ABYSSINIA AND THE BOGOS COUNTRY. 283 
Natal (the only southern specimen which I have) I find, although the distribution of 
colours is quite the same, some differences also in the coloration, the spots on the 
occiput and hind neck being not so decidedly sulphur-yellow as in the Natal bird, but 
nearly white, only washed very faintly with yellow. The chin is also of a much paler 
sulphur-yellow in the northern specimens, like the other under parts; the orange- 
yellow margins on the quills and tectrices are rather obsolete; and the yellow super- 
cilium, so visible in the southern bird, is very slightly tinged with yellowish, and nearly 
white. Many persons would think these differences sufficient to constitute a new 
species; but Iam not able to do so, having certain reasons to believe that they are only 
the effects of age or season. All the specimens in Mr. Jesse’s collection killed in the 
month of July are partially moulting, getting here and there new feathers, which are as 
bright as the corresponding feathers in the Natal specimen: on the chin, for instance, in 
one specimen are some feathers not quite developed, which are of as bright a sulphur- 
yellow as in the one from Natal. All the old feathers are more or less rubbed; there- 
fore the plumage is in general paler. Now every experienced ornithologist knows that 
similar differences in colouring according to the season occur in many of our European 
birds, and will not be surprised to find the same rule in African birds. The only im- 
portant distinction would be the smaller size; but there must be large series to decide 
whether this character is permanent or not. I, at least for the present, do not venture 
to base a specific separation upon these characters. 
M. J. Verreaux, in his Monograph of the African Barbets, is certainly wrong in 
giving “ Nubie” as a locality for MZ. pusilla; and it may be remarked that in most 
cases his ‘“‘ Nubie” must be construed Sennahr or Abyssinia. 
The Bogos country is a new locality.—0. F. 
[Iris brown ; legs and feet, toes two back and two forward. 
Only observed during the Bogos journey. Localities: Kokai (Lebka), Waliko, 
Anseba.—W. J.) 
Fam. PICID. 
160. Picus nusicus, Gmel. (nec Licht.). 
Picus ethiopicus, Hempr. & Ehrb. Symb. Phys. 
Dendromus ethiopicus, Riipp. Syst. Uebers. pp. 90 et 95. no. 346, t. 36; Heugl. Syst. Uebers. 
no. 487; id. Fauna des Roth. Meer. no. 198. 
Picus nubicus, Finsch & Hartl. Vogel Ostafr. p. 509. no. 278. 
. Undel Wells. May 27 (no. 3001). 
. Undel Wells. May 27. 
. Undel Wells. May 27 (no. 3000). 
. Undel Wells. 
. Ain. July 6 (no. 1424). 
. Maragaz. July 29 (no. 1665). 
Se BOs 
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