188 H.W.James 



often inside a room and lays three pure white eggs. The 

 breeding season is October to December. 



Hirundo albigularis (White- throated Swallow). — I do not think 

 this Swallow ever visits Cradock. In the Tarkastad district 

 it is a rare bird. A pair visit this farm every year, nesting 

 against a beam in one of the outbuildings. I have taken 

 nests in November, February and March. 



Hirundo rustica (European Swallow). — This species visits both 

 districts during the summer months. 



Hirundo cucullata (Larger Striped-breasted Swallow). — This 

 species is common throughout both districts. Its globular 

 shaped nest with long entrance funnel will be found on 

 most farm houses or in outbuildings. The eggs are three to 

 four in number and pure white in colour. I have records of 

 nests taken in the months of October, November, December 

 and March. 



Peirochelidon spilodera (South African Cliff Swallow) . — In both 

 districts this species is found in large colonies nesting agednst 

 a cliff or house. In the Tarkastad district there is a colony 

 that nests yearly against the high banks of the Vlekpoort 

 River. The breeding season is in October and November. 



Bradornis infuscatus (Brown Flycatcher). — This bird is found 

 on all the open flats in both districts. It builds a cup- 

 shaped nest of sticks and fine twigs, lined with woolly seeds. 

 It is placed in a low bush rarely more than two feet above 

 ground. The eggs, two to three in number are blue, spar- 

 ingly spotted with dark brown and purplish grey. The 

 breeding season is in October and November. 



Sigelus silens (Fiskal Flycatcher). — This species is common in 

 both districts wherever there is plenty of Mimosa scrub. The 

 breeding season is October, November and December. 



Batis molitor (White-flanked Flycatcher) . — I have no records of 

 this species from the Tarkastad district. It is by no means 

 common in the Cradock district. Its principal haunts are 

 the tall Mimosas growing along the river banks. I have 

 recorded it nesting but have no dates. 



