52 CINNYRIS MARIQUENSIS. 



is not uncommon in Damaraland ; it is also found at Lake 

 Ngami. It is usually seen in pairs, and frequents the banks 

 of periodical streams." 



The type of the species was discovered by Smith at 

 Kurrichaine. The most southern districts known for the 

 species is Zululaud, where the Messrs. Woodwards collected 

 six specimens at Uhmdi and Eschowe. 



Mr. T. E. Buckley writes : " Quite the commonest Sunbird 

 from north of Pretoria into the Matabele country. They were 

 generally to be seen in pairs, or perhaps two cocks chasing a 

 hen. Like all the dark - coloured Sunbirds, the beautiful 

 plumage of the male is only to be seen on a near approach. 

 From the specimens I have in my collection it would appear 

 that the male changes from the sober colours of the female 

 into his own lovely hues in October." He further remarks: 

 "The males are much shyer than the females. I did not 

 observe this species in Natal." Mr. Buckley brought home 

 specimens from the Towani river in Bamaugwato, and from 

 Tati in Matabele. Mr. Barratt procured it at Macamac in the 

 Transvaal. Mr. Ayres tells us that they are rare near the 

 Limpopo during the South African winter months, feeding 

 amongst the aloes, which grow plentifully on the dry stony 

 ridges, and that even at that season the males fight. He also 

 found them at a similar time of the year hunting for small 

 insects among the dry seed-tops of high grass, flowers at that 

 season being exceedingly scarce. While in company with Mr. 

 Jameson they collected specimens at Matje Umschlope, in 

 Matabele in November, at Mangwato in December, and at 

 Palatswie Pan in Bamangwato in June ; at this last place 

 meeting with the species and G. leueogaster in tolerable 

 abundance assembled round a very pretty parasitic plant, the 

 blossoms of which resemble the honeysuckle. 



Mr. Oates procured it in Matabele at the Makalapsie river 



