Expedition to the Zambesi Fiver. 583 



very often, when pursued, the call-note of the Quail. In 

 the breeding-season the male bird will continually rise up 

 with a whirring sound of the wings vertically into the air, 

 and then drop to earth again in a curious manner, as if it 

 had suddenly lost control of its flight and was endeavouring 

 to reach the ground the best way it could, uttering the whole 

 time a string of musical notes, descending in scale, the 

 rendering of which is very true. 



Adult ^. Bill dark lead-colour; iris claret-colour; legs 

 and feet slate. In immature birds the bill is light horn- 

 colour and the iris hazel. 



69. Malaconotus sulphureipectus (Less.). 



Breeds in November. On June 1st, while forcing our way 

 tlirough a thick wood, we discovered a nest containing three 

 eggs, built in an acacia- bush, and about 30 feet up. It was 

 of slight construction, consisting of small fine bents for a 

 lining and coarser ones outside. The eggs have a greenish 

 white ground-colour, spotted and blotched all over with 

 brown, chiefly at the larger end, so as to form a zone. 

 Average measurements '85 X "62 inch. 



Adult S- Bill black; iris reddish brown; legs and feet 

 slate. 



In very young birds the chin and throat are white, con- 

 trasting strongly with the uniform yellow breast. 



70. Malaconotus poliocephalus (Licht.). 



71. NicATOR GULARis Fiusch & Hartl. 



This uncommon Shrike is seldom seen away from thick 

 woods, being of an extremely shy nature. A male obtained 

 on December 23 had sexual organs in breeding condition. 



Adult S • Iris brown ; throat and eyelids yellow ; legs and 

 feet slate. 



[To be continued.] 



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