8 DR. P. L. SCLATER ON BIRDS FROM HUAHEINE. [Jan. 12, 
isolated specimens may have escaped me. Lately, at all events, I 
have discovered it in considerable numbers, particularly this year 
(1863). Numerous families were reared at my residence at Otjim- 
bingue. They build a nest like that of the common European House- 
Sparrow ; indeed, like that bird, they are partial to the eaves and 
corners of dwelling-houses and out-houses. In Great Namaqua Land 
I have found it more numerous, and I have reason to think it is not 
uncommon in some of the northern parts of the Cape Colony and the 
Orange River Free States ; but of this latter Nate am not 
positive. In specimens supposed to have come from the Colony side, 
the red on the head is clearer, and the colours throughout consider- 
ably darker. There is also, in particular, a strong rusty-brown tint 
about the breast, wings, &c., not so perceptible in my Damara Land 
specimens. 
CURSORIUS BICINCTUS. 
Sparingly scattered over Damara and Great Namaqua Land. This 
year (1863), I have found it particularly abundant in the south of 
Damara Land. Entire length probably about 84 inches. 
LANIUS SUBCORONATUS. 
Common in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, but I am not sure 
that it is found as far south as the Orange River. I think not. 
Where it ceases, Lanius collurio takes its place. It resembles the 
rest of the true Shrikes in its habits. Pounces upon its prey from 
some elevated situation. 
CorETHRURA DIMIDIATA (Temm.). 
I found this pretty little Rail first and only at Omanboudi (Cen- 
tral Damara Land), where it was not uncommon, but very shy and 
retired in its habits. It bred at Omanboudi; but I did not succeed 
in procuring the nest. 
2. List or A COLLECTION OF BrirDs FROM HUAHEINE, Society’s 
Isuanps. By P. L. Scuatrer, M.A., Pu.D., F.R.S., Secre- 
TARY TO THE SOCIETY. 
Mr. J. H. Gurney having received a small collection of birds from 
Mr. James H. Wodehouse, H. B. M.’s Consul at Raiatea, Society 
Islands, has requested me to look them through and to determine 
the species, which I have had great pleasure in doing. 
The series only embraces ten species, but some among them are 
of much interest. Our best information on the Pacific avifauna is 
derived from Mr. Cassin’s volume on the ‘ Mammalogy and Ornitho- 
logy of the U.S. Exploring Expedition under Commodore Wilkes,’ 
to which I have given references in most cases. 
