equal and longest; the third and seventh equal and a little shorter; the
second about half an inch shorter than the longest; and the first about half
the length of the second; the tertiary quill feathers nearly as long as the
primaries. Tarsi robust, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire; toes long
and rather strong, particularly the posterior one; claws long, much curved
and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines. Inches. T.inpa
Length from the point of the bill to Length of the ta rsu s............
the tip of the tail . . . . . . 7 3 of the outer to e ......... 4 of the bill to the angle of the of the middle toe . . . . 8
mouth.............. 0 - 4 of the inner to e ......... ___ 0 ’5
of the wings when folded . . 3 Oi of the hinder toe . . . . 5
of the ta il............................ 3 4
F emale.—Not known.
Inhabits the neighbourhood bf Port Natal, and the specimen described was shot upon reeds,
among which it was flitting to and fro i-o search of insects, which, from the ingesta found in its
stomach, appeared to have been its sole food.