On Woodland Bird Parties in Northern Rhodesia

Summary. The habit of insectivorous birds in tropical regions of gathering together into parties is described and some typical parties are given. The reasons adduced for such behaviour are considered, but none is really satisfactory as an explanation. The species composing the parties are divided into “nucleus” species, which may form pure parties by themselves and round which the other species group themselves, and “circumference” species. The commonest species in 107 such parties, from the eastern and western sides of Northern Rhodesia, are referred to in brief notes.