* GORACIAS CAUDATA. 105 
time, settling afterwards on the very top of the nearest high tree. 
In the Matabili country this is a royal bird, and no one except the 
king is allowed to wear its feathers.” We are likewise indebted to 
Dr. Exton for the following account of the bird :—“ From Sechelés 
northward OC. caudata is commonly known as ‘ Mosilikatze’s bird, its 
liveliness and pugnacity perhaps having given rise to the old 
warrior’s interest in it. In his earlier career Mosilikatze claimed the 
feathers solely for royal adornment, and in his milder moods has been 
known to give an ox to the youth who had captured and presented 
one of these birds. It delights to perch on the topmost branch of a 
leafless tree, from which it gives out its note of challenge, and should 
a crow or a hawk approach its vicinity, it will make rapid darts at 
the intruder, and with sharp pecks and harsh screams drive off birds 
greatly superior to itself in size and strength. It has a habit when 
disturbed by the solitary hunter of flying directly towards him, but 
high . overhead, and after careful scrutiny, wheeling off uttering 
discordant screams. For so bright-plumaged a bird, it is noteworthy 
that there is no difference between male and female. Bechuana name 
‘Le-cler-cler ;? Matabili name ‘ Fee-Fe.’ ” 
Mr. Buckley procured a male in the Transvaal on ae Ist of July, 
1873, and he observes moreover that he has “ seen the young about 
November, evidently not long out of the nest, so the Rollers must 
be amongst the earliest breeders.” Dr. Kirk says it is a very common 
bird in the open woods and bush country near the Zambesi and 
other rivers, that the cry is harsh, and that the plumage varies con- 
siderably, being much less brilliant during the cold and dry seasons. 
Mr. Andersson writes :—‘‘This species is common in tha Lake- 
Regions, and is also pretty common in Damara Land, where, how- 
ever, I imagine that it must be partially migratory, as during the 
dry season comparatively few individuals are seen. It is more shy 
and difficult of approach than C. nevia, which it otherwise resembles 
as to food and habits.” On the River Cunene Senor Anchieta has 
recently met with it as well as at various places in the Mossamedes 
district. 
A long description of this bird is not necessary here, as it is easily 
distinguishable by the following characters—its forked tail with the 
outer feathers measuring 8°5 inches in length; white throat; blue 
abdomen ; and by its lilac-colowred throat and breast, the throat being 
streaked with white ; “ bill black; feet greenish yellow; iris yellow- 
