96 Mr. B. Alexander —-An Ornithological 
The stomach of one bird contained caterpillars, portions of 
centipedes, and locusts. 
Adult. Bill black ; iris brown; legs and feet greenish brown. 
130. Melittophagus meridionalts (Sharpe). 
About one of the first species we collected. It is well 
distributed all along the river, and chiefly found in the vicinity 
of reed-beds near the banks, and in open spots in woods where 
the grass is long. This elegant little Bee-eater seldom heeds 
one^s approach, merely swooping with a single beat of its 
wings upon the back of the next stooping reed. It is a pretty 
sight to come across a party of these birds forming head- 
pieces to all the prominent grass-stalks, and to watch them 
catching their prey. A rapid dart forward, a snap of the 
beak, and then returning again to its former point of vantage, 
to gain which the bird performs a little circular flight, almost 
poising in the air at times, while the light plays upon the 
beautiful green of its back and catches the fawn-colour of 
the wings till they look quite transparent. 
When the breeding-season approaches, they all repair to a 
steep portion of the river’s bank and nest in the holes of the 
previous season. These holes generally run to a depth of two 
feet. Near Zumbo my native boy found a nest containing 
five young ones on November 20, and then about a month 
later, on our way to the Kafue river, the young were abroad, 
sitting in rows on bending stalks and tree-twigs after the 
manner of Swallows, and watched over by their parents. 
131. Melittophagus bullockoides (Smith). 
Much addicted to haunting thick-wooded localities near 
the river, where the trees are numerous and tall. It is not 
abundant, never being seen in large flocks, and is of a retiring 
nature. These Bee-eaters are in the habit of congregating 
towards sundown on the topmost twigs of leafless trees, 
whence they utter incessantly low harsh notes that are at 
times almost in unison. 
During the day this bird basks a great deal in the sun, but 
at times it can be too hot even for him, and you will find him, 
with beak wide open, literally panting with the heat. 
