NECTAEINIID^ 



ANTHOBAPHES 



295 



of heath, uttering at intervals a "sparrow-like" chirp, or, during 

 the breeding season, a brisk and cheerful song. These Sunbirds 

 feed largely on the nectar of various heaths, occasionally on that 

 of proteas, also on small insects that frequent these flowers, and 

 on gnats and flies which they dart upon, like Flycatchers, from a 

 perch to which they constantly return. Like the Long-tailed Cape 

 Sugar Birds, they breed during the winter rains, the nests near 

 Cape Town being usually built in June and the eggs laid in July. 

 This coincides with the flowering season of certain heaths and 

 proteas, on whose nectar they feed their young. On one occasion 

 I found a nearly completed nest at the end of March. The nest, 



Anthobaphes violacea and nest. 



