60 BIRDS OF DAMASA LAND. 



75. Corythomis cyanostigma (Eiipp.). African Malachite - 

 crested Kingfisher. 



Alcedo cristata, Layard's Oat. No. 106. 



Akedo cyanostigma, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 409. 

 Corythomis cristata, Sharpe's Alcedinidae, pi. 11. 

 Corythomis cyanostigma, ibid. (Introduction), p. 6. 

 „ „ Sharpe's Cat. No. 51. 



Probably from want of permanently running rivers, 

 this exquisite little species is not found in Damara or 

 Great Namaqua Land ; but it is common on all the waters 

 north of those countries ; it invariably perches on some 

 low twig or bough almost on a level with the water. 



MEROPID^. 



76. Merops apiaster, Linn. European Bee-eater. 



Merops apiaster, Gould's Birds of Europe, pi. 59. 

 „ „ Layard's Cat. No. 111. 



„ „ Sharpe's Cat. No. 18. 



This species is very common in Ondonga during the 

 rainy season, when it is also not uncommon in Damara 

 Land proper ; but I do not think that it is abundant in 

 Great Namaqua Land. 



These Bee-eaters are observed during their annual 

 migrations in small flocks ; but having arrived at their 

 temporary destination they scatter somewhat over the 

 country, though several may still be seen in close 

 proximity. They seem to live chiefly on a species 

 of red wasp, and sometimes seize their food on the wing 

 like Swallows, though they more frequently watch for it 

 from some elevated perch, whence they suddenly pounce 



