KUNGL. SV. VET. AKADEMIENS HANDLINGAR. HAND 47. NIO 5. 23 



in the thornbush where this bird is much more conspicuous than ils ivd-billod, smaller, 

 and somewhat more numerous congener (L. erythrorhynchus). Both species are comiimn 

 and appear to live quite peacefully together. Among the small birds the »Golden Pipit», 

 Thmetothylacus tenéllus which on the wing is like a yellow flash, and the violet and white 

 Anthreptes longmari are most prominent through their eolouration. Dendropicus hem- 

 prichi appears to be a typical thornbush-bird which also like Pelicinius lives south of 

 Guaso Nyiri but then in thornbush patches there as well. Dendromus nubicus is perhaps 

 still more numerous. It seems as if this dry country should not suit any wading birds 

 but Rhinoptilus cinctus, Stephanibyx coronatus, and Sarciophorus latijrons, are met with 

 in small open places in the thornbush, and Oedicnemus capensis occurred even in quite 

 thick bush. The little Blackbellied Somalibustard (Otis gindiana) is quite a character- 

 istic inhabitant of the thornbush where it rises with great facility even if the bush is quite 

 thick. Both species of Pterocles recorded in the list are common in the thornbush. Some 

 of the döves alreay mentioned for the acacia steppe are also found in the thornbush 

 and in addition to them Turtur capicola somalicus, and Chalcopelia chalcospilos somalica 

 which latter appeared at home in the interiör of the bush. The »Sheepbird» (Chizaerhis 

 leucogastra) is just as characteristic of this dry landscape with its scattered acacias as 

 Turacus hartlaubi is of the green forest. The difference in colour of these birds matches 

 exactly the different surroundings in their home country. 



As there of ten is a number of acacia -trees scattered över the thornbush several birds 

 of the acacia-steppe for which these trees are important as nesting places or in other ways 

 extend their distribution in accordance herewith. Other species are substituted by near 

 allies. For instance Batis orientalis somaliensis takes in the thornbush the place of the 

 B. molitor puella of the acacia steppe, and Trichokema stigmatothorax replaces T. lacry- 

 mosum. The little Rhinopomastus minor somalicus is in consequence of its black plumage 

 and yellow bill a very conspicuous bird in the thornbush. Among the birds which chiefly 

 live on the ground Emberiza poliopleura, and Mirafra poecilosterna are among the most 

 common in the thornbush. The Räven (Bhinocorax affinis) is a characteristic bird round 

 the big granite rocks which rise here and there, and its short tail makes it very recogni- 

 zable when on the wing. 



Owls are comparatively common in the thornbush, not less than four species having 

 been observed there. The big Bubo lacteus lived among the doum-palms at a dry river 

 bed, but the three other species in the regular thornbush. Bubo maculosus cinerascens had 

 selected some rocks overhung by bushes for resting place, Asio leucotis a common thorn- 

 bush, and Glaucidium perlatum acacias. The big Vultures appear to be more numerous 

 in the thornbush country than on the acacia steppe. Neophron monachus, Aquila rapax, 

 Helotarsus, and Kites were equally common in both localities. Astur sphenurus, Poly- 

 boroides typicus, and Poliohierax semitorquatus were only seen north of Guaso Nyiri but 

 Micronisus gabar on both sides. 



