392 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
to the latter naturalist it frequents secluded, dense, tangled brakes, 
and though not particularly shy is somewhat difficult to obtain from 
the nature of its resorts. It utters pleasant ringing notes. 
Fig. Hartlaub, Beitr. Orn. West-Afr. pl. v. 
373. Lantartus cuba, Lath. Lesser Puff-backed Bush Shrike. 
This little species is common in the forests of the Knysna as well 
as in the eastern province. According to Lieutenant Trevelyan it 
is common near Kingwilliamstown, particularly so in the Peri Bush. 
In Natal, according to Captain Shelley, it is a very abundant 
species about Durban and Pinetown in the thick woods, and it 
appears to extend throughout the Transvaal and the Matabili 
country to the Zambesi, where, however, the birds are rather smaller 
and whiter than in the Cape Colony, and this is particularly the case 
with the females. This white-breasted race appears to extend 
along the east coast of Africa as far as Zanzibar and the adjoining 
country. In the Transvaal Mr. Ayres found these birds not 
uncommon among the bush on the Rustenberg Mountains, where 
they were generally in pairs and their habits shy and retiring. Mr. 
T. E. Buckley procured specimens on the Limpopo in December, 
and the late Mr. Frank Oates shot the species on the Tati River. 
In Damara Land Mr. Andersson observed it very sparingly, 
meeting it first at Okamabuté, and thence northward as far as the 
Okavango; but Senor Anchieta has found it in nearly every place 
where he has collected in Benguela and Mossamedes. At Capan- 
gombe the native names were Kissuala and Kikundi; at Humbe, 
Kassa-lacatoto and Nangombeiomapupo; and at Quillengues, 
Kiriamahuco. 
Both Mr, Ayres and Mr. Andersson speak of the curious way 
in which this species sometimes elevates the loose white feathers 
on the back till they nearly encircle the bird. This is gene- 
rally done during the courting season, but occasionally when 
the bird is alarmed. ‘ When flying away,” says Mr. Ayres, 
“they look at first sight like a white ball with a black spot in 
the centre. The male has the upper parts glossy _ black, 
except the lower back and rump, where the feathers are pure 
white, and very loose and fluffy; the under parts are greyish 
white; the bill is black, the legs slate colour, and the iris 
‘yaries from yellow tored. Length, 7 inches; wing, 3°7; tail, 3°5. 
