CINNYRICINCLUS VERREAUXI 43 



these insects, which in the spring of the year swarm out 

 by milhons, wlien hawks, clogs, cats, toads, &c., &c., all 

 feast alike." Stark adds the following observations: "These 

 beautiful Starlings, although not so common as some of the 

 other Grlossy Starlings in Natal, are by no means rare in 

 autumn and winter. At this season they are almost in- 

 variably in Hocks, consisting entirely of either male or female 

 birds. Towards spring they appear to migrate northwards, 

 sometimes after they liave paired. 



" In the Transvaal many of these birds are resident, 

 particularly in the Rustenburg district, where they breed ; 

 at the same time the majority appear to migrate towards 

 spring. When migrating or moving for any distance, they 

 Hy in flocks and usually at a considerable height. 



" This species builds its nest in the holes of trees, in the 

 Transvaal in December, lining some natural hollow, or the 

 old nest-hole of a Barbet, witli wool and feathers, over which 

 they place green leaves which are removed from time to 

 time. The eggs, usually four in number, are pale blue, 

 sparingly spotted with pale brown at the large end. They 

 measure Q-QO X 070." 



In Mashonaland, Mr. Guy Marshall found it to be scarce 

 at the Umfuli River, " an occasional pair only being met 

 with ; during September and October, 1898, however, they 

 visited Salisbury in some numbers, to feast on the spring 

 crop of wild figs, which attract a number of frugivorous 

 and insectivorous birds. Their cries are somewhat harsh, 

 but the male frequently utters a very sweet, plaintive 

 whistle." 



Sperling includes the species among others which he calls : 

 "Plentiful at Mosambique." Sir John Kirk has procured it 

 at Tetc on the Zambesi ; a large series has been collected 

 from many places in Nyasaland, and northward to the Tana 



