SAXICOLA INFUSCATA.
occurs far from the sea-coast. It selects sterile tracts which are thinly covered with brushwood
for its h a b ita ts, and in these situations it is so extremely watchful that even weeks of
incessant toil will scarcely ensure the collector a specimen. When disturbed it perches
upon the highest twig within its reach, and from that incessantly surveys the country
around, and if the slightest danger is suspected, it either flies off to a distance or dives among
the shrubs, and conceals itself until the patience of the pursuer is exhausted. During many
months which I passed in the country in which this species occurs, I only saw twelve
individuals, and it was not till the nest of a pair was discovered, that two specimens were
obtained. Anxiety for the welfare of their young appeared to diminish the solicitude they
manifested under other circumstances for their own safety, and it was by taking advantage of„
that discovery that we obtained the male and female we now possess. It seeks its food, which
consists of insects, upon the ground, and while on it, as well as when perched, it raises and
depresses its half extended wings after the manner of the other species of the genus.
In addition to the present bird, we have eleven other species inhabiting the South of Africa.
They are
Saxicola pileata, Vieill. L e T ra q u e t Im ita te u r , Le Vaill. Ois. d ’A fr iq u e , pi. 181.
Saxicolalamiliaris. L e T ra q u e t F am illie r , Le Vaill. - l b . pi. 1837
Saxicola sperata, L in .
Saxicola rubicola. L e Tra q u e t P a tr e , Le Vaill. I b . pi. 180.
Saxicola formicivora, V ie ill. L e T ra q u e t F o u rmillie r, Le Vaill. I b . pi. 186 and 7.
S a x ic o la leucoptera, Swainson.
Saxicola monticola, V ie ill. L e T ra q u e t M o n ta g n a rd ] Le Vaill; I b . pi. 183.
Saxicola cinerea, V ie ill. L e T ra q u e t Tractrac, Le Vaill. l b . pi. 184.
S a x ic o la L e V a illa n tii, Smith.
Saxicola nigra, V ie ill. L e T ra q u e t commandeur, Le Vaill. I b . pi. 190.
Saxicola cursoria, Vieill. L e T ra q u e t a calotte e t queue blanche, Le Vaill. I b . pi. 190.
Saxicola bifasciata, Temm. PI. col. 472, fig. 27
Saxicola Baroica, Sm ith .
Eight of the above species have been well figured by Le Vaillant,and a representation of the
last named will be given in the course of these illustrations.