100 Mr. B. Alexander — An Ornitholugicul 



138. Rhinopomastus cyanomelas (Vieill.). 



A scarce l)irclj observed either singly or in pairs, and 

 travelling- through the woods with a INlagpie-like flight. 

 They are silent birds and are always busy destroying the 

 freshly-opened buds of the trees with their scimitar-like 

 bills, and when thus employed they have a pretty way of 

 hanging from underneath the branches. We obtained an 

 immature bird on August 22, while in December the adults 

 were undergoing their moult. 



139. BucoRvus GAFFER (Bocagc). 

 Seen only once, but not obtained. 



140. Bycanistes buccinator (Temm.). 



Observed near Shupanga in company with B. cristatus, 

 but only one specimen procured. It was seen at rare 

 intervals in small parties and generally towards evening as 

 it journeyed from the thick woods to the river, where it 

 roosted in the deciduous trees lining the bank. We could 

 always tell when these birds had started from their close 

 daytime retreats on their journey towards the water, which 

 was accomplished in stages, by their loud peculiar cries, that 

 could be heard at a great distance and might be likened to 

 the bleat of a lamb. It is a comical sight to see one of 

 these birds alight on the top of a tree. Its heavy bill and 

 enormous casque cause it almost to topple over, but the 

 bird just saves itself by bringing down its strong and flexible 

 tail to a sharp angle. 



Adult 6 . Bill and casque blackish ; iris brown ; soft 

 parts pinkish flesh-colour ; legs and feet dark brown. In 

 life, the end of the casque behind the eye is soft and almost 

 pulpy. 



141. LoPHocEROs melanoleucus (Licht.). 



Common. Frequenting in parties belts of thick deciduous 

 trees lining the river's bank, and flying forward in batches 

 on one's approach with an out-and-in flight. The alarm- 

 note is squeaky and weak for the size of the bird. 



This Hornbill is very fond of the " raasau " apple fjujuba- 



