240 
Mr. Guy A. K. Marshal] on 
short distance, dropping abruptly into the grass again. It 
is probably mainly graminivorous, but beetles and large 
green caterpillars have also been observed in the stomachs 
examined. 
83. Fringillaria tahapisi. (Rock-Bunting.) 
Fairly common, resembling E. flaviventris in habits except 
that it takes more readily to trees when flushed ; it is 
apparently more strictly graminivorous, the only insect 
found in four specimens being a single melolonthid beetle. 
84. DiLormjs carunculatus. (Wattled Starling.) 
These wandering birds are very erratic in their appearance, 
arriving in small flocks, remaining about for a few weeks, 
and then going off again. I have noticed them chiefly in 
winter and early spring. Although locust-swarms have 
been more or less prevalent in Mashonaland for the last 
six years, I have never seen them being systematically 
attacked by these birds, and during the visits of the Starlings 
last year there were practically no locusts about at all. It 
is also worth noting that I have not even heard of the 
occurrence here of Glareola melanoptera Nordm., which is 
the species best known as the “ Locust-bird.” 
85. Pholidauges verreauxi. (Verreaux’s Glossy Starling.) 
I first met with this lovely species on Umfuli river, but it 
was decidedly scarce there, an occasional pair only being met 
with; during September and October 1898, however, they 
visited Salisbury in some numbers to feast on the spring 
crop of wild figs, which attract a number of frugivorous and 
insectivorous birds. Their cries are somewhat harsh, but 
the male frequently utters a very sweet, plaintive whistle. 
86. Lamprocolius sycobius. (Peters’s Glossy Starling.) 
Abundant at all seasons, often congregating in considerable 
flocks. They live almost entirely on fruits and berries, but 
may occasionally be seen feeding on the ground, apparently 
picking up insects. 
87. Buphaga africana. (African Oxpecker.) 
This well-known bird is fairly common in most parts of 
