79 
Expedition to the Zambesi River . 
87. Cisticola chiniana (Smith). 
In life this Cisticola is easily distinguishable from G. sub- 
ruficapilla by its larger size, more robust appearance, and 
somewhat darker plumage, while both its alarm-note and 
song in the pairing-season are a good deal louder in tone. 
In habits it differs little from other members of the genus, 
being found living together in small colonies in favourite 
localities. When the breeding-season approaches these 
colonies split up and scatter over a greater area of country. 
We found this species breeding in January, and, though we 
obtained a number of male birds, the females were seldom 
noticed, a fact that seems to demonstrate that the female 
alone undertakes the task of incubation. 
Like the majority of the Cisticolas, this bird in the pairing- 
season shakes off a good deal of its skulking reserve, is more 
frequently seen, and becomes very amorous of its mate. 
From the top of some high bush or tree he will fall upon 
her, singing all the while a little carolling song, his flight 
resembling that of our Tree-Pipit as he descends singing to 
earth. 
Adult S (January). Wing 2’6 inches, culmen 0*5, tail 
2*6. Iris light orange; upper mandible brown, lower horn- 
colour. 
Adult $ (November). Wing 2’48 inches, culmen 0*5, tail 
2*5. Soft parts as in male. 
88. Cisticola muelleri, sp. nov. 
Cisticola muelleri Alexander, Bull. B. O. C. viii. p. xlix. 
This species is closely allied to C. dodsoni from Somali¬ 
land, but is rather larger and has no broad subterminal band 
of black on the tail-feathers, which, with the exception of 
the two centre ones, are a uniform brown, having narrow 
dusky subterminal markings under certain lights on their 
inner webs only, while the broad white tips found in its near 
ally are absent. 
Adult ? (organs in breeding condition). Total length 
(measured in flesh) 3*84 inches, wing L82, culmen 0*4, tail 
1*6. Iris orange; hill, legs, and feet flesh-colour. 
