96 Mr. B. Alexander — An Oniitholuyical 



The stomach of one biirl contained caterpillars, portions of 

 centipedes^ and locusts. 



Adult. Bill black ; iris brown ; legs and feet greenish brown. 



130. Melittophagus meridionalts (Sharpe). 



About one of the first species we collected. It is well 

 distributed, all along the river, and chiefly found in the vicinity 

 of reed-beds near the banks, and in open spots in woods where 

 the grass is long. This elegant little Bee-eater seldom heeds 

 one's approach, merely swooping with a single beat of its 

 Avings upon the back of the next stooping reed. It is a pretty 

 sight to come across a party of these birds forming head- 

 pieces to all the prominent grass-stalks, and to watch tliem 

 catching their prey. A rapid dart forward, a snap of the 

 beak, and then returning again to its former point of vantage, 

 to gain which the bird performs a little circular flight, almost 

 poising in the air at times, Avhile the light plays upon the 

 beautiful green of its back and catches the fawn-colour of 

 the wings till they look quite transparent. 



When the breeding-season approaches, they all repair to a 

 steep portion of the river's bank and nest in the holes of the 

 jirevious season. These holes generally run to a depth of two 

 feet. Near Zumbo my native boy found a nest containing 

 five young ones on Novcml)er 20, and then about a month 

 later, on our way to the Kafue river, the young were abroad, 

 sitting in rows on bending stalks and tree-twigs after the 

 manner of SAvallows, and watched over by their parents. 



131. Melittoi'hagus bullockoides (Smith). 



Much addicted to haunting thick-wooded localities near 

 the river, where the trees are numerous and tall. It is not 

 abundant, never being seen in large flocks, and is of a retiring 

 nature. These Bee-eaters are in the habit of congregating 

 towards sundown on the topmost twigs of leafless trees, 

 whence they utter incessantly low harsh notes that are at 

 times almost in unison. 



During the day this bird basks a great deal in the sun, but 

 at times it can be too hot even for him, and you will find him, 

 with beak wide open, literally panting with the heat. 



