164 MR. R. B. SHARPE ON THE GENUS CH&£TOPS. [Mar. 11, 
summit of some conspicuous stone or ant-hill, from which it surveys 
the surrounding prospect, and seeks for safety by immediate flight 
on perceiving the approach of a foe. It progresses by a series of 
enormous hops, its powerful legs being well suited to this end ; while 
its strong pointed claws enable it to traverse with ease the inclined 
surfaces of slippery rocks. It conceals itself readily in holes, and, 
if wounded, seeks such a retreat in which to die. Generally found 
in small families of three or four individuals.” 
2. CHETOPS AURANTIUS. 
Chetops aurantius, Layard, Birds of S. Afr. p. 126 (1867). 
This species was first recognized by my friend Mr. Layard; a 
single specimen is in the British Museum ; and I agree with him in 
considering it to be distinct from C. frenatus. The following ex- 
tract from his work sufficiently explains the reasons that induced 
him to separate the two birds. 
«“This handsome species was obtained by Mr. J. O’ Reilly in some 
abundance in the mountains near Graaff-Reinet. He describes it as 
very wary and difficult of approach, and feeding on insects, for 
which it seeks among the low brushwood. It has also been received 
from Captain Bulger at Windvogelberg, and from Mrs. Barber.” 
Mr. J. O'Reilly writes as follows :—‘“ Graaff-Reinet, January 2nd, 
1863. Inhabits rocks in high mountain-ranges. Scarce ; very shy 
and cunning, usually frequenting places assimilating to its plu- 
mage. Continually on the hop, and seldom takes wing; when it 
does so, flies but a short distance. Always on the watch, seldom 
showing much more than its head above the stones. Found about 
Graaff-Reinet all the year round, and in pairs. Food consists of 
small insects of any sort; drinks in the evening. Note, a sharp 
chirp, particularly when surprised. Breeds in December. Nest 
built of grass and rock-mosses, in crevices among rocks. Eggs three 
to four ; green, with brown speckles.” 
«‘ When this bird was sent home, Dr. Hartlaub and Mr. Sclater 
identified it as C. frenatus, Temm. Since then, specimens have 
been obtained corresponding entirely with Temminck’s figure of that 
bird, and I am convinced that this species is distinct. I have male, 
female, and young birds of each; and Mr. O'Reilly describes the 
nest and eggs of the orange-bodied species which Dr. Hartlaub sup- 
poses to be the young of C. frenatus. C. frenatus breeds about 
Caledon; and our C. aurantius never appears there by any chance.” 
3. CH&TOPS GRAYI. 
The specimen in the British Museum is labelled as coming from 
South Africa. My bird was obtained by Mr. C. J. Andersson on the 
Omaruru River, Damara-land, October 30th, 1866. The present 
species cannot be mistaken for either of the others mentioned above, 
its much smaller size and white throat distinguishing it at a glance. 
I should add that the British-Museum specimen has more black 
spots on the sides of the breast than my bird. 
