GEOCICHLA SEMIENSIS (Карр). 
SEMIÉN GROUND-THRUSH. 
_ Merula (Turdus) simensis, Rüpp. Neue Wirb., Vóg. р. 81, pl. xxix. fig. 1 (1835). 
Turdus musicus (nec L.), Des Murs in Lefebvre, Voy. Abyss. Zool. p. 96 (1845-50). 
Merula simensis, Rüpp. Syst. Uebers. p. 60 (1845). 
Turdus simensis, Gray, Gen. B. i. p. 210 (1847). 
Psophocichla simensis, Cab. J. f. O. 1860, p. 182. 
Turdus semiensis, Heugl. Orn. N.O.-Afr. i. p. 380 (1869). 
Geocichla simensis, Seebohm, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. v. p. 183 (1881). 
С. similis С. litsitsirupe, sed magis brunnescens, facie et gastreeo toto magis aurantiaco-fulvis distinguenda. 
ALTHOUGH this species is undoubtedly closely related to G. litsitsirupa of South Africa, the differences 
between the two birds are well-marked, and each appears to be restricted to a well-defined 
geographical area. 
Von Heuglin states that the Semién Ground-Thrush is one of the commonest birds of the 
Abyssinian Highlands, from the Taranta Pass and Mensa to Western Amhara, southwards to the Galla 
country, but not occurring below 5000 feet. Dr. W. T. Blanford found it common throughout the 
highlands, but not observed below 5000 or 6000 feet elevation, and he states that he did not meet 
with it in the Anseba Valley (Geol. & Zool. Abyss. p. 387). Mr. Jesse obtained specimens from the 
Taconda Pass in April (Finsch, Tr. Z. S. vii. pt. 4, p. 241, 1870). Sir W. C. Harris met with the 
species at Angollalá and Ankober in Shoa (Seebohm, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. v. p. 183), and the Marquis 
Antinori found it in the same country. Не says that at Licce it was common from October to 
November, and he also met with it at Fecherié-Ghem, where Dr. Ragazzi also records it as being a 
very common bird (Salvad. Ann. Mus. Genov. (2) i. p. 158, 1884; vi. p. 259, 1888). 
The present species has been recorded from Sierra Leone, where Afzelius is said to have obtained 
it (Sundev. CEfv. K. Vet.-Akad. Forh. Stockh. 1849, p. 147). Пт. Otto Finsch says that the specimen 
in question belonged to the South-African form, G. litsitsirupa, but it may well be doubted if either 
of these species really occurs in the forest-region of Western Africa. 
According to Von Heuglin, this Thrush lives in pairs or in families in the larger clumps of 
trees, especially among the junipers, but more still round the villages and in the thickets surrounding 
the churches, as wellas in the uncultivated districts. In the thicker bush-covered places it is less 
often observed, but is usually to be seen on the ground, in broad clearings, cattle-pastures, and 
meadow-land. In Abyssinia it is resident, and is said to nest on the juniper-trees. Its habits and 
call-notes reminded him most of those of the Mistle-Thrush (T'urdus viscivorus). 
Adult male. Very similar to G. litsitsirupa, and only differing from that species in the more 
pronounced tint of orange-buff on the under surface of the body, and the bolder and more distinct 
fan-shaped black spots: “bill pale dusky brown, the lower mandible yellowish ; feet pale horn-colour ; 
iris dusky " (Von Heuglin). Total length 8:2 inches, culmen 1:0 inch, wing 5:8 inches, tail 2:6 inches, 
tarsus 1:5 inch. 
Adult female. Similar to the male. Total length 8:0 inches, wing 5:2 inches. 
The species is figured on Ше same Plate as С. litsitsirupa, from a specimen from Shoa in the 
Seebohm Collection. ГВ. B. 5.] 
