Chapter XIX: Part 2: of Table (1)

+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
| NAME OF SKULL. | BA. | AI. | NH. | NW. | NI. | OW. | OH. | OI. | CA. |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
| 788 _d._ }| | | | | | | | | |
|Mr. F. Oates, No. 1, }| 3·6| 100 | 1·6| 1· | ·62 | 1·7 | 1·3 | 76 |1142·5|
|Male, c^{a. } 25 æt. }| (93)| | (41)| (25)| |(43) | (33)| | |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
| 788 _e._ }| | | | | | | | | |
|Mr. F. Oates, No. 2, }| 3·8| 97 | 1·8 | 1·5 | ·60 | 1·5 | 1·5 | 100 |1179·8|
|Male, middle life }| (96)| |(46) | (38)| |(38) |(38) | | |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
|788 _f._ Mr. F. Gates,}| | | | | | | | | |
|No. 3. Probably }| 3·9| 100| 1·6| 1· | ·62 | 1·45| 1·2 | 82 |1142·5|
|female. 25–30 æt. }| (99)| | (41) (25)| | (37)| (30)| | |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
|788 _a._ Dr. Bleek’s }| | | | | | | | | |
|gift. 788 a. Aged }| 3·3| 97| 1·6| 1·0| ·62| 1·5| 1·3| 80 |1106·0|
|Male. }| (83)| | (40)| (24)| | (36)| (33)| | |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
|788 _b._ Mr. Dunster-}| | | | | | | | | |
|villa’s gift. Aged }| 3·6| 93 | 1·55| 1·1| ·70| 1·7| 1·25| ·73|1179·8|
|Male. }| (91)| | (39) (28)| | (43)| (32)| | |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
|788 _c._ Mr. Fair }| | | | | | | | | |
|dough’s gift. Male, }| 3·6| 102| 1·9| 1·0| ·52| 1·5| 1·4| 91 |1419·5|
|middle age. }| (91)| | (48)| (25)| | (38)| (36)| |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+
|Averages | 92 | 98 | 42 | 27 | ·61 | 39 | 33 | 83 | 1285 |
+----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+

II.

ORNITHOLOGY.

By R. BOWDLER SHARPE, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Etc.

Senior Assistant, Zoological Department, British Museum.

(PLATES A, B.)

The Collection of Birds made by the late Mr. Frank Oates was formed by that gentleman with the greatest care, and it is seldom that it falls to the lot of the naturalist to examine a series of birds in which the particulars of capture are so carefully noted on each specimen as in the present instance. For this reason alone, therefore, the collection is of great importance; but, besides this, it represents without doubt a very fair idea of the avifauna of the parts of the Transvaal and Matabele countries through which Mr. Oates travelled. Of the birds of the former province Mr. Ayres has published several accounts in recent volumes of the “Ibis,” and in the same journal for 1874, Mr. T. E. Buckley gave a list of the birds met with by him on his journey through the Matabele country, where he travelled for some part of the time with Mr. Oates: but as Mr. Buckley did not get beyond Tati, it has been left for Mr. Oates to give us the first account of the birds which are to be met with between that place and the Zambesi. His untimely death was a great loss to science, for, after his long journey to that river, he had at last reached a _terra fere incognita_ to the ornithologist, where there is little doubt that further researches would have crowned his efforts with the discovery of many new and important facts. The avifauna of the Zambesi region is almost unknown, Dr. Kirk being the only naturalist who has written upon the birds, and the species which he has recorded are sufficiently interesting to arouse our interest in the further exploration of the locality. As far as one can judge from the materials at present existing in museums, the birds of the Zambesi region would appear to have their nearest affinities in those of South-western Africa, that is, the provinces of Benguela, Mossamedes, and the Ovampo country to the north of Damara Land. Thus it is that _Accipiter ovampensis_ of Gurney, discovered in Ovampo Land, is now known from the Zambesi (_Mus. Brit._), and, on the other hand, the Zambesi Kestrel (_Cerchneis Dickinsoni_) occurs also in South-western Africa. Instances of this kind might be multiplied to a greater extent, but an exact comparison cannot be made until the two regions have been more thoroughly explored. The Victoria Falls, up to the present time, constituted the only locality whence the peculiar Babbling-Thrush (_Pinarornis plumosus_) and Shelley’s Wheatear (_Saxicola Shelleyi_) have yet been found, but one of these has now been discovered by Mr. Oates in the Matabele country. Future research may increase the known range of the other Zambesi birds in a southerly direction, and it seems unlikely that the Zambesi region possesses a peculiar bird-fauna.

On its arrival in England Mr. Oates’s collection was placed in the hands of my friend Captain G. E. Shelley for determination, and the species were in nearly every case identified by him. My task has therefore been a very light one. All the field-notes in the following pages are taken from Mr. Oates’s labels, and I am responsible only for the remarks placed between brackets “[].” A reference is given to my new edition of Layard’s _Birds of South Africa_ as far as published, to the first edition of that work, to my _Catalogue of African Birds_, and to standard works, such as Finsch and Hartlaub’s _Vögel Ost-Afrika’s_, Gurney’s edition of Andersson’s _Birds of Damara Land_, etc.

The following LIST of LOCALITIES, alluded to in the ensuing
pages, where specimens were obtained by Mr. Oates, will enable
the reader, by a reference to the general map in this volume, to
determine the position of each locality indicated:--

Lat. Long.
Bamangwato 23.1 S. 26.45 E.
Bisschop’s Farm, Transvaal 26.7 S. 29.12 E.
Blauw Krans River, Natal 28.55 S. 29.48 E.
Branslow’s Farm, Transvaal 26.4 S. 29.9 E.
Crocodile River 25.34 S. 28.28 E.
Daka River 18.45 S. 25.57 E.
Dry River (Sakasusi) 21.9 S. 28.10 E.
Durban 29.51 S. 31.0 E.
Eland’s River 25.19 S. 28.3 E.
First Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road,
(Wankee’s Kraal) 20.33 S. 27.26 E.
Geruah 19.19 S. 26.30 E.
Gokwe River 22.8 S. 27.36 E.
Gubuleweyo 20.23 S. 28.50 E.
Gwailo River 19.14 S. 29.49 E.
Hendrik’s Vlei 18.57 S. 26.26 E.
Hex River 25.20 S. 28.4 E.
High Veldt, Transvaal 26.35 S. 29.40 E.
Holfontein 24.26 S. 27.46 E.
Hope Fountain 20.22 S. 28.51 E.
Impakwe River 21.4 S. 27.54 E.
Inchlangin 19.42 S. 29.14 E.
Inkwesi River 20.55 S. 28.0 E.
Inquinquesi River 19.42 S. 29.13 E.
Inyati 19.41 S. 29.15 E.
John Scott’s Farm, Transvaal 26.11 S. 29.23 E.
Kaar Kloof Heights, Pietermaritzburg 29.19 S. 30.2 E.
Ladysmith 28.37 S. 29.38 E.
Lion Camp, Crocodile River 24.18 S. 27.48 E.
Makalapsi River 22.58 S. 26.54 E.
Matengwe River 20.24 S. 27.28 E.
Meriko River 24.10 S. 27.30 E.
Metli River 22.55 S. 26.56 E.
Mopani Pan 21.18 S. 27.50 E.
Motloutsi River 21.52 S. 27.41 E.
Nata River 19.53 S. 27.4 E.
Newcastle 27.47 S. 29.50 E.
Palatswe River 22.38 S. 27.16 E.
Pantamatenka River 18.39 S. 25.41 E.
Pietermaritzburg 29.34 S. 30.24 E.
Pilandsberg 25.12 S. 27.35 E.
Pinetown 29.50 S. 30.50 E.
Pretoria 25.42 S. 28.50 E.
Ramaqueban River 21.11 S. 27.52 E.
Retief’s Drift, Vaal River 26.50 S. 29.58 E.
Sand Spruit, Transvaal 27.11 S. 30.18 E.
Second Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road
20.31 S. 27.26 E.
Semokwe River 21.7 S. 28.17 E.
Seruli River 22.32 S. 27.29 E.
Shashe River 21.34 S. 27.44 E.
Sibanani 19.45 S. 26.58 E.
Sunday’s River, Transvaal 28.21 S. 29.49 E.
Tamasancha 19.32 S. 26.40 E.
Tamasetsie 19.10 S. 26.28 E.
Tati 21.28 S. 27.45 E.
Tchakani Vlei 22.48 S. 27.5 E.
Tibakai’s Pan 18.52 S. 26.18 E.
Touani River 22.52 S. 26.59 E.
Umvungu River 19.21 S. 29.41 E.
Victoria Falls, Zambesi 17.57 S. 25.48 E.
Witfontein 24.28 S. 27.46 E.

Order ACCIPITRES.

Sub-order FALCONES.

Family VULTURIDÆ.

1. OTOGYPS AURICULARIS (Daud.): Sharpe, ed. Layard’s_Birds of
South Africa_, p. 4. Eared Vulture.

_a_. Shot at dead elephant, near Umvungu River, about the middle of November 1873. Iris dark hazel; bill pale horn-colour, bluish grey at base; head and neck livid and red (scabby); legs and feet pale bluish grey; claws black.

2. NEOPHRON PILEATUS (Burch.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 7. Hooded
Vulture.

_a_. Ramaqueban River, August 6, 1874. Iris dark; bill neutral tint; head and neck pale dirty blue, tinged with pink on the cheeks; legs pale dirty blue; claws black. A female, I am nearly sure.

3. CIRCUS RANIVORUS (Daud.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 14. South
African Marsh-Harrier.

_a_. ♂ Near Pretoria, June 22, 1873. Iris bright chrome; legs pale yellow. Ball of hair in stomach; mouse or rat skin in crop.

4. MELIERAX CANORUS (Rislach): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 17. Chanting
Goshawk.

_a._ ♂ Bush veldt, between Pretoria and Bamangwato, July 1873. Iris bright raw sienna; base of beak orange (?); legs red. Crop and stomach very full, containing large ants, rat, lizard, etc.

5. MELIERAX GABAR (Daud.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 19. Red-faced
Goshawk.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Lion Camp, Crocodile River, July 1873.

_b._ (juv.) Second Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road, September 3, 1874. Iris deep orange, approaching burnt sienna; bill black, orange all round the nostril and base; skin round eye pale blue; legs fine reddish, clouded and spotted with dusky black; claws black.

6. ASTUR POLYZONOIDES (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 22.
Many-banded Goshawk.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) First Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road, August 22, 1874. Iris rich deep orange; bill black, pale bluish at base; skin round base yellow (pale); skin round eye pale bluish, inclining to yellow; claws black. Lizard in stomach.

_b._ ♂ Hendrik’s Vlei, December 18, 1874. Iris crimson; bill black, becoming pale blue just under nostril; cere and gape and skin round eye yellow; legs orange-yellow; claws black. In stomach large insects and lizard (?).

[This pretty little Goshawk is rare in South Africa, but appears to increase in numbers towards the Zambesi, whence I have recently seen a series collected by Dr. Bradshaw.]

7. BUTEO JACKAL (Daud.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 26. Jackal Buzzard.

_a._ ♂ Newcastle, June 4, 1873. Iris pale golden hazel.

8. MILVUS ÆGYPTIUS (G.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 49. Yellow-billed
Kite.

_a._ ♂ (testes well developed.) Ramaqueban River, September 17, 1874. Iris bright hazel; bill golden yellow, inclining to horn-colour on upper and lower mandibles, but bright at the base and nostrils; legs golden yellow, somewhat dusky; claws black. Lizards in stomach; very fat.

_b._ ♂ Tati, October 1874.

9. ELANUS CÆRULEUS (Desf.); Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 52.
Black-shouldered Kite.

_a._ ♂ (?) (imm.) Hex River, July 1873. Iris bright raw sienna. Mouse or rat in stomach.

_b._ (adult.) Not labelled.

10. FALCO MINOR, Bp.: Sharpe, _t. c._, p. 57. South African
Peregrine Falcon.

_a._ (adult.) Not labelled.

11. FALCO BIARMICUS (Temm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 58, pl. ii.
South African Lanner.

_a._ ♂ Newcastle, June 3, 1873. Iris very dark. Remains of mouse or rat, and a great many grasshoppers’ heads, in the stomach.

12. CERCHNEIS RUPICOLA (Daud.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 62. South
African Kestrel.

_a._ ♂ Newcastle, June 3, 1873. Iris very dark.

_b._ ♀ Newcastle, June 3, 1873.

_c._ Not labelled.

13. CERCHNEIS TINNUNCULOIDES (Temm.) _Cerchneis naumanni_,
Sharpe, _t. c._, p. 64. Lesser Kestrel.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Holfontein, November 25, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

14. CERCHNEIS AMURENSIS (Radde): Sharpe, _t.
c._ p. 66. Eastern Red-footed Kestrel.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Between Sibanani and Tamasancha, December 9, 1874. Iris hazel; skin round eye yellow; skin at base of bill orange; bill dark greyish blue, pale yellow at base, the yellow colour predominating over the blue on the lower mandible; legs and feet orange; claws pale dusky orange. In stomach flying ants, which it was catching in the air, amongst many other birds, when shot. The male, I think, is less, and more distinctly marked.

[Dr. Kirk was the first to discover this Kestrel in the Zambesi region, and there were specimens in Dr. Bradshaw’s collection.]

Sub-order STRIGES.

Family BUBONIDÆ.

15. BUBO LACTEUS (Temm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 71. Verreaux’s
Eagle Owl.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Inkwesi River, August 5, 1874. Iris dark (? dark blue), but much sunk in when I got it; bill very pale blue; claws dusky black.

16. BUBO MACULOSUS (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 73. Spotted
Eagle Owl.

_a._ Not labelled.

17. SCOPS LEUCOTIS (Temm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 74. White-faced
Scops Owl.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Near Umvungu River, November 3, 1873. Native name, “Secova.” Iris deep orange. Ova size of mustard seed. Remains of small rat in stomach. Sitting on nest, made, I think, in an old one, as there were many similar ones, as of a colony of birds, in the trees about. Three well-grown young ones in nest, very fierce, as was the old one.

18. GLAUCIDIUM PERLATUM (Vieill.): Sharpe, _Cat. B._ ii. p.
209. _Carine perlata_, Sharpe, ed. Layard, p. 77. African
Pearl-spotted Owlet.

_a._ ♀ Tati, August 29, 1873. Iris chrome yellow.

_b._ ♂ Tati, October 10, 1874. Iris bright yellow; bill whitish.

_c._ Not labelled.

19. ASIO CAPENSIS (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 78. African
Short-eared Owl.

_a._ Pietermaritzburg, about the beginning of May 1873. Iris dark brown.

_b._ ♂ Marsh near Newcastle, June 1, 1873. Iris deep orange. I saw several of these Owls whilst snipe-shooting. Another shot was much softer in plumage, like a young bird.

Family STRIGIDÆ.

20. STRIX CAPENSIS, (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 81. South
African Grass-owl.

_a._ Sand Spruit, Transvaal, June 8, 1873. Iris very dark.

21. STRIX FLAMMEA, L.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 82. Barn Owl.

_a._ ♀ (old bird probably). Tati, September 18, 1874. Iris very dark hazel; bill pale flesh-colour.

_b._ ♀ (?. Tati, September 18, 1874. Very fat. Iris very dark hazel; bill pale flesh-colour; feet whitish; claws black.

_c._ ♂ (?) (undeveloped). Tati, October 3, 1874. Remains of rat in stomach.

Order PICARIÆ.

Family CAPRIMULGIDÆ.

22. CAPRIMULGUS EUROPÆUS, L.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 83. European
Nightjar.

_a._ Not labelled.

23. CAPRIMULGUS RUFIGENIS, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 85.
Rusous-cheeked Nightjar.

_a._ ♀ Semokwe River, September 24, 1873.

_b._ ♂ Semokwe River, October 1873. Iris hazel.

_c._ ♀ Tati, March 21, 1874.

_d_. ♀ Tati, October 1, 1874. Iris hazel; legs pale brown.

_e_. ♀ Tati, October 1874.

24. CAPRIMULGUS MOSSAMBICUS, Peters: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 88.
Mozambique Nightjar.

_a._ ♀ Tati, March 21, 1874. Iris dark hazel. Stomach very full of beetles, moths, and other insects.

_b._ Not labelled.

25. COSMETORNIS VEXILLARIUS (Gould): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 89.
Standard-winged Nightjar.

_a._ ♂ (juv.) Victoria Falls, Zambesi, January 2, 1875. Iris dark hazel; upper mandible and tip of lower one dusky, the base of the latter flesh-colour; legs dirty flesh-colour. Large winged ants and large beetle in stomach.

Family CYPSELIDÆ.

26. CYPSELUS APUS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 90. Common Swift.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Between Sibanani and Tamasancha, December 9, 1874. Iris hazel; bill black; legs and feet dirty flesh-colour, dusky towards the tips and on the claws. Flying ants in stomach.

Family MEROPIDÆ.

27. MEROPS APIASTER, L.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 96. European
Bee-eater.

_a._ ♂ Crocodile River, November 15, 1873. Iris crimson.

_b._ ♀ (juv.) Inchlangin, about the beginning of December 1873. Iris pale crimson.

_c_. ♀ (?) Hendrik’s Vlei, December 18, 1874. Iris crimson; bill black; legs brown; claws whitish.

28. MEROPS SUPERCILIOSUS, L.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 97.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater.

_a._ ♂, _b._ ♀ Hendrik’s Vlei, December 18, 1874. Iris crimson; bill black; legs brown; claws whitish. In stomach large flying insects (? dragon-flies).

29. MEROPS NUBICOIDES, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 99, pl. iv.
fig. 2. Carmine-throated Bee-eater.

_a._ Daka River, January 20, 1875. Iris dark hazel; bill black; legs neutral tint, marked with greyish white; claws dusky. Beetles, etc., in stomach.

_b._ ♂ Geruah, January 24, 1875. Iris dark hazel; bill black; feet, legs, and claws, dark neutral tint; legs and feet covered with whitish scales. Beetles, wasps, etc., in stomach.

30. MEROPS BULLOCKOIDES, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 99, pl. iv.
fig. 1. White-fronted Bee-eater.

_a._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♂ Crocodile River, November 9, 1873. Iris hazel.

31. MEROPS PUSILLUS, P. L. S. Müll.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 100.
Little Bee-eater.

_a._ Tati, March 24, 1874. Iris crimson; bill, legs, and claws black. Stomach not at all muscular, containing remains of insects like beetles.

_b._ Tati, March 24, 1874. Soft parts as above. Stomach contained winged insects.

_c_. Tati, March 24, 1874.

_d_. ♂ (?) Tati, March 26, 1874. Iris crimson. Stomach contained remains of insects--winged, I think.

32. DICROCERCUS HIRUNDINACEUS (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 101.
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.

_a._ ♂ Near the Pantamatenka River, January 12, 1875. Iris crimson; bill black; legs dark neutral tint; claws black. Flying insects in stomach.

Family CORACIIDÆ.

33. CORACIAS GARRULA, L.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 102. European
Roller.

_a._ ♀ (adult.) Tati, March 26, 1874. Extremely fat. Iris hazel, darker round pupil, then light.

_b._ Tati, March 28, 1874. Sex undeterminable, the bird being apparently young. Very fat, as was the hen bird skinned before. Stomach full of huge grasshoppers.

34. CORACIAS NÆVIA, Daud.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 103. White-naped
Roller.

_a._ ♀ (I believe.) First Makalaka kraal on Zambesi road, August 24, 1874. Iris pale hazel (a dark ring round the pupil?); legs dull orange, inclining to olive; bill and claws black. Grasshoppers or locusts in stomach.

_b._ ♂ Second Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, September 9, 1874. Iris hazel, dark round pupil, then pale; legs pale greenish orange. Stomach contained remains of beetles.

35. CORACIAS CAUDATA, Vieill.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 104.
Lilac-breasted Roller.

_a._ ♂ Holfontein, November 25, 1873. Iris light hazel.

_b._ ♂ First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, August 18, 1874. Iris deep hazel round the pupil, outside this very pale; legs olive; claws and bill black. Stomach very large, but not muscular, containing a snake about a foot long, and remains of grasshoppers. Head very large for size of bird.

_c._ ♂ First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, August 24, 1874. Iris hazel; bill and claws black; legs pale dirty orange with an olive tinge. Lizard and grasshoppers or locusts in stomach.

_d._ ♀ Between the Pantamatenka River and Zambesi, January 11, 1875. Iris hazel; bill black; legs pale greenish orange; claws black. In stomach centipedes (?).

_e._ ♀ Geruah, January 24, 1875. Iris hazel; bill black; legs yellowish blue; claws blue. Soft ants in stomach.

_f._ Not labelled.

36. EURYSTOMUS AFER (Lath.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 106. Cinnamon
Roller.

_a._ ♂ Near Umvungu River, November 3, 1873. Native name “Tchegala.” Iris hazel, not dark; bill bright yellow. Stomach muscular, containing remains of beetles.

Family ALCEDINIDÆ.

37. CORYTHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA (Rüpp.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 108.
Malachite-crested Kingfisher.

_a._ Sibanani, December 11, 1874. Iris hazel; bill and legs vermilion.

38. CERYLE RUDIS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 110. Pied Kingfisher.

_a._ ♂ Meriko River, November 17, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_b._ ♂ High Veldt, Transvaal, December 7, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

39. CERYLE MAXIMA (Pall.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 111. Great African
Kingfisher.

_a._ ♀ Matengwe River, December 2, 1874. Iris hazel; bill dark slate-colour; legs slate-colour.

40. HALCYON SEMICÆRULEA (Forsk.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 114.
African White-headed Kingfisher.

_a._ ♀ (?) Geruah, December 15, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill orange-red, black at tip and base; legs and feet dark purplish-brown, orange at back of legs and on soles.

41. HALCYON ALBIVENTRIS (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 115. Brown
hooded Kingfisher.

_a._ ♂ (?) Crocodile River, July 1873. Beetles and grasshoppers in stomach.

42. HALCYON CHELICUTENSIS (Stanl.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 117.
Striped Kingfisher.

_a._ ♂ Crocodile River, July 1873. Stomach contained grasshoppers.

_b._ ♀ Crocodile River, July 1873. Beetles and grasshoppers in stomach.

43. HALCYON CYANOLEUCA (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 120. Angola
Kingfisher.

_a._ ♀ Crocodile River, November 15, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♂ Nata River, December 5, 1874. Makalaka name “Gogoda.” Iris hazel; upper mandible deep carnation, black at tip and gape; under mandible black; legs black. Stomach empty, but for a few remains of insects. This species has a twittering cry; they say it stays in the mopani.

_c_. ♂ Nata River, December 6, 1874. Iris hazel; upper mandible deep carnation, black at tip and gape; lower mandible and legs black.

_d_. ♂ Nata River, December 6, 1874. Iris hazel.

Family BUCEROTIDÆ.

44. TOCKUS FLAVIROSTRIS (Rüpp.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 130.
Yellow-billed Hornbill.

_a._ ♂, _b._ _c._ ♀ Near Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris very pale ochre. Flying ants in stomach.

_d._ ♀ (juv.) Motloutsi River, August 24, 1873. Iris ochreous.

45. TOCKUS NASUTUS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 133. African Grey
Hornbill.

_a._ Not labelled.

Family UPUPIDÆ.

46. UPUPA AFRICANA, Bechst.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 134. South
African Hoopoe.

_a._ ♀ Between Pretoria and Bamangwato, July 1873. Iris hazel (?). In stomach, a tick and seeds.

47. IRRISOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS (Lath.) Red-billed Wood-Hoopoe.

_a._ ♂, _b._ ♀ Crocodile River, November 1873. Iris hazel.

_c_. ♀ (?) Tati, June 26, 1874. Shot out of three by Cornelis, who saw them hopping about oddly on the road. Iris dark hazel; bill and legs bright orange-red; claws black. Stomach containing large chrysalides and a grasshopper.

_d_. ♀ First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, August 30, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill and legs vermilion, the latter less bright and inclining to orange; claws black. Stomach small and not muscular, containing remains of small insects and large grubs. This bird has a peculiar chattering note, often repeated. There were three or four of them when this was shot, climbing about on tree trunks like Creepers.

48. RHINOPOMASTES CYANOMELAS (Vieill.) Scimitar-billed
Wood-Hoopoe.

_a._ ♂ Near Metli River, August 10, 1873. Iris hazel. Stomach large, containing flying ants and large insects.

_b._ ♂ Seruli River, October 18, 1873. Iris hazel.

_c._ ♂ Palatswe River, October 20, 1873. Iris hazel.

_d._ ♂ Tati, October 1874.

_e._ Not labelled.

Family MUSOPHAGIDÆ.

49. SCHIZŒRHIS CONCOLOR, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 144. Grey
Plantain-eater.

_a._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris deep grey.

_b._ ♂ Transvaal, December 1873. Iris hazel.

Family COLIIDÆ.

50. COLIUS STRIATUS, Lath.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 12. South
African Coly.

_a._ Not labelled.

51. COLIUS ERYTHROMELON, Vieill.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 12.
Quiriva Coly.

_a._ ♂ (?) Makalapsi River, August 8, 1873. Iris dark; bill black; base and skin round eyes madder; claws madder.

Family CUCULIDÆ.

52. CUCULUS CLAMOSUS, Cuv.: Sharpe, ed. Layard, p. 150. Black
Cuckoo.

_a._ ♀ Crocodile River, November 9, 1873. Iris light hazel.

53. CUCULUS CUPREUS, Boddaert. _Chrysococcyx cupreus_, Sharpe,
_t. c._ p. 153. Golden Cuckoo.

_a._ ♂ Crocodile River, November 8, 1873. Iris scarlet.

_b._ ♀ Crocodile River, November 9, 1873. Iris light brown.

54. COCCYSTES CAFER (Licht.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 158. Le
Vaillant’s Cuckoo.

_a._ Crocodile River, November 14, 1873. Iris light hazel.

_b._ ♀ (?) Tati, October 17, 1874. Iris hazel; bill and legs black.

55. CENTROPUS SENEGALENSIS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 162.
Lark-heeled Cuckoo.

_a._ ♀ Tati, August 28, 1873. Iris crimson.

_b._ ♂ Ramaqueban River, September 4, 1873.

56. CENTROPUS SUPERCILIOSUS (H. and E.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 163.
White-eyebrowed Lark-heeled Cuckoo.

_a._ ♀ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris crimson.

Family INDICATORIDÆ.

57. INDICATOR SPARMANNI (Steph.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 166.
White-eared Honey-guide.

_a._ ♀ Holfontein, July 1873. Iris light brownish hazel.

_b, c._ Not labelled.

Family CAPITONIDÆ.

58. POGONORHYNCHUS LEUCOMELAS (Bodd.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 173.
Pied Barbet.

_a._ ♀ Pretoria, July 24, 1873. Iris very dark. Stomach large, thin, and full of fruit; a good deal of flesh about the head.

_b._ ♀ Pretoria, July 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_c._ Tati, October 6, 1874. Bill and legs black.

59. TRACHYPHONUS CAFER (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 178. Le
Vaillant’s Barbet.

_a._ ♀ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris red.

_b._ ♀ Crocodile River, November 15, 1873. Iris crimson.

_c._ ♂ Crocodile River, November 30, 1873. Iris crimson.

_d._ Not labelled.

Family PICIDÆ.

60. CAMPETHERA BENNETTI, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 181.
Bennett’s Woodpecker.

_a._ Second Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, September 7, 1874. Iris lake; bill blackish slate-colour; legs and claws slate-colour, inclined to olive.

61. CAMPETHERA ABINGTONI, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 182.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker.

_a._ Not labelled.

62. CAMPETHERA SMITHII, Malh.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 184. Smith’s
Woodpecker.

_a._ Tati, October 6, 1874. Bill dusky slate-colour; legs pale whitish olive.

_b, c._ Not labelled.

63. DENDROPICUS NAMAQUUS (Licht.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 188.
Bearded Woodpecker.

_a._ ♂ Motloutsi River, August 23, 1873. Iris crimson lake.

_b._ ♀ Ramaqueban River, July 30, 1874. Iris lake; bill slate-colour; legs dark greenish slate-colour; claws dark. Stomach containing large caterpillars.

_c._ ♂ Ramaqueban River, August 2, 1874. Iris lake; bill slate-colour; legs dark greenish slate-colour; claws black. Stomach containing large caterpillars.

64. DENDROPICUS CARDINALIS (Gm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 190.
Cardinal Woodpecker.

_a._ ♂ Between Pretoria and Bamangwato, July 1873. Iris deep crimson.

_b._ ♂ Ramaqueban River, September 4, 1873. Iris crimson.

_c._ ♀ Tati, October 7, 1874. Iris red (?); bill and legs dark slate-colour (?).

65. IYNX PECTORALIS (Vigors): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 191.
Red-breasted Wryneck.

_a._ Blauw Krans River, Natal, May 22, 1873. Iris red-brown; legs pale greenish grey.

Family PSITTACIDÆ.

66. PSITTACUS ROBUSTUS, Gm.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 194. Le
Vaillant’s Parrot.

_a._ Not labelled.

67. PSITTACUS MEYERI (Rüpp.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 195. Meyer’s
Parrot.

_a._ Witfontein, July 1873.

_b._ ♂ Holfontein, July 1873. Iris very light hazel. (Another ♂ shot, brighter in plumage, had the iris hazel round pupil, then burnt sienna.)

_c._ ♀ Second Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, September 4, 1874. Iris hazel round pupil, then orange; bill blackish slate-colour; legs and claws dusky black.

_d._ ♂ Tati, October 7, 1874. Bill and legs dark slate-colour.

_e._ ♀ Tati, October 9, 1874. Bill and legs dark slate-colour. Seeds in stomach.

Order PASSERIFORMES.

Family TURDIDÆ.

68. TURDUS LITSITSIRUPA, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 198, South
African Thrush.

_a._ ♂, _b._ ♀ Pair of thrushes shot together near Eland’s River, July 1873. Iris hazel.

_c._ ♀ (Ovary very rudimentary). Tati, March 19, 1874. Iris dark hazel; upper mandible dusky black, under one orange; legs flesh-colour.

_d._ ♂ Tati, October 1874.

69. MYRMECOCICHLA FORMICIVORA (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 231.
Southern Ant-eating Wheatear.

_a_, _b._ ♂ Near Newcastle, May 30, 1873. Iris hazel. Stomach very muscular, containing seeds and beetles. Found perching on ant-hills, from which it rises with a hovering flight, something like a Skylark.

70. SAXICOLA GALTONI (Strickl. and Sclater): Sharpe, _t. c._ p.
234. Familiar Chat.

_a._ ♂ (?) Ladysmith, May 25, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_b._ ♂ Inyati, October 2, 1873. Iris rich hazel-brown. Native name “Envachli.”

71. SAXICOLA PILEATA (Gm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 238. Capped
Wheatear.

_a._ Pietermaritzburg, about the beginning of May 1873.

_b._ ♂, _c._ ♀ John Scott’s Farm, Transvaal, June 19, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

72. SAXICOLA SHELLEYI: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 246. Shelley’s
Wheatear. (Plate A.)

_a._ Ramaqueban River, a few miles above the drift, on the way to Gubuleweyo, June 24, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill, legs, and claws black. Gravel and beetles in stomach. This bird seems to have a habit of climbing about in trees.

_b._ (♀ probably, on account of the very bare breast.) Near Sibanani, December 8, 1874. Iris hazel; bill and legs black.

[This fine species was hitherto known from a pair of birds only, which were purchased a few years back from a dealer by the British Museum, and were stated to have come from the Victoria Falls. Mr. Oates has now established the Zambesi region to be the habitat of the species, and has also procured it 300 miles off the place whence the first specimens were obtained. The occurrence of Shelley’s Wheatear so far south as the Ramaqueban River is very interesting, as we may now expect that it will be found still farther to the southwards.]

73. SAXICOLA LEUCOMELÆNA, Burchell: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 247.
Burchell’s Wheatear.

_a._ Desolate part of High Veldt; found on walls round corn and peach fields, June 15, 1873. Iris hazel. Beetles in stomach.

74. MONTICOLA EXPLORATOR (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 220.
Sentinel Rock-Thrush.

_a._ Kaar Kloof Heights, near Pietermaritzburg, May 19, 1873. Iris hazel.

Family TIMELIIDÆ.

Sub-family PYCNONOTINÆ.

75. PHYLLOSTROPHUS CAPENSIS, Sw.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 203. Cape
Bristle-necked Thrush.

_a._ Not labelled.

76. PYCNONOTUS LAYARDI Gurney: _Ibis_, 1879, p. 390. Layard’s
Bulbul.

_a._ Durban, April 23, 1873. Iris bright hazel.

_b._ ♀ (probably.) Between Pretoria and Bamangwato, July 1873. Iris hazel. Fruit and seeds in stomach.

77. PYCNONOTUS NIGRICANS (Vieill.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p.
23. Le Vaillant’s Bulbul.

_a._ ♀ Crocodile, July 1873. Iris deep crimson; skin round eye orange. Large seeds in stomach.

Sub-family TIMELIINÆ.

78. CRATEROPUS BICOLOR, Jard.: Sharpe, ed. Layard, p. 210. Pied
Babbling Thrush.

_a._ ♂ Tati, October 2, 1874. Iris bright orange; bill and legs black.

_b._ ♀ Tati, October 7, 1874. Iris bright orange; bill and legs black.

_c._ ♂ (?) Tati, October 1874.

79. CRATEROPUS JARDINII, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 212.
Jardine’s Babbling Thrush.

_a._ ♀ Inkwesi River, October 8, 1873. Iris orange, with crimson rim.

_b._ ♀ Meriko River, November 18, 1873. Iris orange, with crimson rim.

_c._ ♀ Tati, October 3, 1874. Iris orange, with outer ring of crimson.

_d._ ♂ Tati, October 9, 1874. Iris orange, surrounded by crimson ring; bill black; legs dark slate-colour. Stomach muscular, containing insects.

80. COSSYPHA NATALENSIS (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 223. Natal
Chat-Thrush.

_a._ Durban, April 23, 1873. Iris bright hazel (?).

81. AEDON LEUCOPHRYS (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 252.
White-eyebrowed Warbler.

_a._ ♂ Transvaal, November 1873. Iris hazel.

82. CISTICOLA CURVIROSTRIS (Sund.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 263.
Brown Fantail Warbler.

_a._ Tibakai’s Pan, January 21, 1875. Iris pale red-brown; upper mandible of bill dusky, lower one bluish white; legs flesh-colour; claws dusky.

83. CISTICOLA TINNIENS (Licht.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 265. Le
Vaillant’s Fantail Warbler.

_a._ Marsh near Newcastle, June 1, 1873. Common in marsh.

84. CISTICOLA CHINIANA (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 268. Larger
Grey-backed Fantail Warbler.

_a._ ♂ (?) Tati, March 23, 1874. Native name, “Ynete.” Iris pale hazel-brown; upper mandible dusky, under one and legs flesh-colour.

_b._ ♀ (slightly developed). Tati, March 23, 1874. Iris (I think) tawny red; upper mandible dusky black, under one dusky orange; legs yellowish flesh-colour; thighs very fleshy--these, as well as the belly, very bare of feathers. Stomach containing grubs and other insects.

_c._ ♂ (well developed). Tati, March 24, 1874. Iris pale red-brown; upper mandible dusky black, under one dusky orange; legs yellowish flesh-colour; thighs very fleshy. Stomach somewhat muscular, containing remains of insects.

_d._ Between Sibanani and Tamasancha, December 9, 1874. Iris pale reddish brown; upper mandible dusky, under one dirty flesh-colour; legs brownish flesh-colour.

85. CISTICOLA ABERRANS (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 271. Smith’s
Fantail Warbler.

_a._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris lake.

86. CISTICOLA CURSITANS (Frankl.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 275.
Common Fantail Warbler.

_a._ Near Newcastle (?) about the end of May 1873. Iris very pale. Stomach of this and the reed species contained remains of beetles.

87. BRADYPTERUS GRACILIROSTRIS, Sund.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 287.
White-breasted Reed-Warbler.

_a._ Not labelled.

88. SYLVIETTA RUFESCENS (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 303.
Short-tailed Bush-Warbler.

_a._ ♂ (?) Tati, October 13, 1874. Iris pale burnt sienna; bill dusky, dirty flesh-colour at base (?); legs pale red-brown. Stomach rather muscular, containing large grubs.

Family NECTARINIIDÆ.

89. NECTARINIA FAMOSA (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 306. Malachite
Sun-bird.

_a._ Natal, 1873.

90. CINNYRIS GUTTURALIS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 311.
Scarlet-chested Sun-bird.

_a._ Semokwe River, September 1873.

_b._ ♂ Impakwe River, February 12, 1874. Native name, “Bola-la-maholi.” Iris dark hazel. Stomach very thin, containing remains of good-sized insects, some spiders amongst them. Shot creeping amongst tall-stalked flowers.

_c._ (Sex doubtful.) Tati, March 21, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill, legs, and claws black. Stomach not at all muscular, containing remains of soft insects.

_d._ Not labelled.

91. CINNYRIS AFER (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 313. Greater
Double-collared Sun-bird.

_a._ ♂ (?) Mossel Bay, Cape Colony, April 11, 1873. Iris dark hazel. Stomach very small, not muscular, apparently containing insects; no gravel.

92. CINNYRIS MARIQUENSIS (Smith): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 319.
Southern Bifasciated Sun-bird.

_a._ Makalapsi River, August 7, 1873. Iris dark brown.

_b._ Inkwesi River, October 1873.

_c, d, e, f._ Not labelled.

Family PARIDÆ.

93. PARUS AFER, Gm.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 329. South African
Titmouse.

_a._ ♂ Inyati, September 27, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_b._ ♂ Semokwe River, October 1873. Iris burnt sienna.

94. PARUS NIGER, Vieill.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 331. Southern
Black-and-white Titmouse.

_a._ ♂ Ramaqueban River, September 4, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♀ (?) Ramaqueban River, June 12, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill, legs, and claws black. Stomach containing sand and insects.

_c._ ♂ (?) Tati, October 13, 1874. Iris hazel; bill and legs black.

Family MUSCICAPIDÆ.

95. PRATINCOLA TORQUATA (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 250. South
African Stone-chat.

_a._ ♂ Durban, April 23, 1873.

_b._ ♂ Pietermaritzburg, May 2, 1873.

_c._ ♀ Near Newcastle, May 31, 1873. Iris very dark hazel.

_d._ ♂ (well developed). Tati, October 15, 1874. Iris hazel.

_e._ ♀ Tati, October 15, 1874. Iris hazel.

_f._ ♀ (?) (young bird in pen). Tati, October 15, 1874. Iris hazel. Don’t remember to have seen this species here before. Is it just arrived, or merely passing as a bird of passage from the south?

96. PARISOMA SUBCÆRULEUM (Gm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 332.
Red-crested Fly-catcher.

_a._ ♂ (?) Ladysmith, May 25, 1873. Iris pale grey, nearly white.

_b._ ♀ (?) Tati, September 24, 1874. Iris very pale straw-colour; bill and legs black.

_c._ ♂ Tati, October 3, 1874. Iris pale straw-colour. Singing a short sweet note, and moving about amongst the bushes after the manner of a Willow-wren, looking for insects.

97. BATIS MOLITOR (Hahn and Küst.): Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iv. p.
137. Eastern Yellow-eyed Fly-catcher.

_a._ ♂ Dry River, October 1873. Iris golden yellow.

_b._ Mopani Pan, near Ramaqueban River, June 25, 1874. Iris bright yellow; legs and claws black.

_c._ ♀ Tati, October 16, 1874. Iris yellow; bill and legs black. Stomach muscular, containing remains of large insects like grasshoppers; also green shoots (?).

_d._ Not labelled.

98. TERPSIPHONE PERSPICILLATA (Sw.): Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iv. p.
357. South African Paradise Fly-catcher.

_a._ ♂ (highly developed). Tati, October 4, 1874. Bill dark cobalt. Insects in stomach.

Family HIRUNDINIDÆ.

99. HIRUNDO PUELLA, Temm.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 47.
Smaller Striped-breasted Swallow.

_a._ Tati, October 4, 1874. Iris hazel. Sex indistinguishable, but Thomson had similar specimens, which were females and well-developed males. A similar one shot by me was a male, and well developed.

_b._ Tati, October 5, 1874. Iris hazel.

100. HIRUNDO CUCULLATA, Bodd.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 46.
Large Striped-breasted Swallow.

_a._ ♂ Tati, October 4, 1874. Iris hazel.

101. HIRUNDO RUSTICA, L.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 45. Common
Swallow.

_a, b, c._ ♂ Tati, October 17, 1874. Cold, wet day, after very hot weather. These birds came into the houses and were easily caught. The other species seem to have gone away; these have been here about a week.

102. HIRUNDO SEMIRUFA, Sund.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 45.
Red-breasted Swallow.

_a._ Inchlangin, about the beginning of December 1873. Iris dark hazel. Many small beetles in stomach. Another I shot was either a young one or in moult.

_b._ ♀ Tati, October 4, 1874. Iris hazel.

Family LANIIDÆ.

103. DRYOSCOPUS BOULBOUL (Lath.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 48.
South African Puff-backed Bush-Shrike.

_a._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris hazel.

104. DRYOSCOPUS CUBLA (Lath.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 48.
Pied Puff-backed Bush-Shrike.

_a._ ♂ Tati, August 28, 1873. Iris crimson.

_b, c._ Not labelled.

105. LANIARIUS BAKBAKIRI (Vieill): Layard’s _B. S. Afr._, p.
161. Bakbakiri Bush-Shrike.

_a, b._ ♂ Mossel Bay, Cape Colony, April 11, 1873. Iris dark grey. Remains of beetles and seeds in stomach.

_c._ ♂ Ladysmith, May 25, 1873. Iris dark grey.

106. LANIARIUS SULPHUREIPECTUS (Less.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._
p. 49. Yellow-breasted Bush-Shrike.

_a._ ♂ Motloutsi River, October 15, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

107. LANIARIUS ATROCOCCINEUS (Burch.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._,
p. 49. Crimson-breasted Bush-Shrike.

_a._ ♂ (?) Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris, outside violet, inside crimson.

_b, c._ ♂ Near Eland’s River, July 1873. Iris, outside violet, inside crimson. Insects, beetles, and grasshoppers in stomach.

_d._ Makalapsi River, August 8, 1873. Iris violet and crimson.

_e._ ♂ Tati, September 2, 1873. Iris neutral tint.

_f._ ♂ Tati, October 2, 1874. Iris slate-colour; bill and legs black. Insects (principally beetles) in stomach.

_g._ ♂ Tati, October 21, 1874. Iris slate-colour; bill and legs black.

108. LANIARIUS SENEGALUS (L.): Red-winged Bush-Shrike.

_a._ Second Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, September 3, 1874. Iris hazel; bill black, base of upper and a good deal of base of under mandible bright slate-colour; legs pale slate-colour; claws rather darker.

_b._ ♀ Pantamatenka River, January 18, 1875. Iris dark hazel; bill black; legs pale slaty blue; claws dusky.

109. LANIARIUS TRIVIRGATUS (Smith): Gurney in Anderss. _B. Dam.
Ld._, p. 151. Three-streaked Bush-Shrike.

_a._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♀ Near Metli River, August 10, 1873. Iris dusky hazel.

_c._ Not labelled.

110. LANIUS MINOR, Gm.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 51. Lesser
Grey Shrike.

_a, b._ ♂ Tati River, where Makalaka road leaves it, going north, November 19, 1874. Iris hazel; bill lilac, tinged on top of upper and end of lower mandible with black; legs dark brown. Beetles in stomach.

111. LANIUS COLLARIS, Gm.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 51.
Collared Shrike.

_a._ ♂ Durban, April 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♀ Pietermaritzburg, May 2, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_c._ ♀ (?) Mossel Bay, Cape Colony, April 11, 1873. Iris dark hazel. Stomach full of remains of beetles; no gravel.

112. LANIUS COLLURIO, L.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 50.
Red-backed Shrike.

_a._ ♀ Meriko River, November 18, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♂ (slightly developed). Tati, March 21, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill deep violet, pale at base; legs black.

_c._ ♀ (?) Tati, March 21, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill dusky lilac; legs and claws black.

_d._ ♂ (?) Sibanani, December 11, 1874. Iris hazel; bill dark slate-colour, violet at base; legs blackish slate-colour.

_e, f._ Not labelled.

113. UROLESTES MELANOLEUCUS (Jard.): Gurney in Anderss. _B. Dam.
Ld._, p. 130. Black-and-white Long-tailed Shrike.

_a, b._ ♂ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris hazel (?). Large ants in stomach.

_c._ ♀ [brown variety]. Near Hex River, July 1873. Iris ochreous hazel. Shot by Bell, who says the note is different from that of the black one, which is plentiful. This is the only brown one seen. He says it whistles. Large gnats and other insects in stomach.

_d._ ♂ Tati, October 13, 1873. Iris dark brown.

_e._ Tati, March 25, 1874. Iris dark hazel. Stomach slightly muscular, full of remains of large insects.

_f._ ♂ First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, August 20, 1874. Iris hazel; bill, legs, and claws black. Ants in stomach.

Family PRIONOPIDÆ.

114. EUROCEPHALUS ANGUITIMENS, Smith: Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iii. p.
279. Smith’s Wood-Shrike.

_a._ ♂, b. ♀ Tati, March 23, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill and legs black. Stomach muscular, containing a number of large hard seeds and one or two beetles.

115. PRIONOPS TALACOMA, Smith: Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iii. p. 321.
South African Helmet-Shrike.

_a._ ♂ Near Metli River, August 10, 1873. Iris gamboge; skin round eye dentated, orange-yellow; legs pale vermilion.

_b._ ♀ Holfontein, November 25, 1873. Iris chrome yellow.

_c._ ♂ First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, June 21, 1874. Iris chrome yellow; skin round eye bright orange; legs and feet orange-red; claws dusky black. Stomach pretty fleshy, and containing remains of grasshoppers and beetles.

_d, e._ ♂ (?) First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, June 21, 1874. Iris chrome yellow; skin round eye light bright orange; legs and feet orange-red; claws dusky black.

116. BRADYORNIS OATESII, sp. n. Oates’s Wood-Shrike. (Plate B.)

_a._ ♂ (adult.) First Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, August 20, 1874. Iris dark hazel. Stomach full of ants.

_b._ (juv.) Geruah, January 25, 1875. Iris hazel; bill and legs black.

_c._ (adult.) Not labelled.

[Similis _B. pallido_ sed cineraceus; gulâ conspicue albâ: pectore et corporis lateribus pallide cinerascentibus: subcaudalibus albis.

_Adult male._--General colour above ashy; the head slightly browner, with indistinct brown shaft-streaks; least and median wing-coverts like the back; the median and greater coverts brown, edged with ashy brown, a little reddish on some of the outer greater coverts; quills brown, externally ashy or fulvous brown, the primaries and some of the innermost secondaries edged with pale whity brown; tail-feathers ashy brown, the feathers edged with paler brown; lores and a small patch above and below the eye dull white; in front of the eye a dusky spot; ear-coverts brown, slightly washed with fawn-colour, and contrasting with the ashy grey head; cheeks ashy grey, like the sides of the neck; entire throat white, strongly defined; remainder of under surface pale ashy brown; whitish on the lower abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale ashy like the breast, the lower coverts slightly tinged with fawn-colour; quills dusky brown below, pale ashy fulvous along the inner web. Total length 7·5 inches, culmen 0·55, wing 3·85, tail 3·1, tarsus 0·85.

After a careful comparison of specimens I have come to the conclusion that the present bird is new to science. At first I thought it would be _B. murinus_, Finsch and Hartl., but the ear-coverts in that species are described as being like the sides of the neck and crop, whereas here the ear-coverts are in strong contrast; the under wing coverts also are not fawn-colour in Mr. Oates’s specimens. Having compared it with all the other species of _Bradyornis_ represented in the British Museum, I modify the “Key to the species,” given in my _Catalogue of Birds_, vol. iii., p. 308, as follows:--

_a._ Upper surface ashy or clear brown, not black.

_a′._ Above light reddish brown, uniform; throat white, like the rest of the under surface; under wing-coverts white.--_mariquensis._

_b′._ Above ashy; throat white, contrasting with the ashy under surface; under wing-coverts like the breast.--_Oatesii._

_c′._ Above light brown, uniform; throat white, contrasting with the fawn-buff breast; under wing-coverts fawn-colour.--_pallidus_, _modestus_, etc. etc.

The fawn-coloured under wing-coverts of _B. pallidus_, the ashy brown throat and chest of _B. chocolatinus_, the reddish brown upper surface, and entirely white under surface of _B. mariquensis_, successively prevent _B. Oatesii_ from being considered synonymous. A bird, determined as _B. murinus_, F. and H., from the Congo (Sharpe and Bouv., _Bull. Soc. Zool. France_, 1877), would appear to be the same as _B. Oatesii_, but is in worn plumage.]

Family DICRURIDÆ.

117. BUCHANGA ASSIMILIS (Bechst.): Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iii. p.
247. African Drongo.

_a._ ♀ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris crimson. Beetles and grasshoppers in stomach.

_b._ ♀ Tati, October 11, 1873. Iris crimson.

_c._ Ramaqueban River, August 2, 1874. Iris deep red; bill, legs, and claws black.

Family ORIOLIDÆ.

118. ORIOLUS GALBULA, L.: Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iii. p. 191. Golden
Oriole.

_a._ ♀ Meriko River, November 16, 1873. Iris crimson.

Family CORVIDÆ.

119. CORVUS SCAPULATUS, Daud.: Sharpe, _Cat. B._, iii. p. 22.
White-backed Crow.

_a._ Ladysmith, May 27, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ Seruli River, October 17, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

Family STURNIDÆ.

120. BUPHAGA AFRICANA, L.: Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 57.
African Beef-eater.

_a, b._ ♀ Semokwe River, September 1873. Iris orange.

121. DILOPHUS CARUNCULATUS (Gm.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 56.
Wattled Starling.

_a._ ♂ Ramaqueban River, September 4, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♂ Second Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, September 1, 1874. Iris hazel; bare skin about the eye yellowish; bill dirty flesh-colour, base and tip dusky; legs, feet, and claws dusky brown. Stomach not very muscular, containing beetles and sand.

_c._ ♂ (fully developed). Tati River, where Makalaka road leaves it, going north, November 18, 1874. Iris hazel; bill white, tinged with lilac; legs dark brownish flesh-colour; bare skin of head deep black in front, bright yellow behind; round the eyes a small bluish patch. Stomach muscular, containing beetles and grasshoppers.

122. AMYDRUS BICOLOR (Gm.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 55. Brown
Starling.

_a._ Mossel Bay, Cape Colony, April 11, 1873. Iris pale grey with orange rim. Contents of stomach miscellaneous.

123. AMYDRUS MORIO (Daud.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 54. Cape
Starling.

_a._ Not labelled.

124. PHOLIDAUGES VERREAUXI, Bocage: Sharpe, t. c. p. 54.
Verreaux’s Glossy Thrush.

_a._ ♂ Near Umvungu River, October 31, 1873. Iris hazel round pupil, and bright yellow round the hazel. Stomach containing remains of insects, and a number of large white berries, and sticky yellow matter with the berries; the latter said to be used for bird-lime, the berries said to grow on trees.

_b._ ♂ (?) Near Umvungu River, November 12, 1873. Iris deep olive round pupil, and round the olive a bright yellow ring. Stomach not muscular, containing a few remains of small insects, but principally a quantity of vegetable matter like fine grass.

125. LAMPROTORNIS AUSTRALIS, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 56.
Smith’s Glossy Thrush.

_a._ ♂ Crocodile River, December 1, 1873. Iris hazel.

126. LAMPROTORNIS MEVESI, Wahlb.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 56. Meves’s
Glossy Thrush.

_a._ ♂ Nata River, December 5, 1874. Iris hazel; bill and legs black. Stomach containing ants.

127. LAMPROCOLIUS PHŒNICOPTERUS (Sw.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 55.
Red-shouldered Glossy Thrush.

_a._ Blauw Krans River, Natal, May 22, 1873. Iris bright orange.

_b._ ♂ Tati, October 11, 1873. Iris orange.

_c._ ♀ Crocodile River, November 8, 1873. Iris orange.

_d._ ♂ Meriko River, November 18, 1873. Iris orange.

Family MOTACILLIDÆ.

128. MOTACILLA AGUIMP, Temm.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 73. African
Pied Wagtail.

_a._ Durban, April 23, 1873.

_b._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris hazel. Insects in stomach.

_c._ Not labelled.

129. MOTACILLA CAPENSIS, L.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 73. Cape Wagtail.

_a._ Durban, April 23, 1873.

_b._ ♂ Pietermaritzburg, April 30, 1873.

_c._ Inyati, October 3, 1873. Iris dark hazel. Native name “Umvemve.”

130. ANTHUS PYRRHONOTUS, Vieill.: Gurney in Anderss. _B. Dam.
Ld._, p. 113. Cinnamon-backed Pipit.

_a._ Kaar Kloof Heights, near Pietermaritzburg, May 19, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ Not labelled.

131. ANTHUS CAFFER, Sund.: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 72. South African
Pipit.

_a._ Pietermaritzburg, about the beginning of May 1873.

132. MACRONYX CAPENSIS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 73. Cape
Long-claw.

_a, b._ ♀ (?) Between Ladysmith and Newcastle, about the end of May 1873. Iris hazel.

_c._ ♂ Pretoria, December 7, 1873. Iris hazel.

Family ALAUDIDÆ.

133. CERTHILAUDA SEMITORQUATA, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 71.
Grey-collared Lark.

_a._ ♂ Transvaal, December 18, 1873. Iris hazel.

134. MIRAFRA AFRICANA (Smith): Sharpe, _P. Z. S._, 1874, p. 642.
South-African Lark.

_a._ ♂ Tibakai’s Pan, December 19, 1874. Iris pale reddish hazel; bill dirty flesh-colour; top of upper mandible dusky; legs flesh-colour. Insects and seeds in stomach.

135. MIRAFRA SABOTA (Smith): Sharpe, _P. Z. S._, 1874, p. 645.
Sabota Lark.

_a._ ♂ Tati, October 25, 1874. Iris bright light brown; upper mandible dusky, under one dirty flesh-colour; legs pale brown. Stomach muscular, containing large hard seeds.

_b._ Not labelled.

136. TEPHROCORYS CINEREA (Gm.): Sharpe, _P. Z. S._, 1874, p.
633. South African Rufous-capped Lark.

_a._ ♂ Pietermaritzburg, May 2, 1873.

Family PLOCEIDÆ.

137. SYCOBROTUS BICOLOR (Vieill.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p.
60. Natal Black-and-yellow Weaver-bird.

_a._ Not labelled.

138. TEXTOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 58.
Red-billed Black Weaver-bird.

_a._ Tati, March 25, 1874. Iris dark greyish hazel; bill and legs dusky orange. Stomach very muscular, containing seeds and insects. Noisy tame bird. Shot in company with the black Long-tails (_Chera_); had been moulting, as feathers were loose.

_b._ ♀ Tati, October 25, 1874. Iris dark; bill dusky orange; legs dusky, with an orange tinge.

_c._ ♀ Near first Makalaka kraal, Zambesi road, June 17, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill and legs dusky orange. Stomach containing many seeds, and a few insect remains and gravel. Three nests in a high tree full of these birds.

_d._ ♂ Tati, September 30, 1874. Iris hazel; bill coral-red; legs salmon-colour; claws dusky. Shot by Thomson out of a flock of similar birds, and a black-winged white species.

139. HYPHANTORNIS CAPENSIS (Gm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 59. Cape
Yellow Weaver-bird.

_a._ ♂ Transvaal, December 16, 1873. Iris straw-colour.

140. HYPHANTORNIS OLIVACEUS (Hahn): Gray, _Handl. B._, ii. p.
41, No. 6575. Olive-and-yellow Weaver-bird.

_a._ ♀ Transvaal, December 16, 1873. Iris raw sienna.

141. HYPHANTORNIS OCULARIS (Smith). Smith’s Weaver-bird.

_a._ ♂, _b._ ♀ Pinetown, near Durban, April 1873. Iris buff; bill black; legs grey.

_c._ ♂ Pietermaritzburg, April 30, 1873. Iris light hazel or golden.

142. HYPHANTORNIS MARIQUENSIS (Smith): Layard, _B. S. Afr._, p.
182. Mariqua Weaver-bird.

_a._ ♂ Seruli River, October 18, 1873. Iris bronze.

143. HYPHANTORNIS NIGRIFRONS, Cab.: Layard, _t. c._ p. 180.
Black-fronted Weaver-bird.

_a._ ♀ Inyati, October 3, 1873. Iris pale reddish hazel; bill and legs pinkish; upper mandible tinged with dusky. This bird, and another shot the same time, were in moult. The other one is much duller; not so yellow on head, rump, and tail; throat and breast tinged with pale yellow; belly white.

_b._ ♂ Ishokwani, near Semokwe River, October 14, 1873. Iris yellowish white.

_c._ ♂ Tati, October 21, 1874. Iris straw-colour; lower mandible flesh-colour, upper one dusky; legs slate-colour. Insects in stomach.

144. SPOROPIPES SQUAMIFRONS (Smith): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p.
61. Scutellated Finch.

_a._ ♀ Semokwe River, September 30, 1873. Iris burnt sienna.

145. VIDUA VERREAUXI, Cass.: Finsch and Hartl., _Vög. Ost-afr._,
p. 426. Verreaux’s Widow-bird.

_a._ ♂ (very fully developed). Tati, March 30, 1874. Iris dark hazel. Stomach containing seeds, a little grit, and remains of a beetle.

146. VIDUA REGIA (L.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 63.
Shaft-tailed Widow-bird.

_a, b, c, d._ ♂ Tati, March 20, 21, 22, 24, 1874. Iris dark hazel; bill, legs, and claws, coral-red. Small seeds in stomach.

147. VIDUA PRINCIPALIS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 63. Common
Widow-bird.

_a._ ♂ Transvaal, December 1, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ ♂ Hope Fountain, near Gubuleweyo; shot in Mr. Thomson’s garden, about the beginning of December 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_c._ ♀ (?) Tati, March 31, 1874. Iris dark; bill and legs coral-red. I think this may be an immature male. In one or two examined afterwards, undoubted females, the bill was pale and the legs more dusky.

_d._ Not labelled.

148. CHERA PROGNE (Bodd.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 63. Great
Widow-bird.

_a._ ♀ Pietermaritzburg, April 30, 1873.

_b, c._ John Scott’s Farm, Transvaal, June 19, 1873. Iris hazel.

_d, e._ ♂ Transvaal, December 18, 1873.

_f, g, h, i._ Not labelled.

149. PENTHETRIA ALBINOTATA (Cass.): Finsch and Hartl., _Vög.
Ost-afr._, p. 420. White-spotted Widow-bird.

_a._ ♂ (undeveloped). Tamasetsie, December 16, 1874. Iris hazel; bill bluish; legs black.

_b._ ♂ Between the Pantamatenka River and Zambesi, January 11, 1875. Iris hazel; bill pale bluish violet; legs black. Seeds in stomach.

150. PENTHETRIA ARDENS (Bodd.): Sharpe, _Cat. Afr. B._, p. 63.
Orange-throated Widow-bird.

_a._ Natal, 1873.

151. EUPLECTES CAPENSIS (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 62. Cape
Black-and-yellow Widow-bird.

_a._ Kaar Kloof Heights, near Pietermaritzburg, May 19, 1873. Iris hazel.

_b._ Inyati, September 29, 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_c._ Semokwe River, October 1873. Iris hazel.

_d._ Hope Fountain, near Gubuleweyo, about the beginning of December 1873. Iris dark hazel.

_e._ Not labelled.

152. EUPLECTES ORYX (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 62. Red Bishop-bird.

_a, b._ ♂ Transvaal, 1873.

_c._ Hope Fountain, near Gubuleweyo, about the beginning of December 1873. Iris dark hazel.

Family FRINGILLIDÆ.

153. AMADINA ERYTHROCEPHALA (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 65.
Red-headed Wax-bill.

_a._ ♀ Tati, October 1874. Iris pale hazel; skin round eye red; bill dusky blue; legs dirty flesh-colour.

154. PYTELIA MELBA (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 66. Southern
Red-faced Finch.

_a._ ♂ Tati, September 1, 1873. Iris burnt sienna.

_b._ ♂ Tati, September 1873.

_c._ ♂ (?) d. Tati, October 28, 1874. Iris scarlet; bill coral-red; legs pale brown.

155. ESTRELDA ASTRILD (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 65. Wax-bill
Finch.

_a._ ♂, _b._ Tati, October 9, 1874. Iris hazel (?); bill vermilion; legs and claws black.

_c._ Not labelled.

156. ESTRELDA ERYTHRONOTA (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 64.
Black-cheeked Finch.

_a._ ♀, _b._ Tati, October 3, 1874. Iris deep crimson; bill dark slate-colour.

157. ESTRELDA GRANATINA (L.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 65. Grenadier
Wax-bill.

_a._ Semokwe River, September 1873.

_b._ ♂ Tati, September 30, 1874. Iris red; bill and skin round eye scarlet-lake; legs dark brown.

158. ESTRELDA CYANOGASTRA (Daud.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 65.
Southern Bengali Finch.

_a._ ♂ Tati, March 21, 1874. Iris claret-colour; bill violet, lilac at base; legs pale flesh-colour. Small seeds in stomach.

_b._ Tati, October 3, 1874. Iris claret-colour.

_c._ ♂ Tati, October 21, 1874. Iris claret-colour; bill violet; legs pale brown (?).

_d._ ♀ Tati, October 1874.

159. LAGONOSTICTA MINIMA (Vieill.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 66.
Amadavat Finch.

_a._ ♂ (?) Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris very pale hazel.

_b._ Crocodile River, July 1873. Iris lake.

160. ORTYGOSPIZA POLYZONA (Temm.): Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 66. Little
Barred-breasted Finch.

_a._ Desolate country near Newcastle, June 5, 1873. Iris pheasant-colour. Two shot out of a flock.

161. PASSER MOTITENSIS, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 69. Greater
South African Sparrow.

_a._ ♀ Palatswe River, August 13, 1873. Iris dark greyish hazel. Stomach very muscular, containing grit; seeds in throat.

_b._ ♀ (probably). Tati, September 24, 1874. Iris palish hazel; bill black; legs brown; claws darker.

_c._ ♂ Tati, October 19, 1873. Iris brown.

_d._ Tati, October 6, 1874. Bill black; legs brown.

162. PASSER DIFFUSUS, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 69. Southern
Grey-headed Sparrow.

_a._ Crocodile River; in cultivated fields, July 1873. Iris greenish hazel.

163. PLOCEPASSER MAHALI, Smith: Sharpe, _t. c._ p. 61.
White-browed Weaver-bird.

_a._ ♂ Palatswe River, August 13, 1873. Iris dark burnt sienna. Stomach muscular, containing remains of insects. Song not unlike that of a Chaffinch, but much shorter and quieter. I think I have seen these birds since the Lion Camp on the Crocodile River. They go in small parties.