Description of Cratopus bicolor, a new species among the Merulidae, from Southern Africa

Abstract

In this short communication (reproduced from the Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical Science), Sir William Jardine describes a new bird species from Southern Africa, named Cratopus bicolor (the Black and White Cratopus), belonging to the family Merulidae (thrushes), subfamily Crotophaginae, as arranged by William Swainson. Jardine’s description is based on two specimens received from Dr Andrew Smith, Superintendent of the South African Museum. The species is characterised by its striking black-and-white plumage, a slightly curved black bill, long, somewhat graduated tail, and scaly-textured feathers on the head and neck. The quills, secondaries, and tail are deep brownish-black, while the rest of the plumage is pure white.

Jardine notes the species’ affinity with the typical Cratopus group—birds that inhabit watery, reedy environments in warm regions and are known for their harsh, babbling calls. The present form, however, is particularly distinctive in its contrasting colouration and structure of the plumage. Jardine’s observation expands the known diversity of the Cratopus genus and provides early descriptive data on South African avifauna collected during the period of British natural history exploration.