Expedition to the Zambesi River. 79 



87. CisTicoLA CHiNiANA (Smith). 



In life this Cisticola is easily distinguishable from C. sub- 

 ruficapiUa by its larger size^ more robust appearance, and 

 somewhat darker plumage, while both its alarm-note and 

 song in the pairing-season are a good deal louder in tone. 



In habits it differs little from other members of the genus, 

 being found living together in small colonies in favourite 

 localities. When the breeding-season approaches these 

 colonies split up and scatter over a greater area of country. 

 We found this species breeding in January, and, though we 

 obtained a number of male birds, the females were seldom 

 noticed, a fact that seems to demonstrate that the female 

 alone undertakes the task of incubation. 



Ijike the majority of the Cisticolas, this bird in the p;^iring- 

 season shakes off a good deal of its skulking reserve, is more 

 frequently seen, and becomes very amorous of its mate. 

 From the top of some high bush or tree lie will fall upon 

 her, singing all the while a little carolling song, his flight 

 resembling that of our Tree-Pipit as he descends singing to 

 earth. 



Adult c? (January). Wing 2"6 inches, culmen 0*5, tail 

 2"6. Iris light orange ; upper mandible brown, lower horn- 

 colour. 



Adult ? (November). Wing 3*48 inches, culmen 0'5, tail 

 2"5. Soft parts as in male. 



88. Cisticola muelleri, sp. nov. 



Cisticola muelleri Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. viii. p. xlix. 



This species is closely allied to C. dodsoni from Somali- 

 land, but is rather larger and has no broad sub terminal band 

 of black on the tail-feathers, Avhich, with the exception of 

 the two centre ones, are a uniform brown, having narrow 

 dusky subterminal markings under certain lights on their 

 inner webs only, while the broad white tips found in its near 

 ally are absent. 



Adult ? (organs in breeding condition). Total length 

 (measured in flesh) 3'8'i inches, wing 1-82, culmen 0*4, tail 

 1'6. Iris orange; bill, legs, and feet flesh-colour. 



