6 MR. J. H. GURNEY ON BIRDS (Jan. 12, 
is very partial to burnt ground and localities singed by fire. Dr. 
Smith has given a good illustration of the young. 
Orrouvs auratus (Vieill.). 
I have only once or twice observed this splendid Oriole in the 
southern parts of Damara Land—that is, the mature bird. The young 
(at least I believe it to be the same bird) is pretty common, but 
only during the rainy season; for it is migratory. The old bird is 
extremely shy and wary, and always keeps to the thickest part of 
the jungle. On and in the neighbourhood of the Okavango River 
it is, however, more abundant, but still retains its shy habits. 
In the young bird the iris is brown, legs lead-colour, bill reddish 
brown. 
- Parus nicer (Vieill.). 
Never observed in Great Namaqua Land, and very rare in Da- 
mara Land. It is only as one approaches the Okavango River that 
it becomes of more frequent occurrence. Resembles the great Euro- 
pean Titmouse in its habits. 
PARUS CINERESCENS. 
Found sparingly from the confines of the Okavango River to the 
Orange River on the south—that is, as regards the west coast. Iris 
dark brown. 
PHOLIDAUGES LEUCOGASTER (Gmel.). 
Common throughout Damara Land and parts adjacent (north- 
ward), but almost entirely as a migratory bird. A few isolated indi- 
viduals probably remain all the year round, for I have observed such 
Icng after the general migration is over. Shy and wary. 
CAMPEPHAGA NIGRA, Vieill. 
First observed in the neighbourhood (and there very sparingly) of 
the Okavango River, and never in Damara or Great Namaqua Land. 
Its real home must be considerably north of the river in question, 
for I merely noticed it as a migratory bird. Exceedingly shy and 
difficult of approach ; generally observed moving about in the upper 
parts of large trees. 
PLOCEUS MARIQUENSIS, Smith. 
Abundant in Damara and Great Namaqua Land. Most of the 
old birds appear to me to migrate. Builds its nest amongst reeds, 
or in small trees immediately overhanging water. Iris orange ; legs, 
toes and claws, and lower mandible nearly flesh-red ; upper man- 
dible brownish red. Gregarious. 
FRANCOLINUS SUBTORQUATUS, Smith. 
I first observed this plain but pretty Francolin as I approached 
the Okavango River; indeed the few specimens obtained by myself 
