66 
Mr. H. T. Ussher on the 
of Lagos (on the Slave Coast) tenanted by them in large 
quantities, the brilliant plumage of the male contrasting 
markedly with the sober colouring of the female and the pied 
tints of the immature birds. They were feeding eagerly on 
the berries of a description of “ wait-a-bit 33 thorn, very abun¬ 
dant in some localities of the Guinea Coast. 
The male, in full plumage, seen flying low in the bright 
sunlight, is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite birds in 
Africa; and a marked difference in colour is observable among 
even full-plumaged males, some having coppery or golden re¬ 
flections on the rich puce colour of the feathers, whilst others 
decidedly incline to a deep violet-blue of equal beauty. 
Their habits appear to be similar to the Shining Grackles* 
in general, and did not present any thing noteworthy to my 
observation. 
121. Lamprocolius cupreocaudus (Temm.): Sharpe, p. 55. 
Common in most districts of the Gold Coast, but especially 
on the plains of Accra. It associates in flocks with L. aura - 
tus, and much resembles in its flight and habits our English 
Starling. 
122. Lamprocolius porphyrurus, Hartl.* 
Tolerably common up the Volta, where it is to be observed 
in small flocks. I have also received it from Eantee and the 
Accra districts. 
123. Lamprocolius auratus (Gm.): Sharpe, p. 55. 
Large flocks of this brilliantly feathered Grackle are to he 
observed on the plains of Accra, especially at certain seasons, 
when they assemble to feed on berries and seeds, which are 
found in abundance in such localities. They are frequently 
in company with a smaller kind, and are generally difficult of 
approach. 
They are annoying to the sportsman, as they appear to 
warn other game; and I have not unfrequently been dis¬ 
appointed of a shot at a covey of Francolins by the general 
uprising of the noisy Grackles. They appear to resemble 
[* This new species will be described by Dr. Hartlaub from specimens 
brought by Mr. Ussher.—R. B. S.] 
