Expedition to the White Nile. 263 



evidently owing to some change of plumage, probably from 

 the immature to the mature state. Two have the tail-feathers 

 fully developed and a distinct black pectoral band, while 

 two others have no long tail-feathers and an ill-defined 

 pectoral band, shewing scarcely any black. We found this 

 Bee-eater at one camp only, viz. Gerazi. 



It utters a soft " chee/'' repeated a varying number of 

 times in succession. 



Adult. Iris brown ; bill black ; legs and feet greyish 

 black. 



65. Merops persicus Pall. 



Only seen at Wad Mariun, near Khartum. 



Adult, Iris crimson ; bill black ; legs and feet brown. 



66. Upupa epops Linn. 



A few were seen at intervals throughout our journey, the 

 latest noted being on May 13th. 



Adult. Iris hazel ; bill light brown at base, darkening to 

 almost black at tip ; legs and feet bluish grey. 



67. LopHocERos NAsuTus (Liuu.). 



A few of these Hornbills were observed between Gerazi 

 and Wad Mariun, sometimes singly and sometimes in small 

 parties of four or five. They were rather wild ; the flight, 

 in long sweeps up and down, is stronger and straighter 

 than that of the next species. We found them as frequently 

 where trees were thick as in the more open country, and 

 they were sometimes feeding on the ground. 



The note, a long drawn-out whistle (" whee-ou'^), is loud 

 and clear, and can be heard at a considerable distance. 



Adult. Iris dark brown ; bill and rudimentary casque 

 black, with a creamy- white patch on the basal half of the 

 upper mandible and three uneven whitish stripes on the 

 lower mandible; legs and feet brownish black. 



68. LoPHOCEROS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS (Tcmm.). 



To be seen in some places quite commonly, wherever the 

 trees were fairly thick. They will generally allow of a near 

 approach, although they watch the intruder carefully. The 



