SHRIKES 165 



It is fairly common in the forest and bush regions from 

 Knysna to the Zambesi Valley, and across to Damaraland 

 and Southern Benguela. 



The Greater Puff-back (D. ferrugineus) differs from the 

 first-mentioned species in its larger size, huffish under-parts 

 and orange-buff tinge on the rump. Its eggs are pale blue, 

 thickly speckled with reddish brown. 



The two remaining species are but little known. 



The last genus of the Sub-family is a large one com- 

 prising some ten species of Laniarius, the first of which 

 is the beautiful Crimson-breasted Shrike (L. atrococcineus) 

 whose trivial name will easily serve to distinguish it. It 

 is black above with a white bar on the wing. Length, 

 8 inches. 



It is fairly common in the bushveld north of Pretoria, 

 whence we obtained some good specimens. They are very 

 quick, and collecting them is often in consequence no easy 

 matter. Buckley records a nest taken on November 7, 

 built of soft dead reeds, containing three eggs of a white 

 ground colour, thickly spotted with light brown. 



The commonest member of the genus is the well-known 

 Bakbakiri {Laniarius gutturaUs), called by most Colonials 

 the " Kokevic," from its call. It is easily recognisable by 

 its yellow and green plumage and black chest-band. Length, 

 8-|- inches. The male and female are very fond of calling to 

 each other, their respective cries differing considerably. 

 Stark gives an excellent description of these in his " Birds," 

 vol. ii., " Fauna of South Africa." 



The nest is like that of other Shrikes, and usually contains 

 three verditer blue eggs mottled with rusty red. It is also 

 an insect and worm feeder like the other members of the 



