Ornitholoyy of the Gambia River. 483 



up plains or the stouy plateaux away from the river, my 

 huuting-grouiids were somewhat restricted. When we 

 arrived at McCarthy Island on Nov. 10th the dry season was 

 just beginning, but the swampy plains were still covered 

 with dense jungle, and the foliage of the forest-covered 

 plateaux formed a rich contrast to the red cliffs as they caught 

 the last rays of the setting sun, while vast flocks of Egrets, 

 Ducks, and Green Pigeons flew overhead from their feeding- 

 grounds. Even before reaching McCarthy Island I was 

 struck by the number of species of Rollers and Kingfishers 

 seen, though it was impossible to identify them from the 

 colonial steamer. From Nov. 11 to Nov. 24 I was fully 

 occupied with other work, and could shoot only a few birds 

 daily for food. These were usually Pigeons, Spur-winged 

 Plovers, the so-called Bush-fowl {Francolinus bicalcaratus\ 

 the Sand-Grouse {Pterocles quadricinclus), or occasionally 

 a Whistling Duck. Other species of frequent occurrence 

 were the Palm-bird {Lophoceros nasutus), usually seen in 

 parties of from three to five, which continually flew in un- 

 dulating fashion from tree to tree uttering their monotonous 

 high-pitched cry of three descending notes ; two species of 

 Parrots ; enormous flocks of LamprocoHus purpureiis ; as 

 well as groups of Lamprotornis caudatus and Wood-Hoopoes 

 {Irrisor senegalensis), ranging from ten to thirty, which vied 

 one with another in their deafening chatter. The flocks of 

 the last-named generally contained twice as naany females 

 as males, the latter being easily distinguished by their 

 brilliant red beaks. The Foolish bird {Centrojms senega- 

 lensis), various Drongos and Shrikes, and Weaver-birds in 

 vast numbers, completed the tale. In the early days of my 

 stay 1 noticed the call of our British Redstart, of which I 

 saw both males and females throughout the dry season. 

 The Grey Flycatcher {Muscicapa grisola) was also common 

 along the river-banks at that time. 



On Nov. 24 I went down the river to Nianimaru, and 

 thence travelled in company with the Commissioner of the 

 District up the north bank as far as the Kunchow Creek, 

 returning to McCarthy Island on Dec. 20th. There was 



