101 ONYCUOGXATHUS CAFFER 



The occurrence of the species so far north as Angola rests 

 on a specimen procured by Henderson. Monteiro writes : 

 " Very abundant near the coast from Nova Kedondo to 

 Mossamedes (or Little Fish-Bay). Never observed it more 

 to the north than the former locality. Only makes its 

 appearance some months of the year (from November to 

 June). Keep together in small flocks, uttering a cry very 

 much like that of a Starling. They accumulate a large open 

 nest on some flat-topped tree, without the least shade or 

 protection, and on which as many as eight or ten birds 

 are sitting together hatcliing their eggs, presenting a very 

 singular appearance." One of his specimens is the tj'pe of A. 

 nahouroiip hcnguellensis, Neumann. Anchieta found it at the 

 Rio Coroca, and according to Andersson : " This is a tolerably 

 common bird in Damaraland and in the adjacent countries 

 to the north and east, as well as in Great and Little 

 Namaqualand. It is gregarious in its habits, congregating 

 in small flocks, and is partial to rocky localities ; it some- 

 times flies at a considerable height, and frequents water 

 morning and evening. It feeds on seeds, berries, insects, &c. " 



Stark informs us that " in Cape Colony it is not found near 

 Cape Town, is abundant at Nel's Poort and elsewhere in the 

 Karroo, also near Colesberg, and at Kakama, on the Orange 

 River," and has been met with as far east as the Orange River 

 Colony. 



With regard to its habits. Stark writes : " This species is 

 more restricted in its distribution, but frequents much the 

 same localities as the common Red-winged Starling", which 

 latter bird it also resembles in its general habits. The two 

 species are sometimes found together, as at Nel's Poort, near 

 Beaufort West, but according to Layard, they do not mix in 

 the same flock, and the present is easily distinguished during 

 flight by its square tail, as well as by the pale colour of the 

 under side of the wino'. 



