322 Mr. J. H. Gurney on additional Species of Birds 



congregate and leave again in March and April j they are fond 

 of alighting to rest on the outer twigs of bushes, stems of tall 

 grass, and trees, especially at the time of their departure, when 

 many hundreds assemble together. Like most other Swallows, 

 they are almost constantly on the wing. 



[The specimen sent appears to be adult, and identical with 

 the Swallow of Great Britain, though perhaps slightly more 

 rufescent on the abdomen. Considering the occurrence of this 

 and of the preceding species in Natal to be a very interesting 

 circumstance, I have submitted both specimens to Dr. Hartlaub, 

 who agrees with me in the above identifications. — J. H. G.] 



190. HiRUNDO cucuLLATA, Bodd. Hooded Swallow. 

 Female. Iris dark umber ; bill dark brown ; tarsi and feet 



dusky brown. 



These birds arrive in October or November, and leave again 

 in March or April ; they are fond of building under the eaves 

 of houses, constructing a chamber of about 8 inches in diameter, 

 with a long horizontal neck to it ; the nest is lined with fine 

 grass, feathers, and down. When flying about in search of 

 food, they constantly utter a short note, somewhat resembling 

 the " chisick " of the Sparrow, but rather modulated. 



191. HiRUNDO ATROC^RULEA, Suudcv. Little Blue-black 

 Swallow. 



Male. Iris brown; bill black; tarsi and feet brown. 



These are the most uncommon of the Swallows here ; they 

 frequent the open country, and appear to be solitary in their 

 habits, skimming with rapidity and ease over the long grassy 

 hills. I have never seen them take a rest ; but on and on they 

 go, apparently without ceasing. 



They are, I think, here all the year round ; at all events, I have 

 seen them in the following months, viz. March, April, August, 

 November, and December. 



192. Atticora holomelas (Sundev.). Little Green-black 

 Martin. 



Male and female. Iris very dark brown ; bill black ; nostrils 

 large and oval ; tarsi and feet dusky pale. 



