6 
G. Groh) . It is presumed that the nest contained unfledged young 
and this is the first recorded breeding in spring. Birds were seen 
to feed by gleaning from the uppermost twigs in the canopy of figs 
as well as foraging in the usual way. The species is clearly less 
closely associated with Acacia than the literature suggests. 
Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps 
Remarkably scarce on the Tihama compared to autumn (c.f. OSME 
Expedition data) and spring 1986, (Martins 1986) thus movements must 
occur and breeding may be irregular, opportunistic and non-annual. 
An apparently tired individual, presumably forced to ground by an 
intense rain storm at Ta'izz sewage lagoons (P. Rathbone) where the 
species is normally absent, is further evidence of movements. 
Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes 
Two in song and displaying (song-flights) near Ma' rib on 16th 
indicate breeding in the Interior desert. Previously thought to 
occur on the western Tihama only. 
Arabian Accentor Prunella fagani 
A nest with two eggs at Kawkaban, 4th, is the second observed. 
Further details will appear elsewhere (Martins and Groh in prep.) . 
The first recorded nest, at the same site and probably built by the 
same pair, contained three pulli on 9th April 1986 (Martins 1986). 
Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe 
Pairs and singing birds at Ma'rib, 15th, indicate breeding in the 
Interior desert. 
Whine hat Saxicola rubetra 
One at Ta' i.iz sewage lagoons, 7th. 
m 
