observed on the Orange River. 229 



58. Mykmecocichla formicivora. (Stark, ii. p. 180.) 

 Very common. Sings well, both on the ground and 



whilst hovering. It is fond of flying up vertically fifteen feet 

 or so and hovering for a few seconds, sometimes to sing, at 

 other times apparently to catch flies. This is the most 

 noticeable bird on the veld. 



59. Pratincola torquata. (Stark, ii. p. 190.) 

 Not very common. Usually seen in pairs. 



60. Saxicola monticola. (Stark, ii. p. 194.) 



Very common. I saw it in all stages of plumage. In 

 habits it is similar to the Ant-eating Chat {Myrmecocichla 

 formicivora), though it usually flies up obliquely instead 

 of vertically before hovering. 



61. Saxicola pileata. (Stark, ii. p. 196.) 



Common near Aliwal North. I generally saw this species 

 feeding with the Larks, though if a Lark settled neat' a 

 Wheatear it was always driven off. 



62. Saxicola layardi. (Stark, ii. p. 200.) 



Very common and tame. Usually in family-parties 

 feeding amongst the heath in the open. When put up it 

 moves off with a jerky flight, uttering a squeak with each 

 jerk, but rarely going far. 



63. Saxicola familiaris. (Stark, ii. p. 201.) 



Very common. A pair of these birds used to frequent my 

 hut. Oue day as I was sitting in it one of them flew to my 

 shoulder and then to my knee. I found a nest on the top 

 of an old ant-hill with three young in it. 



64. Cossypha caffra. (Stark, ii. p. 213.) 



Very common. I found several nests, which strongly 

 reminded me of those of our English Robin. 



65. T aksiger silens. (Stark, ii. p. 219.) 



Fairly common. By no means a silent bird. Generally 

 seen perched on the top of a bush, and often making a great 

 deal of noise. 



