152 BfRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



its end ; the tarsi generally short and slender ; the toes 

 moderate, with the outer more or less united to the base of 

 the middle ; the claws short and curved. 



The Sub-Family, CAMPEPHAGIN^E, or Cater- 

 pillar-Catchers, 



have the bill short, and rather depressed, with the culmen 

 slightly curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which 

 is emarginated, and sometimes hooked ; the gape is furnished 

 with a few short bristles ; the nostrils basal, rounded, and 

 more or less exposed; the wings moderate, with the third, 

 fourth, and fifth quills the longest ; the tail long, and 

 rounded at the sides ; the tarsi short, and covered with 

 transverse scales ; the toes generally short, and the lateral 

 ones unequal ; the claws moderate, compressed, and much 

 curved. 



Genus CAMPEPHAGA, Vieillot. 



Bill short, and broad at the base, with the culmen rather 

 depressed, slightly curved, and the sides gradually compressed 

 to the tip, which is emarginated ; the gonys long and slightly 

 ascending ; the gape furnished with a few short bristles ; 

 the nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, and concealed by the 

 frontal plumes; wings moderate, with the first quill short, 

 the second shorter than the third, and the third more or less 

 shorter than the fourth, which is the longest ; tail long and 

 broad, and rounded at the sides ; tarsi short, the length of 

 the middle toe, and covered in front with broad scales ; toes 

 moderate, the inner toe shorter than the outer, which is 

 united at its base ; the hind toe moderate and broad, padded 

 beneath ; the claws moderate, compressed, and curved. 



296. Gampephaga Niger, Vieii.; Cuv., Vol. i, 



p. 362 ; Ceblephyris Ater, Less.; Camp. Atrata, 



Swain.; L'Eckenilleur ftoir, Le Vail., PL 165, $ ; 



C. Flava, Vieil ; Cuv., Vol. 1, 362 ; L'JEchenilleur 



Jaune, Le Vail., PL 164, Q. 



6 Shining metallic-black; lower wing-coverts greenish; 

 9 greenish-grey, banded with black on the breast ; scapulars 

 yellow ; wing and tail feathers edged with yellow. Length, 

 8J"; wing, 4"; tail, 3" 9'". 



Not uncommon in the forests of the Knysna ; and I have seen it 

 from Swellendam, Damaraland, and Natal. It feeds upon insects, 

 which it captures among the upper branches of high forest trees. R 

 is silent and retired in its habits, creeping about in search of its prey. 



