418 Mr. W. L. Sclatcr on Birds collected 



33"). LlOPTILUS NIGKICAPILLUS. 



Tv. Zuiiilji'ou, iNIay (3) ; Woodhusli Hills, Nov. (-1). 



[The South-Eastern and North-Eastera Transvaal are the 

 onlv two localities where 1 have seen examples of this species. 

 It haunts the woodlands and is very shy and retiring, and 

 eons(>ciueutly diffienit to seeui-e. It has a sharp call-note, 

 and in ap[)earance and movement in a wild state much 

 I'esenihles the lUackcap {St/lvia atricapilla), bat owing to its 

 frequenting the thickest aiul densest part of the brush, little 

 could be learnt regarding it. 



The soft parts are: — Irides reddish brown ; bill, base pale 

 coral, apical portion brownish white; legs and toes pale 

 brown.] 



336. Mel.enornis ateu. 



Tv. Legogot, May (8) ; P. Tete, Sept. (1). 



[I have noted the Black Flycatch r from several localities 

 on the eastern side of South Africa; it is espiciallv 

 plentiful in the Barberton district of the Transvaal. 



1 must say that I at first mistook it for the male of 

 Cainpofhera nigra or Dicrurus ludiviyi. These three species 

 can easily be confounded, until the calls and habits have 

 been carefully noted. 



It frecpients well-timbered country, especially where the 

 bush is patch}^, and is usually observed sitting on dead 

 branches, Irom which it chtrts out on insects like a true Fly- 

 catcher. The call is low and not often heard, and the flight 

 much resembles that of Dicrurus hulwigi. 



The soft parts are : — Irides dark brown ; bill, legs and 

 toes black.] 



337. Brauyornis infuscatus. 



CC. Klipfonteiii, Apl., June (3) ; Port Nolloth, July ((5). 



[Namaqualand is the only locr.lity where I have met with 

 this species. It is commonly seen perched on the tops of 

 the bushes, but is not always easy of approach. In habits 

 and appearance it nnich resembles the Chats, with which it 

 was formerly associated. 



The soft parts are : — Irides dark hazL'l ; bill dark brown ; 

 legs and toes black.] 



