238 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
Africa, and Mr. Andersson’s observations on the species are here- 
with transcribed :—“I have only met with this bird in Damara 
Land, and that at no very great distance from the sea-coast; it is 
not uncommon on the extensive plains bordering on Walvisch 
Bay, and seems to be chiefly confined to such localities. It is of a 
very friendly, fearless disposition, almost rivalling Saaicola galtoni 
in its familiarity with man; it will approach a person to within a 
very short distance, and it is no uncommon thing to see it hopping 
about amongst the cooking utensils that may chance to be scattered 
.about a temporary encampment. It spends nearly all its time on 
the ground, along which it runs with great swiftness ; but now and 
then it may be seen perched on a stone raised a few feet above the 
level of the plain. Its flight is a kind of alternate dip and rise, and 
never extends far at a time. The food of this species consists of 
small insects; its eggs are laid on the ground in a small excavation 
sheltered by a stone or bush. 
Fig. (tail only), Blandford and Dresser, P. Z. 8S. 1874, p. 236, fig. 1. 
225. SAXICOLA PILEATA. Capped Wheatear. 
The “ Schaapwachter” (lit. The Shepherd), as it is called by the 
colonists, is one of the most favoured and favourite birds of the 
colony, over the whole of which it extends. He is protected and 
petted on account of his own natural sweet notes, and for his great 
powers of imitation. Perched on a white ant’s nest, he pours out a 
flood of song, chaunting long into the darkening twilight, when 
other songsters are gone to rest; and the morning light scarcely 
suffices to enable you to see the musician, ere he again commences 
his mellow notes or imitations. He is a favourite with the farmer 
and the shepherd—the master and the man: the good-wife also 
casts a kindly eye on him, as he flirts his tail and wings on the mud 
wall of her little garden, and thumps her “young hopeful” who, 
unable to resist the tempting shot, is about to “‘shy a stone at him.” 
It breeds in the rat-holes, close to the houses, or out in the 
fields, in the month of September, and lays four white eggs tinged 
with a faint greenish colour, very large for the size of the bird. 
Axis 12’; diam. 9’’.. If wounded it retreats into the first hole it 
comes to. It runs along the ground with great rapidity, and 
seldom alights on bushes—scarcely ever on trees. If frightened 
