89 
Expedition to the Zambesi River . 
horn-colour, while in others (presumably older birds) the bill 
is entirely black. 
114. Platystira peltata (Sundev.). 
Pare. A pair observed and obtained for the first time at 
Zumbo on Nov. 12. 
Adult. Total length (measured in flesh) 4*96 inches, wing 
2’6. Iris black; eye-wattle bright coral; bill black; legs 
and feet lead-colour. 
115. Batis molitor (Sharpe). 
Fairly well distributed wherever the woods are thick. 
From August to the end of October they were observed in 
small parties, consisting of either all males or females, the 
sexes appearing to keep apart during the non-breeding 
season. 
The song given out by both male and female of this species 
is somewhat remarkable and at once arrests attention. A 
clear flute-like note in a high key is first uttered, followed in 
succession by three others, each descending a tone in scale, 
the rendering of which is very true, while between the notes a 
distinct interval is made. The call-note, which is frequently 
resorted to on the approach of the pairing-season, is a short 
mellow whistle, while, on being alarmed, the bird will give 
out a hoarse little croak that is decidedly ventriloquial in 
expression. When the trees are in full leaf, which they 
examine diligently for insects, these birds, as they journey 
over open ground in order to gain the next thick-leaved tree, 
make a sharp whirring noise with their wings, which can be 
heard at a considerable distance. 
In some of our female specimens the bluish-grey feathers 
of the mantle have white centres, which impart to the back 
a very mottled appearance, while in other examples the upper 
parts resemble those of the adult males; and this is irrespective 
of dates. The chestnut band on the breasts of those with the 
mottled backs is also more confined than in fully adult birds. 
It therefore appears that this species does not assume the 
adult plumage till after the second moult. 
Adult $ (Aug. 22, 1898). Total length (measured in 
