— 167 — 



Pyromelana nigrifrons Bohra. — Rchw. III. p. 122. 



Mire . . . ki-kavirondo. 

 3 (5(5 ad. 21. 8.; 1 (5 juv. 21. 8.; 1 Q ad. 21. 8.; 2 QQ juv. 21. 8. Kendu. 



Id the thick rushes around the Gulf of Kavirondo, at Kendu, 

 this species was very numerous. As a rule they were seen in 

 considerable flocks among the Cyperaceae where they flew about 

 the reeds with great activity. 



At that time of the year all the old birds were in a very 

 advanced phase of moult. 



A cf young bird in transition-dres is very interesting. The 

 feathers of the head are black with wide, brown edges; the back 

 and the upper tail-coverts black, edged with rust-brown (here 

 and there a roseate feather); chin and throat as in the young 

 bird but with a few solitary brick-red feathers interspersed; the 

 feathers of the belly black with white tips. The lower tail-coverts 

 pale orange-colour. 



The female (adult) is dark-brown on the upper-parts, the 

 feathers being edged with yellowish-brown. Throat white, fore- 

 neck pale brownish with indistinct, dark streaks. Lower surface 

 and under tail-coverts white. Lower wing-coverts light yellow- 

 ish-brown. 



The young birds (9) resemble the adult female, but have 

 the throat and fore-neck a darker brownish grey with distinct 

 streaks. The middle of the lower surface white, sides the same 

 colour as the fore-neck. Lower tail-coverts white. Lower wing- 

 coverts light brownish white. 



Irides dark-brown; bill in cfcf brownish black (lower part of 

 lower mandible lighter), in 99 ^^^ juveniles brownish grey. 

 Legs brownish yellow-brownish grey. 



Fyromelana nigroventris (Cass.). — Rchw. III. p. 125. 

 2 (5(5 ad. 26. 4.; 1 (5 juv. 26. 4.; 1 Q ad. 26. 4. Mombasa. 



A rather common bird in the coast-land. In the Mombasa 

 regions it was found on bush-covered slopes on the edge of the 

 forests and always appeared in small flocks from 8 to 10 in 

 number. 



