SIGMODUS RETZIL 473 
far as my observations go does not enter the densest bush, but 
prefers open places, where it is usually found in companies of 
from three to five. It seems to prefer the larger trees, and 
flies no distance when disturbed, but usually makes to a tree 
close by; its flight is rather heavy; it is a much more wary 
bird than P. talacoma and not so noisy. I do not think 
it is a resident here, but on this point am not quite certain. 
I have only noticed it during the hot months—October to 
March.” 
Claude Grant, who met with this species in various localities 
in Portuguese East Africa, writes: “It cannot be considered 
plentiful though it was often seen, it is at all times wary and 
difficult to secure. It frequents both open and ordinary forest 
country, keeping more to the tops of the larger trees than does 
Prionops talacoma, and I have not seen it hunting in the 
native clearings. It is never seen in such large flocks as that 
species, being usually in parties of six or eight. The call is 
somewhat different from that of P. talacoma, but when handled 
it snaps its beak as does that bird, and also when one only is 
wounded the others will return to see what has happened to 
their companion. I have not seen this bird nesting or even 
in pairs, but always in flocks, even when with young.” 
The habits of the northern race seem to be very similar. 
Hildebrandt (J. f. O. 1878, p. 224) met with it on the 
‘mainland, near Mombasa, and in the jungle along the Athi 
River in light acacia thickets in flocks of six to ten individuals 
scolding and calling. I have found no description of the 
nesting habits. 
The British Museum contains examples of this species 
from the following localities :— 
S. retzii: German S.-W. Africa—Oliphant Vlei (Anders- 
son); ransvaal—Oliphants River (W. Ayres), Barberton 
(Pease) ; S. Rhodesia—Chirinda (Swynnerton). 
