186 H. W. James 



Tricholaema leucomelan (Pied Barbet). — This is a fairly plenti- 

 ful bird in both districts. It generally chooses a decayed 

 tree trunk as a nesting site. In my orchard it nests yearly in 

 an old apple tree. Nesting season in these districts is Dec, 

 and sometimes February. 



Ceocolaptes oUvaceus (Ground Woodpecker). — This weird, 

 fantastic bird is common in both districts. All the nests that 

 have come under my observation were in the months of 

 August and September. 



Dendropicos guineensis (Cardinal Woodpecker). — This species 

 is well distributed over both districts but is nowhere common. 



Colius striatus (Spreckled Mousebird). — This is found through- 

 out both districts being more plentiful in the Cradock district. 

 It nests in the month of October laying three dirty white 

 eggs. 



Colius colius (White-backed Mousebird) is another very com- 

 mon species found throughout both districts. It nests in 

 October and November. 



Colius indicus (Red-faced Mousebird). — This bird is also very 

 plentiful in both districts. It nests in the months of October 

 and November. The eggs differ from those of the other two 

 species in being slightly streaked and spotted with dark red. 



Halcyon albiventris (Brown-hooded Kingfisher). — This is the 

 only species of Kingfisher common in the Cradock district . 

 have not yet observed it in the Tarkastad district. 



Cor^thornis c\)anostigma (Malachite Kingfisher). — This beauti- 

 ful little species occurs in the Cradock district, but is rare. 



Cer^le maxima (Giant Kingfisher). — I have observed this species 

 in the Cradock district only where it is a rare bird. 



M crops apiasicr (European Bee-eater). — This species visits both 

 districts yearly in good numbers. I have not yet come across 

 its nest, but it certainly does nest in these districts as I have 

 often seen young birds. 



Upupa africana (African Hoopoe). — This pretty bird is well 

 distributed throughout both districts, confining itself to the 

 more wooded parts. It nests in a hole in the ground, a roof 



