Mr. J. J. Monteiro on Birds collected in Angola. 333 



months^ residence in the country^ I was engaged on some work 

 at that time of more importance, although not so interesting to 

 me as ornithology. As we sailed steadily out of the bay before 

 a light breeze, on the 6th of November, and passed between the 

 mountain- head and the whitened cliffs of the opposite shore, 

 shoals of Bonitos played around our vessel, chasing the smaller 

 inhabitants of the clear sea-water; the peak of the volcano of 

 Comanataki, visible in the distance, grew dimmer and dimmer; 

 the shore-lines became gradually indistinct ; the opening to the 

 broad Pacific seemed to our eyes to become narrower and nar- 

 rower; and we said good-bye to Hakodadi. 



XXXV. — Notes on Birds collected in Angola in 1861. 

 By Joachim J. Monteiro*. 



(Plate XL) 



1. Ceryle maxima. 



This Kingfisher is abundant on the river Quanza, particularly 

 towards the interior; it utters a shrill cry, similar to that of 

 most water-birds; it is said to build its nest in holes in the 

 banks of the river ; it feeds on fishes and insects. When sitting 

 on a branch, its attitude is not that generally represented as of 

 the Kingfishers, but it holds its beak and large-crested head at 

 right angles to its body. 



2. CoLius CASTANONOTUS. Native name, " Sumbo." 

 Feeds on wild fruits, principally on that of a wild fig-tree 



very abundant all over the country, and called " Mucuzo ; " flies 

 slowly, generally in threes and fours together, uttering a dis- 

 agreeable note ; found generally distributed ; its skin very thick 

 and tough ; stomach small and delicate ; legs of a beautiful light- 

 red colour. 



3. Scopus umbretta. 



The example is said to be a young one, but nearly full-grown. 

 This bird occurs near water. The natives affirm that it never 



* [These specimens, collected by Mr. Monteiro, have been submitted to 

 Dr. Hartlaub, who has kindly supplied thenames and prepared the cha- 

 racters of the new species. — Ed.] 



