Mashonaland Birds. 
245 
105. Rhinopomastes cyanomelas. (Scimitar-billed Wood- 
hoopoe.) 
Very much scarcer than the preceding, and differing 
from it in that it occurs only in pairs, and also it not 
infrequently descends to the ground in pursuit of its prey, 
whereas I have never seen Irrisor viridis on the ground. The 
present species has also a much more graceful floating flight. 
The stomachs contain diptera, reduviid bugs, and occasionally 
cteniform spiders, and wasps. 
106. Cypselus apus. (Common Swift.) 
Mr. Ayres notes this species from the Umfuli in September 
and October, which seems to be the usual time of their 
arrival. Last season, however, I saw a few apparently 
passing over in October, but observed no more till the end 
of January, when a large flock arrived, remained for a few 
days, and then disappeared. 
107. Cypselus capper. (African White-rumped Swift.) 
Seen in Mashonaland in September and October by 
Mr. Ayres. 
108. Caprimulgus rupigena. (Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.) 
A common species ; the stomach of one specimen con¬ 
tained 14 examples of a coprophilous beetle —Onthophagus 
gazella F. 
109. Caprimulgus fossii. (Foss's Nightjar.) 
Almost as common as the preceding, but more often 
found among rocks and about the large termite-heaps. 
An immature Nightjar in my collection may perhaps be 
referable to C. pectoralis Cuv. 
110. Cosmetornis vexillarius. (Standard-winged Night- 
jar.) 
This singular bird is fairly common in most parts of the 
country, being especially partial to rocky wooded kopjes. 
The male assumes his long wing-feathers as early as August, 
generally losing them about December. The eggs, two in 
number, are laid on the bare ground, and are pinkish white, 
with rusty brown spots and blotches, which are thicker at 
