PLOCEUS CAPENSIS. 



rather shorter. Tail slightly rounded at the point. Tarsi and toes very 

 strong; the former scutellated in front and entire behind. Claws, particularly 

 those of the middle and hinder toes, strong and much curved. 



DIMENSIONS. 



Inches. Lines. 

 Length from the point of tlie bill to 



the tip of the tail 7 



Length of the bill from the g.ipe 1 



of the winns when folded 3 G 



of the tail 2 6 



Inches. Lines. 

 Length of the tarsus 1 2 



of the outer toe Gg 



of the middle toe 9 



of the inner toe G 



of the hinder toe 5i| 



The colours of the female are less brilliant, the front, top of the head, 

 and all the under parts being nearly of the same hue. In birds of the first 

 year the upper parts are intermediate between yellowish and greenish grey; 

 the under parts inclined to primrose-yellow; the bill is dull yellowish brown 

 and the feet and claAvs are of the same colour only brighter. 



This species is generally dift\ised over the more southerly districts of South Africa, and 

 flocks of from ten to forty individuals are often to be seen on or near the edges of marshes 

 and rivers. From the trees or shrubs which fringe these, they suspend their nests, five or si.x 

 of which are sometimes attached to a single branch. They are formed of coarse grass, and 

 so substantially constructed that each requires some weeks for its completion. They are some- 

 what kindney-shaped, with the entrance towards the upjjer end, and directed downwards. 

 Trees which overhang pools of water are invariably preferred, and the twigs which approach 

 nearest to the water are commonly best supplied with nests. There can be no doubt, parental 

 affection dictates the choice. All the birds of South Africa are liable to have their nests 

 robbed by small quadrupeds and snakes, and as no position is so likely to secure them against 

 such misfortunes as those we have mentioned, they are, doubtless, selected under that con- 

 viction. During the breeding season, and for some months after tl>e young are fully fledged, 

 each flock continues firmly attached to some chosen locality, and whenever its members are 

 driven from their feeding grounds, they invariably repair to the trees upon which the nests 

 are situated. During the remaining portion of the year they are less stationary, and though 

 they rarely remove from a district where they may have reared young, yet they extend over 

 it, without evincing a marked partiality for any individual spot. 



