174 DICRURUS AFER 
“Xinganja” (Quindumbo), and at the Rio Coroca, Capello 
and Ivens found it known as the ‘‘ Mentengo.”’ 
From Damaraland Chapman wrote: ‘Common almost 
everywhere. Usually observed singly or in pairs. Partially 
migratory. Very fierce. Will fearlessly attack any bird, no 
matter what size—the most powerful Falcon not excepted 
—and will not rest until it has expelled the intruder from 
its particular beat. At times, and more especially during 
the season of incubation, he reminds one of some of the 
Song Thrushes of Europe, for, like them, he may be heard 
late at night, perched on the top of trees, uttering the most 
melodious notes, rather plaintive perhaps, but, at the same 
time, very soothing and varied. In the early morning, an 
hour or so before daybreak, he may also be heard carolling 
to his mate.” 
Stark and Sclater observe (B. S. Afr. ii. p. 266): “ This 
Drongo is particularly fond of bees, feeding on scarcely any- 
thing else when these are plentiful; so that a few of them 
will soon clear a hive. In districts in which the grass is 
periodically burnt, Drongos flock from all quarters at the 
first signs of a fire, and display the greatest intrepidity in 
dashing through the smoke and flames in pursuit of the 
insects that are driven out. They are equally bold in defence 
of their nest, flymg round the head of an intruder with angry 
cries, and even attacking him with beak and wings. As a 
rule rather a silent bird, towards the pairing season the 
male becomes a charming songster, uttermg the most 
melodious notes and frequently singing at night, both after 
sunset and before sunrise; but the song of this species 
varies considerably with locality, that of the bird in Western 
Cape Colony differing entirely, according to Andersson, from 
that of the same species in Damaraland. The nest of the 
Drongo is a slight but firmly constructed shallow saucer, 
saddled on a branch near its extremity, frequently at a con- 
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