by Mr. Claude Grant in Suulh Africa. 729 



449. Lybius torquatus. 



N. lUovo, Nov. (2); Z. Jasusie Valley, Jan. (1) ; Ngoye 

 F'orest and Hills, Sept. (2) ; Tv. Woodbusli, May, June (4) ; 

 Legogot, A|)l., May (2).; P. Masambeti, Nov. (1) ; Beira, 

 Dec, Feb. (2). 



The examples from Beira and Masambeti are distinctly 

 smaller than those from the Transvaal — wing 84—88 against 

 93-95 ; and in this respect they aj)proach the East African 

 L. irroratus, but they retain the characteristic plumage of 

 L. torquatus. 



[This Commou Barbct uas found in Nat:il and Zululaud, 

 northwards and eastwards to the North-Easteru Transvaal and 

 the Beira and Gorongoza Districts. It is usually observed 

 in pairs, and frequents well-timbered country, where its loud 

 resounding cry can be often heard. In the early mornings 

 it is frequently seen sitting on the topmost boughs of the 

 trees, probably enjoying the first warm rays of the sun, 

 uttering at intervals its cry, and bobbing up and down in a 

 funny fashion, opening and shutting the wings each time. 

 Both male and female call. The flight is sw'ift and straight, 

 and generally only from tree to tree unless the bird is greatly 

 alarmed. Its food consists mainly of fruit and berries, for 

 which it visits orchards and gardens, but it also devours a 

 goodly number of insects. I have seen it examining and 

 going in and out of holes of trees, apparently with the idea 

 of nesting, but I have never succeeded in finding the eggs. 



The soft parts of the adult are : — Irides red-brown ; bill, 

 legs and toes black. 



In the young bird the irides are hazel ; bill brownish 

 black ; legs and toes as in the adult.] 



450. Triciiol.i:ma leucomelas. 



CC. Klipfontein, Apl., July (4). 



[Since the Central Cape Colony trip I have only seen this 

 Barbet in Namaqualand, where it was quite counnon and 

 resident. It is usually found in pairs and feeds principally 

 on berries and fruit, for which it visits gardens and orchards. 

 It does considerable damage to green and ripe fruit, espe- 

 ciallv figs. It has a loud crv oE two or three svUablcs and 



