144 MR. R. B. SHARPE ON THE BIRDS OF ANGOLA. [Mar. 10, 
VIDUA PRINCIPALIS. 
Vidua principalis, Linn. ; Hartl. Orn. Westafr. p. 136. 
Vidua decora, Hartl. THis 1862, p. 340. 
a. ‘Male. December 2nd, 1868. Eye black ; beak red ; feet black. 
6. “Male. December 9th, 1868. 
ec. “Male. January Ist, 1869. 
d. “Female. January Ist, 1869.” 
Dr. Hartlaub (/.c.) has separated the southern Vidua principalis 
under the name of Vidua decora, on account of the supposed absence 
of the black chin-spot. I am sorry that I cannot agree with him 
on this point, but my conclusion is based upon the examination of 
a large series of specimens in my own collection. Dr. Hartlaub also 
considers Vidua decora to be somewhat smaller. I therefore give 
the measurement of the wing in the birds now lying before me. 
1. Katenbella (Sala), December 9th, 1868. Least possible indi- 
cation of a chin-spot. Wing 2°8 inches. 
2. Katenbella (Sala), December 2nd, 1868. Chin-spot very plainly 
developed. Wing 2°95. 
3. West Africa (Fraser). Chin-spot plain. Wing 2°65. 
4. Natal. Chin-spot just becoming visible. Wing 2°85. 
5. River Gambia. Chin-spot very plain, broad, and extending 
nearly 0°3 inch down the throat. Wing 2-7. 
6. Fantee. Chin-spot very plain. Wing 2°75. 
7. Fantee. Chin-spot distinct. Wing 2°75. 
8. Fantee. No chin-spot at all. Wing 2°8. 
9, Otjimbinque, Damara Land, November 17th, 1869 (Andersson). 
Small chin-spot. Wing 2°9. 
10. Damara Land (Andersson). Small chin-spot. Wing 2°9. 
11. Cape Colony (Layard). No chin-spot. Wing 2°8. 
From the above measurements it will be seen that great variation 
in size prevails, even in birds from identical localities. The black 
chin-spot seems to be equally variable, being present in southern 
specimens, while northern specimens are also found without it. As far 
as my own experience goes, there is only one species, viz. Vidua princt- 
palis, found in West and South Africa, and the black chin-spot is 
only assumed in the height of breeding-plumage. 
HyPHANTORNIS CINCTA. 
Hyphantornis cincta, Cass. ; Mont. P. Z. S. 1865, p. 93 ; Bocage, 
Jorn. Acad. Lisb. i. p. 139. 
Male. October 30th, 1868. Eye red; beak black; feet light 
yellow. 
Toccus MONTEIRI. 
Toccus monteiri, Hartl. P. Z.S. 1865, p. 87; Mont. P. Z.S. 
1865, p. 91. 
Male. December 31st, 1869. Eye pale lilac-colour; beak red; 
feet black. 
