290 Mr. C. F. M. Swynnerton on the 
patches. I was first attracted by its loud laughing note, 
and found the bird busily engaged in eating ants which 
had made their nest in an upright decayed branch at 
some distance from the ground. It measured in the flesh 
8:75 inches, and the stomach contained hundreds of a 
small black tree-ant in all stages of development, as well as 
a millipede. 
Since writing the above I have secured a second example 
(a female) in Chipete, and watched another at close quarters 
in Chirinda. 
118. CamporHERA BENNETTI. Bennett’s Woodpecker. 
Not an uncommon species in the open woods, particularly 
in the thorn-and-Jihu type of country. 
119. Denproricus carpinauis. Cardinal Woodpecker. 
In numbers and distribution this species nearly resembles 
the preceding. I used frequently to see both at Mafusi, 
but I believe that neither frequents the patches of true 
forest. 
120. InpicaTor vaRincatus. Scaly-throated Honey- 
guide. 
I have seen only one specimen of this Honey-guide, a 
male trapped last May in Chirinda by means of a falling 
stone which I had set for Xenocichla, baited, strange to say, 
with a piece of guava. I can only suppose that Hymenoptera 
of some kind must have been attracted to the guava, and 
that the bird, in pursuing them, settled on the twig. The 
stomach contained only bees-wax. A Honey-guide, probably 
I. minor, is common throughout the Jihu, where honey is 
particularly abundant, but I have not yet secured specimens. 
The Abandawo have the usual native idea with regard to 
these birds, to the effect that, if a portion of the comb is not 
set aside for them, they will sometimes give the offender 
another chance by shewing him a second nest, but should he 
still prove ungrateful, will then infallibly lead him to a lion, 
a snake, or some other dangerous animal. The native always 
whistles in reply to a bird when following it. 
