324 Capt. B. Alexander on the 



changing into tlie summer plumage ; the upper parts are 

 much mottled, the new dark brown feathers contrasting 

 strongly with the old rufous brown of the winter plumage. 

 This species is not found in the Hinterland. 



136. CisTicoLA RUFA (Frascr). 



Cisticola rufa Sharpe, Cat. T5. vii. p. 252 : Reichen. 

 J. f. O. 1897, p. 49 (Togoland) ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vi. 

 p. 421 (Gambaga). 



Gambaga, Batenga, and Krachi. 



The winter plumage of this species diflFers from the 

 summer dress in being rufous brown above, brighter on the 

 rump and upper tail-coverts ; the chesty sides of body, and 

 flanks are washed with pale buff. The specimens killed in 

 May are uniform dark brown above, reddish brown on the 

 rump and upper tail-coverts. In the winter plumage the 

 tails are longer. 



The sexes are alike in measurements. 



137. Melocichla mentalis Fraser. 



Melocichla mentaUs Reichen. J. f. 0. 1891, p. 393, et 

 1897, p. 48 (Togoland) ; Shelley, B. Afr. i. p. 70, ; Hartert, 

 Nov. Zool. vi. p. 421 (Gambaga). 



Cisticola mentalis Sharpe, Cat. B. vii. p. 241. 



Daboya, Krachi, Pong, and Accra. 



This species is widely distributed, inhabiting the tall 

 elephant-grass. Tlie flight is very straight. 



It is curious that in our large series we did not obtain 

 any females. The breeding-season is, no doubt, in May and 

 June. In freshly-moulted birds the tails are very long. 



138. Hypolais polyglotta (Vieill.). 



Hijpolais polyglotta Shelley, B, Afr. i. p. 80 ; Reichen. 

 J. f. O. 1897, p. 51 (Togoland). 

 An adult male from Kintampo. 



139. Phylloscopus sibtlatrix (Bechst.). 

 P/n/lloscopus sibilatrix SeeI)olun, Cat. B. v. p. 54 ; Ueiehcn. 



J. f. b. 1897, p. 51 (Togoland). 



Phvl/opneuste sibilatrix (Bechst.) ; Shelley, Ibis, 18*2, 

 p. 2i)i (Cape Coast). 



Sekwij Gold Coast Hinterland. 



