Expedition to the Zambesi River. 89 



horn-colour, while in others (presumably older birds) the bill 

 is entirely black. 



114. Platystira peltata (Sundev.). 



Rare. A pair observed and obtained for the first time at 

 Zumbo on Nov. 12. 



Adult. Total length (measured in flesh) 4*96 inches, wing 

 2-6. Iris black ; eye-wattle bright coral ; bill black ; legs 

 and feet lead-colour. 



115. Batis molitor (Sharpe). 



Fairly well distributed wherever the woods are thick. 

 From August to the end of October they were observed in 

 small parties, consisting of either all males or females, the 

 sexes appearing to keep apart during the non-breeding 

 season. 



The song given out by both male and female of this species 

 is somewhat remarkable and at once arrests attention. A 

 clear flute-like note in a high key is first uttered, followed in 

 succession by three others, each descending a tone in scale, 

 the rendering of which is very true, while between the notes a 

 distinct interval is made. The call-note, which is frequently 

 resorted to on the approach of the pairing-season, is a short 

 mellow whistle, while, on being alarmed, the bird will give 

 out a hoarse little croak that is decidedly ventriloquial in 

 expression. When the trees are in full leaf, which they 

 examine diligently for insects, these birds, as they journey 

 over open ground in order to gain the next thick-leaved tree, 

 make a sharp whirring noise with their wings, which can be 

 heard at a considerable distance. 



In some of our female specimens the bluish-grey feathers 

 of the mantle have white centres, which impart to the back 

 a very mottled appearance, while in other examples the upper 

 parts resemble those of the adult males; and this is irrespective 

 of dates. The chestnut band on the breasts of those with the 

 mottled backs is also more confined than in fully adult birds. 

 It therefore appears that this species does not assume the 

 adult plumage till after the second moult. 



Adult S (Aug. 22, 1898). Total length (measured in 



