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



matter to shoot them, as their flight is both strong and very 

 eccentric. 



They build their nests (I am tolerably certain) similarly to the " 

 Lark's, on the ground, with a few loose dry leaves of grass ; they 

 are generally either single or in pairs. 



204. Thamnobia ptymatura (Vieill.). Black Chat. 



[Mr. Ayres gives no particulars of the habits of this species. 

 —J. H. G.] 



205. Bessonornis phcenicurus (Gmel.). Bush Chat. 



This species frequents the dense bush and underwood, search- 

 ing amongst the dry leaves for its food. In habits it somewhat 

 resembles the English Robin, cari'ying and moving its tail in 

 much the same manner. It is not particularly common. 



206. Buphaga erythrorhynca, Stanley. Red-billed Bu- 

 phaga. 



Male and female. Iris bright orange ; eyelids (which are much 

 broadened) very light yellow ; bill crimson ; nostrils small, round, 

 and slightly tumid; almost immediately after death, both the 

 irides and eyelids deepen considerably in colour. These are 

 amongst the useful birds of Natal ; their food consists entirely 

 of Acari or ticks, which they pick from the cattle. They run and 

 climb all over an ox, much as a Woodpecker would about the 

 stem of a tree. The cattle, for the most part, much enjoy the 

 operation, and may be seen with tail partially extended, standing 

 perfectly motionless whilst the birds are picking amongst the 

 crevices of their ears, where the ticks generally adhere in the 

 greatest numbers. 



These birds are mostly seen in small companies, varying from 

 three to ten; their flight is rather heavy; their notes are harsh, 

 but not loud. The head is carried with the bill pointed up- 

 wards. 



207. ZosTEROPS viRENS (Sundcv.). Green Zosterops. 

 Male. Iris light brown ; bill black ; tarsi and feet ash-colour. 

 These birds are gregarious, and very plentiful in the spring of 



the year (September and October). They do considerable damage 

 to soft fruits, such as the loquat and mulberry ; but also do much 

 good in clearing the trees of insects, climbing and hunting 



