296 Mr. T. Ayres on the Ornithology of Transvaal. 



297. Hyphaxtorxis AURiFRONs(Tcmm.). Golden-crowned 

 Weaver-bird. 



Male^ shot at Potchefstroom, 8th January. Total length 

 7| inches, bill (from gape) f|, tarsus 1^, wing 3^, tail 2^. 

 Irides pale tawny yellow ; bill black ; tarsi and feet pale yel- 

 lowish. Stomach contained fruit. 



Another male, shot at Potchefstroom, 28th January, from 

 amongst a swarm of Eiqjlectes oryx. Total length 7 inches, 

 bill (barely) If, tarsus 1^, wing 3f, tail 2j. Iris veiy pale 

 chrome-yellow ; bill nearly black, but greenish yellow at the 

 base ; tarsi and feet pale. Contents of stomach, figs. 



[The specimen shot on the 8th of January appears to be in 

 full breeding-plumage ; but that killed on the 28th has the 

 reddish-golden tint on the crown of the head interspersed 

 with a few minute blackish-olive spots, which, with the colour 

 of the bill, probably indicate that the bird was not in entirely 

 complete breeding-dress when shot. 



These two skins have been submitted to the examination 

 of Mr. R. B. SharpCj who has kindly informed me that he 

 considers them to be referable to H. aurifrons. — J. H. G.] 



EuPLECTES ORYX, Swaius. Greater Bishop Weaver-bird. 



Male, in full winter dress. 



I killed, at one shot, on the 8th of May, this bird and its 

 female, whilst busily engaged in building a partially con- 

 structed nest, which it is very certain they would have had to 

 leave, as the frosts of winter are now upon us, and, moreover, 

 all birds here have assumed their winter garb. 



Habropyga subelava (Vieill.). Sanguineous Finch. 



Male, adult, shot at Potchefstroom, 15th June. Irides 

 scarlet ; bill crimson, with the ridge and gonys dusky ; tarsi 

 and feet light dusky brown. At this time of the year in 

 numbers. 



Immature, sex uncertain, shot 13th July. Irides light 

 dusky tawny; bill black; tarsi and feet dusky ash-colour. 

 In small flights. 



Female, adult, shot 24th August. Irides pale scarlet ; bill 

 scarlet, but with the gonys, ridge, and a spot at the base of 

 the upper mandible black ; tarsi and feet pale dusky brown. 



