SCOTOCERCA SAHARA 127 



When suddenly surprised it shows evident signs of anger, as if 

 resenting the intrusion, and it will then utter a comparatively loud and 

 scolding note or alarm cry. The usual song of the species, however, 

 is composed of a few rather shrill and somewhat grating or hissing 

 notes, something like " sit-slt-ecree." The song of the allied species, 

 Dnjmoeca gracilis, according to various authorities, is, on the contrary, 

 melodious and powerful for the size of the bird. 



In the spring-time S. Sahara is generally to be found in pairs, but 

 small parties of three and four individuals may often be noticed. It 

 is a most active, or one might more correctly say restless, little bird, 

 constantly on the move, hopping from some bush to the ground and 

 back again, or threading its way in and out among the inner branches 

 of a bush, with its long tail often held well up over its back. At 

 times, on alighting on the ground it will run across the sand mounds 

 from one shrub to another, for it is rather given to running and makes 

 good use of its legs in creeping through bushes, as shown by the 

 development of its thigh muscles. When wounded the bird will often 

 run into the bole of some rodent, and thus make good its escape. Its 

 flight must be fairly powerful, judging from the distance it is able to 

 fly without stopping, and, owing partly to its small size and sandy 

 colouring, the bird will often disappear entirely out of sight. Its 

 food consists of small insects, both winged and wingless. The 

 breeding season of S- saharcc continues throughout April, May and 

 June, second broods being probably common. Its rather large nest, 

 which is generally placed in the centre of some dwarf desert bush, 

 is round in shape and has a comparatively small aperture at the top. 

 Fine grass-bents and other particles of plants form its outer structure, 

 which is lined with feathers and wool. The eggs, four or five in 

 number, are usually white, spotted, chiefly at the blunt end, with 

 reddish surface spots and a few pale blue shell markings. The eggs, 

 however, vary a good deal, both in marking and in shape. Average 

 measurements 15 X 11 mm. Dr. Koenig has given a very good 

 plate of the nest and eggs of this species (J. f. 0. 1895, tab. xiii.). 



