226 Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall on 



1 1 . PuioNoPs TALAcoMA. (Soutli-Africaii Helmet-Shrike.) 

 Not uncommou throughout the year in wooded localities, 



occurring in Hocks of from six to twelve. They are inde- 

 fiitigablc insect-hunters, searchirig for their prey close to or 

 even on the ground. They are by no means shy, and 

 may be readily approached. The flight is sustained only 

 for a short distance, and a subdued but very pleasing call is 

 frequently uttered, being generally started by one individual 

 and at once taken up by the whole flock. The gizzards 

 examined contained orthoptera and coleoptera. 



12. SiGMODUs RETZii. (Rctzius's Helmct-Slirikc.) 



I observed a pair of these birds in a flock of the preceding 

 species at Mazoe last Christmas, but unfortunately failed to 

 secure one. Mr. Ayres met with a few on the Umfuli river. 



13. Graucalus pectoralis. (Black-breasted Cuckoo- 

 Shrike.) 



Though generally distributed, this bird is by no means 

 plentiful, being met with only singly or in pairs. When 

 vmdisturbed it moves very leisurely, but on being frightened 

 it takes a low swooping flight, though for no great distance, 

 rising as it settles ; thus recalling the Little Grey Gos- 

 hawk {Astur polyzonoides), for which I have occasionally 

 mistaken it. On the Umfuli river I obtained a feujale 

 agreeing Avith the description in having the throat white, 

 succeeded by a narrow crescent of clear grey, but I have 

 never seen one with this colouring round Salisbury. I 

 have in my collection a specimen, sexed as a female, which 

 is coloured exactly like the male ; moreover, if my memory 

 serves, in all the pairs I saw last breeding-season both birds 

 were coloured alike, and Mr. Swynncrton is of the same 

 opinion. This Shrike is a very silent bird, only occasionally 

 giving vent to a short, low whistle. In the stomachs examined 

 I found locusts, grasshoppers, and beetles. 



14. Campophaga nigra. (Black Cuckoo-Shrike.) 

 Known to me by a single specimen only. The resemblance 

 to the Common Drongo is so groat that I passed over the 

 bird, even after a hasty glance through the binoculars, but 



