SHRIKES 165 



in the obtuse ends with small dots of deep pinkish-brown. 

 It is fairly common in the forest and bush regions from 

 Knysna to the Zambesi Valley, and across to Damaraland 

 and Southern Benguela. 



The Greater Puff-back (D. ferrugineus) differs from the 

 first -mentioned species in its larger size, buffish underparts 

 and orange-buff tinge on the rump. Its eggs are pale blue, 

 thickly speckled with reddish-brown. 



The two remaining species are but little known. 



The last genus of the Sub-family is a large one com- 

 prising some ten species of Laniarius, the first of which 

 is the beautiful Crimson-breasted Shrike (L atrococcineus) , 

 whose trivial name will easily serve to distinguish it. It 

 is black above with a white bar on the wing, below bright 

 crimson. Length, 8 inches. 



It is fairly common in the bushveld north of Pretoria, 

 whence we obtained some good examples. It is very quick 

 and collecting specimens is often in consequence no easy 

 matter. Buckley records a nest taken on November 7, 

 built of soft dead weeds containing three eggs of a white 

 ground colour, thickly spotted with light brown. It is not 

 an easy bird to keep in captivity, requiring a plentiful supply 

 of insects. 



The commonest member of the genus is the well-known 

 Bakbakiri (Laniarius guUuralis), called by most Colonials 

 the " Kokevic," from its call. It is easily recognisable by 

 its yellow and green plumage and black chest-band. Length, 

 8| inches. The male and female are very fond of calling 

 to each other, their respective cries differing considerably. 

 Stark gives an excellent description of these in his " Birds," 

 vol. ii., " Fauna of South Africa." 



The nest is like that of other shrikes, and usually contain 



