Birds in the Cradock and Tarkastad Districts 193 



shaped nest is built in a low bush, for preference one growing 

 on and overhanging the banks of a furrow or sluit. It is 

 constructed of twigs and dead grass and is lined with pure 

 white silky seeds. The eggs three in number are white, 

 marked with fine spots, blotches and streaks of reddish- 

 brown, chiefly on the larger end. I have records of nests 

 taken in October, November, February, March and April. 

 The chief nesting time is in March and April. 



Poliospiza albogularis (White-throated Seed-eater). — This is 

 another common species in both districts. It nests in the 

 months of October, November and April. 



Serinus canicollis (Cape Canary). — This species is common 

 throughout both districts. In winter it is found in small 

 flocks in company with Alario alario. I do not think this 

 bird breeds here as I have never come across its nest in either 

 district. 



Emberiza flaviventris (Golden-breasted Bunting). — I have ob- 

 served this beautiful species in the Cradock district only. It 

 is a fairly rare bird there. I have several times found its 

 nest at Halesowen in the month of October. 



Serinus icterus (Icterine Seed-eater). — I have only one record 

 of having seen this species in either district. In November 

 1919 a small flock turned up on this farm, Tarkastad 

 district and remained here about a couple of months. 



Fringillaria capensis (Cape Bunting). — This is a common species 

 in the kopjes of both districts. It builds its nest in a low 

 bush placing it about 6 inches from the ground. I have re- 

 cords of nests in November, March and April. 



Fringillaria impetuana (Lark Bunting). — This Bunting is com- 

 mon in both districts in the least wooded parts. It is found 

 on the kopjes and rands. It is somewhat local in its dis- 

 tribution. The nest is built on the ground and usually 

 sheltered against a stone. It is composed of twigs, dead 

 grass etc., and lined with fine roots. The eggs, two to 

 three in number are white or very pale bluish, thickly spotted 

 with fine spots of various shades of browns. My records 



