292 Mr. C. F. M. Swynnerton on the 
at the commencement of November, in the stunted bush of 
the flats, passing from tree to tree with a low swooping 
flight and frequently uttering its characteristic call. I have 
also shot it in the Jihu, and it is not very uncommon in other 
parts of the district, where it prefers grass-jungle country. 
127. CoccystEs nyporinarius. Black-and-Grey Cuckoo. 
I have seen several specimens of this species during the 
past season, and secured two in February and the commence- 
ment of March; it will probably prove to be a not uncommon 
summer visitor. The natives state that it always calls before 
rain. The crops examined contained numbers of large hairy 
caterpillars. 
128. Cenrropus BURCHELLI. Burchell’s Coucal. 
This species is common in the vleis and along the river- 
banks throughout the district, and is not infrequently found 
in grass-jungle country at great distances from water; I have 
seen several of its nests, placed low in a thicket near a stream 
or in a dense patch of grass-jungle, and domed and con- 
structed as described by Mr. Darling (quoted by Mr. Marshall 
in ‘The Ibis,’ 1900, p. 253), but I have never noticed that 
mud entered into their construction in any way. A stomach 
examined contained beetles and grasshoppers. The native 
name of this bird is an imitation of its loud oft-repeated cry, 
uttered most persistently, they say, before heavy rains. 
There is no local prejudice against the flesh of the Coucal 
as is the case with the Zulus, amongst whom it is said to be 
eaten only by the old women ; here it is regarded as fit food 
for all ages and sexes. 
129. Cenrrorus nicrorurus. Natal Coucal. 
Found in the same localities as the preceding species, but 
not quite so common. 
When what are now known as the Abandawo, says a 
native story, first came to the country, Mapungana, one of 
their chiefs (a hereditary title still in use), ordered the Coucal 
and the Fruit-Pigeon to serve out cloth to the people, who 
were naked. The Coucal first took the cloth, stretched it 
