OXPECKERS 197 



We found them fairly plentiful in Albany, and not at all 

 scarce in the Central Transvaal. 



During the winter months they congregate into family 

 parties, pairing off in October. 



The nest is a cup-shaped structure of small branches, 



Fig. 108.— Black Crow. 



lined with fine roots, fibres and hairs. Eggs usually three, 

 bufiish-pink, spotted with reddish-brown and pink. 



Its chief food consists of insects and grain. Like the Pied 

 Crow, it may often be found in the company of cattle. It 

 is not a particular friend of the farmers, owing to its habit 

 of pulling out and devouring the growing mealie seeds. 



In the Albany Division we have found this bird to be 



one of the hosts of the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Coccystes 



glandarius). 



OXPECKERS 



The Oxpeckers (Buphagince) are a sub-family of the 



Sturnidse or Starlings. 



There are two species, both being brown in coloration, and 



