1917-] Birds from British East Africa. 397 



Iris red ; bill dark ; legs dark grey. 



The Common Bee-eater was often seen at Thika and in 

 the Itlianga Hills, usually in small flocks up to a 

 dozen. 



Both examples are in very worn plumage. 



Melittophagus bullockoides. 



Merops hullockoides A. Smith, S. African Quart. Journ. ii. 

 1834, p. 320 [S. Africa]. 



Melittophayus buUockoides C. Grant, Ibis, 1915, p. 298. 



(J. Tsavo River. 10th August. Wing 114 mm. 



Iris red ; bill and legs black. 



I saw this Bee-eater on one occasion only, in open park-like 

 country on the Tsavo. They were hawking flies from the 

 tops of some tall acacias. 



Melittophagus lafresnayi oreobates. 



Melittopkugus orcubutes Sharpe, Ibis, 1892, p. 320 [Save, 

 B. E. Africa]. 



Melittophagus lafresnayi oreobates C. Grant, Ibis, 1915, 

 p. 296. 



S . Thika. 27th August. Wing 103 mm. 



? juv. „ 1st September. „ 100 mm. 



Iris red ; bill black ; legs dark flesh-colour. 



One or two small flocks of this Bee-eater were seen, 

 probably migrating. 



The chest of the immature bird is washed with green. 



Melittophagus pusillus cyanostictus. 



Melittophagus cyanostictus Cab. in Von der Deckeii, Reisen 

 in Ost-Afr., Vogel, iii. pt. 1, 1869, p. 34 [Mombasa]. 



Melittophagus pusillus cyanostictus C. Grant, Ibis, 1915, 

 p. 294. 



? . Tsavo River. 27th July. Wing 74 mm. 



$ . „ 13th August. „ 78 mm. 



5 . „ 15th August. „ 73 mm. 



Iris red ; bill and legs black. 

 This little Bee-eater was very common, sitting on low 



