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SOME NOTES ON THEBIRDS OF THE ISOKADISTRICT OF THENORTHERN PROVINCE OFNORTHERN RHODESIAGervas ClayPublished online: 11 Oct 2010.
To cite this article: Gervas Clay (1953) SOME NOTES ON THE BIRDSOF THE ISOKA DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN PROVINCE OF NORTHERNRHODESIA, Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, 24:2, 76-97, DOI:10.1080/00306525.1953.9633803
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1953.9633803
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SOME NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE ISOKA DISTRICTOF THE NORTHERN PROVINCE OF NORTHERN
RHODESIA.
By Gervas Clay.
INTRODUCTION.
Isoka is the modern name for the old Fife district. Lying on thenorthern border, it adjoins both Tanganyika Territory and Nyasaland, andhas therefore some importance from an ornithological standpoint. Littlecollecting has been done here in the past as far as is known, and I shallinclude any notes from the Check List of the Birds of Northern Rhodesia(Dr. J. M. Winterbottom, 1939) which refer to this district. My notes havebeen made during the period from June 1940 to June 1944, but they arethe notes of a beginner, as will no doubt be obvious. My justification isthe importance of the area in which I have collected and the interest ofsome of the records. To Dr. J. M. Winterbottom and Mr. C. M. N. WhiteI am very greatly indebted, for it is to them that I have sent skins foridentification and the latter was good enough to send me his native skinnerto teach my natives how to skin adequately. He has also sent me manyinteresting notes on the skins I have sent him, most of which are incorporatedhere. I am also greatly indebted to the papers of Mr. C. W. Benson onNyasaland birds to which constant references will be made.
NOTES ON THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE DISTRICT.The district is normally divided into three main areas:A. The Western Plateau which includes the country west and north
of the Luangwa Valley, lying at heights varying from 4,000 to perhaps6,000 feet. Of this, the centre is nearly flat and at the height of the dryseason there are no flowing streams and water is only found in pools andwells. In the rains, however, it becomes flooded, for it is so flat that therun-off is insufficient to deal with all the rain which falls. To the westthere is Lake Chanje and the Luanga Lagoon (not to be confused withLuangwa) where there is a considerable volume of water all the year round.As no natives in the area near Lake Chanje have canoes, and it is alwayssurrounded by swamp, I have never been able to reach it.
In the north of this area the land rises along the border in a narrowplateau from the western border almost to Fort Hill. This is probablyclosely allied ornithologically with Southern Tanganyika, and it is likelythat there may be a number of Tanganyika species to be discovered there.Pycnonotus tricolor [ayi was found in that area, and the green pigeon isalso closely allied to the coastal wakefieldi.
In the south of this area the land rises again to another narrow plateauon which the Boma stands. This plateau rises to 5,000 feet and its southernmost limits mark the boundary with the Chinsali district, in which Mr. W. V.Brelsford has worked. Another smaller plateau of about the same heightcuts off part of this area in the east from the Luangwa Valley. To the west,the country stretches out almost flat across the Chozi River into the Kasamadistrict.
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The Ostrich, September, 1953.
B. The Luangwa Valley. The central area of the district lies in theLuangwa Valley, cut off by escarpment walls from both eastern and westernplateaux. I do not know the height above sea level of the area on thesouthern border-it may be about 2,500 ft. Round about Fort Hill, whichis just north of the head of the valley, the height is about 4,300, and I believethe height of the north end of the valley itself is about 4,100 ft. This areais lower and hotter than the rest of the district, and differs considerablyfrom it. There are patches of bamboo and mopane, but the baobab occurs
Z.at.outil!wII)
c:
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'ro CHINSI\LI
,. ,..........- ... _--.,,'
TQM6~'VA \
lUNDA2.1
only south of the district, although a few trees reach almost as far as theborder. I have crossed the area just to the south of the Isoka border,
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The Ostrich, September, /953.
and have seen there Eremialector bicinctus multicolor; which 1 am almostsure does not occur anywhere in the Isoka district.
C. The Eastern Plateau. This area can be subdivided into tile(a) mountain areas and (b) the normal area between 4,500 and 6,000 feet.The whole of this area is very closely allied to the area of Nyasaland whichadjoins it to the east, and is carefully described in Mr. Benson's papers.It forms one ornithological area with that part of Nyasaland, and differencesare unlikely in the bird populations of the two areas. The mountains are inthree groups: Mafingas, Nyika and Mukutus. The Mafingas lie just southof Fort Hill, and Mr. Benson has collected there. 1 should say that over90~<, of this mountain range is in Northern Rhodesia, and any bird foundby Mr. Benson on the Nyasaland side can be confidently expected to occurin Northern Rhodesia. This range is cup-shaped at the top, and the borderlies along the eastern rim, so that the whole of the inside of the cup andits rims on three sides are in Northern Rhodesia, while onlv half theeastern rim IS in Nyasaland, the border being the water-shed. .
The Nyika presents almost exactly the opposite position, for out ofperhaps 800 square miles, only perhaps 10 to 15 square miles are III
Northern Rhodesia, and only half that area is in the lsoka district, therest belonging to the Lundazi district of the Eastern Province. The highestpoints in Northern Rhodesia are under 7,400, while the Nyasaland partreaches a height of 9,000 feet, so that many birds occurring in Nyasalandon the Nyika are very unlikely to be found in Northern Rhodesia.
The Mukutus lie wholly in Northern Rhodesia, partly in Isoka andpartly in Lundazi. Their height is unknown, and I have only visited partof them. I should think they will be found of much less interest thaneither Mafingas or Nyika, for from what I saw most of the Mukutus arerocky with little or no forest or open plateau at the top.
Other hills rise to 6,500 and are usually wooded right to the top. Iknow nothing about them.
GENERAL.When I arrived at Isoka in 1940, 1 had only a rudimentary knowledge
of some of the larger birds, acquired in Barotseland. It will be obviousthat a certain number of common species which must occur in the districtare still unknown to me. As a District Officer in wartime, I have net hadas much time for ornithology as I should have liked, either when I havebeen on tour in the district or when I have been at the Bema, J have alsohad a /!,ood deaf of difficulty in collecting specimens, as I use a 12-boreshotgun for which suitable cartridges are almost unobtainable, and I haveseveral times on the mountains had to refrain from attempting to collectsome unknown specimen from lack of suitable dust shot with which toshoot it.
I should also note that many of the higher bird songs I cannot hear,so that notes on song are very few, and without the help of my wife wouldbe absent.
Nowadays, while Africa is still so sparsely populated, articles on wholeProvinces are often seen. Writing an article on the birds of one district,one realises the vast area under consideration, and that in this district there
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The Ostrich, September, 1953.
are really three very different areas incongruously thrown into one. Thatis inevitable for many years to come, and one can only hope that suchnotes as these may help in the eventual solution of the problems of distribution of birds in Africa, about which at present so comparatively littleis known.
Abbreviations: W.P.~WesternPlateau. E.P.~Eastern Plateau. L.V.Luangwa Valley.
JI. SYSTEMATIC ANNOTATED LIST OF BIRDS.
Phulacrocorax carbo lucidus.Seen Muyombe's, E.P., 19/10/43. Not noticed elsewhere, but probably
occurs W.P.Phalacrocorax ajricanus ajricanus.
Seen W.P. 29/3/41. It is curious how seldom cormorants have beennoticed, and that I have no record at all from the Luangwa Valley.Anhinga ruja ruja.
Seen on the Luanga Lagoon, W.P., in December 1941 and December1942, and at Muyombe's, E.P., in October 1943. Never seen L.V.Ardea cinerea cinerea.
Recorded by Brelsford from Luanga Lagoon, W.P. (See Brelsford,Ibis, 1942, p. 83.)Ardea goliath.
Seen at Mbesuma on the Chambeshi River in 1940, west of the Isokadistrict. I have no records from within the district, but it probably occurs.Ardea purpurea purpurea.
Seen L.V. 10/5/41 and Katonga stream, W.P., 1/44. Less commonhere than elsewhere.Mesophoyx intermedius brachyrhvnchos.
Common on W.P.Bubulcus ibis.
Common on W.P. and L.V.Scopus ubretta umbretta.
Generally distributed W.P., E.P .. and L.V.Ciconia ciconia ciconia.
Frequently seen on W.P. between November and the end of March.No records from L.V. nor from E.P., but the latter was not visited duringthe rains. Rings were recovered by natives as follows:
August 1942: B-2833. N-Museum. Praha-Bohemia. 16527. BBInform Vogelwarte Rossitten Germania.Sphenorynchus abdimli.
Many records from W.P., earliest 6/11/43, latest 26/3/42. Not recordedfrom E.P. or L.V. but E.P. was not visited during rains.A nastomus lamelligerus lamelligerus.
Seen only once on the Chozi River, W.P .. 1942, on the Abercorn-Isokaboundary.Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis.
Seen only once on W.P. and never on E.P. or in L.V. Definitely veryscarce.
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Leptoptilos crumenijerus.Seen only once in fair numbers on Chozi River, W.P., Abercorn-Isoka
boundary.Threskiornis aethiopicus aethiopicus.
Never seen during four years in the district.Hagedashia hagedash erlangeri.
Not uncommon on W.P. right up to the Tanganyika border (Ntatumbila)and L.V. Not noticed E.P.Thalassornis leuconotus leuconotus.
Common on Luanga Lagoon, W.P., in December, but apparently absentin September.Aythya erythrophtha/ma.
Seen on Luanga Lagoon, W.P., in December. I saw one get up fromthe water behind a frightened flock of T./. leuconotus, rapidly overhaul itand forge ahead.Anas undu/ata undulata.
I have never come across it in the Isoka district, but I have a reliablerecord of its being shot at Kapendamaji Village, E.P., in 1943.Anas erythrorhyncha.
A pair seen on a very small stream E.P. in September 1940 and a singlebird seen in flight near the Boma in early 1944.Dendrocygna bicolor.
A dead bird, shot by a native, was brought to me at Shem Village, W.P.,on 5/8/43.Nettapus auritus.
Only seen on Luanga Lagoon, W.P., and one nearby tributary, andnever noticed on E.P. or in L.V.Sarkidiornis melanonotos.
Earliest date 10/8/43 at Shem Village, W.P., where it was commonand several were shot. Latest date 10/5/43, a single female, in L.V.Probably breeds in the mopani forests in L.V. in the rains.P/ectropterus gambensis.
Ubiquitous, though not as common as it is in many other places. Onlyone seen in L.V. and that was in a deserted village 20 miles from the LuangwaRiver.Torgos tracheliotus.
I believe I saw this vulture at David's Village on E.P., near the Nyasalandborder, 5/10/41.Trigonoceps occipitalis.
Seen E.P. 5/10/40; south of the Isoka district in Chiwale's area ofLundazi 9{41; and at MweniYale Village near the Tanganyika-Nyasalandborder, W.P., 24/3/42, where 13 vultures were seen together, not all ofthem of this species.Necrosyrtes monachus pileatus.
Seen once near Nyasaland border, E.P., 13/10/41.Falco cuvieri.
A skin was col1ected near the Boma on the plains 26/12/43. I believeI had also seen one in March 1942 near the same place. There appear tobe very few authentic records of this bird from Northern Rhodesia, though
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The Ostrich, September, 1953.
I myself collected a skin at Manyoka in Barotseland some years ago. W.P.Falco naumanni naumanni.
Earliest date 15/11/43. Seen up to the end of March at any rate. Onlynoticed on passage W.P.Milvus migrans parasitus.
Earliest date 5/8/40 and 5/8/43. Latest date 28/3/44. Towards theend of March each year I have seen large flocks on passage. It seems likelythat the kites seen were parasitus and not tenebrosus, One was collectednear Muyombe's, E.P. I have seen it at 7,200 feet on the Nyika Plateau.Aquila verreauxi,
I believe I saw this eagle near the Mulungwishi River 19/10/41.Hieraaetus dubius.
One was shot by my boy 2/4/42 very close to my house, W.P. It hadjust seized a Coracias spatulatus when shot, and the latter was able to flyaway apparently unharmed. Unluckily the skin of the H. dubius wasaccidentally destroyed, but I have no doubt at all it was H. dubius and notH. spilogaster.Polemaetus bellicosus.
I think not uncommon throughout the district.Stephanoaetus coronatus.
I saw what I take to have been a juvenile on E.P. 15/ JO /4 1. It had awhite crest and was seen sitting on a tree but was very shy.Lophaetus occipitalis.
I have several records of this bird, in many cases sitting on a dead treein an old garden near a river or stream. It seems habitually to sit with thewind behind it, for the crest is always blown forward and not as usuallyseen in illustrations. My records are from all parts of the district W.P., E.P.and L.V., and in the months of March, June, September and October. AtMuyombe's 17/10 /43 one was seen with a long-tailed mouse in its beak.Kaupifalco monogrammicus.
Fairly common at Isoka Boma, W.P.Terathopius ecaudatus.
Very common. I have more than once seen one rising from besidethe road.Haliaeetus vocifer.
Only seen at Luanga Lagoon, W.P.Accipiter minullus minullus.
Immature female collected at Borna 16/2/43.Accipiter ovampensis.
Seen at Boma 9/41. Winterbottom's check list gives a record fromFife (1899).Accipiter badius polyzonoides.
Less common than in many places.Circus macrourus.
Earliest date 20/10/43. Not seen after February.Francolinus coqui coqui.Francolinus coqui vernayi,
Of two skins collected, one from the L.V. 27/1 0/42 was identified by
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Austin Roberts as verna)'i, while the second from the B.P., near Muyombe's,1O{43 was identified by White as coqui. Also occurs W.P.Francolinus shelleyi whytei.
Skins of two adults and two juveniles were collected. One adult fromthe top of the Mafinga Mountains was definitely whytei, and a juvenilefrom the top of the Mukutus was probably whytei also. E.P. A headlessadult and another juvenile from W.P. 50 miles north of Isoka on the roadcannot be certainly identified. The M ukutu juvenile collected 10{43 hada wing of 107 mm. and is probably similar to one commented on by Benson(Ibis 1940, page 293).Francolinus hildebrandti hildebrandti.
Two males, one female. The female with its mottled hind neck appearsto belong to this race. It was collected in the L.V. at the foot of the westerlyescarpment. The two males were collected in or by riverain forest on theMafinga mountains and probably belong to the same race. This is a newrecord for Northern Rhodesia and the range of the sub-species is extendedslightly to the westwards.Pternistes cranchii intercedens.
One immature specimen collected at the Boma (W.P.). I have alsoshot this bird in L.V. though not near the river, and on W.P. I was neverable to collect specimens from the Luangwa River banks nor from theB.P. area. I suspect Luangwa River birds may be P. afer and E.P. birdsP. swainsoni. One young bird I shot on the E.P. appeared to approximateto P. swainsoni.Coturnix coturnix ajricana.
Seen on several occasions on the Mafinga and Nyika Mountains 1O{43in all cases at over 7,000 feet on open grassland among rocks. Havingregard to Benson's records ([bis 1940, p. 297) there is little doubt that thebirds seen belonged to this race.Coturnix delegorguei.
A female was shot (the skin was lost in the post) and five others wereseen near Shern's village, W.P .. 11{8{43. It is curious that this is the onlyrecord I have of this bird in four years and the date is interesting also. SeeBenson, Ibis 1940, p. 297.)Numida mitrata mitrata.
Seen in all areas but much commoner in L.V. than elsewhere. It isbecoming quite scarce on W.P.Rallus caerulescens.
One skin collected from Katonga stream below the Barna, 25/12 (43.Gallinula chloropus meridionalis.
I believe I saw this bird twice on a pool in Muyombe's area, E.P., 1O{43.Actophilornis africanus.
Only seen on the Luanga Lagoon, W.P.Mieroparra capensis.
Only seen on the Luanga Lagoon, W.P.Balearica pavonina regulorum.
Not uncommon on W.P., especially near Boma. Common in L.V. attimes. Not noticed in B.P.
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Bugeranus carunculatus.I have seen a pair several times on W.P. but they are very scarce.
Neotis denhami iacksoni,I saw one large bustard on the short grassland of the Mafingas 8/10 /43.
This would be at over 7,000 feet. I believe it was probably this bird.Lissotis melanogaster melanogaster.
One seen on Nyika plateau at 7,000 feet, 10/43.Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris.
Seen beside the Luangwa River. 7/5/41.Ajribyx senegallus lateralis,
I think I have seen this bird twice. Once was close to the northernborder in March 1941. Plovers appear to be rare in the Isoka district.Capella media.
Earliest date 14/12/43. Latest date 28/3/41. I have never found itcommon, though I have shot quite a number at one time or another.Capella nigripennis.
I know this bird well but I have never shot one in four years at Isoka,which seems very surprising.Rostratula benghalensis.
This bird I also know well, but again I have no records from the Isokadistrict.Actitis hypoleucos.
Not uncommon.Tringa ocrophus,
One specimen collected from the Boma garden, 18/2 i43.Cursorius temminckii temminckii.
As far as I know rather uncommon. I have only recorded it fromthe Isoka aerodrome, W.P., and from a plain near the Tunduma-Fort Hillroad, W.P., where I saw a pair 16/7/43, curiously enough a month for whichBenson has no records (/ bis, 1940, p. 395).Burhinus vermiculatus vermiculatus.
I believe I saw this dikkop once beside the Chozi River, W.P., in March1941.Pterocles bicinctus usheri.
Seen twice in one morning, two lots of four, in the L.V. between Chikontaand the Mukutu Mountains in the Lundazi district. I feel sure this is thefurthest north to which this bird reaches in the valley, and that it is not foundin the Isoka district.Columba arquatrix arquatrix.
One was collected from five seen on the Mafinga Mountains, 20/10/42,the first record for N.R. Four more were collected from a large numberseen on the Nyika plateau at 7,000 feet. This bird feeds by day at lowerlevels-I believe I saw some by the Luangwa River once-and flights backto the mountain forests in the early evening. On the Nyika considerablenumbers began to come up from below into the forest at 4.45 p.m. for twonights running, and on the Mafingas I saw them leaving early in the morningand returning in the evening. In the latter place a dead tree was used as aperch from the time of arrival till dusk.
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Streptopelia semitorquata semitorquata.Not uncommon, at least on W.P.
Streptopelia capicola tropica.Very common on E. and W.P., except on mountains, from which it
appears to be absent.Stigmatopelia senegalensis senegalensis.
Only noticed in L.V. where it is common.Oena capensis capensis.
Distinctly uncommon. Seen at Wayitwika's, W.P., in March 1941, andin L.V. in May 1941.Tympanistria tympanistria [raseri.
Common in the riverain forest at Barna, W.P. Almost impossible tofind unless it flies, when its flight is loud and fussy.Turtur afer kilimensis.
Common on the Boma and in general. A skin was collected, 15/2/43.Turtur chalcospilos volkmanni.
A specimen was trapped at Mukundalonde village, E.P., below theMafingas.Vinago australis clayi.Vinago australis clayi ~ wakefieldi.
Of the former I collected three specimens at Isoka Boma, W.P., andone from Muyombe-s, E.P. Of the latter I collected two specimens fromShern's village, W.P., near the Tanganyika-Nyasaland border.
Wing measurements 174-180 for the Boma specimens, and 174 Muyombe,161-164 Shem, The bird from Muyombe is peculiar for its dull greyishgreen head which suggests an approach to delalandii, but in colour of theback it agrees with clayi. The birds from Shem are intergraded with thecoastal wakefieldii.Cuculus solitarius.
Earliest date heard 27/9/43. Latest date heard 24/l/42.Cuculus clamosus.
Earliest date heard 8/9/43. Latest date heard 2413/44.Clamator jacobinus serratus.
A skin was collected at Muyereka village on the Luangwa River, 2/44.Clamator levaillanti.
Seen several times, including Isoka Barna, W.P., 18/2/42 and 211/43.Chrysococcyx cupreus intermedius.
Seen at Boma, W.P., 27/1/42, a party of four, and the next day again.Lampromorpha caprius.
A skin collected at Katyetye's, L.V., 27/l0/42.Centropus senegalensis fJecki.
Seen at Mwenimpanza, W.P., 14/3/41, and in L.V. at Katyetye 1/7/41,and on Panga River, L.V., 6/41.Centropus superciliosus loandae.
Common at Isoka Barna, W.P., where I have watched it making itsbubbling noise and quivering all over as it made it.Tauraco livingstonii schalowi.
Common at Isoka Boma, W.P., where it occurs in riverain forest togetherwith Musophaga rossae rassae. Also occurs on Mafinga and Nyika Moun-
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tains. Does not occur in L.P. nor on W.P. north of Isoka Boma, nor inE.P. except on the mountains, but this may be due to lack of riverain forestsin those areas.Gallirex 'porphyreolophus chlorochlamys.
Common in the L.V., but not found elsewhere in district.Musophaga rossae.
Not uncommon on W.P. from Isoka Boma in the south to the Nyasalandborder in the north. I note it has not been recorded from Nyasaland, but1 have seen it so close to the border that 1 feel sure it must occur there.Corythaixoides concolor concolor,
All my records are from the L.V. and E.P. where it is not uncommon.It definitely does not occur on W.P.Gymnoschizorhis personata leopoldi.
Common on W.P. Never seen in L.V. or E.P. Benson says: "1 havestill not met with it elsewhere than at Fort Hill" (Ibis. 1940, pp. 406-7). FortHill is the south-easterly limit of its range. The record of the Rev. W. P.Young from the Uyombe country, Isoka, quoted in Winterbottom's checklist, must be an error.Poicephalus robustus suahelicus.
Distinctly scarce. One from a party of four was collected 12/41 nearKalungu River, W.P., but the skin was accidentally destroyed. Also seenonce at Boma, several times in valley near the same village 20 miles fromthe Luangwa River, and once at Muyombe's, E.P.Poicephalus meyeri subsp.
Except in Mwenimpanza's area near the northern border I have notfound it common anywhere and no skins were collected. I have, however,records from W.P., E.P. and L.V., and found it feeding young in a holein a tree on E.P., 3/10/40, close to Nyasaland border.Coracias garrulus garrulus.
Seen at Isoka Boma, a small party of three or four, 27/ I /42, 9/2/44and 23/2/42, while on 26/3/42 25 together, strung out fairly far apart,were seen flying straight and high towards the north-west.Coracias spatulatus.
Common, but I believe there is considerable local migration, possiblyto span the L.V. I believe it is absent for part of the year at any rate (coldmonths) from the Boma. A pair were seen mating in L.V., 22/9/40, whilediving flight and screaming was noticed near the Boma, 25/2/42, near thenorthern border 3/41, and in L.V. 1/42, among other occasions.Coracias caudatus caudatus.
Only recorded from L.V. area. If it occurred elsewhere it would almostcertainly have been noticed. Even in L.V. it was not common. There isan early record from Fife (1899) which should, perhaps, be spatulatus.Eurystomus glaucurus pulcherrimus.
Although I have collected no skins, it seems likely that the race at Isokais pulcherrimus, which is that found in Nyasaland (Benson, Ibis. 1940, p. 409).Earliest date 3/10 / 41. Latest date 9/3/42. I saw one on top of the MafingaMountains at 7,000 feet, 20/10/42. Shortly after their arrival in 1943 therewere seven or eight of them for several days in the same clump of trees,where they were very noisy.
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Cery/e rudis rudis.Only noticed in L.V. and even there rather uncommon.
lspidina picta natalensis.I believe I saw this bird at least twice on W.P. near Kalunga River,
29/3/41, and at Kaonbwe village not far from Nyasaland-Tanganyika border,19/3/42.Halcyon albiventris orientalis.
Resident in Barna garden, W.P. Also seen towards the head of L.V.Ha/cyon leucocephala pallidiventris.
Seen at Isoka Barna, 17/5/41.Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti.
Only noticed once, at Mwenimpanza, 16/2/41. There is an early record(1899) from Fife.Merops apiaster.
Earliest date seen, 15/9/43. Latest date, 19/3/42.Merops persicus persicus.
Earliest date, 26/9/41.Melittophagus pusi/lus meridionalis.
Very common. Seen once on top of Mafingas at 7,000 feet in October1942.Bycanistes bucinator.
Only noticed in L.V.Lophoceros nasutus epirhinus.
Not uncommon on W.P. and L.V. On one occasion I saw two sittingin the very top of a tree eating flying ants. The ants were flying about infront of them and the birds just stretched out and swallowed them. Fromtime to time one bird would fly out and drive the swarm within eatingdistance again.Lophoceros fiavirostris leucomelas.
I believe this hornbill is not uncommon in L.V. Not seen elsewhere.Lophoceros alboterminatus geloensis.
Comparatively common E.P. and W.P. and seen at 7,000 ft. on theMafingas.Bucorvus leadbeateri.
Widely distributed, though I have no record from L.V. On one occasionI saw one with a mouse in its bill beside the main road.Upupa airicana.
Not at all common. May have local migrations to and from L.V. '?Phoeniculus purpureus marwitzi.
Comparatively common.Rhinopomastus cyanomelas schalowi.
Comparatively common.Ciccaba woodjordli woodjordii.
There was one resident close to my house on the Boma, W.P., and Isaw it on the steep wooded slope above the Isoka stream in Jan. and Feb.1942. It was constantly heard at night.Otus leucotis granti.
Seen once at Wayitwika's village, W.P., in 1941.Bubo lacteus.
Seen L.V. 8/40.86
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Caprimulgus poliocephalus guttijer.A skin collected in a very poor condition from the top of the Mafinga's
in 1942 may perhaps be referable to this nightjar.Caprimulgus pectoralis fervidus.
No records from L.V. Elsewhere fairly common.Caprimulgus fossii.
Certainly very much less common here than in Barotseland.Cosmetornis vexillarius.
Earliest date 19/9/42. Seen on Mafingas at 7,000 ft. 21/10/42 and afemale collected there 10/43. Another female skin was collected on slopesof Nyika.Apus apus apus.
Common on passage, but seldom seen in the rains except on passage.Cypsiurus parvus myochrous.
Common wherever there are palms. There is one palm on the Bomaat Isoka and it is visited by these birds yearly, though there are no otherpalms for about 20 miles at least.Colius striatus a/finis.
One skin collected 21/10/42 from fairly open bush beside a small streamon Mafinga's at about 7,000 ft. The following year in the same monthanother was seen at the same place. Also seen on Nyika. Another skinwas collected 10/43 at Muyombe's E.P. Two small flocks of colies wereseen 18/3/42 in Mwenimpanza's area W.P. which may have belonged tothis race also. Otherwise I have no records.Apaloderma vittatum vittatum.
A skin collected in riverain forest on the Mafingas at about 7,000 ft.22/10 (42 was the first record for N.R. The crop contained a green caterpillarand insects, and pollen of flowers.Lybius torquatus pumillo,
Ubiquitous and common. Four skins collected on W.P. have wings 87-89.A pair were seen mating at Boma 2/12/42.Lybius minor macclounii.
Very common at lsoka Boma, W.P., where I have seen as many as 7 onone tree together. Elsewhere only seen at Shem village near NyasalandTanganyika border.Buccanodon whytii stresemanni.
2 skins were collected by Mr. White's skinner, who visited me in Feb.1943, at Isoka Borna, W.P. This was the first record since it was discoverednear the south end of Lake Tanganyika, but it has since been recorded byMoreau from Ufipa.
As B.w. sowerbvi has been recorded from Mzimba, the two must meetsomewhere south of Isoka Boma. I also saw a yellow-headed barbet inMwenimpanza's area 28/3(42, which may have been this race (see underindicator indicator.Pogoniulus chrysoconus extoni.
Skin collected in thin brachystegia woodland at 7,000 ft. on the Mafingas10/43. Also seen in L.V. and is probably ubiquitous.Trachyphonus vaillantii.
A skin collected but lost in north-western L.V. 6/41. Seen E.P. 10(43.Very scarce.
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The Ostrich. September. 1953.
Indicator indicator.Not nearly as common as elsewhere in general. 28/3/42 in Mwenim
panza's area it showed me a swarm of bees hanging below a fallen tree.It then flew into a nearby tree where it was very noisy and was joined bya yellow-headed barbet (possibly B.w. stresemanni), which sat close besideit on the same branch for a brief moment.Campethera cailliautii [ulleborni.
Skin collected at Mukundalonde Village below Mafinga mountains22/10/42, having been snared by children. It was a female with egg in ovary.Campethera abingoni subsp,
Recorded 1899 from Fife and probably the common woodpecker of atleast the northern part of the W.P.Mesopicos griseocephalus ruwenzori.
Resident in Isoka boma garden, W.P. Also seen at 7,000 ft. on Mafingamountains 10/43. In both cases beside riverain forest. Recorded fromFife in 1899.Dendropicus [uscescens subsp,
Recorded from Fife, 1899.Smithornis capensis capensis.
One skin collected and another bird seen 17/10/42 in L.V. foothillsof the Mafingas, This was in leafless (NOT evergreen) thickets beside drywater-courses. One was seen to display white back feathers.Mirajra rufocinnamomea zombae.
Ubiquitous and common, except in the mountains.Motacilla aguimp vidua.
Ubiquitous and common, except in the mountains.Motacilla clara torrentium.
High up the Luangwa river in the mountains towards its source I sawthree perched beside a waterfall 14/10/42. At least two others were seenin the same area, but I have never seen it elsewhere.Budytes fiavus subsp.
A skin collected 2/2/44 of a female without an eye stripe. White, towhom it was sent, thought it might be B./. thunbergi. I have other notesfrom February and April 1942, and in 1944 the first one was seen 30/1, therewere several on 31/ 1 and many on 1/2/44. On 2/2 there were fewer again,and I then left the Boma on a journey. When I returned on 11/2, all hadgone. They appear to arrive on passage for a very brief spell when they areto be found on newly dug earth only. There was considerable differencebetween many of the specimens seen.Budytes fiavus luteus.
I believe it was this species with a yellow head which I saw at the Bomain 1941, again there 19/1/43 and at Ntatumbila's village near the northernborder in March 1941.Anthus richardi lichenya.
One skin collected from the open plateau on top of the Mafingas atabout 7,500 ft. in 10/43.Macronyx [ulleborni ascensi.
Skin collected near Boma, 7/43. Common throughout W.P. at any rate.Also seen E.P. near Muyornbe's.
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Turdoides jardinei subsp.I assume this is the common babbler of the district, which I have noted
almost everywhere but of which I have collected no specimens.Pycnonotus barbatus layardi,
Skins collected from the Boma, W.P., and Muyombe's village, E.P., areboth referable to layardi. I have not identified L.B. birds.Pycononotus barbatus fayi.
Two skins collected at Shem's village near the Nyasaland-Tanganyikaborder appear to be referable to [ayi.Chlorocichla fiavicollis fiavigula.
A skin collected at the Boma, W.P., 1/42-where it is quite commonextends the range slightly to the north-east. Benson has not apparently comeacross it in Nyasaland.Phyllastrephus aljredi aljredi.
A skin collected in the riverain forest beside the Luangwa River towardsits source in the mountains was one of a party seen 14/10/42 and is thefirst record for N. Rhodesia.Phyllastrephus fischeri cabanisi.
A skin collected at the Boma, W.P., in riverain forest extends the rangeof this species eastward from Bangweulu, Not apparently recorded byBenson from Nyasaland.Andropadus virens zombensis.
A skin collected in a fig tree beside riverain forest on the Boma, W.P.,4/4/43, is much lighter than typical virens, and supports the charactersclaimed by Grant for zombensis, which has not previously been recordedfrom N. Rhodesia.Muscicapa striata striata.
I have no records before December, though it must of course arriveearlier.Parisoma plumbeum orientale.
Recorded by Benson from north-east Isoka (Winterbottom, p. 50).Bradornis pallidus murinus.
Ubiquitous and common. A skin collected 22/4/43 from the Mirongoarea south-east of the Boma.Melaenornis pammelaina ater,
Ubiquitous and common.Hyliota flavigaster barbozae.
A skin was collected but accidentally destroyed near the Mwenimpanzalanding-ground, close to Nyasaland-Tanganyika border, 22/3/42. Notnoticed elsewhere.Batis capensis dimorpha.
Seen frequently on the edge of riverain forest on top of the Mafingas,October 1942 and 1943. Presumably referable to this race though no specimens collected. Not previously recorded from N. Rhodesia.Batis molitor molitor.
Ubiquitous and common all over district except in mountains. A maleand female were seen building a nest 7/10/40 on E.P.
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Platysteira peltata peltata.Seen on 3 or 4 different occasions in the riverain forest at the Borna,
W.P., but no specimens collected. Also recorded from Ikawa (Fife).Erannornis albicauda albicauda.
Skin collected in edge of riverain forest on top of Mafingas 21/10/42and seen there again 10/43. Also seen at Shern's village, W.P., 11/8/43,and also on the E.P .. IO /43. But I have found it scarce and the above arethe only records I have.Terpsiphone viridis plumbeiceps.
Earliest date 27/9/42. Latest date 18/3/42. A pair were seen 10/43high up on the Nyika at about 6,500 ft.Turdus libonyanus cinerascens.
T./. clnerascens appears to be ubiquitous and common in brachystegiawoodland all over the district. A skin trapped at Shem viIlage 10/8/43 nearthe Nyasaland-Tanganyika border was referable to this. Seen at nest nearMwenzo. W.P., November 1940. A skin collected high up on the Mafingaescarpment in the last fringes of brachystegia was considered by AustinRoberts to be possibly verreauxi, but the skin was unfortunately in verybad condition.Turdus olivaceus nyikae,
One skin collected from inside dense riverain forest on the Mafingas1O! 43-the first record for N. Rhodesia. I see Benson says (Ibis. 1940.p. 604) that he has heard no song. but the above was singing beautifully atmidday when shot.Turdus litsipsirupa stierlingi,
Only seen in a fairly limited area at between 5,000 and 6,000 ft. roundTunduma on the Tanganyika border. It appears to be a local migrant inthat area, arriving in August.Monticola angolensis.
Skin collected in light brachystegia woodland on top of Mafingas 10/43,at nearly 7,000 ft. Also seen at Boma, W.P.Cercomela [amiliaris [alkensteini.
Common at Boma, W.P., at certain times of the year.Thamnolaea arnotti.
Common in places throughout the district, including the L.V., but notthe high mountains. Two immature specimens collected at Muyornbe's, E.P.,10/43.Cossypha heuglini occidentalis.
Ubiquitous and common except 111 the mountains, from which it IS
absent.Erythropygia zambesiana zambesiana.
Seen at Berna, W.P., beside Isoka stream, 20/3/42.Erythropygia leucophrys ruficauda.
Collected at Mukundalonde's village on the eastern approaches of theMafingas, but the skin was too damaged to preserve. A second was seenthe same day in the same place.Erythropygia barbata barbata.
Seen W.P. and E.P.
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Bradypterus baboecala ? moreaui.Skin collected at Muyombe's, E.P., 10/43. White, to whom it was
sent: "It is not fully adult, I think, which may account for its being sorufous."Apalis thoracica murina.
Recorded from Mafinga mountains, according to Winterbottom, p. 56.Apalis alticola brunneiceps.
The type came from Fife (Winterbottom, p. 57).Sylvietta whytii whytii.
Skin collected immediately below Mafinga escarpment, 16/10/42.Sylvietta ruficapilla chubbi.
I believe this is the species seen at the Boma, W.P., occasionally, andelsewhere.Eremomela scotops pulchra.
Skins collected at Boma, E.P., and Muyombe, E.P. Also probablyoccurs in L.V.Cisticola lais mariae.
Skin collected from Nyika at about 7,000 ft. White noted that this birdwas clearly lais, but did not entirely bear out the characteristics claimed fornyikae, as it has dark streaks on the crown and is rather buffy on breastand sides.Cisticola chiniana fortis.
Not uncommon on the Boma, W.P., but no specimens collected.Cisticola natalensis katanga.
Skin collected at Shem village, W.P., 18/8/43, in winter dress. Alreadyrecorded from Isoka by Lynes.Cisticola brachyptera loanda.
Skin collected at Muyombe, E.P., 10/43, near the Nyasaland border.C. b. isabellina was to be expected, but this bird is remarkably dark evenfor loanda, as White remarks. Admiral Lynes records loanda from Abercorn, but did not get it at Isoka.Cisticola aberrans nyika.
Skin collected on top of escarpment beside Mafingas in brachystegiawoodland. Only recorded previously in N. Rhodesia by Lynes, from Sunzu,in the Abercorn district.
NOTE: No doubt many of the commoner cisticola occur, which are notlisted here, as I do not know them and have only tried to collect specimensof the rarer ones.Prinia subfiava affinis.
Skin collected of an immature specimen in very worn plumage fromMuyombe, E.P., 10/43.Hirundo rustica rustica.
Earliest date 8/10/43.Hirundo smithii smlthii.
Widely distributed, though less common than I have known it elsewhere.Nesting at Nteko in outbuildings, 9/42.Hirundo senegalensis monteiri.
Widely distributed, and fairly common. Seen at Boma, W.P., collectinggrass, 26/2/42 and 17/3/42.
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Hirundo cucullata,Seen several times at Muyombe, E.P., 20/10/43.
Hirundo abyssinica unitatis.Seen several times at Muyombe, E.P., 18/10/43.
Ptyonoprogne [uligula rufigula.Seen on last col before summit of Mafingas from Mukundalonde,
24/10/42. Not seen the following year in the same month.Delichon urbica urbica.
Seen at Isoka, Boma, W.P., flying north 16/3/42. Seen near Kangampande peak, Nyika, 22/10/43, and on Mukutu mountains, 1/11/43.Psalidoprocne albiceps.
It appears definitely to be migratory, arriving in October-earliest dateover four years 14/10/42, and leaving about the beginning of June-latestdate 18/5/34. For the last month or two no white-headed males are seen,which suggests either that the males migrate earlier than the females, or thatthose seen in April and May are young birds. 1 have once seen themexamining holes in a donga on the Boma and in my experience they needhills with rocks and dongas, though 1 agree with Benson (Ibis. 1940, p. 10)that they are usually in the vicinity of riparian dense evergreen scrub. Thewhite-headed male is very conspicuous and cannot be mistaken for any otherspecies. At Isoka it occurs on the Barna at the bottom of the hill at 4,100 ft.and I have also seen it on top of the Mafingas at 7,000 ft. or over. I havealso records from the extreme north of the district to the extreme south.Campephaga sulphurata.
My only records are a male and female seen near the Kalungu, W.P.,15/3/41, and a male with yellow on the shoulder at the Barna, W.P., 12/12/43,but I feel sure I have overlooked it and that it occurs more widely.Coracina pectoralis.
Common on W.P. and also seen E.P. and L.V. I have collected nospecimens.Dicrurus adsimilis adsimilis.
Very common and ubiquitous except on the mountains. What I tookto be a young bird of this species, much mottled and very confiding, wasseen in the L.V., 1/5/41.Prionops 'plumatus poliocephalus.
Ubiquitous and common. One skin from the BOOla and two from L.V.appeared to be the longer-winged birds.Sigmodus retzii tricolor.
Ubiquitous and fairly common and only slightly less common thanprionops, if at all.Lanius collaris humeralis.
Widely distributed but nowhere very common on W.P. and E.P. I haveno records at all from L.V. One was seen on the Nyika plateau at between6,000 and 7,000 ft.Lanius collurio,
I have only three records, two from the Barna, W.P., 11/43 and 15/4/42,and one from L.V., 21/1 /42.
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Laniarius [errugineus mossambicus.Widely distributed and common in all areas, including 1 think the
riverain forest on the Mafingas. The only skin collected (from Barna, W.P.)had a wing measurement of 99 mm.Dryoscopus cubla hamatus.
Common at least on W.P.Tchagra australis minor.
In my experience considerably less common than T. senegala, thoughI have recorded it from W.P.Tchagra senegala mozambica.
Ubiquitous and common. Three skins collected from W.P.Chlorophoneus nigrijrons manningi,
Recorded from the Nyika Plateau and Fife according to Winterbottom,p. 64. I know of no surviving forest near Fife.Malaconotus blanchoti hy popyrrhus.
Seen on many occasions on the Bema, W.P., and once at Mulekaternbos,E.P. On one occasion it was seen putting its head down and clicking afterthe mellow Oriole-like note.Parus ajer griseiventris.
I assume this is the tit seen from time to time on the Barna, W.P., butit is certainly not very common in my experience.Parus leucomelas insignis.
Recorded from Fife. The bird in the L.V. may be P. niger.Oriolus auratus notatus.
I have several October records from the E.P., including one from thetop of the Mafingas at 7,000 ft. and one from the W.P., 7/7/43. It is notuncommon, at times.Oriolus larvatus rolleti.
Common on both W.P. and E.P. 1 have not recorded it from L.V.Corvus albus.
1 have only noted it at five places in four years. At Kafwirnbi's villageand 30 miles east of Boma, W.P., and at Ntatumbila's village, W.P. Oncein L.V., 10/40, and twice at Muyornbe's, E.P. where it occurs together withCorvultur albicollis, than which it is much less common in this district.Corvultur albicollis.
Ubiquitous and common. Seen on top of Mafingas. One of the pairon the Boma had a hanging leg when in flight; it was at or near the Bornafor all the four years 1 was there, though I once saw what was probably thesame bird 4 miles away down part of the valley escarpment. 1 do not appearto have a record from L.V. area, but 1 feel sure it occurs at least below theescarpments.Creatophora cinereus.
Skin of an immature male collected at Nyela village from a flock ofabout 7 at dusk, 19/2/41, was unluckily destroyed. Not otherwise recorded.Cinnyricinclus leucogaster verreauxi.
Earliest date 12/9/43. It appears to pass through on passage in verygreat numbers for a few weeks and is then not seen again. I do not thinkit is found after the beginning of January. Conspicuously absent from top
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of Mafingas, when very common lower down, 10/42, but in 1943 I saw afew in early November high on the Mukutu's.Lamprocolius chalybaeus sycobius.Lamprocolius chloropterus elisabeth.
Skin collected at Muyombe's, 10/43, was L. chloropterus elisabeth, whilea skin collected in L.V. and afterwards accidentally destroyed appeared tobe L. chalybeus sycobius. One or other is not uncommon throughout thedistrict, except in the mountains and apparently round the Boma, W.P.Onychognathus walleri nyasae.
Skin collected 10/43 on the N yika. Shot in the evening flying into rainforest from below escarpment. Wing measured 131 mm. This is the firstrecord for N. Rhodesia. The carriers with me when I collected the abovesaid they knew it from riverain forest near the Boma, but I have no recordsand it may be another red-winged starling.Buphagus african us ajricanus.
Not recorded in the Isoka district, but seen once further south in theL.V. area of the Lundazi district, 16/9/41, when two perched on a buffaloJ had shot.Zosterops senegdlensis anderssoni.
Seen several times in brachystegia woodland near the houses at theBoma, W.P.Nectarinia kilimensis arturi.
Skin of adult male collected at debouchement of Luangwa from mountains into the valley, at probably not more than 4,500 ft., 14/10/42. Femaleand juvenile male skins collected from Mafingas at 7,000 ft. in same month.Female skin collected on Mafingas at over 7,000 ft., 10/43.Cinnyris venustus [alkensteini.
Skin collected at Boma, where not uncommon. Also recorded from L.V.Cinnyris chalybea intermedia,
Only seen once, at the Boma, 8/41. Until a skin is collected the raceIS doubtful.Cinnyris mediocris fulleborni.
Probably seen once for a brief instant on the edge of forest on theNyika, 10/43.Cinnyris shelleyi.
Skin collected having been trapped by native children at Abel's villagein the Mirongo area south-east of Boma at between 4,000 and 4,500 ft. Thisspecimen extends the known range somewhat to the north-west.Chalcomitra amethystina kirkii.
Male, three immature males and a female collected at Abel's village, alsoseen at Boma, W.P., and elsewhere.Chalcomitra senegalensis gutturalis.
Immature males collected at Abel's village. Common on W.P. andin L.V.Cyanomitra olivacea lowei.
Occurs in Muyornbe's area, B.P. (Young) according to Winterbottom,p.69.A nthreptes collaris ugandae.
Not uncommon at Boma. Also seen towards source of Luangwa river.
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Anthreptes longuemarei angolensis.Skin of female collected at Muyombe, E.P., 10/43. Seen nesting near
Kapendamaji's village, E.P., 17/10/43. Of the skin, White writes: "I havecompared your bird with Mwinilunga females and it differs as follows: verymuch darker and greyer on throat and breast; much paler and duller yellowon abdomen; slightly darker above. It would be desirable to examine furthermaterial from Isoka. Presumably the Mwinilunga birds are angolensis:"Anthreptes anchietae.
Seen on Kalandama stream 6/41 in mitondo trees. A skin collectedat Abel's village 25/4/43 was immature without the blue front.Salpornis spilonota salvadori,
Skin collected at Barna, W.P. (where it was trapped), 3/44. Also seen28/7 /43 on the Barna, W.P., and 10(43 at Sam's village, Muyombe's area,E.P.Plocepasser mahali pectoralis.
Specimens collected twice once from the Mafinga foothills of L.V.,16(10(42, and again in the same month from the much higher foothills ofMafinga's to the east, near Mukundalonde village, E.P. Not noted from W.P.Ploceus velatus tahatali.
Seen breeding in L.V. 20(1(42. Not noticed elsewhere.Ploceus nigriceps nigriceps.
Collected in L.V. 5(5(41, where very common, but the skin was lost.Not noticed elsewhere.Ploceus xanthops xanthops,
Skin collected at Shem's village, W.P. 8(43, female. Also fairly commonat Barna, W.P.Anaplectes rubriceps.
Only noticed twice in four years. Once, E.P., 2/10(40, and the secondtime also E.P. (Mukundalonde's village) where it was nesting 8(10/43.
Euplectes orix sundevalli.Very common along the Luangwa river itself for a depth of certainly
not more than ten miles, i.e. up the tributaries for ten miles but not further.Skins collected, two males and two females, 2(44.Euplectes hordeacea hordeacea.
Possibly seen on swampy plain a few miles from Bema, 16(4/42, butno specimens were obtained. Two females from L.V. were thought byWhite to belong to this species.Euplectes capensis sabinio.
Present at Isoka Barna, W.P. A skin of a female was collected atMuyombe, E.P. 10(43. I do not remember seeing it in L.V.Euplectes albonotata albonotata.
Very common in L.V. in January, not noticed, no doubt because notthen in breeding dress, in May. Ranges considerably further up thetributaries of the Luangwa than does E. orix, but never noticed outsidethe valley.Euplectes macroura macroura.
Noticed occasionally on W.P. Not seen in L.V. in January.
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The Ostrich, September, 1953.
Euplectes ardens ardens.Ubiquitous and common except on mountains. Skin collected from
Mafinga foothills Mukundalonde village, in non-breeding plumage, 22{1O/42.Acquires breeding plumage at end of December, or beginning of Januaryon the W.P. In the L.V. had acquired breeding plumage by January andby May birds in breeding plumage were completely absent along the Luangwaitself and scarce in the tributaries.Euplectes ardens concolor,
Never seen in four years at lsoka or In the district.Euplectes hartlaubi hartlaubi.
Skin collected from Katonga stream near Barna, W.P., 25/12/43, whereit is common. Not noticed elsewhere in the district.Spermestes cucullatus scutatus.Spermestes bicolor nigriceps.
I believe both occur. Certainly one or other is common everywhere.In the Boma garden close to riverain forest, I thing S. c. scutatus is thecommon species. I watched one, 26{3/42, building a nest about 12 ft. fromthe ground in a small, rather thick tree. The nest was in its early stagesand the bird was collecting pieces of wild asparagus from the base of ananthill about 30 yards from the nest. Pieces of living green fern were brokenoff and the bird worked in spasms, making many journeys in a short time andthen resting. As far as could be seen nothing else was being used forthe nest.Hypargos niveoguttatus.
Two skins collected at Mukundalonde village, B.P., 6{1O{43. Notuncommon on B.P. but no records elsewhere.Pytilia melba melba.
Noticed several times, including the Boma area below the hill and thevalley. No records from B.P.Lagonosticta jameson!.
Skin collected at Kayisolele's village in the eastern Mafinga foothills,18/1O{42.Lagonosticta rubricata haemetocephala.
Two skins collected from Mukundalonde's village, eastern Mafinga foothills, and from M uyornbe's village, E.P.Lagonosticta senegala rendalli.
Specimens collected were too damaged to preserve. Only seen atMuyereka's village, L.V., though it may occur elsewhere.Estrilda melanotis kilimensis.
Almost certainly the species seen on the Nyika in low bushes near atiny stream, 10/43.Estrilda astrild cavendishi.
Common W.P. and Valley, and no doubt E.P. as well, though I haveno records.Estrilda perreini perreini.
Fairly common on the Boma, W.P., between 4,100 ft. and 4,500 ft. inthe rains. Also recorded by Rev. W. P. Young from Muyombe country,B.P., but not apparently recorded by Benson from Nyasaland.
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The Ostrich, September. 1953.
Uraeginthus angolensis niassensis.Common W.P. and L.V. Curiously enough I only saw one once in
E.P. which is probably rather high for them.Vidua macroura.
Ubiquitous and common except in the mountains. Earliest date seenin breeding plumage, 10/12/41, W.P.Vidua paradisoea obtusa.Vidua paradisoea 'paradisoea,
I have no useful notes on the occurrences of the two sub.sp. My recordsconcerning breeding plumage dates are rather curious: In the southern halfof the W.P. south of the Kalungu river it was not uncommon in March, butin the same month further north in Mwenimpanza's area I never saw it at all.It is certainly in breeding plumage on the Barna, W.P., by the end ofJanuary, and near Tunduma on the Tanganyika border at nearly 6,000 ft. Isaw two males in breeding plumage, 7/7/43, three more 15/7/43 and oneas late as 27/7 / 43. In the Luangwa Valley no males in breeding plumagewere seen in: either January or February, and in May they were onlyoccasionally noticed. I never visited the E.P. in the rains, and my only notewas a breeding male seen 6/6/43.Serinus mozambicus mozambicus.
Ubiquitous and fairly common. A nest with two eggs found 27/3/42.There appears to be some local movement as a flock frequented an overgrowngolf green at the Boma for some months every year in the rains, but leftin A~ril.
Serinus f/avivertex sassii.A skin collected on the Mafingas, 10/10/43, is the first record for N.
Rhodesia.Emberiza cabanisi orientalis.
Recorded from Ikawa (Fife).Emberiza f/aviventris fiaviveruris.
Three skins collected from the Boma and E.P., where it is common.
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