196 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



On the 25th of April 1 found its nest in the last-named 

 locality, containing three eggs of a very elongated form 

 and much pointed at one end. Other nests which I 

 met with on various occasions were either empty or 

 contained young birds. 



The nest is composed of fine grasses, and is built 

 upon the ground, into which the lower portion of it 

 is sunk to the depth of two or three inches ; it is placed 

 between and resting against two stout plants, and is 

 round and dome-shaped, with one large opening to the 

 southward, the side freest from the wind and rain. 



I am always delighted to hear this bird as it makes 

 the welkin ring with its sonorous song and call, com- 

 posed of a series of notes, which it utters either when 

 perched on a tree or when moving from one spot to 

 another. Whilst thus flying and singing it may be seen 

 alternately to open and close its wings, sometimes almost 

 bringing them to meet over its back, when it appears 

 for the moment to be suspended in the air. 



The iris in this species is brown ; the legs and toes 

 pale flesh-colour ; the bill horn-colour, but more or 

 less brown along the edges of the upper and at the 

 point of the lower mandible ; the gape and corner of 

 the mouth are pale yellow. 



Measurements of a male obtained in Ondonga : — 



