Mashonaland Birds. 
243 
it managed to unearth only four of the inmates, as the 
nest-material is very tough. The nests of this Weaver 
are retort-shaped, with a moderately long neck, and much 
more roughly constructed than those of Hyphantornis ; they 
are suspended from the outermost twigs of trees in the bush, 
far away from water. The eggs are pale greenish blue, and 
measure 20 x 15 mm. 
97. Hyphantornis nigriceps. (Black-headed Weaver.) 
I have seen this bird only on the Umfuli river, where it 
was fairly common in small flocks, searching the trees for 
insects. 
98. Hyphantornis velatus. (Black-fronted Weaver.) 
Fairly common round Salisbury, nesting among the 
granite kopjes at some distance from water. 
99. Hyphantornis xanthops. (Golden-faced Weaver.) 
This fine species is by no means common; I have seen it 
on the Hanyani and Umfuli rivers, and it occurs sparingly 
along the streams near Salisbury. 
100. Tephrocorys cinerea. (Rufous-capped Lark.) 
Everywhere abundant in open country. It is a fearless 
little bird, frequenting the open spaces in the town, and 
readily permitting a very close approach. During the 
courting-season the male has a very pretty way of rising; 
after first flying up he will swoop downward a short distance, 
then rise abruptly straight upward for several feet with 
closed wings, turning gently over and swooping down and 
up again several times in succession, then fluttering away 
skyward, singing sweetly all the while. In the end of 
winter these birds congregate in flocks, which sometimes 
contain as many as 200 or 300 individuals. 
101. Mira fra fischeri. (Fischer’s Bar-tailed Lark.) 
A few of these birds were met with by Mr. Ayres along 
the Umfuli. Although I have never shot it, I am pretty 
certain I have recognized it as a fairly common species round 
Salisbury, its curious cracking flight being very characteristic. 
