NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



Malachite Sun Bird {Nectarinia famosa). (Vol. I., 

 p. 251.) 



Description. — Male : entire body metallic malachite-green. 

 Pectoral tufts bright yellow. The female is pale earth-brown, 

 and lacks the two long tail feathers of the male. Iris dark 

 brown. Bill and feet black. 



Total lengthy 9.50 ; tail, 5.00 ; wing, 3.00. The two 

 centre feathers of the tail are longest. 



Distribution. — All over South Africa and north to the 

 Limpopo River. 



Habits. — Frequents gardens and the open country wherever 

 nectar-producing flowers grow. It may often be observed 

 flitting amongst the flowering aloes on the slopes of hills and 

 mountains, and amidst the proteas, heaths, and ericas on the 

 veld. The nest is bulky and pear shaped, with a projection 

 over the entrance hole. It is usually suspended from the 

 outer twigs of a bush or tall weed. The nest is constructed 

 of grass, fibres, twigs, and cobwebs, with bits of lichen stuck 

 all over it. The interior is lined with fine grass, hair, or feathers. 

 Clutch, 2 ; eggs pale smoky-brown, mottled and spotted all 

 over with slaty-grey and dark brown ; size, 0.84 by 0.52. 



Scarlet - chested Sun Bird (Cinnyris gutturalis). 

 (Vol. I., p. 251.) 



Description. — Male : head and body velvety black with 

 brown shading on back. Forehead dark metallic-green. 

 Upper throat golden-green. Centre of lower throat and chest 

 scarlet, each feather with a subterminal bar of metallic-blue. 

 Tail and wing golden-brown. Iris dark brown. Bill and 

 legs black. 



Total lengthy 6.00 ; tail, 2.25 ; wing, 3.00. 



Distribution. — From Great Fish River in Eastern Province 

 of Cape to Mombasa, and from Damaraland to the Congo 

 River. 



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