680 
CATALOGUE. 
that I nearly lost it, pressing its soft tail against the bark, as the stiff 
tail of a Woodpecker or Tree-creeper is applied." — (Bljth.) 
" During the cold season, numbers of the Wryneck are found 
about orchards and gardens near Barrackpore." — (Captain K. C. 
Tytler.) 
" This bird frequents the thickest forests on the Mongyr hills 
during the whole year, but is very seldom seen. It lives almost 
entirely upon ants."— (F. (B.) Hamilton, MS. II. p. 146.) 
Subfam. IV. INDICATOEINA. 
Genus Indicator, Vieillot, Analyse, p. 28 (1816). 
997. INDICATOR SPARMANNI, Stephens. 
Indicator Sparmanni, Stephens, Shawns Zoology. G. R. 
Gray, Gen. of B. II. p. 451. Bonap., C. G. Av. 
p. 100. 
Cuculus Indicator, Gmcl., S. N. I. p. 418. 
Sparmann's Honey-guide. 
A. Cape of Good Hope. Presented by Dr. Horsfield. 
" The species of this genus inhabit the wooded districts of Africa, 
and the forests of India, and the island of Borneo. They are usually 
observed in pairs in the neighbourhood of nests of wild bees, which 
are formed in the trunks of trees. The honey stored up by these 
insects is the chief food of the birds, who often pay dearly for attack- 
ing the nest, being sometimes found dead in the hives, having been 
stung to death ; in which case the bees cover in the body with a vault 
of wax, that they may not be incommoded by its presence. Their 
flight is heavy, and continued only for a short distance at a time. 
They utter a continued cry, which makes them easy of discovery. 
The nest is formed in the holes of trees. The female deposits three 
or four eggs, and the male assists in the hatching." — (G-ray's 
Genera of Birds.) 
" The affinities of this genus," remarks Mr. Blyth, " I have long 
considered to be with the "Woodpeckers, and not with the Cuckoos. 
Their feet are formed exactly as in the former group, not as in the 
latter ; and they are accordingly known to climb the boles of trees, 
in the cavities of which they deposit numerous shining white eggs, 
