J3
reBen.blcs H. monteiri. b u t tbere is not a sign of the white spots on the tail wlueh ate so strongly
oharaoteristio of the latter species.
H o i IV e s t A f r ic a ; o c c u rrin g in su ita b le loc a litie s from S enegam bia to th e Congo. N o r th - c a s t A fric a ;
C e n tra l A b y s s in ia a n d K o rd o fan , S hoa , an d th e sources o t tho Gaz e lle E iv c r.
T h i s lar^e Swallow belongs to the rod-rumped section of the genus Hirundo. It is
distinguished hy its large size from all its allies in this section, as well as by its uniform
under surface, without any dark striations.
It was originally described from Senegal, and we have seen several specimens fiom
this part of Africa. Dr. de Eoeliebrune states that it is common thoro, and enunierates
the following localities where he has met with it-Saldb, Dagana, Podor, Ihionk, Sorres,
“ ponte, Albrcda, and Bathurst. It was not seen by Ur. Bhttikofer m Liberia
but it reappears ou the Gold Coast. Mr. Blissett sent us a specimen from Ekratu and
Capt Shelley and Mr. T. E. Buckley found it near Accra, and more especially at
Quamin-flo. The birds “ were paired in Eehrnary, and probably breeding m the large
hollow trees, the topmost houghs of which they usually frequented.
The following note is from tho pen of the late Governor Ussher This handsome
SwaUow has only been observed by mo on the plains of Accra, in the eastern districts of
the Gold Coast. I never saw it in the forest. They are generally to be found in small
companies of eight or ten perched on the tops of high decayed or leafless trees, and
occasionally leave their posts for food, uttering a peculiar and pretty cry. Watei-
pools attract them much in this sparsely watered district. Their flight is poweiful on
Iraeeful beyond that of other Swallows. The natives hold them m some veneration, and
call them ‘ God’s children,' and appeared scandalized at my shooting them, although i y
wero satisflod when I explained tho purpose for which I was oollcotmg^ their skins, and
that I was not impelled to do so from any wanton or inhumane motive.
A specimen was obtained by Mr. Petit ot Landana on the Congo, and is now in
Capt. Shelley’s collection. This seems to bo its southern limit on the west coast.
Dr von Heuglin writes as follows H. senegodcms is a migratory bird in Northeastern
Africa. Me found it from May to January in Kordofan and Central Abyssinia, at
a heiidit of from 5000 to 9000 fe e t; hut near the sources of the Gazelle lliver only towards
Uio end of the rainy season. Edppell also received it from Shoa. Those Swallows are
often seen in large flocks settling on tho bare tops of trees, or flying backwards and
forwards, both high and low, in the meadows and grass-laud, cspeciaUy aftei thundei-
storms Tho call is very loud and strong, and sounds plaintive and whistling, like te-m,
or Med Med. According to Brchm it is even found on tho Bed Sea.
“ Vcrrcaux’s statement that this Swallow occurs iu Kuhia is probably incorrect,
as in North-eastern Africa it does not scorn to cross tho l.ltli meridian.” ^
The late Marquis Antinori mentions this species under the name of Cecmns mdano.
criMus, and states tliat it arrives in the Djur country towards the end of March, but
does not stay after the first few days of April. After this time it appears to go both to
the east and west into the mountainous parts of tlie White Nile. He noticed that it
arrived at the same time as Eurystomus afer, the African Roller, and frequented tho same
marshy places. At sunrise they settle on the tops of tho trees, after a few short turns,
and there I’emaiii motionless for some time, when one will suddenly start off afresh,
upsetting the resting-place; and as they arc accustomed to sit close together on a branch,
there is great contention for a place, those that are driven off having to find another
perch. From the trees they descend to the water, over the surface of which they hunt
for insects; but after about an hour’s exercise, they rise into the air and disappear, not
i-eturuing to the place till the next morning. The same naturalist met with the species
in the Adda Galla country during the late Italian expedition to Shoa, where the native
name was “ Tobbisa.”
The description is taken from an adult bird in the British Museum, the figure in
the Plate being drawn from a specimen in Capt. Shelley’s collectiou.