NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, 
took place after the commencement of the rainy season ; when shot, 
its gizzard contained the remains of apparently large insects, and 
one very entire part of a beetle. One of the most characteristic 
marks of the bird, is the elegant white gorget on the breast ; the 
rami of which, commencing at the angle of the lower jaw, become 
gradually broader and join in the centre, at which part it projects 
to a point anteriorly, so as, at first sight, to appear almost as a tri- 
angular spot. The nostrils project in a very peculiar manner, 
appearing like small tubercules on the bill.” 
“ Halcyon cyanotis — (26 . 50) — Both shot at Cape Coast Castle 
in June and July. The latter at a salt pond. In this speci- 
men there was a small spot of white, immediately behind the 
auriculars, at the point where the rufous collar commences to 
extend from the sides. When shot, it was perched on a small low 
bush ; and like the other members of the family, it did not appear 
timid. The stomach contained the remains of small fish. 
“ Ispida bicincta — (51) — A male, shot on the salt pond, Cape 
Coast Castle, July 19. It was first seen playing with two or three 
others over the water ; after a short time they separated, and this 
one dived, apparently after its prey, and was shot as it rose. I 
may remark, that I have also seen the Halcyon cyanotis dive in 
this way. It always makes its dart from the branch of some of 
the small bushes which grow close to the water, and then returns 
to the place where it had previously been perched, there to await 
the approach of the minute fish upon which it feeds.” 
JS ectarinia splendida — (61) — This bird was presented to me 
m a fresh state by a native. Its food was found to consist of ants 
and other small insects, which these birds no doubt find in the flowers, 
e nectar of which they have so long been thought only to sip.” 
. (16.59) — shot 11th June, 184 
? ^ )Cr i C . 1 ^ UI30n a * ow k lls k in one of the open spaces betwei 
the low Ms that abound in the vicinity of Cape Coast Cast! 
dious anil h "tv i" 1 t ' 16 aCt s ”' g ' n = ; its note was most mel 
sters than t ’ T m ° re a PP roac hing those of our English son; 
sterstfmn any tlnng I hare hitherto heard on the coast It is 
