1917- J Birds from British East Africa. 395 



Micropus affinis, 



Ci/pselui affinis Gray in Hardwicke's Illust. Iiid. Zool. i. 

 1832, pi. 35. tig. 2 [India]. 



Apus affinis Reich w. Vog. Afr. ii. 1902, p. 382. 

 c?. Tsavo. 17th August. Wing 122 mm. 

 Iris dark brown ; legs black. 



Micropus aequatorialis. 



Cypselns lequalorlalis von Miiller, Naumannia, i. pt. 4, 

 1851, p. 27 [Abyssinia]. 



Micropus cequatorialis C. Grant, Ibis, 1915, p. 311. 



$ . Ithanga Hills. 8th October. Wing 210 mm. 



(?. „ 9th October. „ 203 mm. 



Iris dark brown ; bill black. 



This fine Swift was generally seen at a great height. It 

 would come down to a grass-fire, however, and could then 

 be secured. 



A grass fire is a very certain draw for many insectivorous 

 birds. At this time of year many are started by natives. 

 In starting one oneself, care should be taken as to where it 

 is going to end up. An isolated patch of high grass about 

 a hundred yards long is best, but see the fire out before you 

 leave, especially if your camp is down wind. 



Micropus melba africanus. 



Cypselus alpinus africanus Temm. Man. Orn. 1815, p. 270 

 [S. Africa]. 

 Apus melba africanus Reichw. Vog. Afr. ii. 1902, p. 377. 

 ? . Ithanga Hills. 3rd October. Wing 210 mm. 

 Iris dark brown ; bill black. 

 This Swift has the same habits as the last species. 



Tachornis parvus subs p. ? 



Cypselus parvus Licht. Verz. Doubl. 1823, p. 58 [N.E. 

 Nubia] . 



Tachornis parvus parvus C. Grant, Ibis, 1915, p. 309. 



? ad. Tsavo River. July. Wing 120 mm. 



This little Swift was common, flying round the tops of 

 the doum-palms. 



2d2 



