Mashonaland Birds. 
235 
Mr. Ayres on the Umfuli. The stomach of the former bird 
contained beetles and locusts, and Mr. Ayres notes that the 
crop of his bird contained a small mouse. 
52. Malaconotus sulphureipectus. (Yellow-fronted 
Bush-Shrike.) 
This scarce bird was also obtained on the Umfuli river by 
Mr. Ayres. 
53. Nilaus capensis. (Brubru Bush-Shrike.) 
A generally distributed resident, but nowhere very com¬ 
mon, being found singly or in pairs searching the trees for 
insects, in company with other small birds. 
54. Urolestes melanoleucus. (South-African Long¬ 
tailed Shrike.) 
Not uncommon, though local, being usually found in flocks 
of four to eight. They are noisy birds, having a very harsh 
cry, and are food of sitting in elevated positions, whence 
they pounce on their prey, which is often captured on the 
ground. I have found in their stomachs beetles, locusts, 
and the soldiers and workers of a very large termite. 
55. Lanius collaris. (Eiskal Shrike.) 
This well-known bird does not seem to be nearly so 
plentiful in this portion of Mashonaland as in other parts of 
South Africa. 
56. Lanius collurio. (Red-backed Shrike.) 
A fairly common migrant, arriving about October, breeding 
with us, and leaving again in April. It is a solitary species, 
sitting on low bushes in open country, especially in the 
vicinity of streams. It has been observed to feed on 
beetles and the large females of Carebara ants. 
57. Salpornis salvadorii. (SalvadorPs Creeper.) 
Distinctly scarce, and I have seen only single individuals 
at some intervals. It searches the bark of trees for insects, 
much like the European Tree creepers, commencing at the 
foot and rapidly working its way up, then flying on to the 
next tree. 
