106 EINAR LÖNNBERG, BIRDS. 



Pseudonigrita cabanisi (Fschr. Rchw.). 



Rchw. III, p. 173. 



A very common bird, occurring in swarms as well on the acacia-steppe at Lekhmdu 

 and soutli of Guaso Nyiri, as in the thornbush north of the latter river but then not so very 

 far from the water, although always in the dry country. 



Their nests made of grass were seen hanging in great numbers on the acacias. 



Although this species extends further south, I think it must be counted as a member 

 of the Somalifauna. 



Cryptospiza salvadorii Rchw. 



Rchw. III, p. 174. 



I succeeded in obtaining a couple of specimens of this rare little bird near Escarp- 

 ment station in a forest where it was so dark that the birds only with difficulty could be 

 seen when feeding on the ground. Their ventricle contained seeds. The specimens were 

 both males but had not »rote Ziige und Augengegend » (conf . Reichenow, »Die Vögel- 

 fauna des Mittelafrikanischen Seengebietes » p. 333, 1911). If the presence or absence of 

 red on the sides of the head only is a matter of variation as the author just quotedisin- 

 clined to think the difference between C. salvadorii, and C. reichenowii is abolished, and 

 the latter name being the older has to be used. Especially if so is the case this bird is to 

 be regarded as a representative of the western forest fauna which has pushed so far east 

 that it even has reached the Kilimanjaro-region (the Meru-mountain), and established 

 itself in suitable localities. 



Estrilda astrild minor (Cab.). 



Rchw. III, p. 180. 



A small swarm of this bird was seen near Nairobi in bush in the beginning of April, 

 but males and females seemed to keep together so that a pair was secured in one shot. 



Estrilda subflava (Vikill.). 



Rchw. III, p. 18G. 



Near Fort Hall, and between Punda Melia and Blue Post among tall herbs. A male 

 shot ~U had swelled testidés. Only single birds were seen. 



Estrilda charmosyna Rchw. 



Rchw. III, p. 190. 



In the thornbush north of Guaso Nyiri below Chanler Falls this beautiful little Est- 

 rild was observed several times, and I secured two male specimens. Length of wing 51— 

 52 mm, length of tail 55 — 60 mm. 



The distribution of this bird is apparently northeastern even if it has been found to 

 reach Athi river. 



