BIRDS OF WESTERN AFRICA, 

HIRUNDO GORDONI, Jarprye, 
WHEN describing the collection of birds procured on the Western 
Coast of Africa by Staff-Surgeon Gordon of the 57th Regiment, 
we introduced the Hirundo melanocrissus of Riippell as part of the 
collection. On again examining the specimens we find that this was 
an error, and at present we cannot reconcile Dr. Gordon’s specimens 
with any description. Two specimens were received, both appa- 
rently in complete plumage; but one may be considered as an adult 
male, haying the tail very much developed. 
Above, Deep indigo with bright reflexions; rump sienna; wings 
and tail black; tail much forked and having the four exterior 
feathers marked with white on inner webs. Below, Pale sienna. 
Length, 8.8; fork of tail, 3; wing, 4.6. 
A more slenderly formed bird than H. senegalensis, outer tail- 
feathers very long. 
In another specimen, the tint of the lower parts varies in being 
considerably darker, particularly on vent and under tail-coverts. 
The length is only 6.8; fork of tail, 1.5; wing, 4.7. 
These birds differ from — 
H. melanocrissus, Riipp., in having no sienna collar, in under 
tail-coverts being sienna not black, in four outer tail-feathers being 
marked with white on inner webs. 
H. rufula, Temm. Man. iii. p. 298—in haying no sienna collar, 
under parts not being striated, and in having white on tail. 
H. daurica, Linn. —in haying no dark sienna collar, under parts 
not being striated, under tail-coverts sienna not black, and in having 
white on tail. 
We perceive that Dr. Hartlaub does not admit Riippell’s 
H. melanocrissus in his list of West African Birds. 
14] 
