CUCULIDJS. 249 



time, and feed on caterpillars, several species of hymenoptera, and on 

 beetles. 



Le Vaillant states tliat they deposit three e^gs, which are of a 

 pinkish colour, dotted with clear brown spots, in the nests of the 

 " Capocvogel," " Jan Fredrik '' (Fet. Superciliosa), and other small 

 birds. My friend Mr L. du Toit confirms this statement as regards 

 the " Jan Fredrik." 



Found also at Natal by Mr. Ayres. 



491. OUCUIUS GulariS, Steph. ; Gml. Zool. 9, p. 

 83 ; Cuculus Capensis, Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 1, p. 

 85 ; Le Coucou Vulgaire D'Afrique, Le Vail., No. 

 200, c5, 201 P. 



General colour above, bluish- grey ; tail dark, and variegated 

 with white spots near the shafts and edges of the feathers ; 

 inner webs of wing-feathers barred with white ; under parts 

 all white, barred with grey, and having a rufous tinge ; chin 

 and throat, light blue-grey, and immaculate. Length, 12" ; 

 wing, 9" ; tail, 7" 2'". 



Very rare near the sea-coast ; but becoming more common towards 

 the Interior, appearing frequently in Chapman's collection. Le Vaillant 

 describes the egg as olive-grey, dotted with red. 



492. Cuculus Clamosus, Cuv. ; Voi. 2, p. 455 ; 



Cuculus Nigricans, Swain. Nat. Lib., Vol. 12, p. 180 j 

 Le Coucou Criard, Le Vail., No. 204, 205. 



General colour, black, glossed with blue ; feathers of wings 

 and tail, irregularly barred and spotted with white ; tips of 

 the latter white ; inside of wing albescent, with dark bars. 

 Length, 12" ; wing, 7"; tail, 5" 9'". 



Le Vaillant states that the " noisy cuckoo " is common about the 

 Sunday and Swartkop Kivers, and throughout Camdeboo, depositing 

 its eggs in the nest of the " Capocier " (JDrymoica Capensis). I have 

 never seen a colonial specimen ; but Mr. Andersson procured it in 

 some abundance at Elephant Vley, in Damaraland. Mr. Ayres pro- 

 cured it in Natal, and remarks that it feeds on caterpillars, disap- 

 pearing from the country during the winter months. 



Sub- Genus CHALCITES, Lesson. 



Plumage shining metallic-green ; bill and general structure 

 of Cuculus J tarsus very short, almost entirely plumed ; rump 

 and upper tail- coverts soft. 



