NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



else when they are plentiful. This drongo is, in consequence, 

 a pest to bee-keepers. Otherwise, it is of considerable value 

 as an insect destroyer. 



The Cuckoo Shrike. 



(Genera — Campophaga and Graiicalus.) 



Diet. — The food of the cuckoo shrikes consists entirely of 

 insect life. In the stomachs of those I examined there was an 

 assortment of caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, moths, 

 flies, gnats, etc. 



Swallows and Martins. 



(Genera — Chelidon^ Cottle.^ Ftyonoprogne^ Htrundo^ Petrochel'idon^ 

 and Psalidoprocne.) 



Diet. — The food of swallows and martins is made up of 

 insects which are taken on the wing. Small beetles, gnats, 

 flies, moths, winged termites, mosquitoes, and a host of other 

 injurious creatures fall prey to these eminently useful birds. 

 To kill a swallow or rob its nest is a stupid, idiotic, cruel, 

 and criminal act. 



The Pitta. 



(Genus — Pitta.) 

 Diet. — Insect life. This bird does not occur further south 



n Africa than the Zambesi Valley. 



Note. — The whole of the above-mentioned birds grouped 

 under the order Passeres feed their young on insects, their larvae, 

 and kindred forms of life. Ninety-five per cent, of the insect 

 diet of these birds and their nestlings is noxious to man. This 

 fact is highly important to know and to reason on. 



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