152 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
after careful examination we have not been able to recognize the 
specific distinctness of the two birds, and as we know from the 
writings of Von Heuglin and Dohrn that the Emerald Cuckoo — 
migrates from Abyssinia and from Western Africa and only appears 
in South Africa during the summer months, it is more likely that — 
there is only one species throughout the Continent. 
The Emerald Cuckoo is abundant at the Knysna, and throughout 
all the forest regions to the eastward along the sea-coast. The males" 
are killed in a proportion of at least ten to one female, from their — 
habit of perching on the topmost branches of trees, and from thence 
uttering their loud call of love or defiance. This is easily imitated 
by a whistler, and the bird will answer the whistle, and remain on 
the look out for its supposed foe, until the shooter creeps up within 
range. 
Captain Shelley found them fairly plentiful about Durban and Pine- 
town, where they frequent the thick forest. Mr. Ayres also writes 
respecting the species in Natal:—‘‘ These splendid birds, though 
not by any means plentiful, are easily obtained in consequence of 
their loud call, which they make at short intervals. They will remain 
on the same tree, and nearly the same bough, for hours together ; they 
feed principally on caterpillars, but sometimes catch the winged 
females of the white ant as they rise from the ground, darting upon 
them similarly to the Flycatchers or Drongo Shrikes. It has a swift 
dipping flight, similar to that of the Wagtails, and when disturbed 
generally flies to a good distance. It frequents bushy country near 
the coast.” 
It has not occurred to Mr. Andersson in Damara Land (though he 
believes he saw it), nor to Senor Anchieta in South Western Africa, 
but is met with in the interior of Angola proper. 
Adult male.—Above brilliant metallic emerald-green, the plumage 
having somewhat of a scaly and velvety appearance ; wings and tail 
of the same metallic green as the head, this colour likewise extend- 
ing over the sides of the face and throat as far as the fore neck ; rest 
of under surface bright golden yellow, the under tail-coverts broadly 
barred with metallic green; the quills and tail glossed underneath 
with metallic green, the bases of the primaries whitish, the outer 
tail-feather also spotted on the outer web and tipped with white ; 
under wing-coverts golden yellow, the outer ones green ; bill greenish 
grey, blackish along the line of gape and at tip, malachite-green at 
