Dr. J. Kirk on the Birds of the Zambesi Region. 321 



Fam. STURNIDiE. 



44. Lamprocolius sycobius. 



In large flocks near Tete, and in cultivated country along the 

 Zambesi and Shire, in August and September. 



Fam. CORVIDiE. 



45. CoRvus scAPULATUs, Daud. 



Particularly common in the Portuguese towns, where it is the 

 common scavenger, and also all up the river. 



46. CoRvus ALBicoLLis, Lath. 



Generally seen near the hills; not often on the river. 



Fam. FRINGILLID^. 



47. Crithagra chrysopyga. 

 Zambesi and Shire valley. 



48. Amadina, sp. ? 



Common in the Zambesi valley, near Shupanga : does not 

 agree with any species described. 



49. Vidua principalis. 



Common everywhere; not limited to grass plains, but fre- 

 quenting woods, and coming near houses. It generally retains 

 the long plumes throughout the year, although they become 

 miserably worn towards the end of the dry season. 



50. Vidua ardens. 



More rare than the V. macrura; but tolerably common in 

 the Shire valley, near Chibisa. Full plumage in December and 

 January. Its habits are those of the former species. 



51. Vidua macrura. 



Inhabitant of the great grass plains of the river Shire, where 

 it is seen in large numbers flying from one grass-head to another, 

 always selecting the highest. Knowing this, the natives catch 

 them by setting a noose on any grass-head rising above the others. 



The tail-feathers appear in December, and continue during the 

 wet season. The nest is made among the grass, woven among 

 the stalks. 



