PARRA CAPENSIS. 



Legs strong and rather short ; tarsi scutellated anteriorly, the scutce most 

 distinct towards the toes ; lower half of tibiae naked ; claws long, straight and 

 pointed. 



Length from the point of the bill to 



the tip of the tail 



Length of the bill from the gape 



of the wings when folded. 



of the tail 



of the tarsus 



We have only met with one individual of this species, and that we strongly suspect to be in 

 immature plumage : the whole of the interscapulars, back and upper tail coverts are probably 

 brilliant metallic purple in adult birds. It was killed, while seeking for its food, upon some 

 water-plants which coated the surface of a small river near to Algoa Bay. 



Parra Africana is the only other species of the group which has yet been found in 

 Southern Africa : it never ranges so far to the westward as the Cape Colony, thougli it is often 

 found to the Westward of Port Natal. 



