CERTHILAUDA AFRICAN A. 



quill feathers the longest, the fourth slightly shorter than the third, the 

 fifth rather shorter than the fourth, the second considerably shorter than the 

 fifth, and the first not half the length of the second. Tail even, or very 

 slightly emarginate. Tarsi and toes robust, the former anteriorly and pos- 

 teriorly scutellated ; claws of fore toes rather slender, short, and curved, the 

 claw of hinder toe very long, strong, and nearly straight, 



Inches. Lines. 

 Lengtli from the point of the bill to 



the tip of the tail 8 3 



of the bill 1 3 



of the wings when folded ... 4 3 



of the tail 3 3 



DIMENSIONS. 



Inches. Lines 



Length of the tarsus 1 3 



of the outer toe 4 



of the middle toe 7 



of the inner toe 



of the hindnr toe 4 



of the claw of hinder toe ... 6 



5 



The female is coloured like the male. 



Specimens of this species abound in the immediate vicinity of Cape Town, and are partial to 

 localities whose soil is loose and sandy. They seek their food among the brushwood with which 

 the parts they inhabit are generally more or less covered ; and when not so occupied, are fond 

 of resting upon small hillocks, or even upon the tops of shrubs. According to Le Vaillant, 

 this bird lays from three to five eggs, of a dirty grey colour, dotted with fulvous, and makes 

 its nest on the ground at the base of a bush, constructing it of dry herbs, and lining it with 

 feathers. 



