SAXICOLA INFUSCATA. 



occurs far from the sea-coast. It selects sterile tracts which are thinly covered with brush- 

 wood for its habitats, and in these situations it is so extremely watchful that even weeks of 

 incessant toil will scarcely ensure the collector a specimen. When disturbed it perches 

 upon the highest twig within its reach, and from that incessantly surveys the country 

 around, and if the slightest danger is suspected, it either flies off to a distance or dives among 

 the shrubs, and conceals itself until the patience of the pursuer is exhausted. During many 

 months which I passed in the country in which this species occurs, I only saw twelve 

 individuals, and it was not till the nest of a pair was discovered, that two specimens were 

 obtained. Anxiety for the welfare of their young appeared to diminish the solicitude they 

 manifested under other circumstances for their own safety, and it was by taking advantage of 

 that discovery that we obtained the male and female we now possess. It seeks its food, which 

 consists of insects, upon the ground, and while on it, as well as when perched, it raises and 

 depresses its half extended wings after the manner of the other species of the genus. 



In addition to the present bird, we have eleven other species inhabiting the South of Africa. 



They are 



Saxicola pileata, Vieill. Lc Traqiiet Imitateicr,Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afrique, pi. 181. 



Saxicola familiaris. Le Traquet Famillier, Le Vaill. lb. pi. 183. 



Saxicola sperata, Lin. 



Saxicola rubicola. Le Traquet Patre,l.e.'Va:\\\. lb. pi. 180. 



Saxicola formicivora, Vieill. Le Traquet Fourmillier, Le Vaill. lb. pi. 186 and 7. 



Sa.xicola leucoptera, Swainson. 



Saxicola monticola, Vieill. Le Traquet Montagnard, Le Vaill. lb. pi. 183. 



Saxicola cinerea, Vieill. Le Traquet Tractrac, Le Vaill. lb. pi. 184. 



Saxicola Le Vaillantii, Smith. 



Saxicola nigra, Vieill. Le Traquet commandetir, he VaiW. lb. pi. 190. 



Saxicola cursoria, Vieill. Le Traquet a calotte et quelle blanche, Le Vaill. Lb. pi. 190. 



Saxicola bifasciata, Temm. PI. col. 472, fig. 2. 



Saxicola Baroica, Smith. 

 Eight of the above species have been well figured by Le Vaillant, and a representation of the 

 la?t named will be given in the course of these illustrations. 



