=|
gy es ST a a i a = oD = . Ta = ~
S Det aS OSE ‘hex = eee ee SE upping Set
= ee Soe ee = Se tes ee As ERLE ara es SAS = ae
“ Seneane os 3 a Set eB en RT
. - eS = ee < er G ~_ ee
wea CASE SR ES ig ee SR Se ee SN
. w. 5 + A 4
>
ga
oe
4
oF os
aot
toa"
.
= “4
ome
Bes x
eta
oe J
ae “
Soc iy me - "=
a Nee al ‘ -
ee a “ : : ‘ c
ose las 5 em Ca a >
eerie ~ = ~ =) = as = Pe ONE:
Pa S ig ‘< Sling oe ee ine
~ % Se ne ee
bee ee iigcee™, rg aT on OO mete
CS My e
Pid * :
Sipe aoe
ro So mae
SE HKE :
PE o- -
Hig
5 &
coe Oke 7S, ER De A ETP OD OO, Se Bt RAED §
ae See be hep tary WEAN
A BID AY ay ets Fa y Me Pe a)
CSE BES SA Se CY fe Perea: gD Br
Reet Wie Ww ee 2 ce cca een
BARE LACE RE EGE ALY
\F a Bs OS
+ YE!
he
-,)
ae
4
ne a” ‘ae
GSE mang seen in ag ge Ras a aie SIR pe
= . ee se eR San at eel i “AO sons Pn rns iow me
: oor, HRS oe nbs wi ote i
— 3 yt.
eeee Rise Saas ”
PP sae. “ee TIE arn an, i Rp tm
sean cose “ any wag nage Rn ae ngs
assim Pont PO ICT meas OBE ty Pn Lo ig tn ys ; Sa
aan Se rR See eee
hieniedin ak ee
ES) z
= Fir el ies rhe Sa
Suen eeacls rer pear ee
ogo VON
Rix ee
an
alah
bi
ere. e
&
—
ects
spe,
2 LLU, xe, : \
SN
= a; |
te nung
Sy
eS
BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. -
A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE
OF
“ALL THE KNOWN SPECIES OCCURRING SOUTH OF THE
28TH PARALLEL OF SOUTH LATITUDE.
BY
EDGAR LEOPOLD LAYARD,
FELLOW OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, MEMBER OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL
SOCIETY, AND OF VARIOUS FOREIGN SOCIETIES.
)
\Q SASK
CAPE TOWN :
J: C. JUTA, WALE-STREET.
LONDON :
I
LONGMAN, GREEN, & Co., 39, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1867.
THE Ay ay
CAPE TOWN:
VAN DE SANDT DE VILLIERS AND C©O., PRINTERS,
CASTLE-STREET,
TO THE
LOVING COMPANION AND HELPMATE IN MY LABOURS,
MY WIS,
TWUIS BOOK JS AFFECTIONATELY OEDICATED.
; $ :
: i SF Re ae
See Na til Aad in Fla My
a a 4 72 Pied
‘ . “t 7
. , “ * 2» ee be *
,
= Sa ‘
a ‘ y
4
:
ae
i. %
pay of
P Led
‘ * 2
‘ iz *
<
is B
+ 2
a oN
PR RE A GH:
THE following Catalogue of THz Brrps or SouTH AFRICA
was commenced eleven years ago, for my own information,
and without any idea of its ever being before the public.
On my arrival at the Cape, in December, 1854, I inquired in
vain for any book which would give some insight into the
ornithology of the country in which my lot had been cast,
I was shown Le VAILUANT’s “ Oiseaux D’Afrique,” and
Dr. A. SmirH’s “Illustrations of the Zoology of South
Africa ;” but these visibly bore the stamp of incomplete-
ness. I therefore commenced to form a catalogue for
myself, and waded turough whole libraries of works on
South African travel, gleaning here and there a name; but
found myself still far from a complete list. Our Public.
Library supplied me with the works of SHaw, LaTHam,
and the older writers; and as descriptions and names of
reputed South African birds came to hand, I wrote them
on separate sheets of paper, adding from time to time my
own notes on species obtained. I mention this in order to:
account for the broken and disjointed style which is appa-
rent throughout the work. At length my MSS. grew to
considerable proportions, and I found myself in possession
of a mass of information, which many kind friends, with
whom I had been corresponding on ornithological subjects,
vi PREFACE.
urged me to make public, and not lock away in the recesses
of my tesk.
I have endeavoured to meet the requirements of South
African readers by confining my descriptions of species to
general appearance, and have not entered into scientific
details: these, ornithologists will find in the authors
quoted.
The classification followed is that of Mr. G. R. GRAy, in
his “ Genera of Birds;” and the characters of Orders, Tribes,
Families, and Genera,* have been taken from that splendid
work.
As regards identification of species, all those upon which
T have felt any doubt have been submitted to the critical
examination of my friends, Messrs. SCLATER and HARTLAUB;
to whom my best thanks are due for their patient kindness
in replying to the numerous questions with which I have
troubled them. I am also much indebted to Mr. G. R.
Gray, of the British Museum, and to Professor NEWTON,
of Cambridge, for much kind help and counsel.
At the Cape, my thanks are due to many whose names
appear in these pages: to Mrs, BARBER, to Messrs. W. and
T. Atmore, W. Carrncross, D. ARNoT, J. CHAPMAN, C.
J. AnpERSson, H. JACKSON and his brother, my late
lamented friend, ARTHUR JACKSON, of Nel’s Poort, now,
alas! no more, and many others.
With all these friends a most interesting correspondence
has been maintained, from which much of my information
is acquired. I think I have duly credited each with his
share. I have but to add, that, owing to the enlightened
influence of His Excellency, Sir GEORGE GREY, our then
Governor, and His Excellency, Mr. Rawson, now Governor
* With the €Xception of those founded by Swainson, whose own curt, vigorous
descriptions ar Used.
PREFACE. Vil
of the Bahamas, our then Colonial Sécretary, the whole
of this correspondence has been allowed to pass free through
the Post-Office ; also, the Union Steam Company, carrying
our.mails, have in the most liberal manner conveyed all
my little Zoological parcels to England free of charge.
I do not profess to put forth this Catalogue as complete.
There are doubtless many species described in it, which a
further acquaintance with works and type specimens con-
tained in European museums, would sink into synonyms :
it is a move forwards, and may serve as a foundation for
the labours of others whose opportunities may be greater
than my own. .
No doubt many species on the Frontiers, particularly to
the Eastward, are yet undescribed. J have never been
able to visit these districts ; nor have I succeeded in getting
any one to collect for me there.
As regards the identification of the eggs described, in
every instance in which I have not myself taken them, the
circumstances under which they have come into my posses-
sion have been detailed.
Many Birds are herein described that have no claim to
be considered as South African, beyond the dictum of the
old Authors. This has been done to serve as a beacon to
others, that they may avoid the labour and trouble I have
had in determining their true localities.
The Engraving, showing the various parts of a Bird, is
copied from a plate in a German ornithological work,
the name of which has escaped my memory.
ADDENDA ET CORIGENDA.
Page 15, line 29, for Hematornis, read Hematornis.
» 17 4, 6 ,, Foctfer, read Vocifer. ;
» 22 4, 21 ,, Tinnuncularias, read Tinnuncularius.
» 34 4, 24 ,, Montaguii, read Montagut.
» 44 ,, ll ,, J. Capensis, read S. Capensis.
» Ol ,, 42 ,, Velocifére, read Velocifér.
» 52 ,, 10 ,, CurisTatTa, read CRISTATUS.
» 52 ,, 19 4, coronata, read coronatus.
» 64 ,, 23 ,, Nutans, read Natans.
» 76 4, 21 ,, plastrou, read plastron.
» 98 4, 14 ,, supercilious, read superciliosus.
» 99 4, 81 ,, Zardus, read Turdus.
», 108 ,, 41 ,, Minus, read Mimus.
» 118 ,, 18 ,, Levandiére, read Lavandiere.
» 119 ,, 81 ,, Le Bergeronnet a guimpe, read Vaguimp.
» 119 ,, 46 ,, Le Levandiere, read La lavandiere.
» 121 ,, 19 ,, CaTHRopm, read CALTHROPE.
» 127. ,, 26 ,, Zardus, read Turdus.
» 147 ,, 384 ,, Flunicola, read Fluvicola.
+» 168 ,, 18 ,, Gruginosus, read Mruginosus.
+» 170 ,,- 82 ,, Ginza, read AINEA.
3, 170 4, 81 ,, Longicanda, read Longicauda.
» 1738 ., 27 ,, Corocias, read Coracias.
5, 184 ,, 27 ,, Huplectus, read Huplectes.
» 200 , 1 ,, SaBrLava, read SUBFLAVA.
5 212 ,, 1 ,, ALAUDA, read MEGALOPHONUS.
» 280 ,, 18 ,, Piroguet, read Peroquet.
» 2838 4, 2 4, Sudare, read Sud Afr.
+ 887 «5, 12 ,, Ca@RULESCENS, read CH#RULESCENS.
Nos. 463, 464, and 467 are, according to M. Verreaux (Proc. Zool. Soc., 1859),
indentical.
,
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT
4 OF THE
ORDERS, SUB-ORDERS, TRIBES, SUB-TRIBES,
FAMILIES, SUB-FAMILIES, AND GENERA.
PAGE
Order I. ACCIPITRES.—Linneus. a oa oe
Sub-Order I. Accipitres.—Vieillot. .,,, At 1
Family I. VULTURIDA.—Vigors. .., 1
Sub-Family Gypartinz.—Pr. Bonap. = 1
Genus Gypaétus.—Storr. ... ae 2
Sub-Family SarcorampHinz.—G. R. Gray. . 3
Genus Neophron.—Savigny. aa 3
Sub-Family Vouttvrinz.—Pr. ye 4
Genus Vultur.—Linnzus. ... oi ee 4
», Otogyps. sop Ae ae ase 5
yps.—Savi aes ae 6
Family Il. FALCON iD m. —Leach. y
Sub-Family Butrronrinz.—Swainson. ... 7
Genus Buteo.—Cuvier. xe 7
Sub-Family Aquitinz,—Swainson. 9
Genus Aquila—Moehring. ihe Ay i 9
» Spizaétus.—Vieillot. a) ot A su geal (7
» Cirecaétus.—Vieillot. Ae i Se 14,
» Pandion.—Savigny. . ate ss rede 1
» Haliaétus. —Savigny _ so ee 3 16
» Helotarsus.—A. Smith. wee an af). 8
Sub-Family Fatconinx.—Swainson. a OF 18
Genus Falco—Linneus. ... ee is a8 2g
», Hypotriorchis.—Boie. Ns wee ae) 21
» Tinnunculus.—Vieillot Le ee a Boe
Sub-Family Mitvinz.—Pr. Bonap. x sai 23
Genus Avicida.—Swainson. ae ue ears:
3 Pernis.—Cuvier. ie ote aed 24
» Milvus.—Cuvier. ... wae ORY Fae)
», EHlanus.—Savigny. ae re 26
Sub-Family AccrrrTrinz. — Swainson. shah oe Saag Me
Genus Astur.—Auct. rea ae oon 27
» Accipiter. —Brisson. A une Hcpemhie de)
» Melierax—G.R.Gray. ... nit ‘ oie 30
2
x SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT.
PAGE
Sub-Family Crrcinz.—Pr. Bonap. ... ee soo ee
Genus Polyboroides.—Smith. ... ee eee 31
5, Serpentarius.—Cuvier. ae 5.34 ade ee
Circus.—Lacépéde. bin aes 33
Family III. STRIGIDA. =sfeagh! 13. re ine. ee
Sub-Family Surninz.—Pr. Bonap. . «. ae 37
Genus Athene.—Boie. F hes | ke
Sub-Family. Busoninz. —Pr. Bonap. ae ifs 38
Genus Bubo.—Sibbald. ... ef aa eee
», Ephialtes.—Keyserling and Blasius. ... ah 40
Sub-Family Syrnrinz.—G. R. Gray. ... = wok Gee
Genus Syrnium.—Savigny. ee se se 41
» Otus.—Cuvier. Sis e sez (7 Ay
Sub-Family Srriginz.- Pr. Bonap. ore nf 43
Genus Strix.—Linneus. .... ssa cae wat ae
Order II. PASSERES.—Linnezus, ae es 45
Tribe I. FISSTROSTRES.—Cuvier. ... ae vee)
Sub-Tribe Fisstrostres Nocturnz. a ate 45
Family I. CAPRIMULGID.—Vigors. Py Paes |
Sub-Family Caprimuteinz.—Swainson. _... dibs 45.
Genus Caprimulgus.—Linneus. 2 a aie, ae
Sub-Tribe Fisstrostres .Drurn&. oe ise 49
Family II. HIRUNDINIDA.—Leach. aot abe fig
Sub-Family Cypsrrinz.—Pr. Bonap. owe wel 49
Genus Cypselus.—Illiger. ... oes «i 20d
», Genus Macropteryx. —Swainson. ish 52
Sub-Family Hrrunpininz.—Swainson. he i eh
Genus Hirundo.—Linneus. is ne See 52
» Atticora.—Boie. Py ae ay: i a B6
,, Cotyle.—Boie. j das 57
Family TIL. CORACIADH.—G. R. Gray. i: x” 659
Sub-Family Coractanz.—G. R. Gray. (LLG Ld 59
Genus Coracias.—Linneus. oe wa 69%.
Family IV. TROGONIDA. —Swainson. ... out 61_
Genus Apaloderma.—Swainson. his Arriaga |) |
Family V. ALCEDINIDA.—Pr. Bonap. wai sols 62
Sub-Family Hatoyoninz. aks oh er ie G2
Genus Halcyon.—Swainson. be i 62
Sub-Family Aucepininz.—G. R. Gray. re i) BS
Genus Alcedo.—Linneus. os x ty 65
» Ceryle.—Boie. nas fe ee 33, GE
Family VI. MEROPID2.—Leach. eos a 68
Sub-Family Merrorinm.—Pr. Bonap. ... ar we BB
Genus Merops.—Linneus. at =H 68
Tribe II. TENUIROSTRES.—Cuvier. eae foe Ae
Family I. UPUPIDA.—Pr. Bonap. es Mi 71
Sub-Family Uprvrina.—P. cae a 1s w SUFiY
Genus Upupa.—Linnezus. ee ney: EL
, Lrrisor.—Lesson. AY wei Se
Family II. PROMEROPID. *_Vigors. a3 vee 73
* Families 1II-, Trocnitip; IY., MELIPHAGID#; and Y., CEXTHIAD®, are
omitted, not being South African,
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT.
Sub-Family Promeroprin£.—Gray.
Genus Promerops.— Brisson.
» Nectarinia.—Tlliger.
», Diczum.—Cuvier.
Tribe III. DENTIROSTRES.—Cuvier.
Family I. LUSCINIDA.—G. R. Gray.
Sub-Family Maturinz.—G. R. Gray.
Genus Drymoica.— Swainson.
Sub-Family Luscininz.—Gray.
Genus Calamodyta.— Meyer aad Wolf.
», Aldon.—Boie. a
» Bradypterus. —Swainson. ...
» Sylvia.—Latham. ..,
Sub-Family EryrHactna.—G. R. Gray.
Genus Saxicola.—Bechstein.
» Pratincola.—Koch.
> Lhamnobia.—Swainson.
Sub-Family Parinz.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Parus.—Linneus.
», LParoides.—Koch.
» Parisoma.-~Swainson.
Sub-Family Myiorrntinm.—G. R. Gray.
Genus Zosterops.—Vigors and Horsfield.
Sub-Family Moracitrinz.—Swainson.
Genus Motacilla.—Linneus.
; Anthus.—Bechstein. p
Family II. TURDIDZ.—G. R. Gray.
Sub-Family Turpinm.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Chetops.—Swainson.
> Lurdus.—Linneus.
;, Petrocincla.—Cuvier.
;, Bessonornis.—Smith.
Sub-Family Timatin®.—Gray.
Genus Crateropus.—Swainson.
Sub-Famiiy Orro~t1nz.—Swainson.
Genus Oriolus.—Linneus. ;
Sub-Family Pycnonorina. —Gray.
Genus Criniger.—Temminck.
» Pycnonotus.—Kuhl.
5, Phyllastrephus.—Swainson.
Family ITI. MUSCICAPIDA.—Vigors. —
Sub-Family Muscrcarrnx.—Swainson.
Genus Platyrhynchus.—Desmarest _...
5 Platysteira—Jardine aud sane
» Tchitrea.—Lesson.
» Muscicapa.—Linneus. 28
Family IV. AMPELIDA.—Swainson.
Sub-Family CamprpHacinzZ.—Gray.
Genus Campephaga.— Vieillot.
Sub-Family Dicrurinz.—Swainson.
Genus Dicrurus.—Vieillot.
Melcenornis.—Gray.
Family V. LANIIDA.—Swainson.
Sub-Family Laniinu.—Swainson.
Genus’ a —Liunzus.
xii SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT.
Genus Enneoctornis.—Boie.
» Nilaus.—Swainson. .,.
» LPrionops.—Vieillot.
» Telophonus.—Swainson.
»» _ Eurocephalus.—Smith.
Sub-Family THamnopHitinz.— Swainson.
Genus Laniarius.—Vieillot. sak
Tribe IV. CONTROSTRES.—Cuvier.
Family I. CORVID#.—Swainson.
Sub-Family Catt@atinz.—G. R. Gray.
Genus Ptilostomus.—Swainson.
Sub-Family Corvinz.—Vigors.
Genus Corvus.—Linneus.
Family IIT. STURNIDZ. *_Vigors.
Sub-Family PritonoryncHinz.—Gray.
Genus Juida.—Lesson. es 5
Sub-Family Burnacinz.—Swainson.
Genus Buphaga.—Linneus.
Sub-Family Sturnin#.—Swainson.
Genus Pastor.—Temminck.
5 Dilophus.—Vieillot.
Family IV. FRINGILLID.—Swainson. —
Sub-Family Procrrn=.—G. R. Gray.
Genus Textor —Temminck.
» Hyphantornis.—Gray.
» Sycobius.— Vieillot.
ss Ploceus.—Cuvier.
»» Phileterus—A. Smith.
»» Plocepasser.—Smith.
Vidua.—Cuvier. _..
Chera.—G. R. Gray.
Sub- Family CoccorHravstTINn&. —Swainson.
Genus Pyrenestes.—-Swainson.
Sub-Family Frineintin#z.—Swainson,
Genus Estrelda.—Swainson.
» Amadina.—Swainson. SS
» Fringilla—Linneus.
» Passer.—Brisson.
Sub-Family Emperrizina —Pr. Bonap.
Genus Fringillaria —Swainson.
Sub- Family ALAUDIN2Z.— Swainson.
Genus Alauda —Linneus. ..,
» Pyrrhulauda.—Smith Sa
»» Megalophonus.—G. R. Gray.
» Certhilaunda.—Swainson.
Sub-Family PyrrHurin=.—Swainson.
Genus Crithagra.—Swainson.
Family V. COLIDA.
Sub-Family Cott1nz.—Swainson.
Genus Colius.—Brisson,
Family VI. MUSOPHAGID.
Sub-family MusorHagin&.— Swainson.
* Family II., PARApIsEID™®, omitted in text, as not found in South Africa.
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. Xiil
PAGE
~Genus Turacus —Cuvier. af bad wh 223
», schizorhis.—W agler. aks eh. S224
Family VII. BUCEROTIDA.—Leach. ... Se 225
Sub-Family Bucrrotinz.—G. R. Gray. &: we 225
Genus Buceros.—Linneus. das SF uti 225
», Bucorvus.—Lesson. ie 2. 228
Order III. SCANSORES. uvidh: ee Bers 229
Family I. RAMPHASTID _.,,, aie cr. 229
Family IJ. PSITTACIDA.—Leach. «.. Ai ve. 229
Genus Psittacus.—Linneus. ae ie ca 229
,, Psittacula.—Brisson. ae wide or wo.
Family III. PICIDA®.—Leach. ... en ae 232
Sub-Family CaprToniInm®. ... ize ba we 232
Genus Laimodon.—G. R. oom, 62 Ss, 232
» Megalaima.—Gray. . ne be wee 4
, Capito.—Vieillot. ois ce 235
Sub-Family, Pictnz —G. R. Gray. = ad dato 235
Genus Dendrobates.—Swainson. bate {sk 235
Sub-Family Grecininz.—G. R. ory: a won [2k
Genus Campethra.—Gray. pas aS 237
Sub-Family Cotartinz.—Gray. 2 at .. 2238
Genus Colaptes.—Swainson. seth ick 5. 239
Sub-Family Yuncrinz.—Pr. Bonap. ee ap wee 209
Genus Yunx.—Linneus. a x. 240
Family IV. CUCULIDZ. —Leach. ‘& Ne wee 240
Sub-Family Inpicatortn®.—Swainson. ie es 240
Genus Indicator.—Vieillot. as th sae ) a4
Sub-Family Coccyzinz.—Swainson. he aa 243
Genus Coua.—Cuvier. aga ass .. 244
» Leptosomus. —Vieillot. Ate as 56 244
5, _Centropus.—Tlliger. ses wee LAS
Sub-Family CrotopHaGin2. - ‘Swainson. ... ee 247
Genus Zanclostomus.— Swainson. aa ae vee. 2AT
Sub-Family Cucurin2.—Swainson. ae: ie 248
Genus Cuculus.—Linnzus. - ie vee «248
» Chalcites.—Lesson. ver ee aut 249
», Oxylophus.—Swainson. ia hee rialt
», Eudynamys.—Vigors and Horsfield. ... a 253
Order IV. COLUMBA.—Latham. tla wt. 254
Family I. COLUMBID.—Leach. ie if 254
Sub-Family Treroninm.— Gray. ao HB we §=254
Genus Treron.—Vieillot. = had ea 254
Sub-Family CotumsBin%. —Swainson. ... Sas ren 20
Genus Columba.— Linneus. es pee ace 256
» Alna—Selby. es a mos .. 258
» Turtur.—Selby. | oe Aah ye 259
Sub-Family Govrinaz.—Gray. A Bae 243 ped
Genus Peristera —Swainson. oat sie 524 262
Order V. : GALLIN A!.—Linneeus. ooe bee 265
Family III. PHASIANIDA.*—Vigors. .., Ae 265
* Families I., Cractpm@; II., Mncaropipz; and VI., TinAMDz i
not being South, African, VI » are omitted,
X1V SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT.
Sub-Family Mrtracrinaz.—G. R. Gray.
Genus Numida.—Linneus. oar
Family IV. TETRAONIDA.—Leach.
Sub-Family Prrpicina.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Francolinus.—Stephens.
,. Coturnix.—Meehring.
Sub-Family Turnicina.—Gray.
Genus Turnix —Bonnaterre. ae
Sub-Family Prerocrina.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Pterocles.—Temminck.~
Order VI. STRUTHIONES.— Latham.
Family I. STRUTHIONIDA.—Vigors.
Sub-Family SrrurHionin&.— Gray.
Genus Struthio.—Linnezus.
Order VII. GRALLA..—Linneus.
Family I. OTIDID.—Selys. ...
Sub-Family Orrpinz.—Gray.
Genus Eupodotis.— Lesson. RAR
Family Il. CHARADRIADA. —Leach.
Sub-Family Gipicnemin=.—Gray.
Genus (dicnemus.—Temminck.
Sub-Family Cursorin®.—Gray.
Genus Cursorius.—Latham.
Sub-Family GuarEoLinaz.—Gray
Genus Glareola.—Brisson. ...
Suh-Family CHaraprin&.—Leach.
Genus Chettusia.—Pr. Bonap.
Hoplopterus.—Pr. Bonap.
Squatarola.—Cuvier.
,, Charadrius.—Linneus.
Sub-Family Hamatoropine.—Gray. ...
Genus Hematopus.—Linneus.
Sub-Family Cincrina.—Gray.
Genus Cinclus.—Meehring. ae
Family III. ARDEIDA.—Leach.
Sub-Family Gruin2.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Grus.—Linneus ste
Anthropoides. — Vieillot.
,, Balearica.— Brisson. nan
Sub-Family ArDEINaZ.—Gray.
Genus Ardea.—Linneus.
Botaurus.— Stephens.
Nycticorax.—Stephens.
29
”
39
9
”
7
» Platalea.—Linneus.
Sub.Family Crconina.—Gray.
Genus Ciconia.—Linneus. ..
Leptoptilus.—Lesson. ih
» Mycteria.—Linnzus. a
» Anastomus.—Bonnaterre.
Sub-Family Tanratina.—Gray.
Genus Tantalus.—Linneus.
39
Scopus.—Brisson. o ee
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT,
Genus Ibis.—Mcehring.
» Geronticus.—Wagler.
Family IV. SCOLOPACIDE. —Vigors.
Sub-Family Limosina.—Gray. ...
Genus Numenius.— Latham.
/,> Lamosa.—Brisson. vee
Sub-Family Toranina.—Gray.
Genus Totanus.—Bechstein.
» Irimgoides.—Pr. Bonap.
Sub-Family RecvrvirostrinZ.—Pr, Bonap.
Genus Recurvirostra.—Linneus.
», Himantopus.—Brisson. ..
Sub-Family Trinein=.—G. R. Gray. .
Genus Philomachus.—Meehring.
» ILringa.—Linneus.
,, Calidris.—Lliger.
Sub-Family Scotopactna/.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Gallinago.— Leach. ae
», Rbhynchwxa.—Cuvier.
Family V. PALAMEDEID. —Gray:
Sub-Family Parrina.—Gray.
Genus Parra.—Linnezus.
Family VI. RALLIDA. —Leach.
Sub-Family Ratiinz.—Gray.
Genus Rallus.—Linnezus.
» Ortygometra.—Linnezus ...
5, Corethrura.—Reichenbach.
Sub-Family GaLLinuLtina.—Gray.
Genus Porphyrio.—Brisson.
» Gallinula.—Brisson.
» Fulica.—Linnezus.
Order VIII. ANSERES.—Linneus.
Family I. ANATIDAi.—Leach.
Sub-Family PaanicoprErin#.—Gray.
Genus Pheenicopterus.—Linneus.
Sub-Family Piectroprerin2.—Gray.
Genus Plectropterus.—Leach.
»» Sarkidiornis.—Eyton.
», _Chenalopex.—Stephens.
Sub-Family Anserinz.—Swainson.
Genus Nettapus.—Brandt.
Sub-Family Anatin.—Swainson.
Genus Dendrocygna.—Swainson.
» Casarka.—Pr. Bonap. eet
», Mareca.—Stephens.
» Anas.—Linnzus.
» Querquedula.—Stephens.
» Spatula.—Boie.
Sub-Family Furievrinz. —Swainson.
Genus Nyroca.—Fleming. :
Sub-Family Ertsmaturin&.— —Gray. 3%
Genus Thalassornis.—Eyton. “oe ves
» Erismatura.—Pr. Bonap. Ai
Family II. COLYMBIDA.—Leach.
KV
PAGE
319
319
321
321
322
323
323
324
326
327
327
328
329
329
330
332
332
332
333,
334,
335
335
336
336
336
338
338
340
340
341
342
344
344
344,
344
345
345
346
347
348
348
349
349
350
350
351
353
354
354
354
355
355
356
372
Xvi SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT.
Sub-Family Popicrrin2.—Pr. Eon:
Genus Podiceps.—Latham. Sa
Sub-Family Hetiorninz.—Gray. dee
Genus Podica.—Lesson.
Family III. ALCIDAi —Vigors.
Sub-Family SpHeniscinaz.—Gtay.
Genus Spheniscus.—Brisson.
Family 1V. PROCELLARID. —Boie.
Sub-Family Procettarina.—Pr. Re
Genus Puffinus.—Brisson.
» Thalassidroma.—Vigors.
» Procellaria—Linneus. ...
» Prion.—Lacépéde.
Sub-Family DiomepriIn2.—Gray.
Genus Diomedea —Linnzus.
Family V. LARIDAL.
Sub-Family Larinz.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Stercorarius.—Brisson.
» warus.—Linneus. ...
Sub-Family Srernina#,—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Sterna.— Linnzus.
» Dromas.—Paykull.
Family VI. PELICAN ID .—Leach.
Sub-Family Prorinz.—Pr. Bonap.
Genus Plotus.—Linnezus.
Sub-Family Prricanrina.—Leach.
Genus Sula.—Brisson.
» Graculus.—Linneus.
» Lelicanus.—Linneus. eee
Order I. ACCIPITRES. Linn.*
Tuts Order embraces the Birds of Prey: they have the
bill, of various length and form, more or less compressed ;
with the culmen suddenly hooked at the tip, and acute;
the base more or less covered with a cere, in which are
pierced the variously-formed nostrils ; the wings lengthened
and pointed ; the feet strong, with the tarsi moderate, gene-
rally rounded and covered with scales of different shapes ; the
toes, three before, and one behind, all armed with strong
claws, and their soles invariably rough.
The First Sub-Order,
ACCIPITRES DIURNI, or Diurnal Birds of Prey,
are distinguished from those that pursue their food in the
twilight, or at night, by the lateral position of their eyes;
the base of the upper mandible covered for nearly half its
length with a prominent cere, in which the nostrils are
placed ; the tarsi moderate, scaled, and rarely covered with
plumes.
The First Family,
VULTURIDA, or Vultures,
have the bill more or less strong, compressed, with the
tip hooked, and acute; the wings lengthened and pointed;
the tarsi short, rounded, and covered with reticulated scales ;
the toes moderate: the middle one the largest, and longer
than the tarsi, the outer connected with the middle one by a
membrane, the hind toe rather elevated, and all armed with
strong obtuse claws.
Most of the birds of this family have the head and neck
more or less clothed with down in the place of feathers, and
the crop is prominent, naked, or covered with woolly hairs.
The First Sub-Family,
GYPAETINZA, or Bearded Vultures,
have the head and neck completely clothed with feathers,
* The Raptatores of Illiger, the Rapaces of M. Temminck, or the Raptores of
Mr, Swainson. :
B
2 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
and the cere of base of the upper mandible entirely hidden
by projecting bristles.
Genus GYPAETUS, Storr.
Bill strong, lengthened: upper mandible elevated near the
end, which is hooked; under mandible provided beneath with
a bunch of setaceous bristles directed forwards. Nostrils
oval, covered and defended by bristles. Feet short: the
three anterior toes united to their base by a membrane; the
middle toe very long; claws but slightly curved. Wings
long; the first quill rather shorter than the second; the
third longest. hg :
No. 1. Gypaetus Meridionalis. Bp. Strikl.
Orni. Syn., p. 17. The Bearded Vulture. Arend of
Colonists.
Tor of head dirty white, bill black; circle round the eyes,
space between them and bill covered with black stiff hair,
which extends on each side to the base of the lower mandible.
A tuft of similar hair, of considerable length, projects out-
wards from under the bill. Back, wings, and tail dark
blackish ash, each feather being light in the centre and darker
on the edges, with white shafts and blotches. Shafts of
wing and tail feathers white: tail wedge-shaped, under parts
white, tinged and coated with a reddish substance, which can
be scraped off. Length, 3’ 10’; wing, 2’ 8’; tail, 1’ 9".
This noble bird is locally distributed in the hilly parts of the colony.
1 have seen it often in Bain’s Kloof, near Wellington ; also in the high
mountains round Mr. Jackson’s residence at Nel’s Poort, near Beau-
fort. From this gentleman I have received sundry specimens, and he
informs me that several pairs constantly breed in his neighbourhood ;
also that they will kill lambs and sickly sheep. A pair of young birds
was sent to the South African Museum from Graaff-Reinet by Mr.
Ziervogel, the member for that division, who tells me it is a constant
(though rare) resident there. Mr. Atmore found it about Blanco. He
writes, May 25, 1864 :—
* We are going to lay wait for an ‘ Arend’ to-morrow evening. He
always sits on one particular yellow-wood tree in the forest; but he
examines the premises very closely before he perches. What a beau-
tifal flight they have, sailing about without even flapping a wing; and
when they stoop they come out of the sky like a lightning flash. There
are several here, and we know of a nest; but they breed late, so no
chance of eggs; but we will give it a look up on our return trip.”
Mr. G. R. Gray believes this species to be identical with the Kuro-
pean G. Bartatus, Linn. ; indeed, he only admits the existence of one
species.
e
VULTURID. 3
The Second Sub-Family,
SARCORAMPHIN, or Condors,
have the bill lengthened, and rather slender, with the basal
portion more or less covered with a soft cere; the apical
part strong, much curved, and acutely hooked at the tip;
the nostrils placed in the cere, with the opening large, ex-
posed, oblong, and longitudinal; the wings lengthened and
pointed ; the tarsi long, and covered with small reticulated
scales; the middle toe lengthened ; the lateral ones short,
equal, and united with the middle by a membrane; the hind
toe generally short and weak.
Genus NEOPHRON, Savigny.
Bill very long and slender, with the cere covering
two-thirds of its length, the apical portion rather arched,
and acutely hooked at the tip, and the sides compressed ; the
nostrils placed near the micdle of the bill, longitudinal and
exposed. Wings lengthened and acute, with the third quill
the longest. Tail moderate and wedge-shaped. Tarsi the
length of the middle toe, plumed below the knee, and
covered with moderate-sized, reticulated scales. Toes length-
ened and slender, with the lateral ones nearly equal, the
inner one the strongest, and all strongly scutellated above ;
the hind toe as long as the inner, and strong; the claws
moderate, strong, and curved, especially that of the inner
toe. The front of the head, cheeks, and fore part of the
throat denuded of feathers.
2. Neophron Percnopterus. (Linn) Pl. Enl,
427,429; L’Ourigourap., Le V., Pl.14; Witte Kraat
of Colonists, lit. White Crow; Percnopterus Agyptiacus,
Steph.; Vultur Ginginianus, Daud., Lath. Hist., Pl. 5;
Gould’s B. of Eur., Pl. 3.
GENERAL colour dirty white; feathers of nape narrow,
elongated, and pointed; quill feathers of wings black;
secondaries greyish black; tail white; bill long, slender,
horn-coloured at the tip, yellow at the base; space round the
eyes, cheeks, ears, chin, and part of throat bare and yellow.
Length, 2’ 3°; wing, 1’ 10"; tail, 1! 11”. The young bird
is wholly of a dirty dark-brown.
Said to be commonin the Interior and about Namaqualand. Mr.
Ayres (Ibis Vol., 1859, p. 236) states that it is rarein Natal. At
this end of the Cape Colony it is decidedly a scarce species; but
BZ
rm
4 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
few specimens have reached my hands. I sawa single bird feedin
on a dead horse, off which it drove three hungry white-necke
crows (Corvus Vulturinus) not far from the Paarl. It is very
abundant at the Cape de Verde Islands, breeding in the rocky
precipices in St. Vincents, at the back of the town, off which the
steamers lie to coal. [ascended to their nests, which were vast masses
of sticks ; but was, I believe, too late (December) for their eggs. I have
“never heard of any instance of the bird breeding in South Africa. It
may do .so, however, and its nest should be sought in the mountain
ranges about Beaufort West and the Zwartberg, where I saw it not
unfrequently during my visit to those localities.
3. Neophron Pileatus. (Burch. Trav., II, p. 195.)
N. Carunculatus, Smith ; Cathartes monachus, Temm ;
Percnopterus Niger, Less. Ibis, 1860, p. 236.
PiuMAGE brown, variegated with fulvous on the thighs ;
tarsi black ; top of head, cheeks, and front of neck entirely
bare; lower part of neck and posterior portion, almost to the
hind-head, covered with a close greyish down. Length, 2’ 2’;
wing, 19"; tail, 7".
Inhabits Kafirland (Dr. A. Smith) and Natal (Mr. Ayres). I
have not met with it, but have been informed that there are two Vul-
tures of this genus inhabiting the country North of the Orange River
and Damaraland One of themis the common NW. perenopterus ; the
other probably the present species,
The Third Sub-Family,
VULTURINA, or Vultures,
have the bill long, strong, more elevated than broad; the
sides more or less compressed ; the base covered with a cere
for nearly half the length of the bill; the tip suddenly
hooked over the lower mandible; the nostrils placed in the
cere, with the opening oblique and exposed; the wings
lengthened; the tarsi covered with small scales, and the
middle toe longer than the tarsus, while the lateral toes are
much shorter.
Genus VULTUR, Linn.
Bill large, much compressed and flattened on the sides;
the cu!men elevated, and much arched from the cere to the
tip, which is hooked and acute; the nostrils placed in th®
cere, and rather ovate. Wings lengthened, pointed, with
the first quill short, and the third and fourth the longest.
Tail moderate and rounded, with the shafts of each feather
strong, and projecting beyond the webs. Tarsi feathered
below the knee, and the rest covered with small reticulated
VULTURID&. >
scales. The middle toe rather longer than the tarsi, and
united to the outer by a membrane at the base; the hind toe
as long as the inner one; and all covered with strong trans-
verse scales, and armed with slightly-curved, strong, rather
acute claws, especially those of the inner and hind toes.
Head covered with scattered down; the occiput generally
furnished with an elevated transverse crest of closely-set
down; and the neck-ruff advancing upwards towards the
hinder part of the head. :
4. Vultur Occipitalis. Burch. Trav. S. Afr, II,
p- 329; Riipp Atlas, t.22; Vultur galericulatus, Temm.,
Pl. Col. 18; Le V., Pl. 12.
GENERAL colour above, blackish brown ; thighs, under part of
body, and neck white; quill feathers of wing and tail black ;
- bare part of neck, space round eyes, and base of bill white;
_ bill and feet flesh-coloured. Top of head covered with white
down, which at the back is elongated and _ reversed.
Length, 3’; wing, 1’ 11"; tail, 9".
I received two specimens of this vulture from the late Mr. R. Moffat,
jr.. which were killed at Kuruman, where Mr. James Chapman tells
me they.are plentiful, and that their habits assimilate to those of the
common vulture. Mr. Ayres quotes it from Natal; but it does not
appear to come within the boundaries of this colony.
Genus OTOGYPS, Gray.
Characters in common with Vultur; but the head and
neck are bare of feathers or down; and the sides of the latter
are furnished with lengthened wattles (or wrinkles) from
each ear. :
5. Otogyps Auricularis. Daud. (Sp) L’Oricou,
Le V., Pl. 9; Zwarte Aasvogel and Black Vulture of
Colonists.
GENERAL colour above, brown; head and neck bare; upper
part of breast covered with short brown feathers, surrounded
by a ring of white down; feathers of abdomen elongated,
dark-brown in the centre, light-brown at the edges; thighs
covered with thick white down. Length, 4’; wing, 2’ 7";
tail, 13”. a
The Black Vulture is pretty generally distributed (but is not seen in
such large flocks as the fulvous species, from: which it keeps aloof),
sailing round in enormous circles, at a great altitude. It usually hunts
in pairs, and seems to have dominion over the common species.
Le Vaillant states that the eggs are white; but those which I have
6 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
obtained from the Frenchhoek mountains, about 50 miles from Cape
Town, are of a dirty white ground, profusely biotehed and speckled
with deep red-brown (dried-blood colour), especially at the obtuse end,
where the blotches become confluent. Axis, 3’ 9”; diam., 2" 9”.
Another specimen is nearly spotless, and throughout of a dirty white.
In the Zwartberg mountains this species builds on dense, flat-topped
_bushes, forming a vast accumulation of sticks, so closely matted together
that a single nest will hold and sustain the weight of several men. This
is resorted to for several years, until the lice and insects generated
in the mass become unbearable to the parent birds. I have never heard
of more than one egg in a nest.
Genus GYPS, Savigny.
Bill lengthened, with the culmen gradually hooked to the
tip and rounded; the sides rather swollen; the nostrils
oblong-ovate and oblique. The other characters are like
those of Vultur; but the head and neck are clothed with
short down, and the nape ornamented with a ruff of lanceolate
feathers, or of lengthened downy feathers.
6. Gyps Fulvus, Gmel. G Vulgaris, Savig. Vul-
tur Kolbtt, Daud et Lath.; Le Chassefiente, Le Vail.,
Pl. 10; <Aasvogel of Dutch Colonists; Rupp. Atlas, t. 32.
GunerAL colour fulvous; head and neck covered with short
dirty whitish hairs; lower part of cervix bare and bluish;
lower part of throat and middle of breast covered with short
grey-brown feathers; whitish down on the rest of throat,
sides of neck and upper part of cervix; a ruff of short white
feathers on the back and lower part of neck; wing and tail
feathers very dark-brown. Length, 3’ 9"; wing, 2’ 4";
tail, 12",
The common Fulvous Vulture is found throughout the colony and
Natal, and still lingers even in the neighbourhood of Cape Town.
They breed in the most inaccessible precipices, depositing a few sticks
in some hollow of the rock, on which I am informed they lay two eggs.
Le Vaillant says these are bluish white; but one given to me, as the
egg of this bird, is of a dirty white, profusely blotched and ‘speckled.
with very light brown, particularly at the obtuse end. Axis, 3' 9” ;
diam., 2" 10”.
At Nel’s Poort is a breeding place of these birds. It is situated half-
way up a vast inaccessible precipice, and is their constant resort at all
times of the year. Itis frequented by great numbers of birds, and
their dung whitens the cliff to such an extent, that the spot is visible
many miles off. They have bred in this place from time immemorial,
and from it they range over the surrounding country. On killing a
springbuck or apy animal, it is curious to see how they come trooping
in a lengthened string from this place to their anticipated banquet.
Though not one may be visible when the shot is fired, in seven or eight
minutes hundreds will be gliding to the spot.
FALCONID.
7. Gyps Vulgaris. (Sav.) Riipp. Atlas, t. 32; Vul-
tur Kolbii, Cretzschen, nec Daud.; V. Riippeli, Natt.
Mus. Vidob; V. Fulvus Riippeli, Schleg., Strickl-
Orn. Syn., p. 10; Gurney, Ibis.; 1860, p. 206.
PxuMmaAGE more or less of a dark-brown, each feather largely
bordered with white or light fulvous; bill yellowish. Size
of G. Fulvus,
This species is not known to me as an inhabitant of the colony,
though doubtless it may be found tothe Eastward. It is said to occur
at Natal but rarely.
The Second Family, .
FALCONIDA, or Falcons.
have the bill partly covered at the base by a cere, compressed
on the sides, and the culmen curved from the cere to the ’
tip, which is hooked and acute; the lateral margins either
toothed or festooned ; the wings long and pointed; the tail
moderate and broad; the tarsi and toes of various lengths
and strong, and the claws long, curved, and’ acute, espe-
cially those of the inner and hind toes. The head and neck
are covered with feathers, and the eyes placed laterally,
deeply sunk, and protected by a horny brow.
The Sub-Family,
BUTEONINA, or Buzzards,
have the bill short, broad at the base, with the culmen much
curved to the tip, which is acute, and the lateral margins
festooned; the cere covering more than the basal half of the
bill; the wings long, with the third and fourth quills gene-
rally the longest; the tarsi lengthened, generally naked,
and covered both in front and behind with broad transverse
scales ; and the toes, including the hind one, rather short.
Genus BUTEO, Cuvier.
Bill short, broad at the base, laterally compressed at the
tip, with the culmen much curved from the base, which is
broad and rather flattened above, the lateral margins fes-
tooned ; the nostrils large, oval, and the lores clothed with
hairy feathers. Wings very long, with the third and fourth
quills the longest, and the inner and outer webs of some of
the quills obliquely notched. Tail moderate, and even at its
end. ‘Tarsi lengthened, naked, covered with transverse
scales before and behind; but at the apex and on the sides
8 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with small scales. Toes rather short, with the three anterior
ones united at their base; the hind toe equal in length with
the inner, and both strong, and armed with a long powerful
curved claw ; the base of the toes covered with small scales,
and the apex with broad transverse ones. .
8. Buteo Jackal, Shaw, Vol.7, p.173; Le Runoir,
Le Vaill., Pl. 16; Jackal Vogel of Colonists.
A very variable species. Its chief hues are red and brown-
black, the latter preponderating on the bead, neck, and
mantle. The throat is enlivened by white, which gradually
deepens to rust-red on the breast. Under wing-feathers
nearly white ; under tail coverts black, mingled with red; -
tail feathers deep red, each with a black spot towards the
tip. Bill, cere, and legs yellow, irides oehreous grey.
Length, 1’ 8"; wing, 15" 8”; tail, 9' 3”.
This Buzzard is very common throughout the colony, and
its well-marked colours are plainly distinguishable at a great
distance; it is therefore easily recognized. It appears to
capture its prey more by surprise and stealth than by hunt-
ing, sitting motionless on a bush, or tree, until some unsus-
pecting gerbilus or sand-rat (Bathyergus) emerges from its
hole, when down swoops the buzzard, clutches the victim in
its claws and bears it away, to be devoured at leisure. It is
a heavy-flying bird, but sometimes ascends to great altitudes,
wheeling in vast circles, and uttering a shrill, stridulous
cry. Builds on trees, or in thick, high bushes. The nest is.
composed of small sticks and moss, thickly lined with fea-
thers and wool. Eggs two or three, rarely four, of a dirty
white colour, coarse in texture, and very thickly spotted, at
the obtuse end in particular, with dry-blood-coloured
blotches and stains. Axis, 2', 5’; diam., 1" 10’; specimens,
however, vary much both in size and colour,
9. Buteo Desertorum. (Vieil.) Buteo tachar-
dus, Mod. Auth.; B. Cupensis, Schleg; Le Rougri, Le
Vail., pl. 17; Falco vulpinus, Licht.; F. Cirtensis, Le
Vail. (fils.)
Upper paria brown; each feather having pale edges and a
black shaft. Head, pale fulvous, streaked with brown.
Wing feathers dark-brown. Tail feathers fulvous, inclined
to rufous, and narrowly barred with brown; the broadest bar
FALCONIDA. 9
at the tip. Under parts, pale fulvous; almost white on the’
chin and throat; streaked on the two latter, and blotched
on the former with brown. Thighs rufous, faintly blotched
with fulvous. Vent feathers pale fulvous. Length 1’ 8’;
wing, 14"; tail, 7". Irids yellow.
Not common, but widely distributed. A specimen lived for some
time in my taxidermist’s work-room, and would eagerly answer to his
name, when called, by day or night. He would come to the hand and
take from our fingers the bodies of the birds skinned for mounting,
or pounce from his perch upon any stray mouse that ventured near
him.
- Fully adult birds become throughout of a deep rufous-brown,
blotched with dark markings. In this stage they constitute Le Vail-
lant’s species, called Le Rougri, Ois d’ Af., Pl. 17.
The note of this bird is a weak stridulous scream. It frequents
open country dotted with jungle, and is found also in the forest about
George and the Knysna. :
The Sub-Family,
AQUILINA, or Eagles,
have the bill moderate, the culmen elevated and straight at
the base, and then much arched to the tip, which is hooked
and acute; the sides much compressed, and the lateral mar-
gins more.or less festooned : the nostrils placed in front of
the cere, large and generally oval; the wings lengthened
and acute, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills usually
the longest ; the tail long, ample, and mostly rounded at the
end ; the tarsi long, clothed with feathers to the base of the
toes, or naked and covered with variously-formed scales ;
the toes long, strong, united at the base, especially the
outer, and the lateral toes unequal both in length and
strength, the inner being the strongest; the claws long,
strong, much curved and acute, that of the inner, toe the
strongest. : b
Genus AQUILA, Mehring.
Bill strong, straight at the base, and with the apical por-
tion of the culmen much curved to the tip, which is greatly
hooked and acute; the sides much compressed, and the
lateral margins festooned; the nostrils placed in the cere
large, and rather oblique. Wings lengthened and acute,
with the fourth and fifth quills equal and longest. Tail
long and wedge-shaped, or rounded at the end. Tarsi rather
larger thun the middle toe, robust, and: entirely clothed to
the base of the toes with feathers. Toes moderate, strong,
lateral ones unequal, and all armed with strong, curved,
- acute claws; the inner the strongest. —
10 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
10. Aquila Pennata. (Gmel) Cuv., Pl. C, 33 ;
Butaetes Buteo, Less.; Butaetes Lessonii, Smith; Falco
Pennatus, Pen.; Le Buse Gantée, Le V., P. 18; A.
Minula, Brehm; Gould’s B. of Eur., Pl. 9.
AnovE brown ; the shoulder feathers margined with white ;
ears and space behind the base of the lower mandible
brown-black, under parts white; the breast and anterior
part of belly streaked with brown-black ; tail nearly even,
black-brown, variegated with narrow, irregular, wavy bars’
of a darker tint, and all tipt with obscure white; legs fea- —
thered to the toes. Length, 20"; wing, 14’; tail, 8’.
Le Vaillant found this species only in the forests of Outeniqualand,
perching on the summits of high trees, and shy and difficult of
approach. Dr. Smith cites it as from*near “Heeren Logement,” in
Clanwilliam. The only specimen I have seen is a young bird, shot by
Mr. Jackson, at Nel’s Poort. It is entirely of a dark-brown colour,
in some places inclining to black. He tells me he was attracted to it
by its peculiar cry, and has never seen another.
11. Aquila Senegalla. (Cuv.) Regne an, 1, p. 327 ;
Aquila Neevioides, Cuv., ib.; A. Choka, Smith. S. A.
Quarterly Journal; Falco Rapax, Tem., Pl.Col., 455 ;
Chok and Coo Vogel of Colonists.
Genera colour rufous-brown ; tail and wing feathers dark-
brown ; the former tipt with rufous. Bill black; cere and
toes yellow; irides the same. Legs feathered to the toes.
Length, 2’ 8'; wing, 1’ 11"; tail, 123.
This bird seems very common at Kuruman, Colesberg, Nel’s Poort,
Beaufort, and the Karroo generally.
I should fancy, from the behaviour of one which I kept for some
time in confinement, and which is now in the Zoological Gardens,
Regent’s Park, that it would make a good hunting eagle. Mr. Arnot,
of Colesberg, from whom it was received, tells me it became quite as
tame with him as with me. I have been informed by the Messrs. Jackson,
of Nel’s Poort, that these birds constantly accompany persons in pursuit
of game, and have been seen by them to carry off wounded vaal
knoorhaans (Otis Vigorsii) and hares. Their depredations on the
flocks cause them to be killed on all occasions ; but they are still very
numerous in the Karroo. I found a nest, evidently inhabited by
young birds, in the month of January. It was a large mass of sticks
in the top of a high, scraggy, and to me inaccessible tree, on the
banks of the Dwass River, near Mr. Jackson’s residence. One that I
killed near the same place had frogs and fish in his throat: he was
sitting by the river, close to the water’s edge, evidently fishing.
FALCONID. 11
12. Aquila Bonellii. (Temm.) Pl. Col., 289; Aquila
Fasciata, Vieil. ; Degl. Orn. Eurepe, I., p., 28.; Bonap.
Consp, 1, p. 14; A. Intermedia, Bonell.
GENERAL colour above, dark-brown, approaching to black,
mottled throughout with white; below white, blotched
longitudinally on the breast and belly with dark-brown,
edged with light chestnut ; vent white, tinged with chestnut.
Tail barred. Legs white, feathered to the toes. Length, 2’;
wing, 17"; tail, 11". Irides yellow; cere and hase of man-
dibles greenish-yellow ; anterior portion dark horn-colour.
This eagle is subject to great variation. The above descrip-
tion is taken from a fine example in the possession of Mr. C.
J. Andersson, killed at Otjimbingue. One in the S. A.
Museum is deep rufous below, blotched with black, and the
upper parts are brown. This bird is probably in young
plumage.
Previous to the acquisition of this specimen, which was identified by
Mr. J. H. Gurney (A. Bonellii), had never been observed, so far as is
known, South of the Equator. It was shot at Wynberg, in Mr.
Trotter’s garden, after having made considerable havoc among the
fowls in two previous visits. Mr. Andersson procured several speci-
mens, and informs me, in episto/d, that ‘‘its flight is heavy, but when
once risen to a certain height it soars powerfully. It perches on trees
or rocks ; but tothe best of my belief roosts only on the latter: ita
food consists of small quadrupeds.”
13. Aquila Verreauxii, Less, Cent. Zool. t. 38 ;
A. Vulturina, Shaw; Le Caffre, De Vaill., Pl. 6.;
Dassie Vanger and Berghaan of Colonists.
Jer black, with half the back and rump white; legs feather-
ed to the toes, which are bright yellow; claws black, very
strong, and curved. Length, 2’9"; wing, 2’ 1"; tail, 18".
The young bird is mottled brown, inclining here and there
to black, according to its age.
Verreaux’s eagle is not uncommon throughout the colony, wherever
rocky precipitous mountains are to be found. In these it fixes its
eyrie, sallying out daily at early dawn in quest of food, and returning
in the evening. One pair had their haunt in some of the rocks of the
“‘ Devil’s Hill,’ near Cape Town, and sailed over the “Camp Ground’”’
to and fro, night and morning, with the regularity of clock-work, to
their hunting grounds somewhere on the Cape flats. I have never
ascended Table Mountain without encountering a pair near the gorge
which opens on to the top, but they never suffered me to get within
range.
It is called “ Dassie Vanger” (coney-eater) and “ Berghaan” (moun-
tain-cock by the colonists, from feeding principally on the coney, or
19 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
rock-rabbit (Hyraa Capensis). It also attacks the klipspringer ante:
lope (A. Oreotragus), darting at them when perched on pinnacles of the
rocks (their favourite position), and hurling them headlong into the
abyss below, into which they descend to feed on them at their leisure.
They are also accused of killing lambs and sickly sheep, and carrying
off the smaller antelopes from the low country.
Mr. Atmore writes, July 21st, 1864: “Fancy my knowing of two
nests of A. Verreauxii, but in such inaccessible places that no one can
get at them. Large nests in rocks about 1000 feet high, just on a ledge
300 or 400 feet from the top.”
An egg brought me by Mr. Hugo, of Fransch Hoek, is chalky |
white, mottled throughout, and especially at the obtuse end, with
rust-coloured and light-coloured spots. Axis, 3" 5”; diam., 2" 4”.
Le Vaillant evidently founded his “ Caffre” upon this species, and,
with his usual falsehood, enters into a long description of habits which
the bird does not follow. In fact, he never obtained a specimen: only
saw it at a distance, and invented his account. Had he secured one,
he never could have stated that its talons were not fitted to carry away
its prey: a single glimpse of the powerful, curved, sharp one 18
enough to dispel this illusion.
Genus SPIZAETUS, Vieillot.
Bill moderate, the culmen straight at the base, and much
arched at the tip, which is hooked and acute ; the sides much
compressed, and the lateral margins festooned ; the nostrils
large and rather rounded. Wings moderate, reaching to
half the length of the tail, with the fourth and fifth quills
equal and longest. Tail long, and slightly rounded at the
end. ‘Tarsi slender, much larger than the middle toe, and
plumed to the base of the toes. Toes long, strong, the inner
one much longer than the outer, which is united to the
middle one by a membrane; all covered above with small
scales, except at the apex, where there are a few transverse
ones, and each toe armed with a long, strong, and acute claw. _
14. Spizaetus Coronatus. (Linn) Aquila Albe-
scens, Daud.; A. Coronata, Smith; Fulco Coronatus,
Linn.; Ze Blanchard, Le Vail., Pl. 3; Crowned Eagle,
Edw., Pl. 224.; Imperial Eagle, Griffith,
Easity distinguished from S. Bellicosus, and the other more
common species, by the comparative roundness and shortness
of the wings, and great length of tail. The head, crest,
neck, and under parts yellowish white; thighs varied with
blackish brown lines and spots. Feathers on back brown,
deeply margined with white; tail barred, black, and grey ;
feathers on occiput very long, forming a crest ; legs powerful,
FALCONID. 13
feathered to the toes. Length, 2’ 11'; wing, 1’ 93"; tail, 1’ 3".
Le Vaillant says it preys on small quadrupeds, builds on lofty trees,
and lays two eggs. B
- One specimen of this bird has fallen under my notice, shot by Mr.
G. Rex, at the Knysna. I know nothing of its habits or range.
15. Spizaetus Bellicosus. (Daud) Falco
Armiger, Shaw; Aguila Bellicosa, A. Smith; S. A.
Zool., p. 144. ;.and Illust. 8. Af. Zool. Av., Pl. 42.; Le
Griffard, Le Y., Pl. 1.
GeNERAL colour above chest and neck dark grey-brown ;
beneath white, spotted with very dark-brown ; thighs barred
with the same; large wing-feathers, dark-brown ;_ the lesser
ones and tail transversely barred with grey. ‘Talons black,
much curved and strong; legs feathered to the toes. Length,
id iwing, 111s: tail,,12°.
According to Le Vaillant, this species feeds on small antelopes,
hares, and gallinaceous birds, frequents forests, builds in lofty trees
or rocky peaks ; nest very strong, large, and flat ; lays two round eggs,
perfectly white.
It is very scarce in the colony, only two specimens having fallen
under my notice. One was procured at the Knysna by Mr. George
Rex, the other at Colesberg by Mr. Arnot. It is of this species that
Mr. Atmore writes, in epistold : ‘‘ Just as we were leaving the Knysna,
we heard of an eagle’s nest in the forest, and under the tree the person
who found it counted 95 heads of the little ‘ Blue Buck’ (Cephalopus
Cerula).”’ Mr. Tom Atmore informs me the tree was an enormous
“ yellow-wood,” quite inaccessible; and the nest a huge mass of sticks
impervious toa bullet. The Hon’ble Mr. Vigne informs me that one
of these birds attacked his sheep-kraal and killed the lambs. It was
ultimately caught in a steel-trap placed near the kraal.
16. Spizaetus Occipitalis. (Daud) Vol. II,
P. 40; Shaw, Vol. 7., p. 59; Falco Senegalensis, Daud. ;
Morphinus Occipitalis, Cuv.; Smith, Af. Zool., p. 148.
Urrrr parts glossy-brown, approaching to black ; darkest on
extremities of wings and tail, and lightest on the shoulders
and cheeks. Tail barred more or less faintly with white
on the upper side; wings with black. Head crested; crest-
feathers very long, and nearly black; feathers of head
minutely tipped with white. Under parts almost black ; legs
feathered to the toes, and pure white; inside of quill feathers
of wings and tail silvery-grey; barred with deep-brown.
Length, 25”; wing, 16’; tail, 9" 9”; length of crest, 5’ 6”.
Mr. Atmore, to whom I am indebted for the only specimen I have
14 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
seen of this beautiful bird, a young 92, describes it as not uncommon in
the neighbourhood of Traka. He writes: ‘The crested eagle is a
gentleman of low tastes! One was eating an owl (S. Capensis) the
other day! Tom could easily have shot him, but mistook him fora
young Buteo Jackal. He is not uncommon about George, and not at
all difficult to get at: sits for hours ona naked pole. I saw several
ae my survey, and might have bagged at least four, but had no gun
with me.”
Le Vaillant says they build on lofty trees, and line their nests thickly
a feathers and wool; lay two round eggs, blotched with brownish-
red.
17. Spizaetus Spilogaster. Bp. Rev. Zool.,
1850, p. 487. Sp. Zonurus, Miller, Naum., 1851, Part
IV., p. 27. Sp. Ayresti, Gurney, Ibis., 1862, p. 149,
pl. 4. Sp. Leucostigma, Heugh.
AxsovE, dark ashy brown, variegated with white; rump
inclining to brown; each feather tipt with white; tail dark
ash, barred with very dark-brown, tipt with white. Under
parts white; more or less streaked and blotched on the flanks
with clear dark-brown. Thighs and legs white ; feathered to
the toes. Legs and cere yellow; eyes greenish yellow.
Length, 19’; wing, 133"; tail, 8.
This pretty little eagle here described is, doubtless, rightly identified
by my friend, Mr. Sclater, Secretary of the Zoological Society, who
writes :—‘ Your bird is probably a small male of S. Spilogaster. It
agrees well with a specimen, ex Gulam, in the Derby Museum, except
(1) in smaller dimensions, (2) shafts of primaries are black, not white,
_ (3) white edging at the extremity of tail is more distinct.”
S. A. Museum specimen 6- Length, 17"; wing, 13"; tail, 7”.
Derby Museum do, @-: Length, 22"; wing, 16’; tail, 10.
My specimen was taken alive in- the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
probably wounded by a gun-shot. He lived a few days in my posses-
sion, and was remarkably bold and fearless. He eat everything thrown
to him—raw meat, birds, rats, and even fish. I have never seen
another specimen in any collection which I have examined, and con-
clude, therefore, that it must be very rare in South Africa.
Genus CIRCAETUS, Vieillot. —
Bill robust, rather straight at its base; convex above,
compressed on the sides; cutting margin of the upper man-
dible nearly straight, the tip hooked; under mandible
straight, the tip obtuse. Nostrils oval, transverse. Tarsi
naked, thick, and lengthened, covered with reticulated scales.
Toes rather short, the hinder and lateral nearly equal. Claws
rather short, nearly of equal length, and but slightly curved ;
the anterior and posterior the strongest. Wings long; the
third quill the longest.
FALCONID, 16
18. Circaetus Thoracicus. (Cuv.) C. Peet.
oralis, A. Smith, §. Af. Q. Journ., p. 109; C. Cinereus,
Vieill., Gal. des Ois., Pl. 12; C. Funereus, Riipp. Neue
Wirb. Abzss., t. 14., p. 35 9.
Heap and neck blackish-brown, tinged with grey ; back and
shoulders of the same colour, each feather tipt with white.
Throat black and white; breast brownish-black ; lower parts
white ; tail grey, crossed with broad black bands, tipt with
white. Length, 2’ 7'; wing, 1’ 9”; tail, 122”. Iris pale
straw-yellow
Rather rare in the colony, frequenting mountain-ravines clothed
with timber, and keeping to the same spot for many successive years.
Shy and suspicious, it rarely falls before the gun, although no oppor-
tunity is lost of killing a bird so destructive to young lambs.
I saw several pairs on the East Coast of Africa, and shot two at Fazy,
anative village within a degree anda half of the Line; here the
seemed quite fearless and allowed an easy approach. Mr. H. Gird,
M.L.A, obtained a noble pair on his farm, Oliphant’s Fontein, which
are now mounted in the Museum. Mr. Atmore writes from Blanco,
probably of this species: he says: ‘‘I have heard of another eagle
inhabiting the forest—head, neck, and back blueish, belly white; but I
have not seen him yet. He preys on poultry, monkeys, and cats / Last
week one carried off my hostess’s favourite ‘‘ Tom,” and she now hopes
my Tom (his son) will shoot him,”—so do I!
Mr. Henry Jackson has sent an egg of this fine bird from Nel’s
Poort. He says they lay but one inanest. Itis pure white; Axis,
3” 1’” ; diameter, 2" 4’” 5
19. Circaetus Bacha. (Daud) Shaw, Vol. 7, p.
157; Heematornis Cheelaand H. Bacha, Lath.; Le Bacha,
Le V., Pl. 15; Falco Bido, Horsf.; F. Albidus, Cuv.,
Temm.,, Pl. Col. 19; Buteo Melanotis, Jerd.
Urrrer parts deep brown; shoulders spotted with white.
Under parts a paler brown; thickly spotted with white; two
bars extend across the tail, appearing ochreous-brown on the
top, and white below ; occipital crest very broad, black, and
banded with white. Tail tipt with white ; thighs barred with
white. Length, 2’ 2"; wing, 1’ 6”; tail, 10”.
Le Vaillant affirms that he found this species in Namaqualand,
frequenting rocky, desert places ; and preying on the dassie (Hyrax
Capensis). He also states that it is fierce and solitary, building in deep
rocky caverns ; the nest a heap of dry branches, on which is massed
leaves and moss. Eggs two, rarely three ; and he gives a long account
of its habits, painting a wonderfully graphic picture of its ferocity, and
the terror it excites among the dassies. Unfortunately for M. Le
Vaillant’s character, it is too probable that the bird only existed in
16 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
this colony in his vivid French imagination. These word-pictures seem
to run away with our neighbours, and carry them into the land of
Fable, as witness the wondrous gorilla-tales not long since given to the
world. Sober truth obliges us to disbelieve the whole account, and to
relate what we have seen of them. They were very plentiful at Point
Pedro, in the North of Ceylon, and frequented the jungle-dotted plains
throughout the Northern Province. It was no uncommon thing to
see three or four on the wing at once, wheeling round in airy circles ;
and from these peculiar markings they could be recognised at a great
distance. They built in banian trees, usually a large, strong nest of
sticks, without any lining, and laid three eggs, of dull-white colour,
with a few dried-blood-coloured blotches at the obtuse end. Axis,
2" 7’; diameter, 2’. They fed on snakes, lizards, and other reptiles
and insects. They were particularly partial to the large trees on the
banks of tanks, and from them swooped down on the frogs which
came up to sun themselves on the floating logs or weeds.
Genus PANDION, Savigny.
Bill short, culmen covered from the base to the tip, which
is hooked and acute; the sides compressed, and the lateral
margins slightly festooned ; the nostrils moderate, sublinear,
and rather oblique. Wings reaching to the tip of the tail,
with the second and third quills equal and longest. Tail
moderate and rather even. Tarsi short, very strong, and
entirely covered with reticulated scales. Toes long, much
padded beneath, and united at the base to the middle toe,
mostly covered above with small scales; the claws very long,
much curved and rounded beneath.
20. Pandion Haliaetus. (Linn). Cuv., Pl. Enl.
414. The Osprey.
GENERAL colour deepish-brown ; wing-feather approaching
to black ; tail indistinctly barred with white. Head with a
white horse-shoe mark, extending from the back of the eye,
more or less broken with brown. Chin, belly, thighs, and
vent white; the latter blotched slightly with rufous. Chest
variegated with brown. Length, 2’ 1"; wing, 20’; tail,
8". Iris light-yellow ; legs livid.
Quoted as from South Africa by M.Verreaux, and found at Natal by
Mr. Ayres, who says they frequent the salt-water lakes near the sea.
I have never seen it from the Cape Colony. My description is taken
from a European specimen.
Genus HALIAETUS, Savigay.
Bill large, culmen straight at the base, and curved to the
tip, which is hooked and acute, the sides compressed, the
lateral margins slightly festooned, and the lores naked ; the
nostrils moderate, linear, and oblique. Wings lengthened and
FALCONIDA. 17
acute, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal
and longest. Tail moderate and rounded. ‘Tarsi short,
strong, covered in front with transverse narrow scales, and
with small irregular ones posteriorly and on the sides. Toes
long, mostly covered above with transverse scales; the claws
long, curved, and acute.
21. Haliaetus Vocifer. Falco Focifer, Shaw;
Le Vocifer, Le Vail, Pl. 4; Groote-visch-vanger or
Witte-visch-vanger of Colonists.
Hzap, breast, and top of back and tail pure white; wings
and back nearly black, the larger feathers edged with white ;
upper parts of the wings reddish-brown. Belly and thighs
deep-reddish brown. Cere and legs yellow. Irides yellow.
Length, 2’ 8’; tail, 11’.
Found generally in pairs, frequenting the embouchures of rivers,
lakes, and other parts of the colony, where wood and water afford a
congenial home. Feeds on fish, crabs, and reptiles, and will not refuse
carrion sheep, &c. (Le Vaillant says he has found antelope bones in
their nests), resorting usually to some bare rock or dead tree to devour
its quarry.
Le Vaillant found it on the Orange River. Mr. Chapman brought it
from the Zambesi, and I saw it as far Northas Fazy. Itis common at
the Knysna, forming an enormous nest of sticks and rubbish. 1 did
not see its eggs ; but Le Vaillant says they are white, and shaped like
those of a turkey, only larger.
22. Haliaetus Leucogaster. (Gmel.), Pl. Col.
49; Blagrus Leucogaster, Blyth; Falco Blagrus,
Shaw ; Le Blagre, Le Vail., Pl. 5.
Heap, neck, breast, belly, and thighs shining white; wings
light-greyish ; tail the same, with broad white tip. Length,
2’ 6".; wing, 2’; tail, 10”.
Le Vaillant states it is found in South Africa, near the mouths of
rivers, but is doubtfulifit inhabits this country. I have never met
with it, and from knowing it well in Ceylon, should have recognised it
on the wing. It is, however, fair to state that Mr. T. H. Bowker, a
first-rate sportsman, on being shown a specimen in the Museum,
instantly challenged it as a bird he bad seen fishing on the coast of the
Albany district, but was not able to obtain. Mr. A. V. Jackson also
described tome an eagle which he oncesaw, and which from his
description I should have thought to have been P. Leucogaster.
It has occurred to me, while thinking over Le Vaillant’s faulty
descriptions and errors, that many of them may be accounted for by
supposing that he saw a bird and failed to obtain it ; but thinking it
19)
18 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
new, or that it was a species with which he was acquainted, he, in the
one case, described it as it appeared to him in the casual glance ; in the
other, from a foreign specimen. His inventions of habits, nests, and
eggs, &ec., are deliberate falsehoods.
Genus HELOTARSUS, Dr. A. Smith.
The characters in common with Haliaetus; but the tail is
exceedingly short and truncated. Tarsi short, covered with
small scales; those posteriorly the largest. Toes long, the
basis of all covered with small scales, and the tips with trans-
verse ones.
23. Helotarsus Ecaudatus. Helotarsus Typi-
cus, Smith; Falco Ecaudatus, Shaw; Terathopius
Ecaudatus, Less. ; Le Bateleur, Le Vail., Pl. 7 and 8 ;
Berghaan (cock of the mountains) of the Colonists.
Heap, neck, and nearly the whole of the upper and under
parts of the body black; back and tail deep-red ; lesser wing-
coverts rufous; head crested and frilled ; cere deep-orange ;
feet crimson. Length, 2'; wing, 162"; tail 52”.
This eagle is very uncommon in this colony ; a single pair frequent
some high mountain ranges near Caledon, and I have heard of a few
other spots where it is said to exist, or once did doso. I saw several
along the East Coast of Africa, and obtained a living specimen from
the Governor of Mozambique, which lived with me upwards of two years.
It fed voraciously on carrion of allkinds, including fish, but never
molested living things—indeed, I kept him for a long time in the fowl-
house with the fowls, but had to turn him out, as he devoured the eggs
as fast as they were laid by the hens.
T have seen a specimen from Lake N’Gami, procured by Mr.
Chapman ; and Mr. Atmore killed another with a stick in a wood at
the Knysna.
The Sub-Family, FALCONINA, or Falcons,
have the bill short, the culmen curved from the base to the
tip, which is more or less furnished on the sides with teeth ;
the cere covering the nostrils, sometimes rounded, and some-
times long and linear; the wings lengthened and pointed,
with the second and third quills generally the longest; the
tail lengthened, and more or less rounded ; the feet of various
sizes ; and the toes usually long and slender.
Genus FALCO, Linn.
Bill short, strong, with the culmen much arched from the
base to the tip, which is acute; the sides compressed, the
lateral margins strongly toothed near the tip; the nostrils
FALCONIDA, 19
placed in a short cere, naked and rounded, with a central
tubercle. Wings lengthened and acute, with the second and
third quills the longest, and the first and second notched near
the tip. Tail long and rounded. ‘Tarsi short, strong,
covered with small irregular scales, and the tibial feathers
covering the knee. Toes lengthened and strong, the lateral
ones unequal; the hind toe long, armed, as well as the inner,
with a strong hooked and acute claw.
24. Falco Peregrinus. (Linn) Pl. Enl, 430,
421, 470, 459; F. Barbarus, L.; F. Communis,
Briss.
GENERAL colour above, deep bluish lead-colour, barred with
black ; crown of the head and upper part of neck nearly
black; greater wing-feathers dusky, with oval white spots.
Tail similar to the back, and much barred ; beneath each eye
a patch of black. Under parts, from chin to bottom of the
breast, yellowish white, a brownish streak down the shaft of
each feather. Thighs and remainder of body dirty-white,
barred with deep-brown. Bill blue; the cere yellow.
Length, 1’ 9”; wing, 14’; tail, 8".
The above description and measurements are taken from a fine
European female in the South African Museum. A young male is
more rufous on the back, and the under parts more mottled with brown.
It is likewise much smaller. A
Mr. Sclater quotes a single specimen as having been received from
Natal; but I have not seen it from within the limits of the Cape Colony,
where the next species seems to take its place.
25. Falco Minor, Bp.; /. Peregrinoides, Smith ;
Spervel of Colonists.
Tue description given of #. Peregrinus will suffice equally
well for this species, with the exception that all the speci-
mens that have fallen under my observation seem to be
duiler-coloured. The great distinction is, however, in the
size, the present bird measuring as follows:
6 Length, 163”; wing, 12’ 3”; tail, 8”.
Ouse 6 182"; wing, 13”; tail, 82”.
The little peregrine seems to have a pretty general range over the
colony, several specimens having reached me from different localities.
I have likewise seen it on the wing several times near Cape Town,
and purchased one in the flesh which was being carried through the
town by a shooter. Mr. Atmore writes from Swellendam: “ It is not
rare about here, but very difficult to get, except in the breeding time,
when they come after the poultry.”
20 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
26. Falco Frontalis, Daud; F. Galericulatus,
Shaw., Vol. 7, p.149 ; Le Faucon Huppé, Le V., p. 28.
Accorpine to Le Vaillant, this bird closely resembles Hypo-
triorchis Tibialis in size and general colouring. The tail is
equally banded in grey and black. . The folded wings extend
beyond the tail. The crest is very conspicuous, and fre-
quently elevated, extending over and beyond the head when
at rest. The lower mandible is deeply truncated at the end,
as well as notched on either side. Claws very sharp and
strong. Female one-fourth larger than the male, with a
smaller crest.
It frequents beaches, lakes, and rivers, as it only feeds on fish,
crabs, and small shell-fish, which it can break open with its powerful
beak. It either builds on sea-side rocks, or else on trees, near rivers
abounding with fish. The young and old birds remain together till
the next pairing season.
Le Vaillant does not inform us in what parts of the colony he pro-
cured his specimens; but from his description we are led to believe it
must be widely distributed. Sundevall denies the existence of such a
bird, but suspects it to be an example of Falco Communis with a false
crest inserted. I have never met with this bird, nor has it been sent
tome by any of my correspondents. I fear it is another of Le Vail-
lant’s fabrications.*
27. Falco Biarmicus, Temm, Pl. Col t, 324.
ApuLtT, 6, general colour above bluish ash; transversely
barred with dark-grey; head clear rufous, marked on the
forehead, side, and nape with black: under parts clear
vinaceous, marked on the thighs with a few black spots.
Tail underneath barred grey andash. Cere and legs yellow;
eye orange. Length, 17”; wing, 123”; tail, 7’.
A fine © is more rufous-brown in the general appearance,
and is much mottled on the breast and belly.
Scattered throughout the colony, but not common anywhere. It is
very rapid on the wing, and a great scourge to poultry and game of all
kinds. It will not hesitate to dash at a flock of pigeons feeding close
to the door of a dwelling and in the midst of people working on the
werf. I have never yet heard of a nest being discovered. ~
* While in London lately, Lord Walden informed me that, being engaged in
studying the Drongo shrikes, he visited a museum on the Continent, in which was
retained a type specimen of Le Vaillant’s, for the purpose of inspecting the bird from
which Le Vaillant had made his description. Certain peculiarities in the structure
led his lordship to believe that the bird in question was an old friend ina new coat,
aud mentioning his suspicions to the curator of the museum, that gentleman had the
specimen damped, as if for remounting, when the fact revealed itself that a false
white breast had been carefully cummed upon the original skin, from which the
natural black feathers had been carefully removed.
FALCONID&. 21
Genus HYPOTRIORCHIS, Boie.
The characters in common with Falco, but the tarsi more
or less lengthened, somewhat slender, and covered in front
with large hexagonal scales. Toes very long and slender.
28. Hypotriorchis Ruficollis. Falco Ruj-
collis, Swain, W. Af, Vol. 1, p. 107, Pl 2; F.
Chicqueroides, A. Smith, 8. Af. Q. J, p. 233.
GeNERAL colour above and below light bluish-ash; much
barred with brown-black; tail tipt with white, and crossed
near the end by a broad black band; head deep-rufous, with
black eyebrows and moustache; chin white; throat and chest
vinaceous; legs yellow; bill horn-coloured, yellow at base.
Length, 14"; wing, 92"; tail, 7".
The only specimen of this elegant little hawk that has fallen under
my notice was shot by my friend, A. V. Jackson, Esq., at Nel’s Poort,
in the Beaufort division.
29. Hypotriorchis Subbuteo. (oie) Falco
Subbuteo, Lath.; F. Cuvierii, Smith; The Hobby.
Heap and upper parts of neck dark-blue grey ; rest of upper
parts pale-blue. Shafts of all the feathers black ; over each
eye a narrow rufous white stripe; below each eye a black
crescent. Sides of neck, throat, breast, and belly tawny-
white. On the two last parts are many black blotches.
Under tail-coverts and thighs rufous. Outer vanesof wings
hoary-blue; inner vanes dull-brown, crossed with white bars.
All margined and tipped with white. Tail slightly rounded,
the two central feathers blue-grey only ; the others blue-grey,
banded with pale rufous, and tipped with white. Length,
14”; wing, 10” 9”; tail, 6” 2".
Several specimens of this hawk have been received, viz. :—a fine
female from Swellendam ; a pair, & and Q, from Mr. Jackson, at
Nel’s Poort; one 6 purchased in the fleshin Cape Town. A rich-
coloured male also fell to my own gun on the Cape Flats ; and Mr.
Atmore has procured it near Blanco. Mr. Sclater writes: ‘‘ Never
before received from South of the Equator.” *
* This observation of Mr. Sclater’s opens up a curious subject of inquiry. Have
this and other species only lately found their way down the continent? Or have they
escaped the notice of observers? I incline to the furmer supposition, as I cannot
conceive that some of our common species should have escaped the notice of such men
as Dr, A. Smith and Le Vaillant. Look, for instance, at the extreme abundance of
Oypselus Apus and Hirundo Rustica throughout the colony. How came Le Vaillant
not to include these among his swifts and swallows? Surely not because they are
European, as he enumerated and figured Cypse/us Me/ba and other European species.
22 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
30. Hypotriorchis Tibialis. (Daud) Falco
Tibialis, Swain. B. of W. Af, Vol. IL, p. 212; Le
Faucon & culotte noir, Le Vaill., Pl. 29.
Tor of head and thighs black-brown; wing and tail-feathers
the. same, edged with dull white; back and wing-coverts
greyish brown, with dark stripes down each centre. Lower
part of body rufescent, with brown streaks. Cere of the bill
and legs yellow. Bill lead-colour ; claws black. Size about
that of the peregrine.
Inhabits Namaqualand, according to Le Vaillant, but is extremely
rare. Dr. Smith appears not to have met with it. Sundevall declares
that Le Vaillant has described the Indian F. Juggur, and that it is not
an African species. I believe that he had in view a specimen of F.
Minor.
Genus TINNUNCULUS, Vieillot.
The forms’ agree with those of Falco; but the tarsi are
more or less lengthened, strong, and covered in front with
large transverse hexagonal scales. Toes moderate and
strong.
31. Tinnunculus Cenchris. (Naum) F. Gra-
cilis, Lesson ; Falco Tinnunculoides, Natt.; F. Tin-
nuncularias, Vieil. ‘
Heap, shoulders, and tail ash-coloured; back rufous; under
parts vinaceous, more or less spotted with dark-brown;
throat and chin white; wing-feathers brown-black; fail
tipped with white, and crossed at the end with a broad bar of
black; legs and cere yellow; iris yellow-brown. Length,
12”; wing, 93”; tail, 63".
This species appears periodically in countless thousands in the
Damara country, and apparently occasionally strays into the colony.
On one of these occasions the pair now in the Museum were obtained
by Mr. Cairncross, of Swellendam, in 1860, He informed me that
they were feeding on the locusts, and after gorging themselves, perched
on the summits of high trees, from which they were easily shot, Mr.
Selater, to whom the pair was sent in 1860, wrote me that they were
the first he had seen from the South of the Equator.
32. Tinnunculus Rupicolus. Falco Rupicolis,
Daud.; F. Capensis, Shaw ; Le Montagnard, Le Vail,
p. 35; Roode Valk (red hawk), Steen Valk (vock-
falcon) of Colonists.
Hap, back, and sides of neck duil blue-grey ; back, belly,
and shoulders deep rufous, with irregular black spots. Breast
FALCONID. ye
rufous, with black lines. — Primary wing-feathers black ;
secondaries blackish, crossed with irregular rufous bands.
Tail bluish grey, banded with black, all its feathers broadly
tipped with white, next to a broad black bar. Cere round
eye bright-yellow ; cere of bill and legs orange-yellow ; irides
brown. Length of fresh-killed male, 11” (female, 14”) ;
wing, 10”; tail, 7”.
This little hawk is common all over the country as far as I have
been. It takes the place in this colony of the Windhover of Europe,
which it resembles closely in all its habits; hovering in the air over
small birds, mice, &c., and falling suddenly from a considerable height
upon its quarry. It nests in trees (or the high bushes which do duty
for trees in this country), and its eggs, 3—5, are similar in colour to
those cf the European birds, having a reddish-brown ground, pro-
fusely spotted with very dark marks of various sizes and shapes.
They, however, vary extremely, even to being pale cream-colour, with
the minutest possible spots of brown. In size they alse vary, but the
shape is pretty constant, being rather round. Axis, 1" 7’” ; diam, 1’ 4’”.
33. Tinnunculus Rupicoloides. (Smith.)
Heap, neck, shoulders, and scapulars pale tawny, clouded
with pale rufous; head and neck with black longitudinal
stripes ; back, shoulders, and scapulars have broad, brown
transverse bars. Throat and under parts pale fawn; breast
and belly striped brown; quill-feathers brown, inner vanes
banded pale rufous; tail brown, with about six white trans-
verse bands; tips of feathers white. Bill bluish black ; base
of lower mandible yellow. Length, 16"; wing, 12"; tail, 8”.
This kestrel is very rare near the colony, but becomes more common
towards the Zambesi, where Mr. Chapman procured it in some
abundance. Mr. Andersson got it in Damaraland.
Dr. Smith gives the West Coast of South Africa, near the Orange
~ River, and the interior to the North of that, as the chief habitat
of this species ; and states that, like its congener, 7. Rupicolus, it
perches on rocks. Mr. Henry Jackson has just sent this species, with
its eggs, from Nel’s Poort. The eggs resemble those of the preceding,
but are rather larger. The nest was found in a tree, and the parent
bird ‘shot from it.
The Sub-Family, MILVINA, or Kites,
have the bill short, weak, with the tip hooked and acute, and
the lateral margins sinuated ; the nostrils basal and lateral,
with the opening mostly in the form of an oblique slit; the
wings long and pointed; the tarsi hardly longer than the
oe toe, and robust ; the toes moderate, broad, and padded
eneath.
24 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus AVICIDA, Swainson.
Bill strong, the upper mandible furnished with two teeth,
and the lower mandible emarginated. ‘Wings lengthened,
with the fourth quill the longest.. Tarsi not longer than the
hind toe, the basal half plumed and robust. Toes remark-
ably broad, the inner toe longer than the outer; claws
strong and curved. ;
o4. Avicida Verreauxii, Lafr. Hyptiopus Caf-
fer, Sund.; A. Cuculoides, Swainson. Birds of W.
TAL Voli Lp. 104, Plo
AxoveE cinereous, with the back and scapulars brown; the
throat and breast pale cinereous; body whitish, crossed by
broad brown bars; vent and under tail-coverts fulvous,
immaculate; tail even, cinereous, with a broad terminal bar.
Length, about 16"; wings, 13”; tail, 8’.
A species chiefly found in Western Africa, but sent from Natal by
Mr, Ayres. It has not occurred to me.
Genus PERNIS, Cuvier.
Bill weak, gradually curved from the base to the tip,
which is hooked, the lateral margins curved, the side com-
pressed, the gonys gradually advancing upwards ; the nostrils
long, narrow, placed obliquely in the cere ; the lores thickly
clothed with scale-like feathers. Wings long, broad, with
the third, fourth, and fifth quills the longest. Tail long,
broad, and somewhat rounded. Tarsi short, with the basal
half plumed, and the rest covered with reticulated scales ;
toes slender, with the last joint covered with transverse
scales, the inner one the longest; the claws moderate and
curved.
35. Pernis Apivorus. falco Apivorus, Linn. ;
Buteo Apivorus, Jeny.; Honey Buzzard ; Le Tach-
ard, Le Vail., Pl. 19 ; Falco Tachardus, V.; B. Mada-
gascariensis, Smith.
Tau with four broad and numerous small dusky bands;
wings with two similar bands. Adult male with the anterior
parts of the head brownish-grey, the upper parts deep-
brown ; the throat white, with longitudinal dark lines; the
rest of the lower parts white, with broad bands and spots of
FALCONID. 25
brown. Female with the forehead bluish-grey; the upper
parts deep-brown ; the lower pale, yellowish red, with large
reddish-brown spots. Length, 243’; wing, 16" 9”; tail, 113".
. Lhave not seen any specimens of this bird from the Cape Colony ;
but two have been procured in Natal by Mr. Ayres. My description
is quoted from Macgillivray’s ‘‘ British Birds.” It is a very variable
species.
It is now generally believed that Le Vaillant’s “ Tachard” is founded
on a specimen of this bird.
Genus MILVUS, Cuvier.
Bill laterally compressed ; the culmen straight at the base,
and then much curved to the tip, which is acute, the lateral
margins somewhat straight; the nostrils oval, and placed
rather obliquely in the cere. Wings very long, with the
third and fourth quills the longest. Tail very long and
broad, rounded or more or less forked at the end. ‘Tarsi
very short, partly plumed from the base, and the rest cover-
ed with scales. ‘Toes rather short, with the outer united at
its base with the middle one; the claws long and curved.
36. Milvus Ater. Falco Ater et Austriacus, Gmel.;
M. Govinda; M. CGioleus, Lesson.; M. Affinis,
Gould.
GENERAL colour deep hair-brown, tinged with rufous on the
under parts, particularly on the flanks, thighs, and under
tail-coverts; each feather has a black shaft. Tail much
forked, and barred with grey-brown. Length, 21"; wing,
18"; tail, 10”.
This kite was received from Mr. David Arnot, of Colesberg, who
shot it in a street of that town. It does not appear to have been seen
before this instance in Southern Africa. I have since had specimens
from the Zambesi, brought down by Mr. J.C. Chapman. From his
descriptions, it appears to resemble in habits those of India and Cey-
lon, frequenting by preference the neighbourhood of native towns,
near water, and feeding upon offal, particularly that of fish. It wheels
round in large and easy circles, rising and falling, without flapping its
wings for an immense length of time. It catches up its food with its
foot, and eats it in the air, bending the head down, and bringing up
one or both feet to meet it. Some eges in my possession, procured by
me in Ceylon, are of a dull white, with here and there small dry-blood-
coloured dots: axis, 2’ 2"; diam., 1" 9".
37. Milvus Parasiticus. Le Parasite, Le Vail,
; Pl 20 eae |
THE whole of the upper parts tan-brown, each feather with a
paler edge; breast tan-brown ; top of head, neck, cheeks,
D
26 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
and throat whitish or light brown, the centre of each feather
being dark-brown, inclining to black, gives a striped appear-
ance. Lower part of body, thighs, and under part of tail
cinnamon-colour. Wings very long and pointed, tail deeply
forked. Legs and cere yellow. Length, 21"; wing, 17’;
. ” id
tail, 19’.
Le Vaillant states that it inhabits Great Namaqualand, builds
amongst trees or rocks, but prefers marshy ground, where it makes its
nest on some raised spot amongst the reeds. Eggs four, speckled with
red. It is a bold and hardy bird, pursuing its prey even in inhabited
places.
In November, 1863, I observed a single specimen flying over the
village of Ceres, in the Cold Bokkeveld. I have also received it from
Kuruman, and observed it along the East Coast as far as Fazy. A
pair frequent the homestead of the Hon’ble T. H. Vigne, at Tyger
Hoek, River ‘‘ Zonder End” (1865). The flight and habits of this
species differ in no way from those of the common kite of India ;
indeed, until I shot one, I did not discriminate that any difference
existed. It is rare within the colony.
Genus ELANUS, Savigny.
Bill small, much compressed, the cutting margins slightly
sinuated ; the tip of the upper mandible very much hooked
and prolonged ; the cere short; nostrils large, oval. Wings
very long, acuminated, reaching beyond the tail; the second
quill longest ; the first emarginated near the tip of the inner
web. ‘kail short, almost even. Feet short, thick : the tarsus
half-feathered ; the lower part covered with minute roundish
sub-equal scales. Toes thick, free; the outer toe much
shorter than the inner, and of equal length to the hinder toe.
Claws large; the lateral and the hinder ones smooth and
round; the middle claw sharply carinated on its inner side.
38. Elanus Melanopterus. (Daud) Leach. ;
' Falco Melanopterus, Daud.; Hlanus Ccsius, Sav. ;
Le Blac, Le Vail, Pl. 36 and 37; Fal. Vocifer, Lath.
Urrer parts bluish grey, under parts pure white. Forehead
whitish. Tail white.on the upper side, slightly tinged with
grey. Eye-brows black; shoulders black. Feet bright yel-
low. Eyes carmine in adult; bright-yellow in the young
bird. Length, 12"; wing, 10” 9”; tail, 5” 6”.
According to Le Vaillant, it builds in the fork of a tree; the nest
large, lined with feathers and moss, Eggs white; four or five in num-
ber. It perches on the tops of trees or bushes, and utters a frequent
and very piercing cry, especially when in flight. Its food consists of
insects. Ihave also found it devouring small birds and reptiles. It
FALCONID. a7
is a bold and fearless bird, and generally allows of approach within
gunshot. It is migratory, appearing about Cape Town in the month
of May. I have never heard of its nesting in this country. To a cer-
tain extent this species is gregarious. I counted nine roosting in one
tree at Herste River, and several more were flying about close by. I
fancy they had been attracted by an exodus of white-ants which had
taken place that afternoon.
The Sub-Family, ACCIPITRINA, or Sparrow
Hawks,
have the bill short, much arched from the base to the tip,
which is acute ; the sides compressed, and the lateral margins
greatly festooned ; the wings generally long; the tail ample ;
the tarsi lengthened, and shielded in front; the toes of
various lengths, and generally slender; the claws long and
very acute.
Genus ASTUR, Auct.
Size large; form robust; nostrils large, oval, obliquely
longitudinal. Bill short, the festoon prominent, lores thickly
clothed with minute feathers. Wings short, often not reach-
ing beyond the middle of the tail; the fourth and fifth quill
nearly equal and longest. Feet strong, moderate in length
and size. Tarsi, feathered beyond the knees, short, broad,
transverse, and smooth; the divisions promiuent; posterior
scales the same; but those towards the knee joint and the
lateral scales are small and reticulate. Lateral toes unequal ;
the posterior shortest. Hinder and inner claws half the
length of the former, and nearly equal.
39. Astur Melanoleucos, Smith; South African
Quarterly. Journal, Vol. I, p°229, and Zool. S. Af,
PL 18; Astur Smitha, Kaup. Isis, 1847, p. 196.
TuE head, neck, and breast dark brownish-black'; back pale-
brown; shoulders much diversified with white; body, tail,
and thighs white; tail-feathers equal, usually dashed with
red. Length, 20". Dr. A. Smith (loc. cit.)
A fine pair of these hawks, 4 and 9, shot by Mr. Atmore
and his son near Blanco (George) differ materially from the
phases of plumage described by Dr. Smith, the 6 is through-
out of a rich brown-black ; the chin and vent are white, with
streaks and blotches of the prevailing colour. Length, 18";
wing, 11" 5"; tail, 93".
The ¢ resembles the 6 on the upper side, but below she
is white, blotched with the prevailing colour on the sides of
the chest ; two large patches of the same are over the head of
28 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
thigh-bone, the thighs themselves being of the same colour,
mottled with white. Her length is 214”; wing, 13” 9”;
tail, 12".
Among the many good things sent to the Museum by Mr. Jackson,
of Nel’s Poort, appeared a young individual {Q) of this rare bird.
While staying with him during the month of December 1863, I saw,
just out of gunshot, a bird which I feel sure was the adult specimen.
Mr. J. informed me that he had frequently seen a similar bird, but
could never get witlin range of it.
Mr. Atmore writes that his birds had proved very destructive to
poultry in their neighbourhood. Their nest, in a large tree, contained
three young birds, and an egg just hatching.
Genus ACCIPITER, Brisson.
Bill very short, with the culmen much arched to the tip,
which is acute; the sides much compressed, and the lateral
margins festooned ; the nostrils placed anteriorly in the cere,
large and sub-oval, partly concealed’ by the projecting hairs
of the lores. Wings moderate; with the fourth and fifth
quills nearly equal and longest. Tail long, ample, and
nearly square at the end. ‘Tarsi longer than the middle “toe,
covered in front with nearly obsolete scales. Toes more or
less lengthened, and padded beneath the joints; the lateral
ones unequal ; and the inner and hind toes equal in length,
and both with a strong curved claw.
40. Accipiter Tachiro. (Daud) <Accipiter Poly-
zonus, Lesson., Tr. dOrn., p. 58; Astur Zonarius,
Tem, Pl, Col. 377, 420; Hartl, O.W., p. 1553426
Tachiro, Auct. (the young) ; Le Tachiro, Le V., Pl. 24.
AxsovE uniform ashy-brown; throat whitish, finely rayed
transversely with brown; anterior part of neck, breast, and
belly dull white, regularly rayed with transverse brown, or
pale rufous bars; vent and under tail-coverts white, with
some fine transverse brown lines ; wing-feathers light-brown,
banded with dark-brown, inner vanes marked with white
towards the quills. ‘Tail long; beneath ash-white, with trans-
verse brown bands; above brown, with darker bands; tips
white. Length, 15’; wing, 8” 3”; tail, 73’.
Youne Brrp.—<Above brown, each feather margined with
rufous, and usually with white at the base; beneath pale
Isabella colour, with numerous large oval dark-brown
blotches ; thigh transversely barred. Legs yellow.
I have received specimens of the young bird from several of my
correspondents, who tell me it is not uncommon in the forest districts ;
FALCONIDA. 29
—_ but I have never yet see one in adult plumage. Le Vaillant, who
figures the young bird under the name of Le Tachiro, describes its eggs
as white, blotched with red, and three in number. His testimony on
this point must be taken quantum valet.
Mr. Andersson has presented specimens procured in Damaraland, in
all stages of plumage, to the South African Museum.
41. Accipiter Polyzonoides, Smith, Zool. S. A,
Pl. 11.
Axove pearl-grey, shaded with brown; throat speckled with
light-brown ; all under parts of body white, closely banded
with small wavy, brown bars; under tail-coverts white.
Back and upper sides of wings deep grey; inside of wings
greyish-white, with small dark bars. Tail grey, with about
six dark-brown bands; tips of feathers white. ‘Tail long,
slightly rounded. Cere of bill and legs yellow. Length,
112”; wing, 7” 9"; tail, 6".
According to Dr. Smith, who found this species about lat. 26°S.,
it feeds on small birds, and prefers the neighbourhood of rivers.
42. Accipiter Minullus. (Daud) Falco Minul-
lus, Daud; Le Minulle, Le Vail. Pl. 34; Smith’s Af.
Zool., p. 153.
Upper parts dark-brown; throat and chin white; sparsely
streaked with brown ; under parts very much blotched with
dark-brown ; the markings here and there edged with rufous ;
thighs rufous-brown ; tail above brown, faintly barred with
a darker shade, but below these bars show plainly on a grey
ground. Length, 103”; wing, 6’; tail, 5”.
According to Le Vaillant (who states that it inhabits the country
between the Gamtoos River and Kaffraria), a bold and fearless little
hawk, preying on small birds or insects, hunting in pairs, and breeding
in trees. Eggs five, spotted with brown at the ends. My esteemed
correspondents, the Messrs. Atmore, procured a single specimen near
George.
43. Accipiter Rufiventris, Smith, Il Zool. 8.
A, pl. 93; A. Exilis, Temm, Pl. Col., 496.
Urrer parts brownish-blue, glossed with purple, chiefly on
the head and neck; ear-coverts, and all the lower parts of the
body and thighs, mottled with reddish orange and white.
Tail above barred in shades of brown; all the feathers tipped
with dull white; under tail-coverts white. When folded, the
wings reach to the middle of the tail. Feet yellow, claws
very long, slender, and curved. Female more rufous on the
30 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
shoulders and back; mottled on the breast. Length, 163”;
wing, 10"; tail, 8’. The male is smaller, being about 13” in
length.
Found generally, though sparingly, throughout the colony. Two
eggs, said to be those of the present species, were forwarded to me from
Tulbagh: they are of a dirty white colour, irregularly and obscurely
blotched here and there with pale blood-coloured marks: axis, 1" 9” ;
diam., 1" 5”.
I have shot this species in the act of hovering like a kestrel, and as it
preys much on birds and small quadrupeds, particularly field-mice
(mus pumila), I do not so much wonder at this habit. At other times —
I have seen it glance like lightning through a copse, and whip off a
bird from a branch in passing. It will also eat coleoptera and white-
ants. I saw a pair constructing a nest of sticks in a thick fir-tree. It
was placed over an horizontal forked branch, cleverly supported by
two large sticks across the foundation. I was too early for the eggs.
Genus MELIERAX, Gray.
Bill moderate, gradually arched to the tip, broad at the
base, and with the sides compressed towards the tip, the cere
covering half of the bill, and the sides of the gape naked ;
the nostrils placed in the cere, large, and rather oval. Wings
long, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and
longest. Tail long and ample. Tarsi nearly twice the length
of the middle toe, and covered in front with transverse scales.
Toes rather short, with the lateral ones unequal; the outer
toe shorter and weaker; the hind toe as: long as the inner,
and equally strong.
44. Melierax Gabar. ~ Accipiter Gabar, Daud. ;
A. Erythrorhynchus, Swain. B. of W. Af, Vol. 1, p.
121; Class. of Birds, Vol. 2, p. 215; Le Gabar, Le.
Vailz PLj)33.
Aut the upper parts and head brownish-grey, darker on the
mantle and occiput. Throat and breast blue-grey; belly
white, barred with grey. Large wing-feathers brown, the
centre ones tipped with white. Upper and under tail-coverts
white. Upper tail-feathers clear-brown, barred with dark-
brown; lower feathers barred, black and white. Cere and
legs red. Iris, according to Mr. Atmore, bright crimson in
adult, yellow in young bird. Length, 14" ; wing, 8’; tail, 7’ 6”.
Le Vaillant found one white egg, and three young birds in a nest, in
a mimosa tree, built of flexible twigs and thorns, lined with feathers.
General in the colony, though not near Cape Town, frequenting the
wooded banks of rivers and kloofs in mountains, preying on small
birds and reptiles. Mr. Atmore states that they whistle very much,
and better than M. Musicus.
FALCONID. oh
45. Melierax Niger. Accipiter Niger; Spar-
vius Niger, Vieill.
GENERAL colour black; tail-feathers each with three white
spots ‘above and four below. Primary quill-feather grey-
white, with small black and ashy-coloured spots.
Dr. Smith, in Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa, gives
this bird as an inhabitant of South Africa—sed non vidi. By some
naturalists it is thought to be simply a melanism of the preceding
species, M, Gabar, which it equals in dimensions.
46. Melierax Musicus. falco Musicus, Daud. ;
Le Faucon Chanteur, Le V., Pl. 27; Blaauwe Valk
of Colonists, lit. “ Blue Hawk.”
Uprer parts and breast pearly-grey ; belly white, variegated
by many brownish-blue lines; shoulders light grey; rump
white. Larger wing-feathers black ; the tail dusky, tipped
with white, and crossed by broad white bars, except upon the
two middle feathers. Cere and legsred. Irides orange;
according to Mr. Atmore, dark-brown. Length, 24"; wing,
13” 6” ; tail, 12”. ;
It devours hares, quails, partridges, and other small game, reptiles,
and locusts ; builds either in the fork of a tree ora thick bush. The
eggs are four, round, and pure white: axis, 2’ 4"; diam., 1" 9”.
Le Vaillant states that the male sings for hours together in the twilight
of morning and evening, and gometimes through the night. This I
never noticed at Nel’s Poort, “where it is very abundant, as it is
throughout the Karroo. It will perch on the top of a high tree, utter
its mellow-piping whistle, and fly off again. I have sometimes heard
it call while on the wing.
The Sub-Family, CIRCINZ, or Harriers,
have the bill moderate, short, with the culmen much curved
to the tip, which is hooked, the sides compressed, and the
lateral margins festooned ; the wings lengthened and pointed ;
the tail long, broad, and even, or rounded at the end; the
tarsi usually lengthened and slender; and the toes rather
short.
Genus POLYBOROIDES, A. Smith.
Bill broad and elevated at its base, the sides much com-
pressed, and the culmen much curved to the tip, which is
hooked ; the nostrils placed in front of the cere, with the
opening forming a longitudinal slit. Wings very long, with
oa BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
the third, fourth, and fifth quills longest. Tail very long,
and rounded at the end. Tarsi the length of the middle toe,
and entirely reticulated. Toes long and slender, with the
outer toe the length of the hind one. The cheeks round ;
the eyes and cere entirely denuded of plumes and hairs.
47. Polyboroides T'ypicus, Smith, Ill S. Af
Zoolog. Pl. 81, 82; Falco Gymnogenys, Tem. ; Gym-
nogenys Madagascariensis, Less.
GeneERAL colour rusty pearl-grey, with a row of large black
spots from each shoulder, head crested, and with throat and
chest bluish. Flanks, thighs, belly, and vent profusely barred,
black and white; wing and tail feathers black, and tipt with
white, the latter with a broad white bar across the centre ;
bare space round the eye, cere and legs light-yellow. Iris
dark-brown. Length, 2’ 1"; wing, 1’ 6"; tail, 12’.
Young birds have much more of the rufous tinge, particularly on
the head and crest. Specimens of this curious bird have been pro-
cured in various parts of the colony—by Mr. Gird, at the Paarl; Mr.
Cairncross, at Swellendam; and Mr. Atmore, in the George district.
Mr. Chapman also found it in the Interior. Mr. Gird observed his
specimen beating over a marsh abounding in snipe. The stomach of
one I opened contained the remains of lizards. Mr. Gird’s bird was
probably engaged in the pursuit of frogs.
Mr. Atmore writes :—‘‘ Meiring’s Poort: Got a fine adult female of
P. Typicus. She was full of frogs. This accounts for their sitting
so long on stumps, &c., by pools of water. They are very ‘ getatable,’
not at all shy, but scarce.”
Genus SERPENTARIUS, Cuvier.
Bill moderate, broad and elevated at its base, the culmen
much arched to the tip, which is hooked, and the sides much
compressed ; the nostrils lateral, with the opening large and
oblique. Wings long, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills
nearly equal and longest; armed on the shoulder with an
obtuse spur, Tail very long, wedge-shaped, with the two
middle feathers prolonged.’ Tarsi much lengthened, slender,
covered in front with transverse scales. Toes very short, with
the anterior ones united at their base by a membrane; the
hind toe remarkably short, and rather elevated, and all
covered above with transverse scales. The lores and space
round the eyes naked.
FALCONID. 33
48. Serpentarius Reptilivorus. (Daud) Gy-
pogeranus Capensis; Falco Serpentarius, Gmel. ;
Vultur Serpentarius, Lath. Pl. 2.; Ophiotheris Cris-
tatus, Vieill., Gal. Pl. 260; Le Mangeur de Serpents,
Le Vail, Pl. 25; Secretary Bird; Slangvreter of
Colonists.
Heap, neck, breast, and mantle greyish-blue, slightly shaded
with reddish-brown on the wing-coverts. Larger quills
black. Throat white, under part of tail white, tinged with
russet. Thighs black, tinted brown. Tail-feathers very
long, black at the base, then paling into grey, and tipped
with white; two long central tail-feathers bluish-grey, tip-
ped with black and white. Crest of ten feathers arranged in
pairs, the lesser ones at the top black and grey, the others.
black. Legs very long, toes short, claws blunt. Length,
48’; wing, 27”; tail, 26’.
Widely distributed throughout the colony Whena pair establish
themselves in any locality, they speedily drive out all others of the
same kind, and will breed in the same nest fora long period. The
nest is a huge structure, added to yearly, placed sometimes ina low
bush, sometimes in a thick thorny mimosa. I am told they never lay
more than two eggs, which are of a dirty dull white, profusely dotted
with light, brownish-red blotches at the obtuse end, and sparsely over
the whole shell: axis, 3’ 1”; diam. 2” 4”. The young utter a
gutteral, rattling cry, precisely resembling the call of the Stanley
Crane. They are along while ere they can walk, as their legs seem
unable to support the weight of their bodies, and snap with the least
exertion. One which I was rearing for the Acclimatization Societies of
Melbourne and Sydney trod in a small wooden bowl sunk in the
ground, and instantly fell, breaking his leg* and wing. I spliced them
both, but he died in ten days. Iam informed that the texture of the
nest is so loose, that the legs of the young hang through the interstices
until they acquire sufficient strength to be bent under them.
Genus CIRCUS, Lacépéde.
Bill moderate, elevated at the base of the culmen, and
arched to the tip, which is hooked; the sides compressed,
and the lateral margins festooned; tho nostrils large, oval,
and partly concealed by the curved hairs of the lors.
Wings long, with the third and fourth quills nearly equal
and longest. Tail long and rounded on the sides. Tarsi
long, slender, and compressed, the outer side covered with
transverse scales, and the inner with small scales. Toes
* All who have tried to rear these birds notice this brittleness in their bones.
I have, since the above was written, lost several more from similar causes. I have
known ‘them snap a leg if suddenly startled into ‘a quick run! !
E
34 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
moderate, with the outer one longer than the inner; the
claws long, slender, and acute. :
49. Circus Swainsonii, Smith, Af. Zool. p. 162;
C. Superciliaris, Id, 8. Af. Q. J, p. 385 ; C. Palidus,
Sykes ; Gould’s B. of Eur, Pl. 34; C. Dalmaticus,
Riipp.
AxovE ash-grey, clouded with yellowish-grey ; front, upper
tail-coverts, shoulders, and all the under parts white ; throat
and breast tinted pearl-grey, sometimes streaked with rufous.
Tail-coverts barred with yellowish-brown. Upper side of
tail faintly barred with brown ; lower sides white, obscurely
barred. Figure long and slender. The bill strongly hooked ;
the cere covered with bristles; tail long, slightly rounded.
The young much resemble C. Ranivorus, but is more distinctly
striped on the breast. Length, 173"; wing, 10’; tail, 93”.
Its food consists of sraall quadrupeds, reptiles, birds, &c.; prefers a
low damp locality, and has a wide range in South Africa. Smith says.
he has seen a few specimens near Cape Town, Natal, the Mouth of the
Orange River, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Mr. Jackson sends it
from Nel’s Poort, and I have shot it near the Observatory, Cape Town,
in company with C. Ranivorus.
50. Circus Cinerascens, Montagu; Falco
Cinerascens, Temm.; Buteo Cinerascens, Jen.; The
Ash-coloured Harrier; Circus Montaguit, Vieill. ;
Gould’s B. of Eur., Pl. 35.
6 Genera colour of upper parts, neck, and breast light
bluish-grey ; the quill-feathers of the wings inclining to
black; belly and thighs white, the latter with the flanks
longitudinally streaked with bright rufous. ‘Tail pearl-grey
above, white beneath, the inner webs obscurely barred. ‘Two
‘outermost feathers on each side barred with rufous, which is
deepest on the basal part of the feathers. Irides, legs, and
feet fine yellow. Length, 17"; wing, 143"; tail, 9".
9 General colour umber-brown above ; below pale rufous-
yellow, faintly streaked along the shaft of each feather with
a darker tint; collar round the neck rufous. Outer tail-
feathers white, the rest barred distinctly white and brown.
A young female shot by myself on the Cape Flats is very
dark-brown ‘above, many of the feathers being edged with
bright rufous; below bright rufous, streaked with black.
The ash-coloured harrier is rare in South Africa. Mr. Atmore
FALCONIDA. 35
procured a fine adult ¢ at Swellendam, and I shot an adult 9 and
the young bird mentioned above near the Observatory at Cape Town,
below which is a marsh much frequented by harriers of several
descriptions. I also killed a fine 6 in the crater of an extinct voleano
at Johanna, one of the Commoro Islands, where I saw many specimens.
It preys upon reptiles, mice, and small birds, remains of which I
found in the stomach of those procured. Mr. Atmore writes: ‘ This
fellow hunts his ground like a pointer, and drops suddenly on its prey,
which, from his minute inspection of fences, I suspect to be mice.”
51. Circus Ranivorous. (Daud) C. Levaillantis ;
Smith (the young bird); Le Grenowillard, Le Vail.,
p. 23.
ALL the upper parts of the body earthy-brown, that is, all
the visible parts of the feathers; the hidden parts are white
on either side of the quill. Throat and cheeks thinly sprinkled -
with whitish feathers, with a brown band; lower parts clear-
brown, slightly mingled with white. On the legs rusty red
feathers, edged and spotted with white; wings brown, with
transverse white bars on the under sides. Tail rufous-brown,
and banded. Length, 19’; wing, 15”; tail, 9”.
Youne Prumacre.—Neck, throat, and auterior part of
breast deep-brown; lower parts reddish-brown; shoulders
in two shades of brown. Fore part of neck and breast white,
or reddish-white; wings deep-brown, with pale tips. Tail
deep-brown, with pale bands and tips. Iris brown-yellow.
Feeds chiefly on frogs and small aquatic birds, and sometimes fish.
Abundant throughout the colony, deeanondide marshy places. The
nest is built amongst rushes, and is made with the stalks and heaped-
up leaves of water-plants. Eggs three or four, of a dull white: axis,
1 10's. diam, 1" 6%;
The marsh below the Observatory is a favourite breeding-place for
these birds, and several nests are annually made among the rushes.
I found it very abundant at Zoetendals Vley, and saw it even in the
dry Karroo country about Beaufort West.
52. Circus Maurus, Temm.,; C. Ater, Gray nec
Vieil. 5
GENERAL colour black, tinged with rufous; rump white ;
tail on the upper side with four broad bars of grey, which
below show white ; inside of wing more or less white, upper
side grey ; a few white spots on the belly and flanks; cere
of bill, legs, and irides bright orange-yellow; claws black.
Length, 20’; wing, 13” 6”; tail, 9’ 9”. . ;
“By some writers, this species is thought to be a black variety of
C. Cinerascens,” G. R. Gray.
36 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
This very handsome harrier is not at all uncommon in the neigh-
bourhood of Cape Town, and is generally seen in pairs, beating the
bushes for prey, and quartering the ground with the regularity of a
pointer dog.
After a few heavy flaps with its wings, it sails along with its pinions
elevated, swaying to and fro like a clock pendulum; suddenly it
checks itself, lets fall a leg, clutches up a cowering lark or unsus-
pecting gerboa, and flies away with it to the nearest termite heap, on
which it perches and commences its repast. If accompanied by its
mate, a shrill stridulous cry soon brings it to its side, and the dainty
morsel is shared between them.
It breeds among reeds, making a thick heavy nest cn any elevated
root that may lift it above the water. I am told that the eggs are
white, but have not seen them. This Mr. Atmore confirms.
53. Circus Melanoleucos, Vieil; Falco Mela-
noleucos, Gmel.; Le Tchoug, Le Vail. Pl. 32.
Tue head, neck, mantle, and interscapulars very deep-brown,
changing to clear-brown on the scapularies and part of wing-
coverts. Rest of wings grey-white, mingled with feathers
of equal white and brown. Larger wing-feathers black, the
lesser pearl-grey. On the back of the head a mixture of
black, white, and brown. The lower parts of the body, the
very long feathers of the legs, and lower tail-feathers pure
white. Rest of tail reddish grey-white, a large brown spot
on the end of each of its central feathers.
Le Vaillant describes from a Bengal specimen, but states that he
plainly saw the bird in the Long Kloof. I believe he has mistaken
Astur Melanoleucos for this species.
54. Circus Acoli. falco Acoli, Shaw; L’ Acoli, Le
Vail, Pl. 31; Witte Valk and Leeuwerkvanger.
Cotour on the head, neck, and mantle pale grey-blue ;
feathers on legs very long, hanging low on the tarsus.
Lower part of wings very much darker ; all the lower parts
of the body are whitish, finely rayed with dark-grey ; body
long aud slight ; tail, legs, and tarsus long.
Generally distributed, according to Vaillant, who says it is most
abundant in the districts of Zwartland, “ Red Sand,” and ‘‘ Twenty-
four Rivers.”
It flies very swiftly, but always low. In the colony it frequents
cultivated places ; in the deserts it prefers sandy ones. Its chief. food
consists of moles, mice, and small birds. They build in thick bushes.
iggs four, oval, and dirty-white.
Professor Sundevall supposes this to be another of Le Vaillant’s
manufactured species. I believe he has seen, at a distance, the rare
STRIGIDA. 37
Polyboroides Typicus, or the West-African Astur Monogrammicus,
Swain., and has confounded its habits with those of Circus Maurus,
as his account of them exactly agrees with what I have observed
of the latter.
The Third Family, STRIGIDA, or Owls,
have the bill short, the sides compressed, the base concealed
by projecting bristles, and the culmen much arched to the
tip, which is hooked; the wings usually moderate and
rounded ; the tail broad and of various lengths; the tarsi
generally short, and feathered to the toes; toes usually short,
aud either clothed with plumes or slightly covered with
hairs; the claws long and acute. The eyes large, and
encompassed with a radiated circle of slender, hairy feathers,
forming a facial disk.
The Sub-Family, SURNINZA, or Hawk Owls,
have the head small, without tufts, and the facia! disk
imperfect above the eyes.
Genus ATHENE, Boie.
Bill short, partly concealed by the projecting plumes, the
sides compressed, the culmen much arched to the tip, which
is hooked and acute; the nostrils basal, lateral, and hidden
by the frontal plumes. Wings rather long and rounded,
with the third and fourth quills the longest. Tail moderate
and nearly even. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, and
covered with plumes. ‘Toes short, and covered with scattered
hairs; the claws long, arched, and acute.
55. Athene Capensis. Sav.) Noctua Capensis,
Smith, Zool. S. Af, p. 33.
Heap and neck red chesnut-brown, with imperfect white
bars; from neck to end of tail umber brown, glossed with
purple; some feathers have large white blotches, others
yallowien bars; wings similarly coloured and variegated.
reast, of all these colours, but each paler. Belly white,
with large brown blotches ; under part of tail pale-coloured ;
legs white, faintly marked in brown. Length, 83”; wing,
5’ 9"; tail, 34”.
The few specimens known to Dr. A. Smith were all killed in forests
in the Cape Colony. I have not met with it; neither does M. Victorin
-appear to have found it at the Knysna.
38 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
56. Athene Licua, Licht. Jard. Cont. to Orn,
1852, p. 142.
Tau greatly exceeding the wings, with six rows of white
spots ; toes slightly hairy.
The above curt description is the only one which I have been able
to obtain of an owl said to exist in South Africa.*
The Sub-Family, BUBONIN/A, or Horned Owls,
have the head large, broad, flat on the top, and furnished
with two prominent tufts; the facial disk imperfect above
the eyes.
Genus BUBO, Sibbald.
Bill moderate, broad, concealed at the base, and compressed
at the sides; the culmen curved to the tip, which is hooked
and acute; the lateral margins slightly sinuated ; the nostrils
placed in the fore part of the cere, hidden by the projecting
plumes, large, oval, and rounded. Wings rather long, with
the second, third, and fourth quills nearly equal and longest.
Tail moderate, rounded. Tarsi short, thick, and densely
plumed. Toes moderate, and thickly plumed; the top of
each toe furnished with two or three transverse scales, which
are more or less concealed by the plumes; the lateral toes
unequal; the hind toe short; the claws long, strong, and
curved.
57. Bubo Verreauxii. Bp. Cons, Av., p. 49;
Bubo Lacteus, Temm., Pl., Col. 4.
GeNERAL colour above and below brownish-grey, minutely
variegated throughout.. A white mark extends from the
shoulder half-way down the back, and several white blotches
appear on the wing-coverts. The facial disk is lightish-grey ;
a semicircle of black extends from each horn, under the
chin, but they do not unite by several inches. The horns are
dark, rusty-brown. The stiif hairs, which project along the
bill, are black along their shafts and at the tips. This species
has been separated from B. Lacteus on account of its larger
size, Iris, according to Mr. Atmore, black and red. Length,
26”; wing, 183”; tail, 63”.
Several specimens of this noble owl have come to me from my cor-
respondents. Mr. Jackson says it is not uncommon in the mountains
near his residence. Mr. Arnot has sent it from Colesberg, and Mr.
* Schlegel in his catalogue of the Museum of Natural History of Holland, which
a but just reached my hands, while these sheets are passing through the press, gives
this as identical with the preceding species. .
STRIGID A. 39
Atmore procured it at Blanco. This latter gentleman’s account I
transcribe :— .
_ Meiring’s Poort, June 19th, 1863.—I have at last obtained the
large owl described to be as ‘ big as a vulture” I send him herewith.
Eyes black, with a narrow brick-red ring round the iris. He is very
destructive to poultry, and judging from the capacity of its swallow,
could take down a chicken at ata. The throat is of a peculiar con-
struction, and I now regret I did not send it to you in spirits. The
fat all round it was half an inch thick. His call-note is often mistaken
for that of a leopard. One killed a dikkop (Adicnemus Capensis),
and left his skeleton close to the house, so it appears he victimises
them as well as poultry. He throws up no quids.”
Mr. Jackson corroborates Mr. Atmore’s statement of its being
destructive to poultry. He had many hens sitting in boxes in a build-
ing with high walls, and closed doors, secure from every prowler but
a winged one, for the window in the roof being left open, each night a
hen disappeared. Mr. Jackson set a wire snare over each box, and
soon had the satisfaction of noosing the robber, who, even with the
we rayne his leg, would not let go his prey, and was killed “ red«
handed.’
58. Bubo Capensis, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 70;
Le Moyen-duc, Le Vail. The large Eared Owl.
GENERAL colour untber-brown, the under side being the
lightest, variegated. with irregular spots of dark-rufous on
the head and shoulders, and with bars and spots of deep
orange on the rest of the body. Wings umber-brown, much
varied by pale buff bars of irregular width; each bar is
spotted, or speckled brown. Feathers of tail vellowish-
white, with narrow dark bars. Legs and toes ochreous-
yellow ; collar brown; spot on the breast white. Facial disk
yellow-brown, with white wiry feathers near the beak.
Length, 23”; wing, 16”; tail, 9”.
__ Its food consists of moles, rats, and small birds. Le Vaillant says
it makes a nest in a rocky locality, of branches, dried leaves, and moss.
Eggs three.
I shot a specimen on the Cape Flats in the day-time on the 25th
May, 1855; it appeared to see perfectly well. Since I made this old
note in 1855, I have only obtained one other specimen; the species
must, therefore, be rare. The example alluded to above was shot in
broad daylight in the bright sun, and gave me a long chase, after being
wounded at the first shot. He rose out of some rushes in the first
instance, and then perched in several different places, but always keep-
ing me well in view, and flying off on my approach. Two eggs were
lately given me as the “eggs of the large owl,” which probably belong
to this bird: they were taken from a nest in the rocky sides of the
Winterhoek Pass, by Mr. Short, the Superintendent of Convicts, to
whom I am indebted for “many good specimens. Eggs pure white,
ena but not shining: axis, 2"; diam., 1"9’”; ends both alike
rounded.
4Q BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
59. Bubo Maculosus, Vieil. Gal, Pl. 23; Stria .
Africana, Temm.; S. Nisuella, Lath.; Le Chou-
couhou, Le Vail., Pl. 39.
ABOVE grey-brown, more or less variegated with light
ochreous (or white) spots and blotches; below, the ground
colour is more ochreous, and the markings, chiefly fine
wavy bars, with a few large blotches, are of the same brown
as the back. A dark circle surrounds the facial disk, broken
under the chin with rufous and white, immediately under
which is a broad white collar; facial disk grey. Feet
feathered to the toes, lightish-yellow or dirty-white, speckled
with brown. Tail broadly barred with ochreous brown.
Length, 19”; wing, 13”; tail, 73”.
The commonest owl in South Africa. It is found throughout the
colony, and extends to Natal, and as far as the Zambes’. Mr. Blyth
writes me word that it was brought from the Somalie country by Capt.
Burton. Frequents forests, open lands, bush—covered or cultivated
places indiscriminately. I think it is subject to partial migrations, as
on several occasions I have, while hunting for game, come upon little
parties of eight or ten individuals, which kept together in their flight.
Pointer-dogs will stand to them as staunghly as to game. My late
lamented friend, the Rev. John Fry, of Rondebosch, a zealous observer
of birds, informed me that they regularly frequented a grove of
fir-trees in his garden at one season-of the year. I have noted them
in these trees in October. About twilight they begin to move, ascend-
ing to the highest branch, and uttering their loud “ héo, hoo” for a
“quarter of an hour together, and then sailing off to the Cape Flats in
search of their prey, which consists of mice, rats, moles, and some-
times frogs. They lay two purely white eggs: axis, 2"; diam., 1" 9”,
in holes of rocks, and sometimes in an old termite’s heap, or even
on the bare ground.
I sink Le Vaillant’s Chou-couhow (S. Nisuella, Lath.) into a synonym
of this species on the authority of Sundevall, who states that he has
seen Le Vaillant’s original specimen, which is nothing more than BP.
Maculosus. I should think this correct. And as regards habits, those
described by Le Vaillant are precisely those of B. Maculosus, parti-
cularly the cracking noise made by the bill, which this bird con-
stantly makes.
Genus EPHIALTES, Keyserling and Blasius.
Bill moderate, the base concealed and broad, the sides
compressed, with the culmen flattened at the base and curved
to the tip, which is hooked ; the lateral margins curved; the
nostrils rounded, placed in the fore part of the cere, and
covered by the basal plumes. Wings long, with the second,
third, and fourth quills nearly equal and longest. Tail
short, and more or less even. ‘Tarsi rather long, and covered
with short plumes to the base of the toes. Toes long,
STRIGIDZ. 41
covered with small scales at the base, and with three or four
transverse scales at the tip; the claws moderate, strong,
and curved.
60. Ephialtes Senegalensis. (av.) Scops
Senegalensis, Swain. B. of W. Af, Vol. 1, p. 127;
Le petit Duc, Le Vail., Vol. 1.
“VARIEGATED with grey, ferruginous, and black; ears grey,
without any marginal] band; marginal base of shoulders
whitish ; second quill shorter than the fifth.’ (Swain.
loc. cit.)
This bird was mistaken by Le Vaillant for ‘‘Le petit Duc”’ of
Europe (Scops EHuropeus). Mr. Swainson seems to have been the
first to discriminate between them, and to point out the specific differ-
ences ; his type specimen is in the Cambridge Museum. Le Vaillant
states he saw it in the Camdeboo. I saw a bird in the possession:
of the Count de Castelnau, said to have been procured at the Knysna,
which was either this species or the common Damaraland Scotophilus
Perlatus. I could not, however, obtain a description of it at the time,
and quote from memory.
61. Ephialtes Leucotis. Siriz Leucotis, Tem.
Pi, Cel, (Pe 16: 3 Swain bids ol, ‘We Af? Vol, .1;
p. 124
Gxyerat colour brownish grey, longitudinally striped with
black. Face white; margined with a black band. Egrets
very long, more or less tipt with black. Under plumage
with a deep black line down the centre of each feather.
Legs white, faintly mottled. Length, 11"; wing, 8';
tail, 4’.
This pretty little owl is apparently common in Damaraland, and I
have received specimens from Mr. David Arnot, procured in Mahura’s
country. Mr. Ayres also obtained it at Natal. It does not come into
the colony; I therefore know nothing of its habits, except that it
roosts in trees and feeds on coleoptera.
The Sub-Family, SYRNINA, or Owlets,
have the head large, smooth, and furnished with two small
tufts ; the facial disk moderate and complete, or nearly so.
Genus SYRNIUM, Savigny.
Bill moderate, strong, with the base broad, and concealed
by the frontal plumes; the sides compressed, and the culmen
arched to the tip, which is hooked; the nostrils basal, lateral,
and medial, with the opening large and oval. Wings long
E
492 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
and rounded, with the fourth and fifth quills equal and
longest. Tail long, broad, and more or less rounded. Tarsi
short, strong, thick, and densely clothed with plumes. Toes
moderate, densely plumed to the end; claws long, acute, and
slightly curved.
62. Syrnium Woodfordii, Smith, Zool. S. Af,
Bay L.
3 Aut the upper parts very dark reddish umber, variegated
with white spots, and sienna-coloured, and white bars.
Wings generally yellowish brown, marked with dark bars,
and yellowish, white blotches. Collar white, with brown bars.
When lying smooth, the breast and belly appear alternately
in bars of white and reddish pale-brown. Tail reddish-
brown, barred with pale-brown. 9 Everywhere of a much
lighter colour. Length, 133”; wing, 9”; tail, 6”. {
Not common, but has a wide range in the colony. Food small
quadrupeds, birds, insects, &c.
I have received two specimens from the Knysna, procured by the
late Mr, Villet in that neighbourhood ; but know nothing of its habits.
63. Syrnium Choucou, Lath.; Strix Africana,
Shaw ; Le Choucou, Le Vail. Pl. 38.
‘Turoat, front of neck, breast, the whole body, lower part of
wings, legs, tarsi to the toes, covered with white, thick, silky
feathers; those on the leg are long enough to cover the toes ;
the back is almost hidden by the same profusion of fine slender
feathers. Top of head, back of neck, and mantle grey, russet-
brown. The wing-coverts, of this last colour, are varied with
white spots, and each feather is tipped with white. The tail
has twelve feathers, two in the centre brown only ; the others
are brown, barred white; under part of tail wholly white.
Le Vaillant never found the nest or eggs; but states that his Hotten-
tots told him they nested in broken trees. Eggs white. In flight, it
constantly utters a short sharp cry.
Inhabits Outeniqualand, according to Le Vaillant ; but according to
Professor Sundevall, a fabulous species.
Genus OTUS, Cuvier.
Bill moderate, mostly concealed by the frontal plumes,
‘broad at the base, and compressed at the sides; the culmen
curved towards the tip, which is acute; the nostrils lateral,
medial, and hidden by the plumes. Wings very long, with the
STRIGID. 43
second and third quills the longest. Tail moderate, even.
Tarsi long, and covered with plumes. ‘Toes moderate, more
or Jess plumed, the lateral ones unequal, the outer one
shortest ; the claws long, curved, and acute.
64. Otus Capensis. Phasmoptynx Capensis, Smith,
Ill. Zool. S. Af, Pl. 67, and S. A. Q. J., 1855, p. 306.
Uprer parts of head, neck, back, upper tail-coverts, breast,
and lesser wing-coverts reddish-brown, varied with a more
yellow shade. Body and legs pale yellow-ochre, barred with
brown. Wings chiefly brown, barred with yellow ; most of
the feathers with a much paler margin. Tail barred brown
and yellowish-white. Facial disk pale, dull-yellow, marked
with brown ; deep-brown round the eyes. Collar deep-brown.
Rare in South Africa, and only found in marshy places. Usually
gregarious. It conceals itself during the day amongst long grass, or
reeds, &c. They prey upon water-insects, mice, and lizards. Dr.
Smith gives no locality for this bird, which must be very scarce, as no
specimen has ever fallen under my observation from any part of the
colony. Mr. Gurney includes it in his list of birds procured at Natal
by Mr. Ayres, Ibis Vol., 1862, p..26.
The Sub-Family, STRIGINA, or Owls.
have the head smooth, with the facial disk very large, sub-
triangular, and complete. 3
Genus STRIX, Linn.
Bill long, mostly concealed at the base by the projecting
plumes; the sides much compressed, and the culmen arched
to the tip, which is acute and hooked; the nostrils large,
partly covered by a membrane, with the opening oval and
slightly hidden by the hairs. Wings very long, with the
second quill the longest. Tail short and generally even.
Tarsi much longer than the middle toe, slender, and covered
with short soft plumes. Toes long, and covered with scat-
tered hairs ; the lateral ones unequal, the outer much shorter
than the inner; the hind toe short and thick; the claws
long, curved, and acute.
65. Strix Affinis. (Blyth. Striz Flammea, Linn.
var. ; the common White Owl of S. Africa.
Upper parts rather deep reddish-orange, profusely mottled
with dark grey, and spotted with white. Tail with four bars
of deep-brown, variegated with grey. Under parts ochreous-
A 4, BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
yellow, spotted with small arrow-head-shaped marks of a
dark-brown ; on the feet, and half-way up the legs, short, stiff,
yellowish hairs. Facial disk white, tinted with vinaceous,
darkest at the inner angle of the eye, and surrounded with a
circle of dark-brown, approaching to black, on the lower half.
Length, 16”: wing, 12”; tail, 5” 6”.
I cannot bring myself to consider this bird as a mere variety of the
European 8. Flammea. have shot reputed flammea in Ceylon, in
Egypt, Greece, England, and here, and have seen specimens—indeed,
have them before me while I write—from Europe, England, India,
two species from the Cape, S. Flammea and J. Capensis, and the
Australian S. Personata. Ilook upon them all as distinct, though
as closely related to each other as the black crows. There is as much
difference between them, and I therefore adopt Mr Blyth’s name
A ffnis for our Cape bird. Strix Affnis is common all over the colony,
breeding in the roof of nearly every farm-house that I have entered.
In Mr. Fry’s fir-trees, a pair or two may be found at any time. They
occupy the same perch for days together, the ground below being
covered with their pellets. On examining these, they will be found to
consist almost entirely of the bones of mice—once only have I found
the skull of a bird.
Eggs, two to four in number, pure white, not shining: axis, 1’ 7”;
diam:, 1” 4X7.
66. Strix Capensis, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 45.
Urrer parts dark-brown ; on each feather a white spear-
shaped spot, larger and more distinctly marked as they near
the tail. Shoulders and inside of wings orange, spotted
with brown. Sides of neck and under parts pale, reddish-
orange, each feather with a light-brown, arrow-headed spot
on its tip. Facial disk vinaceous near the eye, brownish-
black, surrounded by a ring of white feathers, tipped with
brown. Tail paler above; here and there barred with brown
below, nearly white. Length, 17”; wing, 133”; tail, 5”.
Found about Table Mountain (Smith), from which locality I have
also obtained one pair; but the species must be very rare, as but few
other examples have occurred to me.
Mr. Atmore writes: “Blanco, May 25th, 1864. A boy reports an
owi’s nest in a vley near this. It was the Q of this nest probably that
Tom saw in the clutches of the crested eagle. 26th: Have visited the
owl’s nest and shot the d (Strix Capensis), found three large young
ones in the nest just getting quill-feathers ; so they breed early. It is
not a rare bird here, but difficult to raise. It inhabits the wide palmiet
vleys.”” Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal.—Ibis 1859, p. 28.
Order I]. PASSERES.
Tus Order consists of a numefous series of Birds, whose feet
are more or less constructed for perching. The toes are
generally placed three before and one behind, though some-
times the posterior one is capable of being brought forwards,
and sometimes the outer toe is carried backwards, which
occasions the toes to be placed two before and two behind.
The First Tribe, FISSIROSTRES, or
Fissirostral Birds,
have the bill very wide, and the gape extended beneath the
eyes; with the culmen short, and curved to the tip. The
feet of these birds are weak, and of various conformations.
The First Sub-Tribe, FISSIROSTRES NOCTUR-
NA, or Nocturnal Fissirostral Birds,
are remarkable for the size of their eyes, which are very
large, and easily dazzled by the light of day. Their plumage
is generally soft, which enables them to fly without noise.
The First Family, CAPRIMULGIDA,
| or Goatsuckers,
have the bill short, more or less depressed, very broad, and
the gape extending beneath each eye; the tarsi very short,
and more or less exposed; the toes long, and rather strong;
the hind toe closely united to the base of the inner toe.
The Sub-Family, CAPRIMULGINZ, or Goat-
suckers,
have the bill short and weak, with the gape, extending under
each eye, extremely broad, and furnished with more or less
lengthened bristles ; the wings long and usually pointed ; the
tail more or less lengthened and round, or graduated and
sometimes forked ; the tarsi more or less short, and almost
clothed throughout with short plumes, or entirely denuded
and scaled ; the toes moderate, with the lateral ones shorter
46 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
than the middle toe, and of equal length; the claws of the
middle toe large, and pectinated on the sides, those of the
other toes small.
Genus CAPRIMULGUS, Linn.
Bill very short, with the gape, extending under the eyes,
very wide, and furnished with long strong bristles; the
culmen curved, and. the sides much compressed to the tip,
which is hooked and emarginated ; the nostrils lateral, tubular,
with the opening large, and partly exposed. Wings very
long and pointed, with the second quill the longest. Tail
rather long, broad, and more or less rounded, or very long
and strongly forked. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe,
strong, and more or less clothed with plumes. Toes strong;
with the lateral toes short and equal; the bind toe very
short, the middle toe long, and armed with a broad serrated
claw.
67. Caprimulgus Natalensis, Sm, Zool. S. A,
Pl. 99.
GENERAL colour variegated rufous-white, yellowish, and
reddish-brown ; scapularies marked with oblong blackish-
brown spots ; on the throat in front a triangular white mark ;
the four external wing-feathers browntsh-red, each with a
white patch. Tail banded with brownish-black. Length,
9" 3; wing, 6" 3"; tail, 4" 6”.
Mr. Swainson, in alluding to the difficulty of describing the singu-
larly variegated, dull-coloured plumage of this family of birds, makes
the following remarks :—‘‘ We might almost say, that in regard to
colour, if a person has seen one species of Caprimulgus, he has seen
all. There are, it is true, trifling variations, but these are sometimes
so slight that none but an acute ornithologist would detect them ;
while, from their very nature, they are so diflicult to describe, that the
most laborious descriptions fail to convey their differences to the mind
of the reader ; the different shapes of the marks, bands, and spots, the
manner in which they are blended, and the diversity of tints under
which the different colours of brown, grey, rufous, and whitish appear,
often upon a single feather, in these parti-coloured birds, defy all clear
description, and render it impossible by these indications only, to
discriminate the species.”
Fully coinciding in these views, which apply equally to most of the
partridges, I purpose simply to indicate our species of goatsuckers by
some particular point in their appearance, referring the student to
those works in which more elaborate descriptions have been given.
Dr. Smith says that this species may be readily distinguished by a
number of strongly-marked and well-defined oblong, liver-brown
spots, each moré’.or less distinctly edged with white, or light buff,
CAPRIMULGID. 47
which are arranged in somewhat longitudinal rows, on or about the
middle of each scapular feather, contrasting with the other colours.
Dr. Smith only procured two specimens, both near Port Natal.
68. Caprimulgus Rufigena, Sm. Zool. S. A,
Eit00 3
Tuts goatsucker has the usual colours and markings of its
tribe, but may be distinguished from all those inhabiting the
colony by its rusty, buff-orange collar. It has a broad white
bar across the inner vanes of the first and second wing-
feathers, which in the third and fourth feathers extends
across both vanes. Two outer tail-feathers of each side
broadly tipped with white. Length, 9" 4”; wing, 6’ 2”;
tail, 5”. 5
Dr. Smith procured this species from the Eastern districts of the
colony. The specimens we have seen came from Damaraland, where it
seems common.
69. Caprimulgus Smithii. (Bp) C. Europeus
of Smith.
May be recognised from all the other species by its lighter
grey appearance, and from the absence of any white patches
on the wing and tail feathers. The spot on the throat is also
very indistinct. Length, 9"; wing, 7" 3’; tail, 4’ 6”.
I believe this to be the bird figured by Dr. A. Smith as C. Euro-
peus (Zool. 8. Af., Pl. 102). It is smaller than thas species, and, as
far as I know, the d equally with the 9 wants the white markings
on the tail.
I have received specimens from Colesberg, Swellendam, &c., and
shot it myself in the neighbourhood of Cape Town.
I observe that goatsuckers aro more abundant here about March
than at any other time, though stray specimens may be found all the
year round.
70. Caprimulgus Lentiginosus, Smith, Zool.
SA. Pl. 101.
Tus species may be distinguished by its greater size; by the
head being generally. speckled; and the ruddy colour of the
wings; the tail also has no white about it. Length, 10” 6”;
‘wing, 7" 6; tail, 5” 4".
Dr. Smith procured two specimens in Great Namaqualand. Its
habits appear to resemble those of the common species.
48 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
71. Caprimulgus Infuscatus, Riipp, Atlas,
16; C. Nubicus, Licht.; Ibis, Vol. 1859, p. 242.
GENERAL colour reddish-grey, finely mottled with black;
chin, throat, patch on wing, and two external tail-feathers
white. Length, 8”; wing, 5’ 3”; tail, 33’.
Natal: Ayres “ Ibis ”—loc.cit. non vidi.
72. Caprimulgus Atrovarius. (Sundevall.) Le
Vaillant, Pl. 49; C. Pectoralis, Vieil; C. Africanus,
Steph.
May be distinguished by its much darker and distinct
colouring, and broad rufous collar ; four outer wing and two
outer tail feathers marked with white. Length, 10"; wing,
fe 5 tail." 9".
This is the bird that I identify with Le Vaillant’s “ Engoulevent 4
Collier.” It is found about Cape Town, frequenting gardens and
orchards. It is common at Rondebosch, and along the forest-clad
Eastern face of Table Mountain.
Like all its congeners, it flies abroad as soon as the twilight begins
to darken, and often perches on the rails of garden-fences, sitting
lengthways along them. It has the churring note of the other goat-
suckers, and lays two greyish, cream-coloured eggs, shaped much the
same at each end, freckled and blotched with brown spots and patches :
axis, 14’”; diam., 10’”.
The nest is a mere depression in the soil, under the shelter of a large
stone or bush. At Mr. Vigne’s farm, on the River Zonder End, a bird
of this species has hatched her eggs, for several successive years, in @
flower-bed close to a well-used path. I saw her sitting in the beginning
of November: she allowed me to approach within two or three feet of
her, and never once moved from her nest, though I visited her daily.
Her eyes were always closed to withir a mere thread-like crack, out of
which she watched every movement, and she generally rested her head
on a small dead branch that lay beside the nest.
73. Caprimulgus Forficatus, Vieil; C. Fur-
catus, Cuv., Vol. 2., p. 78; D’Engoulevent & queue
fourchue, Le Vail. Pl. 47 et 48.
GeNERAL colour brown, variegated with black, red, and
white, the latter chiefly on the belly, tail, greater wing-
covers, scapularies, and under tail-covers. The black mark-
ings of the chest are larger than on other parts; the wing
and tail feathers are marbled brown; the throat is reddish,
transversely barred with black lines; tail deeply forked.
Length, 26’.
This species may, according to Le Vaillant, be distinguished from
HIRUNDINID&A. 49
all our South African goatsuckers by its large size and deeply
forked tail.
Le Vaillant states he found two specimens in a hollow tree, on the
banks of the Lion’s River, Namaqualand ; but Sundevall declares that
the bird is nothing more than Wyctibius Grandis of Guiana, with a
false tail put into it, and that Le Vaillant’s account of its capture
is also false.
The Second Sub-Tribe, FISSIROSTRES DIUR-
NA, or Diurnal Fissirostral Birds,
are distinguished from the nocturnal species by the closeness
of their plumage.
The Second Family, HIRUNDINIDA,
or Swallows,
have the bill short and weak, very broad at the base, and
suddenly compressed to the tip; the wings lengthened,
narrow, and acute; the tail more or less forked, the tarsi
very short and weak.
The Sub-Family, CYPSELINA,, or Swifts,
have the bill short, depressed, broad at the base, the sides
suddenly compressed to the tip, and the margius inflected ;
the nostrils large and longitudinal on each side of the
culmen ; the wings extremely long and curved; the tarsi
short and weak; the toes short, thick, and armed with short,
strong, and much curved claws, the hind toe usually directed
forward.
Genus CYPSELUS, Illiger.
Bill short and depressed, with the gape very wide, and the
sides gradually compressed to the tip, which is curved; the
nostrils basal, lateral, and large, with the opening longi-
tudinal on each side of the culmen, and the margins beset
with small feathers ; wings lengthened, with the second quill
longest ; tail moderate, forked, or uneven; tarsi very short,
and feathered to the base of the toes; toes all directed for-
wards, short, thick, and armed with short, curved, and com-
pressed claws.
74. Cypselus Melba. (Linn) C. Alpinus, Temm. ;
Le Martinet & gorge blanche, Le Vail. Pl. 243; C.
Gutturalis, Vieil., Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 60.
GENERAL colour above light hair-brown; below the same,
but with the throat, chin, and belly white; the sides of the
G
50 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
body mottled strongly with the same. The breast is also
slightly mottled. The wings project considerably beyond the
tail. Length, 8’; wing, 8’ 3”; tail, 3".
The great Alpine Swift is very abundant about Cape Town. I have
seen it at the Knysna, and have received it from a valued corres-
pondent at Swellendam, Wm. Cairncross, Esq., who has sent it with
several other swifts and swallows killed in that neighbourhood.
C. Melba appears to reside principally in the mountains, only
occasionally descending into the plains when some particular food is
to be fara On the top of Table Mountain I have seen it in great
abundance. Once, after lighting a fire there, I found myself sur-
rounded by hundreds of them, hawking after the flies which the fire
drove up. They dashed through the dense smoke and skimmed along
the burning ground at the risk of singing their wings.
I never heard this species utter any note, even when in company.
with C. Caffer, screaming and chasing each other in a thousand airy
evolutions. ;
Le Vaillant says that it breeds in rocks. I have never heard of
their nests being found, though I have seen them flying into crevices
of the rocky sides of Table Mountain. I also watched several pairs
flying in and out of the rocky face of the “ Ravine” at Simon’s Town, -
but I had no means of ascertaining if the birds were in a breeding
state, and the crevices were perfectly inaccessible.
75. Cypselus Apus, Linn, Pl, Enl. 242, £1;
C. Murarius, Temm.
ENTIRELY of a shot greenish-brown, with a whitish chin and
throat. Length, 7’; wing, 7”; tail, 2" 9’.
The common European swift is extremely abundant about Cape
Town during our summer; disappearing about the middle of April.
I have remarked that here they are not in the habit, as in Europe,
of chasing each other round lofty buildings, uttering piercing cries and
throwing up their wings. This evolution is performed by C. Caffer,
and I am inclined to attribute it to some love-gambol, as Cuffer breeds
here, and Apus does not. Apws, however, constantly utters shrill
screams when at a great altitude in the air; and my attention has thus
often been called to flocks that would otherwise have escaped my
notice.
I have this year (1861) kept a strict watch over their time of
departure. The result has been as follows :—
April 9th. Cyp, Apus and C. Caffer about in abundance. Hirundo
Capensis come into town ; the other swallows having left us.
April 27th. Large flocks of C. Apus flying at a great altitude, and
screaming; these were observed at night-fall—in fact just at dark.
May 38rd., morning. C. Apus and C. Melba in the upper regions,
trending to the northward. 2
May 20th. Several specimens of C. Apus flying about the top of the
« Lion’s Rump,” in company with a flock of Cotyle fuligula—three shot.
After this they disappeared, with the exception of Cotyle fuligula,
which remains with us all the year.
HIRUNDINID*. 51
76. Cypselus Caffer, Licht; Cyp. Pygargus,
Temm., Pl. Col. 460, 461; Cypselus Leucothea; C.
Leucorrhous, Steph.; Hirundo Nigra, Vieil.; Le
Martinet & crowpion blanc, Le Vail., Pl. 244.
Back bluish-black; wings and tail shining brown; head
same colour as wings, lighter on the forehead. Throat and
rump white; under side of body colour of the back. Length,
@ 9”; wing, 5’ 9”; tail, 2’ 6".
This species can be easily distinguished from C. Apus, even on the
wing, by its smaller size and conspicuous white rump. It is con-
stantly in company with it and C. Melba; and indeed the former
is rarely seenin any number without being mixed with it.
It is more domestic than the other swifts, breeding freely under the
verandahs of houses in the city, and occupying almost every porch in
the isolated farm-houses scattered over the country. It usually takes
possession of the nests of Hirwndo Capensis, driving out the rightful
owners. Its eggs, generally four or five in number, are pure white,
- and singularly shaped, the small end rounding off very suddenly, as if
truncated : axis, 1"; diam., 7’”.
I am convinced from the account given by Le Vaillant of the
habits of his Martinet a@ croupion blane (No. 244, Ois. d’ Aff.), that
this is the bird alluded to by him, though he only describes it as
having the sides of the rump white. Probably he put off, like many
others have done, obtaining a specimen of this common bird, thinking
to do so at any time, came away without one, and subsequently
described from memory.
77. Cypselus Velox, Cuv. Vol. 2, p. 59; Le
Martinet Velocifér, Le Vail, 244, f 2; Hirundo
Velox, Vieil.
EntirELY of a blue black; the tail very forked, and the
wings long, projecting nearly two inches beyond the tail
‘when at rest.
This small swift, according to Le Vaillant, is found on the eastern
side of the colony during the winter. He did not find its nest, and
believes that it is only a migratory visitant. It frequents forests, and
retires for the night into hollow trees. It never, however, perches
on me branches, although he so figures it, and its flight is extremely
rapid.
No collector has ever seen this little swift, and it is very doubtful
if it ever existed, except in Le Vaillant’s fervid imagination. He pro-
bably saw the forest-loving Hirundo holomelas, and failing to obtain
it, manufactured from it “ Le martinet velocifere.’” Mr. Atmore writes:
‘*T have looked in vain for C. Velox, and believe it to be a myth.
Nothing like it is to be seen in the country traversed by Le Vaillant,
but the common black swallow (H. Holomelas), which I found breed-
ing in holes in banks. Had @. Velox been there I think I must have
seen it.” ue
52 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus MACROPTERYX, Swainson.
Bill short, small, and depressed, with the culmen curved
at the tip; the nostrils basal, lateral, with the openings
peal on the sides of the culmen, longitudinal, and large.
ings lengthened, with the first and second quills nearly
equal, and longest. Tail very long, and much forked. Tarsi
shorter than the middle toe, thick, and naked. Toes long,
slender, and compressed ; armed with moderate, compressed,
and curved claws.
78. Macropteryx Cristata. (Vieil) Cuv., Vol. 2,
p. 64; L’Hirondelle Huppée, Le Vail. Pl. 247.
GENERAL colour grey ; darker on the wings and tail ; lighter
on the under sides. Wings and tail very long, the latter
deeply forked ; the two outermost feathers being very much
elongated. Head crested.
Le Vaillant says he only met with a few of these birds in Namaqua-
land, and considers they were on their passage to some other part of
the country. He gives no account of their habits; but from my re-
membrance of an allied species in Ceylon (Macropteryx Coronata), I
judge that they were strictly arboreal, alighting habitually on
should 4
trees, flying thence in search of food, and returning to their perch
when tired. The introduction of this bird into the South African
Fauna is supposed to be another of Le Vaillant’s errors, Though a
good species, it is not a native of South Africa, but of India.
The Sub-Family, HIRUNDININ~, or Swallows,
have the bill short, more or less depressed, with the gape
wide, and the sides gradually compressed towards the tip ;
the nostrils basal, lateral, and rounded; the wings length-
ened, with the first quill the longest; the tail more or less
forked; the tarsi short, generally naked and scutellated ;
the toes usualiy long and slender, and the claws moderate
and slightly curved.
Genus HIRUNDO, Linn.
Bill short, much depressed, with the gape very wide, and
the sides gradually compressed to the tip; the nostrils basal,
small, oblong, and partly covered by a membrane. Wings
Jengthened, with the first quill longest. Tail more or less
forked, the outer feather of each side sometimes lengthened
much beyond the others. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe,
and scutellated. Toes long and slender, with the lateral.
ones unequal ; the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
=
3
Or
HIRUNDINID&,
79. Hirundo Rustica, Linn, Pl. Enl. 453, £1;
European Chimney-Swallow ; H. Domestica, Pall.
Gould, B. of Euro. Pl. 54.
Upper side steel-blue, with greenish reflections; quill-fea-
thers of wing and tail rusty; throat and forehead deep
rufous ; under parts dull flesh-colour, with a broad collar
of the same colour as the back, joining the red throat; tail
deeply forked; the two outer feathers much prolonged ; all
the inner vanes with a patch of white, which together form
a distinct white bar, most visible on the under side. Length, ©
x5 wing, 5’; tail, 4”.
The European swallow is a constant and common visitant to this
colony, but, as faras I have ascertained, does not appear to breed
with us, though I constantly see birdsin young plumage. At the
time I am writing (April 2nd) a few stragglers are still here; the main
body is, I think, gone. They do not appear to congregate, as in
Europe, previous to their departure; nor have I ever seen them toge-
ther for any other purpose than hawking after flies, each on his own
business. It is scattered throughout the country.
80. Hirundo Rufifrons. (Vieil.) Ency. Meth,
LP’ Hirondelle a front roux, Le Vail, Pl. 245, f 2;
Cuv., Vol. 2 p. 64.
Upper parts brilliant metallic blue ; tail slightly inclining to
green ; forehead deep rufous; tail broadly barred with white,
and forked ; underparts white, with a very pale rufous tinge
on the body; breast with a steel blue collar, more or less
broken in the centre. Length, 6” 9"; wing, 5” 6”;
tail, 3” 6".
If any of our Cape swallows could be mistaken for the European
species, this would in al] probability be the deceiver. In fact, for a
long time I was deceived by it, until one bright sunny morning,
while watching the flight of sume of these lovely aerial creatures, it
struck me that the blue of the back and white of the breast looked
brighter than in the old country bird. For some time they confined
their course to the narrow river, on the bridge over which I stood,
but at last one strayed for an instant over the bank, a well-directed
shot laid him on the green sward, and I instantly recognised the true
H. Rufifrons of Le Vaillant. They were breeding beneath the bridge,
but I was unable at the time to get at the nests, which I have since
visited, and found to resemble those of the European bird,in shape and
structure. Le Vaillant says he only found this species in the rainy
season (our winter). In this he is most undoubtedly mistaken, so far
as the Cape peninsula is concerned. No other swallow than C.
Fuligula remains with us during this time, whatever they may do in
the more inland districts; but, from all I can gather from my corres-
pondents, I have no reason to think that even there they are to be
tound in the winter.
54 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
81. Hirundo Capensis, Gmel, Pl. En, 728 ; Cuv.,
2, p. 63; H. Cucullata, Bodd.; L’Hirondelle Rou-
selline, Le Vail., Pl. 245, f 1.
Heap deep rufous; back, wings, and tail black; the former
with a bluish tinge, the rest greenish; the rump, nuchal
collar, and all the under parts reddish-brown; the shafts of
the feathers being dark-brown, almost approaching to black.
Tail deeply forked, and broadly barred with white; throat
pale; eye dark-brown. Length to end of elongated tail-
feathers, 8"; wing, 5”; tail, 4” 6”.
This is the household swallow of the colony, breeding freely about
the houses, and in the country, often ‘selecting the usual living-room
of the family. In the city this familiarity is not permitted, on account
of the dirt made by the birds ; but the Boer fixes up a board under
the nest, to prevent the worst fouling, and considers that the rest is
atoned for by the destruction of the myriads of flies, of which his
little favourites rid him during the ‘season of ‘their stay. And only
those who have sojourned in a Boer’s house can estimate the plague of
flies that infest it: they swarm on “bed and board;’’ they pollute the
food and drink; chairs, tables, walls, everything is blackened by
them. No wonder, then, that the swallow is a welcome guest, and that
to rob his nest is to get into the bad books of every member of the
family.
As you sit at meals, the graceful bird hawks over the table, and
snatches the flies from the walls and ceiling ; nor is this the only service
he renders, for, sitting on the top of the window or door (always left
open for his accommodation), he pours out a short but lively song,
which enlivens the dreary solitude and silence of the lone homestead.
The nest of this species is always attached to the under side of the
place chosen, and is composed of little pellets of mud, like that of the
English swallow. In shape it resembles a gourd with a long neck,
cut through longitudinally and glued up by the edges to the ceiling.
It lays four or five pure white eggs : axis, 10’”; diam., 6”. :
I cannot see how Le Vaillant could have overlooked our European’
swallow, imagining that this bird had by some travellers been proba-
bly taken for it. Any one mistaking the two, except at a very great
distance, could have had but small practice in discriminating between
birds in their native wilds. But, singularly enough, Le Vaillant
ea the two European species, H. Rustica and C. Apus, from
is list.
The Rev. John Fry, of Rondebosch, lately related to me a singular
instance of the reasoning powers of this swallow. The tube of a nest
in his bath-room fell down, and was not replaced by the old birds,
who brought up their young, till within a few days of their flight,
when one more venturesome than his brothers and sisters crept to the
edge of the nest and fell over. After vainly trying to replace their dead
offspring, the disconsolate parents, although their nesting was nearly
over, repaired the broken tube to prevent a recurrence of the
catastrophe. ‘
HIRUNDINID&A, 55
82. Hirundo Griseopyga. (Sunde.) Ofvers, Kong].
Vet. Ak. Forhandl., p. 107.
Buus-black, with white belly; rump grey; head fuscous ;
ear-covers black.
Tnhabits Natal (Wahlberg)—non vidi.
83. Hirundo Gordoni, Jard.; Hirundo Semi-
yufa, Sundevall, Ofvers. Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhand\.,
p. 107.
ABovE steel-blue black ; rump and all the under parts light
rufous ; tail deeply forked; all the feathers, with the excep-
tion of the four middle ones, marked with white on the minor
webs. The outermost much elongated and attenuated.
Inhabits Kaffraria. (Whalb. teste Hartlaub, Orn., W. Af.) I
fancy it hardly comes within my range ; Whalberg having invented
his own limits for ‘‘ Kaffraria.”’
84. Hirundo Atroccerulea, Sundv.; Ofvers.
Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhandl., p. 107.
TuroveuHovt blue-black, occasionally an indistinct spot on
the top of the external tail-feather.
Natal: Frequenting” the open country, and said (teste Ayres) to be
the most common of all their swallows—sed non vidi.
85. Hirundo Albigula, Bps.; Hirwndo Albigu-
laris, Strickland, 1848; H. Rufifrons, Less, nec.
Vieil,, Cont. Orn, 1849, t. 17.
Foreuead chesnut brown; back blue; beneath white; pec-
toral band black; wings " scarcely exceeding the tail; inner
webs of tail-feathers marked with quadrangular white spots.
Length, 63".
Natal: Ayres—non vidi.
86. Hirundo Lunifrons, (Sav.) Pr. Bonap, 128 ;
Amer. Ornith. Pl. 7, f1.; and B. of Amer. Pl. 68.
Urrer parts deep brown, pide with steel-blue ; rump
brick-red ; under parts white, dashed with rufous; vent-
feathers deep rufous ; a rufous line extends from the base of
the bill over the eye; wings and tail deep-brown, with a
greenish lustre inside; the shoulder light maton, Length,
5" 9"; wing, 4' 6”; tail, 2 B03
Procured in the neighbourhood of Middelburg a Mr. A. -V. Jack-
son, Builds in companies under rocks. I was first led to a knowledge of
56 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
this species by observing an unusual appearance on an overhanging
rock photographed during the journey of H.R.H. Prince Alfred
through South Africa in 1860. On applying a strong magnifying
power to the picture, I distinctly made out that the appearance con-
sisted of a cluster of birds’ nests. I at once concluded that they were
constructed by some species of swallow unknown to me, and requestéd
my zealous contributor, Mr. Jackson, to look well after them, if ever
he found himself in the neighbourhood. This he has done, and tells
me he counted about 20 nests, under a rock, clustered together ; he
also obtained the only example which I have seen. Dr. Hartlaub, to
whom this specimen was submitted, states that it is a young bird, of
the American H. Lunifrons ; a species which has of late years been
extending its migrations from its real habitation in a most remarkable
manner.
87. Hirundo Dimidiata.
AxovE entirely steel-blue; the quill-feathers of the wing and
tail dark brownish-black. This colour extends slightly, in
the form of shoulder-knots, on to the collar. Under parts
pearly-grey. Tail deeply ‘forked. Total length, 6’; wing,
41"; tail, 3”.
This swallow is very rare in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, but
becomes more common on the mainland. It will be as well to treat
the peninsula bounded by False and Table Bays as apart from the
continent. The vast tract of land called the “ Cape Flats,” together
with Table Bay on the one hand, and False Bay on the other, quite
shut it off from the mainland, so to speak ; and to aid in this isolation,
the mainland ends in an abrupt precipitous wall of mountains, which
are only to be passed in one or two places. Doubtless the peninsula
of Table Mountain was once an island, entirely cut off from the main-
land, and “ Table” and “‘ False Bays” part of a strait between. As
soon as the hills are reached on the opposite side of Table Bay, this
swallow commences; and at Swellendam, Mr. Cairncross writes: “‘ It is
very common, and builds its nest generally under the thatch of an old
mill or stable, where it is quieter than in a dwelling-house ; lays a small
white egg, and tradition says it drives the sparrow and house-swallow
(H. Capensis ?) from their nests, occupies them, and breeds therein.
For this reason it receives no mercy from the farmer, but its eggs and
young are destroyed whenever met with.” ;
I found it abundant all along the route as far as Nel’s Poort; there it
was breeding among the rocks, and under the eaves of Mr. Jackson’s
barn. They construct a nest of mud very similar to that of H. Capen-
sis, but without the elongated neck. The eggs, three or four in num-
ber, are pure white: axis, 7’”; diam., 5”.
Genus ATTICORA, Boie.
Bill short, weak, with the gape very wide, the sides
gradually compressed, and the culmen curved to the tip; the
nostrils basal, lateral, and rounded. Wings lengthened, with
the first quill the longest. Tail very long and much forked.
Tarsi shorter than the middle toe and scutellated. Toes long
and very slender, and the lateral toes unequal.
HIRUNDINID&. 57
88. Atticora Holomelas, Sund.; Hartl W. Af;
A. Hamigera, Cass.; Psalidoprocne Cypselina, Cab.
Or a uniform black, with slight green tinge throughout.
The inner vanes of the quill-feathers rusty towards their
edges. Tail deeply forked. Total length, 53’, wing, barely
4" ;..tail,.2" 9".
This little swallow first fell under my notice on the “ Keurboom’s
River,” Knysna district, where I saw it apparently breeding in holes
in the banks, but was unable to investigate its doings more closely. I
found it abundantly in the forest, hawking after flies over pools,
frequently dipping into the water, and perching on the overhanging
boughs in clusters of six or eight, to dry themselves.
Their habit of perching is noted by Mr. Cairncross, who writes:
“This bird flies about very much like a bat (this resemblance also
occurred to me when I saw it), amongst thick forests, and is generally
more visible in rainy, heavy weather; but I have never seen or heard
of their breeding here (Swellendam). They remain here after the
winter has set in. Sometimes I have seen them roost on trees at the
bottom of my garden, where I shot the specimen sent.”
Genus COTYLE, Boie.
Bill moderate, very flat, extremely broad at the base, and
gradually narrowed towards the tip; the nostrils very promi-
nent and rounded. Wings very long, with the first quill the
longest. Tail moderate, and emarginated, or nearly straight
at the end. Tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe, slender
and scutellated. Toes rather short, very slender, the lateral
ones unequal; the claws moderate and slightly curved.
89. Cotyle Fuligula, Hartlaub; H. Puligula,
Licht. ; H. Hyemalis, Forst; L’Hirondelle Fauve, Le
Vaik) PL-246> fl -Cuv. Vol,-2; p. 6)
Upper parts uniform hair-brown; throat and chest dull sal-
mon-colour ; belly and vent as on upper parts, but tmged with
rufous; tail very slightly forked, and with a row of white
spots, one on each feather: these are sometimes obsolete.
Kye reddish-brown. Length, 6"; wing, 5’ 6”’; tail, 2" 4’”.
This swallow remains with us all the year round, merely shifting its
quarters from a town toa country residence. As soon as our sum-
mer visitants are gone, these crowd into the villages and take their
places. I have counted upwards of one hundred sitting together on
the cornices of the Dutch Church in Cape Town on a cold day, bask-
ing in the sun. They breed in the mountains, and seem generally
distributed, as I have received specimens from Damaraland, Swellen-
dam, Beaufort, and Colesberg ; I have also found them nesting under:
the eaves of houses in November. They lay 3 or 4 eggs, of a creamy
white, much spotted with brown, with here and there a grey patch ;
H
58 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
in some these spots seem to form a circle at the obtuse end: axis,
10’; diameter, 6”. The flight of this species is very slow and sailing,
and they seek their prey usually near rocks, and are more crepuscular
in their habits than any of our other species, often flying so far into
the darkening twilight, that they can scarcely be distinguished from the
bats with which they mingle.
90. Cotyle Cincta, Bodd.; Hirwndo Torquata,
Gul. Pl. Eul. 723 ; Brown-collared Swallow, Griffith,
Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 67.
GeneERAL colour above, brown ; beneath white; pectoral band
and thighs brown; spot in front of eye black; a white line
extends from the nostrils over the centre of theeye; eye very
dark-brown. Length, 5” 9’”; wing, 5”; tail, 2” 6’.
The first specimens of this bank swallow reached me from Capt.
Bulger, of H.M. 10th Regiment (2nd Batt.), who procured it at
Windvagelberg, on the frontier. I subsequently, in October, 1865,
discovered it about 14 miles from Cape Town, hawking about a small
stream ; it was there in some abundance. I again recognised a pair
sitting on the telegraph wires near Somerset West; and on arriving
at Mr. Vigne’s farm found a pair breeding in the bank of the River
Zonder End. The-nest was about three yards deep, in a low bank.
I did not obtain the eggs. The parent birds never seemed to fly far
from the spot, but skimmed up and down the river. On my pointing
them out, the Messrs. Vigne, who. have paid some attention to the
birds found in their neighbourhood, pronounced them strangers to
them; and I do not think they have been in the vicinity of Cape
Town till this year. My son tells me they have been abundant about
Cape Town during the whole of this year. Several fine species added
to the Museum shelves, the produce of his gun, attest the correctness
of his eye in more senses than one.—Dec. 1866.
91. Cotyle Palustris, Steph, Bp. Consp, p. 342 ;
C. Paludicola, Vieill. ; C. Paludibula, Riippell. ; L’Hi-
rondelle de Marais, Le Vail., Pl. 246, f. 2; C. Palu-
dicola, Riip. ; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 61, var.
GENERAL colour hair-brown ; the edges of the feathers light
rufous; belly and vent white; tail very slightly forked.
Some specimens are throughout of a dull dark-brown.
Length, 5’; wing, 4’ 4”; tail, 2” 5".
The Cape bank swallow is the earliest comer of all our migratory
swallows and swifts. Itis rarely seen far from water, and breeds in
the banks of rivers or artificial dams, over which it continually hawks
for flies. It lays three or four white eggs, of the same size and shape
as those of our European H. Riparia, and the nest is often run to the
depth of two or three feet into the soil, when it is loose and friable.
Mr. Cairncross, of Swellendam, informs us that, if the winter is
CORACIAD. 59
mild, it remains about that part of the county during the whole year.
Mr. Jackson has sent it from Nel’s Poort. e alse states that it stays
with him all the year round.
92. Cotyle Ambrosiacus. (L.) Cypselus Am-
brosiacus, Gmel.; Hirundo Riparia Senegalensis,
Briss ; Hirundo Ambrosiaca, L., Pl. Col. 460, f. 2 ;
C. Parvus, Licht., Hart., Orn, W. Af
Generat colour grey-brown ; head and wings darker ; throat
whitish ; under part lightish; tail furcated, outer feathers
elongated. Length, 6”; wing, 4’ 10”.
This little swallow may_be at once distinguished from all our other
species by its very lengthened tail. It is said by Temminck to be
found at the Cape of Good Hope; but it has not yet fallen under my
notice.
The Third Family, CORACIADA, or
Rollers,
have the bill more or less lengthened, and broad at the base,
with the sides compressed towards the tip, which is hooked ;
the nostrils basal, lateral, with the opening linear or oval ;
the wings long and pointed ; the tail generally short and even ;
the tarsi short; the toes moderate, sometimes free, or the
outer toe united at the base with the middle one.
The Sub-Family, CORACIANZA, or Rollers,
have the bill moderate, higher than broad at the base, the
sides much compressed towards the tip, which overhangs the
lower mandible ; the nostrils basal, lateral, linear, and oblique ;
the wings moderate; tail moderate, and the side-feathers
sometimes lengthened ; the tarsi short; the toes moderate,
and free at the base.
- Genus CORACIAS, Linn.
Bill long, straight, more elevated at the base than broad,
the sides much compressed, and the tip bent over that of the
lower mandible; the nostrils basal, linear, oblique, and
partly covered by a feathered membrane; wings moderate
and pointed, with the second and third quills the longest;
tail long and rounded, with the lateral feathers sometimes
lengthened ; tarsi. much shorter than the middle toe; toes
moderate, free at the base, with the outer toe nearly as long
as the middle one; the hind toe long, the claws moderate,
curved, and acute. .
60 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
93. Coracias Nuchalis,* Sw. B. of W. Af, p.
110; @. Crinita, Shaw ; C. Levaillantii, Rupp. var. ;
Shaw, Vol. 7, p. 391.
GeneraL colour rufous, tinged with green on the back,
inclined to red on the under side, with the shaft of the
feathers white; wings dull rufous green, with purple reflec-
tions ; quill-feathers dark blue. Tail blue, with the two
centre feathers dull-green, even at the end, but rather long.
Head more rufous than the body; forehead and chin buff-
coloured ; checks rusty red, with white shafts to many of the
feathers. Total length, 14’; wing, 83’; tail, 63’.
Le Vaillant procured this bird in Kaffraria. I have received it from
the neighbourhood of Otjimbinque, in Damaraland ; and one specimen
was shot near Middelburg, on the Eastern side of the colony, and sent
to me by the late Mr. J. O'Reilly, magistrate of that place.
94. Coracias Garrula, Linn, PI. Enl., p. 486.
Heap, neck, breast, and belly are of a light pea-green ;
back and scapulars reddish-brown ; the ridge of the wings
and upper coverts rich deep blue; the greater coverts pale
green ; the quills dusky, inclining to black, and mixed with
deep blue; the rump blue; tail somewhat forked ; the lower
parts of the feathers are dusky green; middle parts pale
blue ; tips black. Length, about 12". —
Said by Hartlaub, B. W. Af, p. 29, toinhabit Natal. I have not
a specimen to refer to, and the foregoing description is taken from
Bewick’s British Birds.
95. Coracias Abyssinica. (Lath.) Shaw, Vol.
7, p. 393; Albifrons, Shaw ; C. Senegalensis, Gmel.,
Edw. B., Pl. 327, var.; Cuvier, Vol. 2, p. 186.
Heap, neck, wing-coverts, and under-parts, light bluish
green; forehead and chin, light buff; back, dark-brown
buff; shoulders, azure-blue ; quill-feathers of wings and two
middle tail-feathers black, the former reflecting blue, the
latter green ; base of all tail-feathers, except the outermost,
dark blue-black. The outermost feather on each side very
much prolonged, that part which exceeds the-others being
very narrow and black. Rump blue. Length, 18"; wing,
63"; tail, centre feathers, 63’; exterior pair, 11’.
I have received this species from one or two places along the nor-
thern border of the colony ; also from the neighbourhood of Springbok
Fontein, in Namaqualand, and from Damaraland. In the colony it is
looked upon as a great rarity.
* Swainson’s type specimen is in the Cambridge Museum.
TROGONID Ai. 61
96. C. Caudata, Linn. ; Coracias dA ngolensis, Bris. ;
C’. Natalensis, Licht.; Sh. Vol. 7, Pl. 1, p. 394.
Upper part of head, neck, shoulders, back, and wing-coverts
ferruginous-green, the rusty colour appearing strongly on
the back ; rump bright-blue ; forehead and chin buff-coloured ;
under side of neck and breast ferruginous, glossed with
purple, the feathers of the throat having white shafts;
cheeks deep ferruginous; belly and vent pale blue-green,
which is the colour of the tail-feathers, with the exception of
the two centre, and the prolonged tips of the two outer-
feathers, which are green, more or less inclining to black.
Total length, 15"; wing, 7”; tail, to centre feather tip, 52’;
to tip of exterior pair, 83”.
This species is found in the same localities as C. Abyssinica ; neither
of them have fallen under my own observation in their natural haunts.
Mr. R Moffat jr., forwarded several specimens from Kuruman, and it
has been procured in Natal.
The Fourth Family, TROGONIDA, ‘or
Trogons,
have the bill short, strong, sub-triangular, broader at the
base than elevated, with the top margins generally toothed ;
the gape furnished with bristles; the nostrils basal, lateral,
more or less cohcealed by projecting feathers; the wings
moderate and rounded, with the fourth and fifth quills usually
the longest ; tail long and even, with the lateral feathers
graduated; the tarsi short, and more or less covered with
feathers ; the toes placed two anteriorly and two postericrly,
each pair unequal.
Genus APALODERMA, Swainson.
Known from the others of this family by the lateral
margins of the upper mandible: being nearly smooth, those
of the lower strongly sinuated ; tarsi moderate, naked, and
scutellated ; toes long, slender, and the two anterior ones
free at the base. :
But one species of this family is found within the limits
assigned to this list, namely—
97. Apaloderma Narina. Trogon Narina, Vieil,
N. Dict. Hist. Nat. 8, p. 318; Le Couroucow Narina,
Le Vail, No. 228--9 ; Bushloorie of Colonists. Cuv.,
Vol. 2, p. 476; Gould, Monog. Trogons, Pl. 26.
GENERAL colour above, brilliant, shining green; tail dull
green; the three outer feathers on each side more or less
62 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
white; wings grey, very delicately pencilled with white ;
under side, from vent to breast, brilliant carmine; from
thence to chin green, as on the back; bill yellow. Length,
11’ 6"; tail, 7° 3. wing, 5" 3".
Found throughout forests and wooded kloofs in all the eastern por-
tions of the colony. About the Knysna it is scarce; but wherever
found it exhibits the same shy, creeping habits. When apprehensive
of discovery, it sits motionless on its branch until alarmed at some
act of the fowler, when it precipitates itself headlong into the bush,
and is instantly lost to view. It feeds on fruits and insects, and utters
aloud moaning note, or, perhaps, more correctly speaking, a hoot.
Le Vaillant states that they nest in holes of trees, and lay four, nearly
round, white eggs; but this requires confirmation. I have never met
with any one who had seen their nests, though I made particular
enquiries for them when at the Knysna.
The Fifth Family, ALCEDINIDA, or
Kingfishers, .
have the bill more or less lengthened, generally straight, and
broad at the base, with the tips of both mandibles usually
acute. The nostrils lateral; the wings:mere or less long and
rounded ; the tail mostly short and rounded on the sides ;
the tarsi short and strong; the toes long, sometimes three
before and one behind, and sometimes two and two, and of
various lengths.
The Sub-Family, HALCYONINA, or Crab-
hunters.
have the bill broad at the base, and gradually compressed
towards the tip; the lateral margins straight, or turned
upwards towards the end of the upper mandible; the gonys
lengthened and gradually ascending, or curved upwards to
the tip of the lower mandible.
Genus HALCYON, Swainson.
Bill long, straight, broad, nearly quadrangular, culmen
slightly inclining towards the tip, near which the margin
is slightly sinuated; gape smooth; wings broad, short,
rounded ; tail very short; feet syndactyle; scales of tarsus
obsolete.
98. Halcyon Senégalensis. (Linn) Alcedo
Senegalensis, Auct. Pl. Elum. t. 594; Swain. Illus.
of Zool. t. 27.
GenErRAL colour of back, tail, and wings blue, with a black
stripe extending from the shoulder down the wing; some of
ALCEDINID. 63
the outer quill-feathers also black. Head, neck, breast, and
under parts cinereous, palest on the centre of the breast and
belly ; a black patch between the eye and the bill, the upper
mandible of which is red, the lower black. Length, about
oe wing (apud Schlegel), 3” 9'” to 4”; tail, 2” 6”; bill, 15”
to ° a
This bird appears to me to be identical with my Cinereifrons. My
description is taken from the figure in the Planches Enluminée. Schle-
gel also says it resembles Cinereifrons and Dryas, but is much smaller.
I am inclined to think it may be a small race.
Specimens have been procured at the Mouth of the Monocusi River,
north-east of Natal, by Mr. Ayres. Ibis Vol., 1856, p. 265.
99. Halcyon Senegaloides, Smith S. “A. Z,
Vol. 2, p. 144, Zool. S. A., Pl. 63.
Upper and lateral parts of head and of neck grey-green ;
interscapulays and scapulars green ; back a clear, dark blue-
green; shoulders and extremities of wing-feathers black,
middle of wings deep blue-green, inner vanes towards quills
white ; tail blue-green; throat, centre of belly, and vent
white ; breast and sides.of belly greyish; bill and legs deep
red ; space between eye and base of bill black. - Length,
9° 4"; wing, 4’ 3”; tail, 2" 10".
Inhabits the country about Port Natal. “ Resorts to thickets, and
feeds upon insects, especially crustacea and grylle.” Smith—loc. cit.
100. Halcyon Swainsonii, Smith, 8. A. Z, Vol.
‘ 2, p. 143; Haleyon Semicerulea, Gmel.; Alcedo
Cancrophaga, Forst.; Riipp. Wirbeth. Ab. t. 24, f 1.
Heap, back, and sides of neck and interscapulars dull white,
the first more or less tinted with grey-brown, the last mar-
gined behind with a broad transverse black band; back,
middle of wings, and tail blue, with a green gloss, parti-
cularly the two centre feathers of the latter; shoulders,
scapulars, and points of quills black, inner vanes of several
of the outermost wing-feathers white towards quills; throat
and centre of breast pure white; sides of breast, belly, and
vent ferruginous ; bill, legs, and toes light red; claws dark
horn-coloured. Length, 7” 6"; wing, 3” 4”; tail, 2”.
Inhabits the interior of South Africa. Smith—loc. cit. Hartlaub
Orn. W. Af., p. 33—sed non vidi.
101. Halcyon Fuscicapilla, Lafr, Mag. Zool,
1863., Ois. t, 18 ; Dacelo Vaillantii, Temm. —
Hrap, dark ashy-grey ; back and rump azure-blue; wing-
coverts black ; wings and tail blue; nuchal collar ferruginous-
64 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
grey; under parts the same, but clearer, and some of the
breast-feathers have dark shafts; throat albescent ; bill and
feet red. Length, 9"; wing, 4”; tail, 3"
Extends from Kaffraria to Natal, and inland as far as Kuruman.
Mr. Atmore assures me that it is plentiful at Swellendam, and that
when he is digging in his garden specimens may always be seen
perched on the trees near him, from which they dart down on the
worms, slugs, &c., which he turns up with his spade.
It is not found in the neighbourhood of Cape Town; but I received
apair from a Mr. Dixon, said to have been killed on the Eastern
frontier.
102. Halcyon Striolata. (Licht.) Alcedo Varie-
gata, Vieil. Encycl, p. 397; Chelicutia Striolata,
Reich, Ale, p. 39, fig. 3155; Jard. Contrib. V., p.
57; H. Pygmea, Rupp. Atlas, t. 28, b. ,
GENERAL colour brown; head striped with black, and slightly
crested; wing and tail feathers blue; rump bright-blue,
beneath white; the breast striped with brown; bill red.
Length, 5”; wing, 3”; tail, 1” 5”.
Said by Mr. J. Verreaux to inhabit Natal—sed non vidi.
103. Haleyon Cyanotis, Swainson, B. of West. Af,
Vol. 2, p. 103; TYodus Ceruleus, Auct.; Aleyone
Coronata, Smith; 7. Pictus, Bodd.; Alcedo Nutans,
Vieil, Encycl., p. 396; Ispidina Picta, Kaup. Eisv.,
p. 12.
Sipes of head, ears, and neck, rufous, glossed with purple-
violet ; crown of head and nape black, with transverse blue
spots; chin and throat white; breast and body beneath,
orange-rufous; bill and feet red. Total length, 43”; wing,
Geeta 1 ‘
Inhabits South Africa, Hartlaub., Orn., W. Af.—Natal: Ayres, Ibis
Vol. 1859, Pl. 246—sed non vidi.
104. Halcyon Cinereifrons. (Vieill.) Hartlaub-
Orn., W. Af. p. 32; Alcedo Malimbica, Shaw ; H-
Torquatus, Sw. B. of West. Afr; Vol. 2, p. 99; H-
Malimbica, Cass.
Heap above, brown; ears blue, margined by a black line ;
back wings and tail blue; shoulders and wing-coverts black ;
under plumage white; breast with a blue band; upper
ALCIDININ&, 65
mandible and feet red ; lower mandible black. Total length,
10”; wing, 4” 6”; tail, 3” 6”.
Natal. Hartlaub, loc. cit. non vidi.
The Sub-Family, ALCIDININA, or Kingfishers,
have the bill more or less long, straight, and slender, with
the culmen sloping to the tip, which is acute; the sides much
compressed ; and the gonys long and ascending.
Genus ALCEDO, Linn.
Bill more or less long, slender, and straight, with the
culmen sloping to the tip, which is acute; the sides com-
pressed ; the lateral margins straight; the gonys lengthened,
and slightly sloping upwards; the nostrils basal, with the
‘opening oblique, and covered by a membraneous plumed
scale ; wings short, with the first quill nearly as long as the
second and third, which are equal and longest; tail short,
broad, and rounded; tarsi very short and robust; toes
unequal ; the outer toe nearly as long as the middle one, and
united nearly to the tip; the inner toe short, and united at
the base; the hind toe rather short and broad; the claws
short, compressed, and curved.
105. Alcedo, Semitorquata, Swainson, Zool.
TY, P1515 Cuv., Vol.:2) p. 410; Hartlaub, ‘Orn,
We AL p: 3.5:
GENERAL colour above, blue ; brightest on the rump, neck,
and head ; in the last this colour assumes the shape of nar-
row bars; throat whitish, inclining to buff, which is the
colour of the rest of the under parts; bill black; legs
light-red. Total length, 73"; wing, 32”; tail, 1” 6”.
This species does not extend into the Table Mountain peninsula.
I have never received it from any place nearer than Swellendam, and
know nothing of its habits.*
106. Alcedo Cristata. (Linn) Pl. Enl, 755;
Corythornis Cristata.
Avutt.—Head with large blue and black crest ; upper part
mazarine blue; under parts rufous ; chin and ear- tufts white ;
bill and feet coral red. Length, 53”; wing, 21”; tail, 13”.
Youna.—Crested as in adult ; upper parts much variegated
* 1865. One specimen since received from the ‘‘ Salt River,’ near Cape Town, shot
by Mr. John Reid, jun,
I
66 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with black; under parts rufous, mingled with black; ear-
tufts and chin white; spot near nostril rufous; bill and legs
black.
This beautiful little kingfisher is abundant throughout the colony,
wherever a stream or marsh exists which can supply it with its
necessary food. It breeds in banks, and lays four or five glistening
white eggs—so transparent that the yellow yolk shines plainly through
the shell. I have not myself seen the nest; but have been assured: by
many who have, that it consists of nothing but the bones of the
delicate little fish upon which the bird habitually feeds.
107. Alcedo Quadribrachys. (Temm) Bp.
Consp. L, p. 158. Strick. and Jard, Contri, 185],
p. 134, Pl. 79.
Bopy above, cheeks, neck, and breast, blue-black; top of
head barred with black; ears and throat fulvus; below
reddish. Length, 6’ 5’; wings, 2” 10"; tail, 1” 5’.
Natal: Mr. Ayres, Ibis Vol., 1859, p. 245—sed non vidi.
108. Alcedo Natalensis, Smith, Contributions
to Nat. His. of S. Africa.
Front, top of head, and nape, deep indigo-blue, variegated
by pale blue, or violet transverse bands; sides of head and
neck light reddish-brown, with tints of purple; back fine
bright-blue ; shoulders blackish, with a shade of blue, in
addition to numerous spots of clear light-blue; chin and
throat white; breast, belly, and vent, pale chesnut; tail
dusky-blue. Length, 4’.
Inhabits the banks of rivers, &c., to the eastward of Kafirland. Dr.
Smith, loc. cit., non vidi. I cannot trace this species in any author,
and fancy it must be identical with Haleyon Cyanotis.
; Genus CERYLE, Boie.
Bill long, straight, and strong, with the culmen slightly
advancing on the forehead, and sloping to the tip, which is
acute; the sides much compressed ; the lateral margins rather
dilated at the base, and straight to the tip; the gonys long
and ascending. Tail long, broad, and rounded. Tarsi re-
markably short and stout. The remaining characters very
similar to those given with Alcedo.
109. Ceryle Maxima, Pallas; Ispida Gigantea,
Swain., B. of W. Af, Pl.11, p.93; Alcedo Afra, Shaw.
Heap crested; the whole of the upper plumage and breast.
bluish-grey, spotted with white; belly and vent deep
oe ee
ALCIDININ&. 67
rufous; chin white, with a few black spots; bill and legs
black. In some specimens the under parts differ in the
distribution of the colours. Length, 18’; wing, 8"; tail,
4" 9"; pill, 4’.
This, the largest of our kingfishers, is not at all uncommon, and
is very widely distributed. Itis migratory, and I know nothing of its
nidification. It frequents the “Salt River” and other small streams
‘in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, perches on trees, and is wary
and difficult of approach. Its flight resembles that of the American
“Belted Kingfisher,’ and like it, whilst on the wing, it utters a
loud chattering cry. Indeed, it so closely resembles Al. Alcyon,
that when I first heard and saw it, I thought an old friend was
before me, in a new country; a near approach, however, soon dis-
pelled the illusion.
Habitat: Cape Colony. and Natal, extending into Damaraland.
Feeds on crabs, fish, frogs, and reptiles; very common at Zoetendals
Viley and along the River Zonder End.
110. Ceryle Rudis. (Linn) Pl. Enl. 716; Isipida
Bicincta, Swain., B. of West Af, p. 95.
CresteD; body above variegated with black and white; be-
low white, with two black collars on the breast; nuchal collar
white; head and crest not entirely black, but variegated
with narrow white lines. A white coronet extends from the
base of the bill over the eye and round the head. Length,
112”; wing, 53”; tail, 2”.
This species is not uncommon, and is widely distributed. I have
seen it about “ Salt River,” near Cape Town, but in greater numbers °
about the rivers, lakes, and estuaries of the Knysna, and have received
it from Kuruman, Colesberg, and Kaffraria. Mr. Chapman found it
all the way to Lake N’Gami. It hovers over the water while fishing,
and plunges under the surface in pursuit of its prey. It breeds in
holes hollowed by itself in sandy banks. I took a nest (Nov. 10th,
1865,) in a bank of Zoetendals Vley, which was placed at the extremity
of a small hole, more than two yards deep. It was composed entirely
of fish-bones and scales; and the eggs, six in number, were of a lovely
shining white, almost similar in shape at each end : axis, 14’”; diam.,
11”. At the time I took them, the young were nearly ready for
exclusion.
If I. Bicineta is distinct from J. Rudis, Auct., we certainly possess
both species. I have carefully compared specimens with Swainson’s
description, and they accord entirely, with the exception of the nuchal
collar being “ white and immaculate.” I find, however, that it is
more broken by the black line of the ears in some specimens than in
others. I havea specimen from Singapore which exactly resembles
I. Bicincta | *
“ Since the above was written, I have examined Swainson’s type specimen in the
Cambridge Museum,-and am satisfied that the species is not separable,
68 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sixth Family, MEROPIDA,
have the bill longer than the head, with both mandibles
curved and acutely pointed ; the sides compressed and sloping
from the culmen; the nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, and
partly hidden by short bristles ; the wings more or less long
and pointed ; the last long, broad, and the middle feathers
sometimes prolonged beyond the lateral ones; the tarsi very
short; the toes long, with the lateral ones more or less
united to the middle toe; the hind toe long, and broadly
padded beneath.
The only Sub-Family, MEROPINA, or Bee- —
Eaters.
have the same characters as previously given for the Family.
Genus MEROPS, Linn.,
Bill long, curved, and pointed, with the culmen curved,
keeled, and the sides much compressed to the tip, which is
very acute; the sides sloping from the culmen to the lateral
margins for its entire length; the gonys very long and
arched; the nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, and covered with
a few short hairs. Wings reaching two-thirds the length of
the tail, and pointed, with the first quill spurious, and the
second the longest. Tail long, broad, more or less even,
with the ends of the two middle feathers more or less pro-
longed beyond the others. Tarsi very short, robust, and
covered in front with narrow transverse scales. Toes long,
the lateral ones unequal, the outer the longest, united as far
as the second joint, and the inner as far as the first joint
of the middle toe; the hind toe long, strong, and broadly
padded beneath ; the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
111. Merops Apiaster. (Linn) Tem. Manuel, Vol.
1, p. 420; Swain, B. of W. Af, p. 76 ; M. Chrysoce-
phalus, Gmel.; Berg Schawler (mountain-swallow) of
Colonists. :
ForeEueap light-buff, fading into green ; top of head, neck,
and shoulders rufous; back orange ; wings and tail green;
under parts bluish-green; chin and upper part of throat
golden-orange, followed by a narrow black line ;. ear-tufts
black; middle tail-feathers pointed, and slightly elongated
beyond the others. Length, 10"; wings, 52”; tail, 5”.
The European bee-eater, during its period of visitation, extends
all over the colony. I have generally found it come in with the quail
MEROPIDA. 69
about August; but from constantly living in the town, I am unable to
state anything with certainty of the migration of our periodical
visitants.
It hawks after flies, uttering its cheerful, chirruping cry, and alight-
ing on the summit of the highest bush inits neighbourhood. It breeds
in the neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort; Mr. Henry Jackson having
found several nests in holes in banks. The eggs are pure white :
axis, 12%" 5 diam. 10”,
112. Merops Savignii. (Swains) Le Vaillant,
Guép., p. 6, 6.; M. Superciliosus, Auctorum; M.
Ruficollis, Vieil, Le Vail. Guép., t. 16. Swain., B.
OL Wilt. Ek 7; Zook Tio Pl, 76,
GREEN ; front whitish; ears black ; stripe above and beneath
the eye, sky-blue ; chin yellow, passing into chesnut; crown
green ; wings and tail glossed with fulvous. . Length (ex-
cluding two long tail-feathers), 103”; wings, 53”; tail, 32”.
Found in Natal by Mr. Ayres. <A single specimen was also for-
warded to the Museum by T. B. Bayley, Esq., of Wynberg, having
been shot by that gentleman on the Cape Flats. Mr. Dumble-
ton, of Wynberg, assures me that these birds periodically visit a cir-
cumscribed portion of the. Cape Flats in considerable numbers.
February 15th, 1866, a specimen was this day sent to the Museum
by Mr. Bishop, shot near Kuils River.
113. Merops Atgyptius, Forsk; M. Persica,
Pall; Viridis, var. y, et MSuperciliosus, var. B,
Gmel ; M. Savignyi, Cuv. nec Sw.; M. Superciliosus,
Licht., Le Vail, Guép. t.10; M. Lamarkii, Vieil. ;
M. Viridissimus, Swain.
GeneraL colour dark-green; front yellowish-white; fore-
head and eyebrows light-green; eyeband black ; anterior
part of throat yellow, under part maroon ; tail olive-green ;
centre-feathers prolonged, and green-black. Length, 103”.
*‘Inhabits S. Africa.”—Dr. A. Smith, non vidi.
There seems to me great confusion between the names of this and
the preceding species. They are probably identical ; but as Mr. Gray
divides them, I follow his example, not having any means of forming
an opinion on the question.
114. Merops Nubicus, Gmel, Pl Enl. 649; M.
Ceruleocephalus, Shaw, Nat. Miscel., Pl. 78 ; Swain.,
B. of W. Af, Vol. 2, Pl. 9; M. Superbus, Penn.
Heap and throat sea-green, the latter margined below with
black ; eye-band black ; neck, back, breast, and belly, bright
red ; wings and tail a dull-red; quill-feathers black at the
tips, clouded with green ; tail-feathers pointed with obscure
70 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
green, the two centre ones much longer than the others,
narrow towards the points, and of a blue-black colour ; ramp
and vent light-blue. length, 113”.
‘“‘ Inhabits Africa; rare in South Africa.”” Dr. A. Smith—non vidi.
115. Merops Erythropterus, Gmel.; M. Minu-
tus, Vieil, Encl. p. 392; Swain, B. of West Af,
Vol. 2, p. 88.
Urrer parts, excepting the primary and secondary quills,
and lateral tail-feathers glossy, changeable green ; ear-tufts
black ; chin and half the throat, clear, full yellow, with a
narrow edging in the middle of the throat of a delicate
greenish-blue, followed by a transverse spot of the deepest
black, placed in the middle of a patch of rich chesnut
extending across the breast. Total length, 9"; wing, 3”;
tail, 2’ 7".
Dr. Hartlaub includes this among the birds common to Western,
North-Eastern, and Southern Africa.—Orn. W. Af., p. 40.
Mr. Ayres also procured it at Natal, where he says it is resident all
the year round in certain localities. As far as I can ascertain, it does
not extend its range into this colony.
116. Merops Bullockoides, Smith, Zool. 8. A,
-Pl. 9; Melittophagus Bullockoides, Boie.
Front, chin, and moustache white, with a greenish lustre ;
hind-head rather rufous; rest of the upper parts, with the
exception of the rump, green; rump blue. On opening the
wings, the tips of some of the feathers will be found to be
black; ear-tufts black; under parts rufous, tinged with
green; throat brilliant scarlet; vent blue. Length, 9”;
wing, 54”; tail, 4”. :
Dr. Smith first obtained this species in 25° south latitude. I have
received several specimens through the kind exertions of Mr. David
Arnot, of Colesberg, who, mindful of the interests of the South
African Museum, never loses an opportunity of contributing to it.
His specimens were procured in the Orange Free State.
117. Merops Hirundinaceus. (Lath) B. of W.
Af, Vol. 2, p. 91; M. Taiva, Griff, Cuv. Vol. 2, p.
404; M. Chrysolaimus, Jard. and Selby Illus, p. 99;
M. Azuror, Less. Tr. p. 239; M. Furcatus, Stanl.
GENERAL colour green; chin orange; collar, belly, and tail-
coverts bright-blue; tail much forked, the feathers with
whitish tips. Length, 84”; wing, 33”; tail, 42”.
Found by Le Vaillant.‘‘ in abundance on the banks of the Orange
-
UPUPID. 71
River, in South Africa” (Swainson loc. cit.) ; by Mr. Andersson at
Otjimbinque ; and Mr. Chapman as far as the Zambesi.
The Second Tribe, TENUIROSTRES,
have the bill of various lengths and forms, and always
slender, and with the tip of the upper mandible entire, and
usually acute; the tarsi short; the toes generally long, espe-
cially the hind toe, which is strong, and armed with a more
prominent claw.
The First Famiiy, UPUPIDA, or
Hoopoes.
have the bill lengthened, slender, curved, or straight for its
entire length ; the sides compressed to the tip, which is entire
and acute; the nostrils basal, and rather small; the wings
long and rounded ; the tail more or less long and rounded, or
even; the tarsi strong, and usually short; the toes long and
strong; the outer toe more or less united at its base; the
hind toe long; the claws strong, long, and curved.
The Sub-Family, UPUPINA, or Hoopoes,
have the bill long, curved, or straight from the base; the
culmen keeled, and the sides generally compressed suddenly
at the base towards the tip, which is entire and acute; the
nostrils basal, small, and mostly covered by a membraneous
scale; the wings long and rounded; the tail more or less
long, graduated, or even; the tarsi generally short and
strong ; the toes long; the outer toe united at its base; the
hind toe long and strong; claws long, strong, curved, and
acute.
Genus UPUPA, Linn.
Bill very long, slender, slightly curved from the base to
the tip, which is entire and acute; the culmen keeled; the
sides compressed from the base, and the gonys lengthened
and curved; the nostrils basal, small, with the opening
covered by a membraneous scale. ings long and rounded,
with the fourth and fifth quills equal and longest. Tail long,
broad, and even. ‘Tarsi shorter than the middle toe, strong,
and covered with broad scales. Toes moderate; the outer
toe longer than the inner, and united at the base to the first
joint; the hind toe long; the claws moderate, compressed,
curved, and that of the hind toe long, and nearly straight.
a2 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
118. Upupa Minor, Gmel., Vieil, Ois dOr, t. 2;
U. Cristatella, Vieil., Gal. Des. Ois., t. 184; Shaw,
Vol. 8, p. 1388; U. Africana, Brecht.; U. Capensis,
Sw. Pl, En. 697.
GENERAL colour of the head, back, and under parts, deep
ferruginous ; the wings black, with white patches ; tail black,
with a white bar near the base; back barred with black; the
long crest-feathers of the head tipped with black. Length,
10"; wing, 52”; tail, 4" 7".
The lesser hoopoe is not found to my knowledge within the Table
Mountain peninsula; the nearest spot from whence I have received it
has been Swellendam.* It may readily be distinguished from
the European bird by its deep rufous colour—the situation of the
white bar on the tail, close to the base instead of the centre; and
the absence of white below the black tips of the crest. It is
very common in the Karroo towards Beaufort and Nel’s Poort,
frequenting the thickets of mimosa trees which border all the rivers of
that district. Its monotonous cry of ‘‘ hoop-poop ” resounds the entire
day. Itis shy and difficult of approach, searching for its insect prey
about the rugged limbs of trees or crevices of rocks.
Mr. Atmore writes: “They are migratory; we did not see them at
Meiring’s Poort from February till June: they then came in, but were
in bad plumage.”
Genus IRRISOR, Lesson.
Bill long, more or less curved throughout its length; the
culmen keeled, and the sides suddenly compressed from the
base towards the tip, which is entire and acute; the gonys
lengthened and curved ; the nostrils basal and small, with the
opening oval and covered by a membraneous scale ; wings long
and rounded, with the fourth and fifth quills equal and
longest ; tail more or less lengthened, broad, and graduated ;
tarsi much shorter than the middle toe, strong, and covered’
with broad scales; toes long and strong; the outer toe longer
than the inner, and united at the base beyond the first
joint; the hind toe very long; the claws long, strong, com- ~
pressed, and much curved.
119. Irrisor Erythrorynchos, Lath.; Pro-
merops Erythrorynchos, Auct.; Ivrrisor Capensis,
Less.; Promerops Moquewr, Le Vail. ; Promerops, 1,
9. 3. + Viel, Ois-d Or st. 6.
GeneERAL colour black, glossed with green on the head, back,
and under parts; purple on the wings and tail, and bronzed
* April, 1861. I have just received one from the district of Clanwilliam, on the
Western coast.
Lond
PROMEROPID. 73
on the shoulders; tail lengthened and graduated; all tho
feathers, except the two centre oues, spotted with white near
the tips; wings barred with white; belly and vent dull
black ; bill more or less curved, bright coral-red, as are also
the legs. The bill differs in length with age and sex.
Length to base of tail, 7”; wing, 7”; tail, 10”.
This bird inhabits the forests of the Knysna, and extends as far
as the Great Lake. It frequents high trees, about the topmost
branches of which it hunts unceasingly for insects. Its voice is harsh
and resounding, and has acquired for it the name of “ Kackela”” among
the Dutch, which signifies “the chatterer.” It is a difficult bird to
shoot, being very shy and wary, and for ever whisking round on its
perch, taking special care, however, of its long tail, by lifting it over
the branches. Its motions at these times reminded me very much of
the habits of the pheasant cuckoos (Centropus). I never saw or heard
of one of these birds being observed on the ground. The residents in
the Knysna district informed me that these birds breed in hollow
trees, and that their eggs were pure white and round.
120. Irrisor Cyanomelas. 2&hinopomastes
Cyanomelas, Vieil.; R. Smith, Jard.; Promerops
Namaquois, Le Vail, Prom, t. 11, 12; P. Purpu-
ratus, Burch.
GENERAL colour of male, deep black, richly glossed with
purple-blue on the head, neck, breast, and back; less so on
the wings and tail, and not at all on the body ; feathers of
the wings with a white spot near the quills, and the five first
have a patch of greyish-white about an inch from the tips ;
bill curved, very thin, and dark horn-coloured, approaching
to black; legs the same. The females are brown underneath,
so also are young birds. In one example in my possession,
the brown tint is mottled with blue-black, as if there was a
change of plumage going on. Length, 10’; wing, 43’;
tail, 5”.
Brought from Kuruman by Mr. R. Moffat, and from Damaraland
by Mr. Andersson.
The Second Family, PROMEROPIDA,
or Sunbirds,
have the bill more or less lengthened, slender, and usually
curved throughout its length ; the nostrils broad, and covered
by a scale; the wings moderate; the tail of various lengths,
even or graduated; the tarsi moderate, and covered with
broad scales; the toes moderate, and armed with curved and
acute claws.
J
74° BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, PROMEROPINA,, or Sunbirds,
have the bill more or less long, slender, curved, with the
sides compressed to the tip, which is acute, and the lateral
margins sometimes finely serrated; the nostrils basal, and
the opening clothed by a membraneous scale; the wings
moderate ; the tail more or less long, with middle feathers
sometimes prolonged beyond the others ; the tarsi usually
short; the toes moderate, the outer toe rather longer than,
the inner, and united at its base; the claws moderate, curved,
-and acute.
Genus PROMEROPS, Brisson. :
Bill lengthened, slender, rather curved, with the base
broad, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is acute and
emarginated ; the gonys lengthened and slightly curved ; the
nostrils lateral, basal, placed in a lengthened groove, with
the opening linear, and closed by a membraneous scale ; wings
moderate and rounded, with the fourth quill the longest; the
inner webs from the second to the fifth are broad and emar-
-ginated near the middle, especially the latter one; tail
lengthened, graduated, and composed of narrow feathers, the
two middle much longer than the others; tarsi as long as the
middle toe, strong, and covered with broad scales; toes
moderate, the outer toe longer than the inner, and united at
its base, the hinder toe long and strong; the claws moderate,
.curved, and compressed.
121. Promerops Caffer, Cuv. Vol. 2, p. 460;
Upupa Promerops, Linn.; Meliphaga Caffra, Ed. ;
P. Capensis, Less. ; Cinnyris Longicaudatus, Vieil.,
Ois dOr, t. 4; Le Vail, Pl. 287 and 288.
Axove, uniform cinerous-brown; greyish on the forehead,
and rufous on ihe sides of the neck; chin whitish, with a
brown moustache; under parts mottled rufous, grey, and
white; vent a fine yellow. Length, 7’; wing, 33"; tail of
male often extending 14”.
This honey-eater differs considerably in all its habits from the sun-
‘birds with which it is associated. It is generally found in small parties,
the members of which, though acting much in concert, still maintain
their individuality. They follow one another to favourite bushes,
chase each other, or feed amicably side by side, and if one is alarmed
and flies off, the rest generally follow; yet they cannot be called
gregarious in: the strict sense of the word. They are fond of perching
on the summit of high bushes, particularly Proteacea, from the flowers
of which they extract their food, consisting of insects, and the limpid,
PROMEROPID&. 75
saccharine juice which these plants supply plentifully, and which will
often run in a copious stream from the bill of a fresh-killed specimen. —
Le Vaillant states that it constructs an hemispherical nest in the
largest protea-bushes, covered externally with moss or lichen, and jined
with hair and wool. The eggs he describes as olivaceous ; but my son
procured a nest, which he assured me belonged to this bird, cup-
shaped, about three inches in diameter within, composed of rootlets,
grasses, and the spicular leaves of firs, mingled with the silky, dark-
orange seeds of the protea. The single egg coniained in it instantly
reminded me of that of the Bunting of England, being a pale dirty
cream-colour, irregularly though sparingly marked with wavy tracery
and hair-streaks, now and then inclining to blotches of.a dark purple-
brown, or a pale, indistinct purple: axis, 11"; diam., 83". 3
Genus NECTARINIA, Illiger.
Bill more or less long, curved, and acute; the base broad
and rather depressed, with the culmen rounded and keeled
between the nostrils ; the gonys lengthened and curved, and
the lateral margins finely serrated ; the nostrils basal, lateral,
and placed ina short, broad groove, with the opening concealed
by a membraneous scale; wings moderate and rounded, with
the third and fourth quills, or the fourth only, longest;
tail moderate, broad, and slightly rounded, with the two
middle feathers lengthened and narrowed; tarsi as long as
the middle toe, and covered in front with very broad scales ;
toes moderate, the outer toe rather larger than the inner, the
hind toe long and strong ; the claws moderate, compressed,
and curved.
122. Nectarinia Chalybea. (Linn) Pl. Enl,’
24-62; Certhia Capensis, Linn.; Lesser Double-
Collared Sunbird, Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 350; Nat. Lib,
¥ol-8;‘p: 132:
Heap, back, breast, and throat, all shining, metallie-green ;
rump blue; wings and tail brown. To the green of the
breast succeeds a narrow blue collar, followed by a red one,
about half an inch broad, not extending below the yellow
side-tufts. Length, 4)”; wing, 2”; tail, 1” 10”; bill, 1’,
curved. . :
This is a very common species about Cape Town, and as far as
Swellendam : there it becomes mixed with the greater double-collared
species, C. Afra, L., which altogether ousts it in the George and
Knysna districts, and supplies its place.
It is one of the boldest and most familiar of all our sunbirds,
frequenting the flower-gardens in the midst of Cape Town, and even
venturing into open windows to visit potted plants.
Nests, reported to be of this species, have been brought to me—
pendant, domed, and porticoed structures, like those of others of the
76 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
family that I have seen. Eggs, 3—5, minutely mottled grey-brown :
axis, 8’”; diam., 53’’.. I can confirm the statements oF my corres-
pondents, having myself taken nests of this species containing eggs
and young birds. They are not, however, always pendant, being
sometimes supported by twigs interwoven with their structure. They
are usually composed of cob-web, stuck over with bits of dead leaves,
or chips of thin bark, always placed on the outside of a bush, never
among the branches. I have, however, seen one placed on the side of
a bush close to a rock, so that the bird had to fly round the bush to
get at it. In appearance they exactly:resemble the masses made and
collected by one-of our commonest spiders; and I have more than once
seen an inhabited spider’s-web forming part and parcel of the nest.
Whether the nest was built in-the web, or whether the spider
found it a convenient place and selected it herself, or was brought with
a bit of web by the birds, and then took up her abode and enlarged it,
I cannot tell ; but there the incongruous allies lived, and each brought
up her own brood, or would have done so, had not I harried them both.
123. Nectarinia Afra. (Linn.) Ed. Birds, Pl. 347 ;
Cinnyris Smaragdinus, Vieil.; Certhia Scarlatina,
Sparm.; Certhia Erythrogaster, Shaw ; C. Pectoralis,
Le Sucrier a plastrow rouge, Le Vail. Pl. 300, f. 1, 2.
Heap, back, and breast metallic-green, blue, and bronze-shot ;
rump blue; wings and tail brown; below the green of the
breast is a narrow blue collar, succeeded by a broad red one,
which extends nearly all over the stomach; vent brown;
bright yellow tufts on each side. Length, 53”; wing, 22”
nearly ; tail, 2” 3’; bill, 12”, curved.
This bird never visits the neighbourhood of Cape Town. It replaces
NV. Chalybea in the forest districts, but about Swellendam it is mingled
with it, and keeps to the wooded river banks. At the Knysna it is
abundant, and has the same habits as VV. Chalybea, being only perhaps
rather more shy. Le Vaillant states that it builds in the fork of a
tree, and lays four or five eggs, which are dotted with fawn-colour on
a bluish-white ground.
124. Nectarinoia Verroxii. (Smith) Cinnyris
. Verroauit, Smith, Zool. S. A, Pl. 57 ; Jardine’s Sun-
birds, Pl. 9.
Anove, brownish ; head, upper, and lateral parts of neck,
back, and shoulders, dark bluish-green, with a strong metallic
lustre; wings and tail brown; uoder parts yellowish-grey ;
tufts under the wings pale, brilliant scarlet. Total length,
nearly 6"; wing, 22".
Rare. Inhabits ‘ Kafirland and the country eastward of it, towards
Port Natal.” ‘“ Like the other species of the group, it feeds, upon
77
PROMEROPID#.
small insects, and these it collects partly from the branches and leaves
of brushwood and dwarf trees, and partly from flowers.’—A. Smith,
loc. cit.
125. Nectarinia Collaris, Vieil., N. Dict. @Hist.
Nat. XXXI, p. 502; Le Sucrier Gamtocin, Le Vail,
Pl. 299 ; Jard. Sunbirds, Pl. 6.
Tue head, back of neck, rump, upper wing-coverts, and tail,
golden-green ; all the lower parts of the body dullish-
yellow ; neck golden ; on the breast a collar of brilliant blue.
The female has no collar; otherwise, though less bright,
her plumage is similar to that of the male. Each has the
bill and feet blackish ; the eyes brown.
Le Vaillant states that they keep together for some time in families,
consisting of the parent birds, and seven or eight young ones; also, that
they are abundant near the ‘‘Gamtoos” River. Sundevall has it
from Kaffraria. I have not seen it.
126. Nectarinia Bifasciata, Shaw, Vol. 8, p.
198; C. Nitens, Vieil, Jard. Sunbirds, Pl. 4.; C.
Mariquensis, A. Smith.
GREEN and gold, with black-brown quill-feathers ; belly and
tail, and red pectoral bar, bounded above by a steel-blue one.
Length, 4” 9" ; wing, 2” 9’; tail, 2”.
Dr. Smith found this species at Kurrichain ; and Mr. Verreaux cites
it from Natal. Mr. Andersson and Mr. Kisch procured it in Dama-
raland.
127. Nectarinia Famosa. (Linn) Pl. En, 83,
f. 1; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 364 ; Vieil., Ois @Or, t. 37, 38;
Le Sucrier Malachitte, Le Vail. Pl. 289 and 290.
GENERAL colour, rich shining green ; wings and tail black ;
side-tufts brilliant yellow; two centre tail-feathers prolonged
three inches beyond the rest. Total length, 9’; wing, 3”;
tail, 5” 5",
Common throughout the colony. It is very partial. to the blossoms
of the aloe, among which it finds an abundance of its insect food.
TI have found it plentifully up the ravines of Table Mountain, extending
even to the top. It has a shrill, not. unpleasing, but short song, and
when pursuing a rival utters a piercing scream. It is very combative,
and if two males meet about the same bush, a fight is. sure to ensue,
to the great detriment of their beautiful tail-feathers. The males
lose their beauty in the winter season; and the young birds-are just
like the females. i
Eggs, reported to be those of this species, have been given me—they
are of a.dull, greyish-brown colour, minutely mottled all over. They
78 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
were said to have been taken from a domed nest, suspended from the
end of atwig. Since this was written (1865), I have found several
nests containing eggs, and can confirm the account given me by my
correspondent. The eggs are—axis, 10’; diam., 6”.
It abounds on the Cape Flats during the flowering of the protea,
from which it extracts the saccharine juice by means of its long brush-
tipped tongue.
128. Nectarinia Cinerea, Vieil. ; Certhia Cinerea,
Linn.; Lesson, Vol. 2, p. 28.
I{zap, neck, top of the back, and breast, greyish-brown ; a
yellow line on each cheek; the lower part of the back, wing-
coverts, and rump, brilliant green ; throat pale-yellow, mixed
with golden-green down the centre and on the breast; belly
white ; tail brown. Length, 84 inches, French.
M. Vieillot thinks that this is a young bird. I agree with him; and
should say it was the young of C. Fumosa! Asa species, I have never
met with it.
129. Nectarinia Olivacea, Smith, Ill, S. Af
Zool, Pl. 57.
Tue colour of this species, above, is intermediate between
grass and olive-green, the head being strongly tinged with
blue; below it is light, yellowish-green, with an orange tint
on the throat, and on each axilla there isa small tuft of
brilliant yellow feathers, Length, from the base of the bill
to the point of the tail, 5”; bill, 1” 3”.
Of this bird, Dr. Smith says: ‘In the same country in which we
found C. Verroxii, we discovered another species of the genus
Cinnyris, which appears to us undescribed, and which we shall here-
after figure under the name of C. Olivaceus.”
Mr. Ayres has procured it at Natal. (Ibis 1866, p. 347.)
130. Nectarinia Violacea. (L.) Pl. Enl, p. 670,
f.2.; Certhia Crocata, Shaw ; Jard. Sunbirds, Pl. 16 ;
Cuv., Vol 2, p. 364.; Cinnyris Aurantia, Lath. ;
Sout Manga Orangé, Le Vail. Pl. 292.
Heap, neck, throat, and shoulders, shining green; breast
shining violet; back, wings, and tail, olive-green; belly and
vent, deep orange and yellow; side-tufts yellow; centre
feather of tail prolonged about 1} inch beyond the rest, and
darker. Total length, 63”; wing, 22”; tail, 3” 2”.
This sunbird appears to affect wild, uncultivated country and moun-
tains, more than the other species, N. Chalybea, Afra, or Famosa ;
indeed, I never observed it near habitations. It is plentiful on the
PROMEROPID. 79
top and about the sides of Table Mountain. At the Knysna, I found
it in abundance among the uncultivated hill-sides, away from the
timber. I saw a pair building a pendant, domed nest, with a project-
ing portico over the entrance, at Cape Delgado, on the Hast Coast of
Africa. The nest was hung at the extreme end of a drooping branch
of a Casuarina, close to the sea-beach ; not far off was the nest of N.
Senegalensis.
131. Nectarinia Fusca. Vieil.; Le Sucrier Nama-
quois, Le Vail., Pl. 296.
Tor of head, back of neck, and wing-coverts, brown, shot
with dull violet: Throat, changing violet and olive-green ;
wings and tail brown-black, slightly shaded with violet ; eyes,
bill, and feet, brown. Female: uniform, greyish-brown on
the upper parts ; below, dirty-white.
The @ builds in a hole of a tree, lays four or five greyish eggs, and
sits 18 days. Inhabits Namaqualand (Le Vaillant). ‘
Professor Wahlberg found it in Damaraland.
132. Nectarinia Amethystina. (haw. 0.
Auratifrons, Vieill, Pl. En, p. 590; Cuv., Vol. 2, p.
260; Nat. Lib, Vol. 8, p. 134; Jard. Sunbirds, Pl.
18; Le Sucrier Velowrs, Le Vail, No. 294; Nee.
Aurifrons, Licht.
Tor of head and forehead, shining green; throat and rump
cupreus ; shoulders the same, but with a tinge of blue; all
the other parts deep, rich, velvety purple-brown. Length,
6s wing, 3; tail, 1" 10".
This sugar-bird is not very uncommon in the forest districts of the
colony ; and I have also received it from the neighbourhood of Swel-
lendam, through Mr. Cairncross, who informs me that the specimens
sent by him were procured in the mimosa trees which line the banks
of the rivers flowing through that district. I saw it at the Knysna,
and its habits appeared similar to those of the common N.Chalybea. Le
Vaillant found their nests in the thickest bushes and in holes of trees.
Eggs five in number, spotted with olive-green, on a greyish ground.
r. Atmore writes: “ Oudtshoorn, 24th January, 1863. I enclose
you a couple of eggs of the black sugar-bird. The nest is a curious
structure, hanging on the branch of an apple-tree, very rough outside,
composed of short bits of stick, grass, and spider’s-web—arched, as
are the nests of all the tribe. The number of eggs appears to be two,
as we did not take these till they were incubated; before they were
blown they were of a soft, creamy-yellow colour. I have not seen this
species west of the Gouritz River: on the other side they are plentiful,
especially when the ‘ wilde dagga’ is in flower.
The eggs sent by Mr. Atmore are of a beautiful creamy grey, with
indistinct, confused blotches, spots, and streaks, chiefly at the obtuse
end; axis, 9’”; diam., 6’”.
80 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
133. Nectarinia Senegalensis. (Linn) Briss,
Orn., Vol. 3, t.34, £2; Cennyris Discolor, Vieil., Ois
d’Or, t. 8, 9; Le Sucrier Protée, Le Vail., Pl. 285, f£ 2.
In repose, the front of the neck and breast is bright red ;
when excited, the slightly raised feathers show spots of most
brilliant golden-green and changing blue; forehead and chin
golden-green ; top of head, back of neck, the whole upper
body and belly deep-brown, with a violet tinge; wings and
tail purple-maroou; bill and feet black; eyes red-brown.
The female is of a uniform greyish-brown, deepening on
the wings and back; bill and feet brown.
Le Vaillant only found this bird in Kaffraria; but it inhabits
Senegal, and is found both on the East and West Coasts. He sup-
poses they build in hollow trees, as the plumage of those he shot smelt
strongly of decayed wood. I met with this bird plentifully at
Zanzibar, and at Cape Delgado, on the East Coast. It frequented the
mango trees, perching on the highest branches, and uttering a loud,
shrill note. In the young males the breast is mottled black and yellow.
Andersson seems to have found them plentiful in Damaraland ; his col-
lection contained many specimens. Ihave also seen it from Otjim-
bingue, not far from Walwich Bay; it must, therefore, be a widely-
distributed species. I killed a specimen at Cape Delgado, clinging to,
and apparently building, a nest similar in shape, and hung in like
manner to those of the N. Famosa. I also shot down the nest from
the elevated pendant branch of a Casuarina tree. It was composed
chiefly of cob-web and bits of lichen, and had the usual covered porch.
It was incomplete, and contained no eggs.
134. Nectarinia Natalensis, Jardine, Sun-
birds, Pl. 12.
Coronat patch (confined to the forehead and crown) is of
a rich bluish-green ; gular patch, of a golden-green, confined
to the chin and throat, and is bordered on each side witha
narrow maxillary stripe of the same colour as the crown.
Upper parts, cheeks, and sides of the neck, very deep, soft,
and velyety umber-brown, paler.on the wings and tail, the
bend of the wing having a violet patch. On the under
parts, the fore part of the neck and. breast are of a brilliant
scarlet, appearing in different lights, waved with violet,
from the structure of the feathers being the same as those of
NV. Senegalensis; the simple apical tips only being scarlet,
and producing all the brilliant effect. The remaining under
parts are very deep blackish-brown, appearing in some lights
almost black. Length, almost 6”.
I have quoted the full description given by Swainson, that there
may be no mistake in the discrimination of this species ; though, for my
PROMEROPID. 81
part, I consider it identical with N. Senegalensis, but have not had an
opportunity of comparing a specimen from Natal with one from Dama-
raland.
135. Nectarinia Cinea. (Vieil.) Encyc. Meth,
p. 599; Sout Manga Bronzé, Le Vail. pl. 297.
Urrer parts, chesnut-brown, shading into blue, green, or
violet; wings and tail, bronzed-black; lower parts black,
shading olive; bill and feet bright black; eyes red; tuft
under wing, bright yellow; bill very strong and curved.
The female has a smaller and less curved bill; wings and
tail olivaceous ; bill and feet brown.
Builds in holes of trees ; lays 4 to 6 eggs, rosy white, spotted with
red. According to Le Vaillant, inhabits Zwartland, and the vicinity
of Sunday’s River; but I believe it to be the Ceylon species, NV.
Lotenia, and not an inhabitant of South Africa.
136. Nectarinia Pusilla. (Vici!) Le Sucrier
Sucrion, Le Vail., Pl. 298.
Hzap and neck of male, chesnut, brightened with glimmer-
ing shades of blue, purple, and green; lateral and middle
tail feathers bronze ; the rest of the upper parts dead, purple
maroon; rump and upper tail-coverts, brilliant purple;
under parts of the body, orange-red ; bill and feet blackish ;
eyes maroon. The female much less. All the upper parts
of body and wings, olive, yellowish-green ; rest of plumage
pale-yellow ; bill and feet brown-black. |
According to Le Vaillant, who knows nothing of its nest nor
economy, it inhabits the neighbourhood of Van Staden’s River, and
is only found in the winter season. Sundevall declares it is a manu-
factured species; Nec. Zeylanica forming the principal portion of it,
I agree with him.
137. Nectarinia Cardinalis. (Vieil) Le Sucrier
Cardinal, Le Vail. Pl. 291; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 364.
THE male bird has all the upper parts, including the tail-’
coverts, the two long tail-featbers, and also the breast, of a
rich green, shot with gold, most brilliant on the top of the
head; from the breast, all the lower parts are of a soft
carmine colour ; wing and lesser tail-feathers shot green and
gold, upon a black ground ; bill and feet black ; eyes brown.
The female is smaller than the male, of less brilliant, though
similar colours above; but the body and lower parts are
yellow, and she wants the two long feathers.
Le Vaillant says he met with this bird only in the mountain
E . :
82 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
regions of Great Namaqualand: he neither found the nest nor the
eggs. Le Vaillant’s original specimen is in the Leyden Museum, and
is composed of portions of N. Chalybea, with ared stomach inserted.
1 should think likewise the long tail-feathers had been stolen from
N. Famosa.
138. Nectarinia Splendida. (Shaw.) %Cuv.,
Vol. 2, Pl. 360; Certhia Coccinigastra, Lath. ; Sucrier
Eboulissant, Le Vail, Pl. 295, Fig. 1; Cin. Bomby-
sinus, Vieil.; Jard. Sunbirds, Pl. 5 ; Cinnyris Lucidus,
Less. :
Mare.—Head and neck, brilliant shades of purple, violet, and
blue; the breast and body darker, spotted with glowing
red, golden-yellow, and green; the back, shoulders, rump,
and: upper tail-coverts, vivid green and gold; wing and
tail-feathers velvet-black; bill and feet black; eyes maroon.
FrmMaALe.—Above uniform brown; tail and wings shaded
with olive-green; lateral tail-feathersj%‘edged with dull
white; lower parts greyish; bill and {feet brown-black.
Length, 33”; wings, 23”. :
Inhabits Great Namaqualand, towards Fish River, according to
Le Vaillant, and builds in mimosas. Eggs white, four or five in num-
ber. I have never met with it in this country, nor has any one since
Le Vaillant’s time. It is a native of Senegambia, Guinea, and Congo.
139. Nectarinia Pulchella. (Linn), Pl. En.
670, f. 1.; Cuv., Vol. 2. p. 364; Cinnyris Caudatus,
Vieil.; Swain, Nat. Lib, Vol. 8, p. 123; C. Pul-
chellus, Vieil., Ois. dO’. t. 415; Sucrier Cossu, Le
Vail, Pl. 293, Fig. 1.
Heap, neck, shoulders, and upper wing-coverts, changeable
green, everywhere shot with gold, toned red on the scapu-
laries; breast crimson, margined with yellow ; the ramp and
upper tail-coverts, brilliant violet, glancing purple, or steel-
blue; wing and shorter tail-feathers,. blackish-brown; the
two long tail-feathers red-gold; bill brown, short, and
straight. The femate somewhat smaller; body also yellow ;
but the head, neck, shoulders, and rump are greyish-red,
shaded olive, and slightly shot with gold; wing and tail
feathers reddish-olive; bill and feet brown; tongue long. _
Tnhabits Namaqualand, and lives chiefly on jasmines. Nest un-
known. A Senegal species not found in South Africa by any one
since Le Vaillant’s time ; and it is doubtful if he did so. Dion:
PROMEROPID. 83
140. Nectarinia Platura. (Vieil.) WV. Sylviella,
Temm., Pl. Col. 347; WV. Cyanopygos, Licht. ; Jard.
Sunbirds, Pl. 19; Le Sucrer Figwier, Le Vail.
PL 293, Big. 2.
Hzap, neck, back, and wing-coverts, shining golden-green ;
rump violet ; wing and tail feathers black; the centre pair
of the latter prolonged, and gilt with a reddish gold; belly
and vent fine yellow.
Le Vaillant says he discovered this species only in the forests of
Great Namaqualand, feeding principally on an inodorous jasmine,
climbing over the mimosa trees. Sundevall states it is only known
from Western Africa.
141. Nectarinia Melanura. (Sparm) Mus.
Carls, t. 5; Lesson, Vol. 2, p. 51; Certhia Mela-
nura, Lath. ; Anthornis Melanura.
Heap and back violet; chest and belly inclined -to green ;
wing-coverts brown, and bordered with olive; tail black,
long, and forked. Length, 6” 2’.
This bird was first described by Sparmann as a native of the Cape of
Good Hope. It is, however, a New Zealand species ; not a Nectarinia,
but an Anthornis ! !
The two next birds have also been wrongly described as native of
the Cape of Good Hope.
142. Sitta Chloris. (Sparm.) Lesson, Vol. 1, p.
361; Acanthositta Chloris, Gray ; A. Tenuirostris,
Lafr,
Bopy, green above; white below; tail black, yellow on the
end ; a yellowish spot in the centre of the wing.
- Cape of Good Hope, Lesson (loc. cit.); but a New Zealand species,
according to Sundevall.
143. Sitta Caffra. (Sparm.) Lesson, Vol. 1, p.
361; Zatare Otattiensis.
Bopy above, variegated with yellow and black; below yel-
low ; feet black ;. claws yellow.
Kaffraria: Lesson (loc. cit.);\ but a South Sea Island species,
according to Sundevall.
Genus DICAZUM, Cuvier.
Bill short, curved, broad, and rather depressed at the base,.
with the culmen curved to the tip, which is acute, and finely
serrated on the lateral margins; the sides eompressed, and
84 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
the gonys long and ascending ; the nostrils lateral, and placed
in a broad groove, with the opening linear, and closed by a
membranous scale; wings moderate, and rather pointed,
with the first quill wanting; the second nearly as long as the
third and fourth, which are equal and longest ; tail short and
even; tarsi longer than the middle toe, strong; toes
moderate; the outer one rather longer than the inner, and
united at the base; the hind toe long and strong; the claws
moderate, compressed, and curved.
144. Diceum Rufescens. (Vieil) Sylvietta Ru-
fescens, Vieil.; Lesson, Vol. 2, p. 19; Le Crombec,
Le Vail, Pl. 1385; Nectarinia Rubracana, Temm,
Certhia Erythropygia, Lath.
Urrer parts, brownish-grey; all the lower parts reddish,
deepest on the vent; bill long and curved, clear-brown ; legs
rather more red.
Le Vuillant found this bird about the banks of the Orange River, in
Great Namaqualand, among the mimosa trees, amid the branches of
which it hops in search of insects.
I have received specimens from Graaff-Reinet, Colesberg, Hope
Town, Damaraland, and Swellendam. At this latter place, Mr.
Atmore informs me: “ It is not uncommon, creeping about the decay-
ing fences, like our English hedge-sparrow.
The Third Tribe, DENTIROSTRES, or
Tooth-billed Birds,
embraces a numerous series of birds, that have the tip of the
upper mandible more or less emarginated and hooked; the
tarsi vary in length, but are mostly slender, and covered
with broad scales; the toes generally long, with the outer toe
more or less united to the middle one at the base.
The First Family, LUSCINIDA, or
Warbiers,
have the bill subulate, more or less slender and straight, with
the tip of the upper mandible curved and emarginated ; the
base sometimes broad, but the sides always compressed
towards the tip; the nostrils basal, and placed in a mem-
branous groove, with the opening exposed ; the wings more
or less long, sometimes rounded, and sometimes pointed ; the
tail of various lengths, truncated at the end, or rounded, and
sometimes graduated; the tarsi more or less long, always
LUSCINID. 85
slender ; the toes varying in length, with the outer one more
or less united to the middle toe; claws curved and acute.
The Sub-Family, MALURINA, or Soft-tailed
Warblers,
have the bill moderate, more or less slender and straight,
with the tip of the upper mandible curved, and sometimes
emarginate ; the sides compressed ; nostrils basal, and placed
in a membranous groove, with the opening exposed; the
wings short, and rounded; the tail more or less lengthened,
and rounded ; the tarsi generally long and slender; the toes
more or less long, and always slender, with the outer toe
united te the middle one at the base; the third toe long, and
armed with a strong claw.
. Genus DRYMOICA, Swain.
Bill entire, short; rictus bristled ; wings very short, and
rounded, the three first quills equally graduated, the fourth
and fifth longest, the primaries hardly longer than the other
quills; legs pale; the lateral toes equal; tail graduated ;
the feathers obtuse.
145. Drymoica Textrix, Smith, ZS A, PL
74, £1; Sylvia Tcatriz, Vieil.; Le Pinc-Pinc, Le
Vail, -P)..131.
Urrer parts of head and neck, interscapulars, back, and
shoulders, umber-brown, variegated with white and clear
ellowish-brown ; sides of head and neck, dirty yellowish-
Eiorgn: with small umber blotches; wing-feathers brownish-
red, edged with pale wood-brown ; chin and throat greyish
white, indistinctly mottled with light umber-brown; breast
and belly pale senna-yellow, mottled with umber-brown
spots; flanks and vent, pale yellowish-brown, also spotted.
Tail very short, and slightly graduated, two centre-feathers
brownish-red, the rest umber-brown, all edged with wood-
brown, and the three outermost broadly tipped with white.
Length, 4”; wing, 1" 103’; tail, 1’ 1”.
This bird is abundant throughout the western end of the colony;
but not having any friend collecting for me in the eastern, I cannot
speak as to that division. Near Cape Town it is very common, fre-
quenting open plains covered with low scrub, or marshy places in
which reeds grow. It climbs about these in a very clever manner,
apparently sliding up and down; when pursued, it drops to the tangled
herbage at the foot of some bush, and cannot be induced to quit its
hiding-place. It often hovers in the air at a moderate height over the
bushes, uttering its ringing, metallic cry of ‘“ pinc-pinc-pinc,” jerking
86 BIRDS OF. SOUPH~ AFRICA.
about with rapid strokes of the.wing, suddenly dropping into the
bushes, and then remaining mute. __ “Vai
Le Vaillant attributes‘ to this little bird a'‘nest which is very common
about the country, and is well known under the name of the “nest of
the Kapokvogel,” but he is quite in error. The fabricator of this nest,
the true “ Kapokvogel”’ (or cotton-bird), being the little Agithalus
Minutus. The nest of D. Textrix is a domed structure, generally sup-
ported between stems of grasses. The eggs, 4—5, are white, spotted
with minute reddish spots: axis, 7’”; diam., 6”. J
146. Drymoica Pectoralis, Smith, Zool. 8. A,
ieee aes
Tor of head, ear-coverts, back of neck, interscapulars, and
back, brown; eyebrows whitish; under parts dirty-white ;
the belly and vent more or less ochreous; breast with a broad,
dark-brown band; tail long, and much graduated, wood-
brown, lightest at the tips, with a faint dark bar across each:
feather, except the two centre ones, which also want the
light tips. Length, 5'; wing, 2' 1”.
Inhabits dry situations abounding in brushwood, and was found
principally at and around Latakoo. It feeds upon insects, procured
ee ane shrubs and dwarf trees which it frequents. Dr. A. Smith,
oc. Cit. :
147. Drymoica Pallida, Smith, Zool. S. A, PI.
7o £2.
Urrer parts, pale broccoli-brown, lightly washed with
yellowish-brown ; the head and upper parts of neck lightest ;.
the tail darkest; ear-coverts rusty-white; chin, throat, and
breast white, faintly tinged with wood-brown ; belly and
vent, pale senna-yellow ; tail long and much graduated.
Length, 5" 11; wing, 2" 13”.
The only specimens procured by Dr. Smith were obtained about
300 miles north of Cape Town, in Namaqualand. ‘“ It occasionally
occurs in thickets, but more generally upon dwarf trees in the vicinit
of streams; and through these it passes rapidly from branch to brane
mn paste of insects, which form its chief food.” Dr. A. Smith,
oc. cit.
148. Drymoica Fasciolata, Smith Zool. S. A,
PELL.
Tor of head, neck, and interscapulars, between orange-brown
and oil-green; back and rump between hyacinth-red and
yellowish-brown ; across each wing a bar of pale cream-
yellow; chin and throat pure white, with short narrow
transverse umbre-brown bars; breast and belly senna-yellow,
LUSCINIDA. 87
with curved bars; tail fan-shaped, rather silky, with semi-
circular points, light reddish-brown, with a tint of green.
Length, 5"; wing, 2” 6"; tail, 2”.
Inhabits districts covered thinly with small underwood, and in such
places is found moving from bush to bush in search of its food, which
it appears to take partly from the top of the bushes and partly from
the branches, among which it passes rapidly. Open flat plains to the
north-east of Latakoo. Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
149. Drymoica Natalensis, Smith, Zool. S. A.,
Pl. 80.
Upper surface of head, back, and sides of neck, back, and
rump, between reddish and buff-orange; each of the feathers,
except those of the rump, marked along the shaft witha
broad longitudinal dark umber-brown stripe; tail graduated,
reddish-brown, edged with reddish-orange, tipped with pale
buff-orange ; behind each tip a broad transverse bar of deep
umber-brown, indistinct on the centre feathers; wing-feathers
brownish-red, margined with dull reddish-orange ; chin and
throat white ; rest of the under parts senna-yellow. Length,
7” 3"; wings, 8”; tail, 3” 4”.
“TInhabits the neighbourhood of Port Natal, and the specimen
described was shot upon reeds, among which it was flitting to and fro
in search of insects, which, from the ingesta found in its stomach,
appeared to have been its sole food.” Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
150. Drymoica Ocularius, Smith, Zool. S, A,,
Pl, 75, £1.
Tor of head, back, sides of neck, interscapulars, back and
lesser wing-coverts, umber-brown, striped with yellowish-
brown; sides of head and ear-coverts reddish; chin and
throat white ; breast dirty-white, crossed by a narrow brown
bar ; under parts dirty-white ; tail long, and much graduated,
umber-brown, the two middle feathers being broccoli-brown.
- Length,-5" 3”; wings, 2”; tail, 3” 3’.
Dr. A. Smith states, loc. cit : “‘ This bird has a rather extensive range
in South Africa, being found, though sparingly, among the brushwood
in the northern districts of the Cape Colony, and between those and
the Tropic of Capricorn. It feeds upon insects ; and, in quest of them,
it is to be seen flitting from branch to branch in the most arid and
barren situations.” I have received several specimens from Kuruman,
and found it myself in one’particular locality near Mr. Jackson’s place
at Nel’s Poort, Beaufort. In its method of flight and search after
prey, it exactly resembled the common species, D. Capensis. Its nest
also resembles that of the last named, and its eggs are pale blue,
immaculate: axis, 6”; diam., 5/” ;
88 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
151. Drymoica Subcinnamomea, Smith, Zool.
SAS PL
Upper surface of head, neck, back, and shoulders, between
oil-green ard orange-brown; forehead tinted cinnamon-red ;
wing-feathers, light reddish-brown, with a tinge of green ;
the primaries edged narrowly towards their base with cinna-
mon-red ; rump ruddy; tail rather long, and slightly rounded,
deep browuish-red; chin and neck inferiorly, liver-brown,
variegated with narrow white transverse bars; breast and
fore part of belly cinnamon-red ; belly and vent coloured as
the back. Length, 5” 8”; wing, 1” 11"; tail, 2” 8".
Dr. Smith only procured one specimen of this bird, which was killed
on the top of one of the mountains of the Kamiesberg, in Little
Namaquaiand. “For some time before it was shot, it was beheld
flitting from bush to bush, occasionally perching on their summits, ot
other times hopping rapidly to and fro among their branches, as if
engaged in quest of insects, which were aad to constitute its food.”
Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
152. Drymoica Substriata, Smith, Zool. 8. A,
| Eg ay ae 2 I
Tor of head, sides of neck, and shoulders, light broccoli-
brown; back and upper parts of neck, interscapulars, back
and tail-coverts, uniform rustly yellowish-brown; sides of
head and ear-coverts pale wood-brown, the latter faintly
streaked with dull umber-brown; eyebrows white, prolonged
behind the eyes; chin, throat, centre of breast, and belly,
ochrey white, the breast variegated with several narrow
longitudinal umber-brown stripes ; flanks and vent light yel-
lowish-brown ; wing-feathers pale brownish red, faintly mar-
gined with wood-brown; tail long, graduated, of a rust
broccoli-brown, the middle feathers darkest. Length, 5” 8";
wing, 2” 13"; tail, 2” 19"; tarsus, 7”; bill, 6”.
Dr. Smith met with but few of these birds, and those only on the
banks of the Olifant’s River, about one hundred miles north of Cape
Town. Usually found in thickets composed of high brushwood or
dwarf trees, in which it is seen rapidly fitting from branch to branch,
apparently in quest of insects, which constitute its food. ;
r, Atmore procured this species, with its nest and eggs, at Traka;
the latter are white, with the faintest tinge of green, marked with
large blotches of dark and light-brown : axis. 8”; diam., 53’”.
153. Drymoica Aberrans, Smith, Z.S. A, Pl. 78.
Tor of head and back of neck, pale chesnut-brown, deepened
with red; interscapulars and back, yellowish-brown; under
parts, pale rusty olive-yellow, the throat and chin lightest ;
LUSCINIDZ. 89
sides of breact and flanks tinged with hair-brown; wings
light browish-red ; tail lengthened and graduated, coloured
like the back, lightest at the points, with a faint dark mark
behind the light colour. Length, 5” 103"; wing, 2" 4’;
tail, 3” Qt,
“‘ The only specimens of this species seen by Dr. A. Smith” were
shot near Port Natal, while perched ‘upon some brushwood which
skirted a tract of marshy ground. Before they resorted to the brush-
wood, they were observed flitting to and fro among strong bushes, as
if in quest of their food, which was found to have consisted of
insects.”—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
154. Drymoica Affinis, Smith, Z S. A, Pl 77, £1.
Tor of head, back and sides of neck, broccoli-brown, faintly
tinged with yellowish-brown; interscapulars and _ back,
intermediate between broccoli and yellowish brown, glossed
with oil-green; rump pale yellowish-brown; chin, throat,
centre of breast and belly, yellowish-white ; flanks and vent,
rusty senna-yellow ; wing-feathers brownish-red, margined
with light yellow-brown ; tail elongated, and much graduated,
light reddish-brown, edged with yellowish-brown, tipped with
white, with a broad transverse brownish bar behind the
white. Length, 4" 73’; wing, 2”; tail, 2” 6”.
“Tnhabits dry flats in the interior of South Africa, and flits to and
fro, in search of insects, amongst the shrubs with which they are more
or less coated.”—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit. ’
155. Drymoica Cherina, Smith, Z S.A, PL
ee Gaile BS 3) zee Fh Otten OO we ae
Top of head, and back and sides of neck, deep reddish-brown ;
interscapulars, rump, lesser wing-coverts, quill-coverts, umber-
brown, the feathers edged and tipped with yellowish-brown 3
back yellowish-brown ; tail very short, and rounded, umber-
brown, the two centre feathers tipped narrowly, the others
broadly, with white, and each, with the exception of the two
centre ones, crossed by an umber-brown bar immediately
behind the white tip; chin, throat, centre of breast and belly,
yellowish-white; sides of breast’ and flanks tinted with
broccoli-brown. Length, 3’ 11”; wing, 1” 11’; tail, Ll” 74".
“ Inhabits situations covered with strong grass, and seeks its food,
which consists of small insects, either on the ground or upon the grass
itself, along the stalks of which it runs with facility. It also perches
upon small shrubs.” Dr. A, Smith, loc. cit.
L
90 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
156. Drymoica Ruficapilla, Sm, Z S. Af, Pl.
73, f. 1; La Rousse-Téte, Le Vail. Pl. 124.
Tor of head and upper parts of neck, pale chesnut-brown ;
interscapulars, back, and tail-coverts, pale broccoli-brown,
washed with yellowish-brown ; tail the same, but brighter,
and margined with light yellowish-brown ; quill-feathers of
wing, pale brownish-red, with pale, yellow-brown edges;
chin, throat, centre of breast and belly, pale straw-yellow ;
sides of head, neck, breast, belly, and vent, pale greyish-
brown; tail short, slightly graduated. Length, 4” 5”;
wing, 2” 13"; tail, 1” 11".
“This bird occurs in various situations in the interior of the Cape
Colony, and is usually found among brushwood or upon dwarf trees. It
feeds upon small insects, and in quest of those it is to be seen flitting
from branch to branch with great rapidity. As compared with many
other species, it may be considered asrather a rare bird, and it seldom
happens that more than one or two specimens are procured in any
gree locality which it is known to inhabit.’”—A..Smith, loc. cit.
r. Smith believes this bird to be Le Vaillant’s ‘‘ Rousse-Téte.” I
cannot say I agree with him. The eggs resemble that of D. Terrestris
in form and colour, but the spots are coarser. .
-
157. Drymoica Levaillantii, Sm, Z. S. Af,
Pl Tat:
Urrer parts of head, upper and lateral parts of neck, bright
chesnut-brown, the two first striped with umber-brown;
back and rump liver-brown, the feathers edged with pale
wood-brown; lesser wing-coverts, umber-brown, broadly
edged and tipped with pale broccoli-brown; under parts,
pale wood-brown ; throat inclined to white; tail light umber-
brown, margined externally with pale chesnut-brown, and
broadly tipped with dull wood-brown; behind the light
points each feather is marked with a circumscribed liver-
brown blotch, plainly seen underneath; eyebrows and sides
of head, wood-brown ; tail moderately long, and graduated.
Length, 5” 1"; wing, 2” 3! ; ‘tail, 2” 6”.
Common near Cape Town, among reeds, feeding on insects. Dr.
Smith procured it some distance north of the Orange River; and I
have likewise received it from Swellendam, Colésberg, and Damara-
land. The nest is oval, very lightly made, but supported firmly
between the thin closely-set twigs of the ‘Rhenoster Bush.” It is
composed of wool, the down of plants, and thin bents of grass, very
skilfully woven together ; a good-sized hole, near the top, gives access
and egress to the birds, and the eggs are of a blue colour, marked
+ the pitas ends with sariouseninad brown blotches: axis, 7’;
jam., 5”,
LUSCINIDA. 91
158. Drymoica Chiniana, Sm, Z.S. Af, Pl. 79.
Tor of head, back, and upper parts of neck, cinnamon-
coloured ; feathers narrowly edged and tipped with light
yellowish-brown ; feathers of the back, brownish-red, edged
and tipped with wood-brown; rump pale-brown; wing-
feathers brownish-red, edged with lightish-brown; tail
rather long, and moderately graduated, two middle-feathers
yellowish-brown; the other feathers light brownish-red,
tips dull wood-brown, and behind them a broad bar of
umber-brown; chin and centre of belly white, the rest
ochreous. Length, 5” 9"; wing, 2” 9’; tail, 2” 103”.
“Only one specimen of this species was obtained, and that was
killed while perched upon some brushwood growing near the edge
of a small stream to the northward of Kurrichain. In its habits it
resembles the species already described ; and at the time it was shot
it was moving quickly about among the branches, apparently in quest
ia its er, which was found to consist of insects.’—Dr. A. Smith,
0c, cit.
159: Drymoica Terrestris, Sm. ZS. Af, Pl.
Pag:
Tor of head and interscapulars, umber-brown, variegated
with yellowish-brown; back of neck, back, and shoulders,
clear yellowish-brown, with umber-brown streaks; rump
umber-brown; chin and throat whitish; breast, belly, and
vent, sienna-yellow; tail moderately long, and slightly
graduated; two middle-feathers broccoli-browz, broadly
margined and tipped with wood-brown; the other feathers
brownish-red, broadly tipped with white, with a large
umber-brown blotch just before the white, seen, as in all the
species, most plainly on the under side; irids light-brown.
Length, 4” 3”; wing, 1” 11"; tail, 1” 11!".
Dr. Smith (loc. cit.) first discovered this species upon the grassy
lains lying between Latakoo and Kurrichain, feeding on the ground.
t does not seem to affect bushes, dwelling only amongst the long
grass.
Mr. Atmore found this species at Traka. He forwarded a couple
of eggs, which are of a light verditer, unevenly blotched and spotted
with dark and light dry-blood-coloured spots, and streaked at the
obtuse end with delicate wavy brown lines: axis, 7’”; diam., 5”.
160. Drymoica Subruficapilla, Smith, Zool.
SP As Bey 6; £2.
Tor of head, back, and sides of neck, light chesnut-brown,
striped with umber-brown ; lower parts of back and sides of
neck, interscapulars, and back, umber-brown, variegated with
92 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
ashy-grey; chin, throat, middle of breast and belly, pale
yellowish-grey, passing into white; breast faintly speckled
with pale-brown ; sides of breast, flanks, and vent, pale hair-
brown ; tail graduated, dull reddish-brown, tipped with wood-
brown, with a broad transverse umber-brown bar immediatel
behind the light tip. Length, 5” 4”; wing, 2”; tail 2” 4".
«This bird occurs in various districts of the Cape Colony, andis
either found upon brushwood or among rushes or reeds. It feeds
upon insects, and, like others of the genus, flits generally from branch
te branch or from réed to reed in quest of its food.”—Dr. A. Smith,
oc. cit.
I have received it from Swellendam, from Mr. Atmore, and saw it
along the River Zonder End. Dr. Smith’s account of its habits is
perfectly correct.
161. Drymoica Capensis, Smith, Zool. S. A, Pl.
Pay ae
Tor of head, neck, interscapulars, back, rump, and_ tail,
- between broccoli and yellowish brown; the feathers of the
latter, with the exception of the two middle ones, narrowly
margined with wood-brown ; wings dull umber-brown ; chin,
throat, and under parts of body white, with a yellowish tinge,
more or less marked with short subovate umber-brown
stripes; eye stripe whitish ; eye, light hair-brown. Length,
4" 11"; wing, 2” 1"; tail 3”.
“TInhabits various districts in the western division of the Cape
Colony, and is found in situations which abound with shrubs. It
feeds upon insects, and searches for these both upon underwood and
_on the ground—generally, however, on the former. It is also occa-
sionally observed among coarse grass or reeds, busily engaged climbing
or flitting about in quest of food.”—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
I have received it from Colesberg and Swellendam, and have pro-
cured a few specimens on the Cape Flats. I cannot help thinking that
this is the bird described by Le Vaillant as ‘Le Capocier,” Pl.
130, Fig. 1, the fabricator of the beautiful nest figured on Pl. 129,
and called by Cuvier, at page 391, Vol. 6, Motacilla Macroura, and at
page 467, Sylvia Macroura, Gmel.
he description given by Le Vaillant of the nests of these birds is
too long for quotation : suffice it to say, it is a most beautiful structure
of cotton, gathered from the wild cotton-tree. The eggs are from five
to eight in number, of a pale verditer ground, spotted, blotched, and
striped, chiefly at the obtuse end, and sometimes in the form of a ring,
with brown (more or less dark) markings: axis.,7’”; diam., 5””.
162. Drymoica Melanorhyncha. ardine)
Contrib. to Ornith., 1852, p. 60.
AxsoveE, pale brownish-grey; stripe between the nostrils and
the eye, white; under parts white, tinted with pale-brown ;
LUSCINIDA. 93
vent a marked brown; tail-feathers, with the exception of
the two centre, marked with an obscure band before their
white tips; bill black. Length, 4” 2”; wing, 1” 9”.
Builds among stalks of high weeds in Natal.” Ibis, Vol. 2, p. 208.
I have not seen it from the Cape Colony.
1638. Drymoica Obscura, Sunde. ; Ofvers. Kongl.
Vet. Ak. Forhandl., p. 103.
Back, dusky-grey, much marked with brown; head rufous ;
forehead considerably, and back of head obscurely, marked
with brown ; belly dirty white; sides grey. Length, 52”.
Kaffraria : (Wahlberg) non vidi.
164. Drymoica Curvirostris, Sund.; Ofvers.
Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhandl, p. 104.
Heap and back yellowish-grey, with ‘black markings ; belly
yellowish-white ; middle of belly and throat almost white ;
tail-feathers fuscous, tips yellowish-grey. Length, 6".
Kaffraria (Wahlberg). Natal (Ayres) Ibis, Vol. 1863, p. 323.
165. Drymoica Thoracica, Gray ; Sylvia Gut-
turalis, Boie; Saxicola Thoracica, Licht.; Motacilla,
Thoracica, Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 438 ; Apalis Thoracica,
Grill, 1. c, p. 31; Sylvia Thoracica, Shaw, Vol. 10,
p. 562; Le Plastron Noir, Le Vail. Pl. 123.
GENERAL colour above, ashy-grey, tinted with olive-green,
except on the tail; chin, throat, and under parts whitish,
tinted with rufous-brown, deepest on the vent; a black
collar extends across the chest, and a black mark from the
bill to the eye; tail graduated, the outermost feather nearly
all white, the second white at the tip, the third at the tip
only ; two tufts of black hair—like feathers, from the basal ©
half of the back of the head; eye light-yellow ; tarsus flesh-
coloured ; claws brown; bill black. Length, 5” 3’; wing,
2"; tail, 2" 4”.
Le Vaillant found this bird in abundance after crossing the ‘“ River
of Hlephants’’ as far as the tropics; also on the bank of the Orange
‘River, and in Kafirland, He states that they always went in couples,
male and female, breeding in November and December. The nest is
placed among grass or low bushes; the eggs are six in number, and of
a reddish white. The male has an agreeable song. I procured speci-
mens in considerable numbers at Plettenberg’s Bay (on the southern
side of the colony), in the wooded ravines and deserted gardens in
94 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
waich the brushwood had sprung up. They hunted incessantly after
insects, gliding about among the branches, peering up at the under-
sides of the leaves or thick branches, and darting up at the small
insects which sought concealment in such situations.
Swellendam has furnished me with several specimens; it is also
abundant at Nel’s Poort, and all along the rivers in that part of the
Karroo; and I likewise saw a pair which evidently were nesting in
the rank herbage and scrub which line the crater of the minute volcano
from which issue the hot springs of Caledon.
166. Drymoica Oxyura, G. R. Gray; Sylvia
Oxyura, Shaw ; Le Figuier a Cuti-Pennes, Le Vail.
Pl. 183; Nat. Misc, Pl. 957.
Upper parts red ; under parts citron-yellow, lightish towards
the vent, which is white ; the first two feathers of the wing
brown, as are also the ends of the next seven or eight; tail-
feathers ending in sharp points like bristles.
Le Vaillant says he discovered this species on the banks of the
Groote River, among the mimosa trees. Sundevall doubts this being
an African bird, and thinks that Le Vaillant has figured an American
species of Synallazxis.
167. Drymoica Ayresii, Hartl, Ibis. Vol. 1863,
p. 925.
RESEMBLES Cisticola Europea, but much brighter in colour ;
rump rufous; feet considerably larger; the tarsi smaller.
Length of wing, 1”.
This new Drymoica, figured in the “Ibis” for 1863, p. 325, was
discovered by Mr. Ayres at Natal, frequenting open grassy country.
168. Drymoica Fulvicapilla, Bp.; Sylvia Ful-
vicapilla, Vieil. ; Le Rousse-téte, Le Vail. Pl. 124.
Upper parts, wings, and tail brownish; ash-coloured below ;
whitish on the vent; top of the head red-brown, or tan-
coloured; tail square; eyes red-brown; feet yellowish.
Length, 4” 4"; wing, 2" 9"; tail, 1” 9’”.
The nest is constructed among low bushes amid which the bird lives.
The eggs, from four to six in number, are white, dotted with very small
vinaceous spots, like fly-blows. Inhabits, according to Le Vaillant, the
districts of Cambeboo, Kafirland, and Namaqualand.
Mr. Atmore has sent two specimens from the neighbourhood of
George.
LUSCINID 4, : 95
169. Drymoica Subflava; Drymoica Flavicams,
Sunde. ; Sylvia Flavicans, Vieil.; Sylvia Limonella,
Motacilla Subflava, Gm., Pl. Enl, t. 584, f. 2.; Le
Crtrin, Le Vail. Pl. 127; Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 391 et 469.
Rep-Brown ; beneath grey; rump pale; sides of body red-
dish ; tail wedge-shaped. Length, 4”; 6’.
Le Vaillant found this bird in Namaqualand, living in small fami-
lies, feeding on caterpillars, spiders, and small insects. Their nest is
oval, formed of the down of plants, and entirely closed, with the excep-
tion of a small hole for entrance. It is firmly fixed in a low bush, and
the eggs, five or six in number, are reddish-white, with brown
markings.
170. Drymoica Diophrys, Gray; Sylvia Diop-
hrys, Vieil.; Malurus Swpercilious, Cuv., Vol. 1, p.
469; Le Double Sourcil, Le Vail., Pl. 128.
ApovE, reddish-brown; below white, tinted with russet ;
tip of the head ruddy, with a black eyebrow and moustache.
Female, less bright than the male, and without the black
stripes. ;
A doubtful species. Said by Le Vaillant to have been found in the
Karroo, but very sparingly.
171. Drymoica Brachyura; £remomela Bra-
chyura (Vieil.) ; Sylvietta Chloris, Boie; Sylvia
Brachyura, Vieil.; Eremomela Flaviventris, Sunde.,
Ofv., 1860, p. 102; L’Olwert, Le Vail. Pl. 125;
Sylvia Flaviventris, Burch.
Asove, yellowish-green; under parts dirty white; tail very
short, the wings reaching almost to the end of it; eyes
light-hazel. Length, 4"; wing, 2”; tail, 1” 4”.
Outeniqualaud, Le Vaillant ; Karroo, Victorin. Mr. Atmore has
sent this species from Blanco, near George; Mr. Ayres from Natal;
and Mr. Andersson from Damaraland.
172. Drymoica ‘Africana. (Gmel.) Sylvia
Africana, Shaw, Vol. 10, p. 615; Musicapa Dubia,
For.; Turdus Trbicen, Vieil., Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 377;
Dasyornis Africanus, Smith; Synallaxis Cantor,
Less.; Malurus Africanus, Swain. (MSS. in his own
handwriting on Museum copy of Le Vaillant); Motacilla
Africana, Gmel.; Sphenurus Tibicen, Licht.; Le
Fluteur, Le Vail. Pl. 112, fi 2.
Urrer parts rufous, deepest on the head and rump; inclin-
ing to grey on the fore part of the back; and everywhere
marked with very dark-brown, broad streaks down the centre
96 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of the feathers: these are nearly obsolete on the head, but
extend along the centre of the tail-feathers.
Under parts, uniform light isabella-coloured, everywhere
mottled with dark black-brown streaks, most evident on the
flanks. Length, 8” 9'"; wings, 3”; tail, 4”.
The plumage of this curious bird is of a singularly lax texture; the
tail-feathers are long, pointed, and graduated, and furnished with
webs, so thin that they are transparent; the shafts project_beyond the
webs, which are fined down to a point. Wings small and weak, hardly
enabling the bird to fly fifty yards. If flushed more than once, it
betakes itself to a clump of grass, or bush, and will suffer itself to be
taken with the hand rather than rise again; for this reason it has
acquired the name of “Idle Jack” and “ Lazy Dick.”
173. Drymoica Apicalis; Catriscus Apicalis,
Caban, Mus. Hein. I, p. 43; Ibis Vol. 18638, p. 323;
Bradypterus Brevirostris,* Sundev.; Ofvers. Kongl.
Vet. Ak. Forhandl, p. 403.
GeneERAL colour, lightish-brown; back, rump, and quill-
feathers light yellow-brown; beneath white, as is also an
inconspicuous eyebrow ; flanks the colour of the back, but
paler ; tail fuscus, the lateral feathers terminated by a semi-
lunate white spot; upper mandible fuscous; the lower and
legs yellow. Length, 7”; wing, 2" 4"; tail, 32”.
Found in Natal by Mr. Ayres, who describes their habits as very
similar to those of the preceding species.
The Sub-Family, LUSCININA, or Warblers,
have the bill more or less long, slender, and straight, with
the culmen curved at the tip, which is slightly emarginated ;
the sides compressed, and the gonys long and ascending; the
nostrils basal, and placed in a membranous groove, with the
opening usually exposed; the wings moderate and sometimes
rounded ; the tail moderate and rounded at the end; the
tarsi more or less lengthened, slender, and covered with
broad scales, the divisions of which are sometimes obliterated ;
the toes more or less long and slender, the outer toe gene-
rally longer than the inner, and united at its base ; the claws
long, curved, and acute.
Genus CALAMODYTA, Meyer and Wolf.
Bill rather small and straight, with the culmen very
slightly curved, and the sides compressed. to the tip, which is
scarcely emarginated; the lateral margins straight and
slightly inflexed; the gonys long and ascending.; the gape
sometimes furnished with very short, weak bristles; tho
* According to Dr. Hartlaub, see Ibis 1860, p. 140,
LUSCINIDAL, 97
nostrils basal, placed in a membranous groove, with the
opening oval and exposed; wings rather short, with the
first quill very short, the second rather shorter than the
third and fourth, which are equal and longest; tail moderate,
broad, and rounded; tarsi slender, longer than the middle
toe, and covered in front with broad scales, sometimes the
divisions between them are scarcely visible ; toes rather long
and slender, the outer toe longer than the inner one, and
slightly united at the base, the hind toe long and strong; the
claws moderate, curved, and acute.
174. Calamodyta Babeecula. (Vieil) — La
Caqueteuse, Le Vail, Pl. 121, f 1; Calamoherpe
Loquax, Boie.
Uprer parts, head, wings, and tail, sombre-brown, lightly
glossed with olive ; under parts light-brown ; throat speckled |
with brown. Length about 5’.
Le Vaillant says he procured this species ir the marshes of Verloren
Vley, on the West Coast, and in Outeniqualand. The nest i con-
structed among reeds. The eggs are white, spotted with brown, and
five or six in number.
The male utters a note which Le Vaillant represents by the words
gri-gri-gra-gra.”’
‘‘ Avis nobis ignota ; quam vero existere nos dubitamus.”—Sundey.,
Pp. of.
I have not succeeded in identifying this species, but am inclined to
think Le Vaillant was alluding to Calamodyta Rufescens when describ-
ing the note and habits above given.
175. Sylvia Boeticula, Vieil.; Cettia Beticula,
Sund.; Calamodyta Beticula, Vieil.; Sylvia Isabella,
Boie.; L’ Isabelle, Le Vail., Pl. 121, fig. 2.
‘‘In general appearance, this species resembles La Caqueteuse,
and might be mistaken for the female of that bird. It is
found in the same localities, constructs its nest in the same
manner, and lays five or six pure white eggs.” —Le Vaillant.
176. Calamodyta Rufescens. (Keys and Bi)
Grill, 1..c, p. 28.
Urrrr parts isabella-coloured ; throat, front of neck, belly,
and all the under parts, with a slight reddish tinge. Length,
6"; wing, 2’ 8”; tail, 2" 5”.
Received from Mr. Atmore, Swellendam, and is very common in
reed-beds along the banks of rivers in the Karroo, and about Nel’s
Poort; also at Zoetendal’s Vley. It is a noisy bird, continually utter.
M
98 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
ing a stridulous cry of cur-cur-crak-crak. I sought in vain for its nest
in the months of November, December, and January.
I identify this bird with “ L’Isabelle” of La Vaillant. Its habits
accord well with those described by him as belonging to that bird.
177. Calamodyta Gracilirostris, Hartl., Ibis
1864, p. 348.
Axove, pale-brown; crown greyish; rump and upper tail-
covers rufescent; tail brown; eyebrow and lower part of
body white; vent pale-yellowish. Length, 6’ 5”; wing, 3";
tail, 3”.
My son procured several specimens of this shy and retiring bird in
rushes on the banks of the “ Diep Rivier,’” near the Observatory,
Cape Town. . He informs me he was attracted to them by their
babbling, which he at once detected as new to him. Their stomachs
contained the remains of minute colecoptera and other insects. Mr.
Ayres has observed it in Natal.
178. Calamodyta Arundinacea, Linn ; Syi-
via Turdoides, Meyer, Tem. Man. 1, 191; Turdus
Arundinaceus, L., Pl, Enl, 513; Agrobates Brun-
mnescens, Jard., Gould’s B. of Eur, Pl. 106.
ABovE, pale olive-brown; rump paler; throat white, shaded
with grey ; chest, belly, and vent pale fulvescent; tail and
wing brown, the feathers margined with paler colour.
Length, 7" 4”; wing, 5" 9"; tail, 3’ 2". -
South Africa: Hartlaub, Orn., W. Af., p. 61. Mr. Andersson
brought specimens from Damaraland, apparently identical with a
Enropean bird in the South African Museum.
179. Calamodyta Natalensis. Camaroptera
Natalensis, Hartl., Ibis Vol. 1863, p. 326.
Axove, reddish-ash ; below, pale ash-coloured ; under side of
wings and tail whitish ; top of head rufous. Length, 3’ 6”;
wing, 1” 9"; tail, 1" 5”.
“‘ These birds are plentiful, frequenting rough weeds and grass; their
flight is tolerably strong ; their food consists of minute insects, eggs of
moths, &c.”—Ayres, Ibis, loc. cit.
180. Calamodyta Olivacea; Camaroptera Oli-
vacea, Sunde., Ofver. Kong]. Vet. Forhald., p. 103.
Duty olive-green ; below dirty white ; thighs fulvous-yellow ;
sides of head and forehead cinereous.
Inhabits Natal: Ayres.
LUSCINID&. 99
Genus AIDON, Boie.
Bill moderate and straight, with the culmen curved, and
much compressed to the tip, which is entire ; the gonys long
and slightly ascending; the gape not furnished with bristles ;
the nostrils basal, pierced in a short broad groove, with the
Opening exposed and oval. Wings moderate, with the first
quill short, and the second nearly as long as the third and
fourth, which are equal and longest; tail lengthened and
rounded ; tarsi long, and covered in front with broad scales ;
toes short, with the inner toe shorter than the outer one;
the latter is united at its base ; claws small, compressed, and
curved.
181. Aidon Poena; Lrythropygia Pena, Sm. Z.
S. A., Pl. 30.
Heap brown; neck rusty-grey ; anterior half of back yel-
lowish-brown ; hinder part of back, rump, upper tail-coverts,
and the basal two-thirds of tail, clear reddish-orange ; last
third of tail-feathers, liver-brown, edges rusty, four outer
ones of each side broadly tipped with white; chin and throat
white ; breast, belly, and vent, pale cream-yellow. Length,
GS wing, 29" ; tail,:2".9!".
“Tnhabits arid districts, thinly covered with dwarf trees, among
the branches of which it seeks its food. Its movements, while flitting
from branch to branch, are rapid, and when resting or hunting for
insects, it is constantly watchful, always ready to take alarm and to
retreat when its haunt has once been discovered.”—Dr A. Smith, loc.
cit.
Dr. Smith does not indicate the locality where this bird was pro-
cured; but I have received it from Mr. Moffat at Kuruman. Mr.
Andersson procured specimens in Damaraland.
182. Atdon Leucophrys. (Vieillot.) Turdus
Pipiens, Steph.; Thamnobia Leucophrys, Cab.;
Erythropygia Pectoralis, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 49 ;
Le Grievetin, Le Vail. No. 118, Pl. 49.
Brown above ; posterior part of back and rump, deep reddish-
orange; chin, middle of abdomen, and vent, pale cream-
colour; breast light sienna-yellow, streaked with umber-
brown ; wing feathers edged with greyish-white ; eyebrows
pale cream-colour; tail liver-brown; the feathers rusty at
their edges, and white at the tips, most visible on the outside
feathers ; all but obsolete on the two centre ones, Length,
6” 3”; wing, 2” 9"; tail, 3" 1”.
Inhabits arid districts thinly covered with dwarf trees, among the
branches of which it seeks its food, which consist of insects.—(Dr. A.
100 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Smith loc. cit.) Le Vaillant states that he found it on the borders of
the Gamtoos, Sunday, and Swartkop Rivers, among the mimosa bushes
that ings these streams. The male has a moderate power of song,
and the female deposits four or five light-green eggs, spotted wit
brown, at the obtuse end, in a nest which is placed in the midst of a
thick bush. I have received it with H. Pexa from Kuruman.
Genus BRADYPTERUS,* Sw.
Bill distinctly notched ; wings short; the three first quills
equally graduated; tail rounded; the feathers remarkably
broad and soft; feet large, strong, and robust ; the lateral
toes equal; claws slender, slightly curved.
183. Bradypterus Coriphceus; Sylvia Cori-
pheus, Vieil.; Drymoica Coripheus, Bp,; Bradyp-
terus Coripheus, Swain. (MSS. note on plate); Le
Coriphé, Le Vail, Plate 120; the Boschcreeper and
Katlachter of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, cinereous, darkest on the crown of the head,
and tinged with rufous on the lower part of the back, wings,
and two centre tail-feathers; beneath paler, with belly, vent,
and a board stripe down the throat, white; a narrow white
stripe extends over the eye; tail-feathers black, broadly tipt
with white; bill and legs black. Length, 6”; wing, 2” 9”;
tail, 2” 6”.
This bird is common throughout the country from Cape Town to
Beaufort. It frequents bush-covered land, and well deserves its trivial
colonial name, being always found running about the lower parts of
the shrubs, very rarely flying over the tops of them. It nests also at
the foot of a bush, forming a cup-shaped, rather flat structure, com-
ee of hair, wool, and bents of dry grass. The eggs are of a lovely
verditer.
184. Bradypterus Layardi; Phlexis Layardi,
Hartlaub., Ibis Vol. 1866, p. 139.
ApovE, very dark-brown, slightly tinged with rufous; under
parts, from chin to vent, deep rufous-brown ; a slight spot of
the same colour between the eye and the bill; flanks brown ;
plumage very lax and worn in appearance. Length, 6”;
wing, 2” 3”; tail, 3” 1".
This curious little bird, on which Dr. Hartlaub has formed a new
genus (Phlexis) was procured by my friend Mr. Atmore in the neigh-
bourhood of George.
I confess I do not like to separate it from Bradypterus, with which,
* Mr. Gray (Genera of Birds, p. 163,) makes this genus equal with Drymozea,
LUSCINID. 101
in my humble opinion, it has such close affinity. Dr. Hartlaub gives
the characters of his new genus in the “ Ibis,” p. 1866, loc. cit.
185. Bradypterus Victorini, -Sundevall ; Zool.
Anteku Victorin, p. 29.
3 Asove, ruddy fuscus; head cinereous; below, with the
throat, fulvous grey ; the sides, especially of the chest, more
ruddy; side of the head beneath the eyes, fuscous white ;
wings and back coloured alike; the quill-feathers rather
black; tail-feathers the colour of the back; plumage long
and lax, especially on the rump.
This bird, named after M. Victorin, was found by him at the
Knysna, and appears to have much the same habits as the rest of the
genus, frequenting vleys.
186. Bradypterus Platyurus, Swain. ; Sylvia
Brachyptera, Vieil.; Calamoherpe Saltator, Boie; Le
Pavaneur, Le Vail. No. 122, f. 1 and 2.
6 GENERAL colour above, dark dull-brown, below paler ;
upper mandible black ; lower yellow; feet brown. 9 gene-
rally lighter, with some dark lines on the throat and chest.
Size about that of B. Layardi.
This bird was found by Le Vaillant in the marshes which occur near
Plettenberg’s Bay, and throughout the whole of the Outeniqua
country.
187. Bradypterus Sylvaticus, Sundev. in
Grill; Aut., 1. ¢c p. 30; Ibis, Vol. 1862, p. 146.
GENERAL colour above, dark reddish-brown; under parts
whitish, and yellowish-brown on the flanks. In certain -
lights the tail appears barred with dark-brown; inner sur-
fuce of the wings, towards the shoulder, white, mottled with
dark-brown; legs and lower mandible, light horn-colour ;
upper mandible, dark horn-colour ; iris, light hazel. Length,
5" 7"; wing, 2” 4’; tail, 3'"; bill, 6; tarsus, 10!"
Received from Kuruman, from Mr. R. Moffat, jr. Common in the
vieys about Worcester and Swellendam. Its notes and habits resem-
ble those of the Drymoice. It is fond of perching on the tops of the
reeds when alarmed, and sliding thence down their shafts to the tang-
led herbage at their roots, amid which it lies concealed from pursuit.
It feeds on insects and the little molluse (Succinea Lalandit) which is
found abundantly in marshy spots.
Genus SYLVIA, Latham.
Bill more or less long, rather strong and straight, with
the culmen gradually curved, and the sides compressed to the
102 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
tip, which is scarcely emarginated; the gonys long and
ascending ; the gape furnished with a fewshort weak bristles ;
the nostrils basal, and placed in a short broad groove, with
the opening exposed and sublunate; wings moderate, with the
first quill very short ; and the second shorter than the third,
or third and fourth, which are the longest; tail moderate,
broad, and rounded on the sides; tarsi rather shorter than,
or as long as the middle toe, rather strong, and covered in
front with broad scales; toes moderate, with the inner toe
shorter than the outer; the latter united at its base; hind-
toe long, and armed with a long strong claw; the claws of the
fore toes curved, compressed, and acute.
188. Sylvia Natalensis, Smith ; Chloropeta Na-
talensis, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 112, Fig. 2.
Urrer parts, between broccoli-brown and oil-green; eye-
brows and ear-coverts, straw-yellow; under parts, pale
lemon-yellow ; shoulders, pale brownish-red, the feathers
edged with white; tail-feathers between brownish-red and
yellowish-grey, narrowly edged with white. Length, 3” 10”;
wing, 3’; tail, 2” 6”.
Dr. A. Smith obtained one specimen of this bird near Port Natal.
Its stomach contained insects.
189. Sylvia Trochilus. (Linn) Pl. Enl. 581, £2;
Phyllopneuste Trochilus; British Willow Warbler,
McGill, Brit. Birds, Vol. 2, p. 371; Sylvia Flaviven-. -
tris, Vieil, Gould’s B. of Eur, Pl. 131, f 1.
AxoveE, dull olive-green; chin and throat yellowish-green ;
belly and vent dirty greenish white. Length, 5”; wing,
PSS EN SE lee ie
Natal, Ayres; and Damaraland, Andersson.
190. Syivia Obscura, Smith, Zool. S. A, Pl 112,
Fig. 1.
Upper surface greenish; the feathers of the wings and tail
edged with yellow ; eyebrows, chin, throat, breast, belly, and
vent, yellow. Length, 5’ 3; wing, 2” 3”; tail, 2” 6”.
A single specimen of this bird was obtained by Dr. Smith near
Latakoo. Its stomach contained the debris of insects. I have
received it from Damaraland through Mr, Andersson.
LUSCINIDA, 103
The Sub-Family, ERYTHACINA, or Robins,
have the bill moderate, more or less slender, and rather depress-
ed at the base, with the culmen slightly curved, and the sides
gradually compressed to the tip, which is entire; the lateral
margins straight, and sometimes inflexed, the gape more or
less furnished with bristles; the wings generally short and
rounded, though sometimes long and pointed ; the tail usually
short and broad, sometimes even or rounded at the end; the
tarsi lengthened, slender, and covered with an entire scale;
the toes moderate, the lateral ones unequal; the claws
moderate, curved, and acute.
A bird belonging to the first genus of this sub-family
(Copsychus) is here included, in furtherance of the plan I
proposed to myself, of including ai/ birds said to have been
found within my limits. It is the
Copsychus Saularis, Linn; Gryllivora Inter-
media, Swain.; Le Cadran, Le Vail. Pl. 109.
GENERAL colour, steel-blue-black, with bar on wing, belly,
vent, and outer tail-feathers white. Female brown, instead
of black. Length, 7’ 6"; wing, 4’; tail, 36".
This species was procured—so says Le Vaillant—in Great Namaqua-
land; but this is another of that duthor’s falsehoods. I have never
seen it in any of the collections formed in that country ; and I should not
fail to recognise it instantly, as itis a common bird in Ceylon, where
I resided some years. It is now generally believed that Le Vaillant
never found this species in South Africa, and I only admit it into this
list to correct the error.
Genus SAXICOLA, Bechstein.
Bill moderate, rather depressed and broad at the base,
with the culmen slightly curved, and the sides gradually
compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated; the
lateral margins straight and inflexed; the nostrils basal,
lateral, and placed in a membranous groove, with opening
rounded ; wings long, reaching to middle of tail, with the
second quill nearly .as long as the third and fourth, which
are the longest ; tail moderate and nearly even ; tarsi longer
than the middle toe, and covered in front with an entire scale;
toes moderate, with outer toe longer than the inner; the hind
toe long; the claws rather short, slightly curved, and acute.
192. Saxicola Pileata; fF. Imitatrix, Vieil. ;
Turdus Minus, Forst., Descrip. Anim. p.12; Traquet
Imitateur, Le Vail., Pl. 181 ; Schaapwachter of Colo-
nists (lit. the Shepherd).
GENERAL colour above, rufous-brown ; feathers of the wings
dark-brown, edged with the colour of the back; forehead
104 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
white: this colour extending in a line over the eye; top of
the head black ; a stripe of the same colour extends from the
corner of the bill down the sides of the neck, and forms a
broad collar across the breast ; chin, throat, and belly white,
the latter tinted with rufous, which becomes stronger on the —
flanks and vent; centre tail-feathers all dark-brown, the basal
half of the rest white. Jength, 6’ 9”; wing, 3'9!; tail,
2107,
The above description was taken from a fresh-killed speci-
men ‘‘still in the flesh,” on the 19th of June.
This is one of the most favoured and favourite birds of the colony,
over the whole of which it extends. He is protected and petted on
account of his own natural sweet notes, and for his great powers of
imitation. Perched on.a white-ant’s nest, he pours out a flood of
song, chaunting long into the darkening twilight, when other song-
sters are gone to rest; and the morning light scarcely suffices to enable
you to see the musician, ere he again commences his mellow notes
or imitations.
He is a favourite with the farmer and the shepherd—the master and
the man: the good-wife also casts a kindly eye on him, as he flirts his
tail and wings on the mud wall of her little garden, and thumps her
“ young hopeful” who, unable to resist the tempting shot, is about
to “shy a stone at him.”
He breeds in the rat-holes, close to the houses, or out in the fields,
and if wounded retreats into the first he comes to. Heruns along the
ground with great rapidity, and seldom alights on bushes—never,
perhaps, on trees. If frightened from one stone, he flits to another,
and in alighting opens his tail, so as to show the white patch on his
rump. He is usually perched on an ant-hill, in most cases sees you
before you see him, and acts accordingly !
193. Saxicola Bifasciata, Tem. Pl. Col. Pl. 472,
Fig. 2; Saw. Spectabilis, Hart. Ibis.
Matz.—Top of head dark-brown, mottled with black; back
and neck reddish-brown, mottled with black; rump clear
yellowish-brown: the same colour prevails over the whole of
the lower parts, except the throat, and a little way on the
chest, where is a rich black patch extending to the head,
and including the eye and ear; a yellowish-brown stripe
passes from the nape of the neck on the one side, over the
eyes and nostrils, to the nape of the neck on the other side;
tail and secondary wing-feathers black ; quill-feathers brown,
Length, 7” ; wing, 3” 6”; tail, 2” 6”.
Fremate.—Wants the black markings, and is altogether
less brilliant, the yellows being rufous, and the tail and wings
dull-brown. .
This handsome species much resembles S. Pileata, but is a stronger-
looking bird. It was first sent by Capt. Bulger from Windvogel-
berg, but is also common near Graham’s Town, Mrs. Barber writes :
“Highlands, June 22, 1865.—The contents of the Museum box are
LUSCINID.A. 105
as follows : Sawicola Spectabilis—¢G, Q. These birds are dwellers —
amongst rocks, and frequent rocky mountains and hills, old stone-
kraals, &c. They build their nest under shelving rocks, near or upon
the ground, and sheltered by spreading ferns or long grass; and their
eggs are usually three in number. The ¢ is fond of placing himself
_on some high projecting rock, and of making himself conspicuous by
chirping away in a cheerful voice, either to annoy a rival or amuse his
mate ; he is also fond of opening and shutting his wings, ‘“ bowing
and scraping,” &c., and I have no doubt ‘thinks no end of himself.”
The © isa very quiet, retiring little body. These birds (the ¢’s)
possess the power of mocking other birds and animals. When we
were living in the district of Graaff-Reinet, I had a beautiful spotted
Merecat, a tame one: it was very fond of me, and was my companion
in all my walks. These little animals have a peculiar bark, and pro-
duce a great variety of sounds with their pretty little voices : and these
mocking-birds would imitate all the sounds that my pet made very
accurately. Ihave also heard them mocking robins and sugar-birds,
but they seldom use this power. We will get you some more speci-
mens. I was surprised to hear that they were new—very much so,
for they are common all over the Eastern Province, excepting near
the coast. They prefer high situations. There are always five or six
of them here: they sit upon the garden wall and upon the top of our
house. A few days ago there was one sitting upon the gable-end of
our stable, making a terrible row: a quiet old rock-thrush that be-
longs to the place, feeling disgusted with his noise, went up to him
and gave him a smart peck, which sent him flying!! We never
shoot birds that take up their abode with us, so we see all their odd
ways.”
194. Saxicola Cinerea. (Vieil.) Smith, Zool. 8.
A.; Le Traquet Tractac, Le Yail, P). 184; S. Levail-
lantii, Smith,
GENERAL colour, ashy grey; lighter on the lower part of
the back, and becoming quite white on the rump; breast
and throat grey; rest of the under side white; tail with a
white patch, which extends from near the point of the out-
side feather, across each of the others, to the base of the
centre feathers, in the shape of a triangle; some of the
wing-feathers are bordered with white; iris black. Length,
about 6”; wing, 2” %’"; tail, 2” 10’.
Le Vaillant found this wheat-ear in the province of Outeniqua,
perching on bushes, always on the move from one to another, and very
wary. In flying they expanded the tail, exposing the white mark ;
they also had the habit of opening and closing the wing, so peculiar
to the wheat-ears.
They build at the foot of bushes on the ground. The female lays four
bluish-green eggs, minutely speckled with brown, the specks sometimes |
forming a ring at the obtuse end: axis, 11’; diam., 8”. I found
them abundantly at Nel’s Poort, nesting in November. Mr. Atmore
writes of them as follows :—‘“ Blanco, Sept. 10th, 1864. The rock-
N
106 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
saxicola (C. Cinerca) is abundant here ;—and,by the way, how well this
-class of birds obeys the geology of the country : wherever there is
karroo soil you find them. The same also with the ‘ Kalkoentje’
Anthus (Certhilauda) Capensis, which is found in every patch of grass
country, but never in karroo soil; for instante, they are plentiful here,
and proceeding northwards they do not occur in the fifty miles of
karroo you pass over on the way to Cango; but in that narrow valley
they are again plentiful.”
195. Saxicola Monticola, Vieill. (Smith, Zool,
S.A, No. 185); S. Alpina ; Vitiflora Rupicola, Boie ;
Le Traquet Montagnard, Le Vail, No. 184, Fig. 2,
ané Cuvier, Vol. 7, p. 437 ; Motacilla Maderaspatana,
Gmel. apud Cuv., Vol. 7, p, 475, nec Shaw, Vol. 10,
p. 548.
Avutt, entirely black, except belly, shoulders, and the edges
of tail-feathers, which are white. When young, nearly all
the feathers, which when adult are black, are cinerous.
Length, 7"; wing, 4’; tail, 3”.
- Le Vaillant found this bird-inhabiting the mountains of Namaqua-
land, and never descending into the plains, except compelled by great
drought. He describes them as very shy and difficult of approach,
hiding themselves in holes or inaccessible precipices.
Mr. Andersson brought specimens from Damaraland ; I have received
a few from Kuruman, and from Mr. Atmore, who procured them about
Traka; and also found it myself at Nel’s Poort. Le Vaillant’s account
of their habits is substantially correct. I only found them among the
rocky mountain sides, breeding in the holes and crevices.
196. Saxicola Albiscapulata. (Briss) Neue
Wirbelth (1835), p. 72, I. 26, fig. 1 ; Thamnolacea
Albiscapulata, Bp. Consp., p. 302 ; Thamnolea Cinna-
momeiventris, Latr.
6 GENERAL plumage throughout glossy-black; rump, belly, —
and yent deep rufous; shoulders white. Length, 83’; wing,
42"; tail, 4" 7".
9 Wants the white patch on the skoulder, and is alto-
gether much duller in colour and smaller in size.
Sent from “ Highlands,” near Graham’s Town, by Mrs. Barber.
197. Saxicola Rufiventer, Swain. An. in Menag,,
p. 293.
GrEY-BLACK ; rump, tail-coverts, and body beneath, chesnut ;
tail rounded, and somewhat lengthened. Length, 7’ 3”;
wing, 4’ 3”.
- * Tnhabits South Africa”’—Dr. Burchell’s Coll.” Swainson loc. cit.
LUSCINIDA: 107
I suspect this is nothing more than the 9 of S. Albiscapulata, Briss.,
the preceding species.
198. Saxicola Infuscata, Sm. ZS. A, Pl. 28.
GENERAL colour, rusty-brown; qhin and throat of a dirty
white; under parts grey, more or less tinted with yellowish-
brown ; wing and tail-feathers with a dash of umber-brown
about them ; and they and the wing-coverts are more or less
edged with dirty white; tail square; iris black. Length,
qe 6c: wing, 4” See tail, 3” GV
“This is the largest and rarest of the South African Saxicole. It
appears to be principally, if not entirely, restricted to the districts
between the Oliphant and Orange Rivers, and seldom occurs far from
the sea coast. It selects sterile tracts, which are thinly covered with
brushwood, for its habitats,—and in these situations it is so extremely
watchful, that even weeks of incessant toil will scarcely secure the
collector a specimen. 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 other species of this genus.”
—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit. .
I have received it from Kuruman; and Mr. Atmore found it sparsely
at Traka.
199. Saxicola Sperata. (Linn) Cuv. Vol. 6, p.
437; the Sibyl Warbler, Latham; Le Traquet
Familier, Le Vail, No. 183, f. 1, 2; Sundev. Obser.
on Le Vail. Ois. @AF, p. 44.; Speckvreter of Colonists,
Grnerat colour above, rufous- brown ; below lighter, inclining
to grey on the throat, and rufous on the flanks and vent;
rump bright rufous, as are all the tail-feathers, with the
exception of the two centre ones, which are, as are also the
wing-feathers, dark-brown, narrowly edged with rufous; the
others are broadly tipped with dark-brown, the shafts are of
the same colour. ‘The ear-tufts are more rufous than the
neck, and being silky, show rather plainly. Length, 63";
wing, 33"; tail, 2” 8”.
Received from Colesberg. I have generally found this species, or a
variety (for all those procured here are smaller than the Colesberg
specimen), during the summer months, about stones in rocky places.
It is abundant round the “ Lion’s Head,” at an elevation of about 1500
feet, nesting in crevices, and the young bird is speckled exactly like a
young robin: They have a habit of perching on the summit of stones
and rocks, opening and shutting their wings and tails, In flight they
resemble the wheat-ear, and flit from stone to stone.
From Le Vaillant’s description of its habits, which I believe to be
much over-coloured, J certainly think this is his Traquet Hamiler. A
108 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
pair or two frequent every farm-house in the colony, and are accused
of picking the grease out of the cart-wheels ; hence their colonial name.
Dr. A. Smith, in Zool. of S. A., says it differs from Le Vaillant’s bird,
and calls that species Saw. Familiaris. Shaw, Vol. xiii, pt.1, pp. 241—
243, gives a S. Familiaris, and describes it thus: Grey-brown
wheat-ear, paler beneath, with the breast, flanks, ears, and rump
rufous ; the two middle tail-feathers entirely brown, the rest brown,
edged with rufous. Was this description taken from Le Vaillant with-
out seeing the bird?
200. Saxicola Sinuata, Sund. Observ. on Le Vail.
Ois. d’Af, p. 44, nota.
GENERAL colour above, brown, very slightly tinged with
rufous; below light-brown, inclining to grey, particularly on
the throat; rump and tail-coverts rufous; vent white ; ear-
covers slightly rufescent and glistening ; tail parti-coloured,
white, tinged with rufous and dark-brown. The white por-
tion begins near the point of the outer web of the outer
feather, and slopes gradually upwards across all the feathers,
till it is hidden on the two centre ones by the coverts. This,
and the peculiar appical attenuation of the point of the
second quill-feather of the wing, at once distinguishes it from
S. Sperata. Length, 53”; wing, 3”; tail, 2”.
This plainly-coloured chat is not uncommon at Nel’s Poort and to
the eastward, having been received from Colesberg and Kuruman. I
found it at the first-named place, breeding in November, in holes of
buildings, and occupying the place of S. Sperata. It makes a nest of
hair, roots, and feathers, and lays three to five eggs, of a light-blue,
speckled with rufous. These speckles generally assume the shape of a
ring at the obtuse end: axis, 10’; diam. 7’”.
201. Saxicola Hotentotta ; Vitiflora Hotentotta,
Shaw, Vol. 10, p. 573; Sylvia Hotentotta, Lath. ;
Motacilla Hotentotta, Gmel.
FuLvous-Brown, with the throat and lower part of the belly
white; the upper part and rump brown; the upper tail-
coverts yellowish ; tail black, with a white base and whitish
tip. Length, 8”.
‘‘ Found at the Cape of Good Hope,” Shaw, loc. cit. This is one
of the birds named by this old author, which has eluded all my
endeavours to identify with any known species. From the distribu-
tion of its colours, I believe it to have been founded upon a specimen
of some Saxicola, probably a female or young male ; likely enough of
the common S. Pileata.
LUSCINID. 109
202. Saxicola Aurantia; Vitiflora Aurantia,
Shaw., Vol. 10, p. 527; Sylvia Avwrantia, Lath. ;
* Motacilla Aurantia, Gmel.
Urrerr parts, dark-brown; beneath, orange-coloured ; throat
whitish, varied with black beneath; the greater wing-
coverts and tail white; the feathers of the latter fuscous;
the outer ones tipped with white. Length, 6”.
“Tnhabits the Cape of Good Hope.”—Shaw, loc. cit. non vidi.
Another unknown species, which has baffled my attempts at identifi-
cation.
203. Saxicola Cursoria, Vieil, Ency. Meth. p,
493; Le Traquet & calotte et queue blanche, Le Vail.,
Pl. 190; Saw. Leucomelana, Burch. Trav., 1, p. 335 ;
Vitiflora Tachydroma, Boie.
GeneRat colour, black; head, from the bill to the occiput,
white ; vent and tail white, with the exception of the two
middle feathers of the latter, which are black. Length,
gi UU
Le Vaillant names the district where he procured this remarkable
bird Nameroo. He states that it frequents arid plains, where it lives in
the most solitary manner, fleeing from the approach of the hunter, and
concealing itself with the greatest dexterity. It lives chiefly on grass-
hoppers, and prefers running on the ground to flying. Since Le
Vaillant, no one has found this species; and it is doubtful if it
exists.
204. Saxicola Mariquensis ; Bradornis Mari-
quensis, Smith, Zool. 8. Af, Pl. 113.
Upper parts, a dull pale-brown, with, in some lights, a
slight shade of green; wing and tail-feathers narrowly edged
with rusty-white; under parts white, tinted in some places
with wood-brown; bristles at the angle of mouth, liver-
brown. Length, 6” 4”; wing, 3” 6”; tail, 3” 4”.
In the young, the colours are much the same as in the
adult ; but the upper parts are spotted with white, the lower
mottled with longitudinal liver-brown stripes.
‘‘ Seek their food generally in dense thickets, and when in quest of
it, move languidly from branch to branch. Their food consists of
insects.”—Dr. A. Smith, loe. cit.
Ihave received a single specimen of this species from Kuruman.
110 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
205. Myrmecocichla Formicivora, Hart-
laub, Orn. W. Af, p. 65; Saxicola Formicivora,
Vieil., Nat. Dic. d Hist. Nat. XXI, p. 421; Sazicola
Leucoptera, Sw., An. in Menag., p. 292; Le Four-
millier, Le Vail. Pl. 186; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 437.
GENERALLY of a sombre-brown colour; paler on the belly
and under the tail; the throat is clouded with reddish, the
same colour bordering the feathers of the front of the neck
and chest ; a prominent white patch adorns the shoulders of
the male; the wing-feathers have also white webs. The
female wants the white shoulders, and is of a deeper brown.
Length, 7” 6”; wing, 4’; tail, 3”.
Le Vaillant found this Sazicola near the Sunday and Zwartkop
Rivers, not far from Algoa Bay; where I also observed it in abun-
dance during a flying visit to that locality. He says it perches on high
trees. I only saw it on the ground (but, then, there were no trees for
it to perch upon), or on the nests of the white-ants. It appeared to
have the same habits as S. Pileata. Several specimens have been
sent to me from Colesberg and Kuruman.
Le Vaillant found their nests in holes or under rocks. Eggs white.
206. Saxicola Nigra, Vieill. ; Myrmecocichla
Nigra, Ency. Meth, p. 489; Le Traquet Comman-
deur, Le Vail. Pl 189 ; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 437; Lath
Gen. His. Vol. 7, p. 96; Hart. Orn. W. Af, p. 65.
GrneRAL colour black, with light rose-coloured epaulettes.
Length, 7”.
This species was found, according to Le Vaillant, congregating in
small families (consisting of an old pair and their young ones), and
feeding upon termites. “It was first discovered on the eastern side of
the colony, extending from the 28th degree of south latitude as far as
the tropic, and only residing there during the breeding season. He
never found their nests, but believes they build in holes and caverns.
Sundevall states that it is not South African, but from Malimba, on
the East Coast. Hartlaub, however, has it from the West Coast, and
it may therefore sometimes approach the extreme northern limits of
Le Vaillant’s collecting ground.
Genus PRATINCOLA, Koch.
Bill short, with the gape broad, and furnished with short
bristles ; the culmen slightly curved, and the sides com-
pressed to the tip, which is rather emarginated; the gonys
long and ascending; the nostrils basal, lateral, in a small
membranous groove, with the opening rounded, and partly
hidden by the frontal plumes ; wings long and rounded, with
LUSCINID. 11)
the fourth and fifth quills longest aud equal; tail short,
broad, and slightly rounded on the sides; tarsi slightly
longer than the middle toe, slender, and covered by a single
scale in front; toes moderate, slender, and the outer toe
rather longer than the inner, the hind toe long and rather
strong; the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
207. Pratincola Pastor, Strickland; Motacilla,
Sibilla, Linn. Gmel. Syst., 44; La Traquet Patre, Le
Vail, Pl. 180 ; Bontrochie of Colonists, literally parti-
coloured.
Heap, and half way down the throat, black, sprinkled with
yellow; lower throat and breast rufous; sides of the neck,
shoulders, and rump, white; belly and flanks, pale-rufous ;
eyes, dark hazel. Female less brilliant in colour. Length,
ab: wine os tall, LO
Tt is abundant throughout the colony, inhabiting open plains covered
with low brushwood, generally going in pairs, male and female. It is
fond of perching on the top of the highest twig or rush, in its neigh-
bourhood, generally selecting one that stands solitary. Le Vaillant
found their-nests concealed with great care in mole holes, at the foot
of thick bushes, in holes in rock, and such like places. Eggs five in
number, blotched with yellow-brown. Mr. Atmore says: “ Nest on
ground, eggs pale-green, spotted.”
Genus THAMNOBIA, Swain.
Bill small, slender; base widened; the sides much com-
pressed ; culmen slightly arched from the base, but the tip of
the upper mandible reflected and entire; gape smooth ; wings
short, much rounded, the primaries hardly exceeding the
secondaries and tertials, which are very broad ; tail moderate,
broad, much rounded ; tarsus much longer than the middle
and hinder toes; lateral toes very unequal, the inner shortest ;
claws slighly curved.
208. Thamnobia Ptymatura, Gr. Ibis Vol.
18638, p. 328; Mnanthe Ptymatura, Vieil; Micro-
pus Leucopterus, Less. Le Vail, Pl. 188, fig. 2; Le
Traquet a cul roux.
Aut black, with the exception of the belly, vent, rump, and
tail, which are bright rufous; the two centre feathers of the
tail black. Length, about 6”.
Mr. Gurney (Ibis loc. cit) states that this bird was sent from Natai
by Mr. Ayres; but I cannot help fancying some mistake has occurred,
-as the bird is an Indian one, as stated by Le Vaillant.
Lae BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, PARINA, or Titmice,
have the bill short, strong, rather conical, and straight,
with the culmen straight, or slightly curved to the tip, which
is entire; the nostrils lateral, basal, and generally concealed
by the projecting frontal plumes; the wings moderate and
pointed, with the three first quills graduated; the tail more
or less long, rounded, and even; the tarsi rather long,
slender, and covered in front with scales ; the toes moderate,
with the inner toe the shortest; the claws strong, and much
curved.
Genus PARUS, Linn.
Bill short, strong, conic, with the culmen more or less
curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is entire
and acute, the gonys moderate and ascending; the nostrils
lateral and basal, with the opening small, rounded, and con-
cealed by the projecting frontal plumes; wings moderate,
with the first quill very short; the third rather shorter than
the fourth and fifth, which are equal and longest; tail more
or less long and rounded, or even; tarsi rather longer than
the middle toe, and covered in front with transverse scales;
toes moderate, with the lateral ones nearly equal; the hind
toe very long and strong, and armed with a long, curved,
and acute claw.
209. Parus Cinereus, Vieil.; P. Atriceps, Horsf.
Pl. Col. 287, f. 2.; Le Messange Brune a poitrine
noir, Le Vail., Pl. 139, fi 2.
Tor of the head, throat, chest, and tail, black; cheeks and
lateral tail-feathers edged with white; it has also a small
white collar. The under side is a greyish brown, the black
of the chest forming a breastplate-shaped mark on it, extend-
ing down the belly ; the upper parts darker than the lower ;
irids black. Length, about 52”; wing, 3”; tail, 2” 3”.
Although Le Vaillant states that this species is found in the envi-
rons of the Cape, I have never obtained it nearer than Beaufort West,
where it was first killed in company with the M. Senegalensis by Mr.
Jackson’s son. In this locality it has plenty of rocks and mountain,
which Le Vaillant says are its habitual resort, and amid which it
breeds, making a voluminous nest, composed of wool and feathers, in
the crevices, and laying from 8 to 14 eggs. I never found more than
five inanest. They are white, with red spots and blotches: axis,
9” ; diam., 7’.
Mr. Andersson brought the species from Damaraland, and I have
also received it from Colesberg and Kuruman.
During my visit to Mr. Jackson at Nel’s Poort, I obtained several
nests in the crevices of an old brick tank or bath, which was constantly
LUSCINIDZ:. Like
used by the members of our household. The entrances to these nests
were very small and tortuous, leading to the back of the brick-work,
which we had to remove before we could secure the eggs. The nests
were large masses of dried bents of grass and feathers. I frequently
saw this species on my journey from Nel’s Poort to the Swartberg,
creeping about the sides of ‘dry water-courses, clinging to the perpen-
dicular banks, and apparently searching for spiders. .
210. Parus Cinerascens, Vieil.; Parus Afer,
Gmel.; Le Messange Grizetie, Le Vail, Pl. 138.
Urrer parts of back, breast, and belly, dark blue-grey ;
wings brownish-black, variegated with white, most thickly
on the shoulders ; tail black ; the outer lateral feathers being
bordered with white; top of the head, throat, and chest,
black; a white patch extends from the corner of the bill,
under the eye, and down the neck, dividing the black of the
head from that of the chest. In the female, these parts are
speckled with white. Length, 53’.
Le Vaillant found this species in the mimosa forests of Camdeboo.
Non vidi.
211. Parus Leucopterus, Swain; Le Mésange
Noir, Le Vail. Pl. 137, fig. 2; Parus Niger, Vieil. ;
Pentherus Niger, Cab.; Melaniparus Niger, Bp. ;
Cuy. Vol. 2, p. 123.
GeNnERAL colour, black; below much tinged with brown; a
broad white bar commences on the shoulder, and extends
down the wing, becoming narrower towards the point;
lateral tail-feathers slightly edged with white. Length,
3” 9”; wing, 4"; tail, 3”.
Le Vaillant found this species in the Eastern districts of the colony ;
he says it retires for the night into holes of trees, where it also breeds,
laying six or eight pure white eggs. I have received it from Kuruman,
Beaufort, and Damaraland.
Genus PAROIDES, Koch.
Bill moderate and slender, with the culmen straight, or
slightly curved to the tip, which is entire and acute, the
sides compressed ; the gonys long and ascending ; the nostrils
basal and lateral, with the opening entirely hidden by the
projecting frontal plumes ; wings rather short, with the first
quill very short, and the second nearly as long as the third
or fourth, which are equal and longest; tail moderate,
and forked, or lengthened and graduated ; tarsi as long as:
the middle toe, and broadly scaled in front ; toes moderate,
O
114 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with the lateral ones nearly equal; the outer slightly united
at its base; the hind toe long and strong; the claws long
and strong, especially that of the hind toe.
212. Paroides Capensis; <Zgithalus Minutus,
Shaw; Parus Capensis, Gmel. Sonn. Voy. t. 115 ;
Cuvier, Vol. 2, p. 124; Le Becque-fleur, Le Vail, Pl.
134, Figs. 1 and 2.
ABovE, dull olive-green ; greyish on the head and yellowish
on the rump; forehead covered with short feathers, partly
very dark-brown (approaching to black) and partly white,
which give it a mottled appearance; a few white feathers
are scattered about the cheeks; under parts of male, with the
exception of the chin, all yellow. Female, generally duller
underneath ; white on the throat and breast; rufous on the
belly and vent; forehead as the head. Length, 3” 5’;
wing, 2’; tail, 1” 5".
These little birds were found by Le Vaillant in small flocks on the
western side of the colony, in the neighhourhood of the ‘“ Elephant’s
River.” They are very active, and continually on the move, from
flower to flower, feeding on insects. Mr. Andersson brought many
from Damaraland, and I have it from various parts of the colony. It
is common about Nel’s Poort, and is the fabricator of the nest figured
by Le Vaillant, plate 131, which is there erroneously attributed to
* Le Pine Pine,” which is clearly the Drymoica Textrix, called by the
Dutch colonists “ Tinc-Tinc.”
The nests fabricated by these minute birds are wonderful structures,
more like balls of felted cloth than the habitation of a bird. They
vary in size from five to eight inches in length, and three to five inches
in diameter. Some that I have torn to pieces, appear as if felted in
layers, coat upon coat. Hach nest is furnished with a tubular entrance,
underneath which is a pocket, the use of which is doubtful. Some say
the male bird sits therein during the night; others attribute it to the
cunning of the birds to deceive snakes, as it draws the tubular neck of
the real entrance into the body of the nest, and closes it so tight that
the snakes mistake the pocket for the orifice, and vainly try to pene-
trate the nest thereby. I have conversed with several individuals who
had been deceived by this proceeding, and did not find out their error
until the parent bird effected her escape through the real opening, of
her own accord. ‘They lay from six to ten eggs, pure white: axis,
7’; diam., 5’”; and the whole brood keeps together for some time
after being fully fledged.
Mr. Atmore writes: “I took one in the nest, tied up the mouth,
and thought I had my little prisoner safe, nest and eggs, in my cart-
box; but on passing a fine Gladiolus, which I could not leave behind, I
opened the box to get something to dig the bulb out with, when out
flew the bird! She had bored a hole through the side, and when the
lid opened, ‘ skedaddled.’ ”’
LUSCINID&., 115
Genus PARISOMA, Swainson.
Bill very short, straight, considerably compressed ; upper
mandible arched from the base, and notched ; lower thick ;
gonys ascending ; rictus with a few weak bristles; lateral
toes equal. ‘
213. Parisoma Rufiventer; P. Subceruleum,
Gmel.; Le Grignet, Le Vail., Pl. 126.
6 Asove, dark dull greenish-grey, browner on the wings,
and black on the tail, the two outer feathers of which are
tipped and edged with white; under parts ash-coloured ;
throat whitish, speckled with long dark ash-coloured spots ;
vent deep rufous; edges of the wings white. 2 wants the
rufous vent. Length, 5”; wing, 2” 9'"; tail, 2” 8".
Le Vaillant states that this bird is very common on the banks of the
“Gouritz,”’ and “Brak” Rivers, dwelling among the mimosas in
small flocks, and incessantly traversing the branches in their search
after insects, and the eggs and larve of Lepidoptera, which form their
principal food. I have received specimens from the Cedar Mountains,
in Clanwilliam, and from the neighbourhood of “ Riebeeks Kasteel,”
in Malmesbury, through the kindness of Mr. Russouw; also from
Swellendam, Colesberg, and Kuruman; and Mr. Andersson brought
it from Damaraland. Mr. Atmore tells me he finds it plentifully in
the Bosjesveldt ; and I saw it in great abundance in the Karroo, as far
as Nel’s Poort. Le Vaillant’s description of their habits is correct.
While hunting, they utter a clear piping whistle.
214. Parisoma Layardi, Hartlaub. Ibis. Vol.
IV, p. 147.
GenzraAz colour above, cinereous, with a tinge of green;
central tail-feathers approaching to black; the two outer
more or less white on their tips and outer edges; under sur-
face, whitish-grey, darkest on the flanks, and mottled on
the throat; wing-feathers edged with white; bill and legs
dark. Length, 5” 3”; wing, 2” 6”; tail, 2” 9'"; tarsus,
TOC billy /'!.
This bird was received from Mr. Russouw, who obtained it in
Zwartland, in the Malmesbury division. According to his account,
the irides are white. I also procured this species at Nel’s Pooft,
about the mountains. In its habits it resembled P. Rujfiventer, for
which at first we mistook it. It is difficult to shoot, as it creeps about
dense bushes, and on being hunted, conceals itself in the thickest
parts and remains perfectly still. My friend, Mr. Henry Jackson,
calls it the ‘‘ Mocking Bird,” from its habits of imitation, and informs
me that it makes a cup-shaped nest in a bush, and lays three eggs,
which are pure white, blotched chiefly at the obtuse end with greenish-
brown and faided purple spots: axis, 9”; diam., 7’”.
116 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, MNIOTILTINA, or Bush-
creepers,
have the bill more or less acutely conical, with the culmen
sloping, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly
emarginated ; the gonys long, and advancing upwards ; the
nostrils basal, with the openings more or less large and
exposed ; the wings rather long, and generally pointed ;
the tail moderate ; the tarsi as long as or longer than the
middle toe, covered in front with broad scales ; the toes long
and slender, with the outer toe usually longer than the
inner, and united at its base.
Genus ZOSTEROPS, Vigors and Horsfield.
Bill moderate and slightly curved, with the culmen
curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is acute
and emarginated ; the gonys long, and slightly ascending ;
the gape furnished with a few very short weak bristles ;
the nostrils basal, and placed in a broad groove, with the
opening closed by a lunate scale ; wings moderate, with the
first quill very small, and the fourth and fifth equal and
longest ; tail moderate, broad, and slightly emarginated in
the middle; tarsi rather longer than the middle toe, and
covered in front with broad scales ; toes rather long; with
the outer toe rather longer than the inner, and united at its
base; the hind toe long, strong, and armed with a long
curved claw.
215. Zosterops Capensis; 2. Madagascuriensis,
Linn.; Le Tcheric, Le Vail, Pl. 1382; Sylvia Annu-
losa, Swain. Zool. Ill, Pi. 164; Z. Flavigula, Swain.
( Witteoogje, lit. white eye; and Glasoogje, lit. glass
eye.) .
Axovs, olive-green ; yellowish towards the rump; below grey,
with throat, vent, and flanks greenish-yellow ; between the
bill and the eye a black line; eye surrounded with a fringe
of white feathers. Length, 4” 9’; wing, 2” 3”.
The ‘‘white-eye” is common throughout the whole of the colory,
roaming about in small families of from 5 to 20in number. During
the fruit season they do great damage to the apricots, peaches, plums,
&c.; they also destroy the buds, to get at the insects that lurk therein.
While on the wing, or feeding, they utter incessantly a stridulous chirp,
which generally is the first thing that reveals their presence. I never
saw them on the ground; but they sometimes creep about low bushes.
They place their nests, which they conceal with great care, in'a fork
caused ‘by the union of several small twigs. It is composed of moss
LUSCINID. ~417
and fibres, covered with cobweb and lichens, and lined with hair, and
is shaped like a cup, about 3 inches across by 25 deep. The eggs, five
in number, are of a beautiful, spotless blue, rather sharp at the ends:
axis, 8” ; diam., 6’”.
216. Zosterops Pallida, Swainson’s Animals in
Menag,, p. 294.
Pax, greyish olive; beneath yellowish-white, tinged with
isabella on the body and flanks; wings and tail very light-
brown; inner wing-covers white. Length, 4” 3”; wing,
wane eg telly ks
This very rare species was first described from a specimen collected
by Dr. Burchell. The example in the S.A. Museum was probably sent
from Swellendam by Mr. Cairncross, as it bears traces of his stuffing.
A second example has been received from Mr. Atmore.
217. Zosterops Virens, Sundev., Ibis Vol. 1861,
p. 360.
YELLOWISH-GREEN ; belly yellow ; flanks green ; lores black;
above yellow. Length, 43”; wing, 2” 2”.
Inhabits Upper Kaffraria (Wahlb.), loc. cit. Found also by Mr.
Ayres in Natal, where they are plentiful in the spring of the year.
218. Zosterops Lateralis, Sund., Ibis Vol. 1861,
p. 358; Z. Abyssinica, Guérr., Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 162.
ABOVE, pale olive-green; beneath whitish ; flanks fulvescent-:
grey ; throat and vent yellow; neck tinted with fulvus ; ring
round the eye white. Length, 4’; wing, 2” 2”.
Upper Kaffraria, Wahlberg.
The Sub-Family, MOTACILLINA, or Wagtails,
have the bill moderate, generally slender and straight, with
the culmen curved at the end, and the sides much compressed
to the tip, which is emarginated; gonys long and ascending ;
the nostrils laterai, and placed in a small groove; the wings
long and pointed ; the tail more or less long, and usually
even; the tarsi long, slender, and covered in front with
transverse scales; the toes more or less long, the lateral toes
unequal, and the outer slightly united; the claws long,
slightly curved, and acute, that of the hind toe sometimes
very long.
Genus MOTACILLA, Linn.
Bill moderate, straight, and slender, with the culmen
slightly curved, and the sides much compressed to the tip,
118 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
which is emarginated, the lateral margins nearly straight
aud inflexed, and the gonys long and ascending ; the nostrils
lateral, with the opening oval, and partly concealed by a
membrane; wings lengthened and pointed, with the first
quill almost as long as the second and third, which are equal
and longest ; tail very long, generally even, but sometimes
forked ; tarsi longer than the middle toe, slender, and covered
in front with slightly-divided scales; toes moderate; with
the lateral toes nearly equal, the outer one slightly united
at its base ; the hind toe long, and armed with a long, more
or less curved claw.
219. Motacilla Capensis, Linn; Shaw. Vol.
10, p. 8349; La Levandiére Brune, Le Vail. No.
177 ; La Bergeronnette du Cap de Bonne Esperance,
Brisson ; Motacilla Afra, Gmel., Pl. Enl. 28, f. 2.
GENERAL colour, grey-brown ; the wing-feathers edged with
light-brown ; under parts white, with a yellowish tinge ;
throat pure white; chest with an ash-coloured collar, ex-
tending downwards in the shape of a peak; eyebrows dirty-
white ; two outer feathers of the tail on each side, brilliant
white; the rest dark, indian-ink brown. Length, 6” 6” ;
wing, 3’ 1"; tail, 3” 7”.
The common wagtail is abundant throughout the colony, frequent-
ing the crowded cities equally with the outlying farmsteads ; every-
where it is petted and protected on account of its trusting, confiding
manners, and the gentle way in which it makes itself one of the family.
Of course, in the towns, where boys, those natural enemies of birds,
abound, the wagtail is more shy than in the country ; but even there
they know the dwellings of those who protect them, and take up their
abode accordingly.
In the country, each farm-house and “‘ pondok” (mud-dwelling of
Hottentot labourer) has its well-known pairs of this engaging bird ; and
woe to the unlucky urchin who dares to meddle with them or their
nests!! To say that “the angels won’t love them,” would bea bless-
ing ompered to the fate that would be prophesied for the wicked
child.
I have often seen the master of the house sitting in his chair in the
cool of the evening, and, perhaps, while one bird perched on the rail
of his chair, another would jump at the flies on his soil-stained shoes,
while two or three more stand pecking at those that plagued the old
dog lying at his master’s feet. Perhaps one or.two would have found
their way: into the voorhuis, or entrance-hall, where a rich harvest
awaited them in the bodies of those flies slain by the attendant dark
urchins, who, often ignorant of breeches or petticoats, guard their
master’s viands with a plume of dirty ostrich-feathers or leafy bough
torn from the nearest tree.
These birds consort much with cattle, and jump up against their
LUSCINIDA. 119
sides as they stand lazily chewing the cud, to catch the small flies that
keep about them; they also congregate in considerable numbers on the
sea-beach, to feed on the flies bred in the putrifying sea-weed: they
run along the sand with great agility, or walk with a stately, swagger-
ing gait, which is very amusing. They also congregate in flocks upon
favourite trees for the purpose of roosting; and this may chiefly be
observed in towns.
The nest is generally constructed in a bank if in the fields; but when
in the ‘town they select a hole in the wall, or a dense mass of leaves
in some plant creeping up a wall ortree. The nest is composed of
leaves, small roots, and horse-hair, with which the structure is lined.
The eggs are four or five in number, of greyish white, minutely freckled
with brown, chiefly at the obtuse end: axis, 9’”; diam., 64’”.
A yellow wagtail was sent to me by Mr. J. Reitz, of Swellendam,
which was unfortunately lost through the carelessness of a person then
attached to the Museum, before I had time to describe it. I have
never received another specimen ; but if my memory serves me rightly,
it closely resembled the species found in Damaraland.
220. Motacilla Longicauda, Rupp, Neue
Wirb., Pl. 29, Fig. 2:
GENERAL colour above, cinereous; below white; gorget nar-
row, dark bluish-grey ; eyebrows white ; wings black, with
some of the lesser quills and the secondaries edged with
white; tail white, with the exception of the four centre
feathers, which are coloured like the wings. Length, 7” 6”;
wing, 3” 3!”; tail, 3” 6”.
This very elegant wagtail has not yet occurred to me within the
bounds of the colony. Mr. Ayres has procured it at Natal, and
Ruppell in Abyssinia.
221. Motacilla Aguimp, Tem.; M. Vidua, Sund.;
Le Bergeronnette “ad guimpe,’ Le Vail, Pl. 178; M.
Levaillantiz, Cab., Cuv., Vol. 1, Pl. 475.
Suinine black; eyebrows, throat, and belly white; chest-
‘ band black ; two outer tail-feathers and wing-band white.
Length, 8”; wing, 3” 9"; tail, 3" 11".
Le Vaillant found this species first on the borders of the Orange
River, about the 28th degree of south latitude, and thence to the
tropic. Ihave received one or two specimens from Beaufort West,
more from Colesberg, and several from Kuruman and the Free State.
Le Vaillant describes its habits as similar to those of the common
wagtail. Its nest appears to be usually built near water, in a hole
in a rock, or drift tree, and composed of moss, &c., and lined with
hair and feathers.
222. Motacilla Indica, Gmel.; Motacilla Varie-
gata, Vieil., Cuv., Vol. 1, Pl. 475 ; Nemoricola Indica,
Bp. ; Le Levandiére varieé, Le Vail, No. 179.
Heap and back, olive-brown; beneath the same, varied with
yellow, and a black stripe across the throat; quills black,
120 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
varied with vellow and white; four middle tail-feathers
black, the rest becoming more white as they become lateral.
Length, 6” 9".
‘Rare, and only found in Kaffraria,” according to Le Vaillant; but
in reality an Indian species, found also in Ceylon, where I was very
familiar with it. It could not, therefore, have escaped my notice if it
had occurred in any of the numerous collections of Cape birds which
I have examined.
Genus ANTHUS, Bechstein.
Bill more or less straight and slender, with the culmen
almost straight, or slightly curved, and the sides compressed
to the tip, which is emarginated, the lateral margins straight
and inflexed; the gonys long and ascending; the nostrils
lateral, placed in a short, broad groove, with the opening
rounded, and partly closed by a membrane; wings moderate,
with the first three quills equal and longest ; tail moderate,
and emarginated ; tarsi longer than the middle toe, rather
slender, and covered in front with broad, transverse scales ;
toes long, and rather slender; with the lateral toes equal,
and the outer one slightly united at its base; the hind toe
long ; the claws of the anterior toes rather short and curved,
and that of the hind toe very long and acute.
223. Anthus Capensis, Linn, Pl. Enl, 504, Fig.
2; Onv., Vol. 6, p. 479 ; Macronyx Capensis, Swain.,
Nat. Lib, Vol. 9, p. 216; L Alouette Sentinelle, Le
Vail., PL 195--6; Kalkoentje of Colonists, lit. Little
Turkey.
Upper parts, variegated dark-brown, the feathers having
light edges; wing and tail-feathers the same; the edges of
some of the former being yellow, others white; three outer
tail-feathers more or less tipped with white; over the eye a
bright orange line; from the corners of the bill rise two
black stripes, which extend down the sides of the chin, and
unite in front on the lower part of the throat; all within
this is a brilliant, shining, crimson-orange; below it the
centre of the breast and belly is orange; sides and flanks
cinereous ; edges of shoulders bright orange; toes very long
and strong, the hinder one armed with a claw 9" long.
Length, 7’ 9"; wing, 3” 9". ;
This handsome lark is common throughout all the open country of
the colony : it would be better to say the forest itself is the only place
where it is not to be found. In its habits it resembles the sky-lark,
except that it does not soar, sing, or congregate in flocks. Instead of
perching on clods of earth,—such luxuries not being common in this
land,—it mounts a white-ant’s heap, and keeps a look-out for its
enemies from that eminence. It is usually found in pairs, and when
LUSCINID. 121
one flies off, uttering its peculiar “ mewing” cry, the other is sure to
follow. It often perches on low bushes, amid which it runs with great
rapidity, leaving a scent so strong that even the best pointers will
“draw ” after it for a considerable distance.
The flesh of this bird is delicious eating,—and on the high plateau
about the Knysna, where they abound, a good shot might secure a
sumptuous dish in a very few hours. But powder and shot is too
expensive in these regions to be wasted on such “small fry,” and
perhaps the report of your gun will spring two or three bustards
within a few hundred yards.
224. Anthus Flavigaster; Alauda Crocea,
Vieil.; Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af, p. 73; Macronyx
Flavigaster, Swain., Nat. Lib, Vol. 11, p. 215; Jard.
and Selby, Ill Orn., n. s, Pl. 22.
ABOVE, varied with black and brown ; beneath, fine yellow,
with a broad black gorget on the breast; bill slightly curved.
Length, 7’ 6”; wing, 3’ 4”; tail, 2” 5’.
Natal.
225. Anthus Cathrope, Layard.
GENERAL appearance, lark-like; colour, rufous-brown ; the
centres of the feathers being dark and the edges lighter,
give a mottled appearance; wing and tail primaries very
dark-brown, with light rufous edges; head finely mottled ;
stripe over the eye, light rufous-brown; throat grey; under
parts immaculate, dusky grey, ruddy on the flanks; bill dark
horn-colour, the lower mandible lightish ; legs flesh-colour ;
eyes black. Length, about 4”.
Such is a description taken from a little pet—the only specimen I
have seen—of a small Anthus that is merrily hopping about in m
aviary, and known to the household by the familiar name of “ Brownie.”
“ Brownie,” from his engaging ways and sprightly song, is a general
favourite. He came into my porecssipn more than six years ago, and
was brought from Swartland. He usually commences his song the
earliest, but one, of all my birds: the “ early bird” is a Java sparrow,
who with the faintest dawn begins a low guttural gobbling, ending in
a mellow but short pipe. As soon as I remove the cover from the
cage, ‘‘ Brownie,” who roosts on the ground, sometimes in a corner,
at other times behind the seed-box, mounts a large stone, placed in
the cage for his special benefit, and pours out his voluble song, short,
certainly, but oft-repeated. Occasionally he will hop on the edge of
the cage, or mayhap on a perch, and then treat us to a stave ; but his
favourite singing-place is the stone. Sometimes, when I am going to
bed, without any warning, “‘ Brownie” will start off in full tide of
song: he is then usually on the ground. ‘ Brownie,’ however, has
more than once been in disgrace. Among the many birds confined
PR
122 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with him, are a pair of doves from Java: these he almost stripped of
their feathers, for the sake of nibbling the. quill-ends, which are -
rapidly passed through his little sharp bill, like canes through a sugar-
crusher, and with the same results. From this propensity, I fancy
‘« Brownie” must like a meat diet-—worms and insects, perhaps; he,
however, feeds upon canary-seed, and will eat groundsel and chick-
weed, and all that the canaries that are inhabitants of the same large
cage feed upon. I dedicate this, to me, new species to perpetuate the
name of the faithful companion of my labours for upwards of twenty
cel who has aided me with pen and pencil, and shared the pleasures
have experienced in the study of the works of Nature.
226. Anthus Sordidus, Rupp.; Faun. Abyss, t.,
39 ; Agrodroma Sordida ; Corydalla Sordida, Blyth ; »
Anthus Gouldii, Fr.
ABoVE, variegated lightish hair-brown; below, light buff,
tinted with rufous; ckest with some obscure dark-brown
markings; vent whitish; outer edge of exterior tail-feather
white. Length, 8"; wing, 4’ 6”; tail, 3”.
Several specimens of this pippit, received from Capt. Bulger, at
Windvogelberg, are the only examples that have fallen under my
notice. It has also been procured at Natal by Mr. Ayres.
227. Anthus Brachyurus, Sund.; Ofvers. Kongl.
Vet. Ak., Forhandl.
Dark greyish-brown, variegated with blackish markings ;
belly white ; tail short, the outer feather half-whitish.
A small species, found at Natal. Ibis, Vol. 1863, p- 327.
228. Anthus Leucophrys, Vieill.; Gal. Ois, t,
262; N. Dict. d@ Hist. Nat. XXVI, p. 502; Enkelde
Lewerk of Dutch Colonists.
ABOVE, immaculate greenish-brown ; in some specimens ashy ;
be'ow, pale yellowish-ash ; chest obscurely freckled with
brown; chin white; eyebrow yellowish-ash ; wing-feathers,
dark-ash, with pale margins; tail, the same, the two outer
pair being the same colour as the under parts; eye brown.
Length, 7”; wing, 3’ 8’; tail, 2’ 7’,
. This pippit is abundant throughout the colony. It frequents open
country, either quite bare or covered with bush, on which it perches
readily. Feeds on insects and seeds. Mr. Atmore writes: “ Plentiful
on: karroe fats, particularly near Oliphant’s River,—perches on
bushes,.&c.”’
»
LUSCINIDA. 128
229. Anthus Raaltenii, Temm. ; Licht. Cat, 1842,
p. 54.
LaRK-LIKE; above variegated, very dark hair-brown and
yellow-brown, the latter colour being on the edges of the
feathers; tail dark hair-brown, outer feather on each side
white; the next white, with half the inner web brown;
under parts light-yellow buff; breast streaked with dark
umber-brown. Length, 5’; wing, 2’ 6”; tail, 1” 11’.
The only specimens of this bird that I have seen came from Messrs.
Cairncross and Atmore, of Swellendam. The latter has forwarded the
eggs, which are three in number, white, and profusely freckled with
- darkish, grey-brown markings: axis, 10’; diam., 7’”. He observes
that in habits A. Raaltenii resembles the “ wagtails, running swiftly
along the ground, snapping at insects.”
230. Anthus Caffer, Sundevall; Mus. Holm.
AxoveE, brown, the edges of the feathers being a dirty nankin,
imparting to the bird a mottled appearance; rump: tinged
with rufous; eyebrows, clear bright nankin; a series of
dark-brown spots form a moustache on each side of the chin,
which is dirty white; under side, rufous-nankin, and, with the
exception of the breast, which is mottled with brown spots,
immaculate; outer tail-feathers; with the outer web, and a
considerable portion of the inner web, clear nankin ; central
pair edged with the same, as are also the feathers of the
wings; eyes brown. Length, 63"; wing, 33”; tail, 3”.
Rare ; but widely distributed. I have received it from Kuruman
and Swellendam, and shot a single specimen on the Cape Flats. The
stomach of this last contained seeds and the shells of Succinea Dela-
landi. I killed it near a vley.
231. Anthus Lineiventris, Sundevall.
ABovE, dull-brown, with a greenish tinge, darkest on the
centre of the feathers ; eyebrow nankin ; chin white, slightly
speckled at the angles of the bill; under parts ashy-brown,
minutely lineated down the shaft of each feather ; wing and
tail feathers dark-brown, faintly bordered with the ashy-
brown of the breast, of which colour also is a triangular spot
at the apex of the inner web of the exterior tail-feathers.
Length, 73”; wing, 33”; tail, 3”. i, Lois
A solitary specimen of this bird was received from Mr. Arnot, at
Colesberg. * .
124 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
232: Anthus Campestris, Bechst.; A. Rufescens,
Temm.; A Rufus, Vieil, Pl. Enl 661, f£ 2; Gould's
B. of Eur., Pl. 137; Alauda Montana, Gmel.
Genera colour above, brown, much mottled, the edges of —
the feathers being very light; under parts whitish, tinged
with reddish ; breast mottled with dark-brown spots; outer
pair of tail-feathers on each side more or less white; the
centre pair of the colour of the back, the rest dark-brown.
Length, 7” 6"; wing, 3” 6”; tail, 3”.
Sent with No. 226 by Capt. Bulger. Mr. Victorin also seems to
have found it at the Knysna.
233. Anthus Ameliz; Macronyx Amelie, De
Tarragon Mag. de Zool, 1845; Ibis. Vol. 1862,
p. 28.
Axovs, lark-like, variegated with brown; throat, chest, and
belly, salmon-coloured ; a narrow dark-brown collar extends
from the bill across the throat, more or less broken by the
spots on the chest; vent, cinereous brown, spotted; two
outer tail-feathers white.
The above description is taken from the Plate in Mr. G. R. Gray’s
“Genera of Birds,” as the species has never occurred to me; nor
have I access to any work wherein it is described. Mr. Ayres (Ibis.
loc. cit.) says it is found along the coast of Natal, on marshy flats.
The Second Family, TURDID, or
Thrushes,
have the bill of various lengths, and more or less strong, with
the culmen generally keeled, curved, and the sides compressed
to the tip, which is emarginated ; the nostrils lateral, basal,
and generally protected by a membranous scale; the wings
more or less long, and rounded or pointed ; the tail mostly of
moderate length ; the tarsi more or less short, and usually
covered with transverse scales; the toes of various lengths,
with the outer toe generally longer than the inner one.
The Sub-Family, TURDINA;, or Thrushes,
have the bill as long as or longer than the head, and strong,
with the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip,
which is generally emarginated; the nostrils lateral and
placed in a small groove, with the opening exposed; the
wings moderate, with the first quill very short, the third and
TURDID. 125
fourth, and sometimes the fifth, the longest; the tail long,
broad, even, or graduated; the tarsi long, and covered with
an entire scale, or several broad scales, in front; the toes
long, the outer one longer than the inner, and united at the
base ; the hind toe long and strong; the claws moderate,
curved, and acute.
Genus CH AXTOPS, Swainson.
Bill moderate, thrush-like, notched ; nostrils basal, large,
naked, membranaceous, the aperture lateral and linear;
frontal feathers rigid, the shafts composed of bristles; chin-
feathers the same, but weaker; rictus bristled ; wings very
short and rounded; tail rather lengthened, broad, convex,
soft, and slightly rounded; tarsi very long and strong,
anterior scales divided; lateral toes unequal; claws small,
obtuse, and slightly curved, the three anterior of equal size.
234. Chetops Frenatus, Temm. ; Chetops Bur-
chelli, Sw.
Uprrr parts of head and back, ash-coloured, the centre of
each feather being very dark; rump, chest, and belly, bright
red-brown ; vent and thighs ash-coloured ; head with a white
eyebrow and moustache; throat and cheeks black; wings
black-brown, some of the feathers edged with rufous ash;
secondaries tipped with white, causing the wing to appear
crossed with a white bar; shoulders spotted with white, a few
spots of the same colour between the white bar and the
shoulder ; tail-feathers, with the exception of the centre pair,
tipt with white; legs, claws, and bill, black; eye bright-
red; plumage very lax and fluffy, particularly about the
rump: on being raised on this spot, it will be found to be
ash-coloured, like the back, the rufous tint being quite super-
ficial. Length, 9"; wing, 3” 7’; tail, 3" 7’; tarsus, 1” 7’,
This bird is, as far as I yet know, peculiar to the mountain ranges
between Caledon and Swellendam. It frequents the tops of the hills
and high elevations on their stony sides, and seeks its food, consist-
ing of insects, about stones and rocks. In habits it much resembles
the Rock Thrush, and, like it, is fond of perching on the summit of
some conspicuous stone or ant-hill, from which it surveys the surround-
ing prospect, and seeks for safety by immediate flight on perceiving
the approach of a foe. It progresses by aseries of enormous hops, its
powerful legs being well suited to this end; while its strong pointed
claws enables it to traverse with ease the inclined surfaces of slip-
pery rocks. It conceals itself readily in holes, and, if wounded, seeks
such aretreat in which to dic. Generally found in small families of
three or four individuals.
126 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
235. Chetops Aurantius, Layard.
Heap and shoulders above, ashy-grey, streaked with black ;
back and rump brick-red ; tail graduated, black, each feather,
with the exception of the two central, tipped with white;
this colour extending farther up each feather, until it attains
its maximum in the short outside pair; throat jet-black,
with a white band extending from the lower mandible to the
breast; another smaller white line passes from the nostril
over the eye, and terminates a little beyond it; breast and
belly, a fine clear orange-rufous, or burnt sienna; wings black, |
each feather more or less edged with ashy-grey ; a white bar
extends across wing; the plumage very lax and decomposed,
particularly over the rump. Length, 8” 9; wing, 3” 7;
tail; 4" » ‘bill, 9! s':tarsus;s1” 8”;
This handsome species was obtained by Mr. J. O’Reilly in some
abundance in the mountains: near Graafi-Beinet. He describes it as
extremely wary and difficult of approach, and feeding on insects, for
which it seeks among the low brushwood. It has also been received
from Capt. Bulger, at Windvogelberg, and from Mrs. Barber.
Mr. J. O’Reilly writes as follows :—‘ Graaff-Reinet, January 2nd,
1863. Inhabits rocks in high mountain ranges. Scarce; very shy and
cunning, usually frequenting places assimilating to its plumage. Con-
tinually on the hop, and seldom takes wing ; when it does so, flies but
a short distance. Always on the watch, seldom showing much more
than its head above the stones. Found about Graaff-Reinet all the
year round, and in pairs. Food consists of small insects of any sort;
drinks in the evening. Note, a sharp chirp, particularly when sur-
prised. Breeds in December. Nest built of grass and rock-mosses,
in eremaces among rocks. Eggs, three to four, green, with brown
speckles.”
P When this bird was sent home, Dr. Hartlaub and Mr. Sclater
identified it as C. Frenatus, Temm. Since then, specimens have been
obtained corresponding entirely with Temminck’s figure of that bird,
and I am convinced that this species is distinct. I have male, female,
and young birds of each; and Mr. O’Reilly describes the nests and
eggs of the orange-bodied species, which Dr. Hartlaub supposes to be
the young of Frenatus. C. Frenatus breeds about Caledon ; and our
C. Aurantius never appears there by any chance.
Genus TURDUS, Linn.
Bill as long or nearly as long asthe head, with the cul-
men curved, and the sides gradually compressed to the tip,
which is emarginated ; the gonys long, and rather ascending ;
the gape furnished with short weak bristles; the nostrils
basal and lateral, with the opening oval and exposed ;
wings moderate, with the first quill very short, the second
rather shorter than the third and fourth, which are equal
and longest; tail moderate, broad, and slightly emarginated ;
—
TURDIDA. 127
tarsi as long as the middle toe, and covered in front with an
entire scale ; toes moderate, the outer rather longer than the
inner, and slightly united at the base; the claws moderate,
curved, and acute.
336. Turdus Libonyana, Smith; Zool. S. Af,
Pl. 38.
Axoye, deep yellowish-grey; top of the head strongly shaded
with brownish-red, margins of some of the feathers of the
wing showing a pale bufforange ; middle tail-feathers and
outer webs of 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 longitu-
dinal bands; breast, light yellowish-grey, with an orange
tinge, which becomes brighter on the belly and inner sur-
‘face of the shoulders; middlé of belly and vent, white;
bill, feet, and claws, yellow. Length, 9”; wing, 4” 6”;
fan, 4”:
Dr. Smith first procured specimens of this thrush in the neigh-
bourhood of Kurichane, actively engaged, in the thickets which
occur in the banks of the river, scraping among the decaying leaves
' for its food. I have never seen a specimen from any part of the
colony, or as far north as my friends have penetrated: it must be
very rare.
237. Turdus Strepitans, Smith; Zool.S. Af, Pl.
37; Tardus Simensis, Rupp.; Turdus Crassiros-
tris, Lichten.
Front and top of head, brownish-grey ; back of head, neck,
back, and rump, ash-coloured ; under parts ochraceous- white,
dotted all over with dark-brown spots; under the eyes are
two black bands, one semi-lunate, extending from the base of
the bill to the back of the eye, the other downwards from
the eye to this lunate band. Length, 8” 6’; wing, 5” 2”;
tail, 3”.
Dr. Smith (loc. cit.) says: “ Immediately wpon reaching Kurichane
this thrush began to appear in the thickets, and we continued to
acquire occasionally a specimen even in the vicinity of the tropic. It
seeks its food upon the ground, and when so occupied, its resort is
readily discovered by the natives from the noise it makes in scratching
the ground, or in displacing rubbish and decayed leaves which conceal
the insects it is seeking.’’ I have received specimens of this bird from
Kuruman, Colesberg, Otjimbingue ; and Mr. Anderssoa procured it
all over Damaraland.
128 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
238. Turdus Guttatus, Vigors ; Proc. ZS, 1832,
Pl. 62; Smith, ZS. A, Pl. 39.
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
ee tipped with white. Length, 9” 6”; wing, 4” 10”;
tail, 4”.
Dr. A. Smith procured a few specimens of this thrush in the forests
which border upon Port Natal.
239. Turdus Obscurus, Smith; Zool. S.A, Pl
36; T. Smithii, Bp. Cons. Av., p. 274.
Uprer parts, greyish-brown, of different shades; belly red-
dish-orange; breast rather lighter than the back; throat
still lighter ; bill, legs, and claws, yellow. Total length, 93”
wing, 5” 2".
Dr. And. Smith procured this species towards Delagoa Bay, on the
East Coast. He says “it is a solitary bird, inhabiting damp, secluded
thickets and brushwood skirting the banks of rivers, 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 upon which it feeds.”’
I have received specimens from Mr. R. Moffat, killed in the neigh-
bourhood of Kuruman.
240. Turdus Olivaceus, Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 387;
T. Ochrogaster, Sparm.; Le Griverou, Le Vail. Pl. 98,
99.
Att the upper parts, very dark olive-brown; throat
underneath, dirty white, speckled with dark-brown ; breast
cinereous-brown ; belly and flanks, deep rufous; vent, dirty
white ; a few dark-brown spots are distributed on the chest,
flanks, and vent; upper mandible horn-colour; lower man-
dible and legs orange. Length, 10”; wing, 4” 9’; tail,
3! g!"
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 the orchards about Rondebosch. It
utters no song, but only a short hurried cry when alarmed, and fly-
ing 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
TURDID. 129
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
in number, of a light verditer blue, mottled with irregular patches of
brown, thickest on the obtuse end: axis, 15’”; diam., 11/”.
241. Turdus Gurneyi, Hartlb.; Ibis Vol. 1864
p. 849.
ApoveE, olive-brown ; spot between the eye and the bill, throat,
chest, and flanks, cinnamon ; belly and under tail-covers, pure
white ; tail coloured as the back; two rows of white spots
across the wing. Length, 6’ 5”; wing, 4’ 5’; tail, 3’ 3”.
Natal.—Mr. Ayres. Non vidi.
242. Turdus Senegalensis, Cuv. nec Gmel.*
Vol. 6, p. 379; 7. Nigerrimus, Gmel., Pl. Enl., t. 539, f. 2.
“‘Suinine black; feathers yellow-edged; throat, quills, and
tail black.”
South Africa.—Car., loc. cit.; but in reality from Madagascar.
Genus PETROCINCLA,+ Vigors; Rock-Thrushes.
_ Bill notched ; culmen curved to the tip, which is bent, but
not hooked over the lower mandible, nearly entire; wings
moderate ; first quill spurious, second shorter than the three
next, which are equal and longest ; tail even; anterior scales
divided ; lateral toes equal ; claws small, slightly curved.
243. Petrocincla Rupestris, Cuv., Vol. 6, p.
376; Turdus Rupestris, Vieill.; Pet. Montana, Sw.;
T. Rupicola, Licht.; Pet. Rocar, Steph.; Le Rocar,
Le Vail., Pls. 101, 102: .
Tue whole of the head and throat, dark ashy-blue; back and
wings dark-brown ; the former with a deep rufous tinge,
increasing towards the rump, which is entirely deep rufous;
the tail is also rufous, with the exception of the two centre
feathers ; all the under parts deep rufous, lightest towards
the vent; 2 wants the blue head, otherwise she is like the
male ; irides dark-brown. Length, 9"; wing, 4" 6’; tail,3” 8",
This rock-thrush is seldom found except among stones ‘covering the
sides of mountains. In habits it closely resembles P. Hxplorator.. +...
I have seen it at Kalk and Simon’s Bays, and on Table Mountain...
I have also received it from Swellendam, Beaufort, and Colesberg. an
Mrs. Barber informs me that it breeds in holes under rocks, and
* T. Senegalensis of Gmelin = Phyllastrephus Lugubris, Bodd.
+ Mr. Gray (Genera of Birds, p. 218) makes this genus synonymous with 7wrdus.
Q
130 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
sends a nest, composed of fine roots and hair. Eggs, 3—5, of a light
buff or dirty white, minutely freckled throughout with pale rufous :
axis, 13’”; diam., 9”. Of its habits, she writes: “The d sings
a rather lively song; he does not commence early in the morning, at or
before daylight, as the robins do; but after the sun has warmed him he
begins to pour forth his cheerful melody: his notes are clear, and
rather pleasing, and he is fond of choosing a conspicuous situation
whence he can be heard and seen to the best advantage.”
244. Petrocincla Explorator; Turdus Per-
spicax, Shaw ; T'urdus Explorator, Vieil., Cuv., Vol. 6,
p. 377; LD’ Espionneur, Le Vail. Pl. 103.
Heap, neck, breast, throat, back, and shoulders, blue-grey ;
rump, belly, and vent, orange-red, inclining to buff on the
vent and thigh; wing and outer tail-feathers deep brown, the
former edged with light rufous; outer tail-feathers orange-
red, more or less marked with brown. Length, 8"; wing,
4"; tail, 3" ain.
Not very common, but widely distributed. I have seen it principally
infrocky places about Table Mountain, and the face of the hills over-
hanging Simon’s Bay and Kalk Bay. It appears to be a frequent
species at Swellendam; and I have received it from Beaufort and
Colesberg. Itis ashy and wary bird, keeping well out of gun-shot
when pursued, flitting from rock to rock, running up their sloping
surfaces, and keeping a good look-out from the extreme summit. It
feeds on insects, but often takes a little vegetable food.
Genus BESSONORNiAS, Smith.
Bill more or less short, with the culmen gradually curved,
and the sides compressed to the tip, which is emarginated ; the
gonys moderate and ascending; the lateral margins nearly
straight; the nostrils lateral and basal, with the opening
oval, placed in a small membranous groove, and partly
covered by the projecting feathers; wings moderate, and
rounded, with the first or fifth quill the longest ; tail more or
less long, broad, and rounded; tarsi rather longer than the
middle toe, slender, and covered in front with an entire scale,
or with several slightly divided scales ; toes moderate and weak,
with the outer longer than the inner one, and united at the
base ; the hind toe long ; the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
245. Bessonornis Vociferans, Swain. ; Zool. Ill,
Pl. 179 ; Turdus Reclamator, Vieil. Cuv., Vol. 6, p.
379; Muscicapa Bicolor, Sparm.; M. Dichroa, Gmel. ;
Le Reclameur, Le Vail, Pl. 104; Piet-myn-Vrouw
of Colonists.
Axove, dark blue-grey ; rump reddish; wing-feathers edged
with light blue-grey ; tail red, with the exception of the two
_ TURDID. 13)
centre feathers, which are coloured like the back ; the outer
webs of the two outer feathers, and some portions of the rest,
are also similarly coloured ; under parts red, as in the tail ;
iris light-brown. Length, 7” 3”; wing, 4”; tail, 3” 8”.
This bird—which, from its singular cry, has acquired the name by
which it is known to the colonists—is common in the Knysna district,
but is very difficult to procure, owing to its shy, retiring habits, and
the thickets in which it lives. Its loud call may be heard on every
side of the traveller, but not a single bird will show itself, and I only
procured the few specimens which I did obtain, by remaining quiet in
one spot and imitating their cry until one came within range ; then the
difficulty often was to avoid blowing the bird to pieces, as the thickets
are usually so dense, that the bird was almost within reach of my gun-
barrel ere I saw it.
It feeds upon worms and insects, and has the general habits of a
thrush. Le Vaillant says he found it also in Kaffraria.
246. Bessonornis Signatus ; Cossypha Signata,
Sundev., Ofvers. Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhandl.
YELLowisH-BRowN ; beneath white; a white stripe, bordered
with black, extends from the nostrils over the eye; tips of the
tail-feathers and spot on the wing white. Length about 7”.
Kaffraria (Wahlberg). Non vidi.
247. Bessonornis Natalensis; Cossypha Nata-
lensis, Smith, Zoo]. 8S. A, PL 60.
Heap and neck, orange-brown; back and wings lavender-
purple; posterior part of the back, rump, upper tail-coverts,
inner vane of the outermost tail-feather of each side, and the
four next to it, orange-yellow ; under parts, bright gallstone-
yellow. Length, 7” 6; wing, 3” 6’; tail, 3’ 3”.
Dr. A. Smith procured a single specimen of this bird in the neigh-
bourhood of Port Nata). It was shot close to the edge of an extensive
forest, and was said by the natives to be a shy bird, generally observed
in trees, though often seeking its food on the ground. It does not,
that I know of, extend into the Cape Colony; and no specimen has
ever fallen under my notice.
248. Bessonornis Phoenicurus, Gmel.; Cos
sypha Pectoralis, Smith, Zool. 8. A., Pl. 48, letter-press »
Turdus Phenicurus, Vieil, Cuv., Vol 6, p. 377 ;
Saxicola Superciliaris, Licht., Cuv. Vol. 6, p. 438 ;
Le Janfredric, Le Vail. Pi. 111; Petrocincla Super-
ciliosa, Swain.
ABOVE, cinereous brown, inclining to rufous on the back and
shoulders; rump deep rufous ; wings and two centre feathers
132 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of tail, dark-brown ; the rest deep rufous, more or less edged
and tipped with dark-brown ; a white line extends from the
forehead over the eye; space between the eye and the bill
and ears black ; throat, breast, and chin, orange; the rest of
the under parts bluish-grey, inclining to white in the centre
of the belly, and rufous on the vent. Length, 7’; wing,
3" 9”; tail, 3! ai,
This is the Cape “robin,” and decidedly deserves the name. It is
common in all the gardens, even in the midst of Cape Town, flitting
along the gravel paths, scraping in the flower-beds, perching on the
leafless summit of some deciduous tree, or the ridge of the housetop,
‘and pouring out a short, robin-like song, which, when heard in the
darkening twilight, reminds the listener of the familiar note of the
“household bird with the red stomacher.” Its nest is placed in much
the same situations, and built of the same materials, and the eggs
equal in number and resemble in form, size, and shape, those of. the
European bird, only rather less coloured, being of a dirty white or
buff ground, more or less freckled with duil pale rufous: axis, 11”;
diam., 7’”. Its food consists of insects, worms, &c., and when it hops
from place to place in search of it, it droops its wings and jerks its tail,
just like the robin.
249. Bessonornis Humeralis; Cossypha Hu-
meralis, Smith, Zool. S. A... PL 48.
ABovE, including two centre tail-feathers, very dark grey,
approaching to black; rump and lateral tail-feathers, bright
rufous, the latter with dark-grey tips; a white stripe extends
over each eye from the nostrils; another stripe of the same
colour extends from the shoulder almost to the top of the.
closed wing; throat and breast white; belly, flanks, and
vent rufous. Length, 7’ 1’; wing, 3” 3’; tail, 3” 2”.
Dr. A. Smith first discovered this species in latitude 26° south.
I have received it from Kuruman, but in very limited numbers. In
its habits it is said closely to resemble B. Phenicurus, except that it is
but rarely seen on the ground.
250. Bessonornis Caffra; Motacilla Cafra,
Linn. ; Sylvia Caffra, Shaw, Vol. 10, p. 669. .
Upper parts, ashy green; rump and tail rufous, with the
exception of the two centre feathers, which are brown; chin
and throat rufous; chest and belly ashy-grey, inclining to
rufous on the vent; a white stripe extends from the nostrils
over the eyes. Length, 8” 3’; wing, 3’ 6”; tail, 3’ 9’.
This bird, the only one which has fallen under my notice, was
received from Mr, R. Moffat, at Kuruman.
TURDID&.° 138
The Sub-Family, TIMALINA, or Babblers,
have the bill moderate, with the culmen much curved, and
the sides compressed to the tip, which is generally entire,
or only slightly emarginated ; the gonys long and ascending ;
the nostrils basal, and more or less exposed ; the wings short,
and much rounded; the tail of various lengths, and gra-
duated ; the tarsi lengthened, robust, and usually covered
with an entire scale; the toes long, strong, and strongly
scutellated above; the claws more or less long, compressed,
and acute. é
Genus CRATEROPUS, Swain.
Bill nearly as long as the head, more or less straight from
the base, much compressed, obsoletely notched ; rictus
bristled ; frontal feathers rigid ; wings short, and rounded ;
tail large, broad, soft, and rounded; feet very large and
strong ; tarsus lengthened ; anterior scales divided; lateral
toes nearly equal; hind toe large, nearly as long as the
middle toe ; plumage lax, soft.
251. Crateropus Jardinii, Sm; ZS. A, Pl. 6.
Above, olive-brown ; feathers of the head dark-brown, edged
with greyish-white, imparting to the bird a scaled appear-
ance; chin, throat, breast, and anterior portion of belly,
ashy-brown, marked with elongated white spots; posterior
portion of belly and vent, yellowish-grey ; tail dark-brown ;
centre pair of feathers strongly tinged with grey ; all crossed
by dark-brown bars, only visible if held in certain positions.
Length, 10”; wing, 4’ 6”; tail, 4’ 3’.
The expedition under Dr. A. Smith first obtained this bird in lati-
tude 25° 24” south, in spots covered with reeds, such as are seen along
the margins of the rivers of that country. It is described as being of
a restless, noisy disposition, and congregating together in considerable
numbers, preying upon insects, &c.
I have received a few specimens from Kuruman; and Mr. Andersson
obtained it in Damaraland.
252. Crateropus Bicolor, Jardine; Edin. Jour.
Nat. and Geo., Pl. 3; Smith, S. Af Q, J.., Vol. 2, p. 85,
GENERAL colour, white ; with black wings and tail, bill, and
legs; feathers of the back very thick and fluffy ; tail rounded.
Length, 10”; wing, 5”; tail, 4” 7”.
Procured by Dr. A. Smith between the Ky-Gariep and Kurrichane.
I have also received many specimens from Damaraland, through
Messrs. Andersson, Kisch, Green, and Chapman ; they appear to be
184 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
very common, scraping among decaying vegetation for their food.
Eggs said to be of this species were brought me from the Interior b
Mr. Chapman, in shape and size like those of the thrush, but of a yall
spotless blue, covered throughout with minute raised tubercles.
253. Crateropus Pectoralis, Gmel., Zool, 13,
2, p. 200; Le Hausse-col Noir, Le Vail. Pl. 110,
GeneERat colour, black ; under parts pure white, with a black
gorget ; tail tipped with white; bill and legs black. Length,
about 10”.
Great Namaqualand, according to Le Vaillant; but a doubtful species,
not seen by any one but himself.
The Sub-Family, ORIOLINA, or Orioles,
have the bill as long as the head, broad at the base, and
compressed on the sides, with the culmen more or less
elevated at the base, and curved to the tip, which is emar-
ginated; the nostrils lateral, basal, exposed, and partly closed
by a membrane ; the wings long, with the three first quills
equally graduated, and the third and fourth longest; the
tarsi short and strougly scaled; the toes moderate, and the
lateral toes usually unequal.
Genus ORIOLUS, Linn.
Bill the length of the head, broad at the base, with the
culmen slightly depressed, and curved to the tip, which is
emarginated ; the sides compressed, and the lateral margins
straight; the nostrils basal, lateral, ovoid, exposed, .and the
opening partly closed by a membrane ; wings long, with the
first quill half the length of the third and fourth, which are
equal and longest; tail moderate and rounded ; tarsi short,
nearly the length of the middle toe, and covered in front
with broad scales; toes moderate, free at the base, and the
outer one longer than the inner; the hind toe long and
strong; the claws long, strong, and curved.
254. Oriolus Capensis, Swain.; Le Loriot Cou-
dougan, Le Vail., Nos. 261, 262 ; O. Radiatus, Gmel. ;
O. Larvatus, Licht., Cat. Dup. Ber. Mus, p. 20.;
G. Monachus, Wagl, Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 397; O. Cou-
dougnan, Temm.; O, Melanocephalus, var. Vieill. ;
O. Chloris, Cuv.
GenERAL colour, a dirty, greenish yellow; head, throat,
chin, and breast, black ; back of neck yellow ; wing-feathers
black, with whitish edges, and white marks on the shoulders;
TURDIDZ. 135
the black and yellow of the tail distributed as in O. Auratus,
the two centre feathers being dark green-yellow ; irids red.
Length, 9” 6’; wing, 5” 8”; tail, 4” 4”.
This is the only species of oriole that builds in South Africa. It is
not uncommon in the forests of the Knysna, and along the south-east
coast of the colony in general. Le Vaillant met with it in the same
locality, and states that its nest is placed in very high trees, and com-
posed of twigs and fibres, covered with moss, and lined with feathers.
Eggs four, of a dirty white colour, with brown blotches.
On the left bank of the Keurboom’s River, which falls into Pletten-
berg’s Bay, about half a mile from where the mountains narrow down
to the river, there is a lovely kloof, which opens to the water’s edge,
and stretches back inland for about a couple of miles. A clear running
stream flows through the centre of it, and on each side rocky, inac-
cessible precipices hem in a splendid forest. In this lovely spot, the
silence was only broken by the babbling brook and the loud pipe of the
oriole, which frequented the summits of the gigantic yellowwood trees,
whose mighty heads, hung with dense masses of a grey moss, seemed,
like vegetable Titans, to watch over the solitude around them. Think-
ing this a very paradise for birds and game, I twice visited it; but,
with the exception of the oriole, the little black swallow (H. Holome-
las), and the loury (Corythaix Persa), not a creature was to be seen.
255. Oriolus Galbula, Linn.; Pl. Enl. 26; The
Golden Oriole, Bewick’s Brit, Birds, Vol. 1, p. 96.
EntIRrELy yellow, with a shade of green on the lower portion
of the back; a black patch extends from the bill to the eye ;
wings black, with a yellow patch near the centre of the
outside edge when closed, and the feathers more or less edged
and tipped with white; two centre tail-feathers black; the
bases greenish; the rest black with bright yellow tips, the
dimensions of the yellow increasing towards the outer fea-
thers; bill red; feet black. Length, 9"; wing, 5” 9’;
tail, 3”.
The @ of all our orioles are greenish, in the place of being
yellow, and all the colours are duller.
Inhabits South Africa, teste Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af., p. 80. Mr.
Andersson obtained it in Damaraland; Mr. Ayres in Natal.
256. Oriolus Auratus, Vieil.; Nat. Lib, Vol. 8,
p- 33; Le Loriodor, Le Vail. Pl, 260; O. Bicolor,
Temm.; 7. Flavus, Gmel.; Cuv., Vol. 6. p. 397.
GeNERAL colour of male, rich golden-yellow; eye stripe
black, the eye being in the centre; wing-feathers black,
bordered with yellow; tail black; the two centre feathers
just. tipped with yellow; the next pair with more yellow;
136 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
the succeeding still more, till the outermost are reached.
Length, about 9” 6”; wing, 5” 4”; tail, 3” 9”.
Le Vaillant says he only found this oriole in its migration ; this being
the most southerly point reached by it. It frequented the summits of
the highest trees in the forests of Kafirland.
Mr. Andersson brought a species from Damaraland, agreeing with
this in every particular, except in having the tail yellow, with the two ©
centre-feathers black. O. Awratus is known to be an inhabitant of
Tropical Africa; but it is doubtful if it extends to South Africa.
257. Oriolus Melanocephalus, Linn. ; Pl. Enl.,
79; O. Galbula, Lath.; Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 397 ; L’Oriot
Rieur, Le Vail, Pl. 263; Oriolus Maderaspatanus,
Franke, Ed. Birds, Pl. 186.
GeENERAL colour, fine orange-yellow ; head, throat, and breast
black ; wings black, with broad yellow edges to some of the
secondaries; tail yellow; with a black patch across the
middle. Length, about 9”; wing, 53”; tail, 3” 9”.
Procured, according to Le Vaillant, among the forests that clothe the
sides of the mountains near the “Great Fish” and ‘“ Gamtoos”
Rivers; but it is an Indian, not an African species, and must be
classed among Le Vaillant’s fables.
The Sub-Family, PYCNONOTIN&, or Bulbuls, ©
have the bill usually short, with the culmen curved, and the
sides compressed to the tip, which is marginated; the gape
furnished with more or less lengthened bristles; the nostrils
basal, and placed in a short membranous groove; the wings
moderate and rounded ; the tail long, broad, and generally
rounded at the end; tarsi as long as, or shorter than, the
middle toe, and generally covered by an entire scale; the
toes moderate ; the outer toe sometimes longer than the
inner, and united at the base; the hind toe long, and strong.
Genus CRINIGER, Temminck.
Bill short, strong, broad, and elevated at the base, with
the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip,
which is emarginated ; the gonys short, and slightly ascend-
ing; the gape furnished with very long bristles ; the nostrils
basal, and placed in a short, broad groove, with the opening
oval and exposed; the nape is furnished with long slender
hairs; wings moderate and rounded, with the fourth quill
nearly as long as the fifth and sixth, which are equal and
longest ; tail rather long and broad ; tarsi shorter than the
middle toe, and covered in front with an entire scale; toes
TURDID. 137
moderate ; the lateral toes unequal, the outer one slightly
united at the base; the hind toe long, strong, and armed with
a prominent claw.
258. Criniger Importunus; 7richophorus Im-
portunus; Turdus Importunus, Vieil., Ency. Meth.,
p. 662; Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 378; L’Importun, Le Vail,
Pl. 106 ; Boschvogel of Colonists ; Turdus Clamosus,
Steph.; Andropadus Vociferus et A. Familiaris,
Swain. ; 7. Brachypolioides, Jard.
GeneERAL colour, uniform dull olive-green ; lightest on the
under side; feathers of the wings and tail edged with yel-
low; some thin, long, hair-like bristles protrude from the
back of the head; eye very pale yellow. Length, 7” 9”;
wing, 3” 9"; tail, 3” 9".
« TImportun ” of Le Vaillant is not very rare in the neighbourhood
of Cape Town, but does not manifest its presence by its importunity,
as indicated by that author. I have generally found it in thickets,
moving quietly about in search of insects, and darting upon them
while at rest. I have sometimes, but rarely, seen it on the ground,
scraping among dead leaves.
Le Vaillant found it very plentiful froin Duivenhok’s River to
Algoa Bay; and Messrs. Atmore and Cairncross have sent it from
Swellendam. Le Vaillant states that it builds on branches of large
trees, and lays four or five eggs, marked with olive-colour. It has a
clear, shrill, single piping note, and will readily come to any one who
knows its call and can imitate it.
259. Criniger Flaviventris ; Trichophorus Fla-
viventris, Smith, Zool. S. A., Pl. 59.
Urrsr parts of head, back, rump, and tail, olive-brown ;
outer. vanes of some of the quill-feathers slightly edged with
green ; chin and throat, pale straw-yellow ; breast and flanks,
greenish-yellow ; centre of belly and vent, yellow ; bill, legs,
and toes, a dark horn-colour. Length from point ‘of bill to
tip of tail, 9”; wing, 4”; tail, 4” 2”.
Inhabits the country near Port Natal; is entirely confined to
thickets, among which it searches for insects, never descending to the
ground.—Dr. A. Smith loc. cit.
Genus PYCNONOTUS, Kuhl.
Bill more or less short, and broad at the base, with the
culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is
emarginated; the gonys short and ascending; the gape
furnished with a few short, weak bristles; the nostrils basal,
R
138 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
and placed in a groove, with the opening oval and exposed ;
wings moderate and rounded, with the fourth, fifth, and
sixth quills nearly equal and longest; tail moderate and
rather rounded; tarsi as long as the middle toe, and rather
strong, with the front covered with an undivided scale; toes
moderate, the lateral toes nearly equal, the hind toe rather
long, strong, and armed with a long curved claw.
260. Pycnonotus Capensis, Gmel.; Turdus
Capensis, Gmel.; Le Brunet, Le Vail, Pl. 105;
Briss. Orn., III, t. 27, f. 3.
Avove, entirely of a rich hair-brown; slightly darker on
the forehead and round the eye and ears; eye-lids sur-
rounded by a white fringe ; under parts light; the edges of
the feathers being still lighter, give a scaled appearance.
Vent, light citron-yellow; edge of shoulder white. Length,
Tee" sowing, 3! 9%: tail a 6
These birds are found in great abundance in the neighbourhood of
Cape Town, and indeed throughout the whole colony. They migrate
according to the fruit season, and are especially partial to figs and
grapes. They also feed largely on the berries of the ‘* Persian Lilac,”
and when that tree is in fruit, any number might be shot by a person
lying in ambush near. When feeding, they keep up a continued
chattering, and as they usually go in flocks of ten or fifteen in number,
their presence is soon detected.
These birds conceal their nests so skillfully, that they are rarely
detected, notwithstanding their numbers. It is composed of rootlets,
lined sometimes with hair and feathers, and is generally placed in the
fork of a tree or large bush. The eggs, three or four in number, are
a lovely pale pink, densely spotted and blotched with dark pink and
pale purple, presenting a most beautiful appearance: axis, 11’”; diam.,
l///
ia tis
261. Pycnonotus Nigricans, Vieil.; Cav. Vol.
6, Pl. 389; Turdus Levaillantii, Tem.; Turdus
Capensis, Lath. Pl, Enl, 317; Ivos Xanthopygius,
Ehrenb.; Le Brunoir, Le Vail, No. 106, f. 1.
GeNERAL colour, brown; slightly darker on the wing and tail
feathers; the latter pale at the tips; head slightly crested,
and black; as is also the chin and upper part of throat;
eye-lids surrounded by a red fringe; lower parts brown,
like the back, fading into white on the belly ; vent, brilliant
citron-yellow. Length, 7" 9"; wing, 3” 9'"; tail, 3” 5”.
Ge Vaillant procured this species in Namaqualand, particularly after
TURDID&. 139
passing the Orange River.* He states that they lay four eggs, of an
olive-green colour. Ihave received one single specimen trom Mr.
Moffat, of Kuruman; several from Mr. Arnot (Colesberg), and Capt.
Bulger, at Windvogelberg : and found it abundant at N el’s Poort,
replacing P. Capensis, which it exactly resembles in habits and note.
Mr. Henry Jackson sends eggs of this species, precisely similar to those
of P. Capensis, and writes that “the nest is a cup, slightly formed, in
a tree.”
262. Pycnonotus Aurigaster, Vieill.; Turdus
Aurigaster, Vieill.; F. Chrysorhoeus, Temm.; Le Cudor,
Le Vail, No. 107, £ 2; Cuv. Vol. 6, p. 389.
CiosELy resembles Pycnonotus Cafer, but wants the crest;
the head and throat are black; back of the neck, back; and
scapulars are of a uniform grey-brown; the wings are also
brown, but of a duller hue; the tail is dark-brown, tipped
with white, as are also the front of the throat, the breast,
flanks, and belly ; vent, a beautiful golden-yellow.
Le Vaillant says his faithful attendant, the Hottentot Klaas, shot
the only specimen of this bird procured, on the banks of the Great Fish
River, in Kaffraria. Another, probably the O, was in company with
it, but escaped. Sundevall, however, denies this statement, and shows
that it is a Javanese species.
263. Pycnonotus Cafer, Linv.; Turdus Cafer,
Lath. ; Cuvier, Vol. 6, p. 388; Muscicapa Hemorr-
housa, Lath., Pl. Enl. 563, f 1; Merle Curouge, Le
Wail. Pl. 107, £1.
Turoar and top-knot black; neck, back, wings, and tail,
clear-brown, but each feather bordered with white, which
gives the bird a scaled appearance; the chest is paler; the
* T have been at some little pains to trace Le Vaillant’s footsteps in Southern
Africa, in order, if possible, to identify such of the birds as have been iftroduced
into his great work as South African, but which are supposed by some to have been
obtained from other countries, A statement which appeared some time ago in the
serial ‘‘ Household Words,’’ to the effect that Le Vaillant. never was in South
Africa, also stimulate my desire to obtain full information regarding him.
I need not follow him through all his wanderings at this moment: this I may per-
haps do at some future time. Suffice it for my present purpose to say, that I do not
believe that he ever crossed the Orange River and procured this bird there.
He describes in his travels how he was floated across the swollen iiver, and his
chase after the giraffe. I question much if this account is true. There was living
at Camiesberg, within the last few years, an aged woman named Van Zyl, who
related to my informant that she well remembered the ‘‘ Kleine Franschman”
(ittle Frenchman), as she called him; that during his stay in that part of the country
he lodged entirely at her house; and that he never crossed the Orange River, being too
much of a coward so todo. When told that he stated he had shot the giraffe, she
scouted the idea, and declared that the skin which he took away was brought piece-
meal from the opposite side of the river by his Hottentots. Mrs. Van Zyl Was a
hnge, rawboned woman, who stood upwards of six feet, and usually wound up her
narrations concerning Le Vaillant by laughingly relating how sha had horsowhipped
the ‘little Frenchman ”’ for attempting some liberties with her.
140 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
rump, belly, and thighs, white; vent brilliant-red; tail-
feathers brown, darkening towards their points, which are all
white-tipped.
Le Vaillant says he found this bird only in Great Namaqualand, and
then as a bird of passage. This is more than doubtful : probably it is
the well-known Indian species ; though Bonaparte, in his “‘ Conspectus
Generum Avium,” admits it as distinct.
264. Pycnonotus Nigricapillus; Turdus
Nigricapillus, Vieil., Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 377 ; Lioptilus
Nigricapillus, Caban. Mus. Hein. ; Le Merle a calotte
novre, Le Vail., Pl. 108.
Tor of the head and back of the neck, black ; the rest of the
upper plumage olive-brown; under parts, ashy blue-grey,
paler on the belly and vent; bill orange; legs flesh-colour.
Length, 7"; wing, 3” 1"; tail, 3” 2”.
Le Vaillant found this bird only in the forests of Bruintjes Hoogte,
and even there sparingly. They feed on insects and wild berries.
Capt. Bulger, of Her Majesty’s 2nd-10th Regiment, to whom I am
indebted for numerous very interesting birds, procured it in the neigh-
is aig of Windvogelberg. I have not seen it from any other
ocality.
_ Cabanis (Mus. Heineanum, p. 88,) forms this into a new genus,
Lnoptilus, but does not give his characters. From my observations on
the Ceylon species, P. Atricapillus, I believe it to be closely allied to
the genus Pycnonotus, in which I therefore place it.
265. Pynconotus Aurigularis; Sylvia Aura-
ticollis, Vieil.; Ixos Aurigularis, Voigt.; Turdus
Auraticollis, Bp.; Le Col @Or., Le Vail, No. 119;
Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 391.
Brown ; breast and under yarts white ; throat and eyebrows
yellow ; mustachios black ; lateral tail-feathers, and some of -
‘those on the wing, bordered with yellow.
Rare: according to Le Vaillant, inhabiting the forests of Outeniqua,
where he procured it during the wmter. Sundevall, however, says it
is a doubtful species, not known to any one.
Genus PHYLLASTREPHUS, Swainson.
Bill as long as the head, strong, the tip rather hooked ;
rictus strongly bristled; frontal feathers small, compact,
directed forwards, and compressed on the base of the bill ;
wings and tail moderate, rounded ; feet short, strong, and
robust ; tarsus and middle toe equal ; lateral toes unequal ;
_the inner shortest, hind toe shorter than the inner ; ante-
rior tarsal scales divided.
MUSICAPID. 141
266. Phyllastrephus Capensis, Bp. Consp.,
p. 28: Phy. Terrestris, Swain, Nat. Lib, Vol. 11,
p. 271; Le Jaboteur, Le Vail, Pl. 112, f 1.
GENERAL colour, dull olive-green ; chin, throat, and centre
of belly, pure white ; flanks olive-green ; shafts of wing and
tail-feathers, white. Length, 8”; wing, 3” 8”; tail, 4’.
“‘ Dwellers in woods, they love the deepest and most shady parts of
the forest, where they are seldom noticed ; they build their nests in
low situations, amid the thick underwood that grows beneath the tall
forest-trees, and seldom lay more than two eggs; if the female is dis-
turbed, she utters one shrill note, as she flies away, letting her mate
know danger is near. The notes of this bird are low and croaking,
’ somewhat resembling those of a frog ; there is no perceptible difference
between the gd and 9 .”—(Mrs. Barber in epistold.)
A nest forwarded by this lady is composed of coarse grass, moss,
roots, and hair. The eggs are creamy white, densely blotched with
purple-brown at the thick end, the blotches being confluent : axis,
qe diame: | 6.
This species has never been seen by me from any place to the west-
ward of Graham’s Town ; to the east of that locality it appears not un-
common, though from its retiring habits it is seldom procured.
The Third-Family, MUSICAPIDA, or
Fly-Catchers,
have the bill of various lengths, generally broad, and de-
pressed at the base, with the culmen more or less curved,
and the sides compressed to the tip, which is emarginated ;
the gape usually furnished with long and strong bristles;
the wings generally long; the tail more or less long; the
tarsi mostly short and weak; the toes more or less long,
and the outer one generally united at the base.
The Sub-Family, MUSCICAPINA, or Fly-
Catchers,
have the bill moderate, broad at the base, and narrowing to
the tip, which is emarginated; the culmen more or less de-
pressed, and curved at the end; the gonys usually long and
ascending, and the gape furnished with bristles ; the wings
generally long, and more or less pointed ; the tarsi usually
short and slender, and the toes short, with the outer toe
longer than the inner one ; the hind toe prominent, and the
claws moderate, compressed, and acute.
Genus PLATYRHYNCHUS, Desmarest.
Bill moderate, straight, and broad at the base, with the
culmen more or less depressed, and slightly curved to the
tip, which is emarginated, the sides compressed, and. the
142 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
lateral margins straight to the tip; the gonys rather. long,
and ascending ; the gape furnished with long slender bris-
tles; the nostrils basal,- lateral, rounded, and exposed;
wings moderate, with the third quill nearly as long as the
fourth and fifth, which are nearly equal and longest; tail
more or less long, and rounded on the sides; tarsi slender,
rather short, longer than the middle toe, and covered in
front with scales that are slightly divided; toes rather short,
with the outer toe longer than the inner; the hind toe rather
long, and armed with a long and slightly-curved claw.
267. Platyrhynchus Capensis, Smith; Z S.
A, PL 27. ?
Ma.e.—Top of head black, with a narrow yellow frontlet ;
upper parts yellowish-brown, inclining to green, each feather
with an oblong umber-brown stripe along its centre; under-
parts, dirty-white, with narrow, longitudina!, greyish-brown
streaks ; head large and broad ; bill depressed, very wide at
the base, narrow at the tip, and hooked. Total length,
a d0" swing, 2) 11" 3: tail, 2° 1"
Dr. A. Smith, who found this species, did not notice it beyond the
forests which exist upon the South-East Coast, towards Delagoa Bay.
It chiefly affects brushwood, and feeds on insects, seizing small
Lepidoptera, &c., even when on the wing.
Genus PLATYSTEIRA, Jardine and Selby.
Bill more or less Jong, broad at the base, and depressed,
with the culmen straight at the base, and then curved to the
tip, which is emarginated and hooked; the lateral margins
straight, and the sides compressed to the tip; the gonys long
and ascending; the gape furnished with moderate bristles ; the
nostrils basal, lateral, covered by a membranous scale, and
partly by the frontal plumes and bristles; wing moderate,
with the third quill nearly as long as the fourth, fifth, and
sixth, which are equal and longest; tail more or less long,
and rounded at the end; tarsi longer than the middle toe,
and covered in front with broad scales ; toes moderate, with
the outer toe longer than the inner, and the hind toe long;
the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
268. Platysteira Peltata, Sunde. ; Ofvers. Kongl.
Vet. Ak. Forhandl, p. 195.
Back, cinereous; below white; breast with a narrow black
band; rump whitish; back of head blackish; tail-feathers
black, the tips and the external pair white. Length, 5”.
Kaffraria (Wahlberg). Non vidi. i
MUSICAPID 4, : 145
269. Platysteira Longipes, Swain.; Nat. Lib.,
Fly-Catchers, p. 185 ; Mus. Scita, Vieil. ; Le Mignard,
Le Vail. Pl. 154; Muscicapa Tenella, Licht.
Axsove, very dark-grey, cinereons beneath; the chin and
middle of the breast tinged with rose-colour; wings,
tail, and sides of the head, black, varied with white; legs
long; bill slender, triangular. Total length, 43”; wing,
WE ss tail, 2". |
Le Vaillant states it has the manners of the true fly-catchers, sitting
in ambuscade and darting at passing insects, as well as searching for
larvee and apterous insects among foliage. In this he is correct. It is
very abundant in the neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort (Le Vaillant says
Kaffraria and Namaqualand, about the Orange and Groote Rivers),
frequenting mimosa thickets along the borders of the rivers.
270. Platysteira Pristrinaria;* Muscicapa
Pristrinaria, Vieil., Cuy. Vol. 1, p. 329 ; Le Molenar,
Le Vail, Pl. 160; Mus. Molitor, Licht. ; Muscipeta
Pulsator, Steph.
Axove, brownish; head dark-grey; tail black, a black stripe
through the eyes; wings ochraceous; under parts (of male),
throat, and chin, pure white; a broad black band across the
chest ; centre of belly white ; flanks rufous. In the female,
the chin and throat are light rufous; the chest dark rufous ;
tail, in both, tipt with white, and the outside feather mar-
_ gined with white. Length, 43”
This little fly-catcher is rather abundant in certain favourite localities
in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, and is generally distributed
throughout the colony. I have shot it at the Knysna ; and received it
from Swellendam, Colesberg, and Beaufort ; and seen it in collections
from Natal. Mr. Andersson also brought it from Damaraland. It
frequents wooded places, generally hunting about thickets, high or low,
for its insect prey, upon which it darts, when at rest, on the under side of
leaves and on the branches. I have occasionally seen it fly out and
capture an insect on the wing; but this is rare. It generally makes
known its presence by its curious note, which sounds as if two stones
were ground together. I have seen the bird about at all seasons, but
never could find a nest. Le Vaillant also was equally unsuccessful.
* In the Museum copy of Le Vaillant, this bird is marked, in Swainson’s own hand-
writing, G. Todus, Sw.; sub-genus Platysteria, Jardine. This copy formerly belonged
to Mr. Swainson, but was wrecked in Table Bay, in the ship conveying his effects to New
Zealand. Several of his books were recovered and bought up by a number of gentle-
men who admired his talents, and he was informed that they would be forwarded to
him if he would indicate his address. This he never cared to do, and the books remained
here. Of them, the Museum has Temminck’s Planches Colorieés, Le Vaillant’s
Oiseaux D’ Afrique, and the Ist Vol. of his Histoire Naturelle D’Oiseaux Nouveaux
de L’Amerique et des Indes, and Wilson’s American Ornithology. They contain many
curious manuscript notes on the plates and margins, all bearing on his ideas of the
affinity of species. {
144 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
271. Platysteira Strepitans, Licht. ; Le Pririt,
Le Vail, Pl 161; Mus. Pririt, Vieill.; Mus. Strepi-
tans, Licht.
Tuis bird is closely allied to the preceding (Ze Molenar) in
shape and general appearance; it is, however, differently
coloured. In the male, the upper parts are all grisly,
variegated with white ; the sides of the head; tail, shoulders,
and breast are black; throat and chin pure white; belly
variegated with black and white. In the female, the upper
parts are lighter, and the under parts rufous. Length, 424”;
wing, 2” 2”; tail, 1” 5’.
I have received this bird from Beaufort, where it was discovered by
the son of my valued correspondent, Mr. A. V. Jackson, from Coles-
berg and from Damaraland. Le Vaillant says it is common on both
sides of the colony. He never saw any nests; and states their food
consists of insects, spiders, and caterpillars ; that they are always seen
in pairs ; and that, though abundant, they are difficult to procure, on
account of their wildness and restless nature.
272. Platysteira Perspicillata, Swain. ; Pla-
tyrynchus Perspicillatus, Vieil.; Le Gobe mouche a
lunettes, Le Vail., Pl. 152; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 329.
Deep brown above; white beneath; male with a dark collar ;
eyebrows and orbits white; tail long and graduated; three
outside feathers tipped with white.
Inhabits the forests in the neighbourhood of the Gamtoos River,
lurking amid the high tree-tops, and darting on the passing insects.
Le Vaillant’s statement that it has the habit of spreading out its
fan-tail and turning it over its back, reminds one of the manners of
Rhipidura.
Mr. Ayres has found it plentifully at Natal. Mr. Swainson’s type
specimen is in the Cambridge Museum.
Genus -TCHITREA, Lesson.
Bill more or less long, broad, and depressed at the base,
with the culmen slightly curved, and the sides compressed
towards the tip, which is emarginated ; the lateral margins
nearly straight, and the gonys long and ascending ; the gape
furnished with long slender bristles; the nostrils basal,
lateral, exposed, and rounded; wings long, with the first
four quills graduated, and the fourth and fifth equal and
longest ; tail long and graduated, with the middle feathers
sometimes prolonged; tarsi as long as the middle toe, and
covered in front with scales that are slightly divided; toes
moderate, with the outer longer than the inner toe, and the
hind one long; the claws long, compressed, curved, and acute.
MUSICAPIDA. 145
273. Tchitrea Cristata, Linn. ; Pl, En, 373, 2;
Le Tchitrec ; Le Vail., Pl. 142, 3; Cuvier, Vol. 1, p.
328 and 330.
Hzap and neck, brilliant blue-black; the former crested
in the male ; less so in the female; back and tail red; the
two centre feathers of the latter being greatly prolonged
in the male; under parts, slate colour, darkest on the breast.
Length, 142". ; wing, 32”; tail, 103”.
This bird has a great range in South Africa. We have received speci-
mens from most of our correspondents. It is found not far from Cape
Town, at Somerset West, and in Drakenstein. It forms a deep
nest, in the fork of some small branch of a tree, and generally in the
neighbourhood of water. Itis composed of fibres and dead leaves,
stuck over with bits of bark, cobwebs, and lichens, to resemble a knot
in the tree. I have not seen the eggs.
It is a thicket-loving bird, frequenting trees, and feeding on insects,
darting at them from some favourite bough, to which it returns after
making a capture. —
274. Tchitrea Paradisii, L.; Pl. Enl, 234,
f 2; M. Paradisti, Lath.; Todus Paradisiacus,
Gmel.; Le Tchitrebec, Le Vail, Pl. 144, 145, 146;
Cuy., Vol. 1, p. 330; M. Castanea, Temm.
Tuis bird resembles MZ. Cristata, but is whiter beneath. In
the second or third year it assumes a beautiful white garb,
each feather having a black quill. I have shot them in
Ceylon, putting on this livery, which is effected not by a
renewal of the feathers, but by the loss of colour. I have
observed this same loss of colour in many cage birds; and in
none more plainly than in a male Lowia Capensis, which
is at this moment changing his fine black velvet jacket for
the sombre grey of winter.
J introduce this species on the authority of Cuvier and others ; ; but
Le Vaillant denies its being found in South Africa. I agree with him.
275. Tchitrea Rufa; Muscipeta Rufa, Swain.;
Le Schet Roux, Le Vail, Pl. 147.
Mucsu resembles Oristata, The head is dark steel- Bs or
green, according to the light in which itis held; throat,
body, above and below, and tail, red; the two middle-
feathers of the latter much elongated, and slightly spatulate
at the end; wings black and white.
Le Vaillant Says he found this species “Sur la cdte Natal, vers
le pays de Caffres ;” but itis a Madagascar bird, and must be enume-
g 6
146 BIRDS OF. SOUTH. AFRICA.
rated among those which only exist in South Africa, in Le Vaillant’s.
book. I took its nest, or that of a closely allied species, in Mauritius,
situated in the fork of a tree—a deep, warm, thick]y-lined; cap-shaped
ati containing three white eggs, spotted profusely with purpleish-
rown.
276. Tchitrea Melanogaster, Swain; Nat.
Lib, Vol. XII, p. 55.
Crest, head, neck, and breast, black, glossed with chaly- ©
beate-blue; body beneath, in the young bird, grey-biack ;
back, tail, and under-covers, rufous; wings, black and
rufous, the colours divided by a white stripe; tail long;
lateral feathers graduated ; the two centre being, when fall-
grown, six inches longer than the others. Length, exclusive.
of two centre tail-feathers, 8”; wing, 3” 4”; tail, 9”.
Inhabits Kaffraria.—Hartlaub, Orn. W. of Af., p. 90.
277. Tchitrea Cyanomelas; Muscicapa Cyano-
melas, Vieil.; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 329; Philentoma
Cyunomelas, Bp. Consp., 324; Muscipeta Scapularis,
Steph.; Le Gobe Mouches Mantelé, Le Vail, Pl. 151.
3 —Hzeap crested, shining blue-back ; neck above and below
the same; upper parts bluish-grey, with a white wing stripe;
under parts white. @: head, crest, neck, and under parts,
bluish-grey ; wings, tail, and back, clear brown. Length,
63”; wing, 2” 9"; tail, 32”.
Le Vaillant found this bird in the forests of Onteniqua, and in the
mimosa groves of Kaffraria: a pair frequently entered. his tent, and
sat on his chair or a box, ekg flies, e often, handled them
without opposition. The male had a sharp stridulous ery, with; which
it would summon its female if she lingered behind. Neither Le
Vaillant nor his hunters ever found the nest.
Mr. Gurney has received this species from Natal (Ibis Vol. 1862, p.
30); and Mr. G. Rex procured a single specimen of the d: at: the
Knysna.
278. Tchitrea Torquata ; Muscipeta. Pectoralis,
Swain. ; Sylvia Melanoleuca, Vieil.; Le Cordon Noir,
Le Vail. Pl 150; M. Torquata, Gm.; M. Capensis,
Kuhl. ; Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 341.
Axove black ; beneath white; chest, black in the male; red
in the female ; back and wings blackish-brown, with a white
patch; tail in the male, black, with the lateral feathers
MUSICAPID'4, 147
bordéred with ‘white, the centre feathers white, and prolonged
to nearly three times the length of the body, very narrow
and pliant.
Le Vaillant states that he found this species in the Coraquoi and
Kaboquoi countries, near the tropic; but noone has ever seen anything
like it since, and it is thought to be one of his fictitious species.
279. Tchitrea Mutata; Muscipeta Mutata, Lin. ;
Le Schet Noir, Le Vail., Pl. 148 ; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 330;
M. Bicolor, Swain.
Heap, neck, upper parts of back, and chest, bluish-black ;
under parts, except the vent, white ; wing-feathers black and
white; tail black, with the exception of the two centre
Jumes, which are white, with black shafts. The female is
ess brilliant in colour, not crested, and has not the long
tail-feathers.
Found, according to Le Vaillant, with the preceding. The males of
this, like those of the other two species, lose their long tail-feathers
when not in breeding plumage. Sundevall states that it is not a South
African bird, and I agree with him.
280. Tchitrea Nebulosa, Veiel.; Muscipeta
Fluvicola, Swain. ; Sylvia Nebulosa, Veiel,; Le Ne-
buleux, Le Vail., Vol. 3, Pl. 149.
GENERAL colour of the body, pure white; tail and wings:
jet-black, the former with the centre feathers prolonged. to
four times the length of the others, which are graduated.
In the female, the white is changed into an earthy-brown,
and the tail is not prolonged.
In the non-breeding season, Le Vaillant says the males assume this
livery ; that he found this species in Great Namaqualand, inhabiting
trees overhanging rivers, and feeding on small flies. Their nests were
placed on the end of branches overhanging the water; and the eggs,
five in number, were pale-green, speckled with brown.
Sundevall shows that all this is utterly false, as the bird is-com-
posed chiefly of the American Fluricola Bicolor, with a false back let
in, and the long tail-feathers of Vidua Serena attached.
Genus MUSCICAPA, Linn.
Bill rather short, broad at the base, and the sides compress-
ed to the end, with the culmen much depressed, and slightly
curved to the tip, which is emarginated ; the gonys long and
ascending; the gape furnished with bristles; the nostrils
basal, lateral, and partly concealed by the fronted plumes ;
wings moderate, and rather pointed, with the first quill very
143 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. —
short; the second rather shorter than the third and fourth,
which are equal and longest ; tail moderate and even; tarsi
nearly the length of the middle toe, and covered in front ;
toes short, the lateral ones nearly equal, the inner the +
shortest, the hind toe long ; the claws long, curved, and acute..
281. Muscicapa Grisola, Linn. ; Hartl. Orn. W.
Af; p97; Ply Enl. 565,£ 1; ‘Gould’s’ B. ‘of! Hun, we
65; Swains., Nat, Lib, Vol. 12, p. 52.
ABovE grey, below whitish; the breast and sides of the neck
striped with dusky lines. Length, 5” 6”; wing, 3” 5’; tail,
ys Billy }
The common European fly-catcher has been brought from Damara-
land by Mr. Andersson in some abundanee. I have never seen it from
within the limits which I have laid down for my catalogue; but Hart-
laub cites it, on M. Verreaux’s authority, as from “the Cape,’ and
Swainson (loc. cit.) alludes to it as from South Africa.
282. Muscicapa Coerulescens; Butalis Ceru-
lescens, Hart, Ibis Vol. 1865, p. 267.
GENERAL colour, ashy; below paler; throat white; tail
blackish ; wing-feathers the same, margined with ashy.
Length, 5”; wing, 2” 9'"; tail, 2” 5”.
Found in Natal by Mr. Ayres (Ibis loc. cit.) ; but does not extend
into the Cape Colony.
283. Muscicapa Fuscula, Sundev.; Muscicapa
Undulata, Vieil.; Butalis Adusta, Boie.; Alseonax
Undulata, Cab.; L’Odulé Le Vail., Pl. 156.
Axove, ash-coloured; the head faintly spotted with the same,
but darker; sides of wing and tail feathers lightish; chin
and eyebrow whitish, with a rufous tinge; throat and belly
white; chest and flank ashy. Length, 4’ 9’; wing, 2” 8’;
tail, 2” 4”.
Procured at Blanco by Mr. W. Atmore. Stated by Le Vaillant to
be very common in Outeniqualand and Natal, and to construct their
nests in the forks of branches, near to the trunks of the tree, of blades
of grass and hair. Eggs, five; and reddish-grey.
284. Muscicapa Stellata, Vieil.; Pogonocichla
Stellata; Le Gobe Mouche Etoile, Le Vail, Pl. 157;
Pog. Murgaritata, Sund. :
Heap, dull bluish-black, with a white spot in front of the
eye; back yellowish-green; wings bluish-black; the outer
MUSICAPID&. 149
edges of the quill-feathers pale’; centre tail-feathers black,
the outer edges greenish, the rest of the tail-feathers bright
yellow, broadly tipped with black; the outer pair margined
- exteriorly with the same; under parts all bright yellow;
eye black. Length, 6”; wing, 3” 4”; tail, 2” 9".
Sent from Blanco by Mr. Atmore, who writes that “it is very
searce”’ Le Vaillant states that it builds, in a fork of a low branch,
a nest of woven grass, intermixed with lichens, the inside lined with
very small rootlets. Eggs four; green, spotted with red.
285. Musicapa Ruficapillus; Pindalus Ruf-
capillus, Hartl. Ibis Vol. 1862, p. 153; Pogono-
cichla Ruficapilla, Sunde.; Culicupeta Ruficapilla,
Grill.
Tor of head rufous, blended into green on the back; a black
stripe extends from the corner of the bill through the eye,
above which is a yellow stripe, while beneath and under the
chin, throat, and breast, it is all yellow ; ‘flanks cinereous ;
tail and wing feathers edged with green. Length, 4’; wing,
OI ea tail, ite Sue
From Swellendam (Cairncross), Traka (Atmore), Natal (Ayres) ; but
‘it is one of our rarest species. Mr. Atmore says it resembles Drymeca
in its habits.
[The following ten species have been reported by various
authors to be natives of Southern Africa ; but it is pretty
well ascertained that not one of them really exists there. It
is probable that the type specimens described may have come
to Europe mingled with others from the Cape, and in this
way acquired ‘‘a local habitation and (too often) a name”’ to
which they were not in any way entitled. ]
286. Muscicapa Afra, Gmel.; Cuvier. Vol. 1.
p. 330.
Duut-yellowish, black spotted ; crown red, with black stripes ;
tail and wings rufous, the latter margined with fuscous; on
the side of the neck two or three black marks; from the
angle of the mouth a black stripe.
Habitat South Africa.—Cuvier. (loc. cit.)
150 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
287. Muscicapa Ochracea, Spar.; Cuv. Vol. 1,
p. 363. ° ;
Neck and chest, ashy-ferrugineous; feathers lanceolate ; wiug .
and tail, ashy-black; head and back, brown; ears ciliated
with long feathers; belly yellow-brown.
A doubtful species. Supposed by Sundevall to be Meliphagius Aus-
tralie of Australia.
288. Musicapa Tectes, Gmel.; Orn. 11, t. 39, f£
1; Cuy., Vol. 1, p. 343 ; UM. Borbonica, Briss.
Brown, dotted with red ; beneath reddish ; throat whitish ;
quill and tail feathers, brown-edged ; the latter red-tipped.
Said by Cuvier (loc. cit.) to be a native of South Africa ; but is from
the Island of Bourbon.
289. Todus Leucocephalus, Pallas ; Le Capu-
chon Blanch, Le Vail., Pl. 159.
Back, with white head and neck; head crested. Length,
about 44”.
Le Vaillant says he found these birds only amongst the rocks and
on the lofty mountains of the country of the Houzouanas. They are
difficult of approach, being very suspicious. He learnt nothing of
their habits, and could not find any nest. The stomachs of those ex-
amined contained nothing but insects. After all this account of Le
Vaillant, the bird proves to be a South American species! !
290. Muscipeta Azurea, Viecil.; LD Azurous,
Le Vail. No. 158; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 331.
Uprer parts, shining azure-blue; male, below orange, with
white vent ; female, below all white.
Le Vaillant, who states he found this species in Namaqualand, says
the natives told him these were ‘ birds of passage.” They feed only
upon spiders and caterpillars. The nest was placed in a fork of a
mimosa, strongly fastened to the neighbouring branches. It was
beautifully rounded, and very deep, made of the stalks of creeping
plants. It had no soft lining, not even moss. Eggs, five or six; olive
green, dotted with red, chiefly at the large end, where the spots forni a
complete circle. Sundevall denies that sucha bird exists in South
Africa.
291. Muscipeta Madagascariensis, Gmel. ;
Cuv. Vol. 1, p. 330; Brisson, ij., t. 24, fi 5.
OuiveE ; throat yellow ; crop and chest, yellowish.
South Africa.—Cuvier (loe. cit.) ; but is a Madagascar bird.
AMPELID A. 151
292. Muscipeta Leucura, Lath.; Cuvier, Vol.
1, p: 842 ; Erythrosterna Leucura, Bl.
. AsHy-GREY ; beneath white; middle tail-feathers black ; outer
pair nearly quite white, the rest half obliquely white.
Length, 43”,
Cited by Cuvier (loc. cit.) as a South African species ; but in reality
comes from India.
293. Muscipeta Rufiventris, Gmel.; Pl. En, t.
572, f. 3.; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 344.
Biack ; vent red.
South Africa.—Cuvier (loc. cit.) ; butis in reality a Bourbon bird.
294. Muscicapa Albifrons, Sparm.; Mus, t. 24;
Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 342.
BLAcK-BRowN ; chest whitish ; belly, pale ferrugineous ; fore-
head whitish.
Supposed to be an Australian species, though cited by Cuvier as
South African.
295. Muscicapa Cerulea, Gml, Pl. Enl, t. 666,
f. 1; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 341; Myiagra Cerulea, Swain-
son; Mus. Caelestina, Licht.; L’Azur a callotte et a
collier noir, Le Vail., Pl. 153.
GENERAL colour, blue; nape and chest with a black bar;
belly and vent, bluish-white; tail and quills, blue-black.
Length, about 6”.
I have not seen this bird in any, collection made in this country.
In Ceylon I was well acquainted with it. (See my notes on the Orni-
tology. of Ceylon, No. 124, Ann. and Mag. Nat. His.)
Le Vaillant says he found them in the woods on the coast. of Natal
and Kaffrana; they perched upon the tops of the large trees, in the
thickest branches of which they built their nest, of long thin fibres,
well lined with moss. Eggs, five; of a grey russet. It is extremely
improbable that this statement should be true. It is a well-known
Indian species.
The Fourth Family, AMPELIDA, or
Chatterers,
have the bill moderate, more or less broad at the base, and
more or less depressed, with the sides gradually compressed
to the tip, which is emarginated; the wings long, and
generally rounded; the tail moderate, and usually even at
152 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
its end; the tarsi generally short and slender; the toes
moderate, with the outer more or less united to the base of
the middle; the claws short and curved.
The Sub-Family, CAMPEPHAGINA, or Cater-
pillar-Catchers,
have the bill short, and rather depressed, with the culmen
slightly curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which
is emarginated, and sometimes hooked; the gape is furnished
with a few short bristles; the nostrils basal, rounded, and
more or less exposed; the wings moderate, with the third,
fourth, and fifth quills the longest; the tail long, and
rounded at the sides; the tarsi short, and covered with
transverse scales; the toes generally short, and the lateral
ones unequal; the claws moderate, compressed, and much
curved.
Genus CAMPEPHAGA, Vieillot.
Bill short, and broad at the base, with the culmen rather
depressed, slightly curved, and the sides gradually compressed
to the tip, which is emarginated ; the gonys long and slightly
ascending ; the gape furnished with a few short bristles;
the nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, and concealed by the
frontal plumes; wings moderate, with the first quill short,
the second shorter than the third, and the third more or less
shorter than the fourth, which is the longest; tail long and
broad, and rounded at the sides; tarsi short, the length of
the middle toe, and covered in front with broad scales; toes
moderate, the inner toe shorter than the outer, which is
united at its base; the hind toe moderate and broad, padded
beneath ; the claws moderate, compressed, and curved.
296. Campephaga Niger, Viecil.; Cuv. Vol. 1,
p. 362; Ceblephyris <Ater, Less.; Camp. Atrata,
Swain.; L’Echenilleur Noir, Le Vail, Pl. 165; 6 ;
C. Flava, Vieil; Cuv., Vol. 1, 362; L’Echenilleur
Jaune, Le Vail., Pl. 164, Q.
6—Shining metallic-black; lower wing-coverts greenish ;
© greenish-grey, banded with black on the breast; scapulars
yellow ; wing and tail feathers edged with yellow. Length,
82”; wing, 4”; tail, 3” 9”.
Not uncommon in the forests of the Knysna; and I have seen it
from Swellendam, Damaraland, and Natal. It feeds upon insects,
which it captures among the upper branches of high forest trees. It
is silent and retired in its habits, creeping about in search of its prey.
AMPELIDA. 153
297. Campephaga Phoenicea. (Lath. Swain,
Nat. Lib. Vol. 11, p. 252; Ampelis Phenicia, Lath. ;
Turdus Phenicopterus, Temm., Pl. Col. 71 ; Hartl.,
Orn. W. Af, p. 98; Tanagra Dubia, Shaw. Nat.
Miscel., Pl. 252 ; Ceblephrys Melanoxantha, Licht.
3 —Glossy blue-black; shoulders crimson. @, above brown,
with black bars tipped with white, and yellow-margined quill-
feathers; beneath white, with black spots. Length, 8”;
wing, 4”.
Hartlaub, loc. cit., gives this as a Cape bird, on the authority of M.
Verreaux. Mr. G. R. Gray, in his Genera of Birds, makes it equal to
C Flavus of Temminck and L’Echenilleuy Jaune of Le Vaillant, Pl. 164.
This last I know to be the Q of C. Niger of Vieillot. A crimson-
shouldered bird I have never seen in South Africa.
298. Campephaga Xanthornoides, Lesson ;
Ann. Des. Sci. Nat., 1858, p. 169.
GenrRAL colour, shining blue-black ; shoulders bright yellow.
Length, 8”; wing, 4" 2"; tail, 3” 6”.
Mr. Atmore procured a few of these beautiful birds in the neigh-
bourhood of George. He describes their habits as similar to those of
C. Niger.
299. Campephaga Levaillantii, Temminck ;
Ceblephrys Cesia, Cab.; L’Echenilleur Gris, Le Vail,
Pl. 162, 163; Ceb. Cana, Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 362.
Tue whole plumage of the male is a greyish-blue, rather
darker ou the head, the back of the neck, the scapularies, and
the rump, with a black patch between the eye and the bill ;
iris black. Length, 10”; wing, 5” 9’; tail, 4” 4”.
I found these birds in small flocks, frequenting the tops of lofty
trees in the Knysna forests, searching after insects. Le Vaillant also
seems to have procured them in the Outeniqua, and on the borders of
the Sunday and Zwartkops Rivers.
300. Campephaga Ferruginea, Vieil.; Tana-
gra Capensis, Sparm., Mus., t., 45 ; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 363.
Axnove, ferruginous-brown; beneath, varied ferruginous
and white ; tail blackish ; side-feathers reddish-brown ; bill
yellow ; feet black.
This species is quoted by Cuvier loc. cit., as from the “ Cape of
Good Hope.” It is, however, a New Zealand bird, and is only intro-
duced here in aceordance with the plan I proposed to myself of
noticing every bird said to occur in South Africa.
Ae
154 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, DICRURINA, or Drongo ;
Shrikes,
have the bill of various lengths, broad at the base, with the
culmen more or less keeled, and curved to the tip; the sides
compressed ; the nostrils usually concealed by short compact.
plumes, and the gape furnished with strong bristles; wings
long, with the fourth and fifth quills generally the longest ;
the tarsi and toes short, and strongly scutellated.
Genus DICRURUS, Vieillot.
Bill. moderate, with the culmen more or less elevated,
keeled, and curved to the tip, which is emarginated, the
lateral margins curved, the gonys lengthened, and slightly
advancing upwards; the nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, and
concealed by projecting plumes and bristles; wings long,
with the first three quills graduated, and the fourth and
fifth equal and longest; tail long and forked—in some species
with the outermost feathers prolonged, and webbed only at
their ends; tarsi very short, longer than the middle toe, and
covered with transverse scales ; toes moderate, the lateral
ones unequal, aud both united at the base, especially the
outer, which is united as far as the second joint; the hind
toe as long as the middle one, strong, and armed with a
strong curved claw.
301. Dicrurus Musicus, Vieil.; Musicapa Emar-
ginata, Licht.; Le Drongear, Le Vail. Pl. 167, 168.
EntireLty black, with forked tail, sometimes spotted with
white on the breast and belly. Length, 103”; wing, 5” 9’;
tat, 49"
This drongo shrike is very abundant in the Knysna forests, and
extends to Swellendam, Beaufort, and the Karroo. I have also seen it
from Damaraland and Natal. It is a bold, fearless bird, darting about
in the forest after insects, or chasing each other from tree to tree,
uttering loud cries, which to some ears are anything but musical. Le
Vaillant says they assemble in flocks, morning and evening, to catch
the bees as they go out from, or return to, their hives. He says they
make their nests in forks at the extremity of horizontal branches. They
are composed of roots and flexible twigs, and of such a loose texture,
that the eggs are plainly visible from below. The number of eggs is
generally four, sprinkled with black dots, nearly all of a square form.
302. Dicrurus Ludwigii; Fdolius Ludwigii,
Smith, 8. A. J., Vol. 2, p. 144; Zool, Z A. Pl 34.
Buack, with a shining green gloss, most distinct on the upper
COR
AMPELID®. 15:
parts and the breast ; tail slightly forked ; bill and legs black.
Length, 7" 2"; wing, 4’; tail, 3” 6”.
Dr. A. Smith first observed this species in the forests about Natal
in 1832. They were very shy, and only one specimen was procured,
In habits they seemed to resemble others of the family, perching on
dead trees, and performing rapid evolutions in the air in search of food.
303. Dicrurus Mystaceus, Vieil.; Le Drongo
Moustache, Le Vail., Pl. 169.
GENERAL colour black, with green reflections ; the wings and
tail are umber-brown ; the latter slightly forked. The most,
distinguishing feature of this bird consists in tufts of stiff
hairs which surmount the nostrils, not lying flat, but sticking
up from the head.
Le Vaillant says he only once met with this bird in Kaffraria. He
fell in with a flock of eight, of which he procured five. Like those of
others of their family, their stomachs contained bees and caterpillars.
Sundevall says it is a manufactured species.
304. Dicrurus Forficatus, Linn; Dicrurus
Longus, Pl. Enl, t. 189; Dicrurus Cristatus, Vieil. ;
Lanius Drongo, Sh.; Muscicapa Galeata, Bodd.; Le
Drongo, Le Vail. Pl. 166; Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 371.
Entirsty black, shining, with a bluish lustre ; forehead with
a crest, recurved, and pointed forward ; tail deeply forked.
Le Vaillant says he found this species in the country of the Kafirs,
where it was extremely common, frequenting large forests, and living
in small docks, feeding on bees, which it seized on the wing in the same
manner as fly-catchers. Sundevall says the bird is from Madagascar,
not from South Africa. It seems strange that Le Vaillant should have
got birds from an island which was more inaccessible in his day than
in this; but there is no doubt that he did do so, as in some instances
he has actually adopted the Malagash names as his own.
Genus MELGINORNIS,* Gray.
Bitz short, with the culmen elevated, keeled, and curved to
the tip, which is emarginated, the base broad, and the sides
compressed towards the point; the nostrils basal, lateral,-
rounded, and partly concealed by a few weak bristles; wings
moderate, with the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills equal and
longest ; tail long, and rounded at the end; tarsi longer than
the middle toe; toes moderate, with the outer as long as the
inner toe ; the hind toe strong, shorter than the middle one,
and armed with a strong claw.
* Melasoma, Swainson.
156 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
305. Meloenornis Ater ; Melwnornis Atronitens,
Licht. ; Bradyornis Atra, Sund., Ofvers. Kongl. Vet.
Ak. Forhandl, p. 105.
Aut black, with a blue gloss. Length, about 8”.
Said to inhabit Kaffraria (Wahlberg).—Sed non vidi.
The Fifth Family, LANIID/, or
Butcher-Birds,
have the bill more or less long, strong, and straight, with
the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip,
which is generally hooked and emarginated ; the gonys long
and ascending; the gape sometimes furnished with short
bristles ; the wings moderate and rounded, or pointed ; the
tail more or less lengthened, and usually rounded ; the tarsi
strong, and more or less long; the toes moderate; with the
hind toe long, and broadly padded beneath ; the claws long,
curved, and very acute.
The Sub-Family, LANIINA, or Butcher-Birds,
have the bill moderate and strong, with the culmen curved,
and the sides generally much compressed near the tip, which
is mostly hooked or emarginated ; the gape sometimes fur-
nished with short bristles; the nostrils lateral, and rounded ;
the wings more or less long, and generally rounded; the
tail of various lengths, and usually rounded; the tarsi rather
short, and strong; the toes rather long, and strong, with the
lateral ones generally unequal; the outer toe the longest,
and united at its base; the hind toe long, and broadly
padded.
Genus LANIUS, Linn.
Bill more or less long, and broad at the base, with the cul-
men curved, and the sides much compressed to the tip, which
is hooked, and strongly emarginated ; the gonys long and
ascending ; the gape furnished with a few short bristles ;
the nostrils lateral: the opening rounded, and partly hidden
by the projecting bristles; wings moderate and rounded, with
the fourth quill the longest ; tail more or less long, narrowed,
and graduated ; tarsi rather longer than the middle toe ,
strong, and covered in front with broad scales; toes mode-
rate, with the lateral ones nearly equal; the outer slightly
united at the base; the hind toe long, and broadly padded ;
the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
LANIID. 157
306. Lanius Collaris, Gmel.; Cuv. Vol. 1, p.
265; Le Fiscal, Le Vail., Pl. 61 and 62.
GENERAL colour of the upper side, brown-black, with a white
streak, forming a V-like mark ; under sides dirty-white; in
some specimens there is a rufous tinge on the thighs; the
four inner tail-feathers are black ; the outer feathers more or
less white Length, 9”; wing, 42”; tail, 4” 9”.
This shrike is more abundant in the neighbourhood of Cape Town
than in any other part of the colony that I have visited. It appears
to affect the vicinity of habitations at all times, as in the very wild
country it is seldom seen.
It is bold, daring, and rapacious, a deadly foe to cage-birds, canaries
in particular, entering into rooms regardless of the assembled family,
and tearing them from their cages.
It preys upon all kinds of small living things; and I have seen the
spikes of an aloe—a favourite resort of these birds—garnished with
snakes, locusts, small birds, hard-cased beetles, crabs, lizards, and
sometimes even a fish. I have been assured on good authority that
they seize gold-fish out of the fountains.
It builds in trees and bushes, and constructs a nest of grass, lined
with fibres and hair. Eggs, four or five; of a pale grey colour, blotch-
ed at the obtuse end, in the form of a ring, with greenish and reddish
spots : axis, 12’”; diam., 9’”.
307. Lanius Subcoronatus, Smith, Illus. Zool.
SicAfy-PE 68:
CLosELy resembling Z. Collaris, but easily distinguishable
from it by the white forehead and patch over the eye.
It also so closely resembles Z. Coddaris in all its habits, that it was
not found to be distinct until one was accidentally killed by the mem-
bers of Dr. Smith’s expedition.
Dr. Smith saw it first at Latakoo; but I have received it from
Kuruman, where it was procured by Mr. R. Moffat.
308. Lanius Corvinus, Shaw; Corvinella Cor-
vina ; Lanius Cissoides, Vieil.; Nat. Lib, Vol. IX,
p. 233; L. Mellivorus, Licht. ; Griel. Zool, f 2, p.
337; Le Grande Pie-grieche, Le Vail, Pl. 78.
Axove, light-brown, striped with blackish ; beneath dusky-
white, with obscure spots; tail long, curved; flanks with a
concealed spot. Total length, 11"; wing, 43”; tail, 6” 9”.
Le Vaillant does not appear to have met with this species in his
travels; but the editor of the ‘ Naturalist’s Library” states he has
“‘recelved numerous specimens from Southern Africa. We have not
seen it. Bonaparte (Conspectus) says from Senegal.
158 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
309. Lanius Cissoides, Licht.; Basanistes Mela-
noleucus, Smith; B. Cissoides, Licht.; Jard. and
Selby, Ill. Orn. Pl. 117.
EntTIRELY brown-black, with the exception of a white stripe
along the wings, some white feathers on the flanks, and a
white rump; tail very prolonged; general aspect of the
bird very robust. Length, 203”; wing, 52”; tail, 14”.
We received several of these birds from Colesberg, from our valued
correspondent, Mr. David Arnot. A Kafir in our employment stated
it was very common in his country, and replaced the fiscal there. We
have also received many specimens from Damaraland, and from the
Victoria Falls.
Genus ENNEOCTORNIS, Boie.
Wings moderate and rather pointed, with the third quill
the longest; tail moderate, and much rounded. The other
characters like those of Lanius.
310. Enneoctornis Collurio. (Linn) Lanius
Collurio, Gmel. Cuv., Vol. 1, p. 264; Lanius Erugi-
nosus, Kl.; L’Kcorcheur, Le Vail., Pl. 64; L. Spini-
torques, Becht.; Gould, B. of Eur., Pl. 69.
Heap, and lower part of the back, light grey ; upper part
of back and wing-coverts, bright rust-red ; breast, belly, and
sides, pale rose colour ; throat white ; a stripe of black passes
from the bill through each eye; two middle tail-feathers
black, the rest white at the base. Length, 72”; wing, 33";
tail, 3! 2’.
We have received this bird from Mr. Andersson, from Damaraland,
and from Mr. J.J. O’Reilly, at Graaff-Reinet. Le Vaillant says it
inhabits the country about the Sunday and Zwartkops Rivers (Port
Elizabeth), Little and Great Namaqualand, and other places; but not
near Cape Town. Nests in trees, in the forks of the branches near
the main trunk, and lays from three to six eggs.
311. Enneoctornis Rufus ; Lanius Rufus, Briss. ;
L. Pomeranus, Gm.; L. Ruficollis, Shaw. ; L. Rutilus,
Lath.; La Pie-grieche Rousse, Le Vaillant, Pl. 63 ;
Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 263; Shaw, Vol. 7, p. 316; Lanius
Ruficeps, Becht.; Gould’s Birds of Europe, Pl. 70 ;
The Woodchat.
Fore part of the head, ears, shoulder-feathers, and side of
‘neck, black; a patch on the shoulder, throat, fore part of
neck, and breast, white; as are also the belly and vent, but
LANIID AS, 159
slightly tinged with dull yellow; back of head and neck,
bright chesnut; tail and rump dusky; the three outside
feathers white at the base and tips. Length, 7”; wing,
Pot. tailieo-.
Le Vaillant says he obtained this bird in “J'interieur de terres du
Cap de Bonne Hspérance ;” but this is doubtful : it is probably not
African.
Genus NILAUS, Swainson.
Bill lengthened, slender, with a prominent hook and
tooth ; wings moderate; the fourth and fifth quills longest ;
tail short, nearly even; the feathers narrow and obtuse ;
tarsi moderate, slender ; inner toe shorter than the outer.
312. Nilaus Capensis, Shaw; Lanius Brubru,
Lath.; Lanius Frontalis, Forst ; Le Brubru, Le Vail.
Pl. 71; Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 265; Swain. Class. B,
Vol. 2, p. 2.19.
Top of the head, and all the upper parts, black; the latter
mottled and marked with white; tail black and white;
wings the same; superciliary eye-streak, white; throat,
_ chest, and centre of belly, white; sides of body, from the
shoulders, rufous. Length, 6”; wing, 3” 4"; tail, 2" 7’.
Specimens of this bird have been brought from Damaraland by Mr.
Andersson. I have not received them from other sources.
Le Vaillant states that they seek their food among the branches of
high trees, hunting in small families. They make their nests in the
forked branches of mimosas, using moss and small roots. Eggs five ;
white, with brown blotches. —
Genus PRIONOPS, Vieillot.
Bill moderate and straight, with the culmen and the sides
much compressed near the tip, which is hooked and emar-
ginated; the gonys long, and curved upwards; the lateral
margins straight; the nostrils lateral, with the opening
rounded, and partly concealed by the projecting feathers ;
wings long, and rather pointed, with the third and fourth
quills equal and longest ; tail long and rounded; tarsi as
long as the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with
transverse, broad scales ; toes moderate, with the outer longer
than the inner one, and slightly united at the base; the
hind toe long, and broadly padded beneath ; the claws long,
compressed, and much curved.
160 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
313. Prionops Talacoma, Smith; Zool. 8. A,
Pl. 5.
Heap, light pearl-grey ; cheeks white, margined behind
by a black crescent; neck, and under parts, pure white;
back and wings, glossy, greenish-black, with a white strip
along the latter ; two outer tail-feathers pure white ; all the
tail-feathers broadly tipped with white; bill black; legs
pale yellow. Length, 8"; wing, 43”; tail, 3” 10”.
Dr. Smith first met with this species about 25° south latitude, in
flocks of six or eight individuals, frequenting low bushes, or hunting
the ground for insects. Termites seem to form a favourite prey.
Genus TELOPHONUS, Swainson.
Bill more lengthened than in Lanius, slightly hooked; the
tooth smaller; wings very short and rounded; tail length-
ened, graduated ; lateral toes free; the inner very slightly
shorter than the outer.
314. Telophonus Trivirgatus, Smith, Zool. S:
A, Pl 94.
Cotour above, light hair-brown, tinged with yellow; below,
lighter wood-brown; wings, reddish-orange; tail, dark-
brown, inclining to black; the two middle-feathers ap-
proaching the colour of the back; three outermost more or
less tipped with white. Length, 73”; wing, 8”; tail, 4”.
Dr. Smith procured one specimen of this bird to the north-east of
Kurrichane, between 24° to 25° south latitude. We have received it
from Kuruman, from Mr. Moffat; and Mr. Andersson brought it from
Damaraland, where it appears to be not uncommon.
315. Telophonus Erythropterus, Swainson,
Nat. Lib, Vol. 1], p. 255; Z. Rutilus, Lath, var. 4;
Le Tchagra, Le Vail, Pl. 70; Pl. Enl, p. 479, £1;
Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 271 ; Lanius Erythropterus, Shaw,
Genl. Zool., Vol. 8, 2, 307 ; Lanius Coronatus, Vieil.
Axsovk, brown; beneath whitish; wing-covers and quills
(externally), rufous; crown, and stripe through the eye,
black ; sides of the head with a broad whitish stripe. Length,
82"; wing, 3” 4”; tail, 3” 10”.
Le Vaillant states that it lives only in the thickest brushwood, and
densest foliage, such haunts being most productive of its favourite
food, which consists of the larve and pups of different insects. Its
BES: five in number, are marked with brown.
have received this bird from Damaraland, Swellendam, and
Colesberg. Itis very common at Nel’s Poort and Zoetendals Vlei,
LANIID2. 161
creeping about the thick mimosa bushes, as described by Le Vaillant,
uttering the ery which has obtained for it the name given by that
traveller, whose description of its habits and food is correct.
316. Telophonus Longirostris, Swain, 23
Cent., p. 282. .
Axsove, brown; beneath cinereous; chin, ears, and stripe
above the eye, whitish; ears margined above by a black
line ; bill much lengthened, and slightly curved. Length,
82"; wing, 3”; tail, 4’.
Inhabits South Africa.—Dr. Burchell’s collection. Swainson, “Two
centenaries and a quarter.” Swainson’s type specimen is in the Cam-
bridge Museum, and appears to me identical with the preceding
Species.
317. Telophonus Bacbakiri, Cab, Mus. Hein.,
p. 70; Turdus Ceylonus, Linn. ; Lanius Bacbakira,
Sh. ; Laniarius Bacbakiri, Vieil. ; L. Ornatus, Licht. ;
Le Bacbakiri, Le Vail, Pl. 67 ; Telophonus Collaris,
Sw. ; Cuv.,, Vol. 1, p. 271.
ABOVE, dull-green; below, bright chrome-yellow, with a
shining black horse-shoe collar across the chest; a yellow
stripe extends from the base of the bill over the eye; outer
tail-feathers broadly tipped with yellow. Female resembles
the male, except in being greenish underneath and wanting
the black bar. Length, 92"; wing, 4’; tail, 3” 10’. .
Common throughout the colony, feeds on insects, aud breeds in low
bushes, making a nest of small twigs and bents of grass, coarsely lined,
with dry grass. Eggs, from three to five in number, of a beautiful
verditer colour, spotted with brown, chiefly at the obtuse end: axis,
12”; diam., 9”. It is usually found in small families, except during
the breeding season. Its loud call of “ bacbakiri,’” its imitative powers,
and bright plumage, render it one of the most conspicuous birds of the
colony. I have not unfrequently heard two birds uttering their pecu-
liar note for twenty or thirty minutes together—one bird giving out
the harsh “ éackback,” the other the shrill ‘ kivi,” the two performers
being at a considerable distance from each other.
Genus EUROCEPHALUS, A. Smith.
Bill strong and short, with the culmen curved, and the
sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated ;
the gonys long and ascending; the gape furnished with a
few short bristles; the nostrils basal, with the opening: oval,
and covered by the projecting frontal plumes; wings long
and pointed, with the third quill the longest; tail long and
rounded ; tarsi as long as the middle toe, strong, and covered
-in-front with strong transverse scales; toes short aud strong,
U
162 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with the lateral toes nearly equal, and free at their bases; the
hind toe moderate, and broadly padded ; the claws moderate,
curved, and acute. .
318. Kurocephalus Anguitimens, A. Smith;
Zool. S. Af.; Chatoblemma Leucocephala, Swain. An.
in Menag, p. 282.
Front and upper part of head, pure white; ears and sides
brownish-black ; body above, wings, and tail, brown imma-
culate; under parts white. Length, 9” 6; wing, 5” 7”.
Inhabits South Africa.—Dr. Burchell’s collection. Swainson, loc. cit.
I have not seen it from any locality further south than Damaraland,
whence it has been forwarded by Messrs. Andersson and Kisch.
The Sub-Family, THAMNOPHILINA, or Bush-
Shrikes,
have the bill more or less lengthened, compressed on the
sides, the culmen straight, but arched, hooked, and emarginated
‘at the tip; the gape more or less bristled ; the nostrils basal,
lateral, and mostly rounded ; the wings moderate, and more
or less rounded ; the tail usually long and rounded; the
tarsi moderate, and covered with broad scales; the toes
moderate; the lateral ones unequal; and the outer toe united
to the middle one at the base.
Genus LANIARIUS, Vieillot.
Bill rather slender, straight, much compressed on the sides ;
the culmen slightly curved to the tip, which is slightly hooked
and emarginated ; the gonys moderate, and advancing upwards
to the tip, which is emarginated ; the gape furnished with a
few short bristles; the nostrils basal, lateral, or rounded ;
wings moderate and rounded, with the fifth and sixth quills
the longest; tail lengthened, and more or less rounded ;
tarsi longer than the middle toe, covered in front with trans-
verse scales, and on the sides by an entire one; toes
lengthened, the lateral ones unequal, and the outer united to
the first joiut; the hind toe strong, and longer than the outer
toe ; the claws moderate, arched, and acute.
319. Laniarius Silens, Shaw; Cuv, Vol. 1, p.
268; La Pie-grieche Silencieuse, Le Vail. Pl. 74.
Upper parts, light brownish-black; wings with a white
band, formed by the inner feathers being edged with white,
exteriorly ; tail-feathers of the same colour as the back, but |
LANIIDZ. 163
with a white horse-shoe mark across the middle, broken by
the two centre feathers, which have no white on them ; under
parts, dull whitish-grey. Length, 74"; wing, 4’; tail, 3” 8”.
Le Vaillant describes the tail as having the lateral feathers bordered
exteriorly with white, while he makes no mention of the centre white
mark. ie also states that it nests in trees, forming a beautiful struc-
ture of flexible twigs, lined with cotton gathered from cotton-pro-
ducing plants. Lays three or four eggs, of a palé green colour, daubed
(barbouillés) with light red.
Common about the Knysna, Swellendam, and Beaufort. It generally
appears in pairs, and frequents one locality for a long period. While
at Nel’s Poort, in December, I procured several young birds in their
first phase of plumage, being then spotted like a young chat; but I
never succeeded in finding a nest.
$20. Laniarius Cubla, Lath; Le Cubla, Le
Vail, Pl. 72 ; Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 267; Malaconotus
Mollissimus, Swain., Nat. Lib, Vol. 11, p. 260.
Uprrr parts, all glossy black, except the rump, which is
garnished with a tuft of soft dense white feathers; under
parts white, or greyish white; iris bright yellow. Length,
7"; wing, 3’ 7; tail, 32”.
Common in the forests of the Knysna, and generally found in pairs.
I have also seen specimens from Damaraland and Natal. They utter
a stridulous cry while in search of their insect prey, which they cap-
ture either at rest or in motion. Le Vaillant says they lay five or six
eggs; but does not inform us as to the colour.
$21. Laniarius Atrococcineus. Burch. Zool.
Journal, and Cuvier, Vol. 1, p. 272; Malaconotus
Atroccineus, Swainson; Laniarius Atrococcineua,
Vieil.; Korokoba of Natives, Burchell.
Uprer parts, thighs, and under the wings, shining-black ;
under parts, from chin to vent-coverts, bright crimson ; a long
white bar extends from the shoulder to the tip of the closed
wing. Length, 9”; wing, 4”; tail, 4” 9". -
This bird appears very common near Colesberg, Kuruman, and in
Damaraland. I have also received numerous specimens from Mr. J.
Chapman, procured near the Victoria Falls, on the Zambesi River.
$22. Laniarius Similis, Smith; Zool. S. Af, Pl.
46; Malaconotus Chrysogaster, Swain, M. Auran-
tiopectus, Less.; M. Affinis, Less., Sup. Aux. Giuv. de
Buf, Vol. XX. p. 330.
Urrer parts of the head and neck, blueish-grey; back and
rump greenish ; chin, throat, and under parts, light yelow;
164 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
breast tinged with orange; stripe over the eye, whitish.
Length, 7" 3"; wing, 3” 6”; tail, 3” 10”.
Dr. Smith progured one specimen near Kurichane, searching for
insects amongst the branches of an acacia-tree.
323. Laniarus Rubiginosus, Sundev.; Bp,
Consp., p. 359 ; Lanius Oleaginus, Licht.; L’ Oliva,
Le Vail. PL 75; Fig. 2:
-GenERAL colour above, dull green; head blueish-grey; a
blackish, broad stripe extends from the eye over the ear-
eoverts; between the eye and the nostrils a white spot;
under parts dirty white, tinged with rufous on the breast;
flanks green; iris yellowish-red. Length, 7” 2’; wing,
3" ae tail, ar gl,
Received from the Messrs. Atmore, who inform me that it is very
scarce in the neighbourhood in which they discovered it, near George.
It appears to be common at the Knysna, several specimens appearing
in a small collection made there by Mr. G. Rex. .
324, Laniarius Icterus; Vanga Icterus, Cuv. ;
Lanius Olivaceus, Vieil, Gal. Des. Ois, t. 139 ;. £.
Polwocephalus, Licht. ; Malacononotus Olivaceus, Sw.,
West. Af, Vol. 11, p. 137, Pl. 22.
Heap and neck above, greyish-green ; back and wings green ;
tail-feathers black; the outermost, with the outer webs and
tips, brizht-yellow; the second pair the same, but less; the
third pair merely tipped ; a faint yellow line is also traceable
ov the elges of all the rest; cheeks black ; eyebrow white;
chin, throat, and breast, bright rufous; belly, vent, and
flanks, greenish-grey ; eyes yellowish red. Length, 7” 3”;
wing, 3” 4”; tail, 3”. 8” ; tarsus, 1”.
Tnhabits the George forests (W. Atmore). Le Vaillant found it
abundantly in the neighbourhood of Algoa Bay, the Gamtoos, Sun-
days, and Zwartkops Rivers, inhabiting forests, and nesting in trees
and bushes.
325. Laniarius Ferrugineus, Cuv. Vol. 1, p.
265, and Shaw, Vol. 7, p.310 ; Lanius Boubou, Lath. ;
Le Boubou, Le Vail, Pl. 68; Malaconotus Rufiven-
tris, Swain. Class. B., Vol. 2, p. 220; Zwarte Canarz-
byter, or Bonte Canaribyter, of Colonists.
&-—Upper parts, glossy-black, with bar on the wing, white;
under parts, from chin to middle of belly, purée white ; the
rest rufous.
Q@—Upper parts, dull-brown; tail and wings darker, wit
LANIID. 165
a faint white bar along the latter; under parts russet,
paler on the chin and throat. Length, 82”; wing, 4}” ;
tail, 4”.
Not uncommon about wooded places in the neighbourhood of Cape
Town and Rondebosch.
Le Vaillant says they nest in dense thickets, among thorns; but does
not give a description of its eggs. I do not think they ineubate here,
but migrate and breed elsewhere, as I never heard of any one finding
anest. It occurs throughout the colony, and is usually found in pairs.
By imitating the call of the male, any others, either male or female,
may be attracted to the spot.
3826. Laniarius Quadricolor, Cass. Proc Ac.
Phil. 1851, p. 245.
3 Adult.—Entire superior surface of the head, body, and
wings, olive-green, which is also the colour of the basal third
of the external, and of three-fourths of the central tail-
feathers; abdomen and ventral region yellow; throat fine
scarlet ; stripe through the eye, and a wide pectoral band,
black; beneath the latter, a.badly-defined band of yellowish-
scarlet, fading into the rich greenish-yellow of the abdomen ;
under tail-coverts yellowish-scarlet ; bill black.
The young Male resembles the adult, with the tail entirely
green, and the throat, under parts, and inferior tail-coverts,
pale greenish-yellow; a trace of black lines on the breast,
and of scarlet on the throat. Length, 7" 3; wing, 3” 2’;
tail, 3” 3”.
Inhabts the country about Port Natal—Sed non vidi.
327. Laniarius Barbarus. (L) Malaconotus
Barbarus, Swain., Nat. Lib., Vol. 11, p. 243 ; Lanius
Barbarus, Lin. Pl. Enl., p. 56; Le Gonoleck, Le Vail.,
PL 69. AS .
Axove, glossy black; beneath, crimson; crown fulvous yel-
low ; vent and flanks buff.
A West African species. Does not extend to Namaqualand, though
said by Le Vaillant to do so, and therefore included here.
328. Podobeus Fuscus, Lesson; Comp. Aux,
(Euvres de Buff, Vol. XX, p. 302.
GeneErat colour, smoky-brown ; the wings fuliginous; under
parts smoky-grey ; lighter on the belly and flanks; eyebrows
white; the chin, and a longitudinal stripe on the neck,
166 ; BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
whitish ; lesser wing-covers grey-brown; tail, composed of
large fluffy feathers, is black, slightly tipped with white ;*
bill black; tarsi brown. Length, 17 ceutimeters French.
Quoted by Lesson as from the Cape of Good Hope.—Sed non vidi.
I believe this bird should be placed somewhere among the shrikes ;
but none of the authors that I have consulted know anything of it,
and I could not gain access to the work quoted.
The Fourth Tribe, CONIROSTRES, or
Conical-billed Birds,
have the bill strong, more or less conical, with the tip slightly
emarginated, or entire; the wings generally moderate, and
pointed ; the tarsi usually long, and strongly scutellated ;
the toes moderate, with the outer one sometimes united at
its base.
The First Family, CORVIDA, or Crows,
have the bill strong, with the base of the culmen sometimes
covered with projecting bristly plumes, arched, and the sides
compressed to the tip, which is more or less emarginated ;
the nostrils basal, and more or less concealed by the basal
plumes; the wings generally long, and pointed; the tail
moderate, or lengthened ; the tarsi and toes moderate.
The Sub-Family, CALLGQZATINA, or Tree-
Crows,
have the bill short, with the culmen elevated at the base, and
much curved to the tip; the sides compressed, and the gonys
long and straight; the wings short, and rounded; the tail
lengthened, and graduated; the tarsi more or less long, and
covered in front with broad scales; the toes moderate, with
the lateral ones unequal.
Genus PTILOSTOMUS, Swainson.
Bill shorter than the head, much compressed ; the culmen
considerably arched and curved from the base ; rictus brist-
led; wings moderate, slightly rounded; the third, fourth,
and fifth quills longest ; tail long, cuneated: the feathers
lanceolate ; feet very strong and robust; tarsus lengthened,
longer than the middle toe and claw ; lateral toes short, and
of equal length. /
CORVIDA. 167
329. Ptilostomus Senegalensis. (Linn) PI.
Enl, p. 538; Swain. Nat. Lib, Vol. 11, Pl. 135;
Corvus Senegulensis, Auct.; Le Piapiac, Le Vail,
Pl. 54; Coracias Nigra, Lath.; Corvus Afer, Lin.,
Shaw, Vol. 7, Pl. 371; Corvus Piapiac, Daud.
Gtossy black, with transverse linear shades on the tertial
feathers ; quills and tail light-brown, the latter with the
feathers lanceolate. Length, 173” ; wing, 6}’.
Found, according to Le Vaillant, on the banks of the ‘‘ Groot River.”
Builds a round nest, at the top of a high tree, composed entirely of
thorny twigs, with a small round hole for entrance. Eggs six to
eight, light blue, marked with brown patches. It has never occurred
to any of my correspondents in this country. Sundevall states it isa
Senegambian species; and I doubt if it is an inhabitant of South
Africa.
The Sub-Family, CORVINA, or Crows,
have the bill of various lengths, the base broad, and the
sides compressed, with the culmen more or less curved to the
tip, which is usually entire ; the nostrils entirely concealed
by the projecting frontal plumes, except when the head or
cheeks are denuded of feathers; the wings long, and slightly
rounded; the tail long and graduated, or moderate, and
nearly equal; the tarsi lengthened, and covered in front
with broad scales; the toes moderate, and strong, the lateral
ones of equal length.
Genus CORVUS, Linnzus.
Bill strong, generally long, with the culmen more or less
archea, or nearly straight to the tip, which is entire; the
sides gradually compressed from. the base; the gonys long,
more or less advancing upwards to the tip, the nostrils basal,
lateral, rounded, or entirely covered by the projecting bristly
plumes ; wings long and pointed, with the first quill shorter
than the second, and the third and fourth quills the longest ;
tail moderate, sometimes equal and rounded; tarsi longer
than the middle toe, and broadly scutellated in front ; toes
moderate, strong, the outer slightly united at the base, and
the lateral ones nearly equal ; the claws strong, moderate,
and curved.
330. Corvus Albicollis, Lath. ; C. Cager, Licht. ;
Le Corbivau, Le Vail. Pl. 50; C. Vulturinus, Shaw.,
Vol. 7, p. 343; Ringhals Kraai of Colonists, lit.
Ring-neck Crow.
GENERAL colour, black, with a bronze reflection; head, breast,
and ‘top of hind portion of neck, bronze: lower portion of
168 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
latter white; a few white feathers occasionally divide the
bronze of the breast from the black of the abdomen; bill
large, curved, and white at the tip. Length, 1’ 8"; of wing, —
Poe
This fine crow is abundant throughout the colony. It is very partial
to the sea-side, where it preys largely on the rejectamenta of the waves,
especially on the animal of the Paper Nautilus (Argonauta Argo); and
I am informed that it is rare to get one of these shells perfect, unless
it should happen to be thrown up at the very feet of the seeker, so
keen is the appetite of these birds for them. It also frequents moun-
tains not far from the sea. It is frequently seen about Table Moun-
tain, descending from thence to the shores of the bay in the morning
and returning at night, but always flying at a great height over the
town.
It is a constant visitor at the ‘ outspan”’ places along the “ hard-
road,”’ and on the road itself, where it examines the droppings of the
animals that pass along it, and picks the bones of those that die. It
will attack weakly lambs and young antelopes, and it is said to do
much mischief in this manner. Of course, it shares with the vultures
in all their feasts, remaining to the last to pick up the small fragmenta
that escape the notice of its larger confreres.
331. Corvus Scapulatus, Daud. ; Tr. d’Orn. IL; p.
232, Pl. Enl. 327; La Corneille & Scapulaire Blanc,
Vail. Pl. 53; Bonte Kraai of Colonists, lit. Parti-
coloured Crow.
GenERAL colour, black, with purple reflections ; head rather
bronzed ; a large patch between the shoulders, chest, and
belly white; vent black. Length, 1' 7"; wing, 1’ 2”; tail,
Yiu G's :
This is the commonest crow of the Western country, and is sparsely
distributed over the whole colony. It is usually found about the high
roads, seeking its food in the same manner as C. Aldicollis. In some
districts, chiefly those where C, Segetum is most common, it is rarely
seen. It makes its nest in trees, or on rocks; and its eggs, sometimes
six in number, are light verditer blue, profusely spotted, chiefly at the
obtuse end, with brown: axis, 1’ 9”; diam., 1”.
‘|
3382. Corvus Segetum, Temm.; Cuv., Vol. 7, p.
175; La Corneille du Cap, Le Vail, PL 52; @.
‘ Macropterus, Wagl.; C. Le Vaillantii, Less. ; Koren-
land Kraai of Colonists, lit. Cornland-Crow.
EntirRELY black, with purple reflections. Length, 1 7";
wing, 1’ 1’.
This species never approaches Cape Town ; but appears to be other-
wise generally distributed. I have seen it in considerable numbers
near Caledon, and the Knysna, and have received it from Kuruman.
A single specimen also occurs in a collection recently made in Damara-
STURNID. 169
land by Messrs. D. Kisch and C. Green. It keeps more to the culti-
vated Jand than do our other crows ; but will not disdain to eat carrion
when its natural food (which consists of grubs) is scarce. ,
It breeds in trees, making a large nest of sticks, and laying from
three to five eggs, of a light pink colour, spotted with dark-brown
pink: axis, 2” 2’”; diam., 1” 2’”,
333. Corvus Montanus, Temm.; Cuv., Vol. 7, p.
175; Le Grande Corbeau, Le Vail. Pl. 51; C. Major,
Vieil,; N. Dict. dHist. Nat. viii, p. 27.
Aut black, without any blue or green reflections, as in the
other species. Length, about 2 feet.
Inhabits, according to Le Vaillant, the mountains near Saldanha
Bay, dwelling in small parties, and never assogiating with the other
erows of the country. Lives upon worms, slugs, &c., and at times
attacks young antelopes.
I have never fallen in with any one acquainted with this bird, and
all my inquiries have failed to elicit any information concerning it.
Sundevall says it certainly is a fictitious speeies, and I incline to agree
with him.
334. Corvus Hottentottus, Linn.; Sh, Vol. 7,
Pl. i, p. 351. 3
“Size of a black-bird ; feathers about: the nostrils eemblin
black velvet; bill and legs black ; on each side of the bill three
very long black hairs; tail of moderate length, and nearly
even at the tip.”
* Tnhabits Kaffraria.”—Shaw (loc. cit.) ; but is a well-known Indian
species of Drongo Shrike (Chibia Hottentotta) | ! !
The Third Family, STURNIDA, or
Starlings,
have the bill more or less long, with the sides compressed ; the
culmen slightly curved, or straight to the tip, which is some-
times emarginated, and the gape often angulated; the wings
long and pointed ; the tail generally long, even, or graduated ;
the tarsi more or less long, strong, and covered in front with
broad scales; the toes long and strong, the hind toe very
long, and robust; the claws long, curved, and acute.
The Sub-Family, PTILONORHYNCHINA, or
Glossy Starlings,
have the bill strong, and moderate, with the sides compressed,
and the culmen curved to the tip, which is emarginated ; the
wings moderate and pointed ; the tail of various lengths, and
Vv
170 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
graduated or even ; the tarsi strong, and covered with broad
scales ; the toes long, strong, the lateral one unequal, and the
hind toe long and strong.
Genus JUIDA, Less.
Bill moderate, more or less slender, the sides compressed,
and the culmen slightly curved to the tip, which is emargi-
nated ; the gonys long and slightly advancing upwards; the
‘nostrils basal, lateral, and sunk, with the feathers advancing
to the opening, which is exposed and oval; wings moderate
and pointed, with the first quill short, and the second rather
shorter than the third, fourth, and fifth, which are the
longest ; tail more or less long, slightly rounded, or much
graduated; tarsi about the length of the middle toe, robust,
and covered with broad scales; toes rather long, strong, and
roughly scaled, the lateral toes unequal, the outer one longer
than the inner, the hind toe long and robust; the claws
strong, short, slightly curved, and compressed.
335. Juida Australis. (A. Smith. Lamprotornis
Burchellvi, Smith, Zool. 8. A, Pl. 47 ; Megalopterus
Australis, Smith, Rept. of Exp., p. 52.
PLuMAGE, a bright resplendent green; ears violet-purple,
with a half collar of the same colour on the back of the neck ;
belly green-blue, with a steel gloss; tail graduated, the
outermost feather of each side three inches shorter thar the
two centre ones. Length, 13” 6”; wing, 7” 6”; tail, 6” 9".
This fine bird was discovered by the expedition under Dr. Smith, in
lat. 25° south. It was rarely seen to leave high trees, but to seek its
food, which consisted of fruit and insects, exclusively upon them..-
I have received it from the Transvaal Republic, through Mr. Arnot ;
and from Damaraland, through Messrs. Andersson, Kisch, Green, and
Chapman.
336. Juida Ctnea. (Linn. Lamprotornis Longi-
canda, Sw., Nat. Lib, Vol. IL, p. 148 ; Le Vert Doré,
Le Vail. Pl. 87; Turdus Gneus, Auct.; Riipp. Neue
Wirbelth. Voeg., p. 25. .
Heap metallic-green, glossed with violet-brown; tail very
long, graduated, glossed with purple, and banded with
numerous dark lines; body shining bluish-green ; purple on
the lower part of the back, rump, belly, and vent. Length,
20”; wing, 8”; tail beyond, 94".
According to Le Vaillant, this species is found in large flocks in
Great Namaqualand ; but are very difficult to procure, owing to their
shyness. They feed on berries and on worms. I have never seen it in
any of the collections formed there. It is a West African bird.
ital eg
Lard
STURNIDA, 17]
337. Juida Aurata. (Gmel.) Pl. En, 540; Lam-
protornis Lucida, Norden; Le Couigniop, Le Vail.
No. 90; Lamprocolius -Auratus, Sund.; Lam.
Ptilonorhynchws, Swain., Nat. Lib., Vol. 11, p. 140.
Axove, glossy metallic-green; head, tail, and plumage
beneath, simple blue; frontal feathers advancing and com-
pressed forwards on the bill; shoulders and tail-covers, scale-
like, and greenish-blue. There is a row of black velvety
dots at the tips of the lesser wing-covers, one on each fea-
ther, and the same on the greater covers; tail quite green ;
Length, 10”; wing, 6”; tail, 3” 9’.
~ These birds, according to Le Vaillant, live in large flocks, and in
their migrations extend as far as the south of Great Namaqualand.
Sundevall denies that they come within these limits; but it is a com-
mon bird in Senegambia. I have received one specimen. from Kuru-
man and two from Damaraland.
338. Juida Decorata. (Hart.) Lamprocolius Deco-
: ratus, Hart. Ibis. Vol. 1862, p. 148.
AxovE shining-green, changing into blue, especially on the
back and rump; ears purple; under part of throat and neck
shining’ green; belly and vent black-brown, with blue
reflections ; tail and wing-feathers, dark black-brown, the
latter not notched, the former nearly even, slightly exhibit-
ing a barred appearance in certain lights; middle pair and
outer webs of the rest blue-green, the blue predominating.
Length, 7” 9! ; wing, 4”; tail, 3” 9’; tarsus, 1”; lateral
toes equal; bill to gape, 1”.
My specimens of this bird came from Natal. I know nothing of
their habits.
339. Juida Phcenicoptera. (L.) Lamprotornis
Phenicopterus, Swain, An. in Menag, p. 360; Le
Nabirop, Le Vail, Pl. 89 ; Lamprotornis Nitens, Pl.
En., 561; Green Spreo of Colonists. -
SEA-GREEN, glossed with blue on the head, rump, tail, and
thighs, and with violet on the ears; ‘shoulder covers,
greenish-blue, margined by a flame-coloured and violet
band; inner webs of the primaries with a central notch.
Length, 9" 6; wing, 5” 4’; tail, 4” 2”. |
Abundant throughout the Eastern parts of the colony. Le Vaillan
first met with it on the borders of the Gamtoos River in vast flocks.
He says they are migratory, only visiting us during the dry season.
172 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
They subsist on berries and grubs of all kinds, asis the habits of other
starlings, and breed in trees, or on the ground, laying five or six
blueish-green eggs.
340. Juida Rufiventris. (Ripp.) Lamprotornis
Rufiventris, Riippell, Faun., t. 11, f. 2.
Heap brown, with a faint purple gloss; back, shoulders,
throat, and breast, a shining coppery-green, with a brownish
tint; wings brown, more or less glossed with green, inner
vanes of feathers white towards quills; tail, deep shining
green, belly and insides of shoulders ferruginous ; bill and
legs reddish brown. Length, 8’.
Inhabits the Interior of South Africa.—Dr. A. Smith, S. Af. A. J.,
Vol. 2, p. 184. Swainson quotes it as a West African species.
341. Juida Erythrogaster, Bodd.; Cuv. Vol. 6,
p. 394.; Turdus Chrysogaster, Gmel., Pl. En, t. 221 ;
Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 373; L’Orambleu, Buff.
THE whole upper parts, greenish-blue ; beneath orange; bill
and feet black.
“‘ TInhabits South Africa.” —Cuvier (loc. cit.) sed non vidi.
342. Juida Bicolor, Gmel.; Turdus Grillivorus,
Barrow ; Lamprotornis Bicolor, Linneeus, Cuvier,
Vol. 1, p. 393; Lurdus Bicolor, Lath.; Nautauges
Bicolor, Cab.; Le Spreo, Le Vail, Pl 88; Lam.
Albiventris, Swain.
GenERAL colour, brown, changing into shot-green on the
neck and tail; lower part of belly and vent, white; base of
lower mandible, yellow. Length, 11”; wing, 6”; tail, 4” 2’.
The common spreo is found throughout the coiony, frequenting
places about which cattle are accustomed to graze, for the purpose of
feeding on the insects which congregate upon their dung. They also
constantly perch on the cattle, to rid them of the parasites with which
they are infested.
They congregate during our winter season in small flocks, flying
thickly together, and uttering loud and repeated chirps. At the breed-
ing season they separate into pairs, and retire to rocks or houses to
build, forming their nests of sticks, small roots, and fibres, in holes
and crevices, and laying four or five lovely light-blue eggs, sometimes
faintly spotted with brown at obtuse end: axis, 1” 2’”; diam., 10”.
They also breed in the sides of the gullies so frequent in the surface
of the country, and called slwitjes, digging holes into the clay. When
walking about over the newly-ploughed land, hunting for grubs, they
have much the manners of the European startling, and would be
cael recoguised by even a casual observer as being allied to
them.
STURNIDA. 173
343. Juida Morio. (Daud.) Pl. En. 199; Corvus
Liufipennis, Sh. ; Le Roupenne, Le Vail., Nos. 83, 84. ;
Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 393; Rooivlerk Spreo of Colonists,
lit. Red-winged Starling.
Generat colour, dark steel-blue ; tail brownish ; wings deep
rufous, the large feathers more or less tipped with brown-
black. Length, 13”; wing, 6” 3’; tail, 6”.
The “ red-wing spreo”’ is, equally with J. Bicolor, a resident in all
parts of the colony. Itis partially migratory, appearing in certain
places at certain seasons, its visits being determined by the prevalence
of some favourite food. Of this the farmer-gardener and wine-grower
are but too cognizant. Woe to the crop of ripe luscious figs that are left
undefended: but few of them will find their way to market; but few
would be the grapes that would reach the wine-press, was not the
vineyard guarded by vigilant bipeds with loaded guns: the red-wing
spreo, aided by finches, sparrows, &c., would soon pick the crop.
They do not, however, confine themselves to the neighbourhood of
gardens, being extremely partial to the sea coast, hopping about the
rocks, even within the influence of the drenching spray, in search of
small crustaceous or bruised shells; nor do I think a bit of putrid fish
would, in default of more cleanly fare, be rejected.
They breed among precipitous rocks, placing their nests in crevices,
and laying four or five large blue eggs, slightly speckled with brown.
I have seen eggs quite pure blue: axis, 1” 5’”; diam., 10’”.
344. Juida Fulvipennis. (Swainson). An. in
Menag, p. 298; Le Nabowroup, Le Vail. Pl 91;
Sturnus Nabouroup, Daud.; Corocias Caffra, Linn,
Brack, glossed with purple ; greater quills externally rufous;
internally fulvous; the shafts half white and half black.
Length, 10”; wing, 5” 6”; tail, square, 4’ 8'”.
Stated by Le Vaillant to inhabit the country of both the Great and
Little Namaquas, being found in flocks, with manners similar to those
of the rest of the family.
I have received specimens from Damaraland, Colesberg, and the
Free State. I also found it plentiful at Nel’s Poort, flying about in
small parties of from five to fifteen or twenty in number. Although
‘J. Morio likewise inhabits that neighbourhood in smaller numbers, I
never found the two species mixed together in one flock, and they can
at once be distinguished by the square shape of the tail and the pale
colour of the under side of the wing while in flight.
345. Juida Melanogaster, Sw.; An. in Menag,
p. 297; L. Corrusca, Licht.; LZ. Porphyropleuron,
Sundev.
SHINING sea-green, glossed with purple on the ears, scapulars,
rump, and upper tail-covers, belly, and flanks, black; the
174 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
latter glossed with copper ; quills and tail black, with obscure
pepe edges ; no spots on wing. Length, 8’; wing, 4” 5”;
tail, 3” 5’.
I have received specimens from near Pietermaritzburg, and from
Mr. Chapman.
346. Juida Leucogaster, Gm.; Pl. Enl. 648;
Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 3894; Pholidauges Leucogaster, Swain.,
Nat. Lib., Vol. 11, Pl. 8.
3 —Violet ; belly white; quills blackish. Length, 6’; wings,
ay She tail, al Bie %
©—Upper parts dark-brown, mottled with red-brown, —
chiefly on the head; under parts white, marked with longi-
tudinal dark-brown spots.
This bird has frequently been obtained in Natal; and I have seen
many specimens from Damaraland, brought thence by Messrs. Anders-
son, Kisch, Green, and Chapman. It does not appear to extend into
the Cape Colony.
The Sub-Family, BUPHAGINA, or Beef-Eaters,
have the bill moderate, and broad, with the culmen slightly
depressed, and curved to the tip, which is entire; the lateral
sides of the lower mandible broad, and the gonys short and.
ascending; the nostrils basal, small, and partly closed by a
membrane ; the wings long and pointed; the tail long and
graduated, with the end of each feather pointed ; the tarsi
short and strong; the toes moderate, strong, and armed with
moderate, much compressed, curved, and acute claws.
Genus BUPHAGA, Linnzus. :
Bill strong, and broad at the base, with the culmen slightly
depressed, and curved to the tip, which is entire; the lateral
sides of the lower mandible broad, projecting posteriorly
under the eyes, and rounded ; the gonys moderate, and curved
upwards; the nostrils basal, and lateral, with the opening
small, and partly closed by a membrane; wings long, with
the first quill very short, and the second nearly as long as
the third, which is longest; tail long, broad, and wedge-
shaped, with the end of each feather pointed; tarsi as long as
the middle toe, strong, and covered with broad scales ; toes
moderate and strong, with the lateral toes nearly equal, the -
outer united at the base, and the inner free; the claws much
compressed, curved, and acute.
‘
can! odie ree
STURNID A. 175
347. Buphaga Africana, Linn; B: Rufescens,
Vieill, Gal. des Ois, t. 93; Le Pique-beuf, Le Vail,
ted es Wie
GREYISH-BROWN; rump, breast, and body beneath, pale
fulvous; lateral tail-feathers, ferruginous, shafts strong,
and somewhat rigid; bill orange; tip red. Length, 92’;
wing, 43”. .
Great Namaqualand and the neighbourhood of the tropic seem the
great habitats of this curious bird. In its manners it resembles the
starlings; but from the peculiar adaptatior of its bill to extract “ bots ”
and other parasitic insects feeding upon cattle, it is constantly found
perching upon them. It must be getting rare, as J have never seen
a specimen in any collection that I have yet examined, except —
Swainson’s type in the Cambridge Museum.
348. Buphaga Erythrorhyncha, Stanley;
B. Habisinica, Ehrenb. Symb. Phys. t. 9; B. Afri-
canotdes, Smith, Cont. Nat. His. S. Af, p. 12.
AxoveE, grey-brown ; tail brown ; the inner web of the exter-
nal feathers, rufescent; wing-feathers black ; beneath, pale-
fulvous; throat grey; bill red. Length, 82”; wing,
. 4! Bub
Inhabits Natal.—Teste Verreaux ; Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af, p. 121;
and Ayres, Ibis. Vol. 1863, p. 328, ‘non vidi.
The Sub-Family, STURNINA, or Starlings,
have the bill more or less long, with the culmen curved, or
straight to the tip, which is obtuse, and somewhat flattened ;
the nostrils basal, placed in a membranous groove, and some-
times clothed with short feathers ; the wings moderate; the
tail rather short, and even or rounded ; the tarsi rather long,
strong, and covered with broad scales; the toes long and
strong; and armed with strong, acute claws.
Genus PASTOR, Temminck.
Bill rather short, with the culmen curved from the base,
and the sides compressed to the tip, which is rather acute,
and only slightly emarginated, the lateral margins rather
curved, and the gonys long and ascending; the nostrils
basal, lateral, and placed in a short broad groove, which is
membranous, and clothed with short feathers, with the
opening oval; wings long and pointed, with the first quill
spurious, and the second the longest; tail moderate and
even ; tarsi nearly as long as the middle toe, rather strong,
and covered with broad transverse scales; toes long and
176 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
rather slender; the outer toe rather longer than the inner,
and united at the base; the hind toe long; the claws long,
curved, and very, acute.
349. Pastor Roseus. (Linn. Pl. Enl, 251; Le
Vail, No. 96; Turdus Seleucis, Gmel., Gould’s B. of
Europe, 212; Cuv., Vol. 6, p. 392.
GENERAL colour of body, pale rose-colour; head crested, and
with the neck, throat, wings, and tail, shining black.
Le Vaillant states that this bird penetrates as far as 24° south latitude
in South Africa, and that he killed specimens within that range. This is
denied by all subsequent authors; and I believe the species never visits
South Africa. It has certainly never appeared in any of the collections
I have examined ; and some have been made up as far as the Zambezi.
Three other birds belonging to this family, and allied to this genus,
have been, on various authorities, wrongly cited as South African. I
include them in this list, without defining the generic characters, as
they are well-known Indian forms.
350. Sturnus Capensis, Cuv., Vol. 7, p. 173;
Sturnopaster Contra.
Buiack; white beneath; round the eye, bare and orange-
coloured ; patch of white on sides of face.
“Cape of Good Hope.’’—Cuy., loc. cit.; but is really an Indian
species.
351. Hetoerornis Gingianus. (Lath) Cuvier,
Vol. 6, p. 423; Acridotheres Gingianvs, Bp. Consp.,
419; Gracula Grisea, Daud, Shaw. Vol. 7, p.
469; Le Martin Gris-de-fer, Le Vail, PI, 95, f. 2.
OrsiTaL spot, naked; behind, acute; above, iron-grey ;
crown and cheeks, black; beneath, reddish; quills, pur-
plish-black ; primaries. white based; four wing-coverts on
each side, reddish tipped. Length, 6” 9’”.
Le Vaillant says he found a flock of these birds passing over the
mountains of Bruintjes Hoogte, but observed none in other parts of
South Africa. It is an Indian bird, and probably Le Vaillant’s state-
ment is false.
352. Hetcrornis Pagodarum, Gmel.; Cuv,,
Vol. 6, p. 4238; 7. Melanocephalus, Wahl.; T. Mala-
baricus, Gm.; Le Martin Brame, Le Vail. Pl. 95, f. 1.
GENERAL colour, creamy-grey ; head crested, black; wings
and tail black; the two centre-feathers of the latter ruddy-
grey. Length, 7”.
Le Vaillant states he found this*species on the northern bank of the
FRINGILLID&. C77
Orange River, as it was migrating to the eastward. He only obtained
one shot at the numerous flocks he observed, and killed one pair of
males. This is probably another of Le Vaillant’s inventions, the bird
being a native of India.
Genus DILOPHUS, Vieil.
Bill long, straight, rather depressed, and broad at the base,
with the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip,
which is emarginated ; the gonys curved, and ascending ; the
nostrils lateral, and placed in a membranous groove, with the
opening rounded and exposed; wings moderate, with the
first quill spurious, the second rather shorter than the third
and first, which are equal and longest; tail even, short; tarsi
longer than the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with
broad transverse scales ; toes moderate, the outer toe rather
longer than the inner, and united at the base; the hind toe
long; the claws moderate, slightly curved, and acute. ;
353. Dilophus Carunculatus. (Gmel) Sturnus
Gallinaceus, Lath. ; E. Larvata, Shaw, Vol. 7, p. 468 ;
Le Porte Lambeau, Le Vail. Pls. 93 and 94; Cuv,,
Vol. 1, p. 425; Creatophora Carunculata, Lesson,
Comp. Aux. uv. de Buf, Vol. XX, p. 308.
GENERAL colour, cinereous; shoulder and upper part of wings,
white; rest of wing and tail black, or dark-brown, with green
reflections. Head in adult male naked, bright yellow, with
black wattles. Female head not naked, and coloured as on
back. Length, 8” 6”; wing, 4” 6’; tail, 2” 10”.
Frequents the same country as the common spreo, with which it is
often found mingled; though it not unfrequently flies in large flocks
composed wholly of individuals of its own species.
Specimens with developed wattles are very scarce, and none that I
have ever seen have these appendages as enlarged as those figured by
Le Vaillant, loc. cit. Perhaps in the country where it breeds it ma
acquire such during the nesting season. Mr. Schwartz, of Zoetendals
Vley, informs me that he once found this species breeding in his
neighbourhood. A large company formed their nests in a dense bush,
reared their young, and departed. He never saw them nest at any
other time. ;
The Fourth Family, FRINGILLIDA, or
Finches,
contaips a numerous series of small, and for the most part
strong birds, that have the bill short, thick, strong, and more
or less conic, without emargination at the tip, but generally
angular and thick at the base.
Ww
178 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, PLOCEINA, or Weavers,
have the bill strong and conic, with the culmen projecting on
the forehead, and arched to the tip, which is entire; the
wings somewhat rounded, with the first quill remarkably
short; the legs and toes robust, and strongly scaled, and the
hind toe strong, and nearly as long as the middle toe.
Genus TEXTOR, Temminck.
Bill more or less long, conic, broad at its base, laterally com-
pressed, with the basal portion of the culmen advancing on
the forehead (in some seasons swollen), and curved towards
the tip; the lateral margins sinuated, and the gonys long
and ascending ; the nostrils basal, lateral, naked, and pierced
in the substance of the bill; wings somewhat rounded, and
reaching a little below the base of the tail, with the first quill
very short, and the second nearly equalling the third and
fourth, which are the longest; tail moderate, and rather
rounded ; tarsi equal in length, with the middle toe robust,
and strongly scaled; toes short, and strongly scaled; the
lateral toes equal, the hind toe equalling the inner, and the
claws strong, and curved.
354. Textor Erythrorhynchus, Smith; Il. S.
Af. Zool, Pl. 64; Bubalornis Niger, A. Smith.
GERERAL colour of adult male, black; the first half of each
wing-feather white ; bill orange-red; legs and toes, yellowish-
brown. ‘The young bird has some whitish patches on the
neck and breast. Length, 9” 6’; wing, 5”; tail, 4”.
Dr. A. Smith procured this bird after passing the 25th degree of
south latitude, frequenting herds of buffaloes, and perching on their
backs in search of the parasitical insects which infest their hides. I
have received specimens from Damaraland.
Genus HYPHANTORNIS, Gray.
Bill as long as, or shorter than, the head, broad at the base,
laterally compressed at the tip, with the culmen broad,
smooth, and rounded, advancing toa point on the forehead,
and the lateral margins slightly angulated at the base, and
straight towards the tip; the nostrils basal, exposed, oval, and
pierced in the substance of the bill; wings reaching a little
beyond the base of the tail, the first quill very short, the
second equalling the sixth; the third, fourth, and fifth of
nearly equal length, but the fourth the longest; tail rather
short, even, or slightly rounded at the end; tarsi as long as
FRINGILLIDA. 179
the middle toe ; toes strong, the lateral toes equal in length,
and the claws strong, and much curved.
355. Hyphantornis Capensis, Smith; Zool. S.
A. Pl. 66; Ploceus Abyssinicus, Cuv.
Front, chin, throat, and breast, saffron-yellow ; top of head,
sides of neck, and vent, gamboge-yellow ; nape, back, and
rump, lemon-yellow ; back of neck and shoulders, greenish-
yellow; the middle of each feather pale olive-brown; wing
feathers, dark purplish-brown, edged with sulphur-yellow ;
tail olive-brown, tinted with yellow; billlivid-brown. Length,
7"; wing, 3” 6"; tail, 2” 6”.
Generally diffused over the more southern districts of South Africa,
in flocks of from 10 to 15 individuals, building on trees that overhang
rivers and marshes. Nests constructed of coarse grass, somewhat
kidney-shaped, with the entrance towards the upper end, and directed
downwards.—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
I have found this species to build indiscriminately over the driest
spots, or over water. At this moment a large colony is established in
some fir-trees opposite the house of a friend of mine, at the outskirts
of the town, on the way to ‘‘ Green-Point,” close to the main road, and
the constant stream of traffic. I should not describe the entrance of
the nest as Dr. Smith has done; but should rather say it was on the
lowest or under side, opening downwards. The eggs are four or five in
number, and of a beautiful spotless verditer: axis, 11’”; diam., 8”.
I have kept these birds for a considerable time in a large cage, and
have known several in the possession of others. They become very
tame, and will readily answer to the call. If they are supplied with
cotton, or thread, they will weave it most industriously into the bars
of the cage, forming a dense mass, which it is impossible to unravel.
This work they perform entirely with their bills, clinging the while
to the side of the cage with their powerful claws.
They are most mischievous, cunning birds, and have more than once
unfastened the bolts of my cage-door and got out; such, however, is
their attachment to each other (I have two now before me in my cage),
that they have never left the room, though the windows, on each
Occasion, have been wide open. :
A party have several times endeavoured to form a colony in the
Governor’s garden, but for some reason failed. This year (1861) 4
pair began to repair an old nest, in May, and I saw the male and
several of his companions in full breeding dress. Cold, rainy, windy
weather, however, blew away the structure, and though I hear the
churring cry of the birds about, I see no signs of building up to the
time I write (July 24).
356. Hyphantornis Aurifrons. (Tem) Pl. Col.
175, 176; Ploceus Icterocephalus, Sw., Nat. His. of
Birds, Vol. 1, p. 189; Cuv., Vol. 7, p. 182; Shaw,
Vol. 14, Pl. 1, p. 35.
Forreuean, and top of head, fine gold colour; cheeks and
throat less brilliant; sides of neck and beneath, citron-
180 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
yellow ; nape (above), tail, and edges of wing, yellowish-
green; quills blackish, bordered with yellowish-green.
** Southern point of Africa.”—Cuvier. (loc. cit.) Bonaparte, in his’
“ Conspectus,” says that this species resembles P. Capensis, but is
larger, more yellow, and the forehead and throat ‘“ fere aurantiacis.”
The type specimen, with Swainson’s own label. still attached, is in the
Cambridge Museum, and is nothing more than a fine d of H. Capen-
sis. I have shot many such, breeding in company, and pairing with
the small race.
357. Hyphantornis Nigrifrons, Cabanis; Mus.
Hein. 1, p. 182; Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af, p. 126.
ForEHEAD, chin, and throat, black; the head and remainder
of the body below, yellow ; feathers of back and wing-coverts,
greenish-yellow, with a fuscous medial stripe; quill-feathers
pale fuscous, with yellow margins; tail-feathers greenish,
marge with yellow; bill black. Length, 64”; wing, 33” ;
tail, 2": 5
Kafirland.—Teste Cabanis., Hart., loc. cit.
358. Hyphantornis Nigriceps.
Unnper parts, bright yellow ; upper parts the same, variegated
with black: this effect is caused by the bases of the feathers
being black, and the edges yellow; wing and tail-feathers,
dark-brown, the former with yellow margins to the outer
webs, and the latter tinted with yellow; collar round the
neck, bright pure-yellow; head, chin, and throat, black.
Length, 6” 3"; wing, 3” 3"; tail, 2” 3”.
This bird was forwarded from Kuruman by Mr. Moffat. I have not
seen it from any other locality. ,
359. Hyphantornis Capitalis, Lath.; Ploceus
Velatus, Vieil.
3—Top of head, breast, and under parts, bright-yellow,
darkest on the head ; forehead, side of the head, beyond the -
eye, chin, and throat, black, the colour ending in a wedge-
shaped mark on the chest; back greenish; wings and tail
brown, with a tint of yellow. The 9 is a dull-green,
mottled, and wants the black of the face and throat. Length,
6" 3 wing, gu Gi": tail, Oy 6" 3
Received from Kuruman, Colesberg, and Damaraland. I also found
it abundantly at Nel’s Poort, nesting on the trees overhanging the
rivers and water-courses. Their nests are shaped just like those of
H. Capensis, and suspended in the same manner. The eggs are sub-
ject to great variation: some are green, spotted with reddish-brown ;
others are cream-coloured, minutely spotied with reddish-brown or light-
_ FRINGILLIDA, 181
purple, or heavily dlotched with the same. Ihave taken eggs with
reen. and eream-coloured grounds out of the same nest: axis, 11”;
famed Cars ’
Mrs. Barber writes from “The Highlands,” near Graham’s Town :
“T send herewith the nest of a kind of finch (a yellow bird, with a black
head). They are common, and most likely you know both the bird
and its nest, though I do not suppose that you know the material that
the nest is made of; for in our youthful, bird-nesting days it puzzled
us amazingly, until at length we found out the secret, and then I do
assure you we were very proud of it, and gave ourselves much credit
for finding out what no one had been able to tell us, which was, that the
nest of this bird was made of the fibres of the leaves of a species of
Sanseviera, a plant belonging to the natural order Asphodelee ; but as
our Flora has not yet been published up to that order, I cannot give
you its specific name with any degree of certainty. It is not the tall
aloe, like one that grows in our forests; but the dwarf, thick-leaved,
stemless Sanseviera, with the red edges to its leaves. The whole leaf is
fult of strong fibres, but from its tough nature the birds are only
enabled to strip off the two marginal threads; and to construct one of
these nests many thousands of Sanseviera leaves are deprived of their
red-edged fibres ; and in the neighbourhood of one or two of these
nests you will not find a perfect leaf on any of these plants.
360. Hyphantornis Spilonotus, Vigors ; Proc.
Zool. Soc, 1830, p. 92; Ploceus Flaviceps, Swain.,
Nat. Lib. Vol. 12, p. 259, Pl. 32; Ploceus Stictunotus,
A. Smith, S. Af Q. Journal, No. 5, p. 11; Id, Zool. S.
At, EL 66;, Fig. ).
GENERAL colour of head, breast, belly, vent, and rump,
bright gamboge-yellow; back liver-brown, and yellowish-
green variegated ; sides of head, chin, and front of throat,
black; wing-feathers, brown, edged with yellow; tail,
greenish-brown ; bill black ; feet flesh-colour. Length, 7’ ;
wing, 3” 6’; tail, 2” 7”.
Dr. A. Smith describes this species as inhabiting the districts upon
the south-east coast, but not found to the westward of Kafirland ; fre-
quenting rivers, and suspending their kidney-shaped nests of woven
grass over the water. I have received the species from Kuruman.
Eggs, according to Dr. Smith, blue; but Mr. Ayers (Ibis., Vol., 1860,
p. 212,) says they vary much in colour, being green, blue, white, and
speckled white and brown.
361. Hyphantornis Subaureus. Smith.) Zool.,
S.A, Pl, 30; F. 1; Ploceus Tahatali, Smith, Appen-
dix to Report of Exped., p. 50, apud Gray.
Front, crown, sides of the head, and throat, bright saffron-
yellow ; nape, back and sides of neck, back and shoulders,
between sulphur and gamboge-yellow; vent, light chrome-
182 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Pr cg liver-brown. Length, 6” 10; wing, 3” 5’;
tail, F /
Rare. Dr. Smith only met with a few specimens; and those in the
neighbourhood of Algoa Bay. I have not seen it.
362. Hyphantornis Tahatali. (Smith. Appen-
dix to Report of Exped. p. 50.
Axsove, golden green; feathers on top of head, back of
neck, and interscapulars, dark-brown in the course of the
shafts; beneath bright-yellow; quills brown, edged with
golden-green ; tail olive-brown, edged with greenish-yellow.
Length, 5” 9’.
' es ee hetween the Orange River and the Tropic.’”—Dr. A. Smith,
oc. cit.
Mr. Gray, in his Genera of Birds, thinks this is identical with
H, Subaureus ; but Dr. Smith would hardly have confused the two
species with specimens of each before him.
363. Hyphantornis Ocularius. (Smith. Zool. -
S Aj Pl 30,-E..2
GENERAL colour, golden-yellow ; back, rump, and shoulders,
greenish-yellow ; chin, throat, and a transverse stripe enclos-
ing the eye, deep-black; bill black. In the Female the chin
and throat are not black, and all the colours less vivid. .
Length, 7”; wing, 3” 3’; tail, 3” 1".
Found sparingly over South Africa, more especially in the vicinity
of the south-east coast. Does not congregate. Suspends a nest con-
structed of delicate fibres of bark, closely interwoven into the shape
of a retort, from the branches of trees. Eggs three, bluish-white,
spotted with dusky-brown.—(Smith, loc. cit.)
I have not yet obtained this species; but a nest precisely answering
the above description was forwarded to me by Colonel Armstrong, of
Bathurst.—Inhabits Natal. See “ Ibis” Vol. 1860, p. 213.
364. Hyphantornis Mariquensis. (Smith)
Zool. S. A., Pl. 1038.
Upper and lateral parts of the head, and the back and sides
of the neck, gamboge-yellow, faintly tinted with green, and
variegated with umber-brown streaks; back and rump
yellow, like the head; wings brownish, edged with yellow ;
breast, belly, and vent, between gamboge and lemon-yellow ;
bill brownish. Length, 3” 7”; wing, 3” 1’; tail, 2” 4”.
This species, like most of the others of the group, is gregarious, and
inhabits the banks of rivers to the northward of Kurrichane, especially _
those near to the tropic of Capricorn.—Dr. Smith, loc. cit.
I have received it from Kuruman, Colesberg, and Damaraland.
FRINGILLID. 183
365. Hyphantornis Auricapillus. (wains)
An. in Menag,, p. 346.
WEAD above, upper tail-covers, and all the under parts,
bright-yellow; back feathers have an olive tinge, with an
almost imperceptible dusky stripe; frontal line, lores, ears,
and chin, velvet-black ; above the first, rufous. Length, 6” ;
wing, 3” 1".
Inhabits South Africa—Dr. Burchell’s Coll.; Swain., loc. cit., non.
vidi.
Genus SYCOBIUS, Vieillot.
Bill as long as the head, with the culmen and the lateral
margins curved, the latter very slightly sinuated ; the
nostrils basal, exposed, and rounded; wings moderate, and
somewhat rounded, with the first quill very short, the second
equalling the eighth, the third longer than the seventh, and
the fourth and fifth of equal length ; tail moderate, and even,
or slightly rounded ; tarsi robust, and strongly scaled; toes
moderate, with the inner toe shorter than the outer, and the
claws strong, and curved, especially that of the hind toe.
366. Sycobius Bicolor, Vieil.; Ency. Meth, p.
698; Symplectes Chrysomus, Swain. Nat. Lib. Vol.
11, p. 170; Fringilla Gregalis, Licht.; Pl. Chryso-
gaster, Vieil. ; Hupodes Xanthosomus, Jard. and Selby,
Ill. Orn.,, N.S, Pl. 10; Syncobrotus Bicolor, Caban.,
Pyranga Icteromelas, Vieil.; Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af.
p. 135.
Axsove, dark-brown, tinged with green, including wings,
tail, sides of head, ears, and neck; chin dirty-white, tinged
with pale yellow, mottled with brown; rest of under parts
bright yellow. Length, 6” 3’; wing, 3” 2’; tail, 2” 3”.
A single specimen of this bird was procured by Henry Bowker, Esq.,
of the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police, in the country beyond
the Kei, and kindly presented to the Museum by Lady Wodehouse,
the wife of the present Governor of the Cape Colony. Another speci-
men appears in a collection formed near Algoa Bay, and now in the
possession of Professor Newton, of Cambridge.
Genus PLOCEUS, Cuvier.
Bill short, thick at the base, pointed at the tip, laterally
compressed, with the culmen smooth, rounded, and advancing ~
on the forehead in a point; the lateral margins slightly
sipuated, and angulated at the base, and the gonys lengthened
and ascending upwards; the nostrils basal, rounded, and
184 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
partly hidden by the frontal plumes; wings moderate, with
the first quill very short, the second shorter than the third,
the third to the fifth longest, and the tertials nearly the
length of the quills; tail moderate, with the end even, or
slightly rounded ; tarsi as long as, or longer than, the mid-
dle toe; toes moderate, the inner toe shorter than the outer,
and the claws long, slender, slightly curved, and compressed.
367. Ploceus Taha. (Linn) Z Ill. p. 7; Ploceus
Dubius, Smith, App. to Report of Exp, p. 50 (non-
breeding plumage) ; Ploceus Melanocephalus, Vieil.
&—In summer plumage, black; the crown of the head, back,
rump, vent, and a narrow oblique stripe on each side of the
breast, immediately in front of the shoulders, bright-yellow ;
wings and tail, grey-brown; thighs, pale-yellow, speckled
with brown.
Q—In winter plumage, above, pale yellowish-brown ; head,
and neck freely dashed with longitudinal, brownish-black
stripes; back and rump the same; under parts greyish-
white ; throat and breast tinged with sienna-yellow, and with
the flanks variegated by longitudinal brown streaks. Length,
Oe. Wi, 2 veo. ballycd a ve
The species does not extend south of 26°, and is said to breed in
the reeds which skirt the rivers north of that line. They congre-
gate in large flocks, and are very destructive to the corn-fields.—-Dr.
Smith, loc. cit.
368. Ploceus Capensis; Luplectus Capensis,
Swain., B. of W. Af, Vol. 1, p. 180; Loxia Capensis,
Linn. ; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 137; Pyromelana Capensis,
Blyth ; Jcterws Flavescens, Daud.; Yellow Kajir
Fink, or Finch of Colonists. .
GeneERAL colour of male in breeding plumage, deep black ;
the feathers of the head and neck short, and so closely set as
to resemble the richest velvet ; rump and shoulders brilliant
yellow ; wings brown. Length, 52”; wing, 3” 3”; tail, 2” 3”.
This is a very common species throughout the colony, affecting
indiscriminately the solitary vley (morass) in the midst of the veldt
(open, uncultivated country), or the homestead of the farmer. During
the breeding season it is seen about reeds, among which it breeds,
placing its nest with great art, so as to include in its structure three or
four of the firmest and most upright stems, which support it like pillars.
The male generally perches on the topmost twigs of the bushes mingled
with the reeds, or on the heads of the reeds themselves; and his
FRINGILLIDA. 185
brilliant yellow rump, contrasting with his otherwise intensely black
plumage, render him peculiarly conspicuous. The female resembles
the male in the winter dress, being a light-brown, with a dark stripe
down each feather.
Having kept several in cages, I am enabled to describe the moult
which takes place. The first thing which changes is the bill : the black
commences to show at the tip of the lower mandible, which gradually
darkens, from its usual horn-colour, to the deepest black ; before this 1s
accomplished the upper mandible has begun to blacken, and a few
black feathers are visible round the neck; the breast next shows a
change, and a feather or two on the back darkens, and thus by degrees
the whole bird changes to its splendid black. This transformation
commences about July, and is complete in September, which is the
nesting season. The moult back again, begins in the same manner.
This species lives well in cages. I had one which had been about
six years in confinement, and effected his escape after all, from the
warping of his cage-bottom, owing to its being exposed to the sun after
my pet had enjoyed his bath. He would come to the cage-bars
whenever my wife approached them, his long legs drawn out to their
full extent, his bright black eye glittering even in the midst of his deep
black plumage, watching for his morsel of bread. On his being
addressed as ‘‘ Fink,” he instantly replied, stretching his neck to the
utmost, and uttering the most piercing, discordant shriek. We used to
laugh, and say he would some day dislocate his neck in his attempts
to sing, in rivalry to the canaries. After his bath, or when enraged,
which was pretty often, he would erect the feathers of the back at
right angles to his body, and then looked beautiful, the light shining
through the brilliant yellow, setting it off to great advantage.
The nest is constructed of grasses, and is domed, with an entrance
near the centre. The eggs, four or five in number, are very pale
verditer, thickly marked everywhere with dark, greenish-brown blotches
and spots : axis, 10’; diam., 7”.
369. Ploceus Oryx. (L.) Huplectes Oryx, Swain,
Pyromelana Oryx; Red Grenadier Grosbeak, Cuv.,
Vol. 2, p. 1363; small var, Lu. Sundevulli,. Bp.;
Emberiza Oryx, Gmel.; Red Fink of Colonists.
3, in breeding plumage: upper parts, brilliant scarlet; -
lower parts, with the exception of throat, and vent, which are
scarlet, deep velvetty black; forehead, cheeks, and chin,
black; wings and tail brown. Length, 5’; wing, 2” 9";
tail, 1" 10. Female and male in non-breeding plumage;
brown, the centre of each feather with a dark stripe.
The ** Red Caffre Fink,” though not an uncommon bird, is certainly
a very local one, that is, though distributed over the whole colony, it
seems to be confined to narrow limits. About Cape Town, I only
know of one place where it is to be found, and that is the swampy
ground near the Royal Observatory. It breeds among the reeds
rowing in the river, supporting its nest on three or four stems, like
its congenor, Ploceus Capensis. Ia the winter time it congregates in
flocks, and does much damage to the grain fields in the neighbour-
x
186 | BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
hood of its nesting-place, but never strays away from that locality.
Nest like that of Loxia Capensis. Eggs four or five; pure, light blue :
axis, 10’”; diam., 7’”. Builds in thousands about the swamps and
river running out of Zoetendals Vley.
370. Ploceus Lathamii; Lozia Lathamii, Smith,
App. Rept, of Exped. p. 51.
Axove, brown; interscapulars and wing-covers edged, and
tipped with pale rufous or rusty white ; chin, middle of belly,
and vent, white; breast and sides of belly, rusty-white,
faintly clouded with brown. Length, 4’.
“Inhabits the country near to and beyond Kurrichane.”—Dr. A.
Smith, loc. cit.
This name was probably sunk in some other by Dr. Smith, as I
cannot find reference to it in any of the works consulted by me.
Another species quoted by Shaw, Vol. 9, Pl. 2, p. 320, as from the
Cape of Good Hope, under the name of Lowia Awrantia, the *‘ Orange
Grosbeak,” is a South American bird, viz., Spermophila Aurantia,
Vieil., Ois. Chant., p. 44.
Genus PHILETAIRUS, A. Smith.
Bill more compressed than in Ploceus, with the culmen
slightly arched from the base, and the lateral margins
sinuated ; wings moderate, reaching to about the middle of
the tail, with the first quill very short, almost rudimentary,
the second, third, and fourth nearly of equal length, and
longest ; tail somewhat rounded at the end; tarsi strong,
shielded by transverse scales; toes moderate, the outer and
inner toes nearly of equal length ; claws much curved and
acute.
371. Philetzrus Socius. (Lath.) Euplectes Lepi-
dus, Swain, An. in Menag, p. 309; Phileterus
Lepidus, Smith, Zool. S. A, p. 8 ; Loxia Socia, Lath. ;
Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 133; Social Grosbeak, Paterson’s
Voyage, Pl. 19.
FLANKS with a blackish patch, the feathers of which are
margined with whitish; chin black; plumage above, drab-
brown ; the margins of all the feathers, and the whole of the
under parts, pale isabella, Length, 5”; wing, 3”; tail, 2”.
Inhabits South Africa.— Swainson, loc. cit.
This bird is most abundavt in the Interior. Dr. Smith looks upon
Latakoo as its metropolis; but I have heard of it in great numbers all
over Damaraland, and even as low down as Namaqualand. Being the
builder of the huge nests so often mentioned by travellers, itis well
known. Eggs three or four, blueish-white, mottled at the large end
sith small brown dots. Feeds on seeds and insects.
FRINGILLIDA. 187
Genus PLOCEPASSER, Smith.
Bill large, conical, pointed, and laterally compressed ; the
culmen slightly arched, advanced on the forehead in a point ;
wings moderately long and rounded, with the first quill very
short, the second and third equal and longest; tail square at
the end, or slightly emarginated ; tarsi strong, with distinct
shields in front, and entire behind ; toes moderate, the outer
and inner toes equal, the hinder toe slightly shorter, but
stronger, the middle one much the longest; claws strong and
curved,
372. Plocepasser Mahali, Sm.; 2.8. A, Pl 65;
Agrophilus Mahali, Swain.; Pl. Melanorhynchus,
Riipp.
Urrer part of head, and stripe on each side of neck, black-
brown ; eyebrows white; side of head, brown; side of neck
and back, light-brown ; rump, vent, chin, and throat, pure
white; breast and belly, dull-white; wings with two white
stripes across the shoulders. Length, 6” 6”; wing, 4”; tail,
oF gic
Congregates in large flocks between the Orange River and the
tropic; builds in companies. The nests are composed of the stalks of
grasses, the thickest extremities being placed so as to protrude exter-
nally, and offer a defence against snakes, &c.—Dr. A. Smith, loe. cit.
I have received a few specimens of this bird from Kuruman and
Damaraland.
Dr. Smith’s statement that the protruding sticks of the nest are
meant as a defence against snakes, appears to me“about as well founded
as the idea that other members of this family construct their bottle-
shaped nests at the extremity of branches, so as to be out of the way
of monkeys and snakes. Why should these birds, beyond all others,
be endowed with such prescient wisdom? Why should they depart
from their custom sometimes, and build their nests on reeds? Or
why take these precautions in places where neither snakes nor monkeys
exist ?
373. Plocepasser Pileatus; Leucophrys Pilea-
tus, Swain., An. in Menag., p. 347.
ApoveE, light earthen-brown; beneath white; front, crown,
and sides of the chin, black ; stripe above the eye, rump, and
upper tail-covers, pure white; the white stripes over the
eye are very broad behind, and narrow in front, and almost
meet at the nape; wings with two broad cream-white bands.
Length, 7”; wing, 4" 2”.
“TInhabits South Africa.” —Swain., loc. cit., non vidi.
188 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus VIDUA, Cuvier.
Bill more or less lengthened, conic, laterally compressed,
with the culmen much arched, or nearly straight from the
base to the tip, and advancing on the forehead in a
point; the lateral margins sinuated or straight, and the
gonys lengthened and ascending ; the nostrils basal, lateral,
mostly hidden by the frontal feathers, and rounded ; wings
moderate, with the first quill spurious, the second’ nearly as
long as the third, the third, fourth, and fifth nearly equal, and
longest ; tail varying in length ; with some of the coverts, and
tail-feathers considerably lengthened, and of various forms ;
tarsi slender, shorter than the middle toe, covered in
front with conspicuously-divided scales; toes long and slen-
‘der, the lateral ones nearly equal, the hind toe as long as
the inner, ayd all armed with long claws.
374. Vidua Regia. (L.) Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af,
p. 136; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 149; Shaw. Vol. IX, Pl
2, p. 426 ; Shaft-tailed Bunting ; Evaberiza Regia, L.;
Vidua Riparia Africana, Briss. Orn., Vol, 3, p. 129.
Sipes of head, under parts of body, and round the neck,
rufous; hind part of neck spotted with black; plumage
above, lower part of thighs, and vent, black; four middle
tail-feathers nearly 10” loug, and webbed only for about two
inches at the end, the rest simple shafts; other feathers,
even, short, and black; bill and legs red. Female brown,
and without the long tail-feathers. Length, 5”; tail (with-
out long feathers), 2”; wing, 2” 10".
South Africa teste Hartlaub, loc. cit.—I have received it from
_ Damaraland only,
. 375. Vidua Principalis. (Linn) Cuv., Vol IX;
Pl. 2, p. 423 ; Emberiza Principalis, Vieil., Ois Chant.,
t. 36; Em. Vidua, L.; Em. Serena, L.; ‘V. Minor
et Major, Briss.; V. Angolensis, Briss, Orn. App. p.
80; V. ELrythrorhyncha, Swain. B. of W. Af, Vol.
XI, p. 176; Koning-Roodebec of the Colonists, lit.
King of the Red-bills,
Q@—General colour, deep glossy black: this colour covers
the crown and the back; collar pure white; wings and scapu-
lars the same; lower parts of back and rump, white; on the
wings a large patch of white; ears, side of head, and under
FRINGILLID. 189
parts, pure white; but the black colour of the back advances
on to the sides of breast, so as to forma half collar, open
in front; tail-feathers externally black, internally white, |
this latter colour predominantly on the outermost feathers;
four middle tail-feathers greatly elongated, two convex and
two (one within the other) concave. Bill, brilliant rose-red.
Length, 10"; wing, 2" 9”; tail, 8".
These birds are found in small flocks throughout the colony. The
male only assumes the long tail-feathers during the breeding season.
In the winter he closely resembles the female, who is clad in a sober
livery of mottled brown, and black on the upper parts, whitish on the
centre of the belly, and rusty on the flanks; on the head are six dark
black-brown stripes, divided by brown stripes, those which pass
through the eye immaculate, the others dotted with dark-brown.
They feed on grass seeds, and are only to be found in open grassy
country ; they rarely perch on trees, though a pair in my aviary
always roost on the perches, the Q having taken possession of the
highest in the whole cage.
The Q amuses me by the way in which she scratches on the sandy
cage-bottom. How she does it I cannot tell, her motions are so quick;
but she apparently springs forward and spurs backwards, and the
sand and seed fly in showers at each repetition of the manceuvre.
I have frequently observed the hovering motion described by Mr.
Ayres (Ibis., Vol. 2, p. 212), but attributed it toa design of the
6 to take care of his long tail.
Swainson’s type specimen of V. Erythrorhyncha is in the Cambridge
Museum, and is certainly nothing more than than 6 of our Princi-
palis ; the bill is now faded to the usual yellow assumed by all old
specimens.
376. Vidua Axillaris, Sm.; Z.S. A, Pl. 17.
GENERAL colour, velvet-black; shoulders reddish-orange ;
feathers of wings and tail black, with a greenish gloss,
narrowly edged with pale-brown. Length, 6”; wing, 3”;
tail, 2".6".
Dr. Smith procured but one specimen of this bird, the male here
described. When shot it was perched upon some bushes growing out
of some marshy ground in Kafirland. Mr. Gurney has received it
from Natal (Vide Ibis., Vol. 1860, p. 205).
377. Vidua Albonotata, Cassin.; Proc. Acad.
Philad. 1841, p. 65 ; Urobrachya Albonotata, Hartl.,
Orn. W. Af, p. 137.
GENERAL colour, shining black; shoulders yellow; base of
the tail-feathers, white; wing-feathers tipped -with white.
Length, 6” 6”; wings, 3”.
Natal (Verreaux)—non vidi.
190 BIRDS. OF SOUTH AFRICA,
378. Vidua Ardens. (Bodd.) PL Enl, 647; Embe-
riza Panayensis, Gmel.; #. Signata, Scop, Sonn.
Voy, t. 75; Vidua Lenocinia, Less, Tr. d’ Orn, p.
437; V. Torquata, Less.; V. Rubritorques, Swain, ©
West. Af, XI, p. 174; Pentheria Rubritorques, Bp.
Consp., 1, p. 448.
Matz, in full breeding plumage, generally velvet-black, with
a broad half collar beneath of brilliant scarlet; wings, thighs,
under tail-coverts, and rump striped with grey, that colour
being on the edges of the feathers; tail elongated. Total
length, 10” 6"; tail, 7”; wing, 3”; tarsus, 11”.
Inhabits the country beyond the Kei (from whence it has been sent
by Mr. H. Bowker) and Natal. It does not appear within the colony.
Genus CHERA, J. R. Gray.
Characters in common with Vidua; but the wings long,
‘with the first quill spurious, the second, third,- and fourth
slightly graduated, and the fifth and sixth nearly equal, but
the fifth the longest; tail and its coverts much lengthened,
compressed, and arched.
379. Chera Progne. (Bodd.) Pl. Enl, 685 ; Orange-
shouldered Bunting, or Kaffrarian Grosbeak ; Cuv.,
Vol. 2, p. 150; Vidua Phenicoptera, Swain.; Loxia
Caffra, Gmel.; Shaw, Vol. 24, Pl. 1, p- 17; Shaw,
Vol. IX., Pt. 2, p. 286 ; Hmberiza Longicauda, Gmel. ;
Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 2, p. 422.
&—General colour, glossy-black ; shoulders fulvous and
brilliant crimson; tail enormously developed. Q, or young
6: general colour, pale yellowish-brown ; the centre of
each feather being darker, approaching in some instances
to black, give the bird a mottled appearance; wing-feathers
black, with pale, yellowish-brown edges; tail-feathers umber-
brown, with light edges; shoulders showing a bright orange
patch. Length, 21”; wing, 6”; tail, 16”.
I have only procured this species from the Hastern side of the colony.
It is said to be very common in Kaffraria; and Mr. Arnot has sent
several specimens (the Q or young & here described, among the
number) from Colesberg.
I am informed that in the breeding season, when the male has
assumed his nuptial livery and long tail-feathers, his flight is so
laboured that the children constantly run them down. They are quite
FRINGILLID. 191
unable to fly against the wind, and in cig weather can hardly be got
to move out of the thick bushes in which, knowing their helplessness,
they conceal themselves. The Kafir children stretch bird-limed lines
across the fields of millet and Kafir corn, and snare great numbers
of the males by their tails becoming entangled in the lines. I am
informed they breed among rushes and reeds, like Ploceus Oryz.
The Sub-Family, COCCOTHRAUSTINA, or
Hawfinches,
have the bill large, short, strong, conic, and very broad at
the base; the culmen and gonys more or less equally curved
at the tip; the lateral margins more or less angulated at
their base ; the wings lengthened, and more or less pointed ;
the tail generally short ; the tarsi as long as, or shorter than,
the middle toe, robust, and strongly scaled, and the hind toe
as long as, or rather shorter than, the inner one, and strong.
Genus PYRENESTES, Swainson.
Bill enormous, perfectly conic; the two mandibles equal,
or the lower somewhat thicker; upper mandible with an
obsolete tooth at its base; tip entire; commissure straight ;
wings and tail rounded, first quill very small, spurious.
380. Pyrenestes Frontalis; Zool. S. A, Pl. 61,
62; Pyrrhula Albifrons, Vigors.
GENERAL colour, orange-coloured brown, with the feathers
on each side of the upper mandible white, and a speculum of
the same colour on the wings, formed by all the quill-feathers
being white at their base. Length, 7” 4”; wing, 3’ 9”;
tail, 3”.
Inhabits the forests on the Eastern frontier and Natal, feeding upon
berries and small fruits. —Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
The Sub-Family, FRINGILLIN/A, or Finches,
have the bill short, conic, and more or less broad at the base,
with the culmen sloping, and the sides compressed to the
tip, which is generally entire; the gonys long, and advanc-
ing upwards; the wings more or less lengthened, and
pointed ; the tail varying in length, sometimes with the ends
of the feathers acuminated ; the tarsi as long as, or shorter
than, the middle toe, slender, and transversely scaled ; the
toes more or less long and slender ; the hind toe moderate;
the claws generally long, curved, and acute.
Genus ESTRELDA, Swainson.
Bill small, moderate; tail lengthened, graduated, or
rounded ; feet moderate; tarsus longer than hind toe.
192 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
381. Estrelda Astrild. (Linn) Pl. En, p. 157,
f.2; Cuv., Vol. 2, Pl. 153; Fringilla Undulata,
Pall. ; Loxia Astrilda, Shaw, Vol. 1X, Part 2, p. 254 ;
Edw. Birds, Pl. 354, f 2; F. Tricolor, Vieil. Ois.
Chant., t. 12; Senegalus Striatus, Briss. ; Waz-billed
Grosbeak ; Roodebec of Colonists.
Upper parts, brown, minutely waved with darker brown
lines; under parts, lighter brown, also waved with brown
lines ; over the whole of these parts, in certain lights, there
is spread a lovely rose colour, changing into purple; bill,
stripe through the eye, and down the centre of the breast,
and stomach, brilliant scarlet ; vent, intense black; tail gra-
duated, brown; legs black. Length, 4” 9'"; wing, 2”;
tall Ss fe
These elegant little birds congregate in prodigious flocks through-
out the colony, frequenting the fields of grain, ploughed lands, and
vineyards. ‘hey are not unfrequently close to habitations, and their
little shrill, piping notes may be heard even in towns.
They breed in communities, and it is said that several inhabit the
same nest, laying and sitting in it promiscuously, and sometimes
three or four together. The nest is a large structure, composed of
straw, grasses, feathers, wool, paper, rags, &c. It is often as large
as a stable bucket, round, and with an entrance in the side. The
interior is a mass of feathers; and the eggs, from 8 to 14 in number,
are pure white, oval, and about 7” long, by 4” broad.
These birds live well in confinement, and add much to the appear-
ance of an aviary, by their sprightliness, and the beauty of their plu-
mage when many are together. Itisno uncommon thing to see a
dozen or more on one perch, sitting close up to each other, for com-
pany’s sake. Ihave four which have separated themselves into two
pairs, though agreeing well all together.. The birds of each pair are
always together, cleaning and caressing each other. When I put in
the bathing vessels, they crowd into them in defiance of all the bigger
and stronger birds ; and it is no unusual thing to see two canaries, or
one canary, the “ king of the roodebecs,” and three or four “roode-
becs,” all in the vessel at once, splashing, ducking, and jostling one
another in the narrow bounds to which their cage restricts them.
Mr. Ayres, of Natal, states (Ibis Vol. 4, p. 156,) that he has found
several nests of these birds built upon the ground, generally in some
convenient indentation, sheltered by a clump of grass.
382. Estreida Nitidula; Hartl, Ibis, Vol. 1865,
p. 269.
GeNERAL colour, olive-green ; ramp and upper tail-coverts,
yellowish-green ; an orange mark in front of the eye ; body
spotted with white dots, surrounded with black. Length,
3° 2"; wing, 1" 9"; tail, 1027.) -
Natal.-—(Ayres.)
-_—
ant
etm
FRINGILLIDZ. 197
383. Estrelda Rubricata. (Licht) Vieil., Ois.
Chant. t. 9; #. Rubricata et Rufo-pectus, Gr. ; Bp.
Cons. Av., p. 459.
Asovr, olive; rump purple; beneath purple; vent black;
bill black. Length, 4”. = “*
Natal. (Ayres.)—Ibis, 1864, p. 352.
384. Estrelda Melanogenys, Sundev. ; Ofvers.
K. Vet. Ak., Forhandl.
Back, olivaceous, slightly undulated ; head cinereous ; rump
red; throat, cheeks, and tail, black; breast cinereous ; belly
dull whitish-yellow ; upper mandible black; lower red.
Inhabits Port Natal.—Sund., loc. cit.
385. Estrelda Incana, Sundevall; Ofvers. K. Ak.
Forkandl, 1850, p. 98; #. Natalensis, Caban. ; Hartl.,
Orn. W. Af, p. 143.
ASH-COLOURED, with red rump; throat whitish; chin, stripe
between eye, and bill, black ; tail black, graduated ; vent
dark-fuscous; bill and legs black.
Inhabits South Africa. —(Wahlberg)—sed non vidi.
386. Estrelda Dufresnii. (Vicil) Hartl Orn.
W. Af, p. 142; Fringilla Melanotis, Temm., Pl. Col.
221, £1; Fringilla Neisna, Licht.
&6—Top of head and back of neck, ashy ; back and shoulders,
green ; wings rufous; rump red; tail black; ears, chin, and
upper part of throat, deep black; lower part of the latter,
white ; chest ashy-white; belly and vent yellowish-white;
bill, upper mandible, black, lower scarlet. @ wants the
black on the head and throat, and all her colours are less
vivid. Length, 3” 9"; wing, 1" 9'"; tail, 1” 8”.
Swellendam and Knysna are the only places whence I have received
this pretty species. Mr. Ayres has found it in Natal; and Hartlaub
quotes it from Kafirland.
387. Estrelda Minima; Lagonosticla Minima,
Vieil, Ois. Chant, t. 10.
Patz-RED ; the lower part of the back pale-brown, with a
ruddy tint; wings pale-brown; scapulars and lesser wing-
¥
198 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
coverts ruddy ; rump more red ; vent pale-brown ; tail-feathers
fuscous ; the webs near their base ruddy.
South Africa.—Hartlaub.
388. Estrelda Margaritata, Strick.; Ann. and
Mag., Nat. His, Vol. 13, 1844, Pl. 10; H. Verreausii,
Massena ; Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af, p.143 ; P. des Murs.,
td A a
Upper parts, rich ferruginous-brown, except the quills, which
are dusky within; upper tail-coverts and outer margins of
retices dull vinous-red, and their inner webs and apical
portions black; the circuit of the eyes, cheeks, throat, and
breast, pale claret-red ; rest of lower parts deep black, spotted
next the chest and on the sides with large pearl-like spots,
the colour of peach-blossom, of which two are placed trans-
versely and subterminally on each feather. Length, 4” 9’;
wing, 2” 1"; tail, 2”.
Hartlaub says from South Africa. Mr. Strickland, whose descrip-
tion I copy, says his specimen ‘‘was purchased at Cape Town, and
was said to have been brought from Madagascar.”
389. Estrelda Erythronota. (Vieil.) Ois. Chant.,
t.14; Estrelda Lipiniani, Smith, Append. to Re-
port of Exped. p. 49.
Tor of head, neck, and interscapulars, tinted with crimson ;
back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, crimson ; hinder part of
breast, and belly, dull crimson ; sides of head, chin, under
tail-coverts, and tail, black; quills, ashy brown; wing-
coverts and scapulars, grey, closely banded with brown.
Length, 4” 6”.
Inhabits the country to the north and east of Kurrichane.—Dr.
Smith, loc. cit.
390. Estrelda Polysona ; Ortygospiza Polyzona,
Sund.; Fringilla Atricollis, Vieil, Ency. p. 980;
Frin, Polyzona, Temm., Pl., Col. 221, fi 3.
AxsoveE, fuscous-grey; below, banded black and white ; ‘chin
and eyebrows white; throat, belly, and front, black ; breast
rufous; vent white; tail tipped with white; bill red.
Length, 3” 6”; wing, 1’; tail, 1” 9”.
Kafirland (Wahlberg).—Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af., p. 148.
FRINGILLIDA. 199
391. Kstrelda Benghala. (Linn) Pl, Enl. 115,
f. 1; Uraeginthus Phenicotis, Swain, Nat. Lib,
Vol. 11, p.192; Fringilla Benghala, L, 8. N., Vol. 1,
p. 323; F. Angolensis, L., Bonap. Cons. Vol. 1, p. 458.
ABOVE, grey-brown; rump, tail, and under parts, with the
exception of the centre of the body, which is white, verditer-
blue; the ears of the 6 are covered with a deep purplish-red
spot, which is wanting in the female. Length, 4” 6; wing,
Pe steal; 1100"
Dr. Smith procured this species between Kurrichane and the Tropic
of Capricorn. Mr. Andersson and others have brought it from
Damaraland ; and I saw flocks of them feeding in the fields of ground-
nuts as far as 1° 30" south.
392. Estrelda Melba. (Linn) Edw. Birds, Pl.
278, f. 2, p. 273; Tringilla Elegans. -
6—Forehead, chin, and throat, scarlet; back of head and
neck ashy ; back and chest golden-green, the latter spotted
at the junction of the belly with white; vent white; rump
and centre tail-feathers, dull-scarlet ; outer tail-feathers black-
brown. d—Ashy, barred on the hinder parts with white ;
vent white; rump dull-scarlet. Length, 4” 9’; wing, 23”;
tail, 2”.
Inhabits South Africa —Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af., p. 145.
393. Estrelda Squamifrons, Sm, ZS. A, Pl.
95; Amadina Squamifrons, Smith.
GENERAL colour above, light liver-brown ; feathers of wings
and tail, darker, edged with white; tip of head and mous-
tache, black; the feathers of the first being edged with
white, giving a scaley appearance; under parts dusky white.
Length, 2” 6”; wing, 2” 5”; tail, 1” 9".
Dr. Smith states that this species is frequently found to the north-
ward of Latakoo, but rarely to the southward. I have received it from
Kuruman; and it has appeared in all the collections I have examined
from Damaraland.
394. Estrelda Granatina, Linn. ; Pl, Enl. p.109,
£3; Uraeginthus Granatina; Fringilla Granatina,
L, Briss., Orn., Vol. 3, p. 216; Vieil., Ois. Chant., t. 17,
18 ; Edw. Birds, Pl. 191.
Cuesnut ; cheeks, a well-defined and beautiful violet ; front
and rump, blue; throat, vent, and tail, black; bill red.
Length, 6”; wings, 2” 2’; tail, 3”.
Found by the expedition under Dr. Smith, between the Kiegariep
and Kurrichane, and by Mr. Andersson in Damaraland.
200 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
395. Estrelda Sabflava. (Vieil) N. Dict. d’Hist.
Nat. XXX, p.575; Sporaeginthus Subflava, Hart.
Orn. W. Af, p, 144; Fringilla, Subjfava, Vieil.; F.
Sanguinolenta, Temm., Col. 221, fig. 2; Hstrelda
Sanguinolenta, Swain., Nat. Lib., Vol. II, p. 190.
Axove, light-brown; beneath, varied with yellow and orange ;
flanks with transverse brown lines; eyebrows and rump,
crimson ; tail blackish; two lateral feathers’ on each side’
edged with white. Length, 3” 3’; wing, 1” 8”.
South Africa.—Hartl., loc. cit.
Genus AMADINA, Swainson.
Bill short, very thick, and broad at the base; tail short,
rounded, or even; tarsus longer than hallux.
396. Amadina Alario. (Lin) Pl Enl. 204;
Crithologus Alario; Crithagra Bistrigata, Swain., 2
Cent., p. 8318, adult.; C. Ruficauda, Swain., 2 Cent.,
p. 317, juv.; Spermatophila Daubentont, Gray, Gen.
B.; Fringilla Personata, Licht. Bp. Consp.; Berg-
canarie of Colonists, lit. Mountain Canary.
6—Upper parts, rufous; under parts, white; tail rufous;
head, neck, and throat, black: this colour extends from the
throat, and divides into two broad lines on each side of the
breast ; quill-feathers of wing, black; shoulders and coverts
rufous, a white colour extends from the back of the throat
round to the back of the neck; bill black. The op is
generally of a dull brown colour, lightest on the under parts.
Length, 5"; wing, 2” 8; tail, 2" 2".
I have received this species from the Knysna, Malmesbury, Swellen-
dam, and Colesberg. It is not uncommon in the neighbourhood of
Nel’s Poort (Beaufort), ranging in small flocks among the thorn-
bushes, and feeding on grass seeds. It often intermingles with flocks
of the common A. Astrild. Hts song is very sweet and sustained, for
which reason it is kept in confinement, which it endures very well. It
seems to vary somewhat in the distribution of its colours: but that
described above is the general character.
397. Amadina Erythrocephala, Hart, Orn.
W. Af, Pl. 146 ; Loxwa Erythrocephala, Lin. ; Smith, Z.
S. Af, PL 69; Cardinalis Angolensis, Briss. ; Orn.
App, p. 78; Fringilla Reticulata, Vogt.; Loxia
Maculosw, Burch. ; Sporothlastes Erythrocephalus, Cab.
Axove, brown; beneath, grey-brown, with a tinge of red, and
barred with dark-brown, which imparts to it a scaled appear-
FRINGILLIDA, 201
ea
anee; top and sides of head, and chin, pink; tail-feathers
brown, all, with the exception of the two centre ones, tipped
with white. The female resembles the male, but wants the
crimson head. Length, 5” 6”; wing, 3”; tail, 2” 3”.
Dr. A. Smith found this species only in the neighbourhood of
Latakoo, feeding in the native gardens, and congregated together in
considerable numbers. I have received it from Kuruman and
Damaraland.
398. Amadina Nitens. (Linn) Pl Enl. 291, f
1,2; Hypochera Ultramarina ; Frin. Ultramarina,
Gmel.; Vieil, Ois. Chant. t. 21; #. Funerea, De Turr. ;
Edw. Birds, pl. 362, f. 1.
Suinine blueish-black ; wings and tail rather fuscous, with
pale edges; under wing white; bill red. Length, 4” 6”;
wing, 2” 4”; tail, 1” 2”. ;
Natal, &c.—Hartl., Orn. W. Af., p. 149. (Ibis Vol. 2, p. 205, &c.)
Genus FRINGILLA, Linn.
Bill short, conical, and broad at the base, with the culmen
rounded, sloping, and the sides compressed to the tip, which
is acute and entire, the lateral margins straight; the gonys
long and ascending; the nostrils basal, lateral, and sunk in a
small groove, with the opening generally concealed by the
projecting small plumes ; wings mostly long and pointed,
with the second and third quills equal, and rather longer
than the first ; tail more or less long, and generally slightly
forked at the end; tarsi shorter than the middle toe, and
covered in front with broad scales; toes moderate and slender,
the lateral toes nearly equal, the outer toe united at its base,
the hind toe long, and armed with a long curved claw.
399. Fringilla Canicollis; Serinus Canicollis,
Sw. ; Cape Canary.
ForEHEAD, back, and under parts, greenish-yellow, mottled
with brown on the two first; nuchal collar and flanks grey ;
vent albescent; wings and tail dark-brown ; the outer webs
narrowly margined with yellow ; the inner webs of the latter
broadly margined with brown-yellow. Length, 5” 3’; wing,
3"; tan; 2 21.
The Cape canary is a common bird throughout the colony, congre-
gating in flocks on the open and ploughed lands, and feeding on grains
and seeds of all kinds. It sings very sweetly, and breeds in captivity
with the tame canary, the mule bird being very handsome—and, I am
told, again producing with either the yellow bird or one of its own
202 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
species. I propose trying this experiment. The nest of the Cape
canary is generally constructed in a low thick bush, and is of a cup-
shape, formed of hair, moss, and feathers. The eggs, three to four in
number, are white, streaked and spotted at the obtuse end with
purplish-brown : axis, 9’”; diam., 63/”.
400. Fringilla Capensis; Citrinella Capensi»
Less ; Sup. Aux. Giuv. de Buf, Vol. XX, p. 335.
Heap, olive-green; back and wing-covers, reddish-brown ;
rump yellowish-green; and greenish-yellow on the chin,
throat, chest, and belly; the lesser coverts are grey; wing-
feathers black, each feather terminated by an oblong white
spot; tail-feathers black, with a white border at the tip, the
border wider on the lateral feathers, beneath lighter; bill
and legs reddish.
Quoted by Lesson as from the Cape of Good Hope. I cannot
identify it; but sometimes fancy it may be our ‘“ Pietje Canarie,” the
next species.
401. Fringilla Totta; Citrinella Totta, Bp;
Loxia Totta, Gmel. ; Pietje Canarie of Dutch Colonists.
Hrap, greenish-brown; rump, yellowish-green, mottled with
brown ; eyebrows yellow; under parts, greenish-yellow, the
yellow predominating on the chin and down the centre of
the belly; wing and tail feathers blackish-brown, tipped with
white ; tail-coverts grey. Length, 5’ 3’; wing, 2” 9;
teil. 2io2",
This canary is found in similar situations to the Cape canary. It is
said that the cock will breed with the hen yellow-canary in captivity ;
but that the hen pietje-canary will not breed with the male of ae
yellow species. This may be from an unwillirgness of the wild hen to
build in a cage.
402. Fringilla Gularis; Zinaria Gularis, Sm,
Append. to Rept. of Exped., p. 49.
Tor of head, dark-brown, feathers edged with white; eye-
brows white ; neck and upper parts, grey-brown, clouded with
darker tints; chin, pure white; breast, pale grey-brown ;
belly tawny-white, darkest on the sides; quills and tail
brown, the feathers edged with greenish-white. Length, 5” 6”.
Inhabits the colony, and country as far as Latakoo. Rare.—Dr.
Smith, loc. cit.
M. Victorin procured this species at the Knysna. See J. W. Grill.
Zool. Antic. Af.—Victorin.
FRINGILLID. 2038
403. Fringilla Striaticeps; Poliospiza Stria-
ticeps, N. Sp., Hart.
GerneERAL colour above, dark reddish-brown, the centre of the
feathers being darkest ; head variegated with white streaks,
which, coalescing over the eye, form themselves into an
eyebrow ; chin and throat white, mottled on the former with
brown ; under farts ruddy-brown, the colour clearest an the
belly and vent. Length, 5” 9"; wing, 2” 9; tail, 23”.
Received from Mr. Atmore, Swellendam ; and found also in Damara-
land by Mr. Andersson.
404. Fringilla Angolensis, Hartl, Orn. W. Af,
p. 150; Linaria Atrogularis, Smith, Append. to Rept.
of Expd., p. 49; LZ. Angolensis, Briss. Orn. App., p.
71; Frin. Angolensis, Gmel.; Frin. Tobaea, Vieil. ;
Fringil. Uropygialis, Licht., Bp. Consp., Vol. 1. p. 520.
Axove, grey-brown, the centre of the feathers dark-brown ;
rump sulphur-yellow; chin and throat black; breast, belly,
and vent, rusty-white; wings brown, the tips of the quills
and the inner edges of inner vanes, towards bases, white ; the
outer edges golden-green ; tail slightly forked, dark-brown,
with the tips, and more or less of the inner vanes, white.
Length, 43”.
Inhabits the country about and beyond Kurrichane.—Dr. A. Smith,
loc. cit. Kafirland, Krebs.—Hartl., loc. cit.
405. Fringilla Noevia, Gmel. ; Sys. Nat. 1, p. 11;
White-cheeked Finch, Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 2, p. 496;
Lath. Gen. Syn. 3, 278, 44.
Heap and neck, pale cinereous; upper parts of latter marked
with dusky streaks; sides of head white, with a reddish
streak passing through the eye, which is bounded on the
under part with black, and joins another black streak arising
at the base of the under mandible; back and wings, pale
rufous, with dusky streaks; under parts of body, plain
cinereous ; tail dusky. Length, 9”.
“Native of Cape of Good Hope.’’—Shaw, loc. cit. *
This species has not, that I can learn, been recognised by any subse-
quent author. It is uncertain what bird is meant.
Genus PASSER, Brisson.
Bill strong, sub-conical, and broad at the base, with the
culmen rounded, slightly arched, and the sides compressed to
204 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
the tip, which is slightly emarginated ; the lateral margins
straight ; the gonys long, and curved upwards ; the nostrils
basal, lateral, with the opening partly covered by the frontal
plumes ; wings moderate, with the second and third quills
rather longer than the first; tail moderate and even, or
slightl, forked ; tarsi strong, nearly the length of the middle
toe, and covered with transverse scales; toes moderate, the
lateral toes nearly equal; the claws moderate and acute.
406. Passer Motitensis, Smith; Zool. S. Af,
Pl 114.
Tor of head, and back of neck, grey; eyebrows, sides of
neck, and back, chesnut; the latter dashed with dark-brown ;
streak through the eye, chin, and throat, black; cheeks,
breast, and belly, rusty-white; wing and tail feathers, light
brownish-red. Length, 7”; wing, 3” 5’; tail, 3”.
Dr. Smith only procured two specimens of this fine sparrow, ‘‘ both
about sixty miles north of the Orange River. When they were killed
they were on the ground actively employed picking up seeds which
had fallen from the shrubs among which they were moving.”
407. Passer Diffusus; Pyrgita Diffusa, Smith ;
Appendix to Report of Exped. p. 50.
Heap and neck, dull rusty-grey; interscapulars brown,
washed with grey; wing-coverts, back, and rump, dark
chesnut-brown, some of the coverts tipped with white, which
form one or two oblique bands on the wings; chin, throat,
breast, and flanks, pale grey-brown; belly and vent, 1usty-
white ; quills and tail, dark-brown. Length, 5’ 9",
“‘Tnhabits the country between the Orange River and the Tropic.” —
Dr. Smith, loc. cit.
408. Passer Arcuatus, Gmel.; Pl. En, 230, £1;
Cuyv., Vol. 2, p. 135; Cape Sparrow.
6—Top of head, cheeks, chin, throat, and breast, black;
back of head and neck, brown; back, rump, and shoulders,
rufous; wing and tail feathers brown, with light margins ;
a white stripe extends from over the eye, round the back of
the cheeks, and nearly unites on the throat; under parts,
dirty white. 9 less brightly coloured. Length, 6” 6”;
wing, 3” 4’; tail, 2” 7", é
This Cape sparrow, like its cousin, the English bird, is essentially a
“cit.” In the country you certainly find him, but never away from
’ human habitations. He seems to think man only builds houses for
FRINGILLID&. 205
him to dwell in; only grows corn for him to eat; only plants trees for
him to roost in. The airs he gives himself are amusing; and you
feel inclined to forgive his peculations, out of sheer admiration for the
boldness with which he executes the theft. :
With the earliest dawn he is up and doing, and his chirrup arouses
ou from your slumbers ; but as he has not got to dress, and you have,
he is off to inspect your farm-produce before you are. As he has
wings, he visits all your property (not to count your neighbours’), and
levies toll where he likes ; and you find him in the evening, when you
reach home, tired and footsore, there before you, and with unabated
vigour fighting for the snuggest and warmest berth under the eaves, or
the cosiest branch upon your pet oak-tree. Well, don’t be hard on
him! He will in his season rid you of thousands of caterpillars and
grubs; and if your “eldest hope” is old enough to begin to shoot, he
will do no great harm in thinning their numbers in the autumn, and
manufacturing puddings for his brothers and sisters with the bodies of
the slain. ua!
Sparrows build in holes, in walls, or in trees, indiscriminately. If
they select the former, they accumulate a lot of sticks as a ground-
work, and fill up with straw and feathers. If they build in trees, they
construct a large ball of straw, and line it with feathers. Their eggs,
three to five in number, are light verditer, with brown blotches; but
they vary much in shape and colour.
409. Passer Simplex, Swain, Nat. Lib, Vol. 11,
p. 208; P. Gularis, Less.; Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 45;
P. Swainsonii, Rupp. Faun. t. 33, £2; P. Grisea,
Lafren.; Pyrgita Gularis, Less.; P. Spadicea, Licht.,
Bp. Consp., Vol. 1, p. 510.
Huap and neck, grey; plumage above, rufous; beneath
whitish ; wings and tail, brown; stripe under chin, white.
Length, 6”; wing, 3”; tail, 2”.
Hartlaub (Orn., W. Af., p. 150) gives this species as from South
Africa. Ihave only seen itfrom Damaraland. . :
The Sub-Family, EMBERIZINA, or Buntings,
have the bill conical, acute, compressed, with the culmen more
or less straight to the tip ; the lateral margins sinuated, and
more or less inflected; the interior of the upper mandible
furnished with a palatine knob, which is more or less appa-
rent ; the wings moderate, and somewhat pointed ; the tarsi
about the length of the middle toe, and scutellated; the hind
toe longer than the inner, and robust; and the claws slender,
and more or less curved.
Genus FRINGILLARIA, Swainson.
Bill with upper mandible entire ; wings short; the primary
quills not much longer than the tertials ; tail moderate, either
Zz
206 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
quite -even or very slightly rounded; lateral toes small,
equal ; all the claws small and short. .
410. Fringillaria Flaviventris, Vieil.; Ency.
Meth. p. 929 ; Emberiza Cupensis, Gml., var. p, Pl,
Enl., 664, f. 2; #. Xanthogaster, Steph.; £. Flavt-
gastra, Rupp. Atlas, t. 25; £. Quinquevittata, Licht. ;
Frin. Bicincta, Forst; Frin. Capensis, Swain, Nat.
Lib, Vokght, ‘Pl. 285. ps2 41.
Heap black, with seven white stripes ; plumage above varied
with rufous and grey; beneath bright-yellow; chin, vent,
and tips of lateral tail-feathers, pure white. Length, 5” 6”;
wing, on §N,
“ Natal,’—Sir W. Jardine and Mr. Gurney (Ibis Vol. 1); “‘ Dama-
raland,’—Andersson, Chapman, and Kisch.
411. Fringillaria Capensis. (L) Hartl, Om,
W. Af, p. 152; ELmberiza Capensis, Linn., Pl. Enl.
158, f 2; #. Hrythroptera, Temm., Pl., Enl. 664, f£ 1;
Cape Bunting, Shaw, Vol. 9, Pt. 2, p. 372; £m.
Caffrariensis, Steph. ; Passerina Capensis, Vieil.
Tor of head and neck, dirty-grey, variegated with black ;
sides of head and chin, dirty-white, marked with two black
streaks, one passing through the eye, the other beneath ;
under parts, dirty yellowish- white ; lesser winy-covers rufous ;
greater covers, quills, and tail dusky, with the margins
rufous; iris hazel: Length, 54”; wing, 2” 10” ; tail, 22”.
Mr. Atmore procured this pretty species at Meiring’s Poort, where
he met with it “in small flocks of four or five individuals,” probably
family parties. With this exception, I have not seen it from any other
place in the colony. Mr. Andersson has it from Damaraland.
412. Fringillaria Impetuani, Smith, Append.
to Rept. of Expd, p. 48; Fringillaria Anthoides,
Swains. An. in Menag., p. 316.
Coxourep like a lark; above isabella, striped with brown ;
beneath paler and immaculate ; above the eye, and beneath
the ears, a pale stripe; outer edge of the secondaries, and
inner edge of all the quills, rufous; a dark stripe behind the
eye; throat inclining to dusky-white ; belly and vent almost
white ; wings and tail brown. Length, 53”; wing, 2” 82”;
tail, 2”.
‘‘Tnhabits South Africa.”—Swains. loc. cit.; also Hartl., Orn. W.
Af., p. 152.
FRINGILLID.Z. 207
413. Fringillaria Vittata, Swain. ; Av. in Menag,
p. 315 ; Streepkopje of Colonists, lit. Striped Head.
ABovE, grey, striped with black; beneath, cinereous-grey ;
sides of the head with two white and two black stripes;
wing-covers rufous; quills and tail, blackish; chin, and
under tail-covers, whitish. Length, 6”; wing, 2” 9’; tail,
PX 6".
This little bird has very much the habits of the European “ Hedge-
Sparrow.” It frequents low bushes and rocks, creeping about the
former, and running up the latter, and sitting on their summits, open-
ing and shutting its wings, and uttering a little short, piping note. It
breeds about bushes and rocks, placing. its nest in crevices or among
roots, or even on the ground. The eggs, three to five in number, are
of a dirty-white ground, profusely speckled with minute rufous and
light purple markings: axis, 10” ; diam., 6””.
It is universally distributed, and feeds on seeds and insects.
414. Fringillaria (?) Africana; Zonotrichia
Africana, Smith, Append. to Rept. of Exped. p. 48.
Axove, black-brown; feathers broadly margined with rufous ;
chin white; throat and breast, pale rufous, marked with
stripes of dark-brown; middle of belly white; quills dark-
brown ; outer edges towards base, dark-chesnut ; inner edges
pale rufous ; tail rounded, the two outermost feathers of each
side white, the second with a brown stripe in the course of
the shaft near the point, the intermediate ones dark-brown,
the two middle ones edged with light rufous. Length, 5”.
“ Lives amongst the grass, both to the north and south of Kurri-
chane.”—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
I have failed to identify this species, and place it here with a mark
of doubt. The genus in which Dr. Smith placed it isan American one.
415. Fringillaria Tahapisi. (©) Emberiza
Tahapisi, Smith, Append. to Rept. of Exped, p. 48.
Hzap and throat black, the former with seven longitudinal
white stripes, one from base of mandible to centre of nape,
and three on each side; body above light-brown, dashed with
dark-brown, beneath light cinnamon-brown; tail dark-
brown, the outermost feather on each side tipped and edged
with pale rufous. Length, 5” 3’. cet ie
Inhabits the country towards the sources of the Vaal River.—Dr.
A. Smith, loc. cit.
208 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, ALAUDINA, or Lark,
have the bill short, more or less lengthened, conical; the
wings with the tertials generally as long as the primaries ;
the claws lengthened, more or less curved, and the hind one
very long, and generally straight.
Genus ALAUDA, Linn.
Bill moderate, conical, with the culmen slightly arched to
the tip, acd compressed on the sides; the nostrils basal,
lateral, and hidden by the frontal plumes ; wings lengthened,
with or without a short spurious quill, and with the third
quill generally the longest ; tail moderate, and slightly emar-
ginated ; tarsi rather longer than the middle toe, and slender ;
toes moderate and divided, and the hind claw lengthened,
and more or less straight.
416. Alauda Crassirostris, Vieil.; Nat. Dict.
D’Hist. Nat. 1, p. 373; Brachonyx Crassirostris,
DT’ Alouette & gros bec, Le Vail. Pl. 198; Cuv., Vol.
2, p. 119; Alauda Magnirostris, Steph. ; Dubbelde
Leewwirk of Colonists.
FratHers of upper surface thoroughout, dark burnt-umber-
brown, margined with a lighter shade; outer tail-feather,
on each side broadly margined; the inner less so; the neck
and breast marked in the same manner, but the dark parts
of each feather are narrow, and the margins broader, and
with a decided yellow tinge, which prevails over the whole
belly and chin. Length, 63”; wing, 4” 3”; tail, 3.’”
This fine lark is abundant throughout the colony, frequenting
equally the cultivated and bush-covered lands. It feeds on insects
and seeds; and makes a rough nest in a depression of the soil, under
the shelter of a low bush, or large clod of earth, and lays four or five
eggs, of a very pale cream colour, profusely dotted throughout with
small light-brown and purple spots: axis, 11’”; diam., 8”.
417. Alauda Ferruginea, Sm.,, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 29.
Heap, back, and sides of neck, back, rump, shoulders,
and two centre tail-feathers, bright ferruginous-red ; under
parts, dull white; chin, breast, throat, and flanks mottled
with dark-brown spots; a blackish line commences at the
base of the lower mandible, and terminates below the points
of the ears; eyebrows, dirty-yellow. Length, 7” 5’; wing,
a” Ys tealoo. 2 4:
Habitat : Arid plains to the southward of the Orange River, called
the Bushman Flats. Is very wary, shy, and difficult of approach.
a
FRINGILLID&. 209
Soars very frequently, particularly in the early part of the day, and
at sun-rise whistles delightfully, generally at such times perching on
a summit of the highest bush in the neighbourhood.—Dr. A. Smith,
oe. cit.
418. Alauda Codea, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 87,
£1.
Upper surface of body, head, and neck, rusty yellowish-
grey; the two latter and interscapulars variegated with
streaks of brownish-red, washed with yellowish-grey ; chin
and throat, pure-white; breast, white, spotted with brownish
red; belly rusty-white; flanks tinted with pale-brown ;
wing-feathers brownish-red, edged and tipped with white;
two middle tail-feathers, reddish-brown, glossed with grey ;
the rest umber-brown, edged and tipped with rusty-white ;
eyebrows white; ear-covers, light orange-coloured brown ;
iris hazel. Length, 6” 6” ; wing, 3” 6”; tail, 2” 9".
Generally, though sparingly, scattered over the Western Province,
particularly in the Karroo. Perch readily on bushes.—Dr. A. Smith,
loc. cit.
Mr. C. A. Fairbridge procured a single specimen on the Cape Flats,
near Rondehosch. I found it plentiful at Nel’s Poort, in the Karroo.
It first appeared in the neighbourhood of Beaufort. Nearer Cape Town
we did not observe it. A single nest fell under our observation in
December. The eggs, four in number, and of a mottled brown,
were deposited in a cap-shaped nest, on the side of a low bush, at the
edge of a foot-path. When we approached it the bird crept away to a
little distance, then rose, flew a few yards, and perched on an ant-
heap to watch us. As we were proceeding to kill a Hyena, which had
been caught in one of our traps, we deferred taking the eggs until our
return; but coming home by a different route, we had to leave them
till next morning, when on proceeding to the spot we found the
young excluded. The hen bird, on this and several subsequent occa-
sions, executed the same manceuvres to escape detection. ‘‘ Common
at Traka.”—Mr. Atmore.
419. Alauda Tartarica, Pall; Alauda Muta-
bilis, Forst.; Tanagra Sibirica, Mus. Carls, t.19 ; Le
Tracal, Le Vail. No. 191 ; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 118.
Tuis lark cannot be mistaken for any other of the family.
Its entire plumage is black, transversely and irregularly
striated above and below with white.
Le Vaillant states he procured it breeding in Great Namaqualand,
on arid plains, at the foot of craggy mountains. This is another of his
inventions. ‘The bird is a native of Tartary.
Genus PYRRHULAUDA, A. Smith.
Bill short, with the culmen arched, the sides much com-
pressed, the tip entire, and the lateral margins sinuated ; the
”
210 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
nostrils basal, and concealed by the frontal plumes; wings
long, with the first quill spurious, and the second rather
shorter than the third or fourth, which are nearly equal and
longest; tail moderate, and slightly emarginated ; tarsi mode-
rate, longer than the middle toe, and slender ; toes very small,
the lateral ones equal, and strongly scutellated above ; the
claws short, slightly curved, and the hind claw rather long,
and nearly straight.
420. Pyrrhulauda Leucotis, Stanley; Smith,
Zool. S. A, Pl. 26; Lowxia Leucotis, Salt.; Alauda
Melanocephala, Licht.; Fringilla Otoleucus, Temm.,
Pl. Col, 269, f 2, 3.
& —Head, neck, shoulders, breast, and abdomen, black ;
ears, half-collar on back of neck, and a blotch on each side of
the breast, hinder portion of flanks, and rump, white, the
two latter tinged with brown; back and shoulders chesnut ;
tail umber-brown, except the outer feathers, which are rusty-
white. The female is dusky-brown, with a speckled breast.
Length, 5”; wing, 3” 3’; tail, 2”.
Inhabits plains thinly covered with dwarf shrubs, near to the Tropic
of Capricorn.—Dr. A. Smith, loe. cit.
421. Pyrrhulauda Verticalis, Smith, Append.
to Rept. of Exped., p. 48, and Z. 8. A, Pl. 25.
Heap, neck, and under parts, black-brown ; ears, top of head,
nuchal collar, and spot in front of each wing, white; back
grey-brown; tail slightly forked, the outermost feather of
each side brown towards the base of the inner vane, else-
where white. Length, 4” 9”; wing, 3” 2’; tail, 2” 3”.
“ Lives amongst grass, both to the north and south of Kurrichane.”
—Dr. Smith, loc. cit.
422. Pyrrhulauda Australis, Smith, Zool. S.
A,, Pl. 24, and Append. to Rept. of Exped. p. 49; P.
Melanosoma, Swain.
Heap, above, black-brown; back ferruginous, dashed with
dark-brown, beneath black; quills and tail, black-brown, the
two centre-feathers of the latter edged and tipped with light
rufous. Length, 5”; wing, 3” 2”; tail, 2” 2!".
“ Inhabits the country along the Orange River, but extends farther
south than P. Verticalis.—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
Dr. Smith states that all the African species are gregarious. This
accords with what I have observed respecting the Ceylonese P. Grisea.
FRINGILLIDA, SET
P. Australis congregates in flocks of several hundreds, and builds on
the ground,-under the shelter of a tuft of grass or some dwarf shrub.
It has been sent to me from Colesberg by Mr. Arnot; and I found it
plentiful on a limited tract of country near Nel’s Poort, Beaufort. It
seemed to keep in small parties of four or five individuals, and feed on
small grass seeds.
Genus MEGALOPHONUS, G. R. Gray.
Bill moderate, slender, compressed, with the culmen some-
what curved to the tip; the nostrils basal, lateral, and covered
only by a membrane; wings very short, with the first quill
short, and the second nearly as long as the third, which is
the longest ; tail moderate; tarsi longer than the middle toe,
and slender; toes moderate, the lateral ones equal; and the
hind claw short, and somewhat curved.
423. Megalophonus Rufipileus. (Vieil.) Cuv.,
Vol. 2, p. 118; Alauda Ruficeapilla, Steph. ; L’ Alou-
ette & Callotte Rousse, Le Vail., Vol. 198.
Tor of head, marroon-red, with a black line down the centre
of each feather; back of neck, back, shoulders, and rump,
earthy-brown, with blackish marks across the feathers ; throat,
chest, belly, and flanks, dirty greyish-white, with brown
markings; belly and vent inclining to yellow ; wing-feathers
reddish grey-brown, waved with brownish-black ; tail dirty-
white on the edge.
Le Vaillant states he found but three specimens of the lark, all in
the country of the Houswaanas.
Sundevall doubts its existence, as it has not been seen since. I can-
not help thinking that Le Vaillant’s figure and description have been
taken from the bird identified as Brachonyx Hrythronothus of Stephens.
424. Megalophonus Pyrrhonothus. (Vieil.)
N. Dict. d’His. Nat, 1, 361; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 117;
LT’ Aloutte & dos Roux, Le Vail, No. 197; Enkelde
Leeuwerk of Dutch Colonists.
Aut the upper parts, with the exception of the rump, which
is reddish, are of a grey-brown, shading into brown-black ;
underneath dirty-white, with some brown lines on the chest. —
Le Vaillant states that this bird frequents bushy plains, perching
readily on bushes and trees at the edges of woods, singing sweetly.
T feel convinced that this is identical with Anthus Leucophrys, Vieil.,
which goes by the name of “ Enkelde Leeuwerk” among the colonists.
212 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
425. Alauda Erythronotus, Steph.; Zool. S.
Af, Pl. 110, fig. 2; Brachonyx Pyrrhonotha, Smith ;
Z.8. A, Pl 110, f. 2.
Back of the neck and back, rufescent, variegated with brown ;
throat and breast white, the latter streaked with brown;
belly, flanks, and vent, rusty buff-orange; wing-feathers
brown, margived with rufous; scapulars rusty orange-brown,
edged with white, and barred with liver-brown ; tail-feathers
umber-brown, the outer vanes and tips edged with pale
rufous, the two middle feathers rusty reddish-orange, barred
with liver-brown.
I very much doubt the identity of the bird described by Dr. Smith,
loc. cit., with the ‘* Alouette 4 dos Roux” of Le Vaillant, as Dr. Smith
believes ; and my doubts are confirmed by Sundevall. See his review
of Le Vaillant’s birds.
426. Megalophonus Cinereus, Vieil.; Calan-
drella Ruficeps, Brehm; La Petite Alouette a Téte
Rousse, Le Vail., No. 199.
GeNERAL colour above, brown, the edge of each feather being
ashy; top of head and sides of breast, bright rufous ; throat,
chest, belly, and under tail-coverts, white ; wing-feathers
brown, the outer one with the outer web white; tail brown,
with the edges of the two central feathers the colour of the
back. In some specimens the throat and breast is sparsely
freckled with brown. In a variety received from: Colesberg,
the whole bird is brighter coloured, the red of the head and
breast more vivid, the whites purer, and the ash colour of the
back and centre tail-feathers charged with ruddy tinge ;
iris hair-brown. Length, 6’; wing, 4”; tail, 3” 2”.
The red-headed lark is common throughout the colony, affecting,
however, some spots in preference to others ; for instance, just on the
top of the little hill before reaching Mowbray, on the high-road from
Cape Town, a few pair may always be found dusting themselves ; yet a
mile on each side the species is not often found.
It feeds on insects and seeds, builds a nest on the ground by a tuft
of grass, and lays three to five eggs, of a cream colour, profusely
speckled with brown and purple : axis, 11’”; diam., 8”.
427. Megalophonus Rostratus, Hartl.; Ibis
Vol., 1863, p. 326.
Axsove, fulvous-brown, with blackish markings; back and
neck pale rufous, striped with black; top of head rufous,
marked in the same manner ; below fulyous; throat longi-
tudinally marked with black ;- chin white; under side of
FRINGILLID&. 213
wings, lively red; base of primaries red; tail-feathers fuscus,
the outer ones, with the external web, white. Length, 6” 6” ;
wing, 3':6"s tail, 2” 3”.
Found by Mr. Ayres at Natal, running with great swiftness amongst
the grass. Mr. Arnot has also sent a single specimen, killed near
Griquatown.
428. Megalophonus Africanus; Mirajre
Africana, Sm.; ZS. A, Pl. 88, f£. 1; Megulophonus
Planicola, Licht.
Upper surface of head, streaked brown and reddish-orange ;
back and sides of neck brown, the edges of the feathers being
reddish-orange or sienna-yellow; back brown, the feathers
edged with rusty-white or grey; chin and fore part of throo*
white; middle of throat and sides of neck white, mottled
with triangular brown spots ; breast, anteriorly, sienna-yel-
low: posteriorly, light reddish-orange, marked with narrow
brown stripes, expanding into angular spots; belly yellowish ;
wing-feathers towards the base, reddish-orange, towards
points, brown ; tail brown, outer webs of two lateral feathers
on each side, cream-yellow ; eyebrows sienna-yellow. Length,
7 6" s. wing, 3 9"; tail, 2" 4”.
Dr. Smith states, loc. cit., that this bird is confined to the Eastern
districts, frequenting the grassy plains between Algoa Bay and Gra-
ham’s Town. Generally seen in pairs, and feeds on insects and seeds.
A single specimen of this lark was forwarded to the Museum by the
late Mr. R. Moffat, from Kuruman.
429. Megalophonus Sabota; Mirafra Subota,
Smith, ZS. A, Pl. 89, f 1.
FEATHERS of the upper surface of the head, of the back and
sides of the neck towards the body, of the back, and rump,
umber-brown, broadly edged with clear reddish- orange, fading
at their margins into rusty-white; chin, throat, breast, and
belly, rusty-white, the former, and the flanks, tinted more or
less strongly with reddish-orange, and the breast and lower
part of the throat mottled with umber-brown stripes ; wings
reddish-brown, narrowly edged with light-brown ; two middle
’ tail-feathers reddish-brown, tipped and edged with rusty-
orange, the rest umber-brown, edged with wood-brown ; eye-
brows and under eyelids, pale cream-yellow ; ear-coverts, dull
reddish-orange. Length, 6" 1’; wing, 3’ 3”; tail, 2" 3”.
Found on the arid plains north of Latakoo. Perched frequently on
low shrubs.—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
ca
214 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
430. Megalophonus Africanoides; Mira-
fra Africanoides, Smith, Zool. S. A., Pl. 88, f. 2.
Heap, superiorly, umber-brown, the feathers edged with a
reddish-orange; back and sides of neck, dirty pale-brown,
with light edges to the feathers; back brown, feathers edged
with light reddish-orange; rump and upper tail-coverts
greyish-brown, feathers edged with rusty-white; chin, throat,
breast, and belly, rusty-white; sides of breast and flanks
tinted with reddish-orange, and the middle of breast sparingly
mottled with triangular pale, umber-brown spots; vent pure
white; wing-feathers brown, more or less edged with wood-
brown, most distinct on the outer vane of the outermost
feather of each side; the two middle feathers between broccoli
and umber brown; eyebrows white. Length, 6"; wing,
3" 6” ; tail, Di 6”
Specimens of this bird are occasionally to be procured to the south
of the Orange River, but most readily on the arid open plains which lie
between that river and the Tropic of Capricorn.—Dr. Smith, loc. cit.
431. Megalophonus Chenianus; Mirafra
Cheniana, Sm., Z. 8. A, Pl. 89, f 2.
Upper surface of head, brown, the feathers edged with rufous-
white; back, and sides of neck, dull umber-brown, each
feather edged with rusty-white or wood-brown ; back and
rump, umber-brown, feathers edged with greyish-white,
tinted with pale reddish-orange; chin and throat white,
speckled with umber-brown; breast and flanks, pale reddish-
orange, the former variegated with umber-brown stripes;
middle of belly and vent, cream-yellow; under tail-coverts
white; wing-feathers margined with reddish-orange, two
middle tail-feathers narrowly edged with rusty-white, the
two outermost of each side white, with more or less of the
inner edges of inner vanes umber-brown ; eyebrows sienna-
yellow ; ear-coverts, pale reddish-orange. Length, 5” 4’;
wing, 2” 10"; tail, 1” 112".
Rare. Found on the extensive grassy plains to the northward and
eastward of Latakoo. Prefers situations abounding in long rank
grass, among which itruns. Feeds on seeds and insects.—Dr. A.
Smith, loc. cit.
432. Megalophonus Lagepa; Mirafra Lagepa,
Smith; ZS.-A,,, Pl 27. te, -
Upper surface of head, neck, and back, reddish-orange,
variegated with short streaks of umber-brown ; under parts
FRINGILLIDZ. 215
white, streaked on the throat, breast, and flanks, with umber-
brown; wing-feathers brown, edged with reddish-orange ;
tail the same; vent white, streaked with clear reddish-
orange; eyebrows rusty-white. Length, 6” 6”; wings, 3" 7";
fail, 2” 10":
Thinly distributed between the Berg and Orange Rivers, close to the
Western Coast. Found also on karroo sparingly covered with brush-
wood. It whistles inthe mornings, soars like a true lark, and on
descending commonly perches on a shrub. Feeds on seeds and small
insects.—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit.
Mr. Atmore found it at Traka ; and forwards the eggs, which are
cream-coloured, profusely spotted, especially at the obtuse end, with
purple and brown: axis, 11”; diam. 8”. He states that the birds are
never gregarious, but always in pairs.
433. Megalophonus Guttatus. (Lafren.) Rev.
Zool., 1839, 259.
AsoveE rufous, with a broad dark-brown stripe down the
centre of each feather, those of the wings and tail edged with
dirty nankin ; under parts all dirty-white, much mottled
longitudinally with brown lines. Length, 6’; wing, 3” 4";
tail, 2") 9".
This species was procured in the Karroo by Mr. Atmore. I found
it abundantly as far as Nel’s Poort, and observed it in the Karroo
between Worcester and Robertson. It constructs a snug cup-shaped
nest of hair and grasses, ina hole under a low bush; and the eggs,
three to five, are of a dirty-white, spotted with brown and purple, chiefly
in the form of a ring round the obtuse end : axis, 9’”; diam., 7’””
434. Megalophonus Apiatus, Vieil., N. Dict.
d@’Hist. Nat. 1, p. 8342; Brachonyx <Apiata, Smith,
Zool. S. A, Pl. 110; L’Al. Bateleuse, Le Vail, No.
194; Cuvier, Vol. 2, p. 117; A. Clamosa, Steph. ;
Clapert Leewwerk of Colonists.
Urper parts, ashy-grey, variegated with reddish, dark-brown,
black, and white markings, very elegantly blended ; on the
wings these colours appear to form small bars ; on the head
longitudinal stripes ; chin white; sides of head, neck, breast,
and belly, dirty-nankin, the latter with a deep rufous tinge,
the former all speckled with dark-brown ; tail-feathers brown,
margined with nankin, which colour prevails over the outer
‘web of the outer pair, two inner pairs ashy-grey, faintly
barred like the wings; iris rich brown-chesnut. Length,
Ges G WiDo, di. sp tala, As
This beautiful lark, of whose elegant colours it is impossible to
convey any idea by mere words, is common in all the Western districts
216 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of the colony, and is well knowr from its singular habit of rising
fifteen or thirty feet into the air, perpendicularly, making a sharp crack-
ing sound with its wings as it rises, uttering a long shrill “ phew,’ and
then faliing as abruptly to the earth. This action it will repeat at inter-
vals of a minute or two, for an hour or more, chiefly during bright
sunny mornings, It delights in warm sandy soils ; but I met with it on
the high table-land of the Cold Bokkeveld in considerable abundance.
Genus CERTHILAUDA, Swainson.
Bill slender, lengthened, more or less curved; nostrils
round, naked; wings very long; the first quill spurious ;
the three next nearly equal; tail moderate, even; feet
lengthened; the lateral toes equal; length of hinder claw
variable, although typically short and straight
435. Certhilauda Garrula, Smith; Zool. 8. A,
Pl. 106; Certhilauda Albofasciata, Lafresnaye, Mag.
de Zool., 1836, Ois. 59.
Tor of the head and back, blackish-brown; the feathers
margined with rufous; tail-feathers, with the exception of
the two centre, blackish-brown; broadly tipped with white ;
throat white; breast and belly ruddy. Length, 6” 6”;
wiugs, 3" 3”; tail, 2" 8",
“‘Tnhabits the northern parts of the colony, is very noisy, and
generally found in small flocks. It moves rapidly, and when at rest
is found either on the ground or perched on ant-heaps or small shrubs.
Tt constructs its nest iu a hole or excavation in the ground; the foun-
dation is small twigs; the inner part grass or hair. It lays four or
five eggs, of an olive colour, with darker spots of olive-brown.”—Dr.
A. Smith, loc. cit. Several specimens received from Mr. Atmore, who
writes, 24th October, 1864,—“ I have just stumbled upon a nest of C.
Garrula with two eggs, hard set ; they are brown spotted, much like
those of the ‘ Kalkoentje,’’ but smaller. Nest open, and nicely
secreted under a bush. The whole family keep together till pairing
time : they run very swiftly on the ground. Eggs—three, four, or five.
The male is very attentive to his sitting hen, spreads his wings, sets
up his feathers, and sings.
I obtained a few specimens of this species at Nel’s Poort; and
observed it at the “River Zonder End,” on Mr. Vigne’s farm. It
appears to be widely distributed. Nests seen by me resembled
tuose described by Mr. Atmore.
436. Certhilauda Semitorquata, Smith ; Zool.
S. A. Pl 106; C. Rufo-palliata, Lafres.
Uprer surface of the head and back, rufous, variegated with
longitudinal brown lines; back of neck with a half-collar of
pale ash-grey; throat white, variegated with brown ; breast
and belly, pale rufous, the breast marked with longitudinal
FRINGILLID. 217
brown blotches ; eyebrows grey ; tail-feathers ruddy-brown,
margined with reddish-orange. Length, 7” 9; wing, 4”
Bs Cate Ota
*‘ Tnhabits arid plains in the interior of Southern Africa ; and when
disturbed in one place flies to another not very distant. It has but
few of the habits of the larks.’—Dr. A. Smith, loc. cit. I have
received a few specimens from Mr. Arnot, killed near Colesberg.
437. Certhilauda Africana, Sm.; Z. S. A, Pl.
90; Alauda Africana, Gmel.; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 119 ;
Le Sirli, Le Vail., No. 192; Certhilauda Longirostris,
Swain. ; A. Africana, Pl. En]. 712 ; Cuv., Vol. 1, p.479,
AxovE, grey-brown, the feathers being margined with dirty
white ; beneath white; the lower part of the throat, breast,
and flanks, variegated with short, broad, brown streaks ;
wing-feathers yellowish-brown, margined externally with
yellow ; tail-feathers grey-brown, margined externally with
ruddy-white. Length, 8’ 3"; wings, 4’ 3"; tail, 3” 3’.
Common in most parts of the colony, as I have received it from all
my correspondents. It frequents the sandy Cape Flats, the cornlands
of Malmesbury, the uplands of Caledon, and the grassy plateaux of
the Knysna. It never congregates in flocks, rarely more than two
being found within a certain range. Feeds on insects and seeds.
It constructs a cup-shaped nest of hair and grasses, lined with
feathers, under the shelter of a bush or stone ; the eggs, generally three
in number, are dirty-white, faintly and minutely speckled with light
brown: axis, 11”; diam., 8’”, Some specimens run much darker
than others.
438. Certhilauda Subcoronata, Smith ; Zool.
SAk, Pl. 9@;if)2.
Axove, rufous, striped with brown; below, ruddy-white ;
chin, throat, breast, anterior part of belly and flanks,
whitish, striped with brown; wing and tail-feathers, grey-
brown, margined with yellowish-brown ; eyebrows rusty-
white, prolonged so as nearly to meet on the nape; iris
hazel. Length, 8’ 6; wing, 4" 6”; tail, 3” 2”.
But few specimens fell under Dr. Smith’s notice, and these were
procured in the arid plains of the Middle and Eastern districts. I
have received a few specimens from Mr. Atmore, procured in the
neighbourhood of Traka, in the Albert division, in August.
The Sub-Family, PYRRHULIN&, or Bull-
finches,
have the bill very short, strong, more or less compressed,
and entire, with the culmen arched and convex ; the wings
218 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
moderate, and somewhat rounded ; the tail moderate, and
slightly emarginated; the tarsi short and_ scutellated;
the toes moderate, the lateral ones generally unequal.
Genus CRITHAGRA, Swainson.
Bill short, swelled on every side; the upper mandible
smaller than the under, and considerably wider above than
it is high ; culmen arched from its base; commissure curved ;
wings moderate, the three first quills nearly equal; tail
moderate, slightly forked; tarsus shorter than the middle
toe; lateral toes equal; claws lengthened, slender, acute,
and but slightly curved, the hinder as long as its toe.
439. Crithagra Scotops, Sundev.; Ofvers. Kong.
Vat. Akad. Forhandl.
GENERAL colour, yellowish-green, with brown centres to
many of the feathers of all the upper parts, except the
rump; under parts less marked, except on the flanks;
belly and vent immaculate; forehead and chin almost black,
a narrow eyebrow extending from each nostril over the eye,
and a half-collar above the neck, bright yellow; tail and
wing primaries brown, faintly edged with green. Length,
5"; wing, 2” 10’; tail, 2”.
Sent from Swellendam by Mr. Cairncross. Found also at the Knysna
by M. Victorin; and in Kaffraria by Prof. Wahlberg.
440. Crithagra Sulphurata. (Linn) Swain,
Jardine and Selby’s Orn., t. 109, f. 1; Buprinus
Sulphuratus ; Loxia Sulphurata, L.; Brimstone Gros-
beak, Shaw., Vol. 9, p. 313; Crithagra Albogularis,
Smith, 8. Af. Q. J., p. 48, the Q.
GunERAL colour, yellow, very faintly striped with rufous
below, and much variegated with dark-brown above, a
yellow band extends from the nostrils over each eye; the
outer edges of the wing and tail feathers, bright-yellow ;
rump rather free from the brown markings of the back.
Length, 6” 2'"; wing, 3” 2’; tail, 2" 5”.
Received from Mr. Cairncross, Swellendam. It is apparently not
uncommon in that district, extending as far westward as Caledon.
It is also plentiful at Nel’s Poort, where I took the eggs in some
abundance. The nest is usually placed ina low bush, often only
a few inches from the ground: it is very compact, and cup-shaped ;
the eggs, generally four in number, are white, slightly tinged with green,
and dotted at the obtuse end, mostly in an annular form, with in-
tensely dark or light purple spots, with here and there a wavey
streak: axis, 10’”; diam., 7’”.
FRINGILLIDA 219
441. Crithagra Selbyi, Smith; Swain, An. in
Menage, p. 319; Dr. Smith, Appendix to Report of
Exp. p. 50; C. Cinerea, Swain.
Cryereous grey, striped above, and immaculate beneath ;
those on the crown, and the spots on the back, dark-brown ;
wing and tail feathers, blackish-brown, edged with light-
grey; stripe above the eye, a small spot beneath it, and
another divided into two; beneath the ears, white; rump,
yellow ; middle of throat, belly, and vent, white. Length,
6"; wing, 3”; 2”.
Inhabits South Africa.—Dr. Burchell.
442. Crithagra Butyracea; fringilla Buty-
racea, Linn.; Chloris Indica, Bris.; Lovia Buty-
racea, L., Sh. Vol. 9, p. 274; Yellow Finch, Shaw.,
Vol. IX, p. 477; C. Flava, Swain, An. in Meng,,
p. 8318 ; Kleine Seisje of Dutch Colonists.
PiuMAGE above, olive-green ; quills the same, with whitish
edges; from the forehead over the eyes, a yellow streak,
and one of the same colour beneath, from the angle of the
bill; under parts of body and rump, yellow ; tail yellowish-
green, and slightly forked. Length, 5” 2”; wing, 2” 10';
tail, 2” 4”.
Abundant throughout the colony, congregating during the autumn
in large flocks, and doing extensive mischief to the grain crops It
sings very sweetly, and thrives well in confinement. The nestis a
cup-shaped structure, found in a low bush ; the eggs, three to five in
number, are precisely like those of No. 440, only rather less spotted,
and smaller: axis, 8”; diam., 5”.
The type of Swainson’s C. Flava is in the Cambridge Museum, and
is Nothing more than a Q ora o¢ inthe non-breeding plumage.
443. Crithagra Strigilata, Swainson; An. in
Menag., p. 317.
Asove, greyish-olive, striped with dusty; rump and _tail-
covers, greenish-yellow; sides of the head, grey-brown,
with two whitish stripes, one above the eyes, the other
beneath the ears; body beneath with dusky stripes; belly.
white; inner wing-covers, yellow.
Inhabits South Africa.—Swainson, loc. cit. —
444. Crithagra Chrysopyga, Swains, Nat.
Lib., Vol. 11, p. 206; Hartlaub, Orn. W. Af, p. 154.
Upper plumage, including the crown, ears, wings, and tail,
olive-gray, with a dark stripe down each feather; a broad
220 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
stripe of bright-yellow is above each eye, meeting on the
front ; another below the ear; upper tail-coverts, and the whole
of the under plumage, from chin to vent, also yellow.
Length, 4”; wing, 2” 4"; tail, 1” 5”,
T have seen this from Damaraland; but have not met with it within
my limits. Hartlaub, however, gives it as a South African species.
445. Crithagra Flaviventris, Gmel.; Lozia
Flaviventris, Shaw, Zool. Vol. IX, p. 271; Cocco-
thraustes Lutea ; Briss, Orn. III, p. 227, t. 11, f 2;
Yellow-bellied Grosbeak, Lath., Gen. Syn., 3, 138, 42.
On each side of head, passing over the eye, is a stripe of
yellow ; head, hind part of neck, and back, olive-green,
sprinkled with brown ; quills and tail brown, with olive-green
edges ; under parts of body plain yellow ; rump olive-green ;
tail slightly forked. Length, 5”.
Inhabits the Cape of Good Hope.—Shaw, loc. cit.
446. Crithagra (?) Africana ; Lowia Africana,
Gmel.; African Grosbeak, Shaw, Vol. [X., Part 2, p.
272; Le Verdier Sans Vert, Buff, His. Nat. Vol. 4,
p. 364.
Urprer parts, olive-brown and grey; upper wing-coverts
rufous ; greater quills edged with rufous-white ; under parts
of body white, varied on the breast with brown ; tail olive-
brown, outer feathers edged with rufous-white, the outermost
with a white spot near the tip. Length, 63”.
“Comes from the Cape of Good Hope.’—Shaw, loc. cit. This
species has not been recognised by any subsequent author: it is
probably some species of Crithagra in non-breeding plumage.
The Fifth Family, COLIDA, or Colies,
have the bill moderate, with the culmen elevated at the base,
and the sides compressed to the tip, which is acute; the
nostrils placed in the middle of. a large membranous groove,
with the opening small and exposed; the wings short; tail
much lengthened, and graduated ; the tarsi robust; and the
toes lengthened, the outer as long as the inner; the hind
toe moderate, united at the base of the inner toe and directed
forward.
The only Sub-Family, COLINA, or Colies,
have the characters given above.
COLIDA. 221
Genus COLIUS, Brisson.
Bill moderate, broad, and elevated at the base, with the
culmen arched, and the sidescompressed to the tip, which
is acute; the lateral margins sinuated; the gonys short,
and slightly ascending; the nostrils placed in a_ short,
broad membranous groove, with the opening small and
exposed; wings moderate, with the first quill long, the
second to the fourth nearly equal and longest; tail much
lengthened, graduated, with the feathers narrowed through-
out; tarsi as long as the middle toe, robust, and covered
with broad scales; toes rather long, the lateral toes equal,
the hind moderate, united at the base of the inner toe,
and directed forward; the claws long, curved, and very
acute.
447. Colius Erythropus, Gul. ; Lath, Gen. Syn,
Pl. 41 ; C. Lewconotus, Lath. ; C. Erythropygius, Vieil.,
C. Capensis, Gmel. (apud Sundevall) ; Le Coliou a dos
Blane, Le Vail., No. 257.
Upper parts, generally ash-coloured ; a white line, bordered
on each side by a broad black one, extends from between the
shoulders to the rump, which is purple, glossed with red;
throat and chin cinereous, changing into vinaceous on the
breast, and a dirty-yellow on the belly ; head crested; tail
very long, and graduated ; wings short and rounded ; legs in a
fresh specimen bright coral-red; bill bluish; plumage of
body singularly short and hair-like. Total length, 13” or
Pe aN Goud: en kpalse LO! 3. billy, 5 targus, 8".
Of the three species of this genus found in South Africa, and known
by the trivial name of Muisvogel, or Mousebird, this is the only one that
is found in the neighbourhood of Cape Town. It is not uncommon in
gardens during the fruit season, ranging about in small families of six
or eight individuals. They fly with a rapid, though laboured flight,
generally at a lower level than the object at which they aim, and on
nearing it rise upward with a sudden abrupt curve. They creep among
the branches like parrots and hang suspended, head downwards,
without inconvenience; indeed, it is said tat they invariably sleep
in this position, many of them congregated together in a_ ball.
They are said to breed in holes of trees, laying three or four eggs,
somewhat rounded at each end, of a dull white colour: axis, 10” ;
diameter, 8””.
Tn habits, the three species closely resemble each other; and at the
Knysna, where they are all to be found, we frequently shot them,
and eould not distinguish which we had obtained until we pickel
them up.
3)
222 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
448. Colius Capensis, Gmel.; Pl. Enl. 283, f. 1;
Colius Carunculatus, Steph.; C. Hrythromelon, Vieil. ;
N. Dict. d’ His, Nat. VIL, p. 378; Coliow Quiriwa,
Le Vail, No. 258; Colius Quiriwa, Less.; Colius
Indicus, Lath. |
Urrnr parts, shining bluish-green, inclining to grey; fore-
head reddish-brown; under surface reddish-brown, with a
grey tinge on the breast; vent, and under side of elongated
tail-feathers, reddish-brown ; base of bill, and cere round the
eye, a fine coral-red, fudins to dirty-yellow in dried speci-
mens. Length, 13” 6”; wing, 3” 9"; tail, 9” 9”.
Generally distributed in the George district, and to the Eastward.
Tt does not appear to frequent the sparsely wooded country west of
Swellendam. I saw it abundantly at the Knysna; and Mr. Atmore
obtained nest and eggs at Traka. The eggs resemble those of C.
Erythropus in every rspect.
449. Colius Striatus, Gmel.; C. Punayensis,
Gmel.; Zunagra Macroura, Scop.; Le Coliou Rayé,
Le Vail., No. 256.
ABOVE, cinereous, with a tinge of glossy greenish-brown on
the wings and tail, lightest on the head, which is crested ;
under part of throat and chest cinereous, minutely striated
with brown ; centre of belly dirty-yellow, inclining to rufous
on the vent; inner surface of wing rufous; tail long, and
graduated ; upper mandible black, and much curved ; lower,
light horn-colour; feet horn-colour. Length, 13”; wing,
4 10" Stal, 9" > tarsus, 11": bill6".
Not uncommon in the Karroo. In habits resembling the preceding.
Eggs received from Mr. Atmore resemble those of preceding species,
but are rather larger : axis, 11’”; diam., 84”. Its nest is said to be
an open, cup-shaped structure, built in a mass of small branches.
Several birds are reported to lay in one nest.
It is not uncommon about the Knysna, Caledon, and Worcester, and
extends this side of the mountain as far as Eerste River, as I found by
shooting them in Mr. Lawrence van der Byl’s garden.
The Sixth Family, MUSOPHAGIDA, or
Piantain-Katers,
have the bill moderate, broad at the base, the culmen much
elevated, curved, and the sides much compressed towards the
tip, which is strongly emarginated ; the wings more or less
lengthened and rounded ; the tail long and broad ; the tarsi
moderate, strong, and covered in front with broad transverse
scales; the toes long, and the outer one sometimes versatile.
w
Oo
MUSOPHAGID&. 2:
The Sub-Family, MUSOPHAGINA,, or Plantain-
Eaters,
have the outer toe capable of being placed posteriorly.
Genus TURACUS, Cuvier.
Bill short, with the culmen elevated, and arched to the tip,
the sides much compressed, and the lateral margiis finely
serrated ; the nostrils placed in the middle of the upper mar-
dible, large and open, but in most, more or less covered by
the recumbent plumes; wings short, and rounded, with the
fourth to the seventh quills the longest; tail lengthened,
broad and rounded ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe, and
covered in front with broad transverse scales; toes long,
united at their base, and the sides margined by a membrane ;
the lateral toes nearly equal, the outer one versatile ; the
claws moderate, thick, and curved.
450. Turacus Persa. (Linn. Edw. Birds, Pl. 7;
Corythaix Persa, Vieill.; Opethus Africanus ; Cucu-
lus Persa, Linn, ; Shaw, Vol. 1X., P.1, p.63 ; Corythaix
Albocristatus, Strickl.; Common Lourt.
GENFRAL colour, green, iridescent, with steel-blue on the
wings and tail, and approaching to dull black, or rifle-green,
on the thigh and vent; head much crested, each feather
being tipped with white; two white lines also extend from
the corner of the bill, and passing one on each side of the
eye, reunite behind it. The wings when expanded display
the most brilliant carmine, glossed with purple ; bill reddish,
but black at the base. Length, 19”; wing, 8”; tail, 9”.
Very common throughout the forest districts. It feeds on fruits,
and frequents the highest trees, rarely if ever descending to the
ground, over which it can, however, travel with great rapidity if
brought down by a shot. The motions of this bird are very graceful
and light, and performed with an ease and rapidity that delight the
eye of the beholder. Strange to say, though I inquired carefully, I
never could obtain any information respecting the nidification of this
beautiful and common bird. Mr. Atmore, however, states that the
eggs are white; but this must be from hearsay, as he writes: ‘‘ How
difficult it is to find these forest birds’ nests. The Lories are breeding
now : but for the life of me I cannot finda nest. The young ones go
in troops, and are delicious eating : the old ones in pairs. We never
shoot specimens out of a troop, except for the pot.”
224 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
451. Turacus Porphyreolophus; Corythuix
Porphyreolopha, Vigors, Pro. Zool. Society, 1831 ;
CO. Burchellt, Smith, S. Af. Qu. Journal, 1831; Vley-
Lourie of Colonists.
GrNERAL colour, dark, iridescent green, with steel-blue
reflections on the back, wings, and tail; head slightly crest- _
ed, shining green and blue; under parts a dull green, with
a reddish tinge on the breast ; wings, when expanded, display
the same brilliant carmine, glossed with purple, as seen in
C. Persa. Length, 16”; tail, 8’; wing, 7”.
This very beautiful bird has been found at the Knysna; but is there
extremely scarce. It increases in numbers as the collector travels East-
ward, until at Natal, as I am informed, itis not uncommon. Dr.
Smith states that it inhabits thickets near the coast, feeding upon —
fruits, &c.
Genus SCHIZORHIS, Wagler.
Bill short, with the culmen scarcely higher than broad at
the base, much arched to the tip, and the lateral margins
sinuated, and nearly smooth; the nostrils lateral, exposed,
and placed near the basal part of the culmen, with the open-
ing longitudinal; wings moderate, and pointed, with the
fourth, fifth, and sixth quills the longest; tail long, and
nearly equal, with the feathers broad ; tarsi shorter than the
middle toe, robust, and covered in front with broad trans-
verse scales; toes long; the lateral toes nearly equal; the
outer one scarcely versatile, the base united, and the mar-
gins bordered by a membrane; the claws rather long, and
curved.
452. Schizorhis Concolor ; Corythaiz Concolor,
Smith, S. A. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 48; Chizaerhis Felicia,
Lesson.
ForeHEAD with a long crest, which, with the entire plu-
mage, is greyish ; quill-feathers dark-brownish ; tail very
long, hoary grey, with adeep greenish gloss, particularly
towards the tip; bill, legs, and toes black. Length, 19";
tail, 10"; wing, 9".
Tvhabits South Africa, inland of Port’ Natal, according to Dr. A.
Smith ; but I have only seen it as yet from Damaraland, where it
seems not uncommon, from the number of specimens procured by
Messrs, Andersson, Chapman, and others.
BUCEROTIDA., 225
The Seventh Family, BUCEROTIDA,
or Hornbills,
have the bill more or less.lengthened, curved, broad at the
base, and compressed to the end. with the culmen furnished
with a singularly-formed helmet, or only curved to the, tip,
which is acute; the nostrils basal, and usually rounded;
the wings moderate; the tuil generally long, broad, and
more or less graduated ; the tarsi in most, short and strong ;
toes moderate, strong, and more or less united at their base,
especially the outer toe; claws short, and rather obtuse
The only Sub-Family, BUCEROTINA, or
Hornbills,
have similar characters to those given above.
Genus BUCEROS, Linn.
Bill large, more or less long, broad at the base, and more
or less surmounted by a helmet of various shapes, with the
culmen curved, and the sides much compressed to the tip,
which is pointed; the lateral margins smooth in the young,
and more or less jagged in the adult; the nostrils basal and
lateral, with the opening small, exposed, and rounded ;
wings rather short, with the third quill nearly as long as the
fourth or fifth, which are equal and longest; tail generally
long, broad, and more or less graduated ; tarsi rather short,
robust, and covered in front with broad transverse strong
scales ; toes rather long, broad; the outer toe longer than
the inner, both united at the base, especially the outer, the
union of which is continued to the second joint; the hind toe
long, strong, and strongly scutellated above; the claws
strong, long, curved, and acute; the face and throat more
or less naked, the latter sometimes furnished with a gular
pouch.
453. Buceros Coronatus, Shaw; Enc Meth.
Ois, t. 240; B. Melunoleucus, Licht. Cat.; Le Vail,
Pl. 234, 235; Swain, Zool. lus, Pl 178.
Heap grey, some of the feathers at the back rather clon-
gated, and centred with white, giving the bird when in some
positions the appearance of having a white half-circle at the
back ; back dark-brown, each feather edged with lighter
brown; wing-feathers very dark-brown, edged with white ;
226 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
tail same as wings, and broadly tipped with white, with the
exception of the two centre feathers; under side, with the
exception of the throat and chin, dull white; bill large,
slightly casqued, red, with a narrow yellow band along the
base ; eye-lashes very stiff, and projecting. ‘Total length,
including bill, 22”; bill, 3”; tail, 11”; wing, 10” 6”.
This Hornbill has a wide range, extending from the Knysna along
the East Coast as far as Kisiludini, 5° south of the Line. How much
farther I do not know; but at this place I found it very abundant,
flying in small flocks or families, and feeding on berries and fruits.
At the Knysna it is alsocommon. Le Vaillant states that the nest is
me in a large hole in a tree; and that the eggs, four in number, are
white.
My friend Mrs. Barber thus writes of the singular habit which this
bird exhibits, in common with other species of the genus, of blocking
up the sitting female in her nest :—‘‘ By the bye, do you know that
our hornbills build their nests of mud and sticks in old broken and
hollow trees, or between the crowded stems of the tall Euphorbia in
our forests; and while the process of incubation is going on the
6 bird builds the e into the nest, closing up the entrance in such a
manner that it is impossible for her to escape, leaving only a small
hole for the purpose of feeding her during her long imprisonment. I
do not know how long she is kept in durance vile; but we have some-
times taken them out, and found them so cramped and weak that they
were unable to fly. This peculiar habit may be a precautionary mea-
sure to protect the 9 during the season of incubation ; for it may be
that during that time she is too weak and dull to fly away from any
approaching danger. Depend upon it, that it is not done in vain, and
that there is a sufficient reason for this strange and curious habit. We
self-willed and presumptuous human beings often act without reason
or reflection; but the ‘birds of the air’ and the ‘lilies of the field’
are guided by a higher Power! And if we do not understand the
wisdom of all their ways, it is because we have not studied them
sufficiently.”
454. Buceros Buccinator, Tem., Pl. Col. 284. ;
@Cny.\ Vol. -2, Pl 406.
“GREEN above; belly and vent white; tail tipped with
white ; prominence on bill, trumpet-shaped.”
Procured by Mr. Ayres at Natal, and also included in Victorin’s
list. It has been forwarded to me by Mr. Henry Bowker, who pro-
cured it in the Transkei country. His sister, Mrs. Barber, informs
me that it “is a very wild and shy bird, and very difficult to shoot.”
455. Buceros Pecilorhynchus; Tokus Peci-
lorhynchus, Lafren., Rev. Zool., 1859, p. 257; Hart,
O. W. Af, p. 164.
Axsove, pale brown; wing-coverts with pale margins ; tail-
feathers brown, with the exception of the tips, which are
BUCEROTID. 237
white; head and neck cinereous; back of head crested;
eyebrows, breast, and belly white, as are also the shafts
of the middle tail-feathers ; legs brown; bill slightly arched,
notched ; maxilla slightly arched with a white keel; the
region of the nostrils white, with black margins; tip and
denticulations reddish ; mandibles black, with five elevated
ribs, white spotted. Length, 17"; wing, 8”; tail, 7”.
Inhabits South Africa, according to Hartlaub.—Sed non vidi.
456. Buceros Erythrorhynchus; [ockus
Erythrorhynchus, Temm., Pl. En. 260; Hartlaub, O.
W. Af, 165 ; Hydrocorax Senegalensis Erythrorhyn-
chus, Briss, Orn. IV., p. 575; Le Toc, Le Vaillant,
Pl. 238.
Tor of head grey; forehead, cheeks, a line half-way down
the middle of back, some spots upon the shoulders, some of
the inner wing-feathers, more or less of the three outer
tail-feathers, and all the under parts, white; outer wing-
feathers black, with some white markings; four inner tail-
feathers and rump black ; bill deep-red, elongated, curved,
sharply keeled above, not casqued, 34 inches long. Total
length, 19”; tail, 7"; wing, 7” 6”.
Sundevall gives this species as an inhabitant of Kaffraria. I have
not heard of it there; but have received it in considerable numbers
from Mr, J. Chapman, who procured it towards the Zambesi. Mr.
Andersson obtained it in Damaraland.
457. Buceros Nasutus. (L) Hartlaub, 0. W.
Af, p. 164; Hydrocoraa Senegulensis Melanorhyn-
chus, Briss, Orn. IV, p. 578, t. 46, fig. 1; Calao
Nasique, Le Vail, O. Af, PL 286, 237; Tockus
Hastatus, Cuv., Pl. Enl. 890.
Asove, pale-brown, the margins of the feathers lightest ;
head and neck, dusky-cinereous ; a line over each eye, patch
on the back, and the nuchal half-collar white; under side
whitish ; breast brown; the quill-feathers of wing with light
margins; base of tail white; all tail-feathers black, with the
exception of the centre ones, which are of the colour of the
back, tip white, shafts black, centre ones white ; bill curved,
casqued ; upper mandible white, or pale yellow, at the basal
half ; tip and edge red; lower man lible, basal half, black,
228 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with five whitish raised striz; tip and edge red. Length,
20”; wing, 8” 6’; tail, 7”.
Hartlaub and Sundevall quote this as an inhabitant of Kaffraria.
All the specimens I have seen came from Mr. Chapman, shot towards
the Zambesi.
Genus BUCORVUS, Lesson.
The characters similar to those of the former genus, except
that the tarsi are very long, strong, and covered in front
with large scales, those near the toes being hexagonal; toes
short, thick, the inner toe rather shorter than the outer, both
united at the base, especially that of the outer; the hind toe
long and strong; the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
458. Bucorvus Abyssinicus. (Gm) Pl. Enl.
779; B. Carunculatus, Wagl. Syst. Av. Spec. 6; B.
Leadbeateri, Vig. Av. Juv.; Le Calao Caronculé, Le
Vail., Pls. 230 and 231; Brom-Vogel of Colonists.
Aut black, with the exception of the webs of the primaries,
which are white; bill very large, and much casqued, with a
large patch of bare red skin at the base ; size very large.
Common on the Eastern frontier; but in consequence of their feed-
ing on carrion, and emitting a dreadful stench, I have not succeeded
in inducing any of my correspondents to send me one. I am told that
they associate in large flocks, and devour vast quantities of grubs and
locusts. They get their name from the droning cry they utter. The
Fingoes seem to attach some superstitious veneration to them, and
object to their being shot in the neighbourhood of their dwellings, lest
they should lose their cattle by disease.
Le Vaillant figures loc. cit. a head of this bird, in which the bare
space round the eye and the lower portion of that on the neck are
blue. Ina single dried head which we possess, these parts are deep
orange-red.
Order Il]. SCANSORES.
Tue Third Order, Scansores, or Climbers, are at once
distinguished by the position of their toes, which are placed
two anteriorly, and two posteriorly.
The First Family, RAMPHASTIDA, or
Toucans,
have the bill much prolonged, broad at the base, with the
culmen curved ; the sides compressed to the tip, the lateral
margins more or less serrated. We have no birds of this
family inhabiting South Africa: they are confined to the
New World.
The Second Family, PSITTACIDA, or
Parrots,
have the bill more or less large and strong, with the culmen
arched to the tip, which is prolonged, and acute, the lateral
margins sometimes dentated, and the base covered by a cere,
of a greater or less size, in which the nostrils are placed.
Genus PSITTACUS, Linn.
Bill large, and rather compressed, with the culmen trian-
‘gular, and much arched to the tip, near which the lateral
margin is strongly emarginated, that of the under mandible
much sinuated, and the anterior part sharply edged; the
* gonys advancing upwards, and angular; the nostrils basal
and lateral, with the opening small and rounded; wings
mostly reaching to the end of the tail, with the first quill
nearly as long as the second and third, which are longest ;
tail short and even ; tarsi very short, and covered with small
scales; toes long, the lateral ones equal, “and all covered with
small scales; the claws short, and slightly curved ; the wings
and the tail generally long ; and the tarsi usually very short
and robust.
¥o
230 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, PSITTACINA, or Parrots,
have the bill more or less large, broad at the base, and the
sides compressed, with the culmen much arched to the tip,
which is acute and prolonged, the lateral margins dentated
or festooned; the nostrils basal, lateral, and rounded; the
wings more or less long and pointed; the tail usually short
and squared ; the tarsi short, and covered with small scales ;
the toes moderate.*
459. Psittacus Levaillantii, Latham ; P. Fla-
miniceps, Bechst.; P. Fuscicollis, Kuhl; P. Infus-
catus, Shaw, Vol. VIIL, p. 523 ; Pionus Levaillantu,
Wagl. Mon. Psitt.; Psittacus Robustus, Gmel.; P.
Caffer, Licht.; Piroquet & Franges Souci, Le Vail.,
Tab. 130 and 181.
Heap, neck, and throat, brownish green; wings, and back
between the shoulders, dark-green; back and rump, bright
grass-green ; belly, thighs, and under tail-coverts the same ;
upper portion of outer edge of wing, and knees, brilliant
orange-red ; between the eye and the bill a black spot.
Length, 12”; wing, 8"; tail, 3” 6”.
Inhabits the forests of the Eastern frontier, the Knysna, and the
Zuurberg. Le Vaillant states that they breed in hollow trees, and lay
four white eggs, about the size of those of pigeons. It is apparently a
scarce bird, and.rather difficult to obtain, as but few specimens have
reached my hands: these have all been from the Knysna and the
forests of the Eastern frontier seaboard.
Genus PSITTACULA, Brisson.
Bill large, rather compressed at the sides, with the culmen
much arched to the tip, which is prolonged and acute; the
lateral margins festooned ; the nostrils basal, lateral, rounded ;
wings reaching to the end of the tail, and pointed; with the
first and second quills nearly equal and longest ; tail short
and even, with the ends of the feathers truncated or pointed ;
tarsi very short, and covered with small scales; toes long,
with the lateral outer toes equal, and all covered with small
scales.
* Many parrots have been accidentally introduced into South Africa in the neigh-
bourhood of Cape Town, having escaped from confinement. Some of these are now
breeding here: among them may be mentioned Paleornis Torquatus.
PSITTACID. 23t
460. Psittacula Passerina. (Linn) Kuhl. Ed.
Birds, Pl. 235; Psittacula Capensis, Gmel.; <Agap-
ornis Cyanopterus, Swain.; Perruche a Ailes Bleues,
Buff. Ois.; Petite Perruche de Cap de Bonne Espe-
rance; Ps. Gregarius, Spix, Pl. Enl, 445, fi 1;
Blue-winged Parrakeet, Lath. Syn. ; P. Cyanopterus,
Bodd.; 4g. Guianensis, Swain.
PLUMAGE green, some of the wing-feathers blue; under
wing-coverts blue; bill and legs reddish. It is sometimes
said to have a blue spot on the crown, and yellow legs. Length
about 4” 6”.
Native, according to Buffon, of the Cape of Good Hope (Shaw’s
Zoology, Vol. VIII., p. 556); but I much doubt this being a Cape
species. It was probably introduced from the Eastward.
461. Psittacula Roseicollis. (Vieil.) Shaw, Zool.,
Vol. XIV., Pl. 1, p. 143; Kuhl, N. Dist. d@His. Nat.
XXV., p. 377; P. Pullurius, var. 8, Linn.
PiumaGE pale green; forehead and eyebrows red; faee and
neck in front, rosy; lower wing-coverts, blue-green ; rump
and upper tail-coverts, azure ; tail scarlet, with tip bluish ; a
black band at the tip ; outer webs edged with green. Length,
6"; wing, 3” 10”; tail, 2”.
‘** Inhabits South Africa.’”—Shaw, loc. cit. I have received several
specimens from Damaraland, but have not yet seen it from any locality
actually within my limits.
462. Psittacula Swinderiana, Wagler; Psit-
tacus Swinderianus, Kuhl., Consp. Psitt., P. 62, t. 2;
Agapornis Swinderianus, Nat. Lib. Vol. VI., Parrots,
P. 118 ; Swindern’s Lovebird.
Heap and nape, beautiful lively green, bounded by a black
nuchal collar; neck and breast yellowish green ; mantel and
wings green ; "lower back, and upper tail-coverts, deep azure
blue; the tail has the two intermediate feathers green; the
rest on each side have their basal half vermilion-red, bounded
by a bar of black, the tips green. Length about 6”.
Said by Swainson to be a native of South Africa.—Sed non vidi.
232 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Third Family, PICIDA, or
Woodpeckers,
have the bill generally lengthened, acute, and straight, with
the base more or less broad, and the sides much compressed
towards the tip, which is usually obtuse.
The Sub-Family, CAPITONINA, or Barbets,
have the bill large, broad at the base,. usually furnished with
bristles, and compressed towards the tip; the tail generally
short, even, and the feathers rounded at the ends.
Genus LAIMODON, Illiger.
Bill iarge, elevated, and broad at the base, with the culmen
arched, and the sides compressed towards the tip, which is
acute ; the lateral margins strongly and irregularly dentated ;
the nostrils basal, lateral, and concealed, and the base of both
mandibles furnished with long bristles; wings moderate,
with the third to the sixth quills nearly equal and longest ;
tail moderate, even; tarsi as long as the outer ‘toe, and
covered in front with broad scales; toes unequal, the outer
pair equal, and the two anterior ones united to the first
joint ; claws short, compressed, and curved.
463. Laimodon Leucomelas. (Bodd.) Pl. Enl,
688, f. 1; Bucco Rufifrons, Steph.; Red-fronted
Barbet; P. Stephenii, Leach; Le Barbu d Plastron
Noir, Buff; Bucco Niger, Gmel.; Shaw, Vol. IX., Pt,
1, P. 30::: Le Vail. Barb; t. 29;-90,.31.
ForruEAD crimson: from whence a black stripe passes over
the head, and down the back part of the neck to the back ;
sides of head, neck, and breast white; the white on the side
of the head is diversified first by a streak of yellow, which is
placed over the eyes, and secondly by an irregular one of
black, that begins at the base of the upper mandible, and
divides the white into two parts, ending on the shoulders;
chin and fore parts of neck black ; upper parts of body, and
wings, brown and yellow mixed, the edges of the feathers
being generally fringed with yellow; rump pale bright yel-
low ; tail brown, with yellow margins. .
South Africa (Shaw).—Sed non vidi.
PICIDA. 233
464. Laimodon Unidentatus. (Licht.) Verz
Sud are, Thiere, p. 17.
GENERAL colour above, black, pencilled with yellow; fore-
head deep crimson ; a stripe extends from the nostril, over
the eye, to the back of the head; the first part of this is
yellow, the last part white; a broad white line also extends
from the corner of the bill down the side of the throat ; chin
and gorget black; belly dirty white, mixed with grey ; wing-
secondaries and tail-feathers margined with yellow; bill
black, strong, and with a tooth in the upper mandible.
Length, 6”; wing, 3” 6’; tail, 2” 3”.
Common in mimosa bush throughout the Karroo, and has apparently
a very wide range, having been received from Beaufort, Swellendam,
Knysna, Kaffraria, Colesberg, Hopetown, Kuruman, and Damara-
land. It also appears in Mr. Chapman’s collection. -
It is a solitary bird, never more than one pair being seen together,
and that but seldom. Its call is similar to that of the Indian Bucco
Indicus, viz., “‘ poo-poo-poop,” three syllables, constantly repeated.
While uttering this cry, it remains stationary in some tree, but evi-
dently expends much labour on its monotonous call, its body being
jerked up and down the while. It feeds on fruits and berries, and is
said to build in hollow trees; but I was not fortunate enough to obtain
its nest. Mr. Atmore writes: “Feeds on seeds and insects. I see
them frequently feeding on the ground. 1 know of a tame one which
roved about unconfined. It eat meat, bread, sugar, corn, in fact
anything—appeared very much attached to its mistress, and came
regularly into the house to be fed. It disappeared at the pairing
season, so I suppose it got married! They nest in holes of trees, but
don’t make the holes. HKggs spotted.”
465. Laimodon Nigrithorax. (Cuv.) Pogoniae
Personatus, Tem.; Pl. Col. 201 ; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 467;
Pogonorhynchus Torquatus ; Barbican Masqué, Le
Vail. Barb., t. 28; Lesson, Vol. 2, p. 137.
Tor of head and front, sides of head, chin, throat, and gor-
get, brilliant scarlet, all bounded by a band of glossy black,
more or less broad; back and shoulders grey-green; quill-
feathers of wings and tail dark-brown, margined with bright-
yellow, the latter very slightly so; under parts green-yellow,
tinged here and there with scarlet; base of bill sparsely
covered with Jong bristles. Length, 63”; wing, 8” 7"; tail,
Oy Gt
Inhabits Kaffraria and Natal, from whence came the specimen here
described.
234 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus MEGALAIMA, Gray.
Bill more or less long, broad at the base, and compressed
on the sides; the culmen generally arched to the tip, which
is acute; the gonys long, and advancing upwards; the
lateral margins curved; the nostrils basal, lateral, and round-
ed, and the base of the upper mandible furnished with very
long and strong bristles; wings moderate, with the fourth,
fifth, and sixth quills nearly equal and longest; tail short,
and rounded on the sides; tarsi shorter than the outer,
anterior toe, and covered in front with broad scales; toes
long, and the outer pair of equal length and longest; claws
moderate, compressed, and acute.
466. Megalaima Bilineata, Sundev.; Ofvers.
Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhandl, p. 109; Barbatula Leuco-
laima, Verr., Hartl. W. Af, p. 173.
Axove, black; forehead and eyebrows white ; cheeks black,
with black ring ; chin and throat whitish; breast grey ;
belly yellow ; rump deep-yellow; wing-feathers black, those
on the outside bordered with yellow ; tail-coverts above, black,
below, olive-grey; wings black, variegated with greenish-
yellow ; underneath whitish ; webs of secondaries narrowly
edged with yellow; primaries all black ; bill black. Length
about 3” 9"; wing, 3”; tail, 1”.
Kaffraria (Wahlberg)—loc. cit ; sed non vidi.
467. Megalaima Leucotis, Sundev.; Ofvers.
Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhandl., p. 109.
BuackisH, with a band behind the eye, aad the belly white ;
head black; back reddish. Length, 63”.
Kaffraria (Wahlberg).—Sed non vidi.
468. Megalaima Barbatula. (Tem) Pl. Enl.,
746, f.2; Barbatula Minuta, Tem., Hartl. W. Af, p.
173 ; Bucco Chrysoptera, Swain., An. in Menag., p.
322; B. Parvus, Cuv., Le Vail. Barb., t. 32 ; Capito
Rubrifrons, Vieil.; B. Pusillus, Dum.; B. Nanus, Vigors,
Proc. Z. 8. 1831, p. 93; B. Chrysozonicus, Rupp.
ABovVvE black, striped with yellow ; beneath, yellowish white;
frontlet crimson; chin yellow; ears black, margined with
PICIDA., 235
white ; wing-coverts and margins of the lesser quills, golden
yellow. Length, 4” 6”; wing, 2” 4’; tail, 1” 2”.
Tnhabits South Africa.—Dr. Burchell’s Coll. Swain.: loc. cit—Sed
non vidi.
Genus CAPITO, Vieillot.
Bill long, broad at the base, with the sides suddenly com-
pressed, and the culmen arched towards the tip; the gonys
long and advancing upwards; the nostrils basal, lateral, and
rounded ; the base of the upper mandible furnished with a
few short bristles; wings moderate, and pointed, with the
fourth, fifth, and sixth quills equal and longest; tail long,
and rounded ; tarsi as long as, or longer than, the anterior
outer toe, and covered with broad scales; toes unequal, the
outer pair the longest and equal, the inner pair short and
unequal ; the claws moderate, compressed, and curved.
469. Capito Vaillantii ; Picus Cafer, Gml., Hartl.
W. Af, p. 176; Trachyphonus Vaillantii, Ranz. ;
Micropogon Sulphuratus, Lafren.; M. Occipitalis,
Rupp. ; Polysticte Quopapa, Smith; Picus Lathamii,
Wahl. Le Vail. Promerops, t. 52; Bp. Cons. Av., p.
142, Mag. Zool. 1836, t. 60.
Heap crested, black ; forehead, cheeks, throat, rump, and
belly, yellow ; the latter spotted with red-brown ; the cheeks
imbricated, and the rump jcst above the tail barred with the
same colour; tail black, barred and tipped with white;
wings and back black, barred with white; chest with a black
band. Length, 8”; tail, 3” 3”.
From Mosilikatzi’s country, procured by MM. Verreaux—non vidi.
The Sub-Family, PICINA:, or Woodpeckers,
have the bill more or less long, broad at the base, much com-
pressed towards the tip, which is truncated; the sides of the
upper mandible sloping, and furnished with a lateral ridge
that springs from the middle at the base, gradually bends
towards the lateral margin, and then exteids above it to the
tip; the outer posterior toe generally longer than the outer
anterior one.
Genus DENDROBATES, Swainson.
Bill as long as, or shorter than, the head, broad at the base;
the nostrils lateral, basal, and hidden by projecting plumes;
236 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
wings long and pointed, with the second, third, and fourth
quills nearly equal and longest; tail moderate, graduated,
and rigid; tarsi shorter than the outer anterior toe; tdes
unequal, and the outer posterior one generally longer than
the anterior; the hind toe short and slender; the claws
long, compressed, and much arched.
470. Dendrobates Griseocephalus, Bodd,
P]. Enl. 786, f 2; Picus Capensis, Gmel.; P. Cani-
ceps, Wagl.; Swain, Nat. Lib, Vol. 8, p. 154; Le
Pic Olive, Le Vail., Nos. 248, 249.
GENERAL colour above, rich olive-yellow ; crown of head,
rump, and upper tail-coverts, brilliant crimson; sides of
head and under parts cinereous. The female resembles the
male in all except the crimson crown, which in the former is
cinereous. Length, 7” 6”; wing, 4” 6’; tail, 3”.
Not uncommon in all wooded parts of the colony. Many hav®
been sent me from Constantia and Rondebosch. Le Vaillant state®
that it breeds in holes of trees, and lays four white eggs. Found
also in Natal.—(Ayres.)
471. Dendrobates Namaquus, Licht, Cat.
Dupl. Berl. Mus. p. 17; Picus Mystaceus, Vieil.; P.
Diophrys, Steph.; P. Biarmicus, Cuv.; Le Pic @
Double Moustache, Le Vail., Nos. 251, 252.
Upper parts, dull-green, barred with dirty-yellow ; forehead
black, each feather tipped with white ; top of head crimson in
the male (black in female) ; back, black; cheek, chin, and
throat, white, crossed by two black lines, one passing over the
ear from the corner of the eye, the other extending from the
base of the lower mandible to the shoulders; under parts
greenish-grey, faintly barred with dirty-yellow; shafts of
wing and tail feathers, yellow, as are also the tips and under-
side of the latter, and the upper coverts. Length, 8" 6”;
wing, 5”; tail, 3” 6”.
Le Vaillant states he found this species in Kaffraria, and that it lays
four white eggs. I have never received it from any of my corres-
pondents, except Mr. F. Green, who procured it in Damaraland. Mr.
Andersson also obtained it there in some plenty.
PICIDA. IST
4.72. Dendrobates Fulviscapus. (Illig.) Swain. ;
Picus Fulviscapus, Ill.; P. Fuscescens, Vieil.; Le
Petit Pic & Baquettes D'Or, Le Vail, No. 253 ;
P. Chrysopterus, Cuv.
GENERAL colour above, sepia-brown, barred all over with
dirty-yellow or white; forehead brown; top and back of
head crimson ; under parts grey, striped on the breast, and
barred on the belly and vent with the colour of the back ;
shafts of the wing and tail feathers, and under side of the
latter, golden-yellow. Female resembles the male, but has
the crimson of head replaced by dark-brown, approaching to
black. Length, 6”; wing, 3” 9"; tail, 2” 6”.
This little woodpecker has a wide range over the colony. I have
received it from Rondebosch, Beaufort, Colesberg, and the Knysna:
It appears in Chapman’s collection, and also in Mr. Andersson’s. It
affects the dead stumps of euphorbias and aloes; and reminded me, ~
from this peculiarity, of the Indian P. Maharattensis, which con-
stantly keeps to the “Candelabra Euphorbia” of Ceylon, Le Vail-
lant states that they lay from five to seven white eggs.
The Sub-Family, GECININA, or Green
Woodpeckers,
have the bill more or less long, strong, and straight, with the
base broad, and the sides compressed towards the tip, which
is truncated and acute ; the sides sloping, and furnished with
a lateral ridge, which springs from above the nostrils, and
runs along near the culmen towards the end of the upper
mandible for two-thirds of its length.
Genus CAMPETHERA, Gray.
Bill long and strong; with the base broad, the culmen
shghtly curved, and the sides compressed towards the tip,
which is acute; the lateral ridge running near the culmen
from the base towards the tip, and the gonys moderate,
angulous, and ascending; the nostrils basal, lateral, and
covered by the projecting plumes; wings long, with the first
quill nearly as long as the second, which is the longest; tail
moderate and graduated, with the tips of the feathers pointed
and rigid; tarsi short, and covered in front with broad scales ;
toes long, the outer pair unequal, the anterior one the longest ;
the claws long, strong, curved, and acute.
*p
238 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
473. Campethera Nubica, Bodd ; Pl. Enl. 667 ;
Picus Cafer, Lath.; Picus Punctatus, Cuv., Vol. 2,
p. 451; Le Pic Tigré, Le Vail, No. 250; Picus
Notatus, Licht., Nat. Lib. Vol. 18, p.158 ; Tachepetes
Cafer, G. R. Gray.
Urrrr parts, dull-green, sparsely mottled with yellow;
approaching to yellow on the rump, where it is barred with
yellowish-white ; under parts dirty-yellow, profusely spotted
with large bean-shaped blotches of the colour of the back ;
sides of the head whitish, mottled with dull-black ; moustache
and back of head bright crimson ; forehead in the male, dark-
brown, each feather tipped with crimson ; in the female, with
yellow: she also wants the moustache. Length, 7’; wing,
Ae OU. tail 3 18".
Received from Mr. Henry Bowker, from the Transkei, and from
Mr. Arnot at Colesberg. Appears in Chapman’s collection in consi-
derable number. Le Vaillant cites the George forests and the neigh-
bourhood of the Gamtoos River, and Kaffraria, as habitats, and states
that it lays four eggs, marked with brown, on a bluish ground.
474. Campethera Chrysura. (Swain.) Reich. ;
Dendgomus Chrysurus, Swains. B. of W. Af; Den-
drobates Chrysurus, p. 158, Bonap.; Picus Smithu,
Malh.
AxovE, dlive-grey, spotted and banded with whitish ; beneath
fulvous-white, striped on the body, and spotted on the throat
with black. Male with the upper part of the head, and
stripe from the end of gape, crimson. Female, with the front
and crown blackish and unspotted; shafts of tail-feathers
golden-yellow. Length, 8’; wings, 4” 3”; tail, 3”.
Hartlaub, in his Birds of Western Africa, gives South Africa asa
habitat of this species, on the authority of M. Malherb. It has also
been procured by Mr. Ayres at Natal.
The Sub-Family, COLAPTINA, or Ground
Woodpeckers,
have the bill broad at the base, and the sides compressed to
the end, with the culmen much curved to the tip, which is
acute; the sides of the upper mandible sloping, and the
lateral ridge scareely visible, or entirely wanting.
PICIDZ. 239:
.
Genus COLAPTES, Swainson.
Bill long, rather slender, broad at the base, and narrowed
towards the end, with the culmen elevated at tke base, and
curved to the tip, which is rather aeute, the lateral margins
slightly curved, and the gonys angulated and _ curved
upwards to the end of the lower mandible; the nostrils basal, --
lateral, and covered by projecting plumes; wings long, with
the first quill short, and the fourth and fifth quills the
longest; tail rather long, graduated, and the ends of the
feathers narrow and rigid; tarsi short, robust, and covered
with broad scales ; toes unequal, the outer anterior toe longer
than the outer posterior one; the claws moderate, com-
pressed, and acute.
475. Colaptes Olivaceus. (Lath) Picus Arator,
Cuv. Vol., p. 450; Picus Olivaceus, Lath.; Le Pic
Laboureur, Le Vaillant, No. 254, 255 ; Geocolaptes
Terrestris, Burchell.
GENERAL colour, brown, mottled with dirty-yellow; rump
crimson ; breast and belly, pale-crimson, in the male, who
has also an indistinct crimson moustache; in the female these
parts are brown; tail above, dark-brown, barred with yellow,
the tip ridged, and golden-orange; below brown, glossed with
golden-yellow, the yellow bars also showing. Length, 10”;
wing, 5” 3"; tail, 3” 9”.
This singular bird presents a remarkable instanee of the adaptation
of creatures to the localities wherein their lot is cast. Though belong-
ing to the woodpecker tribes, it never pecks wood, but bores its way
into the banks of rivers, sides of hills, or the walls of mud-buildings,
in search of its prey, and for a home for its young. It also seeks tor
food on the ground, in the same manner as the Golden-winged Wood-
pecker of North America ; its flight likewise struck meas very similar.
It excavates a hole, sometimes several feet in depth, in which to
deposit its eggs, which are pure white, and from three to five in num-
ber ;:axis, 13/%; diam., 11/”.
Families seem to keep in company until the breeding sztopryy sepa-
rates them. They feed together, and roost together in some deserted
hole; and their loud; harsh cries, as they call to each other, may be
heard to a considerable distance. It is common throughout the whole
of the colony.
The Sub-Family, YUNCINZ, or Wrynecks,
have the bill short, straight, with the tip acute; the wings
moderate and pointed; the tail moderate, rounded, and
composed of soft and flexible feathers; the tarsi short ; toes
moderate.
240 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus YUNX, Linn.
Bill short, straight, with the culmen slightly sloping to the
tip, which is rather acute, and the gonys of the lower
mandible moderate and advancing upwards; the nostrils
basal, lateral, partly closed by a membrane, and hidden by
the frontal plumes; wings moderate, pointed, with the first
quill rather shorter than the second, which is the longest;
tail moderate, rounded, and composed of soft and flexible
feathers; tarsi short, partly clothed with feathers, but mostly
covered by. broad scales ; toes moderate, the two anterior ones
united at the base by a membrane.
476. Yunx Pectoralis, Vigors; Pro. ZS. 1831,
93; Y. Ruticollis, Licht, Mag, Zool. 1835, Ois, t. 33,
Gr. et Mitch. Gen. B., Pl. 112.
Asovs, brown, profusely variegated with fine markings of
black, and different shades of grey; outside webs of the
wing-feathers barred with rufous; tail barred with black ;
chin and throat, deep chesnut; belly and vent dirty-white;
each feather with a dark-brown line down the shaft; under
tail-coverts rufous. Length, 6” 6”; wing, 3’ 6; tail, 2’ 3”.
This is evidently a rare bird in the neighbourhood of the colony,
but one specimen having reached my hands from any quarter. This
was sent by Mr. Henry Bowker from Butterworth, Transkei. Mr.
Ayres, however, seems to have found it not uncommon in Natal.
The Fourth Family, CUCULIDA, or
Cuckows,
have the bill of various length, generally slender, and more
or less compressed on the sides; the culmen curved to the
tip, which is more or less emarginated; the nostrils lateral,
and placed in a membranous groove; the wings long, and -
generally pointed; the tail lengthened and rounded ; the
tarsi more or less long, and covered with broad transverse
scales ; the toes long and unequal; the claws moderate, and
more or less curved.
The Sub-Family, INDICATORINZ, or Honey-
; . Guides,
have the bill short, broad at the base, with the culmen curved,
and the sides compressed to the tip, which is entire; the
nostrils lateral, and placed near the culmen, in a membranous
CUCULIDA. 241
groove; the wings long and pointed ; the tail moderate and
emarginated; the tarsi very short, and covered with trans-
verse, broad scales ; the toes unequal, and the outer anterior
toe the longest ; the claws moderate and strong.
Genus INDICATOR, Vieillot.
Bill more or less short, and broad at the base, with the
culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is
entire; the lateral margins nearly straight, the gonys
moderate, and ascending ; the nostrils lateral, and placed in a
membranous groove, with the opening linear, and near the
culmen; wings long and pointed, with the first quill nearly
as long as the third, fourth, and fifth, which are equal and
longest; tail moderate, emarginated in the middle, and
rounded on the sides; tarsi shorter than the outer anterior
toe, and covered with broad scales; toes unequal, the outer
anterior toe the longest, the anterior pair united at their
base ; the claws moderate, compressed, and curved.
477. Indicator Major, Steph. et Vieil.; Indi-
cator Levaillantiz, Leadb. ; I. Maculatus, G. R. Gray ;
Indicator’ Flavicollis, Swain, W. Af, 2, p. 198; Le
Grande Indicateur, Le Vail., No, 241.
GENERAL colour above, brown, with a tinge of yellow on the
forehead ; ear-covers whitish, and beneath them a dark-brown
line; chin, throat, and neck, yellow, fading into white on the
sides, belly, and vent; thighs immaculate. The tail, as in ~
I. Variegatus, consists of twelve feathers, thus marked: first
centre pair all brown; second pair following, brown, with
outer half of the inner web white; the three outer pair, with
the tip and outer lower portion of the outer web, brown; the
outer pair very short. Size similar to that of I. Variegatus.
Le Vaillant found this species and LZ. Variegatus, which he mistook
for the female, all along the South-Eastern Coast, as far as Kaffraria.
I have received it from Messrs. Atmore and Cairncross, killed at
Swellendam and George. Le Vaillant states they build in holes of
trees, and lay four white eggs.
In November, 1865, while at Tygerhoek, on the River Zonder End, I
shot a specimen clinging to the upright branch of a tree like a wood-
pecker. I subsequently saw a single bird at the entrance of Cogman’s
Kloof in December. I fancy it is pretty generally distributed through-
out the colony.
242 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
478. Indicator Variegatus, Less; I. Levail-
lantii, Bp.; L. Maculicollis, Sunde. ; I. Sparrmanni,
Leadb.
GENERAL colour above, dull olive-green, changing to yellow
on the wings; below dirty yellowish-white, immaculate on
the centre of the belly and vent, but much variegated on the
throat, breast, flanks, and thighs, with brown; forehead
speckled with white. The tail consists of twelve feathers,
thus marked : two innermost pair all brown ; one pair follow-
ing white, with portion of inner web brown; three outer
pair white, with brown tips; the outermost pair very short.
Length, 7” 6”; wing, 4” 4"; tail, 3” 4”.
I shot a solitary specimen of this Honey-Guide at the Knysna. It
was flitting about some bushes in the forest. The bill in this species
is stronger and more curved than in J. Major, and the edge of the
upper mandible more scalloped.
With respect to the oft-repeated story of the Honey-Guwide leading
persons to the nest of the honey-bee, it is as well to mention that the
bird will perform the same antics, and utter the same cries, to lead any
one to a leopard, wild cat, or snake, or will even follow a dog with the
same vociferations.
4.79. Indicator Albirostris, Temm.; Pl. Col.
867; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 462; J. Leuwcotis, Swain. W.
Af, Vol. 2, p. 198; I. Flaviscapulatis, Riipp ; Cucu-
lus Indicator, Linn.
GENERAL colour, brownish-grey, lightest on the breast, and
fading to pure white on the belly, vent, and thighs, these
latter marked with broad streaks of brown; rump white,
streaked in the same way; outer margins of all the wing-
feathers dirty yellowish-white, those of the secondaries being
the most marked; ear-tufts white ; chin and upper part of
throat black; the two middle tail-feathers entirely brown ;
the next pair have the inner webs, with the exception of
the tip, white, and the outer three are all white, except
at the tips; the outermost feather isin this, and J. Major,
considerably the shortest. Length, 7” 6"; wing, 4” 4";
tail, 3° 3". *
A specimen was obtained near Swellendam by Mr. Cairneross ; and
the Messrs. Atmore sent me a second from the same locality. It is,
however, a very scarce species.
CUCULID. 243
480. Indicator Minor, Vieil.; 7. Minimus,
Temm.; J. Buphagoides, Leadb.; J. Diadematus,
- Riipp., Neue Wirb,, p. 61.; Cwculws Minor, Cuv. Vol.
2, p. 462; Le Petit Indicateur, Le Vail', No. 242.
GENERAL colour above, yellowish-brown ; the yellow brightest
on the wing-feathers ; head ashy-brown ; cheeks, chin, throat,
breast, and belly, cinereous; vent white; thighs faintly
maculated with brown; moustache blackish ; tail composed
of twelve feathers, thus marked: two inner pair all brown,
four outer pair white, with base and tips brown. In this
species the outer pair are but very slightly shorter than the
next. Length, 5” 9"; wing, 3" 7”; tail, 2” 6”.
The lesser Honey-Guide is found at the Knysna ; and LeVaillant gives
the Swartkop and Sunday’s Rivers as other localities. It probably’
extends all along the South-East Coast. Mr. Atmore procured it at
Blanco, and writes thus: ‘ May 26, 1864. I have had another good
opportunity of watching the habits of LZ. Minor. I used to wonder
where they got all the bees-wax that is usually in their gizzards, and
the other day I found out. There was a dG at a bee-hive as busy as
possible catching bees. After watching him for some time, Tom shot
him, and his gizzard was full of bees’ legs, with the wax on them. He
is held in no repute here as an indicator; but I. Major is, and he is
searce.” Mr. Atmore has mistaken the pollen of the bee for wax. The
bird’s habit of capturing bees like a fly-catcher is interesting ; but his
most singular statement follows. I had asked him for information
upon certain points, and he writes: “I can’t answer your queries yet,
but I can tell you that 7. Minor kills and eats small birds as savagely
as Lanius Collaris! The very first I shot was in the act of eating a
sparrow that I saw him kill in flight: I suspect the others of similar
propensities.” In another letter he writes : ‘‘ Eggs white, in nests of
Picus Capensis and Laimodon Unidentatus.”
The Sub-Family, COCCYZINZ&, or Ground
Cuckows,
have the bill generally elevated at its base, with the culmen
arched, and the sides much compressed to the tip, which is
entire; the gonys usually long and straight; the nostrils
basal, with the opening generally linear, and partly closed by
a scale ; the wings moderate, and more or less rounded ; the
tail long and graduated ; the tarsi lengthened, and covered
with broad scales ; the toes unequal, and armed with various-
sized elaws. :
Le Vaillant, in his “ Oiseaux d’Afrique,” gives as South African,
several birds belonging to this sub-family which are now well known
to inhabit Madagascar. I feel sure that Le Vaillant must also have
244 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
been cognisant of their habitat at the time he described them, as he has
actually in one instance given the Malagash name. They are as
follows :—
Genus COUA, Cuvier.
Bill moderate, with the culmen more or less curved, and
the sides compressed to the tip, which is entire; the lateral
margins curved, and the gonys long and ascending ; nostrils
basal, sunk in a broad short groove, with the opening
anterior, linear, and oblique ; wings moderate, and much
rounded, with the fifth, sixth, and seventh quills equal and
longest ; tail long, broad, and much rounded on the sides ;
tarsi longer than the middle toe, and covered in front with
broad scales; toes unequal, and armed with moderate, com-
pressed, curved, acute claws.
481. Coua Cristata. (Linn) Pl. Enl. 589; Cucu-
lus Cristatus, Linn.; Le Coua, Le Vail. No. 217;
Serisomus Cristatus, Sw. ; Cuculus Madagascariensis
Cristatus, Bris. ; Shaw, Vol. TX., Pt.1, p. 118.
Heap and upper parts of body, ash-colour, inclining to green ;
throat and fore part of neck civereous; lower part of neck
and breast greenish ; belly and sides whitish, with a rufous
tinge; under tail-coverts white; thighs white, marked with
a band of light ash-colour; quills pale-green, with a
blue and violet gloss; beneath cinereous; tail cinereous;
lateral tail-feathers tipped with white, the two middle tail-
feathers longest. Length, 14”.
Le Vaillant affirms that he found this species in South Africa; but
does not indicate the locality. Sundevall doubts the fact, the bird
being an inhabitant of Madagascar.
482. Coua Coerulea. (Linn) Cuv., Vol. 2, 458,
Pl. Enl. 295, £ 2; Polophilus Coruleus, Shaw, Vol.
IX., Pt. 1, p.56; Le Cowa-tait-sou, Le Vail., No. 218;
Cuculus Caeruleus, Linn.
GENERAL colour, beautiful blue-green, changing in certain
lights to violet; colours of female less vivid. Length, 14’.
“ Forests of Kaffraria ” (Le Vaillant) ; ‘“‘Tantummodo incola Mada-
gascariea ”’ (Sundevall).
Genus LEPTOSOMUS, Vieil.
Bill about the length of the head, robust ; upper mandible
curved, notch near the tip; gonys straight ; nostrils oblong,
oblique ; the margins‘elevated, naked, and placed towards the
CUCULID®. 245
middle of the upper mandible; feet short; toes in pairs;
wings lengthened, pointed, the first and second quills longest ;
tail moderate, even.
483. Leptosomus Viridis, Vieil.; Cuculus Afer,
Gmel.; Le Vowroug-driou, Le Vail, Nos. 226, 227;
Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 461; Bucco Africanus, Shaw, Vol. 1X,
Pt. 1, p. 25; Cuca Madagascariensis Major, Bris.
Heap, throat, and neck, ash-colour; crown of head blackish,
with a green and coppery gloss; from the bill to the eye a
white line; back, rump, scapulars, and upper wing and tail
coverts, green, glossed with copper; breast, belly, sides,
thighs, under wing and tail coverts, bright grey; greater
quills, blackish; lesser quills, dull-green, with a greenish
copper gloss; tail composed of twelve feathers of cqual
length: above copper and green-gold, beneath black.
Length, 15".
Le Vaillant affirms he found this bird in the forests of Kaffraria ;
Sundevall states it is exclusively a Madagascar species. From this
island it is constantly received ; and the very name of ‘‘ Vouroug-driou”
adopted by Le Vaillant shows whence he obtained his specimens, that
being the Malagash designation of the species in question.
Genus CENTROPUS, Illiger.
Bill short, elevated at the base, with the culmen much
curved, and the sides much compressed to the tip, which is
entire ; the lateral margins much curved, and the gonys long
and straight ; the nostrils sunk in a deep broad groove, with
the opening anterior, linear, or oblique, and partly closed by
a membranous scale; wings rather long, and much rounded,
with the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills equal aud longest ; tail
long, broad, and rounded on the sides; tarsi as long as the
middle toe, strong, and covered in front with very broad
scales ; toes unequal, the anterior one the longest, the inner
posterior toe armed with a long straight claw.
484. Centropus Nigrorufus, Cuv., Vol. 2, p.
460; Le Coucal Noirou, Le Vail, p. 220; Polophi-
lus Tolu ? Shaw., Vol. 1, P. l, p. 52; Cue. Madagas-
carvensis, Bris. ; Corydonyx Bicolor, Vieil., Encl. 135 4.
GENERAL colour throughout, black, with a blue or green gloss ;
wings chesnut. Shaw (loc. cit.) describes the “ lower part of
*E
246 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
the breast dirty-white;” but Le Vaillant does not allude to
this, either in his description or plate. Length, 14” 3”,
Found, according to Le Vaillant, near the Zwart River ; procured
also by Whalberg, but locality not given. I have not yet received it
from any of my contributors; but I procured a specimen answering
the description in every partieular in Boyana Bay, on the North-West
Coast of Madagascar.
485. Centropus Rufinus, Cuv.; Regn. An, t. p.
416, and Vol. 2, p. 461; Le Coucal Rufin, Le Vail,
No. 221; Polophilus Rufus, Shaw., Vol. 1, Pt. 1, p. 44.
GENERAL colour, rufous, all the feathers of the superior parts
of the body having a dash or streak of light-red, or white;
wings reddish, the Jast feathers barred with fuscous, as are
those of the upper part of the tail ; tail reddish, the two inter-
mediate feathers with transverse lines of brown. Length, 11”.
Le Vaillant states he found this species on the “ Great Fish River ;”
but Sundevall observes that the bird is not now known in Africa; and
suspects that Le Vaillant described his specimen from the young of C.
Affinis, of Java, which his plate does not badly represent. Bona-
parte, in his Conspectus, gives C. Burchellii, Sw., as a synonym of
this, but with a mark of doubt (?).
486. Centropus Superciliosus; Ehrenburg et
Riippell, Neue Wirbelthier, p. 56, and Faun, t. 21, f. 1,
Heap and back of neck, deep black-brown, the feathers on
the latter stiff; the shaft and part of the plumlets white,
margined by an indistinct black line; a white eyebrow,
springing from the nostrils, mingles with these feathers at
the back of the head; back reddish-brown, some of the
feathers with white shafts; rump black, transversely barred
with narrow light-brown stripes; wings bright rufous; tail
glossy brown-green, faintly barred at the base like the rump,
and narrowly tipped with white; under parts fulvous, with
white shafts; flanks and thighs barred with brown ; irides
red. Length, 12” 3; wing, 6” 9"; tail, 8” 6”.
A fine specimen of this bird was sent to me in the flesh, during the
winter months, from Swellendam, by the Hon’ble R. Southey. Its.
ese contained insects. It has also been found in Natal by Mr.
yres.
487. Centropus Burchellii, Swains.; An. in
Menag,, p. 321.
ABOVE, cinereous ; wings red, beneath whitish ; crown, nape,
and ears, black; feathers of the neck and interscapulars
with a central white stripe, margined with black ; rump and
CUCULID. ; 247
upper tail-coverts transversely lineated with greyish-white
and black ; tail black, with greenish reflections, tipped with
white, the feathers lineated at their basis. Length, 16” 6”;
wing, 7" 9"; tail, 9" 7".
Le Vaillant has evidently, in his description of “Le Coucal Hous
hou,’ confounded the Egyptian species (C. Aeon) with this one;
his figure, indeed, better accords with our bird than with the Egyptian.
I have received but two specimens of “ Burchell’s lark-heeled
cuckoo.” One was shot in “ Grootevadersbosch,” near Caledon, by
the Hon'ble T. H. Vigne; the other near Swellendam, by Mr. Cairn-
cross.
Le Vaillant states that he first met with this species near the Gam-
toos River, and that it makes its nest in holes of trees, laying four
eggs, of a reddish-white colour.
488. Centropus Atthiops, Cuv. ; Vol. 2, p. 461, _
and Regn. An. 1, p. 426; Le Coucal Negre, Le Vail,
No. 222; Corydonia Nigerrimus, Vieil.; Polophilus
Maurus, Stephens; Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 1, p. 57.
Aut black; the female being sooty-black on the belly.
Length, 11”.
Le Vaillant states he discovered this species in Kaflraria, and
describes its nest in a hollow tree, and its egg as white. Sundevall, in
his critique on Le Vaillant’s work, denies its existence, and stated that
it is a manufactured species.
The Sub-Family, CROTOPHAGINA, or Anis,
have the bill more or less lengthened, with the culmen
arched, and the sides much compressed ; the nostrils basal,
lateral, and pierced in the substance of the bill; the wings
short and rounded; the tail lengthened, broad, and gradu-
ated; the tarsi long, and covered with broad transverse
scales ; the toes long, placed two and two, and the two outer
ones the longest; the claws short and curved.
Genus ZANCLOSTOMUS, Swainson.
Bill much compressed its whole length; gonys curved
downwards; culmen and upper mandible greatly curved ;
basal margin considerably dilated; tarsus and middle toe
equal; lateral fore toes nearly equal ; claws short.
489. Zanclostomus Aereus, Vieil.; Hartl. W.
Af, 187 ; Z. Flavirostris, Swain., Nat. Lib., Vol. 11, p.
183, Pl 19 ; Le Coucou Gris Bronzé, Le Vail, No.215.
Bopy above, wings, and. tail, glossy violet-purple; head,
neck, and body, beneath cinereous ; tail, beneath, with lilae
248 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
reflections ; bill yellow, with blackish spot in front. Length,
138”; wing, 4” 6”; tail, 9”.
Kaffraria and Pert Natal—Whalberg (Hartl. loc. cit.) Natal—
Gurney (Ibis, 1859, p. 248). Rare—frequents dense bush, and ereeps
about like the colies; feeds om locusts and grasshoppers—(Ayres,
*‘ This,” loe. eit.) bis
The Sub-Family, CUCULINA, or Cuckows,
have the bill broad, and rather depressed at the base; the
eulmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is
entire, or slightly emarginated; the nostrils basal, and mem-
branous, with the opening exposed; the wings long, and
generally pointed ; the tail long, and usually graduated ; the
tarsi short, partly clothed with feathers, and partly covered
with broad scales.
Genus CUCULUS, Linn.
Bill broad, and rather depressed at the base, with the cul-
men curved, and the sides gradually compressed towards the
tip, which is entire and acute ; the gonys long and arched ;
the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a short broad mem-
branous groove, with the opening round and exposed ; wings
lengthened and pointed, with the third quill the longest ; tail
long, graduated, or even, and the outer feather on each side
shorter than the others; tarsi very short, feathered below the
knee, and the exposed part covered with broad scales; toes
unequal, the outer anterior toe the longest, and united to the
inner one at the base,
490. Cuculus Solitarius, Cuv.; Vol. 2, p. 454;
Le Coucow Solitaire, Le Vail, No. 206; Shaw, Vol.
IX, Pt. 1, p. 84; C. Capensis, Lath.; C. Rubiculus,
Swain. Nat Lib, Vol. 12, p, 181.
GenERAL colour above, greyish-black, lightest on the fore-
head ; chin cinereous, passing into rufous on the breast ; body
beneath, fulvous-white, barred with black; under tail-coverts
immaculate; the tail-feathers have four white spots along the
shafts, and are otherwise mottled with white; legs bright-
yellow. Length, 12” 6; wing, 7” 6; tail, 6” 6”.
This cuckoo, known among the colonists by the name of “ Pietmijn-
vrouw,” from its call resembling these words, is a periodical visitant
over the whole colony, extending even as far as the Cape peninsula.
They generally make their appearance from November till Christmas
CUCULIDAS. 249
time, and feed on caterpillars, several species of hymenoptera, and on
beetles.
Le Vaillant states that they deposit three eggs, which are of a
pinkish colour, dotted with clear brown spots, in the nests of the
* Capoevogel,” “Jan Fredrik” (Pet. Superciliosa), and other small
birds. My friend Mr L. du Toit confirms this statement as regards
the “ Jan Fredrik.” .
Found also at Natal by Mr. Ayres.
491. Cuculus Gularis, Steph.; Gml. Zool. 9, p.
83; Cuculus Capensis, Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 1, p.
85; Le Coucow Vulgaire D’ Afrique, Le Vail. No.
200, 5, 201 ©. |
Grnerat colour above, bluish-grey ; tail dark, and variegated
with white spots near the shafts and edges of the feathers ;
inner webs of wing-feathers barred with white; under parts
all white, barred with grey, and having a rufous tinge; chin
and throat, light blue-grey, and immaculate. Length, 12” ;
wing, 9”; tail, 7” 2”.
Very rare near the sea-coast; but becoming more common towards
the Interior, appearing frequently in Chapman’s collection. Le Vaillant
describes the egg as olive-grey, dotted with red.
492. Cuculus Clamosus, Cuv.; Vol. 2, p. 455;
Cuculus Nigricans, Swain. Nat. Lib., Vol..12, p. 180;
Le Coucou Criard, Le Vail. No. 204, 205.
GenzERAL colour, black, glossed with blue; feathers of wings
and tail, irregularly barred and spotted with white; tips of
the latter white; inside of wing albescent, with dark bars.
Length, 12”; wing, 7”; tail, 5” 9”.
Le Vaillant states that the ‘noisy cuckoo” is common about the
Sunday and Swartkop Rivers, and throughout Camdeboo, depositing
its eggs in the nest of the ‘‘ Capocier”” (Drymoica Capensis). I have
never seen a colonial specimen; but Mr. Andersson procured it in
some abundance at Elephant Vley, in Damaraland. Mr. Ayres pro-
eured it in Natal, and remarks that it feeds on caterpillars, disap-
pearing from the country during the winter months.
Sub-Genus CHALCITES, Lesson.
Plumage shining metallic-green ; bill and general structure
of Cuculus ; tarsus very short, almost entirely plumed ; ramp
and upper tail-coverts soft.
250 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
493. Chalcites Auratus. (Gmel.) Shaw, Vol. IX,
Pt.1, p. 127 ; Le Didric, Le Vail, Nos. 210 and 211 ;
Lampromorpha Chalcopepla, Vigors; Chrysococcyx
Auratus, Bp.; Cuculus Cupreus, Bodd. (nec Lath.)
ABOVE, shining coppery-green, mottled with white; a white
stripe passes down the centre of the head, and over each eye;
under parts white, barred with coppery-green on the flanks
and sides. Length, 7”; wing, 4" 8"; tail, 3” 4”.
This beautiful little cuckoo, known by the name of “ Didric,’ from
its oft-repeated mournful cry of “ Di-di-di-didric,” is extremely abun-
dant throughout the Karroo. At Nel’s Poort, near Beaufort, I have
frequently seen a dozen or more in a morning, while their loud notes
were incessantly ringing in my ears; they are, however, so shy that I
only procured three specimens in as many months. When calling,
they perch on the summit of some dead branch, ready to do battle
with any male, or engage in an amorous chase after any female that
comes within their ken. They pursue each other with great ardour,
turning, twisting, and dashing about with much rapidity. The
stomachs of those examined contained nothing but small insects,
chiefly swallowed whole.
I also obtained specimens at the Knysna, and from still farther
to the Eastward. It appears in Mr. Chapman’s collection, and has
been sent from Colesberg.
Le Vaillant states that it lays a white egg, and gives an account of
the manner in which it is carried in the mouth, to be placed in the
nests of those birds which are selected as foster-mothers for its
neglected offspring.
494. Chalcites Klaasii, Less.; Cuculus Klaasii,
Vieill.; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 456; Le Coucow de Klaas
Le Vail., No. 212 ; Mietje of Colonists,
AxovE, all shining-green, with a very slight coppery tinge;
a small white streak over the eye; under parts pure white,
faintly barred on the flanks ; a green patch on each side of the
chest, and one of the same colour on the thighs; two centre
tail-feathers all green, the rest white, with narrow bars of
green sparsely placed up the inner webs, and a broad patch of
the same colour near the tip, which is pure white. The
female is, on the upper parts, green, profusely barred with
brown; on the under side white, similarly barred with
coppery-green ; tail-feathers much as in the male. Length,
6”; wing, 4” 2”; tail, 3”.
Klaas’s cuckoo is not uncommon in most wooded parts of the colony,
extending even as far as the Cape peninsula. It is, however, not
nearly so abundant as the preceding, from which it is easily dis-
tinguished by its ery.
CUCULIDA. 251
495. Chalcites Smaragdineus. (Swain. Cue.
Cupreus, Lath. ; Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 456 ; Cupreous Cuc-
kow, Shaw., Vol. IX, Pt. 1, p. 129.
GENERAL colour above, with the neck and breast, shining
emerald-green, if held between the spectator and the light,
if held from the light, a beautiful golden and copper gloss
pervades the green; the belly and vent vary in some speci-
mens from white to bright-yellow. This colour also fades in
death; but I have had on the same stick, after a morning’s
shooting, specimens exhibiting all the shades from white to
yellow; outer tail-feathers broadly barred with white ; tail-
coverts white, barred with green. Length, 8"; wing, 4” 7’;
tail;3" 6!"
The “ Golden Cuckoo” is abundant at the Knysna, and throughout
all the forest regions to the eastward along the sea-coast. The males
are killed in a proportion of at least ten to one female, from their habit
of perching on the topmost branches of trees, and from thence utter-
ing their loud call of love or defiance. This is easily imitated by a
whistler, and the bird will answer the whistle, and remain on the look-
out for its supposed foe, until the shooter creeps up within range.
All the cuckoos of South Africa appear to be migratory, the
majority of them making their appearance in the colony about October
or November ; some a little later.
Genus OXYLOPHUS, Swainson.
Head crested; bill slender, considerably and suddenly
compressed from the nostrils, which are ovate; upper man-
dible entire; wings moderate, rather pointed, fourth quill
longest.
496. Oxylophus Glandarius; Cuculus Glan-
darius, Linn. Pl. Col. 414, Ed. Birds, p. 57; @.
Andalusia, Briss.; C. Macrurus, Brehm; C. Melis-
sophanus, Vieil.; C. Pisanus, Gmel.
GxneRax colour above, ashy, spotted with white, beneath
white, tinged with yellow, darkest on the throat; tail long,
graduated, and tipped with white; head crested. Length,
14”; wing, 8”; tail, 8" 6”.
This bird is very rare within the colony, All that I have seen,
three in number, came from Kaffraria. One was sent by Capt.
Bulger from Windvogelberg. It appears in Chapman’s collection not
unfrequently.
$952 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
497. Oxylophus Coromandus, Linn.; PI. Enl.
274, f. 2; Cuv.,.Vol 2, p. 455; Le C. a Collier
Blanc, Le Vail, No. 213; Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 1, p.
119; Cuculus Collaris, Vieil.
Heap crested and blackish, as is the upper part of the body ;
upper part of neck surrounded by a white collar; throat and
thighs blackish ; fore part of neck, breast, belly, and under
tail-coverts, white; scapulars and wing-coverts, blackish in
the middle, with rufous margins, but the great wing-coverts
farthest from the body are rufous; tail blackish, and wedge-
shaped. Length, 12” 6”.
Le Vaillant affirms that he found this bird on the Swartkop and
Sunday’s Rivers ; but this is doubtful, it being an Indian species.
I found it in Ceylon: and had the bird appeared in any collection
formed here since my residence in the colony, I must have noticed it.
498. Oxylophus Edolius, Swain. ; Cuculus Edo-
ius, Cuv., Vol. 2, p. 455; Cue. Serratus, Sparm. ;
Oxylophus Serratus, Gray; Le Coucou Edolio, male,
Le Vail., No. 207 ; Niewwejaarsvogel of Colonists. —
GeENERAL colour throughout, black, with greenish reflections ;
a broad white bar extends across the middle of the wings ;
head crested. Length, 13”; wing, 6”; tail, 7”.
Abundant in mimosa bushes throughout the Karroo; extends into
the Cape peninsula, and has been received from all parts of tho
colony to the Eastward ; plentiful in Chapman’s collection. This bird
visits the Cape about the New Year, whence the name that it has
acquired among the colonists. It evidently lays at that season, as I
took a mature egg from the body of one that was killed at Ronde-
bosch. The egg was white, glossy, and rounded at each end: axis,
13”; diam.,11’”.. The stomach contained caterpillars, beetles, mag-
gots, and flies, but the chief mass consisted of termites. I found
them in considerable abundance at Nel’s Poort, usually in pairs,
& and Q, frequenting the trees along the river banks. Mr. Atmore
writes that the “eggs are white, and usually deposited in the nest
of the ‘Geelgat’ (Pycnonotus Capensis).” This is singular, as the
eggs of parasitic birds usually resemble those of the birds upon which
they are intruded.
499. Oxylophus Melanoleucus. (Lath) Le
Coucow Edolio, female, Le Vail., Pl. 208.
GENERAL colour above, black, with green reflections; below
white; tail-feathers tipped with white; a bar of the same
colour extends across the centre of the wing; head crested.
Length, 12" 6"; wing, 6”; tail, 7”. ©
This species inhabits the same country as the preceding, and was .
CUCULIDE. 253
_ mistaken by Le Vaillant for the female of that bird. It is, however,
not so common. Its food is the same, and its call-note not very
unlike.
500. Oxylophus Afer, Gray; Cuc. Afer, Leach,
Zool. Miscel., Pl. 313; Shaw, Vol. IX, Pt. 1; p. 115;
Le Coucou, Edolio var., Le Vail., p. 209; Oxylophus
Vaillantii, Swain. ; Nat. Lib. Vol. 11, p. 188; Zool.
Ill, pl. 18; C. Levaillantii, Lesson.
GENERAL colour above, black, glossed with green; wing-
feathers brownish; under parts dirty-white; head crested ;
throat and neck faintl, striped with black; tail graduated,
each feather, with the exception of those in the centre, tipped
with white. Length, 12"; wing, 6’ 3’; tail, 8”.
Whalberg killed this species on the Limpopo. Le Vaillant did not
observe it in South Africa, his specimen having been procured near
the Line ; but two specimens have been forwarded to me by Mr. W.
Cairncross, who obtained them near Swellendam.
Genus EUDYNAMYS, Vig. and Horsf.
Bill long, broad, with the culmen curved, and the sides
compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated ; the
gonys short and angulated; the nostrils basal, lateral, and
placed in a short membranous groove, with the opening large
and exposed; wings moderate, with the fourth and fifth
quills equal and longest ; tail lengthened and rounded ; tarsi
rather short, robust, covered in front with broad scales ; toes
unequal, the outer anterior toe the longest.
501. Eudynamys ‘Niger ; Le Coucou a Grosbec,
Le Vail. Ois. d’Af, No. 214; Hudynamys Niger, Bp.,
p- 101; Cuwculus Crassirostris, Shaw, Vol. 1X., Pt. 1,
p. 16; Cuculus Honoratus, Linn.; Le Tachirou, Le
Vail., No. 216.
§—All black thrournout. This is “Le Coucou a Grosbec ”
of Le Vaillant. 2 —Bronze-brown throughout, speckled
with white: “Le Tachirou” of Le Vaillant. Length
about 12”.
Le Vaillant has here committed a great blunder. He has described
the male and female of one bird as two different species ! affirming
that he found the sexes of both. Adhering to a resolution of describ-
ing all the species said to be South African, we describe both ths sexes,
though we fully agree with Sundevall, that the bird is not South
African, and regret that in this and many other instances Le Vaillant
should have shown himself so false and untrustworthy.
a 3
Order IV. COLUMBA. |
Tue Fourth Order, Cotumspm, is composed of those birds
only which are well known under the denomination of
Pigeons; and as it-embraces but one family, the characters
will be given under it.
The Family COLUMBID/:, or Pigeons,
have the bill short, straight, compressed, with the apical
half of the mandibles more or less vaulted and strong, and
the base more or less weak, and covered by a soft fleshy
membrane, in which are placed the nostrils; the wings
moderate; the tarsi more or less long, and robust; the toes
lengthened, divided, and padded beneath.
The Sub-Family, TRERONINA, or Tree-
Pigeons,
have the bill short, with the ends of both mandibles vaulted,
and of nearly equal thickness ; the tarsi very short, and more
or less feathered; the toes divided at the base, the inner
much shorter than the outer; and the claws short and
curved.
Genus TRERON, Vieillot.
Bill short, robust, with the tips of both mandibles much
vaulted, especially that of the upper: the basal portion de-
pressed and straight ; the aostrils lateral, and longitudinal ;
wings moderate and pointed, with the second and third quills
nearly equal, and longest; the third quill with the inner
web notched near the middle; tail moderate, rounded, some-
times lengthened and wedge-shaped ; tarsi very short, thick,
and feathered below the knee; toes free at the base, the
inner shorter than the outer, the hind toe long and broad;
and the claws moderate, compressed, and arched,
COLUMBID. 955
502. Treron Delalandi; Bp. Consp, II, 6.
Foreueap, top of head, and back, dull. green; back of head
cinereous; chin, throat, chest, collar round the neck, and
thighs, bright yellow; lower portion of breast, and belly,
light cinereous; the same colour extends in a ring over the
back, just under the broad yellow collar; vent white, with
dark cinereous blotches; under tail-coverts deep red, with
white blotches ; tail above, basal two-thirds greenish-yellow ;
the rest dark cinereous; below, basal two-thirds very dark;
and dirty whitish ; shoulders slightly vinaceous, the usual
yellow edging to the lesser quills and some of the wing-
covers. Length, 11” 6”; wing, 7”; tail, 4”.
A sigle specimen of this bird was received from Kaftravia.
503. Treron Australis. (Linn) Steph. Jard. and
-Selby, Illus. Orn., t. 81.; Vinago Nudirostris ? Swain.
Nat. Lib, Vol. 11., p. 205.
Heap, neck, throat, breast, and belly, light yellowish-green ;
indistinct collar at back of neck, flanks, and tail-feathers,
cinereous, the latter with tips palest ; back and wings rather
darker, -with a distinct greenish tinge; shoulders vinaccous ;
the edging of the lesser quills and wing-coverts very pale-
yellow ; thighs bright-yellow; vent white, blotched with
cinereous ; tail-coverts partly white, partly deep-red; basal
two-thirds of tail very dark ; the rest almost white. Length,
11"; wing, 63”; tail, 43”.
This accords in many ways with Swainson’s 7. Nudirostris, the
type specimen. of which I have seen in the Cambridge Museum ; but
is larger. It was procured in Damaraland by Mr. D. Kisch, who has
es largely to the specimens in the Museum. I am ignorant
0. e sex. =
504. Treron Abyssinica. (Lath. Tem. Pigeons,
t. 8; Le Colombar, Le Vail, Nos. 276, 277; Cuv.,
Vol. 3, p. 938; Vinago Abyssinica, Swain. Nat. Lib.,
Vol .11,..p: 202.
Huan, neck, and breast, light olivaceous grey; body be-
neath yellow ; wing-eovers vinaceous; under tail-covers cin-
namon; back green; a bright yellow line, formed by the
edges of some of the covers and lesser quills, extends down
the wing; tail above, light cinereous; beneath with the basal
256 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
half black, the other half cinereous white. Length, 11’;
wing, 7” 3; tail, 4” 2”. ,
Le Vaillant states that he discovered his “ Colombar” in Namaqua-
land ; Sundevall shows that he has taken his figure and description
from Treron Abyssinica, which is not found in South Africa, but is
replaced by the first species, 7. Delalandi, which is found in Kaffra-
ria. I have before me a specimen of the true Abyssinica, one of
Delalandi from Kaffraria, and another from Damaraland, 7’. Australis.
This latter may be the species seen by Le Valliant, and which he has
confounded with A byssinica.
The Sub-Family, COLUMBINA, or Pigeons,
have the bill moderate, slender, with the basal portion covered
with a soft humid skin, and the apical part hard, slightly
vaulted, and acute at the tip; the nostrils forming a longi-
tudinal slit in the fore part of the soft basal portion of the
bill; the wings moderate and pointed; the tail of various
lengths, and generally rounded ; the tarsi generally short ;
the toes lengthened ; the lateral ones mostly equal, and the
hind toe about the length of the tarsus.
Genus COLUMBA, Linn.
Bill moderate, straight, the basal half of the culmen
covered with a soft cartilaginous substance, the apical half
hard, arched_and hooked to the tip, which is somewhat com-
pressed ; the nostrils placed towards the middle of the bill,
above which the skin is swollen; wings moderate and point:
ed, with the first quill shorter than the second, which is the
longest ; tail rather short, even, or rather rounded at its
end; tarsi yery short, and moderate ; toes moderate, and free
at their base, with the lateral ones equal, and the claws short,
strong, and curved.
505. Columba Guinesee. (Lin.) Temm. Pig, t. 16;
‘ Le Ramier Roussard, Le Vaill., No. 265 ; Cuv., Vol.
3, p. 79 ; Columba Trigonigera, Wagler. Nat. Lib., Vol.
8, p. 212; Bosch-Duif or Wilde-Duif of Colonists.
Heap, body beneath, rump, wings, and basal two- thirds of
tail, on upper side, cinereous, or plumbeus ; back, shoulders,
and wing-coverts, vinaceous, the latter with numerous trian-
gular white spots, which also appear on some of the cinereous
feathers of the wings; feathers of neck and breast, ruddy
vinaceous; each feather being bifid at the tip, stiff, and
inclined to cinereous, with a glossy green tint; apical third
COLUMBIDZ. 257
of tail, black on the upper side ; legs and cere round the eye,
in life, crimson; bill dark cinereous. Length, 12"; wing,
8” 9!" tail, 43”.
Common throughout the colony, nesting in rocky places, on inac-
cessible ledges and holes; never in trees. They fly in flocks when
the crops are on the ground, and do considerable damage to the agri-
culturist.
In the sea-face of the mountains, of which Cape Point forms the
extreme south, there are numerous caverns tenanted by these birds.
Some years ago I entered one of them in a boat, and for the first time
had the pleasure of seeing this fine pigeon breeding in considerable
numbers: every ledge of the cavern side was tenanted by as many
nests as could be conveniently stowed away, while the parent birds
were continually arriving or departing on their busy task of feeding
their young. The cave was unapproachable except by water, and one
would have thought that the birds would have been careless in conse-
quence in the choice of their eyrie; but not a nest was accessible. 1
have, however, obtained eggs of this species from other sources ; they.
are always two in number, glazy white, nearly similar at each end:
axis, 17’”; diameter, 12’”.
506. Columba Delagorgui, Verreaux; C. Johan-
ne, Verr.; C. Lunigera, Gr.
GENERAL colour, dark slaty grey, shading into purple brown,
except the tail and wing feathers, which are blackish ; lower
part of neck, towards the top of head, blotched with white ;
and all the neighbouring parts, in front and back, from
cheeks to breast, are iridescent, with emerald, amethyst, and
purple tints, each colour prevailing according to the position
of the bird ; the beak is black from base to centre, the rest
yellow; feet also yellow. The female differs from the male
by having the head reddish-brown, dashed with amethyst,
and by the total absence of the white blotches on the base of
the neck. Length, 30 centimeters.
Inhabits the forests in the neighbourhood of Port Natal, but is very
rare (Delagorgue’s Voyages).
507. Columba Arquatrix, Temm. Pig, +. 5;
Le Rameron, Le Vail, No. 264; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 78;
Olive-Dove and Bush-Dove of Colonists.
GENERAL colour above, dark ashy, inclining to reddish on the
back and shoulders ; light on the edge of the wing; and very
dark on the tail, over which there is a decided greenish
tinge ; wings, at the shoulders, spotted with white; forehead
vinaceous, passing into light ash-colour on the back of the
head ; chin, neck, and breast, obscure vinaceous, mottled with
258 BIRDS OF ‘SOUTH :AFRICA.
black ; belly and flanks, a mixture of vinaceous and cinereous,
with a profusion of crescent-shaped markings; bare place
round the eye; bill and legs bright yellow. Length, 13” ;
wing, 8” 9"; tail, 53”. ;
In the months of November and December these pigeons congregate
at the Knysna in vast flocks, to feed on the berries that are then ripe ;
they also extend to the Cape peninsula, migrating thither at the season
when the wild olive is in fruit, on the berries of which it greedily feeds,
whence its name. It breeds upon trees in mountain ravines, and I
have been informed lays four eggs, only two of which come to per-
fection. Two eggs which I have had given me as the eggs of this
species, are of the usual white colour and shape: axis, 1" 6”; diameter,
14”, The nest is a loose structure of sticks.
Mr. Atmore writes, under date 13th May, 1864, from near Blango :
“The large yellow-billed and yellow-legged bush-dove is breeding here
now, high on the mountain. They make their nests on the tops of the
tree-ferns. Iam trying to get some young ones for you.”
Genus ZINA, Selby.
Bill very slender, and moderate; wings lengthened, with
the first three quills nearly equal, and longer than the others ;
tail very long, aud much cuneated, with the two middle
feathers narrowed ; tarsi nearly the length of the middle toe,
and slender; toes moderate, with the lateral ones nearly equal.
508. Aina Capensis, Linn.; Selby, Pl Enl, 140;
Columba Capensis, Lath.; La Tourtelette, Le Vail.,
Nos. 273, 274; Cuv., Vol. 3, p.92; Col. Atrogularis,
Wagl. Nat. Lib, Vol. 8, p. 214.
ABOVE, ash-coloured ; bluish on the secondaries, with a rich
purple spot ; wing-feathers deep red, edged with dark-brown ;
-forehead, cheeks, chin, throat, and chest, glossy black; as
are also the under sides of the tail-feathers, the outermost of
which are blotched with white; a white bar almost hidden
by the closed wing extends across the rump, succeeded after
a little interval by a narrow black one—the ends of the tail-
coverts, black, form a third bar on the tail; bill and feet, in
life, coral-red and orange. The Q wants the black on the
head, throat, &c., and is altogether more dull in colour;
tail much elongated and graduated. Length, 103”; wing,
4"; tail, 5/9".
These lovely little pigeons extend over the whole of the colony, and
appear in all the collections made in the Interior. In the Karroo they
abound, breeding in the mimosa bushes. Their nests are rarely
placed above a man’s reach, and are simply a loose platform of sticks,
COLUMBIDA. 259
covered with fibrous roots, and on this are deposited their two delicate
cream-coloured eggs: axis, 10"; diameter, 8", similar at each end.
The young the first year are mottled. They generally fly in pairs,
but several are often seen in company. ‘The males are very salacious,
cooing to any female they chance to fall in with. I kept one in con-
finement for many months: it became very tame, and would salute my
first coming into the room in the morning with a deep, plaintive
** ¢o0-coo-00.” It was killed at last by some little love-birds (Huphemia
Elegans), that tore it to pieces. They feed entirely on grass seeds and
grain, and walk with such rapidity when feeding, that I have often
mistaken them for rats when about the farmsteads where they congre-
gate. It is probably migratory.
Genus TURTUR, Selby.
Bill slender and straight, with the top slightly arched and
acute; wings rather lengthened, with the first two quills
rather graduated, and the second and third quills the longest ;
tail moderate, even or rounded ; tarsi rather shorter than the:
middle toe, and scutellated in front; toes very long and
slender, with the outer one shorter than the inner; the claws
moderate and slightly curved.
509. Turtur Vinaceus. (Gmel.) Turtur Ery-
throphrys, Swain. Columba Le Vaillanti, Smith.
GeneErRAL colour of the back, interscapulars, wings, and tail,
grey-brown, having a strong cinereous tinge on the back, and
a slighter one on the rump and outermost wing-covers ; the
crown is of a most delicate cinereous, graduating to white in
front, and blending behind into the vinaceous red of the
nape and upper neck; the back of the neck has! a broad,
black semi-collar, margined by a narrow cinereous line; the
whole of the under plumage, as far as the belly, is vinaceous,
becoming paler on the ears, and‘almost white on the chin;
the belly, vent, flanks, and under tail-covers clear cinereous;
tail broad, and rounded; the outer half cinereous’ (almost
white beneath), and the basal half black; bill black ;. feet
dark; orbits naked, and rich red. Total length, 11”; bill
from gape, 1"; wing, 7”; tail beyond,.13”; ditto from base,
5"; tarsus, 75’; middle toe and claw, 15%;”; hinder ditto,. 3%".
As so much similarity exists. between the two turtle-doves
found in this country, | give full descriptions of both from
the careful pen of that most accurate and minute of all
describers, Swainson, whose specimen I have seen. I find,
however, much difference exists in the measurements of that
described by Mr. Swainson, or even .in two different.exam-
ples now before me, one of which came from Swellendam;
the other shot at the Knysna by Mr. Butler, the taxider-
260 * BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
mist of the Museum. In this latter the length is 122”; bill,
1” 1; wing, 7” 5"; tail, 53”; tarsus, 1”; middle toe and
claw, 1” 5’; hinder ditto, 9”.
The collector may at once distinguish the species even on
the wing, by the white outside tail-feathers of 7. Semitorqua-
tus: these are particularly visible when the bird alights, as
it then spreads its tail, probably to break its fall.
510. Turtur Semitorquatus, Swain, Nat. Lib.
11, p.208; 7. Albiventris, Gray; T. Risorioides, Temm.
GENERAL colour of the upper plumage, drab-brown ;. nearly
of the same tint as the last; but the top of the head and
nape, instead of being delicate French grey, is of the same
vinaceous as the under parts, the front, as is usual in this
family, being much paler ; behind the neck is a semi-circular
black collar, as in the last; the wing-covers are very light
cinereous, With whitish edges; but this tint blends on the
scapulars into the drab-brown of the back; the under plu-
mage is vinaceous, palest on the chin, and changing into a
cream-coloured white on the belly, vent, thighs, and under
tail-covers, these parts being of a full cinereous in the last
species ; the basal half of the four outer pair of tail-feathers
is deep black; the other portion is more or less white, accord-
ing to their distance from the two central pair, which are
drab-brown, tinged with cinereous; on their under surface
the terminal half of these feathers is much whiter, and the
base much blacker ; bill black ; feet pale-red; the orbits are
more feathered than in the last, and there is no red tinge on |
the naked skin; above all, the inner toe is one-twentieth of
an inch /onger than the outer. In Erythrophrys this propor-
tion is almost reversed, or at least the inner toe is not even
equal to the outer. Total length, 10”; bill gape, .8,”; wing,
54"; tail, base, 4”; tarsus, hardly 4%’; middle toe and
claw, 3%".
In specimens before us there are differences of admeasure-
ments equally as great as those quoted in the description of the
last species; indeed, they are so apparent in some specimens
as to lead one almost to believe there are several races, if not
species. The same differences are also observable among our
Francolins, not attributable to locality or age, or any ascer-
tainable cause, as both large and small may be killed from
the same covey.
T. Semitorquata is very abundant all over the colony ; 7. Hrythro-
phrys rather less so. Both frequent the same places, breeding even in
Cape Town. The nests are simply rude platforms of sticks, covered
COLUMBIDA, 261.
with a thin layer of fine roots, through which the eggs (two in num-
ber, oval, and pure white: axis, 13"; diameter, 11") are, in most
instances, plainly visible from below.
511. Turtur Senegalensis. (Linn) Temm,, Pig, t.
45; C. Maculicollis, Wagler; La Tourterelle Mallee,
Le Vail., No. 270 ; C. Cambayensis, Gm.; Cuv., Vol.
3, p. 84; C. &gyptiaca, Lath. ; Laughing-Dove of
- Colonists.
Heap, neck, and breast vinaceous; chin almost white;
breast marked with black ;* wings, flanks, rump, and upper
side of tail cinereous, darkest on the tail, the two centre
feathers of which are tinged with ashy, while the three outer
pair have the apical half white; shoulders deep rufous; .
belly whitish ; vent quite white. Length, 10”; wing, 5” 3”;
tail, 5”. ;
This elegant dove is found throughout the colony, and is well
known from the peculiarity of its note, which somewhat resembles a
human laugh. It frequents the same localities as do the two preced-
ing species, and is often mistaken for them when on the wing. A
hen-bird, attracted by the call of the male of the Australian Geotrwpes
Tranquilla in my aviary, entered the room and was captured. I kept
her in confinement a few days, and finally let her loose: To my
astonishment she appeared in the evening on the window-sill to pick
up the seed spilt there accidentally. She remained about the house
and garden, sometimes venturing into the room, and in the breeding
season sought a mate and bred in one of the oak-trees close to the
window. Her first nest was destroyed by a mischievous boy; but
she made another, and brought off the young one, which together with
herself and mate are daily to be found morning and evening, feeding
in the garden, unmindful of our presence. They have also associated
with them Turtur Brythrophrys and a Java sparrow. Subsequently
they attracted many of their own species, and I have counted as many
as sixteen in the garden at once. Hggs taken from the nest of this
bird measure—axis, 13’”; diameter, 10’. They are the usual pure
glossy white.
The Sub-Family, GOURINA, or Ground-
Pigeons,
have the bill moderate, more or less slender, straight, with
the apical portion generally strong and vaulted; the wings
moderate, and pointed ; the tail moderate, and rounded on
the sides; the tarsi as long as, or longer than, the middle
* The peculiar marking of the breast represented by the French ‘‘ Maillée” is
eaused by the black of the basal half of the feathers appearing through the bifurcated
tips of those that overlap them, ¢i/e-wese,
262 BIRDS OF, SOUTH, AFRICA.
toe, and robust ; the toes long and margined on. their sides.
with a membrane, and the hind toe usually long and slender ;
the claws short and curved.
Genus PERISTERA, Swainson.
Bill lengthened, slender; wings pointed; the second quill
longest ; tail moderate ; tarsi rather short ; lateral toes equal ;
hinder toe very short, not more than half the length of the
middle toe.
512. Peristera Tympanistria. (Temm.) Pig, 6.
36; Columba Tympanistria, Temm. ; Tympanistria
Bicolor, Bp.; Le Turterelle Tambourette, Le Vail., No.
272; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 83.
GENERAL colour above, on the vent and tail-feathers fuscous-
brown, with a few dark-green, iridescent spots about’
the centre ‘of the wing; forehead, stripe over the eye, and
the under parts, pure white; inner webs of the wing-feathers
and flanks, clear rufous. Length, 83”; wing, 44”; tail, 2” 9!”
Confined to the forest districts apparently. I found if common at
the Knysna; but though continually heard, it was difficult to procure,
as it possesses the power of throwing its voice to a distance like a
ventriloquist, thus deceiving the hunter, who often creeps from the
tree on which the bird is actually perched.
513. Peristera Afra. (Linn) Pl. Enl. 160; Temm.
Pig, t. 38, 39; Le Tourterelle Emeraudine, Le Vail.,
No. 271; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 83; Turtur Chalvospilos,
Wagler (Swain.), Nat. Lib, Vol. 11, p. 210.
‘GENERAL colour above, cinereous-brown; forehead, light
cinereous ; top of head, lead-coloured ; across the lower part
of the back is a white stripe, on each side of which is a broad
black one; three narrow bands of the same colour extend
across the tail-coverts, the last one being on the tips of the
feathers ; on the centre of the wings are two or three large
spots of brilliant purple and green, while the inner webs of
the wing-feathers are bright rufous; under plumage, vinace-
ous, lightest on the vent; under surface of the tail, and
tail -coverts, black; the basal half of the outer web of the
former, and part of the three outer pair of the latter, white.
Length, 73" ; wing, 4” 5’; tail, 33”.
Le Vaillant appears to have found this species abundant about the
Gamtoos, the Lourie, and Van Staden’s Rivers, and throughout
Kafirland. Only one specimen. has, however, reached my hands, and
for this the Museum is indebted to Mr. J. D. Hugo, of Worcester,
pay COLUMBID. 268
‘near which place he shot it on the 3rd of September, 1862. “Mr.
Atmore recently forwarded ‘anothér specimen from the Long Kloof
(Sept., 1865).
514. Peristera Larvata. (Temm.) Pigeons, t. 51 ;
La Tourterelle & Masque Blane, Le Vail, 269;
Columba Erythrothorax, Temm. Pig., t. 72 Cinnamon-
Dove of Colonists.
GerneERAL colour above, dark-brown; back of the neck and
head vinaceous, iridescent, with a beautiful coppery-green ;
forehead, top of head, and throat, white; under parts vinace-
ous, inclining to rufous on the belly and vent, and iridescent
on the breast, with a coppery gloss ; tail-feathers above, with
the exception of the two central pair, cinereous-brown ;
cinereous on the tips, below the same, but the brown is
darker, the-cinereous lighter; thighs brown. Length, 105";
wing, 63”; tail, 3’ 9".
‘Not uncommon about Rondebosch, near Cape Town. Found also
plentifully at the Knysna. Keeps to wooded places, and feeds on
berries. I have not yet obtained its nest.
Besides the species here enumerated, four other pigeons are spoken
of by Le Vaillantias being found in South Africa; of these, two are
natives respectively of Mauritius and Madagascar, and the remaining
two of Le Vaillant’s imagination. It is very improbable that the two
former ever reached the Cape ; certain it is that if they did so in Le
‘Vaillant’s time, when the colony was in the charming state of nature
and innocence personified by the lovely Narina, they have deserted
it in disgust in these present days of refinement and crinoline. I
include them in this catalogue, however, for the reasons already given.
515. Columba Francie, Lath. ; Shaw, Vol. 11, p.
3; Le Ramier Herissé, Le Vail., No. 267 ; Columba
Jubata, Wagler; Alectroena Nitidissima, Bp.
GernErat colour, indigo-blue; head, neck, and throat covered
with stiff white feathers ; tail red.
Le Vaillant states that he procured five of these birds in Great
Namaqualand ; but Sundevall doubts this, and says that the species
has not been found except in Mauritius. I have never heard of any-
thing like the bird being seen in South Africa.
516. Carpophaga (?) Madagascariensis,
Gmel., Temm., Pig. t., 17 ; Columba Madagascariensis,
Shaw, Vol. 11, p.9; C. Phenicura, Wagler ; Le Ra-
mier Founingo, Le Vail., No. 266; Cuyv., Vol. 3, p. 80.
GeneERAL colour throughout (with the exception of the tail,
which is red), dark indigo-blue, with a violet lustre.
Le Vaillant states that this species arrives in Kaffraria in the month
of February, from the Island of Madagascar ; but that, being very shy,
264 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
and frequenting the tops of the highest trees, they are very difficult to
obtain. Sundevall doubts their ever reaching South Africa; and I
have never heard of any being seen here of late years, at all events.
517. Columba Carunculata, Temm,, Pig. t, 2;
Le Colombi-galline, Le Vail. No. 278; Cuv., Vol.
3, p. 72; Goura Carunculata, Shaw, Vol. 11, p. 123.
GerneERAL colour, slaty-blue, with a white rump ; large wattles
pendant from the bill, and extending along the chin, crimson.
Stated by Le Vaillant, loc. cit., toinhabit Namaqualand; but Sun-
devall shows that two specimens from Le Vaillant’s collection now
exist in the Leyden Museum, which are nothing more than the com-
mon European C. Livia, with false wattles attached.
518. Columba Hottentota, Temm, Pig. t, 15 ;
Columba Gularis, Wagler; Le Colombi-Caille, Le
Vail. No. 283; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 75; Shaw, Vol. 11,
p. 131.
GENERAL colour above, deep-red ; forehead, chin, and throat,
white; under parts, grey-brown, with scale-like markings
ef black, bordered with white. Length about five inches.
This species, statediby Le Vaillant to inhabit the mountains of
Great Namaqualand, is affirmed by Sundevall to be fictitious.
Order VY. GALLINA. Linneus.
Tue Fifth Order, GaLLinm, contains the Game Birds, which
have the tarsi lengthened, robust, and sometimes armed with
a spur, or spurs; the toes more or less lengthened, but
always connected at their base by a membrane; the hind
toe more or less developed, and when present more or less
elevated from the ground.
The Third Family, PHASIANIDA, or
Pheasants, :
have the bill moderate, with the culmen arched to the tip,
which overhangs that of the lower mandible, and the sides
compressed, the wings moderate, and much rounded; the
tail more or less lengthened and broad; the tarsi moderate,
usually armed with a spur or spurs; the toes moderate, the
anterior ones united at the base by a membrane; the hind
toe short and elevated.
The Sub-Family, MELEAGRINA, or Turkeys,
have the tail more or less short and. pendant. The head and
neck denuded of plumes, or only covered with scattered hairs,
‘or carunculated ; the base of the lower mandible sometimes
wattled. | .
Genus NUMIDA, Linneus.
Bill moderate; the sides compressed, and the culmen
arched to the tip, which hangs over that of the lower man-
dible, and the lateral margins smooth and curved; the
nostrils large, oval, and partly covered by a membrane ;
wings moderate, with the first four quills graduated, and
shorter than the fifth, which is the longest; tail short and
pendant ; tarsi longer than the middle toe, covered in front
with broad, divided scales; toes moderate: the anterior ones
266 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRIKA,
united by a membrane at their base; the inner toe shorter
than the outer; and the hind toe rather short and elevated ;
the claws short, and very slightly curved.
519. Numida Mitrata; Pallas. Spic. Zool. IV,
Gi oh de
GenERAL colour, dark-grey, profusely spotted with round
white spots; on the outer edges of the wing-feathers these
spots are replaced by dashes ; and on the neck they are very
small, run into each other, and become indistinct bars; head
bare, with a casque in some specimens L” 6’ in length; tip—
horny, yellow; base, with top and back of head, cere, and
tip of wattles, pendant from base of upper mandibles, bright
crimson; neck bare, sparsely sprinkled with hairs, and toge-
ther with bare space round eye, brilliant sky-blue. Length,
16” to 17”; wing, 113”; tail, 6”.
This species extends over the whole of the frontier districts, into
Ovampoland on the West, and-to the Mogambie on the East. It is
still abundant in some places within the colony, where the mimosa
bush affords it sufficient shelter. It feeds on grain and insects, and
lays from seven to ten eggs, rather sharply pointed at the small and
rounded at the obtuse end, of adark cream colour, minutely dotted
all over with pin-point spots of brown: axis, 2” 1"; diameter, 1" 7”:
In reply to some queries of mine, as to whether my friend Mrs.
Barber hind ever seen a wild bird with white quill-feathers, she
writes :—‘ With regard to guinea-fowl. They are still very numerous
in several partially-wooded districts of the Eastern Province, but
more especially in the valley of the Great Fish River, which is their
stronghold, and I have been accustomed to see them occasionally all
my life; but I have never seen a wild one with white feathers in its
wings. It is contrary to thé laws of natural: selection (in-which I am
a believer) for nature to produce any form that is useless or hurtful to
her, such as white wing-feathers would be to wild guinea-fowls, for
they would at once point out to wild-cats, owls, hawks, and sports-
men, the direction in which the bird had flown or ran (for in crossing ”
all rough places they open their wings while running); and I am
inclined to think that if they do occur in any part of the colony with
white wings, itis when they have accidentally been crossed with the
tame, white-breasted guinea-fowl, that is so common (especially
amongst the Dutch colonists) nearly all over the colony. Our wild
ones are easily tamed, and you frequently see both sorts together upon
farmers’ homesteads on the frontier. Our South African species is
altogether a much handsomer and larger bird than the tame, white-
breasted sort, and is of a much deeper colour, with the white spots
larger and more conspicuous. They are good layers, and rear their
young much in the same way as our pheasants do. If the female bird
is startled she flies off and leaves her*young ones, who at once disperse
in every direction; and hide so cunningly amongst the grass and bushes
that they are seldom found; and the dear little creatures will reiwain
TETRAONID. 267
for any length of time in their hiding-places until they are called
together again by the shrill note of the parent bird. Im the Fish
River valley they roost upon the willow branches that project over the
large holes of water, out of the reach of wild-cats. Sir Walter Currie
has upwards of an hundred of these beautiful birds upon his property
(Oatlands) at Graham’s Town: they are thoroughbred South African
ones, with dark wings.. I will try and get you a skin of one some-
where. As I have friends in the Fish River, where they are numerous,
I will ask some of them to get me a skin.—M. E. B.”
520. Numida Cristata, Pall.; Shaw, Nat. Misc
PY. 757; Lath, Gen. His, SVLIE: p. 148; NW. Agyp-
tiaca, Lathes Hart. O. W. Af, p. 200.
GENERAL colour, ‘bib profusely spotted with small blue
spots running into bars on some of the wing-feathers; head
and neck bare, blue, with the exception ae the chin and
throat, which are red ; top of head ornamented with a tuft of
black, stiffish feathers. Length 18”; wing, 11”.
An’ inhabitant of Natal, according to M. J. Verreaux; quoted by
Hartlaub, loc. cit. ; but I have never heard of any species trom that’
loeality except the common N. Mitrata. I obtained the specimen
from which my description is taken at Zanzibar.
The Fourth Family, TETRAONIDA, or
Grouse,
nats the bill more or less long, broad at the base, and the
sides compressed, with the culmen arched to the tip, which
is obtuse ; the nostrils basal, lateral, sometimes covered with
feathers, or protected with a naked hard scale; the wings
short and rounded; the tail more or less lengthened and
rounded ; the tarsi strong, sometimes.clothed with plumes, or °
naked and scutellated; the hind toe moderate and elevated.
The Sub-Family, PERDICIN/A, or Partridgeés,’
have the margins of the bill entire, and the nostrils. protected
by a naked, hard-scale; the tarsi long, naked,’ covered in
front with divided scales, and sometimes ardied with spurs,
or blunt tubercles.
Genus FRANCOLINUS, Stephens..
Bill more or less long,, with the culmen at the base dividing
the frontal plumes, and the apical half arched to the. tip,
which is obtuse, and sometimes advancing much over that of
the lower mandible; the sides compressed; the nostrils
lateral, basal, the opening placed in a nasal groove, and
268 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
covered by a hard rounded scale; wings moderate and
rounded, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills longest ;
tail short, sometimes nearly concealed by the coverts ; tarsi
strong, as long as, or shorter than, the middle toe, armed
in the males with a spur, or tubercle, on each leg; toes
more or less long, the fore toes united at their base by a
membrane, with the lateral ones nearly equal, the outer rather
the longest; the hind toe short; the claws moderate, and
slightly curved.
521. Francolinus Clamator ; Perdi« Clamator,
Temm.; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 49; Pheasant of Colonists.
BLACKIsH-BRowN, each feather longitudinally marked with
narrow whitish lines, converging to the shaft; top of head,
dark-brown ; chin and part of throat, white; feathers of
neck brown, with white edges, giving this portion a mailed
appearance ; feathers of belly and flanks, dark-brown, sparsely
mottled with white, and with a broad white line down the
centre. Length, 14” to 16”; wing, 8"; tail, 4”.
The “pheasant” is found throughout the whole of the maritime
districts of the colony, delighting in bushy kloofs and water-courses,
from which it is driven with difficulty, owing to its habit of perching
on branches, just out of the reach of dogs. It at all times prefers to
escape by running, instead of flying; and on Robben Island, where it
abounds, having been placed there some years ago, whole flocks may
be thased for a mile or more in full view without once taking wing.
They usually, on these occasions, make for the rocks on the beach, and
will run out to the farthest extremity, regardless of the surf breaking
over them. Like the other Francolins of the colony, they feed
during the morning and evenings on bulbs, grain, and insects; form
their nests under a bush, and lay from eight to fourteen eggs, of a
greenish-brown colour: axis, 1" 10’; diameter, 1" 6”. They are
noisy clamorous birds, their harsh calls being heard to a great
distance. At Zoetendal’s Vley they consort with the domestic fowls,
coming close up to the house to feed.
I have kept them in confinement, and observe that they always seek
the highest lateral branch as a roost at night. A strange disease
affects them when in a cage—a kind of opthalmia—their eyes swell to
a great size, and they become perfectly blind, if the complaint does not
end in death. They have been introduced into New Zealand and
Australia, and will, I am convinced, soon become naturalized.
522. Francolinus Nudicollis, Lath.; Tetrao
Nudicollis, Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 49; Perdia Capensis,
Lath ; Red-necked Pheasant of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, brown, the feathers of the back having
_a black stripe down the centre ; those of chest cinereous, with
TETRAONIDA, 269
black centre stripe; those of neck white, with black stripe,
very broad; feathers of breast, belly, and flanks, dark
brownish-black, with a white stripe running up each side of
the shaft ; chin, fore part of throat, and space round the eye,
bare, and bright crimson. Length, 13” to 15”; wing, 7" ;
tail, 43”
The “red-necked pheasant” is only found in wooded districts, such
as the fcrests of George and the Knysna, where it replaces F'. Clamator,
and which it resembles in all its habits,—the call is, however, different.
Mr. Atmore has it on his farm at Kykoe, in the Long Kloof; and Iam
informed that it is very common on the frontier. About Swellendam,
likewise, it is plentiful ; and at Mr. Moodie’s farm, Grootvadersbosch, it
is equally abundant as the common pheasant. On this farm I killed
all four Francolins usually found in the colony, viz., F. Clamator, F.
Nudiolhs, F. Afer, and F. Levaillantii.
523. Francolinus Adspersus, Waterhouse ;
Alex. Exp. of Discov., Vol. 2, p. 267.
TurovucHout of a mottled, brownish-grey, brownest on the
back and wings, where the marking is finest ; below, the white
and dark-brown are pretty evenly divided into narrow, irregu-
lar transverse lines; on the neck they assume the appear-
ance of scales ; from the base of the bill over the nostrils
is a small black patch; a black line also extends from the
angle of the bill under the eye; bill and legs red; and there
appears a bare space round the eye, probably red. Length,
12"; wing, 7"; tail, 32” —_.
Found about the Orange River, and northward through the country
to Ovampoland. It appears from all accounts to be very common,
and to replace the “ pheasant,” which it somewhat resembles.
524. Francolinus Swaipsoniil, Sm, Z S.A,
p. 13.
GENERAL colour, brown; each feather of the back with a
dark stripe down the centre, and finely mottled ; under parts
rusty, or yellowish-grey ; the breast and lower part of neck
darkest, each feather marked in the course of the shaft by a
very dark umber stripe; chin, throat, and space round the
eyes bare, and of a colour between lake and vermilion-red ;
top of head brocoli-brown. Length, 14”; wing, 8” 3”;
tail, 3” 6”
The expedition under Dr. A. Smith first found this Francolin in a
valley immediately south of Kurichane, perching on the branches of
decayed trees near the margin of a small rivulet. To these places they
‘appear to resort at night, fesding by day on the banks of rivers. In
*H
270 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
this, and in their habit of effecting their escape by -fleetness of foot,
rather than by taking wing, they resemble the colonial Clamator and
Nudicollis, to which they are closely allied. Mr. Andersson procured
it in Damaraland.
525. Francolinus Afer, Tem.; Shaw, Vol. 11, p.
323; F. Afra, Lath.; Perdix Capensis, Lath., apnd.
J. W. Grill, Victorin’s list; Greywing-Partridge of
Colonists.
GENERAL colour, light cinereous, approaches to ashy on the
breast and belly, variegated on the back with very. dark
blotches, rufous transverse bars, and a light streak down the
shaft of each feather ; breast and flanks much. blotched with
deep rufous ; belly and vent much mottled with transverse,
narrow bars of blackish-brown, assuming an arrow-headed
form on the shafts of many of the feathers; chin, throat, and
stripe extending from the back of the eye almost to the
shoulder, white, mottled with black, disposed more or less in
_ the shape of a circle; a broad rufous band, more or less
mottled with black, extends from the forehead over the head
down the neck ; a similar band less in breadth, and scarcely
mottled, extends from the bill under the eye, and joins the
rufous marking of the chest; tail dark-brown, barred with
rufous. Length, 12”; wing, 6”; tail, 3”.
Inhabits the maritime districts in considerable number, feeding on
bulbs and insects, which it digs up from the ground with its powerful
hooked bill. About Beaufort, itis only found on the mountain tops.
It nests among bushes, forming a loose structure of grass and roots, in
a depression in the soil. Its eggs, six to eight in number, vary in
colour from a greenish-brown to a dark-brown, or a light-greenish,
almost white. All are, however, minutely spotted with brown pin-
points: axis, 1” 6” ; diameter, 1’ 2”.
It feeds during the early morning and evening during hot weather,
sheltering itself from the rays of the sun during the hotter portions of
the day under thick bushes, from which it rises readily on being
pursued. It can, however, run with great swiftness, and a winged bird,
unless followed by a good dog, is sure to escape.
This species, and ¥. Clamator, live tolerably well in confinement, and
may be acclimatised, I think, in Mauritius, St. Helena, Australia, New
Zealand, and elsewhere. F. Afer might perhaps be introduced into
England ; but it is a dry, tasteless bird compared with the European
partridge.
526. Francolinus Levaillantii, Tem.; Pl. Col,
Pl.477; Smith, Z.S. A, Pl. 85; Perdia Levaillantit,
Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 49 ; Red-wing-Partridge of Colonists.
Mvucu resembling the preceding species, but easily distin-
guishable from it by its larger size, darker and brighter
TETRAONIDA, 971
markings, the uninterrupted broad, rufous bands of the neck,
and black, mottled collar.
General colour grey, mottled on the back with very dark
markines on each feather ; down the centre of which, and on
the shaft, is a rather broad light buff stripe, inclining often-
times to white; top of head mottled-brown ; a narrow white
band, much mottled with black, extends from the nostrils
over each cye, unites at the back of the head, and extending
down to the nuchal collar behind ; a similar band extends
from the same place under the eye across the ear, and sweeps
round to the chest, where it extends into a broad crescent-
shaped gorget ; between these two bands is one of deep
orange rufous, enclosing the eye, widening as it passes over the
ear, and spreading backwards to the nuchal collar and for-
ward to the gorget; the fore part of the throat is of the
same colour; the chin albescent; below the gorget, the chest,
belly, and flanks are beautifully mottled with deep rufous,
and brown; wing-feathers, inside, deep rufous. Length,
13”; wing, 6” 6”; tail, 3” 3".
This very handsome bird is in the Western districts extremely local,
frequenting isolated spots, generally secluded vallies between high
mountain ranges, through which flows a mountain stream. In the
palmiet which crowds the morasses formed by the unrestrained waters,
and crouching amid the tufts of coarse grass and reeds, these birds
may be found ; and I have often killed one with my first barrel, anda
snipe with the second.
They lie very close, and on several occasions I have actually parted
the grass under the pointer’s nose to allow the birds 'orise. If
flushed a second time and well marked down, they may often be
caught with the hand, as they will hardly rise again. In dry weather
they keep so close to the dense palmiet, that i: is impossible to
get them out. I am informed that in the Eastern districts it affects
the hill sides, and does not frequent morasses. This I found to be the
case at Grootvadersbosch, except that the places in which they lived
were always covered with long grass and rushes, indicating that they
were always more damp than the surrounding country, and in the
rainy season were probably swamps.
Mr. Atmore makes the following observations on these birds :—
“‘ Here’s a query for you about partridges. The drought appeared to
have nearly destroyed them, particularly the red-wings, and now they
are swarming. They could not have increased so much in the time. and
I can’t make out where they come from. We had a little work near
Heidelberg, and in one kloof, say one mile long, we saw more than
one hundred birds. From that place we went to Riversdale: killed five
out of the cart ; between Riversdale and Gouritz River, killed seven and
one korhaan ; between Gouritz River and Blanco fifteen, and shot only
what presented themselves. On this journey we killed more than [
saw altogether in two years of the drought. Again, two years ago, in
this Outeniqualand, Red Kestrils were numberless, preying upon
locusts. Last year rain had falleg, and very few Kestri/s were seen,
272 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
but Harriers were numerous; at present neither Kestril nor Harrier
is seen but rarely. South African birds appear to be very migratory,
and irregularly so—probably food is the cause.”
527. Francolinus Gariepensis, Smith, Zool.
S. Af, PL 83, 84, |
ForrHEAD, upper surface of head, and back of neck, dul
reddish-brown ; all the feathers edged with pale rusty
orange; sides of neck, with two arched liver-brown bars,
mottled with white, the upper one originating at the outer
feathers of the eye; the other at the base of the lower jaw,
and separated from each other by a rusty orange stripe,
mottled with umber-brown; the superior of these arches ter-
minates at the base of the neck, the other joins its fellow on
the opposite side, and forms a dark semicircle in front of
the neck; chin and upper portion of throat, white; lower
portion, breast, belly, and vent, reddish-orange, blotched on
the throat, breast, and flanks with deep rusty, and on the
belly with very dark-brown; upper surface of back, ashy-
brown, mottled with rusty, transversely barred with brown,
and longitudinally streaked down the shafts of the feathers
with brownish-white. Length, 14’; wing, 6” 9’; tail,
3! Qi
Found by Dr. Smith towards the sources of the Caledon and Vaal
Rivers, from whence Mr. Arnot has likewise forwarded it to the South
African Museum. It bears, as Dr. Smith remarks, a strong resemblance
to F. Levaillantii, but is not so dark. Found about grassy slopes.
528. Francolinus Pileatus, Sm, Z S. Af, p.
14; Perdix Sephena, Smith, Rept. 8. Af. Exp.
Urrrr surface of head, rusty-grey, clouded with brown ;
stripe of the eye, chin, and throat white ; sides of neck and
nuchal collar, white, spotted with red; back, rufous-grey,
the shoulders most rufous, each feather having a broad
whitish line down the shaft; central tail-feathers light-
brown, delicately mottled with darker brown ; outer feathers
dark-brown; breast and belly, cream-yellow, the former
marked with triangular reddish-brown spots at the point,
and a similar coloured line in the centre of each feather;
the latter minutely barred with fine brown transverse lines.
Length, 13” 6’; wing, 6” 6”; tail, 4”.
Found by the expedition under Dr. A. Smith on the banks of the
Marikwa River, north of Kurrichane, frequenting open localities, and
feeding in grassy places, on bulbs, seeds, and insects.
TETRAONIDA. 273
529. Francolinus Natalensis, Smith, S A.
J.. Vol. 2, p. 483; IIL Zool, PL 13; Francolinus
Lechoho, Smith.
Tor of head, back, scapulars, shoulders, and tail, light-
brown, finely mottled with brownish-black and tawny white,
the formér in the shape of longitudinal blotches upon the
scapulars; eyebrows, sides of head, neck, breast, and ante-
rior part of belly, variegated black and white; posterior
part of belly, vent, and under tail-coverts, a mixture of
black, tawny white, and light-brown; bill reddish-brown,
legs, toes, and claws, reddish-yellow ; eyes brown. Length;
121”; wing, 7”; tail, 3”.
Inhabits brushwood thickets in the vicinity of Natal—Dr. A.
Smith loc. cit., and Mr. Ayres, Ibis., Vol., 1860, p. 215. This
species appears to represent F. Clamator at Natal, and bears a
considerable resemblance to it. Its food, according to Mr. Ayres,
consists of insects and seeds ; and, like its congener, it runs with great
rapidity, and takes refuge in trees when roosting or disturbed.
530. Francolinus Subtorquatus, Smith, Zool.
S. Af, Pl 15, 2; Perdia Coqui, Smith, Report S.
Af. Expedition.
Uprer part of head, deep rufous-brown, dashed with a
tinge of purple; eyebrow, ear-coverts, back, and sides of
the neck, pale ochry-red ; sides of head crossed by two fine
black lines, one above and one below the eye, the former
terminates on the side of the neck, behind the ear-coverts,
the latter, which springs from the base of the bill, descends
towards the throat, and with the corresponding one of the
opposite side, forms a narrow lunated collar across the
throat; chest and narrow nuchal collar, vinaceous, with
white shafts to the feathers; belly, flanks, and vent, creamy-
white, barred with broadish-black or dark-brown markings ;
back rusty-grey, with rufous and dark-brown transverse
markings, and white centre to the feathers, resembling in
the distribution of the colours /. Afra. Length, 10”; wing,
Geren oe tal, 2
Found by Dr. Smith’s expedition near the Tropic of Capricorn,
upon the slopes of stony hills covered with brushwood. Mr.
Arnot has forwarded specimens obtained in the Free State ; and Mr.
Ayres has procured it at Natal
Dr. Smith’s description is taken from an old female. The male
differs considerably: its colours are much brighter and darker on the
back; the throat and chin are bright rufous; there are no signs of
~
274 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
the black collar and stripes on these parts; the chest has the same
ground colour as the lower parts, and is closely and deeply marked
with black bars.
Specimens of both sexes now before me are armed witha spur on
each leg; that of the male being the most developed. This armature
is common to allour Francolins ; the Q assuming it as she gets old.
Genus COTURNIX, Mehring.
Bill short, more or less elevated at the base and arched to
the tip, which is obtuse; the sides compressed ; the nostrils
basal, lateral, and covered by a hard scale; wings moderate,
with the second, third, and fourth quills the longest; tail
very short, mostly hidden by the coverts, and pendant; tarsi
short, covered in front with divided scales, and unarmed ;
toes moderate, united at their base, with the inner toe shorter
than the outer; the hind toe short; the claws short and
slightly curved.
531. Coturnix Dactylisonans. (Temm.) Cotur-
mix Mayor, Bris.; C. Europea, Swain.; C. Vulgaris,
Jard. Gould. B. of Eur., Pl. 263; Tetrao Coturnia,
Lin,, Pl, Enl. 170 ; Coturnia Communis, Bonn. ; The
Quail.
ABoVE brown, variegated with grey and black ; the shafts of
many of the feathers with a broad white stripe; head dark-
brown, with a light buff stripe down the centre, and over
each eye; throat and chest, dee» rufous; the former in the
male with a black patch down the centre, the latter with
faint-whitish lines down the shafts of the feathers; flanks
longitudinally richly variegated with dark-brown, black, and
pale buff; belly light yellow-brown, immaculate. Length,
Gi Gls wane ST OM 5: Gaal eo ee
The common quail arrives at this, the most southern limit of its
migration, about the end of August (sometimes as early as the 15th),
in great numbers. At first, if the corn crops are not sufficiently high to
afford it the necessary cover, it frequents the grassy plains and stunted
bushes It breeds in the standing crops, depositing its eggs in a mere
depression of the soil, sometimes without even a few shreds of grass
to protect the eggs from the ground. The eggs, from six to twelve in
number, are of a yellowish ground, more or less spotted and blotched
with dark-brown: axis, 1” 3’”; diameter, 12/”.
The young birds run the instant they are excluded, and are attended
by both parents, who will feign lameness and tumble about before the
dog, or hunter, in order to draw him from their brood. ‘The male
generally begins this manceuvre, while the female leads off the little
chicks ; but should he not succeed, she will perform the same tricks
TETRAONIDA. ew OTS
with tenfold more boldness, and frequently falls a prey to her maternal
solicitude. Ihave at this moment in my aviary a female thus cap-
tured, with two of her brood. I have observed from these birds that
the migratory desire is evidently strongest at night. At this season,
though perfectly quiescent during the day, my birds fly up and dash
themselves against the wires at all hours of the night, particularly
during moonlight. This could not have been from any terror, as they
were quite tame at the time, feeding from my hand, and scratching
on my palm to obtain some desired seed that their little quick eyes
discriminated in the mass thus offered to them. Some quails remain
with us all the year round. On Robben Island, for instance, ten or
twelve brace may be shot any day in the year. Why they should
choose this barren spot, eight or ten miles from land, in the mouth
of Table Bay, I cannot conceive. The farmers declare that every
seven years.the numbers of quail exceed those that visit us during
the intermediate six. During one of these “years of plenty,” I
bagged forty brace in one day, and lost many more.
532. Coturnix Histrionica, Hartl, Rev. et Mag.
de Zool. 1849, p. 495; C. Delegorquet, Deleg.; C.
Crucigera, Heugl. Uebers, p. 51.
ABove, fuscus cinereous, with black and white transverse
markings; feathers of the back and the wing-coverts
marked with longitudinal white patches, bordered and cen-
tered with black; top of head and back of neck brown;
eyetrows, and a little mark on the top of head, white; a
short band between the nostrils and the eye, and others
beneath the eyes, black ; throat and fore part of neck white;
the centre spots black, and anchor-shaped; the greater part
of chest black ; belly intense rufous, the larger spots black ;
under tail-covers white ; under the wings white ; bill black;
legs yellow ; irides yellow. Length, 7” 2’; wing, 3” 8”.
Inhabits Kaffraria, teste Delegorque et Wahlberg.—Hartl., loc. cit.
- I think that a specimen of this quail was purchased by the Count de
Castelnau in a collection of birds made near Swellendam. I could not,
obtain a description of it; but, as far as my memory serves me, the
foregoing is not unlike the bird.
The Sub-Family, TURNICINA, or Bush-Quails,
have the bill moderate, straight, and the sides compressed to
the tip, which slightly overhangs that of the lower mandible;
the nostrils lateral, and placed in a nasal groove, that reaches
beyond half the length of the bill, with the opening linear,
and protected by a long scale; the wings rather short, and
rounded ; the tail short, and almost concealed by the dorsal
feathers; the tarsi moderate and strong; the toes usually
three in number, long, and free.at their base, the outer toe
longer than the inner.
276 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus TURNIX, Bonnaterre.
Bill moderate and straight, with the culmen more or less
elevated at the base, but always curved, and the sides com-
pressed to the tip, which hangs over that of the lower mandi-
ble ; the gonys moderate and ascending; the nostrils lateral,
basal, and placed in a long groove, with the opening linear,
and closed by a scale; wings rather short, with the first,
second, and third quills equal and longest ; the tertials rather
shorter than the primaries; tail short and graduated ; tarsi
longer than the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with
transverse scales; toes long, and rather slender, with the
outer toe longer than the inner, the hind toe wanting; the
claws short, slender, and slightly curved.
533. Turnix Hottentotus, Vieil.; Pig. et Gal,
Vol. 3, p. 557; Hemipodius Hottentotus, Temm. ; Cuv.
Vol. 3, p. 64; Shaw, Vol. 11, p. 321; Riet-Quartel,
and Sand-Quail of Colonists. :
Axsove, variegated black, brown, and white: the colours so
disposed on each feather as to make the bird appear scaley ;
sides of the head, chin, throat, and breast, clear rufous, the
sides of the latter variegated with a few black and white
bars ; belly and flanks albescent ; vent, pale-rufous. Length,
6” 4”; wing, 3” 4”; tail, 12”. ;
This handsome little bird is found sparingly throughout the colony,
evidently in the most southern part of the continent, taking the place
of the next species, H. Lepurana. I never saw more than two
together, rarely even that. It frequents grassy places, and reeds in dry
vleys, whence its name. When flushed, it flies a short distance, drops
into cover, and instantly decamps, running with great rapidity. It feeds
on seeds and insects, and is usually very fat. It remains with us all
the year round, and I am told breeds in vleys, laying from seven to ten
eggs, like those of the common quail, but smaller, and only minutely
spotted.
534. Turnix Lepurana; Hemipodius Lepurana
Smith, Zool]. S. A, Pl. 16.
Matz, above, ground colour, intermediate between pale
rufous and light chesnut; upper surface of head barred with
brown; on the neck, back, and shoulders, numerous slender,
black-brown bars, or irregular crescents ; eyebrows, sides of
head, and stripe between base of bill and nape of neck, rusty-
white; chin and throat dull-white; middle of breast, pale
Dutch-orange, with a few minute brown dots ; sides of breast
-
TETRAONID. art
and belly, white, with a yellowish tinge; each feather with
an arrow-shaped brown spot near the point.
Discovered to the north of Latakoo, in grassy valleys, feeding on
seeds and small insects. Like the colonial species, 7. Hottentotus, they
seem difficult to flush a second time, and are never to be found in any
numbers. Mr. Ayres has procured it in Natal.
The Sub-Family, PTEROCLINA, or Sand-
- Grouse,
have the bill short, with the culmen curved to the tip, and
the sides compressed ; the wings and tail lengthened and
pointed ; the tarsi longer than the middle toe, robust, and
more or less covered with feathers; the toes moderate and
robust ; the lateral toes more or less united to the el
one, and the hind toe rudimental.
Genus PTEROCLES, Temminck.
Bill small, the culmen rounded and curved to the tip, the
_ sides compressed, and the lateral margins arched and entire ;
the nostrils basal, lateral, with the opening partly closed by
a membrane, which is nearly hidden by the frontal plumes ;
wings very long and poioted, with the first and second
quills the longest; tail moderate, and wedge-shaped ; tarsi
robust, tonger than the middle toe, with the front and inner
sides clothed with feathers; toes short, thick, much united
at their bases by a prominent membrane, which extends
along the sides of each toe, the upper surface covered with
transverse scales, and the under surface with granulated
scales; the hind toe rudimental; the claws short, curved,
and robust.
535. Pterocles Tachypetes, Tem.; Gal. des
Ois, p. 715; Namaqua Grouse, Shaw., Vol. 11, p.
313; Tetrao Namaqua, Gmel., Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 42
Namaqua Patrys of Colonists.
&: ashy-brown ; throat and chin, yellowish ; head, neck,
and chest, ashy; feathers of back, dark-brown at one shafts,
succeeded by a band of bright nankin, then by a light-
purple spot, and finally tipped with dark-brown, giving the
back a spotted appearance; wing-feathers dark-brown ;
lower part of chest, vinaceous; between it and the belly a
double band, first of white, then of dark brownish-red ;
belly, purple- ash; vent and under tail-coverts, ochreous.
mY
278 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
yellow; tail-feathers pointed, tipped with the same, but
lighter. Length, 103”; wing, 7”; tail, 3”.
Q@: colour throughout, rich nankiv, confusedly barred
with deep brown; paler on the under side; under tail-
coverts immaculate; wing-feathers as ip male.
he ‘ Namaqua Patrys” of the colonists is very abundant on the
arid karroo plains throughout the colony and Namaqualand. It
congregates in small parties of one or two families, as may easily be
seen from the age of the various individuals, which is marked by
their plumage. It runs with considerable swiftness, and its flight is
extremely rapid. While on the wing, it utters a shrill “ tweet,”
which may be heard at a vast distance, and resembles the piping of a
plover, for which, till well accustomed to the sound, I have often mis-
taken it—indeed, the whole appearance of the bird, whether flying or
running, reminds one of the plover. It occasionally, during great
droughts, extends its migrations as far as the Cape Flats; but of late °
years their visitations have been few and far between. It lays from
seven to ten eggs, of a light cream-coloured ground, spotted with
brown and purple, oblong, rounded, or semi-circular at both ends:
axis, 17"; diameter, 12’. The crops of those I have examined con-
tained masses of small grass seeds.
536. Pterocles Bicinctus, Temm.; Vieill., Gal.
de Ois, t. 220; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 43; Shaw, Vol. 11,
p. 307.
6: above, ashy-brown, with triangular white spots and
reddish-brown bars; top of head, reddish-brown, with longi-
tudinal dark stripes; forehead black, with a small. white
patch at the base of the bill, and a-larger over each eye;
chin, sides of head, and throat, dirty nankin colour; chest
ashy ; between it and the belly, two bands, the first white,
the second black; belly dirty-white, minutely barred with
very dark-brown; under tail-coverts, bright rufous nankin,
sparingly barred with arrow-headed black markings.
2: not unlike that of Plerocles Tachypetes. Length, 94" ;
wing, 7”; tail, 33”.
Specimens of this sand grouse have been received from Kuruman,
through the late Mr. R. Moffat, and from Mr. Arnot, at Colesberg. :
It does not appear south of the Orange River. Mr. Arnot’s speci-
mens came from the northern bank.
537. Pterocles Gutturalis, Smith, Zoology of
S. Af. Pl. 3 and 31.
6: upper surface of head, dull-green, faintly freckled
with black ; sides of head and chin, straw-yellow; eyebrows,
yellowish-white ; space between the eye and the bill, black ;
TETRAONIDA, 279
the neck, the breast, and a portion of each shoulder, inter-
mediate between oil-green and sulphur-yellow ; chest crossed
by a narrow crescent of deep brownish-black; back and
upper tail-coverts, pearly-grey, strongly tinged with brown ;
belly and under tail-coverts, deep reddish-brown.
Q: above, nankin-yellow, profusely variegated with
black ; chin and throat immaculate; belly and veut, deep-
chesnut, transversely barred with black; under tail-coverts,
immaculate. Length, 113”; wing, 8” 3; tail, 4”.
The expedition under Dr. Smith discovered this species about 80
miles east of Latakoo, repairing in large flocks to water at fixed
periods, and feeding on grass seeds. Ihave never seen this species
in any collection that I have inspected. A solitary female in the
Musewm, probably one of those collected by the expedition, was
presented by the South African Institute.
538. Pterocles Variegatus, Burchell, Travels
S. Af, Vol. 2, p. 345 ; Pt. Maculosus, A. Smith, Zool.
S. Af, Pl. 10.
&: general colour above, greenish-yellow, spotted with
white ; top of head dark-brown, mottled with ochry-yellow ;
eyebrows, chin, and sides of head, silver-grey ; bare space
round eye, light-yellow; under surface, rufous-brown; the
breast spotted with white; the belly and vent clouded with
ochreous; wing-feathers, dark ashy-brown, tipped with
white.
2: chin, sidesof head, and stripe over the eye, ochry-
yellow, instead of silver-grey; belly, pale yellowish-brown,
barred with dusky white; the rest much the same as in the
male. Length, 93"; wing, 6’ 3’; tail, 3” 3"
This species was also found by the expedition at Tsining, 30 miles
to the west of Latakoo. In habits it resembles the preceding. A
solitary male is in the South African Museum, obtained from the
South African Institute, and is the only specimen I have seen.
Dr. Smith (Illus. Zool. S. Af., Pl. 31), alludes to another species, P?.
Simplex, Roux, as inhabiting South Africa; but I cannot find a
description of it in any author.
Order VL STRUTHIONES, Latham.
ee eee
Tur Fourth Order, Srruruiones, embraces a series of
Birds which are mostly of large size, with the wings much
abbreviated, and generally incapable of affording the means
of flight.
The First-Family, STRUTHIONIDA, or
Ostriches,
have the bill of various forms; the wings very short or
imperfect, and the toes short, broad, and unequal, varying
from two to four in number.
The Sub-Family, STRUTHIONINA, or
Ostriches,
have the bill broad, depressed, and rounded in front; the
toes two or three in number, and all placed anteriorly.
Genus STRUTHIO, Linnzeus.
Bill broad and depressed, with the culmen flattened, and
the tip strong, rounded, and overlapping that of the under
mandible ; the nostrils placed in a broad membranous groove,
near the middle of the bill, and the opening oval; wings
short, imperfect, and furnished with long, bending, soft
plumes; tail moderate, and composed of curved, pendant’
feathers; tarsi very long, robust, and covered with hex-
agonal scales, except in front, near the toes, where the
seales are transverse ; toes short and robust; the outer short
and much padded; the inner one not apparent; the claws
short, broad, and flattened.
STRUTHIONIDA, 281
539. Struthio Camelus, Auct.; The Ostrich, ox
Struysvogel of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, black in the male; cinereous in the female
and young male; feathers of the spurious wings and tail, pure
white, or sometimes mottled with black; neck covered with
brown hair-like feathers; stands about eight feet high.
The Ostrich is still found in most of the Karroo country, within the
borders of the colony. It usually runs in small families of from three
to six individuals—except, of course, in the breeding season, when a
hen and her whole clutch of chickens may be seen together.
The hen lays a large number of eggs in her nest (thirty-six have
been found in one), while many more are dropped in the neighbour-
hood. The farmers affirm that these latter are broken when the
young are excluded, and serve for their first meals. They also affirm
that more than one female lays in a nest, which is always on a sandy
patch, and that they incubate by turns. The eggs measure : axis,
6''; diameter, 4” 9” or 5./
The South African ostrich is now recognised as distinct from the
North African bird, to which probably the name of “ Camelus” was
originally given. The egg of the former may at once be distin-
guished by its finer texture.
Order VU. GRALLA Linneeus.
Tus Order comprehends a large series of Birds, that have
the lower portion of their tibie, or thighs, naked, and the
tarsi lengthened, rounded, and slender.
The First Family, OTIDIDZ, Selys.,
have the bill rather short, stout, broad at the base, somewhat
compressed towards the tip; upper mandible convex, and
slightly curved ; nostrils in a large membranous groove; wings
ample, more or less pointed; legs long, rather stout ; tarsi
reticulated ; toes, three before, which are united at their base
by a membrane; hind toe always absent; claws short, and
blunt.
The Sub-Family, OTIDINA, or Bustards,
have the bill more or less lengthened or compressed on the
sides, with the culmen straight above the nasal groove, and
then vaulted to the tip, which is strongly emarginated; the
nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a large membranous
groove, with the opening large and suboval; the wings
moderate, and rather pointed ; the tail moderate, broad, and
rounded ; the tarsi long, and covered with small scales; the
toes short, and covered with small narrow scales above; the
claws short, blunt, and broad.
Genus EUPODOTIS, Lesson.
Bill more or less lengthened, and rather slender, broad at
the base, and the sides gradually compressed to the tip, which
is emarginated ; the malinan rather depressed, and straight
above the nasal groove, and then slightly curved to the tip;
gonys generally long and straight ; the nostrils basal, lateral,
placed in a large nasal groove, partly closed by a membrane,
OTIDIDA. 283
leaving the opening large and of a lengthened oval; wings
long, with the second, third, and fourth quills usually equal
and longest, and the tertials as long as the quills; tail
moderate, broad, and rounded ; tarsi much longer than the
middle toe, and covered with small scales ; toes short, broad,
with the inner toe shorter thax the outer, and all the fore
ones covered with narrow transverse scales; the claws short,
very broad, and blunt.
540. Eupodotis Cristata, Scop.; Sonn. Voy. N.
Guin, t. 49 ; Otis Kori, Burch. Trav. S. Af, Vol. 1,
pp. 394, 402 ; Otis Luconiensis, Vieil. ; Gom-Paawuw
of Colonists; Kori-Bustard.
5: general colour above, ashy-grey, with a tinge of ru-
fous in some examples; paler on the wings (white in some),
all profusely mottled ; the wings with large black blotches ;
wing-feathers black; head and neck grey, transversely
barred with black ; top of head black, much crested ; breast
and belly, white; a half-collar of black between the grey of
the neck and the white of the chest; legs yellow. Female
much smaller and duller coloured than the male, which
weighs from 30 to 35 lbs. Male, length, 56”; wing, 31";
tail. 16.” Female: length, 44”; wing, 23”; tail, 14”.
The “Gom-Paauw”’ is pretty generally distributed in favourable
localities; open plains dotted with mimosa jungle in the Northern and
Eastern parts of the colony. It is a noble bird, and when seen
stalking about in its proper haunts, affords a sight to a hunter’s eyes
never to be forgotten. It is migratory, as are all our Otide, and is
more plentiful in some years than others; their numbers depending
on the drought of the Interior, whence they come. In habits and
food it resembles the rest; but it is never found far from the mimosa
jungle that skirts the rivers. It can swallow a lizard or snake of con-
siderable size; and a female shot by my friend, Mr. A. V. Jackson,
and myself disgorged the largest chameleon we had ever seen ; be-
sides this, its crop contained a mass of locusts, small snakes, &c. !!
541. Eupodotis Caffra. (Licht) Less. Cat. Berl.
- Mus, 1793; Cuvier, Vol. 3, p. 305; Otis Stanleyii,
Grey; Otis Rujficollis, Cav.
ABOVE, ashy, black waved and streaked; eyebrows, chin,
nape, band on sides of neck and belly, white; crown, quills,
and tail, white, with three black bands. Male, throat slate-
coloured ; female, band on crown and throat ‘black, waved.
Length, 38"; tarsi, 6”. /
This bird is common in the Northern portions of the colony, particu-
larly about Beaufort and that neighbourhood. It rarely comes to the
284 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
sea-coast, where its place is supplied by EH. Ludwigii. The food of
the two species is similar—seeds, insects, and small reptilia; nor is
there any difference in their habits, both frequenting open plains.
The males when “ playing” before the females, expand the feathers of
the throat and strut about, uttering a loud booming noise, which can
be heard at a great distance. Like EH. Scolopacea, they will squat and
lie close to the ground, to avoid detection, and may thus be approach-
ed and killed with a charge of No. 7 shot. ;
It lays two large eggs, of a reddish-olive ground, spotted with
brown and indistinct purple blotches: axis, 3"; diameter, 2” 2”.
Capt. Bulger, of H. M.’s 10th Regt., thus writes of two young birds
in his possession: — “ Feb. 9, 1864. Batho had two young Paauws
give him to-day. I have no idea what their age is; but they are as
large as a chicken, and completely feathered. Their irides are a
light-yellowish brown. They make a most extraordinary low, plain-
tive noise, like one of the high notes on a glass flute, or still more
like the sound produced by moving your finger rapidly round the
rim of a tumbler: their note is a semitone so soft and sweet, that it is
almost impossible to imitate it. They also make a sort of clucking or
barking noise, apparently when alarmed. As yet they have voluntarily
eaten nothing. Batho took them out in the garden, and one of them
immediately squatted like a partridge; the other wandered about.”
542. Eupodotes Ludwigii, Riippell, Mus. Senck.
1837, t. 14; Otes Colei, A. Smith.
6, in full plumage: general colour of back, ochraceous,
profusely variegated with minute dark-brown wavy lines;
top of head black ; eyebrows and chin white; front of neck.
and chest’ white, tinged» more or less with slate-colour; ruff
at back and side of neck rufous, under parts white; wings,
when closed, appear mottled black and white; tail white,
with four broad black bars; legs and bill yellow. Length,
3’ 6"; wing, 23”; tail, 13”.
Q much resembles the male, except that she is smaller,
has only a coronal of black round her head, and is altogether
less highly coloured.
This Bustard comes tous in its migrations, apparently from the
Westward ; at least most of them that I have seen have been procured
on the north-western side of Cape Town. In its habits it resembles
the preceding species—its eggs, two in number, are similar in size and
appearance to those of H. Caffra, but are usually of a lighter and
greener ground.
543. Eupodotis Scolopacea. (Tem.) Pl. Col.
576; O. Torquata, Cuv.; Otis Vigorsiz, Smith, Less,
Proc. Z,.5, 1830, p.11; Vaal-Knorhaan of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, cinereous, here and there passing into rufous,
minutely mottled with dark-brown and black; quill-feathers
black, with the inner webs more or less isabella-coloured ;
OTIDIDA. 285
chin, and top of throat, jet-black, surrounded by a pale-yellow
edging; a black halfmoon-shaped mark at the back of the
head, which is slightly crested. The whole of the body
plumage in the live bird is glossed with a beautiful pink
lustre, which fades after death ; each plume on being with-
drawn shows a delicate ferruginous and very lax web
throughout two-thirds of its basal portion. Length, 20";
wing, 14”; tail, 8”.
The Vaal Knorhaan is common on the Karroo, about Beaufort West
and Zoetendals Viey. It is usually found in pairs, and prefers running
among the scanty herbage, and trusting to its dusky plumage to effect
its escape, to taking flight. If it fancies itself unobserved, it will
suddenly squat, and unless the spot is correctly marked, so great is
its similarity to the soil and stones among which it is found, that it is
next to impossible to detect it. It is so well aware of this, that it will
temain immoveable till the sportsman walks direct towards it, on
which it instantly takes flight; but if itis approached in a series of.
concentric circles, it remains until the sportsman is within a few paces.
It feeds on seeds, insects, and smaii reptiles, constructs no nest,
but deposits its two eggs in a depression of the soil in the open veldt.
The eggs vary much in colour—some are olive, some light-brown, and
others rich nankin. All are, however, more or less spotted and
blotched with brown and indistinct purple. Axis, 2" 8"; diameter,
Teo”.
544. EKupodotis Ceerulescens. (Vieil.) Pl. Col.
532; Otis Verrauxti, Smith; O. Cana, Licht ; Blue-
Knorhaan of Colonists.
Upper parts, ferruginous, minutely mottled with dark-brown
and black; less so on the wings, the quills of which are
black, in some places edged with blue; the ends of the tail-
feathers are also black ; top of head, back, and lower portion
of front of neck, breast, belly, and vent, blue; forehead, eye-
brow, spot under the eye, and upper part of throat, black ;
a white patch arising on the chin extends backward to the
hinder part of the head; a similar but smaller patch extends
from the forehead, and joins it over the ears; legs yellow.
Length, 20”; wing, 13” ; tail, 7”.
This beautiful bird is locally distributed. I have received it from
Riversdale, and from the neighbourhood of Hanover, and have been.
told that it is plentiful on the Eastern frontier in certain favoured
spots.
545. Kupodotis Senegalensis. (Vieil.) Less. Ene.
Meth, p. 333; Otis Rhaad, Riipp.; Otis Barrowit,
Gray ; Blue-necked Bustard, Lath. ; Cuv.,Vol. 3, p. 304.
GrneERAL colour above, bright rufous, variegated with black ;
tail barred with four cross bars, that near the point being the
*J
286 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
broadest ; top of head rufous, minutely mottled, and changing
into light ash-colour at the back; cheeks and chin, white;
throat, and crescent-shaped mark at back of head, jet-black ;
lower part of throat and breast rufous, with here and there a
bluish tinge; large wing-feathers black, the rest bright
ee under parts white. Length, 16” or 17”; wing, 103” ;
tail, 5".
Several pairs of this handsome bustard were procured in the Free
State by Mr. Arnot; but I know nothing of its habits.
O2B. TaBOU Gite Ruficrista. (mith) ZS. A,
-%
Tor of head, neck, and upper part of chest, blueish-ash,
darkest on the head; ground colour of back deep rufous, mot-
tled with deep brown and black; the prevailing marking on
this part is of a rufous colour, V shaped, with a black centre ;
chin and sides of head dirty-white; head crested; crest
deep ferruginous; under parts all black; legs light-yellow.
Length, 17"; wing, 11"; tail, 7”.
The female wants the crest on the head, and is otherwise less ©
brightly coloured.
Does not occur within the colony ; but is found beyond the Orange
River. Mr. Chapman procured it as far as the Great Lake.
547. Eupodotis Melanogaster ;. Otis Melano-
gaster, Riipp.; Faun. Abyss, t. 7. /
Axsovs, fuscous yellow, transversely streaked, and with large
longitudinal black markings down the centre of many of the
feathers; cheeks dirty-white; chin, throat, a long line
extending down the neck, breast, belly, and quill-feathers of
wings and tail, black; a band of the same colour springs
from above each eye, and joins at the occiput; shoulder and
large portion of the wing, white. Length, 24”; wing, 13!
4s “tail, 6”.
This bustard has not yet, that I am aware of, been found within the
colony. Hartlaub, on the authority of M. J. Verreaux, gives South
Africa as a habitat ; and it is included by Mr. J. H. Gurney as among
the birds received from Natal. Mr. Chapman procured it towards the
Zambezi.
548. Eupodotis Afra. (Gmel.) Lath, Syn, Pl
69; Otis Atra, Linn. ; Black Koran, Shaw, Vol. 11,
p. 449 ; Knorhaan of Cape Colonists.
Top of head, back, part of wings, and tail, brown-black,
varying 1m intensity, and crossed with irregular streaks of
rufous, paling into white; stripe over the eye, reaching to
CHARADRIADA. 287
the back of the head, ear-coverts, half-collar on back of
neck, and part of wings, pure white; the rest of the plumage
deep black; legs bright yellow. Length, 19”; wing, 12";
tail, 5. The female differs from the male in having the
whole of the head, neck, and breast of the same colour and
markings as the back.
The Knorhaan (lit. Scolding-Cock) is abundant throughout the whole
colony, frequenting the open country. It feeds on insects, small
reptiles, and seeds. The female deposits her two eggs in a depression
of the soil, in which she places a few bents of grass. They are of an
olive-green or brownish-ground, spotted and blotched with brown and
indistinct purple : axis, 2" 3’”; diam., 1" 8’”.
It usually goes in pairs, and when followed by the sportsman always
endeavours to evade pursuit by swiftness of foot rather than by flight.
In this way I have seen it run before a pointer for several hundred
yards, squatting at intervals, but all the time keeping a careful watch
on its approaching enemy. ;
549. Eupodotis Afroides, Smith, Zool, S. Af,
Psa 9)
ResEMsBies the preceding in every respect, except the one
great distinguishing mark, viz.: on opening the wings the
quill-feathers of this species will be found with a large blaze
of white on them, while those of Z. Afra are entirely black.
Frequents the country to the north of the Orange River, and is
rarely seen south of it. ‘‘ Its call differs considerably from that of EF.
Afra, but in most of its habits they closely resemble each other.”—Dr.
Smith, loc. cit.
The Second Family, CHARADRIADA,
or Plovers,
have the bill short, with the basal portion of the culmen
rather depressed and weak, and the apical portion strong and
swollen ; the nostrils placed in a deep longitudinal groove of
various lengths; the tarsi lengthened; the hind toe totally
wanting, or small or elevated.
The Sub-Family, G2DICNEMINAs, or Thick-
knees, |
have the bill as long as, or longer than, the head, with th
culmen slightly depressed at the base and swollen at the tip,
and the gonys more or less angulated; the tarsi lengthened,
with three rather short toes in front.
288 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Genus GADICNEMUS, Temminck.
Bill rather longer than the head, the culmen straight, with
the apical half arched and curved to the tip, the sides com-
pressed, and the gonys nearly half the length of the bill,
angulated, and advancing upwards to the tip ; the nostrils in
a subtriangular membranous groove, with the aperture
longitudinal and anterior; wings of moderate length, pointed,
with the first quill shorter than the second, which is longest,
and the tertials the length of the quills; tail moderate and
wedge-shaped ; tarsi lengthened, three or four times the
length of the middle toe, and covered with hexagonal scales ;
toes short, the inner shorter than the outer, and both united
to the middle one by a membrane at their base, especially
the outer ; the claws short and slightly curved.
550. Gidicnemus Maculosus,* Temm., Less,
Vol. 2, p.337 ; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 306 ; @dic. Capensis
Licht. ; Dikkop of Colonists.
Grounp colour, pale-rufous, fading on the belly and part
of the wings into white, everywhere (with the exception of
the chin, and upper part of throat, which are pure white),
mottled with dark-brown blotches, which become longitudinal
stripes on the neck, chest, and flanks; under tail-feathers,
rufous and immaculate; wing-quills, deep brown, approach-
ing to black, the first three crossed near the tips with a
white bar; a few of the others tipped with white; base of bill ~
and legs green ; eye yellowish-green, and very large. Length,
£6! to-ds” ; -watte, 9G" stark, 9".
Kaffraria and Cape Colony generally, and Natal, frequenting open,
unwooded country. It feeds on seeds, insects, and small reptiles, and
lays, ina mere depression of the soil, unprotected by stone or bush,
two eggs of a light fawn-yellow ground, profusely spotted and blotched
throughout with brown of various shades: axis, 2” 1”; diam., 1” 6”.
The Sub-Family, CURSORINZ&, or Coursers,
have the bill moderate, slender, with basal portion of the
culmen weak, and somewhat cultrated above the nostrils,
beyond which it is slightly arched to the tip; the nostrils
Jateral, placed in a short, subtriangular membranous groove,
with the opening longitudinal and exposed; the wings
lengthened and pointed ; the tail short ; the legs lengthened,
scutellated before and behind, and with only three slender
toes in front.
* J. W. Grill includes @. Senegalensis, Sw., in the list of birds collected by
Victorine in South Africa. I conclude it is the present species, which he does not
mention, but “which I have seen in abundance in the localities frequented by M.
Victorine.
CHARADRIADZ. 289
Genus CURSORIUS, Lath.
Bi moderate, broader than high at the base, laterally
compressed to the tip, the culmen straight at the base, and
then gradually -arched to the tip; the nostrils placed ina
membranous groove, longitudinal and exposed; wings
lengthened, with the first two quills the longest; tail short
and nearly even; legs lengthened, with the apical portion of
the thigh naked and scutellated for the length of the
,middle toe; tarsi not less than twice the length of the mid-
dle toe, and covered with broad transverse scales both in
front and behind; toes three in front, the outer longer than
the inner; the claw short, and slightly curved.
551. Cursorius Burchellii; Tachydromus Bur-
chellit, Swain, An. in Menag, p. 340; Cursorius
Capensis (Swain.), Schlegel. Museum des Pays-bas.
Bera 0.)
Sipxs of neck and fore part of head, rufous; under part
and nape, cinereous; crown bordered (behind the eye) with
a pointed white collar, margined by black ; upper and under
plumage, fawn-coloured; rump cinereous; tail the same,
the outermost feather white ; two next with a black bar and
white tip, the rest tipped. with black only; chin, vent, and
thighs, white; legs clothed with white scales; in the centre
of the belly, a blackish patch; larger wing-feathers, black,
the rest broadly tipped with white, which appears most when
the bird is on the wing. Length, 7” 4’; wing, 4” 7’;
CL aS. ella
This and the next species, C. Bicinctus, are not uncommon in the
Karroo, in the neighbourhood of Nel’s Poort and Beaufort. They
are usually seen in small flocks, varying in number from five to
twenty or more, running aleng with great rapidity between the tufts
of stunted herbage which Gover these extensive plains. . They have
a curious habit of swaying themselves to and fro on their long thin
legs, when halting after a run, as if they had overshot themselves, and
were trying to recover their balance. They feed on seeds and small
insects.
Specimens have been received from Colesberg; and the Messrs.
Chapman brought them from the Interior. Found also at Natal. Two
eggs, said to belong to this species, were brought to me by a shepherd
lad, who pointed out the bird. They are of a delicate pale cream-
coloured ground, indistincly blotched throughout with darker cream-
colour, rounded at each end, nearly oval: axis, 14”; diam., 10’”. After
seeing eggs of dilfed species in the collection of Messrs. Newton,
Tristram, Walters, and others, I am satisfied of the correctness of
this identification.
290 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
552. Cursorius Bicinctus, Temm, Man. dOrn,
11; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 325 ; Jard. and Selby’s Ill. Orn.,
t. 48; Tachydromus Collaris, Vieil.; Cwrsorius
Grallator, Leach. é
Uprrer parts, variegated rufous, black, dirty-white, and
brown ; each feather being the latter colour at the base, more
or less tinged with rufous; then follows an indistinct black
mark, extending in a point down the shaft to the tip, which
is dirty-white, tinged more or less with rufous ; throat dirty-
white ; chest and belly rufescent, separated by two black
créscent-shaped bars ; the feathers of the throat and chest
have each a dark-brown line down their centres ; on the belly
only the shafts of some of the feathers are of this colour ;
vent and rump white; the first three pair of outer tail-
feathers the colour of the belly ; the rest brown; legs long,
covered with hard white scales. Length, 9” 6”; wing, 6”
Os teil o 8
I procured what I took to be, from the anxietysof the birds hanging
about the place, two eggs of this species. They are of a light nankin-
yellow ground, densely covered with thin compressed streaks of dark-
brown, so closely distributed as almost to hide the ground-colour :
axis, 14”; diam., 12”.
Mr. Atmore forwards an egg identical in all respects, save size,
which he says belongs to this bird. I therefore see no reason to doubt
my first supposition. Since this was written, I have seen eggs of allied
species, and am satisfied that my specimens are the eggs of C. Bicinctus.
553. Cursorius Senegalensis, Lichtenstein ;
Cursorius Temminckit, Swain. Zool. Ill, Pl. 106 ;
Cursorius Asiaticus, Temm. nec. Lathe
Mucu resembling CU. Burchellii, but rather larger; on the
occiput and chest red-brown, with a large black patch in
the centre of the belly. Wing, 4" 7’; tail, 1” 6”.
Inhabits South Africa.—Teste Riippell, Monogr. der gattung Otis.
Mus. Senck., 1837, p. 211.
554. Cursorius Chalcopterus, Temm., Gray's
Gen. of B, p. 536; Cursorius Chalcopterus, Sw., Nat.
Lib. Vol. 12, p. 233.
Ligut-BRowNn above ; front, throat, rump, and body beneath,
white; quills black, tipped with shining violet; breast pale-
brown, with ablack band. Length, 10”; wing, 7” 91”.
Obtained at Natal by Mr. Ayres ; but has not yet, that I am aware
of, been procured within the limits of the Cape Colony. Mr. Anders-
son found it in Damaraland, and presented a specimen to the Museum,
from whence this description is taken.
CHARADRIAD&. 291
The Sub-Family, GLAREOLIN &, or Pratincoles,
have a short bill, which is broad at the base, and laterally
compressed at the tip; the wings very long, with the first
quill the longest ; the legs moderate, with the tip of the tibia
naked ; the toes three in front, and one posteriorly, which is
elevated. :
Genus GLARMOLA, Brisson.
Bil! short, broad at the base, much compressed to the tip,
with the culmen depressed at the base, elevated and arched
to the tip, the lateral margins curved; the nostrils basal,
lateral, and oblique; wings lengthened, pointed, extending
beyond the end of the tail, with the first quill longest; tail
moderate, more or less forked; legs moderate and slender,
with the tarsi scutellated, and the middle toe and claw
lengthened ; the outer toe longer than the inner, and united
at the base to the middle one; the hind toe very short,
elevated, but touching the ground; and the claws rather
long, nearly straight, that of the middle toe slightly pecti-
nated on one side.
555. Glareola Nordmanni, Fisch.; Hartl, Or.
W. Af, p. 211; Gl. Pratincola, Pall, Zoogr. Ross.
As. II, p. 150; Gl. Melanoptera, Nordm., Bullet.
Mos, 1842, p. 314, Pl. 2; G. Nordmanni, Fisch.,
ib.; G. Pallasii, Schleg. Krit. Uebers ; Small Locust-
bird of Colonists.
GENERAL colour above, cinereous-brown, glossed with green ;
this shade extending over the wing-feathers, which are
black; throat tawny-white, with faint brown streaks, and
separated from the breast, which is cinereous, by a crescent-
shaped collar; belly, vent, and rump, white; tail long and
forked, the two outer and longest pair of feathers white,
tipped with black; the rest white at the base, brown at the
ends ; legs black in a dried skin, but reddish in a fresh one ;
eyelids and cere at base of bill also red. Length, 10’;
wings, 7” 3’; tail, 4” 3”,
This Pratincole differs from the European bird, and may at once
be distinguished from it by the under side of the wings, which in this
species is black, in the other white. It appears in great numbers on
the Eastern frontier and Natal during the visitations of the locusts,
upon which it feeds. I am informed that it hawks about the clouds of
the destroying-insect, now and then darting into the mass, and never
failing to secure a victim. It is said to run and fly with great
swiftness.
292 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
556. Glareola Ocularis, A. Smith; @. Geoffroy,
Pucher.
Heap and shoulders, green-black; under each eye a fine
transverse white stripe ; upper parts of neck and back green-
grey; chin white; under parts of neck and the breast,
brownish-grey ; anterior part of belly pale-chesnut ; hinder
parts, aud under and upper tail-coverts, white; base of tail
partly black and partly white, the tips of a few of the
feathers white, the other parts pure black ; bill black, with
the edges of the mandibles towards the angles of the mouth,
red. Length about eight inches and a half.
Inhabits South Africa.—Dr. A. Smith, 8. A. Journal of Science.
Sed non vidi.
The Sub-Family, CHARADRINA, or Plovers,
have the bill more or less long and siender, the culinen de-
pressed at the base, but vaulted at the tip, the sides com-
pressed and grooved; the nostrils basal, linear, and placed
in the groove of the upper mandible; the wings long and
pointed ; the tail moderate, broad, and generally even; the
tarsi usually long, and rather slender; the toes sometimes
four in number; the outer toe longer than the inner, and
more or less united at the base; the claws small, compressed,
and curved.
Genus CHETIUSIA, Pr. Bonaparte.
Bill moderate, and more or less strong, with the culmen
depressed at the base, and vaulted at the tip ; the sides com-
pressed and grooved ; the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed
in the groove of the upper mandible, which extends for two-
thirds of its length, with the opening linear; wings long
and pointed, with the first, second, and third quills nearly
equal and longest; tail moderate, broad, and even; tarsi
much longer than the middle toe, slender, and covered in
front with divided broad scales; toes four; the three ante-
rior toes long and rather slender; the outer toe longer than
the inner, and united at the base; the hind toe short aud
elevated ; the front of the head sometimes lobed, and the
wings sometimes armed with a spine.
557. Chettusia Lateralis; Vanellus Lateralis,
Smith, Zool. 8. A., Pl. 23. |
Front of head white, with a brown bar extending over the
vertex ; back of the neck, back, and rump, brown, tinged
and glossed with green; wing-featHers black ; tail white,
CHARADRIADZ, 295
with a broad black bar across the apical half; chin white ;
throat black; neck streaked with black-brown; breast and
belly,. dove-colour; flanks and thighs, dark grey-brown ;
vent white; a yellow wattle tinged with orange-red extends
upwards and downwards from before the eye ; bill greenish-
yellow, tipped with black; legs greenish-yellow; wing;
armed with a spur. Length, 13” 6’; wing, 9"; tail, 4”.
According to Dr. Smith, this Plover is an inhabitant of the South-
East Coast, and does not extend its range west of Natal, or to the
southern extremity of the continent. It has never appeared in any
collection examined by me, and must be very rare. ;
Genus HOPLOPTERUS, Pr. Bonaparte.
Bill moderate and slender, with the basal portion of the
culmen depressed, and the tip vaulted, the sides compressed
and grooved; the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in the
upper lateral groove, which extends for two-thirds the length
of the bill, with the opening linear; wings long and pointed,
with the first quill nearly as long as the second and third,
which are equal and longest; tail moderate, broad, and even ;
tarsi much longer than the middle toe, and covered in front
with larger scales, which are more or less divided in the
middle ; toes three, more or less long and slender, with the
outer toe longer than the inner, the hind toe wanting ; the
claws small, compressed, and slightly curved. The front of
the head sometimes more or less lobed ; and the wings some-
times armed with an acute spine or blunt tubercle.
558. Hoplopterus Armatus, Jardine and Selby ;
Hoplopterus Speciosus, Wagler ; Spur-winged Plover.
GENERAL colour, black; top of head, and forehead, patch at
back of neck, lower front of belly, vent, and basal two-thirds
of tail, white; lesser wing-feathers, grey; legs and bill
black ; wing armed with a sharp spur. Length, 12"; wing,
8" ly ; tail, 4! 6"
Forwarded in some abundance from Colesberg by Mr. David Arnot,
who describes their habits as similar to those of H. Coronatus. lt
occurred constantly in all the collections formed in the Interior by my
several contributors.
559. Hoplopterus Albiceps. (Temm.) Pi. Col.
526 ; Lobivanellus Albiceps, Gould; Sarciophorus
Albiceps, Fras. Zool. Typ, Pl. 64; Strickland’s Pro-
ceed. Zool. Soc. 1841, p. 33; Hartlb. Orn. W. Af, p. 214.
Heap, throat, middle of the wing, rump, belly, and vent,
white; sides of head and neck, cinereous-purple; back
brownish ; scapulars, three external feathers, and apical half
“kK
294 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of the tail, black; bill greenish-yellow; tip black; wattles
yellow, attached at right angles to the beak, pendulus, nar-
row, pointed, 1” 6” long; wing-spur about an inch long.
Length, 13”; wing, 8”; tail, 4’.
Found near the Buffel’s River, teste Alexis Verreaux.—Hartb. loc.
cit. Sed non vidi. ;
Dr. Smith says it does not extend into South Africa. Can M.
Verreaux have mistaken his H, Lateralis for it ?
560. Hoplopterus Coronatus; Charadrius
Coronatus, Temm., Vol. 2, p. 328; Shaw, Vol. 11, p.
.489 ; Cuvier, Vol. 3, p. 316; O. Alexandrinus, Lath. ;
C. Atricapillus, Pen. Less, Vol. 2, p. 328; Kiewit
of the Dutch Colonists. :
GENERAL colour above, grey-brown, glossed with purple ;
paler on the throat, and darkening on the breast, to a bold
black bar, which is succeeded by the pure white of the belly
and vent; top of the head black, divided into two portions
by a pure white crown streak, which springs from the fore-
head, and passes round to the back of the head ; a white line
extends down the closed wings, the quills of which have
their inner webs more or less white; tail-feathers white,
broadly barred at the ends with black; extreme tips white.
Length, 13”; wing, 8”; tail, 4” 6”.
Scattered throughout the country in small parties, and frequenting
grassy places, where it subsists on worms and small insects. Its nest,
usually a mere depression in the soil, contains two, and sometimes
three eggs, of a deep greenish-brown ground, blotched with rather
coarse-brown and indistinct purple, chiefly in a ring at the obtuse
end ; axis, 1" 9’”; diam., 15”.
During the day this bird does not stir about much; but as soon as
the cool shades of evening fall on the earth, the “ Kiewit ” makes
known its presence by its loud plaintive call. This, with the pipe of
the “ Dikkop,” (4%. Maculosus) and the wail of the jackal, are nearly
the only sounds that break the silence of the night about the solitary
dwelling of the Cape farmer.
561. Hoplopterus Melanopterus, Riipp.;
Atlas, T. 31.
GENERAL colour of back, brown, with a purple gloss; fore-
head, chin, beily, rump, thighs, vent, and stripe along the
wing, white ; wing-feathers and band across the chest, black ;
back of head, neck, and chest, grey; basal half and tip of
tail-feathers, white. Length, 10’ 6”; wing, 8” 9’; tail, 3” 8”.
This Plover has been found at Natal, and-is abundant in certain
circun.scribed localities in the neighbourhood of Mossel Bay, where it
was procured by the Messrs. Atmore, who forwarded the only speci-
mens which have fallen under my notite.
CHARADRIAD&. 295
Genus SQUATAROLA, Cuvier.
Bill nearly as long as the head, more or less strong and
straight, with the basal portion of the culmen depressed, the
apical part strong, vaulted, and curved, the sides compressed
and grooved on both mandibles ; the gonys short and ascend-
ing ; the nostrils basal, lateral, linear, and placed in a groove,
which extends beyond half the length of. the bill; wings
long and pointed, with the first quill the longest ; tail loug,
broad, and rounded ; tarsi longer than the middle toe, siender,
and covered with reticulated scales in front ; toes four; the
outer toe longer than the inner, and united at the base by.a
membrane ; the hind toe very small, and not touching the
ground ; the claws small, compressed, and slightly curved.
562. Squatarola Helvetica; Pl. Eul. 853, 854,
923; Tringa Squatarola, Gmel. Sys. Nat. 1, 252;
Tringa Helvetica, Linn. Sys. Nat. 1, 250; Grey-
Plover ; Vanellus Melanogaster, Bechst.
3 in summer plumage: fore part of head, neck, chest, and
belly, deep brown-black, bordered by a white line, which
blends into the ground of the back and top of the head,
both of which are more or less mottled with dark-brown and
black ; vent and thighs pure-white ; tail white, transversely
barred with brown-black; the plumage in winter is dark-
grey, variegated with light markings, the black plumage
disappearing entirely. ‘The @ is similar to the male in
winter dress. Jength, 12”; wing, 7” 10’; tail, 3” 6”.
I have never seen the Grey Plover in the summer or breeding
plumage in this country ; but many specimens in winter dress have
occurred to me both here and on the East Coast of Africa, where, as
far as 14° South, I shot it in considerable numbers.
Genus CHARADRIUS, Linn.
Bill more or less short, robust, and straight; the culmen,
for two-thirds its length, usually depressed, and the tip
vaulted and curved; the sides compressed, and furnished in
both mandibles with a groove, which extends on the upper
mandible for two-thirds of its length; the nostrils basal,
linear, and placed in a groove; wings long and pointed, with
the first quill the longest ; tail moderate, broad, and rounded ;
tarsi longer than the middle toe, more or less slender, and
covered in front with small reticulated scales; toes three,
moderate, the outer toe longer than the inner, and more or
less united at the base by a membrane, the inner one usually
free, the hind toe wanting ; the claws small, compressed, and
slightly curved.
296 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
563. Charadrius Pluvialis, Linn, Pl. Enl. 904;
Char. Awratus, Suckow; Char. Virginicus, Bechst. ;
Gould. B, of Eur., Pl. 294; Golden-Plover.
In winter, upper parts brownish-black, spotted with yellow ;
cheeks, neck, and fore part of breast greyish, variegated with
brown ; throat and abdomen white. In summer, upper parts
black, spotted with bright-yellow; fore part of neck and
breast black ; forehead, line over the eye, band bordering the
black of the lower parts, and lower tail-coverts, white.
This well-known bird is given by Dr. Hartlaub (Orn. W. Af., p. 215)
as anative of South Africa. I have not met with it further south
than Lamoo, on the East Coast, nor is it included in Mr. Ayres’ lists
from Natal.
564. Charadrius Cantianus, Lath.; MacGil.
Brit. Birds, Vol. 2, p. 125; Bewick’s Brit. Birds, Vol.
2,p.18; The Kentish Ring-Plover ; C. Albifrons,
Meyer ; Ch. Littoralis, Bechst.; Ch. Alexandrinus,
Hassel.; Gould’s B. of Eur, Pl. 298.
AvuLT, with the upper parts light brownish-grey; the fore-
head with two bands, a white and a black; the hind part of
the head light brownish-red; the loral space and a band
behind the eye, black; the throat, and a band crossing the
hind neck, white; a large patch of black on each side of the
lower part of the neck; bill black; the lower mandible flesh-
coloured at the base; feet dusky; claws black. Young
without black on the head; the bands on the sides, and the
patches on the neck, brown; feathers of the upper parts
margined with whitish. Length, 6” 9"; wing, 4” 6’; tail, 2”.
The only specimen of the ‘‘ Kentish-Plover ” which has fallen under
my notice occurred in a eollection of birds made by the late Mr.
Villet at the Knysna. I purchased the specimen, which is now in the
South African Museum.
565. Charadrius Tricollaris, Vieil.; N. Dict.
D’His. Nat., p. 147; C. Indicus, Lath. ; Lesson, Vol.
2, Pl. 320; Charadrius Bitorquatus, Wagl. Ency. ;
Meth. Ois., t. 233, f 4.
GENERAL colour above, brown, glossed with green; forehead
white; a white line extends from thence over the eye, and
unites behind the head, at the base of the occiput; throat
grey ; this is succeeded by a black collar, next by a white
CHARADRIADA. 297
one, and that again by a broad black one; from this to the
end of the tail it is all pure-white; wing-feathers black and
dark-brown ; the latter with the secondaries tipped with
white; tail-feathers brown, glossed with green, and tipped
with white, the outer pair most, the middle pair least so ; bill
black ; base yellow; cere round the eye and bill, red; iris
hazel. Length, 6” 3”; wing, 4’ 7'"; tail, 3”.
This very pretty little Plover is common throughout the colony,
frequenting equally the sea-shore, the natural vley, artificial dam, or
river. I found it abundant in the water holes of the Karroo rivers,
and equally so on the sea-shore of the coast. It is a~solitary species,
never appearing more than a pair, d and 9, at once; and though five
or six pairs may often be found within a few hundred yards from each
other, they keep to their respective puddles, and always return to
them if driven up by a passing foot.
They run with considerable rapidity, often squat behind a stone, or
amid tufts of grass, to evade detection; but when on the wing, fly
strong and well. They breed on the sea-shore or along the banks of
streams and vleys, never far from water. Their nest is a mere depres-
sion in the soil, unprotected by stone or bush; and their eggs, enor-
mous for the size of the bird, are two in number, of a dirty-white
ground, profusely and minutely covered with hair streaks, having a
tendency to run in zones, there being always one at the obtuse end :
axis, Lo; diam.; EL’;
Their food consists of minute crustaceans, shélls, and insects.
566. Charadrius Kittlitzi, Reichenbach.
GENERAL colour above, ashy-brown, variegated with light
ash ; forehead, semi-circular band round the back of the
head, chin, throat, and vent, white; a black Land extends
across the head, just behind the white of the forehead,
through the eyes and behind the white collar, a black patch
extends from the bill to the eye; wings black; chest and
belly, isabella-yellow ; four lateral tail-feathers on each side,
isabella-yellow, tinged with grey, the rest dark ashy-brown ;
bill and legs black, Length, 6” 6”; wing, 4’ 5’; tail, 1” 9'",
* This littie Plover is common about the chain of lagoons formed by the
* Salt River,’’ and along the sea-shore near Cape Town. I have also
seen it in the month of September on the rocks at Green-Point and
on Robben Islard, and it is abundant near Zoetendals Vley.
Hitherto our Cape bird has been confounded with Ch. Pecuarius,
Temminck ;* but the acquisition of the true Pecuarius by myself in
St. Helena has cleared up the error. They are, however, very closely
allied ; but the St. Helena bird inhabits stoney places, instead of the
banks of vleys and the-sea-shore.
* Which that author states was procured at, the Cape. ~
298 * BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRIGA,
567. Charadrius Hiaticula, Linn, Pl. Enl, 921;
Hiaticula Torquata, Leach; The Common Ring-
Plover ; MacGill. Brit. Birds, Vol. 3, p. 116 ; Bewick’s
Brit. Birds, Vol. 2, p. 16.
ADULT, with the upper parts greyish-brown ; the forehead
with two bands, a white and a black; a dark-brown band
under the eye; a ring of white including the throat, suc-
ceeded by a broader ring of brownish-black ; bill orange at
the base, black at the tip; feet orange ; claws black. Young,
without the black band on the forehead, the other bands
lighter; the feathers of the upper parts margined with pale-
brownish; the bill entirely black; the feet dull greenish-
yellow; the claws black. Length, 8” 6”; wing, 5” 4”;
tails 2" 8"".*
M. Victorin procured this species at the Knysna, and Mr. Ayres
at Natal. My son shot a fine specimen in full plumage at Salt River
Mouth, near Cape Town, in April, 1865.
568. Charadrius Marginatus, Vieil.; N. Dic
d’Hist Nat. XXVII, p. 138; Ch. Leucopolius, Wagler ;
Hiaticula Heywoodii, Gray.
ABOVE, cinereous-brown ; the edges of the feathers rufescent ;
forehead white; nuchal band faint-rufous ; lores black ; be-
low all white; wing-coverts brown, with white shafts; webs
of inferior wing-feathers margined and tipped with white;
four middle tail-feathers brown ; those at the side white. A
specimen shot April 29th, 1863, measured: length, 7”; wing,
4” 9"; tail, 22”. Irides brown; bill black; the base livid;
legs and feet livid-blue.
This little Sand-Piper is common along all parts of our coast, and on
any extensive inland pieces of water. It breeds with us in the month
of November, generally laying two eggs, of a fawn or nankin colour,
profusely spotted with black, sometimes streaked, and sometimes the
spots form a circle at the obtuse end: axis, 16”; diam., 11/”,
The young run immediately on their exclusion from the egg. They
are covered with white down, and on being pursued, cower down with
such success among the rounded white pebbles, which they closel
resemble, that if once the eye is taken off them, it is a mere chance if
they are again detected.
_™ I copy entire the descriptions of C. Hiaticula and ©. Cantianus from MacGil-
livray’s work onthe Birds of Britain, in order that the two species may readily be
distinguished from each other. I also use his excellent descriptions for such of our
birds as belong to this class, as none can exceed them for clearness-and accuracy.
CHARADRIADZ. 299
569. Charadrius Leschenaultii, Lesson; ¢.
Fuscus, Cuvier; C. Rufinus, Blyth, Journal As.
Soc, Beng. XII, p. 180; C. Subrufinus, Hodg.
GeneERAL colour above, greyish-brown, each feather slightly
margined with pale-rufous; a white line springs from the
nostril and passes over the eye, but does not extend to the
back of the head ; throat, and all under parts, white; loral
space, greyish-brown, as are also patches on each side of the
lower part of the neck, which nearly meet across the chest,
and form a-collar; tail-feathers all brown, the outer pair
almost white ; under side of wings, white; upper side of
quill feathers, very dark-brown ; bill robust, black, thickened
towards the point, flesh-coloured at the base; legs (appa-
rently) flesh-coloured. Length, 8”; wing, 5” 9’; tail, 2” 9’;
tarsus, 1” 6’; middle toe, 11’.
I shot a single specimen (Q) of this plover on the Salt River, near
Cape Town, in 1858, since which time no other specimen has occurred
tome. On comparing it with Indian specimens received from my
friend, Mr. Blyth, the Curator of the Asiatic Society’s Museum in
Calcutta, not the slightest differences can be observed. My bird was
accidentally killed from a flock ofs and-pipers ( Charadriade et Tringe)
feeding in the marsh. On dissection it proved a Q; its stomach con-
tained minute crustaceans, worms, and the insects found in these
_ brackish waters.
570. Charadrius Asiaticus ¢ Caspius, Pallas ;
C. Jugularis, Wagler.; C. Gigas, Brehm (juv.); @
Montanus, Townsend; C. Veredus, Gould (juv.) ;
Morinellus Caspius, Bp.
ABOVE, greenish-brown, the edges of the feathers buff; fore-
head, before the eye, chin, and throat, white; chest, deep
buff-coloured, followed by a black band; all the rest of the
under parts white; tail-feathers ~ tipped with pale-buff.
Length, 9”; wing, 5” 9’; tail, 23”.
. Mr. Arnot, who forwarded the only three specimens that have
reached me, writes: ‘‘ Found together in flocks of 15 or 20, very far
away from water. They are scarce, and I only see them after showers
of rain, which bring out small coleoptera and animal life of that
sort, on which these birds seem to feed, and get enormously fat.”
Procured near Colesberg.
The Sub-Family, HA MATOPODINEA, or Oyster-
Catchers,
have the bill lengthened, strong, with the apical half much
compressed to the tip, which is obtuse; the nostrils linear,
and placed in a membranous, lateral groove; the wings long
300 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
and pointed; the tail moderate; the tarsi robust, and covered
with small scales; the toes three; the lateral toes united at
the base by a membrane, especially the outer one; the
claws strong, broad, and curved.
Ger.us HASMATOPUS, Linnzeus.
Bill longer than the head, strong, straight, with the
culmen slightly depressed at the base, and the apical portion
much compressed to the tip, which is obtuse ; the nostrils
placed in a membranous groove, which reaches nearly to the
middle of the bill, with the opening linear ; wings long,
with the first quill the longest ; tail moderate and even, or
slightly rounded ; tarsi strong, longer than the middle toe,
and covered with small reticulated scales; toes moderate,
strong ; the lateral toes united to the middle toe by a basal
membrane, especially the outer; the claws strong, broad,
and slightly curved.
571. Heematopus Moquini, Bonap; Hemato-
pus Niger, Cuv., Reg. An, Vol. 1, p. 469; Ostra-
lagus Atra, Lesson, Vol. 2, p. 301; H. Capensis,
Licht. ; The Oyster-Catcher of Colonists.
ALL over a deep black; bill and cere round the eyes in life,
coral red; legs deep-crimson ; bill, 2” 8” long, flattened
throughout, and very much compressed at the point.
The ‘“ Oyster-Catcher”’ is not uncommon along the shores of South
Africa, extending far towards the Line on both sides of the continent.
It is generally found in pairs, and feeds on small fish, mollusca, &e.,
which it picks up along the margin of the retreating tide. The colours
of all the naked parts change considerably after death. It breeds
with us; and I have been favoured with eggs, collected by Mr. Hugo,
of Simon’s Town, who procured them along the shore towards Cape
Point. The eggs are generally two in number, laid ina simple de-
pression in the sand, in the debris accumulated just beyond high-
water mark. They are of a greyish cream-coloured ground, generally,
but rather sparsely covered with coarse, irregular wavey black and
dark-brown broken lines: axis, 2” 6’; diam, 1" 9’. My son
found it breeding on Robben Island about Christmas, 1865.
The Sub-Family, CINCLINA, or Turnstones, |
have the bill rather short and straight, with the culmen
straight, and sometimes vaulted at the apical portion, the
sides compressed to the tip, which is obtuse or acute; the
nostrils placed in a membranous groove, with the opening
linear and longitudinal ; the wings lengthened, with the first
quill the longest; the tail rather short; the tarsi short,
CHARADRIADZ. 304
robust, and covered with small scales; the toes long, the
lateral ones unequal, and free at their bases, the hind toe
rather long, slender, and elevated.
Genus CINCLUS, Mehring.
Bill rather shorter than the head, straight, and’ slightly
depressed at the base, with the culmen straight, and the sides
much compressed to the tip, which is truncated ; the lateral
margins of both mandibles curved upwards at the tip; the
gonys moderate and ascending; the nostrils lateral, and
placed in a membranous groove, that extends half the length
of the upper mandible, with the opening linear, and longitu-
dinal; wings very long and pointed, with the first quill the
longest: tail moderate, and slightly rounded; tarsi as long
as the middle toe, robust, and covered in front with broad
scales ; toes long, the outer rather longer than the inner one,
both free at the base, and the sides of all margined by a
narrow membrane ; the hind toe elevated, with the tip resting
on the ground.
572. Cinclus Interpres. (Linn) Pl Enl, 856 ;
Strepsilas Collaris, Temm. ; Charadrius Cinelus, Pall.
General colour of the upper parts, dark-brown, glossed with
green and purple, the feathers edged with pale-brown; fore
part and sides of the head, brownish-white, mottled with
black ; throat white; a band on each side from the lower
mandible, the side of the head behind the ear-coverts, and
the fore part of the neck, black; the feathers slightly edged
with whitish; the rest. of the lower parts pure white, as on
the hind part of the back and the upper tail-coverts, some of
the rump-feathers, however, being black ; the tail is white at
the base, brownish-black towards the end, edged externally
with light-brown, the outer web of the outer, and the tips of
all, excepting the two middle, white; legs and feet orange ;
claws black, as is also the bill ; the lower mandible tinged with
red at the base. Length, 9”.9'" ; wing, 6” 4”; tail, 2” 9’.
The Turnstone is a constant resident on these shores, extending
upwards as far as the Equinoctial Line. It frequents rocky places in ©
preference'to sandy beaches, feeding on small crustaceans, shells, and the
various insects which infest the decaying seaweed. They usually keep
in small families of froim four to eight; do not appear to mingle with
the sand-pipers; and are wary and difficult to approach. I fancy it
must breed on Robben Island, among the rocks at the northern end,
haying seen young birds in that neighbourhood.
*y,
302 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Third Family, ARDEIDA, or
Herons,
have the bill more or less long, and generally much com-
pressed on the sides, with the culmen curved at the tip,
which is sometimes emarginated and acute; the wings
moderate and rounded; the tail mostly short, and rounded
on the sides; the tarsi lengthened and rather slender; the
toes more or less long, and rather slender, with the outer toe
longer than the inner, and both united at their bases, the
hind toe more or less short, and generally placed on the
same level with the anterior toes.
The Sub-Family, GRUIN, or Cranes,
have the bill more or less lengthened, straight, and strong,
with the tips of both mandibles pointed and equal in length ;
the nostrils placed in a deep groove, which extends beyond
the middle of the bill; wings long, the tertials lengthened
and pendant; the tail short and even; the tarsi very long
and slender; and the toes rather short.
Genus GRUS, Linneeus.
Bill longer than the head, straight, both mandibles of
equal length, with the tips pointed, the sides compressed, the
basal part of the culmen flattened, and the apical part slightly
curved to the tip; the nostrils placed in a broad deep nasal
groove, which reaches beyond the middle of the bill, with
the opening placed anteriorly, large, and closed posteriorly
by a membrane; wings long, with the third and fourth quills
the longest, and the tertials lengthened and pendant; tail
rather short; tarsi very long, slender, and covered with
transverse scales ; toes rather short, the outer united at the
base to the middle one, the lateral ones equal, the hind toe
very short and elevated ; the claws short and strong.
573. Grus Carunculata. Gm.) Cuv,, Vol. 3, p.
332; Ardea Carunculata, Gmel.; Lath. Syn, V. 82,
t.78 ; Wattled Crane ; Grus Carunculata, Shaw, Vol.
11, p. 533 ; Ardea Palearis, Forst. Desc. Mam., p. 47.
GENERAL colour above, grey-slate, darkest on the back, at the
end of the wings, and top of the head ; neck pure white ;
the rest of the plumage black. In the male, the fore half of
the head is bare, wrinkled, and of a red colour; in the
female this is much reduced in size, and the dark mark on
ARDEIDA, 303
the top of the head is indicated by a few dark spots only ;
below the chin depend two flaps of skin, covered with short
dense feathers; legs black; bill red; irides red. Length,
4' 7"; wing to the end of drooping feather, 3’; tail, 13”.
This great Crane is only found in a few favoured localities, scattered
over the country. A single pair take up their haunts and maintain it
for years, breeding constantly in the same nest, which is repaired as
occasion requires. I had the pleasure of watching a pair, through my
binoculars, engaged in this proceeding: both birds contributed to the
work, stopping now and then to do a little courting, like an ordinary
sparrow or canary, but surely undignified in so grave a bird! It
suggested to me the possibility of an Archbishop or a Lord-Chan-
cellor making love! Still ‘‘ something came of it,’ for my friend Hugo
took two glorious eggs out of that selfsame nest, and presented them
to me, and they now form part of the treasures of the South African
Museum. They are of a dull olive-brown, irregularly blotched
throughout with reddish-brown, closely resembling those of A nthro-
poides Virgo and S. Stanleyanus. Axis, 4” 3’; diam., 2" 9’”.
Genus ANTHROPOIDES, Vieillot.
Bill the length of the head, straight, the sides compressed,
the apical part of the culmen slightly curved to the tips,
which are equal in length; the gonys long and slightly
advancing upwards ; the nostrils placed in a basal groove,
which reaches beyond the middle of the bill, with the open-
ing in a longitudinal slit; wings long, with the third and
fourth quills the longest, and the tertials lengthened and
pendant; tail rather short; tarsi long and slender, and
covered with transverse scales; toes moderate, slender, and
covered above with transverse scales, the lateral toes equal,
the outer united at the base to the middle toe, and the hind
toe very short and elevated. °
574. Anthropoides Stanleyanus, Vigors;
Zool. Journ. II, 234, Pl. 8; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 330;
Grus Paradisea, Licht.; Tetrapteryx Capensis,
Thunb. ; Blue Crane of Colonists.
EntirELy of a leaden-blue, with the exception of the upper
portion of the head, which is white, and the ends of the long
drooping plumes of the wings, which are black. Length,
4' 4"; wing, 3’ 10" (including the drooping plumes) ; tail,
12.
The “ Stanley”’ or “ Blue”’ Crane is not abundant in any locality,
but seems very generally distributed. I fancy that certain pairs
frequent the same district for the whole term of their lives, and may
always be found within a certain radius. I saw it thus continually at
Nel’s Poort, and at the Knysna, It is wary, and difficult to approach
30-4 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
within gunshot; but may always be got with a rifle. It goes in pairs,
3 and 9, the latter being considerably the smallest. It becomes
very tame when in confinement, and feeds readily from the hand,
eating bread, fruit, vegetables, &c. Its harsh, rattling, guttural ery
may be heard at an immense distance. Ina state of nature it feeds on
fish, reptiles, locusts, and small mammalia, and is often found perma-
nently inhabiting the Karroo country at a great distance from water.
Mr. Arnot has forwarded eggs from Colesberg, and informs me it
breeds in that neighbourhood in some abundance. The eggs resemble
those of G. Carunculata in every particular.
Genus BALEARICA, Brisson.
Bill shorter than the head, strong, thick, the basal half of
the culmen flattened, and the apical half slightly arched and
gibbose, the sides compressed, the gonys of the upper mandi-
ble short, and advancing upwards; the nostrils placed in a
broad basal groove, which reaches to the middle of the bill,
with opening anterior, large and oval; wings lengthened,
with the third quill the longest, and the tertials broad, reach-
ing to the end of the tail; tail short and even; tarsi
lengthened, slender, and covered in front with transverse
scales, and posteriorly with small subquadrate scales ; toes
moderate, sleuder, and covered above with transverse scales ;
the lateral toes unequal, and the hind toe very short and
elevated; the cheeks naked;’the base of the bill and the
throat beneath wattled.
575. Balearica Regulorum. (Licht.) Cat. Dupt.
Berl. Mus, 1793; Grus Balearica, Pl. Enl. 265 ;
Crowned-Crane; and Kafir-Crane of Colonists.
Urrer parts, leaden-grey; lightest on ‘the hackle-shaped
feathers of the throat; top of the head, velvety black; chin
black ; back of -head ornamented with a curious tuft of wiry
bristles, radiating from an elongated centre, each bristle
about 3)” long, flat, and twisted throughout its entire length,
one side being white, the other yellow, thus causing the
bristle to appear ringed with white and yellow; tip black;
beneath and behind the eye, and below the black of the chin,
a bare red spot; outer feathers of wing white, the inner red ;
and covering them, when the wing is closed, are some
elongated, decomposed yellow plumes; tail black; under.
parts leaden-grey. Length, 3’ 8”; wing, 1’ 9"; tail, 1’.
The “ Crowned” or ‘‘ Kafir-Crane” is more common in the eastern
frontier ‘of the colony, than about the western extremity, perhaps
owing to the latter being more settled and cultivated, as it is found in
ARDEIDA. 305
considerable numbers to the north and north-west. It has never fallen
under my notice in its wild state, nor can I find any one who has seen
its nidification.
Mr. Chapman obtained it as far north as Lake N’Gami.
The Sub-Family, ARDEINA, or Herons,
have the bill more or less lengthened, and generally acute,
with the gape extending beneath each eye; the nostrils
placed in the lateral groove, with the opening usually longi-
tudinal, and partly closed by a membrane; the wings usually
long, and the first’ quills more or less graduated ; the tail
short and even; the tarsi long, slender, and covered with
transverse scutellations or reticulated scales; the toes long
and more or less slender; the outer toe usually united at its
base ; sometimes both toes are united at the base for some
distance.
Genus ARDEA, Linnezus.
Bill lengthened, and more or less slender, with the culmen
nearly straight to the tip, which is acute and emarginated,
the sides compressed, and the lateral margins straight and
sometimes serrated ; the gonys moderate and ascending; the
nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in a groove, which extends
for more than half the length of the bill, with the opening
linear and closed by a membranous scale; wings long, with
the first quill nearly as long as the second and third, which
are equal and longest; tail rather’ short, and even; tarsi
longer tkan or as long as the middle toe, rather slender, and
covered in front with transverse scales; those near the toes
large, and of a hexagonal form; toes long, and rather slen-
der; the outer toe longer than the inner, and united at the
base ; the hind toe long; the claws moderate, slight, curved,
and acute.
576. Ardea Goliath, Temm., Pl Col. 474; -A.
Gigantodes, Licht.; A. Nobilis, Blyth, Ann. Nat.
His, 1844, p. 176; Rupp. Faun. Abyss, t. 26.
Upper part of back, and drooping plumes of chest, leaden-
grey ; head, neck, and under parts of body, deep-rufous ;
chin white ; down the front of the neck extends a line of
black, mottled with white, coalescing and mingling with the
drooping plumes of the chest. Length, 4’ 6’; wing, 1’ 11”;
tat, 11": .
This gigantic Heron has only once fallen under my notice, a fine
male bird in full plumage having been received from Mr. Arnot, of
Colesberg. Mr. Chapman is familiar with it towards the Zambezi; and
Mr. Andersson found it in Damaraland. ;
306 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
577. Ardea Cinerea, Linn, S.N. Vol. XII, p.
236, Pl. Enl, 755; A. Mujor, Gmel.; Ardea Leu-
cophea, Gould; Bonap. Consp., Vol. 2, p. 111;
The Common Heron, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 36.
Upper parts, blueish-grey ; head, neck, and under parts,
white; a broadish black stripe commences just before and
extends over the eye to the back of the head, terminating
in a lengthened pevdant crest; a double row of black spots
commences about one-third of the way down the front of the
throat, and terminates among the pendant feathers of the .
chest, on each side of which is a broad black patch, extend-
ing down each side to the thighs; quill-feathers of wings
blaek. Length, 3’ 3”; wing, 1’ 6”; tail, 8”.
The Heron is very abundant throughout South Africa, in all suitable
localities, feeding upon fish and frogs, and an occasional snake. I
am told they breed on tlie Cape Flats, placing their nests in company
on tufts of grass and rushes, surrounded with water. This seems a
strange habit, and very different from their European practice ; but I
see no reason to doubt my informant, who has volunteered to show me
the breeding place, and whose children make a yearly jaunt thither to
feast on the eggs.
578. Ardea Atricollis, Wagler; Smith, Zool. S.
Af, Pl. 86; A. Melanocephala, Child. and Vig.
Uprer parts, blue-grey, darkest in centre of back; upper
portion of head and back of neck, black; chin and upper
portion of throat, pure white; centre portion profusely mot-
tled with black and white; lower part, blue-grey; under
portion of body, light-blue grey; tail black. Length, 3’
3”; wing, l’ 4”; tail, 8”. ‘
T suspect that the black-necked Heron is more common than is gene-
rally supposed ; but, owing to its resemblance to the common species,
is not often brought to notice. I once shot one without being at all
aware that I was obtaining such a prize. It was onthe marshy
greund close to the Observatory, near Cape Town, and at the moment
when I fired it was engaged ina fight with another. I took them
both to be A. Cimerea till I picked up my bird. I have received it
from Colesberg in the young state ; and Mr. Chapman procured it
along the Zambezi route; Mr. Atmore in the George district. I
also saw a specimen in the Worcester Valley. Three eggs, said to be
of this species, were sent to me from Verloren Vley; they are blue-
green, like those of the common herons: axis, 2” 2’”; diam., 1" 6”.
579. Ardea Purpurea, Linn, Pl. Enl. 788 ; 4.
Caspica, Purpwrata, Rubiginosa, (?) et Botaurus,
aut Rufa, Gmel.; A. Variegata, Scop.; A. Monticola,
Lafrey ; The Purple Heron, Bewick’s Brit. B., p. 40.
_ Upper part of back, ashy-grey, variegated with a few red
plumes on each side ; top of head black; neck red, with a
ARDEIDA, 307
broad black stripe down the back, a narrow one on each side,
and a blue one in front, formed of a succession of spots, and
spreading out on the breast, which is. bright-buff ; centre of
beily, very dark-rufous; sides lighter ; thighs bright-rufous;
as are also the shoulders. Length, 2’ 10”; wing, 1’ 2";
tail, 7".
The Purple Heron is abundant in all marshy places throughout the
colony, and has been brought by Mr. Chapman from the Zambezi. It
feeds on the same food as does A. Cinerea, and may be found in similar
localities. J have never obtained its nest here,
580. Ardea Calceolata, Du Bus. Bull. Acad.
Brull, IV., p. 40.
GENERAL colour, black; with chin and upper part of anterior
portion of throat, white ; two long narrow pendant plumes
proceed from the occiput ; the feathers of the breast and back
are much decomposed and elongated ; in the latter projecting
slightly beyond the tail, and curved upwards at the tip;
irides bright-yellow. Length, 17”; wing, 8" 3’; tail, 42”.
Hartlaub, on the authority of Delalande, gives the Cape as a habitat
of this curious heron. I have not met withit from hence; but shot a
specimen in Boyana Bay, on the North-West Coast of Madagascar.
581. Ardea Bubulcus, Savig., Pl. Enl, 610; A.
Ibis, Hasselq.; A. Veranyi, Roux; Bubuleus Ibis
Bonap.; A. Coromanda, Bodd.
Q, in breeding plumage: general colour white ; top of head,
crest at the back, pendant feathers of breast, and decomposed
feathers of back, rufous-isabella colour ; bill and legs yellow,
irides yellow. Length, 1'7’; wing, 9”; tail, 42”.
Two specimens of this Egret, in non-breeding dress (which is all
white, without the crest and pendant plumes,) have been received from
_ Mr. Arnot.* Mr. Chapman’s Zambezi collection contained several in
both phases of plumage.
582. Ardea Flavimana; Herodias Flavimana,
Sund. Ofvers. K. V. Ac. Forh, 1850, p. 111.
GENERAL colour, grey-black ; toes yellow.
Of this bird I have not been able to obtain any other description
than that given above; neither have I seen any specimen, It is given
as a native of South Africa, loc. cit.
*A specimen also in non-breeding dress savas brought to me by Mr. Shaw, of
Wynberg, in May, 1867,
308 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
588. Ardea Egretta, Gmel. et Wagl.; Ardea
Flavirostris, Temm.; A. Magnifica, Verr; Ardea
Alba, Temm. ; Egretta Flavirostris, Bonap. Consp. 11,
p. 116; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 339.
PLUMAGE, pure white ; bill and bare space round the eye, and
between it and the bill, bright-yellow; legs greenish-black.
The male in breeding plumage has the feathers of the lower
part of the neck elongated and decomposed, and those of the
back also decomposed and prolonged to an enormous extent,
projecting far beyond the tail, drooping gracefully over the
end of the wings, and turned slightly upwards at the tips ;
irides bright-yellow. Length, 2’2”; wing, 10”; tail, 5” 6”.
A pair of these most lovely Egrets, 6 and Q, have been shot at
different times in Zeekoe Vley, between Cape Town and Simon’s Bay.
I have myself seen white egrets wading about that piece of water, and
also on the marsh nearer to Kalk Bay, but always too far off to deter-
mine the species. I have also seen white egrets on the marsh below
the Observatory, and on the rocks at Robben Island. They are, how-
ever, generally so wary as to be unapproachable. Mr. Atmore tells
me it is common at the Knysna, but very shy, and breeds on a small
rock in the sea, east of the Heads; he was too late (December)
for eggs.
584. Ardea Garzetta, Linn; Garzetia Hgretta,
Bonap. Consp., II, p. 118; A. Xanthodactyla et A.
Nivea, Gmel.; A. Orientalis, Gray ; A. Melanopus
Wagler ; A. Nigripes, Temm.
ENTIRELY white, with two long plumes depending from the
back of the head; feathers of the breast and back elongated
and decomposed ; the latter not extending beyond the tail,
and curved considerably upwards ; bill and legs in full breed-
ing plumage, black: at other times the legs and feet are
greenish-yellow ; irides bright-yellow. Length, 2’ 4”; wing,
12”; tail, 5".
Specimens of this beautiful Egret, both in winter and nuptial dress,
have been procured in the neighbourhood of Cape Town ; also at
Colesberg and at the Knysna. The stomachs of this and the preced-
ing, which I have examined, contained multitudes of small aquatic
shells (Physopsis Africana and Succinea Delalandi).
585. Ardea Comata, Pall.; Pl. Enl, 348, 315;
A. Ralloides, Scop.; A. Senegalensis, Gmel. ; A.
Castanea et A. Pwmila, Lepech.; The Squacco Heron.
Tor and back of head, pale ochraceous-yellow ; occipital
feathers elongated, pointed, white ; back rufous, the feathers
—--- -w — —_
ARDEIDE, 309
elongated and decomposed ; all the rest of the plumage white;
bill blueish, with black tip; legs yellow; irides yellow.
Length, 16" to 17"; wing, 83’.
Included by Mr. Gurney in his fourth Additional List of Birds
received from Natal.—Ibis Vol., 1862, p. 157. Sed non vidi.
586. Ardea Leucoptera, Bodd, Pl Enl. 911 ;
A. Grayi, Sykes, Gray, Illus. Ind. Zool. Pl. 48; A.
Malaccensis, Gmel. ; A. Speciosa, Horsf.
Urrer part of back, dirty-brown; wings and tail, pure
white; head and neck white, closely streaked with brown ;
breast and under parts white, sparingly streaked with brown,
and tinged with russet-brown on the fanks; back of head
crested ; bill greenish, and horn-coloured at the tip. Length,
16"; wing, 9"; tail, 3” 9".
Two specimens of this little Heron were sent from Colesberg by Mr.
Arnot. On comparing them with Indian specimens, I could not
detect the slightest difference between them. I saw it abundantly up
the East Coast and Mozambique Channel, frequenting the coral reefs
which line the shore; but it has not been found, to my knowledge,
along the coast of the colony.
587. Ardea Atricapilla, Afzel.; Hgretta Thalas-
sina, Swain. Ani. in Menag, p. 333; A. Brevipes,
Hempr.; Butorides Atricupilla, Bp.
Axove, dark slate-coloured, tinged with green, which prevails
on the wings; back, sides of neck, flanks, and under parts,
cinereous; top of head and crest black, shot with green;
chin and fore part of neck white, tinged with ferruginous ;
dorsal plumes long, narrow, and lanceolate. Length, 15”;
wines 2’: tail, 29".
I obtained specimens of this pretty little Egret at Mauritius, Mada-
gascar, the Islands to the North-East, and along the whole East Coast
of Africa. Two examples were procured by Mr. Arnot somewhere in
Mahura’s country; and Mr. Ayres has it from Natal. It frequents
equally fresh and salt water, finding its food, which consists of small
fish, frogs, water-insects, and shells, with equal facility in either. Ié
is very partial to the mangrove thickets which line the tidal rivers on
the coast, and roosts among them, perching on the branches.
588. Ardea Minuta, Linn, Pl Enl, 323, 8
N., XII, -p. 240; Ardea Minuta, Bp.; Ardea
Danubialis et A. Solonencis, Gmel.; The Little Bit-
tern, Bewick’s Brit. B, p. 52. :
Tor of head, back, wing, and tail, black; remainder of the
plumage buff; ehin white, and faint white longitudinal lines
yu
310 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
are visible down the throat; a large patch on the wing is
also buff, In the g, the top of the head and the wing and
the tail feathers are black; the back, deep rufous-brown ;
the feathers edged with buff; neck deep-rufous ; the fore
part lightest, distinctly marked longitudinally with white
lines; sides of chest beautifully variegated with a rufous-
brown so deep as to appear black in some lights. Length,
13”; wing, 5’ 5"; tail, 2”.
This pretty little Heron is not uncommon in all suitable localities in
the colony ; and Mr. Chapman brought it in considerable abundance
from the Zambezi. It conceals itself among reeds, and lies so close,
that the shooter often treads within afew feet of it before it will
rise. My son has shot several pair in the neighbourhood of Cape
Town.
589. Ardea Pusilla, Vieil.; Ardeola Podiceps,
Bonap. Consp,, Vol. I], p. 135.
ReseMBies A. Minuta, the preceding species, but is smaller ;
the upper wing-coverts are reddish-grey, not whitish ;
under, dirty-red, not white; neck, obscure rufous, not grey ;
abdomen ruddy, Length, 12”.
Inhabits Natal, from whence it has been forwarded by Mr. Ayres:
T have not met with it in this colony.
590. Ardea Gutturalis, Smith, Zool. S. Af, PI.
91; A. Sturmii, Wagl., Bp. Consp. 2, p. 131.
Asove, dark slate-colour ; beneath buff, variegated from the
chin down to the belly with elongated blotches of dark slate-
colour, here and there edged with rufous; flanks tinged with
rufous. Length, 12”; wing, 6”; tail, 2”.
I have not yet seen this species from within the colony; but have
received it from just beyond the borders. Mr. Andersson procured it
in Damaraland, and Mr. Chapman brought several specimens from the
Zambezi; but the former tells me it is a very rare species.
Genus BOTAURUS, Stephens.
Bill long and straight, with the culmen straight, flattened
at the base, rounded, and curved to the tip, which is
strongly emarginated, and the sides compressed ; the gonys
short and ascending; the nostrils basal, and placed in a deep
groove, that extends for two-thirds the length of the bill,
with the opening linear; wings long, with the first three
quills equal and longest ; tail short and even; tarsi as long as
the middle toe, rather strong, and covered in front with broad
transverse scales; toes very long, and rather slender, the
ARDEIDA. 311
outer toe longer than the inner, and united at the base by a
membrane, the hind toe long and rather slender; the claws
very long, slightly curved, and very acute.
591. Botaurus Stellaris. (Linn) Pl. Enl, 789 ;
Ardea Stellaris, Linn. ; The Common Bittern, Bewick’s
Brit. Birds, Pl. 47; Ardea Stellaris Capensis, Sch.,
Mus. de Pays-bas ; “ Roerdomp” of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, ochreous, profusely variegated with wavy
lines of dark-brown; top of head deep-brown ; chin white,
or pale-ochreous ; the markings on the back assume a bolder
character than those on the other parts of the body; the
neck is furnished with a ruff, which can be expanded at
pleasure. Length, 2’ 4"; wing, 12”; tail, 4”. ;
The Bittern is occasionally found in a few favoured localities, even in
the neighbourhood of Cape Town; and I am told it breeds in Verloren
Viey. At Zoetendals Vley I found it in great abundance ; and early in
the morning, or during the evening twilight, their booming call
resounded from every part of the lake. Mr. Hugo, of Fransch Hoek,
brought me a pair of eggs, unfortunately both broken, which he states
are of this bird. The colour is a dark olive-green, smooth, and
shining as a duck’s. Having seen bitterns’ eggs in various collections
in England, I am satisfied that Mr. Hugo is right in his identification.
Genus NYCTICORAX, Stephens.
Bil! rather longer than the head, strong, with the culmen
gradually curved, and the sides-compressed to the tip, which
is emarginated ; the gonys long and ascending; the nostrils
lateral, and placed in a groove, with the opening linear, and
closed by a membranous scale; wings long, with the first
quill shorter than the second and third, which are equal and
longest ; tail short and even ; tarsi as long as the middle toe,
rather strong, and covered with large irregular scales; toes
long, rather slender, the outer toe longer than the inner, both
united at their base, especially the former; the hind toe
long, rather slender, and on the same plane with the others;
the claws moderate, curved, and acute.
592. Nycticorax Griseus. (Linn) Pl. Enl. 758,
759 ; Bewick’s Brit. B, p. 55, Bp. Consp. 2, p. 140;
Nycticorax Europeus, Steph.; Ardea Nycticoraa, L.
GENERAL colour, light-slate; paler on the side of the head
and neck, with a vinaceous tinge; chin, centra of throat, and
under parts, white ; the back, top of the head, and a portion
313 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of the hinder part of neck, dark iridescent-green ; from the
back of the head emanate two long, narrow, and pure white
plumes, eight inches long; legs yellow ; irides in adult bird
the same; in young birds light reddish-madder. The young
bird is of a dirty-grey, mottled with white. Length, 24’;
wing, 13”; tail, 5”.
The Night-Heron is generally distributed throughout the colony ; but
appears to be nowhere common. It certainly breeds somewhere in the
neighbourhood of Cape Town, as a young bird, still showing the down,
was brought to me from Zeekoe Vley, on the Simon’s Bay road.
Genus SCOPUS, Brisson.
Bill long, with the culmen elevated to the base, keeled and
curved to the tip, which is hooked, the sides much com-
pressed, and grooved near the culmen irom the base to the
tip ; the gonys long, and eurved upwards ; the nostrils basal
and lateral, with the opening linear, exposed, and partly
closed by a membranous scale; wings long, with the third
and fourth quills equal and longest; tail short and even ;
tarsi longer than the middle toe, compressed, and covered
with small reticulated scales; toes moderate ; the outer
longer than the inner ; both are united at the base by a mem-
brane, which extends along the sides to the tip; the hind
-toe moderate, and even with the others; the claws rather
short, and slightly curved.
593. Scopus Umbretta, Gmel.; Pl Enl. 796;
Ardea Fusea, Forst.; Cephus Scopus, Wagl.; Ham-
merkop of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, a warm brown; glossed with purple; tail
with a broad bar at the tip, and numerous narrow ones ;
head much crested; bill black. Length, 20”; wing, 183”;
tail, 6":
The “ Hammerkop ” (literally, Hammerhead) is found throughout the
colony, and all the way to the Zambezi, frequenting ponds, marshes,
rivers, and lakes. It is a strange, weird bird, flitting about with great
activity in the dusk of the evening, and preying upon frogs, small
fish, &¢ At times, when two or three are feeding in the same small
pool, they will execute a singular dance, skipping round one another,
opening and closing their wings, and performing strange antics.
They breed on trees and on rocky ledges, forming a huge structure
of sticks, some of them of considerable thickness. These nests are so
solid, that they will bear the weight of a large, heavy man on the domed
roof without collapsing. The entrance is a small hole, generally
placed in the most inaccessible side. The eggs, three to five in number,
are pure white: axis, 1" 9’’; diam., 1” 4’”.
On my late friend Jackson’s farm, at Nel’s Poort, thereis a singular
rocky glen between two hills. In this spot, a beautiful permanent
ARDEID&. $13
spring, called ‘“Jackalsfontein,” takes its rise. Of course, in consequence,
there are a few wild almond and other trees, and the place is a little
oasis amid the barren mountains. It is a favourite resort of wild
animals, hyenas, leopards, jackals, &c., and here Mr. Jackson has
constructed one of his most successful hye#na-traps. On the ledges of
the rocks in this secluded spot a colony of HMammerkops have built
for years. Some of the nests are quite inaccessible, while others can
be reached with a little trouble. I counted six or eight within fifty
yards, all exhibiting the same form and structure, and some of them
containing at least a large cart-load of sticks. Mr. Jackson told me
they occupied the same nest year after year, and added to it or repaired
it as required. About some that I visited, I found brass and bone
buttons, bits of crockery, bleached bones, &c. Mr. Jackson said if a
**Tottie”’ lost his knife or tinder-box on the farm, or within some
miles of the place, he made a point of examining the Hammerkops’
nests, and frequently with success ; the birds, like the ‘“‘ Bowerbird ” of
Australia, embellishing their dwellings with any glittering or bright-
coloured thing they can pick up.
In the Karroo, between Worcester and Robertson, I saw a nest
placed on the ground on the side of a trifling rise: it was at least three
yards in ieigth: by one and a half across, with a small entrance hole
at one end.
Genus PLATALBEA, Linn.
Bill lengthened, straight, thin, much depressed, and
broadly dilated at the tip, which is spoon-shaped, with a
lateral groove commencing on the forehead, extending and
somewhat parallel with the edge to the tip, which is slightly
bent downwards ; the nostrils basal, and placed in the groove,
with the opening oval, and partly closed by a membrane;
wings long, the second quill the longest; tail short ; tarsi
longer than the middle toe, rather slender, and covered by
reticulated scales; toes long, with the anterior toes much
united at their base by a membrane, which extends along the
sides of the toes to the tip, the hind toe long, rather elevated,
and only partly resting on the ground; the claws short,
scarcely curved, and obtuse.
594. Platalea Tenuirostris, Temminck ; Man.
dOrni, Ed. 1816, P. CIIL; P. Nudifrons, Cuv.; P.
Chlororhynchos, Drap.; P. Nivea, Burch.; C. Tel-
fairii, Vig., Pro. Zool. Soc. 1831, p. 41.
GENERAL colour, white; the shafts of the larger wing-
feathers, and the tips of the first four or five, being dark-
brown ; fore part of head bare, and of a bright vermilion ;
the bill very narrow, but expanding at the tip into a broad
spoon. Length, 33”; wing, 152”; tail, 44”.
Procured at Natal by Mr Ayres. The only specimens which have
fallen under my notice were brought from the Great Lake by Mr.
Chapman, where he states they are very common.
314 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Sub-Family, CICONINA, or Storks,
have the bill lengthened, usually straight, and conical, with
the sides compressed to the tip, which is acute; the gonys
long and ascending ; the nostrils lateral, pierced in the sub-
stance of the bill, with the opening linear; the wings long
and ample; the tail moderate and broad; the tarsi leng-
thened, and usually covered with reticulated scales; the
toes moderate, with the anterior toes more or less united at
the base; the hind toe long, elevated, and partly resting on
the ground.
Genus CICONIA, Linn.
Bill lengthened, straight, and strong, with the culmen
keeled and straight towards the tip, which is acute; the
sides compressed, and the gonys long and gradually ascend-
ing; the nostrils lateral and pierced in the substance of the
bill, with the opening linear and small; wings long and
ample, with the third and fourth quills equal and longest ;
tail short and broad; tarsi twice the length of the middle
toe, and covered with reticulated scales; toes moderate,
with the anterior ones united at the base, especially the
outer ones; the hind toe elevated, and partly resting on the
ground.
595. Ciconia Alba, Bris.; Ardea Ciconia, L, Pl.
Enl.,, 866; The White Stork, Gould’s B. of Eur. Pl.
283; Great Locust-Bird of Colonists.
Au white, except the wings, which are black ; bill and legs
red. Length, 3’ 9"; wing, 1’ 11"; tail, Te ;
This Stork is only a migratory visitant to the colony, following the
flights of locusts, on which it feeds. It is not confined to any locality,
but pursues its prey to all parts of the country.
My valued correspondent, Mrs. Barber, however, informs me that
it breeds in the Interior. She writes as follows :—‘‘ My authority for
saying that the White Locust-Crane build their nests in the Interior
is good, or I should not have mentioned it. When my brother
Septimus was lion-hunting in the Free State, he saw the hills where
great numbers of their old nests were. Mr. William Stubbs (of the
Queen’s Town district) a great observer of Nature, and ‘a good man
and true,’ is another of my authorities : he told me that he saw their
nests upon the low rocky hills near St. John’s River. Like the small
locust-birds, they always build their nests in the neighbourhood of
large swarms of young locusts, so that they may have plenty of food
for their young ones ; for young locusts remain long near the spot
where they are hatched.”
ARDEIDA, 315
596. Ciconia Nigra, Bechst., Pl. Enl.399 ; Ardea
Nigra, Linn, Sys. Nat. 1, p. 235 ; Melanopelargus
Niger, Bonap. Consp, Av. 11, p. 105; Ciconia
Fusca, Briss.; The Violet-Stork of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, very dark brownish-green, shot with green
and coppery reflections; belly, thighs, and vent-feathers,
pure white; bill, space round the eyes, chin, and legs, red.
Length, 3! 8”; wing, 1’ 10”; tail, 11”.
The Violet Stork is not common, but generally distributed. I have
killed it at the Knysna, and Nel’s Poort (Beaufort), and have received
specimens from most of my correspondents, including Mr. Chapman.
_It feeds upon fish, frogs, and crabs, and will take a small mammal if it
falls in with it. It is solitary in its habits, more than two being rarely,
if ever, seen together. Its great height gives it a command of vision
which puts all the shooters’ powers of woodcraft to the tax, to enable
him to circumvent his quarry ; and if the bird is only wounded, he
proves no mean antagonist, striking fiercely with its sharp-pointed and
powerful bill at the face and hands of his pursuers. On one occasion,
having only broken the tip of a wing with a long shot, I had to
dispatch my bird with half a charge of dust-shot, so great was his
resistance ; he, moreover, as if aware of his greater chance, took to
the water, and would not be driven from it. :
597. Ciconia Abdimii. (Licht.) Riipp. Atlas, t.
8 ; Sphenorhynchus Abdimit, Licht. p. 76 ; Abdimia
Sphenoryncha, Bonap. Cons., 11, p. 106.
ABOVE, greenish-purple; neck brown, with purplish-gloss ;
all the under parts white; chin, bare part of forehead, space
round the eye, and tip of bill, orange-red; the rest of the
bill greenish; bare space round the eye, blue. Length,
2' 9"; wing, 16”.
I have not seen this bird from any locality, save the Zambezi,
whence it was brought hy Mr. Chapman, who informs me it is
excellent eating, and is found in vast numbers about the borders of
Lake N’Gami. Mr. Andersson procured it in Damaraland ; Hartlaub
ranks it among the South African species; and M. Van Horstock
procured it somewhere in the colony (Schlegel’s Mus. Pays-bas, Cico-
nie, p. 6).
598. Ciconia Leucocephala, Gmel, Pl. Enl,
906; C. Episcopus, Bodd.; C. Umbellata, Wagl.,
Syst. Av. Sp. 11; C. Microscelis, Gray, Gen. of Birds,
Pl. 151, juv.; Melanopelargus Leucocephalus, Bonap.
Consp., 11, p. 105.
VIOLET-BLACK, shining-grees ; plumes of lower neck, blackish-
green, long, wide, truncated, violet-purple at the tip; fore-
316 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
head, chin, and neck, white; belly and rump, white ; top
and back of head, black; tail white; the webs of the four
outside feathers, black, shining coppery. Length, 2}' ;
wing, 183”.
This bird appears rather frequently in Natal; but I have not met
with it in this colony, nor in any collection made to the Westward,
or in the Interior. It could not have passed me unnoticed, as 1 am
well acquainted with it from seeing it in Ceylon.
Genus LEPTOPTILUS, Lesson.
Bill very large, straight, and the base higher than broad,
with the culmen keeled, and straight to the tip, which is
acute; the sides compressed; the gonys long and gradually
ascending; the nostrils small, pierced in the substance of the
bill, with the opening linear ; wings long and ample; tail
moderate and broad; tarsi robust, much longer than the
middle toe, covered with reticulated scales; toes long, with
the anterior ones united at the base, especially the outer toe ;
the hind toe long, and partly resting on the ground. The
head and neck denuded of feathers. ‘
599. Leptoptilos COrumeniferus, Cuvier ;
Ciconia Argali, Temm., Pl. Col, 301; C. Vetula,
Sundevall.
AxsovgE, dark greenish-black, slightly glistening; below,
dirty-white ; head and neck bare; the back of the latter
furnished with a stripe of scantye woolly hairs: a few of
these are also scattered on the pouch which hangs in front,
and on the bare spot of the breast beneath it. In life, these
bare places are of a bright carmine. The bill is very strong,
straight, and of a dirty yellowish-white ; the legs and feet
jet-black. Length, 5’; wing, 28”; tail, LO”.
The Adjutant has not occurred to me, but is included in this list on
the authority of Dr. Hartlaub, Sys. der Orn. W. Af., p. 228. I saw
it abundantly on the Hast Coast ; and a specimen in the Museum was
brought from the mouth of the Zambesi.
Genus MYCTERIA, Linn.
Bill long and strong, with the base higher than broad, the
culmen straight towards the tip, which is turned upwards, as
well as that of the lower mandible; the sides compressed,
and the gonys long and curved upwards; the nostrils lateral,
pierced in the substance of the bill, with the opening linear ;
wings long and ample, with the second and third quills
ARDEIDZ, 317
-longest ; tail. moderate and broad; tarsi much longer than
the middle toe, and covered with reticulated scales; tocs long,
and the. anterior ones united at the bases, especially the outer
tee;:the hind toe moderate, with the tip resting on the
‘ground. —
600. Mycteria Senegalensis, Shaw; Lath.
Gen. His, IX, p. 19; Ciconta Senegalensis, Vieil.
Galer., Pl. 255; Ciconia Ephippioryncha, Temm. PI.
Col. Riipp. Atlas, t. 3.
White; head and neck black, glossed with bronze-gyreen ;
scapulars, and wing and tail feathers, raven-black ; base of
bill to nostril, bright crimson; as is also the skin round the
eye and under the bill (the bill from the nostril for 33
inches is black; from thence to the tip bright crimson) ;
frontal shield, bright yellow; shanks and tarsi black ; knees
and feet brick-dust red; the bare spot on the breast, crim- |
son. Length, 42’; wing, 23”; tail, 10"; tarsus, 113”; bill, 12”.
This large Stork has not to my knowledge been found anywhere
within my limits, except at Natal. Here it has been observed by Mr.
Ayres, whose description of the bill and bare places, taken probably
from a fresh-killed specimen, I copy from the “ Ibis,’ Vol. 1862. Mr.
Anderson procured it Damaraland.
Genus ANASTOMUS, Bonnaterre.
Bill long, higher than broad at the base, strong, with the
~ eulmen nearly straight, and the sides much compressed towards
the tip; the lateral margins sometimes worn away, leaving
an opening between the mandible, even when closed; the
lower mandible very much compressed, and the gonys
lengthened and curved upwards ; the nostrils lateral, pierced
in the substance of the bill, with the opening linear and nar-
row ; wings long, withthe third and fourth quills the longes: ;
tail moderate and broad; tarsi longer than the middle toe,
and covered with reticulated scales; toes long, rather slender,
with the anterior toes united at their base, especially the
outer ; the hind toe long and slender, with the tip partly rest-
ing on the ground.
601. Anastomus Lamelligerus, Temm., PI.
Col. 236; Hians Capensis, Less.; Hiator Lamelli-
gerus, Bonap, Consp. 11, p. 109.
GENERAL colour black, shining-green and purple, with the
feathers of the lower part of the neck, chest, belly, and
thighs, lamellated at their tips, and along the shafts: those on
*N
318 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRIGA,
the back of the neck and chest, deep-brown ; those on the
body black; bill very large and gaping. Length, 2” 9”;
wing, l' 4”; tail, 9”.
This curious bird is not uncommon about the Zambezi; and the
specimen from which the above description was taken was brought
thence by Mr. Chapman. I have not seen it from this side of the
Tropic; but I believe it has been found in Kaffraria. Hartlaub also
gives it as an inhabitant of South Africa. Its enormous gaping bill,
and the curious structure of its plumage, at once distinguish it from all
our other storks.
The Sub-Family, TANTALINZ, or Ibises,
have the bill lengthened, more or less slender, and curved
throughout its length ; the sides gradually compressed to the
tip, which is obtuse; the nostrils lateral, and sometimes
placed in a lengthened groove, with the opening always linear
and exposed; the wings rather long; the tail moderate and
even; the tarsi of various lengths, usually robust, and
covered in front with transverse or hexagonal scales ; the toes
long, the inner toe shorter than the outer, both more or less
united at the base; the hind toe long, and usually strong.
Genus TANTALUS, Linnzus,
Bill lengthened, broad, and elevated at the base, the basal
half nearly straight, the apical portion curved, with the
culmen gradually curved, and the sides compressed to the tip,
which is emarginated; the gony8 long and curved; the
nostrils basal and lateral, with the opening pierced in the
substance of the bill, longitudinal, and exposed; wings long
and pointed, with the first quill rather shorter than the second
and third, which are equal and longest ; tail short and even ;
tarsi rather slender, much longer than the middle toe, and
covered with hexagonal scales; toes leng and rather slender,
the inner toe shorter than the outer, and both united at the
base ; the hind toe long and slender ; the claws short, broad,
and obtuse; the head, and sometimes the neck, denuded of
feathers.
602. Tantalus Ibis, Linn. ; S. N. 241, Pl. Enl. 389 ;
Ibis Candida, Pen.; 7. Rhodinoptexus, Wagl. Syst.
Av. Spec. 3.
Wuitt; fore part of head bare of feathers, red; some of the
feathers of the wing washed with rose-colour or purple ; wing
and tail black ; bill yellow, and curved downwards at the tip;
ARDEIDA, 319
thighs and legs red. Length, 3’; wing, 18”; tail, 734”. The
young bird is of a dull brownish-grey ; wing and tail black.
A single specimen of this bird in the young stage of plumage was
shot at Nel’s Poort by Mr. Henry Jackson, and another appeared in
Mr. Chapman’s collection.
February, 1866.—A full-grown bird was received lately from Mr. H,
Jackson, who states that it was killed by him on his dam. It was in
company with two others, which would not, however, permit any
approach after the death of their comrade.
Genus IBIS, Mcehring.
Bill lengthened, slender, and curved throughout its whole
length; the sides compressed to the tip, which is obtuse; the
nostrils lateral, basal, and placed ina slender groove, that
extends from the base to the tip, with the opening linear and
exposed ; wings rather long and pointed, with the first and
second quills equal and longest; tail rather short, and nearly
even ; tarsi slender, and longer than the middle toe, covered
in front with ‘broad transverse scales, some of which are
divided irregularly ; toes long and slender, the inner rather
shorter than the outer, and both united at the base by a
membrane ; the hind toe long and slender; the claws long,
and rather weak ; the head is partly denuded of plumes.
6038. Ibis Falcinellus. (Linn) Sys. Nat, Vol. 1,
p. 241; Pl. Enl. 819 ; Tantalus Igneus et T. Viridis,
Gmel.; Falcinellus Igneus, Becht. Bonap. Consp. 2,
p. 158.
GeENERAL colour, very dark-brown, resplendent with iride-
scent-green, purple, and bronze reflections; shoulders deep
ruddy-brown, as are also the neck and under parts; the
cheeks and chin mottled with white. In some specimens the
neck and under parts are not ruddy, and the former is mot-
tled all the way down.
Hartlaub cites this as a South African species; but it has not come
under my notice, dead or alive ; and it is quite familiar to me in either
vane ots shot many of them in Ceylon. Mr. Ayers has obtained
it in Natal.
Genus GERONTICUS, Wagler.
Bill more or less strong, elevated at the base, and curved
throughout its length ; the sides compressed to the tip; which
is obtuse ; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a groove,
which extends from the base to the tip, with the opening
linear and exposed; wings long and pointed, with the first
320 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
quill gencrally, and sometimes the second quill, shorter than
the third and’fourth, which are equal and longest; tail broad
and even; tarsi as long as or rather: shorter than the’ middle
toe, strong, and covered in front: with. hexagonal scales ; ‘toes
lonz and robust, with the inner toe'‘shorter than the’ outer,
the lateral ones united at the base, and all the fore toes mar-
gined at the side; the hind toe long and strong; the claws
moderate, compressed, and curved ; the head and neck more
or less denuded of feathers; the scapulars of some. species
long, and composed of decomposed plumes.
604. Geronticus Atthiopicus. (Lath) Wume-
nius Ibis, Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 359; Bp. Consp. 2, p. 151;
Ibis Religiosa, Savig.; Sacred Ibis.
GENERAL colour, pure-white; the tips of the wing-feathers
being brilliant dark-green, and the supplementary plumes
assumed by the male in his nuptial livery, deep rich-blue and
white, and very lax; head, and the whole of the neck in the
male, bare and black; in the female, clothed with short black
and white feathers; chin and space round the eyes, bare,
black; legs black. Length, 2’ 6”; wing, 102”; tail, 7".
A. few specimens of the Sacred Ibis have come under: my notice,
killed in the colony; one, a female, in fine plumage, having been shot
at Green-Point, within three miles of Cape Town, feeding about the
rocks which line the coast iu that direction. It appears in Mr. Chap-
man’s coilection ; and he informs me they are very common towards the
Lake. Isaw a large flock of them at Zoetendals Vley, in December,
1805; they walked rapidly about a mud bank in the river near the
mouth, probing for worms ; and I noticed that they turned about in the
usual quick manner of the curlew. I was informed that they occa-
sionally bred in that neighbourhood.
605. Geronticus Hagedash. (Vieil) Tantalus
Hagedash, Sparm.; 7. Caffrensis, Licht.; J. Chal-
coptera, Vieil., Gal. Des. Ois., t. 246 ; Ibis Hagedash,
Wagl. Syst. Av.; Hagedashia Capensis, Bp. Consp.
2, p. 153: . )
GENERAL colour above, dark-brown, glossed with shining-
green and purple, especially on the wings and tail; head,
neck, and under parts, dull brownish-grey ; ridge of the bill
near the head, red, the rest black ; legs red-brown. Length,
2' 5". wing, 142”; tail, 7”. ' )
The Hadadah (so called from its ery of ‘‘Ha-ha-hadadah !”’) is
only found in wooded places, such as the Knysna, where it is net
uncommon, associating in small flocks, and making the wooded streams
resound with its loud and not unmusical call. It feeds on worms and
SCOLOPACID A. . BA h
small crustaceans, which it finds in the shallows and muddy creeks.
Mr. Chapman procured it at the Zambezi. It is everywhere very shy,
and difficult to procure, the best way being to watch their roosting
place, to which they nightly repair, and where several may be obtained
from an ambuscade by a successful discharge.
606. Geronticus Calvus. (Bodd) PI. Enl. 867;
Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 361; Tantalus Niger, Gmel.; 7.
Capensis, Forst. Descrip. An, p. 48; Ibis Calva,
Vieil Shaw, Vol 12," PL ip. 7; Bp. Consp. 2,
p. 153.
GENERAL colour throughout, shiniug-green, glossed with
purple, with a patch of rich golden-copper on each shoulder ;
head, and portion of the neck, bare, and of a deep red-colour ;
as are also the legs. Length, 2’ 6”; wing, 16”; tail, 83”.
The Wilde Kalkoen (wild-turkey) of Dutch colonists is not rare on
the Hastern frontier ; but seldom appears to the westward. I am told
it is a very foul feeder, frequenting the neighbourhood of native
villages, and acting the part of scavenger. It thrives well in confine-
ment, and becomes very tame. One in the possession of His Excel-
leney Sir George Grey was at large in the Government Gardens; he
walked with great rapidity, and was always seeking for food, probing
the ground with his long curved bill, and drawing thence the large
earth-worms, which he swallowed at a gulp. Mr.'Albert Vigne shot a
fine female at Tygerhoek; on the River Zonder End, near Caledon) in
February, 1866.
The Fourth Family, SCOLOPACIDA,
or Snipes, —
have the bill generally long, slender, curved, or straight
throughout its length, with the sides compressed and grooved
to the tip, which is obtuse ; the nostrils basal, longitudinal,
closed by a membrane, and placed in the groove; the wings
long and pointed ; the tail usually short and even; the tarsi
more or less long and slender; the toes generally long and
slender, the lateral ones sometimes much united to the middle
toe by a membrane; the hind toe short, resting on the
ground, or entirely wanting.
The Sub-Family, LIMOSINZ, or Godwits,
have the bill generally long, slender, entirely curved, or
straight from the base, with the sides more or less grooved to
the tip, which usually overlaps that of the lower mandible, and
is obtuse; nostrils’ basal, placed longitudinally in the lateral
groove; wings long and pointed; the tail usnally skort and
322 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
even; the tarsi lengthened and slender; the toes long, the
lateral ones united at the base of the middle toe; the hind toe
short, sometimes wanting.
Genus NUMENIUS, Latham.
Bill more or less long, slender, and curved from the base,
with the sides compressed and grooved for nearly its whole
length ; the tip of the upper mandible projecting over that of
the lower, and rather obtuse; the nostrils basal, lateral, and
placed in a lateral groove, with the opening longitudinal and
covered by a membrane; wings long and pointed, with
the first quill the longest; tail short and even; tarsi longer
than the middle toe, slender, and covered in front with
narrow transverse scales; toes moderate, the lateral toes
unequal, and united at their bases; the hind toe long,
slender, and partly restiag on the ground; the claws short
and obtuse.
607. Numenius Arquatus. (Lath) Pl Eni.
818; The Curlew, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 68.
PiumacE of the head, neck, and fore part of the back, light
reddish-grey, streaked longitudinally with blackish-brown ;
hind part of the back white, with narrow longitudinal dark
marks ; tail white, with twelve dark-brown bars ; the breast,
sides, and abdomen, white, with lanceolate dark-brown spots
and bars ; bill very long (six to seven inches) and curved down-
wards. Total length (of male), 25”; wing, 12” 6; tail,
4" 6”. The female is somewhat smaller.
The Curlew is not uncommon on our sea-border throughout its whole
extent. It maintains its characteristic shyness, and rarely falls to the
gun of the sportsman. I never heard of its breeding in the colony,
though it is found here throughout the year. I met with it up the
whole East Coast, as far as the Line. Schlegel separates our South
African species from the European bird on account of its size, and
calls it Nwmenius Major.
608. Numenius Phoeopus. (Linn) Pl. Enl.
842; The Whimbrel, or Little Curlew, Bewick’s Brit.
Birds, p. 70.
Upper part of the head, dark-brown, with a medial and two
lateral whitish bands, streaked with dusky ; neck, all round,
pale brownish-grey, streaked with brown; feathers of the
fore part of the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts, dusky,
with marginal whitish spots; hind part of back white; tail
SCOLOPACIDA, 323
and coverts, greyish-white, barred with dusky; chin, hind
part of breast, and abdomen, white; fore part of breast
streaked ; sides and lower wing-coverts barred with dusky.
Length, 17", wing, 9” 9'; tail, 4”; bill, 3” 2”.
The Whimbrel is a rare bird in South Africa, only three specimens
having reached my hands: one of these was procured in the neigh-
bourhood of Walwich Bay by the Messrs. Chapman; the other two
were shot near Cape Town. one by my son, the other by Mr. Butler,
the Taxidermist of the Museum. From the statements of the two
latter, it appears the birds were feeding in company with the common
curlew, and may be others of the same species were with them, as
they were killed by chance, and the difference not observed till
submitted to me for inspecticn.
Genus LIMOSA, Brisson.
Bill long, rather slender, and more or less inclined up-
wards towards the tip, with the sides compressed and
grooved on both mandibles to nearly their entire length;
the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in the groove, with
the opening longitudinal, and closed with a membrane;
wings long and pointed, with the first quill the longest;
tail short and even; tarsi longer than the middle toe,
rather slender, and covered in front with narrow transverse
scales; toes long, the outer toe united to the middle toe b
a membrane as far as the first joint; the inner toe slightly
united ; the hind toe long, slender, and partly resting upon
the ground ; the claws short and obtuse.
609. Limosa Cinerea. (Giild.) Terekia Cinerea ;
Scolopax Cinerea, Gmel.; Se. Terek, Lath. ; Sc. Suma-
trana, Raffles; Limosa Recurvirostra, Pallas; “ Terek
Sandpiper.”
Uprer parts, brown-grey, shot with greenish, and with a
slender black streak along the shaft of each feather ; forehead,
chin, throat, and chest, white, mottled finely with grey
streaks and spots; under parts, and bar along the wing, pure
white. Length, 9” (of which the bill is 1” 9", and curved
upward) ; wing, 4” 9”; tail, 2” 3”.
Mr. Ayres reeords the shooting of a specimen at Natal “from a
flock of four or five amongst the mangroves in the bay ;’”’ and adds:
“they are scarce birds here.” I have not met with it.
The Sub-Family, TOTANINA, or Longshanks,
have the bill long, slender, compressed, and grooved on the
sides, with the culmen more or less straight, curved, and
acute at the tip; the nostrils linear, and placed in the lateral
o2k | BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
groove, which extends to or beyond the middle of the bill ;
the wings long and pointed; the tail moderate and even, or
rounded; the tarsi more or less long, slender, and covered in
front with narrow transverse scales; the toes, usually long
and slender ; the lateral ones unequal, and generally united
at the base to the middle toe, especially the outer: the hind
toe long, slender, and hardly touching the ground.
Genus TOTANUS, Bechstein.
Bill more or less long and strong, with the culmen straight
or slightly curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which
is slightly curved and acute; the gonys long, and slightly
curved upwards; the nostrils linear, placed in a mem-
branous groove, which does not extend beyond half the
length of the bill; wings reaching beyond the end of
the tail, and pointed, with the first quill the longest ;
tail moderate, and nearly even; tarsias long as or longer
than, the middle toe, more or less slender, and covered in
front with numerous very narrow scales; toes long and
slender, the anterior toes united by a membrane, especially
the outer; the hind toe slender, elevated, and hardly touch-
ing the ground. r
610. Totanus Stagnatilis, Bechst.; Scolopax
Totanus, Linn., Pl. Enl., 876; Lringa Guinetta, Pall.
Axove, pale-cinereous; the margins of the feathers whitish ;
eyebrows, cheeks, back, and under part, pure white; neck
and breast marked with brown; tail white, barred with
brown. Length, 8” 6”; wing, 5” 1”; tail, 2” 5”.
Procured at Natal by Mr. Ayres; but I have not scen it from the -
Cape Colony.
611. Totanus Calidris, Bechstein, Pl. Enl. 827,
845; Scolopax Calidris, Linn.; Tringa Gambetta,
Gmel., and Zringa Striata, Lath.; The Redshank,
Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 96.
PLUMAGE in winter: upper parts of the head and hind-neck,
brownish-grey ; fore part of the back, greyish-brown, streaked
with dusky; its hind part white; the tail and its coverts
barred with white and dusky-grey; the fore part and sides
of the neck pale-grey, streaked with dusky, as are the sides ;
the rest of the lower parts white. In summer: the lower
SCOLOPACIDA. 325
parts are white, or less shaded with grey, and marked with
decided dusky streaks, spots, and angular bars; feet and
legs, orange-red in life. Length, 11” 3”; wing, 6” 6”;
tele! SEOs
The ‘‘ Red-Shank” and “ Green Sandpiper” are found sparingly
about the Knysna estuary, and the mouth of the Salt River, near
Cape Town, in both of which places I have shot them. I also detected
them among some birds shot by Messrs. Chapman on Lake N’Gami.
At Zoetendals Vley they were abundant in November.
612. Totanus Ochropus. (Linn) Temminck, PI.
En]. 843; Totanus Leucurus, Gray; The Green
Sandpiper, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 99.
Tait, nearly even, white; the four middle feathers with
three blackish-brown bars toward the end, the outermost
feather plain; upper part of head and hind-neck, brownish-
grey ; back, scapulars, and inner secondaries, greenish-brown,
with marginal whitish aud dusky spots ; neck greyish-white,
with longitudinal dusky lines; the breast and abdomen
white ; lower wing-coverts, axillars, and some of the hypo-
chondrial feathers, angularly barred with brown; bill dusky
above, reddish beneath; feet greyish-blue, tinged with green.
Length, 11” 6”; wing, 5” 11"; tail, 2” 6”. :
Several examples of this bird have been received from Mr. Arnot,
procured near Colesberg ; also common at Zoetendals Vley in Novem-
ber, 1865, and at the Knysna.
613. Totanus Glottis. (Linn') Bechstein ; Limosa
Grisea, Briss.; Scolopaxz Glottis, Linn.; The Green-
Shank, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 108.
ADULT, in winter, with the bill greenish-brown at the base,
black towards the end; the feet greenish-grey ; the head,
hind part and sides of neck, greyish-white, streaked with
brown ; the fore part of the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts,
greyish-brown, the feathers edged with whitish; hind part
of the back, the fore part of the face, and all the lower parts,
white, but with faint grey markings on the fore part of the
sides, and on the lower wing-coverts; tail white, barred with
greyish-brown. Adult, in summer, with the fore-neck and
breast marked with oblong black spots; the fore part of the
back and the scapulars, black, the feathers margined with
whitish. Length, 14” 3'"; wing, 7” 6”; tail, 3” 2”.
Common with the precedimg species, and found also on all vieys
throughout the countuy.
¥9
326 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
614. Totanus Glareola. (Linn) Temm.; Tringa
Litteralis, Linn. ; Totanus Affinis, Horsf; The Wood
‘Sandpiper, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 101.
Tait, doubly emarginate, white, all the feathers barred to
the base with blackish-brown : the outermost feather, with the
inner web, plain; upper part of head greyish-brown ; back,
scapulars, and inner secondaries, dark purplish-brown, with
marginal whitish and dusky spots; neck greyish-white, with
longitudinal dusky lines; the breast and abdomen white;
lower wing-coverts dusky, edged with white; axillar feathers,
and some of those of the sides, narrowly and irregularly
barred with brown ; feet greenish-grey. Length, 9"; wing,
ae meee tail, oye ¢ Hid
Mr. Ayers found this species at Natal. It occurred to me about
Zoetendals Vley, in November, 1865; but this is the only place
where I have seen it.
a
bd
615. Totanus Fuscus. (Briss) Gould’s Birds of
Kur., Pl. 309 ; Scolopax Fusca, Linn.; Bewick's Brit.
Birds, p. 94.
ADULT, with basal half of bill red, the other half brownish-
black ; the feet orange-red ; the secondary quills black, barred
with white. In winter the upper part of the head, and hind
neck, brownish-grey ; the fore part of the back, greyish-
brown, streaked with dusky, its hind part white; the tail and
its coverts barred with white, and dusky; the cheeks and
fore-neck, greyish-white, faintly streaked with grey ; the rest
of the lower parts white. In summer the head, neck, and
lower parts greyish-black, the feathers slightly edged with
whitish ; those of the fore part of the back and wing-coverts
blackish-brown, marginally spotted with black and white;
the other parts as in winter. Length, 12”; wing, 6” 9’;
tail, 3”.
A single specimen, procured by myself at the Knysna, is the only
example that has occurred tome.
Genus TRINGOIDES, Pr. Bonap.
Bill as long as or rather longer than the head, with the
culmen straight, and the sides compressed towards the tip,
which is curved and acute; the nostrils linear, and placed in
a lateral membranous groove, which extends to near the tip
on both sides; wings reaching beyond the middle of the tail,
and pointed, with the first quill the longest ; tail long, broad,
SCOLOPACIDA. 3 327
and much rounded; tarsi long, moderately strong, and covered
in front with narrow transverse scales; toes long, with the
outer one united at the base by a membrane to the middle
toe, the inner one free, the hind one moderate, elevated ; the
claws short and acute.
616. Tringoides Hypoleuca. (Linn) Pl. Enl.
850; Tringa Hypoleucos, Linn. ; Common Sandpiper,
Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 103; Tringa Leucoptera, Pall.
Bit dusky ; feet greenish-grey ; upper parts glossy greenish-
brown, transversely banded and undulated with dark-brown ;
lower parts white, excepting the fore part, and sides of the
neck, which are greyish, with faint dusky lines. Young,
with upper parts lighter, the feathers margined with dusky
and reddish; iris hazel. Length, 8” 6”; wing, 4” 9';
tail, 2" 5!".
The Sandpiper is rather a rare bird in this colony, and but very few
specimens have been seen. The first was forwarded to me in March,
1864, by Mr. Cowen, of the Paarl; another was shot about the same
time on the Cape Flats ; and my son procured a third on the rocks at
Green-Point, near Cape Town. I sawa specimen or two at Zoeten-
dals Viey in November, 1865.
The Sub-Family, RECURVIROSTRINA, or
Avocets,
have the bill lengthened and slender, with the sides grooved
to the middle, and compressed towards the tip, which is
acute; the nostrils linear and membranous; the wings long
and pointed ; the tail rather short and rounded; the tarsi
long, slender, and covered in front with reticulated scales ;
the tibia long, and denuded of feathers for some distance
above the knee; the toes moderate, sometimes free, and
sometimes entirely united by a web to the ends of the toes,
the hind toe extremely short or wanting; the claws short.
Genus RECURVIROSTRA, Linnzus.
Bill very long and slender, with the culmen slightly
depressed at the base, the sides grooved to the middle, and
compressed to the tip, which is gradually pointed ; the
nostrils lateral and placed in the groove, with the opening
linear and membranous ; wings long and pointed, with the
first quill the longest ; tail short and rounded ; tarsi much
longer than the middle toe, rather compressed, and covered
in front with reticulated scales ; toes united together by an
indented web; the outer toe rather longer than the inner ;
the hind toe extremely short; the claws short, compressed,
and acute.
328 + BARDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
. & ae
617. Recurvirostra Avocetta, Linn. ; Pl. Enl,
353; “The Avoset,’ Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 58.
Urrer part of head and hind-neck, for half its length,
black ; the rest white, excepting some of the scapulars, the
smaller wing-coverts, and the primary quills and coverts, —
which are black; legs and feet black, the latter partially
webbed ; bill black, very long, slender, and turned consider-
ably upwards. Length, 18”; wing, 9” 3”; tail, 3” 3”;
bill, 3” 3”. 4.
Occurs periodically in the colony in small flocks. It does not
appear to be very shy, as many have been yearly procured on Zeekoe
Vley, on the Simon’s Town and Wynberg road; among them several
specimens in very young plumage. I cannot, however, hear of their
breeding here. Mr. Henry Jackson killed two or three specimens
‘near Nel’s Poort in February, 1866; at the same time, Mr. W. Keal
procured some near Beaufort. What they could have been doing in a
country so far from the sea and so badly watered, isa mystery. They
only remained a few days in that locality, so were probably migrating.
Genus HIMANTOPUS, Brisson.
Bill much longer than the head, very slender and straight,
with the sides grooved to the middle, and compressed towards
the tip, which is acute; the nostrils basal, and placed in the
groove, with the opening long, linear, and closed by a mem-
brane; wings long and pointed, with the first quill the
longest ; tail short, aud nearly even ; tarsi very long, slender,
and covered in front with reticulated scales ; toes moderate,
and united at the base by a small membrane, especially the
outer toe; the hind toe wanting; the claws small, com-
pressed, and acute.
618. Himantopus Candidus, Bonn.; Pl Enl,
878 ; Himantopus Melanopterus, Temm. ; Charadrius
Himantopus, Linn.; The Black-winged Stiltplover,
Bewick’s Brit. Birds, Vol. 2, p.6 ; H. Albicollis, Vieil.
GENERAL colour, pure white; wings black; back with a
small brown patch near the shoulders; tail tinged with
brown; in some phases of plumage the head and neck are
also tinged with the same. This bird may at once be distin-
guished from all our waders by the disproportionate length
and slenderness of its legs, which are of a bright-red colour.
Length, 15”; wing, 8” 9"; tail, 3” 6’; legs, 10”.
But one specimen has been obtained within the colony. It was
killed on the Cape Flats by Mr. Dumbleton, to whom I am indebted
for many rare birds, shot by his own hand. A pair were seen, but the
other escaped. I haye seen this speaies very abundantly in Ceylon, in
SCOLOPACIDA. 329
the tanks scattered throughout the jungle. It is usually in small
companies, wading up to the extent of its long legs, and even
swimming across Paalk holes or depressions which it may encounter
while wading. It feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and ‘shells, and
is easy of approach, till it learns to fear the presence of man. On
being Hashbd, the flock flies round and round, each bird uttering a
loud ‘cry of ‘‘wheet-wheet-wheet,” in a different key, the whole
forming a pleasing music, as agreeable to the ear of the naturalist as
the cry of a pack of hounds is to that of a fox-hunter.
The Sub-Family, TRINGINA, or Sandpipers,
have the bill generally longer than or as long as the head,
slender, 2nd compressed on the sides, with the culmen near
the tip slightly depressed and enlarged; the nostrils basal,
and placed in a nasal groove, that extends for two-thirds of
the bill ; the wings long and pointed ; the tail moderate and
rounded ; the tarsi usually long and slender; the toes more
or less long, and united at the base.
Genus PHILOMACHUS, Mcchring.
Bill as long as the head, straight, rather slender, the sides
compressed and grooved to near the tip, which is rather
dilated ; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a basal
groove; wings long and pointed, with the first and second
quills equal and longest ; tail rather short, and nearly even ;
tarsi long, slender, and covered in front with transverse
scales ; toes moderate, the lateral ones unequal, with the
outer united at the base to the middle one as far as the first
joint, and the base of the inner toe free; the hind toe elevated
and short. .
619. Philomachus Pugnax. (Linn) Pl Eul.
300, 305, 306; Tringa Pugnaz, Linn.; 7. Varie-
gata, Briin.; Machetes Pugnax, Cuv.; The “ Ruff,’ &,
“ Reeve,” Q, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 87.
Mate, in winter, with the bill brown; the feet greenish-
yellow; the throat and abdomen white; the fore-neck and
part of the breast, pale reddish-brown, spotted with dark-
brown; the upper parts variegated with brownish-black and
light-red. Female similar, but with the upper parts lighter,
the lower more grey; the bill and feet dusky. Male, in
summer, with numerous fleshy tubercles on the face, two
occipital tufts, and a very large ruff of elongated feathers on
the neck; the colour of the plumage varying in different
330 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
individuals, and even in the same at different periods of the
same season ; the bill and feet orange or yellow; iris hazel.
Length, 12”; wing, 7" 6”; tail, 3”.
The habits of this bird have been so well described by numerous
authors, that they need not be alluded to here—the more so as it does
not assume its nuptial dress and pugnaceous feelings in this country,
only visiting us during the non-breeding period. It seems generally
distributed. Mr. Ayres has found it in Natal; and I have received it
from Colesberg, the Knysna, Traka; and have shot it myself on the
Cape Flats.
Genus TRINGA, Linn.
Bill as long as or longer than the head, straight, slender,
with the sides compressed at the base, and rather dilated and
depressed at the tip; the nostrils placed in a nasal groove,
which extends to near the tip, basal, lateral, and longitudinal ;
wings moderate and pointed, with the first quill the longest ;
tail rather short, and nearly even; tarsi strong, rather long,
and covered in front with transverse scales ; toes moderate,
slightly united at the base of the outer toe, and all margined
on the sides by a membrane; the hind toe very small and
elevated.
620. Tringa Canutus, Linn. ; Pl. Enl. 365, 366;
Tringa Cinerea, Lath.; The “ Knot,’ Bewick’s Brit.
Birds, p. 84; 7. Glareola, Pall; Gould’s Birds of
Eur., Pl. 324.
In winter, the plumage is ash-grey above, white beneath ;
the neck and sides streaked with dusky. In summer, the
back glossy black, variegated with yellowish-red ; the fore-
neck and breast, yellowish-red. The young: grey above,
each feather on the back with a double marginal band of
black and white. Length, 10”; wing, 6” 9’; tail, 2” 9’.
South Africa, teste Hartlaub (Orn. W. Af., p. 237).—Sed non vidi.
621. Tringa Subarquata, Gmel, Pl. Enl. 851;
Scolopax Africana, Gmel.; Scolopax Subarquata,
Gmel.; Sc. Caffra, Forst.; Sc. Pygmea, Gmel.;
Numenius Africanus, Lath.; Numenius Pygmeus,
Lath.; Pigmy Curlew, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 73.
Bit half as long again as the head, considerably decurved
at the end, and black. Plumage in winter: brownish-grey
above, each feather with a dusky streak ; the sides and fore
part of the neck, with a small portion of the breast, greyish-
SCOLOPACIDA, 331
white, streaked with brownish-grey ; the throat, breast, and
abdomen, white; the tail-coverts white; the tail brownish-
grey. In summer: the upper parts of the body black, mot-
tled and streaked with light-red ; the sides of the head, the
fore part and sides of the neck, and the breast, bright
yellowish-red ; the neck faintly streaked with dusky; tail-
coverts white, spotted with brown and red ; the fail brownish-
grey, glossed with green. Length, 9”; wing, 5” 6’; tail, 2”.
The Pigmy Curlew is abundant along the shores in the winter or
non-breeding plumage, and I have shot some now and then, just
beginning to assume that of the summer phase ; but not a single speci-
men has ever occurred to me, showing the full fine red tints of that
state. It lives in great flocks on Robben Island, and at the mouth of
the Salt River.
During my cruise in H. M.S. Castor, on the East Coast of Africa,
we landed at an Arab settlement called Fazy, within a degree anda
half of the Line. Our boat entered the mud-creek on which the little
town is built, and seeing avast flock of birds on the ooze, Lieut.
Suttee and myself stole upon them behind an embankment, and fired
our four barrels into the mass. The dead and wounded might have
been counted by hundreds. The sailors collected a bread-bag full!!
and they dropped by twos and threes from the flock, as it disappeared
in the distance. The majority consisted of the species under con-
sideration with 7. Minuta, Calidris Arenaria, Totanus Fuscus, T.
Glottis, Charadius Marginatus, &c.
622. Tringa Minuta, Leist.; Gould’s Birds of Eur.,
Pl. 332; Tringa Pusilla, Mey. and Wolf; Pelidna
Minuta, Bonap.; Tringa Cinclus, Pall.; Bewick’s
Brit. Birds, p. 83.
PLUMAGE in winter: brownish-grey above, each feather with
a dusky streak; the sides of the neck paler; its lower
part tinged with brown; the throat, fore-neck, breast, and
abdomen, white; the niiddle tail-coverts dusky; the lateral
white ; the tail-feathers ash-grey, edged with white; the two
middle greyish-brown. In summer: the upper parts yellow-
ish-red, spotted with brownish-black ; the throat, breast, and
other lower parts, white ; the lower anterior and lateral parts
of the neck reddish-grey, streaked with brown; a dusky
loral band, and a whitish streak over the eye. Length, 6”;
wing, 4”; tail, 1”.
Common in all marshes and on the seaboard. Their flight is very
beautiful when in large flocks ; various evolutions performed simulta-
neously show alternately the dark upper plumage and the white under
ae ree flashes of light, particularly when seen against a dull, lower-
ing sky.
332 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
Genus CALIDRIS, TIlliger.
Bill as long as the head, straight, slender, the sides at the
‘base compressed, and the tip slightly dilated and smooth; the
nostrils basal, lateral, longitudinal, and placed in a nasal
groove ; wings moderate and pointed, with the first quill the
longest; tail. moderate and even, with the middle feathers
rather longer than the lateral ones; tarsi longer than the
middle toe, strong, and covered in front with transverse
scales ; toes rather short, slender, slightly united at their
bases by a small membrane; the sides margined; the hind
toe wanting ; the claws short and curved.
623. Calidris Arenaria, lIllig.; Goulds B. of
Enur., Pl. 335°; Tringa Arenaria, Linn. ; Charadrius
Rubidus, Lath,; Zhe Sanderling, Bewick’s Brit.
Birds, p. 4.
In winter: the upper parts pale-grey, with dusky lines; the
lower white; wings black and grey, with a white band. In
summer: the upper parts variegated with black and red; the
lower red anteriorly ; white behind. Young: with the upper
parts black, and variegated with yellow and white; lower
white; iris hazel. Length, 7” 9'"; wing, 5! 2’; tail, 2” 2”.
Found in large flocks everywhere along our seaboard, where sand
patches afford it a congenial home and abundance of food. I have
not procured it in the full nuptial dress, and fancy it must migrate to
some colder climate to breed.
The Sub-Family, SCOLOPACINA, or Snipes,
have the bill long, straight, rather slender, compressed on
the sides, and rather depressed, and turned down near the tip,
which is obtuse, and bent over that of the lower mandible;
the nostrils placed in a narrow, longitudinal groove, with the
opening linear, and covered by a membrane; the wings
moderate and pointed ; the tail short and rounded ; the tarsi
more or less long, and covered in front with narrow trans-
verse scales; the toes long, rather slender, with the hind toe
short, elevated, and reaching to the ground.
Genus GALLINAGO, Leach.
Bill long, straight, grooved, and compressed on the sides,
and the culmen rather depressed near the tip, which is obtuse,
and curved over that of the lower mandible; the nostrils
basal, placed in the groove, with the opening oblong and
SCOLOPACID, aah
exposed ; wings moderate and pointed, with the first and
second ‘quills equal and longest; tail short and rounded ;
tarsi moderate, shorter than the middle toe, strong, and
covered in front with narrow transverse scales; the tibia
bare for a short space above the knee; toes long, the inner
toe shorter than the outer, and free at its base; the hind toe
moderate and elevated, with the claw long and curved.
624. Gallinago Atquatorialis, Riippell; @.
Nigripennis et Macrodactyla, Bp. ; G. Scolopax Major
var, Gray; G. Longirostris, Licht. nec Cuv.
Tait rounded, of sixteen feathers; bill twice the length of
the head ; two longitudinal black bands on the head, separated
by a narrow medial, reddish-white band, and on each side
a yellowish-white band; the upper parts variegated with
black ‘and light-red, with four longitudinal yellowish-white
bands; wing-coverts tipped with white; three lateral tail-
feathers on each side, white ; sides transversely barred with
dusky; axillar feathers white, barred with greyish-black.
Length, 12"; wing, 5” 6; tail, 2” 6”.
This fine Snipe may be easily distinguished from the “ common
snipe,” which is said by some sportsmen* to be likewise an inhabitant
of this colony, by the greater number of feathers in the tail, which in
the latter species only amount to fourteen ; it is also more brilliant in
colouring, and exceeds it in size. One specimen forwarded to the
Museum by the Hon’ble Mr. Southey weighed 9 oz. (avoir.)
Tt is distributed throughout the colony, migrating from place to
place, according as the waters dry up. It prefers muddy swamps
to clear streams, crouching amid the rank herbage. Its flight, com-
pared to that of the common snipe, is slow and heavy, but is sufficiently
rapid to puzzle the Boer with his long flint gun, who never dreams of
firing a charge of shot at so insignificant a bird, which he is almost
sure to miss! Both this and the Painted Snipe breed in the marsh
below the Observatory near Cape Town. My son has captured tho
young birds just excluded from the egg in November and December.
Genus RHYNCHA, Cuvier.
Bill moderate, rather curved, compressed and grooved on
the sides to the tip, which is- much curved, and slightly
hooked over that of the lower mandible; the nostrils basal,
placed in the lateral groove, with the opening linear and
exposed ; wings moderate, with the first three quills equal
and longest; the tertials as long as the quills; tail very .
short; tarsi as long as the middle toe, and covered in front
' * Shaw, Vol. XII., p. 57, also says that it is found at the Cape of Good Hope; but
_as he does not give that as the habitat for the very plentiful G. guatorialis,
I presume he has mistaken the one for the other.
*
is
>
$34 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
with narrow scales; the tibia bare of plumes for a short
space above the knee; toes long and slender, with the inner
toe shorter than the outer; the hind toe long, slender, and
elevated.
625. Rhyncheea Capensis. (Linn) Pl. Enl. 270;
Scolopax Capensis, Linn.; Sc. Bengalensis, Gmel. ;
Rh. Variegata, Vieil.; The Painted Snipe, Latham’s
Gen. Syn., Pl. 81.
Mate: head brown, slightly variegated with white; a yellow
stripe passes from the base of the bill over the centre of the
head, to the back of the neck ; a similar stripe rises imme-
diately in front of each eye, passing to the back of the head;
two similar stripes, bordered by black, extends from the
shoulders, down the back, to the root of the tail; neck
greyish-brown, barred finely on the back portion with dark-
brown, on the anterior portion more coarsely with the same
co!our ; it is likewise here bisected by a white collar; under
parts all white ; the back beautifully marked with transverse
black, white, and grey bars; the wings with numerous
yellow semiocelli, edged with black. When extended, they
expose numerous yellow or white ocelli, also edged with black,
and also numerous black wavey transverse bars, chiefly on a
slate-coloured ground; the tail is similarly marked. The-
female, reversing the ordinary rules, is more brilliantly marked
than the male. The eye-stripe is pure-white; the chin
dirty-white ; neck and breast deep dull-rufous, succeeded by
a broad black collar, and the pure white of the under parts
broken only by a patch of black on each side. The plumage
of the back is much darker, and the wings, when closed,
instead of showing the black and yellow markings of the
male, are a shining-green, transversely and minutely barred
with black, all lustrously shot with metallic-green; legs green ;
bill red at the tip; iris hazel. Length, 10"; wing, 5” 2";
tail, 2”.
_ The “ Painted Snipe” frequents the same localities as the preceding
species, and is very common at certain seasons, breeding with us in
the marshy ground near Cape Town.
The Fifth Family, PALEMEDEIDA, or
screamers, .
have the bill generally long and slender, with the culmen
rather depressed, straight at the base; the apical part vaulted,
and the tip overhanging that of the lower mandible; the
al
PALAMEDEID&. soo
gonys short, and sometimes angulated; the nostrils lateral,
generally placed near the middle of the bill, and longitudinal ;
the wings long, and generally armed at the shoulder with an
acute spine, or blunt tubercle; the tail generally short, and
slightly rounded ;. the tarsi.long and slender; the toes very
long, slender, and furnished with long and straight, or short,
and slightly curved claws ; the hind toe long, furnished with
a more or less long and acute claw.
The Sub-Family, PARRINA, or Jacanas,
_ have the bill lengthened, slender, with the culmen straight
at the base, and vaulted at the tip, which is entire; the nasal
groove long and narrow, and the opening of the nostrils,
placed in the middle of the bill, small and oval; the wings
more or less long and pointed ; the tail generally short; the |
tarsi long and slender; the toes very long, slender, and
armed, with long slender claws, especially the hind toe.
-Genus PARRA, Linnzus.
Bill as long as the head, straight, slender, with the culmen
straight from the base, and slightly vaulted and curved to
the tip, which is entire; the sides compressed; the lateral
margins straight, and the gonys short, ascending, and angu-
lated ; the nostrils small, oval, medial, and placed in a
lengthened groove; wings long, with the first quill rather
shorter than the second, the third tle longest ; tail very
short, and partly concealed by the coverts; tarsi as long as
the middle toe, without the claw, rather slender, and covered
with transverse scales; toes very long and slender, the outer
rather longer than the inner toe; the hind toe long; the
claws long, especially that of the hind toe, which is extremely
acute ; the base of bill, and more or less of the head, denuded,
and furnished with caruncles.
626. Parra Africana, Gmel. Lath, Gen. Syn, V.
Pl.17; Cuv,, Vol. 3, p.397; Metopidius Africanus,
Wagler.
GENERAL colour, rich cinnamon-brown ; back of head and
neck black, tinged with green; chin and front of neck
white, darkening into shining-yellow on the chest, which is
divided from the cinnamon of the body by a narrow dark line ;
front of head bare, which together with the basal half of
the bill is blue in life; the tip is horn-coloured; legs dark-
green; claws horn-coloured. Length, 10”; wings, 53”;
tail, 12”. ;
This Jacana is decidedly rare in the colony, though I have received
336 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
specimens from several different and widespread localities. It appears
in Mr. Chapman’s collections, and is cited as from Natal by Mr.
Gurney.
627. Parra Capensis, Smith, Zool. 8. Af, Ph 32.
Forruxan, yellow; eyebrow, white; crown of the head, a
narrow bar on each side of the base of the neck, sides of the
body, and tail, deep reddish-orange; back of the neck black ;
sides of the neck and breast, pale greenish-yellow ; chin,
throat, breast, belly, and under tail-coverts, white; wings
and back, grey-brown ; bill yellowish-brown ; legs and feet
greenish-yellow. Length, 7” 3’; wing, 3” 9’; tail, 1” 10".
Dr. Smith, loc. cit., mentions a single specimen killed near Algoa
Bay. It has also been procured in Natal. No specimen has, however,
come under my notice. :
The Sixth Family, RALLIDA, or Rails, .
have the bill more or less long, with the culmen sometimes
advancing on the forehead, but always curved at the apex,
and the sides compressed ; the gonys usually. ascending ; the
nostrils lateral, and placed in a membranous groove; the
wings moderate, and generally rounded; the tail more or less
long and rounded ; the tarsi long and rather slender; the
toes mostly lengthened and slender; the claws short, com-
pressed, and acute.
The Sub-Family, RALLINA, or Rails,
have the bill more or less slender and long, with the culmen
keeled and curved at the apex, and the sides compressed ; the
nostrils lateral, with the opening placed in a membranous
groove; the wings moderate, with the first quills usually
eraduated; the tail mostly-short, and rounded; the tarsi
long and slender; the toes more or less long and slender,
and free at their base.
Genus RALLUS, Linneeus.
Bill longer than the head, slender and straight, with the
culmen slightly curved from the front of the nostrils, and
the sides compressed to the tip, which is obtuse, and slightly
emarginated ; the gonys long and slightly curved upwards ;
the nostrils placed in a membranous groove, which extends
tor two-thirds the length of the bill, with the opening exposed
and linear; wings short, with the second and third, quills
equal and longest; tail short and rounded; tarsi moderate, »
Sean ee
RALLID®. 337
shorter than the middle toe, and covered. with transverse
scales; toes long and rather slender, the inner toe shorter
than the outer, both free at their bases; the hind toe short
and slender; the claws short, compressed, and very acute.
628. Rallus Superciliosus, Swains, An. in
Menag., p. 335.
PiLuMAGE above, brown; beneath, cinereous; front with a
lateral white stripe before the eye; chin white; belly tinged
with ferruginous ; flank banded black and white; lower part
of back and tail black ; feet and bill red. Length, 12”.
Inhabits South Africa, Swain. loc. cit.—Non vidi.
629. Rallus Coerulescens, Gmel.; Cuv., Vol. 3;
p. 402; Shaw, Vol. 12, p. 211; &. Caffer, Forst-
Descr. Anim,, p. 50.
Uprer parts of head, neck, and body, reddish-brown; the
chin, fore part of neck and breast, pale slate-colour ; the
flanks transversely striped with black and white. Length,
8”; wing, 43”; tail, 1”.
This Rail has reached me from several different places in the colony ;
but seems to be nowhere plentiful. Mr. Cairncross has sent it from
Swellendam; Mr. Jackson from Nel’s Poort; Mr. Arnot from
Colesberg.
630. Rallus Madagascariensis, Smith, S. Af
Quar. Jour. 1, p. 80.
Hzap and chin grey; neck, breast, and belly, rusty grey-
brown ; back rusty-olive, blotched with black; vent barred
transversely with reddish white; under tail-coverts white ;
point of bill and upper surface of upper mandible, blackish-
brown, the other parts of the bill yellowish. Length, 82”
Inhabits South Africa, teste Dr. A. Smith.—Sed non vidi.
631. Rallus Aquaticus, Linn.; Pl. Enl. 749;
Rallus Sericeus, Leach. ; Scolopax Obscurus, Gmel. ;
Gould’s B. of Kur., PL. 339 ; Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 137,
THroat whitish; sides of head, neck, breast, and belly,
ashy lead-colour; the feathers on the upper parts of. the
body reddish-brown, with a deep black mark in. the centre of
each ; flanks black, transversely rayed with white bars ; under
tail-coverts white; bill red, shaded with brown at the tip;
irides orange. Length about 12”.
Mr. Gurney (Ibis Vol. 1859) quotes this species from Natal. Ihave
not met with it.
338 BIRDS OF S®UTH AFRICA.
Genus ORTYGOMETRA, Linnezus.
- Bill shorter than the head, and more or less strong, with
the culmen keeled, slightly curved, and the sides compressed
to the tip, which is slightly emarginated; the gonys short
and ascending; the nostrils lateral, and placed in a mem-
branous groove, with the opening exposed, linear, and near
the middle ; wings moderate, with the second and third quills
equal and longest; tail short and graduated; tarsi rather
robust ; toes more or less long and slender, with the inner toe
rather shorter than the outer; the hind toe very slender, and
rather short ; the claws moderate, compressed, and acute.
632. Ortygometra Crex. (Gmel.) Pl. Enl. 750;
Crea Pratensis, Bechst.; Rallus Crex, Linn.; Gal-
linula Crex, Lath.; The Landrail, or Corn-Crake,
Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 141.
Att the feathers on the upper parts of the plumage, dark-
brown, edged with pale-ferruginous ; wing-coverts and quills,
deep-chestnut ; fore parts of neck and breast, pale-cinereous ;
belly yellowish-white ; sides, thighs, and vent, rufous, marked
with white bars. Length, 92”; wing, 53”; tail, 1” 5”.
The “ Landrail” or “Corn-Orake’’ seems to be not uncommon in
Natal, where, according to Mr. Ayres (Ibis 1863, p. 331), they are
plentiful inland during the summer months. Only one single speci-
men, however, has occurred in the Cape Colony, and this was killed
on the Cape Flats, near Wynberg, by Mr. H. Dumbleton in 1864,
633. Ortygometra Minuta. (Pallas) Rallus
Pusillus, Gmel.; Rallus Parvus, Scop.; Gallinula
Minuta, Mont.; Gould’s Birds of Eur, Pl. 345;
Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 145.
Urrer parts brown, variegated on the back with black and
white ; chin whitish ; sides of the head, neck, and chest, light
slate-colour ; flanks, thighs, and belly, brown-black, crossed
with white bars; irides red: according to Mr. Atmore, dark-
brown. Length, 7”; wing, 33”; tail, 1”.
Common in a few favoured localities. At Swellendam I shot several
in one small vley near the Buffeljagts River. They are very difficult
to flush, and fly heavily when on the wing. A pointer will stand to
them as to snipe, and the bird often rises from under his nose. They
feed on mivute crustaceans, a little Succinea (S. Delalandi), which
abounds ir its favourite haunts, water-weeds, and worms.
Genus CORETHRURA, Reichenbach.
Bill shorter than the head, rather slender, and straight»,
with the culmen rather elevated at the base, and curved
RALLIDZ, 339
before the nasal groove, and the sides much compressed to
the tip, which is slightly emarginated ; the gonys short and
ascending ; the nostrils lateral, and placed in a membranous
groove, with the opening linear and in the middle; wings
moderate, with the first quill much shorter than the second,
which is also much shorter than the third and fourth,
which are equal and longest; tail short, rather graduated ;
tarsi as long as or shorter than the middle toe, rather slender,
and the front covered with transverse scales; toes lengthened
and slender, with the inner shorter than the outer; the hind toe
long, and very slender ; the claws moderate, weak, and acute.
634. Corethrura Pulchra. (Gray. Griff An.
Kingd. IIL, p. 140; Crea Pulchra, J. E, Gray; Gal-
linula Pulchra, Swain. W. Af. 11, p. 243; Ortygo-
metra Pulchra, G. R. Gray; Gallinula Elegans,
Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 22; Rallus Cinnamoneus,
Less, Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 99; Rufous-headed Rail,
Lath. Genl. Hist., Vol. IX., p. 379.
Hap, neck, breast, and tail, bright-rufous; the rest of the.
plumage above and beneath, black, spotted with white.
Length, 6”; wing, 3” 3”; tail, 1” 7".
A single specimen of this little species was sent to me by the late
Mr..G. Rex trom the Knysna. It must be very rare, as it has not
since occurred to me in twelve years’ observation.
635. Corethrura Dimidiata. (Temm.) Gallinula
- Dimidiata, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 20.
Mate: head, neck, breast, and shoulders, chestnut; body
black, streaked with white; plumage very lax. Length,
6” 6"; wing, 3”; tail, 2’.
The Female is black-brown, minutely spotted with light-
buff spots ; chin white; centre of breast, dirty-buff.
This elegant little Gallinule is not unfrequent among reeds, and
appears widely distributed. It is difficult to flush, preferring to skulk
among the dense rushes and tangled herbage; if, however, it does
take wing, it quickly relinquishes its weak, butterfly-looking flight,
and drops into the grass again, from which it will suffer itself to be
captured by the hand rather than rise. Mr. Atmore sent me an egg
taken from the abdomen of a female shot by him, which is pure white :
axis, 13; diam., 10”.
636. Corethrura Ruficollis. (Gray.) Zool. Mise,
p-138; Gallinula Jardinii, Smith, Zool. S. Af, Pl. 21;
Alecthelia Lineata, Swain., g, An. in Menag, p. 338,
6.—Head, posterior portion of neck and tail, bright-rufous ;
chin white; the rest of the body dark grey-brown, varie-
340 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
gated with numerous white stripes; plumage very lax.
Length, 5” 6; wing, 2” 9’; tail, 1” 8”. .
Q.—Above, blackish, varied with numerous undulated,
transverse lines of light fulvous-brown, which assume the
appearance of stripes on the head and neck ; beneath whitish,
with black stripes on the neck and breast, and bands on the
flanks and body; tail and tail-coverts black; banded with
ferruginous lines.
Of this rare little Rail I have only seen one single specimen, procured
at the Knysna by Mr. G. Rex. The female has been described as a
distinct species by Mr. Swainson, loc. cit. His type specimen is in
the Cambridge Museum.
637. Corethrura Capensis. (Linn) Rallus
Capensis, Linn. ;. Brown's Ill, Pl. 382; Cuv., Vol. 3,
p. 405; Shaw, Vol. 12, p. 216.
Ueap, neck, back, and lower parts of the neck, ferruginous ;
the lower part of the breast, the belly, thighs, vent, quills,
and tail, undulated with black and white; the two middle
tail-feathers ferruginous; bill black; legs blood-red. Size
of the common Crake.
‘“‘ TInhabits the Cape of Good Hope.”—Shaw, loe. cit.—Non vidi.
The Sub-Family, GALLINULIN 4, or Gallinules,
have the bill short, with the culmen more or less elevated and
advancing on the forehead, and the sides compressed; the
wings short and rounded ; the tail short and rounded; the
tarsi long and slender ; the toes very long, slender, more or
less margined on their sides, and the hind toe long; the
claws generally long and slightly curved.
Genus PORPHYRIO, Brision.
Bill short, very much elevated at the base, which is flat,
and broadly dilated on the forehead ; the culmen much arched
to the tip, and the sides much compressed; the nostrils placed
in a small basal groove, and rounded; wings moderate, with
the second, third, and fourth quills nearly equal and longest ;
tail short and rounded ; tarsi long, shorter than the middle
toe, and scutellated with broad transverse scales ; toes very
long, slender, and free at their base, with the lateral ones
unequal, the outer longest; the claws long, slender, and some-
what curved.
RALLIDA. 341
638. Porphyrio Pulverulentus, Temm., Pl.
Col. 405 ; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 414.
BLvIsH-GREY ; back, rump, and sccondaries, olive-brown ;
vent white ; frontal plate produced behind the eyes; bill and
feet red ; wings ashy-blue.”
South Africa.—Griffiths, Cuvier, loc. cit. I have not seen it from
South Africa, but it is a well-known Indian species ; and I fancy Cuvier
has mistaken the next species for it.
639. Porphyrio Erythropus, Shaw, Vol. 12,
p: 255; Fulica Porphyrio, Linn ; Gallinula Porphy-
vio, Lath.; P. Madagascariensis, Lath.; P. Smarag-
notus, Temm. ; G. Poliocephala, Lath.
Heap, hind part of neck, and wing-feathers, glossy-violet;
back and rump, dull gloasy-green ; cheeks, throat, fore part
of neck, and under part of body, violet-blue ; tail dull-green ;
vent-feathers pure white; legs, bill, and frontal shield, bright-
crimson. Length, 17”; wing, 9”; tail, 3”.
The “ Blue Gallinule ” is generally distributed throughout the colony,
frequenting vleys and large ponds. It breeds in such places among
reeds, forming a large nest of sedge, and depositing from six to ten
eggs, of a raddy-brown, spotted. with dark purple-brown : axis, 2’ 2/”;
diam., 1" 6
Gaus GALLINULA, Brisson.
Bill moderate, with the base of the culmen more or less
extending on the forehead, and suddenly curved at the tip;
the nostrils placed in a large nasal groove, with the opening
near the middle of the bill; wings moderate, with the
second, third, and fourth quills neariy equal and longest;
tail short and rounded ; tarsi strong, shorter than the middle
toe, and broadly scutellated ir front ; toes very long, divided
at the base, margined throughout their length by a mem-
brane, and the outer longer than the inner.
640. Gallinula Chloropus. (Linn) Lath, PI.
Enl. 877 ; Fulica Fusca, Linn.; Moorhen or Water-
hen, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 148 ; Gouid’s Birds of
Eur., Pl. 342. ;
Upper parts, dull greenish-brown ; under parts, dark slate-
colour; head and neck darkest; vent white; as are also
some stray feathers on the flanks and in the centre of the
belly. In some specimens the slate-coloured feathers of the
*a
342 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
under parts are edged with dirty-white; the throat is also
spotted with it; tip of bill rich-yellow; base and frontal
shield, bright-red ; legs green, with a red and yellow garter,
Length, 11”; wing, 6’ 9'"; tail, 3’. J
The “ Waterhen” or “ Moorhen” is not uncommon in the colony,
frequenting the same places as the Crested Coot. Most of the speci-
mens received by me came from Mr. Atmore, who shot them about
Swellendam. It is common at Zoetendals Vley, where I met with it
in November.
641. Gallinula Angulata, Sund, fv. K. V. A.
Handl., 1850; G. Pumila, Sclater, Ibis 1859, p.
249, Pl. VII:
Upper parts, dark olive-green; wings cinereous, the outer
edge white, the inner rufous ; chin and centre of belly, light-
cinereous, almost white; the flanks and chest darker ; outer-
most tail-coverts of the under side, white ; the inner black ;
a few white feathers are scattered along the flanks; frontal
shield and top of the bill near the tip, bright-crimson ; the
rest bright greenish-yellow; legs and feet the same. Length,
8”: wing, 5’; tail, 22”.
A single specimen of this elegant little Waterhen, in superb
plumage. was sent to me by Mr. W. Cairncross, of Swellendam, who
procured it in that neighbourhood.
642. Gallinula Niger; Gallinula Flavirostris,
Swain, Orn. W. Af, Vol. 2, p. 244; Crex. Nigra,
Licht. ; Cuv., Vol. 3, p. 409; Rallus Niger, Linn,
Shaw, Vol. 12, p. 210.
GENERAL colour, deep-black, shining-brown if held in certain
lights ; bill bright-yellow ; eyelids and feet red, changing
in death, the first to a dirty-green, the latter to a light-brown ;
irides dark-crimson. Length, 74"; wing, 42”; tail, 12”.
Not uncommon in vleys and among the sedges along river banks.
The Museum taxidermist, Mr. Butler, shot a fine specimen, from
which the above description was taken, close to Cape Town, in the
Black River.
Genus FULICA, Linnezus.
Bill shorter than the head, strong, straight, more elevated
than broad, with the culmen straight, advancing on the
forehead, forming a broad shield, and curved near the tip ;
the nostrils placed in a nasal groove, linear, and near
the middle of the bill; wings short, with the second and
third quills the longest ; tail very short and rounded ; tarsi
ae Oy a,
RALLIDA, | 343
moderate, shorter than the middle toe, and covered with
transverse scales; toes long and united at the base, lobated
on the sides, especially on the inner ; the inner toe with two,
the middle with three, and the outer with four decided
rounded membranes ; the hind toe long, and lobated in its
entire length.
643. Fulica Cristata, Gmel. Pl. Enl, 797 ; Vieil.
Gal. des Ois., t. 269 ; The Crested Coot.
Tue entire plumage (with the exception of the head and
neck, which are quite black) is a dull, dark slate-colour ;
bill livid; frontal shield pure-white, and surmounted by
two singular knobs of a deep reddish-chestnut colour, which
shrivel up and become quite brown in death; irides red;
legs green, with a pink garter just under the feathers of the
thigh. Length, 16”; wing, 93”; tail, 23”.
The Crested Coot is abundant on all ponds and sheets of water. It
also frequents deep holes and still reaches in rivers, concealing itself
amid the herbage during the day, and-feeding morning and evening
about the banks. It wanders at these times several hundred yards
from its lair, and on being alarmed scuttles away on its feet, aided by
its wings, until, a sufficient impetus being attained, it rises in the air,
and will not unfrequently fly a very long distance. Itswims well and
boldly, and I have seen it alight on the waters of Table Bay and
breast a contiderable sea. It constructs a nest of sedge usually.
floating among the rushes, and lays seven eggs, of a cream-coloured
ground, covered with dark-brown spots: axis, 2” 1/”; diam., 1” 6”.
The young when first hatched are little black balls of soft down,
but they swim and dive almost from the moment of leaving the egg.
Order VII ANSERES. Linneus.
Tuis division embraces many species of Birds, which are
peculiar for having their tarsi usually very short, compressed,
and placed more posteriorly than is the case with those that
compose the other orders; the toes are connected together .
by a membrane, which sometimes extends to the end of each
toe; the hind toe is sometimes free, though more or less
webbed, and thus their feet are well adapted to assist them in
their progress on or in the water.
The First Family, ANATIDA;, or Ducks,
have the bill generally depressed, broad, and always laminated
on the sides; the lamination being more prominent in some
species than in others.
The First Sub-Family, PHOANICOPTERINA,
or Flamingoes,
have the bill large, compressed, suddenly bent downwards in
the middle, and the lateral margins laminated ; the tarsi very
long, slender, with the tibia also lengthened and naked ; the
toes short ; the anterior ones united by a membranous web.
Genus PHQENICOPTERUS, Linn.
Bill larger than the head, higher than broad at the base,
with the culmen flattened, and suddenly bent downwards in.
the middle; the sides narrowing, and rather obtuse at the
tip ; the lower mandible narrow at the base, widening in the
middle, and then narrowing to the tip; the lateral margins
curved, and finely laminated; the nostrils placed in a groove,
linear, and covered by a membrane; wings moderate, with
the first and second quills nearly equal and longest; tail
short; tarsi very long, slender, slightly compressed, and
ANATID™. 345
covered in front with transverse scales ; the tibia lengthened
and exposed ; toes short, the anterior ones united together by
a membrane; the’ hind toe free, very short, and almost
touching the ground; the claws short.
644. Phoenicopterus Erythreus, Verr.
GeneErRAL colour, pure-white; the wings black and crimson ;
base of the bill crimson; the tip black; legs light-crimson.
Length, 4’ 6”; wing, 173"; tail, 8"; leg, 2’ 2”.
Our large Flamingo has a wide range throughout South Africa, and
has been killed, both in mature and young plumage, at the mouth of
Salt River, close to Cape Town. I am informed that it is very
abundant at Verloren Vley at certain seasons ; and many persons-have
assured me that it breeds there.
Mr. Chapman also informs me that both the Flamingos found in
South Africa breed on Lake N’Gami, forming a large elevated nest of
rushes, amid the reeds that surround the lake. I saw it in great num-
bers at the mouth of the river flowing out of Zoetendals Vley in
November. An egg, said to belong to this species, was presented to
the Museum by Miss Boonzaier, of Hoedtje’s Bay. It is pure white,
finely granulated ; shell extremely thin: axis, 3' 9" ; diam., 2” 7”.
645. Phcenicopterus Minor, Geoffr, Pl. Enl.
419; Ph. Parvus, Vieil, Ann. @Ornith. Gal. Des.
Ons, 4-273:
GENERAL colour, pale-pink ; wings black ; outside edges deep-
pink, or crimson; bill purple-pink. Length, 3’ 3”; wing,
14”; tail 6"; leg, 16”.
Several specimens of this Flamingo have reached my hands from
widely different localities ; and Mr. Piers informs me that they approach
the end of the peninsula as far as Vogel Vley, near Tulbagh.
The Sub-Family, PLECTROPTERIN A, or Spur-
: winged Geese,
have the bill long, generally of equal width throughout, and
armed at the tip with a strong broad nail; the apical part of
the tibia and knee naked; the tarsi lengthened, compres-
sed, and covered with small subquadrate scales; the toes
moderate, and the anterior ones more or less united by a
membrane ; the hind tve long, simple, and generally elevated.
Genus PLECIROPTERUS, Leach.
Bill lengthened, the base as broad as high, aud the culmen
gradually sloping to the tip, which is armed with a large
346 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
broad nail; the nostrils oval, and placed near the middle and ~
culmen ; wings lengthened, with the second, third, and fourth
quills equal and longest, and the bend ‘of the wing armed
with a strong spur; tail short and rounded; tarsi long, a
trifle shorter than the middle toe, strong, and covered with
small quadrate scales, those of the front the largest; toes
long, the anterior ones united by an indented web; the hind
toe elevated and simple; the base of the culmen furnished
with a naked protubrance; the cheeks and a portion of the
neck of the adult denuded of feathers.
646. Plectropterus Gambensis. (Linneus)
Steph, Lath, Syn. VI, Pl. 102; Anas Gambensis,
Linn.; Anser Spinosa, Bonn.; Anser -Gambensis,
Bonn..; Cygnus Gambensis, Riipp.
Uprrr parts, black, shot with bronze and green; wings
mottled with white; lower parts white, with patches of
black behind the thighs; the front of the head is bare (more
so in the 6 than in the Q), granulated, and reddish; this is
succeeded by a white patch, which does not extend to the top
of the head, but occupies chin and part of the front of
the throat; wings armed with a strong powerful spur. & :
Length, 3’ 6"; wing, 21”; tail, 7”. @Q: Length, 3”; wing,
ivi ae oe
This j is the largest of our Geese, and is easily distinguished by the
strong spur on the edge of its wing. MHartlaub (Orn. W. Af., p. 246,)
includes it among the birds of South Africas My descriptions are
taken from a fine pair, male and female, brought by Mr. Chapman
from the Zambezi. I have-also received it from Mr. Arnot, who
procured it in Mahura’s country.
Genus SARKIDIORNIS, Eyton.
Bill moderate, of equal length throughout, more elevated
at the base than broad, and the tip armed with a broad
strong nail; the nostrils large, oval, placed near the middle
and culmen ; wings lengthened, with the tirst and second
quills nearly equal and longest, each shoulder armed with a»
blunt tubercle; tail moderate and rounded ; tarsi moderate,
as long as the middle toe without the claw, and covered with
subquadrate scales; toes long; the anterior ones united by a
full-web ; the hind toe moderate, much elevated and simple.
The male furnished with a large rounded compressed caruncle
on the top of the culmen.
ANATID &, 847
647. Sarkidiornis Africana, Eyton, Monogr.
Anat., p. 103.
Upper parts, black-brown, shining-coppery on the back, and
brilliant-green on the wing; rump brownish-grey ; under
parts whitish; flanks grey; head and neck white, covered
with black spots, which form a broadish line from the top of
the head, down the back of the neck. The male, in the
breeding season, has a large elevated flattened black caruncle
extending down the centre of the upper mandible. Length,
24"; wing, 15"; tail, 7”.
This Goose may be at once recognised in the breeding season by
the curious flattened knob on the bill. I have received it from Mr.
Arnot, and Mr. Chapman, who tells me it is common on the rivers
to the North.
Genus CHENALOPEX, Stephens.
Bill rather short, strong, with the base much elevated, and
the culmen gradually sloping to the tip, which is armed with
a broad strong nail; the nostrils large, rather rounded, and
placed near the middle and culmen; wings long, with the
second and third quills nearly equal and longest; the bend
of the wings armed with a blunt spur; tail moderate, and
slightly rounded ; tarsi longer than the middle toe, and
covered with sub-quadrate scales ; toe moderate, the anterior
ones united by a full web ; the hind toe long, elevated, and
slightly lobed.
' 648. Chenalopex Atigyptiacus. (Linn) Pl.
Enl., 379; Shaw, Vol. 12; Anas Montana, Lath. ;
Anser Varius,, Schn.; “ Berg-Gans,” or Mountain-
Goose of Colonists.
é
Upper parts, ruddy-grey; between the shoulders, finely
variegated with black, deepening into pure black on the
rump, and brick-red on the wings; on the closed wing, a
broad white patch commences at the shoulder, and extends
half-way, when it is met by a brilliant green patch ; near
this junction the white is interrupted by a narrow black line,
which extends across the white; under parts ruddy-grey,
finely mottled ; the centre of the belly least so; in the mid-
dle of the posterior part of the breast is a patch of deep rufous ;
top of the head, chin, and cheeks, dirty-white ; base of the bill,
a patch round the eye, back of the neck, and ring round the
lower part, ruddy. Length, 28”; wing, 16”; tail, 5”.
This is the commonest of our Geese, and is found in considerable
abundance throughout the colony. It congregates, at particular
348 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
seasons of the year, in vast numbers on certain well-known vieys, such
as Vogel Vley (Bird Lake), Verloren Vley (Lonely Lake), Bot River
Mouth, &c., &c. In these places it sheds the wing-feathers and becomes
unable to fly. It is then much sought after, being very fat; but it
dives with such rapidity that even in this condition it is very difficult
to kill. It breeds in the rushes in these vleys; but in other places,
such as the Keurhoom River, in the Knysna division, it breeds in
holes of rocks or hollow trees near the water, and is said to bring
down its young on its back. The goslings dive as actively as their
parents, which show much solicitude about them, keeping with them
until they are fully grown ; in fact, the little flocks in which they are
generally found consist usually of an old pair and their brood, from
_ ten to fifteen in number.
They are easily tamed, and a great ornament to a poultry-yard ; but
sad plagues to the rest of the inhabitants, over which they domineer.
They have a loud, harsh cry, which, however, sounds well amid the
wild rocky scenes where they love to dwell. They are strong on the
wing, and require a hard-hitting gun and a charge of buck-shot, well
aimed, to bring them down. Their eggs are white, and small for the
size of the bird, being: axis, 2” 2’”; diam., 1” 7”.
The Sub-Family, ANSERIN ZA, or Geese,
have the bill as long as or shorter than the head, the culmen
much elevated at the base, and gradually sloping to the tip,
which is armed with a large broad nail ; the sides compress-
ed, and the marginal lamine more or less apparent; the
wings lengthened ; the tarsi longer than the middle toe, and
the knee naked; the toes short, and strongly webbed, with
the hind toe short, elevated, and scarcely lobed.
Genus NETTAPUS, Brandt.
Bill small, more elevated at the base than broad, the cul-
men gradually sloping to the tip, which is armed with a large
nail; the lamellze not exposed, but’short and widely set ; the
nostrils somewhat basal, placed near the culmen, with the
opening rounded ; wings moderate, pointed, and the first two
quills the longest; tail short and rounded ; tarsi shorter than
the middle toe ; toes long, and united by a full web, the.
lateral one unequal, and the hind toe very short, and more or
less lobed ; the claws short and curved.
649. Nettapus Madagascariensis. (Gmel.)
Anas Madagascariensis, Gmel.; A. Aurita, Bodd., Pl.
Enl. 770.
Urrrr parts, shining black-green, with a longitudinal white
stripe along the wing; under parts white; chest, flanks, and
sides rufous, the first transversely marked with uarrow black
bars; front of head, cheeks, and throat, white ; top of head
iets ae =
ANATID#. 349
shining black-green; on each side of the neck a large dead-
green patch, surrounded by the black-green of the head.
Length, 14”; wing, 6”; tail, 2” ©".
This lovely little Goose may at once be known by its brilliant colour-
ing, particularly the green patch on each side of the neck. It is
abundant at Natal, where a friend informs me it swims in such large
flocks, that he has killed from ten to fourteen ina single discharge of
a common fowling-piece. Mr. Chapman found it equally abundant in
his travels to the northward ; but as yet I have not heard of its'being
procured in the colony.
The Sub-Family, ANATINA, or River-Ducks,
have the bill lengthened, more or less broad, depressed
towards the tip, which is furnished with a hard nail, and the
inner portion of the lateral margins more or less lamellated ;
the tarsi compressed, and generally the length of the inner
toe; the hind toe lengthened, and slightly bordered with a
_ membranous lobe from the base to the tip.
Genus DENDROCYGNA, Swainson.
Bill long, higher at the base than broad, with the culmen
sloping to the tip, which is armed with a strong broad nail,
and the lateral margins straight; the lamellz of the upper
mandible advancing below the lateral margins, slender, and
set widely apart; the nostrils large, oval, and placed near the
dase and culmen ; wings short and rounded, with the second,
third, and fourth quills the longest; the first quill with a
deep notch in the middle, and the secondaries nearly as long
as the quills; tail moderate, and rounded at its end; tarsi
slightly shorter than the middle toe, robust ; toes long, the
lateral ones united to the middle one by an indented mem-
brane; the hind toe very long, elevated, and simple.
650. Dendrocygna Viduata. (Linn. Eyton.
P]. Enl. 808; D. Personata, Herz. V., Wiirtemb. ;
Penn. Gen. Birds, Pl. 13.
AsovE, brown; the feathers broadly margined with dirty-
fulvous; wings and rump blackish-brown ; in the centre of
the back a rufous patch; centre of under parts immaculate
black-brown; flanks and sides transversely barred with
fulvous; fore part of the head, chin, and spot on the middle
of the throat, white, more or less tinged with fulvous ; back
of head and neck black; front of neck and chest, deep-
ruddy. Length, 17"; wing, 83”; tail, 3”.
This curiously marked Tree-Duck (which is easily distinguished from
all our other species by its half-white face) is occasionally met with in
*R
350 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Natal, to which place it doubtless wanders from the Zambezi, where it
is common. I found it also abundant in Madagascar, in the swamps
and rice-fields, and very easy of approach. The habit of perching on
trees resembles that of the allied D. Arcuata of India.
Genus CASARKA, Pr. Bonap.
Bill as long as the head, nearly straight, the width equal-
ling the height at the base, the anterior half depressed, and
scarcely curved upwards at the tip, which is armed with a
strong broad nail; the basal part of the lateral margin
straigkt, and the apical part slightly curved upwards; the
lamella of the upper mandible prominent below, the lateral
margins slender, and set rather widely apart; the nostrils
suboval near the base and culmen; wings moderate, with
the second quill the longest; tail short and rounded; tarsi
robust, shorter than the middle toe; toes long, and united by
a full web; the hind toe long, elevated, and lobed.
651. Casarca Rutila, Pall. Hist. D’Egypt. Ois, t.
10, £ 1; Anas Casarca, Linn.; Tadorna Rutila,
Temm., Man. d’Orn.; Anas Cana, Gmel.; Latham’s
Ind. Orn. ; A. Rubra, Gmel.; Berg-Hendt of Colonists.
GENERAL colour, rufous, inclining to yellow (fulvous) on the
chest and vent, and mottled with minute wavy black lines
on the back; rump and lower part of back, yery dark-grey ;
tail black, shining-green; shoulder pure-white; green patch
on the wing very large; head and neck ash-coloured, with a
dark-rufous collar. Length, 2’ 3"; wing, 15”; tail, 63”.
This Goose is readily distinguished by its rufous colour and grey
head. Itis rare in the colony, appearing ‘at odd times in different
places. I am told it breeds among rocks, and, like the previous species,
conveys its young down to the water on its back.
Genus MARECA, Stephens.
Bill shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base,
of equal breadth, but depressed, and much rounded at the
tip, which is armed with a strong broad nail; the lamella
of the upper mandible prominent, especially in the middle of
the lateral margins, slender, and rather widely set; the
nostrils situated near the base and culmen, lateral, and oval ;
wings long and pointed, with the first and second quills the
‘longest ; tail moderate, wedge-shaped ; tarsi shorter than the
middle toe ; toe united by,a full web; the hind toe moderate
and lobed.
ANATIDA, ON 5 §
652. Mareca Capensis. (Gmel.) L.; Cape Wigeon,
Lath. Gen. Syn., 6, 519.
Heap, ash-grey, profusely streaked with blackish dots ; lower
part of neck and breast, ash-grey, profusely variegated with
reddish-brown broken bars, giving the plumage a scaled
appearance; feathers of the back, dark reddish-brown, each
feather edged with lighter; speculum of the wing, bright-
green, edged with white and black; shoulders dark-ash; legs
reddish ; webs dusky; claws black; bill red, the base black.
Length, 19”; wing, 83”; tail, 22”. Female smaller than the
male.
Usually confounded here with the Smee Eendtje, in company with
which I have shot it at Beaufort, the Knysna, on the Cape Flats, and
at Vogel Vley. At this latter place I killed one near a nest which
contained a single egg ; it was probably one of this species, and is of -
a dirty greenish-white throughout: axis, 1” 10’”; diam., 1” 6”.
Genus ANAS, Linnzeus.
Bill longer than the head, higher than broad at the base,
nearly of equal breadth throughout; the culmen nearly
straight, and depressed to the tip, which is armed with a
strong, broad nail; the lamellz of the upper mandible hardly
visible beyond the lateral margin, strong and widely set,
especially near the middle ; the nostrils placed near the base
of the culmen, lateral, and oval; wings moderate and pointed,
with the tertials lengthened and acute, and the first quill the
longest ; tail short and wedge-shaped ; tarsi shorter than the
middle tov, and compressed ; toes united by a full web, and
the hind toe small, and somewhat lobed.
653. Anas Erythrorhyncha, Gmel. Sys. Nat. ;
Tadorna Erythrorhyncha, Shaw, Vol. 12, p. 75;
Pecilonitia Erythrorhyncha, Smith, Ill. 8. Af. Zool,
PI. 104; Smee Hendtje of Colonists.
Upper parts, brown, tinged faintly with green, each feather
margined with pale-pinkish; below brown, each feather so
broadly margined with white, as to cause that colour to
predominate ; head and neck dark-brown, the latter minutely
mottled with dirty-white; chin and lower parts of the cheeks
below the eye, white ; on the wings a broad bar of pink,
crossed at the upper side by a narrow green line; centre of
the bill brown, the rest pink; iris hazel. Length, 183";
wing, 83”; tail, 3”.
The ‘‘ Red-billed Teal” is common and very generally distributed.
It is usually found in little flocks of six or eight individuals, frequent-
'
352 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
ing tanks and rivers. It breeds among rushes, forming a large flat nest
of sedge, and lays from six to ten eggs, similar in colour and size to
that of the preceding.
654. Anas Sparsa, Smith, Zool. 8. Africa, Pl. 97;
Eyton’s Anat. p. 142; Black-Duck of Sportsmen.
THRoucHour of a very .dark-brown, finely mottled on the
head and neck with dirty-white, and marked on the wings
and tail with large pure white spots; vent edged with white;
across the wing is a bright-green bar, edged with black and
white ; the black nearest the green. Length, 22”; wing,
10"; tail, 5".
The Black-Duck is solitary and shy in its habits, frequenting rivers,
under the banks of which it conceals itself during the day. It is
scarce, but generally distributed. I have received specimens from
Colesberg and Traka, and heard of it at Middelburg, where my late
friend, Mr. Jackson, shot several specimens. It may be distinguished
from all our other ducks by its dark plumage and abrupt white spots.
Mr. Atmore writes: ‘The common duck of the Oliphants River— -
very shy—delicious eating.”
655. Anas Flavirostris, Smith Zool. S. Af, PL
96; Eyton’s Anat. p.141; A. Xanthorhyncha, Forst.
Dese. Ani, p. 45; Geelbee of Colonists and Sportsmen.
THrovucuovt a light-brown, each feather broadly edged with
white, giving the whole a scaled appearance ; head and neck
minutely mottled with white; a broad green band, narrowly
edged with black, and again by white, extends partially
across the wing; bill bright-yellow, with the tip and centre
of upper mandible black. Length, 22"; wing, 9”; tail, 4”.
This is our commonest Duck, being abundant all over the colony
and South Africa generally. It is migratory, as indeed are all our
ducks, coming and going with the waters. It is usually seen in pairs,
male and female, aud exhibits all the wariness and caution of its race.
They breed in considerable numbers at Vogel Viey, among the rushes °
and rocks scattered over that lake. Iam told that at one season of
the year the farmers in that neighbourhood assemble for a grand hunt
after these birds and the A. Hrythrorhyncha The method of hunting
is as follows: The shooters are posted in different parts of this long
sheet of water, hidden among the rushes and the bush-covered rocks
which jut out here and there in the shallows. Men are then sent
about with the loug wagon wiips, and with these they beat the rushes
and keep up a continual.cracking (and the crack of a Cape whip is
nearly equal to that of a gun); the wretched birds fly backwards and
forwards (having no other water within many miles), and as they pass
the ambuseades, are shot down ; when the day’s butchery is over, the
dead and wounded are sought for, and usually fill many sacks.
They construct their nests in the dry veldt at a distance from the
ANATID. 358
water, generally in a dense bush; the female sits so close that unless
hunted for she will scarcely rise. Her eggs, usually six in number,
are cream-coloured: axis, 2” 3”; diam., 1” 9’”.
656. Anas Dominicana, Gmel.; Shaw, Vol. 12,
p. 109.
Size of wild-duck; bill black; chin and throat white;
from the bill through the eye a streak of black, ending in an
angle behind ; hind-head, neck, and breast, black ; back and
lesser wing-coverts, deep cinereous-grey, crossed with two
bands of very pale-grey; bill and vent pale-grey; legs
black.
* Tnhabits South Africa.”—Shaw, loc. cit.; but is in reality a South
American species.
Genus QUERQUEDULA, Stephens.
Bill as long as the head, straight, the hei-ht equalling the
breadth at the base, of equal width throughout, depressed
towards the tip, which is armed with a small narrow hooked
nail; the lamelle of the upper mandible hardly visible,
broad, and rather widely set; the nostrils situated near the
base and culmen, lateral, and oval; wings moderate and
pointed, with the second quill the longest, and the secondaries
lengthened and pointed ; tail moderate, and wedge-shaped ;
tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe ; toes united by a full
web, and the hind toe short, and slightly lobed.
657. Querquedula Hottentotta, Smith, Zool.
S. Af, Pl. 105; Eyton’s Anat. p. 129 ; Hottentot Teal.
Mate: umber-brown, edged with lighter; crown, occiput,
and quills, dark-brown; chin, throat, cheeks, rump, and
under tail-coverts, light-brown ; the last narrowly edged with
darker; breast, lower part of neck, and under surface, darker
than on the rump; abdomen barred with black; speculum
and secondaries, bright brassy-green; the former edged ~
behind with iio fren with white; coverts brown, slightly
glossed with brassy ; tail dark-brown. Female like the male,
but markings less distinct ; under plumage lighter; legs in
both sexes brown; ; bill lead-coloured ; nail horn-brown.
Leneth, tao 9s wing, 6°38” + tail, 2° LOM,
Dr. Andrew Smith, whose description I quote, states “ that the only
specimens of this bird seen by him, two in number, were procured on
-a large vley about one hundred miles north-west of Cape Town. This
was probably Verloren Vley. I have not seen it from the colony ; but
a mutilated specimen appears in Mr. Chapman’s collection ; and Mr.
Andersson procured it in Damaraland.”
354 BIRDS OF SOUTH - AFRICA.
Genus SPATULA, Boie.
Bill Jonger than the head, narrowed at the base; the cul-
men straight, depressed, and the side much dilated for nearly
half its length from the tip, which is furnished with a small
hooked nail; the lameile of the upper mandible very slender
and long, especially near the middle,- those of the lower
mandible coucealed by the lateral margins of the upper, but
also very slender and lengthened ; the nostrils placed near
the base, small and oval; wings lengthened and pointed, with
the first two quills of nearly equal length ; tail moderate, and
somewhat pointed ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe; toes
united by a full web; and the hind toe short, and slightly
lobed.
658. Rhynchapsis Capensis, Smith. Zool. S.
Af, Pl. 98 ; Eyton’s Anat. p. 135 ; The Cape Shoveler.
GENERAL colour above and below, dark-brown, euch feather
being bordered with dirty-white, thus imparting to the bird a
scaled appearance; shoulder blue, succeeded by a bar of
white, and then by another of shining-green, on the inner
side of which there is a patch of blue; head grey, finely
mottled with dark-brown speckles. ‘The female is much less
brilliantly coloured. Length, 21”; wing, 92”; tail, 32”.
The “Cape Shoveler” is rarely seen in the neighbourhood of Cape
Town; but when the H. Maccoa and N. Brunnea, hereafter mentioned,
appeared there in such numbers, the Shoveler accompanied them. Its
usual habitat is Verloren Vley. Hartlaub states (Orn. W. Af., p. 248),
that the European Shoveler has been found in South Africa. Surely
this must be the species alluded to. My son captured a wounded bird
near Salt River in November, 1865.
The Sub-Family, FULIGULIN/A, or Sea-Ducks,
have the bill of various lengths, elevated at the base, and
more or less broad and depressed towards the tip, which is
armed with a broad strong nail; wings moderate and
pointed; tail generally short, more or less wedge shaped ; the
tarsi much shorter than the middle toe, and compressed ; toes
loug, and united by a full web; the outer as long as the
middle toe, the hind one short, and deeply margined with a
broad membranous web.
Genus NYROCA, Fleming. |
Bill as long as the head, higher at the base than broad ;
the culmen gradually sloping towards the tip, which is
depressed, slightly dilated, and armed with a strong nail; the
ANATID. 355
lamellee of the upper mandible not prominent, and the nostrils
oval, and placed near the hase; wings lengthened and
pointed, with the two first quills the longest ; tail short and
rounded; tarsi half the length of the middle toe, and com-
pressed ; toes lengthened, and united by a full web.
659. Nyroca Brunnea, Eyton’s Anat., Pl. p.161.
& .—General colour above, deep brown, minutely variegated
with grey; below, deep brown, tinged with rufous, more
especially on the flanks and shoulders; lower part of the
neck and breast approaching to black, tinged with faintish
purple ; cheeks and sides of upper part of neck, rich dark-
chestnut ; small spot on the chin and bar on the wing, white.
9.—Throughout a lighter-brown, approaching to white
on the under parts, and all tinged and blotched with dirty-
rufous ; chin, anterior portion of throat, base of the bill, and
stripe through the eye, white ; irides, bright reddish-crimson.
Length, 19"; wing, 93"; tail, 3”.
A periodical visitant to this end of the colony. J saw a pair in
Zoetendals Vley in November, 1865, apparently breeding in the vast
bed of rushes at the south end of the vley.
The Sub-Family, ERISMATURINA, or Spiny-
tailed Ducks,
have the bi!l elevated at the base, and the anterior half much
depressed to the tip, which is furnished with a nail; the
wings short and concave, with the ends of the quills
incurved ; the tail lenythened, and composed of narrow, rigid
feathers, which are but slightly protected with coverts both
above and below ; the tarsi shorter than the middle toe, and
compressed ; the toes lengthened, the anterior ones united by
a full web, and the hind toe long,.and furnished with a
broad web.
Genus THALASSORNIS, Eyton.
Bill nearly the length of the head, more elevated at the
base than broad; the culmen sloping to near the tip, and
then depressed, and armed with a strong, broad, hooked nail ;
the width of the upper mandible nearly equal throughout,
and the sides somewhat compressed ; the nostrils small, oval,
and placed in the middle of the bill; wings short, with the
second and third quills longest ; tail rounded, and composed
of slightly rigid feathers ; tarsi much shorter than the middle
356 - BIRDS OF SQ@UTH AFRICA.
toe; toes lengthened, the outer nearly as long as the middle
toe, and all the anterior ones united by a full web; the hind
toe moderate, and strongly lobed.
660. Thalassornis Leuconota. (A. Smith)
Eyton’s Monograph Anat., I, 168 ; Clangula Leuco-
nota, Smith’s Zool. 8. Af, p. 107.
Back white; all the rest of the upper parts variegated with
fulvous, black, and rufous; under parts fulvous, transversely
striped with dark-brown, least so in the centre of the breast
and belly; head and back of neck fulvous, profusely mottled
with black round spots; front and sides of lower part of neck
bright-fulvous ; chin and spot on each side at the base of the
bill, white. Length, 18"; wing, 8”; tail, 23”.
This singular Duck makes periodical visits to the vleys in the
neighbourhood of Cape Town. It is found in abundance to the
Northward, and was included in Mr. Chapman’s collection. Dr.
Smith says it inhabits Verloren Vley, that great haunt of all water-
fowl, and other lakes on the Western Coast of South Africa, and that
it prefers diving to seeking safety by flight. I fancied I made out a
pair of these birds at Zoetendals Viley. I examined them for some
time with my binoculars, but they would not allow of a near approach;
still the yellow patch on the throat was very visible.
Genus ERISMATURA, Pr. Bonap.
Bill nearly as long as the head, higher at the base than
broad, the culmen suddenly curved to the front of the nostrils,
and then depressed, straight, and the sides somewhat dilated
near the tip, which is fanart with a narrow nail, enlarged
and hooked beneath ; the nostrils oval and placed nearly in
the middle of the bill; wings short and concave, with the
first two qulls the longest; tail long, wedge-shaped, and
composed of narrow stiff feathers ; tarsi half the length of
the middle tog, and compressed ; toes lengthened, the middle
and outer ones of equal length, and the three anterior ones
united by a full web; the hind toe long, elevated, and
margined by a lobed membrane; the claws short, curved,
and acute.
661. Erismatura Maccoa. (A. Smith) Eyton’s
Monogr. Anat, p. 169; Oxyura Muaccoa, Smith's
Zool. p. 108.
Urrer parts, chestnut-brown ; under parts and wings, brown ;
head and upper parts of neck, black ; bill blue ; tail-feathers
very narrow and rigid. Length, 17”; wing, 6” 6”; tail, 33”.
.
a eas
a ee
PROCELLARIDZ. 357
The young male is beautifully mottled, and the female is
generally of umber-brown, with the chin and sides of the
head clear white.
The singular, rigid tail-feathers of this Duck will serve to distin-
guish it from any of the other species inhabiting South Africa. It is
found at Verloren Vley ; and Mr. Dumbleton informs me he shot a
specimen at Victoria. Dr. Smith states that it dives with great
facility.
In the winter of 1858, great flights of these birds, and of Fuligula
Brunnea, appeared in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, and were shot
in considerable numbers on the Cape Flats, and on all the vleys of the
neighbourhood. Since that date only a few stray specimens have
made their appearance at odd times; and it may be reckoned as one of
our scarcest ducks.
The Fourth Familiy, PROCELLARIDA:,
or Petrels, :
have the bill more or less lengthened, straight, more or less
compressed and grooved, as if composed of several pieces,
with the tip strong, arched, suddenly hooked and acute, and
the nostrils tubular and exposed.
The Sub-Family, PROCELLARINZA, or Petrels
Proper,
have the nostrils placed in the basal portion of the culmen,
tubular, and generally opened in front.
Genus PUFFINUS, Brisson. -
Bill as long as or shorter than the head, slender, and
much compressed, and grooved obliquely on the sides; the
tip lengthened, arched, suddenly hooked, and acute; the
lower mandible somewhat shorter than the upper, with the
apical margin and gonys equally curved with the upper, the
latter angulated beneath, and the sides longitudinally grooved ;
the nostrils basal, elevated above the culmen, opening obliquely
in two tubes placed side by side; wings long, slender, some-
what acute; with the first quills the longest; tail moderate
and rounded, composed\of twelve feathers; Jegs moderate,
with the apical part of the tibia naked; tarsi compressed, and
equal in leugth to the middle toe; all the toes long, the outer
equal with the middle one, the inner shortest, and the iateral
toes margined exteriorly by a narrow membrane.
Hy:
358 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
662. Puffinus Cinereus, Gmel.; Procellaria Puf-
jfinus et Cinérea, Linn., Zool. S. Af, Pl. 56.
ABOVE fuscus, tinged with yellowish-brown ; below cinereous-
brown ; wing and tail-feathers, and lower tail-coverts, brown ;
bill livid-brown; at the tip, yellowish-brown ; front of the
tarsi yellow, brown behind, and externally reddish-brown ;
-eyes brown. Length, 17"; wing, 11” 9”; tail, 3” 10”.
The above description by Dr. Smith is taken from a young specimen.
He states they are common in the Cape seas; but I never met with
them.
Genus THALASSIDROMA, Vigors.
Bill shorter than the head, slender, weak, the sides much’
compressed, and slightly grooved, with the tip suddenly
hooked and acute ; the lower mandible shorter than the upper,
the tip arched, with the gonys hardly angular beneath; the
nostrils elevated above the culmen at its base, tubular, with a
single aperture in front ; wings long and pointed, with the
first quill shorter than the third, and the second the longest ;
tail emarginated, or more or less forked; legs long, slender,
with the naked space of the tibia extensive; tarsi longer than
the middle toe; all the toes rather short, the outer one nearly
equal with the middle, and the inner one the shortest; the
hind toe only in the form of a triangular claw.
6638. Thalassidroma Melanogaster, Gould. ;
Th. Grallaria, Licht., Cat: Dup. Berl. Mus, No. 764 ;
Pro. Oceanica, Pr. Bonap. nec Temm., Pl. Enl. 993.
Grnerat colour throughout, brownish-black; belly white,
divided down.the centre by a black stripe ; rump and sides
behind the thighs, pure-white ; legs, feet, and webs between
the toe, black. Length, 83”; wing, 6” 5"; tail} 3”.
Not uncommon off Cape L’Acullas and on the South-Eastern Coast.
While cruising with Admiral Trotter in the old Castor frigate, the
boats being always at my disposal, I obtained many specimens of this
and other species of birds inhabiting the Cape seas. Indeed, most of my
knowledge of our oceanic birds is due to the opportunities so kindly
afforded me by my kind and noble old friend, now, alas ! no more.
664. Thalassidroma Leucogaster, Gould ;
Birds of Australia.
REsEMBLEs preceding species in size and colour, with the
exception of being rather lighter, and the white of the belly
not divided by a black stripe ; the toes also are shorter.
Obtained by His Excellency Sir George Grey in the Cape seas.
The only specimen that has fallen under my notice was kindly
PROCELLARIDA 359
presented to the South African Museum by Lieutenant-Commander
L. A. Beardslee, of U. 8. Navy, and captured on board his ship,
the U. 8S. Steamer Aroostook, about 300 miles to the westward of the
Cape, May, 1867.
665. Thalassidroma Wilsoni, Pr. Bonap.
GeNneRAL colour throughout, brownish-black; rump and
thighs white ; legs and feet black; webs between the toes
yellow, edged with black; irides black. Length, 7’; wing,
6"; tail, 23",
The accompanying description is from a specimen killed in Table
Bay on the 29th April, 1865, by my son, who informs me that he saw
several more of the same species. I procured several specimens off
L’Agulhas Bank in 1856, since which time, until my son found it in
Table Bay, I had not seen them on the coast.
In habits they resemble the preceding species, with which they
freely consort, flitting over the waves and picking up odd bits flung
over the ships’ sides. When taken in the hand they disgorge large
quantities of an oily matter, which quickly congeals, and assumes the
appearance of dirty lard.
666. Thalassidroma Oceanica, Temm.
GENERAL colour of plumage, soot-colour ; quill-feathers ap-
proaching to black ; edges of the secondaries whitish ; rump
and vent white; four outer tail-feathers white on the inner
webs, at the base; bill and legs black; eye dark-brown.
Length, 6"; wing, 5”; tail, 1" 9".
A few of these Petrels appeared in Table Bay in company with
7. Wilsoni in the month of May, 1865. Specimens of each were pro-
cured by myself and my son. I had never previously seen either of
them so near inshore.
Genus PROCELLARIA, Linn.
Bill as long as or shorter than the head, more or less broad
at the base (varying in the sexes); the sides more or less
compressed towards the tip, which is more or less compressed,
much elevated and arched, lengthened, and acute; the lower
mandible shorter than the upper, with the tip and gonys
arched and acute; the nostrils tubular, horny, varying in
length from one-fourth to nearly two-thirds of the length of
the bill, with the aperture single, frontal, and crescent-
shaped ; wings long, pointed, with the first quill the longest ;
tail moderate, rounded, or wedge-shaped; legs with the
apical part of the thigh hardly naked ; tarsi shorter than the
middle toe, laterally compressed, and covered with small
scales ; toes long, with the outer as long as the middle one,
the inner shortest, and all united by a full web; the lateral
toes margined exteriorly, the hind toe in the shape of a large
subtriangular claw.
360 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRIQA.
667. Procellaria Gigantea, Gmel.; Lath. Syn,
t. 100. 2
GeNERAL colour throughout, deep brown-black ; bill livid.
Length, 2) 10"; wing, 21” ; tail, 11”.
The Giant Petrel is common in Table Bay, and all along our coasts,
throughout the year. Though very plentiful beyond the shipping in
the bay, it never approaches the shore or wharves—certainly not from
the fear of man, because when a boat cruises about the bay, it is sure
to pay it a visit and examine its inmates closely. A white variety is
common up the West Coast towards Walwich Bay. It is called “ the
Nelly”’ by sailors. Some of them have here and there a black feather.
Eggs of this species measure: axis, 4’ 3’”; diam., 2" 8’”; pure white,
rough to the touch, and rather pointed at each end. They retain the
strong smell of the bird for a long period. ;
668. Procellaria Atquinoctialis, Linn; Ed.
Birds, Pl. 89 ; Smith, Zool. S. Af; Procellaria Fuli-
ginosa, Sol. M. 8. Less., Vol. 2, p. 348 ; Black White-
throated Petrel; Cape Hen of Sailors.
GENERAL colour throughout, deep brown-black, with chin,
and more or less of the top of the throat, pure-white. Length,
21"; wing, 154”; tail, 63”.
The ‘Cape Hen” is aconstant resident in Table Bay, though the
majority leave us at one season of the year to breed. It cruises among
the shipping and wharves, looking cut for stray seraps washing about,
on which it feeds. It extends far out to sea, and may be met with for
some distance up both East and West Coasts.
The variety or species, P. Larvata, Lesson, P. Conspicularis,
Gould, having a white band over the top of the head and round the
cheek, never appears in South African waters, not coming so far north.
I believe it to be quite distinct from P. Aquinoctialis. The eggs of
the latter are pure white, rather rounded at each end: axis, 3’ 2’”;
diam., 2" 2,.’” :
669. Procellaria Macroptera, Smith, Zool. S.
Af, PL 52.
Tus whole plumage intermediate between brownish-red and
liver-brown ; several of the scapulars and interscapulars nar-
rowly tipped with yellowish-brown ; the feathers of the head,
neck, and body, silvery-white towards their base, with a satin
lustre; bill rich-black ; tarsi, toes, and interdigital mem-
brane, liver-brown, the two first tinted lake-red. Length,
17” ; wing, 13” 9"; tail, 6”. .
Dr. Smith states simply that “this is a rare bird in the Cape seas.”
I obtained a single specimen of it off the Cape in 1856, while cruising
in H. M. Frigate Castor, Commodore Trotter. '
PROCELLARID Aa. 361
670. Procellaria Glacialoides, Smith, Zool. S.
Af, Pl. 57 ; Forst. Icon. Ined., t. 91; Pro. Tenutros-
tris, Audub.
ABovE, cinereous; below white; head and back of neck
white, tinged with cinereous-yellow ; the coverts of the prima-
ries, and the primaries and secondaries, outward, ruddy-brown,
with the two last white ; tail pale-cinereous ; the sides of the
body tinged with bluish-grey; bill above, purplish-blue ;
_ below, livid flesh-colour; top of mandible, livid-black; feet
livid-grey. Length, 18” 9"; wing, 12" 4’; tail, 5” 3”.
South African Coast.—Dr. A. Smith (loc. cit.) ; non vidi.
671. Procellaria Capensis, Linn. ; Pl. Enl, 964;
Cape Pigeon; Daption Capensis. — ;
Urrer parts, mottled black and white; under parts, pure
white ; head black; chin speckled. Length, 15”; wing,
103”; tail, 4” 9’.
This bird, though common enough along the coast, rarely enters our
harbours, preferring the open sea for its hunting-field. At one season
of the year, about November and December, they disappear, and the
voyager finds the sea duller and tamer than ever. I presume they go
off to breed ; but where they select their nurseries I know not.
On a recent voyage to England, I left the Cape at the end of
March : not a single Daption was visible throughout our trip; nor
indeed, after we left the land, until off Ushant, did we see more than
half-a-dozen birds in all (1866). On my return in November, we
fell in with one three degrees north of the Line !! I have never before
heard of this species extending beyond the Equator.
672. Procellaria Turtur, Forst.,, A. Smith’s Ill.
S. Af. Zool, PL 54.
Axsove, blueish ash-coloured ; beneath white ; space before
-the eye, eyebrow, and lower eyelids, white; lesser wing-
coverts, tips of the scapulars, webs of the primaries, the
-outer vanes of the four external quill-feathers, and the tip of
the tail, dull reddish-brown; base of tail cinereous; bill
greenish black ; upper mandible at the point, yellow-brown ;
lower mandible livid; feet reddish-brown ; eyes black-brown.
Length, 10” 9; wing, 7” 6’; tail, 4”.
Resembles in its habits P. Fostert, and inhabits the Cape seas.
673. Procellaria Coerulea, Gmel.; Procellaria
Forsteri, Smith, Zool. 8. Af, Pl. 53.
Upper parts, darkish. pearl-grey ; under parts white; scapu-
lars grey, darkened by a distinct tint of broccoli-brown ;
several of them finely tipped with white ; tail pearl-grey, the
362 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRIOGA.
tips of all the feathers, as well as their inner edges, white;
lateral feather on each side, dull white, with a freckling of
grey towards its shaft ; forehead, space in front of the eyes,
eyebrows, and sides of head, white. Length, 10” 5”; wing,
83"; tail, 3” 10".
The white edges of the scapulars, and the tips and two outer tail-
feathers distinguish this species at once from all the Blue Petrels
inhabiting our seas. It is not uncommon along the coast, and is
occasionally cast ashore after a gale of wind.
Genus PRION, Lacépéde.
Bill the length of the head, very broad at the base, depres-
sed above; culmen nearly straight, laterally swollen, but
gradually compressed towards the tip, which is arched,
elevated, compressed, and acute ; \the lateral margins dilated
near the base, with a series of very fine laminz running
along the whole length internally, rather above the margin ;
the lower mandible broad at the base, gradually compressed
towards the tip, which is much compressed, with the margin
and gonys arched; the nostrils basal, tubular, elevated above
the culmen, short, opening with two appertures in front;
wings moderate, pointed, with the first quill nearly equalling
the second, which is longest; tail moderate, broad, and
rounded at the end; tarsi shorter than the middle toe,
laterally compressed, and covered with small scales; the
outer toe nearly as long as the middle toe, and the hind toe
nearly in the form of a broad, short-pointed claw.
674. Prion Banksii. (Smith. Pachyptila Banksii,
Smith, Zool. 8. Af, Pl. 55.
GeNERAL colour above, pearl-grey; back of neck and inter-
scapulars, tinged with brown; lesser wing-coverts, and the
ends of the scapulars, ruddy-brown; tail grey, tinged with
yellow-grey ; the ends of the feathers dirty-brown ; thraugh
the eye a stripe of purple, tinged with ruddy-brown ; sides
of the chest shining-grey ; below white; eye brown; bill
livid-brown ; towards the tip of the upper mandible, clouded
greenish-yellow ; feet ruddy-brown. Length, 10”; wing,
Cos tal Soo,
This bird occasionally frequents the bays of our coasts, and is con-
stantly to be seen in the Cape seas. Mr. Ayres states that it has been
thrown ashore at Natal, dead, in vast numbers. The same thing has
occurred here several times. Many were thus cast away at Green-
Point on the 21st of April, 1866; and a large flock perished in a
vineyard at Constantia, belonging to Mr. Cloete.
awe
PROCELLARIDA. 3638
The Sub-Family, DIOMEDEIN 4, or Albatrosses,
have the nostrils short, tubular, widest anteriorly, and placed
near the base of the lateral groove.
Genus DIOMEDEA, Linn.
Bill longer than the head, very robust, straight; the sides
compressed and longitudinally grooved, with the tip greatly
curved and acute; the lateral margins dilated and curved;
the culmen broad, convex, and rounded ; the lower mandible '
weak, compressed, with the tip truncated; the nostrils placed
near the base in the lateral groove, covered by a tube which
is short, widening and spreading anteriorly from the side of
the bill, with the aperture somewhat rounded and open in
front ; wings very long, very narrow, with the second quill
the longest ; tail short and rounded; legs short, strong, with
the tarsi one-fourth shorter than the middle toe, and the
inner toe the shortest; the two lateral toes margined ex-
teriorly by a narrow membrane; the web between the toes
full and entire; the hind toe and claw entirely wanting ; the
claws short and obtuse.
675. Diomedea Exulans, Linn.; Pl. Enl. 257;
Less. Manuel D’Orn, Vol. 2, p. 351; The Great
Albatross, or Cape Sheep of Sailors.
Apvutt: general colour pure white, mottled minutely on the
back with wavy black lines; wings black and white, mot-
tled ; tail spotted with black. Young: dull-brown, with
white face and neck. Length, 3’ 9”; wing, 2’; tail, 12”.
The Albatross is a well-known inhabitant of our seas, and though it
seldom ventures into the bays, it is sometimes caught by the fishermen
between Robben Island and the mainland, together with the next
species. It retires from our shores about November, and breeds on
the Island of Tristan D’Achuna. An egg brought thence by Capt.
Nolloth, of H. M. St. Frolic, and now in the South African Museum,
is of a dull-white, minutely spotted with brown at the obtuse end:
@xis, 00s diame, 3.43".
I was on that Island at Christmas, twenty-one years ago; but I
still retain a vivid recollection of the marvellous number of albatrosses
of all kinds which we encountered on our arriving in that neighbour-
hood, and of the thousands that we found sailing about the singular
peak looking at that great attitude (9800 feet) hke mere specks in
the sky.
Eggs have heen brought to me by Capt. Armson from the Crozette
Islands. This gentleman informs me that they make no nest, but
simply lay in a depression in the soil caused by their frequenting the
same spot for many successive years. He tells me the young birds
remain for several months in the nest, not eating anything, that he
3864 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
could ascertain, the parent birds having long left the islands. How-
ever, this statement, though made in full sincerity, may not represent
the facts of the case. We know that a few hundred miles of flight
would be nothing to a bird of such vast powers as the albatross.
Nocturnal visits may therefore be made to the young, and entirely
escape detection. This appears to me a likely solution of the difficulty.
Since the above was written, I have spoken to many of the sealers
frequenting these islands. They declare the albatrosses visit their
young daily, and turn them off the nests when the next breeding
season comes round.
676. Diomedea Melanophrys, Temm, Pl. Col.
456; The Small Albatross, or “ Mollymaw.”
Back, wings, and tail, brown-black, the latter with a grey
tinge; head, neck, rump, and under parts, pure white; a
blackish line passes over the eye. Length, 36”; wing, 21”;
fail, 11".
Very abundant in all our bays, and on the coast generally. Hundreds
are caught by the fishermen while out pursuing their usual trade, and
are sold for three-pence each in the fishmarket. They are much eaten
by the lower orders, and Iam told are very palatable. They retire
with the preceding to breed, and their eggs resemble theirs in every |
particular, save size, being: axis, 3’ 9’”; diam., 2” 6”.
This and the next species alight readily on the water to pick up
garbage thrown from ships, and are easily caught with a hook and line
in calm weather.
677. Diomedea Chlororhyncha. (Gmel.) Lath.
Syn., t. 94; Pl Col, 468; D. Profuga, Banks; D.
Chrysostoma, Forst. Icon. Ined., t. 100, 101.
Wines, back, and tail, sooty black-brown; the shafts of the
latter white; the rump and rest of the plumage, pure white,
with the faintest tinge of black for an eyebrow; bill black,
with broad yellow stripe commencing about 4” of an inch
from the feathers, and extending along the ridge of the
upper mandible to the tip, which is reddish ; lower mandible
black, with the exception of the extreme tip, which is livid.
Length, 31”; wing, 19”; tail, 11”.
Not uncommon off the South Coast, but does not approach so near
to land as the preceding. All albatrosses feed much on squids. From
the stomach of one I took a handful of their hard, horny, parrot-
billed-shaped jaws.
678. Diomedea Culminata, Gould; Proc. Z
S., 1843, 107.
Upper part of back, pale sooty-black ; head and neck lighter ;
wing much darker, and tinged with brown; eyebrow, above
LARIDZ. 365
dark, like the back, below white ; under parts, from the base
of the neck, pure white. Length, 30”; wing, 19”; tail, 11”.
I obtained a single specimen of this Albatross off the South Coast,
while cruising in H.M.S. Castor, and for some time confounded it with
the preceding, with which it was consorting, and agrees perfectly in
habits. Ihave never before heard of this species so far north. On
the coasts of Australia it is a common species.
679. Diomedea Fuliginosa, Gmel, Pl Col,
469; D. Antarctica, Banks, Icon. Ined., t. 26; D.
Palpebrata, Forst. Icon. Ined, t. 102; D. Fusca,
Audub. B. of Am., Pl. 407; Blue-Bird of Sailors,
THrRovucHout of a dull sooty-black, darkest on the wings;
eye surrounded by a white eyelid; bill jet-black, with a
narrow, yellowish stripe along the lower mandible ; legs flesh-.
coloured ; irides brown; tail wedge-shaped. Length, 33”;
wing, 20"; tail, 13”.
The Black Albatross is common along our Southern Coast, at a little
distance from land. It may at once be distinguished from Procellaria
Gigantea by its wedge-shaped tail, and when close, by its white eyelids.
It is fond of hovering over a ship’s deck, and I have obtained speci-
mens by watching my chance and sending a small rifle-bullet through
them, thus killing them instantly; if struck with shot, their feathers
are so dense that they seldom receive a death-wound, but drift’ to
seaward and perish miserably. I have never observed any of the
other albatrosses hover over the deck in the manner that this bird
constantly does: sometimes I have seen it almost touch a man on the
royal-yard or on the lift of the spanker. It seems actuated by
curiosity, turning its head from side to side, and scanning everything
with its brilliant dark eye. Eggs of this species resemble those of D.
Exulans, but are smaller: axis, 4' 2’”; diam., 2" 6",
The Fifth Family, LARIDA, or Gulis,
have the bill of various forms, more or less straight and
_ compressed on the sides; the nostrils lateral, generally longi-
tudinal and submedial ; the wings lengthened and pointed ;
the tail more or less long, and of various forms; the tarsi
generally moderate, strong, and covered in front with trans-
verse scales; the toes moderate, with the anterior ones united
by a full web; the hind toe usually short and elevated. |
The Sub-Family, LARINA, or Gulls,
have the bill more or less lengthened, straight, compressed
on the sides, with the culmen straight at the base and curved
to the tip, which is acute; the nostrils lateral, submedial,
and oblong; the wings lengthened and pointed ; the tail
saa!
366 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
moderate, and usually even; tarsi moderate and strong; the
toes moderate; the fore toes united by a web, and the hind
toe generally short and elevated.
Genus STERCORARIUS, Brisson.
Bill moderate, straight, and strong, with the culmen
straight, rounded, and covered with a membranous or bony
cere; the apex curved, vaulted, and strong; the gonys much
angulated and ascending; the nostrils placed in the fore part
of the cere, narrow, and enlarging anteriorly ; wings length-
ened and pointed, with the first quill the longest; tail
moderate, rounded, with the two centre feathers sometimes
elongated ; tarsi longer than the middle toe, strong, and
covered in front with strong scales ; toes moderate and strong,
the anterior ones united by a full web; the hind toe very
small, and hardly elevated.
680. Stercorarius Catarractes. (Linnzus)
Gould’s B. of Eur, Pl. 439; Larus Catarractes,
Linn. ; Lestris Catarractes ; Common Skua, Bewick’s
Brit. Birds, p. 216.
GeNERAL colour of the upper parts, dark greyish-brown,
streaked with brownish-yellow ; primary quills, brownish-
black, with their shafts and basal parts white; there being a
conspicuous patch of that colour on the wing; tail blackish-
brown, white at the base, but that colour not apparent there.
Length, 24”; wing, 164”; tail, 72”. (McGillivray.)
Several specimens of this fine Skua Gull appeared in Table Bay on
the 29th of April, 1865, chasing the Solan Geese (Sula Melanura),
which flocked in to prey on the vast shoals of fish in the bay. My
son fired at one a week previous to this. They were plainly recognis-
able at a great distance, owing to the white spot on the wing, and
their size; and while the smaller S. Parasiticus attacked the little
gulls and terns, they confined their attentions to the solan geese, ;
compelling them to disgorge their hard-earned gains.
681. Stercorarius Spinicauda, Hardy; Bp.
Cons. Av. p. 210; Lestris Spinicauda ; Lestris
Parasiticus, apud G. R. Gray.
(A) Throughout, a dull sooty-black, slightly variegated on
the back of the neck with Lrown; tail slightly pointed.
(B) Througheut, mottled brown and fulvous, the latter
predominating on the neck and head; obsolete on the tail,
‘which is much pointed.
({C). Back of head, wings, and tail, deep sooty brown ;
>. -
, i
~<a
LARID, 367
chin and under parts white; breast mottled with brown,
forming a collar round the neck; vent also mottled with
brown; centre tail-feathers not fully developed. Length,
16"; wing, 12”; tail, 6”.
Common in Table Bay in the summer months, in the three phases
of B ces marked A, B,C. They chase the lesser gulls and terns,
and make them disgorge their prey ; but I have also seen them swim-
ming on the water searching for their own food. Their flight is very
swift, and sustained by powerful strokes of the wing, urging their
bodies through the air with great rapidity: their rapid evolutions
when in chase of the nimble terns are most graceful.
Messrs. G. R. Gray and Tristram identify specimens of the small
Lestris of Table Bay sent home by me as examples of ZL. Parasiticus.
I cannot myself detect any difference, but M. Bonaparte seems to do
so, and has called our Cape bird ZL. Spinicauda.
Genus LARUS, Linn.
Bill more or less strong, as long as or shorter than the
head, straight, and laterally compressed, with the culmen
straight at the base, and arched to the tip; the gonys
slightly angulated and advancing upwards; the nostrils
Jateral, with the opening near the middle of the bill, and
longitudinal; wings lengthened and pointed, with the first
quill the longest ; tail moderate and even; tarsi nearly as
long as the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with
transverse scales; toes moderate, the anterior ones united
by a full web; the hind toe short and elevated.
682. Larus Dominicanus, Vieil.; LZ. Vetula,
Baillon., Bp. Cons. Av., p. 214.
Back, sooty-black; quill-feathers jet-black, tipped with
white ; near the end of the outermost a white spot; ends of
the smaller wing-feathers also white; rest of the plumage
pure white; bill yellow, with knob near the tip of
the lower mandible scarlet. Length, 24"; wing, 17”;
tail, 77". Young: throughout mottled brown and white ;
bill almost black ; irides rich-warm brown ; legs livid flesh-
colour.
The above descriptions are taken from specimens killed on the 29th
of April, 1865, in Table Bay, by my son. It is an abundant species,
frequenting all our coast line, and breeding in large numbers on the
islands to the North-Westward. Their eggs are very variable in colour
and markings, but are ordinarily of a darkish olive-green, profusely
spotted with brown, chiefly in a band round the obtuse end: axis,
SUC Tobe nines oye
Ihave had cne in confinement for nearly two years, and he has
only just assumed the full adult plumage. I do not think that
it is put on till the third year. My friend “ Jack” is quile tame, and
stalks about the garden and into the house at pleasure: he feeds on
368 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
any garbage, and generally takes his morsel to his water-tub, and
washes or wets it before swallowing. His favourite sleeping-place,
when not perched on the coal-heap, is an old tree-stump standing in
the garden. He isa great adept at catching mice, which he swallows
whole, after giving them a few preliminary raps on the ground.
Indeed, they seem a great bon bouche with him; and he will hurry
from the furthest end of the garden, if I do but hold one in my fin-
gers, or show him the trap. He is very fond of worms, but will not
eat slugs. He usually washes himself morning and evening, and sleeps
much during the day.
683. Larus Poiocephalus, Swain, Nat. Lib.
Vol. 12, p. 245, PL. 29; Xema Phaeocephalum, Strick.
Jard., Cont. to Ornith, 1852, p. 160; Cirrocephalus
Minor, Bp. Consp.
Genera colour of back, cinereous; a hood of the same
colour, but lighter, covers the head, chin, and upper por-
tion of the neck ; wing-feathers black, faintly tipped with
white; a white spot on the two outermost near the tip,
and a broad band across some of the others towards the
centre; the rest of the plumage fine white; bill and feet,
deep crimson ; legs flesh-colour; irides white; cere round
the eye asin legs. Length, 16”; wing, 123”; tail, 5”.
In the winter, according to Hartlaub, the hood disappears. I have,
however, never seen it with the grey head in Table Bay, though it is
abundant all the year round. I saw four specimens with the hood at
Zoetendals Vlei in November (1865), and shot two.* The stomach of
one killed in Table Bay on the 29th April (without the hood) con-
tained nothing but quantities of a small crustacean common on sand.
I took three broken eggs, floating on the vlei, which I think can
only belong to this species ; they are greenish-brown, profusely spot-
ted with brown and purple: axis, 2’ 1’”; diam., 1” 6’”.
Eggs said to belong to the white-headed birds have been brought
to me from the Islands; they are light-green, spotted with dark-
brown and purple, but vary in colour. In size they resemble those
before described.
The Sub-Family, STERNIN/A, or Terns,
have the bill more or less lengthened, generally slender,
straight, with the culmen sometimes curved at the tip,
which is acute; the nostrils basal, lateral, and linear;
the wings very long and pointed ; the tail long, and more or
less forked; the tarsi usually short and slender; the toes of
various lengths, and more or less webbed ; the hind one long
and slender. —
* In the fresh killed specimens I was much struck with the exceeding beauty of
the lovely delicate roseate tint which pervaded the whole of the under side; this faded
very rapidly after death; but I think it was the most lovely colour I ever beheld. I
have never noticed the faintest approach to this tint in any specimen killed in Table
Bay, nor in the living example which I kept for a short time in my garden,
LARID&. 369
Genus STERNA, Linneus.
Bill more or less long, strong, with the culmen slightly
curved to the tip, which is acute; the gonys straight, and
half the length of the bill; the nostrils lateral, placed
towards the middle of the bill, and longitudinal, with the
frontal plumes advancing close to or near the opening;
wings very long and pointed, with the first quill the
longest ; tail more or less long, and generally forked; tarsi
more or less long and slender ; toes moderate, the two outer
ones nearly equal, and the three anterior ones united by an
indented web; the hind toe very short; the claws moderate,
slightly curved, and acute.
684. Sterna Caspia, Pallas; Temm, Man. II, p
733 ; Sterna Melanotis, Swain. ; Sylochelidon Caspia,
Brehm ; The Caspian Tern.
Axove, throughout, pale pearl-grey; quill-feathers of wings
darkest ; beneath pure white ; head of male in full plumage,
at the top, from the base of the bill, including the eye, and
down the back of the neck, pure black; in the female, this
portion is only profusely speckled with black; bill fine
scarlet; points horn-coloured ; legs black. Length, 21”;
wing, 17”; tail to the centre, 5”, forked. ;
This noble Tern is not uncommon on our shores; but is, I think, a
periodical visitant, appearing chiefly in the summer; though my son
tells me he observed a pair during the day of the great gale, May 17th,
1865. It feeds on fish, and plungesfrom a considerable height, com-
pletely, submerging itself. Itis a solitary species, never appearing in
ocks.
685. Sterna Dougalli, Temm.; McGillivray, Brit.
Birds, Vol. 5, p. 648; 8. Douglasii, Mont.; Sterna
Paradisea, Keyser.
Heap above, and upper part of hind neck, deep-black, tinged
with greenish-blue ; hind neck and sides of head, white;
fore neck, and all the lower parts, roseate, fading into white ;
upper parts, pale bluish-grey ; hind part of back and tail,
lighter, almost pure white; the edge of the wings, the tips
and inner edges of the quills white, as are their shafts; the
outer three primaries greyish-black, with the inner margin
white ; tail long, deeply forked. Length, 15”; wing, 92";
tail, 73”.—(MeGillivray.)
The Common Tern of Table Bay and the adjoining coast has been
identified by Dr. Hartlaulb as “‘ McDougal’s”” or “‘ The Roseate Tern.”’
I confess I am sceptical on this point, and am inclined to think it
370 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
accords better with Swainson’s S. Senega/ensis. (Nat. Lib, Vol. 12, p.
258.) I have killed many specimens at all times of the year, but have
never detected the slightest rosy tint on any one of them. It is very
common, seeking its prey along the edge of the surf or on the marsh
at the mouth of Salt River.
686. Sterna Cantiaca, Gmel. Sys. Nat. 1, 606 ; St
Boysii, Lath. Ind. Orn. II, 806; Thalasseus Cantia-
cus, Bonap. Consp. List, 61; 8. Africana, Gmel. ;
Gould’s Birds of Eur, Pl 415; Sandwich Tern,
Bewick’s Birds of Eur., p. 177.
5: Above, throughout, pale pearl-grey, rather darker on the
wing-feathers ; tail white, and deeply forked ; on top of the
head, from the bill, including the eye, and down the back of
the head, a black hood, ending in a point on the back of the
neck ; bill long and narrow, black, with the tip yellow horn-
colour; legs and feet black. © as the male, but the black
on the top of the head replaced by black speckles; forehead
white. Length, 15”; wing, 12” 2”; tail (to the end of
centre feather), 4”.
Pretty common throughout the seaboard. In habits they resemble
the next species, with which they associate.
687. Sterna Bergii, Licht. Verz. 1823, p. 80, No.
833; Sterna Velox, Riipp. Atlas, t. 13, p. 31; nee.
St. Bergii, Reichenbach; nec. Hartlaub. ; Schlegel.
Mus. des Pays-bas, Sterne, p. 1].
&: General colour above, rather dark pearl-grey ; darkest
on the wing-feathers; under parts, and lower part of the
neck, pure white ; forehead white; top of head, including the
eye, and crest in 4, jet-black ; in the Q this is replaced by.
black speckles ; tail very deeply forked ; bill, rich lemon-
coloured ; iris brown. Length (to centre of tail), 163” ;
wing, 15” ; tail 43”; outside feathers, 8”. ~
The “ Swift Tern” is, perhaps, our commonest species, appearing in
large flocks in Table Bay throughout the year. It breeds on the
islands to the North-Westward. Lays two eggs of a rich cream-
colour, dotted, blotched, and streaked, with very dark-brown and
purple: axis, 2” 5’; diam., 1” 7’”. The running of the smaller spots
into streaks at once seems. to identify the eggs of this species from
those of others that may breed here.
It feeds on smail fish and crustaceans, the former of which it
captures by dropping upon them from a considerable height ; the latter
it either gathers in a graceful swoop, as it flies along the edge of the
retiring wave, or composedly picks up while walking along the sand,
on which it readily perches.
It is a singular sight to see the small craft in the bay covered by
LARIDA. 371
these birds and cormorants: each mast-head will be garnished with one,
the bowsprit has a line of them, and along the sides and _ taffrail they
sit as close as they can find room. When thus in repose, they will
permit a close approach, well knowing that the police regulations of
the bay prevent their being fired at. Elsewhere they are wary enough.
688. Sterna Galericulata, Licht. Verz 1823
p. 81, No. 834; St. Longirostris, Less. Tr. d’Ornith,
p. 621 @; St. Cristata, Swain. Nat. Lib, Voi. 12,
Pl. 30, p. 247.
Upper plumage, but fora very slight tinge of grey hardly
perceptible, might be termed as white as the under parts, the
quills alone being grey, posted as it were with white ; the
deep black on the head and front includes half the lores and
the eyes, but is interrupted by a white spot on the lower eye-
lid; the feathers of the hind head and nape are lengthened
and pointed, so as to form a nuchal crest ; the wings are long,
and reach to the end of the tail, with a frosted white appear-
ance on their outer webs ; the inner webs are dark-grey on
their inner half, and white on their outer, but the stripe of
this colour almost disappears on the fourth and fifth quills,
whose inner shafts are almost entirely dark-grey, excepting a
narrow white edging; the tail, which is deeply forked, is
white, both above and below ; bill rich-orange; feet black
and naked for nearly an inch above the tarsus. Length, 20” ;
wings, 14”; tail, base, 74”; depth of fork, 3,2,".
Hartlaub quotes this species, the description of which I have bor-
rowed from Swainson (loc. cit.), as a native of South Africa. I have
not yet seen it. It closely resembles S. Velox, but may easily be
distinguished from it by the black of the head being continued down
to the bill ; whereas S. Velox has a broad white forehead.
689. Sterna Brachypus, Swain. Nat. Lib, Vol.
12; p. 252,
Urrerr part of head and back of neck, black; general colour
cinereous, both above and below, but paler and nearly white
on the chin; upper and under tail-coverts, pure white; tail
the same, but the outer web of the two external feathers is
deep cinereous, almost sooty-black ; quills blackish-cinereous ;
the shafts pure white, with the inner web half cinereous,
half white ; bill red; feet orange ; tail one inch longer than
the quills. Length, 15”; wing, 11”; tail from the base, 8 ;
depth of fork, 43”; tarsus, }”.
_ During a drive late one evening across a marsh formed by the
-eelebrated hot spring called ‘‘ Brandt Vley,” near the town of Wor-
cester (South Africa), I observed a tern, new to me, flying in consi-
derable numbers over a portion of open water. Owing to the lateness
373 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA,
of the hour, I was unable to stop and procure specimens ; but a short
time afterwards I received a tern from Tulbagh, a village at the end of
the same valley (which is enclosed between high mountains), though
distant about sixty miles, which I immediately recognised as belonging
to the same species as those at Brandt Vley. It answers in all
respects to Swainson’s description (loc. cit.) of the short-footed tern,
and as such I consider it.
Genus DROMAS, Paykull.
Bill longer than the head, and straight, with the culmen
gradually sloping to the tip, which is acute; the lateral
margins straight, the sides compressed, and the gonys very
long, ascending, and much angulated at the base ; the nostrils
placed in a broad, short groove, and covered posteriorly by a
membrane, leaving an oval opening exposed ; wings long, with
the second quill the longest ; tail moderate and broad ; tarsi
very long, compressed, and covered in front with transverse
scales ; toes long, with the anterior ones palmated to the end
of the toes, but much indented in the middle; the hind toe
long, free, and partly resting on the ground.
690. Dromas Ardeola, Paykull, Pl. Col, 362;
Erodia Amphilensis, Salt’s Tray. Abyss, IV., p. 60;
Lath. His. Birds, IX., Pl. 149.
GENERAL colour, white, with a black patch between the
wings; wing-feathers black ; head more or less mottled with
black; sometimes a grey tint on the back and shoulders; bill
black, very strong; legs long, black; feet semipalmated.
Length, 1” 3”; wing, 8";. tail, 2” 9’.
This curious bird is said to be allied to the terns. It frequents the
whole of the East Coast of Africa as low down as Natal; but its
favourite localities are sand-banks far out to sea. It feeds on small
crustaceans, which it collects while walking. I never saw it take its
prey on the wing. It runs with considerable swiftness.
The Second Family,* COLYMBIDA, or
Divers,
have the bill more or less long, much compressed, straight.
and acute; the nostrils placed in a longitudinal groove, with
the opening basal, linear, or rounded ; the wings moderate,
with the first quill longest; the tail very short; the tarsi
short and much compressed; the toes long, and the three
anterior ones more or less united together by a membrane ;
the hind toe short, and margined by a small membrane.
* Owing to an unfortunate displacement of the MSS., an error in the sequence of
oa ae occurred, and was not discovered until the preceding sheets were struck
off,—E, L. L.
LARID. 373
The Sub-Family, PODICIPINA, or Grebes,
have the bill long, straight, compressed at the sides, with
the culmen slightly curved to-the tip, which is acute and
entire; the gonys ascending; the nostrils pierced in a
groove, and oblong; the wings short, with the first quill the
longest; the tail not apparent ; the tarsi short, and much
compressed ; the toes long, the outer longer than the others ;
the anterior ones broadly lobed on the sides, especially on
the inner side; the claws short, very broad, and obtuse.
Genus PODICEPS, Latham.
Bill more or less long, strong, straight, the culmen slightly
curved at the tip, which is acute and entire; the sides much
compressed, and the gonys short and advancing upwards to
an acute point; the nostrils placed in a short groove, with’
the opening longitudinal and exposed; wings short and
pointed, with the first or sometimes the second quill the
longest, and slightly emarginated at the tips; tail short, not
apparent ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe, much com-
pressed, the anterior and posterior edges covered with small
scales, which are serrated posteriorly, and the sides with
transverse scales; toes long, the outer the longest, depressed,
margined on the sides, especially on the inner side, and
united at the base to the middle toe; ihe hind toe short and
strongly lobed ; the claws short, very broad, flat, and obtuse.
691. Podiceps Cristatus. (Linn) Lath, Pl
Enl., 400 ; Colymbus Cristatus, Linn.; C. Cornutus,
Briss. ; C. Urinator, Linn. Ed. Birds, Pl. 360, f 2;
The Crested Grebe, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 146.
GeENERAL colour above, greyish-black, tinged with rufous ;
on the wing a large white patch ; under. parts pure white;
greyish on the breast and flanks; head ornamented with a
double crest, and throat with a large ruff; top of the head,
crest, back of neck, anterior and lower portion of neck-ruff,
shining-black, tinged here and there with rufous; chin
white, changing into golden-yellow and rufous on the ruff;
below the ruff white, tinged with rufous; tail spurious; iris
red. Length, 20"; wing, 73”.
The Crested Grebe is common on all our vleys. It breeds in
companies, six or eight nests generally appearing within a few yards of
each other; these are built on the water—a mere flat form of sedge,
generally damp throughout ; indeed, I remarked that every egg taken by
us at 4oetendals Vley was wet. This might have been caused, how-
*U
374 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
ever, by the wet water-weed with which each bird carefully covered
her eggs as we approached the nest. I watched three birds per-
form this manceuvre through my binoculars. They slid off their
nests and rapidly picked up the floating weed, which they carefully -
disposed over the eggs, so as completely to hide them from view. e
examined some fifteen or twenty nests, each one of which was thus
covered. We never found more than three eggs in each nest, of a
dirty chalky texture: axis, 2”; diam.,17’’.. The bird feeds on small
fish and water-insects.
692. Podiceps Auritus. (Linn) Lath Edw.
Birds, t. 96, f 2; Colymbus Auritus, Linn.; The
Eared Grebe.
GENERAL colour, greyish-black, tinged on the sides with
rufous; beneath, from the centre of the breast to the vent,
satiny-white; behind the eye, over the ear, a tuft of longish
reddish-yellow feathers ; patch on the wing white. Length,
138"; wing, 5’; tail spurious.
The Eared Grebe was unknown to me as an inhabitant of South
Africa until the year 1859, when, having an opportunity of visiting
Vogel Vley, in the Wellington district, I found it breeding in consi-
derable numbers amid the rushes that border portions of that lake.
Each pair seemed to keep guard over its special province, and never to
stray to any distance from the haunt. The nest was constructed of
sedge, and was a large compact structure; the eggs, four or five in
number, are chalky-white. -
693. Podiceps Minor. (Gmel) Lath. Pl. Enl,
905; Colymbus Minor, Linn. ; Colymbus Fluviatilis,
Bris. ; The Little Grebe, Bewick’s Brit. Birds, p. 173.
Upper parts, top of head, chin, and back of neck, greenish-
black; rest of neck deep-rufous; breast brownish-grey ;
flanks the same, tinged with rufous; under parts satiny-
white; all the plumage lustrous, and very dense, more like
hair than feathers; eyebrow and tip of bill, clear horn-
coloured ; base, bright-green. Length, 10”; wing, 4”; tail
spurious.
Not uncommon throughout the colony, frequenting still ‘‘ reaches ”
(here called ‘‘ zeekoe gaten,’’ seacow-holes in the rivers) and all the
vleys. Young birds have been brought to me. I never knew the
nest to have been taken here ; but in Ceylon I have found those of an
allied species (P. Phillippensis), constructed of sedge, and closely re-
sembling those of P. Cristdtus in all but size—the eggs pointed at both
ends, and chalky white.
The Sub-Family, HELIORNINZ, or Sungrebes,
have the bill long, straight, and compressed, with the tip
slightly curved and emarginated; the gonys of the lower
LARIDZ. 375
mandible short, and advancing upwards ; the wings moderate
and rounded; the tail long, and much rounded; the tarsi
short ; and the toes margined with a membrane, which is
more or less united to the middle one.
Genus PODICA, Lesson.
Bill longer than the head, straight, sides compressed, with
the culmen rather elevated, and gradually curved to the tip,
which is acute and emarginated; the gonys of the lower
mandible short, and advancing upwards; the nostrils placed
in a broad groove, with the opening large, longitudinal, and
near the middle ; wings moderate, with the third, fourth, and
fifth quills the longest ; tail lengthened, rounded, and com-
posed of Jong narrow feathers, with the shaft of each strong
at the base; tarsi shorter than the middle toe, and scutellated
in front ; toes long, and margined with a bread, lobed mem-
brane; the lateral ones unequal; the hind toe long, and
margined with a broad lobe; the claws short and curved.
694. Podica Mosambicana, Peters; Podica
Petersii, Hartb., Beitr. Fur. Orn. West. Af, p. 6;
Abhandlung aus d. Geb. d. Naturwissensch., 1861, 2.
Asove brown; beueath white; chest, flanks, and vent, varie-
gated fuscous ; head and neck above, black, with violet reflec-
tions ; beneath, and on the sides, shining-black ; shoulders
violet-black, slightly spotted with white ; bill yellowish, with
the culmen black ; legs yellow.
I have never seen this bird in any of the collections submitted to my
inspection. Mr. Ayres has, however, procured it in Natal.
1855.—While walking along the banks of the River Zonder End, at
Mr. Vigne’s farm, I startled a bird from the cover of a thick -bush
which overhung the water. At first I took it for a coot, and abstained
from firing; but as the bird dropt its legs, I saw the feet were bright-
orange, and apparently webbed : other peculiarities also convinced me
that I had a stranger before me. I fired, and my bird dropt into the
water, but instantly dived. It appeared again on the surface, and I
gave it my second barrel—half a charge of dust-shot. I saw this
strike all over it, but it again dived; and though ] hunted for more
than an hour, I saw no more of my quarry. Since I have seen the
Indian Podica in the collection of Mr. Webb, of Newstead Abbey, I.
am convinced this was our African bird.
February, 1867.—I saw a second specimen of this bird at the Berg
River, at a farm belonging to Sir William Hodges. Though badly
wounded, it dived and concealed itself amid the bu-hes drooping into
the river, and I lost it. As I saw it swim across the river, and had a
good view of it, I am sure of its identity.
376 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
The Third Family, ALCIDA, or Auks,
have the bill more or less strong, generally compressed on
the sides, and the culmen usually curved to the tip, which is
sometimes hooked; the wings generally short, and more or
less imperfectly formed; the tail short and graduated ; the
tarsi usually short and compressed ; the toes entirely webbed,
with the hind toe small or wanting.
The Sub-Family, SPHENISCINA, or Penguins,
have the bill more or less long and straight, with the sides
compressed and grooved; the culmen rounded and curved at
the tip, which is acute; the nostrils placed in the lateral
groove, and linear ; the wings short and imperfect, being only
covered with scale-like plumes; the tail more or less short,
and composed of narrow rigid feathers; the tarsi very short
and depressed ; the toes moderate and depressed, with the
anterior toes united by a web ; the hind toe very small, and
united to the side of the tarsus.
Genus SPHENISCUS, Brisson.
Bill moderate, much compressed, and strong, with the
culmen rounded and curved at the tip, which is acute; the
tip of the lower mandible suddenly truncated, and the gonys
moderate and curved upwards; the nostrils rather rounded,
and placed in the lateral groove near the middle of the bill ;
wings imperfect, and covered with scale-like plumes; tail
very short ; tarsi very short, thick, flattened, and covered
with small scales; toes long, the lateral ones unequal, and
united to the middle toe by a web; the hind toe very small,
and united to the tarsus at the base of the inner toe; the
claws long, compressed, and slightly curved.
695. Spheniscus Demersa. (Linn.) Temm, Pl.
Enl. 382; Aptenodytes Torquata, Sonn. (?) Edw. Birds,
Pl. 94; Common Penguin.
GeneRAL colour, blueish-grey; below white; a band, the
colour of the back, extends from the front of each thigh, up
the flanks and side, passes in front of the root of the
wings, and forms an arch at the base of the neck; a patch of
the same colour includes the eye, ear, chin, and a portion of
the side of the neck. Length, 26’; wing, 7” 3’; tail, 1”.
The whole plumage is of a stiff character, resembling strips of
whalebone. The wings are mere paddles for progression under water,
.and are incapable of flight—the feet placed so far back as to cause
ALCIDA, 377
the bird to appear always falling backward if it attempts to stand on
dry land.
This singular bird is very common on all our coasts, swimming to
great distances out to sea. It breeds on rocky islets, in the months
of August, September, and October.
Through the kindness of a dear and valued friend, the late Admiral
Trotter, I once had the pleasure of visiting a breeding place of this
bird, Seal Island, a lonely rock in the centre of False Bay. It can
only be approached in certain winds, as the surf breaks on it with
great violence. The penguins occupy the lower ledges by hundreds,
having dug their holes among the rocks. As we walked over the stones,
the birds rushed out at us, snapping at our legs, and drawing blood
plentifully from the naked feet of the sailors, in defence of their one
large solitary white egg, which is laid on the bare ground, without any
proteetion from the damp—axis, 2" 9”; diam., 2’’—abruptly pointed
at the small end. When not sitting on their eggs, they stand upright
on the rocks in long rows, balanced on their stiff tails. They feed
exclusively on fish, which they overtake beneath the surface by their
swiftness in swimming. :
The Sixth Family, PELICANIDA, or
Pelicans,
have the bill more or less long, broad at the base, straight
and compressed to the tip, which is sometimes hooked; the
nostrils linear, and sometimes scarcely visible; the wings
long ; the first quill the longest; the tarsi short and robust ;
the toes long, and all four connected together by a broad
membrane; the face and throat more or less naked, the
latter sometimes furnished with a naked, dilating skin, or
pouch, from the base of the lower mandible.
The Sub-Family, PLOTIN A, or Darters,
have the bill lengthened, very slender and acute, with the
lateral margins finely serrated, and the gonys long, and
scarcely ascending; the nostrils basal, and covered by a
shield; the wings long; the tail lengthened, and widening
towards the end; the tarsi short, very strong ; the toes long ;
the anterior ones united by a broad web; the hind toe long,
and united to the inner one by a broad web; the claws short
and curved.
Genus PLOTUS, Linn.
Bill longer than the head, straight, and very slender,
with the sides much compressed to the tip, which is very
acute ; the lateral margins finely serrated, and the gonys
long, and slightly ascending ; the nostrils basal, linear, and
scarcely visible; wings long, with the second and third
378 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
quills equal and longest; tail long, and broad towards
the end, which is rounded; ‘tarsi half the length of
the middle toe, strong, and covered with small scales ; toes
rather long, all united by a broad web; the outer toe as long
as the middle one; the claws short, curved, and acute.
696. Plotus Congensis, Cranch ; Plotus Levail-
lantii, Temm., Pl. Col. ; Lesson, Vol. 2, p. 380; P.
Rufus, Licht., Pl). Enl., 107; Swweet-water Duiker.
GerNeERAL colour, black, shining green on the back and
shoulders, longitudinally striped with fulvous, that colour
occupying the centre of each feather ; neck and head, rufous-
brown; black lines extend from the back of the eye, down
the sides of the neck, becoming fainter as they descend, and
coalescing at the base of the neck; below this line, but only
extending to one-third the distance, isa pure white line;
tail and wing feathers, black: the former very stiff; the two
centre ones being corrugated. Length, 36”; wing, 132”;
tail, 10” 9!".
A female in my possession is of a rufous tint throughout, and
wants the fine glossy black green body of the male, and the black
line down the neck; the colours of the back are also less vivid.
The ‘‘ Anhinga,” ‘ Snake-bird,” or ‘ Darter,’ is not unfrequent
in certain localities, among which may be mentioned chiefly: Verloren
Viley and the Berg River generally, the Kiver Zonder End, and Zoe-
tendals Vley. In this latter place, I saw several individuals, evidently
building, as they carried long trailing rushes in their bills; but I could
not discover their nests. They may often be seen sitting on the
‘‘snags’”” projecting out of the water in the still reaches of the rivers,
off which they dive with such ease and dexterity as hardly to leave
aripple to betray their departure. An egg said to belong to this
bird was given me by Dr. Versfeld, of Stellenbosch, taken on the
Berg River, is of a green ground colour, covered with white chalk :
axis;} 2/102”; diam., 1” 6%,
The Sub-Family, PELICANINA, or Pelicans,
have the bill lengthened, slender, depressed on the culmen ;
the sides much compressed, the tip hooked, and more or less
compressed ; the nostrils placed in lateral grooves, and
scarcely visible; the wings lengthened and pointed; the tail
rather short, and generally wedge-shaped; the tarsi short
and robust ; the toes lengthened, with the outer one equal-
ling the middle one, and all four united together by a mem-
brane; the iower mandible and throat furnished beneath
with a membranous pouch, more or less capable of extension.
ALCIDA. 379
Genus SULA, Brisson.
Bill longer than the head, robust, straight, broad at the
base, with the sides compressed, and grooved towards the
tip, which is slightly curved, and the lateral margins
obliquely and unequally serrated ; the nostrils basal, lateral,
linear, placed in a lateral groove, and almost invisible ;
wings long, pointed, and tuberculated, with the first two
quills the longest; tail moderate and graduated ; tarsi
short, one-third shorter than the outer toe, rounded ante-
riorly, and keeled posteriorly ; toes lengthened, the outer
and middle ones nearly equal, and all four connected by a
full membrane; the claws moderate, and rather flat, with
that of the middle toe serrated; the hind claw rudimental ;
beneath the base of the lower mandible is a naked space,
reaching towards the breast, which is capable of expansion.
697. Sula Capensis, Licht.; 8. Melanura, Temm. ;
Malagash of Colonists.
GENERAL colour throughout, white; the larger feathers of
the wings and tail, black-brown; the shafts of the former
grey ; those of the latter white; head and neck, and parti-
cularly the back of the latter, ochreous-yellow ; space round
and before the eye, bare, and of a dark-blue colour; a bare
stripe of the same extends from the angle of the mouth,
on each side of the head, and from the chin, two-thirds of
the way down the neck; irides, pale-fulvous ; legs, dark liv d-
colour. Length, 36"; wing, 19”; tail, 10”.
The Common Gannet of South Africa frequents, in countless
thousands, the whole of our coast line, breeding on the various islands
scattered over the whole extent from St. Ann’s River to the Eastward
of Natal to the guano islands off Angra Pequina. It visits Table
Bay in vast numbers in the months of April and May, in pursuit of
the shoals of fish that then appear on the surface, upon which they
pounce with almost unerring aim, from a great altitude, becoming
entirely submerged by the violence of their descent. I have never
seen this species far from land: they invariably have disappeared on
the morning after the ship’s departure, if standing off the land.
Eggs of a blue-ground, covered with white chalk: axis, 3” 5”;
diam,, 2”.
Genus GRACULUS, Linnzus.
Bill moderate, straight, somewhat slender, with the culmen
concave, and suddenly hooked at the tip; the sides compressed
aud grooved; the nostrils basal, lateral, linear, placed in the
lateral groove, and scarcely visible; wings moderate and
380 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
pointed, with the second and third quills the longest; tail
moderate, and rounded at its end; tarsi short, one-third less
than the middle toe, much compressed, and covered with
reticulated scales ; toes long, with the outer rather longer
than the middle one, and all four united by a full web; the -
base of the lower mandible is furnished with a coriaceous
pouch, which is capable of expansion.
698. Graculus Carbo; Phalacrocoraxz Carbo,
Linn., Pl. Enl, 927; Carbo Cormorans, Mey., Vieill.
Gal. des Ois, t. 407; Audub. B. of Am, Pl. 266 ;
Duiker of Colonists.
Heap and back of neck, dark-brown, with a tinge of rufous;
back, sides, and flanks, black-green ; wing-coverts and scapu-
lars grey, edged with black-green, causing a scaled appear-
ance, which is very beautiful ; tail black, slightly frosted with
grey ; chin, fore part of throat, and under parts, pure white.
Length, 27"; wing, 18”; tail, 7’, fourteen feathers.
Not so common as the lesser G. Capensis, but still in considerable
abundance. Its chief haunt is the rocky, lonely shore at the base of
Cape Point. I have not succeeded in discovering where it breeds, and
fancy it must be somewhere to the North-West, among the islands off
Walwich Bay.
699. Graculus Capensis, G. R. Gray ; Phala-
crocorax Capensis, Bp. Consp., 2, p. 170; Pelicanus
Capensis, Sparr., Mus. Carls. t. 61; P. Gracula, Lath.
GENERAL colour of adult, black-green ; the wing-covers and
scapulars very dark-grey, narrowly edged with black-green ;
tail black, slightly frosted with grey ; chin bare and bright-
orange; irides green. Length, 22”; wing, 93”; tail, 4”.
Young: throughout of a dull rufous-brown, palest on the
neck, and darkest and least rufous on the wings and tail.
Extremely common along the whole coast, I have seen it in flocks
extending upwards of three miles in length and a quarter of a mile
wide, across the bay, the hindermost constantly flying forward and
plunging into the sea as soon as the outside of the army was reached.
In this way the flock gradually moved out of the bay, feeding as it
went. It breeds on Pomona Island, and on all the small rocks along
the coast, laying two eggs of a blue ground covered' with white chalk :
axis, 2” 4”; diam., 1” 6”. It is eaten by the. Dutch colonists; and
after soaking for a night in vinegar, or being buried for a few hours in
the ground, it loses its disagreeable odour, and is not bad food.
ALCIDA, ' 381
~
700. Graculus Africanus, G. R. Gray; Peli-_
canus Africanus, Gmel.; Carbo Longicauda, Swain,,
Nat. Lib, Vol. 12, Pl. 31, 9, p. 255; Bp. Consp.,
2 pe 178.
3: Genera plumage black; back and wing feathers, light-
gre\, with a terminal spot, and sometimes a white tip; bill,
and cere round the eye, bright-yellow ; irides blue. The
female figured by Swainson (loc. cit.) is ’ white underneath.
Length, 17"; ; wing, 83”; tail, 63”.
Of this elegant little Cormorant, but two examples have come under
my notice: one was sent from Colesberg by Mr. Arnot; the other
appearedin Mr. Chapman’s collection, and was killed on the Lake
N’Gami.
Genus PELICANUS, Linn.
Bill very long, straight; the culmen rounded at the base,
and flat towards the tip, which is strongly armed with an
acute, compressed, strong hook, the sides slightly enlarging
towards the tip; the lower mandible broader at the base than
the upper, and becoming slender towards the tip; the nos-
trils basal, lateral, linear, placed in the lateral groove
longitudinally, and hardly visible; wings moderate, with
the second quill the longest, and the secondaries nearly
equalling the quills; tail short and rounded; tarsi the
length of the.outer toe, strong, compressed, and covered
with reticulated scales ; ; toes long, the middle one longer than
the outer, and all four united ‘by a full web; the lower
mandible is furnished beneath, from the base to near the tip,
with a naked membrane, capable of great extension, and
advancing some way down the throat.
701. Pelicanus Onocrotalus, Linn, Pl. Enl. 87;
P. Roseus, Eversman ; P. Minor, Riipp. ; Onocrotalus
Phenix, Less.
Prumace throughout, white, tinted with rose-colour; the
larger wing-feathers frosted with grey, and some of the
smaller with grey edges; on the breast ‘a tuft of stiff bright
straw-coloured feather; feathers of the head coming down in
a point on the forshend ¢ head crested ; cheeks bare, and with
the pouch, which extends half- -way down the throat, light-
yellow ; centre of upper mandible, and base of lower, blue-
black ; the other parts yellow, with crimson markings; legs
ay
382 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
flesh-coloured. Length, 6’ 2”; wing, 2' 5”; tail, 1’ 8’; tip
of bill to forehead, 18”.
Widely distributed, frequenting vleys and the mouths of rivers.
Generally associates in small flocks ; soars to an immense attitude. I
have never seen it plunge after its prey. It swims with great rapidity,
and captures its food while sitting on the water.
702. Pelicanus Rufescens, Lath; P. Mitratus,
Licht.; Onocrotalus Philippensis, Briss., Ornith. VI,
p. 527 ; Pelicanus Cristatus, Less. ; Riipp. Atlas, t. 21.
GENERAL colour, white ; frosted with grey on the wings, tail,
head, neck, and belly ; tinged with yellow on the stiff feathers
of the breast, and with pink behind the thighs and all down
the back ; wing-feathers dark-brown; head crested ; pouch,
yellow, with numerous perpendicular crimson lines. Length,
47 wines LTO" stan, TO":
This delicately-tinted Pelican has several times been shot in the
neighbourhood of Cape Town, in company with the preceding,
which it resembles in habits. I saw them both in considerable num-
bers at Zoetendals Vley in October, 1865. They have also been
procured in Natal.
a 7
MEANING OF TERMS
USED IN THE PLATE, AND IN OTHER PARTS OF THIS WORK.
e
Aspomun —The belly: that part between the breast’ (pectus) and the
vent (crissum).
Ata.—The wing.
AtvuLa.—Spurious wing-feathers attached to the rudimentary thumb.
AvcHeENium.—The posterior portion of the neck.
AvricuLars.—Feathers covering the ears.
CrrE.—Bare skin covering the base of the bill in certain birds.
Caupa.—The tail.
Crrvix.—The whole of the back of the neck, as opposed to guwttur,
the fore part.
Cottum.—The neck.
Coverts.—Either of wing or tail: small feathers covering the quills
both on the upper and lower, or outer or inner sides.
Crissum.—The vent : sometimes applied to the under tail-coverts.
Cuimen.—The ridge of the upper mandible.
Diaitt.—The fore-toes, as distinguished from the hind-toe (hallux).
Dorsum.—The entire back, from the cervix to the base of the tail
(uropigium).
EprrgastrEuM.—The anterior portion of the abdomen.
Femvr.—The thigh: usually concealed.
Frrexera.—The bend of the wing.
Frons.—The forehead.
Gonys.—The ridge of the lower mandible.
Guta.—The anterior portion of the guttur, or fore-part of the throat.
Guttur.—The throat, or fore-part of neck.
Hativx.—The hind toe. ©
Humervs.—The shoulder.
Hypocuonpria.—The side, or space under the wing.
Interscaputium.—The part between the shoulders, on which are the
scapule, or scapular feathers.
JueuLtum.—The lower anterior part of the throat.
Lorrs.—Space between base of bill and eye.
i MEANING OF TERMS.
Manpinuta&.—The upper and lower parts of the bill. They are said
to be depressed when flattened horizontally ; compressed when
flattened at the sides; cuneated when wedge-shaped, &e. &e.
Maxit1ia.—Upper and lower mandibles.
Mentum.—The fore-part of the gula, chin.
Nares.—The nostrils.
Nvcua.—The anterior portion of neck, cervex.
Orsrts.—Bare spaces round the eyes.
Opruatmico Rxeai0.—The part about the eye.
Parotico Reaio.—The part about the ears: the feathers over the
ears are also called ear-coverts and auriculars.
Prctus.—The breast.
Pitzvus.—The entire top of head, including frons, vertex, and sinciput.
Recrgices.—Tail-feathers: the side-feathers are called Jaterales; the
middle, intermedia.
Remicirs.—Wing-feathers : divided into primarie, or large quill-
feathers; secundarie, or secondary quill-feathers, attached to the
middle division of wing, corresponding to our fore-arm ; ¢ertiaria,
or tertiary quills.
ScapuLarr#.—Feathers rising on shoulder-blades, and covering side
of back.
Sincrput.—The back of the head.
Tarsus.—The lower joint of the leg next to the foot.
Trctricrs.—Wing and tail coverts: divided on the wings into
nuinores, the lesser, medie, the middle, and majores, the greater
wing-coverts; and on the tail into swperiores, upper, and
inferiores, lower coverts.
Trrcum.—The lower portion of the back.
Trp1a.—The shank : that part of the leg immediately above the tarsus.
Uroriaium.—The rump : also applied to the upper tail-coverts.
VentEr.—The belly.
Vertex.—The crown of the head.
Visriss“.—Hairs about the bills of certain birds, such as flycatchers,
goatsuckers, &c.
.
INDEX.
[Nore.—The names printed in Roman letters rank only as synonyms. |
PAGE
Aasvogel Sis a LeoNSkE
Aasvogel, Zwarte ... Aad ils
Abdimii, Sphenorynchus .., 315
Abdimii, Ciconia ... wevolo
Aberrans, Drymoica ... “e288
Abyssinica, Coracias ear OO
Abyssinica, Treron .. 255
Abyssinica, Vinago ... vee 200
Abyssinica, Zosterops Stag US's
Abyssinicus, Bucorvus er a0
Abyssinicus, Ploceus ace
Acoli, Circus ... net sa. OO
Acoli, Falco ... naa 5236
Adspersus, Francolinu ... 269
Adusta, Butalis Mod wee 148
Aigyptiaca, Columba 2 aor
AXgyptiaca, Numida e. 267
Aigyptiacus, Chenaloper ,,, 347
Aigyptiacus, Percnopterus... 3
Aigyptius, Merops ... Sli 8)
Adnea, Juida... Boe &SELTO
Ainea, Nectarinia ... Or
®neus, Turdus 34 SAUEO
Aiquatorialis, Gallinago .,. 333
Alyuinoctialis, Procellaria ,.. 360
Areus, Zanclostomus we 247
Afruginosus, Lanius.. 13. 158
Aithiopicus, Geronticus .., 320
Aithiops, Centropus ,.. ... 249
Aétoleus, Milvus... scone i
Afer, Corvus ... Mee eros
Afer, Cuculus, Gmel. 1. 245
Afer, Cuculus, Leach N28
Afer, Francolinus ... ery h)
Afer, Oxylophus ... w. 253
Afer, Parus ... re be 1d
Affinis, Drymoica .., eis sig
Affinis, Malaconotus ... 163
Affinis, Milvus ae ieeree
A ffinis, Strix... a a Ad
Affinis, Totanus SAY
Afra, Alcedo ... noe
Afra, Eupodotis :
Afra, Francolinus ..,
Afra, Motacilla con
Afra, Muscicapa ...
Afra, Nectarima ..,
Afra, Peristera Lae
Africana, Alauda
Africana, Buphaga ...
Africana, Certhilauda
Africana, Crithagra
Africana Drymoica, ...
Africana, Fringillaria
Africana, Loxia A
Africana, Metopidius
Africana, Mirafra .
Africana, Motacilla ...
Africana, Parra
Africana, Scolopax
Africana, Sterna Bt
Africana, Strix (Shaw)
Africana, Strix (Tem.)
Africana, Sylvia tas
Africana, Upupa
Africana, Zonotrichia
Africanoides, Buphaga
eos
A fricanoides, Megalophonus..,
Africanoides, Mirafra
Africanus, Bucco
Africanus, Caprimulgus
Africanus, Dasyornis
Africanus, Graculus
Africanus, Malurus ...
Africanus, Megalophonus
Africanus, Numenius
Africanus, Opeethus ...
Africanus, Pelicanus...
Africanus, Sarkidiornis
A frowdes, Eupodotis ,..
PAGE
326
66
. 286
. 270
. £1LS*
149
76
262
217
PMs,
217
220
95
. 207
220
. 3380
. 213
95
il INDEX.
: : PAGE
Aguimp, Motacilla ... ». 119 | Antarctica, Diomedea
Alario, Crithologus ,.. . 200
Alario, Amadina .. ... 200
Alba, Ardea ... pad ve 308
Alba, Ciconia... tae . 314
Albatross, The Great ee 363
Albatross, The Small .. 864
Albescens, Aquila... fn hm
Albiceps, Hoplopterus... .. 293
Albiceps, Lobivanellus vast oe
Albiceps, Sarciophorus see 293
Albicollis, Corvus Bata
' Albicollis, Himantopus . 328
Albidus, Falco eet ie LD
Albifrons, Charadrius . 296
Albifrons, Coracias ... Si), 560
Albifrons, Muscicapa oa LD
Albifrons, Pyrrhula ... #7 Jak
Albigula, Hirundo ... ive 25D
-Albigularis, Hirundo 55
Albirostris, Indicator vee DAD
Albiscapulata, Saxicola . 106
Albiscapulata, Thamnolacea... 106
Albiventris, Lamprotornis ... 172
Albiventris, Turtur ... 0 ZOO
Albocristatus, Corythaix ... 223
Albofasciata, Certhilauda ... 216
Albogularis, Crithagra . 218
Albonotata, Urobrachya . 189
Albonotata, Vidua ... ws L198
Alexandrinus, Charadrius ... 296
Alexandrinus, Charadrius ... 294
V Alouette 4 callotte rousse ... 211
l’Alouette 4 grosbec ... ««. 208
Alouette 4 téte rouse, la petite 212
LAlouette sentinelle ... . 120
Alpinus, Cypselus oven 49
Alpina, Saxicola = ... 106
Ambrosiaca, Hirundo franco
Ambrosiacus, Cotyle ... see, BO
Ambrosiacus, Cypselus ... 59
Amelia, Anthus seu paae C3
Ameliz Macronyx ... ww. 124
Amethystina, Nectarinia ... 79
Amphilensis, Erodia... va BIZ
Andalusiz, Cuculus ... vee 251
Angolensis, Cardinalis . 200
Angolensis, Coracias vos OL
Angolensis, Fringilla, Gmel.... 203
Angolensis, Fringilla, Bp. ... 199
Angolensis, Vidua ,.. re 188
Angolensis, Linaria ... «ve 203
Anguitimens, Eurocephalus ,.. 162
Angulata, Gallinula ... ve, 042
Annulosa, Sylvia... ade AAG
Anthoides, Fringillaria
Apiata, Brachonyx ..
Apiata, Megalophonus
Apicalis, Catriscus
Apicalis, Drymoica ...
Apiaster, Merops F
Apiverus, Buteo...
Apivorus, Falco P
Apiwworus, Pernis ae
Apus, Cypselus
Aquaticus, Rallus
Arator, Picus
Arcuatus, Passer
Ardens, Vidua
Ardeola, Dromas
Arenaria, Calidris
Arenaria, Tringa =...
Arend ... eas =
Argali, Ciconia at
Armatus, Hoplopterus
Armiger, Falco
Arquatriz, Columba ...
Arquatus, Numenius ..
Arundinacea, Calamodyta
Arundinaceus, Turdus
Asiaticus, Charadrius
Asiaticus, Cursorius...
Astrild, Estrelda <od
Astrilda, Loxia bai
Ater, Ceblephyris
Ater, Circus ... See
Ater, Falco... fe
Ater, Meleornis “f
Ater, Milvus ... AT
Atra, Bradyornis
Atra, Ostralagus
Atra, Otis <3
Atrata, Campephaga
Atricapilla, Ardea ...
Atricapilla, Butorides
Atricapillus, Charadrius
Atriceps, Parus ee
Atricollis, Ardea...
Atricollis, Fringilla ...
Atrocerula, Hirundo...
Atrococcineus, Laniarius
Atrogularis, Columba
Atrogularis, Linaria ...
Atronitens, Melcenornis
Atrovarius, Caprimulgus
Aurantia, Cinnyris ...
Aurantia, Motacilla ...
Aurantia, Saxicola
Aurantia, Sylvia...
Aurantia, Vitiflora
Aurantiopectus, Malaconotus
Aurantius, Chetops ...
Aurata, Juida ee
Auraticollis, Sylvia ...
Auraticollis, Turdus...
Auratifrons, Cinnyris
Auratus, Chalcites
Auratus, Charadrius...
Auratus, Chrysococeryx
- Auratus, Lamprocolius
Auratus, Oriolus Ree
Auricapillus, yphantornis...
Auricularis, Otogyps ...
Aurifrons, Hyphantornis
Auritrons, Nectarinia
Aurigaster, Pycnonotus
Aurigaster, Turdus ...
Aurigularis, Ixos
Aurigularis, Pycnonotus
Aurita, Anas a
Auritus, Colymbus ...
Auritus, Podiceps
Australis, Juda aye
Australis, Megalopterus
Australis, Pyrrhulauda
Australis, Treron
Austriacus, Falco
Avocetta, Recurvirostra
Avoset, The ... 5
Axillaris, Vidua
Ayresii, Drymoica
Ayresii, Spizaetus ...
PAzur & callote et a collier
noir. SAS
Azured, "Museipeta ee
Azuror, Merops “5
FAzurous ... s.. bea
Babecula, ye eat nae
Bacbakiri, Laniarius..
Bacbakiri, Lanius
Bacbakiri, Le... oor
Bachakiri, Telophonus
Bacha, Circaetus
Bacha, Hemantornis
Bacha, Le... fen
Balearica, Grus +
Banksii, Pachyptila ...
Banksti, Prion ak
Barbarus, Falco,
Barbarus, Laniarus
Barbarus, Lanius
Barbarus, Malaconotus
Barbatula, Megalaima
INDEX. ili
PAGE PAGE
109 | Barbet, Red-fronted... woe 232
163 Barbican, Masqué .. 233
... 126 | Barbu a plastron noir, le .,. 232
... 171 | Barrowii, Otis ’ .-. 280
... 140 | Bateleur, le ... aa A
... 140 | Becque fleur, le .. 114
... 791} Bellicosa, Aquila ens
.. 250 | Bellicosus, Spizitus ... eS
... 296 | Benghala, Estrelda ... pe 2
... 250 | Benghala, Fringilla ... se« 199
... 171 | Bengalensis, Scolopax wee ot
. 135 | Berg-Eendt ... iva .. 350
183 | Bergerouette a quimpe eh)
Shigeo Bergeronnettedu Cap de Bonne
R79 Esperance ... fe 018
.. 79) Berg-Gans aa 347
.. 139 | Berg-Haan ... bee dak
.. 139 | Berg-Haan , oe 18
.. 140 | Bergii, Sterna ; ... 370
.. 140 | Berg-Schwaler “as eee 08
-. 048 Biarmicus, Falco ce e20
.. 374 | Biarmicus, Picus i, 42S0
... 374 | Bicincta, Fringilla ... 206
.. 170 | Bicineta, Ispida ee ROT
. 170 | Bicinetus, Cursorius ee. 290
.. 210 | Bicinctus, Pterocles ... sees
... 255 | Bicolor, Corydonyx ... .. 245
. 25 | Bicolor, Orateropus ... » 133
328 | Bicolor, Juida as eve LOZ
328 | Bicolor, Lamprotornis Meo ly 61
189 Bicolor, Muscicapa ... S330
94 | Bicolor, Muscipeta ... vow 147
14 | Bicolor, Nautauges ... wankha
Bicolor, Oriolus feSD
... 151 | Bicolor, Turdus snes Wy 2)
»»» 150 | Bicolor, Sycobius ws 183
70 Bicolor, Syacobrotus 183
»»» 150 | Bicolor, Tympanistria «.- 262
Bido, Falco... wae jee ES,
.. 97 | Bifasciata, Nectarinia eZ.
we 161 | Bifasciata, Saxicola .. .. 104
.. 161 | Bilineata, Megalaima .. 234
... 161 | Bistrigata, Crithagra -. 200
.. 161 | Bitorquatus, Charadrius .., 296
. 15 | Bittern, Common ... 311
.. 15] Bittern, The Little ... 309
ve» 15] Blac, Le ee soy a 26
».. 304] Blagre, Le ... ie ay
».. 062 | Blagrus, Falco sat eee LT
... 362 | Blanchard, Le 3 fe ee
». 19 Blue-Bird, The is vee 3605
.. 165 | Beticula, *Calamodyta ve. 97
... 165 | Beeticula, Cettia Be NOOO
.. 165 | Beticula, Sylvia tie SO
... 234) Bombysinus, Cinnyris aoe 8B
iv
Bonellii, Aquila...
Bontrochie
Borbonica Muscicapa
Boschereeper .. ar
Boschvogel ... as
Botaurus, Ardea...
Boubou, Lanius a
Boubou, Le ... 2
Boysii, Sterna vee
Brachypolioides, Turdus
Brachyptera, Sylvia...
Brachypus, Sterna
Brachyura, Drymoica
Brachyura, Eremomela
Brachyura, Sylvia
Brachyurus, Anthus ..
Brevipes, Ardea
Brevirostris, Bradypterus
Brom- Vogel
Brubru, Lanius
Brubu, Le a
Brunnescens, Agrobates
Brunet, Le sie
‘Brine, Nyroca
Brunoir, Le ...
Bubulcus, Ardea
Buceinator, Buceros ..
Bullockoides, Melittophagus
Bullockoides, Merops
Bunting, Cape
Bunting, Orange-Shouldered,
Bunting, Shaft-Tailed
Buphagoides, Indicator
Burchellii, Centropus
Burchelli, Chetops ...
Burchelli, Corythaix..,
Burchellii, Cursorius .
Burchellii, Lamprotornis
Burchellii, ‘Tachydromus
Busé ganteé, le
Bustard, Blue-N ecked.
Buteo, Butaetes Be
Butyracea, Crythagra
Butyracea, Fringilla...
Buzzard, Honey...
Ceerulescens, Butalis..,
Cerulescens, Eupodotis
Cerulescens, Muscicapa
Cerulescens, Rallus ...
Cerulea, Coua
Cerulea, Muscicapa...
Cerulea, Myiagra
Cerulea, Procellaria
Ceeruleocephalus, Merops
INDEX,
PAGE
... 11] Ceeruleus, Cuculus ...
... 111} Ceeruleus, Polophilus
... 150] Ceeruleus, Todus ...
... 100 | Cesia, Ceblephrys
... 137 | Cesius, Elanus
... 306 | Cafer, Picus, Gmel. ...
.». 164 Cafer, Picus, Lath. ...
... 164 | Cafer, Pycnonotus ...
,.. 370 | Cafer, Turdus... a
_ 137 | Caffer, Anthus “ak
<u ON Gees Corvuis vacate
Prova affer, Cypselus =
w. 95| Catffer, Lanta te
.. 95 | Caffer, Promerops ..
.. 95 | Catfer, Psittacus
122 | Caffer, Rallus...
309 | Caffra, Bessonornis ...
.» 96 | Cattra, Coracias
228 | Caffra, Eupodotis
159 | Caffra, Loxia ...
159 | Caffra, Meliphaga
98 | Caffra, Motaciila
138 ee Scolopax
355 | Caffra, Sitta ...
... 138 | Cattra, Sylvia... *
307 | Caffrariensis, Emberiza
226 | Caffrensis, Tantalus one
70 | Caffre, Le ae
Se eO: | ala Caronculé, Bess
... 206 | Calceolata, Ardea ae
190 | Calidris, Scolopax ...
... 188 | Calidris, Totanus ...
243 | Calthrope, Anthus ...
246 | Calva, Ibis we
125 | Calvus, Geronticus ...
.. 224 | Cambayensis, Columba
289 | Camelus, Struthio ...
170 | Campestris, Anthus ...
289 | Canaribyter, Bonte ...
10 | Canarie, Berg...
... 285 | Canarie, Pietje
10 | Canaribyter, Zwarte...
219 | Cana, Anas ... cae
... 219 | Cana, Ceblephrys ...
24 | Canary, Cape... vee
Cana, Otis... 4s
148 | Cancrophaga, Alcedo
w. 285 | Candidus, Himantopus
. 148 | Caniceps, Picus 5
337 | Canicollis, Fringilla...
... 244 | Canicollis, Serinus .,..
151 | Cantiaca, Sterra bale
151 | Cantiaca, Thalasseus
.. 061 | Cantianus, Charadrius
96! Cantor, Synallaxis - ...
Canutus, Tringa
Calao Nasique, Le
Candida, Ibis..
Cape Sheep, The
Capensis, Ana
Capensis, Anthus
Capensis, A thene
Capensis, Bubo dee
Capensis, Buteo wee
Capensis, Certhia
Capensis, Citrinella ...
Capensis, Colius, Sund.
Capensis, Colius aes
Capensis, Columba ...
Capensis, Corethrura ...
Capensis, Cuculus, Lath.
Capensis, Cuculus, Shaw.
Capensis, Cursorius ...
Capensis, Daption
Capensis, Drymoica ...
Capensis, Emberiza, bis
Capensis, Euplectus ..
Capensis, Falco
Capensis, Fringilla
Capensis, Fringilla, Linn.
Capensis, Fringillaria
Capensis, Graculus ...
Capensis, Gypogeranus
Capensis, Hamatopus
Capensis, Hagedashia
Capensis, Hians
Capensis, Hirundo
Capensis, Hyphantornis
Capensis, Loxia aa
Capensis, Macronyx...
Capensis, Mareca
Capensis, Motacilla ...
Capensis, Muscipeta...
Capensis, Nilaus ...
Capensis, Noctua...
Capensis, Gidicnemus
Capensis, Oriolus ...
Capensis, Otus
Capensis, Paroides ...
Capensis, Parra
Capensis, Passerina ...
Capensis, Parus
Capensis, Pelicanus .
Capensis, Perdix, Lath.
Capensis, Perdix, Grill.
Capensis, Phalacrocorax
Capensis, Phasmoptynx
‘Capensis, Phyllastrephus
Capensis, Picus
Capensis, Platyrhynchus
*w
INDEX.
PAGE
. 330
Capensis, Ploceus ...
Oapensis, Procellaria
Capensis, Promerops
Capensis, Psittacula...
Capensis, Pycnonotus
Capensis, Pyromelana
Capensis, Rallus cee
Capensis, Rhynchea
Capensis, Rhynchapsis
Capensis, Scolopax ...
Capensis, Strix
Capensis, Sturnus ...
Capensis, Sula
Capensis, Tanagra ...
Capensis, Tantalus ...
Capensis, Tetrapteryx
Capensis, Turdus, Lath.
Capensis, Turdus, Gmel.
Capensis, Upupa
Capensis, Zosterops ...
Capitalis, Hyphantornis
Capuchon blanch, le...
Caqueteuse, La me
Carbo, Graculus
Carbo, Phalacrocorax
Cardinalis, Nectarinia
Carunculata, Ardea ...
Carunculata, Columba
Carunculata, Creatophora
Carunculata, Goura ...
Carunculata, Grus
Carunculata, Grus ...
Carunculatus, Buceros
Carunculatus, Colius...
Carunculatus, Dilophus
Carunculatus, Neophron
Caudatus, Cinnyris ...
Caudatus, Coracias ...
Casarea, Anas
Caspia, Sterna
Caspia, Sylochelidon... ae
Caspica, Ardea
Caspius, Charadrius ..
Caspius, Morinellus .
Castanea, Ardea na
Castanea, Muscicapa...
Catarractes, Larus ...
Catarractes, Lestris ...
Catarractes, Stercorarius
Cenchris, Tinnunculus
Ceylonus, Turdus ...
Chalcopepla, Lampromoxpha
Chalcoptera, Ibis.
Chalcopterus, Cursorius
' Chaleospilos, Turtur..,
. 320
vee 290
ve. 262
vl
Chalybea, Nectarinia
Chassefiente, Le
Cheela, Hematornis...
Chenianus, Megalophonus
Chenianus, Mirafra ...
Cherina, Drymoica ...
Chicqueroides, Falco
Chiniana, Drymoica ..
Chloris, Acanthositta *
Chloris, Oriolus
Chloris, Sitta... he
Chloris, Sylvietta
Chloropus, Gallinula
Chlororhyncha, Diomedea
Chlororhynchos, Platalea
Chok, Le aa “cs
Choka, Aquila
Choucou, ey ey. 2
Choucou, Syrnium ...
Choucouhon, Tene
Chrysocephalus, Merops
Chrysogaster, Malaconotus...
Chrysogaster, Ploceus
Chrysogaster, Turdus
Chrysolaimus, Merops
Chrysomus, Symplectes
Chrysoptera, Bucco ...
Chrysopterus, Picus ..
Chrysopyga, Crithagra
Chrysorhoeus, Turdus
Chrysostoma, Diomedea
Chrysozonicus, Bucco
Chrysura, Campethera
Chrysurus, Dendrobates
Chrysurus, Dendromus
Ciconia, Ardea ‘ec
Cinclus, Charadrius ...
Cinclus, Tringa 235
Cincta, Cotyle...
Cinerascens, Buteo ...
Cinerascens, Circus ..
Cinerascens, Falco
Cinerascens, Parus ...
Cinerea, Ardea
Cinerea, Certhia
Cinerea, Crithagra
Cinerea, Limosa
Cinerea, Nectarinia ...
Cinerea, Procellaria ...
Oinerea, Saxicola
Cinerea, Scolopax
Cinerea, Terekia
Cinerea, Tringa :
Cinereifrons, Halcyon
Cinereus, Cireactus ...
INDEX.
PAGE PAGE
w- 75| Cinereus, Megalophonus ... 212
... 6] Cinereus, Parus soo NZ
... 15 | Cinereus, Puffinis 358
_, 214| Cinnamomeiventris Thamno-
0. DIA lea ... See 33 «os 206
... 89 | Cinnamoneus, Rallus wee B09
... 21] Oirtensis, Falco ats:
... 91 Cissoides, Basanistes ke
... 83] Cissoides, Lanius, Vieil. ... 157
... 1384 | Cissoides, Lanius, Licht. 158
eee 83 Citrin, Le .e eee 95
« 95 | Clamator, Fr ancolinus 268
... 341 | Clamator, Perdix ... was 268
... 364 | Clamosa, Alauda ty 215
... 313 | Clamosus, Cuculus 249
... 10} Clamosus, Turdus 137
... 10] Coecinigaster, Certhia iii Se
.. 421} Codea, Alauda ie .. 209
.. 42] Celestina, Muscicapa .. 151
«. 40'| Col d'Or, Le«..: ; 140
.. 68} Colei, Otis A 284,
163 | Coliou a dos Blane, Le 221
183 | Coliou Quiriwa, Tien . 222
172 | Coliou Rayé, Le 4 222
70 | Collaris, Cuculus ... 252
183 | Collaris, Lanius wrrloe
234 | Collaris, Nectarinia ... soy i
237 | Collaris, Strepsilas 301
319 | Collaris, Tachydromus 290
139 | Collaris, Telophonus... etd Gb
... 364 | Collurio, Hnneoctornis 158
234 | Collurio, Lanius 158
... 238 | Colombar, Le... 256
238 | Colombi-Caille, Le .. 264
238 | Colombi-Galline, Le... 264,
314 | Comata, Ardea 308
... 301 | Communis, Coturnix 274,
... 331 | Communis, Faleo 19
... 58} Concolor, Corythaix ... 224
34 | Ooncolor, Schizorhis ... 224
34 | Congensis, Plotus . 378
.. 34] Contra, Sturnopaster 176
. 118 | Coot, The Crested ... 343
eee 306 Coo Vogel eee eee 10
... 78] Corbivau Le ... St 167
... 219 | Cordon Noir, Le a 146
... 823 | Coripheus, Bradypterus 100
.. 78] Coriphoeus, Drymoica ... 100
... 398 | Coripheeus, Sylvia ... 100
... 105 | Coriphé, Le 100
.. 323 | Corneille a Scapulaire ‘Blane 168
323 | Corneille du Cap, La ».. 168
330 | Cormorans, Carbo .,,. .«. 380
64 | Corn-Crake, The ... ee. 338
15 | Cornutus, Colymbus,.. | ... 373
’
INDEX. Vii
PAGE PAGE
Coqui, Perdix » 273 | Cristatus, Podiceps y. nba BID
Coromandus, Oxylophus ... 252 | Cristatus, Serisomus,,., Peas
Coronata, Alcyone ... ... 64 | Crocata, Certhia sal ets
Coronata, Aquila... ... 12} Crocea, Alauda ss vee, 121
Coronatus, Buceros ... ..» 225 | Crombec, Le ... ie nae ed
Coronatus, Charadrius ... 294 | Crow, Cornland Se% ... 168
Coronatus, Faleo — ..: .- 12] Crow, Ring-neck ... cg LOT.
Cor onatus, Hoplopterus ... 294 | Crucigera, Coturnix ., apne 45)
Coronatus, Lanius ... ... 160 | Crumeniferus, Leptoptilos .. 3l6
Coronatus, Spizaetus ... 12 Cubla, Le ae ve LOS
Corrusca, eae eras ... 173 | Cudbla, Laniarius ne ». 163
Corvina, Corvinella .. ican LOT Cucullata, Hirundo ,,, wee!
Corvinus, Lanius ... .«. 157 | Cuculoides, Avicida ... 24
Coturnix, Tetrao.... iced. || sgudor, Le. ... se wos LOD
Coua-tait-sou, Le... ... 244 | Culminata, Diomedea ve. 364
Coucal Negre, Le ... .. 247 | Cuckow, Cupreous ... ... 251
Coucal Noirou, Le ... ... 245 | Cupreus, Cuculus, Bodd. .,, 250
Coucal Rufin, Le... . 246 | Cupreus, Cuculus, Lath. « 251
Coucou 2 Collier Blanc, Le: a. 252 | Curlew, The ... 322
Coucou 4 Grosbee, Le ... 253 | Curlew, The Little 322
Coucou Uriard, Le ... ... 249 Curlew, The Pigmy .. wee O20
Coucou de Klaas, Le ... 250 | Cursoria, Saxicola .., se LOO
Coucou Edolio, Le (bis) ... 252 | Curvirostris, Drymoica ...._ 93
Coucou Gris Bronzé, Le... 247 | Cuvierii, Falco ea weed
Concou Solitaire, Le.. 248 | Cyanomelas, Lrrisor ... aes
Coucou Vulgaire D’. Afrique 249 | Cyanomela, Muscicapa .. 146
Coudougan, Oriolus .. ... 134| Cyanomelas, Philentoma ... 146
Couigniop, Le aa ... 171 | Cyanomelas, Rhinopomastes 73
Couroucou Narina ... . 61 Cyanomelas, Tehitrea we 146 |
Crane, Blue ... a ... 303 | Cyanopterus, Agapornis .., 231
Crane, Crowned ne ... 304 | Cyanopterus, Psittacus ae ZOU
Crane, Kafir ... hl ... 304 | Cyanopygos, Nectarinia 83
Crane, Wattled an ... 302 | Cyanotis, Halcyon . 64
Crassirostris, Alauda ,.. 208 | Cypselina, Psalidoprogne ... 57
Crassirostris, Brachonyx ... 208
Crassirostris, Cuculus ... 253 | Dactylisonans, Coturnix ... 274
Crassirostris, Turdus ... 127 | Dalmaticus, Circus .. 34
Crex, Ortygometra ... ... 338 | Danubialis, Ardea 309
Crex, Rallus ... si. ... 338 | Dassie Vanger iy cat
Crinita, Coracias... ... 60} Daubentoni, Spermatophila. .. ; 200
Cristata, Alcedo bic ... 65 | Decorata, Juida 171
Cristata, Corythornis ... 65 | Decoratus, Lamprocolius 171
Cristata, Coua rc ... 244 | Delargorgui, Columba 257
Cristata, Fulica ... ... 343 | Delagorquei, Coturnix w. 275
Cristata, Hupodotis ... ... 283 | Delalandi, Treron ... wes 205
Cristata, Macroptery« ... 02 | Demrsa, ‘Spheniscus... . 376
Cristata, Numida ... ... 267 | Desertorum, Buteo ... 8
Cristata, Sterna a ... 371 | Diadematus, Indicator 243
Oristata, Tehitrea ... ... 145 | Dichroa, Muscicapa ... see oO
Cristatella, Upupa ... scp niihoy| wilmenic, Tey). st, ae ». 290
Cristatus, Colymbus... was Bt O | POU USUS A IRRET 4 ee, re. 204
Cristatus, Cuculus ... ... 244 | Ditfusus, Pyrgita 204
Cristatus, Dicrurus ... ... 155 | Dikkop, The ... 288
Cristatus, Opiotheris ... 33 | Dimidiata, Cor -ethrura ... 309
Cristatus, Pelicanus ... ve. 382 | Dimidiata, Gallinula... ee ay)
viii
Dimidiata, Hirundo ...
Diophrys, Drymoiea...
Diophrys, Sylvia...
Diophrys, Picus
Discolor, Oinnyris_ .,.
Domestica, Hirundo,..
INDEX,
PAGE PAGE
.. 56] Erythrogaster, Juida ve 172
95 | Erythromelon, Colius .. 222
.. 95 | Erythronota, Estrelda .. 198
... 236 | Erythronotus, Megalophonus 212
80 | Erythrophrys, Turtur ws. 259
53 | Erythroptera, Emberiza ... 206
Dominicana, Anas” ... .. 353
Dominicanus, Larus ... .. 367
Double Sourcil, Le ... “x. ‘BD
Dougalli, Sterna .. 369
Douglasii, Sterna .. 369
Dove, Bush ... ss. 257
Dove, Laughing ss 261
Dove, Cinnamon «. 263
Dove, Olive 287
Drongear, Le... . 154
Drongo, Lanius . 155
Drongo, Le ... oe .. 155
Drongo Moustache, Le . 155
Dubbelde Leeuwerk... . 208
Dubia, Muscicapa SPL a
Dubia, Tanagra . 153
Dubius, Ploceus 184
Duck, Black ... aes 352
Dufresnii, Estrelda ... 197
Duif, Bosch ... ty 255
Duif, Wilde ... 255
Duiker... wae dou 380
Duiker, Sweet-water 378
Eagle, Imperial - Paks
Eecaudatus, Helotarsus DS
Ecaudatus, Falco resis te}
Ecaudatus, Terathopius bs
VKchenilleur Gris . 153
V’Kchenilleur Jaune ... .. 152
V’Kchenilleur Noir .. 152
V’Ecorcheur .. 158
Edolius, Cuculus : vee 202
Edolius, Oxylophus ... wee 202
Egretta, Ardea 3 w. 308
Egretta, Garzetta .. 308
Elegans, Estrelda 199
Elegans, Gallinula . 339
Emarginata, Musicapa .. 154
l’Engoulevent & queue fourchue 48
Ephippioryncha, Ciconia =, ee
Episcopus, Ciconia ... . 31d
VPEspionneur ... is ag I)
Erythreus, Phenicopterus ... 345
Erythrocephala, Amadina ... 200
Erythrocephala, Loxia .. 200
Erythrocephalus, Sporothlas-
LOM as ae ae ee 200
_Erythrogaster, Certhia <a 16
Erythropterus, Lanius iv 6D»
Erythropterus, Merops ... 70
Erythropterus, Telophonus... 160
Erythropus, Colius ... va. 221
Erythropus, Porphyrio .. 341
Erythropygia, Certhia . 84
Erythropygius, Colius wwe 221
Erythrorhyncha, Anas .. 351
Erythrorhyncha, Buphaga ... 175
Erythrorhyncha, Pecilonitta 351
Erythrorhyncha, Tadorna ... 351
Erythrorhyncha, Vidua_... 188
Erythrorynchos, Irrisor ... 72
Erythrorynchos, Promerops 72
Erythorhynchus, Accipiter... 30
Erythrorhynchus, Buceros ... 227
Evythrorkydahule Textor _ ... 178
Erythrorhynchus, Tockus ... 227
Erythrothorax, Columba ... 263
Europeus, Caprimulgus ... 47
Europea Coturnix .., . 274
Europeus, Nycticorax ». dll
Exilis, Accipiter ape w29
Explorator, Petrocincla ... 130
Explorator, Turdus ... ... 130
Ezxulans, Diomedea .... vee SOR
Faleinellus, Ibis er «an B19
Familiaris, Andropadus’_.... 137
Famosa, Nectarinia ... ety f
Fasciata, Aquila aL Pe a 2!
Fasciolata, Drymoica wa 86
Faucon 4 Culotte Noir woe 2
Faucon Chanteur, Le ea os Ik
Faucon Huppé, Le ... © 20
Felicia, Chizaerhis .., oe 224
Ferruginea, Alauda ... «+. 208
Ferruginea, Campephaga ,.. 153
Ferrugineus, Laniarius .. 164
Flaminiceps, Psittacus .. 230
Flammea, Strix bet ww. 43
Flava, Campephaga ... .. 152
Flava, Crithagra «. 219
Flavescens, Icterus ... vax 184
Flavicans, Drymoica.,.. igi s 9b
Flavicans, Sylvia... weraed
Flaviceps, Ploceus ... ... 181
Flavicollis, Indicator .. 241
“Flavigaster, Anthus .. ws 121
Flavigaster, Macronyx
Flavigastra, Emberiza
Flavigula, Zosterops...
Flavimana, Ardea ...
Flavimana, Herodias
Flavirostris, Anas
Flavirostris, Ardea ...
Flavirostris, Egretta...
Flavirostris, Gallinula
INDEX.
PAGE
. 121
. 206
. 116
. 307
. 307
. 352
. 380
. 380
ooe
Flavirostris, Zanclostomus ...
Flaviscapulatis, Indicator ...
ie 137
. 220
Flaviventris, Crinig-r
Flaviventris, Crithagra
Flaviventris, Eremomela
Flaviventris, Fringillaria ...
Flaviventris, Loxia ...
Flaviventris, Sylvia, Burch...
Flaviventris, Sylvia, Vieil. .
Flayviventris, Trichophorus .. iss
Flavus, Turdus
Fluvicola, Muscipeta
Fluviatilis, Colymbus
Fluteur, Le .
Figuier a Cuti-Pennes
Finch, White-cheeked
Finch, Yellow vas
Fink, Red ca Sue
Fink, Yellow Kafir ...
Fiscal, Le es
Forficatus, Caprimulgus
Forficatus, Dicrurus
Formicivora, Myrmecocichla
Formicivora, Saxicola
Forsteri, Procellaria...
Fourmillier, Le
Francie, Columba
Frenatus Chetops
Frontalis, Falco
Frontalis, Lanius
Frontalis, Pyrenestes
Fulica, Porphyrio
Fuliginosa, Diomedea
Fuliginosa, Procellaria
Fuligula, Cotyle ...
Fuligula, Hirundo
Fulvicapilla, Drymoica
Fulvicapilla, Sylvia ...
Fulvipennis, Juida
Fulviscapus, Picus
Fulviscapus, Dendrobates
Fulvous, Gyps ..
Fulvus Rupeli, Vultur
Furcatus, Caprimulgus
Furcatus, Merops
Funerea, Fringilla
342
347
242
Funereus, Circaetus ...
Fusca, Ardea...
Fusca, Ciconia
Fusca, Diomedea
Fusca, Fulica...
Fusca, Nectarinia
Fusca, Scolopax
Fuscescens, Picus :
Fuscicapilla Haleyon
Fuscicollis, Psittacus
Fuscula Muscicapa ...
Fuscus, Charadrius ...
Fuscus, Podobeus
Fuscus, Totanus
eve
Gabar, Accipiter
Gabar, Le
Gabar, Melierax ..
Galbula, Oriolus, Linn.
Galbula, Oriolus, Lath.
Galeata, Muscicapa ...
Galericulata, Sterna...
Galericulatus, Falco ...
Galericulatus, Vultur
Gallinaceus, Sturnus...
Gallinula, Crex 0
Gambensis, Anas
Gambensis, Anser
Gambensis, Cygnus ...
Gambensis, Plectropterus
Gambetta, Tringa
Gariepensis, Francolinus
Garrula, Certhilauda
Garrula, Coracias
Garzetta, Ardea
Geelbec es ade
Geoftroyi, Glareola ...
Gigantea, Ispida_...
Gigantea, Procellaria
Gigantodes, Ardea
Gigas, Charadrius
Gingianus, Acridotheres
Gingianus, Heterornis
Ginginianus, Vultur...
Glacialoides, Procellaria
Glandarius, Cuculus...
Glandarius, Oxylophus
Glareola, Totanus
Glareola, Tringa
Glasoogje as. ers
Glottis, Totanus bledd
Gobe Mouche 4 Lunettes, Le
Gobe Mouche Etoile, Le
Gobe Mouches Mantelé, Le ‘i
Goliath, Ardea
x
Gom-Paauw ...
Gonoleck, Le... Be
Goose, The Mountain
Gordoni, Hirundo
Gouldiu, Anthus
Govinda, Milvus
Gracilirostris, Catamodyta..
Gracilis, Falco
Gracula, Pelicanus
Grallaria, Thalassidroma
Grallator, Cursorius ...
Granatina, Estrelda ...
Granatina, Frigilla
Granatina, Uraeginthus
Grande, Corbeau, Le
Grande, Indicateur, Le
Grayi, Ardea .. Ke
Grebe, The Crested .
“Grebe, The Eared
Grebe, The Little
Gregalis, Fringilla
Gregarius, Psittatus ...
Grenouillard, Le
Grievetin, Le...
Griffard, Le ... nee
Grignet, Le ... ba
Grillivorus, Turdus ...
Grisea, Gracula
Grisea, Limosa
Grisea, Passer ste
Griseopyga, Hirundo
Griseocephalus Dendrocepha-
UTS © oes
Griseus, Ny rycticorax ..
Grisola, Muscicapa ...
G@riverou; Le ... ee
Grosbeak, African
Grosbeak, Brimstone
Grosbeak, Kaffrarian,
Grosbeak, Red Grenadier st
Grosbeak, Social ;
Grosbeak, Wax-billed
Grosbeak, Yellow-bellied
Grouse. Namaqua
Guianensis, Agapornis
Guinee, Columba
Guinetta, Tringa
Gularis, Columba
Gularis, Cuculus
Gularis, Fringilla
Gularis, Linaria
Gularis, Pyrgita
Gurneyi, Turdus —
Guttatus, Megalophonus
Guttatus, Turdus :
INDEX,
Gutturalis, Ardea .,
Gutturalis, Cypselus...
Gutturalis, Pterocles
Gutturalis, Sylvia...
Gymnogenys, Falco ...
Habisinica, Buphaga
Heemorrhousa, Muscicapa ..
Hagedash, Geronticus
Hagedash, Ibis <t-
Hagedash, Tantalus ...
Haliaetus Pandion
Hammerkop .. i
Hamigera, Atticora Soe
Harrier, The Ash- coloured ...
Hausse-col Noir, Le...
Hastatus, Tockus
Hawk, The Blue
Helvetica, Squatarola
Helvetica, Tringa
Heron, The Common
Heron, The Purple ...
Heron, The Squacco,..
Heywoodii, Hiaticula
Hiaticula, Charadrius
Himantopus, Charadrius
Hirondelle a front roux
Hirondelle de Marais
Hirondelle bal
Hirondelle Hupp
Hirondelle Honsclune
Hirundinaceus, Merops
Histrionica, Coturnix
Hobby, The . 2
Holomelas, Atticora ...
Honoratus, Cuculus ..
Hotentotta, Motacilla’
Hotentotta, Saxicola...
Hotentotta, Vitiflora
Hottentota, Columba...
Hottentotta, Querquedula sai
Hotentotta, Sylvia
Ffottentottus, Corvus...
Hottentotus, Hemipodius ai
Hottentotus, Turnix ...
Humeralis, Bessonornis
Humeralis, Cossypha
Hyemalis, Hirundo ...
Hypoleuca, Hired
Hypoleucos, Tringa ..
Ibis, Numenius
Ibis, Sacred ... Bet
Ibis, Tantalus Tee
Icterocephalus, Ploceus
INDEX,
PAGE ;
Icteromelas, Pyranga ... 183 | Kraai, Korenland ,,,
Icterus, Laniarius ... ... 164| Kraai, Ringhals a.
Icterus, Vanga sas 2 Gt
Igneus, Falcinellus ... oss OLD
Imitatis, Turdus ae FLOS
Impetuani, Fringillaria ... 206
YImportun ... ees .. 137
Importunus, Criniger Bee 7
Importunus, Trichophorus ... 137
Importunus, Turdus... an lot
Incana, Estrelda ... ae ey
Indica, Chloris pe wee 219
Indica, Motacilla ... seul
Indica Nemoricola ... wear lle
Indicateur, Le petit ... ... 243
Indicator, Cuculus ... 242
Indicus, Charadrius ... ... 296
Indicus, Colius Bei wea 222
Infuscata, Saxicola ... SLOP
Infuscatus, Caprimulgus .., 48
Infuscatus, Psittacus .. 230
_Igneus, Tantalus... mone
Intermedia, Aquila ... erage
Intermedia, Gryllivora ... 103
Interpres, Cinclus .. ae OU
Isabella, Sylvia es Ree
V’Isabelle ak ise Se 4
Jaboteur, Le ... say ... 141
Jackal, Buteo... wee dee ES
Jackal Vogel ... wae Beret. Go)
Janfredric, Le AY deme
Jardin, Crateropus... ... 133
Jardini, Gallinula ... eee y
Johanne, Columba ... seu On
Jubata, Columba... nas2Oe
Jugularis, Charadrius ... 299
Kalkoentje ... gn Ber 0)
Katlachter ... ine eee OO)
Kiewit... his ae Jee cage!
Kittlitzi, Charadrius we. 297
Klaasti, Chalcites ... SAO)
Klaasii, Cuculus the Be Ang)
Kin otyLheie, et. c: ae LE)
Knorhaan cer ay ... 286
Knorhaan, Blue’... EOD
Knorhaan, Vaal gas . 284
Kolbii, Gypss t+: <i: eh 73g
Kolbiu, Vultur ae ae cet
Knorhaan, Black _... ... 286
Kori, Bustard aes ieee
Horn, Otis “vess a Halt ORR
Korokoba Saal ieee Tt LOS
Kraai, Bonte ... at ... 168
Lacteus, Bubo oi
Megalophonus, Lagepa,
Lagepa, Mirafra eae
Valoutte 4 dos Roux...
V’Alonette Bateleus ...
Lamarkii, Merops
Lamelligerus, Anastomus
Lamelligerus, Hiator
Landrail, The... :
Lateralis, Chettusia ..
Lateralis, Vanellus ...
Lateralis, Zosterops ...
Lathamii, Loxia
Lathamii, Ploceus ..
Lathamii, Picus
Larvata, Peristera
Larvata, Sturnus
Larvatus, Oriolus
Lavandiére Brune
Layandiére, Varieé ...
Layardi, Bradypterus
Layardi, Parisoma ,..
Layardi, Phlexis ae
Lechoho, Francolinus
Lepidus, Euplectes ...
Lepidus, Philetrus ...
Lepurana, Hemipodius
Lepurana, Turnizx
Leschenaultii, Charadrius
Lessonii, Butaetes ...
Lenocinia, Vidua
Lentiginosus, Caprimulgus ..
Leucocephala, Cheetoblema...
Leucocephala, Ciconia
Leucocephalus, Melanopelar-
gus ... bbe Ge
Leucocephalus, Todus
Leucogaster, Blagrus
Leucogaster, Haliaetus
Leucogaster, Juida ...
Leucogaster, Pholidauges
Leucogaster, Thalassidroma...
Leucolaima, Barbatula
Leucomelana, Saxicola
Leucomelas, Laimodon
Leuconota, Clangula...
Leuconota, Thalassornis
Leuconotus, Colius ...
Leucophora, Ardea ...
Leucophrys, Adon ...
Leucophrys, Anthus ...
Leucophrys, Thamnobia
xii
PAGE
Leucopolius, Charadrius ... 298
Leucoptera, Ardea ... a. B09
Leucoptera, Saxicola .22 110
Leucoptera, Tringa ... .. 827
Leucopterus, Micropus PH
Leucopterus, Parus ... 113
Leucorrhous, Cypselus 51
Leucothea, Cypselus .. ABE
Leucostigma, Spizaetus ... 14
Leucotis, Ephialtes , 41
Leucotis, Indicator ... 242,
Leucotis, Loxia : 210
Leucotis, Megalaima .. 234
Leucotis, Pyrrhulauda 210
Leucotis, Strix ; 41
Leucura, Erythrosterna 151
Leucura, Muscipeta ... 151
Leucurus, Totanus ... 325
Lewerk, Elapert ... 122
Leeuwerk, Enkelde ... 211
Leeuwerkvanger a 36
Levaillantii, Campephaga 153
Levaillantii, Circus ... 35
Levaillantii, Columba 259
Levaillantii, Coracias 60
Levaillantii, Corvus ... 168
Levaillantii, Cuculus... 255
Levaillantii, Drymoica 90
Levaillantii, Francolinus ... 270
Levaillantii, Indicator, Leadb. 241
Levaillantii, Indicator, Bp. ... 242
Levaillantii, Motacilia 119
Levaillantii, Perdix ... 270
Levaillantii, Pionus ... 230
Levaillantii, Plotus ... 378
Levaillantii, Psittacus 230
Levaillantii, Saxicola 105
Levaillantii, Turdus ... .. 138
Libonyana, Turdus ... see ead
Ticua, Athene,.. sf es
Limonella, Sylvia 4 95
Lineata, Alecthelia ... Saat)
LTineiventris, Anthus... eae
Littoralis, Charadrius son 296
Littoralis, Tringa ,.. .. 326
Lipiniani, Estrelda ... Sate 2)
Locust-Bird, Great ... 314
Locust-Bird, Small .., 291
Longicauda, Carbo ... 381
Longicauda, Emberiza . 198
Longicauda, Lamprotornis ... 170
Longicauda, Motacilla oes) SRO
Longicaudatus, Cinnyris_ ... 74
Longipes, Platysteira vee 143
Longirostris, Certhilauda .., 217
INDEX.
Longirostris, Gallinago...
Longirostris, Sterna... 371
Longirostris, Telophonus 161
Longus, Dicrurus 155
Loorie, Bush ... 61
Lourie, Common 223
Loquax, Calamoherpe 97
Loriodor, Le ... i+ ... 135
Loriot, Coudougan ... we 134
Lucida, Lamprotornis 33: Re
Lucidus, Cinnyris_... see 88
Luconiensis, Otis .. 283
Ludwigii, Dicrurus ... .. 154
Ludwigii, Edolius .. 154
Tnudwiyti, Eupodotis... .. 284
Lunifrons, Hirundo .. . 5d
Lunigera, Columba ... ove DBF
Lutea, Coccothraustes -»- 220
Maccoa, Erismatura... 356
Maccoa, Oxyura__... 356
Macrodactyla, Gallinago 333
Macroptera, Procellaria 360
Macropterus, Corvus 168
Macroura, Tanagra ... 222
Macrurus, Cuculus ... 251
Maculatus, Indicator 241
Maculicollis, Columba 261
Maculicollis, Indicator 242
Maculosa, Loxia ey 200
Maculosus, Bubo 40
Maculosus, Cidicnemus 288
Maculosus, Pterocles 279
Madagascariensis, Anas 348
Madagascariensis, Buteo 24
Madagascariensis, Carpophaga 263
Madagascariensis, Columba... 261
Madagascariensis Cristatus,
Cuculus af . 244
Madagascariensis, Cuculus ... 245
Madagascariensis, Gymnoge-
YS ois. =e aes vid
Madagascariensis Major, Cu-
culus ; ay ... 245
Madagascasiensis, Muscipeta 150
Madagascariensis, Nettapus 348
Madagascariensis, Porphyrio 341
Madagascariensis, Rallus .., 337
Madagascariensis, Zosterops 116
Madaraspatana, Motacilla ... 106»
Madaraspatanus, Oriolus .., 136
Magnifica, Ardea... vee BUS
Magnirostris, Alauda se» 208
Mahali, Agrophilus ... .. 187
Mahali, Plocepasser... ~.. 187
INDEX. xi
PAGE PAGE
Major, Ardea.. oe ..«. 306 | Melanorhynchus, Ploceus 187
Major, Corvus” ca ... 169 | Melanosoma, Pyrrhulauda ... 210
Major, Coturnix ... ... 274 | Melanotis, Buteo 15
Major, Indicator... ... 241 | Melanotis, Fringilla .. 197
Major, Scolopax __... ... 333 | Melanotis, Sterna... . 369
Malabaricus, Turdus see LEO Melanoxantha, Ceblephrys .. . 153
Malaccensis, Ardea ... ... 309 | Melanura, Anthornis Bae 128)
Malagash ... sad ,.. 379 | Melanura, Certhia 83
Malimbica, Alcedo ... .. 64] Melanura, Nectarinia 83
Mangeur de Serpents, Le ... 33} Melanura, Sula Ay 6!)
Margaritata, Estrelda ... 198 | Melissophanus, Cuculus 1. 251
Margaritata, Pogonochichla 148 Mellivorus, Lanius ... SIRES 57g
Marginatus, Charadrius .. 278| Merle & Calotte noire +. 140
Mariquensis, Bradornis ... 109 | Merle Curouge Aas setae
Mariquensis, Cinnyris .. 77 | Meridionalis, Gypaetus 2
Mariquensis, Hyphantornis.., 182 | Messange Brune a poitrine
Mariquensis, Saxicola re noir , aes wen AS
Martin Gris-de-fer, Le Brie i) Messange Grizette hes ae BS
Martin Brame, ect... Ha AMF Messange Noir te mates 13°
Martinet 4 croupion blade ». 51 | Microscelis, Ciconia ... 315
Martinet 4 gorge blanche ... 49} Mietje.., _ wes 250
Martinet Velocifer .., EE Mignard, ED 4s nS .. 143
Maurus, Circus & ... 35 | Mimus, Turdus ... oils
Maurus, Polophilus ... ... 247 | Minima, Lagonosticla 197
Maxima, Ceryle ae .. 66| Minima, Estrelda ... Sod OR
Melba, Cypselus — ss 49] Minimus, Indicator ... we 243
Melba, Estrelda _... ... 199 | Miner, Cirrocephalus . 143
Melanocephala, Alauda .. 210} Minor, Colymbus ... wee OLS
Melanocephala, Ardea ... 306 | Minor, Cuculus ae we 243
Melanocephalus Oriolus, Linn. 136 | Minor, Falco ... ae eS)
Melanocephalus, Oriolus, Vieil. 134 | Minor, Indicator .. vee 243
Melanocephalus, Ploceus ....184| Minor, Pelicanus ... ... 381
Melanocephalus, Turdus ... 176 | Minor, Phenicopterus ee 349
Melanogaster, uronone ... 286 | Minor, Podiceps s we. 374
Melanogaster, Juida ,. ». 173 | Minor, Upupa ine etch coe
Melanogaster, Otis ... ... 286 | Minor, Vidua... ee ... 188
Melanogaster, Tchitrea ... 146 | Minuta, Aquila oe ase: AO
Melanogaster, Thalassidroma 358 | Minulle, Le ... aa ee
Melanogaster, Vanellus ... 295 | Minullus, Accipiter ...° ... 29
Melanogenys, Estrelda eh Oe Minullus, Falco eh soenee ae
Melanoleuca, Sylvia ... .. 146 | Minuta, Ardea a .-. 309
Melanoleucos, Astur .. ... 27 | Minuta, Barbatula ... we. 234
Melanoleucos, Circus .. 936 | Minuta, Gallinula... woe 338
Melanoleucos, Falco... .. 36 | Minuta, Ortygometra . 338
Melanoleucus, Basanistis ... 158 | Minuta, Pelidna ee Poole
Melanoleucus, Buceros _... 225 | Minuta, Tringa w. BOL
Melanoleucus, Oxylophus ... 252 | Minutus, ZEgithalus ... w. 114
Melanophrys, Diomedea ... 364 | Minutus, Merops «eet icdO
Melanoptera, Glareola .. 291 | Mitrata, Numida ... w. 266
Melanopterus, Elanus ... 26 | Mitratus, Pelicanus ... we. COR
Melanopterus, Falco... ... 26| Molenar, Le ... Re ... 143
Melanopterus, Himantopus... 328 | Molitor, Muscicapa ...~ 143
Melanopterus, Hoplopterus ... 294 | Mollymaw, The ue .., 364
Melanopus, Ardea ... ... 808 | Mollissimus, Malaconotus .,. 163
Melanorhyncha, Drymoica ... 92 ' Monachus, Cathartes 4
*X
X1V
Monachus, Oriolus ...
Montagnard, Le
Montagui, Circus
Montana, Alauda
Montana, Anas
Montana, Petrocincla
Montanus, Charadrius
Montanus, Corvus
Monticola, Ardea
Monticola, Sazxicola ..,
Moor-hen, The wee
Moquini, Hematopus
Morio, Juida ... ee
Mosambicana, Podica
Motitensis, Passer
Moyen-duc, Le aaa
Murarius, Cypselus ..
Musicus, Dicrurus
Musicus, Falco as
Musicus, Melierax
Mutabilis, Alauda ...
Mutata, Muscipeta ...
Mutata, Tehitrea
Mystaceus, Dicrurus
Mystaceus, Picus
Nabirop, Le .., ee
Nabouroup, Le
Nabouroup, Sturnus...
Nevia, Fringilla
Neevioides, Aquila ..,
Namaqua Patrys...
Namaqua, Tetrao
Namaquois, Promerps
Namaquus, Dendrobates
Nanus, Bucco 04
Narina, Apaloderma,..
Narina, Trogon
Nasutus, Buceros
Natalensis, Alcedo
Natalensis, Bessonornis
Natalensis, Calamodyta
Natalensis, Camaroptera
Natalensis, Caprimulqus
Natalensis, Chloropeta
Natalensis, Coracias ...
Natalensis, Cossypha
Natalensis, Drymoica
Natalensis, Estrelda...
Natalensis, Francolinus
Natalensis, Nectarinia
Natalensis, Sylvia
Natans, Alcedo aoe
Nebeleux, Le... rd
Nebulosa, Sylvia
INDEX.
PAGE
. 134
22
34
1 124
| 347
129
229
169
306
106
341
. 300
173
375
204
39
Nebulosa, Tehitrea
Neisna, Fringilla
Nycticorax, Ardea
Nieuwejaarsvogel ...
Niger, Accipiter
Niger, Bubalornis
Niger, Bucco... Si
Niger, Campephaga ...
Niger, Eudynamys ...
Niger, Gallinula ...
Niger, Hematopus ...
Niger, Melaniparus ...
Niger, Melanopelargus
Niger, Melierax >
Niger, Tantalus
Niger, Parus ...
Niger, Penthereus
Niger, Perenopterus ...
Niger, Rallus...
Niger, Sparvius Re
Nigerrimus, Corydonyx
Nigerrimus, Turdus ...
Nigra, Ardea...
Nigra, Ciconia
Nigra, Coracias
Nigra, Crex ... eA
Nigra, Hirundo a
Nigra, Myrmecocichla
Nigra, Saxicola a
Nigricans, Cuculus
Nigricans, Pycnonotus
Nigricapillus, Lioptilus
Nigricapillus, Pycnonotus ...
Nigricapillus, Turdus
Nigriceps, Huphantornis
Nigrifrons, Hyphantornis ue
Nigripennis, Gallinago
Nigripes, Ardea ae
Nigrithorax, Laimodon
Nigrorufus, Centropus
Nisuella, Strix oe
Nivea, Ardea ,.. sey
Nivea, Platalea Fes
Nitens, Amadina
Nitens, Cinnyris
Nitens, Lamprotornis
Nitidissima, Alectroena
Nitidula, Estrelda
Nobilis, Ardea ;
Nordmanni, Glareola
Nubica, Campethera ...
Nubicus, Caprimulgus
Nubicus, Merops
Nuchalis, Coracias
Nudicollis, Francolinus
eee
N udicollis, Tetrao
Nudifrons, Platalea ...
Nudirostris, Vinago...
Obscura, Drymoica ...
Obscura, Sylvia
Obscurus, Scolopax ...
Obscurus, Turdus
Oceanica, Procellaria...
Oceanica, Thalassidroma
Occipitalis, Micropogon
Occipitalis, Morphinus
. Occipitalis, Spizaetus
Oceipitalis, Vultur ...
Ochracea, Muscicapa...
Ochrogaster, Turdus...
Ochropus, Totanus
Ocularis, Glareola
Ocularius, Drymoice
Ocularius, Hyphantornis
Oleaginus, Lanius ...
YOliva... wae a
Olivacea, Calamodyta
Olivacea, Camaroptera
Olivacea, Nectarinia...
Olivaceus, Colaptes ..,
Olivaceus, Lanius ...
Olivaceus, Malaconotus
Olivaceus, Picus
_ Olivaceus, Turdus
VOlivert iz
Onocrotalus, Pelicanus
Y’ Orambleau ..,
VOricou mae
Orientalis, Ardea
YOriot Rieur ... Sec
Oriole, Golden
Ornatus, Lanius a
Oryx, Emberiza —
Oryx, Euplectes ce
Oryx, Ploceus
Oryx, Pyromelana
Osprey, The ... oe
Ostrich, The ...
Otaitiensis, Tatare
Otoleucus, Fringilla ...
YOurigourap ... Sma
Oyster-Catcher, The...
Oxyura, Drymoica ,..
Oxyura, Sylvia
Pagodarum, Heterornis
Palearis, Ardea
Pallasii, Glareola_...
Pallida, Drymoica ...
INDEX.
PAGE | ;
... 268 | Pallida, Zosterops ...
. 313 | Pallidus, Circus ‘
. 255 | Palpebrata, Diomedea
Paludibula, Cotyle
. 93 | Paludicola, Cotyle
... 102 | Palustris, Cotyle
. 3387 | Panayensis, Colius
.. 128 | Panayensis, Emberiza
... 308 | Paradisea, Grus ecb
... 399 | Paradisea, Sterna
... 235 | Paradisiacus, Todus...
.. 13 | Paradisii, Muscicapa...
... 13 | Paradisii, Tchitrea ...
+, 5 | Parasiticus, Lestris ...
ve. 150 | Parasiticus, Milvus ...
... 128 | Parrakeet, Blue-winged
... 325 | Partridge, Grey-wing
.. 292 | Partridge, Red-wing...
87 | Parvus, Bucco F
182 | Parvus, Cypselus
164 | Parvus, Rallus
164 | Passerina, Psittacula
98 | Pastor, Pratincola
98 | Pavaneur, Le... ay
78 | Pectoralis, Caprimulgus
,.. 239 | Pectoralis, Certhia
... 164 Pectoralis, Circaetus...
.. 164 | Pectoralis, Cossypha...
239 | Pectoralis, Crateropus
... 128 | Pectoralis, Drymoica
... 95 | Pectoralis, Erythropygia
... 381 | Pectoralis, Muscipeta
... 172 Pectoralis, Yune wv
.. 5 | Peltata, Plalysteire ...
... 308 | Penguin, Common .«.
... 1386 | Pennata, Aquila
... 185 | Pennatus, Falco
... 161 | Percnopterus, Neophron
... 185 | Peregrinoides, Falco...
... 185 | Peregrinus, Ealco
... 185 | Peroquet & Franges Souci
... 185 | Perruche & Ailes Bleues
... 16 | Perruche de Cap de Bonne
oan HSL Esperance, Le Petite
... 83 | Persa, Corythaix
... 210 | Persa, Cuculus sea
.. o&| Persa, Turacus
... 3800 | Persica, Merops
... 94] Personata, Dendrocygna
.. 94] Personata, Fringilla...
Personatus, Pogonias
.. 176 | Perspicax, Turdus
.. 302 | Perspicillata, Platystewa ...
.. 291 | Perspicillatus, Platyrynchus
.. 86! Petersii, Podica eta
sen
pee
eee
eos
xvi
Petit Duc, Le.
INDEX.
PAGE
41 | Potocephalus, Larus..
Petrel, Black White-throated 360
Phaeocephalum, ee
Pheasant ane
Pheasant, Red-neck ..
Philippensis, Onocrotalus
Pheenicea, Ampelis ...
Phenicea, Campephaga
Pheenicoptera, Juida
Pheenicura, Columba
Phenicoptera, Lamprotornis
ee. 368
. 268
«« 268
ve. 382
.. 153
.- 153
Pre i)
. 263
171
Pheenicoptera, Vidua 190
Phenicopterus, Turdus... 153
Pheenicotis, Uraeginthus ... 199
Phenicurus, Bessonornis “131
Phenicurus, Turdus... 131
Pheenix, Onoctotalus 281
Phaopus, Numenius ... 322
Piapiac, Corvus 167
Piapiac, ie. 167
Pic a Baquettes D’ ‘Or, Le
Petit see 207
Pic i Double Moutache 236
Pic Laboureur, Le 239
Picta, Ispidina 64
Pictus, Todus.. fa 64
Pie-grieche, Le Grande 157
Pie-grieche Rousse, La 158
Pie-grieche Silencieuse 162
Piet-myn- Vrouw 130
Pigeon, Cape .. he 361
Pileata, Sawicola ... aeeniteies
Pileatus, Francolinus 272
Pileatus, Leucophrys 187
Pileatus, Neophron ... 4,
Pileatus, Plocepasser 187
Pine-Pince, Le 85
Pipiens, Turdus 99
Pique-beuf, Le ts LD
Pisanus. Cuculus ree iah
Planicola, Megalophonus ... 213
Plastron Noir, Le 93
Platura, Nectarinia . 83
Platyurus, Bradypterus ted (iil
Plover, Black-winged Stilt ... 328
Plover, Golden eee 296
Plover, Common Ring 298
Plover, Kentish Ring 296
Plover, Spur-winged 293
Pluwialis, Charadrius 296
Peciloryhnchus, Tokus_.,. 226
Paciloryhnchus, Buceros 226
Pena, Addon ... 99
Poona, Erythropygia.., ay 99
Podiceps, Ardeola e». 310
Poliocephalus, Gallinula
Poliocephalus, Lanius
Polyzona, Estrelda ...
Polyzona, Fringilla ...
Polyzona, Ortyyospiza
Polyzonoides, Accipiter
Polyzonus, Accipiter
Pomeranus, Lanius ...
Porphyreolopha, Corythaix...
Porphyreolophus, Turacus ...
Porphyrio, Gallinula...
Porphyropleuron, Lamportor-
A" 5 6
Porte Lambeau, Bak,
Patensis, Crex ee
Pratincola, Glareola...
Principalis, Emberiza
Principalis, Vidua
Pririt, Le a
Pririt, Muscicapa
Pristrinaria, Platysteira
Profuga, Diomedea ...
Progne, Chera
Promerops, Moqueur
Promerops, Upupa ...
Ptilonorhynchus, Lamprotor-
nis eee eee
Ptymatura, ZEnanthe
Ptymatura, Thane
Puffinis, Procellaria ..
Pugnax, Machetes
Pugnax, Philomachus
Pugnax, Tringa
Pulchella, Nectarinia
Pulchellus, Cinnyris...
Pulchra, Corethrurd....
Pulchra, Crex...
Pulchra, Gallinula ...
Pulchra, Ortygometra
Pullarius, Psittacus ...
Pulsator, Muscipeta..
Pulverulentus, Porphyrio
Pumila, Ardea it
Pumila, Gallinula
Purpurata, Ardea
Purpuratus, Promerops
Purpurea, Ardea
Pusilla, Ardea
Pusilla, Tringa wok
Pusilla, Nectarinia ...
Pusillus, Bucco
Pye Rallus es
gargus, Cypselus ..,
Pygmeza, Halcyon ...
tee
eae
Pygmea, Scolopax ...
Pygmzus, Numenius
Pyrrhonotha, Brachonyx
Pyrrhonothus, Megalophonus 211
Quadribrachys, Alcedo
Quadricolor, Laniarius
Quail. Sand ...
Quail, The... ie
Quartel, Riet ... Ba
Quinquevittata, Emberiza ...
Quiriwa. Colius ee
Quopapa, Polysticte...
Raaltenti, Anthus
Radiatus, Oriolus ...
Rail, Rufous-headed...
Rameron, Le ... ies
Ramier Founingo
Ramier Herissé
Ramier Roussard
Ralloides, Ardea
Ranivorus, Circus
Rapax, Aquila
Reclamator, Turdus ...
Reclameur, Le =
Recurvirostra, Limos
Reeve, The ... Ase
Regia, Emberiza_,..
Regia, Vidua ... E
Regulorum, Balearica
Reptilivorus, Serpentarius ,..
Reticulata, Fringilla...
Rhaad, Otis ... Ai.
Rhodinopterus, Tantalus
Riparia Senegalensis, Hirundo
Riparia Africana, Vidua
Risorioides, ‘Curtur ...
Roear, Le _.... ae
Rocar, Petrocincla ...
Roerdomp ‘ ete
Roodebeec ae Fie
Roodebec, Koning ...
Roseicollis, Psittacula
Roseus, Pastor
Roseus, Pelicanus ....
Rostratus, Megalophonus
Robustus, Psittacus ...
Rougri, Le 7
Roupenne, Le ae
Rousse-Téte, La
Rousse-Téte, La a
Rubiculus, Cuculus ...
Rubidus, Charadrius..,
Rubiginosa, Ardea
INDEX. xvil
PAGE PAGE
... 330 | Rubiginosus, Laniarus ... 164
... 5380 | Rubra, Anas ... ada ve. 300
. 212 | Rubracana, Nestarinia .. 84
Rubricata, Estrelda... on Oe
Rubrifrons Capito «. 234
.-. 66] Rubritorques, Pentheria ... 190
. 165 | Rubritorques, Vidua ... 190
... 276 | Rudis, Ceryle... sai vast OW
... 274 | Rufa, Ardea ... aoe vee 306
. 276 | Rufa, Muscipeta ve 145
206 | Rufa, Tchitrea ais .. 145
... 222 | Rufescens, Anthus .. 124
. 235 | Rufescens, Buphaga... . 175
Rufescens, Calamodyta Pipes
... 123 | Rufescens, Diceum saa Oe
... 134 | Rufescens, Pelicanus.., vee 382
... 339 | Rufescens, Sylvietta... Yeay Oe
... 257 | Ruficauda, Crithagra .. 200.
... 263 | Ruficapilla, Alauda ... ary he
... 263 | Ruficapilla, Culicipeta ... 149
... 255 | Ruficapilla, Drymoica Seah ioe
... 308 | Ruficapilla, Pogonochichla ... 149
.. 35 | Ruficapillus, Muscicapa .,.. 149
... 10] Ruficapillus, Pindalus .. 149
... 130 | Ruficeps, Calandrella we. 212
... 130 | Ruficeps, Lanius ... .. 158
. 323 | Ruficollis, Corethrura we. B39
... 329 | Rupicolis, Falco oa fae, oe
... 188 | Rutficollis, Faleo ae sae) nie
... 188 | Ruficollis, Hypotriorchis ... 21
. 304 | Ruficollis, Lanius ,.. Sipis ces
33 | Ruficollis, Merops . 69
. 200 | Ruficollis, Otis .. 283
. 285 | Ruficollis, Yunx 240
saa eran) pat, The i. is 329
59 | Rufricrista, Hupodotis +» 286
. 188 | Rufifrons, Bucco _... w.. 232
.. 260 | Rufifrons, Hirundo, Vieil. .,. 53
... 129 | Rufifrons, Hirundo, Less. ... 55
... 129 | Rufigena, Caprimulgus on AE
... 31L| Rufinus, Centropus ... ., 246
.. 192 | Rufinus, Charadrius... .- 299
... 188 | Rufipennis, Corvus ... pees adie
... 231 | Rufipileus, Megalophonus .., 211
.. 176 | Rufiventer, Parisoma .. 115
... 38L | Rufiventer, Saxicola... .- LO6
... 212 | Rufiventris, Accipiter separ
... 230 | Rufiventris, Juida wig thee
... 8 | Rufiventris, Lamprotornis .,. 172
... 173 | Rufiventris, Malaconotus .., 164
... 90| Rufiventris, Muscipeta reek aati!
... 94] Rufo-palliata, Certhilauda ... 216
... 248 | Rufo-pectus, Estrelda 197
... do2 | Rufus, Anthus 124
. 306 158
Rufus, Enneoctornis,..
XVili INDEX.
PAGE PAGE
Rufus, Lanius Re ... 158 | Senegalensis, Ciconia eel
Rufus, Plotus a: ... 378 | Senegalensis, Coracias ccs, Oe
Rufus, Polophilus ... ... 246 | Senegalensis, Corvus vis SOE
Runoir, Le_.. .. 8 | Senegalensis, Cursorius ,.. 290
Rupestris, Petrocinela .. 129 | Senegalensis, Ephialtes ... 41
Rupestris, Turdus ..- 129 | Senegalensis, Eupodotis .., 285
Rupicola, Turdus i ... 129 | Senegalensis, Falco ... Fpl
Rupicola, Vitiflora ... . 106 | Senegalensis, Halcyon zea, Oe
Rupicoloides, Tinnunculus BS
Rupicolus, Tinnunculus
23
22
Ruppeli, Vultur 7
Rustica, Hirundo w. ~O8
Rutila, Casarca we. OO
Rutila, Tadorna 13b0
Rutilus, Lanius oo 158
Rutilus, Lanius, var. ... 160
Sabota, Mirafra 4 2213
Sabota, Megalophonus . 213
Saltator, Calamoherpe oe SOL
Sanderling, The 33 . 332
Sanguinolenta, Estrelda . 200
Sanguinolenta, Fringilla . 200
Sandpiper, Common.. vee B27
Sandpiper, The Green. o8. O20
Sandpiper, The Greenshank 325
Sandpiper, The Redshank ... 324
Sandpiper, Terek ... we 323
Sandpiper, The Wood . 326
Savigni, Merops, Sw. S169
Saularis, Copsychus .. Peg
Savignyi, Merops, Cuy. 69
Scapularis, Muscipeta . 146
Scapulatus, Corvus ... ... 168
Searlatina, Certhia ... ca are
Schaapwachter eS
Schet Noir, Le .. 147
Schet Roux, Le . 145
Scita, Muscicapa... we. 143
Scolopacea, Eupodotis .. 284
Scopus, Cephus wee O12
Scotops, Crithagra . 218
Secretary Bird soe Ace
Segetum, Corvus ... 168
Seisje, Klein ,.. ya .. 219
Selbyi, Crithagra ww. 219
Sileucis, Turdus ee heO
Semicerulea, Halcyon ». 63
Semirufa, Hirundo ... 55
Semitorquata, Alcedo se,
Semitorquata, Certhilauda .,, 216
Semitorquatus, Turtur . 260
Senegala, Aquila ba Bt ds
Senegalensis, Alcedo ae BA 7)
Senegalensis, Ardea... vv 308
Senegalensis, Erythrorhyn-
chus Hydrocorax .. 227
Senegalensis, Melanorhynchus
Hydrocorax As iis BaF
Senegalensis, Mycteria: ie Ome
Senegalensis, Nectarima ,.. 80
Senegalensis, Ptilostomus ... 167
Senegalensis, Scops ... pangs =|
Senegalensis, Turdus .-. 129
Senegalensis, Turtur... .» 261
Senegaloides, Halcyon vec,
Sephoena, Perdix ... ... 272
Serena, Emberiza ... vas tees
Sericeus, Rallus nie ene
Serpentarius, Falco .. vee OO
Serpentarius, Vultur oie ae
Serratus, Cuculus ... cos Dae
Serratus, Oxylophus wee 202
Shoveler, Cape soe wee OO4
Sibilla, Motacilla ... Be ih
Sibirica, Tanagra ... vee 209
Signata, Cossypha ... <o SE
Signata, Emberiza ... ca» 500
Signatus, Bessonornis’ Pea ib
Skua, Common cee ee Oe
Silens, Laniarius .. 162
Simensis, Turdus’ ... er
Similis, Laniarius ... .. 163
Simplex, Passer... ... 205
Sinuata, Saxicola ... ... 108
Sirli, Le Bi ee Sur
Siangvreter ... ve 38
Smaragdineus, Chalcites °., 254
Smaragdinus, Cinnyris_ .., 76
Smaragnotus, Porphyrio .., 341
Smee Eendtje aes one OEE
Smithii, Astur Ap Raha |
Smith, Caprimulgus os ae
Smithii, Picus Sse ces DOG
Smithii, Rhee ota, ae
Smithii, Turdus oe wee 128
Snipe, The Painted .. vee B04
Socia, Loxia .. ee ... 186
Socius, Phileterus ... oo Lee
Solitarius, Cuculus .. ».. 248
Solonencis, Ardea ... ... 309
Sordida, Agrodroma odee
Sordida, Corydalla ... ax
Sordida, Anthus ... Mag
Soui manga bronzé ... “ae
Soui manga orangé ,.. one
Spadicea, Passer... See
Sparrmanni, Indicator as
Sparrow, Cape uae me
Sparsa Anas ss a
Speciosa, Ardea... a
Speciosus, Hopleneny oe
Spekvreter ... BS
Spectabiiis, Saxicola | Be
Sperata, Saxicola ... ves
Spervel
Sphenoryncha, Abdimia
Spilogaster, Spizaetus a
Spilonotis, Hyphantornis ,..
Spinicauda, Lestris .. ;
Spinicauda, Stercorarius nae
Spinitorques Lanius
Spinosa, Anser
Splendida, Nectarinia :
* Spreo re nee
Spreo, Green be
Spreo, Rooivlerk KE
Squamifrons, Amadina sue
Sqguamifrons, Estrelda aie
Squatarola, Tringa ...
Stagnatilis, Totanus 6
Stanleyanus, Anthropoides ... aie
Stanleyii, Otis ee eee
Starling, Redwing ... vee
Stellaris, Ardea Pets 505
Stellaris, Botaurus ... mae
Stellaris, Capensis Ardea ,..
Stellata, Muscicapa a
Stephenii, Pogonias ane
Stellata, Pogonocichla :
Stictonotus, Ploceus aS
Stork, Violet ae aes
Stork, The White ... wes
Streepkopje ier “ an
Strepitans, Muscicapa ta ate
Strepitans, Platystewa ...
Strepitans, Turdus ... are
Striata, Tringa ‘ a9
_ Striaticeps, Fringilla <5
Striaticeps, Poliospiza ose
Striatus, Colius ca oe
Striatus, Senegalus ... ue
Strigilata, ata A
Striolata, Chelicutia .. ar
Striolata, Halcyon .., ose
Struysvogel ... ona ore
Sturnii, Ardea nice sus
INDEX. xix
PAGE
122
122
81
PAGE
Subarquata, Scolopax w. 330
Subarquata, Tringa .. .. 330
Subaureus, ‘Hyphantornis woe LBL
Subbuteo, Falco... nieeh trea
Subbuteo, Hypotriorchis .., 21
Subcinnamomea, Drymoica ... 88
Subcoronata, Certhilauda ... 217
Subcoronatus, Lanius Pare 1/8
Subceruleum, Parus waa eles
Subflava, Drymoica ... vas: 95
Subflava, Estrelda ... »»- 200
Subflava, Fringilla ... .-. 200
Subflava, Motacilla ... a0 29D
Subflava, Sporaeginthus ... 200
Subruficapilla, Drymoica ... 91
Subrufinus, Charadrius sae 299
Substriata, Drymoica 88
Subtorquatus, Francolinus ... 273
Sucrier Cardinal ,.. ong (hoe
Sucrier Cossu a di iOe
Sucrier 4 plastron rouge ... 76
Sucrier Eboulissant ... .. 82
Sucrier Figuier wes rH Bop)
Sucrier Gamtocin ... ie ee
Sucrier Malachitte ... oath
Sucrier Namaquois ... iepee
Suerier Protée nie aga 80
Sucrier Sucrion nes sent
Sucrier Velours = 79
Sulphurata, Crithagra 1. 218
Sulphurata, Loxia ... we 218
Sulphuratus, Buprinus Seals
Sulphuratus, Micropogon ... 235
Sumatrana, Scolopax ion OSD
Sun-bird, Double-collared ... 75
Sundevalli, Euplectes vee 185
Superbus, Merops_... «92 109
Superciliaris, Circus .. -.. 34
Superciliaris, Saxicola wa liban
Superciliosa, Petrocincla .,, 131
Superciliosus, Centropus .,.. 246
Superciliosus, Malurus wena
Superciliosus, Merops (bis)... 69
Superciliosus, Rallus vee BOT
Swainsonti, Circus ... cose
Swainsonit, Francolinus ... 269
Swainsonti, Halcyon ... hin.
Swainsonii, Passer ... vee 205
Swallow, Brown-collared ... 58
Swallow, Chimney ... wo. 59
Swinderiana, Psittacula .,,, 231
Swinderianus, Agapornis ... 231
Swinderianus, Psittacus .,, 231
Swinderns, Lovebird tis oe
Sylvaticus, Bradypterus ,.. 101
xx
Sylviella, Nectarinia...
Tachardus, Buteo
Tachardus, Falco
Tachard, Le ...
Tachiro, Accipiter
Tachiro, Le ao:
Tachirou, Le ... nae
Tachydroma, Vitiflor
Tachypetes, Pterocles
Taha, Ploceus Bs
Tahapisi, Emberiza ..,
Tahapisi, Fringillaria
Tahatali, Hyphantornis
Tahatali, Ploceus
Taiva, Merops
Talacoma, Prionops ...
Tartarica, Alauda ...
Tchagra, Le ...
Tcheric, Le ... nee
Tchitrebec, Le eee
Tchitrec, Le ... nA
Tchoug, Le ... ay
Teal. Hottentot oar
Tectes, Muscicapa
Temminckii, Cursorius
Tenella, Muscicapa ...
Tenuirostris, Acanthositta ...
Tenuirostris, Platalea
Tenuirostris, Procellaria
Terek, Scolopax
Tern, Caspian...
Tern, Sandwich
Terrestris, Drymoica
Terrestris, Geocolaptes
Terrestris, Phyllastrephus
Textrix, Drymoica
Textrix, Sylvia a:
Thallassina, Egretta...
Thoracica, Apalis ...
Thoracica, Drymoica,..
Thoracica, Motacilla...
Thoracica, Saxicola ...
Thoracica, Sylvia...
Thoracicus, Circaetus
Tibialis, Falco Ave
Tibialis, Hypotriorchis
Tibicen, Sphenurus ...
Tibicen, Turdus
Tinnuncularius, Falco
Tinnunculoides, Falco
Toc, Le ae
Tobaca, Fringilla
Tolu, Polophilus
Torquata, Aptenodytes
ace
INDEX.
PAGE
Torquata, Hiaticula 298
Torquata, Hirundo ... .. 58
Torquata, Muscipeta .. 146
Torquata, Otis ee wc. 204
Torquata, Tehitrea ... nie AD
Torquata, Vidua_... ... 190
Torquatus, Halcyon alps Get
Torquatus, Pogonorhynchus, 233
Totanus, Scolopax ... .. 324
Totta, Citrinella ... 202
Totta, Fringilla .. 202
Totta, Loxia ae we. 202
Tourterelle 4 masque blanc... 263
Tourterelle Emeraudine Le, 262
Tourterelle, Ua =, ... 258
Tourterelle Mailleé we 261
Tracal, Le F ee ... 209
Traquet 4 calotte et queue
blanch ee A wad LOD:
Traquet & cul roux ... pare 8 § |
Traquet Commandeur eee SED
Traquet Familier ... ... 107
Traquet Imitateur ... ... 103
Traquet Montagnard .. 106
Traquet Patre = an ee
Traquet Tractac ... . 105
Tricollaris, Charadrius ... 296
Tricolor, Fringilla ... w-. 192
Trigonigera, Columba 255
Trivirgatus, Telophonns ... 160
Trochilus, Phyllopneuste ... 102
Trochilus, Sylvia... ... 102
Turdoides, Sylvia... ves ee
Turterelle Tambourette . 262
Turtur, Procellaria BMAP EO!
Tympanistria, Columba 262
“‘Tympanistria, Peristera .., 262
Typicus, Helotarsus aa |
Typicus, Polyboroides eon fee
Ultramarina, Fringilla eee LOL
Ultramarina, Hypochera .., 201
Umbellata, Ciconia ... we. OLD
Umbretta, Scopus ... we 312
Undulata, Alseonax .. 148
Undulata, Fringilla ... . 192
Undulata, Muscicapa vos L465"
Unidentatus, Laimodon 233
Urinator, Colymbus ey
Urophygialis, Fringilla ... 203
Vaillantii, Capito ... ves 200
Vaillantii, Dacelo ... Rea S
Vaillantii, Oxylophus . 253
Vaillantii, Trachyphonus ... 235
Valk, Blaauwe
Valk, Roode
Valk, Steen er
Valk, Witte ae
Variegata, Alcedo ,..
Variegata, Ardea ..,
Variegata, Motacilla
Variegata, Rhynchexa
Variegata, Tringa
Variegatus, Indicator
Variegatus, Pterocles
Varius, Anser
Velatus, Ploceus
Velox, Cypselus
Velox, Hirundo
Velox, Sterna...
Verdier Sans Vert, Le
Veredus, Charadrius. or
Verreaurn, Aquila ...
Verreauxii, Avicida ..
Verreauxit, Bubo
Verreauxii, Estrelda...
Verreauxii, Otis
Verroxii, Cinnyris
Verroxii, Necterinia ..
Vert Doré, Le
Verticalis, Pyrrhulauda
Vetula, Ciconia wee
Vetula, Larus tee
Victorin, Bradypterus
Vidua, Emberiza
Vidua, Motacilla
Viduata, Dendrocygna
Vinaceus, Turtur ...
Violacea, Nectarinia...
Virens, Zosterops .+.
Virginicus, Charadrius
Viridis, Leptosomus ..
Viridis, Tantalus...
Viridissimus, Merops
INDEX. XX1
PAGE PAGE
31 | Visch-vanger, Groote Se ae Lyf
22 | Vischvanger, Witte .. Ses
22 | Vittata, Fringillaria... .» 207
36 | Vocifer, Falco, Shaw... ea ly ¢
64 | Voeifer, Falco, Lath. ee)
306 | Vocifer, Haliaetus Page |
119 | Voeifer, Le .. ae 17
334 | Vociferans, Bessonornis 130
329 | Vociferus, Andropadus fella ys
242 | Vouroug-driou, Le 245
279 | Vulgaris, Coturnix 274
347 | Vulgaris, Gyps 6
180 | Vulgaris, Gyps 7
51 | Vulpinus, Falco 8
51 | Vulture, Black 5
370 | Vulturina, Aquila 11
220 | Vulturinus, Corvus ... 167
299 :
11 |. Warbler, Sibyl «2 LOT
24 | Warbler, British Willow .. 102
38° | Water-hen, The .. d41
198 | Whimbrel, The .. owe
285 | White Crow, The Barts ae
76 | White Owl, The e833;
76 | Wigeon, The Cape ... An Bah
170 | Wilsont, Thalassidroma ... 359
210 | Witte Kraai ... She suet bes
316 | Witteoogje «. 116
367 | Woodchat... ; 158
101 | Woodfordii, Syrnium 42
188
119 | Xanthodactyla, Ardea 308
349 | Xanthogaster, Emberiza 206
259 | Xanthopygius, Ixos.. ws. 138
78 | Xanthorhyncha, Anas we. B02
117 | Xanthornoides, Campephaga~ 153
296 | Xanthosomus, Eupodes_... 188
245
319 | Zonarius, Astur 28
69 ' Zonurus, Spizaétus ... 14
CAPE TOWN:
_ PRINTED BY YAN DE 8ANDT DE VILLIERS AND CO,, CASTLE-STREET.
Melaka
NN FOS “gale
HEU HS hh
ay
re St ne wee
OOM al wale
, Waa
VURAL
a9 LAY vi
yeah pee
Se as ts
x
’
ATIWAD! OO! Cle ROLE LET
0 BY KELLY 5~
CXS
TU f
0943
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11