off Watamu/Malindi in Feb, Apr and Nov, with 8 Watamu 10 Apr (MACC, DJP). 1 off Tiwi 9 Apr (DIZ) Sterna albifrons Little Tern N: c.4000 counted Sabaki Oct and Dec (DJP). c.800 in breeding plumage mid-Apr (DJP) all appeared to be of the race saundersi. E: inland, |! Baringo 8-12 Dec (TS) and a few Lakes Bilisa and Shakobabo late Jan (MACC, DJP). Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern R: 20+ off Watamu 10 Apr (DAT). Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern NMD: 100 in breeding plumage Tiwi 13 May, up to 90+ Galu Jul-Oct with many copulating Jul-Aug. 10 Ras Ngomeni 21 Oct and 50 off Malindi 28 Oct (MACC). Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern R: an immature Ngomeni 26 Mar (MACC,DJP). Sterna repressa White-cheeked Tern R: | Malindi 4 Jan (JM); 1 Watamu 10 Apr and up to 20 Tiwi 8-13 Apr in partial/full breeding plumage (DJP). 70 Kisite 21 Apr; 100s moving S Diani 18 Jun and) 200525.33un; up to 10 Galu Jul-Aug (MACC). 1 Ngomeni 21 Oct and 3 Malindi 28 Dec (MACC). RYNCHOPIDAE: Skimmers Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer R: 40 Shakobabo 24 Jan and 20 on 25 Mar; 1 Nakuru 20 Nov; 25 Sabaki 2 Jan and 20 on 2 Dec; up to 10 frequent Baringo throughout year (MACC, TS, DEW). In Tanzania, up to 6 Ruaha Aug and Nov (AJB). PTEROCLIDAE: Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus Four-banded Sandgrouse R: 1000+ flighting to small spring at Kamathia (N Turkana) after dusk 25-26 Feb (ADL, IPP Dw) There are few recent records of this species from Kenya - see Scopus 8: 46-48. COLUMBIDAE: Pigeons, doves Columba deleagorguei Bronze-naped Pigeon E: a juvenile Diani 5 Apr (MACC). Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon N: c.200 Laisamis 8 Jun (ADL, TS). Streptopelia decipiens Mourning Dove E: 1 Kampala 13-14 May (MJC). Treron waalia Bruce's Green Pigeon E: 2 Rhamu 9 Jun (ADL, TS). East African Bird Report 1984 109 CUCULIDAE: Cuckoos, coucals Cercococcyx montanus Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo R: calling continu- ously Mufindi District (T) Jan-May and Oct-Dec (AJB, EMB). Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo R: Kenya records from Baringo and Tsavo East (Jan), Athi River (Jan and Mar), Isinya (Apr), Mwea-Tabere Rice Scheme (Apr), Nairobi (Oct), Meru (Nov) and Kitui (Dec) (JRPC, LDCF, DJP, TS, DAT). 2 Ruaha NP (T) 3 Feb (EMB). 1 Entebbe 14-15 Jan (MJC, AS). Clamator jacobinus Black and White Cuckoo R: recorded Tsavo East (Jan); Athi River (Apr), Tsavo West (May), Vuma (Apr - black phase) and Ngomeni (Jun). Again in Tsavo West from 17 Nov with many Ngulia mid-Dec; also calling and displaying Kitui 9 Dec when | newly fledged juv seen. Nov records also from Samburu, Baringo and Meru NP (JRPC, LDCF, DJP, DAT, DEW). In Tanzania, 4 Ruaha NP 15 Apr (EMB). Clamator levaillanti Levaillant's Cuckoo R: Kenya records from Bondo (Siaya) in Apr (LDCF), and from Wamba, Maralal, Mara GR, Naivasha and Watamu in Nov (DAT, DEW). Singles Ruaha NP (T) 15 Jan and 16 Apr (EMB). Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo R: 1 Koobi Fora 13-14 Oct (FA). Recorded Kakamega Aug and Nov; calling Tsavo West mid-late Nov and in Kitui Dec. Nov records also from Isiolo, Samburu, Nakuru and Naivasha, with juv being fed by Tropical Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus Naivasha 3 Nov; ! Amboseli 27 Dec (DJP, DKR, DAT, DEW). Heard 23 Oct and daily in Dec Songea-Njombe Road (T) (PS); ieMsamba’ (Kilosa; T) 22 Jan (LDCF). Cuculus gularis African Cuckoo R: recorded Mara CR (Jan), Ngorongoro (T), Bissel and Kajiado in Apr, Moyale (Nov) and Naivasha (Nov) (various observers). Cuculus poliocephalus rochii R: singles attracted to lights Kilima Tea Factory (T) 24 Apr and 1 May (AJB, EMB). Pachycoccyx audeberti Thick-billed Cuckoo R: 1 Witu 23 Jan (MACC, DJP) 1 in miombo at Msimba (Kilosa, T) 14 Oct (LDCF). Centropus grillii Black Coucal R: | Mikumi NP (T) in breeding plumage 20 Mar (AJB, EMB). TYTONIDAE: Barn Owls Tyto capensis Cape Grass Owl R: 1 Mufindi (T) 3 May (EMB, KMH). STRIGIDAE: Owls Otus leucotis White-faced Scops Owl R: at least 3 pairs Baringo within 5kmof each other throughout the year (TS). 1 N of Kitale 21 Nov (JRPC). CAPRIMULGIDAE: Nightjars Caprimulgus clarus Slender-tailed Nightjar R: 7 ringed at Ngulia on 19-21 and> 23° Nov (GCB, DIP). 110 East African Bird Report 1984 Caprimulgus donaldsoni Donaldson-Smith's Nightjar R: 6 ringed at Ngulia between 18 and 29 Nov (GCB, DJP). Caprimulgus inornatus Plain Nightjar R: 6 ringed at Ngulia between 16" and@22 Nov o(GCBRyDSe) - Caprimulgus tristigma Freckled Nightjar RE: records included 1 Maralal 16 Nov, c.10 Kito Pass, NW of Baringo, 22 Mar and 1 lenmeoes) Nowy (BE WS5 IIB) Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar R: a male in breeding plumage Baringo 10-14 Jan (TS). Macrodipteryx vexillarius Pennant-winged Nightjar R: a female Kisumu 7 Aug (DAT). APODIDAE: Swifts Apus berliozi Forbes-Watson's Swift R: a few over Sokoke-Mida 21 Nov (DF, DAT). c¢.20 all dark brown medium sized swiftts wath a naesm trilling call seen at Mida at dusk 15 Dec were assumed to be this Species (MACC, DJP) as were up to 4 Diani last week Dec (DJP). COLIIDAE: Mousebirds Colius leucocephalus White-headed Mousebird E: 15+ near Tiva River, N part .ofiGallanatRanche iM Mara (MACE. FADER DSP) ALCEDINIDAE: Kingfishers Halcyon albiventris Brown-hooded Kingfisher E: 1 Baringo 7-15 Jan (TS). MEROPIDAE: Bee-eaters Merops hirundineus Swallow-tailed Bee-eater D: occurred in S Tanzania (Ruaha NP, Madibera, Songea-Njombe Road, Mbuyuni-Malolo (c.7:20S, 36:30E)) from 16 Jun-25 Sep (EMB, LDCF, EA de L, PS). Merops nubicus Carmine Bee-eater N: 1000+ roosting in mangroves at Mida 25)sMares(MACCes DIP) Fr CORACIIDAE: Rollers Coracias abyssinicus Abyssinian Roller E: 1 at the Ark, Aberdares NP Sy dul Zunch I) Weise 7 dhol COIR) < Coracias caudatus Lilac-breasted Roller NM: the nominate race dis- appeared from many parts of central and eastern Kenya during the very dry early months of the year, and was replaced in these areas by the northern race lorti. The latter was widespread and in places common in central and SE Kenya Feb-mid Apr, south to Shimba, Kasigau, Tsavo, Emali, Kajiado and Nairobi, with 50+ seen on the Galana Ranch 10-13 Mar (MACC, ADL, DJP, DKR). Coracias naevia Rufous-crowned Roller N: particularly common and wide- spread central and eastern Kenya during the dry period Jan-Apr (MACC, ADL, DJP et al.). E: 1 Witu 23 Jan and | Ngomeni 26 Mar would seem to be the first records for the coast (MACC, DJP). BUCEROTIDAE: Hornbills Tockus pallidirostris Pale-billed Hornbill R: 10-15 resident in miombo at Msimba (Kilosa, T) 16 Sep-31 Oct (LDCF). East African Bird Report 1984 111] Bucorvus cafer Ground Hornbill E: 2 Dar es Salaam 15 Jan (KMH). PICIDAE: Woodpeckers, wrynecks Dendropicos poecilolaemus Uganda Spotted Woodpecker E: 1 Usengi 24 Sep (LDCF). Dendropicos stierlingi Stierling's Woodpecker R: in S Tanzania fre- quent in Madaba area, c.10 S 354 E (Songea) (EMB, EA de L, PS). Picoides obsoletus Brown-backed Woodpecker R: male drumming Karen 21-22 Apr, and 1 Langata 1 Oct (DKR). No other records received. PITTIDAE: Pittas Pitta angolensis African Pitta R: a total of 40 attracted to lights and caught and ringed at Kilima Tea Factory (T) 22 Apr-5 May, max. 7 in one night (AJB, EMB). -ALAUDIDAE: Larks Mirafra pulpa Friedmann's Bush Lark S(B): c.6 Kamathia (N Turkana) in patchy 0.5m high grassland 26 Feb (DJP, ADL). Tens of birds in dry grassland and scattered bush 5-30 km south of Kapedo 5 Mar (oe) ycemained to mid Apr (TS, DAT, JH). HIRUNDINIDAE: Swallows Hirundo aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow B: breeding at El Karama Ranch, Laikipia (LG, ADL). The first inland breeding record since the 1940s. Hirundo atrocaerulea Blue Swallow RD: common over grassland Mufindi District (T) up to 10 May and from 21 Sep, max 20 (EMB, AJB). Hirundo senegalensis Mosque Swallow E: | Moyale 28 Mar (FJMcC, ADL). CORVIDAE: Crows Corvus capensis Cape Rook E: | 10kmW on Kangundo 27 Dec (ADL). TIMALIIDAE: Babblers Turdoides hindei Hinde's Pied Babbler E: 3 edge of Meru NP near Maua 3 Nov (DAT). Turdoides squamulatus Scaly Babbler M: common in riverine habitat at Rhamu, mid Jun. Birds showed partially white heads and appeared intermediate between nominate birds and T.s. carolinae (ADL, IJPL, 7S. EIR). CAMPEPHAGIDAE: Cuckoo Shrikes Coracina pectoralis White-breasted Cuckoo Shrike R: in S Tanzania, frequent near Madaba (Songea) (AJB, EMB, EA de L, PJG, PS). Also 1-2 Msimba (Kilosa) Sep-Oct and 1 Kilenjezi, E Ulugurus, Sep (LDCF). PYCNONOTIDAE: Greenbuls Phyllastrephus strepitans Northern Brownbul E: common at Moyale Jun (FJIMcC, ADL). TURDIDAE: Thrushes Cichladusa arquata Morning Thrush E: | singing Kipini 22 Jan (MACC,DJP). 112 East African Bird Report 1984 Cercomela scotocerca Brown-tailed Rock Chat E: a few NW of Laisamis 11 Jan (ADL, TS). A few at Kapedo throughout the year (TS). Cossypha natalensis Red-capped Robin Chat E: 3+ in forest 3km N of Kabarnet (alt. 1800m) 16 Jan (TS). Dryocichloides lowei Iringa Ground Robin R: | netted Luhoto (Mufindi T) 9 May, and 2 more same site 10 May (AJB, EMB, KMH). Dryocichloides anomalus Olive-flanked Ground Robin R: 1] netted Luhoto (Mufindi, T) 11 May (AJB, EMB, KMH). Monticola angolensis Miombo Rock Thrush R: common resident Mahanje (NW Songea, T) from Jun onwards (PJG). Oenanthe pileata Capped Wheatear D: several Makambako-Njombe Road (T) 11 Apr (EMB). Turdus litsipsirupa Groundscraper Thrush RD: | Poroto Mts (T) Jul(ES) SYLVIIDAE: Warblers Cisticola juncidis Zitting Cisticola EN: common at Rhamu Jun (ADL, ES) Eremomela icteropygialis Yellow-bellied Eremomela E: 1 Moyale (Sault GoIMeC.tADE) Heliolais erythroptera Red-winged Warbler R: E Tanzanian records from Mahanje area (NW Songea, T) May, Nov, Dec and Msimba (Kilosa, T) where quite common Jan and Sep-Oct (LDCF, PJG, PS). Hyliota flavigaster Yellow-bellied Hyliota R: Tanzanian records from Mahanje Madaba area (NW Songea) Jul-Oct and Msimba (Kilosa) Sep (LDCF, EA de L, PS). Sylvietta isabellina Somali Long-billed Crombec E: several N edge of Galana Ranch 11-12 Mar (MACC, ADL, DJP). MUSCICAPIDAE: Flycatchers Melaenornis edolioides Black Flycatcher B: an adult feeding two juvs Moyale Jun (FJMcC, ADL). First confirmed Kenya breeding of the race schistacea. Muscicapa gambagae Gambaga Flycatcher S(B):-1 NE border Galana Ranch 12 Mar (MACC, ADL, DJP). Muscicapa chapini Chapin's Flycatcher R: further records from usual site at Kakamega 15 Jul and 10 Nov (TS, DAT). Myopornis boehmi Béhm's Flycatcher S(B): recorded in S Tanzania from miombo woodland at Madaba in the Mahanje area (NW Songea) Jul-Aug (AJB, EMB, PJG). Batis orientalis Grey-headed Batis R: 2 NW of Laisamis 11 Jun (ADL, TS). Erannornis albicauda White-tailed Blue Flycatcher RB: a pair building at Karatu (T) 16 Sep (DAT). East African Bird Report 1984 113 MOTACILLIDAE: Wagtails, pipits Anthus similis Long-billed Pipit E: several Kamathia (N Turkana) Feb (ADL, DJP). Tmetothylacus tenellus Golden Pipit E: singles at Koritei 27 Nov and between Nzinyang and Loruk 16 Apr were well W of the normal range (JH). MALACONOTIDAE: Bush Shrikes Dryoscopus pringlii Pringle's Puffback E: 2 Dachadima, N part of Galana Ranch 13 Mar (DJP, MACC). Laniarius mufumbiri Papyrus Gonolek R: several calling and 1 seen Usengi 12 Feb (DJP) and 1! on 24 Sep (LDCF). Laniarius ruficeps Rufous-naped Bush Shrike R: 2 pairs found Dachadima, N part of Galana Ranch, 10-13 Mar (DJP, MACC). A few 5 km E of Ngulia airstrip Tsavo West NP, mid Nov-early Dec (DJP, JHF, MGK). LANIIDAE: Shrikes Corvinella melanoleuca Magpie Shrike M: 4 Cottars' Camp, Mara GR 1 Dec (DAT). Lanius somalicus Somali Fiscal E: recorded from Baragoi northwards to South Horr early Nov (AEB, DJP). A few apparently resident Kapedo (TS). Lanius souzae Souza's Shrike R: records from S Tanzania in the Madaba-Mahanje area (NW Songea) Jun-Sep (EMB, EA de L, PS, PJG). PRIONOPIDAE: Helmet Shrikes Prionops scopifrons Chestnut-fronted Helmet Shrike E: 10 Mgongoni, Ugweno, N Pare Mts (T) at 1200 m 20 Aug (KMH, CAM). STURNIDAE: Starlings Spreo shelleyi Shelley's Starling E: 2 near McKinnon Road 19 Aug (DAT) were at the southern limit of their range. NECTARINIIDAE: Sunbirds Nectarinia habessinica Shining Sunbird RE: resident at Kapedo (TS). hetewoat Ramu 10 Jun (ADL, IJPL, TS). Nectarinia manoensis Miombo Double-collared Sunbird R: male Mufindi basepzet (F).16"Dec. (AJB). Nectarinia nectarinioides Smaller Black-bellied Sunbird E: a few Ramu 10 Jun (ADL, TS). Nectarinia pembae Violet-breasted Sunbird E: common in northern parts of the Galana Ranch 10-13 Mar (ADL, DJP, MACC). PLOCEIDAE: Weavers Anaplectes rubriceps Red-headed Weaver E: |] 6 km W of Kisumu 25 Nov SIRES STS) . Ploceus auranteus Orange Weaver R: 1 6 km W of Kisumu 25 Nov (JHF,TS).. Ploceus oliveiceps Olive-headed Golden Weaver R: pair Madaba (T) =aeOct (EA de L). 114 East African Bird Report 1984 Ploceus superciliosus Compact Weaver R: a group near Port Victoria 12 Feb (DJP, JHF), 1 near Kakamega 7 Aug (DAT) and 1 Usengi 24 Sep (LDCF). Quelea erythrops Red-headed Quelea B: colonies E and NE of Kilosa 7 May (CCHE). Plocepasser superciliosus Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver BE: several pairs breeding Kampi ya Kavuli, E shore L. Turkana 9 Oct (CF). Passer castanopterus Somali Sparrow R: 14 Korr 8 Jun (ADL, TS); 25-30 Laisamis 11 Jun (ADL, TS); 30-100+ at Kapedo throughout year (JH, 10S) These are the only two sites in Kenya where the species is known as a town resident. Passer domesticus House Sparrow E: a few pairs now resident in main- land Tanzania at Dar es Salaam (KMH, CAM). Vidua hypocherina Steel-blue Whydah E:1 Ramu 10 Jun (ADL, IJPL, EJR, ES). At Least Z malles 300km Ss of Kitusn 9 vee (WuL re Vidua obtusa Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah R: male in breeding plumage in miombo at Madaba €NW Songea, T) 18 Jul (EMB). ESTRILDIDAE: Waxbills, etc. Pyrenestes minor Lesser Seed-cracker E: 5+ Luhoto Dam (Mufindi, T) 31 Dec (EMB). FRINGILLIDAE: Buntings, canaries, seed-eaters Emberiza striolata House Bunting E: common on rocky hillsides at Kamathia (N Turkana) late Feb (ADL, IJPL, DJP). There are practically no previous records from Kenya W of Lake Turkana. Serinus menelli Black-eared Seed-eater E: recorded regularly in small groups in miombo along the Njombe-Songea road (T) Jun-Dec (EMB,NEB, PIGS LEAsdeuinseS) i Serinus reichardi Stripe-breasted Seed-eater R: S Tanzanian records: Mahanje and Madaba (NW Songea) (PJG, EA de L). PALAEARCTIC SPECIES Ciconia nigra Black Stork R: records of 1-2 Nairobi NP up to 7 Apr and from 15 Oct, and 3 Athi River 3 Apr; singles Kapedo Mar and Nov and Mara GR 23 Oct-Dec (JHF, JH, DJP, DKR, DAT). ED: 1 Baringo 25 Aug (TS). In Tanzania, 1 Ngorongoro 1 Apr (JRPC). Anas acuta Pintail N: c.800 Solai 15 Jan; c.1400 Makuyu 29 Jan (DJP). E: singles Witu 23 Jan and Shakababo 24 Jan (MACC, DJP). Anas clypeata Shoveler ND: c.4000 NE corner L. Nakuru Jan had mostly departed mid Feb; c.2200 already back there by 27 Oct, reaching well over 5000 by end of year (JHF, DJP, DAT). Anas crecca Teal R: very few records: 2+ Solai 11 Jan, | Ahero 11 Feb and 2 Naivasha 31 Dec (DJP, JHF, DKR). East African Bird Report 1984 i bs Anas penelope Wigeon R: few records: 3+ Solai 15 Jan, 1 O1 Bolossat 28 Jan and 5 there 18 Feb and 3 Mar, | Ahero 11 Feb, 1 Mara GR 14 Dec and |! O01 Bolossat 15 Dec (MACC, JHF, DJP). Anas querquedula Garganey N: c.3000 Makuyu 29 Jan; c.1200 Ahero Rice Scheme 11 Feb (JHF, DJP). Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck R: singles Maralal 6 Mar (DJP) and Nakuru 21 Nov (DEW). Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier D: early birds at Kapedo 28 Sep (JH) and Dandora 29 Sep (DJP). A late bird Makambako (Njombe, T) 11 Apr (AJB, EMB). Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier N: very common at Kamathia (N Turkana) with over 20 present late Feb (DJP, ADL). D: early bird at Kapedo 18 Sep (JH). Late birds Vanga (S coast) 1] Apr and Athi Plains 15 Apr (DJP, MACC). Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle R: recorded in Kenya to 13 Feb and from 30 Oct, with winter (Jan-Feb) records from Nakuru,Kinangop Njoro, Kericho and Baringo (AEB, JHF, DJP, DKR, TS, DEW). In Tanzania, 17 at termite hatch Ngwasi (Mufindi) 22 Mar (AJB, EMB), and singles Msimba (Kilosa) 16 and 19 Oct (LDCF). Buteo buteo Common Buzzard D: first autumn bird Nairobi 26 Sep (DJP). Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle R: 20 records of 1-2 birds from Kenya mostly N and E of the highlands, up to 22 Feb and from 20 Oct (many observers). Also 1 Entebbe (U) 14 Jan (MJC, AS); singles Songea- Njombe (T) 28 Oct and 7 Nov (PS). Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard R: singles Kampala 5, 12 and 18 Oct (MJC). 1 Sokoke 4 Dec (DEW); 1 Kakamega 7 Aug (WR, DAT) was presumably oversummering. Falco amurensis Eastern Red-footed Falcon R: 60+ Ngwasi (Mufindi, T) 22 Mar (AJB, EMB). 3 Nairobi NP 23 Mar (DKR) and 2 Mrima Hill (S coast) 11 Apr (MACC, DJP). Flocks of up to c.80 near Ngulia, Tsavo West NP, 17-25 Nov (several observers). Falco concolor Sooty Falcon R: | Makuyu 29 Apr (DJP). Singles Mountain Lodge, Kiganjo 2 Nov, Meru NP 4 Nov and Ngulia 24 and 26 Nov (MACC, DJF, MGK, DJP, DAT). Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel E: 3 E of Garsen 21 Jan; 50+ Vipingo 10 Mar. D: a late flock of c.20 Mwea-Tabere Rice Scheme 29 Apr (DJP). This species is unusual at the coast. Falco peregrinus calidus Peregrine R: at coast, singles Malindi 4 Jan and Shimoni 23 Dec presumed to have been this race (MACC). Falco eleonorae Eleonora's Falcon S(B): 1 Kapedo 27 Jan (ADL, TS) is the first ‘winter’ record. 2 Mountain Lodge 2 Nov (DAT, DF) and 1 L. Baringo 19 Dec. Falco subbuteo Hobby N: 60+ Ngwasi (Mufindi, T) 22 Mar (AJB, EMB). D: a late bird Nairobi NP 6 May (DAT). 116 East African Bird Report 1984 Crex crex Corncrake R: singles Ngulia 17 Nov (DJP) and 22 Dec (GCB). ] attracted to lights Kilima Tea Factory (T) 22 Mar and another 26 Nov (AJB, EMB). Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher R: 1-2 Galu Beach Jan-Feb, and I Krpinie2 2 sam (MACE DMP) Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover S(B): c.10 Ferguson's Gulf 23-25 Jan (1S). | Le Nakuru. 10 Feb (JHE, DIP). 253) Kateaaneegi oe Jan and | on small dam at Likoni 21] Oct (MACC, DJP). This species appears to be an annual winter visitor to Ferguson's Gulf, but including the above there are still only nine records (all Kenyan) from elsewhere. These are the first definite ELECOLGS (BLOM sehne) |COaSit. Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover R: records from central and eastern Kenya to 20 Mar and from 4 Nov with max 20+ Tana Bridge 19 Feb (several observers). Also 1 Moyale 27 Mar (ADL). Pluvialis dominica Lesser Golden Plover S(B): 5 L. Bilisa 23 Jan (MACC, DJP). Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit R: | Mida 3 Jan and 2 there 25 Mar (several observers). Records of up to 4 Kenya coast Sep-Dec, also | Kunduchi Beach, Dar es: Salaam 19" Sep.) i: ainiltandeas! Ferguson's Gulf 24° Jan’ CIS)” Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit R: 33 L. Shakababo and 8 L. Bilisa 23 Jan (MACC, DJP). Up to 3 Naivasha Jan-Feb and 1 Solai 15 Jan (DJP). c.40 Ahero Rice Scheme 11 Feb (JHF, DJP). Singles Sabaki 2 jan andy 2inOct. (MACS. DIE) Numenius arquata Curlew M: recorded on coast away from Mida at Kipini, Sabaki mouth and Diani; southward coastal passage of odd birds noted Diani 31 Jul-21 Sep (MACC). Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel E: inland, 6 at Katwe, Rwenzori NP (U) 11 Nov (DEP). Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank R: many at Dandora OPs early in the year with max 45 on 8 Feb, decreasing to 6 on 22 Mar (several observers). At Ahero Rice Scheme, c.145 counted 11 Feb (JHF, DJP). Elsewhere, small numbers Jan-Feb and | in breeding plumage Magadi 26-27 May (DEGB, DJP). Tringa totanus Redshank R: regular at Mida, max 10 in Dec (several observers). Elsewhere, 1 Malindi 4 Dec (DEW), 1 Ahero Rice Scheme 11 Feb (JHF, DJP). Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper N: 400+ Ahero Rice Scheme 11 Feb (JHF, DJP). Xenus cinereus Terek N: on S Kenya coast c.125 Galu Beach 4 Jan and c.130 25 Dec, c.70 Msambweni 4 Jan (DJP). E: inland, 1] L. Nakuru 21 Nov (DEW). Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Dz a late bird Limuru 6 May (DIP). East African Bird Report 1984 tL7 Gallinago media Great Snipe R: | L. Bilisa 23 Jan (MACC, DJP). 1 attracted to lights at night, Ngulia 21 Nov (LDCF, MGK, DJP). Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe R: 1 L. Naivasha 15 Jan (DJP). Calidris alba Sanderling E: one L. Naivasha 6 May (DJP). Inland records of coastal waders are unusual in spring. Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint S(A): 1 Dandora OPs 20-22 Feb (ADL, DJP, DAT). 1 Malindi harbour 21 Nov (DJF, DAT, RFR et al.). The fourth and fifth records for Kenya and East Africa and the first since 1974. There is no previous record from the coast. Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint R: records of small numbers central Kenya up to 21 Mar and from 27 Oct. Also 1 Ahero 26 Feb (LDCF) and 1 Mida 19 Oct (MACC, DJP). Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper R: Max at Sabaki mouth c.65 on 15 Dec (MACC, DJP). Elsewhere, 2-3 Kipini 22 Jan and |! caught Mida 16 Dec (DEGB, MACC, DJP). Philomachus pugnax Ruff N: c.3000 Tana Bridge 29 Jan (DJP). Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope R: 24 Ferguson's Gulf 24 Jan (TS). A few Shimoni 3-6 Feb (PH, MH). c.200 at sea off Malindi 12 Feb and tens 28 Dec (MACC). Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew R: single birds Baringo 2 Jan and 25 Feb (DKR, TS, DAT). Larus argentatus Herring Gull R: up to 40+ Malindi Jan and c.30 there early Dec (MACC, DJP, DEW). An adult heuglini L. Nakuru 27 Oct (DJP). In Uganda, 5 grey-backed birds Kakindu, L. Victoria 21 Oct (MJC, PV). Larus genei Slender-billed Gull S(B): 2 adults Kipini 22 Dec (MACC, DJP). At least 6 adults L. Nakuru 14 Jan (JHF, DJP) and an immature there 28 Jan (ADL). 2 adults Ferguson's Gulf 24 Jan (TS). There is only one previous record from the coast. Larus ichthyaetus Great Black-headed Gull S(B): 2 Malindi and another 2 Sabaki mouth first week Jan (JM et al.). An unprecedented count of 26 at Ferguson's Gulf 23-25 Jan (TS). Otherwise, 2 Dandora OPs 7 Jan (FN, DJP) and | Malindi 12 Feb and 9 Apr (MACC, DJP). These records all refer to sub-adult birds. ; Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull RN: c.130 L. Nakuru 14 Jan (JHF, DJP); otherwise records of small numbers from Nakuru, Naivasha, Dandora OPs, Malindi, Sabaki, L. Shakobabo and Kipini (several observers). In Uganda, |! Katwe, Rwenzori NP 13 Nov (DEP). Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern N: counts of c.800 L. Nakuru 14 Jan, 400 Kipini 21-22 Jan, 130 Mida 19 Oct and 180 Mida 16 Dec (MACC, DJP). Sterna hirundo Common Tern RND: recorded on coast in all months; largest numbers on both N and S coasts late Sep-Nov, with max 4000 Ngomeni reef 21 Oct and 4000 Sabaki mouth same day. 118 East African Bird Report 1984 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern S(B): a party of 30 Kipini 21- 22 Jan (MACC, DJP). 1 Ngomeni in non-breeding plumage 2 Jun (MACC, DIE) There would seem to be no previous records of flocks on the East African seaboard north of southern Mozambique. Cuculus poliocephalus Lesser Cuckoo R: | Diani 9 Apr (DJP) and | Sokoke Forest 21 Nov (DJF, DAT) - both presumed nominate race. Caprimulgus europaeus Eurasian Nightjar R: several spring records from the coast: |] caught and several others seen and presumed this species Murere (Kwale) 18 Mar (MACC), 2 dead on road Malindi- Kilifi 26 Mar and 1 Galu 27 Mar (MACC, DJP), 3 Galu 2 Apr (MACC) and 2 dead on road Shimba Hills 10 Apr (DJP). Regularly seen Ngulia 16-25 Nov (max caught 6 per night) and | there | Dec (MGK, DJP, DAT). Merops apiaster Eurasian Bee-eater ND: hundreds at Dar es Salaam 10 Apr (KMH). Apus apus Eurasian Swift N: many thousands Mara GR 27 Nov (DEW). Upupa epops Hoopoe R: birds of the nominate race recorded as usual at Baringo; also | Kamathia (N Turkana) 26 Feb, Athi River 6 Oct, South Horr 5 Nov (DJP, TS). Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear S(A): 2 full plumage males at Kiunga 17 Feb (GCB). To be documented in Scopus. This constitutes a new species for East Africa. It has been recorded in Somalia to about 1 N. Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear S(A): a first year male of the race melanoleuca at Athi River 23 Mar-5 Apr was caught, ringed and photographed (DJP, DEGB, DKR). The first acceptable record for East Africa - see Scopus 8: 50-51. Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear D: c.10 Athi Plains Isinya- Kajiado 15 Apr were unusually late (DJP). Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear M: a white-throated adult male Nairobi NP 23 Mar (DKR). D: | Baringo 19 Apr was very late (TS). Saxicola rubetra Whinchat ED: Kenya records as usual from Nyanza, Mara GR and the central rift valley highlands; also | Kamathia (N Turkana) 25 Feb, 1 Kapedo 8 Apr, 1 Meru NP 4 Nov (JH, ADL, DAT). In E Tanzania, 1 Mikumi NP 20 Mar and | Ngwasi (Mufindi) 14 Nov (AJB, EMB). Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler R: common (20+ found) Port Victoria 12 Feb, | Tana Bridge 20 Feb, singles Athi River 12- 18 Apr, up to 12+ Baringo early-mid Apr, 1-3+ Kariobangi, Nairobi 26 Apr-8 May, one remaining to 2! May (DJP, TS) and several South Horr late Apr (YM-C). Singles Baringo 20 Nov and Ngulia 21 Nov (DJP, DEW). East African Bird Report 1984 119 Acrocephalus griseldis Basra Reed Warbler R: a few L. Bilisa 23-24 Jan (DJP). 2-3 Baringo 10-12 Apr (TS). Recorded Ngulia 18 Nov- 22 Dec, and 35 ringed (GCB, MGK, DJP). The first occurrence in spring rift valley passage movements, and the first record from western Kenya. There are three autumn records from Uganda. Acrocephalus palustris Marsh Warbler E: no wintering records in the dry conditions of Jan-Mar. Widespread in small numbers at the coast 8-12 Apr, recorded from Diani, Galu, Kikambala, Takaungu, Shimba and Tiwi. 1 Athi River 15 Apr and 1-2 Kariobangi, Nairobi, 26 Apr-8 May (DJP). In Nov singles recorded from new passage localities at South Horr 5 Nov (AEB, DJP) and Loyengalani 7 Nov (GCB). Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler DM: a particularly heavy northward passage through central Kenya mid Apr-early May (inclu- ding Nakuru, Baringo, Naivasha and the Nairobi/Thika areas). Birds remained until 21 May at Limuru and 24 May at Kariobangi (DJP). Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler D: unusually late birds at Baringo 11 May and Limuru 19 May (DJP, TS). Hippolais icterina Icterine Warbler R: 1 caught and ringed Ngulia 29 Nov (GCB, JHF, MCK). Only the third record from this site. Hippolais languida Upcher's Warbler E: singles at Kamathia (N Turkana) 26 Feb and Kapedo 5 Mar (DJP) and Moyale 27 Mar (ADL) were from new localities; 1] Baringo 2 Feb and up to 5 daily mid- late Feb were unusual (TS). N: very abundant Galana Ranch mid Mar (DJP), with over 100 seen in one day in the northeast. Hippolais olivetorum Olive-tree Warbler R: 1-2 Maralal 4 Nov (AEB, DJP). 22 caught and ringed Ngulia 18-29 Nov and 2 there on the unusually late date of 22 Dec (GCB, MGK, DJP). Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler R: 70 ringed Ngulia 16 Nov-22 Dec (GCB, MGK, DJP). 1 10 km N of Kitui 9 Dec (DJP). Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff R: 3 Kabarnet Forest 16 Jan (JHF, TS) and 2-3 singing Aberdares NP early Feb (BL). Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler M: exceptional passage central Kenya early-mid Apr, apparently the heaviest since 1971 and pre- sumably associated with the dry conditions (many observers) . D: a late bird El Karama Ranch (Laikipia) 15-16 May (ADL). Sylvia communis Whitethroat E: birds in unusual localities at Kapedo 29 Feb and 5 Mar (JH) and Kikambala 12 Apr (DJP). Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler NE: unusually large numbers Baringo Jan- mid Mar, and also common in Salvadora thicket Nginyang-Kapedo 5 Mar (TS, DJP). 1 Kapedo to 17 Mar (JH). Ouite common Dachadima, N part Galana Ranch, mid Mar (DJP). E: several South Horr 5 Nov (AEB, DJP). 120 East African Bird Report 1984 Ficedula sp. R: 1 Nairobi 8 Sep (ADL) and 1 Kampala 2 Oct (MJC) were presumed to have been Collared Flycatchers F.albicollis. Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit S(B): |! Baringo 13 Jan (TS) and 1 Meru NEY > Nov OE. DAI) =e hulll detaiise received: The eighth and ninth East African records. Anthus rivialis TRee Papat Eel Mida 26) Mar s(DuP)r There seems to be no previous record from the coast. Motacilla alba White Wagtail RE: records away from usual sites: 4 L. Shakobabo and 1 L. Bilisa 23-24 Jan, 10 Kiunga 17 Feb, 1 Kapedo 5 Mar and | Maralal 6 Mar (GCB, MACC, DJP). Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail E: 1 Mida 20 Oct (MACC, DJP). Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail D: 1 10 km N of Kapedo 10 Jun (JH). Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike D: a first year bird Meru NP 3-4 Nov (DJF, DAT). A late bird El Karama Ranch (Laikipia) 14 Mays (ADE)r Lanius nubicus Nubian Shrike S(A): 1 Baringo up to early Mareandeaise a secondgburd 0>l4ed anne Gise ADP -Wletual ae The third and fourth records for Kenya and East Africa. Lanius senator Woodchat Shrike S(B): up to 7 present Baringo 1-15 Jan with | remaining to 4 Mar (TS et al.). 1 Isiollo 18 Feb) EIE—lveeram: The numbers present together at Baringo in the 1983/84 winter are unprecedented in Kenya. ADDITIONS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS AFROTROPICAL AND OCEANIC SPECIES Sula sula Red-footed Booby S(A): 1 seen at very close range on the sea off Shimoni 24 Jan 1983 (PH, MH). Full details received. This constitutes the third record for Kenya and also for Africa. Ardea rufiventris Rufous-bellied Heron R: 2 on flooded plain Windi (T) DI Si WN Ohsys) (CS) < Egretta ardosiaca Black Heron R: 2 Lugugaa, L. Rukwa (T) 5 Apr 1982 (ES) Hirundo atrocaerulea Blue Swallow R: several present Poroto Mts (T) 10-15 Aug 1980 (ES). Bias musicus Black and White Flycatcher R: a pair Bigua, Morogoro (T) 15 Nov 1982 (ES). Erranornis albicauda White-tailed Blue Flycatcher R: 1 Poroto Mts (T) ZoNDEe MISS RGES) Vidua obtusa Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah R: 1 Poroto Mts (T) at 1700 m 13 May 1982 (ES). PALAEARCTIC Chlidonias niger Black Tern S(A): 1 Thika OPs 5 Feb 1983 (DJP) The fourth Kenya and East African record. East African Bird Report 1984 121 "FIRST' AND 'LAST' DATES FOR SOME PALAEARCTIC MIGRANT LANDBIRDS (central/eastern Kenya except where marked *) Species Last Date First Date Cuculus canorus 28 Apr Aehie Re Caprimulgus europaeus 10 Apr Shimba Hills Merops apiaster iS Apr AthioR. 17 Sep Baringo Merops persicus 31 Oct Magadi Rd. Coracias garrulus 28 Apr Athi R. 2 Wet .Galean: Upupa epops epops 6 Oct Atha Re Delichon urbica 27 Apr Baringo 27 Sep Mau Narok Riparia riparia 8 May Kariobangi Oriolus oriolus 14 Apr Tiwi 5 Nov Nyaharuru Meru NP Cercotrichas galactotes 12 Apr Kikambala 16 Nov Ngulia Irania gutturalis 5 Nov Meru NP Luscinia luscinia 17 Apr Kariobangi 11 Nov Kindaruma L. megarhynchos 12 Apr Vuma, Takaungu 5 Nov Meru NP Monticola saxatilis 22 Apr Kariobangi 27 Oct Ngulia Oenanthe isabellina 15 Apr Athi Plains 29 Sep Dandora O. oenanthe 19 Apr Thika 18 Sep *Serengeti O. pleschanka 19 Apr Baringo 31 Oct Magadi Rd. Saxicola rubetra 26 Sep Nakuru Acrocephalus arundinaceus 21 May Kariobangi 21 Nov Ngulia A. griseldis 12 Apr Baringo 14 Nov Mara GR A. palustris 8 May Kariobangi 3 Nov Mountain Lodge A. schoenobaenus 24 May Kariobangi 9 Nov Ahero A. scirpaceus 19 May Limuru 7 Nov Baringo Hippolais languida 15 Apr Kajiado 22 Nov Ngulia H. olivetorum 4 Nov Maralal H. pallida 19 Apr Thika 25 Sep Baringo Locustella fluviatilis 16 Nov Ngulia Phylloscopus trochilus 16 May El Karama Ranch 6 Oct Athi R. Sylvia atricapilla 20 Oct Langata S. borin 15 Apr Bissel S. communis 22 Apr Kariobangi 27 Oct Ngulia S. nisoria 17 Apr Kariobangi 28 Oct Baringo Muscicapa striata IS Apr ALi Re GuOct Ath Ia Re Anthus cervinus 22 Apr Kariobangi 28 Oct Baringo A. trivialis 14 Apr Nakuru 10 Oct *Serengeti Motacilla alba 6 Mar Maralal M. cinerea 20 Oct Mida M. flava 8 May Kariobangi 17 Sep *Ngorongoro (10 Jun Kapedo) Lanius collurio 1 May Nairobi NP 30 Oct Nairobi NP L. isabellinus 15 Apr Kajiado 27 Oct Tsavo W NP L. minor 14 May El Karama Ranch 3 Nov Meru NP LS I ET * Tanzanian localities 22 East African Bird Report 1984 English names of birds listed above but not mentioned in the Species Report: Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo, Merops persicus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Coracias garrulus Eurasian Roller, Delichon urbica House Martin, Riparia riparia Sand Martin, Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole, Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat, Irania gutturalis Irania, Luscinia luscinia Sprosser, L. megarhynchos Nightingale, Monticola Ssaxatilis Rock Thrush, Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear, Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler, Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap, S. borin Garden Warbler, Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher, Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike and L. isabellinus Red-tailed Shrike. LIST OF OBSERVERS Alexander -M. Howell E.G. Backhurst -G. Kelsey i¢. Backhunsit Leisler J. Beakbane -D. Lewis -M. Boswell E. Butterworth Nee Gaseime tet R.P. Camberleigh JA wee Coverdale G H -A. de Leyser -J~jP. Loef ler Lynch | .J. McCartney Malcolm-Coe Eee K Di M G B. A. A 1g Id A. I MG W. aie F mal Ne. CAC alee El tott C.A. Masuya “ie Fanshawe J. Mulder C. Feikel F. Ngweno I.J. Ferguson-Lees D.J. Pearson D.J. Fisher D.E. Pomeroy La Gen Ha-shpooll D.K. Richards A.D. Forbes-Watson R.F. Ringler L. Grant W. Russell P.J. Gwilliams A. Sheldon JetHary ula E. Sion Jeb plait ey P. Squelch L. Hartley T. Stevenson M. Hemphill D.A. Turner P. Hemphill D.E. Wolf "REQUESTED' AND ‘SPECIAL ATTENTION' SPECIES Guidance on what records to submit for the East African Bird Report is given in the Scopus Supplement of June 1982, copies of which still may be obtained free of charge from D.A. Turner, Box 48019 Nairobi. The response from observers to the present report 1s most encouraging and shows that the Supplement is doing its job, so that the annual reports, coupled with Birds of East Africa and the forthcoming Bird atlas for Kenya, will serve as a full record of the status of the East African avifauna during the 1980s and, hopefully, beyond. For 1985 and 1986 we intend to make a special effort to obtain the fullest information on a number of species, mostly already in the Requested (R) category, and we urge observers to record and send in all such records during the next two years. A list of these birds East African Bird Report 1984 123 follows but does not, of course, supplant the full list of 'R' species Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling Duck Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier Circus pygarus Montagu's Harrier Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard Chelictinia riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite Neotis denhami Denham's Bustard Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus Black and White Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii Levaillant's Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo Cuculus gularis African Cuckoo Caprimulgus spp. pUrenEIa=S? records of all species as Macrodipteryx spp. well as special attention to road kills Coracias caudata lorti lilac-throated race of the Lilac- breasted Roller Pitta angolensis African Pitta Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush Lark Oenanthe pileata Capped Wheatear Saxicola rubetra Whinchat - from all areas of East Africa Tmetothylacus tenellus Golden Pipit Records of these species should be sent in the normal way to the recorders early in 1986 and early in 1987. RARE BIRDS Records of birds new for any of the three East African countries Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and 'S(A)' species (those recorded in East Africa five or fewer times) should be sent in to Dr D.J. Pearson with full details, including photographs if available, and the name or names of any other people present at the time, as soon after the Observation was made for circulation amongst the members of the East African Rare Birds Committee. It would be much appreciated if.details could be sent in duplicate. Photocopies of original field notebook descriptions and sketches will be most useful for straight sight records. 124 East African Bird Report 1984 NOCTURNAL AFROTROPICAL MIGRANTS AT MUFINDI, SOUTHERN TANZANIA A.J. Beakbane and E.M. Boswell The first reliable instance of a migrant bird appearing at lights in the Mufindi area of southern Tanzania occurred in May 1962 when a local resident reported seeing a 'most beautiful" bird lying stunned below a lighted window in the early morning. The species was the African Pitta Pitta angolensis and it had been grounded whilst migrating at night in the thick mist that prevails over the area during the rainy months of March, April and May. Mufindi is Situated in the south-western part of the Uzungwa Mountains in southern Tanzania and much of the area lies above 1800 m. The escarp- ment edge of the mountains runs approximately east to west presenting a climatic and geographical barrier of over 600 m to migratory birds travelling north to non-breeding grounds nearer the equator. While the escarpment edge itself supports some large tracts of natural rain forest, much of it protected Forest Reserve, the land behind the scarp is all under cultivation, mainly tea and eucalyptus plantations, and only remnants of the original forest still exist in small pockets among the tea. Three tea factories serve the area and one of these, Kilima (8:36S, 35:22E) is situated at 2000 m on a prominent ridge approximately 4 km from the escarpment edge, providing the first point of reference for the birds as they gain altitude to negotiate the scarp. Misty con- ditions are encountered with the rise in altitude and the birds are attracted to the only brightly lit area in the vicinity. It has been well known locally for many years that small numbers of birds are grounded within the factory compound when mist occurs but neither numbers nor species have been recorded. Until this study began factory watchmen collected the birds for eating and we have been compelled to offer recompense for the loss of protein to encourage watchmen to hand birds in. In 1982 a ringing station was set up in the Mufindi area and a study of the migrant birds entering the factory begun. East African Natural History Society Rings are used and financial assistance was offered from the Ornithological Sub-Committee and the Society's Migration Fund. The grant was used to increase the intensity of light at the factory and at a garden site a kilometre south of the factory with a view to attracting greater numbers of birds. The factory site is extremely exposed and conditions during the hours of darkness when mist and rain are heavy can cause numerous bird casualties. Temperatures reach as low as 3 deg C and strong winds augment the chill factor. Birds perish very quickly in these conditions if they do not find cover and as a result, once grounded, quickly make for the many drains that surround the buildings. Catching the birds can be difficult in these circumstances and most are picked up by hand from the drains and East African Bird Report 1984 125 torches are used to locate them. Attempts have been made to trap birds using mist-nest but these have proved difficult to use in high winds and have to be checked very regularly to ensure that trapped birds do not die as a result of exposure. The vegetation surroun- ding the factory site is not suitable for a mist-netting programme and birds have usually resumed their migration at first light. RESULTS The results for 1982 are presented in Table 1. During March, April and May of 1982 the project was still in its infancy and at this stage all birds were being caught irregularly by factory staff. Ringing did not begin in the area until October, although data, including plumage details, were recorded for these unringed birds. Mist during November is unpredictable but perfect conditions occurred in the middle of the month to yield eight African Pittas over a four-day period. These and all subsequent birds caught were ringed. Bird arrivals at the factory coincide with the moon's dark phases and most occur during the week each side of the new moon, providing weather conditions are also favourable. Mist can appear at any time during the night and varies considerably in duration and density making it difficult to predict when birds might occur. For the 1983 season (see Table 2), additional lighting and manning of the site resulted in a greater number of captures although weather conditions were not always favourable during migration times. It was not until the 1984 season that both authors were able to fully co-ordinate their own efforts and those of the factory staff and were assisted most ably during late April and early May by Prof. K.M. Howell and C.A. Msuya to provide some encouraging results (see Table 3). Not only were more birds caught, but a greater number of species was also recorded in the factory catches, including Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni, Striped Crake Porzana marginalis and Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus, all species new to the Mufindi checklist (Boswell and Beakbane in prep.). Table 1. Numbers of Afrotropical migrants caught at Mufindi in 1982 Species No. Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegourgquei African Crake Crex egregia Streaky—breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi African Pitta Pitta angolensis ] SS a ES I EE) OWN Ww 126 East African Bird Report 1984 Table 2. Number of Afrotropical migrants caught at Mufindi in 1983 Species No. Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegourgquei African Crake Crex egregia Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius African Pitta Pitta angolensis Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis ———— — i fF OO Table 3. Number of Afrotropical migrants caught at Mufindi in 1984 Species No. A ee ee Se ee Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus payesii l Harlequin Quail Coturnix deleqourquei 37 African Crake Crex egregia 4 galled: Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata 3 Allen's Gallinule Porphryio alleni 1] Striped Crake Porzana marginalis 4 Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi 5 Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius ] Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus rochii 2 Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta natalensis 3 African Pitta Pitta angolensis 40 Robin Chat Cossypha caffra ] Orange Ground Thrush Turdus gurneyi 2 CONCLUSIONS Of the fifteen species recorded from the factory, seven are included in the East African Rare Bird List (East African Natural History Society 1982, East African Rare Bird List, Scopus (6) Supplement). With the exception of the Robin Chat Cossypha caffra and probably the Orange Ground Thrush Turdus gurneyi (both of which are likely to have been local birds), all the species caught are Afrotropical migrants. Most are generally uncommon, like the Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus polioce- phalus rochii and the Striped Crake, Porzana marginalis. Little is known of the movements of these species and recent documentation in Tanzania is sparse. We have no daytime observations for any of these migrants and conclude that migration resumes at first light. Palaearctic migrants, however, are observed in good numbers around the factory and generally throughout the area after weather conditions have been suitable for a 'fall'. Palaearctic species include Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, Red-backed Shrike L. collurio, Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis, Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, Garden Warbler Sylvia borin, Whitethroat S. communis, Blackcap S. atricapilla and Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. East African Bird Report 1984 127 The most eventful night was 2-3 May 1984 when not only were 32 birds caught and ringed but many other species were glimpsed as they circled round and round above the factory lights. One species was identified by its call as an Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus but other birds apparently equally large, could not be identified satisfactorily. It is hoped that the continuation of work at the Mufindi site will further clarify the little known movements of Afrotropical migrants across Africa. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Prof. K.M. Howell and C.A. Msuya for assistance and encouragement during long nights at the site in late April and early May 1984 and Dr S.N. Stuart and N.E. Baker for helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. REFERENCES BAKER, N.E., BEAKBANE, A.J. & BOSWELL, E.M. 1984. Streaky-breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi: First documented records for Tanzania Scopus 8: 64-66. BOSWELL, E.M. & BEAKBANE, A.J. in prep. Annotated checklist of the birds of Mufindi District. MACLEAN, G.L. 1985. Roberts’ birds of Southern Africa. Cape Town: The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. A.J. Beakbane and E.M. Boswell, Box 4955, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Received 3 May 1985 Scopus 8: 124-127, January 1986 128 East African Bird Report 1984 RINGING AND MIGRATION AT NGULIA, TSAVO, AUTUMN 1984 lon] GC. Backhursée, MiG. Kelsey and" D.d 4, Leamsom Twenty-five nights were spent at Ngulia Safari Lodge from 26 October to 22 December but suitable weather allowed catching to be attempted on only 18 of them. The total number of Palaearctic migrants ringed (3489) was low for the amount of netting effort expended but reflects the frequent lack of mist thas year. Tsavo West had some rain in mid October which led to green grass and bush in places at the time of the first visit from 26 to 28 of the month. Few migrants were seen, however, even when mist descended to 30 m from ground level for a few minutes on the night of 26th/27th. The main period of cover was from 16 November to 3 December but good falls of birds occurred on only four nights (19th, 2st, 23nd aceon - ringing totals 510, 450, 609 and 765 respectively). Marsh Warblers (scientific names given in Table 1) predominated while numbers of Sprossers and Whitethroats, and especially River Warblers, were well below average (see Table 1). A Great Snipe caught after midnight on 21st was new for Ngulia and an Icterine Warbler on 29th was only the (elaniecl The five nights of cover from 18 to 22 December started with two birdless ones. Mist on 20th and 21st was thick but few birds were seen or caught, suggesting a slackening off of overhead movement and/ or inadequate penetration of the mist by the lights. The final night, 22nd was misty throughout with a number of heavy showers. Nearly 300 migrants were caught including two exceptionally late Olive-tree Warblers, a Redstart (third ever) and a Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata (second). Rather few ringing recoveries are reported these days so it was heartening to have notification of an adult Marsh Warbler, ringed at night on 23 November this season recovered on northward passage at Salalah in southern Oman on 7 May 1985. Table 1 continued Cuckoo C. poliocephalus 1, Scops Owl Otus scops 2, Sand Martin Riparia riparia 6, Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 13, Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka 36, Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 2, Savi's Warbler Locust- ella luscinioides 1, Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 2, Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 48, Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 19 and Yellow Wag- tail Motacilla flava 3. From December 1969 a total of 67707 Palaearctic birds of 45 species has been ringed at Ngulia during southward migration. Heenan eee EE East African Bird Report 1984 129 TABLE 1 Numbers of Palaearctic night migrants ringed at Ngulia Safari Lodge between October and February in the years 1969-1985%* Species 1984/5* Z** Total 1969 total 1985% Great Snipe Gallinago media | = 1 Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 12 63 2972 Eurasian Roller Coracias garrulus 1 35 37 Eurasian Swallow Hirundo rustica 5 48 131 Rufous Bush Chat Cercotrichas galactotes 2D 4] 760 Irania Irania gutturalis 230 30 1256 Sprosser Luscinia luscinia 410 39 13005 Nightingale L. megarhynchos 23 60 487 Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 9. 108 109 Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina 3 53} 71 Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe 4 ay 96 Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus l = 3 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 3 = 29 Basra Reed Warbler A. griseldis 135 83 544 Marsh Warbler A. palustris 1837 103 23410 Sedge Warbler A. schoenobaenus 13 240 78 Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus 4 80 65 Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina ] = 3 Upcher's Warbler H. languida 3 WA 22 Olive-tree Warbler H. olivetorum 24 103 305 Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida 8 30 331 River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis 70 35 Pay 7) Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 38 37 27 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 21 58 462 Whitethroat S. communis 804 D2 19452 Barred Warbler S. nisoria 20 51 497 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 30 59 643 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Di, 43 781 Red-tailed Shrike L. isabellinus 27 53 642 Hybrid L. collurio x L. isabellinus 1 = 9 Number of species 29 29 Total 3489 67559 * 1984/85 season - no ringing in January or February 1985. **x The autumn 1984 total expressed as a percentage of the mean of the years 1972/73 to 1983/84 for each species. Totals of Palaearctic species ringed in previous autumn seasons but not in 1984/85 are as follows: Little Bittern Ixobrychus m. minutus 4, Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae 1, Corncrake Crex crex 7, Spotted Crake Porzana porzana 1, Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2, Lesser 130 East African Bird Report 1984 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank the Warden of Tsavo National Park (West) for permission to ring birds in the park, the management of Ngulia Safari Lodge and African Tours and Hotels Limited for assistance with accommodation and help in other ways. For assistance during catching and ringing we are most grateful to Daphne Backhurst, Miles Coverdale, John Fanshawe, Lincoln Fishpool, Peter Fletcher, Anna Forbes-Watson and Nat and Cynthia Kofsky. We thank too the EANHS for financial assistance from its Bird Migration Fund. G.C. Backhurst, Box 24702, Nairobi, M.G. Kelsey, Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, England and D.J. Pearson, Department of Biochemistry, Box 30197, Nairobi SEOQDUS 82 MZIKISO, Jamucaay 1Q3© ORNITKOLOGICAL PROJECTS IN EAST AFRICA, 1984 Allan, Dr Richard G. FAO/UNDP Regional Quelea Project, Box 304/70, Nairobi. Biology and management of quelea populations. Andersson, Dr Malte, Department of Zoology, University of Gdéteborg, Box 25059, S-400 31 Géteborg, Sweden. Mating systems and sexual selection in widowbirds, Euplectes spp. at Kinangop and Laikipia. Backhurst, Graeme C., Box 24702 Nairobi. a) Eastern African Ringing Seheme.™ b) see heansone Drie (br Baker, Neil E., Falcom Engineering (Africa)’ Ltd.,. Box 5277 Wares Salaam, Tanzania. a) with Turner, D.A., atlas of the Birds of Tanzania. b) Birds of the Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, Tanzania, breeding and moult study. Beakbane, Mrs A.J., Box 4955 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. a) Taxonomy of montane double-collared sunbird species. b) with Boswell, E.M., study of the habits of Afrotropical nocturnal migrants at Mufindi. c) with Boswell, E.M., study leading to the preparation of an annotated checklist of the birds in the Mufindi District, SW Uzungwa Mountains. *Bennun, Leon A., Box 21149 Nairobi. Birds of the Bwindi (Impenet- rable) Forest, Uganda (in association with the Cambridge University Bwindi Forest Study Group). Boswell, Mrs Elizabeth M., Box 4955 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. see Regie, Aodlg (oe & ©). Brogger-Jensen, Steffan, Zoologisk Museum, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, Denmark. see Stuart, S.N. East African Bird Report 1984 131] Candy, Mrs Mhorag, Kaimosi Tea Estate, Box | Kaimosi. The biology of the Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata and Ross's Turaco Musophaga rossae. Carswell, Dr Margaret, Box 151 Kampala, Uganda. with Pomeroy, D.E. a bird atlas for Uganda. Coverdale, Miles A.C. see Pearson D.J. (c). *Dewhurst, Dr Charles F., Box 30023 Nairobi. The breeding ecology of the African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro in Karen, Nairobi. Elliott, Dr Clive C.H. FAO/UNDP, Box 634 Arusha, Tanzania. a) Biology and management of quelea populations. b) see Luder, R (c). Emlen, Dr Stephen T., Division of Biological Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, U.S.A. see Wrege, P. Etoori, Miss Dorothy, Uganda Institute of Ecology, Box 22 Lake Katwe, Uganda. The impact of fishing villages on the birds and other wildlife in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park. *Gichuki, Mrs Cecilia, Section of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, Box 40658 Nairobi. a) a study of some aspects of the ecology of Speke's Weaver Ploceus spekei in Nairobi. b) the diet of the Barn Owl Tyto alba in Nairobi. Goriup, Paul D. International Council for Bird Preservation, 219c Huntingdon Rd., Cambridge CB3 ODL, U.K. (with Osborne, Patrick E and Everett, Susan J.). A preliminary survey of the bustards Otididae of Meru National Park. Holmes, Ms Jenifer, New York Zoological Society, c/o Department of Botany, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda. with Kramer, S., the effects of forestry management practices on avian popu- lations. Horne, Ms Jennifer F.M., c/o Section of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, Box 40658 Nairobi (see also Short, L.L.). a) vocalizations and communication in African birds. b) vocal communication in Zosterops, Hypsipetes and Coracina of the Indo-African region. Isaack, Hussein Adan, c/o Section of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, Box 40658 Nairobi. The biology of the Black-throated Honeyguide Indicator indicator in N Kenya. Jaeger, Dr Michael M., Denver Wildlife Research Center, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Section of International Program, Building 16, Colorado 80225, U.S.A. Populations and movements of quelea in Eastern Africa. Jensen, Flemming P., Zoologisk Museum, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, Denmark. see Stuart, S.N. Jones, Dr Peter, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, U.K. see Luder, R.(c). 32 East African Bird Report 1984 Kamwea, Abel M., Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197 Nairobi. MSe study on the effect of pesticides on non- target species at the Mwea-Tabere Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga Datsiteitg liter Kasoma, Pantheleon, Uganda Institute of Ecology, Box 22 Lake Katwe, Uganda. Feeding ecology of large water birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Kelsey, Martin J., Edward Grey Institute, South Park's Road, Oxford OX] 3PS, U.K. A study of the movement and biometrics of the Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris on passage at Ngulia in Tsavo West. Kramer, Steven, New York Zoological Society, c/o Department of Botany, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda. see Holmes, J. *Leisler, Dr Bernd, Max-Planck Institut fuer Verhaltenphysiologie, Vogelwarte Radolfzell und Andechs, D-7760 Radolfzell-Moeggingen, West Germany. Ecology of wintering wheatears Oenanthe spp. at Lake Nakuru National Park. Lewis, Dr Adrian D., Department of Geology, University of Nairobi, Box 30197 Nairobi.” a) wath Pomeroy, D.E. atlas) of the: Bundsmon Kenya. b) Vocalizations of the Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida. Luder, Dr Roland, FAO/UNDP Quelea Bird Control Project, Box 634 Arusha Tanzania. a) Correlation between breeding distribution and rain- fall pattern in quelea. b) Behaviour of quelea surviving control operations in relation to crop damage. c) with Jones, P. and miso, Coals g Guellea wmowllies Pearson, Dr David J., Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Box 30197 Nairobi. a) Numbers and distribution of wintering Palaearctic ducks and waders in Kenya. b) with Backhurst, G.C., passage and wintering of Palaearctic passerines, particularly in E Kenya. c) with Coverdale, M.A.C., wader ringing studies at Mida Creek. Pomeroy, Dr Derek E., Department of Zoology, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda. a) Bird population studies in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, Uganda. b) see Carswell, Me ©) see: Lewis. wAsDem Gaye Rasa, Dr O. Anne E. Lehrstuhl fuer Tierphysiologie, Universitat Bayreuth, 8580 Bayreuth, West Germany. a) A study of the commensal relationship between certain hornbills Tockus spp. and the Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula in the Taru Desert, SE Kenya. b) The migration patterns of small raptors and Palaearctic migrants in the Taru area. c) Vocalizations of dry country birds. *Reyer, Dr Heinz-Ulrich, Max Planck Institut fuer Verhaltensphysiologie, D-8131 Seewiesen, West Germany. Ecology and social behaviour of Pied Kingfishers Ceryle rudis at Lake Naivasha and Kendu Bay, Lake Victoria. East African Bird Report 1984 133 Short, Dr Lester L., Chairman, Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 19th St., New York, NYOO2Z4 S.A. (b—e, with Horne, J.—.M.). a) Systematics and zoogeography of Afrotropical birds, especially indigenous landbirds. b) Behaviour, ecology and systematics of African honeyguides, barbets and woodpeckers. c) English names of African birds. d) Preservation of Afrotropical forest avifaunas. e) Behaviour and ecology of threatened East African birds. Stevenson, Terry, Lake Baringo Club, Box 47557 Nairobi. Birds of the Lake Baringo area. Stuart, Dr Simon N., c/o International Council for Bird Preservation, 219c Huntingdon Rd., Cambridge CB3 ODL, U.K. with Jensen F.P. and Brogger-Jensen, S. Survey of the avifauna of several forests in the Uzungwa Mountains, Tanzania (Mwanikana, Magondera, Chita, Dadaga, Mufindi and Kigogo Forests). Sumba, Sebastian, Uganda Institute of Ecology, Box 22 Lake Katwe, Uganda. Studies of the Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Taylor, P. Barry, c/o St Austin's Academy, Box 25138 Nairobi a) EANHS East African Nest Record Scheme. b) Counts of wintering and passage Palaearctic migrants at Ferguson's Gulf, Lake Turkana. Thompson, Jeremy, c/o Cavina School, Box 43090 Nairobi. a) Quelea movement patterns and ecology using mass marking with fluorescent particles (in association with the FAO/UNDP Regional Quelea Project) b) The introduction of lovebirds Agapornis spp. to Lake Naivasha and their subsequent effect on the area's agriculture and indigenous birdlife. Turner, Don A., Box 48019 Nairobi. see Baker, N.E. (a). Wrege, Dr Peter, Box 33 Nakuru. with Emlem, S.T. Social behaviour of White-fronted Bee-eaters Merops bullockoides at Lake Nakuru National Park. * Field work completed in 1984 Names, addresses and project details are presented above as accurately as the information available allowed. Will people please contact the compiler via the editorial address with corrections and additions for the list. It is hoped that the expansion of the information to include addresses will enhance contact between researchers and other subscribers. (Compiled by John Fanshawe) 134 East African Bird Report 1984 MEMBERSHIP ADDITIONS AND CHANGES OF ADDRESS * = change of address Bartlett, K. c/o International School, Box 2651, Dar es Salaam (T) *Braund, R. Box 3587, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman Breed, D. Box 20118, Nairobi Burfitt, Mrs E. Box 5102, Dar es Salaam (T) Burnier, Dr E. c/o Swiss Tropical Institute, Box 53, Ifakara (T) *Carter, A.T.G. Kavindra Mansion, D.Vacha Road, Bombay 400 020, India Chappuis, Dr C. "Les Chardonnerets", Vallon du Fer a Cheval, La Bouille, 76530 Grand-Couronne, France Clarke, G. Juniper House, 2 Bellingham Rd, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5JW UK Cumberlege, J.R.P. c/o British High Commission, Box 30465, Nairobi *Dowsett, R.J. Box 357, Sedgefield 6573, South Africa *Dunlop, W. c/o P.A. Sefula Mongu, Zambia Figenschou, B. c/o Tanzania Guides, Box 1182, Arusha, Tanzania Gallagher, K. c/o Howard Humphries, Box 2555, Dar es Salaam (T) *Gerhart, Dr J.D. Apt 3A, 395 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y. 10025 Gwilliams, T. c/o Howard Humphries, Box 2555, Dar es Salaam (T) Hamilton, W. Univ. of Dar es Salaam, Box 35064, Dar es Salaam (T) *Harjula, Dr J. Sepankylantie 34 A 16, SF-65610 Mustasaari, Finland Hodgson, S. c/o British High Commission, Box 9200, Dar es Salaam (T) *Holmgren, V. Sodra Esplanaden 3B, S-223 54 Lund, Sweden Hombegh, Dr J. c/o Turiani Hospital, Private Bag, Morogoro,Tanzania Jann, Mrs C. c/o Tanzania Safari Tours, Box 20058, Dar es Salaam (T) *Jensen, Flemming P. Snehvidevej 14, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark Johnston, A. Box 30005, Nairobi *Lewis, Dr A.D. Box 25296, Nairobi Lewis, G. c/o Sengo Safaris Ltd, Box 180, Arusha, Tanzania de Leyser, Mrs E. c/o Howard Humphries, Box 2555, Dar es Salaam (T) *Meadows, B.S. c/o Amartech Ltd, Box 30227, Yanbu-al-Sinaiyah, Saudi Arabia Merritt, Dr P.J. c/o Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Ilonga, Kilosa, Tanzania Mordue, T. c/o Haggarty, CDC, Box 43233, Nairobi *Oliver, P.J. The Briar Patch, Limpsfield Chart, Oxted, Surrey, UK Ryall, Dr C. c/o Dept. of Mathematics & Applied Sciences, Mombasa Polytechnic, Box 90420, Mombasa Redman, N. | Westfields, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3DZ, England *Richards, D.K. Box 24545, Nairobi Schulze-Hagen, Dr K. Bleichgrabenstr.3, D-4050 Moenchengladbach, West Germany Sheeny, P. c/o CONCERN, Box 6370, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania *Smallshire, D. 42 Bridge St., Shepshed, Loughborough LE]2 9AD, UK Tanner, R.F. Box 50381, Nairobi Tarboton, W.R. Box 327, Nylstroom, Transvaal 0501, South Africa *Tucker, E. Lower Flat, 5 Deal Castle Rd, Deal, Keny CT14 7BB, UK Walker, Dr J.B. Box 12517, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, S.Africa *Wilkinson, Dr R. 2 Weston Grove, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1QJ Zingg-Schlaepfer, Mrs E. Alter Kirchweg 2, CH-5412 Gebenstorf/AG Switzerland Zibbarras, Mrs G. c/o Thornton & Turpin, Box 21231, Dar es Salaam East African Bird Report 1984 New Institutional Subscribers: Library, National Museums of Kenya, Box 40658, Nairobi Library, Ecology Division DSIR, Private Bag, Lower Hutt, New Zealand V.S.0. Office, Box 9200, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Compiled by D.A. Turner) INDEX OF AUTHORS Backhurst, Daphne, Pearson, D.J. & Richards, D.K. A Kenya record of the Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica ...... .- Baker, N.E. Recent coastal records of the White-starred Forest Robin Pogonocichla stellata in Tanzania .. S40 » Beakbane, A.J. & Boswell, E.M. Grrcaky=breasted Pygmy Crake Sarothrura boehmi: poeet documented records for Tanzania = 6 sig 5 P< - i Cue he aes, SS Brooke, R.K. Some en records feos che Ravana River, frontier of Mozambique and Tanzania .. 6 3 Se % The African bird collections ee S. me uniee GE SEMEN PE SEIMEL A cre ss onda nea yer ee ve xo se eke Gs MEMS LOI 30.8% Carswell, Margaret. Example of apparent hybridisation between Terpsiphone rufiventer and Terpsiphone viridis ....... . Coverdale, M.A.C. & Pearson, D.J. A Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittata on the Kenya coast... eee V8, Ae Dewhurst, C.F. & Fishpool, L.D.C. The Seat tanied Kile Chelictinia riocourii breeding in the Kedong valley, Kenya . Dillingham, I.H. The record of the Angola White-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia oustaleti from Kigoma in western Tanzania . Elliott, C.C.H. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus attacking hartebeest calf Alcelaphus buselaphus ....... SF Frere, Patrick J. White-browed Coucal Centropus See shiioeae robbing nest of Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons of eggs Fuggles-Couchman, N.R. The distribution of, and other notes on, some birds of Tanzania Pec dy i alee ae Pears The dveceibueron of, and other notes on, some birds of Tanzania, Part II .. ois Goodman, John & Pomeroy, Derek. mnniteneaced Scone Owl otus leucotis breeding at Makerere, Uganda ... 4 Ore Crime oa tink Grant, Lavinia & Lewis, Adrian D. Breeding of the ettopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica in interior Kenya ........-. Irwin, M.P.S. Request for information (Clamator spp.) Lambert, F.R. Birds at ant swarms in Kenya and southern Sudan Lewis, Adrian D. Notes on the ranges of three species in northern and eastern Kenya 58 Ssagtprdccnree Grama nares eas “ Hinde's Pied Babbler Turdoides hindei south of Machakos, Kenya a ee : wi oxo Re. Geet aes , Loefler, 7 ce P 6 ‘Pearson, D. i. Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus in northwest Kenya .. Moyer, D.C. A record of Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta Meer a7Ttidula from Tanzania... . » i oi ts \sf .® sac ias koe 135 50 51 64 46 99 136 East African Bird Report 1984 Nikolaus, G. Further notes on birds new or little known in the.Sudan.« . .sigosis’..82004 sof .avnek 2s eieeeys Tense : Large numbers of birds killed by electric power line & Hamed, D.M. Distinct status changes of certain Palaearctic migrants in the Sudan...... 2 ssh 1s ge spp clgen tens Parker, I1.S.C. Shoebill Balaeniceps rex and Wattled Crane Grus carunculatus in the Moyowosi swamp, Tanzania ..... So 8c Shoebill Balaeniceps rex: a deletion from dive Kenya avifauna ... cima hh MRM h ile ds ek) eee Ste asco 0 Pearson, D.J. The Napneieeaile Luscinia neGarhunéness che Sprosser Luscinia luscinia and the Irania Irania gutturalis in Kenya. . A Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura at Naivasha... Some counts of wintering waders on the south Kenya coast) si stared aes tees sys ie es hs Ne ee eee & Coverdale, M.A.C. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus pacificus off Ras Ngomeni, Kenya... 2 Cayenne ae Reynolds, J.F. Response of a Blacksmith Plover vandiiuas armatus to ants attacking a hatching eggs sho . 008. SP See ee ee Short, Lester L. & Horne, Jennifer F.M. Nesting and roosting records of piciform birds®. 03°20 .+.0.%. 6.5, (245% «2 > See Taylor, P.B. A roost of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni on the Athi Plains, Kenya 7 «shou y. Sone: o MEE, LSS LAs oe erm Recent Kenya records of Glacket s Weaver Ploceus golandi and an indication of its breeding season .. . S45 A field study of the Corncrake Crex crex at nde tel Zambia | 36s has ag Pays OREM) alll? at Beh Gas skeen ee Urban, Emil K. Observations on nesting of the Brown Swift Apus niansae in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ............ Vande weghe, Jean-Pierre. Further additions to the bird fauna Of “Rwanda (6.8 oe ee ee eset Lesterc. Bain) Wo kot on e Wolf, David E. 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