The Zoologist/4th series, vol 6 (1902)/Issue 731/The Birds of the Transvaal: Notes made at Waterval Onder

by F.J. Ellemore

 

THE BIRDS OF THE TRANSVAAL: NOTES MADE
AT WATERVAL ONDER.^[1]

By F.J. Ellemore.

 

The following observations were made between Nov. 6th and 14th, 1897:—

Halcyon orientalis (Peters' Kingfisher).—Not uncommon. Procured six specimens (five males and one female). Discovered nest in a hole in the river-bank containing three fledglings.

Two Cuckoos—one, a male, corresponding with the description of Coccystes jacobinus (Layard and Sharpe's 'Birds of South Africa,' p. 158), with the exception that the eyes are olive; the other a female, which in every particular corresponds with the male of C. serratus (ibid. p. 161). Ovaries very well developed; one egg almost full size, but wanting shell; quite the size and shape of the egg of the Golden Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus). Both these birds were in company, and the only Cuckoos seen in the district during a stay of eight days. In my excitement I shot badly, but this gave me a better opportunity of observing them. Each time when shot at, they flew to separate trees, but were soon together again; when the male was shot, the female did not fly off when approached, and so was easily procured.

Pogonorhynchus torquatus (Black-collared Barbet).—These birds were always to be found on the topmost branches of the wild fig-trees early in the morning, and were easily approached when feeding. Not common.

Batis molitor (White-flanked Flycatcher).—Uncommon; saw only two pairs, which were procured. Discovered nest in the fork of a bush five feet from the ground. The nest was a neat little structure, cup-shaped, composed of grass and fibrous roots, the outside covered with lichen and moss, fastened with cobwebs.

Terpsiphone cristata (South African Paradise Flycatcher).—Shot several of these birds. One male 15 in. long; centre tail-feathers, 11½ in. Two other adult males with centre tail-feathers extended no longer than is usual in any other birds; one female with the two centre tail-feathers lengthened half an inch. Discovered a nest in the fork of a slender bough almost overhanging the river. A small cup-shaped, grass-lined nest, with a few patches of lichen and bark on the outside—a striking contrast to the neat little nest of Batis molitor. It contained a newly-hatched young one, and an egg.

Amydrus morio (Cape Glossy Starling).—Very numerous, breeding in crevices of the rocks, usually about 25 ft. from the ground, and close to the river; always on the wild fig early in the morning. They seem to breakfast on fruit, and dine on locusts and other insects, which they catch on the wing.

One bird, apparently a Thrush, and believed to be new to science. Male; food, insects; eyes brown. I do not know the habits; it must either be very shy or scarce, as no others were seen in the district. Dr. Exton kindly offered to send this bird to Mr. Bowdler Sharpe for identification; but it has been since identified by Mr. J. Hyde, Jun., as the Sentinel Rock-Thrush (Monticola explorator).

We also procured specimens of:—Ceryle maxima (Great African Kingfisher), Corythaix musophaga (White-crested Plantain-Eater), Dendropicus cardinalis (Cardinal Woodpecker), D. menstruus (Red-vented Woodpecker), Turdus olivaceus (Olivaceous Thrush), Pycnonotus tricolor (Black-eyebrowed Bulbul), Monticola rupestris (Cape Rock-Thrush), Cinnyris amethystinus (Amethyst Sun-bird), Parus niger (Southern Black-and-White Titmouse), Laniarius cubla (Lesser Puff-backed Bush Shrike), L. senegalus (Common Red-winged Bush Shrike), Lagonosticta rubricata (South African Ruddy Waxbill), Dicrurus ludwigi (Small Drongo), Poliospiza gularis (Streaky-headed Grosbeak).

 

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1. Waterval Onder is on the railway line between Pretoria and Delagoa Bay. It represents the sudden descent of the line from the high veld to the warmer lowlands. Several of the birds enumerated by Mr. Ellemore as found at this spot were never seen by myself when collecting near Pretoria, on and off, during a period of four years.—Ed.