328 Mr. J. H. Gurney on additional Species of Birds 
matter to shoot them, as their flight is both strong and very 
eccentric. 
They build their nests (I am tolerably certain) similarly to the 
Lark's, on the ground, with a few loose dry leaves of grass; they 
are generally either single or in pairs. 
204. Thamnobia ptymatura (Vieill.). Black Chat. 
[Mr. Ayres gives no particulars of the habits of this species. 
—J. H. G.] 
205. Bessonornis phcenicurus (Gmel.). Bush Chat. 
This species frequents the dense bush and underwood, search¬ 
ing amongst the dry leaves for its food. In habits it somewhat 
resembles the English Bobin, carrying and moving its tail in 
much the same manner. It is not particularly common. 
206. Buphaga erythrorhynca, Stanley. Red-billed Bu- 
phaga. 
Male and female. Iris bright orange; eyelids (which are much 
broadened) very light yellow; bill crimson; nostrils small, round, 
and slightly tumid; almost immediately after death, both the 
irides and eyelids deepen considerably in colour. These are 
amongst the useful birds of Natal; their food consists entirely 
of Acari or ticks, which they pick from the cattle. They run and 
climb all over an ox, much as a Woodpecker would about the 
stem of a tree. The cattle, for the most part, much enjoy the 
operation, and may be seen with tail partially extended, standing 
perfectly motionless whilst the birds are picking amongst the 
crevices of their ears, where the ticks generally adhere in the 
greatest numbers. 
These birds are mostly seen in small companies, varying from 
three to ten ; their flight is rather heavy; their notes are harsh, 
but not loud. The head is carried with the bill pointed up¬ 
wards. 
207. Zosterops virens (Sundev.). Green Zosterops. 
Male. Iris light brown; bill black; tarsi and feet ash-colour. 
These birds are gregarious, and very plentiful in the spring of 
the year (September and October). They do considerable damage 
to soft fruits, such as the loquat and mulberry; but also do much 
good in clearing the trees of insects, climbing and hunting 
