60 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



75. Corythomis cyanostigma (EUpp.). African Malachite- 

 crested Kingfisher. 



Alcedo cristata, Layard's Cat. No. 106. 



Alcedo cyanostigma, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 409. 

 Corythomis cristata, Sharpe's AlcedinidaB, pi. 11. 

 Corythomis cyanostigma, ibid. (Introduction), p. 6. 

 Sharpe's Cat. No. 51. 



Probably from want of permanently running rivers, 

 this exquisite little species is not found in Damara or 

 Great Namaqua Land ; but it is common on all the waters 

 north of those countries ; it invariably perches on some 

 low twig or bough almost on a level with the water. 



MEROPID^l. 



76. MeropS apiaster, Linn. European Bee-eater. 



Merops apiaster, Gould's Birds of Europe, pi. 59. 

 Layard's Cat. No. 111. 



Sharpe's Cat. No. 18. 



This species is very common in Ondonga during the 

 rainy season, when it is also not uncommon in Damara 

 Land proper ; but I do not think that it is abundant in 

 Great Namaqua Land. 



These Bee-eaters are observed during their annual 

 migrations in small flocks ; but having arrived at their 

 temporary destination they scatter somewhat over the 

 country, though several may still be seen in close 

 proximity. They seem to live chiefly on a species 

 of red wasp, and sometimes seize their food on the wing 

 like Swallows, though they more frequently watch for it 

 from some elevated perch, whence they suddenly pounce 



