428 
Mr. T« Ayres on Birds observed 
Male. Iris tawny, bill black, tarsi and feet dusky. 
[The colour of the iris in this species would seem to be 
somewhat variable: in f The Ibis' for 1862, at page 29, Mr. 
Ayres recorded specimens from Natal in which it was “ very 
pale green;" and Mr. Layard, in the first edition of his Cata¬ 
logue, p. 137, speaks of it as “ very pale yellow," whilst Le- 
vaillant describes it as a brun fonce;" Andersson, who ob¬ 
tained it at the Knysna, records one specimen as having the 
iris “ white," and one “ yellowish white."—J. H. G.] 
24. Pycnonotus nigricans (Vieill.). Brounoir Bulbul. 
This widely distributed species was most common in the 
spring, when some particular trees were in full blossem; they 
were constantly feeding on the nectar together with the 
Sugar-birds. 
25. Lioptilus nigricapillus (Vieill.). Bush Blackcap. 
Decidedly scarce, and I cannot remember ever having seen 
more than a pair together. They are fruit-eating birds, and 
are mostly seen amongst the upper branches of the trees and 
bushes. 
Female. Iris dark lake-red ; bill pinkish flesh-colour; tarsi 
and feet flesh-colour. 
26. Pogonocichla stellata (Vieill.). White-starred Fly¬ 
catcher. 
These birds seem to appear in the spring and summer 
months, when they become tolerably plentiful, frequenting 
the thick forest ; they are solitary, or at most in pairs, and 
in habits much resemble our Robin*. 
Iris dusky; bill black ; tarsi and feet dusky pale. 
[Judging from the specimens sent by Mr. Ayres, it would 
seem that the female only differs from the male in wanting 
the white starry spots on the throat and in front of the eye. 
—J. H. G.] 
27. Chloropeta natalensis (Smith). Natal Flycatcher. 
This species much resembles in its habits many of the 
* [I imagine Cossypha caffra to be the bird referred to under the title 
of “ Robin,” vide Layard’s Cat. 1st edition, p. 132.—J. H. G.] 
