of the Lydenburg District. 197 



other South- African Owls. I have obtained them near Pot- 

 chefstroom during the greater part of the year ; and I pro- 

 cured the last one in the month of June^ near Bloemfontein. 

 I should say they are partially gregarious, as I have often 

 seen a number together, perched in willow trees, on the points 

 of rocks and old trees. 



13. Syrnium woodfordi. 



I obtained one of this species at Potchefstroom, and I have 

 seen another from near that place. I shot my specimen to- 

 wards evening, when it was flying about, no doubt, in pur- 

 suit of its prey. 



14. Caprimulgus europ.eus. 



I have often observed these birds flitting about at dusk ; and 

 they will sometimes settle on the ground and there remain 

 till you have passed. I shot specimens near Kronstadt and 

 Potchefstroora, have observed them near Uustenberg, and 

 have also received one from Marico, 



15. Cypselus gaffer. 



I shot these birds as they were in the act of appropriating 

 a Martinis nest in Potchefstroom. 



16. Merops superciliosus. 



I noticed many of these birds near the mouth of the Mooi, 

 at the junction of that river with the Vaal, generally close to 

 the banks, I also received specimens of the species from 

 Marico. 



17. Merops bullogkoides, 



I saw a great quantity of these birds at Olifants Nek, near 

 Rustenberg ; and I have seen a few near Potchefstroom. I 

 shot several in January 1875, which seemed to be in very 

 imperfect plumage, as 1 only got one in good feather. They 

 will sit motionless on a mimosa thorn-bush, only flying off 

 occasionally to catch an insect. On the approach of an in- 

 truder they will erect their tails, give a squeak, and flit ofl" 

 to another bush. 



18. Merops pusillus. 



Found this species in January 1875 near Rustenberg. They 

 are rather more shy than M. buUockoides, and are not so plen- 



