132 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



not find it noticed as a Damara species in Mr. Andersson's MS. 

 notes, neither have I seen it in any Damara-Land collection. 

 ED.] 



168. Platysteira torquata (Waterh.). White-tailed Flycatcher. 



Platystira albicauda, Strickland & Sclater, Birds Damar., Contr. Orn. 



1852, p. 144. 



Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 395. 



Lanioturdus torquatus, Sharpe's Cat. No. 406. 



I met with this fine Flycatcher in the south of 

 Damara Land ; and I also found it very common, and in 

 many cases paired, about the Omaruru River, in October 

 and November. In the latter locality it was very tame, 

 and I could procure almost any number of specimens ; 

 but in the former it was shy and very restless, seek- 

 ing the thickest part of the tree or bush on which it 

 might chance to be perched immediately that it found 

 itself pursued, and making its escape from the side 

 opposite to that on which its pursuer might be watching 

 for it, not, however, flying far, but settling on the nearest 

 tree on which it deemed itself secure. 



This Flycatcher presents a pleasing appearance on the 

 wing, although its flight is slow and apparently laborious ; 

 it is gregarious in its habits, and seeks its food amongst 

 dwarf vegetation and also on the ground. I love this 

 little bird, it is so odd-looking, and often enlivens with 

 its quaint appearance and movements an otherwise 

 dreary and monotonous solitude. It has a very clear 

 plaintive call-note ; but generally its notes are querulous, 

 and at times not unlike the distant call of a Corncrake. 



The tail-feathers in this species are of extraordinary 

 stiffness. The iris is greenish yellow, the bill almost 



