Ornithology of the Matopo District. 565 



208. X Parisoma subcaeruleum. Tit-Babbler. 



The little Red-vented Tit-Babbler is at times quite plen- 

 tiful. On March 1, a sudden incursion of these birds was 

 perceptible (I had not seen them earlier), and they remained 

 throughout June. 



209. JAnthoscopus caroli. Andersson's Penduliue Tit- 

 mouse. 



On January 17, I noticed a party in the gardens of the 

 Terminus Hotel. 



210. Cisticola suhruficapilla. Grey-backed Grass-Warbler. 

 Not uncommon but local. On February 12, I found a 



nest containing three eggs placed about two inches from the 

 ground in a small shrub amid grass — "white-ants^' had 

 practically enveloped the structure. On the 16th, two eggs 

 had hatched out, but on the 24th there was only one young 

 one and an addled e^^^ whilst the nest had been opened at 

 the top — evidently to facilitate the feeding of the young 

 ones. Eggs white, with a few red spots all over, but denser 

 at the obtuse end. 



211. Cisticola natalensis. Natal Grass-Warbler. 



This is a rare bird with us, but I have occasionally noticed 

 it in the rank herbage and long grass along the Malenii and 

 elsewhere, Avhilst it may sometimes be seen perched on a 

 tree or rock uttering its jerky call. It has been recorded 

 by Chubb from Mt. Silozi, and there is little doubt that it 

 will ultimately be proved a resident with us. 



212. Cisticola terrestris. Wren Grass-Warbler. 

 Common in places, but inclined to be local. 



213. Cisticola sp. 



On February 8, 1912, I shot a Grass-Warbler which had 

 the crown and nape rufescent brown, deepest on the fore- 

 head, lores white which was continued over the eyes and 

 above the ear-coverts, where, however, it was tinged with 

 reddish; ear-coverts like the crown; the feathers on the 

 back dark brown with bluish-grey edges, the brown centres 

 becoming less distinct on the rump ; upper tail-coverts 



