Birds observed in Katcmgci. 29 



but, although elephants were reported from the upper reaches 

 of the Niamandi River, Ave failed to come up with them. 

 Close to Mandoko I noticed a species oi Rock-Marliu 

 (probably Ptyonoprngne anderssoni) in small numbers, and 

 suspect that they breed in the quartzite hills here. The 

 Kites, which frequented our encampment regularly, were 

 often accompanied by White-necked Ravens [Corvultur albi- 

 collis), and occasionally a Pied Crow (^Corvus scapulatiis) 

 would be venturesome enough to make a quick dash and 

 quicker exit. The Ravens — " chikwangala," — strangely 

 enough, seemed most plentiful iu the bush districts away 

 from the hills. I noticed several species of Sun-birds, but 

 they were all new to me with the exception of Kirk^s 

 [Chalcomitra kirki), and I think a red-breasted species seen 

 liere and there was probably referable to the Northern 

 Double-collared Sun-bird {Cinnyris ludovicensis) , whilst 

 another was evidently referable to the genus Anthothreptes. 

 A common bird found nearly everywhere was the Bulbul 

 (presumably Pycwojio^MS barbatus tricolor). The Standard- 

 wing Nightjar [Macrodipteryxvexillarius) was the commonest 

 species noted, and was fouiid practically throughout. The 

 natives call the male " lubafa " and the female '^' kumbaza "; 

 but I think the latter name is frequently applied to other 

 species as well. On October 6th I found two clutches of 

 two and one single e^^ of the Mozambique Nightjar 

 {Caprimulgus fossii) on the foot-bills of the Irume Moun- 

 tains. During a heavy rainstorm I have seen this Nightjar 

 leave the ground and seek shelter on the bough of a tree, 

 where it remained until the rain ceased. Ou the same date 

 I also saw a number of Willow-Wrens {Phylloscopus tro- 

 chilus), and heard them singing feebly ; they appeared to 

 have only just arrived. 



After following the Loombwa River some distance, we 

 ran into the broadest tsetse-fly ('Miasembi") belt encoun- 

 tered during the journey ; and here one morning, returning 

 with " boys '^ to cut up a large buffalo which I had shot, 

 I saw several White-headed Vultures [Lophogyps occipitalis) 

 which had congregated in the anticipation of a good feast. 



