329 
from the Colony of Natal. 
amongst the buds and leaves in search of them. They almost 
constantly utter a loud, monotonous, weeping note, which some¬ 
what resembles that of the Nectarinice , and especially of Necta- 
rinia amethystina. 
208. Ceblepyris leyaillantii (Temm.). Le Vaillant’s 
Caterpillar-eater. 
I am not much acquainted with the habits of this bird; it is, 
I think, only here during the summer months, and inhabits the 
dense bush on the coast range. 
209. Ploceus mariquensis (Smith). Capricorn Weaver-bird. 
These birds are gregarious, and are troublesome to all cereal 
crops, as they live almost entirely upon grain and grass-seeds. 
They build their nests invariably amongst reeds which grow in 
swamps and shallow water. Whilst building, they have a curious 
habit of hanging by their feet from their nests, and, with wings 
extended, drooping, and fluttering, they sway themselves slowly 
from side to side; this has a very pretty effect when a number 
of nests are close together, and all in about the same stage of 
building. 
210. Ortygospiza polyzona (Temm.). Little Bar-breasted 
Finch. 
Male . Iris light reddish hazel; bill crimson; tarsi and feet 
very light brown. 
These Finches are only found here during the autumn and 
winter months, from May to August or thereabouts; they are 
generally, but not invariably, gregarious; they seem always to 
settle on the ground amongst grass or weeds, and not on the 
stalks of the grass or on bushes; their flight is rapid; on rising, 
they utter a chattering note with a peculiar metallic sound. 
The seeds of grass and weeds form, I think, their entire diet. 
211. Glareola torquata (Meyer). Austrian Pratincole. 
[Mr. Ayres transmits, in this collection, an adult specimen of 
this Pratincole, procured from the colony of Natal, but not by 
himself.—J. H. G.] 
212. Totanus stagnatilis (Bechst.). Marsh Sandpiper. 
Male. Iris very dark brown; bill greenish black; nostrils 
long oval; tarsi and feet yellowish green. 
