the rest, deep broccoli-brown; the inner webs, brownish-red,
distinctly tipped with white ; throat white, tinged with ochre-yellow,
and margined on each side by a series, of small spots, of a dark
brown, forming two longitudinal bands; breast, light yellowish-grey,
with an orange tinge, which becomes brighter on the belly and
inner surface of the shoulders j middle of belly and vent, white ;
bill, feet, and claws, yellow. Length, 9"; wing, 4" 6"; tail, 4".
Fig. Smith, 111. Zool. S. Afr. Birds, pi. 37.
182. ^ T urdus guttatus. ' • N a t a l T h r u s h .
This Thrush seems to be entirely confined to Natal, where it was
first discovered by Sir Andrew Smith. The only specimens which we
have seen were from this colony. Sir A. Smith states ' that “ none
were found beyond the forests which border upon Port Natal. Those
which we have seen were found in damp retired situations, and when
discovered were actively employed, beneath the brushwood, in search
of food.'”
Upper parts, rich yellowish-brown; eyebrows and sides of the
head dirty white; the latter with three umber-brown stripes; under
parts white, spotted with good-sized umber-brown spots; two white
bars across the wings when at rest; tail, yellowish-brown; the three
lateral feathers on each side broadly tipped with white. Length
9" 6"'; wing, 4" lO'“ ; tail, 4".
Fig. Smith, 111. Zool. S. Afr. Birds, pi. 29.
183. T urdus olivaceus. Olivaceous Thrush.
Turdus obscurus et T. olivaceus, Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 128
We do not now believe in the differences which are supposed to
separate the two Thrushes of South Africa, as we did in the first
edition. An examination of a large series shows that the Transvaal
bird cannot be separated from that of the colony, and we cannot
therefore admit Turdus declceni as an inhabitant of South Africa
believing as we do that the Transvaal birds referred to this species
by Mr. Gurney are specifically the same as T. olivaceus. The
proportions of grey and orange on the breast vary exceedingly, and
Sir A. Smith seems to have described as T. obscurus a peculiarly
grey specimen, but we believe that it does not represent a distinct
form or even geographical race.
At some seasons of the year, when fruit is ripe and apples and
pears fall off the trees, and rot on the ground, this Thrush may be
found in great abundance in orchards about Rondebosch. It utters
no song, but only a short hurried cry when alarmed, and flying
upward to the topmost branches .of the thickest trees, amid which
it endeavours to conceal itself. If unsuccessful in this, it launches
itself off and makes for the nearest thicket,—its voice and manner
reminding the observer of the European blackbird. It breeds in
thick bushes, making a nest like that of the blackbird, and lined
with fibres and roots. The eggs, large for the size of the bird, are
generally four m number, of a light verditer blue, mottled with
irregular patches of brown, thickest on the obtuse end : axis 15" '■
xLiam., IV".. ’ ’
Yictonn did not seem to have collected specimens at the Knysna
but Mr. Andersson procured it here. Mr. Rickard has found it in the
neighbourhood of East London and Port Elizabeth, and Mr. T. C.
Atmore has sent it from Eland’s Post. In Natal, -writes Mr. Ayres]
“ These Thrushes appear to be more numerous during the winter
than the summer months. They frequent the bush range along the
coast, and are tolerably plentiful. I sometimes find their claws
much worn, as if employed in scratching for their food. They very
seldom utter a note, and might well be called the f Silent Thrush.’ ”
We have also received specimens from the late Mr. R. Moffat killed
near Kuruman, and Sir Andrew Smith obtained his examples’of the
bird he named T. obscurus towards Delagoa Bay. He says that
it is a solitary bird, inhabiting damp, secluded thickets and brushwood
skirting the banks of fivers, and is generally seen in such
localities actively employed in displacing the decayed vegetation,
which occurs upon the surface of the soil, covering the insects and
worms on which it feeds.” Mr. Ayres also observes concerning the
species m the Transvaal: " These Thrushes are common in Potchef-
stroom all the year round, but are silent and retiring in their habits,
requeuing thickets and dense hedgerows, and occasionally uttering
a ow short chuck, very similar to that of the Redwing of Europe.”
ur friend, Mr. P. A. Barratt, shot several at Macamac in the
J enburg district. Andersson gives the following note:—
essrs. J. and H. Chapman brought away specimens of this
rus rom the Lake-regions : but I have never met with it to the
west of the Lake-country. It is one of the commonest species in
„t/ ape Oo1011^ where it is partially migratory, being found most
kind, H / ^ grape and fruit-season : ifc is fond of almost all
insect I when these fail, it subsists on beetles and other