Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/231

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following observations were made between Nov. 6th and 14th, 1897:—

Halcyon orientalis (Peters' Kingfisher).—Not uncommon. Procured six specimens (five males and one female). Discovered nest in a hole in the river-bank containing three fledglings.

Two Cuckoos—one, a male, corresponding with the description of Coccystes jacobinus (Layard and Sharpe's 'Birds of South Africa,' p. 158), with the exception that the eyes are olive; the other a female, which in every particular corresponds with the male of C. serratus (ibid. p. 161). Ovaries very well developed; one egg almost full size, but wanting shell; quite the size and shape of the egg of the Golden Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus). Both these birds were in company, and the only Cuckoos seen in the district during a stay of eight days. In my excitement I shot badly, but this gave me a better opportunity of observing them. Each time when shot at, they flew to separate trees, but were soon together again; when the male was shot, the female did not fly off when approached, and so was easily procured.

Pogonorhynchus torquatus (Black-collared Barbet).—These birds were always to be found on the topmost branches of the wild fig-trees early in the morning, and were easily approached when feeding. Not common.

Batis molitor (White-flanked Flycatcher).—Uncommon; saw only two pairs, which were procured. Discovered nest in the fork of a bush five feet from the ground. The nest was a neat