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Show t2o MR. F. NICHOLSON ON BIRDS FROM ABEOKUTA. [Feb. 5, known species. The young bird, No. 130, resembles the old one generally in coloration, but has all the colours duller, the transverse barring of the lower surface much less conspicuous and altogether wanting on the breast, the white spots of the scapularies absent, those on the wing-coverts smaller, and those on the tertiaries also smaller, and tinged with rufous; the primaries also are less conspicuously banded with rufous. "Nos. 126, 127, males. Eyes red, upper mandible dark, the lower with a slight red tinge, feet light brown. Stomach contained beetles, egg-shells, and small calcareous particles." 2. On a Collection of Birds from Abeokuta. By FRANCIS NICHOLSON, F.Z.S. [Received December 20, 1877-] (Plate X.) I have lately received from m y friend, M r. Henry Robin, a small collection of birds made by him in the neighbourhood of Abeokuta. Although preserved in spirits, the birds arrived in very good condition, and have made fair specimens. On showing them to my friend Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, he strongly advised m e to publish a short list of the species, inasmuch as we have never received any natural-history specimens from Abeokuta before. This collection also adds a species or two to the avifauna of Western Africa; and one bird appears to be new. I have deposited a series of the skins in the British Museum ; and Mr. Sharpe has confirmed m y identifications. I am indebted to him for a comparison of some of the more obscure species. 1. SCOPS LEUCOTIS (Temm.); Sharpe, Cat. B. ii. p. 97. One specimen, which has apparently died in captivity. I am not aware of the occurrence of this species in West Africa below Senegal having been noted. 2. MEL^ENORNIS EDOLIOIDES (SW.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. iii. p. 315. One specimen, somewhat extending the range of this species in Western Africa. 3. LANIUS SMITHII, Fraser; Sharpe, Cat. Afr. B. p. 50. no. 478- Two adults, and three young birds in changing plumage; all apparently males, with no red on the flanks. 4. DRYOSCOPUS GAMBENSIS (Licht.); Sharpe, Cat. Afr. B. p. 48. no. 453. One male specimen. 5. DRYOSCOPUS MAJOR, Hartl.; Sharpe, Cat. Afr. B. p. 47. no. 450. An adult specimen. |
